bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Chilli Genotypes for Earliness, Yield And Other Characters in Winter Season
Authors: Haque MI , Ishtiaque S , Islam MM , Rahim MA
Published: December 2022

Thirty-six genotypes of chilli (Capsicum spp.) from diverse sources were evaluated at the Regional Spices Research Station, BARI, Gazipur during February 2017 to November 2018 to select the promising genotype(s) for breeding. Distinct variation among the genotypes was observed in all the qualitative parameters except seed colour and fruiting behavior. The genotype CO 525 and CO 634 took minimum days for 1st flowering (50 days) and first fruit set (59 days), while the genotype CO 633 took the maximum for 1st flowering and first fruit set (125 and 141 days). Plant height ranged from 46 cm (CO 610) to 119cm (CO613). Single fruit weight ranged from 0.72 g (CO629) to 7.81g (CO642), while fruit length ranged from 2.90cm (CO645) to 12.68 cm (CO631). Pedicel length was maximum in CO643 (5.52 cm) and minimum in CO639 (1.50 cm). The genotype CO 611-2 had the maximum number of fruits/plant (342) whereas the genotype CO640 had the minimum no. of fruits/plant (41.33). The genotype CO631 produced the maximum weight of fruits/plant (628.33g). The maximum number of fresh seeds was obtained from CO635 (93.20/fruit) and it was the lowest in C0645 (18). The highest weight of fresh seeds/fruit was obtained from CO525 (0.61 g) and the lowest from CO 639 (0.13 g). The maximum fruit yield was recorded from CO 631 (23.88 t/ha) closely followed by CO635 (19.21 t/ha) and CO 637 (19.12 t/ha). Results revealed that the genotypes differed significantly in most of the parameters and offer a good scope for selection of better genotypes as parents for the desired traits.

Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 45(3): 335-348, September 2020
Diagnostic Accuracy of Urinary Reagent Strip to Determine CSF Chemistry and Cellularity
Authors: Waddadar Shemanta , Chowdhury ANM Manzurul Kader , Chowdhury Rajsree , Das Priyatosh , Alam Mohammad Shamchul , Rubel Md , Majumder Shiuly , Hassanuzzaman Md
Published: December 2022

Background: Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) examination is a common investigation to diagnose and evaluate different neurological diseases. The gold standard method of CSF examination is microscopy, biochemistry and culture in a standard laboratory, which require an experienced microscopist and laboratory support. Urinary reagent strip can be a point of care test in such condition. The study aimed to document the diagnostic accuracy of urinary reagent strip for the semi-quantitative analysis of CSF chemistry and cellularity.

Materials and methods: One hundred hospitalized patients from the Department of Neurology, Chittagong Medical College Hospital were included in this study. CSF samples of the patients were subjected for the de nitive test (CSF microscopy and laboratory biochemical values) and the index test [Combur-10 urinary reagent strip was used as the index test for protein, glucose, leukocytes and erythrocytes. The diagnostic accuracy of each index test was calculated using different cut-off levels (Glucose 1+ vs. CSF glucose >50 mg/dL, protein 1+ vs. CSF protein >30 mg/dL, leukocyte esterase 1+ positivity vs. >10 granulocytes/mm3 and erythrocyte 1+ positivity versus >5 RBC/mm3 in CSF sample).

Results: The diagnostic accuracy of protein estimation by reagent strip shows 100% sensitivity, 84.21% specificity for detection of CSF protein at level 30mg/dl. Glucose reagent strip positivity had 98.8% sensitivity and 75% specificity for detection of CSF glucose at level 50 mg/dl. Leukocyte esterase positivity by test strip had sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 100% for the detection of CSF granulocyte of >10 granulocytes/mm3. The diagnostic accuracy of erythrocyte estimation by reagent strip show 92% sensitivity, 92% specificity for detection of CSF RBC >5 cells/mm3.

Conclusion: Urinary reagent strip can be used routinely for rapid analysis of CSF.A resource-limited hospital might find it useful as a point-of-care laboratory workup of CSF.

Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.21 (2); July 2022; Page 9-13
Editorial Vol 5(1)
Authors: Islam Md Shahidul
Published: December 2022

Abstract not available

J. Natl. Inst.Ophthalmol.2022;5(1):8-9
Pattern of Ocular Myasthenia Gravis in a Tertiary Eye Care Hospital, Bangladesh
Authors: Sarkar Shayamal K , Rumki Hasina , Rahman Munsur , Alam Md Toriqul , Hossain Monir , Sultana Zakia
Published: December 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate pattern of ocular myasthenia gravis patients in a tertiary eye care hospital in Bangladesh.

Methodology: This observational study was conducted in National Institute of Ophthalmology and Hospital (NIOH), Dhaka from January 2019 to December 2019. A total of 33 cases were purposively selected among ocular myasthenia gravis patients attending in the Department of neuro ophthalmology of NIOH irrespective of age, gender, residence. Study variables wereage, gender, clinical features, presence of thymoma, clinical, pharmacological and serological test findings. A proforma was prepared to record the data on particulars of the patients.

Results: Among the cases, 45.5% were male and 54.5% were female where the mean age was 38.7 years. All patients presented with ptosis (100.0%) and most of them had fatigability(87.9%), cogan twice sign (81.8%) andorbicularis weakness (81.8%) while 63.6% had diplopia. Diabetes mellitus was observed in 18.2%patients and 15.1% had thyroid associations. Most of them had positive ice test(87.9%), 51.5% had positive serological test and 6.1% had positive neostigmine test. Thymoma was present in 6.1% cases.

