Heterochrony Research Articles

Rianú: Multi-tissue tracking software for increased throughput of engineered cardiac tissue screening

Background:The field of tissue engineering has provided valuable three-dimensional species-specific models of the human myocardium in the form of human Engineered Cardiac Tissues (hECTs) and similar constructs. However, hECT systems are often bottlenecked by a lack of openly available software that can collect data from multiple tissues at a time, even in multi-tissue bioreactors, which limits throughput in phenotypic and therapeutic screening applications. Methods:We developed Rianú, an open-source web application capable of simultaneously tracking multiple hECTs on flexible end-posts. This software is operating system agnostic and deployable on a remote server, accessible via a web browser with no local hardware or software requirements. The software incorporates object-tracking capabilities for multiple objects simultaneously, an algorithm for twitch tracing analysis and contractile force calculation, and a data compilation system for comparative analysis within and amongst groups. Validation tests were performed using in-silico and in-vitro experiments for comparison with established methods and interventions. Results:Rianú was able to detect the displacement of the flexible end-posts with a sub-pixel sensitivity of 0.555 px/post (minimum increment in post displacement) and a lower limit of 1.665 px/post (minimum post displacement). Compared to our established reference for contractility assessment, Rianú had a high correlation for all parameters analyzed (ranging from R2=0.7514 to R2=0.9695), demonstrating its high accuracy and reliability. Conclusions:Rianú provides simultaneous tracking of multiple hECTs, expediting the recording and analysis processes, and simplifies time-based intervention studies. It also allows data collection from different formats and has scale-up capabilities proportional to the number of tissues per field of view. These capabilities will enhance throughput of hECTs and similar assays for in-vitro analysis in disease modeling and drug screening applications.

“Watching my family being killed by terrorists made me really depressed”: Mental health experiences, challenges and needed support of young internally displaced persons in northern Nigeria

BackgroundOver 3.9 million people have been displaced in Nigeria as a result of the over one-decade-long Boko Haram insurgency and about 2.1 million of this population are internally displaced within the country. Young internally displaced persons (IDPs) are at higher risk of mental illness such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among others, however, there are sparse studies on this population. Therefore, this study explored the mental health experiences, challenges, and needed support for young internally displaced persons in Durumi and New Kuchingoro Internally Displaced Persons Camps in Nigeria. MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted among young IDPs in Durumi and New Kuchingoro IDP camps in Northern Nigeria. Fourteen (14) focus group discussions comprising 89 participants and 30 in-depth interviews with 30 participants were conducted with young IDPs. The interviews were in Hausa and Pidgin English, audio-recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and applied thematic analysis was done using MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2020 ResultsA total of 89 participants consisting of 47 males and 42 females participated in the FGDs and IDIs. Five key themes emerged from the FGDs and IDI: (1) knowledge about mental health, (2) mental Health Experiences, (3) coping strategies, (4) availability of mental health and other health Support, and (5) needed support. Young IDPs had fair knowledge about mental healthcare. Participants reported their experience before displacement as being peaceful with members of the family together in a good environment while they experienced stress, trauma, shock, sadness, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD during and post displacement. Personal coping strategies such as listening to music, engaging in sports, reading books, farming, and other economic activities were reported by participants. Participants reported the absence of structured and specialized mental health support in the IDP camps and solicited mental health, physical health, economic and educational support. ConclusionYoung IDPs had negative experiences that led to symptoms of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD among others with little or no access to quality mental healthcare. Hence, they require specialized and structured mental health support to lead healthy and productive lives. Policy and programs aimed at increasing access to mental health information and services for forced migrants are recommended.

