bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coping Strategies Mediate the Association Between Stigma and Fertility Quality of Life in Infertile Women Undergoing in Vitro Fertilization-Embryo Transfer.
Authors: JING Xiaoyu , GU Wei , ZHANG Lu , MIAO Runna , XU Xiuli , WANG Min , RAMACHANDRAN Hadassah Joann , WANG Wenru
Published: July 2021

Background The mediating role of coping strategies and its relationship with psychological well-being and quality of life has been considered in the literature. However, there is little research to explore the mechanism of coping strategies on stigma and fertility quality of life (FertiQoL) in infertile women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET). The aim of this study was to examine the mediating effect of coping strategies on the relationship between stigma and fertility quality of life (FertiQoL) in Chinese infertile women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization Embryo Transfer (IVF-ET).Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 768 infertile women undergoing IVF-ET were recruited from Assisted Reproductive Center of Shaanxi Province, China. The personal information, infertility stigma scale, coping strategy scale and FertiQoL scale were measured using a set of questionnaires. The multiple mediator model was performed using AMOS 21.0.Results: The model showed a significant negative direct effect between stigma on FertiQoL (direct effect= -2.375, BC 95% CI= -2.764, -1.987). There were significantly negative indirect effects of stigma on FertiQoL through active-avoidance (indirect effect = -0.706; BC 95% CI = -0.950, -0.497), active-confronting (indirect effect = -0.267; BC 95% CI= -0.414, -0.136) and passive-avoidance (indirect effect= -0.244; BC 95% CI = -0.368, -0.142), respectively. The meaning-based coping played a positive intermediary role (indirect effect=0.105; BC 95% CI = 0.046, 0.190). The model explained 69.4% of the variance in FertiQoL.Conclusion: Active-avoidance coping strategy is the most important mediator factor between stigma and FertiQoL in infertile women undergoing IVF-ET treatment. Meaning-based coping strategy plays a positive mediating role between stigma and FertiQoL.
Cloning and Expressions of Chop in Loach (Misgurnus Anguillicaudatus) and Its Response to Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) Stress
Authors: Li Hui , Kang Minxin , Sun Shouxiang , Gao Jian , Jia Zhiying , Cao Xiaojuan
Published: July 2021

C/EBP [CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein]-homologous protein gene (chop) which plays an important role in endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis, was investigated here by RACE and qPCR in an aquaculture animal for the first time. The full-length cDNA sequences of loach (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus) chop were 2533bp, encoding 266 amino acids. The expression levels of loach chop changed obviously during different early life stages, and the highest appeared at the 8-cell stage. Among different tissues, loach chop predominantly expressed in gill, spleen and gonad. Then, we performed a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, a common-used disinfectant) stress trial to explore the role of loach chop, with three different concentrations (0 μM, 50 μM and 100 μM) of H2O2. Half of the loaches from the 100 μM group were dead, while all loaches from the other two treatment groups were alive. The activities of CAT, SOD and GPX in loach gill, liver and spleen decreased with extended stress time and increased H2O2 concentration. The expression levels of gill chop in loaches from the 100 μM group were significantly higher than those from the other two treatment groups between 12 and 24 hours of exposure. atf4 and bax, two proapoptotic genes, were significantly up-regulated in gills of loaches from the 100 μM group compared to the other two groups 18 hours and 24 hours after treatment, while bcl2, an antiapoptotic gene, presented an opposite trend. These results indicated a close relationship between H2O2 stress and fish apoptosis, and loach chop played an important role in H2O2 stress response.
Tracing historical changes, degradation, and original sources of airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Jilin Province, China, by Abies holophylla and Pinus tabuliformis needle leaves
Authors: Wang Zhao , Jin Xiangzi , Kaw Han Yeong , Fatima Zakia , Quinto Maurizio , Zhou John L. , Jin Dongri , He Miao , Li Donghao
Published: July 2021

Due to their wide distribution and availability, plant leaves can be considered interesting candidates as biomonitoring substrates for the evaluation of atmospheric pollution. In addition, some species can also retain historical information, for example, related to environmental pollution, due to their leaf class age. In this study, the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Abies holophylla and Pinus tabuliformis needle samples in function of their class age has been investigated to obtain information regarding the degradation constant for each PAH under investigation (α values ranging from 0.173 to 1.870) and to evaluate the possibility to correlate the presence of PAHs in needles with some important pollution environmental factors. Considering air pollutant variables registered in Jilin Province, significant correlations (at 95% confidence level) have been found between coal consumption per year and anthracene contents in needles, while fluorene, phenanthrene, and anthracene resulted correlated with coal consumption. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that the total PAH concentration in needles, for both species, increased with their age (from 804 to 3604 ng g− 1 dry weight), showing a general tendency to accumulate these substances through years. PAH degradation rates increased instead with molecular complexity. This study could be considered a first trial to obtain historical environmental information by pine needles biomonitoring.
Drought Analysis During the Growth Stages of Grape in the Main Grape-Growing Regions in China
Authors: cheng xue , Sun Shuang , Liu Zhijuan , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: July 2021

