bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pakistan's Tourism Industry: Full of potential, but still lagging behind
Authors: Khan Jawad , Ali Amna , Zada Muhammad , Saeed Imran , Zada Shagufta
Published: March 2022

Pakistan's tourism sector has enormous potential. It has some of the world's highest mountains, lakes, and natural sceneries and is a popular destination for adventurers from inside and outside the country. Pakistan is a developing nation where tourism has recently been pushed to promote economic growth and improve the quality of life for its citizens. Pakistan is now seeing the fastest growth rates in tourist arrivals globally, and it is stated that tourism should be considered a vital part of Pakistan's growth strategy. However, even though Pakistan's tourism sector seems to be on the rise, the country's overall economic and social progress has not been as fruitful as it may be. However, Pakistan faces many challenges in tourism industry growth. Drawing on research in Pakistan, this paper explores the challenges faced by the tourism industry. The study reveals that infrastructure, security issues, and inflation rates affect the tourism industry.
Altered Small-World, Functional Brain Networks in Children with Strabismus and Amblyopia
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Gao Gui-ping , Shao Yi
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
This study investigated changes in brain structural connectivity network and "small-world" topology in children with strabismus and amblyopia by resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI)and graph theory.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 18 children with strabismus and amblyopia (SA) and 18 matched healthy control (HC) subjects were enrolled. We use rs-fMRI and graph theory to preprocess the date, Difference in brain network parameters area under the integral curve between the two groups were evaluated with the 2 sample t-test. Network-based statistics method was used to evaluate changes in brain connection strength between strabismus and amblyopia children and control subjects.
RESULTS
Compared with the control group, node clustering coefficient (Cp), characteristic path length (Lp), local network efficiency(EI), global network efficiency (Eg), normalized clustering coefficient (γ), normalized characteristic path length (λ), and small-world coefficient (σ) of strabismus and amblyopia group decreased significantly. The difference was statistically significant, and both groups exhibited small-world attributes (λ > 1, γ > 1, σ > 1). In addition ,the strength of brain connection among Inferior frontal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, posterior cingulate gyrus, cuneus, superior occipital gyrus, inferior occipital gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, angular gyri, middle temporal gyrus and cerebellum in strabismus and amblyopia group were significantly lower compared to the control group (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
The brain network in strabismus and amblyopia children has a small-world attribute, but shows reduced and abnormal connectivity compared to normal subjects. These findings provide insight into the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of strabismus and amblyopia children .
Evaluation of the α-synuclein PET Radiotracer (d3)-[11C]MODAG-001 in Pigs
Authors: Raval Nakul Ravi , Madsen Clara Aabye , Shalgunov Vladimir , Nasser Arafat , Battisti Umberto Maria , Beaman Emily Eufaula , Juhl Morten , Jørgensen Louise Møller , Herth Matthias Manfred , Hansen Hanne Demant , Plavén-Sigray Pontus , Knudsen Gitte Moos
Published: March 2022

Background:A positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer to neuroimage α-synuclein aggregates would be a crucial addition for early diagnosis and treatment development in disorders such as Parkinson's disease, where elevated aggregate levels is a histopathological hallmark. The radiotracer (d3)-[11C]MODAG-001 has recently shown promise for visualization of α-synuclein pre-formed fibrils (α-PFF) in rodents. We here test the radiotracer in a pig model where proteins are intracerebrally injected immediately before scanning. Four pigs were injected in one hemisphere with 150 µg α-PFF, and in the other hemisphere, either 75 µg α-PFF or human brain homogenate from either dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) or Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was injected. All pigs underwent one or two (d3)-[11C]MODAG-001 PET scans, quantified with the non-invasive Logan graphical analysis using the occipital cortex as a reference region.Results:The α-PFF and AD homogenate injected brain regions had high uptake of (d3)-[11C]MODAG-001 compared to the occipital cortex or cerebellum. BPND values in 150 µg α-PFF injected regions was 0.78, and in the AD homogenate injected regions was 0.73. By contrast, the DLB homogenate injected region did not differ in uptake and clearance compared to the reference regions. The time-activity curves and BPND values in the 150 µg and 75 µg injected region of α-PFFs show a dose-dependent effect, and the PET signal could be blocked by pretreatment with unlabeled MODAG-001. Conclusion:We find that both α-PFF and AD brain homogenates give rise to increased binding of (d3)-[11C]MODAG-001 when injected into the pig brain. Despite its limited specificity for cerebral α-synuclein pathology, (d3)-[11C]MODAG-001 shows promise as a lead tracer for future radiotracer development.
Prevalence of Duesenberry’s Relative Income Hypothesis in Nepalese Economy
Authors: Adhikari Rajendra
Published: March 2022

