bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Astaxanthin supplementation enriches productive performance, physiological and immunological responses in laying hens
Authors: Zhu Yuanzhao , Yin Long , Ge Jinshan , Wu Xuezhuang , Peng Yuhan , Zhang Tao , Jiang Meihong
Published: December 2020

Objective: Astaxanthin is a natural super antioxidant. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of astaxanthin rich Phaffia rhodozyma (PR) supplementation in diets on laying production performance, egg quality, antioxidant defenses and immune defenses in laying hens.Methods: A total of five hundred and twelve 60-week-old Lohmann Brown laying hens (2,243±12 g) were randomly assigned to four groups, each including 4 replicates with 32 birds per replicate. Astaxanthin rich PR was added to corn-soybean meal diets to produce experimental diets containing 0 (Control), 800 mg/kg, 1,200 mg/kg, and 1,600 mg/kg PR, respectively. The astaxanthin content in the diet was 0.96 mg/kg, 1.44 mg/kg and 1.92 mg/kg respectively.Results: Results showed that dietary PR supplementation tended to increase daily feed intake (p = 0.0512). There was no effect of astaxanthin rich PR on Haugh units, albumen height, egg shape index, eggshell strength, and eggshell thickness at weeks 6 (p>0.05). However, egg yolk color was significantly improved (p<0.05). In addition, astaxanthin rich PR supplementation significantly increased serum glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase activity (p<0.05), increased serum immunoglobulin G content (p<0.05), and reduced malondialdehyde content (p<0.05) in laying hens.Conclusion: In conclusion, astaxanthin rich PR can improve the color of egg yolk, enhance the antioxidant defenses, and regulate the immune function.
Changes in facial surface temperature of laying hens under different thermal conditions
Authors: Kim Na Yeon , Kim Seong Jin , Oh Mirae , Jang Se Young , Moon Sang Ho
Published: December 2020

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify through infrared thermal imaging technology the facial surface temperature (FST) of laying hens in response to the variations in their thermal environment, and to identify the regional differences in FST to determine the most stable and reliable facial regions for monitoring of thermoregulatory status in chickens. Methods: Thirty Hy-Line Brown hens (25-week-old) were sequentially exposed to three different thermal conditions; optimal (OT, 22°C±2°C), low (LT, 10°C±4°C), and high temperature (HT, 30°C±2°C). The mean values of FST in five facial regions including around the eyes, earlobes, wattles, beak and nose, and comb were recorded through infrared thermography. The maximum FST (MFST) was also identified among the five face-selective regions, and its relationship with temperature-humidity index (THI) was established to identify the range of MFST in response to the variations in their thermal environment. Results: Hens exposed to OT condition at 15:00 displayed a higher temperature at wattles and around the eyes compared to other regions (p<0.001). However, under LT condition at 05:00 to 08:00, around the eyes surface temperature showed the highest value (p<0.01). In HT, wattles temperature tended to show the highest temperature over almost time intervals. Main distribution regions of MFST were wattles (63.3%) and around the eyes (16.7%) in OT, around the eyes (50%) in LT, and wattles (62.2%) and comb (18.3%) in HT. The regression equation between MFST and THI was estimated as MFST = 35.37+ 0.2383×THI (R2 = 0.44; p<0.001). Conclusion: The FST and the frequency of MFST in each facial region of laying hens responded sensitively to the variations in the thermal environment. The findings of this experiment provide useful information about the effect of the thermal conditions on the specific facial regions, thus offering an opportunity to stress and welfare assessment in poultry research and industry.
Novel Slow Release Nanocomposite Fertilizers
Authors: Yuvaraj Muthuraman , Sevathapandian Subramanian Kizhaeral
Published: December 2020

Nanotechnology deals with atom-by-atom manipulation and the strategies and products developed are quite precise. Despite the fact that the nanotechnology is noticeably exploited in the subject of energy, environment and health, the research is agricultural sciences had just scratched the surface. However, the potentials of nanotechnology in agricultural sciences had been reviewed. Among the applications, nanofertilizers technology is very revolutionary and known to exhibit economic advantage if the products advanced are economically feasible and socially sustainable. These nano fertilizers are pronounced to reduce nutrient loss due to leaching, emissions, and long-term incorporation by soil microorganisms.
¿Un reinado reformista? Estudios sobre la monarquía de Carlos II en homenaje al profesor Juan Antonio Sánchez Belén = A Reformist Reign? Studies on the Monarchy of Carlos II in Tribute to Professor Juan Antonio Sánchez Belén
Authors: Arroyo Vozmediano Julio , Valladares Rafael
Published: December 2020

Introducción al dossier
Programas educativos musicales en la educación no formal para la atención a jóvenes en vulnerabilidad socioeconómica. Configuración de una red de traducciones e intereses
Authors: González Gonzalez Elsa Natali , De Gunther Delgado Leonel
Published: December 2020

