bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomass, carbon stock and sequestration potential of Oxytenanthera abyssinica forests in Lower Beles River Basin, Northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Shiferaw , Minale Amare Sewnet , Teketay Demel , Jayaraman Durai , Long Trinh Thang 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundGiven the large bamboo resource base with considerable potential to act as an important carbon sink, Ethiopia has included bamboo in the national Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation and enhancing forest carbon stocks (REDD+) and Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) programs. However, little is known about the carbon stock and sequestration potential of bamboo forests. As a result, this research was conducted to quantify the carbon sequestration and storage capacity ofOxytenanthera abyssinicaforests in the Lower Beles River Basin, northwestern Ethiopia. To this end, a total of 54 circular plots, each measuring 100 m2with a radius of 5.64 m, were established to conduct the inventory in Assitsa and Eddida bamboo forests, the typical bamboo sites in Lower Beles River Basin. Biomass accumulation of bamboo was estimated using an allometric equation based on diameter at breast height (DBH) and age. Soil samples were taken from two different soil depths (0–15 and 15–30 cm) to determine soil organic carbon.ResultsResults indicate that the mean biomass of the bamboo forests in the study area accounted for about 177.1 $$\pm$$± 3.1 Mg ha−1. The mean biomass carbon and soil organic carbon stock of the bamboo forests were 83.2 $$\pm$$± 1.5 Mg C ha−1and 70 $$\pm$$± 1.7 Mg C ha−1, respectively. Therefore, the mean carbon stock of theO. abyssinicabamboo forests was 152.5 $$\pm$$± 2.5 Mg C ha−1to 559.8 $$\pm$$± 9.0 ton CO2 ha−1.ConclusionThis study highlights the importance of assessing bamboo’s carbon stock and sequestration potential for enhancing its role in climate change mitigation and sustainable resource management. TheO. abyssinicabamboo forests of the study area have significant carbon stock and sequestration potential. Therefore, sustainable management of these crucial vegetation resources will enhance their role in providing ecosystem services, including climate change mitigation.
COVID-19 and multiple crises in Afghanistan: an urgent battle
Authors: Essar Mohammad Yasir , Hasan Mohammad Mehedi , Islam Zarmina , Riaz Mehr Muhammad Adeel , Aborode Abdullahi Tunde , Ahmad Shoaib 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe political and military advance of the Taliban, reduced healthcare capacity, and imminent humanitarian crisis risk exacerbating an already very serious threat posed by COVID-19 in Afghanistan. The continued rise of COVID-19 cases in Afghanistan appears inevitable, but poor diagnostic capacity prevents accurate case measurement, while vaccine provision is extremely limited. This letter highlights how the recent changes in Afghanistan risk exacerbating the COVID-19 and ongoing health emergency in the country.
Isopsoralen ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by targeting MIF
Authors: Han Yi , Wang Jinguang , Li Shufeng , Li Yi , Zhang Yongli , Zhang Ruojia , Zhang Yuang , Fan Huancai , Shi Haojun , Pan Jihong , Song Guanhua , Ge Luna , Wang Lin 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Isopsoralen (IPRN), one of the active ingredients of Psoralea corylifolia Linn, has anti-inflammatory properties. We attempted to investigate the inhibitory effects of IPRN on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and characterize its potential mechanism.

Methods
RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) and mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) were used as in vitro and in vivo models to analyze the antiarthritic effect of IPRN. Histological analysis of the inflamed joints from mice with CIA was performed using microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq), network pharmacology analysis, molecular docking, drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) assay, and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) were performed to evaluate the targets of IPRN.

