bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Como a comunicação ensina: a experiência do Observatório Qualidade de Vida no Trabalho
Authors: Sacramento Luiz Carlos Dos Santos Ferreira , Leão José Antônio Carneiro , Cabral Jadirlete Lopes
Published: October 2021

O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar uma perspectiva do conceito de comunicação como ato educativo, a partir da experiência do Observatório Qualidade de Vida no Trabalho (QVT). Para tanto, questionamos: como a comunicação pode fazer parte do processo educativo com vistas à melhoria da QVT do cidadão, a partir da utilização de artefatos em redes (postits, tutorial, cards)? A metodologia utilizada traz uma perspectiva de imagens em Redes de Conexões, através do Observatório QVT, com a análise e inserção dos conteúdos nele disponibilizados. De modo geral, para os temas dos conteúdos se articularem entre si é discutida a problemática da eficácia e eficiência dos meios de comunicação e como desperta interesse no indivíduo. Os resultados apontam para uma discussão sobre os desafios da crise pandêmica causada pelo COVID-19 e para modelos político-econômicos com foco na mensagem educativa aos internautas visitantes do observatório.
A CONDIÇÃO FEMININA DA MULHER NEGRA EM “MARIA”, DE CONCEIÇÃO EVARISTO, E “NO SEU PESCOÇO”, DE CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE
Authors: Cruz Lorrany Andrade da , Camargo Flávio Pereira
Published: October 2021

Resumo: Neste artigo temos como objetivo investigar como mulheres negras de diferentes diásporas africanas experienciam e manifestam (no sentido de manifesto, denúncia), em seu tempo-lugar, opressões estruturais relacionadas ao colonialismo, tais como o racismo, o sexismo e o classicismo (KILOMBA, 2019), rompendo com o discurso hegemônico e com a ótica colonizadora sobre seus corpos, suas identidades e sua sexualidade (COLLINS apud BERTH, 2018). Para tanto, pretendemos analisar as vivências distintas dessas personagens, tendo em vista o contexto sociocultural brasileiro, no conto “Maria”, de Olhos d’água (2016), de Conceição Evaristo, e o contexto diaspórico entre Nigéria e Estados Unidos no conto “No seu pescoço”, de No seu pescoço (2017), de Chimamanda Adichie, observando como as personagens femininas são silenciadas e como enfrentam esse silenciamento. A escolha dessas autoras e de suas obras decorre de uma necessidade latente na contemporaneidade de um olhar sobre as questões de gênero interseccionadas com raça e classe sem a necessidade de hierarquizá-las (RIBEIRO, 2019), pois essas categorias se intercruzam na perspectiva do feminismo negro, buscando romper com uma cisão criada por uma sociedade desigual, patriarcalista e heterossexista.
Moving beyond the rhetoric to a sustainable NHS patient safety culture
Authors: Tingle John
Published: October 2021

John Tingle, Lecturer in Law, Birmingham Law School, University of Birmingham, discusses World Patient Safety Day and some recent patient safety reports
Fostering pathology as a medical discipline among medical students and graduates
Authors: Lee Adrian YS
Published: October 2021

Dwindling interest in pathology as a career is a notable concern among medical students and graduates. Proposed reasons include the lack of exposure during their medical education and the unfavourable view of the discipline. This article discusses the barriers for adoption of pathology as a career and strategies to overcome this.
Phenotype and genotype variability of interspecific rice lines related to bacterial leaf blight resistance (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae) character
Authors: YURIYAH SITI , DARNAEDI DEDY , SETIA TATANG MITRA , WINDARSIH GUT , Wikan Utami Dwinita
Published: October 2021

Abstract. Yuriyah S, Darnaedi D, Setia TM, Windarsih G, Utami DW. 2021. Phenotype and genotype variability of interspecific rice lines related to bacterial leaf blight resistance (Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae) character. Biodiversitas 22: 4123-4130. Wild rice species are the source of the gene pool for rice genetic diversity. The cross-species crosses (interspecific crosses) play an important role in breeding, namely in terms of expanding the diversity of desirable characters, such as disease resistance and improvement in yield potential. Currently, the genes from wild rice species have been successfully introgressed into cultivated rice so that they can overcome the rice production constraints, including the introgression of genes for the bacterial leaf blight (BLB) resistance. The purpose of this study was to analyze the variability of phenotype and genotype performance of lines derived from wild rice species for the character of resistance to BLB disease. A total of 33 selected backcross lines derived from wild rice species of O. rufipogon and O. glaberrima as the donor parents and 2 control varieties (resistant and susceptible to BLB disease), were used in this study. The evaluation of phenotype and genotype of resistance characters to BLB disease was carried out during a vegetative phase of the plant. The resistance evaluation was carried out in a greenhouse, while the genotype performance was analyzed using 4 STS markers linked to Xa4, Xa7, and Xa13 genes. The result of the phenotype evaluation showed that there were variations among the resistance of the tested lines. Three lines derived from a Situ Bagendit/Oryza rufipogon cross were resistant to all BLB races used in the testing. Those three lines indicated to have the allele of the Xa7 resistance gene based on the genotype performance which grouped with the Code variety that had the Xa7 resistance gene.
Herpetofauna diversity and distribution based on the elevational range in West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Erawan Tatang Suharmana , Jauhan Jirjiz , Husodo Teguh , Wulandari Indri , Fauzi Deri Achmad , Megantara Erri Noviar , Shanida Sya Sya
Published: October 2021

