bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Kidney Disease and Cerebrovascular Pathology: Incidence and Functional Outcomes in Riga East University Hospital
Authors: Zubkova Violeta , Ševčenko Aleksejs , Miļuhins Igors , Ķikule Ilga , Haritončenko Iveta , Karelis Guntis
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of cerebrovascular pathology in patients with chronic kidney disease and its effect on functional outcomes. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective cross-sectional study (2018–2021), the medical records of patients with acute hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke with concomitant chronic kidney disease who received treatment in Riga East University Hospital Stroke Unit were analyzed. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 26.0. The Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney U test, and Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient methods were used. Results: The final sample consisted of 305 acute cerebrovascular pathology patients (56.4% females). Overall, 57.3% of stroke patients had second-stage chronic kidney disease with average serum creatinine levels of 104.3 mmol/L (±32.8). The functional outcome of the stroke depended on the stage of chronic kidney disease. There was a statistically significant non-linear correlation between glomerular filtration rate and NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale) score on admission (Rho −0.194, p = 0.016), glomerular filtration rate and NIHSS score on discharge (Rho −0.186, p = 0.020), and glomerular filtration rate and modified Rankin score on admission (Rho −0.237, p = 0.003) and discharge (Rho −0.224, p = 0.05). The mean NIHSS score of ischemic stroke patients was 8.3 ± 5.9 on admission and 6.5 ± 5.8 on discharge. In the hemorrhagic stroke patient group, the mean NIHSS score was 9.5 ± 7.3 on admission and 7.1 ± 6.9 on discharge. On average, 34.0% of ischemic stroke patients had an mRS score of 5 on admission, while in the hemorrhagic stroke patient group, this figure was 41%. There was no statistical difference in the glomerular filtration rate between the thrombolyzed versus non-thrombolyzed patient groups (Mann–Whitney U test = 1457, p = 0.794). Conclusions: Chronic kidney disease is an important predictor of the severity and functional outcome of a stroke; furthermore, the early management and prevention of complications should be a top priority in the prophylaxis of this cerebrovascular pathology.
Coronary Artery Occlusion with Sharp Blood Pressure Drop during General Anesthesia Induction: A Case Report
Authors: Ji Jae Young , Seo Yong Han , Jung Ho Soon , Chun Hea Rim , Park Jin Soo , Kim Woo Jong , Ahn Jae Min , Park Yu Jun , Shin Ye Eun , Park Chan Ho
Published: January 2024

Most anesthetics reduce cardiac functions and lower blood pressure (BP), potentially causing excessive BP reduction in dehydrated patients or those with heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease (CAD). Considering the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease with age, anesthesiologists must be cautious about BP reduction during general anesthesia in older adults. In the present case, a 76-year-old male patient with undiagnosed CAD in a hypovolemic state experienced a significant drop in systolic BP to the fifties during propofol and sevoflurane anesthesia. Despite the use of vasopressors, excessive hypotension persisted, leading to anesthesia suspension. Subsequent cardiac examinations, including computed tomography heart angio and calcium score, and coronary angiogram, revealed a near total occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery (pLAD) and the formation of collateral circulation. After 5 days of hydration and anticoagulation medications and confirmation of normovolemic state, general anesthesia was attempted again and successfully induced; a normal BP was maintained throughout the surgery. Thus, it is important to conduct a thorough cardiac evaluation and maintain normovolemia for general anesthesia in older adults.
Comparison of the Influence of Dual-Task Activities on Prefrontal Activation and Gait Variables in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment during Straight and Curved Walking
Authors: Lee Yumin , Jung Jihye , Kim Hyunjoong , Lee Seungwon
Published: January 2024

Background and Objectives: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an early stage of dementia in which everyday tasks can be maintained; however, notable challenges may occur in memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. Therefore, motor-cognitive dual-task training is warranted to prevent cognitive decline and improve cognition in aging populations. This study aimed to determine the influence of such dual-task activities during straight and curved walking on the activities of the prefrontal cortex and associated gait variables in older adults with MCI. Materials and Methods: Twenty-seven older adults aged ≥65 years and identified as having MCI based on their scores (18–23) on the Korean Mini-Mental State Examination were enrolled. The participants performed four task scenarios in random order: walking straight, walking straight with a cognitive task, walking curved, and walking curved with a cognitive task. The activation of the prefrontal cortex, which is manifested by a change in the level of oxyhemoglobin, was measured using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. The gait speed and step count were recorded during the task performance. Results: Significant differences were observed in prefrontal cortex activation and gait variables (p < 0.05). Specifically, a substantial increase was observed in prefrontal cortex activation during a dual task compared with that during a resting-state (p < 0.013). Additionally, significant variations were noted in the gait speed and step count (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study directly demonstrates the impact of motor-cognitive dual-task training on prefrontal cortex activation in older adults with MCI, suggesting the importance of including such interventions in enhancing cognitive function.
A Multi-Modality Intervention Improves Obesity Bias among Medical Students
Authors: Trofymenko Stephanie , Kutob Randa , Algotar Amit
Published: January 2024

