bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A STUDY ON ASSOCIATION OF SYSTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE, DIASTOLIC BLOOD PRESSURE, AND PULSE PRESSURE WITH INTRAOCULAR PRESSURE IN RELATION TO PRIMARY OPEN-ANGLE GLAUCOMA
Authors: Roy Sudeshna , Chatterjee Arkendu , Ghanta Debalina , SHAMIN AHAMED
Published: October 2023

Objective: This study aims to probe the relationship among pulse pressure (PP), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and the intraocular pressure (IOP) in normal persons and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. Design: This was an institution-based observational study.
Methods: This study was conducted on 240 patients attending the ophthalmology department and glaucoma clinic of a tertiary hospital. Included subjects were asked about their ocular and systemic problems and undergone detailed examination of eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea, anterior chamber by slit lamp, visual acuity, refraction, and fundus examination. IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometer. Blood pressure was measured by sphygmomanometer.
Results: In this study, we found that SBP, DBP, PP, and IOP – both eyes were found to be higher in subjects with POAG than normal control subjects. Among these, differences in mean SBP, DBP, and IOP – both eyes between subjects with POAG and normal subjects were statistically significant. IOP was found to be positively correlated with SBP, DBP, and PP both in subjects with POAG as well as in normal subjects.
Conclusion: Although involving a limited number of eyes, the key findings of the study suggest that IOP is positively correlated with PP, SBP, and DBP. This opens up the possibility of early detection of glaucoma patients with raised PP, SBP, and DBP.
SERUM FERRITIN LEVELS AS A PROGNOSTIC INDICATOR IN ACUTE ISCHEMIC STROKE: A COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL STUDY
Authors: Khan Nasiba , Singh Meena Dharam , Rajputohit Suraj , Bhandari Sudhir
Published: October 2023

Objective: This clinical study investigates the potential of serum ferritin levels as a prognostic indicator in acute ischemic stroke.
Methods: This cross-section study included 75 patients enrolled in our outpatient clinic, General Medicine Department, and SMS Medical College. The study enrolled all patients who had a new onset focal neurological deficit due to a stroke. A total of 75 patients (25 in each group (mild/moderate/ severe) as per the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale scoring) of >14 years old, presenting in the general medicine wards were enrolled for the study. The study assesses the correlation between serum ferritin levels and various clinical parameters, including stroke severity, consciousness status, and disability outcomes.
Results: Severe group had the highest average blood ferritin level (408.48 with a standard deviation (SD) of 68.63). A significant relationship was observed between ferritin levels and loss of consciousness. In addition, the mean ferritin residue ratio (MRS) also correlated with ferritin levels, with MRS correlating to ferritin levels. A significant association between elevated serum ferritin levels and severe stroke, as well as unfavorable outcomes.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that serum ferritin could serve as a promising prognostic index in acute ischemic stroke, aiding in patient risk stratification and clinical decision-making.
ASSOCIATION OF HBA1C, SERUM VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR, INSULIN RESISTANCE IN PREDIABETES, DIABETES, AND DIABETIC RETINOPATHY PATIENTS
Authors: KRISHNAVENI SOMA , PASULA SUJATHA , SABBANI PRAVEENA
Published: October 2023

Background: In the micro- and macrovascular pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is crucial. It has become recognized as a critical element contributing to the emergence of diabetes-related retinopathy and as a critical prognostic marker for the illness.
Aims: The aim of this study is to assess the level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), serum VEGF, insulin resistance (IR) in prediabetes, type-2 diabetic patients without microvascular complications, and diabetic retinopathy patients
Methods: Values for serum VEGF, HbA1c, and IR were evaluated. Spearman coefficient correlation was used to perform the correlation.
Results: Our results demonstrate that fasting insulin levels were almost completely correlated with homeostasis model assessment index of IR (HOMA-IR) (r=0.99) and highly correlated with homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (r= −0.84). We also looked at if there was any relationship between blood VEGF levels and biochemical results (HbA1c, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein). According to a study, IR and serum levels of VEGF were considerably greater in diabetic patients than in controls.
Conclusion: Both prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients had elevated serum VEGF levels, and these individuals also had favorable relationships with their HOMA-IR scores. In comparison to controls, prediabetes and T2DM patients may have higher VEGF levels due to increased IR.
STUDY CLINICAL, RADIOLOGICAL, ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHIC, AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN CHRONIC CORPULMONALE
Authors: NAGWANSHI JYOTI , GATHORIA MANISH , HARINKHEDE ANITA , RANGARE VIKAS
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Chronic cor pulmonale accounts for 5–10% of all heart diseases and 20–30% of all admissions for heart failure. The development of pulmonary hypertension (PAH) and subsequent chronic cor pulmonale increases the risk of hospitalization and is associated with reduced survival. Echocardiography examination can quantify the extent of the right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) and PAH noninvasively.
Methods: This is a prospective and observational study conducted in 74 included cases admitted in the department of general medicine, NSCB Medical College Hospital, Jabalpur. On the basis of patient’s history, physical findings, radiological findings, and electrographic changes, the diagnosis of chronic cor pulmonale was made and was subjected to echocardiography examination.
Results: Cor pulmonale was more common in smokers with male-to-female ratio of 2.52:1 and was more common in the 4th, 5th, and 6th decade of life. ECGshowed 58.10% of cases with RVH, 59.45% with right axis deviation, 48.64% right bundle branch block, and 66.21% with P pulmonale. Echocardiographic evaluation revealed right ventricular dilatation in 100% cases, RVH in 94%, tricuspid regurgitation in 52.70%, right atrial enlargement in 50%, PAH in 97.29%, diastolic septal flattening in 16.21%, paradoxical motion of the IV septum in 8.1%, reduced left ventricular end-diastolic volume in 8.1%, and left ventricular ejection fraction reduced in 22.97%.
Conclusion: Detection of chronic cor pulmonale in the early stage is important for therapeutic and prognostic implication. Echocardiography is a non-invasive, affordable investigation for early diagnosis of chronic cor pulmonale.
COMPARISON OF ORAL CLONIDINE AND ORAL MIDAZOLAM AS PRE-MEDICATION FOR PEDIATRIC SURGERY IN CHILDREN
Authors: DHALWANI KARISHMA , JAIN PALLAVI , SIKARWAR SURUCHI , SAXENA DEEPTI
Published: October 2023

