bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Detection and Genotyping of Theileria spp. in Deer (Cervidae) in Korea
Authors: Chung Chang Uk , Lee Haeseung , Seo Min-Goo , Lee Seung-Hun , Kim Kyoo-Tae , Nazim Kaifa , Song Jung-Sun , Bae Dong Hwa , Rhee Man Hee , Kwon Oh-Deog , Kwak Dongmi
Published: November 2023

Major clinical symptoms of Theileria infection include fever, anemia, anorexia, jaundice, and decreased milk production. Although several studies have been conducted on tick-borne pathogens, including Theileria in Korea, only a few have focused on Theileria infection in deer, including the Korean water deer. Blood samples from 160 deer were collected and subjected to DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Next, PCR-positive samples were sequenced and analyzed by constructing a phylogenetic tree. The results showed that the overall infection rate of Theileria was 8.1% (13/160). Infection rates of 100% were observed in the northern and southern regions. However, the study’s limitation was its small sample size, wherein five and one samples were analyzed from the northern and southern regions, respectively. The central region exhibited the lowest infection rate of 2.9% (4/140). Infection rates also differed based on seasons, with the highest (18.4%, 9/49) being observed in spring, followed by that in summer (8.9%, 4/45). However, no infection was observed during autumn and winter. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that the PCR-positive samples contained Theileria luwenshuni, which usually infects small ruminants, such as goats and sheep.
The Pleiotropic Phenotypes Caused by an hfq Null Mutation in Vibrio harveyi
Authors: Deng Yiqin , Zang Shujun , Lin Ziyang , Xu Liwen , Cheng Changhong , Feng Juan
Published: November 2023

Hfq is a global regulator and can be involved in multiple cellular processes by assisting small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) to target mRNAs. To gain insight into the virulence regulation of Hfq in Vibrio harveyi, the hfq null mutant, ∆hfq, was constructed in V. harveyi strain 345. Compared with the wild-type strain, the mortality of pearl gentian sharply declined from 80% to 0% in ∆hfq when infected with a dose that was 7.5-fold the median lethal dose (LD50). Additionally, ∆hfq led to impairments of bacterial growth, motility, and biofilm formation and resistance to reactive oxygen species, chloramphenicol, and florfenicol. A transcriptome analysis indicated that the expression of 16.39% genes on V. harveyi 345 were significantly changed after the deletion of hfq. Without Hfq, the virulence-related pathways, including flagellar assembly and bacterial chemotaxis, were repressed. Moreover, eleven sRNAs, including sRNA0405, sRNA0078, sRNA0419, sRNA0145, and sRNA0097, which, respectively, are involved in chloramphenicol/florfenicol resistance, outer membrane protein synthesis, electron transport, amino acid metabolism, and biofilm formation, were significantly down-regulated. In general, Hfq contributes to the virulence of V. harveyi 345 probably via positively regulating bacterial motility and biofilm formation. It is involved in flagellar assembly and bacterial chemotaxis by binding sRNAs and regulating the target mRNAs.
Recent Advances in Drug Discovery for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment
Authors: Masci Domiziana , Naro Chiara , Puxeddu Michela , Urbani Andrea , Sette Claudio , La Regina Giuseppe , Silvestri Romano
Published: November 2023

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of the most heterogeneous and aggressive breast cancer subtypes with a high risk of death on recurrence. To date, TNBC is very difficult to treat due to the lack of an effective targeted therapy. However, recent advances in the molecular characterization of TNBC are encouraging the development of novel drugs and therapeutic combinations for its therapeutic management. In the present review, we will provide an overview of the currently available standard therapies and new emerging therapeutic strategies against TNBC, highlighting the promises that newly developed small molecules, repositioned drugs, and combination therapies have of improving treatment efficacy against these tumors.
The Role of Polyphenolic Antioxidants from Tea and Rosemary in the Hydroxyl Radical Oxidation of N-Acetyl Alanine
Authors: Vagkidis Nikolaos , Marsh Jennifer , Chechik Victor
Published: November 2023

In dead biological tissues such as human hair, the ability of antioxidants to minimise autoxidation is determined by their chemical reactions with reactive oxygen species. In order to improve our understanding of factors determining such antioxidant properties, the mechanistic chemistry of four phenolic antioxidants found in tea and rosemary extracts (epicatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, rosmarinic and carnosic acids) has been investigated. The degradation of N-acetyl alanine by photochemically generated hydroxyl radicals was used as a model system. A relatively high concentration of the antioxidants (0.1 equivalent with respect to the substrate) tested the ability of the antioxidants to intercept both initiating hydroxyl radicals (preventive action) and propagating peroxyl radicals (chain-breaking action). LC-MS data showed the formation of hydroxylated derivatives, quinones and hydroperoxides of the antioxidants. The structure of the assignment was aided by deuterium exchange experiments. Tea polyphenolics (epicatechin and epigallocatechin gallate) outperformed the rosemary compounds in preventing substrate degradation and were particularly effective in capturing the initiating radicals. Carnosic acid was suggested to act mostly as a chain-breaking antioxidant. All of the antioxidants except for rosmarinic acid generated hydroperoxides which was tentatively ascribed to the insufficient lability of the benzylic C-H bond of rosmarinic acid.
Research Advances in Clinical Applications, Anticancer Mechanism, Total Chemical Synthesis, Semi-Synthesis and Biosynthesis of Paclitaxel
Authors: Zhang Shengnan , Ye Taiqiang , Liu Yibin , Hou Guige , Wang Qibao , Zhao Fenglan , Li Feng , Meng Qingguo
Published: November 2023

