bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aging characteristics of asphalt binders modified with waste tire and plastic pyrolytic chars
Authors: Kumar Abhinay , Choudhary Rajan , Kumar Ankush
Published: August 2021

Globally, the growing volume of waste tires and plastics has posed significant concerns about their sustainable and economical disposal. Pyrolysis provides a way for effective treatment and management of these wastes, enabling recovery of energy and produces solid pyrolytic char as a by-product. The use of pyrolytic chars in asphalt binder modification has recently gained significant interest among researchers. As asphalt binder aging influences the cracking, rutting, and moisture damage performance of asphalt binder and the mixtures, evaluation of aging characteristics of char modified asphalt binders is quite important. The main objective of this study is the investigation of the aging characteristics of asphalt binders modified with waste tire pyrolytic char (TPC) and waste plastic pyrolytic char (PPC) through rheological and spectroscopic evaluations. To imitate short-term and long-term aging conditions, the asphalt binders were first treated in a rolling thin film oven (RTFO) and then in a pressure aging vessel (PAV). The aging characteristics were determined using four rheological aging indices based on complex modulus (G*), phase angle (δ), zero shear viscosity (ZSV), and non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr) from multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR) test. The fatigue cracking potential was then measured through binder yield energy test (BYET). These parameters were measured through a dynamic shear rheometer. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy analyses were then used to investigate changes in chemical composition due to aging in the char modified binders. Both TPC and PPC improved the high-temperature deformation resistance properties of asphalt binder. The TPC-modified binder showed better aging resistance than the control and PPC-modified binders, based on the different rheological and spectroscopic indices. The pyrolytic char modified binders also demonstrated good fatigue performance.
Plant diversity and community composition in managed humid coastal dune slacks in NW England
Authors: Connor Margaret A. , Tarvin Stephanie , Quail Megan , Batke Sven Peter
Published: August 2021

Humid coastal dune slacks are an endangered habitat in Northwestern Europe. In the UK, dune slacks are currently classified as being in ‘unfavourable’ condition, with projected decrease in England of up to 30% by 2036. Studies in mainland Europe suggest that regional factors (e.g. slack area, age, and isolation) are more important than local factors (e.g. soil, pH, soil nutrient and water status) in driving successional vegetation processes in coastal slacks. However, this has never been tested for the UK, where approximately 14% of European slacks occur. We used previously established survey protocols to test whether regional factors are more important than local factors in UK coastal slacks, along the Sefton Coast in NW England. We found that slack area and slack age were more important than local factors in driving plant community composition and species richness. We also showed that higher levels of management, such as active grazing and invasive shrub and tree removal, are effective in increasing soil moisture levels in slacks. Our results suggest that similar successional processes are likely to be important in slacks in the NW of England, compared to mainland Europe.
The flavin monooxygenase Bs3 triggers cell death in plants, impairs growth in yeast and produces H2O2 in vitro
Authors: Krönauer Christina , Lahaye Thomas
Published: August 2021

The pepper resistance gene Bs3 triggers a hypersensitive response (HR) upon transcriptional activation by the corresponding effector protein AvrBs3 from the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas. Expression of Bs3 in yeast inhibited proliferation, demonstrating that Bs3 function is not restricted to the plant kingdom. The Bs3 sequence shows striking similarity to flavin monooxygenases (FMOs), an FAD- and NADPH-containing enzyme class that is known for the oxygenation of a wide range of substrates and their potential to produce H2O2. Since H2O2 is a hallmark metabolite in plant immunity, we analyzed the role of H2O2 during Bs3 HR. We purified recombinant Bs3 protein from E. coli and confirmed the FMO function of Bs3 with FAD binding and NADPH oxidase activity in vitro. Translational fusion of Bs3 to the redox reporter roGFP2 indicated that the Bs3-dependent HR induces an increase of the intracellular oxidation state in planta. To test if the NADPH oxidation and putative H2O2 production of Bs3 is sufficient to induce HR, we adapted previous studies which have uncovered mutations in the NADPH binding site of FMOs that result in higher NADPH oxidase activity. In vitro studies demonstrated that recombinant Bs3S211A protein has twofold higher NADPH oxidase activity than wildtype Bs3. Translational fusions to roGFP2 showed that Bs3S211A also increased the intracellular oxidation state in planta. Interestingly, while the mutant derivative Bs3S211A had an increase in NADPH oxidase capacity, it did not trigger HR in planta, ultimately revealing that H2O2 produced by Bs3 on its own is not sufficient to trigger HR.
The Cardiorespiratory fitness of children and adolescents in Tibet at altitudes over 3,500 meters
Authors: Fan Chaoqun , Sun Ruizhe , Nie Mingjian , Wang Mei , Yao Zhi , Feng Qiang , Xu Wenfeng , Yuan Runzi , Gao Zhongfang , Cheng Qiaorui , Wang Jingjing
Published: August 2021

Background

Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is the core element of health-related physical fitness evaluation. High pressure and low oxygen in Tibet (over 3,500 m above sea level) may negatively impact the residents’ CRF. The 20-m shuttle run test (20mSRT) is the most popular field-based assessment and estimate of CRF in children and adolescents worldwide. However, normative CRF data for the children and adolescents residing in China’s plateau region are unavailable, which prevents comparability among those living at high-altitudes around the world.