Present paper examines the prevalence of Duesenberry’s relative income hypothesis in Nepalese economy during 1974/75-2019/20 through ARDL bound tests under DEF and Davis-SK specifications. The ARDL under DEF specification is found to be not valid. However, the ARDL bound test under Davis-SK specification is found valid. There exists cointegration among average propensity to consume demonstration effect and ratchet effect. The coefficient of demonstration effect is found to be negative and that of ratchet effect to be positive as reported by ARDL models. The error correction model also implies that short run shocks significantly affect long run relations among the variables. The departure from the long term growth path due to short run shocks is adjusted by 11.3% over the next year as indicated by error correction model. This study throws some lights in policy perspective. It is recommended that government of Nepal should impose heavy tax on the consumption of durables and luxuries to discourage consumption and encourage rate of saving, which is most inevitable in Nepalese economy to foster growth of employment and income.JEL Classification: C51, C52, E21, E22, E60
Neural Network Methods For Diagnosing Patient Conditions From Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Data
Authors: Brown Donald Edward , Sharma Suchetha , Jablonski James
Published: March 2022

Background: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) provides a reliable and reproducible approach to measuring fitness in patients and diagnosing their health problems. However, the data from CPET consist of multiple time series that require training to interpret. Part of this training teaches the use of flow charts or nested decision trees to interpret the CPET results. This paper investigates the use of two machine learning techniques using neural networks to predict patient health conditions with CPET data in contrast to flow charts. The data for this investigations comes from a small sample of patients with known health problems and who had CPET results. The small size of the sample data also allows us to investigate the use and performance of deep learning neural networks on health care problems with limited amounts of labeled training and testing data. Methods: This paper compares the current standard for interpreting and classifying CPET data, flowchart, to neural network techniques, autoencoders and convolutional neural networks (CNN). The study also investigated the performance of principal component analysis (PCA) with logistic regression to provide an additional baseline of comparison to the neural network techniques.Results: The patients in the sample had two primary diagnoses: heart failure and metabolic syndrome. All model-based testing was done with 5-fold cross-validation and metrics of precision, recall, F1 score, and accuracy. As a baseline for comparison to our models, the highest performing flow chart method achieved an an accuracy of 77\%. Both PCA regression and CNN achieved an average accuracy of 90\% and outperformed the flow chart methods on all metrics. The autoencoder with logistic regression performed the best on each of the metrics and had an average accuracy of 94%.﻿Conclusions: This study suggests that machine learning and neural network techniques, in particular, can provide higher levels of accuracy with CPET data than traditional flowchart methods. Further, the CNN performed well with a small data set showing that these techniques can be designed to perform well on small data problems that are often found in health care and the life sciences. Further testing with larger data sets is needed to continue evaluating the use of machine learning to interpret CPET data.
Quality of Life, Levels of Anxiety and Depression Among Sudanese Patients With Surgical Stoma in Khartoum State, Sudan.
Authors: Musa Razaz Mahde Esmaeel , Salih Mugahid A , M.A.Shaaban Kamil , Abdelbagi Alnazeer Y.
Published: March 2022

Background: The objectives of this study are to assess the quality of life, levels of anxiety, and depression among Sudanese ostomates with special emphasis on sociodemographic data and ostomy-related data.Methods: This is a facility-based cross-sectional study in Khartoum state between 2018 and 2019. 100 patients participated in the study with a response rate of 80 in seven hospitals throughout Khartoum state. Standardized fecal incontinence quality of life (FIQOL) and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) questionnaires were used and data obtained were analyzed by multiple statistical tests to identify any group differences and associations to the sociodemographic data.Results: Quality of life total score was found to be below the average. Depression scale scores at the average, and religious score account for the worst. While there is a strong correlation between the QOL subscales, there was no significant association between quality of life score and the sociodemographic data. Regarding anxiety and depression levels 51.3% of the participants are normal for anxiety level while 25% and 23.8% were borderline and abnormal respectively. For depression level, the score was 45% normal, 26.3% borderline and 28.8% were abnormal. neither some significant association nor subgroup differences were found regarding sociodemographic and ostomy-related data.Conclusions: Respondents had a quality of life below the average and high levels of anxiety and depression. Religious and spiritual QOL is marginally influenced by the intestinal stoma, qualitative comments also lend insight to the spiritual aspect. this finding can assist in the provision of holistic care in our stoma patients.
Psilocybin Combines Rapid Synaptogenic And Anti-Inflammatory Effects In Vitro
Authors: Smedfors Gabriella , Glotfelty Elliot , Kalani Negar , Hjelle Christian Papatziamos , Horntvedt Otilia , Wellfelt Katrin , Brodin Alvin , von Kieseritzky Fredrik , Olson Lars , Karlsson Tobias
Published: March 2022

