bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morpho-cultural, pathological and molecular variability in Phloeospora maculans causing leaf spot of mulberry (Morus species) in India
Authors: Saif Zakiya , Kirmani Sabiha Ashraf , Shah Mehraj D. , Mir S. A. , Padder B. A. , Nabi Asha , Baqual M.F.
Published: May 2023

Background:Leaf spot disease (LSD) of mulberry caused byPhloeospora maculansis a major threat to the silk industry of Jammu and Kashmir, India, therefore, it was necessary to study the population structure of the pathogen for successful management of the disease.Methods and ResultsTo understand the diversity in thePhloeospora maculans, a combination of conventional (morphological, cultural and pathological) and molecular (ISSR markers) approaches were employed to discern the variability in 27 isolates collected from Srinagar, Bandipora, and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The studies revealed a high level of variability in the pathogen. Based on the morpho-cultural and pathological studies, the pathogen isolates were grouped into different categories based on colony growth, texture, margin and colour besides changes in colour of medium, incubation period, leaf area infected, etc.A high level of polymorphism was observed in different isolates ofP. maculansusing ISSR markers, which indicated that these markers are suitable for studying the genetic diversity in this pathogen. All the isolates (27) ofP. maculanswere clustered into two groups or populations as indicated by mean delta K value. Analysis of molecular variance revealed the low genetic variation among the populations (1.08%) and a high level of genetic variation within the populations (98.91%). Fstvalue was found to be 0.01 indicating smaller amount of genetic differentiation between the populations against calculated P-value of 0.29ConclusionA high level of diversity based on morphological, cultural, pathological and molecular levels was observed inPhloeospora maculanscollected from various districts of Kashmir valley, which indicates that the study of population structure is necessary for successful management of the disease.
Evaluation of efficacy of Elaeagnus angustifolia flower essential oil inhalation in improving sexual function in women of reproductive age: A randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Jafari Behnaz , Hosseini Hamideh , Jamali Jamshid , Babazadeh Raheleh
Published: May 2023

Background: Normal sexual function is an important part of women's sexual and mental health. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of inhalation of Elaeagnus angustifolia essential oil on sexual Function of women of reproductive age.
Materials and Methods: This study is a randomized, three-group clinical trial that was performed on 99 women referred to health centers in Mashhad. The first group used the essential oil by inhalation for 20 minutes three times a day for 4 weeks and the second group used the essential oil by inhalation 20 minutes before intercourse and the third group did not receive any intervention. Sexual function were assessed by FSFI questionnaire at baseline and after 4 weeks in all three groups.
Results:The mean and SD age of women were 33.7±7.6. The mean score of sexual function before the intervention in the first and second intervention group and control group were 23±1.3, 23.3±6.4 and 23.1±3.6 (P=0.630) respectively that was not statistically significant(p=0.630). The mean score of sexual function after 4 weeks in the first and second intervention group and control group were 25.2±7.9, 28.2±4.9 and 23.1±3.5 (P<0.001) respectively. Also after 4 weeks in the second intervention group improved sexual function in all areas, but in the first intervention Group improved all areas except pain and sexual Satisfaction (P<0.001).
Trial registration: The research project was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) with a code (IRCT20191203045589N1) and the ethics committee of Mashhad University of Medical Sciences with a code (IR.MUMS.NURSE.REC.1398.07) and first registration in 11/12/2019.
Conclusion: Inhalation of Elaeagnus angustifolia oil, has had a beneficial effect on improving sexual function in women of reproductive age, so it can be used as an affordable herbal supplement to improve Sexual function in these women.
The microcirculatory response in critically ill COVID-19 patients is dependent on the severity of disease
Authors: Brouwer Fleur , Ince Can , Pols Jiska , Uz Zühre , Hilty Matthias Peter , Arbous Mendi Sesmu
Published: May 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the relation between sublingual microcirculatory parameters and the severity of the disease in critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in the initial period of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission in a phase of the COVID-19 pandemic where patients were being treated with anti-inflammatory medication. In total, 35 critically ill COVID-19 patients were included. Twenty-one severely ill COVID-19 patients with a Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score below or equal to 7 were compared to 14 more severely ill COVID-19 patients with a SOFA score exceeding 7. Microcirculatory measurements were performed during the initial day of ICU admission. An increase in diffusive capacity of the microcirculation (total vessel density, functional capillary density, capillary hematocrit) and an increased perfusion of the tissues by red blood cells was found in the more severe critically il patients (SOFA 7–9) compared to the less severe critically ill COVID-19 patients. This study further shows that this adaptive response of the microcirculation is maintained despite the administration of anti-inflammatory medication.
The role of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB in the protective effect of ulinastatin on intestinal mucosal barrier in mice with sepsis
Authors: Song Wenying , Jing Huang , Li Ying , Ding Hui
Published: May 2023

