bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological Activation of Rev-erbα Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity by PGC-1α Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zou Runmei , Wang Shuo , Cai Hong , Wang Yuwen , Wang Cheng
Published: February 2023

Background. Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity has been closely concerned in clinical practice. Rev-erbα is a transcriptional repressor that emerges as a drug target for heart diseases recently. This study is aimed at investigating the role and mechanism of Rev-erbα in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Methods. H9c2 cells were treated with 1.5 μM doxorubicin, and C57BL/6 mice were treated with a 20 mg/kg cumulative dose of doxorubicin to construct doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity models in vitro and in vivo. Agonist SR9009 was used to activate Rev-erbα. PGC-1α expression level was downregulated by specific siRNA in H9c2 cells. Cell apoptosis, cardiomyocyte morphology, mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, and signaling pathways were measured. Results. SR9009 alleviated doxorubicin-induced cell apoptosis, morphological disorder, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress in H9c2 cells and C57BL/6 mice. Meanwhile, PGC-1α and downstream signaling NRF1, TAFM, and UCP2 expression levels were preserved by SR9009 in doxorubicin-treated cardiomyocytes in vitro and in vivo. When downregulating PGC-1α expression level by specific siRNA, the protective role of SR9009 in doxorubicin-treated cardiomyocytes was attenuated with increased cell apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Conclusion. Pharmacological activation of Rev-erbα by SR9009 could attenuate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through preservation of mitochondrial function and alleviation of apoptosis and oxidative stress. The mechanism is associated with the activation of PGC-1α signaling pathways, suggesting that PGC-1α signaling is a mechanism for the protective effect of Rev-erbα against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.
Association of Hematological and Biochemical Parameters with Serological Markers of Acute Dengue Infection during the 2022 Dengue Outbreak in Nepal
Authors: Bhattarai Bibek Raj , Mishra Abhishek , Aryal Suraj , Chhusyabaga Mandira , Bhujel Rajshree
Published: February 2023

Background. Nepal faced a major dengue outbreak in 2022. The majority of hospitals and laboratories had limited resources for dengue confirmation and had to rely on rapid dengue diagnostic tests. The purpose of the study is to find the predictive hematological and biochemical parameters in each serological phase of dengue infection (NS1 and IgM) that may assist in dengue diagnosis, severity assessment, and patient management via the use of rapid serological tests. Method. A laboratory-based cross-sectional study was conducted among dengue patients. Rapid antigen (NS1) and serological test (IgM/IgG) was performed to diagnose positive dengue cases. Furthermore, hematological and biochemical investigations were carried out and compared between NS1 and/or IgM-positive participants. A logistic regression analysis was used to identify the validity of the hematological and biochemical characteristics for dengue diagnosis as well as patient management. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to define the best cut-off, sensitivity, and specificity. Result. Multiple logistic regression showed thrombocytopenia (ORA = 1.000; p = 0.006), leukopenia (ORA = 0.999;

p
<
0.001

), glucose level (ORA = 1.028;

p
=
0.029

), aspartate aminotransferase (ORA = 1.131;

p
=
0.001

), and monocytosis (ORA = 2.332;

p
=
0.020

) as significant parameters in the NS1-only positive group. Similarly, thrombocytopenia (ORA = 1.000;

p
=
0.001

), glucose level (ORA = 1.037;

p
=
0.004

), and aspartate aminotransferase (ORA = 1.141;

p
<
0.001

) were significant in IgM-only positive patients. Moreover, thrombocytopenia (ORA = 1.000;

p
<
0.001

), leukopenia (ORA = 0.999;

p
<
0.001

), glucose (ORA = 1.031;

p
=
0.017

), aspartate aminotransferase (ORA = 1.136;

p
<
0.001

), and lymphopenia (ORA = 0.520;

p
=
0.067

) were independent predictors in both NS1 + IgM positive groups. Platelets consistently demonstrated a higher area under the curve with increased sensitivity and specificity throughout all models, while aspartate aminotransferase (AUC = 0.811) and glucose (AUC = 0.712) demonstrated better results when single IgM positivity was observed. The total leukocyte count performed better when both NS1 + IgM were positive (AUC = 0.814). Conclusion. Hence, thrombocytopenia, elevated AST, high glucose level, leukopenia with monocytosis, and leukopenia with lymphopenia may predict dengue diagnosis and its severity during an active infection. Therefore, these laboratory parameters can be used to complement less sensitive rapid tests, improve dengue diagnosis, and help with proper patient management.
Prevalence of Depression in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes between 10 and 17 Years of Age in Jordan
Authors: Alassaf Abeer , Gharaibeh Lobna , Zurikat Rajai O. , Farkouh Ala’a , Ibrahim Sarah , Zayed Ayman A. , Odeh Rasha
Published: February 2023

Background and Aim. The chronicity of type 1 diabetes (T1D) and the demanding nature of care needed to maintain adequate glycemic control expose adolescents with T1D to various psychosocial disorders including depression. We aimed to study the frequency and risk factors of depressive symptoms in adolescents with T1D in Jordan. Methods. The study was conducted by distributing the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC) to adolescents with T1D seen at Jordan University Hospital between February 2019 and February 2020. Demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic data were collected using electronic clinical charts. Possible predictors of depression were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Results. A total of 108 children were enrolled in the study with mean age of

