bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micropropagation of Three Citrus Rootstocks by Tissue Culture
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed A. A. R. M. , Kasab Bashi Ammar Z. , Alwan Jassim M.
Published: July 2023

The experiments were conducted in the Laboratory of Tissue culture/Department of Forestry/College of Agriculture and Forestry/the University of Mosul. To propagate three citrus rootstocks (Citrus aurantium L., Citrumelo swingle, and Cariso 35 (C35))In vitro. During the Initiation stage, the single nodes were planted on a solid MS medium supplemented with five concentrations of BA (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 mg L-1). After four weeks, the best significant percentage of response for Cariso35 and Citrumelo swingle, while the highest value of BA effect was at 2 mg BA L-1(96.67%). The No. of shoots there are nonsignificant differences, While the best No. of the shoot (1.41) obtained at 2 mg BA L-1, The highest significant shoot length (2.14cm) was obtained at Cariso35 compared with other rootstocks, so that, 1mg BA L-1 was achieved (2.01 cm). At the multiplication stage, Citrumelo swingle achieved the highest significant value (2.68shoots), whereas adding 4 mg BA L-1 gave the best significant No. shoots (3.10). as soon as, the shoot length (1.03cm) was obtained for Cariso35, while control treatment achieved a significant increase in shoot length (1.30cm) which differ significantly from other treatments. The highest significant number of leaves was (11.50 leaves) for Citrumelo swingle, while BA at 2 mgL-1 was dominated value achieved at 11.00 leaves. In the rooting stages, the best rooting percentage was 60% for Cariso 35 cultured on MT solid medium, but a non-significant difference between all IBA concentrations. While the significant No. of roots was 3.28 obtained from Citrumelo swingle, and the concentration 1.5 and 2 mg IBA L-1 achieved the highest significant values (2.90 and 2.24 root) respectively. Citrumelo swingle and the 1.5 mg IBA L-1 gave the shortest significant duration to formed roots which were 21.56 and 18.60 days respectively.
Detection of Deoxynivaenol (DON) Toxin in some Samples of Corn Chips and Corn Flex Collected from Local Markets
Authors: Ali Shaimaa A. M. , Mutlaq Shahad R. , Badwy Amin S.
Published: July 2023

Eighteen samples of yellow corn chips, popcorn and corn flex of various origins were collected from local markets in Tikrit. In order to detect the fungal contamination of these samples, it cultured on the potato dextros agar (PDA), with three replicates for each sample. Also, the test for the presence of Deoxynivalenol toxin (DON) were done, using an ELISA kit. The results were showan that there are five types of fungi that contaminate the samples under study with varying proportions. It was found that all samples were contaminated with Penicillium spp., while Nine samples were contaminated with Aspergillus niger, and. Six samples were contaminated with Fusarium spp.. However, Cladosporium herbarum was appeared in three samples only, and Aspergillus tiresias was present in only two samples. The results for the detection of DON toxin were shown that all samples were contaminated with DON toxin but with dissimilar concentrations. The highest concentration (3.69 mg/kg )was found in the Buwak Gypsum sample, but the lowest concentration (71.5 mg/kg) was found in the Egyptian corn flakes sample. All concentrations of DON toxin found in the samples were higher than the allowable average value (0.3-2.0) mg/kg) in wheat and maize grains, and (0.75 mg/kg) in wheat flour, these values were approved by the European Union countries.
The Role of Levels and Times of Application of Super Micro Plus Nanofertilizer on some Growth Characteristics and Stems Yield of Sugarcane Saccharum officinarum L.
Authors: Alghargan Nidhal Y. A. , Almubarak Nadir F. A.
Published: July 2023

A field experiment was carried out in one of the agricultural fields of Muqdadiya region during the season 2022-2023 to study the role of spraying with nanofertilizer called Super Micro Plus at levels (0, 1, 2 and 3) g/L as a first factor and with spraying times (the beginning of the tillering stage, the beginning of the elongation stage, and the beginning of the maturity stage) as a second factor in some growth characteristics and stems yield of sugarcane, variety Cp 89. The experiment was carried out according to a completely randomized blocks design with three replications, and the data were analyzed statistically, the results showed the following: 1. The use of nanofertilizer at a level of 2 g/L resulted in a significant increase in the number of total stems, stem height, stem diameter, leaf area and number of green leaves, as they reached 57.8, 160.7 cm, 30.7 mm, 1126.1 cm2/plant and 10.1 leaf/plant respectively. It also caused an increase in the mean of stems yield, reaching 61.5 tons/ha, with an increase of 56.1 %. 2. The spraying of nanofertilizer at the beginning of the tillering stage resulted in a significant increase in the number of total stems, stem diameter, leaf area and number of green leaves, reached to 61.6, 31.8 mm, 1127.9 cm2/plant and 9.9 leaf/plant respectively, and a decrease in the mean of stem height, as it reached to 155 cm. It also caused an increase in the mean of stems yield as it reached 53.6 tons/ha. 3. Spraying the plants with nanofertilizer at the level of 2 g / L at the beginning of the tillering stage resulted in highest increase in the mean number of total stems, stem diameter, leaf area and number of green leaves, reached to 69.4, 33.1 mm, 1187.5 cm2/plant and 11.7 leaves / plant respectively. And a decrease in mean of stem height, as it reached 153 cm. It also achieved the highest significant increase in the mean of stems yield, reached to 66 tons / ha, an increase of 67.5 %.
Molecular Identification of Peach Fruit Fly Bactrocera zonata and its Symbionts in Karbala Province, Iraq
Authors: Gaduaa Alaa A. , Kareem Ali A.
Published: July 2023

