bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change farm based autonomous adaptation measures and its impact on wheat crop productivity in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Dilshad , Afzal Muhammad
Published: February 2022

Climate induced hazards has increased production threats to agriculture where such environmental risks can significantly reduced by adapting adaptation measures. In farm based adaptation measures specifically the autonomous adaptation aspect has not properly focused particularly in developing countries like Pakistan. This study attempted to investigate on-farm autonomous adaptation (OFAA) measures of wheat farmers to climate change and estimate its impact on wheat yield and total return. This research work used the data of 480 wheat farmer from production based six categorized higher vulnerable districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Probit model was employed to examine adaptation decisions determinants of farmers and Propensity Score Matching used for to investigate the impact of OFAA practices on outcomes of wheat crop. Estimates indicated as wheat farmers to reduce the unfavorable effects of climate change have applied different OFAA strategies such as seed varieties changing, fertilizer management, variations in cultivation dates and management of supplementary irrigated water. Probit model estimates illustrated as climate information access, credit access, ownership of land, off-farm income and ownership of tubewell considered significant determinants regarding adaptation decisions of farmers. Estimates of propensity score matching indicated as farmers those applied almost one OFAA strategy obtained 310kg per hectares higher wheat yield as US$82.75 per hectares return rather than those not applied any adaptation strategies. Adapter wheat farmers applied multiple adaptation strategies obtained higher yield and return rather than adapter farmers used limited adaptation strategies. Results imply as in developing sustainable farmers livelihood, adequate food production, reducing crops variability and climate change adverse impacts it is mandatory to applications of OFAA measures. The study also elaborated as for developing farm-level adaptation there is significant role of climate information, farmers schooling, access of credit and adequate irrigation.
Resilience To Suicidal Behaviour In Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Han Jin , Wong Iana , Christensen Helen , Batterham Philip J
Published: February 2022

Despite decades of research on suicide risk factors in young people, there has been no significant improvement in our understanding of this phenomenon. This study adopts a positive deviance approach to identify the individuals with suicide resilience and to describe their associated psychological and sociodemographic profiles. Australian young adults aged 18 to 25 years with suicidal thoughts (N=557) completed an online survey covering sociodemographic, mental health status, emotion regulatory and suicide-related domains. Latent class analysis was used to identify the individuals with suicide resilience. Predictors of suicide resilience were assessed using logistic regression models. Results suggested that one in ten (n=55) met criteria for suicide resilience. Factors that had a significant association with suicide resilience included greater cognitive flexibility, greater self-efficacy in expressing positive affect, reduced use of digital technology and less self-harm and substance use as a response to emotional distress. This study identified the factors that may protect young adults with suicidal thoughts from progressing to suicide attempts. Suicide prevention programs might be optimised by shifting from a deficit-based to a strength-based approach through promoting cognitive flexibility, self-efficacy and reducing maladaptive coping.
Identification of CaAN3 as a fruit-specific regulator of anthocyanin biosynthesis in pepper (Capsicum annuum)
Authors: Byun Jinyoung , Kim Tae-Gun , Lee Joung-Ho , Li Ning , Jung Soyoung , Kang Byoung-Cheorl
Published: February 2022

The key regulatory gene CaAN2 encodes an R2R3 MYB transcription factor that regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in various tissues in pepper ( Capsicum annuum ). However, CaAN2 is not expressed in certain pepper accessions showing fruit-specific anthocyanin accumulation. In this study, we identified the novel locus CaAN3 as a regulator of fruit-specific anthocyanin biosynthesis, using an F 2 population derived from a hybrid cultivar with purple immature fruits and segregating for CaAN3 . We extracted total RNA, assembled two RNA pools according to fruit color, and carried out bulked segregant RNA sequencing. We aligned the raw reads to the pepper reference genome Dempsey and identified 6,672 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by calculating the Δ(SNP-index) between the two pools. We then conducted molecular mapping to delimit the target region of CaAN3 to the interval 184.6–186.4 Mbp on chromosome 10. We focused on Dem.v1.00043895, encoding an R2R3 MYB transcription factor, as the strongest candidate gene. Sequence analysis revealed four insertion/deletion polymorphisms in the promoter region of the green CaAN3 allele. We employed virus-induced gene silencing and transient overexpression assays to characterize the function of the candidate gene. When Dem.v1.00043895 was silenced in pepper, anthocyanin accumulation decreased in the pericarp, while the transient overexpression of Dem.v1.00043895 in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves resulted in the accumulation of anthocyanins around the infiltration sites. These results showed that Dem.v1.00043895 is CaAN3 , an activator of anthocyanin biosynthesis in pepper fruits.
Association Between Blood Urea Nitrogen to Creatinine Ratio and in-hospital Mortality Among Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction- A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Sulan , Guo Ning , Duan Xiangjie , Zhou Quan , Zhang Zhixiang , Luo Li , Ge Liangqing
Published: February 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the association between blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine(Cr) ratio and in-hospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI).Patients and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adult patients (≥18 years of age) who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with a primary diagnosis of AMI were enrolled. Their data were collected from the eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD) throughout the continental USA. The data collected from the database included demographic data, vital signs, laboratory test data, and comorbidities. The clinical endpoint was in-hospital mortality. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the prognostic values of the basic BUN/Cr ratio, and the Kaplan–Meier method was used to plot survival curves. Subgroup analyses were performed to measure mortality across various subgroups.Results: In total, 3,831 eligible patients were included. In the multivariate analysis, after being adjusted for age, sex, and ethnicity, the BUN/Cr ratio was found to be a significant risk predictor of in-hospital mortality. The nonlinear relationship between the BUN/Cr ratio and in-hospital mortality was explored in a dose-dependent manner with an apparent inflection point of 18. Furthermore, after adjusting for more confounding factors, the BUN/Cr ratio remained a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality (tertile 3 vs.tertile 1: hazard ratio 2.14; 95% confidence interval 1.16-3.97; p<0.05).The Kaplan–Meier curve for tertiles of the BUN/Cr ratio indicated that survival rates were highest and lowest when the BUN/Cr ratio was ≤15.12 and ≥19.41, respectively, after adjustment for age, sex, and ethnicity(p<0.001).Conclusion: Our findings showed that a higher BUN/Cr ratio was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI. These results support a revision of how we predict the prognosis of patients with AMI.
Differential Gene Expression and Hallmarks of Stemness in Epithelial Cells of the Developing Rat Epididymis
Authors: Dufresne Julie , Gregory Mary , Pinel Laurie , Cyr Daniel
Published: February 2022

