bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Moringa leaves as soil amendment to Tiger-nut suppressed weeds in the Nigerian Guinea Savanna
Authors: Fadeyi Olasupo James , Fabunmi Thomas Oladeji , Soretire Adeniyi Adebowale , Olowe Victor Idowu Olugbenga , Adeyemi Olusegun Raphael
Published: November 2022

The allelopathic effect of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaves applied as organic manure in tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) production on associated weeds was investigated in the guinea savanna of South West Nigeria, during the 2014 (September - November) and 2015 (June - August) wet seasons. Five Moringa leaves rates (0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 t/ha) and three tuber sizes (0.28 g, 0.49 g and 0.88 g dry weight) were laid out in the main plot and sub-plot, respectively in a split-plot arrangement fitted into randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Parameters measured, weed cover score (WCS), weed density (WD) and weed dry matter production (WDMP) were significantly (p<0.05) influenced in both years by Moringa leaf. In 2015, WCS, WD and WDMP significantly (p<0.05) reduced by 25-73%, 35-78% and 26-70% on Moringa leaves-treated plots respectively. There were significant (p<0.05) interactions between quantity of Moringa leaves incorporated and tuber size. The bigger the tuber and the higher the quantity of Moringa leaves incorporated the lower the WCS, WD and WDMP. Consequently, application of 10 t.ha-1 Moringa leaves and planting of large or medium-sized tubers are recommended for optimum weed suppression in tiger nut production in South West Nigeria.
Is it a better option for young patients with femoral neck fracture to be placed with four cannulated screws during reduction and internal fixation
Authors: Sun Weijun
Published: November 2022

Aim: To compare the efficacy of three cannulated screws and four cannulated screws in the treatment of femoral neck fracture.
Methods: This is a retrospective study.A total of 215 patients were enrolled for the study. Patients who received four cannulated screws were included in the observation group, while patients who received three cannulated screws were included in the control group. Both groups were followed up for at least 1 year. The general data and surgical conditions of the two groups were compared.
Results: A total of 213 patients were included in the study. Among them, 97 patients received four cannulated screws and were included in the observation group. The remaining patients were included in the control group. There was no significant difference in the basic data of these patients. The patients in the observation group had longer actual operation and more intraoperative bleeding, and the difference was statistically significant.At the same time, the patients in the observation group also need to receive more intraoperative X-ray fluoroscopy times, and the difference is statistically significant.Compared with the patients in the control group, the patients in the observation group had better Harris score and hip joint activity, whether 6 months or 1 year after operation, and the difference was statistically significant.At the same time, the number of patients with delayed fracture healing or nonunion in the observation group was also relatively low, and the difference was also statistically significant.There were fewer cases of femoral head necrosis or unequal length of lower limbs in the observation group than in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant.
Conclusion:Four cannulated screws should be considered for fracture fixation in young patients with femoral neck fractures. This fixation method has the advantage of fast healing time, and the range of motion and functional score of patients' hip joint will also have more advantages.
Acalculous cholecystitis is a common extrahepatic manifestation of hepatitis E and suggests a more serious condition
Authors: Cao Xuemei , Jiang Wei , Shi Lingfeng , Wang Yanping , Chen Jie , Huang Wenxiang , Zhang Shujun
Published: November 2022

Background The purpose of this study was to understand the incidence and clinical significance of acalculous cholecystitis in acute hepatitis E.
Patients and methods A single center enrolled 114 patients with acute hepatitis E. All these patients had imaging of the gallbladder, and patients with gallstones and cholecystectomy were excluded.
Results Acalculous cholecystitis was found in 66 patients (57.89%) with acute hepatitis E. The incidence of males was 63.95%, which was significantly higher than that of females (39.29%) (P=0.022). The mean hospital stays and the incidence of spontaneous peritonitis in patients with cholecystitis were significantly higher than those in patients without cholecystitis 20.12 ± 9.43 days and 9.09%, respectively, and significantly higher than those in patients without cholecystitis 12.98 ± 7.26 days and 0% (P<0.001 and P=0.032, respectively). ALB, TB, DB, CHE and PTA in patients with cholecystitis were significantly inferior to those without cholecystitis (P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001, P<0.001 and P= 0.003, respectively).
Conclusion Acalculous cholecystitis is very common in patients with acute hepatitis E, and it may serve as a predictor of increased peritonitis, synthetic decompensation, and longer hospital stay with hepatitis E.
Radio Map Construction based on BERT for Fingerprint-based Indoor Positioning System
Authors: Wang Zhuang , Kong Qun , Wei Bingcai , Zhang Liye , Tian Aikui
Published: November 2022

