bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collaboration Networks of the Implementation Science Centers for Cancer Control: A Social Network Analysis
Authors: Jacob Rebekah R , Korn Ariella R , Huang Grace C , Easterling Douglas , Gundersen Daniel A , Ramanadhan Shoba , Vu Thuy , Angier Heather , Brownson Ross C , Haire-Joshu Debra , Oh April Y , Schnoll Robert
Published: February 2022

Background: Multi-center research initiatives offer opportunities to develop and strengthen connections among researchers. These initiatives often have goals of increased scientific collaboration which can be examined using social network analysis.Methods: The National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded Implementation Science Centers in Cancer Control (ISC3) initiative conducted an online social network survey in its first year of funding (2020) to: 1) establish baseline network measures including the extent of cross-center collaboration, and 2) assess factors associated with a network member’s access to the network such as one’s implementation science (IS) expertise. Members of the seven funded centers and NCI program staff identified collaborations in planning/conducting research, capacity building, product development, scientific dissemination, and practice/policy dissemination.Results: Of the 192 invitees, 182 network members completed the survey (95%). The most prevalent roles were faculty (60%) and research staff (24%). Almost one-quarter (23%) of members reported advanced expertise in IS, 42% intermediate, and 35% beginner. Most members were female (69%) and white (79%). One-third (33%) of collaboration ties were among members from different centers. Across all collaboration activities, the network had a density of 14%, suggesting moderate cohesion. Degree centralization (0.33) and betweenness centralization (0.07) measures suggest a fairly dispersed network (no single or few central member(s) holding all connections). The most prevalent and densely connected collaboration was in planning/conducting research (1470 ties; 8% density). Practice/policy dissemination had the fewest collaboration, lowest density (284 ties’ 3% density), and the largest number of non-connected members (n=43). Access to the ISC3 network varied significantly depending on members’ level of IS expertise, role within the network, and racial/ethnic background. Across all collaboration activities, most connected members included those with advanced IS expertise, faculty and NCI staff, and Hispanic or Latino and white members.Conclusions: Results establish a baseline for assessing the growth of cross-center collaborations, highlighting specific areas in need of particular growth in network collaborations such as increasing engagement of racial and ethnic minorities and trainees or those with less expertise in IS.
A female in vivo haploid-induction system via mutagenesis of egg cell-specific peptidases
Authors: Zhang Xuecheng , Shi Ce , Li siling , Zhang Bo , Dresselhaus Thomas , Sun Meng-xiang
Published: February 2022

Crop breeding schemes can be significantly accelerated by using (doubled) haploid plants. In vivo haploid induction has been applied in plant breeding since decades, but is still not available for all crops, genotypes and haploidization rates are very low1-3. Therefore, plant breeders are highly interested in methodological improvements, especially, in new concepts to haploidization. Here, we report a novel system for the induction of haploid plants by mutating genes encoding egg cell-specific aspartic endopeptidases (ECSs). After successful sperm-egg fusion, ECSs play a critical role to ensure male and female nucleus fusion and parental genome incorporation. The ecs1 ecs2 double mutant pollinated by wild type pollen is capable to produce haploid offspring originating from semigamous zygotes. Chromosome elimination occurs during zygote and early embryo development. In summary, we report a novel approach for haploidization and additionally provide new insights into the molecular basis of fertilization.
Prevalence, trend and associated risk factors of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV among HIV-exposed infants
Authors: Gutema Gadissa , Hailu Habteyes , Fikadu Dinka , Leta Dereje , Bejiga Birra , Mamo Hassen
Published: February 2022

Background: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Mother-To-Child-Transmission (MTCT) can primarily occur during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. However, there is limited recent evidence from large-scale study on MTCT of HIV in Ethiopia. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence, trend and associated risk factors of MTCT among HIV-exposed infants. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 5,679 infants whose specimen referred to Ethiopian Public Health Institute HIV referral laboratory from January 01, 2016 to December 31, 2020. Required information was obtained from Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) database. Frequencies and percent were used to describe the distribution of the infants. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with HIV infection. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: The mean age of the infants was 12.64 (±14.62) weeks with 4 to 72 weeks range. Half of the infants (51.4%) were female. Prevalence of HIV infection over the course of five years among HIV-exposed infants (HEI) was 2.6%. The prevalence of MTCT decreased from 2.9% in 2016 to 0.9% in 2020. After adjusting for covariates; infant testing after six weeks (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.8–4.0, )) p-value <0.001, absence of Prevention of Mother-To-Child-Transmission (PMTCT) service (AOR = 4.6; 95% CI: (2.9–7.4)) p-values =0.001, mother being on daily prophylaxis at birth (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI: (1.3–3.2)) p-value <0.001, and mother HIV status before date of delivery (AOR =11; 95% CI: (5.5–22.1)) p-value <0.001 were significantly associated with MTCT of HIV. Conclusion: The prevalence of MTCT of HIV is considerable. However, the prevalence was declining during the study period. Tested after six weeks for EID, unavailability of PMTCT service were the factors associated with HIV infection among HEI. Strengthen PMTCT service and early HIV screening of pregnant women are critical to reduce HIV infection among HEI.
Mesonia aestuariivivens sp. nov., Isolated From a Tidal Flat
Authors: Park Sooyeon , Lee Jung-Sook , Kim Wonyong , Yoon Jung-Hoon
Published: February 2022