Epididymal development can be subdivided into three phases: undifferentiated, a period of expansion, and a period of differentiation. The objectives of this study were: (1) to assess gene expression profiles in epididymides; (2) predict signalling pathways and (3) develop a novel 3D cell culture method to assess the regulation of epididymal development in vitro. Microarray analyses indicate that the largest changes in differential gene expression occurred between the 7 to 18-day period, in which 1452 genes were differentially expressed; while 671 differentially expressed genes were noted between day 18 and 28, and there were 560 differentially expressed genes between days 28 and 60. Multiple signalling pathways were predicted at different phases of development. Pathway associations indicated that in epididymides of 7 to 18-day old rats. there was a significant association of regulated genes implicated in stem cells, estrogens, thyroid hormones, and kidney development, while androgen- and estrogen-related pathways were enriched at other phases of development. Organoids were derived from CD49f+ columnar cells from 7-day old rats, while no organoids developed from CD49f- cells. Cells cultured in an epididymal basal cell organoid medium versus a commercial kidney differentiation medium supplemented with DHT revealed that irrespective of the culture medium, cells within differentiating organoids expressed p63, AQP9 and V-ATPase after 14 days of culture. The commercial kidney medium resulted in an increase in the number of organoids positive for p63, AQP9, and V-ATPase. Together, these data indicate that columnar cells represent an epididymal stem/progenitor cell population.
Evaluation On The Safety of Anti-Platelet Agents In Patients With Acute Pancreatitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Xu Yin , Dong Jun , Fang Junling , Shen Yuhang , Chunfu Zhu
Published: February 2022

Background: Anti-platelet drug has not been paid much attention in guidelines for the treatment of acute pancreatitis, especially in patients with cardiovascular disease and receiving anti-platelet therapy, and its safety hasn’t been evaluated by any guidelines or studies. Methods: A total of 904 patients with acute pancreatitis were enrolled in this cohort study, they were divided into Anti-platelet therapy group (n=297) and non-Anti-platelet therapy group (n=607). The primary result was the mortality in the 14th-day, 28th-day, and 90th-day. Adverse events during treatment included septic shock, respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, abdominal infection, bleeding, kidney damage, respiratory distress, cardiac dysfunction, liver dysfunction, and renal dysfunction. Kaplan-meier, propensity score matching (PSM), subsequently, cox regression and subgroup analysis were performed. Results: The mortality rates were 9.55% vs 4.71%, P =0.012,13.34% vs 8.1%, P =0.02,16.14% vs 13.13%, P =0.235, respectively, during the 14-day, 28-day, and 90-day follow-up periods. Risk ratio for death among anticoagulants versus non-anticoagulants after multivariate adjustment (HR=2.815,2.819, 95%CI:1.021-4.667,1.045-4.583, p < 0.05). According to the survival curves, there were significant differences in mortality after 14, 28, and 90 days between the anticoagulant and non-anticoagulant groups (log-rank P<0.05). After PSM, 297 pairs were identified, and there was no significant difference in the risk of death between the anticoagulant and non-anticoagulant groups (all P >0.05). Conclusions: Anti-platelet therapy is not superior to non-prophylactic anti-platelet therapy in terms of reducing mortality and adverse events in acute pancreatitis, and there is no statistically significant difference in mortality and adverse events in the cohort of cardiovascular patients using anti-platelet drugs compared with those without using anti-platelet drugs.
Chlamydia trachomatis enhances HPV persistence through immune modulation
Authors: Lu Yingying , Wu Qi , Wang Li , Ji Lingting
Published: February 2022

