bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping quantitative trait loci associated with callus browning in Dongxiang common wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.)
Authors: Wang Yibo , Yang Xin , Xu Guimin , Ye Xiao , Ji Yiming , Lou Xin , Su Jingjing , Sun Chuanqing , Fu Yongcai , Kun Zhang
Published: November 2022

Background: The genetic transformation of indicarice (Oryza sativa ssp. indica) is limited by its poor in vitro tissue culturability, especially callus browning. Elucidating the common wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) genes controlling callus browning is a literally fundamental method for improving the tissue culturability of indica rice varieties.
Methods and results: In the present study, we used a population of 129 O. rufipogon (Dongxiang common wild rice; DXCWR) introgression lines in the elite cultivar GC2 (Oryza sativa ssp. indica) background and 159 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with callus browning in rice. The callus browning phenotype was evaluated using the indices of the callus browning rate (CBR), callus browning index (CBI), and standard callus browning index (SCBI).
Conclusions: We detected 30 QTLs associated with callus browning across the genotypes, which were located on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, and 12. These were repeatedly associated with differences in CBR, CBI, and SCBI. The alleles from DXCWR had an additive effect in reducing callus browning. Especially, we identified new QTLs near RM247 an RM7003 on chromosome 12, indicating the QTLs were unique in DXCWR. Furthermore, we identified six introgression lines with significantly reduced callus browning, which is expected that these lines will be useful materials for the genetic transformation and fine mapping of the culturability trait.
Ethnic Disparities in Out-of-pocket Expense on Medicines in Peru: Evidence From a Nationwide Survey.
Authors: Benites-Meza Jerry K. , Pinedo-Castillo Liseth , Cabanillas-Lazo Miguel , Herrera-Añazco Percy , Mougenot Benoit , Benites-Zapata Vicente A.
Published: November 2022

Background:We aimed to analyze the ethnic disparities in the out-of-pocket (OOP) payment and estimate the gaps related to observable risk factors in the OOP payment on medicines by ethnic conditions during 2014-2016 in Peru.Methods:We conducted a cross-sectional analytical secondary data analysis using the National Health User Satisfaction Survey. The outcome was the OOP payment in self-reported medications by participants. The ethnic condition was considered using the language participants habitually spoke at home (Spanish, Quechua/other). We collected confounding variables: sex, age, education, health insurance, medical prescription and region of residence. Crude and adjusted regression models were performed to assess the gaps in OPP payment on medications among ethnic conditions. The association measure was the Beta coefficient (β) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). The Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition method assessed the OPP payment differential in the two study groups explained by their individual and sociodemographic characteristics.Results:We analyzed 11,346 surveyed, the mean age was 40.78 years, and 57.67% were women. In the adjusted analysis, there was lower OOP payment in medications in participants speaking Quechua or other languages than those who speak Spanish (β: -0.11; 95%CI: -0.21 to -0.01; p=0.043). In the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition analysis, a gap of 0.19 USD in the OOP payment in medicines was found, which disadvantages those minority ethnic conditions (p<0.001), and the explained component represents 41.2% of the gap (p<0.05).Conclusion:There were fewer out-of-pocket payments on medicines for ethnic minorities, and the observable differences explain approximately 40% of these gaps.
Children’s face mask design and sneeze visualization test
Authors: Silveira Victor , Freitas Agustín , León Lucrecia , Lorieto Andrea , Dodera Daniela , Gutiérrez Alejandro , Bove Italo
Published: November 2022

During the COVID 19 pandemic, wearing a mask has become the norm for personal protection. Low-cost face masks made from different cloth materials are common in developing countries. The efficiency of a mask is characterized by its constituent materials; however, its fitting performance is not yet defined. In this study, low-cost mask designs for children were developed. Preferences of children were obtained via a survey. The morphologies of the masks were developed using geometric origami. An experimental visualization test was established by simulating sneezes of children, considered as the riskiest event by which the virus can be spread. Given the lack of data on children, the main features of their sneezes were scaled from adult data. A quantitative methodology was developed to assess the performance of a mask by using tracer particles and recording with high-speed cameras. Five mask configurations were analyzed, considering the mask size and the presence of a filter and a nose clip. The mask size and presence of a clip were identified as key factors affecting the fitting performance during a simulated sneeze.
Prevalence of Maxillofacial Trauma in a Reference Hospital in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Castro-Merán Angie Patricia , Gonçales Eduardo Sanches , Júnior Osny Ferreira
Published: November 2022