13.7
±
2.3

years. Fifty-eight children (53.7%) had a CES depression score less than 15, and 50 children (46.3%) had a depression score of 15 or more. The number of diabetes-related hospital admissions and the frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) were significantly different between the two groups. In the multivariable analysis, both gender and SMBG frequency were statistically significant. Girls were more likely to have a depression

score
≥
15

(

OR
=
3.41

,

p
=
0.025

) than boys. Patients who were rarely testing blood glucose levels were more likely to have a depression

score
≥
15

compared to those who were testing regularly (

OR
=
36.57

,

p
=
0.002

). Conclusion. The prevalence of depressive symptoms is relatively high in adolescents with T1D, especially in those living in developing countries. Longer diabetes duration, higher glycated hemoglobin level, and less frequent blood glucose monitoring are associated with higher depression scores.
Scutellaria baicalensis in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Network Pharmacology Analysis and Experimental Validation
Authors: Cai Xin , Peng Shi , Wang Li , Tang Dongling , Zhang Pingan
Published: February 2023

Objective. The aim of the study was to use a network pharmacological method and experimental validation to examine the mechanism of Scutellaria baicalensis (SB) against hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods. The traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP) and GeneCards were used for screening of targets of SB for the treatment of HCC. Cytoscape (3.7.2) software was used to construct the “drug‐compound‐intersection target interaction” interaction network. The STING database was used to analyze the interactions of the previous intersecting targets. The results were visualized and processed by performing GO (Gene Ontology) enrichment analysis and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) signaling pathway enrichment analysis at the target sites. The core targets were docked with the active components by AutoDockTools‐1.5.6 software. We used cellular experiments to validate the bioinformatics predictions. Results. A total of 92 chemical components and 3258 disease targets including 53 intersecting targets were discovered. The results showed that wogonin and baicalein, the main chemical components of SB, could inhibit the viability and proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells, promote apoptosis through the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and effectively act on AKT1, RELA, and JUN targets. Conclusion. SB has multiple components and targets in the treatment of HCC, providing possible potential targets for the treatment of HCC and providing a basis for further research.
Three Years of African Swine Fever in South Korea (2019–2021): A Scoping Review of Epidemiological Understanding
Authors: Lim Jun-Sik , Andraud Mathieu , Kim Eutteum , Vergne Timothée
Published: February 2023

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease in domestic pigs and wild boar that causes tremendous socioeconomic damage in related industries. In 2019, the virus emerged in South Korea, which has since reported 21 outbreaks in domestic pig farms and over 2,600 cases in wild boar. In this review, we synthesize the epidemiological knowledge generated on ASF in South Korea during the first three years of the epidemic (2019–2021). We searched four international and one domestic Korean database to identify scientific articles published since 2019 and describing ASF epidemiology in South Korea. Fourteen articles met our selection criteria and were used to synthesize the origin of ASF in South Korea, the risk factors of disease occurrence, the effectiveness of the surveillance and intervention measures that were implemented, and the viral transmission dynamics. We found that timely intensive surveillance and interventions on domestic pig farms successfully blocked between-farm transmission. However, in wild boar, the ASF virus has spread massively towards the south primarily along the mountain ranges despite ongoing fence erection and intensive depopulation efforts, endangering domestic pig farms across the country. The current devastating epidemic is suspected to be the consequence of an ASF control strategy unaligned to the epidemiological context, the challenging implementation of control measures hindered by topological complexities, and inappropriate biosecurity by field workers. To improve our understanding of ASF epidemiology in South Korea and enhance disease management, future research studies should specify the ecological drivers of disease distribution and spread and devise effective control strategies, particularly in relation to Korean topography, and the latent spread of the virus in wild boar populations. Additionally, research studies should explore the psychosocial factors for ASF management, and develop tools to support evidence-based decision-making for managing ASFV in wild boar.
Bardoxolone Methyl Ameliorates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Huang Anwu , Wang Zhaolin , Tang Hua , Jia Zhuyin , Ji Xiaojun , Yang Xuehua , Jiang Wenbing
Published: February 2023

Background. Myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a severe heart problem resulting from restoring coronary blood flow to the myocardium after ischemia. This study is aimed at ascertaining the therapeutic efficiency and action mechanism of bardoxolone methyl (BARD) in myocardial I/R injury. Methods. In male rats, myocardial ischemia was performed for 0.5 h, and then, reperfusion lasted for 24 h. BARD was administrated in the treatment group. The animal’s cardiac function was measured. Myocardial I/R injury serum markers were detected via ELISA. The 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was used to estimate the infarction. H&E staining was used to evaluate the cardiomyocyte damage, and Masson trichrome staining was used to observe the proliferation of collagen fiber. The apoptotic level was assessed via the caspase-3 immunochemistry and TUNEL staining. Oxidative stress was measured through malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxy-2

′

-deoxyguanosine, superoxide dismutase, and inducible nitric oxide synthases. The alteration of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway was confirmed via western blot, immunochemistry, and PCR analysis. Results. The protective effect of BARD on myocardial I/R injury was observed. In detail, BARD decreased cardiac injuries, reduced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and inhibited oxidative stress. For mechanisms, BARD treatment significantly activates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Conclusion. BARD ameliorates myocardial I/R injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and cardiomyocyte apoptosis via activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.
Fed-DNN-Debugger: Automatically Debugging Deep Neural Network Models in Federated Learning
Authors: Duan Shaoming , Liu Chuanyi , Han Peiyi , Jin Xiaopeng , Zhang Xinyi , Xiang Xiayu , Pan Hezhong
Published: February 2023