Background: Obesity is linked to chronic diseases in adults and children. Its prevalence continues to grow in the United States, necessitating the need for healthcare provider training and presenting an opportunity for the education of future medical providers. Despite this need, effectively implementing obesity education into medical school curricula has been challenging. Anti-obesity bias amongst healthcare providers and trainees represents a significant obstacle to the care of patients with obesity. Obesity bias may affect up to 1/3 of medical students. Methods: This study describes the development and preliminary testing of a brief, 2.5 h multi-modality teaching intervention consisting of online, interactive, and independent learning modules for first-year medical students and a patient panel focused on obesity, obesity bias, and motivational interviewing. The participants took Crandall’s anti-fat attitude (AFA) questionnaire before and after an online independent learning module on motivational interviewing and obesity bias. The AFA consists of three subscales (“dislike”, “fear of fat”, and “willpower”). Individual responses were measured using a nine-point Likert-type response format (0 = very strongly disagree; 9 = very strongly agree). An average composite score was calculated for each subscale. Results: Data were analyzed from 103 first-year medical students enrolled at a college of medicine in the southwestern United States in 2022. The AFA mean composite scores decreased significantly, indicating a decrease in explicit anti-obesity attitude bias after completing the online module. This decrease was present in all three domains of fear (4.63 vs. 3.72, p < 0.001), dislike (1.25 vs. 0.88, p < 0.001) and willpower (3.23 vs. 2.31, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Relatively brief educational interventions can positively impact students’ anti-obesity attitudes.
Antimicrobial Activity of Polycaprolactone Nanofiber Coated with Lavender and Neem Oil Nanoemulsions against Airborne Bacteria
Authors: Rahman Md Mahfuzur , Kotturi Hari , Nikfarjam Sadegh , Bhargava Kanika , Ahsan Nagib , Khandaker Morshed
Published: January 2024

The development of efficient, eco-friendly antimicrobial agents for air purification and disinfection addresses public health issues connected to preventing airborne pathogens. Herein, the antimicrobial activity of a nanoemulsion (control, 5%, 10%, and 15%) containing neem and lavender oils with polycaprolactone (PCL) was investigated against airborne bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Various parameters such as the physicochemical properties of the nanoemulsion, pH, droplet size, the polydispersity index (PDI), the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the minimum bacterial concentration (MBC), and the color measurement of the emulsion have been evaluated and optimized. Our results showed that the antimicrobial activity of PCL combined with neem and lavender oil was found to be the highest MIC and MBC against all tested bacteria. The droplet sizes for lavender oil are 21.86–115.15 nm, the droplet sizes for neem oil are 23.92–119.15 nm, and their combination is 25.97–50.22 nm. The range of pH and viscosity of nanoemulsions of various concentrations was found to be 5.8 to 6.6 pH and 0.372 to 2.101 cP. This study highlights the potential of nanotechnology in harnessing the antimicrobial properties of natural essential oils, paving the way for innovative and sustainable solutions in the fight against bacterial contamination.
On the Macrosegregation of Continuous Casting of High Carbon Steel Billet with Strand Reduction Process
Authors: Gao Yubo , Bao Yanping , Wang Min , Zhang Mengyun
Published: January 2024

A mathematical model of the macrosegregation of continuous cast high carbon steel billet was developed based upon a representative volume element, considering the flow of enriched liquid, solidification rate, and solidification shrinkage as well. It was found that a lower casting velocity, higher cooling intensity, and shorter solidification interval positively contributed to the inhibition of macrosegregation in a continuously cast billet when a mechanical reduction process was not applied. A numerical expression for the relative flow velocity of liquid was further proposed incorporating such aspects as casting velocity, densities of different phases, and the variation of cross section areas as well. The analysis based on this numerical expression indicated that the overall effect of the reduction process on the macrosegregation of billets depended not only on the reduction zone but also on the reduction amount and its distribution for the active reduction rolls. The test results of further practical plant trials demonstrated a reasonable agreement with the predictions obtained from the proposed numerical model, indicating the reliability of this analysis model to be employed for the continuous casting of high carbon steel billet with strand reduction process.
Root Causes of Thin-Plate Buckling Damage at the Aft-End in Crude Oil Tanker and Verification through Buckling Analysis
Authors: Park Joo-Shin , Yi Myung-Su
Published: January 2024

For large ships and offshore vessels, structural safety is verified through whole-ship analysis using commercial software. In the case of general oil tankers, classification rules for structural strength evaluation are uniformly applied. Structural strength evaluation is mainly divided into the cargo hold, fore-end, and aft-end parts. For the structural design of a cargo ship, it is important to calculate the design load and determine the thickness and size of the structural member. Structural FEA (Finite Element Analysis) is performed on only the cargo hold range as recommended by the CSR (Common Structure Rule). There is no FE analysis recommendation for either the aft- or the fore-end area. Therefore, structural safety is carried out based on existing design experience and engineer judgment. With previous approaches, it is difficult to clarify the safety of the aft-end part according to external loads such as hull girder load and local pressure. Recently, local buckling damage cases have investigated the aft-end of the shuttle tanker. Although this is a good example, it can be recognized that it is necessary to improve the accuracy of prediction when estimating the structural safety at the aft-end part. In this study, a novel FE-based evaluation methodology about buckling damage is proposed. In order to conduct a structural strength verification based on FE analysis modeling, reasonable solutions for load conditions, boundary conditions, modeling methods, and evaluation criteria are presented. This result is expected to be helpful in examining the structural strength of the aft-end part of similar carriers in the future.
The Effect of Cold Rolling on the Corrosion Behaviour of 5083 Aluminium Alloys
Authors: Panagopoulos C. N. , Georgiou E. P.
Published: January 2024

