bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of human adenovirus 36 on the developing chicken embryo in the context of infectious obesity
Authors: Pogorzelska Aleksandra , Kuropka Piotr , Chełmecka Elżbieta , Kubicka Agata , Janicka Paulina , Stygar Dominika , Bażanów Barbara
Published: June 2022

The obesity epidemic is one of the most serious health problems of the 21st century. The research conducted in this area has allowed for the identification of several factors causing obesity, including infectious agents. Adenovirus 36 (HAdV-D36) is the only known infectious agent to promote obesity in both humans and animals. The mechanisms by which this virus induces obesity in adults are known. However, to date, the effects of this virus on the developing embryo have not been described. In our study, we were able to confirm weight gain in infected HAdV-D36 chicken embryos (ECEs). In contrast to the course of infection in adults, infection in embryos does not result in an increase in body fat, but manifests itself as accelerated organogenesis. Histopathological analyses conducted by our team suggest the existence of another, yet unknown mechanism of the virus's influence on ECE.
Longitudinal clinical and biomarker characteristics of non-manifesting LRRK2 G2019S carriers: The PPMI cohort
Authors: Simuni Tanya , Merchant Kalpana , Brumm Michael , Cho Hyunkeun , Caspell-Garcia Chelsea , Coffey Chris , Chahine Lana , Alcalay Roy , Nudelman Kelly , Foroud Tatiana , Mollenhauer Brit , Siderowf Andrew , Tanner Caroline , Iwaki Hirotaka , Sherer Todd , Marek Ken
Published: June 2022

Background: We examined 2-year longitudinal change in clinical features and biomarkers in LRRK2 non-manifesting carriers (NMCs) versus healthy controls (HCs) enrolled in the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI). Methods: We analyzed 2-year longitudinal data from 176 LRRK2 G2019S NMCs and 185 HCs. All participants were assessed annually with comprehensive motor and non-motor scales, dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging and biofluid biomarkers. The latter included cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Abeta, total tau and phospho-tau; serum urate and neurofilament light chain (NfL); and urine bis(monoacylglycerol) phosphate (BMP). Findings: At baseline, LRRK2 G2019S NMCs had a mean (SD) age of 62 (7.7) years and were 56% female. 13% had DAT deficit (defined as <65% of age/sex-expected lowest putamen SBR) and 11% had hyposmia (defined as ≤15th percentile for age and sex). Although NMCs scored significantly worse on numerous clinical scales at baseline than HCs, there was no longitudinal change in any clinical measures over 2 years or in DAT binding. There were no longitudinal differences in CSF and serum biomarkers between NMCs and HCs. Urinary BMP was significantly elevated in NMCs at all time points but did not change longitudinally. Neither baseline biofluid biomarkers nor DAT correlated with 2-year change in clinical outcomes. Only 5 of 176 LRRK2 NMCs developed PD during the follow up. Interpretation: We observed no significant longitudinal change in clinical or biomarker measures in LRRK2 G2019S NMCs in this large, well-characterized cohort. Longer follow up and further selection of NMCs at highest risk for conversion is required for future prevention clinical trials.
Bacterial assembly as part of immune system in Paulownia responses to witches’ broom caused by phytoplasmas
Authors: Li Xuanzhen , Huang Jing , Zhai Xiaoqiao , Zhao Zhenli , Pan Yanshuo , Fan Guoqiang
Published: June 2022

Purpose
Paulownia witches’ broom (WB) usually affects part of the infected tree, rarely spreading throughout the tree. WB was infected by phytoplasmas, but the associated microbiome assembly remains unknown. This study aims to clarify the possible mediating mechanism of WB outbreaks in Paulownia.
Methods
We collected leaves, branches, roots and rhizosphere soil of Paulownia trees with or without WB, and analyzed the bacterial community on the basis of 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing.
Results
All leaf and branch samples contained phytoplasmas, but high phytoplasma levels were required for WB. Low bacterial community diversity and richness, a lack of beneficial bacteria, and an unstable bacterial network might be conducive to a WB outbreak. Phytoplasmas were more abundant in the roots of diseased trees than in the roots of healthy trees. Moreover, phytoplasma infections altered the bacterial community composition, but did not induce morphological changes. Phytoplasma did not present in the rhizosphere soil of diseased trees, but their bacterial community composition changed comparing with the corresponding samples of healthy trees. Asymptomatic leaves and branches of diseased trees recruited beneficial bacteria and increased the bacterial network stability, which might contribute to the restriction of phytoplasma infections and WB development further. The abundance of several beneficial bacteria in the endosphere was significantly negative correlation with that of phytoplasmas, implying their inhibitory effects on phytoplasmas.
Conclusion
Our findings have clarified the possible mechanism mediating WB outbreaks in Paulownia trees. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Paulownia trees inhibit phytoplasma infections by modulating the endosphere and rhizosphere bacterial communities.
Process‑based evaluation indicators of grape drought and risk characteristics in Bohai Rim Region (BRR), China
Authors: Huo Zhiguo , Mao Hongdan , Yang Jianying , Wang Peijuan , Wu Dingrong , Ma Yuping
Published: June 2022

