bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic value and dynamic change characteristics of cytokines in Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome
Authors: Lv Dongmei , Meng Tao , Zhang Luwen , Zuo Yan , Xu Yuanhong
Published: November 2022

Background: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a serious infectious disease that has received widespread attention. This study focuses on the predictive value and trend of cytokines in SFTS.
Methods: Information of 128 SFTS patients retrospectively collected from January 2019 to January 2022 from a large general hospital in Anhui Province, China. Multivariate Cox model was used to identify predictors of death, ROC curve was used to calculate the value of predictors. Linear regression analysis was used to explore the correlation between cytokines and viral titers. Dynamic changes in cytokines to demonstrate therapeutic significance.
Results: Of the 128 patients diagnosed with SFTS, 34 died during the course of the disease. Cytokines were significantly higher in the non-survival group than the survival group, while CD4 and CD8 counts were lower in the non-survival group. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that TNF-α was an independent predictor of death (p = 0.038, HR = 12.78) with an AUC value of 0.901. TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-8 were correlated with viral titer (p < 0.001, 0.5 < r < 1). Different cytokines showed different trends in the course of treatment. High dose gamma-globulin shock therapy combined with ribavirin can effectively reduce the level of some cytokines (IL-6, IL-2R, IL-10).
Conclusion: TNF-α is an independent predictor of SFTS death outcome and has excellent predictive value. There was a significant correlation between TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IL-8 and virus titer. Gamma-globulin shock therapy combined with ribavirin can control cytokine storm to some extent and provide new ideas for clinical treatment.
Composition and Provenance of Beach Sands in La Graciosa, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria Islands (Eastern Canary Islands, Spain): a Review
Authors: Mangas José , Espino Emma Perez-Chacon
Published: November 2022

In this work, a review of petrographic studies in recent decades on 50 sandy beach samples of the eastern Canary Islands (La Graciosa, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria) has been carried out in order to know the composition and provenance of the sand grains. The sandy samples are intertidal and most are related to beach-dune systems with coastal desert and arid climates. Thus, these samples contain different proportions of calcareous bioclast, intraclast and volcaniclast grains, with the latter coming from different source areas associated with the building stages of the islands (shield, decline, erosive and rejuvenation). In general, the calcareous bioclasts are mostly fragments of red coralline algae and molluscs, with the appearance of occasional grains of echinoderms, foraminifera and bryozoans. The lithoclasts are essentially fragments of ultramafic and mafic alkaline rocks (basanite and basalt) from the shield and rejuvenation stages and to a lesser extent trachytic-phonolitic felsic rocks from the decline stage, while there are few mafic (olivine, clinopyroxene, Fe-Ti oxide, and amphibole) and felsic (feldspar) mineral grains. The intraclasts are fragments of coastal sedimentary rocks such as beachrocks, eolianites, and paleosols. The abundance percentages depend on geographic and geological factors in each coastal zone. In general, the beaches studied in La Graciosa, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura contain higher percentages of bioclasts than lithoclasts. However, volcaniclasts are more abundant than bioclasts in Gran Canaria, and sand grains of trachytic-phonolitic composition appear only on this island. Finally, urban and semi-urban beaches were found to have fewer bioclasts than natural ones.
Sinusoidal RF Simulations for Optimized Electroporation Protocols
Authors: Milestone W. , Hu Q. , Garner A. L. , Joshi R. P.
Published: November 2022

Protocols surrounding electroporation have long been based on trapezoidal pulsing of biological cells. Here, we revisit cellular electroporation for bio-medical applications, including tumor treatment, based on a self-consistent electro-thermal analysis with sinusoidal RF excitation. Predictions for the evolution of pores and their surface angular distribution, as well as potential heating and temperature increases, are given. Our results show an optimum frequency range from 5–7 MHz to achieve increased mass transport without detrimental heating in Jurkat cells. Through parametrized frequency sweeps, this work establishes potential optimized regimes that could guide experimental and clinical protocols. More significantly, the optimal frequency for porating healthy B-cells is predicted to be ~ 2.5 MHz, with almost no poration at 7 MHz. This opens up the exciting possibility for treating malignant tissue with a well-tuned optimal frequency range for bioeffects, while minimizing deleterious effects on healthy cells and tissues.
Evaluation of different dietary polyphenols on conformational, functional changes and lycopene-loaded nanocarriers of walnut protein isolate
Authors: Wang Yuzhen , Chen Yu , Lv Jiao , Li Chang , Wang Fengjun
Published: November 2022

