bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longevity, Aging and Cancer: Thermodynamics and Complexity
Authors: Nieto-Villar J.M. , Mansilla R.
Published: May 2022

From the formalism of the thermodynamics of irreversible processes and the theory of complex systems, characterization of longevity and aging and its relationship with the emergence and evolution of cancer was carried out. It was found that: 1. The rate of entropy production can be used as an index of robustness, plasticity, the aggressiveness of cancer, and as a measure of biological age; 2. The aging process, as well as the evolution of cancer, goes through what we have called “biological phase transition”; 3. The process of metastasis, which occurs through epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), appears as a phase transition far from thermodynamic equilibrium and exhibits Shilnikov chaos-like dynamic behavior. This dynamic guarantees the robustness of the process and, in turn, its unpredictability; 4. It was shown that as the ferroptosis process is strengthened, the complexity of the dynamics associated with the emergence and evolution of cancer decreases. The theoretical framework developed contributes to a better understanding of the biophysical-chemical phenomena of longevity and aging and their relationship with cancer.
Revealing the Complete Chloroplast Genome of an Andean Horticultural Crop, Sweet Cucumber (Solanum muricatum), and Its Comparative Analysis with Other Solanaceae Species
Authors: Saldaña Carla L. , Chávez-Galarza Julio C. , De la Cruz Germán , Jhoncon Jorge H. , Guerrero-Abad Juan C. , Vásquez Héctor V. , Maicelo Jorge L. , Arbizu Carlos I.
Published: May 2022

Sweet cucumber (Solanum muricatum) sect. Basarthrum, is a neglected horticultural crop native of the Andean region. It is naturally distributed very close to potatoes (Solanum sect. Petota) and tomatoes (Solanum sect. Lycopersicon), two groups of high economic importance. To date, molecular tools for this crop are still undetermined. We here obtained the first complete chloroplast (cp) genome of sweet cucumber and compared with seven Solanaceae species. Pair-end clean reads were obtained by PE 150 library and the Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. The complete cp genome of S. muricatum had a 155,681 bp with typical quadripartite structure, containing a large single copy (LSC) region (86,182 bp) and a small single-copy (SSC) region (18,360 bp), separated by two inverted repeat (IR) regions (25,568 bp). The annotation of chloroplast genome predicted 88 protein-coding genes (CDS), 8 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, 37 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, and one pseudogene. A total of 48 perfect microsatellites were identified, divided in mononucleotide repeats (32), followed by tetranucleotide (6) and dinucleotides (5). SSRs with trinucleotides repeats (3), pentanucleotide (1) and hexanucleotide (1) repeats motifs in these genomes were identified in lower quantity. Most of these repeats were distributed in the noncoding regions. Whole chloroplast genome comparison with the other seven Solanaceae species revealed that the small and large single copy regions showed more divergence than inverted regions. Finally, phylogenetic analysis resolved that S. muricatum is a sister species to members of sections Petota + Lycopersicum + Etuberosum. This study reports for the first time the genome organization, gene content, and structural features of the cp genome of S. muricatum. Also, this study may provide the basis for evaluating genetic diversity within Solanum, and will be useful to examine the evolutionary processes in sweet cucumber landraces.
Critérios de definição de preços de medicamentos no Brasil e em países selecionados: uma revisão comparada
Authors: Farias Melissa , Pinto Márcia
Published: May 2022

Objetivos: Comparar os critérios de formação de preços de medicamentos no Brasil e em países selecionados, analisar o mecanismo de formação de preços de medicamentos no Brasil e analisar o mecanismo de formação de preços de medicamentos em países selecionados. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão narrativa da literatura por meio do levantamento de informações em bases de dados, em sites das agências nacionais e organismos internacionais e em literatura “cinzenta”, a respeito dos sistemas de saúde e mecanismos de formação de preços de medicamentos no Brasil e nos países selecionados (Austrália, Canadá, Espanha, Estados Unidos, França, Grécia, Itália, Nova Zelândia e Portugal). Resultados: A maioria dos países pesquisados utiliza o referenciamento externo e interno de preços, realiza ajustes e correções de preços ao longo do tempo e faz estudos de avaliação econômica. O valor da terapia ou seu benefício para o paciente ou sistema de saúde é um fator importante tanto na determinação do preço como da incorporação no sistema de saúde. Conclusão: Este trabalho permitiu identificar as semelhanças entre as práticas recomendadas e implementadas internacionalmente e as realizadas no Brasil, bem como os problemas relacionados à definição de preços das novas terapias, além das lacunas no modelo regulatório atual.
Custos diretos e indiretos da fibromialgia: uma revisão de escopo
Authors: Alberti Fernanda , Blatt Carine , Pilger Diogo
Published: May 2022

