bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Volatile Mediated Plant-Insect Interactions: A Review
Authors: Darathi Deori , Santa Kalita
Published: May 2022

Semiochemicals are organic compounds (volatile and non-volatile) that allow organisms to communicate with one another. Plant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are one such kind of semiochemical which helps insects to localize their vital resources and a potential mate. This review highlights the ecological importance of such VOCs in the widely diverse interactions between plants and insects. Additionally, this review provides an overview of the function that plant and insect associated microbial communities play in shaping such volatile mediated interactions. Understanding volatile semiochemical-mediated interactions between plants and insects, as well as the role of accompanying microorganisms in structuring such interactions, will be crucial for designing ecologically sustainable insect pest management solutions.
In-Silico Research to Screen Various Phytochemicals as Potential Therapeutics Against Beta Glucan Synthase Enzyme from Black Fungus Endangering Covid Patients in India
Authors: Diptendu Sarkar
Published: May 2022

Mucormycosis, has reportedly decimated numerous Indian states. This malady has already been deemed a catastrophe in several Indian states. Black fungus appears to have been a deadly, existence situation that needs medical assistance. Mucormycosis has indeed been medicated using antagonists of glucan biosynthesis processes, however, the discovery is now in its beginning stages. Because of its main functions in glucan biosynthesis, betaglucan synthase was picked as nothing more than a great option for therapeutic development in this investigation. The objectives of this research were about to conduct in-silico assessment plus molecular docking analysis on a number of phytocompounds (a total of 32 phytochemicals) in regard towards 1,3-beta-glucan synthase protein (4M80). There have been very few studies done on in-silico investigation by using beta-glucan synthase as target protein for various phytochemicals to date. The strongest interacting phytomolecule was found to be rhamnazin 3- rutinoside, with the largest negative correlating -10.54 Kcal/mol. The interacting energy of hesperidin, the secondbest interacting chemical, would have to be -10.47 Kcal/mol, whereas pectolinarin, the third-best dealing compound, had been -10.38 Kcal/mol. This study, which aimed to predict the repressive exercises of plant-derived materials that specifically target 4M80 proteins, found a number of interesting findings, including how the pharmaceutical had a vastly greater posture as well as complexation than hydroxychloroquine and the antibiotic fluconazole. Furthermore, ADME was also carried out with all the selected compounds. More studies in animal and clinical prototype may lay the groundwork for some of these compounds to be utilised in drug research.
Management of Biopesticides to Control Infestation of Insect Stored Grain Pest Triboloium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrioide): A Review
Authors: R.J. Gawali , S.R Magare , S.K Srivastava , S.E. Shinde
Published: May 2022

Pulses and Cereals have great nutritional value in the daily human diet. Infestation of Stored grain is a serious issue since different life stages of several types of insects can cause it. Insect degrade the quality of stored grains and product, resulting in economic losses. The storage of grains has been linked to a high number of insect infestations. Almost all stored grain insect pests have remarkably high multiplication rates and may destroy 10-15 % of grains. The major pest of stored grains includes Weevil (Sitophilus oryzae, Sitophilus zeamais, Sitophilus granaries), Tribolium species (Tribolium castaneum and Tribolium confusum), Khapra beetles (Trogoderma granarium), lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica), Pulse beetles (Callosobruchus maculatus), Rice moth (Corcyra cephalonica), etc. Continuous and indiscriminate over use of insecticides are responsible for the development of resistance against these insect pesticides. Accumulation of synthetic chemical pesticide residues on pulses and cereals are unfortunately consumed by human. Recently, in agricultural practices in different areas of the world, attention has been given towards the exploitation of plant biochemical as a new approach in stored grain protection. Various scientific literature already documented the efficacy of plant derivatives against storage grain pests. Biopesticides kill and repel the insect pests, affect insect growth, development and metamorphosis. Farmers have used higher plants, medicinal plants, various herbs and traditional spices for stored grain insect pest management, but majority of farmer use chemical insecticide to increase productivity but it causes adverse effect on environment and non-target animal including human also, so there is more need for scientific research regarding the plant Biopesticides efficacy against stored grain pests.
Identification and Characterization of Micro and Mesoplastics Isolated from Commercially Important Marine Fishes of Pulicat Lake, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: D. Surya , Efgin Ann , N. Thirunavukkarasu , C. Nesakumari , Anitha Sheeba
Published: May 2022

