bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Physical Properties of Soil from Different Villages of Karnal District, Haryana, India
Authors: Kaur Komalpreet , Swaroop Narendra , Thomas Tarence , Singh Anurag Kumar
Published: July 2023

An appraisement of Physical properties of soils from different villages of ‘Karnal District’ of Haryana was carried out in 2022-2023. The prime objectives of this study were to carry out the survey, to collect the information of sampling sites and to analyse physical properties of soil and macro-micro nutrient status and its relation to various chemical properties of soil. For assessment purpose, nine sampling sites were selected. Soil samples were collected at various depths of 0-15, 15-30, and 30-45 cm. The result indicated that soil of Kalampura, Dabri and Pundrak villages are sandy loam in texture, has good Water Holding Capacity and Pore Space(%) and optimum Bulk Density and Particle Density and good overall physical condition.
Effect of Phosphorus and Biofertilizers on Yield and Economics of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Lalrinzuali  , Singh Rajesh , Pradhan Akankhya
Published: July 2023

A field experiment to examine the yield and economics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) was conducted during the Rabi season of 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj, (U.P. India). The experimental plot's soil had a sandy loam texture, a pH of 7.2, was neutral, had an EC-value of 0.26 (dS/m), organic carbon content of 0.72 percent, and availability of 178.48 kg/ha of available N, 27.80 kg/ha of available P, and 233.24 kg/ha of available K. As biofertilizers, Rhizobium sp. (5 g/kg seed), Pseudomonas striata (10 g/kg seed), and PSB (20 g/kg seed) were utilized, while phosphorus (40 kg/ha, 50 kg/ha, and 60 kg/ha) was applied in three levels as a fertilizer. Ten treatments were used in the experiment's Randomized Block Design (RBD), which was triple duplicated. Phosphorus treatment (60 kg/ha) + PSB (20 g/kg seed) resulted in highest No. of pods/plant (30.90), No. of seeds/pod (1.53), seed yield (2570.74 kg/ha) and stover yield (3583.33 kg/ha), were all determined to be significant. The treatment (T9) with application of Phosphorus (60 kg/ha) + PSB (20 g/kg seed) also observed maximum gross returns (1, 54,165.87 INR/ha), net returns (1, 13,725.57 INR/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.81) in chickpea crop.
Qualitative Evaluation of the High Resolution Satellite Precipitation Products with Dense Surface Rain Gauge Observations in Odisha Over a Time Period
Authors: Singh Khilendra , Singh Kamlesh Kumar , Parhi Curie , Rath Bama Shankar , Mohapatra Araya Kumar B. , Paikaray Rutuparna , Naik Pramila , Mohanty Tushar Ranjan , Khatua Rajashree , Nanda Ashutosh
Published: July 2023

The study aims to the Hydro-Estimator Method (HEM) has been used as the noble approach for analysing the heavy rainfall episodes over entire Odisha using the INSAT-3D satellite- derived rainfall estimates. The findings demonstrate that, in terms of the frequency of rainfall occurrences, INSAT-3D satellite rainfall products clearly illustrated both the spatial and temporal variability in rainfall pattern of Odisha. The performance statistics with IMERG and daily merged satellite retrieved rainfall show that both the dataset corelated well with the HEM with a small deviation. For heavy rainfall events, HEM shows good skill and correlation in detecting heavy rainfall with an accuracy of 20 mm and good pattern matching with actual rainfall. Entire Odisha is considered as study area, which is located in the eastern part of India. It comprises of 30 districts and of 314 blocks spreading over an area of 155707 km2. The state has 30 districts, which are further divided into 314 revenue blocks. The rainfall data (1 year; 2016) for all the blocks of Odisha has been obtained from Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), Government of Odisha and subjected to further analysis process. The satellite derived rainfall estimates viz., HEM, were evaluated with rain  gauge based gridded data viz., IMD-GRIDDED Dataset for the year 2016 over the Odisha region at the summer monsoon period. The satellite derived rainfall estimates HE have exhibited some good results with the IMD-GRIDDED Dataset its average R2 on a daily basis for different blocks is 0.34 and on a monthly basis it is 0.44. RMSE has also been determined to different block for JJAS month. The average RMSE on daily basis is 17.7 and on monthly basis is 94.6 as shown in bias maps.
Standardization of Method and Time of Budding in Jamun (Syzygium cumini Skeels)
Authors: Rawat Annie , Joseph Annjoe V. , Bahadur Vijay
Published: July 2023

The present investigation was conducted at the Research Farm of Department of Horticulture, SHUATS, Prayagraj, on 1-year old rootstocks of Jamun during the period June 2022 to October 2022 with the objective to find out the suitable time and method of budding in Jamun. The statistical design adopted for the experiment was Factorial completely randomised design (Factorial CRD) with three replications and eighteen treatment combinations. This study comprises of two methods of propagation i.e. T-Budding and Patch budding. The results revealed that among the methods of budding adopted Patch budding during the period 1-15th August was found to be exceptional in terms of highest percent success, number of branches, bud take, length of the new sprout, stem thickness, leaf area, number of leaves per plant, and number of days to bud sprout was best in terms of minimum days. Thus, based on the results obtained from the experiment Patch budding during the month of August was found to be the most effective for Jamun propagation.
Response of Organic Manures and Rice Residues on Physical Soil Health Parameters
Authors: Serawat Rohan , David Arun Alfred , Thomas Tarence , Bharose Ram , Swaroop Narendra , Lall Alok M. , Hasan Amreen , Reddy Iska Srinath , Kumar Anil , Toppo Neha
Published: July 2023

