bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular intrinsic subtypes, genomic and immune landscapes of BRCA-proficient but HRD-high ER-positive/HER2-negative early breast cancers
Authors: Ballot Elise , Galland Loïck , Mananet Hugo , Boidot Romain , Arnould Laurent , Desmoulins Isabelle , Mayeur Didier , Kaderbhai Courèche , Ilie Silvia , Hennequin Audrey , Bergeron Anthony , Derangère Valentin , Ghiringhelli François , Truntzer Caroline , Ladoire Sylvain
Published: August 2022

Purpose: The vast majority of research studies that have described the links between DNA damage repair or homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) score, and tumor biology, have concerned either triple negative breast cancers or cancers with mutation of BRCA 1/2. We hypothesized that ER+/HER2- early breast tumors without BRCA 1/2 mutation could have high HRD score, and aimed to describe their genomic, transcriptomic, and immune landscapes.Patients and methods: In this study, we reported BRCA 1/2 mutational status, HRD score and mutational signature 3 (S3) expression, in all early breast cancer (eBC) subtypes from the TCGA database, with a particular focus in ER+/HER2-. In this subtype, bioinformatics analyses of tumor transcriptomic, immune profile, and mutational landscape, were performed, according to HRD status. Overall survival (OS), progression free-interval (PFI), and variables associated with outcome were also evaluated.Results: Among the 928 tumor samples analyzed, 46 harboured BRCA 1/2 mutations, 606 were ER+/HER2- (of which 24 were BRCA 1/2 mutated). We found a subset of BRCA-proficient ER+/HER2— eBC, with high HRD score. These tumors displayed significantly different immune, mutational, and tumor molecular signatures landscapes, compared to BRCA mutated and BRCA-proficient HRD-low tumors. Outcome did not significantly differ between these 3 groups, but biological factors associated with survival are not the same across the 3 entities.Conclusion: This study highlights possible novel biological differences among ER+/HER2- breast cancer related to HRD status. Our results could have important implications for translational research and/or the design of future clinical trials, but require prospective clinical evaluation.
Rhizosphere-induced shift in the composition of bacterial community favors mineralization of crop residue nitrogen
Authors: Zhihuang XIE , Yu Zhenhua , Li Yansheng , Wang Guanghua , Tang Caixian , Mathesius Ulrike , Liu Xiaobing , Liu Junjie , Liu Judong , Chen Yuan , Zhang Shaoqing , Herbert Stephen J , Wu Junjiang , Jin Jian
Published: August 2022

Aims In agricultural systems, residue amendment is an important practice for nutrient management, but it is not well known how the residue-nitrogen (N) mineralization is associated with changes of microbial community composition in the crop rhizosphere. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the role of microbes in crop residue N mineralization.Methods A rhizobox system was deployed to reveal the gradient change of the residue-N mineralization in the root-growth zone, and 2 mm and 4 mm away from the root of soybean. Plants were grown in a Mollisol without or with amendment of 15N-labelled soybean and maize residues. Furthermore, amplicon sequencing was performed to detect the shift of microbial community composition associated with the residue-N mineralization. Results The residue-N was mineralized faster in the rhizosphere than the bulk soil, and from soybean residue than maize residue. The co-occurrence network of N-mineralization associated community altered with the shift in the hubs. Moreover, greater enrichment of taxa against the unit of residue-N mineralization and more hubs in the network in the soybean than maize residue treatment were correspondent with the enriched ammonification genes, likely contributing to the enhanced mineralization of soybean residue-N in the rhizosphere. An increase in dissolved organic C and a decrease in available N concentration in the rhizosphere, relative to the bulk soil, might shift bacterial community favoring the residue-N mineralization. Conclusions The spatial changes in chemical properties across the rhizosphere lead to the recruitment of core microbiome taxa to enhance the mineralization of N derived from crop residues.
Bioinformatics analysis reveling prognostic roles of CDK1 in breast cancer
Authors: Zhao Hongfang , Zhang Lijian , Wang Hanbin , Ji Xiaolin , Li Chunhui
Published: August 2022

Background
The current treatment of breast cancer (BC) commonly adopts endocrine therapy and immunotherapy. And the acquired resistance to those therapies remains a major challenge. Recent evidences indicate that the alternation in tumor microenvironment is a critical factor for cancer therapeutic resistance. Thus, identification of genes that impact tumor micro-environment could contribute to early diagnosis of BC and development of potential therapeutic options.
Methods
In this study, 3 datasets were acquired from the GEO database to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between BC tissues and normal tissues. The GO functional and KEGG pathway enrichment of the DEGs were analyzed by using the DAVID database, followed by the construction of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. CytoHubba and MCODE were used to select hub genes. GEPIA, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, and UALCAN were used for key gene screening and investigating its effect on patients’ outcome.
Results
In total, 183 up-regulated and 85 down-regulated DEGs were identified. We identified 10 key genes, including CDK1, CEP55, CENPF, PRC1, TOP2A, NCAPG, KIF4A, CCNB1, ASPM, and KIF20A, and the expression of those genes was correlated well with overall survival of BC patients. Further, the expression level of CDK1 was positively correlated with macrophages, CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells and special MDSCs, and negatively correlated with CAFs cells.
Conclusions
Results of this study may reveal that CDK1 could influence clinicopathological parameters and immune micro-environment, especial immune cell infiltration including myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which could serve as a prognostic biomarker in BC patients.
Mental health status among non-medical college students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zhanjiang city
Authors: Deng Xiaojun , Zhang Huiting
Published: August 2022

