showing 36 of ~574560 from 574555 documents
Antibiotrophy: Key Function for Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria to Colonize Soils—Case of Sulfamethazine-Degrading Microbacterium sp. C448
2021
Chronic and repeated exposure of environmental bacterial communities to anthropogenic antibiotics have recently driven some antibiotic-resistant bacteria to acquire catabolic functions, enabling them to use antibiotics as nutritive sources (antibiotrophy). Antibiotrophy might confer a selective advantage facilitating the implantation and dispersion of antibiotrophs in contaminated environments. A microcosm experiment was conducted to test this hypothesis in an agroecosystem context. The sulfonamide-degrading and resistant bacterium Microbacterium sp. C448 was inoculated in four different soil types with and without added sulfamethazine and/or swine manure. After 1 month of incubation, Micro…
Two New Alternatives to the Conventional Arm-in-Cage Test for Assessing Topical Repellents
2021
Abstract European guidelines for testing attractant and repellent efficacy (i.e., Product type 19 [PT19]) have been in revision since 2017. A key topic of discussion is the current approach to evaluating topical repellents. The European Chemical Agency has stated field testing should be avoided because of mosquito-borne disease risks. However, the most common laboratory method, the arm-in-cage (AIC) test, may limit the reliable extrapolation of lab results to field conditions. This study’s main goal was to assess alternative laboratory methods for evaluating topical mosquito repellents that use mosquito landing rates more representative of those in the field. The study took place at three E…
Global–local model for three-dimensional guided wave scattering with application to rail flaw detection
2021
This study presents a three-dimensional global–local formulation for the prediction of guided wave scattering from discontinuities (e.g. defects). The approach chosen utilizes the Semi-Analytical Finite Element method for the “global” portion of the waveguide, and a full Finite Element discretization for the “local” portion of the waveguide containing the discontinuity. The application of interest is the study of guided wave scattering from transverse head defects in rails. Theoretical scattering results are impossible to obtain in this case for a wide-frequency range. While three-dimensional Semi-Analytical Finite Element–Finite Element models for guided wave scattering studies have been …
Quantum interference and the time-dependent radiation of nanojunctions
2021
Using the recently developed time-dependent Landauer-B\"uttiker formalism and Jefimenko's retarded solutions to the Maxwell equations, we show how to compute the time-dependent electromagnetic field produced by the charge and current densities in nanojunctions out of equilibrium. We then apply this formalism to a benzene ring junction, and show that geometry-dependent quantum interference effects can be used to control the magnetic field in the vicinity of the molecule. Then, treating the molecular junction as a quantum emitter, we demonstrate clear signatures of the local molecular geometry in the non-local radiated power.
Assessment of heart rate variability (HRV) in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without diabetic foot: correlations with endothelial dy…
2021
Abstract Background Some studies have suggested that patients with diabetes and foot complications have worse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk profiles, higher degrees of endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness and a higher inflammatory background than patients with diabetes without diabetic foot complications. Patients with diabetes mellitus have an alteration in the sympathovagal balance as assessed by means of heart rate variability (HRV) analysis, which is also related to the presence of endothelial dysfunction. Other studies suggest a possible role of inflammation coexisting with the alteration in the sympathovagal balance in favor of the atherosclerotic process in a mixe…
Quotas regulation is necessary but not sufficient to mitigate the impact of SCUBA diving in a highly visited marine protected area.
2021
Abstract When effectively managed, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can produce wide ecosystem benefits that can foster, directly and indirectly, local economies. Tourism is one of the sectors mainly benefited by the effect of conservation. SCUBA diving represents an important tourism activity, especially in the context of MPAs, where it is one of the few activities often fostered rather than limited, for its capacity to integrate environmental and socio-economic sustainability. However, SCUBA diving can also produce negative impacts on the environment when tourism frequentation exceeds a sustainable threshold, these potentially generating negative effects on the sector itself. In this study, …
Should dispersers be fast learners? Modeling the role of cognition in dispersal syndromes.
2021
Abstract Both cognitive abilities and dispersal tendencies can vary strongly between individuals. Since cognitive abilities may help dealing with unknown circumstances, it is conceivable that dispersers may rely more heavily on learning abilities than residents. However, cognitive abilities are costly and leaving a familiar place might result in losing the advantage of having learned to deal with local conditions. Thus, individuals which invested in learning to cope with local conditions may be better off staying at their natal place. In order to disentangle the complex relationship between dispersal and learning abilities, we implemented individual‐based simulations. By allowing for develo…
Horses and Cowboys on the Contemporary American Stage: The Horse as Prop in Sam Shepard’sKicking a Dead Horseand Sarah Ruhl’sLate: a cowboy song
2021
This comparative essay analyses the dramatic representation of horses in two early twenty-first-century American plays by Sam Shepard and Sarah Ruhl. Both plays bring a horse figure onto the stage ...
