bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recovery process of vertical perception and activities of daily living in stroke: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Sawa Kota , Amimoto Kazu , Ishigami Keisuke , Miyamoto Takuya , Ishii Chika , Suzuki Rikuya , Tamura Miko , Komatsu Chikashi , Morizane Akira , Miyagami Mitsusuke
Published: July 2022

It is important to clarify the recovery process of the subjective postural vertical (SPV) and activities of daily living (ADL) in stroke to help clinicians determine treatment plans. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of the longitudinal recovery process of SPV and ADL after stroke. In total, 109 patients with stroke were enrolled in the study. Clinical assessments included the SPV and total functional independence measure (FIM), both initially and after 1 month. The SPV mean and standard deviation values indicated the directional and variability errors, respectively. The participants were categorized as follows: group A had directional and variability errors within the standard values, group B had directional errors within the standard value range and variability errors greater than the standard values, and group C had directional and variability errors greater than the standard values. A two-way analysis of variance was performed for SPV and FIM scores (p < 0.05). Groups B and C had larger SPV variability errors than group A. Furthermore, group B showed a significant improvement in variability errors after 1 month. We found that the recovery of SPV variability might be an important predictor of ADL recovery.
Optimizing Pedestrian Simulation Based on Expert Trajectory Guidance and Deep Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Mu Senlin , Huang Xiao , Wang Moyang , Zhang Di , Xu Dong , Li Xiang
Published: July 2022

Most traditional pedestrian simulation methods suffer from short-sightedness, as they often choose the best action at the moment without considering the potential congesting situations in the future. To address this issue, we propose a hierarchical model that combines Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) and Optimal Reciprocal Velocity Obstacle (ORCA) algorithms to optimize the decision process of pedestrian simulation. For certain complex scenarios prone to local optimality, we include expert trajectory imitation degree in the reward function, aiming to improve pedestrian exploration efficiency by designing simple expert trajectory guidance lines without constructing databases of expert examples and collecting priori datasets. The experimental results show that the proposed method presents great stability and generalizability, evidenced by its capability to adjust the behavioral strategy earlier for the upcoming congestion situations. The overall simulation time for each scenario is reduced by approximately 8%-44% compared to traditional methods. After including the expert trajectory guidance, the convergence speed of the model is greatly improved, evidenced by the reduced 56%-64% simulation time from the first exploration to the global maximum cumulative reward value. The expert trajectory establishes the macro rules while preserving the space for free exploration, avoiding local dilemmas, and achieving optimized training efficiency.
Long-term rotationalstability of AcrySof IQ Toric intraocular lens in cataract patients with myopia: a retrospective case study
Authors: luo jie , liu yang
Published: July 2022

PurposeTo investigate the long-term rotational stability of AcrySof IQ Toric intraocular lens (IOL) in cataract patients with myopia.Methods Retrospective case study. In total, 120 eyes of 78 cataract patients with axial length (AL) 24–30 mm, corneal astigmatism ≥ 1.50 D and implantation of AcrySof IQ Toric IOL guided by the Version navigation system were collected. According to the AL, they were assigned to two groups: group A, 60 eyes with high myopia (AL ≥ 26 mm); group B, 60 eyes with low to moderate myopia (24 mm ≤ AL < 26 mm) The preoperative eye axis, best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), corneal astigmatism, IOL rotation at 24–48 months after operation, the proportion of eyes with IOL rotation less than 5° and 10°, rotation direction and residual astigmatism were recorded.Results The mean follow-up period was 34.27±4.98 months and the mean rotation degree was 2.73±1.29°. The rotation degree of Group A (2.87±1.31°) was slightly higher than that of Group B (2.59±1.27°), with no statistical significance (P> 0.05). There was no significant difference in IOL rotation between the two groups at 24–36 months or 36–48 months postoperation (P> 0.05). The ratio of rotation ≤ 5° was 98.22%, with no patients with a rotation > 10°. The postoperative BCDVA was 0.13±0.03 LogMAR, which was significantly higher than that preoperation (X2 = 76.79, P< 0.05). The mean corneal astigmatism preoperation was 2.17±1.08 D, while the residual astigmatism postoperation was 0.41±0.26 D, which was statistically significantly lower (t=4.281, P< 0.05). Conclusion AcrySof Toric IOL can effectively correct corneal astigmatism in cataract patients with myopia and has good long-term rotational stability.
Ghana Ecological Risks: A Space Law and Science Education Approach to the Management Frameworks
Authors: NARTEY Emmanuel K
Published: July 2022

This article discusses what Ghana needs to do to progress its space and science education programmes to aid the development of legal and scientific education programmes for the management framework of biodiversity and ecosystem. The first part of the article examines previous academic literature produced on this topic which offers many clues about the challenges and opportunities facing Ghana, as well as the lessons that can be learned from both other space nations and actors in this field. When looking at perceptions, the second part explore material taken from ethically approved interviews which were conducted with experts in this field, whilst the third section provides an analysis of data taken from a survey in which respondents were asked targeted questions about Ghana’s space and science education program, before summarising the key findings. The findings help to better understand the effect of biodiversity and the ecosystem. Finally, recommends a future work is required in the area of preserving, sustaining and maintaining biodiversity and the ecosystem, management framework for invasive species, and biosecurity, management framework for environmental degradation and climate change, and a management framework that focuses on fair and equitable access to and sharing the benefit of biodiversity resources with all communities in Ghana and assessing and including biodiversity and ecosystem in the development process of space law and science education.
Ultrasound-Guided Attenuation Parameter（UGAP）A Valuable Alternative in Differentiation between Renal Angiomyolipoma without Visible Fat and Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma? A Pilot Study
Authors: Zhu Jianing , Du Yiman , Jiang Bo , Zhao Ping , Li Jingbo , Li Qiuyang , Luo Yukun
Published: July 2022

