bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct Observation of Heterogeneous Formation of Amyloid Spherulites in Real-time by Super-resolution Microscopy
Authors: Hatzakis Nikos , Zhang Min , Pinholt Henrik , Zhou Xin , Bohr Søren , Banetta Luca , Zaccone Alessio , Foderà Vito 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Protein misfolding in the form of fibrils or spherulites is involved in a spectrum of pathological abnormalities. Our current understanding of protein aggregation mechanisms has primarily relied on the use of spectrometric methods to determine the average growth rates and diffraction-limited microscopes with a low temporal resolution to observe the large-scale morphologies of intermediates. We developed a REal-time kinetics via binding and Photobleaching LOcalisation Microscopy (REPLOM) super-resolution method to directly observe and quantify the existence and abundance of diverse aggregate morphologies of human insulin, below the diffraction limit and extract their heterogeneous growth kinetics. Our results revealed that even the growth of microscopically identical aggregates, e.g. amyloid spherulites, may follow distinct pathways. Specifically, spherulites do not exclusively grow isotropically but, surprisingly, may also grow anisotropically, following similar pathways as reported for minerals and polymers. Combining our technique with machine learning approaches, we associated growth rates to specific morphological transitions and provided energy barriers and the energy landscape at the level of single aggregate morphology. Our unifying framework for the detection and analysis of spherulite growth can be extended to other self-assembled systems characterized by a high degree of heterogeneity, disentangling the broad spectrum of diverse morphologies at the single-molecule level.
Collaboration Networks of the Implementation Science Centers for Cancer Control: A Social Network Analysis
Authors: Jacob Rebekah R , Korn Ariella R , Huang Grace C , Easterling Douglas , Gundersen Daniel A , Ramanadhan Shoba , Vu Thuy , Angier Heather , Brownson Ross C , Haire-Joshu Debra , Oh April Y , Schnoll Robert 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Multi-center research initiatives offer opportunities to develop and strengthen connections among researchers. These initiatives often have goals of increased scientific collaboration which can be examined using social network analysis.Methods: The National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded Implementation Science Centers in Cancer Control (ISC3) initiative conducted an online social network survey in its first year of funding (2020) to: 1) establish baseline network measures including the extent of cross-center collaboration, and 2) assess factors associated with a network member’s access to the network such as one’s implementation science (IS) expertise. Members of the seven funded centers and NCI program staff identified collaborations in planning/conducting research, capacity building, product development, scientific dissemination, and practice/policy dissemination.Results: Of the 192 invitees, 182 network members completed the survey (95%). The most prevalent roles were faculty (60%) and research staff (24%). Almost one-quarter (23%) of members reported advanced expertise in IS, 42% intermediate, and 35% beginner. Most members were female (69%) and white (79%). One-third (33%) of collaboration ties were among members from different centers. Across all collaboration activities, the network had a density of 14%, suggesting moderate cohesion. Degree centralization (0.33) and betweenness centralization (0.07) measures suggest a fairly dispersed network (no single or few central member(s) holding all connections). The most prevalent and densely connected collaboration was in planning/conducting research (1470 ties; 8% density). Practice/policy dissemination had the fewest collaboration, lowest density (284 ties’ 3% density), and the largest number of non-connected members (n=43). Access to the ISC3 network varied significantly depending on members’ level of IS expertise, role within the network, and racial/ethnic background. Across all collaboration activities, most connected members included those with advanced IS expertise, faculty and NCI staff, and Hispanic or Latino and white members.Conclusions: Results establish a baseline for assessing the growth of cross-center collaborations, highlighting specific areas in need of particular growth in network collaborations such as increasing engagement of racial and ethnic minorities and trainees or those with less expertise in IS.
