bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of aerobic exercise and resistance exercise on physical indexes and cardiovascular risk factors in obese and overweight school-age children: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Tianhao , Lin Jingxia , Lin Yuzhe , Xu Lin , Lu Dian , Li Fangping , Hou Lihao , Yu Clare Chung Wah
Published: September 2021

Background

Obesity is a serious social and public health problem in the world, especially in children and adolescents. For school-age children with obesity, this stage is in the transition from childhood to adolescence, and both physical, psychological, and external environments will be full of challenges. Studies have showed that school-age children are the largest proportion of people who continue to be obese in adulthood. Physical exercise is considered as an effective way to control weight. Therefore, we focus on this point to study which factors will be improved to reduce childhood obesity.

Objective

To assess the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on physical indexes, such as body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage, and cardiovascular risk factors such as VO2peak, triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol (TC), insulin and insulin resistance in school-age children who are overweight or obese.

Method

PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Medline, Cochrane-Library, Scopus, Ovid and Web of Science were searched to locate studies published between 2000 and 2021 in obese and overweight school-age children between 6–12 years old. The articles are all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and in English. Data were synthesized using a random-effect or a fixed-effect model to analyze the effects of aerobic and resistance exercise on six elements in in school-age children with overweight or obese. The primary outcome measures were set for BMI.

Results

A total of 13 RCTs (504 participants) were identified. Analysis of the between-group showed that aerobic and resistance exercise were effective in improving BMI (MD = -0.66; p < 0.00001), body fat percentage (MD = -1.29; p = 0.02), TG (std.MD = -1.14; p = 0.005), LDL (std.MD = -1.38; p = 0.003), TC (std.MD = -0.77; p = 0.002), VO2peak (std.MD = 1.25; p = 0.001). However, aerobic and resistance exercise were not significant in improving HDL (std.MD = 0.13; p = 0.27).

Conclusions

Aerobic exercise and resistance exercise are associated with improvement in BMI, body fat percentage, VO2peak, TG, LDL, TC, while not in HDL in school-age children with obesity or overweight. Insulin and insulin resistance were not able to be analyzed in our review. However, there are only two articles related to resistance exercise in children with obesity and overweight at school age, which is far less than the number of 12 articles about aerobic exercise, so we cannot compare the effects of the two types of exercises.
Effects of seat pan and pelvis angles on the occupant response in a reclined position during a frontal crash
Authors: Grébonval Cyrille , Trosseille Xavier , Petit Philippe , Wang Xuguang , Beillas Philippe
Published: September 2021

Current highly automated vehicle concepts include reclined seat layouts that could allow occupants to relax during the drive. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of seat pan and pelvis angles on the kinematics and injury risk of a reclined occupant by numerical simulation of a frontal sled test. The occupant, represented by a detailed 50th percentile male human body model, was positioned on a semi-rigid seat. Three seat pan angles (5, 15, and 25 degrees from the horizontal) were used, all with a seatback angle of 40 degrees from the vertical. Three pelvis angles (60, 70, and 80 degrees from the vertical), representing a nominal and two relaxed sitting positions, were used for each seat pan angle. The model was restrained using a pre-inflated airbag and a three-point seatbelt equipped with a pretensioner and a load limiter before being subjected to two frontal crash pulses. Both model kinematic response and predicted injury risk were affected by the seat pan and the pelvis angles in a reclined seatback position. Submarining occurrence and injury risk increased with lower seat pan angle, higher pelvis angle, and acceleration pulse severity. In some cases (in particular for a 15 degrees seat pan), a small variation in seat pan or pelvis angle resulted in large differences in terms of kinematics and predicted injury. This study highlights the potential effects of the seat pan and pelvis angles for reclined occupant protection. These parameters should be assessed experimentally with volunteers to determine which combinations are most likely to be adopted for comfort and with post mortem human surrogates to confirm their significance during impact and to provide data for model validation. The sled and restraint models used in this study are provided under an open-source license to facilitate further comparisons.
Fatty liver index as a predictive marker for the development of diabetes: A retrospective cohort study using Japanese health check-up data
Authors: Kitazawa Atsushi , Maeda Shotaro , Fukuda Yoshiharu
Published: September 2021

Background & aims

Fatty liver is associated with incident diabetes, and the fatty liver index (FLI) is a surrogate marker for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to determine whether or not FLI was associated with incident diabetes in relation to obesity and prediabetic levels in the general Japanese population.

Methods

This was a retrospective study using the Japanese health check-up database of one health insurance from FY2015 to FY2018. This study included 28,991 individuals with prediabetes. First, we stratified all participants into two groups: “high-risk,” comprising patients with HbA1c >6.0%, and “standard,” comprising the rest. Subsequently, we divided them into four groups according to FLI (<30 or not) and obesity (BMI <25 kg/m2or not). Subsequently, the incidence rate of diabetes was compared among the groups after 3 years of follow-up using multiple logistic regression models after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

After 3 years of follow-up, 1,547 new cases of diabetes were found, and the cumulative incidence was 2.96% for the standard group and 26.1% for the high-risk group. In non-obese individuals, odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for FLI ≥30 versus FLI <30 were: 1.44 (1.09–1.92) for the standard group and 1.42 (0.99–2.03) for the high-risk group. In the high-risk group, obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) but FLI <30 was not a risk factor for developing diabetes.

