bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bite force in Iraqi children in relation to teeth contact and mandibular incisors angulation
Authors: Khalaf Dr. Muna Saleem
Published: August 2022

Clinical and animal experiments have demonstrated the role of masticatory musclefunction in normal and abnormal dentofacial development. This study was aimed atobserving the role of antagonistic tooth contacts in the value of maximum bite forceamong a sample of Iraqi children and to seek the existence of a correlation betweenmaximum bite force and the angulations of the mandibular incisors.Maximum bite force was measured in 46 children (23 males and 23 females). Theteeth that occluded with its antagonist were counted clinically and the children werethen classified as those with full contact of opposing teeth and those with partialcontact. The angle of inclination of the mandibular incisors was obtained bycephalometric lateral views for each child.Maximum biting force was higher in children with full contact of teeth than inchildren with partial contact of teeth. The difference was statistically insignificant. Aclear correlation existed between maximum bite force and the angulations of themandibular incisors.Maximum biting force affected the inclination of the mandibular incisors.No difference was found in the value of maximum biting force between patientswith full contact of teeth and those with partial contacts.
Evaluation of Upper Canine Eruptive Course: A Radiographic study
Authors: AL-Ani Dr. Anfal Abdul-Majeed
Published: August 2022

Early detection of upper canine eruptive problems, give a better chance for thepreventive steps to be taken. 328 maxillary canines in pre-emergence phase, werestudied on the bases of (164) panoramic radiographic records of Iraqi children age 5-12 years (72 boys - 92 girls). Canine inclination (CI) (relative to a plane between thesuborbital points), and its relation to the lateral incisor (CLR) were studied. Thelateral incisor developmental stage (LID) was evaluated too.Results showed that, in initial stages of (LID), the canine lateral incisor relation(CLR) is almost characterized by overlapping, a situation rarely seen in the finalstages. Only 8-15% of the overlapping is found when the lateral incisor wascompletely developed (CO), detecting possible canine anomalies in this stage,especially when associated with other clinical signs as non-palpation of the cuspidbulge in the alveolar process. Then extraction of the primary canine is advised toprevent impaction.
Evaluation of the effect of different surface treatment on the transverse strength of the repaired acrylic denture base resin cured by two different techniques
Authors: Jaber Dr. Makarem Abdul-Rassol
Published: August 2022

One of the most important practical deficiencies of present denture base materialsis fracture, therefore many attempts have been made to reinforce of the repaireddenture base resin, a desirable objective for this service is to obtain optimum strengthfor repair, which can be achieved by making available a good bound between originaland repair materials.The present study was carried out to evaluate and compare the effect of differentsurface treatments (monomer, acetone, combination monomer + acetone) on thetransverse strength of acrylic denture base.Seventy (70) specimens were prepared from pink heat-cure acrylic resin of which(10) specimens were considered a control group. The remaining specimens weredivided into two main groups (30specimens repaired by Ivomat and 30 specimensrepaired by air method).The joint treated before cold-cured acrylic resin was applied to the joint space.Specimens were repaired by cold-curing resin (major). Then they were stored indistilled water at (37 Co) for (48) hours. These were subjected to three-point loadingtesting machine to determine the transverse strength.The results showed that air cured acrylic resin has significant lower transversestrength than Ivomat cured acrylic resin also show that the specimen treated with(Acetone + monomer) have a higher transverse strength.Finally, it can be concluded that curing methods and surface treatment willimprove transverse strength of the repaired acrylic denture base re
Radiographic study of endodontic treatment in adult population after period of time
Authors: Zeidan Dr. Baidaa Mohammed
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to assess the treatment results following endodontictherapy of teeth filled with gutta-percha A total of 340 patients were used in this studyreferring to Al-Mustansirya University, 400 periapical radiographs of previouslyendodontic treated teeth were evaluated from patients were aged from 19-49 years oldselected amongst subjects referred to Al- Mustansirya dental collage, these patientshad been root filled for 12 months or greater.After samples selection, Radiographic examination was performed using theparallel technique with one periapical radiograph was taken for each tooth.Standardized exposure processing was used in order to obtain optimal diagnosticquality of the radiographs.Radiographs were assigned according to patient's sex and age, time elapsed sinceplacement of the root fillings, distance of root filling from radiographic apex whichmeasured directly from the radiographic categorized according to whether the rootfilling was less than 2 mm from the radiographic apex , or over filled teeth also painand presence or absence of radiolucency was recorded. In conclusion, teeth with rootcanal fillings material placed to within 2 mm of the radiographic apex wereassociated with higher success rates than fillings that were 2 mm or greater fromradiographic apex.
Incidence of HBV among Patients fromMaxillofacial Clinic in Ramadi Teaching Hospital
Authors: AL- Fayad Dr. Dunia W.S. , Ahmed Dr. Hala F.
Published: August 2022

