bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study of Factors Associated with, and Echocardiographic Findings of HIV Related Heart Failure
Authors:   Professor, Department of Medicine, DVVPF’s Medical College, (Opposite Govt. Milk Dairy) Vadgaon Gupta, Post- MIDC, Ahmednagar Maharashtra 414111, India., Tyagi Arun , Bedmutha Rutuja ,   Resident, Department of Medicine, DVVPF’s Medical College, (Opposite Govt. Milk Dairy) Vadgaon Gupta, Post- MIDC, Ahmednagar Maharashtra 414111, India., Srivastava A.K. ,   Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, DVVPF’s Medical College, (Opposite Govt. Milk Dairy) Vadgaon Gupta, Post- MIDC, Ahmednagar Maharashtra 414111, India., Waran Marcia ,   Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, DVVPF’s Medical College, (Opposite Govt. Milk Dairy) Vadgaon Gupta, Post- MIDC, Ahmednagar Maharashtra 414111, India.
Published: January 2024

Background: With increasing incidence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) related heart failure, evidence suggests that diastolic rather than systolic dysfunction is predominant. The pathology of pericardium, myocardium or coronary and pulmonary vasculature is related to heart failure in HIV. Echocardiography helps in detecting cardiac dysfunction before overt clinical manifestations develop. Objectives: To assess cardiac structure, function and cardiac abnormalities related to heart failure in HIV-infected subjects attending medicine department of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methodology: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of 102 HIV-infected patients presenting with cardiac complaints at the medical department of a tertiary care hospital in western Maharashtra from July 2016 to September 2017. Results: A total of 102 HIV infected patients were included with cardiac complaints, 50 (49%) were in heart failure (HF). Commonest causes of HF were left ventricular hypertrophy, pulmonary hypertension, dilated cardiomyopathy and anaemia. Male gender (OR 4.03), low education (OR 4.91), previous history of tuberculosis (OR 3.01), and low haemoglobin (OR 0.83), were independently associated with diagnosis of HF (p<0.05 for all). Conclusion: Left ventricular wall thickness and function should be monitored regularly in HIV subjects. The echocardiography is a useful and relevant tool in management of HIV infected patients especially in the era of ART.
Diet in Dengue
Authors:   Head, Department of Nutrition, SRM College of Nursing, SRM University, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 603203, India., Lakshmi E.
Published: January 2024

Dengue is an acute viral infection spread by mosquitoes with potential fatal complications. Dengue fever is a kind of flu type illness otherwise called as break bone fever as it causes severe pain in the joints. Good nutritional status, increased appetite balanced electrolytes and increase RBC count along with. diet therapy is an important remedy helpful in recovering from dengue. The literature reviewed was identified using various searches in PubMed, WorldCat, and Google Scholar as well as citation tracking on original research articles related to Dengue.
Hypoplastic left Pulmonary Artery Presenting as Pulmonary Hypertension in an Adult: A Case Report
Authors:   Professor, Department of General Medicine, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical college and hospital, Puducherry 605107, India., Badrinath A.K. , S. Suresh Babu ,   Assistant professor, Department of General Medicine, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical college and hospital, Puducherry 605107, India., Teja T. Vishwa ,   Senior Resident, Department of General Medicine, Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical college and hospital, Puducherry 605107, India.
Published: January 2024

