bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early detection of ICU-acquired weakness in septic shock patients ventilated longer than 72 hours
Authors: Attwell Caroline , Sauterel Laurent , Jöhr Jane , Piquilloud Lise , Kuntzer Thierry , Diserens Karin
Published: March 2022

Purpose: ICU acquired weakness, comprising Critical Illness Polyneuropathy (CIP) and Myopathy (CIM) is associated with immobilization and prolonged mechanical ventilation. This study aims to assess feasibility of early detection of CIP and CIM by peroneal nerve test (PENT) and sensory sural nerve action potential (SNAP) screening in patients with septic shock invasively ventilated for more than 72 hours and to investigate risk factors associated with CIP and CIM. Methods: We performed repetitive PENT screening from 72 hours after intubation until detecting a pathological response. We tested SNAPs in pathological PENT to differentiate CIP from CIM. Muscle strength examination was performed in awake patients and time from intubation to first in-bed and out-of-bed mobilization were recorded.Results: Eighteen patients were screened with PENT and 88.9% had abnormal responses. Mean time between intubation and first screening was 94.38 (+ 22.41) hours. Seven patients (38.9%) had CIP, 2 (11.1%) had CIM, 1 (5.6%) had CIP and CIM, 6 (33.3%) had a pathological response at PENT associated with ICU acquired weakness but no SNAP could be performed to differentiate between CIP and CIM and 2 patients had (11.1%) had no peripheral deficit. In the patients where it could be performed, muscle strength testing concorded with electrophysiological findings. Twelve patients (66.7%) had out-of-bed mobilization 10.8 (+ 7.4) days after admission. Conclusion: CIP and CIM are frequent in septic patients and can be detected before becoming symptomatic with simple bedside tools. Early detection of CIP and CIM opens new possibilities for timely management of CIP and CIM through preventive measures such as passive and active mobilization.
Astrocytic HDAC7 Activates IKK/NF-κB Signaling to Regulate Neuroinflammation and Anxiety-like Disorders
Authors: Ye Jinwang , Zhong Suyue , Deng Yunsong , Yao Xuanbao , Liu Qiong , Wang Jian-Zhi , Xiao Shifeng
Published: March 2022

Class IIa histone deacetylase s (HDAC) have been shown to drive innate immune cell-mediated inflammation in the peripheral system, but their roles in cerebral inflammatory responses remain largely unknown. Here, we elucidate that HDAC7 is selectively elevated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged astrocytes both in vivo and in vitro. We identify that HDAC7 binds to the inhibitory kappa B kinase (IKK) to promote IKKα and IKKβ deacetylation and subsequent activation, leading to the activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). Astrocyte-specific overexpression of HDAC7 results in NF-κB activation, pro-inflammatory gene upregulation and anxiety-like behaviors in mice, while downregulating HDAC7 reserves LPS-induced NF-κB activation and inflammatory responses. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of HDAC7 by a class IIa HDAC inhibitor attenuates LPS-induced NF-κB activation, neuroinflammation and anxiety-like disorders both in vivo and in vitro. Together, our data reveal a novel mechanism of HDAC7 in astroglial inflammation and suggest that targeting HDAC7 could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of anxiety and other neuroinflammation-related diseases.
Fossilized eukaryotes from 2.7 billion year old shales in Tanzania
Authors: Sanislav Ioan , Dirks Paul , Knutsen Espen , Konhauser Kurt , Kwelwa Shimba
Published: March 2022

Some of the evidence for the existence of life in the Archean Eon (4.0-2.5 Ga) comes from ‘microfossils’ that are believed to be the mineralized remnants of simple prokaryotic lifeforms. They are spheroidal shaped and a few microns to tens of microns across and most likely represent early prokaryotic organisms. Here we describe spheroidal carbon structures that reach sizes of up to 540 microns from the 2.72 billion years ago (Ga) carbonaceous shales from the Lower Nyanzian Formation in the Geita Greenstone Belt of Tanzania. They are interpreted as microfossils based on their multi-chambered structures with pentagonal to hexagonal sectional geometries or floral forms, and chambers connected by regularly placed, tube-like structures that also connect inner chambers to the outside. The carbonaceous material in the walls is partly composed of disorganised kerogenous carbon with δ13C values averaging -44.6‰ that forms membranes coating a denser core of hematite enriched in P and transition metals (Zn, Cu, Ca). The fossils meet all criteria for syngeneity and biogenicity. Whether these structures are remnants of gigantic bacteria or early eukaryotes such as a testate rhizarian is unclear but they appear to represent a relatively complex organism that lived in a shallow, volcanically-dominated, marine environment where oxygen was locally available.
PRPF6 promotes metastasis and paclitaxel resistance of ovarian cancer via SNHG16/CEBPB/GATA3 axis
Authors: Wang Min , Wang Han , Zhou Yingying , Zhang Siyang , Qi Ya
Published: March 2022

