bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community in Overcoming the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Camelia A Indah , Koesrianti  , Lina Hastuti
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is described as circumstances often interchangeably in social and medical contexts as non-boundary spread and directly affected a wide range of human life and a non-traditional security threat. The pandemic has had adverse consequences on the economy, and health and psychology have suffered. In 2020, ASEAN  held an extraordinary summit on COVID-19 to accelerate resilience to the pandemic as a regional response; however, a solid commitment and comprehensive foundation are critical focal points for dealing with infectious diseases. Therefore, ASEAN member states should create a permanent mechanism to deal with current and future pandemics by providing a strategic long-term plan, an annual work plan, effective monitoring systems, and quality assurance by strengthening the ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community’s role as an open and dynamic entity within the ASEAN Community. Doctrinal research based on normative legal and conceptual approaches was conducted as methods for this study.
FDI in Tourism and the Feasibility of Incorporating the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in Indonesia
Authors: Widiatedja I Gusti Ngurah Parikesit
Published: August 2022

Foreign direct investment (FDI) is critical to Indonesia's economic development. Tourism is one of the most appealing investment industries. It has made a significant contribution to employment creation, tax revenue and domestic value addition. However, FDI in tourism has had negative environmental consequences. Moreover, Indonesian trade agreements and investment treaties do not reflect environmental concerns. The schedule under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) follows a similar trend, although other countries’ practices have shown that Indonesia can add this concern. Domestic laws and policies are also silent because the goal of economic growth outweighs protecting the environment. The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (Guiding Principles) govern states' obligations to defend human rights and companies' obligations to respect and give remedy. This article examines the feasibility of incorporating the Guiding Principles into FDI in tourism. The Guiding Principles, together with the Global Code Ethics for Tourism, would provide a starting point for more robust legal frameworks for foreign tourism companies and emphasise sustainable development.
Critically Evaluate Explicit Knowledge and Implicit Knowledge Learning of English Language in Chinese-Foreign Cooperative Universities
Authors: Pei Yinchun
Published: August 2022

With the development of internationalization and globalization, Chinese-foreign cooperative universities are established to attract more international scholars and students, and provide more chances for Chinese students to experience English Medium Instruction (EMI) courses. From the cooperative universities’ official website pages, the universities propaganda English immersion education. In that case, the learning of academic content knowledge requires students’ English proficiency level to achieve to an exact extent. Under this circumstance, it is discussed how students in the Chinese-foreign cooperative universities learn the explicit and implicit knowledge of the English language during the EMI courses in the Chinese-foreign cooperative universities, and how the two learning modes interface with each other.
Online aktivnosti, e-učenje i roditeljska uloga kod osnovnoškolaca za vrijeme pandemije COVID -19
Authors: Matković Roberta , Vejmelka Lucija
Published: August 2022

Pandemija COVID-19 utjecala je na sve aspekte života potaknuvši ubrzanu i neplaniranu digitalizaciju, ‎a značajna je promjena bila uvođenje učenja na daljinu u obrazovnom sustavu. Tijekom prosinca‎ 2020., u vrijeme trajanja online nastave, provedeno je follow up online istraživanje putem anketnog‎ upitnika. Svrha je rada istražiti navike korištenja interneta, sigurnost djece na internetu i dječju percepciju‎ roditeljske uloge među učenicima sedmih i osmih razreda osnovne škole (N=210) Splitsko dalmatinske‎županije, prosječne dobi 13,5 godina te utvrditi postoje li razlike u navedenim varijablama prema spolu ‎te usporedba tih rezultata s prvim valom istraživanja provedenim 2017. godine (N=286, prosječna dob‎13,76). Očekivano, učenici procjenjuju da su na internetu tijekom pandemije boravili dulje nego prije pandemije‎(87 %) te kako roditelji znaju manje od njih o korištenju interneta (59 %). Istraživanjem je utvrđeno ‎da je pandemija utjecala na veću percepciju uključenosti roditelja putem razgovora o korištenju interneta, ‎roditeljskog informiranja o rizicima te zajedničkog korištenja interneta.‎
Celebrities turning into populists
Authors: Vuković Silvija
Published: August 2022

Populist politicians performing as celebrities and celebrities becoming populist politicians is a phenomenon that illustrates how populism and celebrity politics can easily be combined in contemporary political communication. This study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the latter type of celebrity populist by analyzing the Facebook posts of Croatian musician and populist politician, Miroslav Škoro, during the 2019 presidential campaign in Croatia. The conducted qualitative content analysis led to the conclusion that, in the context of celebrity populism, the concept of “the people” attains more meaning and power, as celebrity capital is used for an even stronger emphasis of populist appeal to “the people.” This is seen through two main categories that emerged from the analysis: 1) representation of celebrity fans as “the people” and 2) using celebrity background as proof of unity with the people.
Emotional Response in the Elderly with Sports Materials
Authors: Fernández-Truan Juan Carlos , Machado-Arenós Cristina María
Published: August 2022