Federated learning is a distributed machine learning framework that has been widely applied in scenarios that require data privacy. To obtain a neural network model that performs well, when the model falls into a bug, existing solutions retrain it on a larger training dataset or the carefully selected samples from model diagnosis. To overcome this challenge, this paper presents Fed-DNN-Debugger, which can automatically and efficiently fix DNN models in federated learning. Fed-DNN-Debugger fixes the federated model by fixing each client model. Fed-DNN-Debugger consists of two modules for debugging a client model: nonintrusive metadata capture (NIMC) and automated neural network model debugging (ANNMD). NIMC collects the metadata with deep learning software syntax automatically. It does not insert any code for metadata collection into modeling scripts. ANNMD scores samples according to metadata and searches for high-quality samples. Models are retrained on the selected samples to repair their weights. Our experiments with popular federated models show that Fed-DNN-Debugger can improve the test accuracy by 8% by automatically fixing models.
Color Image Retrieval Method Using Low Dimensional Salient Visual Feature Descriptors for IoT Applications
Authors: Varish Naushad , Singh Priyanka , Tugiti Prannoy , Manikanta Marella Hima , Yedlapalli Bhavana , Pappusetty Abhishree , Thakkar Hiren Kumar , Sharma Gajendra
Published: February 2023

Digital data are rising fast as Internet technology advances through many sources, such as smart phones, social networking sites, IoT, and other communication channels. Therefore, successfully storing, searching, and retrieving desired images from such large‐scale databases are critical. Low‐dimensional feature descriptors play an essential role in speeding up the retrieval process in such a large‐scale dataset. A feature extraction approach based on the integration of color and texture contents has been proposed in the proposed system for the construction of a low‐dimensional feature descriptor. In which color contents are quantified from a preprocessed quantized HSV color image and texture contents are retrieved from a Sobel edge detection‐based preprocessed V‐plane of HSV color image using a block level DCT (discrete cosine transformation) and gray level co‐occurrence matrix. On a benchmark image dataset, the suggested image retrieval scheme is validated. The experimental outcomes were compared to ten cutting‐edge image retrieval algorithms, which outperformed in the vast majority of cases.
Post-Earthquake Fire Punching Shear Behavior of GFRP-Reinforced Slab-Column Connections
Authors: Mohammed Tesfaye Alemu , Shirtaga Shewarega
Published: February 2023

It is not uncommon for reinforced concrete slab-column assembly to experience a punching brittle shear failure type under seismic loading. This research work numerically investigates the punching shear behavior of interior GFRP-reinforcedslab-column connections under post-earthquake fire. Two experimental results reported in the article were used for validation analysis using ANSYS nonlinear finite element software program. Further, parametric studies on influential variables such as fire exposure duration, concrete grade, slab thickness, fire exposed surface, and column aspect ratio were performed to get insight into the post-earthquake fire behavior of GFRP-reinforcedslab-column connections. Finite element analysis results showed decreasing fire exposure duration, enhancing grades of concrete, increasing slab thickness, minimizing fire exposure surfaces, and increasing column aspect ratio, which improved the punching shear capacity of GFRP-reinforced slab columns. Moreover, increasing slab thickness provided good performance against post-earthquake fire loading as compared to enhancing concrete grades in GFRP-reinforcedslab-column assemblies. The research concludes that it is crucial to take post-earthquake fire into account when designing structures to ensure no collapse safety design requirements.
Courses of Arginine-Vasopressin in the Systemic and Cavernous Blood through Different Stages of Sexual Arousal in Healthy Males and Patients with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Rahardjo Harrina E. , Ückert Stefan , Tsikas Dimitrios , Bannowsky Andreas , Kuczyk Markus A. , Becker Armin J.
Published: February 2023

To investigate the role of the peptide arginine-vasopressin (AVP) in controlling the function of penile erectile tissue, we determined the course of AVP through different stages of sexual arousal in both the systemic and cavernous blood of healthy males and patients presenting with ED. Twenty-five healthy males and 45 patients with ED were exposed to erotic stimulation to induce sexual arousal. Blood was withdrawn from the corpus cavernosum and a cubital vein during penile flaccidity, tumescence, rigid erection (attained only by the healthy individuals), and detumescence. AVP (ng/l plasma) was determined by means of a radioimmunoassay. Effects of AVP (0.1 to 100 nM) on isolated human CC were examined using a tissue bath system. AVP elicited contraction of isolated CC. In the healthy subjects, a decline in AVP levels (5.4 to 3 ng/l) was seen in the systemic blood when the flaccid penis became rigid. In the cavernous blood, no alterations were registered. In the group of ED patients, AVP in the systemic circulation did not display a transient decline. The drop in systemic AVP in healthy males during sexual stimulation might be a prerequisite to enable penile erection.
Mechanical Properties of In Situ Loess under Different Combined Water State Macroscopic and Mesoscopic Studies
Authors: Wang Yueyue , Mao Xuesong , Wu Qian , Zhang Jianxun
Published: February 2023

