bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proton pump inhibitors use and the risk of chronic kidney disease: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Xingyu , He Qiangsheng , Jing Zhong , Yuan Jin-Qiu , Dai Xiaoyu
Published: January 2024

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used worldwide and
have been linked to kidney diseases. However, it remains unclear about
the role of PPI use in the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Aims: To examine the association between PPI use and risk of CKD.
Methods: This is a prospective analysis of 472,373 participants free of
any renal failure diagnosis from the UK Biobank. Incident CKD was
identified based on medical history and linkage to data on primary care
and hospital admissions. Self-reported PPI use was firstly assessed
using a touchscreen questionnaire, and then confirmed by a trained
staff. We estimated the hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence interval
(CIs) with Cox regression models adjusting for potential confounders.
The number needed to harm (NNH) was calculated at one and five years of
follow-up. Results We documented 7,291 cases of CKD over a median of 8.1
years follow-up. After adjustment for potential confounders, regular PPI
users had a 24% increased risk of CKD incident compared to non-regular
PPI users (HR1.24, 95%CI1.16 -1.33). The NNH was 773.1 and 177.5 for
one and five years of follow-up, respectively. Directly compared with H2
receptor antagonist, a less potent acid suppressor, PPI use was
associated with 17% higher risk of CKD (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.36).
Conclusions Regular use of PPI is associated with an increased risk of
CKD. Healthcare providers should carefully weigh up the potential
benefits against risk in prescribing PPIs, particularly for long-term
continuous use.
Bifurcation analysis and hormetic effects in a discrete-time plant quality and larch budmoth interaction model
Authors: Ren Xiaohua , Xiang Changcheng , Yang Yi
Published: January 2024

In recent years, the control of the larch budmoth has attracted a great
deal of attention from experts, and spraying with insecticides is one of
the main control strategies. The key of this strategy is the timing and
efficiency of insecticide applications and how multiple insecticide
applications affect the growth of budmoth. This paper extends a new two
dimensional discrete model by adding chemical controls based on a
dynamical model of plant quality interacting with larch budmoth proposed
in the literature to cope with this problem. First, the parametric
conditions required for the existence and local stability of the
positive fixed point of the model are discussed, and under certain
conditions, the presence of period-doubling bifurcation and
Neimark-Sacker bifurcation of the system, which reveals a significant
effect of the kill rates of insecticides on the budmoth growth. The
results show that a paradox arises when low kill rates stimulate the
growth of budmoth and high kill rates inhibit the growth of budmoth.
Furthermore, we analyze the influence of various factors and cumulative
effects on the paradox phenomenon. Therefore, the timing of insecticide
application and its efficiency should be chosen wisely to prevent the
paradox.
Synthesis of Branched Surfactant via Ethoxylation of Oleic Acid Derivative and Its Surface Properties
Authors: Dong Qingwen , Li Xu , Dong Jinxiang
Published: January 2024

A novel series of biobased branched nonionic surfactants (ethoxylated
dihydroxy stearic acid methyl ester, DMOEn) was synthesized and
characterized. DMOEn was based on a hydroxyoctadecanoic acid methyl
ester, which was obtained from renewable oleic acid in waste cooking
oil. These new polyoxyethylene surfactants contained double hydrophilic
and hydrophobic chains, which shows the surface properties of the
branched surfactant. The synthesis rules and reaction kinetic were
studied in detail. The physicochemical properties and surface properties
of the DMOEn with different degrees of ethoxylation at various
concentrations were investigated. The surface tension results indicate
that DMOEn reduced the surface tension reduction and increased the
diffusion rate in aqueous solution. The dynamic contact angle, foaming
ability and emulsifying capacity tests showed that the DMOEn exhibited
good wetting performance, low foaming, rapid defoaming and an excellent
emulsifying ability, which shows that the surfactant has potential
application in industrial cleaning.
Explore the Demographic and Clinical Profile of Patients Receiving Electroconvulsive Therapy at a tertiary care hospital in Oman.A Cluster Analysis
Authors: AlSaadi Alkhatib , Chan Moon-Fai , Al-Kaabi Said Al-Kaabi Said , Shukaili Mohamed Al , AL-Mamari Fatma , Fazari Zakariya AL , huseini Salim Al
Published: January 2024

Objectives: The study aimed to identify subgroups of psychiatric
patients in a sample of patients admitted at a tertiary care hospital in
Oman who received ECT based on their demographic and clinical outcomes.
Methods: Data from adult patients who received ECT at Al-Massarh
hospital, Muscat, Oman, were retrospectively collected from medical
records from January 2015 to December 2019. Socio-demographic
characteristics, clinical profiles, and psychiatric comorbidities were
examined. Result: A summary of 179 psychiatric patients who received
ECT, 96 (53.6%) are females, and the average age at diagnosis was 42.5
years. The 2-step cluster analysis showed 70 patients in Cluster 1
(39.1%) and 109 patients in Cluster 2 (60.9%). Patients in cluster 1
are more females (61.4%), older (Mean=55.2 years), majority were
married (95.7%) and unemployed (88.6%). They reported they had
comorbidities medical conditions (55.7%) and less frequent ECT use
(Mean=8.7) than patients in Cluster 2. Clusters differences were found
on gender (p=0.001), age (<.001), marital status
(p<.001), and occupation (p=0.001). In clinical outcomes,
significant differences were found on diagnosis (p<.001), had
comorbidity medical conditions (p<.001), and use of ECT
sessions (p=0.006). Conclusion: This study showed that psychiatric
patients receiving ECT are heterogeneous, with different demographic and
clinical outcomes. Our study has shown that patients in Cluster 1 are
older females, unemployed, with more comorbidities in medical conditions
and depressive disorders but received fewer ECT sessions. This study
provides important information for clinicians to identify strategies to
promote the use of ECT on its effectiveness and safety issues for each
group.
Development and assessment of the Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases-Gout(QLICD-GO) (V2.0)
Authors: Liu Qiongling , Liu Xu , Xie Xiaohua , Wan Chonghua , Zhang Xingshan , Rao Jiawei , Wang Xingjie , Pan haiyan
Published: January 2024

