bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive genetic analysis of linear type traits for characterization of the Sahiwal cattle in an organized herd
Authors: Pandey Divyanshu , Mukherjee Anupama , Gowane Gopal , Kamboj ML , Lathwal SS , Malhotra Ravinder , Rathi SK , Mukherjee Sabyasachi
Published: January 2024

Sahiwal is one of the most important dairy cattle breeds of the Indian subcontinent. A holistic and balanced approach to selection and breeding strategies must be adopted to bring about desirable genetic improvement in livestock, including indigenous cattle. The inclusion of linear type traits for dairy cattle selection in any breed improvement program has not been carried out in India so far. Therefore, this study was taken up to characterize Sahiwal cattle, on the basis of linear type traits. Data was collected on adult Sahiwal cows up to their 10thparity, maintained at Institute herd of Indian Council of Agricultural Research- National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana from 2006-2021. Data were analysed using Least Squares Maximum Likelihood (LSMLMW), considering a sire model for the present study. Parity, season and period of calving were taken as fixed effect and age at first calving as covariable. Sire or animal was considered as random variable. Least squares means of objective linear type traits viz., stature was 125.97±0.68 cm, body length 136.58±1.01 cm, chest girth 173.04±1.14 cm, body depth203.40± 1.39 cm, rump angle 14.50±0.39 cm, rump width 20.62±0.28cm, udder depth 20.87±0.41 cm, rear udder height 18.38±0.33 cm, and teat length 6.16±0.24 cm. On the other hand, least square mean scores of subjective linear type traits (1-9 scale) viz. fore teat placement was 6.32±0.46, rear teat placement was 7.27±0.35,rear leg side view was 6.26±0.26, rear leg rear view was 6.28±0.27score, foot angle 6.86±0.27, angularity 34.97±0.50-degree, central ligament 6.55± 0.39, fore udder attachment 5.91±0.32, fore teat placement 6.32±0.46, and rear teat placement was 7.27±0.35. Parity had a significant (p<0.05) effect on fore udder attachment and central ligament and teat length in Sahiwal cattle. Season of calving had the significant (p< 0.05) effect, observed in case of udder depth in Sahiwal cattle. Period of calving had a significant(p<0.05) effect on rump angle, udder depth, teat length, angularity and central ligament in Sahiwal cattle. Based on results of present study, it was observed that Sahiwal cattle establishes a balance between the scoring pattern of linear type traits, as the balance scoring of animals was desirable for better sustainability and production performance of a dairy cattle, on a longer run. Moreover, linear type traits have a better scope in selection process and genetic improvement programs that can be utilized as balanced and comprehensive approach for indigenous dairy cattle.
Effect of rumen-protected choline supplementation on production performance and haemato-biochemical profile of Kankrej cows
Authors: Pawar MM , Patil SS , Panchasara HH , Patel JR , Ahuja LC , Raut AS , Modi CP , Gupta JP
Published: January 2024

A study was conducted to examine the effect of supplementation of rumen-protected choline chloride (RPC) on production performance and haemato-biochemical parameters of Kankrej cows. Twenty Kankrej cows were randomly allocated to two treatment groups: control (CON: fed basal diet without supplement) and treatment (RPC: basal diet supplemented with50 g/d/cow of RPC) from 4-weeks pre-partum through 8-weekspost-partum. Results showed that average body weights and dry matter intake were not affected (P<0.05) by the supplementation of RPC. There was significant (P<0.05)improvement in yields of milk (11.10 vs. 12.45 kg/d), FCM (10.93vs. 12.49 kg/d) and ECM (12.07 vs. 13.76 kg/d) with RPC supplementation when compared with cows fed on the control diet. The milk fat, SNF, total solids, protein and lactose contents did not differ (P>0.05) between the treatment groups. Supplementation of RPC improved feed efficiency in terms of kg of 4% FCM/kg of DMI and kg of ECM/kg of DMI in lactating cows. The higher (P<0.05) serum glucose concentration (65.72vs.62.05 mg/dL) was observed in RPC than the CON. Supplementation of RPC reduced (P<0.05) concentration of serum triglycerides (27.27 vs.31.38 mg/dL) as compared to the CON group. Other estimated blood metabolites were not influenced(P>0.05) by the supplementation of RPC. In conclusion, supplementation of 50 g/d rumen-protected choline during peripartum period improved milk production, feed efficiency and blood glucose in Kankrej cows.
Economic analysis of milk production in Southern and North coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: N Naresha , Dixit Anil K. , Singh Ajmer , Meena B.S.
Published: January 2024

