bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing DNA isolation methods for forest trees: quality, plastic footprint, and time- efficiency
Authors: Guillardín Laura , MacKay John
Published: May 2023

Background
Genetic and genomic studies are seeing an increase in sample sizes together with a wider range of species investigated in response to environmental change concerns. In turn, these changes may come with challenges including the time and difficulty to isolate nucleic acids (DNA or RNA), the sequencing cost and environmental impacts of the growing amount of plastic waste generated in the process. Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii (Mirbel) Franco (PM), Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. (TH) and Thuja plicata Donn ex D.Don (TP) are conifer species found in diverse woodlands both as natives and naturalized exotics. Our study was carried out whilst investigating their genetics to understand their population structure and potential for adaptation.
Results
In the present study, we compared two different DNA isolation methods, i.e., spin-column DNeasy plant mini kit (QIAGEN), and temperature-driven enzymatic cocktail Plant DNA Extraction (MicroGEM). The quantity of recovered DNA and the quality of DNA were assessed along with the plastic footprint and time needed for three tree species. Both methods were optimised and proven to provide enough DNA for each studied species. The yield of DNA for each method depended on the species: QIAGEN showed higher yield in PM and TH, while TP recovered similar amount of DNA for both methods. The DNA quality was investigated using DNA barcoding techniques by confirming species identity and species discrimination. No difference was detected on the PCR amplification of the two barcoding loci, (rbcL and trnH-psbA), and the recovered sequences between DNA isolation methods. Measurement of the plastic use and the processing time per sample indicated that MicroGEM had a 52.64% lower plastic footprint and was 51.8% faster than QIAGEN.
Conclusions
QIAGEN gave higher yields in two of the species although both methods showed similar quality results across all species. However, MicroGEM was clearly advantageous to decrease the plastic footprint and improve the time efficiency. Overall, MicroGEM recovers sufficient and reliable DNA to perform common downstream analyses such as PCR and sequencing. Our findings illustrate the benefits of research and efforts towards developing more sustainable methods and techniques to reduce the environmental footprint of molecular analyses.
Dysfunction, oxidative stress markers and cytokine expression in the placentae of mice experimentally infected with Neospora caninum
Authors: Mendoza-Morales Luisa Fernanda , Lagorio Valentina , Corigliano Mariana G. , Sánchez-López Edwin , Ramos-Duarte Victor A. , Legarralde Ariel , Ganuza Agustina , Clemente Marina , Sander Valeria A.
Published: May 2023

Neosporosis is the major cause of abortion and reproductive failures in cattle, leading to important economic losses. In this study, we evaluated the impact of Neospora caninum infection on oxidative stress (OS) markers and local cytokine mRNA expression at the placenta, as well as its effect on the progesterone (P4) serum levels and systemic cytokine profile in a pregnant mouse model. Infected pregnant mice (NC-1 group) showed increased percentages of foetal losses and IFN-γ serum levels, decreased serum progesterone, increased mRNA expression levels of both Th1 (IFN-γ and TNF-α) and Th2 (IL-4) cytokines and inhibited expression of TGF-β1 (Treg) compare to control dams (CONTROL group). In addition, lipid peroxidation and ROS were increased, whereas the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) showed impairment in their activities in the placentae from infected mice compared to control mice. These findings demonstrate that multiple factors, including OS, are involved in foetal losses associated with N. caninum infection in mice, thus OS contribution to the placental physiopathology of neosporosis in other hosts must not be ruled out.
Heavy Metal Pollution in Ganga basin: A Risk Factor for Amyotrophic Lateral sclerosis
Authors: Mishra Bhargawi , Patil Sooraj , Gautam Geeta J. , Gautam Priyanka , Srivast Niraj Kumar , Singh Vineeta , Pathak Abhishek , Singh Varun Kumar , Kumar Anand , Chaurasia R. N. , Joshi Deepika , Mishra Vijaya Nath
Published: May 2023

The association between heavy metals and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) patients was explored with respect to the longest and pious Indian river Ganga. This study is designed to investigate the severity and heavy metal contamination in the blood of Gangetic (within 25 km from river Ganga) and non-Gangetic (> 25 km from river Ganga) ALS patients. Out of 65 recruited ALS patients, 36 from the Gangetic belt and 29 from the Non-Gangetic belt. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis functional rating Scale (ALSFRS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) were calculated to study disease progression. Lead (Pb), Manganese (Mn) and Cadmium (Cd) concentrations were estimated in the whole blood of 23 subjects from Gangetic belt, 19 subjects from Non Gangetic belt and 23 heathy controls via Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique. A significantly lower FAB score was obtained in Gangetic patients. Pb concentration was significantly higher in both the diseased group than control and Cd concentration was detected significantly higher in Gangetic ALS patients than non Gangetic patients and control group.
Comparative study by the finite element method of three activities of a wearer of total hip prosthesis during the postoperative period
Authors: Moulgada Abdelmadjid , Zagane Mohammed El Sallah , Yaylacı Murat , Djafar Ait Kaci , Abderahmane Sahli , Öztürk Şevval , Yaylacı Ecren Uzun
Published: May 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
An Algorithm for Automatic Text Annotation for Named Entity Recognition using spaCy Framework
Authors: Kumar Murari , Chaturvedi Krishna Kumar , Sharma Anu , Arora Alka , Farooqi Mohammad Samir , Lal Shashi Bhushan , Lama Achal , Ranjan Rajeev
Published: May 2023

