bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermotolerant PGPR consortium B3P modulates physio-biochemical and molecular machinery for enhanced heat tolerance in maize during early vegetative growth
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad , Imtiaz Muhammad , Nawaz Shoaib , Mubeen Fathia , Sarwar Yasra , Hayat Mahnoor , Asif M , Naqvi Rubab , Ahmad Muhammad , IMRAN ASMA
Published: May 2023

Global maize productivity has decreased due to sudden temperature fluctuations and heat waves. The current study demonstrates the potential of beneficial bacteria for evaluating plant heat tolerance during early growth. Three Bacillus spp. AH-08, AH-67, SH-16, and one Pseudomonas spp. SH-29 showed the ability to grow and exhibited multiple plant-beneficial traits up to 45 ± 2°C. In Bacillus sp. SH-16 two small heat shock proteins (HSP) of 15 and 30kDa and in SH-16 and AH-67 two large HSP of 65 and 100kDa were upregulated at 45 and 50°C. Plant-inoculation with the consortium B3P was carried out on six maize varieties pre-grown at 25 ± 2 ºC and then applied heat shock at 10-day for 3h at 38ºC, and then 48h at 42ºC. The B3P treatment showed significant improvement in the plant growth parameters and level of catalase, peroxidase, chlorophyll, and carotenoids. The expression of HSP1 and HSP18 in Malka and YH-5427 while HSP70 and HSP101 were higher in FH-1046 and Gohar as compared to control. The results indicate that PGPR exert multiphasic responses to improve plant growth and heat-tolerance during seedling growth. Further studies will be focused on the field evaluation of this consortium under high heat to evaluate the impact on crop yield.
Dexmedetomidine affects the NOX4/Nrf2 pathway to improve renal antioxidant capacity
Authors: Yang Haotian , Chen Yongping , Huang Yuxaing , Wang Zhiqiang , Ma Zhigang , Zou Yue , Dong Jiaqiang , Zhang Hong , Huo Mingdong , Lv Mingzhe , Liu Xuesong , Zhang Guohua , Wang Shuang , Zhong Peng , Jiang Botao , Kou Yuhong , Chen Zhifeng
Published: May 2023

This study wasintended to investigate the protective effects of dexmedetomidine (DEX) on renal injury caused by acute stress in rats and to explore the protective pathways of DEX on rat kidney from the perspective of oxidative stress.An acute restraint stress modelwas used in this study in which the rats were restrained for 3h after swimming for 15min.In this experiment, biochemical tests and histopathological sections were performed to assess renal function,followed by measurement of oxidative stress and related pathway proteins.Meanwhile,this study used NRK-52E cells for in vitro experiments and dexamethasone for stress-induced changes.The NOX4 inhibitor GLX351322 was also used to verify the inhibitory effect of DEX on NOX4.The open-field experiments confirmed that the acute stress model had been successfully established.Acute stress-induced renal injury increased NOX4 protein expression and decreased Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 expression levels.Significant reduction in renal NOX4 expression after DEX treatment.The DEX-treated group showed significantly normalized renal biochemical results and significantly less damage observed in pathological sections compared to the acute stress group.The experimental results suggest that DEX treatment of acute stress can affect NOX4/Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway and inhibit oxidative stress.Therefore,acute stress-induced kidney injury can be prevented by DEX.At the same time,DEX has potential clinical applications in stress syndromes.
Seed coating of native Rhizophagus irregularis and Funneliformis sp for improved production and moisture stress mitigation in finger millet, Eleusine coracana
Authors: Ramalakshmi A , Mythili M , Karthikeyan R , Senthil A. , Sivakumar U , Balakrishnan M.
Published: May 2023

Background Commercial application of Bio-stimulants like AM fungi is limited due to higher quantity of inoculum required per unit area and per crop. AM fungal spore seed coating has the advantage of lowering dosage while simultaneously improving growth and yield metrics. In the present study, seed coating of two native AM fungi were evaluated for the first time to improve the production of finger millet under water deficit condition.Methods Two potential native AM fungi were identified using ITS primers. Seed coating method was standardized and combined and single inoculation of AM fungi was evaluated under water deficit conditions in finger millet. The Bio chemical, physiological, antioxidant properties and yield parameters were recorded and their root metabolites were analysed.Result Two potential native AM fungi were identified as Rhizophagus irregularis (OQ428879.1) and Funneliformis sp (OQ379911.1). Seed coating with combined inoculation of native AM fungi in finger millet significantly improved plant growth, yield parameters and root colonization potential under 50% deficit irrigated conditions. Similarly, this dual inoculation improved soil glomalin content, phosphatase activity, Cholorophyll stability index and antioxidant properties. Metabolomic study showed the presence of new compounds with fatty acid biosynthesis as predominant pathway, whereas glycolysis metabolism was predominant in AM fungi as soil inoculum.Conclusion Seed coating of Rhizophagus irregularis and Funneliformis sp. not only reduced the dosage to a tune of 150 to 200 g for one hectare seeds but also increased yield of 14.52% and improved soil biochemical, antioxidant properties of finger millet under water deficit conditions.
Hydraulic Sewage Drainage Design for 23 Villages Newly Added in Pune Municipal Corporation by Using Sewergems Software
Authors: Padgaonkar Sourabh , Warade Sunil , Pendse Abhijit
Published: May 2023

