bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
مفاهيم " حماية الطّفولة" وتضمينها في برامج العلوم الاجتماعيّة من وجهة نظر ممثلي وممثّلات هذه التّخصصات في الجامعات الفلسطينيّة
Authors: Jarayseh Minerva
Published: June 2022

هدفت هذه الدراسة إلى تقييم مدى تضمين مفاهيم حماية الطّفولة ضمن البرامج الأكاديمية في تخصّصات العلوم الاجتماعيّة في ثلاث جامعات فلسطينيّة والدّور الذي تقوم به تخصّصات العلوم الاجتماعيّة في الجامعات الفلسطينية في تجهيزها لطلبة هذه التخصصات على مستوى المعرفة النظرية والمهاريّة.بالإضافة الى العمل على توجهات الطلبة.اعتمدت الدّراسة على المنهج الوصفيّ الكيفيّ واستُخدمت المقابلة مع رئيسات ورؤساء دوائر العلوم الاجتماعية في ثلاث جامعات فلسطينية تمثّل مناطق الوسط (جامعة القدس-أبو ديس)، والشمال (جامعة النجاح الوطنية)، والجنوب (جامعة بيت لحم) كعيّنة قصديّة ممثلة عن الجامعات الفلسطينية التسع في محافظات الضفة الغربية.أشارت النتائج الى وجود تركيز متفاوت بين الجامعات الثلاث حول المعرفة العلمية على تزويد الطلبة ببعض النظريات والأدبيات المتعلقة بحماية الطّفولة وضمان إلمامهم بالاتفاقيات الدولية المتعلقة بحماية الطّفولة، بالإضافة إلى اعتماد هذه الجامعات على مساقات التدريب الميداني بشكل رئيس وعلى بعض الفعاليات والأنشطة المتعلقة بالطفولة من خلال شراكة الجامعات مع المؤسسات المجتمعية المتخصصة في قطاع الطفولة لتزويدهم بالمهارات التي تعمل البرامج على اكسابها للطلبة.كما وأبرزت نتائج الدراسة التفاوت الواضح في تركيز البرامج الأكاديمية وقدرتها على إكساب الطلبة للتوجّهات الإيجابية والإنسانيّة نحو قطاع الطفولة كقطاع مهمش يتعرض لكافة الانتهاكات على المستوى السياسي والاجتماعي والثقافي.أوصت الدراسة بضرورة تطوير البرامج الأكاديمية لتكون أكثر تخصصية وتعمقًا في موضوع حماية الطفولة ولتساهم بشكل أقوى في صقل شخصية وقدرات الطلبة المعرفية ليكونوا أكثر جاهزية ومهنية للتعامل مع قطاع الطفولة بعد التخرج، بالإضافة الى ضرورة العمل المشترك بين الجامعات لبناء إطار فكري مشترك يقوم على مبادئ الميثاق الأخلاقي لعمل المرشدين/ات والاخصائيين/ات الاجتماعيين/ات خصوصًا فيما يتعلق بتحضيرهم الاكاديمي للتعامل مع قضايا حماية الطفولة بهدف تقليص التفاوت المعرفي والمهاريّ النسبي بين خريجي/ات الجامعات من تخصّصات العلوم الاجتماعية.
Improved calibration method of a four-quadrant detector based on Bayesian theory in a laser auto-collimation measurement system
Authors: Diao Kuan , Liu Xiaojun , Yao Zhenjian , Lu Wenlong , Yang Wenjun
Published: June 2022

Reliable and accurate calibration for a four-quadrant detector (QD) is a prerequisite for high-accuracy laser auto-collimation measurements. However, the calibration accuracy is limited largely by the non-linearity of QD, especially for large-range detection. To address this issue, an improved calibration method of QD based on Bayesian theory in laser auto-collimation measurement is proposed in this paper. First, the non-linearity problem of QD is analyzed, and for accurate calibration of QD, a high-precision identification model based on Bayesian theory is presented. An analytical expression between the output signal of QD and the position of the laser spot is established, and then a calibration system with laser drift compensation to avoid influences from the laser source as a datum is constructed. A series of experiments is conducted to verify the performance of the improved calibration method. The results reveal that the improved method can effectively enhance the calibration accuracy of QD and reduce the residuals in root mean square error by 86% compared to the 15-order polynomial fitting over a detection range of

±
1

m
m

. The comparison experiments also demonstrate that the proposed calibration method has advantages over the conventional method in terms of accuracy and robustness.
Three-dimensional structure determination of gold nanotriangles in solution using X-ray free-electron laser single-particle analysis
Authors: Nakano Miki , Miyashita Osamu , Joti Yasumasa , Suzuki Akihiro , Mitomo Hideyuki , Niida Yoshiya , Yang Ying , Yumoto Hirokatsu , Koyama Takahisa , Tono Kensuke , Ohashi Haruhiko , Yabashi Makina , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Bessho Yoshitaka , Ijiro Kuniharu , Nishino Yoshinori , Tama Florence
Published: June 2022

