bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of the iron oxidation and precipitation processes on the arsenate sorption and coprecipitation
Authors:   University of Mining and Geology “St. Ivan Rilski”, Moteva Ivelina , Georgiev Plamen ,   University of Mining and Geology “St. Ivan Rilski”
Published: February 2023

The main aim of this study was to assess the effects of ferrous iron oxidation, hydrolysis and precipitation of the ferric iron on the mechanisms of arsenate removal from acid mine drainage. The study was realized at the pH range 2,0 – 6,5. H2O2 was the oxidant used in the chemical test. A mixed culture of mesophilic iron-oxidizing chemolithotrophic bacteria (Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Leptospirillum ferroxidans) carried out the ferrous oxidation in the biological test. NaOH was used as an alkalizing agent which triggered the ferric iron hydrolysis and precipitation. The results showed that the total content of retained arsenic by ferric iron hydrous oxides and its speciation as geochemical fractions depended on the iron and phosphate concentrations in acid solution. The results showed that phosphate concentration lower than 6 mg/ L limited the ferrous iron oxidation rate. At the tested experimental conditions, arsenic sorption by formed ferric iron hydrous oxides was the main mechanism for its removal from acid mine drainage, as the ratio between iron and phosphate determined the proportions between the geochemical fractions of scavenged arsenic.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY PRACTICES IN THE BULGARIAN RAW MATERIAL INDUSTRY
Authors:   University of Mining and Geology “St. Ivan Rilski”, Petrova Vessela
Published: February 2023

The circular economy, which promotes the responsible and cyclical use of resources, contributing to sustainable development is becoming more and more popular, especially in the European Union. The concept of switching from the traditional linear to cyclical consumption model leads to minimisation of waste and environmental pollution, and in this regard the New Circular Economy Plan is already in place. The great ambitions for changes in the industry are strengthened by the Green Pact (Green Deal). The publication presents an in-depth study of the literature on the subject, as well as the five business models through which, in practice, a circle is realised. It has been established that the literature in the context of the mining industry is extremely scarce, and the business models through which the processes in the industry are carried out are poorly studied. An up-to-date survey of 13 companies in the raw-material resources sector in Bulgaria is also presented, aimed at showing the extent to which they understand and apply the circular economy in their work. The results unequivocally prove that the concept is not new for the business.
Kirkpatrick's model of evaluation applied under Covid-19 conditions
Authors: Zejnelagić Sabina , Fetahović Irfan , Moretić-Mićić Snežana
Published: February 2023

Evaluation is of a high importance in any format that has become widely present in educational process, at any level, starting from primary school education and finishing with higher institutional one. In the paper, it has been discussed on the Kirkpatrick's model of evaluation being applied under Covid-19 conditions, the condition that has never been present in the entire world before. It has been described and discussed the evaluation process under these circumstances and what is the satisfaction level of both students and tutors in it, and also all changes occurred during this pandemic. The discussion part of the paper has been researched in its several segments, where both pros and cons have been presented, where the focus is in the virtual classroom activities since the pandemic conditions. The examined sample has included both tutors and students at a university level, where the real outcomes of this process are seen through a prism of the main hypothesis of the paper and it is to examine why the evaluation process is also of importance to be present under Covid-19 conditions. A new element has also been discussed and applied here and it is related to time experience of both students and tutors and how they have perceived it in this virtual learning environment.
Factors that in the modern environment determine the development of Serbian economy
Authors: Stevanović Mirjana , Staletović Maja , Bačevac Srećko
Published: February 2023

Rapid and radical changes are a fundamental characteristic of the modern economy. Accordingly, the success of any economy is conditioned by its ability to adequately respond to all of the demands that the changing environment imposes on it. When some kind of a change occurs, flexibility is necessary in implementing plans and makin decisions, that is, an adequate and timely reaction is necessary. As the environment changes, so do the rules of winning. Businesses that are able to create differentiating advantage in a globalized world achieve the greatest success. Manny difficulties faced by the Serbian economy during the previous period, as well as the late entry into the transition process and the implementation of reforms, make it difficult to adapt to the demands that come from the changing environment. In addition to that, the pandemic caused by the Covid-19 virus, as well as the current war events, significantly slow down the development of many economies in the world, and accordingly, they do not bypass the Serbian economy either. The goal of this research is to indicate that some of the factors inherent in the modern environment determine the development of the Serbian economy.
Benchmarking analysis of key macroeconomic parameters of the Western Balkan countries
Authors: Matić Nemanja , Skorup Ana , Radičević Milan
Published: February 2023

Benchmarking analysis as a method of insight into the competitiveness of economic entities is often applied in the case of countries as well. With this type of analysis, it is possible to determine which segment of the economy of a certain country needs to be improved, in order to increase the overall competitiveness of the country. By benchmarking analysis of the key macroeconomic parameters of the countries of the Western Balkans (Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Albania), we will determine the current competitive position of the Republic of Serbia in relation to the listed competitors (neighbouring countries). For these purposes, we analysed various macroeconomic parameters of the countries of the Western Balkans, such as GDP growth rates for the period of the last 10 years (from 2012 to 2021), GDP current/constant prices, GDP PPP, GDP per capita/PPP, unemployment rate, inflation rate and debt to GDP for 2021. The last group of data that we analysed in this paper consisted of the Total investment percentage of GDP of the countries of the Western Balkans for the period from 2012 to 2021, as well as the average level of the specified parameter in the observed period.
Interdependence of insurance need and development insurance markets
Authors: Vojvodić-Miljković Nevenka , Stojković Milica
Published: February 2023