Impact of displacement on place attachment, landscape value and trust in the Sonepur–Bazari open cast coal mining area, Raniganj Coalfield, West Bengal

Mining induced displacement and its impact on social environment has been researched with an immense interest in social sciences for a long period of time. The present study deals with the impact of mining-induced displacement and rehabilitation on psycho-social behaviour in Sonepur–Bazari open cast coal mining area. Place attachment, landscape value and trust have been taken into consideration to understand the effect on psycho-social behaviour in the respective area. Data for this investigation are predominantly derived from semi structured questionnaire survey of 282 participants from 14 villages of the study area. Cronbach’s Alpha has been calculated to test the internal consistency and reliability of the questions. To measure the answers 5-point Likert scale has been used. The responses have systematically analysed after simulation and it has been concluded that the monitory compensation comprehensively contributed to improve the monthly income of the project affected families but the grim reality is that it does not help to improve the place attachment of the residents with their land rather a weak attachment has been found in the rehabilitation sites. The values of landscapes are also drastically changes from pre displacement to post displacement period. Trust has been calculated as an indicator of community attachment. The result indicates that the trust within a community becomes weak after displacement and a negative correlation has been found between mining-induced income inequality and trust.

Effects of 1-Ethyl-3-(3-Dimethylaminopropyl) Carbodiimide on Adhesion of Posts in Teeth Obturated With Different Sealers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) on bond strength of fiberglass posts in root canals obturated with different endodontic sealers. Seventy-eight mandibular premolars were obturated with three sealers (n=26): Endofill (END), AH Plus (AHP), and Endosequence BC Sealer (EBS). After preparation of the post space, two subgroups were formed according to the cementation of the posts (n=13): with EDC (EDC), and without EDC (control - CON). The specimens were submitted to a pull-out test, failure mode classification, and root canal surface evaluation by scanning electron microscopy after post displacement. Regarding the bond strength, a significant difference between the EDC and CON subgroups occurred only in the END (p=0.001). No difference was detected among the CON subgroups (p=0.339). However, among the EDC subgroups, AHP presented significantly higher values (END versus AHP: p=0.001; AHP versus EBS: p=0.016). Upon classification of failure modes, score 1 (≥ 50% of cement) was the most commonly observed, except for the END + EDC. Remains of endodontic sealers and resin cements were found in the cervical third, but without statistical difference (p=0.269), while in the middle third, difference occurred (p=0.004). In conclusion, EDC decreases bond strength when associated with END sealer, without changing the failure mode between the resin cement and fiberglass post. The best performance was observed when EDC was combined with AHP sealer.

Investigating the Influence of Socio-Demographic and Family Factors on Perceptions of Safety Among Conflict Displaced Children in Nigeria

Few studies have examined the factors related to children’s perception of safety following exposure to armed conflict. This study examines the influence of sociodemographic and family factors alongside length of stay within the community on the perception of safety among children affected and displaced by armed conflict during the post-displacement phase in North-East Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 384 randomly selected internally displaced children (Mage 12.9, female 55.7%) living within six post displacement communities in North-East Nigeria. The children involved in this study completed a self-reported questionnaire detailing family functioning variables, sociodemographic factors, length of stay within the community and their perception of safety within their neighborhood. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) alongside regression analysis were used to establish relationship between children perception of safety and the study variables. The results from both the regression analysis and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicate the prominent role of family-functioning variables in the perception of safety among children affected by armed conflict. In addition, we found that longer duration of residence within the community also contributes positively to children’s perception of safety within the neighborhood. Our findings suggest that interventions for armed-conflict-affected children may need to include programs that will improve family relationships and functioning.

