bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fe and Zn metal nanocitrates as plant nutrients through soil application
Authors: K S V POORNA CHANDRIKA , Qureshi A. Aziz , Singh Anupama , Sarada Chunduri , Gopalan Balaji
Published: June 2022

Nanocitrates of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) are newer plant nutrients that can be employed in agriculture. Here, we examined the behaviour in soil and uptake of Fe and Zn nanocitrates by groundnut plants of Fe and Zn nanocitrates through soil application technique and compared it with the commercial counterpart. The combined nanocitrate compositions were also formulated by the physical mixing and characterized. The plant uptake of Fe and Zn was determined through atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). All the treated plants had shown good germination and higher vigor index compared to the control treatments. The highest Fe and Zn content in soil and uptake was found in nanocitrates was followed by commercial fertilizers. Among 34 synthesized citrates, BFC (1:1)- 6; BZC (1:3)- 6; BFZ (4:6)- 8; BFZ (5:5)- 2; BFZ (5:5)- 6; and BFZ (8:2)- 4 are promising trends to evaluate under field conditions with higher stability.
Unsupervised machine learning-driven search for efficient spin-orbit torque materials
Authors: Sayed Shehrin , Kleidermacher Hannah , Hashemi-Asasi Giulianna , Hsu Cheng-Hsiang , Salahuddin Sayeef
Published: June 2022

Materials with large spin-orbit torque efficiencies are of great interest for improved magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) technology. Unfortunately, most of the existing spin-orbit torque materials exhibit an efficiency much less than unity, requiring a large current for magnetization switching. The search for new materials that can exhibit a spin-orbit torque efficiency much greater than unity is a topic of active research, both theoretically and experimentally; however, the conventional approach identified only a few materials to exhibit such high efficiency. In this paper, we present a new approach using unsupervised machine learning to accelerate the search for new materials with large spin-orbit torque efficiencies. We used a word embedding model that represents words into a collection of high-dimensional vectors and trained a neural network with published scientific abstracts from various materials science, physics, and engineering journals. The relationship among these trained vectors represents the spintronics knowledge and the pattern obtained from the cosine distances between various materials names and the word `spin-orbit torque' correctly estimated the spin-orbit torque efficiencies in various known materials. In addition, the model predicted 32 new spin-orbit torque materials, where 9 of them are expected to exhibit a spin-orbit torque efficiency much greater than unity, with the largest expected value of 36.4.
Effects of different intensities treadmill exercise on cortical mTOR pathway and skilled motor function recovery in spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhan Zuxiong , Tan Botao , Zhu Ying , Pan Lu , Wang Yunhang , Zhao Qin , Liu Yuan , Li Sen , Wang Haiyan , Yang Ce , Yu Lehua , yin Ying
Published: June 2022

Treadmill exercise is beneficial for spinal cord injury (SCI) both in bench and in bedside, but the most effective treadmill exercise intensity and mechanisms underlying the treadmill exercise on skilled motor function recovery remain elusive. Here, the improved skilled motor function recovery, enhanced nerve conduction capability, neuroplasticity, and axonal sprouting were observed in the SCI mice after training for 4 weeks. However, high exercise intensity (HEI) leads to vulnerability and impaired exercise tolerance during training. We further found that in the moderate exercise intensity (MEI) and HEI groups showed elevated expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Meanwhile, elevated phosphorylated levels of ribosomal protein S6 (p-S6) and protein kinase B (p-AKT) in mouse motor cortex were also observed, indicating the cortical mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway activation. To investigate the role of the cortical mTOR activation, we performed a rapamycin assay. After using rapamycin, the exercise-induced activation of the cortical mTOR pathway and the exercise-enhanced effects were inhibited. Together, the expression of neurotrophic factors and the activation of the cortical mTOR pathway are in an intensity-dependent manner. And the MEI is safer and more beneficial than the LEI and HEI. Based on the rapamycin assay, the exercise-induced activation of mTOR pathway is necessary for the enhanced motor cortex and spine remodeling, all of which further contribute to better-skilled motor function recovery. These dates may provide a new window to further understand the mechanisms underlying exercise training effects on the skilled motor function recovery following SCI.
The occurrence of hyperactivated platelets and fibrinaloid microclots in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Authors: Nunes Massimo , Kruger Arneaux , Proal Amy , Kell Douglas , Pretorius Etheresia
Published: June 2022