Objective: To investigate the immune mechanism of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) in enhancing the persistent infection of HPV. Methods: 37 CT/HPV coinfections, 53 HPV infections, 30 CT infections and 30 healthy individuals were enrolled. Antigen-presenting ability, LC density, PI3K and MAPK signaling cascades were detected. Flow cytometry was used to determine the surface activation markers on LC, T cell subgroups and apoptosis.Results: The antigen presentation ability and LC density in the CT/HPV coinfection were significantly lower than those in HPV and CT infections, and those in the HPV infection group were significantly lower than control (P<0.05). The PI3K signaling cascade was further activated, and MAPK pathways were reduced in the CT/HPV coinfection compared with the HPV and CT infection groups. There was less CD4+ T cell, more Treg cell in CT/HPV coinfection than HPV infection group (P<0.05); CD8+ T cell becomes fewer but without significance; the CD4+/CD8+ ratio decreased and T cell apoptosis increased in the CT/HPV coinfection group. Conclusion: CT infection could enhance HPV persistance by inhibiting LC functions, including dysregulating the PI3K and MAPK pathways and reducing LC numbers. CT could also alter T cell subsets and apoptosis, thus impairing cell-mediated immunity and accelerating the progression of cervical cancer.
Software Validation: Sisped (Diabetic Foot System) As A Diagnostic Support
Authors: Diógenes Ligiane Medeiros , Malerbi Domingos Augusto , Melo Naira Horta , Rocha Roseanne Montargil , de Almeida-Pititto Bianca , Melo Karla , Firmino Carlos Menandro de Lima , Malerbi Fani Eta Korn , Santos Elenalda Ferreira dos , Andrade Leila Maciel , Rocha Thaisa de Fátima Almeida , Santos Leticia Adrielle dos , Rezende Karla Freire , Parizi Maria Cândida Ribeiro
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Diabetic foot is responsible for 40% to 60% of all non-traumatic amputations. Early and intensive ulcer identification and treatment have been shown to reduce the number of amputations by 45 to 90%. Due to the deficit of low-cost computerized programs and aiming at an improvement in the prevention of diabetic foot complications, the Diabetic Foot System-SISPED was created. Therefore, the present work aims to validate the applicability of this SISPED system. Methods: 117 clinical foot examination records performed by a team of specialists in the detection of the risk foot were evaluated and lauded. Cases were categorized as having or not a risk foot, and the latter, when diagnosed, was classified as described in the literature. These data were then entered into SISPED. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of the reports were calculated. Results: The mean age of the participants was 55.3 ± 15.5 years, female gender was predominant (71.8%), the meantime of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) diagnosis was 11.9 ± 9.6 years, and the mean glycated hemoglobin was 8.5±1.9%. Patients had type 1 risk foot in 85.5% of cases and only 12% had normal feet. Analysis of the SISPED results indicated a sensitivity of 92.8%, specificity of 99%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 92.8%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 99%, and accuracy of 98.3%. Conclusion: Comparison of the results of SISPED reports, which should be used by general practitioners, with those of a professional specialized in diabetic foot showed equivalence in diagnostic accuracy. The SISPED was valid to be implemented in the Brazil’s National Health System (SUS), in Sergipe, as a diagnostic support tool for health professionals in the assistance to people with diabetes mellitus.
Direct Effects of Elevated Dissolved CO2 Can Alter the Population Dynamics of Freshwater Zooplankton
Authors: Ramaekers Lana , Pinceel Tom , Brendonck Luc , Vanschoenwinkel Bram
Published: February 2022

Dissolved CO2 levels (pCO2) are increasing in lentic freshwaters across the globe. Recent studies have shown that this will impact the nutritional quality of phytoplankton as primary producers, however, the extent to which freshwater zooplankton may also be directly affected remains unclear. We test this in three model species representative of main functional groups of primary consumers in freshwaters; the water flea Daphnia magna, the seed shrimp Heterocypris incongruens and the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus. We experimentally exposed individuals to three pCO2 levels (1,500; 25,500 and 83,000 ppm) to monitor changes in life history in response to current, elevated and extreme future pCO2 conditions in ponds and shallow lakes. All species had reduced survival under the extreme pCO2 treatment, but the water flea was most sensitive. Body size and reproduction were reduced at 25,500 ppm in the water flea and the seed shrimp and population growth was delayed in the rotifer. Overall, our results show that direct effects of pCO2 could impact the population dynamics of freshwater zooplankton. By differentially modulating the life history of functional groups of primary consumers, elevated pCO2 has the potential to change the evolutionary trajectories of populations as well as the ecological functioning of freshwater communities.
Patient Involvement In Basic Rheumatology Research At Nijmegen. A Three Year’s Responsive Evaluation Of Added Value, Pitfalls And Conditions For Success.
Authors: Wit Maarten , Koenders M.I. , Neijland Y. , Hoogen F.H.J. van den , Kraan P.M. van der , de Loo F.A.J. van , Berkers H. , Lieon M. , Caam A. van , Ende C. van den
Published: February 2022

