bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does External Debt Promote Human Longevity in Developing Countries?
Authors: Aladejare Samson Adeniyi
Published: June 2022

This study assessed the impact of external debt on longevity in developing countries, particularly in West Africa, from 1981 to 2020. Longevity was proxied by life expectancy at birth, while the external debt effect was evaluated from the perspective of sustainability, liquidity, and solvency. Furthermore, outcomes from macroeconomic volatility were controlled through inflation and exchange rate variability. Methodological robustness was ensured by adopting panel unit root, cointegration, and estimation procedures incorporating panel dataset cross-sectional dependency and heterogeneity in their estimation process. Robust inferences for the study were derived by comparing estimated outcomes from the cross-sectional augmented autoregressive distributed lag, dynamic common correlated effects, and the Driscoll-Kraay method. Empirically, the study showed that unsustainable, illiquid, and insolvent external debt and macroeconomic volatility shorten longevity in West African countries. Hence, longevity will decline when weak external debt management promotes poverty in developing countries.
Evaluation of physical and mental health status of orphan children living in orphanages in Sonitpur district of Assam: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mahanta Putul , Thakuria Kahua Das , Rajbangshi Madhab Chandra , Basumatary Bharati , Dutta Malamoni , Singh Senjam Gojendra , Knowar Ranjumoni
Published: June 2022

Background
Orphan children living in orphanages are often neglected. These children's physical and mental health status are essential concerns as they are highly prone to malnourishment and psychosocial distress. We aim to evaluate the orphan children's physical and psychosocial status living in orphanages.
Methods
This study adopted a cross-sectional research design conducted with the children living in the orphanages using a pretested, predesigned schedule. Body Mass Index (BMI) for age and height were then determined using WHO standards. Thinness was defined as BMI for age below − 2 SD (Standard Deviation) and thinness as height for age below − 2 SD. The behavioural and mental status of the children of age 10–19 years were evaluated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-21) with a cut off value of SDQ score > 15 as the presence of emotional and behavioural distress.
Results
Almost 50% of orphans were in the age group of 10–14 years, 62.7% were females, and 42.2% had a primary level of education. 52.5% of orphans exhibited severe thinness for <-3SD. Observed severe thinness more among the 5–9 years and 10–14 years (p-value < 0.05) group and among the male orphans (p-value < 0.05). Out of 65 children aged 10–19 years, 18.5% had behavioural and mental distress. Emotional (32.3%) and poor conduct problems (23%) were observed significantly among male adolescents.
Conclusions
Orphaned children, particularly those living in orphanages, are at risk of malnutrition and experience various behavioural and psychosocial problems. Frequent assessments of their physical and mental health are advocated for early detection, prevention, and timely intervention.
Root and Root Canal Morphology of Premolars in a Sample of the Lebanese Population: Clinical Considerations
Authors: Merhej Marie-Jose , Hachem Roula El , Sacre Hala , Salameh Pascale , Ghosn Nabil , Naaman Alfred
Published: June 2022

Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate the anatomy of the maxillary and mandibular premolars among a sample of the Lebanese population and to explore their incidence by sex and the symmetry between the left and right sides.Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of 250 CBCT images revealed 960 maxillary and 972 mandibular premolars. Roots, canals, and morphology types were recorded. Vertucci’s classification was used to categorize the canal morphologies. Fisher’s exact and chi-square tests (P≤.05) were applied.Results: The majority of maxillary first premolars had two roots (85.3%) with two canals (91.3%). Most of the maxillary second premolars showed one root (79.8%). Two-root canals (53.55%) were more common than one canal (44.2%). The three-root, three-canal morphology was rarely spotted in the maxillary first (0.4%) and second premolars (2.3%). The one-root and one-canal morphologies were most frequently located in the mandibular first (99.2%, 84.5%) and second premolars (100%, 88.6%), and two canals being less common (15.5%, 11.4%). The total prevalence of premolars with a complex root canal morphology was 62.4%, found in types II, III, and V to VIII. Men had significantly more roots and root canals in their maxillary first premolars than women (P≤.05). No significant differences were observed between the contralateral premolars (P>.05).Conclusions: Premolars displayed wide variations in root and root canal morphology and symmetry between the contralateral premolars.Clinical Relevance: CBCT scans showed the morphological complexity and bilateral symmetry of the premolars in a sample of the Lebanese population. Clinicians and researchers should consider these findings.
Mechanism of autophagy induced by activation of the AMPK/ERK/mTOR signaling pathway after TRIM22-mediated DENV-2 infection of HUVECs
Authors: Wu Ning , Gou Xiaoqin , Hu Pan , Chen Yao , Ji Jinzhong , Wang Yuanying , Zuo Li
Published: June 2022