The trial carried on topic “Response of organic manures and rice residues on soil physical health parameters” for the two repeated years, start from winter seasons of the years 2021-22 at research farm, department of soil science and agricultural chemistry. Total 54 soil samples were taken from the site from different depths i.e., 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm. Among nine treatments, during field experimentation, the conjunctive use of NPK and different organic manures [FYM, vermicompost, rice residues and jeevamrutha] levels, together come with best results significantly. The excavated soil sample from experimental site before conducting research operation, mentioned that, the land topography range was nearly levelled with 1-3% slope. Soil is of sandy loam texture. Significantly, with regard to physical soil parameters, cumulative mean value for bulk density 1.31 Mg m-3 , percent pore space 49.25 %, particle density 2.55 Mg m-3 and percent maximum water holding capacity 43.27 %, physical properties were found to be significant in terms soil health. This study includes awareness about the role about importance of physical properties for maintaining soil health.
Effect of Organic Cultivation on Soil Properties under Different Cropping Systems: A Review
Authors: Narender  , Raj M. S. Puneeth , Ahlawat Vishal
Published: July 2023

Modern farming requires sustainable use of soil resources because soil quality can easily be deteriorated within a short period of time. For sustainable agricultural productivity, it is utmost important to improve and maintain soil physical, chemical and biological health. The micro biodiversity plays a crucial role in ensuring the availability of inherent and applied nutrients in the soil to the crop plants. The characterization of physical, chemical and microbiological properties of soil in relation to organic cultivation is important for recommending the nutrient and water input for optimum plant growth. The sustainability of World’s agriculture is threatened by sharp declining factor productivity due to deteriorating soil quality, imbalanced use of fertilizers, mismatch between nutrient additions and removal and escalating cost of production. Despite the reduced potential of agro-ecosystems, organic cultivation can contribute to build up, or at least maintain, soil nutrient reserves whilst at the same time maximizing nutrient recycling and reducing external inputs. Organic farming is a system of crop production, which primarily aims to keep soil alive and in good health using organic based nutrient inputs like compost, farm yard manure, green manure, vermicompost, bone meal and crop residues etc.
Microencapsulation of Thyme Essential Oil: A Sustainable Approach for Aroma Finishing of Textiles
Authors: Anita  , Rose Neelam M. , Yadav Saroj , Rukhaya Shalini
Published: July 2023

Background: The current ‘green’ trend is favoring usages of natural ingredients with an increasing interest in the health and wellness benefits of herbal products. Aroma finishing enhances the value of the product by incorporating different fragrance into fabrics. However, longevity of aroma on the textile with passage of time and subsequent launderings is a major concern that can be solved through microencapsulation of core materials protecting them from the surrounding environment. Hence, the present study was conducted to develop microcapsules of thyme essential oil for aroma finishing of textiles.

Methods: To achieve the objectives of study, thyme oil was selected as core material and gum acacia and gelatin as wall materials. Complex coacervation technique of microencapsulation was used for development of thyme oil microcapsules. The ratios of core and wall materials, temperature and pH were optimized for standardization of microencapsulation process based on size, distribution and quality of walls of formed microcapsules examined under inverted microscope.

Results: The 1.5:4:4 ratio of thyme oil:gum:gelatin at 45oC temperature with initial pH 4.5 and final pH 7 were found optimum for development of microcapsules as medium sized microcapsules having good uniformity in size and distribution with sharp and thick walls were obtained at these optimized process parameters. Thus, these optimized variables can be used to prepare thyme oil microcapsules for development of multi-functionalized textiles.

Conclusions: Thyme essential oil is an eco-friendly finishing agent having multifunctional properties which can be used for aroma finishing of textiles. Complex coacervation technique of microencapsulation is a very promising technique that provide long-lasting aroma finish and control release of microencapsulated thyme essential oil. Thyme essential oil treated textiles can create the microclimate for the wearer that will play a significant role in health and wellness of the wearer.
Assessment of Variation in Physico-Chemical Properties of soil of Maize as Influenced by Levels of NPK, and Vermicompost at Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Raj Shreya , Bharose Ram , Swaroop N. , Thomas T.
Published: July 2023