Reproductive health care status of the displaced tribal women in India: An analysis using Nussbaum Central human capabilities

Scheduled Tribes (STs) of India are characterized by distinct cultures and a close relationship with the land they inhabit. Tribal people make up to 5% of the world’s population but 15% of such people are living in poverty. They face deprivations caused by social, economic, and political exclusion. In India displacement due to development projects is pushing the tribals out of their habitat dispossessing them of their traditional forest resources. Women and children in displacement suffer more than the male counterpart especially in the process of moving to a new setup. The objective of the author is to study the reproductive healthcare status of displaced tribal women in India. In this paper, the author underlines the capabilities of tribal women in post displacement settings. The study was conducted in three wildlife sanctuaries in the Indian States of Odisha and Chhattisgarh namely Simlipal, Chandaka-Dampara, and Achankamar. Sequential explanatory study design was employed for collecting the data. A total of 194 displaced tribal women within the reproductive age group of 15–49 years were surveyed and Focus Group Discussion was conducted among the displaced women. Women who had given birth in the last five years were selected using a purposive sampling method. Key findings of the study suggest that women lack awareness of child spacing capabilities (57%) and the unmet need for family planning is comparatively higher. More than half of the women face domestic violence that curtails their capabilities to avail reproductive healthcare services. It also reduces the immediate wellbeing of their children. Women in this study lack control over the decision on reproductive healthcare. Due to this, women lack social and political freedom. The Government of India has taken fewer initiatives to promote effective reproductive healthcare services. Also, there is limited awareness in the rehabilitation colonies on protection from domestic violence.

Chronic myelogenous leukemia combined with solid malignant neoplasms: report of eight cases and review of literature

Objective To explore the clinical features of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) combined with solid malignant neoplasms. Methods The clinical data of 8 CML patients with solid malignant neoplasms who were admitted to the Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University, the Central Hospital of Nanyang City, the First Affiliated Hospital of Science and Technology University of Henan, and the Central Hospital of Xinxiang City from August 2006 to August 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. The clinical features, treatment and prognosis of the patients were summarized with the review of literature. Results Among the 8 patients, 3 were male and 5 female, aged 40-76 years, with a median of 50 years old. Seven cases were in CML chronic phase, and 1 was in accelerated phase. Seven patients were treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), and only 1 patient was treated with hydroxyurea. In 8 patients, two cases presented with synchronous multiple primary cancer (SMPC), 6 cases presented with heterochrony multiple primary cancer (HMPC). two patients received the operation, 1 patient received the operation and chemotherapy, 4 patients received chemotherapy, and 1 patient received the isotope treatment. One SMPC patient died and another one was under treatment, and 6 HMPC patients were under treatment. Conclusions The relationship between CML and solid malignant neoplasm is under discussion, but patients with CML and solid malignant neoplasm are not unusual. Clinicians should raise awareness to avoid misdiagnosis. The treatment should follow the two main lines that are comprehensive treatment and individualized treatment. Key words: Leukemia, myelogenous, chronic; Neoplasms, multiple primary; Treatment; Prognosis

Migration Within Africa: The Push‐Pull Factors of Refugees Return, Uganda and South Sudan

Perhaps a lot has been written about migration from Africa to the west leaving out the facts about migration within the continent. This paper aims to investigate migrants' movement between Uganda and South Sudan. Currently Uganda is being applauded worldwide for her welcoming refugees' policies. In the recent years refugee influx in the country has been overwhelming challenging resource mobilisation of both Uganda and United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). With much limited capacities the pearl of Africa is seen as a destination and a devoted motherland to millions of refugees from and outside of East Africa. Yet countries and governments with much bigger capacities resorted to being mean with their border and economy. Today people who claim to be defenders of international human rights turned their back against people who needs their support. On a humanitarian ground, the last half decade has been a period of disappointment where we levelled refugees with strange name like Muslim invaders and infiltrators. Uganda hosts more than 1,000,000 South Sudanese to date. The focus of this paper is particularly on S. Sudanese refugees in Uganda, these two countries have a long history of conflict. The fact that LRA operated in both S. Sudan and Uganda, mass movement depended on the security situation in each of these countries. And many people don't know which side they were actually born and they are confused which nationality they are. Therefore, focussing discussion on the lived experiences of refugee's migration and settlement in camps will inform those who have never ever experience the live reality of migrants in both Uganda and South Sudan. Much as people are aware about the general lack of safety in South Sudan, many people insist on returning back to the country. Perhaps, many South Sudanese migrants are also refusing to return to the country. Some people have moved to and from South Sudan and Uganda a number of times (including my family, which is why I am interested in this subject). What pulls people to Uganda or hold them here and what pushes people to go back to South Sudan even if it sounds unsafe? Here I am interested in the life of refugees here in Uganda and their life back in South Sudan. This research examines life experiences of South Sudanese migrants in Uganda, people whose lives have been severely impacted by national and international failure. It seeks to inform the understandings of lived realities of people in conflict affected and fragile situations; will seek to understand the reality of displacement and post displacement recovery; and how this influences the concept of public authority in both Uganda and South Sudan.

