bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Binding mechanism of oseltamivir and influenza neuraminidase suggests perspectives for the design of new anti-influenza drugs
Authors: Tao Jiaye , Wang Heping , Wang Wenjian , Mi Na , Zhang Wei , Wen Qiujia , Ouyang Jiajing , Liang Xinyun , Chen Min , Guo Wentao , Li Guoming , Liu Jun , Zhao Hanning , Wang Xin , Li Xuemeng , Feng Shengjun , Liu Xinguang , He Zhiwei , Zhao Zuguo
Published: July 2022

Oseltamivir is a widely used influenza virus neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor that prevents the release of new virus particles from host cells. However, oseltamivir-resistant strains have emerged, but effective drugs against them have not yet been developed. Elucidating the binding mechanisms between NA and oseltamivir may provide valuable information for the design of new drugs against NA mutants resistant to oseltamivir. Here, we conducted large-scale (353.4 μs) free-binding molecular dynamics simulations, together with a Markov State Model and an importance-sampling algorithm, to reveal the binding process of oseltamivir and NA. Ten metastable states and five major binding pathways were identified that validated and complemented previously discovered binding pathways, including the hypothesis that oseltamivir can be transferred from the secondary sialic acid binding site to the catalytic site. The discovery of multiple new metastable states, especially the stable bound state containing a water-mediated hydrogen bond between Arg118 and oseltamivir, may provide new insights into the improvement of NA inhibitors. We anticipated the findings presented here will facilitate the development of drugs capable of combating NA mutations.
Falling through the cracks: Increased vulnerability and limited social assistance for TB patients and their households during COVID-19 in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Vanleeuw Lieve , Zembe-Mkabile Wanga , Atkins Salla
Published: July 2022

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, Tuberculosis (TB) patients in South Africa, as elsewhere, faced increased vulnerability due to the consequences of the COVID-19 response such as loss of income, challenges to access diagnostic testing, healthcare services and TB medication. To mitigate the socio-economic impact of the pandemic, especially among the most vulnerable, the South African government expanded social assistance programmes by creating the Social Relief of Distress grant (SRDG), the first grant for unemployed adults in South Africa. Our study investigated how TB patients experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing socio-economic fallout, how this affected their health and that of their household, income and coping mechanisms, and access to social assistance. We interviewed 15 TB patients at a health facility in Cape Town and analysed data thematically. To situate our findings, we adapted the United Nations’ conceptual framework on determinants of vulnerability and resilience during or following a shock such as climate shocks or pandemics. We found increased vulnerability among TB patients due to a high exposure and sensitivity to the COVID-19 shock but diminished coping capacity. The loss of income in many households resulted not only in increased food insecurity but also a decreased ability to support others. For the most vulnerable, the loss of social support meant resorting to begging and going hungry, severely affecting their ability to continue treatment. In addition, most participants in the study and especially the most vulnerable, fell through the cracks of the most extensive social assistance programme in Africa as few participants were accessing the special COVID-19 SRDG. Targeted social protection for TB patients with a heightened vulnerability and low coping capacity is urgently needed. TB patients with a heightened vulnerability and low coping capacity should be prioritized for urgent assistance.
Performance of highly sensitive and conventional rapid diagnostic tests for clinical and subclinical Plasmodium falciparum infections, and hrp2/3 deletion status in Burundi
Authors: Niyukuri David , Sinzinkayo Denis , Troth Emma V. , Oduma Colins O. , Barengayabo Mediatrice , Ndereyimana Mireille , Holzschuh Aurel , Vera-Arias Claudia A. , Gebre Yilekal , Badu Kingsley , Nyandwi Joseph , Baza Dismas , Juma Elizabeth , Koepfli Cristian
Published: July 2022

Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are a key tool for the diagnosis of malaria infections among clinical and subclinical individuals. Low-density infections, and deletions of the P. falciparum hrp2/3 genes (encoding the HRP2 and HRP3 proteins detected by many RDTs) present challenges for RDT-based diagnosis. The novel Rapigen Biocredit three-band Plasmodium falciparum HRP2/LDH RDT was evaluated among 444 clinical and 468 subclinical individuals in a high transmission setting in Burundi. Results were compared to the AccessBio CareStart HRP2 RDT, and qPCR with a sensitivity of <0.3 parasites/μL blood. Sensitivity compared to qPCR among clinical patients for the Biocredit RDT was 79.9% (250/313, either of HRP2/LDH positive), compared to 73.2% (229/313) for CareStart (P = 0.048). Specificity of the Biocredit was 82.4% compared to 96.2% for CareStart. Among subclinical infections, sensitivity was 72.3% (162/224) compared to 58.5% (131/224) for CareStart (P = 0.003), and reached 88.3% (53/60) in children <15 years. Specificity was 84.4% for the Biocredit and 93.4% for the CareStart RDT. No (0/362) hrp2 and 2/366 hrp3 deletions were observed. In conclusion, the novel RDT showed improved sensitivity for the diagnosis of P. falciparum.
Overview of dengue outbreaks in the southwestern Indian Ocean and analysis of factors involved in the shift toward endemicity in Reunion Island: A systematic review
Authors: Hafsia Sarah , Haramboure Marion , Wilkinson David Arthur , Baldet Thierry , Yemadje-Menudier Luce , Vincent Muriel , Tran Annelise , Atyame Célestine , Mavingui Patrick
Published: July 2022

Background

Dengue is the world’s most prevalent mosquito-borne viral disease. It is endemic in many tropical and subtropical countries and represents a significant global health burden. The first reports of dengue virus (DENV) circulation in the South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) islands date back to the early 1940s; however, an increase in DENV circulation has been reported in the SWIO in recent years. The aim of this review is to trace the history of DENV in the SWIO islands using available records from the Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Seychelles, and Reunion. We focus in particular on the most extensive data from Reunion Island, highlighting factors that may explain the observed increasing incidence, and the potential shift from one-off outbreaks to endemic dengue transmission.

