bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Architecture for Edge-Based Predictive Maintenance of Machines Using Federated Learning and Multi Sensor Platforms
Authors: Laydner de Melo Rosa Gustavo , Mohanram Praveen , Gilerson Andre , Schmitt Robert Heinrich
Published: May 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) models are expected to have a great impact in the manufacturing industry, optimizing time and resource cost by enabling applications such as predictive maintenance (PM) of production machines. A necessary condition for this is the availability of high quality data collected as close as possible to the process in question. With the advent of 5G equipped multi sensor platforms (MSPs), high sampling rate data can be collected and transmitted for processing in real time. This poses a data security challenge, since this data may give valuable insight into confidential business information of companies. Federated learning (FL) enables the training of AI models with data from multiple sources without it leaving the shop floor, by utilizing distributed computing resources available on premise. This paper introduces an architecture of FL based on data collected from 5G MSPs for enabling PM in industrial environments and discusses its potential benefits and challenges.
Work Engagement and Burnout in a Private Health Service Unit in Greece
Authors: Alexias George , Papandreopoulou Maria , Togas Constantinos
Published: May 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the work engagement and burnout in healthcare professionals in a private health unit in Greece. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 151 professionals (doctors, nurses, administrative staff and professionals of other specialties). The questionnaire included demographic and work-related information and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and Maslach Burnout Inventory. Analysis was performed by SPSS v.26. With regard to the work engagement, the participants presented a medium score in absorption and a medium to high score in vigor and dedication. In addition, they presented low score in depersonalization, a medium score in emotional exhaustion and a high score in personal accomplishment. Those who had a working contract for an indefinite period had higher score in all the dimensions of burnout. Vigor, dedication and absorption were negatively correlated with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization and positively with personal accomplishment. Healthcare professionals in private health sector in Greece present moderate work engagement and experience moderate levels of burnout. Work engagement is associated with burnout and plays an important role in its prevention. There are some significant differences in work engagement and burnout based on several demographic and work-related characteristics.
Evaluating Current Satellite Sensors in Capturing the Spatio-temporal Rainfall Variability across North Darfur State, Sudan
Authors: Altoom Mohammed B , Adam Elhadi , Ali Khalid Adem
Published: May 2023

Accurate rainfall measurement is vital when investigating spatial and temporal precipitation variability at different scales. However, there are many regions around the world, such as North Darfur State in Sudan, where ground-based observations are few. Satellite-based precipitation products can fill such regions' spatial and temporal rainfall data gaps. Six satellite rainfall prod-ucts, namely the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Multi-satellite Precipitation Analysis (TMPA), African Rainfall Climatology Version 2 (ARC2.0), Climate Hazards Group In-frared Precipitation with Station Data (CHIRPS2.0), the Integrated Multi-satellitE Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurements (GPM) Final Run v 6 (GPM IMERG6), Precipitation Estima-tion from Remote Sensing Information using Artificial Neural Networks-Climate Data Record (PERSIANN-CDR), and the Tropical Applications of Meteorology using SATellite and ground-based observations (TAMSAT) v3.1 were evaluated to assess their accuracy in estimating rainfall amounts variability trends in the study area. The global-based satellite rainfall products were assessed at monthly and annual time scales by applying a point-to-pixel comparison with ground-based rain gauge data for the period 2000–2019. Based on the overall statistical results at monthly and temporal yearly scales, five satellite precipitation products (TMPA, CHIRPS, GPM IMERG6, PERSIANN-CDR, and TAMSATv3.1) overestimated rainfall amounts by values ranging from 1.49% to 82.69%. In contrast, the ARC2 product underestimated rainfall amounts by values ranging from-16.9% to-20.25%. The TAMSATv3.1, CHIRPS, and TMPA performed relatively better, showing stronger correlations and higher values of Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency. This study showed that the TAMSATv3.1 and CHIRPS products could reasonably estimate rainfall amounts in the North Darfur State.
Antigenic Cartography Indicates That Omicron BA.1 and BA.4/BA.5 Variants Remain Antigenically Distant to Ancestral SARS-CoV-2 After Sputnik V Vaccination Followed by Homologous (Sputnik V) or Heterologous (Comirnaty) Revaccination
Authors: Astakhova Ekaterina A , Morozov Alexey A , Byazrova Maria G , Sukhova Maria M , Mikhailov Artem A , Gorchakov Andrey A , Filatov Alexander V
Published: May 2023

Rapid emergence of evasive SARS-CoV-2 variants is an on-going challenge for COVID-19 vaccinology. Traditional virus neutralization tests provide detailed datasets of neutralization titers against the viral variants. Such datasets are difficult to interpret and do not immediately inform on the sufficiency of the breadth of antibody response. Some of these issues could be tackled using the antigenic cartography approach. In this study, we created antigenic maps using neutralization titers of sera from donors who received Sputnik V booster vaccine after primary Sputnik V vaccination and compared them with the antigenic maps based on serum neutralization titers of Comirnaty-boosted donors. Traditional analysis of neutralization titers against WT, Alpha, Beta, Delta, Omicron BA.1 and BA.4/BA.5 showed a significant booster humoral response after both homologous (Sputnik V) and heterologous (Comirnaty) revaccinations against all the studied viral variants. However, despite this, a more in-depth analysis using antigenic cartography revealed that Omicron variants remain antigenically distant from WT, which is indicative of the formation of insufficient levels of cross-neutralizing antibodies. The implications of these findings may be significant when developing a new vaccine regimen.
Research on Forest Fire Detection Algorithm Based on Improved YOLOv5
Authors: Li Jianfeng , Lian Xiaoqin
Published: May 2023