Sternocleidomastoid-Clavicle Myoosseus Flap in Patient with Plate Displacement Post Resection and Reconstruction of Ameloblastoma

Background: ameloblastoma is a common tumor found in head and neck disorder. The definitive treatment include resection of tumor and reconstruction for filling the large defect which left after tumor resection. The reconstruction option which can be done is flap method. In this case, we used sternocleidomastoid-clavicle myoosseus flap in our patient with post traumatic plate displacement post resection and reconstruction of ameloblastoma. Case: a 22-year-old woman presented with unstability of jaw after hitting her chin to the table since 3 days prior to admission. On 2011, she had history of ameloblastoma which got resected and reconstructed with fibular graft and plate in the same year. While the plate seemed to be broken, she was managed with plate removal and reconstruct with sternocleidomastoid-clavicle myoosseus flap. Post operation, patient managed with gradual diet from liquid to solid. Observation Post Operation Day (POD) 3, flap is vital. Patient is discharged on POD 7 and visit as outpatient every 3-5 days until POD 14. Finally, we remove the suture, operation scar is good, and the flap is vital during one year follow up. Conclusion: sternocleidomastoid-clavicle myoosseus flap is practical and safe procedure, which can be used as alternative option in mandible reconstruction.

Submacular hemorrhage: treatment update and remaining challenges

Submacular haemorrhage (SMH) is a sight threatening complication that can occur in exudative age related macular degeneration (AMD), but has been described to occur more frequently in eyes with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV). Left untreated, SMH carries a grave visual prognosis. Thus, expedient diagnosis and effective management of this complication is of paramount importance. The treatment strategies for SMH include (I) displacement of blood from the fovea, usually by injection of an expansile gas; (II) pharmacologic clot lysis such as with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA); and (III) treatment of the underlying choroidal neovascularization (CNV) or PCV, such as with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents. These three strategies have been employed in isolation or in combination, some concurrently and others in stages. rtPA has demonstrable effect on the liquefaction of submacular clots but there are remaining uncertainties with regards to the dose, safety and the timing of initial and repeat treatments. Potential side effects of rtPA include retinal pigment epithelial toxicity, increased risk of breakthrough vitreous haemorrhage and systemic toxicity. In cases presenting early, pneumatic displacement alone with anti-VEGF may be sufficient. Anti-VEGF monotherapy is a viable treatment option particularly in patients with thinner SMH and those who are unable to posture post pneumatic displacement.

Horizontal Urban Expansion And Livelihood Adjustment Problem Among Ex-Farmers In The Kebeles Surrounding Jimma Town: The Case Of Derba Kebele

This study is aimed at examining the livelihood strategy, benefit packages offered, adjustment problems and the coping strategies of exfarmers in the re-located neighbourhood of Derba kebele in Jimma town. To this end, the research site was purposively selected and in-depth interview with key informants; one focus group discussions and observation were used to collect the data required for the study. The study result showed that the livelihood of ex-peri-urban community has been jeopardized following the relocation to Hirmata Mercato kebele. This is because of the changes in the contexts that surrounds rural area and urban area. Since urban contexts are distinct from the rural ones and the households were not ready to be familiarized with the situation,and also the nature of follow-up and support given at post displacement time was less, majority of them lead a precarious living condition. As a result, majority of the households are not contented with the livelihood they are leading in the Hirmata Mercato Kebele.

