bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics and Subgroup Analysis of Risk Factors Associated with In-Hospital Mortality among COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hosseini Mojtaba Mohammad , Majidpour Fatemeh , Ahmadinia Hassan , Mortazavi Seyed Mohsen , Mosavifard Seyed Mohsen , Rezaeian Mohsen
Published: September 2022

Since the COVID-19 pandemic originated in Wuhan, China in early December 2019, millions of lives have been lost. In an epidemic, it is necessary to explore the number of infections and deaths, identify the populations at risk, and determine the factors influencing disease death. The Retrospective cohort study used of 2110 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 data recorded in the Medical Care Monitoring Center information system from March 1, 2020, to February 7, 2021, in the city of Rafsanjan. Among a total of 2110 hospitalized patients (mean age: 56.11, SD: 19.37 years), there were 1125 (54.2%) females, 228 (10.8%) readmissions, and 318 (15.1%) deaths. The highest percentage (70.2%) of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was infected during the third and early fourth waves. Mortality was high in elderly patients, males, patients with underlying diseases, and those who ‎received mechanical ventilation. The in-hospital mortality trend decreased from the first (19.2%) to the second wave (10.7%) and increased ‎significantly during the third and early fourth waves ‎‎ (16.3%) (P < 0.01).The median 43-day in-hospital survival time was 17 days. An adjusted Multivariable logistic regression showed the age as a strong risk factor for deaths due to COVID-19 while also indicating in both age sub-group analyses that cancer, CKD, neurologic disease, opium, and diabetes were associated with increased odds of death. Finally, patients aged ≥ 65 with CVD and COPD and patients aged < 65 with hypertension were associated with increased odds of death. The area under the ROC curve was 0.809 (95% CI: 0.76–0.83, P < 0.001) to discriminate between discharge and death on hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Our study showed that the effect of the pre-existing chronic diseases on the mortality of COVID-19 varied by age, Also opium was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality of COVID-19.
Strategies for Specialty Training of Healthcare Professionals in Low-Resource Settings: A Systematic Review on Evidence from Stroke Care
Authors: Habibi Junaid , Bosch Jackie , Bidulka Patrick , Belson Sarah , DePaul Vincent , Gandhi Dorcas , Kumurenzi Anne , Melifonwu Rita , Pandian Jeyaraj , Langhorne Peter , Solomon John , Dawar Dimple , Carroll Sandra , Urimubenshi Gerard , Kaddumukasa Martin , Hamilton Leah
Published: September 2022

Background: The greatest mortality and disability from stroke occurs in low- and middle-income countries. A significant barrier to implementation of best stroke care practices in these settings is limited availability of specialized healthcare training. We conducted a systematic review to determine the most effective methods for the provision of speciality stroke care education for hospital-based healthcare professionals in low-resource settings.
Methods: We followed the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews and searched PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus for original clinical research articles that described or evaluated stroke care education for hospital-based healthcare professionals in low-resource settings. Two reviewers screened titles/abstracts and then full text articles. Three reviewers critically appraised the articles selected for inclusion.
Results: A total of 1,182 articles were identified and eight were eligible for inclusion in this review; three were randomized controlled trials, four were non-randomized studies, and one was a descriptive study. Most studies used several approaches to education. A “train-the-trainer” approach to education was found to have the most positive clinical outcomes (lower overall complications, lengths of stay in hospital, and clinical vascular events). When used for quality improvement, the “train-the-trainer” approach increased patient reception of eligible performance measures. When technology was used to provide stroke education there was an increased frequency in diagnosis of stroke and use of antithrombotic treatment, reduced door-to-needle times, and increased support for decision making in medication prescription was reported. Task-sharing workshops for non-neurologists improved knowledge of stroke and patient care. Multidimensional education demonstrated an overall care quality improvement and increased prescriptions for evidence-based therapies although there were no significant differences in secondary prevention efforts, stroke reoccurrence, or mortality rates.
Discussion: The “train the trainer” approach is likely the most effective strategy for specialist stroke education, while technology is also useful if resources are available to support its development and use. If resources are limited, basic knowledge education should be considered at a minimum, and multidimensional training may not be as beneficial. Communities of practice, led by those in similar settings, may be helpful to develop educational initiatives with relevance to local contexts.
A New Chaos-based Text Encryption/Decryption to Secure Cloud Computing
Authors: Chaouch Ismehene , Naanaa Anis , ElAsmi Sadok
Published: September 2022

In this paper, an analysis study of two encryption algorithms applied to texts is carried out in order to evaluate their robustness in terms of security. The first is the classical cryptosystems known as, respectively, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Data Encryption Standard (DES). The second comes from the study of chaotic systems by using the Tent map. Experimental results and their analysis show that chaotic encryption algorithm is more secure and high efficiency compared to classical algorithms. In addition, the chaotic system present a good encryption speed.
Beachrocks of the last low sea level, substrate of the barrier reef system along the outer Guiana shelf
Authors: Giresse Pierre , Loncke Lies , Heuret Arnauld , Longueville François , Casanova Alexandre , Sadaoui Mahrez
Published: September 2022

