bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ubiquity of selective attention in the processing of feedback during category learning
Authors: Dolguikh Katerina , Tracey Tyrus , Blair Mark R.
Published: December 2021

Feedback is essential for many kinds of learning, but the cognitive processes involved in learning from feedback are unclear. Models of category learning incorporate selective attention to stimulus features while generating a response, but during the feedback phase of an experiment, it is assumed that participants receive complete information about stimulus features as well as the correct category. The present work looks at eye tracking data from six category learning datasets covering a variety of category complexities and types. We find that selective attention to task-relevant information is pervasive throughout feedback processing, suggesting a role for selective attention in memory encoding of category exemplars. We also find that error trials elicit additional stimulus processing during the feedback phase. Finally, our data reveal that participants increasingly skip the processing of feedback altogether. At the broadest level, these three findings reveal that selective attention is ubiquitous throughout the entire category learning task, functioning to emphasize the importance of certain stimulus features, the helpfulness of extra stimulus encoding during times of uncertainty, and the superfluousness of feedback once one has learned the task. We discuss the implications of our findings for modelling efforts in category learning from the perspective of researchers trying to capture the full dynamic interaction of selective attention and learning, as well as for researchers focused on other issues, such as category representation, whose work only requires simplifications that do a reasonable job of capturing learning.
Compressive sensing based secure data aggregation scheme for IoT based WSN applications
Authors: Salim Ahmed , Ismail Ahmed , Osamy Walid , M. Khedr Ahmed
Published: December 2021

Compressive Sensing (CS) based data collection schemes are found to be effective in enhancing the data collection performance and lifetime of IoT based WSNs. However, they face major challenges related to key distribution and adversary attacks in hostile and complex network deployments. As a result, such schemes cannot effectively ensure the security of data. Towards the goal of providing high security and efficiency in data collection performance of IoT based WSNs, we propose a new security scheme that amalgamates the advantages of CS and Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC). We present an efficient algorithms to enhance the security and efficiency of CS based data collection in IoT-based WSNs. The proposed scheme operates in five main phases, namely Key Generation, CS-Key Exchange, Data Compression with CS Encryption, Data Aggregation and Encryption with ECC algorithm, and CS Key Re-generation. It considers the benefits of ECC as public key algorithm and CS as encryption and compression method to provide security as well as energy efficiency for cluster based WSNs. Also, it solves the CS- Encryption key distribution problem by introducing a new key sharing method that enables secure exchange of pseudo-random key between the BS and the nodes in a simple way. In addition, a new method is introduced to safeguard the CS scheme from potential security attacks. The efficiency of our proposed technique in terms of security, energy consumption and network lifetime is proved through simulation analysis.
Sex biased effect of acute heat shock on the antioxidant system of non-native round goby Neogobius melanostomus
Authors: Błońska Dagmara , Janic Bartosz , Tarkan Ali Serhan , Bukowska Bożena
Published: December 2021

Monitoring oxidative stress biomarkers has become a powerful and common tool to estimate organismal condition and response to endogenous and environmental factors. In the present study, we used round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) from non-native European populations, as a model species to test sex differences in oxidative stress biomarkers. Considering sex differences in reproductive investment, we hypothesized that males would display lower resistance to abiotic stress. Fish were exposed to a heat shock (temperature elevated by 10°C) for 1h, 6h, and 12h and catalase activity (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) were measured in liver and muscle tissues. Liver of males was significantly more responsive compared to liver of females in all tested parameters. GSH was found to be the most responsive to heat stress exposure in both sexes. The results supported our hypothesis that male reproductive investment (territoriality, courtship, and brood care) and likelihood of only a single spawning period in their lifetime influenced on higher sensitivity of their antioxidant defence. On the other hand, for females antioxidant defence is considered more important to survive the environmental changes and successfully reproduce in the next season. Our experiments exposed fish to acute thermal stress. Further research should determine the effects of exposure to chronic thermal stress to corroborate our understanding on sex differences in antioxidant defence in the round goby.
Peripheral edema: A common and persistent health problem for older Americans
Authors: Besharat Soroush , Grol-Prokopczyk Hanna , Gao Shan , Feng Changyong , Akwaa Frank , Gewandter Jennifer S.
Published: December 2021

Peripheral edema (i.e., lower limb swelling) can cause pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. However, few studies have examined its prevalence in the U.S. or its association with demographics, comorbidities, activity, or mobility. This study used data from the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative longitudinal survey of U.S. adults (age 51+/ N = 19,988 for 2016), to evaluate time trends and correlates of peripheral edema using weighted descriptive statistics and logistic regressions, respectively. Peripheral edema was assessed with the question “Have you had… // Persistent swelling in your feet or ankles?” The weighted prevalence of edema among older U.S. adults was 19% to 20% between 2000 and 2016. Peripheral edema was associated with older age, female sex, non-white race, low wealth, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, pain, low activity levels, and mobility limitations (odds ratios ranging from 1.2–5.6; p-values ≤0.001). This study provides the first estimates of national prevalence and correlates of peripheral edema among older Americans. Peripheral edema is common and strongly associated with comorbidities, pain, low activity levels, and mobility limitations, and disproportionately affects poorer and minority groups. Peripheral edema should be a focus of future research in order to develop novel and cost-effective interventions.
Bio-functionalization and in-vitro evaluation of titanium surface with recombinant fibronectin and elastin fragment in human mesenchymal stem cell
Authors: Park Bo-Hyun , Jeong Eui-Seung , Lee Sujin , Jang Jun-Hyeog
Published: December 2021