Conclusion: Ptosis was the most common clinical presentation for ocular myasthenia. Clinical diagnosis was confirmed by ice pack test and neostigmine test. Ocular myasthenia gravis patients may be have other systemic diseases.

J. Natl. Inst. Ophthalmol. 2022;5(1):16-20
Pengaruh Keterbukaan Diri Relawan dan Siswa Terhadap Kepercayaan Interpersonal Motivasi di Yayasan Swara Peduli
Authors: Nabila Adina Putri , Sembada Windhiadi Yoga
Published: December 2022

Self-disclosure that is built will lead to a sense of interpersonal trust. Interpersonal trust will be the basis for the success of a motivation. This study aims to determine the positive effect of self-disclosure (self-disclosure) of teaching volunteers and students in the process of implementing teaching and learning in the Swara Peduli Foundation on interpersonal trust in learning motivation. Operational variables in this study consist of self- disclosure as the X variable and interpersonal trust as the Y variable. This study uses a quantitative method with the theory of self-disclosure theory. The data collection technique was carried out using a survey method of distributing questionnaires to the object to be studied, namely 28 respondents. Sampling in this study used a saturated sample (census) because the number of respondents was less than 100 people. The results showed that there was a high positive influence on self-disclosure towards interpersonal trust, this can be seen from the calculation of the correlation value R = 0.795 and it is known that the R Square value is 0.632, it can be concluded that the magnitude of the influence has a value of 63.2%. The hypothesis which states that there is a positive effect of self-disclosure on interpersonal trust in learning, motivation at the Swara Peduli Foundation is acceptable.

Abstrak

Keterbukaan diri yang dibangun akan menimbulkan rasa kepercayaan interpersonal. Kepercayaan interpersonal akan menjadi dasar bagi keberhasilan sebuah motivasi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui besar pengaruh positif keterbukaan diri (self disclosure) relawan pengajar dan siswa dalam proses pelaksanaan belajar mengajar di Yayasan Swara Peduli terhadap kepercayaan interpersonal dalam motivasi belajar. Operasional variabel dalam penelitian ini meliputi keterbukaan diri (self disclosure) menjadi variabel X dan kepercayaan interpersonal menjadi variabel Y. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan teori self disclosure theory.  Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan menggunakan metode survey. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat adanya pengaruh positif yang tinggi pada keterbukaan diri terhadap kepercayaan interpersonal, maka membuktikan bahwa keterbukaan diri (self disclosure) yang menjadi landasan teori dalam penelitian ini dengan operasional variabel seperti ketepatan, motivasi, waktu, keintensifan dan kedalaman dan keluasan dapat mempengaruhi variabel dari kepercayaan interpersonal, seperti keyakinan dan kemampuan diri, rasa optimis, obejektif, sikap bertanggung jawab dan berpikir dengan rasional atau realistis. Hal ini dapat dilihat dari perhitungan nilai korelasi R = 0,795 dan diketahui nilai R Square sebesar 0.632, maka bisa disimpulkan bahwa besaran pengaruh memiliki nilai sebesar 63,2%. Hipotesis yang menyatakan bahwa terdapat pengaruh positif dari keterbukaan diri terhadap kepercayaan interpersonal dalam motivasi belajar di Yayasan Swara Peduli dapat diterima.
Persuasive Communication by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Handling a Refugee in Canada
Authors: Yeremia  , Boer Rino Febrianno , Charlina Citra
Published: December 2022

Speech is an example of public communication context. How people build arguments in the speech can affect the persuasion process. Justin Trudeau brings refugee issues in his speech as something important for audiences to take concern with. He emphasizes on how world’s leaders in 71st General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly are able to accept refugees the way Canada has done. He wants to show the world that accepting refugees will not bring any harm to the countries. He is the youngest prime minister ever in Canada and pressumed like a leader has lack of experience among the other world leaders. How Justin Trudeau builds his argument on handling a refugee. This study adopts qualitative research with textual analysis as the method, which will use articles, websites and books as literature. The results showed that Justin Trudeau's physical attractiveness and authority in making decisions, credibility in proving promises, and his attractiveness in attracting the world's attention were the most visible components as a leader and speaker. He builds his arguments by showing evidence, case histories, and making people be guilty for doing wrong things with guilt appeal. His message content is full of the proof he has done for Canada in welcoming refugees. He shows vivid case histories and narratives on how Canada is safe by accepting refugees while many countries refuse for the sake of safety.

