bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cordycepin Induces Apoptosis and Inhibits EMT in OSCC Cell Lines
Authors:   The Korean Society of Oral Health Science, Shin Hyun-Chul , Kang Hae-Mi , Park Bong-Soo , Zunduijamts Odgerel , Kim In-Ryoung
Published: September 2022

Objectives: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an extremely malignant cancer and invades the surrounding tissue in the head and neck region. Cordycepin, also known as 3-deoxyadenosine, is a major compound and has been suggested to have anticancer potential. In this study, we examined the anti-cancer potential of cordycepin as well as its effects on the apoptosis and EMT in Ca9-22 and CAL-27 cells.
Methods: The cytotoxicity effects of cordycepin were assessed using an MTT assay. The cell morphology and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) changes were monitored using Hoechst and JC-1 dye. Cell cycle arrest was detected using a FACS instrument and the expression of protein level was using a western blot analysis.
Results: Cordycepin treated group was significantly induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Also, cordycepin inhibits the EMT in Ca9-22 and CAL-27 cells.
Conclusions: Therefore, these results suggest that cordycepin treatment of OSCC cells induced anti-cancer activity.
Relationship between Work Loss, Stress, Somatic Symptoms and Perceived Oral Symptoms in Hotel Workers
Authors:   The Korean Society of Oral Health Science, Hong Min-Hee , Lee Jung-Min
Published: September 2022

Objectives: To examine the stress levels and somatic symptoms of hotel workers and the risk factors affecting their perceived oral symptoms.
Methods: A research survey was conducted between November 1 and December 31, 2021 among 600 hotel workers in the metropolitan area. The survey items related to perceived stress, somatic symptoms, oral health stress and perceived oral symptoms. The research analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Version 21.0.
Results: After controlling for exogenous variables, work loss, stress, somatic symptoms, and oral health stress all had a significant effect on perceived oral symptoms, with somatic symptoms showing the greatest influence.
Conclusions: It is recommended that hotel workers' physical and oral health should be promoted by programs that take into account their various working environments and job characteristics. This would improve the welfare of the hotel workers and prevent labor loss. Furthermore, existing manuals should be expanded.
Socioeconomic Factors Associated with Oral Examination of Cancer Survivors in Korea
Authors:   The Korean Society of Oral Health Science, Park Sin Young
Published: September 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study was the socioeconomic factors associated with oral examination of cancer survivors in Korea
Methods: It was analyzed by dividing into a cancer diagnosis group 309 and a non-diagnosis group 5,422.
Results: Both the cancer diagnosis group and the non-diagnosis group had low oral examination, while the cancer diagnosis group was related to the urban region, and the non-diagnosis group was related to marital status, household income, and education level.
Conclusions: Cancer patients is needed that differentiated method for high oral examination.
Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī and Ghūrid Self-Fashioning
Authors: Shihadeh Ayman
Published: September 2022

This article investigates the intellectual production of the celebrated scholar Fakhr al-Dīn al-Rāzī (d. 606/1210) during the decade or so he spent in the service of the Ghūrid sultans, from ca. 591/1195 to 602/1206. Operating exclusively within religious disciplines—theology, law and Qurʾān exegesis—and displaying pronounced rhetorical and dialectical features, this production contrasts significantly with his earlier and later production, which most notably exhibits much closer engagement with philosophy. It is argued that this “Ghūrid interlude” in al-Rāzī’s production reflects his role in spearheading the sultans’ project of divesting from the socially and culturally peripheral Karrāmiyya and fashioning themselves as champions of a sophisticated and cosmopolitan orthodoxy, and is furthermore aligned with his patrons’ transregional policies, including their pro-Abbasid stance. Al-Rāzī was in return invested by the Caliph al-Nāṣir with the title “he who summons people to the True One” (al-dāʿī li-l-khalq ilā l-ḥaqq), more commonly attested as “he who summons to God” (al-dāʿī ilā llāh). The article also offers a new examination of al-Rāzī’s Ghūrid-period intellectual biography and oeuvre.
Gypsy Migrations from Past to Present: A Socio-Historical Perspective
Authors: FIRAT Muhammet
Published: September 2022

In this study Gypsies are discussed in the context of long-term migration movements and socio-economic/cultural consequences of migration. The study aims to examine the great migration, nomadism and settlement stages of the Gypsies starting from India. Gypsies adopted a nomadic life in order to make a living in the countries they settled after the great migrations. However, as a result of the loss of validity of their craft today, they had to settle down. Thus, the problems faced by the Gypsies in the nomadic and nomadic life became more noticeable with the transition to settled life. Today, the Gypsies who settled down have generally faced problems such as employment, education, accommodation and health. These problems have become much more acute especially for the Gypsies who have settled in the cities. After all, employment, education, housing, health, etc. As the social and economic problems feed each other, the possibilities of sustaining their lives for the Gypsies, who took refuge in the peripheries of the cities, have been reduced to a minimum.
Macro-propagation and Conservation of Cycad Species at Botanical Garden, Yogi Vemana University, Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Nagendra C.  , Kumar B. Sunil , Reddy A. Madhusudhana
Published: September 2022

