bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vaccine Hesitancy: When Political Miscommunication Replaces Scientific Benefit/Risk Assessment
Authors: Rausch Christian , Pitts Peter J , Louët Hervé le
Published: March 2022

Around the world, scientists, manufacturers and governments jumped into the race to develop a vaccine to combat COVID-19 and its associated lockdowns. A global response was required since defeating the pandemic requires global alignment. The availability of COVID-19 vaccines has always been a major concern for the WHO particularly in low and middle-income countries. While the vaccine development programs moved successfully forward, another problem, vaccine hesitancy, became a worrying factor in the movement towards herd immunity in many countries. Several factors contribute to this predicament.
Constitución francesa y derecho de excepción
Authors: Pierré-Caps Stéphane
Published: March 2022

Aunque el constitucionalismo francés siempre ha tenido que lidiar con el derecho de excepción, no fue hasta la Segunda República cuando la legalidad de la excepción se formalizó en forma de lación de previsión con la ley de 9 de agosto de 1849 sobre el estado de sitio, cuyo principio estaba consagrado en la Constitución de 4 de noviembre de 1848. La ley de 3 de abril de 1878 adaptó el estado de sitio a la Tercera República convirtiéndolo en una competencia exclusivamente parlamentaria, dejando así la impronta del régimen político en la legalidad de la excepción. El derecho de excepción se enriqueció bajo la Cuarta República con el estado de emergencia a través de la ley del 3 de abril de 1955 en el contexto de Argelia, antes de que la Quinta República normalizara el uso del derecho de excepción en beneficio exclusivo del Presidente de la República, en sus dos dimensiones: constitucional (estado de sitio y poderes de crisis) y legislativa (estado de emergencia de derecho común y estado de emergencia sanitaria). Parece que la constitucionalidad de los estados de excepción nunca se ha cuestionado, bien porque los poderes públicos han evitado plantearla, bien porque el juez constitucional se ha preocupado de no obstaculizar la actuación del ejecutivo durante dicha situación. Al autorizar al legislador a crear una legalidad de excepción, consideró que la Constitución de 1958 no había limitado el derecho de excepción a los estados de sitio y a los poderes de crisis, aunque ello supusiera que una ley ordinaria pudiera poner en cuestión los derechos y libertades constitucionales sin que se planteara la cuestión de su propia constitucionalidad.
The New Fire
Authors: Buchanan Ben , Imbrie Andrew
Published: March 2022

AI is revolutionizing the world. Here's how democracies can come out on top.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the modern world. It is ubiquitous—in our homes and offices, in the present and most certainly in the future. Today, we encounter AI as our distant ancestors once encountered fire. If we manage AI well, it will become a force for good, lighting the way to many transformative inventions. If we deploy it thoughtlessly, it will advance beyond our control. If we wield it for destruction, it will fan the flames of a new kind of war, one that holds democracy in the balance. As AI policy experts Ben Buchanan and Andrew Imbrie show in The New Fire, few choices are more urgent—or more fascinating—than how we harness this technology and for what purpose.

The new fire has three sparks: data, algorithms, and computing power. These components fuel viral disinformation campaigns, new hacking tools, and military weapons that once seemed like science fiction. To autocrats, AI offers the prospect of centralized control at home and asymmetric advantages in combat. It is easy to assume that democracies, bound by ethical constraints and disjointed in their approach, will be unable to keep up. But such a dystopia is hardly preordained. Combining an incisive understanding of technology with shrewd geopolitical analysis, Buchanan and Imbrie show how AI can work for democracy. With the right approach, technology need not favor tyranny.
Gut microbiota induces high platelet response in patients with ST segment elevation myocardial infarction after ticagrelor treatment
Authors: Zhang Xi , Zhang Xiaolin , Tong Fangnian , Cai Yi , Zhang Yujie , Song Haixu , Tian Xiaoxiang , Yan Chenghui , Han Yaling
Published: March 2022

Background:

Ticagrelor is a first-line drug for the treatment of acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). However, approximately 20% STEMI patients taking ticagrelor exhibited a delayed response and the mechanism was still unclear.

Methods:

To explore the mechanism of the poor response of ticagrelor in post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) patients, we enrolled 65 high platelet reactivity (HPR) patients and 90 controls (normal platelet reactivity [NPR]). Pharmacokinetic assessment result showed that the plasma concentrations of ticagrelor and its metabolism production, AR-C124910XX, were lower in HPR patients than controls. Further single nucloetide polymorphism (SNP) analysis identified that there is no difference in ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) gene expression between the NPR group and the HPR group. Metagenomic and metabolomic analyses of fecal samples showed that HPR patients had higher microbial richness and diversity. Transplantation of the gut microbiota from HPR donors to microbiota-depleted mice obviously decreased plasma concentration of ticagrelor.

Results:

Our findings highlight that gut microbiota dysbiosis may be an important mechanism for the ticagrelor of HPR in patients with STEMI and support that modify gut microbiota is a potential therapeutic option for STEMI.