Objetivo: Identificar os custos médicos diretos e indiretos de pacientes com fibromialgia (FM), bem como elucidar os recursos em saúde utilizados. Métodos: Foi realizada uma revisão de escopo nas bases de dados Medline/PubMed, SciELO e Lilacs, tendo como critérios de inclusão publicações que versavam sobre os custos da FM, publicadas a partir de 2009, disponíveis eletronicamente na íntegra, nos idiomas português, inglês ou espanhol. As buscas foram realizadas entre fevereiro de 2019 e abril de 2021. Resultados: Foram identificados 124 artigos, sendo selecionados 9. Os estudos selecionados foram desenvolvidos na Europa (n=5), América do Norte (n=3) e Ásia (n=1). O número de participantes nos estudos variou de 57 a 2.098, com maior predomínio de pacientes do sexo feminino e idade média variando de 42,6 a 55,2 anos. A média de comorbidades foi de 2,4 a 4,9 por paciente, com um tempo de diagnóstico variando de 4,3 a 6,9 anos. A média do número de consultas médicas variou de 4,68 a 23,3 por paciente/ano, sendo os custos diretos anuais, convertidos para o ano de 2021, de U$ 925,62 a U$ 8.116,59, representando 10,5% a 37,6% dos valores dos custos totais. A média anual de custos indiretos variou de U$ 7.274,98 a U$ 32.294,87, representando 62,4% a 89,5% dos custos totais. Conclusão: Os custos diretos identificados refletiram um panorama do modelo assistencial adotado pelos países que compuseram esta pesquisa e identificamos maior sobrecarga de custos indiretos em relação aos custos totais por paciente, demonstrando maior impacto na comunidade.
Statements about hemophilia A in Brazil: an expert Delphi panel
Authors: Magliano Carlos Alberto , Pereira Ana Carolina , Fernandes Roberta , Sato-Kuwabara Yukie , Loze Priscilla , Carlos Nayara , Mata Verónica
Published: May 2022

Objective: Understanding unmet needs related to hemophilia A management in Brazil is critical for supporting decision-making. Methods: A modified Delphi consensus panel was conducted. Hematologists with extensive experience treating hemophilia in the Brazilian Public Health System were invited to answer questions regarding indicators of severe hemophilia prophylaxis effectiveness, emicizumab treatment indications, and bypassing agents used to reduce bleeding in patients with inhibitors, immune tolerance induction (ITI) use, and adherence. The consensus was defined as ≥75% of votes in Round 1 or using a 5-point Likert-type scale (1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = neither agree nor disagree, 4 = agree, and 5 = strongly agree) in Round 2, which included questions not reaching minimum cut-off in the first step. Results: Nine expert panelists with extensive experience in the Brazilian Public Health System participated. The panel reached an agreement on recommendations about prophylaxis, bleeding treatment patterns, and bleeding sites. From patients’ perspectives, venous access and infusion frequency were the most significant barriers to improving patient treatment. According to most experts, emicizumab will not replace ITI or long-term factor VIII therapy. Still, emicizumab was thought to be a good therapeutic option for patients with difficult venous access, patients requiring central venous access, in the presence of inhibitors, or patients experiencing infusion-related pain. Conclusion: The information gleaned from this study may be helpful to both decision-makers and those in charge of developing healthcare economic models for the treatment of hemophilia A in Brazil.
HMMR potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker of cancer - Speculation based on a pan-cancer analysis
Authors: Shang junyi , Qi Yong
Published: May 2022

The status of universal upregulation for the Hyaluronan-Mediated Motility Receptor (HMMR) in pan-cancer is unknown. The aims of our study included: exploring HMMR expression in different tumor types using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) or other public databases for a pan-cancer analysis, exploring the relationship between HMMR and tumor prognosis, and exploring the role of HMMR in tumor immunity. No matter the pairing or unpairing of data, HMMR expression generally increased as compared to corresponding normal tissue. Based on a CCLE study, our results indicated that HMMR is widely expressed in a variety of tumor cells. For most tumor types, high HMMR expression was associated with reduced Overall Survival (OS), Return to Functional Status (RFS), and Platinum Free Interval (PFI). ROC curves indicated that HMMR displays a high degree of prediction potential for most tumor types. In pan-cancer, HMMR is correlated with some clinical staging, immune cells, and immune checkpoints for some tumors. The results of the GO/KEGG enrichment analysis for proteins most closely related to HMMR, indicating that the most highly enriched pathways are all related to tumor development.
Techniques on endoscopic resection of large thyroid nodules by areola approach
Authors: xiang dapeng , fu lei , wang chengchen , li zhiyu
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Endoscopic thyroidectomy via areola approach (ETA) is a safe and efficient procedure in treating thyroid nodule. However, reports on large nodules(>6cm) resection via ETA are rare. Methods: Between February 2021 and October 2021, five continuous female patients with thyroid nodules larger than 6cm underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy via ETA. The surgical techniques were elaborated and major clinical characteristics including nodule size, operation time and blood loss were analyzed. Results: All the nodules were resected successfully via ETA. All patients were female with an average age of 33 ± 9 yrs. The average largest diameter of the nodules was 6.6±0.4 cm. All patients underwent thyroid lobectomy. The average operation time was 122 ± 8 min . The average blood lost was 17± 4 ml. One patient had transient recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) palsy. No patient underwent a conversion to open surgery. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic Result. Conclusion: ETA is a safe and feasible option for patients with thyroid nodule larger than 6cm. With cautious selection, large nodules could be safely and efficiently resected via ETA.
Strategies of diagnosis and treatment for patients with diabetic foot ulcer during coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic
Authors: Zhang Jinying , Lin Jiayu
Published: May 2022

