bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prepubertal continuous dietary folate fortification enhances brain function of adult mice by modulating antioxidant status, inflammation and brain neurotransmitter levels
Authors: Onaolapo Olakunle J. , Olofinnade Anthony T. , Ojo Folusho O. , Falade Joshua , Onaolapo Adejoke
Published: January 2023

Background
There is a growing body of knowledge in support of the beneficial effects of folic acid supplementation. However, while ample evidence exists concerning beneficial effects on growth and haematologic parameters, possible effects of continuous folic acid supplementation on the brain are less examined.
Objectives
To investigate possible effect of dietary folic acid supplementation (beginning in the prepubertal period) on neurobehaviour, oxidative stress, inflammatory parameters and neurotransmitter levels in adult mice.
Methods
Forty-eight prepubertal male mice (postnatal day 21) were randomly assigned into four groups of 12 (n = 12) animals each. Mice were grouped into normal control (fed standard diet) and three groups fed folic acid supplemented diet at 2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg of feed. Daily food intake and weekly body weight were assessed. Animals were fed standard diet, or folic acid supplemented diet for a period of eight weeks. On postnatal day 78, animals were exposed to behavioural paradigms (Open-field, Y maze, radial arm maze, elevated plus maze, bar test and models of behavioural despair). Twenty-four hours after the last behavioural test, animals were fasted overnight following which they were sacrificed, and blood taken for assessment of blood glucose, leptin, and insulin levels. The brain of the animals were also homogenised for the assessment of biochemical parameters (lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity, inflammatory markers, dopamine, brain derived neurotropic factor, acetylcholine and acetylcholinesterase activity).
Results
Results showed a concentration dependent increase/improvement in body weight, antioxidant status, memory scores (in the radial arm and Y- maze) and acetylcholine levels; and a decrease in food intake, blood glucose, insulin, and leptin level. A reduction in open field behaviours, anxiety-related behaviours, and proinflammatory markers were also observed.
Conclusion
The beneficial effects of prepubertal continuous dietary folate fortification in specific contexts relating to behaviour, cognition, oxidative status, metabolic hormones and brain neurochemistry (as the animal ages) are shown in the study.
Lower glomerular filtration rate after mild stroke induces cognitive impairment by causing endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Yan Xu , Chen Huan , Shang Xiuli
Published: January 2023

Aims

The incidence of post stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) is higher in patients with mild stroke (MIS), and the risk factors and mechanism are uncertain. Increased cystatin C (CysC) levels after stroke may reflect lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal impairment. Previous studies have suggested endothelial dysfunction (ED) is closely related to renal impairment and cognitive impairment, respectively. We aimed to observe whether lower GFR estimated by CysC after MIS lead to a high incidence of PSCI, and the role of ED in this process.

Methods

256 patients were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Renal function was assessed using GFR estimated by serum CysC. Endothelial function was evaluated by reactive hyperemia-peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT). The cognitive function at baseline and 3 months was evaluated by MoCA score. Spearman correlation analysis and linear regression were conducted to explore the factors affecting ED. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify the independent risk factors of PSCI. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to explore the optimal cutoff value of the independent risk factors levels for predicting PSCI.

Results

A total of 141 patients (55.1%) suffered from ED. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that there was a strong linear correlation between eGFRcys and RHI (p＜0.001). At the three-month follow-up, a total of 150 (58.6%) patients had been diagnosed with PSCI. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that RHI was an independent factor affecting the occurrence of PSCI (p＜0.05). ROC curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.724, and the optimal cut-off value of RHI was 1.655, with the sensitivity and specificity for PSCI were 72.7% and 73.6%, respectively.

Conclusion

The lower eGFRcys level after MIS was significantly associated with ED, and ED may mediate the higher incidence of PSCI at 3 months after MIS.
Influence of Patella Height on Knee Joint Function after Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Bi Zhiguo , Shi Xiaotong , Liao Shiyu , Li Xiao , Liu Jianguo
Published: January 2023

Purpose:
The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between the change of patella height and postoperative functional outcomes, range of motion, and patellar crepitus after total knee arthroplasty.
Materials and methods:
Analysis of an observational, retrospective case series was conducted on 116 patients suffering total knee arthroplasty in the Department of Orthopedics from August 2020 to September 2022. According to the mBP ratio of postoperation, the patients were divided into normal patella height, patella baja, and patella alta groups. The primary conditions, KSS, range of motion of keen, and patellar crepitus were collected from the patients in each group during follow-up. Outcome assessors were blinded to the groups during the study.
Results:
There was no significant difference in the knee score of KSS among the groups (P = 0.024); the patella baja group significantly differed in the range of motion compared to the normal patella group (P = 0.037); a statistically significant difference existed in the patella baja group and the normal patella group for the patellar crepitus (P < 0.001);
Conclusion:
In the patients who underwent the total knee arthroplasty without patella replacement, it was found that abnormal patella position had no significant influence on postoperative KSS, but patella baja seemed to reduce the postoperative range of motion, and increase the rate of patella crepitus.
Immediate Destiny of Bifurcation Lesions Treated with Biomatrix Alpha Stents
Authors: Zahedi Mahdi , Najafi Mohammad Javad , Sadeghi Mina , Fatemi Alireza
Published: January 2023

