High Level Of Variability Research Articles

An Optimal Operation Strategy for Collaborative Flexibility Provision of a Carbon Capture and Utilization Process With Wind Energy

Improving power system flexibility by responsive demand is essential for integrating wind energy with a high level of variability in power systems. Carbon dioxide-based chemical processes as energy-intensive industrial loads may offer a vast potential of new forms of flexible operation due to their existing control infrastructure and storage capabilities. However, a collaborative decision model is needed for optimal energy sharing among the chemical plant and the grid under the variations and uncertainties of wind power. This study develops an optimal two-stage stochastic programming model for a novel flexible operation strategy of the chemical process coupled with wind turbines. In the proposed control scheme, a small-scale wind farm provides the power input of a chemical plant. Wind turbines are connected to the grid and actively participate in the day-ahead energy and reserve markets, considering the chemical plant as a source of flexibility. An equivalent scenario-based model of the proposed optimization problem is suggested using the Group Method of Data Handling (GMDH) for a data-driven prediction of stochastic variables. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and significance of the proposed approach for an optimal and collaborative contribution in ancillary market of a carbon dioxide-based chemical plant supplied by wind energy.

Genetic variability assessment of indigenous and exotic saffron germplasm through morpho-agronomic characterization at Jammu and Kashmir, India

AbstractThe present study analysed a total of 272 saffron (Crocus sativus L.) genotypes using multivariate analysis. We carefully observed and recorded information about the floral, morphological and corm attributes. Significant variations were observed among the genotypes for all the traits, indicating a high level of variability and suggesting a great potential for saffron improvement. The phenotypic variances were found to be greater than the estimated genotypic variances. Descriptive data on various morphological traits revealed significant differences in the frequency of phenotype classes as well as a wide distribution range. The high heritability estimates were observed in average number of daughter corms per plant (ANDCPP), initial weight of corms (IWC g), no. of buds/corm (NBPC), – no. of leaves in main sprout, (NLMS), number of sprouted buds per corm (NSBpC) and total number of leaves (TNL), whereas average weight of daughter corms per plant (AWBCPP), corm diameter (CDcm), pistal length (PL) cm, style length (STYLcm), fresh weight of pistals per plant (FWOPPPmg) and stigma length (STML cm), revealed medium sense of heritability. The traits dry weight of pistals per plants (DWOPPP mg), inner tepal width (ITW cm), leaf length (LLcm), number of flowers per corm (NFpC), outer tepal length (OTLcm), parianth length with tube (PLWT cm) and weight of stigma (WSTG mg) exhibited low broad-sense heritability. Principal component analysis (PCA) divulged that the first eight component characters had an eigenvalue greater than one with a contributory cumulative variance of 66.15% to the total variance, while as rest of the 16 components contributed 33.85% of total variation in a set of 272 genotypes of saffron. The eigenvalues for yield attributing traits for significant PCs ranged from 5.48 (PC1) to 1.03(PC8). The current study has revealed that there was a sufficient variability in a set of saffron germplasm lines which forms the basis for performance-based clonal selection. Moreover, identified elite genotypes based on saffron yield and corm attributes could be used in the saffron breeding programme for the development of saffron varieties.

Interpopulation Variability of Polyphenol Concentration in the Leaves of <i>Spiraea aquilegifolia</i> (Rosaceae) from the Republic of Buryatia

Abstract—Composition and content of flavonoids and phenol carboxylic acids in the leaves of Spiraea aquilegifolia Pall. from natural populations of the Republic of Buryatia (Western Transbaikalia) are given in the article. Aqueous ethanol (40%) extracts from raw materials were used for chromatographic study of phenolic compounds. The analysis of phenolic compounds was carried out on an analytical High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) system consisting of an Agilent 1200 liquid chromatograph (USA) with a diode array detector, an autosampler, and a system for collecting and processing chromatographic data ChemStation. At least 24 phenolic compounds were identified in aqueous ethanol extracts from Spiraea aquilegifolia Pall. leaves by HPLC. Three acids (chlorogenic, p-coumaric and p-hydroxybenzoic) and six flavonols (hyperoside, isoquercitrin, avicularin, astragalin, quercitrin and kaempferol) were identified among them. Flavonols hyperoside (2.9–8.2 mg/g), avicularin (3.0–5.8 mg/g) and isoquercitrin (0.8–2.5 mg/g) are the main substances in aqueous ethanol extracts from leaves. Plants from populations located at the northern distribution limit in the Western Transbaikalia have a higher content of phenol carboxylic acids (near the village Koma) and flavonols (near the village Klyuchi). Plants from populations located to the eastern limit (near villages Kusoty and Zagan) have the lowest concentration of identified phenolic compounds. A high and very high level of interpopulation variability of the studied biochemical parameters has been established. This can be explained by the functional significance of the identified compounds and their active participation in general metabolic processes in the plant. The content of identified free phenolic acids and flavonols in S. aquilegifolia was characterized by medium and high levels, compared to other studied Spiraea species. This confirms the prospects for further study of the composition of phenolic compounds of S. aquilegifolia.

