bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview of Sense Of Community in Administrative Section Employees at Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo
Authors: Maryam Effy Wardati
Published: January 2022

This study aims to determine the description of a sense of community in the administrative employees at the Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo. Subjects in this study were employees of the administration in UMSIDA, amounting to 51 person, with the technique of determining the sample using saturated sampling. The data collection tool uses a sense of community scale by adapting 24 items of Sense of Community Index Version Two (SCI-2) which refers to the sense of community theory proposed by McMillan and Chavis. Data analysis techniques in this study using descriptive statistical techniques. The results of data analysis show that the sense of community in the administrative staff at Muhammadiyah University of Sidoarjo generally are in the medium category. Whereas if viewed from the existing dimensions, shared emotional connection dimension get the highest score compared with other dimensions.
Organizational Culture and Job Satisfaction with Work Motivation of Satlantas Members
Authors: Adhiyana Ferdyanzah Wira , Rini Rr. Amanda Pasca , Saragih Sahat
Published: January 2022

Work motivation in the organization has a close relationship with the willingness to complete the work properly. Such will is a form of encouragement that creates a passion for work. Positive work spirit is a useful factor in improving the ability to work. This research was conducted on member of Traffic Unit at Police of Sidoarjo with number of subjects of this study was 89 people. All subjects have long worked in the Traffic Police Sidoarjo unit at least 1 year with the rank of Bripda up to Aiptu. There is significant relation between organization culture and work statisfication with work motivation F = 38,691; p = 0,000) on member of traffic unit at police of Sidoarjo.
Peer Social Support, Personality Type, and Smoking Tendency in SMK(T) Students in Sidoarjo District
Authors: Mariyati Lely Ika , Habibah Nur
Published: January 2022

Smoking is a one of a juvenile delinquency. However, if it is not handled properly, it will have an impact on adolescent tendency to a higher juvenile. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between peer social support and personality type with a trend of smoking on SMK Students in Sidoarjo. The hypothesis was that there is a positive relationship between social support of SMK Students (T) with a trend to smoke, there is a positive correlation between the personality type of vocational students (T) with a trend to smoke, and there is a positive relationship between social support and personality type with a trend to smoke. This research used three variables: two independent variables X1: peer social support, X2: personality type; and the dependent variable Y: the trends in smoking of SMK Students in Sidoarjo. The research data analysis used multiple correlation technique using SPSS 16.0 for Windows. The results obtained with the correlation coefficient ρ-0.073 (0.146)> 0.05, meaning that peer social support variables relationship with smoking trends were not significant; the correlation coefficient r with ρ 0.006 (0.904)> 0.05, meaning that the personality type variable relationship with smoking trends were not significant. These results showed that the hypothesis of the reseach were not proven.
Energy Atlas—mapping energy-related data for DoD lands in Alaska : Phase 2—data expansion and portal development
Authors: Bigl Matthew , Callaghan Caitlin , Booker Brandon , Trubac Kathryn , Willan Jacqueline , Lintsai Paulina , Torres Marissa
Published: January 2022

As the largest Department of Defense (DoD) land user in Alaska, the U.S. Army oversees over 600,000 hectares of land, including remote areas accessible only by air, water, and winter ice roads. Spatial information related to the energy resources and infrastructure that exist on and adjacent to DoD installations can help inform decision makers when it comes to installation planning. The Energy Atlas−Alaska portal provides a secure value-added resource to support the decision-making process for energy management, investments in installation infrastructure, and improvements to energy resiliency and sustainability. The Energy Atlas–Alaska portal compiles spatial information and provides that information through a secure online portal to access and examine energy and related resource data such as energy resource potential, energy corridors, and environmental information. The information database is hosted on a secure Common Access Card-authenticated portal that is accessible to the DoD and its partners through the Army Geospatial Center’s Enterprise Portal. This Enterprise Portal provides effective visualization and functionality to support analysis and inform DoD decision makers. The Energy Atlas–Alaska portal helps the DoD account for energy in contingency planning, acquisition, and life-cycle requirements and ensures facilities can maintain operations in the face of disruption.
Potential of two indigenous strains of entomopathogenic nematodes, (Steinernema feltiae and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) against the tomato leafminer (TLM), Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), under laboratory and greenhouse environmental bioassay
Authors: Kasi Indra Kumar , Singh Mohinder , Waiba Kanchhi Maya , Sharma P L Lal
Published: January 2022

