bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perovskite superlattices with efficient carrier dynamics
Authors: Xu Sheng , Lei Yusheng , Li Yuheng , Lu Chengchangfeng , Yan Qizhang , Gong Huaxin , Zhang Song , Zhou Jiayun , Zhang Ruiqi , Chen Yimu , Tsai Hsinhan , Gu Yue , Hu Hongjie , Lo Yu-Hwa , Nie Wanyi , Lee Taeyoon , Luo Jian , Yang Kesong , Jang Kyung-In
Published: November 2021

Compared with their three-dimensional counterparts, low-dimensional metal halide perovskites with periodic inorganic/organic structures have shown promising stability and hysteresis-free electrical performance, which paves the way for next-generation optoelectronic devices. However, when integrated in devices, they have relatively limited efficiencies because devices usually require carrier transport through the film thickness direction. In conventionally grown single crystals, the carrier transport in the thickness direction is hindered by the insulating organic spacers. In addition, the strong quantum confinement from the organic spacers limits the generation and transport of free carriers. The carrier dynamics is further compromised by the presence of grain boundaries in polycrystals. Here, we report a low-dimensional metal halide perovskite superlattice with efficient carrier transport in three dimensions by epitaxial growth. Epitaxy on a slightly lattice-mismatched substrate compresses the organic spacers in the superlattice, which weakens the quantum confinement and further improves carrier dynamics. The performance of a low-dimensional perovskite superlattice solar cell has been certified under the quasi-steady state for the first time. Moreover, the device shows an unusually high open-circuit voltage, due to a unique intra-band exciton relaxation mechanism.
Three-dimensional changes in the upper airway and craniomaxillofacial morphology of patients with Angle Class III malocclusion treated with a Frankel III appliance
Authors: Liu Yinan , Yang Kai
Published: November 2021

Background
Angle Class III malocclusion, characterized by a concave profile, can cause serious harm to children’s physical and mental health. The Frankel III appliance is an effective treatment for Angle Class III malocclusion in mixed denition. We explored three-dimensional changes in the upper airway and craniomaxillofacial morphology, after one year of Frankel III appliance treatment, in children with Angle Class III malocclusion.
Methods
We included 20 children (9 males), aged 8-10 years, with Angle Class III malocclusion from the Orthodontics Department of our hospital. Each child was treated with a Frankel III appliance for one year. Cone beam computed tomography was performed before and after treatment to evaluate three-dimensional changes in the upper airway and craniomaxillofacial morphology.
Results
After one year of treatment, in the upper airway, we observed significant increases in the nasopharynx volume and height (P<0.05); the velopharyngeal volume, height, and average cross-sectional area (P<0.05); the glossopharynx volume and minimum cross-sectional area (P<0.05); and the laryngopharynx height (P<0.05). Accordingly, the total upper airway volume, height, and average cross sectional area increased significantly (P<0.05). An examination of craniomaxillofacial morphology showed significant increases in some bone tissues (P<0.05) and dental measurements, and a significant reduction in the inclination of the mandibular central incisor (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Children with Angle class III malocclusion treated with a Frankel III appliance showed no upper airway narrowing, even after repositioning the mandible posteriorly. Moreover, treatment promoted forward maxilla development and increased its width, in both the dental arch and alveolar bone, which provided a more harmonious craniofacial morphology.
Spatial Distribution and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Urban Road Dust From Shenyang, a Heavy Industrial City in Northeast China
Authors: Cui Zhengwu , Wang Yang , Yu Rui , Yu Yong , Luo Nana
Published: November 2021

124 road dust samples were collected from an urban area of Shenyang, a typical heavily industrial city in Northeast China, to study the concentration, pollution level, source, spatial distribution, and health risk of heavy metals. The average concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were 1.802, 132.1, 60.33, 778.3, 54.80, 86.73, and 391.2 mg/kg, respectively. The levels of metal pollution ranged from minimal to extremely high, with average levels in the ranked order: Mn < Ni < Cr < Cu < Pb < Zn < Cd, indicating that the road dust was heavily polluted by Cd, Zn, and Pb. Source identification results demonstrated that Cr, Mn, and Ni had mixed sources including industrial emissions and weathering of soil, pavements, and building materials, while Cu, Pb, and Zn mainly originated from traffic and industrial activities, and Cd had a complex mixture of sources (with various anthropogenic sources). Hotspots of heavy metal pollution levels were closely correlated with local anthropogenic activities, such as industrial discharge, traffic-related exhaust emissions, and agricultural activities. Furthermore, health risk assessment revealed significant non-carcinogenic risks for children from multiple metals, and the carcinogenic risk assessment identified significant risks for children from Cd, with ingestion being the main exposure pathway for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk for adults and children. However, no health risk was observed due to dermal and inhalation exposure pathways.
Overexpressed Integrin Alpha 2 Inhibits the Activation of the Transforming Growth Factor β Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer via the TFCP2-SMAD2 Axis
Authors: Cai Hongkun , Guo Feng , Wen Shuang , Jin Xin , Wu Heshui , Ren Dianyun
Published: November 2021

