bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Genetic Gain Trends for Yield in IRRI Rice Varieties in the Philippines Using “era” Trial Studies and Implications for Future Rice Breeding
Authors: Venkatanagappa Shoba , Collard Bertrand C. Y , Gulles Alaine , Islam Mohammad Rafiq , Lopena Vitaliano , Pamplona Alvaro
Published: November 2021

Rice is a staple crop for 3.5 billion people in the world. To meet the challenges of the rice production for food security and demand due to population increase, yield improvement due to a rice variety’s genetic characteristics is imperative. Two studies presented in this paper were undertaken at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, to assess genetic gains for yield in rice varieties bred over the past 50 years. These studies are called as “Era” studies as the varieties used for trials were released during long and distinct periods. Due to the differences in time periods of studies, varieties and locations, the studies were treated separately so as to not to compromise the data analyses. The studies demonstrated that IRRI developed varieties have achieved genetic gains and levels of genetic gains were dependent on correction or otherwise for maturities. In Study 1, the highest level of genetic gain was 0.70% at about a 23 kg ha-1 annual yield increase when not corrected for maturity followed by a genetic gain of 0.62% when corrected for maturity. In Study 2, the highest level of genetic gain was 0.74% at about a 19 kg ha-1 annual yield increase when corrected for maturity followed by 0.66% genetic gain when not corrected for maturity. Implications for breeding programs are discussed, however, the studies were not intended to compare genetic gains achieved through different breeding methods nor to compare genetic gains achieved using plot trials versus realized genetic gains for crops grown under farmers’ management.
Physiological Changes in Chicken Embryos Inoculated With Drugs and Viruses Highlight the Need for More Standardisation of This Animal Model
Authors: Sommerfeld Simone , Mundim Antonio Vicente , Silva Rogério Reis , Queiroz Jéssica Santos , Rios Maisa Paschoal , Notário Fabiana Oliveira , Medeiros Alessandra Aparecida , Beletti Marcelo Emílio , Franco Rodrigo Rodrigues , Espindola Foued Salmen , Goulart Luiz Ricardo , Fonseca Belchiolina Beatriz
Published: November 2021

Background: Several works have been developed using the Gallus gallus embryo as an experimental model to study the toxicity of drugs and infections. Studies that seek to standardise the evaluated parameters are needed to better understand and identify the viability of chicken embryos (CE) as an experimental model. Therefore, we sought to verify whether macroscopic, histopathological, blood count, metabolites and/or enzymes changes and oxidative stress in CE of different ages are peculiar to the model. To achieve this goal, in ovo assays were performed injecting a virus (Gammacoronavirus) and two drugs (filgrastim and dexamethasone) that cause known changes in adult chickens and other animals. Results: Embryo response to virus and drug challenges may not occur as expected for adult chickens and even different species. While macroscopic and microscopic damage was visible in the case of viral infections, the white blood cell count and inflammation biomarkers did not change. Filgrastim (FG) testing did not result in the expected effects for CE. On the other hand, with dexamethasone (DX), changes in blood parameters and biomarkers were inherent to the model and depended on the stage of CE development.Conclusions: Our work reinforces the importance of standardization and correct use of the model so that the results of infection, toxicity and pharmacokinetics are recorded.
Linking Theory and Empirics: A General Framework to Model Opinion Formation Processes
Authors: Kozitsin Ivan V.
Published: November 2021

We introduce a minimal opinion formation model, which is quite flexible and can reproduce a broad variety of the existing micro-influence assumptions and models. At the same time, the model can be easily calibrated on real data, upon which it imposes only a few requirements. From this perspective, our model can be considered as a bridge, connecting theoretical studies on opinion formation models and empirical research on social dynamics. We investigate the model analytically by using mean-field approximation and numerically. Our analysis is exemplified by recently reported empirical data drawn from an online social network. We demonstrate that the model calibrated on these data may reproduce fragmented and polarizing social systems. Furthermore, we manage to generate an artificial society that features properties quantitatively and qualitatively similar to those observed empirically at the macro scale. This ability became possible after we had advanced the model with two important communication features: selectivity and personalization algorithms.
Minimum of Two-Year Follow-up After Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Discectomy on Lumbar Disc Herniation: Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes
Authors: Yue Lei , Chen Hao , Mu Guanzhang , Li Bingxu , Fu Haoyong , Sun Haolin
Published: November 2021

