bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The reduced‐charge melittin analogue MelP5 improves the transfection of non‐viral DNA nanoparticles
Authors: Delvaux Nathan A. , Rice Kevin G.
Published: January 2022

Melittin is a 26‐amino acid amphiphilic alpha‐helical peptide derived from honeybee venom. Prior studies have incorporated melittin into non‐viral delivery systems to effect endosomal escape of DNA nanoparticles and improve transfection efficiency. Recent advances have led to the development of two newer melittin analogues, MelP5 and Macrolittin 70, with improved pore formation in lipid bilayers while possessing fewer positive charges relative to natural melittin. Consequently, MelP5 and Macrolittin 70 were conjugated through a disulfide bond to a DNA binding polyacridine peptide. The resulting peptide conjugates were used to prepare DNA nanoparticles to compare their relative endosomolytic potency by transfection of HepG2 cells. Melittin and MelP5 conjugates were equally potent at mediating in vitro gene transfer, whereas PEGylation of DNA nanoparticles revealed improved transfection with MelP5 relative to melittin. The results demonstrate the ability to substitute a potent, reduced‐charge analogue of melittin to improve overall DNA nanoparticle biocompatibility needed for in vivo testing.
Use of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for foscarnet quantification in human serum and cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Irie Kei , Hiramoto Nobuhiro , Ishikawa Takayuki , Fukushima Shoji
Published: January 2022

Rationale

Foscarnet (FCV) is used to treat cytomegalovirus, human herpesvirus, and human immunodeficiency virus infections. It is a low‐molecular‐weight compound containing carboxylate and phosphate groups. There are no reports on the use of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) to analyze FCV via bioanalysis. In the present study, we developed the ion‐pair LC/MS/MS method to analyze FCV in human serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Methods

FCV was extracted from human serum and CSF by weak anion exchange (WAX) solid‐phase extraction. The LC/MS/MS systems were coated with 0.1% phosphoric acid in methanol to avoid nonspecific absorption. FCV was detected using ion‐pair LC/MS/MS with dibutylammonium acetate. Selected reaction monitoring transition of FCV in the negative ion mode was selected at m/z 125.1 → 62.9.

Results

FCV was selectively detected in human serum and CSF, and the liner range was 5–1000 μM (R2 = 0.99). The intraday and interday accuracy and precision were within ±15%. FCV was constantly extracted from human serum and CSF by WAX solid‐phase extraction (recovery ratio = 76.0–77.9%). No matrix effect was observed.

Conclusions

A robust LC/MS/MS method to analyze FCV was successfully developed. FCV was selectively measured using LC/MS/MS in very low extract volumes (20 μL). The method will be useful in evaluating the FCV level in human serum and CSF.
How much does the firm's alliance network matter?
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Liu Xiaojin , Zaheer Akbar
Published: January 2022

Research Summary

Extant empirical work partitioning the variance in firm (business segment) profitability has identified industry, corporate parent, business segment, and time as key sources. However, this variance decomposition research stream has treated firms as atomistic, autonomous entities. We employ a fast‐unfolding community‐detection algorithm to detect firms' network memberships and use the Shapley Value method to isolate the effect of the firm's alliance network, in addition to industry, corporate parent, business segment, and year effects, on the variance in business unit performance. Our findings demonstrate that the effect of the firm's alliance network explains 11% of the variance in firm ROA among 16,381 business segments from 1979 through 1996. We also extend the time period through 2018 and find that our results broadly hold.

Managerial Summary

In the search for superior firm performance, managers typically focus their attention externally on profitable industries in which to operate, as well as internally on their firms' idiosyncratic and valuable resources and capabilities. In addition to these profitability sources, our work suggests another important, but heretofore overlooked, factor in the managerial quest for competitive advantage: the value‐creating potential of alliance networks. We employ a machine‐learning algorithm to detect firms' network memberships. Our findings indicate that as much as 11% of the variance in firm profitability (ROA) is explained by the network of alliances of which the firm is a part. Our study also implies that the emphasis on networks continues to be relevant in a technology age in which industry boundaries are blurring.
Caffeic acid phenethyl ester induces radiosensitization via inhibition of DNA damage repair in androgen‐independent prostate cancer cells
Authors: Anjaly Km , Tiku Ashu Bhan
Published: January 2022