Objective: To develop and assess the Quality of Life Instruments for
Chronic Diseases-Gout (QLICD-GO [V2.0]). Methods: The instrument was
developed using a programmatic decision-making method to combine the
general module of the Quality of Life Instruments for Chronic Diseases
and a new specific module. The instrument was assessed by measuring the
quality of life of 116 patients with gout. Results: The QLICD-GO (V2.0)
included 28 items from the general module of chronic diseases and 12
items in three facets from the specific module. In addition to the field
of physiological function, the internal consistency reliability of other
fields and dimensions of the instrument was >0.7 and the
split-half reliability was >0.5. Three common factors were
extracted from the specific module, with a cumulative variance
contribution rate of 57.54%. The standardized response means of the
specific module and the whole instrument were 0.94 and 1.20,
respectively. Conclusions: The QLICD-GO (V2.0) has good reliability,
validity, and responsiveness. The instrument comprehensively and
objectively reflects the quality of life of patients with gout, and it
can be used to assess treatment regimens developed by medical staff.
Conventional fluoroscopy-guided vs zero-fluoroscopy catheter ablation of supraventricular tachycardias
Authors: Kalinsek Tine Prolic , Sorli Jernej , Jan Matevz , Sinkovec Matjaz , Antolic Bor , Klemen Luka , Zizek David , Pernat Andrej
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and
efficacy of zero-fluoroscopy (ZF) catheter ablation (CA) for
supraventricular tachycardias (SVT). Methods: 584 consecutive patients
referred to our institution for CA of SVT were analysed. Patients were
categorised into two groups; zero-fluoroscopy (ZF) group and
conventional fluoroscopy (CF) group. The ZF group was further divided
into two subgroups (adults and paediatric). Patient characteristics,
procedural information, and follow-up data were compared. Results: The
ZF group had a higher proportion of paediatric patients (42.2% vs 0.0
%; p < 0.001), resulting in a younger age (30.9 ± 20.3 years
vs 52.7 ± 16.5 years; p < 0.001) and lower BMI (22.8 ± 5.7
kg/m2 vs 27.0 ± 5.4 kg/m2; p < 0.001). Procedure time was
shorter in the ZF group (94.2 ± 50.4 min vs 104.0 ± 54.0 min; p =
0.002). There were no major complications and the rate of minor
complications did not differ between groups (0.0% vs 0.4%; p = 0.304).
Acute procedural success as well as the long-term success rate when only
the index procedure was considered did not differ between groups (92.5%
vs 95.4 %; p = 0.155; 87.1% vs 89.2%; p = 0.422). When repeated
procedures were included, the long-term success rate was higher in the
ZF group (98.3% vs 93.5%; p < 0.004). The difference can be
partially explained by the operators’ preferences. Conclusion: The
safety and efficacy of ZF procedures in adult and paediatric populations
are comparable to that of CF procedures.
Large-scale Synchronized Replacement of Alpha strain by the Delta Strain
Authors: Liu Yuan , Feng Anyin , Zhao Shi , He Daihai
Published: January 2024

In this letter, we report a large-scale synchronized replacement pattern
of the Alpha strain by the Delta strain. We argue that this phenomenon
is associated with the invasion timing and transmissibility advantage of
the Delta strain. Alpha strain skipped some countries/regions, e.g.
India and neighboring countries/regions, which led to a mild first wave
before the invasion of the Delta strain, in term of reported
COVID-deaths per capita.
Implementation of a clinical pathway: Management of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD)
Authors: Eldeeb Fatemah , Uppal Manreet , Mecca Joanna , Argiro Stephen , Gavioli Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

Rationale aims, and objectives: Clinical pathways (CP) have the ability
to educate providers on guideline-driven recommendations and reduce
readmission rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate adherence to
the 2020 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD)
guideline recommendations for the management of an AECOPD after the
implementation of an educational CP. Methods: This study was an
observational quality improvement study targeting COPD exacerbation
hospitalizations with a three-month pre-intervention period from January
to March 2020 and a five-month post-intervention period from January to
May 2021, following the implementation of a CP. Patients were included
if they were hospitalized with a primary diagnosis of an AECOPD. The
primary endpoint was to assess adherence to guideline recommendations.
Secondary endpoints included an evaluation of oxygen support
requirement, hospital length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission rates,
admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and requirement of
mechanical ventilation (MV). Results: There were a total of 78 patients
included in this study. There was a significant improvement in guideline
appropriate inhalers prescribed at discharge [85%, n=24 vs. 44%,
n=22, p=0.01], antibiotic therapy for an AECOPD [90%, n=25 vs.
61%, n =30, p =0.02], smoking cessation pharmacotherapy [80%, n=22
vs. 29%, n=14, p=0.004] and counseling [89%, n=25 vs.15%, n=8,
p=0.002] prior to discharge within the post-intervention group
compared to the pre-intervention group. A significant reduction in the
requirement of oxygen support was demonstrated within the
post-intervention group after the implementation of a CP (p=0.03).
Conclusion: The implementation of a CP can improve adherence to
guideline recommendations and reduce the need of oxygen support for the
management of AECOPD.
First Report of Canine Bufavirus and its Whole genome Sequence in India
Authors: Putty Kalyani , Ganji Vishweshwar , Buddala Bhagyalakshmi , Yella Narasimha Reddy
Published: January 2024

