bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using quantitative reconstitution to investigate multicomponent condensates
Authors: Currie Simon L. , Rosen Michael K.
Published: November 2021

Many biomolecular condensates are thought to form via liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) of multivalent macromolecules. For those that form through this mechanism, our understanding has benefitted significantly from biochemical reconstitutions of key components and activities. Reconstitutions of RNA-based condensates to date have mostly been based on relatively simple collections of molecules. However, proteomics and sequencing data indicate that natural RNA-based condensates are enriched in hundreds to thousands of different components, and genetic data suggest multiple interactions can contribute to condensate formation to varying degrees. In this Perspective, we describe recent progress in understanding RNA-based condensates through different levels of biochemical reconstitutions as a means to bridge the gap between simple in vitro reconstitution and cellular analyses. Complex reconstitutions provide insight into the formation, regulation, and functions of multicomponent condensates. We focus on two RNA–protein condensate case studies: stress granules and RNA processing bodies (P bodies), and examine the evidence for cooperative interactions among multiple components promoting LLPS. An important concept emerging from these studies is that composition and stoichiometry regulate biochemical activities within condensates. Based on the lessons learned from stress granules and P bodies, we discuss forward-looking approaches to understand the thermodynamic relationships between condensate components, with the goal of developing predictive models of composition and material properties, and their effects on biochemical activities. We anticipate that quantitative reconstitutions will facilitate understanding of the complex thermodynamics and functions of diverse RNA–protein condensates.
Governança corporativa no Brasil: para inglês ver?
Authors: Freitas Gustavo
Published: November 2021

Não se baseie em rótulos, selos, prêmios nem em segmentos diferenciados de listagem: governança se constrói com engajamento e mudança de cultura.
Comparison of cortisol levels in patients with vasovagal syncope and postural tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Fayyaz Humaira , Ambreen Shazadi , Raziq Hammad , Hayyat Azmat
Published: November 2021

Objectives: To compare the levels of cortisol in patients of vasovagal syncope (VVS) and postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at Islamic International Medical College, Rawalpindi and Electrophysiology Department at (AFIC). This study included 80 subjects, comprising of 35 patients in each group of vasovagal syncope and postural tachycardia syndrome and 10 healthy subjects. Patients with complaint of syncope was evaluated for vasovagal syncope and postural tachycardia syndrome using Head Up Tilt Test (HUTT). Blood samples of all the participants were taken and serum cortisol was analyzed using ELISA method. Results were analyzed on SPSS Statistics 21 using ANOVA with a p-value of ≤0.05 regarded as significant.

Results: Hormonal analysis shows that cortisol levels in the vasovagal, postural tachycardia syndrome and in control group was 153±16.7pg/ml, 160.17±pg/ml, and 69.65±5.8pg/ml respectively. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in both vasovagal and POTS groups as compared to controls with a p-value of 0.04 and 0.023 respectively. However, there was no significant difference between vasovagal and POTS patients with p value 0.570.

Conclusion: It is concluded from the study that cortisol responses of VVS and POTS were positive.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4122

How to cite this:Khan HF, Ambreen S, Raziq H, Hayat A. Comparison of cortisol levels in patients with vasovagal syncope and postural tachycardia syndrome. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(1):185-189. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4122

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Journal Club is a way forward to adopt Evidence Based Practice among dental House Officers
Authors: Bana Kiran Fatima Mehboob Ali
Published: November 2021

Objectives: To identify the improvement in knowledge, presentation skills, critical skills and self-directed learning process during Journal Club platform amidst dental house officers of 2018, 2019 and 2020 after completing one year house job training at Bahria dental College Karachi.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from Dec- 2018 till Dec-2020. The six items were asked about perception of change for evidence-based process of (knowledge, cognitive, affective and participant domains) after completion of house job training by each cohort. The responses were noted on three point likert scale as agree, neutral and disagree. Total 150 questionnaires were distributed in three cohorts. The SPSS version 23 was used. P-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant.

Results: Total n=145 house officers had completed the proforma with response rate of 96.65%. The mean age was 24.45 ± SD 0.63 among three groups. There were n=20(14%) males and n=125(86%) females. There was improvement found for knowledge acquisition about relevant literature search among all three groups. Regarding knowledge acquisition of bio-statistics; majority of subjects n=26 (52%) in 2020 group had reported no change and in 2019 cohort n=23(48%) were agreed. Majority n=21(44%) of house officers had reported no change when asked as JC helped in critical thinking in year 2019.

Conclusion: Knowledge acquisition about relevant literature search, presentation and confidence skills were improved but no significant changes were found in knowledge of biostatistics and critical thinking skills. JC is a convincing platform to learn evidence-based process amid dental house officers.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4562

How to cite this:Bana KFMA. Journal Club is a way forward to adopt Evidence Based Practice among dental House Officers. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(1):195-200. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4562

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Clinical study on vacuum assisted closure combined with multiple flaps in the treatment of severe hand trauma
Authors: Wang Quan , Zhang Xu , Sun Wentao , Li Hua
Published: November 2021

Objectives: To investigate the effect and clinical value of the application of vacuum assisted closure (VAC) combined with multiple flaps in the treatment of severe hand trauma.