Abstract. Erawan TS, Jauhan J, Husodo T, Wulandari I, Fauzi DA, Megantara EN, Shanida SS. 2021. Herpetofauna diversity and distribution based on the elevational range in West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 4308-4319. The herpetofauna discovery in West Java is still low and has not yet described the herpetofauna community's species diversity entirely and thoroughly in West Java. It experiences high anthropogenic impacts both from infrastructure and tourism activities. If left further, herpetofauna species will become extinct locally because of anthropogenic factors. Therefore, it is essential to reveal the diversity and distribution of herpetofauna species. This study aimed to show diversity and distribution based on the elevational range in West Java. Visual Encounter Survey in combination with the Auditory Encounter Survey was applied in this study. We found 74 species where the Colubridae family were found most commonly in the study sites. Of 74 species, four species have high conservation status, including Rhacophorus reinwardtii, Ophiophagus hannah, Varanus salvator, and Malayopython reticulatus. Besides, ten species were found to be endemic to Java and Java-Bali. Based on elevation, herpetofauna is mainly located at elevations < 1000 m asl. The higher the height, the fewer the number of species found. In Amphibians, the highest number of species tend to be found at 400-1200 m asl and 1400-1700 m asl, while reptiles tend to be located at 400-900 m asl.
Keywords: Auditory Encounter Survey, West Java
Diversity and ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Ban Hua Kua, Kae Dam District, Thailand
Authors: NUMPULSUKSANT WILAIJIT , Saensouk Surapon , Saensouk Piyaporn
Published: October 2021

Abstract. Numpulsuksant W, Saensouk S, Sanesouk P. 2021. Diversity and ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Ban Hua Kua, Kae Dam District, Thailand. Biodiversitas 22: 4349-4357. Diversity and ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants in Ban Hua Kua village, Kae Dam District, Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand. Biodiversitas 22: xxxx-xxxx. This study can serve as basic information for further study and provide conservation criteria for medicinal plants in Ban Hua Kua village, Kae Dam District, Maha Sarakham Province to assure continued species richness and sustainable use. This study aimed to document ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants, including their diversity, in Ban Hua Kua village, Kae Dam District, Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand. The ethnobotanical data were obtained from 19 local experts using semi-structured forms to record the interviewee's personal information and topics related to the medicinal use of specific plants. Thirty-eight medicinal plants belonging to 35 genera in 23 families were collected. The most commonly represented family was Zingiberaceae comprised of six species (Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd., Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf., Curcuma angustifolia Roxb., Curcuma comosa Roxb., Curcuma longa L., and Zingiber officinale Roscoe), followed by Fabaceae with four species (Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth., Dialium cochinchinense Pierre, Senna siamea Lam., and Tamarindus indica L.), and Rutaceae with three species (Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa ex Roxb., Clausena wallichii Oliv., Hesperethusa crenulata (Roxb.) Roem.), while the other 20 families represent only one to two plant species. The root was the most frequently used part of the plant. The species with the highest use-value was Antiaris toxicaria Lesch. (0.68), a native plant of the Ban Hua Kuavillage. Diospyros mollis Griff. (CI = 0.21), Dialium cochinchinense Pierre (CI = 0.21), Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze (CI = 0.21), Vitex glabrata R. Br. (CI = 0.21), Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa ex Roxb. (CI = 0.21), Phyllanthus emblica L. (CI = 0.21), and Hesperethusa crenulata (Roxb.) Roem. (CI = 0.21) were found the highest cultural important index (CI), while Diospyros mollis Griff., Dialium cochinchinense Pierre, Anisomeles indica (L.) Kuntze, Vitex glabrata R. Br., Phyllanthus emblica L., Aegle marmelos (L.) Corrêa ex Roxb., and Hesperethusa crenulata (Roxb.) Roem. were found the highest %FL = 50. The climber was mostly used for medicinal plants (IAR = 0.97). Root (57.89%), leaf (52.63%), and fruit (39.47%) were reported the most plant parts used by the villagers. Therefore, the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants at Ban Hua Kua village is indicated to conservation for sustainable use in the future. Moreover, this study was the first reported in Maha Sarakham province.
Review: Traditional knowledge of the Dayak Tribes (Borneo) in the use of medicinal plants
Authors: AZ-ZAHRA FATIHA RISTYA , SARI NERIZA LARAS WIDYA , SAPUTRY RAIHANI , NUGROHO GILANG DWI , PRIBADI TEGUH , SUNARTO SUNARTO , SETYAWAN AHMAD DWI
Published: October 2021