Text Annotation is the process of adding metadata in the text and used in various tasks like natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning models. Named entity recognition (NER) is one of the interesting and challenging tasks of NLP and is being used extensively in many domains. The application of NER will also be useful in handling documents, queries, reports and research articles related to agriculture in identifying pests affecting crops. SpaCy, a free and open source library is being used for NER that requires the text data in a complex annotated format. The process of manual annotation is difficult and time-consuming task. Therefore, to streamline the process of text annotation, we developed an algorithm and a tool for automatic annotation of text data. Approximately 3.6 million queries were collected from “Kisan Call Centre”, a helpline service to farmers by Government of India and plant protection queries of Paddy and Wheat crops were extracted from this database. These queries were annotated with the help of developed tool and annotated corpus was created. The annotated corpus is used to develop NER models and trained for crops and associated pests identification in agriculture domain. Further, the performance of the model is enhanced by reducing features using plural to singular conversion and synonym substitution. The model achieved an F1-score of 97.20%, demonstrating a significant improvement of 3.01% compared to the performance with original queries.
Application of endophytic bacteria isolated from root nodules of Sulla aculeolata L. and Rhizobium sullae KS6 consortium in the growth of legume Sulla flexuosa L
Authors: Samia Hamane , Anass El yemlahi , Mounir Hassani Zerrouk , Ouiam Elgaliou , Amin Laglaoui , Mohammed Bakkali , Abdelhay Arakrak
Published: May 2023

Legume plants rely upon multipartite interactions between rhizobia and bacterial endophytes within root nodules to facilitate plant growth. This study sought to isolate and identify indigenous endophytic bacteria from root nodules of Sulla aculeolata L. in Northeast Morocco. Based on their tri-calcium phosphate (TCP) solubilization capacity, five endophytes were chosen for further evaluation of their plant growth activities. All isolates were hydrogen cyanide (HCN) and siderophore producers, while only BCH24 tested positive for ACC deaminase activity. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) synthesis ranged from 1.27 mg L− 1 to 2.89 mg L− 1, with soluble phosphate concentrations between 7.99 mg L− 1 and 110.58 mg L− 1. Additionally, all the endophytes were able to produce more than two lytic enzymes. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified the five isolates as Enterobacter sp (BCH13, BCH2), Pseudomonas sp (BCH16, BCH24), and Serratia sp (BCH10). The strains inhibited the growth of three phytopathogenic fungi, with BCH13 exhibiting the highest rate against Aspergillus ochraceus (45%), followed by BCH24 against Fusarium oxysporum (40%) and Botrytis cinerea (35%), respectively. In vivo inoculation of halotolerant strains Enterobacter hormaechei (BCH13) and Pseudomonas moraviensis (BCH16) under chamber conditions revealed that co-inoculation with Rhizobium sullae KS6 improved plant development compared to single inoculation, making it a promising eco-friendly bio-inoculant for legume Sulla flexuosa L. production.
Recovery and characterization of nano-Ag-graphene-TiO2 - active compound in polylactic acid (PLA)-based film
Authors: Peter Anca , Cozmuta Leonard Mihaly , Nicula Camelia , Cozmuta Anca Mihaly , Drazic Goran , Penas Antonio , Silvi Stefania
Published: May 2023

The morpho-structural, environmental and photocatalytical characteristics of Ag-graphene-TiO2 composite recovered from an used polylactic acid (PLA)-based film in comparison with those of the new prepared composite are reported. The recovered Ag-graphene-TiO2 composite displayed color, consistence, appearance, homogeneity and dispersion of nano-Ag similar with the new prepared compound. The FTIR spectroscopy showed that the oxygen and silver`s contents were 7 wt% higher in the recovered composite in comparison with the new prepared composite. The gap energy (Eg) of the recovered composite is 1.4 times and 2.3 times lower than that of new composite and TiO2, respectively. The anatase`s content decreased by 70% during the recovering, while that of rutile rised with the same magnitude. The photocatalytic activity of the recovered composite decreased only by 30% in comparison with the new composite. Additionally, the Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA) showed that the recovering procedure had a considerably lower environmental impact than the preparation of the new composite in terms of human health, ecosystem quality, climate change and resources. In conclusion, the recovering of the nanostructed composites from the active PLA-based films should be promising way to imporve the waste management.
QRS duration after pulmonary valve replacement in adults with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot: Prediction of ventricular arrhythmia and correlation with right ventricular size
Authors: Chaaya Rody G. Bou , Barron Emily , Herrmann Jeremy L. , Brown John W. , Ephrem Georges
Published: May 2023

