bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Axillary Adenopathy Secondary to SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination: a Case Report
Authors: Koff Alan , Etchepare Florence Chau
Published: December 2021

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines are safe and effective for the prevention of COVID-19 infection, though local reactions are commonly reported. Axillary lymphadenopathy has also been reported, which has the potential of causing diagnostic confusion and unnecessary testing and procedures. Case Description: A 58 year-old female with untreated latent tuberculosis was noted to have a pulmonary nodule on chest radiograph. Evaluation for Mycobacterium tuberculosis was undertaken, and a FDG PET/CT was performed to rule out malignancy. While the nodule demonstrated low avidity, highly avid lymph nodes were noted in the left axillary region. Further questioning elicited a recent history of mRNA-1273 (Moderna) COVID-19 vaccination in her left deltoid muscle three weeks prior, and a sensation of axillary fullness. She was managed conservatively with spontaneous resolution of her lymphadenopathy. Conclusions: Axillary lymphadenopathy following mRNA vaccination has been reported, and appears to be more common with mRNA-1273 (Moderna) than BNT162b2 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech), in those aged 18 to 64 as compared to age ≥65, and following the second vaccine dose compared to the first dose. Vaccination should be considered in the differential diagnosis of axillary lymphadenopathy, particularly ipsilateral to the vaccination site, to avoid unnecessary testing, treatment, and patient anxiety.
QoS Correlation-based Service Composition Algorithm for Multi-constraint Optimal Path
Authors: Yu Jian , Lin Zhixing , Yu Qiong , Xiao Xiangmei
Published: December 2021

With the development of network service integration, in order to obtain a better quality of service (QoS) guarantee, In this Paper,We consider the characteristics of integrated network service composition and correlation, this paper proposes a approximate algorithm based on multi-constraint optimal path selection (MCOPS). We analyses the QoS correlation criteria, correlation ratios, and Skyline algorithms to calculate the optimal path by dynamic programming, record the path nodes, and obtain the optimal service composition path that meets the user's demand. Simulation results demonstrate the good performance of the proposed algorithm in both the average calculation time and the solution path quality.
Covid-19 on Routine Testing In Eclampsia: A Duo Complication to Look out for in Pregnancy
Authors: Kalsar Pradip , Datta Shreya , Kalsar Arbabasu , Kanyike Andrew Marvin
Published: December 2021

Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia. COVID-19 and pre-eclampsia have overlapping clinical features therefore challenging to differentiate. Since COVID-19 is not routinely tested among pregnant women, it’s prudent to test it among patients presenting with Pre-eclampsia-Eclampsia. Case Presentation: A 23 year old female Gravida 1 Para 0 at 36 weeks and 5 days of amenorrhea presented at Mal Super Specialty Hospital as a referral in a semi-conscious state after a severe attack of tonic-clonic seizures. Detailed history from the husband was insignificant except for a persistent cough for the last 7 days. She had denied any visual changes, headaches or vaginal discharge. Physical examination revealed a tachycardia (150 bpm), elevated blood pressure (187/111 mmHg), a tachypnea (36 breaths/minute) and SPO2 of 94% at room air. Routine COVID-19 Rapid test turned positive, and the urine dipstick was +3. Additional tests revealed a leukocytosis and elevated liver enzymes. Chest radiograph revealed prominent interstitial markings and a bedside transabdominal ultrasonography showed a live single intrauterine fetus in cephalic presentation with normal cardiac activity and movements. A diagnosis of a prime gravida with eclampsia and COVID-19 was made. She was managed with intravenous labetalol, she had already received a loading dose of IV Magnesium sulphate and we administered two maintenance doses during monitoring. Within an hour of admission, she had a spontaneous rupture of the amniotic membranes, with meconium stained liquor (grade 2), and the fetal heart rate (148 beats per minute) was reassuring. She had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery of a live male newborn. Shortly after delivery, she developed slight respiratory distress and significant fluid overload that was managed with furosemide. A COVID-19 RT-PCR came back negative for the neonate and positive for the mother. She was shifted to the COVID-19 treatment unit and contact limited with the child. She was kept on a course of tablets Ivermectin, zinc, vitamin C, a montelukast, azithromycin, metronidazole and injectable pantoprazole. They were discharged on day 15 after recovery with a negative COVID nasopharyngeal swab. Conclusion: A diagnosis of pre-eclampsia-Eclampsia should prompt testing for COVID-19.
Strong control of effective radiative forcing by the spatial pattern of absorbing aerosol
Authors: Williams Andrew , Stier Philip , Dagan Guy , Watson-Parris Duncan
Published: December 2021

Over the coming decades it is expected that the spatial pattern of anthropogenic aerosol will change dramatically and that the global composition of aerosols will become relatively more absorbing. However, despite this the climatic impact of the evolving spatial pattern of absorbing aerosol has received relatively little attention, in particular the impact of this pattern on global-mean effective radiative forcing. Here we use novel climate model experiments to show that the effective radiative forcing from absorbing aerosol varies strongly depending on their location, driven by rapid adjustments of clouds and circulation. Our experiments generate positive effective radiative forcing in response to aerosol absorption throughout the midlatitudes and most of the tropical regions and a strong ‘hot spot’ of negative effective radiative forcing in response to aerosol absorption over the Western tropical Pacific. We show that these diverse responses can be robustly attributed to changes in atmospheric dynamics and highlight the importance of this previously unknown ‘aerosol pattern effect’ for transient forcing from regional biomass-burning aerosol.
Lignin Phenol Formaldehyde Resins Synthesised Using South African Spent Pulping Liquor
Authors: Maree Chelaine , Görgens Johann F. , Tyhoda Luvuyo
Published: December 2021

