bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Life Influences on the Development of Food Addiction in College Attending Young Adults
Authors: Wattick Rachel A. , Olfert Melissa D , Claydon Elizabeth , Hagedorn-Hatfield Rebecca L. , Barr Makenzie L. , Brodie Cassie
Published: July 2022

Purpose
There is little investigation into the causes of food addiction. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of early life influences on the development of food addiction in college-attending young adults aged 18–29.
Methods
This study utilized a sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design. College-attending young adults were invited to complete an online survey measuring ACEs, food addiction, depression, anxiety, stress, and demographic information. Correlations between food addiction and the other variables were analyzed and significant variables were placed into a nominal logistic regression model to predict the development of food addiction. Participants who met the criteria for food addiction were invited to participate in interviews to examine their childhood eating environment and when their symptoms emerged. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed. Quantitative analysis was conducted using JMP Pro Version 16.0 and qualitative analysis was conducted using NVIVO Software Version 12.0.
Results
Survey respondents [n = 1645] had an overall 21.9% prevalence of food addiction. Significant correlations were observed between food addiction and ACEs, depression, anxiety, stress, and sex [p < .01 for all]. Depression was the only significant predictor of the development of food addiction [OR = 3.33 95% CI 2.19, 5.05]. The most common eating environment described by interview participants [n = 36] was an emphasis on diet culture, ideal body image, and restrictive environments. Symptoms frequently emerged after transitioning into college and having the ability to make their own food choices.
Conclusion
These results show the impact of early life eating environments and young adulthood mental health on the development of food addiction. These findings contribute to the understanding of underlying causes of food addiction.
Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion: impact on left atrial deformation indices
Authors: Dippenaar Andries P. , Saaiman Jan A. , Heradien Marshall J. , Brink Paul A. , Bijl Pieter van der
Published: July 2022

Background: Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is an accepted alternative to thromboprophylaxis in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) who are: i) intolerant to oral anticoagulation (OAC) (e.g. life-threatening haemorrhage), ii) non-adherent to OAC, or iii) at a high bleeding risk with OAC. Improvement in LA mechanics was shown post-LAAO in the LAFIT-LARIAT study, using the Lariat device. No significant change was seen in LA mechanics after LAAO with the Watchman device in the LAFIT-Watchman study. The impact of LAAO with the Amplatz or Amulet device on LA deformation mechanics has not been investigated.Purpose: To evaluate the impact of LAAO with the Amplatz or Amulet device on echocardiographic LA deformation indices.Methods: All patients undergoing percutaneous LAAO from 2013 to 2021 at a single centre were included from an ongoing clinical registry. LA reservoir (εreservoir), conduit (εconduit) and contractile strain (εcontractile) and strain rate (SRreservoir, SRconduit, SRcontractile) were assessed with two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography from an apical four-chamber view. Conduit and contractile strain and strain rates were only recorded for patients without AF at the time of echocardiography. Changes in LA deformation indices over time were compared with a linear mixed model.Results: 28 LAAO recipients (mean age 73±12 years, 68% male) were analysed. 5 (18%) patients had AF pre- or post-procedure. After a mean follow-up of 1.6±1.4 months, the mean LA εreservoir increased from 10.15±6.44% to 10.18±8.72% (p=0.985), the mean LA εconduit increased from 5.12±5.48% to 5.31±6.11% (p=0.891) and the mean LA εcontractile decreased from 5.14±4.32% to 4.95±5.30% (p=0.898). During the same time interval, the mean LA SRreservoir decreased from +0.54±0.23.s-1 to +0.48±0.43.s-1 (p=0.566), the mean LA SRconduit remained stable: -0.47±0.41.s-1 to -0.47±0.32.s-1 (p=0.997) and the mean LA SRcontractile decreased from -0.66±0.50.s-1 to -0.55±0.46.s-1 (p=0.660).Conclusions: No significant improvement in LA mechanical function was seen after LAAO with the Amplatz or Amulet device. Different LAAO devices therefore appear to have divergent effects on LA deformation, the clinical implications of which may warrant further study.
Earthworm-inspired MASH (Multi-material, Adaptive Strain-limiting, Hybrid) Actuators for Soft Robots
Authors: Xiong Quan , Ang Benjamin , Jin Tao , Ambrose Jonathan , Hua Yeow
Published: July 2022

This research presents a new class of versatile multi-material hybrid actuators, powered by pneumatics and electrostatic adhesion (EA) based adaptive strain-limiting layers. Soft pneumatic actuators with strain-limiting layers as the mainstream actuation for soft robotics have been developed for decades. However, due to their permanent strain-limiting layers, those actuators possess fewer motion patterns. Inspired by the longitudinal muscles of the earthworm, we present a concept of an adaptive strain-limiting layer with the ability to vary its length, stiffness and position. By integrating two flexible EA brakes into a soft pneumatic actuator as adaptive strain-limiting layers, the actuator can achieve multiple motion patterns including extension, contraction and bilateral bending, with permutations amongst these motions. The EA-based strain-limiting layer can increase the original actuator length by up to 86%, and the baseline actuator stiffness by up to 605%. To demonstrate its potential in locomotion and manipulation, we developed an earthworm-inspired crawling robot possessing great terrain adaptability and a versatile soft robotic gripper based on this hybrid actuator concept.
An evaluation of hospitals’ outpatient service quality from patients’ perspective in Shenzhen: A cross- sectional study
Authors: Lin Qian , Hao Horng-Shuh , Zhang Dan
Published: July 2022