El análisis en red de un programa no formal de educación a través de las artes, que atiende a jóvenes en vulnerabilidad socioeconómica, permite reconocer sus relaciones, alcances y límites en otras redes (el programa, lo familiar, lo educativo formal y los lazos entre amigos). De ahí que el objetivo de este trabajo se centre en construir la red de asociaciones entre dos de estas redes: el programa y los lazos entre amigos. En concordancia con este objetivo, adecuamos la teoría del actor-red (TAR) y empleamos recursos etnográficos para la recolección y análisis de los datos. Entre los principales hallazgos destacamos que las controversias funcionan como el disparador que genera movimientos de configuración, estabilización o desvanecimiento de las redes. Asimismo, el ensamblaje de la red describe los procesos que están detrás de las aportaciones o cambios que le son atribuidos a la educación a través de las artes.
Una propuesta metodológica para trabajar la violencia de género con adolescentes a través de las canciones
Authors: Hormigos Ruiz Jaime
Published: December 2020

En nuestra sociedad las cifras de agresiones machistas aumentan entre la población adolescente a pesar de los esfuerzos realizados desde las administraciones para erradicar la violencia de género. Este trabajo de investigación centra su análisis en el discurso musical que rodea al adolescente para poder establecer una relación entre la presencia de mensajes machistas en los contenidos culturales y la normalización de estos comportamientos en sus pautas de interacción social. Para alcanzar nuestro objetivo, en primer lugar, desarrollamos una metodología cuantitativa basada en el análisis de contenido de una muestra de 350 canciones cuyas letras tienen relación con esta temática. Los resultados muestran que a pesar de que los mensajes en contra de la violencia de género son más habituales en las canciones analizadas, los contenidos que potencian la violencia de género son los más distribuidos por las industrias culturales y, por tanto, los que más éxito tienen entre los jóvenes. En segundo lugar, proponemos una metodología de trabajo que nos permite utilizar en el aula el poder educativo de la música para socializar al adolescente en valores que le ayuden a identificar y combatir la violencia de género.
La flauta de pico en la escuela: la opinión del maestro de música
Authors: Gustems-Carnicer Josep , Calderón-Garrido Diego , Navarro Mercè , Segura Gloria
Published: December 2020

La flauta de pico es un instrumento habitual en la escuela Primaria desde hace ya varias décadas. En este artículo, a través de un cuestionario on line ad hoc contestado por 605 docentes, se ha analizado su uso en la escuela, así como sus ventajas e inconvenientes, además de mostrar las propuestas de mejora realizadas por el profesorado. Los resultados muestran que se percibe como un instrumento fácil de aprender y de usar, para el que la mayoría de los docentes se sienten capacitados para enseñar a pesar de su poca formación específica, aunque tiene algunas limitaciones centradas mayoritariamente en la idiosincrasia del propio instrumento. Además, los maestros reconocen el potencial motivacional de la flauta si se sabe adecuar a los aspectos contextuales, edades y niveles. Destacaron que resulta un precursor muy valioso a la hora de aprender otro tipo de instrumentos. También sobresalieron tanto aspectos de entrenamiento auditivo, técnica, interpretación o improvisación, como de autocontrol, práctica, trabajo en equipo, compromiso y flexibilidad.
Ixodes scapularismicrobiome correlates with life stage, not the presence of human pathogens, in ticks submitted for diagnostic testing
Authors: Gil Joshua C. , Helal Zeinab H. , Risatti Guillermo , Hird Sarah M.
Published: December 2020

Ticks are globally distributed arthropods and a public health concern due to the many human pathogens they carry and transmit, including the causative agent of Lyme disease,Borrelia burgdorferi. As tick species’ ranges increase, so do the number of reported tick related illnesses. The microbiome is a critical part of understanding arthropod biology, and the microbiome of pathogen vectors may provide critical insight into disease transmission and management. Yet we lack a comprehensive understanding of the microbiome of wild ticks, including what effect the presence of multiple tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) has on the microbiome. In this study we chose samples based on life stage (adult or nymph) and which TBPs were present. We used DNA from previously extractedIxodes scapularisticks that tested positive for zero, one, two or three common TBPs (B. burgdorferi, B. miyamotoi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia microti). We produced 16S rRNA amplicon data for the whole tick microbiome and compared samples across TBPs status, single vs multiple coinfections, and life stages. Focusing on samples with a single TBP, we found no significant differences in microbiome diversity in ticks that were infected withB. burgdorferiand ticks with no TBPs. When comparing multiple TBPs, we found no significant difference in both alpha and beta diversity between ticks with a single TBP and ticks with multiple TBPs. Removal of TBPs from the microbiome did not alter alpha or beta diversity results. Life stage significantly correlated to variation in beta diversity and nymphs had higher alpha diversity than adult ticks.Rickettsia, a common tick endosymbiont, was the most abundant genus. This study confirms that the wild tick microbiome is highly influenced by life stage and much less by the presence of human pathogenic bacteria.
Stochastic Finite Element Analysis of Composite Structures with Partially Restrained Connections under Earthquake Loads
Authors: Çavdar Özlem
Published: December 2020

The stochastic analysis of composite structures with partially restrained (PR) connections under seismic loads present some interesting and challenging issues to practicing engineers. This paper proposes an efficient, robust, and accurate method for stochastic finite element analysis of concrete–steel composite structures allowing for PR connections. These are followed by suitable numerical example which indicates that employment of such a stochastic finite element analysis. The Kocaeli earthquake in 1999 is considered as a ground motion. The connections parameters and material properties are random variables. It is essential to properly consider the PR connections in the stochastic dynamic analysis and design of the steel-concrete composite structures since design forces change significantly. The assumption that the connections are rigid, which is routinely used in the application, is not proper. The effect of the variability connection stiffness on the composite structures responses is sufficiently important for consideration in structural safety.
Análisis Psicométrico de una Escala de Ayuda con el Modelo de Respuesta Graduada
Authors: Auné Sofía Esmeralda , Abal Facundo Juan Pablo , Attorresi Horacio Félix
Published: December 2020

