bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Title: Sex disparities in the prevalence of disabilities: A population-based study in a low-income community
Authors: Orellano-Colón Elsa M , Suárez-Pérez Erick L. , Rivero-Méndez Marta , Boneu-Meléndez Claudia X. , Varas-Díaz Nelson , Lizama-Troncoso Mauricio , Jiménez-Velázquez Ivonne Z. , León-Astor Arelí , Jutai Jeffrey W.
Published: February 2021

Background: Functional disability continues to be a significant public health problem that increases older adults’ vulnerability to experience a diminished quality of life, loss of independence, higher healthcare costs and health services utilization, and increased risks of mortality. Thus, we aimed to study the prevalence of disabilities by sex according to the types of daily living activities, controlling for specific sociodemographic variables among older Hispanics from low-income communities.Methods: We used a cross-sectional epidemiological research design, considering a complex sampling design of households to interview adults ≥65 years living in low-income communities in Puerto Rico. Functional disability was measured by the PROMIS ® Physical Function Short Form-20 T-score. The prevalences of disability were estimated using the logistic regression model, weighting by the effect of the sampling. Our estimated prevalences were compared between sexes using the prevalence ratio (PR), which was estimated with logistic regression models, controlling for age, income, number of chronic conditions, high and low impact of chronic conditions in functional disabilities, marital status, and sampling design.Results: We recruited 211 older Hispanics from randomly selected sample. Their mean age was 74.4 ± 7.1 years, with female predominance (57.3%). The estimated prevalence of physical function disability using T-score among females was 2.70 (95% CI: 1.4, 5.1) times the estimated prevalence of physical function disability among males. Women were more likely to report functional disabilities in instrumental activities of daily living, self-care activities, and functional mobility compared to males. These sex differences were largely explained by differences in disability-related chronic conditions.Conclusions: The females in our study bear the greater burden of physical function disability in their adult age. Health policies as well as future studies should be targeted at reducing the burden of physical function disabilities in different types of daily activities through gender sensitive disability self-management programs.
“Is the Health System Ready?” – a Qualitative Exploration of Stakeholders’ Opinion About the Feasibility of Preconception Care Services in the Nigerian Health System
Authors: Ojifinni Oludoyinmola Omobolade , Ibisomi Latifat
Published: February 2021

Background Preconception care (PCC) services aim to improve reproductive health outcomes through the provision of biomedical, behavioural and social health interventions to women and couples before conception occurs. Countries that have deployed PCC services have policies that guide the services provided. In Nigeria, PCC is poorly developed and is often provided in an opportunistic manner with no guidelines in place to direct the provision. This study explored the opinions of policymakers and health workers about the feasibility of deploying PCC services in the country. Methods This study was a cross-sectional exploration of opinions about PCC service deployment within the Nigerian health system in which 39 in-depth interviews were conducted with policymakers at the federal and state tiers of government as well as health workers at the tertiary, secondary and primary levels of health care. The transcripts were analysed thematically using a hybrid of deductive and inductive coding on MAXQDA 2018 qualitative data analysis software. Results Four main themes emerged from the data – issues around policy for PCC, service integration and collaboration, health system readiness and challenges to PCC service deployment. While noting that the country has no PCC policy, participants identified existing policies into which PCC can be integrated. The participants also described the importance of policy to PCC provision and provided information on existing collaborations that can help the policy development and implementation process. Although many of the participants believed the health system is prepared for PCC deployment, they identified challenges related to policy formulation and implementation, including financial challenges that could hinder the process. Conclusion Deployment of PCC services in the Nigerian health system is achievable as there are existing health-related policies into which the guidelines can be integrated. However, there is a need to consider the possible implementation challenges and address them as part of the planning process.
Clinical significance and potential mechanisms of the RNA methyltransferase KIAA1429 in osteosarcoma
Authors: Sun Yu , Lei Yi-wu , Ji Shu-Fan , Wu Hao , Liu Yun , Wen Sheng-Lian , Wei Ming-Hui , Chen Gang , He Mao-Lin
Published: February 2021

Background: KIAA1429, a member of the RNA methyltransferase complex, is involved in cancer progression. However, the clinical significance of KIAA1429 in osteosarcoma (OS) and the underlying mechanisms by which it contributes to disease progression remain unclear. Methods: The clinical significance of KIAA1429 in OS was evaluated based on the RT-qPCR, microarray, RNA sequencing, and published data. Two lentivirus-mediated KIAA1429-targeting siRNA constructs were transfected into SW1353 cells, and CCK-8 and flow cytometry assays were applied to investigate the biological function of KIAA1429 in OS cells. KIAA1429-related genes in OS were identified from lists of co-expressed genes (CEGs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Functional enrichment analysis was employed to explore the potential mechanisms by which KIAA1429 contributes to the progression of OS.Results: The mRNA expression of KIAA1429 was notably overexpressed in 250 OS samples than 71 non-cancer samples (SMD=0.74). SROC curve analysis showed that KIAA1429 exhibits diagnostic capacity between OS samples and non-cancer samples (AUC=0.83). Survival analysis showed that overexpression of KIAA1429 was associated with shorter overall survival time. Knocking down KIAA1429 reduced the level of m6A methylation, inhibited proliferation, and accelerated apoptosis in OS cells. A total of 395 KIAA1429-related genes were identified, and were enriched in the cell cycle pathway. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis showed that CDK1, CCNA2, and CCNB1 were KIAA1429-related genes that act as major network hubs in OS. Conclusion: KIAA1429 plays an oncogenic role in OS and may facilitate the progression of OS through a mechanism involving the regulation of CDK1, CCNA2, and CCNB1.
Protein Model Accuracy Estimation Empowered by Deep Learning and Inter-residue Distance Prediction in CASP14
Authors: Chen Xiao , Liu Jian , Guo Zhiye , Wu Tianqi , Hou Jie , Cheng Jianlin
Published: February 2021