Results
IPRN ameliorated the inflammatory phenotype of RA FLSs by inhibiting their cytokine production, migration, invasion, and proangiogenic ability. IPRN also significantly reduced the severity of CIA in mice by decreasing paw thickness, arthritis score, bone damage, and serum inflammatory cytokine levels. A mechanistic study demonstrated that macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a key protein in the inflammatory process, was the specific target by which IPRN exerted its anti-inflammatory effects in RA FLSs.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrates the antiarthritic effect of IPRN, which suggests the therapeutic potential of IPRN in RA.
Systemic lupus erythematous presenting with hemorrhagic shock caused by gastric penetration of pancreatic pseudocyst: a case report
Authors: Itagaki Hideya , Katuhiko Suzuki 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Systemic lupus erythematous that causes various organ damage is rarely associated with pancreatic lesion. To the best of our knowledge, no cases presenting with hemorrhage shock caused by gastric penetration of pancreatic pseudocyst due to lupus pancreatitis have been reported. Herein, we report a case of hemorrhage shock caused by gastric penetration of pancreatic pseudocyst due to lupus pancreatitis.

Case presentation
A 53-year-old Japanese man with a history of systemic lupus erythematous, pancreatic pseudocyst, and chronic pancreatitis complained of epigastric pain and had hematemesis. He visited our emergency room and was admitted in our hospital. Upper endoscopy showed that hemostasis was obtained; however, computed tomography scan was performed since he was suspected to have gastric penetration into hollow viscera. The computed tomography revealed accumulation of fluid around the pancreas and gastric penetration of pancreatic cyst. Blood test showed increased serum amylase level. These results suggest that the exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis causes the penetration. Surgery was considered; however, we took a wait-and-see approach since hemostasis was obtained. After that, he was in stable condition, although he suffered from fever and accumulation of left pleural effusion was observed by computed tomography. However, he had massive hematemesis and melena 9 days after hospitalization and died in spite of several treatments including blood transfusion. Autopsy revealed that he actually had pleural thickening, which is not caused by accumulation of left pleural effusion but by severe pleural inflammation. We therefore performed additional blood and urinary tests on the same day. The test results showed that he had a high titer of anti-double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) antibody, hypocomplementemia, and erythrocyturia, indicating that he had systemic lupus erythematous with high disease activity considering his fever and pleural inflammation.

Conclusions
Patients who have systemic lupus erythematous with high disease activity have the potential to develop fatal complications due to pancreatitis, so appropriate treatments are required for such patients.
Analytical properties of type 2 degenerate poly-Bernoulli polynomials associated with their applications
Authors: Khan Waseem A. , Muhiuddin Ghulam , Muhyi Abdulghani , Al-Kadi Deena 
Published: September 2021