To study the mechanisms of strong and weak combined water on the mechanical properties of in situ loess deformation and strength, triaxial compression tests with different combined water contents were carried out to in situ loess in a region of Shaanxi Province, China. The influence on the mechanical properties and structural variation of in situ loess was discussed from the perspective of combined water. The endogenous factors of deformation and strength properties of in situ loess in triaxial tests were investigated from a fine-scale perspective by combining numerical simulations of discrete elements. The results show that the failure specimen under the condition of strong combined water has an obvious shear band and shows brittle failure. The failure mode of soil samples under weak combined water is characterized by no obvious cracks and bulging, which is plastic failure. The water content at the boundary of strong and weak combined water is the boundary to distinguish weak and strong strain hardening. With the increase of combined water, the ultimate strength, the structural strength, and structural parameters decrease, and the initial structural parameters decrease nonlinearly, resulting in the decrease of soil structure and deformation resistance. Weak combined water is the main factor affecting soil structure. The particle flow numerical simulation explains the whole process of triaxial test of in situ loess from macro to meso and explains from the meso perspective that the structural strength change of intact loess under different combined water contents is mainly caused by the change of contact force and pore between particles.
lncRNA HCG11 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Cell Malignant Behaviors via Sponging miR-26b-5p
Authors: Guo Song , Song Bingtan , Li Lin , Li Hesheng , Yang Tao , Cao Lianmeng , Wang Jian
Published: February 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a type of gastrointestinal cancer with an increasing incidence. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have raised great concern because of wide participation in human diseases, including cancers. However, whether lncRNA HLA complex group 11 (HCG11) played a functional role in CRC remained to be elucidated. Herein, we utilized qRT-PCR to analyze the expression of HCG11 and found that HCG11 was highly expressed in CRC cells. Besides, HCG11 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion but facilitated cell apoptosis. Furthermore, supported by bioinformatics analyses and mechanism assays, HCG11, mainly located in cell cytoplasm, was confirmed to competitively bind to miR-26b-5p to modulate the expression of the target messenger RNA (mRNA), namely, cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein 19 (ARPP19). ARPP19 was detected to be upregulated in CRC cells, and ARPP19 silence was verified to inhibit the malignant behaviors of CRC cells. Rescue experiments validated that miR-26b-5p inhibition or ARPP19 overexpression could countervail the inhibitory influences of HCG11 silence on CRC cell biological behaviors in vitro. To conclude, HCG11, upregulated in CRC cells, could promote cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and inhibit cell apoptosis via targeting miR-26b-5p/ARPP19 axis.
Blockchain-Driven Supply Chain’s Financing and Coordination Strategy under Nash Bargaining Scheme
Authors: Tang Dan
Published: February 2023

Blockchain-driven supply chain finance (SCF) has become an emerging supply chain financing mode. Compared with the traditional SCF mode, blockchain-driven SCF can shorten the transaction process and provide real trade data that cannot be tampered with, thereby improving the efficiency of capital operation. This article explores the financing and coordination problems of a blockchain-driven supply chain. Based on the three most common supply chain contracts (revenue-sharing contract, profit-sharing contract, and two-part tariff contract), we construct a comparative model of bank credit financing (BCF) and blockchain-driven SCF, discuss the optimal decision-making strategy of the supply chain, and quantitatively analyze the performance of supply chain under each mode. The results show the following: (i) there is a threshold for the usage rate of the blockchain-driven SCF platform; (ii) only when the platform usage rate is lower than the threshold, the blockchain-driven SCF mode which benefits both manufacturer and retailer is a better choice; (iii) the above results always hold if supply chain contracts can coordinate the supply chain in terms of quantity decisions; (iv) the blockchain-driven SCF mode is more efficient for supply chains which are less capital-constrained. This article provides a decision basis for the selection of supply chain financing channels and provides an idea for future research on blockchain-driven SCF.
Experimental Study on the Influence of Snow-Melting Agents on Fiber-Reinforced Cemented Soil under Freezing-Thawing Cycles
Authors: Xu Lina , Ding Xu , Sun Shuang , Gu Hao , Niu Lei , Chen Yang
Published: February 2023

To explore the effect of snow-melting agents on the glass fiber-reinforced cemented soil under freezing-thawing cycles, three widely used snow-melting agents, including potassium acetate, magnesium chloride, and sodium sulfate, were used in this article. The effects of snow-melting agent types on the apparent damage, mass loss, and mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced cemented soil under freezing-thawing cycles were analyzed through salt freezing and unconfined compressive strength tests. The results show that the snow-melting effect of potassium acetate is the best, the snow-melting effect of magnesium chloride is the second, and the snow-melting effect of sodium sulfate is the worst. Notably, as the number of freezing-thawing cycles increases, the strength of the test block decreases to varying degrees. After the fifth freezing-thawing cycle, the strength of the block without fiber decreased by 61.30%, 70.22%, and 81.58% in clear water, potassium acetate, and magnesium chloride solution, respectively, while the test block in sodium sulfate solution lost its bearing capacity. A series of studies proved that the snow-melting agent with sodium sulfate as the main component has the most apparent erosion effect on the cemented soil, followed by magnesium chloride, and the erosion effect of potassium acetate is the weakest. The incorporation of glass fiber can effectively improve the resistance of the cemented soil under the action of various salt solution erosion and freezing-thawing coupling and has a significant effect on slowing the development of surface cracks, improving peak strength, and reducing the mass loss rate. This research will provide theoretical support for the design of subgrade and the selection of snow-melting agents in cold areas.
Microparticle-Delivered Cxcl9 Prolongs Braf Inhibitor Efficacy in Melanoma
Authors: Romano Gabriele , Paradiso Francesca , Li Peng , Shukla Pooja , Barger Lindsay N. , El Naggar Olivia , Miller John P. , Liang Roger J. , Helms Timothy L. , Lazar Alexander J. , Wargo Jennifer A. , Taraballi Francesca , Costello James C. , Kwong Lawrence N.
Published: February 2023

Patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma show substantial responses to combined BRAF and MEK inhibition, but most relapse within 2 years. A major reservoir for drug resistance is minimal residual disease (MRD), comprised of drug-tolerant tumor cells laying in a dormant state. Towards exploiting potential therapeutic vulnerabilities of MRD, we established a genetically engineered mouse model of BrafV600E-driven melanoma MRD wherein genetic BrafV600E extinction leads to strong but incomplete tumor regression. Transcriptional time-course analysis after BrafV600E extinction revealed that after an initial surge of immune activation, tumors later became immunologically “cold” after MRD establishment. Computational analysis identified candidate T-cell recruiting chemokines as strongly upregulated initially and steeply decreasing as the immune response faded. Therefore, we hypothesized that sustaining chemokine signaling could impair MRD maintenance through increased recruitment of effector T cells. We found that intratumoral administration of recombinant Cxcl9 (rCxcl9), either naked or loaded in microparticles, significantly impaired MRD relapse in BRAF-inhibited tumors, including several complete pathologic responses after microparticle-delivered rCxcl9 combined with BRAF and MEK inhibition. Our experiments constitute proof of concept that chemokine-based microparticle delivery systems are a potential strategy to forestall tumor relapse and thus improve the clinical success of first-line treatment methods.
Effectiveness of Computer-Aided Instruction on Students’ Conceptual Understanding in Life Science
Authors: Mahawan Alvin M. , Celedonio Milagros A.
Published: February 2023

The study aimed to determine the effectiveness of computer-aided instruction (CAI) on students’ conceptual understanding in Life Science. The objectives of the study is to develop lesson plans with computer-aided instruction packages; assess the developed lesson plans in terms of congruency of objectives, learning experiences, assessment of learning outcomes, features of computer-aided instruction packages, and to determine the effect of CAI on students’ conceptual understanding. The study utilized the pre-experimental method. The study involved 27 students who took a Bioenergetics Achievement Test (B.A.T) before and after CAI. It was found out that developed daily lesson plans are excellent; congruency of lesson objectives (WM = 4.80), learning experiences (WM =4.76), assessment of learning outcomes (WM =4.79), and features of computer-aided instruction (WM =4.39). The test of the difference between the pre-test and post-test scores showed a significant result (t26=-14.30, p<0.01), and it was supported with the positive increase on the Learning Gain Score (LGS=3.18) which showed an increase in conceptual understanding and mastery in the learning competencies. Hence, there is sufficient evidence to show that the students’ scores improved significantly after being taught in computer-aided instruction. Therefore, the developed lesson plans with the integration of computer-aided instruction are excellently and effectively improved the students' conceptual understanding and mastery of the learning competencies.
Flipped Classroom in Post-Pandemic: Evaluating Gender Divide and Impact on the Student’s Achievement in Mathematics
Authors: Alviar Jayson V. , Solon Leo Jay V.
Published: February 2023

Flipped classroom in mathematics is gaining momentum even in post-pandemic. This innovative pedagogy is beneficial in delivering mathematics content even when the number of learning sessions is reduced due to the restrictions of holding in-person classes. This study explores the effect of flipping mathematics classroom on the achievement of high school students and if a gender divide exists. One-Group Pre-test and Post-test Design was employed. Fifty-seven (57) Grade 10 students were the respondents of this study of which there were twenty-five (25) male and thirty-two (32) female students. Findings revealed that students improved their scores in the given mathematics assessment after being exposed to the flipped classroom. Consequently, the Mean Percentage Scores increased significantly from Low Mastery to Average Near Mastery. However, no gender divide was found in a flipped classroom. Overall, the flipped classroom can potentially increase students’ achievement in mathematics.
Description of a new genus and species, Dundadela maculata, from Madagascar (Coleoptera: Ptinidae)
Authors: ZAHRADNÍK PETR , TRÝZNA MILOŠ
Published: February 2023

A new genus and species, Dundadela maculata gen. nov. & sp. nov. (Ptinidae: Anobiinae: tribe incertae sedis) from Madagascar is described, male genitalia are illustrated. Comparison with similar genera is given. Ecological notes, including photographs of habitats of the new species, are provided.
First report of free-living, solitary zoanthid from Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Authors: MONDAL TAMAL , RAGHUNATHAN
Published: February 2023