Background:Outpatient services plays a large and critical part in China’s hospitals. Quality improvements can be achieved through patients’ perspective, especially the patient experience. There is no consensus on assessment methods and procedures on patient to provide fair and accurate assessments of patient experience. This study was aimed to evaluate hospitals’ outpatient service quality from patients’ perspective.Methods:This study evaluates hospitals’ outpatient service quality from patients’ perspective among 1876 outpatients in 13 Shenzhen tertiary hospitals from June to July, 2019 using a self-established questionnaire.Relative importance of the quality indicators, perceived and expected quality of service rated by outpatients were obtained by analytic hierarchy process. Factors associated with patients’ experience was examined by optimal scaling regression.Results:Assurance was most expected, the dimensions patient perceived best and worst were Assurance and Safety, and the widest two gaps exist in Reliability and Empathy. Negative gaps were found existing in all dimensions and indicators. Background characteristics and hospital natural were found significantly different in each dimension of outpatient service quality. Overall impression and willingness to recommend both significantly correlate with age, education level, visits frequency, source of cost,region and visiting forms.Conclusions:Our research evaluated outpatient service quality from the outpatients’ perspective and focused on their experiences. The indicator system passed reliability and validity test, and its findings are partly consistent with many satisfaction surveys done in China. The overall patient experience in our study is not ideal, but overall impression and willingness to recommend are high. Service quality can be improved according to the relative importance of each indicator, patient expectation and perception, and associated factors. Patient experience should be used for hospital managers to drive patient-centered care.
Hepatic Failure Associated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Real-world Study from the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) Database
Authors: Xu Ye , Yan Cilin , Zhao Ying , Li Dandan , Guo Mingxing , Cui Xiangli
Published: July 2022

Background
Although Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) associated liver damage usually presented as mild elevations of liver enzymes, hepatic failure induced by ICIs have been reported in only a few case series and case reports.
Objective
We aimed to explore the association between ICIs and hepatic failure, and characterize the clinical features of ICI-associated hepatic failure in the real-world database.
Methods
Data from the first quarter (Q1) of 2015 to the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2021 in the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database were retrieved for disproportionality and bayesian analysis. Reporting odds ratios (ROR) and information component (IC) were used to evaluate correlations between ICIs and hepatic failure.
Results
A total of 654 reports of ICI-associated hepatic failure were identified. The overall median time from ICIs initiation to hepatic failure onset was 38 days, and 72.3% of the adverse events occurred within the first 3 months. Death cases accounted for 68.65%. Generally, a strong signal was shown between ICIs and hepatic failure (ROR025 = 2.70, IC025 = 1.39). For three categories of ICIs, anti-PD-1s (ROR025 = 2.54, IC025 = 1.32) had a higher risk signal than anti-PD-L1s and anti-CTLA-4s. For monotherapy, atezolizumab showed the strongest risk signal (ROR025 = 4.07, IC025 = 1.90). The combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab showed stronger signals of hepatic failure compared with nivolumab or ipilimumab alone(nivolumab + ipilimumab vs. ipilimumab: ROR025 = 1.40, IC025 = 0.16; nivolumab + ipilimumab vs. nivolumab: ROR025 = 1.24, IC025 = 0.34). Considering the concomitant used agents with ICIs, the majority of these regimens showed stronger signals than ICI monotherapy, such as acetaminophen (ICIs + acetaminophen vs. ICIs: ROR025 = 1.06, IC025 = 0.32).
Conclusion
ICIs had possible strong signals associated with hepatic failure, and most cases of hepatic failure occurred within the first three months and had poor outcomes, which should attract clinical attention.
c-Myc-activated miR-3682-3p aggravates the metastasis and stemness in hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling
Authors: Zhang Yu , Cai Hua , Wu Ming-Hao , Zhu Dan-Hua , Wang Xiang-Yang , Chen Zhi-Yuan , Yang Li , Liu Peng , Liu Zhan
Published: July 2022

Objective: To elusive the underlying mechanism and functions of miR-3682-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods: Thirty pairs of tumor tissues and adjacent tissues were obtained from HCC patients. mRNA and protein expressions were detected by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot, respectively. The migration and invasion were measured using transwell or wound healing assays. Dual luciferase and ChIP assays were utilized to detect gene interactions.Results: miR-3682-3p was highly expressed in HCC tissues and cell lines. Silencing of miR-3682-3p prevented cell migration and invasion, and induced the enhancement of E-cadherin expression and the decreased levels of N-cadherin, Vimentin and Snail as well as expressions of SOX2, OCT4 and Bmi1, restraining metastasis and stemness of HCC in vitro. Mechanistically, miR-3682-3p was positively activated by c-Myc, and could directly target PTEN to activate PI3K/AKT pathway. In addition, inhibition of PTEN weakened the anti-metastatic and anti-stemness effects of miR-3682-3p downregulation in HCC cells. Conclusion: From these findings, we concluded that miR-3682-3p promoted HCC metastasis and stemness through PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling, implying that miR-3682-3p might be a promising target for HCC clinical treatment.
Enhanced Expression of RAGE AXIS is Associated with Severity of COVID-19 in Patients with Comorbidities
Authors: Khan Gulnaz , Sohail Fadieleh A. , Khan Bushra , Rafi Sidra , Nasir Shumail , Waraich Rizwana Sanaullah
Published: July 2022