Unilateral hypoplasia or absence of a branch of the pulmonary artery is a rare anomaly usually associated with other congenital cardiac disorders. Isolated hypoplasia of unilateral pulmonary artery is still rare. Patients present with varied clinical manifestations with varied age at presentation, younger age or in adulthood with pulmonary hypertension (PAHT). Early diagnosis with definitive treatment prevents development of PAHT in adulthood. Here we present an elderly female who presented with PAHT with right heart failure secondary to chronic pulmonary thromboembolism was diagnosed to have hypoplastic left pulmonary artery.
Epidemiology, Clinical Profile and Outcome of Organophosphorous Poisoning in North-Western Rajasthan
Authors:   Assistant professor, Department of Medicine, S.P. Medical College & PBM Hospital, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001, India., Meena Shyam Lal , Gupta Bal Kishan ,   Senior Professor, In-charge Medical ICU, S.P. Medical College & PBM Hospital, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001, India., Ranva Anil Kumar ,   Senior resident, Department of Medicine, S.P. Medical College & PBM Hospital, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001, India., Sonkaria Rakesh Kumar ,   Senior resident, Department of Medicine, S.P. Medical College & PBM Hospital, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001, India., Swami Naveen ,   Senior resident, Department of Medicine, S.P. Medical College & PBM Hospital, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001, India., Singh Ranveer ,   Senior resident, Department of Medicine, S.P. Medical College & PBM Hospital, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001, India., Gupta Jigyasa ,   Junior Resident, Department of Medicine, S.P. Medical College & PBM Hospital, Bikaner, Rajasthan 334001, India.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Organophosphate pesticide poisoning (OPP) is continued to be a major global health problem especially in developing countries. This study was planned to evaluate epidemiological, clinical profile and outcome of OPP admitted in tertiary care hospital North West zone of Rajasthan, India. Materials and Methods: A total of 96 patients suffering from OP poisoning were evaluated for epidemiology, clinical profile and outcome. Diagnosis of OP poisoning was done by history, clinical examination and serum butyrylcholinesterase level assay. All patients were evaluated as per Performa and follow up till discharge. Severity of OPP was assessed by POP score and GCS score. Results: Out of 96 cases 76 were males 20 females, age ranging 14-55 years, mean age 26 ± 8, 85.4% were below age 30 years. Most of the patients were farmer, illiterate and belonging to rural area. Most common cause of poisoning was suicidal intention and most common route of poisoning was ingestion. Chlorpyrifos was the most common salt used followed by Monocrotophos, Phorate 10%, Dimethoate 30% and Quinalphos 25%. 8.3% had mild poisoning, 65.6% had moderately severe while 26% had severe OPP as evaluated by POP score. 19 patients required ventilator support, 10 cases developed ARDS and 6 had IMS. Mortality rate was 9.4%. Monocrotophos poison, amount of poison, long duration of poisoning, Hypokalemia, high bicarbonate level, high POP score and low GCS score were associated with poor outcome Conclusions: Thorough clinical evaluation is important for diagnosis and assessment of severity of OPP. POP score and GCS score help in assessing severity of OPP and its outcome. OPP is associated with life-threatening complications. Early detection and immediate treatment in intensive care units can increase the chances of survival rate in such cases. Banning of the most toxic pesticides may reduce the number of significant unintentional and intentional poisoning episodes.
Audit of Emergency Obstetrical Referrals from District Hospital of Aspiring District in Uttar Pradesh
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Autonomous State Medical College, Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh 271801, India., Yadav Richa , Yadav Geeta ,   Tutor, Department of Microbiology, Autonomous State Medical College, Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh 271801, India., Mishra B P ,   Professor and Head of Department of Biochemistry, Autonomous State Medical College, Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh 271801, India.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Maternal death in India is still high, alone accounting for a fifth of total global burden.3 By providing effective emergency obstetrical care and referral system, maternal mortality and morbidity can be reduced. Material and Method: This is retrospective descriptive study, conducted with analysis of routinely collected data for the period of 6 months, this study was conducted at district hospital, Bahraich which is 300 bedded tertiary level health facility. Result: A total of 5443 women were admitted for delivery over a period of 6 months. Out of total admitted women 139 were referred to higher centre, the referral rate was 2.55%. Among the deliveries conducted at the DH, vaginal delivery account for 78.997% of total delivered patients, 21.003% women delivered by cesarean section. Anemia is the most common cause of referrals which is 21.58% of total referred women. Eclampsia/severe preeclampsia is 2nd most common cause of referral (16.55% of total referral). Large number of patients 38.13% were coming from a distance of more than 20 km but within 50 km. 14.39% of total referred women were travelling a distance of 50–100 km to come to the DH. 22.30% women were conscious but having unstable vitals at the time of admission. 12.23% (17 out of 139) women were unconscious with low GCS scale. Conclusion: This study highlights the deficiency human resources, infrastructure and equipment at district hospital level hampering the provision of EmOC. If these issues are adequately addressed, it would greatly enhance health facility for providing EmOC.
Role of Pan Tilt Camera in Telementoring During COVID-19 Crisis
Authors:   Senior resident, Department of Plastic Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India., Thomas Neljo , Chittoria Ravi Kumar ,   Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India., Gupta Saurabh ,   Senior resident, Department of Plastic Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India., Reddy Chirra Likhitha ,   Senior resident, Department of Plastic Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India., Mohan Padmalakshmi Bharathi ,   Senior resident, Department of Plastic Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India., Pathan Shijina K, Imran ,   Senior resident, Department of Plastic Surgery, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry 605006, India.
Published: January 2024

The aim is to study the role of Pan Tilt (PT) Camera in Telementoring during COVID-19 Crisis. At the time of pandemic when safe distancing practices and staying at home are being practiced globally, it becomes imperative that social distancing is maintained even during clinical practice and doctordoctor interactions in hospitals. A practical method of this practice would be to take the telemedicine practices. This study was conducted during the month of March-April 2020 during the time of COVID –19 pandemic.
Forensic Applications of IR/FTIR
Authors:   Chemist, Deptt. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029., Jaiswal A.K. , Giri N.G. ,   Assistant Professor, Deptt. of Chemistry, Shivaji College (University of Delhi) Raja Garden, New Delhi 110 027., Kumar Jaiswal Anil ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, St. Andrew’s PG College, Gorakhpur, UP., Samal Nilima ,   Assistant Professor, LNJN NICFS, Sector-3, Outer Ring Road, Rohini, Delhi-110085, Sharma P. ,   Senior Scientific Officer (Chemistry), LNJN NICFS, Sector-3, Outer Ring Road, Rohini, Delhi-110085, Millo T. ,   Professor, Deptt. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029., Gupta S.K. ,   Professor and Head, Deptt. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi-110029.
Published: January 2024