Background
The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19) pandemic is breaking out and rapidly spread across the country, which is also a severe ordeal for medical workers, and the traditional treatment strategy of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is also facing challenges.
Methods
We herein report four patients with diabetic foot ulcers during the COVID-19 pandemic who achieved individual diagnosis and treatment plan, made patients get timely and reasonable treatment on the premise of prevention and control. After treatment, the wound healed, and the foot function recovered.
Results
After treatment, the wound healed, and the foot function recovered.
Conclusions
According to the guidelines of relevant domestic experts, this paper recommends reasonable recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetic foot ulcers, optimizing the diagnosis and treatment process, and reducing cross-infection in the hospital.
Leadership role and professional development of technology
Authors: Uzorka Afam , Olaniyan Ademola Olatide
Published: May 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has indeed driven educational technology to the next higher level, especially in faculty teaching and research. There is an increasing need for faculty to embrace new technology, especially with the emergence of new normal in both teaching, learning, and research. To become conversant with the technologies, educators need opportunities for professional development. And to continue to be involved with new and evolving technologies in education, faculty members seek leadership and support. This study was carried out to investigate the leadership role in the professional development of technology in the educational delivery system of Nigerian universities. The study adopted a qualitative approach. This qualitative study randomly selected a convenience sample of 100 faculty and administrators in the faculty of education of 12 universities in Nigeria. Using focus-group discussion sessions, interviews, the researchers met with 100 participants in groups of 10 to 15 each session. Data were transcribed and entered into a database for analysis. The leadership role of faculty members, technology specialists, policy, support, and infrastructure were discussed. The study shows that to help faculty members lead the way in investigating, integrating, and evaluating technologies, faculty members need policies and leadership support, equitable access to technology, support, professional development, and recognition.
Lung Ultrasound Targeted Recruitment (Lustr): a Novel Protocol to Optimize Open Lung Ventilation in Critically Ill Neonates
Authors: Chioma Roberto , Amabili Lorenzo , Ciarmoli Elena , Copetti Roberto , Villani Pier Giorgio , Natile Miria , Vento Giovanni , Storti Enrico , Pierro Maria
Published: May 2022

PurposeThe objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an original Lung UltraSound Targeted Recruitment (LUSTR) protocol to improve the success of lung recruitment maneuvers (LRMs), performed as a rescue approach in critically ill neonates, as compared to the standard oxygenation-guided LRM. MethodsAll the LUSTR maneuvers, performed in infants with oxygen saturation/fraction of inspired oxygen (S/F) ratio below 200, were included in this case-control study (LUSTR-group). The LUSTR-group was matched by the initial S/F ratio (which is inversely proportional to the severity of the respiratory insufficiency) and underlying respiratory disease with a control group of lung recruitments performed following the standard oxygenation-guided procedure (Ox-group). The primary outcome was the improvement of the S/F ratio (Delta S/F) throughout the LRM. Secondary outcomes included the variation of the Oxygen Saturation Index (OSI) and the rate of air-leaks.ResultsEach group was constituted of fourteen LRMs. As compared to the standard approach, the LUSTR protocol was associated with a higher success of the procedure in terms of delta S/F (110±47.3 vs 64.1±54.6, p = 0.02), and delta OSI (8.2±6.8 vs 2.8±2.2, p = 0.01). These results remained significant after adjusting for confounding variables through multiple linear regressions. All the LRMs in the LUSTR group obtained the sonographic resolution of the lung derecruitment. Patient position before and during LRM was modified more frequently in the LUSTR group. The incidence of pneumothorax was lower, although not reaching statistical significance, in the LUSTR-group (0 vs 14.3%, p = 0.15).ConclusionThe LUSTR protocol may be a more effective and potentially safer option than the oxygenation-based procedure to guide open lung ventilation in neonates.
Comparative Analysis of Bioaccumulation of Cadmium, Lead, Chromium, Copper and Nickel in Wheat Crop
Authors: Mazhar Muhammad Waqar , Irfan Muhammad , Raza Ahmad , Tahir Hira , Mazhar Fatima
Published: May 2022

In this research, the comparative analysis of heavy metals has been studied. An experiment was conducted to determine heavy metals bioaccumulation in wheat as wheat is the staple cereal crop consumed as food globally. Abiotic stress disturbs the metabolic pathway of plants, and the bioaccumulation of the metals cause enzymatic degradation, reduction in photosynthesis, increased level of the ROS species. Comparative analysis of the Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Ni was analyzed with the help of Inductively Coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results show that Ni has a maximum value of BCF in shoots and roots, whereas the Cr has maximum TF values. SOD and POD assays were performed to check the ROS level in the plants. The results show that plants increase their anti-oxidant enzymes for the scavenging of ROS produced against the bioaccumulation of heavy metals.
A novel design for glucose detection in urine samples using SPR sensor
Authors: Karki Bhishma , Jha Ankit , Pal Amrindra , Srivast Vivek
Published: May 2022

