bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Smart Cotton Fabric With Temperature Sensitive Moisture Management Property By An N-Vinylcaprolactam Based Polymer Finishing
Authors: Genç Sena Demirbağ , Aksoy Sennur Alay , Alkan Cemil
Published: April 2022

In this study, it was aimed to develop a smart cotton fabric with temperature-sensitive wetting and water vapor permeability management functions. For this purpose, n-vinyl caprolactam (VCL) based poly(2-hydroxyethyl-6-(vinyl amino)hexanoate) (PHEVAH) polymer was synthesized by free radical addition polymerization method. The produced polymer was cross-linked onto the cotton fabrics using 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid. Before the synthesis, VCL was hydrolyzed with ethylene glycol in toluene to open its ring structure and obtain a new monomer with different functional group and molecular weight. The synthesis of the PHEVAH polymer with average molecular weight of 4000 g/mole was confirmed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Its lowest critical solution temperature (LCST) was determined at around 34°C. The surface morphology of the fabrics coated by the polymer were confirmed by SEM images. The temperature-sensitive hydrophilicity and wettability of the fabrics were determined by wetting time and water uptake tests and contact angle measurements. At temperatures above the LCST of the polymer, the hydrophilic character of the fabrics turned to hydrophobic. Their surface contact angles increased and water uptake values decreased. The vapor permeability of the fabrics treated with low concentration polymer was significantly high as compared to untreated fabric. Consequently, the fabrics was able to control water vapor permeability by changing their temperature-dependent hydrophilic/hydrophobic character and porosity resulting from swelling or shrinkage of the polymer molecules. Besides, PHEVAH polymer formed a flexible coating on the fabric surface and did not increase the bending rigidity of the fabrics.
Residue behavior and risk assessment of pyraclostrobin and tebuconazole in peppers under different growing conditions
Authors: Zhao Ercheng , Xie Anqi , Wang Dong , Du Xiaoying , Liu Bingjie , Chen Li , He Min , Yu Pingzhong , Jing Junjie
Published: April 2022

To evaluate the residue behavior and risk of pyraclostrobin and tebuconazole in peppers, an analytical method for the determination of these two fungicides in peppers was developed using Ultra-high Performance Liquid Chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Pepper samples were extracted with acetonitrile, and cleaned up with primary secondary amine (PSA) and graphitized carbon black (GCB). The average recoveries for three fortification levels of pyraclostrobin and tebuconazole in peppers were 86.7-101.4% and 81.7-104.4% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 4.0-7.2% and 3.8–10.9%, respectively. The limit of quantifications (LOQs) for the two fungicides in peppers were 0.01 mg/kg. Terminal residue trial of 30% pyraclostrobin and tebuconazole suspension concentrate (SC) on peppers was investigated under open fields and greenhouses conditions. The results showed that the terminal residues of pyraclostrobin and tebuconazole in peppers were lower than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) of peppers established by GB 2763 − 2021 (0.5 mg/kg for pyraclostrobin and 2 mg/kg for tebuconazole). A statistical t-test was used to study the significant difference between open fields and greenhouses, and the results indicated that there is no significant difference between different planting conditions of greenhouses and open fields. Using international estimate of short-term intake (IESTI) calculation model of Joint FAO/WHO Meeting on Pesticide Residues (JMPR), the acute dietary exposure risk of two fungicides in peppers was acceptable for general population with the IESTIs varied from 0–3% of ARfD for pyraclostrobin and 0–5% for tebuconazole.
Genome-Wide Identification and Stress Response Analysis ofCyclophilin Gene Family in apple (Malus domestica)
Authors: Wang Xiao-Fei , Qiao Zhi-Wen , Wang Da-Ru , Wang Xun , You Chun-Xiang
Published: April 2022

Background Cyclophilin (CYP) belongs to the immunophilin family and posses peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase (PPIase), which catalyzes the cis-trans isomerization process of proline residues. CYPs widely exists in eukaryotes and prokaryotes, and contain a conserved cyclophilin-like domain (CLD), and can be divided into single-domain (SD) CYPs and multi-domain (MD) CYPs. Plant cyclophilins are widely involved in a range of biological processes including stress response, metabolic regulation, and growth and development.Results In this study, thirty cyclophilin genes were identified from the ‘Golden Delicious’ apple (Malus domestica) genome, which were distributed on fifteen chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that MdCYPs were divided into three clades with six kinds of distinct subcellular localizations. Collinear analysis showed that ten gene pairs were segmental duplication. Gene structure and protein structure also further supported the results of phylogenetic tree and collinearity analysis. The expression of MdCYPs in different organs showed a certain regularity, and it was higher in leaves, flowers and fruits. Ten and eight CYPs responded to drought and salt stress, respectively. MdCYP16, a nuclear-localized MD CYP, was screened from the intersection of the two expression profiling data and was highly sensitive to drought and salt stress. The GUS staining results of transgenic Arabidopsis indicated that MdCYP16 was involved in the regulation of abiotic stress.Conclusions This study systematically analyzed the apple cyclophilin family and confirmed the involvement of MdCYP16 as a nuclear-localized MD cyclophilin in response to salt and drought stress in apple. Our work fills the gap in the study of apple cyclophilin gene family, provides an important theoretical basis for in-depth study of cyclophilin function, and provides more candidate genes for stress response research in apple.
Structure-forming CAG/CTG repeats interfere with gap repair to cause repeat expansions and chromosome breaks
Authors: Polleys Erica , Priore Isabella Del , Mejia Marjorie de la Rosa , Haber James , Freudenreich Catherine
Published: April 2022