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-flagellated and ovoid or rod-shaped bacterial strain (JHPTF-M18T), which was isolated from a tidal flat sediment in Republic of Korea, was taxonomically characterized. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain JHPTF-M18T forms phylogenetic lineage within the radiation comprising type strains of Mesonia species. The 16S rRNA gene of strain JHPTF-M18T shared sequence similarities of 97.7% with that of type strain of M. mobilis and 92.9-96.8% with those of type strains of eight other Mesonia species. The DNA G+C content was 33.1% based on its genomic sequence. ANI and dDDH values between strain JHPTF-M18T and the type strains of M. mobilis, M. oceanica, M. phycicola and M. algae were 73.1-79.7% and 18.5-22.8%, respectively. Strain JHPTF-M18T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c) as its major fatty acids. Major polar lipids of strain JHPTF-M18T were phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified lipids. Strain JHPTF-M18T was separated from recognized Mesonia species by its phenotypic properties together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness. Based on data presented in this study, strain JHPTF-M18T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Mesonia. The name Mesonia aestuariivivens sp. nov. is proposed for JHPTF-M18T (= KACC 22185T = NBRC 115119T).
A Novel Optical Coherence Tomography-Based Calcium Scoring System Can Predict Stent Expansion of Moderate and Severe Calcified Lesions
Authors: Hou Chang , Yang Linjian , Xue Zixuan , Lin Haimiao , Ma Yuliang , Li Qi , Liu Chuanfen , Lu Mingyu , Zhao Hong , Liu Jian
Published: February 2022

Background: Coronary calcified lesions have a serious effect on stent expansion. Researchers have developed a calcium scoring system based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) to identify relatively mild calcified lesions that would benefit from plaque modification. The present study is designed to establish a novel OCT-based scoring system to predict stent expansion of moderate and severe calcified lesions.Methods: The present study retrospectively included 33 patients (34 calcified lesions observed on coronary angiography) who underwent OCT-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at Peking University People's Hospital from January 2016 to July 2021. We off-line reviewed and analysed the images of coronary angiography and OCT. We then developed a calcium scoring system and found the optimal threshold for the prediction of stent underexpansion in patients with moderate and severe calcified lesions.Results: The average age of the patients was 67 years. Overall final post-PCI stent expansion was 70.74%, and poor stent expansion (i.e., stent expansion < 80%) was seen in 23 lesions. Approximately 89% of the lesions manifested as angiographically visible moderate and severe coronary calcification. The average maximum calcium arc, length and thickness assessed by OCT were 230°, 25.10 mm and 1.18 mm, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression model showed that age (OR: 1.173, 95% CI: 1.036~1.438, p = 0.042) and maximum calcium arc (OR: 1.023, 95% CI: 1.008~1.050, p = 0.021) were independent predictors of stent underexpansion. A novel calcium scoring system was established as: 0.16 × age + 0.03 × maximum calcium arc, and the best cut-off of the system for the prediction of stent underexpansion was 16.87 (sensitivity 0.870, specificity 0.909, area under the curve [AUC] 0.925, 95% CI: 0.836~1.014, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that the novel scoring system had larger AUC than the previous scoring system (0.925 vs 0.706, p = 0.002).Conclusions: The calcium scoring system based on age and maximum calcium arc obtained from OCT may more accurately predict the risk of poor stent expansion in patients with moderate and severe calcified lesions.
Divergent Effects of Laser Irradiation on Ensembles of Nitrogen-vacancy Centers in Bulk and Nano-diamonds: Implications for Biosensing
Authors: Olivares-Postigo Domingo , Gorrini Federico , Bitonto Valeria , Ackermann Johannes , Giri Rakshyakar , Krueger Anke , Bifone Angelo
Published: February 2022

Ensembles of negatively charged nitrogen vacancy centers (NV-) in diamond have been proposed for sensing of magnetic fields and paramagnetic agents, and as a source of spin-order for the hyperpolarization of nuclei in magnetic resonance applications. To this end, strongly fluorescent nanodiamonds represent promising materials, with large surface areas and dense ensembles of NV-. However, surface effects tend to favor the less useful neutral form, the NV0 centers, and strategies to increase the density of shallow NV- centers have been proposed, including irradiation with strong laser power [1]. Here, we study the fluorescence properties and optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) of NV- centers as a function of laser power in strongly fluorescent bulk diamond and in nanodiamonds obtained by nanomilling of the native material. In bulk diamond, we find that increasing laser power increases ODMR contrast, consistent with a power-dependent increase in spin-polarization. Conversely, in nanodiamonds we observe a non-monotonic behavior, with a decrease in ODMR contrast at higher laser power. We hypothesize that this phenomenon may be ascribed to more efficient NV- → NV0 photoconversion in nanodiamonds compared to bulk diamond, resulting in depletion of the NV- pool. A similar behavior is shown for NDs internalized in macrophage cells under the typical experimental conditions of imaging bioassays. Our results suggest strong laser irradiation is not an effective strategy in NDs, where the interplay between surface effects and local microenvironment determine the optimal experimental conditions.
A Dynamic Space Reduction Ant Colony Optimization for Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Cai Jinsi , Wang Peng , Sun Siqing , Dong Huachao
Published: February 2022