This study investigated the effects of the interaction of walnut protein isolate (WPI) with epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), chlorogenic acid (CLA), (+)-catechin (CA), and ellagic acid (EA) on the structural and functional properties of proteins by a free radical grafting method. The results for polyphenol binding equivalents and content of free amino and sulfhydryl groups as well as those from sodium dodecyl sulfate‒polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis confirmed the covalent interaction between WPI and the polyphenols. The binding capacities of the mixtures and conjugates were as follows: WPI-EGCG > WPI-CLA > WPI-CA > WPI-EA. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and fluorescence spectrum analysis identified changes in the protein structure. The conjugation process obviously increased the polyphenols’antioxidant properties and the surface hydrophobicity was substantially reduced. WPI-EGCG conjugates had the best functional properties, followed by WPI-CLA, WPI-CA, and WPI-EA. Lycopene (LYC) was loaded into nanocarriers by WPI-EGCG self-assembly. These results indicated that WPI-polyphenol conjugates can be utilized to develop food-grade delivery systems to protect chemically lipophilic bioactive compounds.
Oral hygiene behaviours and their associated factors in Chinese adolescents: Evidence from the National Oral Health Survey
Authors: Wang Wenhui , Cui Zhiying , Du Shuo , Yu Yizhen , Xu Kaige , Wang Mingyue , Wang Xing , Feng Xiping , Tai Baojun , Hu Deyu , Lin Huancai , Wang Bo , Wang Chunxiao , Zheng Shuguo , Liu Xuenan , Rong Wensheng , Wang Weijian , Si Yan
Published: November 2022

Objectives To investigate oral hygiene behaviours and their correlates among Chinese adolescents.
Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 118,601 subjects aged 12-15 years from the National Oral Health Survey using multistage cluster sampling. Questionnaire data were used for descriptive and multivariate analyses.
Results A total of 32.6% of subjects brushed their teeth twice daily, 7.4% used fluoridated toothpaste, 3.9% cleaned their teeth twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste, and 9.7% used dental floss. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the probability of good oral hygiene practices (twice-a-day tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste) was higher among these groups: females (AOR: 1.141; 95%CI: 1.072-1.214), 15-year-olds (AOR: 1.786; 95%CI: 1.634-1.952), from urban areas (AOR: 1.389; 95%CI: 1.288-1.497), without siblings (AOR: 1.351; 95%CI: 1.259-1.450), with an educated father (AOR: 1. 605; 95%CI: 1.442-1.788) and mother (AOR: 1.706; 95%CI: 1.530-1.903), having dental visit experiences (AOR: 1.702; 95%CI: 1.589-1.823), rating one’s oral health as good (AOR: 2.341; 95%CI: 2.083-2.631), having fluoride knowledge (AOR: 4.345; 95%CI: 4.034-4.678) and having a positive attitude towards regular dental care (AOR: 1.589; 95%CI: 1.460-1.729).
Conclusion The oral hygiene behaviours of Chinese adolescents were undesirable. Good oral hygiene practices are significantly associated with sociodemographic factors, fluoride knowledge, and attitudes towards regular dental care.
Clinical Relevance Professionals, parents and adolescents should pay attention to adolescents' oral hygiene behaviours. It should be emphasized that twice-a-day tooth brushing with fluoridated toothpaste is essential when designing the content of oral health education and when counselling adolescents.
A Anoikis-Related Risk Model: Predicts Prognosis and Immunotherapy Response for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ren Haitao , Kang Na , Yin Shuan , Xu Chen , Qu Tengfei , Dai Dongdong
Published: November 2022

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. Most HCC patients are already in advanced stages of the disease when a confirmed diagnosis was made with prone to metastasis and a poor prognosis. Anoikis resistance plays a critical role in tumor invasion and metastasis. whereas the role of anoikis in HCC remains unclear. According to univariate Cox regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, anoikis-related genes (ARGs) associated with the overall rate (OS) were selected. Then, 3 prognostic ARGs (PDK4, STK11 and TFDP1) were identified by multivariate Cox regression, and to establish a risk model. According to the risk score, HCC patients were divided into high- and low-risk group. The OS rate and immune infiltration between two groups were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier, CIBERSORT and ssGSEA analysis. The OS rate of HCC patients in low-risk group was longer than that in the high-risk group. The results of nomogram showed that the ARGs prognostic signature was an independent prognostic predictor. In addition, consensus clustering analysis could cluster the patients into two subgroups with different immune infiltration. Besides, functional enrichment and drug sensitivity were also conducted between high- and low-risk groups. This study was the first to integrate multiple ARGs to establish a risk-predictive model, and might provide a new perspective for individualized and accurate therapy strategies for HCC patients.
The Coexistence of Pituitary Adenoma and Rathke’s Cleft Cyst with Situs Inversus Totalis: A case presentation and review of literature
Authors: Zhao Guohong , Heng Lijun , Li Junting , Wang Hang , Zhang Nanyan , Yu Xinwen , Gao Bin
Published: November 2022

Background

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare anatomical condition affecting the positioning of internal organs. Rathke’s cleft cyst (RCC) and pituitary adenoma (PA) are the most common brain diseases, but the coexistence of PA and RCC is extremely rare. To our knowledge, SIT with PA and RCC has never been reported.