Paclitaxel, a natural secondary metabolite isolated and purified from the bark of the Taxus tree, is considered one of the most successful natural anticancer drugs due to its low toxicity, high potency and broad-spectrum anticancer activity. Taxus trees are scarce and slow-growing, and with extremely low paclitaxel content, the contradiction between supply and demand in the market is becoming more and more intense. Therefore, researchers have tried to obtain paclitaxel by various methods such as chemical synthesis, artificial culture, microbial fermentation and tissue cell culture to meet the clinical demand for this drug. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of paclitaxel extraction, combination therapy, total synthesis, semi-synthesis and biosynthesis in recent years and provides an outlook, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and reference for further research on the production and application of paclitaxel in the future.
Thermokinetic Study of Aluminum-Induced Crystallization of a-Si: The Effect of Al Layer Thickness
Authors: Zharkov Sergey M. , Yumashev Vladimir V. , Moiseenko Evgeny T. , Altunin Roman R. , Solovyov Leonid A. , Volochaev Mikhail N. , Zeer Galina M. , Nikolaeva Nataliya S. , Belousov Oleg V.
Published: November 2023

The effect of the aluminum layer on the kinetics and mechanism of aluminum-induced crystallization (AIC) of amorphous silicon (a-Si) in (Al/a-Si)n multilayered films was studied using a complex of in situ methods (simultaneous thermal analysis, transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and four-point probe resistance measurement) and ex situ methods (X-ray diffraction and optical microscopy). An increase in the thickness of the aluminum layer from 10 to 80 nm was found to result in a decrease in the value of the apparent activation energy Ea of silicon crystallization from 137 to 117 kJ/mol (as estimated by the Kissinger method) as well as an increase in the crystallization heat from 12.3 to 16.0 kJ/(mol Si). The detailed kinetic analysis showed that the change in the thickness of an individual Al layer could lead to a qualitative change in the mechanism of aluminum-induced silicon crystallization: with the thickness of Al ≤ 20 nm. The process followed two parallel routes described by the n-th order reaction equation with autocatalysis (Cn-X) and the Avrami–Erofeev equation (An): with an increase in the thickness of Al ≥ 40 nm, the process occurred in two consecutive steps. The first one can be described by the n-th order reaction equation with autocatalysis (Cn-X), and the second one can be described by the n-th order reaction equation (Fn). The change in the mechanism of amorphous silicon crystallization was assumed to be due to the influence of the degree of Al defects at the initial state on the kinetics of the crystallization process.
Ultrasonic Spray Coating to Optimize Performance of Bio-Electrochemical Systems
Authors: Spisni Giacomo , Massaglia Giulia , Pirri Fabrizio C. , Bianco Stefano , Quaglio Marzia
Published: November 2023

This work investigates the optimization of carbon-based electrodes employed in bio-electrochemical systems (BES) through the deposition of nanostructured layers of poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxy-thiophene) poly(styrene-sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) on commercial carbon paper electrodes via ultrasonic spray coating (USC). This innovative application of USC demonstrated that uniform and controlled depositions of PEDOT:PSS can be successfully performed on carbon-based electrodes. To this end, the morphology and spatial uniformity of depositions were verified via scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Electrochemical characterizations of fabricated electrodes demonstrated a more than two-fold increase in the electrochemical active surface area with respect to bare carbon paper. A lab-scale experiment on BES was performed, selecting microbial fuel cells (MFCs) as the reference devices. Devices featuring USC-deposited PEDOT:PSS electrodes showed a three-fold-higher energy recovery with respect to control cells, reaching a maximum value of (13 ± 2) J·m−3. Furthermore, the amount of PEDOT:PSS required to optimize MFCs’ performance is in line with values reported in the literature for other deposition methods. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that USC is a promising technique for application in BES.
Polyinfection in Fish Aeromoniasis: A Study of Co-Isolated Aeromonas Species in Aeromonas veronii Outbreaks
Authors: Cantillo Villa Yanelys , Triga Adriana , Katharios Pantelis
Published: November 2023

