bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying Grassland Biomass and Regenerative Grazing Using Satellite Remote Sensing and Machine Learning
Authors: Ogungbuyi Michael Gbenga , Guerschman Juan Pablo , Fischer Andrew Martin , Crabbe Richard Azu , Mohammed Caroline , Scarth Peter , Tickle Phil , Whitehead Jason , Harrison Matthew Tom
Published: April 2023

The emergence of cloud computing, big data analytics, and machine learning has catalysed the use of remote sensing technologies to enable more timely land management of sustainability indicators such as ground cover and grassland biomass, given the uncertainty of future climate and drought conditions. Here, we examine the potential of “regenerative agriculture”, as an adaptive grazing management strategy to minimise bare ground exposure while maximising pasture biomass productivity. High-intensity sheep grazing treatments were conducted in small fields (less than 1 hectare) for short durations (typically less than 1 day). Paddocks were subsequently spelled to allow pasture biomass recovery (treatments comprising 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 months) with each compared with control treatments with lighter stocking rates for longer periods (2,000 DSE). Pastures were composed of wallaby grass (Austrodanthonia species), kangaroo grass (Themeda triandra), Phalaris (Phalaris aquatica, and cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata) were destructively sampled to estimate total standing dry matter (TSDM), standing green biomass, standing dry biomass and trampled biomass. We then invoked a machine learning model using Sentinel-2 imagery to quantify TSDM, standing green biomass and standing dry biomass. Faced with La Nina conditions, regenerative grazing did not significantly impact pasture productivity, with all treatments showing similar TSDM and green biomass. However, regenerative treatments significantly impacted litter fall and trampled material, with the high intensity grazing treatments causing more dry matter trampling, increasing litter, enhancing decomposition rates and surface organic matter. Pasture digestibility was greatest for treatments with minimal spelling (3 months), whereas both standing senescent and trampled material were significantly greater for the treatment with 15-month spell periods. Estimates of TSDM using machine learning with Sentinel-2 imagery underestimated TSDM in treatment plots but explained spatiotemporal variability associated within and across treatments. The root mean square error between the measured and modelled TSDM was 903 kg DM/ha, which was less than the variability measured in the field. We conclude that regenerative grazing with short recovery periods (3-6 months) are most conducive to increasing pasture production under high rainfall conditions, and we speculate that high intensity grazing is likely to positively impact on soil organic carbon through increased litterfall and trampling. Our study paves the way forward for using machine learning with satellite imagery to quantify pasture biomass at small scales, enabling management of pastures from afar.
Destandau’s Approach to the Cervical and Thoracic Spine
Authors: Kaushal Mohinder , Kaushal Mukul
Published: April 2023

Objective: Destandau’s endospine technique was initially described for lumbar disc herniation and was later applied for lumbar spinal stenosis. Favorable outcomes have been reported with this technique for lumbar degenerative pathology. This article attempts to review the literature and define the scope of Destandau’s technique in cervical and thoracic pathologies.Methods: A literature search for the keywords “Destandau” and “endospine” was performed in the PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, Embase, and MEDLINE databases. The review was conducted according to the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) tool.Results: In total, 91 studies were found, out of which three studies employed Destandau’s endospine technique for cervical and thoracic pathologies. Three book chapters describing the Destandau technique in cervical pathology and intradural tumor excision were also included in the review. The technique has been successfully employed by various authors for an anterior or posterior cervical approach to disc herniation, cord decompression, and excision of intradural extra-medullary lesions of the spinal canal. No studies mentioned using the Destandau technique for thoracic disc herniation, traumatic fractures, or ossified ligamentum flavum decompression. Conclusion: Destandau’s endoscopic technique has been applied successfully in anterior and posterior cervical approaches for cervical disc herniation, myelopathy and intradural tumors, and its advantages include less pain, minimal muscle damage, shorter hospital stays, and the preservation of spinal stability/segment mobility. Further studies comparing various techniques would help choose the most patient-friendly technique for specific pathologies.
The Growing Popularity of MISS: A Focus on Endoscopic Surgery for the Cervical and Thoracic Spine
Authors: Hur Junseok W , Lee Subum , Kim Bum-Joon , Kim Se-Hoon
Published: April 2023

This editorial article explores advances in the field of spinal surgery, focusing on minimally invasive spinal surgery (MISS) and its applications in treating cervical and thoracic spine conditions. MISS has gained popularity due to its reduced pain, minimal scarring, and shorter recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. Endoscopic surgery, the core of many MISS procedures, offers several advantages, such as reduced blood loss, minimal tissue damage, shorter hospital stays, and enhanced visualization. However, it is important to emphasize the need for sufficient experience in endoscopic surgery and the adoption of more delicate techniques when addressing cervical and thoracic spine disorders, as more serious complications can occur in these regions than in the lumbar spine. Various endoscopic techniques, including anterior cervical discectomy, posterior cervical foraminotomy, thoracic discectomy, and thoracic decompression, have been successfully employed to treat cervical and thoracic spine disorders. As the field of spinal surgery continues to advance, the use of endoscopic techniques in MISS is expected to become more widespread, benefiting patients and contributing to a more efficient and cost-effective healthcare system.
Understanding the Seasonality in Crude Oil Returns for WTI and Brent
Authors: Khan Zafarullah , Saha Tapash Ranjan , Ekundayo Tosin
Published: April 2023