Drought stress is one of the major environmental limiting factors for grape growth in the Bohai Rim Region (BRR) in China. Investigation of process-based meteorological evaluation indicators is of particular interest to precisely understand the spatiotemporal characteristics of grape drought processes, providing substantial support for grape drought monitoring, prevention, and mitigation. In this study, a daily index grape drought index (GDI) was constructed based on the rolling calculation of water profit and deficit. Characteristics of GDI in historical drought disaster samples were analyzed, and drought evaluation level indicators were constructed, facilitating the assessment of process-based grape drought risk. The results showed that duration days with GDI<-0.4 identified can be used as drought level indicators, and the threshold of grape drought in germination-new shoot (P1), flowering-fruit setting (P2), fruit expansion (P3), and coloring-mature (P4) were 14, 13, 12, and 13 days with GDI<-0.4, respectively. Identification results calculated by grape drought indicators were basically consistent with historic occurrence levels of grape drought, with 76.9% of historical records completely consistent with the grape level assessment, and 15.4% within one level. The process-based grape drought risk gradually decreased with the advancement of grape growth process, with grape drought risk in the order of P1 > P2 > P3 > P4. Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei and west of Liaoning were detected with the higher drought risk.
Information needs of informal caregivers in caring and rehabilitation for dioxin victims in Vietnam
Authors: Ho Hien Thi , Bui Chi Linh , Santin Olinda , Nguyen Huong Thi , Nguyen Hien Luong Thi , Do Hung Chi , Tran Nghi Ngoc , Tran Tuyet Hanh Thi , Nguyen Anh Mai , Carter Gillian , Bui Ha Thi Thu , Hoang Minh Van
Published: June 2022

Background: Health impacts among Agent Orange/dioxin (dioxin) victims are significant with many individuals requiring daily assistance, informal care, and rehabilitation support. This study aimed to identify the information needs of informal caregivers of dioxin victims in Vietnam. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Quynh Phu district, Thai Binh province – an area with a large number of dioxin victims, from June 2019 to March 2020. Quantitative data were collected from 124 caregivers of victims via structured interviews. Qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interview guides with in-depth interviews (IDI) (n=36) and two focus group discussions (FGD) (n=12). Results: The results showed that all caregivers of dioxin victims were family members, predominantly older (71.8%), 61.5 years old on average, living on low incomes (97.9%), and were farmers (80.7%). Almost all participants (96.8%) reported having information needs, particularly concerning dioxin’s harms, nutrition, dioxin-related policies and rehabilitation, and psychological support for patients. Caregivers reported that they would like to receive information via health staff counseling (85.0%), television (75.0%), and community loudspeaker (65.8%). Notably, a majority of caregivers reported the need for information regarding psychological support (70.0%). These findings are consistent with qualitative data, which identify an urgent need to provide information, especially through health staff and digital resources. Conclusions: Many families with dioxin victims lived with little support and information, highlighting their high demand for information about care and rehabilitation. Thus, the healthcare system should promote information support, policy, and psychological support for caregivers and victims. An online support system for caregivers and victims is also recommended.
A Case of Intravenous Leiomyoma of Uterus Extending to Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Huang YuanQin , Rao Dan , Zhang Zheng Lu , Gan Quan
Published: June 2022

Background: Uterine intravenous leiomyomatosis is the leiomyoma tissue invaded into the vein outside the leiomyoma ,Reports of extending to the right pulmonary artery are relatively rare. Case presentation: We describe a 31 year-old woman with the benign leiomyoma entended to the right ventricular lumen,, causing mechanical obstruction and corresponding clinical symptoms. The tumor located in the pulmonary artery can cause pulmonary artery obstruction, once diagnosed, surgical treatment should be performed as soon as possible.Conclusions: In this case ,uterine leiomyoma extends to the right pulmonary is clinically more rare.
Psychometric Testing of the Chinese version of the Nursing Home Adjustment Scale: Classical theory Test and Item Response Theory
Authors: Guo Yicong , Liu Siyue , Zhou Feixiang , Hu Zhao , Li Shaojie , Xu Huilan
Published: June 2022

Background
China has the largest number of older people in the world, thus implying a considerable potential demand for relocation to long-term care facilities. It is critical to developing effective measurement instruments for assessing the adaptation to nursing homes among older adults in China. The nursing home adjustment scale (NHAS) was designed for assessing nursing home adjustment and has been translated into Chinese recently. However, the evidence for the psychometric properties of the Chinese version is insufficient, with the lack of validation in less developed regions of China and item response theory (IRT)-based analysis.
Methods
The English version of the NHAS was translated into Chinese according to the standard procedures. A total of 761 older adults who lived in 21 nursing homes in Hunan Province, China, were investigated from July 2021 to December 2021. The psychometric characteristics of the Chinese version of the NHAS (C-NHAS) were examined based on the classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT).
Results
The overall Cronbach’s α coefficient of the C-NHAS was 0.913. The 4-factor solution (CFI = 0.958, TLI = 0.951, and RMSEA = 0.049) was regarded as applicable to the C-NHAS: depressed mood, emotional stress, relationship development, and sense of belonging. Rasch analysis showed the C-NHAS was multidimensional. The information-weighted fit statistic (infit) and outlier-sensitive fit statistic (outfit) mean square (MNSQ) values of the subscales of C-NHAS were 0.64–1.42 and 0.64–1.46, indicating all items showed an acceptable model fit. No items displayed substantial differential item functioning (DIF) across gender. In the Wright map, the difficulty of items matched most individuals’ ability, while a small number of individuals with the low latent trait had no items for matching.
Conclusions
In summary, the C-NHAS is a reliable and valid instrument that can assist in measuring nursing home adjustment among Chinese seniors. Rasch analysis results support the multidimensional and DIF-free across gender of the C-NHAS. The difficulty of the NHAS may restrict the measurement of adjustment, thus further development and testing of a brief version assessing adjustment in the nursing home population is worth considering.
Fast-growing exotic tree species as fuelwood alternative for refugees and host communities in Northern Uganda
Authors: Anywar Decimon , Shaban Kato Stonewall , Labeja Richard Louis , Loki Robert Okongo , Okello Collins
Published: June 2022

