bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drop jumps versus sled towing and their effects on repeated sprint ability in young basketball players
Authors: Zagatto Alessandro M. , Claus Gabriel M. , Dutra Yago M. , de Poli Rodrigo A. , Lopes Vithor H. F. , Goodall Stuart , Loturco Irineu , Boullosa Daniel
Published: January 2022

Background

The aim of the investigation was to compare the occurrence of post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) after drop jumps, or heavy sled towing, and the subsequent effect on repeated sprint ability (RSA).

Methods

Ten young basketball players (17 ± 1 yrs) performed, in randomized order, RSA test with changes of direction after a standardized warm up followed by drop jumps, heavy sled towing, or no exercise (control condition). Neuromuscular assessments composed of two maximal voluntary contractions of the knee extensors, peripheral nerve stimulation, and surface electromyography (EMG), responses were recorded before and immediately after the RSA. The EMG signal of leg muscles during sprinting were also recorded as well as the blood lactate concentration.

Results

The drop jumps improved the RSA mean time (P = 0.033), total time (P = 0.031), and slowest time (P = 0.029) compared to control condition, while heavy sled towing did not change RSA outcomes (P > 0.05). All conditions exhibited a decrease of doublet high frequency stimulation force (pre-post measurement) (P = 0.023) and voluntary activation (P = 0.041), evidencing the occurrence from peripheral and central components of fatigue after RSA, respectively, but no difference was evident between-conditions. There was a significantly greater EMG activity during sprints for the biceps femoris after drop jumps, only when compared to control condition (P = 0.013).

Conclusion

Repeated drop jumps were effective to induce PAPE in the form of RSA, while heavy sled towing had no effect on RSA performance in young basketball players. Furthermore, both conditioning activities exhibited similar levels of fatigue following the RSA protocol. Thus, drop jumps may be used as an alternative to induce PAPE and thus improve performance during sprints in young male basketball players.
Offspring production of haploid spermatid-like cells derived from mouse female germline stem cells with chromatin condensation
Authors: Hu Xiaopeng , Wang Hu , Tian Geng. G. , Hou Changliang , Xu Bo , Zhao Xinyan , Zhao Yongqiang , Fang Qian , Li Xinyue , He Lin , Chen Xuejin , Li Shangang , Wu Ji
Published: January 2022

Background

During male meiosis, the Y chromosome can form perfect pairing with the X chromosome. However, it is unclear whether mammalian Female germline stem cells (FGSCs) without a Y chromosome can transdifferentiate into functional haploid spermatid-like cells (SLCs).

Results

We found that spermatogenesis was restarted by transplanting FGSCs intoKitw/wvmutant testes. Complete meiosis and formation of SLCs was induced in vitro by testicular cells ofKitw/wvmutant mice, cytokines and retinoic acid. Healthy offspring were produced by sperm and SLCs derived from the in vivo and in vitro transdifferentiation of FGSCs, respectively. Furthermore, high-throughput chromosome conformation capture sequencing(Hi-C-seq) and “bivalent” (H3K4me3-H3K27me3) micro chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (μChIP-seq) experiments showed that stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (STRA8)/protamine 1 (PRM1)-positive transdifferentiated germ cells (tGCs) and male germ cells (mGCs) display similar chromatin dynamics and chromatin condensation during in vitro spermatogenesis.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that sperm can be produced from FGSCs without a Y chromosome. This suggests a strategy for dairy cattle breeding to produce only female offspring with a high-quality genetic background.
Enabling efficient traceable and revocable time-based data sharing in smart city
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Li Teng , Jiang Qi , Ma Jianfeng
Published: January 2022

With the assistance of emerging techniques, such as cloud computing, fog computing and Internet of Things (IoT), smart city is developing rapidly into a novel and well-accepted service pattern these days. The trend also facilitates numerous relevant applications, e.g., smart health care, smart office, smart campus, etc., and drives the urgent demand for data sharing. However, this brings many concerns on data security as there is more private and sensitive information contained in the data of smart city applications. It may incur disastrous consequences if the shared data are illegally accessed, which necessitates an efficient data access control scheme for data sharing in smart city applications with resource-poor user terminals. To this end, we proposes an efficient traceable and revocable time-based CP-ABE (TR-TABE) scheme which can achieve time-based and fine-grained data access control over large attribute universe for data sharing in large-scale smart city applications. To trace and punish the malicious users that intentionally leak their keys to pursue illicit profits, we design an efficient user tracing and revocation mechanism with forward and backward security. For efficiency improvement, we integrate outsourced decryption and verify the correctness of its result. The proposed scheme is proved secure with formal security proof and is demonstrated to be practical for data sharing in smart city applications with extensive performance evaluation.
Blockchain-IoT peer device storage optimization using an advanced time-variant multi-objective particle swarm optimization algorithm
Authors: Nartey Clement , Tchao Eric Tutu , Gadze James Dzisi , Yeboah-Akowuah Bright , Nunoo-Mensah Henry , Welte Dominik , Sikora Axel
Published: January 2022