Background:
About 15% of coronary artery interventions are performed on coronary artery bifurcation. Treatment of these lesions is one of the therapeutic challenges of coronary artery lesions. Correcting short-term and long-term unintended consequences of these lesions requires continuous attention and intervention. Ever since drug-eluting stents were developed,the expectancy of rescuing patients with cardiovascular events has increased.
Methods:
In this study, we selected 51 patients (out of 850) who had received ≥1 cobalt-chromium, biodegradable polymer, Biolimus A9-eluting stent (CoCr-BP-BES) Biomatrix Alpha stent. Immediately after stenting, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow score in the coronary artery and its bypass branch, plaque shift, and lateral dissection immediately after angioplasty, were evaluated.
Results:
The mean age for patients was 65 (±10.35) years, where 49.02% of them were male and 45.1% had diabetes. No, lateral dissection and death were reported in any of the patients. Also, the TIMI flow grade was 3 for the main branch in all patients. Plaque shifts were compared at different degrees of the TIMI flow coronary artery bypass graft. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between groups. Controlling for gender, diabetes, systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure with plaque shifts had no significant difference.
Conclusions:
We found that the immediate clinical outcomes for Biomatrix Alpha stents is admissible. In accordance with the current body of research on the latest-generation drug-eluting stent (DES), our results support the clinical benefit of the new biolimus-eluting (BES) stent technology that incorporating a biodegradable polymer, the BA-9 drug and a thin-strut CoCr stent platform.
A study on reservoir architecture difference of extra-deep strike-slip fault zone in the Shunbei area, Tarim Basin
Authors: Kong Qiangfu , Hu Suyun , Wang Xiong , Liu Shuang
Published: January 2023

Shunbei reservoir is a typical extra-deep carbonate strike-slip fault-controlled reservoir. It has experienced multi-stage tectonic activities, and strong heterogeneity and anisotropy are present in the reservoir. Based on the reservoir cores, imaging logging, pressure build-up curves of typical wells, and dynamic analysis, the reservoir architecture difference between the S-1 and S-5 strike-slip fault zones in the Shunbei area is studied. The results show that the reservoir architecture of the S-5 fault zone is a fault-fracture system formed under the compressive stress environment, with small internal space, poor fluid flow capacity, small reservoir scale, and low energy. However, the reservoir architecture of the S-1 fault zone is the dilational space and caves bounded by fault planes formed under the tensile stress environment. The reservoir space could be categorized as the fault-fracture-cave system, which has large internal spaces and fluid flow capacity. Moreover, the reservoir is substantial in size and is highly energetic. This study has clarified the difference in reservoir architecture between the S-1 and S-5 fault zones and could be used as a classic case to predict the fault-reservoir relationship in the Shunbei area. It is of great significance for the exploration and development of the extra-deep carbonate strike-slip fault-controlled reservoir.
Striking a Balance Between eGFR Decline and LVEF Improvement in Asian Patients with Heart Failure Treated with Sacubitril/Valsartan
Authors: Wang Shih-Rong , Hsu Wan-Tseng
Published: January 2023

Background
After using sacubitril/valsartan, patients with heart failure exhibit different degrees of reverse cardiac remodeling. Those with unsatisfactory improvement may derive more harm than benefit because sacubitril/valsartan may impair renal function. This study investigated the critical factors related to changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients to help clinicians balance the efficacy and safety of sacubitril/valsartan.
Methods
This retrospective study observed 333 patients with baseline LVEF ≤ 40% who had been prescribed sacubitril/valsartan for ≥ 30 days. We recorded their echocardiographic and laboratory data at 6-month intervals. The endpoint was death or heart transplantation.
Results
The median follow-up was 33.1 months. At 6 months, the mean increase in LVEF was 5.04%. Compared with the patients with a ∆LVEF of < 5% at 6 months, the patients with a ∆LVEF of ≥ 5% had a significantly higher survival rate, a shorter average heart failure duration, a lower rate of diuretic use at baseline, and better renal function at 6 months. The patients’ eGFR declined at an average rate of − 2.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 per year. Compared with the patients with a ∆eGFR of < 20% at 6 months, the patients with a ∆eGFR of ≥ 20% had a significantly lower survival rate, higher blood urea nitrogen and pulmonary pressure at baseline, and a higher average dose of concomitant diuretics at 6 months.
Conclusion
Although LVEF increasing ≥ 5% is associated with favorable health outcomes, eGFR decreasing ≥ 20% within the first 6 months of initiating sacubitril/valsartan is an indication against titration.
Hybrid Features for Gender Classification System based on Pre-segmented Handwritten Gurumukhi Characters Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: SINGLA CHINU , MAINI RAMAN , KUMAR MUNISH
Published: January 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Long-term Efficacy of Endoscopic Balloon Dilatation in Patients with Small bowel Strictures Secondary to Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Liu Zelong , Sun Jiachen , Yang Hongsheng , Lin Huixian , Li Miao , Liu Zhongcheng , Kurban Mrigul , Gao Xiang , Zhang Ning , Guo Qin
Published: January 2023

