bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential health risk and level of heavy metal in groundwater in the highly-dense area of Akure, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: OlajuwonOsisanya Wasiu , Akakuru Obinna Chigoziem , Eyankware Moses Oghenenyoreme , Ukor K. P.
Published: September 2022

The drinking water quality of Akure, in the Ondo State area of southwestern Nigeria, was assessed. 21 groundwater samples were collected and tested for physicochemical characteristics such as pH, main ions, and heavy metals from motorized boreholes and hand-dug wells. From the hydrogeochemical modeling, it shows 77.3% of the samples are of the geochemical zone of 4 (strong acids exceed weak acids) while 22.7% of the samples are of the geochemical zone of 3 (weak acids exceed strong acids) with a hydrogeochemical trend of Mg > Na + K > HCO3 > Cl > SO4 > Ca. WQI results revealed that groundwater needs proper treatment before it can be fit for different purposes. Contamination Factor results showed minimal contamination, Metal Pollution Index revealed that 80.6 percent of the samples had values more than 6, suggesting that they were severely contaminated. Pollution Load Index values in the area were less than 1 showing there isn't any pollution. Geoaccumulation Index results showed that 47.6% of the samples are respectable contamination while 47.6% of the samples are modestly dirty. Principal Component Analysis results indicated loadings of variables within the PCI, PC2, and PC3 while the Correlation Matrix results indicated that there exists weak correlation amongst elements and the majority of the elements. From statistical approach of health risk assessment, it was observed that traceable absorption of poisonous heavy metals have resulted to diarrhea, typhoid fever, cholera, hepatits A and dysentery commonly found in children and youths in the study area. The results of the Hazard index showed that children were more prone to heavy metal hazards. Regular monitoring of the groundwater sources is highly recommended.
Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio: a useful predictor of amputation in patients with Necrotizing fasciitis: Diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Paul Patrick , Vineed S , Chisthi Meer M , Yadev Induprabha
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Necrotizing fasciitis is the rapidly progressive inflammation of fascia, with necrosis of subcutaneous tissues and subsequent high morbidity and even mortality. Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio, Systemic Immune-inflammation Index and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio are recently being used as severity indicators in inflammatory conditions. This study attempted to find the usefulness of these three ratios as predictors of amputation in necrotizing fasciitis.Methods: This was a cross sectional study in a tertiary level teaching institution in South India, from January 2018 until January 2019. 175 patients with clinical diagnosis of Necrotizing Fasciitis were studied and data analysed to find out the diagnostic accuracy of relevant study parameters. Results: 13 out of the 175 patients had to undergo amputation. Diabetes mellitus, infection with Klebsiella and E.coli, low serum albumin and high blood glucose were found to be the most common factors associated with amputation. Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio had acceptable sensitivity and very good specificity. Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio also had an area under curve of 0.726. Multivariate logistic regression revealed Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio to be the primary hazard factor with an Odds Ratio of 9.64.Conclusion: Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and to some extent Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio and Systemic Immune-inflammation Index are good predictors of amputation in patients with Necrotizing fasciitis. These simple and easily available laboratory tests can be included in the diagnostic panel for these patients and to titrate the treatment.
Efficacy and safety of broad spectrum penicillins with or without beta-lactamase inhibitors versus 1st and 2nd generation cephalosporins as prophylactic antibiotics at cesarean section: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Song Qianqian , Yan Jingjing , Bu Na , Fei Weidong
Published: September 2022

Purpose To assess the efficacy and safety between broad spectrum penicillins with or without beta-lactamase inhibitors versus 1st and 2nd generation cephalosporins in prevention of post-caesarean infections.Methods Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing broad spectrum penicillins with or without beta-lactamase inhibitors to 1st and 2nd generation cephalosporins were searched in foreign databases, such as the Cochrane Library, PubMed and EMBASE, and chinese databases, including the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) WanFang Data and China Science and Technology Journal Database(CSTJ). The included RCTs were analyzed by the software Rev Man 5.4.Results A total of nine RCTs, 1998 patients were involved. Six trials compared broad spectrum penicillins plus beta-lactamase inhibitors versus 1st and 2nd generation cephalosporins, we found there were no differences between interventions for endometritis(RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.57–1.26, I2 = 0.0%), wound infection(RR 1.28, 95% CI 0.53–3.12, I2 = 0.0%), urinary tract infection(RR 1.70, 95% CI 0.06–47.34, I2 = 79%), febrile morbidity(RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.32–2.84, 1 study), maternal rashes(RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.26–5.58, I2 = 0.0%). Four trials compared broad spectrum penicillins versus 1st and 2nd generation cephalosporins, we found there were no differences between interventions for endometritis(RR 3.22, 95% CI 0.45–22.89, I2 = 64%), febrile morbidity(RR 1.93, 95% CI 0.48–7.83, I2 = 84%), wound infection(RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.20–6.97, I2 = 70%), urinary tract infection(RR 9.00, 95% CI 0.49–163.90, 1 study). The postoperative length of stay was longer for women in the broad spectrum penicillins group than 1st generation cephalosporins group(MD 1.50, 95% CI 0.54–2.46, 1 study). Conclusion Based on the results of this study, broad spectrum penicillins with or without beta-lactamase inhibitors and 1st and 2nd generation cephalosporins may have similar efficacy at caesarean section regarding postoperative infections. PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42022345721.
Reappraising Ultrasonography Role in Assessment of Surgical Causes of Acute Abdominal Pain in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Elrouby Ahmed , Morsi Esra , Elnoueim Khaled , Montaser Moataz
Published: September 2022