Background
To assess the utility of the ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter (UGAP) for distinguishing between and differential diagnosis of renal angiomyolipoma without visible fat (AML.wovf) and clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC).
Methods
The study included 74 patients with pathological renal tumor (60 ccRCC and 14 AML.wovf from 46 men and 28 women). The UGAP, CT attenuation values, signal intensity (SI), and tumor-to-spleen SI ratios were determined for each renal mass. The mean of five consecutive scanning lines of UGAP was used. A radiologist, blinded to the pathology results, measured CT attenuation values and assessed decreased SI on opposed-phase images compared to in-phase images. Clinical and imaging variables were analyzed using the Student’s t-test and two-tailed Fisher exact test. The diagnostic performance of UGAP between MRI-determined SI index, tumor-to-spleen SI radio and CT attenuation values were compared.
Results
AML.wovf showed significantly higher UGAP value than ccRCC (0.7 ± 0.2 vs 0.4 ± 0.1, respectively, P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for UGAP was 0.89, which is better than MRI-based SI index (AUC = 0.74) and CT attenuation values (AUC = 0.81). UGAP had a lesion-level sensitivity of 93.3 (95% CI: 83–98); specificity, 57.0 (95% CI: 30–81); an accuracy of 83.8 (95% CI: 73–90). Test-retest reliability of UGAP was low. MRI-based SI index (P = 0.04) and CT attenuation values (P = 0.01) show significant difference between these two types of renal lesions. Kendall’s W coefficient of the UGAP test-retest reliability for ccRCC and AML.wovf was 0.888 and 0.805, respectively, both showing a strong consistency.
Conclusion
UGAP can be used to identify AML.wovf from ccRCC, and may offer a new way to ensure those with renal AML.wovf tumors avoid unnecessary surgery.
Filamentous nuclear actin regulation of PML-NBs during the DNA damage response is deregulated by prelamin A
Authors: Cobb Andrew , Silva Shanelle De. , Hayward Robert , Sek Karolina , Ulferts Svenja , Grosse Robert , Shanahan Catherine
Published: July 2022

Nuclear actin participates in a continuously expanding list of core processes within eukaryotic nuclei including the maintenance of genomic integrity. In response to DNA damage, nuclear actin polymerises into filaments that are involved in the repair of damaged DNA through incompletely defined mechanisms. We present data to show that formation of nuclear F-actin in response to genotoxic stress acts as a scaffold for PML-NBs and that these filamentous networks are essential for PML-NB fission and recruitment of microbodies to DNA lesions. Further to this, we demonstrate that the accumulation of the toxic lamin A precursor prelamin A induces mislocalisation of nuclear actin to the nuclear envelope and prevents the establishment of nucleoplasmic F-actin networks in response to stress. Consequently, PML-NB activity during the DNA damage response is ablated and DNA damage repair is impaired. Inhibition of nuclear export of formin mDia2 restores nuclear F-actin formation by augmenting polymerisation of nuclear actin in response to stress and rescue of PML-NB function, leading to improved genome stability in cells expressing prelamin A.
Quantitative Image Features of Gadoxetic Acid–enhanced MRI for Predicting Glypican-3 Expression of Small Hepatocellular Carcinoma ≤ 3 cm
Authors: Dong San-Yuan , Sun Wei , Xu Bin , Wang Wen-Tao , Yang Yu-Tao , Chen Xiao-Shan , Zeng Meng-Su , Rao Sheng-Xiang
Published: July 2022

Background/purpose of the study: Glypican-3 (GPC3) is associated with the occurrence and poor prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To explore the value of quantitative image features of Gadoxetic Acid–enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for predicting GPC3 expression of single HCC ≤ 3 cm.Methods: One hundred and forty-nine patients with pathologically confirmed HCC (training cohort: n=117; validation cohort: n=32) were included retrospectively. Quantitative image features and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed. The significant predictors for GPC3 expression were identified using multivariate logistic regression analyses. Nomograms were constructed from the prediction model and recurrence rates was evaluated by the Kaplan–Meier method.Results: Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 20 ng/mL (odds ratio [OR] = 5.215; p = 0.004) and tumor-to-liver signal intensity (SI) ratio on hepatobiliary phase (HBP) (OR = 0.003; p = 0.005) were independent significant factors for GPC3 expression. When these two factors were combined, the diagnostic specificity of the training cohort and validation cohort was 87.9 (29/33) and 90.0 (9/10), respectively. The nomogram based on the predictive model performed satisfactorily in the training (C-index: 0.856) and validation (C-index: 0.877) cohort. Recurrence rates were significantly higher in patients with GPC3-positive HCCs compared with those with GPC3-negative HCCs after curative resection in the training (45.9% vs. 25.0%, P=0.034) and validation (54.5% vs. 30.0%, P=0.042) cohorts.Conclusion: Serum AFP > 20 ng/mL combined with tumor-to-liver SI ratio on HBP are potential predictive factors for GPC3 expression of HCC ≤ 3cm. GPC3-positive is correlated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients.
Xylopia Aethiopica Suppresses Markers of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Cell Death in the Brain of Wistar Rats Exposed to Glyphosate
Authors: Adewale Omowumi Oyeronke , Adebisi Oluwaseun Abraham , Ojurongbe Taiwo A. , Adekomi Damilare Adedayo , Babatunde Isaac Olawale , Adebayo Emmanuel O.
Published: July 2022

