bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defensive Impact of Co Q10 in Japanese Quail Males Raised Under Oxidative Stress Conditions
Authors: Taha Ahmed T. , Al-Tikriti Samawal S.
Published: November 2021

This study was investigated the protective role of (CoQ10) on reproductive dysfunction of males quail induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Forty Japanese quail male 45 days old were randomly allotted into four groups with ten replicate one per each , and treated for 28 days as follows : (G1): the first control group (G2): reserved standard ratio and (1%) H2O2in drinking water. (G3): reserved production ratio + (100 mg Co Q10/kg diet) and (1%) H2O2in drinking water. (G4): reserved production ratio + (100 mg Co Q10/kg diet) and normal water. The results showed that exposure of birds to H2O2 caused decrease in serum glutathione level (GSH), testosterone, luteinizing hormones (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) hormones and this reflects on histology of testis by reducing seminiferous tubules diameter , area of germinal layer and germinal layer thickness. Whereas supplement of CoQ10 caused an increase the concentrations of theses, hormones in-group G4 as compared with group G2. It can noted that an addition was able to restore the oxidative stress birds (G3) to a state close to the natural state (G1). Though testicular histological modifications were made strides in grown-up Japanese quail male treated with CoQ10. In conclusion, the comes about of the display think about appeared that utilize of Co Q10 can easing the pernicious impacts on male regenerative work takingafter introduction toH2O, maybe through enhancement the antioxidant parameters or testicular capacities or other related endocrine organs.
The Effect of Date Palm Powder Soaked by Vinegar Instead Wheat in The Diet on The Blood Traits of Laying Hens
Authors: Hadwan Ali Abdul-Hussain , Baidi Ibrahim Fadhil
Published: November 2021

This study was conducted in the poultry field, Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture, Al-Muthanna University, from 1/7/2020 to 22/9/2020. To determine the effect of date palm powder soaked by vinegar instead wheat in the diet on the blood trait of laying hens. A total of 105 laying hens, ISA Brown, 60 weeks old, were randomly distributed to 5 treatments, with 3 replicates. The treatments were as T1: (control treatment) without date palm powder soaked by vinegar. T2, T3, T4 and T5 date palm powder soaked by vinegar with 25, 50, 75 100% respectively instead wheat in the diet. Results show that a significant differences on some biochemical traits in the plasma of laying hens blood such as triglycerides, while a significant decrease on the concentration of glucose and cholesterol and triglycerides at 72 weeks of age, with a significant increase on calcium and phosphorous in the date palm powder soaked by vinegar treatments instead wheat at the age of 72 weeks.
Relationship of Cytokines Concentration With Mastitis Infection Degree in Holstein Cows Reared in The Middle of Iraq
Authors: Al-Taiy Mohammed K. , Judi Rash A. , Al-Dulaimi Makki Kh. , Al-Rubaye Talip A.
Published: November 2021

The study conducted by using ninety-five Friesian cows in the 3rd parity reared in private ruminant’s farm in the middle of Iraq (AL-Dewanya province) during the year 2020. All cows that used in this study were infected with mastitis in different degree to investigate the relationship between TNFa and IL-6 cytokines with the degree of mastitis. Results showed a significant relationship (P≤0.01) of mastitis degree with TNF-α concentration, the highest concentration of TNFa was recorded in cows with acute infection in whole udder namely, 102.11 Pg/ml while the lowest concentration was noticed in cows with simple mastitis infection. Results showed a significant difference (P≤0.01) in IL-6 concentration according to the degree of mastitis infection, the highest IL-6 level was in cows suffered from acute mastitis to reached as 58.3 pg/ml compared with the lowest level which noticed in cows with simple mastitis infection which was 15.82 pg/ml.
Effect of Chia Seeds Water Extract on Some Physiological Traits of Broiler
Authors: Alkenany Moatez Hamza , Al-Ardhi Saad A.A. , Al-Gharawi Jassim Kassim
Published: November 2021

This experiment was conducted at Poultry field, Agricultural Research and Experiment Station, College of Agriculture, Al-Muthanna University from 12/2/2020 to 6/1/2020. A total of 240 oneday, 40 g, Ross 308 broiler chicks, were used. The chicks were reared in four-storey batteries. Each floor contains a cage of dimensions 1.5 × 1 m. The chicks were randomly distributed to four experimental treatments of 60 chicks. For each treatment, three replicates of the treatment (20 chicks/duplicate). The treatments were as T1, T2, T3 and T4were add water extract of chia seeds to drinking water by 0, 2, 4 and 6 ml/liter of drinking water respectively.
Morphological, Chemical and Molecular Evaluations For Several Rice (Oryza Sativa L.) Races Grown Under Salt Stress Levels
Authors: Al-jana Mohammed H. N. , Al-Burki Fouad R.A. , Al-Taher Faisal M. M.
Published: November 2021