Background: Metastasis and paclitaxel (PTX) resistance are the main reason for the poor prognosis of ovarian cancer (OC). Evidence has shown that RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) can modulate post-transcriptional regulation. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship among RBP, lncRNA and OC and to further guide clinical therapy. Methods: The expression of pre‐mRNA processing factor 6 (PRPF6) in OC tissues form 68 patients were detected by Immunohistochemistry. The expression of small nucleolar RNA host gene 16(SNHG16) transcripts-SNHG16-L/S in OC cell lines were analyzed by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). Transwell, CCK8 assays and flow cytometry analyses were used to detected effects of PRPF6 and SNHG16 on tumorigenesis and PTX-resistance. Molecular interactions were examined by dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay, RNA immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation. OC cells that knockdown PRPF6 were injected subcutaneously in nude mice.Results: The results showed that PRPF6 was upregulated in OC chemoresistant tissues and was closely related to advanced FIGO stages. PRPF6 promoted progression, and PTX resistance in vitro and in vivo. SNHG16-L/S were differentially expressed in OC cells and tissues as detected through real-time PCR (RT-PCR). SNHG16-L/S had opposite effects on progression and PTX resistance in OC. Mechanistically, SNHG16-L inhibited GATA-binding protein 3 (GATA3) transcription by binding to CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein B (CEBPB). Moreover, PRPF6 induced the alternative splicing of SNHG16, causing downregulation of SNHG16-L and, leading to the upregulation of GATA3 expression to further promote metastasis and PTX-resistance in OC.Conclusions: Totally, these data unveiled that PRPF6 promotes metastasis and PTX resistance of OC through SNHG16-L/CEBPB/GATA3 axis, which provides a new direction for OC treatment.
Establishment of pyroptosis-related genes prognostic model for forecasting status of immune and inflammation in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Hu Jun , Tian Caijuan , Zhao Yanpeng , Guo Yixian , Chen Shuo
Published: March 2022

Pyroptosis and related gasdermin family proteins are important in tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the prognosis roles of pyroptosis-related genes (PRGs) and its relation to infiltrates of immune cell in the pathogenesis of CRC remain unclear. By using this investigation, we set up a prognosis gene pattern on the basis of 13 PRGs(AIM2, CASP1, CASP5, CASP6, CASP8, CASP9, ELANE, GPX4, GSDMD, NLRP7, NOD2, PJVK and PRKACA) for CRC patients. A comprehensive bioinformatics analysis was followed to be performed. With good AUC prediction value of ROC curves, the group with high hazard firstly had poor survival prognosis than the group with low hazard. Secondly, we found that PRGs were significantly related to inflammation-associated genes and immune-associated genes in CRC. Then we identified a correlation of PRGs with immune infiltrations in CRC. For instance, abundances of NK cells resting and neutrophils were more in the low hazard group than in the high hazard group. As a whole, this work indicated that PRGs served a critical function in generating heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in CRC. This prognosis PRGs model may give a starting point for early diagnosis and medication use of CRC.
Transverse Thickness Proﬁle Control of Electrical Steel in 6-high Cold Rolling Mills Based on the GA-PSO Hybrid Algorithm
Authors: Cao Jianguo , Song Chunning , Wang Leilei , Xiao Jing , Zhao Qiufang
Published: March 2022

In order to meet the shape control requirements of “Dead flat” transverse thickness profile of electrical steel sheet in cold rolling process, the 3D finite element model (FEM) for roll stacks and strip of 6-high tandem cold rolling mills (TCMs) was built with the developed Edge Drop Control Work Rolls for Non-shifting (EDW-N). The efficiency curves of the work roll bending (WRB), the intermediate roll bending (IRB) and the intermediate roll shifting (IRS) in cold rolling process are obtained for transverse thickness profile control performance. The control strategy of multi-stand and multi-variable profile and flatness control actuators, i.e. WRB, IRB and IRS of Stands 1 ~ 5 in 6-high TCMs is proposed based on the GA-PSO hybrid algorithm with better optimization ability. The results show that the control strategy can fully exploit the shape control ability and achieve the high precision control for transverse thickness profile of 6-high TCMs. The industrial application on the production gives remarkable results that the rate of the measured strip crown less than 7µm increased from 38.58–67.74% for electrical steel sheet in the 1420 mm 6-high TCMs. The control strategy has applied to the production successfully.
Port-Reduced Reduced-Basis Component Method for Steady State Navier–Stokes and Passive Scalar Equations
Authors: Benaceur Amina , Patera Anthony
Published: March 2022

We develop a Port-Reduced Reduced-Basis Component approach (PR-RBC) to solve partial differential equations (PDEs) that govern incompressible fluid flows in riverine geometries. The PR-RBC method was initially introduced in the literature for linear problems. In this paper, we extend it to a nonlinear context. Our method is presented for the steady state Navier–Stokes problem with an incompressibility constraint. The model is supplemented with a passive scalar equation. We introduce a new method for the treatment of nonlinearity, incompressibility, and convective effects.
Understanding the association between PrEP stigma and PrEP cascade moderated by the intensity of HIV testing
Authors: Zhang Chen , Liu Yu
Published: March 2022

