Efficacy of adjuvant mitomycin-C and triamcinoloneimpregnated nasal packing for endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy

●AIM:To compare the success rate and complications of adjuvant use of mitomycin C and triamcinoloneimpregnated biodegradable nasal packing(TABP)in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy(DCR).And to evaluate the efficacy of combining intraoperative mitomycin C and TABP for endoscopic DCR.●METHODS:A total of 198 eyes of 148 patients who underwent endoscopic DCR for acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction were retrospectively analysed.The patients were randomly divided into three groups:Group A included patients treated without intraoperative mitomycin C but with TABP,Group B included patients treated without triamcinolone but with intraoperative mitomycin C and normal saline-impregnated nasal packing,and Group C included patients treated with intraoperative mitomycin C and TABP.●RESULTS:The results revealed no significant difference in the overall success rates between Groups A(86.8%)and B(89.2%;P=0.377).However,Group C(97.5%)showed a significantly higher overall success rate than Groups A and B.The incidence of granulomas was significantly lower in group C(5%)than in Groups A(20.8%)and B(15.2%;P=0.009).Other complications,such as crust,synechiae,and revision surgery,did not differ significantly among the three groups.●CONCLUSION:The combination of intraoperative mitomycin C and TABP effectively prevents granulomas and enhances surgical success rate.Additionally,there is no statistically significant difference observed between the use of mitomycin C or TABP alone.

Correlations between serum kidney injury molecule-1,cystatin C and immunosuppressants:A cross-sectional study of renal transplant patients in Bahrain

Renal transplant patients receive several immunosuppressive drug regimens that are potentially nephrotoxic for treatment.Serum creatinine is the standard for monitoring kidney function;however,cystatin C(Cys C)and kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1)have been found to indicate kidney injury earlier than serum creatinine and provide a better reflection of kidney function.Here,we assessed Cys C and KIM-1 serum levels in renal transplant patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil,tacrolimus,sirolimus,everolimus,or cyclosporine to evaluate kidney function.We used both the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration(CKD-EPI)2021 equation,which is based on creatinine and combined creatinine with Cys C,and the CKD-EPI 2012 equation,which is based on Cys C alone,to estimate glomerular filtration rate(GFR).Then,we assessed the association between serum KIM-1 and GFR<90 mL per minute per 1.73 m2.We observed significantly higher serum Cys C levels in patients with the elevated serum creatinine,compared with those with normal serum creatinine.The estimated GFRs based on creatinine were significantly higher than those based on the other equations,while a significant positive correlation was observed among all equations.Serum KIM-1 levels were negatively correlated with the estimated GFRs by the CKD-EPI Cys C and the combined creatinine with Cys C equations.A serum KIM-1 level above 0.71 ng/mL is likely to indicate GFR<90 mL per minute per 1.73 m2.We observed a significant correlation between serum creatinine and Cys C in our renal transplant patients.Therefore,serum KIM-1 may be used to monitor renal function when using potentially nephrotoxic drugs in renal transplants.

Insights into sensitizing and eliciting capacity of gastric and gastrointestinal digestion products of shrimp(Penaeus vannamei)proteins in BALB/c mice

Shrimp(Penaeus vannamei)proteins have been shown an allergenic potential;however,little information is available on the sensitizing and eliciting capacity of shrimp protein digestion products.In this study,a BALB/c mice model was used to explore the allergenicity of shrimp protein sample(SPS)and their gastric and gastrointestinal digestion products(GDS/GIDS).As compared with the SPS groups,the GDS/GIDS groups caused lower specific immunoglobulins(Ig E/Ig G1)levels(P<0.05),but higher than the control groups,indicating that the digestion products sensitized the mice.Meanwhile,spleen index,mouse mast cell protease-1(m MCP-1)concentration and proportion of degranulated mast cells were significantly reduced in the GDS/GIDS groups(P<0.05);simultaneously,allergic symptoms,vascular permeability and histopathological changes of tissues were alleviated.Nevertheless,the allergenicity of digestion products cannot be eliminated and still cause systemic allergic reactions in mice.The study showed that the digestion products of shrimp still had high sensitizing and eliciting capacity.