Objective To investigate the effect of TLＲ4 /MyD88 /NF-κB signaling pathway in the protective effect of ulinastatin on intestinal mucosal barrier in mice with sepsis.
Methods The mouse model of sepsis was established by classical cecal ligation and perforation. Thirty-two SPF C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups with 8 in each: control group (Con group), ulinastatin group (Uti group), Uti +TLR4 agonist LPS group (Uti+LPS group) and LPS group. Mice in the Con group received the same volume of saline injected into the tail vein 2 hours after modeling; Mice in the Uti group received 10000 U/kg ulinastatin injected into tail vein 2 hours after modeling; Mice in the Uti+LPS group received LPS (5mg/kg) injected into tail vein at 0h after modeling, other procedures were the same as in the Uti group; Mice in the LPS group received LPS (5mg/kg) injected into tail vein 0h after modeling. The weight loss ratio of mice was calculated at 48h after surgery. All animals were sacrificed at 48h after surgery to assess the injury of jejunal mucosa, the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 β in tail vein, and the expression of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κ B mRNA in small intestinal mucosa tissues using ELASA and RT-PCR.
Results The weight change of mice in Uti at 48h after operation was significantly reduced than that of the Con (p=0. 008 vs. Con); while the weight change of mice in Uti+LPS group and LPS group was significantly increased than that of the Uti (P=0. 020, P=0. 036 vs. Uti). The scores of intestinal mucosal injury at 48 h of the Uti were significantly lower than that of the Con (p＜0.001 vs. Con)；while the scores of intestinal mucosal injuryat 48 h of the Uti+LPS were significantly higher than that of the Uti ( P=0.044 vs. Uti). The expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 β in the Uti decreased significantly at 48h after surgery than that in the Con（P=0.001，P=0.014，P=0.004 vs. Con), while the expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in Uti+LPS increased significantly at 48h after surgery than that in the Uti（P=0.026，P=0.040，P=0.039 vs. Uti）. The expression of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB mRNA in Uti decreased significantly than that in the Con(P=0.001，P=0.021，P=0.007 vs. Con); while the expression of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB mRNA in Uti+LPS was higher than that in Uti (P=0.023，P=0.040，P=0.045 vs. Uti).
Conclusion These findings indicate that the intestinal mucosal barrier protective effect against sepsis of ulinastatin may be mediated through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.
Research on Mathematical terrain interactive editing technology for landscape design based on deep learning
Authors: Wei Feiyu , Li Yunyuan
Published: May 2023

The technology in the field of garden landscape is constantly developing with the progress of today's society, industry has also been promoted, and various styles of landscapes have appeared one by one according to the needs of the times. However, the research of landscape design still seems to remain on the basis of more formal, patterned and visual design, thus ignoring the interaction between design works and objects of use. This paper aims to integrate mathematical terrain into the field of landscape design, and use realistic digital terrain to enhance the realism of virtual landscapes and enhance the user's immersion. To date, researchers have proposed many terrain editing techniques, but no more comprehensive examination of terrain features and editing requirements has been carried out to meet more general terrain modeling needs. Based on deep learning technology, this paper constructs the design of interactive scene mathematical terrain editing system. The system consists of two subsystems: scene management system and user interface system. Each subsystem has its own function module, which is convenient for users to use. Each functional module can be called according to user preferences to create the desired landscape terrain. In the final evaluation of the customer, the hills and plains created based on the sketch are better than the original work, It can be concluded that the system not only has excellent effects in practical applications, but also has a wide range of cross-domain applications, and has a broad development prospect. This paper designs a class of interactive editable systems combined with mathematical terrain by introducing deep learning technology into the field of landscape design.
Association between antibody responses post-vaccination and severe COVID-19 outcomes: national population-based cohort study in Scotland
Authors: Macdonald Calum , Palmateer Norah , McAuley Andrew , Lindsay Laura , Hasan Taimoor , Hameed Safraj , Hall Elliott , Jeffrey Karen , Grange Zoe , Gousias Petros , Marvin Sally , Jarvis Lisa , Cameron J. , Daines Luke , Tibble Holly , Rudan Igor , Simpson Colin , Katikireddi Srinivasa , McCowan Colin , Fagbamigbe Adeniyi , Ritchie Lewis , Swallow Ben , Robertson Chris , Moss Paul , Sheikh Aziz , Murray Josephine-Louise
Published: May 2023

Several population-level studies have described individual clinical risk factors associated with suboptimal antibody responses following COVID-19 vaccination, but none have examined multimorbidity. Others have shown that suboptimal post-vaccination responses offer reduced protection to subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection; however, the level of protection from COVID-19 hospitalisation/death remains unconfirmed. We use national Scottish datasets to investigate the association between multimorbidity and testing antibody-negative, examining the correlation between antibody levels and subsequent COVID-19 hospitalisation/death among double-vaccinated individuals. We found that individuals with multimorbidity (≥five conditions) were more likely to test antibody-negative post-vaccination and 13.37 [6.05 - 29.53] times more likely to be hospitalised/die from COVID-19 than individuals without conditions. We also show a dose-dependent association between post-vaccination antibody levels and COVID-19 hospitalisation or death, with those with undetectable antibody levels at a significantly higher risk (HR 9.21 [95% CI 4.63 - 18.29]) of these serious outcomes compared to those with high antibody levels.
Impact of heat stress on genetic evaluation of oocyte and embryo production in Gir dairy cattle
Authors: Feltes Giovani Luis , Negri Renata , Raidan Fernanda Santos Silva , Viana Alexandra Fabielle Pereira , Feres Luiz Fernando Rodrigues , Ribeiro Virgínia Mara Pereira , Cobuci Jaime Araújo
Published: May 2023

