bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Portuguese Version of the Aging Attitudes Questionnaire (AAQ): Validation of the Psychometric Properties
Authors: Pedroso de Lima Margarida , Martins Paulo , Gonzalez António-José
Published: August 2022

Scientific literature shows increased interest in the aged and the aging phenomenon. The Aging Attitudes Questionnaire - AAQ was validated for the Portuguese population to understand the importance of attitudes towards old age and their impact on the subjective well-being of the elderly. A sample of 400 subjects (from 18 to 93 years) answered a socio-demographic questionnaire, and the AAQ was composed of three subscales (psychosocial losses, physical change, and psychological growth). The CFA confirmed the tri-factorial structure with very good adjustment of the model to the data with the Cronbach alpha of the total scale scoring .84 and ranging from .65 to .77 for each factor. A total of 9 items were omitted both for poor factor loadings (<0.50. Notwithstanding, 3 items below the criteria were maintained, as they conceptually fit into the factor. Of the final 15 AAQp items, 5 belong to the Psychosocial Loss factor, 6 to Physical Change, and 4 to Psychosocial Growth. This tree factor model explained 50.1 % of the total variance. In conclusion, this study supports that AAQ has acceptable validity, confirming the composite reliability and the discriminant validity, but not the convergent validity. Through multi-group analysis, the invariance of the scale was confirmed. This validation is of pivotal importance once it allows measuring the attitudes towards aging, thus facilitating the promotion of wellbeing across the lifespan.
Mycobacterium Bovis Strain Ravenel is Attenuated in Cattle
Authors: Hadi Syeda Anum , Brenner Evan P , Palmer Mitchell V , Waters Wade Ray , Thacker Tyler C , Vilcheze Catherine , Larsen Michelle H , Jacobs, Jr. William R , Sreevatsan Srinand
Published: August 2022

Mycobacterium tuberculosis variant bovis (MBO) has one of the widest known mammalian host ranges, including humans. Despite characterization of this pathogen in the 1800s, and whole genome sequencing of a UK strain (AF2122) nearly two decades ago, the basis of its host specificity and pathogenicity remains poorly understood. Recent experimental calf infection studies show that MBO strain Ravenel (MBO Ravenel) is attenuated in the cattle host. In the present study, experimental infections were performed to define attenuation and whole genome sequencing completed to identify regions of differences (RD) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to explain the observed attenuation. Comparative genomic analysis of MBO Ravenel against three pathogenic strains of MBO (strains AF2122-97, 10-7428 and 95-1315) was performed. Experimental infection studies on 5 calves each, with either MBO Ravenel or 95-1315, revealed no visible lesions in all 5 animals in the Ravenel group despite robust IFN-γ responses. Out of 486 polymorphisms in the present analysis, 173 were unique to MBO Ravenel among the strains compared. A high-confidence subset of 9 unique SNPs were missense mutations in genes with annotated functions impacting 2 major MBO survival and virulence pathways: 1) Cell wall synthesis & transport [espH (A103T), mmpL8 (V888I), aftB (H484Y), eccC5 (T507M), rpfB (E263G)], and 2) Lipid metabolism & respiration [mycP1(T125I), pks5 (G455S), fadD29 (N231S), fadE29 (V360G)]. These substitutions likely contribute to the observed attenuation. Results from experimental calf infections and the functional attributions of polymorphic loci on the genome of MBO Ravenel provide new insights into the strain’s genotype-disease phenotype associations.
Experimental and Field Investigations on the Impact-Resistance Mechanical Properties of Negative Poisson’s Ratio Bolt/Cable
Authors: Wang Jiong , Liu Peng , Ma Zimin , He Manchao , Gao Chengzhang , Zhu Chun
Published: August 2022

Dynamic impact tests of negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR) and rebar bolts under different impact wavelengths were carried out using a self-developed NPR bolt tensile impact test system. Additionally, a field anti-impact test using blasting was performed to simulate rockburst, and the field anti-impact characteristics of the NPR and conventional cable were compared and analysed. The experimental test results revealed that the peak impact force of the NPR and rebar bolts was inversely proportional to the wavelength. The NPR bolt underwent only constant resistance structural deformation, and the rod body did not break. The rebar bolt body fractured and necked. Under the same impact wavelength, the impact force and elongation of the two bolt types were proportional to the impact velocity. Compared with the greater peak impact force of the rebar bolt, the NPR bolt output structure deformation reduced the peak impact force. At the same impact velocity, as the wavelength increased, the impact force of the NPR bolt decreased rapidly, and the number of peaks also decreased. The impact force peak value of the rebar bolt was high, the impact force-time curve had multipeak characteristics, and no apparent rapid attenuation occurred. The field test results indicated that the NPR cable could produce slip deformation under the action of an explosion impact force to absorb the impact energy and that it had special mechanical properties to maintain a constant resistance. Under the same equivalent blasting impact energy, the conventional cable test section collapsed completely. The NPR cable test section was stable overall, verifying that the NPR cable had better impact-resistance mechanical properties than conventional cable. The research results provide a reliable basis for the effectiveness of NPR bolts/cables in preventing rockbursts.
Adaptive RISE Control of Winding Tension With Active Disturbance Rejection
Authors: Mi Junjie , Yao Jianyong , Deng Wenxiang
Published: August 2022

