bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Propagation of Clematis ‘Warszawska Nike’ in In Vitro Cultures
Authors: Kulpa Danuta , Krupa-Małkiewicz Marcelina
Published: December 2023

A micropropagation protocol for growing Clematis ‘Warszawska Nike’ was developed. The MS medium supplemented with 1 mg∙dm−3 BAP showed good results in the case of microshoot initiation (80%). The addition of BAP to the medium at higher concentrations resulted in the formation of a large amount of callus tissue at the base of the explant. Of the explants growing on the medium with the lowest cytokinin concentration, 8% flowered. Very quickly, after just 14 days, the explants began to die: some of the leaves that developed in in vitro cultures began to turn yellow and wither. The propagation of shoots was performed in two steps. In the first step, cytokinin BAP and Kin in various concentrations (0.5–2 mg∙dm−3) were added to the MS medium. In the second step, MS medium with the combinations of BAP (0.5 and 1 mg∙dm−3) with IAA or GA3 (1 and 2 mg∙dm−3) was used. The MS medium with 0.5 mg∙dm−3 BAP and 2 mg∙dm−3 GA3 was the best medium for the multiplication stage of clematis. Plants growing on this medium had the largest number of leaves, shoots, and internodes, and were also heavier compared to plants propagated on other media. The proliferated clematis explants were rooted on MS medium with the addition of IAA or IBA in different concentrations (0.5 to 4 mg∙dm−3). Of the concentrations tested, 0.5 mg∙dm−3 IAA was the most effective one for in vitro root induction. The highest percentage of acclimatized plants (75%) was observed when the shoots were rooted on MS medium with 0.5 mg∙dm−3 IAA.
Spatiotemporal Evolution of Precipitation Heterogeneity Characteristics in the Heilongjiang Province from 1961 to 2020
Authors: Meng Fanxiang , Sun Zhimin , Dong Fangli , Jiang Yan , Zhang Hengfei , Zheng Ennan , Li Tianxiao , Yang Long
Published: December 2023

Precipitation unevenness significantly influences the rational allocation of water resources and the management of agricultural irrigation. Based on precipitation data from 29 meteorological stations in Heilongjiang Province, China, from 1961 to 2020, this study calculated the precipitation concentration index (PCI), precipitation concentration degree (PCD), and precipitation concentration period (PCP) to analyze the spatial distribution characteristics of precipitation heterogeneity at three distinct timescales: year, maize growth period, and the four stages of the maize growth period. The findings reveal that the rainy season in Heilongjiang Province commences earlier in the southwest compared with the northeast and northwest, with a primary concentration in July. At the annual scale, PCI in southwestern Heilongjiang Province surpasses that in the southeastern region, displaying an approximate east–west gradient in PCD and PCP values ranging from 0.544 to 0.746 and 196 to 203, respectively. During the growth period scale, precipitation concentrates in the southwest and central regions, occurring earlier than in the northeast and northwest. In contrast to the annual scale, the PCI value is smaller, and precipitation predominantly concentrates in mid and late July. Examining the four stages of the maize growth period, PCD generally exhibits a decreasing gradient from west to east. The highest values of PCI and PCD manifest in the southwestern part of Heilongjiang Province, with precipitation concentrated in the middle of each growth stage. The research results serve as a valuable reference for policymakers and stakeholders involved in water resource allocation and agricultural water management in Heilongjiang Province.
Pharmacokinetics, Tissue Residues, and Withdrawal Times of Oxytetracycline in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) after Single- and Multiple-Dose Oral Administration
Authors: Corum Orhan , Durna Corum Duygu , Terzi Ertugrul , Uney Kamil
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetics of oxytetracycline (OTC) following single- (60 mg/kg) and multiple-dose oral administrations (60 mg/kg, every 24 h for 7 days) in rainbow trout. It also aimed to determine bioavailability after a single dose and tissue residues and withdrawal times after multiple doses. This study was carried out on 420 rainbow trout at 9 ± 0.8 °C. This study was carried out in two stages: single-dose (intravascular and oral) and multiple-dose treatment. The OTC concentrations in plasma and tissues were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and analyzed by a non-compartmental method. The withdrawal time (WT) was estimated using the WT 1.4 software. OTC exhibited a long terminal elimination half-life (t1/2ʎz) after IV and oral administration. The oral bioavailability of OTC was very low (2.80%). In multiple-dose treatment, t1/2ʎz, the area under the plasma concentration–time curve and peak plasma concentration increased significantly after the last day compared to the first day. OTC showed strong accumulation after multiple doses with a value of 5.33. OTC concentrations were obtained in the order liver > kidney > muscle+skin > plasma. At 9 ± 0.8 °C, the WT calculated for muscle+skin was 56 days for Europe and 50 days for China, respectively. The t1/2ʎz (68.94 h) and time (68 h) above the 1 µg/mL MIC following a single OTC dose may support the extension of the 24 h dosing interval following multiple dosing. However, further studies are required to determine the optimal dosage regimen in multiple-dose OTC treatment in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible pathogens.
In Vitro Microevolution and Co-Selection Assessment of Florfenicol Impact on Escherichia coli Resistance Development
Authors: Kerek Ádám , Török Bence , Laczkó Levente , Kardos Gábor , Bányai Krisztián , Somogyi Zoltán , Kaszab Eszter , Bali Krisztina , Jerzsele Ákos
Published: December 2023