A study on economic analysis of milk production was carried out in Chittoor and Vishakhapatnam districts of Andhra Pradesh. Using the cumulative square root frequency method, farms were divided into small, medium, and large groups based on the number of milch animals. A sample of 80 dairy farmers as drawn randomly from selected four villages of Chittoor and Vishakhapatnam districts of Andhra Pradesh during 2019-20. The cost and return calculation was computed using the budgeting technique. Fixed costs and variable costs were considered for estimation using the capital recovery cost technique. The overall maintenance cost per day per animal was highest for buffalo, followed by crossbred and indigenous cows. The overall cost of milk production was highest in the case of indigenous ( 32.45/litre) cow followed by buffalo ( 30.31/litre) and crossbred (22.64/litre). Study revealed that buffalos were found to be more profitable than crossbred and indigenous cows. Milk productivity was highest for crossbred cows as compared to indigenous cows and buffalos. Because of higher market price of milk for buffalo and comparative lower maintenance cost, overall net returns ofbuffalo were higher than crossbred and indigenous cows.
Development of lactose hydrolyzed milk using micro fluidization assisted crudeβ-galactosidase enzyme of Lactobacillus acidophilus
Authors: Kaur Devsimran , Mishra Santosh Kumar , Singh Pranav Kumar , N Veena , Rokana Namita
Published: January 2024

The objectives of this study were to screen maximumβ-galactosidase enzyme producing Lactobacillus strain out of seven commercial lactobacilli and development of lactose hydrolyzed milk using micro fluidization assisted crude β-galactosidase enzyme from selected maximum β-galactosidaseenzyme producing Lactobacillus strain. From all the screening methods L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 culture was found to possess the maximum β-galactosidase enzyme, so this culture was selected for further studies. Crude β-galactosidase enzyme extract (CEE)was obtained from L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 using microfluidization as cell disruption method. A total of 37.41 (μmol/ mL/min) enzyme activity was obtained from crude extract. Lactose hydrolysis in milk was done using different concentrations (0.5,1 and 1.5%) CEE of L. acidophilus ATCC 4356. CEE@1.5%showed highest 39.96% hydrolysis of lactose when compared with other CEE added milk after 8 h. There was significant difference found when sensory scores were recorded for lactose hydrolyzed milk obtained by using crude enzyme extracts concentrations @1.5% CEE of L. acidophilus ATCC 4356 and1% commercial enzyme. Lactose hydrolyzed milk was successfully developed using crude enzyme extract and being an economical, innovative and therapeutic product, large scale production of the product can be taken up by large players of the field in future.
Study of Anti-Ulcerogenic Effect of Methanol Extract and Fractions of the Leaves of Ocimum Gratissimum (Lamiaceae), on Ethanol-Induced Ulcer in Rats
Authors: Hannah Okorie Ndidiamaka , Jude Ali Ibeabuchi , Walter Ugodi Gerald , Treasure Ujam Nonye , Peace Okorie Chigozie , Valantine Atuzu Chibueze
Published: January 2024

Peptic ulcer has been a ravaging gastrointestinal disorder in clinical practice. The symptomatic effect is the perforation of the stomach lining. The study was aimed at evaluating the anti-ulcer activity and phytochemical constituents of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum. The powdered leaves were macerated in 95%v/v of methanol for 72 h, and the dried extract obtained was washed with n-hexane (Hex), ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and butanol (Buta) successively using the solvent partition method to fractionate. Phytochemical constituents were evaluated using validated methods. Acute toxicity was performed using a modified Lorke’s method. Antiulcer studies were conducted using an ethanol-induced ulcer in rat model. The rats received 200, 400 and 20 mg per kg body weight of O.gratissimum extract, its fractions and omeprazole respectively once daily for 14 days. The extraction yielded 3.3 % methanol extract, 16.8 % n-hexane 24.4 % ethyl acetate and 5.2 % butanol fractions. The phytochemical constituents of the extracts are alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, carbohydrates, steroids and saponin. There was no mortality even at an oral dose of 5000 mg of extract/kg of mouse in the acute toxicity evaluation. The extract and its fractions (200 and 400 mg/kg doses) exhibited dose-dependent ulcer curative. The Hex fraction (400 mg/kg) demonstrated the best anti-ulcer effect with 78.5 % and ulcer index (UI) of 0.60±0.24 when compared to the standard with 50% and 1.40±0.24 respectively. A significant reduction (p< 0.05) in the UI was observed in rats treated with the O. gratissimumextract and its fractions.
Extracellular ATP/adenosine dynamics in the brain and its role in health and disease
Authors: Shigetomi Eiji , Sakai Kent , Koizumi Schuichi
Published: January 2024