Aluminium–magnesium alloys find widespread application in diverse industrial and technological fields owing to their unique characteristics such as lightweight nature, favourable physical and mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and cost-effectiveness. During production, these alloys often undergo various forming processes that significantly affect the morphology and microstructure of their surface layers. Consequently, the surface properties, including corrosion resistance, are notably influenced by these treatments. In this study, the impact of cold rolling on the corrosion behaviour of the 5083 aluminium alloy, which is considered as an important alloy for the aerospace and naval industry, was investigated. The 5083 Al alloy underwent a cold-rolling process, resulting in specimens with reduced average thicknesses of 7% and 15%, respectively. The microstructure of the alloy was examined by using X-ray diffraction, optical and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Furthermore, the corrosion behaviour of both the as-received and cold-rolled aluminium alloy specimens was evaluated through potentiostatic and potentiodynamic corrosion measurements. The experimental results demonstrated that higher cold deformation percentages, within the specified experimental parameters, led to an enhanced corrosion resistance for the alloy. This improvement was primarily attributed to the reduction in grain size induced by recrystallization and to the formation of a passivating aluminium oxide film.
A Quantitative and Optimization Model for Microstructure Uniformity of Sinter Based on Multiple Regression-NSGA2
Authors: Fang Shilong , Li Mingduo , Liu Lei , Han Xiuli , Duan Bowen , Qin Liwen
Published: January 2024

The degree of homogeneity of the sintered ore phase structure directly determines its quality index. A sinter ore quality evaluation method based on the quantification of the homogeneity of the mineral phase structure is proposed. First, the magnetite particle size characteristics in the ore phase structures with different degrees of homogeneity were summarized under a polarized light microscope, and a criterion for evaluating the uniformity of the sintered ore phase structure based on the magnetite content of different particle size grades was determined. Second, a multiple regression model was established for the raw material composition ratio of magnetite with varying particle size grades. Finally, the multiple regression model was optimized using the second-generation non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA2). The results show that mineral phase structure analysis categorized the magnetite particle sizes into <30 μm, 30~60 μm, and >60 μm. The adjusted R2 of the multiple regression model of the chemical composition of raw materials and the proportion of magnetite of each particle size grade were all greater than 0.95, and the p values were all <0.05, indicating a high degree of model fitting. Using model analysis, the single factor and the interaction between the multiple factors that significantly influence the proportion of magnetite in the three particle size grades were determined. The multivariate regression model was optimized using the NSGA2 algorithm to determine the ratios of Al2O3 mass% = 1.82, MgO mass% = 1.50, and R(CaO mass%/SiO2 mass%) = 1.84 for the highest degree of uniformity of the sintered ores. Under this sintering condition, the micro-mineral phase structure became more homogeneous, confirming the model’s reliability.
Sebum Components Dampen the Efficacy of Skin Disinfectants against Cutibacterium acnes Biofilms
Authors: Kumaran Dilini , Ramirez-Arcos Sandra
Published: January 2024

At Canadian Blood Services, despite the use of 2% chlorhexidine and 70% isopropyl alcohol (standard disinfectant, SD) prior to venipuncture, Cutibacterium acnes evades eradication and is a major contaminant of platelet concentrates (PCs). Since C. acnes forms bacterial aggregates known as biofilms in the sebaceous niches of the skin, this study aimed to assess whether sebum-like components impact disinfectant efficacy against C. acnes leading to its dominance as a PC contaminant. C. acnes mono-species and dual-species biofilms (C. acness and a transfusion-relevant Staphylococcus aureus isolate) were formed in the presence and absence of sebum-like components and exposed to SD, a hypochlorous acid-based disinfectant (Clinisept+, CP), or a combination of both disinfectants to assess disinfectant efficacy. Our data indicate that sebum-like components significantly reduce the disinfectant efficacy of all disinfectant strategies tested against C. acnes in both biofilm models. Furthermore, though none of the disinfectants led to bacterial eradication, the susceptibility of C. acnes to disinfectants was heightened in an isolate-dependent manner when grown in the presence of S. aureus. The reduction of skin disinfection efficacy in the presence of sebum may contribute to the overrepresentation of C. acnes as a PC contaminant and highlights the need for improved disinfection strategies.
Extracellular Vesicles: A Novel Mode of Viral Propagation Exploited by Enveloped and Non-Enveloped Viruses
Authors: Chatterjee Shruti , Kordbacheh Ramina , Sin Jon
Published: January 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small membrane-enclosed structures that have gained much attention from researchers across varying scientific fields in the past few decades. Cells secrete diverse types of EVs into the extracellular milieu which include exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies. These EVs play a crucial role in facilitating intracellular communication via the transport of proteins, lipids, DNA, rRNA, and miRNAs. It is well known that a number of viruses hijack several cellular pathways involved in EV biogenesis to aid in their replication, assembly, and egress. On the other hand, EVs can also trigger host antiviral immune responses by carrying immunomodulatory molecules and viral antigens on their surface. Owing to this intricate relationship between EVs and viruses, intriguing studies have identified various EV-mediated viral infections and interrogated how EVs can alter overall viral spread and longevity. This review provides a comprehensive overview on the EV-virus relationship, and details various modes of EV-mediated viral spread in the context of clinically relevant enveloped and non-enveloped viruses.
Heartland Virus Disease—An Underreported Emerging Infection
Authors: Dembek Zygmunt F. , Mothershead Jerry L. , Cirimotich Christopher M. , Wu Aiguo
Published: January 2024