Objectives: The objectives of the study are to compare the efficacy and safety of oral midazolam (0.5 mg/kg) and oral clonidine (3 μg/kg) as pre-medicant in pediatric age children undergoing surgical intervention.
Methods: The present study was conducted at the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Medicine, Sri Aurobindo Medical College and Postgraduate Institute, Indore (M.P.). We had included 60 children undergoing pediatric surgical intervention during the study period of 1–1/2 years of age 2–10 years. These children were randomized to receive either midazolam or clonidine. After obtaining consent from the parents, these children were included in the study. Pediatric separation anxiety score (PSAP) was used for the assessment of anxiety and mask acceptance scale was used for the assessment of mask acceptance. Comparison of means between the two groups was done using unpaired “t” test, and association between two non-parametric variables was done using Pearson Chi-square test. A p<0.05 was taken as statistically significant.
Results: The mean age in midazolam group was 5.50±3.18 years and in clonidine group was 5.56±4.44 years. The mean age was comparable between the two groups (p=0.954). In both groups, there was male predominance. Mask acceptance was also better in clonidine group compared to midazolam group (p=0.001). Sedation was more in clonidine group compared to midazolam group, but it was not statistically significant (p=0.136). Wake-up behaviors of the patients were comparable between the two groups (p=0.777). The hemodynamics were comparable between the two groups at majority of the time intervals (p>0.05). We found clonidine to be better in comparison to midazolam in providing sedation and patients were easily consolable compared to midazolam group patients.
Conclusion: We conclude that clonidine as a pre-medicant in patients undergoing pediatric surgical intervention is better as compared to midazolam with slightly higher sedation in clonidine group. We recommend the use of clonidine as a pre-medicant in patients undergoing pediatric surgical intervention.
AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY TO STANDARDIZE THE DERMOSCOPIC FINDINGS OF NORMAL SCALP AND HAIRS IN MALE
Authors: TANWAR RANSINGH , SARDA SAURABH , DANDOTIYA DILEEP , DASH PRASANJEET , JAIN RISHI
Published: October 2023

Background: Trichoscopy is a recent innovation in the field of dermatology and alternative to more time consuming and cumbersome procedures such as Pull test, Pluck test, Daily hair count, scalp biopsy, microscopic examination of hair by conventional methods by microscope which needs removal of hairs which is painful and unacceptable to patients, to replace these old modality with newer one to diagnose hair and scalp disorders by dermatoscope is known as trichoscopy. It is easy non-invasive, less time consuming, and well acceptable to patients. After years of use of this modality for examination of hair and scalp disorders, there is no relevant data regarding trichoscopic variables of hairs and scalp in normal population were found.
Objectives: The objectives of the study are to standardize trichoscopic findings of normal hairs and scalp in male.
Methodology: This study was conducted over 1-year period with effect from 24th January 2020 to 23th January 2021 among 360 male subjects presenting in outpatient Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, M.G.M. Medical College and M.Y. Hospital, Indore (M.P.). Examination to rule out any local dermatological disorder of scalp was done. Trichoscopic photographs were taken from frontal, right temporal, occipital, and vertex area with the help of Heine Delta 20T digital dermatoscope.
Results: Anisotrichosis shows significant age-wise difference in temporal and occipital area. Whereas maximum numbers of subjects with anisotrichosis were present in frontal area followed by vertex scalp, maximum numbers of subjects with white dots are present in more than 50-year age group in vertex (83.3%). Overall, maximum numbers are present in vertex area (68.6%) and rest of the areas has nearly equal numbers (56%).
Conclusion: Comparison with standardize findings is necessary before labeling it as pathological finding, also some variables such as black dots, yellow dots, red dots, scarring, and hair shaft abnormality other than diameter variability are considered as absolute pathological finding and not found in healthy subjects, when present on trichoscopy they signify some hair or scalp abnormality.
Zwischenevaluierung Laura Bassi 4.0, 1. Ausschreibung
Authors:   inspire research Beratungsgesellschaft m.b.H., Anton Geyer
Published: October 2023