A field experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Research and Experiments Station of the College of Agriculture, Al-Muthanna University during the summer season 2020. Pots of 15 cm diameter were used for planting the genotypes, with (SS, F-RCBD) and three replications. Ten different genotypes rice were used (FRI, FR2, FR15, FR16, FR17, FR18, FR21, FR25, FR27), as well as the rice varieties, which are Pokkali, Anber-33 and Jasmine, were irrigated by three levels of salty water (4.5, 7.5 and 15 ds/m). The results of the experiment showed that the tolerance of the genotypes FR21 and FR12 to salinity was associated with containing low concentrations of sodium (0.38 and 0.42%) respectively in the shoot, and a high concentration of potassium in the shoot (1.22 and 1.23%) respectively, and this result was reflected in the ratio of potassium to sodium in the shoot total was (3.30 and 2.95%) compared to the salt-tolerant variety Pokkali. Salinity caused a significant decrease in all the studied traits of the genotypes, especially at levels 7.5 and 15 ds/m, in growth traits (plant height, flag leaf area and panicle length), yield and its components (number of productive tillers, weight of 1000 grains and yield per plant). The most potent varieties in salt tolerance were FR12 and FR21, as they gave the highest yield of grains (11.72 and 16.67 g/plant, respectively), flag leave area (30.47 and 27.76 cm2 respectively). Detection for OsHKT4 and OsHKT6 by PCR proved the presence of primary locus that utilized by each gene with successfully fused genes as well as their stability under Iraqi cultivation circumstances, particularly in the case of FR12 and FR21 where OsHKT4 lanes were very obvious (2840 Kb) and the bands of OsHKT6 at (2324 Kb), which resemble to that in Pokkali Japanese salt tolerance rice. These results suggested the variation among investigated rice varieties in their tolerance to salts, where FR12 and FR21 were best in their performance under applied the salt levels conditions.
Effect of Planting Dates on Growth and Yield of Four Cultivars of Wheat
Authors: Al-Jayashi Mahmood T. , Hawal Ali A.S. , Adham Alyaa Muayad
Published: November 2021

A field experiment was applied at the research station in Al-Najmi district, Al-Muthanna governorate during the agricultural season 2020-2021, to determine evaluating several cultivars of wheat by changing the date of their cultivation. The experiment was applied using the split plot using the Randomized complete Block Design(RCBD) with three replicates experiment method, where the planting dates were occupied (1/11, 15/11, 1/12 and 12/15) the main plots, while the cultivars (Baghdad, Furat, Rashid, and Wafia) occupied the secondary plots and with three replicates. The results showed that the planting date (1/12) was superior to the number of days up to 75% of flowering, the number of spikes. m−2, and the grain yield ton. ha−1, which amounted to 109 days, 409.9 spikes and 5.77 tons, respectively. While the planting date (15/11) exceeded in both characteristics the leaf area and the number of grains in the spike, as it reached 46.18 cm and 49.78 grains. As for the cultivaries, the Baghdad cultivar surpassed in the characteristics of the area of the flag leaf, the number of fertile spikes, the number of grains per spike, and the grain yield, which reached 44.70 cm, 395.7 spikes.m−2, 48.38 grains, spike−1 and 6.16 tons.ha−1, respectively.
The Factors of Deterioration of Natural Pastures From The View Point of Agricultural Employees in Al-Muthanna Governorate
Authors: Al-Bahli Emad Fahad Nafeh , Al-Jumaili Mahmoud Hadis Jassim
Published: November 2021

The research aimed to determine the impact studied factors represented by (people’s activities, government activities, natural factors) on the deterioration of natural pastures in the Governorate of Al-Muthanna the point of view of agricultural employees in the governorate. The research included all agricultural employees with a preparatory scientific qualification in agriculture and above in the governorate their number is (94) employees. A questionnaire was prepared to collect the data necessary to achieve the objectives of the research. It consisted of two parts. The first part included the factors related to the employees, which are (term of service, academic achievement, participation in extension activities, job position and work location). The second part included a measure to identify the agricultural employees’ the point of view of on the factors affecting the deterioration of natural pastures. It consists of (46) section spread over (3) field covered by the research. The results showed that government activities have the most impact on the deterioration of natural pastures, it was found a statistically significant difference in the respondents’ point of view about the influence of the studied factors according to their personal characteristics. The researchers concluded the necessity of agricultural expansion in pasture lands and industrial investments, as well as the importance of personal factors in assigning employees who can work in the development of natural pastures, and the researchers recommend activating government laws for the protection of natural pastures to prevent abuses (people’s activities, government activities) that contributed greatly to the deterioration of vegetation cover in the research area and taking into account the factors studied in the selection of workers in the development of natural pastures in the research area.
The Optimum Allocation For Irrigation Water of Agricultural Crops in Iraq During The Average Period (2017-2020) Using Linear Programming Method
Authors: Abdullah Assad A. , Kadhim Zuhal R.
Published: November 2021

The research aims to study the optimal allocation of irrigation water that is used to irrigate various agricultural crops at the level of Iraq. In order to achieve the research aim, two economic models were formulated according to the Simplex Algorithm. The two models included forty agricultural crops, which were restricted by twenty specific production resources. The estimated results indicated that there is a surplus of the water resource for both the actual crop composition plan and the proposed basic plans for the two estimated models amounting to about 30.943, 35.357 and 31.097 billion cubic meters for each plan, respectively, compared to the quantities of water available for agricultural use. The results of the analysis of the two estimated models indicated to prefer the results of plans with legislative restrictions due to the expansion of the area of strategic and important crops for local consumption, with less needs of water.
Study The Administrative Efficiency of The Agricultural Extension and Training Organization According to The Opinions of Agricultural Extension Workers and Its Relationship to Some Factors in The Southern of Iraq
Authors: Al hamdany Majeed h.S. , Ai_Rekibe Hakeem. S. , Ai_Janabi Thamir N. , Ai_Ansari Adnan. I.
Published: November 2021