The winding system is a time-varying system that takes into account various complex nonlinear characteristics. Among them, how to control the stability of the winding tension during the winding process is the primary problem that has plagued the development of this field in recent years. There are many nonlinear factors that affect the tension in the winding process, such as friction, structured, unstructured uncertainties and external interference. These terms severely restrict the performance of the tracking error of tension. Previously, the existing tension control strategies were mainly based on the composite control of the tension loop and the speed loop, and the research was carried out through complex decoupling operations. Due to the large calculation amount of this method, it brings a lot of inconvenience in practical engineering applications. For this purpose that further simplify the tension generation mechanism and the influence of the nonlinear characteristics of the winding system, a simpler nonlinear dynamic model of the winding tension was established. At the same time, an adaptive method was applied to update the feedback gain of the continuous robust integral of the sign of the error (RISE). Furthermore, extended state observer (ESO) was used to estimate the modeling errors and external disturbances. Then, the model disturbance term can be compensated in the designed controller of RISE. The asymptotic stability of the system is prove based on the stability theory of Lyapunov. Finally, a comparative analysis was carried out between the proposed nonlinear controller and several other controllers. Results show that the tracking error of winding tension was enhanced significantly.
Paraoxonase-2 contributes to promoting lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function via autophagy activation
Authors: Shin Gu-Choul , Lee Hyeong Min , Kim Na Yeon , Yoo Sang-Ku , Park Hyung Soon , Choi Leo Sungwong , Kim Kwang Pyo , Kim Kyun Hwan
Published: August 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasingly prevalent immuno-metabolic disease that can progress to hepatic cirrhosis and cancer. NAFLD pathogenesis is extremely complex and is characterized by oxidative stress, impaired mitochondrial function and lipid metabolism, and cellular inflammation. Thus, in-depth research on its underlying mechanisms and subsequent investigation into a potential drug target that has overarching effects on these features will help in the discovery of effective treatments for NAFLD. Our study examines the role of endogenous paraoxonase-2 (PON2), a membrane protein with reported antioxidant activity, in an in vitro cell model of NAFLD. We found that the hepatic loss of PON2 activity aggravated steatosis and oxidative stress under lipotoxic conditions, and our transcriptome analysis revealed that the loss of PON2 disrupts the activation of numerous functional pathways closely related to NAFLD pathogenesis, including mitochondrial respiratory capacity, lipid metabolism, and hepatic fibrosis and inflammation. We found that PON2 promoted the activation of the autophagy pathway, specifically the mitophagy cargo sequestration, which could potentially aid PON2 in alleviating oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid accumulation, and inflammation. These results provide a mechanistic foundation for the prospect of PON2 as a drug target, leading to the development of novel therapeutics for NAFLD.
On MXene Conducting Polymer Nanocomposites Micro-Supercapacitors and Applications
Authors: Idumah Christopher Igwe
Published: August 2022

Due to escalating evolution of micro-electronics utilized in wearable, as well as flexible electronics, the quests for micro-batteries along with micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) has increased tremendously. MSCs have attracted increasing interests as a result of the development occurring in scope of these energy storing micro-architectures. Appropriate electrode material selection constitutes a fundamental choice in design and fabrication of MSCs. Presently, an emerging class of two-dimensional transitional metallic (M) carbides or nitrides (X) referred as 2-D MXene (M-X) has emanated and pronounced efficient for energy storage. Hence, as a result of inherently elevated electronic conductivity of 10,000 S cm− 1, elevated charge storing efficiency, and ease of processability, M-X has demonstrated high prospects for fabrication of MSC electrodes. Thus, M-X has been versatily utilized in stacked form or within inter-digitalized system for on-chip MSCs. Therefore, this paper elucidates recently emerging trends in M-X hybrids and conducting polymeric nanoarchitecture oriented energy storing systems especially for MSCs, Metal-ion batteries and other energy storage systems.
AKAP8L enhances the stemness and chemoresistance of gastric cancer cells by stabilizing SCD1 mRNA
Authors: Zhang Ruihong , Liu Luguang , Wang Fengqin , Zhao Weizhu , Liu Kai , Yu Hang , Zhao Siwei , Xu Botao , Zhang Xiaoli , Chai Jie , Hao Jing
Published: August 2022

Gastric cancer (GC) remains the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Chemoresistance is the major determinant of GC treatment failure. To explore the molecular mechanisms of GC chemoresistance, mass spectrometry was performed to detect the genes altered in expression between chemoresistant and chemosensitive GC. PRKA kinase anchor protein 8L (AKAP-8L) was identified as one of the top upregulated genes in chemoresistant GC tissues. Moreover, the higher AKAP-8L expression was associated with the lower survival rate in GC patients. Overexpression of AKAP-8L enhanced the GC cell stemness and chemoresistance of oxaliplatin in vivo and in vitro. AKAP-8L deficiency obtained the opposite results. Mechanistically, AKAP-8L interacted with Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) mRNA and IGF2BP1 protein, and regulated SCD1 mRNA stability via IGF2BP1-dependent manner. SCD1 played a critical role in mediating the function of AKAP-8L in GC cell stemness and chemoresistance. Clinically, AKAP-8L and SCD1 protein levels was positively associated with human GC chemoresistance. Taken together, our results demonstrated that AKAP-8L facilitates GC chemoresistance via regulating SCD1-mediated stemness of GC cells. AKAP8L may represent a novel therapeutic target to overcome GC chemoresistance.
Targeting Aurora-A Inhibits Tumor Progression and Sensitizes Thyroid Carcinoma to sorafenib by decreasing PFKFB3-mediated glycolysis
Authors: Zhi Jingtai , Hu Linfei , Kang Ning , Yun Xinwei , Wang Xin , Ruan Xianhui , huang dongmei , Yang Weiwei , Meng Xiangrui , Wang Wei , Zheng Xiangqian
Published: August 2022