Conclusions:

Our findings highlight that gut microbiota dysbiosis may be an important mechanism for the ticagrelor of HPR in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and support that modify gut microbiota is a potential therapeutic option for STEMI

Funding:

NSFC 82170297 and 82070300 from the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
Cortical microtubule pulling forces contribute to the union of the parental genomes in the Caenorhabditis elegans zygote
Authors: Velez-Aguilera Griselda , Ossareh-Nazari Batool , Van Hove Lucie , Joly Nicolas , Pintard Lionel
Published: March 2022

Previously, we reported that the Polo-like kinase PLK-1 phosphorylates the single Caenorhabditis elegans lamin (LMN-1) to trigger lamina depolymerization during mitosis. We showed that this event is required to form a pronuclear envelope scission event that removes membranes on the juxtaposed oocyte and sperm pronuclear envelopes in the zygote, allowing the parental chromosomes to merge in a single nucleus after segregation (Velez-Aguilera et al., 2020). Here, we show that cortical microtubule pulling forces contribute to pronuclear envelopes scission by promoting mitotic spindle elongation, and conversely, nuclear envelopes remodeling facilitates spindle elongation. We also demonstrate that weakening the pronuclear envelopes via PLK-1-mediated lamina depolymerization, is a prerequisite for the astral microtubule pulling forces to trigger pronuclear membranes scission. Finally, we provide evidence that PLK-1 mainly acts via lamina depolymerization in this process. These observations thus indicate that temporal coordination between lamina depolymerization and mitotic spindle elongation facilitates pronuclear envelopes scission and parental genomes unification.
The role of higher-order thalamus during learning and correct performance in goal-directed behavior
Authors: La Terra Danilo , Bjerre Ann-Sofie , Rosier Marius , Masuda Rei , Ryan Tomás J , Palmer Lucy M
Published: March 2022

The thalamus is a gateway to the cortex. Cortical encoding of complex behavior can therefore only be understood by considering the thalamic processing of sensory and internally generated information. Here, we use two-photon Ca2+ imaging and optogenetics to investigate the role of axonal projections from the posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus (POm) to the forepaw area of the mouse primary somatosensory cortex (forepaw S1). By recording the activity of POm axonal projections within forepaw S1 during expert and chance performance in two tactile goal-directed tasks, we demonstrate that POm axons increase activity in the response and, to a lesser extent, reward epochs specifically during correct HIT performance. When performing at chance level during learning of a new behavior, POm axonal activity was decreased to naive rates and did not correlate with task performance. However, once evoked, the Ca2+ transients were larger than during expert performance, suggesting POm input to S1 differentially encodes chance and expert performance. Furthermore, the POm influences goal-directed behavior, as photoinactivation of archaerhodopsin-expressing neurons in the POm decreased the learning rate and overall success in the behavioral task. Taken together, these findings expand the known roles of the higher-thalamic nuclei, illustrating the POm encodes and influences correct action during learning and performance in a sensory-based goal-directed behavior.
The ACF chromatin-remodeling complex is essential for Polycomb repression
Authors: Wiles Elizabeth T , Mumford Colleen C , McNaught Kevin J , Tanizawa Hideki , Selker Eric U
Published: March 2022

Establishing and maintaining appropriate gene repression is critical for the health and development of multicellular organisms. Histone H3 lysine 27 (H3K27) methylation is a chromatin modification associated with repressed facultative heterochromatin, but the mechanism of this repression remains unclear. We used a forward genetic approach to identify genes involved in transcriptional silencing of H3K27-methylated chromatin in the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. We found that the N. crassa homologs of ISWI (NCU03875) and ACF1 (NCU00164) are required for repression of a subset of H3K27-methylated genes and that they form an ACF chromatin-remodeling complex. This ACF complex interacts with chromatin throughout the genome, yet association with facultative heterochromatin is specifically promoted by the H3K27 methyltransferase, SET-7. H3K27-methylated genes that are upregulated when iswi or acf1 are deleted show a downstream shift of the +1 nucleosome, suggesting that proper nucleosome positioning is critical for repression of facultative heterochromatin. Our findings support a direct role of the ACF complex in Polycomb repression.
Associations between the rs5498 (A > G) and rs281432 (C > G) polymorphisms of the ICAM1 gene and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk, including hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Wechjakwen Naruemon , Aroonnual Amornrat , Prangthip Pattaneeya , Soonthornworasiri Ngamphol , Phienluphon Pornpimol Panprathip , Lainampetch Jirayu , Kwanbunjan Karunee
Published: March 2022

Background

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) originates from complex risk factors, including age, gender, dyslipidemia, obesity, race, genetic and genetic variation. ICAM1 gene polymorphisms are a significant risk factor for ASCVD. However, the impact of the rs5498 and rs281432 polymorphisms on the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (HCL) has not been reported. Therefore, we determine the relationships between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), including rs5498 and rs281432 on Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 gene (ICAM1) and ASCVD susceptibility in patients with HCL.

Methods

The clinical characteristics of 278 participants were assessed, and classified to groups having HCL and without HCL. ICAM1 SNPs genotyping was performed by DNA sequencing, and ICAM1 expression was measured using real-time PCR.

