bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary Study on the Rodenticidal Effect of Pong-Pong (Cerbera odollam) Seed Powder against Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Jamin Norzainih Jasmin , Maarof Syahida , Che’ Omar Che’ Ammar Abqari
Published: December 2024

Aims: Pong-pong (Cerbera odollam) is a poisonous plant species that has potent cardiotoxic effects.  In Malaysia, its fruit, referred to as ‘buah tikus’ (rat’s fruit), has been traditionally used as a rodent repellent. This study evaluated the rodenticidal effects of pong-pong seed powder based on acute oral toxicity and palatability under laboratory conditions against Sprague-Dawley albino rat, Rattus norvegicus.
Study Design: The acute oral toxicity test was done according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Guideline 420 and the free choice feeding test was conducted according to Palmateer (1974).
Place and Duration of Study: Animal Laboratory at AMTREC Building, Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) Headquarters, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia, between May 2023 to May 2024.
Methodology: Pong-pong fully ripe fruits (red colour) were collected from Sekinchan, Sabak Bernam, Selangor. The fruits were sliced into halves for the seeds, cleaned, dried and ground into powder. The seed powder was administered orally by mixing the prescribed dose into the rat food bait. The acute oral toxicity test was done according to the OECD Guideline 420, administering a single high dose of 5 g/kg of body weight. The palatability was determined by using a free choice feeding test between treated bait (mixed with Pong-pong seed powder) with that of the untreated bait.
Results: Results indicated a higher susceptibility in female rats, with 83% mortality compared to 33% in males. Based on the palatability results, the acceptance rate of female rats was 25.6% which is lower compared to 44.2% in males. This implies that the females are more sensitive to the seed powder in the baits and significantly reduce their intake of the treated bait when an alternative food is available.
Conclusion: Although the preliminary findings demonstrated acute oral toxicity of pong-pong seed powder in rats, further research is needed to confirm its efficacy as a rodenticide.
Evaluation of Biochar Plant Extract Composites from Solanum incanum Fruits in Controlling Ralstonia solanacearum Based Bacterial Wilt in Tomato Plants
Authors: Karanja Lucy N. , K’Owino Isaac O. , Wangila Phanice T. , Ramkat Rose C. , Odero Mark P.
Published: December 2024

Biochars were prepared at pyrolysis furnace temperatures of 300℃ and 500℃ and characterized by FT-IR and SEM. Plant extract biochar composites were prepared by adsorbing plant extract onto the biochar. The antibacterial activity of the biochars and biochar composites was done in the in vitro and in vivo studies. FT-IR spectra showed peaks at 3415 cm-1, 2931 cm-1, 1596 cm-1, and 1398 cm-1 for O-H, C-H, C=C, and C-O-H groups respectively. The SEM images showed differences in morphological properties. FT-IR spectra of biochar composites showed additional functional groups as well as shifting of the peaks. SEM images of biochar composite showed diminishing of porous structure of the biochars. Symptoms of bacterial wilt in Ralstonia solanacearum inoculated pots were observed 14 and 18 days post-inoculation (dpi) for biochars prepared at 300 ℃ and 500 ℃ respectively. In contrast, the symptoms were observed 20 dpi for 1% BC, 22 dpi for 3% and 4% BC, 24 dpi for 5% BC 300℃ and 36 dpi for 7% BC 300 ℃ treatment. For the BC 500 ℃ treatment, the symptoms were observed 20 dpi for 1% BC, 22 dpi for 2% BC and 24 dpi for 3% and 4% BC. No disease symptoms were observed at 5% and 7% BC 500 ℃. This results suggested that biochar composite for 500℃ is more effective in control of bacterial wilt and therefore, can be used as substitute for synthetic pesticides.
Effect of Blending Custard Apple and Banana Pulp and Acidity on Quality of Nectar
Authors: Raj Dev , R.A. Mistry
Published: December 2024

The present investigation was aimed to study the effect of blend proportion and acidity level for the preparation of blended nectar and to evaluate nutritional as well as sensory quality of developed product during storage. During investigation, experiment was laid out using completely randomized design with factorial concepts. Experiment was conducted for preparation of custard apple and banana (var. Grand Naine) blended nectar using different levels of blends (B1-20:0, B2-15:5, B3-10:10, B4-5:15 and B5-0:20) and acidity (A1-0.15%, A2-0.20%, A3-0.25% and A3-0.30%) by maintaining TSS of 15°Brix. The results of the present investigation indicate that custard apple and banana fruits can be utilized for processing into custard apple and banana blended nectar. Blended nectar prepared from 20% pulp (5% custard apple and 15% banana) by maintaining 15°Brix TSS and 0.30 per cent acidity was rated as the best treatment (A4B4) on the basis of higher sensory score as well as nutritional composition and also exhibited minimum changes in nutritional as well as sensory attributes (above 7) during six months storage at ambient temperature of 32±2oC. During storage period of six months no microbial counts (nil cfu) were observed in blended nectar. Overall findings of investigation revealed that custard apple and banana blended nectar (A4B4) can be stored successfully for 6 months in glass bottles (after 30 min heat processing at 96±1˚C) with minimum changes in chemical, sensory and microbial quality. The benefit cost ratio (BCR) of custard apple and banana blended nectar was observed 1.64. Thus, developed technologies can commercially be explored by food processing industry for the production of custard apple and banana blended nectar to ensure better returns to growers and processors as well.
Effect of Weather Parameters on Incidence of Leaf Miner (Lirimomyza trifolii Burgess) Infesting Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: D.B. Ingole , B.D. Shinde , P.B. Sanap , M.S. Karmarkar , J.J. Kadam
Published: December 2024

