bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of APOA1 in the resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy in squamous cervical cancer
Authors: He Yue , Han Su-Bin , Liu Yang , Zhang Jing-Jing , Wu Yu-Mei
Published: April 2022

Background

To investigate the mechanism by which apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1) enhances the resistance of cervical squamous carcinoma to platinum-based chemotherapy.

Methods

Two cervical squamous carcinoma cell lines (SiHa and Caski) overexpressing APOA1 were constructed, treated with carboplatin, and compared to normal control cells.

Results

In both SiHa and Caski cell lines, the clone-forming ability of CBP-treated cells was lower than that of untreated cells, and the change in the number of clones of overexpressing cells was lower than that of normal control cells (p < 0.05), indicating that APOA1 overexpression enhanced chemoresistance. A screen for APOA1 downstream proteins affecting platinum-based chemoresistance using Tandem Mass Tag revealed 64 differentially expressed proteins in SiHa cells, which were subjected to Gene Ontology (annotation, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment, subcellular localization, structural domain annotation and enrichment, clustering, and interaction network analyses. Sixty-four differentially expressed proteins matching cancer-relavent association terms were screened and parallel response monitoring identified 29 proteins as possibly involved in the mechanism of platinum-based chemoresistance.

Conclusions

Our analysis suggested that the mechanism may involve numerous regulatory pathways, including promoting tumor growth via the p38 MAPK signaling pathway through STAT1, promoting tumor progression via the PI3K signaling pathway through CD81 and C3, and promoting resistance to platinum-based chemotherapy resistance through TOP2A. The present study aimed to preliminarily explore the function and mechanism of APOA1 in platinum-based chemoresistance in cervical cancer, and the detailed mechanism needs to be further studied.
Application of prechop technique in phacoemulsification for cataract patients with highly liquefied vitreous: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhao Jing , Li Zhouyue , Liu Yu , Han Xiaotong , Huang Shengsong
Published: April 2022

Background

Phacoemulsification using phaco-chop technique has many challenging features in cataract patients with highly liquefied vitreous. This study aimed to compare the intraoperative parameters and safety between prechop technique and traditional phaco-chop in phacoemulsification for these patients.

Methods

A total of 54 eyes of 54 patients with high myopia-related or post-vitrectomy cataract that underwent phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation were included in this retrospective study. Of them, 25 eyes that received manual prechop were included in the prechop group, and 29 eyes with best match of age, axial length and nuclear opalescence (NO) that received standardized phaco-chop were included as the control group. The intraoperative complications and surgery parameters were compared between groups.

Results

No surgical complications were observed in the prechop group, while 2 eyes with posterior capsular rupture and 1 eye with a broken ciliary zonule (10.3%) were found in the control group. There was no significant difference in phaco time, average energy, and cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) between groups (all P > 0.05), but for hard nuclear cataracts with NO grading ≥ 5, prechop group required less phaco time (P = 0.008) and CDE (P = 0.029). There were significant correlations between phaco time vs. NO (r = 0.762 vs. 0.581, both P < 0.005) and CDE vs. NO (r = 0.717 vs. 0.668, both P < 0.001) in the prechop group and control group, respectively.

Conclusions

The prechop technique which seemed to have less intraoperative complications, reduced phaco time and CDE compared to standardized phaco-chop might be a good alternative for cataract patients with highly liquefied or vitrectomized vitreous, especially those with hard nuclear cataracts.
Considering social inequalities in health in large-scale testing for COVID-19 in Montréal: a qualitative case study
Authors: Gagnon-Dufresne Marie-Catherine , Gautier Lara , Beaujoin Camille , Lamothe Ashley Savard , Mikanagu Rachel , Cloos Patrick , Ridde Valéry , Zinszer Kate
Published: April 2022

Background

Evidence continues to demonstrate that certain marginalised populations are disproportionately affected by COVID-19. While many studies document the impacts of COVID-19 on social inequalities in health, none has examined how public health responses to the pandemic have unfolded to address these inequities in Canada. The purpose of our study was to assess how social inequalities in health were considered in the design and planning of large-scale COVID-19 testing programs in Montréal (Québec, Canada).

Methods

Part of the multicountry study HoSPiCOVID, this article reports on a qualitative case study of large-scale testing for COVID-19 in Montréal. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 stakeholders involved in planning large-scale testing or working with vulnerable populations during the pandemic. We developed interview guides and a codebook using existing literature on policy design and planning, and analysed data deductively and inductively using thematic analysis in NVivo.

Results

Our findings suggest that large-scale COVID-19 testing in Montréal did not initially consider social inequalities in health in its design and planning phases. Considering the sense of urgency brought by the pandemic, participants noted the challenges linked to the uptake of an intersectoral approach and of a unified vision of social inequalities in health. However, adaptations were gradually made to large-scale testing to improve its accessibility, acceptability, and availability. Actors from the community sector, among others, played an important role in supporting the health sector to address the needs of specific subgroups of the population.

Conclusions

These findings contribute to the reflections on the lessons learned from COVID-19, highlighting that public health programs must tackle structural barriers to accessing healthcare services during health crises. This will be necessary to ensure that pandemic preparedness and response, including large-scale testing, do not further increase social inequalities in health.
Relationship between depressive symptoms and self-reported menstrual irregularities during adolescence: evidence from UDAYA, 2016
Authors: Maurya Priya , Meher Trupti , Muhammad T.
Published: April 2022

Background

The study examined the prevalence of self-reported menstrual irregularities during adolescence and explored the association of depressive symptoms with self-reported menstrual irregularities in adolescents in two major states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in India.