Background
Dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2) was used to infect primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) to examine autophagy induced by activation of the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway following tripartite motif-containing 22 (TRIM22)-mediated DENV-2 infection to further reveal the underlying pathogenic mechanism of DENV-2 infection.
Methods
Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to screen putative interference targets of TRIM22 and determine the knockdown efficiency. The effect of TRIM22 knockdown on HUVEC proliferation was determined using the CCK8 assay. Following TRIM22 knockdown, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to determine the ultrastructure of HUVEC autophagosomes and expression of HUVEC autophagy and AMPK pathway-related genes were measured by qRT-PCR. Moreover, HUVEC autophagy and AMPK pathway-related protein expression levels were determined by western blot analysis. Cell cycle and apoptosis were assessed by flow cytometry (FCM) and the autophagosome structure of the HUVECs was observed by TEM.
Results
Western blot results indicated that TRIM22 protein expression levels increased significantly 36 h after DENV-2 infection, which was consistent with the proteomics prediction. The CCK8 assay revealed that HUVEC proliferation was reduced following TRIM22 knockdown (P < 0.001). The TEM results indicated that HUVEC autolysosomes increased and autophagy was inhibited after TRIM22 knockdown. The qRT-PCR results revealed that after TRIM22 knockdown, the expression levels of antithymocyte globulin 7 (ATG7), antithymocyte globulin 5 (ATG5), Beclin1, ERK, and mTOR genes decreased (P < 0.01); however, the expression of AMPK genes (P < 0.05) and P62 genes (P < 0.001) increased. FCM revealed that following TRIM22 knockdown, the percentage of HUVECs in the G2 phase increased (P < 0.001) along with cell apoptosis. The effect of TRIM22 overexpression on HUVEC autophagy induced by DENV-2 infection and AMPK pathways decreased after adding an autophagy inhibitor.
Conclusions
In HUVECs, TRIM22 protein positively regulates autophagy and may affect autophagy through the AMPK/ERK/mTOR signaling pathway. Autophagy is induced by activation of the AMPK/ERK/mTOR signaling pathway following TRIM22-mediated DENV-2 infection of HUVECs.
Assessment of flooding impact on water supply systems: a comprehensive approach based on DSS
Authors: Barbetta Silvia , Bonaccorsi Bianca , Tsitsifli Stavroula , Boljat Ivana , Argiris Papakonstantinou , Reberski Jasmina Lukač , Massari Christian , Romano Emanuele
Published: June 2022

The assessment of flood impact on a Water Supply System (WSS) requires a comprehensive approach including several scales of analysis and models to capture dependencies between meteorological/hydrological forcing and WSS components. The flood risk on WSS should be managed in the Water Safety Plans (WSP), recommended in the EU Water Directive 2020/2184 to water utilities. Flood event can impact the quality of surface and ground water in multiple ways: contaminated water can enter groundwater through wells, overflow and contamination from sewerage systems can occur, extreme rainfall can increase loading of suspended sediments in surface waters. Flooding can also cause supply service interruption for damaged infrastructures. A comprehensive approach to address flood impact on WSS is not available, while only specific aspects were investigated. This work introduces an overall approach implemented in an informative tool named WAter Safety Planning Procedures Decision Support System (WASPP–DSS) developed in the context of MUHA (Multihazard framework for Water Related risks management) project. The tool is here applied and demonstrated for three case studies: Ridracoli dam (Italy), Larissa municipality (Greece), and area managed by Zadar water supply company (Croatia). The WASPP–DSS is found to be a valid support for the WSP development allowing the description of components and links, hazards identification and risk assessment and can be useful mainly for small water utilities for an early stage WSP development and implementation. Improvements are desirable, as including a specific section to consider the issue of loss of water resources from reservoirs due to overflow.
System archetypes underlying formal-informal urban water supply dynamics
Authors: Bano Rakhshinda , Khiadani Mehdi , Sebastian Yong
Published: June 2022

Contrary to developed countries, developing countries have been observed to have increased reliance on a diversity of water supply options to meet their daily demands. Formal supply systems are incapable of delivering the daily needs of consumers. Informal supply systems, though filling the demand-supply gap, are increasingly being associated with issues of long-term sustainability, higher consumer cost, and inequity. Emerging formal-informal dynamics in developing countries require a thorough understanding of complex interactions for policy direction, in order to best support the advancement of urban water sustainability. Accordingly, system archetypes offer a platform to explain the behaviors of complex systems. This paper reviews existing literature on formal-informal dynamics and identifies common system archetypes that define urban waterscapes in the developing world. In this way, Causal Loop Diagrams (CLDs) are used to present the relationships and identify common archetypes that define the complexity of urban water supply systems in Hyderabad, Pakistan. These archetypes include ‘fixes that fail’, ‘shifting the burden’, ‘limits to growth/success’ and ‘growth and underinvestment’. Further, leverage points for each archetype are identified and discussed for policy direction.
Polarization-controlled multifunctional polarization conversion in bilayer chiral metamaterials
Authors: Luan Weimeng , Zhang Yihao , Gao Xinzhuo , Yan Xiaona , Jin Zuanming , Ma Guohong , Yao Jianquan
Published: June 2022

In this paper, a chiral metamaterial (MM) structure composed of bilayer twisted split-ring resonator (SRR) arrays is proposed and demonstrated to realize polarization-controlled, dual-directional, and multifunctional polarization conversion for terahertz (THz) waves. Simulated results show that the converter can selectively achieve linear-to-linear, or linear to left-handed circular, or linear to right-handed circular’s polarization conversion according to the polarization state and propagating direction of the incident THz wave. Stokes parameters, ellipticity, and polarized rotation angle are introduced to determine the polarization states of the output waves. The circular polarization transmission coefficients and surface current distributions at the resonance frequency points are simulated to explain and demonstrate the physical origin of polarization conversion. The proposed multifunctional converter can find potential applications in THz sensing, imaging and communication areas.
Energy-resolving large area X-ray imaging enabled by stacked metal halide scintillators
Authors: Ran Peng , Yang Lurong , Jiang tingming , Xu Xuehui , Hui Juan , Su Yirong , Kuang Cuifang , Liu Xu , Yang Yang
Published: June 2022