Expanded CAG/CTG repeats are sites of DNA damage, leading to changes in repeat length. To determine how ssDNA gap filling affects repeat instability, we inserted (CAG)70 or (CTG)70 repeats into a single-strand annealing (SSA) assay system such that resection and filling in the ssDNA gap would occur across the repeat tract. After resection, when the CTG sequence was the single-stranded template for fill-in synthesis, repeat contractions were elevated and the ssDNA created a fragile site that led to large deletions involving flanking homologous sequences. In contrast, resection was inhibited when CTG was on the resected strand, resulting in repeat expansions. Deleting Rad9, the ortholog of 53BP1, rescued repeat instability and lost viability by increasing resection and fill-in speed. Deletion of Rad51 increased CTG contractions and decreased survival, implicating Rad51 in protecting ssDNA during gap filling. Taken together, DNA sequence within a single-stranded gap determines repair kinetics, fragility, and repeat instability.
Quantized Compressive Sensing Video Compression Framework for Low Power Applications
Authors: Mohani Syed Sheraz Ul Hasan , Ebrahim Mansoor , Raza Kamran , Adil Syed Hasan , Ali Syed Saad Azhar
Published: April 2022

Compressive sensing is an approach to reduce the acquired signal dimension with a sampling rate lower than the Nyquist rate. This is achieved by incorporating suitable quantization techniques, such as scalar quantization, to compensate for the low sampling rate. However, quantization of small compressive sensing measurements does not perform well in terms of rate-distortion. This paper presents an adaptive variant of differential pulse code modulation coupled with scalar quantization for quantizing and de-quantizing the compressive sensing measurements of videos. The proposed adaptive approach along with scalar quantization allows reduction of the necessary bandwidth and provides a higher prediction gain than the conventional differential pulse code modulation. The performance of the proposed approach is validated by integrating with various compressive sensing reconstruction schemes and compared with the conventional video codec approach. The reconstructed video frames' visual quality using the proposed approach was also tested based on SSIM metric. The experimental result shows that the proposed scheme provides substantial gain over uniform scalar quantization, and scalar quantization with differential pulse code modulation at various compressive sensing measurements bitrates for different video sequences. When compared with conventional video compression schemes (containing side information at the encoder), the proposed Quantized CS approach shows notable improvements in reconstruction quality when compared with conventional video codecs at lower bitrates. In sum, the proposed methodology could contribute to benefit various battery powered application of visual sensor network in terms of low data processing, less power consumption and minimum memory utilization etc.
Novel pathogenetic factor of laryngeal hereditary angioedema attack: Involvement of Protease Activated Receptor 1
Authors: Farkas Henriette , Máj Csilla , Kenessey István , Sebestyén Anna , Krencz Ildikó , Pápay Judit , Cervenak László
Published: April 2022

Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare, life-threatening disease. The knowledge about the molecular pathogenesis of HAE has derived mainly from investigating blood samples. However, limited data are available on the role of the molecular mechanisms in the affected tissues during HAE attack. Objective: The aim of our study was to explore the histological changes occurring in HAE attacks.Methods: Post mortem macro-, microscopic and immunohistological assessment of upper airway tissues of a patient with HAE due to C1 inhibitor deficiency (C1-INH-HAE) type 2 who died from laryngeal HAE attack was compared with a non-HAE patient who died from other condition without any signs of angioedema. Results: Compared to the control patient, we demonstrated stronger T cell/monocyte infiltration and a more intense C1-INH staining in the C1-INH-HAE patient. The expression of both bradykinin receptors (B1/B2) was observed with a slightly lower level in the C1-INH-HAE patient than in the control patient. PAR1 expression was strongly reduced in the C1-INH-HAE patient suggesting overactivation of this hyperpermeability inducing receptor. Conclusion: Our unique case and novel results correspond to the knowledge about C1-INH and BDKRs observed in plasma; however, it revealed new information about the pathomechanism of HAE attack focusing on the potential involvement of PAR1 in edema formation. This observation may designate a new therapeutic target in HAE.
Enhancing Adults’ Maltese Language Learning Through an App Powered by Game and Mobile-Based Learning
Authors: Żammit Jacqueline
Published: April 2022

Adult brains are more implicit, lack neuroplasticity and hence, are less capable of change and new learning than children, who have a sponge-like approach to acquiring knowledge and information, making learning a second language (L2) more challenging in adulthood. In the digital era, game and mobile-based learning are fundamental tools for assisting adults to acquire an L2. The EULALIA (Enhancing University Language courses with an App powered by game-based Learning and tangible user Interfaces Activities) project aimed to enhance the learning methodologies of four university language courses for Erasmus students in Italy, Malta, Poland and Spain by developing innovative and effective learning tools based on mobile and game-based learning paradigms, and the use of tangible user interfaces. This study focuses on Malta by providing an in-depth view of the impact of game-based applications on enhancing international adult learning of Maltese as a second language (ML2). The findings are set to encourage international adult students in learning ML2 through the game-based application to aid in increasing cultural awareness and better communication with the locals. As part of the methodology, pre-surveys and post-surveys were used on a test group comprising of 28 pre-surveyed and nine post-surveyed ML2 adult learners who used the app, and a reference group of 24 pre-surveyed and 23 post-surveyed ML2 learners who did not. The results revealed that game-based learning improved cognitive function since the learners were more engaged in language activities, thereby promoting the ability to process and absorb a wider range of information.
Review of Organizational Set up for Forest Conservation and Related Issues in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: A case study of Swat Valley
Authors: Nafees Mohammad , Ilyas Syed Zafar , hassan ather , Khan Arif
Published: April 2022