The inter-residue contact prediction and deep learning showed the promise to improve the estimation of protein model accuracy (CASP13) in the 13th Critical Assessment of Protein Structure Prediction (CASP13). During the 2020 CASP14 experiment, we developed and tested several EMA predictors that used deep learning with the new features based on inter-residue distance/contact predictions as well as the existing model quality features. The average global distance test (GDT-TS) score loss of ranking CASP14 structural models by three multi-model MULTICOM EMA predictors (MULTICOM-CONSTRUCT, MULTICOM-AI, and MULTICOM-CLUSTER) is 0.073, 0.079, and 0.081, respectively, which are ranked first, second, and third places out of 68 CASP14 EMA predictors. The single-model EMA predictor (MULTICOM-DEEP) is ranked 10th place among all the single-model EMA methods in terms of GDT-TS score loss. The results show that deep learning and contact/distance predictions are useful in ranking and selecting protein structural models.
Circulating Immune Biomarkers in Peripheral Blood Correlate With Clinical Outcomes in Advanced Breast Cancer
Authors: Palazón-Carrión Natalia , Jiménez-Cortegana Carlos , Sánchez-León M. Luisa , Henao-Carrasco Fernando , Nogales-Fernández Esteban , Chiesa Massimo , Caballero Rosalía , Rojo Federico , Nieto-García María-Adoración , Sánchez-Margalet Víctor , Cruz-Merino Luis de la
Published: February 2021

Identification of the different elements intervening at the immunoedition process, in each body compartment, seems key to explain clinical evolution in several tumor types. In this study, a set of immune biomarkers (myeloid derived suppressor cells, regulatory T cells, and OX40+ and PD-1+ T lymphocytes counts) in peripheral blood of patients diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, were analyzed prior to and along the implementation of first line antineoplastic therapy. Subsequently, a formal comparison between groups with clinical benefit versus progression of disease and with a healthy women cohort was executed. Results reflected that patients basally showed higher levels of myeloid derived suppressor cells (35.43, IR=180.73 vs 17.53, IR=16.96 cells/μl; p=0.001) and regulatory T cells (32.05, IR=29.84 vs 22.61, IR=13.57 cells/μl; p=0.001) in comparison with healthy women. Furthermore, after therapy, an increase in the number of activated T lymphocytes (expressing OX40), and a decrease of immune inhibitory cells (MDSCs, and Tregs), and the number of inhibited (or exhausted) T lymphocytes (expressing PD-1), could be ascertained in patients with clinical benefit (p≤0.001). The opposite trend was observed in the case of disease progression. These findings suggest that some critical immune elements can be easily detected and measured in peripheral blood, which open a new opportunity for translational research, as they seem to be clearly correlated with clinical evolution, at least in ABC.
Implementation Strategies and Outcomes for Occupational Therapy in Adult Stroke Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review
Authors: Murrell J. Edward , Pisegna Janell L. , Juckett Lisa A.
Published: February 2021

BackgroundEvery year, millions of people worldwide experience a stroke. Given the degree of physical, cognitive, visual, and behavioral impairments post-stroke, stroke survivors often encounter occupational therapy practitioners in the rehabilitation practice settings. Although evidence-based occupational therapy practices have been well-established in the stroke literature, it remains unclear what strategies have been used to promote these practices' effective implementation in the real-world context. The present review identifies these strategies and the extent to which researchers have measured implementation outcomes. MethodsA scoping review protocol was developed to assess the breadth and depth of occupational therapy literature examining implementation strategies and outcomes in the stroke rehabilitation field. Four electronic databases and two peer-reviewed implementation science journals were searched to identify studies meeting inclusion criteria. Two reviewers applied the inclusion parameters and consulted with a third reviewer, as needed, to achieve consensus. The Expert Change guided synthesis of review findings for Implementing Change project and the Implementation Outcomes Framework. ResultsThe initial search yielded 1219 studies, and 26 were included in the final review. A total of 48 out of 73 discrete implementation strategies were deployed in the included studies. The most used implementation strategies were “distribute educational materials,” “assess for readiness and identify barriers and facilitators,” and “conduct educational outreach visits.” “Adoption” was the most frequently measured implementation outcome, while “cost” was not measured in any included studies. Eleven studies reported findings to support the effectiveness of their implementation strategy or strategies; eleven studies reported inconclusive findings, and four studies found that their strategies did not lead to improved implementation outcomes. ConclusionsThis scoping review identified occupational therapy literature examining implementation strategies and outcomes in the context of stroke rehabilitation. With the growth of the stroke survivor population, the occupational therapy profession must identify effective strategies that promote the uptake of evidence-based practices into routine stroke care. Occupational therapy researchers and practitioners are encouraged to collaborate to develop and deploy implementation strategies responsive to known implementation barriers and facilitators in the stroke rehabilitation setting.
Tool Wear Inspection and Classiﬁcation by Artiﬁcial Neural Network Based on Vision System and Cutting Force Signal.
Authors: Abdeltawab Ahmed , Zhang Xi , Zhang Longjia , Li Chuanjun
Published: February 2021