Methods

Following the PRISMA guidelines, the literature review focused queried different databases using the keywords “dengue” or “Aedes albopictus” combined with each of the following SWIO islands the Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mayotte, Seychelles, and Reunion. We also compiled case report data for dengue in Mayotte and Reunion in collaboration with the regional public health agencies in these French territories. References and data were discarded when original sources were not identified. We examined reports of climatic, anthropogenic, and mosquito-related factors that may influence the maintenance of dengue transmission independently of case importation linked to travel.

Findings and conclusions

The first report of dengue circulation in the SWIO was documented in 1943 in the Comoros. Then not until an outbreak in 1976 to 1977 that affected approximately 80% of the population of the Seychelles. DENV was also reported in 1977 to 1978 in Reunion with an estimate of nearly 30% of the population infected. In the following 40-year period, DENV circulation was qualified as interepidemic with sporadic cases. However, in recent years, the region has experienced uninterrupted DENV transmission at elevated incidence. Since 2017, Reunion witnessed the cocirculation of 3 serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2 and DENV-3) and an increased number of cases with severe forms and deaths. Reinforced molecular and serological identification of DENV serotypes and genotypes circulating in the SWIO as well as vector control strategies is necessary to protect exposed human populations and limit the spread of dengue.
The percentage of CD39+ monocytes is higher in pregnant COVID-19+ patients than in nonpregnant COVID-19+ patients
Authors: Cérbulo-Vázquez A. , García-Espinosa M. , Briones-Garduño J. C. , Arriaga-Pizano L. , Ferat-Osorio E. , Zavala-Barrios B. , Cabrera-Rivera G. L. , Miranda-Cruz P. , García de la Rosa M. T. , Prieto-Chávez J. L. , Rivero-Arredondo V. , Madera-Sandoval R. L. , Cruz-Cruz A. , Salazar-Rios E. , Salazar-Rios M. E. , Serrano-Molina D. , De Lira-Barraza R. C. , Villanueva-Compean A. H. , Esquivel-Pineda A. , Ramirez-Montes de Oca R. , Caldiño-Soto F. , Ramírez-García L. A. , Flores-Padilla G. , Moreno-Álvarez O. , Guerrero-Avendaño G. M. L. , López-Macías C.
Published: July 2022

Current medical guidelines consider pregnant women with COVID-19 to be a high-risk group. Since physiological gestation downregulates the immunological response to maintain “maternal-fetal tolerance”, SARS-CoV-2 infection may constitute a potentially threatening condition to both the mother and the fetus. To establish the immune profile in pregnant COVID-19+ patients, a cross-sectional study was conducted. Pregnant women with COVID-19 (P-COVID-19+; n = 15) were analyzed and compared with nonpregnant women with COVID-19 (NP-COVID-19+; n = 15) or those with physiological pregnancy (P-COVID-19-; n = 13). Serological cytokine and chemokine concentrations, leucocyte immunophenotypes, and mononuclear leucocyte responses to polyclonal stimuli were analyzed in all groups. Higher concentrations of serological TNF-α, IL-6, MIP1b and IL-4 were observed within the P-COVID-19+ group, while cytokines and chemokines secreted by peripheral leucocytes in response to LPS, IL-6 or PMA-ionomicin were similar among the groups. Immunophenotype analysis showed a lower percentage of HLA-DR+ monocytes in P-COVID-19+ than in P-COVID-19- and a higher percentage of CD39+ monocytes in P-COVID-19+ than in NP-COVID-19+. After whole blood polyclonal stimulation, similar percentages of T cells and TNF+ monocytes between groups were observed. Our results suggest that P-COVID-19+ elicits a strong inflammatory response similar to NP-COVID19+ but also displays an anti-inflammatory response that controls the ATP/adenosine balance and prevents hyperinflammatory damage in COVID-19.
Is paternal age associated with transfer day, developmental stage, morphology, and initial hCG-rise of the competent blastocyst leading to live birth? A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Borgstrøm Maria Buhl , Grøndahl Marie Louise , W. Klausen Tobias , K. Danielsen Anne , Thomsen Thordis , Bentin-Ley Ursula , B. Knudsen Ulla , Laursen Steen , R. Petersen Morten , Haahr Katrine , Petersen Karsten , Lemmen Josephine G. , Hindkjær Johnny , Kirk John , Fedder Jens , J. Almind Gitte , Hnida Christina , Troest Bettina , B. Povlsen Betina , Zedeler Anne , Gabrielsen Anette , Larsen Thomas , S. Kesmodel Ulrik
Published: July 2022