This research is aimed at the knowledge of the effectiveness of the material resources in the sensa-tions of exploratory procedures in 365 older people who take part in the physical activity that the Sport Municipal Institute (SMI) offers in the different sports centers assigned to it in the city of Se-ville, using a descriptive design and with a questionnaire developed and validated previously by the Delphi method; showing the relationship between the basic emotions that seniors experience when handling sport, and the materials. So it is claimed that exist a relation between older people, which practice exercise with the materials that they use on it.
Looking at the Pathogenesis of the Rabies Lyssavirus Strain Pasteur Vaccins through a Prism of the Disorder-Based Bioinformatics
Authors: Dhulipala Surya , Uversky Vladimir N.
Published: August 2022

Rabies is a neurological disease that causes between 40,000 and 70,000 deaths every year. Once a rabies patient has become symptomatic, there is no effective treatment for the illness, and in unvaccinated individuals, the case-fatality rate of rabies is close to 100%. French scientists Louis Pasteur and Émile Roux developed the first vaccine for rabies in 1885. If administered before the virus reaches the brain, the modern rabies vaccine imparts long-lasting immunity to the virus and saves more than 250,000 people every year. However, the rabies virus can suppress the host’s immune response once it has entered the cells of the brain, making death likely. This study aims to make use of disorder-based proteomics and bioinformatics to determine the impact that intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDPRs) in the proteome of the rabies virus have on the infectivity and lethality of the disease. This study uses the proteome of Rabies Lyssavirus (RABV) strain Pasteur Vaccins (PV), one of the best understood strains due to its use in the first rabies vaccine, as a model. The study suggests that the high levels of intrinsic disorder in the phosphoprotein (P-protein) and nucleoprotein (N-protein) allow them to participate in creation of the Negri bodies and help this virus suppress the antiviral immune response in the host cells. Additionally, the study suggests that there is a link between disorder in the matrix (M) protein and the modulation of viral transcription. The disordered regions in the M protein have a possible role in initiating viral budding within the cell. Furthermore, we checked the prevalence of functional disorder in a set of 37 host proteins directly involved in the interaction with the RABV proteins. The hope is that these new insights will aid in the development of treatments for rabies that are effective after infection.
Perceived Vaccine Access Issues and the Uptake of Measles Vaccine in Sudan: The Mediating Role of Vaccination Hesitancy
Authors: Sabahelzain Majdi M. , Tagelsir Ahmed , Elhadi Yasir Ahmed Mohammed , Abdalla Omayma
Published: August 2022

Background: This study aimed to evaluate whether measles vaccine uptake can be predicted directly or indirectly by parental perceptions about the availability of measles vaccine services with parental hesitancy towards the measles vaccine as a potential mediator. Methods: This was a community-based cross-sectional study conducted at Omdurman locality in Khartoum state, Sudan in February 2019. The study population included parents/ guardians having at least one child aged 2 -3 years old. Mediation analysis was conducted using two models, the ordinary least squares path analysis and multiple logistic regression. Results: a total of 495 responded and the mean age of the mothers who participated in the study was 31.1 (SD=5.73). A half of the respondents (50.1%) completed university education and nearly three-quarters of the respondents (74.7%) were housewives. After controlling for the other factors, including the mother’s age and the number of children, parental perception about the accessibility and availability of the measles vaccine influences the uptake of the measles vaccine indirectly through the mediation effect of measles vaccine hesitancy. Conclusions: We suggest that intervening in measles vaccine hesitancy in addition to measles vaccination access issues will have positive impact on the uptake and coverage of the measles vaccine in Sudan.
HOW MISUSE OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS IS EXACERBATING THE CHALLENGES FACING SOMALIA’S PUBLIC HEALTH
Authors: MOUSSA Ayan Aden , GARBA Bashiru
Published: August 2022

Background: In contrast to most developed countries, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has continued to be a serious challenge to public health in the majority of resource-limited countries in Africa. Materials and method: A comprehensive review of all available literature reporting on antimicrobial resistance patterns, antimicrobial drug usage in both human and animals, as well as national AMR regulations in Somalia was undertaken. Results: The review observed that successful AMR control and surveillance among resource-poor nations are affected by a lack of infrastructural and institutional capacities, poor investment in human and material resources, as well as non-adherence to available policies. The humanitarian crisis affecting Somalia has persisted for too long, leading to loss of lives, productivity and dilapidation of public health infrastructures. Somalia like most countries has adopted the One Health approach in developing their soon-to-be gazetted National Action Plan on AMR, which covers both human health, animal health and the environment. Although
ANTIPLASMODIAL ACTIVITIES OF THE STEM BARK EXTRACT OF ARTOCARPUS ALTILIS FORSBERG
Authors: ALADESANMI Adetunji Joseph , ODIBA Ogu Emmanuel , ODEDIRAN Samuel Akintunde , ORIOLA Ayodeji Oluwabunmi
Published: August 2022