The integration of Internet of Things devices onto the Blockchain implies an increase in the transactions that occur on the Blockchain, thus increasing the storage requirements. A solution approach is to leverage cloud resources for storing blocks within the chain. The paper, therefore, proposes two solutions to this problem. The first being an improved hybrid architecture design which uses containerization to create a side chain on a fog node for the devices connected to it and an Advanced Time-variant Multi-objective Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm (AT-MOPSO) for determining the optimal number of blocks that should be transferred to the cloud for storage. This algorithm uses time-variant weights for the velocity of the particle swarm optimization and the non-dominated sorting and mutation schemes from NSGA-III. The proposed algorithm was compared with results from the original MOPSO algorithm, the Strength Pareto Evolutionary Algorithm (SPEA-II), and the Pareto Envelope-based Selection Algorithm with region-based selection (PESA-II), and NSGA-III. The proposed AT-MOPSO showed better results than the aforementioned MOPSO algorithms in cloud storage cost and query probability optimization. Importantly, AT-MOPSO achieved 52% energy efficiency compared to NSGA-III. To show how this algorithm can be applied to a real-world Blockchain system, the BISS industrial Blockchain architecture was adapted and modified to show how the AT-MOPSO can be used with existing Blockchain systems and the benefits it provides.
Single base station hybrid TOA/AOD/AOA localization algorithms with the synchronization error in dense multipath environment
Authors: Wu Shixun , Li Min , Zhang Miao , Xu Kai , Cao Juan
Published: January 2022

Mobile station (MS) localization in a cellular network is appealing to both industrial community and academia, due to the wide applications of location-based services. The main challenge is the unknown one-bound (OB) and multiple-bound (MB) scattering environment in dense multipath environment. Moreover, multiple base stations (BSs) are required to be involved in the localization process, and the precise time synchronization between MS and BSs is assumed. In order to address these problems, hybrid time of arrival (TOA), angle of departure (AOD), and angle of arrival (AOA) measurement model from the serving BS with the synchronization error is investigated in this paper. In OB scattering environment, four linear least square (LLS), one quadratic programming and data fusion-based localization algorithms are proposed to eliminate the effect of the synchronization error. In addition, the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) of our localization model on the root mean-square error (RMSE) is derived. In hybrid OB and MB scattering environment, a novel double identification algorithm (DIA) is proposed to identify the MB path. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithms are capable to deal with the synchronization error, and LLS-based localization algorithms show better localization accuracy. Furthermore, the DIA can correctly identify the MB path, and the RMSE comparison of different algorithms further prove the effectiveness of the DIA.
Generating comprehensive functioning and disability data worldwide: development process, data analyses strategy and reliability of the WHO and World Bank Model Disability Survey
Authors: Sabariego Carla , Fellinghauer Carolina , Lee Lindsay , Kamenov Kaloyan , Posarac Aleksandra , Bickenbach Jerome , Kostanjsek Nenad , Chatterji Somnath , Cieza Alarcos
Published: January 2022

Background

Data on functioning and disability collected at population level is essential to complement mortality and morbidity, to estimate rehabilitation needs of countries and regions and to monitor the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The objective of this paper is to briefly report the development process of the WHO Model Disability Survey, its data analysis strategy as well as its reliability and ability to measure low to high levels of functioning and disability across countries.

Methods

The development process is described in detail, and a secondary analysis using Rasch methods is conducted to report reliability and targeting using data from eight national and two regional implementations of the survey.

Results

The currently available versions of the Model Disability Survey are presented. The survey has good to very good internal reliability and good targeting in all included countries.

Conclusion

The participatory and evidence-based development, consideration of the expertise of stakeholders, the availability of previously developed ICF-based surveys, and WHO tools targeting functioning and disability are reflected in its good to very good psychometric properties. The survey has been implemented to date in Afghanistan, Cameroon, Chile, Costa Rica, India, Laos, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Tajikistan, and is used to inform policy-making, to monitor the CRPD and SDGs and to plan the delivery of rehabilitation services.
Cascading effect of source limitation on the granivore-mediated seed dispersal of Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) in secondary forest ecosystems
Authors: Wang Jing , Geoff Wang G. , Li Rong , Sun Yirong , Yu Lizhong , Zhu Jiaojun , Yan Qiaoling
Published: January 2022

Background

Granivore-mediated seed dispersal is susceptible to changes in seed availability and silvicultural management, which alters synzoochorous interactions in the antagonism-mutualism continuum and affects the seed dispersal effectiveness (SDE), and eventually, the plant recruitment. We conducted a whole-year study of seed addition to quantify the granivores-Korean pine (Pinus koraiensis) synzoochorous interactions and the SDE in the same secondary forests with two treatments. Both treatments had seed source limitations: one was caused by the disappearance of Korean pine due to the historical disturbance, the other by pinecone harvesting in Korean pine plantations adjacent to the secondary forests. Thinning with different intensities (control, 25%, and 50%) were also performed to further explore the synzoochorous interactions and SDE in response to silvicultural management in the second type of forests.