The research aimed to identify the level of administrative efficiency of the agricultural extension organization and training organization according to the opinions of agricultural extension workers in the southern governorates of Iraq., To conduct this study the sample was randomly selected from the studied governorates (40 respondents from Maysan Governorate, 40 respondents from Thi-Qar province, 42 respondents from the Governorate Basra, the total of research sample was 122 respondents), To collect the data by questionnaire techniques and interviews with the respondents. The data was collected through the personal interviews were adopted (June to July 2020). Statistical tools were used to analyze the data and the SPSS statistical program. The study found that the efficiency of the extension organization in the studied governorates is on average and the degree of efficiency is low in the extension organization.
An Estimation of Dates Production Function in Karbala Governorate For The Agricultural Season 2020 (Al-jadual Al-gharby District A case Study)
Authors: Hussein Sadeq H. , Blaw Hayder Hamed
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to detect the most important factor that affects dates production. About 108 questionary forms collecttted palm orchard farmers in Karbala to estimate the dates production function in Karbala governorate for the agricultural season 2021 (the district of Al-jadual Al-Gharby). The study distributed those formmmsss for about 10% of the total palm orchards in Al-jadual Al-Gharby district of the holy governorate of Karbala. The study used the method of ordinary Least squares (OLS) to estimate the mathematical model of the function. The results showed that the double Logarithmic function in terms of its estimation of the estimated Coefficients by one unit leads to a corresponding change in the produced quality of dates and the same direction by 0.188 0.808) % respectively, and that the capital variable is more in fluently in production than the work variable. As for the total production elasticity (the sum of the partial elasticities of the resources used), which represents returns to scale, it amounted to about (0.996), which indicates a decrease in the return to scale.
Optimal Use of Natural Resources in Al-Muthanna Desert (Soil as A model)
Authors: Al-Aajibi Muhammad Jaber , Al-Jiashi Jassim Wehwah
Published: November 2021

Soil is one of the important natural resources in Al-Muthanna desert, and the climate has played an important role in its formation. The soil in the study area is classified into several types that vary in their quality for agriculture. I concluded that the soil of the depressions and the plains alluvial soils are among the best types of those soils, followed by the sandy desert soil, which is characterized by its large area and can be exploited when providing water for it. As for the gypsum desert soils, they are of medium quality for cultivation, due to the presence of gypsum in them in high quantities and the lack of water retention. While the sandy and rocky dune soils are unsuitable for agriculture due to their high permeability. Wind and water erosion works to expose rocky soil rocks and transfer sand dune soil particles, but they constitute an important resource in the manufacture of building materials and glass if they are used properly.
Effect of Climate on The Burial and Stripping of Remnants of War in Al-Muthanna Desert and Its Health Effects
Authors: Al-Aajibi Muhammad Jaber , Al-Jiashi Karar Majid
Published: November 2021

Military remnants in the Al-Muthanna desert are one of the most important risks facing the local population in the desert, due to its presence in large quantities and in large areas and in many types. Climate factors interacted integrated with each other, which led to the burial of many of these wastes. Sometimes wind erosion shows it, and there is a big role for dust storms and air precipitation to hide the war remnants in Al-Muthanna desert, due to the nature of the dry climate in it, which helped in the disintegration of its soil, which makes up most of the surface of the study area. It was also found that there is a large role of rain in burying many wastes, led to its concealment and the difficulty of seeing it with the naked eye, which required the use of explosive detection devices or dogs trained in that to investigate it. As for the casualties caused by the remnants of war, it has been continuous throughout the years (2004-2020), which claimed the lives of many local residents in the Desert, led by the year 2013, when the number of victims was. When studying the distribution of these remnants in the Desert region, it appeared that there are many areas in which war remnants are scattered in large areas, all of which are explosive and dangerous, such as mines, cluster bombs of different types, mortars and artillery. The Busayeh desert took the largest share of the area and the largest amount of war remnants. The research found that there are areas in which there are war remnants that are not registered with the Civil Defense Department in Al-Muthanna Governorate, such as Al-Juyou, Faydat Al-Faris, and Kilo.
Effect of Some Abiotic Environmental Stresses on Some Physical Characteristics of Wheat Seeds(Triticum Aestivum L.)
Authors: Karim Sattar J. Abdel , Mahmoud Mohammed R.
Published: November 2021

