Fibrosis is a common terminal state of many chronic diseases and there are few effective treatments at present. The gliptin is a class of DPP4 inhibitors used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. At present, many studies show that it may have the effect of inhibiting fibrosis. In order to explore the role of the gliptin in different fibrotic diseases, we searched the related literature about the fibrotic diseases and the gliptin. In our review, we found that the gliptin can inhibit the fibrotic process through a variety of mechanisms. The evidence for the inhibition of atherosclerosis by the gliptin is strong. For pulmonary, renal and cardiac fibrosis, more clinical studies are needed to support it. However, there is no benefit in the treatment of liver fibrosis with the gliptin. To sum up, it is true that the gliptin has the broad-spectrum anti-fibrotic effects.

Objective: Tuberculosis is a major global public health problem. However, it is still in the exploratory stage that the study of the meteorological factors related to the incidence of tuberculosis in Shanxi Province. Therefore, it is very urgent to establish an early warning system that easily operate of tuberculosis. Method: The epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis in Shanxi Province were described, and the Dynamic Bayesian Network early warning model was established by time series cross-correlation analysis and Bayesian Network. Results: 1. The incidence of tuberculosis showed an overall downward trend from 2008 to 2017 with certain seasonal characteristics. 2. Based on the results of cross-correlation analysis, it is reasonable to use dynamic Bayesian model fitting with meteorological factors lagging for 2 months. 3. Comparison of classification and recognition performance of the Dynamic Bayesian Network, Bayesian Network and Support Vector Machine model shows that Dynamic Bayesian Network has the highest classification accuracy in the two regions. Conclusion: 1. In Shanxi Province, tuberculosis cluster in time, space and time and space, and incidence peak is in spring and early summer, seven meteorological factors are the main factors affecting the incidence of tuberculosis. 2. The classification and recognition performance of the Dynamic Bayesian Network early warning model of tuberculosis-meteorological factors is significantly better than the others, and can better predict the future.

Plant-soil feedback (PSF) has been shown to be a key factor driving plant performance and species diversity. However, it is unclear how soil conditioned by diverse species mixtures modulates the plant productivity-species diversity relationship through PSF. Here, we tested the effects of a gradient of soil conditioning diversity and concurrent plant species diversity on plant biomass production in a full factorial experiment. Soils conditioned by multiple species produced the well-known positive diversity-productivity relationship. In contrast, when soils were conditioned by a single species, there was no diversity-productivity relationship. However, while overall productivity increased with soil conditioning diversity, that effect rapidly plateaued at higher levels of conditioning diversity. Our results highlight that a soil-borne legacy of species diversity is required for biodiversity-productivity relations to arise, suggesting that PSFs overrule concurrent complementarity effects. Our study highlights the importance of conditioning soil diversity for optimal biomass productivity, particularly at lower levels of conditioning diversity.

While global assessments provide evidence of biodiversity decline, some have questioned the strength of the evidence, with local assemblage studies often showing a more balanced picture of biodiversity change. The multifaceted nature of biodiversity and imperfect monitoring datasets may partially explain these findings. Here, using an extensive high-quality dataset, we find significant biodiversity loss in the native avifauna of the European Union (EU). We estimate a decline of 17-19% in overall breeding bird abundance since 1980: a loss of 560-620 million individual birds. Both total and proportional declines in bird numbers are high amongst species associated with agricultural land. The distribution of species’ population growth rates (ln) is centred close to zero with numerical decline driven by substantial losses in abundant species. Our work supports previous assessments indicating recent biodiversity loss and calls to reduce the threat of extinctions and restore species’ abundances, for the sake of nature and people.