Background
In the United States, men who have sex with men (MSM) account for the majority of new HIV infections. On the other hand, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective strategy to curb HIV transmission, but it is widely underutilized. It is unknown how stigma affects PrEP care in the context of other HIV prevention strategies (e.g., HIV testing). In the current study, we explored how PrEP and HIV-related stigma affect the PrEP care cascade (i.e., awareness, willingness, and uptake) and how the intensity of HIV testing services moderates the association.
Methods
We recruited a group of MSM from two cities in the U.S. With informed consent being collected, we included a total of 318 MSM in the current analysis. We employed bivariate and multivariable analyses to assess the association between PrEP stigma and PrEP cascade while controlling for potential confounders on each specific pathway. We further used a series of moderation analyses based upon the intensity of HIV testing within different timeframes to assess the association between PrEP stigma and PrEP cascade. In addition, we conducted the trend-analyses to assess the pattern of PrEP cascade across different time points of HIV testing.
Results
Compared with MSM who used PrEP, those who never used PrEP reported higher internalized (0.59 vs. 2.99) and vicarious PrEP stigma (3.66 vs. 5.56). Internalized PrEP stigma has significantly reduced the likelihood of PrEP willingness and PrEP uptake among this group. With the increased frequency of HIV testing, stigma became stronger to negatively impact the likelihood of PrEP willingness and PrEP uptake in MSM. The Jonckheere–Terpstra test with Monte Carlo permutations showed significant trend patterns across different frequencies of HIV testing. The same patterns have been identified under other timeframes (i.e., in the past 12m, 6m, and 3m).
Conclusions
Findings indicated that HIV prevention services might discourage MSM from PrEP use under the influence of stigma. A structural-level reform is urgently needed to turn the HIV service encounters into opportunities to facilitate and optimize the PrEP cascade among this group who may benefit from PrEP use.
Pharmacokinetics of Ceftazidime-Avibactam in a Critical Intracerebral Hemorrhage Patient Receiving Intermittent Venovenous Hemodiafiltration
Authors: Ni Min , Yan Yu-ying , Cao Xiang-yuan , Yu Peng , Chen Song-yu , Jin Yi , Shen Fu-ming
Published: March 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the appropriate dose of ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI) for critically ill patients receiving intermittent venovenous hemodiafiltration (VVHDF). Methods: CAZ-AVI administered at 1.875 g every 24 h by intravenous injection was used to treat multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in a critically ill patient receiving 6h VVHDF every other day. On dialysis day, VVHDF began at 12h after the previous dosing. Plasma drug concentrations of ceftazidime and avibactam were measured at 0, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 h after the third dosage of CAZ-AVI administration. A pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using PK Solover 2.0. Results: The pharmacokinetic parameters of ceftazidime on dialysis and non-dialysis day, respectively, were as follow: maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) 102.02 and 93.49 mg/L, minimum plasma concentration (Cmin) 28.41 and 45.73 mg/L, plasma concentration at 12h (C12h) 74.17 and 60.07 mg/L, elimination half-life (t1/2) 13.09 and 26.45 h, area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) 1511.98 and 1507.36 mg·h/L, clearance (CL) 0.98 and 0.46 L/h, apparent volume of distribution at the steady state (Vss) 16.94 and 17.25 L. The pharmacokinetic parameters of avibactam on dialysis and non-dialysis day, respectively, were as follow: Cmax 16.88 and 13.35 mg/L, Cmin 4.62 and 6.99 mg/L, C12h 10.58 and 9.18 mg/L, t1/2 14.63 and 22.09 h, AUC 229.47 and 216.46 mg·h/L, CL 1.15 and 0.85 L/h, Vss 22.04 and 27.89 L. The plasma concentrations of ceftazidime and avibactam remained above the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) during the 24h dosing interval.Conclusions: Based on this report, a dose of CAZ-AVI 1.875g every 24h appears to be appropriate for critically ill patients receiving intermittent VVHDF. This is the ﬁrst study of CAZ-AVI pharmacokinetics with intermittent VVHDF. That is, the dosage of CAZ-AVI should not be changed between dialysis and non-dialysis day when patient received VVHDF every other day, VVHDF was conducted 12h after CAZ-AVI administration, and no supplemental dose should be administered after VVHDF session. Further data that include multiple patients and dialysis modes are needed to verify the optimal CAZ-AVI dosing strategy in critically ill patients requiring intermittent VVHDF.
Filterless narrowband near-infrared Si photodetector
Authors: Wei Guodan , Xu Zhuhua , Sun Chuying , He Miao , Min Siyi , Zhao Cong , Liu Zhenghao , li Jingzhou , Li Wen-Di , Tang Man-Chung , Fu Hongyan , Kang Feiyu , Li Jiangyu , Shen Yang
Published: March 2022

Spectrally selective narrowband Si photodetection is critical for near-infrared (NIR) medical imaging, optical communication, light detection and autonomous mobiles. For conventional inorganic semiconductors such as silicon with broadband absorption from visible until 1.1 µm, it remains challenging to achieve narrowband photodetection without integrating optical filters. We demonstrate the very first narrowest NIR silicon photodetectors without any bandpass filter, reaching the full-width-at-half-maximum of only 26 nm at 912 nm. The narrowband response is inherently attributed to the resonant enhancement effect of optical microcavities formed by patterned Si nanograting combined with the organic D18:Y6 blend film. The Conductive-Atomic Force Microscope (C-AFM), Kelvin Probe Force Microscope (KPFM) and transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy characterization indicate effective charge transfer between Si and organic layers, significantly contributing to ultrafast photoresponse of 74 \(\mu s\). Therefore, this design concept opens up the new possibility of developing filter-less and effective low-cost NIR detection, enabling entirely new configurations of optical imaging devices with narrowband tunability for telecommunications and imaging applications.
A Novel Algorithm for the Duplication Detection and Localization of Moving Objects in Video
Authors: Su Lichao , Chen Dan , Wang Shiping , Chen Jian
Published: March 2022