This study was conducted during 2018-19 after the implementation of the 18th constitutional amendments, under which provincial government was given autonomy. The objective of the study was an attempt to address institutional problems concerning environmental protection and forest resource conservation. The various aspects highlighted include legislation, organization setup (governmental and non-governmental organization), and public involvement in the form of social institutions and code of conduct related to environment and forest resource conservation. Different organizations related to forest conservation, including Forest, Agriculture, Soil conservation, Fishery, and Environment were visited and the officials were interviewed for different ongoing activities, cooperation from the community, and other related departments. It was observed that environmental protection and forest conservation efforts were weak, which can be attributed to varying and complex institutional interactions. These include the availability of funds, manpower, and cooperation and coordination among different organizations. Public involvement was observed as negligible, due to which both, governmental and non-governmental organizations are working in isolation, affecting environmental and forest conservation measures negatively.
RIS-Assisted Multi-User MIMO-DQSM Transmission System
Authors: Castillo-Soria Francisco R. , Kumaravelu Vinoth Babu , Azurdia-Meza Cesar A. , Sim´on Jorge , Gutierrez Carlos , Puerto-Flores J.A. Del
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) assisted multi-user (MU) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system. Instead of being applied at the remote RIS, the phase shift vector is applied at the base station (BS) by using an additional precoding stage. The overall system performance is improved by incorporating a double quadrature spatial modulation (DQSM) transmission technique. Results show that the proposed system has gains of up to 17 dB in bit error rate (BER) and a reduction in detection complexity of 51% when compared with the conventional MU-MIMO system based on spatial multiplexing (SMux). Compared with a similar system based on amplify and forward (AF) relay-assisted technique, the proposed system has up to 18 dB gain in BER performance under the same conditions and parameters. Mainly, the proposed system significantly reduces the signal processing required at the RIS.
Femtosecond Laser Hierarchical Surface Restructuring for Next Generation Neural Interfacing Electrodes and Microelectrode Arrays
Authors: Amini Shahram , Seche Wesley , May Nicholas , Choi Hongbin , Tavousi Pouya , Shahbazmohamadi Sina
Published: April 2022

Long-term implantable neural interfacing devices are able to diagnose, monitor, and treat many cardiac, neurological, retinal and hearing disorders through nerve stimulation, as well as sensing and recording electrical signals to and from neural tissue. To improve specificity, functionality, and performance of these devices, the electrodes and microelectrode arrays – that are the basis of most emerging devices – must be further miniaturized and must possess exceptional electrochemical performance and charge exchange characteristics with neural tissue. In this report, we show for the first time that the electrochemical performance of femtosecond-laser hierarchically-restructured electrodes can be tuned to yield unprecedented performance values that significantly exceed those reported in the literature, e.g. charge storage capacity and specific capacitance were shown to have improved by two orders of magnitude and over 700-fold, respectively, compared to un-restructured electrodes. Additionally, correlation amongst laser parameters, electrochemical performance and surface parameters of the electrodes was established, and while performance metrics exhibit a relatively consistent increasing behavior with laser parameters, surface parameters tend to follow a less predictable trend negating a direct relationship between these surface parameters and performance. To answer the question of what drives such performance and tunability, and whether the widely adopted reasoning of increased surface area and roughening of the electrodes are the key contributors to the observed increase in performance, cross-sectional analysis of the electrodes using focused ion beam shows, for the first time, the existence of subsurface features that may have contributed to the observed electrochemical performance enhancements. This report is the first time that such performance enhancement and tunability are reported for femtosecond-laser hierarchically-restructured electrodes for neural interfacing applications.
Emergency management decision of urban rainstorm and flood disasters based on similar cases analysis
Authors: Wen Li , Rengui Jiang , Jiancang Xie , Yong Zhao , Jiwei Zhu , Siyu Yang
Published: April 2022

