bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of 4-thiouridine labeling on pre-mRNA splicing outcomes
Authors: Altieri Jessie A. C. , Hertel Klemens J.
Published: December 2021

Metabolic labeling is a widely used tool to investigate different aspects of pre-mRNA splicing and RNA turnover. The labeling technology takes advantage of native cellular machineries where a nucleotide analog is readily taken up and incorporated into nascent RNA. One such analog is 4-thiouridine (4sU). Previous studies demonstrated that the uptake of 4sU at elevated concentrations (>50μM) and extended exposure led to inhibition of rRNA synthesis and processing, presumably induced by changes in RNA secondary structure. Thus, it is possible that 4sU incorporation may also interfere with splicing efficiency. To test this hypothesis, we carried out splicing analyses of pre-mRNA substrates with varying levels of 4sU incorporation (0–100%). We demonstrate that increased incorporation of 4sU into pre-mRNAs decreased splicing efficiency. The overall impact of 4sU labeling on pre-mRNA splicing efficiency negatively correlates with the strength of splice site signals such as the 3’ and the 5’ splice sites. Introns with weaker splice sites are more affected by the presence of 4sU. We also show that transcription by T7 polymerase and pre-mRNA degradation kinetics were impacted at the highest levels of 4sU incorporation. Increased incorporation of 4sU caused elevated levels of abortive transcripts, and fully labeled pre-mRNA is more stable than its uridine-only counterpart. Cell culture experiments show that a small number of alternative splicing events were modestly, but statistically significantly influenced by metabolic labeling with 4sU at concentrations considered to be tolerable (40 μM). We conclude that at high 4sU incorporation rates small, but noticeable changes in pre-mRNA splicing can be detected when splice sites deviate from consensus. Given these potential 4sU artifacts, we suggest that appropriate controls for metabolic labeling experiments need to be included in future labeling experiments.
Personalised reprogramming to prevent progressive pacemaker-related left ventricular dysfunction: A phase II randomised, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Paton Maria F. , Gierula John , Lowry Judith E. , Cairns David A. , Bose Rosling Kieran , Cole Charlotte A. , McGinlay Melanie , Straw Sam , Byrom Rowena , Cubbon Richard M. , Kearney Mark T. , Witte Klaus K.
Published: December 2021

Background

Pacemakers are widely utilised to treat bradycardia, but right ventricular (RV) pacing is associated with heightened risk of left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction and heart failure. We aimed to compare personalised pacemaker reprogramming to avoid RV pacing with usual care on echocardiographic and patient-orientated outcomes.

Methods

A prospective phase II randomised, double-blind, parallel-group trial in 100 patients with a pacemaker implanted for indications other than third degree heart block for ≥2 years. Personalised pacemaker reprogramming was guided by a published protocol. Primary outcome was change in LV ejection fraction on echocardiography after 6 months. Secondary outcomes included LV remodeling, quality of life, and battery longevity.

Results

Clinical and pacemaker variables were similar between groups. The mean age (SD) of participants was 76 (+/-9) years and 71% were male. Nine patients withdrew due to concurrent illness, leaving 91 patients in the intention-to-treat analysis. At 6 months, personalised programming compared to usual care, reduced RV pacing (-6.5±1.8%versus-0.21±1.7%; p<0.01), improved LV function (LV ejection fraction +3.09% [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.48 to 5.70%; p = 0.02]) and LV dimensions (LV end systolic volume indexed to body surface area -2.99mL/m2[95% CI -5.69 to -0.29; p = 0.03]). Intervention also preserved battery longevity by approximately 5 months (+0.38 years [95% CI 0.14 to 0.62; p<0.01)) with no evidence of an effect on quality of life (+0.19, [95% CI -0.25 to 0.62; p = 0.402]).

Conclusions

Personalised programming in patients with pacemakers for bradycardia can improve LV function and size, extend battery longevity, and is safe and acceptable to patients.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier:NCT03627585.
Evidence for thermosensitivity of the cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) immature fiber (im) mutant via hypersensitive stomatal activity
Authors: Kim Hee Jin , Kato Naohiro , Ndathe Ruth , Thyssen Gregory N. , Jones Don C. , Ratnayaka Harish H.
Published: December 2021

Thickness of cotton fiber, referred to as fiber maturity, is a key determinant of fiber quality, lint yield, and textile performance. The cotton immature fiber (im) mutant has been used to study fiber maturity since its fiber is thinner than the wild type near isogeneic line (NIL), Texas Marker-1 (TM-1). The im phenotype is caused by a single recessive mutation of a pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) gene that reduces the activity of mitochondrial complex I and up-regulates stress responsive genes. However, the mechanisms altering the stress responses in im mutant are not well understood. Thus, we characterized growth and gas exchange in im and TM-1 under no stress and also investigated their stress responses by comparing gas exchange and transcriptomic profiles under high temperature. Phenotypic differences were detected between the NILs in non-fiber tissues although less pronounced than the variation in fibers. At near optimum temperature (28±3°C), im maintained the same photosynthetic performance as TM-1 by means of greater stomatal conductance. In contrast, under high temperature stress (>34°C), im leaves reduced photosynthesis by decreasing the stomatal conductance disproportionately more than TM-1. Transcriptomic analyses showed that the genes involved in heat stress responses were differentially expressed between the NIL leaves. These results indicate that the im mutant previously reported to have low activity of mitochondrial complex I displays increased thermosensitivity by impacting stomatal conductance. They also support a notion that mitochondrial complex I activity is required for maintenance of optimal photosynthetic performance and acclimation of plants to high temperature stress. These findings may be useful in the future efforts to understand how physiological mechanisms play a role in determining cotton fiber maturity and may influence stress responses in other crops.
A common variant of CNTNAP2 is associated with sub-threshold autistic traits and intellectual disability
Authors: Shiota Yuka , Hirosawa Tetsu , Yoshimura Yuko , Tanaka Sanae , Hasegawa Chiaki , Iwasaki Sumie , An Kyung-min , Soma Daiki , Sano Masuhiko , Yokoyama Shigeru , Kikuchi Mitsuru
Published: December 2021