A multilayer SPR based sensor is proposed to detect glucose in the urine using nanolayers of silver, MXene, ZnO, and graphene placed over coupling BK7 prism. The performance of the proposed sensor has been computed for sensitivity, full width half maximum, quality factor, and signal to noise ratio. The value of sensitivity for glucose concentration in urine for 0−15 𝑚𝑔/𝑑𝐿 is computed as 123 𝑑𝑒𝑔/𝑅𝐼𝑈, for 0.625 𝑔/𝑑𝐿 its value is 131 𝑑𝑒𝑔/𝑅𝐼𝑈 and similarly for 1.25 𝑔/𝑑𝐿, 2.5 𝑔/𝑑𝐿, 5 𝑔/𝑑𝐿 and 10𝑔/𝑑𝐿 it has been computed as 126 𝑑𝑒𝑔/𝑅𝐼𝑈, 132 𝑑𝑒𝑔/𝑅𝐼𝑈, 132.33 𝑑𝑒𝑔/𝑅𝐼𝑈 and 133.5 𝑑𝑒𝑔/𝑅𝐼𝑈 respectively. The corresponding computed values for full width half maximum, quality factor are 3.35 𝑑𝑒𝑔, 3.37𝑑𝑒𝑔, 3.39 𝑑𝑒𝑔 , 3.41𝑑𝑒𝑔, 3.48 𝑑𝑒𝑔, 3.64 𝑑𝑒𝑔 and 36.6 𝑅𝐼𝑈−1,38.7 𝑅𝐼𝑈−1, 37 𝑅𝐼𝑈−1, 38.6 𝑅𝐼𝑈−1, 37.9 𝑅𝐼𝑈−1, 37.4 𝑅𝐼𝑈−1 respectively. The advancement in performance of the proposed SPR sensor makes it a suitable structure for glucose detection in urine samples, extending its use in the medical field.
‘After mealtime is before mealtime’ – An ethnographic exploration of nursing home residents' practices of dealing with meal requirements
Authors: Stöhr Doreen , Mayer Hanna , Ammann Eva Soom
Published: May 2022

Background: In nursing homes, food is part of the care provided to residents, causing it to be strictly organised within the institutional framework. Moreover, once food has been integrated into the institutional logic, structural and economic aspects regarding organisation of food and eating may dictates individual and social needs, as a theoretical perspective informed by Goffman's notion of the 'total social institution' suggests. This paper describes nursing home residents' practices of dealing with meal requirements in two Austrian nursing homes, to understand how food integrates into the daily routine and how the institutional setting influences the social and material arrangement of food. Methods: An ethnographic design was chosen to gain an in-depth understanding. Two urban nursing homes were studied over 21 months (approx. 800 hours of participant observation and ethnographic interviews collected). Data analysis took place iteratively, following Grounded Theory strategies.Results: As our rich descriptions from this procedure show, observing everyday practices of eating in nursing homes reveals complex dimensions of residents being subject to institutional logics, and also demonstrates that residents develop elaborate strategies to deal with the institutional circumstances. Conclusions: The resulting tensions between the restrictions of living in a formal organisation and the agencies of residents described, may contribute to better understanding the effects of structural constraints and to designing more flexible processes.
Determinants of coexistence of stunting, wasting, and underweight among children under five years in the Gambia; evidence from 2019/20 Gambian demographic health survey: Application of multivariate binary logistic regression model
Authors: Asmare Abebew Aklog , Agmas Yitateku Adugna
Published: May 2022

Background
Malnutrition is a scarcity or inappropriate consumption of energy and nutrients. It comprises both undernutrition and overnutrition. The present study is aimed to evaluate the relationship between undernutrition indicators of stunting, underweight, and wasting among those under five years given other predictors.
Method
The data was obtained from the measure of DHS program. A total of 2,399 in 2019/20 under-five children were involved in this study. A multivariate binary logistic regression model is used to assess the association between stunting, wasting, and being underweight given the effect of other predictors.
Result
Of 2,399 children under-five years considered in this study 13.5, 18.7 and 5.9% of them suffered from stunting, underweight, and wasting respectively. The majority of children (40.1%) were obtained from the Brikama local government area of Gambia, more than half of the children (52.9%) were male, and 63.3% of children were live in urban areas. The association between stunting and underweight, underweight and wasting, and stunting and wasting was measured by odds ratio (OR) 15.87, 46.34, and 0.31 respectively given the other predictors. The estimated odds ratio for children who have an average birth size to become stunted, underweight, and wasted were 0.965, 0.885, and 0.989 times the estimated odds ratio of children who have a small birth size respectively.
Conclusion
The prevalence of stunting and wasting for under-five children in Gambia was lower than the world prevalence. Birth size of children was the important determinant of stunting, underweight, and wasting for children under-five years. Whereas, the birth type of children, anemia level of children, and age of children were significantly correlated with stunting and underweight. But body mass index of a mother is the only predictor significantly correlated with stunting.
Optimal control of a quantum sensor: A fast algorithm based on an analytic solution
Authors: Scardicchio Antonello , Hernandez-Gomez Santiago , Balducci Federico , Fasiolo Giovanni , Cappellaro Paola , Fabbri Nicole
Published: May 2022