The investigation of microplastics have been carried out among the commercially important marine fishes at Pulicat lake waters. The gastrointestinal tract of fishes were isolated and experimented for further analysis to detect the presence of microplastics. The fishes viz., Nemipterus japonicus, Mugil cephalus, Scomberomorus guttatus, Terapon puta, Sardinella longiceps, Caranx ignobilis, Stolephorus indicus, Rastrelliger kanagurta, Eleuthronema tetradactylum, Alectis indica, Leiognathus sp., Trichiurus lepturus, Trachurus lathamni, Selaroides leptolepis and Terapon jarbua were examined in this study. The microplastics samples were confirmed with BrukerAlpha FTIR ATR spectrophotometer in order to confirm plastics functional groups. Out of the 16 plastic particles isolated, 8 particles were mesoplastics and the rest of them were microplastics. The FTIR-ATR peaks were confirmed C-H stretching and N- H stretching (polyamide), C-H stretching, O-H stretching or N-H stretching (poly lactic acid), CH group (polythene) and C-H stretching, C=O stretching and C-O stretching (polyester). The presence of microplastics in the fish from the sampling locations may be due to unmonitored dumping of wastes in the water. The presence of microplastics may affect the growth of fish which leads to poor commercial value. The future research should be aimed to evaluate the impact and the risk of microplastics to the fishes, environment as well as human beings and to create awareness among the people, as well as the fishermen.
Impact of Coal Pollution on Liver Enzyme (Alanine Transaminase) of Channa striata (Bloch) of Godavari Khani (Telangana), India
Authors: D. Krishna , B. Neeraja
Published: May 2022

Godavari khani in Telangana is located on the banks of river Godavari and has large coal deposits. Coal mining in this area has greatly impacted the surrounding environment. Flora, fauna, quality of air and also the waters in and around have been drastically affected by the coal dust and coal ash emanating from the coal mines. Quite a number of respiratory disorders, skin diseases and also sometimes, cancer are linked to coal pollution. Though the impact of coal pollution has been reported, in leading local dailies, not many systematic studies have been conducted to learn about the coal pollution on physiology of aquatic animals. Channa striata is the common fish found in the waters, of Godavari khani and this fish was selected for the present study. As liver is the major detoxifying organ of the body, its vital enzymes, are drastically affected under the influence of toxicants and pollutants. In the present study, major liver enzyme such as Alanine transaminase, one of the biomarker for liver damage was selected. The enzyme levels in the serum were estimated under the influence of varying concentrations of coal dust and coals ash (0.5%, 1% and 2%). The enzyme showed significant (PP<0.01) upsurge under the influence of coal dust and coal ash as compared to the control fish. However, the impact of coal dust was greater when compared to that of coal ash. Our results clearly demonstrated that coal pollution drastically affects the liverenzyme, Alanine transaminase, probably due to destruction of hepatocytes.
Ichthyofaunal Diversity of Bhagda or Bhagta Taal, a Wetland of Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh, India: Threats and Conservation
Authors: Varsha Singh , Sadguru Prakash
Published: May 2022

: Wetlands serve as potential reservoirs of water which also harbor coveted bioresources, that sustain animal life. Fish is a potential bioresource for nutrition and offers workplaces for people.The present investigation intended to study the fish diversity in Bhagda/Bhagta Taal, a wetland along with threats and their possible conservation measures. The study revealed the occurrence of 41 freshwater fish species which belong to 29 genera under 16 families and 8 orders. The order Cypriniformes, which was found to be the most dominant order, comprises 16 species sharing 39.02 % of the total fish population of the wetland. The highest diversity was recorded in the family Cyprinidae (16 species) followed by Channidae (5 species), Bagriidae (4 species), Siluridae (3species), Mastacembelidae (2 species) and the remaining 11 families included solitary species. The present investigation showed that Bhagda Taal possesses rich biodiversity but proper conservation measures are required to maintain its sustainability. The IUCN conservation status of fish species in the wetland has been worked out as 4.88% endangered (EN), 2.44 % Vulnerable (VU), 12.20% Near threatened (NT), 75.60% Least concern (LC) and 4,88 % Not evaluated (NE). There is a need for the conservation of fish diversity in this natural wetland. The pressure is increasing day by day due to the increasing population, leading to loss of fish diversity hence, identifying the problem and making a better management plan is the way for conservation of the fish diversity of wetlands of Uttar Pradesh.
Effects of Toxic Weed Lantana camara on the Feeding Behaviour and Insecticidal Activity of Spodoptera litura Fab. (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae)
Authors: Priti Kumari Oraon , Anand Kumar Thakur
Published: May 2022

: The aim of the present investigation was to determine the potential effects of toxic weed Lantana camara on the feeding behaviour of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) on the basis of Preference index and insecticidal activity using Residual toxicity test - Leaf residue film method (LRFM). Screening process is an important aspect in order to understand the potential activity of the crude extract against any pest, as it depends on various factors such as dose, species-specific behaviour, age of the larvae, solvent type etc. This study was carried out using methanolic extract of Lantana camara at three different concentrations (1%, 3% and 5%) against third instar larvae of the pest. Results showed significant phagostimulant feeding activity at all three concentrations with C-value (1.5, 1.34 and 1.35, respectively) over control. Insecticidal activity was found as 73.33% at 1% concentration, 60% at 3% concentration and 100% at 5% concentration. From this screening investigation, we concluded that methanolic extract Lantana camara exhibit significant phagostimulant activity at these concentrations. It could also be concluded that Lantana camara do not have antifeedant activity at all three concentrations but might have induced significant toxicity/poison after ingestion of food.
Money Creation
Authors: LOH KC
Published: May 2022