Causal relationship between circulating vitamin C and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations and common mental disorders-a Mendelian randomization study

Mental disorders seriously affect people’s health and social stability.This Mendelian randomization(MR)study was designed to investigate the causal relationship between circulating vitamin C(VC)or 25-hydroxyvitamin D(25(OH)D)levels and mental disorders.The data used for the MR analysis were derived from the summary genome-wide association studies(GWAS)database for VC and 25(OH)D and from the Finn Gen consortium for fourteen mental disorders.Based on the inverse variance weighted(IVW)method,we found a potential causal association between circulating VC and anxiety disorders(IVW:OR=1.139,95%CI:1.023-1.269,P=0.018).However,no causal association was found between VC or 25(OH)D and other mental disorders(P>0.05).In the reverse MR analysis,individuals with Alzheimer’s disease was causally associated with higher concentrations of circulating VC(P=0.012),while individuals with anxiety disorders had a negative association between the concentrations of 25(OH)D(P=0.012).However,the current evidence does not support a causal relationship between VC or 25(OH)D and other mental disorders.In addition,there was no causal association between circulating VC and 25(OH)D(P>0.05).Future studies are needed to confirm these findings and to elucidate the mechanisms of potential causality.

Immunological crossroads:The intriguing dance between hepatitis C and autoimmune hepatitis

Delving into the immunological crossroads of liver diseases,this editorial explores the dynamic interplay between hepatitis C virus(HCV)and autoimmune hepatitis(AIH).While HCV primarily manifests as a viral infection impacting the liver,previous studies unveil a captivating connection between HCV and the emergence of AIH.The dance of the immune system in response to HCV appears to set the stage for an intriguing phenomenon-an aberrant autoimmune response leading to the onset of AIH.Evidence suggests a heightened presence of autoimmune markers in individuals with chronic HCV infection,hinting at a potential overlap between viral and autoimmune liver diseases.Navigating the intricate terrain of viral replication,immune response dynamics,and genetic predisposition,this editorial adds a layer of complexity to our understanding of the relationship between HCV and AIH.In this immunological crossroads,we aim to unearth insights into the complex interplay,using a compelling case where AIH and primary sclerosing cholangitis overlapped following HCV treatment with direct-acting antivirals as background.

Pediatric and adult liver transplantation in Bahrain: The experiences in a country with no available liver transplant facilities

BACKGROUND Liver transplantation(LT)is a life-saving procedure for patients with end-stage liver disease and has become the standard and most effective treatment method for these patients.There are many indications for LT that vary between countries and settings.The outcome of LT depends on the available facilities and surgical expertise,as well as the types of liver graft donors available.AIM To assess the clinical characteristics of patients from Bahrain who underwent LT overseas,and analyze factors affecting their survival.METHODS In this retrospective cohort study,we reviewed the medical records and overseas committee registry information of all pediatric and adult patients who were sent overseas to undergo LT by the Pediatric and Medical Departments of Salmaniya Medical Complex and Bahrain Defence Force Hospital via the Overseas Treatment Office,Ministry of Health,Kingdom of Bahrain,between 1997 and 2023.Demographic data,LT indication,donor-recipient relationship,overseas LT center,graft type,post-LT medications,and LT complications,were collected.Outcomes measured included the overall and 5-year LT survival rate.Fisher’s exact,Pearsonχ2,and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to compare the pediatric and the adults’group in terms of clinical characteristics,donor-recipient relationship,medication,complications,and outcome.Survival analysis was estimated via the Kaplan-Meier’s method.Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to detect predictors of survival.RESULTS Of the 208 eligible patients,170(81.7%)were sent overseas to undergo LT while 38(18.3%)remained on the waiting list.Of the 170 patients,167(80.3%)underwent LT and were included in the study.The majority of the patients were Bahraini(91.0%),and most were males(57.5%).One-hundred-and-twenty(71.8%)were adults and 47(28.3%)were children.The median age at transplant was 50.0[interquartile range(IQR):14.9–58.4]years.The main indication for pediatric LT was biliary atresia(31.9%),while that of adult LT was hepatitis C-related cirrhosis(35.0%).Six(3.6%)patients required re-transplantation.Most patients received a living-related liver graft(82%).Pediatric patients received more living and related grafts than adults(P=0.038 and P=0.041,respectively),while adult patients received more cadaveric and unrelated grafts.Most patients required long-term immunosuppressive therapy after LT(94.7%),of which tacrolimus was the most prescribed(84.0%),followed by prednisolone(50.7%),which was prescribed more frequently for pediatric patients(P=0.001).Most patients developed complications(62.4%)with infectious episodes being the most common(38.9%),followed by biliary stricture(19.5%).Tonsilitis and sepsis(n=12,8.1%for each)were the most frequent infections.Pediatric patients experienced higher rates of infection,rejection,and early poor graft function than adult patients(P<0.001,P=0.003,and P=0.025,respectively).The median follow-up time was 6.5(IQR:2.6–10.6)years.The overall survival rate was 84.4%,the 5-year survival rate,86.2%,and the mortality rate,15.6%.Younger patients had significantly better odds of survival(P=0.019)and patients who survived had significantly longer follow-up periods(P<0.001).CONCLUSION Patients with end-stage liver disease in Bahrain shared characteristics with those from other countries.Since LT facilities are not available,an overseas LT has offered them great hope.