Iron (Fe) homeostasis is critical for plant growth, development and stress response, which is tightly controlled by intricated regulatory networks in which transcription factors (TFs) play a central role. Whilst a series of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) TFs have been functionally characterized to contribute to Fe homeostasis, regulatory layers beyond bHLH TFs remain largely unclear. Here, we demonstrate that a SQUAMOSA PROMOTER-BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE (SPL) TF, LeSPL-CNR, negatively regulates Fe deficiency responses in tomato roots. Fe deficiency rapidly repressed the expression of LeSPL-CNR. However, Fe-deficiency-responses were intensified in two LeSPL-CNR CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing transgenic lines compared with wild-type plants. By comparative transcriptome analyses, we identified 47 Fe-deficiency responsive genes including SlbHLH101 whose expression were negatively regulated by LeSPL-CNR. LeSPL-CNR is localized to nucleus and yeast one-hybrid and luciferase reporter assays revealed that LeSPL-CNR could interact with GTAC motif and BOX4 motif of SlbHLH101 promoter to repress its expression. Moreover, Fe deficiency-induced expression inhibition of LeSPL-CNR is correlated well with SlymiR157 expression induction. Additionally, transgenic tomato overexpressing SlymiR157 displayed improved Fe deficiency responses similar to that of LeSPL-CNR loss-of-function mutants. Altogether, we propose that miR157-LeSPL-CNR module provided an additional pathway that acts upstream of SlbHLH101 to regulate Fe homeostasis in tomato roots.

Disentangling spatial variation in climate change impacts is a pressing challenge. Here we compared the performance of Posidonia oceanica seagrass populations to temperature, throughout a year-long translocation experiment across 2800 km in the Mediterranean Sea. Transplants in central and warm-edge locations experienced temperatures >29 ºC during summer, representing thermal anomalies >5ºC above long-term maxima for cool-edge populations, 1.5ºC for central and <1ºC for warm-edge populations. At the onset of the experiment, a highly selective herbivory event removed 75% of cool-to-warm transplant biomass but left adjacent central and warm-edge treatments intact. Despite big differences in thermal stress and acute herbivory, cool-edge populations recovered and matched warm-edge populations across all performance metrics. Central populations displayed significantly lower growth and survivorship in response to thermal stress. Our findings reveal that intraspecific variation in thermal performance does not necessarily reflect thermal geography and suggest greater resilience to warming for Posidonia oceanica than previously recognised.

Seaweed-based biostimulant production is a growing industry in the last decade due to the advantages of biostimulant application on crops. Here we summarise the current findings of using these seaweed extracts (SE) and highlight current knowledge gaps. SE can boost seed germination, promote reproductive development (budding and flowering), facilitate vegetative growth, modify shoot and root system architecture, improve protein content, and enhance fruit taste and quality. Certain SE also contribute to a healthy soil by facilitating water retention, soil aeration and nutrient availability, thereby promoting plant growth. Although seaweeds have been proposed as alternative protein food sources, the use of seaweed extracts to instead boost yield and protein production in crops may be a more efficient way to meet growing food demand. We are highlighting the potential of SE for increased productivity, especially in crops exposed to abiotic stress.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic had significant effects on medical students. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on preclinical medical students and determine their views about distance education and working on the frontline. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 722 preclinical medical students. Data were collected with an online questionnaire between 20 and 27 December 2020. A data collection form including questions about sociodemographic characteristics, opinions about distance education and frontline working, the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) scales was used for data retrieval. Results: The students’ mean age was 20.7±1.6 years, and 393 (54.4%) were female. Of the students, 699 (96.8%) were concerned about their education, 181 (25.1%) had post-traumatic stress disorder, and 171 (23.6%) had insomnia. Post-traumatic stress was higher in women compared to men (χ2 =3.916, p=0.048), in those who had acquaintances with COVID-19 compared to those who had not (χ2 =12.798, p<0.001), those who had a fear of COVID-19 contamination to their relatives compared to those who did not have such a fear (χ2 =34.463, p<0.001), those who followed COVID-19-related news on social media compared to those who did not follow such information (χ2 =8.250, p=0.004), and those who had a high level of anxiety about the interruption of their education compared to those who had less anxiety (χ2 =42.147, p<0.001). PTSD was significantly higher in those who had negative opinions towards distance education (χ2 =17.340, p<0.007), and those with internet connection and quota problems (p<0.001 and p=0.007 respectively). Conclusion: While students are experiencing the psychological effects of the pandemic, they also worry about the interruption of their education. Educators who prepare students for the upcoming pandemics should also be aware of the psychological effects and implement remedial interventions for their mental health