Infra-Red spectroscopy plays important role for analysis of several compounds, metals etc. Its use is readily understood from breadth of its applications. The range of material that can be analyzed by IR/FTIR is essentially unlimited. Applications are found in diverse fields such as forensic science, pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, biological and clinical chemistry, environmental chemistry and many others.
Study of Fatal Burn Cases in Relation to Epidemiological and Socio- Economic Factors
Authors:   Assistant Professor, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India., Prasad Kulbhushan , Yadav Abhishek ,   Director Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, Delhi 110002, India., Kumar Mittal Anil ,   Director Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, Delhi 110002, India., Dikshit P.C. ,   Ex- Director Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, Delhi 110002, India., Kumar Gupta Sudhir ,   Professor & Head, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110029, India.
Published: January 2024

Burns are amongst the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the under-developed and developing nations. This study was undertaken to understand the Epidemiological and Socio-economic factors of the fatal burn cases coming for Autopsy. The cases were found to be more prevalent in the young age group, females, Hindu religion and lower income groups. Majority of the cases were accidental occurring from cooking apparatus at the household. The findings were compared with the other studies and results were found to be similar in most over a signification period of time, which are not only disturbing facts but needs serious social deliberation and measures so as to save precious human lives. Recommendations have been given so as to minimize such incidents at least at the household level.
Separation and Detection of Nux Vomika Alkaloids by Thin-Layer Chromatography
Authors:   Assistant Director, Toxicology Division, Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, State of Maharashtra, Cantonment, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431002, India., Bhagwat D Mali , Deepak S. Akuskar ,   P.G. Student, Government Institute of Forensic Science, Nipatniranjan Nagar, Caves Road, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431004, India., Deepak M. Jivane ,   P.G. Student, Government Institute of Forensic Science, Nipatniranjan Nagar, Caves Road, Aurangabad, Maharashtra 431004, India.
Published: January 2024

Strychnine and brucine are the poisonous alkaloids, derived from seeds of strychnos nux vomica. These seeds are readily available in villages and often misused for poisoning. A systematic and complete detection and quantitation of different poisons including plant poison is carried out by forensic toxicologists. Their method involves screening of poisons and their instrumental assay. Although instrumental methods are sensitive, they are costly and involve elaborate instrumental assay. Therefore, a simple, rapid and cheap thinlayer chromatographic method for separation and detection of bioactive compounds (strychnine and brucine) is described. These alkaloids have -N-C=O group in their structure. This reacts with active chlorine to give corresponding chloramines, which oxidises o-tolidine to give blue coloured compound on thin-layer chromatographic plate. The detection limit was found to be 5µg and 8µg per spot for strychnine and brucine respectively.
Comparison of Western blot and ELISA to detect the Antibody Titers in Human Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Rahman Sarfraz-ur-
Published: January 2024

Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic parasitic disease which is caused by Toxoplasma gondii that infects all warm-blooded mammals including human beings. In the current study, it was explored to Toxoplasma-specific IgG titer while comparing quantitative ELISA and WB. Ten human sera samples labelled as 53, 217, 28, 277, 229, 07, 204, 275, 241 and 04, (known positive as a result of earlier testing in a commercial ELISA kit. were analysed through quantitative ELISA and WB. The WB analysis revealed antibody titers ranging from 800 to12800 with one sample (28) possessing a titer of 1:800, two samples (07, 241) at 1:1600, five samples (53, 277, 204, 275, 04) at 1:3200, one sample (217) at 1:6400 and one sample (229) at 1:12800. The same dilutions of these samples were subjected to our indigenous quantitative ELISA (coated with recombinant SAG1) to determine and antibody (IgG) titer that ranged from 200 to 1600 with two samples (28, 277) at a titer of 1:200, with four samples (53, 07, 204, 241) at a titer of 1:400, with three samples (217, 275, 04) at a titer of 1:800 and with one sample (229) at a titer of 1:1600. In our study, the titers of T. gondii-specific-IgG antibodies revealed in WB were found much higher as compared to those in ELISA but there is a high positive correlation (rs = 0.714) analysed by spearman’s rho test
NRAMP1 Gene Polymorphism: A Pathogenic Bacterial Resistance Trait in Indonesia Cattle
Authors: Hartati Hartati
Published: January 2024

The pathogenic bacterial infection is the main cause of decreased cow productivity. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of Natural Resistance Associated Macrophage Protein 1 (NRAMP1) gene polymorphisms with pathogenic bacterial resistance traits in Indonesian cattle. A total of seventeen (17) animals of mixed-breed cattle comprising two categories healthy (7 heads) and infected with bacteria (10 heads) were used in this study. Forward sequencing analysis was performed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the partial NRAMP1 gene (954 bp) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results showed that a novel SNP of g.109Y (intron 5) and two common SNPs of g.221K (intron 5) and g.642R (intron 6) were detected in the NRAMP gene in Indonesian native cattle. In addition, these SNPs have a moderate polymorphic information content (PIC) value (0.30 - 0.50). Therefore, eight (8) haplotypes of the NRAMP1 gene were determined in the present study. Thus, the highest bacterial infection frequency was shown in the TT/GT/AG haplotype. In conclusion, three (3) nonsense SNP in the NRAMP1 gene have the potency as a genetic marker for bacterial resistance trait in Indonesian cattle
Comparative nutritional and phytochemical analysis of indigenous Pakistani Strawberry varieties along with shelf-life extension using modified atmospheric packaging technology
Authors: Mallhi Iftikhar Younis
Published: January 2024

