bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of pediatric hand injuries in a tertiary care children’s hospital
Authors: Bezirgan Uğur , Vatansever Göksel , Yoğun Yener , Alpat Servet Elçin , Bozkurt Orhun Eray , Dumlupinar Ebru
Published: August 2024

Pediatric hand traumas are common injuries in childhood. The incidence and type of injury vary with age. In our country, there are only two publications in which only crush is examined in etiology. In this study, we aimed to develop a strategy to prevent hand injuries by examining pediatric hand injuries according to the child’s developmental stage and anatomical region. The data of 493 (315 boys, 178 girls) patients under the age of 18 between 2016 and 2020 were analyzed. Patients were categorized according to etiology and age. Males are more dominant in pediatric hand injuries (63.9%). The most common cause of hand injuries under the age of 4 years is scald burns. While distal phalanx fractures (79.7%) are more common under 7 years of age, little finger fractures (44.7%) are more common than other finger fractures over 7 years of age. The reason for the increase in fifth metacarpal (neck) fractures between the ages of 12 and 17 years is fighting and punching. Door/window jamming injuries (60.7%) are more common under the age of 7 years, while there is an increase in sports injuries (94.7%) over the age of 7 years. The findings of this study provided age-specific information about the anatomical site, objects, activities, mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment associated with hand and finger injuries. While developing a strategy to prevent childhood hand and finger injuries in Turkey, it is necessary to focus on age.
H3K36 Methylation - a Guardian of Epigenome Integrity
Authors: Padilla Reinnier , Shipman Gerry A. , Horth Cynthia , Bareke Eric , Majewski Jacek
Published: August 2024

H3K36 methylation is emerging as a key epigenetic modification with strong implications in genetic disease and cancer. However, the mechanisms through which H3K36me impacts the epigenome and asserts its functional consequences are far from understood. Here, we use mouse mesenchymal stem cell lines with successive knockouts of the H3K36 methyltransferases: NSD1, NSD2, SETD2, NSD3, and ASH1L, which result in progressive depletion of H3K36me and its complete absence in quintuple knockout cells, to finely dissect the role of H3K36me2 in shaping the epigenome and transcriptome. We show that H3K36me2, which targets active enhancers, is important for maintaining enhancer activity, and its depletion results in downregulation of enhancer-dependent genes. We demonstrate the roles of H3K36me2/3 in preventing the invasion of gene bodies by the repressive H3K27me modifications. Finally, we observe a previously undescribed relationship between H3K36me and H3K9me3: Following the depletion of H3K36me2, H3K9me3 is redistributed away from large heterochromatic domains and towards euchromatin. This results in a drastic decompartmentalization of the genome, weakening the boundaries between active and inactive compartments, and a catastrophic loss of long-range inter-compartment interactions. By studying cells totally devoid of H3K36 methyltransferase activity, we uncover a broad range of crucial functions of H3K36me in maintaining epigenome integrity.
Neural Mechanism Underlying Successful Classification of Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment Using Multi-Sensory-Evoked Potentials
Authors: Zhang Lei , Binns Malcom , Chow Ricky , Rabi Rahel , Anderson Nicole D. , Lu Jing , Freedman Morris , Alain Claude
Published: August 2024

Early detection of amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is crucial for timely interventions. This study combines scalp recordings of lateralized auditory, visual, and somatosensory stimuli with a flexible and interpretable support vector machine learning pipeline to differentiate individuals diagnosed with aMCI from healthy controls. Event-related potentials (ERPs) and functional connectivity (FC) matrices from each modality successfully predicted aMCI. Reduced ERP amplitude in aMCI contributed to classification. The analysis of FC using phase-locking value revealed higher FC in aMCI than controls in frontal regions, which predicted worse cognitive performance, and lower FC in posterior regions from delta to alpha frequency. We observe optimal classification accuracy (96.1%), sensitivity (97.7%) and specificity (94.3%) when combining information from all sensory conditions than when using information from a single modality. The results highlight the clinical potential of sensory-evoked potentials in detecting aMCI, with optimal classification using both amplitude and oscillatory-based FC measures from multiple modalities.
Codon Usage Bias Analysis of Human Papillomavirus 18’s L1 Protein and its Host Adaptability
Authors: Shinde Vinaya , Kaur Parminder , Bankariya Swati
Published: August 2024

Human Papillomavirus 18 (HPV 18) is known as a high-risk variant associated with cervical and anogenital malignancies. High-risk types HPV 18 and HPV 16 (human papillomavirus 16) play a major part in about 70 percent of cervical cancer worldwide (Ramakrishnan et al., 2015). The L1 protein of HPV 18 (HPV 18’s L1 protein), also known as major capsid L1 protein is targeted in the vaccine development against HPV 18 due to its non-oncogenic and non-infectious properties with self-assembly ability into virus-like particles. In the present analysis, an extensive codon usage bias analysis of HPV 18’s L1 protein and adaptation to its host human was conducted. The Effective number (Nc) Grand Average of Hydropathy (GRAVY), Index of Aromaticity (AROMO), and Codon Bias Index (CBI) values revealed no biases in codon usage of HPV 18’s L1 protein. The data of the Codon Adaptation Index (CAI), and Relative Codon Deoptimization Index (RCDI) indicate adaptation of HPV 18’s L1 protein according to its host human. The domination of selection pressure on codon usage of HPV 18’s L1 protein was demonstrated based on GC12 vs GC3, Nc vs GC3, and frequency of optimal codons (FOP). The Parity plot revealed that the genome of HPV 18’s L1 protein has a preference for purine over pyrimidine, that is G nucleotides over C, and no preference for A over T but A/T richness was observed in the genome of HPV 18’s L1 protein. In the Nucleotide composition, GC1 richness ultimately represents evolutionary aspects of codon usage. Furthermore, these findings can be used in currently ongoing vaccine development and gene therapy to design viral vectors.
Efficient clustering of large molecular libraries
Authors: Pérez Kenneth López , Jung Vicky , Chen Lexin , Huddleston Kate , Miranda-Quintana Ramón Alain
Published: August 2024