Quantum sensors can show unprecedented sensitivities, provided they are controlled in a very specific, optimal way. Here, we consider a spin sensor of time-varying fields in the presence of dephasing noise, and we show that the problem of finding the optimal pulsed control field can be mapped to the determination of the ground state of a spin chain. We find an approximate but analytic solution of this problem, which provides a \emph{lower bound} for the sensor sensitivity, and a pulsed control very close to optimal, which we further use as initial guess for realizing a fast simulated annealing algorithm. We experimentally demonstrate the sensitivity improvement for a spin-qubit magnetometer based on a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond.
Influence of the Use of Remineralizing Agents on the Tensile Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets
Authors: Domantaitė Milda , Trakinienė Giedrė
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the use of remineralizing agents on the tensile bond strength. The study sample consisted of 80 recently extracted molars, which were randomly divided into two groups (n = 40): the first group (FG), which used fluoride varnish, and the second group (RG), which used Recaldent tooth mousse. The buccal surface of each tooth was divided into experimental and control. Brackets were bonded to both surfaces and were submitted to a tension test according to the study protocol. Tensile bond strength (TBS) and the amount of adhesive remnant (ARI) were assessed. A statistically significantly lower mean of TBS compared to the control group was found only in the FG1 group (p <0.001), and no significant difference was found between the other groups. The FG1 group showed a significantly higher amount of adhesive residue on the bracket (p <0.001) compared to the control group. No significant difference was found between the other groups. In conclusion, bonding brackets immediately after applying fluoride varnish reduces the TBS but reaches the optimal value after 30 days of waiting. The use of Recaldent before orthodontic treatment has no adverse effect.
Steroid treatment as anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Obling Laust , Beske Rasmus , Wiberg Sebastian , Folke Fredrik , Kjaergaard Jesper , Hassager Christian
Published: May 2022

Background
Patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have a high morbidity and mortality risk and often develop post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS) involving systemic inflammation. The severity of the inflammatory response is associated with adverse outcome, with anoxic irreversible brain injury as the leading cause of death following resuscitated OHCA. The study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effect of prehospital administration of a high-dose glucocorticoid following OHCA.
Methods
The study is an investigator-initiated, randomized, multicenter, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Inclusion will continue until one hundred twenty unconscious OHCA patients surviving a minimum of 72 hours are randomized. Intervention is a 1:1 randomization to an infusion of methylprednisolone 250 mg following a minimum of five minutes of sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in the pre-hospital setting. Methylprednisolone will be given as a bolus infusion of 1 x 250 mg (1 x 4 mL) over a period of 5 minutes. Patients allocated to placebo will receive 4 mL of isotonic saline (NaCl 0.9%). Main eligibility criteria are OHCA of presumed cardiac cause, age ≥ 18 years, Glasgow Coma Scale ≤ 8, and sustained ROSC for at least five minutes. Co-primary endpoint: Reduction of interleukin-6 and neuron-specific-enolase. Secondary endpoints: Markers of inflammation, brain, cardiac, kidney and liver damage, hemodynamic and hemostatic function, safety, neurological function at follow-up and mortality. A research biobank is set up with blood samples taken daily during the first 72 hours from hospitalization to evaluate primary and secondary endpoints.
Discussion:
We hypothesize that early anti-inflammatory steroid treatment in the prehospital setting can mitigate the progression of PCAS following resuscitated OHCA. Primary endpoints will be assessed through analyses of biomarkers for inflammation and neurological damage taken during the first 72 hours of admission.
Trial registration:
EudraCT number: 2020-000855-11; submitted March 30, 2020 (https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2020-000855-11/DK/)
Supplementation of trisodium citrate improves recovery rate of subclinical mastitis in crossbred cows
Authors: Sahu Chinmayee , Manimaran Ayyasamy , Kumaresan Arumugam , Rajendran Duraisamy , Ezhuthupurakkal Preedia Babu , Sharma Deepak , Dey Debpriyo Kumar , Sivaram Muniandy
Published: May 2022

Mastitis is the top most reason for antibiotic usage, which is an important public health concern due to antimicrobial resistance development in pathogen. Citrate is an important precursor for milk synthesis and regulation of homeostasis between Ca2+ and H+ ions and thereby milk fluidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of trisodium citrate (TSC) on recovery of subclinical mastitis (SCM) in HF crossbred cows. Apparently healthy lactating cow’s milk samples were screened by somatic cell count (SCC) and California mastitis tests (CMT) methods for three consecutive days. Animals were diagnosed as SCM affected (n = 16) or healthy (n = 6) using milk SCC cutoff value of 200×103 cells/ml (i.e., ≥ 200 ×103 cells/ml as SCM and ≤ 200 ×103 cells/ml as healthy) and classified into three groups based on parity, stage of lactation and milk yield during pre-treatment period. SCM affected cows (n = 8) supplemented with TSC (30 mg/kg B.wt./day for 28 days) and effect of supplementation was evaluated through milk SCC, CMT score, milk yield, milk composition, milk citrate level and bacteriological cure rate in comparison with non-supplemented SCM affected cows (n = 6) and apparently healthy cows (n = 8). Data were analyzed by using mixed model and McNemar's test. Supplementations of TSC cause no significant changes in milk yield and its composition. Supplementation cause significant (P < 0.001) reduction of milk SCC and CMT score with more bacteriological cure rate. It is concluded that supplementation of TSC favored for more bacteriological cure rate in SCM affected cows.
Preparation and Application of Forest Carbon Sink Balance Sheet in China
Authors: Xiong Huanhuan , Liu Xin , Liu Yaobin
Published: May 2022