There is a lack of research on the seasonal anomalies in the crude oil market. This study aims to fill that gap by examining the effect of days-of-the-week and month-of-the-year on crude oil price returns. To achieve this, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) daily and monthly data from January 1986 to July 2022 and Brent data from May 1987 to July 2022 were analyzed. The regression analysis utilizing dummy variables for days and months was used to determine the effect of days-of-the-week and month-of-the-year on crude oil price returns. The results reveal that Monday has the lowest average crude oil price returns for both WTI and Brent, while Thursday has the highest average returns. In addition, November and December have the lowest average returns for both WTI and Brent, while May has the highest average returns. The effect of Thursday and Friday was observed in the Brent market, while the effect of Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday was noticed in the WTI crude oil market. The results show that there is no month-of-the-year effect in Brent, but November and December have an effect on the WTI crude oil market.
Effect of Membrane Fouling with Different Backwash Mode for Ultrafiltration Process in Municipal Wastewater: Hydraulic Backwash and Backwash with Sodium Hypochlorite
Authors: Yang Lian , Qiu Haoran , Lu Zixin , Zhang Chunrui , Liu Guoliang , Chang Jiang , Wu Congcong , Dong Shuoxun , Yang Shaoxia , Xiao Feng
Published: April 2023

Ultrafiltration process is widely used in the municipal wastewater treatment. However, membrane fouling is posing a critical obstacle limiting the further application which lead to membrane performance decline and operating costs increase. In this study, the raw water was the denitrifying biological filter from Beijing municipal wastewater treatment. The performance and membrane fouling under different backwash modes was investigated. One mode was the traditional hydraulic backwash and the other was the addition of sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) into the backwash water. The results showed that the trans-membrane pressure (TMP) increased from 33.2 kPa to 48.2 kPa under the hydraulic backwash in 80 filtration cycles, but increased from 33.3 kPa to 39.3 kPa under the addition with NaClO. It also can be noticed that the hydraulic-irreversible fouling index decreased from 5.58×10− 3 m2/L to 3.58×10− 3 m2/L under the introduction of NaClO to backwash. Moreover, the membrane fouling mechanism under different backwash modes was expored. According to EEM, the response value of protein-like was increased from 11.9–15.2% under the addition of NaClO. The protein-like was identified as the main component contributed to the membranes fouling by blocking the membrane pores. The fouling layer can be stripped by the backwash with the adding of NaClO. In addition, the consumption of NaClO was decreased from 675 g to 670 g after the addition of NaClO in backwash during 2.5 chemically enhanced backwash cycle. Moreover, backwash with the addition of NaClO was an easy and better control method for membrane fouling in real application.
Teratogenicity caused by Voriconazole (anti-fungal drug) on Swiss albino mice
Authors: Gupta Hansa , Bhatnagar Pradeep , Shahani Lata
Published: April 2023

With the Increased cases of fungal infections which affects majority of population at different stages and situations, one such section of population is of pregnant females. Rate and susceptibility of fungal infections is particularly higher in pregnant females as the immunity of the mother is compromised. Infections like Invasive aspergillosis, esophageal candidiasis and candidemia are being treated with new age triazole antifungals- voriconazole. Prolonged and high concentrations of this drug is associated with various developmental anomalies. With this aim teratogenic studies were performed on pregnant female mice during gestation and weaning period to observe the effects of voriconazole at different concentrations (8mg/kgb.w., 10mg/kg b.w., and 20mg/kg b.w.). Pregnant dams subjected to 20mg/kg b.w. voriconazole had small litter size and high resorptions. Presence of 14 th rib, asymmetry in sternebrae and craniofacial defects were some of skeletal anomalies in foetus and pups subjected to 10mg/kg b.w. and 20 mg/kg b.w. concentration of voriconazole.
Protective role of gallic acid against fenitrothion-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity via oxidative stress, histopathological and biochemical alterations
Authors: Apaydın Fatma Gokce , Kalender Suna , Baş Hatice , Kalender Yusuf
Published: April 2023

Fenitrothion (FNT) is a known environmental contaminant used in public health and agriculture. Gallic acid (GA) is a phenolic compound found in numerous plants. This study analyzed the hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects of FNT and to evaluate the possible protective effect of gallic acid. FNT (1/25 LD50, 32 mg/kg body weight/day), and gallic acid (50 mg/kg body weight/day) were administrated to male rats by gavage for 28 days. In the present study, the renal (blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and uric acid levels) and liver (albumin, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglyceride, lactate dehydrogenase) function markers in the blood, acetylcholinesterase activities, antioxidant enzyme activities and malondialdehyde level as markers of oxidative stress, and histopathological changes were researched in liver and kidney tissues. Additionally, while superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase activities were decreased in the liver and kidney tissue of rats treated with fenitrothion, malondialdehyde level was significantly increased. Histopathological analyses showed many injuries occurred in the renal and hepatic tissue of fenitrothion-treated animals. Also, the supplementation of gallic acid with fenitrothion significantly improved fenitrothion-induced alterations in renal and liver function markers, antioxidant enzyme activities, acetylcholinesterase activities malondialdehyde levels, and histological features of tissues.
The Air We Breathe: An In-Depth Analysis of PM2.5 Pollution in 1312 Cities from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Zhou Qin , Nizamani Mir Muhammad , Zhang Hai-Yang , Zhang Hai-Li
Published: April 2023

In recent decades, the phenomenon of rapid urbanization in various parts of the world has led to a significant increase in PM2.5 concentration, which has emerged as a growing social concern. In order to achieve the objective of sustainable development, the United Nations Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have established the goal of creating inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human habitats (SDG 11). Goal 11.6 aims to decrease the negative environmental impact per capita in cities, with an emphasis on urban air quality and waste management. However, the global distribution of PM2.5 pollution varies due to disparities in urbanization development in different regions. The purpose of this paper is to explore the global spatial distribution and temporal variation of PM2.5 in cities with populations greater than 300,000 from 2000 to 2020, to gain insight into the issue. The findings indicate that PM2.5 concentrations are expected to continue increasing as urbanization progresses, but the rate of evolution of PM2.5 concentration varies depending on the continent, country, and city. From 2000 to 2020, PM2.5 concentration increased significantly in Asia and Africa, with the majority of the increased concentrations located in Asian countries and some African countries. On the other hand, most European and American countries had lower PM2.5 concentrations. The results of this study have the potential to inform urbanization policy formulation by providing knowledge about the spatial distribution of PM2.5 pollution during global urbanization. Addressing the issue of PM2.5 pollution is critical in achieving SDG 11.6 and promoting sustainable and coordinated development in cities worldwide.
The Role of Non-classical and Chain-Related Human Leukocyte Antigen Polymorphisms in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ormandjieva Anastasia , Yordanov Stanislav , Stoyanov Hristo , Deliverska Elitsa , Shivarov Velizar , Ivanova Milena
Published: April 2023

Background:Laryngeal cancer is one of the most common head and neck malignancies worldwide. Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is the major pathological subtype of laryngeal cancer. LSCC originates from the epidermal keratinocytes and is characterized by impaired keratinization. It has been shown that alterations of the expression of non-classical human leukocyte antigens (HLA) and the chain-related MIC molecules by malignant cells can lead to escape from the immune system control and certain allele variants may participate in immune editing and therefore be associated with modulation of cancer risk. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of non-classical HLA class Ib and chain-related MIC polymorphisms, determined at the allelic level by next-generation sequencing (NGS), in patients from the Bulgarian population, diagnosed with LSCC.
Materials and methods:In the present study DNA samples from 48 patients with LSCC were used. Data was compared to 68 healthy controls analysed in previous studies. HLA genotyping was performed by using the AlloSeq Tx17 early pooling protocol and the library preparation AlloSeq Tx17 kit (CareDx). Sequencing was performed on MiniSeq sequencing platform (Illumina) and HLA genotypes were assigned with the AlloSeq Assign analysis software v1.0.3 (CareDx) and the IPD-IMGT/HLA database 3.45.1.2.
Results:The HLA disease association tests revealed a statistically significant predisposing association of HLA-F*01:01:02 (P=0.0103, OR=24.0194) with LSCC, while HLA-F*01:01:01 (P=8.21e-04, OR=0.0485) has a possible protective association. Additionally we observed several haplotypes with statistically significant protective and predisposing associations. The strongest association was observed for F*01:01:01-H*01:01:01 (P=0.0054, haplotype score=-2.7801).
Conclusion:Our preliminary study suggests the involvement of HLA class Ib in cancer development and the possible role of the shown alleles as biomarkers of development of LSCC.
Explaining persistent physical symptoms to patients in general practice: can tests to measure central sensitisation add value? A mixed-methods study.
Authors: Boer Carine den , Krak Zola , Terluin Berend , Wouden Johannes C. van der , Blankenstein Annette H. , Horst Henriette E. van der
Published: April 2023

Introduction
GPs struggle to explain to patients with persistent physical symptoms (PPS) why their symptoms persist. Providing an explanation of the central sensitisation (CS) mechanism to patients could be helpful, yet GPs do not test for signs of CS in patients. Our aim was to explore whether applying a test for assessing CS is valuable for the explanation.
Methods
In a prospective study, 25 GPs applied three tests, selected in a Delphi study, to assess CS-related symptoms: 1. the Central Sensitisation Inventory (CSI); 2. an algometer for pressure pain thresholds (PPT); 3. a monofilament for temporal summation. After the test, GP and patient filled in a short questionnaire. Finally, GPs shared their experiences in focus groups and interviews; we interviewed a sample of patients individually. We analysed the questionnaires quantitatively and the focus groups and interviews qualitatively; two researchers analysed the data.
Results
GPs found that all tests were feasible to perform during consultations; testing took less than 5 minutes in 25% and between 5 and 10 minutes in 60% of the applied tests. In about 50%, an additional consultation was necessary to perform the test. The results of the CSI confirmed CS-related symptoms more often (74%) than the algometer (46%) and monofilament (43%), and many GPs therefore preferred the CSI. Patients had no preference for a particular test; most patients found the tests valuableand the explanation of CS clearer when a test was used.
Conclusions
In addition to explaining CS to patients with PPS, GPs applied three tests to assess CS: an algometer, a monofilament and the CSI. Testing during the consultation was feasible, although an extra consultation was needed in 50% of the cases. GPs preferred the CSI since its results confirmed symptoms were related to CS more often than the results from the algometer and monofilament.
Sr/Ca in foraminiferal calcite as a proxy for calcifying fluid composition
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Jia Qicui , Watkins James , Devriendt Laurent , Huang Yuefei , Wang Guangqian
Published: April 2023

Foraminifera are unicellular organisms that inhabit the oceans. They play an important role in the global carbon cycle and record valuable paleoclimate information through the uptake of trace elements such as strontium (Sr) into their calcitic (CaCO3) shells. Understanding how foraminifera control their internal fluid composition to make CaCO3 is important for predicting their response to ocean acidification and for reliably interpreting the chemical and isotopic compositions of their shells. Here, we model foraminiferal calcification and strontium partitioning in the benthic foraminifera Cibicides wuellerstorfi and Cibicidoides mundulus based on insights from inorganic calcite experiments. The model reconciles inter-ocean and taxonomic differences in benthic foraminifer Sr/Ca partitioning relationships and enables us to reconstruct the composition of the calcifying fluid. We find that Sr partitioning and mineral growth rates of foraminiferal calcite are not significantly affected by changes in external seawater pH (within 7.8–8.1) and [DIC] (within 2100–2300 µmol/kg) due to a regulated calcite saturation state at the site of shell formation. Such homeostasis of the calcifying fluid could explain why foraminifera have been resilient to changes in ocean carbonate chemistry for more than 500 million years. Nevertheless, our model indicates that past foraminiferal DSr values were lower than its modern value due to overall lower ocean pH and higher seawater temperature during the early and middle Cenozoic.
Relationship between UV-Vis spectrum of dissolved organic matter and enzyme activity under the effect of the natural nitrogen and phosphorus in sediment
Authors: Zhao Zike , Shi Xintong , Wang Chao , Su Wanyin , Feng Mengqian , Zhang Jiahui , Yang Bo
Published: April 2023

The decomposition of organic matter(OM) into dissolved organic matter(DOM) isaccomplished by a series of bacterial extracellular enzymes, which can also be affected by nitrogen and phosphorus. There have been many studies on the molecular weight, source, humification characteristics, decomposition and transformation of OM, but fewer studies on the relationship between DOM with enzyme activity under the natural total nitrogen(TN) and total phosphorus(TP). So we investigated the natural TN and TP concentration in the offshore sediments of mangrove forest and oyster farm and explored their effects on the UV-Vis spectral characteristics of DOM in combination with the enzymatic activities of neutral phosphatase (Nep), lignin peroxidase (Lip) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in the profile sediment. The results showed that the mean TN concentration ranged from 16.3 to 19.9 g/kg and the mean TP concentration ranged from 0.41 to 0.47 g/kg at different depths of sediments. Local correlation analysis showed that the natural TN in the mangrove mid-tide zone could enhance the PPO activity, while TP in the oyster farm high-tide zone inhibited the PPO activity. Elevated TP concentration led to higher aromatic condensation and humification of OM, while enzyme activity did not correlate with any UV-Vis spectral parameter of the DOM within the overall area, indicating that the OM in the study area was mainly composed of terrestrial source that were not decomposed by enzymatic reactions but inorganic chemical reactions .
Carotid Doppler findings among patients admitted with stroke in two tertiary care facilities in Uganda: A Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Walubembe Jonathan , Ssinabulya Isaac , Mubuuke Aloysius G. , Kagwa Mark Mohan , Babirye Deborah , Okot Jerom , Bongomin Felix , Nakku Miriam , Ongom Diana Okello , Ameda Faith
Published: April 2023

BackgroundCarotid Atherosclerotic Disease (CAD) Doppler findings including carotid artery stenosis, thickened intima media thickness, and high-risk atherosclerotic plaques are associated with increased risk of stroke and symptomatic cerebrovascular disease. However, few studies have explored these Doppler characteristics among stroke patients in Africa. This study, therefore, investigates these carotid artery Doppler characteristics among stroke patients in Uganda.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study of 95 stroke patients attending two national referral hospitals in Uganda between March and July 2022. Following the caption of their sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, they underwent Doppler sonography of the extracranial carotid arteries using a standard carotid Doppler protocol. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with abnormal carotid Doppler parameters (i.e., carotid intima-media thickness, carotid stenosis).ResultsThe mean age of the study participants was 61 ± 13 years with 60% (57/95) of the participants being male. Most participants had an ischemic stroke (67%), hypertension (76.4%), and used alcohol (58.9%). The prevalence of significant carotid stenosis in participants with ischemic stroke was 12.5% (8/64) (i.e., 7.8% had severe carotid stenosis and 4.7% had moderate stenosis). The prevalence of high carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) and atherosclerotic plaques were 31.6% (30/95) and 26.3% (25/95), respectively. Most atherosclerotic plaques were echogenic. Age above 60 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 5.2, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]:1.97-14;p < 0.010), high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (aOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.29–8.79;p = 0.013) increased the likelihood of having abnormal CIMT.ConclusionThe burden of carotid atherosclerotic disease is increasing among stroke patients in Uganda. Large-scale epidemiological studies are needed to further profile the disease in high risk populations.
Virtual Screening and Reality Verification:Elemene Injectable Emulsion acts on the key targets and pathways of Colorectal Adenoma Cancerization
Authors: Chen Tingting , Shi Yabo , Bao Jianrong , Shi Wenchuan , Liu Fang
Published: April 2023

Purpose Most colorectal cancer(CRC) is developed from intestinal adenomatous polyps. Therefore, it is urgent to find new therapeutic drugs to intervene intestinal adenoma development in CRC.ELEMENE INJECTABLE EMULSION(EIE) has been reported to exert antitumor activity in various digestive tumor diseases. However, the mechanism of EIE in preventing colorectal adenoma (precancerous lesions) from developing into CRC has not been systematically explored.Methods Using network pharmacology correlation analysis and molecular docking, the central target of EIE in preventing colorectal adenoma(CRA) from transforming into cancer through innate immunity was excavated and verified. The differentially enriched pathways of human CRA, CRC, and corresponding adjacent tissue samples were analyzed by reverse-phase protein array (RPPA) to verify the relevant mechanism. Colon cancer cells were intervened to observe the proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle in different concentrations of EIE. The predicted related targets were verified by RT-PCR(real-time PCR), and the pathways were confirmed by Western blot.Results The analysis results show that Retinoid X Receptor alpha (RXRa) was the key target gene, and the main pathway was PI3K/AKt. Molecular docking results show that β- Elemene,γ-Elemene, and δ- Elemene have a strong affinity for RXRa.RPPA technology was used to analyze the functional enrichment of the differentially expressed genes of the Adenoma Cancer sequence, Adenoma Paracancerous sequence, and Cancer-Paracancerous sequence. The enrichment results of the three groups of sequence differential genes showed that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was the most significant. In addition, based on HCT116 and THC8307 in vitro experiments, PI3K,p-PI3K, Akt,p-Akt, and RXRa proteins and the relative expression of RXRa mRNA in the EIE intervention group were studied, and the predicted results were verified.Conclusion This is also the first evidence that our data provide that elemene aims to target the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and RXRa, a target gene to play its role in affecting the development of CRA in cancer through innate immunity.
ALT/AST ratio: the useful predictive marker for insulin resistance
Authors: Han Seul Ki , Lee Taesic , Kim Moon Young
Published: April 2023

Background and Aims: Insulin resistance is common pathophysiology in type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. As increased to the prevalence of these diseases, screening the risk for IR becomes important to prevent disease progression. To predict insulin resistance in the general population, regardless of comorbidity, we analyzed the health examination data using Alanine aninotransferase/Aspartate aminotransferase ratio for analysis.
Method: 2015, 2019, and 2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) were analyzed to validate our hypothesis. For the evaluation of insulin resistance, the following four indices were implemented: fasting serum glucose (Glc) and insulin; Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA- IR) and β cell function (HOMA- β). Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) was implemented to evaluate the degree of association of liver profiles with indices for IR. Linear or logistic regression (LiR or LR) was implemented to identify the association of liver profiles with IR value or status, respectively. Classification performance was evaluated based on the area under curve of Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUC).
Results: Based on PCC, serum ALT in Korean men and women was positively related to four IR indices, including Glc, insulin, HOMA-IR, and HOMA-β. These positive relationships remained after selecting subjects diagnosed with diabetes or dyslipidemia, alcohol consumption, or subjects having general obesity or abdominal obesity. ALT/AST ratio was also robustly correlated with the four IR indices. In the multivariate LiR, when comparing ALT levels, ALT/AST ratio in Korean men exhibited better predictive performance for Glc and HOMA-β, besides, that in Korean women provided improved outcomes for all IR indices. Based on the prediction for the binary form of IR status, the ALT/AST ratio in Korean men and women could well predict HOMA-β and HOMA-IR, compared to the sole ALT level, respectively.
Conclusion: In the analysis that includes a large community-based population, ALT/AST ratio is a useful predictive marker compared with HOMA-IR. A simple, precise marker that is represented to ALT/AST could be a practical method to screen insulin resistance in the general population regardless of Diabetes mellitus (DM), alcohol intake, and gender.
Modified Tree Rule Firewall for Removing Redundant and Shadowing Rules in Cloud Firewall Policy
Authors: HAKANI DHWANI , MANN PALVINDER
Published: April 2023

