bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ДЕКЛАРИСАЊЕ МЕСА – МИШЉЕЊЕ И ПОВЕРЕЊЕ ПОТРОШАЧА
Authors: ЈАЊИЋ Јелена , БАЛТИЋ Милан Ж. , ЛОВРЕНОВИЋ Мирјана , ГРБИЋ Славен , НЕДИЋ Драго , ЂУРИЋ Споменка , ВЕЈНОВИЋ Бранислав , ПЕНДОВСКИ Лазo , МИРИЛОВИЋ Милорад
Published: May 2023

Један од главних циљева мера безбедности хране је повећање поверења потрошача у храну уопште, а месо нарочито, те се стога потрошачу путем декларисања пружају информације о квалитету и безбедности меса. Поверење потрошача и безбедност хране постали су централно питање у ланцу исхране. Недавни развоји у области обележавања, следљивости и шема осигурања квалитета нуде широке токове информација доступних потрошачу. Декларисање је данас један од најпоузданијих начина информисања потрошача о квалитету хране. За потребе овог истраживања подаци су прикупљени анкетирањем 1.000 потрошача са подручја Бања Луке и Градишке. Резултати овог испитивања показују да највећи део потрошача (98,1%) сматра да месо треба да има декларацију и статистички најважнија (p0,05) информација на декларацији јесте рок трајања (75,8% одговора) у односу на остале информације (хранљивост, начин производње, земља порекла). За потрошаче је, такође, значајан и начин паковања меса (45,3% одговора). Такође, утврђене су статистичке значајности разлика (p0,05) у одговорима о поверењу у инфомације о безбедности/квалитету меса добијених на различите начине (месар, продавац, рођак, познаник, кулинар). Испитани потрошачи највише верују информацијама о безбедности/квалитету меса добијених од лекара/нутриционисте (53,1%), а најчешће неутралан однос имају према информацијама добијеним од удружења за заштиту потрошача (41,9%). Није довољно разјашњено који тип информација потрошачи највише траже на декларацијама, нарочито када је питању месо и производи од меса, због чега је оправдано континуирано испитивање потрошача, укључујући социолошке и економске факторе, шта их мотивише да купују, које карактеристике квалитета захтевају и којим изворима информисања највише верују.
KRIPTORHIZAM KOD PASA
Authors: SPASOJEVIĆ Jovan , GALIĆ Ivan , TOHOLJ Bojan , STANČIĆ Ivan , NIKOLIĆ Sandra , DAVIDOV Ivana , KUKURIĆ Tijana , POPOVIĆ Nenad
Published: May 2023

Kriptorhizam predstavlja oboljenje koje se manifestuje zaostajanjem testisa sa pripadajućim anatomskim strukturama unutar abdomena ili ingvinalnog kanala. Kod pasa, pojava kriptorhizma je nerazjašnjene etiologije, ali se smatra da za nastanak ima genetsku osnovu. „Zlatni standard“ u dijagnostici ovog oboljenja predstavlja ultrazvučna dijagnostika sa osetljivošću 95-100%. Istraživanje je sprovedeno na 10 pasa. Klinički pregled pasa suspektnih na kriptorhizam je inicijalno izveden metodama adspekcije i palpacije, nakon čega je pristupano ultrazvučnom pregledu radi identifikacije i lokalizacije zaostalih testisa. Kod svih pasa izvršeno je hirurško odstranjivanje kako zaostalih, tako i fiziološki spuštenih testisa. Na odstranjenim zaostalim testisima je izvršena patohistološka analiza. Kod 2 od 10 pasa (20%) je ustanovljen bilateralni kriptorhizam, dok je kod 8 od 10 pasa (80%) ustanovljen unilateralni kriptorhizam. Desni unilateralni kriptorhizam je utvrđen kod 5 od 8 pasa (62,5%), dok je levi unilateralni kriptorhizam utvrđen kod 3 od 8 pasa (37,5%). Prediktivna vrednost poređenja ultrazvučne identifikacije i lokalizacije zaostalih testisa sa njihovom hirurškom identifikacijom i lokalizacijom u ovom istraživanju iznosi 100%. Rezultati patohistološke analize su pokazali prisustvo tumoroznih promena u tipu seminoma na jednom testisu kod jednog psa (unilateralni ingvinalni kriptorhizam), dok je kod preostalih 9 pasa na morfološki promenjenim testisima postavljena dijagnoza atrofije testisa.
Helically twisted double-cladding-three-core photonic crystal fiber for generation of orbital angular momentum
Authors: Zhao Li-Juan , Jiang Huan-Qiu , Xu Zhi-Niu ,   School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China,   Hebei Key Laboratory of Power Internet of Things Technology, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China,   Baoding Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Optical Communication Technology, North China Electric Power University, Baoding 071003, China
Published: May 2023