Epidemiological, Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Progressive Aspects of Arterial Hypertension in Children at the University Hospital Center of Bouaké (Côte d’Ivoire)

Introduction: Arterial hypertension (AH) in children is under-diagnosed and often has a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of hypertension in children at the University Hospital of Bouaké, with a view to improving the prognosis. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, analytical study carried out in the paediatrics department of Bouaké University Hospital. It concerned the medical records of children aged 4 to 15 hospitalised from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2020 for hypertension. Diagnosis was based on the simplified blood pressure guidelines of the Expert Consensus of the French Society of Hypertension. The variables studied were epidemiological, diagnostic, therapeutic and evolutionary. Quantitative variables were compared at the significance level p ≤ 0.05. Results: The hospital incidence of hypertension was 0.32% (69/21,642). The sex ratio was 0.72. 97.1% of the children were over five years of age. Oedema (49.3%) and breathing difficulties (20.2%) were the main reasons for consultation. Hypertension was classified as threatening (56.5%), confirmed (31.9%) and borderline (11.6%). The cause was renal in 66.7%, dominated by impure nephrotic syndrome (24.6%). Treatment for hypertension consisted mainly of a diuretic (79.7%) and a calcium channel blocker (47.8%). Outcome was favourable in 50.7% of cases. Mortality was 20.3%. No factor was significantly associated with death. Conclusion: Hypertension in children at Bouaké University Hospital is serious. The aetiology is mainly renal. Early diagnosis and management are key to improving prognosis.

Impact on Soil Organic C and Total Soil N from Cool- and Warm-Season Legumes Used in a Green Manure-Forage Cropping System