We studied the phenotypic and genomic characteristics related to the virulence and antibiotic resistance of two Aeromonas strains, which were co-isolated before an outbreak of Aeromonas veronii among diseased seabass on Agathonisi Island, Greece, in April 2015. The first strain, AG2.13.2, is a potentially pathogenic mesophilic variant of Aeromonas salmonicida, and the second, AG2.13.5, corresponds to an Aeromonas rivipollensis related to A. rivipollensis KN-Mc-11N1 with an ANI value of 97.32%. AG2.13.2 lacks the type III secretion system just like other mesophilic strains of A. salmonicida. This characteristic has been associated with lower virulence. However, the genome of AG2.13.2 contains other important virulence factors such as type II and type VI secretion systems, and toxins such as rtxA, aerolysin aer/act, and different types of hemolysins. The strain also carries several genes associated with antibiotic resistance such as the tetE efflux pump, and exhibits resistance to tetracycline, ampicillin, and oxolinic acid. In an in vivo challenge test with gilthead seabream larvae, the A. veronii bv sobria strain AG5.28.6 exhibited the highest virulence among all tested strains. Conversely, both A. salmonicida and A. rivipollensis showed minimal virulence when administered alone. Interestingly, when A. veronii bv sobria AG5.28.6 was co-administered with A. rivipollensis, the larvae survival probability increased compared to those exposed to A. veronii bv sobria AG5.28.6 alone. This finding indicates an antagonistic interaction between A. veronii bv sobria AG5.28.6 and A. rivipollensis AG2.13.5. The co-administration of A. veronii bv sobria AG5.28.6 with Aeromonas salmonicida did not yield distinct survival probabilities. Our results validate that the primary pathogen responsible for European seabass aeromoniasis is Aeromonas veronii bv sobria.
Potential Chemopreventive Effects of Dietary Combination of Phytochemicals against Cancer Development
Authors: Tanaka Takuji , Aoki Ryogo , Terasaki Masaru
Published: November 2023

Cancer remains a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Over 70% of epithelial malignancies are sporadic and are related to lifestyle. Epidemiological studies suggest an inverse correlation between cancer incidence and fruit and vegetable intake. Numerous preclinical studies using in vitro (cell lines) and in vivo animal models of oncogenesis have reported the chemopreventive effects of dietary phytochemical agents through alterations in different biomarkers and signaling pathways. However, there is contrasting evidence from preclinical studies and clinical trials. To date, the most studied compounds include curcumin, resveratrol, isoflavones, green tea extract (epigallocatechin gallate), black raspberry powder (anthocyanins and ellagitannins), bilberry extract (anthocyanins), ginger extract (gingerol derivatives), and pomegranate extract (ellagitannins and ellagic acid). Overall, the clinical evidence of the preventive effects of dietary phytochemicals against cancer development is still weak, and the amount of these phytochemicals needed to exert chemopreventive effects largely exceeds the common dietary doses. Therefore, we propose a combination treatment of natural compounds that are used clinically for another purpose in order to obtain excess inhibitory efficacy via low-dose administration and discuss the possible reasons behind the gap between preclinical research and clinical trials.
Efficacy and Tolerance of Antipsychotics Used for the Treatment of Patients Newly Diagnosed with Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Sherzad Qadir Zina , Ball Patrick Anthony , Morrissey Hana
Published: November 2023

This systematic review compared the efficacy and tolerance of oral antipsychotics (APDs) used in the treatment of schizophrenia following the PRISMA-P© statement (n = 21). The primary outcomes of interest were clinical response measured with symptoms’ improvement, tolerance to side effects and discontinuation reasons. There was better individual patients’ response to aripiprazole vs. ziprasidone and quetiapine ((CDSS p = 0.04), BPRS p = 0.02, YMRS p = 0.001) and ziprasidone vs. quetiapine (CGI p = 0.02, CDSS p = 0.02). Aripiprazole was more tolerated than risperidone, ziprasidone and quetiapine (p < 0.05). Quetiapine was more tolerated than aripiprazole, ziprasidone and risperidone (p < 0.05). Ziprasidone was more tolerated than quetiapine haloperidol and olanzapine (p < 0.05). Risperidone was more tolerated than olanzapine (p = 0.03) and haloperidol was more tolerated than olanzapine and quetiapine (p < 0.05). Olanzapine caused less discontinuation than quetiapine; quetiapine caused less discontinuation than ziprasidone, aripiprazole and haloperidol; ziprasidone caused less discontinuation than quetiapine, aripiprazole and haloperidol; aripiprazole caused less discontinuation than quetiapine, ziprasidone and olanzapine and olanzapine caused less discontinuation than ziprasidone and haloperidol (p < 0.05). It was concluded that individual patient clinical response, tolerance to side effects and life-threatening side effects remain the most reliable basis for selecting and continuing the use of APD.
Genome-Wide Characterization of Tomato FAD Gene Family and Expression Analysis under Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Xi Rui , Liu Huifang , Chen Yijia , Zhuang Hongmei , Han Hongwei , Wang Hao , Wang Qiang , Li Ning
Published: November 2023