Aiming at the shortcomings of helically twisted single-cladding-few-core photonic crystal fibers in generating orbital angular momentum (OAM), the double-cladding and three-core structures with non-uniform inner and outer air holes are introduced into a photonic crystal fiber for the first time and the generation of high-order OAM modes through helical twisting is realized. The fiber is expected to reduce the losses of the generated OAM modes by introducing a specially designed double-cladding structure, while the three cores distributed in a regular triangle around the center are expected to increase the number of generated OAM modes. On the basis of optical transformation theory, the optical fiber is systematically analyzed by the finite element method. It is found that with the twist rate α = 7853.98 rad/m, the generated OAM modes include “OAM–4,1, OAM+9,1, OAM+10,1, OAM+11,1, OAM+13,1”, where +13 is the highest order in the OAM modes currently generated by using helically twisted fibers. And the losses of OAM modes are all less than 1.64×10–3 dB/m, which is at least two orders of magnitude lower than the lowest OAM mode loss reported in the existing references (Napiorkowski M, Urbanczyk W S 2018 Opt. Express 26 12131), and their purity is greater than 93%. Further studies show that the generation of orbital angular momentum depends on the resonant coupling between the core supermode and the ring-core mode, and the parity of the order of the generated OAM modes is related to the polarization direction of the fiber core supermode and the ring-core mode.
A comparison of the mineral element content of 70 different varieties of pear fruit (Pyrus ussuriensis) in China
Authors: Liu Chang , Li Honglian , Ren Aihua , Chen Guoyou , Ye Wanjun , Wu Yuxia , Ma Ping , Yu Wenquan , He Tianming
Published: May 2023

Background

Pyrus ussuriensis (Maxim.) is a unique pear tree that grows in northern China. The tree has strong cold resistance and can withstand low temperatures from −30 °C to −35 °C. Due to its unique growth environment, its fruit is rich in minerals and has much higher levels of minerals such as K, Ca and Mg than the fruit of Pyrus pyrifolia (Nakai.) and Pyrus bretschneideri (Rehd.) on the market, and many say the ripe fruit tastes better than other varieties. A comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of mineral elements in the fruits of different varieties of P. ussuriensis will provide a valuable scientific basis for the selection, breeding and production of consumer varieties of P. ussuriensis, and provide a more complete understanding of nutritional differences between fruit varieties.

Methods

In this study, 70 varieties of wild, domesticated and cultivated species of P. ussuriensis from different geographical locations were compared. Targeting four main mineral elements and eight trace mineral elements contained in the fruit, the differences in mineral content in the peel and pulp of different varieties of P. ussuriensis were analyzed, compared and classified using modern microwave digestion ICP-MS.

Results

The mineral elements in the fruit of P. ussuriensis generally followed the following content pattern: K > P > Ca > Mg > Na > Al > Fe > Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd. The mineral element compositions in the peel and pulp of different fruits were also significantly different. The four main mineral elements in the peel were K > Ca > P > Mg, and K > P > Mg > Ca in the pulp. The mineral element content of wild fruit varieties was higher than that of cultivated and domesticated varieties. Correlation analysis results showed that there was a significant positive correlation between K, P and Cu in both the peel and pulp of P. ussuriensis fruit (P < 0. 01). Cluster analysis results showed that the 70 varieties of P. ussuriensis could be divided into three slightly different categories according to the content of the peel or pulp. According to the contents of the fruit peel, these varieties were divided into: (1) varieties with high Na, Mg, P, K, Fe and Zn content, (2) varieties with high Ca content and (3) varieties with medium levels of mineral elements. According to the fruit pulp content, these varieties were divided into: (1) varieties with high Mg, P and K content, (2) varieties with low mineral element content, and (3) varieties with high Na and Ca content. The comprehensive analysis of relevant mineral element content factors showed that ‘SSHMSL,’ ‘QYL,’ ‘SWSL’ and ‘ZLTSL-3’ were the best varieties, and could be used as the focus varieties of future breeding programs for large-scale pear production.
Risk Assessment of Oil and Gas Pipelines Failure in Vietnam
Authors: Dao Uyen , Sajid Zaman , Zhang Yahui
Published: May 2023

