bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aizanoi Mezar Bomoslarında Görülen Bezeme ve Figürler Üzerine Değerlendirme
Authors: ÖZER Elif , ERDİNÇ Zerrin
Published: June 2022

Kütahya İli’nin 48 km güneybatısında yer alan Çavdarhisar ilçesi sınırları içinde, Örencik Ovası platosunda konumlanan Aizanoi kenti antikçağda Phrygia Epiktetos bölgesinde yer almaktadır. Aizanoi ve çevresi Roma Dönemi’nde “Aizanitis” olarak anılmaktadır. Kentte Hadrianus ve Antoninus’lar Dönemi’nde artan imar faaliyetleri gerçekleşmiş ve bu dönemde yoğun göç alan kent kozmopolit bir yapıya dönüşmüştür. MS III. yüzyılın ortalarına kadar özellikle Zeus Ttapınağı’ndan kaynaklanan dini önemiyle bölgenin önde gelen kentlerindendir. MS IV. yüzyıl başlarında Phrygia ve Karia’nın birleşiminden oluşan Phrygia Prima Eyaleti’nin bir parçası olmuştur. Kent özellikle MÖ I. yüzyıl ile MS III. yüzyıl aralığında ölü gömme adetleri ve cenaze ritüelleri ile ilgili önemli veriler barındırmaktadır. Bu unsurlarda en önemlilerinden bir tanesi kentte çok sayıda bulunan bomos’lardır. Kentte bulunan ve mezar taşı işlevi ile kullanılan bomosların mezar taşı veya ölü sunağı olarak kullanılmış olması olasılıkları tartışmalıdır. Ayrıca bomoslar üzerinde bulunan girland süslemeler ile büstler, kartal, kalathos, ayna gibi figürler ölen kişinin kimliği ile ilgili bilgiler vermekte ve bu veriler yazıtlar ile desteklendiğinde kentin ölüm ritüellerine dair önemli sonuçlar elde edilmektedir.
Perge den Amazonomakhia Betimli Bir Lahit
Authors: TURAK Özgür
Published: June 2022

Pamphylia kentlerinden Perge’de üç nekropolis bulunmaktadır. Bunlardan ilki ve Arkaik Dönem’den Hellenistik Dönem’e kadar yoğun olarak kullanılanı, akropolis eteklerindekidir. Kentin doğu ve batı surları dışında Roma İmparatorluk Dönemi’ne tarihlenen iki nekropolis alanı daha vardır. Bu nekropolis¬lerde yerel kireçtaşı, traverten ve ithal mermerden yapılmış çok sayıda lahit bulunmuştur. Bu lahitler, malzemesine göre ithal ve yerel olarak iki ana gruba ayrılmaktadır. İthal mermerden yapılan lahitler; Dokimeion, Prokonnessos ve Attika’dan yarı işli ya da tamamlanmış biçimde getirilmişlerdir. Perge nekropolislerindeki ithal lahit konteksti içinde Roma İmparatorluk Dönemi’ne tarihlenen girlandlı (yarı ve tam işli), figürlü̈ frizli, madalyonlu, köşe sütun ya da pilasterli (Torre Nova) ve sütunlu tipte lahitler bulunmaktadır. Bu makalede 2003 yılında Perge Batı Nekropolis’te, Dokimeion figürlü frizli lahit grubu içinde yer alan Amazonomakhia tasvirli lahit incelenmiştir. Lahit, 2003 yılında Perge batı nekropolisinde, batı şehir kapısının kuzeybatısında (169 numaralı parsel) M.9 kodu verilen mezar yapısında in situ bulunmuştur. Eser, bugün yerinde korunmaktadır. Söz konusu lahit, Pamphylia lahit grubu içinde, MS II. yüzyılın ikinci yarısının önemli örneklerinden biridir. Aynı zamanda eser, Anadolu’da Amazonomakhia tasvirli lahitler içinde tüm olan nadir örneklerdendir. Bu açıdan Amazonomakhia betimli lahitler grubu¬nun geçirdiği stilistik aşamayı da gösterir niteliktedir.
Examining the Effects of Chronic Pain on Memory Processes within the Framework of the Biopsychosocial Model
Authors: ÜSTE Aleyna Nur , KAYNAK Hande
Published: June 2022