Preservice teachers’ beliefs about young children’s technology use at home
2021
Teachers’ beliefs about young children’s technology use at home are intertwined with their beliefs about parents and their parenting practices. This paper reports a qualitative study of eight purposefully selected Chinese preservice early childhood (EC) teachers’ beliefs about children’s home technology use and associated representations of parents and teachers. The participants possessed inflated positive beliefs about young children’s natural technology competence but were worried that parents would expose children to content for prolonged periods. Teachers’ role was seen as responsible guides for children and educational authorities over parents. Implications for research and teacher edu…
Open Educational Resources in virtual teaching communities
2021
Los modelos formativos ligados a la teoría del conectivismo son cada vez más flexibles, abiertos y participativos. Bajo esta tendencia, se han expandido ideas como las comunidades virtuales docentes (CVD) y los recursos educativos abiertos (REA), que plantean oportunidades educativas en línea. El presente trabajo buscó conocer y analizar los usos y las potencialidades que tienen los recursos educativos de libre acceso en una CVD; además, se examinó el significado que los miembros de esa comunidad dan a los REA. Para esto, se recurrió a un procedimiento cualitativo de investigación que permitió la elaboración y la validación interjueces de dos instrumentos de recolección de datos: una entrev…
Impact de l’éclairage artificiel sur l’usage des continuités écologiques par les chiroptères
2021
International audience
Targeting Alzheimer’s disease with multimodal polypeptide-based nanoconjugates
2021
LRP1-targeted St-Cl–polyglutamate conjugates as multivalent neuroprotective/neurotrophic therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease.
Assessment of Lower Limb Load Distribution in Patients Treated with the Ilizarov Method for Tibial Nonunion
2021
BACKGROUND Successful treatment of tibial nonunion should lead to a complete bone union, lack of pain, and pathological mobility of the lower extremity, as well as to the achievement of satisfactory joint mobility and muscle strength, which in turn improves its biomechanics. The objective of this study was to assess the load placed on the lower limbs in patients subjected to treatment with the Ilizarov method due to aseptic tibial nonunion. MATERIAL AND METHODS This research involved 24 participants (average age, 55 years). All were diagnosed with aseptic tibia nonunion and treated with the Ilizarov external fixator between 2000 and 2017. The control group was matched to the treated group i…
Prospective Image Quality and Lesion Assessment in the Setting of MR-Guided Radiation Therapy of Prostate Cancer on an MR-Linac at 1.5 T: A Compariso…
2021
The objective of this study is to conduct a qualitative and a quantitative image quality and lesion evaluation in patients undergoing MR-guided radiation therapy (MRgRT) for prostate cancer on a hybrid magnetic resonance imaging and linear accelerator system (MR-Linac or MRL) at 1.5 Tesla. This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board. A total of 13 consecutive patients with biopsy-confirmed prostate cancer and an indication for MRgRT were included. Prior to radiation therapy, each patient underwent an MR-examination on an MRL and on a standard MRI scanner at 3 Tesla (MRI3T). Three readers (two radiologists and a radiation oncologist) conducted an independent qualita…
Diagenetic stability of non-traditional stable isotope systems (Ca, Sr, Mg, Zn) in teeth – An in-vitro alteration experiment of biogenic apatite in i…
2021
Stable isotope ratios and trace element concentrations of fossil bones and teeth are important geochemical proxies for the reconstruction of diet and past environment in archaeology and palaeontology. However, since diagenesis can significantly alter primary diet-related isotope signatures and elemental compositions, it is important to understand and quantify alteration processes. Here, we present the results of in-vitro alteration experiments of dental tissues from a modern African elephant molar reacted in aqueous solutions at 30 °C and 90 °C for 4 to 63 days. Dental cubes with ≈ 3 mm edge length, comprising both enamel and dentin, were placed into 2 mL of acidic aqueous sol…
false
2021
Purpose: To evaluate immune cell infiltration, the programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) expression and their prognostic value in a series of mismatch proficient (pMMR) CRC with matched liver and lung metastases. Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections stained for CD3, CD8, PD-L1 and PD-1 from 113 primary CRC tumours with 105 liver and 59 lung metastases were analyzed. The amount of CD3 and CD8 positive lymphocytes were combined as immune cell score (ICS). Comparative analyses on immune contexture were performed both between the primary tumour and matched metastases and between the metastatic sites. Results: In liver metastases, immune cell infiltration…