First recognized 15 years ago, Heartland virus disease (Heartland) is a tickborne infection contracted from the transmission of Heartland virus (HRTV) through tick bites from the lone star tick (Amblyomma americanum) and potentially other tick species. Heartland symptoms include a fever <100.4 °F, lethargy, fatigue, headaches, myalgia, a loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, arthralgia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. We reviewed the existing peer-reviewed literature for HRTV and Heartland to more completely characterize this rarely reported, recently discovered illness. The absence of ongoing serosurveys and targeted clinical and tickborne virus investigations specific to HRTV presence and Heartland likely contributes to infection underestimation. While HRTV transmission occurs in southern and midwestern states, the true range of this infection is likely larger than now understood. The disease’s proliferation benefits from an expanded tick range due to rising climate temperatures favoring habitat expansion. We recommend HRTV disease be considered in the differential diagnosis for patients with a reported exposure to ticks in areas where HRTV has been previously identified. HRTV testing should be considered early for those matching the Heartland disease profile and nonresponsive to initial broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatment. Despite aggressive supportive therapy, patients deteriorating to sepsis early in the course of the disease have a very grim prognosis.
Highly Efficient Ru-Based Catalysts for Lactic Acid Conversion to Alanine
Authors: Podolean Iunia , Dogaru Mara , Guzo Nicolae Cristian , Petcuta Oana Adriana , Jacobsen Elisabeth E. , Nicolaev Adela , Cojocaru Bogdan , Tudorache Madalina , Parvulescu Vasile I. , Coman Simona M.
Published: January 2024

The primary objective of this research was to develop efficient solid catalysts that can directly convert the lactic acid (LA) obtained from lignocellulosic biomass into alanine (AL) through a reductive amination process. To achieve this, various catalysts based on ruthenium were synthesized using different carriers such as multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), beta-zeolite, and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Among these catalysts, Ru/MNP demonstrated a remarkable yield of 74.0% for alanine at a temperature of 200 °C. This yield was found to be superior not only to the Ru/CNT (55.7%) and Ru/BEA (6.6%) catalysts but also to most of the previously reported catalysts. The characterization of the catalysts and their catalytic results revealed that metallic ruthenium nanoparticles, which were highly dispersed on the external surface of the magnetic carrier, significantly enhanced the catalyst’s ability for dehydrogenation. Additionally, the -NH2 basic sites on the catalyst further facilitated the formation of alanine by promoting the adsorption of acidic reactants. Furthermore, the catalyst could be easily separated using an external magnetic field and exhibited the potential for multiple reuses without any significant loss in its catalytic performance. These practical advantages further enhance its appeal for applications in the reductive amination of lactic acid to alanine.
Facile Synthesis of Ni-MgO/CNT Nanocomposite for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Mohana Panneerselvam , Isacfranklin Melkiyur , Yuvakkumar Rathinam , Ravi Ganesan , Kungumadevi Lakshmanan , Arunmetha Sundaramoorthy , Han Jun Hyun , Hong Sun Ig
Published: January 2024

In this study, the pristine MgO, MgO/CNT and Ni-MgO/CNT nanocomposites were processed using the impregnation and chemical vapor deposition methods and analyzed for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) using the electrochemical water splitting process. Furthermore, the effect of nickel on the deposited carbon was systematically elaborated in this study. The highly conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) deposited on the metal surface of the Ni-MgO nanocomposite heterostructure provides a robust stability and superior electrocatalytic activity. The optimized Ni-MgO/CNT nanocomposite exhibited hierarchical, helical-shaped carbon nanotubes adorned on the surface of the Ni-MgO flakes, forming a hybrid metal–carbon network structure. The catalytic HER was carried out in a 1M alkaline KOH electrolyte, and the optimized Ni-MgO/CNT nanocomposite achieved a low (117 mV) overpotential value (ɳ) at 10 mA cm−2 and needed a low (116 mV/dec) Tafel value, denotes the Volmer–Heyrovsky pathway. Also, the high electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) value of the Ni-MgO/CNT nanocomposite attained 515 cm2, which is favorable for the generation of abundant electroactive species, and the prepared electrocatalyst durability was also performed using a chronoamperometry test for the prolonged duration of 20 h at 10 mA cm−2 and exhibited good stability, with a 72% retention. Hence, the obtained results demonstrate that the optimized Ni-MgO/CNT nanocomposite is a highly active and cost-effective electrocatalyst for hydrogen energy production.
Establishment of a Poliovirus Containment Program and Containment Certification Process for Poliovirus-Essential Facilities, United States 2017–2022
Authors: Ottendorfer Christy , Shelby Bryan , Sanders Cecelia A. , Llewellyn Anna , Myrick Christy , Brown Christye , Suppiah Suganthi , Gustin Kortney , Smith Lia Haynes
Published: January 2024