AbstractRecently, Kim et al. (Adv. Differ. Equ. 2020:168, 2020) considered the poly-Bernoulli numbers and polynomials resulting from the moderated version of degenerate polyexponential functions. In this paper, we investigate the degenerate type 2 poly-Bernoulli numbers and polynomials which are derived from the moderated version of degenerate polyexponential functions. Our degenerate type 2 degenerate poly-Bernoulli numbers and polynomials are different from those of Kim et al. (Adv. Differ. Equ. 2020:168, 2020) and Kim and Kim (Russ. J. Math. Phys. 26(1):40–49, 2019). Utilizing the properties of moderated degenerate poly-exponential function, we explore some properties of our type 2 degenerate poly-Bernoulli numbers and polynomials. From our investigation, we derive some explicit expressions for type 2 degenerate poly-Bernoulli numbers and polynomials. In addition, we also scrutinize type 2 degenerate unipoly-Bernoulli polynomials related to an arithmetic function and investigate some identities for those polynomials. In particular, we consider certain new explicit expressions and relations of type 2 degenerate unipoly-Bernoulli polynomials and numbers related to special numbers and polynomials. Further, some related beautiful zeros and graphical representations are displayed with the help of Mathematica.
Towards an educational data literacy framework: enhancing the profiles of instructional designers and e-tutors of online and blended courses with new competences
Authors: Papamitsiou Zacharoula , Filippakis Michail E. , Poulou Marilena , Sampson Demetrios , Ifenthaler Dirk , Giannakos Michail 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn the era of digitalization of learning and teaching processes, Educational Data Literacy (EDL) is highly valued and is becoming essential. EDL is conceptualized as the ability to collect, manage, analyse, comprehend, interpret, and act upon educational data in an ethical, meaningful, and critical manner. The professionals in the field of digitally supported education, i.e., Instructional Designers (IDs) and e-Tutors (eTUTs) of online and blended courses, need to be ready to inform their decisions with educational data, and face the upcoming data-related challenges; they need to update and enhance their profiles with relevant competences. This paper proposes a framework for EDL competence profiles of IDs/eTUTs and evaluates the proposal with the participation of worldwide professionals (N = 210) with experience in digitally supported education. The evaluation aims at validating the proposal and assesses (a) the current EDL-readiness of IDs/eTUTs; and (b) the extent to which the framework captures and describes the essential EDL competences. The findings indicate that professionals are not EDL-competent yet, but the proposed dimensions and related competences are offering a solid approach to support EDL development.
3-T MRI and clinical validation of ultrasound-guided transperineal laser ablation of benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Manenti Guglielmo , Perretta Tommaso , Calcagni Antonello , Ferrari Donatella , Ryan Colleen P. , Fraioli Federico , Meucci Rosaria , Malizia Andrea , Iacovelli Valerio , Agrò Enrico Finazzi , Floris Roberto 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) of the prostate is a novel, mini-invasive option for men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Our aim was to assess the impact of ultrasound-guided TPLA regarding urodynamic improvement and sexual function, monitoring clinical data, postprocedural complications and imaging findings at 3-T multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods
Forty-four patients aged ≥ 50 affected with moderate to severe LUTS (International Prostate Symptoms score ≥ 12) due to benign prostatic obstruction and refractoriness, intolerance or poor compliance to medical therapies underwent US-guided TPLA between May 2018 and February 2020. Clinical measurements included PSA, uroflowmetry, sexual function assessment (using the International Index of Erectile Function and Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory Dysfunction short form) and quality of life questionnaire. Adverse events were evaluated using the Clavien-Dindo scale. Volume changes were measured by MRI and automatic segmentation software during 1-year follow-up. Registration: NCT04044573 – May 5th, 2018, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov

Results
MRI assessed the changes over time with a 53% mean reduction of adenoma volume and 71% of the ablated area, associated with clinical and functional improvement and resolution of LUTS in all cases. Five of 44 patients (11.3%) had urinary blockage due to clots and required re-catheterisation for 2 weeks. The overall adverse event rate was 7%.

Conclusion
US-guided TPLA performed as a safe, manageable and effective treatment for LUTS. It could be considered an alternative effective mini-invasive procedure to standard treatments for BPH in the outpatient setting.
Isolation and evaluation of bacterial endophytes against Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) Schroet, the causal of pearl millet downy mildew
Authors: Sangwan Pooja , Raj Kushal , Wati Leela , Kumar Anil 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Background
Pearl millet remains prone to many diseases; among them downy mildew caused by Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) Schroet is economically more important. The use of endophytic bacteria for management of downy mildew of pearl millet as eco-friendly approach is increasing attention as sustainable alternative to pesticides. The objective of the present study was to isolate endophytic bacteria from roots of pearl millet cultivars and assess for biocontrol activity against Sclerospora graminicola.

Results
Thirty pearl millet root bacterial endophytes (PMRBEs) were isolated and screened in vitro for biocontrol activities such as: siderophore production, hydrogen cyanide (HCN) production and 1-amino cyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase activity. Sixteen isolates possessed siderophore production potential, 3 isolates were found to be HCN producers, and 30% of the bacterial endophytes showed a good growth on ACC supplemented plates. On the basis of biocontrol activities, promising endophyte PMRBE6 was selected for seed treatment as well as a foliar spray to manage downy mildew of pearl millet in screen house experiment. The isolate PMRBE6 was found to be effective in managing downy mildew disease. Grain yield, test weight, plant height and average number of productive tillers were found to be maximum on inoculation of seeds of different pearl millet cultivars with PMRBE6, and the results were statistically significant as compared to control.