Most private networks are secured by firewalls, which are crucial for safety. A firewall aims to inspect each incoming and outgoing packet before deciding whether to allow it. Among conventional firewalls, rule-based ones are the most frequently used. However, traditional Listed-Rule firewalls have limits when it comes to task performance and is ineffective when used with some networks that have very large firewall rule sets. This paper suggests a model firewall design, "Tree-Rule Firewall," which has advantages and works with expansive networks like "cloud". This paper proposes a modified tree rule firewall (MTRFcloud) for removing redundant and shadowing rules, improving cloud network security. This work first generates a tree rule firewall for the corresponding firewall policy. The suggested modified tree rule firewall does not produce redundant rules and efficiently finds the shadow rules. Then, a modified Tree-Rule firewall that manages firewall rules was tested in a cloud setting. It is shown that the updated Tree-Rule firewall provides faster processing and greater network security. With a big network, like a cloud network, the modified Tree-Rule firewall is simpler to construct and efficiently removes the redundant and shadow rules.
Avian nuptial plumage coloration changes differently when exposed to urban and rural areas
Authors: Surmacki Adrian , Siefferman Lynn , Plackowska Anna
Published: April 2023

Avian plumage coloration could be altered by external factors like dust accumulation, but the effect of environmental conditions on such post-moult colour changes are poorly studied. Here, we investigated how exposure to the atmosphere in habitats of differing anthropogenic pressures modifies UV/blue structural plumage coloration- a sexually-selected trait in Eastern BluebirdsSialia sialis. We collected feather samples from live birds and distributed them in three types of habitats: i) urban roads with low traffic, ii) urban roads with high traffic, iii) rural roads with low traffic. After 4 weeks, the brightness of feathers decreased in all types of habitats-resulting in less-ornamented coloration. Changes in UV and blue chroma, however, varied with habitat type; chroma decreased in urban areas (becoming less ornamented), but increased in rural locations (becoming more ornamented). According to physiological models of avian colour vision, however, these changes in coloration tended to be below perceptual thresholds. Our results underscore the importance of how human activity can influence plumage colour of individual birds during the period between moult cycles which could have an impact on avian visual signaling. The study opens venues for further studies focusing on how the optical properties of specific airborne particles can influence coloration of wild-living animals.
Physical-Chemical and Energy Characterization of Residual Biomass from Baru Fruit (Dipteryx Alata Vogel)
Authors: Costa Emerson Belarmino , Gouvêa Adriana de Fátima Gomes , Carneiro Angélica de Cássia Oliveira , Carvalho Ana Márcia Macedo Ladeira , Gomes Claudia Marcia , Câmara Ana Paula
Published: April 2023

The use of the fruit of the species Dipteryx alata Vogel (baru) is a highly profitable and expanding activity in the Brazilian market, although the almond of the fruit has high commercial value, the processing of the fruit generates about 87% of residual biomass. The objective of this work was to characterize the biomass and biochar obtained from the residual biomass of the fruit. Biomass was characterized in relation to physical, chemical and energetic properties. Subsequently, biomass carbonization was carried out at different rates of final temperatures (450; 550 and 650 ° C). For carbonization, the gravimetric yield in biochar, bio-oil and non-condensable gases was analyzed. Biochar was characterized in relation to chemical, physical and energetic parameters. The apparent density value found for biomass was 0.917 g.cm−³ while the biochar varied from 0.723 to 0.768 g.cm−³. Regarding the chemical composition of the biomass, the extract value was 9.88%. The total lignin content was 28.29%. For the immediate chemical analysis the values were 0.40 for ash, 18.47% for fixed carbon and 81.34% for volatile materials. The gravimetric yield of biochar at different temperatures ranged from 34.99 to 39.48%, while the yield on condensable gases ranged from 35.36 to 40.33% and the yield on non-condensable gases was around 23.54 to 25, 29%. The calorific value of biomass was 21,176 kj.kg− 1 and biochar up to 35,328a kj.kg− 1. The values found indicate that the residual biomass and biochar from the fruit's pericarp, showed high energy potent.
Quantifying Anthropogenic Interventions in Yamuna River Through River Flow Health Index and Geomorphic Analysis
Authors: Mohanty Maithili , Tare Vinod
Published: April 2023

The study deals with the flow alterations and planform adjustments due to the construction and operation of barrages in Yamuna River, India. The flow alterations are quantified using the River Flow Health Index on a 0–1 scale. The planform adjustments are analyzed using satellite-generated geomorphic maps. Results show that the magnitude and variability of flows are the most altered components during the construction phase. During post operation of Hathnikund barrages, the variability of flows associated with water withdrawal is the most altered component. Downstream of the barrage displayed an increase in fluvial bars and channel multiplicity and a decrease in channel area and width due to erratic construction activities, restricting floodplain connectivity. However, the river tends to return to the previous altered state during the post-Hathnikund barrage period. Withdrawal from the Hathnikund barrage to meet the water demand has left the channel dry during the year's lean season (2003, 2008, and 2013). Maintaining a minimum flow of 10m3/s during the lean season as ordered by the National Green Tribunal, India has reduced the channel belt in the Yamuna River (2018). These findings may help re-implement reservoir operating policies reducing downstream hydrological modifications, and aid in developing the river basin development plans.
Correlation between lymphotoxin-α concentrations and conjunctival goblet cell density in dry eye patients
Authors: Ke Lan , Wu Huanhuan , Shen Dan , Qi Mengying , Qiao Chen , Wang Haoyu , Zeng Qingyan
Published: April 2023