Objectives
The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between QRS duration after pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) and ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (ToF).
Background
ToF patients may face complications such as heart failure and VA after primary repair, often mitigated by PVR. Prior studies have shown a decrease in QRS duration and right ventricular (RV) size following PVR. It remains unclear whether a lack of QRS duration reduction identifies patients at risk of VA.
Methods
We retrospectively identified adult patients with repaired ToF who underwent surgical or transcatheter PVR. EKG data (pre-PVR, 30 days to 1-year post-PVR, and closest to CMR) was collected. The primary endpoint was sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), ICD shock for sustained VT, or inducible VT on EP study.
Results
85 patients were included (median follow-up 3.6 years; median age 34 years; 51% females). The primary outcome was noted in 8 patients. Mean QRS duration decreased by 5ms following PVR (p = 0.0001). Increased age at PVR, QRS ≥ 180ms post-PVR, no reduction in QRS after PVR, and a history of VT were associated with higher risk of the primary endpoint. The change in QRS was linearly correlated with the change in RVEDVi (R = 0.66).
Conclusions
Adults with repaired ToF experience a reduction in QRS duration post-PVR that correlates with the change of the RV size. Patients with QRS ≥ 180ms post-PVR, no reduction in QRS, increased age at repair, and a history of VT are at risk for recurrent VT and warrant closer monitoring/ICD consideration.
Reliability intelligence analysis of concrete arch bridge based on Kriging model and PSOSA hybrid algorithm
Authors: Lu Pengzhen , Ye Zhoulin , Wu Ying , Yang Liu , Wang Jiahao
Published: May 2023

The traditional probabilistic reliability analysis methods have problems such as poor convergence, low calculation accuracy, and long time-consuming in the reliability calculation of concrete arch bridges. Due to the uncertainty of the parameters of the structure itself, the performance function is highly nonlinear, and other factors. A reliability calculation method for concrete arch bridges based on the Kriging model and particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSOSA) based on a simulated annealing algorithm is proposed. Take advantage of the Kriging model in small samples, nonlinear, high-dimensional data processing capabilities. With the help of the PSO algorithm, it has the advantages of strong global optimization ability and strong robustness. Combined with the SA algorithm self-adaptive, variable probability mutation operation. The ability of the PSO algorithm to get rid of the local minima is enhanced and supplemented, effectively avoiding falling into the local minima and making the result tend to the global optimum, which improves the slow convergence speed and precociousness of the traditional PSO algorithm. A numerical example verifies the method's effectiveness, and a reliability evaluation of an actual concrete arch bridge is carried out. The research results show that the method improves the calculation accuracy, dramatically improves the calculation efficiency, and realizes the rapid and accurate assessment of the reliability of complex bridge structures.
Comparison of Phacoemulsification with and without Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Normal Tension Glaucoma Population, 18 Months Outcome
Authors: Tsao Yu-Ting , Yeh Po-Han , Su Wei-Wen
Published: May 2023

Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy of first-generation iStent combined with phacoemulsification (phaco-iStent) versus phacoemulsification alone in Taiwanese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG).
Methods
This retrospective case-control study included POAG or NTG patients who underwent phaco-iStent or phacoemulsification alone between January 2018 and December 2020. The primary outcome measures included changes in estimated washout IOP (ewIOP), unwashed intraocular pressure (uwIOP), and the number of antiglaucoma medications. Additional efficacy evaluations included the proportion of eyes with surgical success. This study also conducted subgroup analysis for POAG and NTG.
Results
A total of 24 eyes in the iStent group (POAG: 16; NTG: 8) and 47 eyes in the control group (POAG: 29; NTG: 19) were enrolled. The iStent group showed a more significant decrease in ewIOP compared to the control group throughout the 18-month follow-up, with significant differences at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months (-15.06~-21.92% vs. +1.66~-4.73%, P value = 0.005 ~ 0.045). After adjusting for confounding factors, the generalized estimating equation for ewIOP remained significant (β= -16.083, P value < 0.001). At 18 months, the iStent group had higher qualified and complete success rates than the control group (73.3% vs. 16.7%, P value = 0.001 and 53.3% vs. 0%, P = 0.002, respectively), and the NTG-iStent subgroup showed the highest complete success rate (85.7% at 18 months).
Conclusions
Phaco-iStent is an effective treatment option for Taiwanese patients with POAG and NTG. It offers significant IOP reduction and higher success rates, especially in NTG eyes.
Wolbachia wMel-mediated effects on dengue virus vertical transmission from Aedes aegypti to their offspring
Authors: Hue Kien Duong Thi , Goncalves Daniela Silva , Vi Tran Thuy , Long Vo Thi , Dui Le Thi , Nhu Vu Thi Tuyet , Giang Nguyen Thi , Trang Huynh Thi Xuan , Nguyet Nguyen Minh , Phong Nguyen Thanh , Yacoub Sophie , Simmons Cameron P
Published: May 2023

Background: Dengue viruses (DENV) can be transmitted vertically in Aedes aegpti (Ae. aegypti) mosquitoes. Whether the endosymbiont Wolbachia (wMel strain) can reduce the incidence of vertical transmission of DENV from infected females to their offspring is not well understood.Methods We used intrathoracic injection (IT) of DENV-1 to estimate the rate of vertical transmission of the virus in a laboratory colony of Vietnamese Ae. aegypti, both with and without wMel infection. We applied the Maximum Likelihood Estimator (MLE) to calculate the infection rate of individual mosquitoes in their offspring.Results In 6,047 F1 Vietnamese wild-type Ae. aegypti, the MLE of DENV-1 infection was 1.49% (95%CI = 0.73–2.74). In 5,500 wMel infected Ae. aegypti, the MLE was 0%.Conclusions The results reinforce that vertical transmission is a rare event in wild-type mosquitoes and that wMel infection reduces the probability of vertical transmission even further.
Genistein enhances NAD+ biosynthesis by binding to prohibitin 1 and upregulating nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) in adipocytes
Authors: Watanabe Shun , Haruyama Riki , Umezawa Koji , Tomioka Ikuo , Nakamura Soichiro , Katayama Shigeru , Mitani Takakazu
Published: May 2023