On the one hand, the insurance market is no different from other markets, as it has market entities, supply, demand, price and "product" (sale of security). Still, on the other hand, it is specific in relation to all other markets; the market subject to sale is a risk that may or may not be realized in the future. Insurance is a form of risk management, primarily moderate to reduce financial losses or transfer of risk from the insured to the insurance company, with insurance premium payment. The security market has its own branch institutional network consisting of: companies (important factors in the global financial economy), intermediaries (brokers), insurance agents (banks, companies), directorates for business supervision of insurance organizations, professional associations (insurance associations), the association of actuaries, etc. In addition to them, an important place belongs to the individuals and legal entities like insured objects. This topic has been insufficiently researched in practice, so the authors consider it important.
Climate change from the perspective of the European Court of Human Rights
Authors: Mladenov Marijana , Prelević-Plavšić Snežana , Staparski Tamara
Published: February 2023

Is it possible to address one of the most serious dangers of the modern world, climate emergency, before the European Court of Human Rights? Although climate change can potentially impair many of the rights recognized by the European Convention on Human Rights, there has not yet been any judgment on this issue from the ECtHR. This article explores the opportunities to use ECHR human rights law to reduce climate change's effects. It discusses the relevance of the human rights framework in the subject matter illustrated with case law from the European Court of Human Rights. The paper's main goal is to establish and explain the explicit link between climate change and human rights in relation to the corresponding obligations of governments according to the standards of the ECtHR jurisprudence.
La fragilité du point de vue de la création
Authors: Perron Louis
Published: February 2023

Cet article cherche à penser la question de la fragilité ontologique à la lumière de la métaphysique de la création telle que réinterprétée par Jean Ladrière à la lumière de certaines avancées philosophiques relatives à la question du fondement et du concept d’événement. Après un bref essai de clarification terminologique, il montre que la fragilité structurelle caractéristique de l’étant créé tient à sa non-coïncidence avec la source de son existence, qui le rend incapable d’assurer sa sécurité par rapport à la menace récurrente de son non-être. L’étant créé est celui qui espère son accomplissement dans le lieu d’une sécurité définitive.
Faire exégèse et théologie à l’ombre d’un effondrement : un avenir fragilisé
Authors: Luna Rodolfo Felices , Vaillancourt Louis
Published: February 2023

Le dogme économique incontesté qui soutient une croissance illimitée est en train de fragiliser non seulement les écosystèmes du vivant, mais les bases même de notre civilisation, ouvrant grand la porte à un « effondrement » au cours du prochain siècle. Les signes de cette dégradation systémique se font déjà sentir dans toutes les dimensions de nos sociétés. Nous ne pouvons vivre en dehors de la nature qui nous supporte ; le projet humain ne peut réussir sans la Terre. Ce contexte devrait déterminer toute tâche intellectuelle, en particulier celle des croyantes et des croyants qui s’inscrivent dans un horizon de sens, lequel serait profondément bouleversé. Il devient alors impératif de réfléchir aux conditions d’exercice de nos disciplines (exégétique et théologique) en situation d’une raréfaction de ressources et d’une remise en question radicale d’un mode de vie mortifère.
Différence cranio-faciale et handicap d’apparence : fragilité impensée d’un « peuple invisible »
Authors: Roussel Jean-François
Published: February 2023

Le concept de différence cranio-faciale désigne un ensemble de traits innés ou acquis qui résultent en anomalies au visage. Si la différence cranio-faciale est habituellement appréhendée comme un fait individuel, et si on y prête peu d’attention dans les définitions du handicap qui régissent les politiques du handicap, cette étude l’aborde dans ses dimensions sociales ignorées, comme on le voit entre autres dans un jugement de la Cour suprême du Canada en 2021. L’étude propose ensuite une réflexion théologique sur la manière dont l’anomalie cranio-faciale déstabilise certains schèmes culturels qui orientent nos visions du monde et dont elle invite à engager un rapport différent à la réalité et au sens de la vie.
Sparse reconstruction of acoustic interference fringes in shallow water and internal wave environment
Authors: Li Yong-Fei , Guo Rui-Ming , Zhao Hang-Fang ,   College of Information Science and Electronic Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, China,   Department of Electronic Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China,   Laboratory of Ocean Observation-Imaging Testbed of Zhejiang Province, Zhoushan 316021, China,   Engineering Research Center of Oceanic Sensing Technology and Equipment, Ministry of Education, Zhoushan 316021, China,   State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310007, China
Published: February 2023