Conclusion

Although high FLI is generally considered to be a risk factor for developing diabetes, obesity might have been a confounding factor. However, the present study showed that high FLI is a risk factor for the development of diabetes, even in non-obese individuals. Our results include suggestion to develop a screening tool to effectively identify people at high risk of developing diabetes from the population (especially non-obese prediabetes) who are apparently at low health risk and are unlikely to be targeted for health guidance.
Heat stress modulates polymorphonuclear cell response in early pregnancy cows: I. interferon pathway and oxidative stress
Authors: Amaral Carolina dos Santos , Correa Gabrielle Rebeca Everling , Serrano Mujica Lady Katerine , Fiorenza Mariani Farias , Rosa Suzan Gonçalves , Nogueira Cristina Wayne , Portela Valério Marques , Comim Fábio Vasconcellos , Schoenau William , Smirnova Natalia Pavlovna , Antoniazzi Alfredo Quites
Published: September 2021

One of the major causes of early pregnancy loss is heat stress. In ruminants, interferon tau (IFNT) is the embryo signal to the mother. Once the interferon signaling pathway is activated, it drives gene expression for interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) and alters neutrophils responses. The aim of the present study was to evaluate interferon (IFN) pathway, ISGs and gene expression in polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and oxidative stress in dairy cows under heat stress. Pregnant cows had their estrous cycle synchronized and randomly assigned to a comfort or heat stress group. Blood samples were collected at artificial insemination (AI) and on Days 10, 14 and 18 following AI. Pregnant cows were pregnancy checked by ultrasound on Day 30 and confirmed on Day 60 post-AI. Results are presented as mean ± SEM. The corpus luteum (CL) diameter was not different between groups of pregnant cows; concentration of progesterone of pregnant cows on Day 18 following AI was greater in comfort group compared to heat stressed group. Comfort pregnant cows had higher expression of all analyzed genes from interferon pathway, except for IFNAR1, on both Days 14 and 18. Conversely, heat stressed cows did not show altered expression of IFNT pathway genes and ISGs between Days 10, 14, and 18 after AI. The oxidative stress, determined as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, was greater in heat stress group on Days 10, 14 and 18, independent of pregnancy status. Heat stress negatively influences expression of ISGs, IFN pathway gene expression in neutrophils, and oxidative stress. Our data suggest that lower conception rates in cows under heat stress are multifactorial, with the association of interferon pathway activation and the unbalanced oxidative stress being main contributing factors.
Estimated contribution of most commonly consumed industrialized processed foods to salt intake and iodine intakes in Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayatissa Renuka , Haturusinghe Chandima , Knowles Jacky , Codling Karen , Gorstein Jonathan
Published: September 2021

In Sri Lanka dietary patterns are shifting towards increased consumption of industrially processed foods (IPF). This study aimed to estimate the contribution of IPF to salt and iodine intake and assess the possible impact of salt reduction on iodized salt intake. The assessment was conducted using guidance published by the Iodine Global Network. National nutrition and household income expenditure surveys were used to estimate adult per capita consumption of household salt and commonly consumed salt-containing IPF. Industry and laboratory data were used to quantify salt content of IPF. Modelling estimated the potential and current iodine intake from consumption of household salt and using iodized salt in the identified IPF. Estimates were adjusted to investigate the likely impact on iodine intake of achieving 30% salt reduction. IPF included were bread, dried fish and biscuits, with daily per capita consumption of 32g, 10g and 7g respectively. Daily intake of household salt was estimated to be 8.5g. Potential average national daily iodine intake if all salt in these products was iodized was 166μg. Estimated current daily iodine intake, based on iodization of 78% of household salt and dried fish being made with non-iodized salt, was 111μg nationally, ranging from 90 to 145μg provincially. Estimated potential and current iodine intakes were above the estimated average requirement of 95μg iodine for adults, however, current intake was below the recommended nutrient intake of 150μg. If the 30% salt reduction target is achieved, estimated current iodine intake from household salt, bread and biscuits could decrease to 78μg. The assessment together with data for iodine status suggest that current iodine intake of adults in Sri Lanka is adequate. Recommendations to sustain with reduced salt intake are to strengthen monitoring of population iodine status and of food industry use of iodized salt, and to adjust the salt iodine levels if needed.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of domiciliary topical sevoflurane for painful leg ulcers
Authors: Selva-Sevilla Carmen , Fernández-Ginés F. Dámaso , Cortiñas-Sáenz Manuel , Gerónimo-Pardo Manuel
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The general anesthetic sevoflurane is being repurposed as a topical analgesic for painful chronic wounds. We conducted a Bayesian cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) comparing the addition of domiciliary topical sevoflurane to conventional analgesics (SEVOFLURANE, n = 38) versus conventional analgesics alone (CONVENTIONAL, n = 26) for the treatment of nonrevascularizable painful leg ulcers in an outpatient Pain Clinic of a Spanish tertiary hospital.

Methods

We used real-world data collected from charts to conduct this CEA from a public healthcare perspective and with a one-year time horizon. Costs of analgesics, visits and admissions were considered, expressed in €2016. Analgesic effectiveness was measured with SPID (Sum of Pain Intensity Difference). A Bayesian regression model was constructed, including “treatment” and baseline characteristics for patients (“arterial hypertension”) and ulcers (“duration”, “number”, “depth”, “pain”) as covariates. The findings were summarized as a cost-effectiveness plane and a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve. One-way sensitivity analyses, a re-analysis excluding those patients who died or suffered from leg amputation, and an extreme scenario analysis were conducted to reduce uncertainty.