The Great Amazon Reef System is a living biogenic mesophotic reef ecosystem that has been recently described along the shelf break of Brazil. An exploration mission was carried out in 2019 along the outer edge of the French Guiana Shelf. A side-scan sonar survey was conducted to locate reef outcrops and allowed twelve in situ 80 to 120 m depth dives and sampling of the reef rocks and peripheral sands. The majority of the hard-rocks are composed of biological concretions. However several fragments revealed the inside presence of sandstone clasts. These clasts, more or less enveloped by biogenic coatings, probably represent destroyed clasts of underlying or neighboring beachrock banks. Their dominant cement is micritic (high-magnesian calcite); the intergranular or extragranular porous field was later filled with low-magnesian sparry calcite. The sand or gravel that accumulated near the barrier mainly consist of the blunt debris of coastal fauna and flora associated with different carbonate or ferruginous neoformed ooids. At 104 m depth, ooids extracted from Dive 11 samples dated from the start of MIS2 (27,370 cal yr BP) and attest to the presence of a significant coastal accumulation. At this same site, cementing did not take place until about 3,500 years later (23,990 cal yr BP). The cement of a nearby beachrock indicates a much more recent age (16,170 cal yr BP). Lastly, the age of 4,100 year BP measured on the barnacles attached to the top of the reef attests to the late Holocene reef's biological activity.
TIMP3 Gene Upstream CpG Island Methylation is Associated with BRAF V600E Mutation in Thyroid Neoplasms
Authors: Zarkesh Maryam , Arab Noman , Heydarzadeh Shabnam , Nozhat Zahra , Abooshahab Raziyeh , Jahromi Marziyeh Salehi , Fanaei Seyed Ahmad , Hedayati Mehdi
Published: September 2022

Aims:
Extensive evidence demonstrated that epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in the development of thyroid malignancies. The onset of DNA methylation sequencing technologies has provided a more comprehensive understanding of biological development of tumorigenesis. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the methylation degree of a large region of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 3 (TIMP3) promoter, including 15 CpG islands, and its association with BRAF V600E mutation in thyroid nodules.
Methods
Thyroid specimens from 64 patients met the eligibility criteria, consisting of 28 PTC, 9 FTC, and 27 benign subjects. Exon 15 of the BRAF gene was genotyped using sequencing. The expression of TIMP3 was evaluated using the real-time qRT-PCR method. The bisulfite sequencing PCR technique was used to estimate the promoter methylation status.
Results
The BRAF V600E mutation was found in 46.2% of PTC and none of FTC cases. TIMP3 mRNA level was reduced in both PTC and FTC tumoral tissues compared to the adjacent non-tumoral tissues (ANT) (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). Moreover, a reduction of TIMP3 expression was observed in FTC tissues compared to the benign samples (p = 0.04). It is noteworthy that significant hypermethylation was found in TIMP3 promoter in both PTC and FTC tissues compared to the ANT and benign samples (p < 0.05). The BRAF mutation was associated with TIMP3 expression and total methylation in PTC. There was also a significant correlation between the expression and total methylation status in ANT and tumoral tissues of PTC and FTC cases (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Disturbance in TIMP3 promoter's methylation individually may be beneficial in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid tissues. According to the reversibility of DNA methylation, these events may be considered potential targets for demethylation treatments.
Study on impact damage defects of carbon fiber reinforced composites by optical pulse thermography
Authors: Liu Guozeng , Gao Weicheng , Liu Wei , Wei Yanze , Xu Jianxun , Li Rui , Shen Runhong
Published: September 2022

Carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRP) are widely used in the aviation industry and other fields. During service, the surface of CFRP is vulnerable to impact and damage defects, which poses a threat to the safety of CFRP quality. The halogen lamp is used as the active heat source of the sample. Based on the built optical pulse thermography (OPT) test system, The sample with impact damage under long pulse excitation is studied. The thermal response of impact damage samples was collected by infrared camera A655sc. The original infrared image sequence is processed by pulse phase method (PPT), thermal signal reconstruction (TSR), and total harmonic distortion (THD). The results show that the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of Original images processed by PPT, TSR, and THD is improved, while the SNR of THD is significantly improved. More impact damage defects recognition effect is obtained by optical pulse thermography.
Platelets-derived vesicles: innovative subcellular platforms for management of multiple sclerosis
Authors: mehdi-alamdarlou Sanaz , Ahmadi Fatemeh , Shahbazi Mohammad-Ali , Azadi Amir , ashrafi hajar
Published: September 2022

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive inflammatory autoimmune disease that involves young individuals. The drug delivery systems now are available for this disease have chronic and non-targeted effects in the patients, and because of the presence of BBB, their concentration in the CNS is low. Because of this flaw, it is critical to use innovative active targeted drug delivery methods. Platelets are blood cells that circulate freely and play an important role in blood hemostasis. In this review, we emphasize the various roles of activated platelets in the inflammatory condition to recruit other cells to the injured area and limit the inflammation. Besides, the activated platelets in the different stages of the MS disease play a significant role for limiting the progression of inflammation in the peripheral area and CNS. This evidence indicates that platelet-based drug delivery system can be an efficient candidate for drug targeting to the CNS and limiting the inflammation in the peripheral and central areas for MS therapy.
PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) Haplotypes Are Associated with Depressive Symptoms in People with HIV
Authors: Haddadi Sana , Jordan-Sciutto Kelly L. , Akay-Espinoza Cagla , Grelotti David , Letendre Scott L. , Tang Bin , Ellis Ronald J.
Published: September 2022