Canine bufavirus (CaBuV), a novel protoparvovirus of dogs was reported
only in Italy and China, till date. It was detected from dogs with
enteric and respiratory symptoms and is distantly related to the human
bufavirus. To explore the enteric prevalence of CaBuV in India, 186
diarrheic faecal samples were collected in Telangana State between 2019
and 2020. Among the samples, 4.3% (8/186) were positive for CaBuV by
PCR. Co-infection with canine parvovirus CPV-2 was seen in 75% (6/8) of
CaBuV positive samples. The near complete genome (4292 bp) of CaBuV was
amplified and reconstructed for one isolate 407/PVNRTVU/2020. Sequence
alignment indicated 93.42–98.81% homology with the other available
CaBuV sequences; 70.88-73.39%, and 54.4-54.8% identity with human
bufavirus, and CPV-2, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis showed that
CaBuV 407/PVNRTVU/2020 was most closely related to CaBuV Chinese
strains, together separated as Asian lineage. All Bufaviruses clustered
together in one clade; however, the bat and sea otter parvoviruses also
showed close relation with Bufaviruses. This first report of prevalence
of CaBuV in India provides a good reference, emphasizes the need for
further epidemiological surveillance of CaBuV in India and its role in
canine enteritis.
A novel mutation (c.705C>A (p.C235*) (p.Cys235Ter)) in the SFTPB gene that causes severe respiratory failure in a term newborn.
Authors: Silahli Musa , Gokmen Zeynel
Published: January 2024

Surfactants are surface-active agents lowering surface tension in the
airways of the lung. It plays an important role on pulmonary function.
Surfactant proteins constitute 10 percent of the surfactant molecule.
Mutations in genes encoding surfactant proteins can be fatal. Surfactant
protein B gene mutation accounts for 50 percent of the cases that
underwent lung transplantation for the treatment of severe respiratory
failure due to surfactant protein gene mutations in infancy. More than
100 mutations in the surfactant protein B gene have been described.
Here, we present a case of a term newborn who was referred with the
diagnosis of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, who died
due to a previously unidentified surfactant protein B gene mutation with
severe respiratory failure and air leak syndromes.
Review of genus Corynebacterium: with a major focus on AdnAB and DNA recombination repair
Authors: wang bingbing , Xu Jianzhong , zhang feng , liu shuai , Liu Jie , zhang weiguo
Published: January 2024

DNA recombination repair systems are essential for organisms to maintain
genomic stability. Genes involved in DNA recombination repair have been
successfully identified in model microorganisms, such as RecBCD in E.
coli, AddAB in Bacillus subtilis and AdnAB in Mycobacterium. Species of
the genus Corynebacterium are partly known pathogenic bacteria, such as
Corynebacterium diphtheriae, and partly industrially important
productive bacteria, such as Corynebacterium glutamicum. Exploring the
DNA repair mechanisms of genus Corynebacterium will not only deepen our
understanding of the organism’s DNA repair processes, but also have
important implications for human health, especially for diseases
associated with recombination defects, such as cancer. However, little
is known about the DNA recombination repair mechanism in the genus
Corynebacterium. In this review, we briefly describe the recent research
progress on the DNA recombination repair system in the genus
Corynebacterium, represented by Corynebacterium glutamicum. We also
discuss the recent advances regarding AdnAB, a novel helicase-nuclease
involved in DNA recombination repair.
Forecasting floral futures: leveraging genetic and microenvironmental data to improve seed provenancing under climate change
Authors: Fournier-Level Alexandre
Published: January 2024

Revegetation projects seeking to restore degraded ecosystems face a
major challenge in sourcing appropriate plant material, as identifying
plants adapted to future climates requires knowledge of plant
performance under novel conditions. In order to support
climate-resilient provenancing efforts, we develop a quantitative trait
model that integrates genetic and microenvironmental variation. We train
our model with multiple natural plantings of Arabidopsis thaliana and
predict days-to-bolting and fecundity across the species’ European
range. Model prediction accuracy was high for days-to-bolting and
moderate for fecundity, with the majority of trait variation being
explained by temperature variation. Concerningly, fecundity was
predicted to decline under future conditions, although this response was
heterogeneous across regions, and could be offset through the
introduction of specific genotypes. Our study highlights the value of
predictive models to aid seed provenancing and improve the success of
revegetation projects.
Quantum Mechanical Modeling of Perpetual Immunity to SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Infection
Authors: Maqbool Muhammad , Ullah Asad , Ullah Mujib , Ali Ghafar , Unlap Tino , Khan Tahirzeb
Published: January 2024

Survivors of SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) infections have a unique immune
response that allows them to either delay reinfection or outsmarts the
virus’s whims. The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants and immunization
have furthered this immune response by producing high-affinity
anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. There is limited data on the extent to which
this immune response confers protective immunity against recurrent
infections, as well as the duration of this protection. Here we present
the first-ever quantum mechanical model to provide an answer to this
question. The model is well applicable because of the 20 nm -500 nm size
range of coronavirus. We call this model the ‘Quantum Perturbation
Model’. The model relates the strength of the COVID-19 attack to a wave
function containing information about the system (person infected by the
SARS-CoV-2) and quantized energy states, which shows the chances of
reoccurrence of the disease. By applying the energy corrections provided
by the Quantum Perturbation Theory to the SARS-CoV-2 attack under
reinfections and various pre-existing conditions we have provided
possible interpretations. When pre-existing problems exist at the time
of SARS-COV-2 infection, the model illustrates how the influence of
COVID-19 accumulates up. The model also formulates the deficit in the
intensity of the COVID-19 effect in recurrence or in the presence of
other variables strengthening the body’s antibody affinity and immunity
to resist the virus variants.
Stability and Numerical solutions of Second Wave Mathematical Modeling on COVID-19 outbreak strategy in India pandemic: Analytical and Error analysis of Approximate series solutions by using HPM
Authors: Gampala Veerraju , Mishra Geetishree , R Asha G , N Saritha A , Balamuralitharan S
Published: January 2024