Results

Compared to CONVENTIONAL, SEVOFLURANE was associated with a 46% reduction in costs, and the mean incremental effectiveness (28.15±3.70 effectiveness units) was favorable to SEVOFLURANE. The estimated probability for SEVOFLURANE being dominant was 99%. The regression model showed that costs were barely influenced by any covariate, whereas effectiveness was noticeably influenced by “treatment”. All sensitivity analyses showed the robustness of the model, even in the extreme scenario analysis against SEVOFLURANE.

Conclusions

SEVOFLURANE was dominant over CONVENTIONAL as it was less expensive and much more effective.
A potential diagnostic serum immunological marker panel to differentiate between primary and secondary knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Rankothgedera Sakuni , Atukorala Inoshi , Fernando Chandrika , Munidasa Duminda , Wijayaratne Lalith , Udagama Preethi
Published: September 2021

Inflammation contributes to knee osteoarthritis (KOA) where many immunological mediators participate in its initiation and progression. Most clinicians manage primary (pKOA) and secondary osteoarthritis (sKOA) alike. Whether immunological profiles of pKOA and sKOA differ remains obscure. Hence, we aimed to differentially identify potential serum immunologic diagnostic markers of pKOA and of sKOA. This case control study used 46 KOA patients (pKOA, n = 30; sKOA, n = 16), and 60 age, gender matched controls (normal healthy, n = 30; systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] disease controls, n = 30) where serum was assayed for cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10) and nitric oxide derivatives (NOx). Sandwich ELISA assessed cytokine levels, while the ‘Griess assay’ quantified NOx levels. The diagnostic accuracy of optimal marker combinations was evaluated by the CombiROC web tool. Compared with pKOA, sKOA serum displayed significantly elevated levels of pro inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) with a concurrent decrease in the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10 (P<0.05). This was reiterated by significantly higher Th1:Th2 (TNF-α: IL-10) serum cytokine ratio observed in sKOA compared to that of pKOA. The CombiROC curves identified TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and NOx as the best performing panel of potential diagnostic markers to discriminate pKOA from control groups (~97% accuracy, 90% Sensitivity [SE] and 98% specificity [SP]), while TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 discriminated sKOA from control groups (~100% accuracy, 100% SE, and 98% SP). The study identified discrete serum immune biomarker panels to differentiate between pKOA (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and NOx) and sKOA (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6). These findings may assist in developing distinct therapeutic agents for the two types of KOA.
Estuarine tidal range dynamics under rising sea levels
Authors: Khojasteh Danial , Chen Shengyang , Felder Stefan , Heimhuber Valentin , Glamore William
Published: September 2021

How an estuary responds to sea level rise (SLR) is complex and depends on energy drivers (e.g., tides and river inflows), estuarine geometry (e.g., length and depth), intrinsic fluid properties (e.g., density), and bed/bank roughness. While changes to the tidal range under SLR can impact estuarine sediment transport, water quality, and vegetation communities, studies on the altered tidal range under SLR are often based on case studies with outcomes applicable to a specific site. As such, this study produced a large ensemble of estuarine hydrodynamic models (>1800) to provide a systematic understanding of how tidal range dynamics within different estuary types may change under various SLR and river inflow scenarios. The results indicated that SLR often amplifies the tidal range of different estuary types, except for short estuaries with a low tidal range at the mouth where SLR attenuates the tides. SLR alters the location of the points with minimum tidal range and overall tidal range patterns in an estuary. Variations in tidal range were more evident in converging estuaries, shallower systems, or in estuaries with strong river inflows. These findings provide an indication of how different estuary types may respond to estuaries and may assist estuarine managers and decision makers.
Knowledge and preventive actions toward COVID-19, vaccination intent, and health literacy among educators in Japan: An online survey
Authors: Fukuda Yasue , Ando Shuji , Fukuda Koji
Published: September 2021

Countermeasures against the spread of COVID-19 have become an urgent issue in educational settings, where many group activities are necessary. Educators are key to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in educational settings. Infection prevention behavior requires comprehensive and complex measures such as self-restraint. disinfection care, hand washing, wearing masks and recommendation and implementation of vaccination. Improvement in the knowledge, skills, and preventive actions of educators vis-à-vis COVID-19 could allow for the continued provision of educational services while ensuring safety in educational settings. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the knowledge and preventive actions of educators regarding COVID-19 and vaccination awareness to provide appropriate support for educators. The study used data collected from 1,000 Japanese educators in January 2021 when the third wave of viral infections spread. Online surveys and multivariate linear regression analysis were used to determine age and whether respondents were being cared for by a doctor. We investigated the effects of factors on educators’ willingness to be vaccinated and changes in their behavior. This study found that factors such as age, gender, whether a respondent was under a physician’s care, and health literacy, affected the willingness of educators to receive vaccinations and engage in preventive actions. The study also suggests that the reliability of national government public relations efforts is lower than the reliability of local government public relations and that of information from family physicians, pharmacies, and mass media. It is therefore necessary to reexamine how information is disseminated by the national government and to increase the degree of trust in that information among the public. The findings of the study also revealed the importance of improving the provision of appropriate information and health literacy for the behavior of educators, not only during the initial outbreak, but also during the subsequent period of pandemic life.
Predicting COVID-19 progression from diagnosis to recovery or death linking primary care and hospital records in Castilla y León (Spain)
Authors: Álvarez-Esteban Pedro C. , del Barrio Eustasio , Rueda Oscar M. , Rueda Cristina
Published: September 2021