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23 to study the influence of various meteorological parameters on the population dynamics of leaf miner infesting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). The study was carried out at the Central Experiment Station, Wakawali, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli. During Rabi 2022-23 the leaves were infested by leaf miner, L. trifolli ranged between 12.02 to 41.03 per cent. While in Rabi 2023-24 it ranged from 4.30 to 43.13 per cent. The peak pest infestation was observed during the 8th and 10th SMW in Rabi 2022-23 and Rabi 2023-24, respectively. However, pooled data on both the years revealed that the leaves infestation was in the range of 8.16 to 39.98 per cent and peak was observed during the 9th SMW. During rabi 2022-23 the leaf miner showed a significant negative correlation with evening relative humidity (r=-0.684**), while significant positive correlation with evaporation (r=0.617**). During rabi 2023-24 the pest showed a significant positive correlation with maximum temperature (r=0.0.589*), bright sunshine hours (r=0.600*), wind speed (r=0.935**) and evaporation(r=0.847**), while significant negative correlation with morning relative humidity (r=-0.702**) and evening relative humidity(r=-0.564). The coefficient of determination (R2) indicated that, the weather parameters contributed to 90 per cent in Rabi 2022-23 and 95 per cent in Rabi 2023-24 of total variation in the population of leaf miner on tomato.
Analysis of the Epidemiological Profile of Tuberculosis in the Municipality of Belém do Pará during the Years 2019 to 2023
Authors: Costa Hanna Beatriz Cruz Da , Gomes Alysson Kauã Corecha , Silva Nelson Vinicius Barbosa Da , Pinto Sthefany Gabrielly Souza , Santos Antônia Lyandra Jesus Dos , Pantoja Bianca Abreu , Sousa Bruna Rafaela da Silva , Costa Diogo Farias , Ribeiro Fabiola Caroline Nunes dos Santos , Santos Felipe Valino dos , Brito Geovana Vitória Paiano De , Franco Isabelle Soria Galvarro , Brito João Victor Paiano De , Simões Marina Arouck Gabriel , Sousa Maylane Cristina Barros , Neto Walter Lopes , Vale Camila Carvalho do
Published: December 2024

Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological profile of patients with tuberculosis (TB) in the municipality of Belém from 2019 to 2023 and identify the main risk factors that contribute to the prevalence of TB in affected individuals.
Methods: This is an epidemiological, cross-sectional, retrospective, descriptive and quantitative study, using secondary data freely available on the TABNET/DATASUS platform, for the municipality of Belém, covering various variables.
Results: The results show a higher prevalence among males (63.31%), adults (69.38%), those with incomplete primary education (29.22%) and those of brown race (72.22%). In addition, the pulmonary form of the disease (83.75%) and the type of entry as a new case (80.67%) were the most prevalent.
Conclusions: It was concluded that the prevalence of tuberculosis in Belém is associated with specific sociodemographic characteristics, such as gender, age group, educational level and race. The pulmonary form of the disease and the predominance of new cases are the main aspects observed in the study and highlight the need to intensify Tuberculosis prevention and control strategies.
Comparative Efficacy of Tembotrione (420 SC) and their Combination for Diverse Weed Flora in Wide Spaced Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) Provides Sustainable Weed Management
Authors: Karthikeyan R. , Radhamani S. , Priya R. Sathya , Bharathi C. , Janaki P. , Balamurugan R. , Saranraj T. , Kandeshwari M. , Sharmila R.
Published: December 2024

Widely spaced sugarcane, which is becoming progressively more popular in tropical India to enable mechanization is seriously threatened by weed invasion. Compatibility of tembotrione 420 SC as a tank mix in sugarcane with surfactant (isoxadifen-ethyl), atrazine, metribuzin, and ethoxysulfuron, as well as the residual effects on subsequent crops, were investigated in two consecutive years during the special season June–September in 2015-16 and 2016-17. Application of PoE tembotrione at 120.75 g a.i/ha + surfactant at 1000 ml/ha + metribuzine at 1050 g a.i/ha significantly reduced the weed density and biomass of grasses, broad leaved weeds and this was statistically comparable with tembotrione at 120.75 g a.i/ha + surfactant at 1000 ml/ha + atrazine at 500 g a.i/ha. Herbicidal combination of PoE tembotrione at 120.75 g a.i/ha + surfactant at 1000 ml/ha + metribuzine at 1050 g a.i/ha was recorded lesser dominant grassy and broad leaved weeds viz., Sitaria verticillata (L.), Dactyloctenium aegyptium Beauv., Dinebra retroflexa (Vahl) Panzer, Trianthema portulacastrum (L.), Portulaca oleracea (L.), Digera arvensis (Forsk), Datura fastuosa (L.) and Cleome gynandra (L.) with higher WCE (83.16% & 87.43% at 30 DAA) and cane yield (134.1 t/ha & 136.2 t/ha) in 2015-16 and 2016-17, respectively which was comparable with tembotrione at 120.75 g a.i/ha + surfactant at 1000 ml/ha + atrazine at 500 g a.i/ha of 129.8 t/ha in 2015-16 and 132.1 t/ha in 2016-17, respectively. Yield reduction in the untreated control plots of 46.46% in 2015-16 and 45.57% in 2016-17, respectively. Finally, the combination of tembotrione at 120.75 g a.i/ha + surfactant at 1000 ml/ha + metribuzine at 1050 g a.i/ha at 15 and 30 DAA can maintain a reasonable level of total weed density and dry weight while increasing sugarcane productivity without posing a phytotoxicity risk to either the primary crop or the sunflower that follows.
Attaining Livelihood Security through Horticulture Development in Karnataka, India
Authors: Jadhav Vilas , Reddy B. V. Chinnappy
Published: December 2024