This paper deals the mathematical modeling of second wave COVID19
pandemic in India, also we discussed such as uniformly bounded of the
system, Equilibrium analysis and basic reproduction number R0. We
calculated the analytic solutions by HPM (Homotopy Perturbation Method)
and used Mathematica 12 software for numerical analysis up to 8th order
approximation. It checked the error values of the approximation while
the system has residual error, absolute error and h curve initial
derivation of square error at up to 8th order approximation. The basic
reproduction number ranges between 0.8454 and 2.0317 form numerical
simulation, it helps to identify the whole system fluctuations. Finally,
our proposed model validated from real life data for highly affected 5
states
Association between Uncertainty and Robustness of Treatment Ranking for Network Meta-analyses: an empirical study
Authors: Wu Yun-Chun , Tu Yu-Kang
Published: January 2024

Network meta-analysis (NMA) computes treatment ranking to assist with
clinical decision making, but it is not always clear how reliable the
ranking is and how likely the ranking may be altered by the accumulation
of new evidence. Uncertainty and robustness of ranking are two concepts
related to the reliability of ranking. The uncertainty of ranking can be
measured by the distribution of ranking probabilities, and the
robustness of ranking can be evaluated by the agreement between
treatment ranking of complete data and that of modified data with the
deletion of a specific trial. However, it is still unclear whether these
two approaches would always yield similar conclusions on the reliability
of ranking, i.e. a robust ranking is also one of low uncertainty. The
aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the
uncertainty and the robustness of treatment ranking by using normalized
entropy and quadratic weighted Cohen’s kappa, respectively, to analyze
60 NMAs. We found that when the uncertainty of ranking is very low,
treatment ranking is unlikely to be altered by the deletion of a trial
from the complete data. However, good robustness of ranking does not
always correspond to low uncertainty. An NMA with a robust treatment
ranking may have high uncertainty of treatment ranking. The uncertainty
of ranking prevents us from naïve interpretation of treatment ranking,
and the robustness of ranking may identify trials included in the
network which have a substantial influence on the treatment ranking.
When an NMA is undertaken, both of them should be evaluated.
Modified Transseptal Approach in Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery
Authors: Gan Richard , Stokes Stuart , Bahl Anuj , Jose Jemy
Published: January 2024

Key Learning Points - A modified endoscopic transseptal transphenoidal
technique for pituitary surgery is described. - It involves a septal
mucosa incision in line with the anterior portion of the middle
turbinate. - It does not require excision or deflection of the
cartilaginous septum. - It maintains an intact septal mucosa on one
side. - It avoids a septal perforation.
Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm Repair Utilizing P2 Segment of Mitral Valve
Authors: Tien Lillie , Drevets Peter , Ward Alison , Lee Richard
Published: January 2024

Left ventricular (LV) pseudoaneurysms are a rare occurrence that may be
seen after myocardial infarction (MI) or in patients with prior cardiac
surgery and are associated with a significant risk of rupture and
mortality rate. Repair options include primary repair, epicardial
patching, or percutaneous repair with an occlusive device. To our
knowledge, there has yet to be a repair utilizing a segment of the
mitral valve, which we have demonstrated in this case report.
Unfortunately, the patient in this case later expired after
complications of mesenteric ischemia. The application of this technique
is limited to cases in which the pseudoaneurysm is posteriorly located
and in close proximity to the mitral valve so that the P2 segment may be
used as a patch. This is a novel approach to LV pseudoaneurysm repair,
though careful consideration towards patient selection is warranted, as
comorbid conditions may contribute to morbidity and mortality.
Cross-culture adaptation and clinical application of UFS-QoL in Chinese women with uterine fibroid
Authors: Xu Wei , Shi Qiuling , Chen Wenzhi , Chen Jinyun , Hu Liang , Su Xueyao , Nie Yuxian
Published: January 2024

Objective: To demonstrate the applicability and adaptability of UFS-QoL
in evaluating treatment effectiveness in Chinese populations. Design:
Secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study. Setting: 20 Chinese
hospitals Population or sample: 2411 Chinese women with symptomatic
fibroids. Methods: Patients completed UFS-QoL and short form-36 (SF-36)
at pre-surgery, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. Evaluating the
extent to which items comprising UFS-QOL the same concept in
Health-related Quality of Life (HRQL) is obtained by calculating the
Cronbach’s α coefficient. Relationships between items and domains were
established using principal axis factor analysis with orthogonal
rotation. Correlation between UFS-QoL and SF-36 was estimated by
Spearman’s correlation. The ability to detect change was evaluated by
comparing pre- and post-treatments and 6- and 12-month scores using
mixed effect models. Main outcome measures: Internal reliability,
convergent validity, criterion validity, and responsiveness. Results:
Exploratory factor analysis yielded six factors with eigenvalues
>1. A 63.61% total variance was explained by the test
items. Ceiling effects of self-consciousness and sexual functioning were
>15%. UFS-QoL showed a positive and moderate correlation
with SF-36, with good consistency reliability (Cronbach
α>0.7 in all subscales) and ability to detect change after
treatment, except for self-consciousness (Cronbach α =0.56), which
showed both lowest effect size (0.38) and SRM (0.38) in 6 and 12 months
after treatment Conclusions: Symptom severity, activity, and mood
domains were valid and reliable in the Chinese UFS-QoL. However,
self-consciousness domain needs further investigation on cultural
adjustment, for example, cognitive debriefing for how Chinese interpret
those questions.
Assessment of water scarcity under climate and socio-economic change scenarios in a transboundary river basin: A case study in the 3S basin of Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia
Authors: Trang Nguyen Thi Thuy , Ishidaira Hiroshi , Shrestha Sangam , Pradhan Pragya , Hang Nguyen Thi Thuy
Published: January 2024