The high demand for firewood and charcoal has exerted high pressure on the indigenous trees in Uganda. Communities believe that the indigenous trees are better fuel sources despite limited evidence to support this claim. This study was carried out in 2021 to evaluate the fuelwood properties of selected indigenous tree species in comparison to three exotic tree species that have been promoted for use by refugees and host communities in Lamwo District of Northern Uganda. Wood samples were collected from three different locations from the study area in Lamwo District and transported to Gulu University for laboratory analysis of their physical and chemical properties. Data were analysed using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 5% level of confidence and the means were separated using Tukey HSD test. Results showed that moisture content, fixed carbon, volatile matter, and Fuel Value Index (FVI) did not significantly vary among the indigenous and exotic tree species. Fuel value index was observed to be negatively correlated with moisture content of the wood, implying both species’ categories retard in fuel quality when their moisture contents increases. Overall, the results show that there were no significant differences in the FVI of all the indegeneous and exotic tree species investigated in this study. It is recommended that fast-growing exotic species such as Eucalyptus grandis , Caliandra calothyrsus , and Senna siamea that are grown in the region be promoted to ensure regeneration and reduction of pressure on the use of natural forest.
Effective use of slag as a product of the CFBC technology to purify water environment of copper ions
Authors: Kalak Tomasz
Published: June 2022

The world of today is faced with many problems related to global pollution of the aquatic environment, including groundwater, rivers, lakes, bays, seas and oceans with substances harmful to ecosystems and living organisms. Water plays a major role in maintaining life, hence its quality is crucial in the entire food chain. One of the greatest threats to the aquatic environment is industrial wastewater containing harmful heavy metals and other toxic substances. For this reason, it is necessary to search for new, cheap and clean technologies for removing metals from wastewater. In this study, slag was used, which is a waste obtained in the modern and clean circulating fluidized bed combustion technology (CFBC), considered to be the most effective method of incineration of municipal sewage sludge. The physical and chemical properties of the slag material were characterized, such as grain composition, bulk density, SEM-EDS analysis, thermogravimetric measurements, BET adsorption and analysis of SEM and TEM images. Then, adsorption properties of slag in relation to Cu(II) ions in aqueous solutions were investigated. The research results showed high adsorption process efficiency and adsorption capacity. On the basis of the obtained results, it was found that the slag waste generated in the CFBC technology may be a cheap and highly effective adsorbent to be used in adsorption processes to remove heavy metals from wastewater.
Sex-based differences in the lipidomic profile of circulating extracellular vesicles isolated from adolescents exposed to ethanol intoxication
Authors: Perpiñá-Clérigues Carla , Català-Senent José F. , Mellado Susana , Ibáñez Francesc , Costa Pilar , Marcos Miguel , Guerri Consuelo , García-García Francisco , Pascual Maria
Published: June 2022

Background
Lipids represent essential components of extracellular vesicles (EVs), playing structural and regulatory functions during EV biogenesis, release, targeting, and cell uptake. Importantly, lipidic dysregulation has been linked to several disorders, including metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and neurological dysfunction. Our recent results demonstrated the involvement of plasma EV microRNAs as possible amplifiers and biomarkers of neuroinflammation and brain damage induced by ethanol intoxication during adolescence. Considering the possible role of EV lipids as regulatory molecules and biomarkers, we evaluated how acute ethanol intoxication differently affected the lipid composition of plasma EVs in male and female adolescents and explored the participation of the immune response.
Methods
Plasma EVs from humans, WT mice, and TLR4-KO mice were extracted. After the EVs lipids extraction and data acquisition by mass spectrometry, preprocessing and exploratory analyses were conducted. Experimental groups (ethanol and control groups of females and males) were compared from differential abundance analysis. Annotation of the lipids in their corresponding classes and a lipid set enrichment analysis were carried out to evaluate the biological function.
Results
We demonstrate for the first time that acute ethanol intoxication induces a higher enrichment of specific EV lipid species in human female adolescents (e.g., PA, LPC, unsaturated FA and FAHFA) than in males (e.g., PI). These lipid species participate in the formation, release, and uptake of EVs and the activation of the immune response. All data and results generated have been made openly available on a web-based platform (http://bioinfo.cipf.es/sal).
Conclusions
Our results suggest that female adolescents who binge drink alcohol also display increased levels of EV biogenesis and neuroinflammatory spread than males. Our findings also support the potential use of EV-enriched lipids as biomarkers of ethanol-induced neuroinflammation during adolescence.
Impact of land use on the soil microbiota and soil abiotic traits in tropical and subtropical Brazilian ecoregions
Authors: de Souza Tancredo Augusto Feitosa , Silva Lucas Jónatan Rodrigues da , Laurindo Lídia Klestadt , Nascimento Gislaine dos Santos , Campos Milton César Costa
Published: June 2022

