bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agro-climatic sensitivity analysis for sustainable crop diversification; the case of Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)
Authors: Wimalasiri Eranga M. , Ashfold Matthew J. , Jahanshiri Ebrahim , Walker Sue , Azam-Ali Sayed N. , Karunaratne Asha S.
Published: March 2023

Current agricultural production depends on very limited species grown as monocultures that are highly vulnerable to climate change, presenting a threat to the sustainability of agri-food systems. However, many hundreds of neglected crop species have the potential to cater to the challenges of climate change by means of resilience to adverse climate conditions. Proso millet (Panicum miliaceumL.), one of the underutilised minor millets grown as a rainfed subsistence crop, was selected in this study as an exemplary climate-resilient crop. Using a previously calibrated version of the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM), the sensitivity of the crop to changes in temperature and precipitation was studied using the protocol of the Coordinated Climate Crop Modelling Project (C3MP). The future (2040–2069) production was simulated using bias-corrected climate data from 20 general circulation models of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) under RCP4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. According to the C3MP analysis, we found a 1°C increment of temperature decreased the yield by 5–10% at zero rainfall change. However, Proso millet yields increased by 5% within a restricted climate change space of up to 2°C of warming with increased rainfall. Simulated future climate yields were lower than the simulated yields under the baseline climate of the 1980–2009 period (mean 1707 kg ha–1) under both RCP4.5 (–7.3%) and RCP8.5 (–16.6%) though these changes were not significantly (p > 0.05) different from the baseline yields. Proso millet is currently cultivated in limited areas of Sri Lanka, but our yield mapping shows the potential for expansion of the crop to new areas under both current and future climates. The results of the study, indicating minor impacts from projected climate change, reveal that Proso millet is an excellent candidate for low-input farming systems under changing climate. More generally, through this study, a framework that can be used to assess the climate sensitivity of underutilized crops was also developed.
Drivers and drainers of compassion in intensive care medicine: An empirical study using video vignettes
Authors: Siddiqui Shahla , Hartog Christiane
Published: March 2023

Background

The aim was to determine what factors drive and enhance compassionate care behaviors in the ICU setting and which factors drain and negate such caring attitudes and behaviors.

Methods

Qualitative, focus group discussions using video vignettes. 20 participants agreed to be part of 3 separate focus groups facilitated by the authors.

Results

Thematic analysis revealed emphasis on behavior and nonverbal cues, clinical decision making, communication and sensitivity, and building humane relations. The results show that physicians feel driven by the humanity and sensitivity felt in ICU work, however, there exists structural incompetence, as well as the stress and personal -systemic imbalances of ICU work, which leads to burnout and erosion of such motivations, draining compassion.

Conclusions

Regulatory and scheduling practices must be examined to foster the growth of compassionate behaviors and attitudes in healthcare, and these should be treated as essential patient centered metrics.
Market-based approach to promoting home fortification of diets with micronutrient powder through volunteer frontline health workers: A qualitative study
Authors: Rahman Mahfuzur , Uddin Md. Fakhar , Ahmed Tahmeed , Sarma Haribondhu
Published: March 2023

Background

The potential of market-based approach in distributing micronutrient powder (MNP) through volunteer frontline health workers has been recognized. BRAC, the largest non-government organization (NGO) in Bangladesh, uses Shasthya Shebikas as volunteer frontline health workers to sell MNP for promotion of home fortification (HF) of diets for under-5 children. We aimed to understand the opportunities and challenges of BRAC’s market-based approach in promoting HF with MNP.

Methods

We conducted a descriptive qualitative study in the four selected districts of Bangladesh: Faridpur, Gaibandha, Rangpur, and Rajbari. In-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions were deployed to collect data from purposively-selected Shasthya Shebikas and their immediate supervisors at the field level-Shasthya Kormis, Field Organizers, Managers, and mothers or caregivers of under-5 children. We performed thematic analysis to analyze data.

Results

We have found that the Shasthya Shebikas play a critical role in promoting access of MNP by the mother/caregivers of children aged 6–59 months at the community level. They counsel the caregivers to seek primary advice about the product and also informally identify undernourished children so that they can receive special attention regarding the use of MNP. However, low profit margins, over-due payments for the sold sachets, poor collaboration with and free distribution of MNP by other NGOs, and inadequate training of Shasthya Shebikas on marketing of MNP have posed major challenges for them to perform as effective sales agents of the product.