Background
Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine tumor, amongst which anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most deadly. Aurora-A usually functions as oncogenes, and its inhibitor Alisertib exerts a powerful antitumor effect in various tumors. However, the mechanism of Aurora-A in regulating TC cell energy supply remains unclear.
Methods
Phosphoproteome and proteome analyses and RNA-seq were performed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of Aurora-A-induced tumor cell progression, which were further verified by in vitro modulations of Aurora-A and related pathways. An immunohistochemistry assay was carried out to evaluate the relationship between Aurora-A and patient prognosis. Finally, the antitumor efficacy of the Alisertib/Sorafenib combination was assessed in vitro and in vivo.
Results
We demonstrated the antitumor effect of Alisertib and an association between high Aurora-A expression and shorter survival. Multi-omics data and in vitro validation data suggested that Aurora-A induced PFKFB3-mediated glycolysis to increase ATP supply, which significantly upregulated the phosphorylation of ERK and AKT. The combination of Alisertib and Sorafenib had a synergistic effect, further confirmed in xenograft models and in vitro.
Conclusions
We provide compelling evidence of the prognostic value of Aurora-A expression and suggest that Aurora-A upregulates PFKFB3-mediated glycolysis to enhance ATP supply and promote TC progression. Combining Alisertib with Sorafenib has huge prospects for application in treating advanced thyroid carcinoma.
Polypropylene Anterior-apical single-incision mesh surgery in women with severe pelvic organ prolapse—a case series at 53 months median period follow-up
Authors: Lo Tsia-Shu , Chua Sandy , Shen Yu-Hua , Tan Yiap Loong , Kao Chuan Chi , Hsieh Wu-Chiao
Published: August 2022

Objective
This study aims to assess the medium-term outcomes of UpholdTM-LITE system for treatment of advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP).
Methods
This is a retrospective case series of 53 months follow-up of 123 consecutive patients who underwent UpholdTM-LITE system. Objective outcome measure was the anatomical correction of prolapse with POP-Q ≤ Stage 1. Subjective outcome was patient’s feedback to questions 2 and 3 of POPDI-6. Secondary outcome measures the quality of life, presence of lower urinary tract symptoms and complications. Quality of life is assessed by validated questionnaires on UDI-6, IIQ-7, POPDI-6, and PISQ-12 at 1 and 3 years post-operatively.
Results
Objective outcome at 1 and 3 years was at 96.7% and 95.4% respectively. The subjective cure was 95.1% and 91.6%. Five-year cumulative cure rate maintained at 87.2%. Secondary outcomes observed improvement on UDI-6, IIQ-7, POPDI-6 and PISQ-12 postoperatively. Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) improved while De novo urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) increased slightly post surgically. Mesh erosion rate was 0.8%.
Conclusion
The UpholdTM-LITE system demonstrated good medium term anatomical correction of apical and anterior prolapse, with good subjective cure and improved quality of life. Whilst complication rate was low, a slight increased in De novo USI was observed.
Nationwide Survey of Medical Student Interest in and Exposure to Aerospace Medicine
Authors: Thamer Semran , Bello Joseph , Stevanovic Mirjana , Obat Dennis , Buckey Jay
Published: August 2022

INTRODUCTION: Aerospace Medicine is experiencing a renaissance. The field provides physicians with the expertise to promote the health and safety of those traveling in space. Commercial spaceflight is now a reality, meaning that individuals with a variety of medical conditions will be flying in space. NASA has Mars plans and SpaceX plans to send humans to Mars within the next decade, so today’s medical students may be future physicians on these crews. Considering these developments, we evaluated interest in and exposure to Aerospace Medicine among medical students in the United States (US).METHODS: This study was approved by the Dartmouth College Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects and informed consent was obtained by each participant. A 19-question anonymous multiple-choice questionnaire was emailed to current medical students throughout the US. Information about demographics, career and research interests in Aerospace Medicine, opportunities available at students’ respective institutions, and possible avenues for supporting students’ interests was collected and analyzed.RESULTS: 1,244 students (490 men, 751 women, 3 other) with a mean age of 25.8 ± 3.0 years from 61 institutions completed the questionnaire. 1,061 (85.3%) expressed an interest in learning more about Aerospace Medicine if given the opportunity with 208 (16.7%) specifying an interest in research and 939 (75.5%) in career opportunities. 55 (4.4%) indicated that they had access to research opportunities at their institutions while 333 (47.2%) of those who did not, suggested they would pursue research if they had access. 98 (7.9%) of respondents reported that their institution offered an Aerospace Medicine Interest Group or elective. Students from institutions who offered an interest group, elective, or access to research opportunities expressed significantly more interest in Aerospace Medicine careers than those who did not (p<0.0001). 1008 (81.0%) of respondents rated the importance of physician involvement in space exploration as moderately to extremely important.DISCUSSION: Most respondents expressed an interest in learning about Aerospace Medicine during their training. A strong interest in research as well as career opportunities exists despite the majority of students reporting minimal access to opportunities to get involved in the field at most of the surveyed institutions. With growing interest and an expected increase in demand for physicians with a background in Aerospace Medicine, medical schools may be able to support students by increasing access to opportunities.
Isolation of potent antileishmanial agents from Artemisia kermanensis Podlech using bioguided fractionation
Authors: Yazdiniapour Zeinab , Soleimanifard Simindokht , Saeedi Shaghayegh
Published: August 2022