Methods

This study is based on the data obtained from the first round of the "Understanding the lives of adolescents and young adults" (UDAYA, 2016) survey. The effective sample size for the study was 12,707 adolescent girls aged 10–19 years. A bivariate analysis with chi-square test was conducted to determine the self-reported menstrual irregularity by predictor variables. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to examine the associations between self-reported menstrual irregularity, depressive symptoms and other explanatory variables.

Results

A proportion of 11.22% of adolescent girls reported menstrual irregularity and 11.40% of the participants had mild depressive symptoms. Adolescent girls with mild (AOR: 2.15, CI: 1.85–2.51), moderate (AOR: 2.64, CI: 2.03–3.42) and severe depressive symptoms (AOR: 2.99, CI: 2.19–4.10) were more likely to have menstrual irregularity as compared to those who had minimal depressive symptoms. Physically active adolescent girls were less likely to report menstrual irregularity (AOR: 0.82, CI: 0.73–0.93) than physically inactive girls. Adolescent girls who used piece of cloth for menstrual hygiene practices (AOR: 1.17; CI: 1.02–1.35) and those who used either napkin or cloth or other materials (AOR: 1.32; CI: 1.14–1.54) had higher likelihood of menstrual irregularity as compared to those who used only sanitary napkins.

Conclusion

A significant association of depressive symptoms with self-reported menstrual irregularity among adolescent girls was observed. Therefore, while treating females with irregular menstrual cycles, clinicians may need to pay greater attention to thir mental health peoblems.
Taking care to the patients: a qualitative evaluation of a community-based ART care program in northern Namibia
Authors: Katirayi Leila , Shoopala Naemi , Mitruka Kiren , Mengistu Assegid , Woelk Godfrey , Baughman Andrew L. , Mutandi Gram , Hong Steven Y. , Hamunime Ndapewa
Published: April 2022

Background

Namibia is a large sparsely populated country with a high prevalence of HIV. People living with HIV who reside in remote areas often travel long distances through tough desert terrain to access HIV care and treatment. To address this barrier, community-based antiretroviral therapy (C-BART) sites were established in Okongo (2007–2008) and Eenhana districts (2016) of northern Namibia with the goal of bringing HIV and other health services closer patients’ homes. We conducted a qualitative evaluation of the acceptability and challenges of C-BART to guide program improvement.

Methods

For this qualitative descriptive study, research assistants collected data (August-December 2017) through in-depth interviews with 40 patients, seven health extension workers, and 11 policy/program managers, and through four focus group discussions with healthcare workers. Interviews were audio-recorded, translated, and coded using MAXQDA v.12. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

The evaluation identified five themes: community ownership, acceptance of the C-BART sites, benefits of the C-BART program for the PLHIV community and their social networks, benefits of the C-BART program to the main health facility, and challenges with the C-BART program. The C-BART program was reported as life-changing by many patients who had previously struggled to afford four-wheel drive vehicles to access care. Patients and healthcare workers perceived that the community as a whole benefited from the C-BART sites not only due to the financial pressure lifted from friends and family members previously asked to help cover expensive transportation, but also due to the perception of diminished stigmatization of people living with HIV and improved health. The C-BART sites became a source of community and social support for those accessing the sites. Healthcare workers reported greater job satisfaction and decongestion of health facilities. The challenges that they reported included delays in authorization of vehicles for transportation to C-BART sites and lack of incentives to provide services in the community.

Conclusion

The C-BART program can serve as a model of care to expand access to HIV care and treatment and other health services to populations in remote settings, including rural and difficult-to-reach regions. The needs of healthcare workers should also be considered for the optimal delivery of such a model.
Prevalence of caffeine consumers, daily caffeine consumption, and factors associated with caffeine use among active duty United States military personnel
Authors: Knapik Joseph J. , Steelman Ryan A. , Trone Daniel W. , Farina Emily K. , Lieberman Harris R.
Published: April 2022

Background

Although representative data on caffeine intake in Americans are available, these data do not include US service members (SMs). The few previous investigations in military personnel largely involve convenience samples. This cross-sectional study examined prevalence of caffeine consumers, daily caffeine consumption, and factors associated with caffeine use among United States active duty military service members (SMs).

Methods

A stratified random sample of SMs were asked to complete an on-line questionnaire on their personal characteristics and consumption of caffeinated products (exclusive of dietary supplements). Eighteen percent (n = 26,680) of successfully contacted SMs (n = 146,365) completed the questionnaire.

Results

Overall, 87% reported consuming caffeinated products ≥1 time/week. Mean ± standard error per-capita consumption (all participants) was 218 ± 2 and 167 ± 3 mg/day for men and women, respectively. Caffeine consumers ingested 243 ± 2 mg/day (251 ± 2 mg/day men, 195 ± 3 mg/day women). On a body-weight basis, men and women consumed respectively similar caffeine amounts (2.93 vs 2.85 mg/day/kg; p = 0.12). Among individual caffeinated products, coffee had the highest use (68%), followed by sodas (42%), teas (29%), energy drinks (29%) and gums/candy/medications (4%). In multivariable logistic regression, characteristics independently associated with caffeine use (≥1 time/week) included female gender, older age, white race/ethnicity, higher body mass index, tobacco use or former use, greater alcohol intake, and higher enlisted or officer rank.