Titanium is a biomaterial that meets a number of important requirements, including excellent mechanical and chemical properties, but has low bioactivity. To improve cellular response onto titanium surfaces and hence its osseointegration, the titanium surface was bio-functionalized to mimic an extracellular matrix (ECM)-like microenvironment that positively influences the behavior of stem cells. In this respect, fibronectin and elastin are important components of the ECM that regulate stem cell differentiation by supporting the biological microenvironment. However, each native ECM is unsuitable due to its high production cost and immunogenicity. To overcome these problems, a recombinant chimeric fibronectin type III9-10 and elastin-like peptide fragments (FN9-10ELP) was developed herein and applied to the bio-functionalized of the titanium surface. An evaluation of the biological activity and cellular responses with respect to bone regeneration indicated a 4-week sustainability on the FN9-10ELP functionalized titanium surface without an initial burst effect. In particular, the adhesion and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) was significantly increased on the FN9-10ELP coated titanium compared to that observed on the non-coated titanium. The FN9-10ELP coated titanium induced osteogenic differentiation such as the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization activity. In addition, expressions of osteogenesis-related genes such as a collagen type I (Col I), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OCN), bone sialo protein (BSP), and PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) were further increased. Thus, in vitro the FN9-10ELP functionalization titanium not only sustained bioactivity but also induced osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs to improve bone regeneration.
Zipf’s laws of meaning in Catalan
Authors: Català Neus , Baixeries Jaume , Ferrer-i-Cancho Ramon , Padró Lluís , Hernández-Fernández Antoni
Published: December 2021

In his pioneering research, G. K. Zipf formulated a couple of statistical laws on the relationship between the frequency of a word with its number of meanings: the law of meaning distribution, relating the frequency of a word and its frequency rank, and the meaning-frequency law, relating the frequency of a word with its number of meanings. Although these laws were formulated more than half a century ago, they have been only investigated in a few languages. Here we present the first study of these laws in Catalan. We verify these laws in Catalan via the relationship among their exponents and that of the rank-frequency law. We present a new protocol for the analysis of these Zipfian laws that can be extended to other languages. We report the first evidence of two marked regimes for these laws in written language and speech, paralleling the two regimes in Zipf’s rank-frequency law in large multi-author corpora discovered in early 2000s. Finally, the implications of these two regimes will be discussed.
Association between aqueous humor cytokines and postoperative corneal endothelial cell loss after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty
Authors: Okabe Tatsu , Kobayashi Wataru , Hariya Takehiro , Yokokura Shunji , Nakazawa Toru
Published: December 2021

This study measured the intraoperative anterior aqueous humor concentrations of various cytokines during corneal endothelial transplantation and searched for relationships between these concentrations and postoperative corneal endothelial cell (CEC) depletion. We recruited 30 consecutive patients who underwent corneal endothelial transplantation with Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) at Tohoku University Hospital between February 2014 and July 2017. During surgery, we obtained aqueous humor samples and later measured the concentrations of 27 cytokines with a Multiplex Bead Assay (Bio-Plex Pro). We counted CECs 1, 6 and 12 months after surgery, and used Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient to identify relationships between CEC depletion and the concentrations of detected cytokines. The loss of CECs 1–6 months after surgery was significantly correlated with IL-7, IP-10, MIP-1a and MIP-1b concentrations (-0.67, -0.48, -0.39, and -0.45, respectively, all P <0.01). CEC loss 1–12 months after surgery was significantly correlated with IL-1b, IL-7, IP-10 and RANTES concentrations (-0.46, -0.52, -0.48, and -0.43, respectively). Multiple regression analysis showed that IL-7 concentration was significantly associated with CEC loss 1–6 months after surgery (b = -0.65, P < 0.01) and IP-10 concentration was associated with CEC loss 1–12 months after surgery (β = -0.38, P < 0.05). These results suggest that not only inflammatory cytokines but also IL-7, a cytokine related to lymphocytes, may be involved in the depletion of CECs after DSAEK, particularly depletion that occurs relatively early.
A broad-spectrum cloning vector that exists as both an integrated element and a free plasmid in Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Garvin Lotisha , Vande Voorde Rebecca , Dickinson Mary , Carrell Steven , Hybiske Kevin , Rockey Daniel
Published: December 2021

