bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative ecotoxicity of graphene, functionalized multiwalled CNT and their mixture in freshwater microalgae, Scenedesmus obliquus: Analysing the role of oxidative stress
Authors: Das Soupam , Giri Sayani , Wadhwa Gaurav , Pulimi Mrudula , Anand Shalini , Chandrasekaran Natarajan , Johari Seyed Ali , Rai Pramod Kumar , Mukherjee Amitava
Published: January 2023

Due to their remarkable properties, the applications of carbon-based nanomaterials (CNMs) such as graphene and functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) are increasing. These CNMs can enter the freshwater environment via numerous routes potentially exposing various organisms. The current study assesses the effects of graphene, f-MWCNTs, and their binary mixture on the freshwater algal species Scenedesmus obliquus. The concentration for the individual materials was kept at 1 mg L− 1, while for the mixture, both graphene and f-MWCNTs were taken at 0.5 mg L− 1each. Both the CNMs caused a decrease in cell viability, esterase activity, and photosynthetic efficiency in the cells. The cytotoxic effects were accompanied by an increase in hydroxyl and superoxide radical generation, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase and superoxide dismutase), and mitochondrial membrane potential. Graphene was more toxic compared to f-MWCNTs. The binary mixture of the pollutants demonstrated a synergistic enhancement of the toxic potential. The oxidative stress generation played a critical role in toxicity responses, as noted by a strong correlation between the physiological parameters and the biomarkers of oxidative stress. The outcomes from this study emphasize the significance of considering the combined effects of various CNMs as part of a thorough evaluation of ecotoxicity in freshwater organisms.
Xylanolytic Biotechnological Applications of Extracellular Xylanase Isolated from Marine Bacillus Subtilis AKM1
Authors: Mahmoud Aya K. , Elhakim Heba K. A. , Abdelhamid Ismail A. , Mohamed Sahar S. , Selim Manal S.
Published: January 2023

Xylanase enzyme from marine bacteria was investigated for production improvement and studying its effect on agriculture wastes for use in biotechnological applications. By identification of the selective strain by using 16SRNA, the isolate was a new strain called Bacillus Subtilis AKM1 and has the accession number MK377251. The optimum culture conditions for xylanase production were as follows: incubation period (48 hrs.), initial pH (7.0), agitation speed (100 rpm), and incubation temperature(40°C). After purification, xylanase showed maximal activity at pH 7.0 and 50 °C. Metal ions such as Mn2+, Ca2+, and Fe2+ increased the residual activity by increasing the concentration, while Ag+, SDS, and EDTA completely inhibited the activity at higher concentrations. the molecular weight was 34 KDa, Km 0.044 mM, and Vmax 22.222. Xylooligosaccharides produced by enzymatic hydrolysis using the purified xylanase showed antimicrobial activity, antioxidant activity, and anti-tumor activity against breast and colon cancer cells.
Facile construction of Z-scheme AgCl/Bi3TaO7 photocatalysts for effective removal of tetracycline under visible-light irradiation
Authors: Guo Xiaoxin , Liu Jun , Li Dan , Cheng Hongjun , Liu Kankan , Liu Xiaoqing , Liu Tiansheng
Published: January 2023

A string of AgCl/Bi3TaO7 two-component composite was synthesized by hydrothermal and deposition-precipitation process initially. The photocatalytic activities of mixed-phase AgCl/Bi3TaO7 were evaluated toward the decomposition of tetracycline (TC). Among these as-prepared materials, AgCl/Bi3TaO7 nanocomposites when the molar ratio of baked materials between AgCl and Bi3TaO7 was 1:5 presented the optimal photocatalytic quantum efficiency for TC dissociation (86.82%) with visible light exposure, which was 1.69 and 2.38 folders than that of single Bi3TaO7 and AgCl, respectively. What's more, it illustrated that the photogenerated carriers were markedly isolated on account of the formation of heterojunction confirmed by EIS analysis. Meanwhile, radical trapping experiments implied that the photo-induced holes (h+), hydroxyl radical (·OH) and superoxide radical (·O-2) were the major active species. The escalated photocatalytic activity could be ascribed to the unique construction of Z-scheme AgCl/Bi3TaO7 heterojunction, which could expedite charge separation and transmission, cement light absorption capability and retain the strong redox ability of photogenerated electrons and holes. Our finding suggests that AgCl/Bi3TaO7 nanocomposites possess great potential for photocatalytic oxidation of residual TC in the wastewater effluents and the reported strategy can contribute to the development of novel high-performance photocatalyst.
Therapeutic Potential of The Low-dose IL-2 Through Targeting the Th17/Treg Axis in Primary Biliary Cholangitis Mice
Authors: Wang Zilong , Liu Zhicheng , Zheng Jiarui , Huang Linxiang , Jin Rui , Wang Xiaoxiao , Chen Dongbo , Xie Yandi , Feng Bo
Published: January 2023