To reduce the distortion of acoustic interference fringes caused by internal waves in shallow water, a sparse reconstruction method of acoustic interference fringes is proposed in this paper according to the coupled mode theory. The proposed method consists of two steps: 1) The interference fringes are approximated to the sum of several two-dimension sinusoids, which are sparsely reconstructed by the vector finite rate of innovation method. 2) According to coupled mode theory, two-dimension frequencies related to uncoupled mode pairs do not vary with the location of internal waves. However, two-dimension frequencies related to coupled mode pairs vary with the location of internal waves. So these frequencies are classified into two parts. The uncoupled mode pairs are used to recover the regular interference fringes and estimate the waveguide invariant in the background environment. The coupled mode pairs are used to track the locations of internal waves. The simulation results show that the proposed method can effectively provide interference fringe reconstruction, waveguide invariant estimation, and internal wave tracking in the internal wave environment.
Two generalizations of Liouville λ function
Authors:   Federal University of the ABC region, Brazil, Camargo André Pierro de
Published: February 2023

We study the properties of two classes of functions $\lambda_k$ and $\tilde{\lambda}_k$ that generalize the Liouville $\lambda$ function, including some equivalencies between the Riemann hypothesis and some assertions about the asymptotic behavior of the summatory functions of $\lambda_k$ and $\tilde{\lambda}_k.$ Similar results are obtained for the generalization of the Möbius function considered by Tanaka.
NPAS4 in the medial prefrontal cortex mediates chronic social defeat stress-induced anhedonia-like behavior and reductions in excitatory synapses
Authors: Hughes Brandon W , Siemsen Benjamin M , Tsvetkov Evgeny , Berto Stefano , Kumar Jaswinder , Cornbrooks Rebecca G , Akiki Rose Marie , Cho Jennifer Y , Carter Jordan S , Snyder Kirsten K , Assali Ahlem , Scofield Michael D , Cowan Christopher W , Taniguchi Makoto
Published: February 2023

Chronic stress can produce reward system deficits (i.e., anhedonia) and other common symptoms associated with depressive disorders, as well as neural circuit hypofunction in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). However, the molecular mechanisms by which chronic stress promotes depressive-like behavior and hypofrontality remain unclear. We show here that the neuronal activity-regulated transcription factor, NPAS4, in the mPFC is regulated by chronic social defeat stress (CSDS), and it is required in this brain region for CSDS-induced changes in sucrose preference and natural reward motivation in the mice. Interestingly, NPAS4 is not required for CSDS-induced social avoidance or anxiety-like behavior. We also find that mPFC NPAS4 is required for CSDS-induced reductions in pyramidal neuron dendritic spine density, excitatory synaptic transmission, and presynaptic function, revealing a relationship between perturbation in excitatory synaptic transmission and the expression of anhedonia-like behavior in the mice. Finally, analysis of the mice mPFC tissues revealed that NPAS4 regulates the expression of numerous genes linked to glutamatergic synapses and ribosomal function, the expression of upregulated genes in CSDS-susceptible animals, and differentially expressed genes in postmortem human brains of patients with common neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression. Together, our findings position NPAS4 as a key mediator of chronic stress-induced hypofrontal states and anhedonia-like behavior.
Limited role of generation time changes in driving the evolution of the mutation spectrum in humans
Authors: Gao Ziyue , Zhang Yulin , Cramer Nathan , Przeworski Molly , Moorjani Priya
Published: February 2023

Recent studies have suggested that the human germline mutation rate and spectrum evolve rapidly. Variation in generation time has been linked to these changes, though its contribution remains unclear. We develop a framework to characterize temporal changes in polymorphisms within and between populations, while controlling for the effects of natural selection and biased gene conversion. Application to the 1000 Genomes Project dataset reveals multiple independent changes that arose after the split of continental groups, including a previously reported, transient elevation in TCC>TTC mutations in Europeans and novel signals of divergence in C>Gand T>A mutation rates among population samples. We also find a significant difference between groups sampled in and outside of Africa in old T>C polymorphisms that predate the out-of-Africa migration. This surprising signal is driven by TpG>CpG mutations and stems in part from mis-polarized CpG transitions, which are more likely to undergo recurrent mutations. Finally, by relating the mutation spectrum of polymorphisms to parental age effects on de novo mutations, we show that plausible changes in the generation time cannot explain the patterns observed for different mutation types jointly. Thus, other factors – genetic modifiers or environmental exposures – must have had a non-negligible impact on the human mutation landscape.
FUS regulates RAN translation through modulating the G-quadruplex structure of GGGGCC repeat RNA in C9orf72-linked ALS/FTD
Authors: Fujino Yuzo , Ueyama Morio , Ishiguro Taro , Ozawa Daisaku , Sugiki Toshihiko , Ito Hayato , Murata Asako , Ishiguro Akira , Gendron Tania F. , Mori Kohji , Tokuda Eiichi , Taminato Tomoya , Konno Takuya , Koyama Akihide , Kawabe Yuya , Takeuchi Toshihide , Furukawa Yoshiaki , Fujiwara Toshimichi , Ikeda Manabu , Mizuno Toshiki , Mochizuki Hideki , Mizusawa Hidehiro , Wada Keiji , Ishikawa Kinya , Onodera Osamu , Nakatani Kazuhiko , Taguchi Hideki , Petrucelli Leonard , Nagai Yoshitaka
Published: February 2023