The fatty acid desaturase (FAD) gene family plays a crucial regulatory role in the resistance process of plant biomembranes. To understand the role of FADs in tomato growth and development, this study identified and analyzed the tomato FAD gene family based on bioinformatics analysis methods. In this study, 26 SlFADs were unevenly distributed on 10 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the SlFAD gene family was divided into six branches, and the exon–intron composition and conserved motifs of SlFADs clustered in the same branch were quite conservative. Several hormone and stress response elements in the SlFAD promoter suggest that the expression of SlFAD members is subject to complex regulation; the construction of a tomato FAD protein interaction network found that SlFAD proteins have apparent synergistic effects with SPA and GPAT proteins. qRT-PCR verification results show that SlFAD participates in the expression of tomato root, stem, and leaf tissues; SlFAD8 is mainly highly expressed in leaves; SlFAD9 plays a vital role in response to salt stress; and SlFAB5 regulates all stages of fruit development under the action of exogenous hormones. In summary, this study provides a basis for a systematic understanding of the SlFAD gene family. It provides a theoretical basis for in-depth research on the functional characteristics of tomato SlFAD genes.
Brief Analysis on the Degradation of Sugar-Based Copolyesters
Authors: Qu Dezhi , Yang Ziheng , Zhang Jinyu , Wang Shuyu , Lu Yao
Published: November 2023

Isosorbide can be used as a third monomer in the synthesis of aliphatic polyesters, and its V-shaped bridging ring structure can effectively improve the rigidity of the copolyester molecular chain. In this work, a series of degradable polyester materials were prepared by modifying polybutylene succinate and using isosorbide as the third monomer. The degradation tests in this paper were implemented through the hydrolysis of copolyesters in distilled water, degradation in natural water and degradation tests in simulated natural environments. The results showed that PBS and its copolyesters can degrade under natural conditions, and the introduction of isosorbide can accelerate the degradation of copolyesters, which could effectively reduce pollutants in nature.
Process Control of a Compost-Reactor Turning Operation Based on a Composting Kinetics Model
Authors: Wang Jizhang , Mao Han , Zhou Jing , Yao Chenzhi , Wang Yuechen
Published: November 2023

Composting is a biochemical as well as a heterogeneous process, and the turning operation is important to maintain aerobic conditions and improve the efficiency of the composting process. Therefore, the turning frequency is an important factor for the precise control of the composting reactor. It is necessary to determine the changes in the physical and chemical parameters of the composting process and to simulate them. Pretreated vinegar residue and wool washing sludge were mixed at a mass ratio of 6:4 for the composting process. The composting reactor’s temperature, CO2, CH4, and organic matter content were collected during the composting process. According to the principles of composting, a kinetic model of composting based on the change in CO2 gas concentration and heat balance in the composting reactor is developed, which provides a theoretical basis for the subsequent control of the composting reactor. The comparison of the model predictions to the measured results of the composting reactor shows that the SSE, R2, and RMSE for the organic matter content simulation are 8.122, 0.943, and 1.274 g/kg, respectively, and the SSE, R2, and RMSE for the temperature simulation are 29.54, 0.959, and 2.71 °C, respectively. Based on the prediction of the temperature in the reactor based on the composting kinetics model, the process control for the turning operation is proposed to achieve precise control of the composting process. The results show that the duration of high temperature in a composting reactor is prolonged for 2 days, the degradation rate of organic matter occurs at a more rapid speed, and the operation efficiency of the production line can be improved by more than 10%. This indicates that the decision-making method based on the composting kinetics model can improve the composting efficiency.
Radical Democracy’s Religion: Hobbes on Language, Domination, and Self-Creation
Authors: Lesch Charles H. T.
Published: November 2023

In recent decades, prominent political theorists have responded to perceived flaws in liberalism by proposing more “radical” forms of democracy. What might a radically democratic state look like? I argue that we can find one answer, counterintuitively, by looking back to the thought of Thomas Hobbes. Hobbes’ secularized theory of language introduces into political life a new way of conceiving human agency, one in which the commonwealth fills not only the negative role of stemming conflict, but the positive task of actualizing self-determination. By collapsing the distance between the true source of man’s politics and the nature of governance, Hobbes inaugurates a tradition of radical democratic thought that seeks to close the oppressive rupture of word and deed, maker and made. Yet rather than diminishing religious experience, Hobbes reconstitutes it in a new, profane, and political form. He invites us to acquire a capacity long reserved for God alone: the power to create human nature itself.
Adoption and Diffusion of Nature-Based Solutions by Property Owners in Urban Areas: The Case of Green Roofs in Eindhoven, The Netherlands
Authors: López-Maciel Max , Roebeling Peter , Llewellyn Rick , Figueiredo Elisabete , Matos Fábio André , Mendonça Rita , Bastos Maria Isabel , Mendes Rúben , Postmes Luuk , Van Dinter Mayke
Published: November 2023

This article explores general concepts related to the diffusion of innovations theory (DoI) and its use regarding the adoption of nature-based solutions, specifically green roofs, in urban areas by private house/property owners in the city of Eindhoven (Netherlands). Given the gap in knowledge on the potential for the adoption of green roofs by private house/property owners as well as barriers and enablers to their implementation from the DoI perspective, we used a model for predicting the adoption of innovations (ADOPT). Results show that the predicted peak adoption level is 3% and that the time to peak adoption level is 17 years. However, the level of adoption can be significantly enhanced by increasing profit benefit (i.e., cost savings) in the years that they are used (+19 percent points adoption), reducing risk exposure (+17 percent points adoption), and improving ease and convenience (+15 percent points adoption), while the time to peak adoption level can be reduced by enhancing relevant and existing skills and knowledge (−3 years), simplifying trialability and innovation complexity (−2 years), and increasing observability (−1 year). Hence, key factors affecting the adoption of green roofs by private house/property owners have been identified, contributing to the formulation of urban climate change adoption strategies.
Financial Literacy as a Key to Entrepreneurship Education: A Multi-Case Study Exploring Diversity and Inclusion
Authors: Medina-Vidal Adriana , Buenestado-Fernández Mariana , Molina-Espinosa José Martín
Published: November 2023