The present study aimed to assess the overall impact of horticulture development on farmers' livelihood security in Karnataka. Livelihood security was analysed in terms of expenditure on food, education, and health across different farming systems. Primary data were collected from 180 growers from two taluks of the Vijayapur district, India. Looking into the farming system, the analysis revealed a higher income from horticulture crops should culminate in the secured livelihood of farm households. In the case of the study area, no discernible pattern was noticed in expenditure on food items across different farm families in three types of farming systems. The expenditure on food intake was Rs. 9154, Rs. 9931, and Rs. 9728, respectively, in high-investment farming systems, medium-investment farming systems, and low-investment farming systems, respectively. In respect of other components of livelihood security, namely education and health, it was observed that low-investment farming systems and high-investment farming systems spent more on education. In respect of expenditure on health, farms in low-investment farming systems had spent more on this as compared to the other two categories. Thus, it is clear that higher income from horticulture enterprises enabled farmers to spend more on livelihood components.
Antimicrobial Activity of Xylopia aethiopica Extract on Microorganisms Associated with the Spoilage of Vegetables in Mile 3 Market, Port Harcourt Nigeria
Authors: G Amaechi , O Oridikitorusinyaa. , O. O. Emmanuel
Published: December 2024

With increasing demand for natural preservatives, this study explores the effectiveness of Xylopia aethiopica extracts in reducing vegetable spoilage. The aim was to evaluate these extracts' potential to inhibit spoilage microorganisms, determine the most effective concentration for preservation, and assess their impact on sensory qualities. Vegetables (onions, tomatoes, and carrots) were purchased from vendors at Mile 3 Market, Port Harcourt, and transported to a microbiological laboratory for analysis. The vegetable samples were treated with ethanol and aqueous extracts of Xylopia aethiopica at concentrations of 10%, 20%, and 30% (w/v). For microbial analysis, treated and control vegetable samples were homogenized, cultured on nutrient agar for bacteria and potato dextrose agar for fungi, and incubated at optimal conditions for colony formation. Enumeration of bacterial and fungal colonies was conducted periodically over 14 days. Microorganisms isolated included Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium spp. Phytochemical analysis revealed that the ethanol extract had higher concentrations of bioactive compounds, including alkaloids (2.5%), flavonoids (3.1%), saponins (1.4%), tannins (2.2%), phenolics (4.3%), and glycosides (1.1%), compared to the aqueous extract. Results showed that the 30% ethanol extract was the most effective, significantly reducing bacterial and fungal growth compared to the control and other treatments. ANOVA analysis confirmed significant reductions in microbial counts in treated vegetables (p < 0.05). Sensory evaluation revealed that the extracts, particularly the 30% ethanol extract, did not negatively affect the vegetables' taste, smell, or appearance. This study demonstrates the potential of Xylopia aethiopica as an effective natural preservative, offering a promising alternative to synthetic preservatives. Future research should focus on long-term effects, broader applications, and consumer acceptance for practical implementation.
Pregnancy Outcomes in Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Clowse Megan E. B. , Rajendran Aardra , Eudy Amanda , Giattino Stephanie , Swaminathan Aparna , James Andra H.
Published: November 2021

Objective

Women with interstitial lung disease (ILD) are recommended to avoid pregnancy based on limited data. This study seeks to determine maternal and pregnancy outcomes in the largest‐to‐date cohort of patients with ILD.

Methods

Medical records in the Duke University Health System were reviewed for pregnancies in patients with a diagnosis of ILD with underlying autoimmune disease. Pregnancies were classified as having very severe, severe, mild‐moderate, or normal lung function based on pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) were defined using the Predictors of Pregnancy Outcome in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Syndrome APO (PROMISSE‐APO) and Severe PROMISSE‐APO criteria.

Results

Among 86 pregnancies in 60 women, 85% women were Black, 71% had sarcoidosis, and 29% had connective tissue disease (CTD)–associated ILD (CTD‐ILD). Of the pregnancies with available PFTs (n = 59), 12% had very severe ILD, 25% had severe ILD, 51% had mild‐moderate ILD, and 12% had normal lung function.