Conclusion

Compared to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, daily caffeine consumption (mg/day) by SMs was higher, perhaps reflecting higher mental and physical occupational demands on SMs.
LinDA: linear models for differential abundance analysis of microbiome compositional data
Authors: Zhou Huijuan , He Kejun , Chen Jun , Zhang Xianyang
Published: April 2022

Differential abundance analysis is at the core of statistical analysis of microbiome data. The compositional nature of microbiome sequencing data makes false positive control challenging. Here, we show that the compositional effects can be addressed by a simple, yet highly flexible and scalable, approach. The proposed method, LinDA, only requires fitting linear regression models on the centered log-ratio transformed data, and correcting the bias due to compositional effects. We show that LinDA enjoys asymptotic FDR control and can be extended to mixed-effect models for correlated microbiome data. Using simulations and real examples, we demonstrate the effectiveness of LinDA.
mbDenoise: microbiome data denoising using zero-inflated probabilistic principal components analysis
Authors: Zeng Yanyan , Li Jing , Wei Chaochun , Zhao Hongyu , Wang Tao
Published: April 2022

The analysis of microbiome data has several technical challenges. In particular, count matrices contain a large proportion of zeros, some of which are biological, whereas others are technical. Furthermore, the measurements suffer from unequal sequencing depth, overdispersion, and data redundancy. These nuisance factors introduce substantial noise. We propose an accurate and robust method, mbDenoise, for denoising microbiome data. Assuming a zero-inflated probabilistic PCA (ZIPPCA) model, mbDenoise uses variational approximation to learn the latent structure and recovers the true abundance levels using the posterior, borrowing information across samples and taxa. mbDenoise outperforms state-of-the-art methods to extract the signal for downstream analyses.
N6-methyladenosine modification of CENPK mRNA by ZC3H13 promotes cervical cancer stemness and chemoresistance
Authors: Lin Xian , Wang Feng , Chen Jian , Liu Jing , Lin Yi-Bin , Li Li , Chen Chuan-Ben , Xu Qin
Published: April 2022

Background

Stemness and chemoresistance contribute to cervical cancer recurrence and metastasis. In the current study, we determined the relevant players and role of N6-methyladenine (m6A) RNA methylation in cervical cancer progression.

Methods

The roles of m6A RNA methylation and centromere protein K (CENPK) in cervical cancer were analyzed using bioinformatics analysis. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation was adopted to detect m6A modification of CENPK mRNA. Human cervical cancer clinical samples, cell lines, and xenografts were used for analyzing gene expression and function. Immunofluorescence staining and the tumorsphere formation, clonogenic, MTT, and EdU assays were performed to determine cell stemness, chemoresistance, migration, invasion, and proliferation in HeLa and SiHa cells, respectively. Western blot analysis, co-immunoprecipitation, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter, cycloheximide chase, and cell fractionation assays were performed to elucidate the underlying mechanism.

Results

Bioinformatics analysis of public cancer datasets revealed firm links between m6A modification patterns and cervical cancer prognosis, especially through ZC3H13-mediated m6A modification of CENPK mRNA. CENPK expression was elevated in cervical cancer, associated with cancer recurrence, and independently predicts poor patient prognosis [hazard ratio = 1.413, 95% confidence interval = 1.078 − 1.853, P = 0.012]. Silencing of CENPK prolonged the overall survival time of cervical cancer-bearing mice and improved the response of cervical cancer tumors to chemotherapy in vivo (P < 0.001). We also showed that CENPK was directly bound to SOX6 and disrupted the interactions of CENPK with β-catenin, which promoted β-catenin expression and nuclear translocation, facilitated p53 ubiquitination, and led to activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, but suppression of the p53 pathway. This dysregulation ultimately enhanced the tumorigenic pathways required for cell stemness, DNA damage repair pathways necessary for cisplatin/carboplatin resistance, epithelial-mesenchymal transition involved in metastasis, and DNA replication that drove tumor cell proliferation.

Conclusions

CENPK was shown to have an oncogenic role in cervical cancer and can thus serve as a prognostic indicator and novel target for cervical cancer treatment.
Association of FTO gene variant rs9939609 with hyperandrogenemia and fasting glucose levels in South Indian women with polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Naghshband Zeinab , Malini Suttur S.
Published: April 2022

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine–metabolic disorder due to genetic and environmental factors. Genetic variants located in intron 1 of Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene are associated with increased risk of obesity and metabolic disorders. This study aims to investigate the association of common FTO polymorphism rs9939609 in South Indian women with PCOS to assess its association with metabolic and endocrine parameters. FTO genotyping was done on 100 PCOS patients and 70 controls by Sanger sequencing.

Results

The distribution of rs9939609 was observed between groups (28% TT, 57% TA, and 15% AA for PCOS and 37.1% TT, 51.4% TA, and 11.4% AA for the controls). In the PCOS group, across the carriers of different genotypes, a significant association was found between body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose levels, and testosterone with the presence of at least one risk allele of FTO rs9939609. Logistic regression analysis showed the association of fasting glucose levels and testosterone (OR 1.30 [1.03–1.63] and OR 5.83 [1.61–21.11], respectively) with FTO rs9939609.