Background. Depression is a debilitating and difficult-to-treat condition in people with HIV (PWH) despite viral suppression on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Depression is associated with activation of the PKR-like ER kinase (PERK) pathway, which regulates protein synthesis in response to metabolic stress. We evaluated common PERK haplotypes that influence PERK expression in relation to depressed mood in PWH.
Methods. PWH from 6 research centers were enrolled in the study. Genotyping was conducted using targeted sequencing with TaqMan. The major PERK haplotypes A, B, and D were identified. Depressive symptom severity was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Covariates including genetically-defined ancestry, demographics, HIV disease/treatment parameters and antidepressant treatments were assessed. Data were analyzed using multivariable regression models.
Results. A total of 287 PWH with a mean (SD) age of 57.1±7.8 years were enrolled. Although the largest ethnic group was non-Hispanic white (n=129, 45.3%), African-American (n=124, 43.5%) and Hispanic (n=30, 10.5%) made up over half the sample. 20.3% were female and 96.5% were virally suppressed. Mean BDI-II was 9.6±9.5, and 28.9% scored above the cutoff for mild depression (BDI-II>13). PERK haplotype frequencies were AA 57.8%, AB 25.8%, AD 10.1%, and BB 4.88%. PERK haplotypes were differentially represented according to genetic ancestry (p= 6.84e-6). BDI-II scores were significantly higher in participants with the AB haplotype (F=4.45, p=0.0007). This finding was robust to consideration of potential confounds.
Conclusions. PERK haplotypes were associated with depressed mood in PWH. Consequently, pharmacological targeting of PERK-related pathways might ameliorate depression in PWH.
An Analysis of the Knowledge of Adults Aged Between 18-45 on HPV along with their Attitudes and Beliefs about HPV Vaccine: The Cyprus Case
Authors: YARİCİ Filiz , MAMMADOV Betül
Published: September 2022

Background
The aim of this research is to analyze prior knowledge of adults between 18–45 years of age and living in the Northern Cyprus about Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) along with their attitudes and beliefs towards HPV vaccine.
Materials and Methods
The research, which was planned as a correlational survey, was executed on the web. The research was completed with 1108 adults between 18–45 years of age, living in the Northern Cyprus and volunteered to participate in the study.
Results
51.90% of the adults participating in the study were found to be women while 48.10% were men; 8.84% had a Sexually transmitted disease (STD) before and 63.27% of the individuals who had a sexually transmitted disease before also had had HPV and they knew it, 36.73% had had HPV before but did not know it; 77.55% had undergone a treatment for their disease whereas 22.45% did not receive any treatment; 59.18% were found to be actively infected with HPV. Statistically significant and positive correlations were determined between the overall scores of the participants from the Human Papillomavirus Knowledge Questionnaire (HPV-KQ) and their scores in the perceived severity, perceived benefits and perceived susceptibility sub-dimensions of the Health Belief Model Scale for Human Papilloma Virus and Its Vaccination (HBMS-HPVV) (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant and negative correlation between HPV-KQ scores, questions on Current HPV Vaccination Program and the perceived barriers sub-dimension of the HBMS-HPVV whereas there was a statistically significant and positive correlation between the HPV-KQ scores, questions on Current HPV Vaccination Program and the perceived benefits and perceived susceptibility sub-dimensions of the HBMS-HPVV (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant and positive correlation between HPV-KQ scores and the perceived severity, perceived benefits and perceived susceptibility sub-dimensions of the HBMS-HPVV whereas there was a statistically significant and negative correlation between HPV-KQ scores and the perceived barriers sub-dimension of the HBMS-HPVV (p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Trainings should be planned to raise the awareness of individuals and cause a behavioral change on the protection from HPV and HPV vaccines; brochures and social media awareness videos should be prepared and health care policies such as free vaccination should be developed.
Early-life exposure to multiple micronutrient deficiencies induces clinically-relevant antibiotic resistance in a pre-clinical murine model
Authors: Littlejohn Paula , Metcalfe-Roach Avril , Holani Ravi , Bar-Yoseph Haggai , Fan Yiyun , Finlay B
Published: September 2022

Globally, ~340 million children (<5 years) suffer from multiple micronutrient deficiencies, accompanied by high pathogenic burden and death due to multi-drug resistant bacteria. The role of early-life micronutrient deficiencies in mitigating antibiotic resistance within the host microbiota remains unexplored. We developed a postnatal preclinical murine model deficient in multiple micronutrients: zinc, folate, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. Fecal metagenomic sequencing after dietary exposure revealed enrichment in the relative abundance of pathobionts and antibiotic resistance mechanisms including efflux pumps, target drug site alteration, antibiotic degrading enzymes, permeability, and acquisition of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Despite being antibiotic naïve, we observed increased abundance of genes encoding resistance to several antibiotic classes: tetracycline, vancomycin, methicillin, fosfomycin, aminoglycosides and glycopeptides. Moreover, in vitro antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed clinically-relevant resistance to multiple antibiotic classes, namely vancomycin, methicillin, amoxicillin and erythromycin in mice fed the low-micronutrient diet. These novel findings present an unappreciated and profound role of cooccurring multiple micronutrient deficiencies in contributing to the global burden of antibiotic resistance, with significant clinical implications for undernourished children living in low-to-mid income countries.
Performance Optimization of Intelligent- Reflecting-Surfaces assisted-FSO link
Authors: Singh Deepak Kumar , Tiwari B B
Published: September 2022