China has placed the preparation of the natural resource balance sheet in a prominent position in the construction of the ecological civilization system. As the main body of terrestrial ecosystems, forests are the largest carbon pools in the ecosystems. The preparation of the forest carbon sink resource balance sheet is of great practical significance to promote the outgoing audit of natural resources assets of leading cadres, achieve global sustainable development, and promote the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind. Existing research has some deficiencies in guiding the preparation of forest carbon sink resource balance sheets, such as inconsistent reporting systems, and disputes over the definition and accounting of liabilities. Based on the different views of scholars on natural resource accounting elements and the structure and method of natural resource balance sheet preparation, this paper clarifies the relevant concepts, preparation principles, preparation methods of forest carbon sink resource balance sheets, improves the accounting content of the report system, and illuminates the calculation methods of physical quantity and value quantity of forest carbon sink resource assets and liabilities, and tentatively prepares a sample forest carbon sink balance sheet. According to the data of the Eighth and Ninth National Forest Resources Inventory in China, the method of preparing forest carbon sink balance sheet is applied effectively. The research results can provide reference for the preparation of forest carbon sink balance sheets by provinces and cities in China and even other countries and regions.
The intergenerational reinforcement of Spanish in Galicia: The 'passive bilingualism' model of Family Language Policy
Authors: Ferreira Virginia Acuña , Álvarez Ana María Iglesias
Published: May 2022

This article addresses family language policies (FLP) in Galicia (Spain) with a focus on parents who have Spanish as their habitual language, as it was their own parents’. The analysis draws on semi-structured interviews with three informants with this profile living with their partners and children in urban or semi-urban settings where Spanish is the dominant language. The results indicate a ‘passive bilingualism’ model of FLP that reinforces the position of Spanish as a familiar and main language, because children’s learning of Galician is positively valued, but exclusively attributed to school. Although the parents declare to use Galician outside home as linguistic accommodation, they claim a Spanish-speaker identity and draw on the educational system to justify a total exclusion of Galician from family life. At the same time, they recognise that the school itself does not allow the development of a level of competence and use comparable to that of Spanish. The assumption of this imbalance is revealed as rooted in ideologies about languages, because Galician has little or no economic or even symbolic value for these families and is still associated with the rural world, the elderly, or people without education, reproducing a persistent diglossic culture in Galician society. Overall, the discourse of these parents is interpreted as a mirror of the laissez-faire attitude that has characterized macro language policies in Galicia, as well as a reflection of its failings in resolving the problems that allow the advance of language shift against the autochotonous language.
Artificial Intelligence to predict mortality in COVID-19 hemodialysis patients relying on demographics and clinical data
Authors: Jordan Roger Freitas Ramirez , Pereira Miguel Augusto Martins , de Araújo Augusto Righetti Vieira Ferreira , Sesso Ricardo , Lugon Jocemir Ronaldo
Published: May 2022

Background: Hemodialysis patients represent a major proportion of the chronically ill population worldwide with an increased risk for severe forms of COVID-19. Methods: In this multicentre retrospective cohort study, we used the Brazilian Society of Nephrology's database. The study covered two steps: a training-test subset and a temporal validation subset. To predict mortality in COVID-19 hemodialysis patients, were evaluated: Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine, and TabNet algorithms. Performance was compared using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results: The overall mortality was 21.46%. The prediction models performed with an AUROC of at least 0.69. In the model containing the six most important variables according to the mRMR algorithm to predict 90-days mortality, the RF model showed an AUROC of 0.80, a sensitivity of 0.62, and a specificity of 0.79. Conclusion: A temporal large-scale validation demostrated a good performance in predicting mortality and potential for identifying patients at risk of death.
Differential physiological responses and tolerance to potentially toxic elements in Primula forbesii Franch.
Authors: Jia Yin , Yin Xiancai , Zhao Jian , Pan Yuanzhi , Jiang Beibei , Liu Qinglin , Li Yifeng
Published: May 2022