DNA Identification of Parasitic Copepods <i>Salmincola</i> (Copepoda, Siphonostomatoida, Lernaeopodidae): Variability and Rate of Evolution of the Mitochondrial Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit I Gene

The barcode fragment of the COI gene was sequenced in 91 specimens of five species of parasitic Salmincola copepods, sampled from salmonids mainly from the Russian Far East: S. californiensis (mykiss and masu salmon) and S. edwardsii (various species of chars, sockeye salmon from Lake Kronotskoe), S. carpionis (various species of chars), S. markewitschi (whitespotted char), S. stellata (Sakhalin taimen). A total of 41 haplotypes were found with a maximum level of differences of 0.183 nucleotide substitutions per position. The distance between species varied from 0.139 ± 0.014 in the S. markewitschi–S. carpionis pair to 0.179 ± 0.015 in the S. stellata–S. californiensis pair. The intraspecific nucleotide diversity of the COI gene fragment is much lower: for S. californiensis and S. edwardsii, inhabiting the gill cavity and fins of the host – 0.013 ± 0.003 and 0.015 ± 0.003, and for S. stellata, S. markewitschi, and S. carpionis, localized in the buccal cavity of the hosts – 0.002 ± 0.001, 0.004 ± 0.001, and 0.005 ± 0.001, respectively. A comparison of samples of three Salmincola copepod species from different regions of the Russian Far East revealed a significant (Fst = 0.28–0.42, P \( \ll \) 0.001) genetic subdivision. Three subclades of edwardsii-like copepods – S. edwardsii from the Russian Far East, S. edwardsii from the American brook char of eastern North America, and S. siscowet from the lake char of Michigan (COI sequences of copepods from the last two groups are taken from genetic databases) – differed from each other by an average of 9.3–10.9% nucleotide positions, which means the need for a taxonomic revision of S. edwardsii. According to the molecular dating carried out, the divergence of Salmincola lineages started in the Miocene and ended in the early Pliocene. The phylogenetic substitution rate was 0.0228 (95% interval: 0.0132–0.033) nucleotide substitutions/position/million years/lineage. The rate of nucleotide substitutions at the population level is 3.7 times higher – 0.0849 (0.0212–0.170). The high level of variability of the COI gene fragment makes this marker a useful tool both for developing the taxonomy and phylogeny of Salmincola and Lernaeopodidae copepods at the species and genus levels, and for analyzing the differentiation of their populations.

Seasonal variability of lotic macroinvertebrate communities at the habitat scale demonstrates the value of discriminating fine sediment fractions in ecological assessments.

Despite lotic systems demonstrating high levels of seasonal and spatial variability, most research and biomonitoring practices do not consider seasonality when interpreting results and are typically focused at the meso-scale (combined pool/riffle samples) rather than considering habitat patch dynamics. We therefore sought to determine if the sampling season (spring, summer and autumn) influenced observed macroinvertebrate biodiversity, structure and function at the habitat unit scale (determined by substrate composition), and if this in turn influenced the assessment of fine sediment (sand and silt) pressures. We found that biodiversity supported at the habitat level was not seasonally consistent with the contribution of nestedness and turnover in structuring communities varying seasonally. Habitat differences in community composition were evident for taxonomic communities regardless of the season but were not seasonally consistent for functional communities, and, notably, season explained a greater amount of variance in functional community composition than the habitat unit. Macroinvertebrate biodiversity supported by silt habitats demonstrated strong seasonal differences and communities were functionally comparable to sand habitats in spring and to gravel habitats in autumn. Sand communities were impoverished compared to other habitats regardless of the season. Silt habitats demonstrated a strong increase in Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) taxa and functional richness from spring into autumn, while vegetation habitats displayed a peak in EPT abundance in summer. Only silt and sand habitats demonstrated temporal variability in functional evenness suggesting that these habitats are different in terms of their resource partitioning and productivity over time compared to other habitats. Gravel and vegetation habitats appeared to be more stable over time with functional richness and evenness remaining consistent. To accurately evaluate the influence of fine sediment on lotic ecosystems, it is imperative that routine biomonitoring and scientific research discriminate between sand and silt fractions, given they support different biodiversity, particularly during summer and autumn months.