Abstract Introduction: Drug promotion is a public health concern since it has an impact on the sale of drug products as well as their manufacturing, distribution, availability, cost and importantly rational utilization. Promotion influences physicians in such a way that they have a tendency for irrational prescribing, preference for newer, more expensive drugs and an inability to identify incorrect claims about drug products. Therefore, this study assessed interactions of drug promoters and physicians and its effect on prescribing in Ethiopia. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among all physicians working both in private and public health facilities, and drug promoters in Dessie town, Ethiopia. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 20 software. Results: This study found that drug promoters visited most of physicians and half of them accepted a gift from promoters. Drug sample, office stationery and invitation for training were the most common types of gifts offered to physicians. Regarding to perception of physicians, nearly two third of physicians perceived that the information received from drug promoters is not adequate. Most of the physicians said that promoters did not influence the prescribing behaviour of physicians about newly promoted drugs. About half of the physicians believed that drug promoters should not promote their products in the way they are doing currently. Conclusion: Drug companies were claimed to be sources of information for physicians to learn about drugs; however, they perceived that information received from drug promoters are biased in favour of their products. Key words: Physicians, drug promoters, critical interaction, Ethiopia

Rationale, aims, and objectives: Raynaud phenomenon (RP) is a multifactorial disorder. If any underlying disease cannot be detected responsible for RP then it considered as primary RP (pRP). We aimed to investigate the differences between laboratory markers and impaired endothelial function in pRP. Method: Forty-two pRP patients included as study and control groups were created from 30 healthy individuals. The endothelial function was evaluated with flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery. The blood samples were obtained both groups and white blood cell [WBC], hemoglobin, platelet, mean platelet volume [MPV], creatinine, alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase[AST], D-dimer, fibrinogen, albumin, fibrinogen to albumin ratio [FAR], Neutrophil to Lymphocyte ratio [NLR], D-dimer to albumin ratio [DDAR] and monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 [MCP-1]. Obtained blood parameters and FMD values were compared between groups. Findings: The groups were found as similar in regards to age, gender, smoking history (p<0.05). There was no difference between the two groups in regards to hemoglobin, platelet, MPV, creatinine, ALT, D-dimer, albumin, FAR, NLR, DDAR levels (p<0.05). AST levels were slightly higher in pRP group (p=0.027). Markedly increased WBC, fibrinogen, MPV and MCP-1 values were detected in pRP group (p=0.000). Additionally, higher abnormal FMD responses were detected in pRP group (p=0.000). There was a direct correlation between abnormal FMD response and serum MCP-1 values in patients with pRP (R: 0.308, R2: 0.095, p: 0.044). Conclusion: It seems to be that MCP-1 levels are higher in patients with pRP and increased values of MCP-1 levels seem to be related to impaired endothelial functions

Rationale, aims and objectives Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is comprised of the physical, social and mental health domains. A wide variety of single and multi-item measures of HRQoL are available. The PROMIS© V1.2 Scale – Global Health is a 10-item measure covering the physical, social and mental health domains. The aim of the study was to explore the use of the PROMIS© V1.2 Scale – Global Health in a patient cohort seeking care for a musculoskeletal care. Method Patients an osteopathy clinic (Melbourne, Australia) were invited to complete the PROMIS© V1.2 Scale – Global Health along with other health demographics prior to their initial consultation. The PROMIS© V1.2 Scale – Global Health was scored as per the instructions. Inferential and correlation statistics were used to explore associations with patient age, gender and complaint chronicity. Results Three hundred and ninety-five (n=395) completed the PROMIS© V1.2 Scale – Global Health scale. The Physical Health mean T-score was 46.04 (+/- 6.06) and the Mental Health mean T-score was 49.38 (+/- 7.26). Age and complaint chronicity were not significantly different for both the Physical and Mental health T-scores. Physical health mean T-scores were lower for female patients compared to males with a medium effect size (p<0.01, d=0.31). Conclusion(s) Physical health scores were lower than the American general population norm. However, this is to be expected to given the patient cohort sought care for a musculoskeletal complaint. The PROMIS© V1.2 Scale – Global Health has the potential to be utilised as a patient-reported outcome measure for those patients seeking musculoskeletal care.