Conclusion

The market-based approach in promoting HF with MNP through frontline volunteer health workers shows much potential, with ample opportunities and few possible challenges. Considering the dynamics, the intervention should fine-tune the factors crucial to maximizing the potentials of Shasthya Shebikas for marketing MNP and promoting HF in order to improve nutrition status of the infants and young children.
Changes in gut microbial community upon chronic kidney disease
Authors: Liu Wu , Huang Jiaqi , Liu Tong , Hu Yutian , Shi Kaifeng , Zhou Yi , Zhang Ning
Published: March 2023

With the increasing incidence and mortality of chronic kidney disease (CKD), targeted therapies for CKD have been explored constantly. The important role of gut microbiota on CKD has been emphasized increasingly, it is necessary to analyze the metabolic mechanism of CKD patients from the perspective of gut microbiota. In this study, bioinformatics was used to analyze the changes of gut microbiota between CKD and healthy control (HC) groups using 315 samples from NCBI database. Diversity analysis showed significant changes in evenness compared to the HC group. PCoA analysis revealed significant differences between the two groups at phylum level. In addition, the F/B ratio was higher in CKD group than in HC group, suggesting the disorder of gut microbiota, imbalance of energy absorption and the occurrence of metabolic syndrome in CKD group. The study found that compared with HC group, the abundance of bacteria associated with impaired kidney was increased in CKD group, such asRalstoniaandPorphyromonas, which were negatively associated with eGFR. PICRUSt2 was used to predict related functions and found that different pathways between the two groups were mainly related to metabolism, involving the metabolism of exogenous and endogenous substances, as well as Glycerophospholipid metabolism, which provided evidence for exploring the relationship between gut microbiota and lipid metabolism. Therefore, in subsequent studies, special attention should be paid to these bacteria and metabolic pathway, and animal experiments and metabolomics studies should be conducted explore the association between bacterial community and CKD, as well as the therapeutic effects of these microbial populations on CKD.
Neural and behavioral adaptations to frontal theta neurofeedback training: A proof of concept study
Authors: Kerick Scott E. , Asbee Justin , Spangler Derek P. , Brooks Justin B. , Garcia Javier O. , Parsons Thomas D. , Bannerjee Nilanjan , Robucci Ryan
Published: March 2023

Previous neurofeedback research has shown training-related frontal theta increases and performance improvements on some executive tasks in real feedback versus sham control groups. However, typical sham control groups receive false or non-contingent feedback, making it difficult to know whether observed differences between groups are associated with accurate contingent feedback or other cognitive mechanisms (motivation, control strategies, attentional engagement, fatigue, etc.). To address this question, we investigated differences between two frontal theta training groups, each receiving accurate contingent feedback, but with different top-down goals: (1) increase and (2) alternate increase/decrease. We hypothesized that the increase group would exhibit greater increases in frontal theta compared to the alternate group, which would exhibit lower frontal theta during down- versus up-modulation blocks over sessions. We also hypothesized that the alternate group would exhibit greater performance improvements on a Go-NoGo shooting task requiring alterations in behavioral activation and inhibition, as the alternate group would be trained with greater task specificity, suggesting that receiving accurate contingent feedback may be the more salient learning mechanism underlying frontal theta neurofeedback training gains. Thirty young healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to increase or alternate groups. Training consisted of an orientation session, five neurofeedback training sessions (six blocks of six 30-s trials of FCz theta modulation (4–7 Hz) separated by 10-s rest intervals), and six Go-NoGo testing sessions (four blocks of 90 trials in both Low and High time-stress conditions). Multilevel modeling revealed greater frontal theta increases in the alternate group over training sessions. Further, Go-NoGo task performance increased at a greater rate in the increase group (accuracy and reaction time, but not commission errors). Overall, these results reject our hypotheses and suggest that changes in frontal theta and performance outcomes were not explained by reinforcement learning afforded by accurate contingent feedback. We discuss our findings in terms of alternative conceptual and methodological considerations, as well as limitations of this research.
Review of electrocardiographic abnormalities among people living with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review
Authors: Semulimi Andrew Weil , Kyazze Andrew Peter , Kyalo Edward , Mukisa John , Batte Charles , Bongomin Felix , Ssinabulya Isaac , Kirenga Bruce J. , Okello Emmy
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities are increasingly being reported among people living with HIV (PLWH). However, the exact prevalence of ECG abnormalities among PLWH in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), a region with one of the highest burdens of HIV, is not known. Through a systematic review, we determined the prevalence and patterns of ECG abnormalities among PLWH in SSA.

Methods

We conducted a search in online databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL and Research for Life for studies published between 1st January 2000 and 31st December 2020. Studies reporting any form of ECG abnormalities published in English were screened and reviewed for eligibility. Retrieved studies were assessed for validity using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data was summarized qualitatively, and ECG abnormalities were further subcategorized into rate, conduction, and rhythm abnormalities as well as atrial and ventricular enlargements.

Results

We retrieved seventeen of the 219 studies assessed for eligibility published between 2001 and 2020, with a total of 2,572 eligible participants. The mean age of the participants ranged between 6.8 years and 58.6 years. Of the 17 studies, 8 (47%) were case-control, 6 (35.3%) cross-sectional and 3 (17.6%) were cohort in design. Thirteen studies were conducted in the adult population while four were conducted in the pediatric population. The prevalence of ECG abnormalities ranged from 10% to 81% and 6.7% to 26.5% in the adult and pediatric population respectively. Among studies done in the adult population, conduction abnormalities were the most reported (9 studies) with a prevalence ranging from 3.4% to 53.5%. In the pediatric population, rate abnormalities were the most reported (4 studies) with a prevalence ranging from 3.9% to 20.9%. The heterogeneity in results could be attributed to the absence of uniform criteria to define ECG abnormalities.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight a high prevalence of ECG abnormalities among PLWH in SSA. Consideration of ECG in the comprehensive evaluation of cardiac dysfunction among PLWH in SSA maybe warranted.
Effect of inferior oblique myectomy on ocular torsion according to the absence of the trochlear nerve in unilateral congenital superior oblique palsy
Authors: Moon Yeji , Lee Byung Joo
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of inferior oblique (IO) myectomy on ocular torsion according to the absence of the trochlear nerve in unilateral congenital superior oblique palsy (UCSOP).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of patients who had been diagnosed with UCSOP and underwent ipsilateral IO myectomy (n = 43). Patients were classified into the present and absent groups according to the absence of the trochlear nerve and superior oblique hypoplasia on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For quantitative analysis of ocular torsion, disc-fovea angles (DFA) were collected in both eyes using fundus photographs taken within three months before surgery and one month after surgery.