Purpose

To measure the CRF of Chinese children and adolescents aged 9–18 years living in Tibet at altitudes exceeding 3,500 m, and to identify correlations between this metric and demographic characteristics (age, sex, and ethnicity). These data were then compared with those generated in the lowland (Shanghai, China) and various global regions.

Methods

20mSRT performance (number of completed laps) and predicted peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) were used as indicators of CRF. We measured the CRF of 1,717 healthy children and adolescents aged 9–18 years living in Tibet. The CRF data from school-age subjects in Shanghai (2,437 boys and 2,396 girls) and worldwide (1,142,026 students from 50 countries/regions in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, North America, and Oceania) were collated from published papers.

Results

The average CRF of the participants from Tibet was 39.8 mL/kg/min. The male subjects (n = 876; 41.1 ± 4.42 mL/kg/min) had a higher average CRF than their female counterparts (n = 841; 37.8 ± 5.40 mL/kg/min). CRF decreased with age in both sexes at statistical significance (F = 1249.9, p for trend 0.05). The indigenous Tibetans (n = 1289; 40.1 ± 3.71 mL/kg/min) had a significant higher average CRF than those of Han descent (n = 394; 38.9 ± 4.70 mL/kg/min) (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Children and adolescents aged 7–18 years residing above 3,500 m in Tibet displayed lower CRF traits compared with their counterparts from the plains area and other high altitude places. CRF varied according to age, sex, and ethnic group. Given the importance of CRF in children and adolescents, effective intervention strategies should be implemented to improve CRF in children and adolescents on the plateau.
Novel microbiome dominated by Arcobacter during anoxic excurrent flow from an ocean blue hole in Andros Island, The Bahamas
Authors: Iwanowicz Deborah D. , Jonas Robert B. , Schill William B. , Marano-Briggs Kay
Published: August 2021

Andros Island, The Bahamas, composed of porous carbonate rock, has about 175 inland blue holes and over 50 known submerged ocean caves along its eastern barrier reef. These ocean blue holes can have both vertical and horizontal zones that penetrate under the island. Tidal forces drive water flow in and out of these caves. King Kong Cavern has a vertical collapse zone and a deep penetration under Andros Island that emits sulfidic, anoxic water and masses of thin, mucoid filaments ranging to meters in length and off-white turbid water during ebb flow. Our objective was to determine the microbial composition of this mucoid material and the unconsolidated water column turbidity based on the concept that they represent unique lithoautotrophic microbial material swept from the cave into the surrounding ocean. Bacterial DNA extracted from these filaments and surrounding turbid water was characterized using PCR that targeted a portion of the 16S rRNA gene. The genus Arcobacter dominated both the filaments and the water column above the cave entrance. Arcobacter nitrofigilis and Arcobacter sp. UDC415 in the mucoid filaments accounted for as much as 80% of mapped DNA reads. In the water column Arcobacter comprised from 65% to over 85% of the reads in the depth region from about 18 m to 34 m. Bacterial species diversity was much higher in surface water and in water deeper than 36 m than in the intermediate zone. Community composition indicates that ebb flow from the cavern influences the entire water column at least to within 6 m of the surface and perhaps the near surface as well.
Managing risk in ski resorts: Environmental factors affecting actual and estimated speed on signposted groomed slopes in a cohort of adult recreational alpine skiers
Authors: Carus Luis , Castillo Isabel
Published: August 2021

Background

Certain weather conditions are clearly harmful, increasing the risk of injury of winter sports participants substantially. The objective of this study was to investigate actual speeds of skiers on signposted groomed slopes and to measure their skill to accurately estimate them with regard to environmental conditions such as visibility, sky cover, snow quality, wind and temperature.

Methods

The data were obtained from a sample of 421 adult recreational skiers taking ski courses. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to explore the relationship between actual and estimated speed for all participants. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to measure the effect of environmental conditions on both the skiers’ actual speeds and their errors of estimation. Values of 0.05 or less were considered to indicate statistical significance.

Results

The Pearson correlation coefficient between estimated and actual speed was 0.90 (P < 0.001). Skiers underestimated their actual speed on average by 13.06 km/h or 24.1%. Visibility, quality of snow and wind speed were shown to significantly affect both actual maximum speed and estimated speed. Good visibility, grippy snow and calm wind were associated with both the highest actual maximum speed and the lowest ability to estimate it.