Extracellular ATP and adenosine are neuromodulators that regulate numerous neuronal functions in the brain. Neuronal activity and brain insults such as ischemic and traumatic injury upregulate these neuromodulators, which exert their effects by activating purinergic receptors. In addition, extracellular ATP/adenosine signaling plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. Virtually every cell type in the brain contributes to the elevation of ATP/adenosine, and various mechanisms underlying this increase have been proposed. Extracellular adenosine is thought to be mainly produced via the degradation of extracellular ATP. However, adenosine is also released from neurons and glia in the brain. Therefore, the regulation of extracellular ATP/adenosine in physiological and pathophysiological conditions is likely far more complex than previously thought. To elucidate the complex mechanisms that regulate extracellular ATP/adenosine levels, accurate methods of assessing their spatiotemporal dynamics are needed. Several novel techniques for acquiring spatiotemporal information on extracellular ATP/adenosine, including fluorescent sensors, have been developed and have started to reveal the mechanisms underlying the release, uptake and degradation of ATP/adenosine. Here, we review methods for analyzing extracellular ATP/adenosine dynamics as well as the current state of knowledge on the spatiotemporal dynamics of ATP/adenosine in the brain. We focus on the mechanisms used by neurons and glia to cooperatively produce the activity-dependent increase in ATP/adenosine and its physiological and pathophysiological significance in the brain.
A teaching proposal on the new water culture for students aged 14–15: design, application and evaluation in a Colombian context
Authors: Castro-Velásquez Freddy Enrique , Ramírez-Segado Alejandra , Benarroch Alicia
Published: January 2024

Education is key for teaching citizens to be aware of the value of water and the importance of using it sustainably. This work analyses the effects of a teaching proposal called Únete a la Nueva Cultura del Agua [Join the New Water Culture] for students aged 14–15 in a Colombian context (https://hdl.handle.net/10481/81284). It was applied in Social and Natural Science classes over 10 two-hour sessions. It was evaluated through: (a) Pretest-postest questionnaire; (b) follow-up questionnaires on the proposal that included self-evaluation, co-evaluation and hetero-evaluation on the part of students; and (c) student workbooks. The results showed the strengths and weaknesses of the proposal. It is concluded that there is a good correspondence between the strong and weak points of the proposal and the contents of the tasks that received the highest and lowest scores, respectively, revealing the associations between knowledge and perceptions. These associations are corroborated with the entries in the student workbooks following the end of the teaching proposal.
The quest for continuous quality improvement in Australian long day care services: getting the most out of the Assessment and Rating process
Authors: Irvine Susan Lee , Barblett Lennie , Waniganayake Manjula , Hadley Fay , Andrews Rebecca , Hatzigianni Maria , Li Hui , Lavina Leanne , Harrison Linda J. , Davis Belinda
Published: January 2024

The National Quality Framework (NQF) was intended to drive continuous improvement in education and care services in Australia. Ten years into implementation, the effectiveness of the NQF is demonstrated by steady improvements in quality as measured against the National Quality Standard (NQS). The process of assessing and rating services is a key element in the NQF, drawing together regulatory compliance and quality assurance. This paper draws on findings from a national Quality Improvement Research Project investigating the characteristics, processes, challenges and enablers of quality improvement in long day care services, concentrating on Quality Area 1 Educational program and practice and Quality Area 7 Governance and leadership. This was a mixed-method study focusing on long day care services that had improved their rating from Working toward NQS to Meeting NQS or to Exceeding NQS. The study comprised three phases, and in this paper, we draw on Phase 3 to understand the contribution of the NQS Assessment and Rating (A&R) process to continuous quality improvement from the standpoint of providers and professionals delivering these services. Phase 3 involved qualitative case studies of 15 long day care services to investigate factors that enabled and challenged quality improvement. Data was collected during two-day site visits, using professional conversations and field notes to elicit the views and experiences of service providers, leaders and educators. In this paper, we look at how the A&R process is experienced by those involved in service provision, with a focus on the factors that enabled and challenged quality improvement. Recognizing the interchangeability of enablers and challenges, three broad themes emerged: (i) curriculum knowledge, pedagogical skills and agency; (ii) collaborative leadership and teamwork; and (iii) meaningful engagement in the A&R process. The study found that meaningful engagement in the A&R process informed priorities for ongoing learning and acted as a catalyst for continuous quality improvement. Apprised by stakeholder views and experiences of A&R, we offer a model to foster stakeholder participation in quality assurance matters through affordances of meaningful engagement.
Successional development of the phototrophic community in biological soil crusts, along with soil formation on Holocene deposits at the Baltic Sea coast
Authors: Kammann Sandra , Leinweber Peter , Glaser Karin , Schiefelbein Ulf , Dolnik Christian , Mikhailyuk Tatiana , Demchenko Eduard , Heilmann Elena , Karsten Ulf
Published: January 2024

