bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Multi-lingual Online Questionnaire for Surveying the COVID-19 Prevention and Control Measures used in Global Workplaces
Authors: Ingram Carolyn , Chen Yanbing , Buggy Conor , Downey Vicky , Archibald Mary , Rachwal Natalia , Roe Mark , Drummond Anne , Perrotta Carla
Published: October 2021

Background Despite widespread COVID-19 vaccination programs, there is an ongoing need for targeted disease prevention and control efforts in high-risk occupational settings. This study aimed to develop, pilot, and validate an instrument for surveying occupational COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) measures available to workers in diverse geographic and occupational settings. Methods A 44-item online survey was developed, translated, and validated for face, content, and cross-cultural validity according to literature review, expert consultation, and pre-testing. The survey was piloted with 890 workers from diverse industries in Canada, Ireland, Argentina, Poland, Nigeria, China, the US, and the UK. Odds ratios generated from univariable, and multivariable logistic regression assessed differences in ‘feeling protected at work’ according to gender, age, occupation, country of residence, professional role, and vaccination status. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted, and internal consistency reliability verified with Cronbach’s alpha. Hypothesis testing using two-sample t-tests verified construct validity (i.e., discriminant validity, known-groups technique), and criterion validity. Results After adjustment for occupational sector, characteristics associated with feeling protected at work included being male (AOR = 1.88; 95% CI = 1.18,2.99), being over 55 (AOR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.25,3.77) and working in a managerial position (AOR = 3.1; 95% CI = 1.99,4.83). EFA revealed nine key IPC domains relating to: environmental adjustments, testing and surveillance, education, costs incurred, restricted movements, physical distancing, masking, isolation strategies, and areas for improvement. Each domain showed sufficient internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha ≥ 0.60). Hypothesis testing revealed differences in survey responses by country and occupational sector, confirming construct validity (p < 0.001), criterion validity (p = 0.04), and discriminant validity (p < 0.001). Conclusions The online survey, developed to identify the COVID-19 protective measures used in diverse, international workplace settings, showed strong face validity, content validity, cross-cultural validity, internal consistency, criterion validity, and construct validity. It can be used by decision makers in the distribution of IPC resources, and to guide occupational safety and health (OSH) recommendations for preventing COVID-19 and future infectious disease outbreaks.
Efficacy of Foliar Spray of Two Biostimulants in Phytoremediation and Overcoming Salinity Stress in Halophytic Grass, Puccinellia Distans
Authors: Hosseini Saeed , Shabani Leila , Sabzalian Mohammad R. , Gharibi Shima
Published: October 2021

Background: Plants pre-treatment with various chemicals has often been used to diminish salinity stress impact on plants. In the present study, we used foliar spray of two commercially biostimulants (Algabon® and Bomamid®) before the stress, to study interactive effects of biostimulants and salinity stress in halophytic grass, Pucccinellia distans. Results: Our results showed that biomass, leaf relative water content, chlorophyll content, K+ content, K+/Na+ ratio, and protein and N contents were also negatively affected by 300 mM NaCl. The results obtained in the present study showed the beneficial effects of the pre-treatments of two biostimulants on P. distans seedlings under non salinity stress conditions with respect to increasing plant biomass, photosynthetic pigments, K+ content, the content of proteins and nitrogen percentage. The results suggested that foliar spray of Bonamid could considerably diminish NaCl-caused stress on P. distans seedlings, probably due to higher accumulation of shoot biomass, photosynthetic pigments, K+/Na+ ratio, protein and N contents, phytoremediation potential, as well as upregulation of Na+/H+ antiporters located in plasma membranes and vacuoles. Conclusions: Collectively, it could be concluded that, intensification of osmotic adjustment by the accumulation of osmotic metabolites and the compartmentalization of salts in vacuoles in pre-treated plants with amino acid-derived biostimulant (Bonamid) can diminish the NaCl-induced deleterious effects in P. distans seedlings.
Mapping Nutrition Interventions in Guatemala to Identify Opportunities to Improve Coverage and Coordination
Authors: Asturias Gabriela , Cordon Ana , Pineda Estuardo , Figueroa Alice , Zhang Xian , Proaño Gabriela V , Jimenez Elizabeth Yakes , Rohloff Peter
Published: October 2021

Background: Guatemala has one of the highest rates of chronic child malnutrition (stunting) in the world, with minimal improvements over time, despite intensifying efforts. In 2018, a mapping effort was conducted with nutrition stakeholders, modelled after similar successful efforts in other countries.Methods: A public-private consortium used a survey to collect information from non-governmental nutrition stakeholders in Guatemala, including institutional name, sector, geographic areas of activities, and types of activities implemented. The survey data were used to populate an online mapping tool (ArcGIS Online). The distribution of institutions and programmatic activities at the departmental level was compared to child stunting prevalence using heat maps and linear regression. Geographic distribution of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive activities aligning with Guatemala's four national strategy pillars (primary care services; education and behavior change; water sanitation and hygiene; and household income generation) were examined.Results: 5,861 program activities from 99 institutions were mapped. The majority of institutions were national non-governmental, community-based, or private sector organizations. Heat maps and statistical analysis demonstrated some misalignment between the distribution of resources versus national strategy priority areas and nutrition need. There were a low number of education and behavior change activities at a national level and relatively few primary care and health-sector strengthening activities in some priority departments.Conclusions: Mapping stakeholder institutions and nutrition activities in Guatemala identified several areas where resource allocation could be optimized to better address child stunting. The mapping initiative has been incorporated into Guatemala's national planning process and can assist with future monitoring efforts.
The Validity and Reliability of Immersive VR Device in Measuring Craniocervical Range of Motion.
Authors: Yan Chunyi , Wang Hong , Wu Tingkui , Gong Xingheng , Jin Yuanzhi , Liu Hao , Wang Beiyu
Published: October 2021