En yaygın ağrı türlerinden biri olan kronik ağrı, bellek güçlükleri gibi bilişsel becerilerde bozulma ile ilişkilendirilmektedir. Mevcut makale, kronik ağrısı olan hastaların belleğini biyolojik, psikolojik ve sosyal bileşenlerin nasıl etkilediğini inceleyen çalışmaların derlenmesini amaçlamaktadır. Araştırmalar, kronik ağrı hastalarının çoğunlukla bellek bozulmalarından şikâyet ettiğini ve biyopsikososyal modelin bu hastaların neden bellek şikayetleri yaşadıklarını daha iyi anlamak için yaygın olarak kullanıldığını göstermiştir. Biyopsikososyal model aynı zamanda her hastaya özgü müdahale modeli geliştirerek hastaların bilişsel ve davranışsal zorluklarla baş etmelerini sağlamaktadır. Birincisi, modelin biyolojik bileşeni, kronik ağrının hastalarda biyolojik değişikliklere neden olduğunu, dikkat ve bellek gibi bilişsel süreçleri olumsuz etkilediğini savunmaktadır. İkinci olarak, psikolojik bileşen, kronik ağrının neden olduğu depresyon ve anksiyete bozukluğu gibi komorbiditeleri tartışmakta ve bunların bellek performansını nasıl etkilediğini araştırmaktadır. Üçüncüsü, sosyal bileşen, hastaların artan sağlık hizmeti maliyetleri ve yetersiz uyku gibi çeşitli bozukluklara bağlı olarak kronik ağrının olumsuz etkilerini deneyim¬lediklerini öne sürmektedir. Çalışma, kronik ağrısı olan hastaların bellek performansının biyolojik, psikolojik, sosyal bileşenlerden etkilen¬diği ve bu bileşenlerin birbirleriyle etkileşime girerek bellekte bozulmalara neden olduğu sonucuna varmaktadır.
Antalya Kaleiçi Nazır Hamamı nın Plan ve Süsleme Özellikleri Bakımından Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: YARAR Sibel
Published: June 2022

Köklü bir geçmişe sahip Antalya, Roma Dönemi’nden sonra en parlak zamanlarını Selçuklular döneminde yaşamış, ardından Osmanlı döneminde yapılan imar ve iskan çalışmalarıyla gelişimine devam etmiştir. Günümüzde sınırları oldukça genişleyen şehrin merkezinde yer alan Kaleiçi, çeşitli dönemlerden farklı yapı türlerinin korunarak günümüze ulaştığı açık hava müzesi konumundadır. Bu çalışmada Antalya il merkezi Kaleiçi’nde yer alan ve ayakta kalan eski hamamlardan biri olan Nazır Hamamı’nın mimari ve süsleme özellikleri elde olan belge ve bilgiler ışığında anlatılacak ve yakın çevresindeki örneklerle karşılaştırılıp bir değerlendirme yapılacaktır. İnşa tarihi kesin olarak bilinmeyen hamam yamuk dikdörtgen planlı bir soyunmalık, dar bir koridor şeklinde düzenlenmiş ılıklık ve üç eyvanlı iki halvet hücreli bir sıcaklık bölümünden oluşmaktadır. Yapının inşasından sonra farklı dönemlerde bazı değişiklikler ve ekler yapılmıştır. Hamamın en önemli kısmı olan sıcaklık bölümünün günümüze orijinal planıyla gelmesine rağmen soyunmalık ve giriş bölümlerinin yapılan müdahalelerle orijinalliğini yitirdiği görülmektedir. Yakın döneme kadar aktif olarak kullanılan hamam, yapılan ek ve değişikliklerle günümüze farklı olarak ulaşmıştır. Yapının mimari ve süsleme özelliklerine dayanılarak 15-16. yüzyıl aralığında inşa edildiği tahmin edilmektedir.
Fiber optical parametric oscillator made of soft glass
Authors: Alamgir Imtiaz , Rezaei Mohsen , Rochette Martin
Published: June 2022

Fiber optical parametric oscillators (FOPOs) are compact optical sources of coherent and broadly tunable light compatible with operation in unconventional spectral bands. Highly nonlinear silica fibers have enabled the development of FOPOs in the telecommunication wavelength band, but the strong material absorption of silica glass at wavelengths >2 µm limits its applicability in the mid-infrared (MIR) spectral range. In this work, we overcome this issue and report a FOPO designed entirely out of soft glass fiber. For this purpose, we combine an As2Se3 single-mode fiber coupler, an As2Se3 parametric gain medium, and a low-loss ZBLAN delay fiber to build the first all-fiber laser cavity made of soft glass. Two proof-of-concept FOPOs are presented, one driven by pure parametric gain leading to wavelength-tunable Stokes emission within the range 2.088–2.139 µm, and the other driven by Raman-assisted parametric gain leading to Stokes emission within the range 2.023–2.048 µm. This demonstration is a promising first step toward the development of fully fiberized MIR light sources.
MaxHiC: A robust background correction model to identify biologically relevant chromatin interactions in Hi-C and capture Hi-C experiments
Authors: Alinejad-Rokny Hamid , Ghavami Modegh Rassa , Rabiee Hamid R. , Ramezani Sarbandi Ehsan , Rezaie Narges , Tam Kin Tung , Forrest Alistair R. R.
Published: June 2022

