bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of minocycline quadruple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication: A meta‐analysis of RCTs
Authors: Gao Wenwen , Zhu Mingliang , Yin Yanhui , Zhang Xiang , Wang Lu
Published: October 2023

Background

The effective regimen is lacking in areas with high antibiotic resistance and tetracycline unavailable. Whether minocycline can replace tetracycline for Helicobacter pylori eradication is unknown. This meta‐analysis compared and summarized the efficacy and safety profiles of H. pylori quadruple regimens with and without minocycline.

Materials and Methods

We conducted a literature search for regimens including minocycline quadruple therapy for H. pylori eradication and adverse events (AEs). Controls were patients undergoing any other treatment without minocycline. Searches were performed up to July 20, 2023, using PubMed and the Cochrane library.

Results

A total of five randomized controlled clinical trials with 2004 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. The H. pylori eradication rate of minocycline quadruple therapy was similar with that of control therapy (83.8% vs. 80.6%, OR 1.25, 95% CI [0.99–1.57], I2 = 0%, p = 0.06) in ITT analysis. When treatment regimens with minocycline were compared only with treatment regimens with tetracycline, no significant difference was found in eradication rate:85.5% vs. 85.5%, OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.67–1.47, p = 1.00. But when treatment regimens with minocycline were compared with treatment regimens without tetracycline, the former was significantly superiority to the latter (82.7% vs. 77.2%; OR, 1.40, 95% CI 1.06–1.87, p = 0.02). The incidence of AEs in the quadruple therapy with minocycline group was similar with the control group (35.9% vs. 38.8%, OR 0.88, 95% CI [0.73–1.06], I2 = 13%, p = 0.17).

Conclusions

We demonstrated the H. pylori eradication effect of minocycline quadruple therapy, and it might be an optional therapy. The safety of regimens containing minocycline was relatively satisfactory.
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of different screening strategies for helicobacter pylori infection in Iran: A model‐based evaluation
Authors: Yousefi Mahmood , Rezaei Satar , Khoshbaten Manouchehr , Sarmasti Maryam
Published: October 2023

Background

The World Health Organization recommends assessing screening for helicobacter pylori infection to lower gastric cancer (GC) rates. Therefore, we carried out a study to evaluate the cost‐effectiveness of different H. pylori screening approaches in Iran.

Materials and Methods

We used a Markov model with a 50‐year time horizon and health system perspective to compare four H. pylori screening strategies (endoscopy, serology, urea breath test [UBT], stool antigen test [SAT]) to no screening in the population aged 20 years and older in Iran. Model parameters were extracted from primary data and published studies. Cost data also came from medical records of 120 patients at different stages of GC. We calculated costs, quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for each strategy. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) using Monte Carlo simulation tested the model's robustness. All analyses were done in TreeAge Pro 2020.

Results

All screening strategies provided more QALYs compared to no screening. Base‐case analysis found the UBT strategy was the most cost‐effective, with an ICER of 101,106,261.5 Iranian rial (IRR) per QALY gained, despite being more costly. No screening and endoscopy were dominated strategies, meaning they had higher costs but provided fewer effectiveness compared to other options. PSA showed at a willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) threshold of 316,112,349 IRR (Iran's GDP per capita) per QALY, UBT was the optimal strategy in 57.1% of iterations.

Conclusion

This cost‐effectiveness analysis found that screening for H. pylori may be cost‐effective in Iran. Among the 4 screening strategies examined, UBT was the most cost‐effective approach. Further studies should do cost‐effectiveness analyses for specific age groups to optimize the benefits achieved with limited resources.
Das Verhalten von Pyrrhulina vittata (Regan) (Teleostei, Characidae)
Authors: Schapitz Wolfgang
Published: October 2023

Das Verhalten des Characiden Pyrrhulina vittata (Regan) wird untersucht.

Außerhalb der Fortpflanzungszeit sind die Geschlechter gleich gefärbt; Ähnliches gilt für die Kampffärbung. Am stärksten unterscheiden sie sich bei der Fortpflanzung.

Zum agonistischen Verhalten gehört der Schiebekampf, bei dem sich die Gegner unter heftigem Maulschnappen zur Seite zu drängen suchen. Daneben finden sich auch turnierartige Kämpfe mit Rammstößen. ♂♂ und ♀♀ kämpfen auf gleiche Weise.

In der Gefangenschaft wurde das Fortpflanzungsverhalten stets durch solche Kämpfe eingeleitet. Nur wenn das ♂ Sieger bleibt, kommt es zur Balz, in der das ♂ unter wedelndem Schwimmen zuerst den Laichplatz sucht, von dem aus es dann das ♀ in sexuell‐aggressivem Konflikt anschwimmt. Zum Ablaichen muß sich das ♀ direkt neben dem ♂ auf dem Laichplatz niederlassen. Ein Aktionsdiagramm zeigt den Verlauf von Balz und Ablaichen.

Noch während des Ablaichens beginnt die Brutpflege des ♂. Es wedelt über dem Gelege, entfernt durch Putzen unbesamte Eier und greift alle möglichen belebten und unbelebten Objekte an. Das Wedeln bei der Balz und über dem Gelege ist im Bewegungsablauf gleich; die auslösenden Reize sind verschieden. In ähnlicher Weise entsprechen sich Putz‐ und Angriffsbewegungen.