The widespread use of Machine Learning (ML) techniques in chemical applications has come with the pressing need to analyze extremely large molecular libraries. In particular, clustering remains one of the most common tools to dissect the chemical space. Unfortunately, most current approaches present unfavorable time and memory scaling, which makes them unsuitable to handle million- and billion-sized sets. Here, we propose to bypass these problems with a time- and memory-efficient clustering algorithm, BitBIRCH. This method uses a tree structure similar to the one found in the Balanced Iterative Reducing and Clustering using Hierarchies (BIRCH) algorithm to ensure O(N) time scaling. BitBIRCH leverages the instant similarity (iSIM) formalism to process binary fingerprints, allowing the use of Tanimoto similarity, and reducing memory requirements. Our tests show that BitBIRCH is already > 1,000 times faster than standard implementations of the Taylor-Butina clustering for libraries with 1,500,000 molecules. BitBIRCH increases efficiency without compromising the quality of the resulting clusters. We explore strategies to handle large sets, which we applied in the clustering of one billion molecules under 5 hours using a parallel/iterative BitBIRCH approximation.
TherapeuticSpp1silencing in TREM2+cardiac macrophages suppresses atrial fibrillation
Authors: Momin Noor , Pabel Steffen , Rudra Arnab , Kumowski Nina , Lee I-Hsiu , Mentkowski Kyle , Yamazoe Masahiro , Stengel Laura , Muse Charlotte G. , Seung Hana , Paccalet Alexandre , Gonzalez-Correa Cristina , Jacobs Emily B. , Grune Jana , Schloss Maximilian J. , Sossalla Samuel , Wojtkiewicz Gregory , Iwamoto Yoshiko , McMullen Patrick , Mitchell Richard N. , Ellinor Patrick T. , Anderson Daniel G. , Naxerova Kamila , Nahrendorf Matthias , Hulsmans Maarten
Published: August 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) and the risk of its lethal complications are propelled by fibrosis, which induces electrical heterogeneity and gives rise to reentry circuits. Atrial TREM2+macrophages secrete osteopontin (encoded bySpp1), a matricellular signaling protein that engenders fibrosis and AFib. Here we show that silencingSpp1in TREM2+cardiac macrophages with an antibody-siRNA conjugate reduces atrial fibrosis and suppresses AFib in mice, thus offering a new immunotherapy for the most common arrhythmia.
Early differential impact of MeCP2 mutations on functional networks in Rett syndrome patient-derived human cerebral organoids
Authors: Osaki Tatsuya , Delepine Chloe , Osako Yuma , Kranz Devorah , Levin April , Nelson Charles , Fagiolini Michela , Sur Mriganka
Published: August 2024

Human cerebral organoids derived from induced pluripotent stem cells can recapture early developmental processes and reveal changes involving neurodevelopmental disorders. Mutations in the X-linked methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) gene are associated with Rett syndrome, and disease severity varies depending on the location and type of mutation. Here, we focused on neuronal activity in Rett syndrome patient-derived organoids, analyzing two types of MeCP2 mutations – a missense mutation (R306C) and a truncating mutation (V247X) - using calcium imaging with three-photon microscopy. Compared to isogenic controls, we found abnormal neuronal activity in Rett organoids and altered network function based on graph theoretic analyses, with V247X mutations impacting functional responses and connectivity more severely than R306C mutations. These changes paralleled EEG data obtained from patients with comparable mutations. Labeling DLX promoter-driven inhibitory neurons demonstrated differences in activity and functional connectivity of inhibitory and excitatory neurons in the two types of mutation. Transcriptomic analyses revealed HDAC2-associated impairment in R306C organoids and decreased GABAAreceptor expression in excitatory neurons in V247X organoids. These findings demonstrate mutation-specific mechanisms of vulnerability in Rett syndrome and suggest targeted strategies for their treatment.
In search of the pH limit of growth in halo‐alkaliphilic cyanobacteria
Authors: Yi Lianchun , Solanki Ruchita , Strous Marc
Published: August 2024