Due to the heavy workload of RSS collection, the instability of WLAN signal strength and the disappearance of signals caused by complex indoor environments, the construction of Radio Map for Wireless local area network (WLAN) fingerprint-based indoor positioning system is time-consuming and laborious. In order to rapidly deploy indoor WLAN positioning system, the Bidirectional Encoder Representation from Transformers (BERT) model is used to fill the missing signal in Radio Map and quickly build Radio Map. The Radio Map is imported into the BERT model in the form of natural language text, the missing signal is filled by the BERT model. Since the number of input data in BERT model cannot exceed 512 words, the structure of BERT model is not suitable for WLAN signals with large data volume. Therefore, we redefine the model structure based on the original BERT model and fill in the missing signals in the radio map in parallel. In addition, the loss function is redefined. Except that each segment has a loss function, the weighted average value of all segment loss functions is defined as the total loss function. The experimental results show that using the improved BERT model to fill the missing signal in Radio Map is much more accurate and time-saving.
Correlation study of NF-κB, IER3, and recurrence of ovarian endometrioid cysts
Authors: Yang Ni , Huang Gu , Fan Xiang , Zhang Chao , Wang Li , Jiang Xian , Fan Gang , Zhang Lina , Zhu Pengfeng
Published: November 2022

Objective
To investigate the expression of nuclear actor-k-gene binding(NF-κB) and immediate early response 3(IER3) in nuclear factor-activated B cells in ovarian endometrioid cysts. To analyze the correlation between the expression of NF-κB and IER3 and the recurrence of the ovarian endometrioid cyst.
Methods
From January 2018 to March 2019, a total of 80 patients who underwent laparoscopic ovarian cyst excision due to ovarian endometrioid cyst in the Department of Gynecology, Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital were selected, including 40 patients without postoperative recurrence and 40 patients with recurrence, and the patients with recurrence were further divided into the primary recurrence and the secondary recurrence groups. The general clinical data of the patients were collected. The patient's Revised American Fertility Society (R-AFS) score, least function(LF) score, and endometriosis fertility index (EFI) were calculated, and immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the expression of IER3 and NF-κB in the pathological tissues of the three groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of IER3 and NF-κB expression on postoperative recurrence of the ovarian endometrioid cyst. Cox proportional hazards model was fitted to analyze the related influencing factors of ovarian endometrioid cyst recurrence.
Results
The expression intensity of NF-κB was positively correlated with IER3 (P < 0.001). ROC curve showed that the area under curve (AUC) of NF-κB and IER3 combined diagnosis was 0.844, 95%CI was 0.754–0.933, sensitivity was 77.5% and specificity was 90.00%. Multivariate Cox survival regression showed that the IER3 expression intensity > 4.5 (HR = 4.661,95%CI: 1.712–12.690, P = 0.003) and the NF-κBexpression intensity > 4.5 (HR = 2.878,95%CI: 1.181–7.011, P = 0.020) were independent risk factor for postoperative recurrence, and EFI score (HR = 1.289,95%CI: 1.037–1.602, P = 0.022) was a protective factor for postoperative recurrence.
Conclusion
EFI score is a protective factor for postoperative recurrence, and the expression intensity of NF-κB and IER3 has a certain correlation with the recurrence of ovarian endometrioid cysts. The expression levels of NF-κB and IER3 > 4.5 are independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence.
A high performance dopingless Tunnel FET with pocketed architecture: proposal and analysis
Authors: Haneef Nazia , Raushan Mohd Adil , Bashir Md. Yasir , Siddiqui Mohammad Jawaid
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we have proposed the doping less dual material double gate Tunnel field-effect transistor with a P+ pocket (PP- DMG TFET). This gate engineered technique is ordinarily used in a MOSFET for performance augmentation. The P+ pocket is embedded at the source side to enhance the performance of pocket engineered PP- DMG TFET device. This paper compares the performance of four DG-TFET based devices i.e. single material gate TFET (SMG), single material gate with P+ pocket TFET (PP-SMG), dual material gate TFET (DMG DG), dual material gate with P+ pocket (PP-DMG). Electrostatic doping based on charge plasma notion forms the requisite structure n-i-p + for tunneling formed on a thin intrinsic silicon layer. The proposed device (PP-DMG) has a high on-current capability, high ON/OFF ratio and lower point subthreshold of 15.3 mV/dec, and an average subthreshold of 18.6 mV/dec. The analog parameters evaluated include transconductance (gm) and cutoff frequency (fT) have shown impressive improvement. We have also discussed the device efficiency and transconductance frequency product (TFP) finally we have done the linearity and distortion analysis on parameters such as VIP2, VIP3, IIP3, and IMD3 analysis.
Matrix metalloproteinase-8 level in the peri-implant sulcular fluid around dental implant abutments with different geometries and manufacturing strategies: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Raheem Islam M. Abdel , Hammad Ihab A. , Kader Sanaa H. Abdel , Hadidi Abeer S. El , Fahmy Rania A.
Published: November 2022