This paper analyses COVID-19 patients’ dynamics during the first wave in the region of Castilla y León (Spain) with around 2.4 million inhabitants using multi-state competing risk survival models. From the date registered as the start of the clinical process, it is assumed that a patient can progress through three intermediate states until reaching an absorbing state of recovery or death. Demographic characteristics, epidemiological factors such as the time of infection and previous vaccinations, clinical history, complications during the course of the disease and drug therapy for hospitalised patients are considered as candidate predictors. Regarding risk factors associated with mortality and severity, consistent results with many other studies have been found, such as older age, being male, and chronic diseases. Specifically, the hospitalisation (death) rate for those over 69 is 27.2% (19.8%) versus 5.3% (0.7%) for those under 70, and for males is 14.5%(7%) versus 8.3%(4.6%)for females. Among patients with chronic diseases the highest rates of hospitalisation are 26.1% for diabetes and 26.3% for kidney disease, while the highest death rate is 21.9% for cerebrovascular disease. Moreover, specific predictors for different transitions are given, and estimates of the probability of recovery and death for each patient are provided by the model. Some interesting results obtained are that for patients infected at the end of the period the hazard of transition from hospitalisation to ICU is significatively lower (p< 0.001) and the hazard of transition from hospitalisation to recovery is higher (p< 0.001). For patients previously vaccinated against pneumococcus the hazard of transition to recovery is higher (p< 0.001). Finally, internal validation and calibration of the model are also performed.
Can self-efficacy mediate between knowledge of policy, school support and teacher attitudes towards inclusive education?
Authors: Werner Shirli , Gumpel Tom P. , Koller Judah , Wiesenthal Vered , Weintraub Naomi
Published: September 2021

Background

While research has focused on understanding teachers’ attitudes towards the inclusion of children with special educational needs into general education classrooms, there are lacunae that have yet to be addressed. This study examined the association between perceived self-efficacy and attitudes towards inclusion among elementary school teachers. The study also examined the role of teachers’ self-efficacy as a mediating variable between knowledge of inclusion policy, perception of school support and teachers’ attitudes towards inclusion.

Methods

Teachers (N = 352) working in general or special education schools completed questionnaires assessing attitudes towards inclusion, sense of self-efficacy, knowledge of current policy, and perception of support for inclusive practices.

Results

Higher perceived knowledge of inclusion policy and higher perceived school support of inclusion were both related to higher self-efficacy regarding inclusion, which, in turn, was related to more positive attitudes about inclusion.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that point to being knowledgeable regarding local and national policy is important in order to increase feelings of self-efficacy regarding the implementation of effective educational practice. To enhance inclusion, local and national policy must be clearly communicated to teachers. Furthermore, leadership and a supportive school environment are conducive to successful inclusive education.
Spatial distribution and determinants of undernutrition among reproductive age women of Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Kassie Tesema Ayenew , Liyew Alemneh Mekuriaw , Alem Adugnaw Zeleke , Yeshaw Yigizie , Tesema Getayeneh Antehunegn , Teshale Achamyeleh Birhanu
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Malnutrition is one of the most devastating problems in Ethiopia and is inextricably linked with poverty. Women in the reproductive age group and children are most vulnerable to malnutrition due to low dietary intakes, inequitable distribution of food within the household, improper food storage and preparation, dietary taboos, infectious diseases, and care. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the spatial distribution and determinants of undernutrition among reproductive age of Ethiopia.

Methods

The study was based on the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. The study included a total sampled weight of 15,139 women aged 15–49 years. The ArcGIS version 10.7 and SaTScan version 9.6 statistical software were used for exploring the spatial distribution of undernutrition. A multilevel logistic regression model was fitted to determine the individual and community level factors associated with women undernutrition. Finally, the factors which were significant at 95% confidence interval were reported.

Result

The spatial analysis revealed that women undernutrition was significantly varied across the country. The SaTScan analysis identified a total of 144 significant hotspot areas of maternal undernutrition with three significant spatial windows. Of these, 134 clusters were primary. The primary spatial window was identified in the southeast Tigray, northwest Afar, central and north Amhara regions (LLR = 57.48, P<0.01, RR = 1.51). Age at first marriage (AOR = 1.57: CI 1.33, 1.99), middle wealth index (AOR = 3.15: CI 1.4, 6.97), rural residence (AOR = 2.82: CI 1.22, 6.52), being in Afar region, Tigray region and Harari region (AOR = 4.88: CI 1.71, 13.91), (AOR = 4.17: CI 1.57, 11.06) and (AOR = 3.01: CI 1.05, 8.68) respectively were significantly associated with women undernutrition.