Формирование структурно-функциональной организации молодняков сосны обыкновенной (Pinus sylvestris L.) смешанного искусственно-естественного происхождения в условиях сосняков ягодникового и разнотравного Среднего Урала

Restoration of forests, the study of the processes of formation of their structure and productivity, is currently one of the most urgent tasks. The features of the formation of 12-year-old forest plantations and the concomitant natural regeneration of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) were studied under the conditions of berry pine forest and forb pine forest of the Middle Urals, on trial plots established in accordance with the existing requirements. For each Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) tree, the diameter at the middle height and height were measured, and the volume of the trunk in the bark was calculated. The rank distribution of trees was carried out by calculating their reduction numbers, determining the amplitude of the reduction numbers and subsequent distribution into 5 main classes. In the 12th year after planting, the survival rate in the berry pine forest was 47.0%, and in the forb pine forest - 35.3%. In the berry pine forest, taking into account the concomitant natural regeneration of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), a pine forest of artificial and natural origin is being formed, and in the forb pine forest, a pine forest of natural and artificial origin is being formed. The process of natural renewal of Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) took place over several years. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) trees of natural origin are 2-7 years younger in biological age than trees of artificial origin. Pine trees of artificial origin in the berry pine forest significantly exceed the average diameter at the middle of the height, height and trunk volume of the same trees in the forb pine forest. Pine trees of natural origin in the berry pine forest are significantly superior in average diameter at the middle of the height to trees in the forb pine forest, but they are significantly inferior to them in the average trunk height and practically do not differ in the average volume of the tree trunk. Trees of artificial origin in terms of diameter at the middle of the height, height and volume of the trunk significantly exceed trees of natural origin both in the berry pine forest and in the mixed grass pine forest. The distribution of trees by diameter and height in young forests of artificial and natural origin, both in the berry pine forest and in the forb pine forest, is characterized by a distribution close to normal. The distribution of trees of artificial and natural origin in the berry pine forest and the forb pine forest in terms of trunk volume is distinguished by left-sided asymmetry and sharpness. When distributed by rank height classes, a significant reduction in the level of variability of biometric indicators is provided. However, in natural young stands, a very high level of variability in stem volume in the bark remains. Both in artificial and natural young stands, the main (86.3-97.5%) stock of trunk wood in the bark falls on trees of I-III height classes. In the forb pine forest, artificial and natural young stands had almost the same reserve values, which confirms the formation of young pine stands of natural artificial origin. In the berry pine forest, birch renewal does not represent significant competition to pine. In the forb pine forest, birch creates serious competition for pine and, probably, the formation of deciduous-coniferous plantations and oppression of pine.

Characteristic of genetic variability of angelinskiy carp breeds using microsatellite loci

The aim of the work was to study the genetic variability of the English scaly and Angelina mirror carp, characterized by increased resistance to rubella disease, using microsatellite analysis. Polymorphism of six microsatellite dinucleotide loci of the poly (CA) type was studied in last (twelfth) selective generations of Angelinskiy scaly carp and Angelinskiy mirror carp. All examined loci were found to be polymorphic in both Angelinskiy carp breeds. Angelinskiy scaly carps have 6–8 alleles per locus and Angelinskiy mirror carps have 2–7 alleles per locus. Minimal polymorphism level has been revealed at Angelinskiy mirror carps for locus MFW7 with only two alleles. Average allele number per locus of Angelinskiy scaly carps was greater than that of Angelinskiy mirror carps, but lower than that of Moscow Scaly and Moscow Mirror carps, Amur carps and Volga carps. Allelic polymorphism factors of microsatellite loci and high rate of heterozygotes indicated that in last selective generations of two Angelinskiy carp breeds keep high genetic variability levels. Allele length at six microsatellite loci of Angelinskiy scaly carp and Angelinskiy mirror carp and of some other examined carp groups lay in similar size ranges. No characteristic alleles for genetic identification of each from these two breeds have been found at all these loci.