BackgroundIntegrin alpha 2 (ITGA2) has been recently reported to be an oncogene and to play crucial roles in tumor cell proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. Our previous study showed that ITGA2 was overexpressed in pancreatic cancer and promoted its progression. However, the mechanism of ITGA2 overexpression and other mechanisms for promoting the progression of pancreatic cancer are still unclear. MethodsThe GEPIA database was used to confirm the expression of ITGA2 in pancreatic cancer. To verify the influence of ITGA2 and TGF-β on the morphological changes of pancreatic cancer and tumor cell progression, we conduct CCK8 test, plate cloning, flow cytometry experiments and animal experiments. Then we conduct Western blot, RT-qPCR to explore the relationship between ITGA2 and TGF-β, and then find the key molecules which can regulate them by immunoprecipitation, Western blot, RT-qPCR, CHIP, nuclear and cytoplasmic separation test.ResultsThe results of the present study show that the abnormal activation of KRAS induced the overexpression of ITGA2 in pancreatic cancer. Moreover, ITGA2 expression significantly suppressed the activation of the TGF-β pathway. ITGA2 silencing enhanced the anti-pancreatic cancer proliferation and tumor growth effects of TGF-β. Mechanistically, ITGA2 expression suppressed the activation of the TGF-β pathway by inhibiting the SMAD2 expression transcriptionally. In addition, it interacted with and inhibited the nuclear translocation of TFCP2, which induced the SMAD2 expression as a transcription factor. Furthermore, TFCP2 also induced ITGA2 expression as a transcription factor, and the TFCP2 feedback regulated the ITGA2-TFCP2-SMAD2 pathway. ConclusionTaken together, our results indicate that ITGA2 expression inhibited the activation of the TGF-β pathway in pancreatic cancer via the TFCP2-SMAD2 axis. Therefore, especially when combined with TGF-β treatment, ITGA2 might be a potential clinical therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
Alterations of Chromatin Accessibility of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells During Early Differentiation Stage Toward Osteoblasts and Adipocyte
Authors: Liu Jianyun , Gan Lijun , Ma Baichen , He Shan , Wu Ping , Li Huiming , Xiong Jianjun
Published: November 2021

Although differential expression of genes is apparent during the adipogenic/osteogenic differentiation of marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), it is not known whether this is associated with changes in chromosomal structure. In this study, we used ATAC-sequencing technology to observe variations in chromatin assembly during the early stages of MSC differentiation. This showed significant changes in the number and distribution of chromosome accessibility at different time points of adipogenic/osteogenic differentiation. Sequencing of differential peaks indicated alterations in transcription factor motifs involved in MSC differentiation. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway analysis indicated that changes in biological function resulted from the alterations in chromatin accessibility. We then integrated ATAC-seq and RNA-seq and found that only a small proportion of the overlapped genes were screened out from ATAC-seq and RNA-seq overlapping. Through GO and pathway analysis of these overlapped genes, we not only observed some known biological functions related to adipogenic/osteogenic differentiation but also noticed some unusual biological clustering during MSC differentiation. In summary, our work not only presents the landscape of chromatin accessibility of MSC during differentiation but also helps to further our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of gene expression in these processes.
Development of a Family-Community Interactive Program to Prevent Postpartum Depression: A Mixed Method Study Protocol
Authors: Zhao Di , Niu Meilan , Ma Rui , Yang Huashan , Guo Panpan , Wu Chuqiao , Wang Yan , Wang Shanshan , Wang Peng
Published: November 2021

Background: Postpartum depression has become a serious public health hazard. Family and community support can be effective in alleviating the symptoms of postpartum depression. Currently, there is a lack of research directed at promoting family and community caregiver interactions to avoid postpartum depression. Therefore, this study aimed to construct a family-community interaction program to avoid postpartum depression.Method: This mixed-methods study with the longitudinal design consists of two phases. Phase one :quantitative study. A quantitative analysis method is applied to conduct longitudinal research on the pregnant and parturient women to explore the status quo of indicators of family support, social support, quality of life, and postnatal depression. Phase two: qualitative study to explore the current status of the interaction. In this phase, the subjects will be selected through purposive sampling; In-depth individual interviewing will be used for data collection. Mixed data were used to analyze qualitative and quantitative results and to construct a family-community interaction intervention program.Discussion: The present research is the first study to investigate family-community Interactions. For the purposes of the study, a mixed-methods approach will be used which aims to develop family-community Interactive Program, which can prevent postpartum depression of pregnant and parturient women and clarify the responsibilities of family members and Community caregivers in the prevention of postpartum depression, cultivating the awareness of interaction and collaboration between families and communities, and providing the targeted intervention policy to long-term positive interaction.Trial registration number: ChiCTR2100045901
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of the Ceratonia Siliqua L. Seeds Oil
Authors: Abbout Said , CHEBABE Driss , REHIOUI Malak , ERRAMLI Hamid , HAJJAJI Najat
Published: November 2021