We have previously demonstrated that platelet poor plasma (PPP) obtained from patients with LongCovid/Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is characterized by a hypercoagulable state reflected in hyperactivated platelets and the presence of considerable numbers of fibrin(ogen) amyloid microclots or fibrinaloid microclots. Due to substantial overlap in symptoms and aetiology between PASC and ME/CFS, we investigated whether coagulopathies, platelet hyperactivation and/or fibrin amyloid formation differed between individuals exhibiting ME/CFS and gender- and age-matched healthy controls. ME/CFS patients were statistically far more hypercoagulable as judged by thromboelastography of both whole blood and platelet-poor plasma. The area of plasma images containing fibrinaloid microclots was commonly more than 10-fold greater in untreated platelet-poor plasma from individuals with ME/CFS than in that of healthy controls. A similar difference was found when the plasma samples were treated with thrombin. Using fluorescently labelled PAC-1, which recognizes glycoprotein IIb/IIIa, and CD62P, which binds P-selectin, we observed massive hyperactivation and spreading of platelets in samples from individuals with ME/CFS. Using a quantitative scoring system, this was found to have a score of 2.72 ± 1.24 vs 1.00 (activation with pseudopodia formation) for healthy controls. We conclude that ME/CFS is accompanied by substantial and measurable changes in coagulability, platelet hyperactivation, and fibrinaloid microclot formation. However, fibrinaloid microclot load was not as prevalent as was previously noted in PASC. Fibrinaloid microclots, in particular can provide a ready explanation, via (temporary) blockage of microcapillaries and hence ischaemia, for many of the symptoms, such as fatigue, seen in patients with ME/CFS. The discovery of these biomarkers pointing to significant and systemic endothelial inflammation, represents an important development in ME/CFS research. It also points at novel treatment strategies using known drugs and/or nutraceuticals that target systemic vascular pathology and endothelial inflammation.
3D Geometrical Untangling of Heterogeneous Fabric Darcy’s Flow using the Morphology Decoder
Authors: Alfarisi Omar , Raza Aikifa , Zhang Hongtao , Ozzane Djamel , Sassi Mohamed , Li Hongxia , Zhang TieJun
Published: June 2022

Permeability has a dominant influence on the flow behavior of a natural fluid, and without proper quantification, biological fluids (hydrocarbons) and water resources become waste. During the first decades of the 21st century, permeability quantification from nano-microporous media images emerged, aided by 3D pore network flow simulation, primarily using the Lattice Boltzmann simulator. Earth scientists realized that the simulation process holds millions of flow dynamics calculations with accumulated errors and high computing power consumption. Therefore, accuracy and efficiency challenges obstruct planetary exploration. To efficiently and consistently predict permeability with high quality, we propose the morphology decoder. It is a parallel and serial flow reconstruction of machine learning-driven semantically segmented heterogeneous rock texture images of 3D X-ray microcomputerized tomography (µCT) and nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI). For 3D vision, we introduce a controllable measurable volume as a new supervised semantic segmentation, in which a unique set of voxel intensities corresponds to grain and pore throat sizes. The morphology decoder demarks and aggregates the morphology boundaries in a novel way to quantify permeability. The morphology decoder method consists of five novel processes described in this paper. These novel processes are (1) geometrical: 3D permeability governing equation, (2) machine learning: guided 3D property recognition of rock morphology, (3) analytical: 3D image properties integration model for permeability, (4) experimental: MRI permeability imager, and (5) morphology decoder (the process that integrates the other four novel processes).
Vertical distribution of microplastics in the sediment profiles of the Taihu Lake, eastern China
Authors: Huang Yinan , Fan Jiajia , Liu Huan , Lu Xiancai
Published: June 2022

Microplastics are ubiquitous in the freshwater environment, while its abundance in the sediment profiles has received little attention. The vertical microplastic distribution in the sediment of the North (NTH) and Southwest (SWTH) Taihu Lake were identified and characterized in this study. Microplastics could be detected at all depths (0–50 cm) at the two sites, with the total abundance of 8066 and 5333 particles kg-1 dry weight sediment at NTH and SWTH, respectively. This indicates that the microplastic storage in the sediment of the Taihu Lake may be underestimated, if only the surface sediment is considered. Microplastics composed of various polymer types were identified in the sediment of the two sites, including polyamide (PA), acrylic acid (AA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and cellulose acetate (CA), while high density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) were only detected at NTH. The main type of polymers detected at NTH (42%) and SWTH (43%) were PA. The majority shape of microplastics was fibers, with a ratio of 76% and 78%, respectively at the site NTH and SWTH. The colors of microplastics were mainly white (accounted for 42% and 43% at NTH and SWTH, respectively), which may be caused by the long-term decomposition of dyestuff in the syngenesis of sediment and/or probably the degradation during sample treatments. The textile industry and fishery activities may provide the source. In summary, our findings in the Taihu Lake favors to understand the microplastic pollution and tackle microplastics challenges.
The influence of environmental variation on trophic ecology of Dosidicus gigas along Peruvian coast
Authors: Cisneros Rosario , Ibanez Christian M. , Tafur Ricardo , Arguelles Juan
Published: June 2022

Environmental variation changes abundance and diversity in pelagic communities and consequently can influence the diet of marine predators by diversity of available prey. The feeding habits of the jumbo squid Dosidicus gigas from the Peruvian coast were studied by analyzing the gastric content of 1020 stomachs in the period 2015–2019. The diet was analyzed in terms of frequency of occurrence (% FO), number (% N) and weight of prey (% P). In addition, to evaluate the trophic spectrum several diversity indices were calculated and compared with body size of squids, sea surface temperature (SST), southern oscillation index (SOI) and geographic location. Fish represented 96% of full stomachs, and Vinciguerria lucetia was the most frequent and abundant species, followed by myctophid fishes. The principal variables analyzed influencing the diet of D. gigas were SST and SOI, followed by latitude. The trophic level was estimated between 3.6 and 4.4 being the lowest value during 2016. The occurrence of coastal El Niño event during 2016 influence the available prey and consequently the prey composition and diversity of jumbo squids and in consequence the trophic level at population scale.
Effects of transient injection-suction on interfacial dynamics in immiscible Newtonian fluid-fluid radial displacement in Hele-Shaw cell
Authors: Ahmadlouydarab Majid , Kangari Mohammad , Asadzadeh Naser
Published: June 2022

In this experimental study, the instabilities created at the contact surface of two Newtonian immiscible fluids i.e., water and base oil during transient radial injection-suction inside Hele-Shaw cell were investigated. Base oil with viscosities of 150, 920 and 1506 cSt was used for injection and suction purposes. The maximum injection and suction fluid flow rates that were pseudo-sinusoidal and percussive time-dependent were considered to be 10000, 20000 and 30000 µl/min. The amount of fluid injected or sucked in all three methods was considered equal. The results were compared with the results of constant velocity injection. The effects of injection and suction frequency on contact surface instability were also studied. Injection and suction were performed for at least six complete cycles. One of the most important objectives of this study was to investigate the ability to eliminate instabilities and return the contact surface of two fluids to the initial circular state at the end of each cycle. It was observed in the methods of percussive and constant-velocity that it is not possible to return to the initial circle after the first step. It was also observed that the growth rate of instabilities in different cycles of the pseudo-sinusoidal method is slower than the percussive and constant-velocity methods. The lower the viscosity and flow rate of the injected or suction fluid, the less instability occurs. The results showed that with increasing the flow rate, the number of oil packets in the injection-suction of constant-velocity method has increased, but in the reverse percussive method, this is the case. The results showed that in the injection-suction by pseudo-sinusoidal method, which do not cause instabilities such as water droplets, fingers and oil packets, but in two methods of injection-suction at a constant-velocity and percussive method, such instabilities are observed. It can be concluded that considering the conditions of the experiments performed, the pseudo-sinusoidal method is the most suitable method with the ability to return to the initial steady state among the three methods used. Of course, it should be noted that the greater the number of repetitions of cycles, the more instabilities created and the more difficult it is to return to the initial state.
Triple-Negative Primary Myelofibrosis: a Bone Marrow Pathology Group (BMPG) study
Authors: Al-Ghamdi Yahya , Lake Jonathan , Bagg Adam , Thakral Beenu , Wang Sa , Bueso-Ramos Carlos , Masarova Lucia , Verstovsek Srdan , Rogers Heesun , Hsi Eric , Gralewski Jonathon , Chabot-Richards Devon , George Tracy , Rets Anton , Hasserjian Robert , Weinberg Olga , Parilla Megan , Arber Daniel A , Padilla Osvaldo , Orazi Attilio , Tam Wayne
Published: June 2022

Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a clonal myeloproliferative neoplasm driven by canonical gene mutations in JAK2, CALR or MPL in more than 80% of the cases. PMF cases that lack these canonical alterations are termed triple-negative PMF (TN-PMF). The pathologic and genetic characteristics of TN-PMF compared to conventional PMF with canonical driver mutations (DM-PMF) have not been well studied. We aim to identify clinicopathologic and molecular genetic differences between TN-PMF (n = 56) and DM-PMF (n = 89), all of which fulfilled the 2016 WHO diagnostic criteria for PMF. Compared to the control group, TN-PMF patients were more likely to have thrombocytopenia and less likely to have organomegaly. The bone marrow with TN-PMF showed fewer granulocytic elements and more frequent dyserythropoiesis. Cytogenetic analysis showed a higher incidence of trisomy 8. Targeted NGS revealed a lower frequency of ASXL1 mutations but an enrichment of ASXL1/SRSF2 co-mutations. Our findings demonstrated several clinicopathologic and molecular differences between TN-PMF and DM-PMF. These findings, particularly the observed mutation profile characterized by a higher frequency of ASXL1 and SRSF2 co-mutation, suggest that at least a subset of TN-PMF may be pathogenetically different from DM-PMF, with potential prognostic implications.
Research on Maize Disease Identification Methods in Complex Environments Based on Cascade Networks and Two-stage Transfer Learning
Authors: Liu Hongxin , Lv Haichen , Li Jiajun , Liu Yongshuo , Deng Limiao
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND: Achieving accurate and reliable maize disease identification in complex environments is a huge challenge. This is because disease images obtained from natural environments are often in complex contexts that may contain elements similar to disease characteristics or symptoms.RESULTS: Based on cascade network and two-stage transformation learning, the new algorithm is proposed in this paper and applied the improved algorithm to the task of identification and classification of four maize leaf diseases in a complex environment. The proposed algorithm has a cascade structure, which consists of a Faster R-CNN object detector, and a convolutional neural network (CNN) object classifier, named CENet (Complex Environment Network). The Faster R-CNN object detector with an attention mechanism was trained to detect maize leaves from the image, and the CNN object classifier further classified the leaf disease detected in the first stage into four categories: Cercospora leaf spot, Common rust, Northern Leaf Blight, and Healthy, which allowed image features to be extracted more efficiently. The subsequent use of a two-stage transfer learning strategy to train CENet models of disease images in complex contexts allows for faster training of the models while ensuring accuracy. Experimental results showed that the proposed method achieved a test accuracy of 99.34% for four kinds of maize leaf diseases, outperformed some prevalent CNN models, such as VGG16, Inception, and ResNet101, and has a more significant improvement in training speed.CONCLUSION: The experimental results show that the method proposed in this paper can identify and classify different varieties of maize leaf diseases, proving the feasibility of a convolutional neural network in variety identification and classification. The model proposed in this experiment has a positive significance for exploring other Crop variety identification and classification under complex backgrounds.
Burden, risk factors and outcomes associated with adequately treated hypothyroidism in a population-based cohort of pregnant women from North India
Authors: Dhabhai Neeta , Chowdhury Ranadip , Virmani Anju , Chaudhary Ritu , Taneja Sunita , Mittal Pratima , Dewan Rupali , Dang Arjun , Kaur Jasmine , Bhandari Nita
Published: June 2022

Background Hypothyroidism is the commonest endocrine disorder of pregnancy, with known adverse feto-maternal outcomes. There is limited data on population-based prevalence, risk factors and outcomes associated with treatment of hypothyroidism in early pregnancy. We conducted analysis on data from an urban and peri-urban low to mid socioeconomic population-based cohort of pregnant women in North Delhi, India to ascertain the burden, risk factors and impact of treatment, on adverse pregnancy outcomes- low birth weight, prematurity, small for gestational age and stillbirth.MethodsThis is an observational study embedded within the intervention group of the Women and Infants Integrated Interventions for Growth Study, an individually randomized factorial design trial. Thyroid stimulating hormone was tested in 2317 women in early (9-13 weeks) pregnancy, and thyroxin replacement started in those found hypothyroid (TSH ≥2.5mIU/mL). Univariable and multivariable generalized linear model with binomial family and log link were performed to ascertain risk factors associated with hypothyroidism and association between hypothyroidism and adverse pregnancy outcomes.ResultsOf 2317 women, 29.2% (95% CI: 27.4 to 31.1) had hypothyroidism and were started on thyroxin replacement with close monitoring. Overweight or obesity was associated with increased risk (adjusted RR 1.29, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.51), while higher hemoglobin concentration was protective (adjusted RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.98 for each g/dL) for hypothyroidism. Women with hypothyroidism, received appropriate treatment did not have an increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes.ConclusionsAlmost a third of women from low to mid socio-economic population had hypothyroidism in early pregnancy, more so if anemic and overweight or obese. With early screening and adequate replacement, adverse pregnancy outcomes may be avoided. These findings highlight the need in early pregnancy for universal TSH screening and adequate treatment of hypothyroidism; as well as for attempts to reduce pre and peri-conception overweight, obesity and anemia. Clinical Trial registration: Clinical trial registration of Women and Infants Integrated Interventions for Growth Study Clinical Trial Registry – India, #CTRI/2017/06/008908; Registered on: 23/06/2017, (http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=19339&EncHid=&userName=society%20for%20applied%20studies)
18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging features in patients with non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection
Authors: Chen Donghe , Chen Yunbo , Yang Shuye , Li Tiancheng , Liu Kanfeng , Wang Zhen , Zhang Tingting , Wang Guolin , Zhao Kui , Su Xinhui
Published: June 2022

Objectives: Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection is a growing public health concern. Due to atypical clinical symptoms and poorly defined radiological findings, NTM is often misdiagnosed, resulting in treatment delay. The aim of the present study was to analyze the findings of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan imaging in patients with NTM infection in order to improve the diagnosis and treatment of NTM disease.Methods: A total of 23 patients with confirmed NTM infection who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT scan imaging were retrospectively analyzed. The data on clinical and 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging characteristics were reviewed. The 18F-FDG PET/CT images were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively using maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), SUVMax (the most FDG-avid lesion in the whole body), SURLiver and SURBlood (SUVMax ratio of lesion-to-liver and lesion-to-blood pool). The optimal cut-off of 8F-FDG was determined using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).Results: Subgroup analysis showed significant differences in metabolic parameters of 18F-FDG-avid lesions, including SURLiver, SURBlood, and SUVMax among the three groups with different immunological states (p = 0.007, 0.012, and 0.010, respectively). The cut-off point of 3.8 for SURLiver showed the best equilibrium between sensitivity and specificity (52.9% and 83.3%). In terms of the NTM lesion distribution, there were significant differences in SURLiver, SURBlood, and SUVMax between the localized and disseminated groups (p = 0.003, 0.009, and 0.005, respectively). The cut-off point of 3.3 for the SUVBlood had high specificity (87.5%) and sensitivity (71.4%). Furthermore, in terms of NTM lesion severity, SUVmax of lung lesions (SUVI-lung), SUVmax of marrow (SUVMarrow), and platelet count significantly differed between severe and non-severe groups (p = 0.036, 0.006, and 0.007, respectively). When the cut-off values of SUVMarrow and SUVI-lung were set at 3.1 and 4.6, the sensitivity was 76.9% and 76.9%, respectively, while the specificity was 88.9% and, 55.9%, respectively.Conclusion: In patients with NTM infection, 18F-FDG PET/CT is a unique and powerful tool in the diagnosis and evaluation of disease activity, immunological state, and extent of lesion involvement and it can help determine the appropriate treatment for NTM infection.
Transcriptomic alterations underlying metaplasia into specific metaplastic components in metaplastic breast carcinoma
Authors: Lien Huang-Chun , Hsu Chia-Lang , Lu Yen-Shen , Chen Tom Wei-Wu , Chen I-Chun , Li Yu-Chia , Huang Chiun-Sheng , Cheng Ann-Lii , Lin Ching-Hung
Published: June 2022

Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MpBC) typically consists of carcinoma of no special type (NST) with various metaplastic components. The intracase transcriptomic alterations between metaplastic components and paired NST components, which are critical for understanding the pathogenesis underlying the metaplastic processes, remain unclear. Herein, 59 NST components and paired metaplastic components (spindle sarcomatous [SPS], matrix-producing, rhabdoid [RHA], and squamous carcinomatous [SQC] components) were microdissected from specimens obtained from 27 patients with MpBC for gene expression profiling. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis revealed a heterogeneous gene expression profile (GEP) corresponding to the NST components, but the GEP of metaplastic components exhibited subtype dependence. Compared with the paired NST components, the SPS components demonstrated the upregulation of genes related to stem cells and epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and displayed enrichment in claudin-low and macrophage signatures. Despite certain overlap in the enriched functions and signatures between the RHA and SPS components, the specific differentially expressed genes differed. We observed the RHA-specific upregulation of genes associated with vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. The chondroid matrix-producing components demonstrated the upregulation of hypoxia-related genes and the downregulation of the immune-related MHC2 signature and the TIGIT gene. In the SQC components, TGF-β and genes associated with cell adhesion were upregulated. The differentially expressed genes among metaplastic components in the 22 MpBC cases with one or predominantly one metaplastic component clustered paired NST samples into clusters with correlation with their associated metaplastic types. These genes could be used to separate the 31 metaplastic components according to respective metaplastic types with an accuracy of 74.2%, suggesting that intrinsic signatures of NST may determine paired metaplastic type. The EMT activity and stem cell traits in the NST components were correlated with specimens displaying lymph node metastasis. In summary, we presented the distinct transcriptomic alterations underlying metaplasia into specific metaplastic components in MpBCs.
The Predictive Role of Serum Gastrin-17 for Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Carcinoma Patients Receiving Radiotherapy
Authors: Wu Congye , Liu Yehong , Shi Feiyue , Chen Fei , Zhao Yongcai , Zhao Huanyu
Published: June 2022

Objective
The aim of this study was to analyze the predictive role of serum gastrin-17 (G-17) for oral mucositis in head and neck carcinoma (HNC) patients receiving radiotherapy.
Methods
Serum G-17 were detected in patients before and after radiotherapy. Patients were divided into high G-17 group (baseline serum G-17 ≥ 5pmol/L) and low G-17 group (baseline serum G-17 < 5pmol/L). The severity of oral mucositis was analyzed between the two group. Other complications such as dysphagia, salivary gland, mandible, thyroid function, larynx, pain, and weight loss were also investigated.
Results
Forty-two patients were analyzed in this study. The median level of serum G-17 had a significant decrease after radiotherapy (7.29 ± 5.70 pmol/L versus 4.93 ± 4.46 pmol/L, P = 0.038). In low serum G-17 group, the incidences of grade 0, 1–2 and 3–4 of oral mucositis were 0%, 30.4%, and 69.6%, respectively. In high serum G-17 group, the incidences of grade 0, 1–2 and 3–4 of oral mucositis were 0%, 63.2%, and 36.8%, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum G-17 was negatively correlated with oral mucositis (r=-0.595, P < 0.01). Weight loss of low G-17 group was more serious than that of high G-17 group.
Conclusions
Baseline serum G-17 is a potential predictor for the severity of oral mucositis in HNC patients receiving radiotherapy.
Evaluation of excess free volume and excess internal pressure of binary liquid mixtures of cyclic ether with 1-alkanols at 303.15K
Authors: Sharma Dhirendra Kumar , NA NA , Seema Seema agarwal
Published: June 2022

Ultrasonic velocity, density and viscosity have been measured experimentally at 303.15 K in the six binary liquid mixtures of 1,4-dioxane (cyclic ether) with 1-methanol, 1-ethanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 1-hexanol and 1-octanol and free volume as well as internal pressure were calculated for the six binary liquid mixtures of 1,4-dioxane with 1-alkanols at 303.15 K over the entire range of composition. Excess values of free volume and internal pressure have been calculated for these systems. The results were discussed in the light of existing theories of molecular interactions involved and chemical composition of the liquid components.
Changes in Near-Surface Temperature in Ghana, West Africa and the links with Climatic Factors
Authors: Oduro Collins , Bi Shuoben , Ayugi Brian , Iyakaremye Vedaste , Babaousmail Hassen , Asare-Nuamah Peter , Sarfo Isaac , Hagan Daniel Fiifi Tawia
Published: June 2022

Near-surface air temperature (NST) plays a critical role in the weather and climate systems. Understanding its variability and the associated influencing factors is extremely important due to its dynamic variations in space and time at global, continental, regional, and local scales. In this study, we first investigate the long-term changes of NST from 1981 to 2020 in Ghana by examining their Spatio-temporal characteristics using Climatic Research Unit (CRU) and Climate Prediction Centre (CPC) datasets. The two datasets showed increasing trends in the annual mean NST from 1981 to 2020, with the strongest warming ranging from 0.1 to 0.9 oC found over the last two decades. The Pruned exact linear-time algorithm is used to assess where the mean temperature experienced a significant change. The potential causes and implications of this shift are investigated by assessing changes in other climatic factors before and after the breakpoint of NST warming. The increases were characterized by abrupt NST changes in the linear trends when we compared warming in the current period (1998–2020) with the recent past (1981–1997), suggesting a clear shift in climate conditions. The mechanisms influencing the shifts in NST changes showed a strong relationship with land surface temperature (r = 0.81 and 0.82 for annual and the seasons) and the 500 hPa geopotential height (r = 0.67 0.74, and 0.72) for the annual, February to March (FMAM) and June to September (JJAS) seasons respectively. Suggesting recent changes in the atmosphere and land may be connected to NST variation in Ghana.
Genome-wide computational assay of the Mg transporter (MGT) gene family in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Mohamadi Seyede Fateme , Jelodar Nadali Babaeian , Bagheri Nadali , Gharakhili Ghorban Ali Nematzade , Hashemi-Petroudi Seyyed Hamidreza
Published: June 2022

One of the critical biometals in the cells, possessing important functions in multiple biochemical pathways, is Magnesium (Mg). The proper Mg homeostasis is regulated by the Mg transporters (MGTs) in the cells. Despite the identification of these genes in various plant species, such as rice, there is no systematic and computational assay of all the existed MGT genes in the rice genome. Here, we identified 23 non-redundant MGTs across the genome of Oryza sativa that were further analyzed according to the protein characteristics, duplication and synteny, protein structures, expression, and co-expression networks. Based on the conserved motifs, the distinguished OsMGTs were classified into three main clades, including MRS, NIPA, and CorA. The α/β patterns in the protein structures were highly similar in the NIPA and MRS members, with the conserved structures in the Mg2+-binding and catalytic regions. The CorA clade-related proteins demonstrated the highest numbers of protein channels with Pro, Ser, Lys, Gly, and Tyr, as the critical binding residues. The expression analysis of OsMGT genes in various tissues showed that the MRS and NIPA groups MGTs may possess the critical functions during the rice development. Also, most of the up-regulated OsMGTs under stimuli exposure were from these clades of Mg transporters. Furthermore, 45 co-expressed genes were predicted for OsMGTs that were clustered into the three main groups involved in protein ubiquitination, amino acids/fatty acid degradations, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. Our in silico results can be informative for further evolutionary and functional genomics of the MGT genes in rice and other relatives.
Gastrointestinal Bezoars in Pediatrics: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Elghazeery Mohamed Ahmed , Hassan Alhassan Mohamed
Published: June 2022

Purpose:To present data, management and outcome of cases with trichobezoars in our institute for whom surgery was done. Methods: We documented a retrospective review of trichobezoars done in our hospital between 2016 and 2022. All demographic data collected included gender and age of cases, composition and extent of bezoar, clinical presentation, imaging modalities, endoscopic trial, surgical approach and outcome. Results: Five cases of gastrointestinal trichobezoars underwent surgery. All cases were females between (13 & 16 years). Trichobezoars were three gasric, one ileal and one of combined gastric and colonic. Complaints were abdominal pain, vomiting, weight loss, and halitosis. Three cases had a palpable abdominal mass. Different Radiological modalities were performed. Endoscopic retrieval was tried in one patient and the laparoscopic approach in another one, but the first route failed. Laparotomy followed by gastrotomy, enterotomy and colotomy were done without complications. Conclusions: Trichobezoars should be suspected in any child with unexplained abdominal complaints, or with a palpable abdominal mass, especially in girls. Imaging can be done in different modalities for diagnosis. Endoscopic retrieval could be tried; however its failure is common, necessitating laparotomy, which has an excellent outcome.
Effectiveness of developing a self-management mobile app on the quality of life of women with breast cancer: a study in a developing country
Authors: Jebraeily Mohamad , Eghtedar Samereh , Ayatollahi Haleh , Mohammadzadeh Zahra
Published: June 2022

Background
Self-management involves taking responsibility for your own health and taking the initiative to do so. This can be accomplished by learning information and skills that will help you deal with the difficulties you may encounter during and after your cancer treatment. The aim of this study was to develop a self-management mobile app for women with breast cancer and evaluate of in Iran impact it on the quality of life of patients.
Method
This study is a methodological study in 2021. We developed the app during three phases. The QLACS questionnaire and Excel software were used to collect and analyze the data. A total of 24 breast cancer patients were included in the study.
Result
Among the most significant changes were in the Quality of Life level, highest respectively: social avoidance (pre: 6.41 – post: 3.56), negative feelings (pre: 5.93 - post: 3.40), sexual function (pre: 6.80 - post: 5.04), sexual interest (pre: 6.41 - post: 4.75) and pain (pre: 6.37 - post: 4.97). And least the changes respectively: distress-family (pre: 7 - post: 7), distress-recurrence (pre: 4.49 - post: 4.38), benefits (pre: 2.47 - post: 3.12), appearance (pre: 4.10 - post: 3.32).
Conclusion
Breast cancer patients' quality of life can be improved by providing more targeted content through more accessible tools such as mobile apps.
Study of the Effect of Mm Emw on Methyl Violet Interaction With Human Serum Albumin
Authors: Shahinyan Mariam A. , Mikaelyan Marieta S. , Grigoryan Svetlana V. , Vardevanyan Poghos O.
Published: June 2022

In this work the study of the effect of millimeter range electromagnetic waves (MM EMW) on methyl violet interaction with human serum albumin (HSA) has been carried out, using the UV-denaturation, fluorescence spectroscopy and CD spectroscopy methods. It was revealed that MM EMW irradiation leads to weakening of the stability of HSA and decreasing of interaction force between HSA and methyl violet (MV). It was also shown that MM EMW irradiation by water non-resonant frequency, affecting immediately the structure of HSA, changes its secondary structure, while the irradiation by water-resonant frequency does not invoke structural changes, but weakens the stability more. The last insistence results from the water cluster reconstruction, due to which the structured water affects the conformation of HSA.
Improvement and Characterization of Sustainable and Green Hybrid Yarns Based on Hemp Fiber for Clothing
Authors: Avci Munevver Ertek , Demiryürek Oğuz , Okyay Gamze , Bilgiç Hilal
Published: June 2022

Known for its sustainable properties, the usability of hemp instead of 100% cotton yarn for clothing was investigated by spinning hybrid ring yarns using cotton, viscose-hemp, and organic cotton-viscose-hemp blends as being the sheath; elastane and polyester (Lycra and T400) as being the core in the yarn structure. Unevenness, yarn imperfection, hairiness, tenacity, and breaking elongation properties of spun yarns produced were examined, comparatively. The findings revealed that sheath fiber type, number of the component in yarn structure, and blend ratio were influential factors on yarn quality. Using hemp fiber in the yarn structure slightly decreased the yarn properties, except tenacity, in general. Moreover, the properties of hemp fiber including triple blended yarn properties were the worst of all. Blending viscose and hemp fibers in the yarn structure provided a synergetic effect, improving the weak properties of both fibers. As a result, since the structural and mechanical features of 70/30% viscose-hemp blended yarns were at an acceptable level, these blended yarns could be suggested in clothing production instead of using 100% cotton for sustainable production.
Effects of Waste Sanitation Facilities on Water Quality Index and Human Health Risk Assessment of Groundwater Resources in Abeokuta Markets, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Taiwo Adewale M. , Somade Opeyemi C. , Ojekunle Oluwaseyi Z. , Atayese Adijat O. , Obuotor Tolulope M. , Taiwo Oluwaseyi T.
Published: June 2022

Groundwater is a sustainable resource that provides potable water for millions of people. Contamination of this resource may, therefore, pose serious health threats to consumers. This study aimed at assessing the effects of waste sanitation facilities on water quality index and health risk of groundwater resources in Abeokuta markets, southwestern Nigeria. Fifty hand-dug wells at varying distance of 10–81 m to the waste sanitation facilities from ten markets in the Abeokuta metropolis were seasonally monitored at wet and dry seasons. Five hand-dug wells from a community with no waste sanitation facility were sampled to serve as a control. Groundwater samples were collected and analysed for physical and chemical parameters using the standard methods. Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics. Water quality index and health risk assessment (non-carcinogenic hazard quotient [HQ], and cancer risk [CR]) were estimated in groundwater. Significantly higher levels of total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demands, and heavy metals were observed in groundwater from the market area than in the control site. Furthermore, the WQIs of groundwater from the market areas were higher than 300, indicating unfit water for drinking. The health risk assessment showed high HQs greater than the acceptable limit of 1.0 for Mn and Pb, establishing non-carcinogenic adverse health effects. Co also indicated carcinogenic effects in the market area groundwater with a CR value greater than the permissible limit of 1.0 x 10− 4. This study established the detrimental effects of market wastes on the surrounding groundwater.
Impact on technological properties, sensory acceptance, bioactive compounds, and nutritional quality of blend pinto beans and red rice for novel cookies
Authors: de Magalhães Camila Soares , Marques Gleicyane de Almeida , Bazán-Colque Ronel Joel , Moraes Erica Aguiar , Silva Erika Madeira Moreira da , Ascheri José Luis Ramirez
Published: June 2022

The objective of this work was to understand how the addition of pinto beans flour (PBF) affected the technological properties, sensory acceptance, bioactive compounds, and nutritional quality of gluten-free cookies. The factors of (PBF) addition (25–75 g/100 g) and margarine content (13.3–19.3 g/100 g dough) were varied according to a 22 factorial design with center and axial points augmented. Other physicochemical analyses were carried out in the selected formulations during storage time. (PBF) addition affected the technological properties and increased the nutritional content of proteins (up to 13%), fibers (8.28 %), iron(2.13 %), zinc(1.54%), and bioactive compounds (phenolic with 139.46 mg GAE/100 g), but it negatively affected sensory acceptance. Margarine's addition improved the evaluated sensory aspects, showing above 70% acceptance for all the attributes analyzed in all the trials. Cookies with 50 g pinto beans flour, 50 g red rice, and 16.3 g margarine/100 g dough showed better technological, nutritional characteristics, and physicochemical quality up to 60 days of storage. This work contributed to the incorporation of mixtures of red rice and pinto beans for developing more nutritious cookies for celiac patients or even those who wish to consume gluten-free products.
Impact of extreme rainfall variability and changes on Ground Traffic in Cameroon
Authors: Augustin Daïka , Pascal Igri Moudi , Honoré Messanga Etoundi , Cesar Mbane Biouele
Published: June 2022

Extreme rainfall events are a serious threat to the well-being of Cameroon's society. The reliability of studies on extreme events such as floods depends on the quality of the data and their distribution in time and space. Although these topics are still incomplete in many countries. This present work focuses on the action of extreme rainfall variability and changes on ground traffic in Cameroon using the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) estimation data in the simulation of precipitation at the intra-seasonal scale. For this, the performance verification of the CFSv2 model was first made on the basis of two mathematical techniques such as the Generalized Relative Operating Characteristics (GROC) score and the Ranked Probability Skill Score (RPSS). Then, based on this calculation of the different performance scores, the analysis and interpretations of the model outputs, the study is carried out on the extreme events (floods) of the first three (03) weeks of August 2021 to understand the impact of extreme rainfall over road transport in Cameroon. The results suggest that the CFSv2 model is the best performance for rainfall simulation at this intra-seasonal scale with CHIRPS satellite estimation data for the first three weeks of August 2021 in Cameroon and is adequate to improve the prevention of accidents and road transport infrastructure caused by extreme events (flooding) to heavy rainfall in Cameroon.
Albendazole is effective for controlling monogenean parasites of the gills of Piaractus brachypomus (Serassalmidae) and Leporinus macrocephalus (Anostomidae)
Authors: Negreiros Luciano Pereira , Souza Eliane Xavier , Lima Tiago Araújo , Tavares-Dias Marcos
Published: June 2022

Aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production industry both in Brazil and globally. Such growth has led to an increase in parasitic diseases such as those caused by monogeneans in farmed fish. Monogenean infection can cause high mortality among commercially farmed fish and therefore significant financial losses. The present study investigated the efficacy of albendazole in therapeutic baths against monogeneans of Piaractus brachypomus and Leporinus macrocephalus. For both fish, a 24h hourtherapeutic bath with albendazole concentrations of 150, 300 and 500 mg/L was tested against monogeneans in the gills. The baths had an efficacy ranging from 30.7 to 96.1% against monogeneans of P. brachypomus, and from 89.2 to 100% against monogeneans of L. macrocephalus. In P. brachypomus, the hepatosomatic index (HSI) in fish exposed to 150 mg/L of albendazole was higher than in fish exposed to 300 mg/L. The splenosomatic index (SSI) values in fish exposed to 150 mg/L of albendazole were lower than in fish exposed to 0 and 300 mg/L. In L. macrocephalus, the HSI and SSI values decreased in treatments with 150, 300 and 500 mg/L of albendazole. For L. macrocephalus, 150 mg/L de albendazole may be used to control and treat of infection by monogeneans, while in P. brachypomus, 500 mg/L of albendazole may be used in a 24 h bath.
Effect of thermally generated nanopits diameter on the carrier dynamics in AlGaN/GaN heterostructures
Authors: Bouzidi M. , Malek W. , Chaaben N. , Alshammari Abdullah S. , Khan Z. R. , Gandouzi M. , Mohamed M. , Rebey A. , Alatawi Abdullah A. , Alhassan Abdullah I. , Alharbi Abdullah , Salvestrini J. P. , Shakfa M. K.
Published: June 2022

Effects of the nanopits diameter observed at the surface of AlGaN on carrier dynamics are systematically investigated. The diameter variation of nanopits is achieved through the thermal annealing of a set of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures at different temperatures. The samples were characterized using the scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray, high-resolution X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence (PL), and time-resolved PL spectroscopies. SEM images have revealed an increase in the nanopits diameter with increasing annealing temperature. Simultaneously, we observed a linear development in the yellow luminescence intensity, accompanied by a deterioration in the PL decay times due to an increase in the density of point-defect complexes that act as nonradiative recombination centers. We also performed temperature-dependent PL measurements to study the impact of nanopits diameter on electron-phonon scattering processes. Both electron-acoustic- and electron-longitudinal optical phonon interactions enhance with increasing nanopits diameter.
Heterogenicity of SMA genetics and carrier profile among Saudi patient cohort
Authors: Alghamdi Alaa , AlDossary Shaikhah , Othman Ahmed N. , Alabdulqader Wala , Amer Fawzia , Ali Mona , Almomen Momen , Alghamdi Fouad
Published: June 2022

IntroductionSpinal Muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited, neuromuscular disease which is characterized by the deterioration of spinal motor neurons, causing progressive muscular atrophy and weakening. It is an autosomal recessive disease with the absence or mutation of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene as a hallmark; and SMN2 gene modulates the severity of the disease. SMA has been classified based on the motor function achieved. This study aims at describing the genetic makeup and characteristics of an SMA cohort in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).MethodsData from families presenting with SMA children was collected between (January 2018 till December 2020). Blood samples were collected from patients and family members. Genetic testing for SMA and mutations were performed at a central lab in Europe.Results and discussion17 families were enrolled in the study including 52 children. Among the 34 parents, 28 were carriers with heterozygous deletion (82.3%), 1(2.9%) had no deletion detected by MLPA but had point mutation by sequencing, 1(2.9%) had homozygous deletion and was symptomatic, 3(8.8%) had no deletion or point mutation and presumed to have 2 + 0, and 1 (2.9%) was not tested.ConclusionThis study provides insight on the carrier mutational analysis of parents’ of SMA patients, Further studies are needed to understand the burden of SMA in the KSA.