PURPUSE: This study aimed to carry out a survey of data contained in the medical records of patients with maxillofacial trauma at the Hospital Docente Universitário Dr. Dario Contreras between 2014 and 2019.
METHODS: This is a Descriptive retrospective epidemiological study. In this way, we look for: Identify the type of fracture prevalent in this city, the main etiology and most affected gender and age group. The sample was composed of 6,525 medical records of patients affected by facial trauma were found. The data collected included: age, gender, etiology, anatomical site, and form of treatment. After collecting the data, they were organized and tabulated in an Excel spreadsheet for Windows. The incidence of etiologies was analyzed and correlated with the gender of affected patients. The incidence of fractures was also evaluated according to their anatomical location, and then correlated with the type of treatment. Descriptive Statistics was then performed, with the objective of showing a global view of the prevalence of the collected data, showing its distribution through graphs and tables.
RESULTS: The study consisted of 6229 individuals with maxillofacial trauma. Males had the highest incidence (73.69%) in the third decade of life. The main etiologies were traffic accidents (61.59%), followed by aggression (22.62%). Of the total fractures, 70.20% were in the middle third of the face, with the zygomatic bone and nasal bones being the most affected regions. In the mandible, the regions mainly affected were the body and the angle. As for treatment, open reduction and rigid internal fixation represented the form of treatment for most patients.
CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that zygomatic bone fractures were the most prevalent facial fractures in the group of individuals studied, having mainly affected men in the third decade of life, victims of traffic accidents, treated mainly with open reduction and stable internal fixation.
Metabolic Profile of Patients With Long Covid: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Menezes Daniel , Lima Patrícia , Lima Igor , Uesugi Juliana , Vasconcelos Pedro , Quaresma Juarez , Falcão Luiz
Published: November 2022

A significant proportion of patients experience a wide range of symptoms following acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Laboratory analyses of long COVID have demonstrated changes in metabolic parameters, suggesting that it is one of the many outcomes induced by long COVID. Here, we illustrate the clinical and laboratory markers related to the course of the disease in patients with long COVID. Participants were selected using a clinical care programme for long COVID in the Amazon region. Clinical and sociodemographic data and glycaemic, lipid, and inflammatory screening markers were collected, and cross-sectionally analysed between the long COVID-19 outcome groups. Of the 215 participants, most were female, not elderly, and 78 were hospitalised during the acute COVID-19 phase. The main long-term COVID symptoms reported were fatigue, dyspnoea, and muscle weakness. High body mass index and high triglyceride, HbA1c, and ferritin levels were related to worse long COVID scenarios. Our main findings indicate that abnormal metabolic profiles are related to worse long COVID presentations, suggesting that patients with long COVID may be more likely to develop clinical complications related to metabolic syndrome.
Temporal Super-Resolution using Smart Sensors for Turbulent Separated Flows
Authors: Manohar Kevin , Williams Owen , Martinuzzi Robert , Morton Chris
Published: November 2022

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) data of high Reynolds number unsteady turbulent flows are often undersampled in time; this leads to aliasing of important spectral content. The present work proposes a novel data-driven estimation technique that uses oversampled sparsely placed surface-mounted pressure sensors and long short-term memory (LSTM) neural networks to resolve the aliased transient velocity dynamics from undersampled PIV data. The method leverages the time-resolved pressure dynamics to estimate the temporal evolution of a proper orthogonal decomposition (POD)-based low-dimensional subspace of the velocity field. The proposed approach is demonstrated on a PIV dataset of a high Reynolds number turbulent separated flow over a Gaussian speed-bump benchmark geometry (ReH = 2.26 × 105, where H is the Bump height). The 15 Hz PIV data is super-resolved to 2 kHz, and spectral analysis of the flowfields is conducted to educe the originally aliased unsteady dynamics of the turbulent separation bubble. The estimator is shown to accurately reconstruct the Reynolds shear stress from unseen sensor data, demonstrating its generalizability to resolve the coherent motions. The estimated velocity spectra show distributions consistent with those of other separated flows
Effective delivery and selective insecticidal activity of double-stranded RNA via complexation with diblock copolymer varies with polymer block composition
Authors: Pugsley Charlotte E. , Isaac R. Elwyn , Warren Nicholas. J. , Stacey Martin , Cappelle Kaat , Dominguez-Espinosa Rosa , Cayre Olivier. J.
Published: November 2022

