bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The essential-use concept: a valuable tool to guide decision-making on applications for authorisation under REACH?
Authors: Figuière Romain , Borchert Flora , Cousins Ian T. , Ågerstrand Marlene
Published: October 2022

Background: In 2020, the European Commission published the Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) in which it aims to increase the level of protection for human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals. Part of the implementation of the CSS will involve a reform of the REACH authorisation and restriction processes. One option for the reform of the authorisation process is to implement the essential-use concept as a tool to guide decision-making on applications for authorisation to make the process more efficient and to align it with societal needs. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether changes in the legal text that defines the authorisation process, and of the amount and type of information that applicants should provide in an application for authorisation, are needed to enable an implementation of the essential-use concept.
Results: The results suggest that no fundamental changes in the regulatory requirements are needed and that applicants should already provide sufficient and relevant information to the authorities to determine if the use(s) applied for is (are) essential.
Conclusion: Although the REACH authorisation already provides a legal and practical basis for an implementation of the essential-use concept, the feasibility of the essentiality assessment and its potential to make the decision-making on applications more efficient are highly dependent on the quality of the information provided and the clearness of decision criteria.
Small Bowel Refractory Bleeding: A Retrospective Study for Causes and Surgical Management
Authors: AL-Magedi Ahmed A.S. , Xv Yifan , Wang Zhi , Xu Wei , Wu Rong , Zhang Weiyu , Tao Qingsong
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Small Bowel (SB) Bleeding is one of the common gastrointestinal problems, particularly in elders. The study aimed to find the causes of refractory bleeding and overcome the challenges and difficulties of surgical treatment for SB refractory bleeding.

Methods

All Patients with SB refractory bleeding who underwent surgical treatment were included in this study. Patients’ characteristics, surgical finding, and follow-up assessments were reviewed and analyzed through Hospital Information System (HIS) records from October 1st ,2014, to November 30th ,2020. All analyses were performed using SPSS v23.0.

Results

The causes of SB bleeding include Vascular lesions (Angioectasia, AVM, Dieulafoy lesions) 29.6%, Tumors (Polyps, GIST, Adenocarcinoma, and other) 24.5%, Diverticular 18.4%, Ulcers/erosion 15.3%, Inflammatory bowel disease 7.1% and other 5.1%. Patients (age < 60) were highly developed Small Bowel bleeding caused by diverticular 26.4% compared to patients (Age ≥ 60) 8.9%, while bleeding caused by vascular lesions was significantly higher in patients (Age ≥ 60) 37.8%. Other causes, such as tumors and IBD, showed no significant difference related in age. Exploratory laparotomy was the standard method of bowel extrinsic examination. The intraoperative enteroscopy enterotomy (IOE-E) and IOE-combined were performed in 52 patients (1:1). IOE-E shows lower postoperative morbidity and shorter time of operation P < 0.05 compared to the IOE-combined approach .

Conclusions

Age and exhaustive patient history can assist in finding out the etiology. IOE-E is safe, and coordination between surgeon and endoscopist is necessary for IOE if an identifiable source cannot be found in endoscopy or exploratory laparotomy alone.
Prone position PET/CT is useful in reducing gravity-dependent opacity related [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose uptake
Authors: Song Yun Hye , Moon Jung Won , Kim Yoo Na , Woo Ji Young , Son Hye Joo , Lee Suk Hyun
Published: October 2022

Purpose
We investigated whether [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) taken in the prone position could reduce [18F]FDG uptake in dependent lungs.
Methods
Patients who underwent [18F]FDG PET/CT in both supine and prone positions from October 2018 to September 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. [18F]FDG uptake of dependent and nondependent lungs was analysed visually and semi-quantitatively. A linear regression analysis was also performed to examine the association between the mean standardised uptake value (SUVmean) and the Hounsfield unit (HU).
Results
Totally, 135 patients (median age, 66 years [interquartile range: 58–75 years]; 80 men) were included. Dependent lungs showed significantly higher SUVmean and HU than nondependent lungs on both supine position PET/CT (sPET/CT, 0.59 ± 0.14 vs. 0.36 ± 0.09, p < 0.001; −671 ± 66 vs. −802 ± 43, p < 0.001; respectively) and prone position PET/CT (pPET/CT, 0.45 ± 0.12 vs. 0.42 ± 0.08, p < 0.001; −731 ± 67 vs. −790 ± 40, p < 0.001; respectively). In the linear regression analysis, there was a strong association between the SUVmean and HU in sPET/CT (R = 0.86, p < 0.001) and a moderate association in pPET/CT (R = 0.65, p < 0.001). One hundred and fifteen patients (85.2%) had visually discernible [18F]FDG uptake in the posterior lung on sPET/CT, which disappeared on pPET/CT in all but one patient (0.7%, p < 0.001).
Conclusion
[18F]FDG uptake of the lung had moderate-to-strong associations with HU. Gravity-dependent opacity-related [18F]FDG uptake can be effectively reduced on prone position PET/CT.
TET3 as non-invasive screening tool for the detection of fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease
Authors: Feng Lin-Lin , Liu Ran-Yang , An Kun , Tang Shuang , Wu Jun , Yang Qin
Published: October 2022