There is a limited understanding of molecular and cellular events that derive disease progression in patients with COVID-19. Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE) is hyperactive in development and complications of several diseases by mediating oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. The present study aims to explore activation of RAGE signaling in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 with preexisting comorbidities. Enhanced levels of ligands of RAGE including AGEs, S100, and HMGB-1 were observed in Covid 19 patients with severe diseases, however, their level was significantly higher in COVID-19 patients with comorbidties as compared to COVID-19 patients without comorbidties. The Expression of RAGE in parallel to ligands accumulation, was significantly increased in patients with severe disease and comorbidities as compared to COVID-19 patients with sever disease without comorbidities. The expression of downstream effectors of RAGE including STAT-3 and NF-kB were also enahnced and their activity was increaed in COVID-19 patients with comorbisdities. Levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers were markeldy in COVID-19 patients with comorbidties as compared to COVID-19 patients without comorbidties. We conclude that upregulated RAGE axis is favorable to worsen the severity of the SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with preexisting comorbidities and partly explain inflammatory and oxidative stress strom in severe COVID-19 patietnts.
Renal insufficiency and magnesium deficiency hinder the formation of biologically active cholecalciferol
Authors: Rothen Jean-Pierre , Rutishauser Jonas , Arnet Isabelle , Allemann Samuel
Published: July 2022

Background: Vitamin D is synthesized in the skin or supplied. Cholecalciferol is hydroxylated in the liver to 25(OH) vitamin D [25D]. 25D is further hydroxylated in the kidney to 1,25(OH) vitamin D [1,25D]. Catabolism occurs by further hydroxylation. Magnesium is a cofactor of all involved hydroxylases. Aim: To investigate the association between serum levels of 1,25D and serum magnesium concentrations, and renal function.Method: Laboratory values measured in an outpatient cohort over 2 years were analysed. Results: Renal function and magnesium level did not influence 25D values. Mean serum 1,25D values decreased from 106.5 ± 44.3 pmol/l in individuals with normal renal function to 51.7 ± 18.9 pmol/l in those with severe renal insufficiency (p<0.01). A weak positive correlation was observed between 1,25D and eGFR (r=0.317), and between 1,25D and serum magnesium (r=0.217). Conclusion: Impaired renal function and low magnesium serum levels are slightly associated with low 1,25D concentrations. Measuring 25D, but not 1,25D, may overestimate the patient’s vitamin D status. In patients with renal insufficiency adequate magnesium supply should be ensured.
Impact of HLA Class I Antigen, Killer Ig-like Receptor and FCGR3A Genotypes in Breast Cancer Susceptibility and Tumor stage
Authors: Canossi Angelica , Aureli Anna , Beato Tiziana Del , Novelli Giorgio , Buonomo Oreste , Rossi Piero , Venditti Adriano , Papola Franco , Sconocchia Giuseppe
Published: July 2022

The identification of clinical pathological role of genes regulating NK cell function, including HLA, KIR and FCGR3A, in breast cancer (BC) may be a challenge. The objective of this study was to determine whether these genes have an impact on the BC susceptibility and progression. In this study, 47 BC Italian patientswere genotyped by PCR-SSP typing (KIR) and PCR-SBT method (HLA-C and FCGR3A). HLA-C allele analysis showed that the HLA-C*07:02:01 (p = 0.04, OR = 4.867) and HLA-C*04:01:01 alleles (p = 0.04 OR = 2.364) were predisposing to tumor progression, and instead the HLA-C*05:01:01 allele was protective against disease (p = 0.019 OR = 0.087). In addition, we highlighted a significant reduction of the KIR2DS4ins in BC patients (p = 0.022) and an increased coexistence of KIR2DL1 and KIR2DS1 genes in advanced BC patients compared to early stages (p = 0.002). The concurrent lack of KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS4 genes in the presence of HLA-C2 alleles was significantly associated with increased susceptibility to BC (p = 0.012 OR = 5.020) or with lymph node involvement (p = 0.008 OR = 6.375). We identified different combinations of the FCGR3A-48/158 haplotypes and KIR genes in BC patients compared to controls. Our study provides evidence that the combined analysis of these biomarkers might help predict genetic risk scores for tailored screening of BC patients.
Bone Scintigraphy Outperformed Anatomic Images in Frostbite Injuries, a Case Report
Authors: RONCHI BRUNELA , Peña Gustavo Agustin , Albertti Carla
Published: July 2022

Frostbite is a localized cold thermal injury, as a result of tissue exposure to temperatures below freezing point for a prolonged period of time .The spectrum of injury is broad, thus frostbite injuries may have deleterious effects with the possibility of losing part or whole extremities. We aim to present the case of a 38 years-old male patient evaluated with multiphase technetium-99m-methylene diphosphonate bone scintigraphy. This methodology may accelerate clinical management of frostbite injuries because it provides precise clinical-imaging correlation by determining the extent of injury and can accurately predict the level of amputation if required.
Low bit error rate quantum key distribution based on integrated silicon photonics
Authors: Zhen Zhen , Jin Si-Yue , Jie Ren , Xu Xing-Sheng
Published: July 2022