Die Brutpflege wird an Hand eines Aktionsdiagramms über die ersten zwei Tage verfolgt (Abb. 9). Seine Auswertung und die Beobachtungen ergaben:

Während des Ablaichens wird mit dem Auftreten des Wedelns das Laichfressen blockiert. Der Putztrieb erwacht schon vor dem Erscheinen der verpilzten Eier und erlöscht erst einige Zeit nach der Entfernung derselben. Vorher und nachher macht er sich an Ersatzobjekten Luft. Das Schlüpfen der Embryonen hemmt den Wedeltrieb; dies führt zu Übersprung‐Angriffen.

Das Verhalten des Pyrrhulina‐♂ bildet mit den Außenreizen eine Reaktionskette, die die Funktionskreise der Balz, des Ablaichens und der Brutpflege miteinander verknüpft. Zum Schluß wird die vermutliche Stammesgeschichte des Fortpflanzungsverhaltens des Pyrrhulina‐♂ erörtert.
Zur Biologie des Zwergchamäleons (Microsaurus pumilus)
Authors: von Frisch Otto
Published: October 2023

Sechs alte und dreizehn junge Zwergchamäleons wurden über längere Zeit unter verschiedenen Bedingungen gehalten und beobachtet.

Beim Nahrungserwerb ergab sich eine bevorzugte Zungenschußentfernung, die abhängig von der Größe der Tiere ist. Ausreichende (Überangcbot) und abwechslungsreiche Nahrung ist notwendig.

Eine Tagestemperatur von 25° C und eine nächtliche von 15°—18° C sowie eine Luftfeuchtigkeit von 40 % scheint den Tieren am besten zuzusagen.

Die Chamäleons haben bevorzugte Aufenthaltsorte für den Tag und einen Schlafplatz, den sie abends immer wieder aufsuchen. Sie besitzen ein außerordentlich gutes Orientierungsvermögen. Untereinander sind sie nicht sehr verträglich, können aber auf größerem Raum und bei richtiger Auswahl der Tiere zusammen gehalten werden.

♂♂ und ♀♀ drohen verschieden. ♂♂ sind aggressiver und erkenner. einen Geschlechtsgenossen auf große Entfernung.

Die Begattung wurde mehrfach beobachtet. Die ♀♀ verhalten sich ziemlich passiv oder versuchen sogar, das ♂ abzuwehren.

Ein ♀ gebar knapp 3 Monate nach der Begattung. Gegen Ende der Tragzeit wird das ♀ sehr dick, hängt ruhig an einem Zweig und frißt wenig. Bei der Geburt bleiben die Jungen, die zuerst noch von der Eihaut umgeben sind. meist mit dieser an Pflanzenteilen kleben, stoßen sich dann durch und gehen gleich im Geäst davon. Es werden etwa 12–16 Junge geboren. Das ♀ ist nach dem Geburtsakt sehr matt und braucht sehr viel Futter, um wieder zu Kräften zu kommen.

Die Jungen fressen und trinken vom ersten Tag an, schießen aber anfangs zu tief und müssen lernen richtig zu treffen. Mit etwa 6 Monaten haben sie ½ der ausgewachsenen Tiere erreicht. Nachts suchen sie von selbst kühlere Plätze auf.
Comparative study of intracellular and extracellular pectinases produced by Penicillium frequentans
Authors: Kawano Cristina Yoshiko , Chellegatti Maria Angélica dos Santos Cunha , Said Suraia , Fonseca Maria José Vieira
Published: October 2023

The filamentous fungus Penicillium frequentans synthesized eleven polygalacturonases (PGs) and two pectinesterases (PEs) when grown in liquid culture supplemented with pectin. Seven PGs and the two PEs were secreted in the medium, whereas four PGs were not secreted. Among the secreted PGs, the endo‐PG (band 10) and exo‐PGs (band 5) were the enzymes secreted at the highest levels. All secreted PGs bound to lectin and their secretion and/or enzymic activities were inhibited by tunicamycin (TM), except for the constitutive and inducible endo‐PG (band 10). Studies on the affinity for concanavalin A (ConA) and the effect of TM suggested that the secreted endo‐PG and exo‐PG differed in level and process of glycosylation. The exo‐PG was characterized as a N‐glycoprotein, whereas the endo‐PG is probably an O‐glycoprotein. The PGs (bands 3 and 4) were neither bound to ConA nor secreted and their enzymic activities were inhibited by TM, suggesting that they are probably N‐glycoproteins with complex oligosaccharides of type three and tetra‐antennary structure. The other PGs (bands 6 and 8) that were not secreted and did not bind to ConA were not inhibited by TM. These enzymes presented chromatographic characteristics and effects with TM that were similar to endo‐PG (band 10), because these PGs might be unglycosylated or/and aggregate forms of the endo‐PG (band 10).
Use of parvovirus‐like particles for vaccination and induction of multiple immune responses
Authors: Casal J. Ignacio
Published: October 2023