Methods: A total of 100 patients with severe hand trauma admitted to Harrison International Peace Hospital from September 2015 to September 2020 were selected and randomly divided into two groups according to the randomized block method: the single flap repair group and the combined repair group, with 50 patients in each group. Patients in the single flap repair group underwent flap repair according to their condition, while those in the combined repair group were treated with VAC prior to flap repair. The range of motion and hand sensation scores were compared between the two groups, and their levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELIS). Moreover, the flap survival rate and the incidence of adverse events were recorded and compared between the two groups.

Results: Compared with the single flap repair group, the combined repair group had higher range of motion and hand sensation score (p<0.05), lower levels of IL-8, TNF and LPS (p<0.05), higher flap survival rate (p<0.05), and lower incidence of adverse events (p<0.05).

Conclusion: VAC combined with multiple flaps boasts significant trauma repair effect and preferable clinical application value in the treatment of patients with severe hand trauma, which is principally reflected in significantly improving the hand function of patients and remarkably alleviating the inflammatory response of patients.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4631

How to cite this:Wang Q, Zhang X, Sun W, Li H. Clinical study on vacuum assisted closure combined with multiple flaps in the treatment of severe hand trauma. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(1):248-253. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4631

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Expressions of IGF-1R and Ki-67 in breast cancer patients with diabetes mellitus and an analysis of biological characteristics
Authors: Yan Xiaolu , Gao Zhe , Zhou Ye , Gao Fei , Li Qingxia
Published: November 2021

Objectives: There is a cross-link of insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) with each other’s receptors. The present study was carried out to explore the relationship of Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with the occurrence and development of breast cancer by analyzing the expression of IGF-1R and Ki-67, as well as the biological characteristics in breast cancer patients with and without diabetes mellitus.

Methods: A total of 102 cases of breast cancer patients with T2DM admitted in Hebei General Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020 were selected and grouped in T2DM group. While the control group included 106 cases of breast cancer patients without diabetes mellitus in the same period. Further comparison was conducted focusing on the general data, clinical stage, tumor histological grade, molecular classification and prognosis, and the expressions of IGF-1R and Ki-67 in breast cancer tissue between groups.

Results: Compared with control group, patients in T2DM group were elderly and accounted for a larger proportion of post-menopause (p<0.05), yet with no significant difference in body mass and family history (p>0.05). Compared with control group, T2DM group had advanced clinical stage, higher histological grade, and more common molecular type, with statistical differences between groups (p<0.05). Furthermore, there were higher proportions of local recurrence, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis in T2DM group than those in control group, yet with no statistical significance (p>0.05). While statistical difference was found in the comparison of the 5-year survival rate, which was lower in T2DM group than that in control group (p<0.05). In addition, compared with control group, there were significant increase in both the expressions of IGF-1R and Ki-67 in T2DM group (p<0.05).

Conclusions: T2DM may be one of the risk factors affecting the occurrence, development and prognosis of breast cancer, which may decrease the 5-year survival of breast cancer patients. Besides, high expressions of IGF-1R and Ki-67 may be the key factors for poor prognosis of breast cancer patients with diabetes mellitus.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4718

How to cite this:Yan X, Gao Z, Zhou Y, Gao F, Li Q. Expressions of IGF-1R and Ki-67 in breast cancer patients with diabetes mellitus and an analysis of biological characteristics. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(1):281-286. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4718

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Clinical application of terminal ileum suspension in laparoscopic radical resection for low rectal cancer
Authors: Long-zhi Zheng , Bin Zu , Jian-xin Huang , Wei Lin
Published: November 2021

Objectives: This paper introduces the surgical procedure of “terminal ileum suspension” in the radical resection for low rectal cancer patients and evaluates the possibility of its clinical application.

Methods: This paper retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with low rectal cancer who underwent “terminal ileum suspension” during radical resection of rectal cancer (Dixon) in our hospital, and introduces the specific surgical procedures and key points of “terminal ileum suspension”. Observe the relevant conditions of patients during the operation, postoperative recovery and postoperative complications, and analyze the safety and feasibility of this operation (“terminal ileum suspension”).

Results: The operation of all 8 patients went smoothly, and no anastomotic leakage, intestinal obstruction, and open diversion of suspended terminal ileum were found. The application of “terminal ileum suspension” in the operation of low rectal cancer has achieved ideal clinical effect, without increasing the rate of anastomotic leakage and rehospitalization, reducing the proportion of the secondary return operation, and reducing the pain of the patients.