Sub-threshold autistic traits are common in the general population. Children with sub-threshold autistic traits have difficulties with social adaptation. Contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) is associated with the development of Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the single-nucleotide polymorphism rs2710102 (G/A) of CNTNAP2 is suggested to contribute to sub-threshold social impairments and intellectual disabilities. We recruited 67 children with Autistic disorder (AD) (49 boys, 18 girls, aged 38–98 months) and 57 typically developing (TD) children (34 boys, 23 girls, aged 53–90 months). We assessed the participants’ intelligence and social reciprocity using the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children (K-ABC) and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), respectively. Genomic DNA was extracted from the buccal mucosa and genotyped for rs2710102. A chi-square test revealed a significant association between genotype and group [χ2(2) = 6.56, p = 0.038]. When a co-dominant model was assumed, the results from linear regression models demonstrated that TD children with A-carriers (AA + AG) presented higher SRS T-scores [t(55) = 2.11, p = 0.039] and lower simultaneous processing scale scores of K-ABC [t(55) = -2.19, p = 0.032] than those with GG homozygotes. These associations were not significant in children with ASD. TD children with the rs2710102 A-allele may have more sub-threshold autistic traits than those with GG homozygotes, reflected in higher SRS scores and lower simultaneous processing scale scores. These results support the use of genetic evidence to detect sub-threshold autistic traits.
Behavior and Fos activation reveal that male and female rats differentially assess affective valence during CTA learning and expression
Authors: Bernanke Alyssa , Burnette Elizabeth , Murphy Justine , Hernandez Nathaniel , Zimmerman Sara , Walker Q. David , Wander Rylee , Sette Samantha , Reavis Zackery , Francis Reynold , Armstrong Christopher , Risher Mary-Louise , Kuhn Cynthia
Published: December 2021

Females are more affected by psychiatric illnesses including eating disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder than males. However, the neural mechanisms mediating these sex differences are poorly understood. Animal models can be useful in exploring such neural mechanisms. Conditioned taste aversion (CTA) is a behavioral task that assesses how animals process the competition between associated reinforcing and aversive stimuli in subsequent task performance, a process critical to healthy behavior in many domains. The purpose of the present study was to identify sex differences in this behavior and associated neural responses. We hypothesized that females would value the rewarding stimulus (Boost®) relative to the aversive stimulus (LiCl) more than males in performing CTA. We evaluated behavior (Boost® intake, LiCl-induced behaviors, ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), CTA performance) and Fos activation in relevant brain regions after the acute stimuli [acute Boost® (AB), acute LiCl (AL)] and the context-only task control (COT), Boost® only task (BOT) and Boost®-LiCl task (BLT). Acutely, females drank more Boost® than males but showed similar aversive behaviors after LiCl. Females and males performed CTA similarly. Both sexes produced 55 kHz USVs anticipating BOT and inhibited these calls in the BLT. However, more females emitted both 22 kHz and 55 kHz USVs in the BLT than males: the latter correlated with less CTA. Estrous cycle stage also influenced 55 kHz USVs. Fos responses were similar in males and females after AB or AL. Females engaged the gustatory cortex and ventral tegmental area (VTA) more than males during the BOT and males engaged the amygdala more than females in both the BOT and BLT. Network analysis of correlated Fos responses across brain regions identified two unique networks characterizing the BOT and BLT, in both of which the VTA played a central role. In situ hybridization with RNAscope identified a population of D1-receptor expressing cells in the CeA that responded to Boost® and D2 receptor-expressing cells that responded to LiCl. The present study suggests that males and females differentially process the affective valence of a stimulus to produce the same goal-directed behavior.
Origin and evolution of HIV-1 subtype A6
Authors: Abidi Syed Hani , Aibekova Lazzat , Davlidova Salima , Amangeldiyeva Aidana , Foley Brian , Ali Syed
Published: December 2021

Background

HIV outbreaks in the Former Soviet Union (FSU) countries were characterized by repeated transmission of the HIV variant AFSU, which is now classified as a distinct subtype A sub-subtype called A6. The current study used phylogenetic/phylodynamic and signature mutation analyses to determine likely evolutionary relationship between subtype A6 and other subtype A sub-subtypes.

Methods

For this study, an initial Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analysis was performed using a total of 553 full-length, publicly available, reverse transcriptase sequences, from A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, and A6 sub-subtypes of subtype A. For phylogenetic clustering and signature mutation analysis, a total of 5961 and 3959 pol and env sequences, respectively, were used.

Results

Phylogenetic and signature mutation analysis showed that HIV-1 sub-subtype A6 likely originated from sub-subtype A1 of African origin. A6 and A1 pol and env genes shared several signature mutations that indicate genetic similarity between the two subtypes. For A6, tMRCA dated to 1975, 15 years later than that of A1.