Results

DFA of the paretic eye did not differ according to the absence of the trochlear nerve (9.4±5.6° in the present group vs. 11.0±5.4° in the absent group, p = 0.508). However, the present group had a larger DFA in the non-paretic eye than the absent group (14.1±6.7° in the present group vs. 8.0±5.0° in the absent group, p = 0.003). The change of ocular torsion after IO myectomy in the paretic eye was -5.3±3.7° in the present group and -4.8±3.5° in the absent group, respectively (p = 0.801). In the non-paretic eye, the change in DFA was -1.5±3.0° in the present group, which was larger than that in the absent group (0.7±2.6°, p = 0.047). In the multivariate analysis, the change in DFA was correlated with only the preoperative DFA (standardized β = -0.617, p<0.001 in the paretic eye, and standardized β = -0.517, p<0.001 in the non-paretic eye).

Conclusions

In the paretic eye, there was no significant difference in the change of ocular torsion between both groups, whereas in the non-paretic eye, the present group had a larger change in DFA after IO myectomy than the absent group. However, in the multivariable analysis, the change in ocular torsion was significantly correlated with preoperative excyclotorsion but not with the presence of the trochlear nerve itself.
Impact of early nutrition and feeding route on clinical outcomes of neurocritically ill patients
Authors: Choi Young Kyun , Kim Hyun-Jung , Ahn Joonghyun , Ryu Jeong-Am
Published: March 2023

Early proper nutritional support is important to critically ill patients. Nutritional support is also associated with clinical outcomes of neurocritically ill patients. We investigate whether early nutrition is associated with clinical outcomes in neurocritically ill patients. This was a retrospective, single-center, observational study including neurosurgical patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2013 to December 2019. Patients who started enteral nutrition or parenteral nutrition within 72 hours after ICU admission were defined as the early nutrition group. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. The secondary endpoint was an infectious complication. Propensity score matching (PSM) and propensity score weighting overlap weights (PSOW) were used to control selection bias and confounding factors. Among 1,353 patients, early nutrition was performed in 384 (28.4%) patients: 152 (11.2%) early enteral nutrition (EEN) and 232 (17.1%) early parenteral nutrition (EPN). In the overall study population, the rate of in-hospital mortality was higher in patients with late nutrition than in those with early nutrition (P<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality and infectious complications incidence between the late and the early nutrition groups in the PSM and PSOW adjusted population (all P>0.05). In the overall study population, EEN patients had a low rate of in-hospital mortality and infectious complications compared with those with EPN and late nutrition (P<0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). In the multivariable analysis of the overall, PSM adjusted, and PSOW adjusted population, there was no significant association between early nutrition and in-hospital mortality and infectious complications (all P>0.05), but EEN was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality and infectious complications (all P<0.05). Eventually, early enteral nutrition may reduce the risk of in-hospital mortality and infectious complications in neurocritically ill patients.
Phase-specific transcriptional patterns of the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora sojae unravel genes essential for asexual development and pathogenic processes
Authors: Qiu Min , Tian Mengjun , Yong Saijiang , Sun Yaru , Cao Jingting , Li Yaning , Zhang Xin , Zhai Chunhua , Ye Wenwu , Wang Ming , Wang Yuanchao
Published: March 2023

Oomycetes are filamentous microorganisms easily mistaken as fungi but vastly differ in physiology, biochemistry, and genetics. This commonly-held misconception lead to a reduced effectiveness by using conventional fungicides to control oomycetes, thus it demands the identification of novel functional genes as target for precisely design oomycetes-specific microbicide. The present study initially analyzed the available transcriptome data of the model oomycete pathogen, Phytophthora sojae, and constructed an expression matrix of 10,953 genes across the stages of asexual development and host infection. Hierarchical clustering, specificity, and diversity analyses revealed a more pronounced transcriptional plasticity during the stages of asexual development than that in host infection, which drew our attention by particularly focusing on transcripts in asexual development stage to eventually clustered them into 6 phase-specific expression modules. Three of which respectively possessing a serine/threonine phosphatase (PP2C) expressed during the mycelial and sporangium stages, a histidine kinase (HK) expressed during the zoospore and cyst stages, and a bZIP transcription factor (bZIP32) exclusive to the cyst germination stage were selected for down-stream functional validation. In this way, we demonstrated that PP2C, HK, and bZIP32 play significant roles in P. sojae asexual development and virulence. Thus, these findings provide a foundation for further gene functional annotation in oomycetes and crop disease management.
Ulcerative Colitis After Complicated Diverticulitis
Authors: Tursi Antonio , Nenna Rosanna , Papa Valerio
Published: March 2023