Upon declaration of poliovirus (PV) type 2 eradication in 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) published PV containment requirements in the Global Action Plan III (GAPIII) for mitigating the risk of a facility-associated release post eradication. In 2018, the 71st World Health Assembly resolution urged member states retaining PV to appoint a National Authority for Containment (NAC), reduce the number of PV facilities, and submit applications for containment certification. The United States (US) NAC was established in 2018 for containment oversight, and two paths to WHO GAPIII containment certification were developed. Facilities retaining PV were identified through national poliovirus containment surveys. The US NAC conducted 27 site visits at 18 facilities (20 laboratories: A/BSL-2 (65%), A/BSL-3 (20%), and storage-only (15%)) to verify the implementation of US NAC’s preliminary containment measures. The NAC identified areas for improvement in seven categories: primary containment, decontamination, hand hygiene, security, emergency response, training, and immunization practices. Sixteen facility applications were endorsed to pursue poliovirus-essential facility (PEF) certification, whereas four facilities opted to withdraw during the containment certification process. The US made noteworthy progress in PV containment to enhance biosafety and biosecurity practices at US PV facilities to safeguard the polio eradication effort.
Trichomonas vaginalis Legumain-2, TvLEGU-2, Is an Immunogenic Cysteine Peptidase Expressed during Trichomonal Infection
Authors: Euceda-Padilla Esly Alejandra , Mateo-Cruz Miriam Guadalupe , Ávila-González Leticia , Flores-Pucheta Claudia Ivonne , Ortega-López Jaime , Talamás-Lara Daniel , Velazquez-Valassi Beatriz , Jasso-Villazul Lidia , Arroyo Rossana
Published: January 2024

Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative agent of trichomoniasis, the most prevalent nonviral, neglected sexually transmitted disease worldwide. T. vaginalis has one of the largest degradomes among unicellular parasites. Cysteine peptidases (CPs) are the most abundant peptidases, constituting 50% of the degradome. Some CPs are virulence factors recognized by antibodies in trichomoniasis patient sera, and a few are found in vaginal secretions that show fluctuations in glucose concentrations during infection. The CPs of clan CD in T. vaginalis include 10 genes encoding legumain-like peptidases of the C13 family. TvLEGU-2 is one of them and has been identified in multiple proteomes, including the immunoproteome obtained with Tv (+) patient sera. Thus, our goals were to assess the effect of glucose on TvLEGU-2 expression, localization, and in vitro secretion and determine whether TvLEGU-2 is expressed during trichomonal infection. We performed qRT-PCR assays using parasites grown under different glucose conditions. We also generated a specific anti-TvLEGU-2 antibody against a synthetic peptide of the most divergent region of this CP and used it in Western blot (WB) and immunolocalization assays. Additionally, we cloned and expressed the tvlegu-2 gene (TVAG_385340), purified the recombinant TvLEGU-2 protein, and used it as an antigen for immunogenicity assays to test human sera from patients with vaginitis. Our results show that glucose does not affect tvlegu-2 expression but does affect localization in different parasite organelles, such as the plasma membrane, Golgi complex, hydrogenosomes, lysosomes, and secretion vesicles. TvLEGU-2 is secreted in vitro, is present in vaginal secretions, and is immunogenic in sera from Tv (+) patients, suggesting its relevance during trichomonal infection.
Persistence of Anti-Rabies Antibody Response in Horses Following Vaccination
Authors: Tirosh-Levy Sharon , Shaiman Barom Leehe , Novak Shiri , Eyngor Marina , Schvartz Gili , Yakobson Boris , Steinman Amir
Published: January 2024

Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease affecting all mammalian species. It is caused by the rabies virus and is prevalent worldwide. Horses are not commonly infected with rabies but their vaccination is recommended due to the potential zoonotic risk. This study aimed to evaluate the duration of immunity following rabies vaccination in horses. A total of 126 serum samples were collected from 93 horses, vaccinated 6 to 91 months before sampling. Rabies-virus-neutralizing antibody (RVNA) levels were evaluated using the Rabies Fluorescent Focus Inhibition Test (RFFIT). A protective RVNA titer of above 0.5 IU/mL was found in 112 (88.9%) of the samples and 84 (90.3%) of the horses. Antibody titers declined over time (rho = −0.271, p = 0.002); however, there was no significant difference in antibody titers or the prevalence of unprotected horses between the time intervals following vaccination. Purebred horses had lower antibody titers (p = 0.024). The response to booster vaccination was inspected in ten horses, and increased antibody titers were found in eight of them. The results of this study demonstrate the prolonged persistence of protective immunity in horses following rabies vaccination, in some cases, for up to eight years. Therefore, the current annual vaccination strategy should be re-evaluated. A rate of 9.7% of poor responders should be considered from an epidemiological perspective in order to minimize the risk of emergence of the disease.
The Past, Present, and Future in the Diagnosis of a Neglected Sexually Transmitted Infection: Trichomoniasis
Authors: Ibáñez-Escribano Alexandra , Nogal-Ruiz Juan José
Published: January 2024