Identifying and selecting genotypes tolerant to heat stress might improve reproductive traits in dairy cattle, including oocyte and embryo production. The temperature-humidity index (THI) was used, via random regression models, to investigate the impact of heat stress on genetic parameters and breeding values of oocyte and embryo production in Gir dairy cattle. We evaluated records of total oocytes (TO), viable oocytes (VO), cleaved embryos (CE), and viable embryos (VE) from dairy Gir donors. Twenty-four models were tested, considering age at ovum pick-up (AOPU) and THI means as a regressor in the genetic evaluation. We computed THI in eight periods, from 0 to 112 days before ovum pick-up, which were adjusted by different orders of Legendre polynomials (second, third, and fourth). The best-fit model according to Akaike’s information criterion (AIC) and Model Posterior Probabilities (MPP) considered Legendre polynomials of third order and THI means of 112 days for TO, fourth order and 56 days for VO, second order and 28 days for CE, and second order and 42 days for VE, respectively. The heritability (h²) estimates across AOPU and THI scales ranged from 0.34 to 0.62 for TO, 0.31 to 0.58 for VO, 0.26 to 0.39 for CE, and 0.15 to 0.26 for VE, respectively. The fraction of the phenotypic variance explained by the permanent environment in different AOPU and THI scales ranged from 0.03 to 0.25 for TO, 0.05 to 0.26 for VO, 0.09 to 0.36 for CE, and 0.15 to 0.27 for VE, respectively. Spearman’s rank correlation between the estimated breeding values in different AOPU and THI scale from the top 5% sires and females ranged from 0.18 to 0.90 for TO, 0.31 to 0.95 for VO, 0.14 to 0.85 for CE, and 0.47 to 0.94 for VE, respectively. The h²estimates for all evaluated traits varied from moderate to high magnitude across AOPU and THI scales, indicating that genetic selection can result in rapid genetic progress for the evaluated traits. There was a reranking among the best animals in different AOPU and THI. It is possible to select dairy Gir cattle tolerant to heat stress to improve oocyte and embryo production.
Effect of low dose prednisone on glucose metabolism levels in patients with spontaneous abortion: a single-center, prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Qiaohong , Bai Wenxin , Li Congcong , Sun Si , Zhang Xiaoxin , Zhao Aimin
Published: May 2023

Objective: To explore the effect of low dose prednisone treatment during pregnancy on blood glucose levels in patients with spontaneous abortion.
Methods: In this single-center, prospective cohort study, patients with a history of spontaneous abortion were enrolled and were assigned to two groups according to whether they were exposed to low dose prednisone during pregnancy. All patients received oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at early pregnancy (before 12th week) and late pregnancy (24-28th week). Fasting serum C-peptide and plasma glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were measured at the same time. We compared the results of OGTT, fasting serum C-peptide levels and HbA1c levels between the two groups and analyzed the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in early pregnancy and the incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in late pregnancy.
Result: A total of 355 patients were enrolled and analyzed. No significant difference in OGTT between the two groups were observed in the first trimester (P=0.142). However, patients in the prednisone group showed a significant increase in fasting serum C-peptide (P<0.001). Regarding late pregnancy, although there was no significant difference in OGTT between the two groups (P=0.070), patients in the prednisone group showed a significant increase in 2-h plasma glucose (P=0.010). Patients in the prednisone group also had a higher incidence of GDM compared with the control group (P=0.005). Furthermore, family history of DM and receiving low dose prednisone were significantly associated with higher risk of gestational glycometabolism abnormality and receiving HCQ reduced the risk of that in patients with spontaneous abortion.
Conclusion: Long-term exposure of low dose prednisone during pregnancy could impair postprandial blood glucose and increase the incidence of GDM. Routine monitor of blood glucose and C-peptide levels should be recommended in patients who received prednisone treatment during pregnancy. Family history of DM and exposure to low dose prednisone are both independent risk factors for gestational glycometabolism abnormality while receiving HCQ is a protective one in patients with spontaneous abortion.
Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trials Registration: ChiCTR2100046455 (16/05/2021).
FOXQ1 expression in colorectal cancer is associated with tumor location
Authors: Yamano Tomoki , Kubo Shuji , Sonoda Emiko , Kominato Tomoko , Yano Aya , Takenaka Yuya , Son Jihyung , Kimura Kei , Yasuhara Michiko , Babaya Akihito , Kataoka Kozo , Beppu Naohito , Ikeda Masataka , Nishio Kazuto , Tomita Naohiro
Published: May 2023

