bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metacognitive Awareness And Its Relation To Students’ Academic Achievement: Time To Ponder Its Implication In Delivery of The Curriculum.
Authors: Hassan Shahid , Venkateswaran Sunil Pazhayanur , Agarwal Puneet , Sulaiman Abdul Rasyid Bin , Burud Ismail Abdul Sattar
Published: February 2022

Background: In the self-regulated learning theory, metacognition refers to “skills that enable learners to understand and monitor their cognitive process”. Two categories of metacognition were described as knowledge of cognition and regulation of cognition. Metacognition skills enable learners to understand and monitor their cognitive processes. Metacognitive skills are necessary for curriculum delivery and should be taught. Students with metacognitive skills are expected to perform better and the present research provides evidence and recommends metacognition to be taught in future curriculum practice.Methodology: Metacognition awareness inventory (MAI) score was collected to determine students’ metacognitive skills in declarative, procedural, and conditional knowledge as well as the process involved in its planning, monitoring, and evaluation. Another purpose of this study was exploratory, to determine the validity of the MAI in terms of statistical relationship between metacognitive skills as knowledge of cognitive factor (KCF) and regulation of cognitive factor (RCF). Knowledge monitoring accuracy (KMA) as the difference between students' estimated Score (SES) versus actual knowledge on tests was also calculated, both in written OBA and EMQ (KMAW) and clinical tests OSCE (KMAC). MAI score was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient with academic achievement at the end of semester assessment (EOSA) both in written (EOSAW) and clinical (EOSAC) testsResult: A mean score of 39.07 (6.68) for MAI and 24.13 (14.24) for KMAW and KMAC was found with a high standard deviation. A negative correlation between MAI and EOSAW (-0.029) and MAI and EOSAC (-0.187), while a high correlation between MAI and KCF = 0.808, MAI and RCF (0.920) were found (p<0.001). The correlation between KCF and RCF was moderately high (0.559, p <.001). A negative correlation was also found between KMAW and EOSAW (-0.392). The correlation of EOSA achievement score and KFC and RCF was also negative at -0.002 and -0.100 respectively. A mixed insignificant (p>0.05) correlation was among MAI, KMA, and SES for individual instruments.Conclusion: A poor correlation of metacognitive skills and achievement scores indicates students’ unrealistic self-evaluation of cognition for knowledge and regulation. This suggests curriculum delivery to incorporate students’ awareness about metacognition in their learning process.
Characterization of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia Coli From Domestic Free-Range Poultry In Agogo, Ghana
Authors: Akenten Charity Wiafe , Ofori Linda Aurelia , Mbwana Joyce , Sarpong Nimako , May Jürgen , Thye Thorsten , Obiri-Danso Kwasi , Paintsil Ellis Kobina , Philipps Richard Odame , Eibach Daniel , Krumkamp Ralf , Dekker Denise
Published: February 2022

Background: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBLs) producing bacteria in poultry meat has been suggested as one of the sources of resistant genes, that can lead to difficult-to treat infections in humans. This study aims at determining the frequency of ESBL-producing E. coli, the genetic characterization and antibiotic profile among domestic free-range poultry in Agogo, Ghana. Faecal samples were collected from domestic free-roaming chicken and cultured on ESBL screening agar. Strain identification and antibiotic susceptibility were performed using the VITEK 2 compact system. ESBL-producing E. coli were confirmed using the Double Disk Synergy (DDS) test. Molecular detection and further sequencing of blaTEM, blaSHV and blaCTX-M genes was performed using standardized methods.Results: 56.2% (n/N=81/144) of collected faecal samples were positive for ESBL-producing E. coli. All (n/N=81/81) strains were resistant to ampicillin, ceftazidime, cefpodoxime, cefotaxime and cefuroxime. High rates of resistance were also observed for tetracycline (93.8%, n/N=76/81) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (66.67; n/N=54/81). Resistance to Carbapenems was not found. The majority of ESBL producing E. coli carried blaCTX-M genes with blaCTX-M-15, 95.1% (n/N=77/81) being the dominant genotype.Conclusions:We report high ESBL rates, which is a potential infection source of animals as well as humans, and that a control of antibiotic overuse and animal hygiene/sanitation measures are important from a one health perspective.
Local Tuning of Radiomics-Based Model for Predicting Pathological Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Tang Bin , Lenkowicz Jacopo , Peng Qian , Boldrini Luca , Hou Qing , Dinapoli Nicola , Valentini Vincenzo , Diao Peng , Yin Gang , Orlandini Lucia Clara
Published: February 2022