Background

Craniocervical range of motion (CROM) is a crucial index for assessing the neck's function. Its accurate evaluation could assist in detecting certain disorders, optimizing the therapy, and tracking intervention progress. In recent years, as VR technology has advanced rapidly, it has been widely applied in the medical field as it can simulate the real world. However, whether the novel immersive VR device could achieve a good performance in evaluating CROM remains explored.
Methods

This research aims to verify intra- and inter-rater reliability and validity of an immersive virtual reality (VR) device in measuring craniocervical range of motion (CROM) and compare its performance with the universal goniometer. Forty-two healthy adults without neck disorders were recruited for CROM measurement using an immersive VR device and a universal goniometer. We considered all six aspects of freedom, including flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion, and right/left rotation. Two raters participated in the examination. The first rater was required to repeat measurements twice with a five-minute interval using an immersive VR device to evaluate intra-rater reliability while also measuring the same subject with the same subject universal goniometer. To ascertain inter-rater reliability, the second rater conducted the third examination using the immersive VR device. A two-way random effect model was employed in calculating intra-rater and inter-rater reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC)).
Results

The immersive VR device revealed excellent reliability of intra-rater (ICC from 0.885 for right rotation to 0.978 for extension) and inter-rater (ICC from 0.770 for left rotation to 0.920 for left lateral flexion). By analyzing Bland-Altman plot, a small mean difference (≤1.64°) was revealed between the immersive VR device and universal goniometer. They demonstrated an excellent agreement in measuring CROM (r values from 0.833 to 0.964).
Conclusions

In healthy subjects, the immersive VR device provided excellent intra-rater and inter-rater reliability and a high agreement with the universal goniometer. Whether VR devices could achieve a similar performance between patients with neck disorders still requires future investigation.
A Modified Adventitial Inversion With Graft Insertion Technique in Acute Type A Aortic Dissection
Authors: Liang Wei-Tao , Yue Hong-Hua , Wu Zhong
Published: October 2021

Acute type A aortic dissection may originate from a primary intimal tear located in the ascending aorta and often extends retrogradely into the aortic root. How to prevent bleeding in the aortic root and eliminate false lumen is very important in aortic dissection. We have developed a modified anastomotic technique that involves inverting adventitial and graft into aorta and reinforcing with a felt strip on the external border of the aortic wall. 45 consecutive patients had undergone this surgical procedure for aortic root reconstruction in aortic dissection, there had been no reoperations either for bleeding or remnant dissection so far.
Distinct Alteration Patterns of Resting-State Functional Connectivity of the Corticostriatal Circuits Effected by Cigarette Smoking in Mild Cognitive Impairment Patients and Cognitively Normal subjects
Authors: Qiu Tiantian , Xie Fei , Zeng Qingze , Shen Zhujing , Du guijin , Xu Xiaopei , Wang Chao , Li Xiaodong , Luo Xiao , Li Kaicheng , Huang Peiyu , Zhang Tianyi , Zhang Jinling , Dai Shouping , Zhang Minming
Published: October 2021

To explore the interaction effects of smoking status (non-smoking vs. smoking) and disease (cognitively normal (CN) vs. MCI) based on resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the corticostriatal circuits. We included 304 CN non-smokers, 44 CN smokers, 130 MCI non-smokers, and 33 MCI smokers. The seed-based rsFC of striatal subregions (caudate, putamen, and nucleus accumbens [NAc]) with the whole-brain voxel was calculated. Furthermore, we performed mixed effect analysis to explore the interaction effects between smoking status and disease. Significant interaction effects were detected between: (1) right caudate and left inferior parietal lobule (IPL); (2) right putamen and bilateral cuneus; (3) bilateral NAc and bilateral anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). The post-hoc analyses revealed that the CN smokers showed increased rsFC between right caudate and left IPL compared to non-smokers; while the MCI smokers demonstrated decreased rsFC between right putamen and cuneus, and increased rsFC between bilateral NAc and ACC compared to non-smokers. In MCI smokers, the rsFC value between left NAc and ACC was positively correlated with Semantic Verbal Fluency (SVF, r = 0.387, p = 0.026), and the rsFC value between right NAc and ACC was positively correlated with SVF (r = 0.390, p = 0.025), Wechsler memory scale-logical memory (WMS-LM) immediate recall (r = 0.378, p = 0.03), and WMS-LM delayed recall (r = 0.367, p = 0.036). Our findings suggest that chronic nicotine exposure may lead to functional connectivity alterations of corticostriatal circuits in MCI patients, and the pattern is different from CN smokers.
The Novel Role of Arsenic (+3 oxidation state) Methyltransferase in Arsenic Genotoxicity
Authors: Sun Mingjun , He Yuefeng , Cheng Huirong , Zhang Yongchang , Chen Qian , Wen Weihua
Published: October 2021