The present study was conducted to check nutritional characterization i.e., proximate analysis, physicochemical properties (total soluble solid content, titratable acidity, texture, and color), phytochemicals (total phenolic, flavonoids and anthocyanin) and antioxidant capacity (DPPH-2,20-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity) of strawberry varieties (festival, chandler and korona) produced in Pakistan along with shelf life extension using modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technology. Accordingly, samples were collected from farms and local market for analysis. Results showed statistically differences (p< 0.05) for proximate composition expect ash and crude fat. Higher moisture content documented in variety chandler as 91.12±7.28%, highest ash in variety korona as 1.4±0.17%, lowest protein in variety Chandler as 0.95±0.13% and highest fat in variety festival as 1.13±0.31. Physicochemical analysis showed highest titratable acidity as 0.70±0.04 g citric acid/100g in variety chandler, highest ○Brix as 8.41±0.11in variety festival whereas, phytochemicals analysis revealed highest total phenolic and flavonoids found in variety chandler as 926.17±53.08 mg GAE/100 g and 180.63±15.72 mg/100g respectively, and lowest 864.44±44.16 mg GAE/100 g, 144.84 ± 12.11 mg/100g in variety korona, respectively. The variety chandler displayed highest antioxidant activity (82.09±6.34%) and anthocyanin (2.74 ± 0.09 mg/100g however, non-significant differences in color values. Further, the shelf life of strawberries was extended by 09 days by modified atmospheric packaging under cold storage for 12 days. For this strawberry was categorized into 5 groups with the different gas combination i.e., MAP0 (control group having 0.05% CO2, 20.95% O2 and 79% N2), and 4 treatment groups MAP1 (3% CO2, 15% O2 and 82% N2), MAP2 (5% CO2, 10% O2 and 85% N2), MAP3 (10% CO2, 5% O2 and 85% N2), MAP4 (15% CO2, 3% O2 and 82% N2). Statistical differences (p< 0.05) were found between groups on different storage days (3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th) in physiochemical, phytochemical, sensory evaluation, and caloric parameters. In nutshell, the results provide valuable information on the nutritional composition, phytochemical characteristics, and quality aspects of strawberries produced in Pakistan. This information is helpful for food processors in value addition, and modified atmosphere packaging technology for the reduction of post-harvest losses.
Effects of fungicide application timings and genetic resistance of rice varieties on the reduction of percent severity of narrow brown leaf spot disease
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad
Published: January 2024

Narrow brown leaf spot disease of rice caused by fungus Cercospora oryzae Miyake emerged as potential threat to rice crop in previous few years worldwide and can cause more than 40% yield loss. The disease symptoms were noted on various commercially important rice varieties in the rice growing districts of Punjab province of Pakistan. Hence, the studies were planned to assess the effects of Propiconazole fungicide application timings and different rice varieties on the severity of narrow brown leaf spot (NBLS) disease of rice to develop an accurate management strategy for the disease. The Propiconazole fungicide was tested at three various growth phases (early booting, late booting, and soft dough) of four rice varieties against the percent severity of the NBLS disease The experiments were designed under strip-plot (crisscross) design with four replications at research area of Plant Pathology Department, University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Analysis of variance has demonstrated that the main and interactive effects of fungicide applications and rice varieties were found significant. The main effects of years were found non-significant but their interactions with fungicide application timings and rice varieties were significant. Fungicide applications at soft dough and late booting phases of rice variety B-515 were found least effective to reduce the disease severity, respectively. Fungicide application at early booting of rice variety PK-1121 was found most effective by reducing the maximum percent diseases severity (47.25%) compared to control. It is concluded that, to minimize hazardous effects of chemicals on the environment by practicing multiple sprays at inappropriate growth phases of rice crop, fungicides must be applied during the early and late booting phases of rice varieties on mildly resistance, susceptible and highly susceptible rice varieties to reduce NBLS disease severity and to enhance the rice production and quality
Microcontroller based low cost device for determination of aerobic stability of silages
Authors: Karadöl Hayrettin
Published: January 2024