Conventional energy-integration black-white X-ray imaging lacks spectral information of X-ray photons. Although X-ray spectra (energy) can be distinguished by photon-counting technique typically with CdZnTe detectors, it is very challenging to be applied to large-area flat-panel X-ray imaging (FPXI). Herein, we design multi-layer stacked scintillators of different X-ray absorption capabilities and scintillation spectrums, in this scenario, the X-ray energy can be discriminated by detecting the emission spectra of each scintillator, therefore the spectral-resolving X-ray imaging can be easily obtained by color or multispectral visible-light camera in one single shot of X-ray. To verify this idea, stacked multilayer scintillators based on several emerging metal halides were fabricated in the cost-effective and scalable solution process, and proof-of-concept multi-energy FPXI was experimentally demonstrated. The energy-resolving X-ray image of a “bone-muscle” model clearly showed the details that were invisible in conventional energy-integration FPXI. By stacking four layers of specifically designed multilayer scintillators with appropriate thicknesses, a prototype FPXI with four energy channels was realized, proving its extendibility to multispectral or even hyperspectral X-ray imaging. This study provides a facile and effective strategy to realize energy-resolved flat-panel X-ray imaging.
Value of ypTNM stage in patients with rectal cancer
Authors: Chen Yue , Sun Zhe , Dong Xinxin , Liu Fang , Sun Deyu
Published: June 2022

In the current NCCN guidelines, the prognosis and adjuvant chemotherapy regimen of patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, which are based on pre-radiotherapy clinical TNM stage or neoadjuvant pathologic TNM stage, are not clearly described. This retrospective study investigated the significance of neoadjuvant pathologic TNM stage and the value of the adjuvant chemotherapy regimens in different neoadjuvant pathologic TNM stages. Between 2010 and 2015, a total of 316 rectal cancer patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, followed by radical resection, were included for analysis. Our findings revealed that neoadjuvant pathologic TNM stage was a more important prognostic factor than clinical TNM stage. In different neoadjuvant pathologic TNM stages, adjuvant chemotherapy played important roles in stage-II and -III disease, but played no significant role in pCR and stage-I disease. We concluded that neoadjuvant pathologic TNM stage, rather than clinical TNM stage, was a more important prognostic factor. The intensity of adjuvant chemotherapy might need to be strengthened with the increase of ypTNM stage.
“A disembodied voice over the telephone”: A qualitative study of healthcare practitioners’ experiences in geriatric medicine
Authors: Brown Frankie , Sanders Isabella , Watkins Ross , Grey Elisabeth , Smith Paula , Springett Daniella , Welsh Tomas , Gillison Fiona
Published: June 2022

Objectives
This study explored the experience of delivering care remotely among practitioners in a UK geriatric medicine clinic.
Methods
Nine semi-structured interviews were conducted with consultants (n = 5), nurses (n = 2), a speech and language and an occupational therapist, and thematically analysed.
Results
Three themes developed; Rapport Building; Setting and Context; Patient-Professional relationships.
Discussion
Participants felt that rapport and trust had been more feasible to develop remotely than they had anticipated, although this was more challenging for new patients and those with cognitive or sensory impairments. While practitioners identified advantages of remote consultations, including involving relatives, saving time, and reducing anxiety, they also experienced disadvantages such as consultations feeling like a ‘production line’, missing visual cues and reduced privacy. Some participants felt their professional identity was threatened by the lack of face-to-face contact, linked to feeling that remote consultations are not suitable for frail older adults or those with cognitive deficits.
Is increased arterial stiffness an additional link between obesity and organ damage?
Authors: Piko Nejc , Bevc Sebastjan , Hojs Radovan , Petreski Tadej , Ekart Robert
Published: June 2022

Background.
Obesity is associated with several neurohumoral changes that play an important role in organ damage. Increased arterial stiffness causes functional vessel wall changes and can therefore lead to accelerated target organ damage as well. Whether obesity causes an independent increase in central arterial stiffness is, however, not yet fully known.
Methods.
133 patients (63.2% male) were included. BMI was defined as body weight in kilograms, divided by the square of body height in meters. Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) creatinine 2009 equation was used to estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Non-invasive applanation tonometry was used for arterial stiffness measurements (Sphygmocor Atcor Medical, Sydney, Australia). All patients underwent coronarography.
Results.
The mean age of our patients was 65.0 ± 9.2 years. Their mean BMI was 28.5 ± 4.4 kg/m2, eGFR 75.5 ± 17.2 ml/min/1.73 m2 and ankle-brachial index (ABI) 1.0 ± 0.1. Their arterial stiffness measurements showed mean carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) 10.3 ± 2.7 m/s, subendocardial viability ratio (SEVR) 164.4 ± 35.0%, and pulse pressure (PP) 47.8 ± 14.5 mmHg. Spearman's correlation test revealed statistically significant correlation between BMI and SEVR (r=-0.193; p = 0.026), BMI and cfPWV (r = 0.417; p < 0.001) and between BMI and PP (r = 0.227; p = 0.009). Multiple regression analysis confirmed an independent connection between BMI and cfPWV (B = 0.303; p < 0.001) and between BMI and SEVR (B=-0.186; p = 0.040). There was no association between BMI and kidney function, ABI, or coronary artery disease.
Conclusion.
Increased BMI is independently associated with augmented central arterial stiffness and reduced subendocardial perfusion, but not with coronary artery disease, kidney function, or ABI.
Single-base precision design of CRISPR-Cas13b enables systematic silencing of oncogenic fusions
Authors: Hu Wenxin , Kumar Amit , Qi Shijiao , Sadras Teresa , Casan Joshua , Ma David , Brown Lauren , Haber Michelle , Voskoboinik Ilia , Trapani Joseph , Ekert Paul , Fareh Mohamed
Published: June 2022