Background: Arsenic (+3 oxidation state) methyltransferase (AS3MT) is the key enzyme in methylation metabolism of arsenic. It is closely related to DNA methylation, but little is known about the novel molecular mechanisms.Methods: 79 workers and 41 individuals in the control group were recruited. Arsenic, relative indexes, 28 relative RNAs, and base modifications of exon 5-8 of p53 were detected. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was performed to detect the expression of AS3MT protein in all subjects. A series of methods were used to analyze the relationships between them. The AS3MT protein was detected in A549 and 16HBE cells after treated using sodium arsenite, MMA and DMA for 48 hours. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection was used to investigate the role of AS3MT in arsenite-induced tumorigenesis. The cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed with MTT assay, EdU assay, HO/PI double staining and JC-1 assay. The real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western Blot analyses were used to evaluate the expression of genes. The p53 luciferase reporter gene assay and Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) were used to identify the interactions of target proteins.Results: AS3MT RNA is closely related to p53, a series of ncRNAs and mRNAs, and likely to have causal correlations. Base modifications of p53, miR-548 and miR-190 have significant distinctive effects, but arsenic may play limited roles. AS3MT is over expression in lung cancer patients who have not exposed to arsenic, human lung adenocarcinoma and bronchial epithelial cells with arsenic treatment for 48h. AS3MT protein is induced in arsenic exposed population. Down regulation of AS3MT inhibit proliferation and promotes apoptosis of cells. Mechanistically, AS3MT specifically bind with c-Fos, and block the binding ability between c-Fos and c-Jun. Additionally, knockdown of AS3MT mediated by siRNA enhance the phosphorylation level of p53 Ser392 through activating p38 MAPK. These probably lead to activation of p53 signaling and up regulation in downstream targets, such as p21, Fas, Puma and Bax.Discussion: Here showed that AS3MT RNA plays a great role in the genotoxicity and carcinogenesis which started by arsenic, but influenced by other factors. Up regulation of AS3MT can directly act on cell, and affect cell proliferation and apoptosis through activation of p53 signaling and up regulation in downstream targets.
Salicylic Acid Inhibits Growth and Sensitizes Cervical Cancer Cells to Radiotherapy by Activating AMPK/TSC2/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Jie Zhou , Wenjing Ye , Yi Guangming , Huang Jianming , Deng Siyao , Li Minglun , Li Yimin , Song Yanqiong , Zhang Jiayu , Wei Lichun , Lu Shun , Zhu Guiquan , Lang Jinyi
Published: October 2021

Background

Radioresistance remains a major clinical challenge in cervical cancer therapy. Salicylic acid (SA)-mediated direct activation of AMP–activated protein kinase (AMPK) is critical to radiosensitivity. However, limited data exists regarding the combination of SA and radiotherapy, even though there are several indications that this might be a promising treatment strategy. This study aimed to investigate the radiosensitizing effect of SA on human cervical cancer cells and its potential molecular mechanism.
Methods

Cervical cancer cells were treated with SA and ionizing radiation. The expression of γ-H2AX was evaluated by immunofluorescence (IF) assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. Western blot was performed to detect the protein level of AMPK/TSC2/mTOR pathway.
Results

SA inhibited basal proliferation of cervical cancer cells in a dose and time dependent manner. In addition, SA increased radiation-induced DNA damage, promoted apoptosis, triggered a redistribution of cell cycle from G2-M phase to G1-S phase of cervical cancer cells, and hence increased cell sensitivity to radiation. Moreover, SA treatment elevated the expression levels of p-AMPKα and p-TSC2, whereas the level of p-mTOR was significantly decreased.
Conclusion

SA enhances the radiosensitivity of cervical cancer cells by targeting AMPK/TSC2/mTOR signaling pathway, and might serve as a promising therapeutic strategy to improve the efficacy of radiotherapy for cervical cancer.
Land Use Land Cover Changes and its Implication on the conservation of Re-introduced Kihansi Spay Toads (Nectophrynoides asperginis) in Kihansi Gorge-Tanzania
Authors: Sigala Atuhombye , Ngongolo Kelvin , Mmbaga Naza
Published: October 2021

Background

Land use land cover change (LULCC) is a global threat to biodiversity conservation. Endemic species such as Kihansi spray toads (KST) are prone to extinction due to LULCC. This study assessed the LULCC of the Kihansi catchment (KC), a potential habitat for the KST and adjacent areas. Remote sensing (RS), geographical information system (GIS) and 156 questionnaires administered to three surrounding villages namely: Mgugwe, Udagaji and Ukami were used to assess the LULCC forms in the study area. Landsat imagery and ground truthing, were used to classify and monitor LULCC for 25 years from 1995 to 2020.
Results