Objectives: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought great changes to people's lifestyles. Previous reports implied that college students are more vulnerable to mental disorders. We aimed to evaluate the mental status of non-medical college students during the outbreak of COVID-19 in Zhanjiang city. Methods: 1083 non-medical college students aged 18-25 years old were enrolled in this study. An online survey was applied to collect demographic data. Sleep quality, anxiety and depression symptoms were analyzed by pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), hamilton depression rating scale-17 (HDRS-17) and self rating anxiety scale (SAS), respectively. Results: There are 93.2% students had good sleep quality, 6.8% students had poor sleep quality. There are 97.4% students had no anxiety, 1.86%, 0.37% and 0.37% students had mild, moderate and severe anxiety, respectively. 66.9% students had no depression, 26.7%, 4.7% and 1.7% students had minimal, mild-moderate and severe depression. The sleep quality of students in different grades showed no statistical significance. Female students had higher proportions of anxiety (p=0.02) and depression (p>0.0001) than male students. No statistical difference was found in different educational levels regarding to anxiety and depression. The students whose household income that lower than 3000 RMB were more vulnerable to anxiety (p=0.017) and depression (p=0.004). Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of students remain good sleep quality and positive mental health and a small number of students showed depression. Female students and lower household income were positively related to the prevalence of anxiety and depression. To our knowledge, this is the novel study revealing the mental health of non-medical college students concerning COVID-19 in Zhanjiang.
Graphene-enhanced van der Waals contacts between three-dimensional metals and two-dimensional semiconductors
Authors: Qi Dianyu , Li Peng , Ou Haohui , Wu Di , Lian Weiguang , Wang Zhuo , Ouyang Fangping , Chai Yang , Zhang Wenjing
Published: August 2022

Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors have shown great potentials for ultra-short channel field-effect transistors (FETs) in next-generation electronics. However, because of intractable surface states and interface barriers, it is challenging to realize high-quality contacts with low contact resistances for both p- and n- 2D FETs. Here, we demonstrate a graphene-enhanced van der Waals (vdWs) integration approach, which is a multi-scale (nanometer to centimeter scale) and reliable (~ 100% yield) metal transfer strategy applicable to various metals and 2D semiconductors. Scanning transmission electron microscopy imaging shows that 2D/2D/3D semiconductor/graphene/metal interfaces are atomically flat, ultraclean and defect-free. First principles calculations indicate that the sandwiched graphene monolayer can eliminate gap states induced by 3D metals in 2D semiconductors. Through this approach, we realized Schottky barrier-free contacts on both p- and n-type 2D FETs, achieving p-type MoTe2, p-type black phosphorus and n-type MoS2 FETs with on-state current densities of 404, 1520 and 761 µA µm-1, respectively, which are among the highest values reported in literatures.
Turning copper into gold: cost-effective positive electrodes for high-performance perovskite solar cells
Authors: Cheng Fangwen , Zhan Shaoqi , Cai Yuanting , Cao Fang , Dai Xinfeng , Xu Ruchao , Yin Jun , Li Jing , Wu Binghui , Zheng Nanfeng
Published: August 2022

The development of cost-effective metal electrodes is essential to reduce the overall cost of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Copper stands out as a highly conductive and cost-effective material, but has been seldomly used as positive electrodes in efficient n-i-p PSCs due to its small work function and low oxidation threshold. We report herein that surface engineering with mercaptopyridine-based molecules readily endows copper with gold-like electronic and chemical properties. Appropriate electronic structure of copper can be achieved by fine-tuning the substituents of mercaptopyridines, making the modified copper electrodes applicable in PSCs with different hole transport materials. The resulting PSCs with copper electrodes display high power conversion efficiency, excellent long-term stability, and dramatically enhanced oxidation resistance, comparable to the gold counterparts. The cost-effective copper electrodes show great potential in manufacture and commercialization of PSCs.
Therapeutic efficacy trial for different treatment regimens due to induced ruminal acidosis in sheep in Addis zemen Town, Ethiopia
Authors: Abebaw Balemual* , Melaku Achenef , Dagnachew Shimelis
Published: August 2022

