bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of glucocorticoids combined with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs on the improvement of symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Si Lulu , Jin Yunyan , Zhao Dongni , Yu Lixia , Cao Huankun
Published: March 2022

Objectives: To explore the effect of glucocorticoids combined with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in the treatment of symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods: Medical records of patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated in the Rheumatology and Immunology Department of Yiwu Central Hospital from March 2020 to March 2021 were selected. A total of 38 patients were treated with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs Group-I and 44 patients were treated with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs and glucocorticoids Group-II. The symptom improvement of the two groups were compared and analyzed Serological indexes and adverse reactions.

Results: Swollen joint counts (SJC), tender joint counts (TJC), rheumatoid arthritis disease activity evaluation form (DAS28) score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, levels of ESR, C-reaction protein (CRP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) of Group-II patients were lower than those in Group-I (P<0.05). The adverse reaction rate in Group-II patients was 12.20%, which was similar to that of Group-I patients. There was no significant difference in 9.76% of the patients (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The combination of glucocorticoids and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is safe can further improve their symptoms and serological indexes, and will not lead to increased adverse reactions.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.4.5458

How to cite this:Si L, Jin Y, Zhao D, Yu L, Cao H. Effect of glucocorticoids combined with disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs on the improvement of symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.4.5458

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.
Effects of high-dose recombinant human growth hormone treatment on IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels in idiopathic dwarfism patients
Authors: Wu Bin , Lin Honghua , Gao Jian , Sun Juan , Zhao Meng
Published: March 2022

Objective: To investigate the effects of high-dose recombinant human growth hormone(rhGH) treatment on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels in patients with idiopathic dwarfism.

Methods: This study retrospectively investigated records of idiopathic dwarfism patients treated at Anhui Children’s Hospital or the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University between May 2019 and October 2020. The study identified 76 patients, which were divided based on rhGH treatment dosage into high- and low-dose groups.

Results: The high-dose group showed a total efficacy of 95.3%, which was significantly higher than the 79.41% observed in the low-dose group (P<0.05). Moreover, height, weight, IGF-1 levels, and IGFBP-3 levels were all significantly elevated in the high-dose group compared to the low-dose group (P<0.05). No significant difference in adverse reaction incidence was observed between high- (9.5%) and low-dose (8.8%) groups (P>0.05).

Conclusions: Higher doses of rhGH can provide improved curative effects in patients with idiopathic short stature, likely via elevated levels of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.4.5502

How to cite this:Wu B, Lin H, Gao J, Sun J, Zhao M. Effects of high-dose recombinant human growth hormone treatment on IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels in idiopathic dwarfism patients. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.4.5502

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.
Effects of pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) dietary supplementation on performance, carcass quality, biochemical parameters and duodenal histomorphology of broilers
Authors: ÖLMEZ M , YÖRÜK MA
Published: March 2022

In this study, the effects of (Mentha pulegium L.) dietary supplementation on performance, carcass characteristics, some biochemical parameters, and intestinal histology were investigated in broiler chickens. Four groups were formed as control and groups treated with pennyroyal at different levels (0.25%, 0.50%, and 1.00%). In the experiment each group had eight replicates. A total of 192 broilers were used in the study with six broilers in each replicate. Water and feed were ad libitum provided. Adding different levels of pennyroyals to broiler rations significantly affected performance parameters; an increase in final body weight and carcass yield and a decrease in total feed intake and the conversion rate was observed (P<0.05). Serum cholesterol, malondialdehyde, and glutathione values were also affected by the addition of pennyroyal (P<0.05). Pennyroyal was effective in vitro against S. enteritidis, E. coli, S. aureus, S. abortus ovis, B.anthracis sterne strains. Besides, it increased the duodenum villus’ length compared to the control group (P<0.05). On the other hand, pennyroyal did not affect carcass and visceral organ weights, several serum biochemical values (P>0.05). As a result, it was concluded that pennyroyal at the level of 0.50% in ration was effective on health and growth performance of broilers.
Characterizing gene expression in an in vitro biomechanical strain model of joint health
Authors: Hung Anthony , Housman Genevieve , Briscoe Emilie A. , Cuevas Claudia , Gilad Yoav
Published: March 2022

Background: Both genetic and environmental factors appear to contribute to joint health and disease. For example, pathological levels of biomechanical stress on joints play a notable role in initiation and progression of osteoarthritis (OA), a common chronic degenerative joint disease affecting articular cartilage and underlying bone. Population-level gene expression studies of cartilage cells experiencing biomechanical stress may uncover gene-by-environment interactions relevant to human joint health.

Methods: To build a foundation for population-level gene expression studies in cartilage, we applied differentiation protocols to develop an in vitro system of chondrogenic cell lines (iPSC-chondrocytes). We characterized gene regulatory responses of three human iPSC-chondrocyte lines to cyclic tensile strain treatment. We measured the contribution of biological and technical factors to gene expression variation in this system.