Population structure and genetic differentiation analyses reveal high level of diversity and allelic richness in crop wild relatives of AA genome species of rice (Oryza sativa L.) in India.

Crop wild relatives (CWRs) are vital sources of variation for genetic improvement, but their populations are few in genebanks, eroded in natural habitats and inadequately characterized. With a view to explore genetic diversity in CWRs of AA genome rice (Oryza sativa L.) species in India, we analyzed 96 accessions of 10 Oryza species by using 17 quantitative traits and 45 microsatellite markers. The morpho-quantitative traits revealed a high extent of phenotypic variation in the germplasm. Diversity index (H') revealed a high level of within-species variability in O. nivara (H' = 1.09) and O. rufipogon (H' = 1.12). Principal component (PC) analysis explained 79.22% variance with five PCs. Among the traits related to phenology, morphology, and yield, days to heading showed strong positive association with days to 50% flowering (r = 0.99). However, filled grains per panicle revealed positive association with spikelet fertility (0.71) but negative with awn length (- 0.58) and panicle bearing tillers (- 0.39). Cluster analysis grouped all the accessions into three major clusters. Microsatellite analysis revealed 676 alleles with 15.02 alleles per locus. High polymorphism information content (PIC = 0.83) and Shannon's information index (I = 2.31) indicated a high level of genetic variation in the CWRs. Structure analysis revealed four subpopulations; first and second subpopulations comprised only of O. nivara accessions, while the third subpopulation included both O. nivara and O. rufipogon accessions. Population statistics revealed a moderate level of genetic differentiation (FST = 0.14), high gene diversity (HE = 0.87), and high gene flow (Nm = 1.53) among the subpopulations. We found a high level of molecular variance among the genotypes (70%) and low among populations (11%) and within genotypes (19%). The high level of molecular and morphological variability detected in the germplasm of CWRs could be utilized for the improvement of cultivated rice.

Morphological, pathogenic and genetic diversity in Diplodia seriata associated with black rot canker of apple in India

Apple cankers are extremely destructive diseases threatening the global apple industry through direct and indirect losses. The population structure of the pathogens is of paramount significance for the development of efficient management strategies. Therefore, phenotypic, pathogenic, and genetic diversity of Diplodia seriata causing black rot canker of apple was investigated in this study. All the isolates were included for investigating the in vitro mycelial growth, conidial dimensions, and pathogenic variability on two-year-old potted apple seedlings. The ISSR approach was used to investigate the molecular diversity of D. seriata. Mycelial growth rates were found to vary significantly amongst the isolates; however, there were no major variations seen between the different geographical groupings of isolates. Pathogenicity tests revealed variations in the size of cankers among the isolates indicating the presence of virulence variability. The isolates were segregated into three virulence groups based on canker length. The Bayesian analyses of ISSR data divided the isolates into two genetic clusters. The genetic clustering of the isolates revealed no relationship with geographical origin of the isolates. Furthermore, no direct relationship of genetic clustering was observed with morphological or pathogenic variability. The ISSR primers revealed very high level of variability in D. seriata; however, no distinct populations of the pathogen existed which is an indication of high level of gene flow between the diverse geographical populations. According to our knowledge, this is the first thorough investigation on the diversity of D. seriata associated with apple black rot canker in India.

256 How prevalent are markers of blood pressure instability on Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring of older people with falls, faints & dizziness?