Free space optics (FSO) plays key role to establish a link in targeted remote and uncovered area of skip-zones where wireline (optical fiber cable) is not easy to deploy. FSO communication has been opted as a promising solution for reliable, low latency, cost effective and unlicensed spectrum wireless backhaul connectivity for 5G and beyond wireless communication system. The foremost impairments of FSO communication are atmospheric turbulence and line-of-sight (LoS) requirement between Source to Destination. To relax the LoS requirement of FSO communication, a novel scheme called intelligent reflecting surface (IRS)-assisted FSO communication is a very reliable and effective alternative solution like first-last mile access connectivity. In this work, an IRS-based FSO and radio frequency (RF) links are modeled. IRS-assisted FSO link achieves average symbol error-rate (ASER) of 10− 6 for SNR of 30 dB while FSO link with Gamma-Gamma and Malaga (M) distribution gives ASER value of 10− 3 and 10− 2 respectively. In Optical-multiple IRS-assisted FSO links, increase in number of reflecting elements improves ASER upto 10− 8 at SNR of 20dB.
SEAC: Serbian Emotional Amateur Cellphone Speech Corpus
Authors: Suzić Siniša , Nosek Tijana , Sečujski Milan , Popović Branislav , Krstanović Lidija , Vujović Mia , Simić Nikola , Janev Marko , Jakovljević Nikša , Delić Vlado
Published: September 2022

Emotional speech recognition and synthesis of expressive speech are highly dependable on the availability of emotional speech corpora. In this paper, we present the creation and verification of the Serbian Emotional Amateur Cellphone Speech Corpus (SEAC), which was released by the University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences in 2022, as the first amateur emotional speech corpus in Serbian language, recorded over cellphones. The corpus contains emotional speech elicited from 53 different speakers (24 male and 29 female) in 5 different emotional states (neutral, happiness, sadness, fear and anger), and its total duration amounts to approximately 8 hours of speech data. Initial objective evaluation of the corpus has confirmed high correlation between the behaviour of acoustic parameters corresponding to different emotional states in the newly recorded corpus and the existing Serbian emotional speech corpus recorded by 6 professional actors, which was used as a source for reference recordings. The corpus was further evaluated through listening tests concerned with human emotion recognition. Finally, we present the results of experiments concerning emotion recognition and speaker recognition by several conventional machine learning systems carried out on the corpus, as well as the results of a cross-lingual emotion recognition experiment involving a state-of-the-art machine learning system based on deep convolutional neural networks.
Efficacy and Safety of Corticosteroids in Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Review, Meta- Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Control Trials
Authors: Penn Jeremy , Douglas Will , Curran Jeffrey , Chaudhurix Dipayan , Dionne Joanna C. , Fernando Shannon , Granton David , Mathew Rebecca , Rochwerg Bram
Published: September 2022

Background
Post cardiac arrest, outcomes for most patients are poor, regardless of setting. Many patients who do achieve spontaneous return of circulation require vasopressor therapy to maintain organ perfusion. There is some evidence to support the use of corticosteroids in cardiac arrest.
Research Question:
Assess the efficacy and safety of corticosteroids in patients following in and out of hospital cardiac arrest.
Study Design & Methods:
We searched databases CINAHL, EMBASE, LILACS, MEDLINE, Web of Science, CENTRAL, ClinicalTrails.gov, and ICTRP. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the efficacy and safety of corticosteroids, as compared to placebo or usual care in patients post cardiac arrest. We pooled estimates of effect size using random effects meta-analysis and report relative risk (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We assessed risk of bias (ROB) for the included trials using the modified Cochrane ROB tool and rated the certainty of evidence using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology (GRADE).
Results
We included 8 RCTs (n = 2,213 patients). Corticosteroids administered post cardiac arrest had an uncertain effect on mortality measured at the longest point of follow-up (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.02, very low certainty, required information size not met using trial sequential analysis). Corticosteroids probably increase return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.47, moderate certainty) and may increase the likelihood of survival with good functional outcome (RR 1.49, 95% CI 0.87 to 2.54, low certainty). Corticosteroids may increase the risk of ventilator associated pneumonia (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.09, low certainty) and renal failure (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.99, low certainty) with an uncertain effect on bleeding (RR 2.04, 95% CI 0.53 to 7.84, very low certainty) and peritonitis (RR 10.54, 95% CI 2.99 to 37.19, very low certainty).
Conclusions
In patients post cardiac arrest, corticosteroids have an uncertain effect on mortality but may increase ROSC and the likelihood of survival with good functional outcome. The effect on complications is based on low or very low certainty evidence.
Identification of cuproptosis related genes in diagnosis and subtype classification of ALS using the Gene Expression Omnibus Database
Authors: Yang Aoran , Wang Xinhuan , Shang Chao , Hu Yaofeng , Yu Chenxue , Zhang Jian , Hong Yang
Published: September 2022