Objective Consideration of 99Tc-MDP and glucocorticoids are widely treated the patients with active RA in China, we wondered whether 99Tc-MDP or and oral glucocorticoids had an effect on lipid profiles in short term. Patients & Methods Patients with active RA were divided into two groups, who were treated with 99Tc-MDP or and GCs for 10 days. ESR, CRP and DAS28, lipid profiles were detected at baseline and the 10th day of treatment. Comparison of inflammatory markers and lipid profiles between treatment before and after was run by t test. The correlation coefficient between inflammatory markers and lipid levels was computed by nonparametric Spearman correlation analysis and line regression analysis. Results ESR, CRP and DAS28CRP or ESR were decreased significantly after treatment in the two groups. The levels of TG and ApoA1 were increased significantly in the group of 99Tc, while the ratio of ApoB/ApoA1 was decreased. In the group of 99Tc & GC, CHO, TG, and HDL-C, ApoA1 were increased after treatment, atherogenic index and the ratio of ApoB/ApoA1 both got down. Correlation analysis showed that CHO, LDL-C and ApoB inversely related to DAS28CRP or ESR in the group of 99Tc. HDL-C, TG and ApoA1, and ratio of ApoB/ApoA1 or atherogenic index were correlated with CRP, ESR or DAS28 ESR or CRP in the group of 99Tc & GC. Conclusions RA patients treated with 99Tc-MDP or and oral glucocorticoids occurred inflammatory attenuation, disease activity reduction as well as lipid profile changes.

The identification of vertebrate species is important in numerous fields such as ecology, archaeology, and food and forensic sciences. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays specific for one vertebrate species are promising approaches for species identification, although there are several drawbacks such as difficulty determining whether the detected DNA is authentic or a contaminant. Here, we describe a qPCR assay specific for vertebrate mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) which can overcome these drawbacks. Since we found that mitochondrial 16S rRNA contains regions that are perfectly (not highly) conserved across virtually all vertebrates, but are variable in invertebrates, we were able to design a vertebrate-specific qPCR assay by placing primers/probe within these regions. The specificity and accuracy of this assay were validated with representative vertebrate and invertebrate samples. This assay detected DNA from all vertebrate samples, but not from any invertebrate samples. In addition, this assay was able to quantify vertebrate mtDNAs as accurately as previously reported species-specific qPCR assays. The results demonstrated it is feasible to quantify vertebrate mtDNA specifically and accurately in a sample. This means that it is possible to determine the ratio of specific vertebrate species mtDNA to total vertebrate mtDNA in a sample. In conjunction with this assay as an endogenous internal control, species-specific qPCR assays will allow for the robust identification of vertebrate species.

In recent years, patients with left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has been increasing result of ageing population increased heart failure. LVAD implantation is a challenging operation, has lots of perioperative and post operative complications. In this case, we aimed to discuss the therapeutic approach to a patient with LVAD with ventricular fibrillation and the pathophysiology of his clinical condition.