Se presentan los resultados obtenidos a partir de la aplicación del modelo de respuesta graduada (MRG) a los ítems de la Escala de Ayuda (EA), una prueba que mide el comportamiento de ayuda, un tipo de conducta prosocial, compuesta por ocho ítems. La muestra fue obtenida por conveniencia y estuvo compuesta por 1383 estudiantes universitarios argentinos (80% mujeres). El 73,5% de los estudiantes cursaba su carrera en la Universidad de Buenos Aires, el 18,9% en otras universidades nacionales públicas y el 7,6% en universidades privadas de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Uno de los ítems referido a altruismo presentó funcionamiento diferencial del ítem no uniforme por género y fue eliminado de la escala. Se corroboraron los supuestos del MRG de independencia local con el índice chi cuadrado LD y unidimensionalidad mediante análisis factorial confirmatorio, considerándose satisfechos. Posteriormente, se implementó el MRG. Los parámetros de umbral promedio tendieron a ubicarse en niveles medios y altos de la escala del rasgo, mientras que los parámetros de inclinación evidenciaron una alta capacidad de los ítems para distinguir entre participantes con distinto nivel de ayuda. El análisis con la función de información del test mostró una precisión aceptable en un rango amplio de niveles de ayuda, donde la mayoría de las personas podría encuadrarse. Con respecto a la confiabilidad, la misma resultó adecuada. Un único ítem que se refiere al ámbito estudiantil tuvo un nivel de información bajo y plano y parámetros de umbral fuera de rango, por lo que deberá ser reformulado.
Application of Fuzzy Logic in Prevention of Road Accidents Using Multi Criteria Decision Alert
Authors: Gupta Rajshri , Chaudhari Onkar K.
Published: December 2020

With development and growth of technology, there has been an upsurge in number of vehicles on the street globally, which has resulted in increase of traffic jams and road accidents. This growing problem is being studied by researchers to find the solution. Fuzzy logic method is widely used in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). In our study, considering various parameters required to control the vehicle safety, a fuzzy logic model was developed for automatic speed alert, brake alert with sensors and cameras in vehicles. For intelligent transport, Fuzzy Interface System (FIS) is developed to support drivers’ decision making and alert them to control speed and brake so as to avoid accidents. The Rule Based System was established using various linguistic rules. Accordingly, 50 effective IF—Then rules were generated in the present study. In conclusion, this model can be inbuilt in the vehicles, with different number of inputs and outputs and for a fully automated system, to reduce the road accidents and traffic jams. The outcome of the research would lead to reduction road accidents.
Utilization and Adherence to Guidelines Recommended for Use of Statins in the Management of Hypercholesterolemia and Their Cost Utility Analysis
Authors: Ali Mohammad Daud , Banu Nuzhat , Patel Munfis , Ahmad Ayaz
Published: December 2020

Objective: The study was aimed to evaluate utilization and adherence to guidelines recommended in the use of statins for management of cholesterol and their cost utility analysis in a clinical setting in Saudi Arabia.

Materials: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted in a private hospital in Saudi Arabia. World Health Organization (WHO) Defined Daily Dose (DDD) was used to compute the Daily price of each statins. 

Results: The utilization of statins is higher in males, Saudis and people with the age group 40-59 as compared to females or non-Saudis or other age groups. Over all, Atorvastatin was the most preferred statin therapy followed by Rosuvastatin, Simvastatin and Fluvastatin. The average cost unit wise was found to be highest for Atorvastatin SR 5.58 (USD 1.49) being lowest for Rosuvastatin SR 4.02 (USD1.07).

Conclusion: The study aimed to evaluate the use of statins for management of cholesterol is found to be consistent with international guidelines given by ACC/AHS. Our study suggests having further research to fully understand the barriers to guideline adherence to have improved utilization and considerably neutral cost effects of statins for all.
Mobonda Community Conservation Project: Chimpanzees, oysters, and community engagement in Sierra Leone
Authors: Chesney Chloe , Casado Bolaños Natalia , Kanneh Bockarie Ambrose , Sillah Ethel , Amarasekaran Bala , Garriga Rosa M.
Published: December 2020