Leishmaniasis is a major health problem worldwide with different clinical forms that depend on the parasite, the host's immune system, and immune-inflammatory responses. This study aimed to evaluate the secondary metabolites from Artemisia kermanensis Podlech by bioguided fractionation against Leishmania major. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were determined based on analysis of mass and nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. Antileishmanial activity were determined on promastigotes and amastigotes. Chemical structures of the isolated compound were as 1-Acetoxy-3,7-dimethyl-7-hydroxy-octa-2E,5E-dien-4-one for compound 1 and 5,7-dihydroxy-3',4',6-trimethoxyflavone (Eupatilin) for compound 2, and 5,7,3'-Trihydroxy-6,4',5'-trimethoxyflavone for compound 3. Compound 2 were confirmed by significant activity with IC50 of less than 50 µg/ml for 24 and 48h in clinical form (amastigotes). Compound 3 demonstrated high susceptibility with an IC50 of less than 30 µg/ml for promastigotes for 24 h.The bioguided fractionation of A.Kermanensis resulted the isolation of potent antileishmanial agents with a low toxicity effect on macrophages. These plant metabolites can be a candidate as a drug for treating cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Effect of Air Blowing inside Isolated Hospital Clothing on Perceptual and Physiological Heat Strain in Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Soleimani Negar , Habibi Peymaneh , Dehghan Habibollah , Dehghan Ha.
Published: August 2022

Heat stress is one of the most common complaints of health care employees who wear isolation gowns to protect themselves from biological agents, particularly during the warmer seasons. This study was conducted in climatic chamber to determine the influence of airflow within isolated hospital gowns on physiological-perceptual heat strain indices. The experiment was conducted in three stages: regular clothes, a impenetrable gown, and gown with air blowing at a temperature conditions of 27°C and 25% relative humidity. At each stage, physiological-perceptual responses data were recorded for a half-hour on a treadmill at a speed of km h− 2 and a slope of 0% activity at 5-minute intervals. There was a significant difference in mean scores for thermal discomfort and sweat sensation in both sexes when working in regular clothes, gowns, and gown with air blowing (P < 0.001). In women, the mean scores for thermal sensation, thermal discomfort, and sweat sensation reduced considerably (P < 0.001) in the gown and gown with air blowing in the amount of 10 and 12 cfm, but in males, there was a statistically significant difference between mean scores (P < 0.001) in the gown with air blowing at 12 and 14 cfm. Additionally, the mean heart rate, chest temperature, and temperature inside the gown were observed in women in 12 cfm air blowing, and the greatest mean temperature inside the gown, chest temperature, and the back temperature were observed in men in 14 cfm air blowing (P < 0.001). The usage of an air blower in isolated hospital clothes has been shown to influence physiological-perceptual parameters in men and women substantially. The existence of airflow in these gowns can improve safety, performance, and thermal comfort while also decreasing the risk of heat-related disorders.
Evaluation of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of PCOS patients attending a tertiary care institute in Colombo
Authors: Ranathunga I , Athukorala TG , Sumanatilleke M , Somasundaram NP
Published: August 2022

Background and Objectives
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder with heterogeneous aetiology. It is characterized by irregular menses and or oligo/anovulation, hyper-androgenism, and polycystic ovaries. The prevalence and diagnosis of PCOS changes depending on which clinical criteria are utilized to confirm the diagnosis. The prevalence can be high as 8–13% when the Rotterdam criteria are used. However, there is significant inter-individual variation in presentation. We have studied the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of PCOS patients attending the Endocrinology clinic in a tertiary care institute in Sri Lanka.
Methods
A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to September 2020 at the Endocrinology Unit of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka. All the patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and who has a diagnosis of PCOS made according to Rotterdam criteria were recruited in to the study. After obtaining informed written consent, the data was collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. HOMA-IR was calculated using the fasting insulin and blood glucose level.
Results
The study enrolled sixty females. The mean age was 26.7 years (range 18–44). The mean weight was 64.8 (SD = 11.9) kg and BMI was 27.1 (SD = 4.8) kg/m− 2. According to Asian BMI cut-offs, 1 (1.7%) patient was underweight and 13 (21.7%) had normal weight. Forty six (76.7%) had their weight in the overweight or obese category. Fifty four (90.0%) patients had clinical or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism while 24 (40%) had polycystic ovaries on trans-abdominal ultrasound scan and 50 (83.3%) had irregular menstrual cycles. According to the body fat percentage assessed by the whole body DEXA scan 4.1% normal body fat, while 50.0% and 45.8% had overweight and obesity respectively. HOMA-IR detected 61.1% to have high insulin resistance. Out of the patients who had USS of the abdomen 27.5% had co-existent non-alcoholic fatty liver. Fifty four percent of the patients had sub/infertility.
Conclusions
The majority of the population were overweight or obese and had higher prevalence of insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver. Out of the clinical characteristics used to make the diagnosis of PCOS, the presence of clinical or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism and irregular menstrual cycles are more common than the detection of polycystic ovaries on trans-vaginal USS. The higher prevalence of overweight, obesity, insulin resistance and NAFLD associated with PCOS makes the diagnosis and management of the disease crucial to prevent long term consequences of the disease
Active Terahertz Beam Steering Based on Mechanical Deformation of Liquid Crystal Elastomer Metasurface
Authors: Gu Jianqiang , Zhuang Xiaolin , Zhang Wei , Wang Kemeng , Gu Yangfan , An Youwen , Zhang Xueqian , Luo Dan , Han Jiaguang , Zhang Weili
Published: August 2022