Results: We identified patterns of gene regulation that differ between strain-treated and control iPSC-chondrocytes. Differentially expressed genes between strain and control conditions are enriched for gene sets relevant to joint health and OA. Furthermore, even in this small sample, we found several genes that exhibit inter-individual expression differences in response to mechanical strain, including genes previously implicated in OA.

Conclusions: Expanding this system to include iPSC-chondrocytes from a larger number of individuals will allow us to characterize and better understand gene-by-environment interactions related to joint health.
Use of Remdesivir in the treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection among Sudanese patients: a case series
Authors: Yousif Maysoun , Abd El-Raheem Ghada , Mohamed Doaa
Published: March 2022

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting populations worldwide. Remdesivir is an anti-retroviral agent, with a broad spectrum of usage. Remdesivir usage against COVID-19 had been studied both in vitro and in vivo but is still considered a new treatment for COVID-19 and is not available in all countries. The aim of our study was to report several cases of the use of Remdesivir in Sudanese patients and report the adverse events related to the course of treatment.

Methods: A case series study was conducted in Imperial Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan reporting two cases who received Remdesivir for treating COVID-19 besides other treatments such as steroids and supportive therapy in December 2020. Cases were males aged over 65 years.

Cases presentation: Both patients were severe cases of COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), who received Remdesivir for treating COVID-19 infection. Several side effects were reported: the first case had increased liver enzymes and then unexpectedly died from severe resistant hypotension; and hypoalbuminemia was noticed in the second case.

Conclusions: Remdesivir use among patients in Sudan must be studied extensively in order to determine the unexpected fatal event and assess the association of this event to Remdesivir use, as well as to report the frequency of the side effects.
Factors related to depression in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic in two coastal regions of Peru: An analytical cross-sectional study
Authors: Quispe Sáenz Elena de Jesús , Salvador-Carrillo José Fernando , Rivera-Lozada Oriana , Bonilla-Asalde César Antonio
Published: March 2022

Background: Mental health problems such as anxiety, depression and their aggravation have been studied extensively in the general population. However, there are few studies on depression in older adults and the few existing results may be contradictory, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study is to determine the factors associated with depression in older adults in two coastal regions of Peru during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This study uses an analytical cross-sectional design in a population of older adults, who participated in a non-governmental ambulatory social support program in Callao and Ica, two coastal regions of Peru. We administered an on-site structured questionnaire to record sociodemographic data, the Geriatric Depression Scale by Yesavage to measure depression, and the Barthel Index to assess physical function. In order to determine cognitive impairment as an exclusion criterion, the MEC-30 was used. The association between variables was assessed through contingency tables, using the odds ratio (OR) with its corresponding confidence interval (95% CI) and the X2 test. Finally, a binary logistic regression analysis was performed.

Results: Out of the 244 older adults surveyed, 39% had depressive symptoms, of which 28.3% (n=69) and 10.7% (n=26) were moderately and severely depressive, respectively. The findings significantly associated with the presence of depressive symptoms were being 76 years old or older [p=0.005, OR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.29-4.20], not participating in weekly recreational activities [p=0.004, OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.31-3.99] and the presence of comorbidities [p=0.026, OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.07-3.29].

Conclusion: There are few studies exploring depression in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic; this research shows the importance of mental health care in this population and, particularly, of those who are 76 or older because they suffer from comorbid conditions and have interrupted recreational activities.
Corporate governance and shareholders’ confidence in cooperativess a systematic literature review
Authors: Thangaveloo Arasu , Dorasamy Magiswary , Bin Ahmad Abdul Aziz , Marimuthu Siva Barathi , Jayabalan Jayamalathi
Published: March 2022

Background: The confidence of Bottom 40 (B40) shareholders is crucial for cooperative’s sustenance within wider corporate governance. An in-depth study on cooperatives is needed, as they play a crucial role in the Malaysian economic system and contribute greatly to the country’s social development. However, in the current landscape, confidence among shareholders is at stake. This study aims to identify the research gap into corporate governance for cooperatives in relation to B40 shareholder confidence, as well as identify current study challenges and develop a conceptual framework for future research.

Methods: We conducted a systematic literature review, with the use of agency theory to assess shareholders’ confidence. Emerald, ProQuest, InderScience, Scopus and Science Direct were the online databases used in this study to search five keyword phrases: corporate governance, confidence, cooperative, agency theory and Bottom 40% (B40) household. Tranfield’s five stages were used to conduct the systematic review.

Results: Only 5 of the 324 studies assess shareholders’ confidence in cooperatives, as well as one paper on B40 and two papers on agency theory. Our review presents three major findings. First, research in the context of B40 shareholder’s confidence in cooperatives  is  scarce. Second, the challenges related to shareholders’ confidence in B40 are major issues in the context. Third, research on agency theory in the context of shareholders’ confidence within cooperatives and corporate governance is still scant.