Sierra Leone constitutes the western boundary to the West Africa Upper Guinea Rainforest, one of 35 global biodiversity hotspots. The country is home to the third‐largest western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus) population, a subspecies upgraded to Critically Endangered on the 2016 IUCN Red List. The main threats facing chimpanzees in Sierra Leone are habitat loss and increasing interactions with humans. The Mobonda Community Conservation Project (MCCP) is a component of Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary's Community Outreach Program and Kids Environmental Education Program. The aim of MCCP is to promote community‐based forest management in combination with wildlife conservation through carefully designed programs that benefit communities, wildlife, and ecologically significant habitats. MCCP also aims to promote self‐sustained and integrated community landscape conservation, to facilitate policy discussions to strengthen wildlife laws, and to build the capacity of the Government to implement community‐based wildlife and forestry protection projects. Since Tacugama began collecting data in Moyamba District in June 2015, the project has evolved into an assembly of components. MCCP currently works with five communities, running programs including environmental education, ecological research, biomonitoring including wildlife law enforcement, habitat rehabilitation through reforestation of identified wildlife corridors, improved sustainable livelihoods, and ecotourism initiatives. These programs contributed to a reduction in the threats facing wildlife in the area; the project has seen stable chimpanzee numbers where decrements to chimpanzee populations continue to be experienced elsewhere. Other MCCP outcomes include boosted sustainable agricultural production and higher oyster yields while decreasing the negative impact on the mangrove ecosystem allowing it to recover and support an array of important fauna and flora.
CD13 promotes hepatocellular carcinogenesis and sorafenib resistance by activating HDAC5‐LSD1‐NF‐κB oncogenic signaling
Authors: Hu Bo , Xu Yang , Li Yuan‐Cheng , Huang Jun‐Feng , Cheng Jian‐Wen , Guo Wei , Yin Yue , Gao Yang , Wang Peng‐Xiang , Wu Sui‐Yi , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Yang Xin‐Rong
Published: December 2020

Rationale

CD13 is a new marker for liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) that contributes to sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the underlying mechanism of CD13 in HCC sorafenib resistance remains enigmatic.

Methods

The expression of CD13 in HCC cell lines and tissues was assayed by RT‐PCR, western‐blot, and immunohistochemistry staining. Athymic BALB/c nu/nu mice model was used to study the in vivo functions of CD13. Clinical significance of CD13 was evaluated by Kaplan‐Meier methods. Cellular proliferation rate was evaluated by cell counting kit‐8 cell proliferation assay and colony formation assay. Tunel assay was used to detect cell death ratio. Transwell assay was used to evaluate the motility of cells. Immunoprecipitation (IP), liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS)/MS, and co‐IP were applied to investigate potential protein interactions of CD13.

Results

In this research, we found that CD13 expression was higher in metastatic HCC samples, and its overexpression was predicted worse prognosis for patients after surgical resection. Functionally, CD13 promoted HCC proliferation, invasion, cell cycle progression as well as sorafenib resistance. Mechanistically, CD13 interacted with histone deacetylase5 (HDAC5) to promote its protein stability, thus resulting in HDAC5‐mediated lysine‐specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) deacetylation and protein stabilization. Consequently, LSD1 decreased the NF‐κB catalytic unit p65 methylation that led to p65 protein stability. A CD13 inhibitor ubenimex in combination with sorafenib, suppressed the tumor growth and attenuated the resistance of HCC cells toward sorafenib in patient‐derived xenograft models.

Conclusions

CD13 promotes HCC progression and induces sorafenib resistance, mainly via interacting with HDAC5 to prevent the degradation of p65 and activate NF‐kB signaling pathway. CD13 is a prognostic indicator for HCC patients underwent curative resection as well as a predictor of response to treatment with sorafenib. Our study establishes the new therapeutic potential of targeting CD13‐HDAC5‐LSD1‐NF‐κB in HCC.
Estimation model of muscle fatigue based on muscle fiber type using electromyography
Authors: Nakashima Kosuke , Isomoto Keisuke , Kushida Daisuke
Published: December 2020

In muscle rehabilitation and training, it is important to evaluate a patient's muscle state. In general, training is based on physical therapy, but there has not been quantitative assessment of the actual effects on muscles. The authors previously tried to quantify muscle fatigue and defined “Muscle‐fatigue time (MFT)” as the quantitative evaluation index of muscle fatigue based on electromyography and the use ratio of the muscle fiber type. MFT is the time when the use ratio of the slow muscle fiber (Type I) and the fast muscle fiber (Type IIb) intersects. Furthermore, the authors also proposed a method to estimate MFT by modeling the relationship between each muscle load and MFT. This paper examines the appropriate evaluation method for MFT containing variation, and generalization performance of the constructed model.
A methanol fuel processing system with methanol steam reforming and CO selective methanation modules for PEMFC application
Authors: Wang Yancheng , Wu Qiong , Mei Deqing , Wang Yidong
Published: December 2020

Methanol steam reforming can convert methanol solution into hydrogen rich steam, which can be used to supply for the proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The carbon monoxide (CO) in the produced hydrogen rich steam will be poison to the PEMFC and limits the application of this technic. This study develops a new methanol fuel processing system (MFPS) with incorporated methanol steam reforming and CO selective methanation modules for production of hydrogen rich steam with a low concentration of CO, and used to directly supply for the PEMFC. The core component of the MFPS is a highly layer‐packed microreactor, wherein methanol steam reforming, methanol combustion, and CO selective methanation reactions can occur. For the developed MFPS, an optimized methanol supply strategy is proposed to startup the MFPS, the fastest startup time is about 15.8 minutes. Experimental tests showed that the MFPS can be continuously operated for more than 100 hours with CO concentration below 10 ppm. The produced hydrogen rich steam was directly supplied for a PEMFC to generate 100 W electricity. Results obtained in this study demonstrated that the developed MFPS can produce CO‐free hydrogen rich stream for the supply of PEMFC, the generated electricity can be used to power mobile device and/or electronics.
Neutrophils mediate Th17 promotion in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Parackova Zuzana , Bloomfield Marketa , Klocperk Adam , Sediva Anna
Published: December 2020

