bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circulating Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids, Cognitive Decline, and Dementia in Older Adults
Authors: de Oliveira Otto Marcia C. , Wu Jason H.Y. , Thacker Evan L. , Lai Heidi Tsz Mung , Lemaitre Rozenn N. , Padhye Nikhil , Song Xiaoling , King Irena B. , Lopez Oscar , Siscovick David S. , Mozaffarian Dariush
Published: August 2023

Background:

Comprising nearly 35% of brain lipids, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are essential for optimal brain function. However, the role of PUFA on cognitive health outcomes later in life is largely unknown.

Objective:

We investigated prospective associations of plasma phospholipid omega-3 (ALA [18 : 3], EPA [20 : 5], DPA [22 : 5], DHA [22 : 6]) and omega-6 (LA [18 : 2], AA [20 : 4]) PUFA with cognitive decline, risk of cognitive impairment and dementia among adults aged≥65 years in the Cardiovascular Health Study.

Methods:

Circulating fatty acid concentrations were measured serially at baseline (1992/1993), 6 years, and 13 years later. Cognitive decline and impairment were assessed using the 100-point Modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MSE) up to 7 times. Clinical dementia was identified using adjudicated neuropsychological tests, and ICD-9 codes.

Results:

Among 3,564 older adults free of stroke and dementia at baseline, cognitive function declined annually by approximately -0.5 3MSE points; 507 participants developed cognitive impairment and 499 dementia over up to 23 years of follow-up. In multivariable models, higher circulating arachidonic acid (AA) concentrations were associated with slower cognitive decline and lower dementia risk, with associations growing stronger with greater length of follow-up (hazard ratio [HR,95% CI] of dementia per interquintile range, 0.74 [0.56-0.97] at 5 years, and 0.53 [0.37-0.77] at 15 years). Circulating docosapentaenoic (DPA) concentrations were associated with slower cognitive decline and lower risk of cognitive impairment (extreme-quintile HR, 0.72 [95% CI: 0.55, 0.95]). Findings were generally null or inconsistent for other omega-3 or omega-6 PUFA.

Conclusion:

Circulating AA and DPA, but not other PUFA, are associated with slower rate of cognitive decline and lower risk of dementia or cognitive impairment later in life.
Cortical Amyloid Burden Relates to Basal Forebrain Volume in Subjective Cognitive Decline
Authors: Daamen Marcel , Scheef Lukas , Li Shumei , Grothe Michel J. , Gaertner Florian C. , Buchert Ralph , Buerger Katharina , Dobisch Laura , Drzezga Alexander , Essler Markus , Ewers Michael , Fliessbach Klaus , Herrera Melendez Ana Lucia , Hetzer Stefan , Janowitz Daniel , Kilimann Ingo , Krause Bernd Joachim , Lange Catharina , Laske Christoph , Munk Matthias H. , Peters Oliver , Priller Josef , Ramirez Alfredo , Reimold Matthias , Rominger Axel , Rostamzadeh Ayda , Roeske Sandra , Roy Nina , Scheffler Klaus , Schneider Anja , Spottke Annika , Spruth Eike Jakob , Teipel Stefan J. , Wagner Michael , Düzel Emrah , Jessen Frank , Boecker Henning ,   for the DELCODE Study Group
Published: August 2023

Background:

Atrophy of cholinergic basal forebrain (BF) nuclei is a frequent finding in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) volumetry studies that examined patients with prodromal or clinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but less clear for individuals in earlier stages of the clinical AD continuum.

Objective:

To examine BF volume reductions in subjective cognitive decline (SCD) participants with AD pathologic changes.

Methods:

The present study compared MRI-based BF volume measurements in age- and sex-matched samples of N = 24 amyloid-positive and N = 24 amyloid-negative SCD individuals, based on binary visual ratings of Florbetaben positron emission tomography (PET) measurements. Additionally, we assessed associations of BF volume with cortical amyloid burden, based on semiquantitative Centiloid (CL) analyses.

Results:

Group differences approached significance for BF total volume ( p = 0.061) and the Ch4 subregion ( p = 0.059) only, showing the expected relative volume reductions for the amyloid-positive subgroup. There were also significant inverse correlations between BF volumes and CL values, which again were most robust for BF total volume and the Ch4 subregion.

Conclusions:

The results are consistent with the hypothesis that amyloid-positive SCD individuals, which are considered to represent a transitional stage on the clinical AD continuum, already show incipient alterations of BF integrity. The negative association with a continuous measure of cortical amyloid burden also suggests that this may reflect an incremental process. Yet, further research is needed to evaluate whether BF changes already emerge at “grey zone” levels of amyloid accumulation, before amyloidosis is reliably detected by PET visual readings.
Characterizing Performance Gaps of a Code-Based Dementia Algorithm in a Population-Based Cohort of Cognitive Aging
Authors: Vassilaki Maria , Fu Sunyang , Christenson Luke R. , Garg Muskan , Petersen Ronald C. , St. Sauver Jennifer , Sohn Sunghwan
Published: August 2023

Background:

Multiple algorithms with variable performance have been developed to identify dementia using combinations of billing codes and medication data that are widely available from electronic health records (EHR). If the characteristics of misclassified patients are clearly identified, modifying existing algorithms to improve performance may be possible.

Objective:

To examine the performance of a code-based algorithm to identify dementia cases in the population-based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging (MCSA) where dementia diagnosis (i.e., reference standard) is actively assessed through routine follow-up and describe the characteristics of persons incorrectly categorized.