Abnormal expansions of GGGGCC repeat sequence in the noncoding region of the
C9orf72
gene is the most common cause of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (C9-ALS/FTD). The expanded repeat sequence is translated into dipeptide repeat proteins (DPRs) by noncanonical repeat-associated non-AUG (RAN) translation. Since DPRs play central roles in the pathogenesis of C9-ALS/FTD, we here investigate the regulatory mechanisms of RAN translation, focusing on the effects of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) targeting GGGGCC repeat RNAs. Using C9-ALS/FTD model flies, we demonstrated that the ALS/FTD-linked RBP FUS suppresses RAN translation and neurodegeneration in an RNA-binding activity-dependent manner. Moreover, we found that FUS directly binds to and modulates the G-quadruplex structure of GGGGCC repeat RNA as an RNA chaperone, resulting in the suppression of RAN translation
in vitro
. These results reveal a previously unrecognized regulatory mechanism of RAN translation by G-quadruplex-targeting RBPs, providing therapeutic insights for C9-ALS/FTD and other repeat expansion diseases.
Opto-RhoGEFs, an optimized optogenetic toolbox to reversibly control Rho GTPase activity on a global to subcellular scale, enabling precise control over vascular endothelial barrier strength
Authors: Mahlandt Eike K , Palacios Martínez Sebastián , Arts Janine JG , Tol Simon , van Buul Jaap D , Goedhart Joachim
Published: February 2023

The inner layer of blood vessels consists of endothelial cells, which form the physical barrier between blood and tissue. This vascular barrier is tightly regulated and is defined by cell-cell contacts through adherens and tight junctions. To investigate the signaling that regulates vascular barrier strength, we focused on Rho GTPases, regulators of the actin cytoskeleton and known to control junction integrity. To manipulate Rho GTPase signaling in a temporal and spatial manner we applied optogenetics. Guanine-nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) domains from ITSN1, TIAM1, and p63RhoGEF, activating Cdc42, Rac, and Rho, respectively, were integrated into the optogenetic recruitment tool improved light-induced dimer (iLID). This tool allows for Rho GTPase activation at the subcellular level in a reversible and non-invasive manner by recruiting a GEF to a specific area at the plasma membrane, The membrane tag of iLID was optimized and a HaloTag was applied to gain more flexibility for multiplex imaging. The resulting optogenetically recruitable RhoGEFs (Opto-RhoGEFs) were tested in an endothelial cell monolayer and demonstrated precise temporal control of vascular barrier strength by a cell-cell overlap-dependent, VE-cadherin-independent, mechanism. Furthermore, Opto-RhoGEFs enabled precise optogenetic control in endothelial cells over morphological features such as cell size, cell roundness, local extension, and cell contraction. In conclusion, we have optimized and applied the optogenetic iLID GEF recruitment tool, that is Opto-RhoGEFs, to study the role of Rho GTPases in the vascular barrier of the endothelium and found that membrane protrusions at the junction region can rapidly increase barrier integrity independent of VE-cadherin.
Structures of NF-κB p52 homodimer-DNA complexes rationalize binding mechanisms and transcription activation
Authors: Pan Wenfei , Meshcheryakov Vladimir A , Li Tianjie , Wang Yi , Ghosh Gourisankar , Wang Vivien Ya-Fan
Published: February 2023

The mammalian NF-κB p52:p52 homodimer together with its cofactor Bcl3 activates transcription of κB sites with a central G/C base pair (bp), while it is inactive toward κB sites with a central A/T bp. To understand the molecular basis for this unique property of p52, we have determined the crystal structures of recombinant human p52 protein in complex with a P-selectin(PSel)-κB DNA (5′-GGGGTGACCCC-3′) (central bp is underlined) and variants changing the central bp to A/T or swapping the flanking bp. The structures reveal a nearly two-fold widened minor groove in the central region of the DNA as compared to all other currently available NF-κB-DNA complex structures, which have a central A/T bp. Microsecond molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of free DNAs and p52 bound complexes reveal that free DNAs exhibit distinct preferred conformations, and p52:p52 homodimer induces the least amount of DNA conformational changes when bound to the more transcriptionally active natural G/C-centric PSel-κB, but adopts closed conformation when bound to the mutant A/T and swap DNAs due to their narrowed minor grooves. Our binding assays further demonstrate that the fast kinetics favored by entropy is correlated with higher transcriptional activity. Overall, our studies have revealed a novel conformation for κB DNA in complex with NF-κB and pinpoint the importance of binding kinetics, dictated by DNA conformational and dynamic states, in controlling transcriptional activation for NF-κB.
A novel hybrid algorithm based on Harris Hawks for tumor feature gene selection
Authors: Liu Junjian , Feng Huicong , Tang Yifan , Zhang Lupeng , Qu Chiwen , Zeng Xiaomin , Peng Xiaoning
Published: February 2023

Background

Gene expression data are often used to classify cancer genes. In such high-dimensional datasets, however, only a few feature genes are closely related to tumors. Therefore, it is important to accurately select a subset of feature genes with high contributions to cancer classification.