Chemical insecticides are an important tool to control damaging pest infestations. However, lack of species specificity, the rise of resistance to these pesticides and the demand for biological alternatives with improved ecotoxicity profiles means that chemicals with new mode-of-actions are required. RNA interference (RNAi)-based strategies that use double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a species-specific bio-insecticide offer an exquisite solution that addresses these issues. Many species, such as the fruit pest Drosophila suzukii, are recalcitrant to RNAi when dsRNA is orally administered, due to degradation by gut nucleases and slow cellular uptake pathways. Thus, delivery vehicles that protect dsRNA and deliver it to insect gut cells are highly desirable. In this work, we demonstrate the complexation of D. suzukii-specific dsRNA for degradation of vha26 mRNA with bespoke, hydrophilic, diblock copolymers. To demonstrate the efficiency of this delivery system, we study the ex vivo protection of dsRNA against enzymatic degradation by gut enzymes. Flow cytometry is then used to investigate the cellular uptake of Cy3-labelled dsRNA, with confocal microscopy confirming cytoplasmic delivery after complexation. The polymer/dsRNA polyplexes induced significantly decreased survival of D. suzukii larvae following oral feeding, only when formed with a diblock copolymer containing a long neutral block length (1:2 cationic block/neutral block). However, there was no toxicity when fed to the closely related D. melanogaster. Thus, we provide evidence that dsRNA complexation with diblock copolymers is a promising strategy for RNAi-based species-specific pest control, however, optimisation of polymer composition is essential for RNAi success.
A Systematic Review of the Impact of Pneumatic Tube System Transport on Blood Chemistry and Hematology Parameters
Authors: Ausmolo Angelie Jae T. , Pua Joan Felice D. , Abiog Margaret Dominique H. , Alberto Beatrice C. , Bilo Eunice Lyn M. , De Leon Chasse Ysabel L. , Cerna Krista Luisa C. Dela , Jugueta Julien Rosx D. , Mendoza Marie Ethel M. , Sison Dorothy Elizabeth E. , Untalan Christ Theomar A. , Yumul Larra Betheriece B.
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Today, many hospitals use a Pneumatic Tube System (PTS) to quickly convey specimens to the lab. This study examined the clinical and practical impacts of PTS in delivering specimens. Blood chemistry and hematologic parameters were compared between PTS and manual transfer to determine whether there was a significant increase or decrease in its values. The study evaluated the following Blood Chemistry parameters such as LDH, K, AST, ALP, ALT, and Total Bilirubin and Hematologic parameters such as Red Cell indices (MCV, MHC, and MCHC), RBC count, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit, Hemolysis rate, and Platelet count. The data are gathered to evaluate if PTS provides the same specimen integrity as the manual technique. In this project, the researchers will conduct a systematic review utilizing the PRISMA 2020 reporting checklist.
Methodology: Studies obtained from online databases were utilized. A set of criteria for selecting prospective studies were established. The studies should be published from 2017 to October 2022, must assess the effects of PTS by comparing them to manually transported samples, and must be fully accessible. Subgroup analysis and cumulative analysis were conducted to establish transparency of the results.
Findings and Discussion: A total of 27 studies were evaluated. Among these, 13 of the studies included are for blood chemistry and 15 studies are for hematology. Among all the parameters evaluated, only LDH, potassium, and Hemolysis index showed clinical significance between the samples transported via PTS and manually delivered. The other chemistry parameters were also increased but were not clinically significant. Whereas, Hematologic parameters have only limited studies available that can show that it is of clinical significance. However, most included studies utilized a small sample size and limited population, restricting further analysis of obtained results. Additionally, some were hindered due to insufficient data and information. Moreover, the technical aspects that can cause the results to differ are not provided because the PTS utilized to modify acceleration and deceleration, are not sufficiently described. Some research claimed that their study was restricted to PTS effects alone.
Enhanced effect of co-doping of Ln 3+ on the luminescent properties of BaSiO 3 :Eu 3+ red phosphors
Authors: Zhao Tianyang , Yang Lingxiang , Zhu Dachuan
Published: November 2022

In this work, Ba1 − xSiO3:xEu3+ and Ba0.84SiO3:0.08Eu3+,0.08Ln3+(Ln = La, Y or Gd)series phosphors are obtained by calcining the precursors pre-synthesized via chemical co-precipitation method. The XRD patterns demonstrate the main phase is a chain silicate BaSiO3 formed by (SiO3)2− groups and Ba2+ ions with monoclinic crystal. Under the monitoring of 616 nm emission, the PLE spectra of Ba1 − xSiO3:xEu3+ phosphors consist of several peaks at 246nm, 320 nm, 363 nm, 382 nm, 393 nm, 414 nm, 464 nm and 535 nm with the strongest intensity at 393 nm, while four emission peaks located at 591nm, 616nm, 654nm and 705nm are found under activation at 393 nm, attributed to the 55D0→7Fj༈j = 1,2,3,4༉transition of Eu3+ ions. The highest emission peak appears at 616 nm in the case of 8 mol% Eu3+ doping. Although the emission intensity of the phosphors decreases gradually with the temperature increasing, it can maintain at 43.4% of that at room temperature even up to 250℃. After co-doped with La3+, Y3+ or Gd3+ ions, the emission intensity of the phosphors at 616 nm is increased by 1.31, 1.32 or 1.75 times as a result of strengthening the crystal field, and the fluorescence lifetime is prolonged from 1.29 ms to 1.59 ms after co-doped Gd3+, ascribed to an energy transfer process of Gd3+→Eu3+. All these indicate the red phosphor has the potential in application for the white LEDs under the ultraviolet excitation.
Magnetic hydroxyethyl cellulose spheres with efficient congo red removal
Authors: Hui Yao , Liu Rukuan , Sun Qingqing , Li Liuzemu , Wang Fen , Xu Airong , Xiao Zhihong
Published: November 2022

Ecofriendly adsorbent materials for the rapid and efficient removal of pollutant dyes are highly desired on account of concerns about environmental pollution and human health. Herein, novel magnetic HC/Fe3O4 spherical materials have been constructed via crosslinking hydroxyethyl cellulose (HC) by poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether (PGDE) followed by the introduce of magnetic Fe3O4 by a facile and effective strategy developed in this work. The morphology, structure and magnetic behavior of the spherical materials have been systematically investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques. Further, the spherical materials were utilized to remove congo red (CR-SO3Na) from aqueous solution under varying adsorption conditions. Meanwhile, the adsorption kinetics, thermodynamics and isothermics have been achieved to explore the adsorption process and possible adsorption mechanism of CR-SO3Na by the spherical materials. The materials show not only an efficient capacity of CR-SO3Na removal from aqueous solution, but also a sufficient magnetic property of the recovery of the materials from aqueous solution after adsorption. The spherical materials have great potential to be used as efficient adsorbents for the removal of dye-containing effluent.
Linking health to geology-A new assessment and zoning model based on the frame of medical geology
Authors: Li Fengyan , Yu Tao , Huang Zhenzhong , Yang Zhongfang , Hou Qingye , Tang Qifeng , Liu Jiuchen , Wang Lingxiao
Published: November 2022