Methods:

There were 5,316 participants (age at baseline (mean (SD)): 73.3 (9.68) years; 50.7% male) without dementia at baseline and available EHR data. ICD-9/10 codes and prescription medications for dementia were extracted between baseline and one year after an MCSA dementia diagnosis or last follow-up. Fisher’s exact or Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare characteristics between groups.

Results:

Algorithm sensitivity and specificity were 0.70 (95% CI: 0.67, 0.74) and 0.95 (95% CI: 0.95, 0.96). False positives (i.e., participants falsely diagnosed with dementia by the algorithm) were older, with higher Charlson comorbidity index, more likely to have mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and longer follow-up (versus true negatives). False negatives (versus true positives) were older, more likely to have MCI, or have more functional limitations.

Conclusions:

We observed a moderate-high performance of the code-based diagnosis method against the population-based MCSA reference standard dementia diagnosis. Older participants and those with MCI at baseline were more likely to be misclassified.
A survey of high utility sequential patterns mining methods
Authors: Zhang Ruihua , Han Meng , He Feifei , Meng Fanxing , Li Chunpeng
Published: August 2023

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for high utility sequential pattern (HUSP) mining. Different from high utility itemset mining, the “combinatorial explosion” problem of sequence data makes it more challenging. This survey aims to provide a general, comprehensive, and structured overview of the state-of-the-art methods of HUSP from a novel perspective. Firstly, from the perspective of serial and parallel, the data structure used by the mining methods are illustrated and the pros and cons of the algorithms are summarized. In order to protect data privacy, many HUSP hiding algorithms have been proposed, which are classified into array-based, chain-based and matrix-based algorithms according to the key technologies. The hidden strategies and evaluation metrics adopted by the algorithms are summarized. Next, a taxonomy of the most common and the state-of-the-art approaches for incremental mining algorithms is presented, including tree-based and projection-based. In order to deal with the latest sequence in the data stream, the existing algorithms often use the window model to update dynamically, and the algorithms are divided into methods based on sliding windows and landmark windows for analysis. Afterwards, a summary of derived high utility sequential pattern is presented. Finally, aiming at the deficiencies of the existing HUSP research, the next work that the author plans to do is given.
Liver tumour detection and classification using partial differential technique algorithm with enhanced convolutional classifier
Authors: Sasirekha N. , Poonguzhali I. , Shekhar Himanshu , Vimalnath S.
Published: August 2023

The image of liver which is the area of interest in this work is obtained from abdominal CT scan. It also contains details of other abdominal organs such as pancreas, spleen, stomach, gall bladder, intestine etc. Since all these organs are of soft tissues, the pixel intensity values differ marginally in the CT scan output and the organs overlap each other at their boundaries. Hence it is very difficult to trace out the exact contour of liver and liver tumor. The overlapping and obscure boundaries are to be avoided for proper diagnosis. Image segmentation process helps to meet this requirement. The normal perception of the CT image can be improved by suitable segmentation techniques. This will help the physician to extract more information from the image and give an accurate diagnosis and better treatment. The projected images are processed using the Partial Differential Technique (PDT) to isolate the liver from the other organs. The Level Set Methodology (LSM) is then used to separate the cancerous tissue from the healthy tissue around it. The classification of stages may be done with the assistance of an Enhanced Convolutional Classifier. The classification of LSM is evaluated by producing many metrics of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity using an Improved Convolutional classifier. Compared to the two current algorithms, the proposed technique has a sensitivity and specificity of 96% and 93%, respectively, with 95% confidence intervals of [0.7513 1.0000] and [0.7126 1.0000] for sensitivity, and specificity respectively.
Adaptive weighted wild horse optimizer based on backward learning and small-hole imaging strategy
Authors: Zhao Xiao-Rui , Wang Jie-Sheng , Bao Yin-Yin , Hou Jia-Ning , Ma Xin-Ru , Li Yi-Xuan
Published: August 2023

Wild Horse Optimizer (WHO) is a population-based metaheuristic algorithm inspired by animal behavior, which mainly imitates the decent behavior, grazing behavior, mating behavior and leadership dominance behavior of wild horses in nature to find the optimal. The initialization of the population by imitating the behavior of wild horses is prone to uneven distribution of population positions, and its position updating method is prone to local optimal problems while improving the efficiency of the search. In order to enhance the population diversity and to break out of the local optimum, an adaptive weighted wild horse optimizer based on backward learning and small-hole imaging strategy is proposed. The backward learning strategy is used to enhance the population diversity and improve the uneven distribution of individuals; The adaptive weight and small-hole imaging strategy are added to the local search strategy to improve the global search ability and jump out of the local optimum. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, simulation experiments were conducted by using 23 benchmark test functions to test the search ability and Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA), Moth-Flame Optimization (MFO), Rat Swarm Optimizer (RSO) and Multi-Verse Optimizer (MVO) algorithms are compared in terms of their search performance, and finally four real engineering design problems are solved. The simulation results indicate that the proposed FHPWHO has excellent merit-seeking capability.
The LAD estimation of UMAR model with imprecise observations
Authors: Wu Jing , Shi Yuxin , Sheng Yuhong
Published: August 2023