Viral hepatitis is a major public health problem, occurring endemically in allareas of the world. Unlike hepatitis A, hepatitis B does not generally spread throughwater & food. Instead, it is transmitted through body fluids; prevention is thus theavoidance of such transmission. This study included a total of 43patients whoattended outpatient's maxillofacial clinic, in Ramadi Teaching Hospital, Ramadi city.Results showed that out of the 43 patients 3 cases turned out to be Hbs Ag positive.Contact with blood and blood products, or contaminated saliva, surgeons and dentistsare more at risk of this is a first investigation into the prevalence of acquiring HBV.All unvaccinated adults are at risk for HBV infection should be vaccinated. HepatitisB vaccine is made from a part of the hepatitis B virus.
Salivary sex hormones & its relation to periodontal status among pregnant & non pregnant women
Authors: Al-Zaidi Dr. Wassan Hassan , AbdulAziz Dr. Maha AbdulAziz , Shukri Dr. Maha shukri
Published: August 2022

Salivary sex hormones (estradiol/ progesterone) levels may rise dramatically &may affect the periodontal health during pregnancy. The aim of this study was tomeasure the level of estradiol &progesterone in stimulated saliva of pregnant women& its correlation to periodontal status in comparison to non pregnant women.A total of 26 women of the age group 20-24yr. attending the maternal & childhealth care in the medical city hospital were selected at the 3rd trimester of pregnancy& another 26 unmarried women were selected rand only. Saliva had been collectedfor analysis of estradiol & progesterone & periodontal status had been evaluated usingplaque index (PlI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD) & clinical attachmentlevel (CAL), t-test, X2 & correlation coefficient were used where indicated.The results revealed a significant difference in the mean PlI & GI among pregnant& control groups. Pregnant women showed deeper pocket & more attachment loss &a high mean of salivary sex hormones than control group with significant differences.The results also revealed a positive correlations between probing depth, clinicalattachment level & salivary sex hormones while there was no significant weakcorrelation between PlI, GI with salivary sex hormones.All the periodontal parameter & salivary sex hormones in this study were highervalue in pregnant women than non pregnant with significant differences. More strongpositive correlations were found between PD, CAL with salivary sex hormones &weak correlations with PlI & GI.
Influence of post materials on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth.
Authors: Shukri Dr. Biland M. S.
Published: August 2022

The bending stiffness of the post should have the ability to transfer and distributeforces and stresses in an endodontically treated tooth to prevent root fracture. The aimof this study was to evaluative the post materials on the fracture resistance ofendodontically treated teeth restored with three types of post materials. Thirtyextracted human mandibular premolars after root canal preparation and obturationwith gutta percha; the roots were divided into three groups according to the type ofpost material, group Fc restored with fiber post, group Sc restored with stainless steelpost and group Tc restored with titanium post. All teeth restored with compositerestorative material as core materials. Then all the teeth were subjected tocompressive load at 130o angle from the horizontal plan at a 5mm/min crossheadspeed until fracture. Results showed that there was a significant different betweengroups in term of fracture loads (P= 0.0301). Also the fracture loads of teeth restoredwith titanium post has highest mean fracture load (830N), whereas teeth restored withFiber post demonstrated the lowest mean fracture load (701.3N). This studyconcluded that the teeth restored with metallic post were more fracture resistant thanthose restored with fiber posts. But the combination of a fiber post and composite corehas the favorable mode of fracture that considered reparable, while consideredunfavorable when restored with metallic post.
Examining the multicultural competence perceptions of physical education teachers
Authors: Alçin Aykut , Dalbudak İbrahim , Balyan Melih
Published: August 2022

In this study, the multicultural competence levels of physical education teachers were examined according to various variables. The study group of the research consists of 217 physical education teachers working in the official primary and secondary schools in İzmir in the academic year of 2020-2021. 42.4% of the teachers in the study group are female (n=92), 57.6% of them are male (n=125). In collecting data, “Multicultural Competence Perceptions Scale” and “Personal Information Form” developed by Başbay and Kağnıcı (2011) for instructors were used. Parametric tests used in the statistics of data; independent groups t-test was used for two groups and one-way analysis of variance was used for groups more than two (p<0.05). Results shows that the score values that the teachers obtained from the total and sub-dimensions show that they perceive themselves as sufficient in multiculturalism. The awareness level of teachers working in secondary school (X=65.79) was higher than teachers working in primary school (X̄=61.90) (p<0.012).
3-year action research in a vietnamese university
Authors: Khanh Nguyen  Thi Van , Huong Ha  Thanh , Tu Do Thanh
Published: August 2022

In the context of the 4th Industrial Revolution with unlimited technological advancement and innovation, how can educators innovate their teaching and facilitate their students in their learning process, so that students can accumulate required skills and achieve the set learning outcomes of each course they take? In order to find out the answer, the authors have revised some literature concerning BYOD trend, active learning strategies, flipped classroom and learner-generated content as the theoretical base for their study. Action research has been conducted at a Vietnamese university with the participation of English-majored students in Theory of English Translation and Interpreting classes from 3 different intakes. The findings include students’ positive perception towards the content-generation practices. Some achievements and challenges in the teaching and learning process have also been reported. This paper also recommends further studies so that the practice could be utilized to the best outcomes.
Psychological and pedagogical conditions for the predictive competence development of elementary school pupils with intellectual disabilities by means of fine arts
Authors: Bystrova Yuliya , Viktoriia Kovalenko , Olha Zan
Published: August 2022

The methodology for the predictive competence development in elementary school pupils with intellectual disabilities was created and implemented. The methodology aims to form predictive competence as an attitude and personal quality in the process of conducting classes in fine arts and to find out the conditions for attracting them to such activities. The main conditions for the presentation, forecasting, and planning skills development in elementary school pupils with intellectual disabilities are determined. Forecasting is considered in the work as an integral part of the following actions: creative imagination, regulatory planning, and control. The study proves the assumption that the effectiveness of forecasting depends on several conditions: on its nature, on theoretical foundations of the predicted issue, on the forecasting ability, organize activities etc. The study provides examples of the author's developments of classes, presents a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the effectiveness of the implementation of the methodology.
Semiotics: A Transdisciplinary Quest for Meaning
Authors: Olurotimi Timehin Saheed
Published: August 2022

Human communication, often defined as the transfer of information between human beings, is better understood as the exchange of meaning between them. It has been discovered that meaning hardly makes sense outside the context of communication. Efforts to make sense of meanings date back to the classical times from the metaphysical postulates of Plato and Aristotle, which establish basic paradigms for the interpretation of the relation between 'ideas' and 'individual forms' as correlates of linguistic signs through Locke’s postulates of a fully-fledged system of ideas pre-existent to language, Condillac’s acknowledgement of the constitutive role of signs, which allow a level of cognitive organization beyond that of animals to the modern realization of the dependence of the mind on language and its social character which lead directly to Humboldt's linguistic relativism. One of the most dynamic breakthroughs in the understanding of human communication and the meanings exchanged therein is semiotics which is often defined as the science, doctrine, or study of signs and has become one of the traditions used in the study of communication. Combining historical inquiry and content analysis as methodological tools, this study explores the trajectory of semiotics, its nature, and dynamics and posits that because signs are socially and culturally polysemous, the use of semiotics requires exposure to diverse disciplines or at least more than one discipline in order to be able to properly underscore its multimodal tenor.
Microvascular Changes of the Non-surgical Eye after General Anesthesia in Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Kim Dae Sung , Shon Young Suk , Hong Rim Kyung , Oh Mi Kyung , Cho Hee Yoon
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To investigate chorioretinal vascular changes in the non-surgical eyes of patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery under general anesthesia using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).Methods: Data from 40 patients who underwent retinal surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Ophthalmologic examinations (including OCTA) were performed in the morning before and after surgery. The presence of intraoperative hypotension (IOH; mean arterial pressure <70 mmHg) was determined based on medical records. The vessel density of superficial and deep retinal capillary plexus layers, choriocapillaris void features, and thickness of the choroid and retina were quantified after image processing. Associations between retinal OCTA parameters and anesthesia profiles were also assessed.Results: DCP vessel density was increased after general anesthesia (p < 0.05). Among the patients who experienced IOH, there was no statistical difference in chorioretinal vessel parameters before and after general anesthesia. Also, we did not observe a difference in chorioretinal vessel parameters after general anesthesia between healthy patients and patients with chronic disease, including hypertension and diabetes (p > 0.05). The duration of anesthesia and average size of the choriocapillaris void (p < 0.05, r = -0.32), and the intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) fluctuation and DCP, showed statistically significant negative linear correlations (p < 0.05, r = -0.38). The choriocapillaris void size and intraoperative MAP fluctuation also displayed a significant negative correlation (p < 0.05, r = -0.37), while the average size signal void showed a weak positive linear correlation (p < 0.01, r = 0.41; and p < 0.01, r = 0.44, respectively).Conclusions: This is the first study to assess the effects of general anesthesia on chorioretinal vessels using OCTA. The Vessel density of the DCP was significantly increased in the non-surgical eye after total vitrectomy under general anesthesia. Furthermore, we found a correlation between MAP fluctuation and choriocapillaris void features. More studies are needed to confirm and expand on these observations.
Add-on Effect of Prostaglandin Analogues in Dorzolamide/Timolol Fixed Combination Treated Primary Open Angle Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Lee Jae Hoon , Jin Sang Wook
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the additive intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of three different prostaglandin analogues in dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination (DTFC)-treated primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).Methods: In this retrospective chart review, adjunctive latanoprost, travoprost, or bimatoprost were administered in DTFC-treated POAG patients who required additional IOP-lowering treatment. IOP, mean deviation value, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were evaluated.Results: In the latanoprost group, the baseline IOP was 22.1 ± 1.3 mmHg. The mean IOP after 12 months of adjunctive latanoprost was 18.6 ± 1.3 mmHg and the reduction rate was 15.8% (p = 0.000). In the travoprost group, the mean IOP after adjunct travoprost was 18.2 ± 1.5 mmHg and the reduction rate was 16.9% (p = 0.000). In the bimatoprost group, the mean IOP and reduction rate were 18.1 ± 1.5 mmHg and 17.0%, respectively (p = 0.000). There were no significant differences in the additional IOP reduction rate among the three groups (p = 0.687). The most common ADR was conjunctival hyperemia in all three groups. However, there were no serious ADRs causing ocular damage.Conclusions: Latanoprost, travoprost, and bimatoprost showed additional IOP reduction by 15.8-17.0% in DTFC-treated POAG patients.
A Case of Sporadic Eyelid Sebaceous Adenoma
Authors: Han Bo Sook , Lee Min Joung
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To report a case of sebaceous adenoma, which is a rare benign eyelid tumor.Case summary: A 45-year-old male presented with a visible mass on his left upper eyelid that had recurred 2 months ago. The mass had been resected 2 years ago. When the upper eyelid was everted, the tarsal portion of the mass was visible as a whitish papillary lesion. An incisional biopsy was done for pathological diagnosis and sebaceous adenoma was confirmed based on histopathological examinations. Subsequently, complete excision of the mass and eyelid reconstruction were performed under general anesthesia. Immunohistochemical studies were performed for differential diagnosis of Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS). Mutator L homologue 1, mutator S homologue 2, mutator S homologue 6 and PMS1 homolog 2 were all positive and he had no past medical or family history of internal malignancy, suggesting a very low possibility of MTS. Finally, the lesion was diagnosed as a sporadic sebaceous adenoma. The patient was followed up for 12 months without recurrence.Conclusions: Eyelid sebaceous adenoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis for an eyelid mass originating from the tarsal conjunctiva.
Tearing of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium after Intravitreal Injection of Brolucizumab
Authors: Park Joon Young , Moon Jong Won
Published: August 2022

Purpose: To report tearing of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) that occurred after intravitreal injection of brolucizumab for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) with pigment epithelial detachment (PED).Case summary: A 68-year-old man presented to our clinic with a 1-week history of decreased visual acuity in the left eye. His best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.2 in the left eye. Fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed PED and subretinal fluid (SRF). PCV was diagnosed based on the fluorescein angiography finding of a nonspecific hyperfluorescent lesion; indocyanine green angiography revealed a branching vascular network with a dilated polypoidal hyperfluorescent lesion at the end. Thus, the patient underwent intravitreal injection of brolucizumab. At the 2-week follow-up, PED and SRF were both reduced but a tear was present in the RPE; the patient’s visual acuity had not improved. After two further intravitreal injections of brolucizumab, OCT showed decreases in SRF and PED; BCVA remained stable at 0.2 without improvement.Conclusions: Tearing of the RPE is a rare complication that can occur after intravitreal injection of current anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents. Clinicians should carefully consider the potential for tearing of the RPE after intravitreal injection of brolucizumab.
Relationship between Clonorchis sinensis Infection and Cholangiocarcinoma in Korea
Authors: Kim Hwa Sun , Nam Ho-Woo , Ahn Hye-Jin , Kim Dongjae , Kim Yeong Hoon
Published: August 2022

This study provides an overview of the current status of clonorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), and their relationship in Korea during 2012-2020. Data were obtained from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service of Korea. Cluster, trend, and correlation analyses were performed. Gyeongsangnam-do and Seoul had the highest average number of cases (1,026 and 4,208) and adjusted rate (306 and 424) for clonorchiasis and CCA, respectively. The most likely clusters (MLC) for clonorchiasis and CCA were Busan/Gyeongsangnam-do/Ulsan/Daegu/Gyeongsangbuk-do (Relative Risk; RR = 4.55, Likelihood Ratio; LLR = 9,131.115) joint cluster and Seoul (RR = 2.29, LLR = 7,602.472), respectively. The MLC for clonorchiasis was in the southeastern part of Korea, while that for CCA was in the southern part. Clonorchiasis showed a decreasing trend in the southeastern districts, while increased in the southwestern districts. Cities in the central region had a decreasing trend, while the western districts had an increasing trend. In most adults (30-59), infection rate of clonorchiasis showed a significant decrease until 2018, while thereafter increased, although not significant. CCA showed a sharply decreasing tendency. The incidence of clonorchiasis and CCA were positively correlated. In general, the correlation was weak (r = 0.39, P < 0.001), but it was strongly positive around the 4 river basins (r = 0.74, P < 0.001). This study might provide an analytic basis for developing an effective system against clonorchiasis and CCA.
Molecular Detection and Genetic Diversity of Blastocystis in Korean Dogs
Authors: Suh Sangsu , Lee Haeseung , Seo Min-Goo , Kim Kyoo-Tae , Eo Kyung-Yeon , Kwon Young-Sam , Park Sang-Joon , Kwon Oh-Deog , Kim Tae-Hwan , Kwak Dongmi
Published: August 2022

Blastocystis is a genus of unicellular heterokont parasites belonging to a group of organisms known as Stramenopiles, which includes algae, diatoms, and water molds. Blastocystis includes several species that habitat in the gastrointestinal tracts of organisms as diverse as humans, farm animals, birds, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and cockroaches. It is important to public health and distributed globally, but its prevalence in dogs in Korea has not been reported to date. Here, we collected 787 canine fecal samples and assessed Blastocystis infection by age, sex, region, season, and diarrhea symptoms. We determined Blastocystis subtypes using phylogenetic analyses based on 18S rRNA gene sequences. We identified, 10 Blastocystis positive samples (1.3%). A higher proportion of infected dogs was asymptomatic; however, infection rates did not significantly differ according to region, age, sex, and season. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Blastocystis sp. identified belonged to 4 subtypes (STs), ST1, ST5, ST10, and ST14, thus revealed the genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. in dogs Korean. This is first report on the presence of Blastocystis sp. in dogs Korean. This study revealed a lower infection rate than expected and differed from previous studies in STs. Further studies are warranted to observe the national infection status of Blastocystis in dogs and the genetic characteristics of this genus.
Decentralized finance in the modern financial system: development and risks
Authors:   SESE “The Academy of Financial Management”, DMYTRENKO Tetiana , VOLKOVA Valeriya ,   Kremenchug City Government Council
Published: August 2022

The article highlights analogues of traditional financial instruments - decentralized financial services (DeFi), their protocols and essence, it also explores the spheres and types of activities, crypto-financial operations, defines the concept of decentralized finance and reveals the essence of blocked capital and market making. Concepts and prospects for the development of decentralized stablecoins and stable assets, their interaction, disintermediation function and decentralization are considered. Current risks associated with the use and adoption of DeFi areanalyzed, including market manipulation, wrong incentives, excessive short-termism, systemic risks, fraud and money laundering issues. Implementation of a risk-oriented approach in the context of combating money laundering and terrorist financing (AML/CFT) by national state supervisory and law enforcement agencies and enterprises involved in activities on the virtual assets market, is a mechanism for preventing threats and developing a legislative framework for regulation crypto market and interaction on these issues at the international level.
Pension security in Ukraine during the period of martial law
Authors:   SESE “The Academy of Financial Management”, SVIRIDOVSKA Anastasiia
Published: August 2022

The full-scale invasion of Russian troops in Ukraine has created new challenges for our country. The article examines the effective actions of the authorities regarding economic regulation, as well as the performance of the main functions entrusted to the state, in particular, social ones. It was established that the government took timely measures for the highest possible level of functioning the country's economy. The war creates threats to life support, in particular, to financing pension payments. At the same time, the beginning of a full-scale invasion of the aggressor in Ukraine is actually a new round of the crisis, from which the world has only begun to partially emerge . At the same time, due to complications in business operations after the start of hostilities, the blocking of exports, as well as the lack of imports, there exist certain problems in filling the state budget in our country. In particular, due to the decrease in tax revenues, budgets do not receive a share of revenues, but the level of defense spending increases every day, and the implementation of social payments should remain at least at the pre-war level. The purpose of the article is to establish prospects for increasing reliability in the field of resource provision of pension payments in the conditions of martial law in our country. Despite the non-fulfillment of planned budget indicators, as well as increased uncertainty in all spheres of social life, the measures taken both in the 1st quarter and until the end of 2022 will allow finding necessary financial resources for full pension provision of the population.
MANAGEMENT OF WHITE MOLD DISEASE OF CABBAGE (BRASSICA OLERACEA VAR. CAPITATA) THROUGH DIFFERENT PLANT EXTRACTS AND CHEMICALS
Authors: Zahid Khizra , Habib Amer , Mustafa Shahbaz , Khan Waqas Ahmad , Khan Atta ur Rehman
Published: August 2022

The cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is an herbaceous annual or biennial vegetable in the family Brassicaceae grown for its edible head. The cabbage white mold is one of the destructive diseases prevalent worldwide. The present study reports the finding of four fungicides and botanicals for the management of the pathogen. The efficacy of four fungicides was evaluated against the pathogen Sclerotiorum sclerotiorum (Lib) de Bary on PDA medium through the poisoned food technique. The recorded data advocated that the percentage inhibition of the fungal growth increased as the concentration of the fungicides increased. According to the results, fungal mycelial growth inhibition ranged from 92.91% to 34.69% after 96 hours. Similarly, the efficacy of three plant extracts was examined under laboratory conditions at four concentration levels viz. S, S/25, S/50 and S/75 by poisoned food technique on PDA. The radial growth of the fungus was recorded after 48 hours, 72 hours, and 96 hours of incubation. The inhibition percentage was measured and the results revealed that the garlic extract among all the three tested plant extracts was the most effective to inhibit the mycelial growth (49.54, 58.67, and 73.90%) of S. sclerotiorum at S/50, S/25, and S respectively after seven days followed by neem leaf extract (32.77, 44.97 and 61.73%). Leaf extract of safeda gave the least inhibition percentage of fungal growth of S. sclerotiorum.
OCCURRENCE OF PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES FROM DIFFERENT FRUIT GROWING AREAS OF BAJAUR, KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA, PAKISTAN
Authors: Ullah Sami , Khanum Tabassum Ara
Published: August 2022

Agriculture is the most important sector of Pakistan. Effective improvement in agricultural productivity depends on appropriate crop protection from pests and diseases. Among these, the nematode problem in agricultural productivity is of significant importance. Plant-parasitic nematodes are one of the limiting factors in agricultural production. The economic importance of nematodes is well recognized all over the world as most agricultural crops are damaged by their continuous feeding on roots, buds, stems, crowns, leaves, and even seeds, resulting in low yield and poor quality fruits. The present study was conducted in 12 localities of district Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A total of 200 samples of soil and roots of different crops and vegetables, grown in adjoining areas were collected and 22 nematode species were identified belonging to 5 orders, 11 families, and 12 genera, in which 18% were soil nematodes whereas 81% were plant-parasitic nematodes.
GENOTYPICAL VARIATIONS AND ASSOCIATION BETWEEN GRAM POD BORER (HELICOVERPA ARMIGERA) AND PHYSIO-MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS IN GRAM (CICER ARIETINUM L.)
Authors: Ali Qurban , Aslam Asad , Nadeem Imran
Published: August 2022

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) commonly known as gram is a widely cultivated grain legume crop in the Leguminosae (Fabaceae) family. Gram pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera) is known as the most damaging pest of chickpea that damages various parts of plants at different growth stages. Various physio-morphological characteristics tend to affect the infestation of pod borer as pod wall thickness, pod trichomes density, and pod color. For this purpose, research was conducted in the field area of Entomological Research Institute, AARI, Faisalabad. Nine Kabuli chickpea genotypes i.e. PCK-15001, PCK-15019, PCK-16010, PCK-16027, PCK-17001, PCK-17007, PCK-17018, PCK-17030, and NOOR-2019 were sown under RCBD design having three replications. The results showed that the genotype “PCK-17030” had a significantly highest population of pod borer of 0.97larvae/plant and showed the highest pod damage of 7.39% while the genotype“PCK-16027” was the lowest infested with 0.69 larvae/plant of pod borer. On the other hand, the genotype “Noor-2019” showed the lowest pod damage of 6.42%. It is, therefore, concluded that pod wall thickness and density of pod trichomes had a negative relation to the damage of pod borer. As regards pod color, it was observed that there was the maximum pod borer damage in the genotypes having green colored pods as compared to the genotypes having pods with yellowish brown streaks.
EVALUATION OF CHICKPEA GERMPLASM FOR RELATIVE RESISTANCE OR SUSCEPTIBILITY AGAINST FUSARIUM WILT AND ASCOCHYTA BLIGHT UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS
Authors: Khanzada Nimra , Iqbal Owais , Baby Ambrin , Zaman Sumbal , Tofique Mehvish , Rajput Asad
Published: August 2022

Recognition and use of resistant sources against pests and diseases are an integral element of a genetic improvement program. For this purpose, an evaluation of chickpea cultivars (24 advanced lines and 6 commercial varieties) was undertaken under field conditions. Three types of disease responses based on a disease rating scale of 1-9 were observed i.e. resistant, moderately resistant, and susceptible. It was noticed that among 30 cultivars, none was highly resistant and asymptomatic or highly susceptible to both diseases. It was remarkably noticed that in the case of Fusarium wilt, all of the chickpea genotypes except one which performed better was categorized as resistant. Contrarily, L124 was scored as moderately susceptible. All the commercial varieties NUT (2018-19), DG-92, Rabat, Black gram, Benezir, and Synyasi were susceptible to Fusarium wilt. In the case of Ascochyta blight, all the germplasm exhibited resistant reactions except one (L124). Out of the six commercial varieties, Black gram and Benezir exhibited resistant reactions. Fusarium wilt and Ascochyta blight gradually increased with time after each observation. Fusarium wilt disease index in the month of March, was significantly higher on commercial varieties, including NUT (2018-19), DG-92, Rabat, Benezir, and Synyasi, ranging between 57.4-61.7% followed by cv. Black gram with a disease index of 53.7%. All the advanced lines had a low disease index as compared to commercial varieties. Similarly, in the month of March, the disease index of Ascochyta blight was lowest on L102 (38.9%) and the highest on Nut-2018-19 (59.3%) followed by Rabat and Synyasi. Significantly maximum 1000 grain weight was recorded in DG-92, L10, and L119, ranging from 304.3-305.3 g. In terms of grain yield/hectare, L117, L124, NUT (2018-19) and Black gram produced a significantly maximum yield (2916.7-2868.1 kg/ha) followed by Rabat (2638.9 kg/ha) and Synyasi (2520.8 kg/ha) whereas, the lowest yield was recorded in L121. The disease severity of both diseases was positively correlated with 100-grain weight as well as with grain yield. The study revealed the availability of resistant germplasm against two important diseases (Fusarium wilt and Ascochyta blight) which may be exploited in the breeding program for the development of disease-resistant cultivars and may be incorporated with high-yielding cultivars which are clearly evident in the present study.
The Secondary Metabolites and Biosynthetic Diversity From Aspergillus ochraceus
Authors: Chen Lin , Li Erfeng , Wu Wenqing , Wang Gang , Zhang Jiaqian , Guo Xu , Xing Fuguo
Published: August 2022

Aspergillus ochraceus, generally known as a food spoilage fungus, is the representative species in Aspergillus section Circumdati. A. ochraceus strains are widely distributed in nature, and usually isolated from cereal, coffee, fruit, and beverage. Increasing cases suggest A. ochraceus acts as human and animal pathogens due to producing the mycotoxins. However, in terms of benefits to mankind, A. ochraceus is the potential source of industrial enzymes, and has excellent capability to produce diverse structural products, including polyketides, nonribosomal peptides, diketopiperazine alkaloids, benzodiazepine alkaloids, pyrazines, bis-indolyl benzenoids, nitrobenzoyl sesquiterpenoids, and steroids. This review outlines recent discovery, chemical structure, biosynthetic pathway, and bio-activity of the natural compounds from A. ochraceus.
Thermal efficiency in hybrid (Al2O3-CuO/H2O) and tri-hybrid (Al2O3-CuO-Cu/H2O) nanofluids between converging/diverging channel with viscous dissipation function: Numerical analysis
Authors: Adnan  , Guedri Kamel , Raizah Zehba , Tag-Eldin Elsayed , Ashraf Waqas , Khan Umar , M. Galal Ahmed
Published: August 2022