X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) have allowed the imaging of nanoscale samples in near-physiological conditions. To achieve three-dimensional (3D) nanostructural reconstruction, many challenges need to be addressed, such as sample delivery for data collection and data processing of noisy diffraction patterns. Here, we provided a demonstration of the 3D structure reconstruction of a gold nanoparticle from XFEL diffraction data measured at the SPring-8 Angstrom Compact Free-Electron Laser using microliquid enclosure arrays (MLEAs) sample holders. MLEAs enable in-solution measurements, however, they induce a significant amount of background noise. Thus, we performed a series of data analyses to identify the diffraction patterns suitable for 3D reconstruction as well as nonhit patterns to estimate the background noise. The background subtraction from the data significantly improved the quality of the restored structure, with the resolution estimated to be 5 nm using Fourier shell correlation. Our paper has revealed the notable potential of XFEL imaging using MLEAs in combination with the developed data-analysis protocol.
Quantifying the impact of ecological memory on the dynamics of interacting communities
Authors: Khalighi Moein , Sommeria-Klein Guilhem , Gonze Didier , Faust Karoline , Lahti Leo
Published: June 2022

Ecological memory refers to the influence of past events on the response of an ecosystem to exogenous or endogenous changes. Memory has been widely recognized as a key contributor to the dynamics of ecosystems and other complex systems, yet quantitative community models often ignore memory and its implications.

Recent modeling studies have shown how interactions between community members can lead to the emergence of resilience and multistability under environmental perturbations. We demonstrate how memory can be introduced in such models using the framework of fractional calculus. We study how the dynamics of a well-characterized interaction model is affected by gradual increases in ecological memory under varying initial conditions, perturbations, and stochasticity.

Our results highlight the implications of memory on several key aspects of community dynamics. In general, memory introduces inertia into the dynamics. This favors species coexistence under perturbation, enhances system resistance to state shifts, mitigates hysteresis, and can affect system resilience both ways depending on the time scale considered. Memory also promotes long transient dynamics, such as long-standing oscillations and delayed regime shifts, and contributes to the emergence and persistence of alternative stable states. Our study highlights the fundamental role of memory in communities, and provides quantitative tools to introduce it in ecological models and analyse its impact under varying conditions.
scAmpi—A versatile pipeline for single-cell RNA-seq analysis from basics to clinics
Authors: Bertolini Anne , Prummer Michael , Tuncel Mustafa Anil , Menzel Ulrike , Rosano-González María Lourdes , Kuipers Jack , Stekhoven Daniel Johannes ,   Tumor Profiler consortium, Beerenwinkel Niko , Singer Franziska
Published: June 2022

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as a powerful technique to decipher tissue composition at the single-cell level and to inform on disease mechanisms, tumor heterogeneity, and the state of the immune microenvironment. Although multiple methods for the computational analysis of scRNA-seq data exist, their application in a clinical setting demands standardized and reproducible workflows, targeted to extract, condense, and display the clinically relevant information. To this end, we designed scAmpi (Single Cell Analysis mRNA pipeline), a workflow that facilitates scRNA-seq analysis from raw read processing to informing on sample composition, clinically relevant gene and pathway alterations, and in silico identification of personalized candidate drug treatments. We demonstrate the value of this workflow for clinical decision making in a molecular tumor board as part of a clinical study.
Strain design optimization using reinforcement learning
Authors: Sabzevari Maryam , Szedmak Sandor , Penttilä Merja , Jouhten Paula , Rousu Juho
Published: June 2022

Engineered microbial cells present a sustainable alternative to fossil-based synthesis of chemicals and fuels. Cellular synthesis routes are readily assembled and introduced into microbial strains using state-of-the-art synthetic biology tools. However, the optimization of the strains required to reach industrially feasible production levels is far less efficient. It typically relies on trial-and-error leading into high uncertainty in total duration and cost. New techniques that can cope with the complexity and limited mechanistic knowledge of the cellular regulation are called for guiding the strain optimization.

In this paper, we put forward a multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL) approach that learns from experiments to tune the metabolic enzyme levels so that the production is improved. Our method is model-free and does not assume prior knowledge of the microbe’s metabolic network or its regulation. The multi-agent approach is well-suited to make use of parallel experiments such as multi-well plates commonly used for screening microbial strains.

We demonstrate the method’s capabilities using the genome-scale kinetic model of Escherichia coli, k-ecoli457, as a surrogate for an in vivo cell behaviour in cultivation experiments. We investigate the method’s performance relevant for practical applicability in strain engineering i.e. the speed of convergence towards the optimum response, noise tolerance, and the statistical stability of the solutions found. We further evaluate the proposed MARL approach in improving L-tryptophan production by yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, using publicly available experimental data on the performance of a combinatorial strain library.

Overall, our results show that multi-agent reinforcement learning is a promising approach for guiding the strain optimization beyond mechanistic knowledge, with the goal of faster and more reliably obtaining industrially attractive production levels.
Integrated analysis of direct and proxy genome wide association studies highlights polygenicity of Alzheimer’s disease outside of the APOE region
Authors: de la Fuente Javier , Grotzinger Andrew D. , Marioni Riccardo E. , Nivard Michel G. , Tucker-Drob Elliot M.
Published: June 2022