Background: The potential of Artocarpus altilis stem bark as a safe antimalarial agent, and the identification of its antimalarial constituents was explored. Materials and Methods:The air-dried stem bark was extracted with 70% ethanol, filtered and concentrated in vacuo to obtain the extract (EE). The extract was successively partitioned to give n-hexane (AAH),dichloromethane (AAD), ethyl acetate (AAE)n-butanol (AAB)and aqueous (AAQ)fractions respectively after determining the acute toxicity using Lorke’s method. These were each evaluated for chemosuppressive antimalarial activities (0-200mg/kg) against chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei-berghei-infected albino mice. Normal saline and chloroquine, 10 mg/kg were negative and positive control respectively.The survival times and percentage survivors of the mice in both experiments were determined after observation for twenty-eight days post-drug administration. The five (5) column chromatographic (CC) fractions, AAH1, AAH2, AAH3, AAH4andAAH5 obtained from the most active AAH, were also evaluated for antimalarial activities (0-50mg/kg). Further column purification and repeated PTLC of AAH5 yielded three bands, which were finally subjected to GC-MS analysis. Results:EE gave ED50 and LD50 values of 227.17and >5000 mg/kg while its partitioned fractions gave ED50 values as follows: AAH, 79.14; AAD, 215.59;AAE, 160.46,AAB,81.42; and AAQ, 90.85 mg/kg respectively. The primary CC fractions also gave ED50 values as follows:AAH1 21.95;AAH2, 26.96;AAH3,21.30; AAH4, 20.92 andAAH5, 20.75 mg/kg respectively to identify AAH5 as the putative fraction. GC-MS analysis revealed eleven major compounds (1–11) in the three PTLC bands as the antiplasmodial constituents of the plant. Conclusion:The stem bark of A. altilis is a potential agent in malaria control which is safe for oral use.
Current state of practice of nearshore nourishment by the United States Army Corps of Engineers
Authors: Walker Brooke , Krafft Douglas , McFall Brian , McCaw Hande , Spurgeon Scott
Published: August 2022

This US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) special report prepared by the US Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, provides an overview of the current state of practice for nearshore nourishment with dredged sediment. This special report was completed with responses and input from professionals across the dredging and placement teams from each of the USACE Coastal and Great Lakes districts, providing comprehensive overviews of the decision trees these districts utilize in the placement of their dredged sediment. This report describes the general practice of nearshore nourishment, the impediments and concerns faced by nearshore nourishment projects, and the practical methods utilized by the Coastal and Great Lakes districts for their nearshore nourishment projects. Understanding the current state of practice, along with the general and specific impediments the districts face, enables further research in and development of best practices for use across the USACE and better communication of the practice to other stakeholders.
Mental Health and Behavioural Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Incarcerated Parents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Merhi Dania , Demou Evangelia , Niedzwiedz Claire
Published: August 2022

Parental incarceration is a traumatic experience that affects millions of children and adolescents worldwide. This population is at an increased risk of suffering from mental health problems and problematic behaviors that can lead to future delinquency, furthering the inter-generational cycle of criminality. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effectiveness of different types of interventions for the mental health and behavior of children and adolescents with incarcerated parents. The following databases were searched to retrieve relevant studies from 1995 to 2021: PsycINFO, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences Collection, Child Development and Adolescent Studies, SocINDEX, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, and the Web of Science Core Collection. Quality assessment was performed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme qualitative checklist and the “Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies” developed by the Effective Public Health Practice Project. The initial search yielded 2,711 records and 16 studies met the inclusion criteria. The narrative synthesis conducted determined that interventions focusing on improving caregiver outcomes and support, and maternal attachment may be effective in reducing mental health problems and problematic behaviors, however, findings need to be evaluated with regards to the included studies’ quality of evidence since many (n = 7) had a weak rating. Future research should aim to conduct a comparative analysis between the effectiveness of different types of interventions, while focusing on improving the quality of the evidence.
Fstl1 suppresses breast cancer lung metastasis by inhibiting M2-like tumor-associated macrophages recruitment towards the lung
Authors: yang ying , Lu Tao , Jia Xiao-wei , Gao Yan
Published: August 2022