As a typical meta-heuristic algorithm, ant colony optimization (ACO) has achieved good results in solving discrete combinatorial optimization problems. However, it suffers from poor solutions and the drawback of easily being trapped in local optima. This paper presents a new type of ACO called "dynamic space reduction ant colony optimization" (DSRACO) to solve the capacitated vehicle routing problem, which is a typical nondeterministic polynomial-hard optimization problem. In DSRACO, ACO is integrated with a unique dynamic space reduction method, an elite enhanced mechanism, and large-scale neighborhood search methods to improve the quality of the solution. The performance of DSRACO is evaluated using 73 well-known benchmark instances in comparison to ACO and three other cutting-edge algorithms. The experimental results show that DSRACO can solve CVRP with a satisfactory result.
Effectiveness of Relaxation Techniques ‘as an Active Ingredient of Psychological Interventions’ to Reduce Distress, Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hamdani Syed Usman , Huma Zill-e- , Zafar Syeda Wajeeha , Suleman Nadia , Baneen Um-ul- , Waqas Ahmed , Rahman Atif
Published: February 2022

BackgroundAdolescent depression and anxiety are the leading contributors to health burden worldwide. ‘Relaxation Techniques (RTs)’ are a “set of strategies to improve physiological response to stress” and are frequently cited as an active ingredient of trans-diagnostic, psychosocial interventions for scaling-up care for preventing and treating these conditions in adolescents. However, there is a little evidence on the effectiveness of ‘relaxation techniques’ for this age group. AimAs a part of the Wellcome Trust’s Active Ingredients commission, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of RTs to reduce the symptoms of distress, anxiety and depression in adolescents, aged 14 to 24 years old, globally. MethodsWe searched 10 academic databases to include 65 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) of relaxation-based interventions adolescents with the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Primary outcomes were reduction in symptoms of distress, anxiety and/or depression. We employed the Cochrane risk of bias tool and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) guidelines to assess certainty of outcomes pertaining to anxiety, depression and distress. Standardized mean difference was estimated using effect size. ResultsThe analysis of 65 RCTs with 8009 adolescents showed that RTs were highly effective in treating anxiety (pooled effect size of (Standardized Mean Difference-SMD) -0.54 (95% CI: -0.69 to -0.40); moderately effective in reducing distress (SMD= -0.48, 95% CI: -0.71 to -0.24) and had only a weak effect on improving depression in adolescents (SMD= -0.28 (95% CI: -0.40% to -0.15). Face-to-face delivered relaxation techniques yielded higher effect size (SMD=-0.47, 95% CI: -0.64 to -0.30) compared to online delivery (SMD=-0.22, 95% CI: -0.48 to 0.04) for anxiety. Conclusion Most of the included studies were from High Income Countries (HICs) and had a high risk of bias. Further high-quality studies with low risk of bias, especially from low resource settings are needed to evaluate the evidence for effectiveness of RTs as an active ingredient of psychological interventions to reduce the symptoms of distress, anxiety and depression in adolescents.
Assessment Of Environmental Degradation Due To Processing Of Cassava Into Garri Flakes
Authors: Nnaji Chidozie Charles , Akanno Chukwuebuka Chigozie
Published: February 2022

The processing of cassava into garri is a multi-staged process that generates a large amount of effluent. This study was aimed at determining the impact of cassava processing into garri on the environment in Nsukka Metropolis. The soil, wastewater and sludge samples were collected from four different locations and subjected to physico-chemical analysis. The results obtained were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and estimation of various measures of pollution indices. A detailed sanitary study of the processing plants was undertaken to ascertain their immediate and remote environmental impacts. The concentrations of hydrogen cyanide, total suspended solids and electrical conductivity were above the FEPA permissible limit and ranged from 8.6-42.8, 11900-40800 mg/l and 4006-5240 μS/cm respectively. Arsenic and mercury were above the FEPA permissible limit while the remaining heavy metals were within the permissible limits. Identified impacts from garri processing are: soil loss, litter generation, air pollution, water pollution, greenhouse gas emission, water demand and energy demand. The average pollution load index of the recipient soils ranged from moderately polluted (2.48) to highly polluted (4.56). Nemerow’s pollution index (NPI) indicated that soil samples from three of the locations were severely polluted (>3.0), while one was moderately polluted (2<PI<3). The geoaccumulation indices ranged from -0.03 (uncontaminated) to 2.59 (heavy contamination). The values of Er ranged from 5.63 to 91.8 for all metals investigated. The order of ecological risk of various metals based on their average values was: As>Cd>Cu>Cr>Pb>Ni with corresponding ecological risk values of 50.63 (moderate risk), 34.43 (low risk), 15.93 (low risk), 10.51 (low risk), 8.93 (low risk) and 5.63 (low risk).
Health Risk Assessment and Seasonal Trend of Metals in Arid-Soil-Forage Crops and Animals
Authors: Chen Fu , Saqlain Laraib , Ashraf Muhammad Arslan , Ahmad Kafeel , Khan Zafar Iqbal
Published: February 2022