Conclusion

Certain environmental conditions are associated with the actual speed at which skiers travel and with their ability to estimate it. Visibility, quality of snow and wind speed seem to influence both actual speed and the ability to estimate it while sky cover and temperature do not. A reinforced understanding of skiing speed on signposted groomed slopes is useful to gain insight into crashes and the mechanisms of resulting injuries, to evaluate means of protection and to devise successful prevention policies in ski resorts.
RNAi suppression of xylan synthase genes in wheat starchy endosperm
Authors: Wilkinson Mark D. , Kosik Ondrej , Halsey Kirstie , Walpole Hannah , Evans Jessica , Wood Abigail J. , Ward Jane L. , Mitchell Rowan A. C. , Lovegrove Alison , Shewry Peter R.
Published: August 2021

The xylan backbone of arabinoxylan (AX), the major cell wall polysaccharide in the wheat starchy endosperm, is synthesised by xylan synthase which is a complex of three subunits encoded by the GT43_1, GT43_2 and GT47_2 genes. RNAi knock-down of either GT43_1 or all three genes (triple lines) resulted in decreased AX measured by digestion with endoxylanase (to 33 and 34.9% of the controls) and by monosaccharide analysis (to 45.9% and 47.4% of the controls) with greater effects on the amount of water-extractable AX (to 20.6 and 19.9% of the controls). Both sets of RNAi lines also had greater decreases in the amounts of substituted oligosaccharides released by digestion of AX with endoxylanase than in fragments derived only from the xylan backbone. Although the GT43_1 and triple lines had similar effects on AX they did differ in their contents of soluble sugars (increased in triple only) and on grain size (decreased in triple only). Both sets of transgenic lines had decreased grain hardness, indicating effects on cell wall mechanics. These results, and previously published studies of RNAi suppression of GT43_2 and GT47_2 and of a triple mutant of GT43_2, are consistent with the model of xylan synthase comprising three subunits one of which (GT47_2) is responsible for catalysis with the other two subunits being required for correct functioning but indicate that separate xylan synthase complexes may be responsible for the synthesis of populations of AX which differ in their structure and solubility.
Fluid resuscitation and outcomes in heart failure patients with severe sepsis or septic shock: A retrospective case-control study
Authors: Acharya Roshan , Patel Aakash , Schultz Evan , Bourgeois Michael , Kandinata Natalie , Paswan Rishi , Kafle Smita , Sedhai Yub Raj , Younus Usman
Published: August 2021

Background

The use of ≥30 mL/Kg fluid bolus in congestive heart failure (CHF) patients presenting with severe sepsis or septic shock remained controversial due to the paucity of data.

Methods

The retrospective case-control study included 671 adult patients who presented to the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital from January 01, 2017 to December 31, 2019 with severe sepsis or septic shock. Patients were categorized into the CHF group and the non-CHF group. The primary outcome was to evaluate the compliance with ≥30 mL/Kg fluid bolus within 6 hours of presentation. The comparison of baseline characteristics and secondary outcomes were done between the groups who received ≥30 mL/Kg fluid bolus. For the subgroup analysis of the CHF group, it was divided based on if they received ≥30 mL/Kg fluid bolus or not, and comparison was done for baseline characteristics and secondary outcomes. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to explore the differences between the groups for in-hospital mortality and mechanical ventilation.

Results

The use of ≥30 mL/Kg fluid bolus was low in both the CHF and non-CHF groups [39% vs. 66% (p<0.05)]. Mortality was higher in the CHF group [33% vs 18% (p<0.05)]. Multivariable analysis revealed that the use of ≥30 mL/Kg fluid bolus decreased the chances of mortality by 12% [OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.82–0.95 (p<0.05)]. The use of ≥30 mL/Kg fluid bolus did not increase the odds of mechanical ventilation [OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.93–1.05 (p = 0.78)]. In subgroup analysis, the use of ≥30 mL/Kg fluid bolus decreased the chances of mortality by 5% [OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.90–0.99, (p<0.05)] and did not increase the odds of mechanical ventilation. The presence of the low ejection fraction did not influence the chance of getting fluid bolus.

Conclusion

The use of ≥30 mL/Kg fluid bolus seems to confer protection against in-hospital mortality and is not associated with increased chances of mechanical ventilation in heart failure patients presenting with severe sepsis or septic shock.
Observations of linear aggregation behavior in rotifers (Brachionus calyciflorus)
Authors: Cheng Shuang-Huai , Zhang Hai-Ying , Zhu Ming-Yue , Zhou Li Min , Yi Guo-Hui , He Xiao-Wen , Wu Jin-Yan , Sui Jin-Lei , Wu Hua , Yan Shi-Jiao , Zhang Yun-Xia , Lv Chuan-Zhu
Published: August 2021

Linear aggregation is present in some animals, such as the coordinated movement of ants and the migration of caterpillars and spinylobsters, but none has been reported on rotifers. The rotifers were collected and clone cultured in the laboratory at 25 ± 1°C, under natural light (light intensity ~130 lx, L:D = 14:10). The culture medium(pH = 7.3) was formulated as described by Suga et al., and rotifers were fed on the micro algae Scenedesmus obliquus grown in HB-4 medium to the exponential growth stage. When density was high (150 individuals ml-1), the behavior of rotifers was observed using a stereo microscope (Motic ES-18TZLED). In this paper, linear aggregation in Brachionus calyciflorus was found for the first time, and experiments were carried out to verify the correlation between linear aggregation and culture density of B. calyciflorus. With the increase of density, the number of aggregations increase, the number of individuals in the aggregation increased, and the maintenance time of the aggregation was also increased. Therefore, we speculate that the formation of aggregates is related to density and may be a behavioral signal of density increase, which may transmit information between density increase and formation of dormant eggs.
Implementation of evidence-based parenting programs under real-world conditions: Protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Pinto Rita , Canário Catarina , Cruz Orlanda , Rodrigo Maria José
Published: August 2021