Conclusions: This review urges the research community to conduct more studies based on the highlighted research gaps.
Global indicators framework for socially responsible research and innovation (RRI): How to monitor public and researcher perspectives
Authors: Jensen Eric A.
Published: March 2022

As calls for more socially responsible research and innovation (RRI) policies and practices grow more insistent, the need for high quality indicators that can be used to evaluate progress is becoming increasingly important. Given the global nature of science, such indicators need to be relevant to countries across all world regions. Moreover, the methodological quality of indicators is critical to provide a strong foundation for long-term comparative measurement of the impacts of different kinds of policy intervention. There is a practical challenge in this effort relating to the uneven mechanisms for data collection and analysis available in different countries. There is also a geopolitical challenge in gaining buy-in from countries with very different, and sometimes competing, agendas. Here, the 2017 UNESCO-led Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers is highlighted as an existing vehicle that can enable cooperation on globally comparative measurement of socially responsible research and innovation. In particular, the quadrennial monitoring of the implementation of this wide-ranging global policy instrument that has been ratified by 195 countries affords a unique opportunity to add value for these countries by linking RRI to the 2017 Recommendation while establishing benchmark indicators for RRI more generally. As a practical and methodological contribution to the global community of science and innovation policymakers, researchers and research and innovation stakeholders committed to socially responsible research, this report contains detailed survey questions and response options focusing on public opinion and individual researchers’ level of measurement. It provides details of sources of benchmark survey data that have readily available open data that can be used to benchmark the development of socially responsible research and innovation over time from the vantage points of the public and researchers around the world. The aim of this kind of indicators framework is to enable evidence-based practice in socially responsible research and innovation.
Symptom profiles and accuracy of clinical case definitions for COVID-19 in a community cohort: results from the Virus Watch study
Authors: Fragaszy Ellen , Shrotri Madhumita , Geismar Cyril , Aryee Anna , Beale Sarah , Braithwaite Isobel , Byrne Thomas , Eyre Max T. , Fong Wing Lam Erica , Gibbs Jo , Hardelid Pia , Kovar Jana , Lampos Vasileios , Nastouli Eleni , Navaratnam Annalan M.D. , Nguyen Vincent , Patel Parth , Aldridge Robert W. , Hayward Andrew ,   Virus Watch Collaborative
Published: March 2022

Background: Understanding symptomatology and accuracy of clinical case definitions for community COVID-19 cases is important for Test, Trace and Isolate (TTI) and future targeting of early antiviral treatment.  

Methods: Community cohort participants prospectively recorded daily symptoms and swab results (mainly undertaken through the UK TTI system).  We compared symptom frequency, severity, timing, and duration in test positive and negative illnesses.  We compared the test performance of the current UK TTI case definition (cough, high temperature, or loss of or altered sense of smell or taste) with a wider definition adding muscle aches, chills, headache, or loss of appetite.    

Results: Among 9706 swabbed illnesses, including 973 SARS-CoV-2 positives, symptoms were more common, severe and longer lasting in swab positive than negative illnesses.  Cough, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches were the most common symptoms in positive illnesses but also common in negative illnesses. Conversely, high temperature, loss or altered sense of smell or taste and loss of appetite were less frequent in positive illnesses, but comparatively even less frequent in negative illnesses.  The current UK definition had 81% sensitivity and 47% specificity versus 93% and 27% respectively for the broader definition. 1.7-fold more illnesses met the broader case definition than the current definition. 

Conclusions: Symptoms alone cannot reliably distinguish COVID-19 from other respiratory illnesses. Adding additional symptoms to case definitions could identify more infections, but with a large increase in the number needing testing and the number of unwell individuals and contacts self-isolating whilst awaiting results.
Swollen Finger – An Atypical Place for a Metastatic Lesion
Authors: Lume Maria , Couto Marisa , Lemos Luís , Monteiro Ana , Martins José Carlos
Published: March 2022

Acrometastasis, referring to metastases located distal to the elbow and knee, is a rare observation. The most common primary cancer site is the lungs, followed by colorectal, breast and genitourinary tract locations. We present a case of a 54-year-old woman with a 25-pack-year smoking history, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung diagnosed at age 50. Upon physical examination, in the distal phalanx of the fourth finger of the right hand, there was a hypervascularized swelling, purplish and painful. Distal amputation of the fourth finger was performed with pathological anatomy compatible with acrometastasis of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. Clinicians should be aware of this type of metastasis because it is sometimes difficult to distinguish from tuberculous dactylitis and other types of osteomyelitis in patients with undiagnosed cancer. The presence of acrometastasis confers a poor prognosis.
Head and neck cancer peer-to-peer support and quality of life: systematic scoping review
Authors: Hatton Rebecca A , Crane Julie , Rogers Simon N , Patterson Jo
Published: March 2022

Background/aim:

The aim of this scoping review was to summarise the current evidence for peer-to-peer support and its impact on quality of life (QoL) in head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods:

Five search engines were used—PubMed, CINAHL, APA PyscInfo, Web of Science and HaNDLE-on-QoL—to look for publications between 1981 and 2020. Adapted PICO (population, intervention, comparator and outcome) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) methodology was used.