Results

Source limitation increased the proportion of pre- and post-dispersal seed predation, and made the granivores-Korean pine interaction shift more towards antagonism, with the estimated SDE of 2.31 and 3.60, respectively, for the secondary forests without and with Korean pine. Thinning with different intensities did not alleviate the reactions towards antagonism but altered SDE; granivores occurrence decreased, but the proportion of pre- and post-dispersal seed predation increased, resulting in a fivefold decreased seedling recruitment in 25% thinning (the lowest SDE of 0.26).

Conclusion

The source limitation coupling thinning biased the synzoochorous interactions more towards antagonism and significantly lowered granivore-mediated SDE, which limited the successful recruitment of Korean pine in secondary forests. Forest managers should control pinecone harvesting, protect the synzoochorous interaction, and take into account masting event for Korean pine regeneration in the future.
Reconsidering the structure of the questionnaire for eudaimonic well-being using wide age-range Japanese adult sample: An exploratory analysis
Authors: Ishii Yu , Sakakibara Ryota , Komoto Kubota Aiko , Yamaguchi Kazuhiro
Published: January 2022

Background

An increasing amount of research is now highlighting the importance of approaching issues of happiness through eudaimonic well-being. However, the literature does not conclusively show a full understanding of the construct of eudaimonic well-being, as previous studies primarily focused on younger samples from Western countries and only a few studies have attempted to explore its psychological construct through exploratory approaches. Therefore, we conducted a survey among a wide range of age groups in Japan to capture the psychological construct of eudaimonic well-being, through an exploratory analytic approach using Questionnaire for Eudaimonic Wellbeing (QEWB).

Methods

A total of 1126 Japanese participants (580 females, 546 males) were included for analysis. Participants were divided into three age groups according to their age, including 10s to 20s (18–29 years), 30s to 40s (30–49 years) and 50s to 60s (50–69 years). After narrowing down the total number of factors by exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM), we conducted an ESEM and bifactor ESEM with oblique goemin and oblique bi-geomin rotations for choosing and assessing the final model based on the rotated results and its interpretability.

Results

The results of a parallel analysis and goodness-of-fit indices obtained by ESEM indicated that the QEWB consisted of three or more factors. Both a three-to-six factor and bifactor ESEM with oblique goemin rotation showed that three-factor structure for the 30s to 40s and 50s to 60s and four-factor structure for the 10s to 20s should be chosen, respectively. “Deep and Meaningful Engagement,” a factor only relevant to the 10s to 20s may be an expanded version of what original paper called the Intense Involvement in Activities, with more emphasis on the enthusiastic attitude one has towards activities.

Conclusions

The structure of eudaimonic well-being may differ across cultures and ages, thus requiring further investigation in the field.
Assessment of NSAIDs as potential inhibitors of the fatty acid amide hydrolase I (FAAH-1) using three different primary fatty acid amide substrates in vitro
Authors: Dongdem Julius T. , Helegbe Gideon K. , Opare-Asamoah Kwame , Wezena Cletus A. , Ocloo Augustine
Published: January 2022

Background

Pain relief remains a major subject of inadequately met need of patients. Therapeutic agents designed to treat pain and inflammation so far have low to moderate efficiencies with significant untoward side effects. FAAH-1 has been proposed as a promising target for the discovery of drugs to treat pain and inflammation without significant adverse effects. FAAH-1 is the primary enzyme accountable for the degradation of AEA and related fatty acid amides. Studies have revealed that the simultaneous inhibition of COX and FAAH-1 activities produce greater pharmacological efficiency with significantly lowered toxicity and ulcerogenic activity. Recently, the metabolism of endocannabinoids by COX-2 was suggested to be differentially regulated by NSAIDs.

Methods

We analysed the affinity of oleamide, arachidonamide and stearoylamide at the FAAH-1 in vitro and investigated the potency of selected NSAIDs on the hydrolysis of endocannabinoid-like molecules (oleamide, arachidonamide and stearoylamide) by FAAH-1 from rat liver. NSAIDs were initially screened at 500 μM after which those that exhibited greater potency were further analysed over a range of inhibitor concentrations.

Results

The substrate affinity of FAAH-1 obtained, increased in a rank order of oleamide < arachidonamide < stearoylamide with resultant Vmax values in a rank order of arachidonamide > oleamide > stearoylamide. The selected NSAIDs caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of FAAH-1 activity with sulindac, carprofen and meclofenamate exhibiting the greatest potency. Michaelis-Menten analysis suggested the mode of inhibition of FAAH-1 hydrolysis of both oleamide and arachidonamide by meclofenamate and indomethacin to be non-competitive in nature.

Conclusion

Our data therefore suggest potential for study of these compounds as combined FAAH-1-COX inhibitors.
Long-term outcome of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for periportal hepatocellular carcinoma: tumor recurrence or progression, survival and clinical significance
Authors: Cao Shoujin , Lyu Tianshi , Fan Zeyang , Guan Haitao , Song Li , Tong Xiaoqiang , Wang Jian , Zou Yinghua
Published: January 2022

Background/aim

Recent studies have suggested that periportal location of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered as one of the independent risk factors for local tumor progression (LTP). However, the long-term therapeutic outcomes of percutaneous RFA as the first-line therapy for single periportal HCCand corresponding impacts on tumor recurrence or progression are still unclear.