Background: In ruminants, ruminal acidosis is defined as the biochemical and physiological stresses caused by the overconsumption of easily fermentable carbohydrate-rich feed materials. An experimental trial was conducted from January to May 2018 in Addis Zemen town to assess clinical, ruminal fluid, and hematological changes in sheep associated with ruminal acidosis and to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of different treatment regimens in local breed sheep. A total of 32 sheep in Addis Zemen town were selected randomly. For the therapeutic study, all animals were randomly divided into 4 groups of 8 animals, and the group I, II, and III were given 80 g of wheat flour per kg of body weight then treatment was allocated randomly, and group IV was maintained as negative control sheep. Results: The experimental trial showed that all ruminal acidotic sheep had significantly (p<0.05) lower rectal temperature, rumen motility, protozoa activity, and ruminal fluid pH before treatment as compared to the negative control group. However, there were significant (p<0.05) increments in hematological and some clinical parameters before treatment in ruminal acidotic sheep as compared to the negative control. The current experimental trial revealed that digestion powder was the most effective therapy since 100% of animals recovered on day 3, followed by magnesium hydroxide with which all animals recovered on day 4, followed by sodium bicarbonate in which 87.5% of animals recovered on day 4. Conclusion: The therapeutic efficacy indicated that all treatment regimens were able to correct the acidotic condition, which was evident from the increment in ruminal and blood pH as a result of alkalizing and buffering activity of the treatments. However, digestion powder has different compositions which are absorbed into the body and balance the disturbed clinical and hematological parameters. Therefore, digestion powder could be used as a treatment choice for ruminal acidosis.
Effects of feeding patterns during the first 6 months on weight development of infants ages 0–12 months: a longitudinal study
Authors: ZHANG CHUNYING , ZHAO WEI , PAN XIAOPING , HUANG AIQUN
Published: August 2022

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding patterns during the first 6 months on weight development of infants ages 0–12 months. Methods: Using monitoring data from the Maternal and Child Health Project conducted by the National Center for Women and Children’s Health of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention from September 2015 to June 2019, we categorized feeding patterns during the first 6 months as exclusive breastfeeding, formula feeding, or mixed feeding. We calculated weight-for-age Z scores (WAZ) according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 2006 Child Growth Standard using WHO Anthro version 3.2.2. A multilevel model was used to analyze the effect of feeding patterns during the first 6 months on the WAZ of infants ages 0–12 months in monitoring regions. Length of follow-up (age of infants) was assigned to level 1, and infants was assigned to level 2. Characteristics of infants, mothers, and families and region of the country were adjusted for in the model. Results: The average weight of infants ages 0–12 months in our study (except the birth weights of boys who were formula fed or mixed fed) was greater than the WHO growth standard. After we adjusted for confounding factors, the multilevel model showed that the WAZ of exclusively breastfed and mixed-fed infants were statistically significantly higher than those of formula-fed infants (coefficients = 0.329 and 0.159, respectively; P < 0.05), and there was a negative interaction between feeding patterns and age (both coefficients = –0.020; P < 0.05). Infants who were exclusively breastfed were heavier than formula-fed infants from birth until 12 months of age. Mixed-fed infants were heavier than formula-fed infants before 8 months, after which the latter overtook the former.Conclusions: Infants’ weight development may be influenced by feeding patterns during the first 6 months. Exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months may be beneficial for weight development of infants in infancy.
Carrot genotypes differentially alter soil microbial communities and organic matter priming
Authors: Trivino Narda , Rodriguez-Sanchez Alejandro , Filley Timothy , Camberato James , Colley Micaela , Simon Phillip , Hoagland Lori
Published: August 2022

Purpose Farmers need alternative approaches to manage nitrogen (N) that meet crop needs while reducing loss to the environment. Identifying crop genotypes that promote positive priming of organic matter in soil could help address this challenge. We aimed to 1) determine whether carrot genotypes differ in their potential to facilitate organic matter decomposition to scavenge N in soil, and 2) identify microbial taxa that are stimulated by carrot roots and thus could play a role in these processes. Methods We grew five genotypes expected to differ in N use efficiency in a nutrient-poor soil amended with15N-enriched corn residue, tracked changes in carbon (C) and N pools, quantified microbial activity and bacterial community composition, and predicted the potential expression of microbial genes involved in soil C and N cycles. Results Experimental genotypes 8503 and 3999 had the greatest capacity to promote priming. Distinct bacterial communities from the familiesMicromonosporaceae,Chromatiaceae, andRhodospirillaceaewere enriched in the soils of genotypes most effective in scavenging N and this was correlated with genes responsible for β-glucosidase and nitrification activity. Conclusions Carrot genotypes do differ in the potential to stimulate microbially-mediated decomposition of organic materials indicating that it may be possible to begin selecting for this important trait.
Fine mapping and identification of SmAPRR2 regulating rind color in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Fang Huarong , Wang Peng , Peng Jiechun , Huang Shishi , Jiang Qingwei , Zheng Jieming , Wang Wanhao , Zhong Chuan , Yu Wenjin
Published: August 2022

Rind color is an economically important agronomic trait in eggplant that impacts consumer preferences. However, the gene(s) regulating eggplant rind color have not been characterized. In this study, bulked segregant analysis (BSA) and kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) were employed to identify a candidate gene for eggplant rind color through constructing an F2 population generated from a cross between 'BL01' (green pericarp) and 'B1' (white pericarp). Genetic analysis of rind color revealed that a single dominant gene controls green color of eggplant peel. Pigment content measurement and cytological observations demonstrated that chlorophyll and carotenoid content and the number of chloroplasts and thylakoids in BL01 were higher than in B1. Using a BSA-seq method and a recombinant mapping strategy in F2 plants, a candidate gene (EGP19168.1) was fine-mapped to a 20.36 Kb interval on chromosome 8. The gene is predicted to encode the two-component response regulator-like protein Arabidopsis pseudo-response regulator2 (APRR2). Subsequently, allelic sequence analysis revealed that a single-base deletion in white-skinned eggplant led to a premature termination codon. A credible molecular marker closely linked to the candidate gene was developed to genotype 45 diverse eggplant germplasms, which could predict the trait of rind color (green and white) with a 91.1% accuracy rate. This study will be valuable for molecular marker-assisted selection in eggplant breeding and provides theoretical foundation for analyzing the formation mechanism of eggplant peel color.
Measuring intervention strategies to reduce the exposure of urban population to extreme heat
Authors: Massaro Emanuele , Schifanella Rossano , Piccardo Matteo , Caporaso Luca , Taubenböck Hannes , Cescatti Alessandro , Duveiller Gregory
Published: August 2022

