bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the protective effect of cannabidiol in lead toxicity in mice
Authors: Şahin Serkan , Müderrisoğlu Ahmet , Mortaş Tülay , Türksoy Vugar Ali
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Considering the significant toxicity caused lead (Pb), identifying substances that can prevent or alleviate the toxic effects of Pb is important. This study aims to evaluate the protective effects of an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant substance; cannabidiol (CBD) against Pb toxicity.
Methods
A total of 4 groups, each consisting 10 mice were used. Groups I and III were not exposed to Pb, while Pb exposure was induced in groups II and IV by adding 1 gr/L of Pb to the drinking water. CBD was administered daily via intragastric gavage at a 25 mg/kg dose in groups III and IV. At the end of 30 days, the mice were euthanized, and blood and liver, kidney, testis tissue samples were collected. Levels of oxidative stress markers GSH, CAT, MPO, and pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 were measured using ELISA kits. Histological evaluation of the tissues samples was performed.
Results
Comparison between groups II and IV showed that CBD alleviated the oxidant and inflammatory damage caused by Pb as blood CAT, GSH levels increased and MPO, TNF- α, IL-1β, IL-6 levels decreased in CBD administered, Pb intoxicated mice compared to only Pb intoxicated mice. CBD also decreased the toxic effects of Pb in liver, kidney and testis tissues (p < 0.0001 for most comparisons). Comparison between groups III and IV revealed similar results as it showed that Pb reduced the beneficial effects of CBD.
Conclusion
This study showed that CBD has a protective effect against Pb toxicity. This finding indicates that CBD could be used as a food additive or supportive treatment for alleviating the toxic effects of Pb at risked population groups.
Assessing the Spatiotemporal Characteristics of NPP and the Response to Urban Expansion in the Chang–Zhu–Tan Urban Agglomeration, China
Authors: Ma Yimin , Lin Hui , Long Jiangping , Liu Zhaohua , Jiang Wenhan
Published: February 2024

Background
In recent years, accelerated urbanization, accompanied by rapid economic growth, has substantially influenced the ecological environment and carbon storage. To examine the relationship between urbanization and carbon storage, the vegetation net primary productivity (NPP) of the Changsha–Zhuzhou–Xiangtan urban agglomeration (CZT) over the past two decades was estimated using the Carnegie–Ames–Stanford approach model. The multiyear spatiotemporal evolutionary characteristics of NPP changes and their responses to urban expansion were explored using various trend analysis methods.
Results
From 2000 to 2020, a fluctuating and moderate declining trend in the yearly average NPP was observed. In particular, after 2008, there was a noticeable acceleration in the rate of NPP decline, which was attributed to the implementation of the urban integration policy in the CZT. Furthermore, an increasing trend in NPP was noted in the core of the built-up region, which was attributed to the government's efforts toward urban greening. However, with the continuous outward expansion of the Changsha–Zhuzhou–Xiangtan region, a considerable reduction in NPP was observed in the suburbs. Future variations in NPP for most parts of the CZT will be contrary to those observed in the past. The primary factors influencing NPP changes in the CZT have gradually shifted from natural factors to human activities. Although a weak negative correlation was observed between the built-up area density and NPP in 63.04% of the CZT and urban expansion predominantly negatively affected vegetation NPP, the positive contribution of human activities to NPP still outweighed the negative contributions.
Conclusion
Measures to protect the ecological environment have effectively mitigated the reduction in vegetation carbon storage within urban agglomerations. This study provides a rigorous theoretical basis for the integrated development of urban expansion and environmental protection, as well as for carbon management.
Genetic Markers and Predictive Factors Influencing the Aggressive Behavior of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation
Authors: Galvão Gustavo F. , Trefilio Luisa M. , Salvio Andreza L. , Silva Elielson V. , Alves-Leon Soniza V. , Fontes-Dantas Fabrícia L. , Souza Jorge Marcondes
Published: February 2024

Biological behavior of Cerebral Cavernous Malformation (CCM) is still controversial without clear-cut signature for biological mechanistic explanation of lesion aggressiveness. There is plenty evidence implicating dysregulated inflammatory and immune responses in vascular malformation pathogenesis, including CCM. In the present study, we evaluated the predictive capacity of the SNPsVDRrs7975232,VDRrs731236,VDRrs11568820as well as expanded the analysis ofPTPN2rs72872125andFCGR2Ars1801274in relation to the aggressive behavior of CCM and its implications in biological processes. This was a single-site prospective observational cohort study with 103 patients enrolled, 42 had close follow-up visits for a period of 4 years, focused on 2 main aspects of the disease: (1) symptomatic event that composed both intracranial bleeding or epilepsy and (2) precocity of symptoms. We report a novel observation that thePTPN2rs72872125CT and theVDRrs7975232CC genotype were independently associated with an asymptomatic phenotype. Additionally,PTPN2rs72872125CC genotype and serum level of GM-CSF could predict a diagnostic association with symptomatic phenotype in CCM patients, while theFCGR2Ars1801274GG genotype could predict a symptomatic event during follow-up. The study also found a correlation betweenVDRrs731236AA andVDRrs11568820CC genotype to the time to first symptomatic event. In summary, this study provides valuable insights into the genetic markers that could potentially impact the development and advancement of CCM.
Performance Enhancement of DRX Sleep Mode Based on Signaling/Paging Traffic Arrival in 5G Communication Systems
Authors: Sallam Mustafa M. , Zaki Fayez Wanis , Ashour Mohammed M. , Nafea Hala B.
Published: February 2024