Cycads are the most threatened plants of all living organisms and they are on the brink of extinction in the wild. Cycads need urgent conservation and this can only be accomplished by in situ as well as ex situ conservation techniques. As a consequence of human activity, most of the Indian cycads are threatened with extinction. To oppose the current issues the authors collected three cycad germ plasms from different localities of Andhra Pradesh and carried out a similar kind of germination process. The present study’s intention was to propagate more number of seedlings through seed germination in less time to augment the species population in their natural population. Seed germination response was best by using fleshly outer coat removed cycad seeds (without sarcotesta) while directly collected from trees. The most preferable growing medium is red soil, sand and cocopeat (1:1:1). The seedlings were raised through this method and developed coralloid roots faster which suggests their survivability. The present study provideed a low-cost standard methodology followed for speedy and effective germination and obtained positive results. These methods would help in restoring species in their natural habitats as well as avoiding species extinction in wild.
Allelic Frequencies of Four Phenotypic Traits of Tharu Tribes Along Nepal Border of Lakhimpur Kheri District of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: O.P. Singh , Akash Varshney
Published: September 2022

The Tharu groups were randomly selected for four morphological and behavioural traits viz attached ear lobe, dimple in chin, widow’s peak, and tongue rolling to U-shape to obtain their allelic frequencies. The distribution of these four traits was shown in number as well as in percentage. The frequencies of dominant and recessive alleles of this group were also calculated. Their allelic frequencies have also been depicted because these characters are determined and inherited by single gene. The frequencies of recessive alleles were higher in all the phenotypes except ear lobe phenotype in which dominant allele (61.3%) is more prevalent than recessive allele (38.7%). Between males and females the allelic frequencies were higher in males than females except ear lobe frequency which was very close between male (38.1%) and female (39.9%). The present results have been compared with the previous data for the same traits reported from different districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh and other region of our country.
Status, Distribution and Food Availability for Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) in Hassanganj and Bangarmau Tehsil under Unnao District, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Varsha Rani , Ankit Sinha , Amita Kanaujia
Published: September 2022

Almost all crane species rely on wetlands at some time during their annual life cycle, primarily for nesting but also for foraging and protective cover. Many species also have close affiliation with agricultural fields. The sarus cranes have coexisted with wetlands for thousands of years. The sarus crane is the tallest flying bird as categorized as Vulnerable species in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Sarus crane (Grus antigone) is a large nonmigratory bird. Their primary habitat included wetlands, marshes and water bodies. But now these sarus cranes species have adapted to using agricultural lands and crops in some way – consuming waste grains or other crops, feeding in rice paddies, or foraging in pastures. The regular observation was done from July 2020 to September 2021 in Hassanganj and Bangarmau tehsil under Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh, India. Total number of individuals was counted by using point count method. Total number of 526 sarus crane were observed --Adults ( 384 ) and Juvenile (142 ). Most of the sarus were observed in agricultural fields and water bodies. Present study concluded that there are moderate number of sarus crane in Unnao district but they are under threat due to encroachment of wetlands and expanding agriculture. They play important role in maintaining ecological balance. Crop fields provide abundant, predictable, and often high-energy foods that can be particularly valuable during flight and mating dance behaviour and have literally fueled their growing populations .They are eternal symbol of unconditional love, devotion and good fortune with high degree of marital fidelity.
Bioaccumulation and Toxicity of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Epigeic Earthworm Species Eudrilus eugeniae
Authors: Anithakumari P.  , Thangam Y.
Published: September 2022

The production of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) for commercial applications has greatly increased over the last years and consequently the potential risk for living organisms. There is a growing awareness of the need to understand the behavior and influence these nanoparticles exert on the environment. Bioaccumulation serves as a good integrator to assess chemical exposure in soil. This research focused on the experimental bioaccumulation capability of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 ) by Earthworms Eudrilus eugeniae. It is found that TiO2 exerted minimal toxicity within the traditional 48 h exposure time, but caused high toxicity when the exposure time was extended to 72 h. This demonstrated that exposure duration may be a contributing factor in NP-mediated toxicity. Moreover, upon chronic exposure to TiO2 for 21 days, earthworm displayed severe growth retardation and mortality, as well as reproductive defects. A significant amount of TiO2 was found accumulated in Eudrilus eugeniae. However, Eudrilus eugeniae displayed difficulty in eliminating TiO2 from their body, presenting increased bioconcentration factor (BCF) values. This high level of bioaccumulation may interfere with food intake and ultimately affect growth and reproduction. In a nutshell, longterm exposure of soil organisms to TiO2 may alter the growing status of these organisms at both individual and population levels, posing risks to ecosystems. The results of this study contribute to the current understanding of the potential ecotoxicological effects of nanoparticles and highlight the importance of characterization of NPs in understanding their behavior, uptake, and effects on organisms in soil
Aphids Infesting Medicinal Plants in Bihar, India
Authors: Md. Equbal Ahmad , Nidhi Sinha , Dipti Nawal , Kimmi Kumari
Published: September 2022