The issue of antimicrobial resistance is becoming an increasingly serious challenge in both human and veterinary medicine. Prudent antimicrobial use in veterinary medicine is warranted and supported by international guidelines, with the Antimicrobial Advice Ad Hoc Expert Group (AMEG) placing particular emphasis on the critically important group B antimicrobials. These antimicrobials are commonly employed, especially in the poultry and swine industry. The impact of florfenicol, a veterinary antibiotic, was studied on the resistance development of Escherichia coli. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the use of florfenicol on the development of phenotypic and genomic resistances, not only to the drug itself but also to other drugs. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the antibiotics were investigated at 1×, 10×, 100× and 1000× concentrations using the adapted Microbial Evolution and Growth Arena (MEGA-plate) method. The results demonstrate that florfenicol can select for resistance to fluoroquinolone antibiotics (167× MIC value increase) and cephalosporins (67× MIC value increase). A total of 44 antimicrobial resistance genes were identified, the majority of which were consistent across the samples. Chromosomal point mutations, including alterations in resistance-associated and regulatory genes (acrB, acrR, emrR and robA), are thought to trigger multiple drug efflux pump activations, leading to phenotypically increased resistance. The study underscores the impact of florfenicol and its role in the development of antimicrobial resistance, particularly concerning fluoroquinolone antibiotics and cephalosporins. This study is the first to report florfenicol’s dose-dependent enhancement of other antibiotics’ MICs, linked to mutations in SOS-box genes (mdtABC-tolC, emrAB-tolC and acrAB-tolC) and increased multidrug efflux pump genes. Mutations in the regulatory genes acrR, emrR and rpbA support the possibility of increased gene expression. The results are crucial for understanding antimicrobial resistance and its development, highlighting the promising potential of in vitro evolutionary and coselection studies for future research.
Cost-Efficient Micro-Well Array-Based Colorimetric Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (MacAST) for Bacteria from Culture or Community
Authors: Zhang Huilin , Wang Lei , Zhang Zhiguo , Lin Jianhan , Ju Feng
Published: December 2023

Rapid and cost-efficient antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) is key to timely prescription-oriented diagnosis and precision treatment. However, current AST methods have limitations in throughput or cost effectiveness, and are impractical for microbial communities. Here, we developed a high-throughput micro-well array-based colorimetric AST (macAST) system equipped with a self-developed smartphone application that could efficiently test sixteen combinations of bacteria strains and antibiotics, achieving comparable AST results based on resazurin metabolism assay. For community samples, we integrated immunomagnetic separation into the macAST (imacAST) system to specifically enrich the target cells before testing, which shortened bacterial isolation time from days to only 45 min and achieved AST of the target bacteria with a low concentration (~103 CFU/mL). This proof-of-concept study developed a high-throughput AST system with an at least ten-fold reduction in cost compared with a system equipped with a microscope or Raman spectrum. Based on colorimetric readout, the antimicrobial susceptibility of the bacteria from microbial communities can be delivered within 6 h, compared to days being required based on standard procedures, bypassing the need for precise instrumentation in therapy to combat bacterial antibiotic resistance in resource-limited settings.
Nodal Elective Volume Selection and Definition during Radiation Therapy for Early Stage (T1–T2 N0 M0) Perianal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Narrative Clinical Review and Critical Appraisal
Authors: Spinelli Lavinia , Martini Stefania , Solla Salvatore Dario , Vigna Taglianti Riccardo , Olivero Francesco , Gianello Luca , Reali Alessia , Merlotti Anna Maria , Franco Pierfrancesco
Published: December 2023

Distinction between anal canal and perianal squamous cell carcinomas (pSCCs) is essential, as these two subgroups have different anatomical, histological, and lymphatic drainage features. Early-stage true perianal tumors are very uncommon and have been rarely included in clinical trials. Perianal skin cancers and aCCs are included in the same tumor classification, even though they have different lymphatic drainage features. Furthermore, pSCCs are treated similarly to carcinomas originating from the anal canal. Radiation therapy (RT) is an essential treatment for anal canal tumors. Guidelines do not differentiate between treatment volumes for perianal tumors and anal cancers. So far, in pSCC, no study has considered modulating treatment volume selection according to the stage of the disease. We conducted a narrative literature review to describe the sites at higher risk for microscopic disease in patients with early-stage perianal cancers (T1–T2 N0 M0) to propose a well-thought selection of RT elective volumes.
Protein Kinase CK2α’, More than a Backup of CK2α
Authors: Montenarh Mathias , Götz Claudia
Published: December 2023