Forest fires are one of the world's deadliest natural disasters. Early detection of forest fires can help minimize the damage to ecosystems and forest life. In this paper, we propose an improved fire detection method YOLOv5-IFFDM for YOLOv5. Firstly, the fire and smoke detection accuracy and the network perception accuracy of small targets are improved by adding attention mechanism in the backbone network. Secondly, the loss function is improved and the SoftPool pyramid pooling structure is used to improve the regression accuracy and detection effect of the model and the robustness of the model. In addition, random Mosaic augmentation technique is used to enhance the data to increase the generalization ability of the model, and re-clustering of flame and smoke detection a priori frames are used to improve the accuracy and speed. Finally, the parameters of the convolutional and normalization layers of the trained model are homogeneously merged to further reduce the model responsibility to improve the detection speed. Experimental results on homemade forest fire and smoke datasets show that this algorithm has high detection accuracy and fast detection speed, with average accuracy of fire up to 90.5% and smoke up to 84.3%, and detection speed up to 75 FPS (frames per second transmission), which can meet the requirements of real-time and efficient fire detection.
Restoring Homeostasis as a Promising Therapeutic Strategy for Obesity and Sleep Disorders
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Ghosh Shampa , Mishra Pradeep Kumar , Aziz Areeba , Mehta Rachna , Sinha Jitendra Kumar
Published: May 2023

Accumulation of extra fats in the body results in disturbance in homeostasis causing obesity. The pathophysiology of obesity has been associated with various genetic, epigenetic factors and the disturbed lifestyles of an individual. One of the outcomes is disturbance in the sleep cycle which leads to sleep disorders. The evolutionary significance of sleep lies in the fact that it saves energy and is crucial for adjustment of an individual to ecological and environmental factors, and thus maintains homeostasis. Sleep has an anabolic function and replenishes the wakefulness-associated loss of glycogen stores. However, the modern lifestyle is well known to disrupt sleep behavior and patterns affecting human health negatively. Alteration in homeostasis leads to several acute and chronic pathophysiological conditions like obesity and related metabolic morbidities being one amongst them. Shorter sleep duration and poor sleep quality are important risk factors associated with the development of obesity and have more adverse effects on energy homeostasis. Consequently, it is crucial to comprehend the obesity and sleep relationship and its therapeutic strategies, given that strong crosstalk exists between energy balance that favors obesity and sleep apnea. It is therefore highly recommended to the people with a high risk of obesity to maintain sleep discipline and good sleep hygiene in our daily life. Interventions are required to improve both sleep quality and quantity, and associated obesity. More focused research is needed for uncovering the pieces of evidence that determine whether such interventions can improve obesity-related health consequences. The present review discusses the important findings on the therapeutic and neuroendocrine mechanisms regulating sleep and obesity.
The results and developments of the radon monitoring network in seismic areas
Authors: TOADER Victorin Emilian , Ionescu Constantin , Moldovan Iren-Adelina , Marmureanu Alexandru , Brisan Nicoleta-Sanda , Lıngvay Iosif , Mihai Andrei
Published: May 2023

The analysis of the radon-seismicity relationship has been carried out so far in the Vrancea (Ro-mania) seismic zone, with monitoring stations positioned on tectonic faults. The article analyzes the evolution of radon under the conditions of the existence of deep and surface seismicity and the presence of mud volcanoes along with live fires caused by gases emitted from the soil. The monitoring area was extended to the Black Sea and the area of the Făgăraș Câmpulung fault, where a special radon detection system was set up, which was proposed for patenting. A case study is the effect of the earthquakes in Turkey (7.8 R and 7.5 R on 2023/02/06) on the seismically active areas in Romania in terms of gas emissions (radon, CO2). The main analysis methods on radon (we also included CO2) are applied to integrated time series and the use of anomaly detection algorithms. Data analysis shows that the effects of global warming introduce deviations in seasonal gas emissions compared to previous years. This makes it difficult to analyze the data and correlate them with seismicity. The main conclusions related to the development of a radon monitoring network and in general the emission of gases in seismic areas refer to the importance of the choice of equipment, the monitoring location and the installation method.
Enhanced Antibacterial Properties of Chitosan Fibres
Authors: Hernandez Cesar , Draczyński Zbigniew , Borkowski Dominik , Kaźmierczak Dorota
Published: May 2023