Introduction
: The herbicide “Roundup” is used extensively in agriculture to control weeds. However, by translocation, it can be deposited in plants, their proceeds, and in the soil, thus provoking organ toxicities in exposed individuals. Neurotoxicity among others is one of the side effects of roundup which has led to an increasing global concern about the contamination of food by herbicides. Xylopia aethiopica is known to have medicinal properties due to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, it is hypothesized to neutralize roundup-induced neurotoxicity.
Materials and methods
Thirty-six (36) Wistar rats were used for this study. The animals were shared equally into six groups with six rats each. Glyphosate administration to three of the six groups was done orally and for one week. Either Xylopia aethiopica or vitamin C was co-administered to two of the three groups and also administered to two other groups and the final group served as the control.
Results
Our studies demonstrated that glyphosate administration led to a significant decrease in antioxidants such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase. We also observed a significant increase in inflammatory markers such as tumour necrosis factor- α, interleukin 6, C-reactive protein and immunohistochemical expression of caspase-3, cox-2 and p53 proteins (p < 0.05). However, Xylopia aethiopica co-administration with glyphosate was able to ameliorate the aforementioned changes when compared to the control (p < 0.05). Degenerative changes were also observed in the cerebellum, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex upon glyphosate administration. These changes were not observed in the groups treated with Xylopia aethiopica and vitamin C.
Conclusion
Taken together, Xylopia aethiopica could possess anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties that could be used in combating glyphosate neurotoxicity.
Realizing the Promise of Long-Acting Antiretroviral Treatment Strategies for Individuals with HIV and Adherence Challenges: An Illustrative Case Series
Authors: Kilcrease Christin , Yusuf Hasiya , Park Joan , Powell Aaron , James Leon , Oates Jacob , Davis Brittany , Weld Ethel D. , Dooley Kelly , Arrington-Sanders Renata , Agwu Allison
Published: July 2022

Background Adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART) remains the cornerstone of optimal HIV outcomes, including viral suppression (VS), immune recovery, and decreased transmission risk. For many people with HIV (PWH), particularly those with early-acquired HIV, structural, behavioral, and cognitive barriers to adherence and competing priorities related to life events may be difficult to overcome, resulting in nonadherence. Long-acting injectable antiretroviral therapies (LAI-ART) may be a useful strategy to overcome some of these barriers. However, to date, the approved LAI-ART strategies (e.g., cabotegravir and rilpivirine (CAB/RPV)) have targeted those who have already attained viral suppression, precluding their use in the 40% of adolescents and young adults (AYA) that VS has eluded. Case presentation Ms. X is a 30-year-old female with perinatally-acquired HIV and barriers to adherence. Despite many interventions, she remained persistently viremic, with resultant immune suppression and multiple comorbid opportunistic conditions, and viral load (VL) >10,000,000 copies/ml. Given her longstanding history of poor adherence to an oral regimen, a switch to monthly intramuscular (IM) injections and biweekly infusions of ibalizumab were initiated leading to decreased viral load to 8,110 copies/ml within two weeks. Ms. H is a 33-year-old woman with cognitive limitations due to childhood lead poisoning. Her viral load trajectory took a downward turn, precipitated by various life events, remaining elevated despite intensive case management. Initiation of LAI-ART (CAB/RPV) in this patient led to an undetectable VL (<20 copies/ml) within two months of treatment initiation. Miss Y. is a 37-year-old woman with perinatally-acquired HIV and chronic challenges with nonadherence and longstanding immunosuppression with CD4 <200 cells/mm3 for >5 years. She received a 1-month oral lead-in (OLI) of cabotegravir/rilpivirine, followed by the injectable loading dose. She has since adhered to all her monthly dosing appointments, sustained VS, and transitioned to a bi-monthly injection schedule. Conclusion These three individuals with HIV (perinatally and non-perinatally acquired) with longstanding nonadherence were successfully initiated on LAI-ART through the process of care coordination and the collective efforts of the care team, highlighting the barriers, challenges, and the multidisciplinary coordination needed to assure successful implementation of this strategy for the most vulnerable of patients.
Using telepresence robots as a tool for COVID-19 pandemic research: a qualitative study
Authors: Hung Lillian , Lake Charlie , Hussein Ali , Wong Joey , Mann Jim
Published: July 2022