Results:

Of the 1408 papers identified, 10 met the inclusion criteria: five qualitative, two cross-sectional, one case-control, one cohort and one quasi-experimental design. There were four common themes: patient experience of peer-to-peer support, delivery of peer-to-peer support, engagement with peer-to-peer support and impact on QoL.

Conclusion:

This review highlights the paucity of evidence with regard to QoL and peer-to-peer support in HNC. It provides a summary of the literature and identifies considerations for clinical practice and future research.
Promising Treatments for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Associated with Covid-19
Authors: Mezanini Marliny Bovo , De Souza Mateus Masson , Ramos Rogério Rodrigo , De Godoy José Maria Pereira , Queiroz de Souza Thaisa Fernanda , Pinto Neto José Martins , Lozano André Wilian , Simonato Luciana Estevam , Da Silva Wagner Rafael , Pezati Boer Nilton Cesar , Prates Fabio Zanusso , De Arruda Farid Jamil Silva
Published: March 2022

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) can occur in critically ill people due to COVID-19. These combinations of ARDS and COVID-19 are usually fatal, and the risk increases with age and severity of the disease. The main clinical aspect is the intense shortness of breath and often cannot breathe on their own, requiring mechanical ventilatory support. Treatment includes the administration of oxygen and medications. As a result, the aim of the study was to address the promising treatments for COVID-19-associated ARDS, reporting the main forms of recommendation of therapies such as corticosteroid use, ozone therapy and hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO). This study is a systematic review conducted through international articles with English language located in PubMed and VHL in addition to Clinicaltrials.gov. In the study, we found 117 studies that were submitted to eligibility analysis and, subsequently, 59 studies were included and discussed in this study. Recent studies show that corticosteroids used in ARDS with COVID-19 have achieved clinical improvement, especially during mechanical ventilation. In ozone therapy, improvement was found in the pulmonary parenchyma and in the release of plasma cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), lymphocyte typing for CD3, CD4, CD8, HLA-DR, CD45. In HBO, it is a useful alternative in the treatment of the disease since it provided inflammatory relief and facilitated the reversal of hypoxemia. As there is little evidence of damage, the data suggest the use of these promising treatments; however, more studies are needed to prove the efficacy of these therapies.
Weak Intermolecular Interactions and Molecular Cluster in Ionic Liquids
Authors: Kumar Panja Sumit
Published: March 2022

Presently, we are working on weak intermolecular interaction (aliphatic H-bonding and ?-? stacking interaction) in imidazolium and piperidinium-based ionic liquids. The weak interactions play a crucial role in the physical properties of ILs. Further, the significance of weak interactions on cluster formation and extended intermolecular interaction in these ILs have been investigated in our laboratory. The vibrational spectroscopic techniques (Raman and FTIR) have been employed to understand the effect of H-bonding interaction on physical property and molecular cluster formation of ILs. Further, DFT calculations help for better understanding the intermolecular interactions at the molecular level.
Co-producing evidence-informed criminal legal re-entry policy with the community: an application of policy codesign
Authors: Owens Mandy D. , Ngo Sally , Grinnell Sue , Pearlman Dana , Bekemeier Betty , Walker Sarah Cusworth
Published: March 2022

Background:

Not attending to local political climate negatively impacts the implementation and sustainability of evidence-informed models of health service. Policy codesign aims to align policy, systems, and community from the ‘ground up’, with structured information gathering, synthesis and creative design methods that incorporate relevant scientific evidence.

Aims and objectives:

This paper provides an example of policy codesign to develop a jail-based re-entry programme for adults with opioid use disorder in a rural county in the US.

Methods:

The design process adapted Theory U, a systems planning framework to include a rapid evidence review. The process included five sessions from July-September 2020. Mixed methods were used to collect data from the design team (n=5), community at large (n=10), and potential consumers (n=14). Qualitative and descriptive analyses assessed satisfaction with the design process, and the acceptability and perceived feasibility of programme implementation.

Findings:

Satisfaction with the design process was high among design team members. Acceptability and perceived feasibility of the designed programme were ‘very high’ across all respondents. The community implemented the designed programme, which aligned with the extant evidence base, although design team members did not explicitly acknowledge research as a source of design. This suggests that the process achieved creative control, and qualitative findings support the teams’ sense of shared ownership.