Annual forage legumes are important components of livestock production systems in East Texas and the southeastern US. Forage legumes contribute nitrogen (N) to cropping systems through biological N fixation, and their seasonal biomass production can be managed to complement forage grasses. Our research objectives were to evaluate both warm- and cool-season annual forage legumes as green manure for biomass, N content, ability to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil N, and impact on post season forage grass crops. Nine warm-season forage legumes (WSL) were spring planted and incorporated as green manure in the fall. Forage rye (Secale cereale L.) was planted following the incorporation of WSL treatments. Eight cool-season forage legumes (CSL) were fall planted in previously fallow plots and incorporated as green manure in late spring. Sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor x Sorghum bicolor var. sudanense) was planted over all treatments in early summer after forage rye harvest and incorporation of CSL treatments. Sorghum-sudangrass was harvested in June, August and September, and treatments were evaluated for dry matter and N concentration. Soil cores were taken from each plot, split into depths of 0 to 15, 15 to 30 and 30 to 60 cm, and soil C and N were measured using combustion analysis. Nylon mesh bags containing plant samples were buried at 15 cm and used to evaluate decomposition rate of above ground legume biomass, including change in C and N concentrations. Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. [Wilczek]) had the highest shoot biomass yield (6.24 t DM ha-1) and contributed the most total N (167 kg∙ha-1) and total C (3043 kg∙ha-1) of the WSL tested. Decomposition rate of WSL biomass was rapid in the first 10 weeks and very slow afterward. Winter pea (Pisum sativum L. spp. sativum), arrow leaf clover (Trifolium vesiculosum Savi.), and crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) were the most productive CSL in this trial. Austrian winter pea produced 8.41 t DM ha-1 with a total N yield of 319 kg N ha-1 and total C production of 3835 kg C ha-1. The WSL treatments had only small effects on rye forage yield and N concentration, possibly due to mineralization of N from a large SOC pool already in place. The CSL treatments also had only minimal effects on sorghum-sudangrass forage production. Winter pea, arrow leaf and crimson clover were productive cool season legumes and could be useful as green manure crops. Mungbean and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) were highly productive warm season legumes but may include more production risk in green manure systems due to soil moisture competition.

The influence of lipid-extraction on theδ^(13)C of mesopelagic and demersal fish in the South China Sea:modification and application of lipid normalization models

Mesopelagic fish,the most important daily vertically migrating community in the oceans,are characterized by high lipid content which may obscure the interpretation of stable isotopes analysis.Demersal fish,which are important consumers in the food web dominated by mesopelagic fish,also have a high lipid content.Here we collected 127 fish samples from the South China Sea and evaluated the effect of lipid contents on△δ^(13)C of mesopelagic and demersal fish.In lipid-extracted mesopelagic fish,the C/N content ratio(<5.5)shows a clear correlation withΔδ^(13)C(the offset of bulk and lipid-extractedδ^(13)C values),especially in non-migratory and semi-migratory species;these values were less correlation in demersal fish.Based on our results,we suggest that mesopelagic and demersal fish in different regions of the South China Sea should be studied separately using appropriate correction models and less fit for the traditional model.Moreover,the C/N content ratio should be used cautiously for establishing the lipid normalization model,especially for the fish in migratory mesopelagic fish and demersal fish.Our results also reveal that mesopelagic fish across nearby regions could be analyzed together.The new models described here can be applied in future studies of mesopelagic and demersal fish in the South China Sea.

Effects of the combined application of organic and chemical nitrogen fertilizer on soil aggregate carbon and nitrogen:A 30-year study

To understand the long-term effects of combined organic and chemical nitrogen fertilization on soil organic C(SOC) and total N(TN), we conducted a 30-year field experiment with a wheat–maize rotation system on the Huang-HuaiHai Plain during 1990–2019. The experimental treatments consisted of five fertilizer regimes: no fertilizer(control), chemical fertilizer only(NPK), chemical fertilizer with straw(NPKS), chemical fertilizer with manure(NPKM), and 1.5 times the rate of NPKM(1.5NPKM). The NPK, NPKS, and NPKM treatments had equal N inputs. The crop yields were measured over the whole experimental duration. Soil samples were collected from the topsoil(0–10 and 10–20 cm) and subsoil(20–40 cm) layers for assessing soil aggregates and taking SOC and TN measurements. Compared with the NPK treatment, the SOC and TN contents increased significantly in both the topsoil(24.1–44.4% for SOC and 22.8–47.7% for TN) and subsoil layers(22.0–47.9% for SOC and 19.8–41.8% for TN) for the organically amended treatments(NPKS, NPKM and 1.5NPKM) after 30 years, while no significant differences were found for the average annual crop yields over the 30 years of the experiment. The 0–10 cm layer of the NPKS treatment and the 20–40 cm layer of the NPKM treatment had significantly higher macroaggregate fraction mass proportions(19.8 and 27.0%) than the NPK treatment. However, the 0–10 and 20–40 cm layers of the 1.5NPKM treatment had significantly lower macroaggregate fraction mass proportions(–19.2 and –29.1%) than the control. The analysis showed that the higher SOC and TN in the soil of organically amended treatments compared to the NPK treatment were related to the increases in SOC and TN protected in the stable fractions(i.e., free microaggregates and microaggregates within macroaggregates), in which the contributions of the stable fractions were 81.1–91.7% of the increase in SOC and 83.3–94.0% of the increase in TN, respectively. The relationships between average C inputs and both stable SOC and TN stocks were significantly positive with R2 values of 0.74 and 0.72(P<0.01) for the whole 40 cm soil profile, which indicates the importance of N for soil C storage. The results of our study provide key evidence that long-term combined organic and chemical nitrogen fertilization, while maintaining reasonable total N inputs, benefited soil C and N storage in both the topsoil and subsoil layers.