In the present study, we evaluated the radiomodulatory potential of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of traditional herbal medicine propolis. CAPE has been identified as a potent anticancer agent in multiple cancer types and is reported to have the dual role of radioprotection and radiosensitization. However, the radiomodulatory potential of CAPE in prostate cancer (PCa), which eventually becomes radioresistant is not known. Therefore, we studied the effect of co‐treatment of CAPE and gamma radiation on androgen‐independent DU145 and PC3 cells. The combination treatment sensitized PCa cells to radiation in a dose‐dependent manner. The radiosensitizing effect of CAPE was observed in both cell lines. CAPE enhanced the level of ionizing radiation (IR)‐induced gamma H2AX foci and cell death by apoptosis. The combination treatment also decreased the migration potential of PCa cells. This was confirmed by increased expression of E‐cadherin and decrease in vimentin expression. CAPE sensitized PCa cells to radiation in vitro and induced apoptosis, augmented phosphorylation of Akt/mTOR, and hampered cell migration. At the mechanistic level, co‐treatment of CAPE and IR inhibited cell growth by decreasing RAD50 and RAD51 proteins involved in DNA repair. This resulted in enhanced DNA damage and cell death. CAPE might represent a promising new adjuvant for the treatment of hormone‐refractory radioresistant PCa.
Water treatment for hemodialysis in Baghdad medical city, Iraq
Authors: Humudat Yasamen Raad , Al‐Naseri Saadi Kadhim , Imran Natheer Jamal
Published: January 2022

Water quality for dialysis fluid is an important consideration for dialysis patients. As a result, strict monitoring of water quality is required to avoid complications and ensure the safety and health of patients. The current study aimed to determine the water quality used in hemodialysis treatment centers. Twenty water samples were collected and analyzed from three hospitals in Baghdad's medical city over four seasons. Counts of bacteria and chemical contaminants were determined in raw and dialysis water from each of four dialysis centers. After collecting samples, bacteriological and chemical analyses were performed in the laboratory. Results show that the quality of dialysis water fluctuates, making it unacceptable when compared to international standards. Bacterial counts were above the maximum value of 100 CFU/ml in 50% of the samples tested. Chemical analysis showed that the dialysis water quality suffers from elevated free chlorine concentrations in some dialysis centers. Also, there were no significant differences between the measured parameters in the dialysis water at four treatment centers during the study period at p < 0.05. Hemodialysis centers require constant monitoring, maintenance, and the development of water treatment systems to ensure optimum water quality. Additional disinfection is essential in order to prevent bacterial growth and biofilm formation.
Increasing People’s Capabilities by Using Design Thinking in the Decision-Making Process
Authors: Frisk Jane Elisabeth , Svengren Holm Lisbeth
Published: January 2022

A growing older population is placing new demands on the welfare system. Elder care has been criticised for its lack of resources, competence, or respect for older people. Caregiving needs to be transformed and based on older people’s real needs and what they perceive as important. However, both older people and service organisations have to be capable of participating in new development processes. Design thinking (DT) has emerged as a field of research that provides tools and processes that are helpful for supporting innovations and new ways of thinking about problems. The concept of capability (Nussbaum M. Creating capabilities: the human development approach. The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA, 2011), and how design researchers have embraced it, is discussed. The results from two case studies show that DT can support increasing capabilities among both service recipients and service providers when developing new services and digital solutions. The DT process can generate valuable knowledge about users’ needs in a resource-efficient way, as well as balancing the economic and human perspectives when developing new services. By directing more time and attention towards relevant problems, the solution might end up as something other than initially contemplated, which can increase the capability of being innovative when developing new services.
The Capabilities Approach and the Concepts of Self-Determination, Legal Competence and Human Dignity in Social Services for Older People
Authors: Svensson Eva-Maria , Bäckman Therese , Odlöw Torbjörn
Published: January 2022

In this chapter, the tension between self-determination and human dignity in the Swedish legal system of social care for older people is analysed with help of the capabilities approach. The core focus of this approach is the individual person’s capability to make decisions. Also important is a supportive societal system that enables the realisation of self-determination, specifically for individuals who are not fully capable of making arrangements for themselves. The capabilities approach emphasises the responsibility of the State and can be used to analyse the impact of legal and political obligations for nation-states, and to balance the increased focus on self-determination and the quest for increased capabilities among older people. In the context of a dismantled welfare state, a one-sided focus on individual autonomy might turn out to be a double-edged sword, leaving the individual with self-determination but no (or insufficient) available care to decide about. In this chapter, the underlying principles of practical decisions are theoretically explored and reflected upon. Of specific relevance is human dignity (in addition to enhancing individual freedom), normativity (a set of fundamental capabilities is identified) and the central role of the nation-state (as the responsible political subject for the achievement of minimum thresholds for all capabilities).
Invisible or Powerful? Ageing in a Mediatised Society
Authors: Bergström Annika , Edström Maria
Published: January 2022

In order to live your rights and achieve your goals, you need to be informed, have a voice and be listened to, and have the opportunity to engage in society, regardless of age. Freedom of expression and freedom of information are core human rights values that connect the concept of capability with the role of the media in society. The media can be a tool for enhancing a person’s capabilities, but it can also be seen as hindering a good life if technology and its applications are perceived as awkward and/or difficult to access.