Banks create money. This fact is now well accepted after the Bank of England published an article describing how banks created money. This paper demonstrates how shadow banking also creates money. However, not all shadow banking money is newly created; some are cannibalised from traditional banking. This paper also shows that the stock of shadow banking money is growing faster than the stock of traditional banking money. These facts, that shadow banking creates money and that it is growing faster than traditional banking money, have implications regarding differences in access to finance among households, SMEs, and large corporations.
The Role of Experience in the Digital Age and Its Purpose in the Value Creation Process
Authors: Sakib S M Nazmuz
Published: May 2022

Advances in new technologies have disrupted the business environment with increased access to information and communication tools that cause a shift from traditional brick-and-motor business to online business models. These changes have impacted the way products and services are marketed. Importantly, creation of value in marketing has changed consistent with the live experience dynamic in the new business environment. The aim of the present evaluation, therefore, is to assess the potential of experiential marketing in the digital era in the process of value creation in online businesses. In the process, a mixed-methods research was conducted guided by a pragmatist epistemology and abductive logic in the evaluation of secondary qualitative and quantitative data sourced from online journal data repositories.
IMPLEMENTATION OF GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ON PERFORMANCE OF EMPLOYEES IN HOSPITAL X
Authors: MUBARAK1 MUHAMMAD HOSNI , HIJRAH2 MUH FAUZAR AL , HERIYATI3  , TAUFIK PAGE4 MUHAMMAD , KANDACONG5 RIKA KURNIA , BATTER6 SHERLY RUDIANTY ,   1,2,3,4,5,6 Health Administration Study Program, Faculty of Health Sciences, Sulawesi Barat University
Published: May 2022

The implementation of good corporate governance is very important in improving the quality of work of employees in a hospital. This study aims to provide an overview of the implementation of good corporate governance in improving the quality of employee performance in hospital agencies. The research design used a cross-sectional approach. This research was conducted at a hospital; the sample in this study was 120 employees. The research instrument used a questionnaire. Bi-variate data analysis with chi-square test and simple regression test and path test analysis. The results show that the good corporate governance variable has a positive effect on employee performance at Hospital X with a p-value of 0.018 <0.05, the results of path analysis also show that the correlation of the good corporate governance variable to the performance variable is 0.303 which means that good corporate governance has a contribution to increasing. Quality of work of employees.
The Status of Pig Welfare in Selected Districts of Uganda: Implications for Health and Productivity Interventions
Authors: Dione Michel M. , Oba Peter , Nsadha Zachary , Asmare Kassahun , Knight-Jones Theodore J. D. , Doyle Rebecca E.
Published: May 2022

We conducted a pig welfare survey in four high pig producing districts in central Uganda, namely Masaka, Mukono, Mpigi, and Wakiso in 2021. Data were collected from 270 pig farms, and a total of 3,561 pigs, and consisted of resource-based (housing and water supply), animal-based (pig body condition and physical injuries), and management-based (records of morbidity and mortality) indicators of pig health and welfare. Data on animal and resource-based indicators were obtained from physical assessments of pigs and farm facilities, while management indicators and demographic details were collected by farmer interview. Across all farms, sow mortality in the last 12 months was reported to be 2.5% (95% Confidence Interval: 1.7, 4.8%). Animal-based indicators identified 9% (6.1, 13.7%) of sows with scouring/diarrhea, 7.6% (4.7, 11.5%) with lameness and 92% (85.1, 96.7%) of dry or lactating sows were found to be “skinny” with a body condition score of 1 or 2. In addition, piglet mortality was as high as 10.2% (8.5, 12.9%). A total of 19% of sows were partially or completely restricted from free movement inside pens. Ninety-three per cent of sows had continuous access to water, but only 48.8% of the water supplies were clean. Twenty per cent of farms reported sows experiencing stillbirths , 15% reported ill thrift, 12.5% reported respiratory disease and 10.8% reported gastrointestinal disease. Wakiso district registered the lowest pig mortality which was significantly lower compared to the other three districts. This study reveals that Ugandan pigs are exposed to severe undernutrition, dirty water, high mortality, physical injuries, poor housing, and health challenges (stillbirth, ill thrift, and Gastrointestinal disorders). Meaningful change to farmer livelihoods and pig welfare can be made by designing simple interventions that target improve housing structures, provision of cooling facilities especially during hot periods (heat stress) and bedding materials. The findings also represent a benchmark for the assessment of the effect of such interventions designed to improve farm health and productivity.
Applications of Chitosan and its Derivatives in Skin and Soft Tissue Diseases
Authors: Xia Yidan , Wang Dongxu , Liu Da , Su Jiayang , Jin Ye , Wang Duo , Han Beibei , Jiang Ziping , Liu Bin
Published: May 2022