We propose a novel algorithm for detecting the duplication of moving objects in video and locating forged motion sequences. First, the algorithm constructs an energy factor (EF) curve to identify the suspect frames of the video. Second, an adaptive-parameter-based Visual Background Extractor (ViBe) algorithm (APViBe) is employed for background modelling. Moreover, all motion sequences are identified by using an improved fast compressive tracking (FCT) algorithm based on an adaptive learning rate and measurement matrix (ALMFCT). Third, a similarity-analysis-based scheme (SAS) is designed to search for pairs of suspect motion sequences. Finally, the flip-invariant scale-invariant feature transform (FISIFT) algorithm is used to match the feature points of moving objects in the pairs of suspect motion sequences, based on which the forged motion sequences in the video are confirmed. Experimental results show that the proposed approach outperforms previous algorithms in computational efficiency, accuracy and robustness.
Improvement in Specialized Medical Care of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome in Tashkent City
Authors: Kazakov Bekhzodbek , Alimov Doniyor , Mukhamedova Barno , Nazarova Maftuna , Koyirov Akmal
Published: March 2022

The leading cause of death worldwide and in the Republic of Uzbekistan is cardiovascular disease, and its prevalence is increasing. To reduce morbidity and mortality from acute coronary syndrome, it is necessary to improve the high-tech specialized approach.. As part of the implementation of the Government Decree of December 18, 2020, No. 341, "On improving the organization of emergency care for patients with acute coronary syndrome in Tashkent" in order to provide the most effective care in terms of reducing mortality and disability for patients with coronary artery disease, significant investments have been made in the development of the cardiology service in Tashkent. The main strategic direction of this cardiology service is to provide the population with high-tech medical care in emergency cardiological conditions.
Inhibitors of RNA and protein synthesis mimic the effect of insulin on Glut4 translocation and glucose uptake in adipocytes
Authors: Meriin A.B. , Zaarur N. , Bogan J.S. , Kandror K.V.
Published: March 2022

Insulin stimulates glucose uptake in adipocytes by triggering translocation of glucose transporter 4-containg vesicles to the plasma membrane. Under basal conditions, IRVs are retained inside the cell via a “static” or “dynamic” mechanism. We have found that inhibitors of RNA and protein synthesis, actinomycin D and emetine, mimic the effect of insulin on Glut4 translocation and glucose uptake in adipocytes without engaging conventional signaling proteins, such as Akt, TBC1D4, or TUG. Actinomycin D does not significantly affect endocytosis of Glut4 or recycling of transferrin, suggesting that it specifically increases exocytosis of the IRVs. Our results suggest that the intracellular retention of the IRVs in adipocytes requires continuous RNA and protein biosynthesis de novo and point out to the existence of a short-lived inhibitor of IRV translocation thus supporting the “static” model.
Development and optimization of rabbit polyclonal antibodies for Cu/ZnSOD detection in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Xiong Dan , pan Weisong , Luo Biao , Liu Chuwei , Zhou Ting , Wang Fang , Luo Yinhui , Wu Chuan , Li Waichin , Hartley William , Rao Liqun , Wang Weiping , Wang Qiming
Published: March 2022

Background: Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity is an important measure of plant stress tolerance used in cultivar improvement. At present, we are unaware of any widely available immunological reagents for the detection of SOD in Oryza sativa (common Asian rice) or other plants.Results: In this study, we used insilico B-cell epitope prediction tools to generate peptides which were immunized into rabbits to yield polyclonal antibodies against Cu/Zn SODs. Immunoblotting demonstrated that the antibody specifically recognized both native and denatured Cu/Zn SODs in rice. In addition, this antibody can confirm the expression tendency of endogenous OsCu/Zn SODs under heat stress by immunoblotting, and has a positive reaction in tomato leaf extracts, as well as human Hela cells. Chloroplast content of Cu/Zn SODs in rice can be identified by ELISA indirect competition method using this antibody.Conclusions: These results suggest that this Cu/Zn SOD rabbit polyclonal antibody may be a useful tool for elucidating the biological functions of Cu/Zn SODs in plants.
Green University as an Element of Forming a Sustainable Public Health System
Authors: Kyrychenko Kostyantyn , Laznenko Dmytro , Reshetniak Yaroslav
Published: March 2022