The current work focuses on the cutting tool condition monitoring of end milling based on direct and indirect approach in machining AISI H13 alloy steel. Indirect process parameters such as cutting force signals are measured as responses using force sensor. In order to successfully inspect the milling tool life online for direct approaches, an automated machine vision system was used for tool condition monitoring. The image processing algorithms are developed to extract different features of rotating milling tool. A detection and compensation system for tool wear based on machine vision is designed. Feedforward Back-Propagation Neural Network applied for tool wear classification developed based on many force features. Ten time-domain features extracted and the sensitive features is determined based on Pearson’s correlation coefficient. I-kaz method which integrates between kurtosis and standard deviation is added as input feature with the ten time-domain features. A strong correlation is established between most of time-domain features and tool wear with high correlation coefficient. ANN model applied for classification tool states as normal and abnormal. Experiments with vision system have shown that area of wear at bottom and ﬂank is suitable to inspect in-process. Actual measurements of the tool wear stages are possible to identify the abnormality in cutting using vision system. ANN model showed superior results for tool states classification. The mean squared Error (MSE) for classification model was less than 6.7E-09 and R equal to 1. The model can be used to construct fault estimation mode for tool wear online classification and inspection.
High molecular weight glutenin gene diversity in Aegilops tauschii demonstrates unique origin of superior wheat quality
Authors: Delorean Emily , Gao LiangLiang , Lopez Jose Fausto Cervantes , Consortium The Open Wild Wheat , Wulff Brande , Ibba Maria Itria , Poland Jesse
Published: February 2021

Central to the diversity of wheat products was the origin of hexaploid bread wheat, which added the D-genome of Aegilops tauschii to tetraploid wheat giving rise to superior dough properties in leavened breads. The polyploidization, however, imposed a genetic bottleneck, with only limited diversity introduced in the wheat D-subgenome. To understand genetic variants for quality, we sequenced 273 accessions spanning the known diversity of Ae. tauschii. We discovered 45 haplotypes in Glu-D1, a major determinant of quality, relative to the two predominant haplotypes in wheat. The wheat allele 2+12 was found in Ae. tauschii Lineage 2, the donor of the wheat D-subgenome. Conversely, the superior quality wheat allele 5+10 allele originated in Lineage 3, a recently characterized lineage of Ae. tauschii, showing a unique origin of this important allele. These two wheat alleles were also quite similar relative to the total observed molecular diversity in Ae. tauschii at Glu-D1. Ae. tauschii is thus a reservoir for unique Glu-D1 alleles and provides the genomic resource to begin utilizing new alleles for end-use quality improvement in wheat breeding programs.
Passive repetitive stretching increases skeletal muscle mass and myofiber cross-sectional area in senescence-accelerated model mouse
Authors: Wang Yumin , Ikeda Satoshi , Ikoma Katsunori
Published: February 2021

Mechanical stimulation has benefits for muscle mass and function. Passive stretching is widely performed in clinical rehabilitation medicine. However, the hypertrophic effects of passive repetitive stretching on senescent skeletal muscles against muscle atrophy remain unknown. We used senescence-accelerated model SAM-P8 mice. The gastrocnemius muscle was passively repetitive stretched by manual ankle dorsiflexion for 15 min, 5 days a week for 2 weeks under deep anesthesia. We examined the effects of passive stretching on muscle mass, myofiber cross-sectional area, muscle fiber type and composition, satellite cell content, mRNA expression of the signaling pathways involved in muscle protein synthesis, muscle-specific ubiquitin ligases, and myogenic regulatory factors. The gastrocnemius muscle weight of the stretched side increased compared with that of the unstretched side. In addition to the increase in muscle mass, muscle fiber cross-sectional area of the stretched side was greater than that of the unstretched side. Passive repetitive stretching significantly increased the mRNA expression level of Akt, p70S6K, 4E-BP1, Myf5, myogenin, MuRF1. Passive repetitive stretching promoted skeletal muscle mass and myofiber cross-sectional area in SAM-P8 mice. These hypertrophic observations are attributable to the stretch-activated signaling pathways involved in protein turnover. These findings are applicable to clinical muscle strengthening and sarcopenia prevention.
A study on the preparation, evaluation of biological characteristics, and preliminary imaging of [188Re]Re-ibandronate
Authors: Xu Tingting , Wang Yingwei , Chen Zan , Liu Hanxiang , Yang Songsong , Liu Guangfu , Zhao Yan , Fu Wenhui , Liu Lin , Xiang Ke , Peng Dengsai , Chen Yue
Published: February 2021