Pipelines in the oil and gas industry have been used as one of the most practical and inexpensive methods for large-scale oil and gas transportation. In harsh operating conditions, these pipelines are susceptible to failure, which causes leakage of oil and gas and a significant impact on the environment and economy. Therefore, operational failure risk in oil and gas pipelines is paramount. This paper proposes a model to study the risk assessment of natural gas release in onshore gas pipelines in Vietnam. The methodology analyzes the causes of the failure of the gas pipeline by integrating Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and fuzzy theory. Monte Carlo simulation is used to evaluate the level of uncertainty. The study identifies 21 risk factors that lead to the failure of the pipelines. The results of a case study on two pipelines in Vietnam reveal that the risk of pipeline failure due to rupture is higher than the failure risk due to puncture. Results also show that corrosion has lower chances of pipeline failure. However, it carries catastrophic consequences.
Clinico-aetiological Profile of Neonatal Hypertension: An Observational Study
Authors: Sankannavar Ashwini , Soumya M , Masali Balavanthraya
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The incidence of hypertension among neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is increasing. The reported incidence is between 0.2% and 3%. Blood Pressure (BP) among neonates varies considerably in the immediate postnatal period. The BP in neonates determined by birthweight, gestational age at birth and postnatal age. This variability in BP makes it challenging to diagnose neonatal hypertension. There is a paucity of Indian studies on neonatal hypertension. A systematic diagnostic evaluation of neonatal hypertension aids in early identification of the aetiology and further management. Aim: To assess the incidence of hypertension in neonates in the NICU and to evaluate the aetiology and clinical profile of neonatal hypertension. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based prospective observational study done at Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India, between August 2016 and August 2021. A total of 29 neonates who had neonatal hypertension were included in the study after obtaining ethical committee clearance. All relevant data regarding demographic details, risk factors for hypertension, clinical features, probable aetiology, and relevant investigations were collected in a predesigned proforma. These neonates were followed- up once a month until six months of age. All the data were entered in Microsoft Excel version 2203 and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0. The categorical variables were described as percentages. The numerical variables were compared using a Student’s t-test and a Chi-square test. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In the present study, out of 13,345, a total of 29 (0.22%) neonates had hypertension. Hypertension was more prevalent among term (82.7%). Of the 29 neonates, 19 (65.5%) had an antenatal risk for hypertension. A total of 14 (48.3%) of neonates had an antenatally diagnosed renal and/or cardiac anomaly. The most common presentation of hypertension is asymptomatic. Thirteen (44.8%) neonates had transient hypertension, which resolved at the time of discharge, and 16 (55.2%) neonates had persistent hypertension, requiring antihypertensive medication and follow-up. The most common aetiology for hypertension was renal and renovascular causes (44.8%). Mortality in the present study was 10.3% (n=3). Conclusion: Hypertension is an uncommon yet important problem in the NICU. In the majority of neonates, the presentation of hypertension is asymptomatic. Most common aetiology of hypertension being renal cause. Neonates with persistent hypertension may require long-term antihypertensive treatment and regular follow-up.
Angiogenic Biomarker Placental Growth Factor (PLGF) in the Prediction and Diagnosis of Placental Dysfunction in Pre-eclampsia: A Cohort Study
Authors: Kaur Mandeep , Kukreja Sahiba , Chhabra Namrata , Batish Ishaan , Pahwa Sangeeta
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Pre-eclampsia (PE), a pregnancy induced hypertensive disorder affects approximately 8-10% of all pregnancies in developing countries. A highly sensitive and specific marker for diagnosis of PE is the need of the hour as diagnostic criteria are still based on non-specific clinical symptoms, ultrasound, and laboratory findings. Imbalance in the placental release of various angiogenesis regulatory factors to the maternal circulation is one of the significant contributors to its clinical manifestations. Low levels of pro-angiogenic biomarker Placental Growth Factor (PLGF) are detectable several weeks before clinical presentation of PE. Aim: To determine the association of serum levels of PLGF with PE in second and third trimester of pregnancy. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was performed in a tertiary care hospital from December 2018 to November 2021, on 130 patients by dividing study participants into two groups: Pre-eclamptic cases, Normotensive controls. At enrollment in second trimester (24-28 weeks) and during third trimester (beyond 28 weeks) serum PLGF concentration was measured by using the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit method. Data was statistically analysed. Student’s t-test was used for comparing differences between study groups. The chi-square test was used to compare qualitative categorical data. Evaluation of the Area Under the Curve (AUC), diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity was done by Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis done using software defined cut-off values. Results: Total of 115 patients were analysed in the present study with 55 patients in group 1(mean age: 25.83±3.27 years) and 60 patients in group 2 (mean age: 30.52±5.63 years) When compared with normotensive group PLGF levels were significantly lower in pre-eclamptic group with median 16.27 ng/mL versus 12.20 ng/ mL (p <0.001) in second and 14.05 ng/mL versus 10.50 ng/mL (p <0.001) in third trimesters respectively. ROC curve analysis using cut-off point of 14.91 ng/mL showed sensitivity 80%, specificity 96.7%, AUC 0.896, 95%CI:(0.832-.959) in second trimester and in third trimester at cut-off point of 13 ng/mL sensitivity 73%, specificity 96.7%, AUC 0.882 95% CI:(0.816-.948) was found. Conclusion: PLGF may be used as a biomarker for early prediction, diagnosis, and management of PE. It might serve as ideal discriminating biochemical markers of PE. In the near future, the clinical utility of disease specific angiogenic biomarker in early detection of PE might improve health outcomes by preventing adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes and serious complications.
Viability of Spermatozoa in Goat's Liquid Semen after Adding Sweet Orange Essential Oil to The Andromed Extender
Authors: Sitepu Sukma Aditya , Marisa Julia , Rianto Aditiya Amanda
Published: May 2023

Aims: To find out the percentage of live spermatozoa after diluting the goat's liquid semen using an andromed extender plus sweet orange essential oil.

Study Design: Randomized Block Design.

Place and Duration of Study: Sample: Galang, Deli Serdang Regency, Indonesia, between December 2022 and January 2023.

Methodology: The research procedure starts with the preparation of semen extender, collection of fresh semen, dilution of semen and equilibration. This  research obtained  conducted  using  a  Randomized  Block  Design  consisting  of  5  treatment  levels  and  five replications. Semen storage using 3 Bucks, which has done for three days. As a treatment is the addition of sweet orange essential oil as much as (P0) 0%, (P1) 0.25%, (P2) 0.5%, (P3) 0.75% and (P4) 1% on the andromed extender. The observed variable was percentage viability spermatozoa evaluated before equilibration and after equilibration.