Decreased NAD+ levels in adipocytes cause adipose-tissue dysfunction, leading to systemic glucose and lipid metabolism failure. Therefore, developing small molecules and nutraceuticals that can increase NAD+ levels in adipocytes is necessary. Genistein, a nutraceutical derived from soybeans, has various physiological activities and improves glucose and lipid metabolism. In this study, we aimed to unravel the effects of genistein on the intracellular NAD+ levels in adipocytes and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We showed that genistein enhanced NAD+ biosynthesis by increasing the expression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme in NAD+ biosynthesis. A pull-down assay using genistein-immobilized beads identified prohibitin 1 (PHB1) as a target protein of genistein. The knockdown of PHB1 suppressed the genistein-induced increase in NAMPT expression and NAD+ levels in adipocytes. Genistein-bound PHB1 contributed to the stabilization of the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β through activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, resulting in increased NAMPT expression at the transcriptional level. Genistein induced dephosphorylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor at serine 273 and increased the insulin-sensitizing adipokine, adiponectin, in adipocytes, whereas the knockdown of NAMPT and PHB1 abolished these genistein-mediated effects. Our results proved the potential efficacy of food components in promoting NAD+ levels and restoring metabolic function in adipocytes. Furthermore, we identified PHB1, localized to the plasma membrane, as a candidate target protein for increased expression of NAMPT in adipocytes. Overall, these findings will assist in developing NAD+ boosting strategies to alleviate the metabolic dysfunctions in adipose tissues.
Land use predicts proportion of West Nile virus vector-competent mosquitoes
Authors: Bauer Amely M. , Guralnick Robert P. , Whitehead Shelley A. , Barve Narayani , Allen Julie M. , Campbell Lindsay P.
Published: May 2023

Land use and land cover (LULC) change has been identified as an important driver of emerging mosquito-borne zoonotic diseases. However, studies are often limited to individual vector species, despite the potential for interspecific variation in vector competency within mosquito assemblages. This variation can affect transmission hazard, particularly in complex multi-vector disease systems. Here, we used a joint species distribution modeling approach that included mosquito species vector competency for West Nile virus as a trait to understand community-level responses to land cover and predict joint species distributions in Manatee County, Florida. We assembled species presence/absence data across 61 sites and 44 species sampled from 2016 to 2020 and percent land cover within 2500 m of trap locations for five common land cover types. These data were used to investigate patterns in species richness and community-weighted proportions of WNV competent vector species. The results revealed that land cover effects on individual species aligned with known habitat associations the highest proportions of WNV competent species were predicted in less diverse urbanized areas, and species richness increased as urbanized areas decreased. Our findings highlight the value of community-level analyses to predict joint vector distributions that can inform where greatest transmission hazard may occur. This information can be used by public health agencies, mosquito control, and land managers to plan more effective and optimized prevention and control efforts.
What do we really know about intention in animals? A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Dauphiné-Morer Anne-Lise , Zenasni Franck , Boissy Alain , Mambrini-Doudet Muriel
Published: May 2023

Is the analytical framework used by ethologists sufficient to study the mental states of non-human animals (NHAs) at the appropriate level of complexity? To address this question our strategy was to i) reveal the experimental and analytic habits of scientists of different disciplines in the literature, and ii) use "intention" as a vector in an interdisciplinary prospect of the study of NHAs mental states. Our own intention was to outline the specific orientations and possible impasses of the ethological analytical framework which limits the consideration of NHAs intentions. We conducted a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature published between 2016 and 2020 in two steps: 1. through a first corpus, we identified the terms used in studies of NHAs intentions and 2. on this basis, 111 articles related to intentions in NHAs were selected. By analysing them using a co-occurrences network of the authors’ keywords, ten scientific approaches to intention in NHAs were identified. Our main findings are that i) the term « intention » is very seldom used in studies of NHAs; ii) approaches developed in humans are rarely transposed in these studies; and iii) in such few studies, it is not the NHAs intentions which are under question, but the link between NHAs and human intentions. This study highlights the limitations of the current theoretical framework used to study non-human animals’ cognition, which does not allow for the full spectrum of non-human cognitive specificities.
Formaldehyde Cross-Linked Chitosan as Silver-Nanoparticles Stabiliser For Cr(VI) Ion Sensor Application
Authors:   Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, No. 1, Karangmalang, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia, Louise Isana Supiah Yosephine ,   Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, No. 1, Karangmalang, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia, Kristianingrum Susila ,   Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, No. 1, Karangmalang, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia, Fillaeli Annisa ,   Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, No. 1, Karangmalang, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia, Rahma Mumtazah Atiya Fiki ,   Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, No. 1, Karangmalang, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia, Al Ashfiya Bian Itsna Ashfa ,   Department of Physics Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, No. 1, Karangmalang, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia, Dwandaru Wipsar Sunu Brams ,   Department of Physics Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, No. 1, Karangmalang, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia
Published: May 2023