A field experiment was carried out throughout Zaid season 2022 on the research farm of the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, SHUATS, Prayagraj, to examine the variations in physicochemical properties of soil and yield of maize, as affected by the levels of NPK and vermicompost in the eastern part of Uttar Pradesh. The soil at the test site was sandy loam in texture and is located at 25024’30’’ North latitude, 81051’10” East longitude, and about 98 meters above sea level. The experiment was designed in a block-based design that was randomly randomized with nine different treatments T1@0%NPK ha-1 + @0%Vermicompost ha-1, T2@0%NPK ha-1 + @50% Vermicompost ha-1, T3 @ 0% NPK ha-1 + @100% Vermicompost ha-1, T4 @ 50% NPK ha-1 +@ 0% Vermicompost ha-1, T5 @50% NPK ha-1 + @50% Vermicompost ha-1 , T6 @50%NPK ha-1 +@100%Vermicompost ha-1 , T7  @ 100% NPK ha-1 +@ 0% Vermicompost ha-1 , T8 @ 100% NPK ha-1 +@ 50% Vermicompost ha-1 , T9 @ 100%NPK ha-1+ @100% Vermicompost ha-1. which were replicated thrice. The soil's physico-chemical characteristics before sowing and following crop harvest were assessed using standard procedures. Bulk density, Particle density, percent pore space and water holding capacity Was determined by (Muthuval et al) pH, Ec and organic carbon was determined by Digital pH meter, Digital EC meter and Walkley and Black method respectively. Available N, P, K was determined by Kjeldhal Method, Colorimetric method and Flame photometric method respectively. The experimental findings showed that the Bulk density, percent of pore space, capacity for holding water, Ec, organic carbon and available N, P, K of soil were found to be significant at various quantities that included NPK and Vermicompost. Post-harvest soil physico-chemical properties (Water holding capacity, percent pore space, Electrical conductivity, organic carbon, Available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) were maximum underT9(100%NPK ha-1+ 100% Vermicompost ha-1) and followed by T8(100%NPK ha-1+ 50% Vermicompost ha-1). It was also observed that the soil's Bulk and particle density were improved under T9(100%NPK ha-1+ 100% Vermicompost ha-1) when compared with other control treatments and treatments combinations. Bulk density gradually decreased with an increased dose of NPK and vermicompost. So, integrating inorganic and organic fertilizers has resulted in improved physico-chemical properties compared to the sole use of 100% RDF.
Plant Extracts Induced Resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici in Tomato
Authors: Charles Dakole Daboy , René Azah Udom , Martin Fonkoua , Blaise Dongmo Lekagne Joseph , Julienne Nguefack , Somda Irénée
Published: July 2023

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) is the most consumed vegetable in the world after potato. In Cameroon, the plant is cultivated in almost all agroecological areas, however, yields remain low due to attacks by various pathogens and insects. Among the pathogens, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (FOL) is a phytopathogenic fungus responsible for Fusarium wilt, a disease responsible for enormous economic losses. To contribute to the control of this microbial pathogen, the stimulatory effect of the tomato defence system of extracts of some plants in the tomato/FOL interaction was evaluated. Tomato plants were treated with the aqueous extracts (AE) of Callistemon citrinus (C. citrinus), Cymbopogon citratus (C. citratus), and Oxalis barrelieri (O. barrelieri ). After 4 days of spraying with the extracts, the plants were inoculated with a virulent strain of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici (FOL) under controlled conditions. Tomato roots were used to determine the contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), phenols and malondialdehyde (MDA). The activities of the main antioxidant enzymes were also evaluated in tomato roots: catalase (CAT), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The results showed that treatment of tomato plants with plant extracts and their infection with FOL induced an increase in the contents of H2O2, phenols and MDA in tomato roots; an increase in PAL, POX, SOD activities and a reduction in CAT activity. Our results suggest that the increase and reduction of enzymatic activities, and the increase in the synthesis of some metabolites could mitigate the oxidative damage that takes place during the expansion of the pathogen. Aqueous extracts of C. citrinus, C. citratus and O. barrelieri at 10% (W/V) could be used as natural products to stimulate the tomato defence system against FOL. These results could contribute to the development of natural products to induce tomato resistance against FOL, thus improving productivity, quantity and quality of production.
Efficacy of Bio-Pesticides and Chemicals against Gram Pod Borer [Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner)] on Greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)
Authors: Aleem Shaik Abdul , Yadav Usha
Published: July 2023

A field experiment was conducted in the rabi season of 2022-2023 at Central Research Farm (CRF), SHUATS, Uttar Pradesh, India. The experiment was laid in Randomized Block Design with eight treatments each replicated thrice viz.,(T1)Indoxacarb14.5%SC, (T2) Spinosad 45% SC, (T3),Beauveria bassiana 1x108(T4), Neem oil 2% (T5) Emamectin benzoate 5% SG ,(T6) Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC, (T7) Bacillus thuringiensis and (T8) control plot . The data on the larval population of Helicoverpa armigera after first and second spray revealed that all the treatments were significantly superior over the control. Among all the treatments,the plot treated with (T6) chlorantraniliprole18.5%SC (1.122) recorded minimum larval population followed by (T2) Spinosad 45%SC (1.289) (T1) Indoxacarb (1.467), (T4) Emamectin benzoate (1.645) and (T7) Bacillus thuringiensis 1x108CFU (1.822),(T3) Beauveria bassiana (1.989) In this the maximum larval population was recorded in (T5) Neem oil (2.134). Among all treatments with pod borer infestation respectively. While, the highest yield (16.9q/ha) was obtained from the treatment Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC as well as B:C ratio (1:4.13) obtained high from this treatment. It was followed by Spinosad 45%SC (1:3.99), Indoxacarb14.5SC (1:3:94), Neem oil 2% (1:3.52), Emamectin benzoate (1:3.59),Bacillus thuringiensis 4% WSP (1:3.39), Beauveria bassiana 1.15% WP (1:3.18) as compared to control plot (1:1:19).
Ketones of Four or Five Carbons
Authors: O'Donoghue John L.
Published: July 2023