In this study we investigated whether age of men undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment was associated with day of transfer, stage, morphology, and initial hCG-rise of the competent blastocyst leading to a live birth? The design was a multicenter historical cohort study based on exposure (age) and outcome data (blastocyst stage and morphology and initial hCG-rise) from men whose partner underwent single blastocyst transfer resulting in singleton pregnancy/birth. The ART treatments were carried out at sixteen private and university-based public fertility clinics. We included 7246 men and women, who between 2014 and 2018 underwent controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) or Frozen-thawed Embryo Transfer (FET) with a single blastocyst transfer resulting in singleton pregnancy were identified. 4842 men with a partner giving birth were included, by linking data to the Danish Medical Birth Registry. We showed that the adjusted association between paternal age and transfer day in COS treatments was OR 1.06, 95% CI (1.00;1.13). Meaning that for every increase of one year, men had a 6% increased probability that the competent blastocyst was transferred on day 6 compared to day 5. Further we showed that the mean difference in hCG values when comparing paternal age group 30–34, 35–39 and 40–45 with the age group 25–29 in those receiving COS treatment, all showed significantly lower adjusted values for older men. In conclusion we hypothesize that the later transfer (day 6) in female partners of older men may be due to longer time spent by the oocyte to repair fragmented DNA of the sperm cells, which should be a focus of future research in men.
Analysis of straight conjugate internal gear pump through numerical modeling and experimental validation
Authors: Chai Hongqiang , Yang Guolai , Wu Guoguo , Bai Guixiang , Cao Chuanchuan
Published: July 2022

As a medium and low pressure gear machine without automatic compensation structure for axial and radial clearances, the friction pairs in the straight conjugate internal gear pumps (SCIGPs) depend on the fixed small clearances to seal, lubricate and transfer the force. The oil film design of the friction pairs has become an important part of gear pump design. However, there has never been a publicly published research on the oil film design of the SCIGP in past literature. This paper applies orthogonal test to the oil film design of the SCIGP for the first time to determine the best working clearances. With this goal, the paper first provides the mathematical models for analyzing the internal leakage flow and the viscous friction loss, which elucidate the relationships between the leakage and the friction loss with working conditions. After that, the orthogonal test scheme for numerical simulation was designed on the basis of determining the range of oil film thickness. The paper also propounds the viewpoints of using the range-method to estimate the primary and secondary relationship of factors and determining the optimal combination according to the test target. Based on this concept, the main factors affecting the target are procured and the optimal working clearances of the friction pairs are determined. For the purpose of verifying the model, the redesigned prototype was tested and compared with the simulation results. The results validate the applicability of the simulation model and the correctness of the simulation method. Finally, the paper summarizes the ways to improve the total efficiency and the working conditions at the highest efficiency.
THC-RPL: A lightweight Trust-enabled routing in RPL-based IoT networks against Sybil attack
Authors: Arshad Danyal , Asim Muhammad , Tariq Noshina , Baker Thar , Tawfik Hissam , Al-Jumeily OBE Dhiya
Published: July 2022

The Internet of Things (IoT) and its relevant advances have attracted significant scholarly, governmental, and industrial attention in recent years. Since the IoT specifications are quite different from what the Internet can deliver today, many groundbreaking techniques, such as Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs) and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), have gradually been integrated into IoT. The Routing Protocol for Low power and Lossy network (RPL) is the de-facto IoT routing protocol in such networks. Unfortunately, it is susceptible to numerous internal attacks. Many techniques, such as cryptography, Intrusion Detection System (IDS), and authorization have been used to counter this. The large computational overhead of these techniques limits their direct application to IoT nodes, especially due to their low power and lossy nature. Therefore, this paper proposes a Trust-based Hybrid Cooperative RPL protocol (THC-RPL) to detect malicious Sybil nodes in an RPL-based IoT network. The proposed technique is compared and evaluated with state-of-the-art and is found to outperform them. It detects more attacks while maintaining the packet loss ratio in the range of 15-25%. The average energy consumption of the nodes also remains in the ratio of 60-80 mj. There is approximately 40% more energy conservation at node level with an overall 50% increase in network lifetime. THC-RPL has 10% less message exchange and 0% storage costs.
Predicting malnutrition from longitudinal patient trajectories with deep learning
Authors: Jin Boyang Tom , Choi Mi Hyun , Moyer Meagan F. , Kim David A.
Published: July 2022