Land uses influence soil microbiota and soil abiotic traits in the Brazilian Tropical and Subtropical ecoregions. Our aim was to test if different land uses may influence the soil microbiota and the soil chemical properties in agroforestry systems (AF), unassisted forest restoration (UFR), and natural ecosystem (Ne) located at Tropical and Subtropical ecosystems from North-eastern and Southern, Brazil, respectively. We have used the joint analysis of a series of experiments in a randomized block design. In the three land uses, we collected soil samples to determine arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi community, soil nematode, soil pH, available P, and soil organic carbon (SOC) from January 2018 to January 2022 using a semestral schedule. Soil microbiota richness in the AF and Ne was similar in the tropical ecosystem. The PCA analysis showed SOC, soil pH, Fungivores, Bacterivores, Racocetra coralloidea, Dentiscutata scutata, and D. erythrophus as the main factors contributing to the variance of the samples. Differences were associated with (1) the land uses by promoting different habitat, as we found difference on soil microbiota abundance, and diversity as affected by habitat simplification, and (2) changes in soil pH, SOC, and available P. These results contribute to a deeper view of the soil microbiota community composition in different land uses from two Brazilian ecosystems. Our work increases the understanding of the soil microbiota com-munity structure in the rhizosphere of AF and Ne in tropical and subtropical ecosystems.
Insecticide resistance modifies behavioural response of Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto to insecticide-treated nets
Authors: Zhou Guofa , Li Yiji , Zhong Daibin , Machani Maxwell G. , Onyango Janet A. , Wang Xiaoming , Lee Ming-Chieh , Atieli Harrysone E. , Mukabana Wolfgang R. , Githure John I. , Githeko Andrew K. , Kazura James , Yan Guiyun
Published: June 2022

Background: Behavioural responses of mosquito vectors to insecticide-treated materials are critical aspects of disease control and for insecticide resistance management. Physiological resistance to insecticides may change mosquitoes’ behavioural response to insecticide-treated materials such as bed nets. Methods: Using free-flying bioassay conducted in cubic-shape cages with different net materials on different sides of the cage, we examined the behavioural responses of insecticide-resistant (Bungoma strain) and susceptible (Kisumu strain) Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto mosquitoes to different types of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) including the piperonyl butoxide treated (PBO) LLIN using untreated nets as control. We conducted video tracking of mosquito flying paths and analysed landing attempts, resting preference and resting duration on treated and untreated netting materials. Kisumu susceptible strain (An. gambiae s.s) was used as a control.Results: We found that for both field and susceptible strain mosquitoes PBO nets caused significantly higher mortalities. Direct observation found that the resistant strain mosquitoes showed significant inactive overall compared to susceptible mosquitoes regardless of net material. Direct observations found that resistant mosquitoes showed 5-10 fold higher proportion of resting on the non-treated nets (10~20% resting rate) compared to treated nets (<2% resting rate), whereas, susceptible mosquitoes resting equally on treated and untreated nets (~5%). Based on video tracking results, mosquito landing attempts on the nets were low in the control cages and similar for both strains of mosquitoes, landing attempts of the susceptible mosquitoes increased 7-10 fold against the insecticide treated nets, whereas landing attempts of the resistant mosquitoes increased only about 3-fold against PBO-treated nets but not regular LLIN. The average resting duration on the nets was 100-120 seconds in the control cage regardless of mosquito strains while resting duration reduced to 5-15 s against regular nets and 5-30 s against PBO nets. Overall, compared to the susceptible mosquitoes, the resistant mosquitoes had a significantly lower number of landing attempts and resting on the insecticide-treated nets. Conclusion: Based on the overall behaviour analysis, the evidence suggested that the resistant An. gambiae s.s. mosquitoes were inactive against insecticide-treated nets. The results from this study explain why mortality in resistant mosquitoes was low in the presence of LLINs – they did not contact often and did not rest often on the treated nets.
Contribution of Conflict Management on Employees' Performance: A Case of Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project
Authors: Rwehumbiza Editha G , Mfugale Castor B.
Published: June 2022

This study was conducted to examine the contribution of Conflict management on Employee’s performance at Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project (DMGP). Specifically, the study intended to identify the structure of communication flow at DMGP to establish the conflict resolution techniques at Dar es Salaam Maritime Gateway Project, and to associate practiced Conflict resolution approaches with employees’ performance in Dar es salaam Maritime Gateway Project. The study involved 45 technical staff and the sample was framed conveniently while respondents were selected purposively. The data was coded then analyzed through SPSS. The findings have revealed that employees’ fear to speak out their inner concerns to supervisors because of insecurity of their job despite having a chance to express their opinions. It was also relieved that; interpersonal conflicts were predominantly solved by involving the conflicted. Workers at DMGP prefer more settling their issue with their immediate supervisor than third parties. Also, the training and development offered at DMGP has significantly contributed to the performance of employees in different departments. Generally, it was revealed that conflict management has significant contribution to employees’ performance. The study recommends to managers to enhance interpersonal relationships amongst co-workers to inculcate trust, unleash communication and consequentially boost morale of the employees.
The severity of heat and cold waves amplified by high relative humidity in humid subtropical basins: a case study in the Gan River Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Chen Changchun , Niu Yun , Shen Liucheng , Wang Wenyuan
Published: June 2022