Conclusion

The current study provides insights into the evolution and diversification of A6 in the backdrop of FSU countries and indicates that A6 in FSU countries evolved from A1 of African origin and is getting bridged outside the FSU region.
Bacillus tequilensis strain ‘UPMRB9’ improves biochemical attributes and nutrient accumulation in different rice varieties under salinity stress
Authors: Shultana Rakiba , Kee Zuan Ali Tan , Yusop Mohd Rafii , Saud Halimi Mohd , El-Shehawi Ahmed M.
Published: December 2021

Soil salinity exert negative impacts on agricultural production and regarded as a crucial issue in global wetland rice production (Oryza sativa L.). Indigenous salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (Bacillus sp.) could be used for improving rice productivity under salinity stress. This study screened potential salt-tolerant plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) collected from coastal salt-affected rice cultivation areas under laboratory and glasshouse conditions. Furthermore, the impacts of these PGPRs were tested on biochemical attributes and nutrient contents in various rice varieties under salt stress. The two most promising PGPR strains, i.e., ‘UPMRB9’ (Bacillus tequilensis 10b) and ‘UPMRE6’ (Bacillus aryabhattai B8W22) were selected for glasshouse trial. Results indicated that ‘UPMRB9’ improved osmoprotectant properties, i.e., proline and total soluble sugar (TSS), antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT). Moreover, ‘UPMRB9’ inoculated rice plants accumulated higher amount of nitrogen and calcium in tissues. Therefore, the indigenous salt-tolerant PGPR strain ‘UPMRB9’ could be used as a potential bio-augmentor for improving biochemical attributes and nutrient uptake in rice plants under salinity stress. This study could serve as a preliminary basis for future large-scale trials under glasshouse and field conditions.
Investigating the role of the carbon storage regulator A (CsrA) in Leptospira spp.
Authors: Phoka Theerapat , Fule Lenka , Da Fonseca Juliana Pipoli , Cokelaer Thomas , Picardeau Mathieu , Patarakul Kanitha
Published: December 2021

Carbon Storage Regulator A (CsrA) is a well-characterized post-transcriptional global regulator that plays a critical role in response to environmental changes in many bacteria. CsrA has been reported to regulate several metabolic pathways, motility, biofilm formation, and virulence-associated genes. The role of csrA in Leptospira spp., which are able to survive in different environmental niches and infect a wide variety of reservoir hosts, has not been characterized. To investigate the role of csrA as a gene regulator in Leptospira, we generated a L. biflexa csrA deletion mutant (ΔcsrA) and csrA overexpressing Leptospira strains. The ΔcsrA L. biflexa displayed poor growth under starvation conditions. RNA sequencing revealed that in rich medium only a few genes, including the gene encoding the flagellar filament protein FlaB3, were differentially expressed in the ΔcsrA mutant. In contrast, 575 transcripts were differentially expressed when csrA was overexpressed in L. biflexa. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) confirmed the RNA-seq data in the ΔcsrA mutant, showing direct binding of recombinant CsrA to flaB3 mRNA. In the pathogen L. interrogans, we were not able to generate a csrA mutant. We therefore decided to overexpress csrA in L. interrogans. In contrast to the overexpressing strain of L. biflexa, the overexpressing L. interrogans strain had poor motility on soft agar. The overexpressing strain of L. interrogans also showed significant upregulation of the flagellin flaB1, flaB2, and flaB4. The interaction of L. interrogans rCsrA and flaB4 was confirmed by EMSA. Our results demonstrated that CsrA may function as a global regulator in Leptospira spp. under certain conditions that cause csrA overexpression. Interestingly, the mechanisms of action and gene targets of CsrA may be different between non-pathogenic and pathogenic Leptospira strains.
In vivo soft tissue compressive properties of the human hand
Authors: Spartacus Victoria , Shojaeizadeh Maedeh , Raffault Vincent , Shoults James , Van Wieren Ken , Sparrey Carolyn J.
Published: December 2021

Background/Purpose

Falls onto outstretched hands are the second most common sports injury and one of the leading causes of upper extremity injury. Injury risk and severity depends on forces being transmitted through the palmar surface to the upper extremity. Although the magnitude and distribution of forces depend on the soft tissue response of the palm, thein vivoproperties of palmar tissue have not been characterized. The purpose of this study was to characterize the large deformation palmar soft tissue properties.

Methods

In vivodynamic indentations were conducted on 15 young adults (21–29 years) to quantify the soft tissue characteristics of over the trapezium. The effects of loading rate, joint position, tissue thickness and sex on soft tissue responses were assessed.

Results

Energy absorbed by the soft tissue and peak force were affected by loading rate and joint angle. Energy absorbed was 1.7–2.8 times higher and the peak force was 2–2.75 times higher at high rate loading than quasistatic rates. Males had greater energy absorbed than females but not at all wrist positions. Damping characteristics were the highest in the group with the thickest soft tissue while damping characteristics were the lowest in group with the thinnest soft tissues.

Conclusion

Palmar tissue response changes with joint position, loading rate, sex, and tissue thickness. Accurately capturing these tissue responses is important for developing effective simulations of fall and injury biomechanics and assessing the effectiveness of injury prevention strategies.
Age of e-cigarette initiation in USA young adults: Findings from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study (2013–2017)
Authors: Pérez Adriana , Bluestein Meagan A. , Kuk Arnold E. , Chen Baojiang
Published: December 2021

Introduction

There is a lack of research prospectively estimating the age of e-cigarette initiation in U.S. young adults.