Uncertain time series analysis is a method of predicting future values by analyzing imprecise observations. In this paper, the least absolute deviation (LAD) method is applied to solve for the unknown parameters of the uncertain max-autoregressive (UMAR) model. The predicted value and confidence interval of the future data are calculated using the fitted UMAR model. Moreover, the relative change rate of parameter is proposed to test the robustness of different estimation methods. Then, two comparative analyses demonstrate the LAD estimation can handle outliers better than the least squares (LS) estimation and the necessity of introducing the UMAR model. Finally, a numerical example displays the LAD estimation in detail to verify the effectiveness of the method. The LAD estimation is also applied to a collection of actual data with cereal yield.
RETRACTED: Text localization and recognition of Chinese characters in natural scenes based on improved faster R-CNN
Authors: Li Yuejie , Liu Chang’an , Li Shijun
Published: August 2023

This article has been retracted. A retraction notice can be found at https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-219433.
Greek-Cypriot students’ knowledge, attitudes, and actions regarding consumption of added sugar: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Antoniou Vasileia , Chrysostomou Stavri , Giannakou Konstantinos , Hadjimbei Elena
Published: August 2023

OBJECTIVE: To assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices toward added sugar intake among Cypriot university students. METHODS: This cross- sectional study was conducted among 200 students enrolled in public and private universities in Cyprus. Knowledge, attitudes and practices toward added sugar consumption was evaluated using self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Only 8.5% of the students were able to accurately report the recommended values of sugar consumption. Most of the participants (76%) were aware of the health consequences of excessive sugar consumption, whereas 63.5% were aware of the existence of hidden sources of sugar and 88% of students stated that they read the nutrition declaration of the products that they are considering consuming. About 67% of students stated that they are actively trying to reduce their sugar consumption and the majority consume sugary beverages less than 1 day per week. CONCLUSIONS: Results support that although students read the nutrition facts label there is a limited awareness of sugar intake recommendations. Tailored-made strategies targeting students in order to improve sugar-related knowledge could be warranted.
Secularization and secularity as a determinant of Christianity itself for the establishment of peace and freedom in the World
Authors: Szaniszló Inocent-Mária V.
Published: August 2023

During several seminars focused on the Social Doctrine of the Church, we addressed the topic of the relationship between religion and the state, which we can call _secularity_ or _laicity_. Although our post-Christian society often uses another word - _secularization_ - it is not always easy to understand what is hidden under this term. Since the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia in 1989, we hear many representatives of religions in Central Europe talking about "creeping secularization" and the like. In our European society, we see a sharp decline in religious awareness and a loss of traditional faith. Many religious societies are forced to close their institutions or reorient them to non-religious purposes. All these traditional ideas assume that the religious message (in the Christian sense - the Gospel) could only be expressed in purely religious "environments". In our contribution, we would like to point out _positive (Christian) secularity_, which does not abandon religion but seeks a balanced relationship between earthly and heavenly things.
Homogeneização biótica em comunidades arbóreas das florestas tropicais: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Santos Patrícia Marques , Nascimento Marcelo Trindade
Published: August 2023

Uma revisão sistemática de literatura foi realizada sobre a homogeneização biótica em florestas tropicais e suas consequências para a diversidade das comunidades arbóreas. Avaliamos artigos indexados nas bases Scopus® e Web of Science®, de 1945 a 2022. A seleção das publicações foi realizada na plataforma Rayyan. O método bibliométrico utilizado para o mapeamento do banco de dados foi a análise de co-palavras, no software VOSviewer. Distinguimos três linhas de pesquisas em homogeneização biótica: ecologia da invasão de espécies; fatores ambientais e antropogênicos; e a diversidade funcional e filogenética. O componente mais estudado e talvez o mais afetado, foi o componente taxonômico. Os eventos de homogeneização biótica estão amplamente distribuídos pela região tropical, sendo o tipo florestal mais afetado a floresta tropical pluvial e a principal causa apontada foi a mudança de uso do solo, relacionada à degradação antrópica. Os estudos de homogeneização biótica nos trópicos têm se intensificado na última década e resultado em importantes avanços para o entendimento deste processo, como a constatação de que ambientes hiperdiversos são suscetíveis de ocorrência de homogeneização biótica e que ela pode ser mediada por espécies nativas generalistas. Observamos o surgimento de mais um componente da diversidade a ser incluído no conceito da homogeneização, a homogeneização das interações ecológicas.
The Central Volga Research Institute on Petroleum Refining: Achievements of Science for the Benefit of Production
Authors:   JSC “Middle Volga Oil Refining Research Institute” (JSC “MidVolgaNIINP”), Karpukhin A. K.
Published: August 2023

In 2023, the Middle Volga Research Institute for Oil Refining (SvNIINP) turns 65 years old. All these years, the staff of the institute has been solving complex problems facing the industry, forming scientific ideas, developing modern technologies for producing high-quality petroleum products, lubricants, additives and bitumen. The starting point in the recent history of the institute can be considered 2007, when it entered the structure of PJSC NK Rosneft. The directions of scientific and technological activity of the institute were set by the Company's Innovative Development Program, aimed at the creation and implementation of modern technologies at refineries and gaining a leading position both in the Russian market and in the export supply of petroleum products.
Investigation of new macroporous catalysts in the process of phenol alkylation by ethylene oligomers
Authors:   JSC «Middle Volga Oil Refining Research Institute» (JSC «MidVolgaNIINP»), Baklan N. S. , Timofeeva G. V. ,   JSC «Middle Volga Oil Refining Research Institute» (JSC «MidVolgaNIINP»), Nosova Е. V. ,   JSC «Middle Volga Oil Refining Research Institute» (JSC «MidVolgaNIINP»), Khoroshev Yu. N. ,   LTD «Novokuibyshevsk Oils and Additives Plant», Luksha S. V. ,   LTD «Novokuibyshevsk Oils and Additives Plant», Guniakova O. V. ,   LTD «Novokuibyshevsk Oils and Additives Plant»
Published: August 2023