High relative humidity (RH) and temperature extremes can occur simultaneously and persist for periods of time, resulting in serious harm to human health, especially in humid regions. Here, the Gan River Basin was used as a case study to investigate the characteristics of heat and cold waves using the apparent temperature (combined air temperature and RH) of the observed and ERA5 reanalysis datasets. Heat waves showed an increasing trend from 1961 to 2018 (particularly from 1997 to 2018), whereas during the same period, cold waves showed a significant decreasing trend. In general, ERA5 reasonably reflected the spatiotemporal characteristics of heat and cold waves, but the ability to simulate cold waves was greater than that of heat waves. The amplifying effect of high RH on heat waves is significantly greater than on cold waves. The increasing rates of heat waves in ERA5 at the three grades other than extreme heat waves were slightly greater than the observations. Cold waves at various grades showed significant downward trends, and the decreasing rates of cold wave in observations were slightly greater than those of ERA5. Using an analysis of the return period (occurrence probability), traditional univariate risk assessment methods based on maximum or minimum temperature may substantially underestimate the risk of extreme events, such as the 2014 heat wave or the 1969 cold wave, because the effects of RH were ignored.
Nonfatal Occupational Injuries among Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining Workers in Ethiopia
Authors: Abebil Fentayehu , Tefera Yifokire , Tefera Worku , Kumie Abera , Mulugeta Hailemichael , Kassie Genanew
Published: June 2022

Background
Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining is widely practiced in developing countries. Injuries are among the public health concerns in the mining sector. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of nonfatal occupational injuries and associated factors among workers in Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining, Ethiopia.
Methods
Cross sectional study design was employed from April to June 2020. A total of 403 participants was selected with simple random sampling technique. Structured questionnaire was utilized for the data collection. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the information and the logistic regression was applied to test the association. Predictor variables with p value < 0.05 with Odds ratio of 95% CI in multivariate analysis were considered as associated factors.
Results
A total of 403 participants were interviewed with a response rate of 95.5%. The prevalence of nonfatal occupational injury was 25.1% in the past 12 months. About one third of the injuries, 32 (31.7%), were on the upper extremity and feet, 18 (17.8%). Symptoms of mercury toxicity [AOR: 2 .39, 95% CI (1.27–4.52)], 1–4 years work experience [AOR: 4.50, 95% CI (1.57–12.9)], full work shift [AOR: 6.06, 95% CI (1.97–18.7)], and job in task of mining activities (AOR: 4.83, 95% CI (1.48–15.7)) were associated with the injury.
Conclusion
High prevalence of injuries was found. Work-related factors were found significantly associated with the occurrence of injury. Therefore, both workers and responsible organization should apply intervention focus on the improvement of working condition and safety practice to minimize the injury accident.
Association between multiple chronic conditions and depressive symptoms among the elderly: Based on the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS)
Authors: Liu Haixia , Zhou Zhongliang , Sun Hongwei , Fan Xiaojing , Xu Zhaoyang , Li Rui
Published: June 2022

Background: Multiple (two or more) chronic conditions (MCCs) is an important influencing factor on healthy ageing, which is associated with an increased risk of mortality, functional decline, mental health problems, especially depression in the elderly. However, evidence on associations between MCCs and depression among the elderly is not clear. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between MCCs and depression in a large Chinese community study. Methods: Cross-sectional data of 6360 elderly were screened from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS, wave 4) database. Depression symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10), and the elderly with MCCs is that who have been diagnosed at least two or more chronic diseases by the doctor. To test the relationship between MCCs and depression among the elderly, chi-square test and generalized linear model (GLM) were carried out.Results: The prevalence of chronic diseases in the elderly was 50.0%, of which 60.5% suffered from depression. Among the elderly with chronic disease, 19.8% suffered from MCCs, and the probability of depression in the elderly with MCCs was 1.332 times higher than that in the elderly without MCCs (OR:1.332, OR95% CI: 1.152 to 1.541). Urban and rural source, elementary school and above, social activities, life satisfaction, health satisfaction and child relationship satisfaction were the influencing factors of depression in the elderly with MCCs, while gender, urban and rural source, age(≥75y), per capita household income, life satisfaction, health satisfaction and child relationship satisfaction were the influencing factors of depression in the elderly without MCCs.Conclusion: The results of this study contributed to the exiting research gap on the relationship between MCCs and depression among the elderly, and can develop depression interventions targeting specific chronic disease for elderly.
Pure laparoscopic versus open left lateral hepatectomy in pediatric living donor liver transplantation: a review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sha Meng , Zong Zhipeng , Shen Chuan , Zhu Jian-jun , Feng Ming-xuan , Luo Yi , Tong Ying , Xia Qiang
Published: June 2022