Conclusion: “Terminal ileum suspension” is a safe, effective and feasible surgical method for laparoscopic radical resection of low rectal cancer, which can be applied in clinical practice.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4721

How to cite this:Long-zhi Z, Bin Z, Jian-xin H, Wei L. Clinical application of terminal ileum suspension in laparoscopic radical resection for low rectal cancer. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(1):261-266. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.1.4721

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Σύνθεση φυσικών τερπενίων ή/και αναλόγων τους με πιθανή βιολογική δράση
Authors: Ρίζος Στέργιος
Published: November 2021

Τα μεροτερπενοειδή που έχουν απομονωθεί από θαλάσσιες πηγές αποτελούν μια κατηγορία φυσικών προϊόντων τα οποία προέρχονται μερικώς από τερπενοειδή μονοπάτια, με ποικιλία πολύπλοκων χημικών δομών και πολυάριθμων βιολογικών ιδιοτήτων. Τα θαλάσσια φυσικά προϊόντα chabrolonaphthoquinone B (1) και chabrolobenzoquinone H (2) είναι παραδείγματα μεροτερπενοειδών ναφθοκινόνης και βενζοκινόνης, αντίστοιχα και παρουσιάζουν αντικαρκινική δράση, ενώ δεν έχουν συντεθεί έως τώρα. O στόχος της εργασίας αυτής ήταν η ολική σύνθεση των προαναφερόμενων προϊόντων καθώς και η σύνθεση παραγώγων τους με πιθανό βιολογικό ενδιαφέρον. Στην παρούσα διατριβή αναφέρεται ο σχεδιασμός και η εφαρμογή μιας συνθετικής στρατηγικής η οποία οδήγησε τελικά στην επιτυχή εναντιοειδική ολική σύνθεση επαρκών ποσοτήτων αυτών των δύο προϊόντων, τα οποία απομονώθηκαν σε περιορισμένες ποσότητες από θαλάσσιες πηγές. Για τη σύνθεση της chabrolonaphthoquinone B (1) χρησιμοποιήθηκε μια αντίδραση ολεφινοποίησης Julia-Kocienski μεταξύ της κατάλληλα τροποποιημένης αλειφατικής σουλφόνης και μιας αρωματικής αλδεΰδης οδηγώντας στη στερεοεκλεκτική κατασκευή του Ε-τριυποκατεστημένου διπλού δεσμού. Η χειρόμορφη σουλφόνη συντέθηκε έπειτα από κατάλληλους χημικούς μετασχηματισμούς που περιλαμβάνουν την ομολογοποίηση Ohira-Bestmann, την αντίδραση Wittig και τη στερεοειδική cross-αλδολική αντίδραση, ξεκινώντας με πρώτη ύλη από εμπορικά διαθέσιμα σάκχαρα ή παράγωγα αυτών. Η αλδεΰδη με τη σειρά της συντέθηκε μέσω μιας regio-ειδικής αντίδρασης Diels-Alder οδηγώντας στον κατάλληλα υποκατεστημένο αρωματικό σκελετό, ενώ η αλυσίδα του δακτυλίου εισήχθη μέσω της αντίδρασης Suzuki-Miyaura. Για τη σύνθεση της chabrolobenzoquinone H (2) χρησιμοποιήθηκε η ίδια σουλφόνη που συντέθηκε σε μεγάλη ποσότητα, αφού τα δύο προϊόντα παρουσιάζουν μερικώς ομοιότητα στο αλειφατικό τμήμα. Η εισαγωγή της κατάλληλης αλυσίδας στον κινονικό δακτύλιο έγινε μέσω στερεοειδικής ολεφινικής μετάθεσης, ενώ η επέκταση του άκρου της κατέστη δυνατή με την εφαρμογή της μηλονικής σύνθεσης στο κατάλληλο αλκυλαλογονίδιο και την επακόλουθη αποκαρβοξυλίωση Krapcho. Επιπλέον, με τις συνθέσεις των εναντιομερώς καθαρών φυσικών προϊόντων επιβεβαιώθηκε και η απόλυτη στερεοχημική απεικόνιση των στερεογονικών κέντρων τους, η οποία είχε απλώς προταθεί στο παρελθόν χωρίς ωστόσο να επιβεβαιωθεί με απόλυτα αξιόπιστες μεθόδους. Ακόμη, στην παρούσα διατριβή παρουσιάζονται και οι συνθετικές προσεγγίσεις για την ολική σύνθεση του φυσικού προϊόντος dactyloditerpenol acetate (3), ενός θαλάσσιου πρενυλο-βισαβολενο-διτερπενίου με ασυνήθιστη μοριακή δομή και ισχυρή αντιφλεγμονώδη δράση. Τέλος, συντέθηκαν παράγωγα των φυσικών προϊόντων με σκοπό τη δημιουργία μιας βιβλιοθήκης βιολογικά ενεργών οργανικών ενώσεων και την εκτίμηση των βιολογικών δραστικοτήτων τους ακολουθώντας την ευέλικτη συνθετική πορεία που σχεδιάστηκε.
Drug Utilization Evaluation of Vancomycin among Patients in Jafar Ibn Auf Pediatric Hospital, 2018
Authors: Salih Tagwa A. M. , Yousef Bashir A. , Salih Mohamed A. M. , Eltom Khalid S.
Published: November 2021

Background: Vancomycin is an antibiotic of growing importance in the treatment of hospital-acquired infections; with a particular emphasis on its value in the fight against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Increasing reports of Vancomycin resistance have raised concerns about the effectiveness of this drug. Drug utilization evaluation has an important role in controlling rational use of antibiotics to prevent the emergence of resistance.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective 6-months study at Jafar Ibn Auf pediatric hospital. Data including patient's demographics, diagnosis, Dosage regimen, and treatment duration were reviewed. The concordance of practice with the Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) guidelines and principles of antibiotic therapy was assessed.