Results: The results showed that the addition of sweet orange essential oil had a not significant effect (P <0.01) to viability of spermatozoa. The results of adding sweet orange essential oil to the extender (after equilibration) were 80% (P0), 80% (P1), 80% (P2), 80% (P3) and 81% (P4).

Conclusion: Adding sweet orange essential oil to andromed had no effect on the viability of goat spermatozoa in liquid semen.
Factors Affecting the Adoption of Blackgram Variety LBG-752 in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Prasanthi S. , Kumar K. N. Ravi
Published: May 2023

The study was carried out to analyse the factors affecting the adoption of Blackgram variety LBG-752 in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. It specifically describes the determinants and the constraints by the farmers for adoption of Blackgram variety LBG-752. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 60 farmers for the study in Krishna district. Primary data were collected from the sampled farmers by using a well-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed by employing logistic regression and garret ranking technique. The logistic regression results showed that the farm size, size of the family, experience of the farmer and average annual farm income of the farmer were positively and significantly influenced the adoption of Blackgram variety LBG-752. On the other hand, age of the farmer was shown significant and negative influence on the adoption of Blackgram variety LBG-752. The garret ranking results revealed that the lack of knowledge to identify Blackgram varieties, lack of extension service and non- availability of required varieties during sowing period etc., were the major constraints faced by the farmers in the adoption of Blackgram variety LBG-752 in the study area.
Identification and Prioritization of Challenges in Accessing ICT Tools by Agricultural Extension Professionals in Northern Districts of West Bengal
Authors: Prasad C. Vara , Pradhan K.
Published: May 2023

The potential of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) for agriculture in the form of various knowledge management portals has been harnessed by various agricultural developmental organizations and so on. But still, there is a gap in the rural community's adoption and access to such technology. There are many reasons for this adoption lag, in the case of identifying such focused issues in accessing the ICTs, will be the key to addressing those challenges. In such a resilient backdrop, this article investigates by identifying and prioritising the challenges in accessing ICT tools for sustainable agriculture by agricultural system actors in the northern districts of West Bengal. The present study was conducted in two northern districts of West Bengal viz. Cooch Behar and Alipurduar districts. Two hundred respondents included from these two districts were selected randomly for the present study. The sample includes 60 percent of the farmers and 40 percent of extension personnel including scientists from   State Agriculture University, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Assistant directors of State Department of Agriculture, input dealers and grassroots-level extension professionals working in various farmers, clubs and NGOs. These respondents were interviewed through a structured, pre-tested interview schedule developed to measure the extent of ICTs usage designed with the help of the online Google forms and offline interview schedule. The obtained data were processed with the help of statistical tools like frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and Rank Based Quotient (RBQ). The constraints identified were, ‘lack of training and practical exposure towards ICTs’ (64.8%), followed by ‘high cost of ICT tools (64.55%), ‘insufficient local language information’ (62%), ‘low network connectivity’ (60.90%), ‘unavailability of different ICT tools’ (60.60%), ‘lack of skill in handling ICTs’ (58.65%), ‘lack of confidence in operating ICTs’ (55.40%), ‘high cost of repairing for ICT devices’ (49.40%), ‘irregular power supply’ (37.95%), and ‘lack of awareness of benefits of ICTs’ (36.40%).
Impact of Financial Support on Transforming China's Energy Economy
Authors: Xiaoyan Zhang,
Published: May 2023

This paper aims to study the financial tools and policies the People's Republic of China (PRC) can adopt to support its energy transformation initiatives. Improving the energy sector and expanding renewable energy sources are crucial to China's efforts to reduce its carbon emission by transitioning into a green energy economy. In this regard, finance-related problems are inextricably linked to China's financial growth and are one of the significant obstacles to its energy transitioning initiative. This study establishes a mixed-method approach to investigate its financial capability for the transformation phase and the ramifications to be incurred. A descriptive research design outlines data from the past three decades on its different renewable energy consumption. This research presents convincing proof demonstrating that financial progress is crucially significant and generates a total of 42.42% to the variety of green energy growth via an assessment utilizing macro-level data. Time series-based analysis with the vector autoregressive model (VAR) is used to compare the variables' past and current observations. The study's findings comprehensively demonstrate policy analysis, forecasting, and data describing China's fiscal ability to transform its energy economy through a practical approach such as green finance. The feasibility of equity financing, introducing financial instruments such as Green Bonds, and funding small-scale renewable energy projects is crucial in giving the nation the financial support necessary for the transformation. In particular, the capital sector is the most critical element, followed by foreign investment. Simple comparisons between the EU and US situations show that the EU approach is more pertinent; therefore, Chinese authorities should pay closer attention.
Food and Medicinal Aspects of Freshwater Snail Filopaludina bengalensis (Lamarck, 1822)
Authors: Rout Subhalakshmi , Rath Sakti Kanta , Kumar Sanjeet
Published: May 2023