It has been recently shown that inflammatory bowel disease may follow an episode of acute complicated diverticulitis. We report 3 cases of ulcerative colitis after acute complicated diverticulitis that required surgery. All cases occurred in elderly patients with moderate-to-severe disease and 1 individual who also received treatment with biologics. These cases highlight the need for older patients to be strictly monitored after an episode of perforated diverticulitis requiring surgery because of the risk of developing ulcerative colitis.
Evaluando los operadores logísticos. Retos y tendencias
Authors: Sanchez Polanco Daniela Fernanda , Acevedo Cote María Alejandra , Orjuela Castro Javier Arturo
Published: March 2023

Objetivo: Establecer el estado del arte mediante una revisión de la literatura de las investigaciones teóricas y empíricas, realizadas en las últimas décadas en el ámbito de operadores logísticos.
Metodología: Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura en las bases de datos Web of Science, Science Direct, Springer Link, IEEE, Google Académico y de documentos de entidades que reportan aspectos de logística.
Resultados: Se identifican nuevos mecanismos de evaluación y selección, análisis comparativo del sector de operadores logísticos nacionales, con respecto al entorno internacional e identificación de posibles trabajos futuros.
Conclusiones: El quehacer de los operadores logísticos colombiano es un campo poco explorado, en cuanto a oportunidades operacionales, así como a las estrategias y metodologías empleadas para su gestión, tanto en condicionales normales como extraordinarias.
Financiamiento: Universidad Distrital Francisco José de Caldas.
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Diseño de una ruta metodológica para la toma de decisiones en la adquisición de software
Authors: Castellanos Jose , Castrillón Arias Cristian Giovanni
Published: March 2023

Contexto: Los procesos de selección y adquisición de tecnología en las empresas, y en especial del software, han sido una actividad relevante que permea no solo las estructuras internas de producción, sino el escenario financiero. Por esa razón, esta etapa debe cobrar cada vez mayor importancia en los escenarios organizacionales, caso que destaca la investigación fuente principal del presente artículo, y en la que se determina como objetivo “diseñar un modelo estratégico para permitir el establecimiento de lineamientos que aporten al proceso de adquisición de software en una organización”.
Método: La forma de alcanzar este objetivo se fundamenta en acciones estratégicas complementarias y articuladas que, desde el punto de vista metodológico, son la observación, las entrevistas, las consultas y los métodos de ingeniería de sistemas, las metodologías estándar utilizadas para el análisis, implementación y documentación de sistemas, sin convertir los resultados en cuadros resumen, sino en documentos que permitan la creación del producto estratégico del proyecto. Esta actividad metodológica refiere un enfoque crítico, participativo, militante u orientado a la acción, ya que se concibe la selección de software como un proceso histórico, desde las instancias organizacionales, e ideológico, desde las instancias tecnológicas. Tal enfoque subraya la comprensión práctica del hecho selectivo y se convierte en racionalidad y estandarización estratégicas para dicha selección y adquisición.
Resultados: Se obtiene un planteamiento estratégico para una asertiva toma de decisiones en aras de la adquisición de software dentro de una organización.
Conclusión: La investigación arroja una ruta metodológica estratégica para ser aplicada en los procesos que redundan en una decisión efectiva de adquirir aplicaciones de software por parte de una organización.
Effect of Ascorbic Acid Concentration on Cu2O Production for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting on Photocathode Thin Films
Authors: Rahayu Kharisma Luthfiaratri , Haris Abdul , Gunawan Gunawan
Published: March 2023

Hydrogen energy has great potential as a renewable energy source. Electrochemical water-splitting can be employed to obtain hydrogen by converting solar energy into hydrogen. In this study, Cu2O thin film electrodes have been successfully synthesized using ascorbic acid using the spin coating method. This study aimed to determine the effect of ascorbic acid in manufacturing Cu2O semiconductors as photocathodes and their activity for electrochemical water-splitting. The results indicated that ascorbate affected the photon current and onset potential of the Cu2O semiconductor. The synthesis results found that Cu2O at C1 (lower concentration than Cu2+) yielded 95.69%, and the yield for Cu2O at C2 (concentration equal to Cu2+) was 96.2%. The yield for Cu2O at C3 (concentration greater than Cu2+) was 99.82%. The photon currents generated by adding 3%, 6%, and 9% ascorbate solution were 1.18, 1.69, and 1.78 mA/cm2, respectively, at 0.3 V vs. RHE (Reversible Hydrogen Electrode). X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the sample consisted of Cu2O C3 with an average grain size of 17.55 nm. Meanwhile, Cu2O C1 and Cu2O C2 had average grain sizes of 38.99 nm and 36.42 nm, respectively. SEM analysis showed the presence of Cu2O with a cuboid and flower-like morphology. EDX analysis showed that the samples contained elements of Cu: O, 73.97%: 26.03%; 79.89%: 20.11% and 98.43%: 1.57% respectively.
A POOLED DATA ANALYSIS TO DETERMINE RISK FACTORS OF CHILDHOOD STUNTING IN INDONESIA
Authors: Siswati Tri , Paramashanti Bunga Astria , Pramestuti Nova , Waris Lukman
Published: March 2023