Studies on zoantharians (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Zoantharia) from Indian waters are exceptionally sparse. Most studies were carried out on the colonial inter-tidal species whereas exploration from shallow coastal waters is yet to be carried out thoroughly. The present study reports the first record of one of the four species of free-living and solitary genus Sphenopus Steenstrup, 1856; Sphenopus marsupialis (Gmelin, 1791) from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The specimens were collected from the sandy bottom of Point Island at depths of 25 to 38 m. Detailed morphological features along with distributional ranges are reported here.
Contribution to the taxonomy of the Southeast Asian Mesochorinae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae)
Authors: RIEDEL MATTHIAS
Published: February 2023

In this taxonomical study, one new genus and 41 new species of the subfamily Mesochorinae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) are described from Southeast Asia, namely from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. The new genus is Orientochorus n. gen., the new species are Orientochorus tonkinensis n. sp., Astiphromma bicoloratus n. sp., Mesochorus achterbergi n. sp., Mesochorus anamnesis n. sp., Mesochorus brevipunctatus n. sp., Mesochorus cariniscuta n. sp., Mesochorus controversus n. sp., Mesochorus diversidens n. sp., Mesochorus flavator n. sp., Mesochorus flavopronotalis n. sp., Mesochorus fuscomaculatus n. sp., Mesochorus halmaherae n. sp., Mesochorus harlequinus n. sp., Mesochorus kinabaluensis n. sp., Mesochorus lamdongensis n. sp., Mesochorus longimurus n. sp., Mesochorus longistylus n. sp., Mesochorus longivalvator n. sp., Mesochorus malaysiacus n. sp., Mesochorus malucutus n. sp., Mesochorus nigripleuris n. sp., Mesochorus nigrofemur n. sp., Mesochorus nigromaculatus n. sp., Mesochorus paratenebris n. sp., Mesochorus pictiloides n. sp., Mesochorus pterostigmator n. sp., Mesochoprus rufator n. sp., Mesochorus sabahensis n. sp., Mesochorus sapaensis n. sp., Mesochorus semifuscus n. sp., Mesochorus semipunctatus n. sp., Mesochorus siamensis n. sp., Mesochorus stigmaticolor n. sp., Mesochorus striatofacies n. sp., Mesochorus sulaensis n. sp., Mesochorus sumaterae n. sp., Mesochorus templator n. sp., Mesochorus tenebris n. sp., Mesochorus tonkinensis n. sp., Mesochorus train n. sp., and Mesochorus vietnamensis n. sp. All species are illustrated and described in detail. In addition, a key for the females of the known Mesochorus species of Southeast Asia is presented.
Spatiotemporal Variabilities of the Recent Indian Summer Monsoon Activities in the Tibetan Plateau: A Reanalysis of Outgoing Longwave Radiation Datasets
Authors: Guo Xiaoyu , Tian Lide , Wang Lei , Zhang Lin
Published: February 2023

Unstable hydrological cycles and water resource instability over and around the Tibetan Plateau (TP) are topics of wide concern. The Indian summer monsoon (ISM) is one of the TP’s most important moisture sources; as such, its behavior is key to any changes in precipitation and water-related environments. However, there have been relatively few thorough investigations into ISM activities. Here we primarily explore ISM activities using outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) datasets in TP, and precipitation isotopes recorded at Lhasa, for the period 1975–2020. Our major findings are that 1) the ISM onset (retreat date) is between ∼31 May and 19 July (∼8 August–27 September), with ISM duration of ∼40–110 days; 2) significant spatial inhomogeneous patterns are evident in ISM activities, i.e., the western part of our study area experiences earlier ISM onset, delayed retreat, longer duration, and greater intensity and strength, and the inverse is true in the eastern sector of the study area; 3) the ISM activities that dominate the 1975–98 period determine their general patterns over the entire 1975–2020 period, taking into account evident discrepancies in subperiods; and 4) the negative relations between precipitation δ18O and ISM intensity/strength at Lhasa confirm the ISM activities defined using OLR. These results will improve our understanding of hydrological cycles in TP and provide insights into hydrological studies in the “Asian Water Tower” region.

Significance Statement

Over the recent decades, the Tibetan Plateau (TP) (Asian Water Tower) has undergone dramatic environmental changes, evinced by the instabilities of hydrological cycles. As one of TP’s most important moisture sources, the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) is key to changes in precipitation and water-related environments. To get thorough investigations into ISM activities, we primarily explore ISM activities using outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) datasets in TP and precipitation isotopes at Lhasa. Significant spatial inhomogeneous patterns are evident in ISM activities: the western part experiences earlier ISM onset, delayed retreat, longer duration, and stronger intensity and strength, and the inverse occurs in the eastern sector. These results will improve our understanding of hydrology, meteorology, ecology, and paleoclimate reconstructions in the Asian Water Tower region.
Validation of computational fluid dynamics simulations for determining pressure loss coefficients of ventilation components
Authors: Tawackolian Karsten , Kriegel Martin
Published: February 2023

Ventilation systems include a variety of components for which necessary pressure loss data is often unavailable. Computational fluid dynamics simulations could substitute for expensive measurements, but validation simulations with suitable data are crucial to assess model uncertainties. Existing CFD validation studies either did not focus specifically on pressure losses, only covered few components, or did not include recent developments in turbulence modelling. In the present work, 33 bends, 4 gates and 2 tees were simulated using a consistent approach. Computational fluid dynamics simulations were validated with published data: rectangular high-edge and wide-edge bends from the experimental dataset of Sprenger, gates and diverging tees from the SMACMA guide. The considered flows cover important basic flow phenomena: deflection, splitting and flow separation. The 39 components were simulated with three turbulence models at 14 Reynolds numbers. The simulations predicted pressure loss coefficients accurately for various components. Cases with strong flow separation regions were most challenging. The model prediction uncertainty was assessed by carrying out simulations with three selected turbulence models. As in the experimental data from Sprenger, the simulations showed a distinct dependence of pressure loss coefficients on the Reynolds number for bends. In contrast, for abrupt deflections and flow separation at sharp edges, the Reynolds number dependency was minor.