Several billion pounds of ketones are produced annually for industrial use in the United States and worldwide. Those with the highest production volumes include acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, cyclohexanone, 4‐hydroxy‐4‐methyl‐2‐pentanone, isophorone, mesityl oxide, and acetophenone. Common methods used to manufacture ketones include aliphatic hydrocarbon oxidation, alcohol dehydration with subsequent oxidation, dehydrogenation of phenol, alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon oxidation, and condensation reactions. Ketones are commonly used in industry as solvents, extractants, chemical intermediates, and, to a lesser extent, flavor and fragrance ingredients. Although a common effect of excessive ketone exposure is CNS depression some ketones have pulmonary effects that are well below levels that cause acute CNS effects. For example, ketones such as diacetyl and chemically similar chemicals used for flavoring foods, coffee, and e‐cigarettes provide opportunities for widespread exposure and very debilitating pulmonary disease including bronchiolitis obliterans.
A novel intrarenal multimodal 2D/3D registration algorithm and preliminary phantom study
Authors: Fu Zuoming , Jin Ziyi , Zhang Chongan , Wang Peng , Zhang Hong , Ye Xuesong
Published: July 2023

Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is a widely utilized diagnostic and therapeutic tool for multiple upper urinary tract pathologies. The image‐guided navigation system can assist the surgeon to perform precise surgery by providing the relative position between the lesion and the instrument after the intraoperative image is registered with the preoperative model. However, due to the structural complexity and diversity of multi‐branched organs such as kidneys, bronchi, etc., the consistency of the intensity distribution of virtual and real images will be challenged, which makes the classical pure intensity registration method prone to bias and random results in a wide search domain. In this paper, we propose a structural feature similarity‐based method combined with a semantic style transfer network, which significantly improves the registration accuracy when the initial state deviation is obvious. Furthermore, multi‐view constraints are introduced to compensate for the collapse of spatial depth information and improve the robustness of the algorithm. Experimental studies were conducted on two models generated from patient data to evaluate the performance of the method and competing algorithms. The proposed method obtains mean target error (mTRE) of 0.971 ± 0.585 mm and 1.266 ± 0.416 mm respectively, with better accuracy and robustness overall. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method has the potential to be applied to RIRS and extended to other organs with similar structures.
Emergency department visits following endoscopic skull base surgery: An opportunity for improvement
Authors: Godse Neal R. , Jarmula Jakub , Kshettry Varun R. , Woodard Troy D. , Recinos Pablo F. , Sindwani Raj
Published: July 2023

Background

Readmissions are major healthcare expenditures, key hospital metrics, and are often preceded by an evaluation in the emergency department (ED). The purpose of this study was to analyze ED visits within 30 days of endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS), risk factors for readmission once in the ED, and ED‐related evaluation and outcomes.

Methods

Retrospective review from January 2017 to December 2022 at a high‐volume center of all ESBS patients who presented to the ED within 30 days of surgery.

Results

Of 593 ESBS cases, 104 patients (17.5%) presented to the ED following surgery within 30 days, with a median presentation of 6 days post‐discharge (IQR 5–14); 54 (51.9%) patients were discharged while 50 (48.1%) were readmitted. Readmitted patients were significantly older than discharged patients (median 60 years, IQR 50–68 vs. 48 years, 33–56; p < 0.01). Extent of ESBS was not associated with readmission or discharge from the ED. The most common discharge diagnoses were headache (n = 13, 24.1%) and epistaxis (n = 10, 18.5%); the most common readmitting diagnoses were serum abnormality (n = 15, 30.0%) and altered mental status (n = 5, 10.0%). Readmitted patients underwent significantly more laboratory testing than discharged patients (median 6, IQR 3–9 vs. 4, 1–6; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

Approximately half of patients who presented to the ED following ESBS were discharged home but underwent significant workup. Follow‐up within 7 days of discharge, risk‐stratified endocrine care pathways, and efforts to address the social determinants of health may be considered to optimize postoperative ESBS care.
Longitudinal motor decline in dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson disease dementia, and Alzheimer's dementia in a community autopsy cohort
Authors: Choudhury Parichita , Zhang Nan , Adler Charles H. , Chen Kewei , Belden Christine , Driver‐Dunckley Erika , Mehta Shyamal H. , Shprecher David R. , Serrano Geidy E. , Shill Holly A. , Beach Thomas G. , Atri Alireza
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION

We examined the progression of extrapyramidal symptoms and signs in autopsy‐confirmed dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD), and Alzheimer's disease dementia (AD).

METHODS

Longitudinal data were obtained from Arizona Study of Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease, with PDD (n = 98), AD (n = 47) and DLB (n = 48) further sub‐grouped as with or without parkinsonism (DLB+ and DLB−). Within‐group Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) ‐II and UPDRS‐III trajectories were analyzed using non‐linear mixed effects models.

RESULTS

In DLB, 65.6% had parkinsonism. Baseline UPDRS‐II and III scores (off‐stage) were highest (P < 0.001) for PDD (mean ± SD 14.3 ± 7.8 and 27.4 ± 16.3), followed by DLB+ (6.0 ± 8.8 and 17.2 ± 17.1), DLB− (1.1 ± 1.3 and 3.3 ± 5.5) and AD (3.2 ± 6.1 and 8.2 ± 13.6). Compared to PDD, the DLB+ group had faster UPDRS‐III progression over 8‐years (Cohen's‐d range 0.98 to 2.79, P < 0.001), driven by gait (P < 0.001) and limb bradykinesia (P = 0.02) subscales.