Abstract. Az-Zahra FR, Sari NLW, Saputry R, Nugroho GD, Sunarto, Pribadi T, Setyawan AD. 2021. Review: Traditional knowledge of the Dayak Tribe (Borneo) in the use of medicinal plants. Biodiversitas 22: 4633-4647. Dayak is the name for the native inhabitants of the island of Borneo. The Dayak Tribe uses natural and forest products in plants as traditional medicine for health treatment. This study aims to obtain information about the utilization of medicinal plants in the Dayak Tribe. The knowledge about traditional medicine by utilizing medicinal plants has been obtained from their ancestors since ancient times and inherited from generation to generation. The use of various medicinal plants used by the Dayak Tribe has differences in terms of the part of the plant taken, how to process it, and how to use it. This is because each Dayak Sub-tribe has its role model for using these medicinal plants. For example, the leaves are used in one area, and it could be that the plant roots are used in other areas. This paper reviews the use of medicinal plants to treat various diseases by 6 Dayak sub-tribes, namely: Desa Dayak Sub-tribe (member of Iban Dayak), Jangkang Dayak Sub-tribe (member of Klemantan Dayak), Bakumpai Dayak Sub-tribe (member of OtDanum-Ngaju Dayak), Kenyah Dayak Sub-tribe (member of Apokayan Dayak), Tagol Dayak Sub-tribe (member of Murut Dayak), and Siang Dayak Sub-tribe (member of Punan Dayak). The results from 6 Dayak Sub-tribes revealed 63 families of plants from which 133 species. The family most widely used for medicinal plants, namely Euphorbiaceae, consists of 9 species, and the leaf is the most commonly used part of the plants (47%). The traditional knowledge of the Dayak Tribe in utilizing plant resources will significantly help preserve biodiversity and domestication of medicinal plants. Suppose medicinal plants are exploited more than they should. In that case, it will undoubtedly have a significant impact on their availability in the forest area, and if it continues, it will cause the extinction of certain species. This implies the importance of preserving local wisdom in the Dayak Tribe so that the use of nature is done wisely and so that it remains sustainable. By knowing the benefits of medicinal plants, Dayak Tribe will want to conserve these medicinal plants to be used in the future.
Selection of upland rice lines in advanced yield trials and response to abiotic stress
Authors: Tirtana Arif , Purwoko Bambang Sapta , DEWI ISWARI SARASWATI , Trikoesoemaningtyas Trikoesoemaningtyas
Published: October 2021

Abstract. Tirtana A, Purwoko BP, Dewi IS, Trikoesoemaningtyas. 2021. Selection of upland rice lines in advanced yield trials and response to abiotic stress. Biodiversitas 22: 4694-4703. Breeding programs to obtain superior upland rice varieties with high productivity and adaptive in dryland must be prioritized to maximize the potential of dryland. This research aimed to obtain information on the agronomic performance of upland rice lines in advanced yield trials and select the best lines with high productivity and tolerance to drought stress and aluminum toxicity. Advanced yield trials were conducted from November 2016 until March 2017 in Bogor and Sukabumi using a randomized complete block design, where three replications were nested in the environments. Aluminum and drought stress evaluations were conducted at Muara Research Station, Bogor, in May-June 2018 and September-October 2018. Based on the selection index, twelve lines were selected with superior agronomic characters and high yield potential. These lines had characteristics as follows: days to harvesting (110.2-116.0 days), number of filled grains (70.6-101.3 grains), number of unfilled grains (27.9-58.4 grains), and productivity (2.2-2.9 tons ha-1). Evaluation of drought tolerance showed four lines with better drought tolerance than the drought-sensitive check IR20. The aluminum tolerance evaluation obtained two tolerant lines and nine lines with moderate responses to aluminum toxicity. The selected lines need to be further evaluated in multilocation trials.
Segmentation and genome annotation algorithms for identifying chromatin state and other genomic patterns
Authors: Libbrecht Maxwell W. , Chan Rachel C. W. , Hoffman Michael M.
Published: October 2021

Segmentation and genome annotation (SAGA) algorithms are widely used to understand genome activity and gene regulation. These algorithms take as input epigenomic datasets, such as chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) measurements of histone modifications or transcription factor binding. They partition the genome and assign a label to each segment such that positions with the same label exhibit similar patterns of input data. SAGA algorithms discover categories of activity such as promoters, enhancers, or parts of genes without prior knowledge of known genomic elements. In this sense, they generally act in an unsupervised fashion like clustering algorithms, but with the additional simultaneous function of segmenting the genome. Here, we review the common methodological framework that underlies these methods, review variants of and improvements upon this basic framework, and discuss the outlook for future work. This review is intended for those interested in applying SAGA methods and for computational researchers interested in improving upon them.
The limitations, dangers, and benefits of simple methods for testing identifiability
Authors: Castro Mario , de Boer Rob J.
Published: October 2021

In their Commentary paper, Villaverde and Massonis (On testing structural identifiability by a simple scaling method: relying on scaling symmetries can be misleading) have commented on our paper in which we proposed a simple scaling method to test structural identifiability. Our scaling invariance method (SIM) tests for scaling symmetries only, and Villaverde and Massonis correctly show the SIM may fail to detect identifiability problems when a model has other types of symmetries. We agree with the limitations raised by these authors but, also, we emphasize that the method is still valuable for its applicability to a wide variety of models, its simplicity, and even as a tool to introduce the problem of identifiability to investigators with little training in mathematics.
The genomic ecosystem of transposable elements in maize
Authors: Stitzer Michelle C. , Anderson Sarah N. , Springer Nathan M. , Ross-Ibarra Jeffrey
Published: October 2021