Conclusion

In Ethiopia, undernutrition had significant spatial variations across the country. Residence, age at first marriage, wealth index and region were significantly associated with undernutrition. Therefore, public health interventions that reduce reproductive age women undernutrition and enhance women awareness towards undernutrition in hotspot areas of undernutrition is crucial.
Xylanase impact beyond performance: A microbiome approach in laying hens
Authors: Van Hoeck Veerle , Somers Ingrid , Abdelqader Anas , Wealleans Alexandra L. , Van de Craen Sandy , Morisset Dany
Published: September 2021

Anti-nutritional compounds such as non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) are present in viscous cereals used in feed for poultry. Therefore, exogenous carbohydrases are commonly added to monogastric feed to degrade these NSP. Our hypothesis is that xylanase not only improves laying hen performance and digestibility, but also induces a significant shift in microbial composition within the intestinal tract and thereby might exert a prebiotic effect. In this context, a better understanding on whether and how the chicken gut microbial population can be modulated by xylanase is required. To do so, the effects of dietary supplementation of xylanase on performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and cecal microbiome in laying hens were evaluated in the present study. A total of 96 HiSex laying hens were used in this experiment (3 diets and 16 replicates of 2 hens). Xylanase was added to the diets at concentrations of 0, 45,000 (15 g/t XygestTMHT) and 90,000 U/kg (30 g/t Xygest HT). The diets were based on wheat (~55%), soybean and sunflower meal. The lowest dosage, 45,000 U/kg, significantly increased average egg weight and improved feed efficiency compared to the control treatment (P<0.05). Egg quality parameters were significantly improved in the experiment in response to the xylanase addition. For example, during the last 28 days of the trial, birds receiving the 45,000 U/kg and the 90,000 U/kg treatments exhibited an increase in Haugh units and albumin heights (P<0.05). Compared with the control, the ATTD of organic matter and crude protein were drastically improved in the 45,000 U/kg treatment group (P<0.05). Furthermore, gross energy and the ATTD of crude fat were improved significantly for birds fed 90,000 U/kg group compared to the control. Importantly, 16S rRNA gene analysis revealed that xylanase at 45,000 U/kg dosage can exert a change in the cecal microbiome. A significant increase in beneficial bacteria (Bacilliclass;EnterococcaceaeandLactobacillalesorders;Merdibacter,EnterococcusandNocardiopsisgenera;Enterococcus casseliflavusspecies) was documented when adding 45,000 U/kg xylanase to the diet of laying hens. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of xylanase 45,000 U/kg significantly improved laying hen performance and digestibility. Furthermore, microbiome data suggest that xylanase modulates the laying hen bacterial population beneficially, thus potentially exerting a prebiotic effect.
Automated monitoring of respiratory rate as a novel humane endpoint: A refinement in mouse metastatic lung cancer models
Authors: Winn Caroline B. , Hwang Seo-Kyoung , Morin Jeffrey , Bluette Crystal T. , Manickam Balasubramanian , Jiang Ziyue K. , Giddabasappa Anand , Liu Chang-Ning , Matthews Kristin
Published: September 2021

In oncology research, while xenograft tumor models are easily visualized and humane endpoints can be clearly defined, metastatic tumor models are often based on more subjective clinical observations as endpoints. This study aimed at identifying objective non-invasive criteria for predicting imminent distress and mortality in metastatic lung tumor-bearing mice. BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were inoculated with CT26 or B16F10 cells, respectively. The mice were housed in Vium smart cages to continuously monitor and stream respiratory rate and locomotion for up to 28 days until scheduled euthanasia or humane endpoint criteria were met. Body weight and body temperature were measured during the study. On days 11, 14, 17 and 28, lungs of subsets of animals were microCT imaged in vivo to assess lung metastasis progression and then euthanized for lung microscopic evaluations. Beginning at day 21, most tumor-bearing animals developed increased respiratory rates followed by decreased locomotion 1–2 days later, compared with the baseline values. Increases in respiratory rate did not correlate to surface tumor nodule counts or lung weight. Body weight measurement did not show significant changes from days 14–28 in either tumor-bearing or control animals. We propose that increases in respiratory rate (1.3–1.5 X) can be used to provide an objective benchmark to signal the need for increased clinical observations or euthanasia. Adoption of this novel humane endpoint criterion would allow investigators time to collect tissue samples prior to spontaneous morbidity or death and significantly reduce the distress of mice in the terminal stages of these metastatic lung tumor models.
The assessment of yield and quality traits of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) genotypes in middle Black Sea region, Turkey
Authors: Karan Yasin Bedrettin , Şanli Özlem Gültekin
Published: September 2021