At a structural level, a wider discussion of media responsibility has the potential to contribute to enhancing people’s capabilities in later life. One critical issue is who should be held accountable and responsible for media content that lacks diverse stories about older people and their voices, possibly reinforcing ageism. Furthermore, where the responsibility lies for ensuring that older people have the technological means to act as digital citizens is somewhat unclear. In an increasingly mediatised environment, we might see a stronger relationship between media literacy, health and ageing, which in turn could emphasise the importance of the role of the media in enhancing capabilities.
System and Life-Course Perspectives on Capability to Work and Capability Through Work
Authors: Dellve Lotta , Jonsson Robin , Flisbäck Marita , Bengtsson Mattias
Published: January 2022

The capability approach is relevant to gaining a conceptual understanding of individuals’ abilities and motivation to work and to explore the potential consequences that various working conditions have for people when they reach old age. Here, the capability concept is complemented with system theory to understand the multi-component key resources for capability to work among older workers, and also the conversion factors – capability through work – at individual, micro, meso, macro and chrono-levels. The theoretical approach is exemplified by studies from the interdisciplinary field of work sciences. The chapter describes central working-life conditions, conversion factors for crafting capability to work and examples of patterns of interactions between capability to work and capability through work. To support practical applications, we suggest important conversion factors and patterns of interaction between capability to work and capability through working-life resources. In sum, having a reasonable degree of control and influence (freedom of choice) at work and opportunities to make individual deals and adjustments that match one’s values, abilities, competence and experience are important for individual preference of a long working life. This requires an organisation that focuses on the value of work and promotes a general learning climate through broad participation.
Capability and Political Participation Among Ageing Populations
Authors: Solevid Maria , Scheiber Gyllenspetz Ann-Ida
Published: January 2022

In this chapter, we study reasons for, and conceptions of, non-voting among Swedish seniors. We present a tentative framework for studying capability and political participation among older people in which we combine insights from previous research on age, health and political participation from the perspective of capability; that is, what a person is effectively able to be and do. The empirical illustration is based on extended interviews with eight individuals, both voters and non-voters, aged 80 years or older. The results show that the concepts of internal and combined capabilities are fruitful when understanding conceptions of and reasons for non-voting. For some individuals, voting is simply too much of an effort, and they need to direct their capabilities towards other, more desirable, functionings. For other individuals, health and mobility issues would have hindered their ability to vote if it were not for the practical and social support of close relatives. The chapter ends with a discussion on the importance of continuing to integrate explanations at different levels in order to understand political (in)activity among older individuals.
The Neurochemistry of Alzheimer’s Disease: One of the Most Common Causes of Reduced Capability in the Adult Population
Authors: Blennow Kaj , Zetterberg Henrik
Published: January 2022

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterised by the triad of amyloid plaques, tau pathology and neurodegeneration. Except for a strong association with the susceptibility gene, specifically the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele, the pathogenesis of the most common age-related sporadic form of AD is largely unknown. However, several genetic and environmental risk factors have been proposed. A potential problem is that most population-based studies on AD risk-profiling have not used biomarkers reflecting amyloid and tau pathology to classify patients and controls. Given the complex pathophysiology of late-onset AD and the difficulties in correctly diagnosing AD on purely clinical grounds, this introduces a risk of misclassification of both control subjects and clinically diagnosed AD cases. Importantly, in recent years, there has been a very successful development of blood biomarkers for AD pathophysiologies, including brain amyloidosis (amyloid β ratio), tau pathology (phosphorylated tau) and neurodegeneration (neurofilament light). Numerous studies have shown these biomarkers to correlate with amyloid and tau pathology load evaluated by PET and with MRI measures of neurodegeneration, and to predict future cognitive decline. The employment of blood biomarkers in epidemiological studies may foster an understanding of which and how specifically lifestyle risk factors are linked to AD, and repeated blood sampling in intervention trials may provide evidence as to whether controlling lifestyle factors may affect specific AD pathophysiologies.
eHealth Literacy and Capability in the Context of the Pandemic Crisis
Authors: Kokkinakis Dimitrios
Published: January 2022