Recent meta-analyses combining direct genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with those of family history (GWAX) have indicated very low SNP heritability of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). These low estimates may call into question the prospects of continued progress in genetic discovery for AD within the spectrum of common variants. We highlight dramatic downward biases in previous methods, and we validate a novel method for the estimation of SNP heritability via integration of GWAS and GWAX summary data. We apply our method to investigate the genetic architecture of AD using GWAX from UK Biobank and direct case-control GWAS from the International Genomics of Alzheimer’s Project (IGAP). We estimate the liability scale common variant SNP heritability of Clinical AD outside of APOE region at ~7–11%, and we project the corresponding estimate for AD pathology to be up to approximately 23%. We estimate that nearly 90% of common variant SNP heritability of Clinical AD exists outside the APOE region. Rare variants not tagged in standard GWAS may account for additional variance. Our results indicate that, while GWAX for AD in UK Biobank may result in greater attenuation of genetic effects beyond that conventionally assumed, it does not introduce appreciable contamination of signal by genetically distinct traits relative to direct case-control GWAS in IGAP. Genetic risk for AD represents a strong effect of APOE superimposed upon a highly polygenic background.
Proactive strategies to optimize engagement of Black, Hispanic/Latinx, transgender, and nonbinary individuals in a trial of a novel agent for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
Authors: Cespedes Michelle , Das Moupali , Hojilla J. Carlo , Blumenthal Jill , Mounzer Karam , Ramgopal Moti , Hodge Theo , Torres Thiago S. , Peterson Charles , Shibase Senzokuhle , Elliott Ayana , Demidont A. C. , Callaghan Larkin , Watson C. Chauncey , Carter Christoph , Kintu Alex , Baeten Jared M. , Ogbuagu Onyema
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Black and Hispanic/Latinx cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender women, transgender men, and gender nonbinary (TGNB) individuals have been historically underrepresented in HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) clinical trials. There is an urgent need for ongoing engagement with communities that have been the most impacted by HIV and diverse representation in clinical trials. Here we describe strategic approaches undertaken in the PURPOSE 2 trial to optimize engagement of underrepresented individuals.

Methods and results

PURPOSE 2 is an ongoing Phase 3 trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of lenacapavir as PrEP in cisgender MSM and TGNB individuals. In PURPOSE 2, we used a multipronged approach aimed at enriching participation of underrepresented individuals. We conducted a review to identify evidence-informed recommendations from literature, engaged with stakeholders, and established the Global Community Advisory and Accountability Group (GCAG) to represent the needs of the community. Insights from stakeholders and GCAG members resulted in an expansion of the study population to include transgender men, gender nonbinary persons, and adolescents, and evaluation of population-specific outcomes. Feedback from stakeholders and GCAG members also informed investigator and site selection; these were selected based on prior experience working with persons from diverse racial, ethnic and gender identities, and estimates of local HIV incidence. Site selection was also expanded to include community-based clinics with services tailored towards Black, Hispanic/Latinx, and TGNB populations. We established a study-wide recruitment goal of 50% Black MSM and 20% Hispanic/Latinx MSM in US sites and 20% transgender women globally. Site-specific recruitment goals were also developed based on local demographics and HIV incidence. Mandatory trainings included Good Participatory Practice guidelines, gender inclusivity, and antiracism.

Conclusion

While further work is needed to achieve equitable representation, the strategies we describe may serve as a framework for future clinical trials.

Trial registration

Clinical Trial Number:NCT04925752.
Incidence of educational mismatch and earning in Pakistan
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zaheer , Said Rusmawati , Mazlan Nur Syazwani , Mohamed Nor Norashidah
Published: June 2022

This study empirically examines the incidence and earning effect of educational mismatch in the labor market of Pakistan. Microdata obtained from the labor force survey for the years (2013–14, 2014–15, 2017–18) is used for the analysis. The realized match approach is used to measure the required level of education, and the augmented mincerian model is used to determine the potential earning effects associated with the educational mismatch. The study found a considerable incidence of under-education and over-education in the labor market. Results show a positive return to under-education and over-education. However, the return to the required level of education is significantly higher than both the under-education and over-education.
Characterization of sucrose binding protein as a seed-specific promoter in transgenic tobacco Nicotiana tabacum L.
Authors: Chenarani Nasibeh , Emamjomeh Abbasali , Rahnama Hassan , Zamani Katayoun , Solouki Mahmoud
Published: June 2022

Seed-specific expression using appropriate promoters is a recommended strategy for the efficiently producing valuable metabolites in transgenic plants. In the present study, we investigated the sequence of sucrose binding protein (SBP) as a seed-specific promoter to find thecis-acting elements specific to gene expression in seeds. The 1860 bp SBP sequence was analyzed using Plant Care and PLACE databases to findcis-acting elements, which resulted in a finding of 22cis-acting elements required for seed expression. In addition, we have discoveredcis- acting elements that are indirectly involved in triacylglycerol synthesis (GATABOX, DOFCOREZM, CACGTGMOTIF). The seed specificity of SBP was analyzed by generating a stable transgenic tobacco plant harboring β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene under the control of the SBP promoter. Histochemical analysis of these transgenic tobacco plants indicated decreasing GUS activity in the leaves during the vegetative stage. However, the mature seeds of transgenic plants showed GUS activity. Moreover, the SBP promoter function in the seed oil content was evaluated by the expression ofDGAT1. The expression analysis ofDGAT1inSBP-DGAT1transgenic tobacco seeds using quantitative real-time PCR revealed a 7.8-fold increase inDGAT1than in non-transgenic plants. Moreover, oil content increased up to 2.19 times more than in non-transgenic plants. And the oil content of theSBP-DGAT1transgenic tobacco leaves did not change compared to the control plant. Therefore, we suggested that the SBP promoter could be used as a seed-specific promoter for targeted expression of desired genes in the metabolite engineering of oilseed crops.
Detection and differentiation of ataxic and hypokinetic dysarthria in cerebellar ataxia and parkinsonian disorders via wave splitting and integrating neural networks
Authors: Song Joomee , Lee Ju Hwan , Choi Jungeun , Suh Mee Kyung , Chung Myung Jin , Kim Young Hun , Park Jeongho , Choo Seung Ho , Son Ji Hyun , Lee Dong Yeong , Ahn Jong Hyeon , Youn Jinyoung , Kim Kyung-Su , Cho Jin Whan
Published: June 2022

