bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Honeybee gut bacterial strain improved survival and gut microbiota homeostasis in
Apis mellifera
exposed
in vivo
to clothianidin
Authors: El Khoury Sarah , Gauthier Jeff , Mercier Pierre Luc , Moïse Stéphane , Giovenazzo Pierre , Derome Nicolas
Published: August 2024

Pesticides are causing honeybee mortality worldwide. Research carried out on honeybees indicates that application of pesticides has a significant impact on the core gut community, which ultimately leads to an increase in the growth of harmful pathogens. Disturbances caused by pesticides also affect the way bacterial members interact, which results in gut microbial dysbiosis. Administration of beneficial microbes has been previously demonstrated to be effective in treating or preventing disease in honeybees. The objective of this study was to measure under
in vivo
conditions the ability of two bacterial strains (the
Enterobacter
sp. and
Pantoea
sp.) isolated from honeybee gut to improve survival and mitigate gut microbiota dysbiosis in honeybees exposed to a sublethal clothianidin dose (0.1 ppb). Both gut bacterial strains were selected for their ability to degrade clothianidin
in vitro
regardless of their host–microbe interaction characteristics (e.g., beneficial, neutral, or harmful). To this end, we conducted cage trials on 4- to 6-day-old newly emerging honeybees. During microbial administration, we jointly monitored the taxonomic distribution and activity level of bacterial symbionts quantifying 16S rRNA transcripts. First, curative administration of the
Pantoea
sp. strain significantly improved the survival of clothianidin-exposed honeybees compared to sugar control bees (i.e., supplemented with sugar [1:1]). Second, curative administration of the
Enterobacter
sp. strain significantly mitigated the clothianidin-induced dysbiosis observed in the midgut structural network, but without improving survival.

IMPORTANCE

The present work suggests that administration of bacterial strains isolated from honeybee gut may promote recovery of gut microbiota homeostasis after prolonged clothianidin exposure, while improving survival. This study highlights that gut bacterial strains hold promise for developing efficient microbial formulations to mitigate environmental pesticide exposure in honeybee colonies.
Comparison and evaluation of neutralization of clinically frequently used antimicrobial agents using three different culture media in simulated blood cultures
Authors: Hang Yaping , Xiong Jianqiu , Hu Longhua , Chen Yanhui , Zou Shan , Fang Xueyao , Xiao Yanping , Cao Xingwei , Lou Hong , Li Xiuzhen , Liu Yanhua , Zhong Qiaoshi
Published: August 2024

The performance of BACT/ALERT FA/FN Plus (France) blood culture containing a novel resin, DL (China) blood culture containing common resin, and adsorbent-free REDOX (USA) blood culture relying on dilution for antimicrobial neutralization at %peak serum concentration was evaluated by measuring the recovery of organisms and time to detection (TTD) in nine simulated microorganism-antimicrobial combination blood cultures. Significant differences were observed in the recovery rates among the aerobic media: 87.5% for BACT/ALERT media, 42.9% for DL media, and 12.5% for REDOX media. In contrast, no statistical difference was found in the TTD between FA Plus media and DL aerobic media. For the anaerobic media, the recovery rates were 91.4% for BACT/ALERT media, 2.9% for DL media, and 14.3% for REDOX media, with significant differences only between BACT/ALERT FN Plus media and the others. Among the seven main antimicrobial categories, only BACT/ALERT FA/FN Plus culture media demonstrated high recovery of microorganisms, with the exception of carbapenems. The DL culture media exhibited a relatively high recovery rate of microorganisms in the presence of piperacillin/tazobactam, levofloxacin, and gentamicin, but only in aerobic conditions. Conversely, REDOX media displayed microorganism recovery solely in the presence of gentamicin. BACT/ALERT FA/FN Plus culture media with novel resin showed absolute advantages over DL and REDOX culture media and can, therefore, be selectively applied in clinical settings when antimicrobials are used prior to blood collection. DL culture media, containing common resin, outperformed adsorbent-free dilution-based REDOX culture media, making it a viable backup option. There is a need to focus on improving the neutralization of carbapenems with current inefficiency in all three medias.

IMPORTANCE

We present a study on performance comparison of three different commercial culture media for neutralization of antibiotic effects in simulated blood cultures. BACT/ALERT (FA Plus and FN Plus) culture media with novel resin showed absolute advantages over DL and REDOX culture media at %PSL concentration of antimicrobials.
Somatic cell count as an indicator of subclinical mastitis and increased inflammatory response in asymptomatic lactating women
Authors: Angelopoulou Angeliki , Harris Hugh M. B. , Warda Alicja K. , O'Shea Carol-Anne , Lavelle Aonghus , Ryan C. Anthony , Dempsey Eugene , Stanton Catherine , Hill Colin , Ross R. Paul
Published: August 2024