Conclusions
On the basis of biochemical characterization and partial 16S rRNA sequencing, the isolate PMRBE6 was identified as Bacillus subtilis strain PD4 (Accession no. MN400209). Pearl millet root bacterial endophyte (PMRBE6) exhibiting biocontrol activities could be exploited in friendly, sustainable organic agriculture.
Density of quasi-localized modes in athermal glasses
Authors: Kumar Avanish , Procaccia Itamar , Singh Murari 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
A careful examination of the Quasi-Localized Modes (QLMs) that exist in a generic atomistic model of a glass former reveals at least two types of them, each exhibiting a different density of states, one depending on the frequency as

and the other as

. The properties of the glassy energy landscape that is responsible for the two types of modes is examined here, explaining the analytic feature responsible for the creations of (at least) two families of QLMs. It is argued that the QLMs that are revealed by diagonalizing the Hessian matrix are not related to possibly existing Two-Level Systems (TLS).
Burrowing star-nosed moles (Condylura cristata) are not hypoxia tolerant
Authors: Devereaux Maiah E. M. , Campbell Kevin L. , Munro Daniel , Blier Pierre U. , Pamenter Matthew E. 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTStar-nosed moles (Condylura cristata) have an impressive diving performance and burrowing lifestyle, yet no ventilatory data are available for this or any other talpid mole species. We predicted that, like many other semi-aquatic and fossorial small mammals, star-nosed moles would exhibit: (i) a blunted (i.e. delayed or reduced) hypoxic ventilatory response, (ii) a reduced metabolic rate and (iii) a lowered body temperature (Tb) in hypoxia. We thus non-invasively measured these variables from wild-caught star-nosed moles exposed to normoxia (21% O2) or acute graded hypoxia (21–6% O2). Surprisingly, star-nosed moles did not exhibit a blunted HVR or decreased Tb in hypoxia, and only manifested a significant, albeit small (&lt;8%), depression of metabolic rate at 6% O2 relative to normoxic controls. Unlike small rodents inhabiting similar niches, star-nosed moles are thus intolerant to hypoxia, which may reflect an evolutionary trade-off favouring the extreme sensory biology of this unusual insectivore.
Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on Retinal Surgeries
Authors: Awan Muhammad Amer , Shaheen Fiza , Mohsin Fatima 
Published: September 2021

Objectives: To determine the frequency and severity of surgical Vitreo-Retinal diseases during COVID-19 lockdown period (LP) and compare it with same period last year.
Methods: Single hospital based retrospective Cohort Study. Data of the patients that underwent retinal surgeries during the COVID-19 LP i.e., 23-03-2020 till 23-06-2020 and same period last year i.e., 23-03-2019 till 23-06-2019 was analyzed.
Results: One hundred thirty-six eyes of 105 patients were included. Among these eyes, 48 (35.3%) were operated during the COVID-19 LP while 88 (64.7%) were operated during the same time last year. A decline of 45.5% (p=0.023) was observed in the frequency of surgeries during the LP. Mean age of patients during the LP was 43.2 ± 20.3 years compared to 48.4 ± 17.9 years last year. There was reduction in the surgeries for Diabetic Tractional Retinal Detachment (11.4% vs 4.2% during LP, p=0.166), Vitreous hemorrhage (10.2% vs 8.3% during LP, p=0.04), Full thickness macular hole (3.4% vs 0% during LP) and Epiretinal membrane (12.5% vs 0% during LP). While Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (27.3% vs 58.3% during LP, p<0.001) among other disorders had a higher proportion during the LP.
Conclusion: The decline in the frequency of retinal surgeries during the LP is indicative of complex pathologies presenting later with more advanced disease. However, earlier presentation and an increase trend in surgeries for RRD during the LP shows the positive impact of free time on the health concerns of our population.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.7.4291
How to cite this:Awan MA, Shaheen F, Mohsin F. Impact of COVID-19 lockdown on Retinal Surgeries. Pak J Med Sci. 2021;37(7):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.37.7.4291
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Sheep abortion – a roundtable discussion
Authors: Crilly JP , Carson Amanda , Gascoigne Emily , Griffiths Bryan , Griffiths Liz , Henry Joseph , Hamer Kim , Hovers Kate , Lovatt Fiona , Richey Moyna 
Published: September 2021