Purpose: This study aims to further enhance a validated radiomics-based model for predicting pathologic complete response (pCR) after chemo‑radiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) for use in the clinical practice. Methods: A generalized linear model (GLM) to predict pCR in LARC patients previously trained in Europe and validated with external inter-continental cohort (59 patients) was first examined with further 88 intercontinental patient datasets to assess its reproducibility; new radiomics and clinical features, and validation methods were aslo investigated to enhance the pCR prediction for patients admitted to our department. The patients were divided into training group (75%) and validation group (25%) according to their demographic. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression was used to reduce the dimensionality of the extracted features of the training group and select the optimal ones; the performance of the reference GLM and enhanced models was compared through the area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics. Results: The value of AUC of the reference model was 0.831 (95% CI, 0.701‐0.961), and 0.828 (95% CI, 0.700 ‐0.956) in the original and new validation cohorts, respectively, showing a reproducibility in the applicability of the original model. Eight features were found to be significant with LASSO model and added in the new model. The AUC of the enhanced model of 0.926 (95% CI, 0.859-0.993) for training, and 0.926 (95% CI, 0.767-1.00) for the validation group shows better performance than the reference model. Conclusions: the GLM model shows a good reproducibility in predicting pCR in LARC; the enhanced model has the potential to improve prediction accuracy and may be a candidate in clinical practice.
Ring Contraction of Metallacyclobutadiene to Metallacyclopropene Driven by π- and σ-Aromaticity Relay
Authors: Zhuo Kaiyue , Liu Yanan , Ruan Kaidong , Hua Yuhui , Lin Yu-Mei , Xia Haiping
Published: February 2022

π-Aromaticity is an important driving force in directing the synthesis of aromatic compounds; in contrast, reactions induced by σ-aromaticity are uncommon. Herein, we report a strategy based on π- and σ-aromaticity relays to realize the first structurally defined ring contraction of metallacyclobutadiene to metallacyclopropene. This reaction involves the release of the π-antiaromaticity of metallacyclobutadiene in 2a to afford a π-aromatic intermediate (4A), followed by ring reclosure to generate σ-aromatic metallacyclopropene in 3a. The ring-opening-reclosing mechanism and versatile switching of the aromaticity of the metallacyclic species are supported by experimental results and theoretical calculations. This work demonstrates the importance of the synergistic effects of π- and σ-aromaticity as driving forces in reactions and sheds light on possible applications in other challenging transformations.
Epidemiological study of Rotavirus infection in the diarrheic neonatal calves
Authors: Youssef Z.M.A. , Zaitoun A.M.A.
Published: February 2022

Background
Neonatal diarrhea is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in calves, and Rotavirus is the main viral etiology. The objective of the current study was to study the epidemiological role of Rotavirus infection in diarrheic neonatal cattle and buffaloes 'calves in Assiut Governorate, Egypt. From December 2015 to November 2019, a total number of 315 neonatal calves' belonged to different localities of Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt, were clinically examined. Fecal samples of investigated calves were subsequently collected and serologically tested to reveal-up Rotavirus infection by using latex agglutination test (LAT) and immunochrmatographic assay (ICA).
Results
The seropositive samples by LAT and ICA were 16.74% and 8.54%, respectively. The clinical findings of Rotavirus infection in enteric calves were pointed. The percentage of Rotavirus infection was 14.92% (44/295) of clinically diarrheic calves. However, 10% (2/20) of apparently healthy calves (n = 20) harbor Rotavirus in their feces suggesting carrier status. The high percentage of Rotavirus infection (20.13%) was obviously observed in 3 days-4 weeks old calves. There were no significance differences (P<0.05) between the percentages of Rotavirus infection and sex, species (cattle and buffaloes) and breed (Native and Cross breed) of serologically tested calves. Moreover, there is no significant variations (p<0.05) between calves under farmer’s hand and calves bred in farm in susceptibility to Rotavirus infection. Based on climatologic conditions of Assiut, seropositive cases were more prevalent (P< 0.001) in cold months (22.67%) than the warm and hot months (7.27%) in Assiut.
Conclusion
Rotavirus plays an outstanding role in causing enteritis in calves during neonatal stages in different localities of Assiut. Vaccination program of pregnant dams and lactogenic immunity in calves against Rotavirus infection should be warranted.
Multicenter Study of Lumen-apposing Metal Stents With or Without Pigtail in Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Biliary Drainage for Malignant Obstruction- Bampi Trial: an Open-label, Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol.
Authors: Garcia-Sumalla Albert , Loras Carme , Sanchiz Vicente , Pedraza-Sanz Rafael , Vazquez-Sequeiros Enrique , Aparicio Jose Ramon , Serna-Higuera Carlos De la , Luna-Garcia Daniel , Andujar Xavier , Capilla Maria , Barbera Tatiana , Foruny-Olcina Jose Ramon , Martinez-Moreno Belen , Dura Miguel , Salord Silvia , Laquente Berta , Tebe Cristian , Videla Sebastia , Perez-Miranda Manuel , Gornals Joan b
Published: February 2022

Background: It is unclear whether the insertion of an axis-orienting double-pigtail plastic stent (DPS) through biliary lumen-apposing meal stent (LAMS) in EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (CDS) improves the stent patency. The aim of this study is to determine whether this technical variant offers a clinical benefit in EUS-guided biliary drainage (BD) for the management of distal malignant biliary obstruction.Methods/design: This is a multicenter open-label, randomized controlled trial with two parallel groups. Eighty-four patients with malignant biliary obstruction will undergo EUS-BD (CDS type) using LAMS in 7 tertiary hospitals in Spain and will be randomized to the LAMS and LAMS plus DPS groups. The primary endpoint is the rate of recurrent biliary obstruction, as a stent dysfunction parameter, detected during follow-up. Secondary endpoints: technical and clinical success (reduction in bilirubin >50% within 14 days of stent placement), safety, and others (number of reinterventions, time to biliary obstruction, prognostic factors, survival rate).Discussion: The BAMPI trial has been designed to determine whether the addition of a coaxial axis-orienting DPS through LAMS is superior to LAMS alone to prevent stent dysfunction. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04595058. Registered on October 14, 2020.
Australian Wildfires Cause The Largest Stratospheric Warming Since Pinatubo.
Authors: Damany-Pearce Lilly , Johnson Ben , Wells Alice , Osborne Martin , Allan James , Belcher Claire , Haywood Jim
Published: February 2022