Extreme urban heat exposure due to anthropogenic climate change and population growth is rising. Yet, efficient tools to evaluate potential intervention strategies to reduce heat exposure are still lacking. Here we implement a spatial regression model that is able to predict with high accuracy the Land Surface Temperature (LST) of urban environments across 190 cities based on land surface properties like vegetation, built-up areas, and distance to water bodies, without any additional climate information. By coupling the model information with the population layer, we show that by increasing the overall urban vegetation by 3%, it would be possible to reduce by 50% the exposure of the urban population to extreme heat, while an increment of 11% could reduce LST over the most populated areas of the city by 1K. We finally discuss the challenges and the limitations of greening interventions in the context of available surfaces in urban areas
Beach and fish plastics method for tracing sources of pollution
Authors: Hynes Elizabeth
Published: August 2022

This paper examines beach plastics in a pie chart by proportionality using previous studies that developed characterisation techniques. These techniques include inferring industrial sources of plastic pollution. This paper combines these methods with a comparison of industry patent statistical proportion for geographical origin inference.
Perinatal outcomes of singletons following double vitrification-warming procedures: a retrospective study using propensity score analysis
Authors: Shen Xiaoyue , Ding Min , Yan Yuan , Huang Chenyang , Wang Shanshan , Zhou Jianjun , Xing Jun
Published: August 2022

Background: Despite repeated cryopreservation is an occasional occurrence, the effect on perinatal outcomes was unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the perinatal outcomes of singletons after embryo re-cryopreservation.Methods: In total, 647 live born singletons after blastocyst frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles were investigated in this retrospective study.They were divided into two groups: the vitrified-warmed blastocysts were derived from vitrified-warmed cleavage embryos (revitrified group) or fresh cleavage embryos (once-vitrified group). Propensity score matching was used to control for potential confounding factors.Results: A total of 592 babies from once-vitrified group and 55 babies from the revitrified group. After PSM, 108 cases were generated for comparison. The median gestational age was 38 weeks for both groups and the birthweights were comparable (3390.6 ± 601.5g vs. 3412.8 ± 672.6g, P>0.05). The incidence of preterm birth (PTB) (20.4% vs. 16.7%), low birthweight (LBW) (3.7% vs. 7.4%), macrosomia (11.1% vs. 16.7%) or large for gestational age (LGA) (29.6% vs. 22.2%) was not significantly different between two groups. Logistic regression analysis indicated that double vitrification-warming procedures did not affect the occurrence of PTB (OR, 2.58 [95% CI, 0.77, 8.63]), LBW (OR, 0. 83 [0.08,8.29]), macrosomia (OR, 0.60 [0.13,2.69]), LGA (OR, 1.51 [0.53,4.27]), P>0.05. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that compared with once-vitrified，double vitrification-warming procedures does not increase the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes.
Understanding The Lived Experience of Pregnancy and Birth for Survivors of Rape and Sexual Assault
Authors: Lissmann Rebecca , Lokot Michelle , Marston Cicely
Published: August 2022

Background
20% of women in the UK are survivors of rape and sexual assault, and 82% of all UK women will give birth. This implies that a substantial number of women have experienced rape and sexual assault before pregnancy. The impact on their experience of pregnancy and birth should be examined.
Methods
This qualitative research took an intersectional feminist approach. We conducted in-depth interviews in the UK with fourteen women who self-identified as survivors of rape or sexual assault, and who had experienced pregnancy and birth after the assault.
Results
We identified three main themes from the interview narratives: control, safety, and trauma. Maintaining a sense of control was important to survivors but they often reported objectification by healthcare staff and lack of consent or choice about healthcare decisions. Participants’ preferences for giving birth were often motivated by their desire to feel in control and avoid triggers. Survivors felt safer when they trusted staff. Many participants said it was important for staff to know they were survivors but none were asked about this. Maternity care and birth were triggering when they mirrored the assault. Many of our interviewees reported having unmet mental health care needs before, during or after pregnancy.
Conclusions
Our interviewees had specific maternity care needs related to their status as survivors. For many, these needs were not met, leading to negative or traumatic experiences of pregnancy and birth. Systemic biases and poor birth experience negatively impact pregnant people’s psychological safety and physical safety. Pregnancy and birth services should introduce trauma-informed models of care, and funding for maternity and mental health services must be improved, so that they meet minimum staffing and waiting time standards.
Efficacy of Dual Task Training on Ankle Stability in Chronic Ankle Sprain
Authors: Jaiswal Shallu , Rishi Priyanka , Sen Siddhartha
Published: August 2022