The serine/threonine protein kinase CK2 is implicated in the regulation of fundamental processes in eukaryotic cells. CK2 consists of two catalytic α or α’ isoforms and two regulatory CK2β subunits. These three proteins exist in a free form, bound to other cellular proteins, as tetrameric holoenzymes composed of CK2α2/β2, CK2αα’/β2, or CK2α’2/β2 as well as in higher molecular forms of the tetramers. The catalytic domains of CK2α and CK2α’ share a 90% identity. As CK2α contains a unique C-terminal sequence. Both proteins function as protein kinases. These properties raised the question of whether both isoforms are just backups of each other or whether they are regulated differently and may then function in an isoform-specific manner. The present review provides observations that the regulation of both CK2α isoforms is partly different concerning the subcellular localization, post-translational modifications, and aggregation. Up to now, there are only a few isoform-specific cellular binding partners. The expression of both CK2α isoforms seems to vary in different cell lines, in tissues, in the cell cycle, and with differentiation. There are different reports about the expression and the functions of the CK2α isoforms in tumor cells and tissues. In many cases, a cell-type-specific expression and function is known, which raises the question about cell-specific regulators of both isoforms. Another future challenge is the identification or design of CK2α’-specific inhibitors.
Application of a Three-Level Elastoviscoplastic Model for Describing Complex Loading Processes
Authors: Trusov Peter V. , Gribov Dmitriy S. , Kurmoyartseva Ksenia A.
Published: December 2023

It is known that the meso- and microstructures of metals determine the physical, mechanical and operational properties of their final products. Scientific and technological progress of recent decades has given impetus to the elaboration and use of models capable of describing the evolving structure of materials. The most promising are multilevel models that include internal variables and are based on physical theories of elastoplasticity (elastoviscoplasticity). This paper presents the structure and basic relationships of a three-level (macro-, meso-1 and meso-2 levels) elastoviscoplastic model. The developed model operates on such internal variables as dislocation densities on slip systems, barriers on split dislocations and sources of edge dislocations. The model describes the mechanisms of production, annihilation, formation of barriers and sources of dislocations. The law of hardening directly takes into account the densities of dislocations and barriers. The mechanism of inelastic deformation is the gliding of edge dislocations along slip systems. Special emphasis is placed on the influence of split dislocations (prone to forming hard Lomer–Cottrell and Hirth barriers) on the deformation of the material. The model is used to describe the behavior of an elastoviscoplastic polycrystalline aggregate with an FCC lattice. Geometric nonlinearity is taken into account by utilizing decomposition of the crystallite motion into quasi-rigid and deformation components. For this purpose, a rigid moving coordinate system for the crystal lattice is introduced. Examples of the application of the model for analyzing the simple and complex deformation mechanisms of materials with different stacking fault energies and, consequently, with different tendencies toward the decomposition of dislocations and barrier formation are given.
Diagnostic Significance of Tryptase for Suspected Mast Cell Disorders
Authors: Beyens Michiel , Toscano Alessandro , Ebo Didier , Gülen Theo , Sabato Vito
Published: December 2023

Tryptase has proven to be a very useful and specific marker to demonstrate mast cell activation and degranulation when an acute (i.e., within 4 h after the event) and baseline value (i.e., at least 24 h after the event) are compared and meet the consensus formula (i.e., an increase of 20% + 2). The upper limit of normal determined by the manufacturer is 11.4 ng/mL; however, this boundary has been the subject of debate. According to ECNM and AIM experts, the normal range of baseline tryptase should be 1 to 15 ng/mL. A genetic trait, hereditary alpha tryptasemia, characterized by an increased alpha coding TPSAB1 copy number is associated with a baseline value above 8 ng/mL. Elevated tryptase can also be found in chronic kidney disease, obesity, and hematological neoplasms. A tryptase > 20 ng/mL serves as a minor criterion to diagnose systemic mastocytosis and an increase in tryptase > 20% + 2 during an acute event is a required criterion in the diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome. The goal of this review is to demonstrate the (in)significance of tryptase using some clinical vignettes and to provide a practical guide on how to manage and interpret an elevated tryptase level.
Effect of Pruning Treatment on Growth Characteristics and Metabolites in Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides)
Authors: Yang Jing , Xie Shengnan , Du Dandan , Wei Hongling , Zhou Wenling , Zhang Ying , Tang Zhonghua , Li Dewen , Liu Ying
Published: December 2023

The effect of pruning treatments on growth, photosynthesis characteristics, and metabolites were was studied in Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides). The experiment was carried out from March–August 2019. Three treatments were used: non-pruned trees (CK), a height of 20 cm above the top edge of the flowerpot (T1), and a height of 10 cm above the top edge of the flowerpot (T2). The results showed that the branches branch number, leaves leaf number, and stem diameter increased significantly (p < 0.05) in pruning treatments compared with CK. Similarly, the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), maximum photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), and non-photochemical quenching coefficient (NPQ) increased significantly in pruning treatments (p < 0.05). Interestingly, the contents of Chl a, Chl b, Chl, Car, and the rate between the Chl a content and the Chl b content increased significantly (p < 0.05) in T2, respectively. These verified that it was a better way to enhance the plants growth of E. ulmoides for pruning treatments. The GC-MS analysis showed that 36 different primary metabolites were identified, including 11 sugars, 13 acids, 5 alcohols, and 7 other compounds, the relative content of their metabolites were was higher in the T2 treatment than that in the T1 treatment, which was mainly concentrated in four main enrichment pathways (Galactose metabolism; Citrate cycle; Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism; and starch and sucrose metabolism) via KEGG analysis. Meanwhile, correlation analysis showed there were was a positive correlation between the accumulation of D-Galactose, D-Mannose, Succinic acid, and photosynthetic pigment content, and the rate of photosynthesis in T2 treatment (p < 0.05). The pruning height above the top edge of the flowerpot changed the accumulation of primary metabolites and promoted plant regeneration ability in E. ulmoides. Finally, the yield of main secondary metabolites from leaves (Genipin, Geniposide, Geniposidic acid, and Pinoresinol diglucoside) were was increased in pruning treatments by UPLC analysis. It provided a reference for the directional ecological cultivation of E. ulmoides.
Spatiotemporal Evolution and Prediction of Ecosystem Carbon Storage in the Yiluo River Basin Based on the PLUS-InVEST Model
Authors: Li Lei , Ji Guangxing , Li Qingsong , Zhang Jincai , Gao Huishan , Jia Mengya , Li Meng , Li Genming
Published: December 2023

Land-use change has a great impact on regional ecosystem balance and carbon storage, so it is of great significance to study future land-use types and carbon storage in a region to optimize the regional land-use structure. Based on the existing land-use data and the different scenarios of the shared socioeconomic pathway and the representative concentration pathway (SSP-RCP) provided by CMIP6, this study used the PLUS model to predict future land use and the InVEST model to predict the carbon storage in the study area in the historical period and under different scenarios in the future. The results show the following: (1) The change in land use will lead to a change in carbon storage. From 2000 to 2020, the conversion of cultivated land to construction land was the main transfer type, which was also an important reason for the decrease in regional carbon storage. (2) Under the three scenarios, the SSP126 scenario has the smallest share of arable land area, while this scenario has the largest share of woodland and grassland land area, and none of the three scenarios shows a significant decrease in woodland area. (3) From 2020 to 2050, the carbon stocks in the study area under the three scenarios, SSP126, SSP245, and SSP585, all show different degrees of decline, decreasing to 36,405.0204 × 104 t, 36,251.4402 × 104 t, and 36,190.4066 × 104 t, respectively. Restricting the conversion of land with a high carbon storage capacity to land with a low carbon storage capacity is conducive to the benign development of regional carbon storage. This study can provide a reference for the adjustment and management of future land-use structures in the region.
Mung Bean Starch and Mung Bean Starch Sheet Jelly: NaCl-Based Characteristics Variation
Authors: Zhou Shulan , Yuan Tiantian , Chen Jia , Ye Fayin , Zhao Guohua
Published: December 2023

Empirical evidence indicates that NaCl can improve the quality of mung bean starch sheet jelly (MBSS) when properly incorporated. In this study, by comparison with a sample without NaCl, the influences of NaCl (1.5–8%, w/w) on the physicochemical and structural properties of mung bean starch (MBS) and the quality of MBSS were investigated. MBS with added NaCl had greater gelatinization temperature and pasting parameters but lower gelatinization enthalpy than native MBS. With the addition of NaCl, the drying rate of MBSS first accelerated and then declined in the oven-drying process. The addition of NaCl improved the cooking properties of MBSS but decreased the hardness of cooked MBSS. Rheological results implied that the linear viscoelastic region of cooked MBSS decreased with the NaCl addition, and the storage modulus and tan δ were more frequency-dependent than the loss modulus of cooked MBSS. The addition of NaCl gradually increased the toughness of dried MBSS and the overall acceptability of cooked MBSS. Furthermore, NaCl decreased the structure order degree of starch in MBSS. Correlation analysis demonstrated that the quality of MBSS had a significant correlation with the molecular and lamellar order of starch. Overall, NaCl could improve the quality of MBSS by regulating the thermal, gelatinizing, and structural properties of MBS.
Exploring the Connection between the Occurrence and Intensity of “Grubby” Defect and Volatile Composition of Olive Oil
Authors: Brkić Bubola Karolina , Lukić Igor , Krapac Marin , Koprivnjak Olivera
Published: December 2023

In order to investigate the relationship between the occurrence of the “grubby” sensory defect caused by olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae (Rossi)) infestation and the resulting volatile composition, virgin olive oils were extracted from olives of the Leccino cultivar with 0%, 50%, and 100% olive fly infestations and subjected to analysis of the basic chemical quality parameters, fatty acids and volatiles, and sensory analysis by the Panel test. A 100% olive fly infestation reduced the basic chemical quality of the oil, while the fatty acid composition was not affected in any case. The overall sensory quality score and intensity of the positive sensory attributes decreased, while the intensity of the “grubby” defect increased proportionally to the degree of infestation. The occurrence and intensity of this defect were clearly causally related to the concentrations of 3-methylbutanal, 2-methylbutanal, β-ocimene, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, dimethyl sulfoxide, 4-methyl-5H-furan-2-one, α-farnesene, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, 1-octanol, E-2-nonen-1-ol, benzeneacetaldehyde, heptanal, and octanal, implying that the perception of “grubby“ comes from their joint contribution to the overall olive oil flavour. In addition to contributing to the understanding of the chemical origin of “grubby”, the results obtained could potentially be used to develop strategies to support sensory analysis in the classification of olive oil quality and the confirmation of the presence of this sensory defect in oil samples.
The Impact of Fermented Scald on Rye and Hull-Less Barley Dough and Bread Structure Formation
Authors: Murniece Ruta , Reidzane Sanita , Galoburda Ruta , Radenkovs Vitalijs , Klava Dace
Published: December 2023

In wholemeal bread production, scalding and fermentation contribute to the improvement of the structural characteristics of the dough and bread. The influence of fermented scald on rye and barley dough and bread structure formation was specified in this study. The microstructural analysis performed using a scanning electron microscope revealed the separation of phases during the fermentation of scalds. According to the storage G′ and loss G″ moduli, both scalds exhibited elastic character over viscous. The fermentation of barley scald increased both moduli and complex viscosity, while no substantial changes were observed in the fermented rye scald. The addition of fermented scald containing partially hydrolyzed starch and a fraction of water-soluble compounds contributed positively to the formation of a well-organized structure of dough fermented for 4 h. Fermentation substantially reduced the dough’s complex viscosity and moduli values, confirming the partial structure alteration leading to the viscous portion increase. The dough with fermented scald showed a significantly lower loss factor than the dough without fermented scald, indicating enhanced mechanical process ability. The most substantial weakening of the structure was observed for dough without scald. The addition of rye scald to the rye dough promoted the formation of fewer pores with relatively smaller specific volumes.
Newborn Screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy: A 2.5-Year Experience in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Sonehara Shoko , Bo Ryosuke , Nambu Yoshinori , Iketani Kiiko , Lee Tomoko , Shimomura Hideki , Ueda Masaaki , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Iijima Kazumoto , Nozu Kandai , Nishio Hisahide , Awano Hiroyuki
Published: December 2023

Newborn screening (NBS) for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is necessary, as favorable outcomes can be achieved by treatment with disease-modifying drugs in early infancy. Although SMA-NBS has been initiated in Japan, its clinical results have not been fully reported. We report the findings of the initial 2.5 years of a pilot SMA-NBS of approximately 16,000 infants conducted from February 2021 in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. Clinical data of 17 infants who tested positive were retrospectively obtained from the NBS follow-up centers participating in this multicenter cohort observational study. Genetic testing revealed 14 false positives, and three infants were diagnosed with SMA. Case 1 had two copies of survival motor neuron (SMN) 2 and showed SMA-related symptoms at diagnosis. Case 2 was asymptomatic, with two copies of SMN2. Asymptomatic case 3 had four copies of SMN2 exon 7, including the SMN1/2 hybrid gene. Cases 1 and 2 were treated within 1 month and case 3 at 8 months. All the patients showed improved motor function scores and did not require respiratory support. The identification of infants with SMA via NBS and early treatment improved their motor and respiratory outcomes. Thus, implementation of SMA-NBS at a nationwide scale should be considered.
Associations of Lower-Limb Phase Angle with Locomotion and Motor Function in Japanese Community-Dwelling Older Adults
Authors: Homma Daisuke , Minato Izumi , Imai Norio , Miyasaka Dai , Horigome Yoji , Suzuki Hayato , Dohmae Yoichiro , Endo Naoto
Published: December 2023

Whole-body phase angle (PhA) is associated with motor function and geriatric diseases. However, it was unclear which parts of the upper- or lower-limb PhA were involved. This study investigated the differences in the PhA of the upper and lower extremities and their relationships with frailty, locomotive syndrome indices, and motor function in community-dwelling older adult participants. This study was a cross-sectional observational study. In 69 community-dwelling older adults, the PhA at each measurement site (whole body, upper limbs, and lower limbs), motor function, Kihon Checklist (KCL), and 25-Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale (GLFS-25) were measured. This study examined differences in each PhA and its relationship with motor function and geriatric diseases. Multiple regression analysis was performed using GLFS-25 as the dependent variable and sex and lower-limb PhA as independent variables. In this cohort (mean age: 72.3 ± 5.7 years; 18 males and 51 females), lower-limb PhA was significantly lower than upper-limb PhA. Unlike other PhAs, lower-limb PhA was related to grip strength, TUG, F/w, and GLFS-25. Multiple regression analysis showed that the lower-limb PhA was independently related to GLFS-25. Cellular health of the lower extremity is associated with gait, standing function, and indicators of locomotive syndrome.
Content, Mechanism, and Outcome of Effective Telehealth Solutions for Management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: A Narrative Review
Authors: Alghamdi Saeed Mardy
Published: December 2023

Telehealth (TH) solutions for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are promising behavioral therapeutic interventions and can help individuals living with COPD to improve their health status. The linking content, mechanism, and outcome of TH interventions reported in the literature related to COPD care are unknown. This paper aims to summarize the existing literature about structured TH solutions in COPD care. We conducted an electronic search of the literature related to TH solutions for COPD management up to October 2023. Thirty papers presented TH solutions as an innovative treatment to manage COPD. TH and digital health solutions are used interchangeably in the literature, but both have the potential to improve care, accessibility, and quality of life. To date, current TH solutions in COPD care have a variety of content, mechanisms, and outcomes. TH solutions can enhance education as well as provide remote monitoring. The content of TH solutions can be summarized as symptom management, prompt physical activity, and psychological support. The mechanism of TH solutions is manipulated by factors such as content, mode of delivery, strategy, and intensity. The most common outcome measures with TH solutions were adherence to treatment, health status, and quality of life. Implementing effective TH with a COPD care bundle must consider important determinants such as patient’s needs, familiarity with the technology, healthcare professional support, and data privacy. The development of effective TH solutions for COPD management also must consider patient engagement as a positive approach to optimizing implementation and effectiveness.
mRNA Levels of Aromatase, 5α-Reductase Isozymes, and Prostate Cancer-Related Genes in Plucked Hair from Young Men with Androgenic Alopecia
Authors: Sánchez Pilar , Serrano Falcón Cristina , Martínez Rodríguez Sergio , Torres Jesús M. , Serrano Salvio , Ortega Esperanza
Published: December 2023

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) is the most prevalent type of progressive hair loss and has psychological repercussions. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of current pharmacological treatments remains limited, in part because the molecular basis of the disease has not been fully elucidated. Our group previously highlighted the important roles of aromatase and 5α-reductase (5α-R) in alopecia in young women with female pattern hair loss. Additionally, an association has been proposed between AGA and prostate cancer (PCa), suggesting that genes implicated in PCa would also be involved in AGA. A low-invasive, sensitive, and precise method was used to determine mRNA levels of aromatase, 5α-R isozymes, and 84 PCa-related genes in samples of plucked hair from young men with AGA and controls. Samples were obtained with a trichogram from the vertex scalp, and mRNA levels were quantified using real-time RT-PCR. The men with AGA had significantly higher 5α-R2 mRNA levels in comparison to controls; interestingly, some of them also showed markedly elevated mRNA levels of 5α-R1 or 5α-R3 or of both, which may explain the varied response to 5α-R inhibitor treatments. The men with AGA also showed significant changes versus controls in 6 out of the 84 genes implicated in PCa. This study contributes greater knowledge of the molecular bases of AGA, facilitating early selection of the most appropriate pharmacological therapy and opening the way to novel treatments.
Visualization of the Dynamics of Photoinduced Crawling Motion of 4-(Methylamino)Azobenzene Crystals via Diffracted X-ray Tracking
Authors: Saito Koichiro , Ichiyanagi Kouhei , Fukaya Ryo , Haruki Rie , Nozawa Shunsuke , Sasaki Daisuke , Arai Tatsuya , Sasaki Yuji C. , McGehee Keegan , Saikawa Makoto , Gao Minghao , Wei Zhichao , Kwaria Dennis , Norikane Yasuo
Published: December 2023

The photoinduced crawling motion of crystals is a continuous motion that azobenzene molecular crystals exhibit under light irradiation. Such motion enables object manipulation at the microscale with a simple setup of fixed LED light sources. Transportation of nano-/micromaterials using photoinduced crawling motion has recently been reported. However, the details of the motion mechanism have not been revealed so far. Herein, we report visualization of the dynamics of fine particles in 4-(methylamino)azobenzene (4-MAAB) crystals under light irradiation via diffracted X-ray tracking (DXT). Continuously repeated melting and recrystallization of 4-MAAB crystals under light irradiation results in the flow of liquid 4-MAAB. Zinc oxide (ZnO) particles were introduced inside the 4-MAAB crystals to detect diffracted X-rays. The ZnO particles rotate with the flow of liquid 4-MAAB. By using white X-rays with a wide energy width, the rotation of each zinc oxide nanoparticle was detected as the movement of a bright spot in the X-ray diffraction pattern. It was clearly shown that the ZnO particles rotated increasingly as the irradiation light intensity increased. Furthermore, we also found anisotropy in the rotational direction of ZnO particles that occurred during the crawling motion of 4-MAAB crystals. It has become clear that the flow perpendicular to the supporting film of 4-MAAB crystals is enhanced inside the crystal during the crawling motion. DXT provides a unique means to elucidate the mechanism of photoinduced crawling motion of crystals.
An Assessment of the Knowledge and Perceptions of Precision Medicine (PM) in the Rwandan Healthcare Setting
Authors: Musanabaganwa Clarisse , Ruton Hinda , Ruhangaza Deogratias , Nsabimana Nicaise , Kayitare Emmanuel , Muvunyi Thierry Zawadi , Semakula Muhammed , Ntirenganya Faustin , Musoni Emile , Ndoli Jules , Hategekimana Elisee , Nassir Angus , Makokha Francis , Uwimana Aline , Gasana Joel , Munezero Pierre Celestin , Uwinkindi Francois , Muvunyi Claude Mambo , Nyirazinyoye Laetitia , Mazarati Jean Baptiste , Mutesa Leon
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Precision medicine (PM) or personalized medicine is an innovative approach that aims to tailor disease prevention and treatment to consider the differences in people’s genes, environments, and lifestyles. Although many efforts have been made to accelerate the universal adoption of PM, several challenges need to be addressed in order to advance PM in Africa. Therefore, our study aimed to establish baseline data on the knowledge and perceptions of the implementation of PM in the Rwandan healthcare setting. Method: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted in five hospitals offering diagnostics and oncology services to cancer patients in Rwanda. To understand the existing policies regarding PM implementation in the country, two additional institutions were surveyed: the Ministry of Health (MOH), which creates and sets policies for the overall vision of the health sector, and the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC), which coordinates the implementation of health sector policies in the country. The researchers conducted 32 key informant interviews and assessed the functionality of available PM equipment in the 5 selected health facilities. The data were thematically categorized and analyzed. Results: The study revealed that PM is perceived as a complex and expensive program by most health managers and health providers. The most cited challenges to implementing PM included the following: the lack of policies and guidelines; the lack of supportive infrastructures and limited suppliers of required equipment and laboratory consumables; financial constraints; cultural, behavioral, and religious beliefs; and limited trained, motivated, and specialized healthcare providers. Regarding access to health services for cancer treatment, patients with health insurance pay 10% of their medical costs, which is still too expensive for Rwandans. Conclusion: The study participants highlighted the importance of PM to enhance healthcare delivery if the identified barriers are addressed. For instance, Rwandan health sector leadership might consider the creation of specialized oncology centers in all or some referral hospitals with all the necessary genomic equipment and trained staff to serve the needs of the country and implement a PM program.
Integrating System Spatial Archetypes and Archetypical Evolutionary Patterns of Human Settlements: Towards Place-Based Sustainable Development
Authors: Gao Wenlin , Lyu Wanyue , Liu Binyi
Published: December 2023

Effectively managing the diversity and complexity of human settlements is pivotal in tackling the sustainability challenges we face in the Anthropocene. Conceptualizing a city’s human settlement as a unified social–ecological system and investigating its system archetype and evolutionary pattern offer a promising approach to understanding sustainability challenges within specific spatio-temporal contexts. This study introduced a novel approach to assessing and characterizing human settlements using a spatio-temporal two-tier structure archetype analysis for human settlement systems. Applying inductive clustering to an integrated dataset, we identified five typical human settlement systems for 2019 and eight change patterns (2001–2019) in the Yangtze River Delta region. By linking inductively recognized human settlement systems into deductive categories of human-nature connectedness and associating inductive change patterns with deduced phases within the adaptive cycle, we defined five system spatial archetypes and three archetypical evolutionary patterns, revealing the typical interaction between them. This enabled us to understand sustainability challenges for each interaction, formulating seven tailored solutions to promote place-based development in human settlements. Generally, our approach showcases considerable potential in uncovering human settlement challenges, ultimately contributing to addressing these challenges at the local level within the broader context of global sustainability issues.
Waste Corn Straw as a Green Reductant for Hematite Reduction Roasting: Phase Transformation, Microstructure Evolution and Process Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Sun Yongsheng , Jin Guojie , Cao Yue , Han Yuexin
Published: December 2023

Mineral phase transformation (MPT) of hematite to magnetite by reduction roasting is a viable means of developing refractory iron ore resources. However, conventional coal-based reductants are prone to high carbon emissions and environmental pollution. Biomass, as a renewable green reductant, can make the MPT process more environmentally friendly while reducing the environmental impact associated with processing agricultural waste. This study systematically explored the feasibility of waste corn straw as a green reductant for hematite. Under the conditions of 8 min, 700 °C, a mass ratio of corn straw to hematite of 1:4, and a N2 flow rate of 300 mL/min, the best beneficiation indexes were achieved, with an iron grade of 69.82% and an iron recovery of 93.95%. During the MPT process, hematite was reduced under the action of corn straw, and the new magnetite particles were loose and porous, showing an acicular crystal structure. Meanwhile, the corn straw was converted into porous biochar.
Accomplice Neighborhood: Everyday Life Politics
Authors: Fernández Medrano Héctor
Published: December 2023

This paper delves into the conceptual delineation of the institution of the neighborhood as a catalyst for innovative political discourse and practice. It aims to set the basis for an upcoming reevaluation of the work of Andrés Ortiz-Osés, pioneer of Gadamerian hermeneutics in Spain, considering the neighborhood’s potential: its co-implicated and co-implicative nature connects consistently with his symbolic hermeneutics of the sense. The neighborhood, a complex institution transcending conventional affiliations, underpins coexistence, mutual tolerance, and a kind of ethical dialogue. This work contributes to highlighting the neighborhood’s political dimensions on its own and claims its philosophical relevance beyond its traditional understanding. The ambivalent space of vicinity promotes plural speech and serves as a vital agora, fostering dynamic, ethical coexistence and engaged citizenship, thereby enhancing the democratic landscape.
Refining the Performance of mid-IR CPA Laser Systems Based on Fe-Doped Chalcogenides for Nonlinear Photonics
Authors: Pushkin Andrey , Potemkin Fedor
Published: December 2023

The chirped pulse amplification (CPA) systems based on transition-metal-ion-doped chalcogenide crystals are promising powerful ultrafast laser sources providing access to sub-TW laser pulses in the mid-IR region, which are highly relevant for essential scientific and technological tasks, including high-field physics and attosecond science. The only way to obtain high-peak power few-cycle pulses is through efficient laser amplification, maintaining the gain bandwidth ultrabroad. In this paper, we report on the approaches for mid-IR broadband laser pulse energy scaling and the broadening of the gain bandwidth of iron-doped chalcogenide crystals. The multi-pass chirped pulse amplification in the Fe:ZnSe crystal with 100 mJ level nanosecond optical pumping provided more than 10 mJ of output energy at 4.6 μm. The broadband amplification in the Fe:ZnS crystal in the vicinity of 3.7 μm supports a gain band of more than 300 nm (FWHM). Spectral synthesis combining Fe:ZnSe and Fe:CdSe gain media allows the increase in the gain band (~500 nm (FWHM)) compared to using a single active element, thus opening the route to direct few-cycle laser pulse generation in the prospective mid-IR spectral range. The features of the nonlinear response of carbon nanotubes in the mid-IR range are investigated, including photoinduced absorption under 4.6 μm excitation. The study intends to expand the capabilities and improve the output characteristics of high-power mid-IR laser systems.
Quantum Cascade Lasers Grown by Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition on Foreign Substrates with Large Surface Roughness
Authors: Xu Shining , Zhang Shuqi , Kirch Jeremy D. , Liu Cheng , Wibowo Andree , Tatavarti Sudersena R. , Botez Dan , Mawst Luke J.
Published: December 2023

The surface morphology of a buffer template is an important factor in the heteroepitaxial integration of optoelectronic devices with a significant lattice mismatch. In this work, InP-based long-wave infrared (~8 µm) emitting quantum cascade lasers with active region designs lattice-matched to InP were grown on GaAs and Si substrates employing InAlGaAs step-graded metamorphic buffer layers, as a means to assess the impact of surface roughness on device performance. A room-temperature pulsed-operation lasing with a relatively good device performance was obtained on a Si template, even with a large RMS roughness of 17.1 nm over 100 µm2. Such results demonstrate that intersubband-operating devices are highly tolerant to large RMS surface roughness, even in the presence of a high residual dislocation density.
Preparation and Performance Investigation of Epoxy Resin-Based Permeable Concrete Containing Ceramsite
Authors: Li Shengjia , Cui Honghai , Wang Haihua , Wang Wensheng , Sui Yi , Dong Liangyu , Wang Jiaxing
Published: December 2023

Permeable concrete is an innovative type of concrete that provides a sustainable solution for stormwater management by allowing water to seep through and be filtered naturally. This study focuses on the preparation and performance investigation of an epoxy resin-based permeable concrete containing ceramsite. In this study, ceramsite, a lightweight aggregate, is used as a substitute for conventional aggregates in the concrete mixture. The epoxy resin is then added to improve the strength and durability of the concrete. A series of tests, including compressive strength, water permeability, and freeze-thaw resistance tests, are conducted to evaluate the performance of the epoxy resin-based permeable concrete. The results show that with an increasing epoxy resin binder–aggregate ratio, the compressive strength of the epoxy resin-based permeable concrete significantly increases while the permeability coefficient decreases. Different types of aggregates have varying effects on the compressive strength and permeability coefficient of epoxy resin-based permeable concrete, with high-strength clay ceramsite providing the highest compressive strength and lightweight ceramsite having the highest permeability coefficient. In addition, the discrete element simulation method effectively and feasibly determines the ultimate load and accurately simulates the compressive strength of the permeable cement-based mixture, consistent with the measured compressive strength. A quadratic polynomial regression analysis yielded an R2 value of around 0.93, showing a strong relationship between durability and freeze-thaw cycles. The findings contribute to the development of sustainable construction materials for stormwater management and offer potential applications in various infrastructure projects.
Issue of alcoholism of the population in the work of a general practitioner
Authors:   FSBEI HE Orenburg State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Kuzmin S. A. , Grigorieva L. K. ,   FSBEI HE Orenburg State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia
Published: December 2023

Alcoholism is the major medical and social problem all over the world, including in Russia. Alcohol abuse leads to severe poisoning of the human body and provokes the development of irreversible consequences in it. Alcohol negatively affects people's health, causing illness and premature mortality of working-age citizens, leading to large losses in production, as well as huge costs for medical care. According to statistics, in the Russian Federation there are more than 5 million alcohol-dependent people, which is 3.4 % of the population, while barely half are registered. In general, it is very difficult to quantify the scale of the problem of alcohol consumption, as the majority of the rural population consumes homemade products. If we also take into account the illegal alcohol trade, the actual volume of alcohol will significantly increase. When analyzing data on the amount of alcohol consumed by the population of our country, it can be concluded that in the period from 2010 to 2012, there was a slight increase in the consumption of alcoholic beverages, then from 2012 to 2018 there was a gradual decrease in the alcohol consumption, and in 2019 there was a sharp jump in the amount of alcohol consumption by the population by 46.7 %, and this indicator has maintained its value for almost all recent 4 years, i.e. from 2019 to 2022. In general, there were no significant changes in the indicators from 2010 to 2022. Analysis of the causes and clinical manifestations of alcoholism allow creating measures to prevent this disease and influence the medical and social aspects of the population’s health and quality of life. The results of the study can be used by general practitioners in their professional activities.