Settlements and agricultural land increased by 26.23% and 3.7% respectively. On the other hand, forested land decreased by a rate of 10-20% per year. Across respondents a significant increase (p = 0.041) of the population was reported which contributed to settlement expansion. LULC of KC and adjacent areas were observed to change over the years that anticipate threatening the reintroduced KST and its habitat.
Conclusions

This study provides baseline information for land use planning in KC and adjacent areas that consider the sustainable conservation of re-introduced KST while improving the livelihood of the adjacent local communities.
Da Vinci Robotic System Assists in the Treatment of Patent Ductus Arteriosus-for a 7kg Child: the First Case Report
Authors: Ren Chunnian , Yan Huan , Zhao Jinliang , Zhang Libing
Published: October 2021

A 7-month-old child weighing only 7kg came to our hospital due to patent ductus arteriosus. Considering the child’s young age and low weight, we adopted Da Vinci robot-assisted ligation of patent ductus arteriosus. The Da Vinci robot surgery system could provide three-dimensional visual effects and flexible wrist mechanical devices, which make the operation space in the narrow chest cavity of the child more space, more detailed anatomy, easier operation and reduce the risk of damage to surrounding tissues and organs.
Comparative Transcriptomics Identifies Potential Stemness-Related Markers for Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells
Authors: Ghabriel Myret , Hosseiny Ahmed El , Moustafa Ahmed , Amleh Asma
Published: October 2021

Mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells residing in multiple tissues with the capacity for self-renewal and differentiation into various cell types. These properties make them promising candidates for regenerative therapies. MSC identification is critical in yielding pure populations for successful therapeutic applications; however, the criteria for MSC identification proposed by the International Society for Cellular Therapy (ISCT) is inconsistent across different tissue sources. This study aimed to identify potential markers to be used together with the ISCT criteria to provide a more accurate means of MSC identification. Thus, we carried out a comparative analysis of the expression of human and mouse MSCs derived from multiple tissues to identify the common differentially expressed genes. We show that six members of the proteasome degradation system are similarly expressed across MSCs derived from bone marrow, adipose tissue, amnion, and umbilical cord. Also, with the help of predictive models, we found that these genes successfully identified MSCs across all the tissue sources tested. Moreover, using genetic interaction networks, we showed a possible link between these genes and antioxidant enzymes in the MSC antioxidant defense system, thereby pointing to their potential role in prolonging the life span of MSCs. Our results suggest these genes can be used as stemness-related markers.
Hot-spots Clusters of HIV Infection in Cameroon: Space-time Analysis from the Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Sandie Arsène Brunelle , Tchatchueng Jules Brice , Nlend Anne Esther Njom
Published: October 2021

Background : The Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV) infection prevalence in Cameroon has consecutively decreased from 5.28% in 2004 to 2.8% in 2018. However , this total decrease in prevalence may hide some disparities especially in terms of spatial or geographical pattern. Efficient control and fighting against HIV infection requires to target hotspot areas . This study was aimed to investigate whether there is a spatial pattern of HIV in Cameroon and to determine the hot-spots clusters .Methods : HIV biomarkers data with Global Positioning System (GPS) location data were leveraged from the Cameroon 2004, 2011, and 2018 Demographic and Health Survey ( DHS ) after an approved request from the MEASURES Demographic and Health Survey Program . The spatial autocorrelation test was performed with the Moran I test through the R package " DCluster ". The discrete Poisson model was fitted to scan and detect hot-spots clusters based on the Kulldorff test with the SaTScan software version 9.4, with purely spatial and space -time analysis respectively . Finally , the data and detected clusters were imported to QGIS software version 3.20.2 for maps manipulations.Results : For the three considered periods of 2004, 2011, and 2018 respectively , there was a spatial autocorrelation of HIV infection in Cameroon . A total of 3, 5, and 2 significant hot-spots clusters were detected for the periods of 2004, 2011, and 2018 respectively . In the prospective space -time analysis , 2 significant clusters have been detected from 2004 to 2018. The relative- risk in the significant detected clusters were 2.72 (p-value =0.001 ) and 3.37 (p-value= 0.026) respectively . Cluster 1 included the following subdivisions : Mefou et Afamba , Nyong et So'o , Nyong et Mfoumou , Haute Sanaga , Mvila , Dja et lobo , Haut- Nyong , Boumba et Ngoko ; Kadey , Lom et Djerem , and Mbere . The other cluster included : Nkam , Sanaga -Maritime, and Nyong - Ekele .Conclusion : Despite the decrease of HIV epidemiology in Cameroon , the study revealed that there is a spatial pattern of HIV in Cameroon and the hot-spots clusters were detected . In its effort to eliminate HIV infection by 2030 in Cameroon , the public health policies should target more of the detected HIV hot-spots clusters in this study while maintaining effective control in other parts of the country which are cold -spots.
Tuberculosis-Associated Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome Manifested As Multiple Central Nervous System Granulomas In Non-HIV Patient: A Case Report
Authors: YANG Can-Hong , Zeng Qing-Gan , Lü Tian-Ming
Published: October 2021