Global mean lower stratosphere temperatures rose abruptly in January 2020 reaching values not experienced since the early 1990s. Anomalous lower stratospheric temperatures were recorded for 4 months at highly statistically significant levels (p-values of 0.0004 to 0.02). While the warming event of 1991-1993 has been definitively attributed to absorption of sunlight by stratospheric sulfate from the eruption of Pinatubo, no candidate volcanic eruption for explaining the 2020 stratospheric heating exists. Here, we use a combination of satellite and surface-based remote sensing observations to derive a time-series of stratospheric biomass burning aerosol optical depths originating from intense S.E. Australian wildfires and apply these aerosol optical depths to a state-of-the-art climate model. We show beyond doubt that the S.E. Australian wildfires are the cause of this lower stratospheric warming with implications for stratospheric dynamics and stratospheric ozone should this type of event become more frequent in the future.
Investigation of the potential mechanism of the Shugan Xiaozhi decoction for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease based on network pharmacology and molecular docking
Authors: Xing Yufeng , Yang Rong , Yang Huili , Jiang Dansheng , Xu Linyi , Feng Lian
Published: February 2022

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic-related disease with its incidence increasing annually. Shugan Xiaozhi (SGXZ) decoction, a composite traditional Chinese medicinal prescription, was demonstrated to exert a therapeutic effect on NAFLD. However, the underlying mechanisms were incompletely elucidated. In this study, the potential bioactive ingredients and mechanism of the SGXZ decoction against NAFLD were explored via network pharmacology and molecular docking. Methods: Compounds in SGXZ decoction were identified and collected from literature studies, and the corresponding targets were predicted through SEA database. Potential targets related to NAFLD were overlapped by using DisGeNET and GeneCards database. The compound-target-disease and PPI network were then constructed based on the putative intersection targets of SGXZ decoction and NAFLD to recognize the key compounds and targets. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to elucidate the biological process and signaling pathway that SGXZ decoction treated NAFLD. Finally, molecular docking combined with homology modeling was applied to further verify the binding between key active compounds and targets.Results: A total of 31 active compounds and 220 corresponding targets in SGXZ decoction were collected. Moreover, 1544 overlapped targets of NAFLD were obtained, of which 78 common targets were intersected with targets of SGXZ decoction. Key compounds and targets were recognized from compound-target-disease and PPI network. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that multiple biological pathways were annotated including insulin resistance, HIF-1, PI3K-Akt, and MAPK signaling pathways. Molecular docking confirmed that gallic acid, chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid A could combine firmly with all of the key targets. Conclusion: SGXZ decoction could produce a promising effect for its multi-component, multi-target and multi-biological process in the treatment of NAFLD. The present study provides the novel insight into a comprehensive understanding for further study.
Clinical factors and association with treatment modalities in patients with breast cancer and brain metastases who develop leptomeningeal disease
Authors: Puri Akshjot , Mylavarapu Charisma , Xu Jiaqiong , Patel Tejal A , Teh Bin S. , Tremont-Lukats Ivo , Chang Jenny C. , Niravath Polly
Published: February 2022

PURPOSE Leptomeningeal disease (LMD) is an aggressive complication of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) with brain metastases (BM), with a short survival of weeks to months. Studies suggest that surgical resection of BM may increases the risk of LMD, especially in infratentorial metastases. In this retrospective study, we examine this and other factors which may be associated with increased risk of LMD. METHODS A database search at a single institution identified 178 patients with MBC and treated BM between 2007-2020. We collected demographic, clinical, radiographic and other treatment data. LMD was diagnosed by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology, neuroimaging, or both. Cox proportional hazards model was used. RESULTS After a median follow up of 8.5 months, 41 out of 178 patients (23%) with BM developed LMD. Median time to develop LMD was 130 days. Mean age was 51.3 years. The number and size of the BM, hemorrhagic/cystic lesions, progressive/stable systemic disease, and extracranial metastases sites other than liver did not pose a higher risk of LMD. Infratentorial lesions (HR=5.41) and liver metastases (HR=2.28) had a higher risk of LMD. Patients who had any surgery did not have a higher risk for LMD (HR 1.13). The LMD group had a worse overall survival as compared to the non-LMD group. CONCLUSIONS Among MBC patients with BM, infratentorial BM and visceral liver lesions increase the risk of LMD whereas local treatment modalities such as surgery and radiation do not. This data implies that local treatment strategy should not differ based on potential risk for LMD.
COVID-19 self-testing, a way to “live side by side with the coronavirus”: results from a qualitative study in Indonesia
Authors: Thomas Catherine , Shilton Sonjelle , Thomas Caroline , Iye Claudius Mone , Martínez-Pérez Guillermo Z.
Published: February 2022