The relationship between the geological environment and human health is still not better understood. This study aims to evaluate the degree of influence on human health and the suitability of the living environment. We established a new evaluation framework of the geological environment and human health. The evaluation framework selects four core geological environment indicators related to health: soil, water, geological landform, and atmosphere. The results showed that the atmospheric and water resource indicators were generally good, and the scores of geological landforms differed due to the topography. The evaluation result showed that the soil pollution elements did not exceed the national standard, and the value of the beneficial element Se greatly exceeded the local background value. Our research highlights the geological factors that affecting human health, explores the geological resources that serve and influence human health, and finally proposes planning strategies to harmful health risks and improve health factors.
Ultra-mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (UM-PCNL) with a semi-rigid ureteroscope in pre-school children: An Innovative Experience in Southern Iran
Authors: Hosseini Mohammad Mehdi , Eslahi Ali , Ahmed Sohail , Abedini Ehsan , Masjedi Fatemeh , Tabei Seyed Sajjad
Published: November 2022

Background: Since its inception, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) has undergone extensive modification to reduce post-operative complication rates and provide easier renal access to the surgeon. One of the recent advances in minimally invasive procedures is the advent of ultra-mini PCNL (UM-PCNL) which provides miniaturized access to the upper urinary tract. However, the specific instruments applied in UM-PCNL may not be found in centers with limited resources. In this single-center study, we evaluated the feasibility and short-term complication rates of performing UM-PCNL using a semirigid ureteroscope with a 4Fr tip instead of an ultra-mini nephroscope in preschool children aged less than seven years old.
Results: A total of 68 patient records (42 M:26 F) with a mean age of 3.2±2.4 years were retrospectively evaluated in this study. Short-term complications were defined as those occurring within three weeks after surgery. The early stone-free rate (SFR) was 91% and the short-term total SFR stood at 97%. No statistically significant difference in preoperative and postoperative Hb, Bun, Cr, Na, and K was found. Fever (11 patients) and ileus (5 patients) constituted the majority of complications and only one patient required a blood transfusion. None of the cases undergoing UM-PCNL with this method required a re-do PCNL.
Conclusion: Our experience shows that with sufficient experience in maneuvering the semi-rigid ureteroscope, urologists practicing in centers with limited resources could perform UM-PCNL with relatively favorable outcomes.
The Korean Medicine phenotype as an adjunctive risk factor of Metabolic syndrome: A prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Ahn Eun Kyoung , Park Ji-Eun , Baek Younghwa , Lee Siwoo
Published: November 2022

Background
The purpose of this study was to investigated whether a specific subtype of the newly proposed Korean Medicine (KM) phenotype could support as a risk to metabolic syndrome (MetS).
Methods
A dataset of 1997 subjects were used from the Korean Medicine Daejeon Citizen Cohort. To extract the KM phenotype of the participants, questionnaires of sasang constitutional types (SCTs) and cold-heat pattern identification (CHPI) were adopted; correlations with KM phenotype were assessed using Cramer's V test. Odds ratios and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to evaluate the performance of the MetS classification models on the basis of the proposed KM phenotype, single type of SCTs, and single type of CHPI.
Results
This study included 179 and 1,818 participants in the MetS and non-MetS group, respectively (MetS prevalence rate of 8.96%); the participants’ mean ages were 46.45 and 44.12 years (p < 0.001), respectively. A medium correlation was found between SCTs and CHPI (Cramer's V 0.27). KM phenotype A and B were constructed, and a novel MetS classification model was created, yielding AUC values in the range of 0.762–0.793 for comparisons with existing models.
Conclusion
The results of this study suggest that the newly proposed KM phenotype is a suitable independent variable for the MetS prediction model. The TE-Heat pattern of KM phenotype may be a risk factor for MetS.
Qilongtian Ameliorate Bleomycin-induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice via Inhibiting IL-17 signal pathway
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Luo Ting , Yuan Dezheng , Liu Jing , Fu Yi , Yuan Jiali
Published: November 2022

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a special type of pulmonary parenchymal disease, with chronic, progressive, fibrosis, high mortality. There is a lack of safe, effective, and affordable treatment methods. Qilongtian (QLT) is a traditional Chinese prescription that is composed of Panax notoginseng, Earthworm, and Rhodiola, and shows the remarkable clinical curative effect of PF. However, the mechanism of QLT remains to be clarified. Therefore, we studied the effectivity of QLT in treating Bleomycin (BLM) induced PF mice. Our studies have shown that QLT significantly reduced the inflammatory injury, hydroxyproline content and collagen deposition of lung tissue in BLM induced PF mice and downregulated the cytokine related to inflammation and fibrosis and PF expression on the mRNA and protein level in PF mice. To identify the mechanism of QLT, the Transcriptome was measured, and the IL-17 signal pathway was screened out for further research. Further studies indicated that QLT reduced the mRNA level of CCL12, CXCL5, FOSL1, MMP9, and AREG, which are inflammation and fibrosis-related genes in the IL-17 signal pathway. In summary, the results indicated that the potential mechanism of QLT in preventing PF progress was by inhibiting the inflammation resulting in IL-17 signal pathway. Our study provides the novel scientific basis of QLT and represents new therapeutics for PF in clinical.
Directly Monitoring the Shift in Corrosion Mechanisms of a Model FeCrNi Alloy Driven by Electrical Potential
Authors: Devaraj Arun , Liu Tingkun , Li Cheng-Han , Olszta Matthew , Tao Jinhui
Published: November 2022