Universities have always had a significant impact on the development of society as centers of scientific and social progress. As a result, their role in the implementation of all sustainable development goals set by the UN is constantly growing. This is primarily due to the expansion of their ecosystem and significant progress towards the greening of the university environment through the introduction of the concept of ‘green campus’. However, there is a logical need to analyze the effectiveness of such an approach through the prism of satisfaction of all participants in the educational and scientific process, especially in the context of ensuring a healthy environment as an element of public health. That is why the authors of this article try to determine the degree of correlation between the implementation of the concept of ‘green university’ and the formation of a healthy environment in higher education institutions as components of sustainable public health. In their work they are guided by classical methods of scientific research such as systems analysis, scientific abstraction, synthesis, statistical analysis. They also use VOSviewer software to analyze more than 1,000 publications in the Scopus database and address green campus and healthy environments. During the study of bibliographic data, considerable attention was paid to the identification of clusters of key concepts used by scientists in the study of these issues. As one of the results of the research, the authors present an analysis of the spatial-cluster relationship of scientists, which reveals the main clusters and significant interest of scientists from China and the United States in implementing and improving the concepts of ‘green university’. However, the results of this analysis are insufficient, because: there was a lack of holistic understanding of scientists from different countries of the essence and objectives of the concept of ‘green university’; low level of study of correlations between the attempt to form environmentally friendly higher education institutions and the formation of a healthy environment in them.
Monitoramento das condições ambientais (CO2, temperatura e umidade) através de sensores de baixo custo em ambiente escolar
Authors: Prado Rodolfo Antonio Jeronimo do , Cordeiro Luiz Filipe Alves , Alexandre Joanna Lúcia de Almeida , Sales Aldo Torres
Published: March 2022

Grandes centros urbanos sofrem com problemas de qualidade do ar, os indivíduos são altamente expostos a partículas de poluentes que influenciam negativamente os sistemas do corpo humano. Essa alta exposição parece comprometer de forma diferente as diversas categorias das fases humanas. Alguns estudos apontam que a exposição a altas concentrações de poluentes atmosféricos podem causar sonolência e redução na capacidade cognitiva de jovens estudantes. Sendo assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a qualidade do ar atmosférico em sala do ensino médio de uma escola da Grande Recife. As coletas foram realizadas durante 15 dias em duas salas de aulas de uma escola na zona metropolitana na cidade do Recife-PE. As variáveis analisadas foram concentração de CO2, temperatura e a umidade do ar. Os dados foram tabulados e analisados através de estatística descritiva. Os resultados revelam pequenas variações na concentração de CO2 ao longo do dia. No turno da manhã as concentrações de CO2 não ultrapassaram 1.000 ppm, enquanto à tarde as concentrações ultrapassaram 1.000 ppm, tendo seu maior pico por volta das 16:00 h (1.593 ppm). Os valores obtidos em determinados períodos estão em desconformidade com a norma vigente, sendo referenciados como grande causa de bocejo, sonolência e redução de rendimento. Como esperado, as menores temperaturas do ar foram observadas pela manhã (25,65 °C), porém não se observou temperaturas superiores a 26 °C durante todo o dia. A umidade relativa do ar média observada teve como mínima 51,9% e máxima de 61,5%. No período da tarde, exibiu umidade relativa do ar mínima de 57,8% e a máxima de 65,425%. De acordo com a classificação fornecida pela OMS, a umidade ideal para a saúde dos seres humanos está entre 50% e 60%, ou seja, dentro valores coletados na escola durante a pesquisa ficaram classificados como recomendado à saúde humana. Conclui-se que em termos de temperatura e umidade relativa do Ar o ambiente escolar está em conformidade com as normas regulatórias recomendas, no entanto, em alguns momentos do dia a concentração de CO2 esteve acima dos limites estabelecidos como ideais para ambientes fechados, o que se recomenda definir estratégias de circulação do ar periódica ao longo do turno escolar.
Aproveitamento do efluente de curtumeira na produção de mudas de Eucalyptus urograndis
Authors: Bitencourt Gislayne de Araujo , Vaso Larissa Maria , Gonçalves Cibele Caren Moraes , Duarte Loui Arthur , Laura Valdemir Antônio
Published: March 2022

O beneficiamento do couro bovino gera resíduos que podem ser reutilizados em alguns manejos agrícolas como nas correções de solo e na adubação, ao invés de serem descartados em aterros sanitários, viabilizando uma destinação ambientalmente adequada. Entretanto, na sua composição podem apresentar elementos químicos que, em elevada concentração pode inviabilizar o seu reuso. O trabalho visa a avaliar os efeitos provocados pela salinidade presente no efluente de curtumeira, por meio da aplicação do resíduo no desenvolvimento de mudas de Eucalyptus urograndis clone I144. As mudas com 30 dias foram transplantadas para vasos contendo 5 kg de mistura (efluente de curtumeira (LC) + solo) nas respectivas composições, D1 (100% de solo), D2 (0,1% LC + 99,99% solo), D3 (1% LC + 99% solo), D4 (5% LC + 95% solo), D5 (10% solo + 90% solo) e D6 (25% LC + 75% solo). O experimento foi distribuído em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco repetições, totalizando 30 unidades experimentais. Foram avaliados o comprimento de raiz e parte aérea das plantas, diâmetro do coleto e número de folhas. A dose D5 inibiu o desenvolvimento das mudas, reduzindo o crescimento e apresentando sintomas de fitotoxidade e a dose D6 ocasionou a morte das mudas. O efluente de curtumeira incorporado na dose D4 promoveu aumento no crescimento de raiz e parte aérea, diâmetro de coleto e número de folhas das mudas de eucalipto, sendo recomendada como biofertilizante no plantio de mudas de eucalipto.
Temperature and precipitation are adversely affecting wheat yield in India
Authors: Madhukar Anand , Kumar Vivek , Dashora Kavya
Published: March 2022