Methods

Secondary analysis of PATH young adults across 2013–2017 (waves 1–4) were conducted. We prospectively estimated age of initiation of: ever, past 30-day, and fairly regular e-cigarette use using weighted interval-censoring survival analyses. Interval-censoring Cox proportional hazard models adjusting for sex, race/ethnicity, and previous use of six other tobacco products (cigarettes, traditional cigars, filtered cigars, cigarillos, hookah, and smokeless tobacco) were fitted for each of the three e-cigarette initiation outcomes.

Results

Among never e-cigarette users, by age 21, 16.8% reported ever use, 7.2% reported past 30-day use, and 2.3% reported fairly regular e-cigarette use. Males had increased risk of initiating ever, past 30-day, and fairly regular e-cigarette use at earlier ages compared to females. Hispanic young adults had increased risk of initiating ever and past 30-day e-cigarette use at earlier ages compared to Non-Hispanic White young adults. Previous use of other tobacco products before e-cigarette initiation increased the risk of an earlier age of e-cigarette initiation.

Conclusion

Prevention and education campaigns should focus on young adults in order to alleviate the public health burden of initiating e-cigarette use at earlier ages.
Oviposition activity of Haemagogus leucocelaenus (Diptera: Culicidae) during the rainy and dry seasons, in areas with yellow fever virus circulation in the Atlantic Forest, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Authors: Alencar Jeronimo , de Mello Cecilia Ferreira , Leite Paulo José , Bastos Amanda Queiroz , Freitas Silva Shayenne Olsson , Serdeiro Michele , dos Santos Silva Júlia , Müller Gerson Azulim
Published: December 2021

The present study aims to analyze the effectiveness of ovitraps in the capture of Hg leucocelaenus eggs and evaluate the influence of the dry and rainy seasons on their abundance and hatching rates. The eggs were collected in the Atlantic Forest of State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, an area in which the yellow fever virus is known to circulate. We distributed 15 ovitraps in three sampling points, with five ovitraps per point. We distributed 15 ovitraps in three sampling points on trees within a forested area, which were sequentially numbered, monitored, and replaced every two weeks from October 2016 to April 2018. There was a high dominance of Hg. leucocelaenus eggs (98.4%) and a variation in egg hatching rates between the wet and dry seasons. These rates were 1.5 times higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. The rainy season also showed a greater abundance of eggs and higher values of ovitrap positivity and egg density indexes in the installed ovitraps. The abundances of Hg. leucocelaenus eggs were positively correlated with mean monthly temperature and air humidity but not significantly correlated with accumulated precipitation. These results, as well as their implications for the possible use of ovitraps to monitor vector mosquitoes of yellow fever in the study region, are discussed.
Altered resting-state functional connectivity of the frontal-striatal circuit in elderly with apathy
Authors: Hamada Chizuko , Kawagoe Toshikazu , Takamura Masahiro , Nagai Atsushi , Yamaguchi Shuhei , Onoda Keiichi
Published: December 2021

Apathy is defined as reduction of goal-directed behaviors and a common nuisance syndrome of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disease. The underlying mechanism of apathy implicates changes of the front-striatal circuit, but its precise alteration is unclear for apathy in healthy aged people. The aim of our study is to investigate how the frontal-striatal circuit is changed in elderly with apathy using resting-state functional MRI. Eighteen subjects with apathy (7 female, 63.7 ± 3.0 years) and eighteen subjects without apathy (10 female, 64.8 ± 3.0 years) who underwent neuropsychological assessment and MRI measurement were recruited. We compared functional connectivity with/within the striatum between the apathy and non-apathy groups. The seed-to-voxel group analysis for functional connectivity between the striatum and other brain regions showed that the connectivity was decreased between the ventral rostral putamen and the right dorsal anterior cingulate cortex/supplementary motor area in the apathy group compared to the non-apathy group while the connectivity was increased between the dorsal caudate and the left sensorimotor area. Moreover, the ROI-to-ROI analysis within the striatum indicated reduction of functional connectivity between the ventral regions and dorsal regions of the striatum in the apathy group. Our findings suggest that the changes in functional connectivity balance among different frontal-striatum circuits contribute to apathy in elderly.
Toxoplasma gondii exploits the host ESCRT machinery for parasite uptake of host cytosolic proteins
Authors: Rivera-Cuevas Yolanda , Mayoral Joshua , Di Cristina Manlio , Lawrence Anna-Lisa E. , Olafsson Einar B. , Patel Romir K. , Thornhill Dishari , Waldman Benjamin S. , Ono Akira , Sexton Jonathan Z. , Lourido Sebastian , Weiss Louis M. , Carruthers Vern B.
Published: December 2021

