bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tracking Recent DDT Contamination in a Northern New England Watershed
Authors: May Amanda , Doner Lisa , Duncan Jeremiah , Hill Stephen
Published: August 2021

Ecological research since 2005 into potential causes of declines in loon population at Squam Lake, New Hampshire, U.S.A., revealed multiple potential causes, but no particular source of contaminants. In 2017, tributary sediment analyses revealed specific sub-watersheds transporting contaminants to the lake (Vogel, 2019). For this study, from 2018 to 2020, we used an approach to this problem that allowed for rapid source area determination of DDT using soil and sediment analyses. We find modern presence of p,p’ isomers of DDT and DDE within the Bennett Brook sub-watershed, arising from 60-year-old orchard applications and a former barn. Highest concentrations, 723 μg/kg p,p’ DDT and 721 μg/kg p,p’ DDE, occur near the barn’s foundation rubble. DDT exceeds that of the daughter product, DDE, in some of the sub-watershed’s soils, including but not limited to the barn site. In the soils where DDT>DDE, we infer delayed breakdown of DDT. DDT<DDE occurs in the streambed and lake deposits, as well as some soils. A Pb-210 dated sediment core, collected near the outlet of Bennet Brook, shows continuous accumulation of the daughter products, DDE and DDD, from 1951 to the present. Residuals are derived from multiple sources within the sub-watershed, including orchard soils, the barn site, and sediment accumulations in the stream. These DDT residues fall below mandatory soil remediation levels for the State of New Hampshire, but exceed some sediment quality guidelines for protection of aquatic life. Bioaccumulation of p,p’ DDE is evident in crayfish that reside in Bennett Brook.
An fMRI-based brain marker predicts individual differences in delay discounting
Authors: Koban Leonie , Lee Sangil , Schelski Daniela , Simon Marie-Christine , Lerman Caryn , Weber Bernd , Kable Joseph , Plassmann Hilke
Published: August 2021

Individual differences in impatience—how much we discount future compared to immediate rewards—are associated with general life outcomes and related to substance use, psychiatric diseases, and obesity. Here, we use machine-learning on fMRI activity during an intertemporal choice task to develop a brain marker of individual differences in delay discounting. Study 1 (N=110) was used as a training and cross-validation set, resulting in significant prediction accuracy (r = 0.49) and suggesting an interplay between brain regions associated with affect, value, and cognitive control. The validity of the brain marker was replicated in an independent data set (Study 2, N=145, r = 0.45). In both studies, responses of the marker significantly differed between overweight and lean individuals. This pattern is a first step towards a generalizable neuromarker of delay discounting and a potentially transdiagnostic phenotype, which can be used as a brain-based target measure in future studies.
Author’s affiliation misreporting patterns, a cross-sectional evaluation of Qena Faculty of Medicine (QFM) PubMed indexed publication in 2020 as an example of Egyptian academic institutes.
Authors: Khalifa Ahmed A. , Hussien Sarah M. , Ansary Eslam M. , El-Gharably Ahmed Abdelfattah
Published: August 2021

Background

The scientific activity of an institution or an individual researcher is being measured through various indicators; of which is their amount or publication and citation. Inappropriate presentation or reporting of the authors' affiliation may deprive their institution of getting the research credit for the published work. The study primary objective was to detect the possible patterns of authors' affiliation misreporting by evaluation Qena Faculty of medicine (QFM) (as a representative of Egyptian academic institutions) PubMed indexed publications over one year period. The Secondary objectives were to, 1: document the QFM contribution to the South Valley University (SVU) publications and 2: to check the incidence of contribution from QFM different departments through the same period.
Results

A PubMed search limited to one year searching for publications from SVU, QFM and QUH. The resulted articles were examined to evaluate the contribution of different faculties to the overall SVU publications. QFM and QUH were further evaluated for, contribution of the departments, and the presence of authors affiliation misreporting, the later was divided into three main patterns, Ⅰ: Missing affiliation information, Ⅱ: Mistakes in affiliation reporting, and Ⅲ: Inconsistent affiliation reporting. A total of 261 articles were examined. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine was the most contributing by 95 (35.2 %) articles followed by QFM by 77 (28.4 %). For the 77 articles published from QFM and QUH, the cooperation between QFM departments was as follows: authors from only one department (59, 76.6%), two (9, 11.7%), three (4, 5.2%), and four (5, 6.5%), this makes a total contribution of all departments as 105 articles, of which 83.8% and 16.2% from clinical and academic departments respectively. The most commonly occurring authors affiliation misreporting was pattern Ⅱ in 47 (44.8 %) articles, followed by pattern Ⅲ in 31 (29.5%) pattern and pattern Ⅰ in 16 (15.2%).
Conclusions

Certain patterns of authors' affiliation misreporting were detected; identifying such patterns will help avoid them in future and to guard against depriving a certain institution of its research credit. Further evaluation of other faculties or universities on a wider scale is highly encouraged.
Regulation of Natural and Synthetic Estrogens in Drinking Water Bodies: Reviewing Emerging Solutions for an Emerging Problem
Authors: Pismel Fayga Nunes de Albuquerque , de Andrade Rosane Cristina , Bila Daniele Maia
Published: August 2021