Bactrocera zonata is a fruit tree pest that typically attacks and causes heavy damage in fruit production using its sucking mouth. Researchers have started to distinguish them through molecular characterization and sequencing to control this pest. Mitochondrial genes such as COI (mtCOI) are commonly used as barcoding for identifying eukaryotes and counting insects. In the current study, the mtCOI gene has been amplified. Three samples from five locations in Karbala city were sequenced using the Sanger sequencing method. Also, symbionts bacteria linked with this insect were molecularly identified by sequencing. Four different sequences of B. zonata showed genetic diversity, and three different endosymbionts, Pectobacterium carotovorum, Acidithiobacillus sp., and Bacterium symbiont of B. zonata were molecularly identified. Different computational tools were used to compare sequences with related sequences retrieved from databases. Associated species were identified through phylogenetic analysis using the MEGA X software and confirmed with available GenBank databases. Pairwise sequence alignment showed the sequence identity of about 99% with Bactrocera zonata.
The Effect of Spraying with the Hormone Brassinolide on the Production of Oil and Glycosides of Goat Pea (Securigera securidaca)
Authors: Hassan Ahmed Yassin
Published: July 2023

A field experiment was carried out in Diyala Governorate during the winter season 2020-2021 to evaluate the effect of spraying three concentrations of Brassinolide hormone (1, 2 and 3 ppm) in addition to the control treatment (0 ppm) and three dates of spraying (after 20,40 and 60 days of germination) in the production of oil and total glycosides in Securigera securidaca seeds, by using a factorial experiment according to the randomized complete block design. The results showed that the spraying treatment with a concentration of 2 ppm was superior in seed yield, content and yield of oil, and content of total glycosides in the seeds, which reached 9.76 g/plant, 4.00%, 15.43 kg/ha and 1.770 mg/100 g seeds respectively, while the second date of spraying with the hormone Brassinolide was superior in seed yield, content and yield of oil, and total glycosides, reached 9.39 g/plant, 3.76%, 13.15 kg/ha and 1.750 mg/100 g seeds respectively. The results also show that the interaction treatment was superior at concentration 2ppm in the second date and gave the highest content and yield of oil and total glycosides which reached 4.24%, 17.54 kg/ha and 1.820 mg/100 g seeds respectively.
Effect of Activation of Cucumber Seeds with Different Concentrations of Zinc under Different Soaking Periods on Growth and Yield Characteristics (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Faiath Saieed E. , Ibrahim Ahmed Mahmood , Aljanabi Ali Razzaq , Aldabbagh Ehab Jabbar
Published: July 2023

This study was conducted in the greenhouses of Fallujah University - Biotechnology and Environmental Center. During planting season (2021-2022), to determine the effect of three zinc concentrations (0, 8, 16) mg L-1 and three soaking periods (6, 12, 18) hours, on the growth and yield characteristics of the cucumber (queen variety). It was implemented as a factorial experiment with randomized complete block design (RCBD) and with three replicates, the results are summed up as follows: The concentrations of 8 and 16 mg L-1 of zinc were achieved by giving the highest average plant height (127.26 cm) and (130.56 cm), leaf area (3934 cm2) and (4582 cm2) plant-1, as well as the fruit length accorded 15.46 and 15.62 cm, respectively, and the plant yield reached 1.16 and 1.74 kg plant-1, respectively. Also, the concentration of 16 mg L-1 of zinc in yield per area (m2) reached 13.91 kg m2 was superior to the concentration of 8 mg L-1 zinc (9.26) kg m2, which was superior to the control (7.85) kg m2. As for the soaking periods, the 18-hour soaking period grants the highest average of plant height, leaf area, plant yield, and yield per area (m2), reaching 131.41 cm, 4385 cm2 plant-1, 1.45 kg plant-1, and 11.55 kg m2, respectively. While the 12-hour soaking treatment gave the highest average fruit length of 15.724 cm over the 18-hour soaking treatment, and it excelled the 6-hour soaking treatment in all studied characteristics except for the fruit diameter, which was not significant for all treatments used. The binary interaction between soaking at a concentration of 16 mg L-1 of zinc with a soaking period of 18 hours gave the highest average plant height, fruit length, plant yield and yield per area (m2) accorded 143.63 cm, 15.89 cm, 1.98 kg plant-1 and 15.82 kg m2, respectively. The effect of interference was non-significant for the mean of leaf area of the plant as well as the diameter of the fruit.
Agricultural Environment Pollution Factors and Methods of Treatment them from the Viewpoint of Agricultural Employees in Tikrit District, Salah Aldin Governorate
Authors: Al-Jumaliy Mahmood Hadies Jassim
Published: July 2023