Plasmid transformation of chlamydiae has created new opportunities to investigate host–microbe interactions during chlamydial infections; however, there are still limitations. Plasmid transformation requires a replicon derived from the native Chlamydia plasmid, and these transformations are species-specific. We explored the utility of a broad host-range plasmid, pBBR1MCS-4, to transform chlamydiae, with a goal of simplifying the transformation process. The plasmid was modified to contain chromosomal DNA from C. trachomatis to facilitate homologous recombination. Sequences flanking incA were cloned into the pBBR1MCS-4 vector along with the GFP:CAT cassette from the pSW2-GFP chlamydial shuttle vector. The final plasmid construct, pBVR2, was successfully transformed into C. trachomatis strain L2-434. Chlamydial transformants were analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy and positive clones were sequentially purified using limiting dilution. PCR and PacBio-based whole genome sequencing were used to determine if the plasmid was maintained within the chromosome or as an episome. PacBio sequencing of the cloned transformants revealed allelic exchange events between the chromosome and plasmid pBVR2 that replaced chromosomal incA with the plasmid GFP:CAT cassette. The data also showed evidence of full integration of the plasmid into the bacterial chromosome. While some plasmids were fully integrated, some were maintained as episomes and could be purified and retransformed into E. coli. Thus, the plasmid can be successfully transformed into chlamydia without a chlamydial origin of replication and can exist in multiple states within a transformed population.
Studying how state health services delivery policies can mitigate the effects of disasters on drug addiction treatment and overdose: Protocol for a mixed-methods study
Authors: Eisenberg Matthew D. , McCourt Alexander , Stuart Elizabeth A. , Rutkow Lainie , Tormohlen Kayla N. , Fingerhood Michael I. , Quintero Luis , White Sarah A. , McGinty Emma Elizabeth
Published: December 2021

Background

The United States is experiencing a drug addiction and overdose crisis, made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. Relative to other types of health services, addiction treatment and overdose prevention services are particularly vulnerable to disaster-related disruptions for multiple reasons including fragmentation from the general medical system and stigma, which may lead decisionmakers and providers to de-prioritize these services during disasters. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. states implemented multiple policies designed to mitigate disruptions to addiction treatment and overdose prevention services, for example policies expanding access to addiction treatment delivered via telehealth and policies designed to support continuity of naloxone distribution programs. There is limited evidence on the effects of these policies on addiction treatment and overdose. This evidence is needed to inform state policy design in future disasters, as well as to inform decisions regarding whether to sustain these policies post-pandemic.

Methods

The overall study uses a concurrent-embedded design. Aims 1–2 use difference-in-differences analyses of large-scale observational databases to examine how state policies designed to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on health services delivery influenced addiction treatment delivery and overdose during the pandemic. Aim 3 uses a qualitative embedded multiple case study approach, in which we characterize local implementation of the state policies of interest; most public health disaster policies are enacted at the state level but implemented at the local level by healthcare systems and local public health authorities.

Discussion

Triangulation of results across methods will yield robust understanding of whether and how state disaster-response policies influenced drug addiction treatment and overdose during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results will inform policy enactment and implementation in future public health disasters. Results will also inform decisions about whether to sustain COVID-19 pandemic-related changes to policies governing delivery addiction and overdose prevention services long-term.
Alu element in the RNA binding motif protein, X-linked 2 (RBMX2) gene found to be linked to bipolar disorder
Authors: Laine Pia , Rowell William J. , Paulin Lars , Kujawa Steve , Raterman Denise , Mayhew George , Wendt Jennifer , Burgess Daniel L. , Partonen Timo , Paunio Tiina , Auvinen Petri , Ekholm Jenny M.
Published: December 2021

Objective

We have used long-read single molecule, real-time (SMRT) sequencing to fully characterize a ~12Mb genomic region on chromosome Xq24-q27, significantly linked to bipolar disorder (BD) in an extended family from a genetic sub-isolate. This family segregates BD in at least four generations with 24 affected individuals.

Methods

We selected 16 family members for targeted sequencing. The selected individuals either carried the disease haplotype, were non-carriers of the disease haplotype, or served as married-in controls. We designed hybrid capture probes enriching for 5-9Kb fragments spanning the entire 12Mb region that were then sequenced to screen for candidate structural variants (SVs) that could explain the increased risk for BD in this extended family.

Results

Altogether, 201 variants were detected in the critically linked region. Although most of these represented common variants, three variants emerged that showed near-perfect segregation among all BD type I affected individuals. Two of the SVs were identified in or near genes belonging to the RNA Binding Motif Protein, X-Linked (RBMX) gene family—a 330bp Alu (subfamily AluYa5) deletion in intron 3 of the RBMX2 gene and an intergenic 27bp tandem repeat deletion between the RBMX and G protein-coupled receptor 101 (GPR101) genes. The third SV was a 50bp tandem repeat insertion in intron 1 of the Coagulation Factor IX (F9) gene.

Conclusions

Among the three genetically linked SVs, additional evidence supported the Alu element deletion in RBMX2 as the leading candidate for contributing directly to the disease development of BD type I in this extended family.
Circulating miR-147b as a diagnostic marker for patients with bacterial sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Trung Ngo Tat , Lien Tran Thi , Sang Vu Viet , Hoan Nghiem Xuan , Manh Nguyen Dang , Thau Nguyen Sy , Quyen Dao Thanh , Hien Tran Thi Thu , Hoan Phan Quoc , Bang Mai Hong , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P. , Song Le Huu
Published: December 2021

Background

Early diagnosis, precise antimicrobial treatment and subsequent patient stratification can improve sepsis outcomes. Circulating biomarkers such as plasma microRNAs (miRNAs) have proven to be surrogates for diagnosis, severity and case management of infections. The expression of four selected miRNAs (miR-146-3p, miR-147b, miR-155 and miR-223) was validated for their prognostic and diagnostic potential in a clinically defined cohort of patients with sepsis and septic shock.