Background Alongside mass vaccination for COVID-19, sustainable decentralized SARS-CoV-2 screening strategies are needed to empower local communities and help them contribute to health authorities’ efforts to end the pandemic in low- and middle-income countries. Indonesia is among the nations with an overstretched health system that may benefit from technological innovations such as SARS-CoV-2 self-testing to detect asymptomatic cases and interrupt the transmission of the virus to healthy individuals. Methods In mid-2021, we conducted a qualitative research study with the aim of understanding key decision-makers’ values and preferences regarding the implementation of COVID-19 self-testing in Indonesia. This research received ethics approval from the Universitas Katolik Indonesia Atma Jaya and used a thematic comparative analysis approach to explore the insights expressed by healthcare workers, representatives of civil society, and potential self-testing implementers in three geographies: Jakarta, Banten, and North Sulawesi. Results Thirty semi-structured interviews and six focus group discussions were carried out. As per the informants’ narratives, the Indonesian public might accept self-testing as a tool that will help them test for COVID-19 at their own convenience. Concerns were expressed about the possibility of the public doubting the reliability of self-testing kits if these were not properly regulated and if counterfeit kits were known to be on the market. Fear of stigma, isolation, and clinical care costs were perceived to be among the drivers for self-test users to not report a reactive result. These fears might be mitigated, as per the study informants’ opinions, by awareness raising, passing of regulations, and participatory engagement of a range of community actors, such as village officers.Conclusions Decision-makers consider self-testing a to-be-welcomed screening tool that could contribute to ensuring earlier access to treatment and decrease transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Indonesia.
Cardiopulmonary, functional, cognitive and mental health outcomes post COVID, across the range of severity of acute illness, in a physically active working age population
Authors: O'Sullivan Oliver , Holdsworth David A , Ladlow Peter , Barker-Davies Robert M , Chamley Rebecca , Houston Andrew , May Samantha , Dewson Dominic , Mills Daniel , Pierce Kayleigh , Mitchell James , Xie Cheng , Sellon Edward , Naylor Jon , Mulae Joseph , Cranley Mark , Talbot Nick P , Rider Oliver J , Nicol Edward D , Bennett Alexander N
Published: February 2022

Objectives: To investigate cardiopulmonary, functional, cognitive, and mental health post-COVID-19 outcomes in a young, physically active working-age population, across the spectrum of acute COVID-19 severity. Methods: Observational cohort study of 4 groups; hospitalised, community illness with on-going symptoms (community-symptomatic), community illness now recovered (community-recovered) and controls. Participants underwent extensive clinical assessment involving cardiopulmonary imaging, submaximal and maximal exercise testing, pulmonary function, cognitive assessment, blood tests, electrocardiogram and questionnaires on mental health and physical function. Results: 113 participants (aged 39±9 and 86% male) were recruited into four groups, Hospitalised (n=35), community-symptomatic (n=34), community-recovered (n=18) and control (n=26), at 159±72days following acute illness. Hospitalized and community-symptomatic groups were older, with a higher body mass index, and worse mental health, fatigue, and quality of life scores. Hospitalised and community-symptomatic participants also performed less well on sub-maximal and maximal exercise testing. Hospitalised individuals had impaired ventilatory efficiency (higher VE/V̇CO2 slope), achieved less work at the anaerobic threshold and at peak than other groups and had a significantly reduced forced vital capacity. Clinically significant abnormal cardiopulmonary imaging findings were present in 6% of hospitalised participants. Those who recovered from COVID-19 had no significant differences when compared with controls.Conclusion: Recovered individuals who suffered mild-moderate COVID-19 do not differ from an age, sex and job-role matched control population. Individuals who were hospitalised or continue to suffer symptoms require a specific, comprehensive assessment prior to a return to full physical activity.
AC amplification gain in organic electrochemical transistors for impedance-based single cell sensors
Authors: Bonafè Filippo , Decataldo Francesco , Zironi Isabella , Cramer Tobias , Fraboni Beatrice
Published: February 2022

Research on water-gated and organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) architectures is motivated by the prospect of a highly biocompatible interface capable of amplifying bioelectronic signals at the site of detection. Despite many demonstrations in these directions, a quantitative model for OECTs as impedance biosensors is still lacking. We overcome this issue by introducing a model experiment where we simulate the detection of a single cell by the impedance sensing of a dielectric microparticle. The highly reproducible experiment allows us to study the impact of transistor geometry and operation conditions on device sentivity. With the data we rationalize a mathematical model that provides clear guidelines for the optimization of OECTs as single cell sensors, and we verify the quantitative predictions in an in-vitro experiment. In the optimized geometry, the OECT-based impedance sensor allows to record single cell adhesion and detachment transients, showing a maximum gain of (20.2±0.9) dB with respect to a single electrode based impedance sensor.
Association Between Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio and Postoperative Fatigue in Elderly Patients with Hip Fracture
Authors: Jing Baosheng , Wang Jinjing , Chen Dangui , Dai Huming , Liu Jinrui , Chen Cheng , Dai Mingjun , Hu Jing , Wang Jianjun , Lu Zhengfeng
Published: February 2022