Stainless steels are used in a myriad of engineering applications, including construction, automotives, and nuclear reactors. Developing accurate, predictive mechanistic models for corrosion and electrochemical corrosion kinetics of stainless steels, specifically in chloride environments, has been a topic of research studies over many decades. Herein, we quantified the aqueous corrosion kinetics of a model austenitic Fe–18Cr–14Ni (wt.%) alloy in the presence and absence of applied potential using systematic in situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM) studies and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Without an applied bias, dissolution along the vertical direction of corrosion pits is controlled by surface kinetics/diffusion hybrid mechanism, whereas the dissolution along the lateral direction of pits is diffusion controlled. In the absence of an applied bias, both the “nucleation” and “lateral growth” of the pits contribute to total corrosion. When an electrical bias is applied, the increase in corrosion rate is dominated by nucleation of new pits rather than lateral growth of existing ones. This shift in the corrosion mechanism is attributed to the bias-induced redistribution of species with different charges. These insights gained by the in situ EC-AFM will allow applications of this method for quantitative understanding of corrosion of wider class of materials.
A mendelian randomization study on the relationship between childhood obesity and adult heart failure
Authors: Li Quanliang , Wu Weifeng , Kong Qing
Published: November 2022

Background: Childhood obesity is a risk factor in many cardiovascular diseases. Few mendelian randomization study focused on the association between childhood obesity and adult heart failure.
Aims: This study aimed to determine whether childhood obesity is associated with heart failure in adulthood through genetic analysis.
Methods: Our study utilized a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) design to assess associations between childhood obesity and adult heart failure. From genome-wide association studies conducted recently, SNP associations with childhood obesity and heart failure have been identified. Inverse-variance weighting (IVW) techniques were used to estimate effect sizes. As part of the sensitivity analysis, other MR methods were employed, including MR-Egger, simple and weighted medians, weighted MBE and MR-PRESSO.
Results: According to the random-effect IVW model, children with a 1 standard deviation rise in BMI (kg/m2) had a higher risk of heart failure (OR= 1.319, 95% CI:1.160-1.499, P = 0.001), as did children with obesity (OR = 1.136, 95% CI: 1.044-1.235, P = 0.003). Based on MR-Egger analysis, there was no evidence of dwindling pleiotropic effects between childhood BMI (intercept = 0.006, 95% CI: -0.031 to 0.043, P = 0.716) and childhood obesity genetic variants (intercept = -0.059, 95% CI: -0.184 to 0.066, P = 0.427). According to the leave-one-out sensitivity analysis, no genetic variation played a significant role in the association between childhood BMI, childhood obesity, and adult heart failure.
Conclusions: There is a consistent correlation between genetically predicted childhood obesity and adult heart failure, according to MR analysis.
Demography of bee pollinators in the Chihuahuan Desert: how to tell if their populations are declining?
Authors: Munguia-Soto Esteban O. , Golubov Jordan K. , Mandujano María C.
Published: November 2022

Bee population ecology is essential to determine and react to environmental impacts that affect population persistence. Land use change and pesticides lead to decreased populations, however, it is difficult to estimate their impact because information of wild bee populations is limited, even though they are important pollinators of flowering plants. We determined the population size, dynamics, and growth rate of ten wild bee species in a desert scrub using monthly sampling over four years during a 5-year study period. We provide a detailed explanation to assess bee population status by estimating if populations are declining. The bees were captured in pan traps located in permanent plots. Capture records were used to obtain population size (N, abundance of individuals), density (D), and dynamics. We calculated the population growth rates (r and ) using non structured population models. The abundance was used to estimate population attributes. Apidae and Halictidae families accounted for most of the catches. Population size was very small in all species, Apis mellifera, Lasioglossum (Dialictus) and Macrotera sp. were the species with the largest population size and density. Most of the bee populations had r <0, estimates that indicate population decrease, but 95% CI suggest 66.6% populations are near equilibrium, two species have a clear trend of population decline and two of increase. Our assessment of threat status of 9 bee species based on demographic parameters indicates that 6 species are in the category of vulnerable, 2 critically endangered and 1 are endangered of extinction. Possibly, the remaining patch of vegetation is very small and cannot support stable populations. We suggest that essential resources availability (feeding and nesting) and reduced environmental stressors in the area positively affected population dynamics.
Implications for insect conservation: Population growth rates (r and ) allow us to determine the population trends for nine species of wild bees, our approximation is simple and allows to assess the conservation status of these important pollinators.
Concurrent degradation of petroleum sludge and simultaneous rhamnolipid biosurfactant production: An aesthetic bioremediation approach
Authors: Patowary Rupshikha , Rajbongshi Bhagyalakshmi , Devi Arundhuti , Goswami Manisha
Published: November 2022