This article presents the results of the financial literacy assessment of young Mexican students between the ages of 17 and 24 enrolled in public and private institutions in five Mexican cities. This study’s objective was to approach the financial knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes of young Mexicans through focus groups and questionnaires to identify their perceptions of complex thinking and its use for financial products and services. The most relevant findings suggest that (a) most of the young participants in the study use banking services through their parents, (b) there are significant gender differences in financial knowledge and behaviors, (c) critical thinking significantly and positively correlates with financial behaviors and attitudes, and (d) the level of critical thinking predicts financial behavior. There is a need to develop women’s critical thinking to discern between the financial behavior they socially imitate and their capabilities to become more involved in financial issues, thus decreasing the gender gap.
Gender Bias in the Australian Construction Industry: Women’s Experience in Trades and Semi-Skilled Roles
Authors: Holdsworth Sarah , Turner Michelle , Sandri Orana
Published: November 2023

While most industry sectors in the Australian workforce have consistently improved regarding the participation of women, the construction industry remains an exception. Despite multiple gender equality initiatives and regulations at all levels of the Australian Government, the proportion of women employed in the construction industry has steadily declined. In 2020, only 1% of the trades and technician positions in the Australian construction industry were filled by women. In this qualitative study, interviews were undertaken with 43 women working in trades and semi-skilled roles to identify the varying types of gender biases experienced by women and the resultant harms that these biases create. Biases consisted of challenges to credibility; characteristics of the work environment comprising support, amenities, conditions of employment, career development, and access to meaningful work; gender stereotypes about women’s work roles; and objectification. Each of these biases has a cumulative impact on women, leading to systemic and structural discrimination. The implications and suggestions for strategies to address biases are discussed, including the need for structural interventions to create epistemic justice and recognition for women working in construction.
Evaluation of the Energy Efficiency Class of an Industrial Facility: A Rating System and a Scale of Sustainable Development
Authors: Verstina Natalia , Solopova Natalia , Taskaeva Natalia , Meshcheryakova Tatiana , Shchepkina Natalia
Published: November 2023

This article examines the issues in assessment of the energy efficiency of industrial facilities, which have not yet been scientifically resolved, in contrast to the widely used approaches to assessing residential buildings, which are similar in many countries of the world. The sequence of the study was determined in combination with the characteristics of the methods used, the leading of which was the expert survey method. Based on the analysis of the collected statistical information, the significance of energy efficiency indicators was agreed upon and assessed for three groups: first—industrial building, second—technological processes, and third—ensuring the environmental friendliness and energy efficiency of an industrial facility. The weight of each group was also determined based on an expert survey. This made it possible to calculate the specific weights of the indicators and formulate a rating scale. The principle of assigning points for each indicator is determined depending on the deviation of actual values from standard values for quantitative indicators and according to the characteristics of the object of analysis for qualitative indicators. The result of the study was the positioning of classes on the scale of energy efficiency within the established boundaries based on experimental data.
The Effects of Air Pollutants on Mortality in the Elderly at Different Ages: A Case of the Prefecture with Most Serious Aging in China
Authors: Wang Yue , Huang Yi , Li Chen
Published: November 2023

The elderly population is the main group sensitive to air pollution; however, the risks of multiple air pollutants on the elderly at different ages are not very clear. For this study, daily concentrations of five major air pollutants (PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, and O3) and daily mortality information of 173,537 people who died between 2014 to 2017 in Nantong, a prefecture with the most serious aging rate in China in 2000, 2010, and 2020, were collected; the aging people were divided into 2–6 groups according to age. A generalized additive model with a thin-plate spline function was used to study the exposure–response relationship, the excess risk, and the lag period of various pollutants on each group of the elderly, and the synergistic effect between these pollutants and temperature was demonstrated. The results revealed that, after controlling confounding factors such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed, the lag period and relative risk of most pollutants increased with age, and the adverse effect of air pollutants on the elderly lasted for 2–3 days. Among the pollutants, NO2, SO2, CO, and O3 had a longer lag period compared with PM10. Linear and non-linear exposure–response relationships were observed between the pollutants and mortality. Women were at higher risk than men for the same pollutant concentrations. Synergistic effects were observed between the five pollutants and temperature. This study could contribute to the formulation of a strategy to mitigate the effects of air pollution on the elderly at different ages and play a positive role in reducing the negative impact of air pollution on aging societies.
Seroprevalence of Hantavirus among Manual Cane Cutters and Epidemiological Aspects of HPS in Central Brazil
Authors: Maia Renata Malachini , Fernandes Jorlan , de Mattos Luciana Helena Bassan Vicente , Camacho Luiz Antonio Bastos , Caetano Karlla Antonieta Amorim , dos Santos Carneiro Megmar Aparecida , de Oliveira Santos Fernando , Teles Sheila Araujo , de Lemos Elba Regina Sampaio , de Oliveira Renata Carvalho
Published: November 2023