Water scarcity has become one of the major issues to environmentalist,
researchers and mostly to society and its people. The rapid increasing
population, socio-economic development and climate change has
exacerbated the water scarcity situation. The uncertainty in the future
societal and climate conditions will increase the scarcity risk.
Therefore, this study aims to explore the water scarcity responses to
future socio-economic development called Share Socio-economics Pathways
(SSPs) and climate change named Representative Concentration Pathways
(RCPs) for the three period of 2030s, 2060s and 2090s in the
transboundary 3S (Sekong, Sesan and Srepok) Basin. The three SSPs i.e.,
SSP1, SSP2 and SSP3 and two RCPs i.e., RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 were selected
for projection of future water scarcity risk. In which, the SSP1 was
combined with RCP4.5 and two remain SSPs are compatible with RCP8.5. The
results show that the basin experienced stress condition and it will
increase till 2090s under SSP2 and SSP3 scenarios. The basin would
expose to the worse situation of scarcity in the dry years. Furthermore,
the projected spatial water scarcity distribution map reveals that the
extreme scarcity mainly occurred in the upstream of Sesan and Sre Pok
sub-basin located in Vietnam. Among the three water stress mitigation
options, water transportation is the effective option for reducing the
medium and severe scarcity status. The results of this study will
contribute the enlighten the water scarcity situation and will be assets
to policy makers and stakeholders for effective decision making in
development of water resource management of complex transboundary river
basin.
Assessment of bird Species Composition, Relative Abundance and Distributions in East-Gojjam wetland habitats, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Amare , W/giorgis Yihew
Published: January 2024

Many bird species depend on wetlands and their environs. However, the
status of these wetlands, as well as their biodiversity, is poorly
understood and maintained. From January to February 2021, researchers
assessed the compositions, relative abundances, and distributions of
bird species throughout five wetland habitats in the East Gojjam Zone.
In each study site, systematic random sampling techniques were applied
at a 4 km interval along the wetland ecosystems. Bray-and Curtis cluster
analysis was analyzed using PAST Software. During the study period,
Simpson’s Index and Shannon-Weiner were also used to assess the variety
of bird species at various study sites. As a result, a total, a total of
55 bird species from 20 families and 9 orders were identified. During
the study period, 49 species were classified as least concern, two were
critically endangered species, two were vulnerable species, two were
endangered species, and one was an endemic species. During the
investigation, overgrazing and agricultural expansion were identified as
risks to biodiversity. To conserve the biological richness of these
ecosystems, a wetland conservation strategy and a sustainable usage
system are required.
Overcharged lipid metabolism in mechanisms of antitumor by Tremella Fuciformis Polysaccharide
Authors: Li Xiumin , Su Qiaoling , Pan Yutian
Published: January 2024

Tremella Fuciformis polysaccharides (TFP) is a natural macromolecular
compound well-known for whitening, lipid and immunity regulation. To
evaluate the effect of TFP on melanogenesis, lipid metabolism programmes
and immune system of B16 cells in vitro and in vivo, the cell
proliferation, cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed; B16 cells treated
with TFP were inoculated subcutaneously to explore the effect of TFP on
B16 cells in vivo. WB, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence
staining and transcription analysis of tumor were utilized to assess the
expression of key molecules in melanin process, lipid metabolism and
immunity. We found that TFP promoted the B16 apoptosis, and induced G2/M
cell cycle arrest, which was associated with cell cycle pathways
enrichment. As expected, TFP blocked melanogenesis in vivo and decrease
Tyr mRNA and protein in vitro, and increase melanosome transport related
mRNA in vivo. TFP induced the GLUT4 and CD36 with the resulting increase
in the uptake of lipids, which suppressed SREBP1, p-AMPK drastically,
increased lipid in cell membrane, ER and nucleus; as well as raise lipid
metabolism related RNA-seq prolife in vivo. More lipid binding,
upregulated lipid storage, and elevated triglyceride and lipid
catabolism resulted in disruption of cell volume homeostasis and
activated innate immune response, thus inhibited melanoma development
and progression. These data reveals a novel molecular mechanism involved
in TFP antitumor effect, through lipid metabolism.
Fabrication of hierarchical CoP/ZnCdS/Co3O4 quantum dots bi-heterostructure cages forefficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Li Yanbing , ZHU PENGFEI , Jin Zhiliang , Tsubaki Noritatsu
Published: January 2024