In this work, we are interested in the antioxidant activity of Ceratonia Siliqua L. seeds oil. After extraction of seeds oil by Soxhlet, we characterized by GC-MS and evaluated the antioxidant activity by DPPH• and ABTS+•. The obtained results show that the seeds oil of Ceratonia Siliqua L. contains various organic compounds, the majority of which are fatty acids. Furthermore, the determination of IC50 by the DPPH• and ABTS+• methods show that cyclohexane has good IC50 compared to hexane.
Identification of Metastasis-Associated Gene And Its Correlation With Immune Infiltrates For Skin Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Luan Hong , He Ye , Jian Linge , Zhang Tuo , Zhou Liping
Published: November 2021

Background: Skin cutaneous melanoma is a malignant and highly metastatic skin tumor. As the most common cause of death in skin cancer, its morbidity and mortality are still rising worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms of melanoma metastasis are unclear. Methods: Three Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE15605, GSE7553 and GSE8401) were downloaded to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between primary and metastatic melanoma samples. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment were performed to explore the functional of DEGs by Metascape. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING tool and Cytoscape software. We used the cytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape to identify the most significant hub genes by four topological analyses (Degree, MCC, DMNC, and MNC). Hub genes expression was validated using UALCAN website. Finally, we explored the association between metastasis-associated genes and immune infiltrates through Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database.Results: In total, we obtained 196 DEGs including 12 upregulated and 184 downregulated genes. GO and KEGG enrichment results indicated that DEGs were mainly concentrated in epidermis development, cornified envelope, structural molecule activity, and p53 signaling pathway. Eight hub genes were identified to be closely related to melanoma metastasis, including SPRR1B, DSC1, PKP1, TGM1, DSG1, IVL, SPRR1A and DSC3. On the ULCAN website, all hub genes expression levels are lower in metastatic tissues than in primary cancers. Results from TIMER database revealed that DSC1 and TGM1 were significantly related with most of immune cell infiltration.Conclusions: SPRR1B, DSC1, PKP1, TGM1, DSG1, IVL, SPRR1A and DSC3 may be hub genes involved in the progression of melanoma metastasis and thus may be regarded as therapeutic targets in the future. DSC1 and TGM1 play an important role in the microenvironment of metastatic melanoma by regulating the tumor infiltration of immune cells.
A Pyroptosis-Related LncRNA Signature for Predicting Prognosis and Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yuhao , Zhang Jiaxin , Wei Fengxian , Zhang Haodong , Wang Dongdong , Deng Hongyang , Xu Xiaodong
Published: November 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which carries a very bad prognosis, is a common malignant tumor worldwide. This study aim to identify a pyroptosis-related long non-coding RNA(pyLncRNA) prognostic signature in HCC by integrated bioinformatics analysis. Methods: All expression profiles of HCC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and pyroptosis-related genes were from the GSEA website. After identified differentially expressed pyLncRNAs, univariate Cox regression and Lasso analysis were used to identify a pyroptosis-related LncRNAs prognositic signature(py-LPS). Internal validation was used to validate the prognostic value of the py-LPS via the Kaplan-Meier(K-M) curve and receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve. Additional, we established the nomogram and analyzed the correlation between the signature and immune immune infiltration as well as clinical treatment. Result: 7 pyLncRNAs were established the signature for HCC prognosis. K-M curves exhibited the low risk group presented a markedly longer OS than the high. Clinical subgroups analysis based age, gender, grade and stage yielded the similar results. The signature had an independent prognostic value for HCC(p<0.001). Nomogram estimated one-, three- and five-year survival were 0.777, 0.741 and 0.709. Then, gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA) demostrated significant pathways. Futhermore, we found immune cell infiltration and immunotherapy targets was associated with the signature,which could provided clinical recommendations for chemotherapy.Conclusion: In this study, a novel pyroptosis-related LncRNAs porgnostic signature of HCC, correlated with immune infiltration, could predict the survival of HCC patients and give suggestions for clinical treatment.
Serum Total Bilirubin and Long-Term Prognosis of Patients With New-Onset Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Yi , Wang Jun , Ding A Ji Gu Li Wai Si , Xu Yanan , Jiang Haibing , Ma Kezhong , Zhu Tongjian
Published: November 2021