Purpose The current study investigated to which extent phenol could be replaced by lignins to produce lignin phenol formaldehyde (LPF) resins, utilising soda lignin and sodium lignosulphonate as by-products from the South African pulping industry.Method The lignins were characterised and soda lignin indicated the highest reactivity. It was therefore utilised to produce LPF resins at 60%, 80%, and 100% phenol substitution, using central composite designs to maximise the adhesive strength. A one-pot method allowing direct transition from phenolation to resin synthesis was used for the first time with a pulping lignin at 60% and 80% substitution.Results Plywood made with LPF60, LPF80, and LPF100 resins attained their highest shear strengths of 0.786, 1.09, and 0.987 MPa, respectively, which adhered to the GB/T 14732-2013 standard (≥ 0.7 MPa). A substitution level of 68% produced the highest shear strength of 1.11 MPa. High-density particleboard made with this LPF68 resin gave a MOR and MOE of 40 and 3209 MPa, respectively, adhering to the ANSI A208.1 requirements. Thickness swelling and water absorption was 13.5% and 37.2%, respectively.Conclusion The soda-lignin isolated by precipitation from sugarcane bagasse pulping liquor is the first industrial lignin shown to produce LPF100 resins adhering to standard requirements, without modification or additives.
Efficacy of Ninjin’yoeito for Preoperative Anemia, Fatigue, and Anxiety in Patients with Gynecological Disease: an Open-Label, Single-Center, Randomized Phase-II Trial.
Authors: Yagi Taro , Sawada Kenjiro , Miyamoto Mayuko , Kinose Yasuto , Nakagawa Satoshi , Takiuchi Tsuyoshi , Kodama Michiko , Kobayashi Eiji , Hashimoto Kae , Mabuchi Seiji , Tomimatsu Takuji , Yoshino Kiyoshi , Kimura Tadashi
Published: December 2021

Background: Preoperative anemia affects perioperative outcomes and often causes fatigue and psychological disorders. Therefore, anemia should be treated before a patient undergoes surgery. Ninjin’yoeito (NYT), a Japanese Kampo medicine composed of ginseng and Japanese angelica root with the other 10 herbs, is administered for anemia, fatigue and anxiety; however, there are a few reports that have prospectively examined the effects of NYT before surgery for gynecological diseases. Hence, we tended to investigate its efficacy and safety.Methods: In this open-label randomized trial, women with gynecological diseases accompanied by preoperative anemia (defined as <11.0 g/dL Hemoglobin [Hb]) were randomly assigned (1:1) into the iron supplementation and NYT groups. Patients of the iron supplementation group and the NYT group received 100 mg/day iron supplementation with and without NYT (7.5 g/day) for at least 10 days before surgery. The primary endpoint was improvement in Hb levels before and after treatment, and Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS) and Visual Analogue Scale for Anxiety (VAS-A) scores between groups. Statistical analyses were performed with Wilcoxon signed rank test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Fisher’s exact test as appropriate.Results: 40 patients were enrolled of whom 30 patients were finally analyzed after allocating 15 to each group. There was no difference in the characteristics between both groups. Hb significantly increased in both groups (iron supplementation group, 9.9 ± 0.8 g/dL vs. 11.9 ± 1.6 g/dL; NYT group, 9.8 ± 1.0 g/dL vs. 12.0 ± 1.0 g/dL); the difference in the elevations in Hb between both groups was statistically insignificant (P = 0.72). Contrarily, CFS (17.9 ± 10.2 vs. 8.1 ± 5.2) and VAS-A (56 mm (50–70) vs. 23 mm (6–48)) scores were significantly decreased only in the NYT group and these changes were greater in the NYT group (∆CFS, P = 0.015; ∆VAS-A, P = 0.014). Liver dysfunction occurred in one patient of the NYT group.Conclusions: For treating preoperative anemia in women with gynecological conditions, NYT administration along with iron supplementation safely and efficiently improved the preoperative anemia, fatigue and anxiety.Trial registration: jRCT1051190012 (28/April/2019, retrospectively registered).
Bio-electrochemical production of hydrogen and electricity from organic waste
Authors: De Gioannis Giorgia , Dell'Era Alessandro , Muntoni Aldo , Pasquali Mauro , Polettini Alessandra , Pomi Raffaella , Rossi Andreina , Zonfa Tatiana
Published: December 2021

This study investigated the performance of a novel integrated bio-electrochemical system for synergistic hydrogen production from a process combining a dark fermentation reactor and a galvanic cell. The operating principle of the system is based on the electrochemical conversion of protons released upon dissociation of the acid metabolites of the biological process and is mediated by the electron flow from the galvanic cell, coupling biochemical and electrochemical hydrogen production. Accordingly, the galvanic compartment also generates electricity. Four different experimental setups were designed to provide a preliminary assessment of the integrated bio-electrochemical process and identify the optimal configuration for further tests. Subsequently, dark fermentation of cheese whey was implemented both in a stand-alone biochemical reactor and in the integrated bio-electrochemical process. The integrated system achieved a hydrogen yield in the range 75.5 – 78.8 N LH2/kg TOC, showing a 3 times improvement over the biochemical process.
A Regional Approach For Health Risk Assessment of Toxicants in Plastic Food Containers
Authors: Thi Lan Binh Nguyen , Truc Nguyen Thi Thanh , Thi Ngoc Tran Nguyen , Vu Dinh Khang , Lee Byeong-Kyu
Published: December 2021

