bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural infestation of an anchor worm, Lernaea sp. in cage culture of Asian Seabass, Lates calcarifer juveniles and its control using an anti-parasitic drug, emamectin benzoate
Authors: Ramalingam Ananda Raja , Patil Prasanna Kumar , Avunje Sathesha , Kumaran Mariappan , Anand Periyakaruppan , Kondusamy Ambasankar , De Debasis , Jithendran Karingalakkandy Poochirian , Alavandi Shankar Vinayakarao , Vijayan Koyadan Kizhakedath
Published: December 2022

Parasitic infestations and their control programmes are one among the challenges to be considered the most significant in aquaculture. A parasitic infestation was studied elaborately in Asian Seabass, Lates calcarifer juveniles with clinical signs, post-mortem findings, morphological and molecular identifications. In addition, those fish were also treated with emamectin benzoate (EMB) @ 50 µg kg-1 of fish body weight (BW) d-1 for 10 consecutive days under the controlled wet lab facility by feeding through the medicated feed at 4% BW. Results showed that the parasitic prevalence, parasitic intensity (PI) and mortality were 45.5%, 8.17 ± 0.15 per fish and 40% over a period of one week in that existing cage culture. The parasite was identified as a crustacean bloodsucker, anchor worm Lernaea sp. and EMB was found to be 100% effective with significant reduction in PI over a period of 10 days with improved survival rate of 90% against the untreated group. Infested but treated group revealed substantial haematological improvement in parameters such as RBC, WBC, Hb, PCV, large lymphocytes, small lymphocytes and total lymphocytes (P < 0.01). Similarly, comparative histopathology of vital organs also revealed no discernible lesions between the healthy and treated fish juvenile as compared to that of infested untreated group. Hence, EMB can be used to control the Lernaea sp. infestation in Asian Seabass.
The feasibility and acceptability of an app-based cognitive strategy training programme for older people.
Authors: Tulliani Nikki , Bye Rosalind , Bissett Michelle , Coutts Samantha , Liu Karen
Published: December 2022

Background: Increasing numbers of people are living with mild cognitive impairment in later life and seeking therapy to maintain cognition to remain as independent as possible in daily life. Based on a review of literature, an app-based programme using perceptual-encoding strategies called Enhancing Memory in Daily Life (E-MinD Life) was developed. An expert panel reviewed the programme’s appropriateness for older people with and without mild cognitive impairment. As part of the design process, the feasibility and acceptability of the E-MinD Life programme was then assessed in relation to its use by healthy older adults, with findings informing the application of the programme to older people with mild cognitive impairment in the future.
Methods: Phase One: The E-MinD Life programme was reviewed by an expert panel of occupational therapists. Experts rated the programme on a Likert scale and answered open-ended questions in relation to feasibility, clarity, and relevancy. Phase Two involved field-testing the 9-week programme with a sample of nine healthy older people. Participants rated the acceptability of the programme on a Likert scale questionnaire. Data on recruitment rates and retention, adherence and duration of sessions was collected to determine feasibility of the programme. Responses to the Likert scale were analysed using descriptive statistics. Open-ended responses were categorised qualitatively using a constant comparative approach.
Results: Phase One: Experts indicated that the E-MinD Life programme was feasible and included relevant activities for community living. Although experts felt that an older user with MCI would be able to independently complete the programme, the qualitative analysis suggests formatting changes in future iterations of the programme to enhance visual clarity.
Phase Two: All participants completed the nine-week programme. The average number of self-administered sessions attempted over the nine-week period was 13.44 (SD=6.73) out of 18 scheduled sessions. Overall, most participants found the programme relevant, logical and easy to understand, and perceived it to be effective for functional cognitive problems.
Conclusion: The E-MinD Life programme shows promise for the inclusion into trial designs to determine the effectiveness of the cognitive strategy programme for older people with and without cognitive impairment.
Trial registration: NCT03430401 Registered 1 February 2018, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03430401?term=karen+liu&draw=2&rank=1
Determination of water quality in the Western Mediterranean River basin in Türkiye by using macrophyte indexes
Authors: Kızılırmaklı Aybüke , Cabi Evren , Demir Ogün , Turan Nesibe
Published: December 2022

In this study, we determined the macrophyte diversity, ecological quality based on Macrophyte Biological Index for Rivers (IBMR), and the correlations between macrophytes and physicochemical variables in 17 rivers in the Western Mediterranean Basin in Türkiye. In addition to these, we performed hierarchical clustering analysis to determine similarities of stations according to the macrophyte diversity and physicochemical variables. The IBMR values ranged between 6 and 12. Consequently, we found that the basin is at the mesotrophic-eutrophic level. The high levels of biological oxygen demand, total phosphorus, and suspended solids associated with organic and physical pollution in most stations and the frequency of the emergent taxa support the IBMR results and trophic level of rivers. Also, we found that water bodies chemically similar are relatively floristically similar.
Long-term humoral response following simultaneous Delta and Omicron BA.1 co-infection
Authors: Saade Carla , Pozzetto Bruno , Novoa Melyssa Yaugel , Josset Laurence , Lina Bruno , Paul Stéphane , Bal Antonin , Assant Sophie
Published: December 2022