Objectives of the review: Ebstein’s anomaly (EA) is an uncommon, congenital heart malformation that occurs in 1% of congenital heart disease cases. Depending on the severity of anatomical malformations, and haemodynamic consequence, also some anomalies which are associated with EA, natural history and the clinical presentation of patients is extremely variable. How to manage these patients during pregnancy or approach to patients who are planning to become pregnant is an important issue. Methods used to conduct the review: Here, we review of the literatures existing on this subject to discuss how to approach to Ebstein’s anomaly in pregnancy or known patients who plans for pregnancy also report three different real cases of Ebstein’s anomaly in pregnancy for better description this subject. Findings of the review: Pregnancy in Ebstein’s anomaly, is well tolerated most of the time, However, the maternal risks of pregnancy co-relate well with the severity of anatomical malformations also presence of cyanosis or simultaneous other cardiac anomalies. Interpretations and implications of the findings: Pregnant patients with complex congenital heart disease requires close follow up in expert centers. This manuscript provides excellent examples of well managed patients that may help the clinicians for approach to theses patient specially in preconception visit

Introduction: Globally, breast cancer is a threat to human life in which Nigeria is not excluded. One of the best techniques in tackling breast cancer disease is to get women screened for the disease earlier enough. Aim: Assessment of breast cancer screening services uptake amid women of child-bearing age in three senate zones of Abia State, Nigeria. Method: A total of 1176 women were sampled using a multi-stage technique, a validated questionnaire was administered to obtain information from the respondents that consented to the study. Breast cancer uptake was considered as having been screened with at least one of the three known methods such as breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE), and mammography. Data analysis was performed using descriptive technique and Chi-square test for association in the data. Results: The overall level of breast cancer screening services uptake was 25.1% and uptake was 23.7% for BSE, 21.3% for CBE, and 3.7% for mammography. Up to 85.1% of those have been screened only once a year. The women (52.2%) are aware of any breast cancer screening services. Significant socio-demographic associating factors of uptake for breast cancer screening services include age (χ2=50.44, p=0.0001), marital status (χ2=47.81, p=0.001), education (χ2=393, p=0.0001) occupation (χ2=319.4, p=0.0001), income (χ2= 268.7, p=0.0001) and age at first pregnancy (χ2=74.8, p=0.0001). Uptake was highest among the 45 -49 years (32.9%), married (31.4%), tertiary education level participants (68.7%), Public / civil servants (66.5%). Family history was also found as another significant associating factor and up to 80.5% among the family history group undertook breast cancer screening services uptake compared to 9.2% among the non-family history group. Conclusion: Uptake in breast cancer screening is quite low among the study group possibly due to low level of knowledge, poor attitude, family history, and other associating factors.

In the present study, the effect of different nitrogen sources on the anaerobic digestion of cheese whey was tested in batch scale reactors concerning methane production, free ammonia, and hydrogen sulfide. The results showed that supplementation with urea at a concentration of 1000 mg L-1 led to less variation in the FOS/TAC ratio, permitting greater stability to the anaerobic digestion process and as well as having the highest methane production values of 513.95 ± 2.12 mL CH4 g VS-1. On the other hand, supplementation with ammonium nitrate at a concentration of 1000 mg L-1 gave a lower value of methane 415.93 ± 5.44 mL CH4 g VS-1 and exhibited the lowest value of hydrogen sulfide 267.69 ± 0.37 ppm, as well as recorded the lowest free ammonium concentration of 49.18 ± 9.66 mg L-1. The findings from this research contributed to elucidate the role of urea, ammonium sulfate, and ammonium nitrate in the anaerobic digestion process, which could help to solve some problems related to the reduction in biogas and methane yield, correlated to the presence of hydrogen sulfide and free ammonium in cheese whey fed biodigesters.

The alpha particle is very dangerous in internal interact so the study every parameter for alpha is very important. The Solid State Nuclear track detector (SSNTD) CR39 used to study the different parameter for alpha. In the present work, the bulk etch rate was measured by two different methods. The results showed that the measurement of VB values by the Lmax method are very close to the values measured by the method of bulk drilling as the average of the two values is 1.25 0.04µm/h. The results also showed that the measured range of alpha particles by the path profile method for all measured alpha energies was very close to the theoretical values of the range. From the results we find that the track profile method is useful for determining the different parameters of the path.