The features of phenol alkylation by higher alpha-olefins in order to obtain mono-substituted alkylphenols (o-AF and p-AF) using commercial industrial samples of sulfocationites: Hydrolite ZG CD552, ND-102 and the line of catalysts Purolite CT275DR/4503, CT275DR/4883, CT151DR, CT169DR, which belong to macroporous and are in different price categories. A feature of these cationites is a particularly strong matrix of regularly cross-linked divinylbenzene styrene copolymer. The structure of the granules combines the increased rigidity of the polymer mesh with a highly developed surface of the pores for exchange, which provides a large concentration of available exchange groups and high diffusion permeability of the granules. A comparative analysis of the catalytic activity of alkylation catalysts was carried out, which showed that, despite the high activity of all the studied catalysts in the reaction of alkylation of phenol with ethylene oligomers (OE) of the C16-C18 fraction, most of the studied catalysts showed low thermal stability and showed a tendency to rapid mechanical destruction. During the research, optimal technological parameters for each catalyst were established, including temperature and molar ratio of reagents, providing maximum yields of the target monoalkylphenol at the level of 97-98 %.
УТВЕРДЖЕННЯ ІДЕОЛОГІЇ СОЦІАЛЬНОЇ СПРАВЕДЛИВОСТІ В СУСПІЛЬСТВІ ЗАСОБАМИ ЕКОНОМІЧНОГО РЕГУЛЮВАННЯ
Authors: Петруненко Я. В.
Published: August 2023

У статті висвітлено окремі питання утвердження ідеології соціальної справедливості в суспільстві засобами економічного регулювання. Автором проведено огляд наукових підходів та концепцій щодо розуміння поняття та сутності соціальної справедливості у суспільстві. Аргументовано, що соціальна справедливість в ієрархії цінностей сучасного українського суспільства займає вищі сходинки. З’ясовано, що ідеологія соціальної справедливості як правовий принцип закладена у низці нормативно- правових актів України та є складовою принципів бюджетної, податкової політики держави та політики у сфері регулювання господарських відносин. Обґрунтовано, що ідеологія соціальної справедливості в економіці уособлюється у справедливому, еквівалентному та пропорційному розподілі суспільного багатства між членами суспільства. Автором аргументовано, що застосування принципу рівності під час розподілу державного багатства не гарантує дотримання соціальної справедливості. Визначено, що у сучасних умовах розвитку суспільства виникає необхідність у проведені низки концептуальних реформ, спрямованих на утвердження ідеології соціальної справедливості, зокрема, у таких сферах, як регулювання економіки, бюджетної, податкової політики, а також політики у сфері соціального забезпечення та ін. Доведено, що з метою досягнення соціальної справедливості в суспільстві держава застосовує різні засоби економічного регулювання. З’ясовано, що найбільш поширеними засобами економічного регулювання з метою досягнення соціальної справедливості є зважена соціально-економічна політика держави, політика дерегуляції господарських відносин, ефективна податкова та бюджетна політика. Визначено, що з метою утвердження ідеології соціальної справедливості в суспільстві важливим є проведення комплексної соціально-економічної реформи в усіх сферах життя.
Derechos humanos, seguridad social y contribuyentes cautivos en México
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Ibarra Torres Juan Carlos , Bueno Castillo Claudia Susana ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Flores Ortega Gerardo ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Padilla Barbosa Livier ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Ramírez Chávez Javier ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Daza Mercado Marco Antonio ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Alcantar López Cristian Omar ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Sánchez Sierra Antonio ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Mata Francisco de Jesús ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Lemus Arellano Gómez Maricela ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: August 2023

Los derechos humanos tienen su base en la dignidad del ser humano, nacen con el hombre. Con él también aparece una actitud ética frente a la vida. En esta primera etapa de la historia del ser humano y hasta el siglo XVII se formulan los principios de convivencia, de justicia, y la idea de la dignidad humana. Sin embargo, el concepto de derechos humanos es relativamente joven: en 1948, con la Declaración Universal de Derechos Humanos, se llegó a un consenso mundial acerca del término. Esto no significa que los derechos humanos como tales hayan surgido entonces; recordemos, son inherentes al hombre mismo. Lo que sí es reciente son los instrumentos que garantizan su vigencia y respeto; por ejemplo, las declaraciones, convenciones o su inclusión en las constituciones de las naciones.
Analisis Faktor Risiko kejadian Dismenore Primer Remaja Putri pada Masa Pandemi COVID-19
Authors: Estin Gita  , Yunia Sari Nunik Ike
Published: August 2023