Immune cell infiltration in the tumor microenvironment is associated with cancer prognosis. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an essential role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Follistatin-like protein 1 (Fstl1), a glycoprotein widely expressed in human and mouse tissues, is a tumor suppressor in various cancers and a regulator in macrophage polarization. However, how Fstl1 affects the crosstalk between breast cancer cells and macrophages remains unclear. Analyzing the public data, we found that Fstl1 expression significantly decreases in breast cancer tissues compared with normal breast tissues, and high expression of Fstl1 in patients means prolonged survival. Using flow cytometry, we found that total macrophages and M2-like macrophages increased in the metastatic lung tissues during breast cancer lung metastasis of Fstl1+/− mice. Cellular experiments in vitro showed that Fstl1 inhibited macrophage migration towards 4T1 cells via decreasing colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFB1) and vascular endothelial growth factor-α (VEGF-α) expression of 4T1 cells. We demonstrated that Fstl1 inhibited M2-like tumor-associated macrophages recruitment towards the lung and suppressed TGFB1/Smad2/3 pathway and relevant cytokines expression of 4T1 cells. Thereby we find a potential therapeutic strategy contributing to breast cancer.
Improving working relationships with families in German early childhood intervention home visitors: A quasi-experimental training study
Authors: Georg Anna K. , Hauschild M. Sc. Sophie , Schröder-Pfeifer Paul , Kasper Lea A. , Taubner Svenja
Published: August 2022

Background Home visitation services within the early childhood intervention program (ECI) for families with a child aged 0–3 in Germany are mainly provided by frontline pediatric nurses and family midwifes. Home visitors are often challenged by difficult interactions with families. Mentalizing, the ability to understand mental states of oneself and others, is a key skill for building effective working relationships, which in turn positively affect intervention outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate if a mentalizing skills training offered to home visitors active in German ECI contributes to continued professional development. We investigated, whether the training positively affected the quality of the working relationships with families as well as home visitors’ empathy, self-efficacy, and mentalizing. Methods To test the effects of a single day mentalizing skills training on the working relationship inN = 73 ECI home visitors, we used a quasi-experimental design with repeated measures (T0, T1, T2, T3) across seven weeks in order to assess immediate change from baseline (T0) after the training (T2) and stability of changes at follow up (T3). A literature-based intervention was implemented before the training to estimate possible repeated measurement and expectational effects (T1). Primary outcome was the quality of the working relationship experienced by the home visitors. Secondary outcome criteria were empathy, work-related self-efficacy, self-reported and observer-rated mentalizing. Results Significant positive change in the working relationship quality was observed at T2 and at T3. Results on the secondary outcomes were less consistent, with data indicating improvement in empathy and increase on some but not all components of mentalizing. Conclusions This study provides preliminary evidence that brief mentalizing skills trainings may be an effective method for continuous professional qualification in frontline ECI home visitors who afterwards, experience better working relationships with families. Thus, training participation may positively impact efficacy and implementation of home visitations in ECI.
Are the healthcare resources, organisational support and practice in asthma management optimal in the Malaysian primary care setting?
Authors: Hussein Norita , Ramli Rizawati , Liew Su May , Hanafi Nik Sherina , Lee Ping , Cheong Ai Theng , Ghazali Sazlina , Ahad Azainorsuzila Mohd , Patel Jaiyogesh , Schwarze Jurgen , Pinnock Hilary , Khoo Ee Ming
Published: August 2022

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory illness is mostly managed in primary care. We aimed to determine healthcare resources, organisational support, and doctors’ practice in managing asthma in public primary health clinics in Malaysia. A total of six clinics participated. Here, we found only four had dedicated asthma clinics. There was only one clinic which had a tracing defaulter system. Long-term controller medications were available in all clinics, however not adequately provided. Resources, educational materials, and equipment for asthma management were present, though restricted in number and not placed in important areas of the clinic. To diagnose asthma, most doctors used clinical judgement, peak flow meter measurements with reversibility test. Although spirometry is the recommended method to diagnose asthma, it was less practiced, being inaccessibility and unskilled in using as the main reasons. Most doctors reported providing asthma self-management; asthma action plan, but for only half of the patients that they encountered. In conclusion, there is still room for improvement in the provision of clinic resources and support for asthma care. Utilising peak flow meter measurement and reversibility test suggest practical alternative in low resource for spirometry. Reinforcing education on asthma action plan is vital to ensure optimal asthma care.
Effects of the Omicron variant on perinatal outcomes in full-term neonates
Authors: Choi Hyowon , Lee Eun Jung , Ahn Yeon-Soon , Yoo Yeong Myong
Published: August 2022