Background: The potential prognostic role of total bilirubin (TBIL) in patients with new-onset non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is not fully understood. This study aims to evaluate the potential predictive value of TBIL for long-term prognosis in patients with new-onset NSTEMI.Methods: Patients with new-onset NSTEMI that underwent emergency coronary angiography in our department from June 2015 to March 2020 were included. Baseline TBIL was measured at admission. SYNTAX scores were used to indicate the severity of coronary lesions. The association between TBIL and SYNTAX scores was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. The patients were followed for the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). The association between TBIL and MACCEs was analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival methods.Results: In total 327 patients were included in this study. Patients were divided according to tertiles of TBIL (first tertile <10.23 µmol/L, n = 109; second tertile 10.23–14.30 µmol/L, n = 109; and third tertile ≥14.30 µmol/L, n = 109). TBIL was independently associated with the severity of coronary lesions in patients with NSTEMI, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for the third tertile and the second tertile compared with the first tertile of TBIL of 2.259 (1.197-4.263) and 2.167 (1.157-4.059), respectively (both p<0.05). After a mean follow-up of 30.33 months, MACCE had occurred in 57 patients. TBIL was independently associated with the increased risk of MACCEs, with an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI for the third tertile and the second tertile compared with the first tertile of TBIL of 2.737 (1.161 -6.450) and 3.272 (1.408-7.607), respectively (both p<0.05).Conclusions: Higher myocardial infarction admission TBIL might independently predict poor prognosis in patients with NSTEMI.
GO Revisited: Qualitative Analysis of the Starting and Continuing Factors of GO Activity Among Older Adults
Authors: Iizuka Ai , Yamashita Mari , Ura Chiaki , Okamura Tsuyoshi
Published: November 2021

Background

GO is one of the most popular board games among older adults in Asian countries. Some studies have shown that playing GO helps maintain cognitive function and brain activity. However, the factors that facilitate older adults to start playing GO and their reasons for continuing it remain unclear. This study explored the starting and continuing factors of playing GO among older adults and found concrete methods for social implementation of GO activity aimed at the prevention of and living well with dementia.
Methods

In the field of large community-based interdisciplinary research, we conducted semi-structured interviews using a qualitative descriptive approach with six amateur GO players who began playing when they were 65 years or older. The contents of the interviews were the starting and continuing factors of playing GO.
Results

Six categories were generated for exploring the starting and continuing factors of playing GO. The participants felt motivated to start playing GO due to their interest and impression of GO and to cope with their anxieties about aging. The continuing factors represented feelings of pleasure and relaxation and fostering human relationships through GO. Age-friendly staff and user-oriented tasks were of particular importance in both starting and continuing to play GO.
Conclusions

GO is not just a board game; it is an effective tool in coping with aging issues, cultivating peace of mind, and facilitating interaction among people; therefore it may be useful to the community as a socially prescribed intervention. The keys to its implementation are fostering comfortable relationships between the participants and staff and allowing self-controlled task difficulty.
COVID-19 and thyroid disease: an infodemiological pilot study
Authors: ILIAS Ioannis , MILIONIS Charalambos , KOUKKOU Eftychia
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

Some studies have linked COVID-19 with thyroid disease. Google Trends (GT) searches may reflect disease epidemiology. Recently, GT searches for COVID-19-associated terms have been linked to the epidemiology of COVID-19. In this study we aimed to assess COVID-19 cases per se vs COVID-19-associated GT searches and thyroid-associated GT searches.
Materials-Methods:

We collected data on worldwide weekly GT searches regarding “COVID-19”, “SARS-COV-2”, “coronavirus”, “smell”, “taste”, “fatigue”, “cough”, “thyroid”, “thyroiditis” and “subacute thyroiditis” for 92 weeks and worldwide weekly COVID-19 cases' statistics in the same time period. The study period was split in half and in each time period we performed cross-correlation analysis and mediation analysis.
Results

Significant positive CCF values were noted in both time periods; while COVID-19 cases per se were associated with “thyroid” searches in both time periods, significant CCFs for “fatigue”, “COVID-19” and “SARS-COV-s” were mostly found in the second time period. In the latter period, the effect of “COVID-19” searches on “thyroid” searches was significantly mediated by COVID-19 cases (p=0.048).
Discussion

COVID-19 cases per se were found to be associated with no lag with GT searches for COVID-19 symptoms in the first time period and in the second time period to lead searches for symptoms, COVID-19 terms as well as thyroid terms. Searches for a non-specific symptom or COVID-19 search terms mostly lead GT “thyroid” searches, in the second time period. This time frame/sequence particularly in the second time period (noted by the preponderance of the SARS-COV-2 delta variant), lends some credence to associations of COVID-19 cases per se with (apparent) thyroid disease (via searches for them).
Comparative Efficacy over time of the mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccine and the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine
Authors: Cohen Kenneth , Islam PhD Nazmul , Jarvis MS Megan S. , Sheils Natalie E.
Published: November 2021

Importance

Real-world analysis of the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection post vaccination is important in determining the comparative efficacy of the available vaccines.
Objective

To study the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals fully vaccinated with either the BNT162b2 or the mRNA-1273 at 30-, 60-, and 90-days post vaccination
Design
Retrospective cohort study
Setting

Deidentified administrative claims for Medicare Advantage and commercially insured individuals in a research database.
Participants

Over 3.5 million fully-vaccinated individuals including 6,434 individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection with a follow up period between 14 and 151 days after their second dose.
Exposure
Vaccination by either mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2.
Main Outcome and Measures

The rate of Covid-19 infection occurring at 30, 60, and 90 days at least 14 days after the second dose of either the mRNA-1273 vaccine or the BNT162b2 vaccine. Sub analyses included the incidence of hospitalization, ICU admission, and death/hospice transfer. Separate analysis was conducted for individuals ≥ age 65 and those without a prior diagnosis of Covid-19 and both yielded results similar to the general population.
Results