Background: The aim of study was accessing the cobalt (Co) and lead (Pb) contamination in soil, forages and animals. The heavy metal ions bioaccumulation and escalating transfer to food chain has become main concern for mankind. Nevertheless, they play crucial role in organismal metabolism, however exceeding threshold level causes toxicity or even system failure. Since the plants are the main source of nutrition supply and carbohydrates for animal metabolism, therefore mankind exposure risk to food chain heavy metal toxicity increases significantly. Method: To highlight toxicity levels and exposure risk we designed this field study in the nearby areas of district Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan during different seasons. and carried out samplings of soil, native flora. While following research ethics we collected samples of blood, hair and feces from domestic herbivore animals. Traditional wet digestion was carried out in available laboratory facilities, Pb and Co heavy metal concentrations were analyzed with atomic absorption spectrum. With emphasis on health risk index (HRI) and bio-concentration factor (BCF), we also draw attention to pollution load index (PLI), daily intake of metal (DIM), Health Risk Index (HRI) and Enrichment factor (EF). Results: Our findings revealed high Pb concentration (5.29-9.84 mg/kg) in forage during season 1. While our findings indicate concentrations of metal in different seasons. When the Co concentration in forages was 0.238 to 0.492 mg/kg and Pb was found in the range of 5.29-9.84 mg/kg). Soil samples showed higher level of (PLI) Pollution load index. Bio-concentration of cobalt and lead was (0.447- 1.106 and 0.717- 1.152 mg/kg) respectively. Conclusions: Bio-concentration factor and pollution load index for Co and Pb was noticed significantly higher than 1. Whereas enrichment factor (EF) was under permissible limit for both metals, daily intake metal (DIM) and no harmful health risk concentration was found. Therefore, wide-scale regular monitoring for heavy metal risk assessment on seasonal basis are highly recommended to avoid or minimize further contamination.
COVID-19 Prevention Program for older adults
Authors: Opara Nnennaya
Published: February 2022

This study was designed to examine COVID-19 prevention among seniors aged 55 years and older living in the suburbs of Miami, Florida. We worked with the Community Health and Empowerment Network, Inc., a non-profit organization which provides health education, health screening services, and essential resources such as food, school materials, and pet care to individuals in the low-income and underserved population to close the health gaps in the community, decrease the rate of health disparities in south Florida, and prevent infectious diseases, including HIV and AIDS, heart diseases, childhood obesity, and other health conditions. The study examined 200 adults aged 55 years and older who have already received complete vaccine. A survey program was e-mailed, texted, or mailed to them for completion. The survey weekly evaluated the participants’ knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, data collection (quantitative and qualitative), assess their knowledge on the spread of the virus, health education on staying safe during uncertain times, and when to seek emergency help. Subsequently, a zoom meeting was conducted once every week, during which several educational materials were shared, and any concerns they might have been clarified. Following these interventions, early symptoms of depression, suicidality, and other mental instabilities, could be diagnosed and treated.
Heritage Tourism Development: A Case Study of Cape Coast Castle and Bonwire Town – Ghana
Authors: Boakye Godfred Osei
Published: February 2022

The rate of heritage growth in a country is determined by the type of heritage tourism the country develops. The case study focuses on a specialised form of heritage that promotes rapid heritage tourism growth. It argues that diaspora tourism is the future of heritage tourism development in Ghana. Specifically, the need for Ghana to take advantage of diaspora tourism as an opportunity to develop its heritage tourism sector. Two case studies at Cape Coast Castle (CCC) and Bonwire Kente Town (BKT) are presented to disclose the opportunities and flaws of ‘genealogy tourism’ in Ghana, as well as why the government should embrace it. With the view to understanding the main reasons why the Ghanaian government should pursue diaspora tourism, the study has investigated its capabilities to increase awareness of the socio-cultural, historical, economic and community development that can manifest from a proper development, operation, and management of diaspora tourism. The study recommends that the government should take more advantage of its heritage assets to develop diaspora tourism in order to fuel national heritage protection, cultural conservation, local community developments and economic growth of the country.
How Depression And Sleep Quality Are Associated With State-Trait Anxiety In Medical School Undergraduates In Anhui Province, China: A Mediation Analysis
Authors: Chen Jiangyun , Tuersun Yusupujiang , Yang Jiao , Xiong Man , Wang Yueying , Rao Xinyi , Jiang Shuai
Published: February 2022

Background: To investigate the relationship between depression and sleep quality and state-trait anxiety among undergraduate students in medical colleges and universities in Anhui Province, to enhance the attention to the mental health of undergraduate students in medical colleges and universities, and to provide a basis for mental health intervention strategies for undergraduate students in medical colleges and universities. Methods: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Depression Self-Rating Scale were used to investigate 1300 college students in four medical undergraduate colleges and universities in Anhui Province. Results: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score was (5.87+2.944), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score was (84.10+17.276), and the Depression Self-Rating Scale score was (49.04+10.845). Depression status and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were positively correlated (r=0.381, p<0.001), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and State-Trait Anxiety were positively correlated (r=0.428, p<0.001). Conclusions: Taking four undergraduate medical colleges and universities in Anhui Province as an example, sleep quality of college students in medical colleges and universities was positively correlated with depressive state, sleep quality and state-trait anxiety were positively correlated, and sleep quality was influencing depressive state through state-trait anxiety.
Response to Rituximab in Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Patients at National Oncology Center, Aden, Yemen, 2017-2020: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Aldaeri Magdi , Hamid Gamal Abdul , Amad Mohammed Al , Ghaleb Yasser
Published: February 2022