The experiment was carried out in the laboratory of the General Company for Grain Trade, Al-Diwaniyah Governorate, variety Ibaa 99 during the season of 2021, to find out the effect of some abiotic environmental stresses (heat and humidity) on some physical characteristics of the wheat seeds(Triticum aestivum L.) The experiment was conducted according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) for experiments, Factorial with three replications, the first factor included three levels of temperature (-7, 25 and 35°C) and the second factor three levels of humidity (12, 14 and 16%). The temperature level of 35 °C was superior to the specific weight and gave the highest specific weight of 77.02 kg/Hectoliter and the weight of 1000 grains 34.49 g, the moisture level of 16% exceeded the specific weight and gave the highest specific weight of 77.80 kg/Hectoliter, and the weight of 1000 grains 34.48 g.
Season Response of Bread Wheat Cultivars (Triticum Aestivum L.) to Different Planting Dates Under Samawa Desert Condition
Authors: Fouad Razzaq A. Al-Burki , Haider Abdulhussein Mohsin , Abdullah F. Sarheed
Published: November 2021

A field experiment was carried out in Samawa desert (70 km west of Samawa city, Al-Muthanna governorate), during the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 agricultural seasons, to study the response of three Iraqi cultivars of wheat (Tamooz2, Ibaa99, Abu Ghraib3) to three planting dates (November 15, 1st December and December 15) under Samawa desert conditions. The results showed the superiority of Tamooz2 cultivar in all traits of the yield components, it gave the highest averages of grain yield, which amounted 5.75 and 5.89 tons/ha−1, weight of 1000 grains, which amounted 29.79 and 31.06 gm, and the number of grains per spike, which amounted 73.02 and 73.76 for the 2019 and 2019-2020 seasons, respectively. The date of December 15th also surpassed in the traits of grain yield, weight of 1000 grains, number of spike grains, and the highest grain yield reached 5.62 and 5.58 tons/ha−1 for the two seasons 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, respectively, and the combination (Tamooz 2 x December 15) gave superiority over the other combinations in terms of grain yield which amounted 6.05 tons ha−1 (2018-2019 season) and Ibaa99 × December 1 gave the highest grian yield about 6.10 tons ha-1 (2019-2020 season).
Advances in efficiency in the groove milling of aluminium EN AW 2024-T3 with zig-zag and trochoidal strategies
Authors: Rodríguez O , Romero P E , Molero E , Guerrero G
Published: November 2021

Manufacturing process engineers must continually take decisions to make the processes efficient. Manufacturing time, surface finish and energy consumption are aspects to be optimized in machining. This study analyzes the efficiency of groove milling in milling aluminum alloys EN AW 2024-T3 with zig-zag and trochoidal strategies. Dynamic milling is designed to maximize the removal rate and optimize the tool performance. This generates a discontinuous cutting with minimum of heat reducing build-up with an optimal chip removal minimizing cutting edge wear. The influence of lateral pitch, feed per tooth, cutting speed and coolant pressure has been analyzed. The depth of curt has been adapted for each strategy and tool type. The study was proposed through a factorial design of experiments by the Taguchi method. The machining time (T) and energy consumption (EC) show a strong influence of the lateral step (a

e
) in conventional milling. A similar level of influence appears with the feed per tooth (f

z
) on the trochoidal. The roughness (Ra) is more influenced by cutting speed (V

c
) for conventional milling and by feed per tooth (f

z
) and lateral pitch (a

e
) for the trochoidal.
Bioprinting of biomimetic self-organised cartilage with a supporting joint fixation device
Authors: Burdis Ross , Chariyev-Prinz Farhad , Kelly Daniel J
Published: November 2021

Despite sustained efforts, engineering truly biomimetic articular cartilage (AC) via traditional top-down approaches remains challenging. Emerging biofabrication strategies, from 3D bioprinting to scaffold-free approaches that leverage principles of cellular self-organisation, are generating significant interest in the field of cartilage tissue engineering as a means of developing biomimetic tissue analogues in vitro. Although such strategies have advanced the quality of engineered cartilage, recapitulation of many key structural features of native AC, in particular a collagen network mimicking the tissue’s ‘Benninghoff arcade’, remains elusive. Additionally, a complete solution to fixating engineered cartilages in situ within damaged synovial joints has yet to be identified. This study sought to address both of these key challenges by engineering biomimetic AC within a device designed to anchor the tissue within a synovial joint defect. We first designed and fabricated a fixation device capable of anchoring engineered cartilage into the subchondral bone. Next, we developed a strategy for inkjet printing porcine mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) into this supporting fixation device, which was also designed to provide instructive cues to direct the self-organisation of MSC condensations towards a stratified engineered AC. We found that a higher starting cell-density supported the development of a more zonally defined collagen network within the engineered tissue. Dynamic culture was implemented to further enhance the quality of this engineered tissue, resulting in an approximate 3 fold increase in glycosaminoglycan and collagen accumulation. Ultimately this strategy supported the development of AC that exhibited near-native levels of glycosaminoglycan accumulation (>5% WW), as well as a biomimetic collagen network organisation with a perpendicular to a parallel fibre arrangement (relative to the tissue surface) from the deep to superficial zones via arcading fibres within the middle zone of the engineered tissue. Collectively, this work demonstrates the successful convergence of novel biofabrication methods, bioprinting strategies and culture regimes to engineer a hybrid implant suited to resurfacing AC defects.
Wear and corrosion behavior of nano carbide dispersed AISI304 stainless steel by laser surface processing
Authors: Chakraborty Amitesh , Dileep M , Krishna Shree , Pityana Sisa , Sen D , Manna I , Majumdar J Dutta
Published: November 2021