Im Jahr 2018 startete die FFG das Programm Laura Bassi 4.0. In der 1. Ausschreibung des Programms mit dem Titel „Laura Bassi 4.0: Frauen gestalten chancengerechte Digitalisierung!“ richtete sich die FFG gezielt an Frauen, die Digitalisierung gestalten wollten. Gefördert wurden Kooperationsnetzwerke, in denen Frauen Digitalisierungsthemen mit hoher gesellschaftlicher Relevanz bearbeiteten und damit zu mehr Chancengleichheit beitrugen. Mit der nun vorliegenden Zwischenevaluierung sollte geprüft werden, inwieweit es gelungen ist, mit den Projekten der 1. Ausschreibung und den getroffenen Begleitmaßnahmen die im Programmdokument formulierten Ziele des Laura Bassi 4.0-Programms zu erreichen.
Aplicación de SIG para la Estimación de Tiempos de Concentración en la Cuenca Media del Río Sinú, Colombia
Authors:   Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Tapias Contreras Hernán José , Caraballo Hernández Viviana Paola ,   Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
Published: October 2023

El tiempo de concentración (Tc) es uno de los factores de mayor importancia al dimensionar obras de tipo hidráulico, debido a que es uno de los principales insumos en un análisis hidrológico. En tal sentido, el objetivo de esta investigación consistió en determinar parámetros fisicomorfométricos utilizando sistemas de información geográfica (SIG) y estimaciones manuales de Tc en la cuenca media del río Sinú, Colombia, para luego realizar un análisis de correlación lineal (r) y de variabilidad del modelo (r2). Para ello, se buscó evidenciar de manera cuantitativa cómo varían los resultados de Tc al ser calculados mediante 16 ecuaciones empíricas y cómo influyen en estos cálculos las variables morfométricas calculadas con el programa ArcGIS 10,8. Se observó una falta de correspondencia entre los diferentes métodos empleados, lo que permite entrever la problemática de tener mal representados los datos de un análisis hidrológico y aplicarlos en un proyecto, además de la necesidad de diseñar un modelo que permita optimizar el uso de estas ecuaciones con los SIG.
Efecto de las Proporciones de Agua, Proteína Aislada de Soya y Almidón de Papa sobre las Propiedades Fisicoquímicas y Sensoriales de una Boloña de Gallina
Authors:   Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista, Giménez-López Bruno César , García Agüiño Oscar René ,   Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Acevedo Pons Iria del Carmen ,   Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Alvarado Vásquez Rosmery Karina ,   Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado
Published: October 2023

La carne de gallina es reconocida a nivel mundial por sus beneficios a la salud y su bajo costo, comparada con la de cerdo, ternera y cordero. La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de la variación en las proporciones de agua (15, 20 y 25 %), proteína aislada de soya (1, 2 y 3 %) y almidón de papa (1,5; 2 y 2,5 %) en la elaboración de una boloña de gallina, generando un producto con aceptabilidad frente a una marca comercial. Para ello, se establecieron 30 combinaciones diferentes según el diseño de superficie de respuesta tipo Box-Behnken; el tamaño de cada unidad experimental fue de 400 g y se realizaron dos repeticiones por tratamiento para determinar textura, color y actividad de agua. Los datos obtenidos se analizaron mediante un modelo cuadrático completo, observándose la formulación óptima con una deseabilidad de 0,8350. Se caracterizó químicamente el producto, consiguiéndose una humedad de 67,97 %; contenido de proteínas de 21,16 %; de grasas de 23,13 % y de cenizas de 1 %. El producto elaborado se presenta como una alternativa confiable al consumidor y a la industria procesadora de gallinas ponedoras, por su alto contenido de proteínas, minerales y sin mostrar sinéresis
Virtual learning effects on family nursing practices during the covid-19 pandemic: evidence from undergraduate nursing students in Bandung, Indonesia
Authors: Yani Desy Indra , Lukman Mamat , Shalahudin Iwan
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Family nursing courses ensure students understand and apply relational care approaches. Objectives: This study examines the effects of family nursing virtual learning on family nursing practices among nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bandung, Indonesia. Methods: This study is a quasi-experimental study of a single group with pre-test and post-test measurements. One hundred sixty-two students who took family nursing subjects participated in this study. The family nursing virtual learning lasted 14 weeks, consisting of lectures, case studies, research tasks, and practicum. The questionnaire consisted of practical appraisal and nurse-family relationship subscales. It was measured using a ten-item instrument with response formats from 1 to 5 to indicate high to low. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyse the effect. Results: The ages of students ranged from 19-23 years, with a median of 20 (IQR = 0), and most were female (90.1%). Results showed significant differences between the pre-test and post-test with total scores of family nursing practice of (p < 0.00). Two subscales of family nursing practice also showed substantial differences in the post-test after 14 weeks of family nursing virtual learning: the practical appraisal and nurse-family relationship (p < 0.00). Conclusions: Family nursing virtual learning benefits undergraduate nursing students' family nursing practice competence.
Incidencia de la formación docente en evaluación pedagógica: egresados Universidad Católica de Manizales
Authors: Alzate Gómez Liliana María , Castro Sierra Julio César
Published: October 2023