Chitosan and its derivatives are bioactive molecules that have recently been used in various fields, especially in the medical field. The antibacterial, antitumor, and immunomodulatory properties of chitosan have been extensively studied. Chitosan can be used as a drug-delivery carrier in the form of hydrogels, sponges, microspheres, nanoparticles, and thin films to treat diseases, especially those of the skin and soft tissue such as injuries and lesions of the skin, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. Chitosan can prevent and also treat soft tissue diseases by exerting diverse biological effects such as antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant, and tissue regeneration effects. Owing to its antitumor properties, chitosan can be used as a targeted therapy to treat soft tissue tumors. Moreover, owing to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, chitosan can be used in the prevention and treatment of soft tissue infections. Chitosan can stop the bleeding of open wounds by promoting platelet agglutination. It can also promote the regeneration of soft tissues such as the skin, muscles, and nerves. Drug-delivery carriers containing chitosan can be used as wound dressings to promote wound healing. This review summarizes the structure and biological characteristics of chitosan and its derivatives. The recent breakthroughs and future trends of chitosan and its derivatives in therapeutic effects and drug delivery functions including anti-infection, promotion of wound healing, tissue regeneration and anticancer on soft tissue diseases are elaborated.
Understanding of Crucial Factors for Improving the Energy Density of Lithium-Sulfur Pouch Cells
Authors: Leonet Olatz , Doñoro Álvaro , Fernández-Barquín Ana , Kvasha Andriy , Urdampilleta Idoia , Blázquez J. Alberto
Published: May 2022

Rechargeable lithium−sulfur (Li−S) batteries are the most promising next-generation energy storage system owing to their high energy density and low cost. Despite the increasing number of publications on the Li-S technology, the number of studies on real prototype cells is rather low. Furthermore, novel concepts developed using small lab cells cannot simply be transferred to high-energy cell prototypes due to the fundamental differences. The electrolyte and lithium anode excess used in small lab cells is known to have a huge impact on the cycle life, capacity, and rate capability of the Li-S system. This work analyses the performance of pouch cell prototypes demonstrating the potential and hurdles of the technology. The impact of electrolyte variations and the sulfur cathode loading are studied. The energy density of Li-S pouch cell is improved up to 436 Wh kg−1 by a combination of different approaches related to cell manufacturing, sulfur cathode optimization, and electrolyte amount adjustment.
Sera Metabolomics Characterization of Patients at Different Stages in Wuhan Identifies Critical Biomarkers of COVID-19
Authors: Gu Meijia , Pan Huaqin , Yuan Yuncong , Zhou Xuemin , Chen Luojia , Wang Xingran , Fang Fang , Hu Liu , Xie Yaxuan , Shen Chao
Published: May 2022

We have witnessed the 2-year-long global rampage of COVID-19 caused by the wide spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, knowledge about biomarkers of the entire COVID-19 process is limited. Identification of the systemic features of COVID-19 will lead to critical biomarkers and therapeutic targets for early intervention and clinical disease course prediction. Here, we performed a comprehensive analysis of clinical measurements and serum metabolomics in 199 patients with different stages of COVID-19. In particular, our study is the first serum metabolomic analysis of critical rehabilitation patients and critical death patients. We found many differential metabolites in the comparison of metabolomic results between ordinary, severe, and critical patients and uninfected patients. Through the metabolomic results of COVID-19 patients in various stages, and critical rehabilitation patients and critical death patients, we identified a series of differential metabolites as biomarkers, a separate queue and precise distinction, and predicted COVID-19 verification. These differentially expressed metabolites, included 1,2-di-(9Z,12Z-octadecadienoyl)-sn-glycero-3-phosphate, propylparaben, 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, triethanolamine, chavicol, disialosyl galactosyl globoside, 1-arachidonoylglycerophosphoinositol, and alpha-methylstyrene, all of which have been identified for the first time as biomarkers in COVID-19 progression. These biomarkers are involved in many pathological and physiological pathways of COVID-19, for example, immune responses, platelet degranulation, and metabolism which might result in pathogenesis. Our results showed valuable information about metabolites obviously altered in COVID-19 patients with different stages, which could shed light on the pathogenesis as well as serve as potential therapeutic agents of COVID-19.
Topographic Complexity Facilitates Persistence Compared to Signals of Contraction and Expansion in the Adjacent Subdued Landscape
Authors: Byrne Margaret , Ramalho Cristina E. , Tapper Sarah , Coates David J.
Published: May 2022

Topographically heterogeneous areas are likely to act as refugia for species because they facilitate survival during regional climatic stress due to availability of a range of microenvironments. The Stirling Ranges are a topographically complex area in the generally subdued and ancient landscape of south-western Australia. We investigated the influence of these landscape features on the evolutionary history of the rare woody shrub, Banksia brownii through a combined approach using phylogeographic analysis of sequence data from three chloroplast sequences, the trnV–ndhC, trnQ–rps16, and rpl32–ndhF intergenic spacer regions, and species distribution modeling. The Stirling Ranges showed high genetic diversity and differentiation among populations consistent with localized persistence and maintenance of large populations in an area that species distribution modeling identified as providing habitat stability at the Last Glacial Maximum as well as under warmer conditions. In contrast, populations in the adjacent subdued lowlands showed signals of low diversity, suggesting contraction, and subsequent expansion from localized refugia in the west. Cool summers are an important climatic variable for the species and species distribution modeling showed suitable habitat identified at the LGM suggesting expansion at this time following likely contraction during earlier warmer climatic oscillations. The isolated, coastal population at Vancouver Peninsula showed low diversity but no differentiation and it may have been established in more recent historical times, possibly through Aboriginal movement of seed. Our analysis of B. brownii highlights the complex evolutionary history of the species and the influence of topographic complexity and habitat heterogeneity in this global biodiversity hotspot.
Myocardial Injury Predicts Risk of Short-Term All-Cause Mortality in Patients With COVID-19: A Dose–Response Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Yuehua , Pei Hanjun , Zhou Chenghui , Lou Ying
Published: May 2022

Objective

Predictive value of myocardial injury as defined by elevated cardiac tropnins (cTns) in patients with COVID-19 has not been fully investigated. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the dose–response relationship between myocardial injury and short-term all-cause mortality.