Active metasurfaces are emerging as the core of next-generation optical devices with their tunable optical responses and flat-compact topography. Especially for the terahertz band, active metasurfaces have been developed as fascinating devices for optical chopping and compressive sensing imaging. However, performance regulation by changing the dielectric parameters of the integrated functional materials exhibits severe limitations and parasitic losses. Here, we introduce a C-shape-split-ring-based phase discontinuity metasurface with liquid crystal elastomer as substrate for infrared modulation of terahertz wavefront. Line-focused infrared light is applied to manipulate the deflection of the liquid crystal elastomer substrate, enabling controllable and broadband wavefront steering with a maximum output angle change of 22° at 0.68 THz. Heating as another control method is also investigated and compared with infrared control. We further demonstrate the performance of liquid crystal elastomer metasurfaces as beam steerer, frequency modulator, and tunable beam splitter, which are highly desired in terahertz wireless communication and imaging systems. The proposed scheme demonstrates the promising prospects of mechanically deformable metasurfaces, opening a new avenue for the development of reconfigurable metasurfaces.
Effectiveness of a residential smoking cessation program for female heavy smokers in South Korea
Authors: Kim Haena , Lee Kang-Sook , Kim Dai-Jin , Cho Bitna , Kim Hee-Won
Published: August 2022

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the characteristics of female heavy smokers participating in a residential smoking cessation program and the program’s effectiveness.MethodsData were collected from 119 female smokers registered in the Integrated System for Smoking Cessation Service, from September 1, 2015 through September 30, 2020. Participants attended a five-day residential smoking cessation program during hospital admission. The program included smoking cessation treatment by a psychiatrist, smoking cessation medication, health screening, smoking cessation education, individual and group clinical psychological therapy, physical activity programs, and nutritional counseling. Six months after the program, nine sessions of in-person or telephone-based smoking cessation counseling services were provided. Psychological evaluation—consideringnicotine dependence,tobacco craving,smoking cessation motivation,perceived smoking cessation effect,smoking cessation self-efficacy,depression, andperceived stress—was conducted before and after participation to examine the program’s effectiveness.ResultsParticipants’ states before and after the residential smoking cessation program were compared, and significant positive changes were observed insmoking cessation motivation,perceived smoking cessation effect, andsmoking cessation self-efficacy. Success of the participants’ six-month smoking cessation was influenced by their depression levels and number of counseling sessions attended.ConclusionsThe participants followed a program based on a comprehensive healthcare approach, which was a critical determinant for the success of smoking cessation. To ensure effective smoking cessation in female heavy smokers, a female-specific counseling service should be developed and applied to increase the success rate of and maintain smoking cessation.
Can a charge-ordered state be metallic?
Authors: Xia Hailiang , Liu Zhehong , Wu Yan , Sun Qian , Hayashi Naoaki , shen xi , Cao Huibo , Cruz Clarina dela , Yu Richeng , Yang Yi-feng , Takano Mikio , Long Youwen
Published: August 2022

Charge order means that two or more distinct charge states accommodate at different atomic sites, resulting in striking variations in the structural and physical properties. Charge-ordered systems are usually electrically insulating. Here, we present the first observation of a charge-ordered metallic state in a CaFe0.95Co0.05O3 single crystal, doped with a small amount of Co, and grown at high pressure. A metal-to-insulator transition occurs on cooling to 260 K owing to the charge order between the disproportionated Fe3+ and Fe5+ states. As the temperature further decreases to 65 K, however, a reentrant metallization transition accompanied by a newly presented antiferromagnetic phase transition takes place, whereas the Fe3+ and Fe5+ charge-ordered state exists robustly. An unprecedented charge-ordered metallic state is thus unveiled to exist in the CaFe0.95Co0.05O3 single crystal. First-principles calculations suggest that the introduction of a moderate amount of Co and peculiar spiral spin texture play an important role in the existence of this novel quantum state. This study opens up a new avenue to study charge-ordered behavior in a metallic system.
Launch Sequencing of Pharmaceuticals with Multiple Therapeutic Indications: Evidence from Seven Countries
Authors: Mills Mackenzie John , Michaeli Daniel , Miracolo Aurelio , Kanavos Panos
Published: August 2022