Purpose Long-term Efficacy of Endoscopic Balloon Dilatation in Patients with Small bowel Strictures Secondary to Crohn’s Disease were poorly understood.
Methods We retrospectively collected and analyzed clinical data of CD patients with small intestinal strictures that underwent EBD treatment at three medical centers.
Results A total of 65 patients were included in the present study. During a median follow-up time of 869 days, the overall cumulative rate of repeat intervention after initial EBD was 35.4% (n = 23), with the majority (73.5%) occurring within 3 months. Only CRP level and diameter of dilatation balloon were found to be independently associated with repeat intervention, with HRs of 1.171 (95% CI: 1.040-1.319, p = 0.009) and 0.084 (95% CI: 0.014-0.508, p = 0.007), respectively. There was a tendency for anastomotic cases to have a lower risk of repeat intervention after initial EBD compared to non-anastomotic cases and ileocecal valve cases (p = 0.052). More importantly, the median intervention-free survival (IFS) of the anastomotic group was 1756.50 days (95% CI: 1588.03-1924.98 days), which was significantly longer than the non-anastomotic group (1093.91 days, 95% CI: 692.21-1495.61 days, p = 0.044) and the ileocecal valve group (1175.59 days, 95% CI: 786.96-1564.23 days, p = 0.029).
Conclusion In CD patients with small intestinal strictures treated with EBD, overall long-term efficacy was promising, while short-term failure and the requirement of repeat intervention occurred in a subset of individuals. Lower CRP levels and larger balloon sizes were found to be associated with a lower risk of repeat intervention.
Effects of selenium supplementation on N-Nitrosomethylbenzylamine-Induced Esophageal Carcinogenesis in rats
Authors: younesian Ommolbanin , Jafari Seyyed Mehdi , arabi Mehdi Sheikh , Naseh Hosein , Hosseinzadeh Sara , Joshaghani Hamidreza
Published: January 2023

Background: Esophageal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death and the seventh most prevalent cancer worldwide. Considering the positive association of high selenium with the prevalence of esophageal cancer in high-risk areas in the world, we have investigated the effect of high doses of selenium on gene expression in the esophagus of rats treated with N-nitrosomethylbenzylamine (NMBA).
Materials and methods: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) was induced in Sprague Dawley male rats with NMBA (0.5 mg/kg BW, s.c, three times per week for 5 weeks). Rats in the treated groups were given 0.3, 1.5, and 3 mg/kg body weight sodium selenite for 20 weeks. After euthanizing the rats, esophageal tissue and blood was collected to assess the effects of high dose selenium. Pathological analysis was performed to diagnose preneoplastic lesion in the rat esophagus. Serum malondialdehyde and whole blood glutathione peroxidase activity was measured. Furthermore, the expression and concentration of the cyclin D1, cyclin E, KRAS, p53, NF-kB, TGF-β, and MGMT were analyzed and compared between groups.
Results: In the esophagus of rats treated with NMBA, increasing selenium levels significantly increased the mRNA levels of cyclin D1 and NF-κB p65.The concentrations of cyclin D1 was also significantly increased by high-dose selenium. Moreover, excess dietary selenium had no significant effect on serum MDA but significantly increased GPx activity.
Conclusion: The present study proved that high dose of inorganic selenium increases the mRNA levels of cyclin D1 and NF-κB p65 in the esophagus of rats treated with NMBA and may promote carcinogenesis by enhancing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell proliferation.
The value of dual time point 18F-FDG PET/CT imaging in differentiating lymph node metastasis from reactive hyperplasia in bladder urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Zhang Ruixue , Zhang Ruiyun , Hu Jiaxi , Sun Hong , Chen Ruohua , Wan Liangrong , Xia Jun , Huang Gang , Shi Kuangyu , Chen Haige , Liu Jianjun
Published: January 2023

Purpose
Our study explored the clinical value of dual time point FDG PET imaging for differentiating lymph node metastasis from lymph node reactive hyperplasia.
Methods
The study analyzed 250 lymph nodes from bladder cancer patients. All patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT delayed diuretic imaging. Metabolic parameters SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV, and related delay indices before and after PET delayed imaging were obtained. Relationships with outcomes were analyzed using nonparametric analysis and multivariate analysis. ROC curves and nomograms were drawn to predict lymph node metastasis.
Results
Delayed PET/CT imaging helps to detect more suspicious lymph nodes. If SUVmax = 2.0 or 2.5 was taken as cut-off, delayed imaging could increase the detection rate of metastatic lymph nodes by 4.1%, and 6.9%, respectively. Reactive hyperplasia lymph nodes were more likely to show increased lymph node-localized FDG uptake than metastatic lymph nodes on delayed FDG imaging. Metastatic lymph nodes were more likely to have whole, diffuse increased FDG uptake on delayed imaging. Short lymph node diameter, SUVmean, and DIMTV were three independent predictors for differentiating metastatic lymph nodes from reactive hyperplasia. Lymph node metastasis could be better differentiated from inflammatory hyperplasia ones by the combination of these three predictors. In high-risk patients, the probability of lymph node metastasis is as high as 97.6%.
Conclusions
Dual time point imaging is helpful to detect more suspicious lymph nodes. Some hyperplasic lymph nodes had certain image characteristics using delayed imaging. Short lymph node diameter, SUVmean, and DIMTV were three important parameters for predicting lymph node metastasis.
Polyamine-mediated mechanisms contribute to oxidative stress tolerance in Pseudomonas syringae.
Authors: Solmi Leandro , Rossi Franco R. , Romero Fernando Matías , Bach-Pages Marcel , Preston Gail M. , Ruiz Oscar A. , Gárriz Andrés
Published: January 2023