Ten-eleven translocation protein 3 (TET3) is one of the key enzymes in DNA demethylation which can be expressed in liver tissues. However, the clinical value of TET3 for diagnosis and treatment have not been reported previously. Here, we investigated whether TET3 can be detected by serological methods and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of serum TET3 for non-fibrotic hepatitis, fibrotic hepatitis and cirrhosis. 212 patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) from were enrolled in this study. Clinical and biochemical data of all cases were obtained. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the serum levels of TET3. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) were determined to examine the diagnostic accuracy of TET3 and combination model for diagnosis fibrosis. Univariable and multivariate analyses showed that levels of TET3 and FIB-4 index were independent predictors of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The areas under the ROC curve of the TET3 level and fibrosis-4 index for liver fibrosis were 0.863 and 0.813, and 0.916 and 0.957 for liver cirrhosis. When the TET3 level was associated with fibrosis-4 index, the AUROC was 0.943 for liver fibrosis and 0.990 for liver cirrhosis. The TET3-fibrosis-4 model showed a highly promising positive predictive value for detecting liver fibrosis and cirrhosis different stages of (93.50% and 100%, respectively) as compared with each diagnostic tool alone. TET3 is related to the development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The TET3-fibrosis-4 model could enhance discriminatory power which could be represented a promising non-invasive tool for diagnosis and screening of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Close-Range 3-D Millimeter Wave Imaging with Full Path Loss Based on Range Stacking Algorithm
Authors: Nie Xinyi , Wang Sheng , Qing Anyong , Lin Chuan , Amsdon Tim
Published: October 2022

An accurate and more more efficient millimeter-wave imaging algorithmfor monostatic system is presented in this paper. First of all, a moreprecise physical model which takes into account propagation loss of both theincident wave and reflected wave is implemented. Consequently, the proposedalgorithm obtains a better imaging result for multiple targets in differentranges. However, the accordingly physical model can not be processed by theclassical mathematical model, such as spherical wave decomposition and Weylidentity. Therefore, the method of stationary phase (MSP) is applied to derivethe imaging equation. In addition, range stacking is introduced to avoidtime-consuming interpolation in the spectral domain, which also contributesto improved computational efficiency compared with the algorithms using interpolationprocess. Quality of imaging efficiency have been improved in numericalresults with both synthetic data and full-wave simulation data. Theproposed algorithm has been further justified through laboratory testing withour in-house developed prototype.
Isotopic insights into the Early Acheulean (1.95 Ma-1.66 Ma) high-elevation paleoenvironments at Melka Kunture (Upper Awash, Ethiopia)
Authors: Briatico Giuseppe , Bocherens Hervé , Bonnefille Raymonde , Geraads Denis , Mussi Margherita
Published: October 2022

In this paper, we present carbon and oxygen stable isotope analysis of fauna tooth enamel from Garba IVD (~1.95 Ma) and Gombore IB (~1.66 Ma), two Early Acheulean sites of Melka Kunture (Upper Awash, Ethiopia) and discuss faunal taxonomy and fossil pollen. Our aim is to infer the diet, habitat, and environment at both sites and provide a broader paleoecological reconstruction. During the Pleistocene, the vegetation of the highlands of Ethiopia belonged to the “Dry evergreen Afromontane Forest and grassland complex”, distinct from the savanna of lower elevations in East Africa.
Our carbon isotopic results indicate that all the analyzed faunal taxa were grazers, consuming C4 grasses, while oxygen isotopic results clearly discriminate the taxa according to their semi-aquatic or terrestrial habitats. These results are consistent with the analysis of the faunal assemblages and the palynological results, suggesting extended mountain grasslands in the landscape at Garba IVD. In contrast, the carbon isotopic results do not totally agree with the pollen paleoenvironmental reconstruction at Gombore IB, where the open vegetation was interrupted by forests and bushy vegetation. Stable isotopes and pollen data provide different outcomes (feeding strategies vs. nearby plants) and have different temporal and spatial resolutions. This is relevant when reconstructing past environments by exclusively using independent proxies. Furthermore, isotopic comparisons with other East African archaeological sites of the Lower Pleistocene age indicate that all the analyzed taxa fed on C4 grasses, and that their dietary strategies were not affected by differences linked to various elevations.
Phenology and reproductive biology of the southern rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome chrysocome) at Isla Pingüino (Santa Cruz province, Argentina)
Authors: Lera Melisa Denise , Barrionuevo Melina , Morgenthaler Annick , Millones Ana , Frere Esteban
Published: October 2022

An essential trait to study population ecology of any species is reproduction, including parental care. In marine birds, these behaviors are well defined and stereotyped. Our study focused on analyzing those of the southern rockhopper penguins (Eudyptes chrysocome chrysocome), aiming to describe the breeding aspects of life history of the population of Isla Pingüino, Argentina. This species inhabits isolated, hardly accessible areas, which makes knowledge about them scarce. Here, we implemented a novel methodology, by marking individuals and using time-lapse cameras to get 24-hour records of complete breeding seasons. Their breeding cycle was in agreement with existing data; the adults followed a fixed pattern of nest and chick attendance. Females invested more time in incubating the eggs, while males were more dedicated to chick guarding. Feeding events were more frequently held by females, with males only contributing during the crèche period. The effect of weather conditions on chick survival was assessed, since uncommonly high air temperatures were reached during the study, causing unprecedented chick mass mortality. We found that there is a lethal temperature threshold for them, hence the occurrence of several extremely hot days increases the number of dead chicks. The methodology implemented has several benefits, being useful for future research, and can be applied in other colonies of the world to improve the quality of colony monitoring and detect potential threats of this vulnerable species.
Effect of Psychostimulant Medications on Muscle Tone in Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Within-Subject Repeated-Measure Study Design
Authors: Alotaibi Mansour M. , Motl Robert W. , Stavrinos Despina , Snyder Scott W. , Singh Harshvardhan , Lein Donald H.
Published: October 2022