Aerobic stability is one of the important factors affecting the nutritive value of silages for livestock and determined by various methods. The aim of the current experiment was to design a microcontroller based low cost device using CO2 sensor for determination of aerobic stability of silage and compare with the conventional temperature measurement system. It was hypothesised that the time taken to increase the silage temperature by 2oC above room temperature and produce 10 g CO2 kg- 1 DM might be similar or comparable for the same silages when the silage is exposed to air simultaneously. The microcontroller based low cost device was designed and allowed discrimination between silages in terms of aerobic stability as in the temperature measurement system. The data obtained by microcontroller based low cost device is consistent with data obtained by the temperature measurement system. The time taken to increase silage temperature by 2oC above room temperature and produce 10 g CO2 kg-1 dry matter (DM) of silage were similar in both measurement systems. It was also found that the high correlation coefficients between CO2 production and temperature until reflection point of temperature obtained and ranged from 0.990 to 0.995 for sugar beet pulp silage (SNPS) and corn silage (CS). The CO2 sensor has provided the opportunity in designing a simple and handy device with an affordable cost to measure the aerobic stability of silage as accurately as temperature measurement sys
Identification and characterization of morphophysiological and yield-oriented traits for drought improvement in wheat
Authors: Ishaaq Iqra
Published: January 2024

Drought is a significant abiotic stress that negatively impacts plant growth and can lead to substantial crop yield losses. Our study aimed to establish selection criteria for 200 spring-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes exposed to three different field-capacity (FC) levels (100%FC, 50%FC, 25%FC) in a growth chamber (seedling traits) and in the field under withholdirrigation conditions (yield traits). Variance, correlation, and principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to identify genotypes with high tolerance to drought stress. The stress induction significantly affects morphophysiological traits i.e., root length, root weight (fresh, dry), fresh shoot weight, relative water contents and root shoot ratio in spring wheat genotypes at seedling stage. The traits flag leaf area, spike weight, grain weight/spike, biological and grain yield were interlinked and strongly influenced by drought in the field. The mean grain yield performance decreased from 21.85 g to 19.46 g under variable water regimes; however, the differences in harvest index and spikelets/spike were not significant. Among the tested genotypes, 9970 and 36-Eswyt-42 showed better root architecture development, leaf water management system, biological yield (66.07 g, 56.23 g) and grain yield (27.47 g, 28.78 g), respectively. The traits we identified may serve as an indirect selection index to enhance current semi-arid wheat germplasm and develop high-yielding drought-tolerant lines in advanced generations. Keywords: Mini core collection, Seedling and yield traits, Selection criteria, Variability analysis
Effects of post-emergence weedicides on yield, polyphenolic acids, flavonoids and antioxidant potential of artichoke leaves
Authors: Ali Sajid
Published: January 2024

Artichoke is well known for its various medicinal properties i.e., lipid-lowering and antioxidant activity. Antioxidant activity of artichoke is mainly caused by the presence of various biologically active compounds, especially polyphenols. These polyphenols are being affected by a variety of environmental and cultivation factors including the application weedicides. The current study was aimed at clarifying the effects of various commonly used post-emergence weedicides (Phenmedipham, Pyridate, Quizalofop-p-ethyl, Prosulfocarb, Carfentrazone-ethyl, Rimsulfuron, Aclonifen, and Clomazone) on the production of polyphenolic compounds, including the flavonoids and caffeoylquinic acids. Weedicides were applied during the cultivation of artichoke in two growth phases. Polyphenols were analyzed in leaf extracts of artichoke using the HPLC method. In addition, the antioxidant activity of the leaf samples was determined. Results revealed minimum production of dry matter in the treatment with aclonifen (2.61 t ha-1). While different weedicide showed variable effects after each week (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th) of application. Significant difference among the various treatments of weedicide during both growth phases i.e., concentration of polyphenolics is being remarkably affecting by treatments with various weedicide. A positive correlation CQA (caffeoylquinic acid) with flavonoids on one hand and with ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) on the other showed the synergism among these. Moreover, the antioxidant capacity of artichoke leaf extracts is influenced by the content of caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoid in addition to some other antioxidants (carotenoids, terpenoids etc.). Weedicide application can lead to a reduction in phenolic constituents of artichoke leaf samples; however, this negative impact is quickly compensated during further growth and development of plant under moderate climate conditions
Experimental Study of Seismic Wave Attenuation in Carbonate Rocks
Authors: Bouchaala Fateh , Ali Mohammed Y. , Matsushima Jun , Jouini Mohamed Soufiane , Mohamed Aala Awad Idriss , Nizamudin Syed
Published: January 2024

Seismic wave attenuation has a great potential for studying saturated and fractured media, due to its high sensitivity to the physical properties of geological media. However, accurately estimating this parameter can be challenging due to its sensitivity to signal noise, particularly in heterogeneous media such as carbonate rocks. This explains the paucity of attenuation studies carried out in carbonate rocks compared with sandstones, and the ambiguity around its mechanisms and its relationship with petrophysical properties. To investigate further, we conducted an experimental study of ultrasonic waveform signals (0.5–3 MHz) reordered under dry and fully saturation conditions in 13 samples covering a wide range of petrophysical values and subjected them to differential pressure reaching reservoir pressure. The resulting increase in attenuation magnitudes and their variation with pressure due to brine saturation were more pronounced than in velocity magnitudes, confirming the higher sensitivity of attenuation to fluid content. However, understanding the relationship between attenuation and petrophysical properties required a careful examination of the results and more elucidation about attenuation mechanisms. We suggested that multiple attenuation mechanisms coexist, including scattering, cracks slipping, solid frictional relative motion, and global and squirt flow. This explains the frequency dependence of attenuation, with higher magnitudes at sonic frequencies, where the squirt flow mechanism may be dominant. In contrast to sandstone, the magnitude of compressional to shear attenuation ratio (QP−1/QS−1) was found to be greater than unity in both dry and brine fully saturated carbonate samples at ultrasonic frequencies. This result may be due to the complex porosity structure of carbonate rocks, which makes it not appropriate to the sandstone rock physics models.
Experimental Investigation of Solids Production Mechanisms in a Hydraulic Screen-Through Fracturing Well in a Loose Reservoir and Its Control
Authors: Dilimulati Saifula , Dong Changyin , Zhan Xinjie , Li Jingwei , Cui Guoliang , Liu Quangang , Bai Haobin
Published: January 2024