The tomato leafminer (Tuta Absoluta) is an important pest of tomato crops which have features like; high reproductive potential, Invasive species are major threats to agronomic and natural ecosystems. Based on the pathogenicity of strains, only two isolates effectively show larvicidal activity. The native isolate was obtained from soil samples, collected from Rajgarh, Hamachi Pradesh, India. Petri dish bioassay use nematodes S. feltiae HR1 and H. bacteriophora HR2 species dose (0, 10, 20, 40, 80, 160/ IJs/cm2). The (%) 1st instar larval mortality was ranged from 24.15 to 85.38%. 2nd instar from 29.87 to 90.00%. 3rd instar from 24.15 to 90.00%. 4th instar from 31.53 to 90.00% and pupae stage mortality was ranged from 31.53 to 85.38%. Larvicidal activity after 48- and 72-hours exposure, the S. feltiae and H. bacteriophora (1.0, 1.30, 1.60, 1.90, 2.20/IJs/cm2) showed potent larvicidal activity with LC50, LC75 and LC90 of all instars and pupa show high mortality. The strain inhibits the larval and pupal development 48 to 72 hr exposer time with LC50 range from 05.42 to 23.67, LC75 20.29 to 83.12, LC90 16.52 to 98.89. Green house test is using the seam isolate of EPNs (HR1, HR2) on foliar application it caused by significant mortality results. These studies demonstrate the challenge for invasive species. The local indigenous strains of EPNs (S. feltiae HR1, H. bacteriophora HR2) as a good biocontrol agent against invasive pest of T. absoluta.
Magnitude of Diabetic Neuropathy in Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Owolabi Lukman Femi , Alghamdi Mushabab , Adamu Bappa , Taura Magaji Garba , Jibo Abubakar , Almansour Mohammed , Alaklabi Saeed Naseer , Alghamdi Mohammed Ali , Alotaibi Yousef Ayesh , Imam Isa Adamu , Abdelrazak Reda , Rafaat Ahmad , Aliyu Muktar
Published: January 2022

Background: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), due to its potential for causing morbidity and disability from foot ulcers and amputations, is increasingly becoming a source of concern in Saudi Arabia and worldwide. However, wide variability exists in the prevalence of DPN reported in previous studies in Saudi Arabia, limiting the utility of existing data in national public health policy. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the magnitude of DPN in people living with diabetes mellitus in Saudi Arabia.Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journals OnLine, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Wiley Online Library were searched systematically to acquire relevant articles based on preset criteria. We evaluated heterogeneity and publication bias and employed a random-effects model to estimate the pooled prevalence of DPN from the included studies. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in conducting the meta-analysis. Analysis was performed using the STATA Version 12 software.Results: Twelve studies with a total of 4,556 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of DPN was 39% (95% CI [30%, 49%]). Subgroup analysis based on diagnostic method showed that prevalence estimates for DPN using screening questionnaires and clinical examination were 48% (95% CI [46%, 50%]) and 40% (95% CI: [38%, 42%]), respectively, while the estimated prevalence using nerve conduction studies was 26% (95% CI [15%, 36%]). Conclusion: This study showed a high magnitude of DPN in Saudi Arabia (39%), thus highlighting the need for sustained efforts to reduce the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and DPN in the kingdom.
Rapid identification of four Fusariumspp. complex by high-resolution melting curve analysis and their antifungal susceptibility profiles
Authors: Gong Jie , Hou Xuexin , Geng Yuanyuan , Dai Rongchen Chewxway , Zhao Fei , He Lihua
Published: January 2022

Fusarium species are globally distributed filamentous ascomycete fungi that are frequently reported as plant pathogens and opportunistic human pathogens, leading to yield loss of crops, mycotoxin contamination of food and feed products as well as damage to human and livestock. Human infections of Fusarium spp. are difficult to treat due to broad antifungal resistance by members of this genus. Their role as disease-causing agents in crops and humans suggests a need for antifungal resistance profiles as well as a simple, rapid, and cost effective identification method. Fusarium strains were isolated from food and clinical samples. High-resolution melting curve (HRM) analysis was performed using specific primers targeting internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, followed with evaluation of specificity and sensitivity. The antifungal susceptibility of four Fusarium species was studied using the Sensititre YeastOne method. HRM analysis revealed reproducible, unimodal melting profiles specific to each of the four Fusarium strains, while no amplification of the negative controls. The minimum detection limits were 100~120 copies based on a 2 µl volume of template. Clear susceptibility differences were observed against antifungal agents by different Fusarium isolates, with amphotericin B and voriconazole displayed strongest antifungal effects to all the tested strains. We developed a simple, rapid, and low-cost HRM-PCR method for identification of four Fusarium spp. (F. oxysporum, F. lateritium, F. fujikuroi, and F. solani). The antifungal susceptibility profiles supplied antifungal information of foodborne and clinical Fusarium spp. and provided guidance for clinical treatment of human infections.
Effect of Safranal On The Response Of Cancer Cells To Topoisomerase I Inhibitors: Dose Sequence Matter?
Authors: Lozon Lama , Saleh Ekram , Menon Varsha , Ramadan Wafaa , Amin Amr , El-Awady Raafat
Published: January 2022