The research aimed to determine the size of agricultural pollution environment from the point of view of agricultural employees in Tikrit district Salah al-Din Governorate and determining the difference in the respondents’ viewpoints about the size of the agricultural environment pollution according to the personal factors of agricultural employees represented in (age, gender, educational attainment, number of years’ service, work location, contact with information sources communication). After that arranging ways to deal with the pollution of the agricultural environment from the point of view of the respondents in descending order. The research included all agricultural employees working in the agricultural departments in the district of Tikrit, whose number is (68) employees. A simple random sample of 75% was taken, and thus the number of respondents became (51) respondents. A questionnaire was prepared to collect the data required for the research. Which included three sections. The first section included the personal factors of the respondents. The second section included (20) factors representing that caused the pollution in the agricultural environment, while the third section included (15) paragraphs representing methods of treatment the pollution of the agricultural environment. Several statistical methods were used to achieve the goals such as (ssps program, range, average and frequencies). The results showed that the size of the pollution of the agricultural environment is large and tends to average from the point of view of the respondents, as it was found that there is a significant difference in the averages of the categories of most of the studied factors. The researcher concluded the importance of treatment the causes of pollution and reducing its impact to maintain the growth and productivity of cultivated crops, and the need for the respondents to be exposed to modern sources of information about the risks of environmental pollution and methods to treat it, to enable them to take appropriate measures to reduce the impact of pollution in their work area. The researcher recommends reducing the activities that cause pollution of the agricultural environment and increasing the sources of information for agricultural extension workers to familiarize them with the causes and risks of environmental pollution and methods to treat it.
Cognitive Training Needs of Hybrid Maize Growers in Al-Naameh Village, Al-Alam District and its Relationship to some Variables
Authors: Shada Maha Saeed , Amin Haseeb Mahmood , Abdullah Ahmed Saker
Published: July 2023

The research aimed to determine the cognitive training needs of the hybrid yellow corn growers in the village of Naameh / Al-Alam sub-district in general, to analyze the relationship between the following independent variables and the hybrid yellow corn farmers’ demand for cognitive training in the hamlet of Al-Naameh/Al-Alam subdistrict, and (age, educational level, type of possession, Number of working years in crop cultivation, sources of information). The research included all farmers of hybrid yellow corn in the village of Al-Naameh, whose number is (172), a random sample was taken at a rate of (35%), and thus the number of farmers became (60) farmers, the results showed that the highest value of cognitive training needs was within the middle category tending to rise, as The results showed that there is a significant correlation at the level (0.05) between (age, educational level, number of years of work in crop cultivation) and cognitive training needs. The researcher concluded that the majority of the respondents lacked sufficient knowledge of the cultivation of the hybrid yellow corn crop. With the increase in the number of years of work in the cultivation of the hybrid yellow corn crop, their experience in the field of crop cultivation increased, and thus their cognitive training needs decreased. The researcher recommends that the Salah El-Din Center for Agricultural Extension and Training pay attention to preparing training courses in the Al-Alam district that are conducted by specialists in the cultivation of the hybrid yellow corn crop, so that it includes the largest possible number of them to achieve the greatest amount of benefit. crop cultivation.
The Effect of Environmental Variables on the Distribution of some Submerged Aquatic Plants Eastern Al-Hammar and Al-Chebiyesh
Authors: Sabbar Amal Ali , Al-Saadi Sahar A. A. Malik
Published: July 2023

This study aims to determine some physical and chemical factors and their impact on the abundance and distribution of some submersible aquatic plants for four selected stations in the southern marshes, two stations in the Eastern Hammar marshes (Al-Burga and Al-Sada) and two stations in the Al-Chebiyesh marshes (Abu-Sobat and Al-Baghdadia). Water and plant samples were collected seasonally during the year 2018. The water temperature, electrical conductivity, water depth were estimated physical variables, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and phosphate concentration as well as chemical variables for water samples, as well as estimation of biomass, percentage of vegetation cover, and frequency of submerged plant species. The results showed that the highest water temperature was 34.45 °C in the Abu Sobat station during the summer, while the lowest temperature was recorded at 10.85 °C in the Al-Burga station during the winter. The highest depths of water during the winter in the Al-Sada station and the lowest depths in Al-Baghdadia station during the summer. The lowest value of dissolved oxygen was 4 mg/L in Al-Baghdadia during the summer, while the highest value was 9. The biomass, vegetation cover, and frequency were estimated for four plant species, which are the most present and widespread in the various study stations, which are includedCeratophyllum demersum, Myriophyllum spicatum, Najas marina, Potamogeton perfoliatus. The percentage of similarity between the different study stations was also calculated.
The Effect of Adding Organic Matter on the Efficiency of Salts Leaching in the Soil Affected by Salinity
Authors: Hoshan Mohsin N. , Fakhir Salwa J. , Al-Essa Najlaa M.
Published: July 2023