Considering the expected rapid growth in the newly merged 23 villages having area approx. 184.61 sq.-km & ) 31.24 Lakh i.e. population according 2011 census, Pune Municipal Corporation aims to prepare a comprehensive sewage master plan for the newly added area. This master plan is proposed to be developed such that it can dovetail into the existing master plan so that a seamless development of sewage collection and treatment infrastructure can be executed in a phased manner. Considering this Sewer GEMS software is used to design & analyse existing & proposed network of sewerage system for currently added 23 villages in Pune Municipal Corporation. This software is compatible with AutoCAD & QGIS/ArcGIS software also. As a result, this software will provide output design parameters such as invert levels of conduits & manholes, diameter of conduits, slope of conduits, velocity of flow, discharge, minimum & maximum cover. Current research aims designing of sewer network using Sewer GEMS software
The Finkelstein-Schoenfeld test: A note on some overlooked issues concerning power
Authors: Tang Rong , Chen Wei-Chen , Li Heng , Lu Nelson , Zhao Yu
Published: May 2023

In this short note, we express our viewpoint regarding power considerations, via simulation studies, in clinical study design using hierarchical composite endpoint and Finkelstein-Schoenfeld test.
Systematic and predictable variation of soil carbon reservoirs along a geoclimatic gradient
Authors: Wasner Daniel , Abramoff Rose , Griepentrog Marco , Venegas Erick Zagal , Boeckx Pascal , Dötterl Sebastian
Published: May 2023

Organic matter accumulation in soil is understood as the result of the dynamics between mineral-associated (often more decomposed, microbial derived) organic matter and free particulate (often less decomposed, plant derived) organic matter. However, at global scales, the patterns and drivers behind main SOC reservoirs are not well understood and remain poorly linked to the pedogenetic variation across soil types that may impact SOC stabilization. Here, we separated soil organic carbon (SOC) associated with silt- and clay-sized particles (S + C), stable microaggregates (> 63 µm, SA) and free particulate organic matter (POM) from a diverse range of grassland topsoils sampled along a geo-climatic gradient. The relative contribution of the two predominantly mineral-associated fractions (S + C & SA) differed significantly across the gradient while free POM was never the dominant SOC reservoir. Rather, stable microaggregates emerged as the major SOC reservoir in soils with high SOC content. The SOC content in the two mineral-associated reservoirs was related to distinct climatic and mineralogic proxies that followed predictable patterns across the gradient. Furthermore, carbon quality in stable microaggregates was clearly distinct from carbon associated with silt- and clay-sized particles and free particulate organic matter. We summarize our findings in a conceptual framework, which integrates the role of stable microaggregates with other major SOC reservoirs and illustrates their changing importance across (soil) environmental gradients.
MIR4435-2HG as a Novel Predictive Biomarker of Chemotherapy Response and Death in Pediatric B-Cell All
Authors: Torres-Llanos Yulieth , Zabaleta Jovanny , Cruz-Rodriguez Nataly , Quijano Sandra , Guzman Paula , Reyes Iliana de los , Poveda Nathaly , Infante Ana , Lopez Liliana , Combita Alba Lucía
Published: May 2023

Although B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-cell ALL) survival rates have improved in recent years, Hispanic children continue to have poorer survival rates. Our aim was to identify biomarkers of treatment response, which may also predict relapse and death, through identifying differentially expressed and methylated genes between patients who responded or did not respond to induction treatment. DNA methylation and mRNA sequencing assays were performed on 27 bone marrows from Hispanic children with B-cell ALL. Gene expression and differential methylation were compared between responders and non-responders at day 15 and at the end of induction chemotherapy. DAPK1, CNKSR3, MIR4435-HG2, CTHRC1, NPDC1, SLC45A3, ITGA6, and ASCL2 were overexpressed and hypomethylated in non-responders. The overexpression of DAPK1, ASCL2, SCL45A3, NPDC1 and ITGA6 can predict non-response at day 15 and refractoriness. Additionally, higher expression of MIR4435-2HG increases the probability of non-response, death, and the risk of death. MIR4435-2HG is also overexpressed in relapse samples. Finally, MIR4435-2HG overexpression, together with positive minimal residual disease, are associated with poorer survival, and together with overexpression of DAPK1 and ASCL2, it could improve the risk classification of patients with normal karyotype. MIR4435-2HG is a potential predictive biomarker in children with B-cell ALL.
A colonial serrated polyp classification model using white light ordinary endoscopy images with an artificial intelligence model and TensorFlow chart
Authors: Chen Tsung-Hsing , Wang Yu-Tzu , Wu Chi-Huan , Kuo Chang-Fu , Cheng Hao-Tsai , Huang Shu-Wei , Lee Chieh
Published: May 2023