Results: 127 medical records were reviewed in this study. Sepsis (29%) and Pneumonia (19.6%) were the most common indications. Culture test was requested in 20.5% of patients. Monitoring of serum creatinine was carried in 81.1% of patients. Based on HICPAC guidelines vancomycin was administered appropriately in 67.7% percent of cases. Considering the infusion rate, most of patients with specific order were received vancomycin in 1 hour.

Conclusions: The results showed that vancomycin was used empirically without subsequent adjustment of the antimicrobial agent according to culture and sensitivity data and lack of paying enough attention to the infusion rate and serum creatinine monitoring.
Review of Projects for the Implementation of Innovative Industrial Safety Technologies in Foreign Oil and Gas Companies
Authors: Siutin Denis , Kutsenko Svetlana
Published: November 2021

The introduction of innovative technologies to ensure industrial safety in oil and gas companies is aimed at reducing the number of accidents, industrial injuries, incidents and occupational diseases in the implementation of both main and auxiliary activities. The article presents the results of a study of innovative projects to ensure industrial safety on the example of foreign oil and gas companies: Royal Dutch Shell (Shell), ExxonMobil, British Petroleum (BP), Total, Chevron, Eni, Equinor, Sinopec, PetroChina, CNOOC, Petrobras, Saudi Aramco, Hydro, PVDSA. The directions and current trends in the development of innovative technologies in the field of industrial safety (labor protection, industrial safety, fire safety, road safety, environmental protection) for the period 2016-2020 are summarized.

The research methodology is based on the analysis of information from open sources, including annual reports of companies and reports on sustainable development. The results obtained have theoretical and practical significance for oil and gas of the Russian Federation, state executive authorities.
The Future of Forecasting Competitions: Design Attributes and Principles
Authors: Makridakis Spyros , Fry Chris , Petropoulos Fotios , Spiliotis Evangelos
Published: November 2021

Forecasting competitions are the equivalent of laboratory experimentation widely used in physical and life sciences. They provide useful, objective information to improve the theory and practice of forecasting, advancing the field, expanding its usage, and enhancing its value to decision and policymakers. We describe 10 design attributes to be considered when organizing forecasting competitions, taking into account trade-offs between optimal choices and practical concerns, such as costs, as well as the time and effort required to participate in them. Consequently, we map all major past competitions in respect to their design attributes, identifying similarities and differences between them, as well as design gaps, and making suggestions about the principles to be included in future competitions, putting a particular emphasis on learning as much as possible from their implementation in order to help improve forecasting accuracy and uncertainty. We discuss that the task of forecasting often presents a multitude of challenges that can be difficult to capture in a single forecasting contest. To assess the caliber of a forecaster, we, therefore, propose that organizers of future competitions consider a multicontest approach. We suggest the idea of a forecasting-“athlon” in which different challenges of varying characteristics take place.
Automatic lens-splitting optimization algorithm for spherical aberration correction
Authors: He Jiaying , Yu Feihong
Published: November 2021

This paper proposes the automatic lens-splitting optimization algorithm to correct spherical aberration by the interaction between ZEMAX and MATLAB. This method tackled the problem that classic optimization cannot add the elements automatically. A high numerical aperture collimator is considered for the test sample, and the selection of four thickness constraints (minimum center and edge of glass and air thickness constraints) is discussed. To determine the feasibility and applicability of this method, more design systems (a retro-focus objective system and a telesystem) are tested. The simulated results under the feasible thickness constraints show that the automatic lens-splitting optimization algorithm generates reasonable and realizable solutions.
DCO-OTFS-based full-duplex relay-assisted visible light communications
Authors: Zheng Di , Zhang Hongming , Song Jian
Published: November 2021