Materials and methods

From February 2011 to October 2020, a total of 233 patients with single nodular HCC ≤ 5 cm who underwent RFA ± transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) as first-line therapy was enrolled and analyzed, including 56 patients in the periportal group and 177 patients in the nonperiportal group. The long-term therapeutic outcomes between the two groups were compared, risk factors of tumor recurrence or progression were evaluated.

Results

The LTP rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were significantly higher in the periportal group than those in the nonperiportal group (15.7, 33.7, and 46.9% vs 6.0, 15.7, and 28.7%, respectively, P = 0.0067). The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates in the periportal group were significantly worse than those in the nonperiportal group (81.3, 65.1 and 42.9% vs 99.3, 90.4 and 78.1%, respectively, P<0.0001). In the subgroup of single HCC ≤ 3 cm, patients with periportal HCC showed significantly worse LTP P = 0.0006) and OS (P<0.0001) after RFA than patients with single nonperiportal HCC; The univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that tumor size, periportal HCC and AFP ≥ 400ug/ml were independent prognostic factors for tumor progression after RFA. Furthermore, patients with single periportal HCC had significantly higher risk for IDR(P = 0.0012), PVTT(P<0.0001) and extrahepatic recurrence(P = 0.0010) after RFA than those patients with single nonperiportal HCC. .

Conclusion

The long-term therapeutic outcomes of RFA as the first-line therapy for single periportal HCC were worse than those for single nonperiportal HCC, an increased higher risk of tumor recurrence or progression after RFA was significantly associated with periportal HCC.
Autologous omentum transposition for regeneration of a renal injury model in rats
Authors: Bilgiç Tayfun , İnce Ümit , Narter Fehmi
Published: January 2022

Background

After renal trauma, surgical treatment is vital, but sometimes there may be loss of function due to fibrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of autologous omentum flaps on injured renal tissues in a rat model.

Methods

A total of 30 Wistar albino rats were included and randomly divided equally into a control group and four intervention groups. Iatrogenic renal injuries were repaired using a surgical technique (primary repair 1 group and primary repair 2 group) or transposition of the autologous omentum (omentum repair 1 group and omentum repair 2 group). Blood samples were taken preoperatively and on the 1st and 7th postoperative days in all groups and on the 18th postoperative day in the control and two intervention groups. All rats were sacrificed on the 7th or 18th day postoperatively, and their right kidneys were taken for histopathological evaluation.

Results

The mean urea level significantly decreased from day 1 to day 7 and from day 1 to day 18 in the omentum repair 2 group (P = 0.005 and P = 0.004, respectively). There were no other significant changes in urea or creatinine levels within the intervention groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between the urea and creatinine levels and the histological scores (P > 0.05). The primary repair 1 and 2 groups had significantly higher median granulation and inflammation scores in the kidney specimen than the control and omentum repair groups (P < 0.05). The omentum repair 2 group had significantly lower median granulation and inflammation scores in the surrounding tissues than the primary repair 2 group (P < 0.05). The completion score for the healing process in the kidney specimen was significantly higher in the omentum repair groups than in the primary repair groups (P < 0.05). The omentum repair 2 group had significantly lower median granulation and inflammation scores in the surrounding tissues than the primary repair 2 group (P < 0.05). Granulation degree in the kidney specimen was strongly and positively correlated with the inflammation degree (r = 0.824, P < 0.001) and foreign body reaction in the kidney specimen (r = 0.872, P < 0.001) and a strong and negative correlation with the healing process completion score in the kidney (r = − 0.627, P = 0.001). Inflammation degree in the kidney specimen was strongly and positively correlated with the foreign body reaction in the kidney specimen (r = 0.731, P = 0.001) and strongly and negatively correlated with the healing process completion score in the kidney specimen (r = − 0.608, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Autologous omentum tissue for kidney injury repair attenuated inflammation and granulation. Additionally, the use of omental tissue to facilitate healing of kidney injury may theoretically lead to a more effective healing process and reduced fibrosis and tissue and function loss.
Intermittent administration of peracetic acid is a mild environmental stressor that elicits mucosal and systemic adaptive responses from Atlantic salmon post-smolts
Authors: Osório João , Stiller Kevin T. , Reiten Britt-Kristin , Kolarevic Jelena , Johansen Lill-Heidi , Afonso Fernando , Lazado Carlo C.
Published: January 2022

Background

Fish encounter oxidative stress several times during their lifetime, and it has a pervasive influence on their health and welfare. One of the triggers of oxidative stress in fish farming is the use of oxidative disinfectants to improve rearing conditions, especially in production systems employing recirculation technology. Here we report the physiological and morphological adaptive responses of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) post-smolts to intermittent exposure to a potent oxidative agent peracetic acid (PAA). Fish reared in semi-commercial scale brackish water recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) were exposed to 1 ppm PAA every 3 days over 6 weeks. Mucosal and systemic responses were profiled before exposure, 22 and 45 days during the intermittent PAA administration.