Background: Rituximab is currently approved for the treatment of relapsed and refractory indolent lymphomas, which was added to the protocol in Yemen although it was highly costly. The study aimed to determine the long-term response of rituximab on Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas (NHL) patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in the National Oncology Center (NOC) in Aden by review of medical registries for NHL patients from 2017-2020. Sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted from patients’ files by a well-trained team. SPSS version 23 was used for the analysis of data, and Kaplan Meier survival curve was used to measure overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) between two groups CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone) and rituximab-CHOP group in two follow up periods (12-months and 4-years). Cox regression was used to evaluate the association between the risk factors. A P-value of < 0.05 at a confidence interval of 95% is considered statistically significant. Results: Of 100 patients, 50 for each group of CHOP and R-CHOP. The under 60 years represented 70%. Advanced Stage represented 64% and diffuse large B cell lymphoma represented 47% of all subtypes of NHL. Significant association difference in OS in two periods of follow-up (12-month and 4-years) for CHOP vs. R-CHOP was 63% vs. 86%, and 10% vs. 33%, respectively (P=0.01 and P=0.04). In contrast, the difference was non-statically significant in the PFS in two periods 39% vs. 66%, and 12% vs. 27% for CHOP vs. R-CHOP, respectively (P=0.10 and P=0.31). The age group > 60 years, ≥ 6 cycles of chemotherapy received, abnormality of LDH, and married patients were the significantly hazard proportion that was associated with poor prognostic factors (P= 0.009, 0.001,0.010, and 0.011, respectively). Conclusion: The addition of rituximab to CHOP chemotherapy had a statistical difference in overall survival and there is no difference in PFS. Elderly, married patients, more than 6 cycles of chemotherapy received, and abnormality of LDH were the most important prognostic factors. Therefore, providing the oncology center with Rituximab for ongoing use of NHL patients especially those under 60 years, further assessment for hospital-related risk factors that lead to decreased survival are recommended.
Foreign Doctorate Students in Europe
Authors: Laureti Lucio , Costantiello Alberto , Matarrese Marco Maria , Leogrande Angelo
Published: February 2022

The determinants of the presence of “Foreign Doctorate Students” among 36 European Countries for the period 2010-2019 are analyzed in this article. Panel Data with Fixed Effects, Random Effects, WLS, Pooled OLS, and Dynamic Panel are used to investigate the data. We found that the presence of Foreign Doctorate Students is positively associated to “Attractive Research Systems”, “Finance and Support”, “Rule of Law”, “Sales Impacts”, “New Doctorate Graduates”, “Basic School Entrepreneurial Education and Training”, “Tertiary Education” and negatively associated to “Innovative Sales Share”, “Innovation Friendly Environment”, “Linkages”, “Trademark Applications”, “Government Procurement of Advanced Technology Products”, “R&D Expenditure Public Sectors”. A cluster analysis was then carried out through the application of the unsupervised k-Means algorithm optimized using the Silhouette coefficient with the identification of 5 clusters. Finally, eight different machine learning algorithms were used to predict the value of the "Foreign Doctorate Students" variable. The results show that the best predictor algorithm is the "Tree Ensemble Regression" with a predicted value growing at a rate of 114.03%.
Synthesis Of Alkoxy-Isoflavones As Potential α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Authors: Aguila-Muñoz Dolores G. , Cervantes-Espinoza Elizabeth , Escalante Carlos H. , Gutiérrez Rsuini U. , Cruz-López María C. , Jiménez-Montejo Fabiola E. , Villa-Ruano Nemesio , Gómez-García Omar , Tamariz Joaquín , Mendieta-Moctezuma Aarón
Published: February 2022

The aim of the present study was to synthesize isoflavone-enaminones 3a-c and 7-alkoxy-isoflavones 4a-c, evaluate their inhibition of a-glucosidase, and analyze the bioisosteric effect of the presence versus absence of aromatic moieties in these benzopyran derivatives. All the test compounds exhibited a greater inhibition of a-glucosidase than the positive control acarbose. The series of isoflavones 3a-c and 4a-c showed a higher inhibitory activity (IC50 = 6.3 - 87.6 µM) than the parental 7-hydroxyisoflavones 2a-c (IC50 = 109.4 - 173.2 µM), suggesting that the attachment of a 4’-chloroacetophenone moiety to the 7-hydroxyl group of 2a-c is an efficient way to increase the inhibition of a-glucosidase. Furthermore, the aromatic moieties of the series of compounds 3 and 4 enhance the inhibitory activity by hydrophobic effects according to docking calculations.
Risk factors for nasal polyps, a case-control study
Authors: Shoaib Salwan , Yaghi Ameer , Kahal Fares , Nahas Louei Darjazini
Published: February 2022