Harsh environmental conditions form habitats colonized by specialized primary microbial colonizers, e.g., biological soil crusts (biocrusts). These cryptogamic communities are well studied in drylands but much less in temperate coastal dunes, where they play a crucial role in ecological functions. Following two dune chronosequences, this study highlights the successional development of the biocrust’s community composition on the Baltic Sea coast. A vegetation survey, followed by morphological species determination, was conducted. Sediment/soil cores of the different dune types were analyzed to uncover the potential impacts of the biocrust community on initial soil formation processes, with special emphasis on biogeochemical phosphorous (P) transformations. Biocrust succession was characterized by a dune type-specific community composition, shifting from thinner algae-dominated biocrusts in dynamic dunes to more stable moss-dominated biocrusts in mature dunes. The change in the biocrust community structure was accompanied by an increase in Chl a, water, and organic matter content. In total, 25 algal and cyanobacterial species, 16 mosses, and 26 lichens across all sampling sites were determined. The pedological characterization of these cores elucidated initial processes of soil genesis, such as decalcification, acidification, and the accumulation of organic matter with dune and biocrust development. Furthermore, the chemistry of iron (Fe)-containing compounds such as the Fedithionite/Fetotal ratios confirmed mineral weathering and the beginning of soil profile development. The biocrusts accumulated P over time, while the P content in the underlying sediment did not change. That implies that biocrusts take up P from the geological parent material in the dunes, thereby accumulating available P in the ecosystem, which gets transferred into subsoil horizons through leaching or redeposition. The relative proportion of the bioavailable P pool (56% to 74% of Pt) increased with dune succession. That happened at the expense of more stable bound P, which was transformed into labile P. Thus, the level of plant available P along the dune chronosequences increased due to the microbial activity of the biocrust organisms. It can be concluded that biocrusts of temperate coastal dunes play a crucial role in maintaining their habitat by accumulating nutrients and organic matter, supporting soil development and subsequent vegetation.
A critical review of current laboratory methods used to evaluate mosquito repellents
Authors: Luker Hailey A.
Published: January 2024

Pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes threaten human health around the globe. The use of effective mosquito repellents can protect individuals from contracting mosquito-borne diseases. Collecting evidence to confirm and quantify the effectiveness of a mosquito repellent is crucial and requires thorough standardized testing. There are multitudes of methods to test repellents that each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Determining which type of test to conduct can be challenging and the collection of currently used and standardized methods has changed over time. Some of these methods can be powerful to rapidly screen numerous putative repellent treatments. Other methods can test mosquito responses to specific treatments and measure either spatial or contact repellency. A subset of these methods uses live animals or human volunteers to test the repellency of treatments. Assays can greatly vary in their affordability and accessibility for researchers and/or may require additional methods to confirm results. Here I present a critical review that covers some of the most frequently used laboratory assays from the last two decades. I discuss the experimental designs and highlight some of the strengths and weaknesses of each type of method covered.
Geophysical and chemical characteristics of peatland in coastal wetland, southern Thailand
Authors: Phiranram Theethach , Chenrai Piyaphong , Jirapinyakul Akkaneewut , Rachukarn Narongsak
Published: January 2024

Peatlands, as an important carbon sink, store a large amount of atmospheric carbon that is vulnerable to becoming a carbon emission source due to the disturbance of the peat layer by natural and anthropogenic processes. The Kuan Kreng peat swamp forest is the second largest peatland in Thailand and is in coastal wetland serving for carbon stock in the subsurface. To assess carbon stock in peatland, the thickness and distribution of the peat layer are necessary. This study determines physical and chemical characteristics of the peatlands in the coastal wetland, southern Thailand by conventional core study and geophysical surveys, including ground penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity imaging (ERI). There is a significant relationship between chemical and physical properties from the peat layer, which is useful to approximately predict the physical properties and peat layers in the geophysical profiles. The resistivity profiles exhibit high resistivity response, peat between 21.9 and 145.0 ohm-m, interpreted as the peat layers in the shallow subsurface. The high resolution GPR profiles provide an average GPR velocity in peat of 0.040 m/ns and a relative dielectric constant of 54.9 for the peat layers. The peat layer is characterized by a high amplitude of reflection in the GPR profiles. The thickness of the peat layers was estimated from the geophysical surveys and the drilling cores having an average thickness of 18 cm. Average values of bulk density (0.19 g/cm3) and TOC (31.18 wt. %) from the drilling core samples are used to calculate the carbon density in the peat layers giving a result of 59.24 Kg C/m3. Hence, the carbon stock at the Kuan Kreng peat swamp forest is estimated at least 7.53 megaton carbon, which is much higher than aboveground biomass carbon in this area. The innumerably high amount of carbon stock could raise awareness of peatland disturbances.
Structural design and performance study of permanent magnet safety coupling based on magnetorheological transmission technology
Authors: Zhang Huirong , Song Qinghua , Yao Zhongfu , Wang Jianxiang , Cai Zeyang
Published: January 2024

Based on magnetorheological transmission technology, a design for a permanent magnet safety coupling is proposed. Firstly, the structure scheme of the coupling is designed in detail, and its working principle and process are explained; Additionally, the influence of coupling structural parameters on magnetic field strength is studied by ANSYS, and the coupling’s structural parameters are optimized; Finally, the prototype of the permanent magnet magnetorheological fluid coupling is tested for no-load characteristics and torque regulation characteristics through the preparation of magnetorheological fluid (MRF) and the construction of an experimental platform, the experimental results demonstrated that the prototype effectively transmits torque, and the no-load torque increases as the speed increases, at a motor speed of 400 r/min, the experimental prototype achieves a maximum no-load torque of 2.6 N.m; Under specific conditions of magnetic field strength and volume ratio, the torque transmitted by the coupling increases with the volume, for instance, when the volume of MRF is 50 mL and a motor speed of 600 r/min, the experimental prototype achieves a maximum torque value of 8.7 N.m, additionally, when the volume is constant, the torque transmitted by the experimental prototype remains basically unchanged with the change of slip speed, showing the characteristic of constant torque, this study offers theoretical and practical insights for the design and experimental analysis of similar products.
Changes in DNA methylation associated with a specific mode of delivery: a pilot study
Authors: Krumpolec Patrik , Kodada Dominik , Hadžega Dominik , Petrovič Oliver , Babišová Klaudia , Dosedla Erik , Turcsányiová Zuzana , Minárik Gabriel
Published: January 2024