In this study, we implemented an artificial intelligence (AI) model—Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)—to help physicians classify colonic polyps into traditional adenoma (TA), sessile serrated adenoma (SSA), and hyperplastic polyp. We collected ordinary endoscopy images under both white and NBI lights. Under white light, we collected 257 images of hyperplastic polyp (HP), 423 images of SSA, and 60 images of TA. Under NBI light, were collected 238 images of HP, 284 images of SSA, and 71 images of TA. We implemented the artificial intelligence model to build a classification model for the types of colon polyps. Our final AI classification model is built only with white light images. Our classification prediction accuracy of colon polyp type is 94%, and the discriminability of the model (area under the curve) was 98%. Thus, we can conclude that our model can effectively help physicians distinguish between TA, SSA, and HPs, and correctly identify serrated-type colon polyps.
Increase of multidrug-resistant bacteria after the COVID-19 pandemic in a major teaching Hospital in Sicily (2018-2021)
Authors: Amodio Emanuele , Pizzo Stefano , Vella Giuseppe , De Francisci Valerio , Distefano Salvatore Antonino , Giambelluca Eliana , Graceffa Domenico , Verso Maria Gabriella , Giammanco Giovanni , Calamusa Giuseppe
Published: May 2023

Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the continuing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to global health and economic development. In the last two decades, AMR has raised increasing concern with an estimated 4.95 million deaths globally due to bacterial AMR in 2019 alone. This study aims to analyze the impact of the pandemic on the spread of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) using data from the Hospital «P. Giaccone» in Palermo, comparing pre-pandemic and pandemic periods.
Methods
This observational study involved adult patients discharged from the hospital between 01/01/2018-31/12/2021. Hospital Discharge Cards were linked with microbiological laboratory reports to assess MDRO isolations. SARS-CoV-2 positivity during hospitalization was evaluated using the National Institute of Health's surveillance system.
Results
This study evaluated 58,427 hospitalizations, where half of the patients were over 65 years old (N=26,984) and most admissions were in the medical area (N=31,716). During the hospitalization period, the isolated MDRO were 2,681 (5%), whereas there were 946 subjects (2%) positive for SARS-CoV-2. In the multivariable analyses, during 2020 and 2021 there was a significant increased risk of isolation of Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Age, DRG-weight, and length-of-stay were associated to a higher risk of MDRO isolation.
Conclusion
Our study provides new insights into the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on MDRO isolation and has important implications for infection control and prevention efforts in healthcare facilities. Age, DRG-weight, and longer hospital stays further increase the risk of MDRO isolation. Thus, it is imperative to improve and follow hospital protocols to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
WITHDRAWN: A Contribution to the Analysis of the Effects of Pulsed Current in GTAW Welding
Authors: Dutra Jair Carlos , Riffel Kaue Correa , Silva Régis Herique Gonçalves , Ramirez Antonio Jose
Published: May 2023

The GTAW welding with pulsed current has been misinterpreted in some classic literature and scientific articles. General conclusions are presented, stating that its use provides greater penetration compared to the use of constant current and that the simple pulsation of the current promotes beneficial metallurgical effects. Therefore, this manuscript presents a critical analysis of this topic and adopts the terminology of thermal pulsation for the situation where the weld undergoes sensitive effects regarding grain orientation during solidification. For comparison purposes, an index called the form factor (ratio between the root width and the face width of the weld bead) is adopted. It is shown that the penetration of a welding with pulsed current can be worse than constant current depending on the formulation of the adopted procedure. Moreover, metallurgical effects on solidification, such as grain orientation breakage, only occur when there is adequate concatenation between the pulsation frequency and the welding speed. Finally, a thermal simulation of the process showed that the pulsation frequency limits the welding speed so that there is an overlap of the molten pool in each current pulse, and continuity of the bead is obtained at the root. For frequencies of 1Hz and 2.5 Hz, the limit welding speed was 3.3 mm/s and 4.1 mm/s, respectively.
Ubiquitin-specific protease-7 Promotes Expression of Airway Mucin MUC5AC via NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: He Yijing , Chen Yirong , Song Jiarui , Jiang Jinxiu , Liu Tingting , LI Jiayao , Liu Li , Jia Jing
Published: May 2023

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory diseases frequently present with airway mucus hypersecretion, which not only affects the patient’s quality of life but also poses a constant threat to their safety. Ubiquitin-specific protease 7 (USP7), a deubiquitinating enzyme, affects cell differentiation, tissue growth, and disease development. However, its role in airway mucus hypersecretion induced by COPD remains elusive. In this study, we revealed that USP7 expression was significantly upregulated in airway epithelial samples from patients with COPD and that USP7 was also overexpressed in mouse lung and human airway epithelial cells in models of airway mucus hypersecretion. Inhibition of USP7 reduced the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), phosphorylated-NF-κB (p-NF-κB), and phosphonated inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B (p-IκBα), and also alleviated the airway mucus hypersecretion in vivo and in vitro. Further research revealed that USP7 stimulated airway mucus hypersecretion through the activation of the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. In addition, the expression of mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) was suppressed by the NF-κB inhibitor erdosteine. These findings suggest that USP7 stimulates the NF-κB signaling pathway, which promotes airway mucus hypersecretion. This study identifies one of the mechanisms regulating airway mucus secretion and provides a new potential target for its prevention and treatment.
Prevalence and Mortality Analysis of Contagious Diseases through Visualization; A Quantitative, Data- Driven Study
Authors: Khan Farhan , Naz Alia
Published: May 2023