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatasL.) cultivation in Turkey is concentrated in one province situated in Mediterranean region only, which would not fulfill the domestic needs of the country soon. Therefore, cultivation of the crop in other provinces/climatic regions should be initiated to fulfill the domestic needs. The cultivation in other provinces requires thorough assessment of yield and quality traits of target crop. Therefore, yield and quality characteristics of four sweet potato genotypes (i.e., ‘Hatay Kırmızısı’, ‘Hatay Yerlisi’, ‘Havuc’ and ‘Kalem’) were assessed in the current study in Kazova and Niksar counties of Tokat province of the country having middle Black Sea climate in field experiments during 2018 and 2019. The cuttings of the genotypes were planted in Niksar during the second fortnight of April and first week of May in Kazova. The planting density was kept 90 × 45 cm. Data relating to number of storage roots, storage root weight, storage root yield per hill and storage root yield per hectare were recorded. Furthermore, quality traits, including dry matter ratio (%), protein ratio (%) and antioxidant ratio (%) of storage roots were also determined. The highest total storage root yield was recorded for ‘Havuc’ genotype during both years and locations, followed by ‘Hatay Yerlisi’ and ‘Hatay Kırmızısı’ genotypes. Overall, storage root yield (60.06 and 62.40 tons ha-1during first and second year) recorded for the experiment at Niksar was higher than the storage root yield recorded for Kazova experiment (53.50 and 52.84 tons ha-1during first and second year, respectively). The highest dry matter was produced by ‘Kalem’ and ‘Hatay Yerlisi’ genotypes during both years and at both locations, followed by ‘Hatay Kırmızısı’ and ‘Havuc’ genotypes. The storage roots of the tested genotypes accumulated higher dry matter at Kazova during both years. The highest protein content was obtained from the ‘Kalem’ genotype, and the protein contents of the ‘Hatay Yerlisi’ and ‘Hatay Kırmızısı’ genotypes were close to the ‘Kalem’ genotype. The results indicated that tested genotypes can successfully be cultivated in middle Black Sea climate. Therefore, production of sweet potato can be initiated in the future to meet the domestic needs for sweet potato in the country.
HIV-1 requires capsid remodelling at the nuclear pore for nuclear entry and integration
Authors: Guedán Anabel , Donaldson Callum D. , Caroe Eve R. , Cosnefroy Ophélie , Taylor Ian A. , Bishop Kate N.
Published: September 2021

The capsid (CA) lattice of the HIV-1 core plays a key role during infection. From the moment the core is released into the cytoplasm, it interacts with a range of cellular factors that, ultimately, direct the pre-integration complex to the integration site. For integration to occur, the CA lattice must disassemble. Early uncoating or a failure to do so has detrimental effects on virus infectivity, indicating that an optimal stability of the viral core is crucial for infection. Here, we introduced cysteine residues into HIV-1 CA in order to induce disulphide bond formation and engineer hyper-stable mutants that are slower or unable to uncoat, and then followed their replication. From a panel of mutants, we identified three with increased capsid stability in cells and found that, whilst the M68C/E212C mutant had a 5-fold reduction in reverse transcription, two mutants, A14C/E45C and E180C, were able to reverse transcribe to approximately WT levels in cycling cells. Moreover, these mutants only had a 5-fold reduction in 2-LTR circle production, suggesting that not only could reverse transcription complete in hyper-stable cores, but that the nascent viral cDNA could enter the nuclear compartment. Furthermore, we observed A14C/E45C mutant capsid in nuclear and chromatin-associated fractions implying that the hyper-stable cores themselves entered the nucleus. Immunofluorescence studies revealed that although the A14C/E45C mutant capsid reached the nuclear pore with the same kinetics as wild type capsid, it was then retained at the pore in association with Nup153. Crucially, infection with the hyper-stable mutants did not promote CPSF6 re-localisation to nuclear speckles, despite the mutant capsids being competent for CPSF6 binding. These observations suggest that hyper-stable cores are not able to uncoat, or remodel, enough to pass through or dissociate from the nuclear pore and integrate successfully. This, is turn, highlights the importance of capsid lattice flexibility for nuclear entry. In conclusion, we hypothesise that during a productive infection, a capsid remodelling step takes place at the nuclear pore that releases the core complex from Nup153, and relays it to CPSF6, which then localises it to chromatin ready for integration.
The establishment of variant surface glycoprotein monoallelic expression revealed by single-cell RNA-seq of Trypanosoma brucei in the tsetse fly salivary glands
Authors: Hutchinson Sebastian , Foulon Sophie , Crouzols Aline , Menafra Roberta , Rotureau Brice , Griffiths Andrew D. , Bastin Philippe
Published: September 2021

The long and complex Trypanosoma brucei development in the tsetse fly vector culminates when parasites gain mammalian infectivity in the salivary glands. A key step in this process is the establishment of monoallelic variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) expression and the formation of the VSG coat. The establishment of VSG monoallelic expression is complex and poorly understood, due to the multiple parasite stages present in the salivary glands. Therefore, we sought to further our understanding of this phenomenon by performing single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) on these trypanosome populations. We were able to capture the developmental program of trypanosomes in the salivary glands, identifying populations of epimastigote, gamete, pre-metacyclic and metacyclic cells. Our results show that parasite metabolism is dramatically remodeled during development in the salivary glands, with a shift in transcript abundance from tricarboxylic acid metabolism to glycolytic metabolism. Analysis of VSG gene expression in pre-metacyclic and metacyclic cells revealed a dynamic VSG gene activation program. Strikingly, we found that pre-metacyclic cells contain transcripts from multiple VSG genes, which resolves to singular VSG gene expression in mature metacyclic cells. Single molecule RNA fluorescence in situ hybridisation (smRNA-FISH) of VSG gene expression following in vitro metacyclogenesis confirmed this finding. Our data demonstrate that multiple VSG genes are transcribed before a single gene is chosen. We propose a transcriptional race model governs the initiation of monoallelic expression.
Androgen receptor transactivates KSHV noncoding RNA PAN to promote lytic replication–mediated oncogenesis: A mechanism of sex disparity in KS
Authors: Ding Mingzhu , Wu Jinfeng , Sun Rui , Yan Lijun , Bai Lei , Shi Jiajian , Feng Hua , Zhang Yuqi , Lan Ke , Wang Xing
Published: September 2021