A growing amount of data in the scientific literature indicates that emerging contaminants, such as Endocrine Disruptors Chemicals (EDCs), have increased in concentration in water bodies in recent years. The main objective of this research was to compile data on legal and regulatory frameworks of different locations regarding the control of estrogens (an EDC) in surface and drinking waters, to support regulation in countries where it has not shown significant advances. An analysis was carried out of the legal provisions aimed at guaranteeing the quality of surface and drinking waters, specifically regarding the control of estrogens, in the United States of America (USA), European Union (EU), Australia and Brazil. Among these, it is emphasized that only Australia has reference values for estrogens in water recycling for drinking purposes. Although several scientific data support the harmful effects of estrogens, several countries do not regulate the maximum values of these compounds allowed in water bodies. Some factors can influence the setting of standards for estrogens in regulations, such as the availability of affordable treatment technologies that are proven to be effective in removing these compounds and the lack of robust analytical methods with adequate limits of quantification for detection in low concentrations that can be widely employed.
Do Functional Limitations Predict Life Satisfaction Among Older Adults in India: A Study based on LASI Survey in India
Authors: Chauhan Shekhar , Kumar Pradeep , Srivast Shobhit , Patel Ratna
Published: August 2021

Background: Functional limitation is a relevant health outcome to examine the quality of life among the elderly. In recognition of its importance, research evidence evaluating life satisfaction among older people has increased globally, but such research is minimalistic in the Indian context. Furthermore studies in the Indian context examining life satisfaction among the elderly population in the context of ADL and IADL are hard to find. Therefore, this study examines the association between functional limitations and life satisfaction among the older population in India.Methods: Data for this study was utilized from the recent release of Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) wave 1. The total sample size for the present study is 31,464 older adults aged 60 years and above. Life satisfaction was the main dependent variable categorized as 0 “high,” 1 “medium,” and 2 “low.” Descriptive statistics, along with bivariate analysis, was used to present the preliminary analysis. Apart from that, the ordered logistic regression analysis was used to carve out the results. Results: Overall, about one-third of older adults had low life satisfaction scores, and 46% of older adults had a high life satisfaction score. The low life satisfaction score was higher among older adults who reported poor self-rated health (36.7%) than those who reported good self-rated health (27.9%). For older adults who were independent for ADL, the odds of low life satisfaction score (LSS) versus the combined medium and high LSS were 1.20 times more than for older adults who were not independent for ADL [UOR: 1.20; CI: 1.14-1.26].Conclusion: In this study, a possible association between functional limitations and life satisfaction among the elderly was explored. Both ADL and IADL were noted as factors determining life satisfaction among elderly and elderly reporting ADL and IADL had higher odds of LLS. The setting up of geriatric clinics under the Primary Health Care services would bring the necessary change as this would provide timely healthcare services to the elderly and generate a perception of overall satisfaction among the elderly as they may feel secure in the presence of better health infrastructure.
Knowledge About Palliative Care in Cancer Patients
Authors: Atena Dadgari , Imane Bagheri , Maryam Rassouli , Naiire Salmani , Fatemeh Tahani
Published: August 2021

Background: Patient awareness plays an important role in integrating palliative care into the patient care process. Lack of awareness can create a negative attitude towards palliative care and affect patients' decisions during the treatment process. The present study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge about palliative care in cancer patients.Methods: The descriptive-analytical study was conducted with a convenience sample of 103 cancer patients admitted to an oncology ward in Yazd, Iran, A three-part questionnaire including demographic information, sources of palliative care information and the Palliative Care Knowledge Scale (PaCKS) was used to collect data. All statistical analyses were performed using software SPSS 21.Results: The mean age of patients was 36.2 ±13.5 years. Of the total, 38.8% of patients received information about palliative care through the media and 36.9% from the treatment team. On a scale of 0 to 13, the mean PaCKS score was 6.7 ± 3.7. A good level of knowledge was reported by 29.1% of participants; however 84.5% stated that they should leave other doctors at the time of receiving palliative care, 71.8% considered palliative care for patients in the last six months of life, 84.5% considered palliative care for patients with cancer, and 70.9% stated that palliative care encourages people to discontinue treatments aimed at treating their disease.Conclusion: Our study found most cancer patients have a moderate to weak level of knowledge and considerable misinformation about palliative care, which highlights the importance of providing palliative care education. The development of training programs in this area could play an effective role in improving patients' knowledge of palliative care.
Association Analysis of Molecular Markers with Essential Agronomic Traits under Normal and Salt Stress in Wide Germplasm of Foxtail Millet (Setaria Italica L.)
Authors: Yazdizadeh Mehdi , Mohammadi-Nejad Ghasem , Fahmideh Leila , Ebrahimi Fatemeh , Solouki Mahmood , Nakhoda Babak
Published: August 2021

