bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Causes of Low Level of Students in Undergraduate Level Compared to the Secondary School Level
Authors: Hassan Ali Sheikh Raga
Published: February 2023

This paper aims to study and address the phenomenon of low level of students in the university compared to their level in the secondary stage, through the study sample represented in the Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Al-Neelain University (Batch 2019) using the statistical package (SPSS) and using its outputs to help decision makers to choose optimal solutions to address this phenomenon.
A Review of Covid-19 Detailed Study of History, Life Cycle, Diagnosis and Prevention of Corona Virus
Authors: Sheely J. Jeya
Published: February 2023

Coronavirus Disease-2019 is a new life-threatening, quickly-spreadable pandemic disease. It is a huge family of viruses known to cause sickness from breathing trouble, fever, fatigue, cough, sore throat, breathlessness, and common cold to the continuation of acute respiratory tract infection and the severity of the infection sometimes visible as pneumonia, acute respiratory syndrome and even death. The disease is commonly known as COVID-19. Since December 2019, Covid-19 emerged in Hunan seafood market at Wuhan in South China and rapidly spreading throughout the world, the virus epidemic has been proclaimed a public health emergency of International concern by World Health Organization (WHO). An exceedingly infectious potential for spreading resulted in the universal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2020. Though some specialists cast doubts that the virus is transmitted from animals to humans, there are mixed results on the origin of coronavirus. In this review, we go through the history of covid-19, virus life cycle, diagnosis, and prevention with reference to the historical coronavirus pandemic in 2002.
Role of Resting Electrocardiography and Transthoracic Echocardiography in the Diagnosis of Cardiac Impairments in Type 2 Diabetics
Authors: Alkarim Alaa Eddin Talaat Abd , Allaithy Amany Mohamed , Sokkary Hatem Mohamed El , Setiha Mohamed El Sayed El
Published: February 2023

Background: The cardiac changes associated with diabetes are thought to comprise thickening of the myocardium and is characterized by predominantly diastolic dysfunction (DD), the diabetic cardiomyopathy. So, this study aimed to evaluate cardiac impairments in patients in delta region with type 2 diabetes mellitus using resting electrocardiogram (ECG) and resting transthoracic echocardiography.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out on 50 diabetic patients to evaluate of cardiac impairments in patients in delta region with type 2 diabetes mellitus using resting ECG and resting transthoracic echocardiography at the Department of Cardiology, Tanta University Hospitals in a period of six months starting from January 2020 till June 2020.

Results: There were significant negative correlations between abnormal echocardiography with (body mass index) BMI, duration of diabetes and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P<0.05). The sensitivity of ejection fraction (EF), early trans-mitral flow velocity (E), atrial trans-mitral flow velocity (A) and E/A in detecting cardiac changes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) was 68%, 52%, 76%, 72% and specificity was 52%, 68%, 36%, 30% at cut-off value 65, 75, 65, 77.5 and AUC 0.619, 0.606, 0.538, 0.534, respectively (P> 0.05).

Conclusions: The effect of DM on the left ventricular (LV) diastolic function is still controversial. Therefore, they need to be further substantiated, preferably with evidence from extensive longitudinal studies in people with type 2 diabetes representative of type 2 diabetes healthcare populations. Echocardiographic and ECG abnormalities are very common in outpatients with type 2 diabetes. DD is the main cardiac impairment caused by DM.
A Study on Profile Characteristics of Rice and Maize Farmers in the State of Nagaland, India
Authors: Khuvung Z. , Mishra P. , Saikia P. , Naik B. J.
Published: February 2023

The present study was conducted in six selected districts of Nagaland with a sample size of 300 respondents to find out the profile characteristics namely; personal, socio-economic, communication and psychological characteristics of rice and maize farmers. The profile of the farmers revealed that more than half (59.7%) of the respondents were medium aged and were males (65.7%), less than one-third of them were illiterates (31.7%), majority belonged to nuclear family type (86%) and more than half (51.7%) of them had family size of 3-5 members. A little more than two-third (67.7%) of the farmers did cultivation as occupation, majority (46%) had marginal operational land holding, 80.67 % had medium income level, more than half (57.7%) of them had 13-32 years of farming experience, less than half (49.3%) of the farmers had no membership in any organization, 47.67% of them had medium level of information sources utilization and 51.67% had medium level of extension contact. Majority (23.66%) of them had contact with ATMA officials, 67% of them visited towns for agriculture purpose. More than half (69.67%) of the respondents had medium level of innovativeness, 45.67% had medium level of economic motivation, 62% having medium level of scientific orientation, 56.67% having medium level of achievement motivation while 63.7% of them had moderate level of attitude towards shifting cultivation.
Correlation and Path Analysis Studies for Yield and Quality Traits of Rice Landraces and Mutants of Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Parte Deepika , Sathish Konreddy , Sahu Parmeshwar , Sharma Deepak , Bhainsa Kuber , Das B. K. , Shrivastava Rajeev
Published: February 2023

Background: The production of rice needs to grow as this is one of the major objective in plant improvement program to fulfill the requirement of the rapidly growing population.

Objective and Methods: The field experiment was conducted to study character association among yield and its attributes among 58 rice genotypes at Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, College of Agriculture, Raipur (C.G.) to know the relationship among characters.