We use data analytics and visualization tools and techniques for the prevalence, response and mortality of contagious diseases in general population, and particularly in Pakistan and its northern region province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Our study is used as a decision support system for clinicians, healthcare workers and particularly towards primary care workers such as nurses. The use of analytical tools are crucial and the need of the day in this modern technological world. We follow standard procedures of analysis and return our results in the form of statistical analysis and visualizations. We pay particular attention to the effects of several demographic and other variables on the incidence rate, prevalence and response towards contagious diseases and epidemics. These variables include age and gender distribution among population, their ease of access to healthcare facilities, human development index, life expectancy and distribution of age groups in the selected population. We cluster and differentiate among various population on the basis of geographical region, whereas the data is aggregated at continent, country, provincial/state and district level. We present our analysis through graphs, tables and trend lines. Furthermore, with each result, we also perform statistical analysis, and the proposed hypotheses are then proved and accepted only if they pass statistical tests with an over 95% confidence interval.
Silicon application methods influence the nutrient uptake of maize plants
Authors: Silva Ana Paula Rodrigues da , Silva Lucas Jónatan Rodrigues da , Deus Angélica Cristina Fernandes , Fernandes Dirceu Maximino , Büll Leonardo Theodoro
Published: May 2023

Purpose The benefits of applying silicon to plants under stressful conditions are recognized. However, few studies have shown the effect of supply and form of application of silicon on the nutrition of plants grown under ideal conditions. This study aimed to verify the effects of different methods of silicon application on the nutrient uptake of maize in two tropical soils.Methods Silicon was supplied in three application methods (in the planting furrow, in the total pot area, and spraying) at two rates in maize plants in two tropical soil types. Thirty days after emergence, the contents of macronutrients, micronutrients, and silicon were evaluated.Results In sandy soil, potassium silicate application contributed to an increase in N, P, K, Mg, Si, and Cu contents, whereas in clay soil, there was an increase in the plant contents of P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Cu, Si, and Mg.Conclusion It was concluded that silicon application contributed to greater nutrient uptake in maize plants. Our study suggests that silicon application could be an important tool for increasing mineral fertilization in tropical soil conditions.
Dual moment resisting-shear link frames: experimental and numerical investigation
Authors: Mahmoudi Farid , Rahai Alireza , Hatami Farzad
Published: May 2023

Moment resisting frames (MRFs) are one of the most favorable systems, thanks to their appropriate performance and sufficient geometric flexibility. Despite these advantages, MRFs have limitations such as low stiffness and certain code limitations. This paper provides the experimental and numerical results of a novel dual lateral load resisting system. This dual system is proposed to combine the flexural and shear nonlinear behavior of MRFs with different lengths. In the proposed dual system, MRFs are combined with frames that have a shear link with a smaller cross-section at the mid-span. This combination transfers the first plastic hinges location from the beam ends of the MRFs to the mid-span of the shear link frames. Two 1/3-scale tests are performed in the strong floor lab, and the frames are tested under quasi-static cyclic loading. In addition to increasing the stiffness of the system, the novel dual system waives the code requirement to satisfy the constraint on the beam span-to-depth (span/depth) ratio. Furthermore, the new dual system improves the resilience of the system due to the substitutability of the shear link after an earthquake. Moreover, verified 3D finite element models of the moment resisting-shear link frames dual system are also used to demonstrate the performance of the new dual system.
Extraction of microbial oil from Aspergillus niger and preparation of a sustainable growth medium for the same
Authors: Malekar Saloni , Salgaonkar Sneha
Published: May 2023

Depending on their fatty-acid profile, microbial oils have many industrial applications such as manufacturing biodiesel, nutraceuticals, essential oils and soaps. Our study aimed to extract microbial oil from Aspergillus niger and to study the biochemical characteristics of the extracted oil. Another approach of this study was to find a sustainable way of growing A. niger by using agro waste as a nutrient source; for this purpose, a growth medium was prepared from waste onion peels. Our findings indicate that A. niger oil could contain high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids as well as can be used as an antimicrobial agent against Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, the growth medium prepared was suitable to culture A. niger. Using onion peels will not only help reduce the upstream-processing cost of microbial oil production but will also contribute to adequate management of the agro waste, consequently, reducing its negative impact on the environment.
Optimization of Biogas Production from Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Fish Waste and Water Hyacinth
Authors: Ingabire Hortense , NTAMBARA Boniface , Arimi Milton , Kiriamiti Henry Kirimi
Published: May 2023