In this study, dispersion of tungsten carbide on AISI 304 stainless steel substrate has been carried out by laser melting of the sand blasted substrate using a 5 kW continuous wave (CW) Nd:YAG laser (with the beam diameter of 3 mm) with an output power ranging from 1.5–2 kW, and scan speed varying from 12 to 16 mm s−1 and simultaneous feeding of premixed WC + Co powders in the ratio (wt) of 1:4 (with a flow rate of 10 mg s−1). The microstructure of the composite zone is dendritic or cellular in morphology and consists of nano-tungsten carbide (both WC and W2C) and M23C6 precipitates. There is an enhancement in hardness due to carbide dispersion from 220 VHN of the as-received substrate to 290–400 VHN. The wear resistance is improved significantly with a maximum enhancement observed in the sample processed with an applied power of 2 kW and a scan speed of 12 mm s−1. The corrosion rate in a 3.56 wt% NaCl solution is significantly reduced due to laser processing in most samples except when processed with 2.5 kW applied power and 12 mm s−1 scan speed. However, pitting corrosion resistance is found to be improved (shifting of Epit towards noble direction) for the sample processed with an applied power of 2 kW and a scan speed of 12 mm s−1.
Phylogenetic, ecological and intraindividual variability patterns in grass phytolith shape
Authors: Hošková Kristýna , Neustupa Jiří , Pokorný Petr , Pokorná Adéla
Published: November 2021

Background and Aims

Grass silica short cell (GSSC) phytoliths appear to be the most reliable source of fossil evidence for tracking the evolutionary history and paleoecology of grasses. In recent years, modern techniques that quantitatively assess phytolith shape variation have widened opportunities for the classification of grass fossil phytoliths. However, phylogenetic, ecological and intraindividual variability patterns in phytolith shape remain largely unexplored.

Methods

The full range of intraindividual phytolith shape variation [3650 two-dimensional (2-D) outlines] from 73 extant grass species, 48 genera, 18 tribes and eight subfamilies (particularly Pooideae) was analysed using geometric morphometric analysis based on semi-landmarks spanning phytolith outlines.

Key Results

The 2-D phytolith shape is mainly driven by deep-time diversification of grass subfamilies. There is distinct phytolith shape variation in early-diverging lineages of Pooideae (Meliceae, Stipeae). The amount of intraindividual variation in phytolith shape varies among species, resulting in a remarkable pattern across grass phylogeny.

Conclusions

The phylogenetic pattern in phytolith shape was successfully revealed by applying geometric morphometrics to 2-D phytolith shape outlines, strengthening the potential of phytoliths to track the evolutionary history and paleoecology of grasses. Geometric morphometrics of 2-D phytolith shape is an excellent tool for analysis requiring large numbers of phytolith outlines, making it useful for quantitative palaeoecological reconstruction.
Comprehensive assessment of deep generative architectures for de novo drug design
Authors: Wang Mingyang , Sun Huiyong , Wang Jike , Pang Jinping , Chai Xin , Xu Lei , Li Honglin , Cao Dongsheng , Hou Tingjun
Published: November 2021

Recently, deep learning (DL)-based de novo drug design represents a new trend in pharmaceutical research, and numerous DL-based methods have been developed for the generation of novel compounds with desired properties. However, a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of these methods is still lacking. In this study, the performances of different generative models were evaluated by analyzing the properties of the generated molecules in different scenarios, such as goal-directed (rediscovery, optimization and scaffold hopping of active compounds) and target-specific (generation of novel compounds for a given target) tasks. In overall, the DL-based models have significant advantages over the baseline models built by the traditional methods in learning the physicochemical property distributions of the training sets and may be more suitable for target-specific tasks. However, both the baselines and DL-based generative models cannot fully exploit the scaffolds of the training sets, and the molecules generated by the DL-based methods even have lower scaffold diversity than those generated by the traditional models. Moreover, our assessment illustrates that the DL-based methods do not exhibit obvious advantages over the genetic algorithm-based baselines in goal-directed tasks. We believe that our study provides valuable guidance for the effective use of generative models in de novo drug design.
Acute kidney injury requiring renal replacement therapy in people with COVID-19 disease in Ontario, Canada: a prospective analysis of risk factors and outcomes
Authors: Roushani Jian , Thomas Doneal , Oliver Matthew J , Ip Jane , Tang Yiwen , Yeung Angie , Taji Leena , Cooper Rebecca , Magner Peter O , Garg Amit X , Blake Peter G
Published: November 2021

Background

Severely ill people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are at risk of acute kidney injury treated with renal replacement therapy (AKI-RRT). The understanding of the risk factors and outcomes for AKI-RRT is incomplete.

Methods

We prospectively collected data on the incidence, demographics, area of residence, time course, outcomes and associated risk factors for all COVID-19 AKI-RRT cases during the first two waves of the pandemic in Ontario, Canada.

