bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postoperative hemorrhage after biomedical glue sling technique in microvascular decompression for vertebrobasilar artery-associated cranial nerve diseases: A retrospective study of 14 cases
Authors: Liu Jiang , Shen Yuxiao , Xiayizhati Kelisitan , Yu Yanbing
Published: January 2023

Background

The biomedical glue sling technique is a convenient and effective method for vertebrobasilar artery-associated cranial nerve diseases but postoperative hemorrhage is poorly understood.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 14 of 1157 patients associated with cranial nerve diseases who were subjected to the biomedical glue sling technique in microvascular decompression at our hospital from January 2015 to January 2020.

Results

There were 14 patients with cranial nerve diseases included in this study. A clinical diagnosis of postoperative hemorrhage was made after an average of 41.75 h (ranging between 0.5 and 95 h). A cerebellopontine angle hemorrhage was presented in 5 patients, while basal ganglia hemorrhage was observed in 2 patients. Both a cerebellopontine angle and brainstem hemorrhage was seen in 1 patient. Distal supratentorial subdural hemorrhage was recorded in 6 patients. The correlation coefficient was −0.1601 (p = 0.7094) between the standard deviation of systolic blood pressure and the Hemphill Score, −0.2422 (p = 0.5633) between the coefficient of variation of systolic blood pressure and the Hemphill Score, and −0.0272 (p = 0.9489) between the range of systolic blood pressure and the Hemphill Score.

Conclusions

The incidence of postoperative hemorrhage after MVD with the biomedical glue sling technique is higher than with traditional MVD and most cases have a favorable prognosis. Postoperative symptoms are the main area of concern and changes in symptoms usually suggest the occurrence of hemorrhage. Several factors, including surgical procedures, the release of CSF, and blood pressure might be associated with hemorrhaging. We still believe such a technique is an efficient approach to treating complicated cranial nerve diseases.
Modification of m5C regulators in sarcoma can guide different immune infiltrations as well as immunotherapy
Authors: Wu Shusheng , Li Mengge , Su Rixin , Shen Hao , He Yifu , Zhou Yangfan
Published: January 2023

Background

Recent studies have found that 5-methylcytosine (m5C) modulators are associated with the prognosis and treatment of cancer. However, the relevance of m5C modulators in sarcoma prognosis and the tumour microenvironment is unclear.

Methods

We selected 15 m5C regulators and performed unsupervised clustering to identify m5C modification patterns and differentially expressed genes associated with the m5C phenotype in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) sarcomas. The extent of immune cell infiltration in different clustering groups was explored using single-sample gene set enrichment analysis and estimation algorithms. A principal component analysis algorithm-based m5C scoring protocol was performed to assess the m5C modification patterns of individual tumors.

Results

We identified two distinct m5C modification patterns in the TCGA sarcoma cohort, which possess different clinical outcomes and biological processes. Tumour microenvironment analysis revealed two groups of immune infiltration patterns highly consistent with m5C modification patterns, classified as immune inflammatory and immune desert types. We constructed m5C scores and found that high m5C scores were closely associated with leiomyosarcoma and other subtypes, and were associated with poorer prognosis, lower PD-L1 expression, and poorer immunotherapy outcomes. The best application was validated against the m5C database.

Conclusion

We constructed an m5C score for sarcoma based on the TCGA database and identified a poorer prognosis in the high m5c score group. The stability and good prognostic predictive power of the m5C score was verified by an external database. We found that sarcomas in the low m5C score group may have a better response to immunotherapy.
A novel nomogram for adult primary perihilar cholangiocarcinoma and considerations concerning lymph node dissection
Authors: Zhang Qi , Liu Zehan , Liu Shuangqing , Wang Ming , Li Xinye , Xun Jing , Wang Xiangyu , Yang Qin , Wang Ximo , Zhang Dapeng
Published: January 2023

Objective

To construct a reliable nomogram available online to predict the postoperative survival of patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods

Data from 1808 patients diagnosed with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma between 2004 and 2015 were extracted from the National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. They were randomly divided into training and validation sets. The nomogram was established by machine learning and Cox model. The discriminant ability and prediction accuracy of the nomogram were evaluated by concordance index (C-index), receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve. Kaplan-Meier curves show the prognostic value of the associated risk factors and classification system.

Results

Machine learning and multivariate Cox risk regression model showed that sex, age, tumor differentiation, primary tumor stage(T), lymph node metastasis(N), TNM stage, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, lymph node dissection were associated with the prognosis of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma patients relevant factors (P < 0.05). A novel nomogram was established. The calibration plots, C-index and ROC curve for predictions of the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS were in excellent agreement. In patients with stage T1 and N0 perihilar cholangiocarcinoma, the prognosis of ≥4 lymph nodes dissected was better than that of 1- 3 lymph nodes dissected (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The nomogram prognostic prediction model can provide a reference for evaluating the prognosis and survival rate of patients with perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Patients with stage T1 and N0 perihilar cholangiocarcinoma have more benefits by increasing the number of lymph node dissection.
Selective use of pancreatic duct occlusion during pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with a small-size duct and atrophic parenchyma in the distal pancreas: A retrospective study
Authors: Chen Guangbin , Yin Jie , Chen Qun , Wei Jishu , Zhang Kai , Meng Lingdong , Lu Yichao , Wu Pengfei , Cai Baobao , Lu Zipeng , Miao Yi , Jiang Kuirong
Published: January 2023

Background

Despite the advancements in surgical techniques, postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a potentially life-threatening complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Pancreatic duct occlusion (PDO) without anastomosis has also been proposed to alleviate the clinical consequences of POPF in selected patients after PD.