From the beginning of 2020, an urgent need to understand the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 disease (COVID-19), much of which is due to dysbalanced immune responses, resonates across the world. COVID-19-associated neutrophilia, increased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, aberrant neutrophil activation, and infiltration of neutrophils into lungs suggest that neutrophils are important players in the disease immunopathology. The main objective of this study was to assess the phenotypic and functional characteristics of neutrophils in COVID-19 patients, with particular focus on the interaction between neutrophils and T cells. We hypothesize that the altered functional characteristics of COVID-19 patient-derived neutrophils result in skewed Th1/Th17 adaptive immune response, thus contributing to disease pathology. The expansion of G-MDSC and immature forms of neutrophils was shown in the COVID-19 patients. In the COVID-19 neutrophil/T cell cocultures, neutrophils caused a strong polarity shift toward Th17, and, conversely, a reduction of IFNγ-producing Th1 cells. The Th17 promotion was NOS dependent. Neutrophils, the known modulators of adaptive immunity, skew the polarization of T cells toward the Th17 promotion and Th1 suppression in COVID-19 patients, contributing to the discoordinated orchestration of immune response against SARS-CoV-2. As IL-17 and other Th17-related cytokines have previously been shown to correlate with the disease severity, we suggest that targeting neutrophils and/or Th17 represents a potentially beneficial therapeutic strategy for severe COVID-19 patients.
Comparison of the PU.1 transcriptional regulome and interactome in human and mouse inflammatory dendritic cells
Authors: Scheenstra Maaike R , Martínez-Botía Patricia , Acebes-Huerta Andrea , Brouwer Rutger W W , Caballero-Sánchez Noemí , Gillemans Nynke , De Bleser Pieter , Nota Benjamin , De Cuyper Iris M , Salunkhe Vishal , Woltman Andrea M , van de Laar Lianne , Rijkers Erikjan , Demmers Jeroen A A , van IJcken Wilfred F J , Philipsen Sjaak , van den Berg Timo K , Kuijpers Taco W , Gutiérrez Laura
Published: December 2020

Dendritic cells (DCs) are key immune modulators and are able to mount immune responses or tolerance. DC differentiation and activation imply a plethora of molecular and cellular responses, including transcriptional changes. PU.1 is a highly expressed transcription factor in DCs and coordinates relevant aspects of DC biology. Due to their role as immune regulators, DCs pose as a promising immunotherapy tool. However, some of their functional features, such as survival, activation, or migration, are compromised due to the limitations to simulate in vitro the physiologic DC differentiation process. A better knowledge of transcriptional programs would allow the identification of potential targets for manipulation with the aim of obtaining “qualified” DCs for immunotherapy purposes. Most of the current knowledge regarding DC biology derives from studies using mouse models, which not always find a parallel in human. In the present study, we dissect the PU.1 transcriptional regulome and interactome in mouse and human DCs, in the steady state or LPS activated. The PU.1 transcriptional regulome was identified by performing PU.1 chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by high-throughput sequencing and pairing these data with RNAsequencing data. The PU.1 interactome was identified by performing PU.1 immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry analysis. Our results portray PU.1 as a pivotal factor that plays an important role in the regulation of genes required for proper DC activation and function, and assures the repression of nonlineage genes. The interspecies differences between human and mouse DCs are surprisingly substantial, highlighting the need to study the biology of human DCs.
Hemodynamic effects of high‐frequency oscillatory ventilation in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Ayoub Dalia , Elmashad Abdelrahman , Rowisha Mohamed , Eltomey Mohamed , El Amrousy Doaa
Published: December 2020

Background

High‐frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) can have negative hemodynamic effects in neonates. We aimed to assess systemic, cerebral, and cardiac hemodynamic changes in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) on HFOV.

Methods

This observational study was conducted from June 2017 until May 2019 on 100 preterm neonates with RDS that needed switching from conventional mechanical ventilation to HFOV. Initial and Follow up capillary blood gas, echocardiographic examination, cranial ultrasound, and Doppler study of cerebral, celiac, superior mesenteric, and renal arteries using resistive index (RI) were performed before, 24 h, and 72 h after the use of HFOV.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference as regards cardiac function, heart rate, or intraventricular hemorrhage on follow up measurements. However blood pressure, left ventricular dimensions, and volumes statistically increased after HFOV. There was a statistically significant decrease in the pulmonary artery systolic pressure after the use of HFOV. After the use of HFOV, there was a statistically significant increase in the superior vena cava flow and left ventricular output while right ventricular output values initially increased then slightly decreased but still higher than the initial values. RI of cerebral, superior mesenteric, celiac, and renal arteries significantly decreased on follow up measurements which reflected increased blood flow in these arteries.