Methods

In this article, a new three-stage hybrid gene selection method is proposed that combines a variance filter, extremely randomized tree and Harris Hawks (VEH). In the first stage, we evaluated each gene in the dataset through the variance filter and selected the feature genes that meet the variance threshold. In the second stage, we use extremely randomized tree to further eliminate irrelevant genes. Finally, we used the Harris Hawks algorithm to select the gene subset from the previous two stages to obtain the optimal feature gene subset.

Results

We evaluated the proposed method using three different classifiers on eight published microarray gene expression datasets. The results showed a 100% classification accuracy for VEH in gastric cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia and ovarian cancer, and an average classification accuracy of 95.33% across a variety of other cancers. Compared with other advanced feature selection algorithms, VEH has obvious advantages when measured by many evaluation criteria.
Association between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD): a meta-analysis
Authors: Noureen Naila , Zaidi Nousheen
Published: February 2023

Objectives

We recently studied the association between various human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). According to our analysis, HLA-B*50 and HLA-DQA1*3 alleles were positively associated with ESRD, while B*40, DRB1*12, DRB1*13, and DQA1*6 alleles were negatively associated with ESRD. However, a single case-control study does not have enough statistical power to evaluate the possible impact of genetic polymorphism on any disease. Hence, the main objective of this meta-analysis is to determine the association between these abovementioned HLA alleles and ESRD.

Design

MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases were searched through December 2020 for case-control studies on the associations between HLA polymorphisms and ESRD. Independent reviewers screened the texts of potentially eligible studies and assessed the risk of bias. The meta-analysis was conducted based on the checklists and guidelines based on PRISMA.

Results

We identified 26 case-control studies comprising 1,312 ESRD and 3,842 healthy subjects. A non-significant positive association was observed between HLA-B*50 (OR = 1.02, 95% CI [0.90, 1.24]), HLA-B*40 (OR = 1.75, 95% CI [0.98, 3.2]), HLA-DQA1*3, (OR = 1.17, 95% CI [0.74, 1.84]), DRB1*12 (OR = 1.05, 95% CI [0.94, 1.18]) alleles and ESRD. In addition, a non-significant negative association was observed between HLA-DRB1*13 (OR = 0.90, CI [0.81, 1.01]), HLA-DQB1*6 (OR = 0.79, 95% CI [0.58, 1.07]) alleles and ESRD.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis indicates no significant association between HLA-B*50, HLA-DQA1*3, B*40, DRB1*12, DRB1*13, and DQA1*6 alleles and ESRD. Further studies with larger sample sizes and adjustments for confounders are required to confirm these conclusions.
Role of tea plantations in the maintenance of bird diversity in Anji County, China
Authors: Wu Jueying , Hu Jinli , Zhao Xinyu , Sun Yangyang , Hu Guang
Published: February 2023

Background

Tea plantations support regional sustainable development and have the potential to support more biodiversity than urban open spaces. Numerous studies have shown the value of low-intensity agroecosystems for preserving biodiversity, however tea plantations have received less attention. The relationship between tea plantations and the diversity of macro-organisms, such as birds, is still not fully understood.

Methods

We investigated the bird diversity and vegetation conditions and calculated landscape metrics in 30 tea plantations in Anji County, Zhejiang Province, China. At these 30 sampling sites, we recorded 262 individuals belonging to 37 species, which were classified into two guilds: nature- and urban-dependent birds. We used cluster analysis to group the sampling sites based on the abundance of the birds. Then we evaluated the effects of associated plant diversity in tea plantations and the surrounding landscape composition on these bird guilds using species association computation and a generalized linear model.

Results

The results show that the maintenance of bird diversity by tea plantations benefits both nature- and urban-dependent birds. We found that landscape-scale factors surrounding the tea plantations mainly affected the bird richness due to their habitat selection. Landscape agglomeration and habitat quality were the dominant landscape-scale metrics. Patch-scale factors of tea plantations, especially the vegetation structure, had a strong influence on the abundance of the birds. Nature-dependent birds preferred to occur in tea plantations with perennial herbs, while urban-dependent birds were attracted by the general distributed plants, as annual herbs. Therefore, we concluded that tea plantations play an important role as a transitional zone between natural habitats and urban areas, thus reducing the impact of urbanization and maintaining bird diversity in low-quality habitats.
Bacterial composition along the digestive tract of the Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta), a tropical herbivorous bird
Authors: García-Amado María Alexandra , Rudolf Carla A. , Fuentes-Fuentes Maria del Mar , Chorna Nataliya , Martínez Leoncia Margarita , Godoy-Vitorino Filipa
Published: February 2023

Background

The Horned Screamer (Anhima cornuta) is an herbivorous bird that inhabits wetlands of the South American tropical region. We hypothesize that due to its herbivorous niche, its digestive tract compartments may have bacteria specialized in fermenting complex plant carbohydrates. To test this hypothesis, we compared the bacterial communities along the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of a Horned Screamer captured in Venezuela.