In China, grape is one of the top five fruit crops for both bearing acreage and production. Recently, national grape production has been stalling because of an increase in drought events. In order to combat the adverse effects of drought on grape production, it is imperative to understand the historical drought trend and frequency during the growing season. In this study, we focused on agricultural drought during the four growth periods of grape: bud break-flowering, flowering-veraison, veraison-berry maturation, and berry maturation-leaf fall. Based on the weather data from 429 meteorological stations, we computed the Crop Water Deficit Index (CWDI) in the five main grape-growing regions of China: Northeast China, North China, Northwest China, Southwest China, and Southeast China. Then we evaluated the CWDI-based drought distribution and trend in the study regions, as well as the frequency of different degrees of drought. The results showed that exceptional drought was occurring frequently in Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, northern Gansu province, and northern Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. Among the four study growth periods of grape, exceptional drought was the most expansive during bud break-flowering. What’s more, exceptional drought coverage during bud break-flowering in the study regions was increasing from 1981 to 2016. Analysis of butterfly structure showed that the occurrence of drought was continuous and persistent in northern China. Our study results could serve as guideposts to highlight Chinese grape production industry’s vulnerability to agricultural drought against the background of climate change.
Neuroimaging Findings of Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome (PRES) Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Pediatric Recipients
Authors: Atca Ali Onder , Erok Berrin , Aydogdu Selime
Published: July 2021

Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the intravenous infusion of hematopoietic progenitor cells derived from bone marrow, umblical cord blood or peripheral blood to restore hematologic and immunologic functions of bone marrow. HSCT is the only curative treatment in many childhood disorders and is used worldwide. However, serious complications are still an important concern of management. Central nervous system (CNS) complications in pediatric HSCT recipients can be associated with high morbidity and mortality. Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is the most common of these neuroimaging abnormalities in patients having neurological symptoms following HSCT. The most common presentation is posterior encephalopathy in which the lesions are located at the posterior parts of cerebral hemispheres, namely parietooccipital lobes. However, it can also be found in non-posterior distribution and can be accompanied by various atypical imaging manifestattions like restricted diffusion. Methods: In this study, we aimed to describe the typical and also uncommon neuroimaging manifestations of PRES following HSCT in our pediatric patients.We evaluated the medical records of 300 pediatric HSCT recipients.Results: We detected 14 cases of PRES, of which there were 3 cases of atypical neuroimaging manifestations, regarding both the sites of involvement and also the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) manifestations. Conclusion: Such different presentations should not dissuade the diagnosis of PRES in the appropriate clinical settings in order to manage these patients timely and accurately.
Spatiotemporal Assessment Of The Effect of Indoor Noise On Annoyance, Health And Comfort In Hospital Wards And Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Amoatey Patrick , Al-Harthy Issa , Al-Mushaifari Muntasar Ali , Al-Jabri Khalifa , Al-Mamun Abdullah
Published: July 2021

Hospital-noise levels can induce physiological responses, and affects sleep quality, which could contribute to cardiovascular-related health problems. Till date, high resolution hospital noise exposure assessment studies have not received much attention in Oman. This study aims at assessing sound pressure levels across hospital wards and intensive care unit (ICU) rooms to determine annoyance, and potential health effects based on perception and risk estimates. An indoor exposure assessment using high precision noise sensors was conducted in a female medical ward (FMW), isolated ward (SLW), emergency ward (EMW), and intensive care Unit (ICU) in a public hospital in Muscat city, Oman. Self–administered questionnaire was randomly distributed among respondents using both online and field survey approach to ascertain annoyance, health effects, and potential risks associated with exposure. The study found that 24–hr noise levels (LAeq) ranged from 55.2–61.7 dB(A) in the hospital wards and ICU rooms, which exceeded WHO’s hospital indoor rooms critical limit of 35 dB(A) by 58% – 76%. A total of 150 participants took part in the survey. Among the respondents, 53% reported moderate annoyance at the hospital wards while 56% felt sensitivity to the noise levels. Noise annoyance was reported by the majority of the patients across the various wards and emergency rooms as causing slight annoyance (50%) and intermittent sleep disturbances (49%). The majority (73%) of the medical staff have complained that the current noise levels affect overall work performance (p = 0.004), while 70% of them have further complained of it as a cause of workplace distraction (p = 0.011). Quantitative risk estimates showed that both the % of highly annoyed (HA) persons (16%), and highly sleep–disturbed (HSD) persons (9%) were very high in FMW, while ICU was found to have the lowest risk. However, the greater number of the respondents (87%) believed there are possibilities of mitigating (p <0.001) the current noise levels.
Study On the Driven Mechanism of Watershed Hydrological Drought Based on Geomorphological Spatial Distribution Pattern: A Case Study of Guizhou, China
Authors: he Zhonghua , Liang Hong , Yang Zhaohui
Published: July 2021