Toxoplasma gondii is a master manipulator capable of effectively siphoning the resources from the host cell for its intracellular subsistence. However, the molecular underpinnings of how the parasite gains resources from its host remain largely unknown. Residing within a non-fusogenic parasitophorous vacuole (PV), the parasite must acquire resources across the limiting membrane of its replicative niche, which is decorated with parasite proteins including those secreted from dense granules. We discovered a role for the host Endosomal Sorting Complex Required for Transport (ESCRT) machinery in host cytosolic protein uptake by T. gondii by disrupting host ESCRT function. We identified the transmembrane dense granule protein TgGRA14, which contains motifs homologous to the late domain motifs of HIV-1 Gag, as a candidate for the recruitment of the host ESCRT machinery to the PV membrane. Using an HIV-1 virus-like particle (VLP) release assay, we found that the motif-containing portion of TgGRA14 is sufficient to substitute for HIV-1 Gag late domain to mediate ESCRT-dependent VLP budding. We also show that TgGRA14 is proximal to and interacts with host ESCRT components and other dense granule proteins during infection. Furthermore, analysis of TgGRA14-deficient parasites revealed a marked reduction in ingestion of a host cytosolic protein compared to WT parasites. Thus, we propose a model in which T. gondii recruits the host ESCRT machinery to the PV where it can interact with TgGRA14 for the internalization of host cytosolic proteins across the PV membrane (PVM). These findings provide new insight into how T. gondii accesses contents of the host cytosol by exploiting a key pathway for vesicular budding and membrane scission.
A unique NLRC4 receptor from echinoderms mediates Vibrio phagocytosis via rearrangement of the cytoskeleton and polymerization of F-actin
Authors: Chen Kaiyu , Zhang Siyuan , Shao Yina , Guo Ming , Zhang Weiwei , Li Chenghua
Published: December 2021

Many members of the nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain (NACHT)- and leucine-rich-repeat-containing protein (NLR) family play crucial roles in pathogen recognition and innate immune response regulation. In our previous work, a unique and Vibrio splendidus-inducible NLRC4 receptor comprising Ig and NACHT domains was identified from the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus, and this receptor lacked the CARD and LRR domains that are typical of common cytoplasmic NLRs. To better understand the functional role of AjNLRC4, we confirmed that AjNLRC4 was a bona fide membrane PRR with two transmembrane structures. AjNLRC4 was able to directly bind microbes and polysaccharides via its extracellular Ig domain and agglutinate a variety of microbes in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Knockdown of AjNLRC4 by RNA interference and blockade of AjNLRC4 by antibodies in coelomocytes both could significantly inhibit the phagocytic activity and elimination of V. splendidus. Conversely, overexpression of AjNLRC4 enhanced the phagocytic activity of V. splendidus, and this effect could be specifically blocked by treatment with the actin-mediated endocytosis inhibitor cytochalasin D but not other endocytosis inhibitors. Moreover, AjNLRC4-mediated phagocytic activity was dependent on the interaction between the intracellular domain of AjNLRC4 and the β-actin protein and further regulated the Arp2/3 complex to mediate the rearrangement of the cytoskeleton and the polymerization of F-actin. V. splendidus was found to be colocalized with lysosomes in coelomocytes, and the bacterial quantities were increased after injection of chloroquine, a lysosome inhibitor. Collectively, these results suggested that AjNLRC4 served as a novel membrane PRR in mediating coelomocyte phagocytosis and further clearing intracellular Vibrio through the AjNLRC4-β-actin-Arp2/3 complex-lysosome pathway.
DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND LEVEL OF 25-HYDROXYVITAMIN D IN FREE-LIVING OLDEST OLD
Authors: da Rocha Lima M.T. , Custódio O. , Ferreira do Prado Moreira P. , Quirino Araujo L.M. , de Mello Almada Filho C. , Seabra Cendoroglo M.
Published: December 2021

Background: Nowadays, the relation between hypovitaminosis D and depression has been reported and it is estimated that 1 billion people worldwide have vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. However, the oldest old people are not included or are under-represented in most of the studies. Objective: To examine the association between depressive symptoms and 25-hydroxyvitamin D level (25(OH)Vit D) in elderly aged 80 and over who are physically more active and independent. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting and Participants: Data collected from 182 oldest old people, aged 80 and over in the Geriatric Division from Federal University of São Paulo. Measurements: The functionality was evaluated by the Instrumental activities of their daily living (IADL). The approach of the depressive symptoms was done by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) in its reduced 15 item version. 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)Vit D) analyses was done in serum sample refrigerated and protected from solar exposition. We considered deficiency serum level of 25(OH)Vit D <10ng/mL, insufficiency between 10 and 30ng/mL and sufficiency >30ng/mL. Results: According to blood level of 25(OH)Vit D we found difference between GDS score comparing the groups: “deficiency” (U=144,50; z=-3,126; p=0,002) and “insufficiency” groups (U=975,50; z=-2,793; p=0.005) are different than “sufficiency” group. Conclusion: In free-living independent oldest old people the goal of 25(OH)Vit D levels can be higher to avoid depressive symptoms, levels under 30ng/mL can be inadequate. Considering that the costs are low and side effects are not common, 25(OH)Vit D supplementation can be an important public health action.
SARCOPENIA PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS IN ELDERLY PEOPLE ASSISTED BY PRIMARY HEALTH CARE, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY SARCOPENIA PREVALENCE IN ELDERLY
Authors: Campos Aparecido Martins L. , Fortes Villas Bôas P.J. , Portero McLellan K.C.
Published: December 2021