Subclinical mastitis is an asymptomatic inflammatory condition that can be difficult to define and diagnose. In the dairy industry, subclinical mastitis is diagnosed by milk somatic cell counts (SCCs) of ≥250,000 cells mL
−1
. In this pilot study, we assessed the efficacy of this index to identify human subclinical mastitis by comparing SCC levels with the inflammatory response [interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels] in 37 samples from asymptomatic and 10 clinical mastitis (CM) lactating women. The milk microbiota was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The SCC of CM samples ranged from 310,000 to 6,600,000 cells mL
−1
. However, 14 of 37 (37.8%) asymptomatic samples had high SCC (250,000–460,000 cells mL
−1
), indicating subclinical mastitis. SCC levels significantly (
P
< 0.001) and positively correlated with milk IL-8 levels reflecting the escalating inflammatory response across subclinical and clinical mastitis samples. Samples with an SCC of ≥250,000 cells mL
−1
showed significant increases in IL-8 responses when compared with milk samples from healthy women. The milk microbiome of CM samples was dominated by streptococcal and staphylococcal species (89.9% combined median relative abundance). In contrast, the combined median streptococcal/staphylococcal relative levels were 75.4% and 66.3% in milks from asymptomatic (subclinical mastitis) and healthy groups, respectively. The
Streptococcus
genus was increased in samples with an SCC of ≥250,000, although this should be interpreted with caution. Thus, the index of ≥250,000 somatic cells mL
−1
could be a reliable indicator of subclinical mastitis in humans and should aid future studies investigating the impact of subclinical mastitis on maternal health, breastfeeding behaviors, infant health, and development.

IMPORTANCE

This pilot study suggests that SCC at a level of (greater than or equal to) 250,000 cells mL
−1
, as used in the dairy industry, is a suitable index to identify asymptomatic subclinical mastitis in lactating women since it reflects a significant increase in the inflammatory response compared to milk samples from healthy women. Using this index should aid studies into the short- and long-term consequences of subclinical mastitis for mother and infant.
Don’t mind the “charcoal gap”: A reassessment of Devonian wildfire
Authors: Glasspool Ian J. , Gastaldo Robert A.
Published: August 2024

Little evidence of macrofossil charcoal, a wildfire proxy, is recorded from upper Lower to lowermost Upper Devonian rocks. Coals of this age are few, and petrographic data indicate low volumes (<10% mineral-matter free) of charcoal. This paucity of data forms the basis of the “charcoal gap,” which is used to suggest an extended interval of abnormally low atmospheric oxygen (pO2). We reassess the current evidence for this hiatus using Emsian–Eifelian charcoal from the Trout Valley and St. Froid Lake Formations, Maine (northeastern United States), and integrate the microscopic charcoal record of dispersed organic matter. We conclude there is ample evidence of fire in the Middle Devonian. This interval is not innately of low pO2. Rather, it is one in which under-interpretation of available data has led to a perceived paucity of charcoal. This reconciliation indicates the Phanerozoic record of wildfire was substantially uninterrupted. Hence, we propose that pO2 achieved levels >16% and remained at such levels from the Silurian through the floral and faunal colonization of land and, from our current estimates, stayed as such until the present.
At-home specimen self-collection as an additional testing strategy for chlamydia and gonorrhoea: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Smith Amanda C , Thorpe Phoebe G , Learner Emily R , Galloway Eboni T , Kersh Ellen N
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Chlamydia trachomatis(Ct) andNeisseria gonorrhoeae(Ng) infections are often asymptomatic; screening increases early detection and prevents disease, sequelae and further spread. To increase Ct and Ng testing, several countries have implemented specimen self-collection outside a clinical setting. While specimen self-collection at home is highly acceptable to patients and as accurate as specimens collected by healthcare providers, this strategy is new or not being used in some countries. To understand how offering at home specimen self-collection will affect testing uptake, test results, diagnosis and linkage to care, when compared with collection in clinical settings, we conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed studies.

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase, Global Health, Cochrane Library, CINAHL (EBSCOHost), Scopus and Clinical Trials. Studies were included if they directly compared specimens self-collected at home or in other non-clinical settings to specimen collection at a healthcare facility (self or clinician) for Ct and/or Ng testing and evaluated the following outcomes: uptake in testing, linkage to care, and concordance (agreement) between the two settings for the same individuals. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias (RoB2) tool for randomised control trials (RCTs).

Results

19 studies, from 1998 to 2024, comprising 15 RCTs with a total of 62 369 participants and four concordance studies with 906 participants were included. Uptake of Ct or Ng testing was 2.61 times higher at home compared with clinical settings. There was a high concordance between specimens collected at home and in clinical settings, and linkage to care was not significantly different between the two settings (prevalence ratio 0.96 (95% CI 0.91–1.01)).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis and systematic literature review show that offering self-collection of specimens at home or in other non-clinical settings could be used as an additional strategy to increase sexually transmitted infection testing in countries that have not yet widely adopted this collection method.
Behavioral dynamics of medicinal signaling cells from porcine bone marrow in long-term culture
Authors: Melo Wanderson Gabriel Gomes de , Bezerra Dayseanny de Oliveira , Silva Elis Rosélia Dutra de Freitas Siqueira , Campêlo Camile Benício , Carvalho Maria Acelina Martins de , Argôlo Neto Napoleão Martins
Published: August 2024