Background: Lung and colorectal cancers are among the leading causes of death from cancer worldwide. While topotecan (TPT), a topoisomerase1 inhibitor, is a first- and second-line chemotherapeutic drug in treating lung and colon cancers, the development of drug resistance and toxicity still reserve as a major obstacle to chemotherapeutic success. Accumulating evidences are available that indicate increased efficacy and reduced toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents upon combining them with natural products. Safranal (SAF), a natural compound obtained from Crocus Sativus stigma has been shown to possess anti-cancer activity.Objectives: The current work aimed to investigate the possible interaction of SAF with TPT when used in different sequences in colon and lung cancer cell lines.Methods: The growth inhibitory effect of the proposed combination given in different sequences was assessed using the colony formation assay. Comet assay, cell cycle distribution, Annexin V staining as well as expression of proteins involved in DNA damage and repair were utilized to understand the mechanism underlying the effect of the combination.Results: SAF enhanced the growth inhibitory effects of TPT particularly when it was added to the cells prior to TPT. This combination increased the double strand breaks (DSBs) induction and dysregulated the DNA repair machinery, particularly the tyrosyl- DNA phosphodiesterase1 enzyme (TDP1). Additionally, SAF+TPT combination increased the fraction of cells arrested at the G2/M checkpoint as well as enhanced the induction of apoptosis.Conclusion: The current study highlights the status of SAF as a natural product sensitizing the lung and colon cancer cells to the cytotoxic effects of the anticancer drug TPT. In addition, it emphasizes the importance of sequence -dependant growth inhibition which can affect the overall outcome.
Longitudinal Assessment of Systemic Steroid Therapy on Hyperinflammatory Endothelial Biomarker Profiles and Serology Responses of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Sims Jonathan Thomas , Chang Ching-Yun , Poorbaugh Josh , Daniels Montanea , Beasley Stephanie , Zhang Lin , Rodgers George , Lena Fabio , Lacerenza Leonardo , Sposato Bruno , Dupont Annabelle , Susen Sophie , Casalini Giacomo , Corbellino Mario , Stebbing Justin , Krishnan Venkatesh
Published: January 2022

This first of its kind study provides objective context to the potential mechanism of action of corticosteroid use in COVID-19 patients from 3 separate European medical centers by connecting inflammatory biomarkers to IgG levels for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein antigens and neutralization of ACE2 binding within infected individuals. CXCL9 is described herein as an important COVID-19 biomarker connecting disease severity with inflammatory biomarker and serology response profiles in corticosteroid-treated patients.
For a systematic comprehension of GAB2: an analysis based on pan-cancer
Authors: Yin Yi , Guan Zongyu , Ou Zhaoyang , Tang Min , Li Yong , Zhang Can , Zhang Li , He Aiqin
Published: January 2022

Backgroud: The potential function of Grb2-associated binder2(GAB2) in human ErB-2 (Her-2) overexpressed breast cancer cells has been reported. GAB2 may be a potential target for clinical treatment of Her-2-overexpressed breast cancer. However, whether GAB2 plays a pivotal role in other cancers as well is unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the role of GAB2 in pan-cancer. Methods: We explored the role of GAB2 in tumor prognosis and tumor immunity in a wide range of cancers through a variety of databases. The expression and prognostic correlation of GAB2 in 33 tumors were explored using The Cancer Genome Atlas Project(TCGA),The Genotype-Tissue Expression(GTEx) and The Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium(CPTAC) databases. We also described the expression of phosphorylated GAB2 meanwhile analyzed the correlation between GAB2 and tumor immunity in pan-cancer. Results:The expression level of GAB2 is different between normal and tumor tissues in pan-cancer, and phosphorylated GAB2 also plays an important role in tumor development. The expression level of GAB2 was also statistically significant with the Overall Survival(OS) of tumor patients. There was a positive correlation between GAB2 and CD8+T immune infiltration in pan-cancer. Conclusion: The expression levels of both GAB2 and phosphorylated GAB2 were different in pan-cancer, and there was a statistical significance between the expression level of GAB2 and tumor prognosis. In addition, GAB2 may be a potential target for tumor therapy due to its positive correlation with immune infiltration.
Analysis of Genetic Diversity And DNA Fingerprinting In Early-Maturing Upland Cotton Using SSR Markers
Authors: Kuang Zhengcheng , Xiao Caisheng , Guo LiShuang , Wang Wei , Wang Baohua , Huang Hui , Li Yujun , Li Yuqiang , Zheng Juyun , Chen Haodong
Published: January 2022

In this study, DNA fingerprinting and genetic diversity analysis of 79 early-maturing upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars were performed using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) molecular markers. From 126 pairs of SSR primers, we selected 71 pairs of primers that gave good polymorphisms and clear bands, had good stability, and showed even distribution on the cotton chromosomes, and 142 polymorphic genotypes were amplified. The average number of alleles amplified with the SSR primers was 2.01. The polymorphism information content (PIC) of the markers ranged from 0.1841 to 0.9043 with an average of 0.6494. The results of fingerprint analysis showed that nine varieties had characteristic bands, and at least six primer pairs could be used to completely distinguish all 79 cotton accessions. Using NTSYS-pc 2.11 cluster analysis, the genetic similarity coefficients between the cotton genotypes ranged from 0.3310-0.8705, with an average of 0.5861. All cotton accessions were grouped into five categories at a similarity coefficient of 0.57, which was consistent with the pedigree sources. At the same time, the average genetic similarity coefficients of early-maturing upland cotton varieties in China showed a low-high-low pattern of variation over time, revealing the development history of early-maturing upland cotton varieties from the 1980s to the present. This also indirectly reflects that in recent years, China's cotton breeders have focused on innovation and have continuously broadened the genetic resources for early-maturing upland cotton.
Identification of potential genes associated with magnetosome biogenesis in the CtrA regulon in Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1
Authors: Yang Yizi , Gu Ning
Published: January 2022