The mRNA-1273 vaccine provided slightly superior protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the BNT162b2 vaccine. In the full population, there were no significant differences in the risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, or death/hospice transfer.
Conclusion

Immunization with mRNA-1273, compared to BNT162b2, provided slightly more protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection that reached statistical significance at 90 days with a number needed to vaccinate of ≥292.There were no differences in vaccine efficacy for protection against hospitalization, ICU admission, or death/hospice transfer.
Lifetime Prevalence and Risk Factors for Perinatal Depression in a Large Cohort of Women with Depression
Authors: Kiewa Jacqueline , Meltzer-Brody Samantha , Milgrom Jeanette , Bennett Elizabeth , Mackle Tracey , Guintivano Jerry , Hickie Ian B , Colodro-Conde Lucía , Medland Sarah , Martin Nicholas G , Wray Naomi R , Byrne Enda M
Published: November 2021

ObjectivesAmongst women with a history of depression, this study sought to identify risk factors associated with reporting perinatal depression (PND)). Lifetime prevalence, length and severity of PND were evaluated, as well as the effect of PND onset either after previous depression episodes, or as the first episode of depression.SettingThe Australian Genetics of Depression Study (AGDS), an online case cohort study of the etiology of depression.ParticipantsIn a large sample of parous women who met DSM criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) (n=7,182), we identified two subgroups of PND cases (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score >= 13) with and without prior depression history (n=2,261; n=878 respectively). For a range of risk factors, both subgroups were compared to women with MDD who did not report depressive symptoms in the perinatal period (non-perinatal depression (NPD) cases). PND cases with prior depression history were compared to NPD cases with depression onset before their first pregnancy (n=672). PND cases without prior depression history were compared to all NPD cases (n=2,124).Primary and secondary outcome measuresDescriptive measures reported lifetime prevalence, length, and severity of PND. Logistic regression compared a range of characteristics of PND cases to those of the comparison group of NPD cases.ResultsOf women who experienced depression prior to first pregnancy, PND cases were significantly more likely to report more episodes of depression (OR=1.1 per additional depression episode, CI=[1.1-1.1], P=1.9e-13), non-European ancestry (OR=1.5, CI=[1.0-2.1], P=3.4e-02), severe nausea during pregnancy (OR=1.3, CI=[1.1-1.6], P=6.6e-03) and emotional abuse (OR=1.4, CI=[1.1-1.7], P=5.3e-03). Women without any depression before their first perinatal episode were significantly more likely to report emotional abuse (OR=1.3, CI=[1.1-1.6], P=1.0e-02) than women with NPD.ConclusionsThe majority of parous women in this study experienced PND, associated with more complex, severe depression. Results highlight the importance of perinatal assessments of depressive symptoms, particularly for women with a history of depression or childhood adverse experiences.
Effects of product and process innovations on the employment growth rate: Evidence for the Colombian manufacturing industry.
Authors: Aguirre Fernando Barrios , Malagón Sandra Yaneth Mora
Published: November 2021

This paper estimates the effect of product and process innovation on the employment growth rate in Colombian manufacturing industry between 2007 and 2012. Based on the model forward put by Harrison et al. (2008), employment growth rate is explained by both the introduction of process innovations that have an effect on old products and the product innovations that have a positive effect on the growth of sales. This research uses the firm-level data panel from the Technological Development and Innovation Survey (EDIT) and the Annual Manufacturing Survey (EAM) in Colombia between 2007 and 2012. Given the firm´s production, results show a positive effect of product innovations on the employment growth rate and a negative effect of process innovations on the employment growth rate in manufacturing firms in Colombia.JEL classification: O25, E24, O33
Solutions of Matrix Games Involving Linguistic Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Naqvi Deeba , Verma Rajkumar , Aggarwal Abha , Sachdev Geeta
Published: November 2021

In real-life decision-making challenges, experts quite frequently have a preference for expressing their perspective in natural linguistic terms rather than definite numerical format. These linguistic representation has been utilized to resolve plenty of decision-making problems. This paper displays the thorough study of matrix games where in the payoffs are characterized through linguistic interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy sets (LIVIFSs). Solution of these matrix games are attained by resolving a duo of linear or nonlinear programming problems, originated through non-linear bi-objective programming problems. Finally, a numerical example is used to demonstrate the applicability of the suggested approach.
Using Andersen’s Behavioural Model of Health Services use to Examine usage of Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy in Nigeria
Authors: Solanke Bola Lukman , Adebayo Yinusa Rasheed , Oyeleye Olaoye James , Oluwatope Omolayo Bukola , Ilesanmi Benjamin Bukky , Oni Tosin Olajide
Published: November 2021