Methods

Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library database were searched for all the studies which evaluated the relationship between cTns and the risk of short-term all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19.

Results

Compared with patients without myocardial injury, the group with elevated cTns was associated with increased short-term mortality (11 studies, 29,128 subjects, OR 3.17, 95% CI 2.19–4.59, P = 0.000, I2 = 92.4%, P for heterogeneity 0.00). For the dose–response analysis, the elevation of cTns 1 × 99th percentile upper reference limit (URL) was associated with increased short-term mortality (OR 1.99, 95% CI 1.53–2.58, P = 0.000). The pooled OR of short-term mortality for each 1 × URL increment of cTns was 1.25 (95% CI 1.22–1.28, P = 0.000).

Conclusion

We found a positive dose–response relationship between myocardial injury and the risk of short-term all-cause mortality, and propose elevation of cTns > 1 × 99th percentile URL was associated with the increased short-term risk of mortality.
Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy of Ventricular Tachycardia Using Tracking: Optimized Target Definition Workflow
Authors: Dvorak Pavel , Knybel Lukas , Dudas Denis , Benyskova Pavla , Cvek Jakub
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose

Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) has been suggested as a promising therapeutic alternative in cases of failed catheter ablation for recurrent ventricular tachycardias in patients with structural heart disease. Cyberknife® robotic radiosurgery system utilizing target tracking technology is one of the available STAR treatment platforms. Tracking using implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead tip as target surrogate marker is affected by the deformation of marker–target geometry. A simple method to account for the deformation in the target definition process is proposed.

Methods

Radiotherapy planning CT series include scans at expiration and inspiration breath hold, and three free-breathing scans. All secondary series are triple registered to the primary CT: 6D/spine + 3D translation/marker + 3D translation/target surrogate—a heterogeneous structure around the left main coronary artery. The 3D translation difference between the last two registrations reflects the deformation between the marker and the target (surrogate) for the respective respiratory phase. Maximum translation differences in each direction form an anisotropic geometry deformation margin (GDM) to expand the initial single-phase clinical target volume (CTV) to create an internal target volume (ITV) in the dynamic coordinates of the marker. Alternative GDM-based target volumes were created for seven recent STAR patients and compared to the original treated planning target volumes (PTVs) as well as to analogical volumes created using deformable image registration (DIR) by MIM® and Velocity® software. Intra- and inter-observer variabilities of the triple registration process were tested as components of the final ITV to PTV margin.

Results

A margin of 2 mm has been found to cover the image registration observer variability. GDM-based target volumes are larger and shifted toward the inspiration phase relative to the original clinical volumes based on a 3-mm isotropic margin without deformation consideration. GDM-based targets are similar (mean DICE similarity coefficient range 0.80–0.87) to their equivalents based on the DIR of the primary target volume delineated by dedicated software.

Conclusion

The proposed GDM method is a simple way to account for marker–target deformation-related uncertainty for tracking with Cyberknife® and better control of the risk of target underdose. The principle applies to general radiotherapy as well.
Myocardial Infarction With Non-obstructive Coronary Arteries: Risk Factors and Associated Comorbidities
Authors: Merlo Andrea Carlo , Troccolo Alessandro , Piredda Elisa , Porto Italo , Gil Ad Vered
Published: May 2022

Myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA), despite a lower burden of coronary atherosclerosis, has a non-negligible prognostic impact. The label of MINOCA includes an array of different aetiologies and pathologic conditions, thus the identification of the underlying disease is crucial to patient management. Myocardial infarction with obstructive coronary artery disease and MINOCA share only some risk factors and comorbid conditions. While traditional cardiovascular risk factors have a lower prevalence in MINOCA patients, atypical ones—e.g., anxiety, depression, and autoimmune diseases—are much more frequent in this population. Other conditions—e.g., pregnancy, cancer, and anti-cancer therapy—can predispose to or even induce MINOCA through various mechanisms. The evidence of such risk factors for MINOCA is still scarce and contradicting, as no randomised controlled trials exist in this field. In our work, we performed a review of registries, clinical studies, and case reports of MINOCA, in order to summarise the available data and analyse its possibile pathogenic mechanisms.
B-Lines by Lung Ultrasound Can Predict Worsening Heart Failure in Acute Myocardial Infarction During Hospitalization and Short-Term Follow-Up
Authors: He Jiexin , Yi Shixin , Zhou Yingling , Hu Xiangming , Lun Ziheng , Dong Haojian , Zhang Ying
Published: May 2022

Background

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) with pulmonary edema shows a worse prognosis. Lung ultrasound (LUS) is a new tool for evaluating subclinical pulmonary congestion. It has been proved to predict prognosis in heart failure; however, whether it can be used as a short-term prognostic marker in AMI and provide incremental value to Killip classification is unknown.