Aphids also known as plant lice constitute one of the most important group of phytophagous insects because of their polymorphism, host alternating heteroecious behavior and reproductive habits. They attack all parts of the plants and damage the crop directly by sucking sap from the plant tissue. They have also remarkable ability of transmitting plant viral diseases. The healing power of traditional herbal medicines has been realized and documented since Rig Veda and Atharva Veda. According to WHO, Nearly 80% of populations of developing countries relies on traditional plantbased systems of medicine to provide them with primary health care. Medicinal plants are facing threats due to the infestation of aphids and other insects. In India, 1800 plant species are of medicinal importance. In Bihar, so far 41 species of aphids were recorded on more than 122 plant species which belong to 35 families. Among these, 32 aphids have been recorded on 82 species of medicinal plants belonging to 27 families. The maximum infestation was observed by Aphis gossypii (37 plants) followed by Myzus persicae (26 plants), Aphis craccivora (20 plants) and Aphis nasturtii (13 plants) and maximum number of aphid species infesting the medicinal plants belonging to family Poaceae and Solanaceae (10 aphid species each), Asteraceae (9 aphid species), Malvaceae (8 aphid species), Cucurbitaceae (7 aphid species) and Fabaceae (6 aphid species) and therefore need attention.
Nutritional Requirement of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in a Commercial Farm: A Review
Authors: Balakamatchi Thirulogasundhar , Aparna S. Muthu Thai , Ramabhai V.
Published: September 2022

This article reviews the nutritional requirement of tilapia fish (nile tilapia – Oreochromis niloticus) in a commercial farm setting. Although the nutritional requirement of tilapia does not entirely depend on the habitat of the fish, in certain scenarios such as a commercial aquaculture farm, the requirements of the fish are often specific. These specific requirements are based on factors such as increased profits, economic feasibility, and commercial scalability. In this review, the above mentioned criteria serve as a guide to determine the nutritional characteristics of fish feed for a commercial tilapia fish farm.
Comparative Study of Physicochemical Properties and Enzymatic Status of Imidacloprid Treated Soils from Various Zones of Haryana, India
Authors: Poonam Yadav , Monika Bhardwaj , Divya Vashishth , Mansi Yadav , Pooja Kadyan , Manoj Kumar , Sunita Dalal , Sudhir Kumar Kataria
Published: September 2022

Imidacloprid is the most commonly used insecticide in Haryana that play animportant role in pest management and hence improved crop yield production. This study was done to investigate the consequences of Imidacloprid on the activity of dehydrogenase and urease enzymes in soils of selected zones of Haryana. A 28 days experiment was carried out where sampling was done after 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day of Imidacloprid application at different concentrations like T1 (1 mg/kg), T2 (2 mg/kg) and T3 (10 mg/kg). After analysing the physicochemical properties of soils of various zones the enzymatic activities were measured using colorimetric assays. Dehydrogenase activity was decreased initially after imidacloprid exposure but after 14 days a stimulation was observed in dehydrogenase activity at lower doses. The decrease was directly proportional to concentration of imidacloprid and indirectly proportional to time of incubation. Urease activity was inhibited by highest dose of imidacloprid after first day exposure. However, a stimulation in urease activity was observed after 14 days of imidacloprid treatment at all doses. Obtained results showed that the activity of dehydrogenase and urease were affected by concentration and treatment time of Imidacloprid significantly in soils of each selected zone of Haryana. The results provide a clue about the possible ecological effects of Imidacloprid.
Effcets of Synthetic Food Colourants on Spermatogenesis and Alteration in Cauda Epididymal Sperm Characteristics of Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Beena Meena , Geeta Meena
Published: September 2022

The present study examined effects of Azorubine (E122) and Amaranth (123) on male reproductive system of Swiss albino mice. Control (Group I, n=20) was treated with vehicle. Two treatment groups based on azorubine (Group II) and amaranth (Group III) treatment were designed with sub-groups for doses 1/2LD50 and 1/4LD50 (Group IIa, Group IIb, Group IIIa and Group IIIb) consisting of 20 animals each. Five animals from each group and sub-group were sacrificed at 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th day of administration. Body and testis weight were measured, along with cauda sperm characteristics and testicular histology. Level of reproductive hormones were also examined. Results showed significant deterioration of sperm characteristics after treatment with both dyes. Major types of sperm deformities noticed in azorubine and amaranth treated animals were broken tail, bend tail, cytoplasmic droplet, head-tail separation, coiled tail, and headless sperms. More than 30% decline in motility and abnormality was noted in animals treated with amaranth. Histological observation indicated cytotoxic damages in amaranth treated mice, while azorubine treated animals exhibited large scale disorganization of germ cells and interference in spermatogenesis. Conclusively, azorubine and amaranth at the doses used in this study were detrimental to spermatogenesis. Deformities found in the cauda epididymal sperms indicated consequential impact on the rate of fertility.
Informell bedömning avgörande i tidig läsundervisning: både av sociala och kognitiva förmågor
Authors: Andersson Ulrika
Published: September 2022