Quantum communication has extremely high security and is the development direction of future communication networks. In this paper, an on-chip path, off-chip polarization encoded quantum key distribution chip is designed and fabricated using advanced silicon photonics fabrication technology. Using a special two-dimensional grating, we can convert light of different path states into corresponding polarization states and propagate in free space. The performance of the basic optics, waveguides, gratings, and Mach-Zehnder interferometers on the chip is tested. In the demonstrated quantum key distribution experiment, the quantum bit error rate is as low as 1.08%. It lays the foundation for the future development of advanced integrated quantum information.
Reoperation Frequency after Transverse Preputial Island Flap Urethroplasty in Treating of Severe Hypospadias: A Single Center Study
Authors: Li Jiayi , Liu Pei , Yang Zhenzhen , Wang Xinyu , Fan Songqiao , Li Zonghan , Song Hongcheng , Zhang Weiping
Published: July 2022

Background: Considering the continuing debate on the best technique to treat serve hypospadias, the reoperation frequency after Transverse Preputial Island Flap Urethroplasty (TPIFU) is lacking. In the present study, we reported our clinical outcomes of severe hypospadias treated with one-staged TPIFU and analyzed the operation frequency. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of severe hypospadias patients who underwent one-stage TPIFU from December 2018 to December 2019. A stepwise approach was used to manage the curvature. Severe hypospadias was defined as the residual curvature was > 30° after degloving. Urethroplasty complications included fistula, urethral stricture, and diverticulum. The short-term cure was identified as no complications occurring for 12 months after the date of last-time surgery. The reoperation rate and operation frequency of TPIFU were analyzed. Results: A total of 136 patients who underwent one-stage TPIFU were included in the study. The follow-up after primary urethroplasty ranged from 22 to 50 months. The median age at primary surgery was 22.5 months (range from 13 to 132 months). After primary TPIFU surgery, 53(39%) patients accepted reoperation handling with complications. Among them, 24 patients (17.6%) developed fistula, 17 patients (12.5%) developed urethral stricture and 11 patients (8.1%) developed diverticulum. After the second surgery, 5/17 patients remained fistula, 5/17 patients remained urethral stricture, and 7/17 patients remained diverticulum. Overall, 61% (85 patients) met the cured standard after the primary operation, and the two operations cure rate was 87.5% (119 patients). 91.2% (124 patients) were cured in three operations.Conclusions: The present study provides a novel perspective to evaluate the surgery technique through the surgery number to cure the patients, rather than simply comparing the complication rate. Our result demonstrated that the complication rates of primary TPIFU were relatively high, but the cure rate after two or three operations was acceptable.
Performance analysis of a queueing system based on working vacation with repairable fault in the P2P network
Authors: Wang Shunzhi , Ma Zhanyou , Wang Rong , Fang Wenming
Published: July 2022

Nowadays, P2P (Peer-to-Peer) absolutely d-\\ominates the Internet as a traffic in content distribution and sharing service, the issue of energy consumption has emerged as a hot issue. This paper combines the basic theoretical knowledge of queueing theory with the currently more popular hybrid P2P network structure model. In order to address the problem of wasted energy consumption generated by unnecessary online behavior of nodes, the working sleep mechanism for the serving nodes is introduced, and the synchronous multiple working vacation strategy is also adopted to decrease the system energy consumption. In the meantime, negative customer and feedback strategies are introduced. Then a queueing model with working vacation and repairable fault is built, which used to simulate the resource transmission process of P2P and to study the performance of P2P sharing system. The steady-state probability vector is derived by employing quasi-birth-and-death process (QBD) and matrix-geometric solution method. And the expressions for system performance indicators, such as the average delay, are obtained by employing Gauss-Seidel iteration method. Through numerical experiments, the performance indicators of the P2P resource sharing system are studied, which provides a theoretical basis to decrease online energy consumption of nodes in the P2P network system. And through employing Nash equilibrium and social optimal strategy, the value of the social maximum benefit under the social optimization is obtained.
Effect of cervical brace on postoperative axial symptoms in patients with Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
Authors: Yu Qunfei , Ren Ying , Wang Zhan , Xu Guoping , Ma Yaojing , Zhang Hua
Published: July 2022

Objective This study was intended to investigate the effect of cervical brace on postoperative axial symptoms in patients with single-segment anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Methods Retrospective analysis of patients who underwent anterior cervical single-segment ACDF from May 2020 to August 2021 was performed. Patients were divided into the cervical brace group (Group 1) and the non-cervical brace group (Group 2) according to whether to wear cervical brace in postoperative patients. The incidence of axial symptoms ,cervical mobility and postoperative quality of life were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 121 patients, 62 in the Group 1 and 59 in the Group 2. The general data of age, gender, BMI, smoking status, disease duration has no statistically differences. The incidence of axial symptoms at 1 month after surgery in the Group 2 was significantly lower. The cervical mobility in the Group 2 at 1 month after surgery were significantly higher. Conclusion The absence of brace after surgery in patients with single-segment ACDF can reduce the incidence of early postoperative axial symptoms, improve their quality of life, and facilitate the recovery of postoperative cervical mobility.
Meeting global challenges with coherent policies producing more researchers
Authors: Sanganyado Edmond , Siyawamwaya Margaret , Nkomo Simbarashe , Gwenzi Willis , Macherera Margaret , Banda Annabel , Teta Charles , Nunu Wilfred Njabulo , Murungweni Chrispen , Gandiwa Edson , Mashe Tapfumanei
Published: July 2022

Sustainable Development Goal 9 encourages building resilient infrastructure, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable infrastructure by significantly increasing the number of researchers. Using Zimbabwe as a typical developing country, we analyzed ten continental, five regional, five national, and 32 sectoral science policies on their commitment to increasing the number of researchers. Our results showed that while the African Union urged member states to increase their number of researchers, the Southern African Development Community and most government departments in Zimbabwe largely ignored this recommendation. Interestingly, the national science, technology, and innovation policies in Zimbabwe have adopted the African Union guidelines. Our results suggest a lack of coordination between government departments in Zimbabwe. We propose a policy framework for increasing the number of researchers that fosters multilevel and multisectoral policy coordination, provides a link between policymakers and researchers, and promotes regional integration.
The immune evasion ability of Delta variant is comparable to that of Beta variant in South Africa
Authors: He Daihai , Chen Boqiang , Zhao Shi , Stone Lewi
Published: July 2022

Background The high immune evasion ability of SARS-COV-2 Omicron variant surprised the world and appears to be far stronger than any previous variant. Previous to Omicron it has been difficult to assess and compare immune evasion ability of different variants, including the Beta and Delta variants, because of the relatively small numbers of reinfections and because of the problems in correctly identifying reinfections in the population. This has led to different claims appearing in the literature. Thus we find claims of both high and low immune evasion for the Beta variant. Some findings have suggested that the Beta variant has a higher immune evasion ability than the Delta variant in South Africa, and others that it has a lower ability. MethodIn this brief report, we re-analyse a unique dataset of variant-specific reinfection data and a simple model to correct for the infection attack rates of different variants.Result We find that a model with the Delta variant to have an equal or higher immune evasion ability than Beta variant is compatible with the data.ConclusionWe conclude that the immune evasion ability of Beta variant is not stronger than Delta variant, and indeed, the immune evasion abilities of both variants are weak in South Africa.
Larvae density, breeding habitat preference and insecticide susceptibility status of Anopheles gambiae (Diptera: Culicidae) in Assosa district, western Ethiopia
Authors: Ejeta Desta , Tefera Tadesse
Published: July 2022

Background
Malaria vectors control interventions mainly rely on the control of adults using indoor residual sprayings and long-lasting insecticidal nets in Ethiopia. However, the emergence and widespread of insecticide resistance in the primary malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae sinso lato challenges the malaria vector control efforts in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to investigate species composition, abundance and insecticide resistance status of main malaria mosquitoes in Assosa district, Benishangul Gumuz, Western Ethiopia.
Methods
The study was conducted from July 2021 to June 2022. After identification of possible breeding sites, Anopheles mosquito larvae were collected using a standard dipper from varies breeding habitats. Susceptibility tests were conducted on wild population of female An. gambiae complex following World health organization standard susceptibility test procedure. Insecticide impregnated papers with deltamethrin (0.05%), alphacypermethrine (0.05%), propoxur (0.1%), and primiphos methyl (0.25%), were used for the study.
Result
Six major Anopheles mosquitoes’ larvae breeding habitats were identified in four villages, namely, drainage ditch, swamp, pond, animal footprint, sewerage and stagnant water. A total of 2051 Anopheles larvae were collected and identified. Out of all collected Anopheles larvae, 1884 larvae were reared and identified to four species (An. gambiae s.l., An. coustani, An. ziemanni and An. funestus). An. gambiae s.l. were found to be the dominant species (1732, 84.4%) species and the lowest An. funestus were collected (n = 17, 0.9%). The most productive habitats were stagnant water (n = 752; 39. 9%) with larvae/dip while sewerage were detected to be least productive (n = 71; 3.76%) for Anopheles mosquito larvae with mean density of 1.2 and 0.03 larvae/dip, respectively, (P < 0.05). The susceptibility result indicated that the population of An. gambiae s.l in the study area found resistant against alphacypermethrine, deltamethrin and permethrin 63%, 71% and 43% respectively. The result revealed that the vector is susceptible to pirimiphos-methyl and propoxur with 100% susceptibility rate.
Conclusion
Anopheles gambiae complex is the predominant malaria vector in Assosa District. Anopheles gambiae complex developed high level of resistance against most of insecticide classes. Pirmiphosmethyl and propoxur are effective insecticides for malaria vector control in Assosa district, Ethiopia.
Prediction of violence in schizophrenia using sMRI, based on machine learning algorithms
Authors: Yu Tao , Pei Wenzhi , Xu Chunyuan , Zhang Xulai , Deng Chenchen
Published: July 2022

Background: Violent behavior in patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) is a major social problem. The early identification of SCZ patients with violence can facilitate implementation of targeted intervention. Methods: A total of 57 male SCZ patients were recruited into this study. The general linear model was utilized to compare differences in structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) including gray matter volume, cortical surface area, and cortical thickness between 30 SCZ patients who had exhibited violence and 27 SCZ patients without a history of violence. Based on machine learning algorithms, different sMRI features between groups were integrated into the prediction models for identification of SCZ patients with violence. Results: After controlling for the whole brain volume and age, the general linear model showed significant reductions in right bankssts thickness, inferior parietal thickness as well as left frontal pole volume in the patients with SCZ and violence relative to those without violence. Among seven machine learning algorithms, Support Vector Machine (SVM) have better performance in differentiating patients with violence from those without violence, with its balanced accuracy and area under curve (AUC) reaching 0.8231 and 0.841, respectively. Conclusions: Patients with SCZ who had a history of violence displayed reduced cortical thickness and volume in several brain regions. Based on machine learning algorithms, structural MRI features are useful to improve predictive ability of SCZ patients at particular risk of violence.
Characterization and identification of microRNA from Andrographis paniculata and its role in Cancer: A Cross Kingdom Approach
Authors: Motwani Harsha , Gadhavi Harshida , Mangukia Naman , Dixit Nandan , Rawal Rakesh M. , Patel Saumya K. , Solanki Hitesh A.
Published: July 2022