Results

Oxidative stress was likely triggered as plasma antioxidant capacity increased significantly during the exposure period. Adaptive stress response to the periodic oxidant challenge was likewise demonstrated in the changes in plasma glucose and lactate levels. PAA-induced alterations in the transcription of antioxidants, cytokines, heat shock proteins and mucin genes showed a tissue-specific pattern: downregulation was observed in the gills and olfactory rosette, upregulation occurred in the skin, and no substantial changes in the liver. Further, PAA exposure resulted in histological changes in key mucosal organs (i.e. olfactory rosette, skin and gills); pathological alterations were predominant in the gills where cases of epithelial lifting, hypertrophy and clubbing were prevalent. In addition, intermittent PAA administration resulted in an apparent overproduction of mucus in the nasal mucosa. Lastly, PAA did not dramatically alter the ability of salmon to mount a physiological stress response in the presence of a secondary stressor, though some subtle interference was documented in the kinetics and magnitude of plasma cortisol and glucose response post-stress.

Conclusions

The present study collectively demonstrated that intermittent oxidant exposure was a mild environmental stressor that salmon could mount strong adaptive responses at systemic and mucosal levels. The results will be valuable in optimising the rearing conditions of post-smolts in RAS, especially in adopting water treatment strategies that do not considerably interfere with fish health and welfare.
Detection of hepatocarcinogens by combination of liver micronucleus assay and histopathological examination in 2-week or 4-week repeated dose studies
Authors: Hamada Shuichi , Shigano Miyuki , Wako Yumi , Kawasako Kazufumi , Satomoto Kensuke , Mitsumoto Tatsuya , Fukuda Takayuki , Ohyama Wakako , Morita Takeshi , Hayashi Makoto
Published: January 2022

Background

Currently, revisions to the ICH S1 guidance on rodent carcinogenicity testing are being proposed. Application of this approach would reduce the use of animals in accordance with the 3Rs principles (reduce/refine/replace). The method would also shift resources to focus on more scientific mechanism-based carcinogenicity assessments and promote safe and ethical development of new small molecule pharmaceuticals. In the revised draft, findings such as cellular hypertrophy, diffuse and/or focal cellular hyperplasia, persistent tissue injury and/or chronic inflammation, preneoplastic changes, and tumors are listed as histopathology findings of particular interest for identifying carcinogenic potential. In order to predict hepatocarcinogenicity of test chemicals based on the results from 2- or 4-week repeated dose studies, we retrospectively reanalyzed the results of a previous collaborative study on the liver micronucleus assay. We focused on liver micronucleus induction in combination with histopathological changes including hypertrophy, proliferation of oval cells or bile duct epithelial cells, tissue injuries, regenerative changes, and inflammatory changes as the early responses of hepatocarcinogenesis. For these early responses, A total of 20 carcinogens, including 14 genotoxic hepatocarcinogens (Group A) and 6 non-liver-targeted genotoxic carcinogens (Group B) were evaluated.

Results

In the Group A chemicals, 5 chemicals (NPYR, MDA, NDPA, 2,6-DNT, and NMOR) showed all of the 6 early responses in hepatocarcinogenesis. Five chemicals (DMN, 2,4-DNT, QUN, 2-AAF, and TAA) showed 4 responses, and 4 chemicals (DAB, 2-NP, MCT, and Sudan I) showed 3 responses. All chemicals exhibited at least 3 early responses.

Contrarily, in the Group B chemicals (6 chemicals), 3 of the 6 early responses were observed in 1 chemical (MNNG). No more than two responses were observed in 3 chemicals (MMC, MMS, and KA), and no responses were observed in 2 chemicals (CP and KBrO3).

Conclusion

Evaluation of liver micronucleus induction in combination with histopathological examination is useful for detecting hepatocarcinogens. This assay takes much less time than routine long-term carcinogenicity studies.
Evaluation of risk due to chronic low dose ionizing radiation exposure on the birth prevalence of congenital heart diseases (CHD) among the newborns from high-level natural radiation areas of Kerala coast, India
Authors: Sudheer K. R. , Mohammad Koya P. K. , Prakash Anu J. , Prakash Ambily M. , Manoj Kumar R. , Shyni S. , Jagadeesan C. K. , Jaikrishan G. , Das Birajalaxmi
Published: January 2022

Background

The human population residing in monazite bearing Kerala coast are exposed to chronic low dose and low dose rate external gamma radiation due to Th232 deposits in its beach sand. The radiation level in this area varies from < 1.0 to 45.0 mGy/year. This area serves as an ideal source for conducting large-scale epidemiological studies for assessing risk of low dose and low dose rate radiation exposure on human population. The areas with a dose level of ≤1.50 mGy/year are considered as normal level natural radiation areas (NLNRAs) and areas with > 1.50 mGy/year, as high level natural radiation areas (HLNRAs). HLNRAs were further stratified into three dose groups of 1.51-3.0 mGy/year, 3.01-6.00 mGy/year and > 6.0 mGy/year. The present study evaluates the effects of chronic low dose radiation (LDR) exposure on the birth prevalence of Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD) among the live newborns monitored in hospital based prospective study from NLNRAs and HLNRAs of Kerala coast, India.