In recent years, hydrological drought has become more and more frequent, which has caused serious ecological and environmental problems. This paper is taking Guizhou province of China as an example to analyze the geomorphologic distribution and temporal-spatial evolution of hydrological droughts, and to study driving mechanisms of both the rainfall in the dry periods and geomorphologic factor on the hydrological droughts, based on the hydrometeorological data during the years 2000-2010, and the TM and DEM data. The results show that (1) the rainfall and its variation in the low-flow seasons have less impacts on the hydrologic drought and its variation; (2) the hydrologic drought severity in Guizhou was increasing year by year during the years 2000-2010, and showing the inter-annual variation with obvious stage characteristics, and the regional hydrologic drought was presented the more serious in the South than in the North, and the less serious in the East than in the West; and (3) in terms of the overall distribution of landform types, the mountain, hill and basin have less impacts on hydrological droughts; in terms of the distribution of single geomorphic type, hydrological droughts are significantly influenced by the high-medium mountain, deep-high hill and high basin, where the hydrological droughts are relatively lighter. While there are more serious areas in the low basin, shallow-low hill and low mountain.
Contractility of inverted internal limiting membrane flap after vitrectomy for macular hole
Authors: Hirata Akira , Mine Keiko , Hayashi Ken
Published: July 2021

We investigated the postoperative visual outcomes and morphological changes of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap, in patients who underwent the inverted ILM flap technique for macular hole (MH). Between August 2018 and February 2020, 22 eyes of 22 patients with idiopathic or myopic MH who underwent vitrectomy with ILM flap were included in this study and followed-up for more than six months. Postoperative MH status, comparison of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before and six months after surgery, changes in the ILM flap area at one and six months postoperatively, and the factors related to changes in ILM flap size, were analyzed. MH closure was achieved in all of the patients. The BCVA at six months postoperatively (0.18 ± 0.15) was significantly better than the preoperative BCVA of 0.63 ± 0.37 (P = 0.000005, paired t-test). The area of the ILM flap decreased significantly from 3.25 ± 1.27 mm2 at one month to 3.13 ± 1.23 mm2 at six months (P = 0.024, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Two eyes showed an ILM flap contraction of more than 20%, and one eye required re-operation due to an increase in metamorphopsia and decreased visual acuity. Among age, sex, ILM flap area at one month, preoperative BCVA, and axial length, ILM flap contraction was correlated with patient age and ILM flap area. Although vitrectomy with the inverted ILM flap technique confers a good visual outcome, the ILM flap may contract in younger patients.
Investigation and Analysis of Sanitation-Related Knowledge and Hygiene Routines Among China’s WASH Plus Program Students
Authors: Cha Yu-E , Fu Yuan-Zheng , Chen Guo-Liang , Yao Wei
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study was performed to determine the knowledge level of students in China’s WASH Plus Program about sanitation and hygiene practices to provide a scientific basis for well-targeted health education.Methods: The researchers randomly selected one fourth-grade class from each of the 12 schools in each of the five WASH Plus Program provinces (municipalities or autonomous regions). The students in the selected fourth-grade classes were then asked to complete a self-designed questionnaire. Chi-square testing and Bonferroni correction were used for paired and multiple comparisons of the enumeration data, respectively. Results: The 2330 respondents (mean age, 9.9 ± 0.3 years) included 1151 male students (49.40%), 1489 students of minority (non-Han) ethnicity (63.91%), and 433 boarding students (18.58%). Overall, 81.09% of the students were found to have gained sanitation-related knowledge, and 79.64% had formed hygiene routines. Specifically, only 41.76% of students knew that “diarrhea can be transmitted through contaminated water,” and 68.88% of students were aware that “diarrhea can be prevented by not drinking untreated water.” In addition, only 67.94%, 62.83%, and 62.62% of students “wash hands with running water and soap/hand sanitizer at school,” “never drink untreated water at school,” and “never drink untreated water at home,” respectively. Regionally, 88.54%, 87.13%, 79.13%, 77.23%, and 72.81% of students in Chongqing, Yunnan, Guangxi, Guizhou, and Xinjiang, respectively, had strong knowledge of sanitation, and 92.11%, 80.70%, 74.04%, 79.43%, and 69.86% of them practiced hygiene. In terms of gender, 80.53% of male students and 81.64% of female students had acquired sanitation-related knowledge, whereas 77.45% of male students and of 81.78% female students had adopted hygiene practices. The total awareness rates of sanitation-related knowledge for Han students and minority students were 83.10% and 79.96%, respectively. Approximately 85.53% of Han students and 76.32% of minority students had formed good hygiene routines. Some 81.32% of boarding students and 81.04% of non-boarding students had strong knowledge of sanitation, and 78.65% and 79.87%, respectively, had formed good hygiene habits. Conclusions: Some of the students surveyed had insufficient hygiene knowledge, and a small number had poor hygiene habits. To provide students with well-targeted health education, improve their hygiene awareness, and change their bad habits, full consideration should be given to factors such as region, gender, ethnicity, boarding status, and the influence of the process via which students acquire hygiene knowledge and form effective hygiene routines.
Does Emission Trading Improve Carbon Emission Efficiency of China’s Iron and Steel Industry? An Exploration Using a DEA-SBM and Difference-In-Differences Approach
Authors: Wang Xiping , Wang Sujing
Published: July 2021