Bacterial phytopathogens thriving in the surface or the interior of plants may experience oxidative stress because of the activation of plant defense responses. Polyamines have been proposed to participate in the protection of bacteria against this stress, but the mechanisms behind their functions are mostly unclear. In this study, we sought to understand the effects of oxidative stress on the polyamine homeostasis of the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae and decipher the functions of these compounds in stress tolerance. We showed that bacteria react to H2O2 by raising the extracellular amount of the polyamine putrescine while the intracellular levels of this compound as well as the analogue spermidine remained unchanged. Consistent with this, supplementation of media with exogenous putrescine enhanced bacterial tolerance to H2O2. Deletion of arginine decarboxylase (speA) and ornithine decarboxylate (speC), prevented the synthesis of putrescine and augmented susceptibility to H2O2, whereas targeting spermidine synthesis alone through deletion of spermidine synthase (speE) increased the level of extracellular putrescine and enhanced H2O2 tolerance. Further research demonstrated that the increased tolerance of the ΔspeE mutant correlated both with increased expression of H2O2-degrading catalases and enhanced outer cell membrane stability. Thus, this work demonstrates previously unidentified links between the metabolism of polyamines and the defense against oxidative stress in bacteria.
Storm tracks and cyclogenesis over the Southern Ocean: An overview with the HadGEM3-GC3.1 model
Authors: de Souza Marcelo Rodrigues , Piva Everson Dal
Published: January 2023

Wide areas of the globe have their weather and climate strongly influenced by the action of extratropical cyclones. However, the characteristics of cyclones, their formation, displacement, and dissipation areas are dependent on the data and methodology employed. Here, we have evaluated the characteristics and spatial distribution of extratropical cyclones that had their genesis in the Southern Ocean (SO) in the present climate, based on data from the HadGEM3-GC3.1-MM (HG3) global model and the ERA5 reanalysis. Both in winter and in summer, cyclone tracks are spatially structured, forming a belt around the entire Antarctic continent, with greater concentration in the SO sector adjacent to the southern Pacific Ocean. Moderate and strong cyclones presented their trajectories in greater density in the regions of the Bellingshausen, Amundsen, and Somov seas, suggesting a correlation with the highest baroclinity in these regions. In both datasets, the maximum occurrence of cyclogenesis was located over the regions of the Somov Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula, making these regions very important in the general configuration of cyclones along the SO. Despite underestimating the total number of cyclones along the SO, the HG3 model showed a good ability to represent the main patterns of cyclonic activity around the Antarctic continent, as well as its average behavior. Knowing the characteristics and the behavior of extratropical cyclones in such an important area for global climate is essential for understanding their role in weather and future climate resulting from climate change.
Coefficient ideals and full properties
Authors: LIMA P. H.
Published: January 2023

In this paper we provide sufficient conditions for the coefficient ideals to satisfy full properties.
Speciation and historical migration pattern interaction: examples from P. nigra and P. sylvestris phylogeography
Authors: Naydenov Krassimir , Naydenov Michel K. , Alexandrov Alexander , Gurov Todor , Gyuleva Veselka , Hinkov Georgi , Ivanovska Sofiya , Tsarev Anatoly , Nikolic Biljana , Goudiaby Venceslas , Carcaillet Christopher , Volosyanchuk Roman , Bojovic Srdjan , Vasilevski Kole , Matevski Vlado , Peruzzi Lorenzo , Christou Andreas Christou Andreas , Paitaridou Despina , Goia Irina , Kamary Salim , Gulcu Suleyman , Ture Cengiz , Bogunic Faruk
Published: January 2023

Here, from macrophylogeographic mtDNA empirical data, we propose a scenario for the evolution and speciation of two important forest trees, European black pine and Scotch pine, and their multiple subspecies and varieties. Molecular clock simulations revealed that INDEL variability in the Pinusmitochondrial genome is relatively old, i.e., from the Pliocene-Miocene epoch, and related to historical tectonic continental fluctuations rather than to climate change at a large geographic scale. For conservation and management biodiversity program recommendations, special attention is given to the relationships between different speciation models, historical migration patterns, and differences between peripheral and central populations. Species evolution involves the mixing of different speciation modes, and every speciation mode has different effects on different DNA types (e.g., mitochondrial vs. chloroplast vs. nuclear DNA). The misbalance between the contributions of different meta-population census sizes vs. effective population sizes to asymmetric migration patterns is the result of different genotypes (and subphylogenetic lines) responding to selection pressure and adaptive evolution. We propose initial minimal size of conservation unit (between 3 and 5 ha) from central and marginal natural area of distribution for both species in the dynamic management system for practical forest genetic diversity management. The proposed physical sizes was determine by the effective population size, effective radius of seed distribution data, forest density age dynamics, succession pattern, natural selection pressing and species biology [R-17].
Risk Stratification for Cardiovascular Disease Based on Prior Coronary Artery Disease, Cerebrovascular Disease and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Oe Momoko , Fujihara Kazuya , Yamada Mayuko Harada , Osawa Taeko , Kitazawa Masaru , Matsubayashi Yasuhiro , Sato Takaaki , Yaguchi Yuta , Iwanaga Midori , Yamada Takaho , Sone Hirohito
Published: January 2023