Food is becoming more and more scarce due to several negative factors. People only focus on the readily available foods in their vicinity that are limited and well-known. Unexplored foods from the forest are out of our food baskets due to a metallic lifestyle that creates a lot of health problems and retards the development of a nation. From the forest’s wealth, plants are more known, but edible insects, snails, fish, and other such species are less known and need to be explored. Keeping this in view, an attempt has been made to find medicinal foods from the faunal wealth of Odisha. A survey was carried out in selected districts (Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, and Keonjhar) of Odisha state in 2023 and enumerated the species from the faunal wealth having food and medicinal values. Results revealed that snails are most common and consumed as a nutraceutical and have fewer scientifically known taxa in medico-food aspects. In this communication, the food and medicinal uses of Filopaludina bengalensis, a freshwater snail, are discussed, and further advanced work is recommended to do value addition for sustainable utilization.
A Case of Paratyphoid with Diarrhea as the Only Symptom in a 5 Year Old Boy from Southern Part of India
Authors: Raju Vannala , Lunavath Narayana , Makam Laxmi , Varma G. Manisha
Published: May 2023

Paratyphoid fever is a systemic bacterial infection caused by bacteria Salmonella paratyphi serovars A, B, or C. It is most associated with travel to endemic areas but can occur sporadically in non-endemic areas. While the disease is more commonly seen in adults, it can occur in children, and the presentation can be variable. It is clinically difficult to differentiate Typhoid from Paratyphoid without isolation of organism. We present a case of a 5-year-old boy, from Telangana state of South India, who presented with watery diarrhea of 8 to 10 episodes per day and abdominal discomfort for 5 days. At presentation child had some dehydration and very poor oral intake. Child did not respond to standard acute gastroenteritis with some dehydration management and continued to have persistent loose watery stools. Routine blood investigations, urine and stool microscopy revealed normal study. Further evaluation in the second week of illness revealed paratyphi on stool culture, and the child started to respondwithsensitive antibiotic cefotaximeinjections after 3 days of starting. However the child did not have other classical symptoms caused by paratyphi, such as fever, vomiting, or rose spots. Other classical investigations like blood culture and urine culture were negative. This case highlights the importance of considering paratyphoid as a potential cause for persistent diarrhea, even in young children, and the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment with appropriate antibiotics, especially in the absence of classical clinical or laboratory findings.
Outbreak of Cholera in Ghana: A Systematic Review from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Apenteng John Antwi , Korsah Samuel , Tagoe Miriam , Nortey Nathaniel Nene , Korsah Jessica , Wobetsey Benedicta Delase , Owusu Frederick Akuffo
Published: May 2023

Background: Cholera affects several hundred thousand individuals worldwide each year. According to estimates, more than 20 million individuals in Ghana are at danger of contracting the illness. However, research from Asia and other continents continues to be a major source of information for understanding cholera epidemiology in Africa, particularly in its coastal nations. The purpose of the study was to evaluate Ghana's cholera epidemics each year.

Methods: A thorough analysis of articles that have been published on cholera outbreaks worldwide and in Ghana. A thorough search was done in the databases of Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar to retrieve and to review research works published on cholera.

Results: Findings suggest cholera has been a significant public health issue for Ghana every year since the first case was reported in 1970. Greater Accra is the area with the most cholera cases each year, with Accra being the district with the most cases. Greater Accra alone reported 58.5% of all cholera cases in Ghana from 1998 to 2017. However, the least affected regions in Ghana are the Upper West, Northern, Upper East, and Volta region. The cause of these cholera outbreaks is subpar sanitation and contaminated water. Annual cholera outbreaks occur in Ghana, where more attention is needed. Multiple deaths have been caused by these epidemics.

Conclusion: Improved sanitation and provision of adequate clean drinking water can help curb the incidence of cholera and its devastating effects on individuals and the country as a whole.
Preventive Effects of Traditional Plant Concoction “Combo” on the Cyclophosphamide-Induced Ovarian Toxicity in Wistar Rats
Authors: Okoroafor Dorcas Okayo , Isirima Joshua Charles
Published: May 2023

Exposure to chemotherapeutic agents like cyclophosphamide (a drug for cancer treatment), leads to infertility due to its toxic effect on the ovaries.  Combo, “a commonly used plant concoction in traditional medicine for the treatment of infertility” is composed of Clove (dried flower), garlic (bulb), ginger (rhizome), and turmeric (rhizome). The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible prophylactic effects of Combo therapy in cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian toxicity in female Wistar rats. Female Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups (A-F) of 6 animals each. Group A (normal control) received distilled water only. Group B (negative control) received 200mg/kg of cyclophosphamide only, while group C (positive control) received only 29mg/kg of Combo. On the other hand, groups D, E and F were pretreated with Combo doses of (15, 29, and 290 mg/kg) and were later treated with 200mg/kg of cyclophosphamide after 7 days. All administrations were done orally. The reproductive hormones assayed were oestrogen and progesterone, while the oxidative stress biomarkers evaluated include glutathione, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide. Their levels were used as diagnostic markers for assessing the reproductive functions of the ovaries. Combo pre-treatment significantly (p<0.05) decreased the levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, and significantly (p<0.05) increased glutathione, oestrogen and progesterone levels when compared with cyclophosphamide group. Histopathological investigation showed that Combo mitigated degenerative cells in follicles, stromal oedema, and atresia of the follicles when compared with cyclophosphamide group. In conclusion, Combo has fertility potentials and can protect against ovarian degeneration in cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity.
Common Causes of Neonatal Death in Calabar, South-South Nigeria: An Autopsy Study
Authors: Ipeh Ugbem Theophilus , Kingsley Akaba , Edem Ushie David , Venn Juliet , Martin Nnoli , Abeng Ebughe Godwin , Olukayode Oshatuyi
Published: May 2023

Background: Neonatal deaths are deaths of live born babies occurring before 28 completed days. The vast majority occur in low-income countries like Nigeria with a high neonatal mortality rate. There is paucity of autopsy studies due to refusal of family to give consent for such procedures.