As an effective tool of carbon emission reduction, emission trading has been widely used in many countries. Since 2013, China implemented carbon emission trading in seven provinces and cities, with iron and steel industry included in the first batch of pilot industries. This study attempts to explore the policy effect of emission trading on iron and steel industry in order to provide data and theoretical support for the low-carbon development of iron and steel industry as well as the optimization of carbon market. With panel data of China’s 29 provinces from 2006 to 2017, this study adopted a DEA-SBM model to measure carbon emission efficiency of China’s iron and steel industry (CEI) and a difference-in-differences (DID) method to explore the impact of emission trading on CEI. Moreover, regional heterogeneity and influencing mechanisms were further investigated, respectively. The results indicate that: (1) China's emission trading has a significant and sustained effect on carbon abatement of iron and steel industry, increasing the annual average CEI by 12.6% in pilot provinces. (2) The policy effects are heterogeneous across diverse regions. Higher impacts are found in the western and eastern regions, whereas the central region is not significant. (3) Emission trading improves CEI by stimulating technology innovation, reducing energy intensity, and adjusting energy structure. (4) Economic level and industrial structure are negatively related to CEI, while environmental governance and openness degree have no obvious impacts. Finally, according to the results and conclusions, some specific suggestions are proposed.
Production of Sphere-Like Bacterial Cellulose In Cultivation Media With Different Carbon Sources: A Promising Sustained Release System of Rifampicin
Authors: Lazarini Silmara C. , Yamada Caroline , Nóbrega Tainá Rosa da , Lustri Wilton Rogério
Published: July 2021

Bacterial cellulose (BC) production can be performed using a static or stirred culture method. In the static culture method, the BC is obtained presents three-dimensional thinner network structures and excellent mechanical properties. In the agitated culture method, BC is produced in the form of fibrous granules or threads with a lower degree of polymerization, mechanical resistance, and crystallinity than the films formed in static fermentation. Compared with BC membranes, sphere-like BC (SBC) cultured under agitated conditions showed advantages for adsorption due to its larger surface area. The objectives of this work were to obtain SBC, by the bacterial strain Komagataeibacter hansenii ATCC 23769, in agitated cultivation, using media containing different carbon sources carbon sources, such as fructose (FRU), glucose and sucrose (MS1), sucrose (Y) and glucose (Z and HS), aiming to produce supports for sustained release of rifampicin (RIF). SBC has been produced under agitation at 130 rpm and 25°C. SBC obtained were processed to remove bacteria and residues from the culture media and lyophilized. The SBC characterizations were performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission gun-scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and by derivative thermogravimetry (DTG). The SBC produced were impregnated with antibiotic RIF and tested for the sustained release capacity of this drug by diffusion method and Frans cell kinetics. SBC that the best results for all tests were produced in FRU, Z and MS1 media, respectively. The results demonstrate the potential of the SBC to contribute to the design of new drug delivery systems with biomedical applications.
Photoresponsive Photonic Crystals Constructed From Azobenzene-Grafted Silica Microspheres
Authors: Li Chunfang , Zhang Hongyan , Xue Qihao , Li Dongxiang
Published: July 2021

Azobenzene compounds have been widely used in many fields and through their response to light they can be used to regulate the properties of ordered structures. In this paper, sub-micrometer colloidal SiO2 spheres are prepared and azobenzene groups are grafted on the surface of SiO2 microspheres. The SiO2 microspheres grafted with azobenzene groups could self-assemble to form photosensitive photonic crystals (PCs), whose photonic bandgaps red-shifted as irradiated by UV light and showed good reversibility.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Caused by Human Adenovirus in Adults: A Prospective Observational Study in Guangdong, 2019–2020
Authors: Wu Zhan , Zhang Rong , Liu Dongdong , Liu Xuesong , Zhang Jierong , Zhang Zhihui , Chen Sibei , He Weiqun , Li Yimin , Xu Yonghao , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: July 2021