Background

Bone is a common site of metastasis of malignant tumor. Several radiopharmaceuticals are available to relieve bone pain in patients with cancer. However, there is still a need to to investigate easily accessible and high bone affinity radiopharmaceuticals. Radionuclide 188Re has an advantage in this regard because of its commercial extraction from 188W/188Re generators. It can be used on demand and is cost-effective. The first-generation bisphosphonate hydroxyethylidene diphosphonate (HEDP) is the commonly used bisphosphonate for 188Re-labelling. And the third-generation bisphosphonates ibandronate (IBA) has higher bone affinity and ability to inhibit bone resorption than HEDP. However, there have been no reports on 188Re-labelling with IBA. We used IBA and 188Re for radiolabeling to develop and evaluate a novel type of bone-seeking radiopharmaceutical.
Results

We successfully prepared [188Re]Re-IBA in > 95% RCP. The optimum preparation conditions were as follows: IBA, 1.2–1.6 mg; ascorbic acid, 0.20–0.35 mg; stannous chloride, 0.14–0.18 mg; potassium perrhenate, 0.005–0.009 mg; and [188Re]ReO4− activity, 18.5–55 MBq, were reacted for 30 min at 95℃ and pH = 2. [188Re]Re-IBA demonstrated good stability in vitro, high plasma protein binding rate, and good hydrophilicity. The in vivo distribution of mice and bone imaging in New Zealand rabbits showed high bone uptake, long retention time, rapid blood clearance, and relatively low soft tissue uptake.
Conclusion

Our study encompassed the successful preparation of [188Re]Re-IBA, a novel bone-seeking radiopharmaceutical, and confirmed it has great potential for the treatment of bone pain and imaging monitoring.
The Treatment Zone Size and Its Decentration Influence Axial Length Grow in Children With Orthokeratology Treatment
Authors: Lin Weiping , Li Na , Gu Tianpu , Tang Chunyu , Du Bei , Liu Guihua , wei ruihua
Published: February 2021

Background: To investigate whether the treatment zone size (TZS) and treatment zone decentration (TZD) will affect the axial length growth in myopic children undergoing orthokeratology treatment.Methods: A self-controlled retrospective study was conducted on 352 children who met the inclusion criteria. Axial length was measured before and at 12 months after the initial lens wear. Corneal topography was measured at baseline and at each follow-up after lens wear. The Corneal topography obtained from the 12-month visit was used to quantify TZS and TZD for each subject. Cycloplegic refraction was required for all subjects before fitting the orthokeratology lenses. Results: Axial length growth was significantly associated with age, baseline spherical equivalent (SE), TZS, and TZD with univariate linear regression. In groups with both small and large TZS, axial length growth was significantly decreased with large TZD (both P < 0.001). In groups with both small and large TZD, axial length growth was significantly decreased with small TZS (P = 0.027 for small TZD, P = 0.011 for large TZD). Age, SE, and TZD were significantly associated with axial length growth in multiple regression (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: Relatively smaller TZS and larger TZD may be beneficial in slowing myopia progression in children with orthokeratology treatment.
Revisit the Practice of Lymph Node Biopsy in Patients Diagnosed as Ductal Carcinoma In Situ Before Operation: A Retrospective Analysis of 682 Cases and Evaluate the Role of Breast MRI
Authors: Lai Hung-Wen , Chang Yi Lin , Chen Shou-Tung , Chang Yu-Chun , Wu Wen-Pei , Chen Dar-Ren , Kuo Shou-Jen
Published: February 2021

Background: The optimal axillary lymph node (ALN) management strategy in patients diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) preoperatively remains controversial. The value of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to predict ALN metastasis pre-operative DCIS patients were evaluated. Methods: Patients with primary DCIS with or without pre-operative breast MRI evaluation and underwent breast surgery were recruited from single institution. The value of breast MRI for ALN evaluation, predictors of breast & ALN surgeries, upgrade from DCIS to invasive cancer, and ALN metastasis were analyzed.Results: A total of 682 cases with pre-operative diagnosis of DCIS were enrolled in current study. The rate of upgrade to invasive cancer were found in 34.2% of specimen, and this upgrade rate is 23% for patients received breast conserving surgery and 40.7% for mastectomy (p<0.01). Large pre-operative imaging tumor size and post-operative invasive component were risk factors to ALN metastasis. Breast MRI had 53.8% sensitivity, 77.8% specificity, 14.9% positive predictive value, 95.9% negative predictive value (NPV), and 76.2% accuracy to predict ALN metastasis in pre-OP DCIS patients. In MRI node negative breast cancer patients with MRI tumor size < 3cm, the NPV was 96.4%, and all these false negative cases were N1. Pre-OP diagnosed DCIS patients with MRI tumor size <3 cm and node negative suitable for BCS could safety omit SLNB if whole breast radiotherapy is to be performed.Conclusion: Breast MRI had high NPV to predict ALN metastasis in pre-OP DCIS patients, which is useful and could be provided as shared decision-making reference.
Exosomes from human urine-derived stem cells ameliorate particulate polyethylene-induced osteolysis
Authors: Li Hui , Fan Xiaolei , Wang Yinan , Lu Wei , Wang Haoyi , Liao Runzhi , Zeng Min , Yang Junxiao , Xie Jie
Published: February 2021