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that FTO SNP rs9939609 was not associated with PCOS, but suggested a significant association of rs9939609 with hyperandrogenemia, fasting glucose levels, and BMI in South Indian women with PCOS.
Comparison of the antibacterial properties of phycocyanin and its SNPs and their effects on rat blood cells and liver enzymes
Authors: Izadi Mahdieh , Latifi Elaheh
Published: April 2022

Background

Phycocyanin is an important protein in cyanobacteria that has many medical and therapeutic properties. The aim of the present study was to compare the antibacterial properties of phycocyanin and its SNPs and to evaluate their effects on rat blood cells and liver enzymes.

Results

The UV absorption in phycocyanin was 620 nm but in phycocyanin nanoparticles was 420 nm. For fluorometry, the maximum emission peak of phycocyanin was 660 nm and that of phycocyanin-AgNO3 nanoparticles was 580 nm. PC-AgNp showed greater antibacterial effects than phycocyanin. In animal studies, it was found that the platelet count in both groups was higher than the control group. Red blood cells and white blood cells had changes. AST and ALT levels increased in both phycocyanin and nanoparticle groups and ALK levels decreased in both groups compared to the control group.

Conclusions

Examination of antibacterial activity showed that PC-AgNp showed more antibacterial effects than PC. Also, in the study of the effect of PC and NP-PC, accumulation of PC and C-Np in mice also altered blood cells and liver enzymes in rats.
Isolated bone marrow sarcoidosis presenting as fever of unknown origin in a case of chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Grover Ashok , Puri Saurabh , Chabra Smriti , Mehta Meenal , Mishra Pravas Chand
Published: April 2022

Background

Isolated involvement of bone marrow in sarcoidosis has not been reported commonly. Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease of unknown origin, characterized by the presence of non-caseating granulomatous lesions. There should be high index of suspicion in patients having underlying lymphoproliferative malignancies.

Case presentation

We present a 27-year-old male, known case of chronic myeloid leukemia, presenting as fever of unknown origin diagnosed with isolated bone marrow sarcoidosis.
Validity and cardio-metabolic risk profiles of DNA methylation clocks among adults in south-central Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Sanchez Dafne , Jeong Ayoung , Essé Clemence , Bassa Fidèle K. , Koné Siaka , Acka Félix , Laubhouet-Koffi Véronique , Kouassi Dinard , Utzinger Jürg , N’Goran Eliézer K. , Bonfoh Bassirou , Imboden Medea , Holloway John W. , Eze Ikenna C.
Published: April 2022

Background

Aging populations in Africa face a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), contextualized in broad external exposome and weak health systems. These could accelerate aging and shorten lifespan. DNA methylation (DNAm) epigenetic clocks allow investigation of biological aging, and perform well in high-income countries. However, their validity has rarely been tested in low- and middle-income countries. We investigated the performance of epigenetic clocks (as aging biomarkers), and their cardio-metabolic risk profiles among adults in south-central Côte d’Ivoire.

Results

We derived four measures of epigenetic clocks (i.e., HorvathAge, HannumAge, PhenoAge and GrimAge) and their corresponding epigenetic age acceleration (EAA; Intrinsic, Extrinsic, PhenoAA and GrimAA) using genome-wide DNAm data from 393 participants of the Côte d’Ivoire dual burden of disease study, aged 18–79 years. Epigenetic age exhibited strong correlations (0.83 ≤ Pearson’s r ≤ 0.93) but weaker concordance (0.73 ≤ Lin’s rC ≤ 0.85) with chronological age. Epigenetic clocks optimally predicted chronological age at 32 (HannumAge), 62 (HorvathAge) and 78 (GrimAge) years. Multivariable linear EAA models identified male sex (IEAA, EEAA and GrimAA), lower household wealth (EEAA and PhenoAA), high-risk alcohol intake (PhenoAA and GrimAA), smoking (GrimAA), physical activity (IEAA and GrimAA) and body mass index [BMI] (GrimAA) as independent determinants. Physical activity and BMI exhibited quadratic associations with GrimAA. Illustratively, GrimAge was accelerated in underweight and obese participants. Risk associations of GrimAA were largely driven by age-adjusted DNAm surrogate plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (DNAmPAI-1) and pack years. Multivariable logistic models of cardio-metabolic phenotypes identified EEAA, PhenoAA and DNAmPAI-1 as determinants of high blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglycerides and metabolic syndrome severity.