Background and purpose: Postoperative fatigue (POF) is a common and distressing post-operative symptom. This study aimed to explore the relationship between neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and POF in elderly patients with hip fracture.Method: Elderly patients (age ≥ 65 years) with acute hip fracture admitted to the Department of Orthopedics of Anqing Hospital affiliated to Anhui Medical University from June 2018 to June 2020 were included. Fatigue was assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale at the 3-month follow-up postoperatively. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to explore the associations between NLR and POF. The diagnostic performance of NLR was analysed using Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and the Delong test.Result: A total of 321 elderly patients with hip fractures were included; 120 (37.4%) of them were diagnosed with POF. Univariate analysis indicated significant differences in NLR, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), education, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scores (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated neutrophil count (odds ratio [OR], 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.27–1.67), lymphocyte count (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.19–0.53), NLR (OR1.81, 95% CI 1.50–2.17) and PLR (OR 1.005, 95% CI 1.001–1.009) were significantly associated with POF. The areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) of neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, NLR and PLR were 0.712, 0.667, 0.775 and 0.605, respectively. The Delong test indicated that NLR had the best diagnostic performance (p < 0.05).Conclusion: NLR independently predicts POF in elderly patients with acute hip fracture.
Remote monitoring of single-lead electrocardiography enables detection of heart failure status
Authors: Hasumi Eriko , Fujiu Katsuhito , Chen Ying , Oida Mitsunori , Shimizu Yu , Kani Kunihiro , Goto Kohsaku , Uchida Ryoko , Liu Yuxiang , Oshima Tsukasa , Matsuda Jun , Matsubara Takumi , Sugita Junichi , Nakayama Yukiteru , Matsunaga Hiroshi , Saga Akiko , Oguri Gaku , Kojima Toshiya , Maru Yujin , Kodera Satoshi , Akazawa Hiroshi , Shoda Morio , Komuro Issei
Published: February 2022

Repeated hospitalization for heart failure (HF) is a strong predictor of mortality among HF patients. While recent cardiac electrical implantable devices (CIEDs) can detect worsening HF through remote monitoring1,2, there is no early detection system for HF progression in patients at home without a CIED. We therefore developed an artificial intelligence-based HF detection system that uses single-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) recorded at home. Our convolutional neural network (CNN) model calculated a novel HF-index from the estimated NYHA grades as a quantitative indicator of HF severity. Retrospective data revealed a strong correlation between HF-indexes and plasma BNP levels (R=0.91).A prospective clinical study confirmed the accuracy of the HF severity judged from the estimated HF-index using a portable single-lead ECG monitor at home.We have thus successfully constructed a novel, at-home HF monitoring system for a portable single-lead ECG device, which enables early detection and early medical intervention in HF.
A novel role for the cholinergic basal forebrain nucleus of Meynert in chronic pain via modulation of the prelimbic cortex
Authors: Kuner Rohini , Oswald Manfred , Han Yechao , Li Han , Marashli Samuel , Oglou Deniz Nouri , Naser Paul , Ojha Bhavya , Gan Zheng
Published: February 2022

The basal nucleus of Meynert (NBM) subserves critically important functions in attention, arousal and cognition via its profound modulation of neocortical activity and is emerging as a key target in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s dementias. Despite the crucial role of neocortical domains in pain perception, however, the NBM has not been studied in chronic pain. Here, using in vivo tetrode recordings in behaving mice, we report that beta and gamma oscillatory activity is evoked in the NBM by noxious stimuli and is facilitated at peak inflammatory pain. Optogenetic and chemogenetic cell-specific, reversible manipulations of NBM cholinergic-GABAergic neurons reveal their role in endogenous control of nociceptive hypersensitivity, which are manifest via projections to the prelimbic cortex, resulting in layer 5-mediated antinociception. Our data unravel the importance of the NBM in top-down control of neocortical processing of pain and suggest a potential for its therapeutic modulation via neurostimulation strategies in chronic pain disorders.
Risk Factors and Outcomes for Refeeding Syndrome in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients
Authors: Chen Shumin , Cai Dongchun , Lai Yuzheng , Chen Rong , He Jiangfeng , Zhou Liang , Hao Sun
Published: February 2022

Background Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is more likely to develop refeeding syndrome (RFS) due to increased need for nutritional support when suffering dysfunction of consciousness and deglutition after stroke. This study aims to evaluate the occurrence, risk factors and outcomes of RFS in AIS patients.Methods This retrospective observational study, using the prospective stroke database from our hospital, included all consecutive AIS patients who received parenteral or enteral nutrition for more than 72 hours from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021. RFS was defined as occurrence of new onset hypophosphatemia within 72 hours after refeeding. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to evaluate risk factors for RFS and relationship between RFS and 3-month modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score and 6-month mortility.Results Of 1038 patients were included in the study, 154 patients (14.8 %) developed RFS. We found that baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), nutritional risk screening (NRS) 2002, albumin < 30g/L and body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m2 were risk factors for RFS in AIS patients. Moreover, Patients in RFS group had lowerer promotion of 7-day NIHSS and RFS was independently associated with a 3-month mRS score of > 2 and 6-month mortility.Conclusion RFS is common in AIS patients and higher baseline NIHSS, higher NRS 2002 score, albumin < 30g/L and BMI < 18.5 kg/m2 significantly increased the risk of RFS. Occurrence of RFS was significantly associated with higher 3-month mRS score and 6-month mortility.
The Activity of the Durum Wheat (Triticum Durum L.) Catalase 1 (TdCAT1) Is Modulated by Calmodulin
Authors: Ghorbel Mouna , Feki Kaouthar , Tounsi Sana , Haddaji Najla , Hanin Moez , Brini Faical
Published: February 2022