Purpose: The meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the safety and feasibility of pure laparoscopic left lateral hepatectomy in comparison with open approach for pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).Methods: A systemic literature survey was performed by searching the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases for articles that compared pure laparoscopic left lateral living donor hepatectomy (LLDH) and open left lateral living donor hepatectomy (OLDH) by November 2021. Meta-analysis was performed to assess donors’ and recipients’ perioperative outcomes using RevMan 5.3 software.Results: A total of seven studies involving 489 patients were included in the analysis. The results demonstrated that LLDH group had significantly less blood loss (WMD=-82.12ml, 95%CI: -109.56-54.67, P<0.00001) and shorter length of hospital stay (WMD=-2.36d, 95%CI: -3.19--1.52, P<0.00001) compared with OLDH group. A reduced overall postoperative complication rate was observed in the LLDH group (OR=0.32, 95%CI: 0.15-0.68, P=0.003). In the subgroup analysis, donor bile leakage, wound infection and pulmonary complications were similar between two groups (bile leakage: OR=1.31, 95%CI: 0.43-4.02, P=0.63; wound infection: OR=0.37, 95%CI: 0.11-1.25, P=0.11; pulmonary complications: OR=0.24, 95%CI: 0.04-1.41, P=0.11). For recipients, there were no significant difference in perioperative outcomes between the LLDH and OLDH group, including mortality, overall complications, hepatic artery thrombosis, portal vein and biliary complications.Conclusion: LLDH is a safe and effective alternative to OLDH for pediatric LDLT, reducing invasiveness and benefiting postoperative recovery. Future large-scale multi-center studies are expected to confirm the advantages of LLDH in pediatric LDLT.
Comparative evaluation of the properties and applications of soluble dietary fibers derived from natural plants
Authors: Zou Xiaoqiang , Xu Xiuli , Chao Zhonghao , Zheng Lei , Jiang Bangzhi
Published: June 2022

Plant-derived soluble dietary fibers (SDFs) have many important physiological functions and the applications of different SDFs vary based on their properties, which are worth further investigating for SDF-rich food production. In this study, SDFs with high industrialization derived from konjac, apple, chicory, flaxseed, orange, psyllium seed, soybean and oat were selected, and their structural properties, physicochemical properties, α-amylase inhibitory activity and cholesterol absorption capacity were systematically evaluated and compared. The results showed that the molecular weight of konjac glucomannan (KGM, 5.22×106 Da) was the highest, and inulin, soybean and oat SDFs had higher water solubility compared with the others. Moreover, KGM, apple, flaxseed and psyllium seed SDFs exhibited better water-holding capacity, swelling capacity, emulsifying activity and stability. Rheological studies and texture profile analysis suggested that KGM had the best viscosity and gelation ability. In addition, apple and orange SDFs showed better α-amylase inhibitory activity, while KGM and flaxseed SDF displayed fine cholesterol absorption capacity, illustrating the feasibility to regulate blood sugar and blood lipid levels.
Extremely-slow, half-number shockwave lithotripsy for ureteral stones
Authors: Somiya Shinya , Koterazawa Shigeki , Ito Katsuhiro , Haitani Takao , Arakaki Ryuichiro , Kawase Norio , Higashi Yoshihito , Yamada Hitoshi , Kanno Toru
Published: June 2022

Purpose
To elucidate and compare the treatment success rate and safety of the reduced (30 shocks/min with 1,200 shocks/session) and standard protocols (60 shocks/min with 2,400 shocks/session) of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) for ureteral stones treatment.
Materials and Methods
This study was a retrospective review of 2410 SWL procedures with reduced or standard protocols (groups R and S) in 1106 patients for ureteral stones between March 2014 and March 2021. The patients chose either group after hearing an explanation of both protocols. The primary outcome was treatment success, defined as the absence of residual fragments on ultrasonography and plain radiography within 30 and 90 days. A multivariate logistic regression and propensity score matching analysis evaluated the association between the reduced protocol and treatment success.
Results
This study included 311 and 544 patients in the reduced (R) and standard (S) protocol groups, respectively. The patient’s characteristics were comparable, excluding the lithotripter machine. There was no significant difference between groups R and S in treatment success rates within 30 (63.3% vs. 65.8%, p = 0.50) and 90 days (88.7% vs. 91.5%, p = 0.18). The overall complication rates did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.45). The multivariate analysis indicated no significant association between reduced protocol and treatment success within 30 and 90 days (p = 0.44 and p = 0.68, respectively). Propensity score matching showed no significant difference in the treatment success rates within 30 and 90 days or overall complication rates.
Conclusion
The Extremely slow, half number protocol outcomes are comparable to those of the standard protocol for treating ureteral stones.
Effects of electric field and anisotropy on the mass-radius relationship of a particular class of compact stars
Authors: Komathiraj K , Sharma Ranjan , Chanda Samstuti
Published: June 2022