A field experiment was implemented at the Agricultural Research Station / college of Agriculture / Basra University, Karma Ali, during the year 2021 to study the effect of adding organic matter in the efficiency of salts leaching in the soil affected by salinity using three types of organic residuses (cows, rice, and miaze ) and two levels From the addition (2 % and 4 %), where the leaching process took in five stages, and laboratory measurements were performed in soil models taken for two depths 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm. The land plowed and was blessed, then the residule was added to mix to the soil with the surface layer. Soil measurements were taken after each stage of leaching, and the bulk density of the soil was measured after the end of the experiment, The measurements included: the electrical conducyivity of the soil solution, the concentration of dissolved sodium and dissolved chlorine in the soil solution and the bulk density. The results of the study showed that adding organic residule led to reducing electrical conductivity, the concentration of dissolved sodium, the concentration of dissolved chloride and the bulk density, and the decrease was more clear ’in cows treatment, as the fifth leaching stagewere more significant in reducing electrical conducctivity and the concentration of dissolved sodium and chloride in the soil solution and the bulk density of the soil, The concentration also significant 4% on the concentration 2% in reducing electrical conducyivity, sodium concentration and dissolved chlorine in the soil solution and the bulk density of the soil.
Combining General and Special Ability and Genetic Action of Linum Usitatissimum L.
Authors: Hamid Saya Freidon , Aziz Jassim Mohamed
Published: July 2023

This study used eight genetic structures of Linum Usitatissimum L. (Sakha1, Sakha2, Sakha3, Sakha5, Sakha6, Giza, Syrian and Poloni) and their half-exchange satire obtained according to the second method proposed by Griffing (1956). Genetic compositions (8 parents + 28 hybrids) were planted in the fields of the Faculty of Agriculture/University of Kirkuk in the winter season (2021-2022) by full random sectors (RCBD) with three repeats to study studied qualities (Plant rise, number of days of flowers, 50%, number of days of Knot, 50%, number of days of physiological maturity, number of branches, number of capsules, number of capsule seeds, weight of 1000 seeds, biological product, seed product and harvest guide) by assessing the combining public and private capacities. The results can be summarized as the majority of parents and second-generation hybrids differ morally in all the characteristics studied at a probability level (1%) And (5%), the ratio between the components of the variation of the general combining capacity to the components of the variation of the special combining capacity was less than the correct one for the qualities of the number of flowers days, the knot, the number of capsules, the number of capsule seeds, the harvest guide, the height of the plant, the number of branches, the weight of 1,000 seeds, the biological product, the number of ripening days, the seed and the height of the plant (cm), the number of branches and biological quotient, and the best father (Giza 8) was found to have a general combining ability in qualifications the number of days of the knot, the number of capsules, the seed crop and the biological crop. The hybrid (Sakha 5 * Sakha 2) gave the combining special ability to characterize the plant’s height, number of days flowering, knot, maturity, number of branches, weight of 1000 seed, number of capsules and biological product, Dominance variation values were greater than additional variation values in all qualities except the number of capsules and the seed crop, and inheritance values in the broad sense were found to be high for all the qualities studied except the number of flowering days and the number of capsules that were medium, inheritance in a narrow sense was slow for all the characteristics studied except those of the number of capsules and the weight of 1,000 seeds and the seed crop was medium, the degree rate of dominance was greater than the right one for all the characteristics studied, because the dominance genetic verb is the controller of these qualities. The projected genetic improvement values as a percentage were low for all studied qualities.
Effect of Planting Distances and Nitrogen Fertilization on Growth, Forage Yield and Quality of Millet Crop
Authors: Wali Thullfukar Mohammed , Al-Tahir Faisal Mehbas
Published: July 2023

A field experiment was carried out in Al-Rumaitha district of Al-Muthanna Governorate during the summer agricultural season 2022, to study the effect of planting distances between lines and levels of nitrogen fertilization on the growth and yield of millet crop. The experiment was applied using the randomized complete block design (R.C.B.D) according to the arrangement of split panels, as nitrogen fertilization levels (0, 25, 50, and 75) kg N ha-1 occupied the main panels, and the distances between plants were (40, 50, and 60 and 70 cm for the secondary panels. The results showed a significant superiority of the fertilizer level 75 kg N ha-1 by giving it the highest averages for the yield of green forage and the number of leaves per plant amounted to 11.79 tons ha-1, 29.42 tons ha-1, respectively. While the fertilizer level was superior to 50 kg N ha-1 by giving it the highest average of dry fodder yield and the total number of tillers M-2, whose averages were 3.67 tons ha-1 and 1562.15 N ha-1 respectively, and the distance 70 cm excelled by giving it the highest average number of leaves in Plant and leaf area of the plant with averages of 31.00 leaf-1, 456.15 cm2, respectively. While the distance 40 cm excelled by giving it the highest averages for the yield of dry fodder for the plant, the total number of tillers m2, and the height of the plant, as its averages were 3.78 tons ha-1, 1622.80 tillers m-2, and 57.84 cm, respectively. As for the interaction between the two factors, the combination (50 cm x 75 kg N ha-1) excelled in the yield of green forage for the plant and the number of tillers m-2 reached an average of 15.21 tons ha-1 1963.10 m-2 harrows, respectively. While the combination (70 cm X 50 kg N ha-1) gave the highest mean for the number of leaves in the plant, which amounted to 40.00 leaf plant-1, and the combination (40 cm X 50 kg N ha-1) recorded the highest mean for dry fodder yield, which reached 4.85 tons ha-1.
The Application of Geospatial Technologies in the Study of Vegetation Cover, Assessment and Comparison of Plant Diversity in the Al-Jadriyah Complex “University of Baghdad and Al-Nahrain”
Authors: Jasim S. N. , Alfatlawi A. M.
Published: July 2023