Abstrak

Pidato merupakan salah satu konteks komunikasi publik. Cara orang membangun argumen dalam pidato dapat mempengaruhi proses persuasi. Justin Trudeau membawa isu pengungsi dalam pidatonya sebagai sesuatu yang penting untuk diperhatikan oleh auediens. Dia menekankan bagaimana para pemimpin dunia dalam Debat Umum ke-71 Konferensi Umum Perserikatan Bangsa-Bangsa dapat menerima para pengungsi seperti yang telah dilakukan Kanada. Dia ingin menunjukkan kepada dunia bahwa menerima pengungsi tidak akan merugikan negara. Justin adalah perdana menteri termuda yang pernah ada di Kanada dan dianggap seperti seorang pemimpin yang memiliki pengalaman kurang di antara pemimpin dunia lainnya. Penelitian ini mengadopsi penelitian kualitatif dengan analisis teks sebagai metode, yang akan menggunakan artikel, website, dan buku sebagai literatur. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan, daya tarik fisik dan kewibawaan Justin Trudeau dalam memutuskan, kredibilitas dalam membuktikan janji, dan daya tariknya dalam menarik perhatian dunia adalah komponen yang paling terlihat sebagai pemimpin dan pembicara. Dia membangun argumennya dengan menunjukkan data sebagai bukti, kasus sejarah, dan membuat pihak lain tampak bersalah. Isi pesannya penuh dengan bukti bahwa dia telah melakukan hal yang tepat di Kanada dalam menyambut para pengungsi. Dia menunjukkan kasus sejarah dan narasi yang jelas tentang bagaimana Kanada aman dengan menerima para pengungsi sementara banyak negara menolaknya demi keselamatan mereka.
Pemetaan Budaya Suku Dayak Tomun di Sekitar Kota/Kabupaten Lamadau Provinsi Kalimantan Tengah Untuk Penunjang Pariwisata Kota dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Lokal
Authors: Rilatupa James , Septiady Yophie , Siahaan Uras , Pasaribu Ramos
Published: December 2022

Kabupaten Lamandau yang dikenal memiliki budaya yang unik, karena ada keterkaitan antara suku Dayak Tomun yang sedikit banyak dipengaruhi oleh budaya Minang dari Kerajaan Pagaruyung di Sumatera Barat. Dalam tiap kehidupan masyarakat diatur atau diorganisasi oleh adat-istiadat, dan aturan-aturan mengenai berbagai macam kesatuan dalam lingkungan di mana ia hidup dan bergaul dari hari ke hari. Tentunya pemetaan budaya dan kesiapan masyarakat ini menjadi penting, karena terkait dengan penerimaan masyarakat lokal dan perencanaan pembangunan Kota Lamandau itu sendiri. Bahan yang digunakan dalam investigasi ini adalah beberapa lokasi ekosistem suku Dayak Tomun di sekitar Kota Kabupaten Lamandau. Ekosistem tersebut bisa berupa desa maupun perkampungan suku Dayak Tomun  yang masih melakukan dan mempertahankan pelestarian budaya suku mereka. Untuk dapat melakukan hal tersebut, metode investigasi dilakukan dengan cara kunjungan ke tiap-tiap lokasi ekosistem budaya suku Dayak Tomun di sekitar Kota Kabupaten Lamandau. Kemudian menentukan lokasi-lokasi yang dianggap potensial. Dari pelaksanaan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini, diperoleh kerjasama dengan pihak Pemda Kabupaten Lamandau untuk mengetahui rencana tata ruang kota (RUTRK) Kabupaten Kota Lamandau yang terkait dengan program pariwisata di daerahnya.
Conceptual bases for forming a hybrid drive of a high traffic vehicle
Authors: Kraynyk L. , Kikhtan A. , Kokhan V. , Voloshcuk M.
Published: December 2022

The hybrid drive is growing in popularity and is already present in almost the majority of classes of the new model generation of military vehicles (MV) of the NATO countries, the Russian Federation, and the People's Republic of China. The main advantage of the hybrid MV drive is, first of all, a significant reduction in the ability to locate the movement in the sound and infrared frequency spectra when driving on electric traction with the internal combustion engine turned off, as well as an increase in the power reserve due to a decrease in the linear consumption of motor fuel. The purpose of the study is to form a general structure - a scheme of a hybrid drive of a high-possibility car for off-road and to evaluate the basic necessary parameters of power drive units, taking into account the characteristics of off-road driving. Based on the analysis of trends in the development of military buggies and areas of use in modern conditions of war and the urgent need for machines of this class at the front, the feasibility of actually two-stage implementation of modifications with a hybrid drive  for the Armed Forces of Ukraine of the ultralight domestic buggy TUR KV 02 “Mamai” was determined, which meets the regulatory requirements of the NATO base countries regarding of wheeled equipment of the front edge, and provides appropriate mobility for off-road traffic.
In contrast to serial passenger cars and crossovers, the hybrid drive of MV is based on a series scheme with the possibility of external plug-in charging, as well as the use of the hybrid drive as an autonomous power source for other consumers in the field. At the 2nd stage of the development of the hybrid drive of the TUR KV02 “Mamay” buggy, a unified layout of the drive units is provided with the possibility of short-term simultaneous connection of the drive wheels of both the traction electric motor and the internal combustion engine with the synchronization of their speed modes for driving on difficult off-road or increasing acceleration dynamics. The capacity of the batteries is formed by the necessary reserve of autonomous driving on electric traction in typical off-road areas in the area of combat use. The unit of traction batteries is easily replaceable in the conditions of places of permanent deployment and has increased protection against water ingress during short-term forcing of minor water obstacles and provides for the option of Level 1 STANAG 4589 ballistic protection.
Bouncing Spallation Bombs During the 2021 La Palma Eruption, Canary Islands, Spain
Authors: Day James M. D. , Geiger Harri , Troll Valentin R. , Perez-Torrado Francisco J. , Aulinas Meritxell , Gisbert Guillem , Carracedo Juan Carlos
Published: December 2022