Transposable elements (TEs) constitute the majority of flowering plant DNA, reflecting their tremendous success in subverting, avoiding, and surviving the defenses of their host genomes to ensure their selfish replication. More than 85% of the sequence of the maize genome can be ascribed to past transposition, providing a major contribution to the structure of the genome. Evidence from individual loci has informed our understanding of how transposition has shaped the genome, and a number of individual TE insertions have been causally linked to dramatic phenotypic changes. Genome-wide analyses in maize and other taxa have frequently represented TEs as a relatively homogeneous class of fragmentary relics of past transposition, obscuring their evolutionary history and interaction with their host genome. Using an updated annotation of structurally intact TEs in the maize reference genome, we investigate the family-level dynamics of TEs in maize. Integrating a variety of data, from descriptors of individual TEs like coding capacity, expression, and methylation, as well as similar features of the sequence they inserted into, we model the relationship between attributes of the genomic environment and the survival of TE copies and families. In contrast to the wholesale relegation of all TEs to a single category of junk DNA, these differences reveal a diversity of survival strategies of TE families. Together these generate a rich ecology of the genome, with each TE family representing the evolution of a distinct ecological niche. We conclude that while the impact of transposition is highly family- and context-dependent, a family-level understanding of the ecology of TEs in the genome can refine our ability to predict the role of TEs in generating genetic and phenotypic diversity.
Patterning with clocks and genetic cascades: Segmentation and regionalization of vertebrate versus insect body plans
Authors: Diaz-Cuadros Margarete , Pourquié Olivier , El-Sherif Ezzat
Published: October 2021

Oscillatory and sequential processes have been implicated in the spatial patterning of many embryonic tissues. For example, molecular clocks delimit segmental boundaries in vertebrates and insects and mediate lateral root formation in plants, whereas sequential gene activities are involved in the specification of regional identities of insect neuroblasts, vertebrate neural tube, vertebrate limb, and insect and vertebrate body axes. These processes take place in various tissues and organisms, and, hence, raise the question of what common themes and strategies they share. In this article, we review 2 processes that rely on the spatial regulation of periodic and sequential gene activities: segmentation and regionalization of the anterior–posterior (AP) axis of animal body plans. We study these processes in species that belong to 2 different phyla: vertebrates and insects. By contrasting 2 different processes (segmentation and regionalization) in species that belong to 2 distantly related phyla (arthropods and vertebrates), we elucidate the deep logic of patterning by oscillatory and sequential gene activities. Furthermore, in some of these organisms (e.g., the fruit flyDrosophila), a mode of AP patterning has evolved that seems not to overtly rely on oscillations or sequential gene activities, providing an opportunity to study the evolution of pattern formation mechanisms.
Indirect transfer of pyriproxyfen to European honeybees via an autodissemination approach
Authors: Kancharlapalli Sri Jyosthsna , Crabtree Cameron J. , Surowiec Kaz , Longing Scott D. , L. Brelsfoard Corey
Published: October 2021

The frequency of arboviral disease epidemics is increasing and vector control remains the primary mechanism to limit arboviral transmission. Container inhabiting mosquitoes such as Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti are the primary vectors of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. Current vector control methods for these species are often ineffective, suggesting the need for novel control approaches. A proposed novel approach is autodissemination of insect growth regulators (IGRs). The advantage of autodissemination approaches is small amounts of active ingredients compared to traditional insecticide applications are used to impact mosquito populations. While the direct targeting of cryptic locations via autodissemination seems like a significant advantage over large scale applications of insecticides, this approach could actually affect nontarget organisms by delivering these highly potent long lasting growth inhibitors such as pyriproxyfen (PPF) to the exact locations that other beneficial insects visit, such as a nectar source. Here we tested the hypothesis that PPF treated male Ae. albopictus will contaminate nectar sources, which results in the indirect transfer of PPF to European honey bees (Apis mellifera). We performed bioassays, fluorescent imaging, and mass spectrometry on insect and artificial nectar source materials to examine for intra- and interspecific transfer of PPF. Data suggests there is direct transfer of PPF from Ae. albopictus PPF treated males and indirect transfer of PPF to A. mellifera from artificial nectar sources. In addition, we show a reduction in fecundity in Ae. albopictus and Drosophila melanogaster when exposed to sublethal doses of PPF. The observed transfer of PPF to A. mellifera suggests the need for further investigation of autodissemination approaches in a more field like setting to examine for risks to insect pollinators.
Population-based identification and temporal trend of children with primary nephrotic syndrome: The Kaiser Permanente nephrotic syndrome study
Authors: Parikh Rishi V. , Tan Thida C. , Fan Dongjie , Law David , Salyer Anne S. , Yankulin Leonid , Wojcicki Janet M. , Zheng Sijie , Ordonez Juan D. , Chertow Glenn M. , Khoshniat-Rad Farzien , Yang Jingrong , Go Alan S.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Limited population-based data exist about children with primary nephrotic syndrome (NS).