Case presentation

We retrospectively analyzed a case of SIT with Cushing's disease and RCC in a 65-year-old woman. The main complaints were centripetal obesity and limb weakness for two months. Heart ultrasonography (USG), chest, and abdominal CT revealed a mirror image of internal organs. In view of the elevated cortisol level, the cortisol suppression tests were applied to confirm the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a pituitary microadenoma and a cystic lesion (RCC). Endoscopic endonasal surgery was done and the final pathology confirmed both lesionsascorticotroph adenoma and RCC respectively. However, whole-exome sequencing (WES), including mitochondria, did not return a positive result for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). At the three months post-operative follow-up, the patient’s weight had decreased by 3.5 kg and symptoms were significantly reduced. PA with co-occurrence of RCC is very rare. Of the patients who underwent PA surgery at the Tangdu hospital from 2015 to 2020, only five cases were reported to also have RCC (0.5%).

Conclusions

In this single-case study, we describe a woman with confirmed SIT who also has manifestations of hypercortisolism, which was eventually confirmed to be PA combined with RCC. In view of the possibility of a gene mutation leading to SIT during embryonic development, and since RCC and PA are also considered to occur in this period, although this patient did not find any abnormal genetic variations, we still can't rule out that the abnormality in this case is caused by abnormal development of early embryos.
Pharmacoinformatics-based prediction of potential Keap1 inhibitors from Hemidesmus indicus (L) R.Br. against oxidative stress-induced diseases
Authors: Vellur Senthilkumar , Pavadai Parasurman , Palanichamy Chandrasekar , Kabilan Shanmugampillai Jeyaraguru , Pandian Sureshbabu Ram Kumar , Kunjiappan Selvaraj
Published: November 2022

The Keap1-Nrf2 pathway plays a prominent role in activating cytoprotective genes, detoxification and antioxidative defense enzymes against oxidative stress and xenobiotics-induced damage. Oxidative stress is involved in the initiation and progression of numerous health complications. The present study investigated the antioxidant potential of aqueous methanolic extract of Hemidesmus indicus (L) R.Br., followed by a pharmacoinformatics-based screening of novel Keap1 protein inhibitors. Initially, the antioxidant potential of this target plant was assessed by antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging and FRAP). H. indicus (L) R.Br. extract (100 µg mL− 1) showed 85 ± 2.917%, 78.783 ± 0.24% of DPPH, ABTS radicals scavenging activity, and 161 ± 4 µg mol (Fe (II)) g− 1 ferric ion reducing power. Further, a total of sixty-nine phytocompounds were derived from this plant through the IMPPAT database, and their three-dimensional structures were obtained from the PubChem database. The chosen sixty-nine phytocompounds were docked against the Kelch-Neh2 complex protein (PDB entry ID: 2flu, resolution 1.50 Å) along with the standard drug (CPU192018). The top scored three hits were selected, namely Hemidescine (− 11.30 Kcal mol− 1), Beta-Amyrin (− 10.00 Kcal mol− 1), and Quercetin (− 9.80 Kcal mol− 1) based on their binding affinities. The selected three hits showed significant drug-likeness properties with the least toxicity profile. Molecular dynamics simulation studies showed that all the protein-ligand complexes (Keap1-HEM, Keap1-BET and Keap1-QUE) were highly stable during the entire simulation period, compared to standard CPUY192018-Keap1complex. Based on these findings, the top-scored three phytocompounds may be used as a significant and safe Keap1 inhibitor and could potentially use for oxidative stress-induced health complications.
Deep Belief Structure Learning for Finger Vein Verification by Solving the Biometric Recognition Model
Authors: Muthusamy Dharmalingam , Ponnusamy Rakkimuthu
Published: November 2022