Fish waste (FW) and water hyacinth (WH) are biodegradable wastes that remain underutilized and unexploited and cause environmental problems since the existing disposal techniques result in environmental pollution and health risks. Anaerobic Co-digestion of FW and WH can be used to improve biogas generation as a source of energy to replace fossil fuel consumption. The conversion of waste to energy can provide an answer to environmental pollution, waste treatment and management, and rising energy costs. Experimental variable levels for biogas were substrate ratio (WH: FW, 25-75g), inoculum concentration (IC, 5-15g), and dilution (85-95mL). Design-Expert 13 was used for optimization and results analysis. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to examine the effects of operating parameters and identify optimum values for biogas yield. Optimum values for maximum biogas yield of 690mL with the highest methane yield of 68.15% were found to be WH: FW ratio, 25:75g, 15g of IC, and 95 mL for dilution. The yield was 16.1% and 32.4% greater than FW and WH mono-digestion, respectively. Using a quadratic equation, the biogas yield was expressed as a function of operating variables. The model was significant (P < 0.05). All factors had significant linear and quadratic effects on biogas while only the interaction effects of the two factors were significant. The coefficient of determination(R2) of 99.9% confirms the good fit of the model with experimental variables.
Determination of Cryptosporidium Parvum Subtypes Detected in Calf and Cow
Authors: AYNUR Zeynep ERDEM
Published: May 2023

Cryptosporidium spp., an intracellular extracytoplasmic localized protozoan, is one of the leading infectious agents in the etiology of neonatal diarrheal syndrome of ruminants. Although cryptosporidiosis is a common disease seen all over the world. However molecular epidemiologic studies are limited on distribution of Cryptosporidium parvum subtypes in the world. To date, nearly 20 subtypes of C. parvum have been described. Gene sequence analysis of the glycoprotein 60 structural protein (GP60) is used to identify subtypes. It is reported that the GP60 gene sequence shows a high degree of genetic polymorphism among the strains. In this study, it was aimed to determine the subtypes of C. parvum parasite in cow and calf stool samples by using GP60 gene sequence analysis. In our study, 125 samples evaluated as Cryptosporidium spp. positive by Kinyoun Acid Fast staining. A total of 16 samples of cows (> 22 months) and 109 calves (< 30 days) from farms in 2 regions of Türkiye (Burdur/Yesilova and Aydin provinces) were used. DNA isolation from feces was done with the QIAamp Stool Mini Kit. In order to identify Cryptosporidium species, PCR based on SSU 18S rRNA gene amplification was performed. The 18S gene sequences were compared to genebank to identify the specie of the infectious agent. Nested PCR was performed to amplify GP60 gene and sequences of amplicons were used to identify subtypes. The results of C. parvum subtyping study showed that IIaA13G2R1 subtype was found to be common. IIaA13G2R1 was detected in 100% of 29 stool samples with C. parvum in Burdur. The diversity was higher among Aydin samples (n=96), 67 (70%) were IIaA13G2R1, 15 (15,5%) IIaA14G1R1, 12(12,5%) IIaA2R1 and one sample (1%) was IIaA16R1 and one sample (1%) IIaA5G1R1. In subtype studies based on the GP60 sequence, IIaA15G2R1 was found to be the most common in the world. In our study, IIaA13G2R1 subtype detected in cattle in Türkiye was found to be common. Our study is the first Cryptosporidium parvum subtyping study in Aydın province. In our study, IIaA2R1 and IIaA5G1R1 subtypes were defined for the first time in the world, IIaA16R1 subtype in Türkiye. Molecular epidemiology studies are important for better understanding the dissemination of subtypes and IIaA13G2R1 is the most common subtype in Turkey and the IIaA15G2R1 the most common subtype in the world were absent among our samples.
Shaping active matter: from crystalline solids to active turbulence
Authors: Zhu Lailai , Yang Qianhong , Jiang Maoqiang , Picano Francesco
Published: May 2023

Active matter drives its constituent agents to move autonomously by harnessing free energy, leading to diverse emergent states with relevance to both biological processes and inanimate functionalities. Achieving maximum reconfigurability of active materials with minimal control remains a desirable yet challenging goal. Here, we employ large-scale, agent-resolved simulations to demonstrate that modulating the activity of a wet phoretic medium alone can govern its solid-liquid-gas phase transitions and, subsequently, laminar-turbulent transitions in fluid phases, thereby shaping its emergent pattern. Our work reproduces and reconciles several seemingly conflicting experimental observations on phoretic active systems, presenting a unified landscape of their collective behaviors. These findings enhance the understanding of long-range, many-body interactions among phoretic agents, offer new insights into non-equilibrium collective phenomena, and provide guidelines for designing reconfigurable materials.
High Intrinsic Phase Stability of Ultrathin 1T′ WS2
Authors: Guan Cao , Liu Xiangye , Zhang Pingting , Wang Shiyao , Fang Yuqiang , Chen Jipeng , Zhao Chendong , Zhang Xian , Zhao Wei , Wang Junjie , Huang Fuqiang
Published: May 2023