Mitomycin C and capecitabine: An additional option as an advanced line therapy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND In recent years survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC),though still limited,has improved significantly;clearly,when the disease becomes refractory to standard regimens,additional treatment options are needed.Studies have shown that mitomycin C(MMC),an antitumor antibiotic,and capecitabine,a precursor of 5-fluorouracil,may act synergistically in combination.The efficacy of MMC/capecitabine has been demonstrated in the first-line setting,but only a few small studies have tested it in the advanced-line setting,with contradictory results.received a median of 2 MMC/capecitabine cycles(range 0.5-9.0).Thirty-four patients(28.6%)experienced grade≥3 toxicity,including 2(1.7%)with grade 4;there was no drug-related mortality.The objective response rate was 0.8%,and the disease control rate,24.4%.Median progression-free survival(PFS)was 2.1 mo(range 0.2-20.3),and median overall survival,4.8 mo(range 0.2-27.5).The 6-month overall survival rate was 44%;8.7%of patients remained progression-free.Factors associated with longer PFS were lower gamma-glutamyl transferase level(P=0.030)and primary tumor location in the left colon(P=0.017).Factors associated with longer overall survival were lower gamma-glutamyl transferase level(P=0.022),left-colon tumor location(P=0.044),low-to-moderate histological grade(P=0.012),Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-1(P=0.036),and normal bilirubin level(P=0.047).CONCLUSION MMC/capecitabine is an active,available,and relatively safe regimen for use beyond standard lines of therapy in mCRC.Several clinical and laboratory parameters can identify patients more likely to benefit.

Hubble WFC3 Spectroscopy of the Terrestrial Planets L 98–59c and d:No Evidence for a Clear Hydrogen Dominated Primary Atmosphere

The nearby bright M-dwarf star L 98–59 has three terrestrial-sized planets.One challenge remaining in characterizing atmospheres around such planets is that it is not known a priori whether they possess any atmospheres.Here we report on study of the atmospheres of L 98–59 c and L 98–59 d using near-infrared spectral data from the G141 grism of Hubble Space Telescope(HST)/Wide Field Camera 3.We can reject the hypothesis of a clear atmosphere dominated by hydrogen and helium at a confidence level of ~3σ for both planets.Thus they could have a primary hydrogen-dominated atmosphere with an opaque cloud layer,or could have lost their primary hydrogen-dominated atmosphere and re-established a secondary thin atmosphere,or have no atmosphere at all.We cannot distinguish between these scenarios for the two planets using the current HST data.Future observations with the James Webb Space Telescope would be capable of confirming the existence of atmospheres around L 98–59 c and d and determining their compositions.

MODIFIABLE QUARTIC AND QUINTIC CURVES WITH SHAPE-PARAMETERS

This paper presents a method for creating modificable quartic and quintic curves with shape parameters. The curves can achieve C 2 even C 3 continuity and unify both interpolation and approximation to the control points without solving a system of equations or inserting additional control points. They have the local properties like the cubic B spline. Besides, the quintic curve would be able globally to tend the control polygon.