Background
Ankle sprain are among the common injuries in the physically active population. Majority of those who suffer ankle sprains have residual symptoms including pain, episodes of giving way, compromised proprioception and neuromuscular control, and re-injury leading to chronic ankle instability.
Objective
The objective of the present study was to find the effect of dual task training on ankle stability in chronic ankle sprain.
Method
A total of 42 participants with chronic ankle sprain were randomly allocated in 2 groups which contains 21 participants in each group. Group A received Dual Task Training with conventional treatment and Group B received Conventional Treatment only. Both group received treatment for 3 days a week for 4 weeks. All participants were assessed pre intervention (baseline) and post intervention (end of 4th week) for pain via NPRS, static balance via single leg stance test, dynamic balance via functional reach test, ankle muscle strength via Micro FET2 dynamometer, ROM assessed via goniometer, proprioception via degree of foot position sense.
Result
Statistical analysis showed significant improvement (P < 0.05) in Pain, Muscle strength and ROM within the groups as well as between the groups. With reference to static balance with one’s eyes open and eyes closed, dynamic balance and proprioception showed significant difference within Group A as well as between the groups (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
This study found that dual task training effectively improves pain, static balance, dynamic balance, muscle strength, ankle ROM and proprioception.
Subjective Social Status and Health among Older Adults in China: The Longitudinal Mediating Role of Social Trust
Authors: Zhou Jingjing , Guo Wei , Ren Hang
Published: August 2022

Background
From a developmental perspective, this study explored the interplays between subjective social status (SSS), social trust (ST), and health status measured by self-rated health (SRH) among the elderly in the context of China. It also tested the longitudinal mediation of ST between SSS and SRH.
Methods
After excluding samples with missing values, we analyzed 4,536 individual responses from those aged 60 years or older, extracted from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data in 2014, 2016, and 2018. We used latent growth modeling to test the hypothesized relationships among their SSS, ST, and SRH.
Results
Latent growth modeling based on bootstrapping showed that the SSS, ST, and SRH of the elderly all increased linearly and that the mechanism of SSS acted on the SRH as follows: The initial level of SSS indirectly influenced the initial level and the growth rate of the SRH, respectively, through the initial level of ST, and the initial level and growth rate of SSS played an indirect role in the growth rate of the SRH through the growth rate of ST.
Conclusion
The findings have practical implications for promoting health for the elderly and realizing active aging in China. Therefore, we recommend establishing a family-centered and community-supported social support system for those with lower social status among the elderly and a friendly community environment with various social, cultural, and recreational activities to improve the ST among the elderly, thereby improving their health.
The Prevalence and Correlates of Depression among Senior Citizens in Greater Kumasi of the Ashanti Region
Authors: Nakua Emmanuel K. , Amissah John , Tawiah Phyllis , Barnie Bernard , Donkor Peter , Mock Charles
Published: August 2022

Background: Approximately two million Ghanaians suffer from mental disorders; however, the burden of depression on the aged population is fairly unknown. A better appreciation of depression and its predictors is necessary to design appropriate policy interventions. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence and correlates of depression among senior citizens in the Greater Kumasi of the Ashanti region. Methods: A cross-sectional study design with a multi-stage sampling approach was employed to recruit and collect data from adults 60 years and above at the household level in four enumeration areas (EAs) within the Asokore Mampong Municipality. Households within each EAs were mapped and listed by trained resident enumerators to create a sampling frame. Data was collected electronically with Open Data Kit application over 30 days through face-to-face interaction using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and summarized using descriptive and inferential statistics. A multivariate logistics regression using a backward stepwise approach was employed to identify the predictors of depression in the study sample. All analyses were performed using STATA software version 16, and the significance level was maintained at a p-value<0.05 and presented at a 95% confidence interval.Results: The mean age was 69.9 (SD=8.8), and the distribution was similar for both sexes (p=0.25). The prevalence of depression was estimated to be 42.1% and dominated by females, older adults (>80 years) and lower economic class respondents. The rate was 43.4% for both consumers of alcohol and smokers with a history of stroke (41.2%) and taking medication for chronic conditions (44.2%). The predictors of depression in our study were being single, low class [aOR=1.97; 95% CI=1.18-3.27], hypertensive [aOR=1.45; 95% CI=0.96-2.20], and having other chronic conditions [aOR=1.86; 95% CI=0.95-4.62], and the inability to manage ones’ own affairs [aOR=0.56; 95% CI=0.32-0.97]Conclusion: The study provides data that can inform policy decisions on the care of the elderly with depression in Ghana and other similar countries, confirming the need to provide support efforts towards high-risk groups such as single people, people with chronic health conditions, and lower-income people. Additionally, the evidence provided in this study could serve as baseline data for larger and longitudinal studies.
GWAS in tetraploid potato: Identification and validation of SNP markers associated with glycoalkaloid content
Authors: Vos Peter G. , Paulo M. João , Bourke Peter M. , Maliepaard Chris A. , Eeuwijk Fred A. van , Visser Richard G.F , Eck Herman J. van
Published: August 2022