Methods

We identified a cohort of children with primary NS receiving care in Kaiser Permanente Northern California, an integrated healthcare delivery system caring for >750,000 children. We identified all children <18 years between 1996 and 2012 who had nephrotic range proteinuria (urine ACR>3500 mg/g, urine PCR>3.5 mg/mg, 24-hour urine protein>3500 mg or urine dipstick>300 mg/dL) in laboratory databases or a diagnosis of NS in electronic health records. Nephrologists reviewed health records for clinical presentation and laboratory and biopsy results to confirm primary NS.

Results

Among 365 cases of confirmed NS, 179 had confirmed primary NS attributed to presumed minimal change disease (MCD) (72%), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) (23%) or membranous nephropathy (MN) (5%). The overall incidence of primary NS was 1.47 (95% Confidence Interval:1.27–1.70) per 100,000 person-years. Biopsy data were available in 40% of cases. Median age for patients with primary NS was 6.9 (interquartile range:3.7 to 12.9) years, 43% were female and 26% were white, 13% black, 17% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 32% Hispanic.

Conclusion

This population-based identification of children with primary NS leveraging electronic health records can provide a unique approach and platform for describing the natural history of NS and identifying determinants of outcomes in children with primary NS.
Diversity of fungal pathogens associated with loquat and development of novel virulence scales
Authors: Fahim Abbas Muhammad , Batool Sana , Khaliq Sobia , Mubeen Sidra , Azziz-ud-Din  , Ullah Naseeb , Zafar Khalida , Rafiq Muhammad , Al-Sadi Abdullah M. , Alotaibi Saqer S. , El-Shehawi Ahmed M. , Li Yunzhou , Zuan Ali Tan Kee , Ansari Mohammad Javed
Published: October 2021

Loquat [Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.] is an important fruit crop in Pakistan; however, a constant decline in its production is noted due biotic and abiotic stresses, particularly disease infestation. Fungal pathogens are the major disease-causing agents; therefore, their identification is necessary for devising management options. This study explored Taxila, Wah-Cantt, Tret, Chatar, Murree, Kalar-Kahar, Choa-Saidan-Shah and Khan-Pur districts in the Punjab and Khyber Paktoon Khawa (KPK) provinces of Pakistan to explore the diversity of fungal pathogens associated with loquat. The samples were collected from these districts and their microscopic characterizations were accomplished for reliable identification. Alternaria alternata, Curvularia lunata, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Aspergilus flavis, Botrytis cinerea, Chaetomium globosum, Pestalotiopsis mangiferae and Phomopsis sp. were the fungal pathogens infesting loquat in the study area. The isolates of A. alternata and C. lunata were isolated from leaf spots and fruit rot, while the isolates of L. theobromae were associated with twig dieback. The remaining pathogens were allied with fruit rot. The nucleotide evidence of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions (ITS1, 5.8S, and ITS2) were computed from all the pathogens and submitted in the database of National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). For multigene analysis, beta-tubulin (BT) gene and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) regions were explored for A. alternata and C. lunata isolates, respectively. The virulence scales of leaf spots, fruit rot, and twig dieback diseases of loquat were developed for the first time through this study. It is the first comprehensive study with morpho-molecular identification, and newly developed virulence scales of the fungal pathogens associated with loquat, which improves the understanding of these destructive diseases.
Electrophysiological correlates of interference control in the modified emotional Stroop task with emotional stimuli differing in valence, arousal, and subjective significance
Authors: Imbir Kamil K. , Pastwa Maciej , Duda-Goławska Joanna , Sobieszek Adam , Jankowska Marta , Modzelewska Aleksandra , Wielgopolan Adrianna , Żygierewicz Jarosław
Published: October 2021