Background: In plant cells, Catalases (CAT) are involved in the scavenging of the reactive oxygen species during development processes and in response to abiotic and biotic stresses. However, little is known about the regulation of the CAT activity by cations and calmodulins (CaMs). Methods and Results: Using bio-informatic analysis and in vitro catalase assays, we showed that durum wheat catalase 1 (TdCAT1) harbors highly conserved cation-binding domains which are localized at different positions of the protein. Moreover, the protein exhibits a CAT activity in vitro that is specifically enhanced by Mn2+ and Fe2+ and to a lesser extent by Cu2+, Zn2+ and Mg2+ but not with Cd2+ cations. Moreover, we showed that TdCAT1 harbors a conserved calmodulin binding domain (CaMBD) and binds to CaMs in a Ca2+-independent manner via a GST-pull down assay. Moreover, TdCaM1.3/Ca2+ complex stimulated the catalytic activity of TdCAT1 in a CaM-dose dependent manner. Most interestingly, addition of Mn2+ cations enhance TdCAT1 activity in presence of CaM/Ca2+ complex. Conclusion: The catalase activity of TdCAT1 is enhanced in presence of various divalent cations. Besides, TdCaM1.3 proteins stimulates the catalase activity of TdCAT1 in Calcium dependent manner. Such effects were not reported so far and raise a possible role of CaM and cations in the regulation of plant CATs during cellular response to external signals.
The preoperative myocardial perfusion and internal mammary artery graft blood flow relationship in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Gutor Sergey S. , Andreev Sergey L. , Shipulin Vladimir V. , Mochula Andrey V. , Zatolokin Vasiliy V. , Pryahin Andrey S. , Shipulin Vladimir M. , Kozlov Boris N. , Zavadovsky Konstantin V.
Published: February 2022

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether myocardial perfusion in stress/rest conditions estimated by SPECT can be used to predict transit time blood flow characteristics and early graft failure in left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to left anterior descending artery (LAD) grafts in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy.Methods. The study group consisted of 47 patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Intraoperative transit-time flow measurement (TTFM) of LIMA to LAD grafts were performed in all patients. All patients were also examined with preoperative stress and rest myocardial perfusion SPECT with 99mTc-MIBI. Anastomotic patency was considered satisfactory with a normal waveform of blood flow, diastolic-dominant blood filling, and a mean flow value greater than 11.5 ml/min.Results. All 47 patients with LIMA to LAD grafts were divided into two groups; those with graft satisfactory patency (n=40) and those with unsatisfactory patency (n=7) as determined by TTFM. We found differences among these groups in global summed rest score (t=3.7, p=0.003), total perfusion deficit (t=3.0, p=0.014), and LAD territory TPD (t=2.4, p=0.04) characteristics in preoperative rest myocardial perfusion SPECT imaging. Additionally, the flow characteristics were different in patients with and without surgical left ventricle reconstruction (U=153.5, p=0.012).Conclusions. Preoperative myocardial perfusion characteristics have associations with blood flow in LIMA to LAD graft in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy and LAD territory rest TPD have the potential to be a predictor of early graft failure.
SGLT2-inhibitors modulate the Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy and reduce the vaso-vagal syncope recurrence in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: the SCAN study
Authors: Sardu Celestino , Massetti Massimo , Rambaldi Pietro , Gatta Gianluca , Cappabianca Salvatore , Sasso Ferdinando Carlo , Santamaria Matteo , Volpicelli Mario , Ducceschi Valentino , Signoriello Giuseppe , Paolisso Giuseppe , Marfella Raffaele
Published: February 2022

Background: In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) the vaso-vagal syncope (VVS) recurrence could be due to the alteration of autonomic system function, evaluated by heart rate variability (HRV), and by 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-mIBG) myocardial scintigraphy indexes: Heart to Mediastinum ratio (H/Mlate), and Washout rate (WR). The SGLT2-I could modulate/reduce autonomic dysfunction in T2DM patients with VVS. This effect could reduce the VVS recurrence in T2DM patients. Methods: In a prospective multicenter study, we studied a population of 607 T2DM patients affected by VVS, as SGLT2-I-users (n 161) vs. Non-SGLT2-I users (n 446). Thus, in SGLT2-I-users vs. Non-SGLT2-I users, we investigated the HRV and 123I-MIBG modifications and VVS recurrence at 12 months of follow-up. Results: At baseline, and follow-up end Non-SGLT2-I users vs. SGLT2-I-users over-expressed the inflammatory markers and norepinephrine, with worse glucose homeostasis and significant difference of HRV parameters, H/Mlate, and the WR (p<0.05). Non-SGLT2-I users vs. SGLT2-I-users had higher recurrence of all causes VVS, and of vasodepressor, and mixed VVS (p<0.05). The Cox regression analysis showed that the H/Mlate (0.710, CI 95% [0.481-0.985]; p 0.024), and SGLT2-I (0.550, CI 95% [0.324-0.934]; p 0.027) predicted all VVS recurrence. Conclusions: Non-SGLT2-I users vs. SGLT2-I-users had alterations of the autonomic nervous system, with a higher rate of VVS recurrence at 1 year of follow-up. The indexes of cardiac denervation predicted the VVS recurrence, while the SGLT2-I reduced the risk of VVS recurrence. ﻿Clinical trial registration number: NCT03717207.
Mitigation of cadmium toxicity in Thai rice cultivar (PSL2) using biofertilizer containing indigenous cadmium-resistant microbial consortia
Authors: Koedrith Preeyaporn , Seang-On Ladda , Meeinkuirt Weeradej , Saminpanya Seriwat
Published: February 2022