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are worth studying because of magnetosome biomineralization. Magnetosome biogenesis in MTB is controlled by multiple genes known as magnetosome-related genes. Recent advances in microarray bioinformatics provide a unique opportunity for studying functions of magnetosome-related genes and networks that they are involved in. Furthermore, microarray analysis can also help identify genes potentially associated with magnetosome biogenesis. To find more magnetosome-related genes in the CtrA regulon, we analyzed expression data of 8 samples of Magnetospirillum magneticum AMB-1 in the GSE35625 dataset in NCBI GEO. We identified 10 potential magnetosome-related genes using a nearest neighbor search strategy on both protein-protein interaction and gene co-expression networks. We also discovered and compared two co-expression modules which most known magnetosome-related genes belong to. These analyses provided several clues for the importance of energy on regulating co-expression module structures. In addition, we hypothesized that many magnetosome-related genes may develop new abilities to interact with other biomolecules including their functions in magnetosome biogenesis during evolution, since they are not hub genes in networks. Overall, our study provides useful information for researches on magnetotactic bacteria and magnetosome.
Endothelial microvesicles induce blood-brain barrier and neuronal damage caused by intermittent hypoxia through Fas/FasL-caspase8 signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Guo Ying , Tan Jin , Miao Yuyang
Published: January 2022

Background: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a highly popular disease. Intermittent hypoxia (IH), as the main disease physiological characteristic of OSA, is closely related to the cognitive impairment. Microvesicles (MVs), as intercellular information transfer substances, are closely related to multiple pathological and physiological activities. Endothelial microvesicles (EMVs), as one of the most widely studied microvesicles, has been shown to be associated with the severity of cognitive impairment. However, the effect of IH-induced EMVs on neurocytes is not clear. In our study, we established an IH model in vivo and in vitro to induce EMVs release and to observe its effect on neurocytes function.Methods: we established animal and cell models of IH, and detected the size and number of EMVs by flow cytometry and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Apoptosis and tight junction proteins were detected by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. The level of miR126 was detected by PCR.Results: IH injury model was established to induce B3 to release IH-EMVs. The IH-EMVs from B3 were isolated from the conditioned culture medium and characterized. IH is a potent stimulus for EMV formation and that EMV formed under intermitent hypoxia are compositionally and functionally distinct from those formed under normoxia conditions. Then brain microvascular endothelial cells and neurocytes were then incubated with N-EMVs and IH-EMVs respectively for 8h. We found that B3 cells treated by IH-EMVs exhibited reduced tight junction proteins and increased cell apoptosis. In addition, IH-EMVs contained significantly higher level of ROS than EMVs generated from untreated B3, which might be a direct source to trigger a cascade of which might be a direct source to trigger a cascade of myocardial damage. Conclusion: We showed that EMVs released during IH injury are pro-apoptotic, pro-oxidative and directly pathogenic to endothelial cells in vitro. EMVs carry ROS and they may impair endotheliocytes by promoting apoptosis and oxidative stress. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of IH.
Determinants of Beef Cattle Commercialization in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Kassa Getahun , Fantahun Tegegn , Anshiso Desalegn
Published: January 2022

Background

Ethiopia ranked first in Africa in the number of livestock production. However, the sector's potential contribution to the national economy has been hampered by the lack of a market-oriented livestock production system .In this study, the beef cattle markets in Southwest Ethiopia are analyzed based on a survey of 172 producers. The first part emphasized the characterization and commercialization of the beef cattle market in the study area. The second part is dedicated to identifying the factors affecting households’ participation in the beef cattle market using the Heckman two-step selection model.
Results

In the findings, the beef cattle market is characterized by the dominance of few traders, asymmetric information, lack of contract enforcement, lack of transparency among market actors, and poorly developed market infrastructure. There is very low net commercial off-take rate of cattle for smallholder farmers in the study area. The result from the Heckman two-step selection model revealed that having positive stock of cattle, better access to extension service & feed, and a better level of literacy enhanced market participation and sales volume. On the contrary, market participation and sales volume were negatively affected by cattle keeper’s age, non-livestock income, and poor road and health infrastructure.
Conclusions

The market structure is characterized by imperfect competition implying that under the current production and marketing conditions, small-holder farmers and pastoral livestock production systems do not provide regular and adequate market supply of beef cattle at competitive price. The study suggested that improving the market and health infrastructure, providing capacity building for producers, and improving access to feed could enhance the intensity of smallholder beef cattle market participation.
A Microblog Content Credibility Evaluation Model Based on Collaborative Key Points
Authors: Xing Ling , Yao Jingling , Wu Honghai , Ma Huahong
Published: January 2022

The spread of false content on microblogging platforms has created information security threats for users and platforms alike. The confusion caused by false content complicates feature selection during credibility evaluation. To solve this problem, a collaborative key point-based content credibility evaluation model, CECKP, is proposed in this paper. The model obtains the key points of the microblog text from the word level to the sentence level, then evaluates the credibility according to the semantics of the key points. In addition, a rumor lexicon constructed collaboratively during word-level coding strengthens the semantics of related words and solves the feature selection problem when using deep learning methods for content credibility evaluation. Experimental results show that, compared with the Att-BiLSTM model, the F1 score of the proposed model increases by 3.83% and 3.8% when the evaluation results are true and false respectively. The proposed model accordingly improves the performance of content credibility evaluation based on optimized feature selection.
NYMPHSTAR: an accurate high-throughput quantitative method for whitefly (Aleurotrachelus socialis Bondar) resistance phenotyping in cassava
Authors: Bohórquez-Chaux Adriana , Gómez-Jiménez María Isabel , Leiva-Sandoval Luisa Fernanda , Lopez-Lavalle Luis Augusto Becerra
Published: January 2022