The role of emotional factors in maintaining cognitive control is one of the most intriguing issues in understanding emotion-cognition interactions. In the current experiment, we assessed the role of emotional factors (valence, arousal, and subjective significance) in perceptual and conceptual inhibition processes. We operationalised both processes with the classical cognitive paradigms, i.e., the flanker task and the emotional Stroop task merged into a single experimental procedure. The procedure was based on the presentation of emotional words displayed in four different font colours flanked by the same emotional word printed with the same or different font colour. We expected to find distinct effects of both types of interference: earlier for perceptual and later for emotional interference. We also predicted an increased arousal level to disturb inhibitory control effectiveness, while increasing the subjective significance level should improve this process. As we used orthogonal manipulations of emotional factors, our study allowed us for the first time to assess interactions within emotional factors and between types of interference. We found on the behavioural level the main effects of flanker congruency as well as effects of emotionality. On the electrophysiological level, we found effects for EPN, P2, and N450 components of ERPs. The exploratory analysis revealed that effects due to perceptual interference appeared earlier than the effects of emotional interference, but they lasted for an extended period of processing, causing perceptual and emotional interference to partially overlap. Finally, in terms of emotional interference, we showed the effect of subjective significance: the reduction of interference cost in N450 for highly subjective significant stimuli. This study is the first one allowing for the investigation of two different types of interference in a single experiment, and provides insight into the role of emotion in cognitive control.
Identification of candidate genes on the basis of SNP by time-lagged heat stress interactions for milk production traits in German Holstein cattle
Authors: Halli Kathrin , Vanvanhossou Seyi Fridaius , Bohlouli Mehdi , König Sven , Yin Tong
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to estimate genotype by time-lagged heat stress (HS) variance components as well as main and interaction SNP-marker effects for maternal HS during the last eight weeks of cow pregnancy, considering milk production traits recorded in the offspring generation. The HS indicator was the temperature humidity index (THI) for each week. A dummy variable with the code = 1 for the respective week for THI ≥ 60 indicated HS, otherwise, for no HS, the code = 0 was assigned. The dataset included test-day and lactation production traits from 14,188 genotyped first parity Holstein cows. After genotype quality control, 41,139 SNP markers remained for the genomic analyses. Genomic animal models without (model VC_nHS) and with in-utero HS effects (model VC_wHS) were applied to estimate variance components. Accordingly, for genome-wide associations, models GWA_nHS and GWA_wHS, respectively, were applied to estimate main and interaction SNP effects. Common genomic and residual variances for the same traits were very similar from models VC_nHS and VC_wHS. Genotype by HS interaction variances varied, depending on the week with in-utero HS. Among all traits, lactation milk yield with HS from week 5 displayed the largest proportion for interaction variances (0.07). For main effects from model GWA_wHS, 380 SNPs were suggestively associated with all production traits. For the SNP interaction effects from model GWA_wHS, we identified 31 suggestive SNPs, which were located in close distance to 62 potential candidate genes. The inferred candidate genes have various biological functions, including mechanisms of immune response, growth processes and disease resistance. Two biological processes excessively represented in the overrepresentation tests addressed lymphocyte and monocyte chemotaxis, ultimately affecting immune response. The modelling approach considering time-lagged genotype by HS interactions for production traits inferred physiological mechanisms being associated with health and immunity, enabling improvements in selection of robust animals.
Analysis of cartilage injury patterns and risk factors for knee joint damage in patients with primary lateral patella dislocations
Authors: Palmowski Yannick , Jung Tobias , Doering Anne-Katrin , Gwinner Clemens , Schatka Imke , Bartek Benjamin
Published: October 2021

Background

Lateral patellar dislocation (LPD) frequently causes damage to the knee. Injury patterns and risk factors contributing to such injuries have not yet been examined in detail.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 50 consecutive patients with primary LPD. Two reviewers evaluated the MRI images regarding risk factors for LPD (Dejours classification; Caton-Deschamps Index, CDI; distance from the tibial tuberosity to trochlear groove, TT-TG; trochlear depth, TD) as well as joint damages according to the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS).

Results

33 male and 17 female patients with a mean age of 23.2 (±9.6) years were included in this study. 52% were classified Dejours ≥ B, 34% had a CDI ≥ 1.3, 22% a TT-TG ≥ 20mm and 52% a TD < 3mm. 49 out of 50 patients (98%) showed abnormalities according to WORMS. The most frequently observed abnormalities were synovitis/effusion (49/50, 98%), bone marrow oedema (44/50, 88%) and cartilage damage (42/50, 84%). Most frequently affected subregions were medial (41/50, 82%) and lateral (31/50, 62%) patella as well as the anterior (43/50, 86%), central (42/50, 84%) and posterior (11/50, 22%) portion of the lateral femoral condyle. There was no significant correlation between any of the examined risk factors and joint damages according to WORMS. Male patients had higher scores regarding total cartilage damage (5.11 vs. 2.56, p = 0.029), total score for the lateral femorotibial joint (3.15 vs. 1.65, p = 0.026) and overall total WORMS score (12.15 vs. 8.29, p = 0.038).

Conclusion

Risk factors for LPD do not influence the risk of damages to the knee joint after primary LPD. Although LPD is generally known to affect more female than male patients, male patients suffered more severe injuries after primary LPD, particularly of the lateral femorotibial joint. Overall, our results underline the importance of MRI imaging after primary LPD.
Knowledge, attitude and practice of influenza vaccination among Lebanese parents: A cross-sectional survey from a developing country
Authors: Zakhour Ramia , Tamim Hani , Faytrouni Farah , Khoury Joanne , Makki Maha , Charafeddine Lama
Published: October 2021

Background

A growing number of parents refuse vaccination due to concerns about side effects. Influenza vaccine is no exception and remains one of the most controversial vaccines. Data regarding influenza vaccine uptake and parental knowledge, attitude and practice towards vaccination in the Lebanese population is lacking. The aim of this study was to assess the rate of vaccination refusal and potential associated factors among Lebanese parents of school-aged children, in general and with a focus on influenza vaccine.

Methods

A parent questionnaire was distributed in randomly selected 2 public and 2 private schools from the greater Beirut area during the school year 2017–2018. Questionnaires covered knowledge, attitude (including themes of efficacy, hesitancy and trust), and practice of vaccination in general and influenza vaccine in particular.

Results

The response rate was 76.5% (306/400). Overall, 29.4% parents reported vaccinating their children against influenza (62.2% in private and 37.7% in public schools). Younger age, paternal employment and higher household income were associated with higher vaccination rates (p = 0.01, 0.02 and <0.0001 respectively). Lack of vaccine recommendation by the physician was the most common reason for not taking it (47%). Parents who accepted influenza vaccination had higher scores in efficacy, hesitancy and trust and were more compliant with other vaccinations.