Malnutrition is common, morbid, and often correctable, but subject to missed and delayed diagnosis. Better screening and prediction could improve clinical, functional, and economic outcomes. This study aimed to assess the predictability of malnutrition from longitudinal patient records, and the external generalizability of a predictive model. Predictive models were developed and validated on statewide emergency department (ED) and hospital admission databases for California, Florida and New York, including visits from October 1, 2015 to December 31, 2018. Visit features included patient demographics, diagnosis codes, and procedure categories. Models included long short-term memory (LSTM) recurrent neural networks trained on longitudinal trajectories, and gradient-boosted tree and logistic regression models trained on cross-sectional patient data. The dataset used for model training and internal validation (California and Florida) included 62,811 patient trajectories (266,951 visits). Test sets included 63,997 (California), 63,112 (Florida), and 62,472 (New York) trajectories, such that each cohort’s composition was proportional to the prevalence of malnutrition in that state. Trajectories contained seven patient characteristics and up to 2,008 diagnosis categories. Area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) and precision-recall curves (AUPRC) were used to characterize prediction of first malnutrition diagnoses in the test sets. Data analysis was performed from September 2020 to May 2021. Between 4.0% (New York) and 6.2% (California) of patients received malnutrition diagnoses. The longitudinal LSTM model produced the most accurate predictions of malnutrition, with comparable predictive performance in California (AUROC 0.854, AUPRC 0.258), Florida (AUROC 0.869, AUPRC 0.234), and New York (AUROC 0.869, AUPRC 0.190). Deep learning models can reliably predict malnutrition from existing longitudinal patient records, with better predictive performance and lower data-collection requirements than existing instruments. This approach may facilitate early nutritional intervention via automated screening at the point of care.
Low muscle mass and mortality risk later in life: A 10-year follow-up study
Authors: Camargo Pereira Cristina , Pagotto Valéria , de Oliveira Cesar , Silveira Erika Aparecida
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Little is known about the impact of low muscle mass (MM) assessed by calf circumference (CC), arm circumference (AC), arm muscle circumference (AMC), and corrected arm muscle circumference (CAMC)—on mortality risk later in life. We aimed to investigate the impact of low MM assessed by CC, AC, AMC and, CAMC on all-cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality risk.

Methods

Data came from 418 older adults who participated in a 10-year follow-up prospective cohort study. Low MM was defined as a CC < 33 cm for women and < 34 cm for men and by the lowest tertile of AC, AMC, and CAMC stratified by sex. The log rank test, Kaplan-Meier curves, and Cox regression were used.

Results

There were 147 deaths: 49 related to CVD and 22 to cancer. A small CC (HR = 1.57, 95% CI, 1.12–2.20), AMC (HR = 1.61, 95% CI, 1.13–2.30) and CAMC (HR = 1.45, 95% CI, 1.03–2.04) were associated with all-cause mortality. A small CAMC was a protective factor for CVD mortality (HR = 0.46, 95% CI, 0.22–0.98). In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, older adults with LMM presented low all-cause mortality survival, with AC (p < 0.05), AMC (p < 0.005), CAMC (p < 0.002), and CC (p < 0.001). Cancer mortality was associated with low CAMC (p < 0.020).

Conclusions

Low MM assessed by anthropometric measures (AC, AMC, CAMC and CC) increased the all-cause mortality risk. A small CAMC decreased the CVD mortality.
Ogerin mediated inhibition of TGF-β(1) induced myofibroblast differentiation is potentiated by acidic pH
Authors: Bell Tyler J. , Nagel David J. , Woeller Collynn F. , Kottmann R. Mathew
Published: July 2022

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) induced myofibroblast differentiation is central to the pathological scarring observed in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) and other fibrotic diseases. Our lab has recently identified expression of GPR68 (Ovarian Cancer Gene Receptor 1, OGR1), a pH sensing G-protein coupled receptor, as a negative regulator of TGF-β induced profibrotic effects in primary human lung fibroblasts (PHLFs). We therefore hypothesized that small molecule activators of GPR68 would inhibit myofibroblast differentiation. Ogerin is a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of GPR68, inducing a leftward shift of the dose response curve to proton induced signaling. Using PHLFs derived from patients with both non-fibrotic and IPF diagnoses, we show that Ogerin inhibits, and partially reverses TGF-β induced myofibroblast differentiation in a dose dependent manner. This occurs at the transcriptional level without inhibition of canonical TGF-β induced SMAD signaling. Ogerin induces PKA dependent CREB phosphorylation, a marker of Gαs pathway activation. The ability of Ogerin to inhibit both basal and TGF-β induced collagen gene transcription, and induction of Gαs signaling is enhanced at an acidic pH (pH 6.8). Similar findings were also found using fibroblasts derived from dermal, intestinal, and orbital tissue. The biological role of GPR68 in different tissues, cell types, and disease states is an evolving and emerging field. This work adds to the understanding of Gαs coupled GPCRs in fibrotic lung disease, the ability to harness the pH sensing properties of GPR68, and conserved mechanisms of fibrosis across different organ systems.
Aqueous extracts of Urtica dioica (stinging nettle) leaf contain a P2-purinoceptor antagonist—Implications for male fertility
Authors: Eise Nicole T. , Simpson Jamie S. , Thompson Philip E. , Ventura Sabatino
Published: July 2022

Stinging nettle root and leaf extracts were tested for their effect on prostatic smooth muscle contractility. Root extract did not affect electrical field stimulation induced-nerve mediated contractions of isolated rat prostates. On the other hand, leaf extract attenuated electrical field stimulation-induced contractions at all frequencies. Similarly, contractions elicited by exogenous administration of ATP and αβ-methylene ATP were inhibited by leaf extract, whereas contractions elicited by exogenous administration of noradrenaline or acetylcholine were unaffected. The active component was present within the aqueous phase of the leaf extract. In mouse mating studies, stinging nettle leaf extract (50 mg p.o. daily) reduced male fertility by 53% compared to vehicle-treated male mice. Cardiovascular parameters were unaffected by administration of stinging nettle leaf extract (p ≥ 0.057). Treated mice exhibited normal mating behaviour. Bladder and testes weighed less in stinging nettle leaf extract treated mice. All other organs and total body weight were unaffected. It is concluded that stinging nettle leaf extract reduces contractility of genitourinary smooth muscle by acting as an antagonist at postjunctional P2X1-purinoceptors. These data indicates that blocking sperm transport through pharmacological blockade of P2X1-purinoceptors via oral administration is consistent with an effective and convenient biological strategy male contraception.
Now you see it, now you don’t: Relevance of threat enhances social anxiety-linked attentional bias to angry faces, but relevance of neutral information attenuates it
Authors: Vogt Julia , Dodd Helen F. , Parker Alice , Duffield Francesca , Sakaki Michiko
Published: July 2022