Purpose
To explore the relationship between the tear lymphotoxin-α (LT-α) concentration, conjunctival goblet cell density (GCD) and ophthalmic parameters in dry eye patients and the value of the LT-α concentration and conjunctival GCD in diagnosing dry eye.
Methods
Prospective case‒control study. Seventy-eight dry eye patients and twenty normal subjects were recruited. After completing the China Dry Eye Questionnaire, all subjects were examined in sequence with slit-lamp microscopy, tear LT-α concentration analysis, tear meniscus height measurement, the Schirmer I test and the conjunctival GCD examination using confocal microscopy.
Results
The conjunctival GCD (54.70 (24.38–126.50) cells/mm2) in the dry eye group was lower than that in the control group (125.80 (72.75–180.00) cells/mm2) (P = 0.011). The LT-α concentration(0.17(0.05–1.18) ng/ml) in the dry eye group was lower than that in the control group(0.30(0.13–1.32) ng/ml) without statistical significance (P = 0.366). And the LT-α concentrations were positively correlated with the tear film breakup time (FBUT) ( r = 0.262, p < 0.01). When LT-α < 1.47 ng/ml (81.6% subjects fell in this range), conjunctival GCD was positively correlated with the LT-α concentration (β = 63.92, P = 0.004). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of LT-α concentration in the diagnosis of dry eye was 0.5657, the cutoff value was 0.11 ng/ml, the sensitivity was 41.03%, and the specificity was 80.00%. The AUC of conjunctival GCD in the diagnosis of dry eye was 0.6993, the cutoff value was 67.90 cells/mm2, the sensitivity was 59.15%, and the specificity was 82.35%.
Conclusion
The LT-α concentration is valuable in evaluating conjunctival GCD and tear film stability. The value of evaluating the conjunctival GCD using confocal microscopy in dry eye diagnosis is worthy of attention.
Gram classification of positive blood cultures is associated with mortality outcomes in septic acute kidney injury requiring continuous renal replacement therapy
Authors: Lee Jinwoo , Song Jeongin , Kim Seong Geun , Yun Donghwan , Kang Min Woo , Kim Dong Ki , Oh Kook-Hwan , Joo Kwon Wook , Kim Yon Su , Han Seung Seok , Park Jae Yoon , Kim Yong Chul
Published: April 2023

Sepsis is one of the most common causes of AKI in ICU patients, accounting for 15–20% of renal replacement therapy prescriptions. Herein, we aimed to investigate how bacterial blood culture results before CRRT correlate with mortality outcomes in patients with septic AKI requiring CRRT. The enrolled patients were divided into culture-negative, gram-positive, and gram-negative. Since the use of empirical antibiotics can affect culture-positive determination, information on antibiotic use was collected in chronological order. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality after the initiation of CRRT. A total of 874 septic AKI patients requiring CRRT were classified into three groups: culture-negative, gram-positive cocci, and gram-negative rods. Their in-hospital mortality rates were 79.1%, 75.7%, and 61.9%, respectively (P = 0.002). In univariable Cox survival analysis performed after matching propensity scores, the gram-negative rod group was still associated with an approximately 37% reduction in mortality compared to the culture-negative group. The survival benefit of the gram-negative rod group during and after CRRT remained consistent across all subgroups, showing any P for interactions greater than 0.05. Culture-positive of gram-negative rods before CRRT initiation determine subsequent better clinical outcomes, such as lower mortality in patients undergoing CRRT due to septic AKI.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) Could Serve as a Potential Marker for Delirium and Delirium Duration in Geriatric Patients with Hip Fracture: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhao Shengjie , Sun Tiansheng , Zhang Jianzheng , Wang Yelai , Guo Yanhui , Wang Xiaowei
Published: April 2023