To provide insight into the long-term immune response following bivalent vaccines, we sampled vaccinated patients simultaneously co-infected with Delta and BA.1. We reported that simultaneous exposure to the Delta and BA.1 S protein does not confer an additional immune advantage compared to exposure to the Omicron BA.1 S protein alone.
Insomniacs show greater prefrontal activation during verbal fluency task compared to non-insomniacs: A functional near-infrared spectroscopy investigation of depression in patients
Authors: Xu HuaSen , Wang YuXing , Wang Yi Ming , Cao YaQi , Li PeiFan , Hu YongXue , Xia GuangYuan
Published: December 2022

Background: Previous studies have shown that insomnia affects human prefrontal function and that there are specific patterns of brain activation to counteract sleep and improve cognition; however, the effects of insomnia on the prefrontal cortex of MMD patients and the patterns of activation to counteract sleep in MMD patients remain unclear. The aim of this study was to examine it using functional near infrared spectroscopy.
Methods: Eighty depressed patients and 44 healthy controls were recruited in this study.fNIRS was used to assess the changes in the concentration of oxygenated hemoglobin([oxy-Hb])in the prefrontal cortex of all Participants during a verbal fluency task(VFT) and record the number of words created to assess cognitive ability. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index assessed the sleeping quality. Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression 24 item and Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety 14 item were used to assess the Severity of depression and anxiety.
Results: Comparing patients, the healthy control group had significantly higher [oxy-Hb] values in the bilateral prefrontal cortex during VFT than the MMD group. In the MMD group, the [oxy-Hb] values in all brain regions except the right DLPFC were significantly lower in the group without insomnia than in the group with insomnia， their VFT performance was significantly lower than in the group without insomnia and the healthy group. PSQI scores were positively correlated with [oxy-Hb] values in some left-brain regions, whereas HAMD and HAMA scores were not correlated with [oxy-Hb] values.
Conslusion: The PFC brain region was significantly less active during VFT in those with MDD than in healthy controls. All brain regions, except the right DLPFC, were significantly more active in MMD patients with insomnia than in those without insomnia, suggesting that sleep quality needs to be an important indicator in fNIRS screening. In addition, there was a positive correlation between the severity of insomnia in the left VLPFC and the level of activation, suggesting a role for the left brain region in the neurophysiology of overcoming sleepiness in MMD patients; these findings may provide new ideas for the treatment of MMD patients in the future.
Trial registration: Our experiment was registered in the China Clinical Trial Registry (registration number ChiCTR2200065622) on November 10.( The first patient was recruited in 10/11/2022.)
Assessment of Compound Flooding Risk in Ise and Mikawa Bays, Japan Using a Framework of Atmosphere-Ocean-River Coupling
Authors: Toyoda Masaya , Mori Nobuhito , Kim Sooyoul , Shibutani Yoko , Yoshino Jun
Published: December 2022

The present study evaluated the compound flood risk of 11 different-sized rivers in the estuaries of the Ise and Mikawa Bays, Japan, using an integrated framework of atmosphere-ocean-river developed in this study. First, the framework was developed by incorporating the river channel into a coupled model of surge-wave-tide to include the interaction of the storm surge runup and river flow. In addition, the framework was validated by the Typhoon Trami (2018)-induced meteorological field, discharge, and storm surge with high accuracy. Then, the time difference between the storm surge and discharge at the estuary (TDSD) was investigated assuming six typhoons with different tracks and similar distributions of intensity and precipitation using Typhoon Hagibis (2019) as a case study. It was found that the TDSD reveals a high positive correlation with the length of the river channel (correlation coefficient: 0.90). Also, the smaller rivers were more prone to simultaneous storm surge and high river flow. The river with the smallest TDSD average in 6 cases of sensitivity experiments was 70 minutes, and it was clarified that the storm surge and high river flow occur simultaneously (within 15 min) in the most severe case (the smallest TDSD case). As a result, it was found that the small- and medium-sized river with a standard deviation of 49.5 minutes has a small TDSD regardless of the typhoon track, resulting in a higher risk of compound flood in comparison to the large-scale rivers with that of 102 minutes.
A Review on Food Subsystem Simulation Models for The Water-Food-Energy: Development Perspective
Authors: Variani Hossein Akbari , Afshar Abbas , Vahabzadeh Masoud , Molajou Amir
Published: December 2022