Objetivo: dar a conocer la incidencia de la formación de los docentes-egresados de la Especialización en Evaluación Pedagógica, centro tutorial Manizales, de la Universidad Católica de Manizales, en el escenario donde desarrollan su práctica evaluativa. Metodología: investigación de corte etnográfico. Se analizan las prácticas evaluativas de doce docentes egresados de la Especialización y que laboran en seis instituciones públicas de Manizales. Se utilizaron como herramientas de recolección de información la observación participante y la entrevista etnográfica. Después de realizar una codificación manual agrupando por recurrencias y relacionando los datos por categorías, se utilizó el programa Atlas.ti para descartar la información irrelevante y confirmar unidades semánticas. Hallazgos: se evidencian perspectivas positivas de aplicación en las clases observadas frente a la reflexión de sus prácticas evaluativas, encontrando novedosas formas de evaluar adaptadas a cada contexto, según las múltiples posibilidades de la educación integral. Conclusiones: el texto es una invitación al reconocimiento de las transformaciones, formación y emergencias constantes que afrontan los docentes y sus posibilidades de encuentro.
La recepción de algunos elementos de la teología de la liberación en pedagogía de Paulo Freire. Pistas para su estudio
Authors: Espinosa Arce Juan Pablo
Published: October 2023

El presente artículo busca indagar en la recepción que Paulo Freire realiza de algunos elementos de la teología latinoamericana, en vistas a su propio desarrollo pedagógico. A partir de la lectura de unas cuantas de sus obras, se evidenciarán aquellas claves de lectura que nos permiten comprender cuál fue el real impacto de lo teológico en el método de Freire, además de reconocer finalmente la necesidad de indagar en la relación recíproca de pedagogía y teología con enfoque en la liberación y humanización de los sujetos.
Sustainability performance of firms in the emerging economy: The role of corporate governance and corporate strategy
Authors: Kwarteng Peter , Appiah Kingsley Opoku , Agana Joseph Akandeagre
Published: October 2023

Despite the significance of the company’s strategy decisions in shaping the governance of the board toward sustainable performance, an inadequate study has focused on the role of corporate strategy in the association between corporate governance (CG) and sustainability performance (SP). This study examines the direct influence of corporate governance on sustainability performance, as well as through corporate strategy (CSTR) as a mediating variable. A panel data mediation methodology based on a series of panel data regression analyses was conducted using data from 126 listed non-financial firms over the 2012–2021 period. The study finds that corporate governance has a positive and significant contribution to sustainability performance. Furthermore, this study demonstrates that corporate strategy acts as a mediator that influences the link between corporate governance and sustainability performance. The findings of the study shed fresh light on the board members, practitioners, and policymakers for planning and promoting sustainability practices, as well as strategies and firm governance necessary for sustainable development. The paper concludes that companies with effective corporate governance structures stand a better chance of demonstrating better sustainability performance, specifically with strategy decisions targeted at sustainability integration. Our findings support the agency and stakeholder theoretical points of the study and are also consistent with Ludwig and Sassen’s (2022) findings.
Relationships of plant species richness, grazing, and aridity with soil organic carbon in Xinjiang (China) grassland
Authors: Liu Yunhua , Wang Ling , Delgado-Baquerizo Manuel , Cheng Junhui , Sheng Jiandong , Schmid Bernhard , Wang Deli
Published: October 2023

Soil carbon is a critical ecosystem function in drylands. In these
ecosystems, positive relationships between plant species richness (SR)
and soil carbon storage (SOC) that have been found in biodiversity
experiments and observational studies may be reduced by grazing and
aridity. However, studies about the extent to which SR, grazing
intensity, and aridity are interactively and directly or indirectly
related with SOC so far provided mixed results. Using a network of 199
grassland sites across a large aridity gradient in western China,
selected to represent low, medium, and high grazing intensity, we found
that SOC at the depth of 0–30 cm was positively related with SR and, to
a lesser degree, with grazing intensity. Aridity had no direct
relationship with SOC but affected it indirectly and negatively via its
negative relationships with both SR and grazing intensity and via its
positive relationship with soil pH. There were no indications that
grazing intensity could modify the positive SR–SOC relationship,
possibly because very high grazing intensities did not occur in the
study region. We conclude that current levels of SR and grazing
intensity should be maintained to avoid SOC-loss and CO2 release form
grassland under predicted aridity increases in the study region.
Thermal Performance Investigation Of Various Perforated Fin Geometries For Radial Heat Sinks
Authors: Stephen Distun , Walker Charles
Published: October 2023

This research investigates methods to enhance the performance of radial
heat sinks in LED lighting systems, emphasizing the impact of different
perforated fin designs on thermal resistance. The study uncover that
larger perforation holes, particularly in annular and cylindrical fins,
significantly reduce thermal resistance and improving heat dissipation
compared to rectangular and pin fins. Furthermore, it highlight the
importance of heat sink orientation, as it significantly influences
cooling efficiency, particularly in real-world applications with varied
LED fixture positions. The findings underscore the need for a
comprehensive approach considering both fin design and orientation for
optimal performance. Notably, certain orientations exhibit reduced
sensitivity to fin perforations. A compelling outcome of this study is
the potential for lighter and cost-effective heat sinks, with perforated
fins reducing material usage by 10-30%, fostering eco-friendly and
aesthetically pleasing LED designs. These findings collectively offer
insights into improving heat sink performance in LED systems, focusing
on perforation size, orientation, and material savings, ultimately
benefiting the efficiency and sustainability of LED lighting.
Relationship between stable management practices and ocular disease in horses
Authors: Ludwig Claire , Barr Erin , Gilger Brian
Published: October 2023