Precision oncology programs can rapidly identify oncogenic gene fusions in individual patients1–3. However, despite their established oncogenic status, the vast majority of gene fusions remain ‘undruggable’ due to the lack of specific inhibitory molecules4,5. Here, we establish PspCas13b, a poorly characterized programmable RNA nuclease, as a versatile tool to silence various oncogenic fusion transcripts. Our Single-Base Tiled crRNA screens (SiBTil), unbiased computational analysis, and comprehensive spacer-target mutagenesis revealed key determinants of PspCas13b activity. De novo design of crRNAs harbouring basepaired or mismatched guanosine bases at key spacer positions greatly enhances the silencing efficacy of otherwise inefficient crRNAs, expanding the targeting spectrum of this enzyme. We also reveal the interface between mismatch tolerance and intolerance, which unlocks an unexpected single-base precision targeting capability of this RNA nuclease. Notably, our de novo design principles enable potent and selective silencing of various gene fusion transcripts and their downstream oncogenic networks, without off-targeting of non-translocated variants that share extensive sequence homology. We demonstrate that PspCas13b targeting the breakpoint of fusion transcripts enables efficient suppression of ancestral and single-nucleotide mutants (e.g. BCR-ABL1 T315I) that often drive clinical cancer relapse. Collectively, this study provides new design principles for PspCas13b programming to specifically recognise and degrade any ‘undruggable’ fusion oncogenic transcript, thus providing a new conceptual framework for personalized oncology.
Tipping points in polymer life cycle greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Walker Stuart , Ryan Anthony , Rothman Rachael
Published: June 2022

For decades, polymers have offered a unique combination of low cost and high durability, and are the material of choice for a huge range of applications. In the current energy system, such polymers require the combustion of fossil resources to provide process heat and electricity for manufacture, and release emissions from embodied resources when incinerated. Polymers which are biodegradable or based on biological feedstock avoid some of this resource use, but in some cases have greater energy requirements than fossil polymer equivalents. This work compares life cycle greenhouse gas emissions for pairs of fossil- and biologically-based polymers under various UK electricity, heat and end-of-life treatment scenarios between 2019 and 2040. As specific emissions from electricity and heat supply reduce over the period, life cycle emissions of all polymers fall. Polylactic acid was found to already have lower emissions than polystyrene in most scenarios. Low-density polyethylene was found to have lower emissions than poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) in all cases to 2040. Both bio-based high density polyethylene and bio-based polyethylene terephthalate were found to have lower emissions than their fossil equivalents at some point between 2019 and 2040, depending on energy and end-of-life scenarios. Identifying and acting on these crossover points offers a route to significant reductions in the emissions of polymers, and even suggests that polymers with net negative emissions can be manufactured by 2040, offering the possibility of greenhouse gas sequestration through polymers made from agricultural waste.
Maddening intermittence of rain and two types of critical transitions to monsoon
Authors: Surovyatkina Elena , George Nitin Babu
Published: June 2022

According to folk knowledge, in some years, monsoon comes as a thundering elephant, while in others, it enters gently, like a deer, or sets foot erratic like a chicken. The "elephant" brings good continuous rains and prosperity, while the "deer" or the "chicken" bode a dry spell and a ruinous planting season for farmers. The classical understanding of monsoon onset implies a sudden increase in precipitation and sustainable rains that only fit the "elephant" case. Here, we show that there are two types of critical transitions to monsoon: a direct transition, with a sudden increase in precipitation, and a two/multiple-step transition, with a dry spell after initial rain. We present evidence that 70$\%$ of the last 47 years show two/multiple-step transition, which went overlooked. We uncover that the cause of rainfall cessation is the hidden phenomenon of intermittence emerging between two successive phase transitions. Remarkably, the second type of transition prevails under climate change. Our discovery fills the gap in understanding the transition to monsoon and paves the way to explore its climate resilience in India and other tropical countries.
Novel modification of Luminex assay for characterization of extracellular vesicle populations in biofluids
Authors: Volpert Olga , Gershun Eve , Elgart Katia , Erden Eren , Kapogiannis Dimitrios , Verma Ajay , Levin Amir , Kalia Vrinda , Wu Haotian , Baccarelli Andrea , Eitan Erez
Published: June 2022