Background

The mode of delivery represents an epigenetic factor with potential to affect further development of the individual by multiple mechanisms. DNA methylation may be one of them, representing a major epigenetic mechanism involving direct chemical modification of the individual’s DNA. This pilot study aims to examine whether a specific mode of delivery induces changes of DNA methylation by comparing the umbilical cord blood and peripheral blood of the newborns.

Methods

Blood samples from infants born by vaginal delivery and caesarean section were analysed to prepare the Methylseq library according to NEBNext enzymatic Methyl-seq Methylation Library Preparation Kit with further generation of target-enriched DNA libraries using the Twist Human Methylome Panel. DNA methylation status was determined using Illumina next-generation sequencing (NGS).

Results

We identified 168 differentially methylated regions in umbilical cord blood samples and 157 regions in peripheral blood samples. These were associated with 59 common biological, metabolic and signalling pathways for umbilical cord and peripheral blood samples.

Conclusion

Caesarean section is likely to represent an important epigenetic factor with the potential to induce changes in the genome that could play an important role in development of a broad spectrum of disorders. Our results could contribute to the elucidation of how epigenetic factors, such as a specific mode of delivery, could have adverse impact on health of an individual later in their life.
Characteristics and duties of clinical research nurses: a scoping review
Authors: Xing Ying , Wang Xinxin , Zhang Chengrui , Yuan Weian , Chen Xinlin , Luan Wei
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The characteristics and duties of clinical research nurses (CRNs) are constantly developing and changing with the progress of medical technology and increasing needs in patient care. With the continuous deepening and standardization of clinical trials, the importance and status of CRNs during the whole process of clinical trials are also increasingly valued.

Methods

A scoping review of studies related to the characteristics and duties of CRNs was conducted to clarify relevant roles and concepts. An electronic search was conducted on three English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase) and two Chinese databases (CNKI and Wanfang database) in December 2023. Two authors independently screened the literature, extracted information from the included literature, and summarized and reported the findings.

Results

A total of 26 articles published between 1991 and 2023 were analyzed, and four characteristics of CRNs were identified as participants and managers of clinical trials, caregivers and protectors of subjects, coordinators of research teams, and educators. Basic knowledge, skills and literacy, communication and coordination ability, and advanced research ability are the competencies required for CRNs.

Conclusion

Further studies should focus on the importance of various characteristics of CRNs, so as to improve the quality of clinical trials and promote clinical evidence-based practice.
Clinical predictive value of the initial neutrophils to lymphocytes and platelets ratio for prognosis of sepsis patients in the intensive care unit: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Jinhui , Zhao Qun , Hu Zhenkui
Published: January 2024

Background

Neutrophils to lymphocytes and platelets (N/LP) ratio has been confirmed as an indirect marker of inflammation. In this study, we aimed to further evaluate the prognostic significance of the N/LP ratio in sepsis patients admitted to the ICU.

Methods

Sepsis patients from the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University were retrospectively enrolled from January 2015 and July 2023. The primary outcomes were 30/60 days mortality. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of AKI, vasoactive drug, CRRT, invasive ventilation, length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay and ICU mortality.

Results

A total of 1,066 sepsis patients were enrolled with a median age of 75.0 (66.0, 85.0) years, and 62.5% of them being male. The 30 days and 60 days mortality rates were found to be 28.7 and 34.0%, respectively, while the incidence of AKI was 45.2%. Based on their N/LP ratios, we classified the sepsis patients into three groups: low, middle, and high, consisting of 266, 534, and 266 patients, respectively. According the Cox proportional hazard model, the middle and high N/LP groups were associated with a 1.990/3.106-fold increase in 30 days mortality risk and a 2.066/3.046-fold increase in 60 days mortality risk compared with the low N/LP group. Besides, multivariate logistic regression model suggested that the risk of AKI occurrence increased 2.460 fold in the high group compared to the low group. However, through subgroup analyses, we observed substantial variations in the association between N/LP ratios and 30/60 days mortality rates as well as the incidence of AKI among different populations. Notably, the N/LP ratio measured at ICU admission exhibited a higher AUC for predicting 30/60 days mortality (0.684/0.687). Additionally, we observed a good predictive power for the occurrence of AKI (AUC: 0.645) using the N/LP ratio measured at sepsis prognosis. Regarding the other secondary outcomes, the N/LP ratio was associated with disease severity in sepsis patients, including the need for vasoactive drugs, length of ICU stay, and ICU mortality.