Abstrak
Dismenore merupakan salah satu masalah kesehatan reproduksi yang sering terjadi pada remaja putri. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis faktor risiko yang mempengaruhi kejadian dismenore primer remaja putri pada masa pandemi Covid-19. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian analitik, dengan rancangan penelitian cross-sectional. Jumlah responden  sebesar 130 remaja putri yang telah mengalami dismenore dengan pemilihan sampel secara consecutive sampling. Pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner melalui google form, Global Physical Activity Questionnaire  (GPAQ) (2016), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), serta Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan hasil bahwa variabel riwayat keluarga (p= 0,003;OR=3,380; 95% CI=1,520–7,518), kualitas tidur (p=0,025; OR= 2,836; 95% CI= 1,138-7,070) dan usia menarche (p=0,039; OR= 1,933; 95% CI=1,035–3,609) secara signifikan memiliki pengaruh terhadap kejadian dismenore primer terhadap remaja putri. Sedangkan aktivitas fisik tidak memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap kejadian dismenore primer (p=0,307; OR= 0,671; 95% CI= 0,312–1,444). Faktor yang paling berpengaruh terhadap kejadian dismenore primer pada masa pandemi Covid-19 adalah riwayat keluarga dengan dismenore primer. Pendidikan kesehatan tentang istirahat tidur yang berkualitas perlu disampaikan pada remaja putri, sehingga kejadian dismenore primer pada masa pandemi Covid-19 dapat diminimalkan.
Kata kunci: dismenore primer, remaja putri, pandemi Covid-19
Abstract
Dysmenorrhea is a reproductive health problem that often occurs in adolescent girls. The purpose of this study was to analyze the risk factors that influence the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls during the Covid-19 pandemic. The research method used a cross-sectional research design. The number of respondents was 130 adolescent girls, who had experienced dysmenorrhea with consecutive sampling as the sample. Data was collected using the GPAQ (2016) questionnaire, PSQI, and NRS. The results of this study showed that the variables were family history (p=0.003; OR=3.380; 95% CI=1.520–7.518), sleep quality (p=0.025; OR= 2.836; 95% CI=1.138-7.070), and age at menarche. (p=0.039; OR= 1.933; 95% CI=1.035-3.609) had a significant effect on the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls. The physical activity did not have a significant effect on the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea (p=0.307; OR= 0.671; CI 95% = 0.312–1.444). The most influential factor in the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea during the Covid-19 pandemic is a family history of primary dysmenorrhea. Health education about sleep quality needs to be delivered to adolescent girls so that the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea during the Covid-19 pandemic can be minimized.
Keywords: primary dysmenorrhea, adolescent girls, Covid-19 pandemic
Phytochemical Molecules Binding with the Proteins of Mycolic Acid Synthesis Pathway of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Gaur Rishabh , Anand Praveen Kumar
Published: August 2023

Resistance against anti-tubercular drugs is a significant problem. This elucidates the need for novel drug targets. Altering and targeting the enzymes involved in cell wall synthesis led to fatal damage to the bacterial cell. Mycolic acids are critically responsible for the virulence of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. This pathway represents an essential reservoir of novel targets for developing new TB drugs. The study aims to identify phytochemicals with the capacity to bind with enzymes of mycolic acid synthesis pathways. This study shows the interaction between phytochemicals and proteins responsible for mycolic acid synthesis is shown through bioinformatics & molecular docking tools. Docking showed binding affinity between protein molecules of the mycolic acid synthesis pathway and ligand molecules in the study. PKS13 (polyketide synthase) interacts with the ligand beta-amyrin acetate with a vina score of -7.1 Kcal/mol. At the same time, its binding energy with Piperine is -6.8 Kcal/mol. DprE1 (Decaprenylphosphoryl-bet-D-ribose-2-epimerase), the other protein docked with beta-amyrin acetate, showed a vina score of -9.7 Kcal/mol binding energy. Piperine with DprE1 exhibits interaction with a score of -8.3 Kcal/mol. Beta-amyrin acetate is docked with a score of -6.9 Kcal/mol against KasA (Beta-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase). On the other hand, Piperine with KasA gave a result of -7.0 Kcal/mol. Piperine and Beta-amyrin acetate binds to PKS13, DprE1 & KasA protein/enzymes responsible for mycolic acid biosynthesis.
The NHS Health Check programme: a survey of programme delivery in England before and after the Covid-19 pandemic response
Authors: Gadsby Erica Wirrmann , Krska Janet , Duddy Claire , Hibberd Vivienne , Wong Geoff
Published: August 2023

Background: This study investigated NHS Health Check programme delivery before and after the Covid-19 pandemic response, with a focus on support services and referral methods available to Health Check attendees. The NHS Health Check is an important part of England’s Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) prevention programme.

Methods: Public health commissioners from all 151 local authorities responsible for commissioning the NHS Health Check programme were surveyed in 2021, using an online questionnaire to capture detail about programme delivery, changes in delivery because of the pandemic response, and monitoring of programme outcomes. Four-point rating scales were used to obtain level of confidence in capacity, accessibility and usage of follow-on support services for Health Check attendees. A typology of programme delivery was developed, and associations between delivery categories and a range of relevant variables were assessed using one-way analysis of variance.

Results: Sixty-eight responses were received on behalf of 74 (of 151) local authorities (49%), across all geographical regions. Our findings suggest a basic typology of delivery, though with considerable variation in who is providing the Checks, where and how, and with continued changes prompted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Support for risk management is highly varied with notable gaps in some areas. Local authorities using a model of delivery that includes community venues tended to have a higher number of services to support behaviour change following the Check, and greater confidence in the accessibility and usage of these services. A minority of local authorities gather data on referrals for Health Check attendees, or on outcomes of referrals.