Aim: To identify the commonest causes of neonatal death in 53 neonatal autopsies in Calabar, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: Detailed postmortem was carried out using lettules techniques and bits taken for histological analysis to ascertain the cause of death. Other relevant contributory factors such as the gestational age, mode of delivery, place of birth, antemortem cause of deaths and maternal obstetric history were obtained from the medical records and autopsy request forms.

Results: In the one-year retrospective study of 53 neonatal autopsies, male: female ratio was 1: 0.83 and mean age at death was 6.5 + 7.3 days, ranging from 1 to 28 days. The commonest cause of neonatal death was severe birth asphyxia seen in 10 cases (18.9%), followed by kernicterus in 6 cases (11.3%), birth trauma seen in 6 cases (11.3%), congenital heart disease seen in 5 cases (9.4%), and prematurity seen in 5 cases (9.4%).

Conclusion: The study confirms the usefulness of neonatal autopsy in ascertaining the definitive cause of death. Severe birth Asphyxia was identified as the commonest cause of death in the neonatal period followed by birth trauma, kernicterus and congenital heart diseases.
Suppression of Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium oxysporum through Glomalin a Glycoprotein Produced by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi under in vitro Condition
Authors: Gupta Sheetanshu , Sharma A. K.
Published: May 2023

For sustainable agriculture to succeed, especially in the production of organic food, the use of biofertilizers and biopesticides is essential. Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis is important for improving plant development through increased nutrient intake, soil stabilization, and carbon sequestration through the creation of glomalin, a distinct and specialized protein. It was not determined whether glomalin affects soil-borne fungi infections. Therefore, using glomalin isolated from the soil used to raise maize plants inoculated with various arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), the inhibition of soil-borne plant diseases Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium oxysporum was examined. The outcomes demonstrated that there was variation in the quantity of glomalin generated by various AMF species. Glomalin isolated from soil inoculated with Glomus coronatum suppressed Sclerotium rolfsii and Fusarium oxysporum more effectively in in-vitro tests than soil inoculated with Glomus intraradices and Glomus mosseae.
Impact of Recreational and Leisure Activities on the Quality of Life of Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Sharma Ojaswita , Jain Neha , Meena S. K.
Published: May 2023

This study examines the effect of participation in leisure and recreational activities on quality of life among parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Jaipur, India. The study focuses on the challenges faced by parents of children with ASD and their impact on the parents' QOL. Additionally, this paper highlights the need to consider the mental health of parents in the interventions proposed for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

The article explores the effect of leisure and recreational activities on the quality of life among parents of children with ASD, a relevant topic in the rehabilitation field. Parents of children with ASD often experience high levels of stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact their quality of life. Participating in leisure and recreational activities has been suggested as a potential way to reduce stress and improve well-being. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of such interventions.

The results of the study indicate that participation in leisure and recreational activities can significantly improve the quality of life of parents of children with ASD. The study provides support for the use of leisure and recreational activities as a rehabilitation intervention for parents of children with ASD. The findings suggest that healthcare professionals working with families affected by ASD should consider incorporating leisure and recreational activities into their interventions to improve the well-being of parents. Overall, the study highlights the importance of addressing the needs of parents of children with ASD and provides evidence-based support for the use of leisure and recreational activities in rehabilitation programs.

The article is relevant to the rehabilitation field as it highlights the importance of considering the mental health of parents in interventions proposed for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. It also emphasizes the need to incorporate leisure and recreational activities as part of the treatment plan to enhance the QOL of parents of children with ASD. The valence points to take note of in the discussion include the impact of leisure and recreational activities on the QOL of parents and the need to provide support for parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Studies of the Solvent-Free Knoevenagel Condensation over Commercial NiO compared with NiO Drived from Hydrotalcites
Authors: Aider Nadia , Djebarri Baya , Touahra Fouzia , Layeb Hatem , Halliche Djamila
Published: May 2023

In this study, we compared the effect of the commercial NiO, synthesis NiAl-HT and NiO-HT drived from hydrotalcite in Knoevenagel condensation reaction. The NiAl-HT sample was synthesized by the coprecipitation method with a molar ratio M2+/M3+ = 2 at constant basic pH. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were utilized to identify crystalline phases present in NiAl-HT, NiO-HT and commercial NiO. The chemical composition of the obtained solids was determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). Other techniques, such as Thermogravimetric Thermal Analyzer (TGA), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Brunauere Emmette Teller Method (BET) were also used. As well as the BET showed the increase of the specific surface for the solid NiO-HT. The performance of the catalysts were studied in Knoevenagel condensation of benzaldehyde with ethyl acetoacetate without solvent to synthesis of organic compounds such as intermediates of dihydropyridines derivatives. The influence of different parameters, such as catalyst amount, reaction temperature and reaction time were optimized for studied the activity, the selectivity and the stability of the solids. Catalytic activity was in its lowest in the presence of NiAl-HT (26% of benzaldehyde conversion) whereas the benzaldehyde conversion increased to 77% in case of NiO-HT which can be explained by the presence of the basic sites of the NiO-HT oxides, a high surface area and a small crystallite size. Therefore, the lower increase in benzaldehyde conversion was noticed using commercial NiO (84%), perhaps owing to its high purity. A reaction mechanism is proposed by using density functional method (DFT). Copyright © 2023 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)
Personal and Planetary Health—The Connection With Dietary Choices
Authors: Shah Urvi A. , Merlo Gia
Published: May 2023