Technical pressure loss data of ductwork components is needed for the dimensioning, optimisation, and energy assessment of ventilation systems. The present validation study assesses the present state of the art of CFD simulations to determine pressure loss coefficients and the resulting prediction uncertainties.
Emergency unit assessment of seven tertiary hospitals in Nepal using the WHO tool: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kharel Ramu , Thapa Ghan B. , Voor Tamara , Pant Samriddha R. , Adhikari Samir K. , Bist Bimal S. , Relan Pryanka , Lin Timmy , Lubetkin Derek , Deluca Giovanna , Shilpakar Olita , Shrestha Sanu K. , Pokharel Yagya R. , Paudel Santosh , Thapa Ajay S. , Shakya Yogendra M. , Karki Achyut R. , Dhakal Nishant , Aluisio Adam R.
Published: February 2023

Background

In 2021, the Nepal national emergency care system’s assessment (ECSA) identified 39 activities and 11 facility-specific goals to improve care. To support implementation of the ECSA facility-based goals, this pilot study used the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Hospital Emergency Unit Assessment Tool (HEAT) to evaluate key functions of emergency care at tertiary hospitals in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used the standardized HEAT assessment tool. Data on facility characteristics, human resources, clinical services, and signal functions were gathered via key informant interviews conducted by trained study personnel. Seven tertiary referral centers in the Kathmandu valley were selected for pilot evaluation including governmental, academic, and private hospitals. Descriptive statistics were generated, and comparative analyses were conducted.

Results

All facilities had continuous emergency care services but differed in the extent of availability of each item surveyed. Academic institutions had the highest rating with greater availability of consulting services and capacity to perform specific signal functions including breathing interventions and sepsis care. Private institutions had the highest infrastructure availability and diagnostic testing capacity. Across all facilities, common barriers included lack of training of key emergency procedures, written protocols, point-of-care testing, and ancillary patient services.

Conclusion

This pilot assessment demonstrates that the current emergency care capacity at representative tertiary referral hospitals in Kathmandu, Nepal is variable with some consistent barriers which preclude meeting the ECSA goals. The results can be used to inform emergency care development within Nepal and demonstrate that the WHO HEAT assessment is feasible and may be instructive in systematically advancing emergency care delivery at the national level if implemented more broadly.
Bacterial community composition of the sediment in Sayram Lake, an alpine lake in the arid northwest of China
Authors: Shao Keqiang , Zhang Lei , Ba Tunasheng , Chao Jianying , Gao Guang
Published: February 2023

Sediment bacterial communities play a critical role in biogeochemical cycling in alpine lake ecosystems. However, little is known about the sediment microbial communities in these lakes. In this study, the bacterial community composition (BCC) and their relationships with environmental factors of the sediment in Sayram Lake, the largest alpine and cold-water inland lake, China was analyzed using Illumina MiSeq sequencing. In total, we obtained 618,271 high quality sequences. The results showed that the bacterial communities with 30 phyla and 546 genera, were spread out among the 5 furface sediment samples, respectively. The communities were dominated by Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Planctomycetes, Gemmatimonadetes, Chloroflexi, Actinobacteria, Verrucomicrobia and Bacteroidetes, accounting for 48.15 ± 8.10%, 11.23 ± 3.10%, 8.42 ± 2.15%, 8.37 ± 2.26%, 7.40 ± 3.05%, 5.62 ± 1.25%, 4.18 ± 2.12% and 2.24 ± 1.10% of the total reads, respectively. At the genus level, the communities were dominated by Aquabacterium, Pseudomonas, Woeseia, MND1, Ignavibacterium and Truepera, accounting for 7.89% ± 8.24%, 2.32% ± 1.05%, 2.14% ± 0.94%, 2% ± 1.22%, 0.94% ± 0.14% and 0.80% ± 0.14% of the total reads, respectively. Statistical analyses showed the similarity of the sediment bacterial communities at our field sites was considerably low, far below 35%, and total organic carbon (TOC) was the dominant environmental factor affecting the spatial changes of BCC in the sediment. Thus, this study greatly improving our understanding of the microbial ecology of alpine lake in the arid and semi-arid ecosystems today so seriously threatened.
The biological and biochemical composition of wheat (Triticum aestivum) as affected by the bio and organic fertilizers
Authors: Lamlom Sobhi F. , Irshad Ahsan , Mosa Walid F. A.
Published: February 2023