A female in vivo haploid-induction system via mutagenesis of egg cell-specific peptidases
Authors: Zhang Xuecheng , Shi Ce , Li siling , Zhang Bo , Dresselhaus Thomas , Sun Meng-xiang 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Crop breeding schemes can be significantly accelerated by using (doubled) haploid plants. In vivo haploid induction has been applied in plant breeding since decades, but is still not available for all crops, genotypes and haploidization rates are very low1-3. Therefore, plant breeders are highly interested in methodological improvements, especially, in new concepts to haploidization. Here, we report a novel system for the induction of haploid plants by mutating genes encoding egg cell-specific aspartic endopeptidases (ECSs). After successful sperm-egg fusion, ECSs play a critical role to ensure male and female nucleus fusion and parental genome incorporation. The ecs1 ecs2 double mutant pollinated by wild type pollen is capable to produce haploid offspring originating from semigamous zygotes. Chromosome elimination occurs during zygote and early embryo development. In summary, we report a novel approach for haploidization and additionally provide new insights into the molecular basis of fertilization.
Prevalence, trend and associated risk factors of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV among HIV-exposed infants
Authors: Gutema Gadissa , Hailu Habteyes , Fikadu Dinka , Leta Dereje , Bejiga Birra , Mamo Hassen 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Mother-To-Child-Transmission (MTCT) can primarily occur during pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding. However, there is limited recent evidence from large-scale study on MTCT of HIV in Ethiopia. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence, trend and associated risk factors of MTCT among HIV-exposed infants. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 5,679 infants whose specimen referred to Ethiopian Public Health Institute HIV referral laboratory from January 01, 2016 to December 31, 2020. Required information was obtained from Early Infant Diagnosis (EID) database. Frequencies and percent were used to describe the distribution of the infants. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with HIV infection. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: The mean age of the infants was 12.64 (±14.62) weeks with 4 to 72 weeks range. Half of the infants (51.4%) were female. Prevalence of HIV infection over the course of five years among HIV-exposed infants (HEI) was 2.6%. The prevalence of MTCT decreased from 2.9% in 2016 to 0.9% in 2020. After adjusting for covariates; infant testing after six weeks (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.7; 95% confidence interval (CI): (1.8–4.0, )) p-value <0.001, absence of Prevention of Mother-To-Child-Transmission (PMTCT) service (AOR = 4.6; 95% CI: (2.9–7.4)) p-values =0.001, mother being on daily prophylaxis at birth (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI: (1.3–3.2)) p-value <0.001, and mother HIV status before date of delivery (AOR =11; 95% CI: (5.5–22.1)) p-value <0.001 were significantly associated with MTCT of HIV. Conclusion: The prevalence of MTCT of HIV is considerable. However, the prevalence was declining during the study period. Tested after six weeks for EID, unavailability of PMTCT service were the factors associated with HIV infection among HEI. Strengthen PMTCT service and early HIV screening of pregnant women are critical to reduce HIV infection among HEI.
Mesonia aestuariivivens sp. nov., Isolated From a Tidal Flat
Authors: Park Sooyeon , Lee Jung-Sook , Kim Wonyong , Yoon Jung-Hoon 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-flagellated and ovoid or rod-shaped bacterial strain (JHPTF-M18T), which was isolated from a tidal flat sediment in Republic of Korea, was taxonomically characterized. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain JHPTF-M18T forms phylogenetic lineage within the radiation comprising type strains of Mesonia species. The 16S rRNA gene of strain JHPTF-M18T shared sequence similarities of 97.7% with that of type strain of M. mobilis and 92.9-96.8% with those of type strains of eight other Mesonia species. The DNA G+C content was 33.1% based on its genomic sequence. ANI and dDDH values between strain JHPTF-M18T and the type strains of M. mobilis, M. oceanica, M. phycicola and M. algae were 73.1-79.7% and 18.5-22.8%, respectively. Strain JHPTF-M18T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3-OH and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c and/or C16:1 ω6c) as its major fatty acids. Major polar lipids of strain JHPTF-M18T were phosphatidylethanolamine and two unidentified lipids. Strain JHPTF-M18T was separated from recognized Mesonia species by its phenotypic properties together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness. Based on data presented in this study, strain JHPTF-M18T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Mesonia. The name Mesonia aestuariivivens sp. nov. is proposed for JHPTF-M18T (= KACC 22185T = NBRC 115119T).