Successful cases of hydraulic screen-through fracturing (HSTF) in the Bohai oil field highlight the possibility that hydraulic fracturing can be an alternative method for enhancing the productivity of loose reservoirs. However, a portion of the HSTF wells in the Bohai oil field suffer from severe solids production, meaning that proppants and stratum sands are produced in the wellbore during production and cause wellbore plugging and ensuing debilitation of productivity. In this study, fluid flow amid the stratum, fracture, and HSTF well is simulated experimentally, and pressure drop, flow rate of the fracture, and stratum are monitored to investigate mechanisms and influencing factors of solids production from HSTF wells. Perspectives on solids control optimization are put forward for the Bohai oil field. Results indicate that the formation of an erosion cavity on lip-sealing in fracture and a dominant fluid channel near the wellbore in the stratum are two main mechanisms of solids production. The higher the flow rate and fluid viscosity are, the more severe solids production can be. For the Bohai oil field, with 725-psi-strength resin-coated proppant, the minimum proportion of resin-coated proppant in fractures to prevent solids production can be reduced from the previous 65% to 30%. With 1,073-psi-strength resin-coated proppant, it can be further reduced to 20%. Reducing the proportion of resin-coated proppant can help optimize the conductivity of fractures. This study aims to provide preliminary insight on solving the solids production problem of an HSTF well, thus enhancing the applicability of hydraulic stimulation in loose reservoirs.
Structures and activation mechanism of Gabija anti-phage system
Authors: Wang Longfei , Li Jing , Cheng Rui , Wang Zhiming , Yuan Wuliu , Xiao Jun , Zhao Xinyuan , Zhu Bin , Wang Lianrong , Du Xinran
Published: January 2024

Bacteria have evolved intricate innate immune systems against phage infection1-7. Gabija is a highly abundant prokaryotic defense system in bacteria and archaea consisting of two components, GajA and GajB8. We previously demonstrated that GajA functions as a DNA endonuclease and is inhibited by ATP9. However, the mechanism of the anti-viral defense by Gabija is elusive. Here, we utilize cryo-EM to capture the Gabija system in five states, GajA in apo or complex with DNA, GajA inhibited by ATP, and GajAB in apo or with ATP/Mg2+. Our structures show that GajA is a rhombus-shaped tetramer that binds DNA in a bipartite manner. GajA recognizes and bends the substrate DNA to align the DNA cleavage site with the catalytic residues in the Toprim domain. DNA binding requires the opening of the hinged clamps, which are locked in a closed conformation upon ATP-binding, therefore inhibited by ATP. GajB does not bind DNA alone but docks on the GajA tetramer and is activated by the nicked DNA generated by GajA. Thus, GajA is activated by local depletion of cellular ATP, generating nicked DNA that activates GajB and ultimately leads to cell death. Our study unveiled a ~500 kDa supramolecular assembly of GajAB and provided mechanistic insights into the Gabija system.
Latitude impacts continental acidity, biotic crisis and recovery.
Authors: Borruel-Abadia Violeta , Barrenechea José F. , Galán-Abellán Ana Belén , López-Gómez José , Esterle Joan , McCann Tom , Horra Raul De la , Ronchi Ausonio , Gianolla Piero , Luque Javier , Rossi Valentina , Paterson Niall , Smith Roger , Wolvaardt Frederik , Brookfield Michael E , Bourquin Sylvie , Ubide Teresa
Published: January 2024

Volcanism from large igneous provinces leads to increases in the Earth’s surface temperature and acidity, thus triggering mass extinction events. However, the dependence of acidity on latitudinal position has remained underexplored and is key to better understand, and react to, global environmental changes today. Here, we study biotic recovery after the catastrophic end-Permian mass extinction, in Early Triassic continental environments. We quantify strontium-rich hydrated aluminum phosphate-sulfate minerals in 179 samples from tropical to circumpolar paleolatitudes in both hemispheres. We provide evidence that latitude controls acidity and its impact on biotic recovery. Subequatorial latitudes concentrate volcanic aerosols through wind circulation patterns, enhancing the impact of acidity on the environment. In contrast, high latitudes provide refuge against environmental change, hosting accelerated recovery after the end-Permian biotic crisis.
Cyclopropanes to Spirocyclic Amine-Boranes: Merging Metal Free C‒H Bond Activation and C‒C Bond Cleavage
Authors: Charette Andre , Siddiqui Saher
Published: January 2024