Background
Nasal polyposis is considered one of the most common diseases that cause obstruction of the respiratory tract and impede the patient's quality of life.
Aims
The aim is to determine if smoking and body mass index are risk factors for hyperplastic nasal polyps in patients with chronic obstructive rhinitis and allergic rhinitis, and thus conducting early diagnostic investigations to detect the disease early and limit its development.
Methods
A cross-sectional case control study was conducted that includes patients who came to Damascus Hospital with complaints of chronic obstruction of the nose and chronic allergies that doesn’t respond to conventional treatments and who met the entry criteria and patients from ENT Division without symptoms of obstructive respiratory tracts .
Results
120 patients were included in the study and were distributed as follows: 60 patients with nasal polyps and 60 patients without nasal polyps. The arithmetic mean of age in the group of cases was 31 ± 16.7 years, while in the controls 32.2 ± 18.3, the BMI value was expressed as the arithmetic mean and it was 30.5 ± 4.16 years, while in the controls 23.6 ± 4.30, and the sex ratio was equal between cases and controls with A statistically non-significant value p = 1.000, while the proportion of smokers in cases was 70%, while in controls 37%, with a statistically significant value p = 0.0003.
Conclusion
Smoking and body mass index had a statistically significant relation with the development of nasal polyposis .
A humanized 4-1BB-targeting agonistic antibody exerts potent antitumor activity in colorectal cancer without systemic toxicity
Authors: Cheng Lian-sheng , Cheng Yong-feng , Liu Wen-ting , Shen Aolin , Zhang Dayan , Xu Tingjuan , Yin Wu , Cheng Min , Ma Xiaopeng , Wang Fengrong , Zhao Qun , Zeng Xiaoli , Zhang Yan , Shen Guodong
Published: February 2022

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies and the patient survival rate remains unacceptably low. The anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibody-based immune checkpoint inhibitors have been added to CRC treatment regimens, however, only a fraction of patients benefits. As an important co-stimulatory molecule, 4-1BB/CD137 is mainly expressed on the surface of immune cells including T and natural killer (NK) cells. Several agonistic molecules targeting 4-1BB have been clinically unsuccessful due to systemic toxicity or weak antitumor effects. We generated a humanized anti-4-1BB IgG4 antibody, HuB6, directed against a unique epitope and hypothesized that it would promote antitumor immunity with high safety.

Methods

The antigen binding specificity, affinity and activity of HuB6 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and flow cytometry. The antitumor effects were evaluated in humanized mice bearing syngeneic tumors, and possible toxicity was evaluated in humanized mice and cynomolgus monkeys.

Results

HuB6 showed high specificity and affinity for a binding epitope distinct from those of other known 4-1BB agonists, including utomilumab and urelumab, and induced CD8+ T, CD4+ T and NK cell stimulation dependent on FcγR crosslinking. HuB6 inhibited CRC tumor growth in a dose-dependent manner, and the antitumor effect is superior to utomilumab in humanized mouse models of syngeneic CRC. Furthermore, HuB6 combined with an anti-PD-L1 antibody significantly inhibited CRC growth in vivo. Additionally, HuB6 induced antitumor immune memory in tumor model mice rechallenged with 4 × 106 tumor cells. Toxicology data for humanized 4-1BB mice and cynomolgus monkeys showed that HuB6 could be tolerated up to a 180 mg/kg dose without systemic toxicity.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that HuB6 is a suitable candidate for further clinical development and potential agent for CRC immunotherapy.
Plasma Neuregulin 1 as a Synaptic Biomarker in Alzheimer’s Disease.
Authors: Vrillon Agathe , Mouton-Liger François , Martinet Matthieu , Cognat Emmanuel , Hourregue Claire , Dumurgier Julien , Bouaziz-Amar Elodie , Brinkmalm Ann , Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik , Hugon Jacques , Paquet Claire
Published: February 2022

Background:Synaptic dysfunction is an early core feature of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), closely associatedwith cognitive symptoms. Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) is a growth and differentiation factor with a key role in the development and maintenance of synaptic transmission. Previous reports have shown that changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) NRG1 concentrationare associated with cognitive status and biomarker evidence of AD pathology. Plasma biomarkers reflecting synaptic impairment would be of great clinical interest.Objective: To measure plasma NRG1 concentration in AD patientsin comparison with other neurodegenerative disorders and neurological controls (NC)and to study its association with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) core AD and synaptic biomarkers.Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 127 participants including patients with AD at mild cognitive impairment stage (AD-MCI, n=27) and at dementia stage (n=35), non-AD dementia (n=26, Aβ-negative), non-AD MCI (n=19) and neurological controls (n=20). Plasma and CSF NRG1, as well as CSF core AD biomarkers (Aβ 42/Aβ 40 ratio, phospho-tau and total tau), were measured using ELISA. CSF synaptic markers were measured using ELISA for GAP-43 and neurogranin and through immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry for SNAP-25. Results: Plasma NRG1 concentration was higher in AD-MCI and AD dementia patients compared with neurological controls (respectively P=0.005 and P<0.001). Plasma NRG1 differentiated AD MCI patients from neurological controls with an area under the curve of 88.3%, and AD dementia patients from NC with an area under the curve of 87.3%. Plasma NRG1 correlated with CSF NRG1 (β=0.372, P=0.0056, adjusted on age and sex). Plasma NRG1 was associated with AD CSF core biomarkers in the whole cohort and in Aβ-positive patients (β=-0.197- 0.423). Plasma NRG1 correlated with CSF GAP-43, neurogranin and SNAP-25 (β=0.278-0.355). Plasma NRG1 concentration correlated inversely with MMSE in the whole cohort and in Aβ-positive patients (all, β=-0.188, P=0.038; Aβ+: β=-0.255, P=0.038).Conclusion: Plasma NRG1concentration is increased in AD patients and correlates with CSF core AD and synaptic biomarkers, and cognitive status. Thus, plasma NRG1 is a promising non-invasive biomarker to monitor synaptic impairment in AD.
Hormone therapy and the decreased risk of dementia in women with depression: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Kim Hyewon , Yoo Juhwan , Han Kyungdo , Lee Dong-Yun , Fava Maurizio , Mischoulon David , Jeon Hong Jin
Published: February 2022