Cuproptosis is a newly discovered way of cell death which contributed to the accumulation of copper as well as targeting lipoylated TCA cycle proteins and what role that cuproptosis plays in ALS is still unknown. We analyzed 10 cuproptosis-related genes between ALS patients (233 samples) and non-ALS patients (508 samples) based on Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) GSE112676. We constructed RF model to predict occurrence of ALS. By establishing coppercluster and gene cluster, we explored cuproptosis functioning patterns and immune cells infiltration in ALS and quantified these functioning patterns by erecting copperscore criterion. LIPT1, DLAT, DLD and PDHB were identified as differential expressed genes in ALS which high expression of them relates to pathogenicity of ALS. Moreover, T cell family, B cell family and dendritic family may highly be involved in the happening of ALS while mononuclear phagocyte system and nature killer cell family were silenced. Our findings provide potential immunotherapy and biomarkers to foresee the happening of ALS.
IL-10R Inhibition Reprograms Tumor-Associated Macrophages and
Reverses Drug Resistance in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Sun Jennifer , Muz Barbara , Miari Katerina , Alhallak Kinan , Park Chaelee , Maksimos Mina , Lubben Berit , Chen Yixuan , Adebayo Ola , Bash Hannah , Kelly Sarah , Fiala Mark , Williams Mark , Bender Diane , Shokeen Monica , Vij Ravi , Azab Abdel Kareem
Published: September 2022

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the cancer of plasma cells within the bone marrow (BM) and remains incurable. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) within the tumor microenvironment often display a pro-tumor phenotype and correlate with tumor proliferation, survival, and therapy resistance. Thus, TAMs have become an emerging target of interest. IL-10 is a key immunosuppressive cytokine that leads to recruitment and development of TAMs. In this study, we investigated the role of IL-10 in MM TAM development as well as the therapeutic application of IL-10/IL-10R signaling inhibition. We demonstrated that IL-10 is overexpressed in MM BM and mediates M2-like polarization of TAMs in patient BM, 3D co-cultures in vitro, and mouse models. In turn, TAMs promote MM proliferation and drug resistance, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, inhibition of IL-10/IL-10R pathway using a blocking IL-10R antibody prevented M2 polarization of TAMs and the consequent TAM-induced proliferation of MM, and re-sensitized MM to therapy, in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, our findings suggest that inhibition of IL-10/IL-10R axis is a novel immunotherapy strategy with monotherapy efficacy and can be further combined with current anti-MM therapy to overcome drug resistance. Future investigation is warranted to evaluate the potential of such therapy in MM patients.
The Impact of Using Dynamic Mathematics Learning Objects on Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers' Motivation and Cognitive Load Levels
Authors: ORAK Cihan , KÜÇÜK Sevda , GÜLCÜ Aslan
Published: September 2022

Computer-assisted mathematics education (CAME) continues to be the focus of interest for today's educators. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of teaching with dynamic mathematics learning objects (DMLO) in CAME on the motivation and cognitive load of pre-service mathematics teachers. The sample of the study, which used an explanatory design, one of the mixed research methods, consisted of 24 pre-service mathematics teachers. The participants constituted thesingle group pre-post-test, weak experimental design group. The experimental group participated in learning activities with DMLO prepared as part of CAME. In the research process, we used the Teaching Material Motivation Scale and the Cognitive Load Scale as quantitative data collection instruments, while we employed the semi-structured interview form as a qualitative data collection instrument. We analyzed quantitative data using the dependent group t-test and the qualitative data using the content analysis method. The results of the study showed that CAME using DMLO had a significant impact on motivation and cognitive load of pre-service teachers. It also showed that the images and graphics used with CAME were interesting, entertaining, and engaging. The results were analyzed along with the qualitative data obtained in accordance with the students' opinions and experiences, and the reasons for the quantitative results were explained. The current study is important in providing guidance on how DMLO technologies can be used more effectively in the learning process. In addition, the results obtained regarding the use of DMLO technologies in the learning process will be useful for providing different and up-to-date findings in the literature.
Yeast mtDNA transcription initiation in single nucleotide addition steps
Authors: Das Kalyan , Goovaerts Quinten , Shen Jiayu , De Wijngaert Brent , Basu Urmimala , Patel Smita
Published: September 2022

Transcription initiation catalyzed by the RNA polymerase is a multistep process involving promoter binding, transcription bubble formation, abortive RNA synthesis, and transition into elongation following promoter escape. We report cryo-EM structures of yeast mitochondrial RNA polymerase initiation complexes (ICs) with transcription factor MTF1 catalyzing RNA synthesis from de novo initiation to 6-mer synthesis at single-nucleotide steps on fully-resolved transcription bubbles. The growing RNA:DNA hybrid is accommodated by continuous scrunching of the template strand while the non-template and MTF1 C-tail in the polymerase cleft are structurally reorganized. Each nucleotide addition accumulates stress energy, which drives abortive RNA synthesis during early transcription initiation steps and promoter release later. The non-template scrunches as loops in IC2/IC3, and unscrunching assists abortive synthesis of 2-/3-mer RNAs. Subsequently, in IC5 and IC6, the non-template strand assumes a stable structure by stacking its bases into a spiral staircase-like structure that supports processive synthesis. In IC6, the template scrunches to the maximum and places the -1 nucleotide in a pocket near the thumb domain. Subsequently, the -1 nucleotide acts as a pivot point for promoter escape ushering the IC into the elongation phase. The structural snapshots visualize the interplay between abortive and productive synthesis regulating transcription initiation.
Comparative Study of Diversity and Community Characteristics of Trees in Natural (NFS) and Planted (PFS) Forest stands of Patharia Hills Reserve Forest (PHRF), Assam
Authors: Nath Sutashree , Yumnam J. Y.
Published: September 2022