Background
Long-term care (LTC) settings have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic; it is vital to investigate unmet needs and explore practical strategies for supporting LTC residents and staff. The involvement of patient partners and family community members in research planning, implementation and evaluation is the basis of Patient-Oriented Research (POR) and has been challenging during the COVID-19 pandemic, as visitation restrictions and staff shortages have created barriers to conducting research in healthcare settings. As a result, innovative methods and tools are needed for conducting research emerged to support the research process. This study explored the use of telepresence robots, devices that enable a person’s presence to be felt during remote interviews, as innovative tools for participatory research.
Methods
We interviewed a team of 10 researchers who used a telepresence robot to conduct COVID research in British Columbia, Canada. The team includes academic researchers, graduate students and people living with dementia. Semi-structured one-to-one interviews were conducted by Zoom virtual meetings. Thematic analysis was performed to identify themes.
Results
Analysis of the data produced five themes on benefits and challenges with respect to using a telepresence robot to conduct interviews with residents in LTC. Themes of benefits: (1) Research Enabler, (2) User Friendly Technology, and (3) Increased Engagement. Themes of challenges: (4) Lack of Infrastructure and Resources, and (5) Training and Technical Obstacles. Based on the results, we offer “ROBOT” – an acronym created for actionable recommendations that inspire and support others to use telepresence robots for research. These recommendations include Realign to adapt, Organize with champions, Blend strategies, Offer timely technical assistance, and Tailor training to individual needs.
Conclusions
This study offers practical insights into using telepresence robots as a safe and innovative tool for conducting research remotely to meaningfully engage people with dementia in research in times of restricted access, as with COVID-19. Future research should apply more creativity and flexibility in adopting technology to expand possibilities for involving people with dementia in research.
Impacts of deforestation on childhood malaria depends on wealth and vector biology
Authors: Estifanos Tafesse Kefyalew , Fisher Brendan , Ricketts Taylor H
Published: July 2022

Ecosystem change can profoundly affect human wellbeing and health, including exposure to vector-borne infectious diseases. Deforestation has increased human exposure to mosquito vectors and malaria risk in Africa, but there is little understanding of how socioeconomic and ecological factors moderate this relationship. We examined the relationship between deforestation and malaria prevalence for children under five in six Sub-Saharan African countries, using demographic and health survey data for 11746 children linked to remotely sensed environmental variables. We find that deforestation is associated with increased malaria prevalence. This relationship is strongest in the poorest households but not significant in the richest, suggesting deforestation has disproportionate health impacts on the poor. In poorer households, malaria prevalence is 27–33% larger for one standard deviation increase in deforestation. Deforestation is associated with increased malaria prevalence in regions where Anopheles gambiae and An. funestus are dominant vectors, but not in areas of An. arabiensis. These findings indicate that deforestation is an important driver of malaria risk among the world’s most vulnerable children, and its impact depends critically on often-overlooked social and biological factors. An in-depth understanding of the link between ecosystems and human health is crucial in designing conservation policies that benefit people and the environment.
Characteristics of Osteocyte and bone microstructure changes in S teroid-Induced Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head: In Novel Exper imental Rabbit Models
Authors: Liu Quanzhe , Xu Bin , Cho MinJoon , Lee JaeHyup
Published: July 2022

BackgroundExploring the pathogenesis of femoral head necrosis and finding effective treatments have always been challenges faced by clinicians, and establishing suitable and reproducible experimental animal models of human disease is a prerequisite. The purpose of this study was to establish and validate the effect of steroid-induced ON model on femoral head osteocytes and bone microarchitecture, as an important indicator for the assessment of necrosis degree. MethodsThrough literature review, the common rabbit protocols were retrieved and summarized, and some improvements were made and implemented, such as methylpredinsolone(MPS) alone with or without lipopolysaccharide(LPS) and whether adjuvant surgical intervention. After a six-week induction period, the femoral heads were harvested and histologically assessed osteocyte changes that was divided three categories, alive(normal), dying(pyknotic nuclei) and dead(empty lacunae) and evaluated bone microarchitecture changes by using micro-ct.ResultsConsecutive high dose MPS(40mg/kg) with three times effectively reduced the proportion of normal osteocytes(78.99%±2.75 to 54.33%±7.92) in trabecular, simultaneously, increased pyknotic nuclei osteocytes(13.51%±2.3 to 36.07%±5.19) or empty lacunae (7.51%±1.65 to 9.59%±3.96). and for combination with LPS, the occurrence of ON was more pronounced in some samples, but a high mortality rate was also found that was 26.8%(11/41) within 24 hours after LPS(10μg/kg) injection. When adjuvant surgical intervention, changes were more obvious (normal osteocytes:41.59%±12.13 pyknotic nuclei:46.34%±9.24 and empty lacunae:12.03%±4.3). and the above methods had obvious negative effect on bone parameters on femoral head.ConclusionsSeveral consecutive high doses of steroid had certain degree of negative effect on the viability of femoral head osteocytes. And cutting off the supply vessel (ligamentum teres) is a direct and effective method that can lead to severe ONFH occurrence. This results can provide valuable experience and reference for future research on establishing models of necrosis of the femoral head with difference degrees.
Comparison of lignocellulosic enzymes between Ascomycetes (Trichoderma) and basidiomycetes (Ganoderma) species using proteomic approaches
Authors: Shankar Akshay , Jain Kavish Kumar , Kuhad Ramesh Chander , Sharma Krishna Kant
Published: July 2022