Food security and nutrition concerns are putting an ancient, climate-smart grain back on our plates; Farm to fork, there has been a revival of interest in millet. Foxtail millet, as a multi-purpose product, has nutritious and medicinal potentials. This research is aimed at identifying combined markers as well as stable associations between such markers and the investigated agronomic traits in a wide range of foxtail millet germplasms under normal and salinity-stress conditions. In this context, association analysis has been conducted among 14 agronomic traits and 331 polymorphic AFLP markers generated by 12 primer combinations in 134 foxtail millet genotypes. Based on the analysis of population structure, the foxtail millet genotypes were divided into six subpopulations. The results showed that a number of markers had stable and significant associations under both normal and salinity-stress conditions with agronomic traits. The primer combinations had high polymorphic percentage, diversity indices were highly reliable and revealed significant genetic variability among the genotypes. Their PIC, MI and Shannon’s indices were also highly reliable and revealed significant genetic variability among the genotypes. Since the markers introduced in this research have stable and strong associations with the investigated traits under normal and salinity stress conditions, they can be suitable candidates’ in future marker-assisted breeding to improve salinity- resistance genotypes of foxtail millet in arid and semiarid areas.
Prevalence and Determinants of Trachomatous Trichiasis towards Elimination of Trachoma in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis
Authors: Geleta Daniel , Workneh Netsanet
Published: August 2021

Background: Trachomatous Trichiasis is a preventable and treatable late stage of trachoma infection, mainly exacerbating the condition of poor and marginalized people. Given the hurtful nature of the infection, many countries, including Ethiopia, lack coherent data on the status of the problem toward its targeted time of elimination. Hence, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the prevalence and determinants of trachomatous trichiasis towards the elimination of trachoma in Ethiopia.Methods: Based on the predefined criteria, electronic database searches on the peer-reviewed journal papers of an English version were reviewed on the prevalence and determinants of trachomatous trichiasis among the adult population in Ethiopia from January 2015 to December 2020. After reviewing the quality of the individual sources of evidence by three reviewers, the data items were extracted using a locally devised charting form. Data were synthesized qualitatively and quantitatively in terms of publication year, design, study participants, and outcome of interest. Finally, quantitative results were pooled, explored for sources of variation, tested for a potential source of influence of prevalence estimates and publication bias in the statistical meta-analysis using STATA version-16 software.Result: After the exclusion of 121 duplicates, 108 extraneous titles & abstracts, and removal of three articles for the reasons detected on full-text screening, ten eligible studies were included for analysis. All the included studies were cross-sectional studies that took prevalence as the main outcome of interest. Accordingly, the overall pooled prevalence of Trachomatous trichiasis was 1.80 % (95%CI=1.15, 2.44) while an individual prevalence estimate of the studies ranged from 0.5% (95%CI= 0.42, 0.60) to 3.9 % (95%CI=3.82, 3.98). On subgroup analysis, the highest [3.76% (95% CI = 3.20, 4.41)] and the lowest [0.5% (95%CI= 0.42, 0.60)] prevalence were respectively reported in Gambella and Somalia. The trend of the prevalence has demonstrated unstable pattern, while there were no published studies on the determinants of trachoma trichiasis among adult over the specified period of the review.Conclusion: The prevalence of TT was significantly higher than the elimination threshold in all regions of Ethiopia, needing further implementation to facilitate roads toward the elimination.Trail registration: CRD42021260802
Unique Metabolic Reprogramming in Pseudomonas Aeruginosa P4 Facilitates the Unusual Concurrence of P-solubilizing and Biocontrol Traits Under P-limitation
Authors: Gupta Vaishnawi , Buch Aditi
Published: August 2021

Plant-beneficial fluorescent Pseudomonas species with concurrent P–solubilizing and biocontrol traits could have improved rhizospheric survival and efficacy; although this rare ability is subject to diverse environmental and endogenous regulations. This study investigates the P-limitation-induced regulations enabling co-production of metabolites implied in P-solubilization and biocontrol by P. aeruginosa P4 (P4). P-limitation reduced the growth rate of P4 while metabolic distribution of total glucose depleted shifted to increased periplasmic gluconic acid production. Remarkably, despite a parallel reduction in glucose consumption, the production of biocontrol metabolites like pyocyanin, total siderophores and IAA enhanced under P-solubilizing conditions. The study indicates a metabolic rearrangement in P4 under P-limitation such that biomass yield is maintained while adjusting the chorismate-mediated secondary metabolism. A time course analysis on glucose and artificial root exudates, unusually reduced aroC expression (encoding the rate-limiting enzyme chorismate synthase) and growth phase-dependent changes in the expression of key biosynthetic genes pchA, pchE, pchG, pvdQ and phzM suggested that although the enhanced production of chorismate-derived secondary metabolites could be attributed to P-limitation, the underlying gene expression could be governed by multiple factors. While such metabolic flexibility could impart physiological advantage in sustaining P-starvation stress, it manifests as unique coexistence of P-solubilizing and biocontrol abilities.
Energy transition and social justice: Do renewable energy levies have an impact on income distribution and energy poverty?
Authors: Priesmann Jan , Spiegelburg Saskia , Madlener Reinhard , Praktiknjo Aaron
Published: August 2021