Oxaliplatin (OHP) is a reagent for the standard treatment of advanced and recurrent colorectal cancer (CRC), although OHP resistance mechanisms are not fully elucidated. We found that HCT116-derived OHP-resistant clones (HCT/OHPs), but not DLD1-derived OHP-resistant clones also were resistant to the other drugs used for CRC treatment (5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, and trifluorothymidine), and HCT/OHP-derived tumors were resistant to OHP treatment. Among the candidate genes derived from microarray analysis using the samples of HCT/OHP cells and HCT/OHP-derived tumors, Forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) was further assessed to validate OHP resistance and its association with clinicopathological features. In our 173 cohort and 587 TCGA samples, FOXQ1 was upregulated in most CRC tumors compared to normal colonic mucosa and associated with tumor location of the right-sided colon and KRAS/BRAF mutation status. Possible association with prognosis in advanced CRC in our cohort and with microsatellite instability and advanced stage in TCGA samples were indicated. Modification of FOXQ1 via siRNA knockdown and expression vector could not confirm the involvement of FOXQ1 in OHP resistance. In conclusion, our results indicates that FOXQ1 is upregulated in CRC and FOX1 expression is associated with tumor location and KRAS/BRAF mutation status, but is not involved in the OHP resistance mechanism.
Effect of titanium dioxide nanocoating on the colour stability of room temperature vulcanizing maxillofacial silicone-an invitro study
Authors: K Gopika K , K Harsha Kumar , R Ravichandran , V Prasanth , S Kala , B Jinesh K
Published: May 2023

Objective. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of an oxide nanocoating to prevent colour degradation of maxillofacial silicone elastomers following accelerated ageing.
Material and Methods. Specimens (N = 40) of specified dimensions were fabricated in Factor II room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone and processed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Two groups were classified with 20 specimens each. Specimens in the first group were coated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) by atomic layer deposition technology. Colour stability test was conducted with a UV-VIS spectrometer (Schimadzu) for both titanium dioxide nanocoated and uncoated specimen groups after subjecting them to accelerated ageing. It was analysed using the CIE L*a*b method.
Results. The average colour change was highest for uncoated specimens (2.868), and the average colour change for titanium dioxide-coated specimens was significantly low (1.774). The average colour change of uncoated specimens (2.868) was close to the acceptable threshold value (3), and that of coated specimens (1.774) was far below the acceptable threshold (3).
Conclusions. The colour change that occurred in titanium dioxide nanocoated specimens following accelerated ageing was significantly lower than that in the uncoated group, showing that the TiO2 nanocoating was effective in reducing the colour degradation of silicone elastomers.
Clinical Relevance. Maxillofacial prostheses fabricated from silicone elastomers go through undesirable colour degradation over time. The development of a scientific technique that retards the colour deterioration of silicone prostheses would be of great clinical significance.
Transfer Learning for Accurate Fetal Organ Classification from Ultrasound Images: A Potential Tool for Maternal Healthcare Providers
Authors: Ghabri Haifa , Alqahtani Mohammed S. , Othman Soufiene Ben , Al-Rasheed Amal , Abbas Mohamed , Almubarak Hassan Ali , Sakli Hedi , Abdelkarim Mohamed Naceur
Published: May 2023

Ultrasound imaging is commonly used to aid in fetal development. It has the advantage of being real-time, low-cost, non-invasive, and easy to use. However, fetal organ detection is a challenging task for obstetricians, it depends on several factors, such as the position of the fetus, the habitus of the mother, and the imaging technique. In addition, image interpretation must be performed by a trained healthcare professional who can take into account all relevant clinical factors. Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in medical imaging and can help solve many of the challenges associated with fetal organ classification. In this paper, we propose a deep-learning model for automating fetal organ classification from ultrasound images. We trained and tested the model on a dataset of fetal ultrasound images, including two datasets from different regions, and recorded them with different machines to ensure the effective detection of fetal organs. We performed a training process on a labeled dataset with annotations for fetal organs such as the brain, abdomen, femur, and thorax, as well as the maternal cervical part. The model was trained to detect these organs from fetal ultrasound images using a deep convolutional neural network architecture. Following the training process, the model, DenseNet169, was assessed on a separate test dataset. The results were promising, with an accuracy of 99.84%, which is an impressive result. The F1 score was 99.84% and the AUC was 98.95%. Our study showed that the proposed model outperformed traditional methods that relied on the manual interpretation of ultrasound images by experienced clinicians. In addition, it also outperformed other deep learning-based methods that used different network architectures and training strategies. This study may contribute to the development of more accessible and effective maternal health services around the world and improve the health status of mothers and their newborns worldwide.
Prevalence of Rifampicin resistance tuberculosis among presumptive tuberculosis patients in Egypt-2021: A National Health Facility-based Survey
Authors: Amin Wagdy , Gadallah Mohsen , Salah Amal , Rady Mervat
Published: May 2023

Background: The magnitude of MDR-TB cases was noticeable in Egypt. However, the last national survey was 11-years ago. The current survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of rifampicin resistance among sputum smear-positive tuberculosis patients in Egypt.
Methods: A national health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Egypt among presumptive tuberculosis (TB) cases during the period from August 2020 to September 2021. Rifampicin resistance (RR) was detected using the Gene X-pert MTB/RIF. The prevalence of RR was calculated using crude, cluster, and weighted methods. Factors associated with RR were analyzed by bivariate and multivariate techniques.
Results: Among the total 849 presumptive TB patients enrolled in the study, 710 (83.6%) patients were subjected to Gene X-pert testing (MTB/RIF). The crude prevalence of RR was 3.32% (95% CI: 1.89-4.76%) among the new cases and 9.46% (95% CI: 2.63-16.29%) among the retreated cases with an overall estimate of 3.99%; (95% CI: 2.51- 5.47%). By cluster analysis the overall prevalence of RR was 5.01% (95% CI: 2.90–7.13). Factors associated with the prevalence of RR were co-morbidity with bronchial asthma, drug abuse and history of contact with a family member with TB.
Conclusion: The prevalence of RR among either new or retreated cases TB patients was lower than the previous rates in 2010-2012. The strongest predictor associated with RR was comorbidity with bronchial asthma.
The Analysis of Artabotrys hexapetalus Stem Bark and Leaf Ethanol Extract as α-Glucosidase Inhibitor in Relation to Antioxidant Activity, Phenolic, and Flavonoid Contents Using In Vitro Analysis, LC-MS, Machine Learning and Molecular Docking
Authors: Rosa Dela , Elya Berna , Hanafi Muhammad , Khatib Alfi , Halim Yuniwaty , Surya Muhammad Imam
Published: May 2023