Psilocybin is a psychedelic substance approaching clinical use. The drug has long-lasting effects after single or multiple administrations and enhances structural plasticity in the brain. Little is known if the plasticity inducing effects of psilocybin could be timed to other treatments and promote a larger effect. We investigated the effect of psilocybin on cultured mouse hippocampal neurons, examining the plasticity promoting effects from 5 min to 72 h post-treatment. We found robust effects on pre- and postsynaptic (Piccolo and Homer1) protein expression 1-3 h following treatment. Presynaptic Synapsin-1 expression mirrored these findings, with peak expression 72 h post-treatment. Our studies suggest psilocybin opens a window of plasticity that rapidly normalizes. As psilocybin has been shown to have an effect treating diseases (e.g. depression and cluster headache) linked with inflammation, we used an immortalized microglia cell line (IMG) to demonstrate its anti-inflammatory effects against a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge (we show reduced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) secretion). Altogether, our studies show discrete and acute cell type specific effects of psilocybin that provides insight into its mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic value.
Can We Predict Turnover Intention in Nursing Students? An Exploration of the Relationship Between Resilience, Burnout and Their Relationship with Future Turnover Intention
Authors: shaabna Zareefa , Sarhan Adnan
Published: March 2022

Introduction:
Globally nursing is deemed a demanding profession. Recently, attention has been placed on the psychological well-being of employed nurses. Since nursing students are the future of the nursing workforce, it is essential to advance our understanding of the role of resilience in decreasing burnout and future turnover intention in nursing students.
Aim
The study aimed to assess the levels of resilience and burnout, examine the relationship between the two measures, and to determine the relationship between the two measures with future turnover intention and participants' demographics.
Methods
A cross-sectional descriptive correlational study was conducted using an online survey on 409 undergraduate nursing students from three large nursing institutions in West Bank-Palestine. The study used The Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC 10), The Burnout Scale, and a demographic data sheet.
Results
Moderate levels of resilience and burnout were found among the participants. The analysis revealed a negative correlation between resilience and burnout (r = -0.35). In addition, the study findings showed that almost half of the students (46.9%) were not satisfied with their major when they joined the nursing program, and half of the students (50.1%) intended to leave nursing profession in the future. In this study, higher resilience was associated with male gender, wanting to study nursing, playing exercise/sports, working, living on campus, receiving support from friends and family, intention to stay in the nursing profession, and studying for a week or more of the exam. Whereas not receiving support from family & friends, not exercising, smoking, intend to leave nursing profession, higher academic level, lower GPAs, studying an hour or less daily, and studying in a day or less of the exam were all associated with higher burnout.
Conclusion
Resilience in nursing students might play an important role in decreasing global nursing shortage by enhancing academic success and decreasing future intention to leave and burnout.
Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA and inactivated vaccines in healthy adolescents
Authors: Lau Yu-Lung , Duque Jaime Rosa , Wang Xiwei , Leung Daniel , Cheng Samuel , Cohen Carolyn , Mu Xiaofeng , Hachim Asmaa , Zhang Yanmei , Chan Sau-Man , Chaothai Sara , Kwan Kelvin , Chan Karl , Li John , Luk Leo , Tsang Leo , Wong Wilfred , Cheang Cheuk-Hei , Hung Timothy , Lam Jennifer , Chua Gilbert , Tso Winnie , Ip Patrick , Kavian Niloufar , Leung Wing , Valkenburg Sophie , Peiris Malik , TU WENWEI , Mori Masashi
Published: March 2022

For SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, efficacy data for BNT162b2 but not CoronaVac are available in adolescents. Phase II/III studies focused on neutralizing antibody responses in adolescents, neglecting binding antibody and cellular responses that are also important against SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, we conducted a registered clinical study (NCT04800133) to establish immunobridging with various antibody and cellular immunity markers and to compare the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of these 2 vaccines in healthy adolescents. One-dose BNT162b2 outcomes were also assessed since it had been recommended in some localities due to the risk of myocarditis. Antibodies and T cell immune responses were non-inferior or similar in adolescents receiving 2 doses of BNT162b2 (BB, N=116) and CoronaVac (CC, N=123) versus adults after 2 doses of the same vaccine (BB, N=147; CC, N=141) but not in adolescents after 1 dose of BNT162b2 (B, N=116). CC induced SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) and N C-terminal domain seroconversion in more adolescents than adults. Adverse reactions were mostly mild for both vaccines and more frequent for BNT162b2. We confirmed higher S, neutralizing, avidity and Fc receptor-binding antibody responses in adolescents receiving BB than CC. This is the first study to show similar induction of strong S-specific T cells by the 2 vaccines, in addition to N- and M-specific T cells induced by CoronaVac but not BNT162b2 in adolescents. The implications of the differential ability to induce S- and non-S-specific antibody and T cell responses on the durability of protection and protection against virus variants by BNT162b2 and CoronaVac, the 2 most used SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in the world, should be further investigated. Our results support the use of both vaccines in adolescents.
CRISPR/Cas Tool Designs for Multiplex Genome Editing and Its Applications in Developing Biotic and Abiotic Stress Resistant Crop Plants
Authors: Singh Jagmohan , Sharma Dimple , Brar Gagandeep Singh , Sandhu Karansher Singh , Wani Shabir Hussain , Kashyap Ruchika , Kour Amardeep , Singh Satnam
Published: March 2022