Methods

We performed echocardiography and LUS by the 8-zone method in patients enrolled in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention for AMI from March to July 2021. The lung water detected by LUS was defined as B-lines, and the sum of the B-line number from 8 chest zones was calculated. Besides, the classification into LUS according to the pulmonary edema severity was as follows: normal (B-line numbers <5), mild (B-line numbers ≥5 and <15), moderate (B-line numbers ≥15 and <30), and severe (B-line numbers ≥30). The NT-proBNP analysis was performed on the same day. All patients were followed up for 30 days after discharge. The adverse events were defined as all-cause death, worsening heart failure in hospitalization, or re-hospitalization for heart failure during the follow-up.

Results

Sixty three patients were enrolled consecutively and followed up for 30 days. The number of B-lines at admission (median 7[3–15]) was correlated with NT-proBNP (r = 0.37, p = 0.003) and negatively correlated with ejection fraction (r = −0.43; p < 0.001) separately. In the multivariate analysis, B-line number was an independent predictor of short-term outcomes in AMI patients (in-hospital, adjusted OR 1.13 [95% CI: 1.04–1.23], P = 0.006; 30-day follow-up, adjusted OR 1.09 [95% CI: 1.01–1.18], P = 0.020). For in-hospital results, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were 0.639 (P = 0.093), 0.837 (P < 0.001), and 0.847 (P < 0.001) for Killip, LUS and their combination, respectively. For the diagnosis of 30-day adverse events, the AUCs were 0.665 for the Killip classification (P = 0.061), 0.728 for LUS (P = 0.010), and 0.778 for their combination (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

B-lines by lung ultrasound can be an independent predictor of worsening heart failure in AMI during hospitalization and short-term follow-up and provides significant incremental prognostic value to Killip classification.
Advances in Modelling COVID-19 in Animals
Authors: Nickl Petr , Raishbrook Miles Joseph , Syding Linn Amanda , Sedlacek Radislav
Published: May 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) is a positive-sense-single stranded RNA virus and the cause of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The World Health Organisation has confirmed over 250 million cases with over 5.1 million deaths as a result of this pandemic since December 2019. A global outbreak of such intensity and perseverance is due to the novelty of SARS-CoV2 virus, meaning humans lack any pre-existing immunity to the virus. Humanised animal models, from rodents to primates, simulating SARS-CoV2 transmission, cell entry and immune defence in humans have already been crucial to boost understanding of its molecular mechanisms of infection, reveal at-risk populations, and study the pathophysiology in vivo. Focus is now turning towards using this knowledge to create effective vaccines and therapeutic agents, as well as optimise their safety for translatable use in humans. SARS-CoV2 possesses remarkable adaptability and rapid mutagenic capabilities thus exploiting innovative animal models will be pivotal to outmanoeuvre it during this pandemic. In this review, we summarise all generated SARS-CoV2-related animal models to date, evaluate their suitability for COVID-19 research, and address the current and future state of the importance of animal models in this field.
“Don't Gamble With Children's Rights”—How Behavioral Design Impacts the Right of Children to a Playful and Healthy Game Environment
Authors: van der Hof Simone , van Hilten Stijn , Ouburg Sanne , Birk Max V. , van Rooij Antonius J.
Published: May 2022

Gaming is an important pastime for young people to relax, socialize and have fun, but also to be challenged, show creativity and work together to achieve goals. The design of games can have an impact on their behavior. With the changing revenue models of games, we see that game design is increasingly taking forms that do not always have a positive impact on children and may interfere with, or even violate, children's rights. This article examines how evolving revenue models of games impact user's behavior via game design. Behavioral design in games thus raises questions about children's rights to play and recreation, to health, to protection from economic exploitation and to data protection.
Seasonal Variation in Chemical Composition of Total Suspended Particles During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Source Area of Urumqi River, Tianshan, China
Authors: Zheng Cunying , Li Zhongqin , Zhang Xin , Jiang Huimin , Zhou Xi
Published: May 2022

The research of atmospheric aerosol in mountain glacier areas has attracted more and more people’s attention. For the first time, a field observation study of total suspended particles (TSPs) for four seasons from September 2019 to August 2020 was carried out at the Tianshan Glaciological Station in the source area of Urumqi River, East Tianshan Mountains, China. The TSPs presented typical seasonal characteristics of high in autumn and low in winter, with the annual average value of 181 ± 170 μg m−3. Concentrations of Ca2+, SO42−, NO3−, Cl−, NH4+ and K+, OC, EC were elevated in autumn. The influence of stationary source emissions was stronger than mobile sources, which was explained by the average ratio of NO3−/SO42− (0.31 ± 0.17). The concentration of secondary organic carbon (SOC) was higher in summer and autumn, especially in summer, indicating that secondary formation processes of organic aerosols were frequent in summer. Impact of fossil fuel combustion sources were evident over the Glaciers, corroborated by the diagnostic mass ratios of OC/EC (0–21.4, 3.38) and K+/EC (0–0.31, 0.08). The factor analysis illustrated that aerosols were mainly affected by rock salt, dust, coal combustion, and automobile exhaust. The local sources made significant contributions to TSPs in the source of Urumqi River by the results of Results of Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model and potential source contribution function (PSCF).
Modified Hydrological Regime on Irrigation and Water Supply in Lake Areas: A Case Study of the Yangtze River–Dongting Lake
Authors: Fang Juanjuan , Li Yitian , Wang Dong , Xie Shuai
Published: May 2022