We report for the first time a technique in the detection of chromium(VI) [Cr(VI)] ions using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometer that involves silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) capped with formaldehyde-chitosan as the sensor. Here, chitosan cross-linked with formaldehyde produced an extra stability from the aspect of signal stability of the sensor. This study aimed to synthesise and characterise formaldehydechitosan stabilised AgNPs (formaldehyde-chitosan@AgNPs) and apply them as Cr(VI) ion sensors. The stability and linearity of the signal of the formaldehyde-chitosan@ AgNPs were compared with the signal of AgNPs according to their ability as Cr(VI) ion sensors based on the UV-Vis spectroscopy. The AgNPs were synthesised by the chemical reduction method using 1% sodium citrate (10:1). Furthermore, 3.3% chitosan was added, which had been cross-linked with 2.5% formaldehyde in a ratio of 1:1 (v:v). The characterisation results showed that the synthesised materials have a peak absorption at a wavelength of 416 nm and have functional groups of -OH and -C=O as the characteristics of chitosan and formaldehyde. The formaldehyde-chitosan@AgNPs had square or rectangular structures with a size distribution of less than 1000 nm. The formaldehydechitosan@AgNPs produced a more stable signal and had better linearity than AgNPs at a wavelength of 490 nm. Moreover, formaldehyde-chitosan@AgNPs had a precision value of 0.15% and a linearity level of 0.9914 in the concentration range of 1 ppm–100 ppm, with limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantisation (LOQ) values of 0.329 ppm and 0.751 ppm, respectively.
Investigating the Factors That Influence Early Retirement of Private Sector Workers in the Center Region of Cameroon
Authors: Tapang Felix Nkellefack , Andonei Laura Ebitoh , Fusi Neh Gladys
Published: May 2023

Purpose: This study seeks to investigate the factors that influence early retirement of private sector workers in the center region of Cameroon.
Methodology: The grounded theory approach was used with a target population being workers of private sector organizations in the center region of Cameroon. A purposive sampling was used, where the population was selected from private organization, mainly; the multinational private companies, the transnational private companies and sole proprietor companies operating in the center region of Cameroon. Primary data was got through interviews to capture private sector workers’ opinions on aspects related to early retirements.
Research questions: The first research question was aimed at finding out the factors that influence early retirement of the private sector workers in the center region of Cameroon.  The research continued with a second question to find out the most prominent factors presumed to affect early retirement. Finally, the research continued to find out to what extent these factors influence early retirement.
Findings: The findings revealed the overarching theme of work stress as the major factor that influence early retirement of the private sector workers in the center region of Cameroon. It also showed that low salaries and therefore weak financial strength of workers emerged as the overarching theme to explain the most prominent factors presumed to affect early retirement. Finally, the study showed that tough hierarchy decisions that do not take the views of employees into consideration and unclear work descriptions contributed to the quest for workers to retire early from the private sector in the center region of Cameroon.
Rize İlinde Geleneksel ve Organik Çay Tarımı Yapılan Alanların Topraklarında Bazı Verimlilik Parametreleri ile Ağır Metal İçeriklerinin Karşılaştırılması
Authors: ÖZKAN Fatih , DEMİR Yasin
Published: May 2023

Bu araştırmada; Rize ili Derepazarı ilçesinde geleneksel çay tarımı yapılan araziler ile Hemşin ilçesinde organik çay tarımı yapılan arazilerdeki toprakların bazı fiziko-kimyasal özellikleri ve ağır metal içeriklerinin karşılaştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında; geleneksel ve organik çay tarımının yapıldığı alanlar ağır metal birikimi (demir, çinko, bakır, mangan, kobalt, kurşun, nikel ve kadmiyum) ve bazı mineral madde (azot, fosfor ve potasyum) içeriği bakımından karşılaştırılmıştır. Çalışma kapsamında ayrıca geleneksel ve organik çay tarımının yapıldığı alanlar toprak verimliliği bakımından değerlendirilmiştir. Bu amaçla, 15 organik ve 15 geleneksel tarım uygulama alanlarında belirlenen çay bahçelerinden toprak örnekleri alınarak gerekli analizler yapılmıştır. Çalışmada elde edilen sonuçlara göre, geleneksel tarım alanları topraklarının azot ve fosfor içeriği organik tarım alanlarına göre anlamlı (p<0.05) olarak yüksek bulunmuştur. Diğer yandan her iki alana ait topraklar azot ve fosfor içeriği bakımından fakir olarak belirlenmiştir. Geleneksel tarım alanlarına ait toprakların ağır metal içerikleri genel olarak organik tarım alanı topraklarına göre daha yüksek bulunmuştur. Ancak sadece demir ve kurşun miktarı istatistiksel olarak anlamlı derecede yüksek bulunmuştur.
Bilecik Ekolojisinde Yetiştirilen Ahududu (Rubus idaeus L.) Çeşitlerinin Bazı Fiziksel ve Kimyasal Özelliklerinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: ÖZTÜRK ERDEM Sinem , KARAKOYUN Merve
Published: May 2023