Energy systems are decidedly the largest emitters of greenhouse gases. Therefore, transitioning them from fossil to renewable systems is a top priority for societies committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, such transitions involve substantial costs. In many cases, these costs are proportionally passed on to final energy consumers through levies on their electricity consumption. In our paper, we investigate the impacts of renewable support levies on social justice or, more specifically, on income inequality. For our study, we chose Germany where inflation-adjusted electricity prices for private households increased substantially because of such a levy for renewables. We base our analyses on representative household panel data with over 40,000 households from 2003 to 2018. Our results indicate that indiscriminate renewable support levies on electricity consumption increase income inequality and energy poverty. For our case in 2018, renewable support levies alone led to a relative increase of ~0.23% of the Gini coefficient and ~11.31% of the high cost low income (HCLI) energy poverty indicator measuring energy poverty intensity. Based on our findings, we propose a reform of the renewable support levy and analyze three options: (1) the abolition of the levy, (2) levies which are income-progressive proportionally to the income taxes, and (3) a high and flat levy in conjunction with an income-degressive compensation payment. Our ex-post analyses for 2018 indicate that a reformed levy system would have slightly decreased overall income inequality with relative decreases of ~0.23%, ~0.32%, and ~0.59% of the Gini coefficient for options (1), (2), and (3), respectively. But more importantly, such a system would have substantially decreased energy poverty by ~11.31%, ~30.45%, and ~31.45% for the HCLI energy poverty indicator for options (1), (2), and (3), respectively.
Biopsychosocial Factors Associated with Chronic Low Back Pain in Burundi
Authors: Nduwimana Ildephonse , Nindorera Félix , Sinzakaraye Alexis , Bleyenheuft Yannick , Thonnard Jean-Louis , Kossi Oyene
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is an increasing burden worldwide. The biopsychosocial factors associated with CLBP have not yet been investigated in Burundi. The aim of this study was to investigate the biopsychosocial factors that influence the CLBP-related outcomes of self-reported pain intensity, limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs), and social participation (SP) restrictions in a Burundian sample population.Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional study of 58 adults with non-specific CLBP from Bujumbura city. Measures of pain intensity, ADL limitations, SP restrictions, and biopsychosocial factors were analyzed with descriptive, inferential, and correlational statistics.Results: The biopsychosocial factors found to be associated with CLBP outcomes were body mass index (BMI), education level, gender, healthcare coverage, depression, trunk muscles endurance, and perceived exertion. Self-reported pain intensity was found to be significantly associated with a sub-university education level, depressiveness, high perceived exertion, low spine extensor muscles endurance, and low abdominal muscles endurance (p range, <0.001 to <0.05). Greater disability, in terms of ADL limitations and SP restrictions, was associated with sub-university education level, female gender, lack of healthcare coverage, high BMI, depressiveness, low spine extensor muscles endurance, and low abdominal muscles endurance, and high perceived exertion (p range, <0.001 to <0.05). Conclusions: This study provides evidence of biopsychosocial factor associations with CLBP-related pain, ADL limitations, and SP restrictions in Burundi. Significantly associated factors were consistent with factors that have been associated with CLBP outcomes in high-income countries, with the addition of lack of healthcare coverage as a significant factor in Burundi. Evidence-based management of CLBP in Burundi should incorporate a biopsychosocial model.
Combination therapy with Azithromycin, Pentoxifylline and Dexamethasone shows Complete Recovery in Severe COVID 19: Case Series of Patients in First and Second wave of Pandemic in India.
Authors: Kler Rupinder , Vaishnav Dilip , Banerjee Ms Pratiti , Mukherjee Anirudh
Published: August 2021