Over the years, chitosan has been the subject of numerous studies and has gained significant popularity as a biomaterial due to its various characteristics, including biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. In this work, chitosan fibres surface was modified with ursolic acid to improve their antibacterial properties by wet impregnation method. Five specimens of chitosan fibres were immersed in ursolic acid (UA) solution for varying immersion times of 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours. Characterization was carried out by means of FTIR, SEM, UV-Vis spectroscopy; the results indicated an ongoing chemical reaction between chitosan and ursolic acid resulting in changes to the chemical structure. After 2 hours, the absorbance ratio remained constant; suggesting that the reaction had reached completion and the chemical structure of the sample remained stable. Antibacterial tests were performed on the resulting chitosan fibres against two bacterial strains. The fibres without ursolic acid did not exhibit any noteworthy antibacterial activity against either strain. However, the chitosan fibres modified with ursolic acid showed significant and almost strong antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive strain, S. aureus. These results suggest that chitosan fibres modified with ursolic acid could have potential applications as antibacterial materials, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria.
Mittag-Leffler Type Stability of BAM Neural Networks Modeled by the Generalized Proportional Riemann-Liouville Fractional Derivative
Authors: Agarwal Ravi P. , Hristova Snezhana , O'Regan Donal
Published: May 2023

The main goal of the paper is to use a generalized proportional Riemann-Liouville fractional derivative (GPRLFD) to model BAM neural networks and to study some stability properties of the equilibrium. Initially, several properties of the GPRLFD are proved such as the fractional derivative of a squared function. Also some comparison results for GPRLFD are provided. Two types of equilibrium of the BAM model with GPRLFD are defined. In connection with the applied fractional derivative and its singularity at the initial time the Mittag-Leffler exponential stability in time of the equilibrium is introduced and studied. An example is given illustrating the meaning of the equilibrium as well as its stability properties.
A Hybrid Approach to Representing Shared Conceptualization in Decentralized AI Systems: Integrating Epistemology, Ontology, and Epistemic Logic
Authors: Adhnouss Fateh Mohamed Ali , El-Asfour Husam M. Ali , McIsaac Kenneth , El-Feghia Idris
Published: May 2023

The deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems in decentralized environments is on the rise, yet representation of shared conceptualization in such scenarios remains a challenging issue. The absence of a shared understanding can lead to suboptimal performance of AI systems and hinders the ability to comprehend the knowledge and beliefs of agents in the domain. This paper proposes a formal model for modeling conceptualization in AI systems that integrates ontology, epistemology, and epistemic logic. The model aims to address the gap in representing shared conceptualization in decentralized environments and enhance the performance of AI systems operating in such environments. The proposed model is a hybrid structure that blends extensional and intensional structures and leverages logic-based languages for modeling purposes. A case study in the healthcare sector is presented to illustrate the application of the proposed model. The study contributes to the existing literature by providing a formal model for representing shared conceptualization in decentralized environments, which can be utilized to optimize the performance of AI systems in these environments.
Comparison of Portable Oxygen Concentrators and Inspired Oxygen Levels Using a COPD Patient Simulation Model
Authors: Gardenhire Douglas S. S , Murray Robert B , Gardenhire Robin E , Brandenberger Kyle
Published: May 2023

Background: Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) have shown efficacy in delivering adequate oxygen for various patient scenarios; however, there is a lack of research on POCs’ efficacy across different respiratory rates specifically among COPD patients. Methods: This bench study was conducted using the IngMar Medical Active Servo Lung 5000 attached to flexible tubing, which simulated an adult patient’s nares. An oxygen analyzer (Maxtec Handi+) was connected to the tubing 6 inches below the nares to estimate the inspired oxygen concentration at the adult trachea. A standard nasal cannula was placed in the simulated patient nares, which was also attached to each POC. The IngMar Lung was programmed to simulate a COPD patient at the following respiratory rates: 15, 20, 30, and 40 breaths/min. POC devices were then compared to an oxygen wall outlet and a standard oxygen concentrator (non-portable CAIRE device). The POCs included the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort (with Autosat), CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort (without Autosat), Inogen G4, Inogen G5, Phillips SimplyGo Mini, GCE Zen-O lite, Drive Medical iGo2, and Kingon POCs. Descriptive statistics and ANOVAs were computed to determine statistically significant differences between POCS and control devices (wall oxygen and standalone oxygen concentrator). Results: Across most respiratory rate scenarios, the wall oxygen and standalone oxygen concentrator (control group) resulted higher oxygen measurements compared to the POCs. Among the POCs on setting 2, the highest oxygen measurement for 15, 30, and 40 breaths/min was the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort with AutoSat on sensitivity 5 (24.43%, 24.81%, and 25.0%, respectively). On setting 2, the 20 breaths/min highest oxygen measurement was the Inogen G4 (24.43%). For setting 5, the highest oxygen measurement for 15 breaths/min and 40 breaths/min was the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort without AutoSat (31.56% and 26.13%, respectively), while the highest oxygen measurement for 20 breaths/min was the Inogen G5 (30.26%), and the highest oxygen measurement for 30 breaths/min was the CAIRE FreeStyle Comfort with AutoSat on sensitivity level 5 (27.89%). Conclusions: The oxygen administered through the wall and the standalone CAIRE oxygen concentrator all delivered higher oxygen levels compared to the POCs (with the exception of the 40 breaths/min scenario on setting 2). However, among the POCs, the CAIRE Freestyle Comfort with AutoSat, CAIRE Freestyle Comfort without AutoSat, and the Inogen G4 all performed the best among the various breathing rate scenarios.
Pentraxin 3 in Kidney Disease and Renal Replacement Therapies
Authors: Losappio Vincenzo , Barbara Infante , Maiorano Annamaria , Simiele Serena , Rosato Sara , Mercuri Silvia , Troise Dario , Stallone Giovanni , Pontrelli Paola
Published: May 2023