Incandescent pyroclasts of more than 64 mm in diameter erupted from active volcanoes are known as bombs and pose a significant hazard to life and infrastructure. Volcanic ballistic projectile hazard assessment normally considers fall as the main transport process, estimating its intensity from bomb location and impact cratering. We describe ballistically ejected bombs observed during the late October 2021 episode of eruption at La Palma (Canary Islands) that additionally travelled downhill by rolling and bouncing on the steep tephra-dominated cone. These bouncing bombs travelled for distances >1 km beyond their initial impact sites, increasing total travel distance by as much as 100%. They left multiple impact craters on their travel path and frequently spalled incandescent fragments on impact with substrate, leading to significant fire hazard for partially buried trees and structures far beyond the range of ballistic transport. We term these phenomena as bouncing spallation bombs. The official exclusion zone encompassed this hazard at La Palma, but elsewhere bouncing spallation bombs ought to be accounted for in risk assessment, necessitating awareness of an increased hazard footprint on steep-sided volcanoes with ballistic activity.
Evi5 is required for Xenopus limb and tail regeneration
Authors: Yang Li , Chen Youwei , Liu Huahua , Liu Yu , Yuan Feng , Li Qianyan , Lin Gufa
Published: December 2022

Amphibians such as salamanders and the African clawed frog Xenopus are great models for regeneration studies because they can fully regenerate their lost organs. While axolotl can regenerate damaged organs throughout its lifetime, Xenopus has a limited regeneration capacity after metamorphosis. The ecotropic viral integrative factor 5 (Evi5) is of great interest because its expression is highly upregulated in the limb blastema of axolotls, but remains unchanged in the fibroblastema of post-metamorphic frogs. Yet, its role in regeneration-competent contexts in Xenopus has not been fully analyzed. Here we show that Evi5 is upregulated in Xenopus tadpoles after limb and tail amputation, as in axolotls. Down-regulation of Evi5 with morpholino antisense oligos (Mo) impairs limb development and limb blastema formation in Xenopus tadpoles. Mechanistically, we show that Evi5 knockdown significantly reduces proliferation of limb blastema cells and causes apoptosis, blocking the formation of regeneration blastema. RNA-sequencing analysis reveals that in addition to reduced PDGFα and TGFβ signaling pathways that are required for regeneration, evi5 Mo downregulates lysine demethylases Kdm6b and Kdm7a. And knockdown of Kdm6b or Kdm7a causes defective limb regeneration. Evi5 knockdown also impedes tail regeneration in Xenopus tadpoles and axolotl larvae, suggesting a conserved function of Evi5 in appendage regeneration. Thus, our results demonstrate that Evi5 plays a critical role in appendage regeneration in amphibians.
G2/M checkpoint regulation and apoptosis facilitate the nuclear egress of parvoviral capsids
Authors: Mattola Salla , Mäntylä Elina , Aho Vesa , Salminen Sami , Leclerc Simon , Oittinen Mikko , Salokas Kari , Järvensivu Jani , Hakanen Satu , Ihalainen Teemu O , Viiri Keijo , Vihinen-Ranta Maija
Published: December 2022

The nuclear export factor CRM1-mediated pathway is known to be important for the nuclear egress of progeny parvovirus capsids in the host cells with virus-mediated cell cycle arrest at G2/M. However, it is still unclear whether this is the only pathway by which capsids exit the nucleus. Our studies show that the nuclear egress of DNA-containing full canine parvovirus. capsids was reduced but not fully inhibited when CRM1-mediated nuclear export was prevented by leptomycin B. This suggests that canine parvovirus capsids might use additional routes for nuclear escape. This hypothesis was further supported by our findings that nuclear envelope (NE) permeability was increased at the late stages of infection. Inhibitors of cell cycle regulatory protein cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (Cdk1) and pro-apoptotic caspase 3 prevented the NE leakage. The change in NE permeability could be explained by the regulation of the G2/M checkpoint which is accompanied by early mitotic and apoptotic events. The model of G2/M checkpoint activation was supported by infection-induced nuclear accumulation of cyclin B1 and Cdk1. Both NE permeability and nuclear egress of capsids were reduced by the inhibition of Cdk1. Additional proof of checkpoint function regulation and promotion of apoptotic events was the nucleocytoplasmic redistribution of nuclear transport factors, importins, and Ran, in late infection. Consistent with our findings, post-translational histone acetylation that promotes the regulation of several genes related to cell cycle transition and arrest was detected. In conclusion, the model we propose implies that parvoviral capsid egress partially depends on infection-induced G2/M checkpoint regulation involving early mitotic and apoptotic events.
Recent advances and perspectives of CeO2-based catalysts: Electronic properties and applications for energy storage and conversion
Authors: Wang Xianwei , Wang Jingyi , Sun Yafei , Li Kanghui , Shang Tongxin , Wan Ying
Published: December 2022