Background. New medicines are increasingly being identified as efficacious across multiple indications. The impact of current pricing and reimbursement policies on launch decisions across these indications remains unclear. Objective. This paper, first, maps marketing authorisation (MA) and HTA coverage recommendation sequences of multi-indication medicines across Germany, France, England, Scotland, Canada, Australia, and the USA, and, second, evaluates the clinical characteristics, clinical development time and coverage recommendation time of multi-indication medicines, drawing comparisons between the first and subsequent indications of an approved molecule. Methods. Medicine approvals by the Food and Drug Administration between 2009-2019 were screened to identify 25 multi-indication medicines. Data on clinical trial characteristics, clinical performance and HTA outcomes were extracted from publicly available regulatory approval and HTA reports. Results. Relative to subsequent indications, first indications were more likely to receive conditional marketing authorisation, have an orphan designation, have a single arm phase II pivotal trial and a surrogate primary endpoint. Clinical performance was similar across first and subsequent indications. Subsequent indications had faster HTA coverage recommendation times in England, Germany, and Canada. While the majority of first indications received HTA coverage recommendation across all settings, the proportion of subsequent indications with HTA coverage recommendation was low and uptake varied considerably across settings. Conclusions. Discordance in the value of first versus subsequent indications can pose major challenges in systems that define price based on the initial indication. Current pricing and reimbursement systems generate significant fragmentation in the approval and availability of multi-indication products across settings.
Effect of dietary curcumin or its nano-form on the growth, immunity, heat stress resistance and stress indicators of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Abdel-Ghany Heba , El-Sisy Doaa , Salem Mohamed
Published: August 2022

This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with free- or nano- curcumin on the growth performance, immune status and heat stress resistance of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Seven isonitrogenous (28% protein) and iso-caloric (445 Kcal/100g DM) diets were prepared. Six diets were supplemented with three levels of nano-curcumin (50 (CN50), 100 (CN100), 200 (CN200) mg kg− 1) or free curcumin (50 (C50), 100 (C100), 200 )C200) mg kg− 1), and the seventh diet was left without an additive (CON). Fish (13.54 ± 0.32 g) (mean ± SD) fed the experimental diets for 65 days. Following the feeding trial, the fish were exposed to an acute heat stress by gradually raising the water temperature from 25 to 40℃ within 3 h. Then, fish were exposed to 40℃ for 4 h. Results revealed the superiority of nano-curcumin over the free form in enhancing the growth performance (P ≤ 0.05), where the highest results were obtained at CN100 followed by CN200. Only the heat stress rather than the experimental diets increased the platelets, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), leukocytes and neutrophils counts, while lymphocytes decreased. The CN50 and CN100 groups showed lower activity of liver enzymes (Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)) than the other treatments, while C200 gave the highest activity of these enzymes. The highest immunoglobulin (IgM) levels were detected in CN100, CN200, C100 and C200 followed by CN50. The C200 Group showed higher levels of complement C3 and C4 than the other treatments. The C50 and CON groups gave the lowest values of IgM, C3 and C4. Treatments of CN50 and CN100 efficiently eliminated cortisol levels compared to the other treatments. After the heat stress, ALT, AST, IgM, C3, C4, cortisol and glucose increased. Thus, nano-curcumin has a better ability than its free form to increase the resistance of Nile tilapia under the heat stress, induce innate immunity, eliminate the stress indicators and enhance growth performance with the best concentrations at 100 mg kg− 1.
The predictors of short and long term urinary continence recovery after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a single cancer center report in China
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhou Shukui , Song Dandan , Li Zeng , Yang Shengke , Wu Yi , Zhang Guiying , Tang Duocai , Liu Junfeng , Liao Hong
Published: August 2022

Purpose To evaluate the predictors for short and long term urinary continence (UC) recovery after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) from clinical and oncological variables. Methods We retrospectively collected data from 142 prostate cancer patients who underwent LRP between September 2014 and June 2021 at a tumor specialist diagnosis and treatment center in China. The rate of post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) was evaluated from final rehabilitation reports after catheter extraction and at 3, 6 and 12 mo after LRP, and UC was defined as the use of no or one safety pad. Eighteen clinical and oncological variables were analyzed by univariate and multivariate regression analysis to determine whether they were associated with short (3 mo) or long term (12 mo) UC recovery after LRP. Results After eliminating patients who were lost to follow-up, 129 patients were eventually included. The mean ± SD age was 68 ± 6.3 years. The UC rates of immediate catheter removal, 3, 6 and 12 mo after the operation were 27.9%, 54.3%, 75.2% and 88.4%, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that membranous urethral length (MUL) was a protective predictor of UC after catheter extraction [odds ratio (OR) 1.77; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37–2.28; P < 0.001], and at 3 mo (OR 2.25; 95% CI 1.63–3.10; P < 0.001), 6 mo (OR 1.47; 95% CI 1.20–1.80; P < 0.001) and 12 mo (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.11–2.04; P = 0.009) after surgery. Conclusion MUL is a significant independent factor that can contribute to recovery of short and long term UC recovery post-LRP, which may assist clinicians and their patients in counseling of treatment. .
Impacts of histone methyltransferase SETD4 on the biology of bone marrow-derived macrophages
Authors: Wu Caixia , Wu Linxu , Ha Yanping , Zou Yuan , Shi Kaijia , Zheng Axiu , Ling Xuebin , Bai Jiangrong , Xing Jingci , Guo Junli , Wang Han , Shen Zhihua , Jie Wei
Published: August 2022