one of the most important distinguish evaluation of plant species features of environmentally sustainable universities that are concerned with improving the life quality. The study was aimed to apply geospatial techniques in the evaluation of plant diversity at the level of species, genus and plant families in Baghdad and Al-Nahrain Universities. And the application of remote sensing technolog and geographic information systems ArcGIS v 10.3 tudy area capturedRepresented by the satellite image of the s on 28/1/2020 by the Sentinel-2B which is based on multi-spectral Image (MSI) with a spatial resolution of 10x10m2. It contains 13 spectral bands with the TIFF extension. From the results of the field survey of Al-Nahrain University, it was found that the total number of plants reached 577 plants, which included 25 plant species, 22 plant genus, and 19 plant families, compared to the total number of plants in the University of Baghdad, which was 3717 plants that belong to 70 plant species, 63 genus, and 35 plant families. The results of the vegetation cover index showed that the vegetation cover values ranged from -2 to 0.7, distributed between high density vegetation cover between 0.5 to 0.7, dense 0.3 to 0.5, low density 0 to 0.3, and poor vegetation cover 0.1. to zero. As for the water channel around the academic domain, buildings and roads, their values ranged from zero to -2, respectively. The results of the Normalized Difference Built-up Index ranged between 0 and -0.6, noting that the standard range of the index includes values below zero. Whenever the values go from -1 or less, they refer to building covers, roads, bridges, sidewalks, walkways, parking lots and other urban facilities and concrete blocks..
Investigation of some Heavy Metals on Parameter of Blood and Oxidative Enzyme in CKD in Iraq-Al-Qadisiyah
Authors: Aljashamy Maryam Saad , Hussein Haider Mashkoor
Published: July 2023

Sampling Blood collected for patients with renal failure of the dialysis group and the non-dialysis group for randomly for (40-60) age. And conduct tests CBC. The oxidation enzymes and some of the sample heavy metal (Ai, Cd, Cr, Pb and As) after digestion and measured in atomic spectrophotometer the result show They found a clear relationship between kidney failure and the effect of heavy metals. Where it affected the blood rate and the number of white blood cells and oxidation enzymes. Where were the values after conducting the tests (12.8 ± 0.45) (9.57 ± 0.62) (9.43 ± 0.47) respectively for control, hemodialysis and non-hemodialysis for Hp. Tests for WBCs (7.8 ± 0.32) (8.07 ± 0.75) (8.37 ± 0.50) respectively for control, hemodialysis and non-hemodialysis. The results of the current study showed in the age group (40_60) that there was a decrease in significant at (P< 0.05) in SOD, GSH and CAT for hemodialysis patients compared with control (0.336±0.035 Mg\dl), (0.4086±0.0041 Mg\dl) and (0.191±0.0051 Mg\dl) Consecutively, according to the table indicated (1-2) and That’s agreement with previous studies. The results of the current study showed in the age group (40_60) that there was a decrease in significant at (P< 0.05) in SOD, GSH and CAT for non-hemodialysis patients compared with control (0.748±0.071 Mg\dl), (0.838±0.019Mg\dl) and (0.335±0.0023 Mg\dl) Consecutively, according to the table indicated (1-2) and That’s agreement with previous studies
Guidelines and Recommendations for Laboratory Analysis in the Diagnosis and Management of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sacks David B , Arnold Mark , Bakris George L , Bruns David E , Horvath Andrea R , Lernmark Åke , Metzger Boyd E , Nathan David M , Kirkman M Sue
Published: July 2023

Background

Numerous laboratory tests are used in the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus. The quality of the scientific evidence supporting the use of these assays varies substantially.

Approach

An expert committee compiled evidence-based recommendations for laboratory analysis in screening, diagnosis, or monitoring of diabetes. The overall quality of the evidence and the strength of the recommendations were evaluated. The draft consensus recommendations were evaluated by invited reviewers and presented for public comment. Suggestions were incorporated as deemed appropriate by the authors (see Acknowledgments). The guidelines were reviewed by the Evidence Based Laboratory Medicine Committee and the Board of Directors of the American Association of Clinical Chemistry and by the Professional Practice Committee of the American Diabetes Association.

Content

Diabetes can be diagnosed by demonstrating increased concentrations of glucose in venous plasma or increased hemoglobin A1c (Hb A1c) in the blood. Glycemic control is monitored by the people with diabetes measuring their own blood glucose with meters and/or with continuous interstitial glucose monitoring (CGM) devices and also by laboratory analysis of Hb A1c. The potential roles of noninvasive glucose monitoring, genetic testing, and measurement of ketones, autoantibodies, urine albumin, insulin, proinsulin, and C-peptide are addressed.

The guidelines provide specific recommendations based on published data or derived from expert consensus. Several analytes are found to have minimal clinical value at the present time, and measurement of them is not recommended.
Left ventricular global longitudinal strain as a prognosticator in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy with a low-normal left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Choi You-Jung , Lee Hyun-Jung , Park Ji-Suck , Park Chan Soon , Rhee Tae-Min , Choi Jah Yeon , Choi Hong-Mi , Park Jun-Bean , Yoon Yeonyee E , Lee Seung-Pyo , Na Jin Oh , Cho Goo-Yeong , Kim Yong-Jin , Hwang In-Chang , Kim Hyung-Kwan
Published: July 2023

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic utility of left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and an LV ejection fraction (LVEF) of 50–60%.