Sobre el procedimiento de elaboración de los reglamentos, sus vicios y su control judicial
2021
El presente trabajo analiza algunas de las cuestiones más problemáticas y relevantes, tanto desde un punto de vista teórico como práctico, que en la actualidad plantea la regulación del procedimiento de elaboración de las normas reglamentarias: (i) la de los fines que debería perseguir esta regulación; (ii) la inadecuación de este procedimiento para elaborar ciertas disposiciones administrativas atípicas; (iii) la inadecuación de las estructuras organizativas actualmente encargadas de llevar a cabo las actividades en las que consiste dicho procedimiento; (iv) la evaluación ex post de los reglamentos; y (v) las consecuencias jurídicas derivadas de sus vicios de procedimiento y su control jud…
Self-regulated learning perception of undergraduate dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic: A nationwide survey in Brazil
2021
Background: This study aimed to evaluate the perception of self-regulated learning of Brazilian undergraduate dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted. Data were collected in 2020, through an anonymous self-administered virtual questionnaire, which comprised an initial section related to the students' sociodemographic data, category of educational institution where they enrolled, and the possible impacts of COVID-19 pandemic on family income, teaching activities (maintained remotely or totally suspended), and self-perception of academic performance during e-learning. The second part comprising 31 questions related …
Epidemiology of distal radius fractures in children and adults during the COVID-19 pandemic - a two-center study
2021
Abstract Background Distal radius fractures (DRFs) constitute 15–21% of all fractures. There are no detailed data on the possible changes in the epidemiology and treatment of DRFs in children and adults during the Covid pandemic. The purpose of our study was a comprehensive assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on distal radius fractures (DRF) epidemiology, including both children and adults and various fracture fixation methods in two large trauma centers in Poland. Methods This study compared the medical data on the treatment of distal radius fractures in Poland in two periods: the period of the COVID-19 pandemic (from March 15 to October 15, 2020) and the corresponding period…
The NUPR1/p73 axis contributes to sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma
2021
The multikinase inhibitor sorafenib was the first drug approved by the FDA for treating patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, sorafenib resistance remains a major challenge for improving the effectiveness of HCC treatment. Previously, we identified several genes modulated after sorafenib treatment of human HCC cells, including the stress-inducible nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1) gene. Multiple studies have shown that NUPR1 regulates autophagy, apoptosis, and chemoresistance. Here, we demonstrate that treatment of HCC cells with sorafenib resulted in the activation of autophagic flux. NUPR1 knock-down (KD) in HCC cells was associated with increased p62 expression, suggest…
Modeling accident risk at the road level through zero-inflated negative binomial models: A case study of multiple road networks
2021
Abstract This paper presents a case study carried out in multiple cities of the Valencian Community (Spain) to determine the effect of sociodemographic and road characteristics on traffic accident risk. The analyzes are performed at the road segment level, considering the linear network representing the road structure of each city as a spatial lattice. The number of accidents observed in each road segment from 2010 to 2019 is taken as the response variable, and a zero-inflated modeling approach is considered. Count overdispersion and spatial dependence are also accounted for. Despite the complexity and sparsity of the data, the fitted models performed considerably well, with few exceptions.…
Utility of Three-Coordinate Silver Complexes Toward the Formation of Iodonium Ions
2021
The work herein describes the synthesis of five three-coordinate silver(I) complexes comprising a bidentate ligand L1, either bpy (2,2′-bipyridyl) or bpyMe2 (4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-dipyridyl), and a monodentate ligand L2, either mtz (1-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole), 4-Etpy (4-ethylpyridine), or 4-DMAP (N,N-dimethylpyridin-4-amine). Upon reaction of the three-coordinate silver(I) complexes with 0.5 equiv of I2, the reactions quantitatively produce a 1:1 pair of complexes of a four-coordinate silver(I) complex [Ag(L1)2]PF6 and a two-coordinate iodonium complex [I(L2)2]PF6. The combination of [Ag(bpyMe2)2]PF6 and [I(4-DMAP)2]PF6 gave rise to an I+···Ag+ interaction where the I+ acts as a nucleophile, …
HIF-1α and Pro-Inflammatory Signaling Improves the Immunomodulatory Activity of MSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles
2021