Spirocyclic motifs often require multi-step syntheses but are of high value to medicinal chemists due to frequent improvements in potency, selectivity, and physicochemical properties over their planar parent drug molecules. Due to the ubiquity of C‒H and C‒C bonds, an extremely challenging, yet incredibly attractive way to achieve molecular diversity and complexity is through the tandem and predictable activation of inert C‒H and C‒C bonds. Tandem activation/cleavage of these bonds in readily accessible cyclopropanes to access complex motifs is challenging and has only been reported using transition metals. The merging of C‒H activation and C‒C bond cleavage strategies for the regioselective transformation of unactivated cyclopropane building blocks into spirocyclic scaffolds in a metal-free manner could be a valuable addition to the organic chemist’s synthetic toolbox. Here, we demonstrate a regioselective C‒H bond activation and subsequent C‒C bond cleavage of unactivated cyclopropane amine-boranes (CABs) to form spirocyclic amine-boranes (SABs) possessing a rare N-spiroatom in an intramolecular manner using 5 mol% of Tf2NH. The one-pot transformation yields SABs that are amenable to downstream modification and provides access to potential pharmacophores that may have applications in drug discovery.
Unraveling the first world pandemic in an ancient cosmopolitan city with archaeological and genetic evidence
Authors: Jiang Rays , Adapa Swamy Rakesh , Hendrix Karen , Upadhyay Aditya , Dutta Subhajeet , Vianello Andrea , O'Corry-Crowe Gregory , Ferrer Taitana , Monroy Jorge , wood Elizabeth , Ferreira Gloria , Decker Michael , Tripathy Sucheta , Tykot Robert
Published: January 2024

The first world pandemic (541–767 CE) was investigated using archaeological, proteomic, genetic, and genomic technologies. Focusing on a mass burial site in Jerash, present-day Jordan, we generated evidence of a pandemic for the first time in this region of cultural and geopolitical significance. The burial site predates the Black Death by approximately 800 years, located in a unique cosmopolitan city at a cultural crossroad. The excavation results suggest an abrupt outbreak because the burials appeared to have occurred within a relatively short time range, encompassing a wide demographic range that included children, adolescents, and adults in comparable numbers. The stable isotope data revealed a diverse range of birth origins among the victims, suggesting the presence of first-generation immigrants in the population. Through whole genome capture and genetic analysis, we identified a Yersinia pestis lineage in multiple individuals of differing birth origins corresponding to the Justinian plague timeframe. This finding establishes the first genetic connection between plague pathogens and the first world pandemic long recorded in historical accounts.
Isolating transdiagnostic effects reveals specific genetic profiles in psychiatric disorders.
Authors: Keser Engin , Liao Wangjingyi , Allegrini Andrea , Rimfeld Kaili , Eley Thalia , Plomin Robert , Malanchini Margherita
Published: January 2024

Evidence indicates a great degree of genetic overlap between psychiatric diagnoses. Accounting for these transdiagnostic effects can sharpen research on disorder-specific genetic architecture. Here we isolate genetic effects that are shared across 11 major psychiatric disorders (p factor) to gain further insight into genetic specificity and comorbidity over and above that contributed by the p factor, unique to each psychiatric disorder. After adjusting for transdiagnostic genetic effects, we identified novel SNP associations and some changes in enrichment patterns. We examined genetic correlations among adjusted psychiatric traits as well as relationships with other biobehavioural traits. The landscape of genetic associations between pairs of psychiatric disorders changed substantially, and their genetic correlations with biobehavioural traits showed greater specificity. Isolating transdiagnostic genetic effects across major psychiatric disorders provides a nuanced understanding of disorder-specific genetic architecture and may help guide diagnostic nomenclature and treatment research.
Extraction of fetal heart beat sounds in abdominal phonocardiograms using deep attention transformer network
Authors: Almadani Murad , Alkhodari Mohanad , Ghosh Samit , Hadjileontiadis Leontios , Khandoker Ahsan
Published: January 2024

Conventional methods for assessing fetal well-being often require skilled clinicians and are susceptible to noise interference. Echocardiography, a primary technique for this purpose, is reliable but entails high costs and necessitates specialized equipment and trained personnel, presenting challenges in low- and middle-income countries. Phonocardiography (PCG) has recently emerged as a cost-effective alternative, but its performance and complexity limit its widespread use. In this study, we introduce Fetal Heart Sounds U-NetR (FHSU-NETR), a lightweight, easily deployable deep learning model tailored for the simultaneous extraction of fetal and maternal heart activity from raw PCG signals. Validated with data from 20 normal subjects, including a case of fetal tachycardia arrhythmia, FHSU-NETR demonstrated exceptional performance, accurately identifying 95\% of the total $35,960$ fetal heartbeats. This significantly outperformed the only method published on the same dataset, regarded as a benchmark method, which detected only 270 beats. The model exhibited a low mean difference in fetal heart rate estimation (-2.55±10.25 bpm) across the entire dataset relative to the ground-truth fetal ECG, successfully detecting the arrhythmia case. Similarly, FHSU-NETR showed a low mean difference in maternal heart rate estimation (-1.15±5.76 bpm) compared to the ground-truth maternal ECG. The model's exceptional ability to identify arrhythmia cases within the dataset underscores its potential for real-world application and generalization. Leveraging the capabilities of deep learning, our proposed model holds promise to alleviate the reliance on medical experts for the interpretation of extensive PCG recordings, thereby enhancing efficiency in clinical settings.
3D-printable composites for magnetic refrigeration based on Ni-Mn-In-Co magnetic shape memory alloys
Authors: Sánchez-Alarcos V. , Khanna D. L. R. , Roca P. La , Recarte V. , Lambri F. D. , Bonifacich F. G. , Lambri O. A. , Royo-Silvestre I. , Urbina A. , Pérez-Landazábal J. I.
Published: January 2024

A high filling load (62% weight) printable magnetic composite has been successfully elaborated from the dispersion of Ni45Mn36.7In13.3Co5 alloy microparticles into a PCL polymer matrix. The composite material has been prepared by solution method, resulting in a very homogeneous particles dispersion into the matrix. The structural transitions in the polymer do not seem to be affected by the addition of the metallic microparticles, which in turn results in a significant increase of the mechanical consistency. The good ductility of the elaborated composite allows its extrusion in flexible printable filaments, from which 3D pieces with complex geometries has been grown. The high measured magnetocaloric response of the composite and the possibility to print high surface/volume ratio geometries make this material a promising candidate for the development of heat exchangers for clean and efficient magnetic refrigeration applications. Furthermore, numerical simulations confirm that, in terms of heat transference, a bulk Ni-Mn-In-Co cubic piece may be even less efficient than a PCL/Ni-Mn-In-Co wire containing the same amount of magnetic active material.
SLIT3: a Novel Regulator of Odontogenic Differentiation through Akt/Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Sun Jianxun , Jiang Lingyu , Liu Liu , Yang Fan , Cui Yujia , Xie Jing , Song Dongzhe , Huang Dingming
Published: January 2024

The odontogenic differentiation of Stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP) is regulated by many extracellular matrix proteins, which plays a crucial role in dentin formation and regeneration. Extracellular matrix protein SLIT3, a classical axon guidance molecule, can link bone resorption to formation as clastokine. However, there is little information about SLIT3 in odontogenesis. Therefore, our study is aimed to explore the effects and possible mechanism of SLIT3 on the proliferation and differentiation of SCAP. Through Immunohistochemical staining and re-analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing and microarray datasets, we found that SLIT3 was expressed in the dental papilla and odontoblast layer of the developing molar tooth of mice. Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot assays also revealed an increased expression of SLIT3 during the odontogenic differentiation of SCAP. Afterwards, SLIT3 siRNA was used to knockdown SLIT3 and recombinant human SLIT3 (rhSLIT3) protein was used to treat SCAP. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays (CCK8) assays showed SLIT3 promoted proliferation of SCAP. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and Alizarin red staining were decreased/increased accordingly. Odontogenic markers DMP-1 and DSPP were also down-regulated/up-regulated. In addition, p-Akt and p-GSK3β levels were increased in rhSLIT3-treated SCAP and the movement into cell nucleus of β-catenin was promoted. The effect of SLIT3 was canceled after treatment with the inhibitor of Akt/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Taken together, our data show that SLIT3 could promote the proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of SCAP by activating Akt/Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Deciphering the Allosteric Regulation of Mycobacterial Inosine-5′-Monophosphate Dehydrogenase
Authors: Pichova Iva , Bulvas Ondrej , Knejzlík Zdeněk , Sýs Jakub , Filimoněnko Anatolij , Čížková Monika , Clarová Kamila , Rejman Dominik , Kouba Tomas
Published: January 2024

Allosteric regulation of inosine 5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), an essential enzyme of purine metabolism, contributes to the homeostasis of adenine and guanine nucleotides. However, the precise molecular mechanism of IMPDH regulation in bacteria remains unclear. Using biochemical, and cryo-EM approaches, we reveal the intricate molecular mechanism of the IMPDH allosteric regulation in mycobacteria. The enzyme is inhibited by both GTP and (p)ppGpp which bind to the regulatory CBS domains and, via interactions with basic residues in hinge regions, lock the catalytic core domains in a compressed conformation. This results in occlusion of inosine monophosphate (IMP) substrate binding to the active site and, ultimately, inhibition of the enzyme. The GTP and (p)ppGpp allosteric effectors bind to their dedicated sites but stabilize the compressed octamer by a common mechanism. Inhibition is relieved by the competitive displacement of GTP or (p)ppGpp by ATP allowing IMP-induced enzyme expansion. The structural knowledge and mechanistic understanding presented here open up new possibilities for the development of allosteric inhibitors with antibacterial potential.