Dysarthria may present during the natural course of many degenerative neurological conditions. Hypokinetic and ataxic dysarthria are common in movement disorders and represent the underlying neuropathology. We developed an artificial intelligence (AI) model to distinguish ataxic dysarthria and hypokinetic dysarthria from normal speech and differentiate ataxic and hypokinetic speech in parkinsonian diseases and cerebellar ataxia. We screened 804 perceptual speech analyses performed in the Samsung Medical Center Neurology Department between January 2017 and December 2020. The data of patients diagnosed with parkinsonian disorders or cerebellar ataxia were included. Two speech tasks (numbering from 1 to 50 and reading nine sentences) were analyzed. We adopted convolutional neural networks and developed a patch-wise wave splitting and integrating AI system for audio classification (PWSI-AI-AC) to differentiate between ataxic and hypokinetic speech. Of the 395 speech recordings for the reading task, 76, 112, and 207 were from normal, ataxic dysarthria, and hypokinetic dysarthria subjects, respectively. Of the 409 recordings of the numbering task, 82, 111, and 216 were from normal, ataxic dysarthria, and hypokinetic dysarthria subjects, respectively. The reading and numbering task recordings were classified with 5-fold cross-validation using PWSI-AI-AC as follows: hypokinetic dysarthria vs. others (area under the curve: 0.92 ± 0.01 and 0.92 ± 0.02), ataxia vs. others (0.93 ± 0.04 and 0.89 ± 0.02), hypokinetic dysarthria vs. ataxia (0.96 ± 0.02 and 0.95 ± 0.01), hypokinetic dysarthria vs. none (0.86 ± 0.03 and 0.87 ± 0.05), and ataxia vs. none (0.87 ± 0.07 and 0.87 ± 0.09), respectively. PWSI-AI-AC showed reliable performance in differentiating ataxic and hypokinetic dysarthria and effectively augmented data to classify the types even with limited training samples. The proposed fully automatic AI system outperforms neurology residents. Our model can provide effective guidelines for screening related diseases and differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases.
Targeting mitochondrial DNA polymerase gamma for selective inhibition of MLH1 deficient colon cancer growth
Authors: Somuncu Berna , Ekmekcioglu Aysegul , Antmen Fatma Merve , Ertuzun Tugce , Deniz Emre , Keskin Nazli , Park Joon , Yazici Ilgu Ece , Simsek Busra , Erman Batu , Yin Whitney , Erman Burak , Muftuoglu Meltem
Published: June 2022

Synthetic lethality in DNA repair pathways is an important strategy for the selective treatment of cancer cells without harming healthy cells and developing cancer-specific drugs. The synthetic lethal interaction between the mismatch repair (MMR) protein, MutL homolog 1 (MLH1), and the mitochondrial base excision repair protein, DNA polymerase γ (Pol γ) was used in this study for the selective treatment of MLH1 deficient cancers. Germline mutations in the MLH1 gene and aberrant MLH1 promoter methylation result in an increased risk of developing many cancers, including nonpolyposis colorectal and endometrial cancers. Because the inhibition of Pol γ in MLH1 deficient cancer cells provides the synthetic lethal selectivity, we conducted a comprehensive small molecule screening from various databases and chemical drug library molecules for novel Pol γ inhibitors that selectively kill MLH1 deficient cancer cells. We characterized these Pol γ inhibitor molecules in vitro and in vivo, and identified 3,3’-[(1,1’-Biphenyl)-4’,4’-diyl)bis(azo)]bis[4-amino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid] (congo red; CR; Zinc 03830554) as a high-affinity binder to the Pol γ protein and potent inhibitor of the Pol γ strand displacement and one-nucleotide incorporation DNA synthesis activities in vitro and in vivo. CR reduced the cell proliferation of MLH1 deficient HCT116 human colon cancer cells and suppressed HCT116 xenograft tumor growth whereas it did not affect the MLH1 proficient cell proliferation and xenograft tumor growth. CR caused mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death by inhibiting Pol γ activity and oxidative mtDNA damage repair, increasing the production of reactive oxygen species and oxidative mtDNA damage in MLH1 deficient cells. This study suggests that the Pol γ inhibitor, CR may be further evaluated for the MLH1 deficient cancers’ therapy.
A method to predict overall food preferences
Authors: Nams Vilis O. , Hayward Matt W.
Published: June 2022