Metastable 1T′-phase transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) attract increasing interests owing to their fascinating physicochemical properties in superconductors, optical materials, and energy storage. However, spontaneous 1T′ to 2H phase transition severely hinders practical application of 1T′ TMD. In this study, through systematic investigation and theoretical simulation of phase change of 1T′ WS2, we demonstrate ultrathin 1T′ WS2 has significantly higher intrinsic thermal and antioxidant stabilities than the bulk counterparts. 1T′ to 2H phase transition temperature increases from 120°C to 350°C and durability increases from 2 days to more than 5 months in the air as thickness of 1T′ WS2 is lessened from bulk to monolayer. The higher stability of thinner 1T′ WS2 is attributed to stiffened intralayer bonds and enhanced thermal conductivity, originated from weakened interlayer Coulombic interactions. The high intrinsic phase stabilities of ultrathin 1T′ TMDs can pave the way for their wide tempting practical applications.
Brodalumab for moderate-severe hidradenitis suppurativa: an open-label multicentric cohort study in real clinical practice
Authors: Osorio-Gómez Guiovana Fernanda , Ortiz-Álvarez Juan , Sánchez Julián Conejo-Mir , Fernández-Crehuet Pablo
Published: May 2023

Introduction
The use of biological therapy is becoming increasingly common in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Levels of serum TNF-alfa and IL17 support the role of an immune system dysregulation in the pathogenesis of HS. Brodalumab targets the receptor A of IL-17, thus having a promising role in the treatment of HS.
Material and methods
A multicenter longitudinal observational open-label study was conducted in two tertiary hospitals. Adults with moderate to severe HS under treatment with brodalumab 210 mg at week 0, 1, 2 and then every 2 weeks were included and assessed at week 0 and week 16. Demographic and disease-related variables as well as response parameters (HiSCR, IHS4 and PGA) and safety were recorded and analyzed.
Results
A total of 16 patients (75% males) were included in our study. 50% of patients presented an inflammatory phenotype and mean BMI was 28.37. HiSCR was achieved in 50% of patients and mean IHS4 decreased from 24.13 to 16.81 (p = 0.002). No differences were found between those who achieved HiSCR and those who did not. Grade 2 adverse events were reported in 3 patients with no fatal outcomes and treatment discontinuation was advised in 4 patients.
Conclusions
Brodalumab seems to be effective and safe in patients with moderate to severe HS, even in those that did not respond to adalimumab, which, at the moment, is the only approved biologic for this indication. Thus, it stands as an interesting option for the treatment of HS.
Differential Absorption LIDAR Signal Denoising using Empirical Mode Decomposition Technique
Authors: Jindal M K , Mainuddin M , Veerabuthiran S , Jindal N
Published: May 2023

Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL) technique is a potential method for the remote detection of hazardous chemicals in the atmosphere. These hazardous chemicals can be due to industrial pollution or may be intentionally released by the terrorist groups or military forces of the enemy country to endanger both the military's personnel and the civilian population's lives. DIAL technique may be used for probing such chemicals from far-off distances of several km ranges and generating an early warning for the response teams. The output of the DIAL system normally consists of three parameters viz. name/class of hazardous chemical detected; its location in terms of distance and the concentration. The maximum standoff distance capability for any Lidar system depends on the signal to noise ratio which is governed by the parameters like atmospheric conditions, Lidar subsystem specifications, noises, etc. SNR is often limited by several noises embedded in the signal from various sources. Due to the presence of noises in the signal, the errors are introduced in the concentration estimation of chemicals from Lidar signal. The methods for improvement of SNR of lidar signal has been often limited by application of conventional denoising techniques like multi-pulse temporal averaging and spatial averaging and further requires nonlinear techniques for noise reduction due to nonlinear behavior of lidar signals. In the present work, Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) technique has been implemented on the Lidar signal from Differential Absorption Lidar system. The signal has been denoised and improved SNR is compared with that achieved from temporal averaging and spatial averaging. It was observed that the EMD technique is a better technique as compared to other conventional techniques like multi-pulse temporal averaging and spatial averaging for denoising the signal and increasing Lidar SNR. It is seen that SNR can be improved 4–5 times the original SNR using EMD technique.
Potential of LAMP assay as a tool for ecological monitoring and on-site detection of Bipolaris oryzae in rice
Authors: Logeshwari R. , Gopalakrishnan C. , Kamalakannan A. , Ramalingam J. , Saraswathi R.
Published: May 2023

One of the most significant rice seed-borne pathogens, Bipolaris oryzae causes serious yield losses worldwide every year. Traditional seed health testing involves incubation for up to a week, but molecular diagnosis using PCR-based assays requires sophisticated equipment and is not amenable to on-site testing. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is ideal for field-level diagnosis since it offers quick, high-specific amplification of target template sequences at a single temperature. The exon 2 of the Glycosyl Transferase Family 90 protein of B. oryzae was targeted for designing the LAMP primers. The LAMP assay proposed was incredibly sensitive, detecting the B. oryzaetemplate's presence at concentrations as low as 10 fg at 60 °C in 30 min. The specificity of the test was assessed using genomic DNA retrieved from 22 different phytopathogens. The assay was employed to biologically monitor the existence of this pathogen by testing it on ten weed species in rice fields infected with B. oryzae. The pathogen was detected in 8 weed species except Brachypodium distachyon and Phalaris minor. The assay was used to detect the presence of B. oryzae in seeds from 13 different rice varieties. Seed samples from two cultivars tested negative while the remaining cultivars were confirmed to harbor the pathogen. Using this novel assay, B. oryzae can be detected rapidly in rice seeds and farm soil. The proposed LAMP assay has the potential to be employed in seed health laboratories, plant quarantine stations and on-site detection of B. oryzae in seeds and plants.
WITHDRAWN: SWAST KHOJ: A real-time working prototype for vital healthcare monitoring System
Authors: Saha Ramesh , Bharadwaj Sanjeev Kumar , Saif Sohail , Ghosh Rajdeep , Biswas Suparna , Karmakar Sushanta
Published: May 2023