Background: Stunting among children remains a public health concern in Indonesia, where the prevalence of stunting in rural areas is higher than in urban areas.Objectives: This study aimed to analyze risk factors for stunting and severe stunting among children aged 0-59 months in rural and urban Indonesia.Method: This cross-sectional study used pooled datasets from Indonesia’s Basic Health Research in 2007, 2010, and 2013. Our study samples included 38,246 children aged 0-59 months whose height-for-age Z-score (HAZ) was between -5.99 and 5.99 standard deviations. The primary outcomes were stunting and severe stunting, whereas dependent variables included factors at the child, household, and community levels. We apply Stata 13 for univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis.The prevalence of stunting and severe stunting was higher in rural than urban areas. On one hand, risk factors significantly associated with stunting and severe stunting in urban areas were low birth weight, maternal height, informal father’s occupation, low economic level, and children from East Indonesia and Sumatra. Furthermore, the father’s height was only associated with stunting, while the number of children >3 was only associated with severe stunting. On the other hand, risk factors age, low birth weight, maternal height, father’s height, household member 5-9 people, middle and low economic level were significantly associated with stunting and severe stunting in rural areas. Moreover, poor WASH was only associated with stunting, while informal mother occupation, low father education, number of household members > 9 people, and living in Sumatra and East Indonesia were associated with severe stunting in rural areas.Conclusion: Low birth weight, short parents, and economic income were risk factors for stunting and severe stunting children in urban and rural areas. Keywords: Children; Pooled data; Risk factors; Stunting
On correlation between canopy vegetation and growth indexes of maize varieties with different nitrogen efficiencies
Authors: Zhao Xia , Wang ShuaiLi , Wen Tao , Xu Jiamin , Huang Bao , Yan Shufeng , Gao Gangqiang , Zhao Yali , Li Hongping , Qiao Jiangfang , Yang Jinliang , Wu Lianhai , Wang Hongwei , Liu Tianxue , Mu Xinyuan
Published: March 2023

Studying the canopy spectral reflection characteristics of different N-efficient maize varieties and analyzing the relationship between their growth indicators and spectral vegetation indices can help the breeding and application of N-efficient maize varieties. To achieve the optimal management of N fertilizer resources, developing N-efficient maize varieties is necessary. In this research, maize varieties, i.e., the low-N-efficient (Zhengdan 958, ZD958), the high-N efficient (Xianyu 335, XY335), the double-high varieties (Qiule 368, QL368), and the double inefficient-type varieties (Yudan 606 YD606), were used as materials. Results indicate that nitrogen fertilization significantly increased the vegetation indices NDVI, GNDVI, GOSAVI, and RVI of maize varieties with different nitrogen efficiencies. These findings were consistent with the performance of yield, dry matter mass, and leaf nitrogen content and were also found highest under both medium and high nitrogen conditions in the double-high variety QL368. The correlations of dry matter quality, leaf nitrogen content, yield, and vegetation indices (NDVI, GNDVI, RVI, and GOSAVI) at the filling stage of different N-efficient maize varieties were all highly significant and positive. In this relationship, the best effect was found at the filling stages, with correlation coefficients reaching 0.772–0.942, 0.774–0.970, 0754–0.960, and 0.800–0.960. The results showed that the yield, dry matter weight, and leaf nitrogen content of maize varieties with different nitrogen efficiencies increased first and then stabilized with the increase in the nitrogen application level in different periods, and the highest nitrogen application level of maize yield should be between 270 and 360 kg/hm2. At the filling stage, canopy vegetation index of maize varieties with different nitrogen efficiencies was positively correlated with yield, dry matter weight, and leaf nitrogen content, especially GNDVI and GOSAVI on the leaf nitrogen content. It can be used as a means to predict its growth index.
Bibliometric analysis of METTL3: Current perspectives, highlights, and trending topics
Authors: Liu Hanqi , Huang Yanqing , Lu Shanshan , Yuan Didi , Liu Junwen
Published: March 2023

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a representative of RNA methylation modification, which plays a critical role in the epigenetic modification process of regulating human diseases. As a key protein for m6A, methyltransferase 3 (METTL3) had been identified to be associated with a variety of diseases. The publications related to METTL3 were searched in the Web of Science Core Collection from the earliest mention to July 1st, 2022. Being screened by the retrieval strategy, a total of 1,738 articles related to METTL3 were retrieved. Much of our work focused on collecting the data of annual publication outputs, high-yielding countries/regions/authors, keywords, citations, and journals frequently published for qualitative and quantitative analysis. We found that diseases with high correlations to METTL3 not only included various known cancers but also obesity and atherosclerosis. In addition to m6A-related enzyme molecules, the most frequent key molecules were MYC proto-oncogene (C-MYC), Enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), and Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN). METTL3 and methyltransferase 14 (METTL14) may function through opposite regulatory pathways in the same disease. “Leukemia,” “Liver Cancer,” and “Glioblastoma” were speculated to be potential hotspots in METTL3 related study. The number of publications had significantly surged year by year, demonstrating the growing importance of the research on epigenetic modification in the pathology of various diseases.
An isotope dilution-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS)-based candidate reference measurement procedure (RMP) for the quantification of aldosterone in human serum and plasma
Authors: Taibon Judith , Santner Tobias , Singh Neeraj , Ibrahim Sara Cheikh , Babitzki Galina , Köppl Daniel , Gaudl Alexander , Geistanger Andrea , Ceglarek Uta , Rauh Manfred , Geletneky Christian
Published: March 2023