Background. The purpose of this clinical trial was to assess soft tissue reaction around custom dental implant abutments by evaluation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) level in peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) and clinical parameters.
Methods. Thirty participants with missing mandibular first molar were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. Each participant underwent implant placement following the standard 2-stage surgical protocol. All participants were randomly allocated to one of the two groups; Control Group (n=15): Pre-machined stock titanium abutment, and Study Group (n=15): Custom titanium CAD-CAM abutment. Combined screw- and cement-retained zirconia crowns were used to restore implants. The PISF samples were collected at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after placement of restorations. MMP-8 level was assessed by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay. Peri-implant probing depth (PPD), simplified mucosal index (SMI) and modified plaque index (mPI) scores were assessed at all time-points. Crestal bone loss (CBL) was assessed by using bitewing radiographs made at baseline and 12-month time points. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and Friedman test were used to analyze data.
Results. There was a significant effect of the interaction of time and abutment type where the change in MMP-8 and PPD in CA was higher than in SA. SMI, mPI and CBL recorded no statistical differences between the two groups after one year (P > 0.05).
Conclusions. The change in the level of MMP-8 and in PPD after one year is significantly higher in custom abutments. However, this change was of low clinical impact.
Trial Registery: the trial was registered in the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry under identification number PACTR201809736563842 (25/ 09/ 2018)
Groundwater provides temporary resilience to alpine catchments in glacial retreat
Authors: Miller Jordyn , Frisbee Marty , Hamilton Trinity , Liljedahl Anna
Published: November 2022

Surface runoff from melting alpine glaciers increases until the glaciers reach a condition called “peak water” beyond which surface runoff decreases as ice volume diminishes. Recent research indicates that a fraction of this meltwater recharges mountain-block aquifers thereby providing vital support to baseflow in alpine streams and perennial flow from alpine springs. However, the response of baseflow to deglaciation has not been thoroughly quantified. Combining statistical timeseries analysis of discharge data with the delayed flow index (DFI), we show that the proportion of baseflow in post-peak water discharge has increased compared to pre-peak discharge in three glacial catchments in the Swiss Alps. The timing of peak water is not concurrent with the baseflow response. The increase in baseflow is sustained for 20 to 40 years after the occurrence of peak water; however, this is a transient response. In fact, one catchment has lost baseflow support and is now responsive to seasonal precipitation events. Given the slower response times of groundwater, baseflow will eventually decrease in these catchments making them more responsive to precipitation events and less resilient to fluctuations in precipitation once the ice is gone. These conditions will have severe impacts to alpine streams and springs and their ecosystems.
Inequalities in local government spending on Cultural, Environmental and Planning services: a time-trend analysis in England, Scotland, and Wales
Authors: Fahy Katie , Alexiou Alexandros , Mason Kate , Bennett Davara , Egan Matt , Taylor-Robinson David , Barr Ben
Published: November 2022

Background

Local government provides Cultural, Environmental, and Planning (CEP) services, such as parks, libraries, and waste collection, that are vital for promoting health and wellbeing. There have been significant changes to the funding of these services over the past decade, most notably due to the UK government’s austerity programme. These changes have not affected all places equally. To understand potential impacts on health inequalities, we investigated geographical patterning of recent CEP spending trends.

Methods

We conducted a time trend analysis using routinely available data on local government expenditure. We used generalised estimating equations to determine how expenditure trends varied across 378 local authorities (LAs) in Great Britain between 2009/10 and 2018/19 on the basis of country, deprivation, rurality, and local government structure. We investigated the gross expenditure per capita on CEP services, and the CEP expenditure as a proportion of total local authority budgets.

Results

Expenditure per capita for CEP services reduced by 36% between 2009/10 and 2018/19. In England, the reduction in per capita spending was steepest in the most deprived quintile of areas, falling by 7.5% [95% CI: 6.0, 8.9] per year, compared to 4.5% [95% CI: 3.3, 5.6] in the least deprived quintile. Budget cuts in Scotland and Wales have been more equitable, with similar trends in the most and least deprived areas. Welsh LAs have reduced the proportion of total LA budget spent on CEP services the most (-4.0% per year, 95% CI: -5.0 to -2.9), followed by Scotland (-3.0%, 95% CI: -4.2 to -1.7) then England (-1.4%, 95% CI: -2.2 to -0.6). In England, rural and unitary LAs reduced their share of spending allocated to CEP more than urban and two-tier structured LAs, respectively.

Conclusion

Funding for cultural, environmental and planning services provided by local government in the UK has been cut dramatically over the last decade, with clear geographical inequalities. Local areas worst affected have been those with a higher baseline level of deprivation, those with a single-tier local government structure, and English rural local authorities. The inequalities in cuts to these services risk widening geographical inequalities in health and wellbeing.
Assessing the Effect of Age at Sexual Debut on HIV Acquisition among Adolescents Girls and Young Women in Malawi: Evidence from Malawi Population-based HIV Impact Assessment
Authors: Moyo Reuben Christopher , Nyasulu Peter Suwilakwenda , Govindasamy Darshini
Published: November 2022