In this paper, a direct current biased optical orthogonal time frequency space (DCO-OTFS) based full-duplex relay-assisted visible light communication system is proposed to enhance the spectral efficiency of visible light communications (VLC). The DCO-OTFS modulation method is described and the spectral efficiency of the system is analyzed. Simulation results indicate that the proposed method can achieve higher spectrum efficiency and robustness than the traditional direct current biased optical orthogonal frequency division modulation (DCO-OFDM).
Phase diffusion in gain-switched semiconductor lasers for quantum random number generation
Authors: Quirce Ana , Valle Angel
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we report a theoretical and experimental study of the phase diffusion in a gain-switched single-mode semiconductor laser. Our modelling includes nonlinear dependencies of the carrier recombination rate and the semiconductor material gain on the carrier number. Also a comparison with the results obtained with linear models is performed. We focus on the below threshold operation, that is, the regime where most of the phase diffusion occurs in quantum random number generators based on the above mentioned system. Using the extracted parameters for our laser and simple analytical expressions for the laser linewidth, we show that logarithmic material gain and cubic carrier recombination dependence on the carrier number must be considered for a good agreement between experiments and theory. In this way we show that consideration of these nonlinearities is essential for obtaining a good quantitative description of the phase diffusion when using rate equations modelling.
Numerical study on the influence of the linewidth of a QCW pulsed sodium laser on the brightness of a guide star
Authors: Li Hong-Yang , Feng Lu , Bian Qi , Li Min , Sun Bo-Tian , Wang Chen , Wang Ming , Liang Yue , Wang Rui-Tao , Zuo Jun-Wei , Bo Yong , Wei Kai , Shen Zhi-Xia , Li Yang-Peng , Xue Sui-Jian
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we investigated the impact of the linewidth of a QCW pulsed sodium laser on the brightness performance of a generating sodium laser guide star by using the numerical simulation tool PRS. We compared the field test results with the simulation results for two TIPC’s 30W class sodium guide star lasers and found the results are in good agreement which proves the tool can be used for prediction. Then, we used the tool to study the influence of D2b repumping and different linewidths from 10MHz to 1GHz on the coupling efficiency and the photon return flux. For the TIPC’s QCW pulsed solid-state laser, when the on-sky power density is 1 W/m2, the coupling efficiency is 79.6 (photons/s/W/(atoms/m2)) without D2b repumping, however, the value is up to 213.3 (photons/s/W/(atoms/m2)) with 15% D2b enabled and is increased by 168% than the value without D2b; when the power density reaches 10 W/m2, the coupling efficiencies without D2b and with 15% D2b are 66.6 and 233.6 (photons/s/W/(atoms/m2)), respectively. The results show that for the QCW pulsed laser, D2b repumping is necessary. With D2b enabled, if the spectral linewidth is too wide or too narrow, the photon return flux will be adversely affected. The return flux of 60MHz is 52.5% higher than that of 1GHz, while the return flux of 300MHz is 37.8% higher than that of 10 MHz when the laser power is 100W.
Silicon-integrated monocrystalline oxide–nitride heterostructures for deep-ultraviolet optoelectronics
Authors: Alfaraj Nasir , Li Kuang-Hui , Kang Chun Hong , Braic Laurentiu , Zoita Nicolae Catalin , Kiss Adrian Emil , Ng Tien Khee , Ooi Boon S.
Published: November 2021

New opportunities for high-performance CMOS-compatible optoelectronic devices have accelerated the interest in vertically configured device topologies that enable next-generation photonic technologies. Lately, TiN has been identified as a promising refractory metal–ceramic for the hybrid integration of emerging semiconductor materials on a variety of substrates, including Si, MgO, and sapphire. Among these, Si is the least expensive and most commonly used element and substrate material in the semiconductor device industry. Following these examples, a hybrid oxide–nitride–Si stack is proposed and thoroughly investigated herein for its potential use in DUV optoelectronic device applications. The stack comprises β-Ga2O3 thin films grown heteroepitaxially on TiN/Si platforms, wherein the TiN interlayers were heteroepitaxially grown on bulk (100)-oriented Si and act as lattice-mismatched templates and bottom device electrodes. Albeit the relatively large lattice mismatch between Si and TiN, a low in-plane rotation of 3

∘

revealed that the TiN layers continued to grow as a bulk crystal, paving the way for heteroepitaxial β-Ga2O3 thin films being grown without exhibiting amorphous and metastable phases. DUV photodetectors based on this optoelectronic heterostructure exhibited average peak spectral responsivity and external quantum efficiency levels as high as 249 A/W and 1.23 × 105%, respectively, in the ultraviolet-C regime at an illuminating power density of around 12 µW/cm2.
Genetic diversity, antifungal evaluation and molecular docking studies of Cu-chitosan nanoparticles as prospective stem rust inhibitor candidates among some Egyptian wheat genotypes
Authors: Omar Hanaa S. , Al Mutery Abdullah , Osman Neama H. , Reyad Nour El-Houda A. , Abou-Zeid Mohamed A.
Published: November 2021

Wheat has a remarkable importance among cereals worldwide. Wheat stem and leaf rust constitute the main threats that destructively influence grain quality and yield production. Pursuing resistant cultivars and developing new genotypes including resistance genes is believed to be the most effective tool to overcome these challenges. This study is the first to use molecular markers to evaluate the genetic diversity of eighteen Egyptian wheat genotypes. Moreover, the molecular docking analysis was also used to assess the Cu-chitosan nanoparticle (CuChNp) treatment and its mode of action in disease control management. The tested genotypes were categorized into two main cluster groups depending on the similarity matrix, i.e the most resistant and susceptible genotypes to stem and leaf rust races. The results of SCoT primers revealed 140 polymorphic and 5 monomorphic bands with 97% polymorphism. While 121 polymorphic and 74 monomorphic bands were scored for SRAP primers (99% polymorphism). The genotypes Sakha 94, Sakha 95, Beni Sweif 4, Beni Sweif 7, Sohag 4 and Sohag 5 were resistant, while Giza 160 was highly susceptible to all stem rust races at the seedling stage. However, in the adult stage, the 18 genotypes were evaluated for stem and leaf rust-resistant in two different locations, i.e. Giza and Sids. In this investigation, for the first time, the activity of CuChNp was studied and shown to have the potential to inhibit stem and leaf rust in studied Egyptian wheat genotypes. The Spraying Cu-chitosan nanoparticles showed that the incubation and latent periods were increased in treated plants of the tested genotypes. Molecular modeling revealed their activity against the stem and leaf rust development. The SRAP and SCoT markers were highly useful tools for the classification of the tested wheat genotypes, although they displayed high similarities at the morphological stage. However, Cu-chitosan nanoparticles have a critical and effective role in stem and leaf rust disease control.
Level of inequality and the role of governance indicators in the coverage of reproductive maternal and child healthcare services: Findings from India
Authors: Gandhi Sumirtha , Maharatha Tulasi Malini , Dash Umakant , Babu M. Suresh
Published: November 2021