Results: it is found out that Traits like panicle weight per plant, filled spikelets per panicle, harvest index, and biological yield per plant are having a high direct effect and significant correlation with grain yield per plant, and traits like milled grain length-width ratio, hulling %, and alkali spreading value are having a high direct effect and significant correlation with head rice recovery.

Conclusions: Direct selection based on these traits for improvement of rice grain yield and grain quality can be effective.
Positive Effect of Natural Resources Management Interventions on Bio-physical Indictors in Polla Watershed Project of Srikakulam District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Reddy P. Venkataram Muni , Sasidhar Kona , Reddy C. P. , Reddy R. V. Sagar Kumar , Reddy B. Janardhan , Ramana R. V. , Rekha D. V. S. R. L. , Rao K. Veerabhadra
Published: February 2023

Aim: This Investigation was taken up to detect the changes in the Bio-Physical Indicators of Polla Watershed project implemented under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) watershed project in Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh, India.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Polla watershed area of Seetham pet mandal of Srikakulam District, which is under drought Prone Area Project (DPAP) by the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development (PR and RD) Department, Andhra Pradesh during 2013 to 2020.

Methodology: High-resolution satellite data like Resourcesat-2, Linear Imaging and Self Scanning-IV (LISS-IV) of 2013 (pre-treatment) and 2020 (post-treatment) and ArcGIS 10.8 software were used in this project to measure the changes in land use/land cover and biomass during the project period (2013-20).

Result: The results showed a reduction in wastelands by 59.67% (786.59 ha) and an increase in cropland and plantation by 32.68% (756.34ha) and 2.16% (24.55ha) respectively. There is an increase in dense vegetation 49.36 ha (3.93 %), medium vegetation412.04ha (28.36 %), Low Vegetation 247.93ha (19.25 %) and a decrease in nil vegetation 709.33 ha (-57.99 %). Another positive indicator of watershed development in the project area is the increase in waterbodies by 17.10 %, due to the construction of rainwater harvesting structures i.e., 21 percolation tanks, 10 rockfill dams,18 loose boulder structures, 19 Mini Percolation Tanks etc.

Conclusion: This study reveals that an additional area of 5.69ha (17.10%) increased under water bodies and 786.59 ha of wasteland converted to cultivable land due to the construction of rockfill dams, percolation tanks, mini percolation tanks, check walls and loose boulder structures. This area is reflected in cropland and plantations.
Biochemical Response on Three Growth Phases of Chickpea under Graduated Salt Stress
Authors: Navyashree R. , Ashvathama V. H.
Published: February 2023

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is sensitive to salt sress, that affects its yield and there is need to identify the tolerant genotypes. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of NaCl salt stress on chickpea genotypes with specific biochemical attributes contributing to their adaptability to salt stress. Ten chickpea genotypes both desi (Annigeri 1, BGD103, NBeG47, JG11, GBM2, JAKI9218, ICC1431, ICC5003, ICCV96029) and kabuli (MNK 1) were evaluated for salinity tolerance. To determine the most tolerant genotype to salinity stress, an experiment was done at College of Agriculture, Vijayapur during 2019 as factorial form under completely block design (CRD) with three replications and 3 treatments, control and 2 NaCl salinity levels (3dS/m and 6dS/m) in 10 chickpea cultivars at 30, 60 and 90 days after sowing. Salinity is a serious abiotic stress, causing oxidative stress. Various biochemical parameters in chickpea genotypes were considered under varied NaCl concentrations. The results revealed that proline was significantly higher in JG 11 (33.42 mg g-1fr. wt.) at 6 dS.m-1 of salt as compared to other genotypes, because of high concentration of proline content enable JG11 to maintain low water potentials and tolerance to salt stress. Salt stress reduces the total chlorophyll content of leaves in salt susceptible plants and increases it in salt tolerant plants. The chlorophyll content decreased in all genotypes during the stress. Maximum decrease in chlorophyll content was observed with ICCV96029 and NBeG 47 among ten genotypes. Among biochemical parameters, the proline concentration was increased by high salinity, while total chlorophyll concentration was decreased in all tested genotypes. Hence proline and total chlorophyll content were more consistent with salt tolerance responses of the genotypes.
Nutrient Uptake and Yield Attributes of Container Grown Elephant Foot Yam as Influenced by Growth Medium, Nutrient and Irrigation Schedule
Authors: Limisha N. P. , Swadija O. K.
Published: February 2023

An experiment was done in the Instructional Farm, College of Agriculture, Vellayani to study the effect of growth medium, nutrient schedule and irrigation schedule on nutrient uptake and yield attributes of container grown  elephant foot yam by raising elephant foot yam var. Gajendra in plastic sacks of uniform size with 12 treatment combinations involving three growth media (M1  - soil : sand : FYM (farmyard manure) 1:1:1, M2  - soil : coir pith : FYM 1:1:1 and M3  - soil : coir pith : FYM 0.75:1.25:1), two nutrient schedule ( N1 – N and K in three splits and N2 – N and K in six splits) and two irrigation schedule (I1 - irrigation once in three days and I2 - irrigation once in six days) with four replications in completely randomized design. Based on the result of this study,  higher root number,  weight plant -1, corm weight plant -1 and bulking rate of corm were recorded in the growth medium M2,  application of N and K in six splits and irrigation once in three days . Bulking rate of corm was observed to be higher between 4 MAP and 5 MAP in all the treatments.  Higher corm yield plant-1, utilization index,  total dry matter production plant-1  and highest uptake of N and P was noticed with the growth medium M2, application of N and K in six splits and irrigation once in three days. Corm yield and total dry matter production plant -1 were positively and significantly correlated with N, P and K uptake plant -1.
Productivity and Nutrient Uptake Influenced by Zinc and Iron on Summer Mungbean
Authors: Barla S. , Sahoo H. K. , Patra B. P.
Published: February 2023

Nutrient management is one of the most significant strategies that have an impact on mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) growth and development. Therefore, the field trial was carried out at RRTTSS, Kirei, Sundargarh during summer season 2021. Experiment consists of eight treatment including T1- control (RDF: 20-40-20 kg/ha and FYM 5 tha-1), T2 - T1+ 0.5% ZnSO4 FI, T3 - T1+ 0.5% ZnSO4 FI & PI, T4 - T1+ 0.5% FeSO4 FI, T5 - T1+ 0.5% FeSO4 FI & PI, T6 - T1+ 0.5% ZnSO4 and 0.5% FeSO4 FI, T7 - T1+ 25 kgha-1 ZnSO4 soil application, T8 - T1+ 50 kg ha-1 FeSO4 soil application and replicated thrice with RBD. The results of the experiment revealed that yield attributes viz. pods per plant (15.63), seeds per pod (10.50), Seed yield (521 kg ha-1) and stover yield (1307 kg ha-1), total uptake of N (36.47 kg ha-1), P (4.60 kg ha-1), K (27.95 kg ha-1), Zn (47.99 g ha-1) and Fe (156.98 g ha-1) were recorded significantly highest under the treatment of 0.5% ZnSO4 and 0.5% FeSO4 foliar spray at flower initiation stage along with RDF and FYM. The highest N, P and K uptake was found with application of 0.5% ZnSO4 and 0.5% FeSO4 at flower initiation stage (20.09 kg ha-1), (2.17 kg ha-1) and (3.37 kg ha-1) in seed & stover (16.38 kg ha-1), (2.43 kg ha-1) and (24.58 kg ha-1), respectively.
Variation in Morphological Characters of Leaf and Culm Sheath of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex.Wendl. in Central India
Authors: Ali Saudagar Irshad , Kumar Mehra Vineet , Gupta Trilok , Kumar Sonkar Mukesh , Maravi Sushma , Shirin Fatima
Published: February 2023

The feasibility of Bambusa vulgaris schrad. ex Wendl. has been assessed globally for a variety of uses. It is one of the fastest growing bamboo and can thrive in both moist and dry climates. To disseminate substantial baseline data on morphological variations of the species, morphological characteristics of leaf and culm sheath of Candidate Plus Clumps (CPCs) were evaluated followed by genetic analysis of growth attributes of three bamboo stands viz., MP-RJR, MH-AMR and OR-KLN, in three distinct states Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha of central India. Significant differences in leaves and culm sheaths were noticed among the CPCs and bamboo stands during the investigation. OR-KLN was observed with the longest leaf (22.77 cm) and the broadest leaf lamina at the top (1.58 cm). Longest average culm sheath blade (30.37 cm) in MH-AMR and maximum average sheath diameter (33.23 cm) in OR-KLN were recorded. High values for phenotypic coefficient of variations, genotypic coefficient of variations, heritability and genetic advance as mean percentage were obtained for clump diameter and number of culms per clump.  This can be used as selection criteria in the improvement programme of Bambusa vulgaris var. Green.

Aims: To study morphological variation of leaf and culm sheath of Bambusa vulgaris schrad. ex Wendl. at three bamboo stands associated with genetic analysis in growth attributes.

Study Design:  Complete Randomised design (CRD).

Place and Duration of Study: Morphological data of Candidate Plus Clumps (CPCs), leaf and culm sheath of Bambusa vulgaris was recorded at bamboo stands in Rajore, Madhya Pradesh, Kalinga, Odisha and Amravati, Maharashtra from September 2021 to November 2022. Further investigation, statistical analysis and other studies were carried out at Genetics and Tree Improvement Division, Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur, M.P., India.
Factors Affecting Infertility in Women of Reproductive Age in the IVF Programme
Authors: Sirait Batara Imanuel , Reviani Nia , Udjung Gorga I. V. W.
Published: February 2023

Approximately 8-10% of couples are facing some kind of infertility problem. Infertility is defined as a couple's inability to achieve pregnancy over an average of one year without using birth control methods and while engaging in normal sexual intercourse. Primary and secondary infertility are the two types of infertility. The high percentage of female reproductive age factors influencing infertility, as well as existing studies on infertility-related factors in women, piques the researcher's interest in studying the factors that influence infertility in women. This study is an observational descriptive-analytic with a chi-square design based on secondary data collected from medical records. The majority (37,6%) of infertile women in this study were within the 31-35 age group. Most of the infertile women are primary infertile type women (81%). Indications that cause infertility include an indication of tubal damage, uterine disorders of the endometrium, and ovulation problems. In this case, researchers used these three indications to examine infertility factors in women of reproductive age. Based on the study results, 25% of indications of tubes, 21.7% of endometrial indications, and indications of ovarian problems were calculated by looking at AMH (Anti Müllerian Hormone) and AFC (Antral Follicle Count) values. In this study, the researchers looked for a correlation between increasing age in reproductive women with increasing AMH and AFC levels. Based on random sampling, there was a significant correlation between the increasing reproductive age of women and decreasing AMH and AFC values in women of reproductive age who underwent therapy at Bunda International Clinic, Morula IVF Jakarta.
Top 100 Influential Articles in the Field of ACE Inhibitors in Preventing Cardiac Remodeling: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Eljatib Hussam
Published: February 2023

Background: Cardiac remodeling can lead to poor outcomes like dangerous arrhythmias, ventricular dysfunction, and heart failure. Though decades of research have been conducted on cardiac remodeling and Angiotensin-converting enzymes, a comprehensive analysis using bibliometrics has yet to be performed.

Methodology: This study aimed to do a citation analysis of the hundred frequently cited articles on ACE inhibitors for the prevention of cardiac remodeling using the Scopus database. The Scopus database was searched for relevant literature by analyzing the titles, keywords, and abstracts of papers. The studies discovered were all about ACE inhibitors. The abstracts of each article were examined to determine their significance and appropriateness for the enclosure. The final selection included 100 articles, and citation analysis was performed using manual screening and Scopus.

Results: The trend of total citations increased sharply beginning in 1987, peaking around 1992, then gradually declining with occasional fluctuations until a significant uptick was seen in 2002. The articles were published between 1978 and 2022, with the highest number of articles published between 1999 and 2003. The articles originated in 24 countries, with the United States having the most representation. The articles were published in 11 different journals, with the first four accounting for more than three-quarters of the total. The top institution, with 14 articles, was Brigham and Women's Hospital. Additionally, the majority of the authors were male and of white origin. The study discovered that while the majority of authors (335/388) did not have conflicts of interest, a significant minority did, primarily among higher-ranking authors.

Conclusion: Our research aims to give a comprehensive understanding of the current studies and investigations regarding the use of Ace inhibitors in cardiovascular remodeling, in order to better inform future research efforts.
Correlation between Findings of Visual Field, Optical Coherence Tomography and Orbital Computerized Tomography in Thyroid Eye Disease with or without Dysthyroid Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Salah Helal Alshimaa , Refaat Shabana Reham , Mahmoud Dawoud Rasha , Ashraf Eldesouky Mohammed
Published: February 2023

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the findings of optical coherence tomography, visual field and orbital computerized tomography in thyroid eye disease, correlate the findings with the clinical data for early detection and anticipation of dysthyroid optic neuropathy.

Setting and Design: This is a comparative observational cross-sectional study that was conducted at the Outpatient Clinic of the Ophthalmology Department of Tanta University Hospital.

Patients and Methods: This study was carried out on 30 eyes of patients with TED and 15 eyes of age-matched normal subjects.  Of the 30 eyes with thyroid associated orbitopathy (TAO) 15 eyes had DON (group 1: TED with DON) and 15 eyes didn’t have DON (group 2: TED without DON) and the third group included normal (control) age and gender-matched individuals. for each patient we used OCT for measurement of PRNFL thickness, VF and orbital CT for measurement of amount of proptosis in the three groups.

Results: The mean PRNFL thickness was significantly lower in group (1) patients compared to group (2) (p-value = 0.004) and higher in group (1) compared to group (3) (p-value < 0.001) but no statistically significant difference between group (2) and group (3) (p-value = 0.551).

Visual field MD was significantly lower in group (1) patients compared to group (2) (p-value = 0.002) and higher in group (1) compared to group (3) (p-value < 0.001) but no statistically significant difference between group (2) and group (3) (p-value = 0.777).

Amount of proptosis was significantly higher in group (1) compared to group (2). (p value <0.001), and higher in group (1) compared to group (3). (p value<0.001) but not statistically significant between group (2) and group (3). (p value=0.265).

Conclusion: Peri-papillary nerve fiber layer act as an auxiliary tool for the early diagnosis of DON, VF testing is considered as reliable indicator of DON.

Amount of proptosis not correlated with severity of DON.
Historical Perspectives of Disability and Special Education in Zambia
Authors: Chirwa Masauso , Kalinda Roy , Thankian Kusanthan
Published: February 2023

Formal education for the disabled children and people particularly the blind and the deaf children and adults originated during the colonial period when experts in communication skills for this category of people arrived from Europe. Like formal education for the able bodied pupils, education for the disabled or differently abled pupils and students is associated with the early missionaries in the colonial period. The missionaries in particular brought special education for the blind and deaf pupils. In Zambia, the first school for children with special education needs was at Magwero community in 1903 in eastern province by missionaries with a very small number of three pupils (two from Malawi and one from Zambia). Parents of children with disabilities such as deafness and blindness did not see the need to educate these children who in most cases faced discrimination within their families and community at large. The advent of missionaries who came from countries  where education was for all children with learning abilities was the beginning of education for children with hearing and sight disabilities. This education was not located in all provinces in the country and this meant that parents who wanted to send children to school had to send them to these few schools. Consequently, a lot of disabled children could not access education. Currently, there are so many schools for children with disabilities in different parts of the country run by government and other institutions such as the church and NGOs. With international conventions made on the rights of the child, the government has made great strides in providing education for all children regardless of any challenges they may be facing. However, accessing secondary and tertiary education remains a serious challenge for many due to the fact that the infrastructure is not sensitive to the needs of such challenged students. In other words, there are few students at tertiary level with disabilities because of issues to do with cost of education, discrimination against disabled children at family level and the nature of infrastructure where one has to be aided to classes and other facilities. A lot of policies and legislation has been done but what is still lacking is full implementation in terms of provision of facilities and services right in institutions to fully meet the needs of pupils and students with disabilities in all the different parts of the country.
Bio Efficacy of Microbial Formulations of Beauveria bassiana and SlNPV against Spodoptera litura F. and Aphis craccivora Koch. in Vegetable Cowpea
Authors: Sankar S. S. Hari , Faizal M. H.
Published: February 2023

The study was conducted in the Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Vellayani in 2022 with an objective to test the bio efficacy of liquid and bait formulations of Beauveria bassiana Bb 6063 and SlNPV against two most damaging pests of vegetable cowpea Spodoptera litura F. and Aphis craccivora Koch. Emulsifiable suspension (ES) formulation (comprising of Bb 6063 conidia and SlNPV @1.78 x 1010 Conidia mL-1 and 5.24 x 108 POB mL-1 respectively, in 95% sesamum oil and 5% Span- 20 + Triton-X-100 (29:71)) and bait formulation (consisting of SlNPV @4.13 x 107 POB mL-1 in, 75% wheat flour + 25% chickpea flour base matrix) developed in the current study, was evaluated under field conditions. NPV bait when applied alone and in combination with ES formulation, recorded low population of S. litura (1.33, 1.00 larvae plot-1 respectively, after two rounds of application), though inferior to chemical check Flubendiamide 39.35 SC (0 larvae plot-1). However, the leaf damage intensity score in treatments with Flubendiamide (1.53), ES formulation applied along with NPV bait (1.73) and NPV bait alone (1.57) at 10 days after two rounds of treatments were statistically on par with each other and significantly lower than rest of the treatments. Treatments with ES formulation alone and in combination with NPV bait application recorded lowest Aphis craccivora population also (0.67, 0.33 aphids plot-1) as against 9.33 aphids plot-1 in untreated control. Thus, ES formulation of Bb 6063 and SlNPV  as well as SlNPV bait can be employed in the management of S. litura, wherein the former treatment is effective in controlling A. craccivora as well.
Bacteria Associated with Skin Piercing Equipment and their Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern in Port Harcourt Metropolis
Authors: Ogbonna S. I. , Barika P. N. , Ugboma C. J. , Ibokene I. J.
Published: February 2023

Skin Piercing is becoming rampant among adolescent in our contemporary society without considering its health implication and the risk of pathogenic microorganisms associated with equipment used. Hence, this research is carried out to determine the bacteria associated with this skin piercing equipment and their antibiotic susceptibility pattern in Port Harcourt metropolis. A total of thirty (30) skin piercing equipment were swab using sterile swab sticks and samples subjected to standard microbiological technique as well as standard plate count, culturing, identification and antibiotic susceptibility pattern using Kirby Bauer Disk diffusion method.  The distributed questionnaires showed that the percentage of female (79.56%) involved in skin piercing is more than the males (20.44%). The total heterotrophic bacteria count ranged from 4.75±0.03×103 CFU/ml to 6.31±0.23×104 CFU/ml in RSU back gate and PH Victoria Street respectively. The total Staphylococcal count ranged from 1.90±0.01×102 CFU/ml to 4.31±0.03×102 CFU/ml in RSU back gate and PH Victoria Street respectively. A total of Seventeen (17) bacteria isolates were identified belonging to the following genera; Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp, Bacillus spp, Micrococcus spp, and Clostridium spp. The prevalence of the bacteria indicated that Staphylococcus had the highest occurrence (26%), followed closely by Pseudomonas spp (19%), and Clostridium spp (11.7%) had the least prevalence across the locations. The Antimicrobial sensitivity testing results shows that Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp, Bacillus spp, Micrococcus spp, and Clostridium spp are more susceptible to Erythromycin, Gentamicin and Ofloxacin (100%) and resistant to Augmentin, Ceftazidime, Cefuroxime and Ceftriaxone (100%) Pseudomonas spp was Susceptible to Gentamicin, Nitrofurantoin and Ciprofloxacin (100%) and resistant to Ceftazidime, Cefuroxime and Augmentin (100%). These bacteria isolated are mostly pathogenic and may result in an increase in health complication as a result of non-hygienic protocol employed during using this skin piercing equipment. Professionals should enlighten and give advisory comment to adolescent about the risks involved in skin piercing practices.
Outcomes Among Undocumented Immigrant Kidney Transplant Recipients in California
Authors: Eguchi Natsuki , Tantisattamo Ekamol , Chung Dean , Reddy Uttam G. , Ferrey Antoney , Dafoe Donald , Ichii Hirohito
Published: February 2023

Importance

There are over 2 million undocumented immigrants (UI) in California, where currently, all individuals regardless of immigration status have access to kidney transplant. There is a medical perception that UI face a higher risk of transplant failure due to language barriers and lack of access to immunosuppressive medication and health care when compared with US residents (UR).

Objective

To elucidate the kidney transplant outcomes of UI at an academic medical center in California.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A retrospective cohort study was conducted from a single transplant center during an 8-year study period. Patients who received a kidney transplant at the University of California, Irvine, between January 1, 2012, and September 1, 2019, were included in this study. Data were analyzed from October 2020 to August 2021.

Exposures

The primary exposure of this study was citizenship status. UI were defined as immigrants residing in the US without permission or legal documentation.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was all-cause graft loss defined as the return to dialysis, need for a second kidney transplant, or death. The secondary end points of this study were all-cause mortality and rejection. All-cause mortality between the 2 groups was compared using multiple Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. Other transplant outcomes, including all-cause graft loss and acute rejection, were examined by competing risks regressions with mortality and mortality plus graft loss serving as competing risks, respectively.

Results

Of all 446 consecutive kidney transplant recipients, the mean (SD) age was 47 (13) years; 261 patients (59%) were male, and 114 (26%) were UI. During a median (IQR) follow-up time of 3.39 (0.04-8.11) years, 6 UI and 48 UR experienced all-cause graft loss. UR had a 192% (hazard ratio, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.21-6.85; P = .01) and 343% (hazard ratio, 4.34; 95% CI, 1.05-18.69; P = .04) significantly increased unadjusted risk for all-cause graft loss and all-cause mortality, respectively. These results became nonsignificant and were mostly attenuated when adjusted for age and ethnicity. Finally, there was no difference in incidence rate of kidney allograft rejection between the 2 groups (UR, 3.5 per 100 person-years vs UI, 2.4 per 100 person-years; rate ratio, 1.45; 95% CI, 0.90-5.05; P = .08).

Conclusions and Relevance

This single-center cohort study found that kidney transplant outcomes of UI were not inferior to those of UR. Across the US, however, UI have consistently had unequal access to transplantation. These findings suggest that extending kidney transplants to UI is safe and does not portend worse outcomes. As a result, denying transplant according to immigration status not only results in higher costs but also worse end stage kidney disease outcomes for an already underserved population.
Configurational and Orientational Bias Monte Carlo
Authors: Liu Jun S
Published: February 2023

The core idea of Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods is to construct a transition rule for a reversible Markov chain whose equilibrium distribution is the desired target distribution known up to a normalizing constant. As the earliest and the most important MCMC method, the Metropolis algorithm constructs its transition rule in two steps: firstmaking a proposal according to a rather arbitrary symmetric (aka, “unbiased”) proposal distribution, and then deciding whether to accept or reject the proposal with probability determined by how good the density value at the proposed configuration compared to the current one. Hastings later generalizedthe algorithm to allow for non‐symmetric, i.e., biased, proposals. In fact, many “advanced” Monte Carlo methods developed in the area of molecular simulations center around the attempt to design a favorable “biasing” proposal strategy. In this chapter, wediscuss two methods popular in molecular simulations for “biasing” the proposal and their general formulations and applications.
Time Between Events Monitoring with Control Charts
Authors: Chakraborti Subhabrata , Kumar Nirpeksh , Rakitzis Athanasios C. , Sparks Ross S.
Published: February 2023

Time between events (TBE) control charts play an important role in many applications, particularly in the monitoring of high‐yield processes. In this article, we discuss the most common types of control charts for time between events monitoring, along with some illustrations of their practical implementation. The usual distributional assumption for the time between events is that of the exponential distribution. We also briefly discuss the case where the TBE follows a Weibull distribution. Finally, for both distributions, the cases of known and unknown parameters are discussed.
Ser77Tyr transthyretin amyloidosis in Israel: Initial manifestations and diagnostic features
Authors: Dori Amir , Arad Michael , Wasserstrum Yishay , Pollak Arthur , Nikitin Vera , Ben‐David Merav , Shamash Jana , Nahum Ayelet Hashachar , Shavit‐Stein Efrat , Domachevsky Liran , Kuperstein Rafael , Dominissini Dan , Shelestovich Natalia , Sadeh Menachem , Pras Elon , Greenbaum Lior
Published: February 2023

Objective

Amyloidosis due to the transthyretin Ser77Tyr mutation (ATTRS77Y) is a rare autosomal‐dominant disorder, characterized by carpal‐tunnel syndrome, poly‐ and autonomic‐neuropathy, and cardiomyopathy. However, related symptoms and signs are often nonspecific and confirmatory tests are required. We describe the age and frequency of early symptoms and diagnostic features among individuals of Jewish Yemenite descent in Israel.

Methods

Records of mutation carriers were retrospectively reviewed. ATTRS77Y diagnosis was defined by the presence of amyloid in tissue and/or amyloid‐related cardiomyopathy.

Results

We identified the Ser77Tyr mutation at the heterozygous state in 19 amyloidosis patients (mean age at diagnosis: 62 ± 5.7 years, range 49–70) and 30 amyloid‐negative carriers. The probability for disease diagnosis increased from 4.4% at age 49 to 100% at 70 and occurred earlier in males. Initial symptoms preceded diagnosis by 5 ± 3.8 years (range 0–12) and were commonly sensory changes in the extremities. Erectile dysfunction predated these in 8/13 (62%) males. In two patients cardiac preceded neurological symptoms. Two patients declined symptoms. Electrophysiological studies near the time of diagnosis indicated a median neuropathy at the wrist in 18/19 (95%) and polyneuropathy in 13/19 (68%). Skin biopsy revealed epidermal denervation in 15/16 (94%) patients. Cardiomyopathy was identified in 16/19 (84%). Sensory complaints or epidermal denervations were present in 17/30 (57%) of amyloid‐negative carriers and co‐occurred in 10/30 (33%).

Interpretation

ATTRS77Y symptoms commonly occur after age 50, but may begin earlier. Median neuropathy, skin denervation and cardiomyopathy are frequently identified. Symptoms may be absent in patients and common in amyloid‐negative carriers.
Damage Evolution of Antibacterial Stainless Steel at Different Loading Rates Based on Digital Image Correlation Method
Authors: Zhao Guanghui , Li Jiacai , Li Juan , Li Huaying , Ma Lifeng , Li Yugui
Published: February 2023

Using Shimadzu AGS‐100KN tensile machine, LEICA‐LM/DM optical microscope, and electron backscatter diffractometer (EBSD), combined with digital image correlation (DIC) analysis method, the damage evolution behavior of copper‐containing antibacterial stainless steel in large deformation area and small deformation area under different loading rates is investigated. The results show that with the increase of the loading rate, the temperature rise induces local adiabatic shear bands in the microstructure, increasing work hardening, and a decrease in ultimate stress and full elongation. The damage evolves in the large deformation area, the sample is mainly deformed rapidly, the grain deformation degree is large, and the deformation basically stops in the small deformation area. The damage factor of the specimens in the large deformation zone and the small deformation zone increases with the increase of strain, and the damage deformation rate and the critical damage factor decrease with the increase of the loading rate. Based on the DIC method, the damage evolution equations of copper‐containing antibacterial stainless steel samples in large and small deformation regions under different loading rates are established, which effectively reflect the damage evolution laws at different loading rates.
Ultralow Expansion Glass as Material for Advanced Micromechanical Systems
Authors: Weigel Christoph , Cherkasova Valeriya , Holz Mathias , Phi Hai Binh , Görner Tenorio Christian , Wilbertz Björn , Voßgrag Leonard , Fröhlich Thomas , Strehle Steffen
Published: February 2023

Ultralow expansion (ULE) glasses are of special interest for temperature stabilized systems for example in precision metrology. Nowadays, ULE materials are mainly used in macroscopic and less in micromechanical systems. Reasons for this are a lack of technologies for parallel fabricating high‐quality released microstructures with a high accuracy. As a result, there is a high demand in transferring these materials into miniaturized application examples, realistic system modeling, and the investigation of microscopic material properties. Herein, a technological base for fabricating released micromechanical structures and systems with a structure height above 100 μm in ULE 7972 glass is established. Herein, the main fabrication parameters that are important for the system design and contribute thus to the introduction of titanium silicate as material for glass‐based micromechanical systems are discussed. To study the mechanical properties in combination with respective simulation models, microcantilevers are used as basic mechanical elements to evaluate technological parameters and other impact factors. The implemented models allow to predict the micromechanical system properties with a deviation of only ±5% and can thus effectively support the micromechanical system design in an early stage of development.
Hierarchically Nanostructured Janus Membranes Toward Sustainable and Efficient Solar‐to‐Thermal Management
Authors: Li Shan , Xiao Peng , Yang Weiqing , Zhang Chang , Gu Jincui , Kuo Shiao‐Wei , Chen Tao
Published: February 2023

Solar‐enabled thermal management is emerging as a promising candidate to exploit green, low‐cost and efficient heat‐related applications, which has drawn extensive intensity for the development of solar‐to‐thermal materials with high‐performance and desirable functionality. However, there still remain considerable challenges, such as the sharp temperature fluctuations under water‐related environment, high cost, complex fabrication approaches and limited energy efficiency. Here, superhydrophobic and photothermal nanostructured Janus membranes composed of hierarchical candle soot and transparent polydimethylsiloxane is proposed in a simple, low‐cost, and effective way. The achieved membranes can readily adapt to curved surfaces and enable efficient solar‐to‐thermal capability of ≈68 °C under 1 sun and good water‐repellant property of ≈159.7. Therefore, it can still maintain stable temperature without remarkable temperature decline when exposed to the high‐moisture environment. Also, the asymmetric structure can further endow the membrane with declined heat dissipation for high‐performance thermal management. Moreover, it can further function as a self‐supported agricultural film to continuously heat the soils with stable temperature for efficient bean growth, demonstrating significant potential in the new generation of urban agriculture.
Thermal‐Triggered “On–Off” Switchable Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Two‐Way Shape Memory Polymer
Authors: Yang Guang , Li Haiqiong , Xing Renquan , Lv Mengdie , Ma Chongqi , Yan Jing , Zhuang Xupin
Published: February 2023

Developing multifunctional triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with special intelligence is of great significance for next‐generation self‐powered electronic devices. However, the relevant work on the intelligent TENGs, especially those spontaneously responsive to external stimuli, is rarely reported. Herein, an intelligent TENG with thermal‐triggered switchable functionality and high triboelectric outputs is developed by designing a movable triboelectric layer, which is driven by a two‐way shape memory polyurethane. The resultant TENG device can be spontaneously switched on/off in response to the environmental temperature change, i.e., switching on at 0 °C and off at 60 °C. At the “on” state, the developed TENG exhibits excellent triboelectric performance with a maximum output power density of 5.15 W m−2 at a pressure of 30 kPa due to the unique advantages of micro‐/nanofiber triboelectric surfaces. Furthermore, the great potential of the switchable TENG in intelligent wearable electronic applications is demonstrated, which can serve as not only the sensing element for monitoring human movement and physical condition in a cold environment but also the thermal‐driven switch for turning on/off the heating function on demand. The intelligent “on–off” switchable TENG combined with excellent triboelectric performance may provide new opportunities for future self‐powered wearable electronics.
Intelligent Soft Sweat Sensors for the Simultaneous Healthcare Monitoring and Safety Warning
Authors: Huang Xingcan , Liu Yiming , Park Wooyoung , Li Jiyu , Ma Jie , Yiu Chun Ki , Zhang Qiang , Li Jian , Wu Pengcheng , Zhou Jingkun , Zeng Yuyang , He Xinxin , Li Jialin , Wong Tsz Hung , Yao Kuanming , Zhao Ling , Gao Yuyu , Shi Rui , Li Hu , Li Meixi , Li Dengfeng , Zhao Zhao , Li Yuhang , Li Heng , Yu Xinge
Published: February 2023

Intelligent monitoring human physiological information in real time raises the demand for skin‐integrated electronics, as which is a flexible format and can be mounted onto the curved human skin for noninvasive healthcare monitoring. The biofluid such as sweat from skin contains abundant biomarkers reflecting body health conditions. Here, a skin‐integrated sweat monitor with six biosensors embedded for the detection of NH4+, Na+, glucose, pH, skin impedance, and surface temperature is described, which could decode the information in the fresh sweat generated during exercising. Furthermore, the system also includes an innovative safety warning mechanism, which is based on a miniaturized actuator to provide mechanical stimuli, and coupled with six changeable colors light emitting diodes corresponding to the six biosensors for providing simultaneous safety alarming to users. The self‐developed microfluidics system with a hydrophilic surface allows to enhance the sweat collection rate. Meanwhile, microfluidic filters can reduce the interruption of skin debris during biosignal monitoring. These state‐of‐art biosensors can real‐time monitor health related signals with excellent linearity and specificity. The skin‐integrated sweat monitor system exhibits a great potential in human healthcare monitoring and medical treatment.
Förster Resonance Energy Transfer Nanobullet for Photoacoustic Imaging and Amplified Photothermal‐Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer
Authors: Tan Mixiao , Li Xuemei , Zhang Hua , Zheng Min , Xiong Jie , Cao Yang , Cao Guoliang , Wang Zhigang , Ran Haitao
Published: February 2023

Synergistic photodynamic and photothermal therapy (PDT‐PTT) has emerged as an appealing effective antitumor approach. However, clinical utilization of PDT‐PTT is plagued by aggregation‐caused photobleaching, sequential double irradiations, unsatisfying balance between single oxygen (1O2) quantum yield and photothermal conversion efficiency. Here, an anchored tumor‐homing cell‐penetrating peptide (PEGA‐pVEC) and PANI‐ES/HMME loaded FRET nanobullet (AHP‐P) are reported. Within nanobullet, HMME (donor) and PANI‐ES (acceptor) spontaneously form a förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) pair. Upon 660 nm laser irradiation, HMME convert near‐infrared fluorescence (NIRF) to PANI, thus produce FRET‐amplified photoacoustic imaging guided PTT. In addition, AHP‐P with pH‐sensitivity can gradually release HMME within acidic tumor environment, boosts the 1O2 regeneration alongside with highly efficient photothermal conversion for photoinduced cancer PTT‐PDT. Furthermore, the AHP‐P nanobullet can home in on the tumor site and penetrate into cytoplasm through PEGA‐pVEC, inducing remarkable tumor regression with an ≈80% tumor volume reduction and decreased skin phototoxicity in vivo during FRET‐amplified PTT‐PDT.
Integrated Nanorod‐Mediated PD‐L1 Downregulation in Combination with Oxidative‐Stress Immunogene Therapy against Cancer
Authors: Wu Shuaiying , Zhang Jianzhong , Pan Jie , Bai Shuang , Wang Ziying , Chen Yulun , Xu Dazhuang , An Yibo , Liu Chao , Chu Chengchao , Dai Qixuan , Jiang Lai , Lu Zhixiang , Liu Gang
Published: February 2023

It is an engaging program for tumor treatment that rationalizes the specific microenvironments, activation of suppressed immune system (immune resistance/escape reversion), and synergistic target therapy. Herein, a biomimetic nanoplatform that combines oxidative stress with genetic immunotherapy to strengthen the therapeutic efficacy is developed. Ru‐TePt nanorods, small interfering RNA (PD‐L1 siRNA), and biomimetic cellular membrane vesicles with the targeting ability to design a multifunctional Ru‐TePt@siRNA‐MVs system are rationally integrated. Notably, the Fenton‐like activity significantly enhances Ru‐TePt nanorods sonosensitization, thus provoking stronger oxidative stress to kill cells directly. Meanwhile, immunogenic cell death is triggered to secrete numerous cytokines and activate T cells. The effective catalase characteristics of Ru‐TePt enable the in situ oxygen‐producing pump to improve tumor oxygen level and coordinately strengthen the therapeutic effect of SDT followed. More importantly, anti‐PD‐L1‐siRNA mediated immune checkpoint silence of the PD‐L1 gene creates an environment conducive to activating cytotoxic T lymphocytes, synergistic with boosted reactive oxygen species‐triggered antitumor immune response. The experimental results in vitro and in vivo reveal that the Ru‐TePt@siRNA‐MVs nanosystems can effectively activate the oxidative stress‐triggered immune response and inhibit PD‐1/PD‐L1 axis‐mediated immune resistance. Consequently, this orchestrated treatment paradigm provides valuable insights for developing potential oxidative stress and genetic immunotherapy.