An understanding of the climate-crop yield relationship has remained elusive. Wheat is one of the essential food crops globally. India is the second-largest wheat producer. Herein, we evaluate 50 years of detailed climate and wheat crop statistics (1966–2015) to spatially analyze temperature and precipitation trends and their impact on wheat yield across 29 Indian states using statistical methods. Temperature and precipitation are refined for seasonal (Rabi season), annual, and monthly durations at the state level because state is the administrative unit in India for adaptation strategies and mitigation purposes. We find that temperature has been increasing (statistically significantly) across all the Indian states, whereas precipitation change has been statistically non-significant. The seasonal temperature has harmed ∼99.85% of India's wheat harvested area (i.e., ∼24.1 million hectares, 21 Indian states). Seasonal precipitation has harmed ∼56.26% of the wheat harvested area (i.e., ∼13.6 million hectares, eight Indian states). February temperature and March precipitation demonstrate the most adverse impact on wheat yield. Climate variability explains up to ∼78% wheat yield variability across Indian states. These results help identify the effects of changing climate on wheat yield and thus demand immediate attention and a response plan to develop adaptation strategies to address climate change.
Photocatalytic degradation of dye wastewater by stepwise assembling PVA aerogel/TiO2/MoS2/Au composites in visible light
Authors: Zheng Yage , Qi Haojie , Zhang Liang , Zhang Yujuan , Zhong Lvling , Zhang Xiaomin , Feng Yao , Xue Juanqin
Published: March 2022

A PVA aerogel/TiO2/MoS2/Au catalyst formed gradually using a hydrothermal method is used to degrade Rhodamine B. SEM and TEM results show that the composite presents a uniform and well-structured porous network structure, high specific surface area and large pore diameter were proved by the results of nitrogen adsorption measurement. UV–vis DRS and PL results indicate that the composite has a high absorption rate in the visible light range, and the recombination of photogenerated electron–hole pairs can be effectively inhibited because the composite material forms a heterojunction. In the photocatalytic degradation experiment of Rhodamine B, the composite material shows high photocatalytic performance, which can reach 86% in two hours of light. The photocatalysts supported by PVA are easy to recover and have high catalytic performance even after five recycles. The study shows that PVA/TiO2/MoS2/Au composite material has great potential to be used for the degradation of dye wastewater.
Factores ambientales relacionados con la actividad física en universitarios de una institución en Barranquilla, Colombia
Authors: Caro-Freile Ana , Rebolledo-Cobo Roberto , Yépez-Charris Yoly , Jurado-Castro Vanessa , Barrios-Pertuz Yadira
Published: March 2022

La investigación tiene como objetivo caracterizar los factores socioambientales relacionados con la actividad física en estudiantes de una institución de educación superior en Barranquilla, Colombia. Se realizó un estudio transversal en estudiantes de ciencias de la salud entre 18 y 35 años. Mediante un muestreo estratificado, se seleccionó aleatoriamente una muestra de 418 estudiantes para la aplicación de los cuestionarios IPAQ y ECAVE, que evaluaron el nivel de actividad física y la calidad del vecindario para su práctica, respectivamente. Los resultados indicaron que 39,1% (IC95 34,9-44,5) son inactivos; respecto al entorno urbano, las zonas para caminar (51,43%), parques y zonas verdes (49,7%), instalaciones deportivas en el lugar de estudio (66,74%), ciclovías (71,29%) y senderos peatonales (63,6%) no son adecuados para la realización de actividad física, y el 49,5% percibe negativamente la accesibilidad y disponibilidad de las instalaciones públicas. En conclusión, la apreciación de la infraestructura y las condiciones ambientales es un factor determinante para la práctica de actividad física en universitarios
Prevalence of Bone Loss in Mandibular Future Abutment Teeth among Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Madi Marwa , Bakhurji Eman , Alghwainem Ali , Alamer Ali , Alarfaj Salma , AlRatroot Soha , Pavlic Verica
Published: March 2022

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the prevalence of bone loss in lower permanent premolars and canines, which can serve as abutments for future prostheses, among diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Materials and Methods:

In this retrospective case-control study, records of patients who visited the dental clinics of Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University were used. Inclusion criteria were the presence of a complete periodontal chart, full mouth radiographs, and past medical history (presence of DM, hypertension, and/or coronary heart disease). The criteria for exclusion were the reporting of malignancy, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or taking of the medications that affect bone turnover, periodontal surgery within the past year, absence of radiographs with good quality, and antibiotic use within 3 months prior to the dental visit. Demographical data, including gender and age, past medical history (diabetic state), and periodontal diagnosis, were collected. The severity of periodontal disease, radiographic bone loss (RBL), and its pattern were also assessed.

Results:

Out of 400 records, 363 patient files were included. Of those, almost 36% were males and 64% were females. The patients’ age was ranging from 16 to 82 years. About 34% of the patients were diagnosed with generalized periodontitis while 22% had localized periodontitis. With regards to the severity of the cases, the prevalence was equally distributed between mild (37%) and moderate periodontitis (38%), while 25% were diagnosed with severe periodontitis. A total of 22% of the patients were diabetic, which showed an increase in the severity of bone loss by an average of 31% across the selected teeth (mandibular canines and premolars). The pattern of bone loss was higher in the mandibular incisors, followed by the canines and the premolars. Multiple regression models showed that non-diabetics were significantly less likely to have bone loss in all the selected teeth and the male patients had 2 times the likelihood of having bone loss. Although the mandibular canines have the highest root length in the mandible, they were the most affected by bone loss in diabetic patients with periodontitis.