More than one million curable sexually transmitted infections occur every day. Trichomonas vaginalis is one of the main infections responsible for these epidemiological data; however, the diagnosis of this protozoan is still mainly based on microscopic and culture identification. The commercialization of immunological tests and the development of molecular techniques have improved the sensitivity of classical methods. Nevertheless, the fact that trichomoniasis is a neglected parasitic infection hinders the development of novel techniques and their implementation in routine diagnosis. This review article shows the different methods developed to identify T. vaginalis in population and the difficulties in diagnosing male and asymptomatic patients. The importance of including this parasite in routine gynecological screening, especially in pregnant women, and the importance of considering T. vaginalis as an indicator of high-risk sexual behavior are also discussed.
Ubuntu in Post-Apartheid South Africa: Educational, Cultural and Philosophical Considerations
Authors: Patel Mahmoud , Mohammed Tawffeek A. S. , Koen Raymond
Published: January 2024

Ubuntu has been defined as a moral quality of human beings, as a philosophy or an ethic, as African humanism, and as a worldview. This paper explores these definitions as conceptual tools for understanding the cultural, educational, and philosophical landscape of post-apartheid South Africa. Key to this understanding is the Althusserian concept of state apparatus. Louis Althusser divides the state apparatus into two forces: the repressive state apparatus (RSA); and the ideological state apparatus (ISA). RSAs curtail the working classes, predominately through direct violence or the threat of violence, whereas ISAs function primarily by ideology, including forms of organised religion, the education system, family units, legal systems, trade unions, political parties, and media. This paper discusses the link between increasing inequality in post-apartheid South Africa and education, with specific reference to Althusser’s ISAs and the abuse of Ubuntu as a subterfuge for socio-economic inequality.
Simulation of Daily Transpiration of Tomatoes Grown in Venlo-Type Greenhouse Substrates
Authors: Yi Ping , Qiang Xiaoman , Liu Shengxing , Han Yang , Li Yunfeng , Liu Hao , Wang Jinglei
Published: January 2024

An appropriate water supply strategy is imperative for obtaining tomatoes of a high yield and quality; the lack of one has caused resource wastage and quality deterioration. To determine the suitable irrigation amount and simulate daily transpiration under these optimal irrigation conditions, a two-year greenhouse cultivation experiment was conducted over 2022–2023. Commencing at anthesis, three distinct irrigation gradients were triggered and designated as irrigation controls with the lower limits set at 80% (T1), 70% (T2), and 60% (T3) of the substrate water-holding capacity. We determined the optimal irrigation amount by ranking the treatments using the TOPSIS method, balancing the tomato yield and quality. A segmented daily transpiration model under optimal irrigation conditions driven by crop and environmental factors was established using the Marquardt method and data from 2022, and the model was validated using data from 2023. The results indicated that T2 was the optimal irrigation amount, with the water use efficiency increased by 18.0%, but with a 10.9% decrease in yield, while the quality indices improved significantly. The R2 values of the segmented model in the flowering and fruit-setting stage and the picking stage were 0.92 and 0.86, respectively, which could provide support for optimized water management for tomato planting in greenhouse substrate cultivation.
Determination of the Allelic Composition of the sdw1/denso (HvGA20ox2), uzu1 (HvBRI1) and ari-e (HvDep1) Genes in Spring Barley Accessions from the VIR Collection
Authors: Lukina Kseniia A. , Porotnikov Igor V. , Antonova Olga Yu. , Kovaleva Olga N.
Published: January 2024

The lodging of barley significantly limits its potential yield, leads to the deterioration of grain quality, and complicates mechanized harvesting. More than 30 dwarfness and semi-dwarfness genes and loci are known for barley, and their involvement in breeding can solve the problem of lodging. The most common dwarfing alleles are of the genes sdw1/denso (HvGA20ox2), uzu1 (HvBRI1), and ari-e (HvDep1). The aim of this study was the design of dCAPS markers for the sdw1.c and ari-e.GP alleles and the molecular screening of barley accessions from the VIR collection for identifying these and other dwarfing alleles commonly used in breeding. Two dCAPS markers have been developed to identify the sdw1.c allele of the HvGA20ox2 gene and ari-e.GP of HvDep1. These dCAPS markers and two known from the literature CAPS and dCAPS markers of the alleles sdw1.a/sdw1.e, sdw1.c, sdw1.d, and uzu1.a were used in the molecular screening of 32 height-contrasting barley accessions. This made it possible to identify the accessions with alleles sdw1.a/sdw1.e, sdw1.c, and sdw1.d of the HvGA20ox2 gene, as well as accessions with a combination of sdw1.c and uzu1.a alleles of the genes HvGA20ox2 and HvBRI1. A comparison of the results of genotyping and phenotyping showed that the presence of dwarfing alleles in all genotypes determines high or medium lodging resistance regardless of the influence of weather conditions. Twelve accessions were found to contain the new allele sdw1.ins of the HvGA20ox2 gene, which differs from the known allele sdw1.c by a larger size of PCR products. It is characterized by the Thalos_2 transposon insertion; the subsequent GTTA insertion, common with the sdw1.c allele; and by a single-nucleotide G→A substitution at the 165 position.
Development of Methods for Improving Flowering and Seed Set of Diverse Germplasm in Cassava Breeding
Authors: Hyde Peter T. , Esan Olayemisi , Diebiru-Ojo Elohor Mercy , Iluebbey Peter , Kulakow Peter A. , Peteti Prasad , Setter Tim L.
Published: January 2024

