bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dynamic Linkage Among Bitcoin, Clean Energy and Stock Market: Evidence by TVP-VAR
Authors: Attarzadeh Amirreza , Balcilar Mehmet
Published: January 2022

This paper analyses the return and realized volatility spillovers among Bitcoin, wilder hill clean energy index (ECO), S&P 500 as conventional stocks and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) from 11/11/2013 to 30/09/2021. We investigate the transmission mechanism with Time-Varying Parameter Vector Auto regression (TVP-VAR). Our findings indicate that stock markets such as clean energy and conventional transmit return shocks to Bitcoin and oil and receive volatility shocks from Bitcoin and oil. In addition, during non-crisis periods, Bitcoin and other financial markets are weakly related; but, during crisis periods, such as the great cryptocurrency crash in 2018 and the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, their connection increases significantly.
“You Must Cut That Long and Stinking Thing”: Uncovering the Lived Experiences of Uncircumcised Pokot Women in North-Eastern Uganda
Authors: Kalengo Noah , Twikirize Janestic Mwende , Musinguzi Laban Kashaija
Published: January 2022

Background

This paper explores the lived experiences of uncircumcised women among the Pokot community in North-Eastern Uganda, where female circumcision remains a dominant practice.
Methods

This was a qualitative study based on thirty (30) serial interviews with 15 uncircumcised women in the Pokot local language between August and October 2021. Five (5) Key Informant Interviews were also conducted with key informants from Amudat District. A Focus Group Discussion with women was organized as an entry point to identify the initial uncircumcised woman. Uncircumcised women were recruited using respondent driven sampling. Data was analyzed thematically and pseudonyms were used for participants during data analysis. The key themes that emerged during data analysis are; difficulty getting a marriage partner, exclusion from cultural ceremonies, stigmatization of children, not mixing with circumcised in community meetings, less difficulties while giving birth and sexual enjoyment during sexual intercourse.
Results

Participants expressed greater understanding of female circumcision and the procedure although they were not circumcised. Difficulties in getting marriage partners, bullying by co-wives, rejection by elders and relatives, stigmatization of their children, exclusion from cultural ceremonies and rituals and denial to mix with circumcised women in community meetings were the main experiences mentioned by uncircumcised women. Participants also revealed attempted suicide and murder, home desertions, Intimate partner violence and child abuse as well as early marriages as the main effects associated with their position against female circumcision due to feelings of loneliness, rejection, shame, anger and stress. Notwithstanding, sexual enjoyment during sexual intercourse epitomized by ease of reaching orgasms as well as less complications while giving birth were mentioned by participants as their positive experiences.
Conclusion

Uncircumcised women continue to experience psychosocial challenges in communities where female circumcision is deeply entrenched and perceived as the only passage to womanhood. This call for intensified awareness of the population on the challenges associated with female circumcision while demonstrating the positive experiences mentioned by uncircumcised women.
The Impact of A Reduction of Dialysate Calcium on Diastolic Function in Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Piraciaba Maria Clara Teixeira , de Macedo Thiago Andrade , Guimarães Erica Adelina , Abensur Hugo , Pereira Benedito Jorge , Consolim-Colombo Fernanda M. , Moysés Rosa Maria Affonso , Elias Rosilene Motta
Published: January 2022

Background

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). The standard dialysate calcium content -d[Ca]- of 1.75mmol/L affects calcium balance, promoting calcium overload and impairing ventricular relaxation. Intracellular calcium handling might cause diastolic dysfunction (DD). We tested the hypothesis that reducing d[Ca] in patients on PD would improve DD.
Methods

d[Ca] was reduced from 1.75 mmol/L to 1.25 mmol/L. Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed by a well-trained cardiologist at baseline and after 3 months. DD was determined according to the peak E-wave and peak A-wave velocities, wave deceleration time, and the duration of wave A. Diastolic function was normal, DD-1 (impaired ventricular relaxation), and DD-2 (restrictive pattern). Demographic, clinical, and biochemical parameters were evaluated.
Results

We included 19 patients (age 55 ± 17 years, 57.9% women, 21.1% diabetic, 84.2% on automatic PD). From baseline to 3 months, there was no change in any biochemical parameter. Left ventricular ejection fraction remained stable (from 58.4 ± 7.7 to 56.5 ± 8.1, p=0.192). Diastolic function classified at baseline as normal, DD-1 and DD-2 changed from 21.1%, 52.6% and 26.3–31.6%, 47.4% and 21.1% after 3 months, respectively, p=0.001). Increased filling pressure changed from 21.1–5.3% of patients (p=0.051).
Conclusions

Low d[Ca] could improve DD in patients on PD. This result might be related to a new set point of calcium myocardium homeostasis in these patients. Whether low d[Ca] may detain the development of heart failure and reduce cardiovascular in this population deserves further investigation.
Ethiopian Religious Faith Leaders’ Views on the Ethics of Abortion,’’Hard Cases’’ and the 2005 Abortion Law
Authors: Ewnetu Demelash Bezabih
Published: January 2022