Background: Wear particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis is a common long-term complication of total joint arthroplasty, and represents the major cause of aseptic loosening and subsequent implant failure. Currently, there are no effective therapeutic options to prevent osteolysis from occurring and often need revision surgery. Exosomes are important nano-sized paracrine mediators of intercellular communications and can be directly utilized as therapeutic agents for tissue repair and regeneration. Here, we explored the therapeutic potential of exosomes from human urine-derived stem cells (USC-Exos) in preventing wear particle-induced osteolysis.Methods: USCs were characterized by flow cytometry and multiple differentiation potential. USC-Exos were identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and western blotting (WB). The impact of USC-Exos on osteoblastic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) and osteoclastogenesis of RAW264.7 cells were verified in vitro. The effects of USC-Exos on ultra high molecular weight PE (UHMWPE)-induced murine calvarial osteolysis model were tested to evaluate bone mass, inflammation, osteogenic and osteoclastic activities.Results: USCs were positive for CD44, CD73, CD29 and CD90, but negative for CD34 and CD45. USCs were able to differentiate into osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic cells. USC-Exos exhibited a round-shaped morphology with a double-layered membrane structure and positive for CD63 and TSG101, negative for Calnexin. In vitro, USC-Exos could promote the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, reduces the production of proinflammatory factors in macrophages and suppresses their osteoclastic abilities. In vivo, injection of USC-Exos into the center of the calvariae caused less inflammatory cytokine generation and less osteolysis compared to control and significantly enhanced the bone formation.Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that USC-Exos can prevent UHMWPE-induced osteolysis by inciting less inflammatory, inhibiting bone resorption and stimulating bone formation. USC-Exos may represent a potential natural agent for the treatment of periprosthetic osteolysis and to obtain therapeutic exosomes for osteolytic treatment, aseptic loosening patients may just need to collect a certain volume of their own urine to harvest USCs and USC-Exos.
The Effect of Increased Methane Flow Rate on Electronic Correlation of Amorphous Silicon Carbon (a-SiC: H)
Authors: Prayogi soni , Sholehah Ayunis , Cahyono Yoyok , D Darminto
Published: February 2021

In this study, we report for the first time that the addition of methane (CH4) flow rate in the p-type a-SiC: H layer greatly affects the electronic correlation in increasing the conversion efficiency of solar cells. The a-SiC: H p-type layer was grown using Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) substrate with various methane flow rates. The a-SiC: H p-type layer was characterized including the complex dielectric properties and the complex refractive index using Ellipsometric Spectroscopy (ES), while the surface roughness morphology was used Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). In sample P-2 there is a change in the form of a decrease in the value of the refractive index < n > and the E0 energy in the lower energy compared to the P-1 sample with a change of 0.3 eV, an increase in the optical gap and a decrease in the value of the real and imaginary dielectric function. While the influence of an increase in the carbon composition of the amorphous network order shows the addition of amorphous tissue disorder. Our results, show that the optical magnitude of the p-type a-SiC: H layer is not only affected by the amount of carbon in the film but also the hydrogen which is thought to contribute.
Prognostic Significance of Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Bulut Gülcan , Özdemir Zehra Narlı
Published: February 2021

There are many studies on biomarkers for prognosis in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Neutrophil-lymphocyte radio (NLR) and Platelet-lymphocyte radio (PLR) are of interest with studies revealing the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and cancer. Our study is a retrospective file study and the contribution of NLR and PLR to progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival(OS) before first line chemotherapy was investigated regardless treatment. The cut off values of NLR and TLR were determined using ROC curve analysis. NLR and PLR was divided into two groups according to the cut-off points. OS and PFS associated with NLR and TLR were performed by Kaplan-Meier method. In our study, we could not demonstrate the prognostic potential of pre-treatment NLR and PLR in patients with mCRC treated with first-line chemotherapy. Our study was showed that the use of these biomarkers in mCRC is limited.
Biocatalytic Reductive Amination- Discovery to Commercial Manufacturing applied to Abrocitinib JAK1 inhibitor
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Karmilowicz Michael , Burke Dylan , Burns Michael , Clark Leslie , Connor Christina , Cordi Eric , Do Nga , Doyle Kevin , Hoagland Steve , Lewis Chad , Mangan David , Martinez Carlos , McInturff Emma , Meldrum Kevin , Pearson Robert , Steflik Jeremy , Rane Anil , Weaver John
Published: February 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Self-Administered Subcutaneous Medroxyprogesterone Acetate for Improving Contraceptive Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nabhan Ashraf Fawzy , Elshabrawy Amal , ElShafeey Farida , Mehrain Luna Marion , Kabra Rita
Published: February 2021