Methods

Samples were taken from tissues and content of the proventriculus and the small intestine (considered for this study as upper GIT), and the large intestine and cecum (lower GIT). The bacterial community was characterized by sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Bioinformatic analysis was performed using QIIME, QIITA and Microbiome Analyst. The association between microbial taxonomy and function was analyzed using their Greengenes OTU IDs and a custom KEGG BRITE hierarchical tree and visualized with BURRITO.

Results

The Screamer’s gastrointestinal microbiota was composed by seven phyla being Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes the most predominant. The dominant taxa in the upper GIT were Helicobacter, Vibrio, Enterobacter, Acinetobacter and Staphylococcus. The dominant taxa in the lower GIT were Oribacterium, Blautia, Roseburia, Ruminococcus, Desulfovibrio, Intestinimonas, Marvinbryantia and Parabacteroides. Complete degradation of cellulose to the end-products acetate, propanoate, butanoate and acetoacetate was found in the upper and lower GIT without significant differences.

Conclusion

Our study confirmed changes in bacterial community composition throughout the GIT of the Horned Screamer primarily associated with the production of metabolic end-products of carbohydrate digestion essential for the fermentation of the herbivorous diet.
Variable level of genetic dominance controls important agronomic traits in rice populations under water deficit condition
Authors: Hassan Hamada M. , Hadifa Adel A. , El-leithy Sara A. , Batool Maria , Sherif Ahmed , Al-Ashkar Ibrahim , Ueda Akihiro , Rahman Md Atikur , Hossain Mohammad Anwar , Elsabagh Ayman
Published: February 2023

Plant hybridization is an important breeding technique essential for producing a genotype (hybrid) with favorable traits (e.g., stress tolerance, pest resistance, high yield potential etc.) to increase agronomic, economic and commercial values. Studying of genetic dominance among the population helps to determine gene action, heritability and candidate gene selection for plant breeding program. Therefore, this investigation was aimed to evaluate gene action, heritability, genetic advance and heterosis of rice root, agronomic, and yield component traits under water deficit conditions. In this study, crossing was performed among the four different water-deficit tolerant rice genotypes to produce better hybrid (F1), segregating (F2) and back-cross (BC1 and BC2) populations. The Giza 178, WAB56-204, and Sakha104 × WAB56-104 populations showed the better physiological and agronomical performances, which provided better adaptability of the populations to water deficit condition. Additionally, the estimation of heterosis and heterobeltiosis of some quantitative traits in rice populations were also studied. The inheritance of all studied traits was influenced by additive gene actions. Dominance gene actions played a major role in controlling the genetic variance among studied traits in both crossed populations under well-watered and drought conditions. The additive × additive type of gene interactions was essential for the inheritance of root length, root/shoot ratio, 1,000-grain weight, and sterility % of two crossed populations under both conditions. On the contrary, the additive × dominance type of gene interactions was effective in the inheritance of all studied traits, except duration in Giza178 × Sakha106, and plant height in Sakha104 × WAB56-104 under water deficit condition. In both crosses, the dominance × dominance type of gene interactions was effective in the inheritance of root volume, root/shoot ratio, number of panicles/plant and 1,000-grain weight under both conditions. Moreover, dominance × dominance type of gene interaction played a major role in the inheritance of root length, number of roots/plant, plant height, panicle length, number of filled grain/panicle and grain yield/plant in Giza178 × Sakha106 under both conditions. The studied traits in both crossed populations indicated better genetic advance as they showed advanced qualitative and quantitative characters in rice populations under water deficit condition. Overall, our findings open a new avenue of future phenotypic and genotypic association studies in rice. These insights might be useful to the plant breeders and farmers for developing water deficit tolerant rice cultivars.
Fear Message and Adoption of Barrier Measures: A Study of COVID 19 in the Cameroonian Population
Authors: Fangue Laure , Simo Colette , Nwamen Fidèle
Published: February 2023

Fear appeals have long been a means of persuasion to promote favorable health behaviors. In the case of COVID-19 in particular, the mere presence of this epidemic seems to have the psychological consequence of fear in many individuals. Resorting to fear appeals becomes an adjunct in the fight against this disease, which is characterized by uncertainty despite the vaccine proposals that litter the horizon. The purpose of this paper is to examine the variables that may promote the adoption of barrier measures related to COVID-19. To accomplish this, the researchers have conducted an online survey and processed the resulting data via SPSS.21 and Amos software. The results have shown that perceived efficacy, self-efficacy, and fear messages based on cultural practices are relevant for promoting the adoption of recommendations against COVID-19. In contrast, repeated fear messages and government statistics are not found to be very effective. On this basis, it is to be recommended that persuasive communication actors focus on fear messages in relation to the cultural aspects to which the population is much more attached. They should amplify communication about compliance with anti-Covid-19 barrier measures.
Assay on the Impact of Vegetable Oil Mill Effluent on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Brassica compestris L. and Oryza sativa L.
Authors: Regar Durga Lal , Dadhich Pragya , Jaiswal Poonam
Published: February 2023