Background: Viral causes of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are mostly limited to influenza. However, adenovirus has been emerging as a cause of ARDS with a high mortality rate and described in adults are rare.Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-center observational study of viral pneumonia with ARDS and confirmed adenovirus-associated ARDS in adults at our quaternary referral institution between March 2019 and June 2020. We prospectively analyzed clinical characteristics, laboratory test results, radiological characteristics, viral load from nasopharyngeal swabs and endotracheal aspirates, treatments, and outcomes for the study participants.Results: The study enrolled 143 ARDS patients, including 47 patients with viral pneumonia-related ARDS, among which there were 14 adenovirus-associated ARDS patients, which accounted for 29.79% of the viral pneumonia-related ARDS cases. Among the adenovirus-associated ARDS patients, 78.57% were men with a mean age of 54.93 ± 19.04 years. Adenovirus-associated ARDS patients had no specific clinical characteristics, but they presented with shortness of breath and fever, and their initial chest radiographic findings were multifocal or showed diffuse opacity. The viral load and the positivity rate in the lower respiratory tract were higher than that of the upper respiratory tract in the patients with adenovirus-associated ARDS, and 85.71% of the patients had a significant decrease in the number of CD3+CD4+ T cells during the early stage. All patients required invasive mechanical ventilation treatment. The average time from shortness of breath to the application of invasive ventilation was 24 hours. The median duration of invasive mechanical ventilation was 22 days (14–75 days). Six patients (42.86%) required renal replacement therapy, and three patients (21.43%) required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support. Additionally, 85.71% of the 14 adenovirus-associated ARDS patients survived.Conclusion: Adenovirus infection is an important cause of virus-related ARDS. The positivity rate of adenovirus infection in lower respiratory tract secretions was higher than that in upper respiratory tract secretions in these patients. Most of the patients had a significant decrease in the number of CD3+CD4+ T cells during the early stage. Early identification and intervention to prevent disease progression are essential for reducing the mortality rate in these patients.
An Adaptive Decision Feedback Equalisation For Broadband Powerline Communication System
Authors: Ngongi Werneld Egno , Kakwaya Fortunata , Anatory Justinian
Published: July 2021

Power line networks can be used to increase accessibility of broadband communication services in developing countries. Nevertheless, power line networks are affected by stochastic channel alterations triggered by load connection and disconnection, branched line lengths, branches, etc. This impairment affects the implementation of Broadband Power Line Communication (BPLC) system. This paper therefore proposes an Adaptive Decision Feedback Equalisation (ADFE) technique to overcome the stochastic channel changes in powerline communication channels. An appropriate power-line channel model is selected and channel impulse responses are obtained from the selected channel model. The impulse responses are obtained and used for simulation to analysing the the performance of ADFE technique. The ADFE is simulated and then results are analyzed through comparisons with other equalizers in order to examine its performance. Simulation results prove that the adaptive decision feedback equalizer performs better to overcome the effects of stochastic changes in power-line network compared to other techniques.
Dispersion Stability And Tribological Properties of Covalently Modified Graphene As A Lubricating Oil Additive
Authors: Wang Mingyue , Zhou Ming , You Shengli , Chen Xin , Mo Youtang , Liu Ziyan
Published: July 2021

Graphene has excellent mechanical properties with a low coefficient of friction and wear resistance and has a wide range of tribological applications. However, the stable dispersion of graphene in lubricating media is challenging. In this study, graphene is processed via covalent modification. A mild oxidation method selectively grafts carboxyl groups on the edge of the graphene sheet, before connecting tertiary alkyl primary amines through amide bonds. The alkyl chain allows graphene to be stably dispersed in hydrocarbon solvents.. FT-IR, XPS, Raman, XRD, SEM, etc. are used to characterize the covalently modified graphene (MG). Dispersion stability experiments showed that MG exhibited stable dispersion in 500N base oil and 15w-40 commercial lubricants, with stability for over 2 months. Tribological test results show that MG in 500N and 15w-40 significantly reduces the friction and wear of steel-steel friction pairs. The stable dispersion of MG in lubricating oil enables the formation of a stable chemical reaction film and graphene physical deposition film during the friction, protects the worn surface, and reduces direct contact, thereby significantly reducing friction and wear.
Stability and G × E Analysis of Oil Yield of Sunflower Single Cross Hybrids In Diverse Environments
Authors: Ghaffari Mehdi , Gholizadeh Amir , Andarkhor Seyyed Abbasali , Siahbidi َAsadolah Zareei , Ahmadi Seyed Ahmad Kalantar , Shariati Farnaz , Rezaeizad Abbas
Published: July 2021

Multi-environment trials have a fundamental role in selection of the best genotypes across different environments before its commercial release. This study was carried out to identify high-yielding stable sunflower genotypes using the graphical method of the GGE biplot. For this purpose, 11 new hybrids along with four cultivars were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications across 8 environments (combination of years and locations) during 2018–2020 growing seasons. The results indicated that genotype (G), environment (E) and genotype × environment (G×E) effects were significant for oil yield. The G, E and G×E interaction effects accounted for 51.94, 9.50 and 18.67% of the total variation, respectively. Results of biplot analysis showed that the first and second principle components accounted 45.9% and 20.4%, respectively, and in total 66.3% of oil yield variance. GGE biplot analysis indicated two major mega-environments of sunflower testing locations in Iran. Based on the hypothetical ideal genotype biplot, the genotypes G3 and G5 were better than the other genotypes for oil yield and stability, and had the high general adaptation to all environments. Ranking of genotypes based on the ideal genotype from the most appropriate to most inappropriate genotypes is as follows: G5 ˃ G3 ˃ G8 ˃ G14 ˃ G6 ˃ G2 ˃ G13 ˃ G12 ˃ G10 ˃ G11 ˃ G1 ˃ G7 ˃ G4 ˃ G15 ˃ G9. Furthermore, ranking the environments based on the ideal environment introduced Sari location as the best environment. Therefore, the Sari location can be used as suitable test location for selecting superior genotypes of sunflower in Iran. Generally, our results showed the efficiency of the graphical method of the GGE biplot for selection of the genotypes that are stable, high yielding, and responsive.
Trend Analysis of Observed Precipitation, Temperature and Streamflow for Hadejia – Nguru Wetlands Catchment, Nigeria
Authors: Dan'azumi Salisu , Ibrahim Usman Abdullahi
Published: July 2021