PROMISSE‐APOs occurred in 32% of pregnancies, including all pregnancies with very severe ILD (P = 0.02 across severity groups), 56% of pregnancies with CTD‐ILD, and 23% with sarcoidosis (P = 0.02). Severe PROMISSE‐APOs occurred in 15% of pregnancies, including 60% with very severe ILD and 28% with CTD‐ILD. There were no maternal deaths. One woman required an intensive care hospital stay during pregnancy. Three women had volume overload after delivery that resolved with medical management. Seven women received oxygen during delivery, although none were intubated.

Conclusion

Although APOs were common in women with very severe ILD and underlying CTD, overall maternal morbidity and mortality were low. These data suggest women with ILD may be able to safely attempt pregnancy.
High‐Throughput, Label‐Free and Slide‐Free Histological Imaging by Computational Microscopy and Unsupervised Learning
Authors: Zhang Yan , Kang Lei , Wong Ivy H. M. , Dai Weixing , Li Xiufeng , Chan Ronald C. K. , Hsin Michael K. Y. , Wong Terence T. W.
Published: November 2021

Rapid and high‐resolution histological imaging with minimal tissue preparation has long been a challenging and yet captivating medical pursuit. Here, the authors propose a promising and transformative histological imaging method, termed computational high‐throughput autofluorescence microscopy by pattern illumination (CHAMP). With the assistance of computational microscopy, CHAMP enables high‐throughput and label‐free imaging of thick and unprocessed tissues with large surface irregularity at an acquisition speed of 10 mm2/10 s with 1.1‐µm lateral resolution. Moreover, the CHAMP image can be transformed into a virtually stained histological image (Deep‐CHAMP) through unsupervised learning within 15 s, where significant cellular features are quantitatively extracted with high accuracy. The versatility of CHAMP is experimentally demonstrated using mouse brain/kidney and human lung tissues prepared with various clinical protocols, which enables a rapid and accurate intraoperative/postoperative pathological examination without tissue processing or staining, demonstrating its great potential as an assistive imaging platform for surgeons and pathologists to provide optimal adjuvant treatment.
π‐Extended Conjugated Polymer Acceptor Containing Thienylene–Vinylene–Thienylene Unit for High‐Performance Thick‐Film All‐Polymer Solar Cells with Superior Long‐Term Stability
Authors: Zhang Jiabin , Tan Ching‐Hong , Zhang Kai , Jia Tao , Cui Yongjie , Deng Wanyuan , Liao Xunfan , Wu Hongbin , Xu Qinghua , Huang Fei , Cao Yong
Published: November 2021

Despite the rapid developments in all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs) due to the progress of polymerized small molecular acceptors (PSMA), the effect of linkage unit conjugation on the polymer acceptor (PA) is not well understood and PAs with high efficiency, good stability, and thickness‐insensitivity are rarely seen. Herein, two novel PSMAs, named PJTVT and PJTET are designed, by incorporating conjugated thienylene‐vinylene‐thienylene (TVT) and unconjugated thienylene–ethyl–thienylene (TET) units, respectively. Results show that the energy levels, energy losses, and energy offset of the two PSMAs have little difference (<≈0.03 eV). However, due to the π‐extended coplanar backbone of PJTVT, when blended with polymer donor JD40, a more ordered π–π stacking and enhanced face‐on orientation morphology is observed, which contributes to enhanced exciton dissociation, superior charge transport, and faster charge extraction, leading to a record power conversion efficiency of 16.13% (10.93% for JD40:PJTET). Impressively, the JD40:PJTVT device shows superior thickness‐insensitivity and long‐term stability, both of which make it an ideal choice for industrialization. These results demonstrate that molecular modulation in the linking unit is a promising strategy to construct PSMAs for high‐performance thick‐film all‐PSCs with superior long‐term stability, and shows the superiority of conjugated backbones for PSMAs.
Response of weeds and rice yield to Italian ryegrass as a cover crop and planting density in organic farming
Authors: Matsuoka Takushi , Asagi Naomi , Komatsuzaki Masakazu
Published: November 2021

Organic farming has been receiving increased attention in the agriculture sector; however, Japanese organic farming often requires intensive labor, and the yield is lower compared with the conventional rice (Oryza sativa L.) system. In this study, we examined the effects of planting density (12.7 vs. 24.2 plant m−1) and cover crop (Italian ryegrass [Lolium multiflorum Lam.] vs. winter fallow) on organic rice production in central Japan. A 2‐yr experiment was conducted under organic management in a paddy field at the Center for International Field Agriculture Research & Education, Ibaraki University in 2019 and 2020 using a split‐plot design with four replications. Rice yields were 25 and 6.8% higher when Italian ryegrass was used as the cover crop under sparse planting conditions than under dense planting conditions in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The interaction between cover crop and planting density was significant across the 2 yr. Although there was no significant difference in weed biomass during the rice cultivation period, sparse planting and winter fallow resulted in greater weed biomass than dense planting and Italian ryegrass, respectively. The contribution of nitrogen (N) derived from Italian ryegrass showed a significant difference between 2019 and 2020 but not between sparse and dense planting. Although cover‐crop‐derived N contribution to organic rice production was different between the 2 yr, the use of Italian ryegrass as a cover crop at sparse planting density can improve rice yield and suppress weed growth in central Japan.
Freeze‐dried platelets are a promising alternative in bleeding thrombocytopenic patients with hematological malignancies
Authors: Ohanian Maro , Cancelas Jose A. , Davenport Robertson , Pullarkat Vinod , Hervig Tor , Broome Catherine , Marek Kelly , Kelly Mary , Gul Zartash , Rugg Neeta , Nestheide Shawnagay , Kinne Bridget , Szczepiorkowski Zbigniew , Kantarjian Hagop , Pehta Joan , Biehl Ruth , Yu Anna , Aung Fleur , Antebi Ben , Fitzpatrick Glen Michael
Published: November 2021