Background: In addition to developed in HIV patient during highly active antiretroviral therapy, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) has also been well recognized in non-HIV immunocompromised patients induced by latent viruses, untreated microorganisms, or treating microorganisms. Mycobacteria tuberculosis is one of the most common pathogens inducing IRIS.Case presentation: Here, we report a tuberculosis patient progressed with IRIS that additional central nervous system (CNS) granuloma occurred during the anti-tuberculosis treatment (ATT) process with her pulmonary symptoms improved after quadruple anti-tuberculosis. This case highlights the need to increase the awareness of IRIS in non-HIV immunocompromised patients.Conclusions: TB-IRIS must be considered when the condition deteriorates or development of new lesions at distant sites in the course of ATT. Early identification and diagnosis help to handle timely and correctly.
Ultra-Diluted Gas Transmittance Revisited
Authors: Ratajczak Jakub
Published: October 2021

The paper analyzes a model of optical transmittance of ultra-diluted gas, considering gas parti-cles’ non-locality and the quantum effect of their wave function spreading derived from solving the Schrödinger equation for a free particle. The analysis does not depend on a particular form of the wave function, but it assumes the reality of wave function. Among others, we show conserved mass gas clouds may become significantly more transparent than predicted by classic transmittance laws. This unexpected phenomenon is possible because mass conservation is governed by the sum of probabilities , while the Markov chain’s product of probabilities controls the transmittance. Furthermore, we analytically derive the upper limit the closed system transmittance may grow and demonstrate a boundless, open gas cloud transmittance may grow up to 100%. Finally, we show the impact on interpretations of quantum mechanics. The model is naturally applicable in deep space conditions, where the environment is sparse. Furthermore, the model responds to dark matter requirements.
SQSTM1/p62 in Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Promotes Tumor Progression Via Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Mitochondrial Function Maintenance
Authors: Chen Jiafeng , Gao Zheng , Li Xiaogang , Shi Yinghong , Tang Zheng , Liu Weiren , Zhang Xin , Huang Ao , Gao Qiang , Ding Guangyu , Song Kang , Wang Xiaoying , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Fu Xiutao , Ding ZhenBin
Published: October 2021

Background: SQSTM1/p62, as a selective autophagy receptor, regulates multiple signaling pathways participating in the initiation and progression of tumors. Since metastasis is still a main cause for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC)-associated mortality, this study aimed to explore the mechanism of p62 promoting progression of ICC.Methods: Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis were conducted to detect the expression level of protein p62 in ICC tissues. Subsequently, loss of function experiments was applied to define the role of p62 in the progression of ICC in vitro and in vivo. Mitochondrial function and mitophagy was evaluated by measuring oxygen consumption rates (OCR) and immunofluorescence detection respectively.Results: Here we identified expression of p62 was significantly upregulated in ICC specimens compared to normal tissue. And we further illustrated that p62 expression was positively correlated with lymph-node metastasis and poor prognosis. Loss of function assays revealed that p62 not only promoted ICC cells proliferation, migration and invasive capacity in vitro, but also induced lung metastasis in xenograft mouse model. Mechanistically, high expression of p62 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) with upregulation of Snail1, Vimentin and down-regulation of E-Cadherin. Moreover, OCR assays and immunofluorescence cell staining demonstrated that the autophagy-dependent function of p62 may play a vital role in maintaining mitochondrial function of ICC by mitophagy.Conclusions: These data provide new evidence and feasible mechanism that abundant p62 expression promote ICC progression, suggesting a promising therapeutic target for anti-metastatic strategies in ICC patients.
Poverty, Income Inequality and Economic Growth in Nigeria (1981-2019)
Authors: Onwuka Chinonye Emmanuel
Published: October 2021

This study empirically examined the relationship between poverty, income inequality and economic growth in Nigeria. The study used time series data from National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin between the periods from 1981 to 2019. The study employed the use of Augmented Dickey Fuller test, Co integration test and Error Correction technique. The unit root test results indicated that all the variables were stationary at first difference and co-integration test confirmed a long run relationship among the variables. The error correction model shows that about 96 percent of the discrepancy between the actual and the equilibrium value of economic growth is corrected or eliminated each year. The coefficient of determination (R2) is 0.68 which shows that about 68 percent variations in the economic growth were explained by the independent variables . Furthermore, the Breusch-Godfrey Serial Correlation LM Test shows that the probability of the chi-square (2) is 0.2775 and this is greater than 0.05 at 5% significance level. This therefore confirms the absence of serial correlation. Also, the Breusch-Pagan-Godfrey Heteroscadaticity test indicates that the probability of chi-square (5) is 0.1242 and this is greater than 0.05 at 5% significant level. This also confirms the absence of heteroscedasticity in the model. From the study, the findings revealed that income inequality has a negative relationship with economic growth in the country while poverty was found to be positively related to economic growth. Similarly, the findings also revealed that poverty and income inequality has an insignificant effect on economic growth in Nigeria. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that poverty and income inequality has not significant relationship with economic growth in Nigeria. Thus, the study concludes that there is need for government of the country to come up with an all-inclusive policy and programme that will be targeted to the poor and give them ample opportunities to improve their welfare.
Fasting Blood Glucose in a Ghanaian Adult is Causally Linked with Malaria Parasite Count: A Mechanistic Case Study Using Convergent Cross Mapping
Authors: Abidha Carol Akinyi , Amoako Yaw Ampem , Nyamekye Richard King , Bedu-Addo George , Grziwotz Florian , Mockenhaupt Frank P. , Telschow Arndt , Danquah Ina
Published: October 2021