Microorganisms and organic compounds (humic and fulvic acid) offer viable alternatives to insecticides and mineral fertilizers. Even though many studies have shown the effects of biofertilizers and organic substances separately, little information is available on plant responses to the combined application of these bio-stimulants, even though these biological inputs have a high potential for simultaneous action. A two-year (2020/21–2021/22) field experiment was conducted to investigate the impact of organic and biofertilizers application on the growth, yield, and biochemical attributes of wheat (cv. Misr-1). Pre-planting, wheat seeds were inoculated with two biofertilizers including Mycorrhizae, and Azotobacter, and their combination (MIX), and control (un-inoculation) were considered the main plot factor. The subplot factor contained the foliar sprays of humic acid, fulvic acid, and control (no spray). The results revealed that the seed inoculation with mycorrhizae and azotobacter in combination with foliar-applied humic acid markedly (p ≤ 0.05) affected the growth, yield, and seed biochemical composition of wheat. Combination of mycorrhiza and azotobacter significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased) plant height (100 cm), crop growth rate (18.69 g), number of spikelets per spike (22), biological yield (13.4 ton ha-1), grain yield (5.56 ton ha-1), straw yield (8.21 ton ha-1),), nitrogen (2.07%), phosphorous (0.91%), potassium (1.64%), protein content (12.76%), starch (51.81%), and gluten content (30.90%) compared to control. Among organic fertilizers, humic acid caused the maximum increase in plant height (93 cm), crop growth rate ( 15 g day-1 m-2),1000 grain weight (51 g), biological yield ( 11ton ha-1), grain yield (4.5 ton ha-1), protein content (11%), chlorophyll content (46 SPAD), and gluten (29.45%) as compared to all other treatments. The foliar application of humic acid combined with the mycorrhizae or azotobacter seed inoculation was efficient to induce wheat vegetative growth development, as well as yield and its components.
Characterization and identification of the powdery mildew resistance gene in wheat breeding line ShiCG15–009
Authors: Zhang Wenjing , Yu Ziyang , Wang Dongmei , Xiao Luning , Su Fuyu , Mu Yanjun , Zheng Jianpeng , Li Linzhi , Yin Yan , Yu Tianying , Jin Yuli , Ma Pengtao
Published: February 2023

Powdery mildew, caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), is a serious fungal disease that critically threatens the yield and quality of wheat. Utilization of host resistance is the most effective and economical method to control this disease. In our study, a wheat breeding line ShiCG15–009, released from Hebei Province, was highly resistant to powdery mildew at all stages. To dissect its genetic basis, ShiCG15–009 was crossed with the susceptible cultivar Yannong 21 to produce F1, F2 and F2:3 progenies. After genetic analysis, a single dominant gene, tentatively designated PmCG15–009, was proved to confer resistance to Bgt isolate E09. Further molecular markers analysis showed that PmCG15–009 was located on chromosome 2BL and flanked by markers XCINAU130 and XCINAU143 with the genetic distances 0.2 and 0.4 cM, respectively, corresponding to a physic interval of 705.14–723.48 Mb referred to the Chinese Spring reference genome sequence v2.1. PmCG15–009 was most likely a new gene differed from the documented Pm genes on chromosome 2BL since its different origin, genetic diversity, and physical position. To analyze and identify the candidate genes, six genes associated with disease resistance in the candidate interval were confirmed to be associated with PmCG15–009 via qRT-PCR analysis using the parents ShiCG15–009 and Yannong 21 and time-course analysis post-inoculation with Bgt isolate E09. To accelerate the transfer of PmCG15–009 using marker-assisted selection (MAS), 18 closely or co-segregated markers were evaluated and confirmed to be suitable for tracing PmCG15–009, when it was transferred into different wheat cultivars.
Interactive training versus self-driven training in the prediction of colorectal polyp histology by trainees using the NICE classification
Authors: Wang Jia , Qiao Wei-guang , Ren Yu-tang , Chen Yu , Gong Wei
Published: February 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted endoscopic training of the Narrow Band Imaging International Colorectal Endoscopic (NICE) classification, which could accurately predict pathology of colorectal polyps. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance by trainees of self-driven training vs. interactive training in the prediction of colorectal polyp histology.

Methods

This was a prospective randomized controlled study at five academic centers from January 1, 2021 to May 31, 2021. Trainees with no previous formal training of narrow band imaging or blue light imaging for prediction of colorectal polyp histology were randomly allocated to the self-driven training group or interactive training group. Before and after the training, all trainees were given 20 selected cases of colorectal polyp for testing. Their diagnostic performance was analyzed.

Results

Overall, the two training groups showed similar accuracy of NICE classification (79.3% vs. 78.1%; P = 0.637), vessel analysis (77.8% vs. 77.6%, P = 0.939), and surface pattern analysis (78.1% vs. 76.9%, P = 0.616). The accuracy of color analysis in the interactive training group was better (74.4% vs. 80.0%, P = 0.027). For high-confidence predictions, the self-driven training group showed higher accuracy of NICE classification (84.8% vs. 78.7%, P < 0.001) but no difference for analysis of color (79.6% vs. 81.0%), vessel pattern (83.0% vs. 78.5%), and surface pattern (81.8% vs. 78.5%).

Conclusions

Overall, self-driven training showed comparable accuracy of NICE classification, vessel pattern, and surface pattern to interactive training, but lower accuracy of color analysis. This method showed comparable effectiveness and is more applicable than interactive training. It is worth spreading during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trial registration Name of the registry: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, Trial registration number: ChiCTR2000031659, Date of registration: 06/04/2020, URL of trial registry record: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=51994