Background: Studies in Nigeria and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa have explored factors influencing usage of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy (IPTp). However, most of the studies are not model or theory-based, which provides less satisfactory guidance to malaria control programming. This study fills the knowledge gap by adapting the Andersen’s behavioural model of health services use to IPTp usage in Nigeria.Methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional design that utilised secondary data extracted from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). A weighted sample of 4,772 women who had deliveries in the past year preceding the survey was analysed. The outcome variable was usage of IPTp dichotomised into optimal or otherwise. The explanatory variables cut across individual and community levels, and were divided into predisposing, enabling and need factors in line with the theoretical constructs of the Andersen model. Two multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression models were fitted to identify the factors influencing optimal usage of IPTp. Analyses were performed using Stata 14. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: The realised level of optimal IPTp usage was 21.8%. The factors that either predispose or enables a pregnant woman to take optimal doses of IPTp are age, education, being employed, being autonomous on own healthcare, health insurance enrolment, partner education, receiving antenatal care in public health facility, rural residence, being resident in northern geo-political zones, community literacy level, and community perception of the consequences of malaria. Two significant need factors affecting optimal usage of IPTp are timing of first antenatal care contact and actual sleeping under mosquito bed net. Conclusion: Optimal usage of IPTp is low among pregnant women in Nigeria. There is need to devise additional public health education programme promoting IPTp usage through the formation of Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) core group in every ward in all the local government areas in the country. In addition, health planners in the country should adopt the use of the Andersen model for assessing key determinants of IPTp usage among childbearing women in the country.
Adenine Base-Editing-Mediated Exon Skipping Induces Gene Knockout in Cultured Pig Cells
Authors: Zhu Xiang-xing , Pan Jia-sheng , Lin Tao , Yang Ye-cheng , Huang Qiu-yan , Yang Shuai-peng , Qu Zi-xiao , Lin Zi-sheng , Wen Jian-cong , Yan Ai-fen , Feng Juan , Liu Lian , Zhang Xiao-li , Lu Jia-hong , Tang Dong-sheng
Published: November 2021

Gene-knockout pigs have important applications in agriculture and medicine. Compared with CRISPR/Cas9, Adenine base editor (ABE) convert single A·T pairs to G·C pairs in the genome without generating DNA double-strand breaks, and this method has higher accuracy and biosafety in pig genetic modification. However, the application of ABE in pig gene knockout is limited by protospacer-adjacent motif (PAM) sequences and the base-editing window. Alternative mRNA splicing is an important mechanism underlying the formation of proteins with diverse functions in eukaryotes. Spliceosome recognizes the conservative sequences of splice donors and acceptors in a precursor mRNA. Mutations in these conservative sequences induce exon skipping, leading to proteins with novel functions or to gene inactivation due to frameshift mutations. In this study, adenine base-editing-mediated exon skipping was used to expand the application of ABE in the generation of gene knockout pigs. We first constructed a modified “all-in-one” ABE vector suitable for porcine somatic cell transfection that contained an ABE for single-base editing and an sgRNA expression cassette. The “all-in-one” ABE vector induced efficient sgRNA-dependent A-to-G conversions in porcine cells during single base-editing of multiple endogenous gene loci. Subsequently, an ABE system was designed for single adenine editing of the conservative splice acceptor site (AG sequence at the 3’ end of the intron 5) and splice donor site (GT sequence at the 5’ end of the intron 6) in the porcine gene GHR; this method achieved highly efficient A-to-G conversion at the cellular level. Then, porcine single-cell colonies carrying a biallelic A-to-G conversion in the splice acceptor site in the intron 5 of GHR were generated. RT-PCR indicated exon 6 skipped at the mRNA level. Western blotting revealed GHR protein loss, and gene sequencing showed no sgRNA-dependent off-target effects. These results demonstrate accurate adenine base-editing-mediated exon skipping and gene knockout in porcine cells. This is the first proof-of-concept study of adenine base-editing-mediated exon skipping for gene regulation in pigs, and this work provides a new strategy for accurate and safe genetic modification of pigs for agricultural and medical applications.
Dealing with Dry Waste Disposal Issues Associated with 177mLu Impurities: A Long-Term Challenge for Nuclear Medicine Departments
Authors: PREVOT Sylviane , Dygaï-Cochet  , Riedinger JM , Vrigneaud JM , QUERMONNE Myriam , GALLET Matthieu , COCHET Alexandre
Published: November 2021