Background: Subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate is an easy-to-use injectable contraceptive. A trained person can administer it, including women through self-injection. Objectives: to assess the effectiveness and safety of self-injection versus provider-administered subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate for improving continuation of contraceptive use.Search strategy: We searched for randomized controlled trials on November 1, 2020 in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Open Grey, clinical trials registries, and reference lists of relevant studies. We did not impose any search restrictions.Selection criteria: We included randomized trials comparing self- vs provider-administered subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate.Data collection and analysis: Two authors independently screened trials, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. We used risk ratio and 95% confidence intervals for dichotomous outcomes.Results: We identified 3 randomized trials (9 reports; 1264 participants). The risk of bias in the included studies was low except for performance bias and detection bias of participant-reported outcomes in unmasked trials. Self-administration, compared to provider-administration, increased continuation of contraceptive use (risk ratio 1.35; 95% confidence intervals 1.10 to 1.66); moderate-certainty evidence). Self-injection appears to be making more of an impact on continuation for younger women compared to women 25 years and older and on women living in low and middle income compared to high income countries. There was no subgroup difference by the type of care provider (community health worker vs clinic-based provider).Conclusions: Self-injection of subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone acetate probably improves continuation of contraceptive use. The effects on other outcomes remain uncertain because of the very low certainty of evidence.Registration number: CRD42018097388.
Anti-parasitic activity of nano Citrullus colocynthis and nano Capparis spinose against Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro
Authors: Alardi Musafer
Published: February 2021

The use of plant extracts and the benefit of their unique properties in treating various pathogens is the return to mother nature, and an attempt to overcome the problems of side effects resulting from the use of chemical drugs and the ability of some pathogens to resist these drugs. Nanotechnology has strengthened the ability of drugs to reach the target and reduced the size and amount of dose needed for treatment.Nano-extracts of Citrullus colocynthis and Capparis spinosa at concentrations of (100,250 and 500) ppm prepared to the treatment Trichomonas vaginalis in vitro at the time (12 , 24, 72)h. Results compared with the use of 0.1% of metronidazole (500 mg).The results showed that the concentrations (100,250, 500) ppm of C. colocynthis had an inhibitory activity for the growth rate (43.77, 69.15, 89.89) at the time (12, 24 and 72) hours, respectively. The inhibitory activity of C. spinosa was (43.18, 67.41, 87.04) at the same time and concentration, compared with metronidazole (43.47, 70.40, 87.04) at the same time. Neither plants showed severe effects in hemolysis.From the results, it can be concluded that either plant can be used as an alternative to metronidazole after completing human and animal tests.
Antagonistic Activity and Characterization of Indigenous Soil Isolates of Bacteria and Fungi Against Onion Wilt Incited by Fusarium sp
Authors: Karim Hilda , Asmawati Andi , Jumadi Oslan
Published: February 2021

Tuber rot disease due to phytopathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae (Foc) infection is one of the main factors causing the decreasing amount of global shallot production. This study aims to find bacteria and fungi candidates which have Foc antagonistic activity through in vitro tests using dual culture techniques. A total of five bacterial isolates and three fungal isolates isolated from the rhizosphere of healthy onion plants showed the ability to inhibit Foc growth. B1 and B4 bacterial isolates had an average inhibitory capability of 65.93% and 72.27% respectively. Whereas C1 and C2 fungal isolates have the ability to inhibit the growth of Foc by as much as 74.82% and 67.76% respectively. The four tested microbial isolates were able to significantly inhibit Foc activity in vitro based on the ANOVA test, with values α = 0.05, and n = 3. Molecular analysis based on 16S-rRNA markers showed bacterial isolates B1 and B4 have an evolutionary relationship with B. subtilis. Whereas fungi C1 and C2 have evolutionary relationships with Aspergillus tubingensis and Trichoderma asperellum respectively, based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene markers. The results of this study can be used to develop indigenous microbial consortiums as biological control agents for phytopathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cepae (Foc) on shallots.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Pre-Operative Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) In Predicting Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis: Variations In Intrinsic Subtypes, And Potential to Omit Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy In Some Low Risk Groups of Patients With Invasive Breast Cancer. 
Authors: Chen Shu Tian , Liu Tsang-Wu , Ku Hsiu-Ying , Lai Hung-Wen , Wen Tzu-Cheng , Wu Wen-Pei , Chen Shou-Tung , Wu Hwa-Koon , Chen Dar-Ren , Kuo Shou-Jen , Chang Yu-Jun
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The value and utility of axillary lymph node(ALN) evaluation with MRI in breast cancer were not clear for various intrinsic subtypes. The potential of breast MRI to identify low risk groups for which is feasible to omit sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was evaluated according to the ACOSOG Z0011 trial.Methods: Patients with primary operable breast cancer with pre-operative breast MRI and post-operative pathologic reports were retrospectively collected. The concordance of MRI and pathology of ALN status was analyzed in different intrinsic subtypes. Furthermore, our rationale to omit SLNB in the low risks group was validated in a cohort of patients from the Taiwan Cancer Registry (TCR) by comparing locoregional events, distant metastasis, and survival outcomes.Results: A total of 1560 patients were enrolled. The overall accuracy and negative predictive value (NPV) of breast MRI to predict the ALN metastasis are 69.6% and 80.6%. Accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV of MRI in detecting metastatic ALN are all significantly different between intrinsic subtypes (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified tumor size and histologic type as independent predictive factors of ALN metastases. Patients with a pre-operative breast MRI node-negative status along with a tumor size ≤ 2 cm and intrinsic subtype of Luminal A, Luminal B1, or TNBC were potential candidates to omit SLNB. In a cohort of 19,620 patients with clinical node-negative status and tumor size ≤ 2cm(cT1N0M0) from the TCR database, there were not significant differences between those with or without ALN surgery in terms of locoregional recurrence, distant metastasis free survival, and overall survival after BCS and radiotherapy.Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy of MRI to predict ALN metastasis varied according to intrinsic subtype. Combined pre-operative clinicopathologic and MRI findings might identify some low risk groups of invasive breast cancer patients who are potentially suitable to omit SLNB.
Molecular Hydrophobicity of Hydroxylated MgO Surfaces
Authors: Adhikari Narendra , Tuladhar Aashish , Wang Zheming , De Yoreo James , Rosso Kevin
Published: February 2021