Wood decomposing ascomycetes and basidiomycetes group of fungi are the most valuable microbes on the earth’s ecosystem that recycle the source of carbon and are also essential for the biorefinery industries. To understand the robustness of the enzymes and their metabolic pathways of both groups of fungi, we performed label-free quantification of the total proteins of four fungal species. The study suggests two groups, i.e. ascomycetes (Trichoderma citrinoviride and Thermoascus aurantiacus) and basidiomycetes (Ganoderma lucidum MDU-7 and G. lucidum) possess diverse repository of enzymes. These fungi show a comparable quantity of protein abundance [T. citrinoviride (285), T. aurantiacus (206), G. lucidum MDU-7 (102), G. lucidum (242)]. The differentially regulated proteins of ascomycetes and basidiomycetes analyzed through heat map shows upregulated and downregulated proteins [25 differentially expressed proteins in T. citrinoviride (8.62 % up-regulated and 91.37 % down-regulated) and G. lucidum (5.74 % up-regulated and 94.25 % down-regulated)] by using the normalized PSMs and log2fold change. The identified proteins were similarly matched to the CAZymes family-like glycoside hydrolase (GH family), carbohydrate-binding module (CBM family) with auxiliary activities and also involve in the hydrolysis of carbohydrate, lignin, xylan, polysaccharides, peptides, and oxidoreductase activity that helps in antioxidant defence mechanism. The results of lignocellulolytic enzymes (laccases, cellulases, xylanases) from two different divisions of fungi and their proteomics study gives a better understanding of the uses of enzyme cocktails in carbon recycling and other biorefinery processes.
Safety and efficacy of 25 Gy in 5 fractions of palliative radiotherapy for symptomatic pelvic tumors
Authors: Aoshika Tomomi , Abe Takanori , Iino Misaki , Saito Satoshi , Ryuno Yasuhiro , Ohta Tomohiro , Igari Mitsunobu , Hirai Ryuta , Kumazaki Yu , Noda Shin-ei , Kato Shingo
Published: July 2022

Background
Palliative radiotherapy is one of the effective treatments for pelvic tumor with bleeding or pain. In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of palliative radiotherapy (RT) for symptomatic pelvic tumors when delivered as 25 Gy in 5 fractions.
Methods
We retrospectively analyzed 34 patients (gynecological cancer: n = 14, rectal cancer: n = 5, metastatic pelvic bone tumor: n = 7, metastatic pelvic lymph node tumor: n = 5, synovial sarcoma of the pelvis: n = 1, prostate cancer: n = 1, and urothelial cancer: n = 1, who were treated between July 2016 and July 2021. Their symptoms were bleeding in 16 patients, pain in 17 patients, and both bleeding and pain in 1 patient. Hemostatic effect of RT was evaluated with pre and post treatment hemoglobin (Hb) values. If the Hb level reached a nadir and increased thereafter, we considered that there is a hemostatic response. Pain was evaluated with a numerical rating scale (NRS) and treatment response was defined as a decrease in NRS.
Results
Their median follow-up period was 4 months. Hemostatic response was observed in 82% of patients (14 of 17 patients). Pain relief response was observed in 78% of patients (14 of 18 patients). Acute adverse effects (AEs) included grade 1 diarrhea: n = 3, grade 1 dermatitis: n = 1, and grade 1 urinary frequency: n = 1; late AEs were not observed so far.
Conclusions
We think that 25 Gy of palliative RT in 5 fractions seems to be safe and effective for symptomatic pelvic tumors, similar to conventional palliative RT schedules.
Isolation, identification and characterization of β-carotene producing endophytic fungi- Penicillium citrinum from bark of Taxus baccata
Authors: Nagal Shweta , Panda Bibhu Prasad
Published: July 2022

C40 carotenoids with the chain of conjugated double bonds are known antioxidants with specific biological activity. Besides the known microbes used for β-carotene, we isolated a new fungus from Taxus baccata tree and identified its carotenoid synthesizing property. Isolated unknown fungi with carotenoids biosynthetic property were identified at the species level by analysing its internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and 18S rDNA region. Confirmation of β-carotene synthesis was done using UV-vis spectroscopy where the three peak spectra (434, 456 and 482 nm) of β-carotene confirmed its presence. Also, the infra-red spectrum gave absorption at a certain frequency which is indicative of the abundance of carotenoids with the major functional group as C-H, CH3 and C = C bonding. MS data of analytes was observed using the electrospray ionization method (ESI) with triple quadrupole (TQD) mass spectrometer, which resulted in the elimination of functional group and production of precursors ions of different carotenoids. Mass spectra showed a high degree of fragmentation with characteristics peak of carotenoids at 536.9 (β-carotene), 538.9 (Zeacarotene), 544.4 (Phytoene), 554.0 (β-cryptoxanthin), 569.18 (Zeaxanthin) and standard characteristics peak 536.6 of β-carotene in standard as well as sample confirmed presence.
Manipulations of Libet clock parameters affect intention timing awareness
Authors: Ivanof Bianca E. , Terhune D. B. , Coyle D. , Moore J. W.
Published: July 2022