Methods

The expression of plasma miRNAs was quantified by quantitative PCR (qPCR) in patients with bacterial sepsis (n = 78), in patients with septic shock (n = 52) and in patients with dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF; n = 69) and in healthy controls (n = 82).

Results

The expression of studied miRNA was significantly increased in patients with bacterial sepsis and septic shock. The plasma miR-147b was able to differentiate bacterial sepsis from non-sepsis and septic shock (AUC = 0.77 and 0.8, respectively, p≤ 0.05), while the combination of plasma miR-147b and procalcitonin (PCT) predicted septic shock (AUC = 0.86, p≤ 0.05).

Conclusions

The plasma miR-147b may be an useful biomarker independently or in combination with PCT to support clinical diagnosis of sepsis and equally prognosis of patients with septic shock.
Infant and young child feeding practices and its associated factors among mothers of under two years children in a western hilly region of Nepal
Authors: Adhikari Nabin , Acharya Kiran , Upadhya Dipak Prasad , Pathak Sumita , Pokharel Sachin , Pradhan Pranil Man Singh
Published: December 2021

Infant and young child feeding is a key area to improve child survival and promote healthy growth and development. Nepal government has developed and implemented different programs to improve infant and young child feeding practice. However, the practice remains poor and is a major cause of malnutrition in Nepal. This study aims to identify infant and young child feeding practices and its associated factors among mothers of children aged less than two years in western hilly region of Nepal. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 360 mothers of under two years’ children in Syangja district. A semi structural questionnaire was used. Data was entered in EpiData and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics were used to report the feeding practices and other independent variables. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model was used to establish the factors associated with infant and young child feeding practices. The prevalence of breastfeeding, timely initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, timely initiation of complementary feeding, minimum dietary diversity, minimum meal frequency and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) were 95.6%, 69.2%, 47.6%, 53.3%, 61.5%, 67.3% and 49.9% respectively. Normal delivery (AOR 6.1, 95% CI 1.2–31.3) and higher maternal autonomy (AOR 5.2, 95% CI 1.8–14.6) were significantly associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Similarly, crop production and food security (AOR 3.8, 95% CI 1.9–7.7), maternal knowledge on MAD (AOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.0–6.2) and maternal autonomy (AOR 4.2, 95% CI 2.1–8.4) were significantly associated with minimum acceptable diet. Factors such as maternal education, maternal health services utilization, maternal knowledge, and maternal autonomy were associated with infant and young child feeding practices, which warrants further attention to these factors to reduce malnutrition.
Why do women attend antenatal care but give birth at home? a qualitative study in a rural Ghanaian District
Authors: Alatinga Kennedy A. , Affah Jennifer , Abiiro Gilbert Abotisem
Published: December 2021

Background

The Sustainable Development Goal Three has prioritised reducing maternal, under-5 and neonatal mortalities as core global health policy objectives. The place, where expectant mothers choose to deliver their babies has a direct effect on maternal health outcomes. In sub-Saharan Africa, existing literature has shown that some women attend antenatal care during pregnancy but choose to deliver their babies at home. Using the Andersen and Newman Behavioural Model, this study explored the institutional and socio-cultural factors motivating women to deliver at home after attending antenatal care.

Methods

A qualitative, exploratory, cross-sectional design was deployed. Data were collected from a purposive sample of 23 women, who attended antenatal care during pregnancy but delivered their babies at home, 10 health workers and 17 other community-level stakeholders. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews, which were audio-recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Results

In line with the Andersen and Newman Model, the study discovered that traditional and religious belief systems about marital fidelity and the role of the gods in childbirth, myths about consequences of facility-based delivery, illiteracy, and weak women’s autonomy in healthcare decision-making, predisposed women to home delivery. Home delivery was also enabled by inadequate midwives at health facilities, the unfriendly attitude of health workers, hidden charges for facility-based delivery, and long distances to healthcare facilities. The fear of caesarean section, also created the need for women who attended antenatal care to deliver at home.

Conclusion

The study has established that socio-cultural and institutional level factors influenced women’s decisions to deliver at home. We recommend a general improvement in the service delivery capacity of health facilities, and the implementation of collaborative educational and women empowerment programmes by stakeholders, to strengthen women’s autonomy and reshape existing traditional and religious beliefs facilitating home delivery.
Long-term effects of combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer on soil properties and microorganisms in a Quaternary Red Clay
Authors: Liu Yiren , Lv Zhenzhen , Hou Hongqian , Lan Xianjin , Ji Jianhua , Liu Xiumei
Published: December 2021