Despite the strong evidence for the immunomodulatory activity of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), clinical trials have so far failed to clearly show benefit, likely reflecting methodological shortcomings and lack of standardization. MSC-mediated tissue repair is commonly believed to occur in a paracrine manner, and it has been stated that extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by MSCs (EVMSC) are able to recapitulate the immunosuppressive properties of parental cells. As a next step, clinical trials to corroborate preclinical studies should be performed. However, effective dose in large mammals, including humans, is quite high and EVs industrial production is hindered by the proliferative s…
Viability RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2: a step forward to solve the infectivity quandary
2021
Background Isolation, contact tracing and restrictions on social movement are being globally implemented to prevent and control onward spread of SARS-CoV-2, even though the infection risk modelled on RNA detection by RT-qPCR remains biased as viral shedding and infectivity are not discerned. Thus, we aimed to develop a rapid viability RT-qPCR procedure to infer SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in clinical specimens and environmental samples. Methods We screened monoazide dyes and platinum compounds as viability molecular markers on five SARS-CoV-2 RNA targets. A platinum chloride-based viability RT-qPCR was then optimized using genomic RNA, and inactivated SARS-CoV-2 particles inoculated in buffer, s…
Examining how global citizenship education is prefigured in the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence
2021
This study uses the Aristotelian notion of phronesis as a critical lens for examining how global citizenship education is prefigured in the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. Based on a content analysis of key curriculum documentation, the findings outline the way in which techne and episteme with their associated ways of knowing and acting dominate the curriculum. Nevertheless, the hints of phronesis indicate the potential for developing a more critical form of global citizenship education that prefigures praxis that wisely pursues that which is good for humankind and individual flourishing. This article contributes to the notion of ‘planetary phronesis’ as a critical concept for the furt…
Diabetes technologies in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus and disordered eating: A systematic review on continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion,…
2021
Aims In this systematic review, we aimed (1) to identify and describe research investigating the use of advanced diabetes technologies (continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion, CSII; continuous glucose monitoring, CGM; automated insulin delivery, AID) in people with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) and disordered eating and (2) to discuss potential (dis)advantages of diabetes technology use in this population, derived from previous research. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search in two electronic databases for English language articles published between 2000 and 2020 addressing eating disorders and/or dysfunctional eating behaviours and diabetes technology use in children, adolescents …
Search for Dark Matter Produced in Association with a Dark Higgs Boson Decaying into W±W∓ or ZZ in Fully Hadronic Final States from s=13 TeV pp Coll…
2021
Several extensions of the Standard Model predict the production of dark matter particles at the LHC. An uncharted signature of dark matter particles produced in association with VV=W^{±}W^{∓} or ZZ pairs from a decay of a dark Higgs boson s is searched for using 139 fb^{-1} of pp collisions recorded by the ATLAS detector at a center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV. The s→V(qq[over ¯])V(qq[over ¯]) decays are reconstructed with a novel technique aimed at resolving the dense topology from boosted VV pairs using jets in the calorimeter and tracking information. Dark Higgs scenarios with m_{s}>160 GeV are excluded.
Anti-inflammatory and tight junction protective activity of the herbal preparation STW 5-II on mouse intestinal organoids
2021
Abstract Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder, in which recurrent abdominal pain is associated with defecation or a change in bowel habits. STW 5-II is a combination of six medicinal herbs with a clinically proven efficacy in managing IBS. Aim This study aims to establish an in vitro IBS model using mouse intestinal organoids and to explore the anti-inflammatory and tight junction protective activities of the multi-herbal preparation STW 5-II. Methods Intestinal organoids were cultured in 1:1 Matrigel™ and medium domes. Inflammation and tight junction disruption were induced by a cocktail of cytokines (TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-6) and bacterial proteins (LPS,…
Perianal Fistula-Associated Carcinoma in Crohn's Disease: A Multicentre Retrospective Case Control Study.