Medicinal signaling cells (MSC) hold promise for regenerative medicine due to their ability to repair damaged tissues. However, their effectiveness can be affected by how long they are cultured in the lab. This study investigated how passage number influences key properties for regenerative medicine of pig bone marrow MSC. The medicinal signiling cells derived from pig bone marrow (BM-MSC) were cultured in D-MEM High Glucose supplemented with 15% foetal bovine serum until the 25th passage and assessed their growth, viability, ability to differentiate into different cell types (plasticity), and cell cycle activity. Our findings showed that while the cells remained viable until the 25th passage, their ability to grow and differentiate declined after the 5th passage. Additionally, cells in later passages spent more time in a resting phase, suggesting reduced activity. In conclusion, the number of passages is a critical factor for maintaining ideal MSC characteristics. From the 9th passage BM-MSC exhibit decline in proliferation, differentiation potential, and cell cycle activity. Given this, it is possible to suggest that the use of 5th passage cells is the most suitable for therapeutic applications.
Far-from-equilibrium attractors with full relativistic Boltzmann approach in boost-invariant and non-boost-invariant systems
Authors: Nugara Vincenzo , Plumari Salvatore , Oliva Lucia , Greco Vincenzo
Published: August 2024

We study the universal behavior associated with a Relativistic Boltzmann Transport (RBT) approach with the full collision integral in 0+1D conformal systems. We show that all momentum moments of the distribution function exhibit universal behavior. Furthermore, the RBT approach allows to calculate the full distribution function, showing that an attractor behavior is present in both the longitudinal and transverse momentum dependence. We compare our results to the far-from-equilibrium attractors determined with other approaches, such as kinetic theory in Relaxation Time Approximation (RTA) and relativistic hydrodynamic theories, both in their viscous (DNMR) an anisotropic (aHydro) formulations, finding a very similar evolution, but an even faster thermalization in RBT for higher order moments. For the first time, we extended this analysis also to study the attractor behavior under a temperature-dependent viscosity $$\eta /s(T)$$

η
/
s
(
T
)

, accounting also for the rapid increase toward the hadronic phase. We find that a partial breaking of the scaling behavior with respect to $$\tau /\tau _{eq}$$

τ
/

τ

eq

emerges only at $$T \approx T_c$$

T
≈

T
c

generating a transient deviation from attractors; interestingly this in realistic finite systems may occur around the freeze-out dynamics. Finally, we investigate for the first time results beyond the boost-invariant picture, finding that also in such a case the system evolves toward the universal attractor. In particular, we present the forward and pull-back attractors at different space-time rapidities including rapidity regions where initially the distribution function is even vanishing.
An adaptive differential evolution algorithm driven by multiple probabilistic mutation strategies for influence maximization in social networks
Authors: Tang Jianxin , Du Qian
Published: August 2024

Influence maximization is a critical research topic of social network analysis, particularly with the increasing involvement of individuals in the global networked society. The purpose of the problem is to identify k influential nodes from the social network and activate them initially to maximize the expected number of influenced nodes at the end of the spreading process. Although some meta-heuristics based on swarm intelligence or biological evolution have been proposed to tackle this intractable problem, further investigation is required to refine the exploration and exploitation operations based on the iterative information from the evolutionary process. In this paper, an adaptive differential evolution algorithm driven by multiple probabilistic mutation strategies is proposed for the influence maximization problem. In order to enhance the evolutionary capability of the later stages of the discrete differential evolution, the mutation in the framework, consisting of three policies, namely comprehensive learning particle swarm mutation strategy, differential mutation strategy, and perturbation strategy, is implied based on different probabilistic models. An adaptive local search strategy is presented to improve the local optimum results based on a potential alternative library consisting of structural hole nodes, which guides the differential evolution to find a more optimal solution. Experimental results on six real-world social networks demonstrate the competitive performance of the proposed algorithm in terms of both efficacy and efficiency compared to state-of-the-art algorithms.
INTELLIGENT SPEECH RECOGNITION USING FRACTAL AMENDED GRASSHOPPER OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM WITH DEEP LEARNING APPROACH
Authors: AL-ANAZI REEMA G. , AL-DOBAIAN ABDULLAH SAAD , HASSAN ASMA ABBAS , ALMANEA MANAR , ALGHAMDI AYMAN AHMAD , ASKLANY SOMIA A. , SULTAN HANAN AL , MAJDOUBI JIHEN
Published: August 2024