BackgroundUltrasound (US) is considered the preferred imaging tool to evaluate the surgical causes of acute abdominal pain.MethodsOur study aimed to reappraise the role of US in the evaluation of surgical causes of acute abdominal pain in pediatric patients by the identification and differentiation of its different pathologies.ResultsOur study included 120 pediatric patients who were presented to Elshatby University Hospital with acute abdominal pain due to a surgical cause from November 2019 to November 2020. The age of the studied patients ranged from five days to 18 years old. The study included 64 males (53.3%) and 56 females (46.6%). Appendicitis was the most common pathology among our studied patients being diagnosed in 40 patients (33.3%); it was correctly diagnosed by US in 36 patients and by Computerized Tomography (CT) in four patients. Other diagnosed pathologies included intussusception in 16 patients (13.3%), acute acalculous cholecystitis in eight patients (6.7%), midgut volvulus in eight patients (6.7%), renal stones in eight patients (6.7%), endometrioma in four patients (3.3%), pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction in four patients (3.3%), appendicular mass in four patients (3.3%), hemorrhagic cyst in eight patients (6.7%), ovarian torsion in eight patients (6.7%) and ureteric stones in 12 patients (10%). The overall sensitivity and specificity of US in the diagnosis of different pathologies in our study was 88.5% and 88.2% respectively with different percentage among different pathologies.ConclusionsUS is a reliable diagnostic imaging tool for the assessment of pediatric patients with acute abdomen due to surgical causes with high efficiency in differentiation between various pathological entities. Trial registration: Our manuscript has been retrospectively registered
Effects of transport stress on the oxidative index, apoptosis and autophagy in the small intestine of caprine
Authors: Peng Ruini , Gao Fan , Zheng Wenya , Liu Ben , Yang Xue , Hu Wei , Zheng Lucheng , Fan Qingcan
Published: September 2022

Background Introducing new goat breeds or moving adult goat meat from the farm to the slaughterhouse requires transportation. However, the transportation process can engender potential adverse effects on these animals, such as oxidative stress, pathological cell apoptosis and autophagy. Current evidence suggests that malondialdehyde (MDA) is a metabolite of oxidative stress, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) can alleviate the injury caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body. Meanwhile, Bcl-2, Bax, LC3B, PINK1 and Parkin are important proteins that participate in pathological cell apoptosis and autophagy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of transportation stress on oxidative stress indexes and expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, LC3B, PINK1 and Parkin in the small intestine of goats. Twelve healthy adult male goats from western Jiangxi province were randomly divided into control, 2h transportation stress, and 6h transportation stress groups (n = 4 per group). Results Our results showed that MDA in the small intestine increased significantly after transportation, while SOD and CAT activities decreased, with a significantly increased apoptosis rate of the small intestine. The highest apoptosis rate of the jejunum and duodenum was in the 2h and 6h transportation groups, respectively. The expression of apoptosis-related genes Bcl-2 and Bax and their corresponding proteins exhibited varying degrees of downregulation or upregulation, while the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax genes in the small intestine were upregulated in the 6h transportation group. In addition, autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes were found in various parts of the small intestine by transmission electron microscopy, and the expression levels of autophagy-related genes LC3B, PINK1 and Parkin were significantly downregulated in the 2h group and upregulated in the 6h group. Conclusions Our results indicate that the contents of MDA, SOD and CAT in the small intestine, the expression of pathologic apoptosis-related genes Bcl-2 and Bax, and autophagy-related genes LC3B, PINK1 and Parkin correlated with the stress duration caused by transportation. Moreover, this study provides a foothold for further studies on the mechanism of transportation stress in goats for prevention and treatment.
Harmaline from Peganum harmala alkaloid: eco-friendly and highly effective larvicidal potential against the larvae of deltamethrin-resistant strain of the vector mosquito Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Shen Jianyun , Li Jinmei , Jiang Shuanglin , Jiang Nan
Published: September 2022

The aim of this study was to explore the potential of harmaline as new, safe and more effective larvicidal of mosquitoes, lethal and sublethal effects of harmaline against the larvae of deltamethrin-resistant strain of Aedes albopictus were studied, under laboratory conditions. Laboratory bioassays were performed to determine the lethal and sublethal effects of harmaline on the larvae of Ae. albopictus, according to the standard WHO larval susceptibility test methods. The results indicated that harmaline exhibited strong larvicidal activity against the mosquito larvae, and the lethal effect on larval mortality of Ae. albopictus increased in a concentration-dependent manner. The mortality of four instar larvae peaked at 72 h after exposure. Among four instar larvae tested, the first-instar larvae was the most sensitive to harmaline with LC50 value of 23.02 mg/L, and the fourth-instar larvae was the most tolerant to harmaline with LC50 value of 42.58 mg/L at 72 h after exposure. In addition, sublethal dosage (LC10 and LC30) of harmaline could significantly delay the development of larval and pupae (P < 0.05). And LC30 concentration of harmaline also significantly decreased the pupation and adult emergence rates of larvae treated (P < 0.05). The present study demonstrated that harmaline has a significant toxic effects against the deltamethrin-resistant strain larvae of Ae. albopictus. Particularly, harmaline might still cause markedly sublethal effects to the larvae, even at very low concentration (LC10) of harmaline. It is, therefore, worth further exploring the use of harmaline as a potential larvicide against vector mosquitos. four larval stages of Ae.albopictus.
Metal oxides enhance the absorption performance of N-methyldiethanolamine solution during the carbon dioxide capture process
Authors: Nie Yuming , Li Ye , Wang Huanjun , Guo Dongfang , Liu Lianbo , Fu Yonghong
Published: September 2022