The design and construction of hierarchical CoP/ZnCdS/Co3O4 quantum dots
(QDs) (800>40>4.5 nm) bi-heterostructure cages
as an ultrahigh-performance photocatalyst for hydrogen evolution with
visible light is investigated. Three excellent photoactive materials
that ZnCdS solid solution, high-conductivity CoP and high-efficiency
Co3O4 QDs were integrated into a all-in-one bi-heterostructure cage
architecture. Presence of the two high-efficiency electron-transfer
pathways in CoP/ZnCdS/Co3O4 QDs can seriously facilitate the separation
and migration of light-induced electrons while the unique structure also
can offer large reaction surface and expose abundant active sites for
photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction. Because of the distinctively
compositional and structural merits, the hierarchical CoP/ZnCdS/Co3O4
QDs bi-heterostructure cages without introducing any cocatalysts exhibit
ultrahigh activity and favorable stability for generation of high-purity
hydrogen under visible light irradiation.
Applicability Research of Thermodynamic Models of Gas Hydrate Phase Equilibrium Base on Different Equations of State
Authors: Zhang Geng , Li Jun , Liu Gong , Yang Hong , Huang Hong , Chen Wang
Published: January 2024

This study is based on statistical thermodynamics, considering the
changes in water activity caused by gas dissolution, and deriving and
summarizing four thermodynamic models. Based on the collected 150
experimental data points, the accuracy of the four thermodynamic models
in predicting the phase equilibrium of methane, carbon dioxide, and
ethane hydrate was compared and analyzed. The analysis results show that
in the temperature range of 273.40K～290.15K, the Chen-Guo model is
better than other thermodynamic models in predicting the phase
equilibrium temperature of methane hydrate by using the Patel-Teja
equation of state. In the temperature range of 273.36～283.3K, the
John-Holder model uses the Peng-Robinson state to predict the phase
equilibrium of carbon dioxide hydrate with the highest accuracy. In the
temperature range of 273.68K to 287.6K, the Chen-Guo model is selected
to predict the formation conditions of ethane hydrate with the highest
accuracy.
Effect of ultrasound on the kinetics of anti-solvent crystallization of sucrose
Authors: Zhong Xuwei , Huang Chengdu , Chen Lishan , yang Qinghong , Huang Yongchun
Published: January 2024

In this work, the effect of ultrasound on the kinetics of anti-solvent
crystallization of sucrose was studied. The effect of temperature,
stirring speed, supersaturation of sucrose solution and ultrasonic power
on the anti-solvent crystallization of sucrose were investigated. The
relationship between infrared spectral characteristic peak of sucrose
and supersaturation was obtained by an online reaction analyzer. The
results were shown that the crystallization time was decreased with the
increase in the temperature and supersaturation. However, the shape of
crystals was not changed by ultrasound. The nucleation rate was
increased with the increase in the temperature and supersaturation. The
stirring speed of 400 rpm with ultrasonic power was shown a significant
effect on the nucleation rate. With the increase of ultrasonic power,
the nucleation rate was shown to firstly increase and then decrease, and
the growth rate firstly decreased and then increased. The experimental
data was estimate
First detection of NADC34-like PRRSV as a main epidemic strain on a large farm in Heilongjiang Province, China
Authors: Li Chao , Gong Bangjun , Sun Qi , Xu Hu , Zhao Jing , Xiang Lirun , Tang Yandong , Leng Chaoliang , Li Wansheng , Guo Zhenyang , Fu Jun , Peng Jinmei , Wang Qian , Zhou Guohui , Yu Ying , Meng Fandan , An Tongqing , Cai Xuehui , Tian Zhijun , Zhang HongLiang
Published: January 2024

Newly emerged sublineage 1.5 (NADC34-like) porcine reproductive and
respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) has posed a direct threat to the
Chinese pig industry since 2018. However, the prevalence and impact of
NADC34-like PRRSV on Chinese pig farms is unclear. In the present study,
we continuously monitored pathogens, including PRRSV, African swine
fever virus (AFSV), classical swine fever (CSFV), pseudorabies virus
(PRV) and porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), on seven fattening pig farms with
strict biosecurity practices located in five provinces of China from
2020 to 2021. The results showed that multiple types of PRRSVs commonly
coexisted on a single pig farm. NADC30-like PRRSV was the predominant
strain on most pig farms. Importantly, NADC34-like PRRSV, detected
during the period of peak mortality, was one of the predominant strains
on one pig farm in northern China. Sequence alignment suggested that
these strains shared the same 100-aa deletion in the Nsp2 protein as
IA/2014/NADC34 isolated from the United States (U.S.) in 2014.
Phylogenetic analysis based on open reading frame 5 (ORF5) showed that
the genetic diversity of NADC34-like PRRSV on this farm was relatively
singular, but it had a relatively high rate of evolution. Restriction
fragment polymorphism pattern (RFLP) analysis showed that almost all
ORF5 RFLPs were 1-7-4, with one 1-4-4. In addition, two complete genomes
of NADC34-like PRRSVs were sequenced. Recombination analysis and
sequence alignment demonstrated that both viruses, with 98.9%
nucleotide similarity, were nonrecombinant viruses. This study reports
the prevalence and characteristics of NADC34-like PRRSV on a large-scale
breeding farm in northern China for the first time. These results will
help reveal the impact of NADC34-like PRRSV on Chinese pig farms and
provide a reference for detection and further prevention and control of
NADC34-like PRRSV.
Impact of Corticosteroid Use on the Clinical Response and Prognosis in Patients with Cardiac Sarcoidosis who Underwent an Upgrade to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: Suzuki Yuya , Takami Mitsuru , Fukuzawa Koji , kiuchi kunihiko , Shimane Akira , sakai jun , Nakamura Toshihiro , yatomi atsusuke , Sonoda Yusuke , Takahara Hiroyuki , Nakasone Kazutaka , Yamamoto Kyoko , Tani Kenichi , Iwai Hidehiro , Nakanishi Yusuke , Hirata Ken-ichi
Published: January 2024