A Novel Optical Coherence Tomography-Based Calcium Scoring System Can Predict Stent Expansion of Moderate and Severe Calcified Lesions
Authors: Hou Chang , Yang Linjian , Xue Zixuan , Lin Haimiao , Ma Yuliang , Li Qi , Liu Chuanfen , Lu Mingyu , Zhao Hong , Liu Jian 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: Coronary calcified lesions have a serious effect on stent expansion. Researchers have developed a calcium scoring system based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) to identify relatively mild calcified lesions that would benefit from plaque modification. The present study is designed to establish a novel OCT-based scoring system to predict stent expansion of moderate and severe calcified lesions.Methods: The present study retrospectively included 33 patients (34 calcified lesions observed on coronary angiography) who underwent OCT-guided percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at Peking University People's Hospital from January 2016 to July 2021. We off-line reviewed and analysed the images of coronary angiography and OCT. We then developed a calcium scoring system and found the optimal threshold for the prediction of stent underexpansion in patients with moderate and severe calcified lesions.Results: The average age of the patients was 67 years. Overall final post-PCI stent expansion was 70.74%, and poor stent expansion (i.e., stent expansion < 80%) was seen in 23 lesions. Approximately 89% of the lesions manifested as angiographically visible moderate and severe coronary calcification. The average maximum calcium arc, length and thickness assessed by OCT were 230°, 25.10 mm and 1.18 mm, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression model showed that age (OR: 1.173, 95% CI: 1.036~1.438, p = 0.042) and maximum calcium arc (OR: 1.023, 95% CI: 1.008~1.050, p = 0.021) were independent predictors of stent underexpansion. A novel calcium scoring system was established as: 0.16 × age + 0.03 × maximum calcium arc, and the best cut-off of the system for the prediction of stent underexpansion was 16.87 (sensitivity 0.870, specificity 0.909, area under the curve [AUC] 0.925, 95% CI: 0.836~1.014, p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that the novel scoring system had larger AUC than the previous scoring system (0.925 vs 0.706, p = 0.002).Conclusions: The calcium scoring system based on age and maximum calcium arc obtained from OCT may more accurately predict the risk of poor stent expansion in patients with moderate and severe calcified lesions.
Divergent Effects of Laser Irradiation on Ensembles of Nitrogen-vacancy Centers in Bulk and Nano-diamonds: Implications for Biosensing
Authors: Olivares-Postigo Domingo , Gorrini Federico , Bitonto Valeria , Ackermann Johannes , Giri Rakshyakar , Krueger Anke , Bifone Angelo 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Ensembles of negatively charged nitrogen vacancy centers (NV-) in diamond have been proposed for sensing of magnetic fields and paramagnetic agents, and as a source of spin-order for the hyperpolarization of nuclei in magnetic resonance applications. To this end, strongly fluorescent nanodiamonds represent promising materials, with large surface areas and dense ensembles of NV-. However, surface effects tend to favor the less useful neutral form, the NV0 centers, and strategies to increase the density of shallow NV- centers have been proposed, including irradiation with strong laser power [1]. Here, we study the fluorescence properties and optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) of NV- centers as a function of laser power in strongly fluorescent bulk diamond and in nanodiamonds obtained by nanomilling of the native material. In bulk diamond, we find that increasing laser power increases ODMR contrast, consistent with a power-dependent increase in spin-polarization. Conversely, in nanodiamonds we observe a non-monotonic behavior, with a decrease in ODMR contrast at higher laser power. We hypothesize that this phenomenon may be ascribed to more efficient NV- → NV0 photoconversion in nanodiamonds compared to bulk diamond, resulting in depletion of the NV- pool. A similar behavior is shown for NDs internalized in macrophage cells under the typical experimental conditions of imaging bioassays. Our results suggest strong laser irradiation is not an effective strategy in NDs, where the interplay between surface effects and local microenvironment determine the optimal experimental conditions.