The interactions and trade-offs between Water, Food, and Energy (WFE) have recently attracted the attention of researchers worldwide. A new approach called nexus has been used to examine these interactions in an integrated way. A significant obstacle to adopting the WFE nexus is the lack of a comprehensive and easy-to-use simulation model. By reviewing the articles in Scopus and Google Scholar databases, WFE nexus studies can be divided into two categories: simulation-based and conceptual-based studies of WFE nexus. Based on developmental perspective on food subsystem modeling in WFE nexus, the conceptual studies excluded and the modeling studies reviewed. Two points of view can be used for WFE nexus modeling: 1. Hard-link modeling and 2. Soft-link modeling. Comparing these two types of modeling showed that Hard link modeling cannot model the interrelations of the food subsystem and this shortcoming is of great importance. Agriculture is the primary source of food supply because livestock and poultry products are also indirectly dependent on agricultural products. This study reviewed the crop growth models (CGMs) used in the WFE nexus system from the development perspective. The technical characteristics of the CGMs have been evaluated according to the requirements of the CGMs. Finally, a checklist based on the criteria defined for the nexus system has been provided, which can guide researchers in choosing the appropriate simulation model for the food subsystem with the nexus approach. Also, future research suggestions were recommended to develop a food subsystem simulation model based on nexus system approach criteria.
Virulence and pathogenic variability of wheat leaf blotch (Zymoseptoria tritici) isolates in Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Tarafa Girma Ababa , Adugna Girma , Hundie Bekele , Mekonnen Tilahun
Published: December 2022

Wheat leaf blotch caused by Zymoseptoria tritici (Zt) is a fungal disease that poses a severe danger to wheat production worldwide. Knowing the virulence diversity of this pathogen is crucial for taking effective control measures. However, there have been a few studies on Ethiopia pathogenic variability and pathotypes based on physiological specialization. Therefore, the goal of this study was to look at the virulence, spectrum, and population variability of Zt isolates. In a completely randomized design, 43 isolates in three replications were tested for their virulence and pathotypes against 7 wheat differential lines. The least significant difference method was used to identify specific virulence; whereas, pathotypes, principal components, and cluster analysis were used to study the pathogenic diversity. Then, virulence assay detected 41 differential lines specific virulence and 220 differential lines specific avirulence, among all (n = 301) interactions based on pycnidia parameter. Some of the isolates showed a considerable virulence spectrum on 4 (57.1%) and 5 (71.4%) differential lines based on pycnidia and leaf necrosis respectively; but, most of them were partial virulent on the differential lines. Based on pycnidia parameter: EtA-11, EtSh-1, EtSh-2, EtSh-4, and EtA-19 isolates expressed the virulent reaction on 3–4 differential lines; hence, useful for germplasm screening. Over, from this parameter, 25 pathotypes were ensued in which indicated 58.1% pathogenic diversity; moreover, the principal component analaysis detected 62.2% pathogenic diversity of Ethiopian isolates. Therefore, further virulence variability investigations employing isolates*wheat species specificity and molecular analysis are important. Wheat breeders and wheat farmers would find the results from this study extremely useful for making informed decisions on how to manage Zt disease. Again, it is crucial to examine the virulence diversity of Zt isolates using pathotype and principal component analysis.
FSCN1 promotes proliferation, migration and glycolysis via the IRF4/AKT signalling pathway in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Liang , Chen Lihui , Li Zhangwei , Huang Shiqin , Chen Yaoyao , Li Zhiyong , Chen Wenkuan
Published: December 2022

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is an increasing disease worldwide that leads to lethal and deforming consequences. In OSCC, Fascin actin-bundling protein 1 (FSCN1) is identified as an oncogene involved in the tumorigenesis process. But the functions as well as potential mechanisms of FSCN1 in OSCC tumorigenesis process have not been reported so far.
Methods: We used RNA sequencing to detect the expreesion of FSCN1 from 40 paired OSCC tissue specimens (Tumor) and neighboring noncancerous tissue. Further colony formation, CCK-8 as well as transwell assay was performed to demonstrate the role of FSCN1 in vitro. Moreover, glucose consumption was detected. Western blot was used to confirm the interaction of FSCN1, IRF4 and AKT.
Results: FSCN1 was remarkably overexpressed in OSCC cell lines as well as tissues. Further colony formation, CCK-8 as well as transwell assay suggested that FSCN1 silencing remarkably dampened OSCC growth and migration. Detection of glycolytic metabolism showed that FSCN1 silence remarkably suppressed OSCC glycolysis. Following mechanism studies revealed that FSCN1 realized its functions in OSCC process partially through the interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) and AKT activation.
Conclusion: In conclusion, our study investigated the functions as well as the mechanisms of the FSCN1/IRF4/AKT pathway in OSCC progression. FSCN1 could act as a prospective biologic signature and therapeutic target molecule for OSCC.
Occult intraocular aluminum foreign body causing Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment:A case report
Authors: Zhang Ling , Chen Bin , He WeiMin
Published: December 2022