Artabotrys hexapetalus is one of Artabotrys species that can be found in Asia, such as Sri Lanka, India, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other Southeast Asian countries. This plant is used traditionally as a herbal medicine. The aims of this research were to explore the potential of A. hexapetalus leaf and stem bark ethanol extract to treat type 2 diabetes (T2D) by inhibiting the activity of α-glucosidase, including its relationship with the antioxidant activity, phenolic content, and flavonoid content. The analysis was done using α-glucosidase inhibition assay, DPPH assay, FRAP assay, TPC, TFC, UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS, and molecular docking analysis. Results showed that stem bark extract had medium strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 47.084 ppm, whereas the leaf extract had weak α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 104.755 ppm. Random permutation in random forest simulation was used to predict the factors that contribute to the α-glucosidase inhibition. For stem bark, the α-glucosidase inhibition activity was influenced by antioxidant activity and phenolic compounds. Nevertheless, the main active compounds that play role in α-glucosidase inhibition in stem bark were likely from terpene groups. Meanwhile, the active compounds in the leaf extract were likely not antioxidants and did not belong to the phenolic and flavonoid group. Comparisons between various analysis were shown to corroborate the random permutation results.
Clinicohistoradiological and Surgical Outcome in Diffuse Midline Glioma
Authors: Kumar Arvind , Bhattacharjee Suchanda , Uppin Megha S , fathima syed tazeem
Published: May 2023

Purpose
Diffuse midline glioma (DMG) with H3K27M mutation is a rare and aggressive midline high grade glioma with a predominant astrocytic differentiation and K27M mutation in either H3F3A or HIST1H3B/C. This tumor is more common in children than in adults. The current study was aimed to determine clinicohistoradiological and surgical outcome of patients who have undergone surgery for DMG and study disease severity of patients with DMG.
Methods
This is an observational study in which 29 DMG patients were evaluated for clinicohistoradiological and surgical outcomes by assessing the pre and postoperative neurological status.
Result
Survival duration was significantly high in patients with age > 18 years (p = 0.02). Patients who had undergone Radiation Therapy showed higher survival rate (p = 0.05) and the cases with low levels of Ki 67 index had improved post operative outcome. (p = 0.002).
Conclusion
DMG with H3 K27M mutation in newly classified Central Nervous System tumor are WHO grade IV Tumors, comprising H3 K27M mutation as molecular marker for diagnosis and related with a poor prognosis.
The beneficial effect of barley straw extract addition on the growth of two aquatic invasive alien species (Elodea nuttallii and Cabomba caroliniana) under laboratory conditions
Authors: Draga Mateusz , Gąbka Maciej
Published: May 2023

Barley straw has been used around the world for decades as a simple, cost-effective and harmless phytoplankton growth inhibition method. Although the effect of this method on algal blooms is quite well depicted, it has not yet been tested what effect it has on submerged vascular plants and if it could be used to control the spread of alien macrophytes. In this study two highly invasive plant species: Cabomba caroliniana and Elodea nuttallii were exposed to different concentration of the barley straw extract (BSE) in laboratory conditions for the duration of four weeks. In the course of the investigations, responses of 8 traits associated with growth, biomass and chlorophyll concentration of specimens to three dosages (Low, Medium, High) of BSE corresponding to concentrations: 0.03, 0.30 and 1.50 ml l− 1 were analysed. The result showed that although dry mass and total length of the plants did not differ significantly between the test groups, increase in tillering and internodes number was observed for certain concentrations of the extract. This shows that if BSE has any effect on submerged macrophytes it is a positive one and thus the method is not suitable for invasive submerged aquatic plant control. Furthermore, it is recommended that before using barley straw for algae bloom control one should make sure that there are no alien aquatic submerged plants in the area that could benefit from such a treatment.
The warm Arctic-cold North American pattern in CanESM5 large ensemble simulations: Eurasian influence and uncertainty due to internal variability
Authors: Yu Bin , Lin Hai
Published: May 2023