Bu çalışma, Bilecik koşullarında 2020-2021 yıllarında Heritage, Tulameen, Canby ahududu çeşitlerinin bazı fiziksel ve kimyasal özelliklerinin belirlenmesi amacıyla Bilecik Şeyh Edebali Üniversitesi Tarımsal Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezine ait uygulama alanında yürütülmüştür. Ortalama meyve ağırlıkları bakımından denemenin iki yılında da çeşitler arasında istatistiki açıdan bir fark bulunmamıştır. İki yılda da ortalama meyve ağırlığı ve meyve eni incelendiğinde en iyi sonuç Heritage çeşidinden elde edilmiştir. 2020 yılında en yüksek meyve boyu Tulameen çeşidinde (19.30 mm), 2021 yılında ise Heritage çeşidinde (19,62 mm) tespit edilmiştir. 2021 yılında Suda çözünebilir kuru madde miktarı en yüksek Heritage (% 11.35) çeşidinde, pH Tulameen (3.77) çeşidinde, titre edilebilir asit miktarı ise Canby (% 4.03) çeşidinde belirlenmiştir. Denemenin iki yılında alınan sonuçlar değerlendirildiğinde Heritage çeşidinin ön planda olduğu belirlenmiştir.
The Effect Medicinal Plants on Performance, Carcass Parameters and Meat Quality in Broiler Chickens
Authors: ATAY Alp
Published: May 2023

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of adding dietary Garlic, Ginger, Turmeric and their powders mixture in broiler chicken’s diet on performance, carcass characteristic and meat quality. A total of 400 (200 male and 200 female) day-old Ross-308 broiler chicks were distributed into 5 dietary treatments; (T1) 0% powder, (T2) 0.5% Garlic powder, (T3) 0.5% Ginger powder , (T4) 0.5% Turmeric powder and (T5) 0.5% mixture of these powders with 4 replicates and each replicates included 10 man and 10 female having similar body weight. The results of this study showed that adding of this medicinal and aromatic plants powder in broiler chicken’s diet caused significant effect on broiler chickens performance at the 7, 14 and 21 days of age (P<0.05) and also have a beneficial effect on mortality. On the other hand, it was observed that the adding of 0.5% medicinal and aromatic plants in broiler chicken’s diet had no a significant effect on hot carcass, cold carcass, breast, thigh, wings and visceral organs weight (P>0.05), but have a significant effect on carcass yield (P<0.05). Also, adding of this medicinal and aromatic plants powder had a significant effect on meat breast colour values (P<0.05). İt may be concluded that adding of these medical and aromatic plants powder in broiler chicken’s diet have beneficial effects on performance, carcass characteristic and meat quality
Performance evaluation of in situ Fenton-mediated photocatalysis of industrial dye effluent with enhanced TiO2 nanoparticle
Authors: Oyetade Joshua Akinropo , Hilonga Askwar , Machunda Revocatus Lazaro
Published: May 2023

Effluents resulting from the frequent use of industrial azo dyes in textile operations have posed great toxicological impacts on man and the environment. The limitations of conventional treatment infrastructure necessitate the use of rapid Fenton-mediated catalytic systematic process to tackle the attendant treatment limitations. The study applied in situ Fenton-mediation process with constructed low power UV-LED reactor for rapid catalytic treatment of dye-laden effluent using enhanced acid and alkali TiO2-nanoparticles (Nps) (1–5%, i.e. 1–5 M) at definite experimental conditions, respectively. A comprehensive instrumental study was done to access the morphological, functional and elemental constituents of these nanocatalysts. The performance of the respective catalyst was evaluated using methylene blue (MB) dye at definite experimental conditions of pH, dosage, concentration and irradiation time. The results revealed a mesoporous structural nanocatalyst with increasing surface area after enhanced modification. The optimal experimental conditions of pH and concentration were recorded as 5 and 10 mg/L, respectively; while the most efficient nanocatalyst was 3 wt% alkali-modified TiO2 (3% Ak-TiO2) having a degradation efficiency of 89.15% at 90 min of irradiation using 50 mg dosage in contrast to higher irradiation time and catalyst dosage for other catalysts.
Effects of a conical enlarging shaft on hydraulic performances of siphon-shaft spillways
Authors: Aydin M. Cihan , Ulu Ali Emre
Published: May 2023

Siphon-shaft spillways can discharge large amounts of water down to the crest level in a narrow reservoir thanks to the siphonic pressures. However, cavitational pressures in the siphon-shaft limit the operating head of these spillways. An enlargement at the shaft mouth can reduce the vacuum pressures and velocities within the siphonic flows, thereby removing the risk of cavitation occurring. In this study, four different enlarging shaft profiles with various coning angles of 0°, 10°, 15°, and 20° were applied to a siphon-shaft spillway model to eliminate cavitation pressures in the shaft. These models are analyzed in three dimensions by computational fluid dynamics based on the RANS turbulence model coupled with the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method to simulate fluid motion. The numerical uncertainties of the simulation were calibrated with some experimental results and techniques in the literature. The results showed that the enlargement in the shaft mouth with a conical profile significantly decreased the vacuum pressures and velocities in the siphon-shaft. Thus, the use of conical profiles considerably reduced the cavitation numbers along the shaft surface and increased the discharge performance by about 11%.
Protein A and CaptureSelect FcXP Affinity Resins Possess the Capability
of Differentiating Hole-hole Homodimer Isoforms
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Li Yifeng , Wang Jia , Tian Mengying , Dong Wanyuan
Published: May 2023

Background:

Knobs-into-holes (KiH) technology has been widely used in asymmetric
bispecific antibody (bsAb) construction to promote heavy chain heterodimerization. However, despite
the great improvement of heterodimer formation by this strategy, homodimers (especially the holehole
homodimer) can still be generated at low levels. Consequently, hole-hole homodimer is a
common byproduct associated with the production of KiH bsAbs. In addition, previous studies
showed that hole-hole homodimer exists as two different isoforms. As the major difference between
these two isoforms lies in the Fc region, we speculated that Protein A media, which bind IgG Fc
region with high affinity, and CaptureSelect FcXP, a CH3 domain-specific affinity resin, may provide
certain resolution between these two conformational isoforms.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to study the capability of Protein A and CaptureSelect
FcXP affinity resins in differentiating hole-hole homodimer isoforms.