DISCUSSION

Motor deficits progress faster in DLB+ than PDD, providing insights about expected changes in motor function.

Highlights

Dementia with Lewy bodies has faster motor progression than Parkinson's disease dementia

Linear and non‐linear mixed modeling analysis of longitudinal data was utilized

Findings have implications for clinical prognostication and trial design
Effects of amyloid beta and dopaminergic depletion on perfusion and clinical symptoms
Authors: Lee Young‐gun , Jeon Seun , Kang Sung Woo , Ye Byoung Seok
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION

Although mixed pathologies are common in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), the effects of amyloid beta and dopaminergic depletion on brain perfusion and clinical symptoms have not been elucidated.

METHODS

In 99 cognitive impairment patients due to AD and/or DLB and 32 controls, 18F‐florbetaben (FBB) and dual‐phase dopamine transporter (DAT) positron emission tomography (PET) were performed to measure the FBB standardized uptake value ratio (SUVR), striatal DAT uptakes, and brain perfusion.

RESULTS

Higher FBB‐SUVR and lower ventral striatal DAT uptake were intercorrelated and, respectively, associated with left entorhinal/temporo‐parietal‐centered hypoperfusion and vermis/hippocampal‐centered hyperperfusion, whereas regional perfusion mediated clinical symptoms and cognition.

DISCUSSION

Amyloid beta deposition and striatal dopaminergic depletion contribute to regional perfusion changes, clinical symptoms, and cognition in the spectrum of normal aging and cognitive impairment due to AD and/or LBD.

Highlights

Amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition was associated with ventral striatal dopaminergic depletion.

Aβ deposition and dopaminergic depletion correlated with perfusion.

Aβ deposition correlated with hypoperfusion centered in the left entorhinal cortex.

Dopaminergic depletion correlated with hyperperfusion centered in the vermis.

Perfusion mediated the Aβ deposition/dopaminergic depletion's effects on cognition.
Amelioration of silymarin against cadmium‐induced toxicity in pregnant rats and their fetuses
Authors: Omar Amel Ramadan , Nour Amira Abdelnasser , Dakrory Ahmed Emam
Published: July 2023

Background

Silymarin is an antioxidant without side effects even at relatively high physiological dosage. Therefore, it is safely used as a herbal medicine for treating different diseases.

Aim of work

The purpose of this study was to examine the toxicity of cadmium (Cd) in pregnant rats and their fetuses and the ameliorative effects of silymarin (SL) against this toxicity.

Materials & methods

A total of 24 pregnant rats allocated into four equal groups. Control, silymarin (200 mg/kg), Cd (5 mg/kg), and a combination of Cd and silymarin concurrent from 6 to 20th gestational day. Number of corpora lutea, dams', gravid uteri, placental weights, and likewise fetal body weights and lengths were analyzed as physical parameters. Serum levels of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, creatinine, urea, uric acid, and maternal and fetal liver tissues for malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione activity were studied. The histology of hepatic and renal tissues for both mothers and fetuses was examined. Data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance test and Duncan's multiple range test was used to compare group means.

Results

The findings evidenced that Cd causes teratogenic abnormalities and histopathological variation in hepatic and renal tissues of both mothers and fetuses. Cd triggers oxidative stress and disrupts liver and kidney function. In Cd + silymarin treated rats exhibited improvement in the pregnancy outcomes, reduced histopathological changes, oxidative stress as well as liver and kidney enzymes.

Conclusion

We deduced that using of silymarin during gestation is effective and ameliorate the toxic maternal complications caused by cadmium.
Tumoral parkinsonism—Parkinsonism secondary to brain tumors, paraneoplastic syndromes, intracranial malformations, or oncological intervention, and the effect of dopaminergic treatment
Authors: Cedergren Weber Gustav , Timpka Jonathan , Rydelius Anna , Bengzon Johan , Odin Per
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Secondary tumoral parkinsonism is a rare phenomenon that develops as a direct or indirect result of brain neoplasms or related conditions.

Objectives

The first objective was to explore to what extent brain neoplasms, cavernomas, cysts, paraneoplastic syndromes (PNSs), and oncological treatment methods cause parkinsonism. The second objective was to investigate the effect of dopaminergic therapy on the symptomatology in patients with tumoral parkinsonism.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted in the databases PubMed and Embase. Search terms like “secondary parkinsonism,” “astrocytoma,” and “cranial irradiation” were used. Articles fulfilling inclusion criteria were included in the review.

Results

Out of 316 identified articles from the defined database search strategies, 56 were included in the detailed review. The studies, which were mostly case reports, provided research concerning tumoral parkinsonism and related conditions. It was found that various types of primary brain tumors, such as astrocytoma and meningioma, and more seldom brain metastases, can cause tumoral parkinsonism. Parkinsonism secondary to PNSs, cavernomas, cysts, as well as oncological treatments was reported. Twenty‐five of the 56 included studies had tried initiating dopaminergic therapy, and of these 44% reported no, 48% low to moderate, and 8% excellent effect on motor symptomatology.