Industries of any country are one of the key determinants of its economic wealth. Industries not only utilize a huge amount of water but also cause soil and water pollution by disposing of untreated industrial effluents in water bodies and agricultural land. The study aimed to test the impact of mustard oil effluent on seed germination and seedling growth of Brassica compestris L. and Oryza sativa L. and to evaluate the scope of industrial effluent as irrigation water. Different parameters like germination percentage, germination index, germination rate, and mean germination time were evaluated with different concentrations of effluent to analyze the impact effluent had on plant growth. The results of the study show that industrial effluents can be used for irrigation only after appropriate dilution, increasing the concentration of effluent in irrigation water can lead to a reduction in macro and micronutrients concentration as well as heavy metal accumulation which results in the inhibition of seed germination. Thus, careful monitoring of the effects of any industrial effluent on any particular crop is a must before its application as the response of crops may vary with single effluent also.
Evaluation of In vivo Toxicity and In vitro Antimicrobial Activities of Crude Ethanolic Stem Bark Extract of Anonidium mannii
Authors: Kame Eugène Ékounè , Nguemfo Edwige Laure , Noundou Xavier Siwe , Tsakem Bienvenu , Mpondo Emmanuel Mpondo , Ngameni Bathelemy , Nguedia Jules Clement Assob , Teinkela Jean Emmanuel Mbosso
Published: February 2023

Aims: This study aims to evaluate the in vivo acute and sub-acute toxicity; and the antimicrobial activity of Anonidium mannii stem bark ethanolic extract.

Study Design: This is an experimental study.

Location and Duration of the Study: The work was conducted from 15 November 2020 to 31 May 2021 at several laboratories (the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory of the University of Douala, the Animal Physiology Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Yaoundé 1 and in the Hematology and Bacteriology Laboratories of the District Hospital of the Cité des Palmiers, Douala, Cameroon).

Methodology: The in vivo acute and subacute toxicities studies were conducted following the guidelines of the OECD on Wistar rats, while the in vitro antimicrobial activity was evaluated using the microdilution method on bacterial (Neisseria gonorrheae, Escherichia coli, Salmonela spp) and fungal (Candida albicans) strains.

Results: Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, coumarins, flavonoids, phenols, reducing sugars, tannins, triterpenes. An oral administration of the extract did not induce an abnormal variation of the physiological parameters in rats, at doses of 2000 and 5000 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. After twenty-eight days of observation during the study of subacute toxicity, the extract showed good safety in terms of subacute toxicity. No deaths were recorded at the different doses; and clinical and physiological parameters analyses revealed a non-significant statistical difference. All bacterial strains in the presence of the extract were inhibited, as well as C. albicans. The extract exhibited strong antibacterial activity against N. gonorheae (MIC 15.6 μg/mL), E. coli (MIC 62.5 μg/mL) and Salmonella spp (MIC 15.6 μg/mL).

Conclusion: These results could justify the use of A. mannii stem bark in the traditional pharmacopoeia for the treatment of gonococcal disease, diarrhea, abscesses and food poisoning.
Uncommon Culprit Vessel of de Winter Electrocardiogram Pattern
Authors: Chen Chia-Chen , Cai Bin-Yu , Qi Xue-Wei
Published: February 2023

This case report describes a patient in their 50s who presented to the emergency department with perspiration, persistent and squeezing chest pain, and chest distress that had persisted for 90 minutes without relief.
Assessment of FDA-Approved Drugs Not Recommended for Use or Reimbursement in Other Countries, 2017-2020
Authors: Pham Catherine , Le Kim , Draves Maisha , Seoane-Vazquez Enrique
Published: February 2023

Importance

Drug expenditures in the US are higher than in any other country and are projected to continue increasing, so US health systems may benefit from evaluating international regulatory and reimbursement decision-making of new drugs.

Objective

To evaluate regulatory decisions and health technology assessments (HTAs) in Australia, Canada, and the UK regarding new drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 through 2020, as well as to estimate the US cost per patient per year for drugs receiving negative recommendations.

Design and Setting

In this cross-sectional study, recommendations issued by agencies in Australia, Canada, and the UK were collected for new drugs approved by the FDA in 2017 through 2020. All data were current as of May 31, 2022.

Exposures

Authorizations and HTAs in selected countries.

Main Outcomes and Measures

All FDA-approved drugs were matched by active ingredient to decision summary reports published by drug regulators and HTA agencies in Australia, Canada, and the UK. Regulatory approval concordance and reasons for negative recommendations were assessed using descriptive statistics. For drugs not recommended by an international agency, the annual US drug cost per patient was estimated from FDA labeling and wholesale acquisition costs.