Cyanobacteria have many biotechnological applications. Increasing their cultivation pH can assist in capturing carbon dioxide and avoiding invasion by other organisms. However, alkaline media may have adverse effects on cyanobacteria, such as reducing the Carbon‐Concentrating Mechanism's efficiency. Here, we cultivated two halo‐alkaliphilic cyanobacteria consortia in chemostats at pH 10.2–11.4. One consortium was dominated by Ca. Sodalinema alkaliphilum, the other by a species of Nodosilinea. These two cyanobacteria dominate natural communities in Canadian and Asian alkaline soda lakes. We show that increasing the pH decreased biomass yield. This decrease was caused, in part, by a dramatic increase in carbon transfer to heterotrophs. At pH 11.4, cyanobacterial growth became limited by bicarbonate uptake, which was mainly ATP dependent. In parallel, the higher the pH, the more sensitive cyanobacteria became to light, resulting in photoinhibition and upregulation of DNA repair systems.
Opioid agonist treatment outcomes among individuals with a history of nonfatal overdose: Findings from a pragmatic, pan‐Canadian, randomized control trial
Authors: Crepeault Hannah , Ti Lianping , Bach Paxton , Wood Evan , Jutras‐Aswad Didier , Le Foll Bernard , Lim Ron , Socias Maria E.
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives

History of nonfatal overdose (NFO) is common among people who use opioids, but little is known about opioid agonist treatment (OAT) outcomes for this high‐risk subpopulation. The objective of this study was to investigate the relative effectiveness of buprenorphine/naloxone and methadone on retention and suppression of opioid use among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and history of NFO.

Methods

Secondary analysis of a pan‐Canadian pragmatic trial comparing flexible take‐home buprenorphine/naloxone and supervised methadone for people with OUD and history of NFO. Logistic regression was used to examine the impact of OAT on retention in the assigned or in any OAT at 24 weeks and analysis of covariance was used to examine the mean difference in opioid use between treatment arms.

Results

Of the 272 randomized participants, 155 (57%) reported at least one NFO at baseline. Retention rates in the assigned treatment were 17.7% in the buprenorphine/naloxone group and 18.4% in the methadone group (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.17–1.54). Rates of retention in any OAT were 28% and 20% in the buprenorphine/naloxone and methadone arms, respectively (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI: 0.65–3.78). There was an 11.9% adjusted mean difference in opioid‐free urine drug tests, favoring the buprenorphine/naloxone arm (95% CI: 3.5–20.3; p = .0057).

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

Among adults with OUD and a history of overdose, overall retention rates were low but improved when retention in any treatment was considered. These findings highlight the importance of flexibility and patient‐centered care to improve retention and other treatment outcomes in this population.
Species‐level, metagenomic and proteomic analysis of microbe‐immune interactions in severe asthma
Authors: Jabeen Maisha F. , Sanderson Nicholas D. , Tinè Mariaenrica , Donachie Gillian , Barber Clair , Azim Adnan , Lau Laurie C. K. , Brown Thomas , Pavord Ian D. , Chauhan Anoop , Klenerman Paul , Street Teresa L. , Marchi Emanuele , Howarth Peter H. , Hinks Timothy S. C.
Published: August 2024

Background

The airway microbiome in severe asthma has not been characterised at species‐level by metagenomic sequencing, nor have the relationships between specific species and mucosal immune responses in ‘type‐2 low’, neutrophilic asthma been defined. We performed an integrated species‐level metagenomic data with inflammatory mediators to characterise prevalence of dominant potentially pathogenic organisms and host immune responses.

Methods

Sputum and nasal lavage samples were analysed using long‐read metagenomic sequencing with Nanopore and qPCR in two cross‐sectional adult severe asthma cohorts, Wessex (n = 66) and Oxford (n = 30). We integrated species‐level data with clinical parameters and 39 selected airway proteins measured by immunoassay and O‐link.

Results

The sputum microbiome in health and mild asthma displayed comparable microbial diversity. By contrast, 23% (19/81) of severe asthma microbiomes were dominated by a single respiratory pathogen, namely H. influenzae (n = 10), M. catarrhalis (n = 4), S. pneumoniae (n = 4) and P. aeruginosa (n = 1). Neutrophilic asthma was associated with H. influenzae, M. catarrhalis, S. pneumoniae and T. whipplei with elevated type‐1 cytokines and proteases; eosinophilic asthma with higher M. catarrhalis, but lower H. influenzae, and S. pneumoniae abundance. H. influenzae load correlated with Eosinophil Cationic Protein, elastase and IL‐10. R. mucilaginosa associated positively with IL‐6 and negatively with FGF. Bayesian network analysis also revealed close and distinct relationships of H. influenzae and M. catarrhalis with type‐1 airway inflammation. The microbiomes and cytokine milieu were distinct between upper and lower airways.

Conclusions

This species‐level integrated analysis reveals central, but distinct associations between potentially pathogenic bacteria and airways inflammation in severe asthma.
FloraVeg.EU — An online database of European vegetation, habitats and flora
Authors: Chytrý Milan , Řezníčková Marcela , Novotný Petr , Holubová Dana , Preislerová Zdenka , Attorre Fabio , Biurrun Idoia , Blažek Petr , Bonari Gianmaria , Borovyk Dariia , Čeplová Natálie , Danihelka Jiří , Davydov Denys , Dřevojan Pavel , Fahs Nina , Guarino Riccardo , Güler Behlül , Hennekens Stephan M. , Hrivnák Richard , Kalníková Veronika , Kalusová Veronika , Kebert Tomáš , Knollová Ilona , Knotková Kateřina , Koljanin Dragan , Kuzemko Anna , Loidi Javier , Lososová Zdeňka , Marcenò Corrado , Midolo Gabriele , Milanović Djordjije , Mucina Ladislav , Novák Pavel , Raab‐Straube Eckhard von , Reczyńska Kamila , Schaminée Joop H. J. , Štěpánková Petra , Świerkosz Krzysztof , Těšitel Jakub , Těšitelová Tamara , Tichý Lubomír , Vynokurov Denys , Willner Wolfgang , Axmanová Irena
Published: August 2024