Methods:

The hole-hole homodimer was produced in CHO cells by expressing the hole half-antibody.
The homodimer, along with the half-antibody was initially captured by Protein A chromatography and
was then further purified by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), which separated the homodimer
from the unpaired half-antibody. The purified hole-hole homodimer was analyzed by sodium dodecyl
sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and analytical hydrophobic interaction
chromatography (HIC). The purified hole-hole homodimer was separately processed by columns
packed with Protein A and CaptureSelect FcXP resins. The purified hole-hole homodimer was also
analyzed by Protein A-high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results:

SDS-PAGE analysis and analytical HIC study confirmed that hole-hole homodimer exists as
two conformational isoforms. When the hole-hole homodimer was processed by Protein A and
CaptureSelect FcXP chromatography, the elution profiles contained two peaks, indicating that both
affinity resins possess the capability of differentiating hole-hole homodimer isoforms.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that Protein A and CaptureSelect FcXP affinity resins both possess the
capability of differentiating hole-hole homodimer isoforms and, therefore, can be used for monitoring
isoform conversion under various conditions.
Electroacupuncture in Regulating Gastrointestinal Symptoms of COVID-19: A
Mini-review
Authors: Yu Xianqiang , Wang Yingjie
Published: May 2023

Nearly three years into the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still no effective treatment. In the meantime,
more and more evidence indicate that gastrointestinal symptoms are important manifestations of
COVID-19. Therefore, the involvement of multiple system symptoms brings a lot of burden and harm to patients.
To our knowledge, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a remarkable effect on improving gastrointestinal
function. In particular, a considerable number of clinical practices during the pandemic have demonstrated
the significant value of electroacupuncture (EA) in regulating the gastrointestinal function of COVID-19.
In summary, EA can regulate the gastrointestinal function of COVID-19. As more is learned about EA, its potential
value in COVID-19 deserves further consideration. In this review, we will elucidate the potential efficacy
and mechanism of EA in the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19.
Synthesis of Lactosyl Conjugated 6A,6D-Bifunctionalized β -Cyclodextrin Derivatives
as Potential Liver Cancer Drug Carriers
Authors: Ding Yili , Nie Jiehua , Ding Charles , Xu Zhe
Published: May 2023

Transformations of the difunctionalizated cyclodextrin derivatives is a daunting
task due to the challenging purification and unambiguous characterization of the final compounds.
Lactose has the ability to recognize the liver cells, and the folate receptor (alpha subunit)
is overexpressed in multiple tumors, including liver cancer. Therefore, cyclodextrin conjugated
with lactose and folic acid should have the liver cell targeting capability, and its inclusion
complex with liver cancer drug such as Sorafenib, not only can increase drug ‘s water
solubility but also increase the drug’s targeting ability. Fondaparinux as a synthetic heparin
may improve the survival of cancer patients, so lactose and Fondaparinux conjugated cyclodextrin
derivative can increase drug’s solubility and drug’s anti-tumor efficacy. Accordingly,
Fondaparinux, folic acid and lactose conjugated 6A,6D-bifunctionlized β-cyclodextrin
derivatives are designed and synthesized as potential liver cancer drug carriers in order to increase cancer drug’s
targeting ability, solubility and stability.
Comparative Investigation of Color Doppler Ultrasonography Parameters
of the Uterine Artery in Patients with Post-molar GTN and Patients
Recovered from Molar Pregnancy and its Role in Predicting the Probability
of Occurrence
Authors: Hasanzadeh Malihe , Jahani Najmeh , Mirzaeian Sara , Esmaeilpour Maryam , Farazestanian Marjaneh
Published: May 2023

Objectives:

Hydatiform mole can progress to gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN),
and we are looking for non-invasive methods to predict it. Old age, higher serum BHCG levels, and
expression of genes, such as VEGF-EG, HIF-1α, and TGF-ß are known as predictive factors. We performed
this study to evaluate the role of bilateral uterine artery doppler ultrasound in predicting postmolar-
GTN.

Methods:

In this prospective cohort study, 42 patients with complete molar pregnancy were examined.
Inclusion criteria confirmed molar pregnancy by histopathological examination. Exclusion criteria
were patients more than 40 years old, patients with completed family childbearing planning, and diagnosis
of GTN during the routine histopathological study. Before molar evacuation and four weeks later,
bilateral uterine artery doppler sonography to determine the PI, RI, and PSV was performed. Serum
BHCG levels were also measured before molar evacuation and weekly after evacuation until it exhibited
spontaneous remission or developed GTN.