Under the background of global climate change and the rapid development of urbanization, the urban extreme precipitation events, urban rainstorm and flood disasters occur frequently, and flood disaster losses are serious. How to make decision support service is the key problem of emergency management of urban rainstorm and flood disasters. In consideration of the existing problems in the emergency management decision-making of urban rainstorm and flood disasters in China, this paper put forward the decision-making method of urban rainstorm and flood disasters emergency management based on similar cases analysis method. According to the evolution process of urban rainstorm and flood disasters, the attribute system of urban rainstorm and flood disasters was established. Entropy weight method was used to calculate the weights of problem attributes. The case-based reasoning method was used to calculate the similarities of problem attribute eigenvalues between the target case and the historical cases. According to the problem attribute weights and attribute similarities, the global similarity was determined. The case-based decision theory method was used to calculate the similarities between the target case and the historical cases. According to the comprehensive evaluation values of the alternative cases, the optimal alternative cases were determined. The methods proposed were further verified using typical urban rainstorm and flood disaster events in Xi'an city as an example. Results show that: the case-based reasoning method was used to obtain the highest similarity of historical case P3, the case-based decision theory method was used to obtain similar case set {P3, P4}. By comparing the calculation results of the case-based reasoning method and the case-based decision theory method, the case-based decision theory method is more suitable for the optimization of urban rainstorm and flood disaster emergency plans. The research results can provide scientific basis for emergency management of urban rainstorm and flood disasters.
The Jasmonic Acid Signaling Pathway Plays an Important Role in Ziziphus jujuba Resistance to Apolygus lucorum
Authors: Li Qingliang , Yin Zujun , Tan Wei , Sun Xia , Cao Hui , Wang Deya
Published: April 2022

Apolygus lucorum is a polyphagous herbivore that has become a major pest in China. Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) is the main host of A. lucorum. However, better insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying the jujube defense response to A. lucorum is needed. Here, we investigated the resistance of resistant (winter jujube) and sensitive varieties (wild jujube) to A. lucorum. Changes in the transcriptome, jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) contents and the expression of genes involved in signaling pathways in different jujube varieties were monitored. The preference of A. lucorum for jujube with exogenous SA and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) was examined. Wild jujube showed more resistance and nonselectivity to A. lucorum. RNA-seq analysis showed that 438 and 796 transcripts were differentially expressed in winter jujube and wild jujube leaves infested by A. lucorum. Enrichment analysis showed that more genes in JA pathways were upregulated and more genes in SA pathways were downregulated. A. lucorum increased the JA content and decreased the salicylic acid content. This was confirmed by the alterations of gene expression in the related signaling pathways. MeJA in jujube leaves showed an obvious repellent effect on A. lucorum. Consistently, the contents of jasmonic acid and salicylic acid in winter jujube were lower than those in wild jujube leaves. The present data indicated that A. lucorum infestation of jujube plants induced the JA pathway and suppressed the SA pathway. JA in jujube leaves played an important role in repelling and basic defense against A. lucorum.
Comparative assessment of future solar power potential based on CMIP5 and CMIP6 multi-model ensembles
Authors: Ha Subin , Zhou Zixuan , Im Eun-Soon , Lee Young-Mi
Published: April 2022

While the popularity and feasibility of solar power have increased progressively toward achieving a low-carbon and climate-resilient society, it is uncertain how changes in climate attributes induced by global warming will affect the future potential of solar power output. This study presents a comparative assessment of future changes in solar power in terms of the technology for harnessing energy from insolation [photovoltaic power (PVP) versus concentrated solar power (CSP)], different phases of climate projections (CMIP5 versus CMIP6), and low versus high emission scenarios. Both CMIP5 and CMIP6 multi-model projections are able to capture the major characteristics of the global distribution seen in PVP and CSP derived from reanalysis data during the historical period. However, despite the general similarity to CMIP5-based results, CMIP6 models outperform their CMIP5 counterparts slightly regarding quantitative metrics and enhance the robustness of the future change signal estimated by the statistical significance as well as the inter-model consistency. The future changes in PVP and CSP patterns are sensitive to the emission scenarios that can control the degree of warming. Under the fossil-fueled development scenarios, the greater increase in temperatures may lead to a high vulnerability of the solar power supply by reducing the output of both PVP and CSP. This study is timely and relevant to emphasizing the benefits of climate change mitigation, which can support the sustainable development of solar energy potential.
Pamiparib induces neurodevelopmental defects and cerebral haemorrhage in zebrafish embryos via inhibiting notch signaling
Authors: Yang Dou , Liu Fasheng , Wan Mengqi , Liu Jieping , Huang Ling , Chen Chao , Li Xue , Zhang Li , Ding Xiaobing , Liao Xinjun , Xiong Guanghua , Lu Huiqiang , Xiao Juhua , Cao Zigang
Published: April 2022

Pamiparib is a PARP inhibitor used in clinical studies, which can penetrate the blood-brain barrier efficiently. At present, there are few studies on its effect on vertebrate neurodevelopment. In this study, we exposed zebrafish embryos to 1, 2 and 3 µM of Pamiparib from 6 to 72 hours post-fertilization (hpf). Results showed that Pamiparib can specifically induce cerebral haemorrhage, brain atrophy and movement disorders in fish larvae. In addition, Pamiparib exposure leads to down-regulation of acetylcholinesterase and ATPase activity, and up-regulation of oxidative stress which then leads to apoptosis and disrupts the gene expression involved in the neurodevelopment and neurotransmitter pathways.Meanwhile, astaxanthin can partially rescue neurodevelopmental defects by downregulating oxidative stress. After exposure to Pamiparib, the notch signaling is down-regulated, and the use of an activator of notch signaling can partially prevent neurodevelopmental toxicity. Therefore, our research indicates that Pamiparib may induce zebrafish neurotoxicity by down-regulating notch signalling related genes and inducing oxidative stress.
A spray-as-you-go airway topical anesthesia attenuates cardiovascular responses for double-lumen tube tracheal intubation
Authors: Changlin Chen , Di Wen , Yizheng Wang , Hongqiong Li , Qi Yu , Mao Li
Published: April 2022