Background: COVID 19 infection caused by SARS-CoV2 virus is causing high mortality all over the world. This causes asymptomatic, mildly symptomatic , moderate, and severe illness. In severe illness, mortality is remarkably high as drugs are not effective enough to avert cytokine storm, stroke, myocarditis, or myocardial infarction. COVID-19 is a positive sense virus that directly enters the ACE2 cell and starts replication after encountering the host protein. Effective treatment has been limited to only mild and sometimes moderate cases but there is a high mortality in severe cases. Case Presentation: Severe COVID-19 cases with different comorbities were assessed and treated in the first wave as well as the second wave of the pandemic in North India.. A total number of 305 patients were assessed for severity with their symptoms and abnormal blood parameters , out of which 109 patients severe patients were given the drugs and their symptoms and vitals were monitored along with therapy. In both the single SARS CoV 2 and the double mutant virus strain in the second wave. We measured their severity through their blood parameters by calculating high Neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, Platelet lymphocyte ratio after getting their complete blood count, diabetes, and other inflammatory markers like high LDH, CRP, Serum Ferritin, D Dimer, or IL 6 in critically ill patients as studied in previous studies. Hence, we designed this combination therapy drug protocol which was home based oral therapy with hundred percent recovery rate if initiated early. Wherever required oxygen therapy had also been recommended along with diet modification, low fatty acid diet and low carbohydrates for more effectivity. The combination of Azithromycin , Pentoxifylline and Dexamethasone had shown to be highly effective in controlling the inflammation and viral replication with dose modification. Intravenous Ceftriaxone was given as infusion in patients having viral Pnemonia .Conclusions: This combination therapy of drugs has shown to decrease TLR mediated cytokine production. This therapy has shown full success in all high-risk patients especially in the elderly having comorbidities like Diabetes, heart diseases, cancer, autoimmune diseases.
The Continuation of Traditional Birth Attendances in the Remote Rural Communities without any Training and the Problem of Integration with Health Facilities in West Omo Zone 2021: Exploratory Qualitative Study
Authors: Wale Alemnew , Kassie Aychew , Girma Desalegn , Amsalu Hailemariam , yechale Mastewal
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Mothers in the rural community of Ethiopia prefer to give birth at home because most TBAs do not charge anything for deliveries and are willing to make house visits, which allow the mother privacy that many prefer. The shift toward training TBAs in developing countries, specifically those in Sub-Saharan Africa, is an important intervention that health care workers can utilize to increase the health of both mothers and children, so Assessing the role of traditional birth attendance in Feto-maternal care during pregnancy, childbirth, postnatal period and integration with health professionals in West Omo Zone will a great role for bringing out the endogenous experience to the scientific standards. Objective: To explore the role of traditional birth attendance in Feto-maternal care during pregnancy, childbirth, postnatal period, and integration with health professionals in West Omo Zone. Methods: A qualitative study will be employed by using individual in-depth interviews, focus group discussion, and key informant interviews. The individual in-depth interview and focus group discussion will be tape-recorded after verbal consent will be granted and finally translated and transcribed by the data collectors. Thematic analysis will be used to analyze the qualitative data based on emerging themes and sub-themes in line with the study objectives. Result: A total of 34 individuals such as 2 FGD (9 each group),6 in-depth interviews,10 key informants were used. The role of TBAs in remote areas of Ethiopia is very vital to save the life of women and the Childs. TBAs take care of the women during pregnancy labor and delivery as well in the post-partum period but with no formal integration with health facility and training.Conclusion: Locally demotion and punishment of the TBA, lack of formal relationship between TBAs and the health facility resulted in increasing Fetomaternal morbidity and mortality especially in remote areas of the country. Even if the traditional birth attendants always on the side of the women in the previous year currently they forced to stop their activity because of prohibited by the local judge and no motivation and training to improve the performance of TBA to trained traditional birth attendance.
Associations Between Adipokines Gene Polymorphisms and Osteoarthritis: a Meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yuqing , Meng Fanqiang , Wu Jing , Long Huizhong , Li Jiatian , Wu Ziying , He Hongyi , Wang Haochen , Wang Ning , Xie Dongxing
Published: August 2021

Background: Adipokines gene polymorphisms are speculated to have associations with the risk of osteoarthritis (OA), but evidences remain conflicting. This study therefore aimed to examine the potential associations between adipokines gene polymorphisms and OA.Methods: A systematic search was performed on PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang up to March 31, 2020. Meta-analysis was carried out by focusing on associations between adipokines gene polymorphisms and OA with allele model, dominant model, recessive model, homozygote model, and heterozygote model.Results: The present meta-analysis included 13 studies containing 3,661 OA patients and 4,864 controls for analysis. Significant associations were observed between ADIPOQ rs2241766 and OA in Asians (dominant: OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.03-1.78; heterozygote: OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.07-1.19), between LEPR rs1137101 and OA in the overall population (recessive: OR = 0.40, 95% CI 0.21-0.79; homozygote: OR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.18-0.79), between VISFATIN rs4730153 and OA in Asians (allele: OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.41-0.83; dominant: OR = 0.57, 95% CI 0.39-0.83; heterozygote: OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.40-0.86), and between VISFATIN rs16872158 and OA in Asians (allele: OR = 1.84, 95% CI 1.26-2.68; dominant: OR = 1.94, 95% CI 1.31-2.89; heterozygote: OR = 1.97, 95% CI 1.31-2.95).Conclusions: Adipokines gene polymorphisms may be associated with OA. In particular, associations were observed in ADIPOQ rs2241766, LEPR rs1137101, VISFATIN rs4730153, and VISFATIN rs16872158 in the present study. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020187664.
Weak arene/nickel interaction lights on monoarylation of alcohols
Authors: Huang Zhiyan , Xie Kun , Meng Ge , He Jun , Shi Mingsong , Ma Junjie , Gao Huan , Qiu Tingting , Zhao Yuxia , Yang Shuang , Wei Xinyu , Yan Jiaxin , Wang Kang , Cai Jiadong , Li Sheng , Xue Dong
Published: August 2021

Despite a growing body of work in nickel catalysis, the potential of organo-photocatalyst serving both as an arene ligand and a sensitizer remains underexplored. Here, we describe such an organo-photocatalyst to promote arylation of alcohols. Mechanistic studies suggest that the formation of sandwich complex via weak arene/nickel interaction and the resulting dexter energy transfer be responsible for this activity. This interaction provides a mechanistically alternative strategy for challenging carbon-oxygen bond assembly, where the elementary steps in transition metal catalysis previously facilitated by intermolecular photoevents replaced by more efficient intramolecular ones. With only 0.05 mol% photocatalyst loading and 8 mol% nickel bromide, a series of alcohols, diols and triols were (mono)arylated with (hetero)aryl bromides and chlorides. Importantly, many bioactive molecules and active pharmaceutical ingredients containing multiple hydroxyl groups could be efficiently monoarylated, too. This work provides a new approach to access bioactive aryl ethers, but also lights on a highly desirable direction to manipulate the catalytic reactivity of earth abundant nickel.
A Budget Impact Analysis of Substituting Sitagliptin with Liraglutide in Type 2 Diabetes from A Private Health Insurance Perspective in Egypt
Authors: El-sisi Gihan Hamdy , Afify Ayman , Abgad Ashraf , Zakaria Ibtissam , Nasif Nabil , Ibrahim Hani Naiem , Raafat Nabil , Carapinha joao
Published: August 2021