A Dynamic Space Reduction Ant Colony Optimization for Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem
Authors: Cai Jinsi , Wang Peng , Sun Siqing , Dong Huachao 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
As a typical meta-heuristic algorithm, ant colony optimization (ACO) has achieved good results in solving discrete combinatorial optimization problems. However, it suffers from poor solutions and the drawback of easily being trapped in local optima. This paper presents a new type of ACO called "dynamic space reduction ant colony optimization" (DSRACO) to solve the capacitated vehicle routing problem, which is a typical nondeterministic polynomial-hard optimization problem. In DSRACO, ACO is integrated with a unique dynamic space reduction method, an elite enhanced mechanism, and large-scale neighborhood search methods to improve the quality of the solution. The performance of DSRACO is evaluated using 73 well-known benchmark instances in comparison to ACO and three other cutting-edge algorithms. The experimental results show that DSRACO can solve CVRP with a satisfactory result.
Effectiveness of Relaxation Techniques ‘as an Active Ingredient of Psychological Interventions’ to Reduce Distress, Anxiety and Depression in Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hamdani Syed Usman , Huma Zill-e- , Zafar Syeda Wajeeha , Suleman Nadia , Baneen Um-ul- , Waqas Ahmed , Rahman Atif 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
BackgroundAdolescent depression and anxiety are the leading contributors to health burden worldwide. ‘Relaxation Techniques (RTs)’ are a “set of strategies to improve physiological response to stress” and are frequently cited as an active ingredient of trans-diagnostic, psychosocial interventions for scaling-up care for preventing and treating these conditions in adolescents. However, there is a little evidence on the effectiveness of ‘relaxation techniques’ for this age group. AimAs a part of the Wellcome Trust’s Active Ingredients commission, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of RTs to reduce the symptoms of distress, anxiety and depression in adolescents, aged 14 to 24 years old, globally. MethodsWe searched 10 academic databases to include 65 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) of relaxation-based interventions adolescents with the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Primary outcomes were reduction in symptoms of distress, anxiety and/or depression. We employed the Cochrane risk of bias tool and GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations) guidelines to assess certainty of outcomes pertaining to anxiety, depression and distress. Standardized mean difference was estimated using effect size. ResultsThe analysis of 65 RCTs with 8009 adolescents showed that RTs were highly effective in treating anxiety (pooled effect size of (Standardized Mean Difference-SMD) -0.54 (95% CI: -0.69 to -0.40); moderately effective in reducing distress (SMD= -0.48, 95% CI: -0.71 to -0.24) and had only a weak effect on improving depression in adolescents (SMD= -0.28 (95% CI: -0.40% to -0.15). Face-to-face delivered relaxation techniques yielded higher effect size (SMD=-0.47, 95% CI: -0.64 to -0.30) compared to online delivery (SMD=-0.22, 95% CI: -0.48 to 0.04) for anxiety. Conclusion Most of the included studies were from High Income Countries (HICs) and had a high risk of bias. Further high-quality studies with low risk of bias, especially from low resource settings are needed to evaluate the evidence for effectiveness of RTs as an active ingredient of psychological interventions to reduce the symptoms of distress, anxiety and depression in adolescents.
Assessment Of Environmental Degradation Due To Processing Of Cassava Into Garri Flakes
Authors: Nnaji Chidozie Charles , Akanno Chukwuebuka Chigozie 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
The processing of cassava into garri is a multi-staged process that generates a large amount of effluent. This study was aimed at determining the impact of cassava processing into garri on the environment in Nsukka Metropolis. The soil, wastewater and sludge samples were collected from four different locations and subjected to physico-chemical analysis. The results obtained were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and estimation of various measures of pollution indices. A detailed sanitary study of the processing plants was undertaken to ascertain their immediate and remote environmental impacts. The concentrations of hydrogen cyanide, total suspended solids and electrical conductivity were above the FEPA permissible limit and ranged from 8.6-42.8, 11900-40800 mg/l and 4006-5240 μS/cm respectively. Arsenic and mercury were above the FEPA permissible limit while the remaining heavy metals were within the permissible limits. Identified impacts from garri processing are: soil loss, litter generation, air pollution, water pollution, greenhouse gas emission, water demand and energy demand. The average pollution load index of the recipient soils ranged from moderately polluted (2.48) to highly polluted (4.56). Nemerow’s pollution index (NPI) indicated that soil samples from three of the locations were severely polluted (>3.0), while one was moderately polluted (2<PI<3). The geoaccumulation indices ranged from -0.03 (uncontaminated) to 2.59 (heavy contamination). The values of Er ranged from 5.63 to 91.8 for all metals investigated. The order of ecological risk of various metals based on their average values was: As>Cd>Cu>Cr>Pb>Ni with corresponding ecological risk values of 50.63 (moderate risk), 34.43 (low risk), 15.93 (low risk), 10.51 (low risk), 8.93 (low risk) and 5.63 (low risk).