Background: Ocular trauma is complex and varied, and some occult intraocular foreign bodies(IOFB) can lead to uncommon symptoms and signs. We report a case of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (no obvious wound, no pain,no intraocular infection and other symptoms) caused by an occulted intraocular aluminum foreign body, which could easily been missed without careful preoperative examination.It has not been reported to our knowledge.
Case presentation: A 42-year-old male presented to the outpatient department of our hospital complaining black dots fluttered and decreased vision of his left eye initiated 3 months earlier.He was diagnosed as "floaters " at a community hospital. He denied history of ocular trauma or previous surgery.The cornea and lens of the left eye were clear.A small patch of pigmentation was noted in the temporal sclera. Fundoscopy revealed macula off retinal detachment.After mydriasis, elliptical holes were seen in the peripheral retina at 2:30,suspicious strip of hyperreflectance was found under the retina of the anterior lip under Goldmann three mirror contact lens examination, which was confirmed to be IOFB by orbital CT.The IOFB was removed through the pars plana vitrectomy without any complications.
Conclusion: Unlike iron and copper, aluminum intraocular foreign bodies are more inert and more likely to be missed.For people with special occupations (such as construction workers, mechanic, etc.), when abnormal pigmentation of the sclera is found, the possibility of foreign bodies in the eye should be vigilant.It is necessary, in the process of disease diagnosis and treatment,to ask detailed history including occupation history and practice, careful physical examination and targeted examination.Such comprehensive analysis of the above information will minimize the chance of missed diagnosis.
Health-Seeking Behavior Regarding Schistosomiasis Treatment in the Absence of a Regular Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Program: The Case of Endemic Communities Along Lake Albert in Western Uganda
Authors: Anyolitho Maxson Kenneth , Nyakato Viola Nilah , Huyse Tine , Poels Karolien , Masquillier Caroline
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Schistosomiasis poses a serious public health and social challenge affecting over 240,000,000 people, the majority of whom live in sub-Saharan Africa. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends praziquantel (PZQ) drug treatment through regular mass drug administration (MDA), in endemic areas, it is hindered by funding gaps. We explored the health seeking behaviors of communities along Lake Albert in Western Uganda, regarding schistosomiasis treatment in the absence of a regular MDA program.

Methods and Materials

We conducted a community-based qualitative study. We interviewed 12 local leaders, village health teams, and health workers and conducted 28 focus group discussion sessions with 251 purposively selected community members. The audio recordings of the data were transcribed and analyzed using a thematic analysis model.

Results

Generally, participants seldom seek medication for schistosomiasis-related signs and symptoms from government hospitals and health centers II, III and IV despite their availability; instead, they rely on the MDA program and, in its absence, private clinics and drug shops nearby or traditional sources like which doctors and herbalists. The absence of PZQ drugs in the government health facility, health workers’ negative attitude towards patients, long distances to the government hospitals and health facilities, poor and inaccessible roads, medication-related costs, and negative perceptions of the PZQ drug informed by past experiences with MDA force people to seek medication from sources other than the government.

Conclusions

Availability and accessibility of PZQ seem to be a big challenge, especially for endemic communities such as Kagadi and Ntoroko. But even when it is available at government hospitals and health facilities, its uptake is hampered by health systems, and community-related and socio-cultural factors. Thus there is a need to bring schistosomiasis drug treatment and services closer to endemic communities and stock nearby facilities with PZQ. At the same time, endemic communities should be encouraged to take PZQ as the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the lake area is very high. Contextualised awareness-raising campaigns are needed to debunk myths and misconceptions surrounding the drug.
Evaluating the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a Cognitive Occupation-Based programme for people with Multiple Sclerosis (COB-MS): an update to the protocol for a feasibility cluster-randomised controlled trial.
Authors: Dwyer Christopher P , Alvarez-Iglesias Alberto , Joyce Robert , Counihan Timothy J , Casey Dympna , Hynes Sinéad M
Published: December 2022

Background

Cognitive difficulties experienced by people with MS impact on quality of life and daily functioning, from childcare and work, to social and self-care activities. The COB-MS was developed as a holistic, individualised cognitive rehabilitation intervention to address the wide-ranging symptoms and functional difficulties that present in MS, including the ability to maintain employment, social activities, home management and self-care. The aim of the research is to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of COB-MS for people with MS.

Methods

One hundred and twenty people with MS will be assigned to participate in either the COB-MS programme or a treatment as usual, wait-list control group as part of this single-blind, cluster-randomised controlled feasibility and preliminary efficacy trial of the COB-MS programme. The COB-MS group will participate in an eight session occupational-based cognitive rehabilitation programme over nine weeks. The primary outcome measure is the Goal Attainment Scaling at 12 weeks. Participants will be assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention, 12 weeks post-intervention and six months post-intervention. Qualitative evaluations of participants’ perspectives will also be examined as part of the feasibility study. Due to the impacts of COVID-19, all of the above trial activities were completed remotely. Data was collected online or by post and the COB-MS intervention was delivered online by occupational therapists to small groups of people with MS.