Background

Diligent monitoring of inequalities in the coverage of essential reproductive, maternal, new-born and child health related (RMNCH) services becomes imperative to smoothen the journey towards Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this study, we aim to measure the magnitude of inequalities in the coverage of RMNCH services. We also made an attempt to divulge the relationship between the various themes of governance and RMNCH indices.

Methods

We used National Family Health Survey dataset (2015–16) and Public Affairs Index (PAI), 2016 for the analysis. Two summative indices, namely Composite Coverage Index (CCI) and Co-Coverage (Co-Cov) indicator were constructed to measure the RMNCH coverage. Slope Index of Inequality (SII) and Relative Index of Inequality (RII) were employed to measure inequality in the distribution of coverage of RMNCH. In addition, we have used Spearman’s rank correlation matrix to glean the association between governance indicator and coverage indices.

Results & conclusions

Our study indicates an erratic distribution in the coverage of CCI and Co-Cov across wealth quintiles and state groups. We found that the distribution of RII values for Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal hovered around 1. Whereas, RII values for Haryana was 2.01 indicating maximum inequality across wealth quintiles. Furthermore, the essential interventions like adequate antenatal care services (ANC4) and skilled birth attendants (SBA) were the most inequitable interventions, while tetanus toxoid and Bacilli Calmette- Guerin (BCG) were least inequitable. The Spearman’s rank correlation matrix demonstrated a strong and positive correlation between governance indicators and coverage indices.
An oversampling method for multi-class imbalanced data based on composite weights
Authors: Deng Mingyang , Guo Yingshi , Wang Chang , Wu Fuwei
Published: November 2021

To solve the oversampling problem of multi-class small samples and to improve their classification accuracy, we develop an oversampling method based on classification ranking and weight setting. The designed oversampling algorithm sorts the data within each class of dataset according to the distance from original data to the hyperplane. Furthermore, iterative sampling is performed within the class and inter-class sampling is adopted at the boundaries of adjacent classes according to the sampling weight composed of data density and data sorting. Finally, information assignment is performed on all newly generated sampling data. The training and testing experiments of the algorithm are conducted by using the UCI imbalanced datasets, and the established composite metrics are used to evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm and other algorithms in comprehensive evaluation method. The results show that the proposed algorithm makes the multi-class imbalanced data balanced in terms of quantity, and the newly generated data maintain the distribution characteristics and information properties of the original samples. Moreover, compared with other algorithms such as SMOTE and SVMOM, the proposed algorithm has reached a higher classification accuracy of about 90%. It is concluded that this algorithm has high practicability and general characteristics for imbalanced multi-class samples.
Adaptive kernel fuzzy clustering for missing data
Authors: Rodrigues Anny K. G. , Ospina Raydonal , Ferreira Marcelo R. P.
Published: November 2021

Many machine learning procedures, including clustering analysis are often affected by missing values. This work aims to propose and evaluate a Kernel Fuzzy C-means clustering algorithm considering the kernelization of the metric with local adaptive distances (VKFCM-K-LP) under three types of strategies to deal with missing data. The first strategy, called Whole Data Strategy (WDS), performs clustering only on the complete part of the dataset, i.e. it discards all instances with missing data. The second approach uses the Partial Distance Strategy (PDS), in which partial distances are computed among all available resources and then re-scaled by the reciprocal of the proportion of observed values. The third technique, called Optimal Completion Strategy (OCS), computes missing values iteratively as auxiliary variables in the optimization of a suitable objective function. The clustering results were evaluated according to different metrics. The best performance of the clustering algorithm was achieved under the PDS and OCS strategies. Under the OCS approach, new datasets were derive and the missing values were estimated dynamically in the optimization process. The results of clustering under the OCS strategy also presented a superior performance when compared to the resulting clusters obtained by applying the VKFCM-K-LP algorithm on a version where missing values are previously imputed by the mean or the median of the observed values.
The relationship between claimed restorations and future restorations in children and adolescents: An observational follow-up study on risk categories for dental caries
Authors: Hummel Riët , van der Sanden Wil , Bruers Josef , van der Heijden Geert
Published: November 2021