Most approaches to extracellular vesicle (EV) characterization are size based and provide few clues regarding EV origin, composition, and function. New methods to define EV surface proteins may aid understanding of their origin, physiological role, and biomarker potential. Recently developed highly sensitive immunoassays for intact EV using ELISA, NanoView, SIMOA and MesoScale platforms have limited multiplexing capabilities, whereas MACSPlex enables the detection of multiple EV surface proteins, but the requirement for large amounts of purified EVs limits its diagnostic usage. Here, we describe a Luminex-based immunoassay, which combines multiplexing capabilities with high sensitivity. The lack of enrichment and purification steps that makes it applicable to low sample volumes. We demonstrate assay’s specificity for EV surface proteins via multiple EV depletion techniques, EV of known cellular origin, and by co-localization with established EV markers. Our novel approach elucidates the differences in tetraspanin profiles of neuronal and erythrocytic EV. Using size exclusion chromatography, we show that plasma EVs of neuronal origin differ in size from EV derived from erythrocytes, released by cutlured cells. In conclusion, our novel multiplexed assay differentiates between EV distinct tissue origins and has the potential to enable characterization of EV surface proteome and thus address EV molecular heterogeneity.
Outbreak.info Research Library: A standardized, searchable platform to discover and explore COVID-19 resources
Authors: Hughes Laura , Tsueng Ginger , Mullen Julia , Alkuzweny Manar , Cano Marco , Rush Benjamin , Haag Emily , Latif Alaa Abdel , Zhou Xinghua , Qian Zhongchao , Hufbauer Emory , Zeller Mark , Andersen Kristian , Wu Chunlei , Su Andrew , Gangavarapu Karthik
Published: June 2022

To combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, scientists have been conducting research at breakneck speeds, producing over 52,000 peer-reviewed articles within the first year. To address the challenge in tracking the vast amount of new research located in separate repositories, we developed outbreak.info Research Library, a standardized, searchable interface of COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2 resources. Unifying metadata from fourteen repositories, we assembled a collection of over 270,000 publications, clinical trials, datasets, protocols, and other resources as of May 2022. We used a rigorous schema to enforce consistency across different sources and resource types and linked related resources. Researchers can quickly search the latest research across data repositories, regardless of resource type or repository location, via a search interface, public API, and R package. Finally, we discuss the challenges inherent in combining metadata from scattered and heterogeneous resources and provide recommendations to streamline this process to aid scientific research.
Infants with Macrosomia and Infants of Diabetic Mothers Have Increased Carotid Artery Intima- Media Thickness in Childhood
Authors: Yapicioglu Hacer , Seckin Sultan Ceren , Yontem Ahmet , Yildizdas Dincer
Published: June 2022

Purpose: Incidence of diabetes during pregnancy is increasing worldwide, and intrauterine hyperglycemia exposure may have long-term adverse effects on the cardiovascular health of children. We investigated risk of atherosclerosis and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in infants born macrosomic and in infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) at the age of 8–9 years.Method: 49 infants of diabetic mothers (IDM group) and 13 macrosomic infants (Macrosomic group) were included in the study. They were compared with 26 age-matched healthy children with birth weight appropriate for gestational age born to non-diabetic mothers (Control group). Anthropometric measurements, atherosclerosis risk factors and CIMT measurements were performed. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, actual anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, laboratory parameters or atherosclerosis risk factors. Gestational age was lower in the IDM group (p<0.001), while birth weight was higher in the Macrosomic group (p<0.001). High-density lipoprotein cholesterol level was lower in the IDM group than the other groups. Duration of exclusive and total breastfeeding were lower in IDM group than in Control group (p<0.001 for both). Body mass index, skinfold thickness, waist-to-hip ratio and waist-to-height ratio were higher in those breastfed for less than 6 months in the IDM group. The CIMT values were statistically higher in IDM [0.43±.0.047 (0.34-0.60)] and Macrosomic [0.40±0.055 (0.33-0.50)] groups than Control group [0.34±0.047 (0.26-0.45)]. Conclusion, CIMT values were higher in IDM and Macrosomic groups. This indicates intrauterine exposure in both groups. Breastfeeding seems very important for IDMs.
Rapid, multiplex detection of SARS-CoV-2 using isothermal amplification coupled with CRISPR-Cas12a
Authors: Figueiredo Diogo , Cascalheira António , Goncalves Joao
Published: June 2022

In December 2019 an outbreak erupted due to the beta coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 in Wuhan, China. The disease caused by this virus (COVID-19) rapidly spread to all parts of the globe leading to a global pandemic. Efforts to combat the pan-demic rely on RT-qPCR diagnostic tests that have high turnaround times (~24h), are easily contaminated, need specialized equipment, facilities, and personnel that end up increasing the overall costs of this method. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) coupled with a reverse transcription step (RT-LAMP) is an alternative diagnostic method that can easily overcome these obstacles, when coupled with CRISPR/Cas it can eliminate false positives. Here we report a fast (~40 min), highly sensitive, point-of-care RT-LAMP and CRISPR/Cas12a assay to detect SARS-CoV-2. This fluorescence-based test prevents carry-over contamination using dUTP/UDG and achieved 100% specificity and 93% sensitivity using 25 positives and 50 negative patient samples for Ct<35. Our reported LoD of 3 copies/µL will enable the robust, fast detection of the virus in a dedicated equipment which is a major step towards population-wide accessible testing.
The growth and developmental of the myodural bridge and its associated structures in the human fetus
Authors: Song Yang , Lai Hua-Xun , Song Ting-Wei , Gong Jin , Liu Bo , Chi Yan-Yan , Yue Chen , Zhang Jing , Sun Shi-Zhu , Zhang Cheng-Hong , Tang Wei , Fan Ning , Yu Wei-Hua , Wang Yi-Fei , Hack Gary D. , Yu Sheng-Bo , Zhang Jian-Fei , Sui Hong-Jin
Published: June 2022