Background: The spray-as-you-go airway topical anesthesia and nerve block technique are commonly used in awake tracheal intubation. However, their effects have not been described for double-lumen tube intubation. A prospective randomized study was designed to compare their intubation effects in thoracic surgery patients. Methods: Sixty-six ASA physical status I and II patients were scheduled to undergo double-lumen tube(DLT) tracheal intubation for thoracic surgery. They were randomly assigned into control (Group C), ultrasound (Group U), and flexible intubation scope (Group F) groups with 22 cases in each group. Patients in Group C were induced with a standard anesthetic regimen. Patients in Group U and Group F were treated with superior laryngeal nerve(SLN) block combined with transtracheal injection and given a spray-as-you-go airway topical anesthesia respectively before intubation. Hemodynamic variables during intubation were recorded. Additional patient data were recorded including the occurrence of adverse events, the level of hoarseness, the occurrence of sore throat, memory function and the level of patient satisfaction with anesthesia. Results: The blood pressure and heart rate of patients in group C significantly increased 1 min after tracheal intubation (P<0.05) compared to before anesthesia yet the blood pressure and heart rate of patients in Groups U and F remained stable. During observation, there were 10 cases of hypertension in Group C, 6 cases in Group U and 1 case in Group F. In Group C, tachycardia was observed in 9 patients along with 9 cases in Group U and 4 cases in Group F. In Group U, 4 patients experienced puncture and bleeding were and 8 patients had a poor memory of transtracheal injection. No significant differences were found in the incidence of hoarseness, sore throat, and satisfaction with anesthesia in postoperative follow-up. Conclusions: Spray-as-you-go airway topical anesthesia and SLN block combined with transtracheal injection technique can inhibit the cardiovascular response during DLT tracheal intubation. The spray-as-you-go technique has fewer complications and more advantages compared to other approaches.
Incidence and Pattern of Mandibular Third Molar Impaction: Single-Center Observation in the Javanese Population
Authors: Safril Jefry Wahyudi , Sumarta Ni Putu Mira , Rizqiawan Andra , Rasyida Anindita Zahratur , Busri Abdul Muin Hasan , Rahman Muhammad Zeshaan
Published: April 2022

BackgroundImpaction of third molars is often found in dental practice. Since reported in history on the discovery of the mandible bone 13.000–15.000 BC, research on dental impaction continues to grow. In the modern population, the highest prevalence is found in the impaction of mandibular third molars. There is a limited study regarding the impact pattern of mandibular third molars.ObjectiveTo investigate the impact pattern of mandibular third molars in populations in Surabaya and the surrounding area in East Java, Indonesia.MethodsA retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the impact patterns of mandibular third molars from the medical record data of patients at the Maxillofacial Oral Surgery Clinic of the Dental Hospital of Universitas Airlangga from July 2017-June 2019. Data were processed by age group, sex, angulation type, level position, complaint, indication was performed odontectomy and analyzed using chi-square significance of p-value ≤ 0.05.Results1057 cases of impacted third molar teeth with a prevalence of 72%. The highest group was found aged 20–24 years (42.5%) female (60.7%), mesioangular angulation type (41.9%), level of impacted IIA impacted teeth (66.9%), local pain complaint (86.3%), and pericoronitis as an indication for odontectomy (56.3%). There is a significant difference between sex and age with angulation of impacted tooth (p < 0.05)ConclusionImpaction of mandibular third molars was found in the young age group, most characteristics in women, mesioangular angulation, level IIA position with the complaint of local pain around impacted teeth and pericoronitis as an indication of odontectomy. Trial Registration: Number 694/HRECC.FODM/X/2019.
Asymptomatic Surveillance Testing for COVID-19 in Health Care Professional Students: Lessons learned from a low prevalence setting
Authors: Burrows Alyssa G. , Linton Sophia , Thiele Jenny , Sheth Prameet M. , Evans Gerald A. , Archer Stephen , Doliszny Katharine M. , Finlayson Marcia , Flynn Leslie , Gong Yanping , Huang Yun , Kasmani Azim , Moore Kieran , Sanfilippo Anthony , Snelgrove-Clarke Erna , Tripp Dean A. , Walker David M.C. , Vanner Stephen , Ellis Anne K
Published: April 2022

The novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has severely impacted the training of health care professional students because of concerns of potential asymptomatic transmission to colleagues and vulnerable patients. From May 27th, 2020, to June 23rd 2021; at a time when B.1.1.7 (alpha) and B.1.617.2 (delta) were the dominant circulating variants, PCR testing was conducted on 1,237 nasopharyngeal swabs collected from 457 asymptomatic health care professional students as they returned to their studies from across Canada to Kingston, ON, a low prevalence area during that period for COVID-19. Despite 46.7% of COVID-19 infections occurring in the 18–29 age group in Kingston, severe-acute-respiratory coronavirus-2 was not detected in any of the samples suggesting that negligible asymptomatic infection occurred in this group and that PCR testing in this setting may not be warranted as a screening tool.
Vulnerability and ecological importance of species used for the management of hypertension and diabetes in the sub-sahelian area of Burkina Faso, West Africa
Authors: Compaoré Souleymane , Ouédraogo Lassané , Bancé Alimata , Belemnaba Lazare , Ouedraogo Noufou , Ouedraogo Sylvin , Thiombiano Adjima
Published: April 2022