Conclusions

We provide evidence validating the applicability of epigenetic clocks as aging biomarkers and potential link between sociodemographic and lifestyle-related factors, and cardio-metabolic health in the underrepresented African population. Future longitudinal studies incorporating broad environmental aspects and age-related clinical outcomes should allow to pinpoint the clinical and public health utility of DNAm clocks as mediators in NCD trajectory, in low- and middle-income countries.
Local Infiltration Anesthesia for Orbital Exenteration in Patients With Rhino-Orbital Cerebral Mucormycosis: A Case Series
Authors: Veerabathula Prardhana , Singh Swati , Koshy Puduchira George , Dave Tarjani Vivek , Rao Raja Narsing , Naik Milind N.
Published: April 2022

Orbital exenteration is occasionally required for rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis. Multiple associated comorbidities can pose a risk for general anesthesia. There is only 1 report of exenteration being performed under trigeminal nerve block. We describe 5 patients who underwent orbital exenteration under local infiltration anesthesia with sedation. Patients and surgeons reported satisfactory conditions, with stable hemodynamics and successful day care management. Orbital exenteration under local infiltration anesthesia can be a safe and effective alternative for patients with rhino-orbital mucormycosis who are at risk with use of general anesthesia.
Planar cell polarity-dependent asymmetric organization of microtubules for polarized positioning of the basal body in node cells
Authors: Sai Xiaorei , Ikawa Yayoi , Nishimura Hiromi , Mizuno Katsutoshi , Kajikawa Eriko , Katoh Takanobu A. , Kimura Toshiya , Shiratori Hidetaka , Takaoka Katsuyoshi , Hamada Hiroshi , Minegishi Katsura
Published: April 2022

For left-right symmetry breaking in the mouse embryo, the basal body must become positioned at the posterior side of node cells, but the precise mechanism for this has remained unknown. Here, we examined the role of microtubules (MTs) and actomyosin in this basal body positioning. Exposure of mouse embryos to agents that stabilize or destabilize MTs or F-actin impaired such positioning. Active myosin II was detected at the anterior side of node cells before the posterior shift of the basal body, and this asymmetric activation was lost in Prickle and dachsous mutant embryos. The organization of basal-body associated MTs (baMTs) was asymmetric between the anterior and posterior sides of node cells, with anterior baMTs extending horizontally and posterior baMTs extending vertically. This asymmetry became evident after polarization of the PCP core protein Vangl1 and before the posterior positioning of the basal body, and it also required the PCP core proteins Prickle and dachsous. Our results suggest that the asymmetry in baMT organization may play a role in correct positioning of the basal body for left-right symmetry breaking.
Suppression of microRNA 124-3p and microRNA 340-5p ameliorates retinoic acid-induced cleft palate in mice
Authors: Yoshioka Hiroki , Suzuki Akiko , Iwaya Chihiro , Iwata Junichi
Published: April 2022

The etiology of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CL/P), a common congenital birth defect, is complex, with genetic and epigenetic, as well as environmental, contributing factors. Recent studies suggest that fetal development is affected by maternal conditions through microRNAs (miRNAs), a group of short noncoding RNAs. Here, we show that miR-129-5p and miR-340-5p suppress cell proliferation in both primary mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal cells and O9-1 cells, a neural crest cell line, through the regulation of Sox5 and Trp53 by miR-129-5p, and the regulation of Chd7, Fign and Tgfbr1 by miR-340-5p. Notably, miR-340-5p, but not miR-129-5p, was upregulated following all-trans retinoic acid (atRA; tretinoin) administration, and a miR-340-5p inhibitor rescued the cleft palate (CP) phenotype in 47% of atRA-induced CP mice. We have previously reported that a miR-124-3p inhibitor can also partially rescue the CP phenotype in atRA-induced CP mouse model. In this study, we found that a cocktail of miR-124-3p and miR-340-5p inhibitors rescued atRA-induced CP with almost complete penetrance. Taken together, our results suggest that normalization of pathological miRNA expression can be a preventive intervention for CP.
Μελέτη της χλωρίδας και της βλάστησης του Παναχαϊκού όρους
Authors: Κόκκορης Ιωάννης
Published: April 2022

Το όρος Παναχαϊκό αποτελεί το κύριο χερσαίο φυσικό απόθεμα του μητροπολιτικού κέντρου της πόλης της Πάτρας και περιλαμβάνει την περιοχή του δικτύου Natura 2000 «Όρος Παναχαϊκό» (GR2320007). Η περιοχή του όρους δέχεται διαχρονικά την ανθρώπινη δραστηριότητα από την όλο και αυξανόμενη σε πληθυσμό περιοχή της ΒΔ Πελοποννήσου, ενώ φιλοξενεί ένα από τα μεγαλύτερα αιολικά πάρκα στην Ελλάδα. Σκοπός της παρούσας διατριβής είναι να εξεταστεί η οικολογική κατάσταση της περιοχής, να διερευνηθούν οι τάσεις της και να προταθούν μέτρα για την προστασία και την ολοκληρωμένη διαχείρισή της. Στην παρούσα διατριβή παρουσιάζονται: 1. Τα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης και των αναλύσεων για τη χλωρίδα και τη βλάστηση της περιοχής. 2. Τα αποτελέσματα της καταγραφής της ανθρώπινης δραστηριότητας και των απειλών στην περιοχή, καθώς και οι όποιες συσχετίσεις δημιουργούνται με τη χλωρίδα και τη βλάστηση. 3. Τα αποτελέσματα της χαρτογράφησης με τη χρήση πολυφασματικών δορυφορικών εικόνων Landsat 7 ETM+ και γεωγραφικών συστημάτων πληροφοριών. 4. Τα αποτελέσματα της οικολογικής αξιολόγησης σημαντικών φυτικών taxa και των φυσικών τύπων οικοτόπων. 5. Προτάσεις διαχείρισης και κατάρτιση ολοκληρωμένου προγράμματος βιοπαρακολούθησης για επιλεγμένα φυτικά taxa και τύπους οικοτόπων. Από τα αποτελέσματα αυτά προέκυψε ότι το Παναχαϊκό είναι περιοχή υψηλής οικολογικής αξίας, αποτελεί θερμό σημείο ενδημισμού για τη Β Πελοπόννησο, ενώ παράλληλα δέχεται έντονες πιέσεις, που καθιστούν την εφαρμογή του προγράμματος βιοπαρακολούθησης, που προτείνεται στην παρούσα διατριβή, απαραίτητο εργαλείο για τη διαχρονική επισκόπηση, διαχείριση και προστασία αυτού του φυσικού πόρου.
Introducing Routledge Open Research: a new platform for the arts, humanities and social sciences
Authors: Connolly John
Published: April 2022