Abstract Background In older people with BP-related falls, the mechanisms that usually tightly control Blood Pressure (BP) may be less efficient, leading to BP instability. This may manifest as specific markers on Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM), including BP variability, BP dipping and absence of nocturnal dipping/reverse dipping. The aim of this study therefore is to ascertain the prevalence of APBM markers of BP Instability among older people with falls/faints/dizziness and examine if there is an age-gradient seen for these markers. Methods ABPM data (minimum 25 BP values measured across 24 hours) was collected for 83 consecutive patients aged ≥70 years attending a tertiary-referral Falls & Syncope Unit with falls, fainting or dizziness. Data analysed included BP Variability (standard deviation (SD) of BP values, i.e. measurement of the oscillation of BP measurements); Nocturnal dipping (decrease in average night BP compared to average day BP) and BP dips (number of systolic BP values <100 mm Hg). Results: Of the analysed ABPMs(n = 83, mean age 78 years, 48% female), mean number of readings per device was 34.6 (33.7–35.5). The average SD for overall systolic BP was 15.9. Over 15% of patients had an average SD ≥20 for systolic BP based on the full ABPM, reflecting high levels of BP variability. There was a significant age gradient seen for nocturnal dipping with mean change −0.30 (−9.3–8.8) in those aged ≥85 years compared to +10.9(7.3–14.6) in the 70–74 years age group. The mean number of systolic BP values<100 mm Hg was 2.9 (1.7–4.0). Conclusion Older patients attending with falls/faints/dizziness demonstrate significant BP variability, aberrant nocturnal dipping profiles and frequent systolic BP values dipping below 100 mm Hg. Further work is required to establish if these ABPM aberrancies are reliable predictors of future falls and potentially modifiable targets to reduce falls burden among older people.

Evolution of fertilization ability in obligatorily outcrossing populations of Caenorhabditis elegans.

In species reproducing by selfing, the traits connected with outcrossing typically undergo degeneration, a phenomenon called selfing syndrome. In Caenorhabditis elegans nematodes, selfing syndrome affects many traits involved in mating, rendering cross-fertilization highly inefficient. In this study, we investigated the evolution of cross-fertilization efficiency in populations genetically modified to reproduce by obligatory outcrossing. Following the genetic modification, replicate obligatorily outcrossing were maintained for over 100 generations, at either optimal (20°C) or elevated (24°C) temperatures, as a part of a broader experimental evolution program. Subsequently, fertilization rates were assayed in the evolving populations, as well as their ancestors who had the obligatory outcrossing introduced but did not go through experimental evolution. Fertilization effectivity was measured by tracking the fractions of fertilized females in age-synchronized populations, through 8 h since reaching adulthood. In order to check the robustness of our measurements, each evolving population was assayed in two or three independent replicate blocks. Indeed, we found high levels of among-block variability in the fertilization trajectories, and in the estimates of divergence between evolving populations and their ancestors. We also identified five populations which appear to have evolved increased fertilization efficiency, relative to their ancestors. However, due to the abovementioned high variability, this set of populations should be treated as candidate, with further replications needed to either confirm or disprove their divergence from ancestors. Furthermore, we also discuss additional observations we have made concerning fertilization trajectories.

Mindfulness mechanisms in everyday life: examining variance in acceptance, attention monitoring, decentering, self-compassion, and nonreactivity and their links to negative emotions among a workplace sample

ABSTRACT Theoretical work proposes that acceptance, attention monitoring, decentering, self-compassion, and nonreactivity are mechanisms that explain beneficial effects of mindfulness training. Yet, whether these mechanisms represent independent constructs and whether they naturally vary within person is unclear. This study examined whether mindfulness mechanisms represent independent constructs that naturally fluctuate within a person over time, and whether these fluctuations differentially relate to negative emotions. A sample of university staff employees (n = 143; 74.8% female; M ± SD age = 38.2 ± 10.9; 53.8% White) reported on mindfulness mechanisms and negative emotions five times a day for four days for a total of 2,122 assessments. Four distinct mechanisms emerged – acceptance-attention, decentering, self-compassion, nonreactivity – that exhibit substantial moment-to-moment variation. Greater acceptance-attention, self-compassion, and nonreactivity were associated with lower negative emotions; greater decentering was associated with higher negative emotions when examined concurrently with the other mechanisms. The unique associations of all mindfulness mechanisms with negative emotions, combined with their high levels of variability from moment to moment, suggest their potential as targets for mindfulness interventions to improve emotional well-being.