This study examines the warm Arctic-cold North American pattern (WACNA) and its connection with the warm Arctic-cold Eurasia pattern (WACE) using ERA5 reanalysis and a 50-member ensemble of historical climate simulations produced by CanESM5, the Canadian model participated in CMIP6. The results indicate that a negative WACE-like pattern usually precedes a positive WACNA pattern by one month, and that negative Asian-Bering-North American (ABNA) and Pacific-North American (PNA) like circulation patterns appear upstream and precede a positive WACNA. The negative ABNA-like pattern can be attributed to anomalous heating in southern Siberia, which is associated with the negative WACE pattern and its featured Eurasian warming. The negative PNA-like pattern is influenced by negative SST anomalies in the tropical Pacific, resembling tropical ENSO variability. Anomalous temperature advection in the lower troposphere follows the circulation anomaly, which supports the formation of WACNA. Conversely, processes with circulation anomalies of opposite sign result in a negative WACNA pattern. The tropical ENSO variability does not significantly impact the WACNA pattern and its linkage with WACE. CanESM5 simulates the WACNA pattern and WACE-WACNA connection well, with differences mainly in the anomalous magnitude between model simulations and ERA5. The uncertainty in the simulated WACNA pattern due to internal climate variability is dominated by two modes of inter-member variability: a southeast-northwest phase shift and a local variation in amplitude.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio, Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte ratio, Platelet-to-Lymphocyte ratio associated with 28-day mortality in sepsis patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Li Xicong , Chen Yubiao , Yuan Qi , Zhou Hongya , Lu Lifei , Guo Ruiwei
Published: May 2023

Background High Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) were associated with worse prognosis of sepsis patients, but the relationship between NLR, MLR, PLR and mortality in sepsis patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between NLR, MLR, PLR and 28-day mortality in sepsis patients with CAD, and to evaluate diagnostic accuracy combining sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores.Methods Our study was based on cross-sectional and 28-day in-hospital data obtained from the MIMIC-III database between 2008 and 2012. Clinical characteristics and laboratory test data has been collected from hospitalization record. The relationship between NLR, MLR, PLR and 28-day mortality in sepsis patients with CAD was examined using the Cox proportional hazards model. We applied Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis for predicting 28-day mortality in sepsis patients with CAD by combining NLR, MLR and PLR with the sequential organ failure assessment SOFA scores.Results This study included 984 sepsis patients with CAD in total. Sepsis patients with CAD who had high NLR, MLR, and PLR had a higher risk of 28-day mortality. (All P < 0.05). The AUCs of NLR, MLR, PLR, and SOFA score were 0.609, 0.606, 0.594 and 0.676, respectively. Combining NLR, MLR, and PLR with SOFA scores increased the diagnostic accuracy of predicting 28-day mortality (AUC: 0.703).Conclusion High NLR, MLR and PLR were associated with 28-day mortality in sepsis patients with CAD.
Forest Fire Distribution Standard in the South of Amazonas State
Authors: Lemos Natasha Souza Araújo , Cunha Jose Mauricio , CAMPOS MILTON CESAR COSTA , Filho Elilson Gomes Brito
Published: May 2023

Forest fires represent a major threat to the Amazon rain forest as their frequency and intensity have increased over the years. In addition to causing the death of trees and animals, causing the loss of its biodiversity, fires throw a dense cloud of pollutants into the atmosphere. Faced with this worrying reality, a research activity was undertaken covering the southern region of the state of Amazonas, comprising the cities of Apuí, Boca do Acre, Canutama, Humaitá, Lábrea, Manicoré and Novo Aripuanã, with the objective of analyzing the spatial- temporal occurrence of forest fire risks in the period between 2009 and 2019. The study area is part of the 'Arc of deforestation' - a region recognized as a border between agricultural activities and the Amazon Forest and also, due to the intense use of fire in these activities. Due to the extension of the analysis area, satellite data was used as tools for the identification and mapping of areas subject to fires, allowing the identification of those that burn the most and when they occur. From the space-time analysis, it was found that among the analyzed municipalities, Lábrea leads the records of hotspots, followed by Apuí, Manicoré, Novo Aripuanã and Boca do Acre. The municipalities of Canutama and Humaitá are the ones with the lowest records. The years 2013, 2011 and 2009 (in ascending order) are the years with the fewest records of hotspots, while the years 2019, 2017, 2015, 2010, 2018 and 2016 (in descending order) are noteworthy for their records. of active hotspots above 10,000/year. Weather events such as El Niño act as a potentiator of fire risk, as they cause a decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperature. Even though there is no record of climatic phenomenon and with volumes of accumulated precipitation above 2,300 mm/year, the last four years analyzed stand out for their increasing behavior in the number of hotspots. Thus, through the use of remote sensing techniques, geoprocessing and the use of surface data, a fire risk map was generated for the municipalities in the south of the state of Amazonas, indicating that the areas with the highest risk of burning are those at the along highways, settlement projects and their surroundings that encompass public and/or private lands.
Research on dual-transmission cross-shaped microcavity metamaterials in the mid-infrared region
Authors: Li Teng , Ren Yu , Zhou Jianwei , Wang Tingting , Sun Peng , Ji Boyu , Cai Hongxing , Qu Guannan
Published: May 2023