Background
Whitefly (Aleurotrachelus socialis Bondar) is an important pest causing high economic losses in cassava production systems in the north of South America. It reduces the plant’s photosynthesis by colonizing the cassava leaves and either directly feeding on their phloem sap or excreting substances that allow the growth of sooty mold and the consequent reduction of the photosynthetic area. The deployment of the crop’s natural resistance to this pest is the most effective approach to its management. Phenotypic evaluation to identify germplasm with superior whitefly-resistance (WFR) levels from that showing a whitefly susceptible (WFS) response will benefit from the availability of an accurate high-throughput, quantitative phenotyping method.
Results
We developed an accurate and efficient image-based phenotyping method (Nymphstar) to quantify the total number of third and fourth instar nymphs through red, green, and blue color space (RGB) image analysis as a plugin for ImageJ. Nymphstar estimates both the number of third and fourth instar nymphs and the percentage of leaf area they occupy. We tested 19 cassava genotypes and classified them after data analysis as resistant or susceptible to A. socialis attack. Benchmarking Nymphstar against manual nymph counts performed by a specialist revealed a highly significant correlation between direct nymph counts and those estimated using Nymphstar, which analyzed images and counted nymphs 150 times faster than by manual counts. Full-bench caging for a free-choice assay facilitated our assessment of WFR in the cassava germplasm and early replicated trials in the experimental population and enhanced the efficiency of whitefly (A. socialis) colonization on each cassava genotype to accurately depict the intensity of the resistance/susceptible response under a choice regime, simultaneously reducing human operator bias.
Conclusions
Nymphstar is a fast, accurate image analysis screening tool for the automated counting of nymphs and quantification of leaf area they occupy, allowing for the assessment of cassava resistance to whitefly on a large number of cassava plants in a glasshouse-based assay while avoiding the potential bias normally associated with field assessment and manual counting.
Calcium coordination compounds of dipicolinic and quinolinic acids: synthesis, characterization, crystal structures and DFT studies
Authors: Tella Adedibu Clement , Oladipo Adetola Christianah , Olayemi Victoria Tosin , Gordon Allen , Ogunlaja Adeniyi Sunday , Alimi Lukman Olawale , Argent Stephen , Mokaya Robert , Clarkson Guy , Walton Richard
Published: January 2022

In the past two decades various N-heterocyclic carboxylate coordination compounds have been synthesized with intriguing architectures and potential applications as functional materials. In this regard, two novel calcium coordination compounds [Ca(2,6-Hpdc)2(H2O)2] 1 and [Ca2(2,3-pdc)2(H2O)6]n 2 (where 2,6-H2pdc = 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid and 2,3-H2pdc = 2,3-pyridinedicarboxylic acid) were grown at room temperature. The compounds were characterized using elemental analysis, Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction and single crystal X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compounds 1 and 2 crystallize in orthorhombic space group Pccn and monoclinic space group Pc, respectively. The structures of both compounds are stabilized by a network of hydrogen bonds arising from coordinated water molecules and carboxylate groups. Computational analysis revealed that compound 1 has a large energy gap (9.221 eV) suggesting high excitation energies and chemical hardness making it a better electron acceptor while compound 2 displayed a smaller energy gap (5.156 eV) which is indicative of a softer molecule with better polarizability and reactivity.
Bayesian Poisson Autoregressive Modeling of the Philippine Storm Frequencies
Authors: Asaad Al-Ahmadgaid B.
Published: January 2022

The study extends the log-linear Poisson autoregressive model proposed by Fokianos and Tjøstheim (2011) into a Bayesian framework, and applies it to modeling the yearly tropical cyclone frequencies within the Philippine Area of Responsibility. The data, taken from the Japan Meteorological Agency’s Regional Specialized Meteorological Center, with time points running from 1950 to 2021, is modeled at a semester-level granularity to take advantage of the periodic patterns suitable for autoregressive modeling. The estimation is done using Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm via the No-U-Turn Sampler. Finally, the proposed model can infer the characteristics of the Philippine storm frequencies, both in terms of the point forecasts and the associated uncertainties.
Genetic Variation at the Catalytic Subunit of Glutamate Cysteine Ligase Contributes to the Susceptibility to Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Study
Authors: Bykanova Marina , Solodilova Maria , Azarova Iuliia , Klyosova Elena , Bushueva Olga , Polonikova Anna , Churnosov Mikhail , Polonikov Alexey
Published: January 2022