Background and Objective Andrographis paniculata belonging to Acanthaceae family is well-known potential hepatoprotective herb. The role of diet on human health and diseases including Hepatocellular Carcinoma has been demonstrated by innumerable studies which have also testified that plant-derived micro-RNAs, transferred to animals via oral consumption wherein it alters host gene expression and this provides the evidence for inter-species gene regulation. Herein, we aim to explore the role of predicted miRNAs of A. paniculata on human health.Methods and ResultsIn the present study, A. paniculata miRNAs have been predicted and their impact on human transcriptome is uncovered by employing computational approach. By implementing miRNA prediction on A. paniculata genomic data and plant miRNA sequences present in miRBase repository, we have identified 20 miRNAs which are confined to 16 miR families. 197 human target genes were predicted for the identified miRNAs, which were further subjected to Gene Ontology analysis and network analysis revealing their significant role in various biological processes and signaling pathways. The identified hub proteins HGF, NRP2 and CCND1 show their significant involvement in cancerous pathways including STAT3, MAPK, TGF-β, mTOR and VEGFR pathways. Deregulation of these pathways has been reported as oncogenic response involved in Hepatocellular Carcinoma, cell proliferation and metastasis.ConclusionThe findings of our study suggest potentially beneficiary role of A. paniculata miRNAs in regulating cancer via cross-species genetic regulation. Conclusively, our study sustains the promising theory of inter-species gene regulation.
Baicalin blocked colon cancer cell cycle and inhibited cell proliferation through upregulating miR-139-3p by targeting CDK16
Authors: Cai Rong , Zhou Yan-Ping , Li Yun-Hai , Zhang Jin-Jin , Hu Zuo-Wei
Published: July 2022

Background: Baicalin was reported to facilitate the apoptosis of colon cell and inhibit tumor growth in vivo. However, the specific mechanism remains largely unknown. Methods: Relative mRNA level was tested via qRT-PCR. Cell proliferation, viability, and cell cycle phases were evaluated using MTT, colony formation, and flow cytometry assays. Interaction of miR-139-3p/CDK16 was measured via dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results: Baicalin increased miR-139-3p expression, while decreased CDK16 levels, as well as blocked cell cycle and inhibited cell proliferation in colon cancer cells. miR-139-3p silencing or CDK16 overexpression abolished the inhibitory effects of baicalin on colon cancer proliferation. MiR-139-3p direct targeted and interacted with CDK16. The protective functions of miR-139-3p knockdown on tumor cells were abrogated by silencing CDK16.Conclusion: Our findings suggested that baicalin inhibited colon cancer growth through modulating miR-139-3p/CDK16 axis in vitro.
Cultural importance, availability, and conservation status of Spanish medicinal plants. Implications for sustainability
Authors: Mateo-Martín Jimena , Benítez Guillermo , Gras Airy , Molina María , Reyes-Garcia Victoria , Tardío Javier , Verde Alonso , Pardo-de-Santayana Manuel
Published: July 2022

The harvest of wild plants with medicinal uses is increasing globally, but we know little of the effects of non-commercial harvesting in their conservation status. Here, we explore the connection between the cultural importance of the 1,376 wild medicinal vascular plants traditionally used in Spain for self-treatment (22% of the autochthonous flora, being 16% endemic) and their availability, conservation, and legal protection status, and discuss the implication of our results for sustainability. A species cultural importance is positively correlated with its abundance (ρ = 0.466) and occupancy area (ρ = 0.495). Only 6% of the wild medicinal plants traditionally used in Spain are fully or largely affected by protection measures. Most species used for self-treatment in Spain are common, highly available, and not threatened. This suggests that domestic use does not lead to overexploitation, and proves the sustainability of this knowledge system.
Forecasting of In Situ Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy
Authors: Spurgeon Steven , Lewis Nicholas , Jin Yicheng , Tang Xiuyu , Shah Vidit , Doty Christina , Matthews Bethany , Akers Sarah
Published: July 2022

Forecasting models are a central part of many control systems, where high consequence decisions must be made on long latency control variables. These models are particularly relevant for emerging artificial intelligence (AI)-guided instrumentation, in which prescriptive knowledge is needed to guide autonomous decision-making. Here we describe the implementation of a long short-term memory model (LSTM) for forecasting of electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) data, one of the richest analytical probes of materials and chemical systems. We describe key considerations for data collection, preprocessing, training, validation, and benchmarking, showing how this approach can yield powerful predictive insight into order-disorder phase transitions. Finally, we comment on how such a model may integrate with emerging AI-guided instrumentation for powerful high-speed experimentation.
The Benefit of Low-Level Light Therapy in Association with Intense Pulsed Light for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Authors: Marques João Heitor , Marta Ana , Baptista Pedro Manuel , Almeida Daniel , José Diana , Sousa Paulo , Barbosa Irene
Published: July 2022