Results

There were 271 people with AKI-RRT, representing 0.1% of all diagnosed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) cases. These included 10% of SARS-CoV-2 admissions to intensive care units (ICU). Median age was 65 years, with 11% <50 years, 76% were male, 47% non-White and 48% had diabetes. Overall, 59% resided in the quintile of Ontario neighborhoods with the greatest ethnocultural composition and 51% in the two lowest income quintile neighborhoods. Mortality was 58% at 30 days after RRT initiation, and 64% at 90 days. By 90 days, 20% of survivors remained RRT-dependent and 31% were still hospitalized. On multivariable analysis, people aged >70 years had higher mortality (odds ratio 2.4, 95% confidence interval 1.3, 4.6). Cases from the second versus the first COVID-19 wave were older, had more baseline comorbidity and were more likely to initiate RRT  >2 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis (34% versus 14%; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

AKI-RRT is common in COVID-19 ICU admissions. Residency in areas with high ethnocultural composition and lower socioeconomic status are strong risk factors. Late-onset AKI-RRT was more common in the second wave. Mortality is high and 90-day survivors have persisting high morbidity.
Left atrial structure and function are associated with cardiovascular outcomes independent of left ventricular measures: a UK Biobank CMR study
Authors: Raisi-Estabragh Zahra , McCracken Celeste , Condurache Dorina , Aung Nay , Vargas Jose D , Naderi Hafiz , Munroe Patricia B , Neubauer Stefan , Harvey Nicholas C , Petersen Steffen E
Published: November 2021

Aims

We evaluated the associations of left atrial (LA) structure and function with prevalent and incident cardiovascular disease (CVD), independent of left ventricular (LV) metrics, in 25 896 UK Biobank participants.

Methods and results

We estimated the association of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) metrics [LA maximum volume (LAV), LA ejection fraction (LAEF), LV mass : LV end-diastolic volume ratio (LVM : LVEDV), global longitudinal strain, and LV global function index (LVGFI)] with vascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and smoking), prevalent and incident CVDs [atrial fibrillation (AF), stroke, ischaemic heart disease (IHD), myocardial infarction], all-cause mortality, and CVD mortality. We created uncorrelated CMR variables using orthogonal principal component analysis rotation. All five CMR metrics were simultaneously entered into multivariable regression models adjusted for sex, age, ethnicity, deprivation, education, body size, and physical activity. Lower LAEF was associated with diabetes, smoking, and all the prevalent and incident CVDs. Diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol were associated with smaller LAV. Hypertension, IHD, AF (incident and prevalent), incident stroke, and CVD mortality were associated with larger LAV. LV and LA metrics were both independently informative in associations with prevalent disease, however LAEF showed the most consistent associations with incident CVDs. Lower LVGFI was associated with greater all-cause and CVD mortality. In secondary analyses, compared with LVGFI, LV ejection fraction showed similar but less consistent disease associations.

Conclusion

LA structure and function measures (LAEF and LAV) demonstrate significant associations with key prevalent and incident cardiovascular outcomes, independent of LV metrics. These measures have potential clinical utility for disease discrimination and outcome prediction.
O splendor gloriae: Taverner or Tye?
Authors: Knights Francis , Rodríguez Mateo , Padilla Pablo
Published: November 2021

The five-part votive antiphon O splendor gloriae is attributed to Taverner in two important sources, but to both Taverner and Tye in the other two 16th-century sources. Joint works of this kind in classical music are extremely rare, and common authorship is difficult to assess. In this case, scoring and many other musical features are consistent, but the style of each half seems different. In his edition of 1978, Nigel Davison cautiously attributes the second part to Tye on stylistic grounds. It certainly seems more modern in its imitative treatment, which may be consistent with the fact that Tye was a little younger than Taverner. In this article we employ both a special mathematical modelling technique and standard musicological methods to support the idea that each half of the work was written by a different composer.
Age-related change in adult chimpanzee social network integration
Authors: Thompson González Nicole , Machanda Zarin , Otali Emily , Muller Martin N , Enigk Drew K , Wrangham Richard , Emery Thompson Melissa
Published: November 2021

Background

Social isolation is a key risk factor for the onset and progression of age-related disease and mortality in humans. Nevertheless, older people commonly have narrowing social networks, with influences from both cultural factors and the constraints of senescence. We evaluate evolutionarily grounded models by studying social aging in wild chimpanzees, a system where such influences are more easily separated than in humans, and where individuals are long-lived and decline physically with age.

Methodology

We applied social network analysis to examine age-related changes in social integration in a 7+ year mixed-longitudinal dataset on 38 wild adult chimpanzees (22 females, 16 males). Metrics of social integration included social attractivity and overt effort (directed degree and strength), social roles (betweenness and local transitivity) and embeddedness (eigenvector centrality) in grooming networks.

Results

Both sexes reduced the strength of direct ties with age (males in-strength, females out-strength). However, males increased embeddedness with age, alongside cliquishness. These changes were independent of age-related changes in social and reproductive status. Both sexes maintained highly repeatable inter-individual differences in integration, particularly in mixed-sex networks.

Conclusions and implications

As in humans, chimpanzees appear to experience senescence-related declines in social engagement. However, male social embeddedness and overall sex differences were patterned more similarly to humans in non-industrialized versus industrialized societies. Such comparisons suggest common evolutionary roots to ape social aging and that social isolation in older humans may hinge on novel cultural factors of many industrialized societies. Lastly, individual and sex differences are potentially important mediators of successful social aging in chimpanzees, as in humans.