Background/aims
: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease. The imbalance of Th17/Treg cells has been reported in PBC patients. low-dose IL-2 can alleviate disease severity through modulating CD4 + T cell subsets in patients with autoimmune diseases. Hence, the present study aimed to examine the effects and mechanism of low-dose IL-2 in PBC mouse models.
Methods
PBC models were induced in female C57BL/6 mice by two immunizations with 2OA-BSA at two-week intervals, and poly I: C every three days. PBC mice were divided into the IL-2 treated and untreated groups and low-dose IL-2 was injected at three different time points. Th17 and Tregs were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the related cytokines were analyzed by ELISA. Liver histopathology was examined by H&E and immunohistochemical staining.
Results
Twelve weeks after modeling, the serum AMA was positive and the ALP was significantly increased in PBC mice (P༜0.05). The pathology showed lymphocyte infiltration in the portal area, damage, and reactive proliferation of the small bile duct (P༜0.05). The flow cytometric showed the imbalance of Th17/Treg cells in the liver of PBC mice, with decreased Treg cells, increased Th17 cells and Th17/Treg ratio (P < 0.05). After the low-dose IL-2 intervention, biochemical index and liver pathologies showed improvement at 12 weeks. Besides, the imbalance of Th17 and Treg cells recovered. Public database mining showed that Th17 cell differentiation may contribute to poor response in PBC patients.
Conclusion
Low-dose IL-2 can significantly improve liver biochemistry and pathology by reversing the imbalance of Th17 and Treg cells, suggesting that it may be a potential therapeutic target for PBC.
Exciton splitting in 2D layered metal-halide perovskites
Authors: Simbula Angelica , Wu Luyan , Pitzalis Federico , Pau Riccardo , Lai Stefano , Liu Fang , Matta Selene , Marongiu Daniela , Quochi Francesco , Saba Michele , Mura Andrea , Bongiovanni Giovanni
Published: January 2023

Layered 2D perovskites are making inroads as materials for photovoltaics and light emitting diodes, but the photophysics of their optical excitations is still debated. Although their large exciton binding energies should hinder charge separation, significant evidence has been uncovered for an abundance of free carriers. Several explanations have been proposed, like exciton splitting at grain boundaries or polaron formation, without clarifying yet if excitons form and then split, or if the formation is prevented by competing relaxation processes. Here we address exciton stability in layered PEA2PbI4 in n = 1 Ruddlesden-Popper phase, both in form of thin film and single crystal. Samples are resonantly excited to directly inject cold excitons, whose dissociation is then demonstrated with femtosecond differential transmission. The results presented here establish the intrinsic nature of exciton dissociation in 2D Ruddlesden-Popper layered perovskites, demonstrating that they are free carrier semiconductors like their 3D counterparts, belonging to a universal photophysical framework.
Expanding Community Health Worker decision space: impacts of a Participatory Action Research training intervention in a rural South African district
Authors: Abruquah Nana Akua , Witter Sophie , Mabetha Denny , Merwe Maria van der , Goosen Gerhard , Sigudla Jerry , D'Ambruoso Lucia
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

While recognised in policy and strategy, in practice, Community Health Workers (CHWs) in South Africa experience many challenges. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, CHW roles have expanded, shifting from communities to clinics. The objective was to assess a community-based training intervention to support functionality and local decision-making of CHWs in rural South Africa, aiding CHWs to undertake new, expanded roles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS: CHWs from three rural villages were recruited and trained in rapid Participatory Action Research (PAR) methods via a series of workshops with community stakeholders. Training was designed to support CHWs to convene community groups, raise and/or respond to health concerns, understand concerns from different perspectives, and facilitate and monitor action in communities, health, and other public services. Narrative data from in-depth interviews with CHWs before and after the intervention were thematically analysed using the decision space framework to examine functionality in devolved decision-making.
RESULTS: CHWs reported experiencing multiple, intersecting challenges: lack of financial, logistical and health systems support, poor role clarity, precarious employment, low and no pay, unstable organizational capacity, and fragile accountability mechanisms. CHWs had considerable commitment and resilience in the face of COVID-19 in terms of increased workloads, increased risk of infection and death, low job security and poor remuneration. The training intervention addressed some resourcing issues, increased management capacity, gave CHWs greater role clarity, improved community mobilisation skills and forged new community and facility-based relationships and alliances. Through regular spaces and processes for cooperative learning and collective action, the intervention supported CHWs to rework their agency in more empowered ways with communities, clinic staff and health managers, and among peers. The training thus served as an implementation support strategy for primary healthcare (PHC).
CONCLUSION: The analysis revealed fundamental issues of recognition of CHWs as a permanent, central feature in PHC. The training intervention was positively impactful in widening decision space for CHWs, supporting functionality and agency for local decision-making. The intervention has been recommended for scale-up by the local health authority. Further support for and analysis of how to sustain expansion of CHW decision space is warranted.
Multimodal Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer and its Correlation with the Differentiation Process of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Meng Heng , Zhang Duo , Guo Xin
Published: January 2023