Hi-C is a genome-wide chromosome conformation capture technology that detects interactions between pairs of genomic regions and exploits higher order chromatin structures. Conceptually Hi-C data counts interaction frequencies between every position in the genome and every other position. Biologically functional interactions are expected to occur more frequently than transient background and artefactual interactions. To identify biologically relevant interactions, several background models that take biases such as distance, GC content and mappability into account have been proposed. Here we introduce MaxHiC, a background correction tool that deals with these complex biases and robustly identifies statistically significant interactions in both Hi-C and capture Hi-C experiments. MaxHiC uses a negative binomial distribution model and a maximum likelihood technique to correct biases in both Hi-C and capture Hi-C libraries. We systematically benchmark MaxHiC against major Hi-C background correction tools including Hi-C significant interaction callers (SIC) and Hi-C loop callers using published Hi-C, capture Hi-C, and Micro-C datasets. Our results demonstrate that 1) Interacting regions identified by MaxHiC have significantly greater levels of overlap with known regulatory features (e.g. active chromatin histone marks, CTCF binding sites, DNase sensitivity) and also disease-associated genome-wide association SNPs than those identified by currently existing models, 2) the pairs of interacting regions are more likely to be linked by eQTL pairs and 3) more likely to link known regulatory features including known functional enhancer-promoter pairs validated by CRISPRi than any of the existing methods. We also demonstrate that interactions between different genomic region types have distinct distance distributions only revealed by MaxHiC. MaxHiC is publicly available as a python package for the analysis of Hi-C, capture Hi-C and Micro-C data.
Effects of dance therapy in women with breast cancer: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Silva da Costa Natália , Alves da Silva Amanda Suzane , de Melo-Neto João Simão
Published: June 2022

Background

Cancer is an important public health problem with an increasing global incidence in the recent decades. Breast cancer has become the leading cause of death in women worldwide. Women suffering from breast cancer, as well as survivors, may experience some adverse effects of treatment–including cancer-related fatigue, sleep disorders, and pain–which may manifest alone or in combination with other symptoms. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as physical activity, have been associated with improvements in these adverse effects. This study aims to evaluate the effects of dance therapy in women with breast cancer.

Methods

We will perform a systematic review according to the Cochrane methodology. An overall search strategy will be developed and adapted for PubMed, Virtual Health Library, PEDro, SciELO, SciVerse Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science using the descriptors “Dance therapy” or “Dancing” and “Breast neoplasms” or “Breast cancer.” The size of the intervention effect (Z) will be calculated for each outcome included in this review. Outcomes will be pain, cancer-related fatigue, sleep disturbance, body image and depression in women with breast cancer. Quality assessment will be performed using the Cochrane instrument. Metanalysis, if plausible, will be performed using Review Manager 5.3.

Discussion

Studies have reported positive results of dance therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention in women with breast cancer. Thus, it is expected that robust and conclusive evidence of the effects of dance therapy during or after treatment (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and/or surgery) can be obtained.

Trial registration

Systematic review registration: CRD42020152876. (S1 File).
The missing bit in the middle: Implementation of the Nationals Health Services Standards for Papua New Guinea
Authors: Schuele Elisabeth , MacDougall Colin
Published: June 2022

Objective

This case study examined implementation of the National Health Services Standards (NHSSs) as a continuous quality improvement (CQI) process at three church-based health facilities in Papua New Guinea. This process was designed to improve quality of care and accredit the level three health centers to level four as district hospitals to provide a higher level of care. The aims of the paper are to critically examine driving and restraining forces in CQI implementation and analyses how power influences agenda setting for change.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine managers and eight health workers as well as three focus group discussions with health workers from three rural church-based health facilities in Morobe and Madang provinces. They included senior, mid-level and frontline managers and medical doctors, health extension officers, nursing officers and community health workers. Thematic analysis was used as an inductive and deductive process in which applied force field analysis, leadership-member exchange (LMX) theory and agenda setting was applied.

Results

Qualitative analysis showed how internal and external factors created urgency for change. The CQI process was designed as a collective process. Power relations operated at and between various levels: the facilities, which supported or undermined the change process; between management whereby the national management supported the quality improvement agenda, but the regional management exercised positional power in form of inaction. Theoretical analysis identified the ‘missing bit in the middle’ shaped by policy actors who exercise power over policy formulation and constrained financial and technical resources. Analysis revealed how to reduce restraining forces and build on driving forces to establish a new equilibrium.

Conclusion

Multiple theories contributed to the analysis showing how to resolve problematic power relations by building high-quality, effective communication of senior leadership with mid-level management and reactivated broad collaborative processes at the health facilities. Addressing the ‘missing bit in the middle’ by agenda setting can improve implementation of the NHSSs as a quality improvement process. The paper concludes with learning for policy makers, managers and health workers by highlighting to pay close attention to institutional power dynamics and practices.
The first moment of income density functions and estimation of single-parametric Lorenz curves
Authors: Shao Liang Frank
Published: June 2022

This paper discusses the first moment, i.e., the mean income point, of income density functions and the estimation of single-parametric Lorenz curves. The mean income point is implied by an income density function and associated with a single-parametric Lorenz function. The boundary of the mean income point can show the flexibility of a parametric Lorenz function. I minimize the sum of squared errors in fitting both grouped income data and the mean income point and identify the best parametric Lorenz function using a large panel dataset. I find that each parametric Lorenz function may do a better job than others in fitting particular grouped data; however, a zero- and unit-modal single-parametric Lorenz function is identified to be the best of eight typical optional functions in fitting most (666 out of 969) observations of a large panel dataset. I perform a Monte Carlo simulation as a robustness check of the empirical estimation.
A pilot study of a single intermittent arm cycling exercise programme on people affected by Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD)
Authors: Philp Fraser , Kulshrestha Richa , Emery Nicholas , Arkesteijn Marco , Pandyan Anand , Willis Tracey
Published: June 2022