Background: Although the impact of a history of coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease (CVD) or both and diabetes mellites (DM) on cardiovascular disease is essential for cardiovascular risk management in clinical practice, little is known about such an impact. Therefore, we investigated the association of prior CAD, prior CVD, DM and their combinations with the risk of subsequent cardiovascular disease.
Methods: This historical cohort study included 342,033 participants aged 18-72 years followed for ≥5 years between 2008-2016. Eight groups were created according to whether they were with or without prior CAD, prior CVD and/or DM. DM was defined by fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c and antidiabetic drug prescription. Prior and subsequent CAD and CVD were identified by claims using ICD-10 codes, medical procedures and questionnaires. Cox regression models evaluated the risk of cardiovascular events.
Results: Median follow-up period was 6.4 years. Incidence of composite cardiovascular events due to CAD and/or CVD in CAD-/CVD-, CAD+/CVD-, CAD-/CVD+ and CAD+/CVD+ groups were 1.92, 6.94, 25.14 and 31.98 per 1,000 person-years in non-DM and 8.66, 18.04, 39.98 and 60.72 in DM, respectively. Hazard ratio of cardiovascular events compared to CAD-/CVD-/non-DM were 1.66 (95% CI 1.55-1.78) in CAD-/CVD-/DM and 1.84 (1.56-2.18) in CAD+/CVD-/non-DM. CVD+ increased the risk of cardiovascular events approximately 4- to 7- fold regardless of CAD+ or DM.
Conclusions:DM increase the risk of cardiovascular disease as high as a history of CAD, while prior CVD alone increased the risk of future cardiovascular disease without additional effects by DM.
Historical simulation of photovoltaic potential over China within the CORDEX-EA-II framework
Authors: Li Tongxin , Chen Jinqi , Zhao Ruonan , Tang Jianping , Zuo Dapeng , Tian Liqing , Zhang Zhongjie
Published: January 2023

The historical simulation of solar photovoltaic potential (PVpot) during 1989–2008 over China is evaluated against the ERA5 reanalysis, using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model and Regional Climate Model version 4 (RegCM4) within the framework of the Coordinated Regional Downscaling Experiment-East Asia second phase (CORDEX-EA-II). The impacts of Spectral Nudging technique and land surface model on the simulated PVpot are investigated as well. The results indicate that the observed PVpot is abundant over western China, which can reach up to 26% in summer. The WRF simulations significantly overestimate the PVpot over most areas of China, with the bias about 9% over southeastern China, while the utilization of Spectral Nudging method and CLM4 land surface model can greatly reduce the deviation. The RegCM4 simulations generate underestimation of PVpot over Northwest China, while overestimation over Southeast China. As for the interannual variation, the observed PVpot features an increase of 0.9%/decade over southeastern China. The WRF and RegCM4 simulations can reproduce the rising trend of PVpot, while the magnitude is much lower than ERA5. The WRF simulations can properly portray the characteristics of seasonal cycle of PVpot, with the peaks in May over entire China and most subregions, while RegCM4 exhibit poor skill in reproducing the intra-annual variation. Moreover, the simulated bias in the clear-sky solar radiation (RSDSCS), low-level cloud fraction and light rain during the daylight may contribute to the deficiency of PVpot.
Effects of chicken manure and chicken manure -derived biochar on the bioavailability and concentration of Lead (Pb) in two Brassica vegetables
Authors: Mulenga Moses , Mukumbuta Ikabongo , Uchida Prof. Yoshitaka , Chishala Ben
Published: January 2023

Lead (Pb) contamination has been widely reported in Kabwe town soils due to mining activities. The bioavailability and excessive amounts of Pb in soils are toxic to both plants and microorganisms. Manure and biochar have been reported to immobilize heavy metals in soil. This study, thus evaluated the effects of chicken manure and chicken manure-derived biochar on the bioavailability of Pb in the soil and its uptake by plants in polluted garden soils of Kabwe. Pots containing Pb contaminated soil with five treatments of manure and biochar in the following proportions: CT (un-amended polluted soil, control); 2% and 4% of CM (chicken manure); 2% of and 4% of CMB (chicken manure-derived biochar) were used in this study. The manure and biochar were applied as percentage of total mass of soil in the pot. Brassica napus (rape) was planted and grown in the soils under greenhouse conditions for nine weeks. After harvesting the rape, Brassica rapa (Chinese cabbage) was planted in the same pots and grown for eight weeks. The planting of Chinese cabbage was done to ascertain the residual effects of the amendments. Soil pH and bioavailable Pb was measured six times during the experiment and after the harvest, Pb concentration in plant tissues were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS - Z series 2010). Concentrations of bioavailable Pb were higher in the amended soils of 2% and 4% CM (18.90 ± 1.5; 21.18 ± 2.3 mg Pb/kg), 2% and 4% CMB (29.16 ± 2.4; 41.15 ± 2.6 mg Pb/kg) compared to CT (18.36 ± 1.6 mg Pb/kg). Despite higher bioavailable Pb in the manure and biochar amended soils; the concentration of Pb in both rape and Chinese cabbage tissues was lower than that in un-amended polluted soil (CT). Concentration of Pb in rape from 2% and 4% CM were less than detection limit, 2% and 4% CMB were 12.79 ± 2.49 mg Pb/kg and 8.4 ± 0.20 mg Pb/kg while concentration of Pb in rape from CT was 35.13 ± 13.72 mg Pb/kg. In Chinese cabbage, all amendments had Pb concentrations in plant tissues less than detection limit while the value in CT was 8.13 ± 0.97 mg Pb/kg. The experiment showed that, amendment application with increase in dose application results to reduced Pb uptake by the plants and concentration, despite increased Pb mobilization in soil. It is recommended that these amendments can be used for remediating Pb contaminated soils, as they seem to reduce Pb concentrations in plant tissues.
Effects of different doses of calcium gluconate combined with neostigmine on the recovery of neuromuscular blockade in the elderly
Authors: Hao Mengxiao , Yan Ming , Xing Rui , Zhang Ying , Mao Ye
Published: January 2023

Background

There is high incidence of postoperative residual curarization(PORC)in elderly patients. Ionised calcium plays a significant role in the neuromuscular junction. Objective to investigate the effect of using different doses of calcium gluconate on residual neuromuscular blockade༈NMB༉after laparoscopy in elderly patients, and also to observe its clinical safety and dose-effect relationship.