Conclusion

HFOV had no negative effect on the cerebral, systemic, or cardiac hemodynamics when applied at optimum MAP. Therefore, concerns about negative hemodynamic effects of HFOV should not discourage the use of HFOV when deemed clinically indicated provided the use of optimum MAP.
Using an iSTEAM project-based learning model for technology senior high school students: Design, development, and evaluation
Authors: Chung Chih-Chao , Huang Shu-Lan , Cheng Yuh-Ming , Lou Shi-Jer
Published: December 2020

The purposes of this study were to integrate imagination and STEAM education to construct a special topic course on wearable devices for pets for technology senior high school students studying electronic science; to explore the impacts of the learning process on students’ imagination, STEAM competences and satisfaction with learning effectiveness; and to investigate the integration of imagination into STEAM education. This study adopted the design research method and took 40 students in the third year of a special topic course in electronic science at a technology senior high school as the research subjects. The students were randomly divided into 8 groups, and teaching activities were carried out for 18 weeks. This study used questionnaire and documentary analysis methods to carry out peer evaluation, pretests, posttests and student self-report surveys to collect qualitative and quantitative data for statistical analysis and cross-validation. In this study, a new integration model of imagination and STEAM is proposed. The design research method was employed to plan the iSTEAM course and design special topic activities about real-life issues so that the degree of integration of imagination into the STEAM special topic course and the quality of the students’ work were moderately positively correlated and highly positively correlated, respectively, with students’ application of their learning from various aspects of iSTEAM, which can significantly enhance their imagination, STEAM competences, and satisfaction with their learning effectiveness. The iSTEAM teaching model can help engineering educators develop and evaluate iSTEAM courses and learning activities and provides new contributions to and research directions for STEAM education.
Incidence and outcomes of chronic total occlusion percutaneous coronary intervention in the Netherlands: data from a nationwide registry
Authors:   the PCI Registration Committee of the Netherlands Heart Registration, van Veelen A. , Claessen B. E. P. M. , Houterman S. , Hoebers L. P. C. , Elias J. , Henriques J. P. S. , Knaapen P.
Published: December 2020

Background

Patients with chronic total coronary occlusions (CTO) are at increased risk for poor clinical outcomes. We aimed to determine the incidence of CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and to identify CTO patients at risk for cardiac events in the nationwide Netherlands Heart Registration (NHR).

Methods

We included all PCI procedures with ≥1 CTO registered in the NHR from January 2015 to December 2018, excluding acute interventions. We used multivariable logistic regression of baseline characteristics to calculate the risk for events as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Of the PCIs performed during the study period, 6.3% (8,343/133,042) were for CTOs, with the percentage increasing significantly over time from 5.9% in 2015 to 6.6% in 2018 (p < 0.001). Coronary artery bypass grafting <24 h was carried out in 0.3%, and the only significant predictor was diabetes mellitus (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.04–8.49, p = 0.042). Myocardial infarction (MI) <30 days occurred in 0.5%, and renal insufficiency (i.e. estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/min per 1.73 m2) was identified as an independent predictor (OR 4.70, 95% CI 1.07–20.61, p = 0.040). Among patients undergoing CTO-PCI, 1‑year mortality was 3.7%, and independent predictors included renal insufficiency (OR 5.59, 95% CI 3.25–9.59, p < 0.001), left ventricular ejection fraction <30% (OR 3.43, 95% CI 2.00–5.90, p < 0.001), previous MI (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.14–2.31, p = 0.007) and age (OR 1.06 per year increment, 95% CI 1.04–1.07, p < 0.001). Target-vessel revascularisation <1 year occurred in 11.3%.

Conclusion

CTO-PCI is still infrequently performed in the Netherlands. The most important predictor of mortality after CTO-PCI was renal insufficiency. Identification of patients at risk may help improve the prognosis of CTO patients in the future.
Richard J. Martin, 'The Gulf Country: The Story of People and Place in Outback Queensland', Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 2019. 208 pp., ISBN: 9 7817 6063 1659, A$29.99.
Authors: Macdonald Jennifer Mairi
Published: December 2020

Richard J. Martin, The Gulf Country: The Story of People and Place in Outback Queensland, Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 2019. 208 pp., ISBN: 9 7817 6063 1659, A$29.99.
HOUSEHOLD FORMATION IN 19TH-CENTURY CENTRAL ANATOLIA: THE CASE STUDY OF A TURKISH-SPEAKING ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY
Authors: Renieri Irini
Published: December 2020

This article explores household formation among the Greek Orthodox population of a mixed village of Cappadocia inhabited by Muslims, as well. The village, Çukur, was located on the right bank of the river Kızılırmak, 49 kilometers north–northwest of Kayseri.1 I aim to show that complex forms of household formation were the main type of social organization and were especially durable over time, with a high average household membership. I attempt to clarify whether the predominance of extended households—which, as other studies have shown, is not that common in the Asian portion of the Ottoman Empire—was related to the Christian character of this section of the Çukur population, or whether the agricultural basis of the village economy played a more important role.
Liver X receptor α participates in LPS-induced reduction of triglyceride synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Wang Jianfa , Lian Shuai , Song Jun , Wang Hai , Zhang Xu , He Xianjing , Hao Dandan , Wu Rui
Published: December 2020

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) could induce milk fat depression via regulating the body and blood fat metabolism. However, it is not completely clear how LPS might regulate triglyceride synthesis in dairy cow mammary epithelial cells (DCMECs). DCMECs were isolated and purified from dairy cow mammary tissue and treated with LPS. The level of triglyceride synthesis, the expression and activity of the liver X receptor α (LXRα), enzymes related to de novo fatty acid synthesis, and the expression of the fatty acid transporters were investigated. We found that LPS decreased the level of triglyceride synthesis via a down-regulation of the transcription, translation, and nuclear translocation level of the LXRα. The results also indicated that the transcription level of the LXRα target genes, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1), fatty acid synthetase (FAS), acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1 (ACC1), were significantly down-regulated in DCMECs after LPS treatment. Our data may provide new insight into the mechanisms of milk fat depression caused by LPS.
Nest cameras do not affect nest survival in a meadow-nesting shorebird
Authors: SALEWSKI VOLKER , SCHMIDT LUIS
Published: December 2020