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is actually considered a public health priority according to the increasing number of patients affected by this condition: this casuistry is not only related to specific glomerular, tubular or autoimmune diseases or a consequence of acute kidney injury (AKI) episodes leading to organ failure, but it is tied to the progression of life expectancy and the impact of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer. CKD and its comorbidities promote low grade inflammatory status with an impact on patients’ clinical conditions, reducing their possibility for kidney transplantation or graft survival and their survival when receiving renal replacement therapies such as hemodialysis (HD) or peritoneal dialysis (PD). CKD is often referred to as an ageing accelerator: innate immune system dysregulation, in the uraemic proinflammatory milieu, is involved in this accelerated senescence phenomena and pentraxins, particularly Pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), are of particular interest in the development of kidney disease. A complete understanding of the mechanism of CKD progression, innate immune system involvement and a proper definition of PTX-3 role in kidney disease, could redefine the approach for diagnosis and a more centered patients’ management to slow down CKD progression over time and reduce its clinical and social impact.
UNIÓN DE HECHO DE ADOLESCENTES EN MÉXICO: PROBLEMÁTICA DE LAS RELACIONES JURÍDICAS FAMILIARES
Authors: Nares Hernández José Julio , Montelongo González Gabriel , Colín García Ricardo
Published: May 2023

Las relaciones jurídicas familiares establecidas en la legislación civil mexicana derivan del matrimonio, el parentesco, el concubinato y la Sociedad de convivencia. La forma en que los tribunales federales garantizan los derechos familiares de las uniones de hecho empíricas, es decir, las uniones no reconocidas en la normatividad, es adecuándolos al concubinato mediante construcción jurisprudencial. La legislación civil prohíbe el matrimonio y el concubinato para menores de 18 años, lo que no impide que de facto si tienen la edad legal mínima para el consentimiento sexual, puedan formar una familia mediante una unión de hecho. El problema es que en este tipo de unión es imposible realizar tal adecuación, pues son niños que no tienen la capacidad de ejercicio para actuar y dar origen a relaciones jurídicas familiares de carácter personal y patrimonial. Se propone que dicha unión sea causa para que adquieran el estado civil de menores emancipados, lo que permitiría a los tribunales federales adecuar mediante interpretación en lo que proceda, los derechos y obligaciones del concubinato.
Reproductive Success Rate and Blood Urea Nitrogen Status of Garut Ewes Fed Sorghum-Indigofera in Majalengka District - West Java
Authors: Somanjaya Rachmat , Falahudin Aaf , Aji Pamungkas Fitra
Published: May 2023

The body's Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) concentration could be used as diagnostic information for interpreting animal nutritional status, improving nutritional management, and preventing metabolic disorders in ewes during the reproductive phase. This study aimed to evaluate the reproductive success rate and changes in the BUN status of Garut ewes fed sorghum-Indigofera in Majalengka District – West Java, Indonesia. Twenty-eight multiparous Garut ewes with an average body weight of 30 kg, aged 2-3 years or parity from 3rd to 4th, and non-pregnant were separated into two feed treatment groups; divided field grass (FG) and sorghum-Indigofera (SI) mixed feed. This study was designed using a Complete Randomized Design (CRD). After one month of feed acclimatization, all ewes were served an estrus synchronization protocol and mated naturally. A pregnancy test was carried out on the 28th day after mating using ultrasonography (USG). Seven blood samples were taken (1 time in the pre-mating phase and three times each in the pregnancy and lactation phases), and the BUN parameter was analyzed. The results showed that SI feed increased the number of ewes pregnant and giving birth compared to FG (10 vs. 9 and 9 vs. 6, respectively). Meanwhile, the average value of the BUN content of ewes in both FG and SI treatments during the premating, pregnancy, and lactation phases did not show any differences (p>0.05). The concentration of BUN is still in normal condition even though it has decreased from pre-mating until the lactation phase. It can be concluded that Sorghum-Indigofera mixed feed could increase reproductive success. However, the average value of BUN in the two types of feed treatment experienced the same status change in all reproductive phases. Both can overcome the energy deficit problem if they have sufficient feed.
Increasing Student Creativity Through the Development of Life Skills-Based Graphic Design Textbooks
Authors: Marandy Yuniar Setyo
Published: May 2023

The development of a graphic design textbook based on life skills for students of the Tarbiyah and Teacher Training Faculty of UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang is one of the means to help students understand and improve their pedagogical and creative abilities. This research and development aimed to (1) describe the process of developing a life skills-based graphic design textbook for students, (2) determine the level of attractiveness of life skills-based graphic design for students, and (3) determine the effect of life skills-based graphic design for students. This research and development method uses research and development (R&D) research. The procedure for developing this research uses a model, namely the Borg and Gall model. This research was conducted at the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang. Data collection techniques in this study were tests and observations. The data obtained were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The results of the development carried out were in the form of a book "Advanced Graphic Design for Beginners" for students of the Tarbiyah and Teacher Training Faculty of UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang. The results of this research and development meet the valid criteria with the acquisition of validity; materials experts get 88%, and design experts get 90%. The test results to assess the attractiveness of the book "Advanced Graphic Design for Beginners" developed for students at the Tarbiyah and Teacher Training Faculty of UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang was 90%. Student learning outcomes increased from the pre-test results of 67.28 and the post-test scores of 86.98. It can be said that the book "Advanced Graphic Design for Beginners" is appropriate for students to use.
The NaCl–CaCO3–MgCO3 System at 3 GPa: Implications for Mantle Solidi
Authors: Shatskiy A.F. , Podborodnikov I.V. , Arefiev A.V. , Litasov K.D.
Published: May 2023