Background: The literature has shown depression to be associated with an increased risk of dementia. In addition, hormone therapy can be a responsive treatment option for a certain type of depression. In this study, we examined the association between hormone therapy, including lifetime oral contraceptive (OC) use, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) after menopause with the occurrence of dementia among female patients with depression.Methods: The South Korean national claims data from January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2018, was used. Female subjects aged 40 years or older with depression were included in the analyses. Information on hormone therapy was identified from health examination data and followed up for the occurrence of dementia during the average follow-up period of 7.72 years.Results: Among 209,588 subjects, 23,555 were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and 3,023 with vascular dementia (VD). Lifetime OC usage was associated with a decreased risk of AD (OC use for <1 year: HR, 0.92; [95% CI, 0.88–0.97]; and OC use for ≥1 year: HR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.84–0.94]), and HRT after menopause was associated with a decreased risk of AD (HRT for <2 years: HR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.79–0.89]; HRT for 2–5 years: HR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.74–0.88]; and HRT for ≥5 years : HR, 0.78 [95% CI, 0.71–0.85]) and VD (HRT <2 years: HR, 0.82 [95% CI, 0.71–0.96]; HRT for 2–5 years: HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.64–1.02]; and HRT for ≥5 years: HR, 0.61 [95% CI, 0.47–0.79]).Conclusions: In this cohort study using national claims data, lifetime OC use was associated with a decreased risk of AD, and HRT after menopause was associated with a decreased risk of AD and VD among people with depression. However, further studies are needed to establish causality.
Cognitive Impairment Indicator for the Neuropsychological Test Batteries in the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging: Definition and Evidence for Validity
Authors: O’Connell Megan E. , Kadlec Helena , Griffith Lauren E. , Wolfson Christina , Maimon Geva , Taler Vanessa , Kirkland Susan , Raina Parminder
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of overall cognitive impairment based on each participant’s performance across a neuropsychological battery is challenging; consequently, we define and validate a dichotomous cognitive impairment/no cognitive indicator (CII) using a neuropsychological battery administered in a population-based study. This CII approximates the clinical practice of interpretation across a neuropsychological battery and can be applied to any neuropsychological dataset. METHODS: Using data from participants aged 45-85 in the Canadian Longitudinal study on Aging receiving a telephone-administered neuropsychological battery (Tracking, N = 21,241) or a longer in-person battery (Comprehensive, N = 30,097), impairment was determined for each neuropsychological test based on comparison with normative data. We adjusted for the joint probability of abnormally low scores on multiple neuropsychological tests using baserates of low scores demonstrated in the normative samples, and created a dichotomous CII (i.e., cognitive impairment vs no cognitive impairment). Convergent and discriminant validity of the CII were assessed with logistic regression analyses.RESULTS: Using the CII, the prevalence of cognitive impairment was 4.3% in the Tracking and 5.0% in the Comprehensive cohorts. The CII demonstrated strong convergent and discriminant validity. CONCLUSIONS: The algorithm for the CII is a feasible method to identify participants who demonstrate cognitive impairment on a battery of tests. These methods can be applied in other epidemiological studies that use neuropsychological batteries.
Patient barriers to blood pressure control and their implications in low-, middle-, and high-income countries.
Authors: Elnaem Mohamed Hassan , Kamarudin Nur Hasyimah , Mosaad Manar
Published: February 2022

Blood pressure (BP) control remains a challenge, modulated by significantly differing factors between settings. Hence, this work was undertaken to summarise BP control's prevalence and associated barriers and outline possible implications for customised hypertension care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs). Three scholarly databases—ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar—were thoroughly examined using predefined search terms to identify potentially relevant studies. Original research articles published in English between 2011 and 2020 that reported the associated factors and barriers to BP control were included. A total of 24 studies were included in this review. Thirteen studies were primarily conducted in LMICs, while the other eleven studies were conducted in HICs. The BP control in the LMICs studies ranges from 12.5–60%. Meanwhile, the BP control in the HICs ranged from 36.3–62%. Barriers related to disease knowledge and medication adherence more frequently in LMIC studies. Meanwhile, advancing age as a challenge to attaining BP control was more common in HIC studies. There was a relatively consistent reporting of barriers to pharmacotherapy optimisation and lifestyle changes across LMICs and HICs studies. The optimal BP control barriers vary between LMICs and HICs, suggesting the need for customised approaches and interventions. Further studies to implement and evaluate the effectiveness of multifaceted interventions in achieving hypertension therapeutic outcomes are still recommended, particularly in LMICs.
Solvent-free synthesis of diketopyrrolo [3,4-c] pyrrole pigments
Authors: kaul Bansi
Published: February 2022