Background: Empirical evidence for effective patient-researcher collaboration in basic research is lacking. This study aims to explore good working models and impact of patient involvement in basic rheumatology research and to identify barriers and facilitators.Method: A responsive evaluation of a three years’ participatory research project in an basic and translational laboratory research setting. Several working models for patient involvement were piloted and adapted if considered necessary. The study comprised surveys, interviews, training days, meeting reports, Q-sort exercises and field notes, and regular reflective team sessions with participant involvement. A qualitative analysis using thematic coding focused on impact, barriers and facilitators.Results: Thirteen patient research partners (PRPs) and fifteen basic researchers participated. PRPs experienced basic research as fascinating though complex to understand. Their initial role was mostly listening and asking questions. After several meetings equal and more meaningful relationships emerged. Researchers’ motivation increased by listening to patient stories. They learned about disease impact on daily life and to speak in understandable language. This enabled PRPs to learn about research and the pathogenesis of their disease. It inspired them to stay involved over a longer period. After three years, both parties preferred 1:1 contacts over collaboration in team meetings. A common language and respectful communication were important facilitators. Limitations were the complexity of disease processes for patients and the time commitment for researchers. Impact was reported as a sincere dialogue with multiple advantages for patients and researchers, and to a lesser extent than expected on the research process and outcomes.Conclusion: Patients and researchers valued the benefits of long-term one-on-one collaboration. These benefits outweigh the lack of direct impact on basic research goals and performance.A plain language summary is available as online supplementary file 1.
Management Practice and Treatment Outcomes of Adult Patients with Lupus Nephritis at the Renal Clinic of St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Hailu Gebre-Mariam , Hussen Shemsu , Getachew Seifemichael , Beyene Alemseged
Published: February 2022

Background: Lupus nephritis (LN) is the most common severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) which leads to high morbidity and mortality. Up to 60% of adult patients with SLE develop the renal disease with different severity. Even with potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive therapies, many LN patients still progress to chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the management practice, treatment outcomes and to identify the associated factors of poor renal outcome in adult LN patients at the renal clinic of St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study design was used to collect the data using an abstraction tool from patients’ records. Logistic regression was used to determine crude and adjusted odds ratio and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Out of 168 study participants enrolled from September 1, 2016 to October 30, 2020, a total of 114 adult LN patients were included for final analysis. The mean (+SD) age of the LN patients at onset was 29.10 + 9.67 years and 99 (86.8%) of all the patients were females. More than three-fourths (78.9%) of the LN patients had a good prognosis. However, 24 (21.1%) of the patients who didn’t achieve complete or partial remission had a poor prognosis. A kidney biopsy was done for 71 patients at initial presentation with class IV and III as the commonest class. The commonly prescribed immunosuppressive medications were cyclophosphamide as induction therapy in 67 (58.7%) and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) as maintenance therapy in 76 (66.7%). Gastrointestinal intolerances such as abdominal pain, nausea, or diarrhea from MMF were the most common 27(31.2%) treatment-related adverse events reported. Acute kidney injury (AKI) at onset (AOR = 4.83, P = 0.026), high serum creatinine (SCr) at six months (AOR = 0.12, P = 0.003), no response at six months to achieve complete remission (AOR = 0.05, P = 0.041) and presence of flare (AOR = 0.04, P = 0.004) were predictors poor treatment outcomes. Conclusion: Despite good response with the current immunosuppressive regimens, relapse, treatment-related complications and adverse events are major problems that need close monitoring
Identification of Dye And Matrix For Dye Doped Polymer Waveguide Emitters Covering The Visible Spectrum
Authors: Paz Luis F. , Caño-García M. , Geday M.A , Otón J.M , Arregui X.Q
Published: February 2022

Polymer based photonic devices offer the possibility cost effective roll-to-roll manufacture of photonic devices. The incorporation of luminescent dopants within a solid polymer waveguide allows for the generation of light within the device avoiding tedious mechanical light coupling. However, when a dopant is embedded in a solid matrix, depending on its concentration and the nature of materials involved, the emitted light may be quenched due to aggregation effects. In this work, thin films and ridge waveguides processed by UV-photolithography have been successfully obtained from a selection of standard photopolymerizable organic monomers, SU8, EpoCore and OrmoStamp doped with a selection of standard dyes like Rhodamine-B, Coumarin-540A and Pyrromethene-580. All structures were manufactured onto glass substrates. An analysis of the solubility and optical properties including band gap energy and absorption coefficient (í µí»¼) of the doped photoresists at different concentrations has been performed. Photoresists doped with Rhodamine-B shows a higher energy of indirect allowed band gap transition (2.04-2.09 eV) compared to previously reported Rhodamine-B thin films (1.95-1.98 eV). Fabrication protocols of dye doped photoresists covering the entire visible spectrum is established.
Fostering Pedestrian Ecomobility for Sustainable Urban Development: A Case Study, Riyadh City
Authors: katar Ihab
Published: February 2022