Purpose: To investigate and compare DWI, IVIM and DKI in the diagnosis of cervical cancer and their correlation with the degree of differentiation.
Methods: DWI, IVIM and DKI imaging data of 39 cases of cervical cancer (cervical cancer group) and 30 cases of normal cervical patients (normal cervical group) were retrospectively analyzed. The ADC values of DWI single exponential model, IVIM related double exponential parameters (ADC slow (D), ADC fast (D *) and diffusion fraction (f) and DKI related parameters (apparent diffusion coefficient (MK), apparent kurtosis coefficient (MD) were compared between cervical cancer group with different differentiation degree, normal cervical group and cervical cancer group.
Results: Compared with the normal cervical tissue, the ADC, D, MD values of cervical cancer group were lower, and the D *, f, MK values were increased, all the parameters were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The higher the differentiation degree of cervical cancer, the higher ADC, D, MD values, and the smaller D*, F, MK values. The difference of ADC, D and MK values was statistically significant (P < 0.05). MK value had the best diagnostic efficiency in the differential diagnosis of cervical cancer with low and medium differentiation, high and low differentiation (P < 0.003), and there was no significant difference in the f value between high and low differentiation cervical cancer (P > 0.05), There was no significant difference in the MD value between low and high differentiation cervical cancer (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: DWI, IVIM and DKI can be used to differentiate cervical cancer from normal cervical tissue. IVIM and DKI are of great significance in the differential diagnosis of cervical cancer with different degrees of differentiation.
The inter-prefectural regional disparity of medical resources and representative surgical procedures in orthopaedics and general surgery: A nationwide study in Japan during 2015–2019
Authors: Kido Masamitsu , Ikoma Kazuya , Kobayashi Yumiko , Maki Masahiro , Ohashi Suzuyo , Shoda Katsutoshi , Ichikawa Daisuke , Uehara Ritei , Takahashi Kenji
Published: January 2023

Background: Few reports have examined the regional disparity in representative surgical procedures in orthopaedics and general surgery. This study aimed to clarify the inter-prefectural regional disparity and relationships between medical specialists, facilities, and representative surgical procedures using a nationwide database in Japan.
Methods: The annual incidence rate (IR) per 100,000 population of medical specialists in orthopaedics, general surgery, and anaesthesiology (OSS, GSS, ANS, respectively); medical facilities of hospitals (HP, only per 1,000 population); and representative surgical procedures in orthopaedics and general surgery were examined by prefecture in Japan during 2015–2019. Medium-sized regional disparities were evaluated using the Gini coefficient. Correlation coefficients were calculated for the aforementioned variables and the ageing rate (A/R). We also compared the urban and rural regional disparities between them.
Results: The total annual average IR and Gini coefficients were 110.6 and 0.11 for femur fracture surgery (IROF), 106.3 and 0.09 for cholecystectomy (IRCC), 14.2 and 0.11 for OSS, 17.6 and 0.09 for GSS, 5.9 and 0.13 for ANS, and 8.1 and 0.21 for HP, respectively. The correlation coefficients by IROF were 0.74 for OSS (p<0.001), 0.63 for HP (p<0.001), and 0.62 for the A/R (p<0.001); those by IRCC were 0.60 for GSS (p<0.001) and 0.59 for HP (p<0.001). The IROF, IRCC, OSS, HP, and A/R data were significantly higher in rural areas than in urban areas (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Inter-prefectural regional disparity was small, although some items were unevenly distributed in the rural areas, which is contrary to our expectations. Higher prevalence was recognised in rural areas than urban areas due to the higher A/R, but supply and demand are balanced. This study provides basic data for healthcare policy in a medium-sized community.
Level of Evidence: III
An Empirical Link Between Motivation Gain and NBA Statistics: Applying Hierarchical Linear Modelling
Authors: Shim Yunsik , Shin Myoungjin
Published: January 2023

Background: This study tested whether the motivation gain in groups is the result of social compensation or the Köhler effect by examining scaled individual salaries of National Basketball Association (NBA) players. Both factors explain the positive effects of a group, unlike social loafing. However, differing causes in motivation gain relate to whether players are low or high performers and Köhler effect or social compensation.
Methods: To test motivation gain, this study used 11-year NBA statistical data of 3,247 players by applying hierarchical linear modelling (HLM). Whereas previous studies have looked at motivation gain through track-and-field and swimming relay records, this study verified motivation gain through salary variations among NBA players and their affiliated teams.
Results: The high performers, while selecting teams with larger performance gaps among team members, earned a higher salary than while selecting teams with lower performance gaps among team members. This study found that motivation gain existed in high performers, which can be interpreted as support for social compensation rather than the Köhler effect.
Conclusions: We used our result to elucidate the basis for play-by-play decisions made by individuals and team behaviour. Our results are applicable for the enhancement of coaching strategies, ultimately improving team morale and performance.
Analysis of Michelia（Magnoliaceae）chloroplast genomes: Provide New Insights into Intergeneric and Intrageneric Relationships
Authors: Shu Junxia , Wang Ruiling , Yang Lin , Xia Xi , Wang Dawei
Published: January 2023