Discussion

Results will provide recommendations for a future definitive trial of COB-MS, with respect to both feasibility and preliminary, clinical efficacy.
Trial registration number: ISRCTN, ISRCTN11462710, Registered 9th September 2019, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN11462710 and updated on 23th September 2020 to account for changes outlined here.
Effects of Inaudible Binaural Beats on Visuospatial Memory
Authors: Kim Ye-Jin , Kim Kyu-Beom , Kim Ji-Su , Kim Hyung-Sik , Choi Mi-Hyun , Yi Jeong-Han , Chung Soon-Cheol
Published: December 2022

Background
Binaural beats (BB) are a form of auditory beat stimulation that produces sounds and can induce a specific state of brain wave based on the difference in the frequency of auditory stimulation. This study aimed at investigating the effects of inaudible BB on visuospatial memory at 18,000 Hz reference and 10 Hz difference frequencies.
Methods
Eighteen adult subjects in their twenties were enrolled, including 12 males (mean age: 23.8 ± 1.2) and six females (mean age: 22.8 ± 0.8). An auditory stimulator that could provide 10 Hz BB stimulation via 18,000 Hz to the left and 18,010 Hz to the right ears was used. The experiment consisted of two 5-minute phases, the rest and task phases. The task phase involved two conditions: task performance without BB stimulation (Task-only) and with BB stimulation (Task + BB). A 3-back task was used to measure visuospatial memory. Throughout the experiment, brain waves were measured at a 500 Hz sampling rate. Cognitive ability as measured by task performance (accuracy and reaction time) with and without BB, as well as variations in alpha power across different brain domains were compared using paired t-tests.
Results
The results show that, compared to the Task-only condition, the Task + BB condition had significantly higher accuracy and significantly shorter reaction time. The electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis showed that a reduction level in alpha power for the task performance under the Task + BB condition was significantly lower in all brain areas except the frontal, compared to that under the Task-only condition.
Conclusion
The significance of this study lies in having verified the independent effects of BB stimulation without any auditory influence, based on visuospatial memory.
Surgical Outcomes of Intraabdominal versus Vaginal Approach for Uterine Manipulation during Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy
Authors: GÜVEN Cenk Mustafa , UYSAL Dilek , KOLSUZ Zafer , YILMAZ Bülent
Published: December 2022

Background: Uterine manipulation is essential for moving the uterus and proper anatomical dissection without complications during total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). Although many different uterine manipulators (UM) have been designed in the last few decades, there is still no ‘optimal UM’ that is universally safe, efficient, and cost-effective. This study aimed to compare myoma screw (MS) and UM with regard to surgical outcomes and cost-effectiveness in patients who underwent TLH.Methods: In the current study, we describe an operation technique that uses a MS instead of a uterine manipulator during TLH and discuss the surgical outcomes of this method.Results: The use of MS resulted in significantly shorter operation time with respect to UM for uterine manipulation during TLH regarding benign indications, with affordable costs.Conclusion: The use of MS is a safe and cost-effective alternative to the use of UM during TLH.
Reliability and Validity of the Traditional Chinese Version of the Wound Quality of Life
Authors: Wu Yu-Lin , Hsu Mei-Yu , Kuo Yu-Chen , Hsu Hsiao-Hui , Lin Jui-Ping , Huang Zih-Chun
Published: December 2022

Objective: Patients with chronic wounds experience substantial quality of life (QoL) impairments. The Wound–QoL is a simple, valid tool for the longitudinal assessment of QoL in patients with chronic wounds. In this study, the Wound–QoL was translated into traditional Chinese, and the validity of the translated version was investigated.
Methods: The Wound–QoLwas translated into traditional Chinese following international standards. In total, 100 patients with chronic wounds were enrolled. Participants completed 2 questionnaires 1 week apart. Data on demographics and the seriousness of wounds were collected. The EQ–5D–5L, the EQ VAS, and a subjective pain assessment instrument were also used.
Results: The mean global scores of the Wound–QoL–TC were 2.7 in the first test and 2.1 in the second test. The intraclass correlation coefficient between the first and second test was 0.70 for the global score. The Wound–QoL–TC showed good internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s α of 0.93 for the global score, 0.82 for the body subscale score, 0.89 for the psyche subscale score, and 0.88 for the everyday life subscale score. The global score of the Wound–QoL–TC was significantly correlated with the subjective pain score and the EQ–5D–5L total score (coefficient: 0.517, 0.386; both P < .001) but not with the EQ VAS (coefficient: −0.145; P = 0.234).
Conclusion: The Wound–QoL–TC is a valid and simple instrument for assessing QoL in patients with chronic wounds.
Quantum correlations in the frustrated XY model on the honeycomb lattice
Authors: Satoori Sahar , Mahdavifar Saeed , Vahedi Javad
Published: December 2022

We consider the spin-1/2 XY frustrated antiferromagnetic Heisenberg honeycomb model. There is an unclear intermediate region in the ground state phase diagram of the model. The most recognized phases are the quantum spin-liquid (QSL) and the antiferromagnetic Ising ordering. From the viewpoint of the quantum correlations, the QSL phase is expected to be entangled. Motivated by this fact, we have calculated the concurrence, the quantum discord (QD), and the entanglement entropy, by using numerical Lanczos and density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) methods. Our results explicitly show that the intermediate region should be entangled supporting the QSL phase.
Effect of Agricultural Land Management Practices on the Selected Soil Quality Indictors: Empirical Evidence from the South Ethiopian Highlands
Authors: Abera Aklilu , Wana Desalegn
Published: December 2022