Most natural ecosystems contain animals feeding on many different types of food, but it is difficult to predict what will be eaten when food availabilities change. We present a method that estimates food preference over many study sites, even when number of food types vary widely from site to site. Sampling variation is estimated using bootstrapping. We test the precision and accuracy of this method using computer simulations that show the effects of overall number of food types, number of sites, and proportion of missing prey items per site. Accuracy is greater with fewer missing prey types, more prey types and more sites, and is affected by the number of sites more than the number of prey types. We present a case study using lion (Panthera leo) feeding data and show that preference vs prey size follows a bell-curve. Using just two estimated parameters, this curve can be used as a general way to describe predator feeding patterns. Our method can be used to: test hypotheses about what factors affect prey selection, predict preferences in new sites, and estimate overall prey consumed in new sites.
Telomere shortening and the transition to family caregiving in the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study
Authors: Armstrong Nicole D. , Irvin Marguerite R. , Haley William E. , Blinka Marcela D. , Kamin Mukaz Debora , Patki Amit , Rutherford Siegel Sue , Shalev Idan , Durda Peter , Mathias Rasika A. , Walston Jeremy D. , Roth David L.
Published: June 2022

Telomere length (TL) is widely studied as a possible biomarker for stress-related cellular aging and decreased longevity. There have been conflicting findings about the relationship between family caregiving stress and TL. Several initial cross-sectional studies have found associations between longer duration of caregiving or perceived stressfulness of caregiving and shortened TL, suggesting that caregiving poses grave risks to health. Previous reviews have suggested the need for longitudinal methods to investigate this topic. This study examined the association between the transition to family caregiving and change in TL across ~9 years. Data was utilized from the Caregiving Transitions Study, an ancillary study to the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. TL was assayed using qPCR and analyzed as the telomere-to-single copy gene ratio for each participant at baseline and follow-up. General linear models examined the association between caregiving status and the change in TL for 208 incident caregivers and 205 controls, as well as associations between perceived stress and TL among caregivers. No association was found between TL change and caregiving (p = 0.494), and fully adjusted models controlling for health and socioeconomic factors did not change the null relationship (p = 0.305). Among caregivers, no association was found between perceived caregiving stress and change in TL (p = 0.336). In contrast to earlier cross-sectional studies, this longitudinal, population-based study did not detect a significant relationship between the transition into a family caregiving role and changes in TL over time. Given the widespread citation of previous findings suggesting that caregiving shortens telomeres and places caregivers at risk of early mortality, these results demonstrate the potential need of a more balanced narrative about caregiving.
Identifying leaks in the STEM recruitment pipeline among sexual and gender minority US secondary students
Authors: Xavier Hall Casey D. , Wood Christine V. , Hurtado Manuel , Moskowitz David A. , Dyar Christina , Mustanski Brian
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Research establishes the critical need to address the underrepresentation of women and racial/ethnic minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). While emergent research addresses similar challenges for sexual and gender minorities (SGM), this research remains scant and focuses on adult experiences. This analysis examines subgroup differences and the impact of bullying on STEM engagement outcomes among a national sample of SGM secondary students in the U.S.

Method

This report provides descriptive and multivariable regression analysis of national survey data (n = 539) on the experiences of pre-college students who identify as SGM, including the effects of within-school anti-SGM bullying on STEM identity, perceptions of STEM climate, and STEM intentions.

Results

Roughly 50% of the sample intended to enter a STEM field (compared to 25% in previous general samples). Bullying in school was negatively associated with STEM identity and perceptions of STEM climate. Sense of belonging is positively associated with perceptions of STEM climate and STEM intentions. Being non-binary and being a transgender man were associated with decreased sense of belonging and negative perception of STEM climate.

Conclusion

This report is the first to identify factors influencing STEM engagement among SGM secondary students and suggests that issues of STEM engagement are already present in adolescence. Moreover, the findings also establish the relationship between anti-SGM bullying and STEM outcomes highlighting the importance of this marginalization experience. Future research should further examine sub-group differences and the persistence of these effects. These findings highlight the need for research and intervention addressing STEM outcomes in SGM populations.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03511131.
Molecular characterization of a Novel NAD+-dependent farnesol dehydrogenase SoFLDH gene involved in sesquiterpenoid synthases from Salvia officinalis
Authors: Ali Mohammed , Nishawy Elsayed , Ramadan Walaa A. , Ewas Mohamed , Rizk Mokhtar Said , Sief-Eldein Ahmed G. M. , El-Zayat Mohamed Abd S. , Hassan Ahmed H. M. , Guo Mingquan , Hu Guang-Wan , Wang Shengwei , Ahmed Fatma A. , Amar Mohamed Hamdy , Wang Qing-Feng
Published: June 2022