Background: Among Magnoliaceae, the genus Michelia is thesecond largest and most evolved, which is essential for studying angiosperm origins, development, and evolution. Given the taxonomic confusion among Magnolia, Manglietia, and Michelia, this study provides recommendations for some of the taxonomically confused intergeneric and intrageneric relationships based on chloroplast genomesanalysis of six Michelia plants.
Results: The six chloroplast genomes were set up to range in size from 159,703 bp to 160,026 bp. It had abundant simple sequence repeat sites (136-142), and six highly variable regions (rpl32-trnL, ndhC-trnV, petA-psbL, ccsA-ndhD, rps15-ycf2, trnN-ndhF) were detected (pi>0.005). Compared with five other genomes, a shift of the rpl2 gene from the IR region to the LSC region was found only in Michelia doltsopa. In this study, 26 species of cp genome were used, and two trees establish methods were used for phylogenetic analysis of Magnoliaceae. The results showed that the two phylogenetic trees had the same topological structure. The six genera Micheliawere first grouped into a cluster, which was further separated into two sister clades. There was a clustering of Magnolia sieboldii and Manglietia insignis within the genus Michelia, while the genus Yulania tended to be more close relatedness to those species.
Conclusion: Combining the results of previous morphological, sporological, and molecular marker studies, we offer a new taxonomic view to the classification of Magnoliaceae: there should be a merger between Manglietia insignis, Paramichelia baillonii, and Tsoongiodendron odor in the genus Michelia; Parakmeria yunnanensis and Pachylarnax sinica should be combined into the genus Pachylarnax. This study provides six genomic resources of Micheliathat will be beneficial for the evolutionary study and the phylogenetic construction of Magnoliaceae.
Sparse Signal Reconstruction using Refined Instantaneous Frequency Estimation
Authors: Ali Sadiq , Khan Nabeel Ali , Shah Feroz
Published: January 2023

In this study, we propose an instantaneous frequency (IF) estimation
and then apply this algorithm for the reconstruction of missing samples.
The proposed IF estimation and sparse reconstruction algorithm
is developed by adding a refinement step where the crude estimates
of IFs and signal components are further improved through the reestimation
stage. During the re-estimation stage, both IFs, as well as
the signal components, are re-estimated by removing all the remaining
components. Experimental results indicate that the proposed strategy
improves both the accuracy of IF estimates as well as missing samples.
Hybrid of Smith-Peterson and Watson-Jones Minimally Invasive Direct Anterior Approach to the Hip Joint
Authors: Zhang Ting , Choudhury Sambhu
Published: January 2023

Background: Muscle-sparing, more consistent acetabular component positioning with fluoroscopy guidance, development in implants and instrumentation, expedited rehabilitation, and patients’ expectations have led to increased utilization of various direct anterior and anterolateral approaches to the hip joint.
Methods and Surgical Technique: In this technical note, we demonstrate for the first time a hybrid modification of traditional Smith-Peterson and Watson-Jones approaches to the hip joint on a standard OR table.
Conclusions: As demonstrated in this article, a precise knowledge of anatomy and clear goals in the surgical approach can minimize complications and facilitate visualization and instrumentation in the “direct anterior approach” to the hip joint
A Harmonic Balance-based Method to Predict Nonlinear Forced Response and Temperature Rise of Dry Friction Systems Including Frictional Heat Transfer
Authors: Gao Qian , Fan Yu , Wu Yaguang , Li Lin
Published: January 2023

Dry friction dampers in turbomachinery not only decrease the vibration level, but also generates frictional heat. This thermal process may cause a significant temperature rise at the contact interface, producing thermal expansion and altering tribological properties subsequently. These effects in turn can change structural dynamics. Besides, the temperature rise may also cause the material melting and ablation, leading to damper failure. Hence, the structural dynamics and the thermal process in dry friction systems are interacting. The thermomechanical coupling should be included in analyses. In this paper, a novel numerical method, namely Dry Friction ThermoMechanical Coupling Response Prediction (DFTMCP), is proposed. Based on the multi-harmonic balance method, the DFTMCP can synchronously predict the nonlinear forced response and interface temperature in the steady state. This method is under the framework of steady heat transfer assumption, and a dimensionless number is proposed to determine the rationality of the assumption. To guarantee efficiency and convergence, an ad-hoc model reduction technique for the nonlinear thermomechanical coupling problem and the corresponding analytical Jacobian matrix, which are also the highlights of the work, are implemented. The former reduces the dimension of the governing equations by over 98.6% while the latter makes the time cost drop over 37 times. By using the proposed numerical scheme, two essential coupling factors, the thermoelastic deformation and the friction coefficient variation at the interface, are considered and discussed quantitatively for the influence on the forced response through the finite element model of a blade with a flat under-platform damper in engineering. Results show that under the specific rotational speed, the average temperature at the contact surface rises by 364.16°C, and the maximum local temperature increases to 1198°C, which is close to the melting point. Ignoring the thermomechanical coupling effect leads to a 25% misprediction of the optimal centrifugal force and a 27.4% underestimation of the resonant peak.
Research and Analysis of Potential Correlation of Telecommunications Fraud Data Based on Big Five Personalities
Authors: Gao Jun , Ma Chuang , Hu Jinhao
Published: January 2023

In recent years, telecommunications fraud cases show a high incidence, more and more scholars have studied how to stop telecommunications fraud cases from the root cause. According to psychological knowledge, we can know that personality traits can affect a person's social behavior. Therefore, this paper proposes a personality trait recognition model based on the Big Five personality theory combining Bert and SVM to study how to block the occurrence of telecommunications fraud cases from the root. Compared with the previous model, the average accuracy of the recognition of personality traits was improved by 0.3%, reaching 61.2%. At the same time, combined with the telecommunications fraud data in a certain place, it is analyzed that in telecommunications fraud, there is a correlation between the probability of being defrauded, the means of being defrauded, the location where the fraud occurs and personality characteristics. Our research results may provide reference for the government and relevant departments to manage telecommunications fraud.
Factors predicting primary cesarean delivery and successful vaginal delivery in twin pregnancies: Does structured obstetric management play a role in the delivery mode and neonatal outcome?
Authors: Ge Isabell , Meschede Julia , Juhasz-Boess Ingolf , Kunze Mirjam , Markfeld-Erol Filiz
Published: January 2023

Purpose
While the optimal delivery method of twin pregnancies is heavily debated, the rate of cesarean deliveries is increasing. This retrospective study evaluates delivery methods and neonatal outcome of twin pregnancies during two time-periods and aims to identify predictive factors for the delivery outcome.
Methods
553 twin pregnancies were identified in the institutional database of the University Women’s Hospital Freiburg, Germany. 230 and 323 deliveries occurred in period I (2009–2014) and period II (2015–2021) respectively. Cesarean births due to non-vertex position of the first fetus were excluded. In period II, the management of twin pregnancies was reviewed and adjusted and systematic training and standardized procedures were implemented.
Results
Period II showed significantly lower rates of planned cesarean deliveries (44.0% vs. 63.5%, p < 0.0001) and higher rates of vaginal deliveries (68% vs. 52.4%, p = 0.02). Independent risk factors for primary cesarean delivery were period, maternal age > 40 years, nullipara, previous cesarean birth (HR:11.3, p < 0.001), gestational age < 37 + 0th weeks, monochorionicity and higher fetal weight difference. Predictive factors for successful vaginal delivery were previous vaginal delivery, gestational age between 34–36 weeks and vertex/vertex presentation of the fetuses. The neonatal outcome in period I and period II were comparable. Planned cesarean delivery showed significantly higher rates of NICU transfer.
Conclusion
Vaginal labor in twin pregnancies is safe. Structured and regular updates of obstetrical concepts and procedures in obstetric departments are key to increase vaginal deliveries without impairing its safety. To reduce elective cesarean deliveries, prevention of the first cesarean birth seems to be most promising.
Use of evidence-based approaches in procurement and implementation of health and welfare technologies – a survey among Swedish municipalities
Authors: Richardson Matt X. , Andersson Sarah Wamala
Published: January 2023

Background

Health and welfare technologies (HWT) are increasingly procured and implemented by public providers in Swedish municipalities, but it remains unclear if and how evidence for these technologies’ effectiveness is used in both processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of evidence in Swedish municipal public sector procurement and implementation of HWT.

Methods

A telephone survey of 197 municipalities was conducted with questions regarding the use of evidence in both processes, as well as eventual support needs regarding its use. Standard definitions of HWT and evidence were provided prior to the survey. Response frequencies and percentage proportions calculated per question. Lambda (Λ) values with corresponding significance values were calculated for associations between responses to selected questions and the size and type of municipality, with values of 0.01 to 0.19 designated as weak associations, 0.20 to 0.39 as moderate, and 0.40 and above as strong.

Results

Sixty-four municipalities completed the entire survey. Consistent use of evidence for effectiveness of HWT occurred in less than half of all municipal public procurement processes. Two-thirds of municipalities did not have an established model or process for implementation of HWT that used evidence in any manner. More than three quarters of municipalities lacked a systematic plan for follow-up and evaluation of effectiveness of implemented HWT, and of those that did less than half followed their plan consistently. Most municipalities expressed the need for support in using evidence in HWT-related processes but did not consider evidence and systematic evaluation to be prioritized.

Conclusions

Weaknesses and gaps in using evidence in procurement and implementation processes may create a legacy of sub-optimal implementation of HWT in Swedish municipal health- and social care services, and lost opportunities for real-world evidence generation. There was a clear indication of the need for unified national guidance for using and generating evidence in key HWT-related municipal processes and implementation. Such guidance needs to be developed and effectively communicated.
Soil nematode assemblages respond to interacting environmental changes
Authors: Martinez Laura , Wu Shuqi , Owen-Smith Paul , Patton Mariah , Collins Scott , Rudgers Jennifer
Published: January 2023

Recent multi-factor experiments suggest that interactions among environmental changes commonly influence biodiversity and community composition. However, most field experiments focus on single factors, ignoring interacting stressors. Soil food webs are critical to ecosystem health and may be particularly sensitive to interactions among environmental changes that include soil warming, eutrophication, and altered precipitation regimes. Here we asked, how do environmental changes interact to alter nematode diversity, abundance, community composition, and functional groups in a northern Chihuahuan Desert grassland? We used factorial manipulations of nitrogen, winter rainfall, and nighttime warming to match predicted environmental change scenarios for the region. Warming reduced nematode diversity by 25% and genus-level richness by 32%, but these declines dissipated with additional winter rain, suggesting the warming effect may occur via drying. Under ambient precipitation, nitrogen fertilizer reduced bacterivores by 68% and herbivores by 73% but had no significant influence on fungivores. In contrast, when combined with winter rain addition, nitrogen fertilization instead increased bacterivores by 95%, had no effect on herbivores, and doubled the number of fungivores. Interactive effects of precipitation and nitrogen altered community composition of genus-level nematode abundances, but total nematode abundance was less sensitive than composition or diversity, indicating that most change involved the reordering of species abundances. Nematode community metrics were not tightly coupled to plant community composition in this semi-arid grassland, and may instead track microbes, including biocrusts and decomposers. Our results highlight the importance of interactions among environmental change stressors for the composition and function of soil food webs in drylands.
Comparison of the short-term efficacy and safety of bipolar transurethral electro vaporization and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate for moderate and large benign prostatic enlargement
Authors: Hayashi Yutaro , Yoneyama Shuko , Takizawa Akitoshi , Kobayashi Kazuki , Ito Hiroki
Published: January 2023

Background:
To compare the efficacy and safety of bipolar transurethral vaporization of the prostate (B-TUVP) with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for moderate [prostate volume (PV) 30-80 ml] and large (≥ 80 ml) benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).
Materials and Methods:
Male patients with lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) or urinary retention who underwent B-TUVP or HoLEP treatment in two regional, high-volume centers were respectively enrolled. The patient-oriented and treatment outcomes were retrospectively compared between B-TUVP and HoLEP.
Results:
B-TUVP showed shorter operative time and less hemoglobin decrease than in HoLEP. In uncatheterized patients, voiding symptoms and patients’ quality of life improved after B-TUVP and HoLEP, but these improvement rates were consistently bigger in HoLEP than in B-TUVP. In catheterized patients, the rate of achieving catheter-free status after surgery was higher in HoLEP than in B-TUVP for patients with PV >80 ml. The incidence of postoperative fever was higher in B-TUVP than in HoLEP for patients with PV 30-80 ml but not for those with PV >80 ml.
Conclusions:
This is the first retrospective study investigating the short-term efficacy and safety of second-generation B-TUVP in comparison with HoLEP for moderate and large BPE. Improvement in LUTS and achievement of catheter-free status were predominant in HoLEP, and these outcomes were more prominent in patients with large BPE of PV >80 ml. However, B-TUVP resulted in less blood loss, shorter operative duration, and less urinary incontinence suggesting that B-TUVP is also well-tolerated surgical modality.
Structure and dynamics of the course of chronic non-infectious somatic diseases in patients during war events on the territory of Ukraine
Authors: Kiro Liudmyla , Zak Maksym , Chernyshov Oleh
Published: January 2023

Background
The work studied and compared the dynamics of changes in the course of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and somatized disorders in Ukrainian population, in the 1st period before war (October 2021 – February 2022) and 2nd period during the war (March -July 2022). The choice of the study of the above-mentioned nosology is due, first of all, to the increase in cases of referrals to outpatient doctors regarding hypertensive crises, the increase in the frequency of patients' complaints about the lability of glycemic indicators during routine monitoring of glucose levels with ambulatory glucometers, the appearance of chronic pain syndrome of unspecified pathology with the beginning of war events.
Methods
272 people were examined in Mykolaiv Region (Ukraine). The patients were divided into three clinical groups: 1st group - 90 people patients with arterial hypertension; 2nd group – 92 people with type 2 diabetes; the 3rd group – 90 people with somatiform disorders.
Results
In the patients of the 1st group during the 2nd period, amount of people with hypertension of the 1st degree increased in 1.8 times (D=2.3804; p=0.0412), with 2nd degree hypertension increased in 2 times (D=2.3129; p= 0.0491) and 3rd degree hypertension increased in 2.5 times (D=2.1827, p= 0.0391); somatized disorders in 3rd group also increased in 4.1 times (D=0.489, p=0.001<0.05); in 2nd group recorded an increase in HbA1c by 0.99±0.57 mmol/l (D=0.9420, p=1.795e-07<0.05), in comparison with the indicators for the 1st observation period.
Conclusions
The war events in Ukraine not only changed the life of every Ukrainian, but also had a significant impact on the dynamics and structure of chronic somatic diseases, in particular due to an increase in patient referrals for hypertensive crises, exacerbations of type 2 diabetes, somatized disorders, and chronic pain syndrome of unknown etiology. Considering these results, it is important to increase the equipment of regional primary care centers with antihypertensive, hypoglycemic and sedative drugs.
Cerebrospinal fluid ceramides and cognition as a function of striatal asymmetry in early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Peron Julie , Nuber-Champier Anthony , Voruz Philippe , Constantin Ioana , Cionca Alexandre
Published: January 2023