Discussion and conclusions:

Policy codesign is a promising strategy for integrating the evidence base with community creativity in policy and systems-level planning. Further research is needed to understand which elements optimised design members’ absorption of the evidence base, shared sense making, and creative control.
Research on full-polarization electromagnetic holographic imaging based on quasi-symmetrical structure reconfigurable metasurfaces
Authors: Tian Jianghao , Cao Xiangyu , Liu Tao , Yang Huanhuan , Li Tong , Li Sijia , Lu Jia
Published: March 2022

In the paper, a quasi-symmetrical structure reconfigurable metasurfaces (QSRMS) is proposed to generate the full-polarization electromagnetic (EM) holographic imaging. A combination of metasurfaces and varactor that involves the position and the gap of loading varactor is explored to achieve low-loss characteristics. The loading of the capacitor allows the element of reconfigurable metasurfaces (RMS) to present quasi-central symmetry, thus reducing the coupling between co- and cross-polarization. Therefore, the phase shift of 310° and the amplitude loss of 1.3 dB in the two orthogonal directions are acquired at 5.2 GHz. And the 3dB-loss bandwidth reaches 15.67%. Based on the dual-polarization QSRMS, the amplitude and phase modulation (APM) of the EM field are implemented simultaneously using L-BFGS-B algorithm. The implementation process of holographic imaging shows that all polarization state of the Poincaré sphere can be realized by designing the phase distribution of the QSRMS. Furthermore, the multi-polarization multiplexing holographic imaging is also investigated in this research, indicating that the polarization carrying capacity (PCC) can be enhanced by increasing the aperture of the metasurfaces. The results of simulation and experiment reveal that there will be a broad application prospect in next-generation large-scale, multi-channel EM intellisense systems.
Electrically poled vapor-deposited organic glasses for integrated electro-optics
Authors: Dallachiesa Lauren , Biaggio Ivan
Published: March 2022

We introduce electrically poled small molecule assemblies that can serve as the active electro-optic material in nano-scale guided-wave circuits such as those of the silicon photonics platform. These monolithic organic materials can be vacuum-deposited to homogeneously fill nanometer-size integrated-optics structures, and electrically poled at higher temperatures to impart an orientational non-centrosymmetric order that remains stable at room temperature. An initial demonstration using the DDMEBT molecule and corona poling delivered a material with the required high optical quality, an effective glass transition temperature of the order of ∼80°C, and an electro-optic coefficient of 20 pm/V.
Femtosecond laser-selective polishing of RB-SiC at a fluence between its two-phase threshold
Authors: Chen Huan , Wei Chaoyang , Cao Zhen , Peng Xiaocong , Jiang Zhigang , Shao Jianda
Published: March 2022

Reaction-bonded silicon carbide is considered to be one of the most excellent and feasible materials for lightweight large telescope optics due to its high specific stiffness and strength. Unfortunately, it is a material with high hardness and a complex two-phase structure, which cause the conventional polishing process to be inefficient. In this paper, a femtosecond laser selective polishing technique based on the difference in ablation thresholds between SiC and Si phases was proposed to reduce the surface roughness and improve polishing efficiency. The multi-pulse ablation thresholds of SiC and Si at an effective pulse number of 49 used for the polishing process were calculated as 0.168 and 0.066 J/cm2, respectively. In the experiment, 0.08 J/cm2 was selected to selectively remove the Si layer to optimize the roughness of RB-SiC, and the surface evolution under different scanning times was analyzed. An optical surface with a roughness of 11.21 ± 0.26 nm was obtained by selective polishing with 3 scans on the initial surface roughness of 33.72 ± 0.83 nm. The change in surface morphology showed that the Si layer with uneven distribution of protrusions on the initial surface was effectively removed and the SiC did not change by 3 scans. Raman spectrum indicated that this selective polishing did not change the surface structure, and XPS spectrum showed that selective polishing effectively removed the Si layer on the surface, and part of the SiC was also decomposed into C and Si. Furthermore, femtosecond laser selective polishing can further improve the polishing efficiency through parameter optimization, which has a potential application in improving the polishing efficiency of RB-SiC.
A copula based topology preserving graph convolution network for clustering of single-cell RNA-seq data
Authors: Lall Snehalika , Ray Sumanta , Bandyopadhyay Sanghamitra
Published: March 2022

Annotation of cells in single-cell clustering requires a homogeneous grouping of cell populations. There are various issues in single cell sequencing that effect homogeneous grouping (clustering) of cells, such as small amount of starting RNA, limited per-cell sequenced reads, cell-to-cell variability due to cell-cycle, cellular morphology, and variable reagent concentrations. Moreover, single cell data is susceptible to technical noise, which affects the quality of genes (or features) selected/extracted prior to clustering.