Mid-infrared detection technology is widely used in military and civilian applications with its unique advantages. The filter is the core component of the mid-infrared detection system, realizing controllable modulation of its dual-band transmission peak is an important prerequisite for optimizing detector performance. In this paper, a cross-shaped microcavity structure metamaterial based on gold material is designed to achieve mid-infrared dual-band transmission. By changing the width of the microcavity and the width of the gap, the controllable modulation of the dual-band transmission peaks is achieved, corresponding to the dual-band ranges of 3.23 ~ 3.46 µm and 4.06 ~ 4.60 µm. The maximum transmission of the resonant transmission peaks λI and λII can reach 94.5% and 92.6%, respectively. The corresponding FOM is up to 17.70. This study provides a theoretical basis for the preparation of dual-band transmission filters in the mid-infrared band.
Computational modelling of the separation of molten polymer blends by a centrifugal technique
Authors: Medvid V. , Steiner H. , Irrenfried C. , Feuchter M. , Brenn Günter
Published: May 2023

Computational modelling of a centrifugal technique for separating binary mixtures of thermoplastic polymers in the molten state is presented. The technique may be useful for the recycling of polymeric materials. The study investigates the physical process of component separation due to the centrifugal force in a batch process, showing the potential of using a dispersed model for describing the complex mechanism underlying the technique. Given the long time scales of change of the flow field, the polymer melts are modelled as inelastic, shearthinning materials. The centrifugal force drives the component with the higher density to the outer region of an annular cross section occupied by the melt inside a rotating containment. The model system PET/LDPE is investigated in detail. The simulations allow to predict the process time needed for the separation. The simulations are the basis for studying a continuous process in a rotating tube.
Ab-initio Simulations of Coherent Phonon-Induced Pumping of Carriers in ZrTe5
Authors: Jiang Tao , Orth Peter , Luo Liang , Wang Lin-Lin , Zhang Feng , Wang Cai-Zhuang , Zhao Jin , Ho Kai-Ming , Wang Jigang , Yao Yong-Xin
Published: May 2023

Laser-driven coherent phonons can act as modulated strain fields and modify the adiabatic ground state topology of quantum materials. We use time-dependent first-principles and effective model calculations to simulate the effect of a strong terahertz electric field on electronic carriers in the topological insulator ZrTe5. We show that a coherent A1g Raman mode modulation can effectively pump carriers across the band gap, even though the phonon energy is about an order of magnitude smaller than the equilibrium band gap. We reveal the microscopic mechanism of this effect which occurs via Landau-Zener-Stu¨ckelberg tunneling of Bloch electrons in a narrow region in the Brillouin zone center where the transient energy gap closes when the system switches from strong to weak topological insulator. The quantum dynamics simulation results are in excellent agreement with recent pump-probe experiments inZrTe5 at low temperature.
Optimization and evaluation of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model for wind energy resource assessment and mapping in Iran
Authors: Saadatabadi Abbas Ranjbar , Hamzeh Nasim Hossein , Kaskaoutis Dimitris G. , Ghasabi Zahra , Penchah Mohammadreza Mohammadpour , Habibi Maral
Published: May 2023

The main purpose of this study is to optimize the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model regarding the choice of the best planetary boundary layer (PBL) physical schemes and to evaluate its performance for wind energy assessment and mapping in Iran. For this purpose, five PBL and surface layer parameterization schemes were tested and their performance was evaluated via comparison with observational wind data. Then the model was run for seventeen years (2004–2020) in order to assess the model's ability to estimate the wind energy production in Iran. Although no specific PBL scheme showed the best performance in all situations and stations, the asymmetrical convection model version 2 (ACM2) PBL scheme was considered as the one with the best performance on an annual basis. On the other hand, the quasi-normal scale elimination (QNSE) PBL scheme showed better performance over cold seasons, while the ACM2 scheme exhibited less uncertainty in the warm periods. It was also found that the WRF model errors depend on the horizontal resolution of the terrain data used and that WRF performance is weaker in simulating wind speeds below 3 ms− 1and above 10 ms− 1. Overall, by comparing WRF simulations with wind observations in Iranian areas where wind farms are currently in operation, it is concluded that WRF enables to provide accurate and reliable wind speed and direction data for realistic wind energy assessment studies in Iran. WRF model results showed that the Sistan Basin in the eastern part of Iran presents the highest wind energy capacity and the aeolian potential is also high in southwest Iran during summer and along the Zagros Mountains.
Genetic mapping of the wheat leaf rust resistance gene Lr19 and development of translocation lines to break its linkage with yellow pigment
Authors: Xu Shoushen , Lyu Zhongfan , Zhang Na , Li Mingzhu , Wei Xinyi , Gao Yuhang , Cheng Xinxin , Ge Wenyang , Li Xuefeng , Bao Yinguang , Yang Zujun , Ma Xin , Wang Hongwei , Kong Lingrang
Published: May 2023