Salvia officinalis is one of the most important medicinal and aromatic plants in terms of nutritional and medicinal value because it contains a variety of vital active ingredients. Terpenoid compounds, particularly monoterpenes (C10) and sesquiterpenes, are the most important and abundant among these active substances (C15). Terpenes play a variety of roles and have beneficial biological properties in plants. With these considerations, the current study sought to clone theNAD+-dependent farnesol dehydrogenase (SoFLDH, EC: 1.1.1.354) gene from S. officinalis. Functional analysis revealed that, SoFLDH has an open reading frame of 2,580 base pairs that encodes 860 amino acids.SoFLDH has two conserved domains and four types of highly conserved motifs: YxxxK, RXR, RR (X8) W, TGxxGhaG. However, SoFLDH was cloned from Salvia officinalis leaves and functionally overexpressed in Arabidopsis thaliana to investigate its role in sesquiterpenoid synthases. In comparison to the transgenic plants, the wild-type plants showed a slight delay in growth and flowering formation. To this end, a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis revealed that SoFLDH transgenic plants were responsible for numerous forms of terpene synthesis, particularly sesquiterpene. These results provide a base for further investigation on SoFLDH gene role and elucidating the regulatory mechanisms for sesquiterpene synthesis in S. offcinalis. And our study paves the way for the future metabolic engineering of the biosynthesis of useful terpene compounds in S. offcinalis.
Affective computing of multi-type urban public spaces to analyze emotional quality using ensemble learning-based classification of multi-sensor data
Authors: Li Ruixuan , Yuizono Takaya , Li Xianghui
Published: June 2022

The quality of urban public spaces affects the emotional response of users; therefore, the emotional data of users can be used as indices to evaluate the quality of a space. Emotional response can be evaluated to effectively measure public space quality through affective computing and obtain evidence-based support for urban space renewal. We proposed a feasible evaluation method for multi-type urban public spaces based on multiple physiological signals and ensemble learning. We built binary, ternary, and quinary classification models based on participants’ physiological signals and self-reported emotional responses through experiments in eight public spaces of five types. Furthermore, we verified the effectiveness of the model by inputting data collected from two other public spaces. Three observations were made based on the results. First, the highest accuracies of the binary and ternary classification models were 92.59% and 91.07%, respectively. After external validation, the highest accuracies were 80.90% and 65.30%, respectively, which satisfied the preliminary requirements for evaluating the quality of actual urban spaces. However, the quinary classification model could not satisfy the preliminary requirements. Second, the average accuracy of ensemble learning was 7.59% higher than that of single classifiers. Third, reducing the number of physiological signal features and applying the synthetic minority oversampling technique to solve unbalanced data improved the evaluation ability.
Isolation and molecular characterization of extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Escherichia coli from chicken meat in Pakistan
Authors: Liaqat Zainab , Khan Ibrar , Azam Sadiq , Anwar Yasir , Althubaiti Eman Hillal , Maroof Lalina
Published: June 2022

The goal of this study was to find E. coli, a prevalent pathogen that causes food-borne illnesses, in chicken samples (n = 500) collected from three districts in KhyberPukhtunkhwa: Mardan, Swabi, and Swat. The E. coli isolates were identified by Gram staining, API strips and Universal Stress Protein. A total of 412 samples tested positive for E. coli and were sensitive to MEM, TZP, and FOS as evidenced by disc diffusion method. The isolates were resistant to TE, NOR, and NA with statistically significant results (P≤0.05). The isolates showed the presence of different antibiotic resistance genes; blaOXA-1, blaCTX-M15, blaTEM-1, QnrS, TetA, AAC, AAD, Sul1 and Sul2. The results revealed mutations in blaOXA-1 gene (H81Q), blaTEM-1 (C108Y, T214A, K284E and P301S), QnrS (H95R) and Sul2 (E66A). The findings of this study may be helpful in better management of E. coli infections by physicians.
Changes in physical activity, dietary and sleeping pattern among the general population in COVID-19: A systematic review protocol
Authors: Soe Pa Pa , Hnin Zar Lwin , Hlaing Thein , Min Hlaing
Published: June 2022

Background

COVID-19 is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus known as SARS-CoV-2. Home confinement and movement restrictions can affect lifestyle changes and may lead to non-communicable diseases (NCD). This systematic review will provide a detailed summary of changing patterns of physical activities, diet and sleep among the general public in COVID-19.

Methods

PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Science Direct, and Scopus will be, among eight bibliographic databases, applied and search work will take one month (from January 2021 until February 2021). Key search terms will include common characteristics of physical activity, dietary pattern, sleeping pattern, and COVID-19. The reviewers will fully apply the inclusion and exclusion criteria framed by PICOS as well as the screening form and the PRISMA flow for selecting the papers eligible for this review. Moreover, the reviewers will use a self-developed excel table to extract the required information on dietary pattern changes, physical activities and sleep patterns changes, and the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Nonrandomized Studies (RoBANS) for practicing quality assessment. We will include only observational studies and analyze the extracted information qualitatively and the review output will be based on the eligible studies’ outcomes.

Discussion

Changes in physical activity, dietary and sleep patterns are challenging to the public health professionals regarding the risk factors for NCD, and long-term effects might impact the controlling of the NCD. Evidence-based research information is needed regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and there are a few global data on changes in physical activity, dietary and sleep patterns. Furthermore, innovative public health interventions or implementations are needed to maintain the positive health status of the population in the long run as the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Systematic review registration

This systematic review is based on a protocol registered with PROSPERO CRD42021232667.
Assessing the use of prescription drugs and dietary supplements in obese respondents in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Barrett Laura A. , Xing Aiwen , Sheffler Julia , Steidley Elizabeth , Adam Terrence J. , Zhang Rui , He Zhe
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Obesity is a common disease and a known risk factor for many other conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Treatment options for obesity include lifestyle changes, pharmacotherapy, and surgical interventions such as bariatric surgery. In this study, we examine the use of prescription drugs and dietary supplements by the individuals with obesity.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data 2003–2018. We used multivariate logistic regression to analyze the correlations of demographics and obesity status with the use of prescription drugs and dietary supplement use. We also built machine learning models to classify prescription drug and dietary supplement use using demographic data and obesity status.