COMBINING ABILITY FOR YIELD, OIL CONTENT, AND PHYSIO-BIOCHEMICAL CHARACTERS OF CANOLA (BRASSICA NAPUS L.) UNDER SALT STRESS CONDITIONS

Creating a half-diallel cross succeeded among seven diverse canola genotypes. The obtained 21 F1 hybrids with their seven parents underwent three salinity stress levels exposure—3.91 dsm1 (Normal), 6.24 dsm-1 (S1), and 7.81 dsm-1 (S2) —during the 2020/2021 growing seasons. Salinity treatments significantly reduced days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of primary branches, pods/plant, 1000-seed weight, seed yield/plant, seed oil content, relative water content, calcium, potassium, and the ratio between K+ and Na+ compared with a normal condition. Proline content, osmotic pressure, and Na+ were considerably higher under salinity stress conditions. Highly significant differences showed among the parents and hybrids for all traits across the tested environments. General (GCA) and specific (SCA) combining ability effects were highly significant for all attributes. The parental genotypes Serw4 and Pactol resulted as good general combiners for increased seed oil content (SOC), seed yield/plant (SYPP), and some of its components in research environments. The hybrid combinations H2/S × Serw4 and Serw4 × Serw6 were good specific combiners for days to first flower (DTF), number of primary branches (NPB), number of pods per plant (NP), a thousand seed weight (TSW), seed yield per plant (SYPP), seed oil content (SOC), proline content (ProC), Ca++, and K+/Na+. The SDS-PAGE analysis of seed proteins indicated high levels of genetic variability and revealed some vital biochemical markers for salt tolerance.

Money matters: consumption variability across the income distribution

AbstractUsing the Consumer Expenditure Survey, we document the level and variability of quarterly consumption across the socio‐economic distribution. While the measurement of well‐being is focused on income, the secular and policy discourse prioritises income‐adequacy to meet family needs. This concern over income‐adequacy centres on the capacity of families to predictably consume minimally acceptable levels of basic needs, and the social and economic mobility consequences of low consumption. Our results show a clear socio‐economic and demographic gradient of lower consumption amid higher consumption variability for disadvantaged groups. Food, entertainment, and personal care goods and services exhibit relatively high levels of consumption variability among low‐income households.

Empowerment interventions designed for persons living with chronic disease - a systematic review and meta-analysis of the components and efficacy of format on patient-reported outcomes

BackgroundEmpowerment approaches are essential for building the capacity of individuals with chronic disease to be in control of their health. Reviews of empowerment interventions have been focused on specific chronic diseases, thereby limiting the scope of findings. This study had three aims: 1) to describe the characteristics of empowerment interventions covering a broad range of chronic diseases, 2) to clarify consistency with the World Health Organization`s (WHO) definition of empowerment as a process composed of four fundamental components and 3) to summarize outcome measures and estimate the effects in group and individual intervention formats.MethodsSystematic literature review and meta-analysis. CINAHL, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science, COCHRANE and Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched using Chronic Disease, NCD, Empowerment, as MeSH terms. Eligible randomized and quasi randomized controlled trials were included. Review Manager 5.4 was used to conduct the meta-analysis. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (ROB 2).ResultsThirty-nine articles representing 8,011 participants were included in the review. A majority (82%) of studies reported robust evidence for changes on study-defined outcome measures in favor of interventions. Intervention content was assessed against WHO’s four fundamental components of empowerment, showing that all studies incorporated one component, but none targeted all components. Components reflecting knowledge acquisition, patient engagement with their health care providers and facilitating environment were scarcely reported. Meta-analyses found evidence for positive effects of group-format interventions measuring empowerment, HbA1c, and self-efficacy. Effects on empowerment were also found in some individual-format interventions. High levels of heterogeneity and variability among the conceptual frameworks were identified.ConclusionEmpowerment interventions in group-format were most efficient, however, considerable conceptual inconsistencies were identified. Future studies should consolidate conceptual understandings by using WHO’s empowerment framework to ensure that fundamental components of empowerment are explicitly included in intervention design. Furthermore, there is a need to clarify the role of empowerment through pathways that include patient activation, self- management, and clinical outcomes. This systematic review will inform the clinicians and researchers who aim to develop novel empowerment interventions to assist patients in the process of gaining control of their health.Trial registrationPROSPERO: International Prospective register of systematic reviews ID=CRD42020178286.

Investigating the variability in pressure-volume relationships during hemorrhage and aortic occlusion.