Various models are available to assess caries risk in individuals. In general past caries experience is considered as the best single predictor for future caries development in populations. Likewise, recent restorations have been used to predict future restorations. We aimed to evaluate a classification model for risk categories for dental caries in children based on claims data from Dutch healthcare insurance company Zilveren Kruis. The baseline caries risk categories were derived from the number of claimed restorations in two baseline years (2010 through 2011). These categories were defined as low (no new restorations), moderate (1 new restoration), and high (2 or more new restorations). First, we analyzed the relationship between baseline caries risk categories and the number of new restorations during 3 years of follow-up (2012 through 2014). Secondly, we used negative binominal two-level analyses to determine the accuracy of our classification model in predicting new restorations during follow-up. Thirdly, we reclassified the participants after 3 years and determined the changes in the categorization. We included insurance claims data for the oral healthcare services in 28,305 children and adolescents from 334 dental practices for the period 2010–2014. At baseline, 68% of the participants were in risk category low, 13% in moderate and 19% in high. The mean number of new restorations during follow-up was 0.81 (SD 1.72) in baseline risk category low, 1.61 (SD 2.35) in moderate, and 2.65 (SD 3.32) in high. The accuracy of the multivariate model for predicting 0/>0 restorations was 50%. After 3 years, 60% of the study participants were in the same risk category, 20% were in a lower, and 21% in a higher risk category. Risk categories based on claimed restorations were related to the number of new restorations in groups. As such, they could support planning and evaluation of oral healthcare services.
Diagnosis of Streptococcus pneumoniae infection using circulating antibody secreting cells
Authors: Kyu Shuya , Ramonell Richard P. , Kuruvilla Merin , Kraft Colleen S. , Wang Yun F. , Falsey Ann R. , Walsh Edward E. , Daiss John L. , Paulos Simon , Rajam Gowrisankar , Wu Hao , Velusamy Srinivasan , Lee F. Eun-Hyung
Published: November 2021

Background

Streptococcus pneumoniae infections cause morbidity and mortality worldwide. A rapid, simple diagnostic method could reduce the time needed to introduce definitive therapy potentially improving patient outcomes.

Methods

We introduce two new methods for diagnosing S. pneumoniae infections by measuring the presence of newly activated, pathogen-specific, circulating Antibody Secreting Cells (ASC). First, ASC were detected by ELISpot assays that measure cells secreting antibodies specific for signature antigens. Second, the antibodies secreted by isolated ASC were collected in vitro in a novel matrix, MENSA (media enriched with newly synthesized antibodies) and antibodies against S. pneumoniae antigens were measured using Luminex immunoassays. Each assay was evaluated using blood from S. pneumoniae and non-S. pneumoniae-infected adult patients.

Results

We enrolled 23 patients with culture-confirmed S. pneumoniae infections and 24 controls consisting of 12 non-S. pneumoniae infections, 10 healthy donors and two colonized with S. pneumoniae. By ELISpot assays, twenty-one of 23 infected patients were positive, and all 24 controls were negative. Using MENSA samples, four of five S. pneumoniae-infected patients were positive by Luminex immunoassays while all five non-S. pneumoniae-infected patients were negative.

Conclusion

Specific antibodies produced by activated ASC may provide a simple diagnostic for ongoing S. pneumoniae infections. This method has the potential to diagnose acute bacterial infections.
Molecular characterization of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes strains from biofilms in cattle and poultry slaughterhouses located in the federal District and State of Goiás, Brazil
Authors: Agostinho Davanzo Emilia Fernanda , dos Santos Rebecca Lavarini , Castro Virgilio Hipólito de Lemos , Palma Joana Marchesini , Pribul Bruno Rocha , Dallago Bruno Stéfano Lima , Fuga Bruna , Medeiros Margareti , Titze de Almeida Simoneide Souza , da Costa Hayanna Maria Boaventura , Rodrigues Dália dos Prazeres , Lincopan Nilton , Perecmanis Simone , Santana Angela Patrícia
Published: November 2021

Listeria monocytogenesandSalmonellaspp. are considered important foodborne pathogens that are commonly associated with foods of animal origin. The aim of this study was to perform molecular characterization ofL.monocytogenesandSalmonellaspp. isolated from biofilms of cattle and poultry slaughterhouses located in the Federal District and State of Goiás, Brazil. FourteenL.monocytogenesisolates and oneSalmonellasp. were detected in poultry slaughterhouses. No isolates were detected in cattle slaughterhouses. AllL.monocytogenesisolates belonged to lineage II, and 11 different pulsotypes were detected. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis revealed the dissemination of two strains within one plant, in addition to the regional dissemination of one of them. TheSalmonellaisolate was identified via whole genome sequencing asSalmonella entericaserovar Minnesota ST548. In the sequence analysis, no premature stop codons were detected in theinlAgene ofListeria. All isolates demonstrated the ability to adhere to Caco-2 cells, while 50% were capable of invading them. Antimicrobial resistance was detected in 57.1% of theL.monocytogenesisolates, and resistance to sulfonamide was the most common feature. ThetetC,ermB, andtetMgenes were detected, and four isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant.Salmonellasp. was resistant to nine antimicrobials and was classified as multidrug-resistant. Resistance genesqnrB19,blaCMY-2,aac(6’)-Iaa,sul2, andtetA, and a mutation in theparCgene were detected. The majority (78.5%) of theL.monocytogenesisolates were capable of forming biofilms after incubation at 37°C for 24 h, and 64.3% were capable of forming biofilms after incubation at 12°C for 168 h. There was no statistical difference in the biofilm-forming capacity under the different evaluated conditions.Salmonellasp. was capable of forming biofilms at both tested temperatures. Biofilm characterization was confirmed by collecting the samples consistently, at the same sampling points, and by assessing biofilm formationin vitro. These results highlight the potential risk of cross-contamination in poultry slaughterhouses and the importance of surveillance and pathogen control maintenance programs within the meat production industry.
“Reverse engineering” research portfolio synergies and tradeoffs from domain expertise in minimum data contexts
Authors: Schiek Benjamin
Published: November 2021

