bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of two-component neural network for exchange-correlation functional interpolation
Authors: Ryabov Alexander , Akhatov Iskander , Zhilyaev Petr
Published: May 2022

Density functional theory (DFT) is one of the primary approaches to solving the many-body Schrodinger equation. The essential part of the DFT theory is the exchange-correlation (XC) functional, which can not be obtained in analytical form. Accordingly, the accuracy improvement of the DFT is mainly based on the development of XC functional approximations. Commonly, they are built upon analytic solutions in low-and high-density limits and result from quantum Monte Carlo or post-Hartree-Fock numerical calculations. However, there is no universal functional form to incorporate these data into XC functional. Instead, various parameterizations use heuristic rules to build a specific XC functional. The neural network (NN) approach to interpolate the data from higher precision theories can give a unified path to parametrize an XC functional. Moreover, data from many existing quantum chemical databases could provide the XC functional with improved accuracy. We develop NN XC functional, which gives exchange potential and energy density without direct derivatives of exchange-correlation energy density. Proposed NN architecture consists of two parts NN-E and NN-V, which could be trained in separate ways, adding new flexibility to XC functional. We also show that the developed NN XC functional converges in the self-consistent cycle and gives reasonable energies when applied to atoms, molecules, and crystals.
Effects of a glyphosate-based herbicide on accessory sex glands morphology and functions of Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)
Authors: Xiaowen Yu , Yang Xiaozhen , Sun Ningbo , Shi Xingliang , Cheng Yongxu
Published: May 2022

Glyphosate-based herbicide (GBH) is a broad-spectrum and popular herbicide, which may contaminate the aquatic environment through various routes and impact aquatic animals. In this study, the morphology, the function to digest the spermatophore walls and causes, antioxidant capacities, energy reserves, and metabolism enzyme activities of accessory sex glands (ASGs) were evaluated after Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) exposed to GBH (48.945 mg/L, 1/2 of the 96 h LC50 value of GBH) for 7 days. After GBH exposure, vacuolar degeneration in ASGs can be observed. The function of ASGs to digest spermatophore walls was affected as accompanied by the decreased expression levels of cathepsin A (cathA) and activities of ACP in ASGs. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in ASGs were significantly decreased, the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PCO) were significantly increased. The contents of protein and glycogen were significantly decreased, and the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were significantly decreased in AGSs. These results revealed that GBH can damage the reproductive health of E.sinensis by impairing ASGs morphology, weakening the function of ASGs to digest spermatophore walls, decreasing antioxidant capacities, and affecting energy reserves and metabolism in ASGs.
Historical and Future Trends in Emergency Pituitary Referrals: A Machine Learning Analysis
Authors: Pandit A. S. , Khan D. Z. , Hanrahan J. G. , Dorward N. L. , Baldeweg S. , Nachev P. , Marcus H. J.
Published: May 2022

Purpose Acute pituitary referrals to neurosurgical services frequently necessitate emergency care. Yet, a detailed characterisation of pituitary emergency referral patterns, including how they may change prospectively is lacking. This study aims to evaluate historical and current pituitary referral patterns and utilise state-of-the-art machine learning tools to predict future service use. Methods A data-driven analysis was performed using all available electronic neurosurgical referrals (2006-2022) to the busiest U.K. pituitary centre. Pituitary referrals were characterised and volumes were predicted using an auto-regressive moving average model with a preceding seasonal and trend decomposition using Loess step (STL-ARIMA), compared against a Convolutional Neural Network-Long Short-Term Memory (CNN-LSTM) algorithm and Prophet. Mean absolute, and percentage error scoring metrics with cross-validation were employed to evaluate algorithm performance. Results 462 of 36224 emergency referrals were included (referring centres=48; mean patient age=56.7-years, female:male=0.49:0.51). Emergency medicine and endocrinology accounted for the majority of referrals (67%). The most common presentations were headache (47%) and visual field deficits (32%). Lesions mainly comprised tumours or haemorrhage (85%) and involved the pituitary gland or fossa (70%). The STL-ARIMA pipeline outperformed CNN-LSTM and Prophet algorithms across scoring metrics, with standard accuracy being achieved for 6-monthly and yearly predictions. Referral volumes significantly increased from the start of data collection with future projected increases (p<0.001). Conclusion This work is the first to employ large-scale data and machine learning to describe and predict acute pituitary referral volumes, estimating future demand and highlighting areas for service improvement.
Association between sperm MT-COX1 gene variations and semen quality in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Li Xiaoxiao , Chang Hongyang , Cai Bo , Zhang Linghan , Zhang Le , Guo Peipei , Xiao Bing , Li Qian , Liu Jing , Tong Lili , Xu Xiaoting , Mao Genhong
Published: May 2022

Backgroud: Male sperm quality has declined as a whole in the last 30 years and our previous study found that there are many specific variations in male sperm mitochondria, including MT-COX1. In this study we attempted to explore the correlation between human sperm MT-COX1 gene variations and male semen quality in a Chinese Han population. Methods and results: There were 477 male patients from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 2010 to 2021, of whom 331 were retrospective studies and 146 were prospective studies. And 4 oligoasthenoteratospermia samples and 13 normal sperm samples were collected for low-throughput sequencing of the whole human genome. The semen samples were divided into three groups according to the types of genetic variation at the m.6023G>A locus: G/G genotype (wild type), G/A genotype and A/A genotype. The results of a prospective study show that the A/A genotype had higher sperm density and motility than the G allele carrier (G/G+G/A). And DNAAF6 gene variation may be associated with oligoasthenoteratospermia, the upstream of the 107243978 position of DNAAF6 gene variation might have the binding of hsa-miR-4311 to the 3'UTR of DNAAF6 gene. Conclusions: We first found that the MT-COX1 gene of spermatozoa of the Chinese Han population has varied since 2014. Furthermore, the A/A genotype had better sperm quality than the G allele carriers (G/G+G/A), and the 107243978 position variation of the DNAAF6 gene might affect the gene expression by affecting the stability of transcripts.
Characterization of the flavor, sensory quality and in vitro bioaccessibility in cloudy pomegranate juice treated by high pressure and thermal processing
Authors: Tian Jun , Cheng Fengyun , Yun Yurou , Yi Junjie , Cai Shengbao , Zhou Linyan
Published: May 2022

Recently, cloudy pomegranate juice (PJ) becomes popular due to its rich in phenolics and health-promoting effects. The present work aimed to evaluate the application of high hydrostatic pressure processing (HPP), pasteurization (PT) and high-temperature short-time sterilization (HTST) on physicochemical properties (color, flow behaviour, turbidity, sugars, organic acids, aroma and sensory evaluation) and in vitro bioaccessibility of total phenols content (TPC), entire flavonoids content (TFC) and phenolics of cloudy PJ. Compared to HPP, thermal sterilization significantly increased the L*, a*, ΔE and turbidity and decreased the TPC, and TFC. HPP better maintained the volatile profile of cloudy PJ, while thermal sterilization significantly changed it by reducing alcohols by 23.8%-32.7% and increasing acids by 33.6%-182.8%. The bioaccessibility of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins in control cloudy PJ after in vitro oral-gastric-intestinal digestion was 1.5%, 4.9%, and 9.0%, respectively, which were not significantly changed by different treatments. These results contributed to promoting the color quality and health benefits of cloudy PJ rich in phenolics by optimizing the processing conditions in the food industry.
Single-cell sequencing reveals the landscape of the tumor microenvironment in a skeletal undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma patient
Authors: Yuan Liu-Liu , Chen Zhong , Qin Jian , Qin Cheng-Jiao , Bian Jing , Dong Rui-Fang , Yuan Tang-Bo , Xu Yi-Ting , Kong Ling-Yi , Xia Yuan-Zheng
Published: May 2022

Background: Skeletal undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (SUPS) is an invasive pleomorphic soft tissue sarcoma with a high degree of malignancy and a poor prognosis, it is prone to recur and metastasize. The tumor microenvironment and pathophysiology of SUPS are poorly characterized. Progress in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) provides an opportunity to dissect the pathophysiology of human diseases at unprecedented resolution, particularly in diseases lacking animal models, such as SUPS.Methods: We performed scRNA-seq on tumor tissues and paracancer tissues from a patient with SUPS. We identified the cell types and corresponding marker genes in this SUPS case. We applied copy number karyotyping of aneuploid tumors (CopyKAT) to distinguish malignant cells from normal cells of fibroblasts.Results: We further showed that CD8+ exhausted T cells and Tregs highly expressed PDCD1, CTLA4 and TIGIT. We identified PDCD1, CTLA4 and TIGIT as potential targets in this case. Our study identified eight malignant fibroblast subsets in SUPS with distinct gene expression profiles. C1-malignant Fibroblast and C6-malignant Fibroblast in the tumor microenvironment play crucial roles in tumor growth, angiogenesis, metastasis, and immune response. Thus, targeting malignant fibroblasts could represent a potential strategy for treating this patient. Intervention via tirelizumab enabled disease control, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) of PD-1 could be considered the first-line therapy for patients with SUPS. Conclusion: Thus, scRNA-seq analyses guided successful therapeutic intervention in the SUPS patient, improved our understanding of complex human diseases and provided an alternative approach to personalized medicine.
Thymidine Phosphorylase facilitates Retinoic Acid Inducible Gene-I induced endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Baris Adrian , Fraile-Bethencourt Eugenia , Khou Sokchea , Anand Sudarshan
Published: May 2022

Activation of nucleic acid sensors in endothelial cells (ECs) has been shown to drive inflammation across pathologies including cancer, atherosclerosis and obesity. We previously showed that enhancing cytosolic DNA sensing by inhibiting three prime exonuclease 1 (TREX1) in ECs led to EC dysfunction and impaired angiogenesis. Here we show that activation of a cytosolic RNA sensor, Retinoic acid Induced Gene 1 (RIG-I) diminishes EC survival, angiogenesis and triggers tissue specific gene expression programs. We discovered a RIG-I dependent 7 gene signature that affects angiogenesis, inflammation and coagulation. Among these, we identified the thymidine phosphorylase TYMP as a key mediator of RIG-I induced EC dysfunction via its regulation of a subset of interferon stimulated genes. Pharmacological inhibition of TYMP rescues RIG-I induced EC death, migration arrest and restores sprouting angiogenesis. Interestingly, using RNAseq we identified a gene expression program that was RIG-I induced but TYMP dependent. Analysis of this dataset indicated that IRF1 and IRF8 dependent transcription is diminished in RIG-I activated cells when TYMP is inhibited. Functional RNAi screen of our TYMP dependent EC genes, we found that a group of 5 genes - Flot1, Ccl5, Vars2, Samd9l and Ube2l6 are critical for endothelial cell death mediated by RIG-I activation. Our observations identify mechanisms by which RIG-I drives EC dysfunction and define pathways that can be pharmacologically targeted to ameliorate RIG-I induced vascular inflammation.
Strategies for enhancing efficient generation of mice via CRISPR/HDR-mediated knock-in
Authors: Mathew Saumya Mary
Published: May 2022

CRISPR/Cas9 framework is generally used to generate genetically modified mouse models. The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat) gene editing technique, can efficiently generate knock-outs using the non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair pathway. Small knock-ins also work precisely using a repair template with help of homology-directed-repair (HDR) mechanism. However, when the fragment size is larger than 4- 5 kb, the knock-in tends to be error prone and the efficiency decreases. Certain types of modifications, in particular insertions of very large DNA fragments(10–100kb) or entire gene replacements, are still difficult. The HDR process needs further streamlining and improvement. Here in this review, we describe methods to enhance the efficiency of the knock-in through checking each step from the guide design to the microinjection and choice of the oocyte donors. This helps in understanding the parameters that can be modified to get improved knock-in efficiency via CRISPR targeting.
Impact of sleep-related hypoventilation in patients with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis
Authors: Yabuuchi Yuki , Saito Takefumi , Hirano Hitomi , Nonaka Mizu , Arai Naoki , Hyodo Kentaro , Kanazawa Jun , Miura Yukiko , Usui Shingo , Tamura Katsumi , Kasamatsu Tomotaka , Oh-ishi Shuji , Hayashihara Kenji , Matsuyama Masashi , Hizawa Nobuyuki
Published: May 2022

Background Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) is a rare fibrosing lung disease with a predilection for the upper lobe and its progression causes hypoventilation, resulting in hypercapnia. Even though the association between sleep-related hypoventilation (SRH) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was well documented, its impact in patients with PPFE was not evaluated. The aim of this study is to clarify the impact of SRH on prognosis in PPFE.MethodsA retrospective review of the medical records of 52 patients with PPFE who underwent transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring during sleep was done. Patients were stratified into SRH (n=28) and non-SRH (n=24) groups based on American Academy of Sleep Medicine criteria. The impact of SRH on the prognosis of PPFE, as well as the clinical factors and comorbidities of PPFE associated with SRH, were evaluated. ResultsForced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), total lung capacity (TLC), and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLco) in the SRH group were significantly lower than the non-SRH group (P< .01). Chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) was found at a higher rate in the SRH group (P= .02). The median survival time for SRH patients was 330 days, whereas roughly 80% of non-SRH patients were alive during the 3-year observation period (P< .01). Body mass index was a significant prognostic factor in PPFE patients with SRH (HR .78; 95% CI; .64-.94; P< .01). Home oxygen therapy (HOT) during the day and noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV) at night while sleeping tended to improve prognosis in the SRH group, as indicated by HR of .25 (P= .07).ConclusionsSRH may be a poor prognostic factor for PPFE. Additionally, SRH may modify susceptibility to Aspergillosis in patients with PPFE. HOT plus NPPV may improve the disease outcomes in patients with SRH.
Whole genome sequencing of Streptomyces antnestii sp. nov. with a potency to become an industrial strain
Authors: Chhettri Saroja , Sevigny Joseph , Pesce Céline , Sarkar Indrani , Thomas W. Kelley , Nouioui Imen , Sen Gargi , Tisa Louis S. , Sen Arnab
Published: May 2022

Strain San01, isolated from an ant-nest found in the tea estate of Darjeeling, India, was the subject of polyphasic taxonomic studies. Phylogenetic studies based on multilocus sequence analysis (atpK, gyrA, ftsZ, dnaKand secA) showed that isolate San01 forms a separate branch within the genus Streptomyces with Streptomyces avermitilis MA-4680T (ATTC 31267T=NCIMB 12804T=NRRL 8165T) as the closest neighbour. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) value (83.52%) between the genome sequence of the studied strain and its closest phylogenetic neighbour is below the threshold for assigning prokaryotic strain to a novel species. Strain San01 could also be distinguished from its closest neighbour using a broad range of phenotypic data. The draft genome sequence of isolate San01(NZ_RZYA00000000.1) was estimated to be 9.12 Mbp in size with 71.2% of GC content and it encompasses 39 biosynthetic gene clusters that emphasizes the biotechnological potential of this isolate. Based on the phenotypic, genetic and genomic data, isolate San01 (=JCM 34633 = NCTC 14543) merits to be recognized as a type strain of a novel species and hereby propose the name Streptomyces antnestiisp.nov. Incidentally, this is the first report on Streptomyces genomes from Darjeeling, India.
Comparison of treatment modalities as a bridge to curative surgery for malignant right-sided colonic obstruction: stent versus stoma
Authors: Park Yong Eun , Hong Seung Min , Lee Seung Bum , Lee Hong Sub , Baek Dong Hoon , Cha Rari , Lee Jong Yoon , Kim Tae Oh , Lee Jong Hoon
Published: May 2022

Background: The optimal treatment for acute malignant right-sided colonic obstruction (RSCO) remains challenging. Emergency resection, the traditional modality for RSCO, has shown significantly high mortality and morbidity rates according to recent studies. Initial bowel decompression by stent placement or stoma creation has been established for distal colonic obstruction. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of these two procedures as a bridge to curative surgery for RSCO.Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 85 patients (46 men, mean age: 73 ± 16 years) who underwent loop ileostomy or endoscopic placement of a self-expanding metallic stent (SEMS) for RSCO at six referral centers between January, 2011 and July, 2021. Clinicopathologic characteristics, procedure-related complications, surgical outcomes, and risk factors for short-term mortality were analyzed.Results: During a median follow-up period of 26 months (range: 0.5–60 months), 40 patients (47.1%) underwent ileostomy preferentially in clinical situations with tumor in ascending colon/hepatic flexure, complete obstruction, and more advanced tumor stage compared to SEMS group. No significant differences were found in procedure-related complications. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that ileostomy as a bridge treatment was associated with increased likelihood of 1-year mortality (hazard ratio, 17.805; 95% confidence interval, 1.924–164.788; P = 0.011).Conclusions: In this study, ileostomy as a bridge to surgery showed a significantly higher mortality rate than stent placement. However, these results should be considered when performing ileostomy in patients with more advanced malignant obstruction of the right colon.
Corrected flow time and respirophasic variation in blood flow peak velocity of radial artery predict fluid responsiveness in gynecological surgical patients with mechanical ventilation
Authors: Shen Jianjun , Dai Shaobing , Tao Xia , Chen Xinzhong , Xu Lili
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggests that ultrasound measurements of carotid and brachial artery corrected flow time (FTc) and respirophasic variation in blood flow peak velocity (ΔVpeak) are valuable for predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanical ventilated patients. We performed the study to reveal the performance of ultrasonic measurements of radial artery FTc, and ΔVpeak for predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanical ventilated patients undergoing gynecological surgery.METHODS: A total of eighty mechanical ventilated patients were enrolled. Radial artery FTc and ΔVpeak, and non-invasive PPV were measured before and after fluid challenge. Fluid responsiveness was defined as an increase in stroke volume index (SVI) of 15% or more after the fluid challenge. RESULTS: Forty-four (55%) patients were fluid responders. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that radial artery FTc and ΔVpeak were the independent predictors of fluid responsiveness, with odds ratios of 1.152 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.045 to 1.270] and 0.581 (95% CI 0.403 to 0.839). The area under the ROC curve of fluid responsiveness predicted by FTc was 0.802 (95% CI, 0.706-0.898), and ΔVpeak was 0.812 (95% CI, 0.714-0.909). The optimal cut-off values of FTc for fluid responsiveness was 336.6 ms (sensitivity of 75.3%; specificity of 75.9%), ΔVpeak was 14.2% (sensitivity of 88.2%; specificity of 67.9%). The grey zone for FTc was 313.5-336.6 ms, ΔVpeak was 12.2-16.5%.CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound measurement of radial artery FTc and ΔVpeak are the feasible and reliable methods for predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated patients.The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR)(www.chictr.org), registration number ChiCTR-ICR-2000040941.This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine (20200197).
Using simulated patients and real patients in undergraduate medical education: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Kodikara Kaumudee G. , Seneviratne Thilanka , Premaratna Ranjan
Published: May 2022

Background
Patient interaction is identified as a key learning experience in undergraduate medical education. A real patient or a simulated/standardized patient (SP) can be used for this purpose. Although both real patients and SPs have their inherent advantages and disadvantages in undergraduate medical education, the value of using SPs as opposed to real patients is recognized as an important area warranting research. The objective of this study was to explore the students’ perception on the use of real patients and simulated patients in their education.
Methods
Three focus-group interviews were conducted using medical undergraduates in the 3rd, 4th and final year batches of Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka from July to August 2020. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and were analyzed for recurring themes.
Results
All the participants considered real patient encounters to be more authentic than SP encounters. The students identified many strengths of SP interactions. SP encounters enabled them to prepare for real patient encounters. In particular, the participants appreciated the opportunity to practice communication skills in the simulated setting with SPs. Further, the students valued the feedback provided by SPs. The students identified real patient encounters in the clinical setting to be better than SP encounters in learning physical examination skills and procedural skills. Interestingly, real patient encounters were identified as more instructive by the majority and some students identified “the nervousness and anxiety” that is associated with real patient encounters to be valuable and helps to improve self-confidence.
Conclusions
Students identified specific strengths and weaknesses in both real patient encounters and SP encounters. Each encounter was appreciated for learning and improving clinical skills and thus suggest incorporation of both in undergraduate medical education.
Effects of natural antioxidants on the lipid oxidation, physicochemical and sensory characteristics, and shelf life of sliced salami Characteristics/shelf life of salami added with natural antioxidants
Authors: Demarco Fabrício , Rômio Ana Paula , Alfaro Alexandre , Tonial Ivane Benedetti
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to use natural antioxidants (rosemary and curry leaf extracts - AT1 and a mixture of tocopherols - AT2) in sliced salami to prevent lipid oxidation, preserve physicochemical and sensory characteristics, and increase the shelf life. Five formulations were developed in addition to a control formulation and physical-chemical, microbiological and sensory evaluations were performed. The physicochemical and sensory characteristics did not change and the sliced salami was microbiologically suitable for consumption at the end of the 120 days. The natural antioxidants at the concentrations tested slowed down the oxidation reactions, preserved the color and provided a 30-day extension in the shelf life of sliced salami.
Study on the anti-tumor mechanism of Poria triterpenoids on mouse ascites tumor based on Lable-free proteomics
Authors: Dai Junyi , Fang Xiao , Zhu Yao , Yin Can , Liu Yanwen , You Pengtao , Zan Junfeng
Published: May 2022

In order to understand the mechanism of tumor suppression of Poria triterpene on H22 ascites tumor, this paper used HPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap method to detect and identify the chemical composition of Poria triterpene site, based on the use of Lable-free proteomics, so as to explore the potential mechanism of action of Poria triterpene on tumor suppression of mouse ascites tumor. A total of 19 triterpenoids were identified by chemical composition profiling of Poria triterpenes, and 188 differentially expressed proteins were found in Poria triterpene group compared with the model group, of which 86 differentially expressed proteins were upregulated and 102 differentially expressed proteins were downregulated by GO database analysis; the differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in the regulation of leukocyte GO database analysis showed that differentially expressed proteins were mainly involved in the regulationof interleukin-1 production, arachidonic acid secretion, autophagy and other biological processes; KEGG database analysis showed that differentially expressed proteins were involved in signaling pathways that were closely related to tumors, mainly MAPK, Apoptotic acid, and other proteins. Mainly MAPK, Apoptosis, mTOR, Wnt and p53 pathways; RT-qPCR was used to validate the genes encoding seven representative differential proteins at the mRNA level, and then Western blot was used to validate the differential proteins, and the results were consistent with the proteomic results. The mechanism of tumor suppressive effect of Poria triterpenes on mouse ascites tumor was found to be mainly involved in apoptosis, inflammatory response and immune process.
Low lipoprotein(a) concentration is associated with higher atrial fibrillation risk: A large retrospective cohort study
Authors: Jiang Long , Yang Xinlei , Tao Junjie , Qiu Qinkai , Gao Feng , Chen Wenchong , Hu Lijuan , Xu Yuan , Yi Yingping
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The role of serum lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels in atrial fibrillation (AF) is still uncertain, especially in the Chinese population. Here we aimed to elucidate the potential relationship between Lp(a) quantiles and AF risk.METHODS: From 2017 to 2021, 4,511 patients with AF and 9,022 patients without AF were 1:2 matched by the propensity score matching method. Interactions between AF risk, Lp(a) quantiles, and other clinical indices were analyzed by logistics regression and stratified analysis.RESULTS: 46.9% of the study group were women, and the baseline mean age exhibited 65 years. The AF group exhibited lower median Lp(a) than the non-AF group (15.95 vs. 16.90 mg/dL; P<0.001). The AF risk decreased from 34.2% (Q1) to 30.9% (Q4) (P<0.001). Lp(a) quantiles 1-3 increased the AF risk 1.162 fold (1.049-1.286), 1.198 fold (1.083-1.327), and 1.111 fold (1.003-1.231) in the unadjusted logistics model, respectively. Lp(a) levels in female patients exhibited significantly negatively correlated with AF (OR of Q1: 1.394[1.194-1.626], P=0.001). Age and hypertension did not affect the adverse correlation.CONCLUSION: For female patients whose serum Lp(a) concentration was less than 16.54 mg/dL, there was a higher risk of suffering from AF. Thus, we recommend a pre-emptive screening for AF in women with low Lp(a) plasma levels.
Sex as a biological determinant in the anthropometric, biochemical, and dietary changes during Ramadan fasting in healthy people: A systematic review of observational studies
Authors: Faris MoezAlIslam , Abdelrahim Dana , Rachida Roky , Krami Al Mahdi , Nadia Aadil
Published: May 2022

Methods
A systematic search was conducted on Scopus and PubMed for experimental and observational studies tackling Ramadan fasting, dietary, anthropometric, and biochemical outcomes in both women and men. Data were extracted using a standardized data-collection form by two independent reviewers.
Results
From about 3870 studies, sex-based differences were reported in 29 studies, which included 3167 healthy people, of which 1558 (40.3%) were women. Most of the differences between men and women were reported both in the baseline period before Ramadan and during Ramadan. Sex differences were examined in a total of 69 outcomes of observing RDIF and included different nutrition and health-related aspects such as dietary and nutrition-related factors (17 outcomes), anthropometrics (13 outcomes), and biochemical (39 outcomes), with the latter including metabolic, hormonal, regulatory, inflammatory and diet-related biochemical markers.
Conclusion
A growing attention has been directed toward the sex differences concerning dietary and lifestyle modifications such as RDIF. Clear differences were observed in the tested dietary, anthropometric, and biochemical outcomes induced by RDIF. More attention has to be directed toward the inclusion of both sexes in studying the impact of observing RDIF and differentiating the outcomes based on the sex differences.
Faba bean (Vicia faba L) seed value chain: implications for a sustainable seed supply in Eastern Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Kassa Yehuala , Giziew Almaz , Teferra Beneberu
Published: May 2022

This study presents the production performance of faba beans, yield gap, and adoption of improved varieties. Also, it identifies and maps the actors involved in the seed value chain. The paper was based on primary data collected from randomly selected 168 farmers. The result revealed that the adoption rate of improved faba bean seed in the study area at the household level was 23%. It was low mainly due to a lack of access to improved seeds (59.5%) and a lack of awareness about the availability of improved varieties (23%). The average yield of adopters was 13% higher than non-adopters thus reducing the yield gap relative to research fields to 56.6% from 61.6% for non-adopters. They also received an 11% price premium for better seed quality, uniform appearance, and bigger beans of their produce. Farmers’ most important source of planting material was their own saved seed. The formal seed sector supplies only about 2.2% of the seed requirement of faba beans. Hence, own saved seed, community-based seed production, scaling up activities, seed producer and marketing cooperatives and farmer to farmer seed exchange were found to be the main source of a faba bean seed. The study recommends the promotion of improved faba bean varieties, improving access to extension service, strengthening and improving the informal seed system, and linking and integrating all the actors in the chain. The institutional linkage and intensive communication between all stakeholders is also pertinent for technology scaling up and farmers’ easy access to improved seed.
Modeling the indentation size effects of polymers, based on couple stress elasticity and shear transformation plasticity
Authors: Peng Chao , Zeng Fanlin
Published: May 2022

This work attempts to find out the models which can describe the size effects in modulus and hardness of polymers measured by indentation tests. Firstly, the elastic size effects are described by a model, through introducing a model of elastic unloading load with consideration of couple stress elasticity into the Oliver-Pharr indentation approach. The accordingly proposed modulus model and hardness model agree excellently with a large amount of experimental data obtained from literatures. The models show that the elastic size effects of polymers and their experimental observations are mainly determined by the molecular structures. The fitting results verify that the size effects in indentation hardness of polymers with complex molecular structures are significantly elastic. Secondly, it is postulated that the plastic size effects in indentation hardness of polymers are only derived from their glassy components. A shear transformation plasticity theory proposed for glassy polymers is employed to characterize the plastic size effects. A hardness model is accordingly proposed and agrees well with related experimental data.
The American genus Trichopoda (Diptera: Tachinidae) in Europe – Decades of a misidentified invasive species)
Authors: Dios Rodrigo de V. P. , Ziegler Joachim , Zeegers Theo
Published: May 2022

Despite its importance for biological control of heteropteran pests (Hemiptera) and remarkable features, the taxonomy of the genus Trichopoda remained confusing for a long time. Due to a recent taxonomic revision, new information about its species real distribution and host records were found out. An invasive species of the genus has been recorded for Europe for decades, but it has been misidentified as Trichopoda (Galactomyia) pennipes for a long time. Here we present the correct name for that alien species, Trichopoda (Galactomyia) pictipennis. Some comments about the identification of Trichopoda species introduced in other areas, such as Australia, are also made. The correct species identification, as well as the correct host records, is crucial for future studies regarding biological control, and to under-stand the possible impacts that this invasive species could cause to the local environment.
On the Nanophthalmus fauna of Georgia (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae)
Authors: Assing Volker
Published: May 2022

Only two named species of Nanophthalmus Motschulsky, 1851 were previously known from Georgia. A study of mostly recently collected material from Georgia yielded nine additional species, one of them previously described and reported from Georgian territory for the first time, two unnamed (male unknown), and six newly described and illustrated: Nanophtalmus egrisicus spec. nov. (Zemo Svaneti); N. svaneticus spec. nov. (Zemo Svaneti); N. truncatus spec. nov. (Racha); N. brachati spec. nov. (Kvemo Svaneti); N. convexus spec. nov. (Adjara); N. simplex spec. nov. (Adjara). The identity and taxonomic status of N. armeniacus (Reitter, 1884), a previously probably misinterpreted species, are discussed. The Georgian Nanophthalmus species are anophthalmous and locally endemic, three in the Lesser Caucasus and five in the Greater Caucasus west of South Ossetia. Their distributions are mapped. The genus now includes a total of 19 described species.

Taxonomic acts

Nanophthalmus brachati spec. nov. – urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:839F9CB9-48AD-4468-8C2E-2B938E215426 Nanophthalmus convexus spec. nov. – urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:8ADC681F-B423-4D3D-AAEE-7FE22C0024E9 Nanophthalmus egrisicus spec. nov. – urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:65510254-39B3-4515-A167-3EE5AA314978 Nanophthalmus simplex spec. nov. – urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:A80BEF2E-A12F-45FD-95EA-0A49BA3FB407 Nanophthalmus svaneticus spec. nov. – urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:2D324FFE-B0B5-47B6-86F3-181A88B591D7 Nanophthalmus truncatus spec. nov. – urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:92C16788-BA1A-4A0F-8871-83658AA468D0
Review of the genus Pelecocera Meigen, 1822 (Diptera, Syrphidae) in the Palaearctic with the description of a new species from Cyprus
Authors: Van Eck Andre , Mengual Ximo
Published: May 2022

The study of the hoverfly fauna of Cyprus resulted in the discovery of one new species to science, Pelecocera hederae van Eck spec. nov. In the present study, the new species is described in full and all other Palaearctic Pelecocera species are commented. As a result of this study, a revised identification key to the Palaearctic species of Pelecocera is presented. In addition, we performed a DNA barcoding analysis for the Palaearctic species of Pelecocera, including new DNA data and all the Pelecocera sequences publicly available. DNA barcoding supports the new species Pelecocera hederae van Eck spec. nov., as well as most of the Palaearctic species of this genus, with the exception of two pairs of taxa: Pelecocera (Chamaesyrphus) japonica (Shiraki, 1956) and Pelecocera (Chamaesyrphus) lusitanica (Mik, 1898), and Pelecocera (Chamaesyrphus) pruinosomaculata Strobl, 1906 and Pelecocera (Chamaesyrphus) scaevoides (Fallén, 1817).

Taxonomic acts

Pelecocera hederae spec. nov. – urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:6674C895-CB63-4379-BA8B-227F779481CF
Adaptive numerical solution of Kadanoff-Baym equations
Authors: Meirinhos Francisco , Kajan Michael , Kroha Johann , Bode Tim
Published: May 2022

A time-stepping scheme with adaptivity in both the step size and the integration order is presented in the context of non-equilibrium dynamics described via Kadanoff-Baym equations. The accuracy and effectiveness of the algorithm are analysed by obtaining numerical solutions of exactly solvable models. We find a significant reduction in the number of time-steps compared to fixed-step methods. Due to the at least quadratic scaling of Kadanoff-Baym equations, reducing the amount of steps can dramatically increase the accessible integration time, opening the door for the study of long-time dynamics in interacting systems. A selection of illustrative examples is provided, among them interacting and open quantum systems as well as classical stochastic processes. An open-source implementation of our algorithm in the scientific-computing language Julia is made available.
Soil Enzyme Activities Affecting by Different Tillage Systems and Cover Crops Following Corn Cultivation
Authors: ERDEL Erhan
Published: May 2022

Cover crops and minimum tillage or zero- tillage practices are the soil conservation management practices. These practices improve or sustain soil properties especially soil organic matter. In the study, we investigated the effects of cover crops and tillage practices on soil urease, alkaline phosphatase and catalase activities at different soil depths following corn. The corn was planted in May, and the cover crops (common vetch, fodder beet, mix of common vetch and fodder beet) were planted in late summer under minimum and conventional tillage. Soil samples were collected at 0-10, 10-20 and 20-30 cm soil depths in 2018. With respect to results of the study, cover crops affected all the enzyme activities while tillage systems affected urease and catalase activities in soil. The highest urease (9.91 and 7.48 µg g N soil-1 h-1), alkaline phosphatase (99.29 and 84.61 µg g p-nitrophenol soil-1 h-1) and catalase (58.73 and 64.82 ml O2 3 min-1 g soil-1) activities were in common vetch plots in minimum and conventional tilled plots and all the enzyme activities were decreased with increasing soil depth. The results suggest that cover crops and minimum tillage practices increase soil enzyme activities.
4 Boyutlu Fermiyonik Modelde Kaosun Genelleştirilmiş Hizalama İndeksi Yöntemiyle İncelenmesi
Authors: AK Mine
Published: May 2022

İnstantonlar, soliton tipi çözümler olup, konformal simetrinin kırılması sonucu elde edilmişlerdir. Uzay zaman açılımına sahip olup, kuantum karakteri taşımalarından dolayı kuarkların vakum durumu olarak tanımlanırlar. Heisenberg’in sunduğu sadece fermiyonlardan oluşan modele alternatif olarak sunulan modellerden biri de 4 boyutlu konformal invaryant saf fermiyonik Gürsey Modeldir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, Gürsey instantonlarının çözümlerinin kaotikliğini ve sistemin dinamiğini Genelleştirilmiş Hizalama İndeksi (GALI) yönteminden yararlanarak incelemektir. Yörüngelerdeki kaosu ve düzenli hareketi hızlı ve güvenli bir şekilde tespit edebilmesi, yarı periyodik hareketin meydana geldiği torusun boyutsallığını belirleyebilmesi Genelleştirilmiş Hizalama İndeksi (GALI) yöntemini önemli kılmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, Gürsey instanton çözümlerinin kaotikliği Genelleştirilmiş Hizalama İndeksi (GALI) yöntemiyle araştırılmıştır.
Kuraklık Stresi Altında Yetiştirilen Bakla (Vicia Faba L.) Bitkisinde Rizobakteri ve Alg Uygulamalarının Bitki Gelişimi Üzerindeki Etkilerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: ÇİRKA Mustafa , TUNÇTÜRK Rüveyde , KULAZ Haluk , TUNÇTÜRK Murat , ERYİĞİT Tamer , BARAN İshak
Published: May 2022

Bu çalışma, rizobakteri ve alg uygulamalarının, kuraklık stresi altında yetiştirilen baklada (Vicia faba L.) bazı fizyolojik ve biyokimyasal özelliklere olan etkisini belirlemek için yapılmıştır. Çalışma tesadüf parselleri deneme deseni’ne göre faktöriyel düzende 4 tekerrürlü olarak şekilde yürütülmüştür. Denemede bitki materyali olarak Filiz-99 bakla çeşidi kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada üç farklı kuraklık seviyesi (%100 NS, %50 K1 ve %25 K2) ve dört farklı biyolojik uygulama (Kontrol, Bacillus megaterium (B1), Azospirillum lipoferum (B2) ve Chlorella saccharophilia (A)) mavi yeşil alg kullanılmıştır. Kuraklık stresi klorofil, yaprak sıcaklığı ve MDA üzerindeki etkisi önemli bulunmuştur. En yüksek klorofil değerleri (44.45 ve 42.78 μg cm-2) ile K2 ve K1 uygulamalarından alınırken en düşük klorofil değer ise (36.82 μg cm-2) ile NS uygulamasından alındığı tespit edilmiştir. En yüksek yaprak sıcaklığı (25.91 oC) K2 ve en düşük yaprak sıcaklığı (24.78 oC) NS uygulamasından elde edilmiştir. Ayrıca, bakteri ve alg uygulamaları yaprak alanı ve Malondialdehit içeriği üzerindeki etkisi anlamlı görülmüştür. En yüksek yaprak alanı değeri (10.71 cm2) A uygulamasından alınırken en düşük değer (8.02 cm2) ise B1 uygulamasından saptanmıştır. En yüksek Malondialdehit içeriği (0.86 nmol g-1) kontrol gurubundan elde edilirken en düşük değerler ise (0.63, 0.67 ve 0.68 nmol g-1) ile B1, B2 ve A uygulamalarından elde edilmiştir. Çalışmada interaksiyon göz önüne alındığında, en yüksek MDA değerleri (0.85 ve 0.95 nmol g-1) olarak kontrol x K1 ve kontrol x K2 uygulamalarından elde edilmiştir.
Interlaboratory comparison of the intensity of drinking water odor and taste by two-way ordinal analysis of variation without replication
Authors: Gadrich Tamar , Kuselman Ilya , Pennecchi Francesca R. , Hibbert D. Brynn , Semenova Anastasia A. , Cheow Pui Sze , Naidenko Vladimir N.
Published: May 2022

A case study of ordinal data from human organoleptic examination (sensory analysis) of drinking water obtained in an interlaboratory comparison of 49 ecological laboratories is described. The recently developed two-way ordinal analysis of variation (ORDANOVA) is applied for the first time for the treatment of responses on the intensity of chlorine and sulfurous odor of water at 20 and 60 °C, which is classified into the six categories from ‘imperceptible’ to ‘very strong’. The one-way ORDANOVA is used for the analysis of the ‘salty taste’ intensity of the water. A decomposition of the total variation of the ordinal data and simulation of the multinomial distribution of the data-relative frequencies in different categories allowed the determination of the statistical significance of the difference between laboratories in classifying chlorine or sulfurous odor intensity by categories, while the effect of temperature was not significant. No statistical difference was found between laboratories on salty taste intensity. The capabilities of experts to identify different categories of the intensity of the odor and taste are also evaluated. A comparison of the results obtained with ORDANOVA and ANOVA showed that ORDANOVA is a more useful and reliable tool for understanding categorical data such as the intensity of drinking water odor and taste.
Fragmentos da complexidade e dos fundamentos da política educacional
Authors: Miranda de Oliveira José Manoel Miranda de Oliveira
Published: May 2022

As discussões postas neste texto partem da práxis ancorada no desenvolvimento dos saberes escolares que, segundo Santos (2004; 2013), representam o momento em que essa complexidade da produçãode conhecimentos passa a contar com a inserção do estado, mesmo que essa produção, em dado momento, o estado é o próprio alvo. Por isso, é impossível discutir a educação sem uma aproximação do contexto das Ciências Sociais e da Filosofia, do nascedouro do pensamento liberal às suas antíteses. Por conseguinte, a complexidade posta sobre a educaçãopartirá das contradições apresentadas por Santos (2013) sobre as funções constituídas pelo sistema educativo, no momento em que as ações e os objetos produzidos ou reproduzidos são detectáveis entre as funções sociais, econômicas e políticas. Considera-se que as políticas educacionais, ao se inserirem em diferentes espaços e tempos, direta ou indireta reproduzem uma fragmentação social de difícil compreensão, diante dos interesses generalizados dentro e fora das esferas públicas, reproduzidas no momento em que ocorre a subordinação das políticas educacionais ao processo de acumulação capitalista. Estes são os  principais pontos abordados neste texto.
Cooperativas, Altruismo y Compromiso Político: contribuciones para el debate latinoamericano sobre Economía Solidaria
Authors: Spognardi Andrés
Published: May 2022

A menudo, los estudiosos latinoamericanos de la economía solidaria tras anua línea divisoria entre las pequeñas y las grandes cooperativas. Las primeras son presentadas como organizaciones solidarias, orientadas a lograr una amplia gama de objetivos política y socialmente deseables; las segundas como empresas motivadas por el lucro, únicamente guindadas por los imperativoscomerciales del mercado. El presente artículo cuestiona esta visión. Tomando como marco de referencia la experiencia del cooperativismo de crédito en Argentina, se argumenta que el aumento de la dimensión y de la complejidad de una cooperativa no necesariamente afecta sus fundamentos solidarios o su compromiso político. El artículo también destaca las diferentes lógicas dela cooperación, alertando sobre la necesidad de evitar el uso del término “capitalista” para referirse a aquellas cooperativas que están fundadas sobre el principio dela racionalidad instrumental.
O Habitus moderno na educação profissional
Authors: Leite Amorim Rômulo , Vasconcelos Gico Vânia
Published: May 2022

Busca-se a partir dos estudos da Colonialidade e o surgimento doParadigma Emergente compreender através da sociologia reflexiva o modo comoa Modernidade estruturou-se como uma maneira de ordenar o saber e o ser, a partir da Colonização do campo da Educação, a ponto de determinar que o ensino profissional tenha o caráter único de formar mão-de-obra para o mercado de trabalho numa perspectiva colonial, induzindo a formação de como lidar com a ciência e a prática educacional que conserva o habitus colonial no campo da educação. Procura-se, a partir de um ensaio e referenciais clássicos das ciências sociais e revisão bibliográfica, elaborar uma reflexão sobre o processo de educação desenvolvido no Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência eTecnologia da Paraíba - IFPB, com base nas contribuições e críticas advindas dos estudos sobre Colonialidade. Conclui-se que a expansão dos Institutos Federais possibilitou um maior acesso à educação dos jovens, porém, formam-se geralmente, com uma visão que favorece o mercado e seus produtos (egressos de cursos), iludindo-se ao pensarem que estão preparados e capazes de atenderas exigências dos novos empregos, a partir da competência técnica especializada.
Dois poemas
Authors: Rocha Ruy
Published: May 2022

Poiesis
A sociologia das ausências e das emergências em sala de aula
Authors: Gomes Ana Laudelina Ferreira
Published: May 2022

SANTOS, Boaventura de Souza. A crítica da razão indolente: contra o desperdício da experiência. Para um novo senso comum. Vol. 1. 4a. ed. São Paulo: Cortez, 2002.SANTOS, Boaventura de Souza. A gramática do tempo. Para uma novacultura política. Vol. 4. 2ª. Ed. São Paulo: Cortez, 2008.
Vida Como Experimentação dos Limites em Si
Authors: França Fagner Torres de
Published: May 2022

CARVALHO, Edgard Assis. Conexões da vida – uma antropologia da experiência. Natal, RN: Una, 2017.
Filmes Não Tão Ruins, Ruins, Péssimos, Que Alguns Ficam Até Bons!
Authors: Marques Nelson
Published: May 2022

Levantamento bibliográfico da literatura sobre filmes ruins de diferentes gêneros e época. Palavras-chaves: Literatura. Filmes. Bom. Mau. Péssimo. Memes.