Background
Epigenetic modifications have important impacts on the biological functions of cells. This study explored the effects of SET domain-containing protein (SETD)4, a histone lysine methyltransferase, on the general biological functions of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMMs).
Methods
We employed a CRISPR/Cas9 technology-edited mouse model. After isolated from SETD4 knockout (KO) and Wild-type (WT) mice, BMMs were maintained and identified. Then, serials in vitro experiments were performed to test the levels of methylation of histone lysine sites and the abilities in proliferation, cell cycle, migration, inducing vascular tube-formation and polarity. The phosphorylation pathway profiling arrays focused on the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase(MAPK), AKT, Janus Kinase/signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription(JAK/STAT), Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB), and Transforming Growth Factor β (TGF-β) signaling pathways were performed. After the Differentially Expressed Proteins (DEPs) were screened, the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment were adopted on those DEPs. Finally, CI-1033, an inhibitor for pan Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) was administrated to treat the BMMs, the cell viability and expression of phosphorylated(p)-EGFR(Ser1070) were assessed.
Results
BMMs from SETD4 KO mice exhibited significant inhibition of monomethylation, dimethylation or trimethylation of histones H3K4, H3K79 and H4K20; significant enhancement of the proliferation, EdU-positive cell ratio, Ki67 mRNA levels, and ability to form vascular structures; and attenuation of cell migration ability. After induction by lipopolysaccharide + interferon-γ or interleukin (IL)-4, a majority of the markers that were tested, including pro-inflammatory Interleukin-1β, Interleukin-6, Inducible nitric oxide synthase and tumor necrosis factor-α and anti-inflammatory Fizz-1, Arginase 1 and Mannose receptor C-type 1 were all downregulated, while TGF-β1 was upregulated. The phosphorylation pathway profiling arrays revealed 32 DEPs, six that were upregulated and 26 that were downregulated in BMMs from SETD4 KO mice versus WT mice. These DEPs were involved in 1365 terms from the GO and 137 signals from the KEGG database. Inhibition of the most significantly upregulated protein, EGFR(Ser1070), by CI-1033 significantly reduced p-EGFR(Ser1070), and was accompanied by a decrease in the cell proliferation potential of BMMs, particularly in the SETD4 KO.
Conclusions
This is the first study to implicate the involvement of SETD4-mediated EGFR signaling in the proliferation of BMMs. SETD4 mediated the methylation of multiple histone lysine sites in BMMs, and may affect signaling pathways. Targeting SETD4 may be a promising strategy for mediating the inflammatory and immune responses in macrophages.
The association between dietary polyphenol intake and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A case-control study
Authors: Darzi Melika , Abbasi Khadijeh , Ghiasvand Reza , Tabib Mohsen Akhavan , Rouhani Mohammad Hossein
Published: August 2022

Background
Previous research found that diets high in fruits and vegetables improved symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Nevertheless, the relation between dietary polyphenol intake and the risk of ADHD was not assessed.
Objective
The purpose of this study was to see if there was a relationship between dietary polyphenol intake and the risk of ADHD in children in preschool and elementary school.
Methods
A total of 400 children aged 4 to 12 years old participated in this case-control research (200 children with diagnosed ADHD and 200 healthy controls). The presence of ADHD was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V criteria. To calculate dietary polyphenol intake, a 168-item food frequency questionnaire and the Phenol-Explorer database were used.
Results
The risk of incident ADHD for each unit increase of dietary polyphenol intake in the crude model showed an indirect association between dietary polyphenol intake and risk of ADHD (OR: 0.995, 95% CI = 0.994 to 0.996, P < 0.001). This finding was still significant even after adjusting for body mass index, energy intake, socioeconomic status, gender, and age (OR: 0.992, 95% CI = 0.989 to 0.995, P < 0.001).
Conclusion
We found that the increased dietary intake of polyphenols is associated with a lower risk of ADHD in preschool and school children. Prospective studies are needed to corroborate these observations.
Central nervous system biomarkers GFAp and NfL associate with post-acute cognitive impairment and fatigue following critical COVID-19
Authors: Bark Lovisa , Larsson Ing-Marie , Wallin Ewa , Simrén Joel , Zetterberg Henrik , Lipcsey Miklos , Frithiof Robert , Rostami Elham , Hultström Michael
Published: August 2022