Background: Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) constitute the highest proportion of all new HIV infections in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Age at sexual debut is one of the sexual behavior factors that predict HIV in AGYW. This study aimed at assessing the effect of age at sexual debut on HIV acquisition among AGYW in Malawi using the 2016 Malawi Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (MPHIA).
Methods: We analyzed HIV related data on 1,921 AGYW from the 2015/16 MPHIA. Associations between HIV infection and predictor variables were assessed using both univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The effect of age at sexual debut on HIV acquisition was assessed using binary logistic regression model.
Results: The weighted HIV prevalence among AGYW was 4.7%. The prevalence was high for AGYW from southern region (7.8%) compared to the central (2.3%) and the northern region (2.1%). AGYW from urban areas had more than twice the prevalence compared to those from rural areas (9.1% versus 3.7% for urban and rural areas respectively). This study has identified 9 behavioral and contextual factors that are associated with HIV infection among AGYW, and these are: Region (p<0.001), Residence (p<0.001), Age (p=0.008), Age at first sex (p=0.001), Age at marriage (p0.0131), Marital status (p<0.001), Education (p=0.002), Wealth quintile (p=0.05) and Partner at last sex (p<0.001). AGYW who started sex before the age of 15 were more than two times more likely (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.52 – 4.05) to test HIV positive compared to those who started after the age of 15.
Conclusion: We conclude that early sexual debut occurring before the age of 15, significantly predict HIV among AGYW in Malawi. To reduce their risk to acquiring HIV, such AGYW should be linked to HIV preventions services such to HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis services in order to minimize their risk of HIV transmission.
Risk Factors of Blood Transfusion During Cesarean Section
Authors: Hu Peilu , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: November 2022

Backgroud: this work was to explore the risk factors of postpartum hemorrhage among puerperae in XX Hospital, and to analyze the influence of high risk factors of postpartum hemorrhage.
Methods: the electronic medical record system was adopted to include 220 cases, and 78 puerperae were screened into the blood transfusion group. The clinical indicators of puerperae were analyzed, and the preoperative liver function and renal function were analyzed. The indexes of blood coagulation status and blood routine indexes of puerperae after blood transfusion before blood transfusion were analyzed. Risk factors for blood transfusion during cesarean section were analyzed using a machine learning model.
Results: prenatal examination and diagnosis showed that the abnormal placenta accounted for 28.21%; the abnormal amniotic fluid accounted for 7.69%; the umbilical cord around neck accounted for 21.79%; threatened premature birth accounted for 24.36%; scarred uterus accounted for 24.36%; preeclampsia accounted for 20.52%; and anemia accounted for 30.77%. The mean prenatal ALT of liver function index was 20.21, the mean value of AST was 21.29. The mean value of blood urea of renal function index was 4.59, and the mean value of serum creatinine was 46.27. The indexes of blood coagulation status after blood transfusion, RBC, Hct, Plt, PT, APTT, Fbg, and D-D, were significantly different from those before blood transfusion (P < 0.05). The blood routine before blood transfusion indicated that Hb, RBC, and Hct were significantly different from those after blood transfusion (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: risk factors of blood transfusion during cesarean section included placenta accreta, placental abruption, placental adhesion, polyhydramnios, pregnancy-induced hypertension, uterine atony, uterine fibroids, cesarean section, and dangerous placenta previa. Risk factors for blood transfusion during cesarean section may gradually decrease with increasing gestational age.
Regulatory aspects of a nanomaterial for imaging therapeutic cells
Authors: Zee Margriet van der , de Vries Claudette , Masa Marc , Morales Marta , Rayo Marta , Hegger Ingrid
Published: November 2022

The ability to track therapeutic cells upon administration to the patient is of interest to both regulators and developers of cell therapy. The European Commission Horizon2020 project nTRACK from 2017-2022 aimed to develop a multi-modal nano-imaging agent to track therapeutic cells during development of a cell therapy. As part of this project, we investigated the regulatory pathway involved for such a product.
An important regulatory hurdle appeared to be the appropriate regulatory classification the nTRACK nano-imaging agent, as neither the definition for medicinal product nor the definition for medical device were a good fit for the purpose of the product. As a consequence, the information requirements to fulfill before conducting a First in Human trial are not evident and can only be decided upon by closely collaborating and communicating with the relevant authorities throughout the development of the product. Moreover, standard test methods for demonstrating the quality and safety of a medicinal product or medical device are not always suitable for nanomaterials such as the nTRACK nano-imaging agent. Regulatory agility is therefore a great need to prevent delay of promising medical innovations, although regulatory guidance on these products will likely improve with more experience.
In this article, we outline the lessons learnt related to the regulatory process of the nTRACK nano-imaging agent for tracking therapeutic cells and offer recommendations to both regulators and developers of similar products.
A System of Subsystems: Hierarchical Modularity of Guard Cell ABA Signalling Network defines its Evolutionary Success
Authors: samarasinghe sandhya , Waidyarathne Pramuditha
Published: November 2022