Conclusions: The Covid-19 pandemic has prompted continued changes in delivery, which are likely to influence patient experience and outcomes; these need careful evaluation. The programme’s delivery and commissioners' intentions to follow through risk communication with appropriate support is challenged by the complexity of the commissioning landscape.
The Last Five Decades of Sino-Portuguese Relations: The Quest for the Belt and Road Initiative
Authors:   Department of Government and Public Administration, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, José Leandro Francisco ,   Email: fleandro@um.edu.mo
Published: August 2023

nticipates the future of this bilateral relationship, ten years after the inception of the elt and Road Initiative (B&RI). These five decades can be divided into three major pe- iods and seven phases. On the one hand, in 2013, capitalizing on the transformation of its economy, China launched the B&RI. This initiative can be perceived as a ma- or global infrastructural, multi-sectoral, and multi-actor economic policy, designed not only to foster access with consent to markets and production centers, but also to ontribute to creating a network of economic flows (Leandro & Duarte, 2020b, p. xii) s well as to advance new forms of interaction for development, and perhaps even a new model for international relations. On another hand, Portugal regards the B&RI s an opportunity to continue de-bordering (Leandro & Duarte, 2020a), capitalizing on the unique advantages of Sino-Portuguese diplomatic relations, namely the Por- uguese heritage in the Macau SAR, Portugal’s membership in the Community of the Portuguese-speaking countries, where it is the second most important economy, its European Union (EU) membership, and its position as one of the world’s top 50 most dynamic economies. The B&RI has the potential to reduce the peripheral geographic ondition of Portugal in the context of the EU space, explore the immense opportu- nities offered by the expansion of the continental shelf in the context of the strategic Portuguese triangle (Azores-Madeira-Continental Portugal), and redesign its cooper- tive relations among Portuguese-speaking countries, among which Portugal ranks first in the “doing business index” (2022). These different phases, perspectives, and nterests lead to the formulation of our research question: Based on the B&RI and the reunique relationship between China and Portugal, what can we expect from the future of Sino-Portuguese cooperation? This question is particularly important in the context of the current geo-economic tensions between global economic powers, and the fact that Portugal is an EU member state. This paper adopts an economic diplomacy model as a main reference.
Quản trị nguồn nhân lực xanh và hành vi xanh của người lao động: Nghiên cứu vai trò trung gian của trách nhiệm xã hội của doanh nghiệp và môi trường tâm lý xanh tại Thành phố Cần Thơ
Authors: Ngô Mỹ Trân , Lê Thị Thu Trang , Phạm Ngọc Tú Uyên
Published: August 2023

Bài nghiên cứu này phân tích ảnh hưởng của Quản trị nguồn nhân lực xanh đến hành vi xanh của người lao động thông qua vai trò trung gian của trách nhiệm xã hội của doanh nghiệp và môi trường tâm lý xanh dựa trên số liệu khảo sát từ 160 người lao động. Hành vi xanh được nghiên cứu trên hai góc độ là hành vi xanh nhiệm vụ và hành vi xanh tự nguyện. Kết quả phân tích PLS-SEM cho thấy quản trị nguồn nhân lực xanh có ảnh hưởng tích cực trực tiếp và gián tiếp thông qua nhân tố môi trường tâm lý xanh đến hai loại hành vi xanh của người lao động. Trong khi đó, nhân tố trách nhiệm xã hội chỉ được ghi nhận có ảnh hưởng trung gian đến mối quan hệ giữa quản trị nguồn nhân lực xanh và hành vi xanh tự nguyện. Ngoài ra, bằng chứng thống kê còn cho thấy quản trị nguồn nhân lực xanh có ảnh hưởng tích cực đến trách nhiệm xã hội của doanh nghiệp và môi trường tâm lí xanh. Trên cơ sở đó, một số hàm ý quản trị được đề xuất nhằm thúc đẩy quản trị nguồn nhân lực xanh và tăng cường hành vi xanh của người lao động.
From diatoms to killer whales: impacts of pink salmon on North Pacific ecosystems
Authors: Ruggerone GT , Springer AM , van Vliet GB , Connors B , Irvine JR , Shaul LD , Sloat MR , Atlas WI
Published: August 2023

In response to a climate regime shift in 1977 and general heating of the North Pacific Ocean, pink salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha abundance reached record highs during 2005-2021, comprising 70% of all Pacific salmon. Pink salmon are approximately 25 times more numerous in odd- than even-numbered calendar years in some major North Pacific ecosystems, a unique demographic pattern analogous to repeating whole ecosystem treatment-control experiments. We found compelling examples indicating that in odd years, predation by pink salmon can initiate pelagic trophic cascades by reducing herbivorous zooplankton abundance sufficiently that phytoplankton densities increase, with opposite patterns in even years. Widespread interspecific competition for common-pool prey resources can be dominated by pink salmon, as indicated by numerous biennial patterns in the diet, growth, survival, abundance, age-at-maturation, distribution, and/or phenology of ecologically, culturally, and economically important forage fishes, squid, Pacific salmon and steelhead trout Oncorhynchus spp., seabirds, humpback whales Megaptera novaeangliae, and endangered southern resident killer whales Orcinus orca. In aggregate, the evidence indicates that open-ocean marine carrying capacity in the northern North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea can be mediated by top-down forcing by pink salmon and by ocean heating, and that large-scale hatchery production (~40% of the total adult and immature salmon biomass) likely has unintended consequences for wild salmon, including Chinook salmon O. tshawytscha, and many other marine species. Further investigation of the effects of pink salmon on other species will increase our knowledge of ecosystem function and the important role top-down forcing plays in the open ocean
Magnetoelectric nanoparticles shape modulates their electrical output
Authors: Marrella A. , Suarato G. , Fiocchi S. , Chiaramello E. , Bonato M. , Parazzini M. , Ravazzani P.
Published: August 2023