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) preferentially infects and causes Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) in male patients. However, the biological mechanisms are largely unknown. This study was novel in confirming the extensive nuclear distribution of the androgen receptor (AR) and its co-localization with viral oncoprotein of latency-associated nuclear antigen in KS lesions, indicating a transcription way of AR in KS pathogenesis. The endogenous AR was also remarkably higher in KSHV-positive B cells than in KSHV-negative cells and responded to the ligand treatment of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the agonist of AR. Then, the anti-AR antibody-based chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-associated sequencing was used to identify the target viral genes of AR, revealing that the AR bound to multiple regions of lytic genes in the KSHV genome. The highest peak was enriched in the core promoter sequence of polyadenylated nuclear RNA (PAN), and the physical interaction was verified by ChIP–polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Consistently, male steroid treatment significantly transactivated the promoter activity of PAN in luciferase reporter assay, consequently leading to extensive lytic gene expression and KSHV production as determined by real-time quantitative PCR, and the deletion of nuclear localization signals of AR resulted in the loss of nuclear transport and transcriptional activity in the presence of androgen and thus impaired the expression of PAN RNA. Oncogenically, this study identified that the AR was a functional prerequisite for cell invasion, especially under the context of KSHV reactivation, through hijacking the PAN as a critical effector. Taken together, a novel mechanism from male sex steroids to viral noncoding RNA was identified, which might provide a clue to understanding the male propensity in KS.
‘Feeling Brazilian’: The search for authenticity in drum kit playing
Authors: Gohn Daniel Marcondes
Published: September 2021

The influence of Brazilian rhythms is pervasive in modern drum kit practices. Information about them can be accessed through drumming books or online searches, with ostinatos for the feet and sticking combinations for the hands, which usually are adaptations from patterns traditionally played with hand percussion instruments. Those patterns instruct drummers on what to play; however, the discussion on how to play them to sound authentic is scarce. This article explores this topic and suggests that timing nuances and performance gestures are fundamental for its comprehension. In that sense, an exclusively analytical approach to the rhythmic nuances, in which grooves are described in terms of milliseconds, is not considered sufficient. In order to fully grasp the ‘Brazilian feel’, it is suggested that a broader spectrum of elements of expression should be observed, as dancing, religion, spoken language and other aspects of everyday life might have effects on musical outcomes.
The University Rock Ensemble: Popular music learning and drumming in higher education
Authors: Nutt Haley J.
Published: September 2021

This article provides a descriptive study of the FSU Rock Ensemble to demonstrate the value of providing inclusive popular music-based ensemble learning and opportunities in higher education. Beginning with an autoethnographic study of my experiences as a drummer in – and eventually director of – the non-auditioned ensemble, followed by a consideration of the attitudes articulated by several other drummers who recently participated in the ensemble, I analyse how musicians learn a traditionally non-academic music in an academic space. I conclude with a critical assessment of challenges that the group faced, with the hope that such considerations are useful for universities interested in establishing similar ensembles. Overall, the inclusive nature of the Rock Ensemble facilitated interactions that I argue are advantageous within the current climate of North American higher education, allowing students, drummers and non-drummers alike, unprecedented opportunities to perform music they love, forge new relationships and engage with the local community.
Médiaműveltség az iskolában
Authors: Lannert Judit , Hartai László
Published: September 2021

A tanulmány egy, a Magyarország Digitális Gyermekvédelmi Stratégiája keretében a Digitális Jólét Nonprofit Kft megbízásából végzett nagymintás kutatás adatai alapján azt vizsgálja, hogy a mai magyar iskolákban a pedagógusok mit értenek médiaműveltség alatt, hogyan értelmezik a 21. századi tanári szerepet és milyen kockázatokat látnak az újmédia használatában. A nagymintás online kérdőíves kutatás egy országosan (iskolatípusra, méretre és településtípusra) reprezentatív minta alapján zajlott 2018. november 6. és december 31. között. Összesen 1020 teljes kitöltés volt, ebből 178 intézményvezető vagy helyettes, 842 beosztott pedagógus, ebből 46 médiatanár. A kvantitatív felmérés mellett fókuszcsoportos beszélgetések is történtek médiatanárok és egyetemi oktatók körében. A tanulmány rámutat arra, hogy a médiaműveltséget leginkább kritikai-szelekciós képességnek tekintik, és jól kitapinthatóak a pedagógusok körében azok az aggodalmak, amelyek a médiahasználat mértéktelenségéből táplálkoznak. Minél hátrányosabb helyzetű tanulókat tanít egy pedagógus, annál kevésbé van felvértezve korszerű pedagógiai szemlélettel és technikai tudással. A pedagógusok fele elavult tanulási környezetben tanít, frontális technikával. Közülük sokaknak a 21. századi világba való lépést a digitális tábla pusztán illusztrációra való használata jelenti. Az internethasználat kockázatai közül legkevésbé azzal tud az iskola valamit kezdeni, ami a tanuló pszichéjét érinti. Az iskola hárítja magától az emocionális elemeket, pedig a személyiségfejlesztés, közösségi élményszerzésnek egyik legjobb terepe éppen a médiaoktatás lehet. Az egymásnak ellentmondó válaszok alapján kirajzolódik egy meglehetősen bizonytalan, kevéssé reflektív és az újmédia eszközeihez ambivalensen viszonyuló pedagógustársadalom. Ebben a körben a médiatanárok kis létszámú csoportja kiemelkedni látszik. Szemléletük és gyakorlatuk jó kiindulópont lehet a 21. századi pedagógiai szemléletváltáshoz.
A múlt öröksége: hátrányos helyzet és idegennyelv-oktatás
Authors: Szabó Fruzsina , Kovács Karolina , Polonyi Tünde
Published: September 2021