Thrombosomes are trehalose‐stabilized, freeze‐dried group O platelets with a 3‐year shelf life. They can be stockpiled, rapidly reconstituted, and infused regardless of the recipient's blood type. Thrombosomes thus represent a potential alternative platelet transfusion strategy. The present study assessed the safety and potential early signals of efficacy of Thrombosomes in bleeding thrombocytopenic patients. We performed an open‐label, phase 1 study of single doses of allogeneic Thrombosomes at three dose levels in three cohorts, each consisting of eight patients who had hematologic malignancies, thrombocytopenia, and bleeding. Adverse events, dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs), World Health Organization (WHO) bleeding scores, and hematology values were assessed. No DLTs were reported. The median age was 59 years (24–71). Most patients had AML (58%) or ALL (29%), followed by MDS (8%) and myeloproliferative neoplasm (4%). The WHO scores of 22 patients who were actively bleeding at a total of 27 sites at baseline either improved (n = 17 [63%]) or stabilized (n = 10 [37%]) through day 6. Twenty‐four hours after infusion, 12 patients (50%) had a clinically significant platelet count increase. Of eight patients who received no platelet transfusions for 6 days after Thrombosomes infusion, 5 had a clinically significant increase in platelet count of ≥5000 platelets/μL and 2 had platelet count normalization. Thrombosomes doses up to 3.78 × 108 particles/kg demonstrated safety in 24 bleeding, thrombocytopenic patients with hematological malignancies. Thrombosomes may represent an alternative to conventional platelets to treat bleeding. A phase 2 clinical trial in a similar patient population is underway.
Perspectives in Electrochemical in situ Structural Reconstruction of Cathode Materials for Multivalent‐ion Storage
Authors: Huang Jing , Xie Xuefang , Liu Kun , Liang Shuquan , Fang Guozhao
Published: November 2021

Multivalent‐ion (such as Zn2+, Mg2+, Al3+) batteries are considered as a prospective alternative for large‐scale energy storage. However, the main problem of cathode materials for multivalent‐ion batteries is the sluggish diffusion of multivalent ions. Many cathode materials will self‐adjust under electrochemical conditions to achieve the optimal state for multivalent‐ion storage. In this review, the significant role of electrochemical in situ structural reconstruction of cathode materials is suggested. The types, basic characteristics, and formation mechanisms of reconstructed phases have been systematically discussed and commented. The most important insight we pointed out is that the cathode materials with loose structures after in situ electrochemical activation are conducive to the reversible diffusion of multivalent ions. Moreover, several crucial issues of electrochemical activation and reconstruction were further analyzed and discussed. The challenges and future perspectives are presented in the final section.
Ultra‐hyper‐fractionated radiotherapy for high‐grade gliomas
Authors: Frosina Guido , Fontana Vincenzo , Verzola Daniela , Rosa Alessandra , Gaggero Gabriele , Garibotto Giacomo , Vagge Stefano , Pigozzi Simona , Daga Antonio
Published: November 2021

High‐grade gliomas (HGGs; WHO grades III and IV) are invariably lethal brain tumors. Low‐dose hyper‐radiosensitivity (HRS) of HGG is a well‐established phenomenon in vitro. However, possibly linked to the unavailability of accurate animal models of the diseases, this therapeutic effect could not be consistently translated to the animal setting, thus impairing its subsequent clinical development. The purpose of this study was to develop radiotherapeutic (RT) schedules permitting to significantly improve the overall survival of faithful animal models of HGG that have been recently made available. We used primary glioma initiating cell (GIC)‐driven orthotopic animal models that accurately recapitulate the heterogeneity and growth patterns of the patients' tumors, to investigate the therapeutic effects of low radiation doses toward HGG. With the same total dose, RT fractions ≤0.5 Gy twice per week [ultra‐hyper‐fractionation (ultra‐hyper‐FRT)] started at early stages of tumor progression (a condition that in the clinical setting often occurs at the end of the guidelines treatment) improved the effectiveness of RT and the animal survival in comparison to standard fractions. For the same cumulative dose, the use of fractions ≤0.5 Gy may permit to escape one or more tumor resistance mechanisms thus increasing the effectiveness of RT and the overall animal survival. These findings suggest investigating in the clinical setting the therapeutic effect of an ultra‐hyper‐FRT schedule promptly extending the conventional RT component of the current guideline (“Stupp”) therapeutic protocol.
Potential biological markers by DNA‐based tools for determination of Greek PDO geographical origin and authenticity: “Avgotaracho Mesolonghiou” and “Vostizza currant”
Authors: Dimitrakopoulou Maria‐Eleni , Kotsalou Chrysoula , Koudouna Maria , Katechaki Eleftheria , Vantarakis Apostolos
Published: November 2021

Background

Food traceability and authentication had become mandatory for food industry and global food trade. Numerous DNA‐based methods could contribute against food frauds, because of their advantages such as simplicity, accuracy, and robustness. The aim of this study was to explore whether unique biological markers for two high valuable and popular Greek protected designation of origin (PDO) products could be indicated. For this purpose, “Avgotaracho Mesolonghiou” known as Greek caviar and “Vostizza” currant were subjected to DNA‐based analysis. PCR‐RAPD, PCR‐RFLP, and PCR‐DGGE were performed for Greek PDO products and potential biological markers were explored, based on either genomic DNA or bacteria communities.