For patients affected by Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD), alternate methods for increasing physical activity engagement that may benefit shoulder function and wider health are needed. Arm cycling has been proposed as a potential method for achieving this although dosage parameters and evidence is limited. The aim of this study was to conduct a pilot study evaluating the effect of a single intermittent arm cycling exercise programme on people affected by FSHD. People with confirmed genetic diagnosis of FSHD between the ages 18–60 years were recruited to attend a single session for the exercise intervention (5 exercise efforts lasting 2 minutes each with 30 seconds of rest between each effort). Prior to exercise, measures of shoulder function (Oxford shoulder score), strength and range of movement were recorded. During the exercise participants were video recorded to quantify range of movement and extract movement profile features. Participants comments were recorded and followed up four days later to check for adverse events. Fifteen participants, (6F:9M) were recruited with median (IQR) Oxford Shoulder Scores of 25 (18 to 39). All participants successfully completed the exercise intervention with only transient symptoms consistent with exercise being reported and achieving a median (IQR) rate of perceived exertion scores of 13 (12 to 13). Movement profile data was available for 12 out of 15 participants and suggests that exercise intensity did not compromise movement. An association between strength and shoulder function (R2 = 0.5147), Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) of the final effort against shoulder function and strength (R2 = 0.2344 and 0.1743 respectively) was identified. Participant comments were positive regarding the exercise intervention. Our study demonstrates that an intermittent arm cycling programme is feasible for people affected by FSHD. Further work is needed to evaluate physiological responses to exercise across variations in programme variables and equipment set up in a larger sample of people affected by FSHD.
Psychometric properties of the Malay version of the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3)
Authors: Chai Shirlie , Kueh Yee Cheng , Majdi Yaacob Najib , Kuan Garry
Published: June 2022

Background

The present study aimed at validating the Malay-language version of the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-3M) using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Methods

Data were collected from undergraduate students in the Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia. A total of 674 students completed the BREQ-3M (male: 19.4%, female: 80.6%), with a mean age of 20.27 years (SD = 1.35). Behavioural regulation was assessed with the 24-item BREQ-3M. Standard forward-backward translation was performed to translate the English version of BREQ-3 into the Malay version.

Results

The initial measurement models tested did not result in a good fit for the data. Subsequent examination of the CFA results suggested some modifications, including adding correlations between the item residuals within the same subscale and deletion of identified regulation. These modifications resulted in good fit indices (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation, RMSEA = 0.049; Comparative Fit Index, CFI = 0.949; Tucker-Lewis Index, TLI = 0.938; Standardised Root Mean Square Residual, SRMR = 0.049). The final measurement model comprised 20 items and had significant factor loadings of more than 0.50, ranging from 0.580 to 0.868. The composite reliability ranged between 0.746–0.841 for the five-factor model.

Conclusions

The 20-item translated version of BREQ-3M is valid and reliable for assessing the behavioural regulation for exercise among university students in Malaysia.

Perspective

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Malay-language BREQ-3. It was the first to assess the measurement model in Malaysia using CFA.
The evolution of multi-gene families and metabolic pathways in the evening primroses (Oenothera: Onagraceae): A comparative transcriptomics approach
Authors: Kariñho-Betancourt Eunice , Carlson David , Hollister Jessie , Fischer Axel , Greiner Stephan , Johnson Marc T. J.
Published: June 2022

The plant genusOenotherahas played an important role in the study of plant evolution of genomes and plant defense and reproduction. Here, we build on the 1kp transcriptomic dataset by creating 44 new transcriptomes and analyzing a total of 63 transcriptomes to present a large-scale comparative study across 29Oenotheraspecies. Our dataset included 30.4 million reads per individual and 2.3 million transcripts on average. We used this transcriptome resource to examine genome-wide evolutionary patterns and functional diversification by searching for orthologous genes and performed gene family evolution analysis. We found wide heterogeneity in gene family evolution across the genus, with sectionOenotheraexhibiting the most pronounced evolutionary changes. Overall, more significant gene family expansions occurred than contractions. We also analyzed the molecular evolution of phenolic metabolism by retrieving proteins annotated for phenolic enzymatic complexes. We identified 1,568 phenolic genes arranged into 83 multigene families that varied widely across the genus. All taxa experienced rapid phenolic evolution (fast rate of genomic turnover) involving 33 gene families, which exhibited large expansions, gaining about 2-fold more genes than they lost. Upstream enzymes phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and 4-coumaroyl: CoA ligase (4CL) accounted for most of the significant expansions and contractions. Our results suggest that adaptive and neutral evolutionary processes have contributed toOenotheradiversification and rapid gene family evolution.
Stakeholders’ views on an institutional dashboard with metrics for responsible research
Authors: Haven Tamarinde L. , Holst Martin R. , Strech Daniel
Published: June 2022