This Viewpoint offers strategies to help shift to plant-based diets to reduce climate change and promote individual health by encouraging patients, incorporating the environmental impact of food choices in national dietary guidelines, and adding plant-based nutrition training in medical schools.
Exosomal circ‐AHCY promotes glioblastoma cell growth via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Li Yuhui , Zheng Xuan , Wang Jiangong , Sun Mingyang , Li Dan , Wang Zhuo , Li Jingwu , Li Yufeng , Liu Yongliang
Published: May 2023

Background

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive brain tumor. Reportedly, circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in regulation of the development and progression of diverse cancers, including GBM.

Methods

Dysregulated circRNAs in GBM tissues were screened out from GEO database. The expression of candidate circRNAs in GBM cells was measured by qRT‐PCR. Loss‐of function assays, including colony formation assay, EdU assay, TUNEL assay, and flow cytometry analysis were conducted to determine the effects of circ‐AHCY knockdown on GBM cell proliferation and apoptosis. Animal study was further used to prove the inhibitory effect of circ‐AHCY silencing on GMB cell growth. Mechanistic experiments like luciferase reporter, RNA pull‐down and RNA‐binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays were performed to unveil the downstream molecular mechanism of circ‐AHCY. Nanosight Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) and PKH67 staining were applied to identify the existence of exosomes.

Results

Circ‐AHCY was confirmed to be highly expressed in GBM cells. Circ‐AHCY silencing suppressed GBM cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, circ‐AHCY activates Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway by sequestering miR‐1294 to up‐regulate MYC which activated CTNNB1 transcription. It was also found that circ‐AHCY recruited EIF4A3 to stabilize TCF4 mRNA. Enhanced levels of TCF4 and β‐catenin contributed to the stability of TCF4/β‐catenin complex. In turn, TCF4/β‐catenin complex strengthened the transcriptional activity of circ‐AHCY. Exosomal circ‐AHCY derived from GBM cells induced abnormal proliferation of normal human astrocytes (NHAs).

Conclusion

Exosomal circ‐AHCY forms a positive feedback loop with Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway to promote GBM cell growth.
Noble Metal Ion‐Directed Assembly of 2D Materials for Heterostructured Catalysts and Metallic Micro‐Texturing
Authors: Little Joshua M. , Sun Jiayue , Kamali Ali , Chen Amy , Leff Asher C. , Li Yang , Borden Leah K. , Dissanayake Thilini U. , Essumang Deborah , Oseleononmen Benita O. , Liu Dongxia , Woehl Taylor J. , Chen Po‐Yen
Published: May 2023

Assembling 2D‐material (2DM) nanosheets into micro‐ and macro‐architectures with augmented functionalities requires effective strategies to overcome nanosheet restacking. Conventional assembly approaches involve external binders and/or functionalization, which inevitably sacrifice 2DM's nanoscale properties. Noble metal ions (NMI) are promising ionic crosslinkers, which can simultaneously assemble 2DM nanosheets and induce synergistic properties. Herein, a collection of NMI–2DM complexes are screened and categorized into two sub‐groups. Based on the zeta potentials, two assembly approaches are developed to obtain 1) NMI‐crosslinked 2DM hydrogels/aerogels for heterostructured catalysts and 2) NMI–2DM inks for templated synthesis. First, tetraammineplatinum(II) nitrate (TPtN) serves as an efficient ionic crosslinker to agglomerate various 2DM dispersions. By utilizing micro‐textured assembly platforms, various TPtN–2DM hydrogels are fabricated in a scalable fashion. Afterward, these hydrogels are lyophilized and thermally reduced to synthesize Pt‐decorated 2DM aerogels (Pt@2DM). The Pt@2DM heterostructures demonstrate high, substrate‐dependent catalytic activities and promote different reaction pathways in the hydrogenation of 3‐nitrostyrene. Second, PtCl4 can be incorporated into 2DM dispersions at high NMI molarities to prepare a series of PtCl4–2DM inks with high colloidal stability. By adopting the PtCl4–graphene oxide ink, various Pt micro‐structures with replicated topographies are synthesized with accurate control of grain sizes and porosities.
Protonated Charge Reversal Nanodrugs for Active Targeting Clearance of Helicobacter Pylori Accompanied by Gut Microbiota Protection
Authors: Liu Cong , Chen Simiao , Sun Caixia , Zuo Wanchao , Wu Pengcheng , Wang Shuren , Dai Jianjun , Xing Yingying , Hou Yanglong , Ju Yanmin
Published: May 2023