Genome wide association studies (GWAS) are a useful tool to unravel the genetic architecture of complex traits, but the results can be difficult to interpret. Population structure, genetic heterogeneity and rare alleles easily result in false positive or false negative associations. This paper describes the analysis of a GWAS panel combined with three bi-parental mapping populations to validate GWAS results, using phenotypic data for steroidal glycoalkaloid (SGA) accumulation and the ratio (SGR) between the two major glycoalkaloids α-solanine and α-chaconine in tubers. SGAs are secondary metabolites in theSolanaceaefamily, functional as a defence against various pests and pathogens and in high quantities toxic for humans. With GWAS we identified five quantitative trait loci (QTL) of whichSga1.1, Sgr8.1andSga11.1were validated, but notSga3.1andSgr7.1. In the bi-parental populationsSga5.1andSga7.1were mapped, but these were not identified with GWAS. The QTLsSga1.1, Sga7.1, Sgr7.1, Sgr8.1co-localize with genesGAME9, GAME 6 / GAME 11, SGT1 and SGT2, respectively. For other genes involved in SGA synthesis no QTLs were identified. The results of this study illustrate a number of pitfalls in GWAS of which population structure seems the most important. We also show that introgression breeding for disease resistance has introduced new haplotypes to the gene pool involved in higher SGA levels in certain pedigrees. Finally we show that high SGA levels remain unpredictable in potato but that α-solanine / α-chaconine ratio has a predictable outcome with specificSGT1andSGT2haplotypes.
A normalized model based on Taqman real-time PCR assay for quantitative comparison of chicken adulteration in raw and heat-treated hamburgers
Authors: Sarlak Zahra , Rezvani Nayebali , Rouhi Milad , Shojaee-Aliabadi Saeedeh , Hosseini Hedayat
Published: August 2022

Mislabeling of hamburgers with undeclared chicken has frequently been reported. A fast TaqMan real-time PCR assay was developed to estimate chicken percentage in raw and heat-treated hamburgers in the current work. The calibration curve was plotted with the normalization approach (ΔCt; the difference calculation between chicken-cytb and eukaryotic-18S rRNA assays) for five reference chicken mixtures (100-0.01%) using a duplex TaqMan-qPCR protocol. The R2 and efficiency values of the normalized curve were 0.9993 and ~100%, respectively. In the validation plan, analysis of model samples (raw, oven-cooked and autoclaved) under repeatability conditions represented the bias values within the range of ±25% and RSD values <25%, except for a few autoclaved model samples. Therefore, this developed and validated model could be considered a useful and reliable method for estimating chicken species (with a sensitivity of 0.01%) in raw and cooked hamburgers.
Nanophotonic Reservoir Computing for COVID-19 Pandemic Forecasting
Authors: Liu Bocheng , Xie Yiyuan , Liu Weichen , Jiang Xiao , Ye Yichen , Song Tingting , Chai Junxiong , Feng Manying , Yuan Haodong
Published: August 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread worldwide in unprecedented speed, and diverse negative impacts have seriously endangered human society. Accurately forecasting the number of COVID-19 cases can help governments and public health organizations develop the right prevention strategies in advance to contain outbreaks. In this work, a long-term six-month COVID-19 pandemic forecast in second half of 2021 and a short-term 30-day daily ahead COVID-19 forecast in December 2021 are successfully implemented via a novel nanophotonic reservoir computing (RC) based on silicon optomechanical oscillators (OMO) with photonic crystal (PhC) cavities, where these nonlinear time series related to COVID-19 are mapped to the high-dimensional nonlinear space via the optical nonlinear properties of nanophotonic reservoir computing. The testing-dataset forecast results of new cases, new deaths, cumulative cases, and cumulative deaths for six countries demonstrate that the forecasted blue curves are awfully close to the real red curves with exceedingly small forecast errors. Moreover, the forecast results commendably reflect the variations of the actual case data, revealing the different epidemic transmission laws in developed and developing countries. More importantly, the daily ahead forecast results during December 2021 of four kinds of cases for six countries illustrate that the daily forecasted values are highly coincident with the real values, while the relevant forecast errors are tiny enough to verify the good forecasting competence of COVID-19 pandemic dominanted by Omicron strain. Therefore, the implemented nanophotonic reservoir computing can provide some foreknowledge on prevention strategy and healthcare management for COVID-19 pandemic.
Comparison between Sofosbuvir free regimen and Sofosbuvir based regimens in the treatment of chronic HCV patients with chronic renal failure
Authors: ramadan ahmed ali , Amer Ahmed Aymen , Elakel Wafaa , Fouad Ahmed
Published: August 2022