Cerium dioxide (CeO2, ceria) has long been regarded as one of the key materials in modern catalysis, both as a support and as a catalyst itself. Apart from its well-established use (three-way catalysts and diesel engines), CeO2 has been widely used as a cocatalyst/catalyst in energy conversion and storage applications. The importance stems from the oxygen storage capacity of ceria, which allows it to release oxygen under reducing conditions and to store oxygen by filling oxygen vacancies under oxidizing conditions. However, the nature of the Ce active site remains not well understood because the degree of participation of f electrons in catalytic reactions is not clear in the case of the heavy dependence of catalysis theory on localized d orbitals at the Fermi energy EF. This review focuses on the catalytic applications in energy conversion and storage of CeO2-based nanostructures and discusses the mechanisms for several typical catalytic reactions from the perspectives of electronic properties of CeO2-based nanostructures. Defect engineering is also summarized to better understand the relationship between catalytic performance and electronic properties. Finally, the challenges and prospects of designing high efficiency CeO2-based catalysts in energy storage and conversion have been emphasized.
Surveillance of osteoarticular infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus in a paediatric hospital in Mexico City
Authors: Aguilar-Gómez Nancy Evelyn , Merida-Vieyra Jocelin , Isunza-Alonso Oscar Daniel , Morales-Pirela María Gabriela , Colín-Martínez Oscar , Juárez-Benítez Enrique Josué , García de la Puente Silvestre , Aquino-Andrade Alejandra
Published: December 2022

Staphylococcus aureus is the main aetiologic agent of osteoarticular infections (OAIs) in paediatric patients. The aim of this prospective unicenter study was to describe the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of S. aureus isolates obtained from OAIs in paediatric patients admitted to tertiary care hospital. Through a surveillance program called OsteoCode, a multidisciplinary team was created and we identified 27 patients with OAIs caused by S. aureus from 2019 to 2021. The susceptibility profile, virulence factors, biofilm formation, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), clonal complex (CC) and sequence type (ST) were determined. In addition, the clinical characteristics and evolution of the patients presented six months after the diagnosis of OAIs were described. Ninety-two percent of the isolates were methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA). In methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), SCCmec-II and SCCmec-V were detected. The pvl gene was only observed in MSSA (18.5%) and was associated with highest fever (p=0.015), multiple localization (p=0.017), and soft tissue sites of infection beyond the bone (pyomyositis, pulmonary abscess) (p=0.017). Biofilm formation was detected in 55.6% of isolates. The most common CC were CC5 and CC30 which represent the most common linages for bone and joint infections worldwide. The isolates were distributed in different STs, and ST672 was predominant. MRSA were associated with a longer duration of intravenous treatment and a prolonged hospital stay (p=0.023). Recurrent infection occurred in five children and orthopaedic complications in 33.3% of patients. This is the first study that reflects the epidemiology of S. aureus in OAIs in paediatric patients in Mexico; a clear predominance of MSSA distributed in different STs was observed. Our findings highlight that a multidisciplinary team is required for the diagnosis and treatment of OAIs.
Climate mobility to Europe: The case of disaster displacement in Austrian asylum procedures
Authors: Mayrhofer Monika , Ammer Margit
Published: December 2022

Disaster displacement is an increasing challenge in the context of climate change. However, there is a lack of research focusing on Europe as a destination area, including on the question how the normative protection gap with regard to cross-border disaster displacement is addressed from a European perspective. Against this background this article provides evidence from a European case study focusing on the role of disaster, such as droughts or floods, in asylum procedures in Austria. Based on a qualitative content analysis of 646 asylum decisions rendered by the Austrian appellate court (supplemented by qualitative interviews with relevant Austrian stakeholders), it is demonstrated that disasters are—to a certain extent—already taken into consideration in Austrian asylum procedures: impacts of disasters are not only brought forward by applicants for either leaving the country of origin or for not wanting or not being able to return. They are also increasingly discussed in the legal reasoning of judgments of the Austrian appellate court. The analysis shows that impacts of disasters play an important role mainly in decisions concerning persons from Somalia, and here primarily in the assessment of the non-refoulement principle under Article 3 ECHR and subsidiary protection. This can be regarded as a response to the protection gap—even though not necessarily applied consistently.
Combination of antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy, component network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Szapáry László , Tornyos Dániel , Kupó Péter , Lukács Réka , El Alaoui El Abdallaoui Oumaima , Komócsi András
Published: December 2022

Background

Despite numerous randomized clinical trials (RCT), data regarding the efficacy of antiplatelet and anticoagulant combinations are still conflicting. We aimed to analyze treatment options tested in various fields of cardiovascular prevention, regarding their efficacy and bleeding risk.

Methods

Systematic searches of electronic databases were conducted until June 2022. A component network meta-analysis was performed in R. Risk estimates across trials were pooled using random-effects model selecting risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) as summary statistics. The primary endpoint of interest was the rate of major cardiac adverse events (MACE). Major bleeding events were assessed as main safety endpoint. Secondary outcomes included cardiovascular- and overall mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis, and stroke.

Results

Fifteen studies randomizing 73,536 patients were identified. The MACE risk reflected heterogeneity among the anticoagulants with dabigatran and apixaban significantly reducing the risk of MACE (RR 0.56; 95% CI 0.39–0.80 and RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.58–0.98, respectively). Vitamin K antagonist (VKA), rivaroxaban, or edoxaban did not reduced of MACE while it was associated with a significant increase of bleeding risk (RR 1.66; 3.66, and 5.47, respectively). The direct anticoagulant (DOAC) dose reduction resulted in tendencies of fewer bleeding but higher MACE risk, while combination with aspirin was followed with increased risk for bleeding, however, remained non-significant in these cases.