Vein authentication is a novel biometric method to authenticate the individuality of a person. The conventional biometric technique employs shape images and exact segments of finger veins for the verification process. To improve the verification accuracy, a novel Anisotropic Filtered Stromberg Feature Transform based on Tucker’s Congruence Deep Belief Structure Learning (AFSFT-TCDBSL) technique is intended. The proposed AFSFT-TCDBSL technique comprises one input, three hidden, and one output layers. The numbers of images are collected in the input, and input images are preprocessed using anisotropic diffusion filtering in the first hidden layer. Finally, the verification process is performed using Tucker’s congruence correlation coefficient (TCCC). Based on the correlation, the verification outputs are getting to the output layer. In this way, accurate finger vein verification is performed with superior accuracy and with a minimum false rate. We performed experimental assessments with different factors, such as PSNR, FVVA, FPR, and CT. The proposed ADFSFT-TCDBSL technique offers better finger-vein verification results than the state-of-the-art methods.
Exploration on Challenges which Hinder Sexuality Education in Public Secondary Day Schools in Tanzania
Authors: Mboneko Ntacho Edina , Iramba Iramba Freddie
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this paper was to explore the challenges which hinder sexuality education in public day secondary schools in Tanzania. The study was conducted in Geita region and covered three secondary schools of Geita district. Phenomenological research design with purposive and non-random sampling was used to select obtain 30 informants, 24 students from form one to form four and 6 guidance and counselling participant teachers. The study employed semi-structure interview to teachers and focus group discussion to students at capturing views on the challenges hinder effective implantation of comprehensive sexuality education in secondary day schools. Data which was collected were analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that sexuality education challenges which were identified were those related to economic, cultural, institutional, globalization, and teachers’ knowledge. Economic factors included family poverty and lack of students’ basic needs. Cultural factors include those from religious beliefs and taboos which prohibit talking sexuality issues to young people while those related to institution include limited sexuality time and unfavorable environment. Those challenges related to globalization included social Medias and high exposure to phonographs from the internet. Therefore, it was discovered that uncontrolled economic, cultural, institutional, social Medias and teachers’ training related challenges led adolescent students to engage in risky sex behaviors and experience its side effects including early pregnancies.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Papers Produced From Different Cellulosic Pulps Blending
Authors: Pego¹ Matheus Felipe Freire , Bianchi² Maria Lúcia , Yasumura³ Patrícia Kaji
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different fiber blending in the physical-mechanical properties of papers and understand to what extent the fiber blending influence produced paper quality. Three different commercial cellulosic pulps were used: eucalyptus, sisal, and pine pulp. Fiber morphological analyses were performed after refining in each pulp. The pulps were blended two by two in 5/95%, 25/75%, and 45/55% ratio in all possible combinations. Handsheets were formed (2% consistency) in a lab papermaking machine and tested by physical and mechanical properties. Virgin pulps (without blending) were also used for handsheet production. Fibers presented different features regarded to morphological properties and indexes. Most significant differences were related to fiber length. Statistical differences occurred in all physical and mechanical properties. Differences were due to morphological features. The highest and lowest values were pointed out for each property. Thickness tended to decrease with fiber blending in all proportion. Thickness and grammage were not related. For all mechanical properties, the lowest values were obtained in eucalyptus treatment and blending involving it. The highest values were obtained in pine, sisal, and blending treatments. A small addition of sisal (5%) in eucalyptus pulp improved the tensile strength, tensile index, stretch, bursting index, tear index, and fold endurance in approximately 41.5, 54.8, 51.4, 28.9, 37.5, and 33.3%, respectively. The same addition using pine resulted in an improvement of 15.9, 22.7, 22.7, 37.4, 46.7, and 133.3%. Fiber blending presented a synergetic effect for physical and mechanical properties.
Proteomic landscape of primary and metastatic brain tumors for heterogeneity discovery
Authors: Yang Shuang , Zhou Chengbin , Zhang Lei , Xiong Yueting , Zheng Yongtao , Bian Liuguan , Liu Xiaohui
Published: November 2022

Background
Brain tumors, whether primary or secondary, have limited information about proteomic changes despite advances in the understanding of the driver gene mutations and heterogeneity within tumor cells. In this study, we for the first time systematically analyzed the proteome of tumor tissues from patients with brain metastases (BrMs) and gliomas.
Methods
We assembled the most common primary tumors as follows: gliomas from WHO grade II to IV with or without IDH1 mutations; and BrMs with a wide range, including lung cancer (L.C), breast cancer (B.C), ovarian cancer (O.C), and colorectal cancer (C.C). A total of 29 tissue samples were analyzed by label free quantitative mass spectrometry-based proteomics.
Results
In total, 8,370 protein groups were identified, and approximately 4,000 quantified protein groups were adopted for further analysis. Proteomic analysis of metastatic tumors reveals conserved features across multiple cancers. While proteomic heterogeneities were found for discriminating low- and high-grade of gliomas, as well as IDH1 mutant and wild-type gliomas. And distinct pathway-level differences among these two types of brain malignancies were revealed. The characteristic pathways of BrMs focused on proliferation and immunomodulation after colonizing the brain, whereas invasion processes were notably activated in gliomas.
Conclusion
We elucidated an extensive proteomic landscape of BrMs and gliomas, providing information for the development of potential therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for type-specific brain tumors.
Enolase inhibition reduces autophagy and promotes neurological function recovery after spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhou Zhiqiang , Wu Jie , Yang Xiaohui , Pan Wenming , Li Xigong , Zhang Qin
Published: November 2022

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a highly debilitating condition that impairs neuronal function and triggers a complex cascade of primary and secondary damage events. Autophagy can result in cell death, which is a phenomenon in eukaryotic cells and plays an important role in the development of SCI. Thus, this provides a practical and potential target for therapeutic intervention against SCI. Enolase inhibition (ENOblock) has been demonstrated to provide neuroprotection and functional recovery in a rat model of SCI. However, it remains unclear whether ENOblock can mediate neuronal autophagy after SCI. For rat model of SCI, All rats underwent laminectomy from T8 to T10. Sci rats were subjected to dorsal spinal cord exposure and SCI was injured using a modified Allen’s weight-drop apparatus. Locomotor function was assessed using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan(BBB) rating scores. Thereafter we investigated the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins and Enolase by by western blot, immunofluorescence and quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. We found that the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins (LC3-Ⅱ and Beclin-1) and Enolase were significantly increased after acute SCI. In contrast, ENOblock could down-regulate the expression of these proteins and improve motor function after SCI. The difference between the SCI group and ENOblock group was most pronounced on the third and seventh day. Based on the above mentioned data, we speculate that ENOblock may play a role in inhibiting autophagy activity and promoting functional recovery after SCI in rats.
Landowner preferences pave the way for the incorporation of tree configurations on private land in rural Costa Rica
Authors: Lehnert Savannah L. , Grimm Kerry E. , Aslan Clare E. , Frey Sarah J.K. , Mark Melissa M.
Published: November 2022