As the world is giving climate change a higher priority, several Coalitions are working on meeting the clean and green environment (SDG 13), focusing on new streets’ design in total urban development. A previous study discussed the pedestrian mobility status in Riyadh city, with attention to sustainable mobility, considering the pedestrians’ traveling patterns that use their cars rather than public transportation. This paper investigates the Ecomobility that seeks the promotion integration of passenging, cycling, wheeling, and walking. This approach will provide better health (SDG 3), clean air, mobility and accessibility, noise avoidance, greenhouse gas emission reduction, individual cost savings, and energy efficiency (SDG 11). It analyzes the pedestrians’ traveling modes in Riyadh city through a case study of the Prince Sultan University’s (PSU) community, then evaluates the pedestrians’ environment quality in the campus surroundings. Analysis used a web-based survey referred to the PSU people, including Students, Faculty, and Staff. On the other hand, the pedestrian’s environment quality was evaluated in-site built on well-constructed criteria. The assessment’s results addressed the factors influencing pedestrian choices and underlined the barriers for transformation to Ecomobility. Based on conclusions, recommendations are proposed to foster pedestrian ecomobility for sustainable urban development in Riyadh city.
Prevalence, Symptomology, Detection and Molecular Characterization of Citrus Viroid V Infecting New Citrus Cultivars in Pakistan.
Authors: Ali Amjad , Umar Ummad U. , Akthar Sohail , Rehman Ateeq U. , Shakeel Muhammad Taimoor , Tahir Muhammad Nouman , Atta Sagheer , Ölmez Fatih , Parveen Rashida
Published: February 2022

1. Background Citrus plants are prone to infection by different viroids which deteriorate their vigor and production. Citrus viroid V (CVd-V) is among the six citrus viroids, belongs to genus Apscaviroid (family Pospiviroidae) which induces symptoms of mild necrotic lesions and cracks. II. Methods and ResultsA survey was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of CVd-V in core and non-core citrus cultivated areas of Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 154 samples from different citrus cultivars were tested for CVd-V infection by RT-PCR. The results revealed 66.66% disease incidence of CVd-V. Citrus cultivars Palastinia Sweet lime, Roy Ruby, Olenda Valencia, Kaghzi lime, and Dancy were identified as new citrus hosts of CVd-V for the first time from Pakistan. The viroid infection was confirmed by biological indexing on indicator host Etrog citron. The reported primers used for the detection of CVd-V did not amplified, rather showed non-specific amplification, which led to the designing of new primers. Sequencing analysis confirmed the new host of CVd-V showing 98 - 100% nucleotide sequence homology with those reported previously from other countries while 100% sequence homology to the isolates reported from Pakistan. Based on phylogenetic analysis using all CVd-V sequences in GenBank, two main CVd-V groups (I and II) were identified, and newly identified sequences during this study fall in the group I. All isolates of Pakistan showed high sequence homology with other isolates of CVd-V from Iran and USA whereas; the isolates from China, Japan, Tunisia, and Africa are distantly related. It is evident that CVd-V is spreading in all citrus cultivars. III. ConclusionThe study revealed that there are some changes in the nucleotide sequences CVd-V which made difficult for their detection using reported primers. Whereas, new back-to-back designed primers (CVd-V AF1/CVd-V AR1) detected CVd-V successfully and obtained an expected amplified product of CVd-V with 294bp. Palastinia Sweet lime, Roy Ruby, Olenda Valencia, Kaghzi lime, and Dancy were identified as new citrus hosts of CVd-V for the first time from Pakistan with these newly designed primers.
Impact of Anxiety and Depression on The Prognosis of COPD Exacerbations
Authors: Martínez-Gestoso Sandra , García-Sanz María-Teresa , Carreira José-Martín , Salgado Francisco-Javier , Calvo-Álvarez Uxío , Doval-Oubiña Liliana , Camba-Matos Sandra , Peleteiro-Pedraza Lorena , González-Pérez Miguel-Angel , Penela-Penela Pedro , Vilas-Iglesias Andrés , González-Barcala Francisco-Javier
Published: February 2022

Background: Frequent and highly prevalent as comorbidities in Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, both depression and anxiety seem to have an impact on COPD prognosis. However, they are underdiagnosed and rarely treated properly. Aim: to establish the prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients admitted for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and determine their influence on COPD prognosis.Methods: Prospective observational study conducted from October 1, 2016 to October 1, 2018 at the following centers in Galicia, Spain: Salnés County Hospital, Arquitecto Marcide, and Clinic Hospital Complex of Santiago de Compostela. Patients admitted for AECOPD who agreed to participate and completed the anxiety and depression scale (HADS) were included in the study.Results: 288 patients (46.8%) were included, mean age was 73.7 years (SD 10.9), 84.7% were male. 67.7% patients were diagnosed with probable depression, and depression was established in 41.7%; anxiety was probable in 68.2% and established in 35.4%. 60.4% of all patients showed symptoms of both anxiety and depression. Multivariate analysis relates established depression with a higher risk of late readmission (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.28; 3.31) and a lower risk of mortality at 18 months (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.37;0.90) Conclusion: the prevalence of anxiety and depression in COPD patients is high. Depression seems to be an independent factor for AECOPD, so early detection and a multidisciplinary approach could improve the prognosis of both entities.The study was approved by the Ethical Committee of Galicia (code 2016/460).
Unique challenges in management alcoholic hepatitis with large left sided ischiorectoal abscess- A case report.
Authors: vasavada bhavin bhuendra , Patel Hardik
Published: February 2022

Alcoholic hepatitis is a condition with high mortality and morbidity. It is routine to have infectious complications with alcoholic hepatitis. However, ischiorectal abscess with its unique management challenges has not been described in the literature. We describe here a case of ischiorectal abscess with alcoholic hepatitis, and how the post-operative course is much more complicated due to underlying alcoholic hepatitis.
Required displacement factors for evaluating and comparing climate impacts of intensive and extensive forestry in Germany
Authors: Buschbeck Christian , Pauliuk Stefan
Published: February 2022