The myodural bridge (MDB) is a dense connective tissue structure between the suboccipital musculature and the spinal dura mater (SDM). However, few reports on the development and maturation of the human MDB. 30 head and neck specimens from human fetuses (F) from 12–40 weeks (W) were made into histological sections. The F12W sections evidenced that the SDM dominated by fibroblasts, attached to the posterior atlantoaxial membrane (PAAM) which completely sealed the atlantoaxial space. In the F13W stage, myofibrils of the suboccipital muscle fibers increased significantly in number. At the F14W stage, a gap was observed at the caudal end of the PAAM. Numerous myodural bridge-like structures were observed blending into the SDM through the gap. At the F15W stage, the MDB fibers originated between the posterior arch of atlas (C1) and the obliquus capitis inferior muscle, and extended forward and downward into the spinal canal through the atlantoaxial gap. Starting at the F21W stage, the MDB fibers were observed to pass through the atlantoaxial interspace and radially attach to the SDM. The present study adds to the knowledge base of developmental morphology research of the human embryonic MDB and provides a developmental morphological basis for its potential functionality.
The Gender Gap in Scholarly Self-Promotion on Social Media
Authors: Peng Hao , Teplitskiy Misha , Romero Daniel , Horvát Emőke-Ágnes
Published: June 2022

Self-promotion in science is ubiquitous but not exercised to the same extent by everyone. It is unclear whether there are gender differences in the frequency of self-promotion or the benefits individuals get from it. Here, we examine gender differences in scholarly self-promotion using 7M Tweet mentions of 539K research papers published in 2018 by 1.3M authors. Our analysis shows that female authors are significantly less likely than male authors to promote their papers, even after controlling for a number of important factors including journal impact, affiliation prestige, author productivity and number of citations, authorship position, number of coauthors, and research topics. The magnitude of the gender gap is more strongly associated with papers' journal impact factor than authors' affiliation prestige, previous productivity, or academic discipline. In particular, male scholars are 60\% more likely than comparable female scholars to self-promote papers published in journals with very high impact factor, whereas the difference is only 28\% for papers in low impact journals. Although women self-promote less often overall, when they do, their papers receive slightly more mentions on Twitter. Our findings offer the first large-scale evidence for a gender gap in scholarly self-promotion online and show the circumstances under which the gap is most substantial, helping inform policy aimed at mitigating discrepancies in visibility and recognition.
TLR2-ERK signaling pathway regulates expression of galectin-3 in a murine model of OVA-induced allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Lv Yunxiang , Jiang Guiyun , Jiang Yanru , Peng Caiqiu
Published: June 2022

Background: Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and galectin-3 (Gal-3) mediate the pathological process of asthma, but the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. We hypothesized that TLR2 pathway may regulate expression of Gal-3 in allergic airway inflammation. Methods: Wild-type (WT) and TLR2−/− mice were sensitized on day 0 and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) on days 14–21 to establish a model of allergic airway inflammation, and were treated with U0126. Airway inflammation was analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) staining; cytokines and anti-OVA immunoglobulin E (IgE) were tested by ELISA; and related protein expression in lung tissues was measured by western blot. Results: We found that the expression levels of TLR2 and Gal-3 markedly increased concomitantly with airway inflammation after OVA induction, while TLR2 deficiency significantly alleviated airway inflammation and reduced Gal-3 expression. Moreover, the expression levels of phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases (p-MAPKs) were significantly elevated in OVA-challenged WT mice, while TLR2 deficiency only significantly decreased phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK) levels. Although blockade of ERK by U0126 had no effect on OVA-induced TLR2 activation, TLR2 deficiency significantly reduced p-ERK expression, suggesting that TLR2 is an upstream signal molecule of ERK. Furthermore, U0126 treatment significantly alleviated allergic airway inflammation and decreased Gal-3 levels in OVA-challenged WT mice, but had no further effect in OVA-challenged TLR2−/− mice. We further demonstrated that TLR2 regulates Gal-3 expression through the ERK pathway in S. aureus-infected macrophages in vitro.Conclusions: Our findings showed that the TLR2-ERK signaling pathway regulates Gal-3 expression in a murine model of allergic airway inflammation.
Nontrivial Solutions for Klein-Gordon-Maxwell Systems with Sign-changing Potentials
Authors: Zhang Xian , Huang Chen
Published: June 2022