Background: Hypertension and diabetes are major public health issues in developed and low-income countries today. The prevalence of these diseases is higher in low-income countries due to high population density, weak health care systems, and a high number of undiagnosed and untreated people. Due to these factors, the majority of patients rely heavily on herbal medicines for their management. This study aimed to assess the vulnerability and ecological importance of species of interest for the two diseases in the sub-sahelian area of Burkina Faso. Methods: A semi-structured interview was conducted with 70 Traditional healers from the departments of Kaya and Barsalogho using a questionary. Floristic inventories followed by measurements of diameters at breast height (dbh) were conducted on 50 plots of 50m x 20m. Results: Ethnobotanical surveys identified 36 species that are used for the management of hypertension and diabetes; 25 woody species were vulnerable (IV ≥ 2). Among these species, Cadaba farinosa, Lannea acida, Parkia biglobosa, Saba senegalensis, Sclerocarya birrea, Tamarindus indica, Ximenia americana, and Ziziphus mauritiana were highly vulnerable (IV ≥ 2.5). Consistent with the Traditional healers perception, most of these highly vulnerable species were rare (RI ≥ 80%) in the sample units. In addition, only Combretum micranthum and Cassia sieberiana had the highest importance value indices. Conclusions: These results justify that there is a real threat to heavily used species. It appears necessary for traditional healers to apply the right methods of plant use that will not compromise the availability of local plant resources.
Management of subaxial cervical spine fracture in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a retrospective study
Authors: Luan Haopeng , Liu Kai , Wang Yao , Sheng Weibin , Maimaiti Maierdan , Deng Qiang
Published: April 2022

Background: To assess the efficacy of anterior, posterior, and combined anterior and posterior surgery in the treatment of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) combined with subaxial cervical spine fracture (SCSF).Methods: From January 2010 to January 2019, the medical records and imaging films of patients with AS combined with SCSF treated by anterior, posterior, and combined anterior and posterior bone grafting, and fusion using open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were assessed retrospectively. The demographic data, duration of AS, mechanism of injury, fracture type, bone fusion time, follow-up time, and complications were recorded. Postoperative neurological recovery of the patients was assessed and compared according to the ASIA classification. Results: A total of 37 patients with AS combined with SCSF were successfully treated by surgery, with a mean follow-up time of 39.4 ± 8.6 months. Eleven patients were managed by the anterior surgery, posterior surgery for 13 patients, and combined anterior and posterior surgery for 13 patients, with a mean bone fusion time of 8.5 ± 2.2 months. At the final follow-up, there was a statistical difference in ASIA grade between the preoperative and postoperative (P < 0.05). Twenty-four cases were improved to grade E (64.8%), and 10 cases were improved to grade D (27%). The incidence of complications was 8.1% (3/37).Conclusions: Combined anterior and posterior surgery was a practical method for the treatment of patients with severe osteoporosis and neurological compression symptoms, three-column fracture combined with sagittal imbalance.
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Diarrheal Diseases Among Children Below Five Years in Selected Slum Settlements in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District, Uganda
Authors: Nantege Robinah , Kajoba Dickson , Ddamulira Christopher , Ndoboli Fred , Ndungutse David
Published: April 2022

Background: Despite global interventions to prevent and control diarrhea, it still remains a public health problem leading to childhood morbidity and mortality majorly in developing countries. In Uganda, diarrhea is amongst the five leading causes of under-five mortality, contributing to more than 140,000 deaths every year and this accounts for 7.1% of all under-five mortalities in Uganda. Efforts to prevent and lower diarrheal diseases need to be informed by data on determinants of diarrhea. The study assessed factors associated with diarrheal diseases among children below five years in selected slum settlements in Entebbe municipality, Wakiso District, Uganda.Methods: The study employed a cross-sectional study design covering 384 randomly selected households having children < 5 years old in the study area using quantitative research methods. Data was collected using close-ended questionnaires and diarrhea disease history was captured for the last month before the survey. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses was to identify the risk factors associated with childhood diarrhea considering a 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05.Results: Diarrhea disease in children among the selected slum settlements in Entebbe municipality was found to be at 62.4%. Access to water from a protected water source (deep well and borehole), presence of a vent in toilets, age, and child birth weight were found to be significantly associated with diarrheal diseases among children below five years.Conclusion: The prevalence of childhood diarrhea among children < 5 years of age in selected slums of Entebbe municipality was found high. Use of water from a protected source, presence of a vent in toilets, age, and child birth weight were identified as predictors of diarrhea occurrence. These findings implied that community health education is urgently needed for fighting childhood diarrhea in the study area to eliminate the predisposing factors to diarrhea.
Efficiency of ribavirin to eliminate apple scar skin viroid from apple plants
Authors: Hu Guojun , Dong Yafeng , Zhang Zunping , Fan Xudong , Ren Fang
Published: April 2022