Methodology

Consecutive newborns were monitored from two hospital units located in the study area for congenital malformations. Referred CHD cases among the newborns screened were confirmed by conducting investigations such as pulse oximetry, chest X-ray, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram etc.

Results

Among the newborns screened, 289 CHDs were identified with a frequency of 1.49‰ among 193,634 livebirths, which constituted 6.03% of overall malformations and 16.29% of major malformations. Multiple logistic regression analysis suggested that the risk of CHD among the newborns of mothers from HLNRAs with a dose group of 1.51-3.0 mGy/year was significantly lower as compared to NLNRA (OR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.57-0.92), whereas it was similar in HLNRA dose groups of 3.01-6.00 mGy/year (OR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.31-1.00) and ≥ 6.0 mGy/year (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.50-1.85). The frequency of CHDs did not show any radiation dose related increasing trend. However, a significant (P = 0.005) reduction was observed in the birth prevalence of CHDs among the newborns from HLNRA (1.28‰) as compared to NLNRA (1.79‰).

Conclusion

Chronic LDR exposure did not show any increased risk on the birth prevalence of CHDs from high-level natural radiation areas of Kerala coast, India. No linear increasing trend was observed with respect to different background dose groups. The frequency of CHD was observed to be 1.49 per 1000 livebirths, which was similar to the frequency of severe CHD rate reported elsewhere in India and was much less than the reported frequency of 9 per thousand.
VAL-U: Psychometric properties of a Values and Civic Attitudes Scale for University Students’ Service-Learning
Authors: Ruiz-Ordóñez Yolanda , Salcedo-Mateu Amparo , Turbi Ángel , Novella Carlos , Moret-Tatay Carmen
Published: January 2022

The service-learning disciplines can offer a unique opportunity for civic development in university students, as there is a large body of research that links it to values and civic attitudes including a vast number of ecological issues and citizen variables. Moreover, one should bear in mind that these students are future generations that will face many pressing social and environmental issues. Given the need to develop instruments to measure the impact of a service-learning methodology in university students’ values as well as civic attitudes, VAL-U is proposed. As the university can be considered a learning step prior to the professional field, the main objective of this study was to analyse the internal consistency and factor structure of the proposed VAL-U scale in the Spanish population. The scale confirmed acceptable psychometric properties. Furthermore, the results have shown high reliability and optimal goodness of fit. Promising results are offered to employ VAL-U as a valuable tool for assessing Values and Civic Attitudes Scale for Spanish-speaking University Students’ Service-Learning.
Design, inverted vat photopolymerization 3D printing, and initial characterization of a miniature force sensor for localized in vivo tissue measurements
Authors: Kumat Shashank S. , Shiakolas Panos S.
Published: January 2022

Background

Tissue healthiness could be assessed by evaluating its viscoelastic properties through localized contact reaction force measurements to obtain quantitative time history information. To evaluate these properties for hard to reach and confined areas of the human body, miniature force sensors with size constraints and appropriate load capabilities are needed. This research article reports on the design, fabrication, integration, characterization, and in vivo experimentation of a uniaxial miniature force sensor on a human forearm.

Methods

The strain gauge based sensor components were designed to meet dimensional constraints (diameter ≤3.5mm), safety factor (≥3) and performance specifications (maximum applied load, resolution, sensitivity, and accuracy). The sensing element was fabricated using traditional machining. Inverted vat photopolymerization technology was used to prototype complex components on a Form3 printer; micro-component orientation for fabrication challenges were overcome through experimentation. The sensor performance was characterized using dead weights and a LabVIEW based custom developed data acquisition system. The operational performance was evaluated by in vivo measurements on a human forearm; the relaxation data were used to calculate the Voigt model viscoelastic coefficient.

Results

The three dimensional (3D) printed components exhibited good dimensional accuracy (maximum deviation of 183μm). The assembled sensor exhibited linear behavior (regression coefficient of R2=0.999) and met desired performance specifications of 3.4 safety factor, 1.2N load capacity, 18mN resolution, and 3.13% accuracy. The in vivo experimentally obtained relaxation data were analyzed using the Voigt model yielding a viscoelastic coefficient τ=12.38sec and a curve-fit regression coefficient of R2=0.992.

Conclusions

This research presented the successful design, use of 3D printing for component fabrication, integration, characterization, and analysis of initial in vivo collected measurements with excellent performance for a miniature force sensor for the assessment of tissue viscoelastic properties. Through this research certain limitations were identified, however the initial sensor performance was promising and encouraging to continue the work to improve the sensor. This micro-force sensor could be used to obtain tissue quantitative data to assess tissue healthiness for medical care over extended time periods.
Global health education for the post-pandemic years: parity, people, planet, priorities, and practices
Authors: Jacobsen Kathryn H. , Waggett Caryl E.
Published: January 2022