Protecting children is recognized as a public health priority and supporting parents through the implementation of evidence-based programs is a well-known strategy to achieve this. However, researchers highlight that these programs remain insufficiently implemented in real-world contexts. A knowledge gap exists between the intended implementation of evidence-based parenting programs and their actual implementation on real-world dynamics. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how evidence-based parenting programs have been implemented under real-world conditions by providing a map of available evidence and identifying knowledge gaps. The overall research question is: "How have evidence-based parenting programs been implemented under real-world conditions?". The proposed scoping review follows the framework originally described by Arksey and O’Malley, Levac and colleagues, and the Joanna Briggs Institute: (1) identifying the research questions; (2) identifying the relevant studies; (3) study selection; (4) charting the data; (5) collating, summarizing, and reporting the results; (6) consultation. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) will inform the search strategy. The results will be described in relation to the research questions and in the context of the purpose of the review. This scoping review will help to bridge the implementation gap between research evidence and its translation into practice.
Estimation of benzathine penicillin G demand for congenital syphilis elimination with adoption of dual HIV/syphilis rapid diagnostic tests in eleven high burden countries
Authors: Shah Sapan , Garg Surbhi , Heath Katherine , Ofili Obiageli , Bansal Yashika , Seghers Frederic , Storey Andrew , Taylor Melanie
Published: August 2021

Background

WHO recommends use of rapid dual HIV/syphilis tests for screening pregnant women (PW) during antenatal care to prevent mother-to-child transmission. Scale-up of testing implies a need to accurately forecast and procure benzathine penicillin (BPG) to treat the additionally identified PW with syphilis.

Methods

Country-reported ANC coverage, PW syphilis screening and treatment coverage values in 2019 were scaled linearly to EMTCT targets by 2030 (constant increasing slope from 2019 figures to 95% in 2030) for 11 focus countries. Antenatal syphilis screening coverage was substituted with HIV screening coverage to estimate potential contribution of rapid dual HIV/syphilis tests in identifying additional PW with syphilis. BPG demand was calculated for 2019–2030 accordingly.

Results

The estimated demand for BPG (in 2.4 million unit vials) using current maternal syphilis prevalence and treatment coverage will increase from a baseline of 414,459 doses in 2019 to 683,067 doses (+65%) in 2021 assuming immediate replacement of single HIV test kits with rapid dual HIV/syphilis tests for these 11 countries. Continued scale up of syphilis screening and treatment coverage to reach elimination coverage of 95% will result in an estimated demand increase of 160%, (663,969 doses) from 2019 baseline for a total demand of 1,078,428 BPG doses by 2030.

Conclusions

Demand for BPG will increase following adoption of rapid dual HIV/syphilis test kits due to increases in maternal diagnoses of syphilis. To eliminate congenital syphilis, MNCH clinical programs will need to synergize with disease surveillance programs to accurately forecast BPG demand with scale up of antenatal syphilis screening to ensure adequate treatment is available for pregnant women diagnosed with syphilis.
Evaluation of silver nanoparticles for the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health workers: In vitro and in vivo
Authors: Almanza-Reyes Horacio , Moreno Sandra , Plascencia-López Ismael , Alvarado-Vera Martha , Patrón-Romero Leslie , Borrego Belén , Reyes-Escamilla Alberto , Valencia-Manzo Daniel , Brun Alejandro , Pestryakov Alexey , Bogdanchikova Nina
Published: August 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infection in hospital areas is of a particular concern, since the close interaction between health care personnel and patients diagnosed with COVID-19, which allows virus to be easily spread between them and subsequently to their families and communities. Preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare personnel is essential to reduce the frequency of infections and outbreaks during the pandemic considering that they work in high-risk areas. In this research, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were tested in vitro and shown to have an inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2 infection in cultured cells. Subsequently, we assess the effects of mouthwash and nose rinse with ARGOVIT® silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 contagion in health workers consider as high-risk group of acquiring the infection in the General Tijuana Hospital, Mexico, a hospital for the exclusive recruitment of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. We present a prospective randomized study of 231 participants that was carried out for 9 weeks (during the declaration of a pandemic). The "experimental" group was instructed to do mouthwash and nose rinse with the AgNPs solution; the "control" group was instructed to do mouthwashes and nose rinse in a conventional way. The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was significantly lower in the "experimental" group (two participants of 114, 1.8%) compared to the "control" group (thirty-three participants of 117, 28.2%), with an 84.8% efficiency. We conclude that the mouth and nasal rinse with AgNPs helps in the prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in health personnel who are exposed to patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
Levels of mother-to-child HIV transmission knowledge and associated factors among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia: Analysis of 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey Data
Authors: Gebre Mamo Nigatu , Feyasa Merga Belina , Dadi Teshome Kabeta
Published: August 2021

Background

The world community has committed to eliminating the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. Even though different studies have been done in Ethiopia, to the knowledge of the investigators, the Ethiopian women’s level of knowledge on the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus is not well studied and the existing evidence is inconclusive. The current study is aimed to study the Ethiopian women’s level of knowledge on the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus and its associated factors using the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey Data.