Plants are prone to several biotic and abiotic stresses, reducing crop yields. The crop yield reductions due to these stresses need addressing to maintain an adequate balance between the increasing world population and food production to avoid food scarcities in the future. It is impossible to increase the area under food crops proportionately to meet the rising food demand. In such an adverse scenario overcoming the biotic and abiotic stresses through biotechnological interventions may serve as a boon to help meet the globe's food requirements. Under the current genomic era, the wide availability of genomic resources and genome editing technologies such as Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs), Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs), and Clustered-Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR-associated proteins (CRISPR/Cas) has widened the scope of overcoming these stresses for several food crops. These techniques have made gene editing more manageable and accessible with changes at the embryo level by adding or deleting DNA sequences of the target gene(s) from the genome. The CRISPR construct consists of a single guide RNA having complementarity with the nucleotide fragments of the target gene sequence, accompanied by a protospacer adjacent motif. The target sequence in the organism's genome is then cleaved by the Cas9 endonuclease for obtaining a desired trait of interest. The current review describes the components, mechanisms, and types of CRISPR/Cas techniques and how this technology has helped to functionally characterize genes associated with various biotic and abiotic stresses in a target organism. This review also summarizes the application of CRISPR/Cas technology targeting these stress in crops through knocking down/out of associated genes.
A Conserved Transcriptional Fingerprint Of Multi-Neurotransmitter Neurons Necessary For Social Behavior
Authors: Ncube Denver , Tallafuss Alexandra , Serafin Jen , Bruckner Joseph , Farnsworth Dylan , Miller Adam , Eisen Judith , Washbourne Philip
Published: March 2022

Background: An essential determinant of a neuron’s functionality is its neurotransmitter phenotype. We previously identified a defined subpopulation of cholinergic forebrain neurons required for social orienting behavior in zebrafish. Results: We transcriptionally profiled these neurons and discovered that they are capable of synthesizing both acetylcholine and GABA. We also established a constellation of transcription factors and neurotransmitter markers that can be used as a “transcriptomic fingerprint” to recognize a homologous neuronal population in another vertebrate. Conclusion: Our results suggest that this transcriptomic fingerprint and the cholinergic-GABAergic neuronal subtype that it defines are evolutionarily conserved.
Reduced efficacies of diclazuril and toltrazuril against Eimeria ovinoidalis and Eimeria crandallis in two French sheep-meat farms
Authors: Bordes Léa , LeChenadec Agathe , Souchon Corentin , Berger Adeline , Claessens Alice , Bouix Geniève , Jouffroy Sophie , Grisez Christelle , Jacquiet Philippe
Published: March 2022

Background: Lamb coccidiosis, caused by intestinal parasites of the Eimeria genus, has pronounced health and economic impacts throughout the world. Eimeria ovinoidalis and Eimeria crandallis are the most pathogenic species in sheep. Control of these parasites requires the use of anticoccidial drugs such as sulfonamides, diclazuril, and toltrazuril. In this study, resistance to anticoccidial drugs was suspected in two farms as clinical signs (diarrhea) persisted after treatment. Method: On each farm, 4.5-month-old rams were divided into three groups so that they were either (i) left untreated (Control group), (ii) treated with diclazuril (1 mg/kg body weight), or (iii) treated with toltrazuril (20 mg/kg body weight). Animals were treated at day 0 (D0) and fecal samples were collected at D0 and eight days later (D8) to evaluate the reduction in intensity of Eimeria oocyst excretion. Oocyst morphology and morphometry were used to identify Eimeria species at both sampling dates. Results: Reduction of oocyst shedding was incomplete in both farms (92.44% and 93.58%) after diclazuril treatment. More specifically, the efficacy was reduced in both farms for E. ovinoidalis/Eimeria marsica (92.59% and 91.87%) and E. crandallis/Eimeria weybridgensis (75.34% and 80.10%). The general efficacy of toltrazuril was high in both farms (97.6% and 97.96%). However, a slightly reduced efficacy was noted in farm 1 for E. crandallis/E. weybridgensis (93.26%) while this efficacy was high in farm 2 (98.88%). Conclusions: We suggest a simple protocol to investigate the efficacy of anticoccidial treatments in sheep and to rapidly identify potentially resistant species. In these two farms, treating animals with diclazuril will select pathogenic species, and toltrazuril could favor resistant E. crandallis/E. weybridgensis in one of them.
Gene-diet interactions and cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review of observational and clinical trials
Authors: Roa-Díaz Zayne M. , Teuscher Julian , Gamba Magda , Bundo Marvin , Grisotto Giorgia , Wehrli Faina , Gamboa Edna , Rojas Lyda Z. , Gómez-Ochoa Sergio , Verhoog Sanne , Vargas Manuel Frias , Minder Beatrice , Franco Oscar H. , Dehghan Abbas , Pazoki Raha , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Muka Taulant
Published: March 2022