Temporary goals modulate attention to threat. We examined whether attentional bias to angry faces differs depending on whether a temporary background goal is neutral, or threat related, whilst also measuring social anxiety. Participants performed a dot probe task combined with a separate task that induced a temporary goal. Depending on the phase in this goal task, the goal made angry faces or neutral stimuli (i.e., houses) relevant. The dot probe task measured attention to combinations of angry faces, neutral but goal-relevant stimuli (i.e., houses), and neutral control stimuli. Attention was allocated to angry faces when an angry goal was active. This was more pronounced for people scoring high on social phobia. The neutral goal attenuated attention to angry faces and effects of social phobia were no longer apparent. These findings suggest that individual differences in social anxiety interact with current and temporary goals to affect attentional processes.
Constrained portfolio optimization with discrete variables: An algorithmic method based on dynamic programming
Authors: Jezeie Fereshteh Vaezi , Sadjadi Seyed Jafar , Makui Ahmad
Published: July 2022

Portfolio optimization is one of the most important issues in financial markets. In this regard, the more realistic are assumptions and conditions of modelling to portfolio optimization into financial markets, the more reliable results will be obtained. This paper studies the knapsack-based portfolio optimization problem that involves discrete variables. This model has two very important features; achieving the optimal number of shares as an integer and with masterly efficiency in portfolio optimization for high priced stocks. These features have added some real aspects of financial markets to the model and distinguish them from other previous models. Our contribution is that we present an algorithm based on dynamic programming to solve the portfolio selection model based on the knapsack problem, which is in contrast to the existing literature. Then, to show the applicability and validity of the proposed dynamic programming algorithm, two case studies of the US stock exchange are analyzed.
Assessing descriptions of scalability for hypertension control interventions implemented in low-and middle-income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Gyamfi Joyce , Vieira Dorice , Iwelunmor Juliet , Watkins Beverly Xaviera , Williams Olajide , Peprah Emmanuel , Ogedegbe Gbenga , Allegrante John P.
Published: July 2022

Background

The prevalence of hypertension continues to rise in low- and middle-income- countries (LMICs) where scalable, evidence-based interventions (EBIs) that are designed to reduce morbidity and mortality attributed to hypertension have yet to be fully adopted or disseminated. We sought to evaluate evidence from published randomized controlled trials using EBIs for hypertension control implemented in LMICs, and identify the WHO/ExpandNet scale-up components that are relevant for consideration during “scale-up” implementation planning.

Methods

Systematic review of RCTs reporting EBIs for hypertension control implemented in LMICs that stated “scale-up” or a variation of scale-up; using the following data sources PubMed/Medline, Web of Science Biosis Citation Index (BCI), CINAHL, EMBASE, Global Health, Google Scholar, PsycINFO; the grey literature and clinicaltrials.gov from inception through June 2021 without any restrictions on publication date. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion, conducted data extraction using the WHO/ExpandNet Scale-up components as a guide and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. We provide intervention characteristics for each EBI, BP results, and other relevant scale-up descriptions.

Main results

Thirty-one RCTs were identified and reviewed. Studies reported clinically significant differences in BP, with 23 studies reporting statistically significant mean differences in BP (p < .05) following implementation. Only six studies provided descriptions that captured all of the nine WHO/ExpandNet components. Multi-component interventions, including drug therapy and health education, provided the most benefit to participants. The studies were yet to be scaled and we observed limited reporting on translation of the interventions into existing institutional policy (n = 11), cost-effectiveness analyses (n = 2), and sustainability measurements (n = 3).

Conclusion

This study highlights the limited data on intervention scalability for hypertension control in LMICs and demonstrates the need for better scale-up metrics and processes for this setting.

Trial registration

Registration PROSPERO (CRD42019117750).
Investigation of craquelure patterns in oil paintings using precise 3D morphological analysis for art authentication
Authors: Kim Soojung , Park Sang Min , Bak Seongjin , Kim Gyeong Hun , Kim Chang-Seok , Jun Joonja , Kim Chang Eun , Kim Kyujung
Published: July 2022

The development of scientific technology for art authentication has elicited multidimensional evidence to distinguish forgeries from original artwork. Here, we analyzed the three-dimensional morphology of cracks that contain information, such as the painting features of artworks, using optical coherence tomography. The forgeries were produced by an expert from original oil paintings with cracks that occur owing to paint drying, canvas aging, and physical damage. Parameters, such as shape, width, and depth, were compared based on the cross-sectional images of the original and fake cracks. The original cracks were rectangular and inverted, but the fake cracks were relatively simple inverted triangles. The original cracks were as deep as the thickness of the upper layer and mostly were “thin/deep” or “wide/shallow”. The fake cracks were observed to be “’thin/shallow” or “wide/deep”. This study aims to improve the understanding of crack characteristics and promote the development of techniques for determining art authenticity.
A survey for characterizing details of fall events experienced by lower limb prosthesis users
Authors: Sawers Andrew , McDonald Cody L. , Hafner Brian J.
Published: July 2022