Agroecology is gaining increasing attention in tropical regions as a solution to maintaining robust ecosystem services for rural communities and down-stream users. The incorporation of tree configurations into working landscapes is a specific agroecology practice, that to be effective, must be driven by regional values and preferences. In rural Costa Rica, we used a photo-based survey to determine landowner preferences for tree configurations that could be incorporated into landscape design on private property. We examined landowner motivations for having trees on private land, as well as community-identified barriers to maintaining tree cover. We found that landowners were very interested in the incorporation of large tree configurations (e.g., wide riparian buffer zones; large, forested patches) and that preferences did not vary significantly by demographics (respondent’s property size; income source). Respondents identified various regulating, supporting, and cultural ecosystem services as important motivating factors for maintaining trees on private land, whereas provisioning services and legal reasons were not as strong motivating factors. While preferred tree configurations supported the values that landowners identified as important (e.g., habitat provisioning), barriers may inhibit the actual implementation of such configurations, including limited space and financial resources. To overcome such barriers, results indicate that a shift may be needed within Costa Rica’s Payment for Ecosystem Service program to increase participation among small landholders interested in tree conservation. Increasing dialog with local communities can generate a deeper understanding of potential challenges and landowner interest in tree incorporation, which can then inform regional agroecology recommendations and policy.
Drought legacy regulates the stability of greenhouse gases emissions of aquatic sediments
Authors: Bonhomme Camille , Leroy Céline , Céréghino Régis , Marinho Claudio C. , Figueiredo-Barros Marcos Paulo , Farjalla Vinicius
Published: November 2022

Although climate change models predict more frequent and severe climatic events such as droughts, the effects of drought on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from lentic ecosystems are still poorly understood. Moreover, little is known of the extent to which drought effects on GHG emissions depends on the occurrence and intensity of previous droughts (legacy effect). Here, we examined the temporal stability of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during rewetting after a drought, and how drought legacy modulates this response. Laboratory microcosms containing sediments from natural lentic ecosystems were pre-exposed to drying-rewetting treatments (hereafter “D-RW event”) that differed by the durations of both the drying and rewetting periods. Then, we analyzed the resistance and the recovery rates of CH4 and CO2 emissions following a second drying-rewetting event equally established in all treatments. Water column was kept constant in controls. We found a pulse of CH4 and CO2 emissions upon the second dry-rewetting event, followed by a progressive recovery toward control emissions. This response was regulated by the drought legacy effect: the recovery of GHG emissions was faster in microcosms that had been subjected to a previous drought. For CO2 emissions, the drought legacy effect was stronger (faster recovery) where previous drought was longer. We therefore emphasize the incorporation of GHG emissions during D-RW events into GHG emission estimates, especially because climate models predict scenarios of drought intensification. While contemporary climate should be the dominant driver of GHGs from lentic ecosystems, previous drought can also regulate their response to D-RW events.
PacBio Full-length Transcriptome Analysis Provides New Insights into Transcription of Chloroplast Genomes
Authors: Gao Shan , Shi jinsong , Yan Shuangyong , Li Wenjing , Yang Xiurong , Cui Zhongqiu , Li Junling , Li Guangsheng , Li Yuejiao , Hu Yanping
Published: November 2022

Background: Chloroplast and mitochondrial DNA (cpDNA and mtDNA) are apart from nuclear DNA (nuDNA) in a eukaryotic cell. The transcription system of chloroplasts is different from those of mitochondria and eukaryotes. In contrast to mtDNA and nuDNA, the transcription of cpDNA remains unclear, mainly because the identification of the cp transcription initiation sites (TISs) and transcription termination sites (TTSs)remains unresolved.
Results: In the present study, we characterized the transcription of cp genes with more comprehensive and accurate information using PacBio full-length transcriptome data of Arabidopsis thaliana. The main results included the discovery of four types of artifacts, the validation and correction of cp gene annotations, the discovery of polyA-like sites as TTSs and the exact identification of “GA”- and “GT”-type TISs on the genome scale. Notably, we proposed a new model to explain how the cptranscription initiates and terminates at the genome level.
Conclusions: Four types of artifacts, degraded RNAs and splicing intermediates deserve the attention of every scientist who is working with PacBio full-length transcriptome data, as these contamination sequences could mislead the downstream analysis. The cp transcription initiates at multiple promoters and terminates at polyA-like sites. Our study provides new insights into the cp transcription and new clues to reveal the origins of promoters, TISs, TTSs and polyA tails of eukaryotic genes.
Enhanced Blockchain based Agricultural Traceability System for Food Crops Products
Authors: D.S Dayana , G Kalpana
Published: November 2022

The elevated version of the Agricultural Traceability System dealing with food production holds utmost significance in not only assuring food safety and smart contracts to the farmers but also guaranteeing insurance to them in case of any natural calamities. Though the approach is astounding but the stakeholders are many in numbers which makes centralization of the entire data management cumbersome. Hence building a trustworthy Agricultural Traceability System for food production becomes infeasible because of its opacity. Herein there is a proposed and improvised system that catering to food farming traceability dealing with agricultural product and farmers that employs the block chain technique and ensures at par security, consensus, distributed ledger, quick settlement and decentralization, thus achieving the goal of minimizing the cost incurred in the food processing system and building trust. Smart contracts play a pivot role in the field of agricultural insurance. Agricultural insurance based upon ‘block chain’ that comprises of major weather incidents and associated payouts enlisted on a smart contract, connected to the mobile wallets with timely weather updates notified by the field sensors and interrelated with data from proximity weather stations would enable prompt payout during any natural calamity such as flood or drought. The Dataset comprises of data pertaining to crops, weather, irrigation and fertilizers. Implementation of block chain technique in agricultural domain helps in forming trustworthy community amidst the stakeholders. Also, a centralized system which is professionally governed and managed by certain retired officers makes the traceability system more trustworthy. Examination by the Government agriculture department benefits the system in its successful implementation. These professionals can offer wise suggestions to the farmers enabling them to take fruitful decisions. In addition, a proper panel of advisers draws attention of others to join the field and become integral part of the system.
Durability, Lube Oil Contamination and a Ferrography Study on a Diesel Engine Fuelled with Distilled Tyre Oil
Authors: Ragupathi Kandasamy , Mani Ilangkumaran , Nadarajan Parthipan
Published: November 2022

This research work focuses on durability tests on diesel engines powered by 30 vol% distilled tyre oil with diesel (DTPO30). The duration of the study was for 1500 running hours and includes an analysis of engine performance, emission formation, viscosity, wear, and additives in lubrication oil with a ferrographic examination. The respective wear and additives in the oil were measured every 450 hours. In the engine running on DTPO30, brake thermal efficiency (BTE) declined by up to 0.5% and brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) also diminished by up to 1.5% after 1500 hours when compared with the initial stage operation. In addition, all the harmful emission parameters such as NOx, CO, and HC grew by between 0.7 % and 1.1%. The viscosity of lube oil was observed to fall by up to 13% with diesel and 36% with DTPO30 compared with the initial condition. The amount of additives was also lower in the lubrication oil in DTPO30 compared with in pure diesel. A higher carbon deposition was also found in many places, such as in the piston top, around the injector nozzle, and in the valve seat with DTPO30. The wear of each part was identified by estimating the metal contamination in the lube oil by means of a ferrography tester. Further, the metal contaminations in the lube oil were found to amount to as high as 79% in DTPO30. In addition, the size of the particles was identified to be larger than in the case of diesel.
Using Simulation Modeling to Estimate Time Characteristics of a Distributed Computing System
Authors: Zvonareva G. A. , Buzunov D. S.
Published: November 2022

In present time, distributed computing systems with parallel data processing are widely used. During development of such distributed systems problem of analyzing workload and structure parameters impact on system performance is presented. Special attention have to be pointed towards evaluating time spent by requests in queues and effects of prioritization algorithms on it.

To evaluate computing system’s time characteristics different modeling methods can be used, most effective of which is simulation modeling. It is important, however, not to just conduct modeling, but to make sure that results are accurate.

The purpose of this research is acquiring time characteristics of distributed computing system with use of simulation modeling with certain accuracy and estimation of modeling time required.

To achieve this task simulation model was developed, which represents functioning of distributed computing systems in set period and takes into account prioritization algorithm, and workload model, which corresponds with selected computational system class. The GPSS language was used to implement the model. Based on the obtained simulation results, it is possible to compare the impact of different algorithms for processing priority requests depending on the parameters of the workload and structure. To evaluate accuracy of results regenerative method of model analysis was used, which is based on concepts of regenerative process and regeneration points.

In this paper results of average time spent by requests in queue in dependence with used prioritization algorithm research are presented, as well as time required to achieve desired accuracy. Due to this, it is possible to reasonably recommend the most advantageous of the considered prioritization algorithms for implementation in the developed computing system, depending on the requirements.

The presented approach to the analysis of the functioning of distributed computing systems and the assessment of their temporal characteristics will also undoubtedly be useful in the educational process for teaching students in the courses “Computer systems” and “Simulation modeling”.
Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Newly Diagnosed in Pregnancy with Anemia and Threatened Preterm Labor
Authors: Hanumsari Stefani , Rahardjo Bambang , Yogibuana Swastika Putri Valerinna , Saifur Rohman Mohammad
Published: November 2022

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare cardiovascular disorder that leads to right heart failure (RHF). Although most PH occurs secondary to congenital heart disease (CHD), PH can occur primarily due to pulmonary arterial vasculature abnormalities, known as Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). In addition, the physiologic changes during pregnancy can potentially lead to worsening PAH and confer a poor prognosis. Therefore, when the mother refuses termination, a multidisciplinary team should manage the pregnancy and delivery to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Objectives: This case report aimed to describe the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in PAH. Case reports: We reported a case of a 24-year-old woman with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hyperten- sion (IPAH) that was newly diagnosed at 25 weeks of pregnancy and previously misdiagnosed with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). This pregnancy was complicated with anemia and threatened preterm labor. Sildenafil was used as a vasodilator to reduce the symptoms of PAH. Unfortunately, the pregnancy was terminated at 29 weeks because of PPROM after considering giving lung maturation and neuroprotectant to the fetus. The patient was discharged without complication, but the baby died after eight days of intensive care due to HMD II, which led to respiratory failure. Conclusion: PAH in pregnancy is a life-threatening condition if untreated. Continuous treatments can help control the symptoms and avoid further complications for both mother and baby.
Central Vein Stenosis in Patient with Routine Haemodialysis: From Diagnosis and Prompt Treatment; A Case Report
Authors: Putra Apriditya Yudi , Kurnianingsih Novi , Sargowo Djanggan , Prasetya Indra
Published: November 2022

Background: Central vein stenosis (CVS) is common in hemodialysis patients and is caused by the implantation of cardiac intravascular devices, venous access, and limited vascular access. The effect may develop until an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or graft is established in the ipsilateral arm or forearm for hemodialysis. Arm edema, significant venous dilatation, and recurring infections are common complications of having an ipsilateral arteriovenous fistula or graft Case Illustration: We present the case of a 50-year-old female who developed symptomatic CVS while being on regular hemodialysis. Venography using a catheter revealed significant stenosis of the subclavian vein. Due to central venous stenosis, this patient had substantial edema of her left arm after undergoing an ipsilateral arteriovenous graft. Multiple endovascular treatments have failed to alleviate the symptoms. Discussion: The incidence and danger of central vein stenosis in hemodialysis patients are discussed, as well as the success of endovascular therapies. The initial line of therapy should be percutaneous balloon angioplasty. Conclusion: Unfortunately, after angioplasty or stenting, primary patency is poor. If there is recurring stenosis, the procedure can be repeated.
Evaluation of technological interventions, yield attributes, yield and economics of cluster frontline demonstration mustard in Banka district of Bihar
Authors: SAHU RAGHUBAR , KUMAR DHARMENDRA . , SOHANE RK , KUMAR ANJANI , PRASAD MUNESHWAR , SINGH RN
Published: November 2022

The study were conducted by cluster frontline demonstrations (CFLD) on mustard during 2018-2021 in the eleven villages covering 250 farmers and 100 ha area of Banka district of Bihar to evaluate the technological interventions, yields and economic feasibility. Yield parameters i.e., plant height, primary, secondary branches/plant, siliqua/plant, seeds/siliqua, siliqua length, dry matter/plant and 1000-seed weight were recorded 219, 4.3, 13.8, 743, 13.5, 5.2, 123 and 5.7, respectively in mustard cv. RGN-48 along with improved practices in comparison to the farmers' practices. Significantly higher grain yield (1508 kg/ha) was recorded under demonstrated plots over farmers' practice Extension gap (3.92), technology gap (11.30), technology index (42.82%) and adaptation rate (38.33%) were markedly recorded under the demonstration plot than farmers' practice. Similarly gross (Rs. 66820) and net returns (41250) obtained in demonstration plots than farmer's plot. With the adoption of a better set of techniques as developed by the cluster frontline demonstration at the farmers' fields, crop yield and financial returns of mustard increased. Awider viewpoint of farmers was persuaded to implement the intervention by the demonstrations' improved economic feasibility
Effect of Spraying using Sprayer Robot for Cotton Crop
Authors: MAKWANA AJAY . , MOHNOT PRAMOD
Published: November 2022

Chemical pesticides have played and continue to play a major role in the rapid advancement of agricultural production. Farmers are continuously spraying the growing crop economically and profitably. Cotton crops are grown above human shoulder height at that time spraying operation is impossible to penetrate the canopy over shoulder height with manual spraying. At such stages overhead spraying was not given proper spray distribution. Mostly the chemicals do not hit actual target and cause wastages of spray material to the environment. It is necessary to apply pesticide in such manner that the maximum droplets are deposited on the target. Exposure to pesticides and poisoning is an also problematic among farming communities for their health due to side effects of pesticides. Therefore, this study was taken to solve spraying problem. First developed sprayer robot for cotton crop and it was run between two rows at constant speed by remote without any driver. The sprayer robot was evaluated for cotton crop in term of spray deposition (VMD, NMD, UC, spray coverage percentage) on top and bottom side of leaf at different height of crop. During evaluation, observed that VMD was increased with height of cotton crop and it varied from 149.73 μm to 426.93 μm, NMD was also increased with height of cotton crop and it varied from 70.60 μm to 215.99 μm, UC varied from 1.67 to 2.70 for cotton crop, coverage percentage varied from 4.54 % to 39.71 % for cotton crop.
Effect of Moringa Leaf Aqueous Extract Feeding on Humoral Response in Chicks
Authors: KUMARI SAVITA . , KUMAR PANKAJ . , KUMAR MANOJ . , KUMAR SANJAY . , . ANJAY . , KAUSHIK P .
Published: November 2022

Astudy was conducted to evaluate the humoral immune modulating effects of aqueous Moringa oleiferaleaf extract supplementation in chicks by measuring antibody titre against Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Two treatment groups consisting of T1 and T2 were offered aqueous M. oleiferaleaf extract supplementation in drinking water at the rate of 60ml/litre and 90ml/litre, respectively. Aqueous extract in drinking water were supplemented daily for two weeks starting from the age of four weeks and continued till the age of six weeks. Feeding of moringa leaf extract had profound impact on antibody response against NDV. Increase in antibody titre was recorded in both the treatment groups, but group treated with 90ml moringa leave extract supplementation in drinking water recorded significantly (
Increased risk of low birth weight among HIV-exposed infants between 2004 and 2021 in Hubei, China (Preprint)
Authors: Liu Jinli , Wu Songjie , Zou Shi , Yan Yajun , Feng Ling , Guo Wei , Wu Mengmeng , Tang Weiming , Liang Ke
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Low birth weight (LBW) is an essential indicator of infant growth and mortality, but data on LBW among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed infants in China is still lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To fill this gap, this study aimed to explore the temporal trend and associated risk factors of the LBW among HIV-exposed infants in Hubei province, China.

METHODS

Between Jan 2004 and Dec 2021, pregnant women living with HIV in Hubei province, China, were recruited. The preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) intervention measures were provided to pregnant women and infants, and the LBW and HIV status of HIV-exposed infants were followed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze associated risk factors of the LBW rate.

RESULTS

In total, 565 mothers and 581 infants were enrolled. The mean birth weight and LBW rate were 3075±470.2g and 8.4%, respectively. From 2004 to 2021, a significantly increased LBW rate (4.7% to 14.0%, P=0.004) was observed. The use of protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimen (P=0.035) and the exposure to ART in the first trimester (P=0.012) were associated with the increase of LBW rate. Exposure to ART in the first trimester [adjusted odds ratio (AOR: 3.64, 95%CI (1.29, 10.27)] and the second trimester [AOR: 4.53, 95%CI (1.52, 13.48)], premature delivery [AOR: 48.44, 95%CI (16.98, 138.18)], and infant with HIV infection [AOR: 5.91, 95%CI (1.55, 22.58)] were predictors for LBW.

CONCLUSIONS

The significantly increased LBW rate in our study indicated that specific attention should be paid to HIV-exposed infants in China. More importantly, prediction models that can predict the risk of LBW and interventions that can prevent LBW are needed for prenatal care among pregnant women living with HIV.
Measurement of Humanity Among Health Professionals: Development and Validation of the Medical Humanity Scale Using the Delphi Method (Preprint)
Authors: Ataya Jawdat , Jamous Issam , Dashash Mayssoon
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

Despite the importance of humanism in providing health care, there is a lack of valid and reliable tool for assessing humanity among health professionals.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to design a new humanism scale and to assess the validity of this scale in measuring humanism among Syrian health professional students.

METHODS

The Medical Humanity Scale (MHS) was designed. It consists of 27 items categorized into 7 human values including patient-oriented care, respect, empathy, ethics, altruism, and compassion. The scale was tested for internal consistency and reliability using Cronbach α and test-retest methods. The construct validity of the scale was also tested to assess the ability of the scale in differentiating between groups of health professional students with different levels of medical humanity. A 7-point Likert scale was adopted. The study included 300 participants including 97 medical, 78 dental, 82 pharmacy, and 43 preparatory-year students from Syrian universities. The Delphi method was used and factors analysis was performed. Bartlett test of sphericity and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sample adequacy were used. The number of components was extracted using principal component analysis.

RESULTS

The mean score of the MHS was 158.7 (SD 11.4). The MHS mean score of female participants was significantly higher than the mean score of male participants (159.59, SD 10.21 vs 155.48, SD 14.35; P=.008). The MHS mean score was significantly lower in dental students (154.12, SD 1.45; P=.005) than the mean scores of medical students (159.77, SD 1.02), pharmacy students (161.40, SD 1.05), and preparatory-year students (159.05, SD 1.94). However, no significant relationship was found between humanism and academic year (P=.32), university type (P=.34), marital status (P=.64), or financial situation (P=.16). The Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test (0.730) and Bartlett test of sphericity (1201.611, df=351; P=.01) were performed. Factor analysis indicated that the proportion of variables between the first and second factors was greater than 10%, confirming that the scale was a single group. The Cronbach α for the overall scale was 0.735, indicating that the scale had acceptable reliability and validity.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that the MHS is a reliable and valid tool for measuring humanity among health professional students and the development of patient-centered care.