Background: To determine PF spasticity and the effect of PS on PF spasticity and ankle plantarflexor resistance to stretch (PFRS) in adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Methods: Participants completed two visits (off-medication and on-medication). During both visits, the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) was administered to measure PF spasticity. Two device-measured (isokinetic-dynamometer [Biodex] and surface electromyograph [sEMG]) tests assessed PFRS: reflex mediated, and non-reflex mediated.
Results: Adults with ADHD (n= 39, 31 females; mean age=28.6±6.7 years). Overall, adults with ADHD displayed elevated PF spasticity (average MAS>1). PS use was not associated with changes in PFRS [F(1,38)=0.001;p=0.972;ηp2=0.01]. A sub-analysis indicated that PS was associated with reduced PFRS [F(2,36)=4.449;p=0.019;η2=0.20], specifically with the reflex-mediated component, among the predominantly inattentive ADHD subtype.
Conclusions: Adults with ADHD displayed increased PF spasticity. PS use was associated with reduced reflex mediated PFRS in adults with the predominantly Inattentive subtype of ADHD only.
Vancomycin resistant Enterococci Faecium: A sinister cause of Necrotizing Pneumonia in Post COVID patient
Authors: GUPTA CHHAVI , Sharma Shiwangi , Agarwal Meenakshi
Published: October 2022

Post COVID necrotizing pneumonia has been rarely reported. We report of case of 55-year-old male with underlying comorbidities of diabetes and hypertension and history of severe COVID 19 illness managed with mechanical ventilation. Few days after recovery, he developed bilateral pneumothorax and empyema with lung collapse and multiple patchy air opacities. Pus discharge from both intercostal tubes grew Enterococcus faecium resistant to Vancomycin and sensitive to Linezolid. Patient was successfully treated with linezolid and showed complete recovery.
The Role of Financial Sector development and Green Finance in promoting sustainable performance: Evidence from renewable energy projects in Pakistan
Authors: Shandong Naveed Jan
Published: October 2022

This study investigates the relationship between green finance dimensions (ESE), the role of financial sector development, and the sustainable performance of renewable energy projects. Green finance with multiple dimensions (economic, social, and environmental) was adopted in the study. The study used structured questionnaires and the data is collected from different projects working in the southern part of Pakistan on energy generation which consist of 400 sample sizes. The study used structural equation modeling to analyze the theoretical framework of the study. Three different types of tests were performed over primary data. First, descriptive statistics were performed to examine and describe the sample demographic information (Loeb et al., 2017). Second, confirmatory analysis was used to evaluate the survey's psychometric properties, including its validity and reliability. Third, partial least squares equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis of the study. The results of the study indicate that the green finance economic dimension has a positive impact on the sustainable performance of renewable energy projects. Moreover, the results of the study indicate that the green finance social dimension has a positive impact on the sustainable performance of renewable energy projects. Furthermore, the results of the study indicate that the green finance environmental dimension has a positive impact on the sustainable performance of renewable energy projects. Finally, the results of the study confirmed the positive mediating role of financial sector development intervention in the relationship between green finance dimensions and sustainable performance of renewable energy projects. The findings have important insights for various stakeholders i.e. government, regulatory bodies, practitioners, academia and industry.
Uncovering N7-Methylguanosine regulator-mediated methylation modification pattern and Landscape of anti-PD-1/L1 Immunotherapy and immune microenvironment infiltration characterization in Lower-Grade Glioma
Authors: Maimaiti Aierpati , Feng Zhaohai , Liu Yanwen , Turhon Mirzat , Xie Zhihao , Wang Xixian , Kasimu Maimaitijiang , Jiang Lei , Wang Yongxin , Wang Zengliang , Pei Yinan
Published: October 2022