Petroleum sludge is uncontrollably released in oil field and refineries which can lead to deleterious effect on the environment, as it consists of components of emerging concern such as PAHs, BTEX components, heavy metals, asphaltenes etc. In the present study, a novel bacterium Enterobacter cloacae AR-IASST (01), that have the potential to produce biosurfactant (surface tension reduced to 26.4 mN/m) was utilized to degrade petroleum sludge. A degradation of 86.9% was achieved after 5 days of culture incubation and biosurfactant production was also observed during the degradation process of sludge. In the GC-MS analysis, the peaks numbers reduce from 184 to 13 in the treated sample and complete degradation of PAHs present in the sludge was observed. The biosurfactant was characterized to be rhamnolipid in nature. The biosurfactant exhibited attractive emulsification towards several oils and an E24 of 100% was achieved against crude oil. The biosurfactant was found to be stable over a wide range of temperature, and salt concentration, although it showed sensitivity in high acidic condition. Furthermore, it was found that the bacterial treatment also led to the removal of heavy metals (Ni), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), iron (Fe), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), present in the sludge sample. Thus, the present study reveals that the novel bacterium is very potential and can be widely used for restoration of petroleum sludge contaminated sites in future.
High-performance IN738 superalloy derived from turbine blade waste for efficient electrooxidation of ethanol, ethylene glycol, and urea
Authors: Hefnawy Mahmoud A. , Medany Shymaa S. , El-Sherif Rabab M. , El-Bagoury Nader , Fadlallah Sahar A.
Published: November 2022

In this work, the IN738 superalloy used previously in gas turbines was recycled and used as a working electrode for electrooxidation of different fuels, namely, ethylene glycol, ethanol, and urea. The electrocatalytic efficiency of the electrode was studied by cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry, and electrochemical impedance. Several kinetics parameters like diffusion coefficient, Tafel slope, rate constant, and activation energy were calculated. The modified electrode was characterized as received using XRD, SEM, and EDAX to elucidate the crystal structure and surface morphology before and after electrochemical oxidation. The anodic current densities of electrochemical oxidation of ethanol, ethylene glycol, and urea were 29, 17, and 12 mA.cm-2, respectively, in a solution of 1.0 KOH at a potential 0.6 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The kinetic parameters like diffusion coefficients for ethanol, ethylene glycol, and urea were equaled to 1.5 ×10-6, 1.038×10-6, and 0.64×10-6 cm2 s-1. The charge transfer resistances were estimated for electrooxidation of different fuels by electrochemical impedance (EIS).
Graphical abstract
Study on the effectiveness and safety of BIC/FTC/TAF in adult HIV-1 patients in China: A retrospective real-world cohort study
Authors: Xie Xiaoxin , Gan Lin , Fu Yanhua , Yang Xiaoyan , Long Hai
Published: November 2022

Background
To evaluate the therapeutic effect and tolerance of BIC/FTC/TAF used for 24-week in ART-naïve in China.
Methods
This single-center retrospective cohort study included ART-naïve who received BIC/FTC/TAF from July 2021 to April 2022. The proportion of patients with HIV RNA < 50 cp/ml at the end point of 24-week (virological inhibition rate) was the primary outcome, and the changes of CD4 cell count, CD4/CD8, weight, blood lipid, and safety were secondary outcomes.
Results
A total of 80 ART-naïve were enrolled. The inhibition rate of virology was 86.3% 24-week. The median CD4 cell count increased from 212 cells/µL (90.3-398.3) at baseline to 348 cells/µL (219.8–541.0) at 24-week. The median CD4/CD8 ratio increased from 0.25 (0.13–0.37) at baseline to 0.40 (0.26–0.66) at 24-week. During the follow-up of 80 ART-naïve using BIC/FTC/TAF, 16 patients had adverse events; however, no drug withdrawal was caused by adverse events.
Conclusion
This real-world cohort study showed that BIC/FTC/TAF could achieve good immunological and virological responses in ART-naïve. In addition, this study also shows good safety.
Evaluation of the role of self-cleaning capacity on marine environmental carrying capacity: a case of Ganh Rai bay, Vietnam .
Authors: Ta Long Bui , Thi Diem Tran Luong
Published: November 2022

Economic activities are constantly increasing in the southern key economic region (SKER), especially in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), which leads to the influx of large amounts of wastewater from this region into Ganh Rai Bay (GRB). The problem of assessing the marine environmental carrying capacity (MECC) of coastal areas is urgent, and the role of self-cleaning must be elucidated. Four typical pollution parameters were selected: ammonium (NH4+), biological oxygen demand (BOD), phosphate (PO43−), and coliforms. The study aims to propose a framework to assess the impact of the role of self-cleaning on MECC and to apply the proposed framework to GRB as a case study. A series of models were used to simulate hydrodynamics, and an advection-diffusion model with an ecological parameter set was used for water quality modelling. The land-ocean interactions in the coastal zone model were used to calculate the GRB and East Sea retention time. Finally, a multiple linear regression model was used to clarify the relationship between the MECC and self-cleaning factors. Calculation results show that the self-cleaning factor increased the MECCAmmonium by 60.30% in the dry season and 22.75% in the wet season; similar to MECCBOD, MECCPhosphate increased by 5.26%, 0.21% (dry season), and 11.04%, 0.72% (wet season), respectively. MECCCColiforms in the dry season increased by 14.83%; in the wet season, MECCColiforms doubled. The results provide medium-and long-term solutions to improve the water quality of the GRB, especially the selection of activities that conserve the ecological system and improve the self-cleaning capacity of the bay.
Bitcoin price fluctuation by Twitter sentiment analysis pre- and post- COVID- 19 pandemic
Authors: Japar Izzati Izyani , Pathmanathan Dharini , Azman Shafiqah
Published: November 2022