Expression of the VP2 gene of autonomous parvoviruses in insect cells with the use of the baculovirus system has led to the production of virus‐like particles (VLPs) formed by the self‐assembly of VP2. These VLPs are expressed at high levels and can easily be purified by salt fractionation. They are highly immunogenic in the corresponding host, being fully protective at doses as low as 1–2 μg of purified material per animal. No special adjuvants are required. An interesting property of these particles is their usefulness as a diagnostic reagent for ELISA kits, which have successfully replaced conventional methods for parvovirus diagnostics based on haemagglutination. Another application of the hybrid recombinant parvovirus‐like particles of pig parvovirus (PPV) and canine parvovirus (CPV) is its use as an antigen delivery system. PPV:VLPs containing a CD8+ epitope from the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) nucleoprotein are able to evoke a potent cytolytic T‐lymphocyte response and to protect mice against a lethal infection with LCMV. Also, PPV:VLPs containing the C3:T epitope from poliovirus elicited a T helper response in mice. These T‐cell epitopes were inserted into the N‐terminus of the VP2 protein. Unfortunately, the N‐terminus is not adequate for antibody responses because it is inside the particle. Recent findings have shown that fine tailoring of the point of insertion around the tip of loop 2 of the surface of CPV allowed the elicitation of a potent antibody response. Thus mice immunized with chimaeric C3:B CPV:VLPs were able to elicit a strong neutralizing antibody response (>3 log10 units) against poliovirus. We now have the possibility of using these particles to elicit different immune responses against single or multiple pathogens in a simple and economic way.
Rapid screening of textile dyes employed as affinity ligands to purify enzymes from yeast
Authors: Raya‐Tonetti Gabriel , Perotti NoraI.
Published: October 2023

A rapid method for screening potential dye ligands for use in affinity chromatography is described. Textile dyes were non‐covalently coupled to a cross‐linked polysaccharide Sepharose® matrix. Yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) was used as the model protein for evaluating the screening system. A homogenate from baker's yeast was used as the crude source of enzyme. Batchwise adsorption and elution were used to evaluate the individual dyes. The influence of pH and ionic strength in the binding and elution steps was evaluated. Batch isotherms were used to evaluate parameter characteristics. Experimental data obtained were fitted to Langmuir isotherms to determine the maximum binding capacity and the dissociation constant for each dye evaluated in this study. A dynamic binding capacity of 107.6 units of ADH/g of resin was determined for Procion Turquoise MXG dye by frontal analysis. Specific elution with NAD+ and non‐specific elution with 50 mM Tris/HCl buffer, pH 8.5, were tested when Procion Turquoise MXG was used, giving purification factors of 53.5 and 4.4 respectively. This screening technique is inexpensive and can be performed in a few hours. It was possible to predict the performance of different reactive dyes in this way, and the influence of pH and salt on the binding behaviour was demonstrated.
Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) methionine aminopeptidase I: rapid purification and improved activity assay
Authors: Walker Kenneth W. , Yi Elizabeth , Bradshaw Ralph A.
Published: October 2023

Methionine aminopeptidase (MetAP), in two isoenzymic forms, is responsible for hydrolysis of the initiator methionine residues from the majority of newly synthesized proteins. It is an essential gene product and is ubiquitously found in archaea, eubacteria, and lower and higher eukaryotes. MetAP also has a potentially important role in the production of recombinant proteins, since failure to correctly remove initiator methionine residues can result in a product that is inactive or immunogenic. A rapid two‐step purification of recombinant yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) MetAP I that produces a product that is more than 95% pure and maintains a high level of activity (k cat 320–1556 min−1) has been developed. In addition, a versatile, accurate and sensitive assay for MetAP activity is presented. In contrast with previous methods, which usually use short tripeptides and require a post‐reaction derivatization step, this assay uses peptides ranging in size from four to eight residues and utilizes UV detection of a tryptophan residue at the C‐terminus. As little as 1 pmol of yeast MetAP I can be detected, with 5 μM peptide in a 100 μl reaction. The combination of a rapid purification protocol and a significantly improved activity assay will allow for a detailed examination of MetAP structure–function relationships and may lead to improved enzyme reagents for use in recombinant‐protein production.
Immobilization of horseradish peroxidase in cross‐linked phyllosilicates: conditions and characterizations
Authors: Shen Siyuan , Tu Shu‐I
Published: October 2023

An innovative immobilization procedure was developed for intercalation of enzymes into dispersed phyllosilicates which were cross‐linked with silicates resulting from the hydrolysis of tetramethyl orthosilicate. Donor:hydrogen‐peroxide oxidoreductase intercalative immobilized in the cross‐linked phyllosilicate exhibited a similar or higher activity than the free enzyme. The kinetic properties of peroxidase were unaffected by intercalative immobilization. Different factors, including drying methods, particle size, surface cations of the phyllosilicate and ratio of phyllosilicate to tetramethyl orthosilicate, were investigated to optimize immobilization conditions. The immobilized peroxidase exhibited similar kinetic properties to the free enzyme and good storage stability.
The dissociation of (a+c) misfit dislocations at the InGaN/GaN interface
Authors: Smalc‐Koziorowska J. , Moneta J. , Muzioł G. , Chromiński W. , Kernke R. , Albrecht M. , Schulz T. , Belabbas I.
Published: October 2023

In hexagonal materials, (a+c) dislocations are typically observed to dissociate into partial dislocations. Edge (a+c) dislocations are introduced into (0001) nitride semiconductor layers by the process of plastic relaxation. As there is an increasing interest in obtaining relaxed InGaN buffer layers for the deposition of high In content structures, the study of the dissociation mechanism of misfit (a+c) dislocations laying at the InGaN/GaN interface is then crucial for understanding their nucleation and glide mechanisms. In the case of the presented plastically relaxed InGaN layers deposited on GaN substrates, we observe a trigonal network of (a+c) dislocations extending at the interface with a rotation of 3° from <100> directions. High‐resolution microscopy studies show that these dislocations are dissociated into two Frank–Shockley 1/6<203> partial dislocations with the I1 BSF spreading between them. Atomistic simulations of a dissociated edge (a+c) dislocation revealed a 3/5‐atom ring structure for the cores of both partial dislocations. The observed separation between two partial dislocations must result from the climb of at least one of the dislocations during the dissociation process, possibly induced by the mismatch stress in the InGaN layer.
Oral microbiome characterization in oral mucositis patients—A systematic review
Authors: Frey‐Furtado Leonor , Magalhães Inês , Sampaio‐Maia Benedita , Azevedo Maria João
Published: October 2023

Background

Oral mucositis (OM) is a severe and common adverse effect of cancer treatment. The oral microbiome appears to play a role on the onset and severity of OM. Therefore, this systematic review aims to characterize the oral dysbiosis associated with OM.