Background: Ocular diseases, especially corneal diseases, are common in
horses and their occurrence is associated with trauma. It is not known
if management practices promote or prevent the development of ocular
diseases, such as corneal ulcers. Objectives: This study aimed to
evaluate how stable management practices, such as environment, feeding,
or use of fly masks, are related to the development of eye diseases,
primarily corneal ulceration, in horses. Study design: A survey of horse
owners in the state of North Carolina was conducted which asked owners
how they managed their horses and their responses were correlated to the
types of eye diseases the horses experienced. Methods: Data collected
from the survey included the primary environment of the horse (stable or
pasture), type and method of feeding of hay, use of fly masks, and eye
diseases that the horses have developed. Correlations between management
practices and eye disease were then performed. Results: Of 446 horses,
161 (36% of total) had been diagnosed with a corneal ulcer, 44 (10%)
had multiple corneal ulcers, 65 [15%] horses had uveitis, and 15
(3%) had immune-mediated keratitis. Horses that were kept in pasture
exclusively were significantly less likely to have had a corneal ulcer
than horses kept in a combination of pasture and stalls (p=0.0348).
There were no significant correlations between types of hay or how hay
was fed with the occurrence of corneal ulceration or other ocular
diseases. Main limitations: Results, such as disease diagnoses, are
solely based on horse owner responses and not medical professionals.
Conclusions: Horses kept primarily in pasture have fewer ocular
diseases, likely because they sustain less ocular trauma compared to
horses kept in stables. How hay is fed does not correlate with the
incidence of corneal or other ocular disease.
Current Advancement in Benchmarking Stable Water Splitting Electrocatalysts: A Chemist Perspective
Authors: Munir Akhtar , Nasir Jamal , Ulhaq Tanveerul , Iqbal Javed , Hussain Irshad , Qurashi Ahsanulhaq
Published: October 2023

Electro-induced water splitting module is a fascinating strategy for the
conversion of electricity into scalable and clean H2 as a future energy
carrier and has significantly attracted the attention of the scientific
community. However, despite countless research, cost-effective and
durable electrode materials with high conversion efficiency remain a
challeng in this quest. This critical review is devoted to systemically
presenting the upsurge of recently explored highly stable benchmark
electrocatalysts (both noble and non-noble) to understand the design
principles, performances, mechanistic studies, and compelling
reasons/chemistry behind the ameliorated catalytic potential over
traditional electrocatalysts for half-cell oxygen evolution reaction
(OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Moreover, the highly stable
electrode materials (at least ≥ 50 h) and their bi-functional conduct
evaluated in prototype electrolyzer (two electrode systems) integrated
with photovoltaic PV or batteries at the laboratory level are discussed,
yet an untold and unsummarized story in electrochemical water splitting.
Next, the current status of this technology, socio-economic challenges,
possible solutions, and fundamental principles/concepts behind the water
splitting conversion scheme is outlined from the point of practical
application. Typical challenges remain regarding identifying, preparing,
and scaling the potential electrocatalysts, but the foundations are now
strong, and the outlook is visible for this exciting next-generation
technology.
Genomic evidence of long-term asexuality at the northern range limit of the wetland plant, Decodon verticillatus (Lythraceae)
Authors: Thompson Hana , Eckert Christopher G
Published: October 2023

For many plants, asexual, clonal reproduction appears to be the
predominant form of reproduction at their geographic range edge, but how
long clonal populations persist and their role in range dynamics are
largely unknown. If asexuality enables well-adapted genotypes to
persist, this may allow species to expand beyond their sexual niche.
Under this scenario, genomic signatures of long-term asexuality should
be detectable in range-edge populations. We investigated this hypothesis
in the wetland plant, Decodon verticillatus (Lythraceae), which
reproduces predominantly through clonal reproduction at its northern
range limit. We assembled the transcriptome de novo, identified single
nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and compared patterns of genetic
variation in sexual and asexual populations at and approaching the range
limit. Asexual genotypes exhibited several signatures of long-term
asexuality including higher heterozygosity, fewer unique homozygous SNPs
(doubletons), and a breakdown of isolation by distance. They also tended
to include more deleterious non-synonymous and radical amino acid
altering mutations. However, the frequency of unique heterozygous SNPs
(singletons) did not differ between sexual and asexual genotypes, and
average genetic differentiation was unexpectedly higher among sexual
than among asexual genotypes. Yet, overall, our results are consistent
with the hypothesis that asexual reproduction enabled D. verticillatus
to expand its range further north than would have been possible under
sexual reproduction alone. Understanding the factors that influence
range dynamics is becoming increasingly important to better anticipate
the capacity of species to adapt and shift their ranges in response to
anthropogenic environmental changes and to prioritize range-edge
populations for conservation.
Comparison of clinical, pathological characters and prognostic outcomes in patients with non-metastatic early-onset and late-onset colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Ke , Li Shenglong , Zheng Hao , Wang Ye , Su Shuang , Li Junhu , Wang Fujing
Published: October 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the top three most prevalent and
lethal cancers for men and women. The overall annual CRC incidence rate
has decreased Since 1985. However, despite continued overall declines,
CRC is rapidly shifting to diagnosis at a younger age. Studies suggest
that there were significant differences of early-onset CRC in
epidemiology, etiology, molecular features, it is a heterogeneous
disease. So further characterization of early-onset CRC is required to
reveal the difference in clinical and pathological characteristics as
well as prognosis between the 2 groups. It may help improve the
treatment strategy in the future.
Influence of furfural and acetic acid on bioenergetics of Scheffersomyces stipitis
Authors: Granados-Arvizu José Ángel , Saucedo-Gutierrez José de Jesús , Escamilla-García Monserrat , AMARO-REYES ALDO , Carrillo-Garmendia Andrés , Madrigal-Perez Luis , Regalado-González Carlos
Published: October 2023