Results

Band profiles resulted in molecular techniques, could be used as a “barcode” to certify the origin and authenticity of PDO products.

Conclusion

These methods are proposed, as alternative traceability tools, in order to provide unique markers and could be the key to “farm to table” challenge. Therefore, biological markers could be used throughout the entire commercial supply chain and protect food products, which hold a quality scheme, from adulterations.
Novel insights about albumin in cardiovascular diseases: Focus on heart failure
Authors: Zoanni Beatrice , Brioschi Maura , Mallia Alice , Gianazza Erica , Eligini Sonia , Carini Marina , Aldini Giancarlo , Banfi Cristina
Published: November 2021

The Human Plasma Proteome has always been the most investigated compartment in proteomics‐based biomarker discovery, and is considered the largest and deepest version of the human proteome, reflecting the state of the body in health and disease. Even if efforts have been always dedicated to the refinement of proteomic approaches to investigate more deeply the plasma proteome, it should not be forgotten that also highly abundant plasma proteins, like human serum albumin (HSA), often neglected in these studies, might provide fundamental physiological functions in plasma, and should be better considered. This review summarizes the important roles of HSA in the context of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and in particular in heart failure. Notwithstanding much attention has been historically directed toward the association of HSA levels and CVD risk, the advances in the field of mass spectrometry research allow also a better characterization of the effects of oxidative modifications that could alter not only the structure but also the function of HSA.
The phenotype and rhGH treatment response of ring Chromosome 15 Syndrome: Case report and literature review
Authors: Chen Meiping , Ke Xiaoan , Liang Hanting , Gong Fengying , Yang Hongbo , Wang Linjie , Duan Lian , Pan Hui , Cao Dongyan , Zhu Huijuan
Published: November 2021

Background

Ring chromosome 15 [r (15)] is an uncommon finding with various clinical manifestations. A common phenotype for these patients has not been established and data on the efficacy of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment in patients with r (15) syndrome are limited.

Methods

One short stature patient in our hospital with r (15) syndrome by whole exome sequencing (WES) and karyotype examination was included. All published r (15) syndrome cases as of March 15, 2021, were searched, and their clinical information was recorded and summarized.

Results

One 11.5‐year‐old female with prenatal and postnatal growth retardation, ventricular septal defect, intellectual disability, downward corners, short fifth metacarpal bone, scattered milk coffee spots, and a right ovarian cyst was included. Her height was 126.9 cm (−3.45 SDS). Karyotype analysis showed 46, XX, r (15). WES revealed a 4.5 Mb heterozygous deletion in the chromosome 15q26.2‐q26.3 region, encompassing genes from ARRDC4 to OR4F15. Gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone analogue (triptorelin) and rhGH were administered for 6 months. The height has increased 3.8 cm (+0.2SDS) and the calculated growth rate has improved from 4.7 to 7.6 cm/y. The literature review indicated the main clinical manifestations of r (15) syndrome with prenatal and postnatal growth retardation, characteristic craniofacial features, and multisystem abnormalities, and rhGH treatment is beneficial for r (15) syndrome patients with short stature.

Conclusion

We delineate the clinical spectrum of r (15) syndrome with the identification of an additional individual and rhGH treatment is beneficial for r (15) syndrome patients with short stature.
Estimation of standard deviations and inverse‐variance weights from an observed range
Authors: Walter Stephen D. , Rychtář Jan , Taylor Dewey , Balakrishnan Narayanaswamy
Published: November 2021

A variety of methods have been proposed to estimate a standard deviation, when only a sample range has been observed or reported. This problem occurs in the interpretation of individual clinical studies that are incompletely reported, and also in their incorporation into meta‐analyses. The methods differ with respect to their focus being either on the standard deviation in the underlying population or on the particular sample in hand, a distinction that has not been widely recognized. In this article, we contrast and compare various estimators of these two quantities with respect to bias and mean squared error, for normally distributed data. We show that unbiased estimators are available for either quantity, and recommend our preferred methods. We also propose a Taylor series method to obtain inverse‐variance weights, for samples where only the sample range is available; this method yields very little bias, even for quite small samples. In contrast, the naïve approach of simply taking the inverse of an estimated variance is shown to be substantially biased, and can place unduly large weight on small samples, such as small clinical trials in a meta‐analysis. Accordingly, this naïve (but commonly used) method is not recommended.
Quantification of energy and cost reduction from decreasing dissolved oxygen levels in full‐scale water resource recovery facilities
Authors: Pasini Federico , Garrido‐Baserba Manel , Sprague Travis , Cambiaso Pietro , Rosso Diego
Published: November 2021