Den här artikeln handlar om hur lärare använder bedömning för att utforma den tidiga läsundervisningen. Artikeln bygger på en intervjustudie där 12 lärare berättar om sitt bedömningsarbete i tidig läsundervisning. Det visar sig att lärarna kontinuerligt bedömer elevernas förmågor och att de bedömer både elevernas sociala och kognitiva förmågor för att anpassa läsundervisningen. Det handlar om såväl formella som informella bedömningar. Elevernas läsförmågor förändras i olika takt och studien visar att lärarnas bedömningar snabbt kan bli inaktuella. De informella bedömningarna framstår som en kvalitetssäkring, ett sätt för läraren att få information om hur eleven svarar på genomförd undervisning under tiden som den pågår.
Monitoring the photochemistry of a formazan over 15 orders of magnitude in time
Authors: Wortmann Svenja , Kutta Roger Jan , Nuernberger Patrick
Published: September 2022

2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) may convert into phenyl-benzo[c]tetrazolocinnolium chloride (PTC) and 1,3,5-triphenylformazan (TPF) under irradiation with light. The latter reaction, albeit enzymatically rather than photochemically, is used in so-called TTC assays indicating cellular respiration and cell growth. In this paper, we address the photochemistry of TPF with time-resolved spectroscopy on various time scales. TPF is stabilized by an intramolecular hydrogen bond and switches photochemicallyviaan E-Z isomerization around an N=N double bond into another TPF-stereoisomer, from which further isomerizations around the C=N double bond of the phenylhydrazone group are possible. We investigate the underlying processes by time-resolved spectroscopy in dependence on excitation wavelength and solvent environment, resolving several intermediates over a temporal range spanning 15 orders of magnitude (hundreds of femtoseconds to hundreds of seconds) along the reaction path. In a quantum-chemical analysis, we identify 16 stable ground-state isomers and discuss which ones are identified in the experimental data. We derive a detailed scheme how these species are thermally and photochemically interconnected and conclude that proton transfer processes are involved.
Coronavirus disease 2019 death prediction by electrocardiographic abnormalities and elevated D-dimer levels
Authors: Chen Jing , Wang Yina , Wang Jingyi , Chen Lie , Luo Qiushi , Wang Bei , He Xingwei , Li Xuefei , Zuo Huakun , Zuo Ping , Yang Xiaoyun
Published: September 2022

Background

Electrocardiography (ECG) plays a very important role in various cardiovascular diseases and elevated D-dimer in serum associated with thrombosis. In patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), immense pieces of evidence showed that ECG abnormalities or elevated D-dimer in serum occurred frequently. However, it remains unclear whether ECG abnormalities combined with elevated D-dimer could be a new risk predictor in patients with COVID-19.

Methods and results

This retrospective cohort study enrolled 416 patients with COVID-19 at Wuhan Tongji Hospital from 1 February to 20 March 2020. ECG manifestations, D-dimer levels, and in-hospital deaths were recorded for all patients. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between ECG manifestations and in-hospital mortality in patients with elevated D-dimer levels. In patients hospitalized for COVID-19, ST-T abnormalities (34.3%) were the most frequent ECG manifestations, whereas sinus tachycardia (ST) (13.3%) and atrial arrhythmias with rapid rhythms (8.5%) were the two most common cardiac arrhythmias. Compared to severely ill patients with COVID-19, ST-T abnormalities, ST and atrial arrhythmias (p<0.001) with rapid rhythms, D-dimer levels, and in-hospital deaths were significantly more frequent in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Moreover, elevated D-dimer levels were observed in all the patients who died. In the subgroup of 303 patients with elevated serum D-dimer levels, the patient's age, the incidence of ST-T abnormalities, ST, atrial fibrillation (AF), and atrial premature beat were significantly higher than those in the non-elevated D-dimer subgroup. Multivariate logistic regression analysis further revealed that ST and AF were risk factors for in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients with elevated D-dimer levels.

Conclusions

ECG abnormalities and elevated D-dimer levels were associated with a higher risk of critical illness and death in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. ECG abnormalities, including ST and AF, combined with elevated D-dimer levels, can be used to predict death in COVID-19.
Objectively measured adherence to physical activity among patients with coronary artery disease: Comparison of the 2010 and 2020 World Health Organization guidelines and daily steps
Authors: Eser Prisca , Gonzalez-Jaramillo Nathalia , Weber Selina , Fritsche Jan , Femiano Riccardo , Werner Charlotte , Casanova Flurina , Bano Arjola , Franco Oscar H. , Wilhelm Matthias
Published: September 2022

Background

Tailored recommendations for patients after percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) need physical activity (PA) to be objectively measured and assessed for adherence to guidelines. The recent WHO guidelines removed the daily recommended bout duration, while the potential impact of this change on patients after PCI remains unclear.

Aim

We evaluated prevalence estimates of adherence to PA recommendations among patients after PCI across the 2010 [≥30 min moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA) at ≥ 10-min bout duration] and 2020 WHO guidelines (≥30 min of MVPA of any bout duration), as well as 7,500 and 10,000 steps.