Methods

Data of 15,683 women were extracted from the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey. Descriptive statistics and multilevel ordinal logistic regression were respectively used for the descriptive and analytical studies.

Results

41.1% [95% CI: 39.5%, 42.7%] of the Ethiopian reproductive-age women have adequate knowledge of the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. 77%, 84% and 87.8% of the women respectively know that human immunodeficiency virus can be transmitted during pregnancy, delivery, and breastfeeding. There are wider regional variations in the women’s level of knowledge of the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus. Being an urban resident, having better educational status, being from a wealthy household, owning of mobile phone, frequency of listening to the radio, frequency of watching television, and being visited with field workers were significantly associated with having adequate knowledge of the mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus.

Conclusion

Despite all collective measures put in a place by different stakeholders to prevent the mother-to-child transmission of HIV in Ethiopia, a large proportion of the Ethiopian women do not know about the mother-to-child transmission of the disease. Stakeholders working on HIV prevention and control should give due emphasis to promoting mobile phone technology and other media like radio and television by giving due focus to rural residents and poor women to promote the current low level of the knowledge. Emphasis should also be given to the information, education, and communication of the mother-to-child transmission of the disease through community-based educations.
Effects of government policies and the Nowruz holidays on confirmed COVID-19 cases in Iran: An intervention time series analysis
Authors: Hadianfar Ali , Yousefi Razieh , Delavary Milad , Fakoor Vahid , Shakeri Mohammad Taghi , Lavallière Martin
Published: August 2021

Background

Public health policies with varying degrees of restriction have been imposed around the world to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of the implementation of government policies and the Nowruz holidays on the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran, using an intervention time series analysis.

Methods

Daily data on COVID-19 cases registered between February 19 and May 2, 2020 were collected from the World Health Organization (WHO)’s website. Using an intervention time series modeling, the effect of two government policies on the number of confirmed cases were evaluated, namely the closing of schools and universities, and the implementation of social distancing measures. Furthermore, the effect of the Nowruz holidays as a non-intervention factor for the spread of COVID-19 was also analyzed.

Results

The results showed that, after the implementation of the first intervention, i.e., the closing of universities and schools, no statistically significant change was found in the number of new confirmed cases. The Nowruz holidays was followed by a significant increase in new cases (1,872.20; 95% CI, 1,257.60 to 2,476.79; p<0.001)), while the implementation of social distancing measures was followed by a significant decrease in such cases (2,182.80; 95% CI, 1,556.56 to 2,809.04; p<0.001).

Conclusion

The Nowruz holidays and the implementation of social distancing measures in Iran were related to a significant increase and decrease in COVID-19 cases, respectively. These results highlight the necessity of measuring the effect of health and social interventions for their future implementations.
Perinatal outcomes of women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in Jimma Medical Center, southwest Ethiopia: Retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jaleta Debela Dereje , Gebremedhin Tadesse , Jebena Mulusew Gerbaba
Published: August 2021

Background

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) increases adverse perinatal outcomes in women with the disorder. About 16% of all still births and 10% of early neonatal deaths are accounted by HDP. In Ethiopia, HDP complicates about 6% of all pregnancies. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes among women with HDP in Jimma Medical Center, southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on a total of 777 women who gave birth from June 2017 to March 2020 at Jimma Medical Center, southwest Ethiopia. Women with HDP and normotensive women who gave birth at or after 28 weeks of gestation were enrolled as exposed and unexposed respectively. Simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were reviewed using structured data collection performa that was prepared after reviewing relevant literatures. Data were entered to Epi-Data then exported to STATA version 13 for analysis. The adverse perinatal outcomes risk were examined using log binomial and modified Poisson regression model with robust standard errors.

Results

In this study, the overall incidence of adverse perinatal outcome was higher among women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) than normotensive women (64.1% versus 32.8%). After adjusting for confounders, women with HDP were at higher risk of babies with low birth weight (adjusted RR = 2.88 (2.2, 3.75)), preterm birth(aRR = 2.31(1.7, 3.14)), fifth minute low Apgar score (aRR = 2.6(1.53, 4.42)), admission to neonatal intensive care unit (aRR = 1.77(1.32, 2.37), stillbirth (aRR = 2.02(1.11, 3.01)), and perinatal mortality (aRR = 3.88(1.97, 7.66)) than normotensive women.