Results

Positive dominant model rs5498 participants had twice the risk of HCL (95% confidence interval (CI): [1.24–3.23], P = 0.005). The frequency of the G allele in rs5498 was 1.69 times higher in participants with HCL than in controls (95% CI [1.15–2.47], P = 0.007). Participants with the rs5498 AG or GG variants and high ICAM1 mRNA expression (≥3.12) had 2.49 times the risk (95% CI [1.42–4.38], P = 0.001), and those with a high LDL-C concentration (≥3.36 mmol/L) had 2.09 times the risk (95% CI [1.19–3.66], P = 0.010) of developing ASCVD compared with those with low ICAM1 mRNA and LDL-C levels. Interestingly, participants carrying the rs5498 AG or GG variants who had tachycardia (resting heart rates (RHRs) >100 beats/min) had a 5.02-times higher risk than those with a lower RHR (95% CI [1.35–18.63], P = 0.016).

Conclusions

It may consider the G allele in ICAM1 rs5498 is associated with a higher risk of ASCVD in Thai people with HCL, and is also positively associated with ICAM1 mRNA expression, LDL-C concentration, and RHR.
Effect of individualized weight management intervention on excessive gestational weight gain and perinatal outcomes: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Xu Mei-Yan , Guo Yan-Jun , Zhang Li-Juan , Lu Qing-Bin
Published: March 2022

It is unclear whether weight management is still effective for pregnant women with excessive weight gain in the second or third trimester in China. This study adopted individualized weight management intervention for pregnant women with abnormal weight gain in the second or third trimester, to analyze the effect of intervention by observing the gestational weight gain and perinatal outcomes. This randomized controlled trial was performed at Aerospace Center Hospital. The obstetrician determined whether the pregnant women gained too much weight in the second or third trimester according to the Institute of Medicine guidelines, and randomly divided the pregnant women who gained too much weight in the second or third trimester into the intervention group or the control group according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The pregnant women in the intervention group and in the control group all received routine prenatal examination and diet nutrition education by the doctors in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The intervention group underwent individualized weight management, including individualized diet, exercise, psychological assessment, cognitive intervention and continuous communication, the whole process is tracked and managed by professional nutritionists. The obstetrician collected the prenatal examination data and pregnancy outcome data of all enrolled pregnant women. The primary outcome measure was weight gain during pregnancy. A generalized linear model and a logistic regression model were used to compare the outcomes between the two groups. In total, 348 pregnant women participated in this study with 203 in the intervention group and 145 in the control group. The whole gestational weight gain in the intervention group (15.8 ± 5.4 Kg) was lower than that in the control group (17.5 ± 3.6 Kg; adjusted β =  − 1.644; 95% CI [−2.660–−0.627]; P = 0.002). The percent of pregnant women with excessive weight gainbefore delivery was 54.2% (110/203) in the intervention group, which was lower than 69.7% (101/145) in the control group (adjusted RR = 0.468; 95% CI [0.284–0.769] P = 0.003). The pregnant women given the individualized weight management intervention from the second to the third trimester experienced less weight gain than that from the third trimester (15.5 ± 5.6 Kg vs. 16.2 ± 5.2 Kg), but without significant difference (P = 0.338). Lower rates of GDM, preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, higher rates of fetal distress and puerperal infection were observed in the intervention group than in the control group (all P < 0.05). Individualized weight management during the second or third trimesters is still beneficial for pregnant women who gain excessive weight and can decrease the associated adverse outcomes.
Dietary Factors Influencing the Pathogenesis of Gallstone Disease in Kerala, India
Authors: Raghu TG
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Increased consumption of meat is associated with gallstone ailment as intake of non-vegetarian food increases biliary acid, a trimethylamine transporter that tempts the gallstone cholesterol. Aim: To determine the relationship of dietary factors with gallstones amongst Indian patients. Materials and Methods: The present study was a case-control study which was conducted at Jubilee Mission Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Thrissur, Kerala, India from February 2008-June 2009. Study population included patients having cholelithiasis or lately identified with indicative or non- indicative gallstones. The nutritional ingestion was measured by qualified nutritionist by means of semi-quantifiable survey on food-frequency questionnaire. The subjects were matched up in age and gender proportions having analogous demographic features. The usual ultrasound of abdomen was performed by medical practitioners. Results: There were 200 patients included as cases and 200 controls, of the cases 112 (56%) were males and 88 (44%) were females, age range was 10-80 years. Preponderance was noted in age group of 31 to 40 years mounting to 52 (26%) pursued by 22.5% controls in the age groups of 21 to 30 and 41 to 50 years. According to the dietary interests, the vegetarian and non-vegetarian percentage ratio was of 21.5 and 78.5. Conclusion: The risk factors responsible for the development of Gallstone Disease (GSD) were food including meat, cholesterol, tamarind, and squat in fibre. In case of such ailments, vegetarian food with suggested calories and should be encouraged. Therefore, the anticipatory measures like amendments in routine and food should be carried out to eradicate these hazardous factors.
Critical Reviews: Biotechnology and Sustainable Industrialisation for National Development
Authors: Ezemba C. C. , Osuala O. J. , Anakwenze V. N.
Published: March 2022