Results:

About 36 patients were cured, and six others developed post-molar GTN. The bilateral uterine
artery doppler sonography between the two groups showed a lower UA RI in the post-molar-GTN
group before evacuation (P=0.048). Data demonstrated significant increases in Right.UA.RI
(P=0/008), Left.UA.PI (P=0/037), and Right.UA.PSV (P=0/024) in the spontaneous remission group
during 28 days follow-up period. There were no significant differences in these parameters in the GTN
group throughout the time of follow-up.

Conclusion:

It seems that Doppler ultrasound plays a role in predicting GTN following uterine evacuation.
A lower resistance in the uterine artery before evacuation and the remaining uterine artery blood flow constant
after evacuation is associated with the development of post-molar- GTN.
Quality by Design Enabled Formulation Optimization of Rabeprazole
Sodium Mucoadhesive Microcapsules for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal
Reflux Disease
Authors: Panda Jayanti , Swain Suryakanta , Bhanoji Rao Muddana Eswara
Published: May 2023

Aims:

The present research describes the implementation of quality by-design principles for
developing the mucoadhesive microcapsules of rabeprazole sodium for treating gastroesophageal reflux
disease conditions.

Background:

In addition, a holistic QbD-based product development strategy was implemented,
where the target product profile was defined based on desired product quality of mucoadhesive microcapsules.
Based on TPP, the critical quality attributes were identified. The identification of CMAs was
carried out with the help of risk assessment and factor screening exercises, which indicated drugpolymer
ratio (X1), temperature (X2), and stirring speed (X3) as the influential factors.

Methods:

The mucoadhesive microcapsules of rabeprazole sodium were prepared by a solvent evaporation
method, and 33 Box-Behnken optimization design was used for the optimization of the selected
factors, and mucoadhesive microcapsules formulations were evaluated for particle size (μm), drug entrapment
efficiency (%), mucoadhesion (%), and in vitro drug release (Q18h) in percentage characteristics.
Mathematical data analysis was performed to fit the two-factor interaction model, and optimized
mucoadhesive microcapsules formulation was selected.

Results:

The optimized mucoadhesive microcapsules indicated desired formulation characteristics
with smaller particle size, good entrapment efficiency, better mucoadhesion, and sustained drug release
characteristics.

Conclusion:

In a nutshell, the studies vouch for the successful development of mucoadhesive microcapsules
for oral delivery of rabeprazole sodium which could be used to manage gastroesophageal reflux
disease condition.
Therapeutic Repurposing of Antidiabetic Drugs in Diabetes-associated
Comorbidities
Authors: Pathak Kalyani , Pathak Manash Pratim , Saikia Riya , Gogoi Urvashee , Das Ratna Jyoti , Patowary Pompy , Kaishap Partha Pratim , Bordoloi Smita , Das Jyotirmoy , Sarma Himangshu , Ahmad Mohammad Zaki , Das Aparoop
Published: May 2023

Background:

Diabetic patients suffer from various comorbidities like cardiovascular diseases
(CVDs), cancer, obesity, cognitive impairment, gout, leishmaniasis, etc.

Objective:

We aimed to review the pathological links between diabetes and its comorbidities and discuss
the justification for using antidiabetic drugs in diabetes and associated comorbidities.

Methods:

Diabetic patients accompanied by comorbidities had to undergo a multidrug regimen apart
from their common antidiabetic drugs, which affects their quality of life. There have been reports that
some antidiabetic drugs ameliorate the comorbidities associated with diabetes. For instance, metformin
is implicated in CVDs, cancer, as well as in cognitive impairment like Alzheimer's disease (AD);
glyburide, a sulfonylurea, is found to be effective against leishmaniasis; and voglibose, an α-
glucosidase inhibitor, is found to have suitable binding property against SARS-CoV-2 infection in diabetic
patients. Targeting the comorbidities of diabetes with antidiabetic drugs may reduce the load of
multidrug therapy in diabetic patients.

Results:

The effectiveness of antidiabetic drugs against some diabetic comorbidities between the two
pathophysiological conditions, i.e., diabetes and its comorbidities, may be due to certain bidirectional
links like inflammation, oxidative stress, disruption in the metabolic milieu and obesity. There are
published reports of the repurposing of antidiabetic drugs for specific diseases, however, compiled repurposed
reports of antidiabetic drugs for a wide range of diseases are scarce.

Conclusion:

In this review, we attempt to justify the use of antidiabetic drugs in diabetes and associated
comorbidities.
Methotrexate-induced Severe Pancytopenia in a Patient with Rheumatoid
Arthritis: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Hosseini Elham , Shahbazi Foroud
Published: May 2023

Toxicity associated with low doses of methotrexate (MTX) is low, but it may be fatal.
Bone marrow suppression and mucositis are among the common side effects of low dose MTX
toxicity. Different risk factors have been reported for toxicities associated with low doses of MTX,
including accidental use of higher doses, renal dysfunction, hypoalbuminemia, and polypharmacy.
In this paper, we present a female patient who had mistakenly used 7.5 mg of MTX daily instead of
the same dose of MTX on Thursday and Friday. She was presented with mucositis and diarrhea to
the emergency department. Moreover, we searched the databases Scopus and PubMed for available
studies and case reports on toxicities associated with MTX dosing errors. The most frequently observed
toxicities included gastrointestinal lesions, nausea, vomiting, skin lesions, and bone marrow
suppression. Leucovorin, hydration, and urine alkalinization were among the most frequently used
treatments. Finally, we summarize the data on the toxicities of low doses of MTX in different diseases.