Background: Research of coronavirus disease (COVID-190 effects on newborns is ongoing. But the research of specific variant’s effects is none. This study analyzed the effects of the Omicron variant on the perinatal outcome of full-term newborns during the pandemic.Methods: Between December 2021 and April 2022, this study was conducted on all newborns who visited a single center. We investigated due to the Omicron maternal infection maternal pregnancy complications, delivery methods, birth week, Apgar scores, neonatal resuscitation program requirement, whether respiratory support was required until 12 h after childbirth, suspicious infectious status, and mortality depending on maternal Omicron infection.Results: A total of 127 neonates were enrolled, and 12 were excluded based on exclusion criteria. Sixteen neonates were born to mothers with a history of Omicron COVID-19, and 99 were born to non-infectious mothers. All infected mothers became infected in the 3rd trimester. Of the 16 mothers, seven had symptomatic, and four met the isolation criteria, according to Korean guidelines. The birth weight of newborns to mothers with COVID history and those without was 2.958 ± 0.272 kg and 3.064 ± 0.461 kg (p=0.049), respectively. The 5-min Apgar score at childbirth was 9.29 ± 0.756 and 9.78 ± 0.460, for neonates born to symptomatic and asymptomatic mothers (p=0.019), respectively. When compared with or without maternal self-isolation, patients requiring needing respiratory support 12 h after birth demonstrated a significant difference (p=0.014; OR, 10.275). Additionally, the presence or absence of transient tachypnea of the newborn showed a significant value (p=0.010; OR 11.929).Conclusions: Owing to Omicron COVID-19, newborns were born with low birth weight, low 5-min Apgar scores, and required respiratory support until 12 h after birth.
Did the increase in sitting time due to COVID-19 lead to over-weight or obesity in adolescents? A study based on the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS) 2018-2021
Authors: Kim Dahyun , Kim Woorim , Choi Mingee , Shin Jaeyong
Published: August 2022

Introduction: This study aimed to estimate the association between obesity and sitting hours in Korean adolescents with obesity during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Since adolescent with obesity is closely linked with the incidence of cardiovascular disease, it is important to identify the factors that increase the prevalence of adolescent with obesity and prevent it early. Methods: We used the Korean Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS) data. The primary outcome variables were changes in obesity status during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between increased sitting hours for purposes other than study and obesity status. Results: The prevalence of obesity was significantly higher during the COVID-19 pan-demic than before the COVID-19 pandemic (odds ratio [OR], 1.186, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.148–1.226). There was a significant increase in the OR for sitting hours per week for purposes other than study (OR, 1.02, 95% CI, 1.018–1.023). Compared to low household income students, the OR decreased for middle- (OR = 0.801, 95% CI:0.796, 0.871) and high-income household students (OR, 0.832, 95% CI: 0.796–0.871). Discussion/Conclusion: The results of this study confirmed the relationship between sit-ting hours and obesity in adolescents during the pandemic. To prevent or avoid adolescent with obesity, further studies are needed to understand whether the increase in obesity rates during the pandemic is a temporary trend.
Factors Associated with Successful Vaginal Birth after Lower Uterine Transverse Cesarean Section Delivery in Public Hospitals of Bahir Dar city, Northwest, Ethiopia
Authors: Derebe Tigist , Mulat Amlaku , Mihiret Mezgebu , Feyisa Wondu , Tebabal Amanuel , Wubet Tigist , Abeje Bezawit , Lami Magarsa , Worku Tewodros , Azene Zigijit , Nigatu Selamawit , Beyene Aberash
Published: August 2022

Introduction:
Vaginal birth after cesarean section is the term applied to a woman who undergoes vaginal delivery following cesarean section. It is the preferred method to decrease complications associated with repeated cesarean section delivery.
Objectives
This study aimed to assess factors associated with successful vaginal birth after lower uterine transverse cesarean section delivery and to validate the Flamm and Geiger score in the public hospitals of Bahir Dar city, Northwest, Ethiopia.
Methods
Health facility-based retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1–15/2021 among 345 mothers who gave birth by caesarian section from January 1/2020 to December 31/2020. The data was collected by a simple random sampling technique, entered into Epi data 3.1, and analyzed using SPSS 25.0 version. Logistic regression analyses were done to estimate the crude and adjusted odds ratio with a confidence interval of 95% and a P-value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results
This study identified that 35.07% of the women had a successful vaginal birth after one lower uterine transverse cesarean section delivery and among them. Of the failed trial of labor, fetal distress (38.9%) and failed progress of labor (32.1%) were the main indications for emergency cesarean section. Maternal age ≤ 30 years, prior successful vaginal birth after cesarean section delivery, prior vaginal delivery before cesarean section, non-recurrent indication (fetal distress and malpresentation), ruptured membrane, cervical dilatation ≥ 4cm, cervical effacement ≥ 50%, and low station (≥ 0) at admission were associated with successful vaginal birth after one lower uterine transverse cesarean section delivery. For the Flamm and Geiger scores at a cut point of 5, the sensitivity and specificity were 73.6% and 86.6% respectively.
Conclusion
The successful vaginal birth after one lower uterine transverse cesarean section was low in the study area. When the total Flamm and Geiger score increases, the chance of successful vaginal birth after one lower uterine transverse cesarean section increases. We suggest emphasizing the careful selection of women for a trial of labor.
When two’s a crowd - Structural mapping of PEAK pseudokinase interactions identifies 14 3 3 as a molecular switch for PEAK3/Crk signaling.
Authors: Lucet Isabelle , Roy Michael , Surudoi Minglyanna , Kropp Ashleigh , Hou Jianmei , Dai Weiwen , Hardy Joshua , Liang Lung-Yu , Cotton Thomas , Lechtenberg Bernhard , Dite Toby , Ma Xiuquan , Daly Roger , Patel Onisha
Published: August 2022