Results

Individuals with obesity are more likely to take cardiovascular agents (OR = 2.095, 95% CI 1.989–2.207) and metabolic agents (OR = 1.658, 95% CI 1.573–1.748) than individuals without obesity. Gender, age, race, poverty income ratio, and insurance status are significantly correlated with dietary supplement use. The best performing model for classifying prescription drug use had the accuracy of 74.3% and the AUROC of 0.82. The best performing model for classifying dietary supplement use had the accuracy of 65.3% and the AUROC of 0.71.

Conclusions

This study can inform clinical practice and patient education of the use of prescription drugs and dietary supplements and their correlation with obesity.
Identification of cardiovascular and molecular prognostic factors for the morbidity and mortality in COVID-19-sepsis (ICROVID): Protocol for a prospective multi-centre cohort study
Authors: Neu Charles , Baumbach Philipp , Scherag André , Kortgen Andreas , Götze Juliane , Coldewey Sina M.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Severe COVID-19 constitutes a form of viral sepsis. Part of the specific pathophysiological pattern of this condition is the occurrence of cardiovascular events. These include pulmonary embolism, arrhythmias and cardiomyopathy as manifestations of extra-pulmonary organ dysfunction. Hitherto, the prognostic impact of these cardiovascular events and their predisposing risk factors remains unclear. This study aims to explore this question in two cohorts of viral sepsis–COVID-19 and influenza–in order to identify new theragnostic strategies to improve the short- and long-term outcome of these two diseases.

Methods and analysis

In this prospective multi-centre cohort study, clinical assessment will take place during the acute and post-acute phase of sepsis and be complemented by molecular laboratory analyses. Specifically, echocardiography and cardiovascular risk factor documentation will be performed during the first two weeks after sepsis onset. Aside from routine haematological and biochemical laboratory tests, molecular phenotyping will comprise analyses of the metabolome, lipidome and immune status. The primary endpoint of this study is the difference in 3-month mortality of patients with and without septic cardiomyopathy in COVID-19 sepsis. Patients will be followed up until 6 months after onset of sepsis via telephone interviews and questionnaires. The results will be compared with a cohort of patients with influenza sepsis as well as previous cohorts of patients with bacterial sepsis and healthy controls.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Friedrich Schiller University Jena (2020-2052-BO). The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at appropriate conferences.

Trial registration

DRKS00024162.
High HIV incidence among young women in South Africa: Data from a large prospective study
Authors: Palanee-Phillips Thesla , Rees Helen V. , Heller Kate B. , Ahmed Khatija , Batting Joanne , Beesham Ivana , Heffron Renee , Justman Jessica , Makkan Heeran , Mastro Timothy D. , Morrison Susan A. , Mugo Nelly , Nair Gonasagrie , Kiarie James , Philip Neena M. , Pleaner Melanie , Reddy Krishnaveni , Selepe Pearl , Steyn Petrus S. , Scoville Caitlin W. , Smit Jenni , Thomas Katherine K. , Donnell Deborah , Baeten Jared M. ,   for the ECHO Trial Consortium
Published: June 2022

Introduction

South Africa has the highest national burden of HIV globally. Understanding drivers of HIV acquisition in recently completed, prospective studies in which HIV was an endpoint may help inform the strategy and investments in national HIV prevention efforts and guide the design of future HIV prevention trials. We assessed HIV incidence and correlates of incidence among women enrolled in ECHO (Evidence for Contraceptive Options and HIV Outcomes), a large, open-label randomized clinical trial that compared three highly effective. reversible methods of contraception and rates of HIV acquisition.

Methods

During December 2015 to October 2018, ECHO followed sexually active, HIV-seronegative women, aged 16–35 years, seeking contraceptive services and willing to be randomized to one of three contraceptive methods (intramuscular depot medroxyprogesterone acetate, copper intrauterine device, or levonorgestrel implant) for 12–18 months at nine sites in South Africa. HIV incidence based on prospectively observed HIV seroconversion events. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to define baseline cofactors related to incident HIV infection.

Results

5768 women were enrolled and contributed 7647 woman-years of follow-up. The median age was 23 years and 62.5% were ≤24 years. A total of 345 incident HIV infections occurred, an incidence of 4.51 per 100 woman-years (95%CI 4.05–5.01). Incidence was >3 per 100 woman-years at all sites. Age ≤24 years, baseline infection with sexually transmitted infections, BMI≤30, and having new or multiple partners in the three months prior to enrollment were associated with incident HIV.