The rapidly increasing size of the ageing population, and in particular older adults living alone, requires the incorporation of eHealth into social and healthcare services, in order to choose the best way to manage their needs and demands for health and medical care. The purpose of this brief scoping study is to describe and identify an important dimension in this context, namely eHealth literacy (eHL) and its relation to health-promoting behaviours among older adults within the capability theoretical framework. The chapter examines some aspects of eHL and recent research highlighting the importance of eHL and the direct correlation between eHL and quality of life for older adults within the capability context. To make this more specific and explicit, this study takes into consideration outstanding circumstances, such as those caused by a pandemic crisis, namely the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since the COVID-19 pandemic has required urgent action and rapid containment, it offers a unique opportunity to test and evaluate the readiness of healthcare systems and to rapidly develop, scale up and enhance eHealth for the benefit of older people. However, this comes with a price, which is the necessity to quickly and effectively navigate complex information environments and manage behavioural changes and health.
The MEK1/2-inhibitor ATR-002 efficiently blocks SARS-CoV-2 propagation and alleviates pro-inflammatory cytokine/chemokine responses
Authors: Schreiber André , Viemann Dorothee , Schöning Jennifer , Schloer Sebastian , Mecate Zambrano Angeles , Brunotte Linda , Faist Aileen , Schöfbänker Michael , Hrincius Eike , Hoffmann Helen , Hoffmann Markus , Pöhlmann Stefan , Rescher Ursula , Planz Oliver , Ludwig Stephan
Published: January 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the illness caused by a novel coronavirus now called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has led to more than 260 million confirmed infections and 5 million deaths to date. While vaccination is a powerful tool to control pandemic spread, medication to relieve COVID-19-associated symptoms and alleviate disease progression especially in high-risk patients is still lacking. In this study, we explore the suitability of the rapid accelerated fibrosarcoma/mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Raf/MEK/ERK) pathway as a druggable target in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infections. We find that SARS-CoV-2 transiently activates Raf/MEK/ERK signaling in the very early infection phase and that ERK1/2 knockdown limits virus replication in cell culture models. We demonstrate that ATR-002, a specific inhibitor of the upstream MEK1/2 kinases which is currently evaluated in clinical trials as an anti-influenza drug, displays strong anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in cell lines as well as in primary air–liquid-interphase epithelial cell (ALI) cultures, with a safe and selective treatment window. We also observe that ATR-002 treatment impairs the SARS-CoV-2-induced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and thus might prevent COVID-19-associated hyperinflammation, a key player in COVID-19 progression. Thus, our data suggest that the Raf/MEK/ERK signaling cascade may represent a target for therapeutic intervention strategies against SARS-CoV-2 infections and that ATR-002 is a promising candidate for further drug evaluation.
Machine learning in knee arthroplasty: specific data are key—a systematic review
Authors: Hinterwimmer Florian , Lazic Igor , Suren Christian , Hirschmann Michael T. , Pohlig Florian , Rueckert Daniel , Burgkart Rainer , von Eisenhart-Rothe Rüdiger
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is rapidly growing and offers novel options of data analysis. Machine learning (ML) represents a distinct application of AI, which is capable of generating predictions and has already been tested in different medical specialties with various approaches such as diagnostic applications, cost predictions or identification of risk factors. In orthopaedics, this technology has only recently been introduced and the literature on ML in knee arthroplasty is scarce. In this review, we aim to investigate which predictions are already feasible using ML models in knee arthroplasty to identify prerequisites for the effective use of this novel approach. For this reason, we conducted a systematic review of ML algorithms for outcome prediction in knee arthroplasty.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline database and the Cochrane Library was conducted to find ML applications for knee arthroplasty. All relevant articles were systematically retrieved and evaluated by an orthopaedic surgeon and a data scientist on the basis of the PRISMA statement. The search strategy yielded 225 articles of which 19 were finally assessed as eligible. A modified Coleman Methodology Score (mCMS) was applied to account for a methodological evaluation.

Results

The studies presented in this review demonstrated fair to good results (AUC median 0.76/range 0.57–0.98), while heterogeneous prediction models were analysed: complications (6), costs (4), functional outcome (3), revision (2), postoperative satisfaction (2), surgical technique (1) and biomechanical properties (1) were investigated. The median mCMS was 65 (range 40–80) points.

Conclusion

The prediction of distinct outcomes with ML models applying specific data is already feasible; however, the prediction of more complex outcomes is still inaccurate. Registry data on knee arthroplasty have not been fully analysed yet so that specific parameters have not been sufficiently evaluated. The inclusion of specific input data as well as the collaboration of orthopaedic surgeons and data scientists are essential prerequisites to fully utilize the capacity of ML in knee arthroplasty. Future studies should investigate prospective data with specific and longitudinally recorded parameters.

Level of evidence

III.
Motion pattern-based crowd scene classification using histogram of angular deviations of trajectories
Authors: Pai Abhilash K. , Chandrahasan Prahaladh , Raghavendra U. , Karunakar A. K.
Published: January 2022

Automated crowd behaviour analysis and monitoring is a challenging task due to the unpredictable nature of the crowd within a particular scene and across different scenes. The prior knowledge of the type of scene under consideration is a crucial mid-level information, which could be utilized to develop robust crowd behaviour analysis systems. In this paper, we propose an approach to automatically detect the type of a crowded scene based on the global motion patterns of the objects within the scene. Three different types of scenes whose global motion pattern characteristics vary from uniform to non-uniform are considered in this work, namely structured, semi-structured, and unstructured scenes, respectively. To capture the global motion pattern characteristics of an input crowd scene, we first extract the motion information in the form of trajectories using a key-point tracker and then compute the average angular orientation feature of each trajectory. This paper utilizes these angular features to introduce a novel feature vector, termed as Histogram of Angular Deviations (HAD), which depicts the distribution of the pair-wise angular deviation values for each trajectory vector. Since angular deviation information is resistant to changes in scene perspectives, we consider it as a key feature for distinguishing the scene types. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed HAD-based feature vector in classifying the crowded scenes, we build a crowd scene classification model by training the classical machine learning algorithms on the publicly available Collective Motion Database. The experimental results demonstrate the superior crowd classification performance of the proposed approach as compared to the existing methods. In addition to this, we propose a technique based on quantizing the angular deviation values to reduce the feature dimension and subsequently introduce a novel crowd scene structuredness index to quantify the structuredness of an input crowded scene based on its HAD.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic’s first wave on the care and treatment situation of intravitreal injections in a German metropolitan region
Authors: Stemplewitz Birthe , Luethy Joel , Eddy Mau-Thek , Spitzer Martin , Brocks Ulrike , Kieckhoefel Julie , Schneemann Christa , Schaudig Ulrich , Schargus Marc
Published: January 2022