Here we introduce sc-CGconv (copula basedgraphconvolution network forsingleclustering), a stepwise robust unsupervised feature extraction and clustering approach that formulates and aggregates cell–cell relationships using copula correlation (Ccor), followed by a graph convolution network based clustering approach. sc-CGconv formulates a cell-cell graph usingCcorthat is learned by a graph-based artificial intelligence model, graph convolution network. The learned representation (low dimensional embedding) is utilized for cell clustering. sc-CGconv features the following advantages. a. sc-CGconv works with substantially smaller sample sizes to identify homogeneous clusters. b. sc-CGconv can model the expression co-variability of a large number of genes, thereby outperforming state-of-the-art gene selection/extraction methods for clustering. c. sc-CGconv preserves the cell-to-cell variability within the selected gene set by constructing a cell-cell graph through copula correlation measure. d. sc-CGconv provides a topology-preserving embedding of cells in low dimensional space.
Comparative performance of multiple-list estimators of key population size
Authors: Gutreuter Steve
Published: March 2022

Estimates of the sizes of key populations (KPs) affected by HIV, including men who have sex with men, female sex workers and people who inject drugs, are required for targeting epidemic control efforts where they are most needed. Unfortunately, different estimators often produce discrepant results, and an objective basis for choice is lacking. This simulation study provides the first comparison of information-theoretic selection of loglinear models (LLM-AIC), Bayesian model averaging of loglinear models (LLM-BMA) and Bayesian nonparametric latent-class modeling (BLCM) for estimation of population size from multiple lists. Four hundred random samples from populations of size 1,000, 10,000 and 20,000, each including five encounter opportunities, were independently simulated using each of 30 data-generating models obtained from combinations of six patterns of variation in encounter probabilities and five expected per-list encounter probabilities, producing a total of 36,000 samples. Population size was estimated for each combination of sample and sequentially cumulative sets of 2–5 lists using LLM-AIC, LLM-BMA and BLCM. LLM-BMA and BLCM were quite robust and performed comparably in terms of root mean-squared error and bias, and outperformed LLM-AIC. All estimation methods produced uncertainty intervals which failed to achieve the nominal coverage, but LLM-BMA, as implemented in the dgaRpackage produced the best balance of accuracy and interval coverage. The results also indicate that two-list estimation is unnecessarily vulnerable, and it is better to estimate the sizes of KPs based on at least three lists.
Drug development for the treatment of onchocerciasis: Population pharmacokinetic and adverse events modeling of emodepside
Authors: Assmus Frauke , Hoglund Richard M. , Monnot Frédéric , Specht Sabine , Scandale Ivan , Tarning Joel
Published: March 2022

Background

To accelerate the progress towards onchocerciasis elimination, a macrofilaricidal drug that kills the adult parasite is urgently needed. Emodepside has shown macrofilaricidal activity against a variety of nematodes and is currently under clinical development for the treatment of onchocerciasis. The aims of this study were i) to characterize the population pharmacokinetic properties of emodepside, ii) to link its exposure to adverse events in healthy volunteers, and iii) to propose an optimized dosing regimen for a planned phase II study in onchocerciasis patients.

Methodology / Principal findings

Plasma concentration-time profiles and adverse event data were obtained from 142 subjects enrolled in three phase I studies, including a single-dose, and a multiple-dose, dose-escalation study as well as a relative bioavailability study. Nonlinear mixed-effects modeling was used to evaluate the population pharmacokinetic properties of emodepside. Logistic regression modeling was used to link exposure to drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Emodepside pharmacokinetics were well described by a transit-absorption model, followed by a 3-compartment disposition model. Body weight was included as an allometric function and both food and formulation had a significant impact on absorption rate and relative bioavailability. All drug-related TEAEs were transient, and mild or moderate in severity. An increase in peak plasma concentration was associated with an increase in the odds of experiencing a drug-related TEAE of interest.

Conclusions/Significance

Pharmacokinetic modeling and simulation was used to derive an optimized, body weight-based dosing regimen, which allows for achievement of extended emodepside exposures above target concentrations while maintaining acceptable tolerability margins.
Transcriptomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and functional genomic approaches of Brassica napus L. during salt stress
Authors: Shu Jiabin , Ma Xiao , Ma Hua , Huang Qiurong , Zhang Ye , Guan Mei , Guan Chunyun
Published: March 2022