Ascorbic acid (AA) is an important deoxidizer contained in food, drink and medicine. However, existing detection methods are time-consuming, expensive and complex in the industrial production and quality testing. In order to address above issue, we proposed a core-shell nanowires constructed non-enzymatic sensor to achieve the highly sensitive and selective recognition of AA with a long-term reusability. The core-shell architecture was composed of Cu-Fe Prussian blue of 10 nm thickness covering 30 nm Cu nanowire. This nanocomposite couples advances of Cu and Prussian blue to possess both high electrocatalysis and electron transfer rate. The as-prepared AA sensor shows an excellent sensitivity with an ultrawide linear range from 0.01 to 3.5 mM, together with the remarkable anti-interference and reusable ability beyond 30 days. Used for four kinds of juice and bear as real samples, this sensor had accurately and rapidly reported the AA concentration with a good recovery.

Objectives: To identify anatomical and airflow-induced relationships based on nasal morphological variations due to inter- and intra-racial differences and gender. Design: Subject-specific reconstruction of the nasal airway anatomy was created from computed tomography images in 16 subjects: 4 subjects from each ethnic group (Black, East Asian, Caucasian, and Latino) comprising of 2 males and 2 females. Volume, surface area, nasal index, airflow rate, and nasal resistance were measured to determine the role of normal nasal morphological variations due to race and gender differences on these variables. Results: Bilateral nasal airspace surface area (p=0.0499) and volume (p=0.0281) were significantly greater in male subjects than in females. Median (Interquartile Range; IQR) surface area was 218.83cm² (IQR=29.42 cm²) for males and 190.08cm² (IQR=19.77cm²) for females, and 20.88cm³ (IQR=3.72 cm³) versus 18.02cm³ (IQR=3.06cm³) for males and female’s nasal volumes, respectively. Nasal volume was greatest in East Asians (Median=20.38cm3, IQR=4.58cm3), while Latinos had the greatest surface area (Median=219.70cm2, IQR=29.56cm2). East Asian and Black females had a larger average nasal index than their male counterparts, while Latino and Caucasian males had a larger average nasal index than their female counterparts. Caucasians had the highest median pressure at 12.55Pa (IQR=6.19Pa) and highest median nasal resistance at 0.050Pa.s/ml (IQR=0.025Pa.s/ml), while East Asians had the lowest for both variables. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that there exist anatomical variabilities based on race and gender. However, these variabilities may not significantly influence nasal respiratory functions.

In this paper, we first introduce some properties of quantum Tsallis-Jensen-Shannon divergence for two density matrices. Then one of the beautiful and very simple applications of Hermit-Hadamard’s inequality [S. Dragomir, et. al. Math. Methods Appl. Sci., 1–15 (2020)] for log-convexity in the concepts of quantum entropies and quantum Tsallis-Jensen-Shannon is given.

In the article, we review and critique the Corollary and Theorem of “Wiener index of a fuzzy graph and application to illegal immigration networks”, and in addition to providing examples of violations, we modified the Theorem and presented the correct proof using the method of its authors. Keywords: Fuzzy graph; Connectivity index; Wiener index; Fuzzy tree; Fuzzy cycle

In type 2 diabetes patients, attempting oocyte retrieval for egg cryopreservation without having established glycemic control does not yield good results. Strict dietary treatment and appropriate insulin administration is the best way to pregnancy.

Background: We conducted data analysis to determine whether there are distinguishing characteristics depending on the success or failure of control for COVID-19 by country in the trend of the daily number of confirmed cases and the number of tests. Methods: We obtained the number of confirmed cases and tests per day for almost every country in the world from Our World in Data. We applied the Pearson correlation between the two time series was calculated according to the time delay to analyze the relationship between the number of tests and the number of cases with a lag. Results: For each country, we obtained the time lag that makes the maximum correlation between the number of confirmed cases and the number of tests for COVID-19. It can be seen that countries whose time lag lies in a special section between about 15 and 20 days are generally successful in control COVID-19. It looks like a trench on the battlefield. Conclusion: We have seen the possibility that the success in mitigating COVID-19 can be expressed as a simple indicator of the time lag of the correlation between confirmed cases and tests. This indicator can be presumed to be a sign of an effort to actively tracing infected person.