Biological functions are accomplished by extensive molecular signalling networks that are too complex to comprehend their meaning. This study aims to exploit computational network analysis on a model system to unravel network complexity to gain insights into the principles of organization of molecular networks. Plants respond to drought stress by stomatal closure, the most rapid physiological response in plant leaves where aperture between two guard cells closes rapidly to prevent water loss. ABA (Abscisic acid) signalling network that accomplishes stomatal closure in guard cells is thought to be an evolutionarily well conserved system organized to control the stomatal aperture in response to drought stress. However, functional organization and evolutionary success of this system is yet to be explored for gaining deeper insights into the operation and success of this system. This study views this signaling system from a holistic perspective and hypothesizes that it is an interconnected system of subsystems evolved to facilitate the communication flow of the whole system to respond to the signals by means of a collection of feedback processes with shifting dominance in time and space. Further, it is known that topological properties of biological networks can reveal the influence of structural properties on the functional and dynamical properties of a system. Therefore, this study exploits topology analysis of an updated ABA signalling network using graph theoretic measures involving topological dissimilarity based node clustering to explore its modularity to characterize it as a system of subsystems. The paper explains the hierarchical modules identified by topological distance measures and hub elements identified by centrality measures. Network was decomposed into three subsystems comprising seven functional modules along with a number of hub elements that provided an easy to understand view of ABA signaling. This system of subsystems view enabled by modularity revealed a meaningful and coherent organization of the structure and function of the complex ABA network. Further, ABA signaling network was found to be a scale-free network that defines its evolutionary success.
WGCNA Reveal Potential Diagnosis Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets for COVID-19 Infection in Patients with Sepsis
Authors: Huang Chunsheng , Tong Qiaoling , Zhang Wenyuan , Chen Xiaofei , Pan Zhihao
Published: November 2022

Background
Sepsis patients have the worst outcomes when affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Unknown are the molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between sepsis and COVID-19. The primary purpose of the present work was to establish whether there is interaction between COVID-19 and sepsis in terms of molecular perturbation and to uncover a molecular signature, molecular networks, and signaling pathways shared by the two disorders.
Methods
We retrieved the sepsis and COVID-19 datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and used Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) to identify key modules. On the common genes residing in the sepsis and COVID-19 associated modules, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted. Then, using the STRING database, we constructed the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and identified its hub genes. Finally, The immune cell infiltration score and immune-associated pathway activity were calculated using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA).
Results
Functional enrichment analysis indicated that antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen via MHC class I, antigen processing and presentation of peptide antigen, antigen processing and presentation, T cell mediated cytotoxicity and T cell mediated immunity were probably involved in sepsis comorbided with COVID-19. Pathway enrichment analysis of the common genes of key modules identified the underlying biological processes in COVID-19-related sepsis, including Antigen processing and presentation, Phagosome, Natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity and Adipocytokine signaling pathway. PPI network construction indicated that sepsis comorbided with COVID-19 is likely related to 5 hub genes, including B2M, TNFSF10, TLR3, JAK2, and IRF2. ssGSEA results illustrated that 5 hub genes are closely related to the immune status of sepsis.
Conclusions
In summary, our work indicated a total of 5 hub genes including B2M, TNFSF10, TLR3, JAK2, and IRF2, which especially underlie the comorbidity mechanisms of sepsis and COVID-19. These shared pathways may give new targets for mechanistic research into the development and management of sepsis and COVID-19.
Continent-scale mapping reveals a rise in East Antarctic surface meltwater
Authors: Tuckett Peter , Ely Jeremy , Sole Andrew , Livingstone Stephen , Jones Julie , Lea James , Gilbert Ella
Published: November 2022

The future sea-level contribution from the Antarctic ice sheets is highly uncertain. Ice dynamic, hydrofracture, and radiative processes related to surface meltwater are predicted to become increasingly important for Antarctic mass-loss as atmospheric temperatures rise. Our understanding of Antarctic surface meltwater, however, remains limited, with previous studies restricted in spatial or temporal scope. Here, we leverage cloud computing to overcome these limitations and produce the first Antarctic-wide, monthly dataset of surface meltwater spanning 2006 to 2021. Surface meltwater covered 3732 km2 across Antarctica on average during each melt season, with 30% on grounded ice. High interannual variability in meltwater coverage across the Antarctic Peninsula and in East Antarctica correlates with large-scale modes of climate variability, but this control is absent where meltwater coverage is comparatively low in West Antarctica. In East Antarctica, we find a significant increasing trend in meltwater area of 66 km2 per year (197% total change) which, in the absence of a clear climatic trend, we attribute to ice sheet surfaces becoming more favourable to ponding. Future increases in melt rate could therefore cause proportionally larger increases in meltwater coverage with implications for the resilience of ice shelves, and increased surface-to-bed hydraulic connections on grounded ice.
Effect of Cetylated Fatty Acid Supplementation on Axial Discogenic Low Back Pain
Authors: Pelak Alyssa , Carroll Kaitlin M. , Madrazo-Ibarra Antonio , Vad Vijay B.
Published: November 2022