Conclusions

HIV incidence was high among South African women seeking contraceptive services. Integration of diagnostic management of sexually transmitted infections alongside delivery of HIV prevention options in health facilities providing contraception services are needed to mitigate ongoing risks of HIV acquisition for this vulnerable population.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, numberNCT02550067was the main Clinical Trial from which this secondary, non-randomized / observational analysis was derived with data limited to just South African sites.
Influence of alcohol sensitivity on bone metastases and skeletal-related events in primary operable breast cancer: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tanda Naoko , Tada Hiroshi , Washio Jumpei , Takahashi Nobuhiro , Ishida Takanori , Koseki Takeyoshi
Published: June 2022

Background

Bone metastases in breast cancer patients are a common concern for medical doctors and dentists. Bone-modifying agents, which are necessary to prevent skeletal-related events (SREs), are associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw as an adverse side effect. Hypersensitivity to alcohol is an unfavorable response caused by deficiency of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 (ALDH2) activity. Inactive ALDH2 is associated with osteoporosis, but its influence on bone metastases is unclear. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of alcohol sensitivity on bone metastases and SREs in primary operable breast cancer patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients who were administered docetaxel, an anti-tumor agent, for histologically diagnosed breast cancer between April 2004 and September 2015. Alcohol sensitivity was assessed based on medical records of hypersensitivity to alcohol. The primary endpoint was time to bone metastases and the secondary endpoint was time to first SRE from the initial docetaxel administration. Data were stratified by alcohol sensitivity and tumor stages, and differences were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic risk factors were analyzed by the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

The median follow-up period of patients with high sensitivity to alcohol (n = 45) was 54 months and that for those with low sensitivity (n = 287) was 64 months. Stratification by alcohol sensitivity revealed that tumor stage exhibited significant correlations with the cumulative incidence of bone metastases in low-sensitivity patients; however, no differences were found in high-sensitivity patients. In multivariate analysis, alcohol sensitivity was a significant prognostic risk factor for bone metastases (HR 2.721, 95% CI 1.268–5.841, P = 0.010).

Conclusion

Alcohol sensitivity may be a prognostic risk factor for bone metastases. More detailed genetic investigations and metabolic analyses are needed.
Measurements of the number of specified and unspecified cells in the shoot apical meristem during a plastochron in rice (Oryza sativa) reveal the robustness of cellular specification process in plant development
Authors: Nosaka-Takahashi Misuzu , Kato Makio , Kumamaru Toshihiro , Sato Yutaka
Published: June 2022

The shoot apical meristem (SAM) is composed of a population of stem cells giving rise to the aboveground parts of plants. It maintains itself by controlling the balance of cell proliferation and specification. Although knowledge of the mechanisms maintaining the SAM has been accumulating, the processes of cellular specification to form leaves and replenishment of unspecified cells in the SAM during a plastochron (the time interval between which two successive leaf primordia are formed) is still obscure. In this study, we developed a method to quantify the number of specified and unspecified cells in the SAM and used it to elucidate the dynamics of cellular specification in the SAM during a plastochron in rice. OSH1 is a KNOX (KNOTTED1-like homeobox) gene in rice that is expressed in the unspecified cells in the SAM, but not in specified cells. Thus, we could visualize and count the nuclei of unspecified cells by fluorescent immunohistochemical staining with an anti-OSH1 antibody followed by fluorescein isothiocyanate detection. By double-staining with propidium iodide (which stains all nuclei) and then overlaying the images, we could also detect and count the specified cells. By using these measurements in combination with morphological observation, we defined four developmental stages of SAM that portray cellular specification and replenishment of unspecified cells in the SAM during a plastochron. In addition, through the analysis of mutant lines with altered size and shape of the SAM, we found that the number of specified cells destined to form a leaf primordium is not affected by mild perturbations of meristem size and shape. Our study highlights the dynamism and flexibility in stem cell maintenance in the SAM during a plastochron and the robustness of plant development.
Indigenous vegetables of family Cucurbitaceae of Azad Kashmir: A key emphasis on their pharmacological potential
Authors: Akhter Kulsoom , Bibi Azeem , Rasheed Aamir , Rehman Sadiq ur , Shafique Urooj , Habib Tariq
Published: June 2022

The antioxidant capacity of extracts of different parts of Cucurbitaceae vegetables was evaluated by DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2, 2’-azino bis (ethyl benzothiazoline 6)-sulphonic acid) methods. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were also determined. The correlation of TPC, TFC, DPPH, and ABTS in different extracts of Cucurbitaceae vegetables was analyzed. The peel extracts of studied vegetables had the highest TPC, (C.grandis3.00±0.86,T.cucumerina3.24±0.70 andC.moschata3.12±0.06 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g-1DW) and TFC (C.grandis18.96±1.5,T.cucumerina13.92±1.41 andC.moschata15.31±0.97 mg rutin equivalent (RE) g-1DW). The maximum antioxidant potential was obtained by the ABTS method in peel extracts ofC.grandis(78.7%) andC.moschata(63.5%) while in pulp extract ofT.cucumerina(50.1%) at 10 μg/mL. The percent radical scavenging activity (% RSA) by the DPPH method found maximum for peel and pulp ofC.grandis(45.15 and 45.15%, respectively) and peel ofT.cucumerina(45.15%) andC.moschata(34.15%). The EC50 obtained in the ABTS method was 0.54 and 7.15 μg/mL forC.grandisandC.moschata, respectively while 0.81 μg/mL for the pulp ofT.cucumerinacompared to standard ascorbic acid (1.05 μg/mL). The EC50 calculated in the DPPH method was 11.78 μg/mL, 13.34 μg/mL,and 21.00 μg/mL forC.grandis,T.cucumerina, andC.moschatapeel respectively compared to the standard Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Among each variable, the correlation between ABTS and TPC provided the highest positive correlation (r = 0.998, p< 0.05) in peel extracts.