For a static, spherically symmetric, anisotropic and charged distribution of matter, we present a new class of exact solutions to the Einstein-Maxwell system. By assuming specific forms of the electric field and anisotropy, we transform the master equation of the Einstein-Maxwell system to Bessel and modified Bessel differential equations. The subsequent solutions turn out to be generalizations of the isotropic and uncharged stellar model of Finch and Skea (1989), the isotropic and charged stellar model of Hansraj and Maharaj (2006) and the anisotropic and charged stellar model of Maharaj {\em et al} (2017). We analyze the physical viability of the solutions and utilize one particular class of solutions to examine the effects of charge and anisotropy on the mass-radius relationship of compact stars.
Identification and phenotypic characterization of patients with LADA in a population of southeast Mexico
Authors: Nolasco-Rosales German Alberto , Ramírez-González Dania , Rodríguez-Sánchez Ester , Ávila-Fernandez Angela , Villar-Juarez Guillermo Efrén , González-Castro Thelma Beatriz , Tovilla-Zárate Carlos Alfonso , Guzmán-Priego Cristell Guadalupe , Genis-Mendoza Alma Delia , Blé-Castillo Jorge L. , Marín-Medina Alejandro , Juárez-Rojop Isela Esther
Published: June 2022

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies, indicating an autoimmune pathogenesis. As LADA has clinical and metabolic features from type 1 and type 2 diabetes, it has no categorically defined features; additionally, the autoantibody detection is not affordable in clinical settings. We analyzed the LADA diagnosis in relation to clinical criteria, metabolic control, drug treatment and diabetes complications in individuals from southeast Mexico. Finally, we evaluated the diagnostic value of the most significant features of our patients. A sample of 377 individuals with type 2 diabetes were evaluated through their GADA levels. They were divided into 59 patients with LADA and 318 patients with T2D. We used the Chi-squared test for categorical variables and the t-Student test for numerical data; we also performed a logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating curve evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of significant numerical variables in the logistic regression. Age at diagnosis of diabetes was lower in individuals with LADA than in individuals with type 2 diabetes. For diabetes complications, we found lower frequencies in patients with LADA. Both groups had a BMI close to obesity. Individuals with type 2 diabetes showed higher levels of fasting glucose. Individuals with LADA used insulin more frequently. The receiver operating curves analysis indicated that age at diagnosis of diabetes was under 41 years; an eGDR value higher than 9.75 correlated better with LADA. Patients with LADA showed lower values of fasting glucose levels, fewer diabetic complications, younger age at diagnosis of diabetes, higher use of insulin, and higher eGDR. An age at diagnosis of diabetes <41 years and an eGFR value >9.75 could be indicators to identify patients with LADA in a population of southeast Mexico.
Structural basis of Nrf2 activation by flavonolignans from silymarin
Authors: Bello Martiniano
Published: June 2022

Several properties of silymarin (SM) extract have been attributed to their three major flavonolignans (silybin, silychristin, and silydianin) and their 2,3-dehydro derivatives (2,3-dehydrosilybin, 2,3-dehydrosilychristin, and 2,3-dehydrosilydianin). Experimental findings have suggested that the antioxidative and protective activities of these compounds could be due to their ability to activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). The mechanism by which SM compounds exert their effect has been suggested to be by disrupting the complex between Nrf2 and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1). However, information about the structural and energetic basis of the inhibitory mechanism of SM compounds on the Nrf2-Keap1 pathway is lacking. We evaluated the binding properties of SM compounds because experimental findings have pointed to them as potential activators of Nrf2. Our study combined docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with the Poisson–Boltzmann and generalized Born and surface area (MMPBSA and MMGBSA) methods and quantum mechanics-molecular mechanics (QMMM) calculations to investigate Keap1–ligand interactions. Our results revealed that silybinA and 2,3-dehydrosilybin bind to Keap1, forming interactions with the same pockets as those observed for the cocrystallized Keap1-Cpd16 complex but with more favorable binding free energies. These findings indicate that both natural compounds are potential activators of Nrf2.
A outorga de direito de uso de água no Brasil: uma análise da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio das Almas, Estado de Goiás
Authors: Valle Kleyton Carlos do , Nascimento Maria do Socorro Viana do
Published: June 2022

O Brasil detém 12% da água doce do planeta, porém o cuidado com a água não é colocado como prioridade pelos governantes, nem pela sociedade brasileira. Em contrapartida, a legislação ambiental brasileira é reconhecida como uma das mais completas do mundo, no entanto a sua exequibilidade é duvidosa. Entre os instrumentos de gestão ambiental tem-se a Política Nacional dos Recursos Hídricos, que preconiza a gestão integrada dos recursos hídricos, organizada por bacias hidrográficas de todo o território nacional. Possui instrumentos para a gestão e conservação da água o Plano Nacional de Recursos Hídricos, essas bacias são criadas através de critérios naturais encontrado na região de sua origem, elas são gerenciadas por um comitê regional ou local que ajuda na fiscalização e nas ações de preservação do uso da água, a outorga do direito de uso dos recursos hídricos, a cobrança pelo uso da água, sendo ela superficial ou poço, o enquadramento pelos corpos de água em classes de uso. As outorgas são classificadas em 10 finalidades básicas onde pode se ter o controle de quanto está sendo gasto e qual o motivo, sendo esse um registro oficial onde será cobrado uma taxa para o uso do recurso hídrico. Esse trabalho tem como objetivo analisar os dados do sistema nacional de informação sobre os recursos hídricos, as características dos processos de outorgas das diferentes bacias brasileiras, e em especial a bacia do rio das almas abrange uma área de 33,721 km2 e em torno de 57 municípios goianos. Os dados revelaram que das 12 bacias hidrográficas no Brasil, a bacia com maior número de outorgas é a do Rio São Francisco com mais de 10871 outorgas liberadas. São 205 comitês de bacias criados para ajudar na fiscalização do uso dos recursos hídricos.
European Critical Analytics in Search of Answers to New Challenges
Authors: Mikhaylenko V. I.
Published: June 2022