Background Percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) is a widely-used minimally invasive technique in treating lumbar disc herniation (LDH), our aim was to investigate the long-term effect of PETD on clinical outcomes and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics of LDH patients.Methods This is a retrospective case series to assess patients who underwent single level PETD from January 2015 to June 2019 with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Clinical outcomes included numeric rating scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and adverse events. Radiographic parameters included sagittal spine geometry, characteristics of protrusion, and degeneration grading of intervertebral disc and facet joint. Sensitivity analysis and risk factor analysis were also performed.Results Thirty-eight patients (43.16 ± 13.32 years; M: F = 20: 18) were assessed. During the follow-up period (33.47±12.53 months), the mean disc height decreased from 10.27 ± 1.92 mm to 8.95 ± 1.74 mm (P=0.000), and lumbar lordosis increased from 31.31 ± 8.63° to 35.07 ± 8.07° (P=0.002). The size of protrusion significantly decreased after PETD (P=0.000). Disc degeneration grading was generally higher at last follow-up compared with baseline (p=0.002). Compared with baseline, significant improvements were observed on NRS and ODI at 3-months follow-up and the last follow-up. On risk factor analysis, facet tropism was correlated with radiographic recurrence of disc herniation (OR=6.00 [95% confidential interval (CI)1.176-30.624], p=0.031).Conclusions This study demonstrates that at long-term follow-up, despite the good clinical results, the PETD resulted in significant aggravation of intervertebral disc degeneration.
A Vector-agent Approach to (Spatiotemporal) Movement Modelling and Reasoning
Authors: Rahimi Saeed , Moore Antoni B. , Whigham Peter A.
Published: November 2021

Modelling a complex system of autonomous individuals moving through space and time essentially entails understanding the (heterogeneous) spatiotemporal context, interactions with other individuals, their internal states and making any underlying causal interrelationships explicit, a task for which agents (including vector-agents) are specifically well-suited. Building on a conceptual model of agent space-time and reasoning behaviour, a design guideline for an implemented vector-agent model is presented in this article as an example. The movement of football players was chosen as it is appropriately constrained in possible space, time and individual actions. Sensitivity-variability analysis was applied to measure the performance of different configurations of system components on the emergent movement patterns. The model output varied more when the condition of the contextual actors (players’ role-areas) were manipulated. In conclusion, ABMs can contribute to our understanding of movement and how causally-relevant evidence could be produced, through a proposed agent equipped with active causal knowledge.
The Dielectric Properties and Thermal Conductivities of Epoxy Composites Reinforced by Titanium Dioxide
Authors: Jia Yuan , Yang Juxiang , Dong Weijie , Li Beibei , Liu Zhen
Published: November 2021

To improve the dielectric properties and thermal conductivities of epoxy resins (EP), titanium dioxide superfine powders with microspheres structure (S-TiO2) were prepared via a hydrothermal process based on the sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate and hydroxyl silicate. The different content of S-TiO2 was then employed as modifiers to add into EP resin to prepare the S-TiO2/EP composites. The structure and morphology of the prepared S-TiO2 was observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and influences of different addition of S-TiO2 on the thermal conductivity of S-TiO2/EP composites are researched, while their dielectric constant and dielectric loss are also studied. The results suggested that the reasonable content of S-TiO2 can endow the S-TiO2/EP composites with higher dielectric constant without excessive increase their dielectric loss even under the high frequency. Furthermore, the thermal conductivity of S-TiO2/EP are also be improved, which can be attributed to the good thermal conductivity of S-TiO2 itself and the thermal conductivity path formed by S-TiO2 inside the EP matrix.
GM-CSF Impairs Erythropoiesis by Disrupting Erythroblastic Island Formation via Macrophages
Authors: Cao Weijie , Fan Wenjuan , Wang Fang , Zhang Yinyin , Wu Guanghua , Shi Xiaojing , Shi Jianxiang , Gao Fengcai , Yan Meimei , Guo Rong , Li Yingmei , Li Wei , Du Chunyan , Jiang Zhongxing
Published: November 2021

Anemia is a significant complication of chronic inflammation and may be related to dysregulated activities among erythroblastic island (EBI) macrophages. GM-CSF was reported to be upregulated and attracted as a therapeutic target in many inflammatory diseases. Among EBIs, we found that the GM-CSF receptor is preferentially and highly expressed among EBI macrophages but not among erythroblasts. GM-CSF treatment significantly decreases human EBI formation in vitro by decreasing the adhesion molecule expression of CD163. RNA-sequence analysis suggests that GM-CSF treatment impairs the supporting function of human EBI macrophages during erythropoiesis. GM-CSF treatment also polarizes human EBI macrophages from M2-like type to M1-like type. In addition, GM-CSF decreases mouse bone marrow (BM) erythroblasts as well as EBI macrophages, leading to a reduction in EBI numbers. In defining the molecular mechanism at work, we found that GM-CSF treatment significantly decreases the adhesion molecule expression of CD163 and Vcam1 in vivo. Importantly, GM-CSF treatment also decreases the phagocytosis rate of EBI macrophages in mouse BM as well as decreases the expression of the engulfment-related molecules Mertk, Axl, and Timd4. In addition, GM-CSF treatment polarizes mouse BM EBI macrophages from M2-like type to M1-like type. Thus, we document that GM-CSF impairs EBI formation in mice and humans. Our findings support that targeting GM-CSF or reprogramming EBI macrophages might be a novel strategy to treat anemia resulting from inflammatory diseases.
Occupational Related Shoulder and Neck Pain Among Working Population of Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mengistu Dechasa Adare , Dammu Yohannes Mulugeta
Published: November 2021

Background: Currently, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a significant public health concern and are one of the leading causes of disability-adjusted life years and reducing quality of life. Therefore, the current study aimed to provide the country-wide prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, particularly shoulder and neck pain, in Ethiopia.Methods: This study considered studies conducted in Ethiopia, written in English and published in 2017-2020 and searched using included electronic databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Embase, African Index Medicus, and African Journals Online database. The quality assessment of the studies was done using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Assessment tools to determine the relevance of each included article to the study.Results: The study found that the pooled prevalence of shoulder and neck pain in the previous year represented 37.9% [95% CI:26.5, 50.8%] and 29.9% [95% CI: 20.1, 41.9], respectively. Based on the subgroup analysis, the pooled prevalence of shoulder pain in the last year based on the study population, publication year and study region was 47.6% [95% CI: 45.8, 49.4%], 49.8% [95% CI: 45.7, 53.9%] and 44.6% [95% CI: 41.4, 47.8%], respectively, while the pooled prevalence of neck pain in the last year based on the study population, publication year and study area was 39.1% (95% CI: 37.5, 40.7%], 25.1% [ 95% CI: 20.8, 29.9%] and 32.6% [95% CI: 29.8, 35.5%], respectively.Conclusions This study found that at least one third of the study participants had experienced occupational-related shoulder and/or neck pain the previous year. The study suggests that there is a need to implement occupational health and safety to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders and other hazards.
Occupational Related Upper and Low Back Pain Among Working Population of Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mengistu Dechasa Adare , Demmu Yohannes Mulugeta , Alemu Addisu
Published: November 2021

Background: Back pains, such as low and upper back pains are among the most common musculoskeletal conditions that can cause major public health and socioeconomic problems. Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability that reduces worker performance and well-being and increases absence from work, which can cause an enormous economic burden. In developing countries, particularly in Ethiopia, there is no adequate evidence on the overall prevalence of occupational-related low and upper back pains and remain less prioritized and empirically unrepresented. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational-related low and upper back pains among the working population of Ethiopia.Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis considered studies conducted in Ethiopia, written in English, and published from 2017-2020. Articles were searched from nine electronic databases (Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online database and Science Direct) using a combination of Boolean logic operators, Medical Subject Headings and main keywords. The quality assessment of the articles was performed using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools to determine the relevance of the articles to the study. A random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence, the 95% confidence interval, and the degree of heterogeneity among the included studies. Sensitivity analyzes were performed to identify the influence of outliers and to identify sources of heterogeneity.Results: Of the 1,114 studies identified from the included databases, 20 studies were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of occupational-related upper and low back pain in the previous year was 27.1% [95% CI: 18.4, 37.9] and 54.2% [95% CI: 48.2, 60.0], respectively. Based on a subgroup analysis by publication year, study population and countries where the studies are conducted, the prevalence of upper back pain was 43.8% [95% CI: 39.3, 47.7], 34.7% [95% CI: 33.1, 36.2], and 36.2% [95% CI: 33.6, 39.0], respectively, while the prevalence of low back pain was 61.8% [95% CI: 58.9, 64.6], 52.8% [95% CI: 51.3, 54.3] and 55.2% [95% CI: 51.4, 59.0], respectively.Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that 54.2% of the included study participants experienced low back pain in the previous year, while 27.1% experienced upper back pain. These problems may be reduced by considering proper observation of the principles of ergonomics in the workplace, and performing physical exercises on a regular basis.
Platelet Soluble NOX2 as a New Biomarker in Patients with Sepsis
Authors: Mai Li , Xiong Yuan , Huang Yong , Chen Weixian , Wang Bo
Published: November 2021