Concerns about research waste have fueled debate about incentivizing individual researchers and research institutions to conduct responsible research. We showed stakeholders a proof-of-principle dashboard with quantitative metrics of responsible research practices at University Medical Centers (UMCs). Our research question was: What are stakeholders’ views on a dashboard that displays the adoption of responsible research practices on a UMC-level? We recruited stakeholders (UMC leadership, support staff, funders, and experts in responsible research) to participate in online interviews. We applied content analysis to understand what stakeholders considered the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the dashboard and its metrics. Twenty-eight international stakeholders participated in online interviews. Stakeholders considered the dashboard helpful in providing a baseline before designing interventions and appreciated the focus on concrete behaviors. Main weaknesses concerned the lack of an overall narrative justifying the choice of metrics. Stakeholders hoped the dashboard would be supplemented with other metrics in the future but feared that making the dashboard public might put UMCs in a bad light. Our findings furthermore suggest a need for discussion with stakeholders to develop an overarching framework for responsible research evaluation and to get research institutions on board.
Study on the air leakage characteristics of a goaf in a shallow coal seam and spontaneous combustion prevention and control strategies for residual coal
Authors: Li Jianwei , Li Xintian , Liu Changyou , Zhang Ningbo
Published: June 2022

Air leakage from surface mining-induced fissures can easily cause spontaneous combustion of residual coal in the goaf, which threatens the safe production of the underground working face. In order to study the air leakage law of the goaf under the surface air leakage and the prevention and control technology of spontaneous combustion of residual coal. Based on engineering data from the 6104 working face of the Chuancao Gedan coal mine, this study uses a combination of theoretical analyses, numerical simulations, and field observations to study the dynamic distribution characteristics of the air leakage velocity of surface mining-induced fissures in shallow coal seams, the distribution characteristics of relative pressure, the air leakage velocity, the air leakage flow field, the distribution ranges for the “three zones” of spontaneous combustion in the goaf, and a reasonable range for the pressurized ventilation of the working face. The results show that there is a quadratic relationship between the air leakage speed from the surface mining-induced fissures in shallow coal seams and the distance from the working face. The air leakage speed decreases as the distance from the working face increases, and the air leakage speed in the middle of the working face is slower than the air leakage on either side of the goaf. The pressure difference between the goaf and the surface mining-induced fissures is the root cause of air leakage into the goaf, and a change in the pressure difference has a significant impact on the air leakage flow field and the distributions of the "three zones" of spontaneous combustion in the goaf. When the pressure difference between the ground surface and the working face is maintained within the range of 200~-200 Pa, air leakage is effectively reduced, and the spontaneous combustion of residual coal is inhibited. The research results reveal the air leakage mechanism in the goaf of shallow coal seams and provide a reference for the prevention and control of spontaneous combustion of residual coal in the goaf.
The quality and effectiveness of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) intervention studies in Korea: A meta-analysis
Authors: Kim Dongil , Lim Jin Hyung , An Jechun
Published: June 2022

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is an educational model for improving social-emotional competences of all students and a long-term education program connecting school, home, and community. Although there has been active research to establish evidence-based practice (EBP) of SEL programs worldwide, the quality of SEL intervention studies which is an integral part of evaluating EBP was rarely investigated. In addition, prior meta-analytic studies focused only on the effectiveness of SEL programs conducted in Western society. In this sense, in order to contribute to establishing EBP of SEL programs, the current research sought to analyze both quality and effectiveness of SEL intervention studies conducted in Korea where SEL has been investigated and applied in classroom since 2010. To conduct this study, we selected 22 peer-reviewed articles (about 23 SEL programs) and analyzed their quality by Evidence-Based Intervention (EBI) indicators and calculated effect sizes using a meta-analysis. The results of the quality analysis revealed that SEL intervention studies had some limitations with a statistical analysis, use of measurement, a control group design, intervention fidelity, and external validity. The global effect size of SEL programs was 0.27, and the results from the effect size analyses by controlling variables showed that group compositions, the number of sessions, and session length were accountable for the variability of effect sizes. Based on these findings, we discussed the directions for future research and practice on the EBP of SEL programs that can be appreciated by researchers worldwide.
Evaluation of transgenic chickpea harboring codon-modified Vip3Aa against gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera H.)
Authors: Singh Prateek , G. K. Sujayanand , Thakur Shallu , Rathore Meenal , Verma Om Prakash , Singh Narendra Pratap , Das Alok
Published: June 2022

The gram pod borer is a major pest of chickpea, accounting for average annual yield losses to the tune of 40–50%. VIP3Aa, a class of insecticidal protein with different receptor binding site in the insect’s midgut compared to Bt-crystal protein, offers an alternative protection strategy against Lepidopteran insects. Here, we report evaluation of genetically engineered chickpea lines harboring codon modified Vip3Aa (cmVip3Aa) against the Lepidopteran insect pest, gram pod borer. The synthetic codon modified, cmVip3Aa gene of 2,370 bp was sub-cloned in modified plant expression vector and used for direct transformation of embryonic axis explants of chickpea (cv. DCP 92–3), with transformation efficiency of 4.30%. Presence and transmission of transgene across two generations were confirmed by PCR and Southern blot analyses in the five selected transgenic chickpea lines. Real Time PCR analyses indicated variable levels of cmVip3Aa expression in the transgenic chickpea lines (average Cq values 15.01±0.86 to 19.32±0.10), which were absent in the non-transgenic counterpart. Detached leaf insect bioassay indicate larval mortality (up to 39.75%), reduced larval feeding (up to 82.91%) and reduced larval weight gain (up to 68.23%), compared to control lines. Evaluation of gene offers a platform to identify efficacious insecticidal gene that can be used for insect resistance management in chickpea.
Risk factors associated with in-hospital mortality patients with COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aljuaid Mohammed , Alotair Hadil , Alnajjar Farrah , Alonazi Wadi , Sharaf Hanaa , Sheshah Eman , Alashgar Lolwah , Alshaikh Mashael
Published: June 2022