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis supports that the ischemic-bleeding balance is different among direct-acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) while this is not significantly affected by the dose reduction approaches. Long-term aspirin treatment as part of the anticoagulant and dual antiplatelet regimen provides no ischemic benefit but may increase bleeding risk.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [259703].
Sex differences in the association between blood pressure and atrial fibrillation: A case-control study
Authors: Zhao Xiexiong , Feng Qilun , Wahid Abdul , Wang Xiaoyan , Wen Juan , Jiang Weihong , Tang Xiaohong
Published: December 2022

Background

To examine the association of hypertension (HBP) and its control with atrial fibrillation (AF) and how patient sex affects this association.

Materials and methods

A case control study of patients admitted to our hospital from 2015 to 2019 was conducted. Patients were divided into subgroups according to their blood pressure (BP) levels and control status, in which odd ratios (OR) by sex for AF was estimated using a logistic regression model and restrictive cubic splines before and after propensity score matching.

Results

A total of 3,212 patients with AF and 8,307 without AF were investigated. Compared to patients with normal BP, patients with HBP had more AF [OR = 1.75 (1.52–2.02), OR = 2.66 (2.24–3.15), and OR = 4.30 (3.40–5.44) in patients with grade 1, 2, and 3 HBP, respectively]. In HBP patients with grade 3, the OR of AF was much higher in women than in men (OR = 7.15, 95% CI: 4.43–11.50 vs. OR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.66–3.72). BP over 133.1/79.9 mmHg in men or 127.1/75.1 mmHg in women was positively associated with AF. In patients with HBP, uncontrolled BP was more associated with AF (OR = 3.00, 95% CI: 2.53–3.56), especially in women (OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 2.27–4.19). BP and prevalence of AF correlated with each other positively in patients admitted to a cardiology ward. Lowering BP to 145.1/85.8 mmHg in men or 140.5/82.5 mmHg in women led to less AF.

Conclusion

There is more significant relationship between HBP and AF in female patients. A lower and individualized BP target may be formulated to prevent AF in women.
Low-molecular-weight heparin in addition to low-dose aspirin for preventing preeclampsia and its complications: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Li , Xia Binbin , Yuan Yuan , Wang Yuran , Wang Yan
Published: December 2022

Background

In this systematic review, we aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of adding low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) or unfractionated heparin to low-dose aspirin (LDA) started ≤16 weeks'gestation in the prevention of preeclampsia (PE) in high-risk women.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched from their inception to April 2022 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that to determine whether the combined treatment of LMWH and LDA is better than single anticoagulant drugs in preventing PE and improving live birth rate of fetus in high-risk women with pregnancy ≤16 weeks. We also searched Embase, OVID MEDLINE and OVID MEDLINE in-process using the OVID platform.

Results

14 RCTs involving 1,966 women were found. The LMWH (or unfractionated heparin) and LDA groups included 1,165 wemen, and the LDA group included 960 women. The meta-analysis showed that the addition of LMWH to LDA reduced the risk of PE (RR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.44-0.79, P < 0.05), small-for-gestational age (SGA, RR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.52-0.97, P = 0.03), fetal and neonatal death (RR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.23-0.88, P = 0.02) and gestational hypertension (RR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.25-0.90, P = 0.02). It is worth emphasizing that LMWH (or unfractionated heparin) combined with LDA did not increase the risk of bleeding.

Conclusions

LMWH combined with LDA can effectively improve the pregnancy outcome of women with high risk factors for PE and its complications. Although this study showed that combined medication also did not increase the risk of bleeding, but such results lack the support of large sample size studies. The clinical safety analysis of LMWH combined with LDA in patients with PE should be more carried out.
Geomechanical assessment of the Lower Turonian AR-F limestone Member, Abu Gharadig Field, Egypt: Implications for unconventional resource development
Authors: Farouk Sherif , Sen Souvik , Abu-Alam Tamer , Al Kahtany Khaled , Abioui Mohamed
Published: December 2022

This study evaluates the unconventional reservoir geomechanical characteristics of the Lower Turonian Abu Roash-F (AR-F) carbonates from the Abu Gharadig field, onshore Egypt, which has not been attempted before. The interval dominantly consists of planktic foraminifera and micrite matrix. The AR-F marine carbonate is organic-rich (0.59–3.57 wt% total organic carbon), thermally mature (435–441°C Tmax) and falls within the oil generation window. The studied interval is very tight with up to 2.6% porosity and 0.0016–0.0033 mD permeability with the wireline log-based brittleness index ranging between 0.39–0.72 which indicates a less brittle to brittle nature. AR-F exhibits a hydrostatic pore pressure gradient with minimum horizontal stress (Shmin) varying between 0.66–0.76 PSI/ft. Safe wellbore trajectory analysis was performed for deviated and horizontal wells to infer the mud pressure gradients required to avoid wellbore instabilities. Based on the inferred in-stress magnitudes and considering an NNE regional maximum horizontal stress orientation, none of the fractures are found to be critically stressed at present day. To produce from the AR-F, hydraulic fracturing is necessary, and we infer a minimum pore pressure increment threshold of 1390 PSI by fluid injection to reactivate the vertical fractures parallel to regional minimum horizontal stress azimuth.
Quercetin alleviates diastolic dysfunction and suppresses adverse pro-hypertrophic signaling in diabetic rats
Authors: Bartosova Linda , Horvath Csaba , Galis Peter , Ferenczyova Kristina , Kalocayova Barbora , Szobi Adrian , Duris-Adameova Adriana , Bartekova Monika , Rajtik Tomas
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Quercetin (Que) is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant flavonoid with cardioprotective potential. However, very little is known about the signaling pathways and gene regulatory proteins Que may interfere with, especially in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Therefore, we aimed to study the potential cardioprotective effects of Que on the cardiac phenotype of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) accompanied by obesity.