Apple scar skin viroid (ASSVd) is a major pathogen of apples that can result in significant economic losses in the apple industry. In this study, ASSVd- and apple stem grooving virus (ASGV)-infected Malus pumila 'Spy 227' apple plants were treated with ribavirin to determine its elimination efficiency. Ribavirin at 25 and 50 µg/mL (R25 and R50) did not inhibit ASSVd in apple plants regenerated from hydroponic culture. However, the elimination rates of ASGV in R25- and R50-treated plants were 44.5% and 50.0%, respectively. The ability of different concentrations of ribavirin (10, 20, and 30 µg/mL, R10, R20, and R30) to eliminate ASSVd and ASGV from in vitro plants was also evaluated. No phytotoxicity was observed during the treatment. Ribavirin increased the growth and proliferation of in vitro apple plants. The titers of ASSVd were similar throughout the treatment period, but ASGV declined. The concentration and duration of ribavirin also affected the regeneration of in vitro plants. The average survival rate of plants (80.8%) regenerated from R30 was similar to that of CK (82.5%) and was 14.2% and 16.3% higher than that of R10 and R20, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to assess the eradication efficiency of regenerated plants. The average elimination rates of ASSVd and ASGV were 1.6% and 78.7%, respectively. A low elimination rate of ASSVd was found in R30 (2.8%) at 45 d, and it was still less than 10% at the end of the treatment.
Improved Physical, thermal, and conductivity strength of ternary nanocomposite films of PVDF/PMMA/GO NPs for electrical applications
Authors: Ragab H. M.
Published: April 2022

Polymer nanocomposites samples polyvinylidene fluoride/Polymethyl methacrylate (PVDF/PMMA) mixed with various concentrations of graphene oxide nanoparticles (GO NPs) were created using solution casting and ultrasonic-assisted solution casting processes. The characteristics of the manufactured polymer samples were studied using XRD, FTIR, TEM, TGA, and DSC. The AC conductivity, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss of PVDF/PMMA-GO nanocomposites were examined as a function of GO concentrations. XRD analysis demonstrates the semicrystalline PVDF/PMMA and shows that the doped PVDF/PMMA films have a lower crystallinity degree (Xc) than the pure blend. The interaction between the GO ions and the PVDF/PMMA matrices is demonstrated by significant fluctuations in the FTIR spectra. TEM revealed that the GO nanoparticles were produced in spherical and cubic shapes, with an average size of 18.6 nm. The energy gap of nanocomposite films reduced as the GO concentration in the polymer mix increased, decreasing from 4.24 eV to 3.71 eV for the indirect transition. The PVDF/PMMA exhibits a single glass transition temperature (Tg) according to the DSC study, showing that the PVDF and PMMA are miscible. The melting point of the nanocomposite films increased from 244.39 oC to 251.56 oC, increasing their thermal stability. TGA curves showed that the PVDF/PMMA polymeric matrix had increased thermal stability. Dielectric constant and loss analyses have been performed to gain a better knowledge of charge storage properties and conductivity relaxation. The highest ionic conductivity of PVDF/PMMA blended with 0.08 wt. GO nanofiller is ~7.23 × 10-5 S/cm. These findings are expected to have a considerable effect on a wide range of applications, such as polymer solar cells, nanoelectronics, polymer organic semiconductors, and energy storage.
Genetic Analysis and Adaptation Assessment of Quality Protein Maize Inbred Lines and Derived Hybrids under Conditions of Low Soil Nitrogen and Drought Stress
Authors: Owusu Godfred Afrifa , Abe Ayodeji
Published: April 2022

Quality Protein Maize (QPM) varieties are rich in lysine and tryptophan, but suffer reduced grain yield (GY) in West and Central Africa (WCA) due to low soil nitrogen (low-N) and intermittent drought stress (DS). Development of stress tolerant QPM hybrids will enhance sustainable maize production and improve nutritional health in WCA. Knowledge of combining ability, gene action and heterotic grouping of QPM inbred lines are crucial to successful breeding strategies for the development of superior hybrids with enhanced nutritional values. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine the combining ability for GY and other yield traits among 13 newly developed QPM inbred lines, (ii) assign the QPM inbred lines to distinct heterotic groups based on general combining ability effects of multiple traits (HGCAMT) (iii) assess GY performance and yield stability of the single-cross hybrids generated from the inbred lines and (iv) examine the interrelationships among traits contributing to variation in GY of the QPM hybrids under low-N and DS conditions. Seventy-eight single cross hybrids were generated through half-diallel mating of 13 QPM inbred lines and evaluated along with three commercial checks for grain yield and its related traits under low-N and DS conditions. Significant general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) effects were obtained for grain yield (GY) and yield-related traits. Both additive and non-additive gene effects were involved in the inheritance of GY and other traits under low-N and DS conditions. However, for GY additive gene effect was twice as large as non-additive gene effect. Three heterotic groups were each delineated under low-N and DS. Inbred lines, CRIZEQ-44 and CRIZEQ-77 belonging to different heterotic groups were identified as testers for development of superior hybrids for low-N and DS environments. The GY of hybrids ranged from 1092 to 4373 kg/ha and 2543 to 7711 kg/ha, respectively under low-N and high-N conditions, and from 1072 to 4020 kg/ha and 2313 to 7404 kg/ha, under DS and WW condition, respectively. Grain yield reduction due to DS and low-N were 49.5 and 48.3%, respectively. Hybrids CRIZEQ-44 × CRIZEQ-77 was the highest yielding and most stable hybrid across all the growing conditions and should be further evaluated on-farm for release and commercialisation. Number of ears per plant, silking date and plant aspect had positive direct effects on GY and should be included in the selection criteria for improved GY under low-N and DS conditions.
Selected abnormalities of somatic development in Polish children with osteogenesis imperfecta – a single-centre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jakubowska-Pietkiewicz Elżbieta , Maćkowska Anna , Nowicki Jakub , Woźniak Elżbieta
Published: April 2022