Aims Corticosteroids are widely used in patients with cardiac
sarcoidosis (CS). In addition, upgrading to cardiac resynchronization
therapy (CRT) is sometimes needed. This study aimed to investigate the
impact of corticosteroid use on the clinical outcomes following CRT
upgrades. Methods A total of 48 consecutive patients with non-ischemic
cardiomyopathies who underwent CRT upgrades were retrospectively
reviewed and divided into three groups: group 1 included CS patients
taking corticosteroids before the CRT upgrade (n = 7), group 2, CS
patients not taking corticosteroids before the CRT upgrade (n = 10), and
group 3, non-CS patients (n = 31). The echocardiographic response, heart
failure hospitalizations, and cardiovascular deaths were evaluated.
Results The baseline characteristics during CRT upgrades exhibited no
significant differences in the echocardiographic data between the three
groups. After the CRT upgrade, responses regarding the ejection fraction
(EF) and end-systolic volume (ESV) were significantly lower in CS
patients than non-CS patients (ΔEF: group 1, 6.7% vs. group 2, 7.7%
vs. group 3, 13.6%; p=0.039, ΔESV: 3.0 mL vs. -12.7 mL vs. -37.2 mL; p
= 0.008). The rate of an echocardiographic response was lowest in group
1 (29%). There were, however, no significant differences in the
cumulative freedom from a composite outcome among the three groups (p =
0.19). No cardiovascular deaths occurred in group 1. Conclusion CS
patients taking corticosteroids before the CRT upgrade had lower
echocardiographic responses but higher freedom rates from a composite
endpoint. The timing of corticosteroid use would affect the clinical
course following a CRT upgrade.
Trees of given order and independence number with extremal general zeroth-order randi\’{c} index
Authors: Yan Zimo , Liu Chang , Li Jianping
Published: January 2024

The general zeroth-order Randi\’c index
${^0}R_{\beta}(G)=\sum_{u\in
V(G)}(d_{G}(v))^{\beta}$ is a
vertex-degree-based graph invariants, where $d_{G}(v)$ denotes the
degree of a vertex $v$ in $G$ and $\beta$ is an
arith real number, which was defined by Li and Zheng in 2005, under the
name “the first general Zagreb index”. In this paper, we explore the
general zeroth-order Randi\’c index in terms of
independence number. First, we give the upper and lower bounds for the
general zeroth-order Randi\’{c} index of trees with
given order $n$ and the independence number $\alpha$.
Moreover, the corresponding extremal graphs are characterized. For
unicyclic graphs, bounds for $^0R_{\beta}(G)$ are
also be determined.
INTUITIONISTIC N-FUZZY QUASI IDEALS OF BI-TERNARY SEMIGROUPS AND ITS (α^;β^)-TRANSLATIONS
Authors: B Praba , Jacob Kavikumar
Published: January 2024

The concept of intuitionistic N-fuzzy set (INFS) has been applied to the
quasi ideals of bi-ternary semigroups. The notion of intuitionistic
N-fuzzy quasi ideal of bi-ternary semigroup has been introduced and
characterized by using intuitionistic N-fuzzy level set and N
characteristic function. The relationships between intuitionistic
N-fuzzy quasi ideal and intuitionistic N-fuzzy ideals (left, right, bi)
have been discussed. Finally, the idea of translations on intuitionistic
N-fuzzy bi-ternary semigroup is discussed.
Frailty is associated with 90-day unplanned readmissions and death in patients with chronic heart failure: A longitudinal study in Northwest China
Authors: Chi Junting , Chen Fei , Zhang Jing , Niu Xiaodan , Tao Hongxia , Ruan Haihui , Wang Yanhong
Published: January 2024

Background: Frailty is strongly associated with adverse health
outcomes in older heart failure patients. Aims: We aimed to
explore the effect of frailty on unplanned readmissions and death in
chronic heart failure (CHF) patients aged 18 years or older.
Methods: 342 chronic heart failure patients aged 18 years or
older from heart centers of two tertiary care hospitals, located in
north-west of China, were enrolled between July and December 2020.
Frailty was assessed by the Tilburg Frailty Indicator. Patients were
followed for unplanned readmissions, all-cause mortality at 30, 60, and
90 days after discharge. Multivariate cox regression models were used to
analyze the effect of frailty on 90-day unplanned readmission and death
in patients with CHF. Results: Frailty prevalence was 54.7%
among 342 CHF patients, with a mean age of 64.65 ± 11.90 years. Compared
to non-frailty CHF patients, the frailty CHF patients were older and had
higher systolic blood pressure, longer duration of heart failure, more
severe cognitive function, and more comorbidities (
P<0.05). Patients in the frail group had a higher
incidence of unplanned readmission (73.1% vs. 26.9%, χ2
= 18.87, P < 0.01) and death (100% vs. 0%,
χ2 = 6.94, P < 0.01) than those in the non-frail
group. Multivariate cox regression analysis showed that frailty was an
independent risk factor for 90-day unplanned readmission (HR = 1.469,
95% CI 1.318-1.637, P < 0.01) and 90-day death
(HR=2.270, 95% CI 1.091-4.726, P<0.01) in patients
with CHF. Discussion: Evaluation of frailty among CHF patients,
include frailty in the routine evaluation of admission seems necessary
to provide personalized intervention to improving their prognosis.
Conclusion: Frailty is an independent predictor of unplanned
readmission and death 90-day after discharge in CHF patients aged 18
years or older.
Clinical Profiles and Survival of Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in South West Uganda
Authors: Zalwango Stella , Kalubi Peters , Ankunda Siyadora , Atwiine Barnabas
Published: January 2024