Core-shell magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENPs) have recently gained popularity thanks to their capability in inducing a local electric polarization upon an applied magnetic field and vice versa. This work estimates the magnetoelectrical behavior, in terms of magnetoelectric coupling coefficient (αME), via finite element analysis of MENPs with different shapes under either static (DC bias) and time-variant (AC bias) external magnetic fields. With this approach, the dependence of the magnetoelectrical performance on the MENPs geometrical features can be directly derived. Results show that MENPs with a more elongated morphology exhibits a superior αME if compared with spherical nanoparticles of similar volume, under both stimulation conditions analyzed. This response is due to the presence of a larger surface area at the interface between the magnetostrictive core and piezoelectric shell, and to the MENP geometrical orientation along the direction of the magnetic field. These findings pave a new way for the design of novel high-aspect ratio magnetic nanostructures with an improved magnetoelectric behaviour.
Visible-light-mediated sulfonylation of anilines with sulfonyl fluorides
Authors: Li Xin-Qing , Liao Qian-Qian , Lai Jun , Liao Yuan-Yue
Published: August 2023

Sulfonylaniline motif plays an important role in pharmaceutical sciences. Developed methods towards this structure are typically lack of good modifiability and stability. In this study, visible-light-mediated sulfonylation of aniline using sulfonyl fluoride as a modifiable and stable sulfonylation reagent is described. A variety of substituted sulfonylanilines were synthesized under mild reaction conditions with moderate to good efficiency. The example of late-stage sulfonylation highlighted the advantage of using sulfonyl fluoride as a sulfonylation reagent. In addition, the crucial influence of counterions on the photocatalyst observed in this system would inspire further research on the photochemistry of sulfonyl fluoride.
Diagnostic efficacy of metagenomic next generation sequencing in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for proven invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Jia Hongxia , Liu Hongping , Tu Meng , Wang Yan , Wang Xinjuan , Li Jing , Zhang Guojun
Published: August 2023

Objective

To assess the diagnostic efficacy of metagenomic next generation sequencing (mNGS) for proven invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA).

Methods

A total of 190 patients including 53 patients who had been diagnosed with proven IPA were retrospectively analyzed. Using the pathological results of tissue biopsy specimens as gold standard, we ploted the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to determine the optimal cut-off value of mNGS species-specific read number (SSRN) of Aspergillus in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF)for IPA. Furthermore, we evaluated optimal cut-off value of mNGS SSRN in different populations.

Results

The optimal cut-off value of Aspergillus mNGS SSRN in BALF for IPA diagnosis was 2.5 for the whole suspected IPA population, and 1 and 4.5 for immunocompromised and diabetic patients, respectively. The accuracy of mNGS was 80.5%, 73.7% and 85.3% for the whole population, immunocompromised and diabetic patients, respectively.

Conclusions

The mNGS in BALF has a high diagnostic efficacy for proven IPA, superioring to Aspergillus culture in sputum and BALF and GM test in blood and BALF. However, the cut-off value of SSRN should be adjusted when in different population.
Host mitochondria: more than an organelle in SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Shoraka Shahrzad , Samarasinghe Amali E. , Ghaemi Amir , Mohebbi Seyed Reza
Published: August 2023

Since December 2019, the world has been facing viral pandemic called COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) caused by a new beta-coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2, or SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 patients may present with a wide range of symptoms, from asymptomatic to requiring intensive care support. The severe form of COVID-19 is often marked by an altered immune response and cytokine storm. Advanced age, age-related and underlying diseases, including metabolic syndromes, appear to contribute to increased COVID-19 severity and mortality suggesting a role for mitochondria in disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, since the immune system is associated with mitochondria and its damage-related molecular patterns (mtDAMPs), the host mitochondrial system may play an important role during viral infections. Viruses have evolved to modulate the immune system and mitochondrial function for survival and proliferation, which in turn could lead to cellular stress and contribute to disease progression. Recent studies have focused on the possible roles of mitochondria in SARS-CoV-2 infection. It has been suggested that mitochondrial hijacking by SARS-CoV-2 could be a key factor in COVID-19 pathogenesis. In this review, we discuss the roles of mitochondria in viral infections including SARS-CoV-2 infection based on past and present knowledge. Paying attention to the role of mitochondria in SARS-CoV-2 infection will help to better understand the pathophysiology of COVID-19 and to achieve effective methods of prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on growth, metabolism, and virulence of the plant pathogenic bacterium Acidovorax citrulli
Authors: Kim Yu-Ri , Sang Mee Kyung
Published: August 2023