In research portfolio planning contexts, an estimate of research policy and project synergies/tradeoffs (i.e. covariances) is essential to the optimal leveraging of institution resources. The data by which to make such estimates generally do not exist. Research institutions may often draw on domain expertise to fill this gap, but it is not clear how such ad hoc information can be quantified and fed into an optimal resource allocation workflow. Drawing on principal components analysis, I propose a method for “reverse engineering” synergies/tradeoffs from domain expertise at both the policy and project level. I discuss extensions to other problems and detail how the method can be fed into a research portfolio optimization workflow. I also briefly discuss the relevance of the proposed method in the context of the currently toxic relations between research communities and the donors that fund them.
Impact of concomitant idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis on prognosis in lung cancer patients: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Yang Ruiyuan , Jin Jing , Wang Zhoufeng , Li Weimin
Published: November 2021

Background

Current studies showed that idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) may lead to a poor prognosis of lung cancer. We conducted a meta-analysis to explore the impact of concomitant IPF in lung cancer and its prognostic value.

Methods

We searched the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase up to Feb 10th, 2021 for relevant researches and merged the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to evaluate the association between concomitant IPF and overall survival (OS) in patients with lung cancer.

Results

Twelve studies involving 58424 patients were included in our meta-analysis. The results indicated that concomitant IPF was correlated with poor prognosis of lung cancer patients (HR = 1.99, 95%CI, 1.59–2.51). The association remained consistent after subgroup analysis and meta-regression stratified by study region, sample size, tumor histology, and therapy. In addition, our results were robust even after sensitivity analysis.

Conclusions

Concomitant IPF may be a prognostic factor of lung cancer, which can lead to poor survival. However, further studies were necessary for evidence in clinical application.
The role of health literacy in cancer care: A mixed studies systematic review
Authors: Holden Chloe E. , Wheelwright Sally , Harle Amélie , Wagland Richard
Published: November 2021

Background

Patients diagnosed with cancer face many challenges and need a good understanding of their diagnosis and proposed treatments to make informed decisions about their care. Health literacy plays an important role in this and low health literacy has been associated with poorer outcomes. The aims of this review are to identify which outcomes relate to health literacy in patients with cancer, and to combine this through a mixed studies approach with the patient experience as described through qualitative studies.

Methods

Four electronic databases were searched in January 2021 to identify records relating to health literacy and patients with cancer. Records were independently screened then assessed for inclusion by two reviewers according to the following criteria: patients aged ≥18 years with cancer, English language publication AND health literacy measured with validated tool and measured outcome associated with health literacy OR qualitative study exploring the role of health literacy as patients make decisions about health. Quality was independently assessed by two reviewers. A narrative synthesis was performed, and findings integrated through concept mapping. This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO, entry CRD42020166454.

Results

4441 records were retrieved. Following de-duplication, 2496 titles and abstracts were screened and full texts of 405 papers were reviewed for eligibility. 66 papers relating to 60 studies met the eligibility criteria. Lower health literacy was associated with greater difficulties understanding and processing cancer related information, poorer quality of life and poorer experience of care. Personal and situational influences contributed to how participants processed information and reached decisions about their care.

Conclusion

This review highlights the important role of health literacy for patients with cancer. Outcomes are poorer for those who experience difficulties with health literacy. Further efforts should be made to facilitate understanding, develop health literacy and support patients to become more involved in their care.
Choice bundling, unpacked: Observed and predicted effects on intertemporal choice in an additive model of hyperbolic delay discounting
Authors: Stein Jeffrey S. , Madden Gregory J.
Published: November 2021

One method known to increase preference for larger, later rewards (LLRs) over smaller, sooner rewards (SSRs) is choice bundling, in which a single choice produces a series of repeating consequences over time. The present study examined whether effects of choice bundling on preference for LLRs: (1) increase with the number of rewards in the bundle (i.e., bundle size); (2) are independent of differences in reward magnitude between conditions; and (3) accord with predictions of an additive model of hyperbolic delay discounting, in which the value of a bundle of rewards can be expressed as the summed discounted value of all rewards in that bundle. Participants (N = 252) completed a choice task to assess valuation of monetary LLRs at bundle sizes of 1 (control), 3, and 9 rewards per choice (ascending/descending order counterbalanced). To control for the magnitude effect, the total reward amounts were held constant across conditions. Choice bundling significantly increased LLR preference (p < .001), with the largest effect observed at the largest bundle size. The descending bundle-size order produced significantly greater LLR preference than the ascending order (p < .05), although order did not significantly interact with bundle size. Difference scores between observed measures and those predicted by an additive model of hyperbolic discounting were small and not significantly different than zero, but were not equivalent to zero. Future research should investigate the clinical utility of choice bundling for reducing the maladaptive health behavior (e.g., substance use) with which delay discounting is associated.