Trace element geochemistry and stable isotopic(δ^(13)C andδ^(15)N)records of the Paleocene coals,Salt Range,Punjab,Pakistan

The Paleocene coals of the Salt Range in the Punjab Province of Pakistan have great economic potential;however,their trace element and stable isotopic characteristics have not been studied in detail except for a few sporadic samples.In this study,a total of 59 coal samples of which 14 are obtained from open cast mines have been investigated for elemental composition andδ^(13)C-δ^(15)N isotopic signatures.Average contents of trace elements such as Co,Cr,Cu,Pb,Sr,Th,U,V,and Zn are 7.4,41.7,11.2,12.5,90.2,4.0,1.9,128,and 31.1 mg/kg,respectively.These values,when compared with the World Coal Clarke values,were relatively higher in low-rank coals in comparison with Clarke values for brown coals.Likewise,As(20.4 mg/kg),Co(6.6 mg/kg),Cr(22.4 mg/kg),Cu(^(13).3 mg/kg),Pb(19.2 mg/kg),Sr(^(15)4.7 mg/kg),Th(2.5 mg/kg),V(47.8 mg/kg),and Zn(75.1 mg/kg)were significantly higher in the sub-bituminous to bituminous coals of the Salt Range.Mineralogical analysis,based on X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,revealed that the studied samples contain illite,kaolinite calcite,gypsum,pyrite,and quartz.Elemental affinity with organic and inorganic phases of coals calculated by an indirect statistical approach indicated a positive association of ash content with Ag,Al,Co,Cr,Cs,Cu,Mn,P,Rb,Pb,Th,U,and V,suggesting the presence of inorganic components in studied coals.However,As,Fe,Sr,and Zn exhibit negative correlations that imply their association with the organic fraction.Theδ^(13)C andδ^(15)N isotopic range and average−24.94‰to−25.86‰(−25.41‰)and−2.77‰to 3.22‰(0.96‰),respectively,reflecting 3C type modern terrestrial vegetation were common in the palaeomires of studied coal seams.In addition,the trivial variations of 0.92‰and 0.45‰among^(13)C and^(15)N values can be attributed to water level fluctuations and plant assemblies.

Linking changes in the soil microbial community to C and N dynamics during crop residue decomposition

Crop residues are among the main inputs that allow the organic carbon(C)and nutrients to be maintained in agricultural soil.It is an important management strategy that can improve soil fertility and enhance agricultural productivity.This work aims to evaluate the extent of the changes that may occur in the soil heterotrophic microbial communities involved in organic matter decomposition and C and nitrogen(N)mineralization after the addition of crop residues.Soil microcosm experiments were performed at 28℃ for 90 days with the addition of three crop residues with contrasting biochemical qualities:pea(Pisum sativum L.),rapeseed(Brassica napus L.),and wheat(Triticum aestivum L.).Enzyme activities,C and N mineralization,and bacterial and fungal biomasses were monitored,along with the bacterial and fungal community composition,by the highthroughput sequencing of 16 S rRNA and ITS genes.The addition of crop residues caused decreases in β-glucosidase and arylamidase activities and simultaneous enhancement of the C mineralization and net N immobilization,which were linked to changes in the soil microbial communities.The addition of crop residues decreased the bacterial and fungal biomasses 90 days after treatment and there were shifts in bacterial and fungal diversity at the phyla,order,and genera levels.Some specific orders and genera were dependent on crop residue type.For example,Chloroflexales,Inquilinus,Rubricoccus,Clitocybe,and Verticillium were identified in soils with pea residues;whereas Thermoanaerobacterales,Thermacetogenum,and Hypoxylon were enriched in soils with rapeseed residues,and Halanaerobiales,Rubrobacter,and Volutella were only present in soils with wheat residues.The findings of this study suggest that soil C and N dynamics in the presence of the crop residues were driven by the selection of specific bacterial and fungal decomposers linked to the biochemical qualities of the crop residues.If crop residue decomposition processes showed specific bacterial and fungal operational taxonomic unit(OTU)signatures,this study also suggests a strong functional redundancy that exists among soil microbial communities.