Methods

The PRISMA checklist was followed and PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were screened for clinical studies characterizing the oral microbiome alterations in patients with OM.

Results

From a total of 2500 articles retrieved, we included nine articles in this systematic review. Certain types of bacteria, as Fusobacterium, were recognized as predictors of the onset of OM. In addition, it was reported that patients with severe OM presented a reduction in alpha‐diversity, an increase in beta‐diversity. The abundance of some taxa significantly changed with OM severity, with Bacillota phylum and genera Leptotrichia, Actinomyces, and Prevotella decreasing and Treponema increasing with disease progression. Additionally, during cancer treatment, changes in the oral microbiome have been observed in OM patients, with an increase in Candida and nosocomial pathogens, including Staphylococcus species.

Conclusion

Our review indicates that cancer treatment can significantly alter the oral microbiome, with more pronounced changes observed in patients with severe OM in all relevant oral phyla, but more pronounced in Bacillota phylum.
Enhanced precipitation has driven the evolution of subtropical evergreen broad‐leaved forests in eastern China since the early Miocene: Evidence from ring‐cupped oaks
Authors: Jin Dong‐Mei , Yuan Quan , Dai Xi‐Ling , Kozlowski Gregor , Song Yi‐Gang
Published: October 2023

Subtropical evergreen broad‐leaved forest (EBLF) is the predominant vegetation type in eastern China. However, the majority of the region it covers in eastern China was an arid area during the Paleogene. The temporal history and essential factors involved in the evolution of subtropical EBLFs in eastern China remain enigmatic. Here we report on the niche evolution of Quercus section Cyclobalanopsis, which appeared in south China and Japan during the Eocene and became a dominant component of subtropical EBLFs since the Miocene in eastern Asia, using integrative analysis of occurrences, climate data and a dated phylogeny of 35 species in Cyclobalanopsis. Species within clades Cyclobalanoides, Lamellosa, and Helferiana mainly exist in the Himalaya–Hengduan region, adapting to a plateau climate, while species within the other clades mainly live in eastern China under the control of the East Asian monsoon. Reconstructed history showed that significant divergence of climatic tolerance in Cyclobalanopsis began around 19 million years ago (Ma) in the early Miocene. Simultaneously, disparities in precipitation of wettest/warmest quarter and annual precipitation were markedly enhanced in Cyclobalanopsis, especially in the recent eastern clades. During the Miocene, the marked radiation of Cyclobalanopsis and many other dominant taxa of subtropical EBLFs strongly suggest the rapid formation and expansion of subtropical EBLFs in eastern China. Our research highlights that the intensification of the East Asian monsoon and subsequent occupation of new niches by the ancient clades already present in the south may have jointly promoted the formation of subtropical EBLFs in eastern China since the early Miocene.
Large‐scale real‐world data analysis of source plasma collections using a novel technology‐enabled nomogram
Authors: Hellman Eva , Manukyan Zorayr , Mkhitaryan Karen , Heidarsdottir Karen , Ragusa Michael J. , Hartmann Jan
Published: October 2023

Background

Source plasma collections are needed to satisfy the growing demand for plasma‐derived medicinal products. The US plasma collection target volume has been guided by a standard weight‐based FDA‐issued nomogram (STAN) since 1992. In this research, large‐scale US‐based real‐world data (RWD) were analyzed to confirm the safety and volume gains of a newly introduced personalized nomogram (PERS) that was previously studied in a premarket randomized controlled environment.

Study Design and Methods

A non‐inferiority (NI) analysis was conducted to compare the novel nomogram's significant hypotensive adverse event (AE) incidence rate with large historical standard nomogram AE datasets. Additionally, the average target volumes and donor return rates were compared for collections following PERS and STAN.

Results

A total of 4,816,784 donations (PERS) by 414,957 donors resulted in a rate of 0.0998% (95% CI [0.0970, 0.1027]) significant hypotensive AEs. NI analysis suggested strong non‐inferiority of the new technology (Δ = −0.0082%, 95% CI [−0.0113, −0.0050], prespecified NI margin = 0.1080). Average plasma collection target volumes increased by 66.39 mL (8.49%; p < .0001). Consecutive weekly donor return rates were consistent between the two nomograms (PERS: 73.6%, 95% CI [69.6%–76.7%]; STAN: 74.1%, 95% CI [66.1%–77.2%]).