A growing interest in studying the impact of brain asymmetry on physiological markers and cognition in people with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) recently emerged. The aim of this study was to test the impact of striatal denervation asymmetry on brain markers such as ceramides accumulation (ng/ml), as well as its impact on cognitive performances in early PwPD. We analysed data from 329 PwPD patients at the beginning of the disease (mean 6.9 months after diagnosis) (72 left-asymmetric, 83 right-asymmetric and 174 symmetric PwPD) and 167 healthy controls. Asymmetry was based on the difference in putamen denervation greater than 20%. Patients with genetic mutations were excluded. We performed generalized linear mixed models introducing the amount of cerebrospinal fluid ceramides (ng/ml) and cognitive functions as discriminating factors. Finally, Spearman correlations were used to highlight the relationship between cognition and cerebrospinal fluid ceramides on the whole pathological group and within each sub-group, as a function of striatal denervation asymmetry. First, a reduced concentration of ceramide (C18:0 CER) in the symmetrical group compared to the asymmetrical group and the control group was observed. More specifically left denervation predominant PwPD had significantly more ceramides (C22:0 CER) than the right and controls. Second, poorer cognitive performance for the symmetric group compared to the asymmetric and control groups was reported. Overall, positive correlations between cognition and ceramides (C18:0, C22:0 CER) was observed. Conversely, glucosylceramide correlation (C22:0 GlcCer) showed a negative link with cognition. This study shows that asymmetry of striatal degeneration in early Parkinson's disease is accompanied by metabolic variations related to cognitive processes.
TNF-α and Poly(I:C) induction of A20 and activation of NF-κB signaling are independent of ABCF1 in human airway epithelial cells
Authors: Cao Quynh To , Ishak Mira , Shpilman Israel , Hirota Jeremy
Published: January 2023

ABCF1 is the most characterized member of the ABCF family in eukaryotes with proposed functions related to innate immunity in fibroblasts, macrophages, and epithelial cells. Currently, a mechanistic link between ABCF1 and immune responses in human airway epithelial cells (HAECs) remains to be clearly defined. The present study aimed at characterizing the function of ABCF1 in the context of nuclear factor nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) mediated proinflammatory responses. We demonstrated that with ABCF1 silencing under basal conditions, TNF Alpha Induced Protein 3 (TNFAIP3/A20) protein expression and downstream expression and activation of transcription factors, NF-κB and Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3), were not disrupted. We followed with investigations of ABCF1 function under a proinflammatory stimuli that are known to be regulated by A20. We demonstrated that under Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly(I:C)) and tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) challenge with ABCF1 silencing, there was a significant reduction in secreted levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and a trend for reduced IL-6. However, we observed no changes to the expression levels of A20 and the activation status of the transcription factors, NF-κB and IRF-3. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that Poly(I:C) and TNF-α induced IL-8 is regulated by ABCF1 via pathways independent of NF-κB and IRF-3 activation.
Public Opinion, Racial Bias, and Labor Market Outcomes
Authors: Majlesi Kaveh , Prina Silvia , Sullivan Paul
Published: January 2023

The effect of negative shifts in public opinion on the economic lives of minorities is unknown. We study the role of racial bias in the U.S. labor market by investigating sudden changes in public opinion about Asians following the anti-Chinese rhetoric that emerged with the COVID-19 pandemic, and associated changes in employment status and earnings. Using Current Population Survey (CPS) data from January 2019 to May 2021, we find that, unlike other minorities, Asians who worked in occupations or industries with a higher likelihood of face-to-face interactions before the pandemic were more likely to become unemployed afterwards. Consistent with a role for public opinion affecting labor market outcomes, we find that the effects are larger in magnitude in strongly Republican states, where anti-Asian rhetoric might have had more influence. Additionally, we show that, while widespread along the political spectrum, negative shifts in views of Asians were much stronger among those who voted for President Trump in 2016 and those who report watching Fox News channel.
Isolation and characterization of 17 polymorphic microsatellite loci with tri- and tetra- nucleotide repeat motifs for Ayu (Plecoglossus altivelis) using next-generation sequencing
Authors: Tsukagoshi Hideharu , Abe Syuiti
Published: January 2023

Background
Ayu or sweetfish, Plecoglossus altivelis, an amphidromous fish ranging in Northwest Pacific, is economically important inland fisheries and aquaculture resources. Genetic characterization of wild Ayu and derived culture seeds with competent molecular genetic markers is still insufficient for their sustainable use. Microsatellite DNA markers with larger repeat motifs (e.g. tri- and tetra- nucleotide motifs) are convenient and accurate compared with those having mono- and di-nucleotide motifs, but the latter motifs characterized most Ayu microsatellite markers developed previously.
Methods and results
Here, we isolated and characterized 17 polymorphic microsatellite DNA markers with tri- and tetra-nucleotide repeat motif using next-generation sequencing. Alleles per locus varied from 6 to 23. The observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.542 to 1.000 and 0.709 to 0.951, respectively. Polymorphic information content (PIC) of 15 out of the 17 loci were high ( ≧ 0.700), suggesting their increased ability to detect genetic diversity. Twelve of the 17 loci were used for preliminary assignment test among three populations, and successfully allocated the examined fish to the original populations.
Conclusion
The novel polymorphic microsatellite markers developed herein will be useful to examine the genetic diversity and population structure of wild Ayu and the effect of seed transplantation on native populations, providing a tool for conservation and sustainable adaptive management of this species.
Male song of a promiscuous bird without paternal care is more complex than previously thought
Authors: Osiejuk Tomasz Stanisław , Kubacka Justyna
Published: January 2023