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a rodent-borne zoonotic disease that is endemic throughout the Americas. Agricultural activities increase exposure to wild rodents, especially for sugarcane cutters. We carried out a survey of the epidemiological aspects of HPS and investigated the prevalence of hantavirus infection in the sugarcane cutter population from different localities in the Brazilian Midwest region. We conducted a retrospective study of all confirmed HPS cases in the state of Goiás reported to the National HPS surveillance system between 2007 and 2017, along with a seroepidemiological study in a population of sugarcane cutters working in Goiás state in 2016, using the anti-hantavirus (Andes) ELISA IgG. A total of 634 serum samples from cane cutters were tested for hantavirus antibodies, with 44 (6.9%) being IgG-reactive according to ELISA. The destination of garbage was the only statistically significant variable (p = 0.03) related to the detection of hantavirus IgG (p < 0.05). We described the epidemiological profile of reported hantavirus cases in Goiás—a highly endemic area for HPS, and where the seroepidemiological study was conducted. Our results increase our knowledge about hantavirus infections in Brazil and highlight the vulnerability of sugarcane cutters to a highly lethal disease that, to date, has no specific treatment or vaccination.
Development, Evaluation, and Clinical Application of PRRSV-2 Vaccine-like Real-Time RT-PCR Assays
Authors: Rawal Gaurav , Krueger Karen M. , Yim-im Wannarat , Li Ganwu , Gauger Phillip C. , Almeida Marcelo N. , Aljets Ethan K. , Zhang Jianqiang
Published: November 2023

In this study, we developed and validated (1) singleplex real-time RT-PCR assays for specific detection of five PRRSV-2 MLV vaccine viruses (Ingelvac MLV, Ingelvac ATP, Fostera, Prime Pac, and Prevacent) and (2) a four-plex real-time RT-PCR assay (IngelvacMLV/Fostera/Prevacent/XIPC) including the internal positive control XIPC for detecting and distinguishing the three most commonly used vaccines in the USA (Prevacent, Ingelvac MLV, and Fostera). The singleplex and 4-plex vaccine-like PCRs and the reference PCR (VetMAXTM PRRSV NA&EU, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) did not cross-react with non-PRRSV swine viral and bacterial pathogens. The limits of detection of vaccine-like PCRs ranged from 25 to 50 genomic copies/reactions. The vaccine-like PCRs all had excellent intra-assay and inter-assay repeatability. Based on the testing of 531 clinical samples and in comparison to the reference PCR, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and agreement were in the respective range of 94.67–100%, 100%, and 97.78–100% for singleplex PCRs and 94.94–100%, 100%, and 97.78–100% for the 4-plex PCR, with a CT cutoff of 37. In addition, 45 PRRSV-2 isolates representing different genetic lineages/sublineages were tested with the vaccine-like PCRs and the results were verified with sequencing. In summary, the vaccine-like PCRs specifically detect the respective vaccine-like viruses with comparable performances to the reference PCR, and the 4-plex PCR allows to simultaneously detect and differentiate the three most commonly used vaccine viruses in the same sample. PRRSV-2 vaccine-like PCRs provide an additional tool for detecting and characterizing PRRSV-2.
Primary and Recall Immune Responses to SARS-CoV-2 in Breakthrough Infection
Authors: D’Orso Silvia , Pirronello Marta , Verdiani Alice , Rossini Angelo , Guerrera Gisella , Picozza Mario , Sambucci Manolo , Misiti Andrea , De Marco Lorenzo , Salvia Antonino , Caltagirone Carlo , Giardina Emiliano , Battistini Luca , Borsellino Giovanna
Published: November 2023