Conclusion

Brain neoplasms, PNSs, certain intracranial malformations, and oncological treatments can cause parkinsonism. Dopaminergic therapy has relatively benign side effects and may relieve motor and nonmotor symptomatology in patients with tumoral parkinsonism. Dopaminergic therapy, particularly levodopa, should therefore be considered in patients with tumoral parkinsonism.
The impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic on the environmental sustainability strategies of listed firms in Sweden
Authors: Andersson Fredrik N. G. , Arvidsson Susanne
Published: July 2023

How macroeconomic crises affect firms' environmental sustainability strategies is an open question. We study the impact of the Covid‐19 pandemic on the environmental sustainability strategies of firms listed on the OMXNasdaq stock exchange in Sweden. The analysis is based on a survey distributed twice, once during the summer of 2020 and once during the summer of 2021 with detailed questions related to the firms' environmental strategies. We find that most firms view the pandemic as an opportunity to strengthen their environmental strategies. However, we also find that the economic downturn caused most firms to redirect scarce resources away from environmental sustainability. We also find that firms which had adopted the Taskforce on Climate‐Related Financial Disclosures were less likely to divert resources. These short‐term results indicate that the pandemic will not enhance firms' environmental sustainability practices in the future.
Recent Progress of Inorganic Hole‐Transport Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells†
Authors: Wang Rui , Dong Xiyue , Liu Yongsheng
Published: July 2023

Comprehensive Summary

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have achieved significant progress in the past decade and a certified power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 26.0% has been achieved. The widely used organic hole transport materials (HTMs) in PSCs are typically sensitive to the moisture environment and continuous light exposure. In contrast, the inorganic HTMs benefiting from their outstanding merits, such as excellent environmental stability, are considered as alternatives and have attracted much attention in PSCs. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the fundamental properties and recent progress of inorganic HTMs in n‐i‐p and p‐i‐n structured PSCs. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of inorganic HTMs in the development of highly efficient and stable PSCs.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Denitrogenative Self‐carbonylation of Arylhydrazine Using CO and O2 as an Ideal Oxidant†
Authors: Kolekar Yuvraj A. , Bhanage Bhalchandra M.
Published: July 2023

Comprehensive Summary

An efficient Pd/Cu‐catalyzed oxidative self‐carbonylation of arylhydrazine with CO and molecular oxygen as an oxidant to afford symmetrical biaryl ketones via C—N bond activation has been developed. In this approach, arylhydrazine hydrochlorides are used as a green arylating agent which releases nitrogen and water as byproducts. This developed protocol significantly restricts the formation of aryl iodide and homo‐coupled azobenzene products even under favorable conditions. A library of symmetrical biaryl ketones with wide functionalities was synthesized in good yields under mild conditions.
Reduction of four bis‐azo dyes by pig liver microsomal fraction in anaerobic conditions
Authors: Faraoni Paola , Gnerucci Alessio , Laschi Serena , Ranaldi Francesco
Published: July 2023

The study of azo dyes degradation products and their harmfulness is an important topic because their diffusion in the environment is still a serious problem. We investigated the reduction by pig liver microsomal fraction of four bis‐azo dyes, Acid Red 73, Acid Red 150, Direct Red 24, and Direct Red 28, in anaerobic condition. These complex molecules, different for position/nature of substituent groups and for the group interposed between the two azo bonds, allowed to investigate the correlation between substrate molecular structure and action of a subcellular fraction representative of the xenobiotic degradation by a living organism and the consequent possible appearance of harmful reaction products. Dyes were first carefully purified to eliminate interferences in the enzymatic assays. The reduction products were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Acid Red 73 and Acid Red 150 were markedly reduced with production of harmful aromatic amines, while Direct Red 24 and Direct Red 28 were neither reduced to their synthesis amines nor to other amines. These results suggest that azo dyes with a benzidine derivative group are not degraded by microsomal fraction and therefore molecules with a similar structure could be classified with a lower risk index not producing any harmful catabolic product.
Members of the CUGBP Elav‐like family of RNA‐binding proteins are expressed in distinct populations of primary sensory neurons
Authors: Grlickova‐Duzevik Eliza , Reimonn Thomas M. , Michael Merilla , Tian Tina , Owyoung Jordan , McGrath‐Conwell Aidan , Neufeld Peter , Mueth Madison , Molliver Derek C. , Ward Patricia Jillian , Harrison Benjamin J.
Published: July 2023

Primary sensory dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons are diverse, with distinct populations that respond to specific stimuli. Previously, we observed that functionally distinct populations of DRG neurons express mRNA transcript variants with different 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTRs). 3′UTRs harbor binding sites for interaction with RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) for transporting mRNAs to subcellular domains, modulating transcript stability, and regulating the rate of translation. In the current study, analysis of publicly available single‐cell RNA‐sequencing data generated from adult mice revealed that 17 3′UTR‐binding RBPs were enriched in specific populations of DRG neurons. This included four members of the CUG triplet repeat (CUGBP) Elav‐like family (CELF): CELF2 and CELF4 were enriched in peptidergic, CELF6 in both peptidergic and nonpeptidergic, and CELF3 in tyrosine hydroxylase‐expressing neurons. Immunofluorescence studies confirmed that 60% of CELF4+ neurons are small‐diameter C fibers and 33% medium‐diameter myelinated (likely Aδ) fibers and showed that CELF4 is distributed to peripheral termini. Coexpression analyses using transcriptomic data and immunofluorescence revealed that CELF4 is enriched in nociceptive neurons that express GFRA3, CGRP, and the capsaicin receptor TRPV1. Reanalysis of published transcriptomic data from macaque DRG revealed a highly similar distribution of CELF members, and reanalysis of single‐nucleus RNA‐sequencing data derived from mouse and rat DRG after sciatic injury revealed differential expression of CELFs in specific populations of sensory neurons. We propose that CELF RBPs may regulate the fate of mRNAs in populations of nociceptors, and may play a role in pain and/or neuronal regeneration following nerve injury.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Oral Azacitidine, and Exposure–Response Analysis in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Gaudy Allison , Laille Eric , Bailey Rochelle , Zhou Simon , Skikne Barry , Beach C.L.
Published: July 2023