Background: Both genetic background and diet are important determinants of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Understanding gene-diet interactions could help improve CVD prevention and prognosis. We aimed to summarise the evidence on gene-diet interactions and CVD outcomes systematically. Methods: We searched MEDLINE® via Ovid, Embase, PubMed®, and The Cochrane Library for relevant studies published until May 7th 2021. We considered for inclusion cross-sectional, case-control, prospective cohort, nested case-control, and case-cohort studies as well as randomised controlled trials that evaluated the interaction between genetic variants and/or genetic risk scores and food or diet intake on the risk of related outcomes, including myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke and CVD as a composite outcome. The PROSPERO protocol registration code is CRD42019147031.Results and discussion: We included 54 articles based on data from 29 studies; six articles involved multiple studies, and three did not report details of their source population. The median sample size of the articles was 2562 participants. Of the 54 articles, 19 (35.2%) were qualified as high quality, while the rest were intermediate or poor. Eight (14.8%) articles adjusted for multiple comparisons, four (7.0%) attempted to replicate the findings, 15 (27.7%) were based on Han-Chinese ethnicity, and 28 (52%) did not present Minor Allele Frequency. Forty-nine different dietary exposures and 47 different genetic factors were investigated, with alcohol intake and ADH1C variants being the most examined. Of 249 investigated diet-gene interaction tests, 47 (18.9%) were statistically significant, including CETP-TaqIB and ADH1C variants, which interacted with alcohol intake on CHD risk. However, interactions effects were significant only in some articles and did not agree on the direction of effects. Moreover, most of the studies that reported significant interactions lacked replication. Overall, the evidence on gene-diet interactions on CVD is limited, and lack correction for multiple testing, replication and sample size consideration.
Micro-Raman and X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopic Investigations of Heterojunction Between Delafossite CuGaO2 and Wurtzite ZnO Obtained by Hydrothermal Method
Authors: Choi Minuk , Brabec Christoph , Hayakawa Tomokatsu
Published: March 2022

P-type delafossite CuGaO2 is a wide-bandgap semiconductor for optoelectronic applications, and its lattice parameters are very similar to those of n-type semiconductor wurtzite ZnO. Therefore, the investigation on p-n junction properties of crystalline CuGaO2 /ZnO heterostructures has attracted significant attention. In this study, interfacial CuGaO2 /ZnO heterojunctions were examined through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). XRD analysis revealed that the hydrothermal deposition of ZnO on hexagonal platelet CuGaO2 base crystals was successful, and the subsequent reduction process could induce a unique reaction between CuGaO2 and ZnO. XPS allowed the comparison of the binding energies (peak position and width) of the valence electrons of the constituents (Cu, Ga, (Zn) and O) of the pristine CuGaO2 single crystallites and of crystalline CuGaO2 /ZnO heterojunctions. The presence of distorted GaO6 octahedra at the CuGaO2 /ZnO hybrid interface and the absence of Cu2+ ions were the main characteristics of the chemically well-reconstructed heterojunction interface that facilitated effective carrier separation.
A Volterra-PEM approach for random vibration spectrum analysis of nonlinear systems
Authors: Wu P.H. , Zhao Y.
Published: March 2022

Based on Volterra series theory, a Volterra-pseudo excitation method (Volterra-PEM) is developed to compute the response power spectral density (PSD) for nonlinear systems under random excitation. Firstly, within the framework of Volterra series theory, an improved pseudo excitation method (PEM) is established for multi-dimensional power spectral density (MPSD) analysis of nonlinear systems. As a generalized PEM for linear random vibration analysis, the Volterra-PEM is used to analyse the response MPSD, which also has a very concise expression. Secondly, in the case of computation difficulties when multi-dimensional integrating from MPSD to PSD, the computational efficiency is improved by converting the multi-dimensional integral into a matrix operation. Finally, as numerical examples, the Volterra-PEM is used to estimate the response PSD for stationary random vibration of a nonlinear spring-damped oscillator and a non-ideal boundary beam with geometrical nonlinearity. Compared with Monte Carlo simulation (MCS), the results show that the proposed method can predict the response PSD for nonlinear systems quickly and accurately under appropriate excitation intensities.
Similar Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression profile in patients with mild COPD and lung cancer
Authors: Polverino Francesca , Mirra Davida , Esposito Renata , Spaziano Giuseppe , Sgambato Manuela , Piegari Elena , Cozzolino Anna , Cione Erika , Gallelli Luca , Capuozzo Antonio , Santoriello Carlo , Berrino Liberato , de Torres Juan Paoblo , Polverino Mario , D'Agostino Bruno
Published: March 2022