Fly ash from coal-fired power plants can enter chemical absorbents along with flue gas. Silica and metal oxides are the main components of fly ash. To explore the effect of the metal oxides on absorbents, we analyzed the integrated CO2 absorption–desorption process using N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) as the standard and an amine absorbent after adding different metal oxides. The effects of each metal oxide on CO2 capture by the MDEA solution, including CO2 reaction heat, absorption rate, cyclic loading, and carbonation rate, were assessed. It was found that supplementation with appropriate calcium oxide and magnesium oxide proportions accelerates the CO2 absorption rate and shortens the saturation time of the MDEA solution by 9%-17%. The CO2 reaction heat of the MDEA solution increased by 95% after adding magnesium oxide, significantly increasing the energy consumption of the desorption process. Based on the experimental studies, The increase in CO2 absorption rate by MDEA after adding MgO and CaO may be mediated through two different mechanisms.
The Link Between Mindfulness, Static and Dynamic Balance Among Elite Athletes
Authors: TOKAT Fatma , TİNGAZ Emre Ozan , GÜNAY Mehmet
Published: September 2022

The current study seeks to investigate the link between mindfulness, static and dynamic balance among elite athletes. 77 elite athletes (Mage=19.03 years, SD = 3.00) completed a Demographic Information Form and the Mindfulness Inventory for Sport. In addition, Y Balance Test and Flamingo Test were used for balance measurements. Simple correlation analysis indicated that overall mindfulness was not significantly related to dynamic and static balance. However, the awareness subscale of mindfulness was negatively correlated with dynamic balance. In addition, the results of the regression showed that the awareness subscale of mindfulness significantly predicted dynamic balance. Findings suggest that awareness, albeit low, may be an important predictor of dynamic balance in elite athletes.
Choline and Methionine Protected in Crossbred Cows Diets
Authors: Mendes Bhremer Pereira , Teixeira Rafael Monteiro Araújo , Pirozzi Pietro Farsoun , Júnior Arnaldo Prata Neiva , Cappelle Edilson Rezende , Lopes Sidnei Antônio , Silva Paulo Sérgio Dornelas
Published: September 2022

The objective was to evaluate the effects of providing protected choline and methionine on the productive performance and milk quality of crossbred cows. Twenty-four animals were used, distributed in randomized blocks according to the number of days in lactation. The treatments were: control, treatment with the addition of 50g of methionine (Methionine), treatment with the addition of 100g of choline (Choline) and finally the treatment with a blend of the two amino acids 100g of choline and 50g of protected methionine (COL/MET). At the beginning of the experiment, milk was weighed, which was repeated every 7 days to measure production. Every 21 days, individual milk samples were collected to prepare the physicochemical composition. In the weeks interspersed with the individual collection, the milk from each treatment was taken separately in order of treatment for the production of fresh Minas cheese and yield evaluation. Data were submitted to analysis of variance in a randomized block design, using a significance coefficient of 5.0% and Tukey's test to compare treatments. No significant differences were observed for production, milk composition and cheese yield, but the supplemented animals showed a greater persistence of production, with a reduction in production from the beginning to the end in the smaller experiment when compared to the control treatment. Additives did not increase milk production and economic yield of cheeses, but improved lactation persistence.
Modeling of optimized lattice mismatch by carbon-dioxide laser annealing on (In, Ga) co-doped ZnO multi-deposition thin films introducing designed bottom layers
Authors: Yun Jaeyong , Baek Jin Su , Bae Min-Sung , Kim Tae Wan , Koh Jung-Hyuk
Published: September 2022

In this study, modeling of optimized lattice mismatch by carbon-dioxide annealing on (In, Ga) co-doped ZnO multi-deposition thin films were investigated by analyzing the crystallography and optical analysis. (In, Ga) co-doped ZnO multi-deposition thin films with various types of bottom layers were fabricated on sapphire substrates by solution synthesis, spin coating process and carbon-dioxide laser irradiation with post annealing. (In, Ga) co-doped ZnO multi-deposition thin films with Ga-doped ZnO as the bottom layer showed the lowest mismatch rate between the substrate and the bottom layer of the film. The carbon-dioxide laser annealing process can improve electrical properties by reducing lattice mismatch. After applying the carbon-dioxide laser annealing process to the (In, Ga) co-doped ZnO multi-deposition thin films with Ga-doped ZnO as the bottom layer, the optimized sheet resistance of 34.5 kΩ/sq and a high transparency rate of nearly 90% in the visible light wavelength region were obtained.
Basic Developmental Characteristics of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera Fruiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Reared Under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Marri Dinah , Mensah Samuel Adjei , Kotey Daniel Ashie , Abraham John , Billah Maxwell Kelvin , Osae Michael
Published: September 2022