Objectives

An isotope dilution-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC MS/MS)-based candidate reference measurement procedure (RMP) for aldosterone quantification in human serum and plasma is presented.

Methods

The material used in this RMP was characterized by quantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (qNMR) to assure traceability to SI Units. For liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis a two-dimensional heart cut LC approach, in combination with an optimal supported liquid extraction protocol, was established for the accurate analysis of aldosterone in human serum and plasma in order to minimize matrix effects and avoid the co-elution of interferences. Assay validation was performed according to current guidelines. Selectivity and specificity were assessed using spiked serum; potential matrix effects were examined by a post column infusion experiment and the comparison of standard line slopes. An extensive protocol over 5 days was applied to determine precision, accuracy and trueness. Measurement uncertainty was evaluated according to the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement (GUM), for which three individual sample preparations were performed on at least two different days.

Results

The RMP allowed aldosterone quantification within the range of 20–1,200 pg/mL without interference from structurally-related compounds and no evidence of matrix effects. Intermediate precision was ≤4.7% and repeatability was 2.8–3.7% for all analyte concentrations. The bias ranged between −2.2 and 0.5% for all levels and matrices. Total measurement uncertainties for target value assignment (n=6) were found to be ≤2.3%; expanded uncertainties were ≤4.6% (k=2) for all levels.

Conclusions

The RMP showed high analytical performance for aldosterone quantification in human serum and plasma. The traceability to SI units was established by qNMR content determination of aldosterone, which was utilized for direct calibration of the RMP. Thus, this candidate RMP is suitable for routine assay standardization and evaluation of clinical samples.
Antibody-mediated interferences affecting cardiac troponin assays: recommendations from the IFCC Committee on Clinical Applications of Cardiac Biomarkers
Authors: Hammarsten Ola , Warner Janet V. , Lam Leo , Kavsak Peter , Lindahl Bertil , Aakre Kristin M. , Collinson Paul , Jaffe Allan S. , Saenger Amy K. , Body Richard , Mills Nicholas L. , Omland Torbjørn , Ordonez-Llanos Jordi , Apple Fred S.
Published: March 2023

The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry Committee on Clinical Applications of Cardiac Biomarkers (IFCC C-CB) provides educational documents to facilitate the interpretation and use of cardiac biomarkers in clinical laboratories and practice. Our aim is to improve the understanding of certain key analytical and clinical aspects of cardiac biomarkers and how these may interplay. Measurements of cardiac troponin (cTn) have a prominent place in the clinical work-up of patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome. It is therefore important that clinical laboratories know how to recognize and assess analytical issues. Two emerging analytical issues resulting in falsely high cTn concentrations, often several fold higher than the upper reference limit (URL), are antibody-mediated assay interference due to long-lived cTn-antibody complexes, called macrotroponin, and crosslinking antibodies that are frequently referred to as heterophilic antibodies. We provide an overview of antibody-mediated cTn assay interference and provide recommendations on how to confirm the interference and interpret the results.
Design of an efficient MPPT optimization model via accurate shadow detection for solar photovoltaic
Authors: Hole Shreyas R. , Goswami Agam Das
Published: March 2023

The output of Solar Panels is directly dependent on the intensity of direct Sunlight that is incident on the panels. But this efficiency reduces due to shadow effects for rooftop-mounted panels. These shadows can come from other solar panels, nearby buildings, or high-rise structures. It is possible to optimize Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) controllers, which draw the most power possible from PV modules by forcing them to function at the most efficient voltage to increase the output of solar panels even while they are in the shade. Thus, the MPPT analyses the output of the PV module, compares it to the voltage of the battery, and determines the best power the PV module can provide to charge the battery. It then converts that power to the optimum voltage to allow the battery to receive the maximum level of currents. Additionally, it can power a DC load linked directly to the battery. Existing shadow detection and MPPT control models are highly complex, which increases their computational requirements, thereby reducing the operating efficiency of the solar panels. This text discusses a novel Saliency Map-based low-complexity shadow detection model for Solar panels to overcome this issue. The proposed model initially extracts saliency maps from connected Solar panel configurations and evaluates the background for the presence of shadows. Based on the intensity shadows, the model tunes MPPT parameters for optimal voltage & current outputs. Due to this, the model can maximize Solar panel output by over 8.5%, even under shadows, making it useful for various real-time use cases.
Myostatin silencing inhibits podocyte apoptosis in membranous nephropathy through Smad3/PKA/NOX4 signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Juan , Shang Bangjuan , Tang Li , Tian Min , Liu Junping
Published: March 2023