Background. Glutathione is a tripeptide detoxifying a variety of exogenous and endogenous free radicals and carcinogens, and a deficiency of glutathione is associated with an increased host susceptibility to oxidative stress, a pathological condition implicated in the development and progression of cancer. Catalytic subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCLС) is enzyme responsible for initial and rate-limiting step of glutathione biosynthesis.Methods and results. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate whether genetic variation at the GCLС gene contributes to the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). DNA samples from 681 unrelated Russian individuals (283 patients with CRC and 398 age- and sex-matched healthy controls) were genotyped for seven common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) such as rs12524494, rs17883901, rs606548, rs636933, rs648595 and rs761142 of the GCLC gene using the MassARRAY-4 system. We found that genotype rs606548-C/T is significantly associated with increased risk of CRC regardless sex and age (OR=2.24; 95%CI 1.24-4.03; P=0.007, FDR=0.04). Moreover, ten GCLC genotype combinations showed association with the risk of CRC (P<0.05). Functional SNP annotation enabled establishing the CRC-associated polymorphisms are associated with a decreased GCLC expression that may be attributed to epigenetic effects of histone modifications operating in a colon-specific manner.Conclusions. The present study was the first to show that genetic variation at the catalytic subunit of glutamate-cysteine ligase may contribute to the risk of colorectal cancer risk. However further genetic association studies with a larger sample size are required to substantiate the role of GCLC gene polymorphisms in the development of colorectal cancer.
Estimation of the Radiographic Parameters for Hallux Valgus from Photography of the Feet Using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Inoue Kana , Maki Satoshi , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Kimura Seiji , Akagi Ryuichiro , Sasho Takahisa , Ohtori Seiji , Orita Sumihisa
Published: January 2022

Hallux valgus (HV) is one of the most common forefoot deformities. Early diagnosis and proper evaluation of HV are important for timely management of HV. The purpose of our study was to estimate the radiographic parameters of HV using deep learning to assess the agreement of the predicted measurement with the actual radiographic measurement. There were 131 patients enrolled in this study. A total of 248 radiographs and 337 photographs of the feet were acquired. Radiographic parameters including the HV angle (HVA), M1-M2 angle, and M1-M5 angle were measured. ﻿We constructed a convolutional neural network using Xception and made it a regression model. Then, we fine-tuned the model using images of the feet and the radiographic parameters. The coefficient of determination (R2) and root mean squared error (RMSE) were calculated to evaluate the performance of the model. The radiographic parameters, including the HVA, M1-M2 angle, and M1-M5 angle were predicted with an R2=0.684, RMSE=7.91; R2=0.573, RMSE=3.29; R2=0.381, RMSE=5.80, respectively. The present study demonstrated that our model was able to predict the radiographic parameters of HV from photography. This study shows a potential application of deep learning for HV screening.
Molecular and Clinical Profile of patients referred as Noonan or Noonan-like Syndrome in Greece: a cohort of 86 patients
Authors: Papadopoulos George , Papadopoulou Anna , Kosma Konstantina , Papadimitriou Anastasios , Papaevangelou Vassiliki , Kanaka-Gantenbein Christina , Bountouvi Evangelia , Kitsiou-Tzeli Sophia
Published: January 2022

Noonan syndrome (NS) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by clinical and genetic heterogeneity. It belongs to a wider group of pathologies, Rasopathies, due to the implication of mutations in more than 10 genes encoding components of the Ras/MAPK signalling pathway. Recording the genetic alterations across populations helps assessing specific features to specific genes which is essential for better disease’s prognosis and monitoring. Herein, we report the clinical and molecular data of a Greek cohort comprising of 86 patients. Patients identified as NS or NS-like syndrome from a single tertiary Centre in Athens, Greece. The analysis was performed using Sanger and Next-Generation-Sequencing, comprising 14 different genes. Heterozygous variants were revealed in 11/14 genes: PTPN11 (32.5%), RIT1 (8.1%), SOS1 (4.7%), A2ML1 (4.7%), SPRED1 (3.5%), BRAF (1.2%), CBL (1.2%), KRAS (1.2%), MAP2K1 (1.2%); RAF1 (1.2%); SHOC2 (1.2%), corresponding to 59.5% of positivity in our population. The genotype-phenotype analysis showed statistically significant differences regarding craniofacial dysmorphisms (p=0.0015), pulmonary valve stenosis (PS) (p<0.001) and neurological features (p<0.001) between patients harboring a mutation in any of the tested genes and mutation-free patients. Patients with at least one mutation had 7.36 times greater odds to develop PS compared to mutation-negative patients [OR=7.36, 95%; CI= (2.69,20.18)]. Conclusion: Craniofacial dysmorphism, neurological defects and PS prevail among mutation positive compared to mutation negative NS and NS-like patients. The significant prevalence of the Ras/MAPK mutations (28%), other than PTPN11, in Greek patients, highlights the necessity of a wider spectrum of molecular diagnosis.
Biodegradation of Selected Petroleum Hydrocarbons Using Indigenous Microorganisms
Authors: Oyewole Oluwafemi Adebayo , Olusanya Clement S , Akinlade Olusegun I , Abdulwasiu Yusuf O , Kelechi Anthony O , Okoro Michael E
Published: January 2022