The Aquatic Warbler is one of the rarest European passerines, characterised by promiscuity, lack of pair-bonds and female-only parental care. This makes the species an important model for studying the function of avian courtship song. The song of the Aquatic Warbler consists of whistle and rattle phrases produced as discontinuous A-, B- and C-songs, which are built by a single rattle, a rattle and a whistle, and more than two rattle-whistle phrases, respectively. The A- and B-songs are aggressive signals in male-male interactions, while C-songs are important for female choice. Here, we analysed recordings of 40 individually marked males, and determined the enumerated and estimated repertoire size. The males sung 16–158 (mean 99) different phrases. The estimated repertoire size ranged between 18 and 300 (mean 155) and was significantly predicted by the number of C-songs. The rattle repertoire was larger than the whistle repertoire and both positively correlated with the number of C-songs. Our study indicates that in the Aquatic Warbler, the repertoire size is greater than previously believed, and the courtship song is flexible and efficient, enabling both female attraction through quick presentation of large repertoires, and rival deterrence through production of many short and simple A-and B-songs.
Associations of Air Pollutant Concentrations with Longitudinal Renal Function Changes in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Chung Cheng-Yin , Wu Shang-Yu , Chiu Huei-Hsuan , Wu Tzu-Ning , Wang Yu-Tong , Lin Ming-Yen
Published: January 2023

The longitudinal cohort study investigated the associations of air pollutant exposures, including CO, NO, NO2, NOx, O3, PM10, PM2.5, and SO2, with long-term renal function changes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). We enrolled 447 CKD patients who took part in a universal pre-ESRD care program during 2011–2015 at a hospital. The daily average air pollutant exposures were estimated for each patient. We defined different levels of air pollutant concentrations by quartile and rapid renal progression through annual estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) slope reduction over 5 ml/min/1.73 m2. The average age of the study population was 77.1 ± 12.6 years, and almost a quarter of them experienced rapid renal function progression from a median eGFR of 30 ml/min/1.73m2 at baseline during a mean follow-up time of 3.4 years. No candidate air pollutants were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of rapid renal function progression. However, it is worth noting that there was a potentially increased likelihood of fast renal function decline with raised NO quartile (adjusted odds ratio from 1.11 to 2.04). The results encourage more extensive studies to clarify the causal relationships and mechanisms between long-term air pollutant exposures and longitudinal renal function change, especially in CKD populations.
Residual β-cell Function in Long-Duration Brazilian Type 1 Diabetes Is Associated with a Low Prevalence of Nephropathy
Authors: Gabbay Monica Andrade Lima , Crispim Felipe , Dib Sergio Atala
Published: January 2023

Background: Persistence of β cell-function in Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is associated with glycaemia stability and lower prevalence of microvascular complications. We aimed to assess the prevalence of residual C- peptide secretion in long-term Brazilian childhood onset T1D receiving usual care and its association to clinical, metabolic variables and microvascular complications.
Methods: A cross-sectional observational study with 138 T1D adults with >3 years of diagnosis receiving usual care. Clinical, metabolic variables and microvascular complications were compared between positive ultra-sensitive fasting serum C-peptide (FCP+) and negative (FCP-) participants.
Results: T1D studied had > 5 yrs. of diagnosis and 60% had FCP >1.15pmol/L. FCP+ T1D were older at diagnosis (10 vs 8 yo; p=0.03) and had less duration of diabetes (11 vs 15 yo; p=0.002). There was no association between the FCP+ and other clinical and metabolic variable but was inversely associated with microalbuminuria (28.6% vs 13.4%, p=0.03), regardless of HbA1c. FCP> 47pmol/L were associated with nephropathy protection but were not related to others microvascular complications.
Conclusion: Residual insulin secretion is present in 60% of T1D >3 years of diagnosis in usual care. FCP+ is positively associated with age of diagnosis and negatively with duration of disease and microalbuminuria regardless of HbA1c
A Study Of Cardiac Arrhythmias In Patients With Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) During The First 48 Hours In The Intensive Care Unit And Its Relationship With Age, Sex, Site Of Infarction And Other Risk Factors.
Authors: Khatib Mahmoud Al , Kteifan Abdulrahman , Shamiyeh Marwan
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction is one of the leading causes of death in the developed world. The spread of the disease approaches three million people worldwide, with more than one million deaths in the United States annually. Myocardial ischemia and infarction can cause electrophysiological and metabolic changes causing asymptomatic or even life-threatening arrhythmias. About 75% of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients experience arrhythmias during the peri-infarction period. The most common cause of death in patient with AMI in pre-hospitalization is ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF(.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study targeting 150 patients with myocardial infarction attending Damascus Hospital. According to certain acceptance and exclusion criteria.
Results: The sample consisted of 150 patients who suffered from heart infarction, the mean age of patients in the sample was 59.41 years with a standard deviation of 11.02 years, the oldest age in the sample patients was 90 years, and the youngest age was 28 years. Males constituted the largest portion of patients, with 112 males, 75%, and 38 females, 25%. About 90% of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) develop some form of arrhythmia during or immediately after the event, and in 25% of patients, these arrhythmias appear within the first 24 hours. Heartbeat early in the course of acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Recommendations: One of the most important recommendations of our study is the necessity of keeping the patient under observation for at least 48 hours after myocardial infarction within the hospital to monitor the ECG over a period of 24 hours (Holter) in order to detect arrhythmias. Detection of arrhythmias in every patient with extensive anterior, lateral, or posterior myocardial infarction. And the need to know and take into account ventricular fibrillation and how to manage it in every patient with a heart infarction. And conducting future studies, including a larger number of patients, to study cardiac arrhythmias more precisely.