Conclusion

One third of parents of school aged children in the greater Beirut area vaccinate their children against influenza. This rate is likely lower in rural remote areas. Physician’s recommendation is the single most important predictor of such vaccination. Future studies tackling physicians’ attitude and practice are needed to help improve influenza vaccination rates in the Lebanese population.
Does mental fatigue affect skilled performance in athletes? A systematic review
Authors: Sun He , Soh Kim Geok , Roslan Samsilah , Wazir Mohd Rozilee Wazir Norjali , Soh Kim Lam
Published: October 2021

Background

Mental fatigue is a psychobiological state induced by a prolonged duration of demanding cognitive tasks. The effects of mental fatigue on physical performance have been well investigated in the literature. However, the effect of mental fatigue on skilled performance in sports remains unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to report a comprehensive systematic review investigating the carryover effects of mental fatigue on skilled performance among athletes.

Methods

A thorough search was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost (CENTRAL, SPORTDicus), and Scopus to select relevant literature, as well as on Google Scholar and sources of reference for grey literature. The selected literatures are centred on a mental fatigue protocol in which cognitive tasks are performed prior to athletic tasks. Only studies that used an experimental design to test two conditions, namely mental fatigue and non-mental fatigue, were selected.

Results

Eleven articles were chosen based on the selection criteria. Mental fatigue affects skilled performance in three sports: soccer, basketball, and table tennis. A decline in skilled performance (decreased accuracy, increased performing time etc) is relevant to impaired executive functions. Seven studies focus on offensive skills, whereas only two studies are associated with defensive skills.

Conclusion

Mental fatigue has a negative effect on various sports skills of high-level athletes, including their technical and decision-making skills; however, the impact is greater on offensive skills than that of defensive skills in terms of the role of athletes. Impaired executive functions may be responsible for the negative effects of mental fatigue on skilled performance.
Psychometric properties of the S-Scale: Assessing a psychological mindset that mediates the relationship between socioeconomic status and depression
Authors: Velten Julia , Scholten Saskia , Brailovskaia Julia , Margraf Jürgen
Published: October 2021

Individuals with low socioeconomic status (SES) are disproportionally affected by depressive disorders which are among the main causes for loss in healthy life years in adults worldwide. The main objective of the research presented here was to identify a psychological mindset of individuals with low SES and to investigate whether this mindset mediates the relationship between low SES and symptoms of depression. Towards these goals, a series of four studies was conducted: Study 1 identified a set of ten statements reflecting a psychological mindset associated with low SES using a population-based sample from Germany (N = 1,969). Study 2 cross-validated a psychometric scale (S-Scale) that was created based on these statements in a population-based sample from Germany (N = 3,907). Study 3 introduced a longitudinal perspective and showed that the S-Scale mediated the relationship between low SES and symptoms of depression assessed one year later in a German student sample (N = 1,275). Study 4 supported unidimensionality and construct validity of a unified version of the S-Scale and confirmed the mediation effect of the S-Scale for SES and depression while controlling for confounding variables (e.g., socially desirable responding) in a U.S. American convenience sample (N = 1,000). Evidence from four studies supported the reliability and validity of the S-Scale. Controlling for a psychological mindset as measured with this scale, low SES was no longer a predictor of depressive symptoms. The S-Scale can be used in clinical and research settings to assess a psychological mindset that puts individuals at risk for depression. Overall strengths of this series of studies include the use of population-based and longitudinal datasets and the application of findings to different operationalizations of SES. Future studies should investigate whether this mindset can be modified by psychological interventions and whether changes in this mindset predict improvements in depressive symptoms.
Winter weight loss of different subspecies of honey bee Apis mellifera colonies (Linnaeus, 1758) in southwestern Sweden
Authors: Norrström Niclas , Niklasson Mats , Leidenberger Sonja
Published: October 2021

Honey bees are currently facing mounting pressures that have resulted in population declines in many parts of the world. In northern climates winter is a bottleneck for honey bees and a thorough understanding of the colonies’ ability to withstand the winter is needed in order to protect the bees from further decline. In this study the influence of weather variables on colony weight loss was studied over one winter (2019–2020) in two apiaries (32 colonies in total) in southwestern Sweden with weather stations recording wind and temperature at 5-min intervals. Three subspecies of honey bees and one hybrid were studied: the native Apis mellifera mellifera, the Italian A. m. ligustica, the Carniolan A. m. carnica and the hybrid Buckfast. Additionally, we recorded Varroa mite infestation. To analyze factors involved in resource consumption, three modelling approaches using weather and weight data were developed: the first links daily consumption rates with environmental variables, the second modelled the cumulative weight change over time, and the third estimated weight change over time taking light intensity and temperature into account. Weight losses were in general low (0.039 ± 0.013kg/day and colony) and comparable to southern locations, likely due to an exceptionally warm winter (average temperature 3.5°C). Weight losses differed only marginally between subspecies with indications that A. m. mellifera was having a more conservative resource consumption, but more studies are needed to confirm this. We did not find any effect of Varroa mite numbers on weight loss. Increased light intensity and temperature both triggered the resource consumption in honey bees. The temperature effect on resource consumption is in accordance with the metabolic theory of ecology. The consequences of these findings on honey bee survival under predicted climate changes, is still an open question that needs further analysis.
Evaluation of ceftazidime/avibactam alone and in combination with amikacin, colistin and tigecycline against Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae by in vitro time-kill experiment
Authors: Wang Fangzhou , Zhou Qian , Yang Xiuwen , Bai Yan , Cui Junchang
Published: October 2021

Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) poses a major threat to human health worldwide. Combination therapies of antibiotics with different mechanisms have been recommended in literatures. This study assessed in vitro antibacterial activities and synergistic activities of ceftazidime/avibactam alone and in combinations against KPC-Kp. In total, 70 isolates from 2 hospitals in Beijing were examined in our study. By using the agar dilution method and broth dilution method, we determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of candidate antibiotics. Ceftazidime/avibactam demonstrated promising susceptibility against KPC-Kp (97.14%). Synergistic activities testing was achieved by checkerboard method and found ceftazidime/avibactam-amikacin displayed synergism in 90% isolates. Ceftazidime/avibactam-colistin displayed partial synergistic in 43% isolates, and ceftazidime/avibactam-tigecycline displayed indifference in 67% isolates. In time-kill assays, antibiotics at 1-fold MIC were mixed with bacteria at 1 × 105 CFU/ml and Mueller-Hinton broth (MHB). Combinations of ceftazidime/avibactam with amikacin and tigecycline displayed better antibacterial effects than single drug. Ceftazidime/avibactam-colistin combination did not exhibit better effect than single drug. In KPC-Kp infections, susceptibility testing suggested that ceftazidime/avibactam may be considered as first-line choice. However, monotherapy is often inadequate in infection management. Thus, our study revealed that combination therapy including ceftazidime/avibactam colistin and ceftazidime/avibactam tigecycline may benefit than monotherapy in KPC-Kp treatment. Further pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic and mutant prevention concentration studies should be performed to optimize multidrug-regimens.
Research on 3D crack segmentation of CT images of oil rock core
Authors: Zou Yongning , Yao Gongjie , Wang Jue
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we propose a framework for CT image segmentation of oil rock core. According to the characteristics of CT image of oil rock core, the existing level set segmentation algorithm is improved. Firstly, an algorithm of Chan-Vese (C-V) model is carried out to segment rock core from image background. Secondly the gray level of image background region is replaced by the average gray level of rock core, so that image background does not affect the binary segmentation. Next, median filtering processing is carried out. Finally, an algorithm of local binary fitting (LBF) model is executed to obtain the crack region. The proposed algorithm has been applied to oil rock core CT images with promising results.
Neural responses to shot changes by cut in cinematographic editing: An EEG (ERD/ERS) study
Authors: Sanz-Aznar Javier , Sánchez-Gómez Lydia , Bruni Luis Emilio , Aguilar-Paredes Carlos , Wulff-Abramsson Andreas
Published: October 2021

In order to analyze and detect neural activations and inhibitions in film spectators to shot changes by cut in films, we developed a methodology based on comparisons of recorded EEG signals and analyzed the event-related desynchronization/synchronization (ERD/ERS). The aim of the research is isolating these neuronal responses from other visual and auditory features that covary with film editing. This system of comparing pairs of signals using permutation tests, the Spearman correlation, and slope analysis is implemented in an automated way through sliding windows, analyzing all the registered electrodes signals at all the frequency bands defined. Through this methodology, we are able to locate, identify, and quantify the variations in neuronal rhythms in specific cortical areas and frequency ranges with temporal precision. Our results detected that after a cut there is a synchronization in theta rhythms during the first 188 ms with left lateralization, and also a desynchronization between 250 ms and 750 ms in the delta frequency band. The cortical area where most of these neuronal responses are detected in both cases is the parietal area.
Global Rhes knockout in the Q175 Huntington’s disease mouse model
Authors: Heikkinen Taneli , Bragge Timo , Kuosmanen Juha , Parkkari Teija , Gustafsson Sanna , Kwan Mei , Beltran Jose , Ghavami Afshin , Subramaniam Srinivasa , Shahani Neelam , Ramírez-Jarquín Uri Nimrod , Park Larry , Muñoz-Sanjuán Ignacio , Marchionini Deanna M.
Published: October 2021

Huntington’s disease (HD) results from an expansion mutation in the polyglutamine tract in huntingtin. Although huntingtin is ubiquitously expressed in the body, the striatum suffers the most severe pathology. Rhes is a Ras-related small GTP-binding protein highly expressed in the striatum that has been reported to modulate mTOR and sumoylation of mutant huntingtin to alter HD mouse model pathogenesis. Reports have varied on whether Rhes reduction is desirable for HD. Here we characterize multiple behavioral and molecular endpoints in the Q175 HD mouse model with genetic Rhes knockout (KO). Genetic RhesKO in the Q175 female mouse resulted in both subtle attenuation of Q175 phenotypic features, and detrimental effects on other kinematic features. The Q175 females exhibited measurable pathogenic deficits, as measured by MRI, MRS and DARPP32, however, RhesKO had no effect on these readouts. Additionally, RhesKO in Q175 mixed gender mice deficits did not affect mTOR signaling, autophagy or mutant huntingtin levels. We conclude that global RhesKO does not substantially ameliorate or exacerbate HD mouse phenotypes in Q175 mice.