Methods

We conducted an observational longitudinal single-center study with patients after PCI for chronic or acute coronary syndrome (ACS); maximal age 80 years. Wrist-worn accelerometers recorded participants’ PA data from the evening of hospital discharge over the next 18 days.

Results

We analyzed data from 282 participants with sufficient minimum wear time (7 days of ≥12 h), including 45 (16%) women; and 249 (88%) with ACS. Median wear time was 18 (17, 18) days. Median participant age was 62 (55, 69) years. Fifty-two participants (18.4%) fulfilled 2010 WHO guidelines and 226 (80.1%) fulfilled the 2020 WHO guidelines. Further, 209 (74.1%) participants achieved ≥7,500 steps/day and 155 (55.0%) performed ≥10,000 steps/day.

Conclusion

Among participants after PCI, most MVPA was accumulated in bouts <10 min, leading to a fourfold discrepancy between participants fulfilling the 2010 and 2020 WHO PA recommendations. The number of steps/day may be a valid proxy to recent WHO PA recommendations as it is not dependent on the bout-length definition.

Clinical trial registration

[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04663373].
Characteristics of two different types of thunderstorms in summer over the Nagqu area in China
Authors: Yan Zhitao , Zhou Yunjun , Hui Lei
Published: September 2022

To investigate further the characteristics of thunderstorms on the Qinghai–Tibet plateau, a plateau vortex (PV) thunderstorm and a local thermoconvective (TC) thunderstorm over the Nagqu area are analyzed using cloud-radar, microwave-radiometer, and raindrop-spectrometer data, and their macrophysical and microphysical evolution characteristics are discussed in terms of thermodynamic processes, microphysical processes, and lightning activities. The results show the following. 1) The cloud layer was deeper in the PV thunderstorm, but the TC thunderstorm had a stronger short-time updraft with a radial velocity exceeding 10 m/s, and the warming from the strong updraft action and latent heat release from the hydromorphic phase change was about twice that of the PV thunderstorm. 2) The water vapor density increased significantly when the thunderstorm cloud passed, and the liquid water content in the middle and lower layers exceeded 4 g/m3. The maximum ice water content in the TC thunderstorm was twice bigger than that in the PV thunderstorm. The trends of raindrop number concentration and rain intensity of the PV thunderstorm were similar, and the average particle size of raindrops was smaller than that of the TC thunderstorm. 3) Both types of thunderstorms accounted for more than 90% of negative cloud-to-ground (CG) lightning, and the regions with black-body temperature (TBB) less than −40 °C and a larger TBB gradient were more favorable for the occurrence of CG lightning. 4) Thermodynamic fields bring water vapor and lift for microphysical processes, and microphysical changes release latent heat to enhance the dynamic effects, which together promote the development of lightning activities. The peak radial velocity and ice-phase particle concentration were more than 10 min ahead of the active peak of the CG lightning. This study reveals the macrophysical and microphysical evolution characteristics of different types of thunderstorms and provides a certain scientific basis for disaster prevention and mitigation regarding thunderstorms over the Nagqu area.
Implementation of thyroid-related patient-reported outcomes in routine clinical practice
Authors: Cramon Per Karkov , Bjorner Jakob Bue , Groenvold Mogens , Boesen Victor Brun , Bonnema Steen Joop , Hegedüs Laszlo , Feldt-Rasmussen Ulla , Rasmussen Åse Krogh , Watt Torquil
Published: September 2022

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are increasingly used in clinical practice to improve clinical care. Multiple studies show that systematic use of PROs can enhance communication with patients and improve patient satisfaction, symptom management and quality of life. Further, such data can be aggregated to examine health levels for patient groups, improve quality of care, and compare patient outcomes at the institutional, regional or national level. However, there are barriers and challenges that should be handled appropriately to achieve successful implementation of PROs in routine clinical practice. This paper briefly overviews thyroid-related PROs, describes unsolved quality of life issues in benign thyroid diseases, provides examples of routine collection of PROs, and summarizes key points facilitating successful implementation of thyroid-related PROs in routine clinical practice. Finally, the paper touches upon future directions of PRO research.
The relationship between lipid risk score and new-onset hypertension in a prospective cohort study
Authors: Xie Hankun , Zhuang Qian , Mu Jialing , Sun Junxiang , Wei Pengfei , Zhao Xianghai , Chen Yanchun , Dong Jiayi , Chen Changying , Wei Lai , Yin Yunjie , Yang Song , Shen Chong
Published: September 2022

Background

Dyslipidemia and hypertension are both important risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. However, the relationship between dyslipidemia and incident hypertension remains to be elucidated comprehensively. The main purpose of this study was to construct the lipid risk score to explore the risk prediction effect of integrated lipid indices on new-onset hypertension.

Methods

This prospective cohort study with 2116 non-hypertensive subjects was conducted from 2009 to 2020. New hypertension events during the follow-up period were recorded and verified. The lipid risk score was calculated by summing coded total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol weighted with corresponding effect sizes. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate the association between the lipid risk score or lipid indices and incident hypertension in the subgroup of age (< 55 and≥ 55 years at baseline).