Soil pollution caused by the accumulation of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) has become a serious problem due to industrial and urban pollution as well as pesticide use. Primula forbesii Franch. is a biennial flower native to China with excellent stress resistance and ornamental value. In this study, we examined the phenotypic traits, growth indexes, and physiological properties of P. forbesii in response to five representative PTEs (Cd, Ni, Cr, Cu, and Zn) under hydroponic culture conditions. High concentrations of Zn and Cr had little effect on the growth and physiological properties of P. forbesii, indicating that the species has strong tolerance to Zn and Cr stress. Alternatively, high concentrations of Cd, Ni, and Cu seriously affected plant growth and development, resulting in leaf chlorosis and even death, and therefore may have a serious negative impact on the growth of P. forbesii. However, activity levels of some antioxidant enzymes and osmotic regulatory substances remained high, indicating that P. forbesii resisted heavy metal stress by regulating physiological and biochemical metabolism to a certain extent. Furthermore, principal component analysis and membership function were used to comprehensively evaluate P. forbesii resistance to PTEs. These analyses revealed that P. forbesii exhibits distinct sensitivities and physiological responses to different PTEs and suggested that the resistance to five PTEs in decreasing order is Zn > Cr > Cd > Cu > Ni. These results provide a theoretical basis for the future application of P. forbesii in environments with heavy metal pollution and may expand its practical utilization.
Validation of subjective manual palpation using objective physiological recordings of the cranial rhythmic impulse during osteopathic manipulative intervention
Authors: Pelz Holger , Müller Gero , Keller Micha , Mathiak Klaus , Mayer Johannes , Borik Stefan , Perlitz Volker
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveReticular brain activity described by intermediate (IM) band physiology exhibits parallels to controversial concepts of cranial osteopathy (CO), the primary respiratory mechanism or cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI). Interestingly, evidence for PRM/CRI activity has been reported using manual palpation, yet with questionable validity. Validation is tested combining manual palpation, instrumented tracking, and algorithmic objectivation of frequencies and phases.MethodsUsing a standard CO intervention, Vault Hold (VH), two CO experts palpated and digitally marked CRI frequencies in 25 healthy adults. IM band autonomic nervous system activity was examined as momentary frequency of highest amplitude (MFHA) in examiner and participant forehead photoplethysmography (PPG). Palpation errors and frequency expectation bias during VH were examined using MFHA and CRI phases.FindingsPalpated CRI frequencies matched those reported in the literature. Mean MFHA and CRI frequencies were highly correlated and showed constant low deviating 1:1 coupling in 77% of participants (responders), and high deviating 1:2 coupling in 23% of participants (non-responders). Both groups showed harmonic waves in (very) low and IM bands in >98% of palpated intervals. Phase analyses suggested synchronization between MFHA and CRI in responders but not in non-responders confirming that examiners palpated CRI activity in participants.ConclusionsDecreases in forehead PPG of responders from IM activity (~0.14 Hz) to LF activity (0.072 Hz) suggest successful palpation may be explained by IM and LF activity, whereas CRI in non-responders was not associated with PPG activity.
“Chiropractic pediatric patient management and interdisciplinary collaboration: a descriptive cross-sectional study of Quebec chiropractors”.
Authors: Doucet Chantale , Dubuc Elisa , Imbeau Camille , Pohlman Katerine , Blanchette Marc-André
Published: May 2022

Background: Worldwide, many patients are seeking chiropractic care, including minors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the practice characteristics of chiropractors who treat pediatric patients in Quebec, Canada.Methods: We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey of all licensed chiropractors within Quebec (Canada). Data were collected using an adapted questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were produced for all the collected variables.Results. Among our 245 participants (response rate: 21%), 63% were women, and half defined themselves as generalists. Nearly all participants reported seeing 0–5 new pediatric patients/week, and the most common pediatric age group was 6–12 years old (57%). Pediatric patients were most commonly referred by family members and “word of mouth”. The respondents most frequently indicated that they strongly agree with statements affirming their confidence in their own diagnostic capacities for musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders in all age groups and for non-MSK disorders of young teens. They reported a neutral agreement toward similar statements for the diagnosis of non-MSK disorders in newborns, preschoolers, and children. Chiropractors rarely referred their pediatric patients to a nurse/a family doctor or to a pediatrician. When presented with potential pediatric red flags, the respondent commonly indicated that they would refer the patient to a physician and an emergency or for co-management. Conclusion. Quebec’s chiropractors are confident in their diagnoses of pediatric MSK conditions and will refer to a physician in the rare event of a worrisome presentation. However, some have unrealistic expectations regarding the diagnosis and management of non-MSK complaints.
Appraisal of stormwater runoff quality influenced by site-specific land uses patterns
Authors: Pal Sudip Kumar , Masum Mehedi Hassan , Salauddin Md. , Hossen Md. Arif , Ruva Israt Jahan , Akhie Afsana Alam
Published: May 2022

Urban stormwater runoff is believed as a primary nonpoint source that contributes to pollution to all water resources in the surrounding environment. Pollutant concentrations of urban stormwater runoffs are directly or indirectly linked with land use types in a catchment that is quite different in different places and hence, site-specific studies are necessary. This paper portrays the influence of land use types on stormwater runoff quality in Chattogram city where demarcation of land uses is often complicated. The stormwater runoff samples were collected from four different land use types: residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial, in the city of Chattogram, Bangladesh, during the period from July to September 2020. In addition to basic statistics, principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to identify the influence of urban surface characteristics on the quality of stormwater runoff. Pollutant concentrations were identified by analyzing key water quality physical and chemical parameters including color, temperature, turbidity, TSS, TDS, electrical conductivity, salinity, pH, DO, BOD5, COD, and NH3-N. Results of this study demonstrate a strong correlation between land use types and stormwater runoff quality. When comparing the measured values of water quality parameters with respect to land use types, it was observed that residential land use sites overall provide the higher concentration of pollutants tested within this study. Results also demonstrate that measured characteristics of stormwater runoff of this study are comparable with data reported in similar land use types worldwide. The outcomes of this study would be particularly helpful in calibrating water quality models considering different land use types. Additionally, datasets and information obtained from this research will assist engineers and practitioners in developing decision-making tools for effective stormwater management.
Incentivizing Alternatives to Agricultural Waste burning in Northern India: Trust, Awareness, and Access as Barriers to Adoption
Authors: Bhatt Rudri , Giang Amanda , Kandlikar Milind
Published: May 2022