2021
Abstract Background and Aims Carcinoma associated with perianal fistula in Crohn’s disease is a pending threat for patients. This study aimed to improve understanding and facilitate development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted at four German hospitals. The analysis included 40 patients with proven malignancy associated with perianal Crohn’s fistulas and 40 randomly selected controls with fistulizing perianal Crohn’s disease. Differences between groups were analysed and multivariate calculations were performed to describe risk factors for oncological outcomes. Results Histology revealed adenocarcinoma in 33/40 patients and squ…
false
2021
Background Identifying psychological correlates of children’s physical activity intentions may signpost potentially modifiable targets for interventions aimed at promoting physical activity participation. School recess and leisure-time outside of school are appropriate contexts in which such interventions may be delivered. However, few studies have identified correlates of physical activity intentions in these environments. Examining correlates in these contexts may provide formative evidence on which to base interventions to promote physical activity. Purpose The current study adopted an integrated theoretical model to test relations between motivational constructs from self-determination…
TOOLS FOR VIDEO GAME LOCALISATION: A USER SURVEY
2021
International audience
Uptake of polymeric nanoparticles in a human induced pluripotent stem cell-based blood-brain barrier model: Impact of size, material, and protein cor…
2021
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) maintains the homeostasis of the central nervous system, which is one of the reasons for the treatments of brain disorders being challenging in nature. Nanoparticles (NPs) have been seen as potential drug delivery systems to the brain overcoming the tight barrier of endothelial cells. Using a BBB model system based on human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the impact of polymeric nanoparticles has been studied in relation to nanoparticle size, material, and protein corona. PLGA [poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)] and PLLA [poly(d,l-lactide)] nanoparticles stabilized with Tween® 80 were synthesized (50 and 100 nm). iPSCs were differentiated into human brain m…
Genotoxicity and Epigenotoxicity of Carbazole-Derived Molecules on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells
2021
The carbazole compounds PK9320 (1-(9-ethyl-7-(furan-2-yl)-9H-carbazol-3-yl)-N-methylmethanamine) and PK9323 (1-(9-ethyl-7-(thiazol-4-yl)-9H-carbazol-3-yl)-N-methylmethanamine), second-generation analogues of PK083 (1-(9-ethyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)-N-methylmethanamine), restore p53 signaling in Y220C p53-mutated cancer cells by binding to a mutation-induced surface crevice and acting as molecular chaperones. In the present paper, these three molecules have been tested for mutant p53-independent genotoxic and epigenomic effects on wild-type p53 MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells, employing a combination of Western blot for phospho-γH2AX histone, Comet assay and methylation-sensitive arbitrarily pr…
Progress in the characterization of insulin-like peptides in aphids: Immunohistochemical mapping of ILP4.
2021
Aphids were the first animals described as photoperiodic due to their seasonal switch from viviparous parthenogenesis to sexual reproduction (cyclical parthenogenesis) caused by the shortening of the photoperiod in autumn. This switch produces a single sexual generation of oviparous females and males that mate and lay diapausing cold-resistant eggs that can overcome the unfavourable environmental conditions typical of winter in temperate regions. Previous studies have hinted at a possible implication of two insulin-like peptides (ILP1 and ILP4) in the aphid seasonal response, changing their expression levels between different photoperiodic conditions. Moreover, in situ localization of their…
Combining Three Different Pretransplantation Scores Improves Predictive Value in Patients after Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation with Thiotep…
2021
ABSTRACT One hundred and sixty-one patients underwent haploidentical stem cell transplantation (haploSCT) with thiotepa, busulfan, and fludarabine conditioning followed by post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) (on days +3 and +4) and tacrolimus as graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis. Forty-two percent of patients had a high or very high revised Disease Risk Index (rDRI), 55% had an European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation risk score (EBMT-RS) ≥4, and 36% had an age-adjusted Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Comorbidity Index (HCT-CI-age) score ≥3. Each of these was considered an unfavorable score. Using the pretransplantation unfavorable scores that had an independent impa…
Insights into the evolutionary history of the subfamily orthotrichoideae (Orthotrichaceae, Bryophyta): new and former supra-specific taxa so far obsc…
2021
Mosses of the subfamily Orthotrichoideae represent one of the main components of the cryptogam epiphytic communities in temperate areas. During the last two decades, this taxonomical group has undergone an extensive revision that has led to its rearrangement at the generic level. However, their phylogenetic relationships and inferences on the evolutionary patterns that have driven the present diversity have little advanced. In this study, we present a dated molecular phylogenetic reconstruction at the subfamily level, including 130 samples that represent the 12 genera currently recognized within the subfamily, and the analysis of four molecular markers: ITS2, rps4, trnG, and trnL-F. We also…