Cryptocurrency investment especially Bitcoin, has become favourable over recent years due to promising returns in the future. However, the movement of price is mainly speculation-based as these currencies are still new in the market. The COVID-19 outbreak boosted research interest in predicting the price fluctuation of Bitcoin since cryptocurrency trading produced many millionaires. Five lexicon-based Twitter sentiment analysis approaches are examined to see the effect of Tweets on the price of Bitcoin during the pre- and post- COVID-19 period. Results show that negative Twitter sentiments affected the price of Bitcoin pre- COVID-19 and the second year of post- COVID-19 when Elon Musk actively criticised Bitcoin on Twitter.
Comparison of Visual Performance between Diffractive Bifocal and Diffractive Trifocal Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Kawamura Junya , Tanabe Hirotaka , Shojo Tomohiro , Yamauchi Tomofusa , Takase Kosuke , Tabuchi Hitoshi
Published: November 2022

To evaluate the visual performance of a diffractive bifocal intraocular lens (IOL) with + 4.0 D near addition (ZMB00) and a diffractive trifocal IOL with + 2.17 D and + 3.25 D near addition (AcrySof IQ PanOptix TFNT00), we investigated the 10-week postoperative parameters after cataract surgery in which ZMB00 or TFNT00 lenses were implanted bilaterally from 2011 to 2020 (with a 3-month interval between implantation of the right and left lenses). The study included 1448 eyes of 724 patients. The diffractive bifocal group comprised 1326 eyes of 663 patients (aged 67.0 ± 7.8 years; females/males, 518/145), and the diffractive trifocal group comprised 122 eyes of 61 patients (aged 66.6 ± 7.3 years; females/males, 35/26). A linear mixed-effects model using data for both eyes, with strict adjustments for sex, age, subjective refraction spherical equivalent, subjective refraction cylinder, corneal astigmatism, axial length, corneal higher-order aberrations, and pupil diameter, ensured statistical validity. Uncorrected near visual acuity and higher-order aberrations (ocular/internal, scaled to a pupil size of 4 mm) (WF_4_post_O_Spherical, WF_4_post_I_Spherical) were significantly better in the bifocal group (p < 0.00068, Wald test). Uncorrected intermediate visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (6.3/4.0/2.5/1.6/1.0/0.7 degrees), and contrast sensitivity with glare (4.0/1.6/1.0/0.7 degrees) were significantly better in the trifocal group (p < 0.00068, Wald test).
The impact of orthotic therapy on instability and functional improvement in knee joint disease - A Systematic Review
Authors: Murata Kenji , Sakakida Takuma , Kawabata Sora , Yokoyama Moeka , Morishita Yuri , Kita Shunsuke , Keisuke Kubota , Kano Takuma , Kojima Takuma , Hidenobu Terada , Takasu Chiharu , Kanemura Naohiko
Published: November 2022

Purpose
Joint instability is a common joint dysfunction and a cause of musculoskeletal disorder and pain after anterior cruciate ligament injury and osteoarthritis. The aim of this literature review is to review the existing evidence regarding the impacts of knee brace in persons with joint instability, or laxity after knee disease concerning physical and functional outcomes.
Methods
A systematic search was performed at MEDLINE, Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, and PEDro and Web of Science databases until April 2, 2022, with their language limited to English. Studies to be included were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials, and controlled experimental studies that included comparison of interventions and no interventions testing effectiveness of orthotics in joint instability symptom patients
Results
Total 250 studies were retrieved and 12 articles met the inclusion criteria. Beneficial effects of knee braces appear to vary with disease. Self-reported instability may be improved with orthotics, while its effects are unclear in an objective assessment of joint instability. However, improved subjective instability lead to improved physical function.
Conclusion
Our aim is to provide information to both healthcare professionals with updated and high-quality recommendations for the management of instability joint condition. It is concluded that orthotic therapy may have a certain effect on subjective evaluation in joint instability.
Hypnosis-based Treatments for Internet Addiction Disorder: Systematic Review
Authors: Connelly Chris
Published: November 2022

The health effects of internet addiction on the general public are a growing concern for many therapists and clinical professionals. Existing therapeutic interventions for this disorder (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling) have evidence supporting their effectiveness in benefiting individuals diagnosed with Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD). To date and to our knowledge, there has been no systematic literature review considering the effectiveness of hypnosis-based therapies for IAD addressed in this review. Using the PRISMA model, findings revealed no published papers met the inclusion criteria, though there is evidence that hypnosis may benefit other associated disorders. The results and recommendations for further research and the inclusion of hypnosis-based interventions for IAD are discussed.
Nexus between corruption, market capitalization, exports, FDI, and country’s wealth: A pre-global financial crisis study
Authors: Abdulaziz Saleh Al-Faryan Mamdouh
Published: November 2022