PEAK pseudokinases regulate cell migration, invasion and proliferation by recruiting key signaling proteins to the cytoskeleton. Despite lacking catalytic activity, alteration in their expression level is associated with several aggressive cancers. Here, we elucidate new molecular details of key PEAK signaling interactions with the adapter proteins CrkII and Grb2 and the scaffold protein 14-3-3. Our findings rationalize why the dimerization of PEAK proteins has a crucial function in signal transduction and provide biophysical and structural data to unravel binding specificity within the PEAK interactome. We identify a conserved high affinity 14-3-3 motif on PEAK3 and demonstrate its role as a molecular switch to regulate CrkII binding. Together, our studies provide a detailed structural snapshot of PEAK interaction networks and further elucidate how PEAK proteins, especially PEAK3, act as dynamic scaffolds that exploit adapter proteins to control signal transduction in cell growth/motility and cancer.
Modelling the batch and fixed bed adsorption of fluoride from aqueous solutions in using activated carbon from Acacia nilotica biochar
Authors: Bhagawati Prashant Basavaraj , Adeogun Abideen Idowu , Shivayogimath Chandrashekhar Basayya , Kadier Abudukeremu
Published: August 2022

Acacia nilotica biomass was used to prepare activated carbon (ANAC-800) through pyrolysis at 800oC. The ANAC-800 was used as adsorbent for the fluoride sequestration in a batch and continuous column systems. The surface morphology, elemental composition as well as particle size distribution of the adsorbent was investigated with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Elemental and Particle Size Analyzers. What’s more, the influence of initial fluoride concentrations, column packing height and the flow rate on the column efficiency were examine while the efficiency of batch process as a function of contact time and temperature was also investigated. It was found that the kinetic of the process was best fitted with second order model, while the mechanism was best explained by interparticle diffusion model. In addition, the Langmuir Isotherm model showed that the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of fluoride removal was 71.93 mg/g. The breakthrough curve and column data were well modelled by Adams-Bohart, Yoon-Nelson and Clark model. The models were judged using Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) values after statistical evaluation. ANAC-800 removed fluoride from aqueous solution comparably higher than other adsorbent in its category in batch and continuous column systems.
Effects of different aqueous DO, redox potential and salinity on cyanobacterial colonies from Lake Taihu, China
Authors: Fang Fei , Gan Lin , Jiang Xue , Yang Liuyan
Published: August 2022

In summer, cyanobacteria accumulate at the water surface and form surface blooms when the water column is stable. Cyanobacterial photosynthesis results in oxygen supersatuation during daytime and a great redox potential difference is created between day and night. Cyanobacteria usually exist in colonies in the field, but the microenvironment within colonies is not as easily detected. An accurate analysis of physicochemical properties within the colonies is important to a better understanding of cyanobacterial growth characters and the formation mechanism of cyanobacterial blooms. To investigate the influence of aqueous DO, redox potential and salinity on the characteristics of cyanobacterial colonies from Lake Taihu, dissolved oxygen (DO) microelectrode was used to study the physiological responses in the colonies at different initial aqueous DO, redox potential and salinity. The results showed that DO of the colonies increased with increasing initial aqueous DO level, the highest intercellular DO was achieved at an initial aqueous DO of 1000 µmol L− 1. The maximal net photosynthesis (Pn) and dark respiratory rate (Rdark) was achieved in the colonies incubated at an initial aqueous DO of 100 µmol L− 1 and 1000 µmol L− 1, respectively. DO levels of the colonies decreased with decreasing aqueous redox potential and they decreased with increasing salinity, the highest DO achieved at an redox potential of 0 mV and the lowest DO achieved at a salinity of 8 mg L − 1. The maximal Pn in the colonies was achieved at an redox potential of 0 mV. Abundant oxygen was produced within the colonies in the light and it escaped from the interior of the colonies and then elevated the aqueous DO level. Elevated aqueous DO level in turn promoted the DO production within the colonies. Eventually, a large number of oxygen bubbles were formed and attached to the colonies surface, which could provide a great extra buoyancy for the colonies. All of the physiological responses of the microenvironment within the colonies favor cyanobacteria to be the dominant bloom-forming species and eventually result in water blooms.
Unconventional Isoquinoline-Based SERMs Elicit Fulvestrant-Like Transcriptional Programs in ER+ Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Fanning Sean , Hancock Govinda , Young Kristen , Hosfield David , Joiner Carstyn , Sullivan Emily , Yildiz Yoldas , Laine Muriel , Greene Geoffrey
Published: August 2022

Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is a ligand-dependent master transcriptional regulator and key driver of breast cancer pathology. Small molecule hormones and competitive antagonists favor unique ERα conformational ensembles that elicit ligand-specific transcriptional programs in breast cancer and other hormone-responsive tissues. By affecting disparate ligand binding domain structural features, unconventional ligand scaffolds can redirect ERα genomic binding patterns to engage novel therapeutic transcriptional programs. To improve our understanding of these ERα structure-transcriptional relationships, we have developed a series of chemically unconventional antagonists based on the antiestrogens RAD1901 and lasofoxifene. High-resolution x-ray co-crystal structures show that these molecules affect both classical and unique structural motifs within the ERα ligand binding pocket. They show moderately reduced antagonistic potencies on ERα genomic activities but are effective anti-proliferative agents in luminal breast cancer cells. Interestingly, they show SERM-like ERα accumulation in breast cancer cells but lack uterotrophic activities in an endometrial cell line. RNA sequencing shows that the lead molecules mediate transcriptional pathways similar to fulvestrant and other SERDs in these cells. This advance shows that fulvestrant-like genomic activities can be achieved without affecting ERα accumulation in breast cancer cells.
Neglected gaps in improving the health, wellbeing, and care for sexual and gender minority young people living in low- and lower-middle- income countries: a scoping review
Authors: Kraus-Perrotta Cara , Garnsey Camille , DeMulder Jessica
Published: August 2022

Background
There is a lack of reliable data on the size, characteristics, and experiences of sexual and gender minority (SGM) young people (ages 10–24) in low- and lower-middle- income countries (LMICs). This review examines the scant research conducted in the last decade with and about SGM young people living in low-income settings and seeks to answer the question: What is known about the mental and physical health needs, safety, and wellbeing of SGM young people living in LMICs?
Methods
We conducted a scoping review informed by the methodological frameworks put forth by Arksey and O’Malley and the Joanna Briggs Institute. We systematically searched two general social science databases and one topic-specific database for peer-reviewed papers, of any research design, that included SGM young people or explored attitudes toward SGM young people in LMICs. We included papers that reported on factors influencing the health and wellbeing of SGM populations, including physical and mental health, healthcare-seeking behaviors, substance use, experiences of discrimination and/or stigma, experiences of violence and abuse (emotional, physical, and/or sexual), economically motivated paid sex practices, housing or economic security, and attitudes of others toward SGM populations.
Results
Of the 3,729 unique records identified, 47 papers drawing from data collected from 44 unique studies met the inclusion criteria. Only 26 of the 47 papers included SGM young people as participants, with just 10 exclusively focusing on young people ages 10–24. The included papers were classified into three thematic groupings: attitudes toward SGM populations (n = 20), risks to the health of SGM populations (n = 19), and experiences of stigma and discrimination among SGM populations (n = 8).
Conclusion
The findings indicate that the research that does exist for SGM young people in LMICs is disjointed and sparse, and often studies are about SGM young people, rather than with and for them. Our review highlights the need for more and better research, more accurate and disaggregated demographic data, and leadership and participation of SGM-led community-based organizations in the co-design of studies that are about them.
Photoaging and theory-based intervention to improve sun protection behaviors in students in Zahedan: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Okati-Aliabad Hassan , Hosseini Esmat Sadat , Sharifabad Mohammad Ali Morowati , Mohammadi Mahdi , Ardakani Mohamad Ebrahimzadeh , Talebrouhi Amir Hossein
Published: August 2022

Background: Excessive exposure to solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause skin cancer. Implementing new technologies and computational algorithms can potentially change the outlook for cancer prevention and facilitate early detection of melanoma, thereby reducing mortality. Mobile technology as a potential provider of health services in delivering health information and conducting interventions, especially in skin fields, where a significant part of diagnosis is based on visual examination, can be important. Evidence showed that constructs of protection motivation theory (PMT) were good predictors of practicing sun protection behaviors in students. This study will investigate whether mobile applications improve safe and healthy behaviors and affect students' reduced UV exposure.Method/design: This randomized controlled trial will be conducted on 320 students in 06/04/2022 in Zahedan. We created mobile applications (Sunshine and Skin Health and WhatsApp apps). Sunshine and Skin Health app allows users to see their changed faces in three stages of adolescence, middle age, and old age based on sun protection behavior. The WhatsApp app has 27 health messages based on PMT theory, eight educational files, and a skin cancer clip that will be sent through WhatsApp during a week. Randomization will be performed using a 1:1 (control: intervention) ratio. The primary endpoint is the group difference in sun-protective behaviors immediately after the intervention. The secondary endpoint is the group difference in sun-protective behaviors at a 3-month follow-up. The data will be analyzed in SPSS.22, and the significance level will be considered 0.05.Discussion: The present study examines the effectiveness of mobile applications in improving sun-protective behaviors. If this intervention enhances sun protection behaviors, it can prevent students' skin damage.Trial registration: This trial was prospectively registered on theIranian Registry of Clinical Trialson February 8, 2021 (IRCT20200924048825N1).
Effectiveness of Lyophilized Growth Factors Injection for Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Study
Authors: El-Sherif Sherine Mahmoud , Moustafa Mowaffak , Ashraf Jailan , Fahmy Hossam , Abdel-naby hoda
Published: August 2022