Background: Sarcopenia is prevalent in the elderly population and has been postulated as the main factor for the decline in strength with age, representing a health deficient state with a personal high cost. Objective: To identify the prevalence of sarcopenia and its association with anthropometric and socioeconomic factors in elderly patients assisted by primary health care. Design and Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted with 136 individuals aged 60 years and older. Socioeconomic and demographic status, and anthropometric profile were assessed for all individuals. For the diagnosis of sarcopenia it was considered muscle wasting associated with loss of muscle strength. Logistic regression model was performed to identify the risk factors for sarcopenia considering a 5% significance level for the corresponding p-value. Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia in the studied population was 37.5%, however being higher among men (66.6%). Of those individuals with sarcopenia, 50% of men and 29% of women were overweight, 35% of men and 64% of women had abnormal waist to hip ratio. Retirement (OR: 2.165; CI: 1.037 to 4.250) and smoking (OR: 9.435; CI: 1.228 to 72.499) represented risk factors for sarcopenia. Conclusion: The study population had a high prevalence of sarcopenia, along with a high prevalence of abdominal obesity, which may be an important causal factor for insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes susceptibility. Sarcopenia was associated with behavioral (smoking) and demographic (retirement) variables.
SENSIBILIDAD DE LA GARRAPATA COMÚN DEL BOVINO Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus A IVERMECTINA ESTIMADA CON EL MODELO SIGMOIDEO DE RESPUESTA MÁXIMA O DE HILL
Authors: Torrents J
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to obtain pharmacodynamics parameters to detect resistance or susceptibility of R. microplus strains to ivermectin (IVM). Two larvae samples; a susceptible strain (S) and field isolation (T) were treated with increasing concentrations of IVM using the larvae immersion technique the efficacy values measured at 24 hours were analysed with the sigmoidal maximum response so called Hill model as statistical analysis. The results obtained showed that the IVM have an all or nothing response represented by the Hill coefficient value >1 in both samples. Additionally, a low concentration effect was observed as E0 de 12.83% (S) and 9.91% (T). The field isolation larvae were susceptible to IVM in comparison with the susceptible strain by the resistance ratio (RR) which in one case was not significantly greater that one (RR50= 0.756 and RR90=1.009).
DETERMINACIÓN DE LA CONCENTRACIÓN EFECTIVA 50, 90 Y 99 DE IVERMECTINA SOBRE UNA CEPA DE GARRAPATA COMÚN DEL BOVINO (Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus) PROVENIENTE DE LA PROVINCIA DE SANTA FE-ARGENTINA
Authors: Torrents J
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to obtain the sensitivity data of the native strains of R. microplus to ivermectin (IVM) in the province of Santa Fe-Argentina, in order to detect the emergence of resistant strains. Native (field isolation) and susceptible (reference) larvae of R. microplus were treated with increasing concentrations of IVM in order to determine its efficacy at different doses. The statistical treatment of the concentration-efficacy curves was performed by the PROBIT model, who is a standardized method proposed by FAO. The results obtained indicated that the larvae isolated were susceptible, being the values of LD50 (9.66 ppm) and LD90 (17.41 ppm), which were lower than those of the reference strain (LD50:13.58 ppm, LD90:19.31 ppm), and the RR (resistance ratio) were less than one (RR50: 0.711; RR90: 0.901). The DL99 (51.48 ppm) was only obtained in the reference strain to determine the discriminant dose (DL99x2), which is a parameter that could be used to easily discriminate susceptible and resistant larvae populations.
Segurança e racionalidade de combinações analgésicas isentas de prescrição
Authors: Leite Leticia Nogueira
Published: December 2021

Segurança e racionalidade de combinações analgésicas isentas de prescrição.
Persona Non Grata
Authors: Armstrong Philip , Potts Annie
Published: December 2021

This essay tells the story of the authors’ relationship with a rescued marsupial raised from a baby in Aotearoa New Zealand, in sections interspersed with an account of this species’ history in our country. This animal belongs to a species designated a noxious pest here, a population subject to an especially sustained, thorough, and popularly-supported campaign of vilification and destruction, even by the standards that apply in New Zealand, where the dominant environmental ideology is very intensely focussed on eradication of introduced species. So in deciding to take responsibility for this creature, the authors committed to keeping her both hidden and captive. This raises some intractable questions: is it in this animal’s best interests to be enclosed, or should she be allowed to take her chances on the roads and amongst the traps and poison? how can her captors offer her the best life? what relationship should they have with her? The essay also describes the intimate relationship the two authors have developed with this animal, through nightly interaction, and touches on some of the phenomenological questions she presents: what might it be like to be an arboreal, nocturnal, marsupial mammal instead of a terrestrial, diurnal, placental one? What might it be like to have four legs (or perhaps five, if we count the extraordinary prehensile tail) that are simultaneously arms, rather than two arms and two legs? In New Zealand the overwhelming hostility to this species makes it nearly impossible to recognize or consider its members as living sentient beings. Our primary aim in this essay, therefore, is to convey as directly as possible the emotional and physical experience of being in relationship with this particular animal, while succinctly situating that experience within a relevant environmental context. We didn’t want to use this animal’s story merely as a pretext for exploring larger histories or topics in human-animal studies. For this reason we have chosen the genre of creative nonfiction, and refrained from engaging with discussions by human-animal studies scholars that would be required in a research article.
[Review] Gordon Meade with Jo-Anne McArthur. Zoospeak. London: Enthusiastic Press, 2020. 126 pp.
Authors: Woodward Wendy
Published: December 2021

Animal Studies Journal 2021 10(2): [Review] Gordon Meade with Jo-Anne McArthur. Zoospeak. London: Enthusiastic Press, 2020. 126 pp.
[Review] Tomaž Grušovnik, Reingard Spannring and Karen Lykke Syse, editors. Environmental and Animal Abuse Denial: Averting Our Gaze. Lexington Books 2021. 242 pp.
Authors: Brooks Pribac Teya
Published: December 2021

Animal Studies Journal 2021 10(2): [Review] Tomaž Grušovnik, Reingard Spannring and Karen Lykke Syse, editors. Environmental and Animal Abuse Denial: Averting Our Gaze. Lexington Books 2021. 242 pp.
[Review] Marcus Byrne and Helen Lunn. Dance of the Dung Beetles: Their Role in Our Changing World. Johannesburg: Wits University Press, 2019. 228 pp.
Authors: Woodward Wendy
Published: December 2021