Foreword Abortion takes a heavy toll on the sheep industry, not only economically, but in emotional terms too. Enzootic abortion in ewes is consistently the most frequent diagnosis followed in descending order by infection with Toxoplasma gondii, Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. Causes of abortion also lead to increased barren rates, and the birth of weak lambs, so the impact of these pathogens is greater than just abortion. Fortunately there are vaccines for the two most common causes of abortion, providing farmers and the veterinary surgeons advising them with effective and sustainable tools in the control of enzootic abortion and toxoplasmosis. The uptake of these vaccines, however, remains lower than might reasonably be expected. In this roundtable discussion the barriers to the implementation of the extant measures of abortion control were discussed and suggestions made as to how abortion can better be prevented.
Aesthetic Uniqueness of Public Space. Based on the Example of the Region of Łódź(Poland) Basic Terminological Issues
Authors: Mróz Jowita 
Published: September 2021

The concept of uniqueness can be an important critical tool. But as related to architecture, buildings, or the entire architectural and visual landscape of the city it appears frequently in many different contexts.
One can state that describing objects in public space and even entire urban complexes in terms of uniqueness plays a marketing role – it increases the tourist attractiveness of the area – as well as socio-cultural role, because it helps to strengthen the city and build its community’s sense of identity. Indicating these goals or the intention to create uniqueness in the region of Łódź draws attention to another, more fundamental theoretical-linguistic issue, namely, what it means that something is unique.
Taking into account etymology, theoretical approach, as well as possible values attributed to ‛uniqueness,’ I will consider main terminological problems with the notion. Bearing in mind these basic theoretical-linguistic issues, I will consider whether there are unique objects in the city of Łódź and the region. Trying to answer this question I will review phenomena and objects that could be considered as unique. Identifying possible uniqueness of the places and objects located in public spaces of the region of Łódź, I will consider what can create a unique panorama of urban space in Łódź and its region, and on what scale this uniqueness can be considered in order to avoid the feeling that in some sense everything is unique, or nothing is, because it imitates or resembles existing solutions, ideas in other cities of Poland or Europe.
Kinematic analysis of movement impaired by generalization of fear of movement-related pain in workers with low back pain
Authors: Fujii Ren , Imai Ryota , Tanaka Shinichiro , Morioka Shu 
Published: September 2021

Purpose
To identify impaired trunk movement during work-related activity in individuals with low back pain (LBP) and investigate whether abnormalities were caused by generalized fear of movement-related pain.

Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted at a hospital in Japan. We recruited 35 participants with LBP (LBP group; 26 males, 9 females) and 20 healthy controls (HC group) via posters at our hospital. The task required lifting an object. We used a 3D motion capture system to calculate the peak angular velocity of trunk flexion and extension during a lifting task. Pain-related factors for the LBP group were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain intensity over the past 4 weeks and during the task, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and the Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale-20 (PASS-20). We compared kinematic variables between groups with a generalized linear mixed model and investigated the relationship between kinematic variables, VAS scores, and psychological factors by performing a mediation analysis.

Results
The peak angular velocity of trunk extension showed significant main effects on the group factors (LBP group vs. HC group) and their interactions; the value of the kinematic variable was lower at Trial 1 in the LBP group. No LBP participant reported pain during the experiment. The mediation analysis revealed that the relationship between the VAS score for pain intensity over the past 4 weeks and the peak angular velocity of trunk extension in the first trial was completely mediated by the TSK (complete mediation model, 95% bootstrapped CI: 0.07–0.56).

Conclusion
Individuals with LBP had reduced trunk extension during a lifting task. Generalized fear of movement-related pain may contribute to such impaired trunk movement. Our findings suggest that intervention to ameliorate fear of movement may be needed to improve LBP-associated disability.