Land degradation is a major challenge that adversely affects soil fertility, agricultural production, and food security. To curb this, different Agricultural land management (ALM) measures are being put into practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of practices on soil quality indicators in Ojoje sub-watershed, Southern Ethiopia Highlands. Judgment sampling techniques were used to collect representative soil samples. Samples were collected at a depth of 0–20cm by using both an auger and a core sampler. A total of 72 composite soil samples were collected from non-treated and treated plots (i.e., land treated for five and ten years with only physical practices and integrated measures). Soil quality indicator tests were done through standard laboratory procedures. One way ANOVA was used to demonstrate statistically significant variation on soil quality indicators. Simple regression analysis was used to explain the proportional variance of soil quality indicators due to ALM measures. The results indicate that treatment types and duration of interventions of ALM practices have significant and positive effects on soil quality indicators (p < 0.05). The effect of ALM practices was stronger when land was treated with integrated Agricultural land management practices; irrespective of the duration of interventions. Hence, integrating ALM practices and maintaining them for the long-term is essential improve soil quality and enhance agricultural productivity in the study watershed.
Atmospheric Dust Intrusions From the Peninsular Region Into the Northern Gulf of California: Case Study
Authors: Morales-Acuña Enrique , Santamaría-del-Ángel Eduardo , Linero-Cueto Jean
Published: December 2022

Through atmospheric transport, coming from the mainland, an important amount of dust arrives to surface waters of open-ocean regions and many coastal zones. Semi-arid and desert areas tend to act as important sources of dust. The Gulf of California (GC) is one of the most productive marginal seas of the world, and it is surrounded by the semi-arid deserts located in Baja California Peninsula, United States, and Sonora (Mex). Dust fluxes coming from the BCP during the summer are relevant due biological impact on the California Gulf. In the northern region of the BCP, meteorological events have not been well studied. These events are known in popular slang as "El Torito". The characterization of a dust event that originated in the Baja California Peninsula (BCP) on June 14, 2016, is presented. Meteorological variables (from North American Regional Reanalysis -NARR), daily sea surface temperature, and aerosol optical thickness (from MODIS) to explain the dust event genesis, are used. Results suggest that sea surface temperature fluctuations in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of the BCP generate changes in hydrometeorological variables (wind, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure) that can give rise to dust events. These atmospheric dust intrusions in the foothills of the San Felipe desert are originated. They are distributed from the source areas to the northern Gulf of California, as shown by aerosol optical thickness images and HYSPLIT trajectory simulations, which establish vertical distributions with predominant heights between 0 and 500 m during June 14.
One case of surgical treatment of coagulation factor XI deficiency complicated with esophageal cancer: a case report
Authors: Tian Yang , Zheng Zhaowei , Song Nannan , Wang Jun
Published: December 2022

Background: Coagulation factor XI (FXI) deficiency is an autosomal recessive hereditary disease with a low incidence. It usually occurs after surgery or trauma [1, 2]; Esophageal cancer is a common malignant tumor of the digestive tract and ranks sixth and fourth in the annual incidence and mortality of all malignant tumors in China [3]. But so far, surgery-based comprehensive treatment of esophageal cancer still dominates [4].
Case presentation: We report a case of a patient with FXI deficiency and lower esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in our hospital.
Conclusions: The encouraging perioperative outcome enables us to have a deeper understanding of surgical treatment strategies for patients with FXI deficiency.
Maternal E-Cigarette Use Can Disrupt Postnatal Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) Integrity and Deteriorates Motor, Learning and Memory Function: Influence of Sex and Age
Authors: Archie Sabrina Rahman , Sifat Ali Ehsan , Zhang Yong , Villalba Heidi , Sharma Sejal , Nozohouri Saeideh , Abbruscato Thomas
Published: December 2022

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), also commonly known as electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) are considered in most cases as a safer alternative to tobacco smoking and therefore have become extremely popular among all age groups and sex. It is estimated that up to 15% of pregnant women are now using e-cigs in the US which keeps increasing at an alarming rate. Harmful effects of tobacco smoking during pregnancy are well documented for both pregnancy and postnatal health, however limited preclinical and clinical studies exist to evaluate the long-term effects of prenatal e-cig exposure on postnatal health. Therefore, the aim of our study is to evaluate the effect of maternal e-cig use on postnatal blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity and behavioral outcomes of mice of varying age and sex. In this study, pregnant CD1 mice (E5) were exposed to e-Cig vapor (2.4% nicotine) until postnatal day (PD) 7. Weight of the offspring was measured at PD0, PD7, PD15, PD30, PD45, PD60 and PD90. The expression of structural elements of the BBB, tight junction proteins (ZO-1, claudin-5, occludin), astrocytes (GFAP), pericytes (PDGFRβ) and the basement membrane (laminin α1, laminin α4), neuron specific marker (NeuN), water channel protein (AQP4) and glucose transporter (GLUT1) were analyzed in both male and female offspring using Western blot and immunofluorescence. Estrous cycle was recorded by vaginal cytology method. Long‐term motor and cognitive functions were evaluated using open field test, novel object recognition test (NORT) and morris water maze test (MWMT) at adolescence (PD 40–45) and adult (PD 90–95) age. In our study, significantly reduced expression of tight junction proteins and astrocyte markers were observed in male and female offspring until PD 90 (P < 0.05). Additionally, prenatally e-cig exposed adolescent and adult offspring showed impaired locomotor, learning, and memory function compared to control offspring (P < 0.05). Our findings suggest that prenatal e-cig exposure induces long-term neurovascular changes of neonates by disrupting postnatal BBB integrity and worsening behavioral outcomes.
Preselection of QTL markers enhances accuracy of genomic selection in Norway spruce
Authors: Chen Zhi-Qiang , Klingberg Adam , Hallingbäck Henrik R. , Wu Harry X.
Published: December 2022