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the impact of the first coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) wave in 2020 on patients scheduled for intravitreal injections (IVI) in a German metropolitan region.

Methods

We performed a multicentre prospective survey and retrospective analysis of the records of patients treated with intravitreal injections during the 20-week period from March to July 2020 in all four hospital eye departments in the city of Hamburg using a questionnaire (on treatment adherence, SarsCoV2-related personal, familial and social data) and treatment data.

Results

A total of 1038 patients (2472 IVI, 1231 eyes) and 818 questionnaires were evaluated. Longer duration of therapy, lower visual acuity (VA) of the treated and higher VA of the fellow untreated eye was were associated with a higher probability of visit cancellation. Every additional year of life posed a 2.6% lower risk of noncompliance. A COVID-19 infection in the family environment displayed a 5.5-fold chance of visit cancellation. Patients treated for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) had a 36% reduced risk of visit cancellation compared to patients with diabetic macular oedema (DME).

Conclusion

A long preceding treatment period, low VA of the treated eye, high VA of the untreated eye, COVID-19 in the family and DME were identified as risk factors for IVI visit cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Compliance to treatment might be improved in the future by taking these risk factors into account when scheduling patients for IVI during the exceptional circumstances of a pandemic.
Efficacy and safety of P11-4 for the treatment of periodontal defects in dogs
Authors: Bommer Claudine , Waller Tobias , Hilbe Monika , Wiedemeier Daniel , Meyer Nina , Mathes Stephanie , Jung Ronald
Published: January 2022

Objectives

This study’s aim was to investigate the safety and performance of a self-assembling peptide matrix (SAPM) P11-4 for the treatment of periodontal disease in a controlled pre-clinical study.

Materials and methods

Acute buccal bony dehiscence defects (LxW: 5 × 3 mm) were surgically created on the distal root of four teeth on one mandible side of 7 beagle dogs followed by another identical surgery 8 weeks later on the contralateral side. SAPM P11-4 (with and without root conditioning with 24% EDTA (T1, T2)), Emdogain® (C) and a sham intervention (S) were randomly applied on the four defects at each time point. Four weeks after the second surgery and treatment, the animals were sacrificed, the mandibles measured by micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) and sections of the tissue were stained and evaluated histologically.

Results

Clinically and histologically, no safety concerns or pathological issues due to the treatments were observed in any of the study groups at any time point. All groups showed overall similar results after 4 and 12 weeks of healing regarding new cementum, functionality of newly formed periodontal ligament and recovery of height and volume of the new alveolar bone and mineral density.

Conclusion

A controlled clinical study in humans should be performed in a next step as no adverse effects or safety issues, which might affect clinical usage of the product, were observed.

Clinical relevance

The synthetic SAPM P11-4 may offer an alternative to the animal-derived product Emdogain® in the future.
Handgrip strength and risk of cognitive outcomes: new prospective study and meta-analysis of 16 observational cohort studies
Authors: Kunutsor Setor K. , Isiozor Nzechukwu M. , Voutilainen Ari , Laukkanen Jari A.
Published: January 2022

Handgrip strength (HGS), a measure of muscular strength, might be a risk indicator for cognitive functioning, but the evidence is not consistent. Using a new prospective study and meta-analysis of published observational cohort studies, we aimed to evaluate the prospective associations of HGS with poor cognitive outcomes including cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Handgrip strength, measured using a Martin-Balloon-Vigorimeter, was assessed at baseline in a population-based sample of 852 men and women with good cognitive function in the Kuopio Ischemic Heart Disease cohort. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for cognitive outcomes. Relevant published studies were sought in MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science from inception until October 2021 and pooled using random effects meta-analysis. During a median follow-up of 16.6 years, 229 dementia cases were recorded. Comparing extreme tertiles of HGS, the multivariable adjusted HR (95% CI) for dementia, AD and vascular dementia was 0.77 (0.55–1.07), 0.75 (0.52–1.10) and 0.49 (0.16–1.48), respectively. In a meta-analysis of 16 population-based prospective cohort studies (including the current study) comprising 180,920 participants, the pooled multivariable adjusted relative risks (95% CIs) comparing the top vs bottom thirds of HGS levels were as follows: 0.58 (0.52–0.65) for cognitive impairment; 0.37 (0.07–1.85) for cognitive decline; 0.73 (0.62–0.86) for dementia; 0.68 (0.53–0.87) for AD; and 0.48 (0.32–0.73) for vascular dementia. GRADE quality of evidence ranged from low to very low. Meta-analysis of aggregate prospective data suggests that HGS may be a risk indicator for poor cognitive outcomes such as cognitive impairment, dementia and AD. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO 2021: CRD42021237750.
Power Ultrasound-Assisted Impregnation of Apple Cubes with Vitamin B12
Authors: Vasile Franco Emanuel , Simal Susana , Rosselló Carmen , Eim Valeria Soledad
Published: January 2022