—Alkaline chlorides are important constituents of carbonatitic inclusions in magmatic minerals from kimberlites and lamproites, mantle xenoliths from kimberlites, and diamonds from kimberlites and placers around the world. This indicates the participation of alkali chlorides, along with carbonates, in the processes of melting of mantle rocks, which makes it important to study chloride–carbonate systems at mantle pressures. In this work, we studied the phase relations in the NaCl–CaCO3–MgCO3 system at 3 GPa in the range of 800–1300 °С using a multianvil press. It has been found that the NaCl–CaCO3 and NaCl–MgCO3 binaries have the eutectic type of T–X diagram. The halite–calcite eutectic is situated at 1050 °C and Na2# = 36, while the halite–magnesite eutectic is located at 1190 °C and Na2# = 77, where Na2# = 2NaCl/(2NaCl + CaCO3 + MgCO3) · 100 mol.%. In the NaCl–CaCO3–MgCO3 ternary, subsolidus assemblages are represented by halite and calcium–magnesium carbonates. Just below solidus, two assemblages are stable: halite + magnesite + dolomite and halite + dolomite–calcite solid solution. The minimum on the liquidus/solidus surface corresponds to the halite–Ca0.84Mg0.16CO3 dolomite eutectic, located at about 1000 °С with Na2#/Ca# = 34/84, where Ca# = Ca/(Ca + Mg) · 100 mol.%. At Ca# ≤ 73, the melting is controlled by the halite + dolomite = magnesite + liquid ternary peritectic, located at 1050 °C with Na2#/Ca# = 31/73. According to the data obtained, it can be assumed that at 3 GPa the solidi of NaCl-bearing carbonated peridotite and eclogite are controlled by the peritectic reaction halite + dolomite = magnesite + liquid, located at about 1050 °C. The melting is accompanied by the formation of a chloride–carbonate melt containing (wt.%): NaCl (35), CaCO3 (56), and MgCO3 (9).
First identification of auxin glycosyltransferase MdUGT74BP1 from apple
Authors: Guo Weiyue , Teng Xiao , Zhao Aijuan , Li Ru , Li Pan , Lei Kang , Yu Shouchao , Ji Lusha
Published: May 2023

The glycosylation modification of auxin is considered to be one of the important mechanisms for regulating the dynamic balance of plant active hormones in different tissue cells. It is closely related to maintaining the dynamic balance of auxin content in plants, plant growth and development, and environmental response. In this study, we successfully cloned a glycosyltransferase gene MdUGT74BP1 from an apple using molecular cloning technology. After constructing its prokaryotic expression vector, the active enzyme protein was purified and an in vitro enzymatic reaction revealed that MdUGT74BP1 may be a glycosylated growth element and its analogs. The overexpression of MdUGT74BP1 into Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that, compared to the wild-type, the MdUGT74BP1-overexpressing line showed an auxin-deficient phenotype. After exogenously spraying auxin IBA, the free auxin and auxin sugar esters of each plant were extracted and tested by HPLC. Compared with mutant plants, the auxin sugar ester content in the overexpressed lines increased significantly, while the free auxin content decreased significantly. These results further illustrate that MdUGT74BP1 functions as glycosylated auxin in plants. We used qRT-PCR technology to detect the auxin pathway-related genes in each strain, revealing that the expression of the related genes was consistent with the phenotype. In conclusion, this study was the first to successfully identify glycosyltransferase MdUGT74BP1 from apples, providing a theoretical and practical basis for the development and utilization of apple germplasm resources.
Associations of pyrethroids exposure with skeletal muscle strength and mass
Authors: Fang Zhenger , Chen Xia , Liu Mingliang , Zuo Lei , Zhou Biying , Zheng Guangjun , Chen Haiyan , Hao Guang
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to examine the associations of pyrethroids exposure with handgrip strength and skeletal muscle mass and potential modification effects in US adults. The data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2014 was used. Handgrip strength was determined with a handgrip dynamometer, and we quantified muscle mass by using the appendicular skeletal muscle index (ASMI). Urinary 3-Phenoxybenzoic Acid (3-PBA), a validated biomarker for pyrethroids exposure, was used in the primary analysis. After adjusting for other covariates, participants exposed to the highest tertile of 3-PBA exposure had significantly lower handgrip strength (β = –1.88, 95% CI: –3.29, –0.23, P = 0.026) than those exposed to the lowest tertile of 3-PBA. Similarly, the 3-PBA exposure was marginally significantly associated with ASMI (Tertile 3 vs. Tertile 1: β = -0.07, 95% CI: –0.14, –0.01, P = 0.056). Significant interactions were found between 3-PBA and body mass index (BMI) on handgrip strength and ASMI (P interaction < 0.05), which indicated a potential moderation effect of BMI on the associations. In conclusion, pyrethroids exposure was adversely associated with handgrip strength and skeletal muscle mass, especially in overweight and obese populations. Further studies are warranted to confirm our results and to explore the potential mechanisms.
A Comparison of Neuropathic Pain Experiences Among Paralympic versus Recreational Athletes with Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Todd Kendra , Olsen Kenedy , Hamamoto Gail , Hirschfield Trevor J. , Kramer John L.K. , Ginis Kathleen A. Martin
Published: May 2023

Background
Individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) report high levels of neuropathic pain. Current treatment options are primarily pharmaceutical, despite their limited effectiveness. Exercise may reduce neuropathic pain among persons with SCI, however, the optimal dose of exercise required to elicit analgesic effects remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare neuropathic pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, use of coping strategies, and positive affect and well-being among Paralympic versus recreational athletes with SCI who experience chronic neuropathic pain. Forty-seven athletes with SCI (25 Paralympic, 27 recreational) completed the International SCI Pain Basic Data Set, Douleur Neuropathique-4, coping strategies questionnaire, pain catastrophizing scale, SCI-quality of life assessment and a structured interview.
Results
Paralympic athletes reported significantly greater neuropathic pain (p = 0.032) and positive affect and well-being (p = 0.047) than recreational athletes. No other comparisons were significant (ps > 0.09). Significant positive correlations were observed between neuropathic pain and total minutes of moderate-intensity exercise (r = 0.335, p = 0.023) and average duration of moderate-intensity exercise sessions (r = 0.375, p = 0.010) over the past week.
Conclusions
The results suggest that frequent moderate- to- high intensity exercise may exacerbate neuropathic pain sensations for persons with SCI. Paralympic athletes are able to continue exercising at greater volumes than recreational athletes despite experiencing greater neuropathic pain. Research should investigate psychosocial and physiological mechanisms by which exercise may influence neuropathic pain to explain how Paralympic athletes with SCI are able to continue exercising while maintaining positive affect despite poor neuropathic pain.
Montmorillonite-based Adsorption Followed by Thermal Combustion: A Novel Approach to Purify Tetracycline-Contaminated Water
Authors: Zyoud Ahed , Zyoud Shaher , Amireh Ameed
Published: May 2023

Ensuring access to clean and safe water is a critical aspect of human survival, yet water pollution caused by organic contaminants remains a significant global challenge. Adsorption, which involves using an adsorbent material to remove pollutants, is a well-established technique for purifying water from organic contaminants. However, the adsorption capacity of the material decreases over time as it becomes saturated with the adsorbed pollutants. In this study, the researchers used montmorillonite, a naturally occurring and readily available clay mineral, as an adsorbent material for the removal of tetracycline from water sources. The results demonstrate that montmorillonite is an efficient adsorbent, with complete adsorption of tetracycline achieved within 40 minutes of stirring using just 0.1g of montmorillonite with tetracycline (100 mL, 100 ppm). Furthermore, the study presents a novel approach to regenerate and activate used montmorillonite through thermal combustion, allowing for its reuse in further adsorption processes. The stability of the annealed montmorillonite was confirmed by characterization techniques such as TGA and FT-IR. The findings suggest that montmorillonite is a sustainable, low-cost, and effective adsorbent material for the removal of tetracycline from water sources and holds potential for removing other organic pollutants (such as pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, dyes, pharmaceuticals), presenting a valuable addition to existing water treatment methods.
Towards In Silico 3-D Structure Modeling and Prioritization of Candidate Genes Regulating the Bovine and Caprine Apelinergic System
Authors: Gogoi Jayashree , Kuri Piyali , Karunakaran M , Mondal Mohan
Published: May 2023

Background The Apelinergic system (consisting of two ligands - APELIN/APELA and its receptor APJ) plays a crucial role in many important biological processes in animals. The human Apelin, Apela and its receptor APJ are well characterized in terms of structure and function, but very little is known about the two ligands and its receptor in bovines and caprine species. The genes related to the Apelinergic system and their roles in various metabolic processes are also understudied in terms of livestock such as bovine and caprine species. Therefore, the aims of the present were to a) model the 3-D structure of the Apelinergic system and b) identify and prioritize the candidate genes regulating the system in bovine and caprine species through state of art bioinformatics tools. A three-dimensional model (3D) was constructed using SWISS-Model, a homology modeling server. The predicted model was validated by SAVES including PROCHECK and ERRAT server. The structures were refined by Refold server of intfold homology modeling tool. Python molecular viewer (PyMol) was used to visualize the tertiary structure of the protein. Three gene prioritizing tools Genie, toppgenet, David, and Genemania to further visualize the network of genes were used.Results The overall quality factor for the remodeled 3D structure for the three best templates selected for both bovine and caprine species was found to be 97.95, 97.82 and 96.40%. We identified and prioritized the top 10 most important genes related to each of the ligands (Apelin/apela and their receptor APJ) and the top 20 neighboring genes for both bovine and caprine species. The top 10 most common genes that interacted with the Apelinergic system in bovines and caprines are FLT1, ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, ADIPOQ, INS, LEP, KDR, AKT1, TGFB1, NOS3, EGFR1, IGFR1, VEGFA, EGFR, FGF2, MAPK1/3, PPARG, PPARD, and APLNR.Conclusion The models generated in the present study can be used as a foundation for future drug-designing strategies and experiments. The result of the study may be a guiding point for further investigations on the role of the Apelinergic system in various physiological processes in bovines and caprine species.
Comparison of two ferritin assay platforms to assess their level of agreement in measuring serum and plasma ferritin levels in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Majoni Sandawana William , Nelson Jane , Graham Jessica , Abeyaratne Asanga , Fernandes David Kiran , Cherian Sajiv , Rathnayake Geetha , Ashford Jenna , Hocking Lynn , Cain Heather , McFarlane Robert , Lawton Paul Damian , Barzi Federica , Taylor Sean , Cass Alan
Published: May 2023