Internet of Things (IoT)-based health monitoring system is centred on continuous, real-time monitoring of the health of individuals. The emergence of IoT-enabled healthcare devices is rapidly changing the health infrastructure. IoT-enabled technologies can facilitate an effortless interaction among different devices and platforms. Smart health monitoring applications are a notable and important application in IoT and therefore, different types of IoT frameworks have been proposed by researchers. In the present work, an IoT–based real-time healthcare prototype has been implemented using unobtrusive heterogeneous sensor nodes to create a Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) architecture. The prototype has been designed to collect vital parameters of the human body using heterogeneous sensors like: electrocardiogram (ECG), temperature, Saturation of peripheral oxygen (SPO2), and pulse rate. The collected data from the prototype shows the condition of the patient in a graphical user interface (GUI) in compliance with the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) medical guidelines. The prototype along with the user interface is named SWAST KHOJ. The data is periodically uploaded with the timestamp information on the local server. Further, the Quality of Service (QoS) parameter of the prototype is evaluated for different short-range communication like LAN (or Wire), ZigBee, and Bluetooth in an indoor environment. The performance of the proposed prototype is evaluated on different communication technologies and it was observed that the proposed prototype requires an end-to-end delay of 0.514 ms, 0.62 ms, 0.417 ms and 1.92 ms for wire, Wi-Fi, ZigBee and Bluetooth respectively. Also, it is observed that the end-to-end delay of the proposed method is less than that of the previous works. Moreover, the throughput of the prototype using different communication technology has been evaluated for the prototype.
Enolase2(ENO2) responsed Perfluorooctane Sulfonate toxic in Rattus norvegicus Brain
Authors: Li Honghui , Yang Huifang , Ma Zhanbing
Published: May 2023

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a global environmental contaminant known to cause neurotoxicity. However, the specific targets of its neurotoxic effects remain poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the differential protein expression associated with brain tissue toxicity induced by potassium perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS-K) and predict its potential biological functions. Rattus norvegicus were treated with 10 mg/kg PFOS-K for 30 days to establish a toxicity model, and brain tissue morphology was examined using HE and nissl staining. Protein expression profiles were analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS). Bioinformatics tools were used to analyze protein functions, and immunofluorescence was employed to detect the expression of the ENO2 gene in whole brain tissue.PFOS exposure resulted in changes in neuronal cell morphology in different regions of the rat hippocampus, including cell vacuolation, reduced neuronal axon length and density, and decreased nisomes in the DG region. PFOS-K exposure led to changes in protein expression profiles in brain tissue, with 53 differentially expressed proteins identified. Gene ontology (GO) and pathway analysis revealed that the main function of these proteins is to participate in the mitochondrial oxidative respiratory electron transport chain. The main signaling pathways involved include glycolysis, glutamine conversion, Wnt signaling pathway, energy metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammatory-mediated cytokine signaling. PFOS-K exposure may primarily promote mitochondrial oxidative respiratory electron transport chain, elevate cytoplasmic Glu levels, and disrupt Ga2+ homeostasis. It induces mitochondrial pathway-dependent apoptosis, while also significantly down-regulating the expression of the neurotrophic and protective factor ENO2 in the pyramidal layer of the hippocampus, which may ultimately result in neuronal pathological damage and brain tissue toxicity through energy metabolism.
Wave or Particle? Quantum Behavior of Solar System
Authors: Liang Zhong-Cheng , Xie Ling-Hai
Published: May 2023

Starting from the Kepler's laws of planetary motion, this paper applies the real-particle theory to study the motion property and quantum behavior of the solar system. The earth/solar system is a typical two-body cluster (real particle), which can be modeled as a rotating vibrator. The classical state function of the vibrator is an elliptical equation, and the quantum state function is a topological mapping of the elliptical equation in the complex space. The quantum state function contains all the information of the cluster motion, and the probabilities of various motion modes are controlled by particle interactions and satisfies the Schrodinger equation. The study shows that the quantum state function characterizes the long-time statistical properties of cluster motion, and the Schrodinger equation is a mapping algorithm from potential function to state function. The parameters of the elliptical orbit are implicit variables of the quantum state, and the statistics of cluster motion is the reality basis of quantum mechanics.
1,3,5-Triazine Based Hydroxamic Acid Analogues as HDAC Inhibitors: Integrated Modelling by 3D QSAR, Hypogen Pharmacophore Based Virtual Screening and Molecular Dynamic Simulation Studies
Authors: Patel Preeti , Navneesh N , Kurmi BALAK , Rangra Naresh Kumar , Gupta Ghanshyam Das , Rawat Ravi , Pagano Mario Angelo , Brunati Anna Maria , Rajak Harish
Published: May 2023