Energy consumption is one of the most important challenges in Millimeter Wave (mmWave) 5G wireless communications since higher data rate and lower latency are required. Thus, User Equipment (UE) battery suffers from its energy absorption. To investigate a green communication, Discontinuous Reception (DRX) mode is introduced when no traffic arrival from the Base Station (BS) to extend UE battery lifetime but delay is increased. This paper introduces an advanced DRX, which can achieve extended UE battery lifetime with a reasonable reduced delay due to a proposed sub-frame size. Generally, traffic which arrives may be data packet or paging message. This paper evaluates two proposed system models based on traffic which arrives during wake up periods of the UE. The first system model is called Signaling Based DRX and the second system model is called Enhanced Paging Monitoring (EPM). The both system models utilize two different indicators; they are Power Saving Indicator (PSI) and Paging Early Indicator (PEI), respectively. These indicators enhance power saving and delay compared to that of the traditional approach. The evaluation of the both system models performance is by measuring the power saving factor and the average delay of the UE over the same data/paging traffic arrival rate. A MATLAB simulation program is used to validate the system model and the numerical analysis. Analytical and numerical results are considered.
Dual targeting of NF-κB and JAK-STAT pathways by pinoresinol attenuates IL-6-mediated inflammation in differentiated THP-1 cells
Authors: Dutta Anupam , Das Dorothy , Chakraborty Rituraj , Baruah Bhargab Jyoti , Sharma Manoj , Sharma Pushpa , Mattaparthi Venkata Satish Kumar , Mukhopadhyay Rupak
Published: February 2024

Background:Dysregulated synthesis of IL-6 plays a critical role in inflammation-induced disease pathophysiology. IL-6 is known to induce NF-κB alongside canonical JAK-STAT pathway, indicating the importance of cascade proteins of these two pathways as the targets of anti-inflammatory compounds. Plant-derived phenolic compounds are acknowledged as for their anti-inflammatory efficacies. Here, we report the mechanism of downregulation of NF-κB and JAK-STAT pathways by pinoresinol, a plant lignan, in IL-6-induced differentiated macrophages.Methods and Results:Bioinformatic analysis revealed Pinoresinol, among 100 dietary polyphenols, as the most potent to interact with the proteins in NF-κB and JAK-STAT cascades. In differentiated THP-1 macrophages, Pinoresinol repressed IL-6-mediated activation and nuclear translocation of both NF-κB and STAT3. It also reduced the phosphorylation of IKK and IκBα, and degradation of the latter. Expressions of downstream genes of NF-κB and STAT3 pathways, e.g. IL-1β, TNF-α, and COX-2 were also attenuated following pinoresinol treatment. The polyphenol reduced the IL-6-mediated macrophage adhesion and migration, which was further supported by downregulation of VCAM-1, ICAM-1, MCP-1, MMP9 and MMP2 in pinoresinol-treated cells.Conclusions:Our data confirms that pinoresinol targets NF-κB and JAK-STAT pathways to attenuate IL-6-induced inflammation. It inhibits expression of downstream pro-inflammatory mediators, macrophage adhesion and migration suggesting its potential in anti-inflammatory therapy.
Predictors of Treatment Outcome and Drug Resistance in Tuberculosis Patients at Yirgalem General Hospital, Sidama Region, South Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hameto Assefa , Mamo Hassen
Published: February 2024

The spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) poses a significant challenge to TB control efforts. This study assessed the prevalence of drug resistance and identified predictors among patients undergoing treatment for MDR-TB in south Ethiopia. A retrospective study spanning ten years, 2014–2023, was conducted, analyzing the records of confirmed cases of pulmonary DR-TB admitted to Yirgalem General Hospital. Out of 276 patients with confirmed multidrug-resistant (MDR-TB), 4(1.4%) cases were diagnosed with resistance to second-line drugs (SLDs) upon enrollment. The treatment success rate was 70.4%, with 53.6% cured and 16.8% completing the treatment which varied significantly (p-value?), ranging from 90% in 2021 to 4% in 2020. The proportion of deaths, lost-to-follow-up, and treatment failures were 11.2%, 15.3%, and 3.1%, respectively. Unsuccessful treatment outcomes were significantly associated with HIV positivity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 3.200; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.206, 8.493; p = 0.018), the presence of comorbid diseases other than HIV (AOR: 2.062; 95% CI: 0.875, 4.858; p = 0.040) and baseline body-mass-index of patients below 18kg/m2 (AOR: 2.353; 95% CI: 1.404, 3.942; p = 0.001). The study revealed a concerning 1.4% prevalence of additional resistance to SLDs. The 29.6% rate of unsuccessful treatment among MDR-TB cases exceeds the target set by the WHO. A significant number of patients (15.3%) were LTFU. Enhanced strategic interventions are needed to reduce such cases, and factors associated with poor treatment outcomes should receive greater attention. Future prospective studies can further explore the factors influencing improved treatment success.
Efficacy of Ascorbic Acid Coated Quantum Dots in Alleviating Lead-Induced Oxidative Damage and Enhancing Growth Parameters in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) for Sustainable Cultivation
Authors: Falak Aliza , Anas Muhammad , Hayat Alvina , Shaheen Zeenat , Quraishi Umar Masood
Published: February 2024