Background: Adults with diabetes mellitus (DM) in malaria-endemic areas might be more susceptible to Plasmodium infection than healthy individuals. Herein, we aimed at verifying the hypothesis that increased fasting blood glucose (FBG) promotes parasite growth as reflected by increased parasite density. Methods: Seven adults without DM were recruited in rural Ghana to determine the relationships between FBG and malaria parasite load. Socio-economic data were recorded in questionnaire-based interviews. Over a period of 6 weeks, we measured FBG and Plasmodium spc. infection in peripheral blood samples photometrically and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-assays, respectively. Daily physical activity and weather data were documented via smartphone recording. For the complex natural systems of homeostatic glucose control and Plasmodium spc. lifecycle, empirical dynamic modelling was applied. Results: At baseline, four men and three women (median age, 33 years; interquartile range, 30-48) showed a median FBG of 5.5 (5.1-6.0 mmol/L); one participant had an asymptomatic Plasmodium spc. infection (parasite density: 240 /µL). In this participant, convergent cross mapping (CCM) for 34 consecutive days, showed that FBG was causally affected by parasite density (p <0.02), while the reciprocal relationship was not discernible (p >0.05). Additionally, daily ambient temperature affected parasite density (p<0.01).Conclusion: In this study population living in a malaria-endemic area, we successfully piloted time series analyses for the relationships between FBG and Plasmodium spc. density. Longer observation periods and larger samples are required to confirm these findings and determine the direction of causality.
­ Functional Characterization of 5’ UTR Cis-Acting Sequence Elements That Modulate Translational Efficiency in P. Falciparum and Humans
Authors: Garcia Valentina E. , Dial Rebekah , DeRisi Joseph L
Published: October 2021

BackgroundThe eukaryotic parasite Plasmodium falciparum causes millions of malarial infections annually while drug resistance to common antimalarials is further confounding eradication efforts. Translation is an attractive therapeutic target that will benefit from a deeper mechanistic understanding. As the rate limiting step of translation, initiation is a primary driver of translational efficiency. It is a complex process regulated by both cis and trans acting factors, providing numerous potential targets. Relative to model organisms and humans, P. falciparum mRNAs feature unusual 5’ untranslated regions suggesting cis-acting sequence complexity in this parasite may act to tune levels of protein synthesis through their effects on translational efficiency. MethodsHere, we deployed in vitro translation to compare the role of cis-acting regulatory sequences in P. falciparum and humans. Using parasite mRNAs with high or low translational efficiency, the presence, position, and termination status of upstream “AUG”s, in addition to the base composition of the 5’ untranslated regions, were characterized. ResultsThe density of upstream “AUG”s differed significantly among the most and least efficiently translated genes in P. falciparum, as did the average “GC” content of the 5’ untranslated regions. Using exemplars from highly translated and poorly translated mRNAs, multiple putative upstream elements were interrogated for impact on translational efficiency. Upstream “AUG”s were found to repress translation to varying degrees, depending on their position and context, while combinations of upstream “AUG”s had nonadditive effects. The base composition of the 5’ untranslated regions also impacted translation, but to a lesser degree. Surprisingly, the effects of cis-acting sequences were remarkably conserved between P. falciparum and humans. ConclusionWhile translational regulation is inherently complex, this work contributes toward a more comprehensive understanding of parasite and human translational regulation by examining the impact of discrete cis-acting features, acting alone or in context.
Efficacy profile of noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation on cortical spreading depression susceptibility and the tissue response
Authors: Liu Tzu-Ting , Morais Andreia , Takizawa Tsubasa , Mulder Inge , Simon Bruce J. , Chen Shih-Pin , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Ayata Cenk , Yen Jiin-Cherng
Published: October 2021

Background

Noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) has recently emerged as a promising therapy for migraine. We previously demonstrated that vagus nerve stimulation inhibits cortical spreading depression (CSD), the electrophysiological event underlying migraine aura and triggering headache; however, the optimal nVNS paradigm has not been defined.
Methods

Various intensities and doses of nVNS were tested to improve efficacy on KCl-evoked CSD frequency and electrical threshold of CSD in a validated rat model. Chronic efficacy was evaluated by daily nVNS delivery for four weeks. We also examined the effects of nVNS on neuroinflammation and trigeminovascular activation by western blot and immunohistochemistry.
Results

nVNS suppressed susceptibility to CSD in an intensity-dependent manner. Two 2-minute nVNS 5 minutes apart afforded the highest efficacy on electrical CSD threshold and frequency of KCl-evoked CSD. Daily nVNS for four weeks did not further enhance efficacy over a single nVNS 20 minutes prior to CSD. The optimal nVNS also attenuated CSD-induced upregulation of cortical cycloogenase-2, calcitonin gene-related peptide in trigeminal ganglia, and c-Fos expression in trigeminal nucleus caudalis.
Conclusion