The pressure-volume (P-V) relationships of the left ventricle are the classical benchmark for studying cardiac mechanics and pumping function. Perturbations in the P-V relationship (or P-V loop) can be informative and guide the management of heart failure, hypovolemia, and aortic occlusion. Traditionally, P-V loop analyses have been limited to a single-beat P-V loop or an average of consecutive P-V loops (e.g., 10 cardiac cycles). While there are several algorithms to obtain single-beat estimations of the end-systolic and end-diastolic pressure-volume relations (i.e., ESPVR and EDPVR, respectively), there remains a need to better evaluate the variations in P-V relationships longitudinally over time. This is particularly important when studying acute and transient hemodynamic and cardiac events, such as active hemorrhage or aortic occlusion. In this study, we aim to investigate the variability in P-V relationships during hemorrhagic shock and aortic occlusion, by leveraging on a previously published porcine hemorrhage model. Briefly, swine were instrumented with a P-V catheter in the left ventricle of the heart and underwent a 25% total blood volume hemorrhage over 30 min, followed by either Zone 1 complete aortic occlusion (i.e., REBOA), Zone 1 endovascular variable aortic control (EVAC), or no occlusion as a control, for 45 min. Preload-independent metrics of cardiac performance were obtained at predetermined time points by performing inferior vena cava occlusion during a ventilatory pause. Continuous P-V loop data and other hemodynamic flow and pressure measurements were collected in real-time using a multi-channel data acquisition system. We developed a custom algorithm to quantify the time-dependent variance in both load-dependent and independent cardiac parameters from each P-V loop. As expected, all pigs displayed a significant decrease in the end-systolic pressures and volumes (i.e., ESP, ESV) after hemorrhage. The variability in response to hemorrhage was consistent across all three groups. However, upon introduction of REBOA, we observed significantly high levels of variability in both load-dependent and independent cardiac metrics such as ESP, ESV, and the slope of ESPVR (Ees). For instance, pigs receiving REBOA experienced a 342% increase in ESP from hemorrhage, while pigs receiving EVAC experienced only a 188% increase. The level of variability within the EVAC group was consistently less than that of the REBOA group, which suggests that the EVAC group may be more supportive of maintaining healthier cardiac performance than complete occlusion with REBOA. In conclusion, we successfully developed a novel algorithm to reliably quantify the single-beat and longitudinal P-V relations during hemorrhage and aortic occlusion. As expected, hemorrhage resulted in smaller P-V loops, reflective of decreased preload and afterload conditions; however, the cardiac output and heart rate were preserved. The use of REBOA and EVAC for 44 min resulted in the restoration of baseline afterload and preload conditions, but often REBOA exceeded baseline pressure conditions to an alarming level. The level of variability in response to REBOA was significant and could be potentially associated to cardiac injury. By quantifying each P-V loop, we were able to capture the variability in all P-V loops, including those that were irregular in shape and believe that this can help us identify critical time points associated with declining cardiac performance during hemorrhage and REBOA use.

Morpho-cultural, pathological and molecular variability in Phloeospora maculans causing leaf spot of mulberry (Morus species) in India.

Leaf spot disease (LSD) of mulberry caused by Phloeospora maculans is a major threat to the silk industry of Jammu and Kashmir, India, therefore, it was necessary to study the population structure of the pathogen for successful management of the disease. To understand the diversity in the Phloeospora maculans, a combination of conventional (morphological, cultural and pathological) and molecular (ISSR markers) approaches were employed to discern the variability in 27 isolates collected from Srinagar, Bandipora, and Baramulla districts of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The studies revealed a high level of variability in the pathogen. Based on the morpho-cultural and pathological studies, the pathogen isolates were grouped into different categories based on colony growth, texture, margin and colour besides changes in colour of medium, incubation period, leaf area infected, etc.A high level of polymorphism was observed in different isolates of P. maculans using ISSR markers, which indicated that these markers are suitable for studying the genetic diversity in this pathogen. All the isolates (27) of P. maculans were clustered into two groups or populations as indicated by mean delta K value. Analysis of molecular variance revealed the low genetic variation among the populations (1.08%) and a high level of genetic variation within the populations (98.91%). Fst value was found to be 0.01 indicating smaller amount of genetic differentiation between the populations against calculated P-value of 0.29. A high level of diversity based on morphological, cultural, pathological and molecular levels was observed in Phloeospora maculans collected from various districts of Kashmir valley, which indicates that the study of population structure is necessary for successful management of the disease.