Background Forestry plays a major role in climate change mitigation. However, which intensity of logging is best suited for that task, remains controversial. We contribute to the debate by quantitatively analyzing two different forest management scenarios in Germany, an intensive and an extensive one. We assess whether increased carbon storage in wood products and substitution of other emission-intensive materials can offset reduced carbon stocks in the forest due to increased harvesting. For that, we calculate annual Required Displacement Factors (RDF) - a dimensionless quantity that indicates the minimal Displacement Factor (DF) so that intensive forestry outperforms extensive forestry from a climate perspective.ResultAnnual RDFs show values of about 1 in the first two decades and after 2030 a steady decline to about 0. The comparison between current average DF and calculated RDFs indicates that for now, a compensation of lower carbon stocks in forests by material and energy substitution as well as product carbon storage is possible. In the future however, DFs will decline due to a decarbonization of the economy, hence the net climate mitigation potential of substitution diminishes. In terms of total global warming potential, the performance of the two scenarios is likewise dependent on how quickly the rest of the economy decarbonizes: With a conservative estimate on future emission reduction, leading to relatively high DFs, intensive forestry is beneficial, reducing total global warming potential (GWP) over the analysed time period of 40 years by 100 - 300 Mt CO2-equ. compared to extensive forestry. With an optimistic estimate for low future DFs extensive forestry is beneficial, reducing GWP over the same time period by 0 - 200 Mt CO2-equ. compared to intensive forestry.Conclusion Our findings highlight the necessity of a broad systems perspective for assessing the climate impacts of wood use. Robust statements about the climate performance of different forestry scenarios can only be made by including different possible industry decarbonisation pathways into the assessment. Still, we can robustly conclude that the later a change in forest management is initiated, the more beneficial the extensive scenario will be, because carbon displacement diminishes as decarbonization proceeds.
Organization and Dynamics of The Spovaea Protein and its Surrounding Inner Membrane Lipids, Upon Germination of Bacillus Subtilis Spores
Authors: Wen Juan , Vischer Norbert O.E. , Vos Arend L. , Manders Erik. M. M. , Setlow Peter , Brul Stanley
Published: February 2022

The SpoVA proteins make up a channel in the inner membrane (IM) of Bacillus subtilis spores. This channel responds to signals from activated germinant receptors (GRs), and allows release of Ca2+-DPA from the spore core during germination. In the current work, we studied the location and dynamics of SpoVAEa in dormant spores. Notably, the SpoVAEa-SGFP2 proteins were present in a single spot in spores, similar to the IM complex formed by all GRs termed the germinosome. However, while the GRs’ spot remains in one location, the SpoVAEa-SGFP2 spot in the IM moved randomly with high frequency. It seems possible that this movement may be a means of communicating germination signals from the germinosome to the IM SpoVA channel, thus stimulating CaDPA release in germination. The dynamics of the SpoVAEa-SGFP2 and its surrounding IM region as stained by fluorescent dyes were also tracked during spore germination, as the dormant spore IM appeared to have an immobile germination related functional microdomain. This microdomain disappeared around the time of appearance of a germinated spore, and the loss of fluorescence of the IM with fluorescent dyes, as well as the appearance of peak SpoVAEa-SGFP2 fluorescent intensity occurred in parallel. These observed events were highly related to spores’ rapid phase darkening, which is considered as due to rapid Ca2+DPA release. We also tested the response of SpoVAEa and the IM to thermal treatments at 40-80°C. Heat treatment triggered an increase of green autofluorescence, which is speculated to be due to coat protein denaturation, and 80°C treatments induce the appearance of phase-grey-like spores. These spores presumably have a similar intracellular physical state as the phase grey spores detected in the germination but lack the functional proteins for further germination events.
Adsorption of Acid Red 35 (AR35) dye onto Mandarin Biochar-TETA (MBT) derived from Mandarin peels
Authors: Yılmaz Murat , Eldeeb Tarek M. , Hassaan Mohamed A. , El-Nemr Mohamed A. , Ragab Safaa , Nemr Ahmed El
Published: February 2022