Conclusion:

Results of this study suggested that mandibular premolars were the teeth least affected by bone loss in both, diabetic and non-diabetic groups. Therefore, they can be considered the most suitable teeth to be used as abutments for the future prosthesis.
Validating Developed Strategies for Integrating Indigenous Health and Modern Health Systems for Improved Adolescent Sexual Health outcomes in Umguza and Mberengwa Districts in Zimbabwe
Authors: Nunu Wilfred N. , Makhado Lufuno , Mabunda Jabu T. , Lebese Rachel T.
Published: March 2022

Background:

Adolescent Sexual Health strategies developed and implemented in different country settings need to be contextualised through validation to align with the populace's needs. This study sought to validate developed strategies meant to facilitate the integration of Indigenous Health System and Modern Health System for improved Adolescent Sexual Health outcomes.

Methods:

The Delphi Technique was used to validate the strategies by recruiting fifteen experts in Indigenous Health systems, Health Systems and Policies, Adolescent Sexual Health and Program, Guideline, and Strategy Development to evaluate the developed strategies and assess their feasibility. Furthermore, 100 key stakeholders in Umguza and Mberengwa responded to a semi-structured checklist to express their opinions on the developed strategies and their feedback used to refine the strategies.

Results:

Experts suggested minor changes to one strategy and agreed with the other four strategies. Most key stakeholders (97%) endorsed the proposed strategies. The strategies were, therefore, refined and presented as per the suggestions of these consulted actors.

Conclusion:

Therefore, it is imperative that these strategies be piloted and implemented in the two districts and the progress monitored and evaluated. Suppose they are yielding positive results in as far as Adolescent Sexual health-related issues are concerned. In that case, an implementation must be expanded and rolled out in other districts that have a similar setup.
Alkali-silica reaction – a multidisciplinary approach
Authors: Leemann Andreas , Bagheri Mahsa , Lothenbach Barbara , Scrivener Karen , Barbotin Solène , Boehm-Courjault Emmanuelle , Geng Guoqing , Dähn Rainer , Shi Zhenguo , Shakoorioskooie Mahdieh , Griffa Michele , Zboray Robert , Lura Pietro , Gallyamov Emil , Rezakhani Roozbeh , Molinari Jean-Francois
Published: March 2022

In the last four years, a multidisciplinary study involving several research groups in Switzerland tackled a number of unsolved, fundamental issues about the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete. The covered topics include SiO2 dissolution, the characterization of various ASR products formed at different stages of the reaction in both concrete and synthesis, crack formation and propagation. The encompassed scale ranges from nanometers to meters. Apart from conventional techniques, novel methods for the field of ASR have been used, e.g. combination of scanning electron microscopy with dissolution experiments, combination of focused ion beam with transmission electron microscopy, several synchrotron-based methods, synthesis of ASR products for in-depth characterization, time-lapse X-ray micro-tomography combined with contrast-enhancing measures and numerical models of ASR damage based on realistic crack patterns. Key achievements and findings are the quantification of the effect of aluminum on dissolution of different silicates, the variance in morphology and composition of initial ASR products, the differences and similarities between amorphous ASR products and calcium-silicate-hydrate, the link between temperature and the structure of the crystalline ASR products, the behavior of the crystalline ASR products at varying relative humidity, ASR propagation in 4D and numerical modelling based on realistic crack patterns.
Obliging the Prince. Inaugural silverware gifts as instruments of political communication
Authors: Nagelsmit Eelco
Published: March 2022

Review of Ines Elsner, Das Huldigungssilber der Welfen des Jüngeren Hauses Braunschweig- Lüneburg. Geschenkkultur und symbolische Interaktion zwischen Landesherrschaft und Untertanen (1520-1706) (Regensburg: Schnell & Steiner, 2019, 256 p., ill., index).
Geosocial Networking Smartphone App Use and High-Risk Sexual Behaviors Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Attending University in China: Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Fan Song , Li Peiyang , Hu Yuqing , Gong Hui , Yu Maohe , Ding Yi , Luo Zhenzhou , Wu Guohui , Ouyang Lin , Zou Huachun
Published: March 2022

Background

Gay apps are smartphone-based geosocial networking apps where many men who have sex with men (MSM) socialize and seek sex partners. Existing studies showed that gay app use is associated with greater odds of high-risk sexual behaviors and potentially more HIV infections. However, little is known about this behavior among young MSM.

Objective

We conducted this study to understand gay app use and its influencing factors among MSM attending university in China.

Methods

From January to March 2019, participants were recruited from 4 regions with large populations of college students in China: Chongqing, Guangdong, Shandong, and Tianjin. The eligibility criteria were MSM aged 16 years or older, self-identified as a university student, and being HIV negative. A self-administered online structured questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic information, sexual behaviors, gay app use, substance use, and HIV testing history. We performed multivariable log-binomial regression to assess correlates of seeking sex partners via gay apps.