Lake systems are of fundamental significance for the ecological environment and social development. Driven by climatic changes and human activities, the hydrological situation of rivers and lakes has been altered considerably, and it has directly affected the reliability of irrigation and water supply in lake areas. In the case of the Yangtze River–Dongting Lake area, the quasi-equilibrium of their hydrological states and water balance have been affected by the operation of the Three Gorges Project that has led to irrigation and water supply problems across the lake area. Ever since, the available water supply in the Dongting Lake area has decreased by 31.5% and 47.7% during the months of September and October, and the overall water level in the lake area has dropped by 0.8–2.0 m. The proportion of domestic and agricultural irrigation water demands to available water supply in the Dongting Lake area is very small, and the decline of water level is the main reason for the lack of water supply in Dongting Lake area, Although the total amount of water in the lake area is still above the water supply threshold, an obvious decreasing trend has been observed in the fulfillment of the demand for both irrigation and water supply in urban and rural regions. Additionally, the fulfillment of secured water supply and irrigation requirements has respectively dropped from 95% to 78% before the operation of the Three Gorges Project to 82% and 46% after it. Meanwhile, the total water shortage increased from 57.683 to 143.607 million cubic meters. By advancing or postponing impoundment schedules, the impact of the Three Gorges Reservoir on irrigation and water supply in the lake area during September and October can be alleviated, and the water supply capacity can be respectively increased by approximately 1.3% and 1.4%. The highlights of this study include the quantification of the impacts of the operation of large-scale water conservancy projects at the level at which the requirements on irrigation and water supply in the lake area are satisfied, and the prediction of the trends for future evolvement. In addition, corresponding strategies that provide a technical reference for the comprehensive regulation and control over water resources and the security of water supply in the river basin are discussed.
Seeking Clarity in Murky Waters: Nuances of Equity and Social Justice From a Teacher Perspective
Authors: Chan Elaine J.
Published: May 2022

In this study, I examined interactions between an English teacher and her students to illustrate ways in which issues of equity and social justice may play out in nuanced ways in the implementation of school curriculum in a diverse, Midwestern high school. These stories of classroom teacher and student experiences reveal complexities of how equity and social justice might unfold for students, and be understood by a teacher as she works with her students, to build a body of “teacher knowledge” (Clandinin and Connelly, 1996) that grows as the teacher gains experience. Examining complexities of “teacher knowledge” as a classroom teacher attempts to acknowledge her students’ social and cultural backgrounds while also implementing curriculum that meets requirements established by her school board, offers insight into challenges a teacher might encounter while working with students of diverse backgrounds in a school context.
Fasting Serum IGFBP-1 as a Marker of Insulin Resistance in Diverse School Age Groups
Authors: Bhangoo Amrit , Gupta Rishi , Shelov Steve P. , Carey Dennis E. , Accacha Siham , Fennoy Ilene , Altshuler Lisa , Lowell Barbara , Rapaport Robert , Rosenfeld Warren , Speiser Phyllis W. , Ten Svetlana , Rosenbaum Michael
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The known markers of insulin resistance in obese children are well studied. However, they require serial measurements and complicated calculations. The objective is to study IGFBP-1 and its relation with other known risk measures.

Materials and Methods

The study included 98 New York City school students of diverse ethnic/racial backgrounds (57 males and 41 females), 11–15 years of age. Subjects were enrolled in a cross-sectional study, and anthropometric measures were collected. They underwent fasting intravenous glucose tolerance tests (IVGTT), and glucose, insulin, lipids, IGFBP-1, adiponectin and inflammatory markers were collected.

Results

The subjects were stratified into 3 groups based upon the BMI Z-score. Out of all the subjects, 65.3% were in the group with a BMI Z-score <1 SDS, 16.3% subjects were in the group with a BMI Z-score of 1 to 2 SDS, and 18.4% of the subjects were in the group with a BMI Z-score of more than 2 SDS. The group with a BMI Z-score of more than 2 SDS had increased waist circumference (WC), body fat, increased fasting insulin, and triglycerides (TG). This group had decreased levels of adiponectin and HDL and low IGFBP-1 as compared to the group with BMI <1 SDS. The group with a BMI Z-score of 1 to 2 SDS had a decreased level of IGFBP-1 as compared to the group with a BMI Z-score less than 1 SDS. IGFBP-1 inversely correlated with age, WC, BMI, body fat, TG, and insulin levels. IGFBP-1 positively correlated with adiponectin and HDL levels.