Plastic food containers are being used popularly, generating a waste of about 115 million tons in Vietnam. Such waste is causing environmental and health issues. This study conducted a field survey with 309 local people and selected 59 samples out of 135 plastic food containers collected in Go Vap district, Vietnam. Collected plastic samples identified compositions were PET 13.6 %, PP 28.8 %, PS 16.9 %, and 40.7 % X. Although most people are aware of the toxicity of plastics, plastics are still widely used due to their convenience and price with easy use and purchase. Collected plastic samples were classified based on the plastic type using recycling code and quantitatively analyzed with X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy method to assess concentrations of Cd, Sb, Pb, Hg, Sn, Cr, Br, Cl, and S. Most of these collected plastic samples (91.5 %) were found to contain 8/9 hazardous substances and most elements contained in these plastics were below their standard thresholds. However, elements Cl and Sb exceeded their safe thresholds, reached the highest concentrations of 1990.3 ppm and 469.2 ppm, respectively. Thus, additional health risks need to be assessed using the USEtox model. Finally, this study proposed a screening process to assess the risk of toxicity of elements contained in plastic food containers through ISO 31000:2018.
Fog-Assisted Healthcare Framework for Smart Hospital Environment
Authors: Ahanger Tariq
Published: December 2021

The technological revolution brought by the Internet of Things (IoT) has mostly relied on cloud computing. However, to satisfy the demands of timesensitive services in the medical industry, Fog Computing, a novel computational platform based on the cloud computing paradigm, has shown to be a useful tool by extending cloud resources to the network’s edge. The current paper examines the role of the fog paradigm in the domain of healthcare decision-making, focusing on its primary advantages in terms of latency, network utilization, and power consumption. A fog-computing based health assessment framework is developed in the current paper. Moreover, based on effective performance parameters, the performance is evaluated and depicted. The results show that the presented strategy can reduce network congestion of the communication network by analyzing information at the local node. Moreover, increased security on health information can be maintained at local fog-node and enhanced data protection from unauthorized access can be acquired. Fog computing offers greater insights into the health condition of patients with enhanced accuracy, precision, reliability and stability.
Maximizing Throughput of The GEO Satellite At C/Ku Bands
Authors: Hussain Sabir , Jaffer Ghulam
Published: December 2021

The need for broadband data has increased speedily but in underserved rural areas, the mobile connectivity of 3G and LTE is still a significant challenge. By looking at the historical trend, the data traffic and the internet are still expected to grow in these areas [1]. The next generation of satellites is trying to decrease the cost per MB having the advantage of higher throughput and availability. To maintain the performance of the link, choosing an appropriate frequency is evident. A multi-beam satellite system can fulfill the demand and performance over a coverage area. The high throughput satellites (HTS) fulfill this requirement using C and Ku bands. In this paper, we present the benefits of using Ku-band on the user site and the composite of C and Ku bands on the gateway site. This configuration has proved to be a cost-efficient solution with high performance over the traditional straight configuration. The data rate is improved five times both on upstream and downstream as compared to the existing available FSS system. Moreover, it has got an advantage to Ku-band user that they would enjoy the significant improvement in the performance without upgrading their systems.
Encoder Hurwitz Integers: The Hurwitz integers that have the ”division with small division” property
Authors: Duram Ramazan , Güzeltepe Murat
Published: December 2021

The residue class set of a Hurwitz integer is constructed by modulo function with primitive Hurwitz integer whose norm is a prime integer, i.e. prime Hurwitz integer. In this study, we consider primitive Hurwitz integer whose norm is both a prime integer and not a prime integer. If the norm of each element of the residue class set of a Hurwitz integer is less than the norm of the primitive Hurwitz integer used to construct the residue class set of the Hurwitz integer, then, the Euclid division algorithm works for this primitive Hurwitz integer. The Euclid division algorithm always works for prime Hurwitz integers. In other words, the prime Hurwitz integers and halves-integer primitive Hurwitz integers have the ”division with small remainder” property. However, this property is ignored in some studies that have a constructed Hurwitz residue class set that lies on primitive Hurwitz integers that their norms are not a prime integer and their components are in integers set. In this study, we solve this problem by defining Hurwitz integers that have the ”division with small remainder” property, namely, encoder Hurwitz integers set. Therefore, we can define appropriate metrics for codes over Lipschitz integers. Especially, Euclidean metric. Also, we investigate the performances of Hurwitz signal constellations (the left residue class set) obtained by modulo function with Hurwitz integers, which have the ”division with small remainder” property, over the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel by means of the constellation figure of merit (CFM), average energy, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Prevalence of Complementary And Alternative Medicine Use In Brazil: Results of The National Health Survey, 2019
Authors: Boccolini Patricia de Moraes Mello , Boclin Karine de Lima Sírio , de Sousa Islândia Maria Carvalho , Boccolini Cristiano Siqueira
Published: December 2021

Background: In recent decades, it has been possible to observe an increase in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) usage globally for both disease prevention and health promotion purposes. We aim to analyze factors associated with the prevalence of CAM use in Brazil. Methods: Observational study with data from the 2019 National Health Survey that evaluated a sample of Brazilian adults. The outcome was CAM use, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, medicinal plants and herbal medicines, meditation, and yoga in the last 12 months. A logistic regression model with a 95% confidence interval was estimated to assess factors associated with CAM use. Results: The prevalence of CAM use in 2019 was 5.2% (CI99%=4.8%-5.6%), the most used being: medicinal plants and herbal medicines, with a prevalence of 3.0% (CI99%=2.7-3.33) followed by: acupuncture 1.4% (CI99%=1.3-1.6) homeopathy 0.9% (CI99%=0.7-1.0), meditation 0.7% (CI99%=0.6-0.8) and yoga 0.4% (CI99%=0.4-0.5). We observed important differences in CAM use in Brazil, with a higher prevalence in the North Region, 3.7% (CI99%=2.81-4.75), where herbal medicines were more frequent the in the other regions. After estimating an adjusted model, women, older people, and people with a higher level of education and per capita income were the ones who most used all types of CAM. The practice of yoga stands out among women 3.6% (CI99%=2.49-5.28) and among individuals with higher per capita income 7.5% (CI99%=2.97-18.93); meditation among individuals with higher educational level 13.4% (CI99%=6.41-28.33) and acupuncture for those who declared regular or poor health 1.9% (CI99%=1.51-2.39). Conclusions: We recommend that the Ministry of Health expand CAM access to Unified Health System users and promote health professionals' conscious and guided use for the Brazilian population.
Association Between Levels of Depression Symptoms and Moderately Increased Levels of the Inflammation Marker Albuminuria Is Explained by Age and Comorbidity.
Authors: Romundstad Solfrid , Hynnekleiv Torfinn
Published: December 2021

Background: The study aimed to examine whether there are associations between levels of depression symptoms and levels of the inflammation marker albuminuria. Materials and methods: The 8303 participants in this cross-sectional study were subjects from the second survey of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT, Norway). Depression symptoms were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratio (OR) for moderately increased albuminuria (ACR > 3.0 mg/mmol) according to different HADS subgroups and -scores.Results: Unadjusted ORs for moderately increased albuminuria were significantly increased in those with HADS > 8 (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.05-1.54, p=0.013) and HADS > 11 (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.19-2.14, p=0.002). However, after adjusting for age and sex, only HADS > 11 was significantly associated with ACR > 3.0 mg/mmol (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.08-1.98, p=0.014), and after multivariable adjustments for cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidity, there were no significant associations. Conclusion: The positive and significant association between moderately increased albuminuria and symptoms of depression found in unadjusted analyses weakened and disappeared after adjustments. Although individuals with depressive symptoms had albuminuria more often than individuals without such symptoms, albuminuria may reflect other comorbidity and inflammation conditions than depression.
Long-term Oncological Outcomes of Totally Laparoscopic Colectomy With Intracorporeal Anastomosis for Colon Cancer: Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Hamamoto Hiroki , Okuda Junji , Suzuki Yusuke , Izuhara Keisuke , Ishii Masatsugu , Osumi Wataru , Masubuchi Shinsuke , Yamamoto Masashi , Tanaka Keitaro , Uchiyama Kazuhisa
Published: December 2021

Background: This retrospective study aimed to compare long-term oncological outcomes between laparoscopic-assisted colectomy (LAC) with extracorporeal anastomosis (EA) and totally laparoscopic colectomy (TLC) with intracorporeal anastomosis (IA) for colon cancers, including right- and left-sided colon cancers.Methods: Patients with stage I–III colon cancers who underwent elective laparoscopic colectomy between January 2013 and December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients converted from laparoscopic to open surgery and R1/R2 resection were excluded. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis (1:1) was performed to overcome patient selection bias.Results: A total of 388 patients were reviewed. After PSM, 83 patients in the EA group and 83 patients in the IA group were compared. Median follow-up was 56.5 months in the EA group and 55.5 months in the IA group. Estimated 3-year overall survival (OS) did not differ significantly between the EA group (86.6%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 77.4–92.4%) and IA group (84.8%; 95%CI, 75.0–91.1%; P = 0.68). Estimated 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) likewise did not differ significantly between the EA group (76.4%; 95%CI, 65.9–84.4%) and IA group (81.0%; 95%CI, 70.1–88.2%; P = 0.12).Conclusion: TLC with IA was comparable to LAC with EA in terms of 3-year OS and DFS. TLC with IA thus appears to offer an oncologically feasible procedure.
Streptomyces Pimoensis sp. nov., Isolated From the Taklimakan Desert in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Zhang Ping , Luo Xiaoxia , Luo Xinrong , Liu Zhanwen , Xia Zhanfeng , Wan Chuanxing , zhang Lili
Published: December 2021

A novel Streptomyces strain, designated TRM 75549T, was separated from a sample of sand in Pimo, Taklimakan desert, Xinjiang, North-West China. Phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA gene sequences placed strain TRM75549T within the genus Streptomyces with the highest similarities to Streptomyces flavoviridis NBRC 12772T (98.76%). The whole-genome average nucleotide identity (ANI) value between strain TRM75549T and S. flavoviridis NBRC 12772T is 88.20%. Digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) value between strain TRM75549T and S. flavoviridis NBRC 12772T is 44.10%. They are well below the recommended 95-96% and 70% cut-off points for designated species respectively. A multi-locus sequence analysis of five house-keeping genes (atpD, gyrB, recA, rpoB and trpB) and phylogenomic analysis also illustrated that strain TRM75549T should be assigned to the genus Streptomyces. Strain TRM75549T contained MK-9 (H6) and MK-9 (H8) as predominant menaquinones. The diagnostic diamino acid of cell walls was identified as LL-diaminopimelic acid and Meso-diaminopimelic. The whole-cell sugar pattern of strain TRM 75549T consisted of mannose and glucose. The major fatty acids (>5%) were iso-C14:0, iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0, iso-C16:1H, iso-C16:0. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, lysophosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phospholipids, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylinositol, phosphatiylinositol mannosides and unidentified phospholipids. Strain TRM75549T could be differentiated from S. flavoviridis NBRC 12772T, based on physiological and biochemical characteristics. Based on the data from this polyphasic study presented above, strain TRM75549T is represent ative of a novel species of the genus Streptomyces, for which the name Streptomyces pimoensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TRM75549T (=CCTCC AA 2020054T=LMG 32221T ).
Hidden Magnetic Texture in the Pseudogap Phase of High-Tc $YBa{2}Cu{3}O_{6.6}$
Authors: Bourges Philippe , Bounoua Dalila , Sidis Yvan , Loew Toshinao , Bourdarot Bourdarot , Boehm Martin , Steffens Paul , Mangin-Thro Lucile , Balédent Victor
Published: December 2021

Despite decades of intense researches, the enigmatic pseudo-gap (PG) phase of superconducting cuprates remains an unsolved mystery. In the last 15 years, various symmetry breakings in the PG state have been discovered, spanning an intra-unit cell (IUC) magnetism, preserving the lattice translational (LT) symmetry but breaking time-reversal symmetry and parity, and an additional incipient charge density wave breaking the LT symmetry upon cooling. However, none of these states can (alone) account for the partial gapping of the Fermi surface. Here we report a hidden LT-breaking magnetism which is crucial for elucidating the PG puzzle. Our polarized neutron diffraction measurements reveal magnetic correlations, in two different underdoped YBa2Cu3O6.6 single crystals, that settle at the PG onset temperature with i) a planar propagation wave vector (π, 0) ≡ (0, π), yielding a doubling or quadrupling of the magnetic unit cell and ii) magnetic moments mainly pointing perpendicular to the CuO2 layers. The LT-breaking magnetism is at short range suggesting the formation of clusters of 5-6 unit cells that, together with the previously reported IUC magnetism, yields a hidden magnetic texture of the CuO2 unit cells hosting loop currents.
Landscape Simplification Increases Bactrocera Oleae Abundance In Olive Groves: Populations Dynamics In Different Land Uses.
Authors: Paredes Daniel , Alves João Frederico , Mendes Sara , Costa José Miguel , Alves Joana , Silva António Alves da , Sousa José Paulo
Published: December 2021

Bactrocera oleae is the main pest in olive groves and its management requires a sustainable perspective to reduce the use of chemical products. Landscape context is being considered as an important driver of pest reduction but results on B. oleae show inconsistency to date. Most of landscape-pest control studies focus on the dynamics of the pests within the focal crop, ignoring these dynamics in other land uses. Here we present a study in which we analyze the seasonal population dynamics of the olive pest B. oleae in the most important land uses of a typical olive landscape in Portugal. We found that B. oleae is present in all the land uses and the dynamics are very similar to those in the olive groves. However, the presence of these land uses in the landscape did not display any increase of B.oleae abundance within the olives groves. In contrast, a landscape mainly composed by olive groves increased the abundance of this pest. Importantly, more diverse landscapes surrounding olive groves reduce the abundance of the olive fly. Based on these findings, we can conclude that B. oleae is present in all the land uses of the studied landscape but that this presence does not imply an increase of B. oleae in olive groves. Indeed, other land uses can promote landscape diversification which is a driver of the reduction of B. oleae populations in olive groves. We thus encourage olive stakeholders to increase landscape diversification around their farms by promoting/restoring other crops/habitats.
Effects of Replacement of Wheat Straw with Corn Stover Based TMR on Growth Performance, Behavioural Characteristics, selected Blood Metabolites and Nutrient Digestibility in Beetal Bucks.
Authors: Majeed Faisal , Ahmed Saeed , Rashid Muhammad Afzal , Shahid Muhammad Qamer , Mohsin Imran
Published: December 2021

An experiment was executed to determine the effects of replacing wheat straw with corn stover on growth performance, behavioural characteristics, blood metabolites and nutrient digestibility in Beetal bucks. A total of twenty four Beetal bucks were assigned randomly to one of three treatment groups, having eight animals each, for 15 weeks experimental period. The dietary treatments included conventional (25% wheat straw and 75% concentrate), corn stover 50 (Fifty percent of wheat straw (12.5%) was replaced with corn stover, and corn stover 100 (Wheat straw was completely replaced with corn stover). Dietary replacement of wheat straw with corn stover has resulted in an increased dry matter intake and average daily gain by 10 and 26%, respectively in the bucks. Rumen pH and fecal score, however, remained unaffected by dietary replacement of wheat straw with corn stover in the bucks. The replacement of wheat straw with corn stover has resulted in an increased feeding and rumination time, improved lying time and length and decreased number of bouts in the bucks. Blood glucose, urea, bilirubin and calcium levels were remained unaffected by replacing wheat straw with corn stover. The blood phosphorous level, however, was decreased in bucks fed corn stover based ration. The bucks fed corn stover based ration has resulted in an increased digestibility of nutrients including organic matter, crude protein, neutral and acid detergent fiber compared to those fed wheat straw based total mixed ration.
Analysis of Macular Blood Flow Alterations In Thyroid Associated Ophthalmopathy
Authors: Zhang Xiaohan , Liu Wangyuan , Zhang Zhaode , Dai Jinhui , Zhang Jinfeng , Lin Ling
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the alterations in macular superficial retinal vessels density and relation with visual acuity in thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients with different severity levels.Method: This cross-sectional observational study included 70 TAO patients and 70 healthy controls. Only the data from the right eyes were analyzed. TAO patients were divided into 7 subgroups according to the NOSPECS score grading from 0 to 6 with 10 cases in each subgroup. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ), vascular density (VD) and perfusion density (PD) of macular 1mm diameter and 6mm diameter areas were measured by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Results: In TAO patients, significant increases were found in macular and foveal vascular densities (FVD) and perfusion densities (FPD) while significant decrease was found in FAZ area when comparing with control group (p<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis and multiple linear regression analysis showed that TAO severity grade was negatively correlated with FVD (β=-1.150, p=0.032), FPD (β=-0.024, p=0.042), MVD (β=-0.583, p=0.020) and MPD (β=-0.011, p=0.010). Clinical activity score (CAS) score showed positive correlation with FVD(β=0.794, p=0.035) and FPD(β=0.017, p=0.041). FVD(β=-0.009, p=0.033), MVD(β=-0.034, p<0.001), FPD(β=-0.416, p=0.039) and MPD(β=-2.428, p<0.001) all showed negative correlation with best corrected visual acuity (BCVA).Conclusion: Superficial macular blood flow in TAO patients showed an overall increase comparing with healthy controls and a decrease as TAO disease severity worsen. Superficial macular blood flow density was negatively correlated with BCVA.
Impact of Modelling Approach on the Estimation of Government Intervention Effects in COVID-19
Authors: Liu Lun , Zhang Zhu , Wang Hui , Wang Shenhao , Zhuang Shengsheng
Published: December 2021

The efficacy of government interventions in epidemic has become a hot subject since the onset of COVID-19. There is however much variation in the results quantifying the effects of interventions, which is partly related to the varying modelling approaches employed by existing studies. This paper therefore aims to examine how the choice of modelling approach would affect the estimation results of intervention effects, by experimenting with different modelling approaches on a same data set composed of the 500 most affected U.S. counties. We compare the most frequently used methods from the two classes of modelling approaches, which are Bayesian hierarchical model from the class of computational approach and difference-in-difference from the class of natural experimental approach. We find that computational methods are likely to produce larger estimates of intervention effects due to simultaneous voluntary behavioral changes. In contrast, natural experimental methods are more likely to extract the true effect of interventions. Among different difference-in-difference estimators, the two-way fixed effect estimator seems to be an efficient one. Our work can inform the methodological choice of future research on this topic, as well as more robust re-interpretation of existing works, to facilitate both future epidemic response plans and the science of public health.
Nonpoint Source Pollution (NPSP) Induces Structural and Functional Variation in the Fungal Community of Sediments in the Jialing River, China
Authors: Xu Fei , Zhu Lanping , Wang Jiaying , Xue Yuqin , Liu Kunhe , Zhang Fubin , ZHANG TUO
Published: December 2021

Nonpoint source pollution (NPSP) from human production and life activities causes severe destruction in river basin environments. In this study, three types of sediment samples (A, NPSP tributary samples; B, non-NPSP mainstream samples; C, NPSP mainstream samples) were collected at the estuary of the NPSP tributary of the Jialing River. High-throughput sequencing of the fungal-specific internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene region was used to identify fungal taxa. The impact of NPSP on the aquatic environment of the Jialing River was revealed by analysing the community structure, community diversity and functions of sediment fungi. The results showed that the dominant phylum of sediment fungi was Rozellomycota, followed by Ascomycota, Chytridiomycota, Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota and Zoopagomycota (relative abundance>1%). NPSP caused a significant increase in the relative abundances of Rozellomycota, Saccharomycetes, Microascales, Saccharomycetales, Branch02 and Branch03. In addition, it caused a significant decrease in the relative abundances of Chytridiomycota, Dothideomycetes, Capnodiales, Glomerellales, Xylariales and Chaetothyriales. Moreover, NPSP caused significant changes in the physicochemical properties of Jialing River sediments, such as pH and available nitrogen (AN), which significantly increased the species richness of fungi and caused significant changes in the fungal community β-diversity (P<0.05). pH, total phosphorus (TP) and AN were the main environmental factors affecting fungal communities in Jialing River sediments. The functions of sediment fungi mainly involved three types of nutrient metabolism (symbiotrophic, pathotrophic and saprotrophic) and 75 metabolic circulation pathways. NPSP significantly improved the NONOXIPENT-PWY, PENTOSE-P-PWY, and PWY-6837 metabolic circulation pathway functions (P<0.05) and inhibited the PWY-7118, PWY-5920, and PWY-6609 metabolic circulation pathway functions (P<0.05). Hence, NPSP causes changes in the community structure and functions of sediment fungi in Jialing River and destroys the stability of the Jialing River Basin ecosystem.
Effective Use of Remote Learning in Sustaining Teaching and Learning of Fine and Applied Arts in COVID-19 Era in Colleges of Education
Authors: Ibenegbu Christopher Ifeanyi , Angu Juliet Bih
Published: December 2021

The study determined how remote learning we can use effectively in sustaining teaching fine and applied arts in colleges of education in Benue State, Kogi State, and Enugu State, Nigeria. We adopted a cross-sectional survey for the study. We used a sample size of 218 respondents for the study. We used a structured questionnaire for the study. We used frequency percentage and Chi-square analysis. We planned and tested four hypotheses. The finding of the study showed that the ICT devices are not available; respondents do not use the effective technique for teaching fine and applied arts in remote learning. The respondents found out that there are challenges concerning the use of technology in the teaching fine and applied arts, and respondents agree on the solutions in mitigating the adverse effect of COVID-19 lockdown on teaching fine and applied arts. We highlighted the educational implications of the findings and the recommendations. We also made some limitations of the study and suggestions for further studies.
Protein Structure Dynamic Prediction: a Machine Learning/Molecular Dynamic Approach to Investigate the Protein Conformational Sampling
Authors: Audagnotto Martina , Czechtizky Werngard , De Maria Leonardo , Käck Helena , Papoian Garegin , Tornberg Lars , Tyrchan Christian , Ulander Johan
Published: December 2021

Proteins exist in several different conformations. These structural changes are often associated with fluctuations at the residue level. Recent findings show that co-evolutionary analysis coupled with machine-learning techniques improves the precision by providing quantitative distance predictions between pairs of residues. The predicted statistical distance distribution from Multi Sequence Analysis (MSA) reveals the presence of different local maxima suggesting the flexibility of key residue pairs. Here we investigate the ability of the residue-residue distance prediction to provide insights into the protein conformational ensemble. We combine deep learning approaches with mechanistic modeling to a set of proteins that experimentally showed conformational changes. The predicted protein models were filtered based on energy scores, RMSD clustering, and the centroids selected as the lowest energy structure per cluster. The models were compared to the experimental-Molecular Dynamics (MD) relaxed structure by analyzing the backbone residue torsional distribution and the sidechain orientations. Our pipeline not only allows us to retrieve the global experimental folding but also the experimental structural dynamics. We show the potential correlation between the experimental structure dynamics and the predicted model ensemble demonstrating the susceptibility of the current state-of-the-art methods in protein folding and dynamics prediction and pointing out the areas of improvement.
Docked ions: vertical-aligned tubular arrays for highly efficient capacitive deionization
Authors: Luo Zhi-Yong , Wang Dong , Huang Lingqi , Liu Xiangyang , Zhang Qi , Zhu He , Zhu Shiping
Published: December 2021

Capacitive deionization (CDI) is an effective method for desalination of brackish water to alleviate the global freshwater crisis. Obtaining high desalination capacity is the primary focus of this field. Based on electrical double layer (EDL) theory, current research is mainly devoted to increasing the specific surface area of electrode materials, however, the NaCl adsorption capacity is typically limited to the range of 10 - 20 mg g−1. In this work, we propose a new design paradigm of using a vertical-aligned nanotubular structure for CDI. This design allows ions to be temporarily held inside the electrodes like ships docked in a harbor (ion-docking effect, IDE) due to the greatly diminished water flow inside the tubes, thus enhancing the desalination capacity. As a result, the obtained CDI device based on vertical-aligned nanotubular P-TiO2 arrays shows an ultra-high NaCl adsorption capacity of ~60 mg g−1 within 30 minutes in 0.01 mol L−1 NaCl solution under 1.2 V, corresponding to a rapid average adsorption rate of 2 mg g−1 min−1. Moreover, the adsorption capacity could be further increased up to 121 and 136 mg g−1 under 1.2 and 1.5 V for 2.5 hours adsorption, respectively, but still far from its equilibrium value. Finally, experiments and theoretical simulations are combined to further understand the IDE in CDI. This work highlights the discovery and the utilization of IDE in CDI, and provides new guidance for the design of CDI electrodes and can facilitate the development of CDI technology.
The Impact of Climate Change On Financing Cost of Heavy-Pollution Firms in China
Authors: Chang Kai , Nie Yixia
Published: December 2021

We examines the effects of climate change on the financing cost of heavy-pollution firms using firm-level panel data analysis. The empirical results demonstrate that the annual temperature and precipitation changes can significantly promote the financing costs of heavy-pollution firms, the positive impacts of annual temperature and precipitation changes on the financing costs of large, medium and small heavy-pollution firms has shown a gradual weakening trend with an increase of firm size, and the positive effects of annual temperature and precipitation changes on the financing costs of younger and older heavy-pollution firms has shown a decline trend with an increase of firm age. The evidences confirms that the impact of climate change on the financing costs of heavy-pollution firms exhibit a significant firm size and age discrimination of financing behaviors. Government decision-makers have to identify and optimize the transmission effect of climate change response on financing behavior decisions of heavy-pollution industries, financial institutions alleviate financial conflicts and credit discrimination behaviors and optimize the efficiency of financial resource allocation. Firms’ executives correct climate change strategy, optimize the climate- relevant operation, investment and financing activities, and alleviate unfavorable influences of climate changes for heavy-pollution firms.
Synthesis and preliminary biological evaluation of new phthalazinone derivatives with PARP-1 and cholinesterase inhibitory activities
Authors: Yu Lin , Chengzhi Gao , Zhuyong Wang , Ruifeng Zhang , Yajun Chen , Zhenli Min
Published: December 2021

The inhibition of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases-1 (PARP-1) has a potentially therapeutical value for AD. In order to search for a new agent based on multitarget-directed ligands (MTDLs) strategy, a series of 21 novel compounds incorporated the respective pharmacophores of two marketed drugs, namely 4-benzyl phthalazinone moiety of PARP-1 inhibitor Olaparib and N-benzylpiperidine moiety of AChE inhibitor Donepezil, into one molecule was synthesized. The inhibitory activities of all the synthesized compounds against the enzymes PARP-1, AChE and BChE were evaluated. Among them, 30 exhibited the most potent inhibitory effect on PARP-1 enzyme (8.18±2.81 nM) and moderate BChE inhibitory activity (1.63±0.52µM), while its AChE inhibitory activity (13.48±2.15µM) was weaker than Donepezil (0.04±0.01µM). Further molecular docking studies revealed that four hydrogen bonds were formed between 30 and PARP-1 which were similar with the interactions between Olaparib and PARP-1. 30 interacted with the critical residues His438 and Trp82 of huBChE through hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction which were necessary for huBChE inhibitory potency. Our research gave a clue to search for new agents based on PARP-1 and cholinesterase dual-inhibited activities to treat Alzheimer's disease.
An Ethical Issue After the Nuclear Accident in Fukushima: Young People’S Perspectives of Thyroid Cancer Screening and its Harms
Authors: Midorikawa Sanae , Ohtsuru Akira
Published: December 2021

Background

Overdiagnosis of thyroid cancer has become a major global medical issue. Ultrasound-based thyroid cancer screening has promoted overdiagnosis, and recently international recommendations indicate that such screening should not be conducted, even after a nuclear accident. The Fukushima thyroid cancer screening program was initiated in 2011 as a health policy after the nuclear accident, although the risk for radiation-induced thyroid cancer was unlikely given the low radiation levels. However, the thyroid cancer screening program has continued at 2-year intervals with a relatively high participation rate and is now in its fifth round. Therefore, it is crucial to clarify whether those targeted for screening understand the disadvantages of screening and identify factors that influenced their decision to participate.
Methods

We conducted an anonymous mail-based questionnaire that included young people from Fukushima (subjects) and a neighboring prefecture that was not targeted for screening (non-subjects). We asked them about the significance of the thyroid cancer screening in Fukushima, the reasons for taking or not taking a screening, their perception of the harms of screening, and their opinions on thyroid examination at school. Then we compared the results of the questionnaire between subjects and non-subjects and examinees (who accepted screening) and non-examinees (who declined screening).
Results

Only 16.5% of respondents were aware of the harms associated with thyroid cancer screening, with most perceiving that the benefits outweighed the harms. Comparison of subjects’ and non-subjects’ responses showed there were no significant differences between subjects and non-subjects. In addition, among subjects, there were no differences of responses between examinees and non-examinees. The most common reason for participation in screening was that the screening was conducted in schools and perceived as obligatory.
Conclusions

These results highlighted a serious ethical issue in that school-based screening leads to making young people think that it is mandatory screening in an opt-out and default setting manner, with a lack of knowledge about the disadvantages of screening. Based on the autonomy of the subjects and the ethical principle of the post-disaster, surveys after a nuclear disaster should be conducted in an opt-in style without an opt-out style such as school-based screening.
Aggravated renal injury through HMGB1 upon TLR2/IL-1β inflammatory pathway in STZ-induced diabetic mice
Authors: Yuan Yan , Liu Yuanxia , Ye Huijing , Feng Yuchen , Liu Zhenzhen , Pan Lingyu , Weng Hongbo
Published: December 2021

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the major cause of end-stage renal disease and is closely associated with the inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of HMGB upon TLR2/IL-1β signaling pathway in diabetic renal injury. After intraperitoneal injection of STZ for wo consecutive days, mice developed DKD companying with remarkable renal injury, manifested with albuminuria and renal histological characteristics. In the kidney, the expressions of HMGB1, TLR2 and p-NF-κB were obviously increased, and the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly higher in DKD mice than that in normal mice. The infiltration of macrophages demonstrated by high stain of F4/80 and CD14 in the kidney of DKD mice. Furthermore, fibrosis related marker of Collagen IV, fibronectin and TGF-β1 showed highly expressions and accumulated in the kidney of DKD mice. In vitro, HMGB-mediated inflammatory pathway was activated in HMGB1/IL-1β-treated HK-2 cell, while C29 (a TLR2 inhibitor) could inhibited the HMGB1 expression. The result indicated that HMGB1-mediated TLR2/IL-1β signaling pathways facilitated macrophage recruitment and fibroblast proliferation, which resulting in a positive feedback to sustain a self-perpetuating cycle of renal inflammation. Therefore, HMGB1 might be a potential target in DKD therapeutic interventions.