Background: HCV infection is a major burden in Egypt as it affects 15% of the population. The treatment depends upon direct acting antivirals(DAAs). It was implied earlier that Sofosbuvir(SOF) better be avoided for potential toxic effects in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SOF-based regimens against SOF-free in this special population of patients Methods: This is a retrospective study where data for all HCV patients with chronic kidney disease including those with end stage renal disease and on haemodialysis were reviewed and 6607 patients were enrolled according to the National Committee for Control of Viral Hepatitis (NCCVH) in Egypt; these patients received variety of DAAs regimens including SOF-based and SOF-free regimens, and were categorized into two groups based on renal profile.Results: Sustained virological response (SVR) rate in this study was of 98.3%; 98.7% for those who were on SOF-based regimen and 95.6% for those administered SOF-free regimen. Regarding patients who were on haemodialysis, SVR rate was 100% in patients who received SOF-based regimen opposite to SVR rate of 91.2% in those who received SOF-free regimen. Moreover, in patients with moderate renal affection ‘grade 3 CKD’ SVR rates were 98.7% with SOF-based regimens and 97.6% for SOF-free regimens. Conclusion: SOF-based regimens at full dose are considered more effective than SOF-free regimens in patients with moderate to severe renal impairment with good safety profile and better SVR rate.
Impulsivity and depression in Chinese male methamphetamine abusers during chronic withdrawal: the mediating role of fatigue
Authors: Tong Siyu , Zhou Siyao , Sun Shiyu , Hong Lan , Wang Chaoyue , Peng Chenhui , Jing Wei , Jiang Yile , He He , Zhao Ke
Published: August 2022

Background: Impulsivity and depression are considered to have a crucial role in the process of Methamphetamine dependence withdrawal. However, little is known about the underlying factors that influence the relationship in Methamphetamine users. Previous studies indicated that fatigue was present in a variety of neurological diseases and tended to increase during late Methamphetamine withdrawal. Thus, this study aimed to explore whether fatigue takes part in mediating the association between impulsivity and depression. Methods: 112 Methamphetamine users in late withdrawal period were recruited from Wenzhou Huanglong Detoxification Institute of Zhejiang province. The conditions of impulsivity, fatigue and depression were respectively measured by Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), the 14-item Fatigue Scale (FS-14) and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Results: Our finding suggested that impulsivity positively correlated with fatigue and depression. Mediating effect analysis showed that fatigue has a mediating role in the relationship between impulsivity and depression. Conclusion: Results confirm and extend the research on the mechanisms of impulsivity and depression as well as fatigue of METH users during late methamphetamine withdrawal. These findings suggest that interventions designed to reduce depression may also be effective if they focus on cut down on feelings of fatigue in METH users, particularly for METH users with higher levels of impulsivity.
Perception of risk of hypertension related complications and adherence to antihypertensive drugs: a primary healthcare based cross-sectional study
Authors: Shiraly Ramin , Jeihooni Ali Khani , Shirazi Rozita Bakhshizadeh
Published: August 2022

Background
Treatment of hypertension often requires lifelong drug therapy; blood pressure control is suboptimal in more than half of treated hypertensive patients. Few studies have focused on perceived risk of hypertension sequelae as a determinant of adherence to antihypertensive medications.
Methods
We assessed 600 hypertensive patients aged 31 to 85 years being served by primary healthcare centers in Shiraz, Iran. The outcome of interest was adherence to antihypertensive medications measured by the 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). In addition to demographic information, participants were asked about duration of antihypertensive therapy, number of drugs taken concurrently and their perceived risk of complications of high blood pressure. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors associated with better drug adherence.
Results
Nearly half (48.8%) of participants had uncontrolled hypertension. Just over one fifth (22.3%) of all the patients reported high adherence to antihypertensive medications. Independent factors associated with better adherence to antihypertensive medications were higher educational level (OR: 1.71, CI 95%: 1.06–2.75), being a never smoker (OR: 1.62, CI 95%: 1.06–2.46), having easy access to healthcare services (OR: 1.91, CI 95%: 1.10–3.35), lower mean treatment duration (OR: 0.96, CI 95%: 0.92–0.99), and having higher perceived risk of hypertension-related complications (OR:2.34, CI 95%: 1.52–3.60).
Conclusion
High perceived risk of hypertension-related complications is significantly associated with adherence to antihypertensive therapy. Our findings suggest that primary care physicians should regularly emphasize on negative consequences of uncontrolled/poorly controlled blood pressure while visiting hypertensive patients.
Frozen sections in decision-making regarding the axillary procedures in breast conserving surgery for intraductal carcinoma at preoperative diagnosis
Authors: Kim Sanghwa , Lee Kwanbum , Alshahrani Mushabab Ali , Ahn Jee Hyun , Lee Jeea , Park Hyung Seok
Published: August 2022

Background: Axillary evaluation is unnecessary for pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS); however, it is performed because of upstaging risks. Purpose of this study is to decrease the upstaging rate to invasive cancer and unnecessary axillary evaluation in patients with preoperative DCIS. Methods: We reviewed patients with preoperative DCIS who underwent breast-conserving surgery (BCS) with IOF biopsy. Positive Intra-operative frozen section (IOF) biopsy findings were defined as the presence of invasive or micro-invasive cancer. The IOF biopsy and permanent pathology findings were compared. Result: Seventy-eight patients underwent BCS with IOF biopsy. Six patients showed positive IOF biopsy findings; five of these patients showed concordant permanent pathology findings. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was positive in one patient. Thirteen patients with invasive breast cancer were not diagnosed with IOF biopsy; they underwent SLNB during the second surgery. None of them had metastatic lymph nodes. The sensitivity and specificity of IOF biopsy were 27.7% and 98.3%, respectively, with 82.1% accuracy. None of the other factors showed statistically significant relationships with the permanent pathology findings, except for the IOF biopsy findings. Conclusion: IOF evaluation can aid in detecting the invasiveness of tumors in patients with preoperative DCIS.
Group B Streptococcus screening with antenatal culture and intrapartum polymerase chain reaction
Authors: GOH Marlene Samantha Sze Minn , TAN Hong Ying , NG Yan Shun , LIM Jamie Yong Qi , CHUA Amelia Zu’er , SULTANA Rehena , TOH Wuen Lynn , SHEN Cimin Vanessa , CHONG Jiaying , TAN Ilka , YEO Kee Thai , KU Chee Wai , MATHUR Manisha
Published: August 2022