Environmental abiotic stresses limit plant growth, development, and reproduction. This study aims to reveal the response of Brassica napus to salt stress. Here, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and proteomics analysis were performed on 15 Brassica napus leave samples treated with salt at different times. Through functional enrichment analyzing the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differential metabolites (DMs) and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), the key factors that dominate Brassica napus response to salt stress were identified. The results showed that the two key hormones responding to salt stress were Abscisic acid (ABA) and jasmonic acid (JA). Salt stress for 24h is an important milestone. Brassica napus adjusted multiple pathways at 24h to avoid over-response to salt stress and cause energy consumption. The increased expression in BnPP2C is tangible evidence. In response to salt stress, JA and ABA work together to reduce the damage caused by salt stress in Brassica napus. The increased expression of all BnJAZs after salt stress highlighted the function of JA that cannot be ignored responding to salt stress. In addition, some metabolites, such as N-acetyl-5-hydroxytryptamine, L-Cysteine and L-(+)-Arginine, play a critical role in maintaining the balance of ROS. Proteins like catalase-3, cysteine desulfurase, HSP90 and P450_97A3 were the most critical differential proteins in response to salt stress. These findings of this study provide data support for Brassica napus breeding.
Prevalence of child malnutrition and household socioeconomic deprivation: A case study of marginalized district in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Shahid Muhammad , Ahmed Farooq , Ameer Waqar , Guo Jing , Raza Saqlain , Fatima Saireen , Qureshi Madeeha Gohar
Published: March 2022

Better socioeconomic status and well-being in households decrease malnutrition and health risks in children. The objective of the present study is to assess the current nutritional status of pre-school children and to correlate the prevalence of malnutrition with Household Deprivation Status (HDS) in one of the deprived districts of the Punjab province in Pakistan. Using primary data collected from 384 households through a proportional purposive random sampling technique, this study calculates the z-scores of weight-for-age (WAZ), weight-for-height (WHZ), and height-for-age (HAZ). The study has used a cut-off point which is -2 standard deviations below the median of the WHO/NCHS reference population for each anthropometric indicator. The results indicate that the underweight, stunting, and wasting prevalence rates are 46.1%, 34.83%, and 15.49% respectively in district Rahimyar Khan. Also, the expected tendency of malnutrition is worst for HDS-1 and HDS-2 which are the most deprived segments of the population. As the household shifts from HDS-1 to HDS-2 and further to HDS-3, the rates of stunting (HAZ) and underweight (WAZ) decreases but wasting (WHZ) does not. The study concludes that the high prevalence of malnutrition in the district is correlated with overall socio-economic deprivation.
Predicting treatment response and clinicopathological findings in lupus nephritis with urine epidermal growth factor, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 or their ratios
Authors: Ngamjanyaporn Pintip , Worawichawong Suchin , Pisitkun Prapaporn , Khiewngam Khantong , Kantachuvesiri Surasak , Nongnuch Arkom , Assanatham Montira , Sathirapongsasuti Nuankanya , Kitiyakara Chagriya
Published: March 2022

Introduction

There is a need for sensitive and specific biomarkers to predict kidney damage and therapeutic response in lupus nephritis (LN). Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) are cytokines with divergent roles. EGF or EGF/MCP1 ratio have been shown to correlate with prognosis in primary glomerulonephritis, but there is limited information in lupus nephritis (LN). This study evaluated the roles of MCP-1, EGF or their ratio as biomarkers of histopathology and response to treatment in LN.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional and observational study. Baseline urine MCP-1 and EGF levels in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and controls (total n = 101) were compared, and levels were correlated with clinicopathological findings and subsequent response to treatment.

Results

MCP-1 was higher in active LN (n = 69) compared to other SLE groups and controls, whereas EGF was not different. MCP-1 correlated with disease activity (proteinuria, renal SLEDAI, classes III/IV/V, and high activity index.) By contrast, EGF correlated with eGFR, but not with proteinuria, activity index, or class III/IV/V. MCP-1 was higher, and EGF was lower in high chronicity index. EGF/MCP-1 decreased with greater clinicopathological severity. In a subgroup with proliferative LN who completed six months of induction therapy (n = 41), EGF at baseline was lower in non-responders compared to responders, whereas MCP-1 was similar. By multivariable analysis, baseline EGF was independently associated with subsequent treatment response. Area under the curve for EGF to predict response was 0.80 (0.66–0.95). EGF ≥ 65.6 ng/ mgCr demonstrated 85% sensitivity and 71% specificity for response. EGF/MCP-1 did not improve the prediction for response compared to EGF alone.

Conclusion

MCP-1 increased with disease activity, whereas EGF decreased with low GFR and chronic damage. Urine EGF may be a promising biomarker to predict therapeutic response in LN. EGF/MCP-1 did not improve the prediction of response.
Associations between impulsivity and self-care adherence in individuals diagnosed with Type 2 or prediabetes
Authors: Wainwright Katherine , Romanowich Paul , Crabtree Meghan A.
Published: March 2022