Global health degree programs are now offered by institutions of higher education in most world regions. Based on our review of the curricula for many of these programs, we identified five domains that are central to current global health education. “Parity” emphasizes health equity as the ultimate goal of global health. “People” comprises the social, economic, cultural, and political contributors to health and access to medical care for individuals and communities. “Planet” encompasses various aspects of globalization and environmental health that affect population health. “Priorities” and “practices” include the values, data, and tools used to design, implement, and evaluate partnerships, policies, programs, and other global health interventions in countries of all income levels. The pandemic is likely to increase student demand for global health education from the undergraduate through the graduate and professional levels. Our “5 Ps model of global health education” provides a comprehensive framework for the core student learning objectives for global health today. Knowledge of each of these domains is essential for preparing students for meaningful experiential learning and skilled professional practice in global health.
In-silico activity prediction, structure-based drug design, molecular docking and pharmacokinetic studies of selected quinazoline derivatives for their antiproliferative activity against triple negative breast cancer (MDA-MB231) cell line
Authors: Abdullahi Sagiru Hamza , Uzairu Adamu , Shallangwa Gideon Adamu , Uba Sani , Umar Abdullahi Bello
Published: January 2022

Background

Cancer is a major health threat especially in unindustrialized nations. It surpasses coronary diseases and takes the number one killer position as a result of different global wide influences. Among many breast cancer substrates, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is particularly devastating because it rapidly metastasize to other parts of the body, with a high risk of earlier recession and mortality.

Result

In this research work, four (4) quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models were developed using a series of quinazoline derivatives with activities against triple negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB231), model 1 was selected due to its statistical fitness with the following validation parameters: R2 = 0.875, Q2 = 0.837, R2 − Q2 = 0.038, Next test set = 5, and R2ext = 0.655. Molecular docking studies was performed for the quinazoline series as well as the reference drug (Gefitinib) and the active site of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (pdb id = 3ug2). Eight compounds (6, 10, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20) were observed to have better docking score docking scores relative to Gefitinib. Compound number nineteen from the training set (pred pIC50 = 5.67, Residual = − 0.04 and MolDock score = − 123.238) was identified as the best compound since it has the best Moldock score and was excellently predicted by the selected model with least residual value, Hence was adopted as template for the design of Ten (10) new novel compounds with better activities and better docking scores. The inhibitive activities of the designed compounds were predicted by the selected model and most of them possess an improved activity relative to the template compound (19). The designed compounds were also redocked on to active pocket of the EGFR receptor and it was observed that they displayed better docking scores compared to the Template and the reference drug (Gefitinib) utilized in the design. Furthermore, the designed compounds were subjected to ADMET and drug-likeness studies using SWISSADME and pkCSM online web tools and they were observed to be pharmacologically active, easily synthesized and do not violate the Lipinski’s rule of five.

Conclusion

Hence, the designed compounds can be employed as inhibitors of MDA-MB231 cell line after passing through in vivo and in vitro evaluation.
Evaluation of Thellungiella halophila ST7 for improving salt tolerance in cotton
Authors: ALI Mohsin , NAZISH Tahmina , JAVAID Ayesha , ZHU Yonghong , LI Jing , ZHANG Huangyang , WU Jie , XIANG Chengbin , WU Shenjie , ALFATIH Alamin
Published: January 2022

Background

Gossypium hirsutum (upland cotton) is one of the principal fiber crops in the world. Cotton yield is highly affected by abiotic stresses, among which salt stress is considered as a major problem around the globe. Transgenic approach is efficient to improve cotton salt tolerance but depending on the availability of salt tolerance genes.

Results

In this study we evaluated salt tolerance candidate gene ST7 from Thellungiella halophila, encoding a homolog of Arabidopsis aluminum-induced protein, in cotton. Our results showed that ThST7 overexpression in cotton improved germination under NaCl stress as well as seedling growth. Our field trials also showed that ThST7 transgenic cotton lines produced higher yield under salt stress conditions. The improved salt tolerance of the transgenic cotton lines was partially contributed by enhanced antioxidation as shown by diaminobenzidine (DAB) and nitrotetrazolium blue chloride (NBT) staining. Moreover, transcriptomic analysis of ThST7 overexpression lines showed a significant upregulation of the genes involved in ion homeostasis and antioxidation, consistent with the salt tolerance phenotype of the transgenic cotton.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that ThST7 has the ability to improve salt tolerance in cotton. The ThST7 transgenic cotton may be used in cotton breeding for salt tolerance cultivars.
Knowledge, attitude and practices of frontline health workers in relation to detection of brucellosis in rural settings of Tanzania: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mligo Belinda Joseph , Sindato Calvin , Yapi Richard B. , Mathew Coletha , Mkupasi Ernatus M. , Kazwala Rudovick R. , Karimuribo Esron D.
Published: January 2022

Background

Brucellosis an important zoonotic disease worldwide, which frequently presents as an undifferentiated febrile illness with otherwise varied and non-specific clinical manifestations. Despite its importance, there are few reports on its awareness among frontline health workers. This study aimed at assessing the baseline knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) related to detection and management of brucellosis among frontline health workers (FHWs) namely; healthcare workers (HWs) and community health workers (CHWs).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to January 2020 in Kilosa and Chalinze districts of Tanzania. Data on demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practices regarding brucellosis were collected from the study participants using a structured questionnaire. Interviews were conducted with 32 HWs and 32 CHWs who were systematically selected in study districts. Chi square/fisher Exact was used to assess the association between sociodemographic variables and those related to knowledge, attitude and practices.