Cassava breeding faces obstacles due to late flowering and poor flower and seed set. The acceleration of breeding processes and the reduction in each cycle’s duration hinge upon efficiently conducting crosses to yield ample progeny for subsequent cycles. Our primary objective was to identify methods that provide tools for cassava breeding programs, enabling them to consistently and rapidly generate offspring from a wide array of genotypes. In greenhouse trials, we examined the effects of the anti-ethylene silver thiosulfate (STS) and the cytokinin benzyladenine (BA). STS, administered via petiole infusion, and BA, applied as an apical spray, combined with the pruning of young branches, significantly augmented the number of flowers. Controls produced no flowers, whereas treatments with pruning plus either BA or STS alone produced an average maximum of 86 flowers per plant, and the combination of pruning, BA and STS yielded 168 flowers per plant. While STS had its primary effect on flower numbers, BA increased the fraction of female flowers from less than 20% to ≥87%, thus increasing the number of progeny from desired parents. Through field studies, we devised an optimal protocol that maintained acceptable levels of phytodamage ratings while substantially increasing seed production per plant compared to untreated plants. This protocol involves adjusting the dosage and timing of treatments to accommodate genotypic variations. As a result, cassava breeding programs can effectively leverage a diverse range of germplasm to develop cultivars with the desired traits.
The Biosynthesis, Accumulation of Phenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Response in Lactuca sativa L. Plants Inoculated with a Biofertilizer Based on Soil Yeast and Iron Nanoparticles
Authors: Berríos Daniela , Nahuelcura Javiera , González Felipe , Peña Fabiola , Cornejo Pablo , Pérez-Navarro José , Gómez-Alonso Sergio , Ruiz Antonieta
Published: January 2024

Lettuce is a vegetable that contributes vitamins, minerals, fibre, phenolic compounds and antioxidants to the human diet. In the search for improving production conditions and crop health, the use of microorganisms with plant growth-promoting capabilities, such as soil yeasts (PGPY), in conjunction with nanotechnology could offer sustainable development of agroecosystems. This study evaluated the synthesis of health-promoting bioactive compounds in lettuce under the application of soil yeast and an iron nanoparticle (NP-Fe2O3) encapsulated in alginate beads. Two yeast strains, Candida guillermondii and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and a consortium of both yeasts were used in the presence and absence of Fe2O3-NPs. Phenolic compounds were identified and quantified via HPLC-ESI-Q-ToF and antioxidant activity. Ten phenolic compounds were identified, highlighting the chicoric acid isomer and two quercetin glycosides with high concentrations of up to 100 µg g−1 in treatments with C. guillermondii. Treatments with R. mucilaginosa and NPs-Fe2O3 presented an increase in antioxidant activity, mainly in TEAC, CUPRAC and DPPH activities in leaves, with significant differences between treatments. Therefore, the use of encapsulated soil yeasts is a viable alternative for application in vegetables to improve the biosynthesis and accumulation of phenolic compounds in lettuce and other crops.
Integration of Physiological, Transcriptomic, and Metabolomic Analyses Reveal Molecular Mechanisms of Salt Stress in Maclura tricuspidata
Authors: Sui Dezong , Wang Baosong , El-Kassaby Yousry A. , Wang Lei
Published: January 2024

Salt stress is a universal abiotic stress that severely affects plant growth and development. Understanding the mechanisms of Maclura tricuspidate’s adaptation to salt stress is crucial for developing salt-tolerant plant varieties. This article discusses the integration of physiology, transcriptome, and metabolome to investigate the mechanism of salt adaptation in M. tricuspidata under salt stress conditions. Overall, the antioxidant enzyme system (SOD and POD) of M. tricuspidata exhibited higher activities compared with the control, while the content of soluble sugar and concentrations of chlorophyll a and b were maintained during salt stress. KEGG analysis revealed that deferentially expressed genes were primarily involved in plant hormone signal transduction, phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis, alkaloids, and MAPK signaling pathways. Differential metabolites were enriched in amino acid metabolism, the biosynthesis of plant hormones, butanoate, and 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism. Interestingly, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism were found to be important both in the metabolome and transcriptome–metabolome correlation analyses, suggesting their essential role in enhancing the salt tolerance of M. tricuspidata. Collectively, our study not only revealed the molecular mechanism of salt tolerance in M. tricuspidata, but also provided a new perspective for future salt-tolerant breeding and improvement in salt land for this species.
Feature Extraction and Diagnosis of Periodic Transient Impact Faults Based on a Fast Average Kurtogram–GhostNet Method
Authors: Jiang Wan-Lu , Zhao Yong-Hui , Zang Yan , Qi Zhi-Qian , Zhang Shu-Qing
Published: January 2024