In this study, a new biochar was produced from mandarin peel residues by dehydration with 50% sulfuric acid followed by decoration with oxidation then reaction with TETA. The effect of the obtained new biochar on the ability to remove AR35 dye from the aqueous solution was investigated. The prepared Mandarin Biochar-TETA (MBT) was characterized by FT-IR, BJH, BET, SEM, DSC, TGA, XRD and EDX analyses. The optimum pH value for AR35 dye adsorption was determined as 1.5. The highest removal percentage of AR35 dye was 97.50% using 300 mg L−1 AR35 dye initial concentration and 2.5 g L−1 MBT dose. The MBT had a maximum adsorption capacity (Qm) of 476.19 mg g−1. The data obtained were analyzed with Langmuir, Freundlich, Tempkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich and Jovanovic isotherm models. In addition, the data obtained from these isotherm models were tested using different error functions (hybrid error function (HYBRID), average percent errors (APE), the sum of the absolute errors (EABS), Chi-square error (X2), the root mean square errors (RMS) and Marquardt's percent standard deviation (MPSD)) equations. The Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm model was best fitted to the experimental data of MBT. Kinetic data were evaluated by pseudo-first-order (PFO), pseudo-second-order (PSO), elovich, intraparticle diffusion and film diffusion models. The adsorption rate was primarily controlled by a pseudo-second-order rate model with a good correlation (R2 > 0.99). The adsorption mechanism process of AR35 dye by MBT mainly involves the adsorption of anions via the electrostatic attraction forces that develop with the increase in the number of positively charged regions at acidic pH values. The results indicate that MBT is promising for the removal of AR35 dye from water and could be repeatedly used without significant loss of adsorption efficiency.
Mitosis of Hepatitis B virus-infected cells results in uninfected daughter cells
Authors: Tu Thomas , Zehnder Benno , Wettengel Jochen , Zhang Henrik , Coulter Sally , Ho Vikki , Douglas Mark , Protzer Ulrike , George Jacob , Urban Stephan
Published: February 2022

Chronic hepatitis B is a major cause of liver failure and liver cancer, resulting in 600,000 annual deaths globally. Infection chronicity (and resultant liver disease) is determined by intrahepatic persistence of the viral covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), an episomal form that encodes all viral transcripts. Therefore, cccDNA is a key target for new treatments, with the ultimate aim of its elimination. While established cccDNA molecules are stable in resting hepatocytes, their fate in dividing cells is not well understood. Using highly-sensitive quantification assays, we observed a dramatic reduction in cccDNA levels, HBV-positive cell numbers, and cccDNA-dependent protein expression after each round of cell mitosis. These observations are consistent with a complete loss (as opposed to a dilution) of cccDNA in daughter cells. Our results thus show that HBV persistence can be efficiently overcome by inducing cell mitosis and justify therapeutic approaches that induce liver turnover (e.g. immune modulators) as an adjunct to achieve Hepatitis B cure.
Sea lions could use multilateration localization for object tracking as tested with bio-inspired whisker arrays
Authors: Glick Raphael , Muthuramalingam Muthukumar , Brücker Christoph
Published: February 2022

Previous behavioural research on live sea lions has shown that they are able to detect the direction of oncoming vortices, even when impacting contralaterally.These experiments showed that the whisker system and the animal's neural processing is seemingly able to detect the Direction of Arrival (DoA) from just one side of the heads vibrissal pads. Therefore, temporal differences between whisker stimulation is a likely method for determining the angle. Herein, a theoretical model is presented based on multilateration, and tested by experimental studies on a 2D array of bio-inspired whiskers with regular spacing, and a 3D array of bio-inspired whiskers on a model head of a sea lion, as used in our previous studies. The results show that arrays of whiskers can in principle work as antennae to determine the DoA.This detection of the DoA is achieved by cross-correlation of triplets of whiskers, and Time Difference Of Arrival (TDOA) based multilateration, a method similar to signal processing in modern communication systems and other source localization applications. The results on the 2D array are conclusive and clearly support the hypothesis, while increased uncertainties were found for the 3D array, which could be explained by structural shortcomings of the experimental model. Possible ways to improve the signal are discussed.
Properties of AlN thin film as dielectric for Au/Ti/n-Si device
Authors: YILDIZ Esra Dilber , Tataroglu A.
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the electric and dielectric properties of Au/Ti/AlN/n-Si device with using admittance measurements. Aluminum nitride (AlN) epitaxial template on n-Si substrate was deposited by a hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) technique. Au/Ti contact was thermally evaporated on AlN thin film. Thus, admittance measurements (Y=G+iωC) of the fabricated device were performed and analyzed for frequencies ranging from 1 kHz to 1000 kHz and at room temperature. The capacitance-voltage (C-V) and conductance-voltage (G/ω-V) characteristics shown a strong frequency dependence. This behavior is associated with the reaction of the interface traps to the applied ac signal. Also, the dielectric parameters, conductivity, and electric modulus of the device were extracted from capacitance and conductance data. The obtained results suggest that the prepared device can be used as a capacitor in electronic circuits.
Experimental studies on co-digestion of KOH pretreated wheat straw and dairy industry wastewater for enhanced biogas production
Authors: Rani Punam , Pathak Vinayak Vandan , Bansal Megha
Published: February 2022

The dairy industry is one of the biggest industries in the world due to tremendous demand for milk and milk products, thereby produces huge amount of waste water as well. This wastewater contains various nutrients, high chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD), in addition to organic and inorganic substances. Among the various methods of treatment of wastewater, anaerobic digestion is considered to be one of the best methods, as it contributes to energy production to resolve the energy crisis. To attain maximum production of biomethane co-digestion of substrates containing rich amount of carbohydrates and essential nutrients is beneficial. Thus, in the present experiment untreated and alkaline pretreated samples of wheat straw were co-digested with dairy wastewater. The results showed that biomethane production from slurry containing dairy wastewater co-digested with KOH pretreated wheat straw inoculated with cow dung has maximum yield (624 ml/g VS). To study the experimental data of biogas production, Gompertz model was applied and resulted that the rate of biogas production (µmmld−1) was found highest with dairy wastewater co-digested with 2% KOH pretreated wheat straw, while rate of biogas production was found lowest with untreated wheat straw.
Inflammation Mediated Alterations in the Iron Homeostasis of Eales’ Disease
Authors: Bharathselvi Muthuvel , Sulochana Konerirajapuram N , Saravanan Ramanujam , Biswas Jyothirmay
Published: February 2022