Lignocellulosic material is the most prominent carbon source to obtain
profitable biotechnological processes, but compounds like furfural and
acetic acid are highly toxic to yeasts. Nonetheless, research about the
molecular mechanism of furfural and acetic acid toxicity is still scarce
in yeasts like Scheffersomyces stipitis. Thus, this work aimed to
identify the role of furfural and acetic acid on S. stipitis in
bioenergetic and fermentation parameters. Here, we provide evidence that
furfural and acetic acid caused a cell growth delay and extension of the
lag phase. The mitochondrial membrane potential decreased in all
treatments without differences among inhibitors or concentrations.
Interestingly, the reactive oxygen species increased when the inhibitors
concentrations were from 0.1 to 0.3% (v/v). The glycolytic flux was not
significantly ( p>0.05) altered by acetic acid, but
furfural caused different effects. The ethanol production decreased
significantly (4.32 g/L in furfural and 5.06 g/L in acetic acid)
compared to the control (26.3 g/L). At the same time, biomass was not
significantly different in almost all treatments compared to the
control. This study provides additional understanding of the effects of
furfural and acetic acid at mitochondrial level in a pentose-fermenting
yeast like S. stipitis.
The association of number of births on women’s biological aging, premature mortality and life expectancy: a prospective cohort study of UK biobank
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Guo Huanyu , Liu Yuqing , Yang Ruiming , Weiwei *
Published: October 2023

Objective: Few studies have examined whether number of births
is associated with women’s aging. This study aims to evaluate the
association of number of births with women’s biological aging, premature
mortality and life expectancy. Methods: A total of 272,494
participants from UK biobank who completed the questionnaire on number
of live births were enrolled at baseline. The number of births was
categorized into 6 groups, and participants with one live birth was the
reference group. General linear regression model and cox proportional
hazards model were performed to evaluate the association of number of
births with women’s biological aging and premature mortality. Restricted
cubic spline (RCS) was used to visualize dose-response relationship.
Moreover, the latest Office for National Statistics life tables rom was
used to calculate the life expectancy. Results: During a median
follow-up of 11.9 years, a total of 10,992 cases of all-cause premature
death were documented. After adjustment for potential confounders,
compared to women had one birth, childless women had greater premature
death (hazard ratio, HR=1.17, 95%CI: 1.09-1.25), whereas women with two
or three children had lower risk of premature death (HR=0.87,
95%CI:0.82-0.93, HR=0.90, 95%CI: 0.82-0.99), which showed a U-shaped
relationship visualized by RCS (P<0.05 for non-linearity).
Further, at age 40, childless women had 1.41 years lower life
expectancy, and women with two children was related to 1.10 years higher
life expectancy. Moreover, compared to women had one birth, the women
with two or three children had lower corrected estimated values of FI,
ΔKDM-biological age and HD, and the women with five or more children had
higher corrected estimated values of FI, ΔKDM-biological age, and HD
(all the P<0.05). Conclusions: The association of
number of live births with women’s biological aging, premature mortality
and life expectancy had a U-shape relation. The childless or five more
child women were more likely to be aging with increased risk of
premature death and decreased life expectancy years. The double-child
women decreased aging process with lower risk of premature death and
high life expectancy.
Winter Dormancy and Spring Growth in Winter Wheat
Authors: Jamazlei Adele , Sandhu Karansher Singh , Carter Arron Hyrum
Published: October 2023

Cold tolerance is of paramount importance for the survival of winter
wheat, as failure to withstand low winter temperatures necessitates
costly replanting during the spring season. Initial observations
indicate that higher cold tolerance is associated with increased winter
dormancy, resulting in slower spring growth and potentially lower grain
yields. Understanding how quickly the plants grow during this critical
period can provide insights into their overall health and yield
potential. This study investigates the interaction between cold
tolerance, winter dormancy, rate of spring growth, and final grain yield
to develop cultivars with high cold tolerance and early spring growth.
The plant material consists of 480 diverse soft white winter wheat
varieties collected from Pacific Northwest (PNW) breeding programs. The
population was cultivated for three years (2016, 2017, and 2018) at two
PNW locations (Pullman, WA and Pendelton, OR). RGB and NIR images were
captured weekly to generate growth curves and calculate NDVI values for
each genotype. Additional data on tiller count, heading date, plant
height, grain volume weight, and grain yield were collected. Modeling
NDVI regression curves enabled us to quantitatively define plant growth
attributes including spring growth rate, time of peak greenness,
dry-down rate, time of total dry-down, time from heading to total
dry-down. These data, correlated with final grain yield, will enable a
better understanding of winter wheat growth patterns. This information
is crucial for breeding regionally specialized winter wheat varieties
that can maximize spring growth and yield potential while minimizing the
risk of cold damage.
Diurnal Variation of Canopy NDVI in Maize and Soybean
Authors: Zhang Junxiao , Bai Geng(Frank) , Chamara Nipuna , Ge Yufeng
Published: October 2023