Results

Overall, a total of 30 (93.8%) HWs and nine (28.1%) CHWs from the study districts heard about brucellosis, with (34.4%) of HWs having knowledge about the causative organism. Overall, knowledge showed almost half (46.9%) HWs and (28.1%) CHWs were aware of the symptoms, clinical signs, diagnosis and control regarding brucellosis. Knowledge difference was statistically significant with HWs’ age (p = 0.016).Almost half (46.9%) HWs and less than quarter (12.5%) CHWs had good practices regarding brucellosis control. Almost three quarters (71.9%) of HWs and (21.9%) CHWs had positive attitude regarding brucellosis control; overall attitude was statistically significant with CHWs age (p = 0.028) and education level (p = 0.024).Lack of awareness and unavailability of diagnostic tools were the main challenges faced by FHWs in the two districts.

Conclusion

The majority of participants were not aware of human brucellosis. Moreover, their overall knowledge was inadequate and the common practices were diagnostic tools, and adequate knowledge to manage brucellosis cases. These findings highlight the need to strengthen frontline health workers knowledge, practices and diagnostic capacities related to brucellosis.
Improvement prostate cancer detection rate of suspicious lesions through MRI/TRUS fusion guided biopsy by a multiteam of radiologists
Authors: Fiorello Nicolò , Mogorovich Andrea , Di Benedetto Andrea , Summonti Daniele , Tessa Carlo , Turturici Laura , Mannini Andrea , Bellucci Michele , Vignali Claudio , Sepich Carlo Alberto
Published: January 2022

Background

The objective of our study was to analyze the data of our biopsies, determine a detection rate (DR), compare it with the data in the literature and draw possible deductions, so as to offer the patient the possibility of not having other biopsies in the future.

Methods

We have enrolled 189 biopsy-naive patients in the period between September 2018 and December 2020. Each patient underwent multiparametric (mp)-MRI which was reviewed by our team of radiologists. In our center, each examination is examined by 4 radiologists separately with an overall final result. Through the t student test, any statistically significant differences between the DRs and the concordance rate between the positive cores and the suspected area on MRI were analyzed for each urologist who performed the procedure.

Results

The absolute (DR) was 69.3% (131/189 patients). The relative DR for each PIRADS score was 41% for PIRADS 3, 70.2% for PIRADS 4, 89.3% for PIRADS 5. We found a high percentage of agreement between the positive biopsy samples and the suspicious area identified on MRI: 90.8% (119/131 patients). There were no statistically significant differences between the DRs of the urologists who performed the procedure (p = 0.89), nor for the percentage of agreement between the positivity of the core and the suspected area on MRI (p = 0.92).

Conclusions

MRI in the future could become the gold standard for performing MRI fusion-guided biopsies to have a better diagnostic result and avoid rebiopsies. A team MRI reading allows greater accuracy in identifying the suspected lesion, which is demonstrated by a high rate of agreement with the positivity of the cores (90.8%). There is a cost problem due to the need to carry out the mpMRI but it could have less impact in the future. In addition, the MRI provides useful information on the extent of the disease (e.g., cT3a/b) which allows you to better plan the surgical strategy or other therapies.
Lipid droplets associated perilipins protein insights into finding a therapeutic target approach to cure non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Authors: Sharma Aman
Published: January 2022

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the most common form of chronic liver disease in the world, and it’s linked to a slew of other risk factors including diabetes, obesity, dysbiosis and inflammatory bowel disease. More than 30 years ago, a patient was diagnosed with fatty liver with excessive fat accumulation in hepatocytes, a disorder known as hepatosteatosis. There will be no promising therapeutic medicines available from 1980 to 2021 which can reverse the fatty liver to normal liver state. In this review, we highlighted on lipid droplet associated protein which play a major role in accumulation of fat in liver cells and how these cellular pathway could be a promising therapeutic approach to treat the fatty liver disease.

Main body

Over the last few decades, Western countries follow a high-fat diet and change their lifestyle pattern due to certain metabolic disorders prevalence rate is very high all over the world. NAFLD is a major health issue and burden globally nowadays. Researchers are trying to find out the potential therapeutic target to combat the disease. The exact pathophysiology of the disease is still unclear. In the present decades. There is no Food and Drug Administration approved drugs are available to reverse the chronic condition of the disease. Based on literature survey, lipid droplets and their associated protein like perilipins play an eminent role in body fat regulation. In this review, we explain all types of perilipins such as perilipin1-5 (PLIN1-5) and their role in the pathogenesis of fatty liver which will be helpful to find the novel pharmacological target to treat the fatty liver.

Conclusion

In this review, majorly focussed on how fat is get deposited into hepatocytes follow the cellular signalling involved during lipid droplet biogenesis and leads to NAFLD. However, up to date still there mechanism of action is unclear. In this review, we hypothesized that lipid droplets associated proteins like perilipins could be better pharmacological target to reverse the chronic stage of fatty liver disease and how these lipid droplets associated proteins hide a clue to maintain the normal lipid homeostasis in the human body.