This study investigated trends in hydro-climate data (precipitation, maximum/minimum temperatures, and streamflow) for the period 1980–2016 in a semi-arid Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands (HNWs) catchment, Nigeria. Four meteorological stations (Bauchi, Hadejia, Kano and Nguru) and three streamflow gauge stations (Gashua, Hadejia and Katagum on Rivers Yobe, Hadejia and Jama’are respectively) covers the HNWs catchment. Anderson-Darling and Shapiro-Wilk normality tests were applied on the monthly hydro-climate data series to determine their class of distribution. A non-parametric Pettit’s test for homogeneity was employed to detect change points in the data series. An absolute homogenization method using RHtestsV4 software was applied to homogenize and (as needed) pre-whitened the data series. Trend analysis was carried out using modified Mann–Kendall trend test (trend free pre-whitening approach), while Sen’s slope was used to estimate the magnitude of the changes. Results of the study revealed that there was an increasing positive trends at all the stations for monthly minimum, average annual minimum, average annual maximum, and annual average temperature data series. While monthly maximum temperature series of Bauchi and Kano stations indicated the presence of an increasing trend with magnitude 0.00350C and 0.00190C; and no trend was detected for Hadejia and Nguru stations. For monthly precipitation, no trends was detected at all stations. However, an increasing trend was detected at Bauchi, Hadejia and Nguru stations for mean annual precipitation with magnitude 7.7960mm/yr, 8.1766mm/yr and 5.7214mm/yr respectively. A decreasing trend was detected for monthly and annual streamflow series at Hadejia gauge station with magnitude − 0.0115m3/s/month and − 3.7037m3/s/year respectively; and no trend was detected for monthly and annual streamflow series at Gashua and Katagum gauge stations. The trend analysis may be helpful to water resources managers for planning and management of water resources in the HNWs catchment and the Hadejia Jama’are Komadugu Yobe Basin at large.
Developing Monthly Hydrometeorological Timeseries Forecasts To Reservoir Operation in a Transboundary River Catchment
Authors: Rehman Hammad Ur , Ahmad Ijaz , Haq Faraz ul , Muhammad Waseem , Zhang Jinxin
Published: July 2021

Forecasting of hydrometeorological timeseries data play vital role in flood forecasting and predicting the future water availability for various uses such as irrigation, hydropower generation, industrial, domestic, etc. Therefore, present study aims to forecast the hydrometeorological timeseries data, i.e., river inflows, precipitation, and evaporation for the improved reservoir operation of a transboundary Mangla catchment by using ARIMA (auto-regressive integrated moving average) model. Prior to applying the ARIMA model, stationarity of hydrometeorological timeseries data was checked. Moreover, ACF and PACF of timeseries were determined to determine the “p” and “q” terms of the ARIMA model. The best fitted structure of ARIMA model was used by evaluating the R2, MAE and RMSE to forecast the hydrometeorological timeseries. The seasonal ARIMA structure of (1,0,0)(2,1,2)12 was found best fitted for the inflow timeseries whereas ARIMA structures of (14,1,15) and (9,1,19) were considered for forecasting the precipitation and evaporation timeseries, respectively. An average water shortage of 14% was detected by using these forecasted hydrometeorological timeseries in the reservoir operation during the period of 2016–2030. It was also observed that inflows into Mangla reservoir have seasonal effect more prominent compared to evaporation and precipitation. However, variations in the precipitation timeseries were found less smooth than the inflows timeseries. It is believed that the results of this study may support reservoir operators and managers for developing efficient real-rime reservoir operation policies and strategies based on the variations in the future water availability.
Cost-Effectiveness of Screening With Polymerase Chain Reaction For Helicobacter Pylori To Prevent Gastric Cancer And Peptic Ulcers
Authors: Oh Aaron , Truong Han , Kim Judith , Rustgi Sheila D. , Abrams Julian A. , Hur Chin
Published: July 2021