Methods

For this experiment, we used Zucker Diabetic Fatty rats (fa/fa) and their age-matched lean controls (fa/+) that were treated with either vehicle or 20 mg/kg/day of Que for 6 weeks. Animals underwent echocardiographic (echo) examination before the first administration of Que and after 6 weeks.

Results

After the initial echo examination, the diabetic rats showed increased E/A ratio, a marker of left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, in comparison to the control group which was selectively reversed by Que. Following the echo analysis, Que reduced LV wall thickness and exhibited an opposite effect on LV luminal area. In support of these results, the total collagen content measured by hydroxyproline assay was decreased in the LVs of diabetic rats treated with Que. The follow-up immunoblot analysis of proteins conveying cardiac remodeling pathways revealed that Que was able to interfere with cardiac pro-hypertrophic signaling. In fact, Que reduced relative protein expression of pro-hypertrophic transcriptional factor MEF2 and its counter-regulator HDAC4 along with pSer246-HDAC4. Furthermore, Que showed potency to decrease GATA4 transcription factor, NFAT3 and calcineurin, as well as upstream extracellular signal-regulated kinase Erk5 which orchestrates several pro-hypertrophic pathways.

Discussion

In summary, we showed for the first time that Que ameliorated pro-hypertrophic signaling on the level of epigenetic regulation and targeted specific upstream pathways which provoked inhibition of pro-hypertrophic signals in ZDF rats. Moreover, Que mitigated T2DM and obesity-induced diastolic dysfunction, therefore, might represent an interesting target for future research on novel cardioprotective agents.
Machine learning to construct sphingolipid metabolism genes signature to characterize the immune landscape and prognosis of patients with uveal melanoma
Authors: Chi Hao , Peng Gaoge , Yang Jinyan , Zhang Jinhao , Song Guobin , Xie Xixi , Strohmer Dorothee Franziska , Lai Guichuan , Zhao Songyun , Wang Rui , Yang Fang , Tian Gang
Published: December 2022

Background

Uveal melanoma (UVM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults and is highly metastatic, resulting in a poor patient prognosis. Sphingolipid metabolism plays an important role in tumor development, diagnosis, and prognosis. This study aimed to establish a reliable signature based on sphingolipid metabolism genes (SMGs), thus providing a new perspective for assessing immunotherapy response and prognosis in patients with UVM.

Methods

In this study, SMGs were used to classify UVM from the TCGA-UVM and GEO cohorts. Genes significantly associated with prognosis in UVM patients were screened using univariate cox regression analysis. The most significantly characterized genes were obtained by machine learning, and 4-SMGs prognosis signature was constructed by stepwise multifactorial cox. External validation was performed in the GSE84976 cohort. The level of immune infiltration of 4-SMGs in high- and low-risk patients was analyzed by platforms such as CIBERSORT. The prediction of 4-SMGs on immunotherapy and immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) response in UVM patients was assessed by ImmuCellAI and TIP portals.

Results

4-SMGs were considered to be strongly associated with the prognosis of UVM and were good predictors of UVM prognosis. Multivariate analysis found that the model was an independent predictor of UVM, with patients in the low-risk group having higher overall survival than those in the high-risk group. The nomogram constructed from clinical characteristics and risk scores had good prognostic power. The high-risk group showed better results when receiving immunotherapy.

Conclusions

4-SMGs signature and nomogram showed excellent predictive performance and provided a new perspective for assessing pre-immune efficacy, which will facilitate future precision immuno-oncology studies.
A comparison of physical activity, muscle strength, and sleep between people with type 2 diabetes in Kuwait and the UK: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Al Ozairi Ebaa , Alsaeed Dalal , Al Roudhan Dherar , Voase Nia , Pell Jill P. , Ho Frederick K. , Abdulla Mohammed , Gray Stuart R.
Published: December 2022

Background

The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of low muscle strength and to evaluate physical activity and sleep characteristics in people with type 2 diabetes in Kuwait. Additionally, equivalent data from the UK Biobank cohort were compared.

Methods

People with type 2 diabetes from the UK Biobank (n = 23,570) and Kuwaiti cohorts (n = 3,135) were included in this cross-sectional study. Self-reported sleep, physical activity, and muscle strength were compared between the cohorts, using linear and logistic regression, with adjustments for age, sex, and duration of diabetes.