Results

A total of 447 MSM attending university with an average age of 20.4 (SD 1.5) years were recruited. Almost all participants (439/447, 98.2%) reported gay app use at some point in their life, and 240/439 (53.7%) reported ever seeking sex partners via gay apps. Blued (428/439, 97.5%) was the most popular gay app. Higher proportions of sexual risk behaviors (including seeking sex partners via apps [P<.001], engaging in group sex [P<.001], having multiple sex partners [P<.001], unawareness of sex partners’ HIV status [P<.001], and using recreational drugs during sex [P<.02]) were positively associated with the increase in the frequency of gay app use. In multivariable analysis, participants who used gay apps to seek sex partners might be more likely to have multiple sex partners in the past 3 months (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR] 1.53, 95% CI 1.33-1.76; P<.001), engage in group sex in the past 3 months (APR 1.55, 95% CI 1.35-1.78; P<.001), and have sex partners with unknown or positive HIV status (APR 1.72, 95% CI 1.46-2.01; P<.001).

Conclusions

Seeking sex partners via gay apps may associate with the increased high-risk sexual behaviors among MSM attending university. The causality between seeking sex partners via gay apps and increased high-risk sexual behaviors should be further investigated so as to inform potential policies for HIV prevention.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900020645; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=34741
Safety of Triage Self-assessment Using a Symptom Assessment App for Walk-in Patients in the Emergency Care Setting: Observational Prospective Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Cotte Fabienne , Mueller Tobias , Gilbert Stephen , Blümke Bibiana , Multmeier Jan , Hirsch Martin Christian , Wicks Paul , Wolanski Joseph , Tutschkow Darja , Schade Brittinger Carmen , Timmermann Lars , Jerrentrup Andreas
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Increasing use of emergency departments (EDs) by patients with low urgency, combined with limited availability of medical staff, results in extended waiting times and delayed care. Technological approaches could possibly increase efficiency by providing urgency advice and symptom assessments.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety of urgency advice provided by a symptom assessment app, Ada, in an ED.

METHODS

The study was conducted at the interdisciplinary ED of Marburg University Hospital, with data collection performed between August 2019 and March 2020. This study had a single-center cross-sectional prospective observational design and included 378 patients. The app’s urgency recommendation was compared with an established triage concept (Manchester Triage System [MTS]), including patients from the lower 3 MTS categories only. For all patients who were undertriaged, an expert physician panel assessed the case to detect potential avoidable hazardous situations (AHSs).

RESULTS

Of 378 participants, 344 (91%) were triaged the same or more conservatively and 34 (8.9%) were undertriaged by the app. Of the 378 patients, 14 (3.7%) had received safe advice determined by the expert panel and 20 (5.3%) were considered to be potential AHS. Therefore, the assessment could be considered safe in 94.7% (358/378) of the patients when compared with the MTS assessment. From the 3 lowest MTS categories, 43.4% (164/378) of patients were not considered as emergency cases by the app, but could have been safely treated by a general practitioner or would not have required a physician consultation at all.

CONCLUSIONS

The app provided urgency advice after patient self-triage that has a high rate of safety, a rate of undertriage, and a rate of triage with potential to be an AHS, equivalent to telephone triage by health care professionals while still being more conservative than direct ED triage. A large proportion of patients in the ED were not considered as emergency cases, which could possibly relieve ED burden if used at home. Further research should be conducted in the at-home setting to evaluate this hypothesis.

CLINICALTRIAL

German Clinical Trial Registration DRKS00024909; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do? navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00024909
A Digital Health Program Targeting Physical Activity Among Adolescents With Overweight or Obesity: Open Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Cummings Caroline , Crochiere Rebecca , Lansing Amy Hughes , Patel Riya , Stanger Catherine
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

Prior studies suggest that mobile health physical activity programs that provide only weekly or daily text-based health coaching evidence limit the efficacy in improving physical activity in adolescents with overweight or obesity. It is possible that incentives, combined with health coaching and daily feedback on goal success, may increase program efficacy; however, such programs have not yet been tested with adolescents with overweight and obesity.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week, incentive-based, mobile health physical activity program with text-based health coaching, goal setting, and self-monitoring for adolescents with overweight or obesity. Program adherence and changes in tracked physical activity (ie, steps and active minutes while wearing a Fitbit [Google LLC]), body mass, and body fat are assessed.

METHODS

A total of 28 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years with a BMI ≥90th percentile participated in the program. Of the 28 participants, 2 (7%) were lost to follow-up; thus, data from 26 (93%) participants were used in analyses.

RESULTS

Participant-reported acceptability was high, with all mean ratings of text-based coaching, Fitbit use, and the overall program being >5 on a 7-point scale. In addition, 85% (23/26) of participants reported that they would like to continue to wear the Fitbit. Program adherence was also high, as participants wore the Fitbit on 91.1% (SD 12.6%) of days on average and met their weekly goals for an average of 7 (SD 3.5) of 11 possible weeks. There were no demographic (ie, sex, age, and baseline body mass) differences in the percentage of days participants wore their Fitbit. Across the 12-week study, there were significant improvements in tracked daily active minutes (P=.006) and steps (P<.001) and significant pre- to posttest improvements in body fat percentage (P=.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The pilot program improved adolescent physical activity and physical health. A larger factorial design trial with adaptive daily goals may clarify the role of each program component in driving physical activity.

CLINICALTRIAL