Purpose: A strategy for management of radioactive waste associated with 177 Lu-dotatate (Lutathera ® ) treatments was established in our institution based on predicted storage times of 3 to 5 years extrapolated from the results of a 2-year measurement study. The aim of this work was to validate the model used by identifying contaminants and confirming disposal based on the clearance level twice-the-background was within expected time frames. Methods: We conducted a prospective series of measurements of radioactive waste associated with the first 65 treatments administered. Sequential measurements of the first 45 vials used were performed on a dose calibrator to identify contaminants. Exposure rates in contact were monitored with a dose ratemeter on a 6-monthly basis for all types of waste stored: 46 empty vials, 19 vials partially used and 67 biohazard containers. Results: Initial median activity of the first vials used was 118 MBq (4 - 4188 MBq). For each vial, the decay curve of activity obtained was adjusted to a bi-exponential model. The major component, representing 99.7 % of activity, has a half-life of 6.5 ± 0.2 days, corresponding to 177 Lu. The second, representing only 0.3 % of the activity and having a half-life of 156 ± 24 days corresponding to 177m Lu, determines necessary storage times. Partially used vials can be disposed of after 5 years, other waste after 3 years. Compliance with the regulatory clearance level is achieved within expected time frames. Conclusion: Although only present as traces, 177m Lu results in major radioactive waste disposal issues for hospitals. Availability of radiopharmaceuticals without impurities appears to be crucial for an expanding use of targeted radionuclide therapy.
Modulation of Myosin by Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C Peptides Improves Cardiac Contractility in Ex-Vivo Experimental Heart Failure Models
Authors: Hou Luqia , Kumar Mohit , Anand Priti , Chen Yinhong , El-Bizri Nesrine , Pickens Chad J , Seganish Michael , Sadayappan Sakthivel , Swaminath Gayathri
Published: November 2021

Cardiac myosin binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) is an important regulator of sarcomeric function. Although reduced phosphorylation of cMyBP-C has been linked to compromised contractility in heart failure patients, direct modulation of cMyBP-C to myosin using small molecules or peptides has not been reported to improve cardiac performance. Here we used previously published cMyBP-C peptides 302A and 302S (surrogates to the regulatory phosphorylation site serine 302) as tool molecules to investigate the role of cMyBP-C in modulating cardiac contraction and relaxation in experimental heart failure (HF) models in vitro. cMyBP-C peptides 302A and 302S were able to increase contractility of papillary muscle fibers isolated from a cMyBP-C phospho-ablation (cMyBP-CAAA) mouse model. In addition, 302A was able to improve the force redevelopment rate (ktr) in papillary muscle fibers from cMyBP-CAAA mice. Consistent with above findings, cMyBP-C peptides 302A and 302S were able to increase the ATPase rates in myofibrils isolated from MI rats but not from sham rats. Furthermore, in cMyBP-CAAA mouse and myocardial infarction (MI) HF models, both cMyBP-C peptides 302A and 302S were able to improve ATPase hydrolysis rates. These changes were not observed in non-transgenic (NTG) mice or sham rats, indicating the specific effects of these peptides in regulating the reduced or unphosphorylated state of cMyBP-C only under pathological conditions of heart failure. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that modulation of cMyBP-C in a reduced phosphorylation or unphosphorylated state can be a therapeutic approach to improve myosin function, sarcomere contractility and relaxation. Therefore, targeting cMyBP-C can be a differentiated approach to improve overall cardiac performance on top of standard care drugs in HF patients.
Heavy Metals and Para-Phenylenediamine in Hair Dye
Authors: Abdelhady Randa H , yassa heba A , Mahmoud Marwa M , Shaltout Eman S
Published: November 2021

Background: The use of cosmetics is widespread around the world, particularly in Arabian countries. Some cosmetics as hair dyes are used since very young ages. Hair dye has been one of the pollution resources of heavy metals. Aim: The present study aimed to determine the percentage of para-phenylenediamine (PPD) and heavy metals in various hair dyes sold in Aswan, Egypt. Methods: The study was done on four (n = 4) types of hair dyes commonly used in Aswan. Two analytical methods were used as (GC/MS and EDX). PPD was detected using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and the metal components of these dyes were determined using energy dispersive x-ray (E.D.X.). Results: The concentration of PPD was very high in SHD (99.706%) and tancho HD (99.80%) followed by bigen cream HD (5.563%) and finally bigen powder HD (0.492% ). The heavy metals content was arranged in decreasing order as follow: Al > Ca > Zn > Cu > Cl > Pb> Fe > Sc> Cr > Mn in SHD, Si > Mg> Cu > Zn > Cl > Ca in tancho HD, Pb> Cu > Zn >Si >K > Al > Ca > Cr in bigen powder HD and Al > Cu > Cl > Si > Zn > Ca > Pb> Cr in bigen cream HD. Conclusion: Poisoning with (PPD)-containing hair dye is emerging as a method of deliberate self-harm in various developing countries including the Middle-East, and it is accompanied with high human death rate specially among females. They were also polluted with heavy metals, therefore doctors and consumers should be aware of their potential toxicity as well as the symptoms of systemic poisoning. Even if it isn't stated on the label, many hair dyes contain PPD and heavy metals.
Development and Validation of a High-Throughput Next-Generation Sequencing Workflow for SARS-CoV-2 Whole Genome Sequencing: Results from Over 65,000 Clinical Cases
Authors: Rosenthal Sun Hee , Gerasimova Anna , Ruiz-Vega Rolando , Livingston Kayla , Kagan Ron M. , Liu Yan , Anderson Ben , Owen Renius , Bernstein Laurence , Smolgovsky Alla , Xu Dong , Chen Rebecca , Grupe Andrew , Tanpaiboon Pranoot , Lacbawan Felicitas
Published: November 2021