IntroductionType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) causes a sizable burden globally both from health and economic points of view.This study aimed to assess the budget impact of substituting sitagliptin with liraglutide versus other glucose lowering drugs from the private health insurance perspective in Egypt over a 3-year time horizon. MethodsTwo budget impact models were comparedthe standard of care (metformin, pioglitazone, gliclazide, insulin glargine, repaglinide, and empagliflozin)administered in addition to liraglutide or sitagliptin versus the standard of care with placebo. A gradual market introduction of liraglutide or sitagliptin was assumed, and the existing market shares for the other glucose lowering drugs were provided and validated by Expert Panel. The event rates were extracted from the LEADER and TECOS trials. Direct and mortality costs were measured. Sensitivity analyses were performed. ResultsThe estimated target population of 120,574 T2DM adult patients were associated with CV risk. The budget impact per patient per month (PPPM) for liraglutide is EGP29 ($6.7), EGP39 ($9), and EGP49 ($11.3) in the first, second, and third year, respectively. The budget impact PPPM for sitagliptin is EGP11 ($2.5), EGP14 ($3.2), and EGP18 ($4.1) in the first, second, and third year, respectively. Furthermore, adoption of liraglutide resulted in 203 fewer deaths and 550 avoided hospitalizations, while sitagliptin resulted in 43 increased deaths and 14 avoided hospitalizations. The treatment costs of liraglutide use are mostly offset by substantial savings due to fewer CV-related events, avoided mortality and avoided hospitalizations over 3-years. Conclusion Adding liraglutide resulted in a modest budget impact, suggesting that the upfront drug costs were offset by budget savings due to fewer CV-related complications and deaths avoided compared to the standard of care. While sitagliptin resulted in a small budget impact but associated with deaths increased and less hospitalizations avoided.
“Gender Differences in the Psychopathology of Obesity: How Relevant is the Role of Binge Eating Behaviors?”
Authors: Natale Chiara Di , Lucidi Lorenza , Montemitro Chiara , Pettorruso Mauro , Collevecchio Rebecca , Caprio Lucia Di , Giampietro Luana , Aceto Liberato , Martinotti Giovanni , Giannantonio Massimo di
Published: August 2021

Purpose: the aim of the study is the identification of the main psychopathological correlates of obese candidates for bariatric surgery, with particular attention to the relation between them and gender.Methods: 273 candidates for bariatric surgery for obesity underwent a psychiatric evaluation with compilation of psychometric scales: Revised Symptom Checklist 90-R (SCL-90R), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Binge Eating Scale (BES), Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), Obesity Related Well-Being (O.R. WELL). The sample has been divided on the basis of Gender and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) severity; comparisons between the groups is performed with an analysis of variance model (ANOVA) or a Pearson’s Chi-squared test. Further we also divided our sample in a Severe Binge Eating group (scores > 27), a Mild to Moderate group (18 < scores < 26) and a low/no symptoms group (scores < 17).Results: male and female subjects showed a difference in BES, with higher scores reported among women (17.50 ± 9.59) than men (14.08 ± 8.64). Women also showed higher scores across most of the SCL-90R domains and worse outcomes in terms of quality of life. Both women and men of Severe Binge Eating group reported higher scores of the SCL-90R.Conclusion: symptoms of BED, along with the Body Image Dissatisfaction (BID) are among the most important to investigate in candidates for bariatric surgery, to improve the surgery outcome.Level of evidence: III – evidence from cohort analytic study.
A Greater increase in C5aR1-level at onset and a smaller decrease in IgG-level after recovery in severer COVID-19 patients: A new analysis of existing data with Ishida’s t-test1 and t-test2
Authors: Ishida Torao , Takagi Ken , Wang Gui-feng , Tanahashi Nobuyuki , Kawanokuchi Jun , Takagi Hisayo , Guo Yi , Ma Ning
Published: August 2021

It is important to exactly identify the difference in the changes in a receptor C5aR1-levels at onset and Immunoglobulin G (IgG)-levels after recovery between severe (acute respiratory distress syndrome) and nonsevere (pneumonia) coronavirus disease 2019 patients to reduce the severity of the disease and prevent reinfection with the causative virus. 2012 literature studies were selected from the PubMed Central® databases with keywords of (((covid-19) AND individual) NOT review) AND C5a / IgG. Three studies showing individual expression levels of C5a/C5aR1 / antibody in the patients before and after the passage of time without significance were selected by assessing the literatures. We extracted dynamics where the slope values of the regression line between the initial (X) and changed level (C) with passage of time were not zero significantly (p < 0.05) using SAS-JMP-10. We examined the significance of C in the patients with Ishida’s t-test1 and that of the difference in C between the severe and nonsevere patients with Ishida’s t-test2, which used the values on the above regression line as the expected values of C. These tests suggested a greater increase in C5aR1-levels at onset and a smaller decrease in IgG-levels after recovery in severe patients than in nonsevere patients.
Sequential Drug Delivery By Injectable Macroporous Hydrogels For Combined Photodynamic-Chemotherapy
Authors: Zhong Yuanyuan , Zhang Li , Sun Shian , Zhou Zhenghao , Ma Yunsu , Hong Hao , Yang Dongzhi
Published: August 2021