Identifying the fate of birds’ nests and the causes of breeding failure is often crucial for the development of conservation strategies for threatened species. However, collecting these data by repeatedly visiting nests might itself contribute to nest failure or bias. To solve this dilemma, automatic cameras have increasingly been used as a time-efficient means for nest monitoring. Here, we consider whether the use of cameras itself may influence hatching success of nests of the Black-tailed GodwitLimosa limosaat two long-term study sites in northern Germany. Annually between 2013 and 2019, cameras were used to monitor godwit nests. In 2014 and 2019, nests were randomly equipped with cameras or not, and nest survival checked independently of the cameras. Nest-survival models indicated that survival probabilities varied between years, sites and with time of the season, but were unaffected by the presence of cameras. Even though predation is the main cause of hatching failure in our study system, we conclude that predators did not learn to associate cameras with food either when the cameras were initially installed or after they had been used for several years. Cameras were thus an effective and non-deleterious tool to collect data for conservation in this case. As other bird species may react differently to cameras at their nests, and as other sets of predators may differ in their ability to associate cameras with food, the effect of cameras on breeding success should be carefully monitored when they are used in a new study system.
Influence of maternal pre-pregnancy nutritional status on offspring anthropometric measurements and body composition in three Brazilian Birth Cohorts
Authors: Dias Mariane da Silva , Matijasevich Alicia , Barros Aluísio JD , Menezes Ana Maria B. , Schneider Bruna Celestino , Hartwig Fernando Pires , Barros Fernando C. , Wehrmeister Fernando C. , Gonçalves Helen , Santos Iná S. , Assunção Maria Cecilia F , Horta Bernardo L.
Published: December 2020

Objective:

We aimed at evaluating the association of maternal pre-pregnancy nutritional status with offspring anthropometry and body composition. We also evaluated whether these associations were modified by gender, diet and physical activity and mediated by birth weight.

Design:

Birth cohort study.

Setting:

Waist circumference was measured with an inextensible tape, and fat and lean mass were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Multiple linear regression was used to adjust for possible confounders and allele score of BMI. We carried out mediation analysis using G-formula.

Participants:

In 1982, 1993 and 2004, all maternity hospitals in Pelotas (South Brazil) were visited daily and all live births whose families lived in the urban area of the city were evaluated. These subjects have been followed up at different ages.

Results:

Offspring of obese mothers had on average higher BMI, waist circumference and fat mass index than those of normal weight mothers, and these differences were higher among daughters. The magnitudes of the association were similar in the cohorts, except for height, where the association pattern was not clear. In the 1982 cohort, further adjustment for a BMI allele score had no material influence on the magnitude of the associations. Mediation analyses showed that birth weight captured part of this association.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that maternal pre-pregnancy nutritional status is positively associated with offspring BMI and adiposity in offspring. And this association is higher among daughters whose mother was overweight or obese and, birth weight explains part of this association.
Antioxidant biomarkers and cardiometabolic risk markers in an Aboriginal community in remote Australia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Knudsen Lenette , Lyons Jasmine G , O’Dea Kerin , Christensen Dirk L , Brimblecombe Julie K
Published: December 2020

Objective:

High-quality diets, characterised by nutrient-rich foods, are one of the foundations for health and well-being. Indicators of diet quality, antioxidants, are associated with protection against cardiometabolic diseases. The current study explores relationships between plasma antioxidants and cardiometabolic risk among Aboriginal people in Australia.

Design:

As part of a community-driven health promotion programme, we conducted a cross-sectional study including a health-behaviour questionnaire, plasma antioxidants and cardiometabolic risk markers (anthropometric, blood pressure measurements, fasting glucose, glycated Hb (HbA1c), lipids, C-reactive protein and albumin-creatinine-ratio) continuous and categorised into population-specific cut-offs. Antioxidants (β-carotene,β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein-zeaxanthin, retinol andα-tocopherol measured using HPLC) were applied to a principal component analysis, which aggregated these into a single component. Linear regression models were applied to investigate associations between the antioxidant component and cardiometabolic risk markers.

Setting:

Community in a remote area in Northern Territory, Australia.

Participants:

A total of 324 Aboriginal people, mean age 35·5 (range 15–75) years.