This work explores the use of ultrasound (US) as a means of intensifying the impregnation of apple cubes with vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin). The effect of different US power densities (90 and 200 WL−1) and treatment times (5, 10, and 15 min) was evaluated, on vitamin load, vitamin stability, and physicochemical and microstructural properties of the fruit matrix. The US enhanced the impregnation producing high cyanocobalamin content products (0.12–0.19 mg vitamin/g db.). Vitamin losses in the sonication medium due to US application were not significant. Impregnated samples exhibited higher moisture and lower soluble solids with respect to the untreated fruit. Changes in chromatic coordinates were well correlated to vitamin uptake. Only at the highest treatment intensities (200 WL−1, 10, and 15 min) was a marked softening observed, which agreed with the microstructural changes observed in fruit tissues. Results permit US-assisted impregnation to be considered a promising technology in the preparation of vitamin B12 fortified apple cubes.
Taiwan’s Road to an Asylum Law: Who, When, How, and Why Not Yet?
Authors: Kironska Kristina
Published: January 2022

Taiwan is considered to be one of the most progressive countries in Asia but has no asylum law. Does it need one? Many in Taiwan, including officials and politicians, claim that the regulations that are currently in place are sufficient. There are, however, some people in Taiwan who require protection, and the government is not able to respond effectively in the absence of an asylum law. The author has identified several different groups in Taiwan that would benefit from an asylum law — from Hong Kong protesters facing persecution, through Chinese dissidents or descendants of the ROC army from the Thai-Myanmar border region, to Turkish people with revoked passports; grouped into two major categories — persons from the PRC, Tibet, Hong Kong, and Macau (group 1) and persons from other countries (group 2). The draft of the asylum law has been sitting in the Parliament for 14 years, and the reason for it not yet having passed is the “China Factor.” The Taiwan-China relationship thus cannot be disconnected from this issue, and the article discusses the three most common concerns with regard to this in the Taiwanese society. While these are legitimate concerns, they could be solved by adopting a dual asylum system dealing with group 1 and group 2 separately. Compared to UN member countries, Taiwan is on its own when it comes to the asylum issue, although adopting an asylum law is part of a broader push to bring Taiwan’s legal system in line with international human rights law. The article provides a comprehensive description and analysis of the refugee situation in Taiwan; it is based on document studies and interviews conducted in Taipei in autumn 2020.
Chancen-Risiko-Klassifizierung eines Portfolios aus staatlich geförderten Altersvorsorgeprodukten und Empfehlungen für die Kundenberatung
Authors: Diez Franziska , Horsky Roman , Korn Ralf
Published: January 2022

Um die Möglichkeiten der Nutzung der Chancen-Risiko Klassen (CRK) für staatlich geförderte Altersvorsorgeprodukte durch die Produktinformationsstelle Altersvorsorge gGmbH (PIA) bei der Kundenberatung zu maximieren, entwickeln wir ein Verfahren zur Bestimmung der CRK verschiedener Portfolios solcher Produkte, so dass die CRK des Portfolios nicht größer ist als die Risikopräferenz des zu beratenden Kunden. Dafür betrachten wir zum einen ein Portfolio aus zwei neu zu erwerbenden Produkten und zum anderen eines aus einem bereits beim Kunden vorhandenen Produkt und einem Neuprodukt. Wir untersuchen die Eigenschaften der verschiedenen Chancen- und Risikoparameter samt zugehöriger Abbildungen und zeigen, dass ein Diversifikationseffekt bei der Klassifizierung vorliegt. Aufbauend auf den Eigenschaften erhalten wir als Ergebnis, dass als Obergrenze der CRK des Portfolios die gemittelten Endvermögen heranzuziehen sind und übersetzen dies in Empfehlungen für die Kundenberatung.
Antibiotics in early life and childhood pre-B-ALL. Reasons to analyze a possible new piece in the puzzle
Authors: Cardesa-Salzmann T. M. , Simon A. , Graf N.
Published: January 2022