The life cycle of the invasive alien insect pest, Fall armyworm (FAW), was studied using a colony established from field-collected larvae. Eggs, neonate larvae and newly emerged adult moths were used in the experiments to determine the basic biology of the FAW. Matured females laid up to 1184 eggs with mean fecundity of 469 ± 22 eggs per female. Incubation period of eggs and percentage hatchability were 2–3 days and 80–87% respectively. Larval lengths from first to sixth instar were 4.63, 6.60, 9.76, 15.86, 25.13 and 27.81 mm respectively. Larval weights were 0.003, 0.019, 0.045, 0.050, 0.060 and 0.067 g respectively for six instars. The mean head capsule of the sixth instar larva was 2.76 mm. Total larval duration throughout the six instar stages was 16–18 days, while pupal weight and length were 0.16 g and 1.9 cm respectively. Pupal duration was between 8 and 14 days with a mean of 10.35 ± 0.26 days, with percentage emergence reaching a maximum of 94, and with a mean of 80.25%. Total life cycles periods of male and female FAW were 33–44 and 36–49 days respectively under laboratory conditions. Adult copulation occurred between 8 and 11 pm, with the peak period occurring at 9 pm. This study provides baseline information about the basic biology of the FAW. Apart from being an important reference point for future research on FAW, the data provided would aid FAW management decision making.
Psychometric validation of Quality of Dying and Death in Brazilian family members
Authors: Benichel Cariston Rodrigo , Meneguin Silmara , Pollo Camila Fernandes , Oliveira Cesar
Published: September 2022

Context: Death is a complex, subjective phenomenon that requires the understanding of experiences to provide care and qualification of the end-of-life process.
Objective: To analyze the psychometric properties of the portuguese version (Brazil) of the Quality of Dying and Death (QODD) scale on family members of patients who died in adult intensive care units.
Methods: A methodological study was conducted with 326 family members of patients that died in three ICUs of public hospitals in the state of SP, Brazil. For such, the QODD 3.2a (25 items and six domains) was administered in the period from December 2020 to March 2022. The analysis was performed using the classic theory of tests as well as exploratory factor analysis. The goodness of fit of the model was tested using confirmatory factor analysis. Concurrent validity was evaluated using Spearman’s correlation coefficients between the scores of the overall scale and domains. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used for the evaluation of internal consistency and temporal stability, respectively.
Results: Horn’s parallel analysis indicated two factors that were not confirmed in the exploratory factor analysis. A single factor retained 18 of the initial 25 items and the analysis of the goodness of fit to the unidimensional model resulted in the following: CFI = 0.7545, TLI = 0.690, chi-squared = 767.33, df = 135, RMSEA = 0.121 with 90%CI and p = 5.04409e-98. The inter-item correlations indicated a predominance of weak correlations among the items of the instrument. The items with the largest number of moderate correlations were questions 13b, 9b and 10b and a strong correlation was found between questions 15b and 16b. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.8 and the ICC was 0.9.
Conclusion: The Quality of Dying and Death – Version 3.2a (intensive therapy) in Brazilian Portuguese has a unidimensional structure and acceptable reliability, but did not obtain a good fit to the proposed factorial model.
Integration of Rs, Gis and Ahp Technique for Assessing Ground Water Potential Zones in and Around Valliyur Region, Tirunelveli District, Tamilnadu, India
Authors: A Antony Alosanai Promilton. , A Antony Ravindran , M Suganthi , R Sakthi Priya
Published: September 2022

There are numerous hydrogeological characteristics that define the groundwater potential zones of groundwater aquifers. Through the use of remote sensing, GIS, and AHP methods, the study's main goals are to highlight the prospective conditions of various areas and choose appropriate locations for possible groundwater zones. There are 55 villages in the research area, which is located in and around the Valliyur area of the Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu, India. The research elucidates seven essential topic levels, which are as follows: Maps of the lithology, geomorphology, drainage density, lineament density, slope, soil, and land use and landcover are included. For the preparation of each theme layer, data was gathered from several sources. The AHP method was then used to assign Weightage and Ranks for each thematic layer based on how significant they were in terms of groundwater potential. Finally, the weighted overlay method is used to identify zones with five different groundwater potential levels, such as Very Low, Low, Medium, High, and Very High zones. The findings showed that the results from the AHP technique were significantly more accurate.
A new hybrid genetic algorithm with tabu search forsolving the temporal coverage problem using rotatingdirectional sensors.
Authors: Eshaghi Mahboobeh , Nodehi Ali , Mohamadi Hosein
Published: September 2022

In recent years, technological developments of directional sensors and wireless sensor networks have resulted in the emergence of an innovative class of wireless sensor networks termed ”directional sensor networks”. The nature of this type of sensors has led to substantial problems associated with these networks. One of the most important problems in this context is coverage problem that arises due to the nature of the directional sensor nodes. The coverage can be measured in two ways: positional or temporal. In temporal coverage, the directional sensors rotate periodically round themselves in a repetitive process. Thus, in each time slot, those targets that are positioned within the sensor nodes radius receive their desired coverage. In this model, if a target is left uncovered, it is said that the target has remained in darkness. The main task defined for the temporal coverage model is the minimization of the total dark time for all the targets in the network. To solve the temporal coverage problem, this paper presents a hybridized model comprising Genetic Algorithms (GAs) and Tabu Search (TS). Such hybridization was performed to get benefits of solution space explorations done by GA together with the solution exploitation that is realized by TS. In the proposed model, GA acts as the main algorithm and TS is added to enhance the individuals of the population. The proposed hybrid model is mainly aimed to identify the best initial directions of the existing sensors in such a way that the total dark time could be minimized. The results obtained from the experiments conducted for evaluation of the algorithm performance confirmed the superiority of the proposed hybrid algorithm over the other algorithms (whose results were compared to those of the proposed one) in terms of minimizing the total dark time of the targets.
Study of mechanical changes in the mitral-aortic coaptation in patients with chronic severe aortic valve closure insufficiency
Authors: li 厉学艺 , Maierziya Abudireheman , Guan Lina
Published: September 2022

Objective: Analysis of mechanical changes characteristic of the mitral-aortic valve commissure (MAC) in patients with chronic severe aortic valve closure insufficiency (AR) with preserved ejection left ventricular blood fraction. Methods: A total of 40 patients with chronic severe AR and 40 normal individuals were included in this study. MAC parameters, such as angle, velocity, and displacement-related indicators, were estimated. Two-dimensional strain techniques were utilized to acquire Global longitudinal strain (GLS), Global transverse strain (GCS), Global circumferential strain (GRS), Anterolateral papillary muscle strain (ALPMS), Posterior medial papillary muscle strain (PMPMS) and Left ventricular torsion Angle (LV-Twist), Aortic ring torsion Angle (A-Twist), Mitral annulus orsion Angle (M-Twist). Results: MAC displacement and angle were smaller in the AR group than in the control group (P<0.05). GLS, GCS, GRS, ALPMS, PMPMS, LV-Twist, A-Twist, and M-Twist were significantly lower in the AR group than the control group (P<0.05). MAC displacement, angle, and papillary muscle strain were correlated with GLS, and LV-Twist was positively correlated with A-Twist and M-Twist (P<0.05). The ROC curve showed that MAC displacement, angle, A-Twist, and M Twist had good diagnostic efficacy for severe AR. Conclusion: Left ventricular papillary muscle strain and MAC angle, displacement, A-Twist, and M-Twist are reduced in patients with chronic severe AR, and a correlation was established among these and changes in the left ventricular (LV) systolic function and the underlying mechanics.
Lipid-like biofilm from a clinical brain isolate of Aspergillus terreus: quantification, structural characterization and stages of the formation cycle.
Authors: Rayón-López Gerardo , Carapia-Minero Natalee , Medina-Canales María Gabriela , García-Pérez Blanca Estela , Reséndiz-Sánchez Jesús , Pérez Néstor O. , Rodríguez-Tovar Aida Verónica , Granillo Adrián Ramírez
Published: September 2022

Invasive infections caused by filamentous fungi have increased considerably due to the alteration of the host's immune response. Recently, Aspergillus terreus is considered an emerging pathogen and has shown resistance to amphotericin B treatment, resulting in high mortality. The development of fungal biofilm is a virulence factor, and it has been described in some cases of invasive aspergillosis. In addition, although the general composition of fungal biofilms is known, findings related to biofilms of a lipid nature are rarely reported. In this study, we present the identification of a clinical strain of A. terreus by microbiological and molecular tools, also its in vitro biofilm development capacity: i) Biofilm formation was quantified by Crystal Violet (CV) and reduction of tetrazolium salts assays (MTT), and simultaneously the stages of biofilm development were described by Scanning Electron Microscopy in High Resolution (SEM-HR). ii) Characterization of the organizational structure of the biofilm was performed by SEM-HR. The hyphal networks developed on the surface, the abundant air channels created between the ECM (extracellular matrix) and the hyphae fused in anastomosis were described. Also, the presence of microhyphae is reported. iii) The chemical composition of the ECM was analyzed by SEM-HR and CLSM (Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy). Proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and a relevant presence of lipid components were identified. Some structures of apparent waxy appearance were highlighted by SEM-HR and backscatter-electron diffraction, for which CLSM was previously performed. To our knowledge, this work is the first description of a lipid-type biofilm in filamentous fungi, specifically of the species A. terreus from a clinical isolate.
Characterization of Porous LaCoO 3 Prepared from Wood Powder Template and Its Catalysis for Diesel Particulate Matter
Authors: Guo Xiurong , Yang Shaochi , Wang Yinghui , Du Danfeng , Qi Zhanfeng , Sun Chaowei , Gao Xiaoyuan
Published: September 2022

In this paper, LaCoO3 porous perovskite was synthesized using wood powder template combined with sol-gel process, while LaCoO3 prepared by traditional sol-gel method was used as a comparison. The catalysts prepared by different methods were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), N2 adsorption-desorption, and the particulate matter (PM) trapping and catalytic oxidation tests were carried out by engine bench test and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). The results showed that the porous LaCoO3 successfully replicated the structural features of wood powder from macroscopic to tracheid, forming a porous structure. Porous LaCoO3 exhibits better catalytic activity than powdered LaCoO3 with similar specific surface area, this can be attributed to the porous structure of LaCoO3, which increases the contact area and the number of contact points between PM and catalyst.
Weather anomalies more important than climate means in driving insect phenology
Authors: Guralnick Robert , CAMPBELL LINDSAY , Belitz Michael
Published: September 2022

Studies of long-term trends in phenology often rely on climatic averages, overlooking climate variability. Here we test the hypothesis that unusual weather conditions are particularly critical in driving adult insect phenology. First, we generated phenological estimates for Lepidoptera (moths and butterflies) across the Eastern USA, and over a 70 year period, using natural history collections data. Next, we assembled a set of key predictors, including the number of unusually warm and cold days prior to, and during, adult flight period. We then used phylogenetically informed linear mixed effects models to evaluate effects of unusual weather events, climate context, species traits, and their interactions on the flight onset, offset and duration. We found increasing numbers of both warm and cold days was the strongest climate driver in our models, dramatically increasing flight duration. This strong effect is driven by differential onset and termination dynamics. For flight onset, impact of unusual climate conditions is dependent on climatic context, but for flight cessation, more unusually cold days always lead to later termination. These results show that understanding phenological responses under global change must account for unusual or anomalous weather events, especially given these events are predicted to increase in frequency and severity.
The effect of soft tissue defect on callus formation in Kunming mice different tibial injury models
Authors: Liu Lingling , Cai Bozhi , Liu Liping , Zhuang Xiaoning , Wu Yanlan , Zhang Jianfa
Published: September 2022

Objective: To investigated the highly replicable bone injury model and the effect of soft tissue defect on bone repair. Methods: Fifty 6-week-old female kunming mice were randomly divided into 5 groups, and the 4 groups of them underwent fracture or bone defect surgery on the right tibia with or without tibialis anterior muscle defect respectively. The right injured tibias and heart blood were collected on day 10 after operation for Micro-CT, histological and ELISA analysis respectively. The fifth group was control group，and the cardiac blood was collected at the same time for ELISA.RESULTS: Micro-CT and histological examination indicated that our modelling approach could successfully provide different animal models of open bone injury. Micro-CT showed a significant increase in the ratio of bone volume to tissue volume (BV/TV, %) after soft tissue defect in different bone injury models compared to the soft tissue preserved group. Histomorphometric analysis demonstrated a significant increase in the amount of total bone callus, cartilage callus and fibrous tissue after soft tissue defects, while the amount of hard callus was significantly reduced. Immunohistochemical analysis showed higher levels of CYR61 and VEGFR2 after soft tissue defect. ELISA results revealed no significant difference in IL-1β levels between the soft tissue preserved and soft tissue defect groups. HE staining also confirmed no significant difference in the degree of inflammatory cell infiltration after soft tissue defect.Conclusion: The above models were simple，highly reproducible, and provided reliable animal models for studying the bone healing. We inferred that mechanical stability played an important role in the process of bone healing, and the soft tissue around the injury site mainly provided fixation and protection.
Binding of RAGE (AAs 362-367) and RIPK1 induces cognitive deficit in chronic hyperglycemia-derived neuroinflammation
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyan , Zhu Yandong , Gao Lin , Li Yan , Li Hui , Liu Yan , Hu Ankang , Ying Changjiang , Song Yuanjian
Published: September 2022

Background
Chronic hyperglycemia-induced inflammation of the hippocampus is an important cause of cognitive deficit in diabetic patients. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), which is widely expressed in the hippocampus of the brain, and is a crucial factor of inflammation and cognitive deficits. However, the precise role of RAGE in neuroinflammation is not fully elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to reveal the underlying mechanism by which RAGE regulates neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of diabetes-induced cognitive impairment.
Methods
We employed db/db mice as type 2 diabetic mouse models for investigating whether receptor-interacting serine/threonine protein kinase 1 (RIPK1), which expressed in microglia in the hippocampal region, is a key protein that interacts with RAGE. GST pull-down assay and AutoDock Vina were performed to specify the key structural domain in RAGE that binds to RIPK1. Sophisticated molecular technologies including western blot (WB), co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) and immunofuorescence (IF) were applied to detect levels of key protein molecules. Furthermore, cognitive deficit of mice was assessed with Morris water maze (MWM), new object recognition (NOR) and fear conditioning tests.
Results
RAGE binds directly to RIPK1 via its amino acid sequences (AAs) 362–367, thereby upregulating the phosphorylation level of RIPK1, which is accompanied by the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia and ultimately leads to cognitive impairment in db/db mice. RAGE AAs 362–367 was mutated to reverse neuroinflammation and improve cognitive function in the hippocampus, suggesting that RAGE AAs 362–367 is a key structural domain that binds directly to PIPK1, while implying that hyperglycemia-induced inflammation in hippocampus is dependent on direct binding of RAGE and RIPK1.
Conclusions
These findings indicate that direct interaction of RAGE and RIPK1 via AAs 362–367 is an important mechanism for enhanced neuroinflammation in the hyperglycemic environment and is a key node in the development of cognitive deficit in diabetes.
The Effects of Zoledronic Acid Treatment and Endurance Exercise on Ovariectomy-induced Osteopenia in Wistar Rats
Authors: Lin Hsin-Shih , Yang Rong-Sen , Lewis Jack L. , Chang Ming-shi , Hsu Ar-Tyan , Huang Tsang-Hai
Published: September 2022

Background: This study investigated the effects of endurance exercise training and zoledronic acid (Zol) treatment on ovariectomy-induced osteopenia. Methods: Middle-aged female Wistar rats were subjected to sham and ovariectomy surgeries and assigned to seven different groups according to Zol treatment doses and treadmill endurance exercise training; these were the Sham, Ovx, LowZ, HighZ, EXE, LowZ+EXE, HighZ+EXE groups. The subcutaneous (s.c.) doses of Zol for the LowZ and HighZ groups were 20 and 100 µg/kg, respectively. Total intervention period was 10 weeks. Results: Both Zol treatment and exercise training significantly blunted ovariectomy-induced osteopenia in spongy bone (p<0.05). Zol treatments increased whole bone bending strength/energy as well as tissue-level toughness (p<0.05). The EXE and LowZ+EXE had higher levels of serum phosphorus as compared to other groups, suggesting higher bone metabolism activity. Additionally, the three exercise groups’ significantly lower serum triglycerides, leptin, IGF-1 and IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio, along with increased IGFBP-3. Conclusions: Though exercise training did not demonstrate significantly synergistic or modifying effects to Zol-treated bone, results from energy, aging and bone related serum measurements indicate that exercise might reveal its benefits in later phases or at lower doses of bisphosphonate.
Heart Disease Prediction System Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: VARKALA KRISHNAIAH
Published: September 2022

In computer visualization. Deep learning affords effective outcomes for machine learning complications. Several techniques like minimum distance technique, K-Nearest neighbor algorithm, Naïve Bayes, Support Vector Machine, and Artificial Neural Network are used for the purpose of medical data classification. In this paper, heart disease data classification is performed using convolutional neural network. Generally convolutional neural network uses and applied in image data sets, but, in proposed method is used to calculate the accuracy of event for heart disease data sets. The experiments are passed out using heart disease data set of Uel machine learning repository. This trained classifier can classify the given data into either normal or abnormal of heart disease data.
Comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS and associated factors among adolescent girls in Rwanda: a nationwide cross-sectional study
Authors: Kawuki Joseph , Gatasi Ghislaine , Sserwanja Quraish , Mukunya David , Musaba Milton W.
Published: September 2022

Background
Limited comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS is highlighted as one of the major factors linked to the high prevalence of HIV among adolescents and young girls. Thus, it is crucial to identify factors that facilitate or hinder adolescent girls from having comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS. We, therefore, assessed the prevalence of comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS and associated factors among adolescent girls in Rwanda.
Methods
We used secondary data from the Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS) 2020 comprising 3258 adolescent girls (aged 15 to 19 years). Comprehensive knowledge was considered if an adolescent girl answered correctly all the six indicators; always using condoms during sex can reduce the risk of getting HIV, having one sexual partner only who has no other partners can reduce the risk of getting HIV, a healthy-looking person can have HIV, can get HIV from mosquito bites, can get HIV by sharing food with persons who have AIDS, and can get HIV by witchcraft or supernatural means. We, then, conducted multivariable logistic regression to explore the associated factors, using SPSS (version 25).
Results
Of the 3258 adolescent girls, 1746 (53.6%, 95%CI: 52.2–55.6) had comprehensive knowledge about HIV/AIDS. Secondary education (AOR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.13–3.20), having health insurance (AOR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.12–1.73), owning a mobile phone (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04–1.52), exposure to television (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.05–1.44), and history of an HIV test (AOR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.07–1.49) had a positive association with comprehensive HIV knowledge. However, residing in Kigali (AOR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.49–0.87) and Northern (AOR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.59–0.95) region, and Anglican religion (AOR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68–0.99) had a negative association.
Conclusions
To increase comprehensive understanding of the disease at a young age, the need for expanded access to HIV preventive education through formal educational curriculum, and mass and social media via mobile phones is highlighted. In addition, the continued involvement of key decision-makers and community actors, such as religious leaders is vital.
CD97 Expression Level and Its Effect on Cell Adhesion in Preeclampsia
Authors: ATIGAN AYHAN , Tan Semih , Çetin Hülya , Güler Ömer Tolga , Özdamar Saim , Karakaya Yeliz Arman
Published: September 2022

Objectives
Cellular interactions and cell adhesion underlie preeclampsia (PE). The aim of the current study is to investigate the role of cell adhesion molecules such as CD97, neural (N)-cadherin, epithelial (E) -cadherin and integrin beta-4 in PE.
Methods
This prospective study included 20 pregnant women with PE and a control group of 16 healthy pregnant women who were matched for age, gestational age, gravida and parity. Standard blood tests and placental cell adhesion molecule immunohistochemical staining were examined.
Results
The creatinine, uric acid and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels from standard blood tests were found to be statistically higher in the PE group (p = 0.002, p = 0.000, p = 0.001; respectively). In the PE group, the CD97 maternal serum level was statistically significantly lower, as was its immunohistochemical expression in placental sections (p = 0.028, p = 0.000; respectively). The E-cadherin expression score was statistically higher in the PE group compared to the control group (3,65 ± 1,84 vs 2,06 ± 1,76 respectively; p = 0.003). The N-cadherin expression score was statistically lower in the PE group compared to the control group (1,50 ± 0,82 vs 2,43 ± 1,59 respectively; p = 0.049). Integrin beta-4 was not statistically different between groups.
Conclusions
Cellular interaction is responsible for PE as in cancer. A balance in intercellular communication, as researched in cancer therapy, may offer the solution in PE.
CD201+ fascia progenitors choreograph injury repair
Authors: Rinkevich Yuval , Correa-Gallegos Donovan , Ye Haifeng , Dasgupta Bikram , Sardogan Aydan , Ichijo Ryo , Strunz Maximilian , Ansari Meshal , Angelidis Ilias , Schiller Herbert , Volz Thomas , Machens Hans-Günther
Published: September 2022

Optimal tissue recovery and organismal survival1 are achieved by tight spatiotemporal tuning of tissue inflammation, contraction and scar-formation. Here, we discover a multipotent fibroblast progenitor marked by CD201 expression in the fascia, the deepest connective tissue layer of the skin. Using murine skin injury models, single-cell transcriptomics, and genetic lineage tracing and ablation models, we demonstrate that CD201+ progenitors pace wound healing by generating multiple specialized cell types from proinflammatory fibroblasts to myofibroblasts in a spatiotemporally tuned sequence.
We identify retinoic acid and hypoxia signaling as differentiation checkpoints that control the graduated entry of fascia progenitor into the proinflammatory and myofibroblast states. Modulating their differentiation, with retinoic acid and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha, or genetically ablating this cellular lineage, impaired the graduated appearances of specialized fibroblasts and chronically delayed wound healing. The discovery of fascia progenitors, their microenvironment, and the signaling pathways that control the graduated transitions thereof provides a new roadmap to understand and clinically treat impaired wound healing.
Changes in metabolic rate, excretion, energy reserves, and starvation response of diploid and triploid Salvelinus fontinalis and diploid O. mykiss after long-term exposure to elevated temperature
Authors: Lahnsteiner Franz
Published: September 2022

Routine metabolic rate (RMR), faeces composition, quantities of dissolved excretion, and energy reserves were investigated in diploid (2n) and triploid (3n) Salvelinus fontinalis and 2n Oncorhynchus mykiss exposed to 20°C for 32 d in comparison to fish acclimated to 9°C. At 20°C RMR of 2n S. fontinalis decreased with increasing exposure time and after 32 d it did not differ from 9°C. Also in O. mykiss RMR decreased with exposure time but remained 60% higher than at 9°C. In 3n S. fontinalis exposed to 20°C RMR was constantly increased for 120%. For all species/ploidy levels faeces dry weight and phosphorus concentration and quantities of excreted dissolved nitrogen and phosphate did not differ between 9°C and 20°C. Lipid concentration of faeces was decreased at 20°C. With exception of O. mykiss also protein of faeces was decreased at 20°C. In all species/ploidy levels liver glycogen and visceral fat was decreased at 20°C, while liver triglycerides and adenylate energy charge were not affected. In 2n and 3n S. Salvelinus temperature related responses to 5-d starvation were investigated. In 2n S. fontinalis RMR decreased in starving fish in comparison to fed ones at 9°C and increased at 20°C. RMR of 3n S. fontinalis did not change. For both ploidy levels, dissolved excretion was decreased due to starvation at 9°C and 20°C. Visceral fat was decreased due to starving at 9°C, liver glycogen and triglycerides at 20°C. The data are important to manage the impact of increased water temperature on salmonid aquaculture.
Attenuation Correction for PET/MRI to Measure Tracer Activity Surrounding Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Bourdon Caleigh E. , Koudys Zachary J , Lanting Brent A. , Appleton C. Thomas , Thiessen Jonathan D. , Teeter Matthew G.
Published: September 2022

Background. Positron emission tomography (PET) in combination with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could allow inflammatory complications near total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to be studied early in their development. However, attenuation of the PET signal by the metal TKA implants imparts substantial error into measurements of tracer activity, and conventional MR-based attenuation correction (AC) methods have large signal voids in the vicinity of metal implants.
Purpose. To evaluate a segmentation-based AC approach to measure tracer uptake from PET/MRI scans near TKA implants.
Methods. A TKA implant (Triathlon, Stryker, Mahwah, USA) was implanted into a cadaver. Four vials were filled with [ 18 F]fluorodeoxyglucose with known activity concentration (4.68 MBq total, 0.76 MBq/mL) and inserted into the knee. Images of the knee were acquired using a 3T PET/MRI system (Biograph mMR, Siemens Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany). Models of the implant components were registered to the MR data using rigid-body transformations and the other tissue classes were manually segmented. These segments were used to create the segmentation-based map and complete the AC. Percentage error of the resulting measured activities was calculated by comparing the measured and known amounts of activity in each vial.
Results. The original AC resulted in a percentage error of 64.1% from the known total activity. Errors in the individual vial activities ranged from 40.2% to 82.7%. Using the new segmentation-based AC, the percentage error of the total activity decreased to 3.55%. Errors in the individual vials were less than 15%.
Conclusions. The segmentation-based AC technique dramatically reduced the error in activity measurements that result from PET signal attenuation by the metal TKA implant. This approach may be useful to enhance the reliability of PET/MRI measurements for numerous applications.