Background
A high proportion of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) experience post-acute COVID-19, including neuropsychiatric symptoms. Objective signs of central nervous system (CNS) damage can be investigated using CNS biomarkers such as glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAp), neurofilament light chain (NfL) and total tau (t-tau). We have examined whether CNS biomarkers can predict fatigue and cognitive impairment 3–6 months after discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU) in critically ill COVID-19 patients.
Methods
Fifty-seven COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU were included with analysis of CNS biomarkers in blood at the ICU and at follow up. Cognitive dysfunction and fatigue were assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Multidimensional Fatigue inventory (MFI-20).
Results
Elevated GFAp is associated to the development of mild cognitive dysfunction at follow-up (p = 0.01), especially in women (p = 0.005). Patients experiencing different dimensions of fatigue at follow-up had significantly lower GFAp, specifically in general fatigue (p = 0.009), physical fatigue (p = 0.004), mental fatigue (p = 0.001), and reduced motivation (p = 0.001). Women showed a more pronounced decrease in GFAp compared to men, except for mental fatigue where men showed a more pronounced GFAp decrease compared to women. NfL was lower in patients experiencing reduced motivation (p = 0.004).
Conclusion
Our findings suggest that GFAp and NfL are associated with neuropsychiatric outcome after critical COVID-19.
Trial registration:
The study was registered à priori (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04316884 registered on 2020-03-13 and NCT04474249 registered on 2020-06-29).
Non-Linear Dispersion of Gamma Dose-Rates and Natural Radionuclides in the Coastal Environments of Unumherin Community in Niger Delta
Authors: Maxwell Omeje , Aimua Godfrey Usaka , Adewoyin Olusegun Oladotun , Sunday Joel Emmanuel , Orosun Muyiwa Michael , Mojisola Usikalu Rachael , Conrad Omonhinmin Asotie , Ifeanyi Andrew Oha , Ekwueme Benjamin Nnamdi , Chukwuma Michael Nwankwo , Anne Omeje Uchechukwu
Published: August 2022

The gamma dose rates and the activity concentrations of Potassium-40, Uranium-238, and Thorium-232 in the study area were carried out using calibrated hand-held gamma detector, (RS-125 Gamma-Spectrometer) and NaI (Tl) gamma spectroscopy. The in-situ measurements result of dose rate indicates the hotspot at location 4 with a value of 100 nGyh-1, almost twice higher than the recommended limits. The results from NaI (Tl) gamma detector revealed the highest activity concentrations of Potassium-40, Uranium-238, and Thorium-232 to be 288.09, 96.49, 136.12 Bqkg-1 for sediments and 257.31, 66.93, 96.57 Bqkg for water, respectively. The highest mean activity concentration of Potassium-40 and Uranium-238 was observed in Catfish with values of 151.87 and 38.00 Bqkg-1, whereas the highest value for the activity of Thorium-232 was observed in Tilo Fish with a value of 89.02 Bqkg-1. In comparison, all the observed values are higher than the population-weighted average of 420.00, 32.00, and 45.00 Bqkg-1 for Potassium-40, Uranium-238, and Thorium-232 by UNSCEAR. Geologically, this may be attributed to the marine incursion of regional tectonic subsidence during transgression. Statistically, the correlation results confirmed that the enhanced outdoor dose rates at the coastlines environment were caused mainly by Uranium-238, followed by Thorium-232 and then Potassium-40 in magnitude. The mean hazard indices for the samples were observed to be within the world average values recommended by ICRP. The accumulation of radionuclides by fishes may be via ingestion and adsorption to surfaces, which culminate in speciation and mobility of radionuclides, alongside the feeding habits of fishes and other aquatic animals.
Mendelian Susceptibility to Mycobacterial Disease (MSMD): Clinical, immunological and genetic features of 22 Patients from 15 Moroccan kindreds
Authors: Errami Abderrahmane , Baghdadi Jamila El , Ailal Fatima , Benhsaien Ibtihal , Bakkouri Jalila El , Jeddane Leila , Rada Noureddine , Benajiba Noufissa , Mokhantar Khaoula , Ouazahrou Kaoutar , Zaidi Sanae , Abel Laurent , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Boisson-Dupuis Stephanie , Bustamante Jacinta , Bousfiha Ahmed Aziz
Published: August 2022

Purpose
The first molecular evidence of a monogenic predisposition to mycobacteria came from the study of Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD). We aimed to study this Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial diseases in Moroccan kindreds through clinical, immunological and genetic analysis.
Methods
Patients presented with clinical features of MSMD, were recruited into this study. We used whole blood samples from patients and age-matched healthy controls. To measure IL-12 and IFN-γ production, samples were activated by BCG plus recombinant human IFN-γ or recombinant human IL-12. Immunological assessments and genetic analysis were also done for patients and their relatives.
Results
Our study involved 22 cases from 15 unrelated Moroccan kindreds. The average age at diagnosis is 4 years. Fourteen patients (64%) were born to consanguineous parents. All patients were vaccinated with BCG vaccine, twelve of them (55%) developed loco-regional or disseminated BCG infections. The other symptomatic patients had severe tuberculosis and/or recurrent salmonellosis. Genetic mutations were identified on the following genes: IL12RB1 in 8 patients, STAT1 in 7 patients, SPPL2A, IFNGR1 and TYK2 in two patients and TBX21 in one patient, with different modes of inheritance. All identified mutations/variants altered production or response to IFN-γ or both.
Conclusion
Severe forms of tuberculosis and complications of BCG vaccination may imply a genetic predisposition present in the Moroccan population. In front of these infections, systematic genetic studies became necessary. BCG vaccination is contraindicated in MSMD patients and should be delayed in newborns siblings until the exclusion of a genetic predisposition to mycobacteria.
Conformable fractional heat equation with fractional translation symmetry in both time and space
Authors: Chung W.S. S. , Gungor A. , Kriz J. , LUTFUOGLU Bekir , Hassanabadi H.
Published: August 2022

In this paper, we investigated the fractional heat equation with fractional translation in both time and position with different fractional orders. As examples, we considered a rod and an α -disk with an initial constant temperature and discussed their cooling processes in the examined formalism.