Quaternary Red Clay (QRC) is the most common planting soil with low soil fertility and low crop yields in Southeast China, with low soil fertility and low crop yields. Many factors can impact the fertility and utilization efficiency of QRC. Here, we conducted a long-term fertilization experiment from 1984 to 2013. Five fertilization measures were carried out, including non-fertilization group; chemical Fertilizer group; 70% chemical and 30% organic fertilizer group; 50% chemical and 50% organic fertilizer group; 30% chemical and 70% organic fertilizer group. Soil organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) and nitrogen (SMBN), and soil enzymes activity were measured to evaluate the changes of soil. In addition, soil microorganisms were determined by high-throughput sequencing technology, and the dominant microbes were screened. The higher the proportion of organic fertilizer was, the higher the soil OM content was. The OM content of the non-fertilization group was the lowest. Similarly, SMBC and SMBN showed a consistent trend with OM content. Illumina sequence results showed that the application of organic fertilizer reduced the relative abundance of Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria and Nitrospirae, but increased Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. The relative abundance of Acremonium and Mortierella were also greatly increased by different fertilization strategies. However, when high proportion of organic fertilizer was applied, the abundance of Acremonium and Mortierella decreased. Long-term balanced inorganic fertilization (NPK, 60%N:20%P:20%K) can effectively improve the quality and fertility of QRC. The effect of different fertilization strategies on fungi was greater than that on bacteria. The change of soil microorganism also proved the validity of inorganic fertilizer application.
Measuring happiness under interpersonal comparison: An advanced theoretical framework and implications
Authors: Chai Junyi
Published: December 2021

The origin of happiness arouses people’s curiosity for a long time. Recent research introduces a utility theory for measuring subjective happiness in a social context. The past recent monetary conditions influence the present subjective happiness through two distinct channels: interpersonal comparison and self-adaptation. In this paper, we develop this theory to analyze behavioral patterns. Together with prospect theory’s gain-loss utility function, we exploit the theory in predicting psychological phenomena of craving. We explore the relationships between happiness and earnings. Under certain conditions, a high payoff disappoints you immediately and even leads to continuous disappointment across periods. We extend the explanations of the scenarios of New York cabdrivers’ labor-supply decisions. The effect of social comparisons may trigger workers’ behaviors of quit-working, which deepen related understandings of the literature.
Variability in spring phytoplankton blooms associated with ice retreat timing in the Pacific Arctic from 2003–2019
Authors: Waga Hisatomo , Eicken Hajo , Hirawake Toru , Fukamachi Yasushi
Published: December 2021

The Arctic is experiencing rapid changes in sea-ice seasonality and extent, with significant consequences for primary production. With the importance of accurate monitoring of spring phytoplankton dynamics in a changing Arctic, this study further examines the previously established critical relationship between spring phytoplankton bloom types and timing of the sea-ice retreat for broader temporal and spatial coverages, with a particular focus on the Pacific Arctic for 2003–2019. To this end, time-series of satellite-retrieved phytoplankton biomass were modeled using a parametric Gaussian function, as an effective approach to capture the development and decay of phytoplankton blooms. Our sensitivity analysis demonstrated accurate estimates of timing and presence/absence of peaks in phytoplankton biomass even with some missing values, suggesting the parametric Gaussian function is a powerful tool for capturing the development and decay of phytoplankton blooms. Based on the timing and presence/absence of a peak in phytoplankton biomass and following the classification developed by the previous exploratory work, spring bloom types are classified into three groups (under-ice blooms, probable under-ice blooms, and marginal ice zone blooms). Our results showed that the proportion of under-ice blooms was higher in the Chukchi Sea than in the Bering Sea. The probable under-ice blooms registered as the dominant bloom types in a wide area of the Pacific Arctic, whereas the marginal ice zone bloom was a relatively minor bloom type across the Pacific Arctic. Associated with a shift of sea-ice retreat timing toward earlier dates, we confirmed previous findings from the Chukchi Sea of recent shifts in phytoplankton bloom types from under-ice blooms to marginal ice zone blooms and demonstrated that this pattern holds for the broader Pacific Arctic sector for the time period 2003–2019. Overall, the present study provided additional evidence of the changing sea-ice retreat timing that can drive variations in phytoplankton bloom dynamics, which contributes to addressing the detection and consistent monitoring of the biophysical responses to the changing environments in the Pacific Arctic.
Transcriptome analysis of Kentucky bluegrass subject to drought and ethephon treatment
Authors: Zhang Jiahang , Gao Yanan , Xu Lixin , Han Liebao
Published: December 2021

Kentucky bluegrass(Poa pratensis L.)is an excellent cool-season turfgrass utilized widely in Northern China. However, turf quality of Kentucky bluegrass declines significantly due to drought. Ethephon seeds-soaking treatment has been proved to effectively improve the drought tolerance of Kentucky bluegrass seedlings. In order to investigate the effect of ethephon leaf-spraying method on drought tolerance of Kentucky bluegrass and understand the underlying mechanism, Kentucky bluegrass plants sprayed with and without ethephon are subjected to either drought or well watered treatments. The relative water content and malondialdehyde conent were measured. Meanwhile, samples were sequenced through Illumina. Results showed that ethephon could improve the drought tolerance of Kentucky bluegrass by elevating relative water content and decreasing malondialdehyde content under drought. Transcriptome analysis showed that 58.43% transcripts (254,331 out of 435,250) were detected as unigenes. A total of 9.69% (24,643 out of 254,331) unigenes were identified as differentially expressed genes in one or more of the pairwise comparisons. Differentially expressed genes due to drought stress with or without ethephon pre-treatment showed that ethephon application affected genes associated with plant hormone, signal transduction pathway and plant defense, protein degradation and stabilization, transportation and osmosis, antioxidant system and the glyoxalase pathway, cell wall and cuticular wax, fatty acid unsaturation and photosynthesis. This study provides a theoretical basis for revealing the mechanism for how ethephon regulates drought response and improves drought tolerance of Kentucky bluegrass.
Efficient Synthesis, Spectral, Characterization, Antimicrobial
and DFT Studies of Antimony(III) Dithiocarbamates
Authors: Tamilvanan S.
Published: December 2021