Conclusion

The N/LP ratio at ICU admission was found to have a significant independent association with 30/60 days mortality and the incidence of AKI in sepsis patients.
Comparative e-waste plastics biodegradation efficacy of monoculture Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PE10 and bacterial consortium under in situ condition
Authors: Debbarma Prasenjit , Suyal Deep Chandra , Kumar Saurabh , Zaidi M. G. H. , Goel Reeta
Published: January 2024

A significant amount of electronic obsoletes or electronic waste (e-waste) is being generated globally each year; of these, ~20% of obsolete electronic items have plastic components. Current remediation practices for e-waste have several setbacks due to its negative impact on the environment, agro-ecosystem, and human health. Therefore, comparative biodegradation studies of e-waste plastics by monoculture Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PE10 and bacterial consortium consisting of Achromobacter insolitus strain PE2 (MF943156), Acinetobacter nosocomialis strain PE5 (MF943157), Pseudomonas lalkuanensis PE8 (CP043311), and Stenotrophomonas pavanii strain PE15 (MF943160) were carried out in situ. Biological treatment of e-waste with these candidates in soil ecosystems has been analyzed through diversified analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric-derivative thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTG-DTA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both P. aeruginosa strain PE10 and the bacterial consortium have a tremendous ability to accelerate the biodegradation process in the natural environment. However, FTIR analysis implied that the monoculture had better efficacy than the consortium, and it was consistent until the incubation period used for the study. Some polymeric bonds such as ν C=C and δ C-H were completely removed, and ν C=C ring stretching, νasym C–O–C, νsym C–H, etc. were introduced by strain PE10. Furthermore, thermal analysis results validated the structural deterioration of e-waste as the treated samples showed nearly two-fold weight loss (WL; 6.8%) than the untreated control (3.1%) at comparatively lower temperatures. SEM images provided the details of surface disintegrations. Conclusively, individual monoculture P. aeruginosa strain PE10 could be explored for e-waste bio-recycling in agricultural soil ecosystems thereby reducing the cost, time, and management of bioformulation in addition to hazardous pollutant reduction.
Development and application of an amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay-linked immunosorbent assay for the accurate quantification of kidney injury molecule-1
Authors: Fu Yulin , Sun Danqin , Qin Yuan , Zheng Tianyu , Zhou Zixuan , Zhou Xiumei , Zhao Xueqin , Xu Yan , Huang Biao
Published: January 2024

Background: Kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1), a specific marker of kidney injury, is usually not expressed in normal kidneys or at very low levels but is highly expressed in injured renal tubular epithelial cells until the damaged cells recover completely. Therefore, we aimed to develop an efficient and highly sensitive assay to accurately quantify Kim-1 levels in human serum and urine.

Methods: In this study, a novel immunoassay was developed and named amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay-linked immunosorbent assay (AlphaLISA). Anti-Kim-1 antibodies can be directly coupled to carboxyl-modified donor and acceptor beads for the rapid detection of Kim-1 by double-antibody sandwich method. Serum and urine samples for Kim-1 measurements were obtained from 129 patients with nephropathy and 17 healthy individuals.

Results: The linear range of Kim-1 detected by AlphaLISA was 3.83–5000 pg/mL, the coefficients of variation of intra-assay and inter-assay batches were 3.36%–4.71% and 5.61%–11.84%, respectively, and the recovery rate was 92.31%–99.58%. No cross reactions with neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, liver-type fatty acid binding protein, and matrix metalloproteinase-3 were observed. A good correlation (R2 = 0.9086) was found between the findings of Kim-1-TRFIA and Kim-AlphaLISA for the same set of samples. In clinical trials, both serum and urine Kim-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with nephropathy than in healthy individuals, especially in patients with acute kidney injury. Furthermore, serum Kim-1 was superior to urinary Kim-1 in distinguishing between patients with nephropathy and healthy individuals.

Conclusion: The developed Kim-1-AlphaLISA is highly efficient, precise, and sensitive, and it is suitable for the rapid detection of patients with acute kidney injury.
Investigation of protein-protein interactions and hotspot region on the NSP7-NSP8 binding site in NSP12 of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Lima Neto José Xavier , Bezerra Katyanna Sales , Barbosa Emmanuel Duarte , Araujo Roniel Lima , Galvão Douglas Soares , Lyra Marcelo Leite , Oliveira Jonas Ivan Nobre , Akash Shopnil , Jardan Yousef A. Bin , Nafidi Hiba-Allah , Bourhia Mohammed , Fulco Umberto Laino
Published: January 2024

Background: The RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) complex, essential in viral transcription and replication, is a key target for antiviral therapeutics. The core unit of RdRp comprises the nonstructural protein NSP12, with NSP7 and two copies of NSP8 (NSP81 and NSP82) binding to NSP12 to enhance its affinity for viral RNA and polymerase activity. Notably, the interfaces between these subunits are highly conserved, simplifying the design of molecules that can disrupt their interaction.