Conclusion

Women with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy were at higher risk of adverse perinatal outcomes than normotensive women who gave birth at Jimma Medical Center, southwest Ethiopia. Therefore, health care providers should strengthen prevention, early diagnosis and prompt management of HDP in order to reduce adverse perinatal outcomes.
Human cytomegalovirus blocks canonical TGFβ signaling during lytic infection to limit induction of type I interferons
Authors: Pham Andrew H. , Mitchell Jennifer , Botto Sara , Pryke Kara M. , DeFilippis Victor R. , Hancock Meaghan H.
Published: August 2021

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) microRNAs (miRNAs) significantly rewire host signaling pathways to support the viral lifecycle and regulate host cell responses. Here we show that SMAD3 expression is regulated by HCMV miR-UL22A and contributes to the IRF7-mediated induction of type I IFNs and IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) in human fibroblasts. Addition of exogenous TGFβ interferes with the replication of a miR-UL22A mutant virus in a SMAD3-dependent manner in wild type fibroblasts, but not in cells lacking IRF7, indicating that downregulation of SMAD3 expression to limit IFN induction is important for efficient lytic replication. These findings uncover a novel interplay between SMAD3 and innate immunity during HCMV infection and highlight the role of viral miRNAs in modulating these responses.
Francoist purging of nomenclature in Barcelona: Communion, wishes and beliefs1
Authors: Gil Garrusta Marc , Subirana Jaume
Published: August 2021

As in the rest of Spain, the capture of Barcelona by Franco’s troops not only meant the defeat of the Republican side, but also a systematic persecution of all political, social and cultural references of the defeated regime. Barcelona’s first Francoist city council was an active agent from the first hour, purging municipal officials and also trying to erase all Republican, Catalan or ‘red’ traces in the public space and replacing them with new references that would make the official memory of the new regime. Our research clearly outlines how the Francoist overhaul of Barcelona city nomenclature was conducted, and the criteria on which it was based. In summary, it was a very early, fairly rapid and high-priority operation based on wiping out the Republican memory and Catalan language and exalting the heroes and martyrs of the ‘Crusade’, in which the leading figures were a small group of local but renowned faithful people. It was, without doubt, what one might term an ideological operation, carried out with full awareness of the symbolic importance of the issue.
Application of culture, PCR, and PacBio sequencing for determination of microbial composition of milk from subclinical mastitis dairy cows of smallholder farms
Authors: Khasapane Ntelekwane G. , Nkhebenyane Jane S. , Kwenda Stanford , Khumalo Zamantungwa T. H. , Mtshali Phillip S. , Taioe Moeti O. , Thekisoe Oriel M. M.
Published: August 2021

Mastitis is a cow disease usually signalized by irritation, swelling, and soreness of the udder. It is characterized by physical, chemical, and biological changes in the udder and milk. The aim of this study was to detect and characterize pathogens causing subclinical mastitis (SCM) from the milk of dairy cows of small-scale farmers through culture and molecular techniques. Milk was collected from 32 cows belonging to 8 small-scale farmers around Harrismith District, South Africa. The results showed that screening of SCM by California mastitis test and somatic cell counts (SCC) was 21.87 and 25%, respectively. Culture methods revealed the presence of Staphylococcus aureus at 93% followed by Streptococci spp. and Escherichia coli at 36.4 and 13.3%, respectively. The PCR could only detect E. coli, while single-molecule real-time sequencing showed a total of 2 phyla, 5 families, 7 genera, and 131 species. Clostridiaceae was the most abundant family, while Romboutsia was the most abundant genus followed by Turicibacter spp. The present study has documented the occurrence of SCM causing pathogens in milk collected from cows of small-scale farmers in Harrismith, indicating that SCM may be present at higher levels than expected.
Physical, geochemical, and clay mineralogical properties of unstable soil slopes in the Cameron Highlands
Authors: Olaniyan Abdulrasheed , Abu Bakar Ahmad Farid , Yusoff Ismail , Abd Ghani Azman , Qaysi Saleh , Kahal Ali , Alfaifi Hussain , Alzahrani Hassan
Published: August 2021

The physical, geochemical, and clay mineralogical properties are location dependent and influence landslide, yet this relationship is understudied in the Cameron Highlands. Therefore, this study demonstrates the effect of the selected physical–geochemical properties and clay mineralogy on landslide susceptibility (LS) in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. Seven soil samples were taken from non-landslide-affected slopes (NAS) and 13 from landslide-affected slopes (LAS), making a total of 20 samples that were analyzed. The degree of the LAS and NAS ranges from 42–80° and 30–70°, respectively. The NAS soils were characterized by lower sand, higher clay, higher organic matter content (OMC), and higher cation exchange capacity (CEC). Soils with high sand tend to have larger free pores and weak bonds, making them more vulnerable to landslides. The electrostatic charges on the clay’s surface bind the solution ions, increasing cohesion between soil particles. Also, high CEC in soils improves their stability through the binding effect resulting from the attraction between solution ions via the electrostatic surface charges of the clay in the soil. The clay mineralogy revealed the abundance of kaolinite and illite, indicating the last stage of weathering associated with the weathering of primary minerals forming the bedrock. In this study, it was demonstrated that high sand, low clay, low OMC, low CEC, and clay mineralogy of the soil were associated with slope failure in the study area.
A note on pseudofinite groups of finite centraliser dimension
Authors: Karhumäki Ulla
Published: August 2021