Despite their importance to fall prevention research, little is known about the details of real-world fall events experienced by lower limb prosthesis users. This gap can be attributed to the lack of a structured, population-specific fall survey to document these adverse health events. The objective of this project was to develop a survey capable of characterizing the circumstances and consequences of fall events in lower limb prosthesis users. Best practices in survey development, including focus groups and cognitive interviews with diverse samples of lower limb prosthesis users, were used to solicit input and feedback from target respondents, so survey content would be meaningful, clear, and applicable to lower limb prosthesis users. Focus group data were used to develop fall event definitions and construct a conceptual fall framework that guided the creation of potential survey questions and response options. Survey questions focused on the activity, surroundings, situation, mechanics, and consequences of fall events. Cognitive interviews revealed that with minor revisions, survey definitions, questions, and response options were clear, comprehensive, and applicable to the experiences of lower limb prosthesis users. Administration of the fall survey to a national sample of 235 lower limb prosthesis users in a cross-sectional preliminary validation study, found survey questions to function as intended. Revisions to the survey were made at each stage of development based on analysis of participant feedback and data. The structured, 37-question lower limb prosthesis user fall event survey developed in this study offers clinicians and researchers the means to document, monitor, and compare fall details that are meaningful and relevant to lower limb prosthesis users in a standardized and consistent manner. Data that can be collected with the developed survey are essential to establishing specific goals for fall prevention initiatives in lower limb prosthesis users.
NXP031 prevents dopaminergic neuronal loss and oxidative damage in the AAV-WT-α-synuclein mouse model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Song Min Kyung , Adams Levi , Lee Joo Hee , Kim Yoon-Seong
Published: July 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by inclusions of aggregated α-synuclein (α-Syn). Oxidative stress plays a critical role in nigrostriatal degeneration and is responsible for α-Syn aggregation in PD. Vitamin C or ascorbic acid acts as an effective antioxidant to prevent free radical damage. However, vitamin C is easily oxidized and often loses its physiological activity, limiting its therapeutic potential. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether NXP031, a new compound we developed consisting of Aptamin C and Vitamin C, is neuroprotective against α-synucleinopathy. To model α-Syn induced PD, we stereotactically injected AAV particles overexpressing human α-Syn into the substantia nigra (SN) of mice. One week after AAV injection, NXP031 was administered via oral gavage every day for eight weeks. We found that oral administration of NXP031 ameliorated motor deficits measured by the rotarod test and prevented the loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons caused by WT-α-Syn overexpression in the SN. Also, NXP031 blocked the propagation of aggregated α-Syn into the hippocampus by alleviating oxidative stress. These results indicate that NXP031 can be a potential therapeutic for PD.
ClinPharmSeq: A targeted sequencing panel for clinical pharmacogenetics implementation
Authors: Lee Seung-been , Shin Jong-Yeon , Kwon Nak-Jung , Kim Changhoon , Seo Jeong-Sun
Published: July 2022

The accurate identification of genetic variants contributing to therapeutic drug response or adverse effects is the first step in implementation of precision drug therapy. Targeted sequencing has recently become a common methodology for large-scale studies of genetic variation thanks to its favorable balance between low cost, high throughput, and deep coverage. Here, we present ClinPharmSeq, a targeted sequencing panel of 59 genes with associations to pharmacogenetic (PGx) phenotypes, as a platform to explore the relationship between drug response and genetic variation, both common and rare. For validation, we sequenced DNA from 64 ethnically diverse Coriell samples with ClinPharmSeq to call star alleles (haplotype patterns) in 27 genes using the bioinformatics tool PyPGx. These reference samples were extensively characterized by multiple laboratories using PGx testing assays and, more recently, whole genome sequencing. We found that ClinPharmSeq can consistently generate deep-coverage data (mean = 274x) with high uniformity (30x or above = 94.8%). Our genotype analysis identified a total of 185 unique star alleles from sequencing data, and showed that diplotype calls from ClinPharmSeq are highly concordant with that from previous publications (97.6%) and whole genome sequencing (97.9%). Notably, all 19 star alleles with complex structural variation including gene deletions, duplications, and hybrids were recalled with 100% accuracy. Altogether, these results demonstrate that the ClinPharmSeq platform offers a feasible path for broad implementation of PGx testing and optimization of individual drug treatments.
The network signature of constellation line figures
Authors: Bucur Doina
Published: July 2022

In traditional astronomies across the world, groups of stars in the night sky were linked into constellations—symbolic representations rich in meaning and with practical roles. In some sky cultures, constellations are represented asline(or connect-the-dot)figures, which are spatial networks drawn over the fixed background of stars. We analyse 1802 line figures from 56 sky cultures spanning all continents, in terms of their network, spatial, and brightness features, and ask what associations exist between these visual features and culture type or sky region. First, an embedded map of constellations is learnt, to showclustersof line figures. We then form the network of constellations (as linked by their similarity), to study howsimilarcultures are by computing theirassortativity(or homophily) over the network. Finally, we measure thediversity(or entropy) index for the set of constellations drawn per sky region. Our results show distinct types of line figures, and that many folk astronomies with oral traditions have widespread similarities in constellation design, which do not align with cultural ancestry. In a minority of sky regions, certain line designs appear universal, but this is not the norm: in the majority of sky regions, the line geometries are diverse.
Turning of Cow Stomach, a Slaughter House By-product into Value-added Products
Authors: Naher Umme Habiba Bodrun , Rahman Md. Bazlur , Zahid Md. Tanjid Ahmed
Published: July 2022