Rationale: Programmed Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) is crucial in regulating the immunological tolerance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Alveolar macrophage (AM)-derived PD-L1 binds to its receptor, PD-1, on surveilling lymphocytes, leading to lymphocyte exhaustion. Increased PD-L1 expression is associated with cigarette smoke (CS)-exposure. However, the PD-L1 role in CS-associated lung diseases associated with NSCLC, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is still unclear.Methods: In two different cohorts of ever smokers with COPD or NSCLC, and ever and never smoker controls, we evaluated PD-L1 expression: 1) via cutting-edge digital spatial proteomic profiling (Geomx) of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) lung tissue sections (n=19); and 2) via triple immunofluorescence staining of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) AMs (n = 83). PD-L1 mRNA expression was also quantified in BAL AMs exposed to CS extract.Results: PD-L1 expression was increased in the bronchiolar wall, parenchyma, and vascular wall from global initiative for chronic lung disease (GOLD) 1-2 COPD patients compared to patients with GOLD 3-4 COPD and controls. Within all the COPD patients, PD-L1 protein expression was strongly directly correlated with the FEV1 % predicted, indicating higher PD-L1 expression in the milder vs. more severe COPD stages. In bronchioles, PD-L1 levels were strongly directly correlated with the number of functionally active AMs. In BAL, we confirmed that AMs from patients with both GOLD 1-2 COPD and NSCLC had the highest and similar, PD-L1 expression levels vs. all the other groups, independently from active cigarette smoking. Intriguingly, AMs from patients with more severe COPD (GOLD 3-4) had reduced AM PD-L1 expression compared to GOLD 1-2 COPD patients. Acute CS extract stimulation increased PD-L1 mRNA expression only in never-and not in ever-smoker AMs. Conclusions: Lungs from patients with mild COPD and NSCLC are characterized by a similar strong PD-L1 expression signature in bronchioles and functionally active AMs compared to patients with severe COPD and controls. Active smoking does not affect PD-L1 levels. These observations represent a new resource in understanding the innate immune mechanisms underlying the link between COPD and lung cancer onset and progression and pave the way to future studies focused on the mechanisms by which CS promotes tumorigenesis and COPD.
Development of sand-plastic composites as floor tiles using silica sand and recycled thermoplastics mixture from post-consumer products - A sustainable approach for cleaner production
Authors: Soni Ashish , Das Pankaj Kumar
Published: March 2022

Strict environmental concern, depleting natural recourses and increasing demand of building construction materials has driven the scientific study towards alternative building materials. This research supports the idea of sustainability and circular economy via utilization of waste to produce value-added products. This research explores the potential of waste plastics and silica sand for the development of thermoplastic composite materials as floor tiles. The developed floor tiles were characterized for water absorption compressive strength, flexural strength and sliding wear. The morphological analysis of the sand-plastic interfaces was coved under the umbrella of this study. The maximum compressive and flexural strength obtained to be 46.20 N/mm2 and 6.24 N/mm2 respectively. Moreover, the minimum water absorption (%) and wear rate were found to be 0.039 and 0.143×10− 8 kg/meter respectively. The study suggests the workability of the developed floor tiles in non-traffic areas of public places. Thus, the study provides a green building material through recycling of waste plastics for sustainable development.
Effects of the Intervention Model Based on Telehealth and Education for the Management of Obstetric Emergencies in Latin America
Authors: Escobar María Fernanda , Echavarria María Paula , Vasquez Hilda , Nasner Daniela , Ramos Isabella , Hincapié María Antonia , Pabon Stephanie , Kusanovic Juan Pedro , Martínez-Ruíz Diana Marcela , Carvajal Javier Andrés
Published: March 2022

Background: Rural populations are commonly characterized by poverty, low educational level, and poor access to health services, and pregnant women often lack adherence to prenatal care. Referral of obstetric patients in critical conditions from these areas is associated with high maternal morbidity/mortality. We thought to identify changes in maternal/perinatal care quality indicators after implementing a model based on telehealth and education for patients with obstetric emergencies between two hospitals in a southwestern region of Colombia.Methods: An ecological study was conducted between 2017 to 2019 to compare before and after obstetric emergency care through telemedicine from a secondary care center (Hospital Francisco de Paula Santander-HFPS) to the referral center (Fundación Valle del Lili-FVL). The project included verification visits to determine the installed capacity of care, a concerted improvement plan, an on-site education project supported by simulation in eight obstetric and perinatal care modules, and the strengthening of non-technical competencies. The communication platform between institutions was a technological development of the FVL, and the telecalls were made through licensed platforms.Findings: 102 patients were treated before, and 148 after telemedicine implementation. The clinical indicators after model implementation showed a significant reduction in perinatal mortality of 29%. An effect statistically significant for outcome maternal did not found, however, was observed a reduction in the need for transfusion of blood products due to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), as well as the rate of eclampsia.Interpretation: Implementing a model based on telehealth and education between secondary and tertiary care centers allowed the strengthening of the security of care in obstetric emergencies, and significantly impacted perinatal mortality.Funding: Fundación Valle del Lili
In vivo screening of hydrogel library using cellular barcoding identifies biomaterials that mitigate host immune responses and fibrosis
Authors: Mukherjee Sudip , Km Boram , Cheng Lauren , Doerfert Michael , Li Jiaming , Hernandez Andrea , Liang Lily , Jarvis Maria , Rios Peter , Ghani Sofia , Joshi Ira , Isa Douglas , Ray Trisha , Terlier Tanguy , Song Ping , Miranda Roberto , Oberholzer Jose , Zhang David , Veiseh Omid
Published: March 2022