Genomic prediction (GP) or genomic selection is a method to predict the accumulative effect of all quantitative trait loci (QTLs) effects by capturing the linkage disequilibrium between markers and QTLs. Thus, marker preselection is considered a promising method to capture Mendelian segregation effects, especially for an oligogenic trait. Using QTLs detected in the genome-wide association study (GWAS) could improve genomic prediction, including informative marker selection and adding a QTL with the largest effect size as a fixed effect. Here, we performed GWAS and genomic selection studies in a population with 904 clones from 32 full-sib families using a newly developed 50k SNP Norway spruce array. In total, GWAS identified 41 SNPs associated with budburst stage (BB) and the SNP with the largest effect size explained 5.1% of the phenotypic variation (PVE). For the other five traits like growth and wood quality traits, only 2–13 SNPs were detected and PVE of the strongest effects ranged from 1.2–2.0%. GP with approximately 100 preselected SNPs based on the smallestp-values from GWAS showed the largest predictive ability (PA) for the oligogenic trait BB. But for the other polygenic traits, approximate 2000–4000 preselected SNPs, indicated by the smallest Akaike information criterion to offer the best model fit, still resulted in PA being similar to that of GP models using all markers. Analyses on both real-life and simulated data also showed that the inclusion of a large QTL SNP in the model as a fixed effect could improve PA and accuracy of GP provided that the PVE of the QTL was ≥ 2.5%.
The Relationship between Type D Personality and Primary Narrow Angle & Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma
Authors: Wang Qinye , Hu Yuedong , Zhang Xinyue , Wang Jue
Published: December 2022

Purpose: To investigate the relationship of type D personality and primary narrow angle and primary angle closure glaucoma.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in 110 patients with primary narrow angle admitted to the Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University from June to October 2021. Among them, 49 patients had a history of glaucoma attack or visual field changes, and 61 patients had no history of glaucoma attack and visual field changes. Forty-nine age-related cataract patients with normal anterior chamber depth were included as control group. The demographic characteristics and ophthalmic examination results were collected, and all subjects were evaluated by type D scale-14, self-rating anxiety scale and self-rating depression scale.
Results: There were 60 subjects (54.5%) had type D personality in primary narrow angle patients, and 5 subjects (10.2%) in control group; in primary narrow angle group, 37 patients (75.5%) had type D personality among primary angle closure glaucoma patients, and 23 patients (37.7%) in patients without history of glaucoma attack or visual field changes. The results of ordered logistic regression analysis showed that type D personality increased the risk of angle-closure glaucoma and primary narrow angle (OR=5.730，95%CI 2.596-12.648，p<0.001).
Conclusions: TDP and anxiety are significantly associated with PACG, TDP has a certain correlation with PNA.
Modeling the Water Pollutants Nonlinear-based Problems Using Optimized Intelligence Techniques and Determination of Uncertainties
Authors: Poursaeid Mojtaba , Poursaeed AmirHossein
Published: December 2022

Along with the global population growth, the human need for safe drinking water sources has increased. With global warming, the water challenge is perhaps the most crucial challenge for the world community. At the same time, scientific methods are one of the best tools to help humanity. Considering that in many natural phenomena, it is possible to describe them based on complex relationships, it is almost impossible to solve them analytically and mathematically. Therefore, it is necessary to use methods with the ability, accuracy, and high speed to justify nonlinear relationships. One of these methods is Artificial Intelligence (AI). This research used the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) model and Genetic Algorithm (GA) to create a new hybrid model Genetic Extreme Learning Machine (GAELM). AI and hybrid models were used to simulate and predict the water quality parameter changes. The study area in this work was the Colorado River Basin in the United States. The desired qualitative parameters were Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO). Finally, using seven approaches, the models' performance was compared. The results showed that the best simulation related to the GAELM hybrid model in the EC parameter modeling with indices RMSE and R2 equal to 0.1304, and 0.8619, respectively. Also, the ELM model was ranked in second place in accuracy. Based on the uncertainty analysis (UA-WSM) results, the GAELM(EC) model was the most accurate, with the minimum average prediction error equal to 0.01.
Simultaneous Assessment and Training of an Upper-Limb Amputee using Incremental Machine-Learning-based Myocontrol: A Single-Case Experimental Design
Authors: Nowak Markus , Bongers Raoul M. , Sluis Corry K. van der , Albu-Schäffer Alin , Castellini Claudio
Published: December 2022