Oral azacitidine (oral‐AZA) maintenance is approved for adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in remission post‐intensive chemotherapy, not proceeding to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This study aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model to characterize oral‐AZA concentration–time profiles in patients with AML, myelodysplastic syndrome, or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia. PopPK‐estimated exposure parameters were used to evaluate exposure–response relationships in the phase III QUAZAR AML‐001 study. The PopPK dataset comprised 286 patients with 1,933 evaluable oral‐AZA concentration records. The final PopPK model was a one‐compartment model with first‐order absorption incorporating an absorption lag time and first‐order elimination. Regression analyses identified two oral‐AZA exposure parameters (area under the plasma concentration–time curve at steady state (AUCss); maximum plasma concentration (Cmax)) as statistically significant predictors for relapse‐free survival (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.521, P < 0.001; HR = 0.630, P = 0.013; respectively), and AUCss as a significant predictor for overall survival (HR = 0.673, P = 0.042). The probability of grade ≥ 3 neutropenia was significantly increased with increases in AUCss (odds ratio (OR) = 5.71, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.73–12.62, P < 0.001), cumulative AUC through cycles 1 to 6 (OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.76–4.44, P < 0.001), and Cmax at steady‐state (OR = 2.38, 95% CI = 1.23–4.76, P = 0.012). A decreasing trend was identified between AUCss and relapse‐related schedule extensions, vs. an increasing trend between AUCss and event‐related dose reductions. As the majority (56.8%) of patients required no dose modifications, and the proportions requiring schedule extension (19.4%) or dose reduction (22.9%) were almost equal, oral‐AZA 300 mg once daily for 14 days is the optimal dosing schedule balancing survival benefit and safety risk.
Bioanalytical Methods for Characterization of CAR‐T Cellular Kinetics: Comparison of PCR Assays and Matrices
Authors: Masilamani Madhan , Jawa Vibha , Dai Yanshan , Das Romita , Park Alice , Lamba Manisha , Wu Fan , Zheng Xirong , Lu Edwin , Gleason Carol , Mack Tim , Mora Johanna , Surapaneni Sekhar
Published: July 2023

Recently, multiple chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell (CAR‐T)‐based therapies have been approved for treating hematological malignancies, targeting CD19 and B‐cell maturation antigen. Unlike protein or antibody therapies, CAR‐T therapies are “living cell” therapies whose pharmacokinetics are characterized by expansion, distribution, contraction, and persistence. Therefore, this unique modality requires a different approach for quantitation compared with conventional ligand binding assays implemented for most biologics. Cellular (flow cytometry) or molecular assays (polymerase chain reaction (PCR)) can be deployed with each having unique advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we describe the molecular assays utilized: quantitative PCR (qPCR), which was the initial platform used to estimate transgene copy numbers and more recently droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) which quantitates the absolute copy numbers of CAR transgene. The comparability of the two methods in patient samples and of each method across different matrices (isolated CD3+ T‐cells or whole blood) was also performed. The results show a good correlation between qPCR and ddPCR for the amplification of same gene in clinical samples from a CAR‐T therapy trial. In addition, our studies show that the qPCR‐based amplification of transgene levels was well‐correlated, independent of DNA sources (either CD3+ T‐cells or whole blood). Our results also highlight that ddPCR can be a better platform for monitoring samples at the early phase of CAR‐T dosing prior to expansion and during long‐term monitoring as they can detect samples with very low copy numbers with high sensitivity, in addition to easier implementation and sample logistics.
Modeling of Proliferating CD4 and CD8 T‐Cell Changes to Tremelimumab Exposure in Patients with Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Song Xuyang , Kelley Robin Kate , Green Michelle , Standifer Nathan , Lim KyoungSoo , Zhou Diansong , Dunyak James , Negro Alejandra , Kurland John F. , Ren Song , Khan Anis A. , Gibbs Megan , Abou‐Alfa Ghassan K.
Published: July 2023