Biomaterials induced host immune responses, and fibrotic overgrowth remains a major barrier to the long-term function of medical devices and biomaterial consisting of tissue grafts. Screening new biomaterials to identify anti-fibrotic formulation requires in vivo testing, which is challenging to multiplex and remains a significant obstacle to progress in this field. Herein, we synthesized a combinatorial chemically modified hydrogel library and developed a cellular barcoding method that enables high-throughput multiplexed in vivo screening of 20 formulations in a single mouse and 100 formulations in a single non-human primate. Our screening method consists of implanting a mixture of biomaterials and each barcoded with human umbilical vein epithelial cells (HUVEC) from different individual donors. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes of the cells were utilized as readouts using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to pair the material identity with material performance. Screening of the library using a xenogeneic transplantation model identified three novel lead hydrogel formulations (Z4-A10, Z1-A3, and Z2-A19) with improved anti-fibrotic properties that enable long-term cell viability. Z4-A10 was used to encapsulate human islets and validated for long-term glycemic control in an STZ-induced C57BL/6J diabetic mouse model. Leads, Z1-A3 and B2-A17, were further validated as immunomodulating coatings for medical-grade catheters to prevent fibrosis and occlusion, highlighting the translation of our screening approach and findings to other medical devices. Our results suggest that the developed cellular barcoding method and in vivo multiplexed screening technique can be leveraged to identify biomaterials for a wide range of clinical applications. Significantly, our newly discovered leads can improve the long-term performance of medical devices and encapsulated cell-based therapeutics.
Visual Speech Recognition for Multiple Languages in the Wild
Authors: Ma Pingchuan , Stavros Petridis , Pantic Maja
Published: March 2022

Visual speech recognition (VSR) aims to recognise the content of speech based on the lip movements without relying on the audio stream. Advances in deep learning and the availability of large audio-visual datasets have led to the development of much more accurate and robust VSR models than ever before. However, these advances are usually due to larger training sets rather than the model design. In this work, we demonstrate that designing better models is equally important to using larger training sets. We propose the addition of prediction-based auxiliary tasks to a VSR model and highlight the importance of hyper-parameter optimisation and appropriate data augmentations. We show that such model works for different languages and outperforms all previous methods trained on publicly available datasets by a large margin. It even outperforms models that were trained on non-publicly available datasets containing up to to 21 times more data. We show furthermore that using additional training data, even in other languages or with automatically generated transcriptions, results in further improvement.
AKD emulsions stabilized by guar gel: a highly efficient agent to improve cellulose paper hydrophobicity
Authors: Li Yingpu , Liu Xiaona , Wang Huili , Song Zhaoping , Tan Congping , Li Guodong , Li Shan , Yu Dehai , Liu Wenxia
Published: March 2022

To improve the sizing efficiency of alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), we obtained AKD emulsions (AKDEs) stabilized by guar gel prepared by hydrogen bond cross-linking sodium tetraborate and guar gum in this work. The cross-linking was confirmed by combining FTIR and SEM. The effect of guar gel on the performance of the AKDEs were also studied by testing AKDEs stabilized by different guar gel concentrations. The results showed that with increasing guar gel concentration, the stability of the AKDEs improved, the droplet diameter decreased, and the hydrophobicity and water resistance of the sized cellulose paper were gradually enhanced. Through SEM, the guar gel film covering the AKDE droplet surface and the three-dimensional structure in the aqueous dispersion phase were assessed. This study constructed a scientific and efficient preparation method for AKDEs and provided a new method for the application of carbohydrate polymer gels.
Prevalence and correlates of joint pain among Chinese breast cancer survivors receiving aromatase inhibitor treatment
Authors: WANG Tao , Huang Yu-Yan , Liu Xian-Liang , Molassiotis Alex , Yao Li-Qun , Zheng Si-Lin , Tan Jing-Yu (Benjamin) , Huang Hou-Qiang
Published: March 2022

Background: Aromatase inhibitor (AI)-induced joint pain is a common toxicity of AIs treatment. It has believed that the genetic variation at population level is associated with the phenotype of joint pain. Given the differences of genetic structure in different ethnicities and the limited information about AI-induced joint pain in Chinese breast cancer survivors, this cross-sectional study was therefore conducted to examine the prevalence of AIs-induced joint pain among Chinese breast cancer survivors receiving AIs treatment and the correlates of pain. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in China. Breast cancer survivors undergoing AIs treatment were recruited to complete the following questionnaires: a self-designed baseline data form, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the RAND 36-Item Health Survey (SF-36) and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B). Based on the assessment results of NMQ (if the participant indicated pain in specific body parts), participants were then invited to complete other questionnaires to specifically assess the joint symptoms, including the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), and the Manchester Foot Pain Disability Questionnaire (MFPDQ). Descriptive analysis was used to analyse participants’ baseline data and the prevalence of pain. Stepwise multiple regression was used to identify the correlates of pain. Results: Four hundred and ten participants were analysed. According to the NMQ, 71.7% of the participants experienced joint symptoms in at least one joint, and the most frequently mentioned joint was knee (39.0%). The diagram in BPI indicated that 28.0% of the participants had the worst pain around knees. In patients with knee pain, the mean OKS score was 40.46±6.19. The sub-scores of BPI for pain intensity and pain interference were 1.30 ±1.63 and 1.24 ±1.79, respectively. Patients’ poorer physical well-being/functioning, previous use of AIs treatment, presence of osteoarthritis, and receiving of physiotherapy were identified as four common correlates of a greater severity of pain and pain interference (p < 0.05).Conclusions:Chinese breast cancer survivors can experience joint pain at various locations, particularly knees. In addition to increase the use of interventions for pain alleviation, a comprehensive assessment of survivors’ conditions such as physical functioning, history of AIs treatment, and presence of osteoarthritis should be emphasized to identify survivors who need more attention and tailored interventions.
Sources of Economic Growth in Africa and East Asian countries: A Growth Accounting and Panel Causality Analysis
Authors: Asmare Tigist Zelalem
Published: March 2022