This study aims to educate people about biotechnology and its role in the socio-economic advancement and development of a nation so that they can make informed choices. There is a growing appreciation that nationally, regionally and globally the management and utilisation of natural resources need to be improved and that the amounts of waste and pollution generated by human activity need to be reduced on a large scale. Economic growth provides jobs and income, goods and services and opportunities to improve the standard of living for an increasing world population. It is evident from various reports that, over the years, the requirement of biomass for food, fodder and fuel has been responsible for different types of environmental problems like deforestation, eutrophication, contaminated agricultural fields, etc. The eco-efficiency of industrial bio-products and bioprocesses can provide a basis for moving a broad range of industries toward more sustainable production. However, these applications are occurring as a “thousand points of light”, that is, without a guiding principle or a strategic orientation. It is concluded that biotechnology occupy a very strategic position in the socio-economic advancement and development of the nation in particular and the world at large. Investments therefore should be made on more sustainable and renewable raw materials – a bio-based economy rather than the conventional or the traditional methods so as to provide a cleaner and healthier environment.
Impact of COVID 19 Pandemic on Learning Experiences of Teachers-in– Training: Case of Second Year Student Teachers
Authors: Chifamba Constance
Published: March 2022

This study was qualitative descriptive case study. The main aim of the study was to assess the impact of COVID 19 Pandemic on the learning experiences of second year student teachers on teaching practice during the COVID 19 Pandemic. Seven student teachers from a class of 55 were purposively sampled and interviewed. Semi-structured interviews were used. Data collected was transcribed and coded . Inductive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results indicate that there were both negative and positive impacts on the student teachers learning experiences due to the COVID 19 Pandemic. The major negative impacts were the disruption of the teaching practice sequence to the extent that they could not thoroughly master some of the competencies due to the limited contact time with the school pupils and  mentors during the prolonged lock down,  Some of the student teachers indicated that to some extent, there was also negative effect on their mental health and social life as they were continually under stress due to the unpredictableness of the outcomes of the pandemic. This resulted in learning gaps. On the other hand there were positive side of the COVID 19 Pandemic. The shift to blended learning and integration of technology in the assessment of teaching practice was a major advancement in the teacher training profession. In addition, the students developed resilience and a spirit of solidarity which gave them a sense of belonging and caring for each other during hard times.
The Cognition of Pre-service High School Mathematics Teachers on the Implementation of Logical Reasoning Literacy
Authors: Sun Haojie , Zhou Xun , Meng Yanyun , Yang Zezhong
Published: March 2022

Currently, logical reasoning literacy has attracted more and more attention from all walks of life, and its implementation has become a research hot point. This study takes 51 master students from a university in China as objects to interview their cognition of the implementation of logical reasoning literacy with two questions. It was found that 1. The cognition focus of them on the implementation of logical reasoning literacy is to make students master the form of logical reasoning and improve logical reasoning ability; 2. The cognition of the implementation of logical reasoning literacy is not comprehensive and not consistent with the implementation measures proposed by predecessors. Therefore, it is suggested that 1. The teachers and experts in charge of training should pay more attention to logical reasoning literacy and provide pre-service high school mathematics teachers with more opportunities for teaching practice; 2. Pre-service high school mathematics teachers should grasp the importance of teaching practice. In the process of practice, the teachers should pay attention to observing the students' learning status, take the initiative to study and research, and constantly reflect, adjust and improve.
An Appraisal of Bacteriological Profile and Antibiogram Patterns among Elderly with Urinary–Tract-Infection: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ehimen Ferguson Ayemere , Akpan Iboro Samuel
Published: March 2022

Background: A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that can affect any portion of the urinary system (kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra). It's worth noting that the majority of UTIs affect the lower urinary tract. This infection has been identified as the most frequent bacterial illnesses, accounting for a significant portion of the workload in microbiological diagnostic laboratories.

UTIs account for 15.5 percent of hospitalizations in individuals over the age of 65, and it has been reported as one of the most common types of infection among the elderly, particularly those in institutionalized care.

Objectives: Our aim was   to retrospectively appraise and evaluate the bacteriological profile and antibiogram patterns in elderly adults visiting our private healthcare center.

Methods: The retrospective survey was conducted on elderly patients who visited the hospital within the period of three years (October 2018- October 2021). Questionnaire designed was used to collect data from the Health Information Management unit of the hospital and these information were analyzed using SPSS 20 package with a level of significant set at p-value of < 0.05.

Results: Females made up over 70% of the study participants, while men made up 30.2 percent. A substantial percentage of the elderly (53.8%) between the ages of 60 and 65 had E. coli growth as the cause of their UTI. More than a third (33.3 percent) of the elderly between the ages of 60 and 80 had Staphylococcus and Proteus as the cause of their UTI. The majority of the elderly patients' samples showed Staphylococcus Aureus and E Coli growth, with E coli growth reported in 33.3 percent and 66.7 percent of male and female participants, respectively, and Staph. aureus growth reported in 22.2 percent and 77.8% of male and female participants' urine cultures, accordingly. The majority of the bacteria grown were susceptible to Quinolones and Ceftriazone combination medicine (Ceftriazone + Tazobactan for E. coli and Ceftriazone + Tazobactam/ Sulbactam for Staphylococcus aureus), however common hospital antibiotics such as Ceftriazone, Augmentin, Amoxicillin, Cefixime, and cefuroxime were not sensitive to the urine cultured germs.