Animal Studies Journal 2021 10(2): [Review] Marcus Byrne and Helen Lunn. Dance of the Dung Beetles: Their Role in Our Changing World. Johannesburg: Wits University Press, 2019. 228 pp.
Visualising Anthropocene Extinctions: Mapping affect in the works of Naeemah Naeemaei
Authors: Williams Linda
Published: December 2021

While many writers have advocated the importance of narrative as a means of engaging with the problem of extinction, this paper considers what the qualities of visual aesthetics bring to this field. In addressing this question, the discussion turns to the problem of the ethical limits of art raised by Adorno and takes a theoretical turn away from posthumanism to consider how visual responses can redirect attention back to human agency. The focus of visual analysis is on five paintings by the contemporary Iranian artist Naeemeh Naeemaei. Neither exclusively Western nor overtly internationalist in their approach, these artworks refer to the effects of both hunting and the erosion of trans-national habitats as causes of extinction, yet they also show how human affective responses to extinction can extend across geo-political borders to a more global imaginary. As such, Naeemaei’s artworks are regarded as a form of immanent critique of anthropogenic forcing. Her works adapt older traditions in Persian humanism and art to show not only how the human dominion of nonhuman animals has led to extinction, but also how this leads to an almost incalculable sense of human loss. I argue that Naeemaei’s affective imagery of loss is not simply yet another example of how the lifeworld of animals can only be understood from an anthropocentric worldview, but instead points to our inability to yet fully register the immeasurable losses of extinction and what this yet unchartered grief might imply for potential human agency.
Empathy, Animals, and Deadly Vices
Authors: Jenni Kathie
Published: December 2021

In Deadly Vices, Gabriele Taylor provides a secular analysis of vices which in Christian theology were thought to bring death to the soul: sloth, envy, avarice, pride, anger, lust, and gluttony. She argues that these vices are appropriately singled out and grouped together in that ‘they are destructive of the self and prevent its flourishing’. Using a related approach, I offer a secular analysis of gluttony and cowardice, examining their roles in common failures to empathise with animals. I argue that these vices constitute serious moral failings, for they enable continuing complicity in animal abuse and undermine integrity. While Taylor aims to show that ‘deadly vices’ are destructive of the self, I argue that they are ultimately deadly to other animals. I offer practical suggestions for overcoming them by cultivating agentic courage and better empathy with animals.
Learning to Read Equine Agency: Sense and Sensitivity at the Intersection of Scientific, Tacit and Situated Knowledges
Authors: Karkulehto Sanna , Schuurman Nora
Published: December 2021

The aim of this essay is to address the challenges and problems in communicating with horses and interpreting their communication in everyday handling and training situations. We seek ways to learn more about equine communication and agency in the prevention of cruelty against animals and in enhancing animal welfare. We ask how it would be possible to learn to read the subtle signs of equine communication and agency in a sensible, sensitive, and ethical way to increase the health and wellbeing of horses that humans interact with. We have placed this theoretical examination in a multidisciplinary framework that consists of humananimal studies, feminist posthumanities, cultural and literary studies, and equine social science, as well as applied insights from, for example, discussions on power, ethics, and politics. Our emphasis is on the need for situated knowledges, among scientific and tacit knowledges, in order to ‘become with’ a horse in a relationship based on mutual communication and trust. These different types of knowledges are central to an ‘animal politics’ that is organised politically on behalf of animals and motivated by an ethics of care and responsibility, echoing recent requests for a relational ethics in interactions with animals in multispecies societies and more-than-human worlds.
Leksyka mikropola tematycznego MUCHA w języku mieszkańców okolic Pobiedzisk w środkowej Wielkopolsce
Authors: Kobus Justyna
Published: December 2021

Autorka artykułu omawia wąską grupę słownictwa skupionego wokół tematu MUCHA. Przytaczane w tekście poświadczenia terenowe pochodzą z najnowszych eksploracji w okolicach Pobiedzisk, miasta położonego w niedalekiej odległości od Poznania. Autorka podkreśla wartość współpracy ze szkołami w pozyskiwaniu lokalnej leksyki.
Polskie słownictwo gwarowe w kontekście etymologicznym (na przykładzie nazw roślin)
Authors: Waniakowa Jadwiga
Published: December 2021

W artykule przedstawiono problematykę słownictwa gwarowego z etymologicznego punktu widzenia. Zwrócono uwagę na konieczność badania leksyki gwarowej pod względem etymologicznym, wskazując na wieloaspektowe potrzeby w tym zakresie. Wszystkie prezentowane zagadnienia omówiono na przykładzie gwarowych nazw roślin, uwypuklając konieczność znajomości wszelkich cech botanicznych poszczególnych gatunków w celu ustalenia właściwej motywacji semantycznej nazw. Podkreślono, że w sferze etymologii gwarowych nazw roślin ogromnie ważne są nie tylko ich formy, ale też motywacja semantyczna i historia. To po ich zbadaniu (za pomocą metody historyczno-porównawczej) można wywodzić wnioski etymologiczne, gdzie kluczową rolę odgrywa końcowe stwierdzenie, czy dana nazwa gwarowa rośliny jest autentycznie gwarowa, czy jest odziedziczona lub zapożyczona. Stwierdzono ponadto, że metodologia etymologicznych badań gwarowych, oprócz zwykłych zasad stosowanych w dociekaniach etymologicznych, musi także brać pod uwagę wpływrealiów wiejskich, wierzeń, zwyczajów itd., innymi słowy, całokształtu kultury wiejskiej na motywację semantyczną słownictwa gwarowego. Stąd badania etymologiczne nad słownictwem gwarowym wymagają dużo bogatszego niż zazwyczaj warsztatu etymologicznego i dodatkowej wiedzy z zakresu dialektologii, historii kultury wiejskiej oraz etnologii.
Методологія експериментально-фонетичного дослідження діалектного мовлення
Authors: Verbych Nataliia Verbych
Published: December 2021