Background Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) causes a number of abnormalities in somatic development. The predominant symptoms are reduced bone mass and an increased risk of fractures as well as bone deformities and short stature. Due to the lack of causal treatment options, bisphosphonates are considered the gold standard of therapy. The aim of our study is to present selected anthropometric parameters (body weight, height, BMI) in children with type I and III of OI. MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of medical records of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta type I and III confirmed by genetic testing. The study group included individuals admitted to the Department in 2020. We analysed the anthropometric parameters of 108 children (receiving and not receiving bisphosphonates treatment).ResultsIn the group of children with OI type I admitted for follow-up (group 1), the median height percentile was 37, while in the group 2 it was 17. In the patients with OI type III (group 3), the median height percentile was 0.1. The median body mass percentile in group 1 was 21, in group 2 it was 5, whereas in group 3 - 0.1. The differences in anthropometric measurements of the patients with OI type I and OI type III were statistically significant (p<0.001).Among the analysed patients, an abnormal BMI was found in 41.67% of whom 37.78% were underweight, 48.89% were overweight and 13.33% were obese.ConclusionsConsidering prevalence of the disease, it is not only low stature but also abnormal BMI, and especially excessive body weight, that play an important role in the somatic development disorder.
Larvicidal efficacy and mode of action of compound composition from Adiantum latifolium on Oryctes rhinoceros
Authors: R. Pradeep Kumar , D.A. Evans
Published: April 2022

Oryctes rhinoceros Linn., a well known pest of coconut palm, causes irrecoverable damage, reduction in yield and death of the plant. Insecticides with novel mode of action, more target selective and biodegradable are needed to replace the impacts of synthetic pesticides. Unexplored phytochemicals may have unknown site of action, which are selective to insects and, are safe for humans and the environment. Adiantum latifolium is a shade loving fern resistant to pathogens due to the presence of phytocompounds. The study was undertaken to find out the larvicidal efficacy of a compound composition of triterpenoids isolated from the leaves of A. latifolium against O. rhinoceros and its mode of action. The compounds showed antibacterial activity against gut bacteria of the larvae and larvicidal activity (LD50, 19.55 mg/kg), weight loss, 20-hydroxyecdysone titre and precocious metamorphosis of the larvae.. It also induced immunotoxicological effects via cellular and numerical changes of haemocytes in the haemolymph. The synergistic interaction of the triterpenoids is useful in the preparation of improved biopesticides.
A comparison of long term outcomes in patients managed with VV-ECMO in the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK
Authors: Garfield Benjamin , Bianchi Paolo , Arachchillage Deepa J , Caetano Francisca , Desai Sujal , Doyle James , Caballero Clara Hernandez , Doyle Anne-Marie , Mehta Sachin , Law Alexander , Jaggar Sian , Kokosi Maria , Molyneaux Philip L , Passariello Maurizio , Naja Meena , Ridge Carole , Alçada Joana , Patel Brijesh , Singh Suveer , Ledot Stephane
Published: April 2022

BackgroundEarly studies of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) in COVID-19 have revealed similar outcomes to historical cohorts. Changes in the disease and treatments has led to differences in the patients supported on VV-ECMO in the 1st and 2nd waves. We aimed to compare these two groups in both the acute and follow-up phase.MethodsIn this retrospective study, we identified the differences between patients supported on ECMO for COVID-19 between wave 1 (17/03/2020-31/08/2020) and wave 2 (01/09/2020-25/05/2021). We examined mortality at censoring date (30/11/2021) and decannulation, patient characteristics, complications and lung function and quality of life (QOL – by EQ5D3L) at first follow-up.FindingsOne-hundred and twenty-three patients were included in our analysis. Survival at censoring date [Chi-sqaured 6.35, p=0.012] and decannulation [90.4% vs 70.0%, p<0.001], was significantly lower in the 2nd wave, whilst duration of ECMO run was longer [12.0(18.0-30.0) days vs. 29.5(15.5-58.3)] days (p=0.005)). Wave 2 patients had longer application of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) prior to ECMO and a higher incidence of barotrauma. Patient age and NIV use were independently associated with increased mortality [OR 1.07(1.01-1.14), p=0.025 and 3.37(1.12–12.60), p=0.043 respectively]. QOL and lung function, apart from KCOc was similar at follow up across the waves.ConclusionMost patients with COVID-19 supported on ECMO in both waves survived in the short and longer term. At follow-up patients had similar lung function and QOL across the 2 waves. This suggests that ECMO has an ongoing role in the management of a carefully selected group of patients with COVID-19.Trial RegistrationResearch Ethics Committee (20/EM/0204)