W judgments are a widely used intention timing awareness estimate. These judgments are typically obtained by using the classic Libet-style paradigm whereby participants are asked to estimate the time they become aware of their intention to act by using the location of a rotating object on a clock face. There is an inconsistency in the Libet clock parameters used in previous studies, and it is unclear whether this variability impacts W judgments and other outcome measures, with implications for the construct validity of this measure and generalisability of results across studies. Here, we present a four-experiment study that systematically manipulated the Libet clock speed, number of clock markings, length of the clock hand and type of clock radius in order to examine whether these parameter manipulations affect intention timing awareness estimates. Our results demonstrate W judgments can be significantly influenced by the clock speed and number of clock markings. The meaning and implications of these results are discussed.
Multiplexed and reproducible high content screening of live and fixed cells using the Dye Drop method
Authors: Mills Caitlin , Subramanian Kartik , Hafner Marc , Niepel Mario , Gerosa Luca , Chung Mirra , Victor Chiara , Gaudio Benjamin , Yapp Clarence , Nirmal Ajit Johnson , Clark Nicholas , Sorger Peter
Published: July 2022

High-throughput measurement of cells perturbed using libraries of small molecules, gene knockouts, or different microenvironmental factors is a key step in functional genomics and pre-clinical drug discovery. However, it remains difficult to perform accurate single-cell assays in 384-well plates, limiting many studies to well-average measurements (e.g. CellTiter-Glo®). Here we describe a public domain “Dye Drop” method that uses sequential density displacement and microscopy to perform multi-step assays on living cells. We use Dye Drop cell viability and DNA replication assays followed by immunofluorescence imaging to collect single-cell dose-response data for 67 investigational and clinical-grade small molecules in 58 breast cancer cell lines. By separating the cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of drugs computationally, we uncover unexpected relationships between the two. Dye Drop is rapid, reproducible, customizable, and compatible with manual or automated laboratory equipment. Dye Drop improves the tradeoff between data content and cost, enabling the collection of information-rich perturbagen-response datasets.
Artificial oocyte activation may improve embryo quality in older patients with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF-ICSI cycles
Authors: Tsai Tzung-En , Lin Pei-Hsuan , Lian Pei-Fen , Li Chia-Jung , Vitale Salvatore Giovanni , Mikuš Mislav , Su Wan-Ping , Tsai Hsiao-Wen , Tsui Kuan-Hao , Lin Li-Te
Published: July 2022

Background Artificial oocyte activation (AOA) is used to improve fertilization rate following fertilization failure after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Several studies have also shown that AOA may be involved in embryo development. Women with poor ovarian response are more likely to encounter in vitro fertilization (IVF) failure due to poor embryo quality. The aim of this study was to investigate whether AOA could improve embryo quality in older patients with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF-ICSI cycles.Methods The retrospective cohort study consisted of 308 patients who fulfilled the POSEIDON Group 4 criteria and received IVF-ICSI cycles. The study group included 91 patients receiving AOA with calcium ionophores following ICSI. A total of 168 patients in the control group underwent ICSI without AOA. The baseline and cycle characteristics and embryo quality were compared between the two groups.Results At baseline, there were more IVF attempts, greater primary infertility, higher basal FSH levels and lower anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in the AOA group than in the non-AOA group. In terms of embryo quality, there were higher cleavage rates and top-quality Day 3 embryo (TQE) rates, as well as higher percentages of more than 1 TQE and TQE rates ≥ 50 in the AOA group than in the non-AOA group. The multivariate analysis revealed that AOA was positively associated with more than 1 TQE (adjusted OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.63–6.45, P = 0.001) and a TQE rate ≥ 50 (adjusted OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.20–3.80, P = 0.010). When the study population was divided into 2 subgroups based on the age of 40 years old, the beneficial effects of AOA on embryo quality were only observed in the subgroup of age ≥ 40 years old. Conclusions Our data suggest that AOA with calcium ionophores may improve embryo quality in older patients with diminished ovarian reserve undergoing IVF-ICSI cycles, especially in women aged ≥ 40 years.
Prognostic Factors among Patients with Brain Metastases from Cancer of Unknown Primary
Authors: Padilla C. S. , Ho V. K. Y. , Strate I. H. , Leenders W. P. J. , Vos F. Y. F. L , Zanten S. E. M Veldhuijzen van , Loef C.
Published: July 2022