Background
N7-methylguanosine (m7G) modification signature has been found recently in cancer and is now known as an essential regulator of tumor progression and treatment. As a result of the function of m7G methylation modification genes in tumorigenesis and progression, there isn't much information related to the genomic profile of lower-grade gliomas (LGGs).
Result
In this research, bioinformatics analysis methods were used to characterize m7G modifications in individuals with LGG from The Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Afterward, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), single sample GSEA (ssGSEA), CIBERSORT algorithm, ESTIMATE algorithm, R package "GSVA," and TIDE were used to evaluate the association between m7G modification patterns, TME cell infiltration properties as well as the correlation regarding immune infiltration markers. The m7G scoring scheme using principal component analysis (PCA) was employed to investigate the m7G modification patterns of individual tumors quantitatively. We examined the m7G modification hub genes' expression levels in normal samples, refractory epilepsy samples, and lower-grade glioma samples using immunohistochemistry, western-blotting, and QRT-PCR.It was discovered that individuals with LGG were categorized into two groups in terms of m7G scores (high and low) as per the properties of m7G. After observing the anti-PD-1 cohort, it has been noted that individuals having a high m7G score had significant clinical benefit, along with considerably prolonged survival duration. Opposing this, individuals in the anti-PD-L1 cohort having low m7G scores had improved prognostic outcomes and were more likely to have CR (Complete Response) / PR (Partial Response). Different m7G subtypes have different TMB (Tumor Mutational Burden) and immune profiles and might have varied responses to immunotherapy. Moreover, five potential genetic markers were found that were highly correlated with the index of the m7G score signature.
Conclusion
Conclusively, a thorough investigation of the features and classification associated with m7G methylation modifications may improve the clinical outcome of LGG.
Inactivation of MGMT is Associated With the Efficacy of Streptozocin and High-grade Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms
Authors: Yagi Kohei , Ono Hiroaki , Kudo Atsushi , Kinowaki Yuko , Asano Daisuke , Watanabe Shuichi , Ishikawa Yoshiya , Ueda Hiroki , Akahoshi Keiichi , Tanaka Shinji , Tanabe Minoru
Published: October 2022

Background/Purpose: O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) has been linked with alkylating agent resistance and tumor growth suppression. However, its role remains undetermined in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (Pan-NENs). This study examined the expression of MGMT in Pan-NENs and explored how MGMT affects the efficacy of the alkylating agent streptozocin (STZ).
Methods: The expression of MGMT was examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining in 146 Pan-NEN patients at our institute; MGMT immunoreactivity and clinicopathological factors were evaluated.
Results: In 146 Pan-NEN, 99 cases (67.8%) were judged as MGMT-positive and 47 cases (32.2%) as negative. MGMT-negative cases were associated significantly with larger tumor size (p<0.001), higher mitotic index (p<0.001), and higher Ki-67 index (p<0.001). Of the 19 cases treated with STZ, 6 cases were determined as SD and 4 cases as PD in MGMT-positive patients (N=10), while 5 cases were determined as PR and 4 cases as SD in MGMT-negative patients (N=9). Progression-free survival in MGMT-negative cases was significantly better than in MGMT-positive cases (p=0.042).
Conclusions: MGMT expression was decreased with higher grade Pan-NENs, and STZ improved the therapeutic outcomes of MGMT-negative Pan-NENs. These findings indicate that higher grade Pan-NENs may represent a better therapeutic target for STZ treatment.
Effects of Multiple Trace Elements Supplementation on Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Factor in Rats Fed a High-sucrose Diet
Authors: Qi Shaojun , Tang Yanjin , Zhang Jiacheng , Liu Rui , Qin Chuan , Gao Xibao
Published: October 2022

This study was designed to examine the effects of trace elements on inflammation and antioxidant capacity in rats with high-sucrose diet. Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group I, control diet; group II, control diet + trace elements; group III, high-sucrose diet; group IV, high-sugar diet + trace elements. While the animals were fed, rats in group II and group IV were given a supplement of eleven kinds of trace elements including boron, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, selenium, strontium and molybdenum by gavage every day, whereas others were injected with physiological saline. At 4, 8, 12 and 20 weeks, the changes of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers at each time point were evaluated. The results showed that the high-sucrose diet rats induced a noticeable increase in body weight, blood glucose, and significantly caused oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, the trace elements supplement significantly reduced the trace element deficiency and high-sucrose diet induced by the rise of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, but promoted the secretion of interleukin-4 and interleukin-10. Secondly, supplementation of trace elements can inhibit the decrease of catalase, total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in serum and spleen of rats with high- sucrose diet, improve the level of glutathione and total antioxidant capacity, and reduce the production of malondialdehyde. Finally, micronutrient balance can prevent weight gain caused by high-sucrose diet in rats.
Radicular intracanal splitting forces and cutting efficiency of NiTi rotary versus reciprocating systems: A comparative in vitro study
Authors: AL-JADAA Anas , ALSMADI Ranya F. , SALEM Wesal M. , ABDULRIDHA Aya A. , AFRASHTEHFAR Kelvin I.
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to compare the intracanal lateral force and cutting efficiency associated with two engine-driven nickel-titanium (NiTi) systems during root canal shaping. Bovine single-rooted teeth models were assembled to a custom-made splitting force measuring platform while being endodontically treated with rotary (ProTaper Gold [PTG]) or reciprocal systems (WaveOne Gold [WOG]) by two clinicians. The cutting efficiency test was run for each group by a free-falling endomotor on dentin discs for 3 minutes. The resulting force, files, and stroke force peaks were recorded. Data were analyzed by the Shapiro-Wilk test and ANOVA. Statistical significance was set at alpha = 0.05. Intraracanal lateral forces (p < 0.01), cutting efficiency (p < 0.01), and time efficiency (p < 0.01) were significantly different between the NiTi groups. The maximum lateral splitting force was detected using the PTG shaping full-length file (S1) and during the WOG final stroke. Thus, caution is advised when reciprocating single-file systems approach the apical third or when using large taper and wide-diameter rotatory instruments. The WOG had significantly less maximum horizontal splitting force and significantly greater cutting efficiency but less time efficiency than the PTG system.
Acute pancreatitis caused by hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Nabki Reem , Ali Ayman
Published: October 2022

Background and Aim: Although hypertriglyceridemia is a recognized cause of acute pancreatitis, the clinical course remains unknown. Furthermore, lipemic serum can interfere with precise pancreatic enzyme measurements, making it difficult to diagnose acute pancreatitis. The goal was to examine the clinical performance of hypertriglyceridemia acute pancreatitis and the diagnostic utility of pancreatic enzyme serum measurements.
Methods: The demographic, clinical, analytical, and radiological data of 30 patients with hypertriglyceridemia acute pancreatitis were reviewed retrospectively. Acute pancreatitis was diagnosed based on clinical, radiological, and/or laparotomical evidence. When all other reasons were ruled out, serum triglyceride levels of more than 500 mg/dl were deemed the cause of acute pancreatitis.
Results: 40% of the patients were between the ages of 50 and 59. In 22 patients (73.3%), the most frequent symptoms were vomiting, 8 diarrhea or constipation (26.6%), 8 nausea (26.6%), 5 loss of appetite (16.6%), 5 fever (16.6%), and 4 chills (13.3%). The patients' mean white blood cell count was 13020.54, their mean amylase was 1184.50, their mean inflammatory marker (CRP) was 91.43, and their mean creatinine was 1.08. By investigating the link between BISAP and age, gender, and behaviors Due to the limited sample size and wide dispersion, there was no statistical association despite the hints offered by the research samples.
Conclusion: Elevated blood triglyceride levels are linked to a more severe course of pancreatitis. It is important to emphasize the increased incidence of local problems in HTG patients, which increases proportionately and considerably with HTG severity grade.
Safety of intravitreal anti VEGF injections in diabetic macular edema
Authors: ELShafie Mohamed
Published: October 2022

Objective
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is the most common cause of visual impairment in patients with diabetes mellitus. The pathogenesis of DME is complex and multifactorial. DME can be diagnosed using noncontact stereoscopic biomicroscopy, contact lens biomicroscopy, Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). Intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents have been investigated in the treatment of DME. This study aims to investigate safety of intravitreal anti VEGF during six-month follow up.
Methods
Sixty patients with type I or II diabetes mellitus complaining from central involved DME were recruited for this longitudinal study. All patients were subjected to full history taking, complete ophthalmological examination, systemic evaluation, FFA and OCT imaging. Patients were subdivided into three groups, 20 patients each: Ranibizumab group, Bevacizumab group and Aflibercept group.
Results
After 6-month follow-up, the ranibizumab group showed slightly higher systemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents rates, while the Bevacizumab group showed insignificant higher risk of ocular inflammation and endophthalmitis, aflibercept has the least incidence of ocular adverse effects.
Conclusion
Anti VEGF intravitreal injections are relatively safe for treatment of DME. Aflibercept showed the least incidence of ocular side effects. The current study suggested that intravitreal anti-VEGF could be administered safely to diabetic patients with decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
The Restoration of Serpentine Plant-Pollinator Mutualisms
Authors: Nelson Rebecca Ann , Dritz Sabine , Valdovinos Fernanda S. , Aigner Paul A.
Published: October 2022

Plant-pollinator mutualisms contribute to biodiversity and ecosystem function. Invasive species, however, can alter the structure and function of plant-pollinator mutualisms. Illuminating how restoration affects plant-pollinator mutualisms can provide insights into how mutualistic communities assemble and can inform management. We investigated how removing invasive barbed goatgrass (Aegilops triuncialis) influenced the diversity, abundance, and structure of plant-pollinator interactions in a California serpentine meadow. Goatgrass removal treatments resulted in decreased goatgrass cover and increased native forb cover compared to the control treatment. Restored plots had increased pollinator morphospecies richness, Shannon diversity, and pollinator abundance across all years. The restored network had a less nested structure than the control network. Plant-pollinator networks for the restored treatments had higher mean numbers of shared plant partners among pollinators and higher pollinator niche overlap relative to the control. The native forb goldfields (Lasthenia californica) acted as a generalist hub for pollinators within the networks, contributing more strongly to network nestedness in the restored treatment relative to the control. Overall, we found that removing invasive goatgrass increased pollinator diversity and abundance, resulting in higher niche overlap among pollinators visiting a generalist wildflower species. Network-based approaches can inform the restoration of plant-pollinator mutualisms, while providing insights into how mutualistic communities respond to invasive species.
Assessment of consumers’ awareness and ability to identify counterfeit drugs in developing countries in Africa – a cross sectional study based on online survey
Authors: Onuh Gideon , Hinga Simon Karanja , Nyamweya Boniface Makori , Aderemi Atayero A.
Published: October 2022

Background: Counterfeit drugs have been reported as the primary cause of increased morbidity and drug resistance in developing countries. However, consumers' awareness of the prevalence of fake drugs in developing countries remains unknown.
Objectives: To assess consumers' awareness and the principal contributors to counterfeit drugs, and propose measures to curb this menace in developing countries.
Method: Data were collected from participants from July 2020 to September 2020. In the questionnaire, there were three sections: (1) sociodemographic data; (2) knowledge about counterfeit medicines; and (3) ability to identify counterfeit medicines, rated on a five-point Likert scale. Sociodemographic factors and counterfeit medication identification rates were assessed using both deductive and inductive approach.
Results: The study involved 365 participants. Out of which only 115 participants (29.6%, 95% CI ) reported to always confirm the authenticity of drugs they consume. It was significantly more likely that participants with older ages (p = 0.016), singles (p = 0.001), Nigerians (p = 0.001), and Ghanaians (p = 0.019) could identify counterfeit medications correctly. A significant number of participants said they would check the certification of medications (p = 0.015) and report counterfeit medications to authorities (p < 0.0001). Nigeria recorded a high level of awareness, which may be due to the high response rate by participants from Nigeria and improved technology for combating substandard drugs.
Conclusion: This study assessed consumers' awareness of counterfeit drugs in selected developing countries and proposed measures that the government can implement in the fight against counterfeit drugs.
Improving Pennsylvania Bittercress Weed Control Efficacy with Mulch and Herbicide in Containers
Authors: Yu Ping , Marble Stephen Christopher
Published: October 2022

Pennsylvania bittercress (Cardamine pensylvanica) and other bittercress (Cardamine) species are among the most common and difficult-to-control weed species in container nurseries, and they have been vouched in most counties in Florida. Preemergence herbicides can provide control, but concerns over potential resistance development, environmental issues, and crop injury problems associated with herbicide use create the need for alternative weed control methods to be explored. Previous studies have shown the potential of mulch materials for controlling weeds in nurseries, but their use along with preemergence herbicides has not been extensively investigated. To compare the effects of different mulch materials and herbicides on Pennsylvania bittercress control, a full factorial designed greenhouse study was conducted. Three mulch treatments including no mulch, pine (Pinus sp.) bark, and rice (Oryza sativa) hulls were evaluated with three herbicide treatments, including water (i.e., no herbicide), isoxaben, and prodiamine applied at label rates. Twenty-five seeds of Pennsylvania bittercress were sown on the surface of each container and emergence (percent), coverage (square centimeters), seedhead number, and biomass (grams) were measured. The results showed that Pennsylvania bittercress in containers mulched with rice hulls had the lowest emergence throughout the experiment. For coverage, seedhead, and biomass parameters, Pennsylvania bittercress seeded in rice hulls treatments had significantly lower coverage, fewer seedheads, and lower biomass compared with those in nonmulched or pine bark treatments, regardless of herbicide treatment. With isoxaben and the water check, nonmulched treatments had the highest coverage/seedhead/biomass, whereas with prodiamine, Pennsylvania bittercress in pine bark mulched containers had the highest coverage/seedhead/biomass. In conclusion, applying rice hulls alone can provide better Pennsylvania bittercress control compared with isoxaben or prodiamine applied alone.
Effect of Substrate Stratification Without Fine Pine Bark Particles on Growth of Common Nursery Weed Species and Container-grown Ornamental Species
Authors: Khamare Yuvraj , Marble S. Christopher , Altland James E. , Pearson Brian J. , Chen Jianjun , Devkota Pratap
Published: October 2022

Substrate stratification is a new research area in which multiple substrates, or the same substrate with differing physical properties, are layered within a container to accomplish a production goal, such as decreasing water use, nutrient leaching, or potentially reducing weed growth. Previous research using stratification with pine (Pinus sp.) bark screened to ≤1/2 or 3/4 inch reduced the growth of bittercress (Cardamine flexuosa) by 80% to 97%, whereas liverwort (Marchantia polymorpha) coverage was reduced by 95% to 99%. The objective of this study was to evaluate substrate stratification with pine bark screened to remove all fine particles as the top strata of the substrate and determine its effect on common nursery weeds and ornamental plants. Stratified treatments consisted of pine bark screened to either 1/8 to 1/4 inch, 1/4 to 1/2 inch, or 3/8 to 3/4 inch, applied at depths of either 1 or 2 inches on top of a standard ≤1/2-inch pine bark substrate. An industry-standard treatment was also included in which the substrate was not stratified but consisted of only ≤1/2-inch pine bark throughout the container. A controlled-release fertilizer was incorporated at the bottom strata in all stratified treatments (no fertilizer in the top 1 or 2 inches of the container media), whereas the industry standard treatment had fertilizer incorporated throughout. Compared with the nonstratified industry standard, substrate stratification decreased spotted spurge (Euphorbia maculata) counts by 30% to 84% and bittercress counts by 57% to 94% after seeding containers. The shoot dry weight of spotted spurge was reduced by 14% to 55%, and bittercress shoot dry weight was reduced by 71% to 93% in stratified treatments. Liverwort coverage was reduced by nearly 100% in all the stratified substrate treatments. Compared with the industry standard substrate, stratified treatments reduced shoot dry weight of ligustrum (Ligustrum japonicum) by up to 20%, but no differences were observed in growth index, nor were any growth differences observed in blue plumbago (Plumbago auriculata).
Postslaughter state of muscle tissue of pigs depending on the duration of pre-slaughter fasting
Authors: Semenova A. A. , Pchelkina V. A. , Nasonova V. V. , Kuznetsova T. G. , Sinichkina A. I. , Loskutov S. I. , Chabaev M. G. , Bogolyubova N. V.
Published: October 2022

Changes in the muscle tissue microstructure lead to changes in meat quality. One of the causes of the myopathy development is animal stress. Pigs experience the strongest stress during pre-slaughter holding. The study of the postmortem meat structure depending on fasting time is a topical task. The objects of the research were samples of m. L. dorsi obtained after slaughter from pigs that differed in fasting time: 4 (group 1), 8 (group 2), 10 (group 3), 16 (group 4) and 18 (group 5) hours (N = 20, n = 4). Investigation of the microstructure and morphometric measurements were carried out on preparations stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Myopathic changes in muscle tissue were assessed using a semi-quantitative method developed earlier. All studied samples were characterized by the uniform condition of muscle tissue. Statistically significant differences between individual groups were observed regarding the number and area of giant fibers, sarcomere length, diameter of muscle fibers and proportion of muscle fibers, which diameter was lower or higher by 1/3 than the mean fiber diameter. An increase in the pre-slaughter holding time reduced the number and area of giant fibers (r = –0.8437 and –0.5796, respectively), as well as the diameter of “normal” fibers (r = –0.5337), which positively influenced pork quality. Groups 1, 2 and 3 were characterized by the presence of signs of moderate and pronounced myopathy. Only one carcass with pronounced myopathic signs was revealed in each of groups 4 and 5. In group 4, one carcass did not have signs of myopathy. Pre-slaughter holding during 4, 8 and 10 hours led to deterioration of pork quality. The recommended fasting time is 16 hours.
Systemic approach in the development of functional foods for various noncommunicable diseases
Authors: Chernukha I. M. , Nikitina M. A. , Aslanova M. A. , Qusay A. T.
Published: October 2022

The article presents a hierarchy of requirements necessary for the successful design of food products with given composition and properties considering age restrictions and various diseases. The need for generalization and systematization of scientifically based principles, specific medical and biological requirements for food products, diets for the most common nutritional diseases in the knowledge base is shown. Using the k-means cluster analysis method, 1) meat raw materials were analyzed for inclusion in functional food for gerodietetic nutrition according to the most significant descriptors (protein, methionine + cystine amino acids, tryptophan), 2) spicy herbs and spices were analyzed for inclusion in the Muhammara recipe as natural antioxidant sources according to the descriptor of antioxidant properties. Using the example of the Muhammara recipe change, all stages of a systemic approach in the development of functional foods are shown. The first stage is related to obtaining information from the knowledge base about scientifically based nutritional principles and specific biomedical requirements for the given age group. At the second stage, the clustering of raw materials of animal and vegetable origin is carried out in order to reasonably include in the recipe of food product being developed. At the third stage, a system of balance linear algebraic equations for the chemical composition of the food product being developed (mass fraction of fat, protein, water, carbohydrates, vitamins, macro- and microelements, amino acids, etc.) is formed. The fourth stage is associated with the establishment of the target function (optimization criterion), and restrictions for recipe and balance. At the fifth stage, the problem is solved using a high-level language in a modern programming environment. At the final (sixth) stage, the nutritional value of the optimal balanced recipe is analyzed considering the target function and the given restrictions. As a result, we receive a modified Muhammara recipe with optimized protein: fat ratio. Mathematical simulation was carried out using the R Studio software with open-source lpSolve and lpSolveAPI libraries.
Contribution of some immunological and metabolic factors to formation of piglets’ post-vaccination immunity
Authors: Derkho M. A. , Burkov P. V. , Shcherbakov P. N. , Rebezov M. B. , Stepanova K. V. , Ansori A. N. M.
Published: October 2022

The role and responsibility of natural resistance factors, protein and lipid metabolism in the formation of piglets post-vaccination immunity against circovirus is researched. Blood was taken for tests before and on the 15th, 40th and 70th day after the vaccination. The sampled blood was analyzed to determine immunological and biochemical parameters. It was revealed that before vaccination, 31.46% of the studied samples have a positive reaction in ELISA; their number increases to 67.80–71.16% on the 40th and 70th days after vaccination.In the blood of piglets, especially on the 40th and 70th day after the vaccination, the total count of leukocytes, monocytes and lymphocytes increases by 1.21; 2.28 times and 1.48 times, but neutrophils reduced by 1.74 times along with the phagocytic properties activation. The anabolic directivity of protein metabolism is defined by the synthesis of globulin proteins. At the same time albumin-synthesizing activity in a liver decreased and “cytolysis reaction” of hepatocytes was detected. In the lipid profile of piglets’ blood, the content of LDL‑cholesterol increased by 1.44 times, while that of triglycerides decreased by 2.64 times. X‑ray spectral analysis revealed the correlation between the formation of post-vaccination immunity and two factors: the factor of the principal component (PC) 1, which is predominantly associated with indicators of natural resistance, and PC2, which is associated with metabolism indicators. The research results show that in order to increase the efficiency of formation of post-vaccination immunity in piglets, it is necessary to combine vaccination with hepatoprotective drugs.
The impact of ESG inclusion on price, liquidity and financial performance of Indian stocks: Evidence from stocks listed in BSE and NSE ESG indices
Authors: B. Suresha , V. R. Srinidhi , Verma Dippi , K. S. Manu , T. A. Krishna
Published: October 2022