Methods

One hundred and eighty elderly patients who underwent elective laparoscopic surgery were randomly divided into four groups, the experimental group of 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg calcium gluconate injection combined with neostigmine (C5 group, C10 group, C20 group) and the neostigmine group (N group), 45 cases in each group. At the end of the operation, when TOFc(train-of-four count) was ≥ 3, patients received 40 ug/kg neostigmine with 20 ug/kg atropine intravenously, while C5, C10, and C20 group received additional calcium gluconate 5 or 10 or 20 mg/kg. The time of TOFr (T4 /T1 ) ≥ 0.90 and the incidence of PORC at 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes after neostigmine administration were observed in the four groups.

Results

The time of TOFr ≥ 0.90 was 11.50 (9.25,14.75) min in the control group, 7.50 (6.00,9.00) min in the C5 group, 9.50 (8.00,12.00) min in the C10 group and 10.00 (9.00,12.00) min in the C20 group (P＜0.001). The incidence of PORC after extubation was 27 (67.5%) in N group, 21 (52.5%) in C5 group 12 (30%) in C10 group and 7 (17.5%) in C20 group (P＜0.001). There were no differences between the four groups with respect to the incidence of PORC at 5 and 15min after administration of neostigmine.

Conclusions

Calcium gluconate can be safely used for promoting early postoperative NMB recovery of cis-atracurium in elderly patients, and the recovery process was more stable in the C20 group.
Zonal garnet from eclogite-blueschist complexes - recorder of the history of their development.
Authors: Fedkin* Valentin
Published: January 2023

Garnet has a unique ability to maintain its composition in the situation of changing conditions of metamorphism and fix the chemical changes in the new grains, outgrowths and replacements associated with the evolution of mineral formation parameters. These properties and capabilities of garnet were studied by the phase correspondence and mineralogical thermobarometry methods using the example of the Maksyutov (Southern Urals) and the Atbashi (South Tien Shan) complexes of crustal mafic eclogites, where they are used as PT indicators of their formation conditions. The issue is considered against the background of solving a specific petrological problem - the origin in eclogite-blueschist complexes (EBSK) of contrasting series of rocks - high-pressure eclogite blocks, boudins and interlayers in the thickness of a weakly metamorphosed gneiss-schist matrix. In the polymetamorphic Maksyutov complex, the garnet demonstrates complex multidirectional, sometimes inversion zoning, which reflects the features of mineral formation at each stage of its development. The corresponding PT trends bear signs of the determining processes of the formation of the complex - tectonic melange and coherent development. In the one-stage Atbashi eclogite-blueschist complex, inversion PT trends in the evolution of metamorphism are noted with a turn in their direction clockwise, indicating a transition from a tectonic melange setting to a coherent stage of the terrane development.
TO INVESTIGATE THE DUST PARTICLES AND IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF PHOTO VOLTIC PANELS BY USING SLIDING CLEANING TECHNIQUE
Authors: Ali Akbar
Published: January 2023

The best source of sustainable energy is solar energy. Interestingly, the use of solar panels grew exponentially and these are of incredible interest because they are extremely humble and effectively accessible. In any case, dust accumulation, high temperature, snow, and dirt on the outer layer of solar panels are major factors responsible for the deterioration in the effectiveness and power of solar panels. Spots of different density, shape and area also reduce performance and strength. For the regionally savvy investigation of PV cell, we thought about two solar panels, 0ne of which is dirty and the other is pristine. Both are inclined at 23.5 from the surface of earth. We then used a programmed sliding cleaning wipe process to clean the uncovered board. A model that includes a cleaning robot and a cloud interface is also used to clean the residue that has accumulated on the outer layer of solar panels. Our model consist of Arduino UNO, stepper motor, jumpers wires, pulley, belt, breadboard and 9 volt battery. In addition, an automatic arm, nifty cleaning frame, and sun-based global positioning frame are also used for cleaning purposes, but they are extravagant. The Isc of the perfect panel has been shown to be more remarkable than that of the dusty panel.
Managerial competences and financial performance of savings and credit cooperatives in south western Uganda; A cross-sectional study.
Authors: Namara Beatrice , Oyagi Benard , Bateyo Asuman
Published: January 2023