Risk factors for in-hospital mortality of COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia have not been well studied. Previous reports from other countries have highlighted the effect of age, gender, clinical presentation and health conditions on the outcome of COVID-19 patients. Saudi Arabia has a different epidemiological structure with a predominance of young population, which calls for separate study. The objective of this study is to assess the predictors of mortality among hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia. This is a retrospective observational cohort study of hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients at two tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia between May to July 2020. Electronic charts were retrospectively reviewed comparing survivors and non-survivors in terms of demographic and clinical variables and comorbid conditions. A total of 564 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were included in the study. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 20%. The non-survivors were significantly older than survivors (59.4 ± 13.7 years and 50.5 ± 13.9 years respectively P< 0.001). Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart failure and ischemic heart disease were more prevalent among non-survivors (P< 0.001). The mean values of glycosylated hemoglobin HgA1C, D-dimer, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase LDH, Alanin aminotransferase ALT and creatinine were significantly higher among non-survivors (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age (aOR = 1.04; 95% CI 1.02–1.08; P < 0.01), chronic kidney disease (aOR = 4.04; 95% CI 1.11–14.77; P < 0.05), acute respiratory distress syndrome ARDS (aOR = 14.53; 95% CI 5.42–38.69; P < 0.01), Mechanical Ventilation (aOR = 10.57; 95% CI 5.74–23.59; P < 0.01), Shock (aOR = 3.85; 95% CI 1.02–14.57; P < 0.05), admission to intensive care unit (ICU) (aOR = 0.12; 95% CI 0.04–0.33; P < 0.01) and length of stay (aOR = 0.96; 95% CI 0.93–0.99; P < 0.05) were significant contributors towards mortality. The in-hospital mortality rate of COVID-19 patients admitted to tertiary hospitals in Saudi Arabia is high. Older age, chronic kidney disease and ARDS were the most important predictors of mortality.
Prosocial behavior and youth mental health outcomes: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Hirani Saima , Ojukwu Emmanuela , Bandara Nilanga Aki
Published: June 2022

Introduction

This review aims to explore the existing literature about the virtue of helping others and its association with youth mental health. Mental health of youth is rooted in their social environment. Helping others or engaging in prosocial behavior are activities that youth may participate in. The notion of helping others and its association with individual mental well-being have been well-studied for adults and older adults and to some extent in youth, however, no review has been conducted to understand the intersection of helping others and mental health in the youth population.

Methods

This review will consider all study designs that examine helping others and mental health of youth. The inclusion criteria for the review will include young individuals aged 10-24-year-old, living in any geographic location, of all gender identities, and with or without mental health issues. Grey literature and studies that only speak to outcomes related to physical well-being will be excluded. A search will be conducted in CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsycINFO. Studies published in the English language will be included with no restriction on publication time period. Articles will be screened against the inclusion criteria onto a single software by two independent reviewers. In the case of any disagreement, a third independent reviewer would resolve the conflict.

Findings

Data will be extracted and presented in a tabular or diagrammatic form supported by a summary. We will report our findings in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The findings of this review will provide evidence-based recommendations for promoting youth mental health and a basis for future research.
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) responses are modulated by total sleep time and wake after sleep onset in healthy older adults
Authors: Zitser Jennifer , Allen Isabel Elaine , Falgàs Neus , Le Michael M. , Neylan Thomas C. , Kramer Joel H. , Walsh Christine M.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To investigate the objective sleep influencers behind older adult responses to subjective sleep measures, in this case, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Based on previous literature, we hypothesized that SE would be associated with PSQI reported sleep disruption. Furthermore, because SOL increases progressively with age and it tends to be easily remembered by the patients, we also expected it to be one of the main predictors of the perceived sleep quality in the elderly.

Methods

We studied 32 cognitively healthy community-dwelling older adults (age 74 ± 0.3 years) who completed an at-home sleep assessment (Zeo, Inc.) and the PSQI. Linear mixed models were used to analyze the association of the objective sleep parameters (measured by the Zeo) with the PSQI total score and sub-scores, adjusting for age, gender, years of education and likelihood of sleep apnea.