У статті описано методологію та методи дослідження інтонації діалектного мовлення. Закцентовано на проблемах, що постають перед експлораторами під час запису матеріалу, йдеться зокрема про технічні характеристики звукових файлів, питання підбору інформантів, можливості опрацювання зашумлених текстів. Джерельну базу формують власні записи автора, а також аудіозаписи з Українського діалектного фонофонду Інституту української мови НАН України. Особливу увагу приділено членуванню діалектної оповіді на окремі сегменти. Засвідчено відмінності між реальним звучанням діалектного мовлення і його сприйняттям під час слухового аналізу. Наголошено на необхідності використання спеціальних програм для аналізу звукового мовлення.
Дифтонгические сочетания модели *telt: вновь о восточнославянских отражениях
Authors: Antropov Nikolaj
Published: December 2021

Наименее последовательными среди интерконсонантных праславянских дифтонгических сочетаний плавных с о и е были восточнославянские реализации *telt. Наряду с ожидаемым в соответствии с аналогичным «развертыванием» полногласия в *tert > teret, т. е. развитием полногласных сочетаний telet c l (= ľ), реально существующих, но на общем фоне единичных, возникают регулярные континуанты *telt > tolot (со своеобразной промежуточной стадией *telt > telot, обусловленной качеством начального согласного), в которых плавный в результате регрессивной ассимиляции к последующему твёрдому согласному изменился в ł. Однако в отдельных случаях направление влияния в сочетании *telt было, судя по всему, прогрессивным: мягкий начальный консонант способствовал сохранению е с последующим влиянием на качество l, в результате чего возникающий после l глайд также был переднерядным, нелабиальным и прояснялся в гласный полного образования такого же качества. В статье на достаточно репрезентативном материале доказывается, что развитие полногласия в восточнославянских языках по модели *telt > telet / telot является столь же закономерным, как и постулируемый до сих пор в литературе, особенно учебной, переход *telt > tolot.
Sto lat dialektologii w Poznaniu
Authors: Sierociuk Jerzy
Published: December 2021

W artykule przedstawione są najważniejsze informacje dotyczące historii badań dialektologicznych w Poznaniu. Podano też istotne dane, szkicując kontekst tych działań – działalność naukowa Uniwersytetu Poznańskiego ściśle powiązana jest z Poznańskim Towarzystwem Przyjaciół Nauk. Te dwie instytucje naukowe mają wielkie zasługi w rozwoju studiów polonistycznych, a w tym dialektologii. Przedstawione informacje dotyczą głównie mało znanych osiągnięć zespołu dialektologicznego – między innymi archiwum fonograficznego z rejestracjami wypowiedzi informatorów urodzonych w drugiej połowie XIX wieku (najstarszy rozmówca pochodzi z roku 1855), co z nagraniami współczesnymi daje w sumie zarejestrowanych około 3700 godzin mowy ludowej – całość tego archiwum dostępna jest w wersji cyfrowej. Tekst uzupełnia garść informacji o historii dialektologii poznańskiej, zaś kończy szkic współczesnych działań zespołu Pracowni Dialektologicznej UAM – głównie prac leksykograficznych.
A centennial of dialectology in Poznań
Authors: Sierociuk Jerzy
Published: December 2021

This article presents the most relevant information on the history of dialectological research in Poznań and its context, the academic achievements of the Poznań University enjoyed in cooperation with the Poznań Society for the Advancement of Arts and Sciences. The two institutions have greatly contributed to the development of Polish studies including dialectology. The presented information pertains chiefly to the relatively unknown accomplishments of the dialectology team, for example a phonographic archive containing recordings of utterances of informants born in the second half of the 19th century (the oldest interlocutor was born in 1855). Together with contemporary recordings, the collection contains approximately 3,700 hours of rural speech. The entire archive is available in a digital version. The text is supplemented with information about the history of Poznań dialectology and the contemporary activities of the team of the Dialectology Workshop at the Poznań University, mainly lexicographic works.
Counterexamples to the classical central limit theorem for triplewise independent random variables having a common arbitrary margin
Authors: Beaulieu Guillaume Boglioni , de Micheaux Pierre Lafaye , Ouimet Frédéric
Published: December 2021

We present a general methodology to construct triplewise independent sequences of random variables having a common but arbitrary marginal distributionF(satisfying very mild conditions). For two specific sequences, we obtain in closed form the asymptotic distribution of the sample mean. It isnon-Gaussian(and depends on the specific choice ofF). This allows us to illustrate the extent of the ‘failure’ of the classical central limit theorem (CLT) under triplewise independence. Our methodology is simple and can also be used to create, for any integerK, newK-tuplewise independent sequences that are not mutually independent. ForK[four.tf], it appears that the sequences created using our methodologydoverify a CLT, and we explain heuristically why this is the case.