Lay summary: Few biological models explain why humans so commonly have narrowing social networks with age, despite the risk factor of social isolation that small networks pose. We use wild chimpanzees as a comparative system to evaluate models grounded in an evolutionary perspective, using social network analysis to examine changes in integration with age. Like humans in industrialized populations, chimpanzees had lower direct engagement with social partners as they aged. However, sex differences in integration and older males’ central positions within the community network were more like patterns of sociality in several non-industrialized human populations. Our results suggest common evolutionary roots to human and chimpanzee social aging, and that the risk of social isolation with age in industrialized populations stems from novel cultural factors.
Evolutionary context of psoriatic immune skin response
Authors: Starr Izzy , Seiffert-Sinha Kristina , Sinha Animesh A , Gokcumen Omer
Published: November 2021

The skin is vital for protecting the body and perceiving external stimuli in the environment. Ability to adapt between environments is in part based on skin phenotypic plasticity, indicating evolved homeostasis between skin and environment. This homeostasis reflects the greater relationship between the body and the environment, and disruptions in this balance may lead to accumulation of susceptibility factors for autoimmune conditions like psoriasis. In this study, we examined the relationship between rapid, lineage-specific evolution of human skin and formation of psoriatic skin responses at the transcriptome level. We collected skin tissue biopsies from individuals with psoriasis and compared gene expression in psoriatic plaques to non-plaque psoriatic skin. We then compared these data with non-psoriatic skin transcriptome data from multiple primate species. We found 67 genes showing human-specific skin expression that are also differentially regulated in psoriatic skin; these genes are significantly enriched for skin barrier function, immunity and neuronal development. We identified six gene clusters with differential expression in the context of human evolution and psoriasis, suggesting underlying regulatory mechanisms in these loci. Human and psoriasis-specific enrichment of neuroimmune genes shows the importance of the ongoing evolved homeostatic relationship between skin and external environment. These results have implications for both evolutionary medicine and public health, using transcriptomic data to acknowledge the importance of an individual’s surroundings on their overall health.
Apolipoprotein C-III reduction in subjects with moderate hypertriglyceridaemia and at high cardiovascular risk
Authors: Tardif Jean-Claude , Karwatowska-Prokopczuk Ewa , Amour Eric St , Ballantyne Christie M , Shapiro Michael D , Moriarty Patrick M , Baum Seth J , Hurh Eunju , Bartlett Victoria J , Kingsbury Joyce , Figueroa Amparo L , Alexander Veronica J , Tami Joseph , Witztum Joseph L , Geary Richard S , O’Dea Louis St L , Tsimikas Sotirios , Gaudet Daniel
Published: November 2021

Aims

Hypertriglyceridaemia is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. This clinical trial evaluated olezarsen, an N-acetyl-galactosamine-conjugated antisense oligonucleotide targeted to hepatic APOC3 mRNA to inhibit apolipoprotein C-III (apoC-III) production, in lowering triglyceride levels in patients at high risk for or with established cardiovascular disease.

Methods and results

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study was conducted in 114 patients with fasting serum triglycerides 200–500 mg/dL (2.26–5.65 mmol/L). Patients received olezarsen (10 or 50 mg every 4 weeks, 15 mg every 2 weeks, or 10 mg every week) or saline placebo subcutaneously for 6–12 months. The primary endpoint was the percent change in fasting triglyceride levels from baseline to Month 6 of exposure. Baseline median (interquartile range) fasting triglyceride levels were 262 (222–329) mg/dL [2.96 (2.51–3.71) mmol/L]. Treatment with olezarsen resulted in mean percent triglyceride reductions of 23% with 10 mg every 4 weeks, 56% with 15 mg every 2 weeks, 60% with 10 mg every week, and 60% with 50 mg every 4 weeks, compared with increase by 6% for the pooled placebo group (P-values ranged from 0.0042 to <0.0001 compared with placebo). Significant decreases in apoC-III, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B were also observed. There were no platelet count, liver, or renal function changes in any of the olezarsen groups. The most common adverse event was mild erythema at the injection site.

Conclusion

Olezarsen significantly reduced apoC-III, triglycerides, and atherogenic lipoproteins in patients with moderate hypertriglyceridaemia and at high risk for or with established cardiovascular disease.

Trial registration number

NCT03385239.
Cardiovascular risk assessment in people living with HIV compared to the general population
Authors: Delabays Benoît , Cavassini Matthias , Damas Jose , Beuret Hadrien , Calmy Alexandra , Hasse Barbara , Bucher Heiner C , Frischknecht Manuel , Müller Olivier , Méan Marie , Vollenweider Peter , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Vaucher Julien
Published: November 2021

Aims

We prospectively assessed and compared the accuracy of cardiovascular risk scores in people living with HIV (PLWH) and individuals from the general population.