Until today, the European Union (EU) has associated its foreign policy with normative power, which is the main instrument of soﬅ power. However, the crisis of global governance has aﬀected the global strategy of the EU. The article explores the most pressing of these changes. The research was based on oﬃcial publications made by various European think tanks and individual analysts. The EU has an eﬀective mechanism for interaction between think tanks and political leaders. As a result, the European analytics can justify various concepts and approaches that later acquire legislative forms. Also, the scientiﬁc analytics makes it possible to test the decisions being made. The article focuses on the following EU issues: new strategic culture; geopolitics and normative power in strategic documents; strategic autonomy; diﬀerentiation and fragmentation as policy tools; the end of unanimity in making responsible decisions; the concept of pragmatic federalism; military development; the so-called Strategic Compass; the Russian military special operation and the concept of world order, etc.
Russia and the European Union in Post-Soviet Space: In Search of Cooperative Co-Existence (the Case of Armenia)
Authors: Elamiryan R. G.
Published: June 2022

The article introduces the prospects of cooperative co-existence for Russia and the European Union in former Soviet republics within the current confrontation paradigm. It describes their foreign policies, strategies, and interests in the post-Soviet space. The author applied discourse and case-study analyses to the case of Armenia. The authentic idea of cooperative co-existence was projected on the relations between Russia and the European Union in post-Soviet countries. In Armenia, cooperative co-existence could be a win-win strategy, beneﬁcial for all actors involved. The case of Armenia proved the possibility of a collaborative co-existence between Russia and the European Union in the post-Soviet space, the risk factors being the policies of small Caucasian states, the USA, China, and Turkey.
Effects of Chimeric Galanin Receptor Ligands on Basal Adenylate Cyclase Activity in Rat Ventral Idppocampal Membranes
Authors: Valkna Andres , Laidmiie Erki , Karelson Ello , Zilmer Mihkel , Jureusl Anders , Langell Ulo
Published: June 2022

The chimeric peptides consisting of galanin(l-13) and C-terminus of bradykinin, M35, M58 and M59, inhibit the level of basal adenylate cyclase activity in rat ventral hippocampal membranes in a complex way. At certain concentrations, M35 (0.1-10 nM), M59 (0.1-1000 nM) and M58 (100-10000nM) antagonize the inhibitory effect of galanin on basal activity of the ventral hippocampal adenylate cyclase. All three chimeric peptides are high-affinity ligands at ventral hippocampal galanin receptors with Hill coefficients significantly less than unity. The involvement of distinct binding sites in the biphasic regulation of adenylate cyclase activity by these chimeric galanin analogues in ventral hippocampal membranes has been suggested.
Synthesis of a Heterocyclic γ-Turn Peptidomimetic Sequence
Authors: Ma Xin , Passaro G. , Rolland-Fulcrand V. , Fauchere J.L. , Lazaro R. , Roumestant M.L. , Viallefont Ph.
Published: June 2022

A versatile synthesis of a heterocyclic mimetic of a peptide y-turn is described. The resulting structure, which shows protected amino and carboxy terminal groups, can easily be inserted in peptide sequences.
Broad-Spectrum Anti-Flavivirus Activity and Chemistry of Compounds
Containing Sulfur and Oxygen Chalcogens
Authors: Sole Burali Maria , Cecchetti Violetta , Manfroni Giuseppe
Published: June 2022

Sulfur and oxygen containing-compounds are a relevant class of derivatives
that is constantly growing due to their wide range of pharmacological activity, including
the antiviral one. As proof of this, there are several FDA approved antiviral compounds
having sulfur and oxygen in their structures. Among RNA viruses, the flavivirus genus
(e.g. Dengue, West Nile, Yellow Fever and Zika viruses) holds a relevant place within
zoonotic pathogens and thus flavivirus infections are considered a growing risk for the
public health. As a consequence, the drug discovery process aimed at identify new anti-
flavivirus agents is of great relevance and will help to find effective therapies not available
yet. One of the most alarming features of flaviviruses is their ability to co-infect the
host, thus aggravating the symptoms of the disease. Therefore, finding compounds endowed
with a broad-spectrum anti-flavivirus activity is now becoming a pressing need.
In this review, we describe the most promising compounds having both sulfur and oxygen
in their structures characterized by a broad-spectrum activity against different flaviviruses.
Furthermore, the synthetic procedures applied for the preparation of the described
derivatives are also reported. Readers can be inspired by the contents of this review
to design and synthesize more effective anti-flavivirus agents as well as to select viral
or host targets to achieve an antiviral activity as broadly as possible.