An investigation was undertaken to compare the diversity and community characteristics of trees in natural (NFS) and planted (PFS) forest stands of Patharia Hills Reserve Forest of Barak Valley (PHRF), Assam by random quadrat method. A total of 68 tree species belonging to 50 genera and 30 families were recorded from the two stands. Out of which, 67 species (49 genera and 29 families) were recorded from the NFS and 7 species (7 genera and 6 families) were recorded from the PFS respectively. The IVI revealed that in the NFS,Artocarpus lakoochaRoxb. (31.70) was the most dominant species and in the PFS,Tectona grandisL.f. (175.39) was the most dominant species. The total density was recorded to be 740 trees ha-1 and 770 trees ha-1in the NFS and PFS respectively. The Shannon-Weiner index, Simpson index, Margalef’s richness index and Pielou’s evenness index were recorded to be 3.7, 0.04, 11.16 and 0.88 respectively for the NFS; and 1.41, 0.37, 1.10 and 0.72 respectively for the PFS. The disturbance index was 32.22% in the PFS. The Sorensen’s similarity index was 16%. Population dynamics of trees revealed that the regeneration status of the NFS was much better than that of the PFS. Hutchenson’st-test revealed that the NFS and the PFS were significantly different (P<0.001) in terms of tree species diversity. To avoid the rapid destruction of the forest in general and planted forest in particular, implementation of strict regulations and protective measures is urgent.
Vitamin C and curcumin supplementation protects laboratory mice from buprofezin-induced toxicity
Authors: Sadia Haleema , Qureshi Irfan Zia
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Buprofezin is a type-1 chitin synthesis inhibitor insecticide used to control a variety of insect pests at immature stages but potential adverse effects on non-target organisms and humans have been raised. The present study determined buprofezin toxicity after 4 weeks exposure to Balb/c mice and investigated the role of vitamin C and curcumin as possible protective agents.
Methods
Mice were exposed orally for 28 days to low, medium and high buprofezin doses (50, 100 and 250 mg.kg-1 bw respectively). Only high dose animals were co-treated with vitamin C and curcumin (100 mg.kg-1bw dose each), alone or in combination. Data were analyzed statistically; P<0.05.
Results
Results demonstrated that medium and high buprofezin doses were toxic to mammalian tissues. Supplementation with vitamin C and curcumin alleviated toxicity by significant (P<0.001) lowering of ROS and TBARS whilst increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes SOD, POD and CAT. Similarly, serum ALT, AST, ALP, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDH, creatinine and urea levels that were significantly elevated (P<0.05) and decreased tissue proteins upon exposure to buprofezin were restored to near normal values with vitamin C and curcumin. Similar protective effect was obtained (P<0.001) for hematological parameters. Histology and comet assay of liver and kidney further confirmed reduction in buprofezin-induced cellular and DNA damage and preservation of tissue integrity with vitamin C and curcumin.
Conclusion
Both vitamin C and curcumin are therefore effective remedial measures against buprofezin-induced toxicity but in combination, they are more effective.
Strong nanostructured films and effective lead (II) removal capacity based on nitro oxidized cellulose nanofibrils prepared from banana rachis
Authors: Rwegasila Edward , Mushi Ngesa Ezekiel , Berglund Lars A
Published: September 2022

Banana rachis is an abundant and renewable source of cellulose from agricultural wastes. The main focus of the current work is the nanostructured aspects and the potential for removing heavy metals from wastewater using banana rachis cellulose. Highly individualized cellulose nanofibrils, CNF (length = 1231 nm, diameter = 5.26 nm) with negatively charged carboxylic groups at the C6 position of different degrees of oxidations (DO) were developed through nitro oxidation (NO) followed by simple mechanical treatment. The possibility of understanding the nanostructured aspects and tailoring high purification efficiency is discussed. A film prepared through vacuum filtration of the hydrocolloid suspension was strong (tensile strength = 254 MPa, Young modulus = 10.7 GPa, tensile strain = 5.7%), with the highest strength reaching 334 MPa. The highest purification efficiency (compared to other adsorbents in the literature data) was reached at DO = 1.466 mmol/g using an initial Pb (II) concentration of 1000 ppm and followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. A good relationship between an increased Pb (II) removal to the DO (0.455–1.466 mmol/g) and the NOCNF concentration was observed whereby chemisorption is the primary adsorption mechanism. The NOCNF shows a maximum adsorption capacity of 1667 mg/g at the DO = 0.455 mmol/g based on the Langmuir equilibrium adsorption isotherm. The film formation property and high Pb (II) removal behavior were attributed to a well-individualized NOCNF, good dispersion, and high nanofibril interaction. The stiff cellulose crystal was successfully preserved even at a high DO with the crystallinity index = 72%.
A New Binary Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm For Uncapacitated Facility Location Problem
Authors: BAŞ Emine , YILDIZDAN Gülnur
Published: September 2022

Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA) is a heuristic method developed in recent years. The original version was developed for continuous optimization problems. Its success on different optimization problems has not yet been tested. In this paper, the binary form of AOA (BinAOA) has been proposed. In addition, the candidate solution production scene of BinAOA is developed with the xor logic gate and the BinAOAX method was proposed. Both methods have been tested for success on well-known uncapacitated facility location problems (UFLPs) in the literature. The UFL problem is a binary optimization problem whose optimum results are known. The results of BinAOA and BinAOAX methods were compared and discussed according to best, worst, mean, standard deviation, and gap values. The results of BinAOA and BinAOAX on UFLP are compared with binary heuristic methods used in the literature. As a second application, the performances of BinAOA and BinAOAX algorithms are also tested on classical benchmark functions. The binary forms of AOA, AOAX, Jaya, Tree Seed Algorithm (TSA), and Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithms were compared in different candidate generation scenarios. The results showed that the binary form of AOA is successful and can be preferred as an alternative binary heuristic method.
Protective Effect of Bruton Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor in Murine Model of Chronic Demyelination
Authors: Pol Suyog , Dhanraj Ravendra , Ding YingYing , Taher Anissa , Zivadinov Robert
Published: September 2022

Background
Ibrutinib, a Bruton Tyrosine Kinase inhibitor (iBTK), binds with target protein to arrest B-cell development and decrease microglia activation. Considering the emerging role of B and microglial cells in multiple sclerosis (MS) pathology, BTK inhibition is being considered a novel therapeutic strategy.
Objective
To investigate the effects of Ibrutinib on the disease pathology and clinical disability of the Theiler’s Murine Encephalomyelitis Virus (TMEV) mouse model of MS.
Methods
Twenty-six TMEV injected mice were treated at 1-month post induction (mPI) with iBTK (n = 13) or vehicle control (n = 13). Clinical disability, weight and rotarod performance was recorded at 1, 2, 3, and 5 mPI. Histology analysis was performed on spinal cord tissue at 3 and 5 mPI with Iba1 staining. ELISA was conducted to confirm TMEV infection. CD19 expressing B-cell fraction of peripheral blood mono-nuclear cells was quantified.
Results
At functional level, iBTK showed lower clinical worsening (p < 0.001), higher body weights (p = 0.033) and longer rotarod retention (p = 0.048), compared to the vehicle treatment arm. CD19 expressing B-cell fraction was reduced in iBTK (6.65 ± 1.92%) relative to vehicle (12.51 ± 2.34%) (p = 0.043). Furthermore, CD3 density was lower both in grey matter (GM) (p = 0.013) and white matter (WM) (p = 0.025) lesions in the iBTK. IBTK presented lower density and activation of Iba1 positive cells within the spinal cord (p = 0.025). Additionally, at 3 mPI TMEV, spinal cord lesion area was lower in spinal WM (p = 0.016) and was trending lower in GM (p = 0.077) in iBTK.
Conclusions
Treatment with iBTK decreased B-cell fraction and microglia activation in TMEV model of MS, resulting in lower lesion burden and reduced clinical disability, body weight loss and motor dysfunction. It will be relevant to assess iBTK’s effect on neuroimaging measures of immune cell infiltration and the presence of neurodegeneration in the CNS and characterize resulting immune cell changes in future studies.
Isatin inhibits adhesion and Biofilm formation in Candida albicans Isatin as anti-Candida albicans agent
Authors: Jadhav Ashwini Khanderao , Chaugule Sayali Ashok , Parthasarathy Arun Kumar , Sawant Deepak , Karuppayil Sankunny Mohan
Published: September 2022

Background
Isatin possesses various biological activities. Isatin inhibit virulence factors in C. albicans.
Method
Micro broth dilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of Isatin against two strains of C. albicansATCC 90028 and GMC 3 clinical isolate. Biofilm was formed on 96 well polystyrene plates with different concentrations of Isatin (2 mg/ml to 0.062 mg/ml) and biofilm growth was quantified by using XTT-metabolic assay for both the strains. Light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to observe biofilm architecture. To study the effect of isatin on gene expression during biofilm formation qRT-PCR was used.
Results: Isatin exhibited concentration dependent inhibition against planktonic growth, adhesion and biofilm formation of C. albicans in both the strains. It inhibited the growth significantly (P < 0.05) at 0.5 mg/ml (MIC50) in ATCC 90028. Isatin exhibited anti-biofilm activity (MIC50) at 0.5 mg/ml and 1 mg/ml against ATCC 90028 and GMC3 respectively. Isatin treated (0.5 mg/ml) cells showed about 47 % increase in G2/M phase and 4 % increase in cell number in S phase compared to control. Down regulation of genes involved in Ras-cAMP-MAPK and Cek1-MAPK pathway except Tec 1 was found after treatment with Isatin.
Conclusion: The current study reveals that Isatin can be repositioned as an antifungal agent against C. albicanspathogenesis by confirming its potential by in vivo studies. It may represent a potential novel anti-virulence agent in C. albicans.
Neuroimmune proteins can differentiate between tauopathies
Authors: Cherry Jonathan D. , Baucom Zach H. , Eppich Kaleb G. , Kirsch Daniel , Dixon Erin R. , Tripodis Yorghos , Bieniek Kevin F. , Farrell Kurt , Whitney Kristen , Uretsky Madeline , Crary John F. , Dickson Dennis , McKee Ann C.
Published: September 2022