This editorial by Professor John Connolly reflects on the exciting new developments in academic publishing and how Routledge Open Research in the arts, humanities and social sciences provides cutting edge and innovative publishing opportunities for authors.
The impact of physical activity on the quality of life of uniformed services
Authors: Kudlikowska Beata , Zdziarski Krzysztof
Published: April 2022

Wstęp: Zdrowie dostępne ze swoim zakresem niemalże wszystkich sfery życia, które mają wpływ na dobrostan społeczeństwa. Informacje w tym procesie automatycznej obsługi, która zawiera informacje dotyczące życia, treści i polityki prywatności. Dla pracy służbowej, praca fizyczna jest sposobem pracy, system pracy i pośrednie metody pracy. Celem badań nad badaniem postępów ożywia się ogladami walk o oraz okiem służbami obywatela służby. Badanie i metody: Badanie przeprowadzone przez 87 testów siłowych: 47 agentów i agentów. W celu subiektywnej oceny punktu serwisowego użyto w komunikacji nt. Kwestionariusza Aktywności Fizycznej IPAQ.Na standaryzowanej ankiety WHO oceniający jakość życia (Światowa Organizacja Zdrowia Jakości Życia (WHOQOL) zbadać nie subiektywną jakość i zadowolenia z życia służbowego służbowego. Wyniki : Wyniki wyszukiwania, że ​​służba 67,82% ruchu, oceniając swoją lokalną lokalizację, 2, 2 9% aktywna firma określa swoją jakość jako lokalizacja. Przedstawiciele służbowych służbowych usługowych w swoim zapewnieniu usługi poczucia radości w 5,75% ujawniło, że taki u nich prosi o to, aby nurkował, 52 nurów lub pracowników, 5% pracowników zatrudnionych i 40, 3% 3% pracowników zawodowych zamówionych, że aktywna aktywna aktywność. Bardzo dobrzeła informacja w kontekście serwisu dla osób zatrudnionych 3% osób i 50% osób personelu .Żołrze nadal intensywnie prowadzi działalność w zakresie kontroli, a także praktyki w zakresie mechaniki. Policjanci sprawdzli się na wysoki stosunek zatrudnienia dla siebie, ze swojej strony do pracy, z relacji z ludźmi, manipulacji mieszkaniowych, także z zasobów materialnych. Wzięliśmy udział w aktywnościach aktywnych. Sporad wybierany autobusem, oddziela wolnego czasu wolnego czasu: granie na odstępy czasu, odstępy czasowe od oddzielenia (, odstępy czasu).
How Does Intelligent System Knowledge Empowerment Yield Payoffs? Uncovering the Adaptation Mechanisms and Contingency Role of Work Experience
Authors: Chen Liwei , Hsieh J. J. Po-An , Rai Arun
Published: April 2022

Intelligent systems—incorporating computational tools, learning algorithms, and statistical models—can generate knowledge to empower employees in how they conduct their work and increase their job performance. How can organizations realize this potential? Our in-depth study of transformation of work with intelligent systems in a technology maintenance service company provides managerial insights to this question. Although knowledge from intelligent systems can empower employees, employees will need to adapt how they work with intelligent systems to improve their job performance. Interestingly, they can leverage the empowerment to adapt in two ways: maximize benefits, where they use the system to its full potential in conducting work, and minimize disturbances, where they reduce role conflict with the system in conducting work. Although inexperienced employees leverage the empowerment to use the system to its full potential, experienced employees leverage the empowerment to minimize role conflict with the system. How empowered employees realize job performance gains requires understanding how employees channel their empowerment: maximize benefits through use of the system or minimize disturbances through role conflict with the system. Differentiating how inexperienced and experienced employees channel empowerment to increase job performance will enable managers to effectively manage the transformation of work for these two groups.
Robust Dynamic Pricing with Demand Learning in the Presence of Outlier Customers
Authors: Chen Xi , Wang Yining
Published: April 2022

Dynamic pricing is a core problem in revenue management. Most existing literature assumes that the demand follows a probabilistic model, with an unknown demand curve as the mean. However, in practice, customers may not always behave according to such a model. In “Robust Dynamic Pricing with Demand Learning in the Presence of Outlier Customers,” Chen and Wang study the dynamic pricing problem under model misspecification. To characterize the behavior of outlier customers, an ε-contamination model—the most fundamental model in robust statistics and machine learning, is adopted. The challenges brought by the presence of outlier customers are mainly due to the fact that arrivals of outliers and their exhibited demand behaviors are completely arbitrary. To address these challenges, the authors propose robust dynamic pricing policies that can handle any outlier arrival and demand patterns. The proposed policies are fully adaptive without requiring prior knowledge of the outlier proportion parameter.
The Relationship Among Problem-Solving, Coping Styles and Stress Levels of Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Typical Development
Authors: Gül Havva , Gür Çağla
Published: April 2022