Background: Ferritin levels are used to make decisions on therapy of iron deficiency in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hyperferritinaemia, common among patients with CKD from the Northern Territory (NT) of Australia, makes use of ferritin levels as per clinical guidelines challenging.
No gold standard assay exists for measuring ferritin levels. Significant variability between results from different assays creates challenges for clinical decision-making regarding iron therapy. In the NT, different laboratories use different methods. In 2018, Territory Pathology changed the assay from Abbott ARCHITECT i1000 (AA) to Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics Vitros 7600 (OCD). This was during the planning of the INtravenous iron polymaltose for First Nations Australian patients with high FERRitin levels on haemodialysis (INFERR) clinical trial. The trial design was based on AA assay ferritin levels. We compared the two assays’ level of agreement in measuring ferritin levels in CKD patients.
Methods: Samples from INFERR clinical trial participants were analysed. Other samples from patients whose testing were completed the same day on OCD analyzers and run within 24 hours on AA analyzers were added to ensure wide range of ferritin levels, adding statistical strength to the comparison. Ferritin levels from both assays were compared using Pearson’s correlation, Bland-Altman, Deming and Passing-Bablok regression analyses. Differences between sample types, plasma and serum were assessed.
Results: Sixty-eight and 111 (179) samples from different patients from Central Australia and Top End of Australia, respectively, were analyzed separately and in combination. The ferritin levels ranged from 3.1µg/L to 3354µg/L and 3µg/L to 2170µg/L for AA and OCD assays respectively. Using Bland-Altman, Deming and Passing-Bablok regression methods for comparison, ferritin results were consistently 36% to 44% higher with AA than OCD assays. The bias was up to 49%. AA ferritin results were the same in serum and plasma. However, OCD ferritin results were 5% higher in serum than plasma.
Conclusions: When making clinical decisions, using ferritin results from the same assay in patients with CKD is critical. If the assay is changed, it is essential to assess agreement between results from the new and old assays. Further studies to harmonize ferritin assays are required.
Pharmacodynamic studies of Pravastatin Sodium Nano emulsion Loaded Transdermal Patch for Treatment of Hyperlipidemia.
Authors: Ibrahim Seham , Dahan Marwa Salaheldin El , Girgis Germeen Nazer
Published: May 2023

Pravastatin sodium (PVS) is a hypolipidemic drug with poor oral bioavailability as a result of the first pass effect. This study aims to formulate and evaluate transdermal patch containing PVS loaded nanoemulsions (PVS-NEs) in order to increase PVS's hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective activities. PVS-NEs were prepared using the aqueous titration method. Oleic acid was chosen as an oil phase, span 80 and tween 80 were used as surfactant and cosurfactant respectively. Droplet size (DS), polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), clarity, Fourier-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermodynamic stability of NEs were all characterized. PVS-NEs (NE2) with 50% oil phase, 40% SC mix 2:1 and 10% water was selected as an optimum formula based on the results of DS (251 ± 16), PDI (0.4 ± 0.16), and ZP (-70 ±10.4) to be incorporated into transdermal patch. PVS-NE2 loaded transdermal patches (PVS-NE2-TDPs) F1 were prepared by solvent evaporation method. F1 patch with HPMC E15 and PVP K30 in a ratio of 3:1 represented satisfactory patch properties with good drug-excipients compatibility thus, it was selected as an optimum patch formula. The optimized formula (F1) was prepared using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose E15 (HPMC, 15MPa.s), Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) K30, polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). F1 patch was characterized for thickness, moisture content, weight variation and drug- excipients incompatibility. F1 patch was subjected to ex vivo skin permeation and finally pharmacodynamic studies. Ex vivo permeation studies of F1 revealed that, the cumulative amount of PVS permeated across rat skin was (271.66 ± 19 µg/cm2) in 72h. Pharmacodynamic studies demonstrated that, F1 patch was more effective in treating hyperlipidemia than PVS-TDP (control patch) based on both blood analysis and histopathological examination.
Differences in Postoperative Knee Function Based on Concomitant Treatment of Lateral Meniscal Injury in the Setting of Primary ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Kaarre Janina , Herman Zachary J. , Persson Fabian , Wållgren Jonas Olsson , Alentorn-Geli Eduard , Senorski Eric Hamrin , Musahl Volker , Samuelsson Kristian
Published: May 2023