Results

Physical activity levels (−1216 (−1328,1104 Met-min/wee k: standardized B-coefficient −0.52 (−0.57, −0.47) and grip strength (−3.2 (−3.58, −2.82) kg: standardized B-coefficient (−0.29 (−0.32, -0.26) were lower in the Kuwaiti cohort and the odds of having short sleep (OR 1.32 (1.19,1.46), being classed as inactive (OR 8.70 (7.59, 9.98) and having muscle weakness were higher (OR 1.88 (1.69, 2.09). These analyses were adjusted for age, sex, and duration of diabetes.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that insufficient sleep, physical inactivity, and muscle weakness are prevalent in people with type 2 diabetes, especially in Kuwait. Importantly, these observations warrant urgent and effective interventions to improve sleep, muscle strength, and physical activity, especially in Kuwait.
Exploring the common gene signatures and pathogeneses of obesity with Alzheimer’s disease via transcriptome data
Authors: Li Ting , Qu Jingru , Xu Chaofei , Fang Ting , Sun Bei , Chen Liming
Published: December 2022

Background

Obesity is a complex condition that influences several organ systems and physiologic systems. Obesity (OB) is closely linked to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the interrelationship between them remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the key genes and potential molecular mechanisms in obesity and AD.

Methods

The microarray data for OB and AD were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted gene correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was used to delineate the co-expression modules related to OB and AD. The shared genes existing in obesity and AD were identified through biological process analyses using the DAVID website, which then constructed the Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) Network and selected the hub genes by Cytoscape. The results were validated in other microarray data by differential gene analysis. Moreover, the hub gene expressions were further determined in mice by qPCR.

Results

The WGCNA identifies five modules and four modules as significant modules with OB and AD, respectively. Functional analysis of shared genes emphasized that inflammation response and mitochondrial functionality were common features in the pathophysiology of OB and AD. The results of differential gene analysis in other microarray data were extremely similar to them. Then six important hub genes were selected and identified using cytoHubba, including MMP9, PECAM1, C3AR1, IL1R1, PPARGC1α, and COQ3. Finally, we validated the hub gene expressions via qPCR.

Conclusions

Our work revealed the high inflammation/immune response and mitochondrial impairment in OB patients, which might be a crucial susceptibility factor for AD. Meanwhile, we identified novel gene candidates such as MMP9, PECAM1, C3AR1, IL1R1, PPARGC1α, and COQ3 that could be used as biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets for OB with AD.
Alteration in glucocorticoids secretion and metabolism in patients affected by cystic fibrosis
Authors: Podgórski Rafał , Sumińska Marta , Rachel Marta , Fichna Marta , Fichna Piotr , Mazur Artur
Published: December 2022

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited syndrome associated with a mutation in a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene, composed of exocrine gland dysfunction involving multiple systems that may result in chronic respiratory infections, pancreatic enzyme deficiency, and developmental disorders. Our study describes for the first time the urinary profile of glucocorticoid metabolites and the activity of the enzymes involved in the development and metabolism of cortisol in patients with CF, using a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method. Data were obtained from 25 affected patients and 70 sex- and age- matched healthy volunteers. We have shown a general decrease in the activity of enzymes involved in the peripheral metabolism of cortisol, such as 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, 5α- and 5β-reductases. In contrast, the activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, the enzyme that converts cortisone to cortisol, increased. Furthermore, our study found a significant decrease in glucocorticoid excretion in patients with CF. This may suggest adrenal insufficiency or dysregulation of the HPA axis and the development of peripheral mechanisms to counteract cortisol degradation in the case of reduced synthesis of glucocorticoids by the adrenal glands. Furthermore, the activity of 5α-reductase seems to be enhanced only through the backdoor pathway, especially when we taking into consideration 11β-hydroxyandrosterone/11β-hydroxyetiocholanolone ratio which has been shown to be the best differential marker for enzyme activity. CF impairs nutritional effects and energetic balance in patients; thus, our findings suggest the existence of adaptive mechanisms due to limited secretion of adrenal steroids and subsequent diminished amounts of their metabolites in urine. On the other hand, local control of cortisol availability is maintained by enhanced 11βHSD1 activity and its recovery from cortisone in organs and tissues which need this. Steroid hormone dysregulation might be another important factor in the course of CF that should be taken into account when planning an effective and comprehensive therapy.
ATP-citrate lyase inhibitor improves ectopic lipid accumulation in the kidney in a db/db mouse model
Authors: Zhan Zishun , Li Aimei , Zhang Wei , Wu Xueqin , He Jinrong , Li Zhi , Li Yanchun , Sun Jian , Zhang Hao
Published: December 2022

Aim

We evaluated a novel treatment for obesity-related renal, an ATP-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitor, to attenuate ectopic lipid accumulation (ELA) in the kidney and the ensuing inflammation.

Materials and methods

An ACL inhibitor was administered intragastrically to 12-week-old db/db mice for 30 days. The appearance of ELA was observed by staining kidney sections with Oil Red O, and the differences in tissue lipid metabolites were assessed by mass spectrometry. The anti-obesity and renoprotection effects of ACL inhibitors were observed by histological examination and multiple biochemical assays.

Results

Using the AutoDock Vina application, we determined that among the four known ACL inhibitors (SB-204990, ETC-1002, NDI-091143, and BMS-303141), BMS-303141 had the highest affinity for ACL and reduced ACL expression in the kidneys of db/db mice. We reported that BMS-303141 administration could decrease the levels of serum lipid and renal lipogenic enzymes acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR), and diminish renal ELA in db/db mice. In addition, we found that reducing ELA improved renal injuries, inflammation, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis.

Conclusion

ACL inhibitor BMS-303141 protects against obesity-related renal injuries.