Purpose Postoperative delirium (POD) is an independent risk factor not only for mortality but also for institutionalization and dementia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors, which is related to the pathogenesis of POD, in geriatric patients with hip fracture.Methods 1,242 Eligible patients with hip fracture were enrolled. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to identify the optimal cut point of NLR for POD. The relationship between NLR and POD occurrence, NLR and POD duration were analyzed by multivariable analysis.Results ROC curve showed that the optimal cut point of NLR for POD was NLR ≥ 7.6. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NLR ≥ 7.6 (odds ratio [OR] 2.75, [95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51 to 5.02], p = 0.001), stroke (OR 1.05, [95% CI 1.02 to 1.09], p = 0.005), complications, general anesthesia, long length of stay were risk factors of POD, with the largest effect for NLR ≥ 7.6. NLR ≥ 7.6 (OR 0.59, [95% CI 0.209 to 0.886], p = 0.038), older age (OR 0.054, [95% CI 0.009 to 0.099], p = 0.019), previous stroke (OR 0.908, [95% CI 0.085 to 1.731], p = 0.031), and previous heart failure (OR 1.679, [95% CI 0.448 to 2.910], p = 0.008) suggested long POD duration.Conclusions NLR could be used as a potential marker for prediction of POD and POD duration in geriatric patients with hip fracture.
Autosomal dominant tubulointerstitial kidney disease cosegregating with COL4A4:p.G545A in Turkish Cypriot families with kidney failure
Authors: Ozdemir Fezile , Oygar D Deren , Behlul Ahmet , Ataç Salahi , Bardak Simge , Yükseliş Meral , Deltas Constantinos , Papagregoriou Gregory , Malatras Apostolos , Gale Daniel P , Gurkan Cemal , Neild Guy H
Published: April 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health priority with over 850 million people affected. The starting point for improving outcome must be to diagnose the primary renal disease and in low and middle income countries ‘unknown aetiology’ accounts for the majority of diagnoses. In Cyprus, familial kidney disease is very common. Using next-generation sequencing, we found that a common polymorphism (COL4A4:p.G545A), hitherto considered to be benign or hypomorphic, was present in 5 of 53 Turkish Cypriot families with kidney disease and a glomerular phenotype (at least one person with haematuria and/or proteinuria). Therefore, we tested 49 further families with kidney disease using a restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. From this total of 102 families, we showed that this variant was present in 12 of 85 families (14%) with some evidence of glomerular disease and none of 17 with chronic kidney disease lacking these features. Co-segregation analyses indicated that the variant co-segregated with disease more than would be expected by chance. These families have an autosomal dominantly inherited susceptibility to kidney disease associated with variable and intermittent microscopic haematuria, proteinuria < 1 g/day until the eGFR falls below 30 ml/min. End-stage kidney disease occurred in 17% of those affected at a median of 66 years. The presentation is more characteristic of a tubulointerstitial kidney disease and represents a tubular phenotype of Alport spectrum nephropathy.
Heritable microbiome variation is correlated with source environment in locally adapted maize varieties
Authors: Yu Peng , He Xiaoming , Wang Danning , Jiang Yong , Li Meng , McLaughlin Chloee , Marcon Caroline , Guo Li , Baer Marcel , Delgado-Baquerizo Manuel , Moya Yudelsy Tandron , von Wirén Nicolaus , Deichmann Marion , Schaaf Gabriel , Piepho Hans-Peter , Yang Zhikai , Yang Jinliang , Yim Bunlong , Smalla Kornelia , Hüging Hubert , Sawers Ruairidh , Reif Jochen , Hochholdinger Frank , Chen Xinping , de Vries Franciska , Goormachtig Sofie
Published: April 2023

Beneficial interactions with microorganisms are pivotal for crop performance and resilience. However, it remains unclear how heritable the microbiome is with respect to the host plant genotype and to what extent host genetic mechanisms can modulate plant-microbe interactions in the face of environmental stress. Here, we surveyed 3,168 root and rhizosphere microbiome samples from 129 accessions of locally adapted Zea mays, sourced from diverse habitats and grown under control and different stress conditions. We quantified treatment and host genotype effects on the microbiome. Plant genotype and source environment were predictive of microbiome abundance. Genome wide association analysis identified host genetic variants linked to both rhizosphere microbiome abundance and source environment. We identified transposon insertions in a candidate gene linked to both the abundance of a keystone microbe Massilia and source total soil nitrogen, finding specific Massilia alone can contribute to root development, biomass production and nitrogen resilience. We conclude that locally adapted maize varieties exert patterns of genetic control on their root and rhizosphere microbiomes that follow variation in their home environments, consistent with a role in tolerance to prevailing stress.
the incidence rate and prognostic factors of heart failure-related adverse events in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Maoning , Mu Tingting , Sun Youhai , Wang Xiaojun , Deng Aiyun
Published: April 2023

Introduction heart failure is a common comorbidities of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy（HCM）, The mortality and hospitalization rates of heart failure-related in patients with HCM is constantly increasing，However, Prognosis and risk assessment of heart failure-related adverse events（HF-RAEs）in patients with HCM is controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of the incidence rate and predictors of HF-RAEs in patients with HCM.
Methods PubMed, Embase, Web of science, and Cochrane library were searched to identify studies that compared the incidence rate and predictors of HF-RAEs in patients with HCM. The outcomes of interest included the incidence rate and predictors of HF-RAEs, such as sex, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left atrial diameter.
Results fourteen studies comprising 6,903 patients were included. The pooled results showed a higher incidence (11%) of HF-RAEs in patients with HCM. Some clinical and imaging parameters, such as male gender (HR = 1.963, 95% CI (1.354, 2.847)), atrial fibrillation（HR=2.60,95%CI（1.87,3.61））, left atrial diameter (HR = 1.06, 95% CI (1.04, 1.07)) ,and LVEF (HR=0.96,95%CI(0.95,0.97)) could be used as predictors of the occurrence of HF-RAEs in patients with HCM, while hypertension (HR=1.47,95%CI (0.99,2.20) could not.
Conclusion Patients with HCM have a higher incidence of HF-RAEs. Clinical indicators, as well as imaging parameters could predict the risk of HF-RAEs in patients with HCM. These risk factors should be closely monitored to effectively prevent the occurrence of HF-RAEs in HCM.