bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extensive Drug Resistance of Strong Biofilm-Producing Acinetobacter baumannii Strains Isolated from Infections and Colonization Hospitalized Patients in Southern Poland
Authors: Kasperski Tomasz , Romaniszyn Dorota , Jachowicz-Matczak Estera , Pomorska-Wesołowska Monika , Wójkowska-Mach Jadwiga , Chmielarczyk Agnieszka
Published: May 2023

Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) is a bacterium that causes infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Treatment is challenging due to biofilm formation by AB strains, which hinders antibiotic effec-tiveness and promotes drug resistance. The aim of our study was to analyze the biofilm-producing capacity of AB isolates from various forms of infections in relation to biofilm-related genes and their drug resistance. We tested one hundred isolates for biofilm formation using the crystal violet microplate method. Drug re-sistance analyses were performed based on EUCAST and CLSI guidelines, and biofilm genes were detected using PCR. All tested strains were found to form biofilms, with 50% being ICU strains and 72% classified as strong biofilm-producers. Among these, 87% were extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and 2% were extra extensively drug-resistant (E-XDR). The most common gene set was bap, bfmS, csuE, and ompA, found in 57% of all isolates. Our research has shown that, regardless of the form of infection, biofilm-forming strains can be expected among AB isolates. The emergence of E-XDR and XDR strains among non-ICU infections highlights the necessity for the rational use of antibiotics to stop or limit the further acquisition of drug re-sistance by A. baumannii.
Freeze-dried Banana Slices Carrying Probiotic Bacteria
Authors: Niro Carolina M. , Mendonça Giovana M. N. , Paulino Lucca R. , Soares Viviane F. , Azeredo Henriette M.C.
Published: May 2023

Findings on diet-health relationships have led many people to include healthier food items (including snacks) in their diets, e.g. those containing probiotic microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to compare two methods to produce probiotic freeze-dried banana slices - one of them consisting of impregnating slices with a suspension of probiotic Bacillus coagulans, the other based on coating the slices with a starch dispersion containing the bacteria. Both processes have resulted in viable cell counts above 7 log ufc.g-1, although the presence of the starch coating has avoided a significant loss of viability on freeze-drying. The coated slices were less crispy than the impregnated ones, according to the shear force test results. However, the sensory panel (with more than 100 panelists) have not perceived significantly texture differences. Both methods have presented good results, in terms of probiotic cell viability and sensory acceptability (the coated slices having been significantly more accepted than the non-probiotic control slices).
Diagnosis and Management of Severe Water-Related Skin and Soft Tissue Sepsis: A Summative Review of the Literature
Authors: Naidoo Shanisa , Zwane Arnold M , Paruk Ahmed , Hardcastle Timothy Craig
Published: May 2023

Background: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) are common presentations to the emergency department. However, this is less common after contact with contaminated water, both salt or fresh. This review presents the diagnosis and the management of water-related soft tissue sepsis in this vulnerable and difficult to treat subgroup of necrotizing soft tissue sepsis. Methods: A summative literature overview regarding bacterial and fungal SSTI after contact with contaminated water, with practical diagnostic and management aspects addressed. Results: The literature indicates that these remain difficult to treat wounds and organisms. An approach using appropriate diagnostic tools with both medical and surgical management strategies is provided. Conclusion: SSTI due to water contamination of wounds involve unusual organisms with unusual resistance patterns and require a nuanced and directed diagnostic approach with adaptation of the normal antibiotic or antifungal selection to achieve cure, along with aggressive debridement and wound care.
Higher Monotonicity Properties for Zeros of Certain
Sturm-Liouville Functions
Authors: Tsai Tzong-Mo
Published: May 2023

We consider the second order differential equation y'' + ω^(2)ρ(x)y = 0 where ω is a positive
parameter. The principal concern here is to find conditions on the function
ρ^(−1/2)(x), which ensure that the consecutive differences of sequences constructed
from the zeros of a nontrivial solution of the equation are regular in sign for ω
sufficiently large. In particular, if c_(νk)(α) denotes the k-th positive zero of the general
Bessel (cylinder) function C_(ν)(x; α) = J_(ν)(x) cos α−Y_(ν)(x) sin α of order ν, and if |ν| < 1/2,
we prove that
(−1)^(m)∆^(m+2)c_(νk)(α) > 0 (m = 0, 1, 2, ...; k = 1, 2, ...),
where ∆a_(k) = a_(k+1) − a_(k). This type of inequalities was conjectured by Lorch and Szego in 1963.
We also show that the differences of the zeros of various orthogonal polynomials with higher
degrees possess the sign-regularity.
Liphedema Rehabilitation after Breast Cancer Surgery Using Combined Physiotherapy Techniques
Authors: Oana Maria Baltag , Apostu Mihaela , Xhardo Kristo , Iordan Daniel Andrei , Onu Ilie , Cordun Mariana
Published: May 2023

(1) Background: Breast cancer-associated lymphedema (BCRL) is a major complication of breast cancer treatment, affects the quality of life of breast cancer survivors who develop it. Manual lymphatic drainage has a beneficial result in combating lymphedema in patients who have undergone breast cancer surgery. The hypothesis consists in complete decongestive therapy reduces the lymphedema at the level of the upper limb on the side of mastectomy. (2) Methods: Twenty-five patients with radical mastectomy and upper limb lymphedema on the mastectomy side were included in this study. Upper limb circumferences were measured with a tape measure at the following levels: metacarpophalangeal joint; distal radioulnar joint; 10 cm distal to lateral epicondyle; 5 cm proximal to elbow joint; 10 cm proximal to lateral epicondyle. (3) Results: Patients received twice weekly manual lymphatic drainage, multi-layer compression bandaging and upper limb muscle stimulation exercises on the mastectomy side twice weekly. The circumference assessed at the level of the metacarpophalangeal joints and distal radio-carpal joint decreased at the final evaluation. Forearm perimetery - 5 and 10 cm distal to the lateral epicondyle the circumference decreased at the final assessment. (4) Conclusions: Patients with breast cancer-related lymphedema should receive comprehensive decongestive therapy in the early stage of lymphedema to achieve rapid clinical results and improved quality of life
In Silico Potential Antiviral Activity of Polyphenols From Plants Used in Traditional Medicine in La Libertad Región, Peru
Authors: Valdiviezo-Campos Juan Ernesto , Rodriguez Aredo Clara Divy , Ruiz-Reyes Segundo G. , Venegas-Casanova Edmundo A. , Ganoza-Yupanqui Mayar Luis , Bussmann Rainer W.
Published: May 2023

Traditional medicine is one of the main bases for studying and discovering natural sources of phytometabolites with antiviral properties. This research aims to demonstrate that the medicinal plants used as a treatment of viral diseases in the La Libertad region have, in fact, antiviral ac-tivity. The study evaluated the ethnobotany of the 8 most widely used medicinal plants in the region (Azadirachta indica A. Juss. “paraíso”, Caesalpinia spinosa (Molina) Kuntze “tara”, Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck “limón”, Clinopodium pulchellum (Kunth) Govaerts “panizara”, Cordia lutea Lam. “overo”, Ocimum basilicum L. “albahaca”, Schinus molle L. “molle”, and Taraxacum campylodes G.E. Haglund “diente de león”). The phytometabolites responsible for the antiviral activity were identified by LC-MS and evaluated in silico against the viral proteins NS2B/NS3 (DENV-2), NS5B (HCV), and ICP27 (HSV-1) using molecular docking in Autodock Vina and UCSF Chimera. The presence of five polyphenols (chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and rutin) was found and, in the in silico test, the antiviral activity of chlorogenic acid stood out against DENV-2 and HCV, rutin against HCV and HSV-1, rosmarinic acid against DENV-2 and HCV. Therefore, it is verified that the medicinal plants studied have antiviral activity, which supports their use in traditional medicine
Substitution Effect of Rice Bran with Coffee Pulp Meal on Feed Efficiency and Percentages of Viscera Organs of Broilers
Authors: Bagau Betty , Imbar Meity Revonni , Sompie Florencia Nery , Wolayan Fenny Rinai , Kowel Youdhie Hanna Siriously
Published: May 2023

Research on animal feed has often focused on finding alternative feed ingredients to replace conventional ones in order to reduce feed costs. By-products from processing crops and food products have received much attention as feed alternatives because of their consistent and mass production, one of them is a waste of coffee. This research was conducted to evaluate the substitution effect of rice bran with coffee pulp meal on feed efficiency and viscera organs of broiler. The 100 broilers (Hubbard strain) and placed randomly into 4 treatments (R0 = ration with rice bran 21% + 0% coffee pulp meal; R1 = ration with 14% rice bran + 7% coffee pulp meal; R2 = ration with 7% rice bran + 14% coffee pulp meal; R3 = ration with 0% rice bran + 21% coffee pulp meal and each treatment consisted of 5 replications, five broilers each. The broilers were arranged by completely randomized design; a Tukey test was used to compare mean different of the treatments. Substitution effect of Rice Bran with Coffee Pulp Meal on ration had significant effect on decreasing feed efficiency and significantly increase the weight percentage of heart, gizzard, pancreas, and intestine (P<0.05) but had no significant on the weight percentage of caecum in broiler (P>0.05) Tukey test showed that the higher proportion of coffee hull meal the feed consumption and body gain non-significant to R0, R1 and R2. On the other hand feed efficiency of R3 significantly lower compared to R0, R1and R2. The higher the percentage of liver, gizzard, pancreas and intestine weight. However, there was no significant effect on caecum weight percentage. The conclution was: Utilization coffee pulp meal had significant effect on decreasing feed efficiency and significantly increase the weight percentage of heart, gizzard, pancreas, and intestine
Risk Factors and Prophylactic Measures for Shoulder Periprosthetic Joint Infection After Primary Arthroplasty
Authors: Dhillon Ekamjeet S. , Yao Jie J. , Jurgensmeier Kevin , Schiffman Corey J. , Whitson Anastasia J. , Matsen Frederick A. , Hsu Jason E.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Our understanding of the risk factors for and effectiveness of prophylactic measures against shoulder periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) continues to evolve. This study’s objective was to study patient characteristics, procedural characteristics, and various infection prophylactic measures and their effects on the risk of shoulder PJI after primary arthroplasty.

Methods:

Nine hundred and ninety-eight patients in a longitudinally maintained, single-institution shoulder arthroplasty database who had at least 2 years of clinical follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Patient and procedural characteristics were collected. Perioperative variables, including the use of intraoperative antibiotics, topical antibiotics, antibiotic-containing irrigation solution, and a postoperative drain, were collected. Patients who developed shoulder PJI were compared with those without shoulder PJI to identify any association with patient or procedural characteristics.

Results:

Of the 998 patients, 20 (2.0%) met the criteria for shoulder PJI. Cutibacterium was identified as the causative organism in 19 (95%) of 20 culture-positive reoperations. On univariate analysis, patients in the PJI group were more likely to be younger (p < 0.001), to be male (p = 0.014), to have commercial insurance (p = 0.003), to use alcohol (p = 0.048), and to have had a ream-and-run or hemiarthroplasty procedure (p = 0.005). On multivariable analysis, older age was independently associated with a lower risk of PJI (odds ratio [OR] per year = 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.91 to 0.99; p = 0.014). Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (OR, 10.32; 95% CI, 0.92 to 116.33; p = 0.059) and hemiarthroplasty (OR, 8.59; 95% CI, 0.86.30 to 85.50; p = 0.067) trended toward a higher risk of PJI.

Conclusions:

Younger patients and patients undergoing procedures other than anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty are at higher risk for shoulder PJI. The majority of culture-positive reoperations were a result of Cutibacterium species.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Organic Carbon Distribution in Cambrian Deposits of the cis-Yenisei Subbasin
Authors: Kontorovich A.E. , Kostyreva E.A.
Published: May 2023

—The study considers the distribution of organic carbon in different formations and facies of Cambrian age identified in the cis-Yenisei subbasin. Two groups of depositional environments were recognized in the deepwater perioceanic and epicontinental basins, which accumulated sediments with elevated and sometimes anomalously high concentrations of planktonic and benthic organic matter. These are 1) local centers in the Tommotian (Oksym Formation) and Botomian stages of the lower Cambrian, Mayan (Elogui and Pudzhelga formations) and Ayusokkanian (Kondes Formation) stages of the middle Cambrian; 2) regional Kuonamka horizon, which is composed of Toyonian and Amgian deposits and occurs along the margins of the Siberian Platform; it is represented by the Inikan and Kuonamka formations in the east of the Siberian Platform and by the Paidugina Formation in the study area. The study shows that the organic matter has undergone a high degree of transformation and reached the apocatagenesis grade. The results of the study assume that the hydrocarbon generation intensity was high in the Cambrian formations of the cis-Yenisei subbasin in the geological past.
Approaching the Challenge of Multi-phase, Multi-hazard Volcanic Impact Assessment Through the Lens of Systemic Risk: Application to Taranaki Mounga
Authors: Weir Alana , Wilson Thomas M. , Bebbington Mark S. , Beaven Sarah , Gordon Teresa , Campbell-Smart Craig , Mead Stuart , Williams James H. , Fairclough Roger
Published: May 2023

Effective volcanic impact and risk assessment underpins effective volcanic disaster risk management. Yet contemporary volcanic risk assessments face a number of challenges, including delineating hazard and impact sequences, and identifying and quantifying systemic risks. A more holistic approach to impact assessment is required, which incorporates the complex, multi-hazard nature of volcanic eruptions and the dynamic nature of vulnerability before, during and after a volcanic event. Addressing this need requires a multidisciplinary, integrated approach, involving scientists and stakeholders to co-develop decision-support tools that are scientifically credible and operationally relevant to provide a foundation for robust, evidence-based risk reduction decisions. This study presents a dynamic, longitudinal impact assessment framework for multi-phase, multi-hazard volcanic events, and applies the framework to interdependent critical infrastructure networks in the Taranaki region of Aotearoa New Zealand, where Taranaki Mounga volcano has a high likelihood of producing a multi-phase explosive eruption within the next 50 years. In the framework, multi-phase scenarios temporally alternate multi-hazard footprints with risk reduction opportunities. Thus direct and cascading impacts, and any risk management actions, carry through to the next phase of activity. The framework forms a testbed for more targeted mitigation and response planning, and allows the investigation of optimal intervention timing for mitigation strategies during an evolving eruption. Using ‘risk management’ scenarios, we find the timing of mitigation intervention to be crucial in reducing disaster losses associated with volcanic activity. This is particularly apparent in indirect, systemic losses that cascade from direct damage to infrastructure assets. This novel, dynamic impact assessment approach addresses the increasing end-user need for impact-based decision-support tools that inform robust response and resilience planning.
Real-Time Optimization Strategy of the Alcoholic Fermentation Process Using Metamodeling
Authors: Morais Maria Suenia , Araujo Antonio
Published: May 2023

In a world in constant growth, the productive processes in which humanity manages to obtain its goods and consumer products, is undergoing advances every day, in this the real-time optimization of processes, comes to aggregate and innovate this advance, in order to to make processes more versatile and able to meet the needs of the manufacturing units to serve an increasingly demanding market with such varying behavior, in the most attractive way from an economic point of view. Real-time optimization is a performance optimization technique that is based on mathematical models to adhere to the most assertive operating conditions of a process and expand the profitability of an industrial plant. Enabling operating facilities to respond efficiently and effectively to ever-changing conditions of feed rates and composition, equipment and dynamic processing economics. A software is responsible for crossing the variables, executing the calculations and carrying out the performance simulations to induce new setpoints to the automation systems, however it is up to the plant operators to decide whether the software suggestions will be used or not. Through this, this project aims to develop strategies for optimizing fermentation processes by exploring metamodeling, including Multiple Linear Regression and Kriging, with a more robust Real Time Optimization for industrial application, providing optimal operation of processes in real time. The process would be simulated in Simulink and metamodeled in MATLAB®, always at the optimum point. The purpose of this work initially aims to obtain an algorithm (through metamodeling), which allows an increase in the resolution speed and efficiency of problems proposed through a case study, through the application of a real-time optimizer with a running frequency high enough to allow its application. The application of the methodology to the studied system allows us to conclude that “Nomad” has become the best optimizer of this process, as it presented good yield results with a Q^2 < 0.97, and with a fast processing time compared to the others.
Efficacy of fluralaner, a long acting acaricide against three species of vector mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) under laboratory conditions – a potential candidate for drug based vector control
Authors: Shah Harish Kumar , Sriniva Vaishnavi , Venkatesan Shakila , Balakrishnan Vijayakumar , Candassamy Sadanandane , Mathew Nisha , Kumar Ashwani , Sreedha Vijesh
Published: May 2023

Vector control is a key intervention against mosquito borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and malaria. However, conventional methods have several limitations and alternate strategies are in urgent need. Vector control with endectocides or systemic insecticides such as ivermectin is emerging as a novel strategy. The short half-life of ivermectin is a limiting factor for its application as a mass therapy tool for vector control. Isoxazoline compounds like fluralaner, a class of veterinary acaricides with long half-life hold promise as alternatives to ivermectin. These drugs persist in the animal body at detectable blood levels up to three months or more, after a one-time oral administration. However, information about their mosquitocidal effect is very much limited. In the current study, we explored the efficacy of fluralaner against laboratory reared vector mosquitoes of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762), Anopheles stephensi (Liston, 1901) and Culex quinquefasciatus (Say, 1823) (Diptera: Culicidae) by blood feeding. Fluralaner showed significant mosquitocidal effect with the estimated 24 h LC50 values in the range of 24.04–49.82 ng/mL for the three different mosquito species tested. Effects on life history characteristics (fecundity, egg hatch success, immature development and adult emergence success) were also observed at drug concentrations nearing 24 h LC50. At higher drug concentration of 250 ng/mL, significant knock down effect was observed within 1–2 h post blood feeding. Potent mosquitocidal effect coupled with its long half-life makes fluralaner an excellent candidate for drug based vector control strategies especially in the context of “One Health” approach. In this regard, further studies on the safety aspects of fluralaner in humans are desirable.
Substantial water retained early in Earth’s deep mantle
Authors: Du Zhixue , Yang Ya-Nan , Li Yuan , Lu Wenhua
Published: May 2023

Water in Earth’s deep mantle may have been acquired early1−7, when deep magma oceans that extend to Earth’s lower mantle, possibly to the core-mantle boundary, were prevalent in the aftermath of energetic impacts8,9. However, how early water was retained and distributed during crystallization of magma oceans remains unclear. This is primarily determined by partitioning of water between mantle mineral and silicate melt. Bridgmanite is the first and dominant mineral crystallized from deep magma oceans10. Yet early attempts are restricted to bridgmanite at the topmost lower mantle condition or minerals in the upper mantle and transition zone11. Here we use laser-heated diamond anvil cell to simulate relevant magma ocean conditions and investigate partitioning of water between bridgmanite and melt. Our data show that partitioning of water in bridgmanite over silicate melt is significantly higher than previous estimates and strongly dependent on temperature. Given plausible magma ocean crystallization scenarios, appreciable amounts of water may be retained in the lower mantle following the crystallization of a deep magma ocean. Circulation of such early, deep, and likely primordial water in Earth’s interior could modulate mantle dynamics and facilitate the transition of early Earth to a habitable planet.
3D parallel numerical simulation of bedding-containing shale based on CT technology and digital image processing
Authors: Wu Zhonghu , Yang Yuhan , Zuo Yujun , Meng Xiangrui , Wang Wentao , Lei Wenli
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of bedding inclination on the tensile strength and damage mechanism of shales. In this paper, we obtained images of shale specimens from the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation in the northern part of Guizhou Province by CT scanning, reconstructed 3D numerical models of shale at 0°, 30°, 45°, 60° and 90° bedding inclination angles using RFPA-3D finite element software, and performed direct tensile simulation tests. The test results show that the anisotropic nature of the tensile strength of the shale exhibits significant. The tensile strength reaches a minimum value of 2.97 MPa at θ = 0° and a maximum value of 5.27 MPa at θ = 90°. Shale specimens exhibit two modes of damage under uniaxial tension: a mode of damage by tension along the bedding and a mode of damage by compound tension along the bedding and the shale matrix. The spatial distribution of the acoustic emission points better reflects the macroscopic damage pattern of the specimen, and the acoustic emission counts show a single-peak distribution. The research is an important reference for shale reservoir hydraulic fracture sprouting, extension prediction and recovery enhancement.
Genome-wide investigation of the Nuclear factor Y gene family in Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe): evolution and expression profiling during development and abiotic stresses
Authors: Li Hong-Lei , Wu Xiaoli , Gong Min , Xia Maoqin , Zhang Wenlin , Chen Zhiduan , Xing Hai-Tao
Published: May 2023

Nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) plays a vital role in numerous biological processes as well as responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, its function in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), a significant medicinal and dietary vegetable, remains largely unexplored. While the NF-Y family has been thoroughly identified in many plant species, and the function of individual NF-Y TFs has been characterized, there is a paucity of knowledge concerning this family in ginger. In this study, the ginger genome was utilized to identify 36 NF-Y genes (10 ZoNF-YAs, 16 ZoNF-YBs, and 10 ZoNF-YCs), which were renamed based on their chromosomal distribution. Ten distinct motifs were identified within the ZoNF-Y genes, with certain unique motifs being vital for gene function. Through analyzing chromosomal location, gene structure, conserved protein motifs, and gene duplication events, the evolutionary characteristics of these ZoNF-Y genes were more fully understood. Detailed analysis of ZoNF-Y gene expression patterns across various tissues, performed through RNA-seq and qRT-PCR, revealed their significant role in regulating ginger rhizome and flower growth and development. Additionally, the ZoNF-Y family genes that responded to abiotic stresses were also identified. The ZoNF-Y family in ginger was identified for the first time in the present study. Our result contributes to research on evolutionary characteristics and better understanding the molecular basis for development and abiotic stress response, as well as further functional characterization of ZoNF-Y genes with an aim of ginger crop improvement.
Effect of matrix Self-Healing on the Bond-Slip Behavior of Micro Steel Fibers in Ultra High-Performance Concrete
Authors: ALOBAIDI SALAM , Al-Obaidi Salam , He Shan , Schlangen Erik , Ferrara Liberato
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the bond-slip behavior of micro steel fibers embedded into an Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) matrix as affected by the self-healing of the same matrix in different exposure conditions. The UHPC matrix contains a crystalline admixture as promoter of the autogenous self-healing specially added to enhance the durability in the cracked state. To the aforesaid purpose, some samples were partially pre-damaged with controlled preload (fiber pre-slip at different levels) and subjected to one-month exposure in 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution and in tap water to study the fiber corrosion, if any, and the effects of self-healing; after that, they were subjected to a pull-out test, to be compared with the behavior of analogous non pre-slipped samples undergoing the same curing history. Moreover, some samples were cured in the chloride solution, intended to simulate a marine environment, to study the effect of marine curing on the pull-out behavior of steel fiber. The steel fiber corrosion and self-healing products attached on the surface of steel fiber were analyzed via the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy -Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS). The results indicate that the new healed particles formed on the highly damaged fiber-matrix interface significantly enhance the friction phase of the bond-slip behavior and result into a significant residual capacity compared to non-pre-slipped specimens. On the other hand, the self-healing effect in specimens subjected to low damage pre-slip contributed more to the chemical adhesion region of the bond-slip behavior. Owning to the dense microstructure of the matrix, curing in 3.5% NaCl aqueous solution was not found to significantly affect the pull-out resistance as compared for the samples cured in tap water.
Generation Of Dense Urban Features Using Conditional GAN
Authors: Nihal Anurag , Kumar Vaibhav
Published: May 2023

This paper discusses the use of conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to generate dense urban features in satellite images and evaluate their effectiveness in semantic segmentation tasks. High-resolution true-color satellite imagery of Mumbai, obtained from Pleiades-1A at a 0.5m resolution, is utilized for the study. The proposed Multiple Discriminator pix2pix (MD-pix2pix) model, which employs multiple discriminators and a modified training procedure, is introduced to generate realistic satellite images. The performance of the MD-pix2pix model is compared to the traditional pix2pix model using a mix dataset of real and generated satellite images. The synthesized satellite images are assessed for their effectiveness in semantic segmentation tasks using various CNN models, including VGG16-UNet, MobileNetV2-UNet, and DeepLabV3+. The study aims to overcome the limitations of existing datasets that do not include informal settlements, such as slum areas, which are common in many cities. The results indicate that the MD-pix2pix model produces more realistic satellite images with greater variability in vegetation type, slum arrangements, and built-ups than the traditional pix2pix model. The synthetically generated satellite images are also effective in semantic segmentation tasks, with better segmentation accuracy achieved using the MD-pix2pix generated images for computationally less expensive architectures such as MobileNetV2-UNet. This study highlights the potential of GANs to generate realistic satellite images for urban feature mapping and monitoring applications.
Prevalence and risk factors of malnutrition according to GLIM criteria in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-center cross-sectional study
Authors: Tan Shengqiang , Jiang Jie , Qiu Liulin , Liang Yaohao , Meng Jianyi , Xiang Bangde
Published: May 2023

Aim: Malnutrition is common in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The study aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic criteria for identifying malnutrition in HCC patients, including Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS2002), scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA), and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) Criteria, Additionally, we aimed to identify risk factors associated with malnutrition using the GLIM Criteria.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 207 HCC patients, and nutritional screening/assessment results and blood samples were gathered within 72 hours of admission. Kappa values were used to evaluate the performance of the screening tools. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the clinical parameters associated with malnutrition as identified by the GLIM criteria.
Results: According to NRS2002, 30.4% of participants were at risk of malnutrition. GLIM criteria and PG-SGA diagnosed malnutrition in 41.1% and 54.6% of participants, respectively. The GLIM criteria accurately detected malnutrition (75.2% accuracy) and non-malnutrition (95.7% accuracy) compared to PG-SGA. Age, Child-Pugh score, anemia, and ascites were significantly associated with malnutrition in multivariate logistic regression.
Conclusion: The GLIM criteria are a valuable tool for diagnosing malnutrition in HCC patients, with NRS2002 and PG-SGA as complementary options. Understanding the risk factors for malnutrition can inform timely interventions to improve patient outcomes.
Effect of biochar and beneficial microorganisms on white root rot disease on Japanese apricot plants
Authors: Gomes Mateus , Izawa Tsubasa , Cruz André
Published: May 2023

Biochar as a soil conditioner is known for affecting several soil and plant properties as well as nutritional status. It can also aid the suppression of soil-borne pathogens. Rosellinia necatrix is a soil-borne microorganism that causes white root rot disease in a large number of plant species, especially fruit trees. The fungus, which occurs worldwide, is very aggressive and difficult to control. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Trichoderma are beneficial microorganisms (BM) known to aid in soil-borne disease suppression. Biochar has an active effect on the symbiotic relationship between plants and BM. Thus, the objective of this work was to investigate the effect of biochar and BM on Rosellinia necatrix suppression on Japanese apricot. The research was held in 2 phases. In phase 1, performed in vitro, we assessed R. necatrix and T. atroviridae growth in biochar-enriched medium. In phase 2, we inoculated Japanese apricot plants with R. necatrix and assessed disease severity. We discovered that R. necatrix was suppressed by T. atroviridae more efficiently than the control treatment when rice husk biochar was applied at a 0.5% concentration in vitro. We also learned that when rice husk biochar was amended, the effects of R. necatrix on Japanese apricot plants were less severe when compared to the control treatments, with disease progress being slower. We concluded that Rice husk biochar amendment successfully suppressed white root rot disease progression in vitro and in vivo, while bamboo biochar slowed disease progression in vivo. Mycorrhiza did not suppress R. necatrixgrowth.
Long-term effects of single application of biochar on physical and hydrological properties of crosby silt loam soil in Central Ohio, USA
Authors: Layek Jayanta , Lal Rattan , Meena Ram Swaroop , Mitran Tarik , Narzari Rumi
Published: May 2023

Purpose Very few studies have been done on the effect of one time biochar application on soil physical and hydrological properties after long time lag. The current investigation aims to know the alterations in infiltration rate, soil water content at different potential, water stability of aggregates etc. caused after six years of application of oak wood biochar in Crosby silt loam soil of temperate ecosystem.Methods The trial was carried out using a complete randomized block design with three treatments: B0 (no biochar), B25 (biochar at 25 Mg ha− 1), and B5 (biochar at 5 Mg ha− 1) and six replications. After six years, soil's physical and hydrological characteristics were measured.Results The application of B25 resulted in the lowest bulk density but highest total porosity as compared to the other treatments. B25 also enhanced the water stability of aggregates by 4.1%, as compared to the B0. B25 significantly enhanced soil water retention at all measured soil water potentials (0, -6, -10, -33, -100 and − 1500 kPa) except for − 1500 kPa (0–10 cm), -6 kPa (10–20 cm), and 0 kPa (10–20 cm) relative to B0. The highest increase in soil water content was recorded for B25 at 0 kPa (9.2%) followed by that at -6 kPa (7.4%). While, the B25 increased the mean hydraulic conductivity by 55.9% over control, B5 resulted in a 15.5% increase. IR of soil also increased under B25 and B5 over B0 by 15.5 and 5.0%, respectively.Conclusions Biochar application in Crosby silt loam soil can enhance soil physical and hydrological properties even in the long run.
Transcriptome and WGCNA reveal hub genes in sugarcane tiller seedlings in response to drought stress
Authors: Tang Yuwei , Li Jiahui , Song Qiqi , Chen Qin , Tan Qinliang , Zhou Quanguang , Lv Ping
Published: May 2023

Drought stress can severely affect sugarcane growth and yield. The objective of this research was to identify candidate genes in sugarcane tillering seedlings in response to drought stress. We performed a comparative phenotypic, physiological and transcriptomic analysis of tiller seedlings of drought-stressed and well-watered “Guire 2” sugarcane, in a time-course experiment (5 d, 9 d and 15 d). Physiological examination reviewed that SOD, proline, soluble sugars, and soluble proteins accumulated in large amounts in tiller seedlings under different intensities of drought stress, while MDA levels remained at a stable level, indicating that the accumulation of osmoregulatory substances and the enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activities helped to limit further damage caused by drought stress. RNA-seq and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were performed to identify genes and modules associated with sugarcane tillering seedlings in response to drought stress. Drought stress induced huge down-regulated in gene expression profiles, most of down-regulated genes were mainly associated with photosynthesis, sugar metabolism and fatty acid synthesis. We obtained four gene co-expression modules significantly associated with the physiological changes under drought stress (three modules positively correlated, one module negatively correlated ), and found that LSG1-2, ERF1-2, SHKA, TIL, HSP18.1, HSP24.1, HSP16.1 and HSFA6A may play essential regulatory roles as hub genes in increasing SOD, Pro, soluble sugar or soluble protein contents. In addition, greenyellow module mostly involved in tiller stem diameter, among which members of the BHLH148 were important nodes. These results provide new insights into the mechanisms by which sugarcane tillering seedlings respond to drought stress.
A Multicomponent Family Intervention, Combined with Salt Reduction for Children with Obesity: A Factorial Randomized Study Protocol
Authors: Assemany Cinthia Guimarães , Cunha Diana Barbosa , Brandão Joana Maia , Paravidino Vitor Barreto , Garcia Magno Conceição , Sichieri Rosely
Published: May 2023

BackgroundClinical trials to treat childhood obesity show modest results, weight regain and high dropout rates. Children with obesity often live in families with habits that contribute to unhealthy weight gain. This study will test whether a family intervention with a Brazilian-adapted Planetary Healthy Diet (PHD) and reduced portion sizes, along with increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behavior, can reduce excessive weight gain. The protocol promotes intake of in natura products and water, reduces ultra-processed foods, sugar, and sodium. It encourages family lifestyle changes and physical activities, with randomized allocation to experimental and control groups. The responsible family member will be evaluated during follow-up. The control group receives a print of the Brazilian dietary guideline.MethodsA factorial crossover design will also allocate families to receive reduced sodium salt plus anti-inflammatory herbs and a placebo salt. Both control and intervention groups will be randomly assigned to the sequence of both salts. The approach aims to reduce body weight expectations and evaluate salt's impact on blood pressure. It includes a 1-month intervention, 1-month washout, and 1-month intervention with monthly clinic visits and teleservice by health professionals. The primary outcomes will be the variation in the Body Mass Index (BMI) of the children. It will also be measured the BMI and the variation in the blood pressure of the pair (child/mother or father) as well as waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR).DiscussionThe project will test the effectiveness of the use of the recommendations of the PHD, physical activity and a salt reduced sodium. Results of the present study will allow the refinement of intervention aimed at the treatment of childhood obesity and may help development of guidelines to the treatment of obesity for Brazilian children.Trial Registration:The study is registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-10mm62vs). Registered 10 February 2023
Analysis of ten-year teaching evaluation of oral microbiology lab curriculum
Authors: Xu Yu , Ding Xingji , Wang Wenhui , Li Yazhuo , Nie Min
Published: May 2023

Background
According to the updated concept of oral microbiology teaching, the School of Stomatology, Wuhan University, has carried out the teaching reform of oral microbiology since 2009, and added a lab curriculum of oral microbiology in order to foster foundational, professional, comprehensive, and innovative abilities of the students by a designed trial. Based on the previous data, the ten annual teaching experimental results from 2013 to 2022 were generally analyzed in this paper.
Methods
The curriculum is aimed at students in the fourth year of a 5-year bachelor program and adopts a cooperative learning mode. The experimental teaching mainly includes four parts: collection and treatment of dental plaque, isolation and cultivation of cariogenic bacteria, staining and biochemical identification of cariogenic bacteria. This paper makes an overall analysis of students' experimental results from 2013 to 2022, and evaluates the role of the teaching method and teaching system in improving students' experimental practice ability and comprehensive innovation ability.
Results
The 664 study students’ grades on oral microbiology improved during the lab curriculum: The rate of "C" in the second, third and fourth experiments decreased significantly compared to experiment one. The results show that the experimental course improves students' achievement, helps students to understand and master the course content, and has been positively reviewed by students.
Conclusion
Through systematic experimental teaching and practice, this lab curriculum is helpful to improve students' professional skills and scientific research ability, cultivate students' interest in scientific research and improve the quality of stomatology education.
Anomalous non-Hermitian skin effect: the topological inequivalence of skin modes versus point gap
Authors: Guo Gang-Feng , Bao Xi-Xi , Zhu Han-Jie , Zhao Xiao-Ming , Zhuang Lin , Tan Lei , Liu Wuming
Published: May 2023

Non-Hermitian skin effect, the localization of an extensive number of open boundary eigenstates at the boundaries of the system, has greatly expanded the frontier of physical laws. It has long been believed that the present of skin modes is equivalent to the topologically nontrivial point gap. However, we find that this concomitance can be broken, i.e., the skin modes can be present or absent whereas the point gap is topologically trivial or nontrivial, respectively, named anomalous non-Hermitian skin effect. This anomalous phenomenon arises whenever the unidirectional hopping amplitudes among subsystems are emergence, in which sub-chains have the decoupling-like behaviors and only contribute to the energy levels while without particle occupation. The occurrence of the anomalous non-Hermitian skin effect is accompanied by the mutations of the open boundary eigenvalues, whose structure exhibits the multifold exceptional point and can not be recovered by continuum bands. Moreover, an experimental setup using circuits is proposed to simulate this novel effect. Our results reveal the topologically inequivalent between skin modes and point gap. This new effect not only can give a deeper understanding of non-Bloch theory and the critical phenomenon in non-Hermitian systems, but may also inspire new applications such as in the sensors field.
Past and future landscape dynamics reveal green space decline and fragmentation in a rapidly expanding city of northern Ghana, West Africa
Authors: Namwinbown Tony , Imoro Ziblim Abukari , Weobong Conrad Atogi-Akwoa , Tom-Dery Damian , Baatuuwie Bernard N. , Aikins Timothy Khan , Poreku Godwin , Lawer Eric Adjei
Published: May 2023

Green spaces such as forests, grasslands, and croplands are often characteristic of urban environments. Although they benefit human and animal well-being, they have become threatened due to rapid urban growth and unplanned development. In this study, we examined the dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) change and fragmentation (especially, green spaces) within the second fastest urbanising city in Ghana, Tamale. In particular, we focused our analyses on its urban core (~ 5 km radius around the city centre) due to its relevance to urban economy and society. Landsat data from 1990, 2002, 2012, and 2022 were used to estimate fragmentation metrics of past and future LULC changes. We found clear patterns of green space decline and fragmentation within the urban core: i.e., green spaces became smaller over time and the pattern was expected to continue in the future (e.g., 1990 = 92.66 km2; 2022 = 59.78 km2; 2052 = 31.42 km2). Additionally, we found the built-up class benefited from the decline of green spaces. Our investigation suggests that protected forests and tree plantations contributed to a significant proportion of available green spaces in the urban core. However, these areas were increasingly becoming threatened by indiscriminate activities such as logging and encroachment by private developers. Hence, we emphasise the need for enforcement of existing legislations such as the 2002 Forest Protection (Amendment) and 2016 Land Use and Spatial Planning Acts which collectively seek to ensure the sustainability of forest and urban systems for the well-being of humans and the environment.
Exploring the synergistic behaviour of paclitaxel and vorinostat upon co-loading in albumin nanoparticles for breast cancer management
Authors: Abhang Ashwin , Katari Oly , Ghadi Rohan , Chaudhari Dasharath , Jain Sanyog
Published: May 2023

Breast cancer is challenging to treat accompanied with poor clinical outcomes. Paclitaxel (PTX) is a first-line chemotherapeutic agent, but possesses limitations due to side effects, high dose, non-specific tissue distribution, and drug resistance. An epigenetic modulator, Vorinostat (VOR) is known to enhance PTX efficacy and therefore to resolve the issues of conventional PTX formulations we designed PTX-and VOR-bound albumin nanoparticles (PTX-VOR-BSA-NPs) using antisolvent precipitation technique where albumin is used as a carrier and a targeting agent. The PTX-VOR-BSA-NPs were of 140 nm size, PDI around 0.18, and about 78% and 68% of entrapment efficiency for PTX and VOR, respectively. A bi-pattern release of both PTX and VOR was observed from PTX-VOR-BSA-NPs with a burst release for 2 h succeeded by sustained release till 24 h. A significantly lower %cell viability was observed in MCF-7 cell lines, while efficient cellular drug uptake was found in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, a greater apoptotic index was found compared to free PTX and VOR because of the synergistic activity of these drugs. PTX-VOR-BSA-NPs had better PTX pharmacokinetic profile than Intaxel® with ~1.4-fold improved AUC. The self-targeting property of BSA along with the synergistic action of PTX and VOR from PTX-VOR-BSA-NPs aided in noteworthy reduction in the tumor volume compared to Intaxel®. Further, the PTX-VOR-BSA-NPs showed similar levels of toxicity biomarkers as that of control. Overall, the developed PTX-VOR-BSA-NPs were found to have less toxicity and more effectiveness compared to the marketed formulation, thus affirming the generation of a potent as well as and safe product.
Assessment of vegetation and peat soil characteristics of a fire-impacted tropical peatland in Costa Rica
Authors: Pérez-Castillo Ana Gabriela , Monge-Muñoz Mayela , Durán-Quesada Ana María , Giraldo-Sanclemente Weynner , Méndez-Esqu Ana Cristina , Briceño Néstor , Cadillo-Quiroz Hinsby
Published: May 2023

Tropical peatlands are highly vulnerable to anthropogenic alterations. In Costa Rica, riverine peatlands are understudied, and most are excluded from the protected areas. Aiming to assess the anthropogenic pressure in the Los Robles sector (LRS) of Medio Queso Wetland (MQW), this study evaluates its changes in vegetation cover, productivity, the topsoil, and soil profile. Fires have prevented the LRS from accumulating carbon (C) in the upper layers. Higher density and ash content; and lower C:N ratio in the dark black layers than the lower peat profile without carbonization, point to recurrent fires with a low water table (WT) for many years. To reduce the damage by fires to C accumulation, urgent measures to prevent prescribed fires, avoiding them specially until the beginning of the rainy season when the WT rise to near soil surface level. The species Eleocharis interstincta promotes higher C stability during the dry season, has a foliage with lower C:N ratio which make it more palatable for livestock and a more recalcitrant composition of the root system that favors peat formation than the temporally dominant Scleria melaleuca. Therefore, conserving E. interstincta could promote the recovery of the peatland functionality in the LRS.