We give a structural theorem for pseudofinite groups of finite centraliser dimension. As a corollary, we observe that there is no finitely generated pseudofinite group of finite centraliser dimension.
Neutronics and both analytical and numerical solutions for the rod centered subchannel thermal-hydraulic model
Authors: Mohsen M. Y. M. , Abdel-Rahman M. A. E.
Published: August 2021

This work investigates the capacity to detect safety levels in pressurized water reactors using neutronic and thermal-hydraulic calculations (PWR). The main neutronic parameters, such as criticality calculations, reactivity calculations, burn-up calculations, and power distribution calculations, have been calculated by using MCNPX based on the Monte Carlo method. The hot channel was determined from the power distribution. On the hot channel, the rod-centered sub-channel model was used to investigate the main thermal-hydraulic parameters such as the fuel, cladding, and coolant temperature distribution in both axial and radial directions, the coolant pressure drop, and the departure from nucleate boiling ratio (DNBR). Two techniques were used to solve the rod-centered sub-channel model. MATLAB code was used for the analytical methodology, and COMSOL-Multiphysics computer software was used for the numerical methodology. The numerical technique has demonstrated high accuracy in determining the reactor safety level consistent with the analytical approach.
A Critical Assessment of Turkey’s Positive Obligations in Combatting Violence against Women: Looking behind the Judgments
Authors: Gülel Devran
Published: August 2021

After almost two decades in power, R. T. Erdoğan and his Justice and Development Party (AKP) have established authoritarian and Islamist governance in Turkey, which has adversely affected gender equality and women’s rights. So much so, that in 2009 the European Court of Human Rights acknowledged that there is a climate conducive to domestic violence in Turkey (Opuz v. Turkey). Despite Erdoğan withdrawing Turkey unconstitutionally from the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention), the government cannot withdraw from the state’s duty to protect its citizens from the criminal acts of private individuals. By using international and regional organisations’ approaches to positive obligations and due diligence as a measure, the article addresses whether Turkey is fulfilling its duty of protecting women from the violent conduct of others. It is concluded that the government is failing in its positive obligations and instead, is reinforcing the climate through its discourse and practices that strengthen a national tolerance of violence against women and the national authorities’ reluctance to address it, thus allowing for impunity of its perpetrators.
Anomalous ultrafast all-optical Hall effect in gapped graphene
Authors: Motlagh S. Azar Oliaei , Apalkov Vadym
Published: August 2021

We propose an ultrafast all-optical anomalous Hall effect in two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors of hexagonal symmetry such as gapped graphene (GG), transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). To induce such an effect, the material is subjected to a sequence of two strong-field single-optical-cycle pulses: A chiral pump pulse followed within a few femtoseconds by a probe pulse linearly polarized in the armchair direction of the 2D lattice. Due to the effect of topological resonance, the first (pump) pulse induces a large chirality (valley polarization) in the system, while the second pulse generates a femtosecond pulse of the anomalous Hall current. The proposed effect is fundamentally the fastest all-optical anomalous Hall effect possible in nature. It can be applied to ultrafast all-optical storage and processing of information, both classical and quantum.
Cow milk and its dairy products ameliorate bone toxicity in the Coragen-induced rat model
Authors: Abdel-Mobdy Ahmed E. , Abdel-Mobdy Yasmen E. , Mabrok Hoda B.
Published: August 2021

Coragen is an insecticide that stimulates calcium release from intracellular stores of muscle cells causing death to sensitive species. The present study aimed to evaluate the bone toxic effect of Coragen and the potential therapeutic effect of cow milk, yogurt, and soft cheese in rats. Toxicity was induced by Coragen administration with different doses of 1/20 or 1/40 LD50 in rats. Groups of rats (n = 6) were treated with either 5 g milk, 5 g yogurt, or 1.5 g cheese. Coragen administration elevated alkaline and acid phosphatases activity and reduced the calcium and phosphorus level in urine and serum of rats administered with Coragen. Femur and tibia length, thickness, weight, and breaking force were decreased by Coragen administration and femur Ca and P contents as well. Bone mineral area (BMA), bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), protein profile (total, albumin, and globulin), and antioxidant system (TAC, GSH, GPX, GST, and SOD) were decreased by Coragen. All these parameters were improved on the treatment with milk and milk products. The results showed that yogurt treatment was significantly superior to the other treatments in increasing BMD (27%), breaking force (9%), femur Ca (41%), serum Ca (14%), and serum P (16%) and in reducing acid phosphatases (14%) and urine Ca and P by 8 and 10%, respectively. It can be concluded that the treatment with milk and milk products may provide treatment against osteoporosis and toxicity caused by Coragen.
Determinants of Early Retirement in the UAE
Authors: Orhun Eda , Adnan Wifag , Alawad Mouawiya
Published: August 2021