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric cancer with precursor B-cell ALL (pB-ALL) accounting for ~ 85% of the cases. Childhood pB-ALL development is influenced by genetic susceptibility and host immune responses. The role of the intestinal microbiome in leukemogenesis is gaining increasing attention since Vicente-Dueñas’ seminal work demonstrated that the gut microbiome is distinct in mice genetically predisposed to ALL and that the alteration of this microbiome by antibiotics is able to trigger pB-ALL in Pax5 heterozygous mice in the absence of infectious stimuli. In this review we provide an overview on novel insights on the role of the microbiome in normal and preleukemic hematopoiesis, inflammation, the effect of dysbiosis on hematopoietic stem cells and the emerging importance of the innate immune responses in the conversion from preleukemic to leukemic state in childhood ALL. Since antibiotics, which represent one of the most widely used medical interventions, alter the gut microbial composition and can cause a state of dysbiosis, this raises exciting epidemiological questions regarding the implications for antibiotic use in early life, especially in infants with a a preleukemic “first hit”. Sheading light through a rigorous study on this piece of the puzzle may have broad implications for clinical practice.
Comparative Studies of Cerebral Reperfusion Injury in the Posterior and Anterior Circulations After Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Bower Matthew M. , Suzuki Shuichi , Golshani Kiarash , Lin Li-Mei , Shafie Mohammad , Abcede Hermelinda G. , Shah Jay , Stradling Dana , Yu Wengui
Published: January 2022

Cerebral reperfusion injury is the major complication of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Contrast extravasation (CE) and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) are the key radiographical features of cerebral reperfusion injury. The aim of this study was to investigate CE and ICH after MT in the anterior and posterior circulation, and their effect on functional outcome. This is a retrospective study of all consecutive patients who were treated with MT for AIS at University of California Irvine Medical Center between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2017. Patient characteristics, clinical features, procedural variables, contrast extravasation, ICH, and outcomes after MT were analyzed. A total of 131 patients with anterior circulation (AC) stroke and 25 patients with posterior circulation (PC) stroke underwent MT during the study period. There was no statistically significant difference in admission NIHSS score, blood pressure, rate of receiving intravenous tPA, procedural variables, contrast extravasation, and symptomatic ICH between the 2 groups. Patients with PC stroke had a similar rate of favorable outcome (mRS 0–2) but significantly higher mortality (40.0% vs. 10.7%, p < 0.01) than patients with AC stroke. Multivariate regression analysis identified initial NIHSS score (OR 1.1, CI 1.0–1.2, p = 0.01), number of passes with stent retriever (OR 2.1, CI 1.3–3.6, p < 0.01), and PC stroke (OR 9.3, CI 2.5–35.1, p < 0.01) as independent risk factors for death. There was no significant difference in functional outcomes between patients with and without evidence of cerebral reperfusion injury after MT. We demonstrated that AC and PC stroke had similar rates of cerebral reperfusion injury and favorable outcome after MT. Cerebral reperfusion injury is not a significant independent risk factor for poor functional outcome.
Aggregate-based Training Phase for ML-based Cardinality Estimation
Authors: Woltmann Lucas , Hartmann Claudio , Habich Dirk , Lehner Wolfgang
Published: January 2022

Cardinality estimation is a fundamental task in database query processing and optimization. As shown in recent papers, machine learning (ML)-based approaches may deliver more accurate cardinality estimations than traditional approaches. However, a lot of training queries have to be executed during themodel training phaseto learn a data-dependent ML model making it very time-consuming. Many of those training or example queries use the same base data, have the same query structure, and only differ in their selective predicates. To speed up the model training phase, our core idea is to determine a predicate-independent pre-aggregationof the base data and to execute the example queries over this pre-aggregated data. Based on this idea, we present a specificaggregate-based training phasefor ML-based cardinality estimation approaches in this paper. As we are going to show with different workloads in our evaluation, we are able to achieve an average speedup of 90 with ouraggregate-based training phaseand thus outperform indexes.
Sensitive-stage embryo irradiation affects embryonic neuroblasts and adult motor function
Authors: Wagle Ram , Song Young-Han
Published: January 2022

Background

Cranial radiation therapy for treating childhood malignancies in the central nervous system or accidental radiation exposure may result in neurological side effects in surviving adults. As tissue homeostasis is maintained by stem cells, understanding the effect of radiation on neural stem cells will provide clues for managing the neurological effects. Drosophila embryos were used as a model system whose sensitivity to irradiation-induced cell death changes from the sensitive to resistant stage during development.

Objective

Drosophila embryos at the radiation-sensitive stage were irradiated at various doses and the radiation sensitivity was tested regarding the appearance of apoptotic cells in the embryos and the embryonic lethality. Cell fates of the neural stem cells called neuroblasts (NBs) and adult motor function after irradiation were also investigated.

Result

Irradiation of Drosophila embryos at the radiation-sensitive stage resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the number of embryos containing apoptotic cells 75 min after treatment starting at 3 Gy. Embryonic lethality assayed by hatch rate was induced by 1 Gy irradiation, which did not induce cell death. Notably, no apoptosis was detected in NBs up to 2 h after irradiation at doses as high as 40 Gy. At 3 h after irradiation, as low as 3 Gy, the number of NBs marked by Dpn and Klu was decreased by an unidentified mechanism regardless of the cell death status of the embryo. Furthermore, embryonic irradiation at 3 Gy, but not 1 Gy, resulted in locomotor defects in surviving adults.