TAXAYUNTIN A,B,C AND D----FOUR NEW TETRACYCLIC TAXANES FROM TAXUS YUNNANENSIS

Four new taxane diterpenoids were isolated from the bark of Taxus yunnanensis.Their structures were elucidated as the new skeleton with 5/7/6/4 membered rings by spectral analysis and 2D NMR shift correlation experiments.

Predicting Physical Properties of Tetragonal,Monoclinic and Orthorhombic M_3N_4(M=C,Si,Sn) Polymorphs via First-Principles Calculations

The recently discovered tetragonal, monoclinie and orthorhombic polymorphs of M3N4 （M=C, Si, Sn） are in- vestigated by using first-principles calculations. A set of anisotropic elastic quantities, i.e., the bulk and shear moduli, Young＇s modulus, Poisson ratio, H/G ratio and rickets hardness of M3N4 （M=C, Si, Sn） are predicted. The quasi-harmonic Debye model, assuming that the solids are isotopic, may lead to large errors for the non-cubic crystals. The thermal effects are obtained by the traditional quasi-harmonic approach. The dependences of heat capacity, thermal expansion coefficient and Debye temperature on temperature and pressure are systematically discussed in the pressure range of 0 IOGPa and in the temperature range of 0-1100 K. More importantly, o- C3N4 is a negative thermal expansion material. Our results may have important consequences in shaping the understanding of the fundamental properties of these binary nitrides.

Land-Use Change on Soil C and N Stocks in the Humid Savannah Agro-Ecological Zone of Ghana

Land-use conversion and unsustainable farming practices are degrading native forest ecosystems of Ghana’s humid savannah agro-ecological zone. This study assessed the impact of land-use change on soil C and N stocks in different land-use systems and soil types. A total of eighty (80) composite soil samples at two depths (0 - 20 cm and 20 - 50 cm) were sampled from five land use types (Forest, Woodland savannah, Grassland, Fallow and Cropland) for laboratory analyses. Particle size distribution, bulk density, pH, SOC and TN were determined using standard procedures. Results of the study indicated that C and N stocks were significantly lower in croplands (p < 0.05) compared to other land-use systems. There were significant interactions (p < 0.05) within land-use systems, soil types, and soil depth for soil C and N stocks. Acrisol and associated soils had the highest C and N stocks. A strong positive significant correlation (p < 0.05) was observed between C and N stocks with an R2 value of 0.85 and 0.93 for the 0 - 20 and 20 - 50 cm depth, respectively. Soil C and N stocks in the study area were estimated to be 34.56 kg/m2 and 4.63 kg/m2 for soil types and 26.89 kg/m2 and 3.39 kg/m2 for land use types, respectively for the 0 to 50 cm soil depth. Our findings indicated that the conversion of native forest to arable land has significantly reduced soil C and N stocks in the top 50 cm (0.50 m) soil layer by 50.77% and 47.77%, respectively. Therefore, we conclude that land-use change, soil type, and soil depth influenced soil C and N stocks of land-use systems in the humid savannah agro-ecological zone of Ghana.

Chronic hepatitis C and liver fibrosis

Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus(HCV) is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide and predisposes to liver fibrosis and endstage liver complications. Liver fibrosis is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, including collagen, and is considered as a wound healing response to chronic liver injury. Its staging is critical for the management and prognosis of chronic hepatitis C(CHC) patients, whose number is expected to rise over the next decades, posing a major health care challenge. This review provides a brief update on HCV epidemiology, summarizes basic mechanistic concepts of HCV-dependent liver fibrogenesis, and discusses meth-ods for assessment of liver fibrosis that are routinely used in clinical practice. Liver biopsy was until recently considered as the gold standard to diagnose and stage liver fibrosis. However, its invasiveness and drawbacks led to the development of non-invasive methods, which include serum biomarkers, transient elastography and combination algorithms. Clinical studies with CHC patients demonstrated that non-invasive methods are in most cases accurate for diagnosis and for monitoring liver disease complications. Moreover, they have a high prognostic value and are cost-effective. Non-invasive methods for assessment of liver fibrosis are gradually being incorporated into new guidelines and are becoming standard of care, which significantly reduces the need for liver biopsy.