Results

Objective sleep parameters did not show any association with the PSQI total score. We found that objective measures of Wake after sleep onset (WASO, % and min) were positively associated with the PSQI sleep disturbance component, while SE and Total Sleep Time (TST) were negatively associated with PSQI sleep disturbance. Lastly, objective SE was positively associated with PSQI SE.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that WASO, SE and TST, are associated with PSQI sleep disturbance, where the greater WASO, overall lower SE and less TST, were associated with increased subjective report of sleep disturbance. As expected, subjective (PSQI) and objective measures of SE were related. However, PSQI total score did not relate to any of the objective measures. These results suggest that by focusing on the PSQI total score we may miss the insight this easily administered self-report tool can provide. If interpreted in the right way, the PSQI can provide further insight into cognitively healthy older adults that have the likelihood of objective sleep disturbance.
ALF–Score—A novel approach to build a predictive network–based walkability scoring system
Authors: S. Alfosool Ali M. , Chen Yuanzhu , Fuller Daniel
Published: June 2022

Walkability is a term that describes various aspects of the built and social environment and has been associated with physical activity and public health. Walkability is subjective and although multiple definitions of walkability exist, there is no single agreed upon definition. Road networks are integral parts of mobility and should be an important part of walkability. However, using the road structure as nodes is not widely discussed in existing methods. Most walkability measures only provide area–based scores with low spatial resolution, have a one–size–fits–all approach, and do not consider individuals opinion. Active Living Feature Score (ALF–Score) is a network–based walkability measure that incorporates road network structures as a core component. It also utilizes user opinion to build a high–confidence ground–truth that is used in our machine learning pipeline to generate models capable of estimating walkability. We found combination of network features with road embedding and points of interest features creates a complimentary feature set enabling us to train our models with an accuracy of over 87% while maintaining a conversion consistency of over 98%. Our proposed approach outperforms existing measures by introducing a novel method to estimate walkability scores that are representative of users opinion with a high spatial resolution, for any point on the road.
Elder abuse and hospitalization in rural Malaysia
Authors: Firdaus Muhammad Abbas M. , Mohd Yunus Raudah , Hairi Noran Naqiah , Choo Wan Yuen , Hairi Farizah , Suddin Leny Suzana , Sooryanarayana Rajini , Ismail Norliana , Peramalah Devi , Ali Zainudin M. , Ahmad Sharifah N. , Razak Inayah A. , Othman Sajaratulnisah , Bulgiba Awang
Published: June 2022

Our study aims to describe and determine factors associated with hospitalization among victims of elder abuse and neglect (EAN) in rural Malaysia. A cross sectional study based on the baseline data of the Malaysian Elder Mistreatment Project (MAESTRO) collected from November 2013 until July 2014 involving 1927 older adults in Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan was conducted. EAN was determined using the modified Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS) and hospitalization rates were determined based on self-report. The prevalence of overall EAN was 8.1% (95%CI 6.9–9.3). Among male respondents, 9.5% revealed history of abuse and among female respondents, 7.2% reported experiencing EAN. The annual hospitalization rates per 100 persons within the past one year among EAN victims and non-victims were 18 per 100 persons (SD = 46.1) and 15 per 100 persons (SD = 64.1) respectively. Among respondents with history of EAN, 16.0% (n = 21) had been hospitalized in the past 12 months while among respondents with no EAN experience, 10.2% (n = 153) were hospitalized. Multivariable analyses using Poisson regression did not show any significant association between EAN and hospitalization. This could be due to the complex interactions between medical and social circumstances that play a role in hospital admissions, factors affecting the health care system, and access to health care among EAN victims.
Human endothelial cells display a rapid tensional stress increase in response to tumor necrosis factor-α
Authors: Brandt Matthias , Gerke Volker , Betz Timo
Published: June 2022

Endothelial cells form the inner layer of blood vessels, making them the first barrier between the blood and interstitial tissues; thus endothelial cells play a crucial role in inflammation. In the inflammatory response, one important element is the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). While other pro-inflammatory agents like thrombin and histamine induce acute but transient changes in endothelial cells, which have been well studied biologically as well as mechanically, TNF-α is primarily known for its sustained effects on permeability and leukocyte recruitment. These functions are associated with transcriptional changes that take place on the timescale of hours and days. Here, we investigated the early mechanical action of TNF-α and show that even just 4 min after TNF-α was added onto human umbilical vein endothelial cell monolayers, there was a striking rise in mechanical substrate traction force and internal monolayer tension. These traction forces act primarily at the boundary of the monolayer, as was to be expected. This increased internal monolayer tension may, in addition to TNF-α’s other well-studied biochemical responses, provide a mechanical signal for the cells to prepare to recruit leukocytes.
Characterization of a Treponema denticola ATCC 35405 mutant strain with mutation accumulation, including a lack of phage-derived genes
Authors: Yokogawa Tadaharu , Nagano Keiji , Fujita Mari , Miyakawa Hiroshi , Iijima Masahiro
Published: June 2022