This research investigated the correlations among problem-solving, coping styles, and stress levels of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and typical development. We used a correlational survey model design and collected the data with the Problem-Solving Inventory (PSI), the Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), and the Parent Stress Scale (PSS). The study group consisted of 350 parents. The research findings revealed that stress levels were negatively correlated with functional coping strategies and problem-solving. We found no significant difference between parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and typical development in terms of problem-solving approaches. Considering the relationships between the parents in terms of WCQ scores, there was no statistically significant difference in the subscales of self-confidence approach, submissiveness, optimistic approach, and seeking social support. Only the subscale of helplessness differed statistically based on the disability. Regarding the correlations between the groups in terms of stress levels, we found that the typical developmental group had lower PSS scores than the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder groups. We believe that preventive support programs for stress management can make significant contributions to efficient coping methods and problem-solving.
Predictive Power of Five-Factor Mentoring Model on Student Teachers’ Teaching Self-Efficacy Beliefs
Authors: Nikoçeviq-Kurti Elmedina
Published: April 2022

This study investigated student teachers’ teaching self-efficacy level and factors that predict it (using five-factor mentoring model). Two hundred and ten third and fourth-year student teachers (N=100/N=110; 93.8% females) were involved in the study and asked to complete a self-report questionnaire. The “Mentoring for Effective Primary Teaching” instrument and “Teachers' Sense of Efficacy Scale” were used to collect the data. Findings indicated that higher levels of student teachers' self-efficacy are positively associated with the level of mentoring experience during the teaching practicum. The results found that fourth-year students reported significantly higher levels of teaching self-efficacy than third-year students. This study reported that there is a significant mean difference in student teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs in terms of having parents in the teaching profession. A multiple regression found that mentor teachers’ personal attributes are the best predictor of student teachers' teaching self-efficacy beliefs.
A new species and new record of the genus Mannerheimia Mäklin, 1880 from Pakistan (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae: Anthophagini)
Authors: SHAVRIN ALEXEY
Published: April 2022

A new species, Mannerheimia loebli sp. nov. (Staphylinidae: Omaliinae: Anthophagini), is described and illustrated based on several specimens collected in Chitral and Swat districts of Pakistan. New faunistic record of M. obscura Coifait, 1982 from Pakistan is provided.
Wavefront phase measurement of striae in optical glass
Authors: Trujillo-Sevilla Juan M. , Velasco-Ocaña Miriam , Bonaque-González Sergio , Belda-Para Carolina , Rodríguez-Ramos José M.
Published: April 2022

We present a method for evaluating the quality of optical glass using a high-resolution wavefront sensor, the wavefront phase imaging (WFPI) sensor. As shadowgraphy is a widely used method for inspecting striae in optical glass, it does not provide a quantitative metric that represents the potential optical quality of the glass and should be based on the operator’s experience. We compare the proposed method in two experiments. First, we compare it with the results obtained by shadowgraphy on a variety of samples. Second, we compare the results of a single-point chromatic confocal profilometer on a calibrated sample. The WFPI shows results comparable to the reference method in both cases but provides more information than shadowgraphy and avoids the human factor in the measurement.
Passively mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser based on a nanodiamond saturable absorber
Authors: Shakaty Aseel A. , Hmood Jassim K. , Mahdi Bushra R. , Harun Sulaiman W.
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we propose nanodiamond (ND) material as a saturable absorber (SA) to generate short pulses from a mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL). The ND-SA is fabricated by the drop-casting method using polyvinyledenedifluoride–trifluoroethylene as a host polymer and methyl ethel ketone as a solvent liquid. The SA, which possesses 20% ND concentration, has a 5.46% modulation depth with

2000

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saturation intensity. Sequentially, the performance of the EDFL is investigated after integrating an ND-SA within the laser ring. The results reveal that the presented ND-SAs produce stable ultrashort laser pulses. Moreover, the fabricated ND film is a promising solid film for many photonic schemes. The proposed mode-locked EDFL-based ND-SA starts a mode-locking operation at a pumped power of 116 mW. The generated mode-locked pulses have a pulse duration of 0.84 ps, a repetition rate of 1.93 MHz, and a power of 0.517 mW, at a pumped power of 187 mW. Finally, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the ND-SA has been used as a mode locker within the EDFL as a thin film and with the suggested fabrication method.
Optical electrocardiogram monitor with a real-time analysis of an abnormal heart rhythm for home-based medical alerts
Authors: Zhao Jing , Zhang Ziyue , Han Zhenyuan , Wang Qi , Yu Hui , Zhang Hongxia , Jia Dagong
Published: April 2022