Background
Cetylated fatty acids (CFAs) reduce pain through decreasing production of key mediators. They have been successful in improving many conditions including athletic pubalgia, shoulder tendinopathies, and osteoarthritis, but have never been studied in axial discogenic back pain. This study aims to investigate if short term supplementation of oral CFAs reduces pain and disability in patients with axial discogenic low back pain.
Methods
The study included 27 patients with average age 57 ± 16 years diagnosed with axial discogenic low back pain based on axial symptoms of chronic low back pain for more than 3 months. The primary outcome of the study was the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score. The secondary outcomes were the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) (best, worst, and current pain scores) and adverse events. Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline and after 4-week supplementation period with oral CFAs.
Results
After four weeks of supplementation, analysis determined statistically significant reduction in ODI scores from 24.6% ± 16.0 to 16.2% ± 10.7 (p value = 0.0022). 48% of patients were determined to be responders by fulfilling the calculated Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) for ODI at 4 weeks. NPRS current, worst, and best scores all improved significantly (p-value < 0.05) from baseline to 4 weeks. 11.1% of patients experienced adverse effects, none of which were life threatening.
Conclusion
The use of CFA supplementation reduced axial discogenic low back pain and disability in this prospective study. Further research on the use of this treatment is warranted including randomized controlled trials.
Evaluation of a novel fungal strain Cerrena unicolor GV01 for the biological pretreatment of crop straw
Authors: Ying Wang , Chunjing Cai , Junhua Lu , Xuan Li , Zhaojiang Wang , Chu Jie
Published: November 2022

Lignin is main residue of agro-industrial biomass which can be decomposed through enzymatic hydrolysis by fungi. In this study, we screened a kind of fungus from birch forest with degradation properties for lignin from nature to make full use of the agricultural straws being discarded as waste. The strain was identified as Cerrena unicolor GV01 by 18S rDNA gene-sequencing technology. The production performances of related enzyme secreted by GV01 were determined. The maximum activity of Lac produced by GV01 was 8396 U•L-1 with corn stalk on the 7th day. Three different crop straws (corn stalk, rice straw and wheat straw) were selected as the research material. The degradation rates of lignin of corn stalk, rice straw and wheat straw were 26.2%, 34.3% and 24.3% by GV01, respectively. The analyses of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermal gravimetric analyzer (TGA) further showed that the pretreatment process by GV01 had significant effects on the structures of corn stalk, rice straw and wheat straw. Thus, GV01 could effectively degrade lignocellulose wastes, which not only saves the cost but also protects the environment.
A novel nomogram model of breast cancer-based imaging for predicting the status of axillary lymph nodes after neoadjuvant therapy
Authors: Zhang Pengyu , Song Xiang , Li Chao , Liu Xiaoyu , Bao Jiaying , Tian Zhaokun , Sun Luhao , Wang Xinzhao , Yu Zhiyong
Published: November 2022

This study is aimed to develop and validate a novel nomogram model that can preoperatively predict axillary lymph node pathological complete response (pCR) after NAT and avoid unnecessary axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) for breast cancer patients. A total of 410 patients who underwent NAT and were pathologically confirmed to be axillary lymph node positive after breast cancer surgery were included. They were divided into two groups: patients with axillary lymph node pCR and patients with residual node lesions after NAT. Then the nomogram prediction model was constructed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The result of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that molecular subtypes, molybdenum target (MG) breast, computerized tomography (CT) breast, ultrasound (US) axilla, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) axilla, and CT axilla (all p < 0.001) had a significant impact on the evaluation of axillary lymph node status after NAT. The nomogram score appeared that AUC was 0.832 (95%CI: 0.786-0.878) in the training cohort and 0.947 (95%CI: 0.906-0.988) in the validation cohort, respectively. The decision curve represented that the nomogram has a positive predictive ability, indicating its potential as a practical clinical tool.
Fulvic and humic acids extracted from Eucalyptus and hay ameliorate Al toxicity effects on plant root growth through multiple mechanisms.
Authors: Harper Stephen Mark , Menzies Neal
Published: November 2022

Background and Aims
In acidic soils aluminium (Al) toxicity, remains a critical crop limitation. Organic amendments can ameliorate Al toxicity due to the production of complex high molecular weight carbon compounds. This study evaluated the role of fulvic and humic acids (FA and HA) from Eucalyptus and hay, in ameliorating effects of Al toxicity.
Methods
The interaction between Eucalyptus and hay FA and HA, and Al on root growth was investigated using dilute nutrient solution. Five Al concentrations (0-270 µM) were combined with four organic acid (OA) treatments; including Nil-OA, FA40 and HA40 (each at 40 mg C L‑1) and a combined treatment FA40HA40.
Results
Eucalyptus FA and HA stimulated root growth. In the absence of Al, hay FA and HA inhibited root growth but addition of Al alleviated this effect. In the presence of FA and HA root growth was not inhibited by nominally toxic monomeric Al concentrations. When root growth was expressed relative to the OA treatment (0 µM Al) the response was consistent with Al toxicity.
Conclusion
Differential effects on root growth of Al toxicity and the FA and HA were identified. FA and HA effects were either inhibitory or stimulatory depending on the source. FA and HA directly complexed with Al to reduce Al toxicity. The direct effect of organic ligands should be considered in root bioassay studies that evaluate Al toxicity in soils. The study identifies both complexation and precipitation as important mechanisms for detoxification of Al.
Optimization and characterization of cellulose extraction from olive pomace
Authors: Han Wanshan , Geng Yuhuan
Published: November 2022