Methods and results

This retrospective cohort study included 349 patients with HCM and an LVEF of 50–60%. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, including sudden cardiac death (SCD) and SCD-equivalent events. The secondary outcomes were SCD/SCD-equivalent events, cardiovascular death (including SCD), and all-cause death. The final analysis included 349 patients (mean age 59.2 ± 14.2 years, men 75.6%). During a median follow-up of 4.1 years, the primary outcome occurred in 26 (7.4%), while the secondary outcomes of SCD/SCD-equivalent events, cardiovascular death, and all-cause death occurred in 15 (4.2%), 20 (5.7%), and 34 (9.7%), respectively. After adjusting for age, atrial fibrillation, ischaemic stroke, LVEF, and left atrial volume index, absolute LV-GLS (%) was independently associated with the primary outcome [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.88, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.788–0.988, P = 0.029]. According to receiver operating characteristic analysis, 10.5% is an optimal cut-off value for absolute LV-GLS in predicting the primary outcome. Patients with an absolute LV-GLS ≤ 10.5% had a higher risk of the primary outcome than those with an absolute LV-GLS > 10.5% (adjusted HR 2.54, 95% CI 1.117–5.787, P = 0.026). Absolute LV-GLS ≤ 10.5% was an independent predictor for each secondary outcome (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

LV-GLS was an independent predictor of a composite of cardiovascular death, including SCD/SCD-equivalent events, in patients with HCM and an LVEF of 50–60%. Therefore, LV-GLS can help in risk stratification in these patients.
Joint pain, physical function, and balance self-confidence in acromegaly versus nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma patients
Authors: Title Michaela , Wang Yuqi , Steeves Keillor , Chen Kevin , Ahmad Syed , Tramble Lisa , Yusuf Ibrahim Aisha , Van Uum Stan , Chik Constance L , Clarke David B , Ladouceur Michel , Imran Syed Ali
Published: July 2023

Context

Patients with acromegaly (PWA) experience balance issues, despite achieving biochemical remission, that may significantly impair their quality of life.

Objective

We sought to assess the prevalence of falls and balance self-confidence in PWA in comparison with a control group. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of joint pain and function as predictors for their balance self-confidence.

Design

Cross-sectional, case-controlled

Setting

Tertiary care centers

Participants

In this case-control study, we surveyed PWA (n = 94) and nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma (PNA; n = 82) with similar age, sex, and body mass index from two Canadian centers.

Intervention(s)

None

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Data were obtained on number of falls during the past 12 months, self-confidence to maintain balance, joint pain, joint surgery, pain medication usage, and upper and lower extremity musculoskeletal disability.

Results

While both PWA and PNA had a similarly high risk of falls, PWA had lower self-confidence to maintain balance (P < .01). Patients with acromegaly had higher joint pain scores and more functional impairment in upper extremity, hip, knee, and ankle joints (all P < .01). In both groups, age, sex, and ankle functional score were predictors of balance self-confidence. For PWA, hip functional score was also a predictor of balance self-confidence in contrast to knee and back pain scores being predictors for the PNA group.

Conclusions

We confirmed an increased prevalence of falls in both groups with diminished balance confidence in PWA. This reduced balance self-confidence seems to be related to their increased hip functional impairment in comparison with PNA.
Aging and Emotional Well-Being After Disasters: Vulnerability and Resilience
Authors: Strough JoNell , Parker Andrew M , Ayer Lynsay , Parks Vanessa , Finucane Melissa L
Published: July 2023

Background and Objectives

Climate change threatens well-being and has increased the prevalence of weather-related disasters. We investigated age differences in emotional well-being among adults who had experienced hurricane-related, unavoidable stressors. Socioemotional selectivity theory (SST) posits that age-related motivational shifts buffer older adults against psychological distress, whereas the strength and vulnerability integration model (SAVI) posits that unavoidable stressors are more detrimental to older adults’ well-being compared to younger adults.

Research Design and Methods

We used existing self-report data from a life-span sample of adults (N = 618, M age = 58.44 years, standard deviation = 16.03, 18–96 years) who resided in the U.S. Gulf Coast region. The sample was recruited in 2016 to examine the sequelae of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and contacted again after the 2017 and 2018 hurricane seasons. In 2016, participants reported their depression, anxiety, and trauma history. After the 2017–2018 hurricane seasons, participants reported their depression, post-traumatic stress, exposure to hurricane-related adversities, injuries and casualties, self-efficacy, and perceived health.

Results

In line with SST, older age was associated with reporting significantly fewer depression and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, even after controlling for exposure to hurricane-related adversities, injuries and casualties, health, self-efficacy, pre-hurricane depression, anxiety, and trauma. The association between older age and fewer depression symptoms was stronger among those who experienced hurricane-related adversities compared to those who had not, in contrast to predictions based on SAVI.