Aeration systems often lack the efficiency to maintain a desired residual dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in the tank in part because little consideration is given to the dynamic daily and seasonal loading conditions. Although advanced aeration controllers exist, the majority of plants have DO set points typically based on common practice and literature values rather than site‐specific conditions, which can result in DO set points higher than those necessary to meet treatment objectives. DO set point reduction strategies have primarily been proposed through either static or dynamic simulations. In this study, the substantial improvements associated with DO set point reduction are demonstrated at full scale. A yearlong characterization of full‐scale aeration dynamics captured the effect of diurnal and seasonal fluctuations on oxygen transfer and energy demand and so facilitated the estimation of the potential savings of DO reduction strategies. Full‐scale validation provided direct evidence of DO reduction strategies inducing an overall enhancement of oxygen transfer efficiency along the different bioreactors, while confirming that energy savings as high as 20% were feasible. This study quantifies the influence of oxygen transfer efficiency on operating choices and site‐specific conditions (control strategy, loading conditions, and influent flow variability).

Practitioner points

We quantified the energy reduction and cost savings associated with a DO reduction in an aeration tank.

For each 0.2 mg/L of DO decreased, the average power demand reduction per unit water treated exceeded 17%.

Field measurements of dynamic alpha values eliminate the uncertainty in estimating aeration energy and cost savings from DO variations.
Establishment of the model on the expression and guidance of contemporary college students’ demands in the cyberspace environment
Authors: Cheng Zhichao , Liu Xinyang
Published: November 2021

Faced with the most recent changes of the times, expectations of the nation and mission of universities, college students have been playing a major role in their respective university and become increasingly engaged in the development of universities and colleges. They are critical thinkers who are willing to undertake their responsibilities, and they have a strong sense of equality, legal awareness and consciousness for protecting their rights. In addition, in terms of the campus environment where they live, the needs of these college students vary from each other, and their demands for interest deserve much attention from both universities and the entire society. This paper intends to explore the status-quo of how contemporary college students’ demands are expressed, guided and handled in the cyberspace environment, and based on our analysis, we aim to put forward targeted suggestions of optimization. We have adopted the method of questionnaire survey to investigate the mechanism on the expression and guidance of contemporary college students’ demands in the cyberspace environment. By using such softwares as Excel, SPSS and Amos in our statistical analysis, we have established the model on the expression and guidance of contemporary college students’ demands in the cyberspace environment, which provides theoretical support for the endeavor of colleges and universities in this respect.
International Courts’ Shadow Effects and the Aims of Judicialized International Cooperation
Authors: De Silva Nicole
Published: November 2021

In “Judicialization of the Sea: Bargaining in the Shadow of UNCLOS,” Sara Mitchell and Andrew Owsiak make a valuable contribution to an expanding body of scholarship that considers whether and how international courts have out-of-court “shadow effects.” The authors argue that, in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regime, the threat of binding international dispute settlement (IDS)—which entails high costs for states—encourages rational potential litigants to settle out of court through other peaceful and less costly IDS mechanisms. In this essay, I challenge the narrow focus of Mitchell and Owsiak's analysis, considering the diverse aims and processes of judicialized international cooperation in two key ways. First, the authors’ focus on peaceful IDS as the sole outcome of interest overlooks other important cooperation goals driving judicialization and delegation to international courts. An emphasis on out-of-court IDS, even when achieved peacefully, can actually undermine other objectives for judicialized international cooperation, including the development of international law and greater compliance with international law. Second, Mitchell and Oswiak's theoretical mechanism assumes that an international court contributes to its out-of-court influence through its case law, but this discounts how international courts can engage in a range of out-of-court, non-adjudicative activities that can affect potential litigants’ cost-benefit analyses regarding judicialized versus non-judicialized IDS. Indicating its preference for increasing its “direct effects” through adjudicating disputes, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) has developed capacity-building and training programs to encourage judicialized IDS under UNCLOS and states’ litigation at the ITLOS. Overall, I highlight how there is a broad range of actors and processes underpinning international courts’ out-of-court effects, and how these actors and processes can work towards multiple, at times conflicting, aims for judicialized international cooperation.
Mandating Symbolic Patriotism: China’s Flag and Anthem in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Authors: Clift Brendan
Published: November 2021

The Hong Kong statute criminalizing disrespect of the Chinese national anthem, passed in 2020, is one of many recent moves to suppress political dissent in the former British colony. The law restricts freedom of political expression, but its constitutionality is practically assured courtesy of earlier decisions upholding laws against flag desecration. This article draws on sociological and political literature to argue that symbolic nationalism, particularly when given the force of law, is a tool of the authoritarian state. Against this backdrop, it critically and comparatively analyses Hong Kong judicial decisions upholding the suppression of symbolic dissent, assessing their doctrinal coherence, normative defensibility, and consequences. It concludes with observations on the efficacy of attempts to enforce patriotic orthodoxy and on how deference to authoritarianism affects the rule of law.
Television and Economic Voting in US Presidential Elections
Authors: Song B.K.
Published: November 2021