Bioremediation make use of microorganisms to remove contaminants from the environment, the use of indigenous microorganisms in the bioremediation of hydrocarbon pollutant to clean up environment has become a valuable technique. This study was aimed to biodegrade some petroleum hydrocarbon using indigenous microorganism from the petroleum contaminated soil. Top soil sample was collected from petroleum contaminated site in Minna, Nigeria. The petroleum was obtained from a local petrol bunk. The indigenous microorganism with biodegrading potential was obtained by plating the aliquot of the soil sample on minimal salt medium containing petroleum as the only source of carbon. The bacterium was identified by cultural and biochemical test and the fungi were identified by both macroscopic and microscopic examinations. The isolates with optimal potential were then subjected to biodegradation for 25 days. A control was setup without the isolate. Three bacterial isolate and four fungi isolate were isolated from the petroleum contaminated site, the bacterial isolates were Corynebacterium xerosis with maximal rate of degradation on day 20 (86%), the control had 12%, Proteus vulgaris maximal rate of biodegradation was on day 35 (80%) while that of control is 40%, and Bacillus subtilis maximal rate of biodegradation was on day 10 (49.73%) while that of control is 2.2%. The fungi isolates were identified as Aspergillus niger, A. versicolar, Trichophyton verrucosum Bodin and Saccharomyces cerivisiae. Trichophyton verrucosum Bodin on day 25 had the highest percentage (88%) of biodegradation in comparison with the control 41%. While A. niger highest biodegradation was observed on day 15 (24%). There was a gradual increase in the count of all the isolate during the course of biodegradation. The result of this study showed that these isolates were able to degrade petroleum hydrocarbon and can be useful for large scale bioremediation of petroleum contaminated soils.
The Feasibility and Safety of Cocktail Treatment of Triple Anti-Inflammatory Agents Loaded with Gelatin Sponge Promotes Early Recovery After Posterior Percutaneous Endoscopic Cervical Discectomy
Authors: Zou Peng , Zhang Xiaoping , Zhang Rui , Yang Jun-Song , Chu Lei , Wang Xiang-Fu , Wei Jian-Min , Chai Xin , Zhao Yuan-Ting , Liao Bo
Published: January 2022

Purpose

to investigated whether a cocktail therapy of dexamethasone, ropivacaine, dexmedetomidine, and vitamin B12 can achieve satisfactory pain relief and promote early functional recovery after PPECD.
Methods

80 single-level patients with CDH who received PPECD were retrospectively divided into two groups: the cocktail and control groups. Clinical data were recorded and evaluated by a dedicated physician who was not involved in the patient's treatment. The primary clinical outcomes included visual analog scores (VASs) for upper limber pain and neck disability index (NDI) scores. The follow-up time points were preoperatively and postoperative 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. The modified MacNab criteria was used to evaluate the surgical effect of the last follow-up.
Results

The follow-up data of 74 cases were complete, except 6 cases lost to follow-up. There was no significant difference between the two groups in demographics, duration of symptoms, operation stage (P >0.05), and operation time (80.5±5.5 vs. 81.5±3.5 min). The VAS in the upper limbs pain was significantly higher postoperatively than preoperatively in both groups (p <0.05). The cocktail group had a lower VAS than the control group 1 week postoperatively (p <0.05); however, VAS not different between groups at the remaining time points. The NDI scores were significantly better postoperatively than preoperatively, and no significant differences were seen when comparing nodes at postoperative follow-up (p >0.05). In the control group, two cases with foraminal stenosis were found to have unrelieved pain in the early postoperative period, but the pain was relieved at the final follow-up and did not convert to open decompression surgery.
Conclusions

Cocktail treatment, in which a drug sustained-release material made of gelatin sponge was impregnated with dexamethasone, ropivacaine, dexmedetomidine and vitamin B12, facilitates pain relief and early postoperative recovery after PPECD.
CTRS- a Recommendation Scheme for Apps Based on Topic Discoverability and Personality Matching
Authors: R Jeeva , Muthukumaran N.
Published: January 2022

The recommendation of apps to the users is still a challenging task and differs from time to time. The past activities of the user alone don’t help much in recommendation systems. It includes preferences, trends, location-based info, new arrivals, etc. For that, app features have to be correlated with the user profile to identify the apps for the recommendation. The reviews have been analyzed in two different ways. In the first part, hidden topics in reviews have been extracted that may be the app feature that has not been mentioned explicitly and app features can get updated. In the other part, user personality interests are discovered in the reviews and activities explored by the user with the known attributes like watch history, wish list, liked apps, previously installed apps, and trends in the platform. With CTRS, app attributes are extracted and an app vector has been created after the subsequent steps of filtering and pooling. It will be get updated in regular intervals due to the dynamic behavior of attributes like new features, current trends, rating, ranking, etc. From the derived app vector, the recommendation system decides whether to recommend an app or not when it encounters during the active session of the user. The experiment was conducted on an app store dataset from Kaggle over 2,54,303 apps in different categories, attributes, and reviews with polarity values. After analysis, the success rate of CTRS has been achieved up to 75% over higher and lower ranked apps in charts.
Factors affecting viral load suppression in people living with HIV in Nigeria: cross-sectional analysis from 2001 to 2021
Authors: Tomescu Silviu , Crompton Thomas , Adebayo Jonathan , Akpan Francis , Dauda Dauda Sulaiman , Allen Zola , Ondura Evans , Kinge Constance Wose , Chasela Charles , Pisa Pedro
Published: January 2022