Objectives

To assess the safety and effectiveness of PDO with mechanical closure after PD in patients with an atrophic pancreatic body-tail and a small pancreatic duct.

Methods

We retrospectively identified two female and two male patients from April 2019 to October 2020 through preoperative computed tomography of the abdomen. Among them, three patients underwent PDO with mechanical closure after PD, and one underwent PDO after pylorus-preserving PD. In addition, patients' medical records and medium-and long-term follow-up data were analyzed.

Results

Postoperative histological examination revealed a solid pseudopapillary tumor in two patients, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in one patient, and chronic pancreatitis with pancreatic duct stones in one patient. However, none of the patients developed biochemical or clinically relevant POPF, with no postpancreatectomy hemorrhage, biliary leakage, delayed gastric emptying, intra-abdominal abscess, or chyle leakage. Among the four patients, three developed new-onset diabetes mellitus, and one had impaired glucose tolerance. Furthermore, three patients received pancreatic enzyme supplementation at a dose of 90,000 Ph. Eur. units/d, and one was prescribed a higher dose of 120,000 Ph. Eur. units/d.

Conclusions

PDO with mechanical closure is an alternative approach for patients with an atrophic pancreatic body-tail and a small pancreatic duct after PD. Therefore, further evidence should evaluate the potential benefits of selective PDO in these patients.
Full-endoscopic uniportal retropharyngeal odontoidectomy: A preliminary case report
Authors: Ye Jichao , Liu Bin , Li Jinteng , Zheng Guan , Duan Kaidi , Gao Liangbin , Zhang Chunyan , Huang Jingwen , Tang Yong
Published: January 2023

Summary of background data

Odontoidectomy aims to decompress the medulla oblongata and is usually performed through the classical transoral approach, which affects oropharynx and accompanied with high rate of complications comprising swallowing and respiratory tract. We have developed a minimal invasive method via a standard cervical anterior approach: full-endoscopic trans-cervical odontoidectomy, which provides an alternative access for the resection of odontoid process and medulla oblongata decompression without traversing potentially contaminated cavities.

Methods

From 2018 to 2020, three patients with either odontoid process lesion or basilar invagination underwent full-endoscopic uniportal trans-cervical odontoidectomy with/without combining the posterior instrumentation. With fluoroscopic guidance, a uniportal endoscope sleeve was placed inside of the odontoid process; then odontoid process was gradually resected from the inside to outside under endoscopic monitoring. Postoperative images and clinical data were collected during post-op follow-up.

Result

Patients were soon extubated after surgery when patients wake up from general anesthesia. There were no severely perioperative complications, especially dysphagia and airway obstruction, and the symptoms and neurological function was improved immediately after surgery. The final pathology of one patient with odontoid osteolytic lesion was confirmed as plasmacytoma. The postoperative CT scans proved that the range of odontoid process resection was consistent with the preoperative expectation.

Conclusion

In summary, our proposed endoscopic trans-cervical odontoidectomy provides a valid choice for non-oral approach, which would reduce postoperative approach related complications and accelerate postoperative recovery.
Epidural esketamine and morphine for postoperative analgesia after caesarean delivery: A pilot study
Authors: Tang Ju , Zheng Zhiguo , Ran Qijun , Zhao Feng , Wang Yao , Hu Feng , Yang Chao , Tan Xiaoyong
Published: January 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of esketamine to morphine would improve postoperative analgesia after cesarean section.

Methods

Parturients who planned for a cesarean delivery using combined spinal–epidural anesthesia with a request for postoperative anesthesia were randomly divided into four groups (A, B, C, and D). When the surgery was completed, the parturients in groups A, B, C, and D were administered 2 mg morphine, 0.25 mg/kg of esketamine, 0.25 mg/kg of esketamine plus 2 mg morphine hydrochloride, and 0.25 mg/kg of esketamine plus 1 mg morphine through the epidural catheters, respectively. The postoperative pain at rest, pain with movement, the number of rescue analgesics, and adverse effects were evaluated for 48 h after cesarean delivery.

Results

A total of 119 parturients were included in this study, including 30 cases in group A, 30 cases in group B, 30 cases in group C, and 29 cases in group D. All visual analog scale (VAS) scores at rest and with movement were much lower in group C as compared with those in group A and group B (P < 0.05). Moreover, VAS scores at rest were also lower in Group C than in group D for 24 h (P < 0.05). Corresponding to the low pain scores, parturients in group C also required less rescue analgesia as compared with the other three groups (P = 0.021 for C vs. A, P < 0.001 for C vs. B, and P < 0.001 for C vs. D). There were no statistically significant differences between the four study groups with regard to the incidence of adverse events (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The addition of esketamine to morphine improved postoperative analgesia after cesarean section without increasing the incidence of adverse events.
Association between spinal cord compression ratio in magnetic resonance imaging, initial neurological status, and recovery after ventral slot in 57 dogs with cervical disc extrusion
Authors: Bach Fernando Swiech , Mai Wilfried , Weber Luiz Felipe Silva , Villanova Junior José Ademar , Bianchi de Oliveira Leonardo , Montiani-Ferreira Fabiano
Published: January 2023

This retrospective, unblinded, single rater study evaluated images obtained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of dogs with cervical intervertebral disc extrusion before being submitted to ventral slot decompression (VSD). Dogs were re-evaluated systematically at 10 and 30 days after VSD. The objectives of this study were to investigate the associations between the following parameters: (1) The maximal spinal cord compression ratio (SCCR) as seen on transverse MRI and pre-surgical neurological status (NS) grade; we hypothesized that dogs with greater SCCR will have worse pre-surgical NS grade at presentation; (2) Pre-surgical NS grade and postoperative recovery; we hypothesized that worse pre-surgical NS grade will be associated with longer postoperative recovery time; (3) SCCR and postoperative recovery; we hypothesized that dogs with higher SCCR will have longer recovery time; (4) Location of extrusion (cranial vs. caudal) and initial NS grade and outcomes; we hypothesized that caudal cervical extrusion will have worse NS grade and longer time to recovery; (5) Longitudinal extension of ventral CSF signal loss on HASTE pulse sequence and NS grade and time to recovery; we hypothesized that dogs with longer HASTE CSF attenuation will have higher NS grade and longer time to recovery. There was no significant association between SCCR and NS grade, suggesting that this relationship in the cervical region is similar to what is observed in the thoracolumbar region, rejecting our first hypothesis. There was a significant difference between ambulatory tetraparesis dogs versus non-ambulatory tetraparesis dogs regarding complete recovery at 10 days: dogs with NS grade 1, 2, or 3 overall recovered faster than dogs with NS grade 4. However, there was no significant difference between these groups regarding complete recovery at 30 days, thereby accepting our second hypothesis at 10 days and rejecting it at 30 days. There was no correlation between SCCR and recovery time, rejecting our third hypothesis. Caudal cervical extrusion did not show higher NS grade or longer recovery time than cranial extrusion, rejecting our fourth hypothesis. CSF attenuation length ratio on HASTE images was not significantly correlated with NS grade but weakly correlate with post-surgical recovery time, partially accepting our fifth hypothesis.
Leveraging SOLOv2 model to detect heat stress of poultry in complex environments
Authors: Yu Zhenwei , Liu Li , Jiao Hongchao , Chen Jingjing , Chen Zheqi , Song Zhanhua , Lin Hai , Tian Fuyang
Published: January 2023

Heat stress is one of the most important environmental stressors facing poultry production. The presence of heat stress will reduce the antioxidant capacity and immunity of poultry, thereby seriously affecting the health and performance of poultry. The paper proposes an improved FPN-DenseNet-SOLO model for poultry heat stress state detection. The model uses Efficient Channel Attention (ECA) and DropBlock regularization to optimize the DenseNet-169 network to enhance the extraction of poultry heat stress features and suppress the extraction of invalid background features. The model takes the SOLOv2 model as the main frame, and uses the optimized DenseNet-169 as the backbone network to integrate the Feature Pyramid Network to detect and segment instances on the semantic branch and mask branch. In the validation phase, the performance of FPN-DenseNet-SOLO was tested with a test set consisting of 12,740 images of poultry heat stress and normal state, and it was compared with commonly used object detection models (Mask R CNN, Faster RCNN and SOLOv2 model). The results showed that when the DenseNet-169 network lacked the ECA module and the DropBlock regularization module, the original model recognition accuracy was 0.884; when the ECA module was introduced, the model's recognition accuracy improved to 0.919. Not only that, the recall, AP0.5, AP0.75 and mean average precision of the FPN-DenseNet-SOLO model on the test set were all higher than other networks. The recall is 0.954, which is 15, 8.8, and 4.2% higher than the recall of Mask R CNN, Faster R CNN and SOLOv2, respectively. Therefore, the study can achieve accurate segmentation of poultry under normal and heat stress conditions, and provide technical support for the precise breeding of poultry.
Effect of purple corn extract on performance, antioxidant activity, egg quality, egg amino acid, and fatty acid profiles of laying hen
Authors: Li Jiaxuan , Zhou Di , Li Hui , Luo Qingyuan , Wang Xu , Qin Jixiao , Xu Yiqing , Lu Qi , Tian Xingzhou
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of anthocyanin-rich purple corn extract (PCE) on performance, antioxidant potential, egg quality, egg amino acid and fatty acid profiles of laying hens during the late laying period. A total of 360 88-wk-old laying hens were randomly divided into 4 groups, and fed a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 120 (LP), 240 (MP), and 360 mg/kg (HP) PCE, respectively. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in the ADFI or average egg weight among the groups. However, the mean feed to egg ratio was quadratically decreased (P < 0.05) in the LP and HP treatments. The mean TAC was linearly and quadratically increased (P < 0.05) in all PCE supplemented treatments. The mean SOD was linearly and quadratically increased (P < 0.05) in the HP treatment compared with CON and MP groups. The GPX was linearly and quadratically lower in the HP treatment compared to the CON and LP groups. Differently, the MDA was linearly and quadratically lower (P < 0.05) in the PCE treatments compared with the CON. The eggshell thickness value in MP and HP treatments were linearly and quadratically higher (P < 0.05) than that of the CON and LP groups. Hens fed PCE was linearly and quadratically increased (P < 0.05) most individual amino acids, essential amino acid and umami amino acid profiles in egg. The PCE treatments showed linearly and quadratic (P < 0.05) effect on the myristoleate, heptadecenoic acid, elaidic acid, eicosenoic acid, heneicosanoic acid, and eicosatrienoic acid concentrations. Moreover, dietary supplementation of PCE was quadratically increased egg stearic acid, oleic acid, arachidic acid, linolenic acid methyl ester, arachidonic acid, diphenylamine, docosahexaenoic acid, monounsaturated fatty acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acid compared to the CON. Therefore, dietary anthocyanin-rich PCE can enhance plasma antioxidant potential, is beneficial to egg production, and improves amino acids and fatty acids in hen eggs during the late laying period.
Prevalence of different tick species on livestock and associated equines and canine from different agro-ecological zones of Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Nazeer , Shabbir Rana Muhammad Kamran , Ahmed Haroon , Afzal Muhammad Sohail , Ullah Shafi , Ali Abid , Irum Shumaila , Naqvi Syed Kamran-ul-Hassan , Yin Jianhai , Cao Jianping
Published: January 2023

Ticks are ectoparasites that act as vectors for transmission of various pathogens to wild and domesticated animals and pose a serious threat to human health. Because of the hot and humid conditions in different agro-ecological zones of Pakistan, ticks are abundant and parasitize a variety of animals. The aim of this study was to identify different tick species and distribution on different hosts especially livestock, such as sheep, goat, cattle, buffalo, and camel, and livestock associated canines and equines, such as horse, donkey, and dog, across different agro-ecological zones of Pakistan. The ticks samples were collected and morphologically identified at genus and species level using morphological keys under stereomicroscope. A total of 2,846 animals were examined for the tick infestation, and 408 animals were tick-infested. Eleven tick species belonging to 4 genera were identified: Hyalomma anatolicum, Hyalomma scupense, Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma isaaci, Rhipicephalus microplus, Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides, Rhipicephalus turanicus, Haemaphysalis cornupunctata, Haemaphysalis montgomeryi, Haemaphysalis bispinosa, and Ixodes kashmiricus. The overall tick prevalence was 14.3%; host-wise infestation rate was 12.2% in sheep; 12.6%, goat; 11.7%, buffalo; 11.7%, cattle; 19.6%, camel; 27.4%, donkey; 23.5%, horse; and 24.3%, dog. Tick infestation of different animals differed on the basis of the zones. Camels showed the highest tick infestation rate in zones 1 and 2 (21.4 and 26.7%, respectively), whereas donkeys showed the highest infestation rate in zones 3, 4, 6, and 7 (25, 39.3, 3.3, and 21.4%, respectively). The infestation rates of Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus were the highest in zone 2 (71.4 and 52.9%, respectively). The infestation rate of Hyalomma was the highest (47.4%) in sheep; Haemaphysalis (46.9%), goat; Rhipicephalus (69.7%), buffalo; Rhipicephalus (62.3%), cattle; Hyalomma (70%), camel; Ixodes (60.9%), donkey; Ixodes (75%), horse; and Rhipicephalus (61.1%), dog. This study showed the diversity and infestation rate of different ticks with respect to their hosts and agro-ecological zones of Pakistan. High tick burdens and infestation rates are responsible for the spread of different tick-borne infections, resulting in loss of animal productivity and posing a threat to animal and human health. Understanding different tick species and their distribution across different zones will be helpful for developing efficient control strategies against different tick born infections.
Associations of Household Solid Fuel Use With Falls and Fall-Related Injuries in Middle-Aged and Older Population in China: A Cohort Study
Authors: Ming Xing , Guo Ruixiao , Liu Mengli , He Xiaoman , Guo Feifei , Gao Shengli
Published: January 2023

Objective: This study evaluated the associations of solid fuels with incidence of falls and fall-related injuries.

Methods: Data were taken from wave 1∼4 of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, including 15,651 participants aged 45 years and older. Modified Poisson regression was used to examine the associations of solid fuels with falls and fall-related injuries.

Results: Modified Poisson regression analysis showed that solid fuels users for cooking had an increasing incidence of falls and fall-related injuries, with RR of 1.211 (95% CI: 1.124, 1.305) and 1.248 (95% CI: 1.107, 1.408); for heating had an incidence, with RR of 1.178 (95% CI: 1.062, 1.306) and 1.134 (95% CI: 0.963, 1.335); combined for cooking and heating, with RR of 1.247 (95% CI: 1.105, 1.408) and 1.185 (95% CI: 0.982, 1.431).

Conclusion: Our study suggests that solid fuel use is associated with a higher incidence of falls and fall-related injuries among adults aged 45 years and older in China. It is necessary to restrict solid fuel use to reduce household air pollution and make stronger environmental protection policies to improve household environment.
Accumulation of Minerals in Faba Bean Seeds and Straw in Relation to Sowing Density
Authors: Serafin-Andrzejewska Magdalena , Jama-Rodzeńska Anna , Helios Waldemar , Kotecki Andrzej , Kozak Marcin , Białkowska Monika , Bárta Jan , Bártová Veronika
Published: January 2023

Faba beans (Vicia faba L.) are a high-protein legume crop that can be widely cultivated in most climates in Europe. The amino acid composition of the faba bean protein is also beneficial for monogastric animals since it contains a great deal of lysine, an amino acid that is deficient in cereals. Two genotypes of faba beans were cultivated at three sowing densities (45, 60 and 75 seeds per m2) during three growing seasons (years 2013–2015). The aim of the research was to assess accumulation of nutrients (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) of two faba beans in seeds and straw under different sowing densities. A field experiment was conducted in 2013–2015 at fields of Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences in southwestern Poland from which plant material was used for chemical analysis in terms of determining the accumulation of the following elements—N, P, Mg, K and Ca—in the seeds and straw. The results showed that the genotypes of the faba bean varied greatly in accumulation of nutrients in various sowing densities and in following years of research. However, the average accumulation of nitrogen, calcium and magnesium in seeds for three years (2013–2015) was significantly higher in the Bobas cultivar under 60 seeds per m2 as well as in both tested cultivars using 75 seeds per m2. Accumulation of potassium and phosphorus in seeds was highest in both analyzed cultivars using 60 and 75 seeds per m2 (average for 2013–2015). Considering accumulation of elements in the straw of faba bean, it is shown that the concentration of potassium and calcium was the highest in both tested cultivars under the effect of sowing density at 60 and 75 seeds per m2 while the concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and magnesium did not differ significantly as an effect of the interaction of cultivar and sowing date (average for 2013–2015). Weather conditions played an important role in accumulation of nutrients of both faba bean genotypes in the years of research (2013–2015).
A Trade-Off between the Growing Performance and Sowing Density of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under Fertigation in an Arid Saline Area
Authors: Dong Shide , Wang Guangmei , Li Xiaobin , Kang Yaohu
Published: January 2023

Sunflower is one of the pioneer crops cultivated in salt-affected arid areas. The influences of sowing density on the growth performance of this crop under fertigation conditions have not been well studied. This study arranged four sowing density treatments, 41,667, 35,714, 31,250, and 27,778 plants ha−1, marked as D30, D35, D40, and D45, respectively, to reveal the relationships between soil salinity, growth performance, and sowing density under drip fertigation conditions. The results showed that the electrical conductivity of saturated paste extracts (ECe) decreased during the growing seasons but increased on the topsoil during the non-growing seasons in all of the treatments. The sowing densities had remarkable influences on the ECe in the 0–40 cm soil layer (ECe-40). The average ECe-40 during the two seasons for treatments D30–D45 correspondingly decreased by 7.0%, 33.9%, 11.1%, and 15.8% when compared to the original value. The soil pH in the 0–40 cm soil layer during the two seasons for treatments D30–D45 correspondingly decreased by −0.03, 0.20, 0.20, and 0.27 when compared to the original value. Increasing the spacing in the rows could promote the stem diameter, plant biomass, and proportion of biomass allocated underground. The yield and related yield components in this experiment under fertigation were significantly higher than those under surface irrigation. A sowing density between 31,250 and 35,714 plants ha−1 could ensure both the high yield and high morphological quality of the seeds, which could be recommended for sunflower cultivation under drip fertigation conditions.
An Optimized Nitrogen Application Rate and Basal Topdressing Ratio Improves Yield, Quality, and Water- and N-use Efficiencies for Forage Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Ma Renshi , Jiang Congze , Shou Na , Gao Wei , Yang Xianlong
Published: January 2023

Applying nitrogen (N) fertilizer at irrational rates and basal topdressing ratios typically leads to high resource wastage and serious environmental pollution and is a global problem. A pot experiment was conducted between 2020 and 2021 to investigate the effects of different N application rates and basal topdressing ratios on the growth, yield, quality, and water- and N- use efficiencies of forage maize. Four N treatments were used, with the following levels: 0 kg/ha (N0), 70 kg/ha (N70), 140 kg/ha (N140), and 210 kg/ha (N210); and two basal topdressing ratios of N fertilizer were tested, namely: 2:8 and 4:6. An increased N application rate, from 0 to 200 kg/ha, increased whole fresh and dry yields. N fertilization increased the crude protein (CP) content of different plant parts (stems, leaves, and ears), as well as at the whole plant level, but decreased neutral and acid detergent fiber content. The dry matter water use efficiency (WUEDM) increased, while the partial-factor productivity of applied N decreased with an increasing N application rate. Compared with N0, the 2-year average dry matter yield under N70, N140, and N210 increased by 21.8%, 27.6%, and 38.2%, respectively, while WUEDM increased by 19.1%, 28.7%, and 45.0%, respectively. At the 2:8 basal topdressing ratio, the dry matter yield, CP content, and N recovery efficiency under all N application rates were higher at harvest compared to the 4:6 ratio during normal rainfall years, while dry matter yield and WUEDM were both lower compared to the 4:6 ratio during dry years. In conclusion, during a normal rainfall year, a N application rate of 210 kg/ha, with a basal topdressing ratio of 2:8 between the sowing and jointing stages, is considered the optimal N fertilizer application strategy to improve forage maize production in the semi-arid areas of the Chinese Loess Plateau.
Effect of Post-Ruminal Urea Supply on Growth Performance of Grazing Nellore Young Bulls at Dry Season
Authors: Reis Irene Alexandre , Souza Mailza Gonçalves de , Granja-Salcedo Yury Tatiana , Carvalho Isabela Pena Carvalho de , Porcionato Marco Aurélio De Felicio , Prados Laura Franco , Siqueira Gustavo Rezende , De Resende Flávio Dutra
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the use of post-ruminal urea on performance, nitrogen metabolism and the ruminal environment of Nellore cattle reared on pasture during the dry season. In experiment 1 (Exp. 1), nine ruminal-cannulated Nellore steers, 30 ± 2 months old (651 ± 45 kg body weight (BW)), were allotted to a 3 × 3 Latin triple square. In experiment 2 (Exp. 2), 84 Nellore bulls, 18 ± 3 months old (315 ± 84 kg BW), were distributed in complete randomized blocks, by initial BW. Protein supplements were supplied daily, in the amount of 2 g/kg BW, and consisted of either CONT: protein + conventional urea (50% CP), PRU: protein + post ruminal urea (50% CP) and U + PRU: protein + urea conventional + post-ruminal urea (70% CP). The paddocks were composed of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu grass. In Exp. 1, there was no treatment effect for DM, OM, NDF, forage intake, and CP, but there was a higher intake for PRU (p < 0.005) and a higher digestibility for U+ PRU (p = 0.001). There was no effect on ruminal pH or NH3-N concentration (p ≥ 0.232), but there was an interaction between treatment and time for them (p < 0.039). Furthermore, there was a treatment effect on the total SCFA concentration, with CONT being higher than the others. A difference in the acetate:propionate ratio was found (p < 0.027), with a greater relationship for PRU and U + PRU. A treatment effect (p = 0.049) was found for the propionate proportion, with a higher proportion in the CONT. Nitrogen intake was consequently lower for the CONT and higher urinary excretion for the U + PRU (p = 0.002). Animals supplemented with CONT showed a tendency to have more Bacteria and fewer Archaea (p = 0.086). In Exp. 2, there was a treatment effect for the disappearance rate of the supplement (p < 0.001). Intake was faster for PRU and CONT, but performance was not affected by PRU (p = 0.311). The use of post-ruminal urea alters the microbial population, but does not affect performance. Therefore, supplementation with post-ruminal urea presented similar results compared to conventional urea. Ruminal and blood parameters and animal performance were not influenced by treatments.
In Vitro Synergistic Activity of Antimicrobial Combinations against Carbapenem- and Colistin-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Mantzana Paraskevi , Protonotariou Efthymia , Kassomenaki Angeliki , Meletis Georgios , Tychala Areti , Keskilidou Eirini , Arhonti Maria , Katsanou Charikleia , Daviti Aikaterini , Vasilaki Olga , Kagkalou Georgia , Skoura Lemonia
Published: January 2023

Polymyxins are commonly used as the last resort for the treatment of MDR Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae nosocomial infections; however, apart from the already known toxicity issues, resistance to these agents is emerging. In the present study, we assessed the in vitro synergistic activity of antimicrobial combinations against carbapenem-resistant and colistin-resistant A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae in an effort to provide more options for their treatment. Two hundred A. baumannii and one hundred and six K. pneumoniae single clinical isolates with resistance to carbapenems and colistin, recovered between 1 January 2021 and 31 July 2022,were included. A. baumannii were tested by the MIC test strip fixed-ratio method for combinations of colistin with either meropenem or rifampicin or daptomycin. K. pneumoniae were tested for the combinations of colistin with meropenem and ceftazidime/avibactam with aztreonam. Synergy was observed at: 98.99% for colistin and meropenem against A. baumannii; 91.52% for colistin and rifampicin; and 100% for colistin and daptomycin. Synergy was also observed at: 73.56% for colistin and meropenem against K. pneumoniae and; and 93% for ceftazidime/avibactam with aztreonam. The tested antimicrobial combinations presented high synergy rates, rendering them valuable options against A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae infections.
Antifungal Activities of Compounds Produced by Newly Isolated Acrocarpospora Strains
Authors: Cheng Ming-Jen , Chen Jih-Jung , Wu Ming-Der , Leu Jyh-Yih , Tseng Min
Published: January 2023

In our continued search for bioactive metabolites from cultures of rare Actinobacteria resources from all over Taiwan and various natural ecological environments, an active antimicrobial strain of Acrocarpospora punica 04107M was collected in Taitung County in Taiwan and prepared from soil. The bioassay-guided fractionation of the BuOH extract of a culture broth from A. punica 04107M led to the isolation of five previously undescribed compounds: Acrocarposporins A–E (Compounds 1–5). All the constituents were confirmed by HRESIMS and 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopy. Their antifungal activity was also evaluated. Our results showed that four constituents (Compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5) possessed mild antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Penicillium italicum, Candida albicans, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It is worth mentioning that the chemical composition of Acrocarpospora punica 04107M has never been studied. This is the first report on diterpenoid metabolites from the genus Acrocarpospora.
Photocatalytic Testing Protocol for N-Doped TiO2 Nanostructured Particles under Visible Light Irradiation Using the Statistical Taguchi Experimental Design
Authors: Kassalia Maria-Emmanouela , Nikolaou Zoe , Pavlatou Evangelia A.
Published: January 2023

The primary objective of this research is to propose and compile a specific protocol for photocatalytic measurements of modified TiO2 particles under visible-light irradiation. Nitrogen-modified titanium dioxide (N-TiO2) powder was synthesized by the sol–gel method and characterized by X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Raman Spectroscopy (micro-Raman), and Ultraviolet–visible Spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Photocatalytic tests were performed on a specially designed photocatalytic batch reactor to test the ability of the powder to degrade hazardous toxic compounds. Via the Taguchi method, nine experiments (L9) were compiled to examine the factors that affect the photocatalytic activity of the nano-sized powder. The N-TiO2 particles were characterized by the dominance of the crystalline anatase phase, exhibiting crystals in the nano-scale. The Taguchi method was designed to control four selected parameters (pollutant selection among azo dyes, amount of catalyst to pollutant, distance of the photocatalytic cell from the radiation source, and time protocol) with three levels/options each. Conclusions were drawn regarding the way each parameter affects the final degradation of the pollutant. The parameter that proved to affect the degradation of the pollutant to a greater extent was the choice of pollutant, followed by the amount of catalyst. The other two factors almost slightly affect the process, with a similar percentage. Taking into account the abovementioned results, a photocatalytic protocol for testing TiO2 nano-powder activity under visible light irradiation is proposed by using a batch, horizontal, rectangular, vis-LED equipped reactor with reflective walls.
Cooperative Content Caching Framework Using Cuckoo Search Optimization in Vehicular Edge Networks
Authors: Zaman Sardar Khaliq uz , Mustafa Saad , Abbasi Hajira , Maqsood Tahir , Rehman Faisal , Khan Muhammad Amir , Ahmed Mushtaq , Algarni Abeer D. , Elmannai Hela
Published: January 2023

Vehicular edge networks (VENs) connect vehicles to share data and infotainment content collaboratively to improve network performance. Due to technological advancements, data growth is accelerating, making it difficult to always connect mobile devices and locations. For vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicles are equipped with onboard units (OBU) and roadside units (RSU). Through back-haul, all user-uploaded data is cached in the cloud server’s main database. Caching stores and delivers database data on demand. Pre-caching the data on the upcoming predicted server, closest to the user, before receiving the request will improve the system’s performance. OBUs, RSUs, and base stations (BS) cache data in VENs to fulfill user requests rapidly. Pre-caching reduces data retrieval costs and times. Due to storage and computing expenses, complete data cannot be stored on a single device for vehicle caching. We reduce content delivery delays by using the cuckoo search optimization algorithm with cooperative content caching. Cooperation among end users in terms of data sharing with neighbors will positively affect delivery delays. The proposed model considers cooperative content caching based on popularity and accurate vehicle position prediction using K-means clustering. Performance is measured by caching cost, delivery cost, response time, and cache hit ratio. Regarding parameters, the new algorithm outperforms the alternative.
Automated Schedule and Cost Control Using 3D Sensing Technologies
Authors: ElQasaby Ahmed R. , Alqahtani Fahad K. , Alheyf Mohammed
Published: January 2023

Nowadays, many construction projects in KSA still struggle with cost overruns and delay in activities. Therefore, automatic monitoring approaches are needed in the construction progress monitoring domain (CPM) to address these concerns. Thus, this paper proposed a system integrating a BIM-planned model with site laser scans, as laser scanners showed massive potential in the CPM domain. The algorithms of the proposed system recognized 3D objects based on the intersection between models, alignment accuracy, and Lalonde features. The proposed system combined 3D object recognition technology with 5D information data into a 5D progress tracking system using earned value (EV) principles. The reason behind that is a lack of research regarding conducting a 5D assessment integrated BIM with 3D sensing technology in the CPM domain. The proposed system was verified using field data from a superstructure construction project where the object recognition indicators showed a 98% recall and 99% precision in recognizing 3D objects. The proposed system also used a color-coding system to address the condition of each element based on its recognition and scheduling state and address any occlusions while calculating the recognized objects. The results also revealed an automatically updated status of the project’s progress in terms of schedule(4D) and cost(5D). The automated results were also validated with a manual calculation, where a slight variation (1.35%) was observed between those calculations. This system demonstrates a degree of accurate progress tracking, automatically exceeding manual performance with less computational time.
Seismic Characteristics of a Geotextile Tube-Reinforced Embankment and Shallow Foundations Laid on Liquefiable Soil
Authors: Kim Hyeong-Joo , Dinoy Peter Rey , Reyes James Vincent , Kim Hyeong-Soo , Park Tae-Woong , Choi Hee-Seong
Published: January 2023

The ground in Saemangeum has a high water level and is mostly composed of silty soil and sand, which makes it susceptible to liquefaction and seepage effects. To investigate the seismic response of a geotextile tube-reinforced embankment and shallow foundations laid on a liquefiable soil, a simple spring type shaking table apparatus was developed. The variation in the response acceleration and shear stress-strain relationship were investigated, and the effect of soil improvement and reinforcement were explored, wherein one of the shallow foundations was laid on a coarse sand layer and reinforced by a polyester geotextile. The results showed that the main cause of damage to the embankment was seepage-induced liquefaction. Excessive surface accelerations were observed in the embankment soil due to lateral spreading, indicating the importance of analyzing the liquefaction potential of soils not only at the site area but also near embankments. Lastly, the inclusion of geotextile reinforcement and soil improvement only resulted in the slight reduction of shallow foundation settlement.
An Overview of Cyber Threats, Attacks and Countermeasures on the Primary Domains of Smart Cities
Authors: Demertzi Vasiliki , Demertzis Stavros , Demertzis Konstantinos
Published: January 2023

A smart city is where existing facilities and services are enhanced by digital technology to benefit people and companies. The most critical infrastructures in this city are interconnected. Increased data exchange across municipal domains aims to manage the essential assets, leading to more automation in city governance and optimization of the dynamic offered services. However, no clear guideline or standard exists for modeling these data flows. As a result, operators, municipalities, policymakers, manufacturers, solution providers, and vendors are forced to accept systems with limited scalability and varying needs. Nonetheless, it is critical to raise awareness about smart-city cybersecurity and implement suitable measures to safeguard citizens’ privacy and security because cyber threats seem to be well-organized, diverse, and sophisticated. This study aims to present an overview of cyber threats, attacks, and countermeasures on the primary domains of smart cities (smart government, smart mobility, smart environment, smart living, smart healthcare, smart economy, and smart people). It aims to present information extracted from the state of the art so policymakers can perceive the critical situation and simultaneously be a valuable resource for the scientific community. It also seeks to offer a structural reference model that may guide the architectural design and implementation of infrastructure upgrades linked to smart city networks.
Superactivating Bound Entanglement in Quantum Networks via Quantum Zeno Dynamics and a Novel Algorithm for Optimized Zeno Evolution
Authors: Ozaydin Fatih , Bayrakci Veysel , Altintas Azmi Ali , Bayindir Cihan
Published: January 2023

An arbitrary amount of entanglement shared among nodes of a quantum network might be nondistillable if the nodes lack the information on the entangled Bell pairs they share. Making such a system distillable, which is called the superactivation of bound entanglement (BE), was shown to be possible through systematic quantum teleportation between the nodes, requiring the implementation of controlled-gates scaling with the number of nodes. In this work, we show in two scenarios that the superactivation of BE is possible if nodes implement the proposed local quantum Zeno strategies based on only single qubit rotations and simple threshold measurements. In the first scenario we consider, we obtain a two-qubit distillable entanglement system as in the original superactivation proposal. In the second scenario, we show that superactivation can be achieved among the entire network of eight qubits in five nodes. In addition to obtaining all-particle distillable entanglement, the overall entanglement of the system in terms of the sum of bipartite cuts is increased. We also design a general algorithm with variable greediness for optimizing the QZD evolution tasks. Implementing our algorithm for the second scenario, we show that a significant improvement can be obtained by driving the initial BE system into a maximally entangled state. We believe our work contributes to quantum technologies from both practical and fundamental perspectives bridging nonlocality, bound entanglement and the quantum Zeno dynamics among a quantum network.
Extending the NNO Ballistic Limit Equation to Foam-Filled Dual-Wall Systems
Authors: Schonberg William P.
Published: January 2023

A key component in the quantitative assessment of the risk posed to spacecraft by the micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) environment is frequently referred to as a ballistic limit equation (BLE). A frequently used BLE for dual-wall configurations (which are commonly used on spacecraft to protect them against the MMOD environment) is the New Non-Optimum, or “NNO”, BLE. In design applications where a BLE is needed for a new structural system that has not yet been tested, but resembles to a fair degree a dual-wall system, it is common practice to equivalence the materials, thicknesses, etc., of the new system to the materials, thicknesses, etc., of a dual-wall system. In this manner, the NNO BLE can be used to estimate the failure / non-failure response characteristics for the new system. One such structural wall system for which a BLE does not yet exist is a dual-wall system that is stuffed with a lightweight polymer-based foam material. In this paper we demonstrate that the NNO BLE, in its original form, frequently over- or under-predicts the response of such a system. However, when the NNO BLE is modified to more properly include the effects of the presence of the foam as well as the actual material properties of the walls and the impacting projectile, there is a marked improvement in its predictive abilities.