Kutatásunkban az idegen nyelvi tudás kérdéskörét vizsgáltuk egy speciális szegmensre, a szociális csoportra fókuszálva. A kutatás neveléstudományra vonatkozó relevanciája jelentős, hiszen az idegennyelv ismerete igen nagy szerepet kap napjainkban. A globalizáció, a munkaerőpiacon és az oktatásban is megfigyelhető nemzetközi mobilitás miatt nehéz elképzelni a hétköznapi életet legalább egy idegennyelv ismerete nélkül. Oktatáspolitikai döntések is előre mozdítják az idegennyelv tanulását: Magyarországon a sikeres diplomaszerzés feltétele a legalább B2 szintű középfokú nyelvvizsga megléte. Azonban sem a NAT, sem a kerettantervek nem térnek ki a hátrányos helyzetű nyelvtanulók sajátos helyzetére, és ugyanazt a célkitűzést fogalmazza meg szociális háttértől függetlenül a hátrányos helyzetű régiók nyelvtanulói számára is. A magyar nyelvű szakirodalom áttekintése közben azonban egy jelentős hiátus tűnik ki: a hátrányos helyzetű tanulók nyelvtanulását és az esélyegyenlőséget feltáró tanulmányok száma elenyésző. Kutatásunk első részében megvizsgáljuk az utóbbi évtizedek legfontosabb oktatáspolitikai, valamint magánkezdeményezésből indított projekteket és pályázatokat, melyek a hátrányos helyzetűek idegennyelv-oktatását támogatták/támogatják. Második részében ismertetjük kvalitatív kutatásunk eredményeit, melyeknek fókuszában Kelet-Magyarország áll, azon belül is Hajdú-Bihar megye számos jellemzően hátrányos helyzetű kistérsége és intézménye (Nintézmény=9, Npedagógus=9. Kutatásunkban arra kerestük a választ, milyen mélyen húzódó problémák és összefüggések magyarázhatják a hátrányos helyzetű régió iskoláiban folyó nyelvoktatás komplex rendszerét. Az eredmények alapján a csökkenő gyereklétszám, az alacsony tanári fluktuáció, a csoportbontás problematikája, az idegennyelv-választás, a digitális eszközhasználat, a nyelvpedagógiai módszertan, valamint az értékelés sokszínűsége emelendő ki. Az eredmények gyakorlati szempontból különösen a hátrányos helyzetű tanulók nyelvoktatásának fejlesztése tekintetében relevánsak, s a javaslatok figyelembevételével a nyelvpedagógiai és tanulmányi eredményesség fejleszthetővé válik.
Preparation and Characterization of Composite from Poly(vinyl chloride) Hydrochar and
Hydrolyzate of Keratin from Chicken Feather by Hydrothermal Carbonization
Authors: Kuncaka A. , Rambe Munawir Ramadhan , Islam Hisyam Pratama , Suherman  , Suratman A. , Muslem
Published: September 2021

Poly(vinyl chloride) and chicken feather wastes considered as the dangerous wastes. This study aimed
to characterize the prepared composite from poly(vinyl chloride) hydrochar and keratin hydrolyzate
from chicken feather to get possibility the usage of this composite as soil amendment. The poly(vinyl
chloride) hydrochar-keratin hydrolyzate composites (HKHC) had been produced with the hydrothermal
carbonization process. The composites were made from different composition of poly(vinyl
chloride):chicken feather (5:95% (HKHC5), 10:90% (HKHC10) and 15:85% (HKHC15)). The
hydrothermal carbonization process would break and fracture the CHCl bond of poly(vinyl chloride).
Moreover, this process would also hydrolyze keratin from chicken feather into small protein. The
composite structure was formed from aromatic carbon and amino acids aggregate along with other
organic substances. The solid composites and liquid residues formed in this process. The composites
were characterized by FTIR, XRD and TEM and the composite of char-Fe3O4 was characterized by
SEM. Meanwhile, the liquid residues were analyzed for its organochlorine by GC-MS and amino acid
contents by HPLC. The results showed that all products have similar properties but the composite with
ratio 5:95% (HKHC5) had the highest aromatic structure, paramagnetic (Fe3O4) crystallinity and amino
acid contents.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Investigation and Catalytic Behaviour of
Histidine Substituted Nickel(II) Phthalocyanine
Authors: Venugopala Reddy K.R. , Sharanakumar T.M. , Mounesh  , Praveenkumar N.Y. , Suresh  , Nandinibaby N.H.M
Published: September 2021

In this work, the oxidation behaviour of phenol and chlorophenol contaminants present in the water
catalyzed by histidine substituted nickel(II) phthalocyanine (NiPc) is reported. This work comprises
synthesis, characterization and study the catalytic behaviour of histidine substituted NiPc on the
oxidation of phenol and their substrates like 2- and 4-chlorophenols with 4-aminoantipyrine utilizing
molecular oxygen. The products from the oxidation can be analyzed by UV-Vis spectroscopy and the
results confirmed the formation of superoxide anion radical were crucial for the formation of product
and a feasible mechanism including a successive transfer of single electron from phenolic compounds
to O2 through the axis of histidine Ni(II)Pc was reported.