Monitoring new mutations in SARS-CoV-2 provides crucial information for identifying diagnostic and therapeutic targets and important insights to achieve a more effective COVID-19 control strategy. Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have been widely used for whole genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2. While various NGS methods have been reported, one chief limitation has been the complexity of the workflow, limiting the scalability. Here, we overcome this limitation by designing a workflow optimized for high-throughput studies. The workflow utilizes modified ARTIC network v3 primers for SARS-CoV-2 whole genome amplification. NGS libraries were prepared by a 2-step PCR method, similar to a previously reported tailed PCR method, with further optimizations to improve amplicon balance, to minimize amplicon dropout for viral genomes harboring primer-binding site mutation(s), and to integrate robotic liquid handlers. Validation studies demonstrated that the optimized workflow can process up to 2,688 samples in a single sequencing run without compromising sensitivity and accuracy and with fewer amplicon dropout events compared to the standard ARTIC protocol. We additionally report results for over 65,000 SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequences from clinical specimens collected in the United States between January and September of 2021, as part of an ongoing national genomics surveillance effort.
Aplicación De Las Técnicas De Markowitz A La Comercialización De Productos Agrícolas
Authors: Perez peña Rodrigo
Published: November 2021

Tradicionalmente la comercialización de compra y venta de los productos agrícolas que llegan al centro de abastecimiento Corabastos, Bogotá D.C. se hace al mayoreo y al detal sin la utilización de alguna técnica; que le permitan al inversionista realizar sus preferencias de compra y venta; allí se hace una comercialización al destajo; donde impera el mercado de los mayorista e intermediarios, quienes establecen sus precios a los compradores interesados, estos mayoristas adquieren y luego venden a un mayor valor a los consumidores finales, estos productos; que son el principal sustento de la canasta familiar de la capital y centro del país. El objetivo es experimentar la aplicación de las técnicas de los modelos de selección de cartera de Markowitz, a la comercialización de los productos agrícolas; que tan buena aplicación se han obtenido en el mercado bursátil.

Al final de la experimentación se logró obtener como resultado; que, si es posible aplicar el modelo de selección de carteras de Markowitz a la comercialización de estos productos de consumo doméstico y mejorar el actual sistema de comercializar estos mercados y a su vez poder brindar al inversionista, mejores alternativas que le permitan obtener unos óptimos rendimientos a un menor riesgo.
Resiliencia del hábitat rural a las consecuencias del cambio climático
Authors: Hernández Medina Carlos Alberto , Báez Hernández Alexander , Carrasco fuentes Magdalys Alibet
Published: November 2021

La investigación tuvo el objetivo de determinar cómo fortalecer la resiliencia comunitaria ante el cambio climático del hábitat rural en el municipio de Camajuaní, Villa Clara, afectado por huracanes y sequías, para apoyar la disponibilidad, acceso y consumo de alimentos diversificados y saludables con seguridad alimentaria nutricional de la población más vulnerable, teniendo en cuenta su rol en la calidad de vida del ciudadano. La metodología adoptada fue desarrollar y aprovechar vías y mecanismos que aumenten y fortalezcan la participación de los ciudadanos, en su aporte a la toma de decisiones y en la solución y control popular de problemas que afectan la alimentación sana de infantes y adultos mayores de la comunidad. Se logró completar los estudios de peligro, vulnerabilidad y Riesgo (PVR) con la estimación de las vulnerabilidades de la producción local de alimentos al impacto de huracanes y sequía, fortalecer sistema de alerta y acciones tempranas, reforzar la vigilancia agrometeorológica e hidrometeorológica de la sequía y huracanes para generar información específica para productores agropecuarios y actores de la seguridad alimentaria y nutricional para gestionar la reducción de vulnerabilidades y su impacto en la seguridad alimentaria y nutricional
Market Orientation, Transformational Leadership, Partnership Effects on Organizational Performance: Competitive Advantage as a Mediator
Authors: Muis Indra , Isyanto Puji
Published: November 2021

Market orientation, transformational leadership, and partnership strategy effects on organizational performance mediated by competitive advantage in non-profit private universities are not widely discussed and well understood. The research aimed to describe the implementation of market orientation, transformational leadership, and partnership strategy, competitive advantage, and organizational performance. The research also analyzed the effects of the independent variables (market orientation, transformational leadership, and partnership strategy) and intervening variable (competitive advantage) on the dependent variable (organizational performance). The research applied a quantitative method. The respondents were 38 rectors or vice-rectors from private universities using simple random sampling. The data were analyzed using the PLS technique. The results show that all independent variables have positive effects on competitive advantage, except partnership strategy. Competitive advantage also has a positive effect on organizational performance. The practical research implication is that human resources in universities must have excellent service-oriented. They need to communicate well and coordinate to deliver better service to the students to be competitive and achieve better performance. In conclusion, to increase the university performance, the university leaders need to encourage all employees and faculty members to deliver the best service to the stakeholders of the universities and coordinate well across units to discuss issues and share ideas to solve the problems they have in service delivery. Then, the employees and faculty members will know what to improve and provide, and private universities will be much more competitive because of their reliable resources and capabilities.