This study assessed the relationship between managerial competencies and the financial performance of SACCOs in the Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality. Questionnaires were given to 80 staffs and managers from 5 SACCOs in Bushenyi-Ishaka Municipality. The response rate was 100% and analysis was done using SPSS version 22. The regression analysis revealed that, technical skills (β = 0.435, p < 0.001) and conceptual skills (β = 0.456, p < 0.001) had a positive significant contribution to the financial performance, while interpersonal skills (β = 0.109, p = 0.121) had no significant contribution. Managerial skills contributed 62.5% towards variations in financial performance (adjusted R2 = 0.625).
Correspondence on H3K4 methylation at enhancers and broad promoters concerning the issues raised by Shah et al. in “Examining the Roles of H3K4 Methylation States with Systematically Characterized Antibodies”
Authors: Pękowska Aleksandra , Guillaume Charbonnier , Jean-Christophe Andrau , Spicuglia Salvatore
Published: January 2023

Using a series of calibrated ChIP-seq experiments, Shah et al. previously determined the specificity of widely used antibodies recognizing different levels of histone 3 at lysine 4 methylation (H3K4me) (Shah et al., 2018). The authors concluded that a significant number of published studies reporting on H3K4me were “flawed” due to cross-reactivity of antibodies. Considering the potential impact of these conclusions, we investigated the source of the discrepancy between the previous studies and that of Shah et al.
Validation of upper thermal thresholds for outdoor sports using thermal physiology modelling
Authors: Oyama Takahiro , Fujii Minoru , Nakajima Kenichi , Takakura Jun'ya , Hijioka Yasuaki
Published: January 2023

Objectives: To validate the upper thresholds of the thermal safety guidelines for multiple outdoor sports in terms of heat illness risk.
Methods: The reproducibility of the joint system thermoregulation model (JOS-3) of core temperature has been validated for 18 sports experiments (n=213) and 11 general exercise experiments (n=121) using the Bland–Altman analysis. Core temperatures were predicted using the JOS-3 in conditions corresponding to the upper thresholds, and if the 90th–99.7th percentile core temperature value (corresponding to 0.3%–10% of the participants) exceeded 40℃, the thresholds were judged as potentially hazardous. Revisions are proposed for sports with potentially hazardous thresholds.
Results: The JOS-3 could simulate core temperature increases in most experiments (27/29) for six sports and general exercises with an accuracy of 0.5℃, provided that systematic errors were corrected. The current upper thresholds for marathons, triathlons, and football are potentially hazardous. Based on our model settings, the upper thresholds should be revised as follows for participants' safety, depending on the specified percentiles: Football: revise from wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) 32℃ to 29–31℃ or not revise. Marathon: revise from WBGT 28℃ to 24–27℃. Triathlon: revise from WBGT 32.2℃ to 23–26℃.
Conclusion: The upper thresholds for marathons, triathlons, and football are potentially hazardous and revising the thresholds should be considered. The thermo-physiological model approach can be applied to heat illness risk assessment in sports while avoiding logistical and ethical difficulties, and can potentially contribute to such assessments in various sports and conditions.
Combinatorial quantification of distinct neural projections from retrograde tracing
Authors: Venkadesh Siva , Santarelli Anthony , Boesen Tyler , Dong Hong-Wei , Ascoli Giorgio
Published: January 2023

Comprehensive quantification of neuronal architectures underlying anatomical brain connectivity remains challenging. We introduce a method to identify the distinct axonal projection patterns from a source to a set of target regions and the count of neurons with each pattern. For a source region projecting to n targets, there are 2n-1 theoretically possible projection types, although only a subset of these types typically exists. By injecting uniquely labeled retrograde tracers in k regions (k < n), one can experimentally count the cells expressing different combinations of colors in the source region1,2. Such an experiment can be performed for n choose k combinations. The counts of cells with different color combinations from all experiments provide constraints for a system of equations that include 2n-1 unknown variables, each corresponding to the count of neurons for a projection pattern. Evolutionary algorithms prove to be effective at solving the resultant system of equations, thus allowing the determination of the counts of neurons with each of the possible projection patterns. Numerical analysis of simulated choose retrograde injection experiments using surrogate data demonstrates reliable and precise count estimates for all projection neuron types. We illustrate the experimental application of this framework by quantifying the projections of mouse primary motor cortex to four prominent targets: the primary and secondary somatosensory and motor cortices.
Post-cardiac catheterization infective endocarditis with flail mitral valve leaflets: an interesting and rare case
Authors: Ahmed Said Abdirahman , Mohamud Mohamed Abdullahi , Waberi Mohamud Mire , Ali Abdijalil Abdullahi , Hassan Mohamed Omar , Mohamed Ahmed Omar , Mohamed Abdulrashid Hashi , Hassan Mohamed Sheikh
Published: January 2023

Endocarditis is a life-threatening infection of the endocardium (inner lining of the heart). It usually affects the left-sided valves more than the right-sided valves and presents classically with a new murmur, fever, and peripheral stigmata. Though in the modern era, we have better antibiotics, better diagnostic imaging, and surgery that might cure infectious endocarditis (IE), it still carries significant mortality and morbidity. Here we present a 52-year-old male patient with hypertension and ischemic heart disease who presented with shivering, fever, and confusion for 2 days, fourteen days after cardiac intervention (PCI). Further trans-esophageal echocardiography was done due to the patient’s fulfillment of three minor and one major of Duke's criteria. Trans-esophageal echocardiography revealed flailing posterior mitral valve leaflets, 1.1 x 0.60 cm of vegetation, and severe eccentric mitral regurgitation. The patient was managed with vancomycin and gentamicin and referred to the cardiovascular surgery center.
Post-PCI infective endocarditis is a rare and often missed diagnosis, so there should be a high level of suspension for those who present with signs and symptoms compatible with infective endocarditis.
Non-orthogonal Error Analysis of TriaxialMagnetic Sensor Based on High Tc DC SQUIDs
Authors: Zhang Zhidan , HE Anran , WU Wenqi , KONG Xiangyan
Published: January 2023