This article describes FloraVeg.EU, a new online database with open‐access information on European vegetation units (phytosociological syntaxa), vegetated habitats, and plant taxa. It consists of three modules. (1) The Vegetation module includes 149 phytosociological classes, 378 orders and 1305 alliances of an updated version of the EuroVegChecklist modified based on the decisions of the European Vegetation Classification Committee. Vegetation units dominated by vascular plants are characterized by country‐based distribution maps and data on the dominant life forms, phenology, soil properties, relationships to vegetation regions, elevational vegetation belts and azonal habitats, successional status, and degree of naturalness. A list of diagnostic taxa is also provided for each class. (2) The Habitats module includes vascular‐plant‐dominated terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitat types from the first to the third or fourth highest hierarchical levels of the EUNIS classification. Of these, 249 vegetated habitats are characterized by a brief description, a point‐based distribution map, diagnostic, constant, and dominant taxa, and a list of the corresponding alliances. (3) The Species module provides information on 37 characteristics of European vascular plant species and some infrageneric or infraspecific taxa, including functional traits (habitus and growth type, leaf, flower, fruit and seed traits, and trophic mode), taxon origin (native vs alien), and ecological information (environmental relationships, Ellenberg‐type indicator values, disturbance indicator values, and relationships to vegetation units and habitat types). Values for at least three variables are available for 36,404 species. Individual taxa, vegetation units, and habitats in these three modules are illustrated by more than 34,000 photographs. The Download section of FloraVeg.EU provides open‐access data sets in a spreadsheet format that can be used for analyses. FloraVeg.EU is a new resource with easily accessible data that can be used for research in vegetation science, ecology, and biogeography, as well as for education and conservation applications.
Vitamin B12 deficiency misdiagnosed as TTP: What can we learn from it?
Authors: Lämmle Bernhard , Laemmle Alexander
Published: August 2024

The case report by Dwyre et al. shows that vitamin B12 deficiency may be misdiagnosed as acute thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Together with similar observations, this underlines that acquired vitamin B12 deficiency—besides the inherited disorder of intracellular cobalamin metabolism, cbl C disease—should be listed as a separate entity of the thrombotic microangiopathies.

Commentary on: Dwyre et al. Microangiopathic thrombocytopenia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency responding to plasma exchange. Br J Haematol 2024 (Online ahead of print). doi: 10.1111/bjh.19625.
Substance use among trans and gender diverse young people in Australia: Patterns, correlates and motivations
Authors: Bailey Sasha , Lin Ashleigh , Cook Angus , Winter Sam , Watson Vanessa , Wright‐Toussaint Dani , Barrett Emma L. , Newton Nicola , Perry Yael , Grummitt Lucinda , Strauss Penelope
Published: August 2024

Introduction

There is a dire paucity of research into the burden, correlates and motives of substance use among trans young people in Australia.

Method

Using data from a national survey of Australian trans young people (N = 859, Mage = 19.4), we estimated prevalence of past 6‐month substance use (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, other drugs) and lifetime substance use disorder diagnoses. Covariate‐adjusted multivariate logistic regression models tested associations between substance use types with 18 interpersonal factors. Open‐ended responses regarding substance use motives (n = 489) were qualitatively analysed using thematic analysis with an interpretative phenomenological approach.

Results

Prevalence of lifetime substance use disorder diagnosis was 13.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.1, 16.1). Alcohol use was most reported (72.4%; 95% CI 68.9, 75.6) followed by tobacco (31.1%; 95% CI 27.7, 34.6) and cannabis (30.6%; 95% CI 27.2, 34.2). Trans women reported highest rates of alcohol and cannabis use; use of other drugs was highest among trans men. Highest risk of substance use was observed among trans youth who experienced discrimination, intimate partner abuse, peer rejection and lack of family support (adjusted odds ratios ranging 1.5 to 3.0). Four multi‐levelled themes of substance use motives were identified: circumstantial use, somatic use, feeling better about oneself and one's life, and harm reduction.

Discussion and Conclusions

While substance use among trans young is largely circumstantial, hedonistic and altruistic, facilitating self‐exploration, friendship and community connectedness, substance use among trans young people is highly prevalent and may be used to cope with sleep difficulties, depression/anxiety and cisnormativity, including delays and waitlists for accessing gender‐affirming care.
Alamandin and especially melatonin attenuate pulmonary arterial hypertension induced by monocrotalin
Authors: Ayik Seyhan , Gunata Mehmet , Ozhan Onural , Yildiz Azibe , Vardi Nigar , Sonmez Emre , Ermis Necip , Ates Nilay , Kilic Ertugrul , Noma Samir Abbas Ali , Ulu Ahmet , Inan Seyfullah Taha , Acet Haci Ahmet , Parlakpinar Hakan
Published: August 2024

Background

Despite the available treatments, pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) prognosis is poor.

Objectives

We aimed to investigate the effects of the alamandine (ALA), melatonin (MEL), and ALA + MEL in PAH.

Methods

The rats were randomly divided into Control (n = 10), monocrotaline (MCT) (n = 12), ALA (n = 12), MEL (n = 12), and ALA + MEL (n = 12) groups. PAH was induced by MCT. The ALA, MEL, and ALA + MEL groups received 50 μg/kg/day ALA, 10 mg/kg/day MEL, and ALA + MEL, respectively, for 35 days. Echocardiographic and hemodynamic measurements and tissue analyses (morphometric, histopathological, ELISA, and western blot) were performed.

Results

Monotherapies, especially MEL, reduced the right ventricular (RV) systolic pressure. Only MEL increased the pulmonary artery acceleration time. MCT increased the RV/left ventricle (LV) + interventricular septum (IVS) ratio. While ALA and ALA + MEL slightly decreased the RV/(LV + IVS), MEL significantly restored it. MCT increased the tunica intima‐media (TIM) thickness, PCNA and α‐SMA of pulmonary arterioles, histopathological score (HS) (inflammatory infiltration etc.) of the lung, and RV. All treatments reduced the TIM thickness (especially MEL), PCNA, and α‐SMA. All treatments significantly decreased the HS of the lung; however, MEL and ALA + MEL produced greater benefits. All treatments attenuated the HS of RV. MCT caused a significant increase in lung lysyl oxidase (LOX) activity. All treatments restored the LOX; however, MEL and ALA + MEL provided greater improvement. While lung Nrf‐2 was increased in MCT‐treated rats, MEL reduced it.

Conclusion

ALA, MEL, and ALA + MEL attenuate PAH and protect RV via antiproliferative, anti‐remodeling, antihypertrophic, anti‐inflammatory, and free radical scavenging (only MEL) capabilities. Overall, MEL produced the best outcomes.
Amitriptyline protects afferent synapses in the cochlea against excitotoxic trauma in vitro
Authors: Wang Liqin , Xu Mengfan , Zhang Qing , Li Geng‐Lin
Published: August 2024

Afferent synapses between inner hair cells (IHCs) and the type I spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in the cochlea provide over 95% of sensory signals for auditory perception in the brain. However, these afferent synapses are particularly vulnerable to damage, for example from excitotoxicity, and exposure to noise in the environment which often leads to noise‐induced cochlear synaptopathy (NICS). In this study, we simulated excitotoxic trauma by incubating kainic acid, a non‐desensitizing agonist for AMPA type glutamate receptors on cultured cochleae. The possible protective effects of amitriptyline against NICS were examined. We found that, in IHCs, amitriptyline reversed the decrease of Ca2+ current and exocytosis caused by excitotoxic trauma. In SGNs, amitriptyline promoted the recovery of neurite loss caused by excitotoxic trauma. Furthermore, we found that the protective effects of amitriptyline are likely mediated by suppressing apoptosis factors that were upregulated during excitotoxic trauma. In conclusion, our results suggest that amitriptyline could protect afferent synapses in the cochlea from NICS, making it a potential drug candidate for hearing protection.
Diversity in clinical isolates of Ictalurid herpesvirus 1 (IcHV1) from U.S. farm‐raised catfish and virulence assessment in channel and channel × blue catfish hybrids
Authors: Venugopalan Arun , White Danielle , López‐Porras Adrián , Ford Lorelei , Ware Cynthia , Lewis Marsha A. , Steadman James M. , Khoo Lester H. , Richardson Bradley , Walker Charles M. , Byars Todd S. , Wise David J. , Griffin Matt J. , Hanson Larry A.
Published: August 2024

Ictalurid herpesvirus 1 (IcHV1) is the most significant viral agent in U.S. catfish aquaculture. Little is known regarding the genetic stability and antigenic variability of IcHV1. Herein, the genetic and antigenic diversity of IcHV1 field isolates was assessed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and serum neutralization assays. RFLP analysis identified two distinct genotypes (IcHV1A and IcHV1B), both discrete from blue catfish alloherpesvirus (BCAHV). Neutralization assays with anti‐IcHV1 monoclonal antibody Mab‐95 indicate shared antigenic determinants for IcHV1A and IcHV1B that are absent from BCAHV, which Mab‐95 did not neutralize. Virulence assessments with representative isolates demonstrate significant differences between isolates within RFLP groups and pooled RFLP group data suggest IcHV1B (pooled survival [mean ± SE]: 58.3% ± 2.6) may be more virulent than IcHV1A (survival: 68.6% ± 2.4). Rechallenges with representative IcHV1A and IcHV1B isolates indicate a cross‐protective effect, with fish surviving initial exposure to IcHV1A or IcHV1B showing robust protection when subsequently re‐exposed to IcHV1A or IcHV1B. This work demonstrated significant differences in virulence between case isolates, identifying two discrete IcHV1 lineages, distinct from BCAHV, with similar virulence in channel and channel × blue catfish hybrids and a cross‐protective effect in catfish surviving exposure to either lineage.
Climatic disequilibrium in tree cover is frequent in protected areas worldwide — implications for conservation and restoration
Authors: Schweiger Andreas Hubert , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: August 2024

Many species and ecosystems that diversified and adapted under consumer control in prehistoric times are nowadays highly threatened. Nature protection areas (PAs) form a major conservation strategy to avoid their losses. We argue that many PAs across Earth are in disequilibrium with current climatic conditions. At the same time, the main consumers of woody vegetation keeping these systems in climatic disequilibrium, that is, large‐bodied herbivores and/or fire, have strongly declined or changed in occurrence in (pre‐)historic times. Without active intervention, this lack of consumer control will cause the systems to approach climate equilibrium with major implications for baseline‐focused approaches in species and nature protection and restoration. In a global analysis we quantified the prevalence of climatic disequilibrium in PAs for all terrestrial biomes. We calculated climatic disequilibrium in PAs as the difference between actual tree cover and the potential tree cover under current climatic conditions (i.e., mean annual temperature and annual precipitation sum). We show that climatic disequilibrium conditions in tree cover are a widespread phenomenon in PAs across all biomes with highest values for the temperate grassland, tundra and taiga biomes. We argue that trophic rewilding, notably the restoration of functionally diverse large‐herbivore assemblages, would not only help maintain climatic disequilibrium states, but also reduce labour and costs for management.
A method to determine the retinal radiant exposure caused by ophthalmoscopy
Authors: Campbell Charles
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To introduce a method to calculate retinal irradiance caused by ophthalmoscopy. This may be used to verify the compliance of an instrument with the radiation limits set by light hazard standards. The proposed method is simpler to use and less prone to error than the methods currently found in the light hazard standards.

Methods

The optical properties of the standardised human eye, specified by current light hazard standards, are used to calculate the magnification of an aerial image of the retinal surface by the combination of the optics of eye and the auxiliary lens used for ophthalmoscopy. The magnification of the aerial image is used to transform the spectral irradiance of the instrument illumination source to retinal irradiation values. The spectral irradiance of the instrument illumination source can be measured directly as the aerial image is located in the focal plane of the viewing optics of the ophthalmoscope. These spectral irradiation values are then processed using weightings specified by current light hazard standards to give a weighted irradiance which is converted directly to a retinal irradiance value.

Results

A single formula is provided to calculate the retinal irradiance using the processed, measured spectral irradiance values of the illumination source.

Conclusion

The new method introduced here is simpler to use, requires fewer physical measurements and is less likely to introduce measurement error than that currently found in light hazard standards. The only physical measurement that needs to be taken is the illumination source spectral irradiance measured in the viewing focal plane of the instrument. These values are weighted using given in the light hazard standards. The combined irradiance value is then converted to retinal irradiance using the formula given in this paper.
Establishment and discussion of autoverification rules for transfusion compatibility testing
Authors: Peng Daobo , Wang Xiaohui , Huang Jie
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To develop an automated verification workflow for transfusion compatibility testing (TCT) based on the AUTO10‐A guidelines and blood group serology characteristics and to conduct a simulated validation of the test and subtest results by assessing the appropriateness of the autoverification rules.

Background

The accuracy of TCT results is a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring the safety of blood transfusions. However, the verification of these results still requires manual intervention.

Materials and Methods

Five autoverification rules and their standards were determined: agglutination intensity, normal results, logical relationships, delta checks and interlaboratory test comparisons. The established categories and standards for the five rules were retrospectively validated using 13 506 samples (requests) that had been manually verified in our laboratory from January 2020 to June 2023.

Results

A total of 66 638 test items were involved in the autoverification, with 3844 items violating the verification rules, resulting in a pass rate of 96.10%. Considering individual test items, four tests had a pass rate of more than 90% in both the test item result table and the test subitem result table. However, there were significant differences in the pass rates between different tests. The same conclusion can be drawn when the unit is requests. The different standards set for the agglutination intensity and the delta check in the ABO typing testing subitems showed significant differences in pass rates.

Discussion

The incorporation of manually verified results into the automated verification simulation indicated that the five rules established in this study have good applicability, and appropriate standards can lead to reasonable pass rates.
Toxicity and demographic effects of fungicides on Neoseiulus longispinosus (Evans) (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Sharma Prajjval , Sharma Prem Lal , Sharma Shubham , Verma Subhash Chander , Chandel Rajeshwar Singh , Sharma Nidhi , Sharma Priyanka
Published: August 2024

Phytoseiids are an essential group of predators that feed on phytophagous mites. Studies on the detrimental impacts of plant protection chemicals on phytoseiids are crucial for their successful utilization as biocontrol agents. In the present study, the toxicity and side effects of fungicides on the predatory mite Neoseiulus longispinosus (Evans) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) were examined fed on Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) in tomato under laboratory conditions. Gravid females of N. longispinosus were exposed to fungicides using the leaf dip method for 48 hours. Results showed that the fungicide metalaxyl + mancozeb caused the highest mortality of 60%, followed by mancozeb (52.50%), copper oxychloride (35%), and thiophanate methyl (17.50%). Additionally, residual toxicity from metalaxyl + mancozeb and mancozeb treatments significantly affected the biological and life table parameters of the predatory mite. However, the effects of the other two fungicides were moderate to negligible, implying that the application of metalaxyl + mancozeb and mancozeb could negatively impact the biological performance of N. longispinosus in tomato fields.
Microwave Photoconductivity of Gapless Dirac Fermions in HgTe Quantum Wells
Authors: Kuzmin N. S. , Jaroshevich A. S. , Braginskii L. S. , Entin M. V. , Kvon Z. D. , Mikhailov N. N.
Published: August 2024

The microwave photoconductivity of a system of gapless Dirac fermions in HgTe quantum wells with a critical thickness has been experimentally and theoretically investigated. It has been found that the photoconductivity fluctuates depending on the gate voltage near the Dirac point, and the fluctuation amplitude increases with an increase in the conductor size and a decrease in temperature. A theoretical explanation of the microwave response based on the assumption of the existence of a percolation two-dimensional fractal network of helical edge current states induced by fluctuations in the well thickness near the critical value has been proposed. It has been shown that the microwave photoconductivity of this network fluctuates with a change in the Fermi energy and the behavior of the fluctuation amplitude is in qualitative agreement with the corresponding experimental data.
Disorder-Induced Singularity of the Quantum Metric
Authors: Alisultanov Z. Z.
Published: August 2024

The quantum weight is a new concept to describe gap electronic states of matter. This quantity is obtained by integrating the quantum metric (the real part of the quantum metric tensor) in the same way as the Berry phase is obtained by integrating the Berry curvature (the imaginary part of the quantum metric tensor). The quantum weight determines a number of kinetic quantities such as the nonlinear anomalous Hall effect, optical conductivity, and photovoltaic effect. In this work, it is shown that nonmagnetic disorder in topological insulators can induce a singularity in the quantum metric and quantum weight.
Masses of the u, d, and s Quarks
Authors: Osipov A. A.
Published: August 2024

Ratios ms/md and mu/md of the light quark masses have been determined from expressions for squared masses of pseudoscalar mesons $$m_{\pi }^{2}$$ and $$m_{K}^{2}$$ obtained with an accuracy of the second order in chiral symmetry breaking. The fit of the theoretical expressions for $$m_{\pi }^{2}$$ and $$m_{K}^{2}$$ to their phenomenological values leads to a functional relation between the ratios ms/md and mu/md, which is described by a third-order curve. The application of the lattice calculation result ms/mud = 27.23(10), where mud = (mu + md)/2, reported by the flavor lattice averaging group (FLAG) for the case of four quark flavors provides an additional constraint, which significantly reduces the error (~2%) for the ratio mu/md = 0.455(8). The absolute values of the quark masses have been then obtained.
Localized Superconductivity in LaB6 Hexaboride with Dynamic Charge Stripes
Authors: Azarevich A. N. , Bogach A. V. , Khrykina O. N. , Bolotina N. B. , Gridchina V. M. , Shitsevalova N. Yu. , Gavrilkin S. Yu. , Tsvetkov A. Yu. , Gabáni S. , Flachbart K. , Kuznetsov A. V. , Sluchanko N. E.
Published: August 2024

Type II superconductivity with Tc ∼ 6 K is discovered in LaB6. The critical fields are determined and the estimates for the coherence length ξ(0) ∼ 240 Å, the Ginzburg−Landau parameter κGL ∼ 2, and the electron–phonon coupling constant λe−ph ≈ 0.75 are obtained. Precision X-ray diffraction studies at T = 30 K reveal three-dimensional charge-stripe structures in LaB6. The scenario of superconductivity localized near filamentary channels with a fluctuating electron density arising in the lanthanum hexaboride matrix is discussed.
Synthesis and Properties of a 12442-Family Superconductor
Authors: Zhuvagin I. V. , Vlasenko V. A. , Usoltsev A. S. , Gippius A. A. , Pervakov K. S. , Prishchepa A. R. , Prudkoglyad V. A. , Gavrilkin S. Yu. , Denishchenko A. D. , Sadakov A. V.
Published: August 2024

We report a synthesis of two members of recently discovered high-temperature superconductors of the 12442 family, with formula MCa2Fe4As4F2 (M = Rb, K) and transition temperatures of 32.7 and 34.6 K, respectively. Quality of the samples was assessed using X-ray powder diffraction, superconducting transitions were identified through transport and magnetic experiments. The temperature dependence of the upper critical field and vortex activation energy was investigated under magnetic fields up to 19 T. Two distinct thermally activated flux flow regimes were observed in both systems. Field dependences of activation energy $${{U}_{0}}(H)$$ indicate a change in the properties of vortex matter in these regimes and distinctly different dissipation mechanisms, reminiscent of cuprate HTSC.
Superconducting States in Metals with Toroidal Ordering
Authors: Mineev V. P.
Published: August 2024

A theory of superconducting states in metals with toroidal symmetry is presented.
n-Dimensional non-commutative GUP quantization and application to the Bianchi I model
Authors: Segreto Sebastiano , Montani Giovanni
Published: August 2024

We analyse a n-dimensional Generalized Uncertainty Principle (GUP) quantization framework, characterized by a non-commutative nature of the configurational variables. First, we identify a set of states which are maximally localized only along a single direction, at the expense of being less localized in all the other ones. Subsequently, in order to recover information about localization on the whole configuration space, we use the only state of the theory which exhibits maximal localization simultaneously in every direction to construct a satisfactory quasi-position representation, by virtue of a suitable translational operator. The resultant quantum framework is then applied to model the dynamics of the Bianchi I cosmology. The corresponding Wheeler–DeWitt equation is reduced to Schrödinger dynamics for the two anisotropy degrees of freedom, using a WKB representation for the volume-like variable of the Universe, in accordance with the Vilenkin scenario. The main result of our cosmological implementation of the constructed quantum theory demonstrates how the dynamics of a wave packet peaked at some point in the configuration space represented in the quasi-position variables favours as the most probable configuration exactly the initial one for a relatively long time, if compared with the ordinary quantum theory. This preference arises from the different dynamical behavior exhibited by wave packets in the two quantum theories.
Effectively flat potential in the Friedberg–Lee–Sirlin model
Authors: Kim Eduard , Nugaev Emin
Published: August 2024

The Friedberg–Lee–Sirlin (FLS) model is a well-known renormalizable theory of scalar fields that provides for the existence of non-topological solitons. Since this model was proposed, numerous works have been dedicated to studying its classical configurations and its general suitability for various physical problems in cosmology, quantum chromodynamics, etc. In this paper, we study how Q-balls in effective field theory (EFT) reproduce non-topological solitons in the full FLS theory. We obtain an analytical description of the simplified model and compare the results with numerical calculations and perturbation theory. We also study the condensation of charged bosons on the domain wall. A full numerical solution allows us to check the EFT methods for this problem. The latter analysis is based on the application of EFT methods to significantly inhomogeneous configurations. We give an interpretation of the results in terms of the shifted boson mass and the vacuum rearrangement.
TOWARDS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN MALAYSIA: DO ENERGY SUBSIDIES MATTER?
Authors: HUSAINI DZUL HADZWAN , LEAN HOOI HOOI
Published: August 2024

Energy subsidy reform is crucial for nations aiming to transition towards a circular economy. This study examines the relationship between energy subsidies and economic growth in Malaysia from 1978 to 2019, using Autoregressive Distributed Lag, Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag and Multi Threshold Non-linear Autoregressive Distributed Lag models. The study addresses three key objectives: understanding the influence of energy subsidies on economic growth, assessing their asymmetric impact and investigating how they interact with oil prices and energy usage to affect economic growth. The findings reveal several significant relationships. First, energy subsidies exhibit a negative association with economic growth. Second, while energy consumption positively contributes to economic growth, this relationship weakens in the presence of energy subsidies. Third, oil prices have a greater positive impact on economic growth when interacting with energy subsidies. Fourth, reducing energy subsidies leads to a more substantial positive impact on economic growth compared to increasing them. Overall, the presence of energy subsidies in the economy impedes economic growth. We recommend implementing energy subsidy rationalization measures. Malaysia should also prioritize the development of a comprehensive renewable energy master plan to bolster domestic production and consumption, redirecting subsidy funds towards sustainable energy sources and fostering a circular economy.
IMPACT OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION ON ECONOMIC GROWTH: AN ANALYSIS OF THE INDIAN ECONOMY
Authors: BAIRAGYA INDRAJIT , THOMAS SACHIN
Published: August 2024

Vocational education can be seen as an important tool in leveraging India’s demographic dividend. Given the labor surplus in terms of the young population, it is important to examine how vocational education and training can serve as a critical driver of economic growth. This study aims at examining the impact of vocational education and training on economic growth in India, using the framework of the augmented Solow growth model by decomposing human capital into vocational education, along with primary, secondary and higher education. Using an ARDL model based on the annual data from 1990 to 1991 and 2019 to 2020, the study analyzes the short-run and long-run impact of vocational education. The results indicate that in the case of India, the impact of vocational education on economic growth is both a short-run and long-run phenomenon exhibiting a stable positive relation. Other control variables used in this study, such as Investment, Population, Openness and Inflation are found with a significant impact on economic growth. The study suggests that it is necessary to upgrade vocational education programs to create high-quality workers with a view to improving productivity and macroeconomic outcomes in India.
Microstrip Lowpass Filter Realization Using Monic Chebyshev Polynomial
Authors: Stojanović Nikola , Stamenković Negovan , Marinković Dražen
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a novel approach to microwave lowpass filter design that addresses several challenges in modern microwave systems, including size, performance, and cost. With that in mind, we propose using monic Chebyshev polynomials as the characteristic function for the filter to achieve a low passband insertion loss and maximum cutoff slope. The half-power cutoff frequency characterizes these filters, and the ripple factor is not considered a design parameter. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the monic Chebyshev approximation, a comparison is made with chained function (CF) filters designed for microwave applications. It has been shown that the monic Chebyshev filter outperforms CF filters in all applications, including microwaves.
A Multi-Source Energy-Harvesting Power Management System with a Single Shared Inductor
Authors: Wei Baolin , Liang Zhanrong , Xu Weilin , Wei Xueming , Duan Jihai
Published: August 2024

A single-inductor multi-source energy harvesting system that can harvest three types of ambient energy was presented. The system can self-supply using an integrated self-starting circuit that does not require an external battery. It performs hybrid modulation of pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) and pulse-width modulation (PWM) and realizes adaptive asynchronous control for input and output, achieving higher system stability and better energy aggregation. Adaptive maximum power point tracking (MPPT) was implemented to generate inductor charging control signals with different frequencies and duty cycles according to different input sources, enabling the inductor to operate in discontinuous mode (DCM) under different input conditions. The energy harvesting system was designed using a 0.18-[Formula: see text]m CMOS process. The simulation results show that the system can realize low-voltage self-startup as low as 200[Formula: see text]mV and can provide a stable output of 1.4[Formula: see text]V to the load with a 1[Formula: see text]V harvested voltage to self-supply. The highest conversion efficiency of the system is 76.43%@[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]k[Formula: see text], and the average power consumption in sleep mode is 2.38[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]W.