Discussion and Implications

We discuss the implications of age-related strengths in emotional well-being for policy and practice in the context of the ongoing climate crisis.
The Free Market as Fantasy: A Lacanian Approach to the Problem of Neoliberal Resilience
Authors: Maher Henry
Published: July 2023

The resilience of neoliberal ideology despite its repeated failings is a problem that continues to generate significant scholarly controversy. To theorize the enduring appeal of neoliberalism, this article uses Jacques Lacan’s psychoanalytic concept of fantasy. For Lacan, a fantasy is a narrative that structures our experience of reality, organizing our pursuit of desire. I argue historical neoliberal thinkers constructed a fantasy narrative in which the “free market” functions as the crucial object of desire. The fantasy determines a priori that all historical and material progress is a result of the free market, and that any failings can be blamed on its binary opposite, the transgressive state. Hence, the fantasy prepares in advance for its own failures, as each fresh crisis can be constructed as a failure of the state, and as evidence of the need to intensify the pursuit of the free market. To illustrate the role of fantasy in preserving and reanimating neoliberalism, I examine neoliberal fantasy logic at the G20 leader’s summits organized in response to the Global Financial Crisis. Across the G20 meetings, the dominant narrative of the crisis was reconstructed to fit the neoliberal fantasy, ultimately absolving the free market and instead focusing blame on the state.
TLC–MS-Bioautographic Identification of Antityrosinase Compounds and Preparation of a Topical Gel Formulation from a Bioactive Fraction of an RSM-Optimized Alcoholic Extract of Rubia Cordifolia L. stem
Authors: Insaf Areeba , Parveen Rabea , Srivastava Varsha , Samal Monalisha , Khan Muzayyana , Ahmad Sayeed
Published: July 2023

Background

Rubia cordifolia L., Rubiaceae, is globally reported to treat skin-related problems. The study aimed to assess the antityrosinase potential of Rubia cordifolia (ARC) and the development of gel formulation.

Methods

The AutoDock Vina (version V.1.2.0) program package was used for molecular docking to check for the binding affinity of ligands with protein. Response surface methodology (RSM) software was used to optimize extraction parameters for an alcoholic extract of Rubia cordifolia (ARC). The developed HPTLC method for the quantification of purpurin in ARC was validated as per the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines. A bioautographic study for the evaluation of antityrosinase effects was performed; an anthraquinone-enriched fraction (AEF)-loaded gel formulation developed and evaluated physicochemically which could be used to reduce skin pigmentation.

Results

Purpurin showed optimum binding affinity (−7.4 kcal/mol) with the molecular target (tyrosinase) when compared to that of standard kojic acid (−5.3 kcal/mol). Quantification of purpurin in ARC, optimized by RSM software, was validated and physiologically significant results were observed for the antityrosinase potential of an AEF, along with TLC–MS-bioautographic identification for antityrosinase compounds: purpurin (m/z 256.21) and ellagic acid (m/z 302.19). Evaluation of an AEF-loaded gel formulation by in vitro and ex vivo permeation studies was performed.

Conclusion

ARC extraction parameters optimized by RSM, and a bioautographic study helped identify antityrosinase compounds. The development of a gel formulation could be a cost-effective option for the treatment of depigmentation in the future.

Highlights

A TLC–MS-Bioautography-based Identification of Antityrosinase Compounds and development of AEF-loaded Topical Gel formulation from a Bioactive Fraction of an RSM-Optimized Alcoholic Extract of Rubia Cordifolia L. stem, which could help with promising results in reducing skin pigmentation and maintaining even tone.
Prevalence and predictors of sexual dysfunction in females with type 1 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Zhu Zhirong , Tang Guiliang , Xu Huali
Published: July 2023

Background

Several observational studies have explored the prevalence and predictors of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) among females with type 1 diabetes. However, no systematic review and meta-analysis of pooled data provide reliable estimates of FSD prevalence among females with type 1 diabetes.

Aim

To investigate the global prevalence of FSD, analyze the association between FSD risk and type 1 diabetes, and evaluate the predictors of FSD among females with type 1 diabetes.

Methods

The study search of the present systematic review was conducted through the Wanfang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, and Embase from the inception date to February 28, 2023. Heterogeneity among the studies was analyzed with the Q and I2 tests. The sources of heterogeneity were detected through subgroup analyses and meta-regression.

Outcomes

Outcomes included the pooled prevalence of FSD among females with type 1 diabetes, the association between FSD risk and type 1 diabetes, and the predictors of FSD among females with type 1 diabetes.

Results

The pooled prevalence of FSD among females with type 1 diabetes was 38.5% (95% CI, 32.1%-45.0%). The risk of FSD was higher in patients with type 1 diabetes than in healthy controls (odds ratio [OR], 3.77; 95% CI, 2.24-6.35). The significant predictors of FSD among females with type 1 diabetes were depression status (OR, 2.77; 95% CI, 1.29-5.93) and longer diabetes duration (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.06-1.34).

Clinical Implications

Females with type 1 diabetes had a significantly increased prevalence of FSD, indicating that clinicians should be concerned about FSD among females with type 1 diabetes.

Strengths and Limitations

The strength of the present study is that it is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the global prevalence and predictors of FSD among females with type 1 diabetes. The limitation is that the results revealed significant heterogeneity after pooling the articles.