Background: Eales’ Disease is an idiopathic retinal periphlebitis, characterized by recurrent vitreous hemorrhage, neovascularization and inflammation. The disease distresses the retina of adult males between 15 and 45 years. In the present study proteins involved in iron homeostasis were assessed in serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells.Methods: Forty male subjects, were recruited for the study. Their blood samples were used to measure the ferritin, transferrin, soluble transferrin receptor, hepcidin, ferroportin and heme. Besides ALAS, HO, HIF-2 and other relevant parameters were also measured.Results: In the ED group, significantly increased in the levels of heme, heme oxygenase , ferritin and VEGF were observed in serum and monocytes of ED, besides decrease in the levels of transferrin. Interestingly, the expression levels of hepcidin and HIF were increased whereas the ferroportin was found to be decreased. Conclusions: These results propose an evidence for the involvement of altered iron homeostasis.
The Dual Therapeutic Effect Of Metformin Nuclei Based Drugs Modified With One Of Tulbaghia Violacea Extract Compounds
Authors: Hassan Safaa S , Bedir Elaria A , Hamza Abd El-Rahman M , Ahmed Ahmed M , Ibrahim Nouran M , El-Ghany Mahmoud S Abd , Sayed Nada N , Eimera Bassant M , Salama Mabrouk , Mohamed Eman F. , Mohamed Dalia B
Published: February 2022

Novel Schiff base was synthesized from condensation reaction of metformin with [4- (Diethylamino) benzaldehyde (NBM). Different metal complexes were prepared using Pd(II), Pt(II), Cu(II) and V(IV) metal ions. All complexes showed the non-electrolytic behavior. So, the expected molecular formulas for complexes are [Pd(NBM)Cl2], [Pt(NBM)Cl2], [Cu(NBM)2Cl2] and [VO(NBM)2]. The cytotoxicity of (NBM) Schiff base and its metal complexes on human cancer cell line, MCF-7, was investigated. V(IV) and Cu (II) complexes showed potential blood-glucose lowering effect higher than the commercial metformin drug. VO(IV) complex has superior antioxidant activity more than the other synthesized compounds and the standard ascorbic acid. Molecular docking investigation proved the presence of interesting interactions between all synthesized compounds with the active site amino acids of EGFR tyrosine kinase (anticancer activity). The molecular docking of metal complexes observed effective inhibition for the specific mTOR protein that is expected to aid the growth of the COVID-19 virus.
Versatile, highly reconfigurable, high bandwidth, radio frequency and microwave photonic Hilbert transformers with soliton crystal Kerr micro-comb sources
Authors: moss david
Published: February 2022

We experimentally demonstrate bandwidth-tunable RF photonic Hilbert transformer based on an integrated Kerr micro-comb source. The micro-comb is generated by an integrated micro-ring resonator with a free spectral range of 48.9 GHz, yielding 75 micro-comb lines in the telecom C-band. By programming and shaping the generated comb lines according to calculated tap weights, we demonstrate high-speed Hilbert transform functions with tunable bandwidths ranging from 1.2 GHz to 15.3 GHz, switchable center frequencies from baseband to 9.5 GHz, and arbitrary fractional orders. The experimental results show good agreement with theory and confirm the effectiveness of our approach.
Patient and Physician Reported Perception on Hypercholesterolemia Management in Primary Prevention in Germany: Results From a Nationwide Online Survey
Authors: Beier L , Wolf M , Stein K , Weingärtner Oliver
Published: February 2022

Aims: Effective hypercholesterolemia management is essential in primary prevention of cardiovascular events. PROCYON assessed the perception on hypercholesterolemia management in clinical practice in Germany.Methods: The online survey included a patient questionnaire on treatment status and disease knowledge and a physician questionnaire on guideline awareness and patient management together with a conjoint analysis on cardiovascular risk factors.Results: Of 3,798 patients included, 1,632 (43.0%) received lipid-lowering medication. Of these, 790 (48.4%) reported improved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels, 670 (41.1%) reported no improvement, and 172 (10.5%) had no information. Of the treated patients with (N’=790) and without (N’=670) improvement, 52.4% vs. 47.9% were on their initial drug and dose, 8.9% vs. 9.0% received multiple drug therapy, 34.7% vs. 38.8% reported a dose change, and 16.0% vs. 19.4% had discontinued at least one drug (multiple answers).In total, 109 physicians participated. LDL-C level was attributed the highest relative importance (32.0%), followed by diabetes (24.5%) and systolic blood pressure (15.8%). Lipid-lowering therapy is initiated at an LDL-C level >150 mg/dL by 63 physicians (57.8%). One third (n=35; 32.1%) stated that ≥60% of their primary prevention patients do not receive lipid-lowering medication.Conclusion: PROCYON identified a need for consequent LDL-C target-based treatment implementation.