Discussion

This analysis confirms in a large‐scale real‐world dataset the key safety parameter and collection benefit of a novel, technology‐enabled nomogram. The nomogram may help meet the growing demand for plasma‐derived therapies by providing approximately 8.5% more plasma per donation on average while maintaining donor safety and return rates.
In Silico Study of the 5-Hydroxytryptamine-2C Receptor Antagonist Activity of Anthocyanins as Antidepressant Therapy
Authors: Kurnianingsih Nia , Harbiyanti Novita Titis , Prakosa Ardani Galih , Ratnawati Retty
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to evaluate the drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic and safety prediction of six types of anthocyanins (ANC) as well as virtual molecular interaction between ANC and 5-hydroxytryptamine-2C (5HT-2C) receptor for antagonist target of antidepressant drug development. The Lipinski rule of five was used to predict the oral drug-likeness of ANC. The pharmacokinetic and safety prediction was analyzed with a free accessible web server. The ligands of ANC were retrieved from PubChem National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. The protein of the 5HT-2C receptor was obtained from Protein Data Bank. Molecular docking was performed by PyRx software and visualized using Discovery Studio Software. The results showed ANC is proposed as an oral drug candidate. The pharmacokinetic prediction of ANC was demonstrated to have high absorption in the intestinal route, solubility in the aqueous phase, capability to evade hepatic first-pass metabolism and high total clearance from the kidney. Virtual toxicity prediction showed a higher threshold of chronic lethal dose than control with no toxicity on the salmonella typhimurium reverses mutation assay (AMES) test, liver, and skin.  Molecular prediction found ANC type of delphinidin has the most similar interaction site with the control antagonist ligand on the 5HT-2C receptor which is facilitated with hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic bonds at amino residues of Trp324, Phe328, Ala222 and Val135. We concluded ANC particularly delphinidin is proposed as an oral drug candidate potentially used as a 5HT-2C receptor antagonist and thus, further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to confirm the effect on antidepressant activity.
Alginate/Gauze Incorporated with Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. Extract as a Bioactive Agent for Wound Dressing Application
Authors: Mohd Bohari Siti Pauliena , Ajan Nursyafika Az Zahra
Published: October 2023

In recent years, the development of wound dressings has changed from a passive to an active form by adding antiseptic agents such as polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPI) and nanoparticles such as silver nanoparticles to facilitate the wound healing process. However, PVPI is toxic to human skin fibroblasts, and silver nanoparticles may result in metal accumulation in the tissues due to their nanosize. Therefore, a new approach to using natural sources from plants such as Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (HSL) is promising due to its phytochemical constituents that can serve as a potential therapeutic agent in wound dressings. In this study, freeze-dried alginate/gauze (FDA/gauze) without and with HS extract and calcium alginate/gauze (CA /gauze) with and without HS extract were developed by freeze-drying and gelation, respectively. This study aimed to characterize the properties of alginate/gauze-dressings as wound dressings. The morphology of the designed dressing; FDA/gauze, looks evenly distributed on the surface of the gauze compared to CA/gauze. It was found that FDA/gauze dressings have higher water absorbency than CA /gauze dressings, ranging from 690.43 to 1340.86% from day 1 until day 14. The percentage of water uptake ability increases as the concentration of alginate increases. In addition, the seeded human skin fibroblasts' growth on the alginate/gauze dressings infused with HSL extract growth in clustered, bright, and colourless proves that the cells were viable. Thus, the addition of HSL extract shows to support the process of cell viability.
Music Therapy (Media in the Socio-Cultural Space of Ukraine)
Authors: Dobrovolska Rufina
Published: October 2023

The development of music therapy is a relevant topic for research, given that this phenomenon is still in its infancy in Ukraine. The purpose of the study is to analyze the media use of music therapy in the contemporary socio-cultural space of Ukraine. The main research methods are comparison, analysis, synthesis, and specification. The main research tools are a survey based on Google Forms, interviews. The territorial scope of the study covers different regions of Ukraine. The experimental verification of the use of music therapy in the socio-cultural space of Ukraine took place in several stages: theoretical and methodological, experimental and generalized. In particular, at the first stage, the peculiarities of the interpretation of music therapy and other theoretical problems of its use in the socio-cultural space were identified. At the second stage (experimental), a scientific experiment was conducted to identify the key problems and prospects of using music therapy through the media in the socio-cultural space of Ukraine. At the third stage, the data obtained were compared with the results of other scholars, in particular, the peculiarities of using music therapy in Ukraine and other European countries were compared and summarized. The results describe the peculiarities of using media-based music therapy in Ukraine, identify the main tools of mass communication used by music therapists in Ukraine, characterize the main goals of media-based music therapy, and outline the main challenges of using media resources in the practice of music therapists in Ukraine. It is established that the introduction of music therapy has common and distinctive features in comparison with European countries. The conclusions emphasize the importance of music therapy in the modern socio-cultural space of Ukraine, and it is determined that music therapy continues to develop in view of the current demand for psychotherapists in Ukraine.
The Importance of Counselor Communication Management in Trauma Recovery for Child Victims of Sexual Violence
Authors: Mukhlisiana Lusy , Kuswarno Engkus , Rizal Edwin , Maryani Eni
Published: October 2023