Breakthrough infections in SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated individuals are an ideal circumstance for the simultaneous exploration of both the vaccine-induced memory reaction to the spike (S) protein and the primary response to the membrane (M) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins generated by natural infection. We monitored 15 healthcare workers who had been vaccinated with two doses of Pfizer BioNTech BNT162b2 and were then later infected with the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2. (Delta) variant, analysing the antiviral humoral and cellular immune responses. Natural infection determined an immediate and sharp rise in anti-RBD antibody titres and in the frequency of both S-specific antibody secreting cells (ASCs) and memory B lymphocytes. T cells responded promptly to infection by activating and expanding already at 2–5 days. S-specific memory and emerging M- and N-specific T cells both expressed high levels of activation markers and showed effector capacity with similar kinetics but with different magnitude. The results show that natural infection with SARS-CoV-2 in vaccinated individuals induces fully functional and rapidly expanding T and B lymphocytes in concert with the emergence of novel virus-specific T cells. This swift and punctual response also covers viral variants and captures a paradigmatic case of a healthy adaptive immune reaction to infection with a mutating virus.
The Effects of Dietary Manganese and Selenium on Growth and the Fecal Microbiota of Nursery Piglets
Authors: Edmunds Clint E. , Welch Christina B. , Lourenco Jeferson M. , Callaway Todd R. , Pringle T. Dean , Dove C. Robert
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of varying dietary manganese and selenium concentrations, antioxidant cofactors, on the growth performance and fecal microbial populations of nursery pigs. The piglets (N = 120) were blocked by weight (5.22 ± 0.7 kg) and sex. The pens (n = 5/treatment) within a block were randomly assigned to diets in a 2 × 3 factorial design to examine the effects of Se (0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg added Se) and Mn (0, 12, and 24 mg/kg added Mn) and were fed in three phases (P1 = d 1–7, P2 = d 8–21, P3 = d 22–35). The pigs and orts were weighed weekly. Fecal samples were collected d 0 and 35 for 16S rRNA bacterial gene sequencing and VFA analysis. The data were analyzed as factorial via GLM in SAS. There was a linear response (p < 0.05) in overall ADG across dietary Mn. Supplementing 24 mg/kg Mn tended to decrease (p < 0.10) the relative abundance of many bacteria possessing pathogenic traits relative to Mn controls. Meanwhile, increasing Mn concentration tended to foster the growth of bacteria correlated with gut health and improved growth (p < 0.10). The data from this study provide preliminary evidence on the positive effects of manganese on growth and gut health of nursery pigs.
Exploring the Integration of Unmanned Aerial System Technologies into Stormwater Control Inspection Programs
Authors: Whitman Jarrell , Perez Michael , Sturgill Roy
Published: November 2023

Construction stormwater best management practices and post-construction stormwater control measures are controls and techniques designed to manage and treat stormwater runoff. Departments of Transportation (DOTs) within the United States rely on these practices to treat and improve water quality emanating from DOT rights of way. To ensure operational performance, these practices undergo periodical inspections to identify if operational deficiencies exist and if corrective measures need to be deployed. The inspection process is often conducted on foot by a qualified inspector and can require a substantial labor effort to complete. Recently, unmanned aerial system (UAS) technologies have been utilized in the construction sector to survey, monitor, and improve safety. This study sought to identify and document practices regarding UAS technologies when conducting inspections of stormwater practices. Through a distributed DOT survey questionnaire (80% response rate) and four case example interviews, this study investigates how UAS stormwater inspections have been deployed by DOTs and the strategies and programs that have been adopted or created. Key findings outline (1) use of UAS technologies for stormwater inspections, (2) applying UAS technologies within a DOT, (3) staffing and equipping needs, and (4) managing UAS inspection datasets. The study also identifies challenges and implementational strategies to facilitate the development of a UAS stormwater inspection program within a DOT.
Epidemic risks of the pulmonary center endoscopy service after the closure of the COVID hospital: new realities
Authors:   State Budgetary Healthcare Institution of the Samara Region «Samara City Hospital No. 4», Shteiner M. L. ,   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Biktagirov Yu. I. ,   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Zhestkov A. V. ,   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia
Published: November 2023

The results of the work of the endoscopy service of the pulmonary hospital after the closure of the coronavirus hospital on its basis were analyzed. Due to the difficulties of timely diagnosis, the hospitalization of patients with the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19 to the pulmonary hospital under the guise of community-acquired pneumonia has become possible in the new reality. Of 1,903 endoscopic examina tions (100.000 %) during the period, 17 endoscopic examinations (0.894 %) were performed in patients with delayed diagnosis. It is recommended to include these cases in the epidemic risk register. It has been stated that this issue really exists and is awaiting legal regulation.
Myocardial contractility in vibration disease
Authors:   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Babanov S. A. , Kiryushina T. M. ,   FSBEI HE Samara State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation
Published: November 2023

The article describes the features of the state of central hemodynamics and myocardial contractility in patients with vibration disease of various forms and severity using an echocardio graphic study based at the Department of Occupational Pathology, the regional center of occupa tional pathology Samara City Hospital No. 5. It has been established that patients with vibration disease are characterized by the formation of a phase syndrome of myocardial hyperdynamia and a hyperkinetic variant of central hemodynamics, while hemodynamic changes depend on the form of vibration disease, its severity, and the length of work with exposure to vibration.
Youth press: pardon impossible to execute
Authors:   Department of Public Relations, Advertising and Design, Faculty of Journalism, Voronezh State University, Tulupov Vladimir Vasilievich
Published: November 2023