Diabetes is a chronic disease requiring extensive self-care. Different impulsivity constructs, including choice-based and self-report personality measures are associated with decreasing diabetes self-care adherence. However, both choice-based and self-report impulsivity have never been measured for individuals diagnosed with either Type 2 or prediabetes in the same study. The current study examined the relationship between impulsivity and diabetes self-care in 101 adults diagnosed with either Type 2 or prediabetes. Results indicated that increasing self-reported impulsiveness was significantly correlated with decreasing Type 2 diabetic self-care, whereas the choice-based measure was not associated with any self-care measure. No association between impulsivity and self-care was significant for individuals diagnosed with prediabetes. Path analyses showed that self-reported impulsiveness directly and positively predicted problems controlling blood sugar levels in individuals diagnosed with either prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes. However, self-reported impulsiveness only indirectly and negatively predicted exercise and diet adherence via diabetes management self-efficacy for individuals diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. These results show what specific impulsivity constructs and diabetes management self-efficacy may be incorporated into interventions for increasing specific self-care behaviors.
Do business records management affect business growth?
Authors: Mintah Clement , Gabir Mohamed , Aloo Felicia , Ofori Elvis Kwame
Published: March 2022

The implementation of a records management plan is an excellent approach to ensure small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are sustained and continue to expand into huge or multi-national corporations. Maintaining records helps businesses in making better judgments and developing appropriate policies, resulting in enhanced effectiveness and efficiency. This will leverage means for tracking business progress and making appropriate decisions to expand the productive component of the economy. SMEs Business growth will help generate tax revenue for the government while also encouraging poverty reduction through tax transfers. We conducted a thorough investigation to determine the impact of each variable on business growth. For statistical analysis, a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) methodology was applied. The results suggest that business records management and training have a positive indirect effect on business growth. However, the indirect effect of business records management policies insignificantly influences SMEs’ adoption of adequate record-keeping procedures, which harms business growth in Ghana. On the other hand, the total effect of the variables such as business records management training, business records management policies, and business records management positively impact business growth. Findings make a significant contribution to existing knowledge in the areas of record-keeping, management, and business growth. Business records management is an issue that requires more policy attention. This will business owners and managers strategically plan for new business directions based on data acquired. Proper record-keeping is necessary to satisfy end-users such as company directors, shareholders, external auditors, investors, creditors, and other interested parties. SMEs place a high value on business records management because of the impact it has on their long-term viability. The research outcomes provide a means for, and data on, business appraisal and management strategies.
Characterization of fin whale song off the Western Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Wood Megan , Širović Ana
Published: March 2022

Song is produced by a variety of terrestrial and marine animals and is particularly common among baleen whales. Fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) song is comprised of relatively simple 20 Hz pulses produced at regular intervals. The timing of these intervals, in addition to the presence and frequency of overtones, appears to be unique to each population. The purpose of this study was to characterize Western Antarctic Peninsula fin whale song and describe temporal pattern variations in song type and occurrence. Recordings were collected in the area from 2001–2004 and again 2014–2016. One song type was identified with a primary inter-pulse interval (IPI) of approximately 14 s and secondary IPI of 12.5 s. This song occurred in three pattern variants: singlet, doublet, and long triplet. The interval between pulses increased by 1.5 s between recording periods while the frequency of the overtones decreased from 89 Hz to 86 Hz. Song was never recorded in August and while it was recorded at other times in some years, it was consistently present in recordings from April through June across all years. While multiple pattern variants were present each year, singlets were generally the most prevalent variant. Doublets and triplets occurred from February through June, with highest levels of variants in February. In later years the triplet variant presence increased and in 2016 it comprised 53% of recorded song bouts. Further research is needed to understand the reasons why song changes over time and to examine the feasibility of using song to delineate and identify populations.
Therapeutic efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine, artesunate-amodiaquine and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine in the treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Marwa Karol , Kapesa Anthony , Baraka Vito , Konje Evelyne , Kidenya Benson , Mukonzo Jackson , Kamugisha Erasmus , Swedberg Gote
Published: March 2022

Background

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest burden of malaria in the world. Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) have been the cornerstone in the efforts to reduce the global burden of malaria. In the effort to facilitate early detection of resistance for artemisinin derivatives and partner drugs, WHO recommends monitoring of ACT’s efficacy in the malaria endemic countries. The present systematic meta-analysis study summarises the evidence of therapeutic efficacy of the commonly used artemisinin-based combinations for the treatment of uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa after more than a decade since the introduction of the drugs.

Methods

Fifty two studies carried out from 2010 to 2020 on the efficacy of artemether-lumefantrine or dihydro-artemisinin piperaquine or artesunate amodiaquine in patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa were searched for using the Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of controlled trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, Medline, LILACS, and EMBASE online data bases. Data was extracted by two independent reviewers. Random analysis effect was performed in STATA 13. Heterogeneity was established using I2 statistics.

Results

Based on per protocol analysis, unadjusted cure rates in malaria infected patients treated with artemether-lumefantrine (ALU), artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DHP) were 89%, 94% and 91% respectively. However, the cure rates after PCR correction were 98% for ALU, 99% for ASAQ and 99% for DHP.

Conclusion

The present meta-analysis reports the overall high malaria treatment success for artemether-lumefantrine, artesunate-amodiaquine and dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine above the WHO threshold value in Sub-Saharan Africa.