The paper describes environmentally friendly and cost effective solvent-free multistep & multi-reagent process of the synthesis of.diketopyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole/2,5-dihydropyrrolo[3,4-c]pyrrole-1,4-dione (DPP) pigments, a new class of most recently introduced high-performance pigments, now in use for a variety of applications, beyond colour appearance , such as liquid crystal displays (LCD) of electronic equipments & TV monitors. Silent features of the process versus state-of-the-art of process, reaction mechanism of the in-situ multistep synthesis and mechanism of the formation of by-products are discussed. Moreover, the process provides the only approach to the stepwise synthesis of unsymmetrical diketopyrrolo pyrrole molecules. The process is particularly aimed at reducing carbon emissions and for energy saving in chemical processes.
Rapid Sharing of Islamophobic Hate on Facebook: The Case of the Tablighi Jamaat Controversy
Authors: Ghasiya Piyush , Sasahara Kazutoshi
Published: February 2022

During the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world saw lots of incidents of hate speech, xenophobia, and discrimination where a specific community or people were targeted or accused of being spreaders of the Coronavirus disease. One such prominent episode happened in India, where the Muslim community was targeted for spreading COVID-19. This episode later became known as the “Tablighi Jamaat Controversy” (TJC). We analyzed Facebook posts by public groups during the five months (March to August 2020) that this furor raged to find the major actors and their link-sharing behavior and the presence of (if any) fake news and misinformation. We found that Islamophobic hate speech was spread by the Facebook groups that are Pro-BJP (Bhartiya Janta Party – the leading party in the present Indian government) and have a right-wing ideology, while other groups (anti-hate) were countering the hate. We also found that the hate spreaders were extremely active (three times faster) in sharing their content compared to the anti-hate groups. Lastly, we also found that the highly shared links by the hate spreaders were mostly misinformation. Compared to that, all of the highly shared links by the anti-hate groups were authentic. These results not only explain the usage of the Facebook platform to spread hate and misinformation but also demonstrate how BJP’s pro-Hindu ideology and attitude is directly or indirectly enabling these actors to spew hate against minorities, especially Muslims, with no legal consequences.
NIR laser-activated polydopamine-coated Fe3O4 nanoparticles used as a novel precise photothermal insecticide
Authors: Wang Haijun , Zhang Qian , Zhang Xinyu , Zhang Kexin , Zhao Xichen , Zhang Ruiling , Zhang Zhong
Published: February 2022

Chemical pesticides are widely used in prevention and control of pests. However, low insecticidal efficacy, high environmental risks and pesticidal resistance severely constrain further applications. In this study, a near-infrared (NIR) laser-activated pesticide-free Fe3O4@PDA nanoplatform with a low production cost was constructed for precise photothermal killing of housefly larvae. The polydopamine (PDA) surface-functionalized Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@PDA NPs) were synthesized by simply mixing dopamine with Fe3O4 NPs under aerobic alkaline conditions. These Fe3O4@PDA NPs exhibited superb photothermal performance with near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. Larval uptake results revealed greater in vivo uptake of Fe3O4@PDA NPs than bare Fe3O4 NPs when housefly larvae were fed a NP-treated diet. These NPs exhibited favorable biocompatibility and showed no obvious influence on larval development and intestinal microbial population. However, when irradiated with a NIR laser, the NPs efficiently induced death of housefly larvae with high temperature (Tmax > 50 ℃) damage to the intestinal wall and subsequent leakage of intestinal bacteria into the hemocoel. Furthermore, uneaten NPs can be collected by magnetic absorption and show excellent thermal stability, which allowed recycling of these environmentally friendly nanoparticles. The Fe3O4-based nanoparticles described in the present study integrate the independence of pesticides, pronounced photothermal control of pests, and environmental friendliness, making this nanoplatform promising for controlling vector pests and diseases.
Rational discovery of small molecule inhibitor targeting invasion and tumor growth
Authors: Kumar Karthiga Santhana , Brunner Cyrill , Schuster Matthias , Kopp Levi , Gries Alexandre , Yan Shen , Jurt Simon , Moehle Kerstin , Bruns Dominique , Grotzer Michael , Zerbe Oliver , Schneider Gisbert , Baumgartner Martin
Published: February 2022

Rational targeting of proteins involved in controlling cancer cell behavior with small bioactive compounds can accelerate anti-cancer drug discovery. We report the identification of a new small molecule compound inhibitor of the FGFR adaptor protein FRS2. Pharmacophore-based computational screening combined with functional, biophysical, and structural binding analyses, led to the identification of low-molecular weight ligands that interact with the PTB domain of FRS2. By assessing the compounds’ anti-invasion activity in human FGFR-driven cancer cell models, three chemically distinct bioactive molecules were shortlisted for further analysis. A lead compound was selected that specifically repressed FGFR-driven MAPK activation and matrix invasion and displayed on-target activity in cells. Proteome-wide off-target activity of the primary lead was determined and functional in vivo efficacy in an FGFR driven ovarian cancer model confirmed. We propose inhibition of FRS2 by a small molecular PTB domain ligand as a strategy to repress FGF signaling in FGFR-driven human cancers.