Results

After a median of 10.75-year follow-up, 637 incident hypertension cases were identified. The restricted cubic spline showed that the lipid risk score had a positive linear correlation with hypertension (P< 0.001). Among people< 55 years, with every increase of 0.94 in lipid risk score, the risk of hypertension increased by 37% (adjusted HR [95%CI]: 1.369 [1.164-1.610]). This association was not modified by overweight or obesity.

Conclusions

The integrated lipid risk score, independent of traditional risk factors, has a significantly predictive effect on hypertension in people younger than 55 years. This finding may aid in identifying high-risk individuals for hypertension, as well as facilitating early intervention and management to reduce adverse cardiovascular events. Comprehensive lipid management should be attached importance in the prevention and control of hypertension.
GPI: An indicator for immune infiltrates and prognosis of human breast cancer from a comprehensive analysis
Authors: Zeng Jie , Yi Jianing , Tan Siyi , Zeng Yuanjun , Zou Lianhong , Zhang Chaojie , Liu Luyao , Yi Pingyong , Fan Peizhi , Yu Jie
Published: September 2022

Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) plays an important part in gluconeogenesis and glycolysis through the interconversion of d-glucose-6-phosphate and d-fructose-6-phosphate, and its clinical significance still remains unclear in breast cancer (BRCA). We analyzed the expressions of GPI in BRCA patients to determine prognostic values. Our results showed that the expression levels of GPI were upregulated in BRCA patients, and a high GPI expression is correlated with poor overall survival (OS) in BRCA. At the same time, a high GPI expression is correlated with poor clinicopathological characteristics, such as stage III, over 60 years old, N3, HER2 negative, and estrogen receptor (ER) positive. Further analysis of the influence of GPI on the prognosis of BRCA suggested that 50 genes and 10 proteins were positively correlated with GPI, and these genes and proteins were mainly involved in cell cycle signaling pathways. In addition, in this study, we observed that GPI was closely related to N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation modification and immune cell infiltration and ferroptosis-related gene expression in BRCA, and there was a difference in m6A RNA methylation alterations, immune cell infiltration, and ferroptosis-related gene expression between the high GPI expression group and the low GPI expression group. Finally, we found that GPI in BRCA had 2.6% gene alterations, and BRCA patients with gene alteration of GPI had a poor prognosis in disease-free survival (DFS). Altogether, our work strongly suggested that GPI may serve as a new prognostic biomarker for BRCA patients.
Optimization design and drag reduction characteristics of bionic borehole heat exchanger
Authors: Zhang Jiansong , Liu Yongsheng , Qin Xing , Dou Zijun , Meng Qingsheng , Xu Xiaonan , Lv Jianguo
Published: September 2022

As a renewable energy source, geothermal energy has drawn attention because it is clean, low-carbon, resource-rich, stable, and sustainable supply. In the mining and operation of a geothermal energy system, there is a certain amount of fluid resistance in the borehole heat exchanger where the fluid flows. As the resistance in the conventional borehole heat exchanger (CBHE) accumulates with the length increase, the pumping power increases, resulting in energy loss and affecting the operation of the entire geothermal system. A bionic borehole heat exchanger (BBHE) is designed using a circular groove as a bionic unit based on the bionic non-smooth surface hypothesis. Its structural characteristics are the circular groove’s depth, width, and slot pitch. Where the fluid faces the least resistance, minimization of the pressure drop was the optimization goal. Based on the outcomes of a CFD numerical simulation and genetic algorithm optimization study. These are the BBHE’s ideal structural parameters: diameter is 60 mm, 66 mm for the groove width, 418 mm for the slot pitch, and 80 mm for the groove depth. Compared to the CBHE, under identical numerical simulation settings, the fluid resistance reduction rate of BBHE can reach 13%. Increasing fluid velocity in the BBHE can increase the temperature transmission rate. The study’s findings can serve as a reliable source of scientific information for the use and management of geothermal energy.
Current challenges and future prospect of biomass cooking and heating stoves in Asian Countries
Authors: Ahmad Riaz , Ilyas Hafiza Nabila , Li Bin , Sultan Muhammad , Amjad Muhammad , Aleem Muhammad , Abbas Adnan , Imran Muhammad Ali , Riaz Fahid
Published: September 2022