Background
Cancer of an unknown primary (CUP) has a dismal prognosis, the situation is worse for CUP patients with brain metastases (BM-CUP). This study aimed provides better insight into BM-CUP occurrence and determinants of patients’ survival in a population-based setting.
Methods
Cases were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (1,430 BM-CUP/17,140 CUP). Baseline characteristics between CUP patients with and without BM were tested using chi-square tests and Mann-Whitney U tests. Patients’ overall survival (OS) curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and prognostic factors on OS was assessed using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.
Results
The proportion of BM-CUP patients among CUP increased from 8% in 2009–2010 to 10% in 2017–2018 (p < 0.001). Most patients presented with multiple brain lesions (53%). Survival of BM-CUP improved over time: one-year OS increased from 10% for patients diagnosed in 2009–2010 to 17% (2017–2018) (p < 0.01), and median survival times increased from 1.8 months to 2.4 months. Aside from time period and elderly age, independent predictors of poor survival were multiple (HR 1.25; p < 0.01) or unknown (HR 1.48; p < 0.01) locations of BM, unknown/poorly/undifferentiated carcinoma histology (HR 1.53; p < 0.01), or clinical symptoms of BM (HR 1.74; p < 0.01), accompanying liver metastasis (HR 1.43; p < 0.01) and more than one metastatic site outside the brain compared to none (HR 1.52; p < 0.01).
Conclusion
This research contributes to better knowledge on BM-CUP patients. Comprehensive baseline information aids the implementation and evaluation of new diagnostic approaches, treatment protocols and supportive/palliative care guidelines thus improve patients’ quality of life.
Biodegradable Mg-Zn-Ca-Y glass forming alloy with an amendment in mechanical properties and corrosion resistance
Authors: Ramya M.
Published: July 2022

For orthopedic application, the biodegradable implant material should possess a combination of good mechanical strength, reasonable ductility and optimal corrosion resistance. The key challenge in developing magnesium (Mg) based metallic glasses as viable orthopedic implant is to improve its mechanical properties as well as its corrosion resistance. In this work, an attempt has been made to improve the mechanical behavior and corrosion resistance of Mg-Zn-Ca glass forming alloy using yttrium (Y) addition. Mg66Zn30Ca4 metallic glass and a novel Mg-Zn-Ca-Y glass forming alloy with nominal composition of Mg52.5Zn40.5Ca5Y2 were synthesized. The effect of Y addition on the glass forming ability, mechanical behavior and corrosion properties of Mg-Zn-Ca metallic glass was investigated using X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, hardness tests, compressive tests and electrochemical studies. Mg66Zn30Ca4 was completely amorphous while the glass forming ability reduced with Y addition. Enhancement in mechanical properties and corrosion resistance were observed upon addition of Y. Enrichment of mechanical behavior and corrosion resistance in Mg52.5Zn40.5Ca5Y2 alloy was attributed to the presence of Mg12YZn LPSO and Mg3YZn6 icosahedral phases formed due to the addition of Y.
Intraoperative Sequential Evaluation of the Rotational Stability of a Cementless Stem in Total Hip Arthroplasty—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Kinoshita Sakae , Kinoshita Koichi , Sakamoto Tetsuya , Seo Hajime , Suzuki Masahiro , Yamamoto Takuaki
Published: July 2022

Background: In cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA), the rotational stability of the stem is generally confirmed in a one-time manual evaluation by the surgeon. This study evaluates the intraoperative sequential changes of rotational stability using a torque wrench.Methods: Primary THA was performed on 65 consecutive hips. The stem design was a single-wedge for 52 hips and metaphyseal-filling for 13 hips. Intraoperative evaluation of rotational stability was uniformly performed using a torque wrench to prevent individual surgeons’ variances. The evaluation was performed immediately after insertion of the broach and before stem insertion.Results: Immediately after insertion of the broach, rotational stability was confirmed using a torque wrench in all cases, which was maintained for 17 of 52 (33%) single-wedge broaches and 4 of 13 (31%) metaphyseal-filling broaches before stem insertion. Among the hips showing instability, 11 of 35 (31%) single-wedge broaches and 6 of 9 (67%) metaphyseal filling broaches were upsized; the remaining hips were stabilized through deeper insertion. Conclusions: Rotational stability achieved immediately after the insertion of the broach was not necessarily maintained during surgery.
Biodiversity–stability relationships strengthen over time in a long-term grassland experiment
Authors: Wagg Cameron , Roscher Christiane , Weigelt Alexandra , Vogel Anja , Ebeling Anne , de Luca Enrica , Roeder Anna , Kleinspehn Clemens , Temperton Vicky , Marquard Elisabeth , Meyer Sebastian , Scherer-Lorenzen Michael , Buchmann Nina , Fischer Markus , Weisser Wolfgang , Eisenhauer Nico , Schmid Bernhard
Published: July 2022