Heat transfer and energy storage remain a core problem for industrialists and engineers. So, the concept of new heat transfer fluids, namely, nanofluids and hybrid nanofluids, has been introduced so far. Recently, a new third generation of heat transfer fluids has been developed known as modified hybrid nanofluids (MHNs), synthesized by ternary nanomaterials and the host fluid. Therefore, the study was conducted to investigate the energy storage efficiency between (Al2O3-CuO-Cu/H2O)mhnf and (Al2O3-CuO/H2O)hnf in the presence of novel viscous dissipation effects. The problem is developed for a channel with stretchable walls via thermophysical attributes of binary and ternary guest nanomaterials and the host liquid. The model is tackled numerically and furnished results for the dynamics, most specifically energy storage efficiency in (Al2O3-CuO-Cu/H2O)mhnf. It is examined that the third generation of heat transfer fluids (Al2O3-CuO-Cu/H2O)mhnf has high thermal energy storage efficiency than traditional nano and hybrid nanofluids. Therefore, these new insights in heat transfer would be beneficial and cope with the problems of energy storage in the modern technological world.
Green synthesis, characterizations of silver nanoparticles using sumac (Rhus coriaria L.) plant extract and their antimicrobial and DNA damage protective effects
Authors: Gur Tuğba
Published: August 2022

Today, antimicrobial resistance against bacteria has become an important global public health problem. In this sense, the development of new biomedical solutions is becoming increasingly important. Especially plant-based nanoparticles produced by green synthesis are used in many fields. AgNPs have an important place in nanoscience and nanotechnology, especially in nanomedicine. Therefore, the present study was conducted to synthesize AgNPs using the medicinal plant extract sumac and to characterize them using advanced techniques and to determine the antibacterial activity of some bacteria that cause disease. Nanoparticles produced by green synthesis are used in a wide area around the world due to their many advantages such as environmentally friendly, economically and non-toxically. In this study, AgNPs were biosynthesized using sumac extract and evaluated for their antibacterial potency against Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginos, and Candida albicans. UV-Vis spectroscopy of the prepared sumac-mediated silver solution showed the absorption maximum at about 400 nm. According to the TEM results obtained, it was observed that the particles were spherical, approximately 4 nm in size, and showed a homogeneous distribution. The sizes of nanoparticles formed by XRD pattern were supported and silver nanoparticles were obtained. According to the obtained XRD results, the crystal nature of nanoparticles in face-centered cubic structure was confirmed by the peaks in the XRD model corresponding to the planes (111) (200) (220) and (311). It was observed that the synthesized AgNPs provided a strong protection against plasmid DNA damage. It was determined that the inhibition zone diameters of biosynthesized nanoparticles measured in terms of antibacterial activity were between 10 and 14 mm. As a result, the study revealed significant antibacterial activity of the synthesized AgNPs due to extensive membrane damage.
Two-dimensional spin-gapless semiconductors: A mini-review
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Wang Dandan
Published: August 2022

In the past decade, two-dimensional (2D) materials and spintronic materials have been rapidly developing in recent years. 2D spin-gapless semiconductors (SGSs) are a novel class of ferromagnetic 2D spintronic materials with possible high Curie temperature, 100% spin-polarization, possible one-dimensional or zero-dimensional topological signatures, and other exciting spin transport properties. In this mini-review, we summarize a series of ideal 2D SGSs in the last 3 years, including 2D oxalate-based metal-organic frameworks, 2D single-layer Fe2I2, 2D Cr2X3 (X = S, Se, and Te) monolayer with the honeycomb kagome (HK) lattice, 2D CrGa2Se4 monolayer, 2D HK Mn–cyanogen lattice, 2D MnNF monolayer, and 2D Fe4N2 pentagon crystal. The mini-review also discusses the unique magnetic, electronic, topological, and spin-transport properties and the possible application of these 2D SGSs. The mini-review can be regarded as an improved understanding of the current state of 2D SGSs in recent 3 years.
Identification of amino acid residues in the MT-loop of MT1-MMP critical for its ability to cleave low-density lipoprotein receptor
Authors: Wang Maggie , Alabi Adekunle , Gu Hong-mei , Gill Govind , Zhang Ziyang , Jarad Suha , Xia Xiao-dan , Shen Yishi , Wang Gui-qing , Zhang Da-wei
Published: August 2022

Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) mediates clearance of plasma LDL cholesterol, preventing the development of atherosclerosis. We previously demonstrated that membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) cleaves LDLR and exacerbates the development of atherosclerosis. Here, we investigated determinants in LDLR and MT1-MMP that were critical for MT1-MMP-induced LDLR cleavage. We observed that deletion of various functional domains in LDLR or removal of each of the five predicted cleavage sites of MT1-MMP on LDLR did not affect MT1-MMP-induced cleavage of the receptor. Removal of the hemopexin domain or the C-terminal cytoplasmic tail of MT1-MMP also did not impair its ability to cleave LDLR. On the other hand, mutant MT1-MMP, in which the catalytic domain or the MT-loop was deleted, could not cleave LDLR. Further Ala-scanning analysis revealed an important role for Ile at position 167 of the MT-loop in MT1-MMP’s action on LDLR. Replacement of Ile167 with Ala, Thr, Glu, or Lys resulted in a marked loss of the ability to cleave LDLR, whereas mutation of Ile167 to a non-polar amino acid residue, including Leu, Val, Met, and Phe, had no effect. Therefore, our studies indicate that MT1-MMP does not require a specific cleavage site on LDLR. In contrast, an amino acid residue with a hydrophobic side chain at position 167 in the MT-loop is critical for MT1-MMP-induced LDLR cleavage.
Racial and ethnic characteristics and cancer-specific survival in Primary Malignant Cardiac Tumors
Authors: Aloysius Mark M. , Shrivastava Sanskriti , Rojulpote Chaitanya , Naseer Raza , Hanif Hamza , Babic Milos , Gentilezza Kenneth , Boruah Pranjal K. , Pancholy Samir
Published: August 2022

Background

There is limited insight into the epidemiological characteristics and effect of race and ethnicity on Primary Malignant Cardiac Tumors (PMCTs).

Objectives

Comparison of clinical characteristics and cancer-specific survival outcomes of major races in the United States from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End-Result (SEER) registry.

Methods

ICD-O-3 codes were used to identify PMCTs for the years 1975 to 2015. Three major races were identified—“White”, “Black”, and “Asian/Pacific Islander”. Cancer-specific survival outcomes were compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis across and amongst races, based on tumor histology. A subgroup analysis of cancer-specific survival was performed between “Hispanics” and “non-Hispanics.”

Results

Seven hundred and twenty patients were identified−47% females and 79% White, mean age at diagnosis (47 ± 20 years). Black patients were significantly younger (39 ± 18 years) and presented more commonly with angiosarcomas (53%). Non-angiogenic sarcomas and lymphomas were the most common tumors in the White (38%) and Asian/Pacific Islander (34%) cohorts. For a median follow-up period of 50 (IQR3-86) months, cancer-specific survival (mean ± SD, in months) was worse in Blacks (9 ± 3) as compared to Whites (15 ± 1) and Asian/Pacific Islander (14 ± 1) (p-value; Black vs. White <0.001; Black vs. Asian/Pacific Islanders = 0.017, White vs. Asian/Pacific Islanders = 0.3). Subgroup analysis with 116 (16%) Hispanics (40% females; mean age of 40 ± 20 years) showed a longer mean cancer-specific survival of 16.9 ± 2.4 months as compared to 13.6 ± 1.1 months in non-Hispanics (p = 0.011).

Conclusion

Black and non-Hispanic patients have poorer cancer-specific survival in PMCTs.
Phenotypic vs. genetic cascade screening for familial hypercholesterolemia: A case report
Authors: Blokhina Anastasia V. , Ershova Alexandra I. , Meshkov Alexey N. , Kiseleva Anna V. , Klimushina Marina V. , Zharikova Anastasia A. , Sotnikova Evgeniia A. , Ramensky Vasily E. , Drapkina Oxana M.
Published: August 2022

One of the most common autosomal dominant disorders is familial hypercholesterolemia (FH), causing premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases and a high risk of death due to lifelong exposure to elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. FH has a proven arsenal of treatments and the opportunity for genetic diagnosis. Despite this, FH remains largely underdiagnosed worldwide. Cascade screening is a cost-effective method for the identification of new patients with FH and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. It is usually based only on clinical data. We describe a 48-year-old index patient with a very high LDL-C level without controlled guidelines-based medication, premature atherosclerosis, and a rare variant in the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene. Phenotypic cascade screening identified three additional FH relatives, namely the proband's daughter, and two young grandsons. The genetic screening made it possible to rule out FH in the proband's younger grandson. This clinical case demonstrates that genetic cascade screening is the most effective way of identifying new FH cases. We also first described in detail the phenotype of patients with a likely pathogenic variant LDLR-p.K223_D227dup.
Physical activity to reduce PCSK9 levels
Authors: Tirandi Amedeo , Montecucco Fabrizio , Liberale Luca
Published: August 2022

The amount of physical activity (PA) people practice everyday has been reducing in the last decades. Sedentary subjects tend to have an impaired lipid plasma profile with a higher risk of atherosclerosis and related cardio- and cerebrovascular events. Regular PA helps in both primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention because of its beneficial effect on the whole metabolism. Several studies reported lower levels of plasma lipids in trained subjects, but the precise mechanisms by which PA modulates lipoproteins remain only partially described. Thereupon, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serin protease whose main function is to reduce the amount of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) receptors, with the direct consequence of reducing LDL-C uptake by the liver and increasing its circulating pool. Accordingly, recently developed PCSK9 inhibitors improved cardiovascular prevention and are increasingly used to reach LDL-C goals in patients at high CV risk. Whether PA can modulate the levels of PCSK9 remains partially explored. Recent studies suggest PA as a negative modulator of such a deleterious CV mediator. Yet the level of evidence is limited. The aim of this review is to summarize the recent reports concerning the regulatory role of PA on PCSK9 plasma levels, highlighting the beneficial role of regular exercise on the prevention of atherosclerosis and overall CV health.