Children who are vulnerable to experiencing sexual violence have limited knowledge and experience, so it is challenging to understand acts of violence that occur to them and how to respond to them. This condition makes it increasingly difficult for them to open up and express the traumatic event. The conditions like this will complicate trauma recovery efforts by counselors. This study aims to reveal counselor communication management that examines, among other things, manpower planning management, case management, and the importance of communication management in the trauma recovery process of child victims of sexual violence. A two-year longitudinal qualitative case study was conducted to find reasons and reveal the importance of communication management for counselors in the recovery of trauma from child victims of sexual violence using data through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation studies from 14 informants at the Center for the Protection of Women and Children. The study results show that counselor communication management is vital to ensure that the process of handling child victims of sexual violence runs properly. This communication management is expected to be a way for the counselor to carry out his duties properly where he can manage himself, manage communication with child victims of sexual violence and manage communication with related parties, both internal and external.
ABHY Associahedra and Newton polytopes of F$F$‐polynomials for cluster algebras of simply laced finite type
Authors: Bazier‐Matte Véronique , Chapelier‐Laget Nathan , Douville Guillaume , Mousavand Kaveh , Thomas Hugh , Yildirim Emine
Published: October 2023

A new construction of the associahedron was recently given by Arkani‐Hamed, Bai, He, and Yan in connection with the physics of scattering amplitudes. We show that their construction (suitably understood) can be applied to construct generalized associahedra of any simply laced Dynkin type. Unexpectedly, we also show that this same construction produces Newton polytopes for all the ‐polynomials of the corresponding cluster algebras. In addition, we show that the toric variety associated to the ‐vector fan has the property that its nef cone is simplicial.
In vitro
comparison of methods for sampling copper-based antimicrobial surfaces
Authors: Williams T. C. , Woznow T. , Velapatino B. , Asselin E. , Nakhaie D. , Bryce E. A. , Charles M.
Published: October 2023

For more than a decade, copper (Cu) and Cu alloy surfaces have been approved and registered as solid antimicrobials to reduce the environmental bioburden of potential pathogens. Bacterial collection and enumeration are important steps in assessing antimicrobial efficacy of these surfaces, yet comparisons of the different collection methods from Cu surfaces are scarce in the literature. This study compared Petrifilm (PF) aerobic count plates applied directly onto Cu surfaces and two indirect (cellulose sponges and Quick Swab) collection methods to evaluate bacterial recovery of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Staphylococcus aureus
from three different formulations of Cu surfaces. ATP bioluminescence (ATPB) and live-dead flow cytometry staining were performed in tandem to corroborate bacterial recovery and antimicrobial findings. While all three collection methods were able to recover bacteria, direct PF contact with Cu surface consistently exhibited 2–3 Log higher colony-forming units (CFU)/20-cm
2
counts. No significant difference in bacterial counts was found when sponges or swabs were applied to Cu surfaces and inoculated onto 5% sheep blood agar plates (BAP). No difference was observed between PF and BAP counts when PF was used for recovery after indirect sample collection using Quick Swab. Comparison of microbial counts with live-dead staining and ATPB results suggests that the PF
direct
collection method revived stressed and dying bacteria. This phenomenon was not observed with the
indirect
PF method. Direct sampling of Cu surfaces using PF confers a survival advantage to bacteria stressed by Cu and may induce higher bacterial counts.

IMPORTANCE

Self-sanitizing surfaces such as copper (Cu) are increasingly used on high-touch surfaces to prevent the spread of harmful viruses and bacteria. Being able to monitor the antimicrobial properties of Cu is fundamental in measuring its antimicrobial efficacy. Thorough investigations into reliable methods to enumerate bacteria from self-sanitizing surfaces are lacking in the literature. This study demonstrates that direct use of Petrifilm on Cu surfaces most likely revives stressed and dying bacteria, which induces increased bacterial counts. This phenomenon was not observed with indirect collection methods. Studies assessing time-kill kinetics or long-term efficacy of Cu should consider the impact of the collection method chosen.
Production of massive $$W^{\pm }$$ bosons and fermion–antifermion pairs from vacuum in the de Sitter Universe
Authors: Crucean Cosmin , Fodor Amalia Dariana
Published: October 2023

In this paper we study the charged electro-weak interactions in the de Sitter geometry. We develop the reduction formalism for the Proca field with the help of the solutions for the interacting fields. Perturbation theory is used for obtaining the definition of the transition amplitudes in the first order. We apply our formalism to the study of spontaneous vacuum emission of fermions, anti-fermions and $$W^{\pm }$$

W
±

bosons in the expanding de Sitter universe. Our results are generalizations of the Weinberg–Salam electro-weak theory to curved space-time, in the case of $$W^{\pm }$$

W
±

boson interaction with leptons. The probability and transition amplitude are found to be a quantities which depend on the Hubble parameter. Our analytical and graphical results prove that such perturbative processes are possible only for the large expansion conditions of the early Universe. The total probability and rate of transition are obtained for the case of large expansion and we use dimensional regularization for the momenta integrals. In the end we recover the Minkowski limit, where our probabilities vanish, thus confirming the well known fact that spontaneous vacuum emission of $$W^{\pm }$$

W
±

bosons and fermions is forbidden in flat space-time due to energy–momentum conservation.
The gamma/hadron discriminator LCm in realistic air shower array experiments
Authors: Conceição R. , Costa P. J. , Gibilisco L. , Pimenta M. , Tomé B.
Published: October 2023

In this article, it is shown that the $$C_k$$

C
k

and LCm variables, recently introduced as an effective way to discriminate gamma and proton-induced showers in large wide-field gamma-ray observatories, can be generalised to be used in arrays of different detectors and variable fill factors. In particular, the $$C_k$$

C
k

profile discrimination capabilities are evaluated for scintillator and water Cherenkov detector arrays.
Application of the most frequent value method for $$^{39}$$Ar half-life determination
Authors: Golovko Victor V.
Published: October 2023

An evaluation method supported by robust statistical analysis was applied to historical measurements of $$^{39}$$

39

Ar half-life. The method, based on the most frequent value (MFV) approach combined with bootstrap analysis, provides a more robust way to estimate $$^{39}$$

39

Ar half-life, and results in $$T_{1/2}($$

T

1
/
2

(

MFV$$) = 268.2^{+3.1}_{-2.9}$$

)
=
268
.