Olive pomace (OP) was used as raw material to extract cellulose by multi-step chemical method, and the extracted cellulose was characterized. The two steps of alkali treatment (alkali concentration, reaction time and reaction temperature) and bleaching (H2O2 concentration, NaOH concentration, bleaching time and bleaching temperature) were optimized. The results showed that the optimum conditions for alkali treatment were as follows: alkali concentration 6%, reaction time 2 h, reaction temperature 95°C; the optimal bleaching conditions were as follows: 7.5% H2O2 solution, 5% NaOH, bleaching time 2 h, bleaching temperature 75°C. After multi-step chemical treatment, the cellulose content of the final OP cellulose was (86.41 ± 0.27) %, the lignin content was (6.77 ± 0.55) %, the extraction process yield was 20.36%. By scanning electron microscopy, the surface of OP cellulose changes from dense smooth structure to rough irregular structure with different treatment degrees. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) proved the removal of hemicellulose and lignin in OP fibers after chemical treatment. The crystallinity of OP fiber increased from 34.80–68.69% after treatment. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that OP cellulose had high thermal stability. The study provides a new idea for the conversion of industrial processing by-products into high-quality cellulose, and proves that it is feasible to extract cellulose from olive pomace.
Diversification of the shell shape and size in Baikal Candonidae ostracods in the light of molecular phylogeny
Authors: Karanovic Ivana , Pham Huyen T. M. , Sitnikova Tanya
Published: November 2022

Ostracod shells are used extensively in paleontology, but we know little about their evolution, especially in ancient lakes. Lake Baikal (LB) is the world’s most important stronghold of Candonidae diversity. These crustaceans radiated here rapidly (12-5 Ma) and with an unprecedented morphological diversity. We reconstruct their molecular phylogeny with 46 species and two markers (18S and 16S rRNA), and use it to estimate the evolution of the shell shape and size with landmark-based geometric morphometrics (LBGM). High posterior probabilities support four major clades, which differ in node depth and morphospace clustering. After removing a significant allometry, the first three principal components (PCs) describe about 88% of total variability, suggesting a strong integration. Reconstructed ancestral shapes are similar for all four clades, indicating that diversification happened after colonization. Major evolutionary changes occurred from trapezoidal to elongated shapes. Sister species are separated in morphospace, by centroid size, or both, as well as by vertical and horizontal distributions in LB. Ostracod shell is a strongly integrated structure that exhibits high evolvability, with some extreme shapes, although mostly along the first PC. This is the first study that combines molecular phylogeny and LBGM for ostracods and for any LB group.
Design of a novel 2D ultrasonic transducer for 2D high-frequency vibration-assisted micro-machining
Authors: Satpute Vinod , Huo Dehong , Hedley John , Elgendy Mohammed
Published: November 2022

Ultrasonic vibration-assisted machining (VAM) is a process in which a tool or workpiece is vibrated using ultrasonic frequency small-amplitude vibrations to improve cutting performance, and an ultrasonic transducer usually generates these vibrations. This study investigates how two-dimensional vibrations are generated using axially polled piezoceramics. Modifying the wave propagation in geometric ways by creating a notch at the front mass, the longitudinal response excited by the axially polled piezoceramic discs can be converted into combined longitudinal and bending vibrations at the transducer front mass. Finite element analysis (FEA) software COMSOL is used to study wave propagation, and ANSYS is used to optimize the transducer's mechanical structure, while an equivalent circuit approach is used to analyze the electrical impedance spectra and confirm its resonance frequency. An experimental analysis of impedance response and amplitude of generated vibrations using the novel 2D ultrasonic transducer is conducted to validate the numerical and analytical results, which shows that resonance frequency results are in very good agreement with the theoretical model. Finally, the proposed design is validated by preliminary test results that demonstrate its performance and principles.
WITHDRAWN: Potential use of insect bioactive compounds in animal rations
Authors: Shah Assar Ali , Matra Maharach , Wanapat Metha
Published: November 2022