Results

The FDA approved 206 new drugs in 2017 through 2020, of which 162 (78.6%) were granted marketing authorization by at least 1 other regulatory agency at a median (IQR) delay of 12.1 (17.7) months following US approval. Conversely, 5 FDA-approved drugs were refused marketing authorization by an international regulatory agency due to unfavorable benefit-to-risk assessments. An additional 42 FDA-approved drugs received negative reimbursement recommendations from HTA agencies in Australia, Canada, or the UK due to uncertainty of clinical benefits or unacceptably high prices. The median (IQR) US cost of the 47 drugs refused authorization or not recommended for reimbursement by an international agency was $115 281 ($166 690) per patient per year. Twenty drugs were for oncology indications, and 36 were approved by the FDA through expedited regulatory pathways or the Orphan Drug Act.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional study assessed reasons for which drugs recently approved by the FDA were refused marketing authorization or not recommended for public reimbursement in other countries. Drugs with limited international market presence may require close examination by US health care professionals and health systems.
Comparison of Fractures Among Older Adults Who Are Ambulatory vs Those Who Use Wheelchairs in Sweden
Authors: Axelsson Kristian F. , Litsne Henrik , Lorentzon Mattias
Published: February 2023

Importance

Several diseases and conditions, such as cerebrovascular disease, arthritis, previous fractures, neurological diseases, or amputation, can result in severe immobility justifying wheelchair use for increased mobility. Immobility results in disuse osteoporosis and is considered a risk factor for fracture, although there are no large cohort studies that have investigated fracture risk in patients who use wheelchairs compared with an ambulatory control group.

Objective

To investigate whether immobilized adults who used wheelchairs had a different risk of fracture and injurious falls compared with matched ambulatory controls.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study compared patients who used wheelchairs and controls (propensity score matched 1:1 using 22 variables relating to anthropometrics, general condition, comorbidity, and fall and fracture risk), identified through a national database of adults 65 years or older who underwent a health evaluation (baseline) at Swedish health care facilities. Patients were followed up from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2017, and data analysis was performed between June 1 and 30, 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Incident fracture, injurious falls without fracture, and deaths.

Results

A total of 55 442 adults using wheelchairs were included in the analysis (mean [SD] age, 83.2 [8.3] years; 60.5% women). Those who used wheelchairs and the 55 442 matched controls were followed up for a median of 2.0 (IQR, 0.5-3.2) and 2.3 (IQR, 0.8-3.6) years, respectively. Patients who used wheelchairs had a lower risk of any fracture (hazard ratio [HR], 0.43 [95% CI, 0.41-0.44]), major osteoporotic fracture (HR, 0.32 [95% CI, 0.31-0.33]), and hip fracture (HR, 0.30 [95% CI, 0.28-0.32]) compared with the ambulatory controls, associations that were only marginally affected by multivariable (same as the matching variables) adjustment. The risk of fall injury was lower among those who used wheelchairs than among ambulatory controls (unadjusted HR for Cox proportional hazards models, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.47-0.50]) and remained highly similar after adjustments. Patients who used wheelchairs had a significantly increased risk of death (HR, 1.35 [95% CI, 1.33-1.36]) compared with controls. Association between wheelchair use and fracture outcomes and injurious falls, calculated using a Fine and Gray model with death as a competing risk, was similar to associations obtained using Cox proportional hazards regression for all fracture outcomes.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this retrospective cohort study of older adults, wheelchair use was associated with a lower risk of fracture than observed in ambulatory controls. These findings suggest that immobility associated with wheelchair use should not be considered a risk factor for fracture.
Impact of Tele-Emergency Consultations on Pediatric Interfacility Transfers
Authors: Marcin James P. , Sauers-Ford Hadley S. , Mouzoon Jamie L. , Haynes Sarah C. , Dayal Parul , Sigal Ilana , Tancredi Daniel , Lieng Monica K. , Kuppermann Nathan
Published: February 2023

Importance

Pediatric referral centers are increasingly using telemedicine to provide consultations to help care for acutely ill children presenting to rural and community emergency departments (EDs). These pediatric telemedicine consultations may help improve physician decision-making and may reduce the frequency of overtriage and interfacility transfers.

Objective

To examine the use of pediatric critical care telemedicine vs telephone consultations associated with risk-adjusted transfer rates of acutely ill children from community and rural EDs.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cluster-randomized crossover trial was conducted between November 18, 2015, and March 26, 2018. Analyses were conducted from January 19, 2018, to July 23, 2022, 2022. Participants included acutely ill children aged 14 years and younger presenting to a participating ED in 15 rural and community EDs in northern California.

Interventions

Participating EDs were randomized to use telemedicine or telephone for consultations with pediatric critical care physicians according to 1 of 4 unbalanced (3 telemedicine:1 telephone) crossover treatment assignment sequences.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Intention-to-treat, treatment-received, and per-protocol analyses were performed to determine the risk of transfer using mixed effects Poisson regression analyses with random intercepts for presenting EDs to account for hospital-level clustering.

Results

A total of 696 children (392 boys [56.3%]; mean [SD] age, 4.2 [4.6] years) were enrolled. Of the 537 children (77.2%) assigned to telemedicine, 251 (46.7%) received the intervention. In the intention-to-treat analysis, patients assigned to the telemedicine arm were less likely to be transferred compared with patients assigned to the telephone arm after adjusting for patient age, severity of illness, and hospital study period (risk rate [RR], 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88-0.99). The adjusted risk of transfer was significantly lower in the telemedicine arm compared with the telephone arm in both the treatment-received analysis (RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.71-0.94) and the per-protocol analysis (RR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.68-0.92).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized trial, the use of telemedicine to conduct consultations for acutely ill children in rural and community EDs resulted in less frequent overall interfacility transfers than consultations done by telephone.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02877810