Changing trends in novel benzodiazepine use within Scottish prisons: detection, quantitation, prevalence, and modes of use.

Drug use within prisons is increasingly complex and unpredictable. Benzodiazepines are currently one of the most common drugs detected in individuals leaving Scottish prisons; however, understanding illicit benzodiazepine use within prisons and assessing the potential harm to individuals is challenging due to the lack of available analytical data on the substances circulating. Increasingly, materials, such as paper and clothing, infused with novel benzodiazepines have been identified as a smuggling route into Scottish prisons. Methods were developed for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of benzodiazepines using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and applied to 495 seized samples from 11 Scottish prisons, including papers, cards, blotters, powders, tablets, and clothing. Evolution in the benzodiazepines being detected was demonstrated, with etizolam being the most prevalent throughout 2020/2021 following which flubromazepam and bromazolam detections increased. Additionally, significant changes in the smuggling methods and drug formats detected occurred over time following policy changes within prisons. These data represent the first reported widescale etizolam quantitation data and demonstrate high levels of variability across all sample types, most notably within tablets (0.34-2.33 mg per tablet). Additionally, concentration mapping of a whole seized card sample revealed the total concentration of drug present (312.5mg) and demonstrated variability across the surface of the card (1.16-1.87 mg/cm2). These data highlight the challenges of consistent dosing for individuals and the high risks of unintentional overdose. Increased understanding of the challenge of such drug smuggling and benzodiazepine use will aid in the development of strategies to reduce supply and mitigate harm.

Deciphering Variability and Genetic Parameters in Traditional Scented Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes of Kerala, India

Gandhakasala and Jeerakasala, the most popular traditional scented rice cultivars of Wayanad district in Kerala were used to assess the nature and magnitude of variability and genetic parameters in this investigation. The study on twenty yield and associated quantitative, cooking and biochemical characters revealed significant differences among genotypes for each character except for leaf width indicating the presence of high genetic variability among the genotypes. Phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variations showed high level of variability for grain yield (42.19%), number of spikelets panicle-1 (31.36%) and test weight (26.23%) and moderate level of variability for leaf length, culm number, culm length, number of productive tillers, number of spikelets panicle-1, panicle length, straw yield, grain length, grain width, amylose content and protein content. For most of the characters studied, the difference between GCV and PCV was narrow, indicating that environmental factors have little influence on these characters and are highly influenced by genetic factors. Heritability estimations ranged from low to high (17.86% to 99.90%). Characters like leaf length, culm number, number of spikelets panicle-1 and straw yield showed high heritability along with high genetic advance reflecting that these characters were under additive gene action and these could be the desirable characters for effective selection for developing high yielding scented rice varieties. This study provides information about the genetic variability and heritability measures of the various yield and related characters which may help to establish the selection criteria for future improvement in short grain scented rice breeding programmes.

Rectovaginal Fistula Repair Following Vaginoplasty in Transgender Females: A Systematic Review of Surgical Techniques

Background: Rectovaginal fistula (RVF) remains a complex complication following gender-affirming vaginoplasty. This review aims to evaluate RVF repair techniques and outcomes following vaginoplasty. Methods: A systematic review was performed per PRISMA guidelines. Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science were queried for records pertaining to RVF repair following vaginoplasty. Study characteristics, operative details, and demographics were collected. Outcomes included RVF repair method, recurrence rate, and complications. Results: Among 282 screened citations, 17 articles representing 41 patients were included. Rectovaginal fistula repair methods identified included 4 conservative management approaches (n = 12 patients), primary closure with or without fistulectomy and ostomy (n = 22), 10 reconstructive surgical techniques (n = 18). The most common reconstructive techniques were V-Y full-thickness advancement with rectal flap (n = 5) and infragluteal fasciocutaneous flap (n = 4). Median time to recurrence was 6 months (interquartile range 7.5). Reported RVF repair complications included RVF recurrence (n = 5, 14.7%) and wound complication or dehiscence (n = 2, 5.88%). Three cases of RVF recurred after primary closure with or without fistulectomy and ostomy, while 2 cases of recurrence followed reconstruction. Conclusion: There remains a high level of variability in the approach to RVF repair following vaginoplasty. Reconstructive surgical techniques may be a more optimal solution without necessitating ostomies, but this decision must be considered in the context of RVF location, individual patient expectations, and clinical presentation.