BackgroundTauopathies are a group of neurodegenerative diseases where there is pathologic accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein (ptau). The most common tauopathy is Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and argyrophilic grain disease (AGD) are significant health risks as well. Currently, it is unclear what specific molecular factors might drive each distinct disease and represent therapeutic targets. Additionally, there is a lack of biomarkers that can differentiate each disease in life. Recent work has suggested that neuroinflammatory changes might be specific among distinct diseases and offers a novel resource for mechanistic targets and biomarker candidates.MethodsTo better examine each tauopathy, a 71 immune-related protein multiplex ELISA panel was utilized to analyze anterior cingulate grey matter from 127 individuals neuropathologically diagnosed with AD, CTE, PSP, CBD, and AGD. A partial least square regression analysis was carried out to perform unbiased clustering and identify proteins that are distinctly correlated with each tauopathy correcting for age and gender. Receiver operator characteristic and binary logistic regression analyses were then used to examine the ability of each candidate protein to distinguish diseases. Validation in postmortem cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 15 AD and 14 CTE cases was performed to determine if candidate proteins could act as possible novel biomarkers.ResultsFive clusters of immune proteins were identified and compared to each tauopathy to determine if clusters were specific to distinct disease. Each cluster was found to correlate with either CTE, AD, PSP, CBD, or AGD. When examining which proteins were the strongest driver of each cluster, it was observed the most distinctive protein for CTE was 6Ckine, AD was FLT3L, and PSP was IL13. Individual proteins that were specific to CBD and AGD were not observed. 6Ckine was observed to be elevated in CTE CSF compared to AD cases (p = 0.02), further validating the use as possible biomarkers.ConclusionsOverall, these results highlight that different neuroinflammatory responses might underlie unique mechanisms in related neurodegenerative pathologies. Additionally, the use of distinct neuroinflammatory signatures could help differentiate between tauopathies and act as novel biomarker candidates.
Habitat Alteration Affects the Diversity and Assemblage of Amphibians in Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape of Bohol, Philippines
Authors: Aureo Wilbert A. , Decena Syrus Cesar P.
Published: September 2022

Anthropogenic habitat alteration is considered to be one of the major culprits of biodiversity loss worldwide. This paper presents an investigation on the response of tropical amphibian assemblage to a gradient of habitat alteration in Rajah Sikatuna Protected Landscape (RSPL) of Bohol, Philippines. The abundance, richness, diversity and composition of amphibians were compared among the different habitat types (lower montane forest, dipterocarp forest, riparian forest, grassland and agricultural areas), as well as their relationships with environmental or habitat characteristics were examined. A total of 318 amphibian individuals from 18 species, and belonging to 7 families were recorded. It was found that amphibian abundance, richness and diversity differed significantly between habitat types where it was generally higher in less disturbed habitats (e.g., forests and riparian) compared to highly altered habitats (e.g. grassland and agricultural areas). In relation to species composition pattern, forests and riparian habitats were strongly associated with rainforest and stream-dependent amphibian species while highly altered habitats such as grassland and agricultural areas were associated with those that were open-habitat specialist and disturbance tolerant species. Moreover, the most important environmental variables influencing the pattern of amphibian diversity in the area included grass cover, litter depth, ground relative humidity, temperature, and elevation. In summary, the assemblage of amphibians in the RSPL, Bohol was affected by habitat alteration, highlighting the importance of the sustained protection efforts of the landscape.
Fungus-synthesized nanoparticles and their target and nontarget effects on stored bean pest beetles and their parasitoid
Authors: Helmy Eman Ahmed Mohamed , San Phyu Phyu , Zhang Yao Zhuo , Adarkwah Charles , Tuda Midori
Published: September 2022

Whether green nanotechnology can be effectively used with biological control agents in integrated pest management is currently unknown. We biosynthesized 8–33 nm nanoparticles (NPs) using extracts from the fungus Fusarium solani: silver (AgNPs), selenium (SeNPs), silicon dioxide (SiO2NPs), copper oxide, titanium dioxide (TiO2NPs) and zinc oxide (ZnONPs). They were applied to the adult, egg, and larval stages of Callosobruchus chinensis (Cc) and Callosobruchus maculatus (Cm) directly or via azuki beans Vigna angularis, and the adult stage of their parasitoid wasp Anisopteromalus calandrae. Susceptibility to the nanoparticles was species-dependent and differed among developmental stages; adults and eggs were more susceptible than larvae in the beetles except for Cc adults. Female adult longevity was shortened by SeNPs in A. calandrae and by SeNPs and AgNPs in Cm. In contrast, ZnONPs elongated Cc adult longevity and SeNPs elongated male Cm longevity. When eggs were treated, SeNPs and TiO2NPs reduced Cc egg hatchability and TiO2NPs reduced Cm larva-to-adult survivorship, leading to lower numbers of emerged adult offspring. When the bean surface was treated, there was a pronounced toxicity of SeNPs on the fecundity and egg hatchability of Cm and of SiO2NPs on egg hatchability of both beetle species. When beans containing beetle larvae were treated, no toxicity was detected. Cc adults were not negatively affected by any of the nanoparticles, which might be the consequence of endosymbiotic infection by Wolbachia that are abundant in the adults. The biosynthesized SeNPs demonstrated a strong potential for control of major stored bean pests but can also affect their biocontrol agent.