The utilization of biomass for cooking and heating is old, occurring from the early stages of human evolution because of its wide and easy availability. In Asia, a majority of the population is dependent on solid biomass for cooking and heating applications. Biomass cookstove produces emissions like carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) which are dependent on the classifications and characteristics of fuel used in stoves. These emissions trigger many health risks because of the utilization of traditional cookstoves (TCS) which have less thermal efficiency. The literature contains a considerable amount of information on biomass cookstoves; however, it is dispersed particularly in Asian countries. In this principle, this paper gives an overview of available literature on biomass cookstoves for cooking and heating in Asian countries which are involving Bangladesh, China, India, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Laos. This paper covers a detailed discussion on various aspects of biomass cookstoves: history, classification, fuel characteristics, health risks, design criteria, the scenario in selected Asian countries, thermal efficiency and emission comparison, and barriers to dissemination of improved biomass cookstoves (ICS). Learning from the review and comparison made conclude that the ICS has better thermal efficiency, and lesser emissions, as well as health risks but, have some potential barriers to dissemination.
Day-ahead joint clearing model of electric energy and reserve auxiliary service considering flexible load
Authors: Shao Yijun , Hao Lili , Cai Yaqi , Wang Jiwen , Song Zhiwei , Wang Zhengfeng
Published: September 2022

With the increasing of renewable energy penetration, adequate reserve capacity is more important to modern power system facing with various uncertain factors. Mobilizing the enthusiasm of units and demand response to participate in reserve auxiliary service can reduce the reserve providing pressure of conventional power supplies, which is conducive to the reliable and economical operation of system. The uncertain factors such as system random failure, prediction error of both load and renewable energy output are considered, and taking unit reserve, demand response such as flexible loads as system reserve resources, this paper establishes the risk cost models to optimize system up and down reserve requirement and make optimal allocation among units and flexible loads. A joint market clearing model of day-ahead electric energy and reserve auxiliary service is established in which both the units and flexible loads participate, and is solved by the robust optimization theory. The joint market clearing model takes the reliability and the economy of the system operation into account, and optimizes the clearing scheme for market decision makers, which can provide a decision reference for the market to resist the risk of uncertainty. Finally, the effectiveness of the model and method proposed in this paper is verified by a modified 10-machine 39-bus simulation example system.
Developing a system for comprehensive regional Eco-environmental quality assessment in mountainous areas—A case study of Western Sichuan, China
Authors: Chen Xiaojie , Chen Shengbin , He Zhengwei , Xue Dongjian , Fang Guozheng , Pan Kaiwen , Fang Kun
Published: September 2022

Eco-environmental quality assessment is an important process for ensuring sustainable regional development because it encourages the construction of an ecological civilization. This assessment also lays a foundation for informing digital management and decision-making for the ecological environment in the near future. Due to the particularity of mountainous areas, its Eco-environmental quality assessment needs to be deeply specific and may require re-working. Here, the AHP-Entropy model was developed and constructed to scientifically analyze and evaluate the Eco-environmental quality in mountainous Western Sichuan in 2009 and 2019 at the township (street) unit. It is based on indicators representing Biological richness, Vegetation cover, Water network density, Land stress, and Social-economic stress. This newly developed model offers a more complete assessment, is based on more easily acquired data and has a higher accuracy than past models. The Eco-environmental quality index (EQI) representing eco-environmental quality (EEQ) has five levels of rating: Better, Good, Moderate, Bad and Worse. After applying this model to the region, the results show that: 1) The ecological environmental quality in the Western Sichuan mountains has improved over the past 10 years. 2) The eco-environment in the study area is generally Good, with small areas receiving a rating of Moderate. 3) The areas considered Better are mainly distributed on Longmen Mountain, Daliang mountain and Qionglai mountain, while the Moderate areas are mainly distributed in the western Chengdu Plain, the Panzhihua urban area, and Shaluli mountain. 4) The areas rated Better earn their rating due to high vegetation coverage, high habitat quality, and low degree of land degradation, such as land desertification and soil erosion. The areas with moderate eco-environmental quality were mainly affected by frequent human activity or serious land degradation. This comprehensive regional Eco-environmental quality assessment can also be used in other areas with mountains.
Ecohydrological connectivity: A unifying framework for understanding how woody plant encroachment alters the water cycle in drylands
Authors: Wilcox Bradford P. , Basant Shishir , Olariu Horia , Leite Pedro A. M.
Published: September 2022

Grasslands and savannas in drylands have been and continue to be converted to woodlands through a phenomenon often described as woody plant encroachment. This conversion has profound implications for the ecosystem services that these landscapes provide, including water. In this paper, using examples from six case studies across drylands in the Great Plains and Chihuahuan Desert regions of the United States, we explore the ecohydrological changes that occurred following woody plant encroachment (WPE). In all cases, the increase in woody plant cover brought about modifications in connectivity, which led to profound ecohydrological changes at both the patch and landscape scales. At the wet end of the dryland spectrum (subhumid climates), increases in evapotranspiration following WPE led to reduced streamflows and groundwater recharge. In drier regions, woody plant encroachment did not alter evapotranspiration appreciably but did significantly alter hydrological connectivity because of changes to soil infiltrability. In semiarid climates where rainfall is sufficient to maintain cover in intercanopy areas concurrent with woody plant encroachment (thicketization), overall soil infiltrability was increased—translating to either decreased streamflows or increased streamflows, depending on soils and geology. In the driest landscapes, woody plant encroachment led toxerification, whereby intercanopy areas became bare and highly interconnected, resulting in higher surface runoff and, ultimately, higher groundwater recharge because of transmission losses in stream channels. On the basis of our review of the studies’ findings, we argue that the concept of ecohydrological connectivityprovides a unifying framework for understanding these different outcomes.
Agricultural outputs and structure adjustments: Empirical evidence based on high-impact weather
Authors: Zhai Zhihong , Jiang Minxing , Chen Weixiang , Che Xiahui
Published: September 2022