2

-
2.9

+
3.1

years with uncertainty corresponding to the 68% confidence level. The uncertainty is a factor of 3 smaller than that of the most precise re-calculated $$^{39}$$

39

Ar half-life measurements by Stoenner et al. and a factor of 2.7 smaller than that of the adopted half-life value in nuclear data sheets. Recently, the specific activity of the beta decay of $$^{39}$$

39

Ar in atmospheric argon was measured in several underground facilities. Applying the MFV method to a specific activity of $$^{39}$$

39

Ar from underground measurements results in $$ SA_{{^{39}\text {Ar}}/\text {Ar}}(\text {MFV}) = 0.966^{+0.010}_{-0.018} \, \, \text {Bq/kg}_{\text {atmAr}}$$

S

A

39

Ar

/
Ar

(
MFV
)

=
0
.

966

-
0.018

+
0.010

Bq/kg
atmAr

with uncertainty corresponding to the 68% confidence level. In this paper the method to determine the half-life of $$^{39}$$

39

Ar using the specific activity of $$^{39}$$

39

Ar in atmospheric argon is also discussed.
Improving quantum annealing by engineering the coupling to the environment
Authors: S. Najafabadi Mojdeh , Schumayer Daniel , Lee Chee-Kong , Jaksch Dieter , Hutchinson David A. W.
Published: October 2023

A large class of optimisation problems can be mapped to the Ising model where all details are encoded in the coupling of spins. The task of the original mathematical optimisation is then equivalent to finding the ground state of the corresponding spin system which can be achieved via quantum annealing relying on the adiabatic theorem. Some of the inherent disadvantages of this procedure can be alleviated or resolved using a stochastic approach, and by coupling to the external environment. We show that careful engineering of the system-bath coupling at an individual spin level can further improve annealing.
Semi-analytic solutions and sensitivity analysis for an unsteady squeezing MHD Casson nanoliquid flow between two parallel disks
Authors: Umavathi J. C. , Basha H. Thameem , Noor N. F. M. , Kamalov F. , Leung H. H. , Sivaraj R.
Published: October 2023

The transport phenomena of Casson nanofluid flow between two parallel disks subject to convective boundary conditions are analyzed in this paper. The mathematical model incorporates the impact of thermophoresis and Brownian motion since the Buongiorno’s nanoliquid model is adopted to characterize the nanoliquid’s transport features. The appropriate similarity transformations are applied to obtain the resulting nondimensional ordinary differential equations from the basic governing equations. The resulting ordinary differential equations and the associated boundary conditions are solved analytically by adopting the homotopy perturbation technique. Further, a statistical experiment is conducted to identify notable flow parameters which cause significant impact on the heat transfer rate. The characteristics of critical pertinent parameters on the flow field are graphically manifested. It is worth noting that the Casson nanofluid velocity escalates by augmenting the magnetic field parameter in the case of injection near the disks. Nanoparticle concentration is considerably diminished with an increment in thermophoresis parameter. In the cases of equal and unequal Biot numbers, the heat transfer rate is promoted with higher values of the Brownian motion parameter. Among the Casson fluid parameter, squeezing parameter and magnetic field parameter, the heat transfer rate discloses the highest positive sensitivity with the lowest value of the Casson fluid parameter.
Expanding the Bragg scattering bandgap of phononic crystals using acoustic black holes
Authors: Liang Haofeng , Liang Xiao , Chu Jiaming , Zhou Zhuo
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a phononic crystal with acoustic black hole (ABH) characteristics is designed based on the compression effect of ABHs on acoustic wavelengths. The simulation results show that the lower limit of the first bandgap of the phononic crystal with ABH is reduced by 127.8[Formula: see text]Hz, the upper limit is increased by 694.4[Formula: see text]Hz, and the bandgap width is increased by 822.2[Formula: see text]Hz compared with that of the phononic crystal without ABH. The mechanism of bandgap expansion is discussed based on the mechanism of bandgap formation and the acoustic modulation effect of the ABH. The influence of the geometric and material parameters of the ABH on the bandgap is analyzed. The ABHs offer a new way of optimizing phononic crystals, and this work can be used as a reference for their design.
A Comprehensive Review of GAN-Based Denoising Models for Low-Dose Computed Tomography Images
Authors: Sandhu Manbir , Kushwaha Sumit , Arora Tanvi
Published: October 2023

Computed Tomography (CT) offers great visualization of the intricate internal body structures. To protect a patient from the potential radiation-related health risks, the acquisition of CT images should adhere to the “as low as reasonably allowed” (ALARA) standard. However, the acquired Low-dose CT (LDCT) images are inadvertently corrupted by artifacts and noise during the processes of acquisition, storage, and transmission, degrading the visual quality of the image and also causing the loss of image features and relevant information. Most recently, generative adversarial network (GAN) models based on deep learning (DL) have demonstrated ground-breaking performance to minimize image noise while maintaining high image quality. These models’ ability to adapt to uncertain noise distributions and representation-learning ability makes them highly desirable for the denoising of CT images. The state-of-the-art GANs used for LDCT image denoising have been comprehensively reviewed in this research paper. The aim of this paper is to highlight the potential of DL-based GAN for CT dose optimization and present future scope of research in the domain of LDCT image denoising.
The Evaluation and Obstacle Identification of Urban Infrastructure Resilience in China
Authors: ZHUANG Li , YU Zhonglei , SUN Chang , HOU Xiaojing
Published: October 2023