Acidovorax citrulli is a seed-borne bacterial pathogen that causes bacterial fruit blotch in cucurbits and severely affects the production of cucumbers and watermelons globally. In this study, we investigated the effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on the growth, metabolism, and virulence of A. citrulli. Bacterial population was not affected by DEHP exposure; moreover, significant changes were not observed in lipid peroxidation, membrane permeability, and nucleic acid leakage. However, palmitoleic acid content was increased in the cell membrane of DEHP-exposed A. citrulli. Further, DEHP exposure increased the activity of TCA cycle-related enzymes, including α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and succinyl-CoA synthetase, along with increase in the content of glutamate, succinate, fumarate, and malate in TCA cycle. Additionally, total 270 genes were differentially expressed by the treatment, of which 28 genes were upregulated and 242 genes, including those related to translation, flagellum-dependent cell motility, and flagellum assembly, were downregulated. Regarding virulence traits, swimming activity was decreased in DEHP-exposed A. citrulli; however, biofilm formation was not affected in in vitro assay. Moreover, relative expression of pathogenicity genes, including hrpX and hrpG, were decreased in DEHP-exposed A. citrulli compared to that of unexposed A. citrulli. Therefore, these results suggest that DEHP accumulation in soil could potentially influence the metabolism and virulence traits of A. citrulli.
Exploring diversity rock-inhabiting fungi from northern Thailand: a new genus and three new species belonged to the family Herpotrichiellaceae
Authors: Thitla Tanapol , Kumla Jaturong , Hongsanan Sinang , Senwanna Chanokned , Khuna Surapong , Lumyong Saisamorn , Suwannarach Nakarin
Published: August 2023

Members of the family Herpotrichiellaceae are distributed worldwide and can be found in various habitats including on insects, plants, rocks, and in the soil. They are also known to be opportunistic human pathogens. In this study, 12 strains of rock-inhabiting fungi that belong to Herpotrichiellaceae were isolated from rock samples collected from forests located in Lamphun and Sukhothai provinces of northern Thailand during the period from 2021 to 2022. On the basis of the morphological characteristics, growth temperature, and multi-gene phylogenetic analyses of a combination of the internal transcribed spacer, the large subunit, and the small subunit of ribosomal RNA, beta tubulin and the translation elongation factor 1-a genes, the new genus, Petriomyces gen. nov., has been established to accommodate the single species, Pe. obovoidisporus sp. nov. In addition, three new species of Cladophialophora have also been introduced, namely, Cl. rupestricola, Cl. sribuabanensis, and Cl. thailandensis. Descriptions, illustrations, and a phylogenetic trees indicating the placement of these new taxa are provided. Here, we provide updates and discussions on the phylogenetic placement of other fungal genera within Herpotrichiellaceae.
Identification of potential pathogenic targets and survival strategies of Vibrio vulnificus through population genomics
Authors: Zhang Jia-Xin , Yuan Yuan , Hu Qing-hua , Jin Da-zhi , Bai Yao , Xin Wen-Wen , Kang Lin , Wang Jing-Lin
Published: August 2023

Vibrio vulnificus, a foodborne pathogen, has a high mortality rate. Despite its relevance to public health, the identification of virulence genes associated with the pathogenicity of currently known clinical isolates of V. vulnificus is incomplete and its synergistic pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we integrate whole genome sequencing (WGS), genome-wide association studies (GWAS), and genome-wide epistasis studies (GWES), along with phenotype characterization to investigate the pathogenesis and survival strategies of V. vulnificus. GWAS and GWES identified a total of six genes (purH, gmr, yiaV, dsbD, ramA, and wbpA) associated with the pathogenicity of clinical isolates related to nucleotide/amino acid transport and metabolism, cell membrane biogenesis, signal transduction mechanisms, and protein turnover. Of these, five were newly discovered potential specific virulence genes of V. vulnificus in this study. Furthermore, GWES combined with phenotype experiments indicated that V. vulnificus isolates were clustered into two ecological groups (EGs) that shared distinct biotic and abiotic factors, and ecological strategies. Our study reveals pathogenic mechanisms and their evolution in V. vulnificus to provide a solid foundation for designing new vaccines and therapeutic targets.
The risk of preterm labor after COVID-19 vaccination before and during pregnancy
Authors: de Feijter M. , Vissers L. C. M. , Davidson L. , Kant A. C. , Woestenberg P. J.
Published: August 2023

Background: Pregnant women have a higher risk of severe illness and adverse pregnancy outcomes due to a SARS-CoV-2 infection. COVID-19 vaccination can prevent (severe) infection. Observational studies are needed to ascertain safety of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.

Aim: Estimate whether COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy is associated with the risk of preterm labor (PL).

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we included 5,910 pregnant women (mean age: 33.0 ± 3.7 years) who entered the Dutch Pregnancy Drug Register between February 2021 and August 2022. Information on COVID-19 vaccinations, PL, and confounders were self-reported using web-based questionnaires. The hazard ratio (HR) on PL, comparing those who received ≥1 COVID-19 vaccine during any moment of pregnancy to those who did not, was estimated using survival analyses with vaccination as time-varying exposure. Additionally, we estimated the risk of PL after COVID-19 vaccination prior to pregnancy, and after COVID-19 vaccination during trimester 1, 2, or 3 of pregnancy.

Findings: A total of 5,227 (88%) participants received ≥1 COVID-19 vaccine between gestational week 2 and 37. We observed no statistically significant association of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy (adjusted HR = 0.93, 95%CI = 0.59; 1.45) nor of COVID-19 vaccination prior to pregnancy (adjusted HR = 1.09, 95%CI = 0.70; 1.71) with the risk of PL. Moreover, we observed no association between the risk of PL and COVID-19 vaccination in any trimester of pregnancy.

Discussion: We demonstrated that COVID-19 vaccination prior to or during pregnancy is not associated with an increased risk of PL.

Conclusion: These results add to the growing evidence supporting safety of COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy.