bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinicians’ interpretation of ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) lung scan reports: Where are we today?
Authors: Ismail A , Wong M L , Dhoodhat S , Vangu M D T
Published: August 2023

Background. Clinicians’ interpretation of lung scan reports will determine which further management decisions are taken when potentially fatal pulmonary embolism (PE) is suspected.

Objectives. To assess current referring clinicians’ interpretation of the terminology used in ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan reports, whether this interpretation is affected by experience level, and how it affects clinical management decisions.

Methods. This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Between September 2020 and May 2021, 300 questionnaires were distributed among clinicians who refer patients for V/Q scans.

Results. Of the 162 clinicians who responded, 94% thought that there is >85% likelihood of PE or definitely PE present when a scan is reported as ‘high probability of PE’; 87% interpreted ‘low probability of PE’ as <10% likelihood of PE or definitely no PE present. Overall,>70% of clinicians across all experience levels correctly interpreted the intended meaning of probability categories according to the Modified Prospective Investigation of Pulmonary Embolism Diagnosis (PIOPED) II criteria. Of the respondents, 77% agreed that clinically significant PE is ruled out by a normal scan. Further investigation for inconclusive findings, features of parenchymal lung disease and cardiomegaly were selected by 72%, 93% and 98% of clinicians, respectively.

Conclusion. The findings of this study regarding high-probability scan results were in line with existing literature on lung scan report interpretation. However, our findings regarding low-probability scan results and negative V/Q scan specificity contrasted with the findings in these articles, suggesting that clinicians are now more familiar with lung scan interpretation guidelines. Experience level did not significantly affect interpretation of reports. Although most clinicians agreed that a negative scan excludes clinically significant PE, two-thirds of them would still subject the patient to further unnecessary investigations to exclude PE.
The effect of inhaled nitric oxide on shunt fraction in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID‑19 pneumonia
Authors: Van Zyl A G P , Allwood B W , Koegelenberg C F N , Lalla U , Retief F
Published: August 2023

Studies in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with refractory hypoxaemia suggest that inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) can be added to ventilatory strategies as a potential bridge to clinical improvement. However, the potential role of iNO as a management strategy in severe COVID-19 pneumonia remains unclear. The authors describe their clinical findings of using iNO for severe COVID-19 pneumonia in 10 patients with refractory hypoxaemia in a tertiary respiratory intensive care unit. The results showed an improvement in shunt fraction, P/F ratio, PaO2 and arterial oxygen saturation but the improvements did not translate into a mortality benefit. This report adds to the current body of literature indicating that the correct indications, timing, dose and duration of iNO therapy and how to harness its pleiotropic effects still remain to be elucidated.
Complementary value of the Shock Index v. the Modified Shock Index in the prediction of in-hospital intensive care unit admission and mortality: A single-centre experience
Authors: Surendhar S , Jagadeesan S , Jagtap A B
Published: August 2023

Background. Shock is a state of circulatory insufficiency that creates an imbalance between tissue oxygen supply and demand, resulting in end-organ dysfunction and hypodynamic circulatory failure. Most patients with infectious and trauma-related illnesses present to the emergency department (ED) in shock.

Objectives. To study the usefulness of the shock index (SI) and modified shock index (MSI) in identifying and triaging patients in shock presenting to the ED.

Methods. This was a year-long observational, cross-sectional study of 290 patients presenting to the ED of a tertiary hospital in compensated or overt shock. The SI and MSI were calculated at the time of first contact, and then hourly for the initial 3 hours. Relevant background investigations targeting the cause of shock and prognostic markers were done. The outcome measures of mortality and intensive care unit admission were documented for each participant.

Results. The mean age of the participants was 49 years, and 67% of them were men. In consensus with local and national data, the major medical comorbidities were hypertension (20%) and diabetes mellitus (16%). An SI ≥0.9 and an MSI ≥1.3 predicted in-hospital mortality (p<0.05) and ICU admission (p<0.05) with no significant superiority of the MSI over the SI in terms of mortality, although the MSI was a better surrogate marker for critical care admission.

Conclusion. The study showed the complementary value of the SI and MSI in triage in a busy tertiary hospital ED, surpassing their components such as blood pressure, heart rate and pulse pressure. We determined useful cut-offs for these tools for early risk assessment in the ED, and larger multicentre studies are needed to support our findings.
Force propagation between epithelial cells depends on active coupling and mechano-structural polarization
Authors: Ruppel Artur , Wörthmüller Dennis , Misiak Vladimir , Kelkar Manasi , Wang Irène , Moreau Philippe , Méry Adrien , Révilloud Jean , Charras Guillaume , Cappello Giovanni , Boudou Thomas , Schwarz Ulrich S , Balland Martial
Published: August 2023

Cell-generated forces play a major role in coordinating the large-scale behavior of cell assemblies, in particular during development, wound healing, and cancer. Mechanical signals propagate faster than biochemical signals, but can have similar effects, especially in epithelial tissues with strong cell–cell adhesion. However, a quantitative description of the transmission chain from force generation in a sender cell, force propagation across cell–cell boundaries, and the concomitant response of receiver cells is missing. For a quantitative analysis of this important situation, here we propose a minimal model system of two epithelial cells on an H-pattern (‘cell doublet’). After optogenetically activating RhoA, a major regulator of cell contractility, in the sender cell, we measure the mechanical response of the receiver cell by traction force and monolayer stress microscopies. In general, we find that the receiver cells show an active response so that the cell doublet forms a coherent unit. However, force propagation and response of the receiver cell also strongly depend on the mechano-structural polarization in the cell assembly, which is controlled by cell–matrix adhesion to the adhesive micropattern. We find that the response of the receiver cell is stronger when the mechano-structural polarization axis is oriented perpendicular to the direction of force propagation, reminiscent of the Poisson effect in passive materials. We finally show that the same effects are at work in small tissues. Our work demonstrates that cellular organization and active mechanical response of a tissue are key to maintain signal strength and lead to the emergence of elasticity, which means that signals are not dissipated like in a viscous system, but can propagate over large distances.
Megafaunal extinctions, not climate change, may explain Holocene genetic diversity declines in Numenius shorebirds
Authors: Tan Hui Zhen , Jansen Justin JFJ , Allport Gary A , Garg Kritika M , Chattopadhyay Balaji , Irestedt Martin , Pang Sean EH , Chilton Glen , Gwee Chyi Yin , Rheindt Frank E
Published: August 2023

Understanding the relative contributions of historical and anthropogenic factors to declines in genetic diversity is important for informing conservation action. Using genome-wide DNA of fresh and historic specimens, including that of two species widely thought to be extinct, we investigated fluctuations in genetic diversity and present the first complete phylogenomic tree for all nine species of the threatened shorebird genus Numenius, known as whimbrels and curlews. Most species faced sharp declines in effective population size, a proxy for genetic diversity, soon after the Last Glacial Maximum (around 20,000 years ago). These declines occurred prior to the Anthropocene and in spite of an increase in the breeding area predicted by environmental niche modeling, suggesting that they were not caused by climatic or recent anthropogenic factors. Crucially, these genetic diversity declines coincide with mass extinctions of mammalian megafauna in the Northern Hemisphere. Among other factors, the demise of ecosystem-engineering megafauna which maintained open habitats may have been detrimental for grassland and tundra-breeding Numenius shorebirds. Our work suggests that the impact of historical factors such as megafaunal extinction may have had wider repercussions on present-day population dynamics of open habitat biota than previously appreciated.
Deciphering Neuronal Deficit and Protein Profile Changes in Human Brain Organoids from Patients with Creatine Transporter Deficiency
Authors: Broca-Brisson Léa , Harati Rania , Disdier Clémence , Mozner Orsolya , Gaston-Breton Romane , Maïza Auriane , Costa Narciso , Guyot Anne-Cécile , Sarkadi Balazs , Apati Agota , Skelton Matthew R , Madrange Lucie , Yates Frank , Armengaud Jean , Hamoudi Rifat A. , Mabondzo Aloïse
Published: August 2023

Creatine transporter deficiency (CTD) is an X-linked disease caused by mutations in the SLC6A8 gene. The impaired creatine uptake in the brain results in intellectual disability, behavioral disorders, language delay, and seizures. In this work, we generated human brain organoids from induced pluripotent stem cells of healthy subjects and CTD patients. Brain organoids from CTD donors had reduced creatine uptake compared with those from healthy donors. The expression of neural progenitor cell markers SOX2 and PAX6 was reduced in CTD derived organoids, while GSK3β, a key regulator of neurogenesis, was up-regulated. Shotgun proteomics combined with integrative bioinformatic and statistical analysis identified changes in abundance of proteins associated with intellectual disability, epilepsy, and autism. Re-establishment of the expression a functional SLC6A8 in CTD-derived organoids restored creatine uptake and normalized the expression of SOX2, GSK3β and other key proteins associated with clinical features of CTD patients. Our brain organoid model opens new avenues for further characterizing the CTD pathophysiology and supports the concept that reinstating creatine levels in patients with CTD could result in therapeutic efficacy.Therapeutic targets associated with Creatine Transporter Deficiency
Temporally specific gene expression and chromatin remodeling programs regulate a conserved Pdyn enhancer
Authors: Phillips Robert A , Wan Ethan , Tuscher Jennifer J , Reid David , Drake Olivia R , Ianov Lara , Day Jeremy J
Published: August 2023

Neuronal and behavioral adaptations to novel stimuli are regulated by temporally dynamic waves of transcriptional activity, which shape neuronal function and guide enduring plasticity. Neuronal activation promotes expression of an immediate early gene (IEG) program comprised primarily of activity-dependent transcription factors, which are thought to regulate a second set of late response genes (LRGs). However, while the mechanisms governing IEG activation have been well studied, the molecular interplay between IEGs and LRGs remain poorly characterized. Here, we used transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility profiling to define activity-driven responses in rat striatal neurons. As expected, neuronal depolarization generated robust changes in gene expression, with early changes (1 hr) enriched for inducible transcription factors and later changes (4 hr) enriched for neuropeptides, synaptic proteins, and ion channels. Remarkably, while depolarization did not induce chromatin remodeling after 1 hr, we found broad increases in chromatin accessibility at thousands of sites in the genome at 4 hr after neuronal stimulation. These putative regulatory elements were found almost exclusively at non-coding regions of the genome, and harbored consensus motifs for numerous activity-dependent transcription factors such as AP-1. Furthermore, blocking protein synthesis prevented activity-dependent chromatin remodeling, suggesting that IEG proteins are required for this process. Targeted analysis of LRG loci identified a putative enhancer upstream of Pdyn (prodynorphin), a gene encoding an opioid neuropeptide implicated in motivated behavior and neuropsychiatric disease states. CRISPR-based functional assays demonstrated that this enhancer is both necessary and sufficient for Pdyn transcription. This regulatory element is also conserved at the human PDYN locus, where its activation is sufficient to drive PDYN transcription in human cells. These results suggest that IEGs participate in chromatin remodeling at enhancers and identify a conserved enhancer that may act as a therapeutic target for brain disorders involving dysregulation of Pdyn.
The hypoxia-associated genes in immune infiltration and treatment options of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Liu , Han Lina , Dong Lei , He Zihao , Gao Kai , Chen Xu , Guo Jin-Cheng , Zhao Yi
Published: August 2023

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a common lung cancer with a poor prognosis under standard chemotherapy. Hypoxia is a crucial factor in the development of solid tumors, and hypoxia-related genes (HRGs) are closely associated with the proliferation of LUAD cells.

Methods

In this study, LUAD HRGs were screened, and bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation were conducted. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were used to gather LUAD RNA-seq data and accompanying clinical information. LUAD subtypes were identified by unsupervised cluster analysis, and immune infiltration analysis of subtypes was conducted by GSVA and ssGSEA. Cox regression and LASSO regression analyses were used to obtain prognosis-related HRGs. Prognostic analysis was used to evaluate HRGs. Differences in enrichment pathways and immunotherapy were observed between risk groups based on GSEA and the TIDE method. Finally, RT-PCR and in vitro experiments were used to confirm prognosis-related HRG expression in LUAD cells.

Results

Two hypoxia-associated subtypes of LUAD were distinguished, demonstrating significant differences in prognostic analysis and immunological characteristics between subtypes. A prognostic model based on six HRGs (HK1, PDK3, PFKL, SLC2A1, STC1, and XPNPEP1) was developed for LUAD. HK1, SLC2A1, STC1, and XPNPEP1 were found to be risk factors for LUAD. PDK3 and PFKL were protective factors in LUAD patients.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the effect of hypoxia-associated genes on immune infiltration in LUAD and provides options for immunotherapy and therapeutic strategies in LUAD.
Prevalence of risk factors associated with rupture of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA): a single center retrospective study
Authors: Liu Sudong , Long Caifu , Hong Yuanjia , Gu Xiaodong , Weng Ruiqiang , Zhong Zhixiong
Published: August 2023

Background

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a severe cardiovascular disease. The mortality rate for an AAA rupture is very high. Understanding the risk factors for AAA rupture would help AAA management, but little is known about these risk factors in the Chinese population.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients that were diagnosed with AAA during the last 5 years in a large national hospital in southern China. AAA patients were divided into a rupture and non-rupture group. Clinical data were extracted from the hospital medical record system. Clinical features were compared between the rupture and non-rupture groups. The associations between potential risk factors and rupture risk were evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 337 AAA patients were included for analysis in the present study. AAA diameter was significantly larger, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and serum creatinine levels were both significantly higher in AAA rupture patients. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (TC) levels were significantly lower in AAA rupture patients. After adjustment, the multivariate logistic analysis found that AAA diameter and hs-CRP were independently positively associated with AAA rupture, and HDL-C level was adversely associated with AAA rupture.

Conclusions

Our data suggests that larger AAA diameter and higher hs-CRP level are associated with a higher risk of AAA rupture, and higher HDL-C level is associated with a lower risk of AAA rupture. The results of this study may be helpful for the management of AAA patients in southern China.
A Hybrid Machine Learning and Fuzzy Inference Approach with UAV for Indoor Virus Contamination Risk
Authors: Çakır Esra , Erdi Furkan , Demircioğlu Emre , Taş Mehmet Ali
Published: August 2023

With the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, major established health rituals were forced to transform. The most well-known of these is the medical mask, which is widely used and required to be worn in designated areas. Although pandemic regulations have been relaxed recently, health authorities agree that wearing masks, especially in closed areas, is a life-saving measure. Proper use of face masks is one of the most effective, easy and inexpensive actions to prevent the rapid spread of viruses indoors. By examining the use of masks in closed areas, the risk of transmission of the virus can be analyzed, and the measures can be determined correctly. Taking advantage of up-to-date technological equipment and approaches are important tools for making these determinations accurately and easily. In this study, the risk of indoor virus transmission from mask wearing styles is analyzed with an integrated method that includes Machine Learning (ML) and Fuzzy Inference System (FIS) approach. In order to achieve this, images taken from the camera of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), which is one of the current technologies suitable for contactless, mobile operations, were used. While determining the mask wearing status with the help of machine learning over the images, the ambient temperature and the mask wearing ratio gave the risk results with the fuzzy inference system. The results are intended to guide decision makers in identifying and implementing measures to reduce and prevent the spread of the virus indoors.
Research Progress of Robot Path Planning Algorithm
Authors: Linhui Yao , Zhongyi Sun
Published: August 2023

Path planning refers to the problem of making the robot move along a safe path and reach the end point through the corresponding planning algorithm from the starting point to the end point under the condition of multiple constraints. Firstly, the research content of path planning is briefly described. Then, the research results of path planning at home and abroad are summarized. According to the different planning methods, it is divided into traditional path planning algorithm, sampling-based path planning algorithm and intelligent algorithm-based path planning algorithm. Introduce its development status, implementation principles, applicable occasions, and existing experts and scholars ' optimization results. Finally, according to the existing path planning research results, the future improvement direction and development trend of the robot are prospected.
Elucidating the Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Garcinia kola and Vernonia amygdalina through in silico Molecular Biology Techniques
Authors: Morebise Olugbenga , Chukuka Chimere , Adeleke Otitosan , Alexander Kimberley Jilliene , Ezenwa Carolyn , Ajadi Khaleed Desmond , Ikpama Wisdom , Iyke-Anunagba Erica Makuochukwu , Jackson Kurlyene Adrienne
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Inflammation is implicated in many disorders, including communicable and noncommunicable diseases. Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2) is a key enzyme involved in the production of prostaglandins implicated in inflammatory disorders.  Garcinia kola and Vernonia amygdalina are medicinal plants being used for treating various ailments in many parts of the world and extensive in vitro and in vivo studies have been conducted on them. Five phytochemicals were selected from the two plants; aspirin and celecoxib were used as reference drugs. This study investigated the interactions of the seven ligands with the Cox-2 enzyme, using in silico molecular biology techniques.
Materials and Methods: The 3-D structures of the seven ligands were retrieved from the PubChem database in their Structure Data Format (SDF). Cox-2 was retrieved in its Protein Data Bank (PDB) format. The ligands and the protein were converted to their pdbqt formats through the open babel software. The Cox-2 was docked with the ligands using the Auto-Dock Vina software. The binding energies and the root mean square deviation values were noted. Pharmacophore modeling was visualized by using the Biovia Discovery Studio Visualizer. One of the ligands (luteolin) was further subjected to molecular dynamics simulation using the desmond maestro software.
Results: While celecoxib had the best binding property with Cox-2 (-10.8 kcal/mol, 3 H bonds), the five ligands from the two plants had better binding properties than aspirin (which had -6.5kcal/mol, 1 H bond). Kolaviron, from G. kola (-9.1 kcal/mol, 3 H bonds) and luteolin, from V. amygdalina (-8.5kcal/mol, 2 H bonds) demonstrated the best binding properties among the five phytochemicals. Additional interactions of H bonds and hydrophobic bonds were noticed post molecular dynamics simulation of luteolin with Cox-2, indicating dynamic forces’ fluctuations. MD simulations showed that Ser530 and Tyr385 were the best amino acid side chains that interacted with luteolin for the stabilization of the protein-ligand complex.
Conclusion: The energy values and protein-ligand interactions indicate affinity and stability of the complex. Luteolin can be taken as a promising drug target and subjected to ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, toxicity) properties analysis and clinical trials. This is especially important in view of the various side effects associated with both nonselective and selective Cox-2 inhibitors, including aspirin and celecoxib.
Aphrodisiac Potentials of Methanol Extract of Homalium letestui Root in Male Rats
Authors: Udofia Ofonimeh Emmanuel , Nwafor Paul Alozie , Uffia Ifiok Dominic , Elijah Nya
Published: August 2023

Aims: In this study, the methanol extract of Homalium letestui root was investigated with a view to ascertaining the scientific basis for its ethnobotanical use, and establishing, if any, the mechanisms of its effects, as an aphrodisiac.

Methodology: The crushed root of Homalium letestui was soaked in methanol for 72h and filtered with Whatman paper No.4; the extract was stored at -4oC. Mature male rats were divided into three groups (active, sluggish, and impotent) and administered with various doses of the extract. The rats were, thereafter, observed for the following: mount latency, intromission latency, ejaculation latency, post ejaculation latency, mount frequency, intromission frequency, erection frequency, and penile erection latency.

Results: The result showed that the Homalium letestui root extract (n-butanol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether and aqueous fractions) caused and maintained erection in the subjects, and their effects on the rats were dose-dependent and statistically significant (p<0.05-0.001). In addition, the aphrodisiac properties of the Homalium letestui root may in part be predicated on the properties of its phytochemical constituents which include alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, tannins and cardiac glycosides.

Conclusion: These findings, therefore, justify the Homalium letestui root’s folkloric use as a sexual performance enhancer and demonstrate that the plant possesses aphrodisiac properties.
Genetic Diversity Analysis of Oryza glaberrima Derived Introgression Lines under Direct Seeded Condition
Authors: Nikhil B. K. , Sagar S. P. Prem , Suresh J. , Swathy V. , Aleena  , Ravindra Ch. , Kumar S. C.  Manoj , Prashanath Manasani , Madhyavenkatapura Anantha Siddaiah , Barbadikar Kalyani M. , Senguttuvel Ponnuvel , Swamy A. V. S. R. , Sundaram Raman Meenakshi , Gireesh Channappa
Published: August 2023

The increasing water scarcity and labour wages have led to the search for alternative crop establishment in rice, such as direct seeded rice (DSR). DSR can reduce unproductive water flow, reduce labour requirements, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Genetic diversity was assessed for hundred and three rice introgression lines using Mahalanobis’ D2 analysis and Tochers’ clustering method. Cluster I had the largest number of genotypes (73), tailed by Cluster II with 15 genotypes. Cluster III and IV had the maximum intra-cluster distances, with Cluster IV having a significant number for desirable characters. The results disclosed that days to 50% flowering, tailed by plant height contributed much to diversity. The most significant inter-cluster distances were found in Clusters involving III and IV, II and III, I and IV and II and IV. These introgression lines can be utilised in crosses, resulting in fruitful recombination during the selection process.
Effect of Different Micronutrients on Economics of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) cv. Green Magic under Polyhouse Condition
Authors: Minz Alka , Jangre Nisha , Chandel Yogendra Kumar , Kumar Narendra , lautre Reema , Deepshikha
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was conducted to study of “Impact of foliar spray of micronutrients on growth, yield and quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) under polyhouse condition” during the Rabi 2020-21 season under Department of Vegetable Science at the “Center of Excellence on Protected Cultivation and Precision Farming”, IGKV, Raipur (C.G.). The experiment consisting of 10 treatments viz., copper sulphate @ 0.20%, copper sulphate @ 0.40%, copper sulphate @ 0.60%, boric acid @ 0.20%, boric acid @ 0.40%, boric acid @ 0.60%, zinc sulphate @ 0.20%, zinc sulphate @ 0.40% and zinc sulphate @ 0.60%. Experiment was carried out with completely randomized design with ten treatments and three replications. Economic study showed that highest cost of cultivation (180,735 Rs/ha) with T3-copper sulphate @ 0.60% while maximum gross income (471,720 Rs/ha), net income (292,325 Rs/ha) and B:C ratio (2.62) was observed with T5- boric acid @ 0.40%.
Estimation of Water Spread Area in Selected Tanks of Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu Using Sentinel-1A SAR Data
Authors: Manivannan Dharun Vembadi , R. Jagadeeswaran , Pazhanivelan S. , Kumaraperumal R. , Raju M. , Selvi R. Pangayar
Published: August 2023

The most important aspect of water resource planning and management is mapping and regular monitoring of surface water bodies. Remote sensing has become most widely used method for measuring and monitoring of water body dynamics due its temporal and spatial availability of high-resolution data. A study was conducted to map and estimate the water spread area in the tanks of Kattumannarkoil block of Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu using Sentinel-1A SAR satellite data. European Space Agency’s Sentinel-1A data provides high quality SAR data which is used widely for monitoring of crop and water resources. The acquisition and preprocessing of satellite data was done using Google Earth Engine. The obtained satellite image from Google Engine was processed using ArcGIS. The water spread area was derived from the processed data using thresholding approach. The back-scattering values generated through pre-processing ranges from -18.00 db to -28.12 db for August 2022 (Pre-rainy season), -15.85 to -26.96 for December 2022 (Post-rainy season) and -15.55 to -24.82 for April 2023(Summer time). The estimated water spread area in selected 12 Tanks were 37.191 ha, 58.34 ha and 59.971 ha on 19th August 2022, 17th December 2022 and 16th April 2023 respectively.
WSN Based Irrigation Management in Beans
Authors: Vimala M. , Ranjan Rajeev , Hanumanthappa D. C.
Published: August 2023

Wireless sensor network is an important technology in agriculture to enhance the efficiency, productivity and profitability of farming with minimal use of inputs.  Maintaining uniformity of soil moisture throughout the crop growth is of greater importance to achieve maximum yield. Hence, a field experiment entitled “WSN based irrigation management in beans” was conducted at ZARS, GKVK, Bengaluru during kharif 2021. This study was aimed to know the effect of sensor based irrigation management on the performance of beans, water saving and water use efficiency (WUE). For the sensor based irrigation treatment, irrigation was provided when available moisture in the soil was depleted for about 25-30 per cent. Results indicated that, sensor based irrigation recorded significantly higher beans yield (6972 kg ha-1) which enhanced crop yield by 18.87 per cent and saved water to the tune of 26.66 per cent over conventional method of irrigation. This could help farming community to boost income.
Effect of Growth Regulators on Growth and Yield Attributes of Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)
Authors: Bhargav Jatoth Uday , Dawson Joy , Yallaling Chintale
Published: August 2023

The field experiment was conducted during Zaid season of 2022 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. To study the Influence of Growth Regulators on the growth and yield of Black gram. The treatments consist of levels of Gibberellic Acid (GA3 – 15 ppm, GA3 – 30 ppm, GA3 – 45 ppm) and Salicylic acid (SA – 50 ppm, SA – 75 ppm, SA – 100 ppm). The soil of experimental plot was sandy loamy in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.8), low in organic carbon (0.35%). Results revealed that application of GA3 45 ppm + 50 ppm Salicylic acid (Treatment – 10). recorded with plant height (40.08 cm), plant dry weight (7.13 g/plant), number of pods/plant (36.27), number of seeds/pod (7.12), test weight (35.29 gm), 29.3 seed yield (957.86 kg/ha) were also recorded in treatment - 10 GA3 45 ppm + 100 ppm Salicylic acid at 15 & 40 DAS.
A Review on Yield Gap Analysis of Millets in India
Authors: Yadav Rishabh , Singh Lal Bahadur , Patel Abhishek , Kumar Manoj , Kumar Monu , Pandey Mohit Kumar , Yadav Shubham , Kumar Suneel , Singh Shubham
Published: August 2023

Millet is a healthy grain that is high in vitamins, minerals, and fibre. It is also gluten-free and has a low glycemic index, making it a suitable diet for persons with gluten intolerance or diabetes. Millet is an important crop for small farmers, in addition to its nutritional importance. Unlike rice or wheat, millet is drought-resistant and requires relatively little water to thrive. This makes it an attractive crop for farmers in dry locations where water scarcity is a big concern. Furthermore, millet has a short growth season and is easy to cultivate, making it an appealing alternative for small farmers with low resources. Efforts have been made in recent years to boost millet productivity and promote its consumption. The Millet Mission, initiated by the Indian government in 2016, is one such project. Another endeavour to increase millet intake is the "Millets for Health" programme, which aims to raise knowledge of millet's nutritional benefits. The initiative includes the creation of millet-based recipes as well as the installation of millet-based food processing plants, which can aid in the creation of a market for millet-based products.
The Establishment of Two Efficient Transformation Systems to Manipulate and Analyze Gene Functions in Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)
Authors: Wang Yanfang , Zhang Yanzi , Dai Chongjing , Ma Jun , Jaikishun Sirpaul , Li Wenqiang , Yang Zhenbiao , Xu Tongda , Song Shikui
Published: August 2023

Quinoa (C. quinoa) is considered a gluten-free food with abundant nutrients and high tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses, which is the potential to become a major crop in future. Genetic manipulation will provide powerful tools to investigate the function and mechanism of those important genes in the regulation of quinoa development and stress responses, and further improve the quinoa in the field. However, the efficient plant transformation system for quinoa has not been well developed yet. Here, we established two rapid and efficient transformation systems for quinoa by using hairy roots and agroinfiltration of leaves, which provide useful tools for quick analysis of gene function. Hairy roots were obtained from three types of explants: cotyledon-nod with hypocotyl, cotyledon itself, and hypocotyl pieces. Interestingly, explants of cotyledon-nod with hypocotyl showed the highest transformation efficiency at 67.9%, and cotyledon displayed medium efficiency at 42.2%, while hypocotyl explants with the lowest at 31.6%. We also obtained transgenic quinoa roots successfully in-vivo, which showed low efficiency but provides a potential method to test gene functions in live plants. By using young leaves for agroinfiltration, direct injection showed a better transgenic effect compared with vacuum penetration. In juxtaposition, the transformation systems using both hairy root and leaf infiltration establish an efficient and convenient way to manipulate and analyze gene functions in quinoa, and a potential strategy for transgenic quinoa.
Data Archival Methodology in Enterprise Resource Planning Applications (Oracle ERP, Peoplesoft)
Authors: Kunduru Arjun Reddy , Kandepu Ravikiran
Published: August 2023

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications such as Oracle ERP and PeopleSoft play a critical role in managing and organizing vast amounts of data for businesses. As the volume of data within these applications continues to grow, organizations face challenges related to data storage, performance, and compliance with data retention policies. A robust data archival methodology is essential to address these challenges and ensure efficient and effective data management. This paper presents a comprehensive study on data archival methodology specifically tailored for Oracle ERP and PeopleSoft applications. The methodology encompasses a systematic approach to identify, categorize, and archive data based on its relevance, usage, and regulatory requirements. It focuses on achieving optimal data retention and retrieval while minimizing the impact on system performance and storage requirements. The proposed methodology covers various aspects of data archival, including data identification and classification, archival policies and rules, archival strategies, and post-archival data management. It explores techniques for selecting and extracting data from the ERP applications, transforming it into a suitable archival format, and securely storing it in archival repositories or storage systems. The paper also discusses considerations for indexing, searching, and retrieving archived data efficiently. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of data integrity, security, and compliance in the archival process. It addresses strategies for ensuring the integrity and authenticity of archived data, implementing access controls and encryption mechanisms, and adhering to regulatory requirements, such as data privacy and protection regulations. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology, case studies and real-world examples are presented, demonstrating its successful implementation in Oracle ERP and PeopleSoft environments. The benefits of the methodology, including improved system performance, reduced storage costs, and simplified compliance with data retention policies, are discussed based on these case studies.
Inhibition of Mild Steel Corrosion by Leaves Extracts of Commelina benghalensis L In 1M HCl Solution
Authors: Akaaza J. N. , Baka M. L. , Nyior G. B. , Gundu D. T. , Ashwe A.
Published: August 2023

The inhibition of mild steel corrosion in 1M HCl by leaves  extracts of Commelina benghalensis L was investigated using weight loss and potentiodynamic polarization techniques at room (30  and elevated temperatures of 40, 50, 60 and 70. The results of weight loss technique showed that the inhibition efficiency increased with increase in extract concentration and exposure time but decreased with rise in temperature. The maximum inhibition efficiency obtained was 81.71 % at 0.5 g/L concentration of leaves extracts. Corrosion rates decreased with increased concentration of extracts but increased with increase in temperature. Potentiodynamic polarization method results indicated that Commelina benghalensis L is a mixed - type inhibitor as it modified both the anodic and cathodic reactions in 1M HCl solution. The adsorption of the extracts on the mild steel coupons was observed to follow Langmuir and Temkin adsorption isotherms. The negative values of Gibb’s free energy of adsorption ranged from -21.35 to -23.03 kJ/mol., this suggests that inhibitor molecules were physically and spontaneously adsorbed onto the metal surface.
Augmented Reality Instructional Strategy on Students’ Performance in ICT in Education Course, University of Calabar
Authors: Francis Akpo , Etta Bisong Anthony , Eteng Imoke John
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the effect of Augmented Reality Instructional Strategy on undergraduate students’ academic performance in ICT in Education Course in University of Calabar. Two research questions and corresponding null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design. The population of the study consists of all the 200 level undergraduate students, who are offering the course ICT in Education (EDU 203.1) in Faculty of Educational Foundation Studies for 2020/2021 academic session in University of Calabar. The sample of the study comprised of two hundred and sixty-eight (268) students selected using the multi-stage sampling procedures. The instrument used for data collection was a researcher-made performance test titled; ICT in Education Performance Test (ICTEPT). The instrument was subjected to face content and content validation with a reliability coefficient of 0.80. Mean, Standard deviation and t-test and were the statistical tools used in the study. The findings revealed that Augmented Reality Instructional Strategy has a significant effect on the students’ mean performance in ICT in Education. The study concluded that augmented reality instructional strategy is one of the emerging technologies with great educational possibilities and is being incorporated by various disciplines in education at different academic levels. It combines digital information with physical information in real time and with user participation. It was recommended that instructors should adopt the use of an augmented reality instructional strategy in teaching ICT in Education courses so that students could produce better and dependable results.
Hepatitis C Treatment Initiation Among US Medicaid Enrollees
Authors: Kapadia Shashi N. , Zhang Hao , Gonzalez Christopher J. , Sen Bisakha , Franco Ricardo , Hutchings Kayla , Wethington Elaine , Talal Andrew , Lloyd Audrey , Dharia Arpan , Wells Martin , Bao Yuhua , Shapiro Martin F
Published: August 2023

Importance

Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly effective but remains underused. Understanding disparities in the delivery of DAAs is important for HCV elimination planning and designing interventions to promote equitable treatment.

Objective

To examine variations in the receipt of DAA in the 6 months following a new HCV diagnosis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used national Medicaid claims from 2017 to 2019 from 50 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico. Individuals aged 18 to 64 years with a new diagnosis of HCV in 2018 were included. A new diagnosis was defined as a claim for an HCV RNA test followed by an International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) diagnosis code, after a 1-year lookback period.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Outcome was receipt of a DAA prescription within 6 months of diagnosis. Logistic regression was used to examine demographic factors and ICD-10–identified comorbidities associated with treatment initiation.

Results

Among 87 652 individuals, 43 078 (49%) were females, 12 355 (14%) were age 18 to 29 years, 35 181 (40%) age 30 to 49, 51 282 (46%) were non-Hispanic White, and 48 840 (49%) had an injection drug use diagnosis. Of these individuals, 17 927 (20%) received DAAs within 6 months of their first HCV diagnosis. In the regression analyses, male sex was associated with increased treatment initiation (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.16-1.33). Being age 18 to 29 years (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.50-0.85) and injection drug use (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75-0.94) were associated with decreased treatment initiation. After adjustment for state fixed effects, Asian race (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.40-0.64), American Indian or Alaska Native race (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.55-0.84), and Hispanic ethnicity (OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.71-0.93) were associated with decreased treatment initiation. Adjustment for state Medicaid policy did not attenuate the racial or ethnic disparities.

Conclusions

In this retrospective cohort study, HCV treatment initiation was low among Medicaid beneficiaries and varied by demographic characteristics and comorbidities. Interventions are needed to increase HCV treatment uptake among Medicaid beneficiaries and to address disparities in treatment among key populations, including younger individuals, females, individuals from minoritized racial and ethnic groups, and people who inject drugs.
Interaction between membranous EBP50 and myosin 9 as a favorable prognostic factor in ovarian clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Nakagawa Mayu , Matsumoto Toshihide , Yokoi Ako , Hashimura Miki , Oguri Yasuko , Konno Ryo , Ishibashi Yu , Ito Takashi , Ohhigata Kensuke , Harada Yohei , Fukagawa Naomi , Kodera Yoshio , Saegusa Makoto
Published: August 2023