Conclusion: The rate of UTI in the elderly was relatively high, and antibiotic resistance to routinely administered medicines was surprising. The findings of this study have bolstered the need for comprehensive national control programs to combat antibiotic resistance, as well as the establishment of Geriatric clinics and geriatric public care programs across Nigeria's private and public health institutions, whose responsibility it is to raise awareness about the dangers of UTI and to develop robust treatment plans for the elderly.
An Exploratory Study on Document the Major Income Risk Encountered by the Small and Marginal Farmers in Irrigated Agro-Ecosystem of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Poovarasan K. , Mahandrakumar K. , Selvam S. , Pushpa J. , Prabakaran K.
Published: March 2022

The study proposes to assess the major risks encountered by the small and marginal farmers in the irrigated agro-ecosystem of Tamil Nadu with help of a risk matrix. A total of 240 respondents were selected for this study which consists of 80 small and marginal farmers each from three districts representing three irrigation systems viz., tank irrigation (Sivagangai district), cannel irrigation (Thiruvarur district) and well irrigation (Namakkal district) respectively. There are 34 risks identified in these irrigation systems, out of which 20 risks were found to be plotted between catastrophic to critical categories. In that, five risks viz., delay in the release of water in cannel/tank and water scarcity, lower than the cost of production, insufficient revenues to cover farm operational expenses, less insurance claim/coverage and late disbursement of loan from cooperative society were assessed as the catastrophic risks encountered by the small and marginal farmers in the irrigated agro-ecosystem of Tamil Nadu. This research study helps the policy-makers to utilize the above said findings and to develop the risk management strategies for the major risk faced by the small and marginal farmers in irrigated agro-ecosystem of   Tamil Nadu.
Genetic Analysis of Avocado (Persea americana L.) Genotypes for Fruit and Nutritive Traits
Authors: Sundharaiya K. , Thangaselvabai T. , Arumugam T. , Nagaraj S. , Sathish G. , Karuthamani M. , Sivakumar V.
Published: March 2022

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) or butter fruit is one the important nutritious sub tropical fruit native to Central America. Fruits are rich in nutrients, vitamins and phytochemicals. Fruit pulp is rich in fat and low in sugar content. Avocado exhibits wider variability due to protogyny nature of flower. However exploitation of this variability is very meager. The present study was conducted at Horticultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Thadiyankudisai to study and to find out suitable genotypes for further crop improvement programme. A field survey was conducted in Lower Pulney hills area and identified more than 100 genotypes and subjected to fruit characterization by using IPBGR descriptor. Sixteen genotypes were selected out of 100 genotypes based on the fruit characters and did nutritive analysis. Among the sixteen genotypes the avocado genotype TKDPA 93 recorded higher values for fruit length, fruit diameter, peduncle length, peduncle diameter and fruit weight. The genotype TKDPA 87 showed overall superior performance for nutritive traits viz. fat, dietary fibre, carbohydrate, carotene, vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus. The estimates of genetic parameters showed that the highest phenotypic variance was observed with the traits fruit weight, phosphorus content, fat content and peduncle length. Similarly the highest genotypic variance was observed with fruit weight, peduncle length and fat content. The maximum phenotypic co efficient of variance was noted with fruit weight, peduncle length, peduncle diameter, carotene content and pedicle length. The maximum genotypic co efficient of variance was noted with fruit weight, peduncle length, peduncle diameter, carotene content and pedicel length. GCV: PCV values were near unity for the traits fruit weight, peduncle length, peduncle diameter, carotene content, pedicel length and fruit diameter suggested that these traits are less influenced by the environment and can be used as a selection indices for avocado genetic improvement programme.
Machine Learning Regression Tree Approach for Age Prediction from Eruption Status of Permanent Teeth in Sri Lankan Children
Authors: De Silva Harshani H. , Nawarathna Lakshika S. , Vithanaarachchi V. S. N.
Published: March 2022

Prediction of age is a predominant facet in forensic and clinical fields. Forensic odontology is used to predict an age by using permanent teeth resistant to high temperatures and any mass disaster than other parts of the body. Although many studies have been carried out in other countries, this is the first study of age prediction using the eruption status of permanent teeth for Sri Lankans. Age-related memory loss, memory loss associated with dementia, and the absence of official documents to verify their age are the main reasons people have no knowledge about their age. Therefore, age prediction is used in various situations, such as identification, admission purposes, employment, criminal issues and judicial punishments. The main objective of this study is to predict the age of a child using the eruption status of permanent teeth. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 3321 individuals (1681 males and 1640 females) from 7 provinces and 20 schools in Sri Lanka. Regression tree algorithms in Machine learning were used for age prediction. Classification and regression trees (CART), gradient boosting (GB) classifier and extreme gradient boost (XGBoost) classifier were used to make predictions for the age of a  child. Results were validated using cross-validation techniques, and root mean squared error (RMSE) and R-squared values were used as accuracy measures to select the best model. The best model for age prediction was the XGBoost model, which gives the highest accuracy (88%). This is the first study of age prediction using eruption status of permanent teeth for Sri Lankan children. The study results provide an XGBoost machine learning classifier as the most suitable method for age prediction with higher precision.
Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus amongst Tuberculosis Patients Accessing Care at Model Healthcare Facility in Rivers State of Nigeria
Authors: Chiladi Isomah, , Ann Ekwe , Mbata U. Christian, , Huoma Priya , Didia Tarila Aleruchi-
Published: March 2022

Background: Tuberculosis is a global issue including diabetes particularly the Sub Sahara regions. Mono infection of either of the two is burdensome nonetheless a huge burden is experienced in a comorbid state even death. There is paucity of data about the co-existence of these diseases in this region although, much have been documented on Tuberculosis and Diabetes singly. The study ascertained the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among tuberculosis patients in Obio /Akpor local government area of Rivers State, Nigeria.