Background: Substantial evidence supports the view that NOX2 may function as a pivotal regulator in various physiological and pathological processes. However, to date, the interplay between platelet soluble NOX2 levels and sepsis remains unclear. The overall aim of this work is to obtain a better insight into whether or not platelet NOX2 is involved in sepsis. Methods: The levels of platelet soluble NOX2, from 31 patients diagnosed with Gram-positive sepsis, 36 patients with Gram-negative sepsis and 45 healthy individuals, were measured with sandwich ELISA kits that we developed. Results: In this work, we showed that platelet NOX2 concentrations were significantly lower in healthy individuals compared to patients with sepsis (P<0.01), and that platelet NOX2 values were significantly correlated with the platelet activation markers, including soluble CD40L and soluble P-selectin. Interestingly, we also found that platelet NOX2 values in patients with Gram-positive sepsis were higher than those in patients with Gram-negative sepsis. Conclusions: Platelet NOX2 levels maybe an important indicator of the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced platelet activation.
The Association between Trichomonas Vaginalis Infection and The Risk of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia, Prostate Cancer, and Bladder Cancer in Patients: A Nationwide Population-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Yang Hung Yi , Su Ruei-Yu , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Huang Kuo-Yang , Chien Wu-Chien , Lin Hsin-Chung , Lin Hsin-An , Wang Jui-Yang , Chen Chien-Chou
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Trichomonas vaginalis infection is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections in the world. There are approximately 276 million cases worldwide. Most men remain undiagnosed and untreated because they are asymptomatic. The chronic inflammation induced by persistent infection may increase the risk of developing genitourinary cancers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between trichomoniasis and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer (PCa), and bladder cancer (BC) in Taiwan.Material and method: We designed a case-control study by using the database of the National Health Insurance program in Taiwan. We used the International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision classifications to classify all the medical conditions in the case and control groups. All odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression to adjust for all comorbidities and variables.Result: From 2000 to 2015, we enrolled a total of 62,544 individuals as the case group and 187,632 as the control group. Trichomoniasis exposure had a significant association with BPH and PCa (adjusted OR: BPH = 2.685, 95% CI = 1.233–4.286, P = 0.013; PCa = 5.801, 95% CI = 1.296–26.035, P = 0.016). The relative risk was much higher if patients had both trichomoniasis and depression (adjusted OR = 7.682, 95% CI = 5.730–9.451, P < 0.001).Conclusion: Men with trichomoniasis had a significantly higher risk of developing BPH and PCa than those without. Healthcare professionals should not only pay more attention to disease treatment, but also to public health education.
Conservation Policy Changes in Protected Areas on Hilltops: Effects on Hydrological Response in A Small Watershed.
Authors: Magdalena Ulises Rodrigo , Francisco Cristiane Nunes , Lopes Lucas Garofolo , Rodriguez Daniel Andrés
Published: November 2021

Public policies affecting land use/land cover also have an impact on water resource availability, and hilltop protected areas are a relevant factor in ensuring continued availability of water resources. The legislation ruling the delimitation of protected areas on hilltops has changed at the national level in 2012 and in Rio de Janeiro state in 2014. However, these environmental legislation changes did not take into account the feedback effects of restricting protected areas to hilltops on the regularity of hydrological responses in watersheds. As such, this manuscript sought to analyze the contribution of hilltop-only protected areas to continued water availability. We analyzed hydrological responses in the São João river watershed, which provides water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural uses in the Região dos Lagos municipalities of Rio de Janeiro state. Our results show that designating only hilltops as protected areas, as prescribed under the new pieces of legislation, does not prevent abrupt changes in hydrological responses that can lead to changes in streamflow volume and regularity as well as increases in sediment flows, which may compromise drainage systems and continued water supply due to reservoir silting. Therefore, we conclude that protecting hilltops only, as established under current Brazilian legislation, is not sufficient to safeguard the environmental function of maintaining water resource availability.
A Model for Pest Control using Integrated Approach: Impact of Latent and Gestation Delays
Authors: Noor M. H. , Basir Fahad Al
Published: November 2021

In this article, we have established a mathematical model using impulsive differential equations for the dynamics of crop pest management in the presence of a pest with its predator and bio-pesticides. The pest population is divided into two subpopulations, namely, the susceptible pests and the infected pests. In this control process, bio-pesticides (generally virus) infect the susceptible pest through viral infection within the pest and make it infected so that predators can consume it quickly. We assume that pest controlling, using this integrated approach, is a delayed process and thus incorporated latent time of susceptible pest and gestation delay of predator in the model as time delay parameters. The system dynamics have been analyzed using qualitative theory: the existence of the equilibrium points and their stability properties has been derived. Hopf bifurcation of the coexisting equilibrium point is presented for both the delayed and non-delayed system. Detail numerical simulations are performed in support of analytical results and illustrate the different dynamical regimes observed in the system. We have observed that the system becomes free of infection when the latent time of the pest is large. Coexisting equilibrium exists for the lower value of latent delay, and it can change the stability properties from stable to unstable when it crosses its critical value. In contrast, gestation delay affects the stability switches of coexisting equilibrium only. The combined effect of the two delays on the system is shown numerically. Also, viral replication rate, infection rate (from virus to pest) is also significant from the pest management perspective. In summary, both the delay is essential for crop pest management, and pest control will be successful with tolerable delays.
Towards a Universal Definition of Disease Activity Score Thresholds: The AS135 Score
Authors: Foulquier Nathan , Chevet Baptiste , Alegria Guillermo Carvajal , Saraux Léa , Devauchelle-Pensec Valérie , Redou Pascal , Saraux Alain
Published: November 2021

Background

Many study groups have developed scores to reflect disease activity. The result of this fragmented process is a multitude of disease activity scores, even for a single disease.
Design:

To identify and standardize disease activity scores in rheumatology, we conducted a literature review on disease activity criteria using both a manual approach and in-house computer software (BIBOT) that applies natural language processing to automatically identify and interpret important words in abstracts published in English between 1.1.1975 and 31.12.2018. We selected activity scores with cut-off values divided into four classes (remission and low, moderate and high disease activity). We used a linear interpolation to map disease activity scores to our new score, the AS135, and developed a smartphone application to perform the conversion.
Results

A total of 108 activity criteria from various fields were identified, but it was in rheumatology that we found the most pronounced separation into four classes. We built the AS135 score modification for each selected score using a linear interpolation of the existing criteria. The score modification was defined on the interval [0,10], and values of 1, 3 and 5 were used as thresholds. These arbitrary thresholds were then associated with the thresholds of the existing criteria, and an interpolation was calculated, allowing conversion of the existing criteria into the AS135 criterion. Finally, we created a mobile application.
Conclusion

We developed an application for clinicians that enables the use of a single disease activity score for different inflammatory rheumatic diseases using an intuitive scale.
Effect of Cryotherapy On Pain Scores and Satisfaction Levels of Patients in Cataract Surgery Under Topical Anesthesia
Authors: Khezri Marzieh Beigom , Akrami Abbas , Majdi Matina , Gahandideh Bijan , mohammadi Navid
Published: November 2021

Background

To evaluate the effects of cryotherapy on pain scores and satisfaction levels of patients during cataract surgery under topical anesthesia.
Methods

Eighty patients aged between 55 and 75 years scheduled for cataract surgery were randomly allocated to two study groups to receive topical anesthesia with cryotherapy (TC) or topical anesthesia alone (T) groups. Visual analog pain scores, patient satisfaction level, hemodynamic parameters, and quality of operating conditions were recorded.
Results

Cryotherapy significantly reduced VAS pain scores during surgery (P=0.014). Although no significant difference in postoperative pain scores, opioid consumption, heart rate, and mean arterial blood pressure was seen in the postoperative period. The surgeon reported better quality of operating conditions in the TC group (P = 0.018).
Conclusion

Cryotherapy as a complementary method with topical anesthesia reduced pain scores of patients during surgery. It also produced a better quality of operating conditions for surgeons. There was no significant difference in either postoperative pain scores or opioid consumption.
Nomogram Model for Predicting Early Onset of Chronic Kidney Disease Using Color Doppler Region of Interest Technique
Authors: Zhang Liang , Xu Kuishuai , Ma Leiyuan , Shao Changjie
Published: November 2021

Purpose: The risk factors of chronic kidney disease were analyzed by using the region of interest quantitative technology of color doppler combined with QLab software, and a Nomogram was established to conduct an individualized assessment of patients with chronic kidney disease.Methods: A total of 500 patients with chronic kidney disease diagnosed in our hospital from June 2019 to March 2021 were selected as the chronic kidney disease group, and 300 healthy patients during the same period were selected as the control group. Univariate analysis was performed on the test indexes(Fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, urea nitrogen , creatinine, uric acid, albumin, red blood cell count, glomerular filtration rate, urinary protein) and the vascularity index, flow index, and vascularization flow index measured by the color doppler region of interest quantitative technique. The above meaningful indicators were included in the Logistics regression analysis to obtain the independent risk factors of early chronic kidney disease. The independent risk factors were imported into R software to draw a nomogram model for predicting early chronic kidney disease and evaluate the model.Results: Single factor analysis results suggest age, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, disease of heart head blood-vessel, body mass index, vascularity index, flow index, and vascularization flow index, fasting blood sugar, triglyceride, total cholesterol, urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, glomerular filtration rate differences statistically significant (P < 0.05), while gender, renal length to diameter, the thickness of the cortex, Resistance index and peak systolic velocity and albumin difference has no statistical significance (P > 0.05). Logistics regression analysis showed that hypertension, diabetes, flow index, and vascularization flow index, urea nitrogen and albumin were independent risk factors for the early occurrence of chronic kidney disease. The C index of this nomogram using independent risk factors is 0.896 (95%CI: 0.862-0.930), which indicates that the nomogram has good discriminant power. The receiver operating curve of the histograph was AUC(area under the curve) 0.884 (95%CI: 0.860-0.908), with the optimal threshold of 0.663, specificity of 88.7%, sensitivity of 78.0%, accuracy of 82.0%, and positive predictive value of 91.9%. The ROC(receiver operator characteristic curve) of urea nitrogen, albumin ,flow index, and vascularization flow index were evaluated. The results indicated that the best cutoff value of urea nitrogen was 5.9mmol/L, flow index was 14.67, vascularization flow index was 4.6, and albumin was 40.26g/L. Conclusion: In the prediction of chronic kidney disease I-II stage, the quantitative technique of color Doppler region of interest has certain diagnostic value. The model established in this study has good discriminative power and can be applied to clinical practice, giving certain indicative significance.
Comparative Efficacy of Open-chain Kinematics and Closed-chain Kinematics on Walking Proficiency and Societal Integration in Post-stroke Individuals: a Pretest- Post-test Experimental Study
Authors: Nwaedozie Obianuju , Gbiri Caleb , Olawale Olajide , Mgbeojedo Ukamaka , Adeagbo Caleb
Published: November 2021

Background

Post-stroke hemiplegic gait is a mixture of deviations and compensatory motion dictated by residual function. To improve stroke survivors' walking ability, it is necessary to evaluate different rehabilitation approaches and identify those that have a greater effect on locomotor recovery of stroke patients.
Objectives

This study was designed to compare the effect of open-chain kinematics (bicycle ergometry) and closed-chain kinematics (treadmill) on walking proficiency in post-stroke individuals and their societal integration.
Methods

This was a pretest- posttest- experimental study involving 35 ambulatory hemiplegic stroke survivors (18males and 17 females) with a mean age of 53.77±10.95 undergoing rehabilitation at the two Teaching Hospitals in Lagos. Patients went through a 10-week rehabilitation and were randomly assigned to two intervention groups. Spatio-temporal gait parameters were measured by the six-metre walkway and community integrated questionnaire was used to examine home integration, social integration and productive activities. Data were subjected to inferential and descriptive statistics. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.
Results

Results showed significant difference between baseline and post intervention scores for all the gait parameters in the bicycle ergometer group except for stride length (p = 0.078). There was also a significant difference in the mean change in cadence between the treadmill and bicycle ergometer group (p = 0.04).
Conclusions

Both open-chain and closed-chain kinematics are effective, but closed- chain is most effective in re-educating ambulation and re-gaining spatio-temporal gait parameters after stroke and should be structured into the patients’ treatment regimen to effectively improve functional capability in post-stroke individuals.
Population Structure and Phylogeny of Some U.S. Peach Cultivars
Authors: Chen Chunxian , Okie William R.
Published: November 2021

Peach (Prunus persica) cultivars maintained at the U.S. Department of Agriculture program at Byron, GA, have never been characterized with any molecular markers. In this study, 20 microsatellite markers were used to genotype 112 cultivars and the data were analyzed to discern their population structure and phylogenetic relationships. STRUCTURE simulations revealed four K clusters and broad genetic admixture among the cultivars. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed the cultivar groups from western, northeastern, and southeastern U.S. states were adjacent to each other except cultivars from Michigan (close to most southeastern state groups) and Florida (most distant from the other groups). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that these cultivars had no obvious PCA partitioning boundaries. The intertwined distribution in both PCoA and PCA partitions suggested many of them were genetically closely related to each other largely because most shared same ancestral parentages. Most pairwise distance means within and between the cultivar groups were relatively low, suggesting close phylogenetic relations among those cultivars, as were demonstrated in the phylogenetic tree. Limiting factors and perspectives relevant to peach breeding are discussed.
Study of rheological characteristics of fermented milk paste with spices
Authors: Polishchuk Galyna , Kuzmyk Uliana , Yushchenko Nataliia , Osmak Tetiana , Kurmach Mykhailo , Bass Oksana , Kyrychenko Oksana
Published: November 2021

Research object: rheological characteristics of fermented milk pastes with spices.

Investigated problem: according to the results of the degree of syneresis and rheological properties, the consistency of the product is characterized. This allows to improve and optimize the technological process for the production of fermented milk products.

Main scientific results: the results of the dispersion analysis of spices show that their particle size is in the range of 250 … 400 microns. This size is optimal for the extraction of biologically active substances of spices, which will contribute to greater assimilation by the human body. And also optimally to avoid caking of raw materials and the manifestation of moisture-absorbing properties.

It was found that the degree of syneresis of fermented milk pastes with spices is within 10 %. With the addition of cinnamon and fenugreek spices, the degree of syneresis is lower compared to other examples. This is due to the fact that spices contain a solution of fiber, which allows them to retain free moisture. The spice cinnamon is a dried bark that naturally contains polysaccharides, while fenugreek contains up to 30 % mucus, which also has a high moisture-absorbing capacity. With such a low serum separation, the stabilizing effect is sufficient to prevent spontaneous whey separation.

Based on the results of the rheological properties of the product, it was established that fermented milk pastes belong to viscoplastic systems with a normal consistency. There was a slight difference in the shear stress index for pastes based on fermented milk low-fat soft dietary cheese and sour cream with a fat mass fraction of 20 % – by an average of 50 Pa. This characteristic is due to the hydrophilic characteristics of the protein.

The area of practical use of the research results: scientific research concerns the technology of dairy products in the food industry.

Innovative technological product: the obtained scientific result is an opportunity to improve the technological process of fermented milk products.

The scope of implementation of an innovative technological product: the results obtained give grounds to assert the ability to translate into a real industrial creation.
Comparative hygienic assessment of working conditions and potential risks for workers' health when applying pesticides in different technics
Authors: Borysenko Аndrii , Tkachenko Inna , Antonenko Аnna
Published: November 2021

In the structure of regional and planetary pollutants, pesticides are in the top ten, and among food contaminants along with heavy metals – they occupy first place in the world. It is known that pesticides and agrochemicals, which belong to the group of biologically active compounds, are one of the important factors affecting the human body.

The aim: comparative hygienic assessment of working conditions and occupational risk when using pesticides by different methods of application (knapsack, rod, ventilator, unmanned and aviation) on the example of the fungicide Amistar Extra 280 SC.

Materials and methods. Field studies were conducted in 2018–2021. When applying the formulation knapsack sprayer SOLO-10, trailed boom sprayer AMAZON 1201 UF combined with a tractor MTZ 82.1 Belarus, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for spraying fields Agras T16, AN-2 aircraft combined with OZh-2 were used.

Results. As a result of field researches of working conditions of employees during the performance of production operations on the pesticides application, it was found that in the air treatment areas and in areas of possible drift the levels of studied active ingredients were below the limit of quantification of the method. The difference between azoxystrobin (0,04±0,003) and cyproconazole (12,4±0,5) for the tank refueler and the UAV external pilot in the field studies is significant according to Student's criterion (p >0,05). For the operator who applied the pesticide with a knapsack sprayer, the values of inhalation risks were significantly higher than for the tankers of the sprayer tank at p >0,05. The values of the combined risk when using a fan sprayer (0,46±0,02) significantly exceeded the data obtained when using a rod sprayer (0,14±0,006)

Conclusions. Analysis of the obtained results showed that the values of the combined risk are significantly higher for the operator / tractor driver, signalman than for their refuelers (at p <0,05). The values of the combined risk of the external pilot were significantly lower than those of the tanker when using a pesticide using a UAV.
Long-term effects of hysterectomy due to uterine fibroids in women of reproductive age
Authors: Proshchenko Olha , Ventskivska Iryna , Kamuz Natalia
Published: November 2021

The article presents an analytical assessment of long-term postoperative consequences in women of reproductive age after hysterectomy for uterine fibroids.

The aim of the study to determine the structure of long-term results of hysterectomy for uterine fibroids in women of reproductive age using different approaches to the possibility of optimizing the diagnostic algorithm in the preoperative period in the future.

Materials and methods – 160 women aged 40 to 50 years with symptomatic uterine fibroids, who underwent hysterectomy performed by vaginal, laparoscopically assisted vaginal, abdominal, were examined. Research methods are the following: physical examination of patients, assessment of pelvic floor (cough test, Valsalva maneuver, “Stop Test” with Kegel cones), diagnosis of urogenital dysfunction using a standardized POP-Q system; instrumental examination:, complete urodynamic testing, cystometry, (for assessment of the severity of urinary incontinence the classification of the International Continence Society (ICS) was used); assessment of the patient’s quality of life on the 10th day after surgery, 3, 6, 12 months and three years after surgery using the international standard questionnaire MOS SF-36; study of the local infectious status of the female body (bacteriological and bacterioscopic examination of discharge from vagina and urethra, determination of vaginal pH

Results and their discussion. The structure of distant postoperative manifestations was determined (after 36 months of postoperative monitoring): clinical manifestations of intestinal function discomfort in the same degree in patients of three subgroups, 2.4 and 2.9 times less often in group I patients indicated chronic pelvic pain, in 1.7 times less often - for genitourinary disorders, vaginal prolapse in a third of cases, especially in women with abdominal HE and classic vaginal HE (30.0±5.0 % and 37.8±5.0 %, respectively, against 17.8±4.0 % – in the group with laparotomically assisted HE).

Conclusions. Given the data on genitourinary disorders and vaginal prolapse in almost a third of observations after hysterectomy for uterine fibroids, it is advisable to consider additional examination of latent signs of genitourinary syndrome at the preoperative stage to optimize the choice of access, the volume of surgical treatment.
Sense of online betrayal, brand hate, and outrage customers’ anti-brand activism
Authors: Ninh Nguyen Hai , Binh Nguyen Thanh
Published: November 2021