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a major risk factor for gastric cancer. Screening and treatment of H. pylori may reduce the risk of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of gastric biopsies provides superior sensitivity and specificity for the detection of H. pylori. This study explores whether population-based H. pylori screening with PCR is cost-effective in the US.Methods: A Markov cohort state-transition model was developed to compare three strategies: no screening with opportunistic eradication, 13C-UBT population screening and treating of H. pylori, and PCR population screening and treating of H. pylori. Estimates of risks and costs were obtained from published literature. Since the efficacy of H. pylori therapy in gastric cancer prevention is not certain, we broadly varied the benefit 30-100% in sensitivity analysis.Results: PCR screening was cost-effective and had an incremental-cost effectiveness ratio per quality adjusted life-year (QALY) of $38,591.89 when compared to 13C-UBT strategy with an ICER of $2373.43 per QALY. When compared to no screening, PCR population screening reduced cumulative gastric cancer incidence from 0.84% to 0.74% and reduced peptic ulcer disease risk from 14.8% to 6.0%. The cost-effectiveness of PCR screening was robust to most parameters in the model.Conclusion: Our modeling study finds PCR screening and treating of H. pylori to be cost-effective in the prevention of gastric cancer and peptic ulcer disease. However, the potential negative consequences of H. pylori eradication such as antibiotic resistance could change the balance of benefits of population screening.
Socioeconomic Inequalities in Staff Physical Activity: Evidence from the SHAHWAR Cohort Study in Iran
Authors: Khoramrooz Maryam , Zare Fariba , Sadeghian Farideh , Dadgari Ali , Chaman Reza , Mirrezaie Seyed mohammad
Published: July 2021

Background: This study was aimed to investigate socioeconomic-related inequality in physical activity (PA) among Staff of Medical Sciences University in Shahroud, Iran.Methods: Data were extracted from the first phase of the SHAHWAR cohort study. The Concentration index (CI) and Wagstaff decomposition method were applied to determine socioeconomic-related inequality in PPA and its contributors, respectively.Results: CIs of poor total PA (PTPA) and poor work-related PA (PWRPA) were 0.092 and 0.141, indicating their more concentration among staff of higher socioeconomic groups. Furthermore, the negative CI of poor leisure-time PA (PLTPA) (-0.191) suggests that it disfavors staff from lower socioeconomic groups. While PWRPA, Subjective social status (SSS), socioeconomic status (SES), and gender were positively contributed to the measured inequality in PTPA (65.3%, 37.9%, 18.6%, and 16.6%, respectively), residence in urban areas and PLTPA have negative contributions (64% and 27%, respectively). Similarly, SES, marital status, and residence in urban areas positively contributed to the inequality of PLTPA by 53.4%, 36.2%, and 23.5% respectively. Whereas, gender had the most negative contribution by 28.7%. Residence in urban areas, SES, SSS, and shift work were all positively contributed to the measured inequality in PWRPA (its more concentration among staff from high SES groups) by 28.4%, 20%, 15.2%, and 12.7%, respectively, while the opposite is true for gender by the contribution of 13.3%.Conclusions: Different patterns of PPA inequality revealed that health promotion programs should aim to educate and support higher SES staff to increase their PA in workplace, leisure time, and transportation, and lower SES staff to increase their leisure-time PA.
Low Dose Niacin Versus Placebo Treatment for Parkinson's Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wakade Chandramohan , Chong Raymond , Seamon Marissa , Purohit Sharad , Giri Bababihari , Morgan John C.
Published: July 2021

Background

Parkinson's Disease (PD) patients have lower niacin levels compared to their spouses. The main objective was to study low-dose daily niacin supplementation on motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease subjects.
Methods

Forty-Seven PD patients were randomly assigned to receive low-dose niacin or placebo in a randomized, double-blind study for the first six months. After the double-blind phase, all participants received open-label niacin for the next six months. All patients were evaluated at baseline, six months, and one year of treatment. The main outcome measure was the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III (UPDRS III) scores. Secondary outcome measures were depression, sleep quality, mental flexibility and cognition, and physical fatigue.
Results

Niacin treatment was tolerated well by 45 subjects. The baseline mean UPDRS III score was 21.3 ± 15.8 for the niacin group and 22.4 ± 11.8 for placebo. The change with six months of placebo was 1.5 [95% CI, -0.73 to 3.73], and niacin was − 1.06 [95% CI, -3.68 to 1.57]. From six to twelve months, the average UPDRS III score decreased for the placebo group by 2.66 [95% CI, -0.95 to 6.24] and the niacin group by 4.63 [95% CI, 1.42 to 7.83]. Eight subjects withdrew from the study before the 6-month time point and eight more before the one-year time point due to voluntary discontinuation, flushing, or inability to continue (SARS-CoV-2 shut-down).
Conclusion

Low-dose niacin supplementation may be helpful as an adjunct therapy in improving motor function in PD.
Trial registration:

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03462680. Registered 12 March 2018- Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03462680?term=gpr109A&draw=2&rank=1
Antagonistic Effect On The Lethality of Earthworm (Eisenia Fetida L.) Being Exposed To Binary Mixtures of Herbicides
Authors: Kalkhoran Elham Samadi , Alebrahim Mohamad Taghi , Abad Hamid Reza Mohammaddust Chamn , Streibig Jens Carl , Ghavidel Ali
Published: July 2021