Changes in meteorological conditions affect crop output and planting structure. Based on county-level data of agricultural statistics and weather information in Guangdong province from 1992 to 2018, this paper uses a panel regression model to examine the effects of high impact weather on agricultural outputs and identify the responses in planting structure. The findings show that the rainstorm significantly reduces the per-unit yield (PUY) of rice, and an additional day with daily excessive precipitation (≥50 mm) in the growth period leads to an average 0.25% reduction in PUY. However, the vegetable yield is not susceptible to high-impact weather. With a two-period panel regression model and sub-regional climate response analysis, we find that the agricultural planting structure is formed by the regional farming adapting to the high-impact weather (low temperature, high temperature, rainstorms, and high wind). The original rice farmland in the more climate-sensitive areas is transformed into vegetable farming, while the scale of rice is increasing in those less sensitive areas. Finally, we argue that the agricultural sector should assess the impacts of climate change on staple crops and make national climate sensitivity zoning maps. It will provide a scientific justification for making the national agriculture structural adjustment plan.
The paleo-ecological application of mollusks in the calculation of saltwater encroachment and resultant changes in depositional patterns driven by the Anthropocene Marine Transgression
Authors: Meeder John F. , Adelgren Nathan , Stoffella Susana L. , Ross Michael S. , Kadko David C.
Published: September 2022

Numerous studies address changes in wetland deposition in response to saltwater encroachment driven by the accelerating rate of sea-level rise, by quantifying temporal changes recovered from a vertical sediment sequence. This is the first landscape scale study, based upon 10 core transects representing the heterogeneity of the Southeast Saline Everglades, Florida. By utilizing the known salinity preferences of molluscan assemblages, a Salinity Index was calculated for each core sequence and the recorded salinity changes identified and dated. Radiometric dating utilizing the 210Pb method provides the rate of sediment accumulation and the date of changes identified in the core. The core transects provide the basis for calculation of the rate of saltwater encroachment by comparing the date of saltwater encroachment and the distance between two cores. Thereby, temporal and spatial changes in other sediment parameters in a landscape can also be quantified, such as organic carbon. This paleo-ecological approach to rapidly changing coastal conditions can be utilized to provide scientists and land managers with a record of the past, rate of changing conditions and provide the basis for predicting the future trajectory of their site. Application of this paleo-ecological approach documented increasing rates of saltwater encroachment associated with accelerating rate of sea-level rise: an average rate of 49.1 between 1895 and 1940, 69.2 between 1940 and 1968, 73 between 1968 and 1995 and 131.1 m/yr between 1995 and 2015. Approximately 1.79 km of saltwater encroachment has occurred since 1995, with three partial reversals because of increased freshwater delivery. Associated with saltwater encroachment are changes in sediment organic carbon, decreasing area of marl production and increasing distribution of mangrove. Although the distance of saltwater encroachment is greater in Florida Bay, both changes in sediment organic carbon and mangrove distribution are much less than in Biscayne Bay coastal basins. This heterogeneity is likely the result of differences in tidal ingress efficiency. At the present rate of saltwater encroachment, the freshwater wetlands are predictably lost within a century.
Using fish to understand how cities affect sexual selection before and after mating
Authors: Marques Piatã , Zandonà Eugenia , Amaral Jeferson , Selhorst Yasmin , El-Sabaawi Rana , Mazzoni Rosana , Castro Letícia , Pilastro Andrea
Published: September 2022

Urbanization transforms natural and agricultural areas into built landscapes. Such profound habitat alteration imposes strong pressure on phenotypic trait changes through processes related to natural and/or sexual selection. Evidence of how natural selection drives changes to traits in urban biota is increasing, but little is known about the role of sexual selection. In this study, we assessed the effect of urbanization on the expression and interaction of males' pre-mating traits (body size and color) and a post-mating trait (sperm load). We used a widespread invasive species, the guppy (Poecilia reticulata), which is a wellknown model for studying sexual selection, but have never been studied in urban systems for this purpose. We found that urbanization did not affect mean body size or condition, but it resulted in size-dependent reductions in the expression of orange and iridescent colors, as well as sperm load. The orange color was reduced in small urban guppies, while the iridescent colors were reduced in large urban guppies compared to non-urban guppies. The difference in sperm load was only found in large males, with lower sperm load in urban guppies. The relationship between orange color and sperm load was positive in urban guppies but negative in non-urban guppies, while the association between iridescent color and sperm load followed the opposite pattern. Our findings suggest that sexual selection on pre- and post-mating traits is weaker in urban than in non-urban systems and that interactions between such traits are context dependent. These responses can be related to the pollution and altered visual environment of urban systems and provide an opportunity to advance our understanding of the mechanisms determining adaptation in cities.