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the retirement behavior of UAE nationals by understanding the socio-economic characteristics of early retirees and identifying the main determinants of early retirement. Accordingly, a survey study is created and deployed for current employees and retirees affiliated with Abu Dhabi Retirement and Pension Benefit Fund (ADRPBF). The survey was designed to reach 100 retirees and 200 currently active workers from those registered at the ADRPBF. The survey was conducted by employing the online survey method and face-to-face interviews. The total number of respondents is around 244, with a total response rate of 81.33%. Some factors related to the psychosocial work environment play a significant role in the early retirement decision of Emiratis. These factors are stress level, autonomy level and authority level at work. In addition to these, the level of work environment comfortability and life-work balance seem to also affect the early retirement decision. In general, the results indicate that higher the stress level, lower the level of autonomy and authority; higher the early retirement decision within the Emirati workforce. Last but not least, the likelihood of early retirement increases significantly if employees face a work-related health problem. Initiatives at the government and company level to adjust the working conditions for the capacity of elderly people shall be considered. Healthy living campaigns and sport programs might be launched to reduce work-related health problems and consequently early retirement. Our work is the first comprehensive study exploring the early retirement decision of the UAE nationals. One limitation of our study is the limited number of participants in the survey. Future work that will include a higher number of participants and supplementary questions to cover more job features (physical workload, other psychosocial factors) might be helpful.
Functional Relevance of Dual Olfactory Bulbs in Olfactory Coding
Authors: Kuruppath Praveen , Bai Li , Belluscio Leonardo
Published: August 2021

Bilateral convergence of external stimuli is a common feature of vertebrate sensory systems. This convergence of inputs from the bilateral receptive fields allows higher order sensory perception, such as depth perception in the vertebrate visual system and stimulus localization in the auditory system. The functional role of such bilateral convergence in the olfactory system is unknown. To test whether each olfactory bulb (OB) contributes a separate piece of olfactory information, and whether information from the bilateral OB is integrated, we synchronized the activation of OBs with blue light in mice expressing ChIEF in the olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) and behaviorally assessed the relevance of dual OBs in olfactory perception. Our findings suggest that each OB contributes separate components of olfactory information, and the mice integrate the bilaterally synchronized olfactory information for olfactory identity.
Syn3Gene Knockout Negatively Impacts Aspects of Reversal Learning Performance
Authors: Moore Alyssa , Linden Jérôme , Jentsch James D.
Published: August 2021

Behavioral flexibility enables the ability to adaptively respond to changes in contingency requirements to maintain access to desired outcomes, and deficits in behavioral flexibility have been documented in many psychiatric disorders. Previous research has shown a correlation between behavioral flexibility measured in a reversal learning test andSyn3, the gene encoding synapsin III, which negatively regulates phasic dopamine release.Syn3expression in the hippocampus, striatum, and neocortex is reported to be negatively correlated with reversal learning performance, so here, we used a global knock-out line to investigate reversal learning in mice homozygous wild type, heterozygous null, and homozygous null for theSyn3gene. Compared with wild-type animals, we found a reversal-specific effect of geneticSyn3deficiency that resulted in a greater proportional increase in trials required to reach a preset performance criterion during contingency reversal, despite no observed genotype effects on the ability to acquire the initial discrimination. Behavioral flexibility scores, which quantified the likelihood of switching subsequent choice behavior following positive or negative feedback, became significantly more negative in reversal only forSyn3homozygous-null mice, suggesting a substantial increase in perseverative behavior in the reversal phase.Syn3ablation reduced the number of anticipatory responses made per trial, often interpreted as a measure of waiting impulsivity. Overall,Syn3expression negatively affected behavioral flexibility in a reversal-specific manner but may have reduced waiting impulsivity.
IgM Immunoglobulin Influences Recovery after Cervical Spinal Cord Injury by Modulating the IgG Autoantibody Response
Authors: Ulndreaj Antigona , Vidal Pia M. , Forgione Nicole , Hong James , Fehlings Michael G.
Published: August 2021

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in the development of detrimental autoantibodies against the lesioned spinal cord. IgM immunoglobulin maintains homeostasis against IgG-autoantibody responses, but its effect on SCI recovery remains unknown. In the present study we investigated the role of IgM immunoglobulin in influencing recovery after SCI. To this end, we induced cervical SCI at the C6/C7 level in mice that lacked secreted IgM immunoglobulin [IgM-knock-out (KO)] and their wild-type (WT) littermate controls. Overall, the absence of secretory IgM resulted in worse outcomes as compared with WT mice with SCI. At two weeks after injury, IgM-KO mice had significantly more IgG antibodies, which fixed the complement system, in the injured spinal cord parenchyma. In addition to these findings, IgM-KO mice had more parenchymal T-lymphocytes as well as CD11b+ microglia/macrophages, which co-localized with myelin. At 10 weeks after injury, IgM-KO mice showed significant impairment in neurobehavioral recovery, such as deteriorated coordination, reduced hindlimb swing speed and print area. These neurobehavioral detriments were coupled with increased lesional tissue and myelin loss. Taken together, this study provides the first evidence for the importance of IgM immunoglobulin in modulating recovery after SCI and suggests that modulating IgM could be a novel therapeutic approach to enhance recovery after SCI.