This paper examines the sources of growth in selected African and East Asian countries, using the growth accounting framework on data from 1960 to 2016. We demonstrated the causal association between labor quantity, total capital service, TFP, and economic growth. The lower growth in GDP during the 1980s and 90s in Africa matches with the slower growth in total capital service in Africa. The TFP growth doesn’t explain the economic growth difference among countries; it contributed negatively to GDP growth in the two regions until the 2000s. However, in African countries, its positive contribution returned to negative in the 2010s, while Asian countries continued driving a positive contribution up to 28.9 percent from TFP growth in the 2010s. In all East Asian countries, total capital service contributed more than half of their growth in GDP, which makes their growth capital-driven, while African countries growth in GDP is more dependent on labor quantity growth. In Africa, we discovered bi-directional causality between labor quantity and GDP Total capital service and GDP, as well as uni-directional causality running from GDP to TFP. In East Asia, we only found a one-way causality running from GDP to total capital service and TFP.
Efficacy of SEE and TREAT in a Cervical Screening Program With Visual Inspection With Acetic Acid (VIA)
Authors: Pangtey Priyanka , Shamsunder Saritha , MALIK SUNITA , AHLUWALIA CHARANJEET
Published: March 2022

Objective:SEE and TREAT at Colposcopy has been described in cytology based screening when a high grade lesion in association with a high grade abnormality in the Pap smear is treated by Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone (LLETZ) to minimize loss to follow up in the multiple step management protocol for CIN. With a vast burden of cervical cancer in developing countries, our aim was to study the efficacy of this approach in patients coming to colposcopy clinic after a positive VIA screening test.Methods:Women in the age group of 25-50years and coming to the general gynecology clinic had opportunistic screening with VIA; those who were VIA + underwent Colposcopy. If colposcopy suggested a high grade lesion, SEE and TREAT using LLETZ was performed.Treatment was described as effective if there was CIN of any grade in the LLETZ cone; overtreatment if there was no CIN.Results:Colposcopy was carried out for 688 women who were VIA positive; of them 101 had a high grade lesion and underwent LLETZ. All of them had CIN on histopathology. Thirty-five (34.6%) had CIN 1, 55 (54.5%) had CIN 2 and 11 (10.9%) has CIN 3. The SEE and TREAT approach was effective in all with no overtreatment. Complete excision was achieved in 96.04% of the women while 3.96% had positive ectocervical margin. There were no major complications.Conclusion:Thus we conclude that a SEE AND TREAT approach in a low-resource setting with VIA followed by Colposcopy and treatment can help in reducing the number of visits and loss to follow up.
Gender-Difference Association Between Blood Pressure And Osteoporosis: Results From Henan Rural Cohort Study
Authors: Yi Xianhong , Tian Huiling , Chen Xinwei , Kang Ning , Liu Xiaotian , Wang Chongjian , Pan Jun
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Accumulating researches have observed the potential association between osteoporosis and hypertension, however, the evidence regarding gender-difference association between divergent proxies of blood pressure and osteoporosis was limited in rural areas.Methods: A total of 7689 participants enrolled from Henan Rural Cohort study were included in this research. Four proxies (systolic blood pressure (SBP); diastolic blood pressure (DBP); mean arterial pressure (MAP); pulse pressure (PP)) of blood pressure were measured. The association between blood pressure and osteoporosis was assessed by binary logistic regression with adjustment of potential influencing factors. All analyses were stratified by gender. To test the robust of results, similar analyses were also conducted in non-hypertension participants and postmenopausal women. Results: The significantly positive association between hypertension and osteoporosis was observed among women but not in men. Increasing blood pressure corresponded with prevalent osteoporosis among women, in which each 10 mmHg increase in SBP, MAP, and PP corresponded with 1.07-fold (1.03, 1.12), 1.14-fold (1.07, 1.21), and 1.08-fold (1.02, 1.15) prevalence of osteoporosis, respectively. This positive association was still significant among non-hypertension women and postmenopausal women, but not in pre-menopausal women.Conclusion: In rural areas, there was a positive association between blood pressure and prevalent osteoporosis in women, but not in men. Menopausal status may be responsible for this gender-difference.