Conclusions

The present systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that the overall prevalence of FSD among females with type 1 diabetes was 38.5%, demonstrating a significant association between FSD risk and type 1 diabetes among females. Furthermore, we found that the significant predictors for FSD among females with type 1 diabetes were depression and a longer duration of diabetes.
A comprehensive survey of long-range tertiary interactions and motifs in non-coding RNA structures
Authors: Bohdan Davyd R , Voronina Valeria V , Bujnicki Janusz M , Baulin Eugene F
Published: July 2023

Understanding the 3D structure of RNA is key to understanding RNA function. RNA 3D structure is modular and can be seen as a composition of building blocks of various sizes called tertiary motifs. Currently, long-range motifs formed between distant loops and helical regions are largely less studied than the local motifs determined by the RNA secondary structure. We surveyed long-range tertiary interactions and motifs in a non-redundant set of non-coding RNA 3D structures. A new dataset of annotated LOng-RAnge RNA 3D modules (LORA) was built using an approach that does not rely on the automatic annotations of non-canonical interactions. An original algorithm, ARTEM, was developed for annotation-, sequence- and topology-independent superposition of two arbitrary RNA 3D modules. The proposed methods allowed us to identify and describe the most common long-range RNA tertiary motifs. Along with the prevalent canonical A-minor interactions, a large number of previously undescribed staple interactions were observed. The most frequent long-range motifs were found to belong to three main motif families: planar staples, tilted staples, and helical packing motifs.
Retron-mediated multiplex genome editing and continuous evolution in Escherichia coli
Authors: Liu Wenqian , Zuo Siqi , Shao Youran , Bi Ke , Zhao Jiarun , Huang Lei , Xu Zhinan , Lian Jiazhang
Published: July 2023

While there are several genome editing techniques available, few are suitable for dynamic and simultaneous mutagenesis of arbitrary targeted sequences in prokaryotes. Here, to address these limitations, we present a versatile and multiplex retron-mediated genome editing system (REGES). First, through systematic optimization of REGES, we achieve efficiency of ∼100%, 85 ± 3%, 69 ± 14% and 25 ± 14% for single-, double-, triple- and quadruple-locus genome editing, respectively. In addition, we employ REGES to generate pooled and barcoded variant libraries with degenerate RBS sequences to fine-tune the expression level of endogenous and exogenous genes, such as transcriptional factors to improve ethanol tolerance and biotin biosynthesis. Finally, we demonstrate REGES-mediated continuous in vivo protein evolution, by combining retron, polymerase-mediated base editing and error-prone transcription. By these case studies, we demonstrate REGES as a powerful multiplex genome editing and continuous evolution tool with broad applications in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering.
A Medium Seen Otherwise
Authors: Hallas Roger
Published: July 2023

A Medium Seen Otherwise examines the innovative incorporation of photography into documentary film, exploring the various ways in which this specific manifestation of intermediality permits us to see both photography and documentary film otherwise. Photographs, whether professional or vernacular, are conventionally understood to furnish documentaries with indexical evidence and visual illustration of history, yet the spatio-temporal dimensions of film permit documentaries to illuminate photography’s wider capacities beyond the merely representational. Through an investigation of how political, historical, and art documentaries engage with photographic images, objects, and archives, the book argues that film allows us to better understand what people do with analog and digital photographs as material objects that enable particular forms of social and political relationality through multisensory experience. Moreover, film can bring the event of photography into fuller view, demonstrating how no single participant in it (photographer, subject, camera, photograph, or viewer) has sovereignty over its affect, meaning, or value. Combining new critical perspectives on well-known documentary filmmakers and photographers (Agnès Varda, Rithy Panh, Edward Burtynsky, Malick Sidibé, Vivian Maier, JR, Ken Burns, Errol Morris, and Akram Zaatari) with analysis of lesser known, but important, documentaries, the book investigates a global range of documentary and vernacular photographic contexts, including Lebanon, Palestine, Mali, Congo, Cambodia, Ireland, Spain, Mexico, Chile, Canada, and the United States. While authorship and representation remain common rhetorical frameworks for documentaries about photography, A Medium Seen Otherwise offers an account of how the intermediality between documentary film and photography can posit far more expansive conceptions of both media.
Conclusion
Authors: Hallas Roger
Published: July 2023

The conclusion summarizes the key arguments of the book and briefly considers what documentary film can illuminate about the transformation of photography in the age of social media. The reconceptualizations of photography around three dynamics (the event of photography over the singular photographic image, performance over ontology, and presentation over representation) are key to theories of photography in the age of social media, what Nathan Jurgenson has dubbed “social photography.” Documentaries about social photography have either examined the mechanisms and effects of algorithmic image flows through the use of animation and performance or observed the social behavior of taking selfies through the documentary long take.
Introduction
Authors: Ivanhoe Philip J. , Wang Hwa Yeong
Published: July 2023

This introduction presents brief accounts of the lives of Im Yunjidang and Gang Jeongildang; it also describes the composition, different genres, and contents of their extant writings and how they came to be collected and published after their deaths. It endeavors to show some of the ways in which their general historical circumstances and the particular course of their lives may well have contributed to both the form and the nature of their writings and, in particular, how each of them found ways to successfully navigate the formidable obstacles and overcome the challenges standing in the way of any woman of this place and time who sought to educate herself and engage in serious philosophical inquiry.
Funeral Orations (祭文)
Authors: Ivanhoe Philip J. , Wang Hwa Yeong
Published: July 2023

This section contains three funeral orations, which are occasional compositions commemorating the passing of those close to one. They are a standard type of work for traditional Confucian scholars to write. Yunjidang’s funeral orations are for two of her brothers and her adopted son.