Methods: We conducted a detailed quantum biochemical analysis to characterize the interactions within the NSP12-NSP7, NSP12-NSP81, and NSP12-NSP82 dimers. Our objective was to ascertain the contribution of individual amino acids to these protein-protein interactions, pinpointing hotspot regions crucial for complex stability.

Results: The analysis revealed that the NSP12-NSP81 complex possessed the highest total interaction energy (TIE), with 14 pairs of residues demonstrating significant energetic contributions. In contrast, the NSP12-NSP7 complex exhibited substantial interactions in 8 residue pairs, while the NSP12-NSP82 complex had only one pair showing notable interaction. The study highlighted the importance of hydrogen bonds and π-alkyl interactions in maintaining these complexes. Intriguingly, introducing the RNA sequence with Remdesivir into the complex resulted in negligible alterations in both interaction energy and geometric configuration.

Conclusion: Our comprehensive analysis of the RdRp complex at the protein-protein interface provides invaluable insights into interaction dynamics and energetics. These findings can guide the design of small molecules or peptide/peptidomimetic ligands to disrupt these critical interactions, offering a strategic pathway for developing effective antiviral drugs.
Case report: Urothelial injury in a female with breast cancer: a rare adverse event after the combination of paclitaxel and trastuzumab
Authors: Cao Tinghua , Duan Zhipei , Zhu Jing , Wu Jing , Chen Jun , Jiang Mingjun , Lu Xialiang , Li Yan
Published: January 2024

Several breast cancer (BC) patients showed urinary tract infection after adjuvant trastuzumab plus paclitaxel, but no case of urothelial injury has been reported. In this case, we report a 47-year-old female patient with stage I invasive ductal carcinoma in the left breast presenting with urothelial injury after the combination of trastuzumab and paclitaxel. Initially, the patient was highly suspected of having urinary tract infection as she showed abdominal and low back pain, as well as urinary irritation symptoms and hematuria. Unfortunately, the conditions were not attenuated after anti-infection therapy. Contrast-enhanced CT showed extensive exudation and edema in the bilateral renal pelvis, ureter, and bladder, together with dilatation and effusion in the renal pelvis and ureter. Cystoscopy showed extensive congestion, edema, and erosion in the bladder epithelium. Pathological analysis demonstrated slight thinning or even loss in the uroepithelial cell layer and interstitial congestion. In addition, there was growth arrest in the epithelial cells. Immunohistochemistry indicated HER2 expression in the urothelial cells. Finally, the patient was diagnosed with urothelial injury after combination of paclitaxel and trastuzumab. The symptoms were spontaneously cured with no administration of any antibiotics in the 3-month follow-up.
Intraoperative assessment of anastomotic blood supply using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging following esophagojejunostomy or esophagogastrostomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Peng , Tian Yantao , Du Yongxing , Zhong Yuxin
Published: January 2024

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of intraoperative assessment of anastomotic blood supply in patients undergoing esophagojejunostomy or esophagogastrostomy for gastric cancer using Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging (IGFI).

Materials and methods

From January 2019 to October 2021, we conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone laparoscopic gastrectomy for the treatment of gastric cancer. The patients were consecutively enrolled and categorized into two study groups: the Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Imaging (IGFI) group consisting of 86 patients, and the control group comprising 92 patients. In the IGFI group, intravenous administration of Indocyanine Green (ICG) was performed, and we utilized a fluorescence camera system to assess anastomotic blood supply both before and after the anastomosis.

Results

The demographic characteristics of patients in both groups were found to be comparable. In the IGFI group, the mean time to observe perfusion fluorescence was 26.3 ± 12.0 seconds post-ICG injection, and six patients needed to select a more proximal resection point due to insufficient fluorescence at their initial site of choice. Notably, the IGFI group exhibited a lower incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage, with no significant disparities observed in terms of pathological outcomes, postoperative recovery, or other postoperative complication rates when compared to the control group (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study underscores the potential of IGFI as a dependable and pragmatic tool for the assessment of anastomotic blood supply following esophagojejunostomy or esophagogastrostomy for gastric cancer. The use of IGFI may potentially reduce the occurrence of postoperative anastomotic leakage.
Intravenous ondansetron for the prevention of supine hypotensive syndrome during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Xiao Fen , Zhang Wangping
Published: January 2024

Background: Supine hypotensive syndrome is a common complication in late pregnancy. This study aims to explore the effects of ondansetron on the prevention of supine hypotensive syndrome during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section.

Methods: A total of 80 women undergoing elective cesarean delivery were randomly assigned to two groups (the ondansetron group and the control group), with 40 cases in each group. The ondansetron group received 0.075 mg/kg of ondansetron intravenously 5 min before the induction of spinal anesthesia; the control group was given the same volume of saline solution. The blood pressure and heart rate were measured. Umbilical artery pH was analyzed, and the incidence of nausea and vomiting and vasoconstrictor drug usage were noted.