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is listed as a definite carcinogen and clinical triple therapy is less satisfactory because H. pylori colonizes beneath the gastric mucous layer and easily forms biofilm. More importantly, the frequent and excessive use of antibiotics causes a disorder of gut microbiota due to the lack of targeting to H. pylori. Here, a kind of protonated charge reversal metal based nanodrugs (MNDs)—ZnO‐Ag‐mercaptoacetamide@chitosan for H. pylori eradication treatment without affecting beneficial gut microbiota is prepared. In H. pylori infected mouse model, the MNDs actively target submucosa colonized H. pylori owing to mucous penetrability and protonation effect, and further eradicate H. pylori and its biofilm by producing metal ions and reactive oxygen species. Transcriptomic analysis shows that there are no obvious side effects to intestinal microorganisms during the treatment. Besides, it is found that the MNDs are great potential to remove gastric inflammation along with the blocking of inflammatory pathways and the reduction of virulence factors, which is related to the infiltration of CD4+ T cells to clear H. pylori.
Multifunctional Fiber for Synchronous Bio‐Sensing and Power Supply in Sweat Environment
Authors: Tong Xiaoling , Yang Dongzi , Hua Tianjiao , Li Shuo , Wang Bingying , Shao Yuanlong
Published: May 2023

Continuous monitoring of human sweat, which enables highly sensitive multiple biomarkers analysis with a portable power supply, is increasingly desired for the remote healthcare industry. Smart fibers with on‐demand functionality are ideal candidates for fabricating noninvasive and conformal bioelectronic devices owing to their considerable flexibility. Herein, a multifunctional textile patch based on a reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/tetra‐aniline (TANi) fiber for simultaneous biomarker monitoring and energy supply is reported. Benefiting from the multi‐electrochemical redox states and proton doping/dedoping characteristics of TANi, rGO/TANi hybrid fibers are combined into an energy storage device and biosensor in a physiological environment. GO flakes increase the viscoelasticity of the wet‐spinning dope by regulating the noncovalent interactions between TANi aggregates, thereby enhancing the mechanical strength and conductivity of the resulting rGO/TANi hybrid fiber. Consequently, the hybrid fiber exhibits high volumetric capacitance and versatile sensing capability for various physiological analytes, e.g., pH, K+, and glucose in sweat electrolyte. Furthermore, a wireless continuous sweat monitoring system is constructed by integrating the multifunctional fiber sensor into a printed electric circuit board with programmed functionality. Such a delicate integrated design that harnesses the signal collection and communication units is anticipated to facilitate practical applications in personalized diagnostic and physiological health.
Heteroatom‐ and Bonded Z‐Scheme Channels‐Modulated Ultrafast Carrier Dynamics and Exciton Dissociation in Covalent Triazine Frameworks for Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Shen Rongchen , Li Neng , Qin Chaochao , Li Xiuzhi , Zhang Peng , Li Xin , Tang Junwang
Published: May 2023

Covalent triazine frameworks (CTF) offer a tunable platform for photocatalytic H2 generation due to their diverse structures, low costs, and precisely tunable electronic structures. However, high exciton binding energy and short lifetimes of photogenerated carriers restrict their application in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. Herein, a novel phosphorus‐incorporated CTF is introduced to construct a chemically bonded PCTF/WO3 (PCTFW) heterostructure with a precise interface electron transfer channel. The phosphorus incorporation is found to dominantly reduce the exciton binding energy and promote the dissociation of singlet and triplet excitons into free charge carriers due to the regulation of electronic structures. High‐quality interfacial WN bonds improve the interfacial transfer of photogenerated electrons, thus prolonging the lifetime of photogenerated electrons. Femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy characterizations and DFT calculations further confirm both phosphorus incorporation and Z‐scheme heterojunctions can synergistically boost the in‐built electric field and accelerate the migration and separation of photogenerated electrons. The optimized photocatalytic H2‐evolution rate of resultant PCTFW is 134.84 µmol h−1 (67.42 mmol h−1g−1), with an apparent quantum efficiency of 37.63% at 420 nm, surpassing many reported CTF‐based photocatalysts so far. This work highlights the significance of atom‐level interfacial exciton dissociation, and charge transfer and separation in improving photocatalysis.
d0 Magnetic Skyrmions in Two‐Dimensional Lattice
Authors: Dou Kaiying , He Zhonglin , Du Wenhui , Dai Ying , Huang Baibiao , Ma Yandong
Published: May 2023

Magnetic skyrmions are topologically protected chiral spin textures that hold great promise for information storage and processing. The current research efforts on magnetic skyrmions are exclusively based on d‐orbital magnetism, which restricts their existence in a narrow window of temperature‐external magnetic field (T‐B) phase diagram. Herein, employing first‐principles and Monte‐Carlo simulations, the work reports the identification of d0 magnetic skyrmions in 2D lattice of Tl2NO2. Arising from inversion asymmetry and strong spin‐orbit coupling compensated by ligand of heavy element, large Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction is obtained in monolayer Tl2NO2. This, competed with p‐orbital exchange interaction, leads to the d0 skyrmion physics under external magnetic field. Importantly, different from d‐orbital topological magnetism, the d0 magnetic skyrmions can be stabilized in a wide window of T‐B phase diagram. The underlying physics is related to the small magnetic moment and delocalization character of d0 magnetism. Furthermore, the work also demonstrates that the d0 magnetic skyrmions are strongly coupled with ferroelectricity. These findings open a new direction for magnetic skyrmion research.