Methods: This Cross-sectional survey used purposive sampling technique. 282 pulmonary tuberculosis samples were collected and analyzed for glucose, comprising of 158 females and 124 males. The population for this study was tuberculosis patients hence only tuberculosis patients were included while none tuberculosis patients excluded from the study. Written and Informed consent was obtained from each participant. Laboratory procedure involved the collection of fasting blood Samples collected from patients following the laboratory standard quality procedure. Statistical Package for Social Science software version 21 was used to estimate frequency and percentage including prevalence rates.

Results: Glucose estimation showed; 170 normal glucose level (93females and 77 males). With 45 known diabetics (28 females and 17 males), 29 newly diagnosed diabetes (15 were males and 14 females) and 38 prediabetics (23females and 15 males). The overall prevalence of diabetes mellitus amongst Tuberculosis was 112 (39.72%) including prediabetics subjects. About 65 (58%) were females and 47 (42%) were males. Also, the most affected ages were between 31 to 50 years (21.98%); likewise, females were mostly affected 65 (23.05%).

Conclusion: There is a growing prevalence of diabetes mellitus amongst Tuberculosis patients. Glucose estimation should form part of the routine investigations for Tuberculosis patients. Investigation should be done to ascertain the interaction between Tuberculosis and Diabetes comorbidity.
Perceived Market Demand for Filipino Civil Engineers in the Kingdom of Bahrain
Authors: A. Nebrida Jimmy
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to find out the market demand for Filipino civil engineers in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Specifically, it tried to determine the market demand for Filipino civil engineers in terms of communication skills, computer skills, managerial skills, technical expertise, environmental awareness, linkages with other agencies, keeping abreast with new technologies and soft skills; to know if there is significant relationship between the profile of the civil engineers and the perceived market demands. Descriptive-quantitative correlational method of research was used in this study. The data gathered where analyzed and interpreted using frequency counts, percentages, mean and Pearson’s r for relationship. SPSS software was used in statistical analysis. Results show that 92 % of the respondents were male, 88.24% passed the Licensure Examination for Civil Engineers, 33.3% were in top management as consultants/managers/project supervisors, 94.12% have 7 years and above of experience, 90.2% attended more than 7 trainings/seminars and 59.4% were holders of Bachelor in Civil Engineering. The market demand for Filipino civil engineers was perceived by themselves as much needed. Market demand and gender has a p value of 0.43, market demand and eligibility has a p value of 0.33, market demand and type of employment has a p value of 0.43, market demand and years of experience has a p value of 0.88, market demand and seminars has a p value of 0.82, and market demand and educational attainment has a p value of 0.81. It implied that there is insufficient evidence to support the claim that there is a significant relationship between market demand and the profile of Filipino civil engineers in the kingdom of Bahrain.
Study about Multisystem Autoimmune Disorder: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, A Third World Prodigy
Authors: Qazi Saba Saleem , Shah Syed Muhammad Ismail , Maher Naheed , Kumar Santosh , Memon Pareesa , Dadabhoy Ramil
Published: March 2022

Childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has an incidence of 0.3-0.9/100,000 children. It is very rare to find a case of childhood-onset SLE before 5 years of age. We describe a case of a 4-year-old female child, from a low-socioeconomic background who was diagnosed with SLE based on a typical rash, oral ulcer, positive laboratory parameters such as ANA, anti-ds DNA, anti-nucleosome, anti-histone antibodies, and positive lupus anticoagulants. There was an involvement of each system with considerable signs and symptoms including lupus nephritis, a cardiological complication such as Libman-Sack endocarditis, and neurological manifestations showing diffuse cerebral atrophy. The child was also positive for parameters linking to the presence of Macrophage Activation Syndrome MAS). The hypercoagulable state of SLE has been linked to more central nervous system involvement, cardiovascular dysfunction, renal complication, and hyponatremia as indicated in our case making it more riveting.
Characteristics and Effects of Amnesty and Pardon: In Reference to Afghanistan
Authors: Zadran Amanullah , Mandozai Mohammad Shafiq
Published: March 2022