Our study provides insight on optimal nVNS parameters to suppress CSD and suggests its benefit on CSD-induced neuroinflammation and trigeminovascular activation in migraine treatment.
Over-expression of SDF-1α on BMSCs Reduce the Injury Caused by PMN in Myocardial Ischemia/reperfusion
Authors: Wang Ruihua , Wei Wen , Rong Shuling , Wang Ting , Li Bao
Published: October 2021

Background: To study the protective effect of BMSC overexpressing SDF-1α on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), to improve the limitation that only part of BMSC is recruited to the site of myocardial injury in the treatment of ischemic heart disease. It provides a new scheme for stem cell therapy for clinical treatment of reperfusion injury.Methods: Collect blood samples from PCI patients and healthy individuals to detect PMN and SDF-1α expression; Construction of BMSC overexpressing SDF-1α (oe-SDF-1α); In the case of no intervention or intervention by BMSC respectively, cell level: the migration ability of PMN to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) cardiomyocytes and the expression of SDF-1α, CXCR4, apoptosis, oxidative stress and other indicators of cardiomyocytes were detected; In vivo level: PMN, SDF-1α, CXCR4, oxidative stress and inflammatory factor levels were detected in I/R mice. And carry out statistical analysis.Results: ① In the clinic, compared with the control group, the expression levels of SDF-1α and PMN in the blood of PCI patients increased. ② Under H/R conditions, cardiomyocytes express and secrete SDF-1α, activate PMN migration and infiltration mediated by SDF-1/CXCR4 signal pathway, promote cardiomyocyte apoptosis and increase the level of oxidative stress; oe-SDF-1α has a stronger ability to migrate to H/R cardiomyocytes and has more repair ability than BMSC.It is more suitable as a tool cell for stem cell therapy. ③ The expression levels of SDF-1α and PMN are increased in I/R mice. oe-SDF-1α can reduce the ability of PMN to reside to the damaged part of myocardial tissue significantly, thereby reducing myocardial tissue damage, oxidative stress, inflammatory factor levels in I/R mice. Conclusions: The SDF-1/CXCR4 biological axis not only plays an important role in BMSC migration, but also helps to enhance the therapeutic effect of BMSC-based therapy. Oe-SDF-1α has a more repairing effect on reducing cell damage caused by PMN, and can be used as a new type of cell for the treatment of IRI.
Weak Signal Enhancement For Small Drill Condition Monitoring In PCB Drilling Process By Using Adaptive Multistable Stochastic Resonance
Authors: Tan Qifeng , Liu Guodong , Li Yong , Tong Hao
Published: October 2021

The on-line tool condition monitoring is demanded to detect the tool wear and to ensure the hole drilling process of printed circuit boards (PCB) goes on smoothly. However, due to the impact of ambient noise caused by the limited size of small drill and the laminated material of PCB, the tool wear signal features are too weak to extract. The stochastic resonance (SR) method has been proven to be effective in enhancing weak signals among various weak signal extraction. In this paper, an adaptive multistable stochastic resonance is presented to improve performance of the SR method and process the tool wear signals for PCB drilling. The differential evolution (DE) algorithm is applied to adaptively optimize potential parameters and compensation factor, which makes the SR method suitable for high frequency signal. Moreover, tool wear experiments with different drill wear are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results indicate that the proposed method improves the signal-to-noise ratio and has great potential in enhancing weak signals for small drill condition monitoring in PCB drilling process.
Amplification of Annual and Diurnal Cycles of Alpine Lightning
Authors: Simon Thorsten , Mayr Georg J. , Morgenstern Deborah , Umlauf Nikolaus , Zeileis Achim
Published: October 2021

The response of lightning to a changing climate is not fully understood. Historic trends of proxies known for fostering convective environments suggest an increase of lightning over large parts of Europe. Since lightning results from the interaction of processes on many scales, as many of these processes as possible must be considered for a comprehensive answer. Recent achievements of decade-long seamless lightning measurements and hourly reanalyses of atmospheric conditions including cloud micro-physics combined with flexible regression techniques have made a reliable reconstruction of lightning down to its seasonally varying diurnal cycle feasible. To include a large variety of land-cover, topographical and atmospheric circulation conditions, the European Eastern Alps and their surroundings are our reconstruction region over a period of four decades. The most intense changes occurred over the high Alps where lightning activity doubled in the past decade compared to the 1980s. There, the lightning season reaches a higher maximum and starts one month earlier, likely due to the earlier snow melt. Diurnally, the peak is up to 50% stronger with more lightning strikes in the afternoon and evening hours. Signals along the southern and northern alpine rim are similar but weaker whereas the flatlands north of the Alps have no significant trend.
The Trade-Off of Post-Mastectomy Radiotherapy Usage for the Breast Cancer Patients Aged 70 Years or Older: A Study Based on SEER Database
Authors: Lin Jingyi , Luo Shiping , Zhang Jie , Song Chuangui
Published: October 2021

Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the role of post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) in the female aged 70 years or older diagnosed with breast cancer, which is still controversial.Methods: This retrospective study enrolled women aged 70+ years diagnosed with breast cancer between 2004 and 2016 following mastectomy from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to reduce covariable imbalance. A nomogram was created to predict the 1,3,5-years overall survival (OS) of elderly patients based on the the univariable and multivariable COX regression model results. The X-tile software determined the optimal cutoff value of risk scores from the nomogram and divided patients into three risk groups. Results: Of the 27,636 females were eligible, 17.2% (n=4,747) received PMRT while 82,8% (n=22889) not. After 1:1 matching, PMRT were associated with significant improvement in breast cause-specific survival (BCSS) and OS (p <0.001). By contrast, the BCSS and OS benefit from PMRT were not significant in patients with T1N1 tumor (BCSS：HR = 0.716，p = 0.249；OS：HR = 0.908，p = 0.572), and T2N1 tumor (BCSS：HR = 0.866，p = 0.289；OS：HR = 0.879，p = 0.166). Stratified by subtype, the HR+/HER-2- subtype and the HR-/HER-2- subtype (all p<0.001) have a significant prolonged survival, yet not significant difference are shown in the HER-2+ tumor. The nomogram has high predictive accuracy and discrimination, and well distinguish three risk groups. In the low-risk group, PMRT didn't significantly better OS (p=0.203).Conclusions: This study demonstrated that post-mastectomy radiotherapy improves the survival of females with elderly breast cancer. After a comprehensive assessment of the side effects and the quality of life, the omission of PMRT could be considered in patients with T1-2N1 breast cancer. Furthermore, the nomogram we constructed could be used as a decision tool for the omission of PMRT in low-risk elderly patients.
Outcome of Primary Intraosseous Carcinoma: Cases Review of Single Institution
Authors: long en , You Dongling , Wang Shubin , Lu Shun , Xu Peng , Zhou Jie , Li Lu , Wu Jian , Zhang Biqin , Lang Jinyi , Zhu Guiquan
Published: October 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors and treatment of primary intraosseous carcinoma (PIOC).Methods: Patients who diagnosed with PIOC and received treatment in Sichuan cancer hospital from 1996 to 2020 were followed up and retrospectively reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses base on clinical-pathological characteristics and therapeutic modalities were performed using the Log rank test and Cox regression model respectively.Result: A total of 28 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 60 years (60±10.11). The 2-year and 5-year overall survival (OS) were 60.7% and 38.5% respectively. In the univariate analysis, surgery combined with adjuvant therapy improved the OS compared with surgery or radiotherapy alone (P=0.035), and patients received postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy had a higher OS than those who received radical radiotherapy (P = 0.01). In addition, patients with well differentiated tumors tent to have increased progression free survival (PFS) (P=0.01). Multivariate analyses showed that radiotherapy was independent indicators for OS (HR: 0.212, 95% CI: 0.068–0.660, P = 0.007).Conclusion: surgery combined with adjuvant therapy is the superior treatment strategy for primary intraosseous carcinoma at present. This study is the first to report the important role of radiotherapy in the treatment of primary intraosseous carcinoma.Mini Abstract：surgery plus adjuvant therapy is the preferred treatment for primary intraosseous carcinoma and it is first to illustrate the important role of radiotherapy.
Association of MTHFR rs1801133 and Homocysteine With Legg-Calvé-Perthes Disease in Mexican Patients
Authors: Pazarán José Guillermo Buendía , Zamora Edgar Hernández , Rodríguez-Olivas Armando Odiseo , Ávila Leonora Casas , Flores Margarita Valdés , Maldonado Elba Reyes
Published: October 2021

Background: Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) is an avascular osteonecrosis of the femoral epiphysis. It is a rare disease of unclear etiology in children. Alterations in coagulation, or the collagen gene have been described and could be associated with its etiology. Therefore, we set out to evaluate the following alterations: COL1A1 (rs1107946, rs2412298), COL2A1 (rs121912891 and rs387106558), MTHFR rs1801133, CBS rs115742905, and PT rs1799963 and their relationship with LCPD.Methods: DNA was obtained and genotyped by real-time PCR with TaqMan probes. It was determined prothrombin and homocysteine (Hcy) by a coagulometric method. The variables were described as mean and standard deviation or percentages, and genotypic and allelic distributions were analyzed using the Student's t-test. In addition, the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, and OR.Results: We studied 23 patients with LCPD and 46 controls. We did not find any association of the MTHFR, CBS, PT, COL1A1, and COL2A1 genetic variants with LCPD. However, when adjusting the data with the Hcy values for the MTHFR C677T polymorphism, the C/C genotypes showed an association with the recessive model (p = 0.038) with susceptibility to LCPD.Conclusion: No association was found with the CBS, PT, COL1A1, and COL2A1 genes. Nevertheless, our results suggest a significant link between moderately elevated Hcy levels and the MTHFR C677T polymorphism in a cohort of Mexican children with LCPD.