Conclusion

Embryonic NBs survived irradiation at doses as high as 40 Gy, while cells in other parts of the embryos underwent apoptosis at doses higher than 3 Gy within 2 h after treatment. Three hours after exposure to a minimum dose of 3 Gy, the number of NBs marked by Dpn and Klu decreased, and the surviving adults exhibited defects in locomotor ability.
Identification of bacterial blight resistance genes in rice landraces from Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Zhao Caimei , Yin Fuyou , Chen Ling , Li Dingqin , Xiao Suqin , Zhong Qiaofang , Wang Bo , Ke Xue , Fu Jian , Li Xiang , Chen Yue , Wang Lingxian , Zhang Dunyu , Zhang Yun , Huang Xingqi , Cheng Zaiquan
Published: January 2022

Bacterial blight (BB), a serious bacterial disease caused by pathogen Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) affects rice growth and yield. Yunnan Province is regarded as a center of rice diversity in China and indeed the world, and has abundant rice landrace resources, which may offer prospective candidate donors in rice improvement and breeding. In this study, a set of 200 rice landraces were evaluated to determine their resistance to 10 pathogenic Xoo strains resistance by the leaf-clipping method. The results indicated that the tested rice landraces had different resistance levels against different Xoo strains. Multiple comparisons showed that the Xoo strain PXO99 was virulent to the tested rice landraces. Sixty-six rice landraces conferred resistance against at least one Xoo strain. These resistant rice landraces screened were then performed the presence of 14 cloned BB resistance genes by closely linked molecular markers and designed specific primers. The results showed that none of these resistant accessions contained xa13, Xa21, Xa27, and Xa45(t) homologous fragments, while 9, 24, 4, 7, 9, 15, 1, 5, 4 and 27 accessions contained Xa1, Xa2/Xa31(t), Xa14, Xa3/Xa26, Xa4, xa5, Xa7, Xa10, Xa23 and xa25 homologous fragments, respectively. Sequence analysis further revealed that nucleotide variations around functional nucleotide polymorphisms region were observed within these accessions containing the Xa1, Xa2/Xa31(t), Xa14, Xa3/Xa26, Xa4, xa5, Xa10, Xa23 and xa25 homologous fragments. These results along with phenotypic resistance spectrum supported that these accessions carried nine resistance homologous genes. Only one accession (Qishanggu_Wenshan) carried the Xa7 resistance gene. We also found that some resistant rice landraces, especially Xilandigu_Baoshan, and Laoyaling_Lincang without the above resistance genes, which mediated broad spectrum resistance to multiple Xoo strains, were identified as potential sources for breeding rice lines resistance to BB.
Data collection protocols for VANETs: a survey
Authors: Gillani Maryam , Niaz Hafiz Adnan , Farooq Muhammad Umar , Ullah Ata
Published: January 2022

We live in the era of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), which is an extension of Vehicular AdHoc Networks (VANETs). In VANETs, vehicles act as nodes connected with each other and sometimes with a public station. Vehicles continuously exchange and collect information to provide innovative transportation services; for example, traffic management, navigation, autonomous driving, and the generation of alerts. However, VANETs are extremely challenging for data collection, due to their high mobility and dynamic network topologies that cause frequent link disruptions and make path discovery difficult. In this survey, various state-of-the-art data collection protocols for VANETs are discussed, based on three broad categories, i.e., delay-tolerant, best-effort, and real-time protocols. A taxonomy is designed for data collection protocols for VANETs that is essential to add precision and ease of understandability. A detailed comparative analysis among various data collection protocols is provided to highlight their functionalities and features. Protocols are evaluated based on three parametric phases. First, protocols investigation based on six necessary parameters, including delivery and drop ratio, efficiency, and recovery strategy. Second, a 4-D functional framework is designed to fit most data collection protocols for quick classification and mobility model identification, thus eradicating the need to read extensive literature. In the last, in-depth categorical mapping is performed to deep dive for better and targeted interpretation. In addition, some open research challenges for ITS and VANETs are discussed to highlight research gaps. Our work can thus be employed as a quick guide for researchers to identify the technical relevance of data collection protocols of VANETs.
Plant immunity inducers: from discovery to agricultural application
Authors: Yang Bo , Yang Sen , Zheng Wenyue , Wang Yuanchao
Published: January 2022

While conventional chemical fungicides directly eliminate pathogens, plant immunity inducers activate or prime plant immunity. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of immune regulation in plants. The development and application of plant immunity inducers based on the principles of plant immunity represent a new field in plant protection research. In this review, we describe the mechanisms of plant immunity inducers in terms of plant immune system activation, summarize the various classes of reported plant immunity inducers (proteins, oligosaccharides, chemicals, and lipids), and review methods for the identification or synthesis of plant immunity inducers. The current situation, new strategies, and future prospects in the development and application of plant immunity inducers are also discussed.