This article focuses on deciphering the effect of myostatin (MSTN) on podocyte apoptosis in membranous nephropathy (MN) and fathoming out its underlying mechanism. Rats received the intravenous injection of cationized-bovine serum albumin to induce MN in vivo, while angiotensin II (Ang II) was exposed to AB8/13 cells to induce MN model in vitro. The mRNA expression of MSTN was detected by qRT-PCR. The effects of MSTN silencing on MN model rats and cells were assessed by cell counting kit-8 assay, flow cytometry, hematoxylin and eosin staining, and TUNEL assay. The expressions of proteins related to apoptosis and Smad3/protein kinase A (PKA)/NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway were examined by western blot. As a result, MSTN was highly expressed in MN cell and rat models. Besides, knockdown of MSTN elevated the MN cell viability and dwindled apoptosis rate, as well as attenuated kidney injury in MN rats. Meanwhile, MSTN silencing lessened the expressions of phosphorylated (p)-Smad3 and Nox4, while boosting the p-PKA expression in MN rats and cells. Additionally, Smad3 overexpression reversed the above effects of MSTN silencing on Ang II-induced podocytes. In conclusion, MSTN knockdown restrains the podocyte apoptosis through regulating Smad3/PKA/NOX4 signaling pathway.
Research progress and prospect of silica-based polymer nanofluids in enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Pan Yi , Zhang Changqing , Yang Shuangchun , Liu Yapeng , Muhammad Abbas
Published: March 2023

In recent years, silica-based polymer nanofluids (NFs) have attracted more and more attention because they can enhance temperature and salt tolerance. This study summarized the research progress and prospects of silica-based polymer NFs in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). First, the synthesis method and the effect on silica-based polymer NFs were studied. Research progress in rheology, wettability, viscoelasticity, interfacial tension, adsorption, porous media flow, and emulsion stability were reviewed, and the mechanism for EOR was expounded. Then, the mechanical properties of silica-based polymer NFs and the interaction between silica and polymer were discussed by molecular dynamics simulation. And the progress of research on macroscopic reservoir simulation was explored. Finally, the related auxiliary technologies were introduced, and future research directions were put forward. The results of this study will help researchers better understand the mechanism and research progress of silica-based polymer NFs in EOR.
The influence of preparation of nano-ZrO2/α-Al2O3 gradient coating on the corrosion resistance of 316L stainless steel substrate
Authors: Zhang Lianzhi , Wu Zhangyong , Wang Tingyou , Mo Ziyong
Published: March 2023

Generally, 316L stainless steel instrumentation tubes working in a humid environment with a large amount of Cl− all the year round have serious corrosion problems, so the stainless steel substrate should be gradiently coated with nano-ZrO2/α-Al2O3 slurry. In this article, the slender 316L stainless steel tube was first ground by magnetorheological fluid and then coated with the slurry, which can not only increase the contact area between the coating and the substrate but also prevent the generation of new substances that have adversely affected the adhesion of the coating. The properties of the samples were characterized and analyzed; the results showed that the substrate ground by magnetorheological fluid is more favorable for bonding with coating under the grinding conditions that the speed of the tube is 210 rpm, magnetic induction intensity is 40.83 mT, and mass ratio of micron and submicron magnetic particles is 2.3. The coating prepared under the above conditions has uniform thickness, flat surface, and can better inhibit the diffusion of Cr of the substrate to its surface. It can be obtained from corrosion resistance analysis that the coating has the highest self-corrosion potential of −0.016 V and the lowest corrosion current density of 0.491 μA/cm2, which indicate that the coating has the strongest corrosion resistance. According to the composition analysis of the coating, the composition of the corroded coating is similar to that of the coating itself, but accompanied by a small amount of Fe, which indirectly indicates that the coating is relatively compact, the coating is well bonded with the substrate, and the coating can protect the substrate; thus, the service life of 316L stainless steel instrumentation tubes is extended.
Optimierung optischer Absolutdrehwinkelmessungen durch verbesserte Codierungen
Authors: Janson Niels , Abt Marvin , Küster Benjamin , Overmeyer Ludger
Published: March 2023

Die optische Absolutdrehwinkelmessung ermöglicht die kontaktlose und referenzfreie Messung von Winkelpositionen an rotierenden Wellen, ohne dass zusätzliche Aufbauten oder Verkabelungen an diesen angebracht werden müssen. Neben den klassischen Methoden zur Steigerung der Robustheit und Effizienz des Messverfahrens durch optimierte Hardware, Messdatenverarbeitung oder Fehlerkorrekturen stellt die Auseinandersetzung mit der zugrundeliegenden Codierung einen vielversprechenden und bisher wenig betrachteten Ansatz dar. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit wird anhand einer realen Welle gezeigt, wie durch die Verwendung geeigneter Suchverfahren und einer angepassten Codierung die erforderliche Codewortlänge um über 40 % verkürzt werden kann. Dadurch wird die Rechenlast und der Speicherbedarf für die Dekodierung deutlich verringert und die Robustheit des Verfahrens gesteigert. Weiterhin wird praktisch gezeigt, wie durch Verkürzung der Codewortlänge eingesparten Stellen genutzt werden können, um Messfehler durch eine zusätzliche Redundanz effektiv zu minimieren.
Mundos do Trabalho infantil
Authors: Clara Lysakowski Hallal Maria , Mendes Taborda Taiane
Published: March 2023