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the commonest
childhood cancer globally. We described the clinical features at
diagnosis and established the overall survival of children diagnosed
with ALL at our Pediatric Cancer Unit. Methods: In August 2020, we
retrospectively studied children <16 years diagnosed with ALL
over a 4-year period (June 2016 to May 2020) at Mbarara Regional
Referral Hospital (MRRH) in south west Uganda. Frequencies and
proportions of baseline clinical features and treatment outcomes were
described. Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard regression
model were performed to estimate overall survival and identify its
predictors respectively. Ethical approval was obtained from Research
Ethics Committee of Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Results: Within the 4-year period, 301 children were diagnosed with
cancer; 51 (16.9%) with ALL. Forty-four (86.3%) presented with fever,
28 (54.9%) cough, 21(41.2%) bleeding tendencies, 20(39.4%) limb pains
and 8(15.7%) abdominal distension. Forty-four (86.3%) had pallor,
39(76.5%) lymphadenopathy, 37(72.5%) hepatosplenomegaly, 18(35.3%)
pyrexia, 12(23.5%) bone tenderness and 11(21.6%) petechia. Thirty
(58.8%) children presented with leukocytosis
(WBC>12x109/L), all the children had anemia (Hb)
<11.0g/dl) and 48 (94.1%) had thrombocytopenia
(<150.0x 109/L), . Thirty-three (64.7%) children completed
induction chemotherapy; 27 (81.8%) with remission. Overall one year
survival was 42.5%. Remission failure was associated with poor
survival. Conclusions and Recommendation: Children with ALL present with
non-specific clinical features that mimic common childhood infections
and its outcomes are low at our unit. ALL should form part of the
differential diagnosis in children with fever, pallor, bleeding, or
leukocytosis, anemia and thrombocytopenia.
Mitochondrial phylogenomics reveal the evolutionary, speciation and biogeographical history of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Zhang Yue , Li Hu , Feng Shiqian , Qin Yujia , Meyer Marc De , Virgilio Massimiliano , Singh Sandeep , Jiang Fan , Priscilla Kawi Anastasia , Susanto Agus , Martinez-Sañudo Isabel , Wu Jiajiao , BADJI Kemo , Fekrat Lida , Davaasambuu Undarmaa , Li ZHIHONG
Published: January 2024

Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) possess high diversity and globally
wide distribution, including a range of important agricultural pests.
However, the origin, phylogeny and divergence history remain poorly
understood. We undertook the first comprehensive mitogenomic study
covering phylogenetic reconstruction, divergence time estimation and
historical biogeography analyses by analyzing 147 mitochondrial genomes
representing three subfamilies, seven tribes, 11 genera and 82 species.
The results recovered all the three subfamilies, seven tribes and 11
genera as monophyletic group. Within Dacini subfamily, our phylogeny
strongly supported the sister group relationship of (Zeugodacus + Dacus)
+ Bactrocera, which further supported to raise Zeugodacus as generic
level of Dacini. On the other hand, our molecular phylogenetic analyses
did not align well with the currently recognized subgeneric designations
within Ceratitis, Dacus and Zeugodacus. Some subgenera were recovered as
polyphyletic or paraphyletic, implying the incongruence between
morphological characters and mitogenomic data. Neither the taxa within
the Ceratitis FARQ complex nor those within the Bactrocera dorsalis
complex could be clearly distinguished as distinct species corresponding
to the morphospecies by mitochondrial phylogenetic tree. Divergence time
estimation and historical biogeography analyses indicated that the
earliest common ancestor of the Tephritidae, originated in the
Palearctic realm at 138.92-71.44 Ma, with the subsequent divergence into
Dacinae + Trypetinae and Tephritinae at 115.19-67.45 Ma equally in the
Palearctic realm. Dacini might have originated in Laurasia rather than
Gondwana and diverged into Bactrocera and Dacus + Zeugodacus at
48.43-28.70 Ma after India plate docked with Laurasia.
Association of birth weight with cancer risk: A dose-response meta-analysis and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Chao , Chen Xiaoying , Wu Donghong , Wang Huiting , Wang Chuqiao , Shen Jieni , An Yiran , Zhong Ran , Li Caichen , Liang Wenhua
Published: January 2024

Background Several articles have shown that birth weight is associated
with the risk of many types of cancers. However, the results are
inconsistent and whether the relationship has a casual effect remains
unknown. Objectives To estimate the association between birth weight and
cancer risk by dose-response meta-analysis and two-sample Mendelian
randomization analysis. Search strategy PubMed and Embase library up to
March 2021. Selection criteria Prospective cohort studies and
case-control studies. Data collection and analysis Two reviewers
collected data and the third reviewer check the accuracy. Summary
relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were included.
Main results In our dose-response meta-analysis, six cancers from 46
studies were found to had significant associations with the birth
weight. (Ovarian cancer: RR: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.01-1.44; breast cancer: RR:
1.12, 95%CI: 1.08-1.16; colorectal cancer: RR: 1.20, 95%CI: 1.01-1.43;
endometrial cancer: RR: 0.85, 95%CI: 0.78-0.93; prostate cancer: RR:
1.27, 95%CI: 1.01-1.61; testicular cancer: RR: 1.21, 95%CI:
1.03-1.43). As the birth weight gain, the slope of the dose-response
curve of breast cancer increased continuously and the curve of
testicular cancer was U-shaped. (Pnonlinearity<0.001) In the
MR study, seven cancers were included. Only invasive mucinous ovarian
cancer was found to have casual effect on birth weight (OR: 0.62;
95%CI: 0.39-0.97) while other cancers did not. Conclusions There is a
nonlinear dose-response relationship between birth weight and breast
cancer and testicular cancer. And birth weight has a casual effect on
invasive mucinous ovarian cancer. Tweetable abstract Birth weight is
associated with cancer risk but affects it indirectly.