Methods and results

The Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation Score 2 (SCORE2), the Pooled Cohort Equations (PCE), and the HIV-specific Data Collection on Adverse events of Anti-HIV Drugs (D:A:D) score were calculated in participants free from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) between 2003 and 2009. In total, 6373 [mean age, 40.6 years (SD, 9.9)] PLWH from the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS) and 5403 [52.8 years (SD, 10.7)] individuals from the CoLaus|PsyCoLaus study were eligible for analysis. We tested discrimination and calibration, and the value of adding HIV-specific factors to scores using the net reclassification improvement (NRI). During mean follow-ups of 13.5 (SD, 4.1) in SHCS and 9.9 (SD, 2.3) years in CoLaus|PsyCoLaus study, 533 (8.4%) and 374 (6.9%) people developed an incident ASCVD, respectively. This translated into age-adjusted incidence rates of 12.9 and 7.5 per 1000 person-year, respectively. In SHCS, SCORE2, PCE, and D:A:D presented comparable discriminative capacities [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.745 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.723–0.767), 0.757 (95% CI, 0.736–0.777), and 0.763 (95% CI, 0.743–0.783)]. Adding HIV-specific variables (CD4 nadir and abacavir exposure) to SCORE2 and PCE resulted in an NRI of −0.1% (95% CI, −1.24 to 1, P = 0.83) and of 2.7% (95% CI, 0.3–5.1, P = 0.03), respectively.

Conclusions

PLWH present a two-fold higher rate of incident ASCVD compared to individuals from the general population. SCORE2 and PCE, which are clinically easier to use (reduced set of variables without adding HIV-specific factors), are valid to predict ASCVD in PLWH.
Candidates for Balancing Selection inLeishmania donovaniComplex Parasites
Authors: Grace Cooper Alastair , Forrester Sarah , Silva Vladimir Costa , Carvalho Kátia Silene Sousa , Kilford Hannah , Chew Yen Peng , James Sally , Costa Dorcas L , Mottram Jeremy C , Costa Carlos C H N , Jeffares Daniel C
Published: November 2021

The Leishmania donovani species complex is the causative agent of visceral leishmaniasis, which cause 20–40,000 fatalities a year. Here, we conduct a screen for balancing selection in this species complex. We used 384 publicly available L. donovani and L. infantum genomes, and sequence 93 isolates of L. infantum from Brazil to describe the global diversity of this species complex. We identify five genetically distinct populations that are sufficiently represented by genomic data to search for signatures of selection. We find that signals of balancing selection are generally not shared between populations, consistent with transient adaptive events, rather than long-term balancing selection. We then apply multiple diversity metrics to identify candidate genes with robust signatures of balancing selection, identifying a curated set of 24 genes with robust signatures. These include zeta toxin, nodulin-like, and flagellum attachment proteins. This study highlights the extent of genetic divergence between L. donovani complex parasites and provides genes for further study.
Terrestrial reference frame SC20 for monitoring crustal deformation in the adjacent areas of the South China block
Authors: Liang Hongbao , Zhan Wei , Li Jingwei , Zhu Shuang
Published: November 2021

For the application of crustal deformation monitoring, users in East Asia need to have a terrestrial reference frame (TRF) that is consistent with the latest International Terrestrial Reference Frame 2014 (ITRF2014). We selected 12 core stations having 10 yr of continuous GPS observation (2010–2020) by the enhanced criteria and established a stable South China Reference Frame 2020 (SC20). The SC20 is defined as having no-net rotation within the stable South China block and an angular velocity from IGS14 to SC20 in Cartesian coordinates of (−0.1736 ± 0.0088, −0.4901 ± 0.0195, 1.0258 ± 0.0114) milliarcsecond yr−1 is obtained. The root-mean-square velocities of the core stations are 0.23 mm yr−1 in the north, 0.22 mm yr−1 in the east, and 0.30 mm yr−1 vertical and the SC20 frame can be confidently used within 8 yr beyond its useful life (2010–2020) without causing any deviation in position. Finally, the three-component velocities of 194 stations with respect to SC20 are obtained in East Asia. The deformation result can fully highlight the relative deformation of the boundary zone of the active block, which is beneficial to the crustal determination related to the location of strong earthquakes. The SC20 also degrades over time just as with ITRF, so we will be regularly updating it every few years by adding more reference stations and longer periods of observations and in time after major geophysical events.
Conflict and Community in the Trenches: Military Justice Archives and Interactions between Soldiers in France’s Armée d’Afrique, 1914–18
Authors: Eldridge Claire
Published: November 2021

This article demonstrates the methodological value of using military justice archives to explore how soldiers navigated the multi-ethnic French army during the First World War. It focuses on Armée d’Afrique units containing high concentrations of colonial subjects and uses crime records to consider the implications of this unprecedented level of diversity. Emphasizing the experiences and voices of men otherwise scarce in the historical record deepens our understanding of how discrimination and inequality functioned within the supposedly egalitarian structures of the French military and foregrounds the complex ways in which race intersected with other markers of identity to structure combatant experiences.
Event-based rigid formation system with cooperative finite-time control
Authors: Tan Wenbo , Huang Na
Published: November 2021

We note that most of the rigid formation control based on distance-constrained theory only guarantees exponential or asymptotic convergence of the system. In this paper, we proposed a finite-time event-based control scheme applied in rigid formation control system. Centralized finite-time event-based formation control system is designed where the next trigger time is determined by a central event-based controller, which broadcasts and updates the control input signal to all agents. Then, we build a distributed finite-time event-based control strategy, different from the above system where each agent only uses its own local information. For the above two protocols, we discussed the trigger situation, which ensures that the formation system converges in a finite time. Finally, simulation results proved the performance and effectiveness of the proposed finite-time event-based scheme.