Humans prefer to convey information through speech utilizing similar language. Speech detection is the capability to recognize the spoken words of the speaking person. Recent work demonstrates the increased attention among researcher workers in this field specially in Brain-Like computing applications and emphasizes the real-world usability of speech for speaker recognition across different applications. Automatic speech recognition (ASR) is the method of identifying human speech and converting it into text. This study has gained much popularity in recent times. It is a crucial area of research for human-to-machine interaction. Pioneer methods are concerned with manual feature extraction and classical algorithms including Hidden Markov Models (HMM), Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM), and the Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) model. In recent years, neural networks, namely convolutional neural networks (CNN), recurrent neural networks (RNN), and Transformers, have been utilized in the context of ASR and reached outstanding performance over the past few years. This study introduces Intelligent Speech Recognition using the Fractal Amended Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm with Deep Learning (ISR-AGODL) approach. The presented ISR-AGODL technique correctly identifies and recognizes speech signals. In the ISR-AGODL technique, the speech signals are transformed into spectrograms. Besides, the features are derived using the deep convolutional neural networks (DCNN) model. Followed by the Fractals AGO technique is utilized for the choosing of hyperparameters. Finally, the recognition of speech signals is achieved using the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) model. The simulation outcomes of the ISR-AGODL method can be validated using a benchmark dataset. The experimental results of the ISR-AGODL method portrayed a superior accuracy outcome of 96.34% over other models.
Twisted 𝒪-operator families on Leibniz algebras and NS-Leibniz family algebras
Authors: Liu Linlin , Zheng Huihui
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we first define twisted [Formula: see text]-operator families on Leibniz algebras indexed by a semigroup [Formula: see text]. Then we introduce and study NS-Leibniz family algebras as the underlying structures of twisted [Formula: see text]-operator families. We show that an NS-Leibniz family algebra induces an ordinary NS-Leibniz algebra on the tensor product with the semigroup algebra. Finally, we investigate the cohomology of a twisted [Formula: see text]-operator family. This cohomology can also be seen as the cohomology of a certain [Formula: see text]-Leibniz algebra with coefficients in a suitable representation. As an application, we study the formal deformations of twisted [Formula: see text]-operator families on Leibniz algebras.
Unveiling Users’ Security and Privacy Concerns Regarding Smart Home IoT Products from Online Reviews
Authors: Protick Taufiq Islam , Sabir Aafaq , Abhinaya Sb , Bartlett Aiden , Das Anupam
Published: August 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionized the global market with lifestyle products such as fitness trackers (FT), smart home speakers (SHS), and surveillance and security camera systems (SSCS). While offering convenience, these products also introduce potential security and privacy (S&P) risks to buyers, often going unnoticed. Consumers’ incomplete mental models of the risks involved and the information asymmetry between buyers and sellers only add to the problem. Understanding consumer concerns in online product reviews can play a crucial role in bridging the gap of such information asymmetry. By establishing a balanced flow of information between buyers and sellers, manufacturers can leverage genuine concerns expressed in reviews to enhance product features while educating users about misinformation in reviews. In this study, we collected FT, SHS, and SSCS product reviews from three Amazon domains: the US, the UK, and India. Using a keyword-based search method focused on S&P concerns, we discovered a considerable number of reviews expressing notable concerns regarding security and privacy. Our qualitative analysis revealed that
data security
is a common concern across all product types. Further, our quantitative analysis exposed significant geographic variations, with the concern ratio being higher in the US than in the UK for all device types and higher than in the Indian domain for security cameras. These findings highlight the need for tailored security measures and user awareness campaigns in different parts of the world to address the identified concerns effectively.
Just Sustainability Transitions: Politics, Power, and Prefiguration in Transformative Change Toward Justice and Sustainability
Authors: Avelino Flor , Wijsman Katinka , van Steenbergen Frank , Jhagroe Shivant , Wittmayer Julia , Akerboom Sanne , Bogner Kristina , Jansen Esther F. , Frantzeskaki Niki , Kalfagianni Agni
Published: August 2024

Facing the world's ecological, economic, and social challenges requires us to connect the concepts of justice, sustainability, and transitions. Bridging and discussing heterogeneous fields, we argue that these concepts need to complement each other, and we present just sustainability transitions (JUSTRAs) to do so. To define JUSTRAs, we review the state-of-the-art literature, focusing on the understanding of these three concepts and their pairings in various disciplinary fields and empirical settings (e.g., environmental justice, just transitions, sustainability transitions, energy justice, food justice, urban justice). We center marginalized voices to highlight the processes of radical transformative change that JUSTRAs seek. We offer three analytical lenses that further the understanding of JUSTRAs: politics, power, and prefiguration. We argue that these complementary lenses are necessary to remake the world in both critical and pragmatic ways. Finally, we present a research agenda on JUSTRAs, foregrounding three complementary modes of inquiry: analyzing, critiquing, designing.
Influence of Sodium Chloride and Potassium Fluoride on Electrochemical Properties of Aluminum Copper Interdigital Structures
Authors: Nienhues D. , Müller L. , Nowottnick M.
Published: August 2024

This paper evaluates the electrochemical properties of aluminum (0.5 w%) copper alloy metallized test chip surfaces with interdigital structures and distances between 3 and 20 μm, regarding sodium chloride and potassium fluoride contamination in the range of 1011–1016 ions per cm2 at high humidity (85%) and high temperature (85 °C). These accelerated tests result in leakage currents and impedance values which show a significant change above a contamination limit value of 1014 ions per cm2 for both salts i.e., the leakage current starts to increase well above a few pico amperes, and the impedance decreases significantly. This contamination level can be seen as a turning point, after which devices can undergo for example signal shifts or corroded metal tracks over lifetime. But not only the start point of an increase in leakage current decides about the harmfulness of the contamination, other important influences are deliquescence and how high the leakage current gets at its maximum. Therefore, even with the same starting point, the risk evaluation is not the same for sodium chloride and potassium fluoride.
Selectivity Study of Direct Seawater Electrolyzer Anode Catalysts Using the Rotating Ring-Disc Electrode Method
Authors: Horner O. , Wilkinson D. P. , Gyenge E. L.
Published: August 2024

Seawater electrolysis suffers from many issues that must be resolved before the technology can be scaled. The corrosive hypochlorite formation at the anode can damage the electrode and other electrolyzer components. Furthermore, hypochlorite is unstable and can decay, particularly when exposed to heat and metal ions, which could lead to erroneously high oxygen evolution reaction (OER) selectivity calculations in catalyst benchmarking experiments, resulting in poor catalyst and electrolyzer component selection. In this study, we used the rotating ring-disc electrode (RRDE) technique for the characterization of IrO2, NiO, Co3O4, RuO2, Pt/C, and PtRu electrocatalysts at near-neutral pH (8.4) in 0.5 M NaCl. The RRDE can overcome the challenge posed by thermocatalytic hypochlorite decay. IrO2 and PtRu were also studied over a range of chloride concentrations from 0.1 to 1 M. Our findings reveal that elevated temperatures (313 and 333 K) are conducive to higher OER selectivity, as the OER faradaic efficiency (FE) on IrO2 increased by 23% at 1.22 V vs SHE when the temperature was increased from 293 to 333 K. Increasing the chloride concentration from 0.1 to 1 M increased the OER current density by 40% and 200% on IrO2 and PtRu, respectively, indicating a synergistic relationship.
Factors Contributing to Heat Tolerance in Humans and Experimental Models
Authors: Laitano Orlando , Oki Kentaro , Charkoudian Nisha
Published: August 2024

Understanding physiological mechanisms of tolerance to heat exposure, and potential ways to improve such tolerance, is increasingly important in the context of ongoing climate change. We discuss the concept of heat tolerance in humans and experimental models (primarily rodents), including intracellular mechanisms and improvements in tolerance with heat acclimation.
Harnessing Deep Learning Methods for Voltage-Gated Ion Channel Drug Discovery
Authors: Lopez-Mateos Diego , Harris Brandon John , Hernández-González Adriana , Narang Kush , Yarov-Yarovoy Vladimir
Published: August 2024

Voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs) are pivotal in regulating electrical activity in excitable cells and are critical pharmaceutical targets for treating many diseases including cardiac arrhythmia and neuropathic pain. Despite their significance, challenges such as achieving target selectivity persist in VGIC drug development. Recent progress in deep learning, particularly diffusion models, has enabled the computational design of protein binders for any clinically relevant protein based solely on its structure. These developments coincide with a surge in experimental structural data for VGICs, providing a rich foundation for computational design efforts. This review explores the recent advancements in computational protein design using deep learning and diffusion methods, focusing on their application in designing protein binders to modulate VGIC activity. We discuss the potential use of these methods to computationally design protein binders targeting different regions of VGICs, including the pore domain, voltage-sensing domains, and interface with auxiliary subunits. We provide a comprehensive overview of the different design scenarios, discuss key structural considerations, and address the practical challenges in developing VGIC-targeting protein binders. By exploring these innovative computational methods, we aim to provide a framework for developing novel strategies that could significantly advance VGIC pharmacology and lead to the discovery of effective and safe therapeutics.
Metformin as a Potential In Vitro Anticancer Modulator of Adenosine Monophosphate Kinase: A Review
Authors: Jinadasa A. G. R. Greshamali , Akalanka H. M. Kasuni , Wageesha N. D. Amal , Ekanayake Sagarika
Published: August 2024

Metformin (MET) is the commonly prescribed hypoglycemic agent used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Pleiotropic effects of MET are emerging as a medication for other diseases including breast cancer (BC). Therefore, a literature review was conducted to investigate whether the anticancer effects of MET are mediated through adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK). This review assessed published data focusing on studies where BC cell lines were treated with MET to explore its potential anticancer effects via AMPK on BC cells. The published data reveals that activated AMPK induces anticancer effects primarily by suppressing cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest, inhibition of metastasis and invasion, alteration of tumor microenvironment, and downregulation of tumorigenesis. In addition, MET was observed to induce AMPK‐mediated effects when combined with other drugs. Further studies on assessing the potential use of MET alone or in combination with other drugs would pave the way to design new treatment strategies for BC.
Key Bearing Structure Instability Mechanism: A Case Study in Mining Under Close‐Distance Coal Pillar
Authors: Ma Jieyang , Tu Shihao , Tu Hongsheng , Miao Kaijun , Zhao Hongbin , Tang Long
Published: August 2024

This study is aimed at solving the issue of mining under the boundary coal pillar of the close‐distance coal seam that causes roof falling. This study established a new key bearing structure model for analyzing the structural instability mechanism when mining under the coal pillar at the working face by taking Shaping Coal Mine as an example. The purpose of this study is to analyze the formation process, load transfer mechanism, and two failure types of the key bearing structure using theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. Additionally, this study discussed the timing and method of roof control for different key bearing structure failure types. Research shows that the instability of the key bearing structure composed of the coal pillar, interlayer rock, and lower coal body is the important reason behind the roof falling. The instability types of key bearing structures include the coal pillar instability type and the cantilever beam instability type. The stability width of the interlayer rock cantilever beam and the coal pillar jointly ascertain the failure type of the key bearing structure. In the 9204 working face, the key bearing structure was destroyed when the coal pillar was 14 m wide, resulting in the roof stress being as high as 31.81 MPa. The stress drop phenomenon can be used as a boundary to divide the failure process of the key bearing structure into three stages. The pressure relief of the coal pillar and interlayer rock cantilever beam is an effective way to deal with this problem, and the coal pillar instability type needs to be pressure relieved earlier than the cantilever beam instability type. The research findings offer new insights into the roof stability control of mining under the coal pillar.
Protein Quality of African Locust Bean—A High‐Value Gathered Tree Food Contributing Protein and Palatability to Plant‐Based Diets
Authors: Masters Eliot T. , Kelly Bokary Allaye
Published: August 2024

The African locust bean tree Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R.Br. ex G. Don is a leguminous species native to the Sudanian parkland of western Africa. The seed obtained from pods collected from trees by rural women is fermented into a dense and aromatic paste known as soumbala, dawadawa, or iru—a protein‐rich condiment underlying much of West African cuisine, its rich umami base lending a depth of flavor as a “meat substitute” in plant‐based diets for which animal protein is a limiting component. Here, we assess the protein quality of P. biglobosa seed and its fermented product (soumbala) from three locations of southern Mali comprising three different eco‐climatic zones, to determine whether variation in nutritional composition and protein quality could be correlated with the geographic variables of latitude and elevation. Proximate composition was determined, and amino acid profiles were compiled for 19 amino acids, with results compared by location and eco‐climatic zone. A protein quality test was conducted in the aggregate and for each zone using the WHO/FAO Protein Digestibility‐Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) method. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to assess patterns of amino acid compositional variation between the three origins. The results underline the nutritional significance of African locust bean as a source of dietary protein and of a depth of flavor providing enhanced palatability to plant‐based diets. Although the PCA biplot for the amino acid profiles does indicate geographic clustering, the variation in nutritional composition and protein quality is insignificant for the raw seed, but highly significant for the fermented product (soumbala). The results indicate no correlation between phytochemical parameters and geographic variables of latitude and elevation, suggesting that management and processing may contribute more to nutritional quality than product provenance. Further studies should assess specific processing methods and the ambient microbiome as factors contributing to protein quality.
Derived Time in Range and Other Metrics of Poor Glycemic Control Associated With Adverse Hospital Outcomes in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus Admitted to Non‐ICU Wards at a Tertiary‐Level Hospital in Colombia: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Mora Garzón Edwin , González Montoya Alexandra , Hernández Herrera Gilma
Published: August 2024

Aim: This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of poor glycemic control using different metrics and its association with in‐hospital adverse outcomes.

Methods: This cross‐sectional study was conducted in diabetic patients admitted to a third‐level hospital in Colombia between January and July 2022. Poor glycemic control was determined using capillary glucose metrics, including mean glucose values outside the target range, derived time in range (dTIR) (100–180 mg/dL) < 70%, coefficient of variation (CV > 36%), and hypoglycemia (<70 mg/dL). Multiple regression models were adjusted for hospital outcomes based on glycemic control, as well as other sociodemographic and clinical covariates.

Results: A total of 330 Hispanic patients were included. A total of 27.6% had mean glucose measurements outside the target range, 33% had a high CV, 64.8% had low dTIR, and 28.8% experienced hypoglycemia. The in‐hospital mortality rate was 8.8%. An admission HbA1c level greater than 7% was linked to an increased mortality risk (p = 0.016), as well as a higher average of glucometer readings (186 mg/dL vs. 143 mg/dL; p < 0.001). A lower average of dTIR (41.0% vs. 60.0%; p < 0.001) was also associated with a higher mortality risk. Glycemic variability was correlated with an increased risk of mortality, hypoglycemia, delirium, and length of hospital stay (LOS).

Conclusion: A significant number of hospitalized diabetic patients exhibit poor glycemic control, which has been found to be associated with adverse outcomes, including increased mortality. Metrics like dTIR and glycemic variability should be considered as targets for glycemic control, highlighting the need for enhanced management strategies.
Antiasthmatic Medicinal Plants of Tanzania: An Ethnomedicinal and Ethnopharmacological Review
Authors: Kacholi David Sylvester
Published: August 2024

Traditional medicinal plants (TMPs) are a significant part of people’s quality of life, offering a natural substitute for modern drugs with numerous side effects. In Tanzania, data on antiasthmatic TMPs are highly fragmented. This review, a comprehensive compilation of ethnobotanical research evidence, aimed to provide a thorough understanding of TMPs used by the locals for asthma management and identify species that have already been investigated in preclinical studies. The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement. To gather relevant literature on antiasthmatic TMPs used by Tanzanians, a web search using electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, Academic Library, Web of Science, SciFinder, Wiley Online Library, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and African Journals Online) was conducted. The scientific names were verified through the Plants of the World Online database, and the collected information was analysed for descriptive statistics using Microsoft Excel software. The ethnomedicinal information was obtained from 24 different articles. Microsoft Excel software was used to analyse the data using descriptive statistics. A total of 62 TMPs belonging to 33 families were identified. Species of the Fabaceae (14.5%) and Rubiaceae families (8.1%) are the most utilized. The analysis revealed that trees (42.0%) and leaves (40.0%) are the most utilized life forms and plant parts, respectively. Most plant materials (59.7%) used to make remedies were collected from the wild environment. Decoction (55.0%) is the dominant preparation method of remedies, and the majority (69.0%) were orally administered. Of the recorded TMPs, 22.6% had their in vivo antiasthmatic activity reported in the literature. The review also highlighted the strategic significance of preparations of remedies made from TMPs for discovering and developing new antiasthmatic drugs. However, the need to identify the molecular targets of action and toxicological aspects of the TMPs should be considered.
Readability of Fin Clipping during the Growing Season: Case Study on the Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca)
Authors: Jůza Tomáš , Kajgrová Lenka , Bláha Martin , Škrabánek Jan , Draštík Vladislav , Kočvara Luboš , Blabolil Petr
Published: August 2024

Fin clipping is a common method of fish marking to distinguish between particular cohorts, yet a comparison of specific marks/clips has yet to be thoroughly conducted. Nine ponds were stocked with pikeperch (Sander lucioperca, L., 20 specimens each) in spring 2023, and different fins or parts of fins were clipped in each pond. The regeneration and readability of different 1‐year‐old pikeperch fins after fin‐clipping were investigated by repeated recaptures at monthly intervals during the growing season (April–October). Although prey fish were absent in all ponds and the pikeperch grew slowly, fin regeneration was relatively rapid. Readability naturally decreased as the season progressed. Better readability was observed when the soft fin rays were cut off. In cases where only the hard fin rays were cut off, readability decreased rapidly over the course of the season. In general, the best readability was found for the pelvic fin when the entire fin or its posterior part was cut off as well as for the anterior and posterior part of the second dorsal fin. Conversely, the worst readability was found for the anterior part of the pelvic fin and both the anterior and posterior parts of the first dorsal fin. The readability of the anal fin section can be described as average. The degree of regeneration (ratio between regenerated and original fin parts) was usually above 50% at the end of the growing season and due to the limited food supply in all ponds, the survival rate between stocking and harvesting was never above 40% (10%–40%).
RNA Shielding of p65 Is Required to Potentiate Oncogenic Inflammation in TET2-Mutated Clonal Hematopoiesis
Authors: Ben-Crentsil Nana Adjoa , Mohammed Ismail Wazim , Balasis Maria E. , Newman Hannah , Quintana Ariel , Binder Moritz , Kruer Traci , Neupane Surendra , Ferrall-Fairbanks Meghan C. , Fernandez Jenna , Lasho Terra L. , Finke Christy M. , Ibrahim Mohammed L. , McGraw Kathy L. , Wysota Michael , Aldrich Amy L. , Ryder Christopher B. , Letson Christopher T. , Traina Joshua , McLemore Amy F. , Droin Nathalie , Shastri Aditi , Yun Seongseok , Solary Eric , Sallman David A. , Beg Amer A. , Ma Li , Gaspar-Maia Alexandre , Patnaik Mrinal M. , Padron Eric
Published: August 2024

TET2 mutations (mTET2) are common genetic events in myeloid malignancies and clonal hematopoiesis. These mutations arise in the founding clone and are implicated in many clinical sequelae associated with oncogenic feedforward inflammatory circuits. However, the direct downstream effector of mTET2 responsible for the potentiation of these inflammatory circuits is unknown. To address this, we performed scRNA-seq and scATAC-seq in patients with COVID-19 with and without TET2-mutated clonal hematopoiesis reasoning that inflammation from COVID-19 may highlight critical downstream transcriptional targets of mTET2. Using this approach, we identified metastasis-associated lung adenoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), a therapeutically tractable lncRNA, as a central downstream effector of mTET2 that is both necessary and sufficient to induce the oncogenic proinflammatory features of mTET2 in vivo. We also elucidate the mechanism by which mTET2 upregulate MALAT1 and describe an interaction between MALAT1 and p65, which leads to RNA “shielding” from protein phosphatase 2A dephosphorylation, thus preventing resolution of inflammatory signaling.

Significance:

This work identifies MALAT1 as a requisite downstream effector of oncogenic feedforward inflammatory circuits necessary for the development of TET2-mutated CH and fulminant myeloid malignancy. We elucidate a novel mechanism by which MALAT1 “shields” p65 from dephosphorylation to potentiate this circuit and nominate MALAT1 inhibition as a future therapeutic strategy.
Emergency treatment of hyperglycaemia in adult type-2 diabetic patients in primary care settings
Authors: Udezue Emmanuel
Published: August 2024

Hyperglycaemic crises are common in adult type 2 diabetic patients in the Middle East and other developing countries.
These need treatment under certain conditions, as part of the overall goal of striving for good glycaemic control in these
patients, in order to delay or prevent diabetic complications. As oral hypoglycaemic agents (OHAs) are inefficient in these
circumstances, we have devised a simple easily applied method for rapid control of these episodes. Intravenous saline rehydration,
is given with intramuscular soluble insulin in a dose chosen, according to patient’s weight, age and level of
hyperglycaemia. Blood glucose concentration is checked 3 hours after insulin injection. This regime reduces hyperglycaemia
by an average of 40-60% in 3 hours, which is a more reliable level of reduction than that experienced with OHAs. Where
insulin is readily available, its flexible use in this way can help greatly in achieving good glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic
patients.
Outcome of insulin requiring diabetic pregnancies at the Al Corniche Hospital.
Authors: Mazher Y. , Saleh B. , Rennie V.
Published: August 2024

The aim of this study was assess the outcome of diabetic pregnancies requiring insulin under the care of a Combined Diabetic
Team and to evaluate the necessity of pre-pregnancy counseling. This is a prospective study undertaken for a 2 year period
(Jan 2001 to Dec 2002) at Al Corniche Hospital, Abu Dhabi. Three hundred and eighty six pregnant diabetic women
requiring insulin at varying gestations were looked after by Combined Diabetic Team (Team “0”) during the pregnancy and
early postpartum period, and then re-transferred back to original teams. Audit forms with comprehensive details were
maintained and data were doubly checked with the Main Delivery Unit computer data/statistics register. Main outcome
measures were compliance to Combined Diabetic Clinic, control of Diabetes with home monitoring. Perinatal mortality rate,
congenital fetal anomalies and attitude of patient to pre and post pregnancy counseling were also assessed. Out of 386 women
156 ( 40.2%) were UAE patients. Grandmultiparity was 16 (4.14%). Highest parity was 16+2. Only 47 (12%) patients started
pregnancy with normal BMI while rest were overweight to obese. 322 (83.4%) were compliant to Combined Diabetic Clinic,
358 (92.7%) self-injected with insulin while 325 (84.1%) did home-monitoring. Caesarian section rate was 48.4%. Gross
perinatal mortality rate was 22.8/ 1000. 16 babies had congenital anomalies. Contraception was accepted by 46%, and more
than 50% defaulted Postnatal Clinic. In conclusion, maternal and perinatal outcome was good, pre pregnancy counseling was
difficult as most pregnancies are unplanned, postnatal counseling is more relevant in our setup of diverse ethnic and
geographical population.
Dyslipidaemia in persons with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Kaduna, Nigeria
Authors: Bello-Sani F. , Bakari A.G. , Anumah F.E.
Published: August 2024

Background and Objective: Lipid abnormalities are commonly found in persons with diabetes mellitus but there is paucity
of recent literature relating to local incidence. This study aims to evaluate the extent of dyslipidaemia in persons with type 2
diabetes mellitus. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study comparing the clinical features and laboratory parameters
in 100 persons with type 2 DM and 100 controls in Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Kaduna is presented.
Results: Persons with diabetes had higher body mass indices and waist hip ratio compared to controls. Diabetics had
significantly higher (mmol/L) serum total cholesterol 5.10 ± 0.37 & 5.39 ± 0.34, LDL-cholesterol 3.17 ± 0.31 & 3.15 ± 0.24,
triglycerides 1.49 ± 0.62 &1.54 ± 0.25, and lower HDL-cholesterol 0.99 ± 0.08 & 1.15 ± 0.10 and higher artherogenic indices
5.47 ± 0.54 & 5.72 ± 0.63 for males and females respectively. Conclusion: This study has highlighted the fact that
dyslipidaemia exists in our type 2 diabetic population. However, larger studies need to be conducted in the healthy population
as well as diabetic subjects in this environment to set a baseline for African patients. (Int J Diabetes Metab 15:9-13, 2007)
Catalase (antioxidant enzyme) activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats
Authors: Qujeq Durdi , Rezvani Timur
Published: August 2024

Background: High concentration and/or inadequate removal of reactive oxygen species may result in oxidative stress that
may cause severe metabolic malfunction. An imbalance in antioxidant enzymes has been related to specific pathologies such
as diabetic complications. Catalase catalyzes the reduction of hydroperoxides, thereby protecting mammalian cells against
oxidative damage. In addition, catalase is active in neutralizing reactive oxygen species and so removes cellular superoxide
and peroxides before they react with metal catalysts to form more reactive species. We investigated the status of catalase
activity in erythrocytes of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Method: Catalase activity was measured by using
spectrophtometric techniques. Result: Catalase activity increased in diabetic rats compared to control group [25.7 ± 2.8 vs.
16.3 ± 2.1 mmol H2O2 per min/ mg of protein, mean ± SD, p < 0.05]. Our results show that catalase activity increased
significantly in the erythrocytes of STZ-induced diabetic rats. (Int J Diabetes Metab 15: 22-24, 2007)