As the world’s population grows and the demand for food rises, more
attention has been paid to increase crop yields and enhance global food
security. Modern remote sensing technologies enable us to capture
spectral features (such as NDVI) of crop canopy, which are widely used
to assess crop growth, health, and stress conditions. We noticed in the
literature that crop NDVI shows short-term variation within a day.
Therefore, in this study, we leveraged the Spidercam Field Phenotyping
Facility at University of Nebraska-Lincoln to measure and quantify the
diurnal variation of canopy NDVI for corn and soybean crops. The
experiments and data collection were conducted in 2022 and 2023, with
canopy reflectance measured by a spectrometer (400-1000 nm) at multiple
days covering different growth stages. In each day, measurements were
taken at multiple time points within a time window ±3 hours centered
around solar noon. Our analysis showed a clear concave-shaped, diurnal
trend in NDVI for both crops, with the lowest NDVI at solar noon. More
analyses will be performed to quantify this diurnal pattern and dissect
the sources of variation due to solar angle and change in canopy
morphology. This research will further improve the accuracy and
relevance of NDVI in plant phenotyping and many other scientific
disciplines and applications.
Salt stress using Chenopodium quinoa as a model plant
Authors: Acosta-Gamboa Lucia , Czymmek Kirk , Klebanovych Anastasiya , Kenney Samuel , Gordon Jared , Brown Autumn , Fahlgren Noah , Gutierrez Jorge , Schuhl Haley , Gehan Malia
Published: October 2023

Chenopodium quinoa is an important crop known for its salt
tolerance. Salinity is an osmotic stress and ions accumulation in the
root zone causes a reduction in soil water availability, affecting the
uptake of essential nutrients, changing seed composition, and reducing
biomass. Hence, the need for high-yield crops in poor soils. This
research examines the effect of salt stress on quinoa photosynthetic
efficiency and salt bladder development. Sensitive and tolerant quinoa
lines were examined under salt stress conditions when a concentration of
155mM NaCl was applied. Soil conductivity was monitored for salt stress
during the experiment. At approximately two months old, CropReporter
images were taken and analyzed using PlantCV to estimate photosystem II
efficiency, non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), chlorophyll content, and
anthocyanin content. The analysis showed that the salt treatment did not
negatively affect the plant photosynthetic efficiency (no changes in
Fv/Fm, NPQ, Fq’/Fm’) but leaf area and chlorophyll content was
statistically negatively affected by the treatment when comparing
genotypes. Live tissue was also analyzed using reflection and
fluorescence confocal microscopy, where epidermal salt bladders images
were acquired, visualized and analyzed in 3-D and the salt tolerant line
showed bigger bladder volumes compared with control conditions. A more
high-throughput approach using PlantCV, an open-source image analysis
software package targeted for plant phenotyping. This software helped
count epidermal salt bladders using stereoscope images. A comprehensive
understanding of the quinoa salt tolerant mechanisms by employing
multidisciplinary approaches is necessary for their effective
incorporation into salt-sensitive crops for better crop yields under
stressful environments.
Experience in conducting an epidemiological analysis of dengue incidence in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam using geographic information systems
Authors: Hoang V. T. , Kuzin A. A. , Zobov A. E. , Ha T. T. , Zobovа A. A.
Published: October 2023

Aim: To identify regional epidemiological features of dengue fever and substantiate approaches to conducting epidemiological surveillance for this infection taking into account the regional features of its distribution and risk factors affecting its formation.

Materials and methods: Retrospective epidemiological analysis of dengue incidence in the provinces of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam from 2017 to 2022. To conduct the epidemiological analysis of dengue incidence, a free version of the GIS Axioms (ГИС Аксиомы) program and the Google Earth application were used.

Results: It was noted that cases of dengue fever were registered in all 63 provinces of the country, however, the dynamics of incidence levels had wide spatial and temporal ranges. Excepting Hanoi (189.6 0/0000), dengue incidence in the northern provinces are lower than those in the southern provinces. The highest average long-term incidence of dengue fever was observed in Da Nang (659.8 0/0000), Binh Duong (623.3 0/0000), Quang Binh (565.5 0/0000), Ba Ria-Vung Tau (554.6 0/0000) and Khanh Hoa (544.8 0/0000). The results of a comparative analysis of dengue incidence and the main factors influencing it in the adjacent, the incidences of dengue fever of which are significantly different from each other, are shown. The application of geoinformation systems for epidemiological analysis has been demonstrated. It has been established that the distribution of the population of Vietnam differs greatly between the administrative regions of the country, and the use of population density for epidemiological analysis and forecasting of the epidemiological situation of infectious diseases, including dengue fever, can lead to incorrect results.