With hollow mesoporous silica (hMSN) and injectable macroporous hydrogel (Gel) used as the internal and external drug-loading material respectively, a sequential drug delivery system DOX-CA4P@Gel was constructed, in which combretastatin A4 phosphate (CA4P) and doxorubicin (DOX) were both loaded. The anti-angiogenic drug, CA4P was initially released due to the degradation of Gel, followed by the anti-cell proliferative drug, DOX, released from hMSN in tumor microenvironment. Results showed that CA4P was mainly released at the early stage. At 48 h, CA4P release reached 71.08%, while DOX was only 14.39%. At 144 h, CA4P was 78.20%, while DOX release significantly increased to 61.60%, showing an obvious sequential release behavior. Photodynamic properties of porphyrin endow hydrogel (φΔ(Gel)=0.91) with enhanced tumor therapy effect. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that dual drugs treated groups have better tumor inhibition than solo drug under near infrared laser irradiation, indicating the effectivity of combined photodynamic-chemotherapy.
“We Are Not Stray Leaves Blowing About In The Wind”: Summing Up The Impact of Family Wellbeing Empowerment Research, 1998-2021
Authors: Perera Nirukshi , Tsey Komla , Heyeres Marion , Whiteside Mary , Baird Leslie , McCalman Janya , Cadet-James Yvonne , Calabria Bianca , Hamilton Michael , Yan Li , Zuchowski Ines , Sims Kearrin , Udah Hyacinth
Published: August 2021

Background: An Aboriginal-developed empowerment and social and emotional wellbeing program, known as Family Wellbeing (FWB), has been found to strengthen the protective factors that help Indigenous Australians to deal with the devastating legacy of colonisation and intergenerational trauma. This article reviews the research that has accompanied the implementation of FWB over a 23 year period to assess the long-term impact of FWB research and the strengths and limitations of the impact data. This will inform more comprehensive monitoring of research impact.Methods: The study took a theory of change approach, following the steps of a research program logic, to assess impact. A mixed methods evaluation of publicly available research outputs was conducted. We analysed FWB participation data and research funding using descriptive statistics. We conducted systematic scoping reviews of: 1) nine evaluative studies to show reported social and emotional wellbeing benefits of FWB; and 2) seven FWB research translation-related resources to show impact of research outputs on further reach and uptake. Results: The investment of $2.3 million in research-related activities over 23 years resulted in a range of research outputs that evidenced social and emotional wellbeing benefits arising from participation in FWB. This evidence, in part, facilitated more demand for FWB. Overall the FWB program, and accompanying research, had a direct positive impact on the social and emotional wellbeing of approximately 7,500 participants.Conclusions: The study raised a range of issues relevant to demonstrating research impact in the context of Indigenous health research including the value of a logic model that is informed by Indigenous research principles; the need to take a longer-term incremental approach to building evidence when dealing with complex or messy social health interventions; and the importance of collecting evidence, especially from the point of view of end users, about the extent to which research influenced their decisions and actions regarding the program. This lesson, and the impact logic, highlight that researchers need to create appropriate databases from the beginning and collect data well beyond the life of the project, even though we acknowledge that such endeavours are rarely funded.
Phragmites Australis Invasion and Herbicide Treatment Changes Freshwater Wetland Carbon Dynamics
Authors: Yuckin Sarah Jennifer , Howell Graham , Robichaud Courtney Dawn , Rooney Rebecca Campbell
Published: August 2021

Wetland carbon budgets largely depend on the wetland communities’ relative rate of carbon assimilation and carbon emission. Invasive plants with growth or decomposition patterns that differ from reference plant communities may shift wetland carbon budgets, as may invasive plant suppression efforts. For example, Phragmites australis (European Common Reed), which replaces meadow and cattail marsh in the Laurentian Great Lakes area, has high biomass production and foliar nitrogen, can modify the environment conditions that effect decomposition rates, creates thick stands of slowly decomposing standing dead stems, and is often controlled using broad-spectrum herbicides. Our objectives were to determine if P. australis control efforts in freshwater coastal marshes were sufficient to return net primary productivity, decomposition rates, and environmental conditions to within their pre-invasion range. We find that P. australis invasion had the greatest effect on carbon sequestration when replacing meadow marsh, as opposed to cattail marsh. We conclude that control efforts, one-year post-treatment, dramatically reduce total biomass and carbon assimilation compared to meadow and cattail marsh. However, floating and submersed aquatic vegetation rapidly colonized treated areas, suggesting that continuing plant community recovery may restore the carbon budget in subsequent years.
Reconstruction of Long Segmental Tibial Bone Defect Using the Bone Transport Compared to Acute Shortening and Re-lengthening : A Retrospective Study
Authors: Cai Feiyu , Liu Yanshi , Liu Kai , Fan Chenchen , Maimaiti Xiayimaierdan , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: August 2021