Conclusion

IGFBP-1 in children can identify the presence of insulin resistance in the group with BMI 1 to 2 SDS, even before the known markers of insulin resistance such as elevated triglycerides and even before decreased HDL and adiponectin levels are identified.
The Multiple Biological Functions of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 in Bone Metabolism
Authors: Yang Qiu , Fu Bing , Luo Dan , Wang Haibo , Cao Hongyi , Chen Xiang , Tian Li , Yu Xijie
Published: May 2022

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) is a ubiquitously occurring protease involved in various physiological and pathological processes ranging from glucose homeostasis, immunoregulation, inflammation to tumorigenesis. Recently, the benefits of DPP4 inhibitors as novel hypoglycemic agents on bone metabolism have attracted extensive attraction in many studies, indicating that DPP4 inhibitors may regulate bone homeostasis. The effects of DPP4 on bone metabolism are still unclear. This paper thoroughly reviews the potential mechanisms of DPP4 for interaction with adipokines, bone cells, bone immune cells, and cytokines in skeleton system. This literature review shows that the increased DPP4 activity may indirectly promote bone resorption and inhibit bone formation, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. Thus, bone metabolic balance can be improved by decreasing DPP4 activities. The substantial evidence collected and analyzed in this review supports this implication.
The Long Non-Coding BC200 Is a Novel Circulating Biomarker of Parathyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Morotti Annamaria , Cetani Filomena , Passoni Giulia , Borsari Simona , Pardi Elena , Guarnieri Vito , Verdelli Chiara , Tavanti Giulia Stefania , Valenti Luca , Bianco Cristiana , Ferrero Stefano , Corbetta Sabrina , Vaira Valentina
Published: May 2022

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are an important class of epigenetic regulators involved in both physiological processes and cancer development. Preliminary evidence suggested that lncRNAs could act as accurate prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers. Parathyroid cancer is a rare endocrine neoplasia, whose management represents a clinical challenge due to the lack of accurate molecular biomarkers. Our previous findings showed that human parathyroid tumors are characterized by a different lncRNAs signature, suggesting heterogeneity through the different histotypes. Particularly, we found that the lncRNA BC200/BCYRN1 could represent a candidate biomarker for parathyroid carcinomas (PCas). Here we aimed to extend our preliminary data evaluating whether BC200 could be an accurate non-invasive biomarker of PCas to support the clinical management of patients affected by parathyroid tumors at diagnosis, prognosis and follow-up. To provide a non-invasive point-of-care for parathyroid carcinoma diagnosis and follow-up, we analyzed BC200 expression in patients’ serum through digital PCR. Our results show that BC200 counts are higher in serum from patients harboring PCa (n=4) compared to patients with parathyroid adenoma (PAd; n=27). Further, in PAd patients circulating BC200 levels are positively correlated with serum total calcium. Then, we found that BC200 is overexpressed in metastatic PCas (n=4) compared to non-metastatic ones (n=9). Finally, the lncRNA expression in PCa patients’ serum drops are reduced after parathyroidectomy, suggesting its possible use in the post-operative setting for patients follow-up. Overall, these findings extend the knowledge on BC200 in parathyroid tumors, supporting its role as a useful biomarker for management of PCa.
Obesity and Its Impact on Adverse In-Hospital Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Keller Karsten , Sagoschen Ingo , Schmitt Volker H. , Sivanathan Visvakanth , Espinola-Klein Christine , Lavie Carl J. , Münzel Thomas , Hobohm Lukas
Published: May 2022

Background

An increasing level of evidence suggests that obesity not only is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) but also has adverse outcomes during COVID-19 infection.

Methods

We used the German nationwide inpatient sample to analyze all hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis in Germany from January to December 2020 and stratified them for diagnosed obesity. Obesity was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 according to the WHO. The impact of obesity on in-hospital case fatality and adverse in-hospital events comprising major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), venous thromboembolism (VTE), and others was analyzed.

Results

We analyzed data of 176,137 hospitalizations of patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection; among them, 9,383 (5.3%) had an additional obesity diagnosis. Although COVID-19 patients without obesity were older (72.0 [interquartile range (IQR) 56.0/82.0] vs. 66.0 [54.0/76.0] years, p < 0.001), the CVD profile was less favorable in obese COVID-19 patients (Charlson comorbidity index 4.44 ± 3.01 vs. 4.08 ± 2.92, p < 0.001). Obesity was independently associated with increased in-hospital case fatality (OR 1.203 [95% CI 1.131–1.279], p < 0.001) and MACCE (OR 1.168 [95% CI 1.101–1.239], p < 0.001), ARDS (OR 2.605 [95% CI 2.449–2.772], p < 0.001), and VTE (OR 1.780 [95% CI 1.605–1.973], p < 0.001) and also associated with increased necessity of treatment on intensive care unit (OR 2.201 [95% CI 2.097–2.310], p < 0.001), mechanical ventilation (OR 2.277 [95% CI 2.140–2.422], p < 0.001), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (OR 3.485 [95% CI 3.023–4.017], p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Obesity independently affected case fatality, MACCE, ARDS development, VTE, and other adverse in-hospital events in patients with COVID-19 infection. Obesity should be taken into account regarding COVID-19 prevention strategies, risk stratification, and adequate healthcare planning. Maintaining a healthy weight is important not only to prevent cardiometabolic diseases but also for better individual outcomes during COVID-19 infection.