The author analyzes the modern media system, including traditional media and the resources of civic journalism with its dialogicity, unconventionality, trust, and hyperlocality. “Civic journalism” (citizen journalism), which has become widespread with the development of the Internet and new digital technologies, is considered as having other names: alternative, collaborative, guerilla, street, democratic, and participatory journalism. With all the declared advantages of this informal (unregistered, uncensored) journalism, sometimes due to the amateurism of bloggers, but more often due to their misunderstood freedom of speech, it is predominantly a super-subjective information activity that pollutes the media space: a huge number of fakes prevents the reconstruction of a coherent picture of current reality in the mass consciousness and in the consciousness of the individual reader, listener, or viewer. The article examines both positive and negative features of civic journalism, including blogging. The materials of the article can be used within the framework of the Journalism training direction.
Theoretical and Experimental Study of the Intake Manifold Effect on the SI Engine Performance
Authors:   University of Basrah, A. Rishack Qais , F. Dakhil Sadoun ,   University of Basrah, K. Obaid Mohammed ,   University of Basrah
Published: November 2023

This work uses different shapes of intake manifold for study the effect on a single cylinder four stroke gasoline engine. A numerical simulation of the flow achieved through five intake manifold designs, using 3D Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) software package FLUINT (6.3.). Accordingly, the three-dimensional resolution of Navier-Stokes equations in conjunction with the standard k-ε turbulence model is undertaken to provide knowledge of the air movement nature and examining the intake manifold optimal geometry. Five cases of intake manifold are examined experimentally in order to produce a comprehensive and realistic data set. These data are in the form of engine performance, exhaust gas products and relative AFR for each case separately under different engine speeds. Exhaust gas analyzer type (Infragas-209) is used in the present work to measure exhaust gas concentrations and relative air/fuel ratio ( ). The results were obtained in this investigation showed that a Simulate numerically and experimentally is capable to select the optimized intake system geometry with reliability. Velocity is highest near the outer wall at increased the curvature ratio and pressure is highest near the inner wall at increased the curvature ratio. The secondary flow increases when the engine speeds and curvature ratio increase because of increasing the pressure difference between the inner wall and the outer wall. The effect of these parameters explained on the swirl air movement and tumble inside the cylinder are increasing by increase the engine speed and γ respectively. The increasing in the engine speed and the optimum selection of the manifold which designed enhanced the mixing of the fuel with air. The results showed that the optimized manifold 135º- NE (case 5) due to enhance AFR, fuel consumption and exhaust emissions are improved.
Calidad de servicios educativos en los centros de formación de educación superior
Authors: Vargas Gutiérrez Delicia de Jesús , Tello Díaz Anélida , Lozano Achuy Miosoty
Published: November 2023

La calidad educativa en muchos países ha presentado dificultades debido a políticas gubernamentales, factor económico o desmotivación frente a la modalidad educativa remota o no presencial, en muchos casos este tipo de enseñanza no cuentan con los estándares de calidad adecuada, también otro factor importante los contenidos curriculares para mejorar el contexto de la enseñanza para que los estudiantes incrementen sus expectativas de aprendizaje potenciando el desarrollo de habilidades prácticas y sociales. El objetivo generar un análisis mediante una revisión sistemática sobre la calidad de servicios en los centros de formación de educación superior, donde se utilizaron 45 artículos de los buscadores Scielo, Ebsco, Dialnet y Scopus. Criterio de inclusión se basó en trabajos relevantes, nivel de realidad admisible, relación directa con el tema de investigación, disposición de artículo completo. Como conclusión, existe muchos factores que afectan la calidad de la educación, estos incluyen: financiamiento, capacitación de maestros, participación de los estudiantes, plan de estudios y más.
Competencias digitales predominantes para el desempeño docente en educación superior
Authors: Tapia Huamaní Joseph , Osorio Castillo Esther Maria
Published: November 2023

A nivel mundial existe el consenso donde las habilidades y/o capacidades para el uso de los recursos tecnológicos es parte de las competencias digitales que todo docente debe tener. Es una investigación cualitativa de revisión documental, la metodología empleada ha seguido las directrices de PRISMA a partir de la selección cuidadosa de 18 investigaciones relacionadas a las competencias digitales de docentes en educación superior. El propósito de esta investigación ha sido analizar artículos de investigación e identificar cuáles son las competencias digitales en los docentes. La investigación ha permitido identificar tres competencias en la práctica docente durante la pandemia los años 2021 y 2022. Estas han sido consideradas en MCCDD de España. Se concluye que, en el contexto de la pandemia, los docentes mediante recursos digitales desarrollaron competencias digitales como la Información y alfabetización informacional; la Comunicación y colaboración y la creación de contenidos digitales, las cuales evidencian su desempeño.
Svetci u umjetničkom opusu Ivana Meštrovića
Authors: Grabić Ivana
Published: November 2023

U umjetničkom opusu Ivana Meštrovića (1883. – 1962.), jednog od najvećih hrvatskih religioznih umjetnika, značajno mjesto zauzimaju djela s prikazima svetaca. Riječ je o ovećoj skupini studija, crteža, litografija i skulptura. Cilj ovog rada jest razvrstati Meštrovićeve svetce u jedan tematski okvir. Autorica poseban naglasak stavlja na djela nastala kao posljedica egzistencijalnih prilika u kojima je umjetnik živio i djelovao. U tom kontekstu u starozavjetnim likovima Mojsija i Joba prepoznaje likove s kojima se umjetnik poistovjetio te je u najtežim životnim trenutcima u njihovim životima pronašao utjehu.