The synthesis and characterization of novel antimony(III) dithiocarbamate complexes tris(N-furfuryl-
N-propyldithiocarbamato-S,S′)antimony(III) (1) and tris(N-furfuryl-N-butyldithiocarbamato-
S,S′)antimony(III) (2) have been characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, NMR (1H and 13C) spectra
and antimicrobial studies. The characteristic thioureide (νC-N) bands occur at 1462 and 1475 cm-1 for
complex 1 and 2, respectively. The theoretical calculations of the complexes have been carried out by
density functional theory (DFT). The FMOs, MEP, Mulliken charge distribution and chemical activity
parameters of the optimized structure have been calculated at the same level of theory. The MEP
structure indicated that the positive and negative potential sites are around hydrogen atoms and
electronegative atoms of the studied complexes, respectively. The Agar-well diffusion method were
used to study the antimicrobial activity of the complexes against two Gram-positive bacteria (Klebsiella
pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus), two Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Vibrio
cholera) and two fungal organisms (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger).
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Evaluation of
Novel Triazole Linked Chromone Biheterocycle Analogs
Authors: Soujanya Jilla , Reddy D. Ravisankar , Kalyani Gade
Published: December 2021

The current work focused on the synthesis of novel chromone biheterocycle analogs followed by its
characterization through physico-chemical and spectral techniques like FTIR, mass and NMR
spectroscopy. The basic triazole heterocycle and its analogs have different biological properties. At
the point when one biological active molecule is connected to another, the resultant shows improved
potency (biheterocycles). Chromone and triazole are selected in this study to develop new efficient,
simple, economically viable and biologically active synthetic compounds. All the novel derivatives of
triazole linked chromone biheterocycles were synthesized via a click chemistry procedure and screened
for in vitro antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant studies. Among them, the compounds CRN-F
(IC50 = 35.97), CRN-H (IC50 = 28.76) and CRN-J (IC50 = 29.72) have significant free radical scavenging
activity in comparison with the ascorbic acid as control standard (IC50 = 23.07). Some of these novel
derivatives exhibited moderate antimicrobial and antifungal activity compared to that of the reference
standards. Hence, the novel chromone biheterocycle analogs played a protective role against oxidative
damage.
Simultaneous Removal of Copper and Lead Ions from Industrial and
Mining Effluents Using Biosorbents Derived from Rhododendron arboreum
Plant: Adsorptive Optimization and Mechanism Evaluation
Authors: Mundlamuri Venkateswarlu , Ravindhranath Kunta , Pala Sneha Latha , Biftu Wondwosen Kebede
Published: December 2021

The present investigation is focused on developing simple and effective bioadsorbents for the
simultaneous removal of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions from industrial and mining effluents. Rhododendron
arboreum plant biomaterials are identified to have strong adsorptivity for Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions. Stem
powers (RSP), their active carbon (RSAC) and the active carbon doped in Ca-alginate beads,
RSAc-Ca.alg, are investigated for the simultaneous removal of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions. Various extraction
conditions were investigated and optimized for the maximum Cu2+ and Pb2+ removal. The sorption
capacities were 35.0 mg/g for RSP, 38.5 mg/g for RSAC and 45.8 mg/g for RSAC-Ca.alg. Common
co-ions were marginally interfered and spent sorbents can be used after regenerating with 0.1 HCl for
a multiple number of cycles. Thermodynamic analysis indicated the spontaneity of adsorption process
and favourability of adsorption at elevated temperatures. The high positive ΔH values indicate the
endothermic nature of sorption and mechanism is ion-exchange and or a sort of complex formation
between Cu2+/Pb2+ ions and functional groups of sorbents. High positive ΔS values indicate intensive
disorder at solution/solvent boundary and thereby, favouring enhanced sorption. Sorption is well
explained by Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second order kinetics. The sorbents were applied
to treat effluent samples collected from industries and mining in India and Ethiopia for the removal of
Cu2+ and Pb2+. The results show that both the metal ions can be successfully removed at the optimum
extraction conditions arrived in this investigation. The merit of this investigation is that at a convent
working pH 6, effective simultaneous removal of toxic Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions from industries can be
achieved with simple biosorbents derived from Rhododendron arboreum plant.
Synthesis, Characterization, Semiconductor-Assisted Photocatalysis and Antibacterial Activity of Electrochemically Synthesized SnS and NiS/SnS Nano Photocatalysts
Authors: Uma Hosaholalu Balakrishna , Vijaya Kumar Malahalli S. , Ananda Sannaiah
Published: December 2021