Conclusion: The epidemiological situation of dengue fever in Vietnam is characterized by high incidence rates, their wide ranges of spatial and temporal variability, and geographical heterogeneity. The use of GIS technologies is one of the promising approaches for epidemiological analysis and monitoring of dengue fever, as well as other infectious diseases.
Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of D hepatitis В and delta in the Republic of Dagestan
Authors: Magomedova S. A. , Makashova V. V. , Arbulieva E. A. , Tagirova Z. G. , Karlsen A. A. , Lopatukhina M. A. , Isaeva O. V. , Kyuregyan K. K. , Mikhailov M. I.
Published: October 2023

Aim: The analysis of the incidence of hepatitis B in the Republic of Dagestan (RD) and clinical and epidemiological characteristics of HBV/HDV coinfection in the region.

Materials and Methods. The dynamics of the hepatitis B incidence rates and the coverage of vaccination against this infection in the RD in 2008-2022 were analyzed based on the data from of the statistical forms of Rospotrebnadzor. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of delta hepatitis were analyzed in 371 patients under dispensary observation at the Republican Center for Infectious Diseases named after S.-А.М. Magomedov.

Results. Over the past 10 years, the incidence of CHB in the RD has increased more than 4.5 times, from 1.4 per 100 thousand population in 2008 to 6.7 per 100 thousand population in 2022. A decrease in the rates of hepatitis B child immunization in the RD is observed since 2009. Hepatitis B vaccination coverage rates in adult population fell sharply after 2010, both in the RD and in the Russian Federation  on average. The frequency of HDV co-infection in persons infected with HBV in the RD is 13.8%, but reaches 15% in some regions of the republic, indicating the moderate level   of endemicity. Patients with HBV/HDV coinfection are predominantly males aged 25–45 years with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. All cases of HDV infection in the RD are caused by viral genotype 1.

Conclusions. The obtained results testify to the significance of the problem of hepatitis B and delta in the RD. The number of identified patients and, accordingly, the rate of co-infection, apparently, will increase with the expansion of screening for markers of HDV infection, when patients who were registered as HBsAg carriers will be examined according to the patient routing guidelines. The late diagnosis of delta hepatitis in RD and the limited possibilities of antiviral therapy are another significant issues.
Prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes in resistome of adult residents of Arkhangelsk with regard to the severity of COVID-19
Authors: Krieger E. A. , Pavlenko A. V. , Esin Yu. P. , Arkhipova A. L. , Kovalchuk S. N. , Shagrov L. L. , Belova N. I. , Tsyvareva N. P. , Kudryavtsev A. V. , Ilina E. N.
Published: October 2023

Objective: to estimate the prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes in the resistome of adult residents of Arkhangelsk with regard to the severity of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted between October and November 2022 (2.5 years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic) on a random sample (N=455) of Arkhangelsk population aged 42-76 years. The data collection involved a questionnaire survey, assessment of immunoglobulins G to S-, S2, N-proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and detection of antibiotic resistance genes in fecal samples by polymerase chain reaction.

Results. Almost all participants (98.5%) had at least one antibiotic resistance gene, the resistance determinants to three classes of antibiotics simultaneously were detected in 5.6%. The prevalence of resistance genes to macrolides was 98.5%, to beta-lactams – 29.0%, and to glycopeptides – 16.0%. Antibiotic resistance genes to beta-lactams were more prevalent among participants who had previously been hospitalized for COVID-19 (44.8%) and among those having had frequent acute respiratory infections (50.0%). Individuals vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 (26.6%) and participants with cardiovascular diseases (17.0%) were less likely to have beta-lactam resistance genes.

Conclusion. The high prevalence of antibiotic resistance genes has been revealed in the resistome of adult residents of Arkhangelsk. We determined the association between resistance to beta-lactams and COVID-19 severity. The study results could be used to improve the protocols of antibiotic therapy and to guide a decision-making related to the antibiotic prescription in adults.
Chemical reactivity of alliin and its molecular interactions with the M proteasepro of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: López-Orozco Wendolyne , Mendoza-Huizar Humberto , Álvarez-Romero Giaan , Torres-Valencia Jesús , Sanchez-Zavala Maricruz
Published: October 2023

In the present work, a computational study of the chemical reactivity of alliin at the X/DGDZVP level of theory (where X is B3LYP, M06, M06L or wB97XD) was performed. The distribution of active sites on alliin was determined by evaluating the Fukui function. For electrophilic attacks, the more reactive sites are on the carbon atoms of the prop-2-ene moiety. The more active sites for nucleophilic attacks are located on the thioether group. In the case of free radical attacks, the more reactive sites are on the carbonyl, thioether and prop-2-ene moieties. Additionally, the molecular docking study revealed that, alliin is able to dock to the protease Mpro of SARS-CoV-2 through interactions with the catalytic CYS145-HSD164 dyad via van der Waals interactions, with MET49 with interactions alkyl-type ions and with PHE140 by hydrogen bonds. Also, the molecular dynamic study indicates that alliin remains in the pocket site. Last result suggests that this molecule is a potential candidate for further in vitro evaluation as a drug for the treatment of the major protease-based SARS-CoV-2 virus.