Results:

Antioxidant component levels were higher among individuals with higher self-reported vegetable intake (P< 0·01), higher among individuals with higher self-reported fruit intake (P= 0·05) and lower among current smokers (P= 0·06). Linear regression revealed an inverse association between the antioxidant component and C-reactive protein (β= –0·01,P< 0·01) after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion:

Higher plasma antioxidant levels, indicators of diet quality, were associated with lower levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in this Aboriginal population in remote Australia. This association suggests plasma antioxidants may be protective against inflammation; however, longitudinal studies are needed to examine this potentially protective relationship.
Magnetic Anomaly Map of Shatsky Rise and Its Implications for Oceanic Plateau Formation
Authors: Huang Yanming , Sager William W. , Zhang Jinchang , Tominaga Masako , Greene John , Nakanishi Masao
Published: December 2020

Shatsky Rise oceanic plateau was emplaced during a period of frequent geomagnetic polarity reversals, allowing reconstruction of its tectonic evolution using magnetic anomalies. Prior studies mainly focused on identifying magnetic isochrons and encountered difficulties in tracing magnetic lineations over high relief. We complied a large magnetic data set over Shatsky Rise and its environs, using 5.5 × 106 data points from 96 geophysical cruises spanning 54 years. The long‐time span and heterogeneity of component data sets made data merger a challenge. Contributions of internal and external fields, and spurious readings were removed during processing. A “backbone” method, using recent GPS‐navigated data as a foundation, was developed to improve the coherency of the data set. The singular characteristic of the new magnetic anomaly map is that linear magnetic anomalies are ubiquitous. In nearly every place where data are dense enough to delineate anomaly trends, the plateau and surrounding crust are characterized by linear anomalies. Discordant anomalies in some areas imply complex tectonics related to triple junction migration and ridge reorientation. Tamu Massif apparently formed along a segment of Pacific‐Farallon spreading ridge that rotated by 90° as a triple junction migrated through the edifice. Ori Massif appears to have formed on the Pacific‐Izanagi ridge between triple junctions. Shirshov Massif contains discordant lineations that may indicate a microplate. The pervasive occurrence of linear magnetic anomalies within Shatsky Rise implies that these volcanic edifices must have formed by spreading analogous to mid‐ocean ridges that formed anomalously thick crust.
Increased Plate Tectonic Activity May Have Warmed the Miocene Climate
Authors: Norris Scott
Published: December 2020

Changes in rates of tectonic degassing may have been responsible for rapid, extreme warming during the Miocene Climatic Optimum and the long cooling period that followed.
Investigating the reaction and substrate preference of indole-3-acetaldehyde dehydrogenase from the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae PtoDC3000
Authors: Zhang Kaleena , Lee Josephine S. , Liu Regina , Chan Zita T. , Dawson Trenton J. , De Togni Elisa S. , Edwards Chris T. , Eng Isabel K. , Gao Ashley R. , Goicouria Luis A. , Hall Erin M. , Hu Kelly A. , Huang Katherine , Kizhner Alexander , Kodama Kelsie C. , Lin Andrew Z. , Liu Jennifer Y. , Lu Alan Y. , Peng Owen W. , Ryu Erica P. , Shi Sophia , Sorkin Maria L. , Walker Patricia L. , Wang Grace J. , Xu Mark C. , Yang Rebecca S. , Cascella Barrie , Cruz Wilhelm , Holland Cynthia K. , McClerkin Sheri A. , Kunkel Barbara N. , Lee Soon Goo , Jez Joseph M.
Published: December 2020

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) catalyze the conversion of various aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes into corresponding carboxylic acids. Traditionally considered as housekeeping enzymes, new biochemical roles are being identified for members of ALDH family. Recent work showed that AldA from the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae strain PtoDC3000 (PtoDC3000) functions as an indole-3-acetaldehyde dehydrogenase for the synthesis of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). IAA produced by AldA allows the pathogen to suppress salicylic acid-mediated defenses in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Here we present a biochemical and structural analysis of the AldA indole-3-acetaldehyde dehydrogenase from PtoDC3000. Site-directed mutants targeting the catalytic residues Cys302 and Glu267 resulted in a loss of enzymatic activity. The X-ray crystal structure of the catalytically inactive AldA C302A mutant in complex with IAA and NAD+ showed the cofactor adopting a conformation that differs from the previously reported structure of AldA. These structures suggest that NAD+ undergoes a conformational change during the AldA reaction mechanism similar to that reported for human ALDH. Site-directed mutagenesis of the IAA binding site indicates that changes in the active site surface reduces AldA activity; however, substitution of Phe169 with a tryptophan altered the substrate selectivity of the mutant to prefer octanal. The present study highlights the inherent biochemical versatility of members of the ALDH enzyme superfamily in P. syringae.
The relevance of potato farming in the agricultural economy (on the example of the Republic of Uzbekistan)
Authors: Islamova Dilobar , Kholiyorov Umirzok , Dustmukhammad Khusan , Shafkarov Fakhriddin , Numonov Kakhkhor
Published: December 2020

In a difficult situation, with the unstable economic situation in the world, in a number of countries, the main element of increasing the economic activity of commodity producers is an extensive study of the activities, in terms of the importance of production, of certain types of products in the food sector. The study is very relevant, it determines the importance of potatoes as a food crop and commodity. Ways of ensuring a reliable system of operation of the potato growing sector are being investigated. The potato growing sector is of great importance, potatoes are one of the popular food crops that create stability and support a nutritious diet for the country's population. The development of the potato sector is based on the trends of the general economic development of the country and it should be emphasized such factors as the state economic policy and strategy for the development of the agricultural sector, trends in demographic development in rural areas, the current state of the production system, industry-wide trends in the functioning of the potato market in the country and in the world. The study examined the modern place of potatoes in the human diet, and the importance of potatoes in food and economic value for the population of the Republic of Uzbekistan.