As a high-sensitive and wide-band magnetic field sensor, SuperconductingQuantum Interference Devices (SQUIDs) have great advantagesin mineral detection and submarine communications. However, due tothe complexity of the Marine environment, the noise of the detectionmodule itself will have a significant impact on the detection results.Among them, the non-orthogonality of the triaxial sensor is one ofthe important parameters in the evaluation of the detection system.In this paper, the influence results of non-orthogonality on static anddynamic detection sources are given through theoretical derivation andsimulation analysis, and the non-orthogonality of the triaxial module isevaluated through experiments, and then the non-orthogonality of themodule is derived by simulation. Finally, the triaxial module is usedto test the actual magnetic field. The results of this paper have a certainguiding role for the future application of triaxial sensors in theocean and the evaluation of the non-orthogonality of triaxial modules.
Definition of the daily model of distribution of solar radiation on the curved surfaces of buildings
Authors: Zaprivoda Vitaliy , Ploskyi Vitalii , Krivenko Olga , Zaprivoda Andrey
Published: January 2023

The development of the integration of renewable energy into the energy supply of buildings leads to the formulation of the problem of efficient placement of solar thermal devices on surfaces of complex shapes (shells). An urgent task is the development of tools that can justify the decision-making by designers about the advisability of placing solar thermal devices and their implementation in the energy-efficient design of buildings. The study solves the problem of finding zones on the surface of the envelope, receiving the maximum amount of solar radiation during a given period of time – an epoch. A method is applied based on discrete geometric modeling of solar radiation input to curved surfaces of buildings. In this case, the interaction of a set of design parameters is taken into account: parameters of the shape of a curved surface and parameters of variable sunlight for the characteristic dates of September 21, March 21 – the solar equinox and December 21, June 21 – the winter and summer solstices. In the course of the study, N is determined – the optimal number of fixed positions of the Sun on the solar trajectory for different angles of solar declination (for June 22 N=17, for September 21, March 21 N=11, for December 21 N=8), for a given geographical location. One of the examples of modeling the amount of solar radiation entering the surface of a hyperbolic paraboloid during the day at the geographical latitude δ=52° (Kyiv, Ukraine) is shown. The simulation results in a family of lines of the same level of solar radiation on a curved surface during the day. Using the values of the averaged daily model, it is possible to proceed to obtaining averaged daily models for the estimated time interval at the stage of pre-project proposals to predict the efficiency of using the solar system
Comparison of test results to determine the parameters of soil strength to ensure the stability of earth slopes
Authors: Sagybekova Akmaral , Kiyalbay Saniya , Belov Alexey , Kiyalbayev Abdy , Tursumbekova Khorlan
Published: January 2023

The content of large soil fractions in soils complicates the experimental part of the research, but, the modeling method makes it possible to determine the effect of soil filler on slope stability.

The article presents the results of experimental study of the strength of coarse-clastic soils with different percentages of large fractions of gravelly soil (up to 20 mm) and aggregate (up to 5 mm) in the study of slope stability. The studies were carried out on three types of experimental equipment, which confirms the reliability of the results obtained. Recommendations are given for applying the values of the strength characteristics of coarse-grained soils in calculating the stability of slopes.

The results of the tests are carried out in a tray and shear testing devices. Mixture of soil fractions from 2 mm to 50 mm. Purpose of the tests is to determine the actual parameters of soil strength j and C, taking into account the effect of impurities on the stability of slopes.

Reliability of the results confirmed the comparability of the results of previous tests. Tray allows for testing models of slopes composed of mixtures of sand fractions from 2 mm to 20 mm. Model sizes slopes are defined relative to the size tray. Tray dimensions ‑ length 1400 mm, width 500 mm, height 1000 mm.

The design of the shear device allows to investigate coarse soils of different factions. The diameter of the fractions were tested for shear device area of 100 sm2 is from 2 mm to 20 mm.

The diameter of the fractions were tested for shear device area of 1000 sm2 ‑ from 5 mm to 50 mm. The experiments were performed in the laboratory "Geotechnics in Construction" in KazGASA.
TOXICITY OF ZINC OXIDE TO SCLERACTINIAN CORALS AND ZOOXANTHELLAE: A BRIEF REVIEW
Authors: Freitas Neto Lúcio , Espósito Breno
Published: January 2023

In recent years, the safety of sunscreens to coral reefs and the role these products would play in the process of coral bleaching has been a concern. However, the discussion centers almost exclusively on the organic components used as UV filters, with little attention given to inorganic UV filters, such as zinc oxide. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have been a common ingredient of sunscreen formulations for decades and are being discharged in coral reef environments. Even though there are data supporting that ZnO is toxic to certain species of fish and algae, regulatory agencies do not appear concerned with the possible outcome of the exposure of corals and their algal symbionts to this metal oxide. This review compiles the published work on the toxicity of ZnO and ZnO-NPs to corals and zooxanthellae, which strongly supports the notion that zinc oxide is toxic to both corals and microalgae. In view of this, concern has been raised by the use of the “reef safe” label to promote sunscreens that lack specific organic components, however containing ZnO as the major UV filter.