This paper proposes an improved fault diagnosis algorithm that combines a modified fast kurtogram (FK) method with the lightweight convolutional neural network GhostNet. The FK algorithm can adaptively select resonance demodulation bands for envelope demodulation to extract fault features, but it may be disturbed by non-Gaussian noise. Hence, the fast average kurtogram (FAK) method based on sub-band averaging was introduced. This method effectively weakens the impact of pulse noise on the kurtosis graph by splitting the signal into equal-length sub-signals and calculating the average kurtosis value of all sub-signal filters. Simultaneously, to fully utilize the advantages of deep learning technology in feature extraction and classification, this study used the FAK to convert vibration signals from one-dimensional to two-dimensional kurtosis graphs as the input for the GhostNet model. This combination not only achieved accurate fault diagnosis and classification but also showed significant advantages in processing efficiency and resource utilization. The experimental results indicate that the algorithm excelled in extracting features and diagnosing periodic transient impact faults, and compared with traditional methods, it exhibited noticeable improvements in computational efficiency and resource management.
Line–Household Relationship Identification Method for a Low-Voltage Distribution Network Based on Voltage Clustering and Electricity Consumption Characteristics
Authors: Yao Lei , Huang Jincheng , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2024

To address the issue of inconspicuous electricity consumption characteristics among vacant users in low-voltage distribution networks (LVDNs), which hinders effective line–household relationship identification (LHRI), a method for identifying line–household relationship based on voltage clustering and electricity consumption characteristics is proposed. Initially, the paper employs Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) to analyze the similarity of user voltage profiles and utilizes the Density-Based Spatial Clustering of Applications with Noise (DBSCAN) algorithm to cluster users. This approach identifies the topological relationship between vacant users and regular users to obtain multiple user categories. Subsequently, by analyzing the electricity consumption characteristic, the connection relationships between different user categories and phase lines are clarified based on the correlation between the electricity consumption characteristic vector of phase lines and the electricity consumption characteristic vector of user categories, thereby revealing the line–household relationship for all users. On the test dataset, the LHRI algorithm proposed in this article achieved 100% accuracy, within an allowable error range of 0.2%, and improved the accuracy by 20% compared to the traditional identification method. Finally, the LVDN simulation model established by OpenDSS 9.4.0.3 was used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method, confirming its potential and advantages in practical applications.
Expansion Characteristics and Creep Test of New Curing Expansion Material for Gas Extraction Boreholes
Authors: Jiang Lijuan , Bao Ruoyu , Lei Changkui
Published: January 2024

In order to find the optimal expansion effect of a new curing expansion material so that it can better meet the requirements of the efficient sealing of drilled holes, the expansion and creep characteristics of the new curing expansion material were studied. Based on the creep results of graded loading, the Kelvin–Volgt model was selected to analyze its mechanical parameters, and a new “concentric ring” reinforcement sealing method was proposed. Numerical simulation was employed to analyze and discuss the reinforcement radius and depth of the “protective wall rock hole ring” in the “concentric ring” model, and on-site application experiments were carried out in a soft coal seam. The results show that the “concentric ring” reinforcement sealing method can effectively solve the problems of easy collapse and stress concentration instability in the sealing section of soft coal seams, ensuring long-term and efficient sealing of gas extraction boreholes in soft coal seams. When the diameter of the extraction drilling hole is 100 mm, the optimal reinforcement radius for the “protective wall rock hole ring” is 0.16–0.18 m. A reasonable reinforcement depth of the “protective wall rock hole ring” for drilling in soft coal seams is about 0.8–1 times the width of the roadway. In the on-site application process, experimental boreholes using “concentric ring” reinforcement sealing technology did not show any collapse phenomena, and the volume fraction of extracted gas remained above 30% for the first 30 days. Moreover, the gas volume fraction on the 30th and 60th days was 2.5 times and more than 3 times that of bag sealing boreholes using expanded cement, further proving that the sealing quality of boreholes using “concentric ring” reinforcement sealing is higher.
How to Attain Enlightenment? The Pramāṇa and the Chan Schools on the Practice of Meditation
Authors: Woo Jeson
Published: January 2024

Throughout the history of Buddhism, the main goal of Buddhists has been to attain enlightenment. This paper investigates how the Pramāṇa and the Chan schools define enlightenment and their ways of attaining it. The Pramāṇa school deals with enlightenment and problems relevant to it in terms of yogipratyakṣa, or the intuition of an omniscient being (sarvajña). On the other hand, the Chan school developed gongan meditation, which leads to enlightenment by contemplating a huatou, the key phrase of a gongan. This paper focuses on examining and comparing the following issues in these two schools: (1) the motivations for seeking enlightenment, (2) the role of meditation in each, and (3) the process of attaining enlightenment.