The toxic effects of lead (Pb) on plants, animals, and humans have made it a subject of interest for environmental scientists. Recent literature has shown how Pb affects the morpho-physiological and biochemical attributes of rice. Therefore, it is important to mitigate Pb stress to restore rice agro-morphological traits and yield. For that purpose, current study involved growth of two cultivars of Japonica rice (JP-5) and Indica rice (Super Basmati) grown in pots under Pb stress (50 mg/kg) as lead chloride and the application of ascorbic acid coated quantum dots (AsA-QDs) in two suspensions (50 ppm and 100 ppm) to mitigate the stress. Pb stress declined T/P, GY, TKW, protein, TPC, and TAC by 11.11%, 18.22%, 18.22%, 40.19%, 59.66%, and 17.75% respectively in JP-5. These traits were recovered by 33.33% (T/P), 5.73% (GY), 2.03% (protein), and 13.19% (TPC) in Pb*QD1 treatment. Whereas in SB, Pb concentrations reduced PH, T/P, BY, GY, TKW, total sugars, reducing sugars, non-reducing sugars, starch, proteins, and TPC by 19.76%, 21.43%, 11.01, 11.01%, 7.52%, 38.09%, 7.24%, 13.96%, 11.97%, and 40.39% respectively. These traits were recovered by 14.29% (T/P), 15.49% (GY), 9.25% (total sugars), 109.52% (reducing sugars), 8.31% (non-reducing sugars), 31.72% (starch), 25.91% (proteins), and 7.075% TPC in Pb*QD1 treatment. It is recommended that AsA-QDs can be used as potential sources to remediate Pb toxicity in crops for sustainable growth development.
Comparison of clinical outcomes between robot-assisted and open ABO-incompatible kidney transplantation
Authors: Kim Jin-Myung , Kwon Hye Eun , Ko Youngmin , Jung Joo Hee , Kwon Hyunwook , Kim Young Hoon , Shin Sung
Published: February 2024

Robot-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) is increasingly being adopted worldwide. Despite this growing interest, there remains a notable gap in the literature, especially concerning its effectiveness in immunologically high-risk patients compared to the conventional open kidney transplantation (OKT). This study is focused on exploring the viability and success of RAKT in comparison with OKT, particularly for recipients with ABO incompatibility (ABOi). A retrospective analysis was conducted on 239 living-donor transplants at a single center, comprising 210 OKT and 29 RAKT cases. Perioperative outcomes, graft survival, and renal function were assessed. A composite of biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR), graft failure, and the development of de novo donor-specific antibodies (DSA) was analyzed through univariate and multivariate models. Both RAKT and OKT groups showed comparable one and two-year BPAR-free survival rates (RAKT: 92.4%, OKT: 93.1% and 91.9% respectively) and similar mean eGFR values (RAKT: 64.41 ml/min/1.73m², OKT: 65.75 ml/min/1.73m²). OKT had a significantly shorter cold ischemic time and operative time but longer hospital stays compared to RAKT. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicate no significant difference in the composite outcome (BPAR, graft failure, de novo DSA) between the two groups. RAKT presents as a safe and effective alternative to OKT in ABOi patients, with similar perioperative outcomes, graft survival rate, and renal function.
Impact of urban morphology on land surface temperature
Authors: Evgrafova Anna , Vetrov Andrey , Shchapov Vladislav , Frick Peter
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we have analyzed the land surface temperature distribution in the territories of four medium-sized cities located in Ural and Siberia over a 10 year period along with urban morphology characteristics. The Landsat 8 data obtained in the daytime hours when the Urban Heat Island effect is more pronounced are considered. The results obtained demonstrate that specific weather conditions do not affect the spatial configuration of a temperature field, however the presence of complex topography and large differences in elevation breaks this statement. It has been found that the city temperature is better correlated with the building density. The terrain elevation and the building height almost have no effect on the temperature distribution in the cities under study.
Lateral Crossed Kirschner Wire combined with External Fixation - An Innovative Surgical Approach for Supracondylar Humeral Fractures in School-Aged Children
Authors: Zhu Huanye , Wang Mengyao , Gao Chao , Zheng Huajiang , Cao Jin
Published: February 2024

Aim and objective
This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an innovative surgical technique - the lateral crossed Kirschner wire fixation combined with external fixation, in treating supracondylar humeral fractures in school-aged children.
Methods Between April 2022 and April 2023, we enrolled 45 school-aged children (6-13 years) with supracondylar humeral fractures. We employed a novel surgical technique, involving lateral crossed Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation combined with external fixation, to facilitate early functional recovery without necessitating plaster cast immobilization. Postoperative follow-up included photographic documentation, assessment of elbow joint functional recovery, and patient satisfaction surveys.
Results All patients underwent a follow-up period ranging from 6 to 18 months. Among them, 5 patients developed skin infections at pin sites, successfully managed with daily pin care. There were no cases of nonunion, K-wire migration, or dislocation. According to the Flynn score, 93.3% of patients exhibited excellent elbow joint function at 3 months postoperatively, increasing to 97.8% at 6 months. There were no instances of elbow varus deformity during the follow-up, and both patients and their families reported high satisfaction levels, recommending this method for similar fractures in other children.
Conclusions Utilizing lateral crossed Kirschner wires (K-wires) fixation with external fixation for treating supracondylar humeral fractures in children yields satisfactory results, enhances early functional recovery of the elbow joint, enables a quicker resumption of school activities, and elevates patient satisfaction. This technique is therefore advocated as a preferred method for addressing supracondylar humeral fractures in school-aged children.
Research on ultra-short-term load forecasting method of oil and gas field integrated energy system based on hybrid neural network
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Dong Dezhi , Lv Lili , Peng Liyuan , Li Bing , Peng Miao , Cheng Tingting
Published: February 2024

Oil and gas fields have a large amount of distributed new energy. In order to improve the utilization rate of new energy and respond to the dispatching needs of China's State Grid, it is necessary to study the use of ultra-short-term load forecasting algorithms to improve the load forecasting accuracy of oil and gas fields and support the coordinated interaction of source, grid and load in the integrated energy system of oil and gas fields. This paper proposes an ultra-short-term load forecasting algorithm based on a hybrid neural network called Convolutional-Bidirectional Long Short Term Memory-Skip (CNN-BiLSTM-Skip). Using the operating load data of an oil and gas field in Northeast China as a data set, we first constructed a cooling, heating and power system architecture model with wind turbines, photovoltaics, power grids and natural gas as “source and grid loads”; Secondly, we used an improved hybrid multi-time scale algorithm and unit A prediction model was constructed based on the operating load data, and the prediction results of the nonlinear part and linear part of the model were output and integrated to obtain the final prediction result; Finally, the prediction error evaluation index of the algorithm proposed in this article was compared with algorithms such as BP, LSTM, and CNN-LSTM. The results show that the algorithm proposed in this article has stronger robustness and higher accuracy. The proposed CNN-BiLSTM-SKIP algorithm improves the prediction accuracy. Compared with the BP neural network algorithm, the MAPE evaluation index has an average accuracy increase of 3.78%, compared with the LSTM prediction algorithm, the accuracy has increased by 1.63% on average, and compared with the CNN-LSTM prediction algorithm, the accuracy has increased by 0.74% on average; and the proposed prediction algorithm is compared with the BP neural network algorithm, LSTM prediction algorithm and CNN-LSTM algorithm, the RMSE and MAE evaluation index values are both the smallest, which can support the collaborative interaction of oil and gas field source, network and load and realize the planning and dispatching needs.
Numerical analysis of ground surface settlement induced by shield tunnelling considering the soil parameter spatial variability in loess strata
Authors: Zhang Yanjie , Lai Weizhong , Wang Xu , Zhu Hanxing , Jiang Daijun
Published: February 2024

Ground surface settlement (GSS) induced by shield tunnelling in loess soils represents a substantial challenge for geotechnical and structural engineers. Despite numerous attempts to predict GSS caused by tunnelling, considering the spatial variability of the soil parameters remains open. Thus, this study analysed the Lanzhou Metro Line 1 in China. In particular, the spatial variability of Young's modulus in the loess layer was simulated using random field theory coupled with finite difference analysis. Random fields were generated using the covariance matrix decomposition method, which is consistent with a specified numerical mesh. Subsequently, Monte Carlo simulations were performed using both deterministic and random field difference methods to explore the effect of horizontal scale fluctuations due to shield tunnelling on the ground motion. The results indicated that Young's modulus of loess exhibited a normal distribution. The vertical scale of fluctuation of Young's modulus in the loess layer spanned from 1.32 m to 1.51 m. These findings demonstrate that random field analysis can comprehensively characterise the trend, magnitude and fluctuation range of the GSS. Moreover, the findings indicate that GSS is underestimated when neglecting spatial variability compared with traditional deterministic analysis.
ConvSRGAN: Super-Resolution Inpainting of Traditional Chinese Paintings
Authors: Hu Qiyao , Xie Penglin , Xue Wenzhe , Peng Xianlin , Zhang Xiang , Li Tengfei , Zhao Wanqing , Peng Jinye , Fan Jianping
Published: February 2024

Existing image super-resolution methods have made remarkable advancements in enhancing the visual quality of real-world images. However, when it comes to restoring Chinese paintings, these methods encounter unique challenges. This is primarily due to the difficulty in preserving intricate non-realistic details and capturing complex semantic information with high dimensionality. Moreover, the preservation of the original artwork’s distinct style and subtle artistic nuances fur- ther amplifies this complexity. To address these challenges and effectively restore traditional Chinese paintings, we propose a Convolutional Super-Resolution Gen- erative Adversarial Network (ConvSRGAN) framework specifically designed for Chinese landscape painting super-resolution. Our ConvSRGAN employs several Enhanced Adaptive Residual Modules (EARM) to delve deeply into multi- scale feature extraction in images, incorporating an Enhanced High-Frequency Retention Module (EHRM) that leverages an Adaptive Deep Convolution Block (ADCB) to capture fine-grained high-frequency details across multiple levels. By combining the Multi-Scale Structural Similarity (MS-SSIM) loss with con- ventional losses, our ConvSRGAN ensures that the model produces outputs with improved fidelity to the original image’s texture and structure. Experimen- tal validation demonstrates significant qualitative and quantitative results when
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processing traditional paintings and murals datasets, particularly excelling in high-definition reconstruction tasks for landscape paintings. The reconstruction effect showcases enhanced visual fidelity and liveliness, thus affirming the effec- tiveness and applicability of our approach in cultural heritage preservation and restoration.
Surface functionalization of cellulose derived from hemp by tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and poly vinylidene fluoride-based composite separator membrane for of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs)
Authors: Sirichaibhinyo Thanakrit , Thiangtham Satita , Saito Nagahiro , Ummartyotin Sarute
Published: February 2024

Separators played a crucial role in enhancing the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, achieving separators with outstanding electrochemical performance and high stability proved to be a challenge. Herein, composite membranes based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with variable contents of microcrystalline cellulose/tetraethyl orthosilicate (MCC/TEOS) incorporated into PVDF matrices were carefully designed. These MCC/TEOS-based PVDF separator membranes were subsequently deployed as separators in LIBs. Notably, the 3 wt% MCC/TEOS-based PVDF separator membrane exhibited a remarkable porosity of 92.3%, representing a substantial enhancement compared to the pristine PVDF membrane with a porosity of 82.5%. This heightened porosity, in conjunction with heightened hydrophilicity, endowed the PVDF membrane with 3 wt% MCC/TEOS with superior electrolyte absorption and reduced resistance, resulting in an impressive ionic conductivity of 0.5144 mS/cm. Moreover, the LIB cell employing the 3 wt% MCC/TEOS-based PVDF separator membrane consistently demonstrated stable charge/discharge profiles at a rate of 0.2C, achieving a specific capacity of 98 mAh/g, while the PVDF membrane in isolation only reached 43 mAh/g. These findings underscored the considerable potential of MCC/TEOS as a biofiller for biomembranes, rendering it an optimal choice for applications in LIBs.
Association between Insulin Resistance and Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value (PIV): results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2020
Authors: Ramasamy Jagadish , Murugiah Viveka , Dhanapalan Aarathy , Balasubramaniam Geerthana
Published: February 2024

Background:
Insulin resistance (IR), a hallmark feature of diabetes and metabolic syndrome, is characterized by chronic low-grade inflammation. Pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV), an emerging immune cell count-based inflammatory index, is the global quantifier of the cellular compartment of systemic inflammation. This study determines the association of PIV with various markers of IR.
Methods:
This retrospective, cross-sectional study was done using the data obtained from the Center for Disease Control-National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (CDC-NHANES) pre-pandemic data from 2017–2020. Data from 4620 survey participants was included after screening. Homeostasis model assessments of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and beta-cell function (HOMA-B), triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, visceral adiposity index (VAI), and lipid accumulation product (LAP) were used as markers of IR. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and multiple logistic regression are carried out to determine the association between PIV and IR.
Results:
PIV levels were significantly higher in obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. HOMA-IR, HOMA-B, LAP, VAI, and TyG were significantly different across PIV quartiles. PIV showed a significant positive association with IR (based on the HOMA-IR cut-off). However, the AUC of ROC for PIV is 0.58, suggesting it may not be useful as a marker to predict IR.
Conclusion:
In our study, PIV had a significant positive association with IR. However, the ability of PIV to predict IR is not optimal. Hence, large-scale prospective studies are needed to ascertain the role of PIV as a marker for IR.
The genome of the simultaneously hermaphroditic snail Lymnaea stagnalis reveals an evolutionary expansion of FMRFamide-like receptors
Authors: Koene Joris M. , Jackson Daniel J. , Nakadera Yumi , Cerveau Nicolas , Madoui Mohammed-Amin , Noel Benjamin , Jamilloux Véronique , Poulain Julie , Labadie Karine , Silva Corinne Da , Davison Angus , Feng Zhong-Ping , Adema Coen M. , Klopp Christophe , Aury Jean-Marc , Wincker Patrick , Coutellec Marie-Agnès
Published: February 2024

The great pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis has served as a model organism for over a century in diverse disciplines such as neurophysiology, evolution, ecotoxicology and developmental biology. To support both established uses and newly emerging research interests we have performed whole genome sequencing (~ 176 x depth), assembly and annotation of a single individual derived from an inbred line. These efforts resulted in a final assembly of 943 Mb (L50 = 257; N50 = 957,215) with a total of 22,499 predicted gene models. As a first step towards understanding the hermaphroditic reproductive biology of L. stagnalis, we identified molecular receptors, specifically nuclear receptors (including newly discovered 2xDNA binding domain-NRs), G protein-coupled receptors, and receptor tyrosine kinases, that may be involved in the cellular specification and maintenance of simultaneously active male and female reproductive systems. A phylogenetic analysis of one particular family of GPCRs (Rhodopsin neuropeptide FMRFamide-receptor-like genes) shows a remarkable expansion that coincides with the occurrence of simultaneous hermaphroditism in the Euthyneura gastropods. As some GPCRs and NRs also showed qualitative differences in expression in female (albumen gland) and male (prostate gland) organs, it is possible that separate regulation of male and female reproductive processes may in part have been enabled by an increased abundance of receptors in the transition from a separate-sexed state to a hermaphroditic condition. These findings will support efforts to pair receptors with their activating ligands, and more generally stimulate deeper insight into the mechanisms that underlie the modes of action of compounds involved in neuroendocrine regulation of reproduction, induced toxicity, and development in L. stagnalis, and molluscs in general.
Evaluation of Fall and Winter Trinexapac-ethyl Applications on Ultradwarf Bermudagrass Putting Green Color, Quality, and Green Cover
Authors: Booth J.C. , Hutchens W.J. , Askew S.D. , Goatley J.M. , Zhang X. , McCall D.S.
Published: February 2024

Ultradwarf bermudagrass (UDB) putting greens grown in subtropical and temperate climates can face elevated risk of winter injury from cold temperatures. Trinexapac-ethyl (TE) inhibits UDB growth potentially reducing spring green-up and overexertion of carbohydrate reserves for UDB during the cold de-acclimation period. A field study was conducted to determine the effect of fall and winter TE applications on the visual quality and color of UDB putting greens in Virginia from the cold acclimation phase through the cold de-acclimation phase. A second controlled-environment study was conducted to determine how TE applications to UDB during cold acclimation affected UDB cold tolerance. In the first study, plots were treated with 0.026 kg⋅ha−1 a.i. every 14 days, 0.013 kg⋅ha−1 a.i. every 14 days, or 0.013 kg⋅ha−1 a.i. every 7 days either in the fall only or in the fall and winter. A nontreated control was included for comparison. For the second study, cup-cutter plugs (10.8-cm diameter) of UDB were treated with 0.026 kg⋅ha−1 a.i. every 14 days from the time growth resumed after green-up through cold acclimation or not treated with TE. Plugs were then exposed to −9.4 °C for 4, 6, 8, or 10 hours and placed into a greenhouse to green up. The GC50 values (exposure time to reduce bermudagrass green cover by 50% 6 days after exposure to −9.4 °C) for the treatments were then calculated based on exposure time and percent green-up. In the first study, TE applications improved UDB quality >3.8%. However, TE applications reduced UDB color, and trends exhibited this reduction in color particularly during the late cold acclimation, winter dormancy, and early cold de-acclimation phases. In the second study, TE applications reduced GC50 values by >10.9% compared with nontreated plugs, suggesting TE reduces UDB cold tolerance during the cold acclimation phase.
Factors influencing carbon-labeled product purchase intentions: A case study in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Luan , Pham Huynh Thien
Published: February 2024

This study aims to examine university students’ intention to purchase carbon-labeled products in Can Tho City, Vietnam, as well as the main reasons driving the desire to purchase carbon-labeled products. A survey was conducted using quantitative analytic methodologies, and 234 students’ responses were obtained using Google Forms during the third quarter of 2023. Before surveying student participants, ten educational experts crafted and reviewed a questionnaire. The questionnaire had three sections. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and SPSS are used to assess the data. This study analyzed independent variables such as sustainable consumption habits, the green halo effect, carbon label visibility, and climate consciousness to consider their impact on the dependent variable of purchase intention. To guarantee the dependability of these variables, Cronbach’s Alpha was employed with a threshold set at 0.60. The findings demonstrate Vietnamese students’ comparatively low level of understanding regarding carbon labeling. Only 45.7% of the 234 survey participants claimed to have heard of carbon labels, compared to 54.3% who said they had never heard of them. Furthermore, sustainable consumption habits and the green halo effect directly impact the intentions to purchase carbon-labeled products, in which sustainable consumer habits play the most critical role. Carbon label visibility and climate consciousness do not directly influence the intention to buy, but these factors contribute to increasing purchase intention.
Evaluation of post-extraction alveolar regeneration time in advanced periodontal disease employing novel hydroxyapatitepolymeric (FlexiOss®Vet) in dogs.
Authors: MISZTAL-KUNECKA ANNA , ŁOJSZCZYK ANNA , DZIMIRA STANISŁAW
Published: February 2024

The purpose of the study was to demonstrate bone regeneration and the time of formation of new alveolar bone based on implanted FlexiOss®Vet bone substitute material. The study attempted to determine the time taken to fill bone defects with newly formed osseous bone compared to alveoli with a standard method of filling the post-extraction alveolus with a collagen sponge. The study was conducted on a group of 12 dogs with advanced periodontal disease (stage IV) in which polymeric hydroxyapatite bone substitute material (FlexiOss®Vet) was implanted into alveoli on the right side, and collagen sponge was implanted into alveoli on the left side in the same patient. The patients underwent macroscopic inspection and X-ray examination at different periods of regeneration after the procedure. On the right side, macroscopically, the alveoli showed features of marked enlargement, and on X-ray examination they gave opacity to X-rays and there was no clear border between the alveolus and alveolar bone. On the left side, the alveoli were clearly penetrable to X-rays, and hollow alveoli filled mainly with connective tissue were observed. The study also showed a significant reduction in bone healing time in alveoli with implants compared to self-healing alveoli. These results suggest that the implanted material is significantly beneficial in the process of bone regeneration in large bone defects in dogs and notably shortens the process of bone regeneration after tooth extractions. It is presumed that this could reflect a model for the treatment of large bone defects in not only the maxilla and mandible, but also long bones, and that it could be a model for alveolar healing in humans.
Use of essentialoils in meatprocessing
Authors: DROZD ŁUKASZ , SZKUCIK KRZYSZTOF , ZIOMEK MONIKA , PASZKIEWICZ WALDEMAR , BEŁKOT ZBIGNIEW
Published: February 2024

Essential oils are natural plant products with rich chemical composition and various properties. They are obtained by extraction from plant parts such as flowers, buds, stems, twigs, seeds, fruits, roots, bark and leaves. They contain over sixty organic compounds with low molecular weight, including: phenolic and terpene compounds, aliphatic alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, acids and isoflavonoids. The composition, concentration and proportions of chemical components in essential oils determine their properties. Essential oils have a significant impact on living organisms, including antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Depending on the concentration used, essential oils positively or negatively affect the sensory properties of meat products. It is important to obtain a sensorially acceptable concentration of essential oil in the product, which will also ensure effective antimicrobial activity. By applying several essential oils at the same time or using other preservatives or preservation and packaging methods with them, a synergistic effect can be achieved, thanks to which the concentration of the essential oil in the product can be reduced. Factors that can influence the antimicrobial effect of essential oils in food products include: food structure, composition, pH, storage conditions and the type of saprophytic microbiota in the product. Essential oils can have a positive impact on the microbiological quality of food and can be used in the food industry as a factor inhibiting the growth of saprophytic microorganisms that affect the durability of food and pathogenic bacteria that cause food poisoning.
Strategic Planning in Medical Organizations: Developing a Corporate Strategy
Authors: Morozova Yulia , Boskovic Radomir
Published: February 2024

The mission of a modern medical healthcare institution has gone far beyond providing highquality and safe medical care. Modern medicine improves the national well-being by preventing diseases, restoring the health of the population, and improving the quality of life in the country. Comprehensive strategic documents should reflect the interests of the institution and its employees, as well as the interests of its consumers, i.e., patients. Such documents solve the priority tasks and minimize the current strategic challenges domestic medicine has to face. This research featured the main developmental trends in medicine and healthcare, as well as the strategic development vector for a particular medical institution with regard to strategic opportunities and challenges. The methods included an OTSW analysis, a comparative analysis, and various statistical methods. The strategy of healthcare development is an element of the regional socioeconomic strategy. However, medical community needs additional training in the field of strategic management. The authors used the strategizing methodology developed by Professor V.L. Kvint to identify the global and regional trends in the sphere of medical care. They prioritized the strategic development, as well as defined advantages and threats, for a particular medical institution. The results can help to develop industrial strategies in the national healthcare, as well as corporate strategies for individual medical institutions.
Economic and Mathematical Support for Regional and Sectoral Strategizing
Authors: Vlasyuk Lyudmila
Published: February 2024

A development strategy, be it for an enterprise, industry, region, or country, needs to be supplemented with economic and mathematical methods and models. Strategizing uses econometric models of various types, including panel data models, vector autoregressions, methods of multivariate statistical analysis, structural models based on the input-output methodology, and agent-based models. In this study, stages and the categories of “forecast” and “strategy” were interpreted in accordance with the theory of strategy and the methodology of strategizing developed by Professor V.L. Kvint. By studying the methods for forecasting and modeling socio-economic objects, strategists select the necessary tools in line with the strategizing objectives. Quantitative methods and tools have their own application characteristics, depending on whether they are used for forecasting or strategizing. The strategizing process is divided into three stages: analysis, strategizing, and evaluation. Each stage has a specific range of problems, as well as economic and mathematical methods. The author reviewed scientific literature that described the practical experience in applying various methods at each stage. The review revealed no generally accepted classifications and recommendations for mathematical methods to be used to address a certain type of problem or at a specific stage of strategizing. The practice of using economic and mathematical tools in strategizing is just emerging. However, the quality of statistical data is often low, and long-time sets of indicators cannot be compiled with a unified methodology. In general, the use of economic and mathematical models in strategizing requires knowledge of theory, practical experience, and intuition.
Industrial Sector Performance, Human Capital Development and Economic Growth in Nigeria
Authors: Adeosun Theophilus Oluyemi , Odior Simeon Ernest , Shittu Ibrahim Ayodele , Adegbite Waliu Mulero
Published: February 2024

This study examines the relationship between industrial sector performance (ISP), human capital development (HCD), and economicgrowth (EG) in Nigeria. Data used in this study was obtained from World Development Indicators (WDI) and Penn World from 1981 to 2020 on GDP/capita, human capital index, and industrial output. The augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test was applied to obtain the stationarity conditions of the variables before performing the autoregressive distributed lag test to determine the short- and long-run relationships among the variables. The study reveals no long-run relationship among the variables; however, a negligible impact on human capital and industrial output in the short term exists, highlighting the need for government intervention. This is thefirst study to examine the tripartite relationship between industrial sector performance, human capital development, and economic growth in the Nigerian context, providing insight into the dynamics of the relationships in developing countries.
Examining Savvy Salespeople Practicing Entrepreneurship And Client-Oriented Selling To Enhance Cross-Border Sales
Authors: Widiastono Hubert , Rahman Fathony , Yosevina Christiana
Published: February 2024

Organizational marketing, sometimes referred to as business-to-business (B2B) marketing, typically deals with a limited clientele, resulting in a close relationship between customers and salespeople. The link must be managed carefully for the salesmen to employ entrepreneurial strategies to increase clients’ readiness to repurchase products and ultimately meet the company’s sales target, especially for those working in international markets. However, no well-validated model has been developed to demonstrate that salespeople who engage in corporate entrepreneurship and client-focused sales of the company do better in cross-border sales. The goal of the study is to test and validate a conceptual model that claims salespeople who engage in corporate entrepreneurship and client-centered selling perform better in cross-border sales when the company has a high capacity for absorption. Data analysis was done as part of the quantitative research method utilized in this study.
T1 Mapping and Amide Proton Transfer Weighted Imaging for Predicting
Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Rectal Cancer
Authors: Wang Yue , Chen Anliang , Hu Wenjun , Liu Yuhui , Wang Jiazheng , Lin Liangjie , Song Qingwei , Liu Ailian
Published: February 2024

Background:

Accurate preoperative judgment of lymph node (LN) metastasis is a critical step in creating a treatment strategy and evaluating prognosis in rectal
cancer (RC) patients.

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the value of T1 mapping and amide proton transfer weighted (APTw) imaging in predicting LN metastasis in patients
with rectal cancer.

Methods:

In a retrospective study, twenty-three patients with pathologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent MRI and surgery from August
2019 to August 2021 were selected. Then, 3.0T/MR sequences included conventional sequences (T1WI, T2WI, and DWI), APTw imaging, and T1
mapping. Patients were divided into LN metastasis (group A) and non-LN metastasis groups (group B). The intra-group correlation coefficient
(ICC) was used to test the inter-observer consistency. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences between the two groups.
Spearman correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation between T1 and APT values. Logistic regression and receiver operating
characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to assess the differential performance of each parameter and their combination. The difference
between AUCs was compared using the DeLong test.

Results:

The APT value in patients with LN metastasis was significantly higher than in those without LN metastasis group (P=0.020). Also, similar results
were observed for the T1 values (P=0.001). The area under the ROC curve of the APT value in the prediction of LN metastasis was 0.794; when
the cutoff value was 1.73%, the sensitivity and specificity were 71.4% and 88.9%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve of the T1 value was
0.913; when the cutoff value was 1367.36 ms, the sensitivity and specificity were 78.6% and 100.0%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve
of T1+APT was 0.929, with a sensitivity of 78.6% and specificity of 100.0%.

Conclusion:

APT and T1 values show great diagnostic efficiency in predicting LN metastasis in rectal cancer.
Factors Associated with Mortality in Patients with Coronavirus Disease
(COVID-19) in Babol, North of Iran
Authors: Babaei Mansour , Heidari Behzad , Ghorbani Hossein , Ahmadnia Zahra , Rouhi Samaneh , Haddad Zavareh Mahmoud Sadeghi
Published: February 2024

Background:

The spectrum of the clinical features of coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19) spans from asymptomatic or mild disease to severe respiratory failure, while
different factors are related to its mortality rate. This research aimed to determine the clinical
and laboratory characteristics and the associated factors of mortality in patients with
COVID-19.

Background:

The spectrum of the clinical features of coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19) spans from asymptomatic or mild disease to severe respiratory failure, while
different factors are related to its mortality rate. This research aimed to determine the clinical
and laboratory characteristics and the associated factors of mortality in patients with
COVID-19.

Materials and Methods:

Data were collected from hospitalized patients (May to June 2020),
and COVID-19 was confirmed in patients by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
The patient group was classified into survivor and deceased groups. The chi-square and the
independent t-test with Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program,
version 18, were used for analysis.

Results:

Mean age, hemoglobin, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), alkaline phosphatase
(ALP), white blood cells, and level of procalcitonin in non-survivors were significantly
higher than in survivors. Serum tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) had a significant relationship with D-dimer (p = 0.0006). The risk of mortality in patients with serum CRP > 100
mg/dl was significantly higher than those with CRP < 100 mg/dl (odds ratio (OR) = 4.8 (95
% CI, 1.33-12.44, p = 0.01).

Conclusion:

COVID-19 has different clinical features and can be an asymptomatic, mild, or
severe disease. Thus, findings about the disease and the consequent outcomes differ in patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical features and consequences of
COVID-19 infection.