Background: Machine-learning-based myocontrol of prosthetic devices suffers from a high rate of abandonment due to dissatisfaction with the training procedure and with the reliability of day-to-day control. Incremental myocontrol is a promising approach as it allows on-demand updating of the system, thus enforcing continuous interaction with the user. Nevertheless, a long-term study assessing the efficacy of incremental myocontrol is still missing, partially due to the lack of an adequate tool to do so. In this work we close this gap and report about a person with upper-limb absence who learned to control a dexterous hand prosthesis using incremental myocontrol through a novel functional assessment protocol called SATMC (Simultaneous Assessment and Training of Myoelectric Control).
Methods: The participant was fitted with a custom-made prosthetic setup with a controller based on Ridge Regression with Random Fourier Features (RR-RFF), a non-linear, incremental machine learning method, used to build and progressively update the myocontrol system. During a 13-month user study, the participant performed increasingly complex daily-living tasks, requiring fine bimanual coordination and manipulation with a multi-fingered hand prosthesis, in a realistic laboratory setup. The SATMC was used both to compose the tasks and continually assess the participant’s progress. Patient satisfaction was measured using Visual Analog Scales.
Results: Over the course of the study, the participant progressively improved his performance both objectively, e.g., the time required to complete each task became shorter, and subjectively, meaning that his satisfaction improved. The SATMC actively supported the improvement of the participant by progressively increasing the difficulty of the tasks in a structured way. In combination with the incremental RR-RFF allowing for small adjustments when required, the participant was capable of reliably using four actions of the prosthetic hand to perform all required tasks at the end of the study. Conclusions: Incremental myocontrol enabled an upper-limb amputee to reliably control a dexterous hand prosthesis while providing a subjectively satisfactory experience. The SATMC can be an effective tool to this aim.
Epigenetic in Obstructive Sleep Apnea: miR-145-5p targets DNMT3A and regulates DNA methylation homeostasis in upper airway muscle
Authors: Yang Minlan , Ming Xiaoping , Yang Xiuping , Cai Weisong , Shi Zhenxiang , Wu Jianghao , Chen Xiong
Published: December 2022

Background Epigenetic modifications, especially DNA methylation and post-transcriptional miRNA-mediated regulation, are closely related to the occurrence and development of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Our previous study found that reduced expression of miR-145-5p may be a serological early warning marker for OSA diagnosis alone, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Objectives To explore the underlying mechanism of miR-145-5p affects DNA methylation homeostasis in upper airway muscle. Methods Primary genitourinary muscle cells were extracted from Sprague-Dawley rats and cultured under intermittent hypoxic conditions for 12h to mimic the OSA pattern. The targeted regulatory relationship between miR-145-5p and DNMT3A was confirmed by bioinformatics predictions and dual luciferase reports. At last, we performed Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing (WGBS) in miR-145-5p overexpression genioglossus cells and the negative control cells (n = 3, each group). Results We found that intermittent hypoxia can increase the expression of DNMT3A in the genioglossus cells, and miR-145-5p regulates the expression and transcriptional activity of DNMT3A. WGBS results showed that 5738 CpG gDMR genes and 1006 CpG gDMR promoter-associated genes were differentially methylated. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis of CpG gDMR genes revealed that they were mainly involved in the regulation of plasma membrane part, cell projection, and plasma membrane-bounded cell projection. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that they were mainly involved in the MAPK signaling pathway, cAMP pathway, and PI3K/AKT pathway. Conclusions Our findings contribute to growing evidence that exposure to chronic intermittent hypoxia alters DNA methylation patterns in patients with OSA, and present the first global DNA methylation description of the impact of chronic intermittent hypoxia exposure on upper airway muscle in vitro. In particular, our results suggest that miR-145-5p regulates DNA methylation homeostasis in upper airway muscle by targeting DNMT3A, which provides new knowledge to understand the potential mechanism of OSA occurrence and development.
The nexus between entrepreneurship and property rights: Role of legal origin in entrepreneurship, property rights, and economic growth
Authors: Tomita Yosuke , Kimura Akinori
Published: December 2022

Differences in legal origins result in varieties of capitalism, and this may influence the impact of property rights on entrepreneurship and the relationship between entrepreneurship and economic growth. Therefore, we explored the relationship between entrepreneurship, property rights, and economic growth by examining macro data from 51 countries from 2001 to 2020 and classifying the countries based on their legal origins (English, French, German, and Scandinavian). We obtained data on entrepreneurship from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, a research consortium developed by Babson College and the London Business School. The results indicated that entrepreneurship is associated with economic growth in civil law countries rather than in common law countries. In addition, the form of the function between entrepreneurship and property rights differs depending on the legal origin. We observed a rising trend in the association between entrepreneurship and property rights for countries with English and German legal origins, while we noted a gradual quadratic function in the bell curve trend for countries with French legal origin. As for countries with Scandinavian legal origin, we found a negative linear relationship between property rights and entrepreneurial activity.
JEL: L26, M13, P14, K15, O47