The leaf rust resistance locus Lr19, which was transferred to wheat (Triticum aestivum) from its relative Thinopyrum ponticum in 1966, still confers broad resistance to most known races of the leaf rust pathogen Puccinia triticina (Pt) worldwide. However, this gene has not previously been fine-mapped, and its tight linkage with a gene causing yellow pigmentation has limited its application in bread wheat breeding. In this study, we genetically mapped Lr19 using a bi-parental population from a cross of two wheat-Th. ponticum substitution lines, the Lr19-carrying line 7E1(7D) and the leaf rust-susceptible line 7E2(7D). Genetic analysis of the F2 population and the F2:3 families showed that Lr19 was a single dominant gene. Genetic markers allowed the gene to be mapped within a 0.3 cM interval on the long arm of Th. ponticum chromosome 7E1, flanked by markers XsdauK3734 and XsdauK2839. To reduce the size of the Th. ponticum chromosome segment carrying Lr19, the Chinese Spring Ph1b mutant was employed to promote recombination between the homoeologous chromosomes of the wheat chromosome 7D and the Th. ponticum chromosome 7E1. Two translocation lines with short Th. ponticum chromosome fragments carrying Lr19 were identified using the genetic markers closely linked to Lr19. Both translocation lines were resistant to 16 Pt races collected throughout China. Importantly, the linkage between Lr19 and yellow pigment content was broken in one of the lines. Thus, the Lr19 linked markers and translocation lines developed in this study are valuable resources in marker-assisted selection as part of common wheat breeding programs.
Retrospective Clinical Characterization of Women with Prolonged Persistent Postpartum Urinary Retention
Authors: Ayyash Mariam , Briskin Rebeccah , Calimente Stefan , Kallabat Hana , Pezzillo Michael , Estanol Maria Victoria
Published: May 2023

Purpose
Prolonged postpartum urinary retention (PPUR) is a rare form of urinary retention lasting longer than 3 days after delivery, and no clinical standards exist for the diagnosis and treatment of this emotionally distressing and uncomfortable condition. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of PPUR at a single institution and to define the clinical features of women who developed PPUR.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed the clinical characteristics of 14 women who were diagnosed with non-iatrogenic PPUR at a single tertiary care center in Detroit, Michigan between October 2013 and December 2020. Demographics and clinical characteristics were analyzed with descriptive statistics.
Results
Of 60,352 deliveries, 14 (0.023%) women developed PPUR. Mean ± standard deviation age was 30.1 ± 6.1 years and body mass index was 27.3 ± 9.5 kg/m². A total of 12 (86%) patients received neuraxial anesthesia, 11 (79%) delivered vaginally, and the mean second stage of labor was 2.6 ± 1.9 hours. Median (range) onset of urinary retention was 12 (2–72) hours postpartum, and median duration of urinary retention until resolution was 6 (4–41) days. Median postvoid residual volume was 838 (313–1250) mL.
Conclusion
PPUR occurred at a low rate. Most women with PPUR had received neuraxial anesthesia, had vaginal deliveries, and experienced a prolonged second stage of labor. Large studies are needed to elucidate PPUR risk factors so that standard guidelines can be implemented for rapid diagnosis and treatment of this rare complication of pregnancy.
Health Seeking Behaviour and Knowledge on Neonatal Danger Signs Among Neonatal Caregivers in Upper Denkyira East Municipality, Ghana
Authors: Gyaase Philip , Aduse-Poku Edward , Lanquaye Mavis Opoku , Acheampong Emmanuel Boateng , Sampson David Ben
Published: May 2023

Background: The purpose of the project was to assess the health seeking behaviour and knowledge on neonatal danger signs among lactating mothers in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality.
Methods: The study used quantitative and employed a descriptive cross sectional survey to recruit mothers and neonatal care takers visiting postnatal clinic. The target population was mothers and neonatal care takers above 18 years visiting the facility and were willing to be part of the study. Total population for the study was 387 however, 381 responded to the questionnaire. Structured questionnaire was the main data collection tool for the study. Data were analysed with SPSS version 23.0. Logistic regression with Pearson Chi square, p-value and odd ratio were the main statistical methods for the data analysis.
Results: The results showed that almost half of the respondents 138 (36.2%) stated that diarrhoea and vomiting constituted the major danger signs that sent their neonates to the hospital. Also the health seeking behaviour of the mothers showed positive results as most of the mothers (77.2%) attended hospital on their own volition. Finally, the association between mothers’ socio-demographic characteristics and recognition of neonatal danger signs showed that mothers educational level and occupation were statistically significant (p-value=0.000).
Conclusion: The study concluded that mothers’ knowledge on neonatal danger signs was high and good health seeking behaviour. It is recommended that community health nurses and midwives should embark on home visits to encourage mothers to practice the knowledge and skills acquired during counselling at the hospital.
Memory capacity and prioritization in mice
Authors: Qiao Qinbo , Mairlot Caroline , Bendor Daniel
Published: May 2023

Our brain’s capacity for memory storage may be vast but is still finite. Given that we cannot remember the entirety of our experiences, how does our brain choose what to remember and what to forget? Much like the triage of a hospital’s emergency room, where urgent cases are prioritized and less critical patients receive delayed or even no care, the brain is believed to go through a similar process of memory triage while we sleep. Recent salient memories are prioritized for consolidation during sleep, which helps create stable, long-term representations in the brain; less salient memories receive a lower priority, and are eventually forgotten if not sufficiently consolidated. While rodents are a primary model for studying memory consolidation, common behavioral tests typically rely on a limited number of items or contexts, well within the memory capacity of the subject. A memory test exceeding an animal’s memory capacity is key to investigating how memories are selectively strengthened or forgotten. Here we report a new serial novel object recognition task designed to investigate the phenomenon of memory triage in mice, allowing us to directly test a rodent’s memory capacity and investigate factors influencing memory prioritization.