bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of profenofos in seawater and foodstuff samples after its molecularly imprinted polymer pipette-tip micro solid phase extraction optimized by response surface methodology
Authors: Tamandani Mahsa , Hashemi Sayyed Hossein , Kaykhaii Massoud , Jamali Keikha Ahmad , Nasiriyan Ali
Published: March 2022

Background

In this research, a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized and employed as a sorbent for pipette-tip micro solid phase extraction of profenofos insecticide in seawater, rice, and fish samples. The instrument employed for quantitation was spectrophotometry.

Results

Various factors affecting the microextraction protocol, including type and volume of the elution solvent, weight of MIP, pH and volume of sample solution, and number of cycles of loading and desorption were considered and optimized using one-factor-at-a-time, central composite design and Box-Behnken design. Factors optimized at: pH 4.0, amount of sorbent 2.5 mg, volume of methanol:acetic (9:1) acid as eluent 250 µL, both the number of extraction and elution cycles 5, and volume of sample 8.0 mL. At optimized conditions, an enrichment factor of 31 was achieved and the linearity range of the method was between 1.0 and 1000.0 µg/L. A good detection limit of 0.33 µg/L with a reproducibility better than 5.6% (as RSD) was observed.

Conclusion

The technique showed good analytical features for determination of profenofos in seawater, rice, and fish samples. Simplicity of operation of spectrophotometry and lack of using expensive HPLC grade solvents are other points of strengths of this method. The total analysis time was about 10 min, which is far less than techniques such as HPLC. Comparison between optimization with central composite design and Box–Behnken design showed better performance of the former.
Response mechanisms of Saccharomyces cerevisiae to the stress factors present in lignocellulose hydrolysate and strategies for constructing robust strains
Authors: Li Bo , Liu Nan , Zhao Xuebing
Published: March 2022

Bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels such as bioethanol and high value-added products has attracted great interest in recent decades due to the carbon neutral nature of biomass feedstock. However, there are still many key technical difficulties for the industrial application of biomass bioconversion processes. One of the challenges associated with the microorganismSaccharomyces cerevisiaethat is usually used for bioethanol production refers to the inhibition of the yeast by various stress factors. These inhibitive effects seriously restrict the growth and fermentation performance of the strains, resulting in reduced bioethanol production efficiency. Therefore, improving the stress response ability of the strains is of great significance for industrial production of bioethanol. In this article, the response mechanisms ofS. cerevisiaeto various hydrolysate-derived stress factors including organic acids, furan aldehydes, and phenolic compounds have been reviewed. Organic acids mainly stimulate cells to induce intracellular acidification, furan aldehydes mainly break the intracellular redox balance, and phenolic compounds have a greater effect on membrane homeostasis. These damages lead to inadequate intracellular energy supply and dysregulation of transcription and translation processes, and then activate a series of stress responses. The regulation mechanisms ofS. cerevisiaein response to these stress factors are discussed with regard to the cell wall/membrane, energy, amino acids, transcriptional and translational, and redox regulation. The reported key target genes and transcription factors that contribute to the improvement of the strain performance are summarized. Furthermore, the genetic engineering strategies of constructing multilevel defense and eliminating stress effects are discussed in order to provide technical strategies for robust strain construction. It is recommended that robustS. cerevisiaecan be constructed with the intervention of metabolic regulation based on the specific stress responses. Rational design with multilevel gene control and intensification of key enzymes can provide good strategies for construction of robust strains.

Graphical Abstract
Functional replacement of myostatin with GDF-11 in the germline of mice
Authors: Lee Se-Jin , Lehar Adam , Rydzik Renata , Youngstrom Daniel W. , Bhasin Shalender , Liu Yewei , Germain-Lee Emily L.
Published: March 2022

Background

Myostatin (MSTN) is a transforming growth factor-ß superfamily member that acts as a major regulator of skeletal muscle mass. GDF-11, which is highly related to MSTN, plays multiple roles during embryonic development, including regulating development of the axial skeleton, kidneys, nervous system, and pancreas. As MSTN and GDF-11 share a high degree of amino acid sequence identity, behave virtually identically in cell culture assays, and utilize similar regulatory and signaling components, a critical question is whether their distinct biological functions result from inherent differences in their abilities to interact with specific regulatory and signaling components or whether their distinct biological functions mainly reflect their differing temporal and spatial patterns of expression.

Methods

We generated and characterized mice in which we precisely replaced in the germline the portion of the Mstn gene encoding the mature C-terminal peptide with the corresponding region of Gdf11.

Results

In mice homozygous for the knock-in allele, all of the circulating MSTN protein was replaced with GDF-11, resulting in ~ 30–40-fold increased levels of circulating GDF-11. Male mice homozygous for the knock-in allele had slightly decreased muscle weights, slightly increased weight gain in response to a high-fat diet, slightly increased plasma cholesterol and HDL levels, and significantly decreased bone density and bone mass, whereas female mice were mostly unaffected.

Conclusions

GDF-11 appears to be capable of nearly completely functionally replacing MSTN in the control of muscle mass. The developmental and physiological consequences of replacing MSTN with GDF-11 are strikingly limited.
MRI volumetric changes in hippocampal subfields in psychosis: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nasa Anurag , Mosley Olivia , Roman Elena , Kelliher Allison , Gaughan Caoimhe , Levins Kirk J. , Coppinger David , O’Hanlon Erik , Cannon Mary , Roddy Darren William
Published: March 2022

Background

The hippocampus has for long been known for its ability to form new, declarative memory. However, emerging findings across conditions in the psychosis spectrum also implicate its role in emotional regulation. Systematic reviews have demonstrated consistent volume atrophic changes in the hippocampus. The aim of the systematic review and metanalysis which will follow from this protocol will be to investigate the volume-based neuroimaging findings across each of the subfields of the hippocampus in psychosis independent of diagnosis.

Methods

Volume changes across subfields of the hippocampus in psychotic illnesses will be assessed by systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). MRI neuroimaging studies of patients with a definitive diagnosis of psychosis (including brief pre-diagnostic states) will be included. Studies lacking adequate controls, illicit drug use, medical psychosis, history of other significant psychiatric comorbidities, or emphasis on age groups above 65 or below 16 will be excluded. Subfields investigated will include the CA1, CA2/3, CA4, subiculum, presubiculum, parasubiculum, dentate gyrus, stratum, molecular layer, granular cell layer, entorhinal cortex, and fimbria. Two people will independently screen abstracts from the output of the search to select suitable studies. This will be followed by the two reviewers performing a full-text review of the studies which were selected based on suitable abstracts. One reviewer will independently perform all the data extraction, and another reviewer will then systemically check all the extracted information using the original articles to ensure accuracy. Statistical analysis will be performed using the metafor and meta-packages in R Studio with the application of the random-effects model.

Discussion

This study will provide insight into the volumetric changes in psychosis of the subfields of the hippocampus, independent of diagnosis. This may shed light on the intricate neural pathology which encompasses psychosis and will open avenues for further exploration of the structures identified as potential drivers of volume change.

Systematic review registration

PROSPEROCRD42020199558
Psychosocial and financial impacts for carers of those with eating disorders in New Zealand
Authors: Surgenor Lois J. , Dhakal Shistata , Watterson Roma , Lim Brendan , Kennedy Martin , Bulik Cynthia , Wilson Nicki , Keelan Karen , Lawson Rachel , Jordan Jennifer
Published: March 2022

Background

Eating disorders (ED) can have profound effects on family members and carers. These impacts can be experienced across multiple domains and may contribute to the maintenance of ED symptoms. In the absence of any New Zealand studies quantifying this,
and given country-specific differences in access to care and treatment, this study explores the psychosocial and economic impacts on those caring for someone with an ED in New Zealand.

Methods

Carers (N = 121) of those who had, or still had, a self-reported ED (82.6% anorexia nervosa) completed an online survey open between December 2016 and October 2020, adapted to the New Zealand context. Questions addressed ED recency and recovery status of the individual cared for, treatment access, and the financial and psychosocial impact on the carer. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, with financial cost data converted to the equivalent of 2020 New Zealand dollars.

Results

Most (88.6%) recruited carers reported still caring for someone with ED symptoms of varying severity. A majority reported difficulty accessing treatment for the person they cared for, with a sizable minority (45%) paying for private treatment, despite few having private insurance. Carer losses typically included reduced income and productivity, travel costs, and other miscellaneous costs. Carers reported significant psychosocial impacts across a range of dimensions including family life, interpersonal relationships, and their own personal well-being.

Conclusions

Carers in New Zealand report impacts which are far reaching and longstanding, covering their own personal and interpersonal well-being and that of those around them. While most of those they care for get access to public (free) treatment at some time or another, the wider financial and economic impacts on carers are significant, and likely to take years to recoup. Though not unique to EDs, interventions and supports for carers are much needed in New Zealand, alongside more comprehensive research methodology to further determine positive and other impacts of EDs over the long course of the caregiving role.

Highlights

A majority reported difficulty accessing treatment for the person they cared for

45% paid for private treatment, despite few having private insurance

Carers reported reduced income and productivity, travel costs, and other costs.

Carers reported significant psychosocial impacts on family life, interpersonal relationships, and their own personal well-being.

Carers provide a pivotal role in supporting treatment and recovery in their family member with the

These findings will be relevant for funders and service providers in developing further approaches to address barriers and gaps in service provision to reduce impacts on carers, and as a result, those with eating disorders.
Systematic review on the association of COVID-19-related conspiracy belief with infection-preventive behavior and vaccination willingness
Authors: Ripp Tilli , Röer Jan Philipp
Published: March 2022

Background

In times of a pandemic, not only infections but also conspiracy narratives spread among people. These have the potential to influence the course of the pandemic. Here we summarize and critically evaluate studies from the first year of the pandemic presenting findings on the association between COVID-19-related conspiracy belief and infection-preventive behavior and vaccination willingness.

Method

A systematic literature search was conducted using the databasesCOVID-19 Data Portal, APA PsycArticles, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Scopus, andPubMed. After removing duplicates, studies meeting the previously defined inclusion and exclusion criteria were subjected to title and abstract screening and content reviewed and analyzed subsequently.

Results and conclusion

The systematic literature search yielded 17 studies meeting our pre-specified inclusion criteria. Twelve studies examined infection-preventive behavior (N = 16,485), and ten studies vaccination willingness (N = 20,210). In summary, belief in COVID-19-related conspiracy narratives was negatively associated with vaccination willingness and infection-preventive behavior. The results point to the importance of the content of the conspiracy narratives. Various explanatory approaches and possible moderator variables are discussed, referencing the state of research on conspiracy beliefs and health-related preventive behavior after the first year of the pandemic. We argue that future studies should strive for a consistent operationalization and use of the term conspiracy belief.
Prevalence and determinants of depression in patients with epilepsy during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sehlo Mohammad Gamal , Mohamed Wafaa Samir , Youssef Usama Mahmoud , Lotfi Shrouk Esam , El-deen Ghada Mohamed Salah
Published: March 2022

Background

Epilepsy is one of the commonest and most serious neurological conditions. It is frequently associated with one or more medical or psychiatric comorbidities. Depression is one of the most common comorbidities. Patients with epilepsy (PWE) are expected to suffer from a high level of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study was applied to 290 PWE. Data was collected by personal interviews with each patient using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ 9) scale for the diagnosis of depression and assessing its severity. We aimed to assess the prevalence and the risk factors of depression in PWE during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

We found that 70.3% of PWE suffered from depression. Low financial status, refractory seizures, fear of infection and death by COVID-19, had close relatives died by COVID-19, had a sleep disturbance, a decreased family support, increased seizure rate during the pandemic, increased ER visits during the pandemic, lack of drug adherence, and decreased epilepsy-related follow-up visits during the pandemic were significantly associated with increased risk of depression in PWE during the pandemic.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic has a serious effect on the psychological and physical well-being of PWE. There was an increased rate of depression during the COVID-19 pandemic in PWE with its subsequent burden on those patients. So, these patients are in a high need of care and support during the pandemic.
Haemosuccus pancreaticus: a diagnostic challenge and its management through interventional radiology
Authors: Sahoo Biswajit , Panigrahi Manas Kumar , Nayak Hemanta Kumar , Bag Nerbadyswari Deep , Mishra Satyakam , Kumar Chandan
Published: March 2022

Background

Haemosuccus pancreaticus (HP), also known as pseudohaemobilia, is defined as upper gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage originating from the pancreatic duct into the duodenum via the ampulla of Vater or major pancreatic papilla. Pseudoaneurysm formation from the splenic artery is a common complication of pancreatitis; however, upper gastrointestinal bleed resulting from rupture of splenic artery pseudoaneurysm into the pancreatic duct is unusual and challenging to diagnose.

Case presentation

A 26-year-old patient presented with multiple episodes of hematemesis, melena, and intermittent abdominal pain. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan was performed that demonstrated chronic calcific pancreatitis with a pseudoaneurysm in the splenic artery in close relation to the main pancreatic duct. The patient was immediately shifted for endovascular management, and the pseudoaneurysm was successfully embolized. Post embolization, the patient developed splenic abscess, which was managed by percutaneous catheter drainage.

Conclusion

Due to its rarity and being challenging to diagnose, the mortality rate of HP is high. A high level of expertise is required to diagnose HP, and it should be considered in all upper gastrointestinal bleed patients associated with acute or chronic pancreatitis. Rapid initial CECT and angiography should be performed to confirm the diagnosis, followed by embolization of the bleeding pseudoaneurysm to eliminate the need for surgery. This case report highlights the challenges in the diagnosis and management of HP.
A study to evaluate neurovascular conflict of trigeminal nerve in trigeminal neuralgia patients with the help of 1.5 T MR imaging
Authors: Anwar Hameed Arafath , Ramya Krishna Mopati , Sadiq Shaik , Ramesh Kumar R. , Venkatarathnam V. , Saikiran G.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Trigeminal neuralgia is a neuropathic pain that occurs in the sensory supply region of the trigeminal nerve (V cranial nerve). The common etiology of trigeminal neuralgia is said to be vascular compression on the trigeminal nerve root. In our day-to-day practice, we see many asymptomatic patients having vascular loops around the trigeminal nerve root. We undertook this study to see the significance of nerve root compression by the vascular loop as a cause for trigeminal neuralgia.

Materials and methods

A total of 67 classical trigeminal neuralgia patients with NVC involving the trigeminal nerve as diagnosed on MRI brain sequences including FIESTA sequence were included in the study. NVC in all the patients were studied for the side, site of neurovascular contact of cisternal segment of the trigeminal nerve from the brainstem, deviation of nerve at NVC, atrophy of nerve, nature and origin of vascular loop causing NVC and correlated with TGN symptoms.

Results

Out of 67 patients studied, all of them (100%) had NVC on ipsilateral side and 26 patients (34%) had NVC at contralateral trigeminal nerve. Incidence of trigeminal neuralgia was most commonly seen between the 41 and 60 years age (64%) followed by 61–80 years with mean age of 55.6 years. Incidence in females (64%) was found to be more common than in males (35%). NVC was observed at the root entry zone (< 7 mm from brain stem) in 63 trigeminal nerves on symptomatic side and 5 trigeminal nerves on the asymptomatic side. NVC occurring at REZ on symptomatic side was found to be statistically significant withP < 0.001. Mean distance of NVC from brain stem at symptomatic side was 3.4 mm and was 8.4 mm in asymptomatic side NVCs. Atrophy was seen in 8 trigeminal nerves, all on symptomatic side and NVC occurring at root entry zone. No displacement of nerve root at the point of neurovascular contact was observed in our study. Most common vessel causing was found to be ipsilateral superior cerebellar artery followed by the ipsilateral anterior inferior cerebellar artery.

Conclusions

Neurovascular contact of trigeminal nerve occurring at the nerve root entry zone has a strong association with ipsilateral trigeminal neuralgia symptoms. In addition, the presence of the trigeminal nerve thinning is also associated with ipsilateral trigeminal neuralgia. With the increase in age, there are higher chances of association of NVC with ipsilateral trigeminal neuralgia symptoms.
Pulmonary Tc99m-PSMA uptake in asymptomatic COVID-19 patient: incidental finding in SPECT/CT study
Authors: Kalantari Forough , Vali Reza , Kalantari Elham , Divband Ghasemali
Published: March 2022

Background

As there are comparative studies between 68Ga-PSMA and 99mTc-PSMA and spectrum of PSMA expression, this is the first case report that notifies distribution of 99mTc-PSMA on COVID-19 pneumonia era on the literature.

Case presentation

An asymptomatic 70-Y-old male who is known case of prostate adenocarcinoma underwent initial staging. SPECT/CT of the chest region reveals bilateral peripheral multifocal ground glass opacities which shows 99mTc-PSMA uptake. Diagnosis of corona virus was confirmed by positive RT-PCR.

Discussion

Unexclusive role of radiotracers in nuclear medicine has an importance for wide range of applications. Comparison between 68Ga-PSMA and 99mTc-PSMA in detection of metastatic disease in prostate cancer is also under evaluation.

Conclusions

This case implicates possible role of PSMA imaging in inflammation/infection process as well as necessity for lung review in hybrid imaging especially during this recent pandemic.
2D inversion of ultradeep electromagnetic logging measurements for look-ahead applications
Authors: Yan Li , Wang Hanming , Chen Jiefu
Published: March 2022

Knowing formation ahead of the drill bit can help with hydrocarbon exploration and production, especially for low-angle and vertical wells. The advent of electromagnetic look-ahead technology makes it possible to interrogate formations tens of feet ahead of the drill bit. The formation can be very complex, such as fault and unconformity. However, existing approaches to recover the formation rely primarily on the 1D forward solver, which presumes that the formation is layered and transversely isotropic. For complicated formation, it will give rise to incorrect resistivity distribution. As a consequence, we have investigated and implemented a 2D pixel-based inversion algorithm to interpret the measurements for complex scenarios. We conduct a sensitivity study to illustrate the differences between look-ahead applications and look-around applications. To improve the look-ahead ability, we propose an effective technique to incorporate the prior information. In addition, we develop several examples to demonstrate the performance of the 2D inversion algorithm. It is found that using prior information as a reference model in the objective function enhances inversion performance significantly, and the proposed method can reasonably reconstruct some complex structures.
Exceptional point in a coupled Swanson system
Authors: Bagchi Bijan , Ghosh Rahul , Sen Sauvik
Published: March 2022

We propose an interacting non-Hermitian model described by a two-mode quadratic Hamiltonian along with an interaction term to locate and analyse the presence of an exceptional point in the system. Each mode is guided by a Swanson-like quadratic Hamiltonian and a suitable choice is made for the interaction term. The parity-time symmetric transformation is adopted in the standard way relevant for a coupled system.
Quantum interference in asymmetric superconducting nanowire loops
Authors: Hudis J. , Cochran J. , Franco-Rivera G. , Guzman C. S. , Lochner E. , Schlottmann P. , Xiong P. , Chiorescu I.
Published: March 2022

Macroscopic phase coherence in superconductors enables quantum interference and phase manipulation at realistic device length scales. Numerous superconducting electronic devices are based on the modulation of the supercurrent in superconducting loops. While the overall behavior of symmetric superconducting loops has been studied, the effects of asymmetries in such devices remain under-explored and poorly understood. Here we report on an experimental and theoretical study of the flux modulation of the persistent current in a doubly connected asymmetric aluminum nanowire loop. A model considering the length and electronic cross-section asymmetries in the loop provides a quantitative account of the observations. Comparison with experiments give essential parameters such as persistent and critical currents as well as the amount of asymmetry which can provide feedback into the design of superconducting quantum devices.
Long-Term Follow-up of Aneurysms Treated With Hydrogel-Coated Coils Shows Progressive Thrombosis and Improvement in Raymond–Roy Classification
Authors: Nickele Chris , Oravec Chesney S. , Morris S. David , Hoit Daniel , Elijovich Lucas , Arthur Adam S.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND:

Coil embolization of aneurysms has been shown to be a safe and effective method of aneurysm treatment. Hydrogel-coated coils were developed as a hybrid embolization device to increase the packing density of a coil mass in an aneurysm and to reduce retreatment and rerupture rates. Previous studies have shown a benefit compared with bare metal coils.

OBJECTIVE:

To present long-term follow-up of a cohort of patients treated with hydrogel-coated coils to better determine the effectiveness compared with bare platinum coils.

METHODS:

Between January 2003 and April 2012, we identified patients with both ruptured and unruptured aneurysms coiled at our institution, using some portion of hydrogel-coated coils. Planned follow-up angiography was performed at 6 months, 18 months, and 5 years post-treatment. All imaging was independently adjudicated by a single physician at a separate institution. The results were scored with the modified Raymond–Roy Occlusion Classification.

RESULTS:

A total of 145 patients with 153 treated aneurysms were included in the study analysis. Immediately after treatment, 49% of aneurysms were classified at Raymond–Roy Occlusion Classification I or II, which improved to 83% by 6 months. This percent plateaued at 18-month and 5-year follow-up, measuring 86% and 90%, respectively. The retreatment rate was 14% over the 5-year period, and there were no rerupture events captured.

CONCLUSION:

Treatment of intracranial aneurysms with coil embolization using hydrogel-coated aneurysms shows evidence of progressive occlusion, particularly over the first 6 months of follow-up. The retreatment rate is comparable with historical data, and the rerupture rate is low.
Role of shear wave elastography as an adjunct to axillary ultrasonography in predicting nodal metastasis in breast cancer patients with suspicious nodes
Authors: Pulappadi Vishnu Prasad , Paul Shashi , Hari Smriti , Dhamija Ekta , Manchanda Smita , Kataria Kamal , Mathur Sandeep , Mani Kalaivani , Gogia Ajay , Deo SVS
Published: March 2022

Objective:

To evaluate the role of shear wave elastography (SWE) of suspicious axillary lymph nodes and its combination with B-mode USG in predicting nodal metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Methods:

Prospective observational study was performed from June 2018 to August 2020 on breast cancer patients with suspicious axillary nodes on USG. B-mode features (cortical thickness, effacement of fatty hilum, non-hilar blood flow and round shape) and SWE parameters (Emax, Emin, Emean and ESD) of the node with the thickest cortex were evaluated. Diagnostic performances of USG, SWE and their combination were estimated using pathological status of the node on biopsy as the gold standard.

Results:

Of the 54 patients evaluated, optimal elasticity maps were obtained in 49 nodes of 49 patients (mean age, 46.3 ± 12.1 years; 48/49 (98%) females). On biopsy, 38 nodes (77.6%) had metastasis, while 11 (22.4%) had reactive hyperplasia. Emax, Emin, Emean and ESD of both cortex and hilum were significantly higher in metastatic than reactive nodes. Emax (cortex) ≥14.9 kPa had the best diagnostic performance (sensitivity, 73.7%; specificity, 81.8%). Cortical thickness ≥6.7 mm had the best diagnostic performance among B-mode features (sensitivity, 89.5%; specificity, 72.7%). Combining cortical thickness with effacement of fatty hilum and/or non-hilar blood flow yielded sensitivity of 89.5% and specificity of 90.9%. Addition of Emax (cortex) to cortical thickness and combination of ≥2 B-mode features increased their specificities to 90.9 and 100%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Metastatic axillary nodes are stiffer than reactive nodes on SWE in breast cancer patients. Emax (cortex) has the best diagnostic performance in differentiating between reactive hyperplasia and nodal metastasis. Combination of Emax (cortex) and cortical thickness increases the specificity for diagnosing metastasis, especially in nodes showing only cortical thickening.

Advances in knowledge:

Combination of SWE and B-mode USG is highly specific for differentiating metastasis from reactive hyperplasia in suspicious nodes of breast carcinoma patients, especially in nodes with only cortical thickening.
Η εφαρμογή της αγροτικής μεταρρύθμισης και οι μετασχηματισμοί στη Θεσσαλία του Μεσοπολέμου (1922-1940)
Authors: Γάσιας Γεώργιος
Published: March 2022

Η αγροτική μεταρρύθμιση των ετών 1917-1923 μαζί με τη Μικρασιατική καταστροφή και τις πληθυσμιακές συνέπειές της, αποτελεί μια μείζονα χρονολογική και ποιοτική τομή στην ιστορία της σύγχρονης Ελλάδας. Για την ύπαιθρο, ειδικότερα, κυριολεκτικά όλα άλλαξαν. Για αυτό το λόγο οι αναφορές στην αγροτική μεταρρύθμιση είναι πυκνές στην ελληνική ιστοριογραφία αλλά ουδέποτε αναλύθηκαν οι οικονομικές, κοινωνικές και πολιτικές συνθήκες που την προκάλεσαν. Παράλληλα, ελάχιστες ήταν οι πληροφορίες για τους μηχανισμούς της υλοποίησής της. Η ιστορική διερεύνηση του πως προέκυψε η απόφαση για την εφαρμογή της Αγροτικής Μεταρρύθμισης που νομοθετήθηκε για όλη την Ελλάδα το 1917, του πως συστήθηκε ο μηχανισμός εφαρμογής της, ποιοι μετασχηματισμοί πυροδοτήθηκαν στην ελληνική ύπαιθρο, και τι εντέλει επιλύθηκε ως προς το αγροτικό ζήτημα, αποτέλεσαν τις αφετηρίες της μελέτης.
The bidirectional relationship between depression and diabetes
Authors: Chilimoniuk Zuzanna , Dobosz Maciej , Chałupnik Aleksandra , Borkowska Aleksandra , Mizerski Grzegorz
Published: March 2022

Introduction and objective: In recent years, depression and diabetes have become more and more serious medical issues. The number of patients suffering from one or both of these disorders increases year by year, which significantly worsens their quality of life. The aim of the study is to present the current state of knowledge on the basic mechanisms and risk factors influencing the development of depression in patients with diabetes, as well as the bidirectional relationship between these illnesses. The study was based on a literature review and an analysis of publications available on PubMed and Google Scholar platforms. The search has been conducted with the use of a combination of keywords like: “diabetes type 1”, “diabetes type 2”, “depression”, “mental health”.

An abbreviated description of the state of knowledge: Every third patient with diabetes shows depressive symptoms. These psychological disorders are more common in people with type 1 diabetes. The most vulnerable group of patients are single women with low socioeconomic status and comorbidities. Numerous biochemical and psychosocial changes in the life of diabetic patients, significantly increase the risk of developing depression. The latest scientific reports also draw attention to the two-way relationship between diabetes and depression. The inclusion of cognitive-behavioral therapy brings positive results in managing diabetes with comorbid depression.

Summary: The available scientific data clearly shows the existence of psychological and biological links between these two disease entities. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment of depressive disorders can improve the course of diabetes.
Late Infective Endocarditis Associated with an Atrial Septal Defect Occluder Device
Authors: Ana Milena Mejía Sanjuelo Ana Milena Mejía Sanjuelo , Maria Carolina Manzur Barbur Maria Carolina Manzur Barbur , Maria Cristina Martinez-Ávila Maria Cristina Martinez-Ávila , Juan Camilo García Dominguez Juan Camilo García Dominguez
Published: March 2022

The Amplatzer septal occluder is one of several percutaneous devices used for the closure of secundum atrial septal defects. The main complications are related to the procedure, with infection being the least common. We present the case of a 67-year-old woman with a secundum atrial septal defect, who, 3 years after repair with an Amplatzer occluder, was admitted with sepsis and bacteraemia following recent hospitalization in an intensive care unit. Transoesophageal echocardiography showed the presence of a mobile echogenic structure in the left atrium suggestive of a vegetation. Few cases of late endocarditis involving the Amplatzer device have been reported, even though partial endothelization is one of the risk factors. There are no guidelines for the prevention, diagnosis or management of this complication.
Rediscovery of the Tamaulipas white-sided jackrabbit (Lepus altamirae) after a century from its description
Authors: Silva-Caballero Adrián , Rosas-Rosas Octavio Cesar
Published: March 2022

La liebre de flancos blancos de Tamaulipas, Lepus altamirae, fue originalmente descrita como una subespecie de Lepus merriami hace más de un siglo.  Varias décadas después fue reclasificada como una subespecie de la liebre de cola negra, L. californicus altamirae.  A pesar de la importancia ecológica, social y económica de las liebres, existe un vacío en el conocimiento de muchas especies, tal es el caso de L. altamirae, ya que históricamente se han avistado, colectado y estudiado pocos individuos.  El 13 de octubre de 2016 y el 22 de septiembre de 2021, 2 lagomorfos con pelaje pajizo-grisáceo, así como extremidades y orejas alargadas fueron fotografiados in situ durante el monitoreo de fauna silvestre en la región de la Huasteca Potosina, en el noreste de San Luis Potosí.  Por su coloración, características morfológicas y distribución, se identificaron como L. altamirae.  Estos son los primeros registros documentados de la especie en las tierras bajas de la Huasteca Potosina, así como los primeros registros después de un siglo de la descripción de la especie.  Los registros conocidos más cercanos se encuentran ca. 98 km al este en el estado de Tamaulipas.  La presencia de la liebre de flancos blancos de Tamaulipas en la región podría estar relacionada con el cambio de uso del suelo.  Es necesario un monitoreo sistemático para mejorar el conocimiento sobre la distribución de éste y otros mamíferos en las tierras bajas de la Huasteca Potosina.
Label-free study on the effect of a bioactive constituent on glioma cells in vitro using terahertz ATR spectroscopy
Authors: Liao Yunsheng , Zhang Mingkun , Tang Mingjie , Chen Ligang , Li Xueqin , Liu Zhongdong , Wang Huabin
Published: March 2022

In this work, we report that the effect of bioactive constituent on living glioma cells can be evaluated using terahertz time-domain attenuated total reflection (THz TD-ATR) spectroscopy in a label-free, non-invasive, and fast manner. The measured THz absorption coefficient of human glioma cells (U87) in cell culture media increases with ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3) concentration in the range from 0 to 50 µM, which can be interpreted as that G-Rg3 deteriorated the cellular state. This is supported either by the cell growth inhibition rate measured using a conventional cell viability test kit or by the cellular morphological changes observed with fluorescence microscopy. These results verify the effectiveness of using the THz TD-ATR spectroscopy to detect the action of G-Rg3 on glioma cells in vitro. The demonstrated technique thus opens a new route to assessing the efficacy of bioactive constituents on cells or helping screen cell-targeted drugs.
Analytical optimization of wideband nonlinear optical fiber communication systems
Authors: Liu Zheng , Xu Tianhua , Jin Cenqin , Xu Tongyang , Tan Mingming , Zhao Jian , Liu Tiegen
Published: March 2022

In the design of fiber links for both continental and transoceanic optical communication systems, the optimization of span length is of high importance from both performance and cost perspectives. In this work, the maximization of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is investigated by optimizing the span length in wideband (up to 4.5-THz) Nyquist-spaced optical fiber communication systems. A simple and accurate closed-form expression of the optimal span length is provided, and a quick estimation of SNR is also described for practically feasible and cost-effective span length values.
Deep-learning-enabled high-performance full-field direct detection with dispersion diversity
Authors: Li Xingfeng , An Shaohua , Ji Honglin , Li Jingchi , Shieh William , Su Yikai
Published: March 2022

Data center interconnects require cost-effective photonic integrated optical transceivers to meet the ever-increasing capacity demands. Compared with a coherent transmission system, a complex-valued double-sideband (CV-DSB) direct detection (DD) system can minimize the cost of the photonic circuit, since it replaces two stable narrow-linewidth lasers with only a low-cost un-cooled laser in the transmitter while maintaining a similar spectral efficiency. In the carrier-assisted DD system, the carrier power accounts for a large proportion of the total optical signal power. Reducing the carrier to signal power ratio (CSPR) can improve the information-bearing signal power and thus the achievable system performance. To date, the minimum required CSPR is ∼7 dB for all the reported CV-DSB DD systems having electrical bandwidths of approximately half of baud rates. In this paper, we propose a deep-learning-enabled DD (DLEDD) scheme to recover the full optical field of the transmitted signal at a low CSPR of 2 dB in experiment. Our proposal is based on a dispersion-diversity receiver with an electrical bandwidth of ∼61.0% baud rate and a high tolerance to laser wavelength drift. A deep convolutional neural network enables accurate signal recovery in the presence of a strong signal-signal beat interference. Compared with the conventional method, the proposed DLEDD scheme can reduce the optimum CSPR by ∼8 dB, leading to a significant signal-to-noise ratio improvement of ∼5.8 dB according to simulation results. We experimentally demonstrate the optical field reconstruction for a 28-GBaud 16-ary quadrature amplitude modulation signal after 80-km single-mode fiber transmission based on the proposed DLEDD scheme with a 2-dB optimum CSPR. The results show that the proposed DLEDD scheme could offer a high-performance solution for cost-sensitive applications such as data center interconnects, metro networks, and mobile fronthaul systems.
High slope-efficiency quantum-dot lasers grown on planar exact silicon (001) with asymmetric waveguide structures
Authors: Wang Jun , Liu Zhuoliang , Liu Hao , Bai Yiming , Ma Bojie , Xiao Chunyang , Jiang Chen , Li Jiachen , Wang Haijing , Jia Yanxing , Liu Kai , Yang Yisu , Wang Qi , Huang Yongqing , Ren Xiaomin
Published: March 2022

We report electrically pumped continuous-wave (CW) InAs/GaAs quantum dot lasers directly grown on planar exact silicon (001) with asymmetric waveguide structures. Surface hydrogen-annealing for the GaAs/ Si (001) templates and low-temperature growth for GaInP upper cladding layers were combined in the growth of the laser structure to achieve a high slope efficiency. For the broad-stripe edge-emitting lasers with 2-mm cavity length and 20-µm stripe width made from the above laser structure, a threshold current density of 203.5 A/cm2 and a single-facet slope efficiency of 0.158 W/A are achieved at ∼1.31 µm band under CW conditions. The extrapolated mean-time-to-failure reaches up to 21000 hours at room temperature, which is deduced from the data measured from C-mount packaged devices. Importantly, these results can provide a practical strategy to realize 1.3 µm wavelength band distributed feedback lasers directly on planar exact Si (001) templates with thin buffer layers.
Time-delayed reservoir computing based on a dual-waveband quantum-dot spin polarized vertical cavity surface-emitting laser
Authors: Skontranis M. , Sarantoglou G. , Bogris A. , Mesaritakis C.
Published: March 2022

In this work, we present numerical results concerning a time-delayed reservoir computing scheme, where its single nonlinear node, is a quantum-dot spin polarized vertical cavity surface-emitting laser (QD s-VCSEL). The proposed photonic neuromorphic scheme exploits the complex temporal dynamics of multiple energy states present in quantum dot materials and uses emission from two discrete wavebands and two polarization states, so as to enhance computational efficiency. The benchmark task used for this architecture, is the equalization of a distorted 25Gbaud PAM-4 signal after 50Km of transmission at 1550 nm. Results confirm that although typical ground-state emitting quantum-dot nodes offer limited performance, due to bandwidth limitations; by exploiting dual emission, we achieved a one-hundred-fold improvement in bit-error rate. This performance boost can pave the way for the infiltration of quantum-dot based devices in high-speed demanding neuromorphic driven applications.
Association between lifestyle factors and metabolic syndrome in general populations with depressive symptoms in cross-setional based cohort study of Ansung-Ansan
Authors: Lee Jinhee , Go Tae Hwa , Min Seongho , Koh Sang Baek , Choi Jung Ran
Published: March 2022

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is caused by both genetic and environmental factors, such as daily calorie intake, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption, are considered to be related to the prevalence of MetS and plays an essential role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of depression.

Methods

We investigated the bidirectional association between lifestyle factors and MetS among Korean adults with depressive symptoms in third wave of a community-based cohort study. A total of 1,578 individuals, aged 39–72 years, who had MetS at baseline were recruited. Participants were divided into two groups according to depressive symptoms. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the risk of MetS.

Results

The percentage of heavy drinkers was lower in men with depressive symptoms compared to those who did not (7.0% vs. 7.1%), while the percentage of current smokers were higher in participants who had depressive symptoms (40.2% vs. 30.0%). After adjusting for age, education, monthly income, body mass index (BMI), sleep duration, and volume of drinking and smoking status, logistic regression analysis demonstrated that male heavy drinkers with depressive symptoms were 2.75 times more likely to have MetS than those without depressive symptom. Conversely, depressive women with a high BMI were 3.70 times more likely to have MetS than in those with lower BMI. Limitations The cross-sectional nature of the study, and the study population ethnicity and ages were limitations.

Conclusions

Lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption, may be associated with the risk of MetS in adults with depressive symptoms.
Comprehensive characterization of the bacterial community structure and metabolite composition of food waste fermentation products via microbiome and metabolome analyses
Authors: Li Hongmei , Lin Xiaoyang , Yu Lujun , Li Jianjun , Miao Zongyu , Wei Yuanzheng , Zeng Jin , Zhang Qi , Sun Yongxue , Huang Ren
Published: March 2022

Few studies have characterized the microbial community and metabolite profile of solid food waste fermented products from centralized treatment facilities, which could potentially be processed into safe animal feeds. In this study, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and liquid/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were conducted to investigate the bacterial community structure and metabolite profile of food waste samples inoculated with or without 0.18% of a commercial bacterial agent consisting of multiple unknown strains and 2% of a laboratory-made bacterial agent consisting of Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus subtilis and Candida utilis. Our findings indicated that microbial inoculation increased the crude protein content of food waste while reducing the pH value, increasing lactic acid production, and enhancing aerobic stability. Microbial inoculation affected the community richness, community diversity, and the microbiota structure (the genera with abundances above 1.5% in the fermentation products included Lactobacillus (82.28%) and Leuconostoc (1.88%) in the uninoculated group, Lactobacillus (91.85%) and Acetobacter (2.01%) in the group inoculated with commercial bacterial agents, and Lactobacillus (37.11%) and Enterococcus (53.81%) in the group inoculated with homemade laboratory agents). Microbial inoculation reduced the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria. In the metabolome, a total of 929 substances were detected, 853 by LC-MS and 76 by GC-MS. Our results indicated that inoculation increased the abundance of many beneficial metabolites and aroma-conferring substances but also increased the abundance of undesirable odors and some harmful compounds such as phenol. Correlation analyses suggested that Leuconostoc, Lactococcus, and Weissella would be promising candidates to improve the quality of fermentation products. Taken together, these results indicated that inoculation could improve food waste quality to some extent; however, additional studies are required to optimize the selection of inoculation agents.
Factors associated with female age at first marriage: An analysis using all waves of the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Rasul Afza , Nasir Jamal Abdul , Akhtar Sohail , Hinde Andrew
Published: March 2022

In conventional Muslim societies, fertility occurs within the marital union. Therefore, fertility outcomes depend on females’ age at first marriage (AFM). The present study explores the pattern of AFM in Pakistan, analyses of which are scarce in the literature. We aim to identify the factors associated with the AFM among currently married women in Pakistan. Demographic factors like birth cohort, and socioeconomic and cultural factors such as province and place of residence, education level, whether or not a woman had ever worked before marriage, ethnicity, and husband’s education were studied to explore the pattern of female AFM. Data were taken from the Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys (PDHSs) of 2012–13 and 2017–18, and a comparison was made with the findings from the earlier PDHSs of 1990–91 and 2006–07. The analysis concentrates on women born between 1941 and 1992, aged between 25 and 49 years during the data collection periods. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess the difference between the mean AFM for different sub-groups of the population. To identify the covariates that are associated with AFM multiple linear regression models were estimated. We observed a gradually increasing trend in female AFM over time among women born after 1950. The ANOVA results revealed that birth cohort, province, and place of residence, female education level, whether or not a woman had ever worked before marriage, ethnicity, and husband’s education were significantly associated with AFM (p-values < 0.05). In a multiple regression model, we found that the birth cohort significantly affects the AFM (p-value < 0.05). Having worked before marriage is associated with a statistically significant one-year rise in the AFM. Interestingly, all other ethnic groups have lower AFM compared with women whose mother language was Punjabi. Education has a highly significant effect on the AFM: the regression results revealed that uneducated females have a mean AFM 4 to 5 years lower than highly educated women. The results also revealed that educated men marry older women as compared to uneducated men. We conclude that the education of females and even males in Pakistan could lead to a rise in the female AFM.