Background: Concomitant lateral meniscus (LM) injuries are common in acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures. However, the effect of addressing these injuries with various treatment methods during primary ACL reconstruction (ACLR) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare postoperative Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at 2-, 5-, and 10-years after isolated primary ACLR to primary ACLR with various treatment methods to address concomitant LM injury.
Methods: This study was based on data from the Swedish National Knee Ligament Registry. Patients >15 years with data on postoperative KOOS who underwent primary ACLR between the years 2005 and 2018 were included in this study. The study population was divided into five groups: 1) Isolated ALCR, 2) ACLR + LM repair, 3) ACLR + LM resection, 4) ACLR+LM injury left in situ, and 5) ACLR + LM repair + LM resection. Patients with concomitant medial meniscus or other surgically treated ligament injuries were excluded.
Results: Of 31,819 included patients, 24% had LM injury. After post hoc comparisons, significantly lower scores were found for the KOOS Symptoms subscale in ACLR+LM repair group compared to isolated ACLR (76.0 vs 78.3, p=0.0080) and ACLR+LM injury left in situ groups (76.0 vs 78.3, p=0.024) at 2-year follow-up. However, at 10-year follow-up, no differences were found between ACLR + LM repair and isolated ACLR, but ACLR + LM resection resulted in significantly lower KOOS Symptoms scores compared to isolated ACLR (80.4 vs 82.3, p=0.02).
Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that LM injury during ACLR is associated with lower KOOS scores, particularly in the Symptoms subscale, at short- and long-term follow-up. Further randomized studies are needed to better understand the effects of various treatments for LM on clinical outcomes.
Level of Evidence: III
Touch imprint cytology is useful for the intraoperative pathological diagnosis of PitNETs
Authors: Tanabe Noriaki , Inoshita Naoko , Ishida Atsushi , Kato Masataka , Yoshimoto Haruko , Shiramizu Hideki , Suga Hidetaka , Tateno Toru , Ohashi Kenichi , Yamada Shozo
Published: May 2023

Touch imprint cytological (TIC) preparation and frozen section (FS) procedures are essential for intraoperative pathological diagnosis (IPD). They are invaluable tools for therapeutic decision-making, helping surgeons avoid under or overtreatment of patients. Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are generally small, slow-growing tumors with low-grade malignancy located at the base of the skull, where it is impossible to maintain a wide tumor margin. Therefore, transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) should be performed with necessary caution, and with sufficient and minimal resection. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of TIC for the diagnosis of PitNET and determine its ability to accurately evaluate the surgical margin compared to the FS procedure. A total of 104 fresh specimens from 28 patients who underwent TSS for PitNETs were examined using TIC and FS. TIC specimens were categorized according to the cell attachment pattern. The rich and diffusely attached neuroendocrine cells were all from PitNETs. In contrast, no rich or diffuse cell attachments were observed in any non-tumoral endocrine cells. In conclusion, recognizing a pattern of endocrine cell adherence is highly effective in IPD in order to certify the existence of a PitNET component.
A Case of Neonatal Sweet Syndrome Associated with Mevalonate Kinase Deficiency
Authors: Irwin Margaret , Tanawattanacharoen Veeraya Kate , Turner Amy , Son Mary Beth , Hale Rebecca C. , Platt Craig D. , Wasserman Mollie
Published: May 2023

Background: Sweet Syndrome (SS), also known as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is an immunologic syndrome characterized by widespread neutrophilic infiltration. While SS most commonly occurs in adults, this case report discusses an infant patient who presented with SS.
Case Presentation: Through a multi-disciplinary approach, this patient was also found to have very-early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD) and Mevalonate kinase-associated disease (MKAD). While prior case studies have characterized an association between VEO-IBD and MKAD, there is no literature describing the association of all three diagnoses this case: SS, VEO-IBD and MKAD. Initiation of canakinub in this patient resulted in successful symptomatic control.
Conclusions: This case highlights the importance of a multi-disciplinary approach to rare diagnoses, and collaboration during cases with significant diagnostic uncertainty.
miR-31-5p-enriched extracellular vesicles effectively restored cardiac function after myocardial infarction
Authors: Zhang Cheng , Pu Yanan , Liu Jinhui , Cheng Rong , Wang Di , Xu Rui , Gong Qingyun , Jiang Yi , Li Chunyu , Chen Yan
Published: May 2023

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major reason for heart failure, which may lead to cardiac function impairment and cardiomyocyte loss. An urgent investigation into new successful therapies is required. This investigation sought to examine if extracellular vesicles (EVs) carrying particular miRNA may restore heart function following MI. We isolated EVs (miR-31-5p-EVs) from HEK293T cells overexpressing miR-31-5p and then identified their characteristic. The cellular internalization of miR-31-5p-EVs in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts was visualized using a confocal laser scanning microscope. The impact of miR-31-5p-EVs on the aforementioned cells were conducted. The TargetScan, starBase, and mirDIP databases, together with the dual-luciferase reporter test, verified the downstream target gene PPP3CA to be miR-31-5p. The outcomes indicated that miR-31-5p-EVs significantly increased cardiac angiogenesis after myocardial infarction, decreased cardiac cell apoptosis, and effectively improved cardiac function. The mechanism may be mediated by miR-31-5p-EVs targeting PPP3CA.