In recent years, investors have perceived that Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices significantly increase the value of companies’ stocks. This study investigates the impact of ESG inclusion on the price, liquidity and financial performance of stocks listed in the Indian ESG indices. Two major Indian benchmark ESG Indices, the BSE100 ESG and Nifty 100 ESG, were considered for the study. A total sample of 64 firms from the BSE100 ESG index and 86 firms from the Nifty100 ESG index were selected. The market model of the event study methodology was employed to measure AAR and CAAR and to demonstrate the effect before and after the inclusion of the stocks in the ESG indices. The empirical results show a highly significant negative AAR on the announcement day, i.e., on (day = 0) for BSE100 ESG index stocks and an insignificant positive AAR for Nifty100 ESG index stocks. In addition, the results also document a significant negative CAAR for BSE 100 ESG stocks and a positive insignificant CAAR for Nifty100 ESG stocks. Moreover, the liquidity test results revealed a considerable liquidity enhancement in the stocks posts their inclusion in the BSE100 ESG. At the same time, there were no significant changes in the liquidity ratio of stocks after being included in the Nifty100 ESG index. This study concludes that there will be a substantial improvement in the companies’ financial performance as indicated by EPS and market capitalization after their inclusion in the ESG indices.
Parameter estimation of underwater propeller based on inverse Radon transform
Authors: Bo Tang , Linsen Zhang , Siwei Tan
Published: October 2022

Aiming at improving the method of underwater target recognition, this paper proposes a method to estimate the micro-Doppler spectrum parameters of propeller by using inverse Radon transform, so as to obtain the characteristic parameters of propeller. This paper firstly analyzes the basic concepts of micro-Doppler and inverse Radon transform, then defines the algorithm steps of inverse Radon transform for propeller parameter estimation and carries out simulation. The simulation results show that this method can effectively estimate the propeller rotational speed, blade number, blade length and initial spatial position.
MEMS İvme Ölçerler için Analog Yapay Sinir Ağı Temelli Kontrolcü Tasarımı
Authors: KESİLMİŞ Zehan , AKSOY Murat
Published: October 2022

Bu çalışmada tek eksenli kapasitif MEMS ivme ölçer için yeni bir analog yapay sinir ağı temelli bir kontrolcü önerilmektedir. Bu kontrolcü giriş katmanında bir, gizli katmanda altı ve çıkış katmanında iki nöron olacak şekilde tasarlanmıştır. Bu kontrolcü, AMI C5N 0,6 μm CMOS üretim teknolojisi kullanılarak Electric serim editörü ile tasarlanmıştır. Tasarlanan kontrolcünün başarısı çeşitli bilgisayar benzetimleriyle PID kontrolcüyle karşılaştırılmıştır. Benzetim sonuçları önerilen kontrolcünün tepki süresi, aşım ve ölçüm aralığı açısından PID kontrolcüden daha başarılı olduğunu göstermiştir.
A Design of Fully Automated Irrigation System IoT-Based Approach for Greenhouses
Authors: ERİŞ Halit , ÇELİKTOPUZ Eser , ÇEVİK Ulus , KAPUR Burçak
Published: October 2022

Turkey is a country with a high potential for agriculture purposes. Irrigation is a need to receive agricultural output. Crop yield increases with optimal irrigation. Therefore, this work has designed a fully automated irrigation system with an IoT-based approach for greenhouses. Using 10HS soil moisture and pt1000 temperature sensors, the system has successfully generated irrigation-based decisions and saved 25 tons/da water compared to Et (Evapotranspiration) controller-based irrigation while plants received optimal irrigation. The system works online and has two operation modes: fully automated and manual. Fully automated system decreased water-wastages and labouring costs. Switching between modes can be operated using a mobile application and parameters of the system communicates via cloud services.
Assessing future climate trends and their impact on different fractured rock aquifers in Northern Togo
Authors: Akara Mahawa-Essa Mabossani , Reeves Donald M. , Gnazou Masamaéya Dadja-Toyou , Boguido Goumpoukini
Published: October 2022

Water resources in the West African Sudan Savannah are concentrated in fractured crystalline and sedimentary rock aquifers. Due to their low storage, these aquifers are vulnerable to changes in climate. This study assesses future temperature and precipitation trends in the Koumfab watershed of northern Togo. The impact of these future climate trends on surface water and the two types of fractured rock aquifers is also investigated. A fully integrated hydrologic model of the Koumfab watershed in Northern Togo is used to study the impact of climate change on water resources. Bias-corrected temperature and precipitation from four regional climate models (RCMs) and two greenhouse emissions scenarios are used as climate forcings for the integrated model. Climate projections from the four RCMs indicate a rise (1.4 −5.5 °C) in average temperature, from the control (1971–2000) to the future period (2031–2060). Projected precipitation follows two contrasting trends with some RCMs predicting an increase (by up to 14%) in mean annual precipitation, while others predict a decline (by up to −14%). These changes in precipitation and temperature will have a noticeable effect on groundwater levels and stream flow. The hydrologic model indicates a decline in groundwater levels for all future climate projections by 1.4−5.7 m. The decline in groundwater levels is not uniformly distributed in the two types of aquifers. The decline in the fractured sandstone aquifer will be four times greater than that of the fractured granodiorite/migmatite aquifer. Projected stream flow at the watershed outlet shows increasing (59 -332%) and decreasing trends (−39 −100%).