ObjectiveEvaluate efficacy of platelet-derived lyophilized growth factors (L-GF) injection versus placebo in treatment of subacromial impingement (SIS).MethodsSixty patients with SIS (clinically and sonographically) were included in this randomized double blind placebo controlled study. Patients were randomly divided to receive either saline (group 1) or L-GF (group 2) injection, under US-guidance. Clinical examination, Visual analogue scale of pain, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI), and shoulder ultrasound were done before and at 8th week after injection. ResultsFollow up assessment showed statistically significant improvement in L-GF group as regards active flexion & active and passive internal rotation and extension, SPADI-Disability scale, VAS of pain as well as thickness of the supraspinatus tendon by US. Concerning painful arc, regression analysis has shown that placebo group is about 30 times more than the L-GF group to get painful arc at follow up. On the other hand, both groups showed statistically significant improvement regarding SPADI-Pain scale and SPADI-Total as well as passive flexion & abduction (still mean value of abduction was significantly higher in LG-F group). ConclusionsL-GF injection in patients with SIS has resulted in significant improvement as regards pain and disability according to the improvement in shoulder range of movement, painful arc sign, VAS, SPADI, as well as significant reduction in the thickness of the supraspinatus tendon as measured by ultrasound compared to the saline group. Trial registration: Identification number is NCT04330027, date of first registration (01/04/2020)Unique on 21/11/ 2019, Protocol ID: 0106178,
Generalized Similarity Measure for Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Gora Pawan , Tomar Vijay P.
Published: August 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Involvement of the nucleolar protein Nucleophosmin (NPM1) in Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus replication
Authors: Barbosa Ana Beatriz Ruiz Afonso , de Oliveira Andressa Peres , Silva Fernando Riback , Pavan Isadora Carolina Betim , Simabuco Fernando Moreira , Eléouët Jean-François , Ventura Armando Morais
Published: August 2022

Human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) accounts for most lower respiratory tract infections during infancy and childhood. We previously demonstrated that the hRSV Matrix (M) protein interacts with the nucleolar protein Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) in HEK 293T cells. In this study we confirmed this interaction by using an in vitro pull-down assay. Knockdown of NPM1 with shRNA against NPM1 mRNA as well as the use of an NPM1 oligomerization inhibitor, affected hRSV proteins expression. These results indicate that the association of NPM1 with M is important for hRSV replication and is a possible target for antiviral strategies.
Bee venom induces the interaction between phosphorylated histone variant, γH2AX, and intracellular location of beta actin in cancer cells
Authors: TETİKOĞLU Sinan , Uzuner Selcen Celik
Published: August 2022

Bee venom is a natural compound and candidate anti-cancer agent with selective cytotoxic effect on some cancer cells. However, the cellular mechanisms of how bee venom selectively targets cancer cells remain elusive. The aim of this study was to reveal the genotoxic effect of bee venom in concordance with the location of β-actin protein throughout the nucleus or/and cytoplasm. For this aim, the level of H2AX phosphorylation (γH2AX) and intracellular location of β-actin were assessed by immunofluorescence in liver (HEPG2) and metastatic breast (MDA-MB-231) cancer cell lines compared to normal fibroblasts (NIH3T3) after bee venom. Co-localisation of γH2AX and β-actin were also analysed. The results showed that the levels of γH2AX staining decreased in normal cells but increased in cancer cells. Majority of β-actin was localised within the cytoplasm of normal cells after bee venom, but it was mostly accumulated within the nucleus in cancer cells. Co-localisation of β-actin and γH2AX both in nucleus and cytoplasm was induced in each cell by different patterns. The results showed that normal and cancerous cells had different responses against bee venom, and suggested that bee venom induced a cellular response by the interaction between γH2AX and β-actin.
The effects of cryopreservation on follicular fluid samples in patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Zhou Dong-Jie , Lu Jun , Jin Xin , Jiang Min , Xue Tong-Min , Gao Ling-ling , Zhang Xiao-mei , Liu Wan-jun , Wang Li-ping
Published: August 2022

PurposeTo investigate the quality control of follicular fluid samples from polycystic ovary syndromepatients under -80 ℃ cryopreservation, explore the effects of cryopreservation in differentperiods.MethodsSeventy-five samples were selected to evaluate the quality of PCOS samples stored in a -80°C refrigerator at the Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital during different time periods (from 2017 to 2018) by DNA integrity determination, RNA integrity determination and housekeeping gene expression.ResultsThe samples of PCOS follicles were divided into groups to be tested at five stages, with each stage lasting four months. The DNA quality of all the samples was high and without significant degradation in the majority of samples (97%). Samples had high RNA quality, and they fully satisfied the scientific research requirements with RINs≥6.ConclusionThe majority of samples had high molecular quality and were suitable for the requirements of downstream experiments. This study provides a reference for DNA and RNA extraction from different PCOS samples preserved for different amounts of time for scientific research.