Este artigo tem por objetivo investigar como Hildegard Rosenthal - uma fotógrafa imigrante - capturou um grupo específico de habitantes/ocupantes da cidade de São Paulo em 1940: os jovens trabalhadores que exerciam suas atividades na urbe paulistana. Para isso, utilizamos três fotografias e para a análise ser efetiva, empregamos um método baseado em duas etapas, sendo a primeira: "Processos técnicos fotográficos", e o segundo momento: "Processos interpretativos fotográficos". Como conclusões, compreendemos que os registros da fotógrafa nos auxiliam a compreender os mundos do trabalho da década de 1940 e, além disso, nos provoca incômodos e faz refletir sobre a situação específica desse grupo retratado - jovens, maioria não brancos, de classe baixa, que exerciam suas atividades remuneradas de maneira informal, sem mecanismos de seguridade social.
A relação entre população, voto e política, antes e durante o período da Ditadura Militar no Brasil
Authors: Chrystini Gomes Ribeiro Cellini
Published: March 2023

Por meio deste artigo analisaremos a relação do povo com a politica antes e durante o período de Ditadura Militar no Brasil, apoiando se sobre o trabalho do Professor Marcos Napolitano e do Cientista Jairo Nicolau em busca de compreender melhor o período entre a crise de 30 até o fim do Regime Ditatorial Militar, evidenciando a relação do voto com o papel da população como protagonista na luta por mudanças ao longo do período histórico analisado.
Mcrs1 regulates G2/M transition and spindle assembly during mouse oocyte meiosis
Authors: Ju Jia‐Qian , Pan Zhen‐Nan , Zhang Kun‐Huan , Ji Yi‐Ming , Liu Jing‐Cai , Sun Shao‐Chen
Published: March 2023

Microspherule protein 1 (Mcrs1) is a component of the nonspecific lethal (NSL) complex and the chromatin remodeling INO80 complex, which participates in transcriptional regulation during mitosis. Here, we investigate the roles of Mcrs1 during female meiosis in mice. We demonstrate that Mcrs1 is a novel regulator of the meiotic G2/M transition and spindle assembly in mouse oocytes. Mcrs1 is present in the nucleus and associates with spindle poles and chromosomes of oocytes during meiosis I. Depletion of Mcrs1 alters HDAC2‐mediated H4K16ac, H3K4me2, and H3K9me2 levels in nonsurrounded nucleolus (NSN)‐type oocytes, and reduces CDK1 activity and cyclin B1 accumulation, leading to G2/M transition delay. Furthermore, Mcrs1 depletion results in abnormal spindle assembly due to reduced Aurora kinase (Aurka and Aurkc) and Kif2A activities, suggesting that Mcrs1 also plays a transcription‐independent role in regulation of metaphase I oocytes. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the transcription factor Mcrs1 has important roles in cell cycle regulation and spindle assembly in mouse oocyte meiosis.
Design and analysis of strut-based lattice structure cranial implant
Authors: Mohammad Zahid Khan  , Jitendra Bhaskar  , Anand Kumar
Published: March 2023

A specialized medical cranioplasty procedure entails the use of implants of various materials, forms, and sizes. Computational technologies such as modelling and simulation, have refined the technique for creating these implants catering to patient specific needs. Superior qualities of lattice structures have considerable usage in implants. This study mainly focuses on three distinct types of strut-based lattice structures, Octet, Diamond, and Kelvin, for constructing cranial implant models using CAD tools like Solidworks and nTopology. Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) is used to test the behaviour of the designed implants in two cases: impact of external force and increase in intracranial pressure. Level of porosity is compared to determine extent of porosity of these implants, as porosity is significant in osseointegration. According to the study, these lattice structures give satisfactory results and can be utilized to make the implant more porous while satisfying the load bearing capacity.
The effect of Aegle marmelos shell particles volume fraction on hardness, toughness, and wear rate of epoxy matrix composites as motorcycle brake pads
Authors: Yudiono Heri - , M.T.N. Fuad
Published: March 2023

The utilization of Aegle marmelos shell particles is not optimal yet. Composite brake pads are currently being developed because they are eco-friendly and heat resistant compared to non-asbestos brake pads. This research attempt to analyze the volume fraction of Aegle marmelos shell particles on the measure of hardness, toughness, and wear of epoxy matrix composites as an alternative material for motorcycle brake pads. The design of this research uses a true experimental design with a posttest-only design type, there is an experimental group (composite) and a control group (Indoparts brand brake pads). The results show the most optimal measure is found in volume 30% with a hardness measure of 79.5 HRB, toughness 0.01312 J/mm2, wear 2.008 x 10-6 mm2/kg. It shows that the more particles volume, the composite strength will increase. This measure is closest to the measure of the Indoparts motorcycle brake pads. Therefore, Aegle marmelos shell particles composite can be recommended as an alternative material for motorcycle brake pads.