Frequent use of herbicides might impose a risk for non-target species. The objective was to test the combined toxic effect of binary herbicide mixtures: metribuzin:halosulfuron and metribuzin:flumioxazin on non-target earthworms in two test systems, a filter paper, and a soil toxicity test system. The joint action experiments were independently run twice to substantiate the findings. The most potent individual herbicide was metribuzin with a 50% lethal concentration (LC50) of 17.17 µg ai. cm− 2 at 48 h in filter paper test. The toxicity of the individual herbicides on filter paper test was ranked as metribuzin > halosulfuron > flumioxazin. In a soil test, metribuzin and halosulfuron had high toxicity with the LC50 8.48 and 10.08 mg ai. kg− 1 on day 14. Thus, the individual herbicide ranking did not change between the filter paper and artificial soil tests. The herbicides' mixed effect showed in both test systems consistent antagonistic effect relative to a Concentration Addition reference model. It means that the mixtures retracted the herbicides' action in the earthworms.
Mulberry Leaf Extract Alleviates Staphylococcus Aureus-Induced Conjunctivitis in Rabbits via Downregulation of NLRP3 Inflammaome and Upregulation of the Nrf2 System and Suppression of Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines
Authors: Ying Chen , Lai Linglin , Mo Zhentao , Leng Ennian , Zhang Yueyue , Li Xu , Li Yiqi , Li Wenna
Published: July 2021

Mulberry leaves are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiobesity, antidiabetic, antiatherosclerotic, and anticancer properties. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of mulberry leaf extract (MLE) on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-induced conjunctivitis (5 × 109 CFU, 0.5 mL/eye) in a rabbit model. Rabbits were treated with MLE (5 mL/kg·d-1 and 10 mL/kg·d-1), 0.9% saline, or pearl bright eye drops (PBE) for 5 days. The results showed that MLE treatment significantly reduced the clinical sign scores of conjunctivitis, alleviated clinical signs, and decreased bacterial load and histological damage in a time- and dose-dependent manner compared to that in the conjunctivitis control group. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of MLE (10 mL/kg·d-1) were equal to or greater than those of the positive control drug PBE. In addition, MLE significantly decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, downregulated the NOD-like receptor leucine-rich pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and upregulated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) system. Overall, MLE is effective in alleviating S. aureus-induced conjunctivitis in rabbits and this mechanism is associated with the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome and activation of the Nrf2 system to regulate pro-inflammatory signaling.
Factors Associated with Practice of Covid-19 Precautionary Measures among Clients Visiting A Teritiary Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Bizuneh Hailemichael , Mohammed Shikur , Yesuf Aman
Published: July 2021

Background: Despite efforts to contain the COVID-19 virus, Addis Ababa, the country's COVID-19 epicenter, is experiencing a sharp increase in the number of cases and death rate. While poor public adherence to individual COVID-19 precautionary measures is evident, factors associated with it are not well studied. We aimed to assess the level of practice of COVID-19 precautionary measures and associated factors.Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted from February 1st to 15th, 2021 at Saint Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, a tertiary hospital in Addis Ababa. We used a structured questionnaire to conduct a face-to-face exit interview with randomly selected clients visiting the hospital. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were implemented to examine factors associated with prevention practice.Results: We analyzed data from 262 participants. The mean age of participants was 36(SD=12) years. The majority (207, 79%) of the study participants had a favorable attitude towards prevention and control measures of the disease. A little above half (116, 55.7%) of the respondents had a satisfactory level of practice of COVID-19 precautionary measures. Being a resident of the capital city [AOR: 2.25 (1.22-4.15)], and having a favorable attitude [AOR: (AOR: 4.88(2.08-11.68)] were significantly associated with satisfactory COVID-19 precautionary practice.Conclusions: The level of COVID-19 precautionary practice was unsatisfactory. A favorable attitude and stricter enforcement of COVID-19 preventive measures were associated with adherence to precautionary practices. The findings highlight the need for a public health education strategy targeted at improving attitudes of the community on COVID-19 preventive practice.
Serum proteomics links suppression of tumor immunity to ancestry and lethal prostate cancer
Authors: Minas Tsion , Candia Julián , Dorsey Tiffany , Baker Francine , Tang Wei , Kiely Maeve , Smith Cheryl , Jordan Symone , Obadi Obadi , Ajao Anuoluwapo , Tettey Yao , Biritwum Richard , Adjei Andrew , Mensah James , Hoover Robert , Jenkins Frank , Kittles Rick , Hsing Ann , Wang Xin , Loffredo Christopher , Yates Clayton , Cook Michael , Ambs Stefan
Published: July 2021

There is evidence that tumor immunobiology and immunotherapy response may differ between African American and European American prostate cancer patients. Here, we determined if men of African descent harbor a unique systemic immune-oncological signature and measured 82 circulating proteins in almost 3000 Ghanaian, African American, and European American men. Protein signatures for suppression of tumor immunity and chemotaxis were significantly elevated in men of West African ancestry. Importantly, the suppression of tumor immunity protein signature associated with metastatic and lethal prostate cancer, pointing to clinical significance. Moreover, two markers, pleiotrophin and TNFRSF9, predicted poor disease survival specifically among African American men. These findings indicate that immune-oncology marker profiles differ between men of African and European descent. These differences may contribute to the disproportionate burden of lethal prostate cancer in men of African ancestry. The elevated peripheral suppression of tumor immunity may have important implication for guidance of cancer therapy which could particularly benefit African American patients.