The STRIDE (Single Tremelimumab Regular Interval Durvalumab) regimen of single‐dose tremelimumab 300 mg, plus durvalumab 1,500 mg every 4 weeks demonstrated potential for long‐term survival in studies of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC; Study 22 and HIMALAYA). The aim of this analysis was to investigate changes in proliferating CD4+ Ki67+ and CD8+ Ki67+ T cells and their relationship with tremelimumab exposure in patients with uHCC. Median cell count, change from baseline, and percent change from baseline in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells peaked around 14 days after STRIDE. A model of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell response to tremelimumab exposure was developed. Patients with lower baseline T cell counts had a greater percent change from baseline in T cell response to tremelimumab, and baseline T‐cell count was included in the final model. With the full covariate model, the half‐maximal effective concentration (EC50) of tremelimumab was 6.10 μg/mL (standard error = 1.07 μg/mL); > 98.0% of patients were predicted to have a minimum plasma concentration greater than EC50 with tremelimumab 300 or 750 mg. For EC75 (9.82 μg/mL), 69.5% and 98.2% of patients were predicted to exceed the EC75 with tremelimumab 300 and 750 mg, respectively. This analysis supports the clinical hypothesis that combination anti‐cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte‐associated antigen 4 (anti‐CTLA‐4) and anti‐programmed cell death ligand‐1 (anti‐PD‐L1) therapy primes an immune response that may then be sustained by anti‐PD‐L1 monotherapy and supports the clinical utility of the STRIDE regimen in patients with uHCC. These insights may also help inform dose selection of anti‐CTLA‐4 plus anti‐PD‐L1 combination strategies.
Hybrid Controlled Clinical Trials Using Concurrent Registries in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Feasibility Study
Authors: van Eijk Ruben P. A. , van den Berg Leonard H. , Roes Kit C. B. , Tian Lu , Lai Tze L. , Nelson Lorene M. , Li Chenyu , Scowcroft Anna , Garcia‐Segovia Jesus , Lu Ying
Published: July 2023

Hybrid designs with both randomized arms and an external control cohort preserve key features of randomization and utilize external information to augment clinical trials. In this study, we propose to leverage high‐quality, patient‐level concurrent registries to enhance clinical trials and illustrate the impact on trial design for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The proposed methodology was evaluated in a randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial. We used patient‐level information from a well‐defined, population‐based registry, that was running parallel to the randomized clinical trial, to identify concurrently nonparticipating, eligible patients who could be matched with trial participants, and integrate them into the statistical analysis. We assessed the impact of the addition of the external controls on the treatment effect estimate, precision, and time to reach a conclusion. During the runtime of the trial, a total of 1,141 registry patients were alive; 473 (41.5%) of them fulfilled the eligibility criteria and 133 (11.7%) were enrolled in the study. A matched control population could be identified among the nonparticipating patients. Augmenting the randomized controls with matched external controls could have avoided unnecessary randomization of 17 patients (−12.8%) as well as reducing the study duration from 30.1 months to 22.6 months (−25.0%). Matching eligible external controls from a different calendar period led to bias in the treatment effect estimate. Hybrid trial designs utilizing a concurrent registry with rigorous matching can minimize bias due to a mismatch in calendar time and differences in standard of care, and may accelerate the development of new treatments.
Assessing Information Gaps Associated with Initial Pediatric Study Plans for New Oncology Drug and Biological Products
Authors: Guinn Daphne , Gafford Marilyn , Burckart Gilbert J. , Reaman Gregory , Charlab Rosane
Published: July 2023

The Research Acceleration for Cure and Equity (RACE) for Children Act requires sponsors to submit a Pediatric Study Plan (PSP) with a proposed pediatric investigation of new molecularly targeted drugs and biologics that are intended for treatment of adult cancers, and whose target is relevant to pediatric cancer or provide a justification for a plan to request a deferral or waiver of the required investigation. A landscape analysis was performed to identify trends in information gaps associated with a sponsor's first initial PSP (iPSP) submission for oncologic new molecular entities received in 2021. Comments sent to sponsors by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) during the review process of each evaluated iPSP were categorized using nine flags relating to different portions of the PSP. For iPSPs that included a plan for a full waiver request, the most common information gap was inadequate justification based on molecular target relevance. All other sponsor proposed plans (deferral and/or partial waiver or investigation) were found to have information gaps related to clinical study features, clinical pharmacology, and/or missing clinical or nonclinical data. This landscape analysis of iPSPs shows the trends in comments that often occur during initial review and may help to provide sponsors with more direction for preparing an adequate iPSP to fulfill statutory requirements aimed at ensuring pediatric patients are considered in the development of new molecularly targeted drugs.
Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilatation‐assisted retrieval of a proximally migrated double pigtail stent from the bile duct: A case report
Authors: Kamezaki Hidehiro , Yoshikawa Hiroshi , Iwanaga Terunao , Tokunaga Mamoru , Maeda Takahiro , Senoo Junichi , Ohyama Hiroshi , Kato Naoya
Published: July 2023

Double‐pigtail stents are commonly used for drainage in cholangitis to prevent stent migration. We report a case in which a double pigtail stent had migrated proximally into the bile duct and was successfully retrieved after endoscopic papillary large balloon dilatation (EPLBD). An 86‐year‐old man underwent endoscopic papillary sphincterotomy for cholangitis due to common bile duct stones and had a double‐pigtail stent placed in the common bile duct. The patient presented a week later for endoscopic biliary stone removal, but the stent had migrated proximally and could not be visualized during the endoscopy. Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilatation was performed to dilate the papilla to a diameter of 12 mm, following which the stent was grasped and removed. The biliary calculi were subsequently extracted, and the procedure was completed without any complications. This case highlights the potential usefulness of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilatation for retrieving a double‐pigtail stent that has migrated to the bile duct.