The burning of agricultural residue from previous season’s rice crop is a key contributor to poor air quality during the winter across North India, primarily in the states of Punjab and Haryana. Air quality can deteriorate to catastrophic levels during the Agricultural Waste Burning (AWB) season in October-November, when fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations can exceed WHO daily maxima over a sustained period by an order of magnitude or more, over a large swathe of the Indo-Gangetic plain. Over the past decade, attempts by Indian governments to change farmer behavior by incentivizing the use of novel technologies for managing rice residue without burning it have been met with little success. This paper uses farmer and expert interviews, as well as secondary data, to examine the barriers to adoption of these technologies in the state of Punjab. We analyze how operational factors (such as farm size, timing, technology availability, and choice) affect a farmers’ decision to choose (or not) a rice residue management practice. We develop a financial model for analyzing the costs of residue management technologies that are consistent with the decision-making process of both small and large farmers. We find that more sustainable residue management practices can be cost effective relative to residue burn, especially when existing subsidies are applied. However, difficulties in accessing technological alternatives to AWB and subsidies for their use, and a lack of trust in the government’s ability to deliver the full benefits of subsidies, all contribute the low adoption of technological alternatives to AWB.
Comparative analysis of various statistical models for the identification Landslide Risk zone on Settlement and Roads in the East Sikkim Himalaya, India
Authors: Alam Sk Asraful , Maiti Ramkrishna , Mandal Sujit
Published: May 2022

Landslide is one the catastrophic event in Himalayan region. The settlement and roads are immensely affected by the landslide which is not only observed in east Sikkim Himalaya but also the entire mountain regions. The NH 31A road of East Sikkim Himalaya experiences numerous landslide events. The present objective of this study to embed various landslide Risk Assessment (LRA) models (Bivariate Statistical Index (BSI), Index of Entropy (IOE) and Weight of Evidence (WOE)) in the Rorachu watershed in the East Sikkim Himalaya and study the comparative analysis of this models. Firstly, the landslide inventory map was prepared by recent field survey study, aerial photograph and historical landslide records. There were 153 landslides locations which were mapped using GIS software and classified into 70% (107) for training the model of BSI, IOE and WOE and remaining 30% (46) were used for the validations. The 13 landslide causative factors were prepared as a database. Using these factors map the LSI and LRA maps were produced by BSI, IOE and WOE models. Finally, the LSI maps were validated by ROC curve, landslide density (LD) and success rate curve (SRC). The result shows that the LSI map using the WOE model is the highest prediction accuracy AUC = 0.858 (85.80%), followed by the BSI model (AUC = 0.858/85.80%) and IOE model (AUC = 0.687/68.70%). The LSI map using WOE model having the highest Success rate (SC) followed by BSI model and the IOE model. The results obtained from this study element-at-risk (Settlement and Road) which is revealed the LRA was shown that the highest risk of settlements areas by the model of BSI (40.32% areas), IOE (40.33% areas) and WOE (39.52% areas) and the highest risk of NH 31A road is BSI (40.04% areas), IOE (38.22% areas) and WOE (39.78% areas). This study has been identifying the maximum landslide risk areas of settlement and NH31A roads. The Bayesian weight of evidence (WOE) model is showing best fit to this study areas whereas index of entropy (IOE) and bivariate statistical index (BSI) showing comparatively low fit to this study. These landslide susceptibility map and landslide risk assessment (LRA) map can be used for the development of land use planning strategies, saves human loss and important for the planners and mitigation purpose.
Anti-inflammatory effect of BMP326, a novel benzothiazole derivative: Possible involvement of the NF-κB and MAPKs Signaling Pathways in LPS-induced RAW264.7 macrophages
Authors: Guo huijie , Luo Xing-Yan , Yang Shu-Xia , Liu Yang , Mo Chun-Fen
Published: May 2022

Background: Benzothiazole and its derivatives have been extensive studied due to their versatile biological properties and pharmaceutical applications. We recently found that the BMP326 (1-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1H-pyrazol-5-ol), a novel benzothiazole derivative, have anti-inflammatory properties in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages and there were no relevant reports previously.Methods and Results: Treatment with BMP326(5, 10 and 20 μM) can significantly inhibit nitric oxide production and down-regulate mRNA expression of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) but did not cause significant cytotoxicity on RAW264.7 macrophages. It is also observed BMP326 can inhibit LPS-stimulated interleukin (IL)-6, interleukin(IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production depending on its dosage. The gene transcription levels of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α were reduced under BMP326 exposure in LPS-treated RAW264.7 cells. In addition, we explored the inhibitory mechanisms of BMP326 on the production of pro-inflammatory mediators. The results showed that BMP326 inhibited nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation by reducing the phosphorylation of p65 and IκBα. Moreover, the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK (p38), extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in RAW264.7 cells which are stimulated with LPS were suppressed in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusions: In summary, these results suggest that BMP326 exerts anti-inflammatory properties via suppression of the NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways.