bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Optimization Approach with Single-Valued Neutrosophic Hesitant Fuzzy Dombi Aggregation Operators
Authors: Batool Sania , Hashmi Masooma Raza , Riaz Muhammad , Smarandache Florentin , Pamucar Dragan , Spasic Dejan
Published: October 2022

Using the strength of a single-valued neutrosophic set (SVNS) with the flexibility of a hesitant fuzzy set (HFS) yields a robust model named the single-valued neutrosophic hesitant fuzzy set (SVNHFS). Due to the ability to utilize three independent indexes (truthness, indeterminacy, and falsity), an SVNHFS is an efficient model for optimization and computational intelligence (CI) as well as an intelligent decision support system (IDSS). Taking advantage of the flexibility of operational parameters in Dombi’s t-norm and t-conorm operations, new aggregation operators (AOs) are proposed, which are named the SVN fuzzy Dombi weighted averaging (SVNHFDWA) operator, SVN hesitant fuzzy Dombi ordered weighted averaging (SVNHFDOWA) operator, SVN hesitant fuzzy Dombi hybrid averaging (SVNHFDHWA) operator, SVN hesitant fuzzy Dombi weighted geometric (SVNHFDWG) operator, SVN hesitant fuzzy Dombi ordered weighted geometric (SVNHFDOWG) operator as well as SVN hesitant fuzzy Dombi hybrid weighted geometric (SVNHFDHWG) operator. The efficiency of these AOs is investigated in order to determine the best option using SVN hesitant fuzzy numbers (SVNHFNs) in an IDSS. Additionally, a practical application of SVNHFDWA and SVNHFDWG is also presented to examine symmetrical analysis in the selection of wireless charging station for vehicles.
Exact Solutions for Vector Phase-Matching Conditions in Nonlinear Uniaxial Crystals
Authors: López-Durán Juan , Rosas-Ortiz Oscar
Published: October 2022

The transcendental equations of vector phase matching are transformed into a fourth-order polynomial equation that admits an analytical solution. The real roots of this equation provide the optical axis orientations that are useful for efficient down-conversion in nonlinear uniaxial crystals. The production of entangled photon pairs is discussed in both collinear and non-collinear configurations of the spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) process. Degenerate and non-degenerate cases are also distinguished. As a practical example, SPDC processes of type-I and type-II are studied for beta-barium borate (BBO) crystals. The predictions are in very good agreement with experimental measurements already reported in the literature and include theoretical results of other authors as particular cases. Some properties that seem to be exclusive to BBO crystals are reported; the experimental verification of the latter would allow a better characterization of these crystals.
A Hierarchy of Interactions between Pathogenic Virus and Vertebrate Host
Authors: Friedman Robert
Published: October 2022

This review is of basic models of the interactions between a pathogenic virus and vertebrate animal host. The interactions at the population level are described by a predatory-prey model, a common approach in the ecological sciences, and depend on births and deaths within each population. This ecological perspective is complemented by models at the genetical level, which includes the dynamics of gene frequencies and the mechanisms of evolution. These perspectives are symmetrical in their relatedness and reflect the idealized forms of processes in natural systems. In the latter sections, the general use of deep learning methods is discussed within the above context, and proposed for effective modeling of the response of a pathogenic virus in a pathogen–host system, which can lead to predictions about mutation and recombination in the virus population.
Mobile Social Recommendation Model Integrating Users’ Personality Traits and Relationship Strength under Privacy Concerns
Authors: Lu Qibei , Guo Feipeng , Zhou Wei , Wang Zifan , Ji Shaobo
Published: October 2022

Aiming at the problem of data sparsity, cold start, and privacy concerns in complex information recommendation systems, such as personalized marketing on Alibaba or TikTok, this paper proposes a mobile social recommendation model integrating users’ personality traits and social relationship strength under privacy concerns (PC-MSPR). Firstly, PC-MSPR focuses on specific personality traits, including openness, extraversion, and agreeableness, and their impacts on mobile users’ online behaviors. A personality traits calculation method that incorporates privacy preferences (PP-PTM) is then introduced. Secondly, a novel method for calculating the users’ relationship strength, based on their social network interactive activities and domain ontologies (AI-URS) is proposed. AI-URS divides the interactive activities into activity domains and calculates the strength of relationships between users belonging to the same activity domain; at the same time, the comprehensive relationship strength of users in the same domain, including direct relationships and indirect relationships, is calculated based on interactive activity documents. Finally, social recommendations are derived by integrating personality traits and social relationships to calculate user similarity. The proposed model is validated using empirical data. The results show the model’s superiority in alleviating data sparsity and cold-start problems, obtaining higher recommendation precision, and reducing the impact of privacy concerns regarding the users’ adoption of personalized recommendation services.
Model Signatures for the Integration of Simulation Models into System Models
Authors: Zerwas Thilo , Jacobs Georg , Kowalski Julia , Husung Stephan , Gerhard Detlef , Rumpe Bernhard , Zeman Klaus , Vafaei Seyedmohammad , König Florian , Höpfner Gregor
Published: October 2022

Model-based systems engineering (MBSE) is an auspicious approach to the virtual development of cyber-physical systems. The behavior of the system’s elements is thus represented by specialized simulation models that are integrated into the descriptive SysML-based system model. Although many simulation models have been developed in research for the common system elements for various purposes and fidelities, their integration remains a major challenge: the parameter interfaces of the simulation models must be coupled with each other and with the parameters of the system elements in such a way that they are correctly parameterized. So far, this coupling can only be carried out by model experts in a time-consuming and error-prone manner. Therefore, in this paper, we first propose a concept that structures the system element parameters for targeted use in validation and design cases. Second, we propose a model signature for simulation models that differentiates its parameters by input, internal, output, and model parameters and specifies them with spatial and temporal dimensions as well as admissible ranges, among others. Based on the two contributions, domain models can be validly and automatable coupled and used for the virtual development of system elements in model-based systems engineering.
Managing the Morning Commute Problem with Tradable Credit Schemes under a Fully Autonomous Vehicle Environment
Authors: Liao Zhanzhi , Wang Jian , Li Yuanyuan , Hu Xiaowei
Published: October 2022

This study investigates the morning commute problem in a single corridor with a bottleneck under a fully automated vehicle environment. By extending Vickrey’s bottleneck model, we formulate the joint decisions on departure time and parking choices of morning commuters who make trade-offs among travel cost, the cost associated with parking, and the cost of tradable credits. To alleviate traffic congestion and improve social welfare, we propose a time-varying tradable credit scheme and integrate it with the morning commute problem. We explore the travel patterns and the optimal design of tradable credit schemes for the morning commute problem with homogeneous and heterogeneous commuters, respectively. For the homogeneous case, we derive the conditions on the tradable credit scheme to ensure the existence of equilibrium. The system-wide travel cost decreases with parking density after tradable credits are incorporated. Additionally, the efficiency of the tradable credits scheme can be improved by increasing the rate of credit charge rate. For the heterogeneous case, we propose an initial distribution strategy and combine it with the optimal tradable credit in order to guarantee social equity. The commuters with a low value of time (VOT) should be allocated more credits and the commuters with high VOT should be charged more credits. For both cases at system optimum, we find that the equilibrium price of tradable credits increases with parking density and decreases with the total amount of tradable credits.
Variance-Based Sensitivity Analysis of Fitting Parameters to Impact on Cycling Durability of Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Kovtunenko Victor A.
Published: October 2022

Degradation of a catalyst layer in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells is considered, which is caused by electrochemical reactions of the platinum ion dissolution and oxide coverage. An accelerated stress test is applied, where the electric potential cycling is given by a non-symmetric square profile. Computer simulations of the underlying one-dimensional Holby–Morgan model predict durability of the fuel cell operating. A sensitivity analysis based on the variance quantifies how loss of the platinum mass subjected to the degradation is impacted by the variation of fitting parameters in the model.
Fabrication and Characterization of SnCl2- and CuBr-Added Perovskite Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Asakawa Yugo , Oku Takeo , Kido Masashi , Suzuki Atsushi , Okumura Riku , Okita Masanobu , Fukunishi Sakiko , Tachikawa Tomoharu , Hasegawa Tomoya
Published: October 2022

Perovskite photovoltaic devices added with tin (Sn) dichloride and copper (Cu) bromide were fabricated and characterized. The thin film devices were prepared by an ordinary spin-coating technique using an air blowing method in ambient air. A decaphenylcyclopentasilane layer was coated at the surface of perovskite layer and annealed at a high temperature of 190 °C. Conversion efficiencies and short-circuit current densities were improved for devices added with Sn and Cu compared with the standard devices. The energy gap of the perovskite crystal decreased through the Sn addition, which was also confirmed by first-principles calculations.
Correction: Yap, C.K.; Al-Mutairi, K.A. Copper and Zinc Levels in Commercial Marine Fish from Setiu, East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Toxics 2022, 10, 52
Authors: Yap Chee Kong , Al-Mutairi Khalid Awadh
Published: October 2022

The published article [...]
Perfluoroalkyl Mixture Exposure in Relation to Fetal Growth: Potential Roles of Maternal Characteristics and Associations with Birth Outcomes
Authors: Shen Chensi , Ding Jiaxin , Xu Chenye , Zhang Long , Liu Shuren , Tian Yonghong
Published: October 2022

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exposure is suggested to interfere with fetal growth. However, limited investigations considered the roles of parity and delivery on PFASs distributions and the joint effects of PFASs mixture on birth outcomes. In this study, 506 birth cohorts were investigated in Hangzhou, China with 14 PFASs measured in maternal serum. Mothers with higher maternal ages who underwent cesarean section were associated with elevated PFASs burden, while parity showed a significant but diverse influence. A logarithmic unit increment in perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorononane sulfonate (PFNS) was significantly associated with a reduced birth weight of 0.153 kg (95% confidence interval (CI): −0.274, −0.031, p = 0.014), 0.217 kg (95% CI: −0.385, −0.049, p = 0.012), and 0.137 kg (95% CI: −0.270, −0.003, p = 0.044), respectively. Higher perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) and perfluoroheptane sulphonate (PFHpS) were associated with increased Apgar-1 scores. PFOA (Odds ratio (OR): 2.17, 95% CI: 1.27, 3.71, p = 0.004) and PFNS (OR:1.59, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.50, p = 0.043) were also risk factors to preterm birth. In addition, the quantile-based g-computation showed that PFASs mixture exposure was significantly associated with Apgar-1 (OR: 0.324, 95%CI: 0.068, 0.579, p = 0.013) and preterm birth (OR: 0.356, 95% CI: 0.149, 0.845, p = 0.019). In conclusion, PFASs were widely distributed in the maternal serum, which was influenced by maternal characteristics and significantly associated with several birth outcomes. Further investigation should focus on the placenta transfer and toxicities of PFASs.
Leveraging Multiple Data Streams for Prioritization of Mixtures for Hazard Characterization
Authors: Rivera Brianna N. , Ghetu Christine C. , Chang Yvonne , Truong Lisa , Tanguay Robyn L. , Anderson Kim A. , Tilton Susan C.
Published: October 2022

There is a growing need to establish alternative approaches for mixture safety assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Due to limitations with current component-based approaches, and the lack of established methods for using whole mixtures, a promising alternative is to use sufficiently similar mixtures; although, an established framework is lacking. In this study, several approaches are explored to form sufficiently similar mixtures. Multiple data streams including environmental concentrations and empirically and predicted toxicity data for cancer and non-cancer endpoints were used to prioritize chemical components for mixture formations. Air samplers were analyzed for unsubstituted and alkylated PAHs. A synthetic mixture of identified PAHs was created (Creosote-Fire Mix). Existing toxicity values and chemical concentrations were incorporated to identify hazardous components in the Creosote-Fire Mix. Sufficiently similar mixtures of the Creosote-Fire Mix were formed based on (1) relative abundance; (2) toxicity values; and (3) a combination approach incorporating toxicity and abundance. Hazard characterization of these mixtures was performed using high-throughput screening in primary normal human bronchial epithelium (NHBE) and zebrafish. Differences in chemical composition and potency were observed between mixture formation approaches. The toxicity-based approach (Tox Mix) was the most potent mixture in both models. The combination approach (Weighted-Tox Mix) was determined to be the ideal approach due its ability to prioritize chemicals with high exposure and hazard potential.
Toxicological Findings of Self-Poisoning Suicidal Deaths: A Systematic Review by Countries
Authors: Albano Giuseppe Davide , Malta Ginevra , La Spina Corinne , Rifiorito Arianna , Provenzano Valeria , Triolo Valentina , Vaiano Fabio , Bertol Elisabetta , Zerbo Stefania , Argo Antonina
Published: October 2022

The use of illicit and non-illicit substances is widespread in suicides. The toxicological data may help in understanding the mechanism of death. This systematic review aimed to analyze autopsies related to suicides by consuming poison, focusing on the correlation between substance use and the country of origin to create an alarm bell to indicate that suicide maybe attempted and prevent it. The systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, with the primary objective of identifying autopsies conducted in cases of suicide by consuming poison in specific geographic areas. Significant differences in substances were observed between low-income and Western countries that confirm previous literature data. In rural areas and Asian countries, most suicides by consuming poison involve the use of pesticides, such as organophosphates and carbamates. In Western countries, illicit drugs and medically prescribed drugs are the leading cause of suicide by self-poisoning. Future research should shed light on the correlation between social, medical, and demographic characteristics and the autopsy findings in suicides by self-poisoning to highlight the risk factors and implement tailored prevention programs worldwide. Performing a complete autopsy on a suspected suicide by self-poisoning could be essential in supporting worldwide public health measures and policy makers. Therefore, complete autopsies in such cases must be vigorously promoted.
Influence of pH on the Kinetics and Products of Photocatalytic Degradation of Sulfonamides in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Sapińska Dominika , Adamek Ewa , Masternak Ewa , Zielińska-Danch Wioleta , Baran Wojciech
Published: October 2022

The aims of the study were to determine the kinetics of the photocatalytic degradation of six sulfonamides in the presence of TiO2-P25 in acidic, neutral, and alkaline solutions and to identify the structures of the stable products. It was stated that the pH of the solution significantly affected the photocatalytic degradation rate of sulfonamides in acidic and alkaline environments, and the effect likely depended on the susceptibility of sulfonamides to attack by hydroxyl radicals. In the post-reaction mixture, we identified the compounds resulting from the substitution of the aromatic rings with a hydroxyl group; the amide hydrolysis products; the hydroxylamine-, azo, and nitro derivatives; and the compounds formed via the elimination of the sulfone group. Moreover, previously unknown azo compounds were detected. Some degradation products of sulfonamides may exhibit marked bacteriostatic activity and high phytotoxicity. The azo and nitro compounds formed in an acidic environment may be potentially more toxic to aquatic ecosystems than the initial compounds.
Phytochemicals and Biological Activities of Garcinia atroviridis: A Critical Review
Authors: Shahid Muhammad , Law Douglas , Azfaralariff Ahmad , Mackeen Mukram M. , Chong Teek Foh , Fazry Shazrul
Published: October 2022

Garcinia atriviridis Griff ex T. Anders (G. atroviridis) is one of the well-known species of the genus Garicinia that is native to Thailand, Myanmar, Peninsular Malaysia, and India. G. atroviridis is a perennial medium-sized tree that has a wide range of values, from food to medicinal use. Different parts of G. atroviridis are a great source of bioactive substances that have a positive impact on health. The extracts or bioactive constituents from G. atroviridis have demonstrated various therapeutic functions, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic, and anti-diabetic. In this paper, we provide a critical review of G. atroviridis and its bioactive constituents in the prevention and treatment of different diseases, which will provide new insight to explore its putative domains of research.
Fabrication of a Ternary Nanocomposite g-C3N4/Cu@CdS with Superior Charge Separation for Removal of Organic Pollutants and Bacterial Disinfection from Wastewater under Sunlight Illumination
Authors: Afzal Malik Imran , Shahid Sammia , Mansoor Sana , Javed Mohsin , Iqbal Shahid , Hakami Othman , Yousef El Sayed , Al-Fawzan Foziah F. , Elkaeed Eslam B. , Pashameah Rami Adel , Alzahrani Eman , Farouk Abd-ElAziem
Published: October 2022

The synthesis of a photo-catalyst with a narrow bandgap and efficient capability to degrade contaminants in the presence of sunlight is currently challenging but exciting. In this work, an efficient photocatalytic ternary nanocomposite g-C3N4/Cu@CdS has been synthesized successfully by using the co-precipitation method. The synthesized composite was then characterized by SEM, XRD studies, EDX analysis, and ultra-violet-visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy. The catalytic efficiency for the methylene blue (MB) dye and drug degradation (ciprofloxacin) was assessed by UV-visible absorption spectra. Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were used to test the fabrication composite’s antibacterial properties. Various compositions (1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%) of/Cu@CdS nanocomposite (NCs) and 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% of g-C3N4 NCs were prepared. Results reveal that 5%Cu@CdS and 40%g-C3N45%Cu@CdS showed maximum antibacterial activity and photocatalytic degradation of dye and drug. The X-ray pattern showed no remarkable change in doped and pristine CdS nanoparticles (NPs). The efficient photocatalytic degradation activity of the fabricated ternary nanocomposite against MB dye and ciprofloxacin an antibiotic drug makes it a viable contender for solving environmental problems.
Impact of Imidacloprid Resistance on the Demographic Traits and Expressions of Associated Genes in Aphis gossypii Glover
Authors: Ullah Farman , Xu Xiao , Gul Hina , Güncan Ali , Hafeez Muhammad , Gao Xiwu , Song Dunlun
Published: October 2022

Imidacloprid is one of the most widely used neonicotinoid insecticides to control sap-sucking insect pests, including Aphis gossypii. The intensive application of chemical insecticides to A. gossypii led to the development of resistance against several insecticides, including imidacloprid. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the association between imidacloprid resistance and the fitness of A. gossypii to limit the spread of the resistant population under field contexts. In this study, we used the age-stage, two-sex life table method to comprehensively investigate the fitness of imidacloprid resistant (ImR) and susceptible strains (SS) of melon aphids. Results showed that ImR aphids have prolonged developmental stages and decreased longevity, fecundity, and reproductive days. The key demographic parameters (r, λ, and R0) were significantly reduced in ImR strain compared to SS aphids. Additionally, the molecular mechanism for fitness costs was investigated by comparing the expression profile of juvenile hormone-binding protein (JHBP), juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH), juvenile hormone acid O-methyltransferase (JHAMT), Vitellogenin (Vg), ecdysone receptor (EcR), and ultraspiracle protein (USP) supposed to be associated with development and reproduction in insects. The results of RT-qPCR showed that EcR, JHBP, JHAMT, JHEH, and Vg genes were downregulated, while USP was statistically the same in ImR A. gossypii compared to the SS strain. Together, these results provide in-depth information about the occurrence and magnitude of fitness costs against imidacloprid resistance that could help manage the evolution and spread of A. gossypii resistance in field populations
A New Method for Environmental Risk Assessment of Pollutants Based on Multi-Dimensional Risk Factors
Authors: Li Le , Dong Yuying , Chen Yuting , Jiao Jian , Zou Xuejun
Published: October 2022

Pollutant discharge causing the deterioration of the watershed environment has seriously threatened human health and ecosystem function. The importance of improving the risk warning system is becoming more and more prominent. Traditional chemical risk assessment methods focused on toxicity and the exposure of pollutants without considering the impact of persistent pollutants in different environmental media. In this study, a new approach was proposed to reflect multi-dimensional evaluation with a synthetic risk factor (SRF) of pollutants. The integrating parameters of SRF include toxicity endpoint values, environmental exposure level, persistent properties, and compartment features. Selected pesticides, perfluorinated compounds, organophosphate esters and endocrine disruptors were analyzed by the proposed and traditional methods. The results showed a higher risk outcome using SRF analysis for PFOS, imazalil, testosterone, androstenedione and bisphenol A, which were different from those obtained by the traditional method, which were consistent with existing risk management. The study demonstrated that the SRF method improved the risk assessment of various pollutants in different environmental media in a more robust fashion, and also provided a more accurate decision basis for ecological environment protection.
Degradation of Patulin in Pear Juice and Apple Juice by Ascorbic Acid and the Combination of Ascorbic Acid and Ferrous Iron
Authors: Wei Xiaoyan , Du Mengyao , Hong Sung-Yong , Om Ae-Son
Published: October 2022

Patulin (PAT) is a toxic secondary metabolite produced by certain species of Penicillium sp. and Aspergillus sp. on apples and pears. In this study, we investigated the effects of ascorbic acid and the combination of ascorbic acid and ferrous iron on degradation of PAT in 100% pure pear juice and apple juice using high-performance liquid chromatography UV detector (HPLC-UVD). The addition of 2 different levels of ascorbic acid (143 or 286 μg/mL) into pear juice or apple juice containing 0.08 or 0.4 μg/mL of PAT showed 87.7–100% and 67.3–68.7% of PAT degradation rates, respectively, after 24 h incubation at 25 °C. Moreover, the addition of both ascorbic acid (143 or 286 μg/mL) and ferrous iron (0.033 or 0.11 μmol/mL) into pear juice or apple juice containing the same level of PAT exhibited higher PAT degradation rates (100 and 75–94%, respectively) than the addition of only ascorbic acid after 24 h incubation at 25 °C. Our data demonstrated that ascorbic acid plus ferrous iron as well as ascorbic acid were highly effective on degradation of PAT in pear juice and apple juice and that addition of both ascorbic acid and ferrous iron produced higher PAT degradation rates than addition of only ascorbic acid.
Antimicrobial Activity Developed by Scorpion Venoms and Its Peptide Component
Authors: Rincón-Cortés Clara Andrea , Bayona-Rojas Martín Alonso , Reyes-Montaño Edgar Antonio , Vega-Castro Nohora Angélica
Published: October 2022

Microbial infections represent a problem of great importance at the public health level, with a high rate of morbidity-mortality worldwide. However, treating the different diseases generated by microorganisms requires a gradual increase in acquired resistance when applying or using them against various antibiotic therapies. Resistance is caused by various molecular mechanisms of microorganisms, thus reducing their effectiveness. Consequently, there is a need to search for new opportunities through natural sources with antimicrobial activity. One alternative is using peptides present in different scorpion venoms, specifically from the Buthidae family. Different peptides with biological activity in microorganisms have been characterized as preventing their growth or inhibiting their replication. Therefore, they represent an alternative to be used in the design and development of new-generation antimicrobial drugs in different types of microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites. Essential aspects for its disclosure, as shown in this review, are the studies carried out on different types of peptides in scorpion venoms with activity against pathogenic microorganisms, highlighting their high therapeutic potential.
Long-Term Effects of a Single Application of Botulinum Toxin Type A in Temporomandibular Myofascial Pain Patients: A Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: De la Torre Canales Giancarlo , Câmara-Souza Mariana Barbosa , Poluha Rodrigo Lorenzi , de Figueredo Olívia Maria Costa , Nobre Bryanne Brissian de Souza , Ernberg Malin , Conti Paulo César Rodrigues , Rizzatti-Barbosa Célia Marisa
Published: October 2022

This study assessed the long-term effects of botulinum toxin type A (BoNT-A) in subjective pain, pain sensibility, and muscle thickness in persistent myofascial temporomandibular-disorder pain (MFP-TMD) patients. Fourteen female subjects with persistent MFP received BoNT-A treatment with different doses (10U-25U for temporalis muscle and 30U-75U for masseter muscle). The treatment was injected bilaterally in the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles in a single session. Clinical measurements included: self-perceived pain (VAS), pain sensibility (PPT), and muscles thickness (ultrasonography). Follow-up occurred 1, 3, 6, and 72 months after treatment for VAS and PPT and 1, 3, and 72 months for ultrasonography. For statistical analysis, the Friedman test with the Bonferroni test for multiple comparisons as a post hoc test was used for non-parametric repeated measures comparisons among the evaluation times. A 5% probability level was considered significant in all tests. VAS values presented a significant decrease throughout the study (p < 0.05). Regarding PPT values, a significant increase was found when comparing baseline data with post-treatment follow-ups (p < 0.05), and even though a significant decrease was found in muscle thickness when baseline values were compared with the 1- and 3-months assessments, no differences were found when compared with the 72 months follow-up (p > 0.05). A single injection of BoNT-A presents long-term effects in reducing pain in persistent MFP-TMD patients, and a reversibility of adverse effects on masticatory-muscle thickness.
Does Deoxynivalenol Affect Amoxicillin and Doxycycline Absorption in the Gastrointestinal Tract? Ex Vivo Study on Swine Jejunum Mucosa Explants
Authors: Mendel Marta , Karlik Wojciech , Latek Urszula , Chłopecka Magdalena , Nowacka-Kozak Ewelina , Pietruszka Katarzyna , Jedziniak Piotr
Published: October 2022

The presence of deoxynivalenol (DON) in feed may increase intestinal barrier permeability. Disturbance of the intestinal barrier integrity may affect the absorption of antibiotics used in animals. Since the bioavailability of orally administered antibiotics significantly affects their efficacy and safety, it was decided to evaluate how DON influences the absorption of the most commonly used antibiotics in pigs, i.e., amoxicillin (AMX) and doxycycline (DOX). The studies were conducted using jejunal explants from adult pigs. Explants were incubated in Ussing chambers, in which a buffer containing DON (30 µg/mL), AMX (50 µg/mL), DOX (30 µg/mL), a combination of AMX + DON, or a combination of DOX + DON was used. Changes in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), the flux of transcellular and intracellular transport markers, and the flux of antibiotics across explants were measured. DON increased the permeability of small intestine explants, expressed by a reduction in TEER and an intensification of transcellular marker transport. DON did not affect AMX transport, but it accelerated DOX transport by approximately five times. The results suggest that DON inhibits the efflux transport of DOX to the intestinal lumen, and thus significantly changes its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract.
Stability and Chemical Conversion of the Purified Reference Material of Gymnodimine-A under Different Temperature and pH Conditions
Authors: Wang Guixiang , Qiu Jiangbing , Li Aifeng , Ji Ying , Tang Zhixuan , Hess Philipp
Published: October 2022

Gymnodimines (GYMs) are a group of fast-acting phycotoxins and their toxicological effects on human beings are still unclear due to the lack of sufficiently well-characterized large quantities of purified toxins for toxicology studies. In this study, a certified reference material (CRM) of GYM-A was prepared from the dinoflagellate Karenia selliformis, followed by multi-step chromatography separation and purification. Subsequently, the stability of GYM-A in methanolic media was evaluated at different temperature (−20, 4, and 20 °C) and pH (3, 5, and 7) conditions for 8 months, and the conversion products of GYM-A were explored by liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). The results show that the stability of GYM-A decreased with increasing temperature and pH values. The GYM-A was stable during storage at −20 °C regardless of pH, but it decreased rapidly (81.8% ± 9.3%) at 20 °C in pH 7 solution after 8 months. Moreover, the concentrations of GYM-A did not significantly change at all temperatures in solutions with pH 3 (p > 0.05). It is recommended that GYM-A should be stored at low temperature (≤−20 °C) and pH (≤3) conditions for long-term storage in aqueous methanolic media. In addition, two conversion products of GYM-A, tentatively named as GYM-K (m/z 540) and GYM-L (m/z 524), were identified in the samples stored at high levels of pH and temperature. Based on the LC-HRMS data, the hypothetical chemical structures of both converting derivatives were proposed. A useful strategy for long-term storage of GYM-A CRM in aqueous methanolic media was suggested and two hypothesized conversion products of GYM-A were discovered in this study.
Prevalence and Vulnerability Factors Associated with HIV and Syphilis in Older People from Subnormal Agglomerate, Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Azevedo Junior Wanderson Santiago de , Santos Eduarda Pastana dos , Pedreira Nábia Pereira , Dantas Lucas Bittencourt , Nascimento Valéria Gabrielle Caldas , Dias Geyse Aline Rodrigues , Sousa Fabiane de Jesus Dias , Castro Nádile Juliane Costa de , Botelho Eliã Pinheiro , Ferreira Glenda Roberta Oliveira Naiff
Published: October 2022

Background: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HIV and syphilis and associated factors among elderly people from subnormal agglomerations in a city in the Brazilian Amazon. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was carried out in a subnormal agglomerate from the Brazilian Amazon. Data collection was conducted from August 2021 to February 2022, using a structured questionnaire. Whole blood samples were collected to perform a rapid test for HIV and syphilis. People aged 50 and over were included in the study, and the sample consisted of 213 participants. The odds ratio was calculated by multiple logistic regression. Results: A total of 203 participants with a mean age of 63.5 years were considered (95% CI: 62.4; 64.6; standard deviation: 8.1; minimum age: 50 years and maximum age: 94 years). The prevalence of either HIV or syphilis was 16.4% (35/213; 95% CI: 0.11; 0.21); syphilis was 15.5% (33/213) and HIV was 1.40% (3/213). One coinfection (0.46%; 1/213) was registered. In the final multiple logistic regression, the elderly with an education level of illiterate/elementary were two times more likely to have a positive rapid test result for HIV or syphilis. Conclusions: Testing for HIV and syphilis identified that STI represented a burden on populations affected by socioeconomic inequality.
Pathogenesis and Genomic Analysis of a Virulent Leptospira Interrogans Serovar Copenhageni Isolated from a Dog with Lethal Infection
Authors: de Oliveira Natasha Rodrigues , Kremer Frederico Schmitt , de Brito Risciela Salardi Alves , Zamboni Rosimeri , Dellagostin Odir Antônio , Jorge Sérgio
Published: October 2022

Dogs are highly susceptible to leptospirosis and are a public health concern due to their important role as a source of spreading disease, particularly in urban settings. In this study, we present the pathogenesis, serological characterization, and complete genome sequencing of a virulent Brazilian strain (NEG7) of L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni isolated from the urine of a dog that died due to acute leptospirosis. Clinical investigation showed that the dog was presented with icteric mucous membranes, weakness, dehydration, anorexia, and kidney and liver failures. Necropsy followed by histopathological evaluation revealed lesions compatible with liver and kidney leptospirosis. The leptospires recovered from the urine were further characterized by genome analysis, which confirmed that the isolate belonged to L. interrogans serogroup icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Copenhageni. Multiple bioinformatics tools were used to characterize the genomic features, and comparisons with other available Copenhageni strains were performed. Characterization based on absence of an INDEL in the gene lic12008, associated with phylogenetic and ANI (99.99% identity) analyses, confirmed the genetic relatedness of the isolate with L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni. A better understanding of the diversity of the pathogenic Leptospira isolates could help in identifying genotypes responsible for severe infections. Moreover, it can be used to develop control and prevention strategies for Leptospira serovars associated with particular animal reservoirs.
Spatio-Temporal Pattern and Meteo-Climatic Determinants of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Italy
Authors: Moirano Giovenale , Ellena Marta , Mercogliano Paola , Richiardi Lorenzo , Maule Milena
Published: October 2022

Historically, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Italy was constrained to Mediterranean areas. However, in the last 20 years, sand fly vectors and human cases of VL have been detected in northern Italy, traditionally classified as a cold area unsuitable for sand fly survival. We aim to study the spatio-temporal pattern and climatic determinants of VL incidence in Italy. National Hospital Discharge Register records were used to identify incident cases of VL between 2009 and 2016. Incident rates were computed for each year (N = 8) and for each province (N = 110). Data on mean temperature and cumulative precipitation were obtained from the ERA5-Land re-analysis. Age- and sex-standardized incidence rates were modeled with Bayesian spatial and spatio-temporal conditional autoregressive Poisson models in relation to the meteo-climatic parameters. Statistical inference was based on Monte Carlo–Markov chains. We identified 1123 VL cases (incidence rate: 2.4 cases/1,000,000 person-years). The highest incidence rates were observed in southern Italy, even though some areas of northern Italy experienced high incidence rates. Overall, in the spatial analysis, VL incidence rates were positively associated with average air temperatures (β  for 1 °C increase in average mean average temperature: 0.14; 95% credible intervals (CrI): 0.01, 0.27) and inversely associated with average precipitation (β for 20 mm increase in average summer cumulative precipitation: −0.28, 95% CrI: −0.42, −0.13). In the spatio-temporal analysis, no association between VL cases and season-year specific temperature and precipitation anomalies was detected. Our findings indicate that VL is endemic in the whole Italian peninsula and that climatic factors, such as air temperature and precipitation, might play a relevant role in shaping the geographical distribution of VL cases. These results support that climate change might affect leishmaniasis distribution in the future.
An Unsupervised Machine Learning Method for Electron–Proton Discrimination of the DAMPE Experiment
Authors: Xu Zhihui , Li Xiang , Cui Mingyang , Yue Chuan , Jiang Wei , Li Wenhao , Yuan Qiang
Published: October 2022

Galactic cosmic rays are mostly made up of energetic nuclei, with less than 1% of electrons (and positrons). Precise measurement of the electron and positron component requires a very efficient method to reject the nuclei background, mainly protons. In this work, we develop an unsupervised machine learning method to identify electrons and positrons from cosmic ray protons for the Dark Matter Particle Explorer (DAMPE) experiment. Compared with the supervised learning method used in the DAMPE experiment, this unsupervised method relies solely on real data except for the background estimation process. As a result, it could effectively reduce the uncertainties from simulations. For three energy ranges of electrons and positrons, 80–128 GeV, 350–700 GeV, and 2–5 TeV, the residual background fractions in the electron sample are found to be about (0.45 ± 0.02)%, (0.52 ± 0.04)%, and (10.55 ± 1.80)%, and the background rejection power is about (6.21 ± 0.03) × 104, (9.03 ± 0.05) × 104, and (3.06 ± 0.32) × 104, respectively. This method gives a higher background rejection power in all energy ranges than the traditional morphological parameterization method and reaches comparable background rejection performance compared with supervised machine learning methods.
Rotational Energy Extraction from the Kerr Black Hole’s Mimickers
Authors: Patel Vishva , Acharya Kauntey , Bambhaniya Parth , Joshi Pankaj S.
Published: October 2022

In this paper, the Penrose process is used to extract rotational energy from regular black holes. Initially, we consider the rotating Simpson–Visser regular spacetime, which describes the class of geometries of Kerr black hole mimickers. The Penrose process is then studied through conformally transformed rotating singular and regular black hole solutions. Both the Simpson–Visser and conformally transformed geometries depend on mass, spin, and an additional regularisation parameter l. In both cases, we investigate how the spin and regularisation parameter l affect the configuration of an ergoregion and event horizons. Surprisingly, we find that the energy extraction efficiency from the event horizon surface is not dependent on the regularisation parameter l in the Simpson–Visser regular spacetimes, and hence, it does not vary from that of the Kerr black hole. Meanwhile, in conformally transformed singular and regular black holes, we obtain that the efficiency rate of extracted energies is extremely high compared to that of the Kerr black hole. This distinct signature of conformally transformed singular and regular black holes is useful to distinguish them from Kerr black holes in observation.
Editorial: Selected Topics in Gravity, Field Theory and Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Walker Michael L. , Duplij Steven
Published: October 2022

“Selected topics in Gravity, Field Theory and Quantum Mechanics” is for physicists wanting a fresh perspective into quantum gravity [...]
Unequal Landscapes: Vulnerability Traps in Informal Settlements of the Jacuí River Delta (Brazil)
Authors: Pereira Santos Alexandre , Rodriguez-Lopez Juan Miguel , Chiarel Cleiton , Scheffran Jürgen
Published: October 2022

How just are risk responses that worsen vulnerability in the long term? Should the urban poor be left with self-reliance when facing hazards in the Anthropocene? This research investigates urban development and vulnerability in the Anthropocene. While it is known that informal settlements face greater hazards than most urbanized areas, there are different landscapes of risk. The analysis explores divergent risk-response strategies among households according to their residents’ risk perception and response capacity in two different landscapes of an urban delta using logit regression models. These models evaluate the associations between 14 response options to floods and control for factors of income, age, number of residents in the household, location, access to vehicles, and self-identified ethnicity. This study uses data from the Living with Floods Survey by the World Bank to investigate risk responses to the 2015 flood in the Jacuí River delta. The analysis considers a large sample of households (n = 1451) in informal settlements. The results show the intense influence of income on location choice and response capacity. We also found that income is a more robust social descriptor of response capacity than age or ethnicity. Risk perception proved limited in determining response strategies and can be associated with resignation to losses from floods. We argue that these results suggest trade-offs between short- and long-term responses to hazards in informal settlements in coastal and delta regions, which link adaptive behavior to environmental justice.
Loss to Follow-Up from HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Care in Men Who Have Sex with Men in West Africa
Authors: Eubanks August , Coulibaly Bakary , Keita Bintou , Anoma Camille , Dah Ter , Mensah Ephrem , Maradan Gwenaëlle , Bourrelly Michel , Mora Marion , Riegel Lucas , Rojas Castro Daniela , Yaya Issifou , Spire Bruno , Laurent Christian , Sagaon-Teyssier Luis ,   the CohMSM-PrEP Study Group
Published: October 2022

Loss to follow-up (LTFU) from HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) care compromises the goal of HIV elimination. We investigated the proportion of LTFU and associated risk factors among men who have sex with men (MSM) enrolled in a PrEP demonstration project in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Togo. CohMSM-PrEP, a prospective cohort study, was conducted between November 2017 and June 2021 in community-based clinics. MSM aged 18 years or older at substantial risk of HIV infection received a comprehensive prevention package, including PrEP and peer education. LTFU was defined as not returning to the clinic for six months. Associated risk factors were investigated using a time-varying Cox’s model. Of 647 participants followed up for a median time of 15 months, 372 were LTFU (57.5%). LTFU was associated with younger age (adjusted hazard ratio [95% Confidence Interval]; 1.50 [1.17–1.94]), unemployment (1.33 [1.03–1.71]), depression (1.63 [1.12–2.38]), and perceiving no HIV risk with stable male partners (1.61 [1.23–2.10]). Contacting peer educators outside of scheduled visits was protective (0.74 [0.56–0.97]). Our findings show that LTFU from PrEP care in West African MSM is a major challenge to achieving HIV elimination, but that the involvement of peer educators in PrEP delivery helps to limit LTFU by providing users with adequate support.
Detailed Molecular Interactions between Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion Protein and the TLR4/MD-2 Complex In Silico
Authors: Akagawa Mao , Shirai Tatsuya , Sada Mitsuru , Nagasawa Norika , Kondo Mayumi , Takeda Makoto , Nagasawa Koo , Kimura Ryusuke , Okayama Kaori , Hayashi Yuriko , Sugai Toshiyuki , Tsugawa Takeshi , Ishii Haruyuki , Kawashima Hisashi , Katayama Kazuhiko , Ryo Akihide , Kimura Hirokazu
Published: October 2022

Molecular interactions between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion protein (F protein) and the cellular receptor Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and myeloid differentiation factor-2 (MD-2) protein complex are unknown. Thus, to reveal the detailed molecular interactions between them, in silico analyses were performed using various bioinformatics techniques. The present simulation data showed that the neutralizing antibody (NT-Ab) binding sites in both prefusion and postfusion proteins at sites II and IV were involved in the interactions between them and the TLR4 molecule. Moreover, the binding affinity between postfusion proteins and the TLR4/MD-2 complex was higher than that between prefusion proteins and the TLR4/MD-2 complex. This increased binding affinity due to conformational changes in the F protein may be able to form syncytium in RSV-infected cells. These results may contribute to better understand the infectivity and pathogenicity (syncytium formation) of RSV.
In Vitro Infection Dynamics of Wuxiang Virus in Different Cell Lines
Authors: Yao Xiaohui , Yin Qikai , Hu Danhe , Fu Shihong , Zhang Weijia , Nie Kai , Li Fan , Xu Songtao , He Ying , Liang Guodong , Li Xiangdong , Wang Huanyu
Published: October 2022

Wuxiang virus (WUXV) is a newly discovered Bunyavirales transmitted by sandflies. It is found to infect humans and chickens and can cause neurological symptoms and even death in mice. However, the susceptibility of different hosts and tissue-derived cells to this virus is unclear. In this study, we examined cells derived from murine (BHK-21, N2A), human (HEK-293T, SH-SY5Y), dog (MDCK), pig (PK-15), monkey (Vero), and chicken (DF1), which were inoculated with WUXV at 0.05 MOI, and monitored for monolayer cytopathic effect (CPE). Culture supernatants and cells were collected from 0 to 96 h post-infection, cell viability was determined by trypan blue staining, numbers of infectious virus particles were quantified using plaque tests, and viral nucleic acid contents were determined by RT-qPCR. The presence of WUXV N antigen in infected cells was detected by Western blotting (WB). In response to virus infection, BHK-21, MDCK, and PK-15 cells were characterized by a clear CPE, and we observed reductions in the proportion of viable cells after 96 h. By contrast, no significant CPEs were observed in the other cell lines. We detected increases in viral titers, viral nucleic acid content, and N antigen expression in BHK-21, MDCK, PK-15, HEK-293T, N2A, SH-SY5Y, and DF1 cells post-infection. Vero cells showed no CPE, and the findings for other tests were negative. In conclusion, we tested the susceptibility of different cell lines to WUXV, enhanced our current understanding of WUXV biology at the cellular level, and laid the foundations for further investigation of the underlying virus infection mechanisms.