This paper is concerned with the nonlinear Klein-Gordon-Maxwell systems. Unlike all known results in the literature, the Schrödinger operator −∆ + V is allowed to be indefinite and the weaker superlinear conditions instead of the common 4-superlinear conditions on f. By combining a local linking argument and Morse theory, we obtain that the system admits a nontrivial solution.Mathematics Subject Classification(2010): 35J60; 35J10
Integrative network analysis interweaves the missing links in cardiomyopathy diseasome
Authors: Chauhan Pankaj Kumar , Sowdhamini Ramanathan
Published: June 2022

Cardiomyopathies are progressive disease conditions that give rise to an abnormal heart phenotype and are a leading cause of heart failures in the general population. These are complex diseases that show co-morbidity with other diseases. The molecular interaction network in the localised disease neighbourhood is an important step toward deciphering molecular mechanisms underlying these complex conditions. In this pursuit, we employed network medicine techniques to systematically investigate cardiomyopathy’s genetic interplay with other diseases and uncover the molecular players underlying these associations. We predicted a set of candidate genes in cardiomyopathy by exploring the DIAMOnD algorithm on the human interactome. We next revealed how these candidate genes form association across different diseases and highlighted the predominant association with brain, cancer and metabolic diseases. Through integrative systems analysis of molecular pathways, heart-specific mouse knockout data and disease tissue-specific transcriptomic data, we screened and ascertained prominent candidates that show abnormal heart phenotype, including NOS3, MMP2 and SIRT1. Our computational analysis broadens the understanding of the genetic associations of cardiomyopathies with other diseases and holds great potential in cardiomyopathy research.
Antimicrobial Activity of Probiotic Lactobacilli against some Pathogenic Bacteria
Authors: Rushdi Radwan , Rushdi Maryam
Published: June 2022

Probiotics are viable lactic acid bacteria (LAB) that are believed to provide health benefits when administered in appropriate quantities. Lactobacillus is one of the most important genera of LAB that are known to produce substances including bacteriocins which can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The current study determined the antibacterial activity of probiotic lactobacilli against some clinical bacterial isolates. A commercially available probiotic lactobacilli product which contains (Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus Plantarum) strains were tested for their antibacterial activity against the clinical bacterial isolates: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, following disk diffusion method. The cell-free supernatant of Lactobacilli strains isolated in the present study exhibited very remarkable and noticeable antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria.
The first Physico-chemical characterization of coastal sands in the DOUKKALA region (Morocco)
Authors: mghaiouini redouane , Salah Mohammed , Harrati Achraf , Monkade Mohamed , Bouari Abdeslam EL
Published: June 2022

This paper investigates a different type of sands of the coast: El Oualidia, Sidi Moussa, El JorfLasfar, Ouled El Ghadbane, and Moulay Abdellah Amghar in the DOUKKALA region (Morocco). Our sand samples were subjected to a physicochemical characterization by analytical techniques such as particle size analysis by sieving, mineralogy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). These analyzes revealed that the main component found for these sands is silicon dioxide (SiO2), with the presence of impurities (iron, clay and organic). This study can be very useful for construction engineering.
Coherently coupled mechanical oscillators in the quantum regime
Authors: Hou Pan-Yu , Wu Jenny , Erickson Stephen , Cole Daniel , Zarantonello Giorgio , Brandt Adam , Wilson Andrew , Slichter Daniel , Leibfried Dietrich
Published: June 2022

Coupled harmonic oscillators are ubiquitous in physics and play a prominent role in quantum science. They are a cornerstone of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, where second quantization relies on harmonic oscillator operators to create and annihilate particles. Descriptions of quantum tunneling, beamsplitters, coupled potential wells, ``hopping terms'', decoherence, and many other phenomena rely on coupled harmonic oscillators. However, the ability to couple separate quantum harmonic oscillators directly, with coupling rates that substantially exceed decoherence rates, has remained elusive.
Here, we realize high-fidelity coherent exchange of single motional quanta between harmonic oscillators -- in this case, spectrally separated harmonic modes of motion of a trapped ion crystal -- where the timing, strength, and phase of the coupling are controlled through an oscillating electric potential with suitable spatial variation. The coupling rate can be made much larger than the decoherence rates, enabling demonstrations of high-fidelity quantum state transfer, entanglement of motional modes, and Hong-Ou-Mandel-type interference. We also project a harmonic oscillator into its ground state by measurement and preserve that state during repetitions of the projective measurement, an important prerequisite for non-destructive syndrome measurement in continuous-variable quantum error correction. Controllable coupling between harmonic oscillators has potential applications in quantum information processing with continuous variables, quantum simulation, and precision measurements. It can also enable cooling and quantum logic spectroscopy involving motional modes of trapped ions that are not directly accessible.
Probing topological protected transport in finite-sized Su-Schrieffer-Heeger chains
Authors: Chang Yu-Han , Torres Nadia , Manrique Santiago , Robles Raul , Silalahi Vanna , Wu Cen-Shawn , Wang Gang , Marcucci Giulia , Pilozzi Laura , Conti Claudio , Lee Ray-Kuang , Kuo Watson
Published: June 2022