Purpose
To study the clinical benefit of low-level light therapy when associated with intense pulsed light for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction.
Methods
An observational comparative study. Sixty-two (62) subjects were assigned 1:1 to one of two treatment arms: group 1 (31 subjects, 62 eyes), intense pulsed light followed by low-level light and group 2 (31 subjects, 62 eyes) intense pulsed light alone. In both groups, treatments were performed in 3 sessions and subjects were evaluated at baseline and 3 weeks after the last treatment session. Values are shown as Δ = mean difference ± standard deviation.
Results
We observed a significant improvement is OSDI-12 score and lipid layer thickness, in both groups (Δ=-22.7 ± 17.5, p < 0.001 in group 1 and Δ=-23.6 ± 23.8, p < 0.001 in group 2 for OSDI and Δ=+18.6 ± 37.0, p < 0.001 in group 1 and Δ=+19.9 ± 26.4, p < 0.001 in group 2 for lipid layer thickness). Despite no differences between groups at baseline (p = 0.469), only group 1 had a significant improvement in Schirmer test (Δ = + 1.6 ± 4.8, p = 0.009 in group 1 and Δ=+1.7 ± 6.9, p = 0.057 in group 2). No significant side effects were noted. No patient in any group felt subjectively “worse” after the treatment.
Conclusion
Intense pulsed light seems effective and safe for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction, improving symptoms and the tear film lipid layer. This study shows no strong evidence of the benefit of low-level light, but it shows weak evidence that it may further improve aqueous tear production.
Corporate social responsibility disclosure and firm performance: Evidence from Vietnam
Authors: Mai Tran Ngoc , Ha Tran Manh
Published: July 2022

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is quite a new concept to business and society in Vietnam. Information on CSR reflects a firm’s commitment to ethical behavior in its activities and reputation. However, it is questioned whether the information disclosure has any relationship with firm performance. Employing panel regression of about 200 listed firms on the Vietnam Stock Exchange and space-based measurement of CSR disclosure, the study confirms a positive impact of CSR disclosure on firm performance. Firms use CSR disclosures to indirectly improve their performance. Firms that disclose CSR with greater degree of information experience higher marginal profitability. This finding supports stakeholder theory, legitimacy theory, and signaling theory in using CSR disclosure as a tool to improve firms’ reputation and transparency, maintain long-term operation, and hence improve financial performance. During the COVID-19 pandemic, firms that engage more in CSR will suffer less from the pandemic than firms that do not. Thus, the study implies a promising CSR picture for corporations in Vietnam. Investors, policy makers and any related authorities can utilize these findings to get more insight into the business through CSR disclosures.
Profillit ve Zeolit Katkılı Yapı Malzemelerinin Fiziksel ve Mekanik Özelliklerinin Karşılaştırılması
Authors: YAPICI Nil , GÜNEYLİ Hakan , MEHMETOĞLU Ebubekir
Published: July 2022

Bu araştırmada bazalt agregalı yapı malzemesine zeolit ve profillit katkıları eklenerek performans etkileri karşılaştırılmıştır. Malzeme olarak, Adana/Osmaniye bazaltları, Malatya/Pütürge profillitleri ve Manisa Gördes zeolitleri kullanılmıştır. Beton deneylerinde Su-çimento oranı sabit tutularak, ana bazalt agrega oranı %80, 75, 70, 65 ile profillit ve zeolit oranları % 0, 5, 10 ve 15 olarak ayarlanmıştır. Katkısız beton (sadece %80 bazalt) ve 6 farklı reçete ile (bazalt+profillit ve bazalt+zeolit) beton üretilmiştir. 28 günlük kür bekleme sonucunda beton numuneleri üzerinde basınç dayanımı, eğilme dayanımı, ısıl iletkenlik ve kuru yığın yoğunluk deneyleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bu sonuçlara göre; %5’lik profillit ve zeolitin basınç ve eğilme dayanımlarının en yüksek seviyelerde olduğu saptanmıştır. %75 bazalt ve %5 zeolit oranında basınç dayanımı 27,65 MPa, eğilme dayanımı 5,45 MPa, ısıl iletkenlik değeri 1,21 W/m.K ve kuru yığın yoğunluk 2052 kg/m3 olarak saptanmıştır. %75 bazalt ve %5 profillit oranında basınç dayanımı 21,65 MPa, eğilme dayanımı 5,95 MPa, ısıl iletkenlik 1,21 W/m.K ve kuru yığın yoğunluk 2029 kg/m3 değerinde ölçülmüş ve malzemenin hafif beton üretiminde kullanılabileceği belirlenmiştir. Dayanıklı hafif beton eldesi için her iki malzeme (zeolit ve profillit)’nin aynı beton reçetesinde kullanılması önerilmektedir.
Utilization of Moringa oleifera seeds as a biosorbent for diclofenac removal in the contaminated aquatic systems
Authors: Damásio Fernanda Queiroz , Costa Bruno Elias dos Santos , Paniágua Cleiseano Emanuel da Siva , Coelho Luciana Melo , Coelho Nivia Maria Melo
Published: July 2022

During recent years, pharmaceuticals and their metabolites have been increasingly found in water bodies and diclofenac is one of the pharmaceuticals residues most frequently detected thus far. The aim of this work was to evaluate the Moringa oleifera seeds as an alternative for diclofenac (DCF) removal in water samples. The batch procedure for DCF removal at the optimized conditions (25 mL of 10.0 mg L−1 DCF, pH 5.0, extraction time of 30 min and M. oleifera mass of 2.0 grams) achieved adsorption of 100% of DCF in real water samples. The pseudo-second-order kinetic described the adsorption rate-controlling step. The adsorption isotherms were fitted by Langmuir, Freundlich and Sips models and the sorption capacity of the biosorbent is spontaneously favourable. The maximum adsorptive capacity was estimated at 32.05 mg g−1 and 32.85 mg g−1 by Langmuir and Sips models, respectively. The advantages of this procedure include good reproducibility in the removal of DCF even at low concentrations in real samples and does not require an additional step of pre-treatment of the adsorbent. The results highlight the potential of M. oleifera seeds as a cheap, environmentally friendly alternative for the removal of DCF from polluted water.
Effect of hydrodynamic condition on algae control based on montmorillonite modified lime-ceramic sand-lake sediments
Authors: Xia Ting , Wang Shi-qi , Yan Hang , Gao Zai-zhuang , Qiu Yao , Yuan Fang , Huang Guang-yong , Zhou Jun
Published: July 2022