In present study, SnS and NiS/SnS nano-photocatalysts have been synthesized by simple electrochemical method and their photocatalytic activity and bacterial inactivation were investigated. The size, morphology, chemical composition and optical properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) and optical absorption spectroscopy. The XRD analysis confirmed the crystalline SnS phase. The band gap estimated from Tauc’s plot was 2.9 eV for SnS and 2.7 eV for NiS/SnS nanoparticles shows that they are photoactive under UV light radiation. The photocatalytic activity of nanoparticles was studied by degradation of textile dye Indigo carmine under ultraviolet radiation and the photocatalytic decolourization of the dye follows the first order kinetics. The antibacterial susceptibility of SnS and NiS/SnS nanoparticles was evaluated by disc diffusion Kirby-Bauer method using Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Synthesis and Antioxidant Evaluation of Indole Quinoline Derived Chalcones
Authors: Raithak Pranita V. , Dhabe Arvind S. , Atkore Sandeep T. , Alam M. Mujahid , Kotra Vijay , Varala Ravi
Published: December 2021

A series of novel indole quinoline derived chalcones were synthesized using cost-effective synergetic
catalytic system consisting of heterogeneous basic bleaching earth clay (pH 12.5) and PEG-400 as
solvent at ambient temperature with the yields of 60-76%. All these chalcones were characterized by
spectral data. Both the DPPH and SOR scavenging assays were performed to evaluate their antioxidant
nature of these compounds.
Thermodynamic Studies on Ion Association of Lithium Chloride and Lithium
Nitrate in Acetonitrile + Water Mixed Solvents at Different Temperatures
Authors: Lalrosanga  , Singh N. Mohondas
Published: December 2021

The present study reports the ion association of lithium chloride (LiCl) and lithium nitrate (LiNO3)
electrolytes in acetonitrile + water (AN+W) mixtures at 283.15 K to 311.15 K. Their limiting molar
conductance (Λo), the association constant values (KA) for their different mole fractions, i.e. 0.0000,
0.0588, 0.1233, 0.1942, 0.2727, 0.3600, 0.4576, 0.5676, 0.6923, 0.8351 and 1.0000 have been evaluated
using Shedlovsky technique. The KA and Walden products (Λoηo) for LiCl and LiNO3 salts have been
calculated in the acetonitrile-water solvent at experimental temperatures. The calculated values
qualitatively examined the possible nature of the solvent-solvent, their ion-ion, and ion-solvent and
interactions of the two selected compounds mixed solvents of (acetonitrile + water). Then dependence
of KA temperature has also been investigated to obtain the thermodynamic functions of different
parameters, such as ΔGº, ΔSº, ΔHº and Ea, as a function of the mixed composition of the composition
solvents AN+W (acetonitrile + water).
Prevenção quinquenária na unidade de terapia intensiva em época de pandemia
Authors: Souza Laurindo Pereira , Rosa Silva Maria Luiza Alvarez , Piassi Siqueira Rasna
Published: December 2021

A prevenção quinquenária é o meio de prevenir o dano para o paciente, atuando nos profissionais de saúde no sentido de evitar fenômenos como o burnout. Objetivou-se descrever a importância da prevenção quinquenária na saúde dos profissionais que atuam na linha de frente às vítimas da COVID-19 em unidade de terapia intensiva. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, do tipo análise reflexiva narrativa explorada no mês de fevereiro a março de 2021 nas bases de dados Pubmed, Lilacs e SciELO e literatura cinzenta. Os resultados do estudo mostraram aumento do número de casos e óbitos decorrentes de COVID-19 no Brasil, onde os números alarmantes contribuíram para alteração do aspecto psicológico dos profissionais envolvidos, tornando-se mais abalados e fragilizados, sendo essencial a implementação de estratégias voltadas a prevenção quinquenária a fim de evitar danos ao paciente.  Conclui-se que a prevenção quinquenária e o burnout tem conceitos diferentes, e que ações bem planejadas necessitam serem implementadas agindo diretamente nos profissionais da saúde em seu contexto biopsicossocial podem modificar a relação destes profissionais quanto a atenção/cuidado e consequentemente influenciando no desfecho da saúde dos pacientes.
Saúde suplementar no Brasil pela economia da saúde
Authors: Sona de Miranda Pires Jonas , Carnut Leonardo , Mendes Áquilas
Published: December 2021

Analisou-se a literatura específica em economia da saúde, publicada pela Associação Brasileira de Economia da Saúde – ABRES entre 2004 e 2012, que aborda o tema da Saúde Suplementar, realizando uma crítica à persistência da abordagem neoclássica nesse campo. Tratou-se de uma análise materialista-histórica da produção dessa associação sobre o tema. Tomou-se como material empírico o documento “A produção de conhecimento em economia da saúde: uma perspectiva bibliográfica (2004–2012)”, confeccionado em parceria com o Ministério da Saúde e a Organização Pan-americana de Saúde. Foram analisados 20 trabalhos, dos quais, 15 se localizavam na vertente econômica neoclássica. As principais categorias de análise foram: “regulação e microrregulação”, “controle de custos e despesas”, “seleção adversa”, “desempenho do mercado”, “informações sobre os beneficiários dos planos de saúde” e “financiamento do sistema privado”. Em geral, os artigos não apresentam apenas um único fundamento ou conceito de uma determinada teoria econômica. Estudos sobre “regulação em saúde” são os mais frequentes e tendem a depositar muita confiança na capacidade do Estado de controlar o mercado. Há uma tendência minoritária de trabalhos sobre análise de concorrência, análises de desempenho e microgestão que apontam, desde aquele período, para a gênese de um discurso economicista neoclássico, que tende a ser o caminho da disputa do discurso científico atual da saúde suplementar no Brasil contemporâneo.
Hepatitis B Virus Infection and Extra-Hepatic Manifestations: A Systemic Disease
Authors: Cacoub Patrice , Asselah Tarik
Published: December 2021