Numerous studies have demonstrated that biodiversity drives ecosystem functioning, yet there is a lack of knowledge about how biodiversity loss alters ecosystems functioning and stability in the long-term. We report on temporal changes in the species richness–productivity, –stability, –species asynchrony, and –complementarity relationships over 17 years in a grassland biodiversity experiment. Richness–productivity and richness–complementarity relationships strengthened because productivity declined more rapidly in less than in more diverse communities. Using five-year rolling windows, we found that richness–stability relationships became stronger over time because more diverse communities maintained greater productivity. In later years asynchrony increased temporal complementarity among species, thus providing an insurance effect of species richness on stability. These results show how mechanisms stabilizing ecosystem functioning can change with community age. They demonstrate the importance of preserving diversity in natural systems as the role of diversity for ecosystem stability may take decades to realize the full potential.
Evaluating the Impact of Land Use/Land Cover Changes on the Surface Urban Heat Island intensity: The case study of Kabul city, Afghanistan
Authors: Sahak Ahmad Shakib , Hotaki M. Sulaiman Fayez , Ahmadi Karimullah , Karsli Fevzi
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this paper is to detect the areas which are affected by urban heat island (UHI) based on the relationship between land surface temperature and land use /land cover (LU/LC) changes during 1998, 2011, and 2020 for the major city of Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, using multispectral and multi-temporal Landsat data (TM and OLI/TIRS). To achieve the objectives, the emissivity corrected land surface temperature method was examined to calculate Land Surface Temperature (LST), and the Land-use/Land-cover map was prepared using the support vector machine (SVM) supervised algorithm. The LU/LC was categorized into five major classes (vegetation, water-body, built-up, bare-land, and soil). According to the LST map estimated by processing the thermal band of the satellite image, areas influenced by Urban Heat Island (UHI) were detected to evaluate their anomalies to the existing LU/LC types. The findings of LST illustrate, that the mean recorded LST in 1998 was 39.42˚C, whereas the mean recorded LST in 2020 was 41.25˚C, which demonstrates a 1.83 ˚C increase for the whole study period. Specifically in 1998 only five districts (1,16,9,15, and 19) were affected by surface UHIs, while in 2011, the surface UHIs influenced areas increased to eight districts (15, 16, 1, 21, 17, 12, 13, and 8), and in 2020, the surface UHIs affected regions are improved to ten districts (1,19, 15,16, 9,17, 22, 11, 13, and 2) over the Kabul City. These variations and improvements are mostly due to the status of LU/LC in the study area, and it demonstrates the strong link between land cover and land surface temperature. Furthermore, Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and normalized difference built-up index (NDBI) were also extracted. The relationship of NDVI and NDBI with LST was evaluated. Based on the results, a strong negative relationship between LST and NDVI was observed, while a positive relationship between LST and NDBI was recorded. The findings of this work show that an increase in non-evaporation areas and a decline in the greenery surfaces increased the LST. Consequently, the outcomes of this study are significant for decision-makers and urban planners to manage the drawbacks of urbanization temperature in arid and semi-arid areas.
Prevention of unplanned extubation in PICU Nurse-led quality improvement project
Authors: Obina Hazel Lyn , Tayag Kathyrine , Almohileb Hammad , Alomani Hakem
Published: July 2022

Introduction:Unplanned extubation is a recognized health problem and frequent morbidity in PICU.Method:Our SMART aim is to reduce the UPE rate to less than 1 per 100 ventilator days and sustain it for at least six months within 12 months. We chose the rate of UPE as an outcome measure. We chose Percentage of PICU staff who attended UPE training, Percentage of compliance to nurse assignment based on RAS, percentage of adherence to safety tag, Percentage of adherence to ETT fixation and completion of UPE case analysis form as process measures. We used PDSA as the main strategy to test the changes and implement multiple interventions.Result: Over 32 months of the entire project period, we recorded 10 UPEs events. 80% of patients were one year old or less. 60% of UPEs were with uncuffed ETT, and 80% happened in the early morning between 00:00 and 12:00. 50% needed reintubation, and 80% were discharged. However, 20% died in PICU (2 patients). 3 PDSAs were rolled out during the project and the rate of UPE decreased from 0.4 per 100 ventilation days in the year 2019 to 0.1 per 100 ventilation days in the year 2021 and was sustained for more than six months.Conclusion:UPE is significant morbidity and mortality in PICU, and we can identify the high-risk patients and the factors that contribute to such. Nurse-led QIP resulted in an apparent decrease in UPEs rate in PICU.
Documenting Parents’ Intervention Choices for their Autistic Children in Ireland
Authors: Liston Kate , Gunning Ciara , Harkry Lisa
Published: July 2022

Documenting parents’ decision-making regarding intervention for their autistic children and the factors that influence their choices is important. Understanding which interventions are most commonly selected, factors that influence these choices, and reasons for discontinuing or not selecting an intervention are vital to enable professionals to provide support for parents making these decisions. Using an online survey, Irish parents (n = 124) of autistic children reported the interventions they had chosen or had not chosen to engage in with their children, as well as factors that influenced their selection. Results indicated that parents in Ireland engage in a variety of interventions with their autistic children to support development across domains. Analysis of results indicated factors influencing decision making and engagement.
Diagnosing Silicosis Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Eravcı Deniz Boz , Rouyendegh) Babek Erdebilli (B.D
Published: July 2022

Early diagnosis of disease such as Silicosis generally increases the chances for successful treatment by focusing on detecting symptomatic patients as early as possible. Early diagnosis is important for life-saving. In this study, we use an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System to evaluate the possibility of silica exposure leading to silicosis. The aim of this study presents Diagnosing Silicosis with ANFIS to develop proactive and predictible methods for occupational health and safety in workplace. Experimental results for the model reveal that the model successfully forecast Silicosis and an accuracy rate of 94%. Correlation Between Real Risk and Predicted Risk is detected 0,981. There is calculated the statistically significant strong and positive relationship between real outputs and ANFIS predicted outputs at the level of α = 0,05 (r=0,981;p<0,001).ANFIS provides an alternative and proactive method for diagnosing Silicosis. ANFIS can be a useful tool for occupational health and safety professionals and researchers for early diagnosis saving life.