The study examined the effects of insect various species such as those of Hermetia illucens, Tenebrio monitor, and Bombyx mori which have long been practiced in combination with medicinal plants and are an important alternative to modern medicine in many parts of the world. The current use of traditional pesticides since about 2010 and the characteristics of isolated biologically active molecules are presented. The natural insect products were examined or isolated from ants, bees, beetles, cockroaches, termites, bees, etc. The biological activities of these natural products derived from insects include antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Insect sources in animal feeds rarely distorted the relevant physicochemical variables or the sensory profile of the meat, while the fatty acid (FA) profile was the most affected variable. In fact, with proper attention, insect derivatives have great potential for the future of drug discovery of natural product, as well as for human nutritious food and for animal feeding. The inclusion of insect powder in animal feeds resulted in the prevention and treatment of disease, enhances the growth of animals and promotes the bioactive compounds in animal-based products. Due to the sustainability of its breeding, large-scale cultures of these insects seem economically viable. Insect oil and protein and chitin ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and these substances are considered as high value co-products. The major challenges associated with their use will be linked to the development of methods for separating industrial-derived materials.
Chemically routed interpore molecular diffusion in nanoporous thin films
Authors: Maity Tanmoy , Malik Pratibha , Bawari Sumit , Ghosh Soumya , Mondal Jagannath , Haldar Ritesh
Published: November 2022

Transport diffusivity of molecules in a porous solid is constricted by the rate at which molecules move from one pore to the other, along the concentration gradient, i.e. by following Fickian diffusion. In heterogeneous porous materials, i.e. in the presence of pores of different sizes and chemical environments, diffusion rate and directionality remain tricky to estimate and adjust. In such a porous system, we have realized that molecular diffusion direction can be orthogonal to the concentration gradient. To experimentally determine this complex diffusion rate dependency and get insight of the microscopic diffusion pathway, we have designed a model nanoporous structure, metal-organic framework (MOF). In this model two chemically and geometrically distinct nanopores are spatially oriented by an epitaxial layer-by-layer growth method. The specific design of the nonporous channels and quantitative mass uptake rate measurements have indicated that the mass uptake is governed by the interpore diffusion along the direction orthogonal to the concentration gradient. This revelation allows chemically carving the nanopores, and accelerating the interpore diffusion and kinetic diffusion selectivity.
Relationships between Left circumflex artery (LCX) and Left anterior descending (LAD) involvements and calcification in patients with Coronary heart disease(CHD): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Hassani Sara , Azami Mobin , Asadi Bahador , Rahmatian Aryobarzan
Published: November 2022

Background
This study aimed to investigate the relationships between LM, LAD, and LCX lesions and calcification in patients referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital, Medical, and Research center (Tehran, Iran).
Methods
The present study was an applied, cross-sectional, and observational study conducted on hospitalized patients suffering from coronary heart disease (CHD). By non-random sampling, 50 CHD patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected. CT angiography and MRI results were investigated, and field data collected by checklists were analyzed in IBM SPSS Statistics v. 13.00.
Results
There was no relationship between LM involvement and calcification, with 80% sensitivity and 44% specificity in the diagnosis of LM involvement. By contrast, LAD involvement was significantly correlated with calcification, with 77.8% sensitivity and 83.3% specificity in diagnosing LAD involvement. Likewise, a significant association was observed between LCX involvement and calcification, with corresponding LCX involvement diagnosis sensitivity and specificity values of 72.2% and 91.7%, respectively.
Conclusion
There was a significant correlation between LAD/LCX and calcification; However, there was no meaningful connection between LM and calcification.
Long-term bowel function after single-stage transanal endorectal pull-through in neonatal patients with Hirschsprung disease
Authors: Liu Zhaozhou , Zhang Yanan , Li Shuangshuang , Zhao Jiawei , Yang Ting , Huang# Jinshi
Published: November 2022

Objective
The aim of this study was to assess long-term outcomes of neonatal patients with Hirschsprung disease (HD) after single-stage transanal endorectal pull-through (TEPT) and to explore the predictive factors contributing to subnormal bowel function.
Methods
Patients aged > 3 years operated for HD with TEPT during neonatal period between 2007 and 2019 answered the bowel function score (BFS) questionnaire. The patients were retrospectively divided into two groups according to whether they had normal bowel function. The clinical variables were compared between the subnormal and normal BFS groups. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to identify the predictive factors contributing to subnormal bowel function.
Results
A total of 160 children (71.7%) were included in this study, with mean follow-up time of 7.3 years (range: 3.0-15.1 years). The level of aganglionosis were determined to be the short-segment (124/160, 77.5%), long-segment (33/160, 20.6%), and TCA (3/160, 1.9%). One hundred and thirty-four patients (83.8%) had a BFS ≥ 17, and 26 patients (16.2%) with subnormal bowel function (BFS < 17). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that level of aganglionosis with long-segment or TCA and postoperative hospital stay > 8.5 days were independent risk factors with OR of 3.213 (1.252, 8.246) and 3.813 (1.371, 10.606) for subnormal BFS, respectively.
Conclusion
Most HD patients who underwent one-stage TEPT in the neonatal period have favorable long-term results, and the level of aganglionosis with long-segment or TCA and long postoperative hospital stay may be closely related to subnormal bowel function.