In this study, I investigate how information made available by the introduction of television affected the importance of the national economy in the context of US presidential elections from 1944 to 1964. Using the fact that television stations were introduced in counties across the United States at different points in time, I assess the effect of television on economic voting using a difference-in-differences design. I first show that television stations spent more time covering national politicians than did local newspapers in the 1960 presidential election. More national news increased the salience of the national economy in presidential elections. There was no evidence that television affected prospective pocketbook voting.
The Making of a Periphery Revisited
Authors: Bosma Ulbe
Published: November 2021

Many books have been written about the incorporation of the Caribbean region, South Asia, Africa and Latin America into the global economy. Remarkably, few have dealt with Island Southeast Asia or Maritime Southeast Asia as a macro-region. For the Caribbean nations, it has been amply discussed how the legacies of the plantation economies consisted of meagre economic growth and massive unemployment. Conversely, scant attention has been given to the question how societies in Island Southeast Asia were turned into providers of cheap commodities and how this impacted their long-term development prospects. This silence is even more remarkable considering some striking parallels with Caribbean socio-economic trajectories. Today, emigration of millions is the fate of Island Southeast Asia, as it is for the Caribbean region. To break the silence and to invite further discussion I wrote The Making of a Periphery: How Island Southeast Asia Became a Mass Exporter. After reading the review by Dr Aguilar on this book in a previous issue of this journal, I felt that it could be worthwhile to highlight some of the main points of my argument about the peripheral integration of Island Southeast Asia in the global economy. I am grateful to the editors of the International Journal of Asian Studies for granting me the opportunity to do so.
Palestine's Accession to Geneva Convention III: Typology of Captives Incarcerated by Israel
Authors: QAFISHEH Mutaz M. , MADBOUH Ihssan Adel
Published: November 2021

Upon the 2014 State of Palestine's accession to Geneva Convention III, captured Palestinians who took part in belligerent acts against the occupier should be treated as prisoners of war due to the fact that they belong to a party to an armed conflict. These individuals fall under three categories: members of security forces, affiliates of armed resistance groups, and uprisers who fight the occupant spontaneously on an individual basis. Contrary to established rules of IHL, Israel does not make any distinction regarding the status of these three types. Unilateral Israeli treatment of its captives does not hold water under international law. Such actions may trigger liability based on international criminal law, particularly as the ICC decided in 2021 that it possesses jurisdiction to investigate crimes occurring in the territory of Palestine. The mere fact of confining prisoners of war after the cessation of hostilities may constitute a ground for criminal prosecution.
The total and direct effects of systolic and diastolic blood pressure on cardiovascular disease and longevity using Mendelian randomisation
Authors: Chan Io Ieong , Kwok Man Ki , Schooling C. Mary
Published: November 2021

The 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) blood pressure (BP) guidelines lowered the hypertension threshold to ≥ 130/80 mmHg, but the role of diastolic BP remains contested. This two-sample mendelian randomisation study used replicated genetic variants predicting systolic and diastolic BP applied to the UK Biobank and large genetic consortia, including of cardiovascular diseases and parental lifespan, to obtain total and direct effects. Systolic and diastolic BP had positive total effects on CVD (odds ratio (OR) per standard deviation 2.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.95, 2.37 and OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.73, 2.11, respectively). Direct effects were similar for systolic BP (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.48, 2.25) but completely attenuated for diastolic BP (1.18, 95% CI 0.97, 1.44), although diastolic BP was associated with coronary artery disease (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.03, 1.50). Systolic and diastolic BP had similarly negative total (− 0.20 parental attained age z-score, 95% CI − 0.22, − 0.17 and − 0.17, 95% CI − 0.20, − 0.15, respectively) and direct negative effects on longevity. Our findings suggest systolic BP has larger direct effects than diastolic BP on CVD, but both have negative effects (total and direct) on longevity, supporting the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines lowering both BP targets.
Reappraisal of bone scintigraphy as a new tool for the evaluation of disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Lee Sang Jin , Hong Chae Moon , Cho Il , Ahn Byeong-Cheol , Eun Jung Su , Kim Na Ri , Kang Jong Whan , Kang Young Mo
Published: November 2021

We aimed to compare the reliability of bone scintigraphy (BS) and fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)—derived parameters in the detection of active arthritis in 28-joint areas and evaluate the reliability of joint counts between BS and clinical assessment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We enrolled 106 patients (67 in the development group and 39 in the validation groups) with active RA who underwent BS, 18F-FDG PET/computed tomography (CT), and clinical evaluation of disease activity. We compared the results of BS-derived joint assessment with those of PET-derived and clinical joint assessments. Subsequently we developed a disease activity score (DAS) using BS-positive joints and validated it in an independent group. The number of BS-positive joints in 28-joint areas significantly correlated with the swollen /tender joint counts (SJC/TJC) and PET-derived joint counts. A BS uptake score of 2 (strong positive) was significantly more sensitive compared with a BS uptake score of 1 (weak positive) in detecting a PET-positive joint among the 28-joints. After conducting multivariate analyses including erythrocyte sediment rate (ESR) and patient global assessment (PGA) in addition to BS-derived parameters, BS/DAS was obtained as follows: 0.056 × number of BS-positive joints in 28 joints + 0.012 × ESR + 0.030 × PGA. A significant correlation between BS/DAS and DAS28-ESR was confirmed in the validation group. Strong positive uptake of BS is sensitive and reproducible for the detection of active joints, and can complement the clinical assessment of disease activity in RA.