Montmorillonite modified lime-ceramic sand-lake sediment (LC-sediments) was synthesized and its algae removal efficiency was investigated in this study. Montmorillonite not only improved the morphology and surface area of original LC-sediments, but also promoted the algal removal rate due to its inherent properties such as accumulating an electric charge, acting as a flocculant, and displaying a local bridging effect. Based on parameter optimization including the ratio of raw materials, agent dosage, initial algae density, pH and a determination of overlying water, the effect of hydrodynamic conditions on the algal removal process was researched. Under the optimal condition, the removal rates of turbidity, algae density and chlorophyll a could reach 86, 88 and 68%, respectively. As verified with a response surface model, it was shown that low disturbance (stirring) of the algae could promote algal removal by montmorillonite modified LC-sediment. Furthermore, a water column was utilized to approximatively simulate the flocculation and algae control in shallow lakes. This study solved the problem of reducing the dosage of lake sediment and improving the removal efficiency of algae without causing secondary pollution to the environment. It was expected to provide a certain theoretical basis for clay flocculation-based algae control in a real environment.
Adsorption of nitrate from interflow by the Mg/Fe calcined layered double hydroxides
Authors: Chu Liquan , Zhang Chaojie , Yu Jing , Sun Xu , Zhou Xuefei , Zhang Yalie
Published: July 2022

Nitrate loss in interflow caused serious nitrate pollution of neighboring water bodies in the purple soil region of China's Sichuan Province. In this study, Mg/Fe(Al)-calcined layered double hydroxides (Mg/Fe(Al)-CLDHs) with varied Mg/Fe(Al) ratios were synthesized for nitrate removal from interflow, and 3:1 Mg/Fe CLDH exhibited the best adsorption performance. The effects of initial pH, adsorbent dosage and co-existing anions on the adsorption performance were investigated by batch experiments. The best-fitting kinetic and isothermal models for nitrate adsorption were the pseudo-second-order model and Freundlich model, respectively, indicating that the adsorption process was a physical-chemical multilayer process. The maximum adsorption capacity of nitrate was 73.36 mg/g, which was higher than that of many other commonly used adsorbents. The adsorbents were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) techniques, and the XRD and FT-IR results revealed that the adsorption mechanism involved original layered structure reconstruction and ion-exchange interaction. Under the coexistence of SO42− and Cl−, 75.63% nitrate in interflow could be removed after 6 h of adsorption. Overall, the synthesized Mg/Fe CLDH is an effective and low-cost nitrate adsorbent for in-situ nitrate removal.
Non-surgical In Vivo Germ Cell-mediated Gene Editing by CRISPR
Mutagenic Chain Reaction with the Aid of Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Lasemi Maryam Vahdat , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: July 2022

Gene therapy via germline cells leads to a permanent genetic modification.
The promise of this method is due to its potential for providing a stable therapeutic effect
for all who inherit the gene of interest. If germinal therapy is successfully performed, it
can eliminate certain diseases from the family and the population. The feasibility of genetic
modification in the human germline raises several controversial and bioethical issues.
However, gene transfer via male and female germinal cells has been recently explored
in animal models. Previous studies have shown that delivering DNA to the testes
followed by electroporation is relatively successful in producing germline-mediated alterations.
Since this method includes surgical procedures, non-surgical, safer, and less time--
consuming methods would be ideal. Herein, we discuss a potential approach for nonsurgical
in vivo germ cell-mediated gene editing by CRISPR mutagenic chain reaction with
the aid of magnetic nanoparticles.
Corrigendum to: GSK-3 Inhibitors in the Regulation and Control of Colon
Carcinoma
Authors: Yi Dong Kee , Nanda Sitansu S. , Hossain Md Imran , Ju Heongkyu , Papaefthymiou Georgia C.
Published: July 2022

The author requested to add a co-author after the publication of the original article [1]. In this correction, the author has
been added in the article entitled “GSK-3 Inhibitors in the Regulation and Control of Colon Carcinoma” in the journal
“Current Drug Targets” 2021; 22(13), 1485-1495.

Details of the error and a correction are provided here.

The original editorial can be found online at 10.2174/1389450122666210204203950

We regret any errors and apologize to the readers.

Original:

Sitansu S. Nanda1, Md Imran Hossain1, Heongkyu Ju2 and Dong Kee Yi1,*

1Department of Chemistry, Myongji University, Yongin, 03674, South Korea; 2Department of Physics, Gachon University,
Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

Corrected:

Sitansu S. Nanda1, Md Imran Hossain1, Heongkyu Ju2, Georgia C. Papaefthymiou3 and Dong Kee Yi1,*

1Department of Chemistry, Myongji University, Yongin, 03674, South Korea; 2Department of Physics, Gachon University,
Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea 3Department of Physics, Villanova University, Villanova, Pennsylvania19085,
USA