Health Risk Assessment and Seasonal Trend of Metals in Arid-Soil-Forage Crops and Animals
Authors: Chen Fu , Saqlain Laraib , Ashraf Muhammad Arslan , Ahmad Kafeel , Khan Zafar Iqbal 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Background: The aim of study was accessing the cobalt (Co) and lead (Pb) contamination in soil, forages and animals. The heavy metal ions bioaccumulation and escalating transfer to food chain has become main concern for mankind. Nevertheless, they play crucial role in organismal metabolism, however exceeding threshold level causes toxicity or even system failure. Since the plants are the main source of nutrition supply and carbohydrates for animal metabolism, therefore mankind exposure risk to food chain heavy metal toxicity increases significantly. Method: To highlight toxicity levels and exposure risk we designed this field study in the nearby areas of district Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan during different seasons. and carried out samplings of soil, native flora. While following research ethics we collected samples of blood, hair and feces from domestic herbivore animals. Traditional wet digestion was carried out in available laboratory facilities, Pb and Co heavy metal concentrations were analyzed with atomic absorption spectrum. With emphasis on health risk index (HRI) and bio-concentration factor (BCF), we also draw attention to pollution load index (PLI), daily intake of metal (DIM), Health Risk Index (HRI) and Enrichment factor (EF). Results: Our findings revealed high Pb concentration (5.29-9.84 mg/kg) in forage during season 1. While our findings indicate concentrations of metal in different seasons. When the Co concentration in forages was 0.238 to 0.492 mg/kg and Pb was found in the range of 5.29-9.84 mg/kg). Soil samples showed higher level of (PLI) Pollution load index. Bio-concentration of cobalt and lead was (0.447- 1.106 and 0.717- 1.152 mg/kg) respectively. Conclusions: Bio-concentration factor and pollution load index for Co and Pb was noticed significantly higher than 1. Whereas enrichment factor (EF) was under permissible limit for both metals, daily intake metal (DIM) and no harmful health risk concentration was found. Therefore, wide-scale regular monitoring for heavy metal risk assessment on seasonal basis are highly recommended to avoid or minimize further contamination.
COVID-19 Prevention Program for older adults
Authors: Opara Nnennaya 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
This study was designed to examine COVID-19 prevention among seniors aged 55 years and older living in the suburbs of Miami, Florida. We worked with the Community Health and Empowerment Network, Inc., a non-profit organization which provides health education, health screening services, and essential resources such as food, school materials, and pet care to individuals in the low-income and underserved population to close the health gaps in the community, decrease the rate of health disparities in south Florida, and prevent infectious diseases, including HIV and AIDS, heart diseases, childhood obesity, and other health conditions. The study examined 200 adults aged 55 years and older who have already received complete vaccine. A survey program was e-mailed, texted, or mailed to them for completion. The survey weekly evaluated the participants’ knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, data collection (quantitative and qualitative), assess their knowledge on the spread of the virus, health education on staying safe during uncertain times, and when to seek emergency help. Subsequently, a zoom meeting was conducted once every week, during which several educational materials were shared, and any concerns they might have been clarified. Following these interventions, early symptoms of depression, suicidality, and other mental instabilities, could be diagnosed and treated.