This study investigates to turn the stomach of cow into exotic leather and then leather products that would add value to the end of leather industry. For this purpose, three pieces of cow stomachs are taken to convert into leather through pre-tanning, tanning and post tanning operations i.e. soaking, liming, deliming, bating, pickling, tanning, retanning, dyeing, fatliquoring, finishing etc. Some mechanical operations are also carried out, such as drying and stacking.
“Guided by Ghosts of the Post-Civil War Era”: Felon Disenfranchisement and the Limits of Race Liberal Advocacy
Authors: Earle Chris S.
Published: July 2022

This essay analyzes arguments regarding race and U.S. felon disenfranchisement laws. In response to the denial of the vote to 6.1 million Americans in 2016, voting rights advocacy has helped spur a range of liberalizing reforms in states across the country. The essay attributes such policy victories to activists’ success in redefining felon disenfranchisement as a racial justice rather than criminal justice issue. It argues, however, that U.S. public discourse still does not reflect a clear or coherent understanding of how and why race matters in the context of felon disenfranchisement. Through a rhetorical frame analysis of media coverage in four newspapers over a twenty-year period, the essay identifies and evaluates the three most common racial frames, arguing that each adheres to prevailing logics of racial liberalism. While this adherence lends the frames some degree of persuasive power, this essay argues that it also causes dominant publics to misunderstand the racial character of felon disenfranchisement. The essay concludes that more substantial reform hinges on the ability of activists to transform public meanings to reflect their preferred understanding of the causes and consequences of racial inequality.
Monkey Business in a Kangaroo Court: Reimagining Naruto v. Slater as a Litigious Event
Authors: Muller S. Marek
Published: July 2022

This essay performs a critical rhetorical analysis of out-of-court texts pertaining to Naruto v. Slater, colloquially known as the “Monkey Selfie Lawsuit.” By veering from a legal positivist perspective on law and turning toward theories of the public screen, it argues that while People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) formally lost its case on appeal, it successfully litigated their case in the court of public opinion. It further offers the concept of the “litigious event”—a staged lawsuit designed for mass media dissemination—to explain my perspective. By latching onto the already-viral monkey selfies at the center of the copyright dispute, PETA took advantage of the public screen by bringing a private, logocentric civil suit into a public, image-based digital sphere. Increased coverage of the case allowed PETA's legal team to harness the power of digital media to disseminate important arguments about legal rights for animals. Naruto v. Slater functioned as a trial for media, as a strategic lawsuit for public participation—in other words, as a strategically sound and rhetorically powerful litigious event.
An a priori C
0-estimate for the Fu-Yau equation on compact almost astheno-Kähler manifolds
Authors: Kawamura Masaya
Published: July 2022

We investigate the Fu-Yau equation on compact almost astheno-Kähler manifolds and show an a priori C
0-estiamte for a smooth solution of the equation.
We’re a good match: Selective political friending on social networking sites
Authors: Cargnino Manuel , Neubaum German , Winter Stephan
Published: July 2022

To date, the role of user behavior in the formation of politically homogeneous online environments (oftentimes called echo chambers) is not fully understood. Building on selective exposure research, we introduce the notion of selective political friending, that is, the preference for political like-mindedness in social affiliations on social networking sites. In a pre-registered laboratory experiment with users of social networking sites in Germany (N = 199), we find that users preferably build connections with those who share their opinions toward controversial political issues. Political like-mindedness outperforms other friending criteria such as popularity or career-related fit with another user. Political friending is pronounced when individuals’ pre-existing opinions are strong. The present study points to the necessity to take the motivational complexity into account when studying phenomena linked to political homogeneity on SNS.
The global moduli theory of symplectic varieties
Authors: Bakker Benjamin , Lehn Christian
Published: July 2022

We develop the global moduli theory of symplectic varieties in the sense of Beauville. We prove a number of analogs of classical results from the smooth case, including a global Torelli theorem. In particular, this yields a new proof of Verbitsky’s global Torelli theorem in the smooth case (assumingb2≥5{b_{2}\geq 5}) which does not use the existence of a hyperkähler metric or twistor deformations.
Hartogs-type theorems in real algebraic geometry, I
Authors: Bilski Marcin , Bochnak Jacek , Kucharz Wojciech
Published: July 2022

Let

f
:

X
→
ℝ

{f:X\rightarrow\mathbb{R}}

be a function defined on a connected nonsingular real algebraic set X in

ℝ
n

{\mathbb{R}^{n}}

. We prove that regularity
of f can be detected by controlling the restrictions of f to either algebraic curves or algebraic surfaces in X.
If

dim
⁡
X

≥
2

{\operatorname{dim}X\geq 2}

and
k is a positive integer, then f is a regular function whenever the restriction

f
|

C

{f|_{C}}

is a regular function for every algebraic curve
C in X that is a

𝒞
k

{\mathcal{C}^{k}}

submanifold homeomorphic to the unit
circle and is either nonsingular or has precisely one singularity. Moreover, in the latter case, the singularity of C is equivalent to the plane curve singularity defined by the equation

x
p

=

y
q

{x^{p}=y^{q}}

for some primes

p
<
q

{p<q}

. If

dim
⁡
X

≥
3

{\operatorname{dim}X\geq 3}

, then f is a regular function whenever the restriction

f
|

S

{f|_{S}}

is a regular function for every nonsingular algebraic surface S in X that is
homeomorphic to the unit 2-sphere.
We also have suitable versions of these results for X not necessarily connected.
Primary Osteosarcoma of Left Atrial Appendage in a Patient with Rheumatic Heart Disease
Authors: Zhang Dengshen , Wei Shan , Liu Daxing , Guo Yingqiang
Published: July 2022

Primary cardiac osteosarcoma is extremely rare, with all arising from the atrium, right ventricle, and cardiac valve, according to previous reports. We report a case of primary osteosarcoma of the left atrial appendage in a patient. We present a process of preoperative misdiagnosis, intraoperative confirmed diagnosis, and complete resection.
ПАРТІЙНО-ПОЛІТИЧНА РЕПРЕЗЕНТАЦІЯ ДЕПУТАТСЬКОГО КОРПУСУ РАЙОННИХ РАД ОДЕСЬКОЇ ОБЛАСТІ (ЗА РЕЗУЛЬТАТАМИ МІСЦЕВИХ ВИБОРІВ 2020 РОКУ)
Authors: Hedikova Natalia Pylypivna
Published: July 2022

Статтю присвячено дослідженню партійно-політичного представництва депутатського корпусу районних рад Одеської області, новоутворених в результаті реформування адміністративно-територіального устрою субрегіонального рівня в Україні. Аналізуються структура депутатського корпусу за політичною ознакою та забезпечення депутатської діяльності шляхом роботи депутатських постійних комісій, фракцій та груп районних рад Одеської області VIII скликання за результатами місцевих виборів 25 жовтня 2020 року. Автор презентує своє дослідження на підставі аналізу електоральної статистики, яка розміщена на Офіційному веб-порталі Центральної виборчої комісії України та інформаційнихї данних, які розміщені на сайтах районних рад Одеської області.
СИНЕРГЕТИЧНА МЕТОДОЛОГІЯ ТА ПРИРОДНИЧО-НАУКОВЕ ПІЗНАННЯ ЯК ЧИННИКИ ПРОГНОЗУВАННЯ НАУКОВОЇ НОВИЗНИ ПОЛІТОЛОГІЧНИХ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ
Authors: Kravets Anastasia Yuryivna , Alekseenko Ihor Hryhorovych
Published: July 2022

Стаття присвячена аналізу здобуття нових наукових знань на основі синергетичної методології з урахуванням подальшої екстраполяції загальних фізичних, біологічних та хімічних засобів, концептуальних засобів аналізу на предметному полі політичної науки. Мета дослідження – з’ясування значення синергетичної методології та природничо-наукового пізнання як чинників прогнозування наукової новизни політологічних досліджень. Охарактеризовано співвідношення уяви, здатності творчо мислити та визначати нові напрямки дослідження політичного світу, які спрямовують міркування до однозначності результатів політичного пізнання для всіх суб’єктів політичного світу. Було підкреслено, що сучасне політичне пізнання потребує зближення сцієнтистської моделі політичного пізнання і моделювання як прикладної практики діючої політичної спільноти. Проаналізовано причини залежності новизни від соціально-культурних умов, фахової підготовки та особливостей наукових шкіл, які передбачають наявність цілісної системи координат дослідження. Розкрито значення сцієнтистських вимог до політичного пізнання, що також вимагають мінливого поняттєво-категорійного апарату політичної науки, який відрізняється від решти наукових дисциплін. З’ясовано, що сучасна синергетична методологія є сукупністю мейнстрімних теорій, які становлять доробок певної спільноти вчених або належать до певного часового періоду. Розкрито, що на прикладі комунікативної та ліберальної парадигми можна побачити розгортання прикладних методологій політичного маркетингу, в яких задіяний концептуальний апарат теорії раціонального вибору, психологічні й біхевіористичні методології. Доведено, що центральність концепту політичної комунікації, постулювання її всеохопного характеру, дає змогу робити висновки про можливість владного опанування змістом каналів поширення інформації та їх цільовою аудиторією. Встановлено, що в рамках сучасних політичних наук важливою парадигмальною настановою є несуперечливість існуючої політичної картини світу в її ретроспективі, тобто несуперечливість у контексті відомих концептуальних визначень політики. Припущено, що політичний постмодерн акцентує увагу політологічного наукового пошуку на відсутності «політичного майбутнього», звідси всі технології впливу на політичний час стають неспроможними. Встановлено, що епістемна оцінка предмету політичного дослідження та його проблеми полягає в прогнозуванні на авторському рівні досягнення істини, тобто несуперечливого вірогідного знання. Зроблено висновок, що перетворення політичної теорії з міждисциплінарного, мультипарадигмального напрямку дослідження на наукову дисципліну з притаманними їй ідеалами науковості, науковим інструментарієм, процедурами пояснення та розуміння здійснюється на засадах мультипарадигмальності.