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) caused by cardiovascular disease is the greatest hidden danger to human life, accounting for about 25% of the total deaths in the world. Due to the early concealment of SCD and the heavy medical burden of long-term examination, telemedicine combined with home monitoring has become a potential medical alert method. Among all the existing human cardiac and electrophysiology monitoring methods, optics-based sensors attract the widest attention due to the advantages of low delay, real-time monitoring, and high signal-to-noise ratio. In this paper, we propose an optical sensor with the capabilities of long-term monitoring and real-time analysis. Combining an R-peak recognition algorithm, Lorenz plots (LP), and statistical analysis, we carried out the consistency analysis and result visualization of ECG sequences over 1 h. The results of 10 subjects show that the R-peak recognition accuracy of the optical ECG monitor is higher than 97.99%. The optical system can display abnormal heart rhythm in real-time through LP, and the readability is good, which makes the system suitable for self-monitoring at home. In addition, this paper provides a detailed long-term monitoring assessment method to effectively guide the practical clinical transformation of other optical wearable devices.
Crossover from exciton-polariton condensation to photon lasing in an optical trap
Authors: Pieczarka M. , Biegańska D. , Schneider C. , Höfling S. , Klembt S. , Sęk G. , Syperek M.
Published: April 2022

Optical trapping has been proven to be an effective method of separating exciton-polariton condensates from the incoherent high-energy excitonic reservoir located at the pumping laser position. This technique has significantly improved the coherent properties of exciton-polariton condensates, when compared to a quasi-homogeneous spot excitation scheme. Here, we compare two experimental methods on a sample, where a single spot excitation experiment allowed us only to observe photonic lasing in the weak coupling regime. In contrast, the ring-shaped excitation resulted in the two-threshold behavior, where an exciton-polariton condensate manifests itself at the first and photon lasing at the second threshold. Both lasing regimes are trapped in an optical potential created by the pump. We interpret the origin of this confining potential in terms of repulsive interactions of polaritons with the reservoir at the first threshold and as a result of the excessive free-carrier induced refractive index change of the microcavity at the second threshold. This observation offers a way to achieve multiple phases of photonic condensates in samples, e.g., containing novel materials as an active layer, where two-threshold behavior is impossible to achieve with a single excitation spot.
A systematic review of the prediction of hospital length of stay: Towards a unified framework
Authors: Stone Kieran , Zwiggelaar Reyer , Jones Phil , Mac Parthaláin Neil
Published: April 2022

Hospital length of stay of patients is a crucial factor for the effective planning and management of hospital resources. There is considerable interest in predicting the LoS of patients in order to improve patient care, control hospital costs and increase service efficiency. This paper presents an extensive review of the literature, examining the approaches employed for the prediction of LoS in terms of their merits and shortcomings. In order to address some of these problems, a unified framework is proposed to better generalise the approaches that are being used to predict length of stay. This includes the investigation of the types of routinely collected data used in the problem as well as recommendations to ensure robust and meaningful knowledge modelling. This unified common framework enables the direct comparison of results between length of stay prediction approaches and will ensure that such approaches can be used across several hospital environments. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science from 1970 until 2019 to identify LoS surveys which review the literature. 32 Surveys were identified, from these 32 surveys, 220 papers were manually identified to be relevant to LoS prediction. After removing duplicates, and exploring the reference list of studies included for review, 93 studies remained. Despite the continuing efforts to predict and reduce the LoS of patients, current research in this domain remains ad-hoc; as such, the model tuning and data preprocessing steps are too specific and result in a large proportion of the current prediction mechanisms being restricted to the hospital that they were employed in. Adopting a unified framework for the prediction of LoS could yield a more reliable estimate of the LoS as a unified framework enables the direct comparison of length of stay methods. Additional research is also required to explore novel methods such as fuzzy systems which could build upon the success of current models as well as further exploration of black-box approaches and model interpretability.
Investigating the disordered regions (MoRFs, SLiMs and LCRs) and functions of mimicry proteins/peptides in silico
Authors: Garg Anjali , Dabburu Govinda Rao , Singhal Neelja , Kumar Manish
Published: April 2022

Microbial mimicry of the host proteins/peptides can elicit host auto-reactive T- or B-cells resulting in autoimmune disease(s). Since intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDPRs) are involved in several host cell signaling and PPI networks, molecular mimicry of the IDPRs can help the pathogens in substituting their own proteins in the host cell-signaling and PPI networks and, ultimately hijacking the host cellular machinery. Thus, the present study was conducted to discern the structural disorder and intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDPRs) like, molecular recognition features (MoRFs), short linear motifs (SLiMs), and low complexity regions (LCRs) in the experimentally verified mimicry proteins and peptides (mimitopes) of bacteria, viruses and host. Also, functional characteristics of the mimicry proteins were studied in silico. Our results indicated that 78% of the bacterial host mimicry proteins and 45% of the bacterial host mimitopes were moderately/highly disordered while, 73% of the viral host mimicry proteins and 31% of the viral host mimitopes were moderately/highly disordered. Among the pathogens, 27% of the bacterial mimicry proteins and 13% of the bacterial mimitopes were moderately/highly disordered while, 53% of the viral mimicry proteins and 21% of the viral mimitopes were moderately/highly disordered. Though IDPR were frequent in host, bacterial and viral mimicry proteins, only a few mimitopes overlapped with the IDPRs like, MoRFs, SLiMs and LCRs. This suggests that most of the microbes cannot use molecular mimicry to modulate the host PPIs and hijack the host cell machinery. Functional analyses indicated that most of the pathogens exhibited mimicry with the host proteins involved in ion binding and signaling pathways. This is the first report on the disordered regions and functional aspects of experimentally proven host and microbial mimicry proteins.