Forgiveness is one of the most important concerns in criminal law, with the result that Forgiveness helps the community achieve stability, rehabilitation, and well-being by allowing the offender to be improved. Amnesty is granted under the law and is considered a cause of prosecution and dismissal of criminal proceedings. Pardon is the only oversight of punishment and is subject to revocation, on the recommendation of the judiciary and with the approval of the head of state. When amnesty is granted, prosecution and criminal proceedings drops, the sentence suspends, and the effects of the conviction removes. Pardon also removes the effects of a conviction. However, it does not affect compensation and debt. Amnesty is applicable at all stages of a criminal case (detection, investigation, prosecution, and execution of a sentence), whereas a pardon is applicable only after the issuance of a final order and can’t be applied before.
Early medieval settlement and ironworking in Dornoch, Sutherland
Authors: Coleman Russel , Photos-Jones Effie , Chenery Simon , Cox Adrian , Hall Derek , Haistie Mhairi , Smith Catherine
Published: March 2022

Monitoring and excavation during the development of a new business park in Dornoch (NGR: NH 797 895) in 1997 revealed numerous features including a building, ditched enclosures and several hearths, all sealed beneath an artefact-rich cultivation soil. Radiocarbon dates obtained place the main period of activity here in the late 1st millennium AD. The evidence recovered also suggests a tradition of ironworking here from the early medieval period continuing through into the medieval period. A small assemblage of finds was recovered from the excavation, including quantities of iron slag, bog iron ore, fragments from a clay-lined furnace, whale bone, a bone counter and a bone pin beater. This paper reports on the results of the work and includes an extended section on the analysis of the iron making and working evidence.
Archaeological monitoring in the streets of Musselburgh
Authors: Kimber Michael , Franklin Julie , Evertsson Elin , Faras-Pagowska Anna
Published: March 2022

Archaeological monitoring of water mains renewal in Musselburgh has provided new information on the medieval and post-medieval development of the burgh, as well as adding to known information on the vicus of the Roman fort, the Newbigging pottery and the town mill lade. Activity associated with the Newbigging pottery seems to have extended further to the west than the boundaries of the pottery indicated on 19th-century maps of the town, while Roman remains associated with the vicus survive in places beneath the road surface of Inveresk Brae. However, while archaeological deposits related to the medieval burgh were located broadly where expected, they were fragmentary in comparison with similar deposits from pipeline monitoring schemes in Perth, North Berwick and Crail. The data from Musselburgh are in part less coherent due to the kinds of work monitored within the burgh core, but it is probable that they also reflect a lesser degree of preservation of archaeological deposits beneath the road surface. This is partly due to modern development, and partly due to the geographic situation of the burgh, which does not appear to have encouraged the formation of stratified deposits sealed by wind-blown sand, as in North Berwick, or the anaerobic preservation conditions prevalent within Perth.
Notch3 regulates ferroptosis via ROS‐induced lipid peroxidation in NSCLC cells
Authors: Li Zhikang , Xiao JinYang , Liu Mengyu , Cui Jiaqi , Lian Bowen , Sun Yuanlu , Li Chunyan
Published: March 2022

Ferroptosis is type of programmed cell death, which is known to be involved in certain cancers. Notch3 signaling is reported to be involved in the tumorigenesis of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and regulates iron metabolism, lipid synthesis, and oxidative stress in some tissues. However, whether Notch3 signaling regulates ferroptosis is unclear. In this study, we found that ferroptosis inhibitors, ferrostatin‐1 and liproxstatin‐1, protected against cell death induced by Notch3 knockdown and that Notch3 knockdown initiated ferroptosis in NSCLC cells by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, lipid peroxidation, and Fe2+ levels, accompanied by downregulation of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and peroxiredoxin6 (PRDX6). Conversely, Notch3 intracellular domain overexpression suppressed erastin‐induced ferroptosis, which was synergistically enhanced by MJ33 in H1299 cells via a decrease in ROS levels and lipid peroxidation, accompanied by upregulation of GPX4 and PRDX6. Moreover, Notch3 knockdown decreased tumorigenesis in vivo with downregulation of GPX4 and PRDX6. In summary, here we have identified Notch3 as a potential negative regulator of ferroptosis in NSCLC.
Wearable sensors detect impaired gait and coordination in LBSL during remote assessments
Authors: Smith Fine Amena , Kaufman Miriam , Goodman Jordan , Turk Bela , Bastian Amy , Lin Doris , Fatemi Ali , Keller Jennifer
Published: March 2022

Background

Leukoencephalopathy with brainstem and spinal cord involvement and lactate elevation (LBSL) is a rare leukodystrophy with motor impairment due to biallelic mutations in DARS2, which encodes mitochondrial aspartyl tRNA synthetase. Progressive ataxia is the primary feature.

Objective

The study objective is to determine the feasibility of remotely collecting quantitative gait and balance measures in LBSL.

Methods

The study design uses wearable accelerometers and the scale for the assessment and rating of ataxia (SARA) scale to assess gait and postural sway in LBSL and control participants' homes through video conferencing.

Results

Lateral step variability (LSV), which indicates stride variability, and elevation of the step at mid‐swing are increased for LBSL patients during brief walking tests. During stance with the eyes closed, LBSL participants show rapid accelerations and decelerations of body movement covering a large sway area and path. Both the LSV and sway area during stance with the feet together and eyes closed correlate strongly with the SARA.