Background-Orthodox Christianity and Islam co-existed in Ethiopia for more than a thousand year.Their coexistence is a symbol of tolerance in a multi-ethnic and language diverse country. These two religions strive for the common good of human life and wellbeing, but differ in some of their ethical views. Even though abortion is condemned generally by these two religions, there is a need to know their views when there are ‘hard cases’ of abortion. We aim to explore the views and stance of religious faith leaders about the ethics of abortion, views on ’hard cases’ (specific cases were allowed by the law) of induced abortion and the 2005 abortion law. Method- In-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 12 religious faith leaders (scholars) of which 7 were Christians and 5 were Muslims. Analysis was made using systematic text condensation. Results -diverse views on ’’hard cases’’ of abortion were expressed by faith leaders from these two monotheistic religions. While in general Christians (Megabie Hadith and/or Megabie Biluy) base their argument on the Holy Scriptures/Image Theology and Tradition, Muslims base their argument on the Holy Quran and Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh). ‘Abortion’ is a closed agenda for faith leaders in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). That is, they don’t want to discuss or debate publicly about this issue with civil society or health care professionals. Islam however welcome dialogue on these special cases ‘ hard case’referred to in the 2005 abortion law. Conclusion-while a strong, diversified, yet conservative attitude is observed from the EOTC scholars, a relatively moderate but consistent stance is seen from Islamic side. Leaders of both faith traditions , however claim that protection of the embryo must start from the moment of conception.
Non-pharmacological interventions for reducing fear and anxiety in patients undergoing third molar extraction under local anesthesia: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wong Natalie Sui Miu , YEUNG Andy Wai Kan , LI Kar Yan , MCGRATH Colman Patrick , LEUNG Yiu Yan
Published: January 2022

Objective
To investigate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for reducing dental fear and anxiety in patients undergoing third molar extraction under local anesthesia.
Materials and Methods
Multiple electronic databases were searched for articles published in English. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials reporting the effectiveness of any non-pharmacological interventions on reducing fear or anxiety level in patients with third molar extraction. A total of 3015 studies by electronic search and 2 studies by hand search were identified. After removal of duplication, screening of title and abstract, and assessment of full text, 21 studies were eligible for systematic review. Seven studies were included in the meta-analysis. A total of 1843 study participants composed the sample of the systematic review. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment of the included studies were performed by two independent investigators. Quality assessment was performed by using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials.
Results
The anxiety level after intervention in each study were pooled and meta-analyzed by random-effect model. Significant reduction of anxiety level was observed in non-pharmacological interventions groups (SMD = -0.32, 95% CI -0.57 to -0.07, P = 0.01). Subgroup analyses showed that a significant anxiety reduction by non-pharmacological interventions could be demonstrated by pooled data from studies using psychometric assessments, but not from studies using physiological assessments.
Conclusions
Non-pharmacological interventions appear to reduce fear and anxiety level in patient undergoing third molar extraction under local anesthesia.
Clinical Relevance:
Evidence suggests fear in third molar extraction bring negative impacts on both oral health and psychosocial well-being. The use of non-pharmacological intervention as an adjunct of local anesthesia should be considered in dental care setting.
Estimation of Chlorophyll-a, TSM and Salinity in Mangrove Dominated Tropical Estuarine Areas of Hooghly River, North East Coast of Bay of Bengal, India Using Sentinel-3 Data
Authors: Mondal Ismail , De Aakash , Nandi Subhanil , Thakur Sandeep , Raman Mini , De Tarun Kumar
Published: January 2022

This study aims to explore the variations in spatio-temporal characteristics of water quality factors of three estuaries in the western portion of the Indian Sundarbans. Reliable retrieval of near surface concentrations of parameters such as Chlorophyll-a, SST & TSM in various aquatic ecosystems with broad ranges of trophic needs has always remained a complex issue. In this study the application of C2RCC processor has been tested for its accuracy across different bio optical regimes in inland & coastal waters. Satellite images for the same period were also collected and analysed using the C2RCC processing sequence to retrieve values of factors like the depth of water, surface reflectance, water temperature, inherent optical properties (IOPs), chlorophyll-a, salinity and total suspended matter (TSM) using the SNAP software. During the 2017-2020 season, in situ sampling from specific locations and laboratory water quality analysis were carried out. The OLCI retrieved results were then trained and corroborated by means of the in situ datasets. It was observed that the highest amount of TSM was recorded in Diamond Harbour during the pre-monsoon, in the year 2018 (301.40 mgL-1 in-situ value, and 308.54 mg L-1 estimated value). Similarly, chlorophyll-a had higher concentrations through the monsoon season (3.03 mg m-3, in-situ, and 2.96 mg m-3, estimated) in Fraserganj and Sagar south points. Very good fitted correlation results for all seasons between Chl-a, r = 0.829 and TSM, r = 0.924 remained established throughout the comparisons of OLCI and in situ results. The high level of correlation highlights the importance of both primary as well as secondary information in understanding any dynamic system properly. Finally, the result shows that the water quality model outperforms conventional techniques and OLCI chl-a and TSM products. This paper empirically investigates a reliable remote sensing method for estimating coastal TSM and chl-a concentrations and supports the use of OLCI data in ocean colour remote sensing.
Pyramiding Three QTL Improved Fusarium Head Blight Resistance in Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.)
Authors: Hu Wenjing , Fu Luping , Gao Derong , Zhang Yong , Zhang Chunmei
Published: January 2022

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a destructive fungal disease and a major threat to wheat production and food safety worldwide. Mapping of FHB-resistant quantitative trait loci (QTL) has facilitated marker-assisted breeding (MAS). To make better use of the genes/loci from different resistant sources, it is desirable to understand their combined effects on FHB resistance and agronomic traits in different genetic backgrounds. In this study, several FHB resistant donors were first characterized, including Yangmai 18 (YM18) with Fhb1, Zhenmai 9 (ZM9) and Yangmai 16 (YM16) both with QFhb.yaas-2DL and QFhb.yaas-3BL, Ningmai 13 (NM13) with Fhb1 and QFhb.yaas-3BL. TaHRC-KASP, KASP-QFhb-2DL and KASP-QFhb-3BL were used for Fhb1, QFhb.yaas-2DL and QFhb.yaas-3BL, respectively, and they were screened in 77 cultivars/lines. Using the three KASP markers, we developed three RIL populations using MAS from crosses YM18/ZM9, YM18/YM16 and YM18/NM13. F5 populations were investigated for their FHB severity, along with major agronomic traits. Of these three QTL, Fhb1 was the most effective in reducing FHB damage, followed by QFhb.yaas-2DL and QFhb.yaas-3BL. The lines with all three QTL showed significantly more strong resistance than those with only two or one QTL. Fhb1 might have negative effect on kernel number per spike (NKS), but not have significant effect on thousand kernel weight (TKW) and yield. On the other hand, QFhb.yaas-3BL might have positive effect on TKW and yield, and QFhb.yaas-2DL might have positive effect on spike number per plant (NSP) and yield. The addition of these two or three QTL shows positive effects on yield under different genetic backgrounds. Three elite lines, YM18/ZM9-12, YM18/YM16-18 and YM18/YM16-22, with similar FHB resistance to Sumai 3 (SM3) and superior yield to Yangmai 20 (YM20) across multiple environments, have the potential to be released as commercial varieties.
The Spreads and the Uniqueness of the Controversial Toxic Pharmaceutic Contrast Agents and Their Remediation.
Authors: Ahmad Abdul Latif , Oluwasola Ebenezer Idowu , Ismail Suzylawati , Noor Fazliani Shoparwe
Published: January 2022

The ongoing gadolinium toxicity concerns have resulted in progressive regulations and restrictions of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). However, there are no regulations regulating Gd levels in the water sector to date. Therefore, the fast spreading of the anthropogenic Gd in the various hydrosphere, which serves as a source of drinking water for the populace, is worrisome. Evidently, with no hope of breaking this increasing trend any time soon due to the increasing demand for MRI administration. Sadly, conventional wastewater and advanced water treatment do not adequately remove GBCAs from water. Instead, it risks transforming them into a more toxic Gd from its chelated complex through unintentional degradation. This transformation led to undue exposure to its potential ecotoxicity and adverse human health effects like acute renal adverse reactions, acute non-renal adverse reactions, body pains, chronic skin changes, twitching or weakness, chronic eyes, and cognitive, flu-like symptoms, and digestive symptoms. Therefore, an affordable and manageable hybrid water treatment system is proposed suitable for reclamation of free and chelated Gd in aquatic environments.
El-Nino, La-Nina and Non-Active ENSO Events Relation with Solar Activity in the Perspective of Markov Process
Authors: Akhter Muhammad Fahim , Abbas Shaheen , Hassan Danish
Published: January 2022

Past investigations have been done against the sun powered atmosphere relationship and discovered huge comprehension between them. Our goal is to comprehend the sun based atmosphere progress with the assistance of Markov chain lattices. In that association we utilized solar (CI) and climate(ENSO) dataset from 1950 to 2016. All through the period atmosphere information are conveyed into El Nino, La Nino and non-active(ENSO) occasions and discovered solid connection with related CI information. The critical solid 2-dimensional correlation supported connection between El Nino and non-active(ENSO) with related CI networks (0.9865 and 0.8358) separately. So additionally, both El Nino and non-active(ENSO) with contrasting CI shows the higher number of visits in state 3 while La Nino shows a higher number of visits in state 1. Our examination shows the Markov cycle and embraced the main request Markov chain property for CI, El-Nino, La Nina and Non-active(ENSO) boundaries. The obtained results transitional probabilities of climate events with solar activity may be helpful to understand the future variation of events chances using Markov technique.
Maps highlight urban-rural differences in achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Tian Yunyu , Tsendbazar N. E. , Leeuwen Eveline van , Herold Martin
Published: January 2022

Land use efficiency, energy efficiency, and air quality are key indicators when assessing urban-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), yet recent trends and trade-offs in and around urban areas worldwide remain largely unknown. We use an Earth Observation approach to map the land-energy-air sustainability nexus and highlight distinct urban-rural gradients worldwide (2000–2015). In the Global South, urban areas perform relatively better in land-energy-air sustainability trends than rural areas, which are the least sustainable in our global comparative analysis. Comparatively, urban areas in the Global North tend to be less sustainable than their surrounding rural regions. Trade-offs among land-energy-air trends are mostly related to energy efficiency versus air quality in urban areas, while trade-offs between land use efficiency and the other two SDGs (energy-air) are more pronounced in rural areas. Integrating satellite-data is crucial for tracking the progress of the land-energy-air nexus and can guide context-specific strategies to account for urban-rural differences in achieving sustainability and creating more liveable environments for improving human wellbeing.
Monitoring of changes in illicit drugs, alcohol, and nicotine consumption during Ramadan by wastewater analysis
Authors: Guzel Evsen Yavuz
Published: January 2022

Illicit drug use is a global problem and represents social, economic, and health burden on society. Wastewater-based epidemiology is an approach based on calculating the consumption of substances in the target population by analyzing the concentrations of human metabolic excretion products of licit and illicit substances in wastewater. The relationship between Ramadan and the consumption of illicit drugs, alcohol, and nicotine (cocaine, benzoylecgonine, amphetamine-like stimulants (amphetamine, methamphetamine, extacy (3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine)), opiates (morphine and heroine); marijuana (THC-COOH); ethyl sulfate and cotinine) was discussed based on the wastewater analysis results. This study aims to estimate the changes in the consumption of illicit drugs, alcohol, and nicotine in Adana Province during Ramadan as compared to normal periods using wastewater-based epidemiology. An overall decrease was observed fort he Ramadan Period, most strongly for ecstasy (29%) followed by heroin (19%). For cocaine, the variation was slightest (8.6%). For ecstasy, heroin, nicotine, and alcohol the differences were statistically significant but not for cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. The study presented firstly data about the number of illicit drug, alcohol and nicotine users during and after Ramadan.
Aberrant Neural Activity in Prefrontal Pyramidal Neurons Lacking TDP-43 Precedes Neuron loss
Authors: Liang Bo , Thapa Rashmi , Zhang Gracie , Moffitt Casey , Zhang Yan , Zhang Lifeng , Johnston Amanda , Ruby Hyrum P. , Barbera Giovanni , Wong Philip C. , Zhang Zhaojie , Lin Da-Ting , Li Yun
Published: January 2022

Background:

Mislocalization of TAR DNA binding protein 43 kDa (TAPDBP, or TDP-43) is a principle pathological hallmark identified in cases of neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). As an RNA binding protein, TDP-43 serves in the nuclear compartment to repress nonconserved cryptic exons to ensure the generation of a normal transcriptome. Since nuclear depletion of TDP-43 is frequently observed independent of its cytosolic accumulation, a loss-of-function mechanism has been proposed to contribute to neurodegeneration. Multiple lines of evidence from animal models and human studies support the view that loss of TDP-43 leads to neuron loss, independent of its cytosolic aggregation. However, the underlying pathogenic pathways driven by the loss-of-function mechanism are still poorly defined.
Methods:

We employed a genetic approach to determine the impact of TDP-43 loss in pyramidal neurons of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Young adult male homozygous floxed Tdp-43F/F mice were bilaterally injected into the PFC with mixed viruses containing a Cre virus driven by the CaMKII promoter and a Cre-dependent virus expressing a genetically encoded green fluorescent calcium indicator, GCaMP6f. This approach allowed us to specifically deplete TDP-43 and express GCaMP6f in pyramidal neurons of the PFC. We also bilaterally injected a virus expressing GCaMP6f driven by the CaMKII promoter into the PFC of age-matched male Tdp-43F/F mice as controls. Using a custom-built miniscope imaging system, we performed repetitive in vivo calcium imaging from freely behaving mice for up to 7 months, to monitor the dynamic changes of calcium activity in PFC pyramidal neurons of TDP-43 depleted and TDP-43 intact mice.
Results:

By comparing calcium activity in PFC pyramidal neurons between TDP-43 depleted and TDP-43 intact mice, we demonstrated remarkably increased numbers of pyramidal neurons exhibiting hyperactive calcium activity after short-term TDP-43 depletion, followed by rapid activity declines during disease progression. We further demonstrated that long-term TDP-43 depletion was accompanied by a significant reduction in neuron numbers and increased gliosis in the PFC.
Conclusions:

Our results suggest that TDP-43 loss-of-function drives dynamic changes in neural activity prior to neurodegeneration, highlighting the role of aberrant neural activity and dysfunctional calcium signaling in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases including ALS and FTD.
Migene: an Evidence-based Database of Genes and Phenotypes of Male Infertility
Authors: Jiang Taijiao , Guo Xiangzhe , Peng Fujun , Chen Tianrui , Li Honglei , He Liting , Xiao Lin , Ma Xiuwei , Dai Songchen , Li Shaoping , Yuan Shang , Wang Tong , Zhao Kai
Published: January 2022

Male infertility (MI) is a disease with high heterogeneity. Its direct cause is spermatogenic failure, which lead to sperm abnormalities and quality deterioration in semen, and ultimately infertility, of which genetic factors account for about 30 percent. Although some knowledge bases had established the correlation between genetic factors and MI/spermatogenesis, they did not highlight the relationship between gene mutations and MI phenotypes, and even some had stopped updating. Meanwhile, a large mass of genotypes and phenotypes data were scattered and not effectively utilized with the wide application of high-throughput sequencing technology in MI research. To address these tough issues, a MIgene database (http://midb.geneworks.cn) was built through integrating existing data of gene-phenotypic MI from 989 literatures in PubMed and Medline database. A total of 22 information including 18 direct entries and 4 extended entries were extracted, filtered, and curated using bioinformatical and manual methods, resulting in 664 genes, 68 (standard) phenotypes (classified into 37 categories), 3606 mutants and 7985 studies in MIgene database. It was a web-accessible data repository and offered four search moles and six modules covering the genes, phenotypes, proteins, functions, homologous, cases, etc. Interestingly, many non-exonic variants could cause the MI, the same mutation could increase or decrease the MI in different phenotypes and races, the degree of gene-phenotypic association was presented by the enrichment analyses based on the principle of hypergeometric distribution. In general, MIgene not only had user-friendly interface for concise search, convenient browse, and customized downloads, but also provides early warning of disease risk and assist clinicians in timely diagnosis.
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Yunnan Rice Landraces and Disease Resistance Assessment
Authors: Yang Nan , HE PING , Chen Kaixi , Zhang Wenlong , Li Yongcheng , Yang Qinzhong , Wang Yunyue , Wang Zhe , Han Guangyu
Published: January 2022

Rice landraces are important resources for resistance breeding and sustainability. To clarify the distribution of the genetic diversity of rice landraces and its relationship with rice blast in Yunnan, China. 141 rice landraces from 7 populations in Yunnan were selected to conduct a genetic diversity analysis based on simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The results showed that the 7 rice populations in Yunnan have a rich genetic diversity (expected heterozygosity [He] = 0.63). We also found that the genetic diversity of the 7 rice populations was negatively correlated with geographical longitude in Yunnan (R2 = 0.70, P < 0.05). Structural analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) showed that the genetic structure of the rice populations is complex. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that rice landraces in Yunnan have high genetic variation within populations (94%). In addition, evaluations of blast resistance both in the greenhouse and in the field showed that as the genetic diversity increased, the rice blast occurrence within the rice populations decreased (R2 = 0.66, P < 0.05). This study not only implicates excellent materials for rice genetic improvement but also provides a theoretical basis for the protection and utilization of Yunnan rice landraces.
Trace element contamination in rice and its potential health risks to consumers in North-Central Vietnam
Authors: Thanh Thao Le , Kim Kyoung-Woong , Nguyen Dinh Quoc , Ngo Huong Thi Thuy
Published: January 2022

This study assessed the potential health risks of five elements (Ni, Cr, As, Cd, and Pb) in rice collected from three provinces in North-Central Vietnam, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh. These provinces comprise areas with and/or without mining and industrial activities, focusing on two local population groups (adults and children under five years old). Trace elements were determined by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The potential health risks were evaluated for different age groups using the estimated daily intakes (EDI), target hazard quotients (THQ), non-carcinogenic hazard quotients (HI), and target carcinogenic risks (TR). The highest element levels (mg kg−1 dry weight) were observed in Thanh Hoa for Cr (0.30 ± 0.106), As (0.13 ± 0.034) and for Pb (0.05 ± 0.015), and in Ha Tinh for Cd (0.06 ± 0.022). The highest estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of Cr (4.1 μg d−1), Ni (3.3 μg d−1), As (2.3 μg d−1), Cd (1.2 μg d−1), and Pb (0.32 μg d−1) were observed in several sites. The THQ of rice in three provinces showed a risk trend in the following order: Thanh Hoa > Ha Tinh > Nghe An. The HIs of trace elements revealed that As is a key component, with Cr and Cd as secondary risk factors in adults and children, with HIs being 1.5 times higher in girls under five than in other groups. The TR of Ni was much greater than that of Pb, and it was higher in children than adults, with the maximum risk levels of Ni and Pb were 3.0 x 10-3 and 2.7 x 10-6 for baby girls under the age of five in Ha Tinh and Thanh Hoa, respectively. The risk assessment of trace element dietary intake suggests that rice consumption poses significant health risks to the local population, both in non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic effects.
Perception of health workers on availability of medicines for non-communicable diseases in public health facilities in Lesotho
Authors: Maja Lineo , Mahlatsi Gauda
Published: January 2022

Background

Medicines for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are essential in the management of patients with NCDs therefore, it is important that they are readily available to patients at health facilities.
Objective

This study aimed to assess the availability of medicines used in the management of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma and epilepsy in public outpatient departments (OPDs) and healthcare centres in Lesotho.
Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted at public OPDs in district hospitals and healthcare centres in Lesotho using self-administered structured questionnaires targeting all health workers in managerial positions. Ethical approval was obtained from a licenced Health Research Ethics Committee (HREC) (Ethics number: 00048-18-A1) and the Ministry of Health Ethics Committee and Review Board of Lesotho (ID120-2018). Data were analysed descriptively.
Results

Ten of 16 respondents at OPDs perceived that medicines for diabetes mellitus were available and nine thought those for hypertension and asthma were available. Eight of 16 respondents perceived that medicines for epilepsy were available at OPDs. At healthcare centres, 73.3% (n = 63) of respondents perceived that medicines for diabetes mellitus were available, 62.8% (n = 54) thought hypertension medicines were available, 68.6% (n = 59) indicated that medicines for asthma were available, and 61.6% (n = 53) perceived that medicines for epilepsy were also available.
Conclusion

The majority of health workers at OPDs and healthcare centres perceived that medicines for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, asthma and epilepsy were available at health facilities. Thus, suggesting that the public health facilities in Lesotho seem to almost always have medicines for NCDs.
Design of High Performance Hybrid Plasmonic Modulator Based on ITO and Graphene
Authors: Abbaszadeh-Azar Omid , abedi kambiz
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a hybrid plasmonic modulator based on ITO and graphene is designed. Graphene and ITO are used in the active region, which increases the light-matter interaction and reduces the device's operating voltage in the proposed modulator. As a result, it increases the extinction ratio (ER) and reduces the proposed modulator's power consumption and device footprint compared to similar modulators. The values of 8.12 dB/µm and 5.4 fJ are obtained for ER and power consumption, respectively. The time-domain finite-difference (FDTD) method is used to simulate the modulator. Integrating a modulator with high light-matter interaction and low power consumption in the silicon-on-insulator platform has significant potential for broadband, compact and efficient communication interconnects and circuits.
The Phylogenetic Position of Zebrafish (Danio Rerio) from South African Pet Shops
Authors: Blom E. , Coetzer Willem G. , Schneider S-R. , Grobler J.P.
Published: January 2022

Zebrafish (Danio rerio), a small freshwater fish that originates from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and northern Myanmar, have been widely used as a model organism for studies of developmental biology and genetics. The current study aimed to determine the origin of South African pet shop stock that are currently being used to establish a laboratory population founded from diverse sources available locally. Zebrafish DNA was extracted from 65 specimens housed at the University of the Free State (UFS) Department of Genetics. For phylogenetic analysis, cytb sequences were generated from all samples. A further 178 sequences were downloaded from the GenBank database, including sequences of an outgroup species (Danio kyathit). Five microsatellite markers were used to further assess the genetic diversity of the UFS zebrafish specimens. A maximum likelihood analysis was performed for the cytb data. Results of the phylogenetic analyses divided the sequences into three major genetic groups, which was congruent with a previous study on laboratory zebrafish provenance. The SA pet shop fish grouped with the strains from the northern and north-eastern regions of India. High levels of microsatellite genetic diversity were observed for the pet shop sourced population, correlating to what has previously been observed in zebrafish. These results can be used to guide the future development of laboratory strains suited to the needs at the UFS.
Understanding the Learning Process in Down Syndrome by Analyzing the Gene Ontology Result of Two Different Drugs
Authors: Kulan Handan
Published: January 2022

Down syndrome (DS) is considered as the most prevalent cause of mental retardation. Possible causes of DS are nondisjunction of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) or a Robertsonian translocation between Hsa21 and another chromosome. Scientists are trying to develop drugs to rescue learning performance in DS disease. In the last few years, a large number of drugs and small molecules have been shown to recover one or more abnormalities in transgenic mouse models. In this study, the effect of memantine and RO4938581 drugs on rescued learning was determined by evaluating the protein expression level of the transgenic mouse model using machine learning algorithm techniques. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed and both drugs were found to have an effect on common gene ontology (GO) terms. Thanks to the applied methodology and the result of this study, it may be possible to diagnose and treat the disease by developing a new drug that stimulates areas where the common GO terms are precisely determined.
2,4 -Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid Induced Modulations in Immune System and Histopathological Alterations in Common Carp Cyprinus Carpio
Authors: Dhot Amandeep Singh , Shanthanagouda Admane Holeyappa , Bansal Neelam , BT Naveenkumar , Tyagi Anuj
Published: January 2022

2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), the most commonly applied herbicide since 7 decades in different formulations. Its effects in the aquatic environment are not well documented, particularly on fishes. In the current study, Cyprinus carpio fingerlings were exposed to 2,4-D to understand the effect of different concentrations in two experiments including i) LC50 study for acute and ii) sub-lethal toxicity for physiological responses. In the acute toxicity, fish were exposed to 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mgL-1 2,4-D and resulted in 290 mgL-1 as LC50 in 96 h exposure. During 96 h, fish behaviour was monitored and mortality was recorded. In sub-lethal toxicity test, a separate batch of fish were exposed to 2.9 mg/L (1/100th LC50), 29 mg/L (1/10th LC50) and 58 mg/L (1/5th of LC50) for 28 days, followed by immunological and histopathological responses were studied. The immunological responses indicated the adverse effect of 2,4-D on common carp by increasing the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) responses indicating the DNA damage, in contrast the lysozyme activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) declined. Meanwhile, histomorphological responses revealed the impairment in tissue microarchitecture such as proliferated nerve cells, clumped erythrocytes, tumour like structures in the brain, and prominent aneurysms and vasodilatations in gills, increased Bowman’s space and melanomacrophages (MMCs) in the kidney, and vacuolizations in the liver. The results revealed that 2,4-D is immunotoxic and disparagingly alters tissue microarchitecture of fish.
Caenorhabditis Elegans NHR-14/HNF4α Cooperates with cep-1/ p53 to Regulate DNA Damage-induced Apoptosis
Authors: Sun Jianwei , Sang Lei , Dong Rui , Liu Rui , Hao Qinggang , Wang Xingshun , Zeng Yong , Yang Mei
Published: January 2022

Background: Nuclear hormone receptor is involved in transcriptional regulation and many important cellular processes including development and metabolism. However, its role in DNA damage-induced apoptosis remains elusive.Methods: Synchronized young adult animals were irradiated with different doses of gamma-Ray, and then put back to culture at 20 0 C. Germline cell apoptosis was scored at different time point.Results: Deletion of nhr-14 led to decreased DNA damage-induced germline apoptosis, but not the physiological programmed cell death. We also demonstrate that nhr-14 is not a checkpoint gene and functions downstream of the checkpoint pathway. Moreover, we show that nhr-14 regulates egl-1 and ced-13 transcription upon DNA damage. Mechanistically, NHR-14 and its human homolog hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 transcription factor alpha (HNF4α) form a complex with CEP-1/p53.Conclusions: Our results indicate that NHR-14/ HNF4α, in addition to its role as a nuclear hormone receptor, also cooperates with CEP-1/p53 to regulate DNA damage-induced apoptosis.
Efficacy and Safety of Focused Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Therapy Versus Pulsed Shortwave Diathermy for the Management of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jia Lang , Li Dongqian , Wei Xia , Chen Jinyun , Zuo Deyu , Chen Wenzhi
Published: January 2022

Focused low-intensity pulsed ultrasound(FLIPUS)and pulsed shortwave diathermy (PSWD) are presented as possible solution to attenuate the loss of function in the elderly with knee osteoarthritis(OA). The question remains unanswered which one is better modalities. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of FLIPUS with PSWD in subjects with painful knee OA. In a prospective randomized trial,114 knee OA patients were randomly allocated to receive FLIPUS or PSWD therapy. The primary outcome was the change from baseline in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total and subscale scores. Secondary outcomes included numerical rating scale (NRS), Time Up and Go (TUG) test, active joint range of motion (ROM), and Global Rating of Change (GRC) scale. Data were collected at baseline, 12 days, 12 weeks and 24 weeks. Patients receiving FLIPUS therapy experienced significantly greater improvements in WOMAC total scores than patients receiving PSWD therapy at 12 days post-therapy (mean difference, -10.50; 95% CI, -13.54 to -7.45; P = 0.000). The results of the NRS scores, TUG test, ROM and GRC scale showed that participants treated with FLIPUS reported less pain and better physical function and health status than those treated with PSWD (P =0.011, P =0.005, P =0.025, P =0.011,respectively). Furthermore, patients in the FLIPUS group showed significant improvements in the WOMAC total scores and NRS scores at 12 and 24 weeks of follow-up (P =0.000 for all). FLIPUS immediately improved knee pain, dysfunction and health status compared with PSWD. In addition, the benefit of FLIPUS persists throughout follow-up. Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000032735. Registered 08/05/2020, http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx? proj= 53413.
Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumor Liver Metastases with the Combination of Apatinib and Transarterial Chemoembolization
Authors: Zhu Licheng , Zhang Weihua , Chen Lei , Ren Yanqiao , Sun Tao , Sun Bo , Guo Yusheng , Gui Yuxi , Zhao Huangxuan , Guo Xiaopeng , Zheng Chuansheng
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThere are no exact treatments been recommended for gastrointestinal tumor liver metastasis patients. This study intends to assess the safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) plus apatinib as a combination treatment for gastrointestinal tumor liver metastasis patients.MethodsFrom January 2015 to December 2019, 53 patients with gastrointestinal tumor liver metastases were included in the analysis.ResultsThe median progression-free survival (mPFS) and median overall survival (mOS) numbers were 7 months and 17 months, respectively. The mPFS of metastatic sites was 12 months. The disease control rate (DCR) and objective response rate (ORR) values were 86.8% (46/53) and 49.1% (26/53), respectively. The multivariate regression analysis showed that Child-Pugh and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) were independent predictors for OS. The independent predictors for overall PFS include carbohydrate antigen 724 (CA 724), CA 199, TACE session, Child-Pugh, and ECOG; while for liver tumor PFS, the independent predictors are TACE session and ECOG scores. There were no changes of leukocyte, lymphocyte, carcinoemnryonicantigen (CEA), CA 724, CA 199, CA 125 of patients before receiving the treatments and one month after receiving the treatment (all P>0.05). Common adverse events at any grade were poor appetite (64.2%), hypertension (56.6%), and hand-foot syndrome (50.9%). Some patients had III or IV-grade adverse events after receiving the TACE-apatinib combination treatment. However, these adverse events alleviated after reducing apatinib administration or receiving symptomatic treatments.ConclusionsThe TACE-apatinib combination might be an effective treatment option against gastrointestinal tumors liver metastases with promising safety.
The Relationships Between IBS And Perceptions of Physical And Mental Health – A Norwegian Twin Study
Authors: Kutschke Julia , Harris Jennifer R. , Bengtson May-Bente
Published: January 2022

Background and aims: Poor quality of life is a main complaint among individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Self-rated health (SRH) is a powerful predictor of clinical outcomes, and also reflects psychological and social aspects of life and an overall sense of well-being. This population-based twin study evaluates how IBS affects ratings of physical and mental health, and influences perceptions of hindrance of daily activity by physical or mental health. Further, we examine how IBS is related to these SRH measures.Methods: The sample included 5288 Norwegian twins aged 40–80, of whom 575 (10.9%) suffer from IBS. Hierarchical regressions were used to estimate the impact of IBS on perceptions of health, before and after accounting for other chronic physical and mental health conditions. Two dimensions of SRH, physical and mental, and two aspects of functional limitations, the extent to which physical or mental health interferes with daily activities, were included as outcomes in separate models.Co-twin control analyses were used to explore whether the relationships between IBS and the four measures of SRH are causal, or due to shared genetic or shared environment effects.Results: IBS was an independent predictor of poor self-rated physical health (OR = 1.83 [1.42; 2.35]), the size of this effect was comparable to that predicted by chronic somatic conditions. However, in contrast to somatic diseases, IBS was associated with the perception that poorer ratings of mental health (OR=1.46 [1.03; 2.07]), but not physical health (OR = 1.24 [0.96; 1.59]), interfered with daily activity. The co‐twin control analyses suggest that causal mechanisms best explain the relationships between IBS with self-rated physical health and with hindrance of daily activities. In contrast, the relationship between IBS and self-rated mental health was consistent with shared genetic effects.Conclusion: IBS is predictive of poor self-rated physical health. The relationship between IBS and self-rated mental health is best explained by shared genetic effects which might partially explain why mental health interferes with daily activity to a larger degree among those with IBS.
Regular Leisure-Time Physical Activity Is Positively Associated With Happiness Occurrence Among Young Adults In Taiwan
Authors: Ho Chien-Chang
Published: January 2022

Background: This study aims to examine the relationship between regular leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and happiness among young adults in Taiwan. Methods: A cross-sectional nationwide study was conducted, and data derived from the National Physical Activity Survey in Taiwan 2020 were reviewed. The participants included 5,611 men and 5,029 women, aged 23 to 44 years. Each participant completed a computer-assisted telephone interviewing with a standardized, structured questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, LTPA behavior, self-reported health status, and self-evaluations (comprising height, body weight, and happiness). Results: By using multiple regression, after potential confounders adjustment, we observed that regular LTPA was significantly associated with happiness scores for men (β = 0.043, p = 0.001) and women (β = 0.050, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, multiple logistic regression results indicated that with the non-regular LTPA as a baseline, significant associations were observed both for men (odds ratio [OR] = 1.410, 95% CI: 1.173-1.693, p < 0.0001) and women (OR = 1.424, 95% CI: 1.169-1.735, p < 0.0001) at regular LTPA. Conclusions: The current study suggested that regular LTPA, potentially improve the occurrence of happiness among young men. Moreover, this positive effect of regular LTPA was observed for the occurrence of happiness in young women.
Soft Computing based Artificial Neural Network and Multiple Feature set Intelligence system for Image Retrieval
Authors: K Venkataravana Nayak , Arunalatha J S , Vasanthakumar G U , Venugopal K R
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes an Image Retrieval model using Multiple Feature Sets and Artificial Neural Network (IR-MFS-ANN), where the multiple features Histogram of oriented Gradient (HoG), Overlapping Local Binary Pattern (OLBP), Color and Statistical features are considered. Visual information is one of the most important data in the field of social networking, medicine, military, and these areas contain an enormous volume of semi-organized and organized heterogeneous information related to explicit subjects. However, retrieval and usage of suitable information from the comprehensive information archives are important to meet the content extraction and retrieval challenges. To improve retrieval performance, the image representation, modeling, scalable algorithm that permit accessing large archives are integrated into the retrieval framework. The proposed model utilizes ANN to find the distance between feature vectors. The proposed algorithm is tested and analyzed with various retrieval techniques and it is found that ANN-based image retrieval outperforms the state-of-the-art techniques [1–5]. The proposed method results in accuracy of 94%, 92%, 95%, and 94% for Wang, Cifar-10, Oxford Flower, and ImageNet standard databases respectively.