Trepoenema denticola, a spirochetal bacterium, is associated with periodontal diseases. The type strain of the bacterium, ATCC 35405, is commonly used in a basic research. Here, we report that our stock strain derived from ATCC 35405 had a mutation on the chromosome and expressed differential characteristics from the original strain. Genome sequencing analysis revealed the lack of a phage-derived region, and over 200 mutations in the mutant strain. The mutant grew to a higher density in broth culture as compared with the origin. In addition, the mutant formed a colony on the surface of the agar medium, whereas the origin could not. On contrary, the mutant showed decreased motility and adhesion to gingival epithelial cells. There were no differences in the bacterial cell length and a chymotrypsin-like protease activity between the two strains. RNA and genome sequencing analysis could not identify the genes that introduced the phenotypic differences between the strains. This mutant is potentially useful for examining the genetic background responsible for the physiological and pathogenic characteristics ofT.denticola.
Stability evaluation of compounded hydroxyurea 100 mg/mL oral liquids using a novel analytical method involving chemical derivatization
Authors: Coache Daphné , Friciu Mihaela , Bernine Marcellin Ruth , Bonnemain Lola , Viau Annie , Roullin V. Gaëlle , Forest Jean-Marc , Leclair Grégoire
Published: June 2022

This study assessed the stability of six extemporaneously compounded hydroxyurea oral liquids stored at room temperature. Hydroxyurea oral liquids (100 mg/mL) were prepared using three different mixing methods (mortar, mixer or QuartetRx) from either bulk powder, capsule content, or whole capsules. Two brands of capsules were tested in this study. All formulations were stored at room temperature (25°C / 60% RH) in amber plastic bottles for 90 days and amber plastic syringes for 14 days. Physical stability was assessed visually, while chemical stability was evaluated using a stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography method. Chemical derivatization with xanthydrol allowed the retention of hydroxyurea on a reverse-phase column. At least 93.9% and 97.0% of the initial concentration of hydroxyurea remained after 90 days in bottles and 14 days in syringes, respectively. There were no visual changes in formulations over the study period. Changes in pH up to 1.6 units were observed after 90 days of storage and were explained most likely by an ammonium generating degradation pathway. Ammonium was quantified and remained within safe levels in each HU 100 mg/mL oral preparations. Hydroxyurea oral liquids were all stable for 90 days in amber plastic bottles and 14 days in amber plastic syringes.
Modelling optimal use of temporarily restricted colonoscopy capacity in a FIT-based CRC screening program: Application during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: de Jonge Lucie , van de Schootbrugge-Vandermeer Hilliene J. , Breekveldt Emilie C. H. , Spaander Manon C. W. , van Vuuren Hanneke J. , van Kemenade Folkert J. , Dekker Evelien , Nagtegaal Iris D. , van Leerdam Monique E. , Lansdorp-Vogelaar Iris
Published: June 2022

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic forced colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs to downscale their colonoscopy capacity. In this study, we assessed strategies to deal with temporary restricted colonoscopy capacity in a FIT-based CRC screening program while aiming to retain the maximum possible preventive effect of the screening program.

Design

We simulated the Dutch national CRC screening program inviting individuals between ages 55 and 75 for biennial FIT using the MISCAN-Colon model including the 3-month disruption in the first half of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the second half of 2020 and 2021, we simulated three different strategies for the total target population: 1) increasing the FIT cut-off, 2) skipping one screening for specific screening ages, and 3) extending the screening interval. We estimated the impact on required colonoscopy capacity in 2020–2021 and life years (LYs) lost in the long-term.

Results

Increasing the FIT cut-off, skipping screening ages and extending the screening interval resulted in a maximum reduction of 25,100 (-17.0%), 16,100(-10.9%) and 19,000 (-12.9%) colonoscopies, respectively. Modelling an increased FIT cut-off, the number of LYs lost ranged between 1,400 and 4,400. Skipping just a single screening age resulted in approximately 2,700 LYs lost and this was doubled in case of skipping two screening ages. Extending the screening interval up to 34 months had the smallest impact on LYs lost (up to 1,100 LYs lost).

Conclusion

This modelling study shows that to anticipate on restricted colonoscopy capacity, temporarily extending the screening interval retains the maximum possible preventive effect of the CRC screening program.
Inflammatory bowel disease and risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Jiali , Kou Fushun , Han Xiao , Shi Lei , Shi Rui , Wang Zhibin , Mao Tangyou , Li Junxiang
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Inflammatory bowel disease is a relapsing chronic gastrointestinal inflammatory disease. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a rare but serious extraintestinal pulmonary manifestation of inflammatory bowel disease. However, the relationship between these two conditions is unclear. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate this relationship through a systematic review and meta-analysis, focusing on the risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Methods

The systematic review will be outlined according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Protocols and its extension statement for reporting systematic reviews incorporating network meta-analyses of healthcare interventions: checklist and explanations. Original articles published in any language will be searched in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Ovid. Observational studies that reveal an association measure between idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and inflammatory bowel disease will be included (cross sectional, cohort, and case-control trials). Two independent reviewers will be assigned to evaluate study quality using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale for assessing the quality of non-randomized studies in meta-analyses. Sensitivity analyses will be conducted based on the quality of included studies. All relevant studies will be assessed based on the study type, sample size, inflammatory bowel disease subtype, odds ratio, confidence interval, treatment strategy, and follow-up. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach will be used to rate the quality of the evidence.

Discussion

The results of this meta-analysis may show that patients with inflammatory bowel disease are at higher risk of developing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This study will be the first meta-analysis to focus on the association between inflammatory bowel disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Exploring the relationship between the two conditions may further enhance our understanding of the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and promote the development of related research fields.