The current study develops a research model and explores the correlation between customer sense of online betrayal, brand hate, and anti-brand activism. The outrage customers’ anti-brand behaviors consist of negative online word of mouth, online public complaining, and online boycott. Data from an online survey of 383 online shoppers were used to test seven proposed hypotheses. The partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was adopted to assess the measurement and structural model. The findings showed that the sense of online betrayal positively and significantly affects brand hate and anti-brand behaviors. In addition, brand hate is also the leading cause of customers’ anti-brand actions. The present study highlights the mediation role of brand hate in eliciting revenge from consumers subjected to online betrayal. This study also gives some recommendations to customers to stop the misconduct behaviors of online betrayals, such as spreading their betrayal cases to friends and relatives via social media, then asking for supports and help from governmental and legal agencies and participating in boycotts; raising boycott movements against the betraying brand should be considered as the most extreme punishment.
Overview of PROTACs Targeting the Estrogen Receptor: Achievements
for Biological and Drug Discovery
Authors: Qin Hui , Zhang Yiwen , Lou Yutao , Pan Zongfu , Song Feifeng , Liu Yujia , Xu Tong , Zheng Xiaowei , Hu Xiaoping , Huang Ping
Published: November 2021

Estrogen receptors (ERs) are steroid hormone receptors, which belong to a
large nuclear receptor family. Endocrine diseases correlate strongly with dysregulated ER
signaling. Traditional therapies continue to rely on small molecule inhibitors, including
aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), all of
which permit acquired resistance to endocrine therapy. Proteolytic targeting chimeras
(PROTACs) offer unprecedented potential for solving acquired endocrine resistance.
ARV-471, an ER-targeting PROTAC developed by Arvinas, was approved by the US
FDA to entered clinical trials in 2019 to treat patients suffering from locally advanced or
metastatic ER-positive/HER2-negative breast cancer, and has since been approved by the
US FDA. In this review, we will focus on progress in developing ER-targeting PROTACs
from publications and patents aimed at the treatment of endocrine diseases.
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Key Candidate Genes Related to Seed
Abortion in Chinese Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill)
Authors: Shao Fengxia , Yin Hengfu , Wang Sen , Zhang Saiyang , Chen Juan , Feng Can
Published: November 2021

Background:

Seed abortion is a common phenomenon in Chinese jujube that seriously
hinders the process of cross-breeding. However, the molecular mechanisms of seed abortion remain
unclear in jujube.

Methods:

Here, we performed transcriptome sequencing using eight flower and fruit tissues at different
developmental stages in Ziziphus jujuba Mill. ‘Zhongqiusucui’ to identify key genes related
to seed abortion. Histological analysis revealed a critical developmental process of embryo abortion
after fertilization.

Results:

Comparisons of gene expression revealed a total of 14,012 differentially expressed genes.
Functional enrichment analyses of differentially expressed genes between various sample types uncovered
several important biological processes, such as embryo development, cellular metabolism,
and stress response, that were potentially involved in the regulation of seed abortion. Furthermore,
gene co-expression network analysis revealed a suite of potential key genes related to ovule and
seed development. We focused on three types of candidate genes, agamous subfamily genes, plant
ATP-binding cassette subfamily G transporters, and metacaspase enzymes, and showed that the expression
profiles of some members were associated with embryo abortion.

Conclusions:

This work generates a comprehensive gene expression data source for unraveling the
molecular mechanisms of seed abortion and aids future cross-breeding efforts in jujube.
MnO, Co and Ni Nanoparticle Synthesis by Oleylamie and Oleic Acid
Authors: He Wencai , Qi Yifang , Erugu Uppalaiah , Moore Jaiden , Zhu Xianchun , Han Fengxiang , Tang Jinke , Dai Qilin
Published: November 2021

Background:

Magnetic nanoparticles are attracting much attention toward easy
operation and size controllable synthesis methods. We develop a method to synthesize MnO, Co,
CoO, and Ni nanoparticles by thermal decomposition of metal 2,4-pentanedionates in the presence
of oleylamine (OLA), oleic acid (OA), and 1-octadecene (ODE).

Methods:

Similar experimental conditions are used to prepare nanoparticles except for the metal
starting materials (manganese 2,4-pentanedionate, nickel 2,4-pentanedionate, and cobalt 2,4-
pentanedionate), leading to different products. For the manganese 2,4-pentanedionate starting
material, MnO nanoparticles are always obtained as the reaction is controlled with different
temperatures, precursor concentrations, ligand ratios, and reaction time. For the cobalt 2,4-
pentanedionate starting material, only three experimental conditions can produce pure phase CoO
and Co nanoparticles. For the nickel 2,4-pentanedionate starting material, only three experimental
conditions lead to the production of pure phase Ni nanoparticles.

Results:

The nanoparticle sizes increase with the increase of reaction temperatures. It is observed
that the reaction time affects nanoparticle growth. The nanoparticles are studied by XRD, TEM,
and magnetic measurements.

Conclusion:

This work presents a facile method to prepare nanoparticles with different sizes,
which provides a fundamental understanding of nanoparticle growth in solution.