Interfaces between minerals and water play a vital role in many geochemical and industrial processes such as dissolution and growth, sorption of heavy metals and organic contaminants, heterogeneous catalysis, corrosion, and many more. Due in part to its simple geometric structure, MgO (periclase) is a useful model system for understanding how the interaction between specific surface structure and water yield macroscopic observables such as wettability. Here we report the first vibrational sum frequency generation (vSFG) spectroscopy study of MgO (100) and (111) single crystal surfaces, using hydrated conditions both in the ambient atmosphere and in contact with a bulk aqueous fluid. Although most metal oxide surfaces are hydroxylated and strongly interacting with water, for MgO crystal surfaces in air or water vibrational sum frequency generation (vSFG) spectra show the presence of strong non-H-bonded OH stretching vibrations (~ 3700 cm− 1), suggesting an unusual molecularly hydrophobicity.
Sustaining the Oil and Gas Industry through corporate social responsibility practices by multinational oil and gas companies in emerging economies.
Authors: Gyane Ama Twumwaa , Nunoo Edward Kweku , Suleman Shafic
Published: February 2021

The objective of this study was to provide empirical evidence from the perspective of corporate social responsibility practices by multinational oil and gas companies in emerging economies on how investments in and disclosure of this practice could enhance financial sustainability. Accounting-based measures on investments, financial performance, disclosures of activities and panel data set on company size (total assets) over a 10-year period (t) were analysed. Findings show that oil firms with interest in emerging economies take key aspects of corporate social responsibility practices seriously. There was significant positive relationship (p = 0.0035 < 0.05) between investment in the practice and sustainability in financial performance. No significant relationship (p = 0.4409 > 0.05) was established between disclosure and financial performance. Functional corporate social responsibility practices were envisaged to yield sustained dividend in terms of a stronger financial outlook for oil and gas companies for poverty alleviation and to achieve key sustainable development goals and targets in emerging economies.
Fracture mechanism of rock collapse in the freeze-thaw zone of eastern Sichuan-Tibet Mountains under seasonal fluctuating combinations of water and heat
Authors: Wu Yong , Li Xinpo , Zhu Lei
Published: February 2021

In the freeze-thaw zone of eastern Sichuan-Tibet Mountains, the phases of water in cracks show strong seasonal variations, which significantly affect the stability of perilous rocks in mountains. However, few works have clearly addressed the role of water/ice in crack development from a fracture mechanics viewpoint to explain the seasonality of rock collapse. In this study, we built physical models from a fracture mechanics viewpoint to calculate water-freezing stress, hydrostatic pressure, and their combinations induced by water/ice in cracks, and show the crack propagation mechanism under temperature fluctuations in different seasons in mountainous regions. Based on the models, we calculate fracture conditions, simulate the crack process, and illustrate the rock collapse mechanism in different seasons by the extended finite element method. The results indicate that different phases of water, which induce stress under spatiotemporal fluctuations of temperature, determine the various propagation styles and influence what kind and when a collapse will occur. The collapse of fractured rocks in different seasons generally results from rock damage accumulation owing to the initiation, propagation, and connection of primary cracks under freezing stress or hydrostatic pressure or their different combinations.
Molecular Detection of Cattle Sarcocystis Spp. In North-West Italy Targeting Cox1 And 18S Genes Highlights Its Association With Bovine Eosinophilic Myositis.
Authors: Rubiola Selene , Civera Tiziana , Panebianco Felice , Vercellino Davide , Chiesa Francesco
Published: February 2021