Job Loss and Regional Mobility

It is well documented that displaced workers suffer severe earnings losses, but not why this is so. One reason may be that workers are unable or unwilling to move to regions with better employment opportunities. We study this and find that job displacement increases regional mobility but, surprisingly, we also find that displaced workers who move suffer larger income losses than displaced workers who stay in the same region. This is not a selection effect, but reflects the fact that non-economic factors such as family ties are very important for the decision to migrate. Workers are less likely to move if they have family in the region where they already live, and job loss stimulates workers to relocate with parents and siblings when they live in different regions. Looking at earnings we find that the entire post displacement income difference between displaced movers and stayers is driven by workers moving to regions where their parents live or to rural areas. Furthermore, when looking at long-run family income, we find that the difference between displaced movers and stayers is very modest. With respect to selection, we find that migrants are positively selected on average, but very heterogeneous. They seem to be drawn disproportionately both from the high and the low end of the skill distribution in the region they leave.

Impact of Displacement on Tribal Children: Cases of Child Labour and Abuse in Odisha

Displacement due to development projects is rampant in Odisha now; research reveals that most of the cases of displacement are largely seen on the tribal belt. However, the impact of displacement has been studied by many research scholars and social scientist. The impact of displacement on children is all the more precarious. It was revealed that displacement in many cases has led to child labour in Odisha especially when they are not resettled and rehabilitated properly. Research indicated that, in most of the time, displaced children find themselves separated from their close relatives and community people; they are vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. They are generally weakened by the long distances resettlement that they are forced to travel and by the difficulties they have to thus endure. They are more prone to the easy targets by the smugglers, traffickers, and/or armed groups. Furthermore, such displaced children can also become victims of discrimination and many of their fundamental rights may be violated due to their displacement. The present paper has tried to examine the impact of displacement on tribal children in Odisha, which has further tried to study the case of child labour and child abuse in post displacement situation.

The Principle of Equivalent Center of Mass of FPB & Superstructure

Elaborates on the differences between FPB structure in practical uses and classical models, and puts forward a principle of equivalent center of mass of FPB & superstructure by dynamic analysis. It conducts FEA and experimental validation based on the post yield stiffness and vertical displacement calculated in accordance with the principle. The conclusion states that calculating the post yield stiffness and vertical displacement of the bearing by the principle is more accurate than before.

Color Variation of Common Toad ( Bufo bufo ) Larvae

In the natural pond (Moscow Oblast’) common toad tadpoles with unusual olive-red color have been found and registered three times for six year investigation. This color is similar to the color of yearlings soon after metamorphosis. «Red» tadpoles can be found at various stages of development but they always appeared after the beginning of metamorphosis of the most part of the population. Their occurrence is not affected neither by seasonal temperature, nor related with distinctions in number (density) of tadpoles between years. We suggest that this phenomenon could be explained by heterochrony.

The Effect of Stiffness and Beta-Adrenergic Stimulation on Neonatal Cardiomyocyte Calcium-Mediated Contractile Force Dynamics

Embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells have great potential to treat multiple cardiopathologies. Current limitations include a lack of understanding how contractility of immature cardiomyocytes is affected by microenvironment mechanical properties and beta-adrenergic stimulation. Inability to apply traditional force assessment techniques to immature cardiomyocytes led us to utilize 6 micrometer spaced arrays of elastomer-based microfabricated post force sensors. Posts act as cantilever springs with tunable constants (kp (nN/micrometer)), deflecting linearly in response to cultured cell's acto-myosin contraction transmitted through focal adhesions formed at their tips. We combined this method with an IonOptix system for real-time post displacement and intracellular Ca++ flux monitoring. We found for neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCs) exposed to nanomolar concentrations of the β-adrenergic stimulant isoproterenol for ∼2 minutes Ca++ flux decreased with little effect on flux rates. Maximum contractile force increased by as much as 90 % with 100 nM isoproterenol along with a significant increase in relaxation rate (kr). NRCs cultured on post arrays with an effective modulus (calculated based upon the kp) greater than normal cardiac extracellular matrix (∼29.3 kPa vs. 10-20 kPa, respectively) generated the largest force per post (56.0±9.8∗! nN) and the fastest kr (0.44±0.08≅∃ nN/ms) compared to post with Ep∼10.6 kPa (16.1±2.7!% nN, and 0.16±0.030# nN/ms) and Ep∼23.0 kPa (30.6±4.5∗%≅ nN, 0.14±0.023#∃ nN/ms). Interestingly, kr for lower Ep values remained unchanged (#pvalue=0.349) while force increased with stiffness. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that myofibril actin and z-disc associated vinculin were more organized into parallel, longer fibers on stiffer post arrays. Increased contractility on stiffer posts also correlated with increased isoproterenol effects. The results indicate stiffness of the microenvironment at NRC's focal adhesiveness play a critical role in determining contractility and β-adrenergic responsiveness. (∗,!,%,≅pvalue<0.05, ±SEM) HL061683(MR); NSF CAREER and HL097284(NS)

Hidden Voices: The Family Biogram for Working with Families Forcibly Displaced in Colombia

The family biogram has been constructed for use with families who have been internally displaced in Colombia, but it could be applicable to a wide range of similar situations elsewhere in the world. It maps changes over time, including the experiences leading up to the family's flight, the consequences of that flight, and the meaning that the family gives to its change in situation, as well as the family's resources for rebuilding. Identifying and recording common themes and changes in these dimensions opens up the potential to use quantitative techniques. Following their application in other fields, biograms might be developed as a basis for identifying templates to help agencies in planning larger scale interventions. By taking into account families' resources and meanings, the biogram offers the potential to improve the tailoring of assistance, promote family choice and support the construction of post displacement futures. (author abstract)

New results on two-dimensional constant sprays with an application to heterochrony

New results on two-dimensional constant sprays with an application to heterochrony

Nouveaux sites d'âges variés dans les remplissages karstiques du Miocène inférieur de Bouzigues (Hérault, Sud de la France)

Le site de Bouzigues comprend plusieurs localités d'âges différents dans un rayon de 10 mètres. Les faunes de rongeurs sont analysées et une des deux espèces nouvelles de Bouzigues 2 est décrite ( Myoglis houlezi nov. sp.). D'après le degré d'évolution de certains taxons des différents groupes de mammifères et la différence de composition faunique, les deux localités nouvelles sont comprises entre celles de Bouzigues 1 et de Serre de Vergès. Elles pourraient être plus ou moins contemporaines du niveau d'Estrepouy. L'hétérochronie des remplissages de Bouzigues met en évidence le fonctionnement polyphasé de ce système karstique. L'analyse des faunes montre, pour la période considérée, une augmentation progressive du couvert forestier sous un climat chaud. The fossil mammal-bearing site of Bouzigues includes three localities of different ages (Bouzigues 1, 1A and 2) within a radius of 10 m. The rodent faunas are analysed and one of the two new species of Bouzigues 2 is described ( Myoglis houlezi nov. sp.). On the basis of the degree of evolution of some mammals and the difference in the faunal composition, an age between that of Bouzigues 1 and that of Serre de Vergès is proposed for the two new localities. Therefore, they could be more or less contemporaneous with the Estrepouy level. The heterochrony of the Bouzigues fissure fillings bears evidence of several episodes of emptying and infilling of this paleokarst. The faunas analyse shows, for the considered period, a progressive increase of the forest in a warm climate.

Heterochrony of the ostracod hingement and its significance for taxonomy

Heterochrony of the ostracod hingement and its significance for taxonomy