Results: The incidence of supine hypotensive syndrome, nausea and vomiting, and vasoconstrictor drug use were significantly lower in the ondansetron group than the control group (2.5% vs. 20%, p = 0.029; 2.5% vs. 22.5%, p = 0.007; and 5% vs. 22.5%, p = 0.012, respectively). Umbilical artery pH was higher in the ondansetron group than the control group, and statistical significance was observed (7.31 ± 0.03 vs. 7.28 ± 0.04, p = 0.002). The maternal hemodynamic parameters and the neonatal Apgar score were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion: Ondansetron can effectively prevent supine hypotensive syndrome, reduce the incidence of nausea, vomiting, and vasoconstrictor drug use, and improve neonatal umbilical arterial pH during spinal anesthesia for cesarean section.

Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR180018756.
Education and training of clinical research professionals and the evolution of the Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency
Authors: Sonstein Stephen A. , Silva Honorio , Jones Carolynn T. , Bierer Barbara E.
Published: January 2024

Clinical research professionals play a critical role in the design, conduct, and oversight of clinical trials, and they must have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to ensure that trials are conducted ethically, safely, and in accordance with regulatory requirements. As clinical research has evolved from being a necessary activity for the development and regulatory approval of new medicines to an accredited academic discipline and, more recently, to a globally recognized profession, the methods of education and training of professionals have also evolved. Initially, on-the-job informal coaching and specialized training organizations led to formalized and accredited academic degree programs and, more recently, to international competency standards and competency maintenance through continuous professional development. The Joint Task Force (JTF) for Clinical Trial Competency is a multidisciplinary, international group of experts who came together to aggregate and refine competency standards for clinical research professionals, first published in 2014. The 8 domains and 49 specific core competencies of the JTF Framework have become a globally recognized standard upon which education and training programs, role descriptions, and upward mobility criteria for professionals are now based. The JTF meets regularly and, through its workgroups, continues to evolve in response to the changing needs of the profession. The JTF is committed to continuous improvement to ensure that clinical research professionals have the competence necessary to conduct safe, ethical, and high-quality clinical research.
Callio lab: an underground and above ground,laboratory—overview and prospects for high energy and applied physics
Authors: Joutsenvaara Jari , Puputti Julia , Holma Marko , Kotavaara Ossi
Published: January 2024

This overview provides a comprehensive insight into Callio Lab, a versatile multidisciplinary research platform, by describing the events and actions that have led to the development of the project-based, pay-by-service approach to organizing and economically running the research activities, a mandatory approach for a platform operating without governmental funding. The research platform has a maximum depth of 1.4 km underground, equivalent to approximately 4,100 m of water equivalent (m.w.e.). The flat-overburden mine configuration of Callio Lab minimizes cosmic-ray background interference, making it an ideal setting for low-background experiments, particularly in neutrino and dark matter research. The main-level galleries, with dimensions up to 12 m wide, 30–40 m long, and 8 m tall, provide ample space for research activities, with the potential for even more extensive galleries based on Laguna design studies. Callio Lab has a history with several small and medium-scale cosmic ray and low-background experiments. This overview highlights the site’s inherent characteristics, revealing promising opportunities for high-energy and applied physics research and applications across various scientific domains.
Effects of elevated atmospheric [CO2] on grain starch characteristics in different specialized wheat
Authors: Wei Qiongru , Pan Huqiang , Yang Yuxiu , Tan Shichao , Zheng Liang , Wang Huali , Zhang Jie , Zhang Zhiyong , Wei Yihao , Wang Xiaochun , Ma Xinming , Xiong Shuping
Published: January 2024

The increasing atmospheric [CO2] poses great challenges to wheat production. Currently, the response of starch characteristics in different specialized wheat cultivars to elevated [CO2], as well as the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms remains unclear. Therefore, an experiment was conducted with open-top chambers to study the effects of ambient [CO2] [a(CO2)] and elevated [CO2] [e(CO2)] on photosynthetic performance, yield and starch characteristics of bread wheat (Zhengmai 369, ZM369) and biscuit wheat (Yangmai 15, YM15) from 2020 to 2022. The results demonstrated a significant improvement in photosynthetic performance, yield, amylose and amylopectin content, volume ratio of large granules under e[CO2]. Moreover, e[CO2] upregulated the gene expression and enzyme activities of GBSS (Granule-bound starch synthase) and SSS (Soluble starch synthase), increased starch pasting viscosity, gelatinization enthalpy and crystallinity. Compared to YM15, ZM369 exhibited a higher upregulation of GBSSI, greater increase in amylose content and volume ratio of large granules, as well as higher gelatinization enthalpy and crystallinity. However, ZM369 showed a lower increase in amylopectin content and a lower upregulation of SSSI and SSSII. Correlation analysis revealed amylose and amylopectin content had a positive correlation with GBSS and SSS, respectively, a significant positively correlation among the amylose and amylopectin content, starch granule volume, and pasting properties. In conclusion, these changes may enhance the utilization value of biscuit wheat but exhibit an opposite effect on bread wheat. The results provide a basis for selecting suitable wheat cultivars and ensuring food security under future climate change conditions.