Biofertilizer as amendment has growing awareness, little attention has been paid to the bioremediation potential of indigenous heavy metal-resistant microbes, especially when isolated from long term polluted soil, as a bioinoculant in biofertilizer. They are type of versatile nutrient provider and soil conditioner that is cost competitive, highly efficient with nondisruptive detoxifying capability. Herein, we investigated the effect of biofertilizers containing indigenous cadmium (Cd)-resistant microbial consortia on rice growth and physiological response. The Thai rice cultivar PSL2 ( Oryza sativa L.) was grown in Cd-enriched soils amended with 3% biofertilizer. The composition of the biofertilizers’ bacterial community at different taxonomic levels was explored using 16S rRNA gene Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Upon Cd stress, the test biofertilizer had maximum mitigating effects as shown by suppressed photosynthetic pigment loss, modulated proline content and enzymatic antioxidants, thereby allowing increased plant dry biomass (up to 115% and 112% in shoots and roots, respectively) and reduced tissue Cd content (up to 68% and 65% in shoots and roots, respectively), as compared to the non-amended control. These phenomena might be attributed to increased soil pH, EC, CEC and organic matter, as well as enriched beneficial detoxifiers, i.e., Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria in the biofertilizers. The test biofertilizer was effective in ameliorating Cd phytotoxicity by improving soil biophysicochemical traits to limit Cd bioavailability, along with adjusting physiological traits such as antioxidative defense. This study first demonstrated that incorporating indigenous Cd-resistant microbe derived-biofertilizer could restrict Cd contents and consequently enhance plant growth and tolerance in polluted soil.
A Neural Network Accelerator to Avoid Inference Inaccuracy
Authors: Sebastian Amritanand , Das Saptarshi
Published: February 2022

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have demonstrated their superiority over traditional computing architectures in tasks such as pattern classification and learning. While ANNs demonstrate high prediction accuracy, they do not measure uncertainty in predictions, and hence they can make wrong predictions with high confidence, which can be detrimental for many mission-critical applications. In contrast, Bayesian neural networks (BNNs) naturally include such uncertainty in their model. Unlike ANNs, where the synaptic weights are point estimates (single-valued), in BNNs, the weights are represented by probability distributions (e.g. Gaussian distribution). This makes the hardware implementation of BNNs challenging since on-chip Gaussian random number generators (GRNGs) based on silicon complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology are area and energy inefficient. Stochastic switching in memristors can be used to build probabilistic synapses but with very limited tunability. Additionally, memristor technology rely heavily on CMOS-based peripherals to emulate neurons. Here we introduce three-terminal memtransistors based on two-dimensional (2D) materials, which can emulate both probabilistic synapses as well as reconfigurable neurons. The cycle-to-cycle variation in the programming of the 2D memtransistor is exploited to achieve GRNG-based synapses, whereas 2D memtransistor based integrated circuits are used to obtain neurons with hyperbolic tangent and sigmoid activation functions. Finally, memtransistor-based synapses and neurons are combined in a crossbar array architecture to realize a BNN accelerator and the performance is evaluated using the IRIS data classification task.
Prevention of 90-day Detox Readmission for Opioid use Disorder by A Community-Based Life-Changing Individualized Medically Assisted Evidence-based Treatment (C.L.I.M.B.) Program: A Quasi-Experimental Design
Authors: Luo Zhehui , Roychoudhury Canopy , Pompos William S. , DiMaria James , Robinette Cynthia , Gore Purva , Roychoudhury Rohon , Beecroft William
Published: February 2022