The study investigates the impact of corruption, market capitalization, exports, and foreign direct investment on the wealth of 178 countries worldwide. Thus, the paper uses univariate and multivariate regressions to observe the nexus among exports, foreign direct investment, market capitalization, corruption, and wealth of nations. The findings indicate that corruption poses a significant hindrance to prosperity and development, as evaluated with respect to the Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index. Additionally, the results showed that the world’s poorest nations are becoming less corrupt while the wealthiest ones are growing more corrupt. The paper also concludes that exports and market capitalization are critical for prosperity and development when combined with lower corruption levels. Furthermore, the analysis also suggests that inbound foreign direct investment favors the development of emerging countries. Surprisingly, market capitalization and exports had little impact on wealth of countries before the crisis period. Moreover, integrity also fosters economic growth. Overall, the study concludes that the causes of wealth are country-specific.
AcknowledgmentsI thank the editor and the reviewers for the helpful comments and suggestions that significantly enhanced this work. The usual disclaimer applies.
Management of dog bite wounds: Our protocol and experience with early surgical intervention
Authors: Jain S. , Singla C. , Toor S. , Bhatti D. J. , Gupta P.
Published: November 2022

Dog bites injuries are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Conventionally, it was suggested to leave the wounds open due to probable increased risk of infections and occurrence of rabies with suturing.Recent publications indicate that primary closure does not necessarily affect the chances of infection but definitely helps in improving the quality of scar. We are presenting our experience and protocol for primary closure of all dog bite wounds. From March 2020 to February 2021, 10 consecutive patients of all ages coming to the emergency of our hospital with category 3 dog bite that penetrated the epidermis and dermis and presenting within 48 hours of injury were included. Every patient was administered first dose of anti rabies vaccine (ARV) (zero dose) for active immunisation and was also given injection tetanus intramuscularly. Mean age of patients in our study was 20.9 with range from 2 years to 90 years. Only 2/10 patients developed infections which were managed conservatively with drainage of abscess and antibiotics. Rest all patients recovered without complications. Primary closure of dog bite wounds when associated with debridement, sufficient irrigation, povidine iodine cleansing and antibiotic administration resulted in improved cosmetic appearance without increase in the rate of infection.
Wait impossible to operate. Rules of surgical punctuation
Authors: Zubkov D. S.
Published: November 2022

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Water conservation capacity under climate and land use change scenarios in Changbai Mountain, China
Authors: Sun Wenhao , Bian Jianmin , Li Yihan , Li Jialin
Published: November 2022

Regional water conservation is the key to maintain water supply. Based on the data of 2000, 2010 and 2020, this paper takes Jingyu County in the Changbai Mountain as the study area. By land use conversion matrix, geostatistical analysis, InVEST model and scenario analysis, this paper aims to find out the variation of water conservation and the its related influencing factors in Changbai Mountain region. From 2000 to 2020, forest and cultivated land decreased, while grassland and developed land increased. The water conservation increased from 2.94 × 108 m3 to 4.83 × 108 m3, with a total increase of 64.29%. Forest has the highest average water conservation, followed by grassland, cultivated land and developed land. Climatic factors were important to 91.92% of the study area, whereas 6.22% of it was influenced by land use. When forest decrease in some areas, the main control factor of 48.71% of the area shifted into land use, that could lead to a sharp decrease in water conservation. Climate determines the overall spatial pattern of water conservation; land use determines the local characteristics by controlling runoff. The increase of water conservation is beneficial to improve the reserves and development potential of mineral water.
West or East? Changing directions of supply of products of the republics of the former USSR in conditions of global instability
Authors: Rodionova I. A. , Shuvalova O. V.
Published: November 2022

Due to the collapse of the USSR and the destruction of economic cooperation, all the former Soviet republics traded among themselves as independent states, and trade was carried out not at domestic (as before), but at world prices. New state borders (previously internal) prevented the export and transit of products to "third countries". The purpose of the study is to characterize the export of certain types of products in the post-Soviet space by country in dynamics from 1995 to 2020. The data was from UNCTAD. We used the principles of a systematic approach, in particular historical, analytical, mathematical-statistical and cartographic research methods. Russia remains the main supplier of mineral resources to the republics of the former Soviet Union, but its role in the foreign trade of the republics as a whole is declining. Exports began to consist mainly of exports of raw materials. Goods from the countries of the former USSR are exported mainly to the Asian market. Trade between countries is affected not only by geographical factors - it is easier to trade with neighbors, but also by other factors, including the ability to transport products around the world. Therefore, the spatial diversification of exports of steel, mineral fertilizers, and grain is higher than that of oil and natural gas, which are traded mainly through pre-laid pipelines. Interstate territorial disputes that have grown since the collapse of the USSR are harmful to economic cooperation. Difficulties arise in relations between such republics of the former Soviet Union as Russia and Ukraine, Armenia and Azerbaijan. In Soviet times, there was close cooperation between them, but now it is broken. This hinders the economic development of these countries.