Background: Ilizarov technique has been widely used to salvage bone defects. However, treating large bone defects remains a challenge for surgeons. The aim of this study was to compare bone transport with acute shortening/re-lengthening in a series of large tibial segmental defects.Method: A total of 39 patients (29 males, 10 females) with large tibial segmental defects were treated with the Ilizarov technique (Group A: bone transport in 23 cases; Group B: acute shortening/re-lengthening 16 in cases) from March 2010 to December 2018. The mean age was 38.7 years (range24 years to 55 years). The average bone defect size was 8.82 cm (range from 6 cm to 12 cm). The demographic data, operation duration, docking time, external fixation time, and external fixation index were retrospectively documented and analyzed. Complications that occur during the treatment were classified. The clinical outcomes were evaluated by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov criteria (ASAMI) at the last clinical visit.Result: There were no statistically significant differences (P>0.05) in the demographic data of the two groups. There was no significant difference in operation duration between the two groups. The docking time in group A was longer than that in group B (93.26±19.52 days, 58.44±14.23 days, P<0.001). No statistical significance was obversed for the external fixation time in the two groups (330.87±88.52 days in group A, 321.25±56.67 days in group B,P=0.704). A higher external fixation index was presented in group A (38.32±5.39 days/cm) than group B (35.17±2.14 days/cm) (P=0.033). There was no significant difference between the two groups in ASAMI bone results and functional results (Table 4). Complications were more prevalent in group A (28 complications of 23 patients), while less in group B (7 complications of 16 patients) (P<0.05).Conclusion: Both bone transport and acute shortening/re-lengthening technique can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes in the reconstruction of long segmental tibial bone defect caused by infection using a monolateral rail external fixator. The acute shortening/re-lengthening can significantly decrease the docking time, external fixation index, and complications compared with bone transport.
Assessing The Biodegradation of Vulcanised Rubber Particles by Fungi Using Genetic, Molecular and Surface Analysis
Authors: Andler Rodrigo , D’Afonseca Vivian , Pino Javiera , Valdés Cristian , Salazar-Viedma Marcela
Published: August 2021

Millions of tonnes of tyre waste are discarded annually and are considered one of the most difficult solid wastes to recycle. A sustainable alternative for the treatment of vulcanised rubber is the use of microorganisms that can biotransform polymers and aromatic compounds and then assimilate and mineralise some of the degradation products. However, vulcanised rubber materials present great resistance to biodegradation due to the presence of highly hydrophobic cross-linked structures that are provided by the additives they contain and the vulcanisation process itself. In this work, the biodegradation capabilities of 10 fungal strains cultivated in PDA and EM solid medium were studied over a period of 4 weeks. The growth of the strains, the mass loss of the vulcanised rubber particles and the surface structure were analysed after the incubation period. With the white rot fungi Trametes versicolor and Pleurotus ostreatus, biodegradation percentages of 7.5 and 6.1%, respectively, were achieved. The FTIR and SEM-EDS analyses confirmed a modification of the abundance of functional groups and elements arranged on the rubber surface, such as C, O, S, Si and Zn, due to the biological treatment employed. The availability of genomic sequences of P. ostreatus and T. versicolor in public repositories allowed the analysis of the genetic content, genomic characteristics and specific components of both fungal species, determining some similarities between both species and their relationship with rubber biodegradation. Both fungi presented a higher number of sequences for laccases and manganese peroxidases, two extracellular enzymes responsible for many of the oxidative reactions reported in the literature. The integrative analysis of the results, supported by genetic and bioinformatics tools, allowed a deeper analysis of the biodegradation processes of vulcanised rubber. It is expected that this type of analysis can be used to find more efficient biotechnological solutions in the future.
Parasitism of Trichogramma Pretiosum in Eggs of Corcyra Cephalonica on the Age of the Parasitoid and the Density of the Host
Authors: Monteiro Gabriel , Jorge Sofía , Lemes Amanda Fernandes , Santos Nathália dos , Ramalho Dagmara , de Bortoli Sergio
Published: August 2021

Several biological control programs use Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae). The parasitism capacity and the functional response of T. pretiosum parasitizing eggs of Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were studied. To determine the parasitism capacity, females of the parasitoid were individualized, being offered to each female eggs from the host. Daily observations determined the number of parasitized eggs per female, accumulated percentage of parasitism, female longevity and percentage of parasitoid emergence. To establish the functional response, T. pretiosum females were individualized and offered C. cephalonica eggs. Number of parasitized eggs and percentage of adults’ emergence were evaluated, being calculated handling time (Th) and attack rate (a). On the first day of the parasitoid’s life there was parasitism in more than 80% of the host eggs, similar to the percentage of adult emergence throughout the life cycle, and the daily percentage of parasitism. The percentages of eggs of C. cephalonica parasitized were statistically different, with the quadratic model better describing the parasitoid-host relationship, with a positive value of 0.00594, since with the increase in the availability of eggs of C. cephalonica, parasitism was increased. The attack rate was approximately 0.00158, while the handling time of the host eggs was 0.6884 h.