Background: Evidence for community-based detox readmission prevention strategies for opioid use disorder (OUD) is scant. We evaluated a pilot program designed to provide individualized and structured treatment plan, including addressing prolonged withdrawal symptoms, family/systems assessment, contingency management, and medically assisted treatment. Methods: A non-randomized quasi-experimental design was used to compare the pilot sites (treatment) and comparison sites before and after the program started, i.e., a simple difference-in-differences (DID) strategy. Adults 18 years and older who meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version 5 criteria for OUD and had a detox admission at any OUD treatment facility in two study periods between 5/2018 and 12/2019 are included. Readmission for detox in 90-days after the initial detox was the primary outcome. Multiple statistical estimation methods were used to adjust for potential confounding factors between treatment and comparison groups. Results: A total of 2,320 unique patients with 2,443 initial detox admissions in the pre- and post-periods were compared. Compared with the comparison patients, the C.L.I.M.B. patients had higher readmission in the pre-period (unadjusted readmission rates16.4% vs. 10.0%), but similar rates in the post-period (11.8% vs. 10.1%) after the implementation of the pilot program. For the primary outcome 90-day readmission, all DID estimates were not statistically significant (adjusted estimates ranged from 6.0 to 17.3 percentage points difference favoring the C.L.I.M.B. program). For the secondary outcomes of service utilization, the C.L.I.M.B. program had reduced the proportion of patients using the intensive outpatient treatment compared to the comparison group and the statistically significant DID estimates ranged from 13 to 18 percentage point differences for the intensive outpatient treatment.Conclusions: Treating OUD as a chronic condition instead of an acute episodic condition for patients in the community is feasible and has a potential to reduce intensive outpatient services. Although the small sample size of the pilot program precluded us to draw a definitive conclusion, we believe more OUD treatment facilities should work with health plans to standardize care for patients with OUD and promote lowering readmission for inpatient withdrawal management.
Relationship among Periodontal Disease, Apical Periodontitis and Offspring Health
Authors: Mattera Maria Sara de Lima Coutinho , Tsosura Thaís Verônica Saori , Pereira Renato Felipe , Chiba Fernando Yamamoto , Marani Fernando , Belardi Bianca Elvira , Tessarin Gestter Willian Lattari , Santos Rodrigo Martins dos , Matsushita Doris Hissako
Published: February 2022

The relationship between maternal health and the fetal environment has been widely discussed in recent decades. Several studies have shown that insults that occur during the perinatal period modify fetal development, leading to harmful long-term results that culminate in pathologies in adulthood. Periodontal diseases (PD) comprise a wide range of inflammatory conditions that affect the supporting structures of the teeth (the gingiva, bone and periodontal ligament). Apical periodontitis (AP) is an inflammation at the apex of the thoot root usually caused by infection by bacteria from the root canal system. The present study aims to show the effects of maternal oral inflammations on the offspring health. The study provides information that both, maternal PD and AP, have negative effects in the short and long-term on the offspring health. Thus, adequate oral health can prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes and permanent changes in adult offspring. That is, oral hygiene during pregnancy should be encouraged.
Quality of Scientific Activity, Technology Transfer and Research Integrity: Case of Ukrainian University
Authors: Artyukhov Artem , Krmela Jan , Krmelova Vladimira , Volk Iurii
Published: February 2022

The article analyzes the relationship between the concepts “quality of scientific activity”, “technology transfer” and “research integrity”. The main task of research is to offer practical tools for maintaining research integrity as elements of the internal and external quality assurance system of education and research. One of the working hypotheses of the study is the correlation between the quality of educational activities at the university, the quality of research and the level of interest of customers of innovative developments in the process of transfer and commercialization of research results. The first two components are determined by the “purity” of research through the implementation of the principles of research integrity. The schematic relationship between the individual goals of sustainable development characterizes the relationship “university − the quality of research − technology transfer – industry”. A logical scheme between research integrity, technology transfer and procedures for internal and external research quality assurance is proposed. The abstract-logical method and the method of induction-deduction were used to analyze the relationship between the concepts of “quality of scientific activity”, “technology transfer” and “research integrity”. Bibliometric analysis was performed using SciVal and VOSviewer tools based on data from the scientific-metric databases Scopus and Web of Science. Based on the bibliometric analysis, it was found that the query “research integrity” identifies the main violations of research integrity and shows a strong link between the quality of research and success in the transfer of knowledge and technology from university to industry. The main problems of the development of technology transfer between the university and industry at the national level are analyzed. A separate block of problems related to research integrity is identified. The case of the national university on creation of university system of maintenance of research integrity and development of infrastructure of maintenance of scientific activity within the limits of the specified system is resulted. The results of the work can be useful for the triangle “business education-science” to reconcile the interests of all the “vertices” of the triangle under the mandatory condition – ensuring the quality of educational and research activities in universities as centers of intellectual potential.
The Evolution of a Robust and Reliable Brand Experience Scale in the Malaysian Context: An Empirical Evidence
Authors: AL-Fakhri Iman , Alabdullah Tariq Tawfeeq Yousif
Published: February 2022

The way consumers perceive, engage, and behave in today’s global marketplace is everything. Human connection is increasingly important in creating memorable experiences by offering the required interactions. As a response, marketers compete fiercely, and classic marketing ideas and tactics are no longer successful or enticing consumers. Marketers needed fresh ways to captivate customers; thus, experiential marketing was born. As an outcome, the concept of experience is today regarded as a backbone of the experience economy, in which experiential marketing has solidified its position as a valuable contributor to marketing expertise. In nations other than the United States, particularly in Malaysia, there is a severe lack of a scale that measures brand experience. Thus, it is reasonable to begin research verifying and assessing brand experience dimensions in the Malaysian setting. In 2021 the number of smartphone users in Malaysia is estimated to reach 29 million. Consequently, with the growing population, Malaysia’s number of smartphone users is expected to increase by 1.74 million by 2025. Therefore, the study’s theoretical contribution is to develop a powerful, dependable brand experience scale that can be utilized to assess brand experience in the Malaysian setting. The study’s practical benefit is that it provides marketers with methods for measuring in the Malaysian setting. Therefore, marketers may get a competitive edge by determining which unique, for instance, affective, sensory, intellectual, and behavioral, that will attract millennial consumers in Malaysia when buying a smartphone.