In order to transport information with topological protection, we reveal and demonstrate experimentally the existence of a characteristic length $L_c$, coined as the transport length, in the bulk size for edge states in one-dimensional Su-Schrieffer-Heeger (SSH) chains. In spite of the corresponding wavefunction amplitude decays exponentially, characterized by the penetration depth ξ, the transport between two edge states remains possible even when the lattice size L is much larger than the penetration depth, i.e., ξ << L << Lc. Due to the non-zero coupling energy in a finite-size system, the supported SSH edge states are not completely isolated at the two ends, giving an abrupt change in the wave localization, manifested through the inverse participation ratio to the lattice size. To verify such a non-exponential scaling factor to the system size, we implement a chain of split-ring resonators and their complementary ones with controllable hopping strengths. By performing the measurements on the group velocity from the transmission spectroscopy of non-trivially topological edge states with pulse excitations, the transport velocity between two edge states is directly observed with the number of lattices up to 20. Along the route to harness topology to protect optical information, our experimental demonstrations provide a crucial guideline for utilizing photonic topological devices.
Epigenetic perspectives associated with COVID-19 infection and related cytokine storm: An updated review
Authors: Dey Amit , K Vaishak , Deka Dikshita , Radhakrishnan Arun Kumar , Shanmugam Priyadarshini , Daniel Alice Peace , Pathak Surajit , Duttaroy Asim K. , Banerjee Antara
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-COV-2) has put the world in a medical crisis for the past three years, and almost every country, regardless of its developmental status, has been affected by the situation. Nearly 6.3 million lives have been diminished due to the virus outbreak. Numerous in-depth studies of the mechanisms used by SARS-COV-2 have been going on to minimize the consequences of the viral outburst. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 receptors and Transmembrane serine protease 2 facilitates the viral entry to the host cells, and upon internalization, it uses the host machinery to replicate viral copies and alter the downstream regulation of the normal cells, causing infection-related morbidities and mortalities. In addition, several epigenetic regulations such as DNA methylation, acetylation, histone modifications, microRNA, and many epigenetic factors such as age and sex are responsible for several upstreaming. Down streaming regulations of the viral entry, its immune evasion, and cytokine responses also play a major modulatory role in COVID-19 severity, which has been discussed in detail in this review.
Cognizance of Collective Bargaining and its benefits in relation to Teacher’s Welfare and Working Condition in Public Secondary School in Delta State
Authors: OKORO Patience
Published: June 2022

The study focus mainly on the cognizance of collective bargaining and its benefits in relation to teacher’s welfare and working condition in public secondary school in Delta State. Two research questions were asked and answered. One hundred teachers were purposively selected from fourteen secondary schools in Delta Central Senatorial District. The questionnaire which was rated on a five point Likert Scale was administered as the main instrument and the reliability coefficient was 0.90. Descriptive statistical procedures were employed in the analysis of data. The study revealed that the awareness of collective bargaining in public secondary school in Delta State was high as majority of the respondents were members of union. The resolution of issues was done through collective bargaining. Furthermore, some of the benefits revealed from findings of the study were better working condition, staff welfare, recognition and promotion. The study recommends that union should seek the opinion of teachers; finding out their grievances and discussing various issues leading to addressing general school disputes and not just focusing on wage increment only.
Feasibility and impact of a remote flow-based, moderate-intensity yoga intervention on stress and executive functioning among working adults: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Phansikar Madhura , Gothe Neha , Hernandez Rosalba , Lara-Cinisomo Sandraluz , Mullen Sean P
Published: June 2022

The feasibility of a moderate-intensity yoga intervention, delivered remotely via supervised and unsupervised sessions, and its psychosocial and cognitive effects have not been thoroughly investigated. This randomized controlled trial assessed feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an 8-week moderate-intensity yoga intervention (3x/week, 50 mins) delivered remotely (vs. a waitlist control arm), on stress and cognitive functioning. Participants (n = 86) were low active, full-time working adults (81.40% female; Mage=41 years) with symptoms of stress. Feasibility was assessed via adherence, enjoyment, and safety; stress and anxiety via self-report questionnaires; and executive functioning via neuropsychological tests. Overall attendance was 75.1%, 100% of participants enjoyed the intervention, and only one adverse event reported. At follow-up, the yoga group had significantly lower stress and anxiety, and higher accuracy on working memory tasks. Remote moderate intensity yoga practice proved safe, enjoyable, and may reduce stress and improve cognitive functioning. This study was pre-registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04740229).
An optical and chemiluminescence assay for assessing cytotoxicity of Balamuthia mandrillaris against human neurospheroid
Authors: Pengsart Worakamol , Kulkeaw Kasem
Published: June 2022

A spheroid is a cell aggregate in a three dimensional context; thereby, it recapitulates cellular architecture in human tissue. However, utility of spheroid as an assay for host-parasite interaction remain unproven yet. This study demonstrate potential use of neurospheroid for assessing cytotoxicity of life-threatening pathogenic amoeba, Balamuthia mandrillaris. The neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells formed a spheroid in a hanging drop of culture medium. Cellular damage of B. mandrillaris trophozoites on human neuronal spheroid were observed using microscopic imaging and ATP detection. B. mandrillaris trophozoites rapidly caused decrease of ATP production of the spheroid, leading to loss of neurospheroid integrity. Moreover, a 3D imaging of confocal microscope reveal interaction between the trophozoites and the SH-SY5Y neuronal cells at the outer layer of the neurospheroid. In conclusion, the neurospheroid allows assessment of host cell damage in a simple and quantitative manner.