Background: Cattle are intermediate hosts of six Sarcocystis species, among which Sarcocystis hominis and Sarcocystis heydorni can infect humans through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat. In addition to the zoonotic potential, there is increasing interest in these protozoa due to the evidences supporting the role of Sarcocystis spp. in the occurrence of bovine eosinophilic myositis (BEM), a specific inflammatory myopathy which leads to carcass condemnation and considerable economic losses. Actually, all the prevalence studies carried out on cattle in Italy have been based either on morphological or 18S rDNA-based molecular techniques, most likely leading to misidentification of closely related species. Therefore, there is a strong need for new data on the prevalence of the different Sarcocystis spp. in cattle in Italy and their association with bovine eosinophilic myositis.Methods: To reach our aim, individual cattle samples from BEM condemned carcasses (N=54) and randomly sampled carcasses (N=59) were obtained from Piedmont slaughterhouses. Genomic DNA was extracted and analyzed by multiplex-PCR targeting 18S and cox1 genes. PCR products amplified using the genus specific primer set in absence of the specific fragment for S. hirsuta, S. cruzi, S. hominis or S. bovifelis, were sequenced to achieve species identification.Results: Sarcocystis DNA was detected in 67.8% of the samples from slaughter cattle and in 90.7% of the samples from BEM condemned carcasses. S. cruzi was identified as the most prevalent species (61%), followed by S. bovifelis (10.2%), S. hominis (8.5%) and S. hirsuta (1.7%). Notably, among the different Sarcocystis spp. detected, the presence of S. bovifelis and S. hominis was significantly higher in samples isolated from BEM condemned carcasses (46.3% and 40.7% respectively), while there was no statistically significant difference between the presence of S. cruzi or S. hirsuta in BEM condemned carcasses and randomly sampled carcasses. Furthermore, DNA sequence analysis revealed the presence of a putative new species in 2 carcasses.Conclusions: Our study contributes to update the data on the prevalence of the different Sarcocystis spp. in cattle in Italy and emphasize the role of S. hominis and S. bovifelis as the major sarcosporidian species involved.
Association between Working in Awkward Postures, in Particular Overhead Work, and Pain in the Shoulder Region in the Context of the 2018 BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey
Authors: Barthelme Julia , Sauter Martha , Mueller Charlotte , Liebers Falk
Published: February 2021

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of work-related sick leave and incur substantial socioeconomic costs. With the aging of our society and employees, the problem is exacerbating, and prevention is becoming increasingly important. According to previous studies, exposure to awkward postures, such as overhead work, is associated with musculoskeletal problems. Objective: This study aimed to determine the current prevalence of employees who work in awkward postures, specifically overhead, stratified by age, gender and occupation in the context of the 2018 BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey and to analyze associations between awkward working postures, in particular overhead work, and pain in the shoulder region. Method: The study is based on secondary data from the German 2018 BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey . We have included 14,327 of the 20,012 employees aged between 15 and 67 who work at least 35 hours per week who took part in the survey. The classification of participants in occupational groups is based on the Blossfeld classification. The multivariate analysis was conducted by applying robust Poisson regression models adjusted block by block to obtain the relation between the self-reported frequency of working in awkward postures, in particular overhead work, and the occurrence of arm and neck/shoulder pain. Prevalence ratios (PR) are reported as effect estimates. Results: 12.6 % of participants indicated that they are often exposed to awkward postures at work; 5 % stated they often performed overhead work. The majority of these employees work in agricultural, unskilled, and skilled manual occupations. The crude prevalence is 17.4 % for arm pain and 48.4 % for neck and shoulder pain. If subjects reported that they often performed overhead work, the risk of arm pain increased by 18 % (PR 1.18, CI 1.04 – 1.34, final model). Conclusion: Working in awkward postures, especially overhead work, is a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders in the arms. The development of prevention strategies should focus on the workforce in agricultural, unskilled and skilled manual occupations.
A Refutation Of Special Relativity:
II. Charge Particle Motion in Magnetic and Electric Fields
Authors: Samuel Eric
Published: February 2021

Models for the radiation damping force of a charged particle in a magnetic or electric field by means of a flux-proportional Lentz force has been shown to be an elegant solution for the inward spiraling trajectories under magnetic fields, and the speed limited trajectories under electric fields. Our phenomenological formulation of the damping force in a magnetic field requires a new attenuation coefficient, α, that has only been evaluated using experimental data, but whose pure theoretical evaluation may lead to improved understanding of the mechanism of electron damping in electromagnetic fields. We believe that the synchrotron radiation and its observed coherence is already sufficient experimental evidence for our modeling of radiation damping. It is hoped that our model could be applied to improve the designs of free electron lasers as well as the design of particle accelerators.
Learning from COVID-19 Pandemic: In Silico Vaccine and Cloning Design Against Nipah Virus by Studying and Analyzing the Whole Nipah Virus Proteome.
Authors: Habib Peter T.
Published: February 2021

Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic paramyxovirus of the Henipavirus genus first identified in Malaysia in 1998. Henipavirus have bat reservoir hosts and have been isolated from fruit bats found across Oceania, Asia, and Africa. Bat-to-human transmission is thought to be the primary mode of human NiV infection, although multiple intermediate hosts are described. Human infections with NiV were originally described as a syndrome of fever and rapid neurological decline following contact with swine. More recent outbreaks describe a syndrome with prominent respiratory symptoms and human-to-human transmission. Nearly annual outbreaks have been described since 1998 with case fatality rates reaching greater than 90%. To prevent the spreading of the Nipah virus and turning it into a new pandemic, we must be armed with a ready-made vaccine to save the time consuming that vaccine takes until production. Here we in this paper, we analyzed the whole Nipah virus proteome to find out the most antigenic, non-allergic, and immune inducing epitopes to construct different vaccines that undergone deep investigation to reveal the most appropriate vaccine to immunize humanity from this probably pandemic.