People living with hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronic infection are exposed to high rates of liver complications including end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Extrahepatic manifestations of HBV infection have long been underestimated. Several of these extrahepatic syndromes have been well described, including systemic vasculitides, glomerulonephritis, and cutaneous manifestations. Other manifestations have been more recently described such as hematological malignancies and neurological diseases. These extrahepatic manifestations are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although not completely understood, underlying mechanisms include HBV-induced local and systemic inflammation. Suppression of HBV replication usually improves extrahepatic manifestations. This review will discuss how HBV induces inflammation and the extrahepatic manifestations of HBV infection to guide clinical management.
La ola autoritaria y el extremismo en el mundo durante la pandemia de COVID-19
Authors: Moreno Valencia Rafael
Published: December 2021

La actual pandemia de COVID-19 ha tenido impactos económicos, políticos y sociales en el mundo. Sin embargo, la actual crisis sanitaria ha traído consigo otra pandemia: una ola creciente de autoritarismo y extremismo en muchas sociedades. Factores como crisis económicas, humanitarias o sociopolíticas han detonado polarización y malestar social, mientras que movimientos políticos han aprovechado estas crisis para llegar al poder o avanzar en sus agendas políticas. La crisis sanitaria no hizo más que agravar la deriva autoritaria ya existente mientras que los grupos extremistas han aprovechado la actividad y conectividad en línea de las personas confinadas para atraer a más seguidores y tomar acciones violentas a través de las redes sociales. Si crece la ampliación del poder y la autonomía de los Estados-nación durante la pandemia de COVID-19, junto con pocos contrapesos al interior, existen riesgos de efectos duraderos para la privacidad, la seguridad y la democracia de todos los países.
Atypical ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Presentation in Patients With COVID-19 at a High-Volume Center in New York City
Authors: Alvarez Villela Miguel A. , Alkhalil Ahmad , Weinreich Michael A. , Koslowsky Jonathan , Aoi Shunsuke , Latib M. Azeem
Published: December 2021

Atypical presentations of ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have been reported in patients who have COVID-19. We have seen this occurrence in our center in Bronx, New York, where multitudes of patients sought treatment for the coronavirus. We studied the prevalence of atypical STEMI findings among patients with COVID-19 who presented during the first 2 months of the pandemic.

Consistent with previous reports, 4 of our 10 patients with COVID-19 and STEMI had no identifiable culprit coronary lesion; rather, they often had diffuse ST-segment elevations on surface electrocardiograms along with higher levels of D-dimer and inflammatory markers. In contrast, 32 of 33 patients without COVID-19 (97%) had a culprit lesion. The patients with COVID-19 and a culprit lesion more often needed thrombectomy catheterization and administration of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors.

Our study confirms that patients with COVID-19 often have atypical STEMI presentations, including the frequent absence of a culprit coronary lesion. Our findings can help clinicians prepare for these atypical clinical presentations.
Correlation between Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score (NFS) with Left Ventricular Mass Index (LVMI) in patients with NAFLD
Authors: Rachmatullah Tri Ferry , Permatadewi Cecilia Oktaria , Hutami Hesti Triwahyu , Limantoro Charles , Purnomo, MD, PhD Hery Djagat
Published: December 2021

Background: Cardiovascular-related mortality is a major concern in NAFLD. Advanced fibrosis was known to be associated with cardiovascular diseases. NAFLD Fibrosis Score (NFS) is used to identify the development of liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients. Left ventricular mass index (LVMI) is a sign of subclinical cardiovascular complications in NAFLD. The correlation between NAFLD fibrosis score with LVMI in NAFLD patients is not fully established.Objective: To analyze the correlation between NAFLD fibrosis score with LVMI  in NAFLD patients.Methods: A cross-sectional study of NAFLD patients in Kariadi Hospital Indonesia. NFS was done using a formula based on clinical and biochemical parameters. LVMI was measured with echocardiography. Pearson’s, Mann-Whitney, and logistic regression were used for analysis.Results: A total of 64 patients with primary NAFLD were enrolled, 54.7% males and 45.3% females. Mean age was 52,8 ± 10,5 years (30-77 years). Based on NFS criteria, high probability group was the highest (50%), followed by intermediate probability group (34,4%) and low probability group (15,6%). Highest increase in LVMI was obtained in the high probability group (93,8%), followed by intermediate probability (59,1%), and low probability group (10%) respectively. There was significant correlation between NFS and LVMI (P 0,002). Logistic regression showed that NFS has a more significant correlation with LVMI compared to gender (P=0,002).Conclusion: NFS is a non‐invasive liver fibrosis scores which independently corelated with Left ventricular mass index (LVMI), a marker of cardiovascular abnormality.