Conclusions

Wearable accelerometers are valid and sensitive for detecting ataxia in LBSL patients during remote assessments. The finding of large increases in the sway area during stance with the eyes closed is intriguing since dorsal column dysfunction is universally seen in LBSL. This approach can be applied to related rare diseases that feature ataxia.
Chemical Passivation Stabilizes Zn Anode
Authors: He Pan , Huang Jiaxing
Published: March 2022

Aqueous zinc ion batteries are an attractive option for grid‐scale energy storage, which is vital to the integration of renewable energy resources with the electric energy infrastructure. The cycling stability of aqueous ZIBs is determined by the electrochemical reversibility of Zn anode, which is often deteriorated by its corrosion and dendritic Zn deposition. Here, a simple and rapid surface passivation strategy that can drastically improve the cycling stability of Zn anodes is demonstrated. For example, a dip in KMnO4 solution readily forms a continuous, conformal, and robust protective layer on the native Zn surface, leading to a more uniform plating/stripping process, increased corrosion resistance, and tolerance to manufacturing and processing defects on Zn metal electrodes. The Zn electrode cycling stabilities at 1 mA cm−2 and 1 mA h cm−2 are extended by ≈40 times. In full battery tests in the configuration of Zn||β‐MnO2, the full cell with passivated Zn anode exhibited a capacity retention of 68.7% after 300 cycles at a current density of 1.0 A g−1, while the cell with untreated Zn anode can only retain 7.4% of capacity under the same conditions.
Advances in SnO2 for Efficient and Stable n–i–p Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Park So Yeon , Zhu Kai
Published: March 2022

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) based on the regular n–i–p device architecture have reached above 25% certified efficiency with continuously reported improvements in recent years. A key common factor for these recent breakthroughs is the development of SnO2 as an effective electron transport layer in these devices. In this article, the key advances in SnO2 development are reviewed, including various deposition approaches and surface treatment strategies, to enhance the bulk and interface properties of SnO2 for highly efficient and stable n–i–p PSCs. In addition, the general materials chemistry associated with SnO2 along with the corresponding materials challenges and improvement strategies are discussed, focusing on defects, intrinsic properties, and impact on device characteristics. Finally, some SnO2 implementations related to scalable processes and flexible devices are highlighted, and perspectives on the future development of efficient and stable large‐scale perovskite solar modules are also provided.
Implanting an Electron Donor to Enlarge the d–p Hybridization of High‐Entropy (Oxy)hydroxide: A Novel Design to Boost Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Lingjie , Cai Weiwei , Bao Ningzhong , Yang Hui
Published: March 2022

High‐entropy (HE) electrocatalysts are becoming a research hotspot due to their interesting “cocktail effect” and have great potential for tailored catalytic properties. However, it is still a great challenge to illustrate their inherent catalytic mechanism for the “cocktail effect”, and there is also a paucity of quantitative descriptors to characterize the specific catalytic activity and give logical design strategies for HE systems. Herein, the unexpected activation of all metal sites in HE Cu–Co–Fe–Ag–Mo (oxy)hydroxides for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is reported, and it is found that metal–oxygen d–p hybridization, as an effective descriptor, can indicate the intrinsic activity of each metal site. According to the quantitative hybridization, introducing an electron donor (e.g., Ag) is raised and verified to reinforce the electrocatalytic activity of the HE system. Consequently, Ag‐decorated Co–Cu–Fe–Ag–Mo (oxy)hydroxide (Ag@CoCuFeAgMoOOH) electrocatalysts are constructed by an electrochemical reconstruction method, and their OER performances are thoroughly characterized. The Ag@CoCuFeAgMoOOH is verified with a low overpotential (270 mV at 100 mA cm−2) and a small Tafel slope (35.3 mV dec−1), as well as good electrochemical stability. The favorable activity of the electron donor and underlying synergistic “cocktail effect” are demonstrated and disclosed. This work opens up a new strategy to guide the design/fabrication of advanced HE electrocatalysts.
Amyloid‐Like Protein Aggregation Toward Pesticide Reduction
Authors: Su Hao , Liu Yongchun , Gao Yingtao , Fu Chengyu , Li Chen , Qin Rongrong , Liang Lei , Yang Peng
Published: March 2022

Pesticide overuse is a major global problem and the cause of this problem is noticeable pesticide loss from undesired bouncing of sprayed pesticide droplets and rain erosion. This further becomes a primary source of soil and groundwater pollution. Herein, the authors report a method that can enhance pesticide droplet deposition and adhesion on superhydrophobic plant leave surfaces by amyloid‐like aggregation of bovine serum albumin (BSA). Through the reduction of the disulfide bond of BSA by tris(2‐carboxyethyl) phosphine hydrochloride (TCEP), the amyloid‐like phase transition of BSA is triggered that rapidly affords abundant phase‐transitioned BSA (PTB) oligomers to facilitate the invasion of the PTB droplet into the nanostructures on a leaf surface. Such easy penetration is further followed by a robust amyloid‐mediated interfacial adhesion of PTB on leaf surface. As a result, after mixing with pesticides, the PTB system exhibits a remarkable pesticide adhesion capacity that is more than 10 times higher than conventional fixation of commercial pesticides. The practical farmland experiments show that the use of PTB aggregation could reduce the use of pesticides by 70–90% while ensuring yield. This work demonstrates that current pesticide dosage in actual agriculture production may be largely reduced by utilizing eco‐friendly amyloid‐like protein aggregation.