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the leading cause of early-onset neonatal sepsis. This prospective cohort study aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of intrapartum PCR in detecting GBS colonization in comparison to antenatal culture. Patients who presented in labor or for induction of labor, ≥ 37 weeks’ gestation, with antenatal GBS swab cultures collected during routine screening within 5 weeks of delivery were recruited. A double-vaginal intrapartum swab was taken for GBS PCR assay and culture. The performance of antenatal culture and intrapartum PCR were evaluated using the corresponding intrapartum culture as the reference standard. Among 170 included participants, antenatal culture and intrapartum PCR have comparable sensitivities of 92.1% (95% confidence interval, 78.6 – 98.3) and 89.2% (74.6 – 97.0) (p=0.655) respectively. However, intrapartum PCR has a higher specificity of 79.6% (71.7 – 86.1) compared to 61.4% (52.5 – 69.7) (p<0.001) in antenatal culture. The false positive rates for intrapartum PCR (19.2%) were lower than those for antenatal culture (38.6%). Our study suggests that intrapartum PCR is a rapid and effective test to detect GBS colonization, with comparable sensitivity and superior specificity to antenatal swab culture. This strategy may reduce unnecessary intrapartum antibiotics exposure among women who are GBS negative during labor.
Rare and Heterogeneous manifestations of Leucocyte adhesion deficiency type 1: Report of two cases with diagnostic dilemmas and Novel ITGB mutation.
Authors: Anis Sabiha , Abid Aisha , Umer Sadaf- Aba , Sarfaraz Sabahat , Junejo Samina , Shahid Saba , Sultan Sajid , Rizvi Adibul Hasan
Published: August 2022

Background: Primary immunodeficiency disorders (PID) are rare disorders with heterogeneous manifestations, overlapping with other diseases such as autoimmunity, malignancy, and infections. This makes the diagnosis very challenging and delays management. Leucocyte adhesion defects (LAD) are a group of PIDs in which patients lack adhesion molecules on leukocytes needed for their emigration through blood vessels to the site of infection. Patients with LAD can present with diverse clinical features including severe and life-threatening infections, early in life, and the absence of pus formation around infection or inflammation. There is often delayed umbilical cord separation, omphalitis, late wound healing, and a high white blood cell count. If not recognized and managed early, can lead to life-threatening complications and death.Case Presentation:LAD 1 is characterized by a mutation in integrin subunit beta 2 (ITGB2). We report two cases of LAD1 with unusual presentations (post-circumcision excessive bleeding and granulomatous inflammation of the right eye) which were confirmed by flowcytometric analysis and genetic testing. In one case we found a novel ITGB2 mutation (c.994‒1G>C; splice site variant).Conclusions:These cases highlight the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to recognizing clues in patients with uncommon manifestations of a rare disease. This led to the proper diagnostic workup of primary immunodeficiency disorder leading to a better understanding of the disease, appropriate patient counseling, and being better equipped to deal with complications.
Efficient plasma electron accelerator driven by linearly chirped multi-10-TW laser pulses
Authors: Grigoriadis Anastasios , Andrianaki Georgia , Tazes Ioannis , Dimitriou Vasilios , Tatarakis Michael , Benis Emmanouil , Papadogiannis Nektarios
Published: August 2022

The temporal rearrangement of the spectral components of an ultrafast and intense laser pulse, i.e., the chirp of the pulse, offers significant possibilities for controlling its interaction with matter and plasma. In the propagation of ultra-strong laser pulses within the self-induced plasma, laser pulse chirp can play a major role in the dynamics of wakefield and plasma bubble formation, as well as in the electron injection and related electron acceleration. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the control of the generation efficiency of a relativistic electron beam, with respect to maximum electron energy, current, and reproducibility, by accurately varying the chirp value of a multi-10-TW laser pulse. We explicitly show that positively chirped laser pulses, i.e., pulses with instantaneous frequency increasing with time, accelerate electrons in the order of 100 MeV much more efficiently in comparison to unchirped or negatively chirped pulses. Corresponding Particle-In-Cell simulations strongly support the experimental results, depicting a smoother plasma bubble density distribution and electron injection conditions that favors the maximum acceleration of the electron beam, when positively chirped laser pulses are used. Our results, aside from extending the validity of similar studies reported for PW laser pulses, provide the ground for understanding the subtle dynamics of an efficient plasma electron accelerator driven by chirped laser pulses.