Urban infrastructure is the lifeline and material foundation for the normal operation of cities. It is of great significance to accurately evaluate the resilience level of urban infrastructure and identify the main obstacle factors for the construction of resilient cities. This paper establishes an index system for urban infrastructure resilience evaluation from three dimensions: Pre-disaster prevention capacity, disaster resistance capacity, and post-disaster recovery capacity. It also uses the CRITIC method to determine the index weights and identifies the main obstacle factors based on the obstacle degree model (ODM). The results show that urban infrastructure resilience in China is generally low and varies greatly in terms of structure across provinces and municipalities. The main obstacle factors affecting urban infrastructure resilience include the capacities to conduct pre-disaster prevention and post-disaster recovery in the production and supply of electricity, gas and water, to construct infrastructure recovery projects, and to ensure energy supply and power supply. It is recommended to promote the application of the concept of “resilience” throughout the entire process of urban planning, construction and governance, understand the current situation of urban infrastructure, coordinate the investment of resources such as funding, manpower and technology, enhance the robustness and redundancy of urban infrastructure systems, actively optimize the layout of urban infrastructure, and continuously improve the application of intelligent technologies in infrastructure systems.
Broadly Reactive SARS-CoV-2-Specific T-Cell Response and Participation of Memory B and T Cells in Patients with Omicron COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Yadav Pragya D. , Sahay Rima R. , Salwe Sukeshani , Trimbake Diptee , Babar Prasad , Sapkal Gajanan N. , Deshpande Gururaj R. , Bhise Kiran , Shete Anita M. , Abraham Priya , Tripathy Anuradha S.
Published: October 2023

January 2022 onward, India witnessed a sudden increase in Omicron COVID-19 infections, having a mild course that prompted us to identify the key host factors/immune molecules modulating disease course/outcomes. The current study evaluated the percentages of lymphocyte subsets by flowcytometry, SARS-CoV-2 specific T-cell immune response by ELISPOT, estimation of plasma cytokine/chemokine levels on a Bio-plex Multiplex Immunoassay System and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 19 mild Omicron infected patients, 45 mild SARS-CoV-2 (2020) patients and 36 uninfected controls from India. Natural killer cells, B and memory B cells were high in vaccinated and total Omicron-infected patients groups compared to the mild SARS-CoV-2 (2020) patient group, while CD8+ T cells were high in total Omicron-infected patients group compared to the uninfected control group (

p
<
0.05

each). Omicron-infected patients had T-cell response against SARS-CoV-2 whole virus, S1 proteins (wild type and delta variant) in 10 out of 17 (59%), 10 out of 17 (59%), and 8 out of 17 (47%), respectively. The current study of Omicron-infected patients elucidates broadly reactive antibody, T-cell response, and participation of memory B and T cells induced by vaccination/natural infection. The limited effect of Omicron’s mutations on T-cell response is suggestive of protection from severity. Pro-inflammatory IL-6, IFN-γ, chemokines CCL-2, CCL-3, CCL-4, CCL-5, and IL-8 as potential biomarkers of Omicron infection may have future diagnostic importance. The cellular immune response data in Omicron-infected patients with parental Omicron lineage could serve as a starting point to define the readouts of protective immunity against circulating Omicron subvariants.
Bookkeeping in the Arthaśāstra
Authors: Wiese Harald
Published: October 2023

This paper focuses on the Arthaśāstra’s portion II.6.1-II.7.3. The official with the title samāhartṛ is responsible not only for bookkeeping, but also for inflow organization, coin in- and outflow management, supervision, and controlling. Many of the bookkeeping terms remain elusive, but some progress can be made with respect to umbrella terms, such as āyamukha, samudaya, and siddha. Among other assertions, this paper claims that karaṇīya in II.6.14 refers to the samāhartṛ’s duties, while it is best translated as “target” in II.7.3.
An annotated and illustrated catalog of the primary type material of Hemiptera deposited in the Florida State Collection of Arthropods
Authors: POWELL ERIN C. , HALBERT SUSAN E. , DEETER LILY , KELLER OLIVER
Published: October 2023

The Florida State Collection of Arthropods (FSCA) is one of the largest and most diverse insect collections in North America and the largest in the southeastern United States with over twelve million curated specimens and significant amounts of materials in bulk collections and other unprocessed samples. The order Hemiptera currently comprises approximately 95,000 species in three suborders. The FSCA houses type material in the auchenorrhynchan families Cicadidae, Cicadellidae, Cixiidae, Delphacidae, Derbidae, and Membracidae; the heteropteran families Coreidae, Corixidae, Curaliidae, Lygaeidae, Miridae, Pentatomidae, Reduviidae, Schizopteridae, Scutelleridae, and Tingidae; the sternorrhynchan families Aleyrodidae, Aphalaridae, Aphididae, Coccidae, Diaspididae, Matsucoccidae, Pseudococcidae, Phacopteronidae, and Triozidae. This catalog documents the FSCA primary type material for 167 species in 79 genera in 24 families across the three suborders.