Ezrin‐radixin‐moesin‐binding phosphoprotein 50 (EBP50) is a scaffold protein that is required for epithelial polarity. Knockout (KO) of membranous EBP50 (Me‐EBP50) in ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) cells induced an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐like phenotype, along with decreased proliferation, accelerated migration capability, and induction of cancer stem cell (CSC)‐like properties. Shotgun proteomics analysis of proteins that co‐immunoprecipitated with EBP50 revealed that Me‐EBP50 strongly interacts with myosin 9 (MYH9). Specific inhibition of MYH9 with blebbistatin phenocopied Me‐EBP50 KO, and blebbistatin treatment potentiated the effects of Me‐EBP50 KO. In OCCC cells from clinical samples, Me‐EBP50 and MYH9 were co‐localized at the apical plasma membrane. Patients with a combination of Me‐EBP50‐high and MYH9‐high scores had the best prognosis for overall and progression‐free survival. Our data suggest that Me‐EBP50 has tumor‐suppressive effects through the establishment and maintenance of epithelial polarization. By contrast, loss of Me‐EBP50 expression induces EMT‐like phenotypes, probably due to MYH9 dysfunction; this results in increased cell mobility and enhanced CSC‐like properties, which in turn promote OCCC progression.
Mass‐Producible 3D Hair Structure‐Editable Silk‐Based Electronic Skin for Multiscenario Signal Monitoring and Emergency Alarming System
Authors: Ge Dan , Mi Qingling , Gong Ruixin , Li Shenghong , Qin Congcong , Dong Yanjuan , Yu Hou‐Yong , Tam Kam Chiu
Published: August 2023

Structurally tunable electronic skin (e‐skin) is beneficial for advancing wearable electronics, prosthetics, and human‐machine interaction (HMI). However, the regulation of e‐skin by traditional nanostructure technology is complex and expensive, moreover, the nanostructure's poor deformability leads to small detection range and low sensitivity. Herein, inspired by the structure of skin‐hair and insect burr, a polypyrrole‐silk/glycerol plasticized silk fibroin (P‐silk/RG) e‐skin fabricated by a simple 3D biomimetic structural strategy is reported. Benefitting from the editability (length, position) of this structure, P‐silk/RG has a signal selectivity, long‐cilia P‐silk/RG demonstrates high sensitivity (respond to weak signal‐airflow), while the short‐cilia P‐silk/RG exhibits wide pressure detection range (0.5–200 g) and high cycle stability (8000 compressions). Therefore, different forms of P‐silk/RG are used in different scenarios (long‐cilia for monitoring breathing and coughing for motion detection and disease diagnosis, short‐cilia for pressure‐sensitive Morse code). Besides, P‐silk/RG exhibits good waterproof, editable conductive points and easy device integration, providing the basis for underwater information transmission, multibit coded command output, and early warning for emergency sports accidents and sedentary. Surprisingly, combining this structure with textile weaving can be mass‐produced. Obviously, this 3D biomimetic structure strategy endows e‐skin with editability and improved scene adaptability to provide a favorable way for mass production.
Four Ounces Can Move a Thousand Pounds: The Enormous Value of Nanomaterials in Tumor Immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Ziyin , Yue Ziqi , Yang Kaiqi , Shen Congrong , Cheng Zhe , Zhou Xiaofeng , Li Shenglong
Published: August 2023

The application of nanomaterials in healthcare has emerged as a promising strategy due to their unique structural diversity, surface properties, and compositional diversity. In particular, nanomaterials have found a significant role in improving drug delivery and inhibiting the growth and metastasis of tumor cells. Moreover, recent studies have highlighted their potential in modulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) and enhancing the activity of immune cells to improve tumor therapy efficacy. Various types of nanomaterials are currently utilized as drug carriers, immunosuppressants, immune activators, immunoassay reagents, and more for tumor immunotherapy. Necessarily, nanomaterials used for tumor immunotherapy can be grouped into two categories: organic and inorganic nanomaterials. Though both have shown the ability to achieve the purpose of tumor immunotherapy, their composition and structural properties result in differences in their mechanisms and modes of action. Organic nanomaterials can be further divided into organic polymers, cell membranes, nanoemulsion‐modified, and hydrogel forms. At the same time, inorganic nanomaterials can be broadly classified as nonmetallic and metallic nanomaterials. The current work aims to explore the mechanisms of action of these different types of nanomaterials and their prospects for promoting tumor immunotherapy.
Reactive Oxygen Species‐Responsive Polymeric Prodrug Nanoparticles for Selective and Effective Treatment of Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Zhang Yaming , Liu Lu , Wang Tianyi , Mao Cong , Shan Pengfei , Lau Chak Sing , Li Zhongyu , Guo Weisheng , Wang Weiping
Published: August 2023

It is challenging to manage inflammatory diseases using traditional anti‐inflammatory drugs due to their limited efficacy and systemic side effects, which are a result of their lack of selectivity, poor stability, and low solubility. Herein, it reports the development of a novel nanoparticle system, called ROS‐CA‐NPs, which is formed using polymer‐cinnamaldehyde (CA) conjugates and is responsive to reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS‐CA‐NPs exhibit excellent drug stability, tissue selectivity, and controlled drug release upon oxidative stress activation. Using mouse models of chronic rheumatoid arthritis and acute ulcerative colitis, this study demonstrates that the systemic administration of ROS‐CA‐NPs results in their accumulation at inflamed lesions and leads to greater therapeutic efficacy compared to traditional drugs. Furthermore, ROS‐CA‐NPs present excellent biocompatibility. The findings suggest that ROS‐CA‐NPs have the potential to be developed as safe and effective nanotherapeutic agents for a broad range of inflammatory diseases.