Background
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is untransmissible when the viral load (VL) is undetectable, underscoring the importance of achieving VL suppression for HIV epidemic control. It is estimated that 78% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Nigeria are virally suppressed. The need to improve VL suppression rates raises questions about the factors associated with an unsuppressed VL, which this study explored using a large cross-sectional database of clients who received ART over a period of 20 years.
Methods
Data from 517,012 clients with a documented VL were analyzed using univariate and adjusted multivariate logistic regression. The independent variables investigated were sex, age group, facility type, time on ART until last VL test, multi-month dispensing (MMD), and geopolitical zone. To verify model improvement by variable, we performed backward elimination for the logistic regression model.
Results
Sixty-six percent of the study population were females. The largest age groups were 35–44 and 25–34, accounting for 32% and 31%, respectively. The greatest adjusted odds for an unsuppressed VL were associated with shorter duration MMD prescriptions of 1–2 months (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=14.05) and 3 months (AOR=3.13). Males had 8% greater odds (AOR=1.08) of being unsuppressed. The age groups below the 45–59 age group (AOR=0.84) had higher odds of having an unsuppressed VL, with the highest odds in the 0–14 age group (AOR=1.87). Clients enrolled at tertiary and secondary level facilities had the greatest odds of having an unsuppressed VL. A shorter time on ART until the last VL (1–3 years [AOR=1.14]) was associated with a higher risk of an unsuppressed VL. Clients in the North-Central (AOR=1.83) and North-East (AOR=1.49) zones had the greatest odds of viral non-suppression.
Conclusions
Enabling the provision of 3+ months of MMD to PLHIV and targeting younger age groups, tertiary and secondary health facilities, small and medium facilities, and the North-Central and North-East zones for interventions could lead to improvements in VL suppression in Nigeria. The independent factors associated with an unsuppressed VL can guide improvements in ART program development and VL suppression of PLHIV in Nigeria.
Video Analysis Techniques for Calculating the Coefficient of Friction of Ski Wax and Ski Base Treatments Using Miniature Ski Sleds
Authors: Bates Jeffrey , Dobron Aaron , Albertson Kelan , Falkowski Andrew , Pruzan Dennis
Published: January 2022

Testing the properties of ski base treatments is a challenging task because there are many environmental conditions and user preferences associated with both the testing and performance outcomes. In this work, we present a method for testing the coefficient of friction, and how it changes over repeated ski runs. We develop a ski track system to control the slope and geographic topography of the testing site, and we use video analysis techniques to calculate the change in the coefficient of friction across three ski runs. We have found an increase in the coefficient of friction after repeated ski runs, which indicates that there is some abrasion of the ski base treatments with repeated testing.
Redox Signaling Induced Laminin Receptor RPSA Mediates Cell Adhesion Following Radiofrequency Glow Discharge Treatments
Authors: Ponnusamy Sasikumar , Ali Hanan H. , Dutt Felisha , Rahman Saeed Ur , Salah Ahmad A. , Pipalia Mahek , Baier Robert E , Arany Praveen R.
Published: January 2022

Current biomaterials are effective at replacing biological structures, but are limited by infections and long-term material failures. In this study, we examined the molecular mechanisms of Radio Frequency Glow Discharge Treatments (RFGDT) in mediating disinfection of biomaterial surfaces and concurrently promoting cell attachment and proliferation. Dental biomaterials were subjected to RFGDT and viability of oral microbial species namely Streptococcus mutants (SM), Streptococcus gordonii (SG), Moraxella catarrhalis (MC), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG) were assessed. Cell attachment and survival of a pre-odontoblast cell line, MDPC-23, was examined. Finally, mechanistic investigations into redox generation and biological signaling were investigated. Dental biomaterials induced reactive ozygen species (ROS) following dose-dependent RFGDT based on their compositions. RFGDT reduced microbial viability in the catalase-negative (SM and SG) species more effectively than catalase-positive (MC and PG) species. Cell adhesion assays noted improved MDPC-23 attachment and survival. Pretreatments with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and catalase abrogated these responses. Immunoassays noted redox-induced downstream expression of a laminin receptor, RPSA, following RFGDT. Thus, RFGDT-induced redox mediates antimicrobial and improved cell responses such as adhesion and proliferation. These observations together provide a mechanistic rationale for the clinical utility of RFGDT with dental biomaterials for regenerative clinical applications.
Temporal and Spatial Water Quality Assessment of the Geumho River, Korea, Using Multivariate Statistics and Water Quality Indices
Authors: Jo Chand Dae , Kwon Heon Gak , Kim Seong Min
Published: January 2022

The Geumho River in South Korea passes through a metropolitan area with a high population density and multiple industrial complexes; therefore, the water quality of this river is of significance for human health and economic activities. This study assesses the water quality of the Geumho River to inform river water quality management and improve pollution control using multivariate statistics and the Korean Water Quality Index (KWQI). Principal component and factor analyses identified factors related to organic pollutants and metabolism (principal factor 1) and phosphorus and fecal coliform content (principal factor 2). Based on the results of cluster analysis, it was classified into four groups in time and three groups in space. Seven temporal variables and six spatial variables were extracted from discriminant analysis results; the most important water quality variables were high during the spring and summer seasons and in the midstream and downstream regions. Temporally, the KWQI was the highest in winter and the lowest in spring; spatially, the KWQI was the highest in the upstream and the lowest in the midstream sections. These results indicate that to improve effectiveness, water management interventions in the Geumho River should focus on the urban midstream section and spring season.