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) is one of the therapeutically relevant target for the treatment of various types of cancer. To establish a correlation between biological potency and their structural features using a combined approach of Hypogen pharmacophore and five different 3D QSAR models. Hypogen model (Hypo1) for HDAC inhibitors was developed on the basis of existing one, having good correlation coefficient (R= 0.76), lowest root mean square deviation (RMSD) of 0.91, maximum fit value of 9.77 and highest cost difference value of 66.86. Quality validation of Hypo1 through cost analyses, test set prediction and Fischer’s randomization test suggested that the model can reliably detect HDAC inhibitors. The five different 3D QSAR models i.e., Recursive Partitioning Classification Model (pkRP model), Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis, Partial Least Square (PLS), Genetic Function Approximation (GFA) models and Field based (or Grid Based) QSAR models were created and validated. Furthermore, top scored compounds were filtered through the virtual screening and after that, molecular dynamic (MD) simulation and MM-GBSA studies were used to validate the stability, binding energy and electrostatics of best HDAC receptor-ligand complex. The outcome of findings indicated that the best Field based model has R2=0.970and Q2=0.842, the best pkRP model has R2= 0.883 and Q2= 0.813, the best PLS model has R2= 0.856 and Q2= 0.746,the best MLR model has R2= 0.766 and Q2= 0.752, and the best GFA model has R2= 0.706 and Q2= 0.663. Cross-validated coefficient, (rcv2) of 0.968, 0.827, 0.743, 0.810 and 0.552 was found for Field/Grid based, pkRP, MLR, PLS and GFA model, respectively indicating the satisfied correlativity and prediction. The outcome of these studies will be a focal paradigm for designing of novel lead molecules as HDAC inhibitors with improved anticancer activity.
Development of an Ejector for Passive Hydrogen Recirculation in PEM Fuel Cell Systems by applying 2D CFD Simulation
Authors: Singer Gerald , Köll Rebekka , Pertl Patrick , Trattner Alexander
Published: May 2023

The anode subsystem is a major energy consumer of Polymer-Electrolyte-Membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems. A passive hydrogen recirculation system, like an ejector, is an excellent solution to maximize hydrogen utilization while maintaining low parasitic losses. However, high development efforts are necessary to maximize the performance of the ejector for the entire operating range. This research paper provides part of a toolchain for ejector development, consisting in particular of a multi-parameter simulation based on rotational symmetric 2D CFD. The 2D CFD greatly helps optimize the design of the ejector, reducing development effort, and increasing accuracy. In addition, the main correlations between thermodynamic states and geometry on the entrainment ratio are evaluated. Subsequently, an ejector is designed for a PEM fuel cell application using 2D CFD and the results show in which operating range a single ejector can be applied. This toolchain enables rapid design and optimization of ejector geometry, saving development time and cost while increasing accuracy and extending the operating range.
Optimization of Methylene Blue Dye Removal Adsorbed on Olive Pomace Derived Activated Charcoal: Isotherm, Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Alouiz Imad , Benhadj Mohssine , Elmontassir Dahmane , Mouadili Abdeslam , Sennoune Mohamed , Amarouch Mohamed-Yassine , Mazouzi Driss
Published: May 2023

Methylene blue (MB) is one of dyes used in the industry. However, these dyes contribute generally to water pollution. The continued accumulation of these organic compounds has had a significant and negative harmful on the environment and human health. Therefore, many biological, physical and chemical processes have been developed aiming to eliminate these compounds from the environment. Of these processes, adsorption is the most well-known one. In this context, this study aims to assess the absorbent properties of an olive pomace derived activated charcoal (ACp) against the methylene blue dye. For this purpose, to confirm MB adsorption on ACp structures, SEM, EDX and FTIR analysis were performed. The influence of dye concentration, contact time, pH, adsorbent dose and temperature were studied to evaluate the removal efficiency of MB by adsorption. In which, kinetic and isothermal models were used to better understand the adsorption mechanism. A good correlation has been indicated with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm. Also, thermodynamic result related to the adsorption process indicating physisorption, endothermic, spontaneous, and favorable.
The combination of kidney function variables with cell cycle arrest biomarkers identifies distinct subphenotypes of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury: a post-hoc analysis (the PHENAKI study)
Authors: Titeca-Beauport Dimitri , Diouf Momar , Daubin Delphine , Vong Ly Van , Belliard Guillaume , Bruel Cédric , Zerbib Yoann , Vinsonneau Christophe , Klouche Kada , Maizel Julien
Published: May 2023

Background: The severity and course of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) are correlated with the mortality rate. Early detection of SA-AKI subphenotypes might facilitate the rapid provision of individualized care.
Patients and methods: In this post-hocanalysis of a multicentre prospective study, we combined conventional kidney function variables (the pre-admission serum creatinine (SCr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate, SCr on inclusion (0 h) and at 24 h, blood urea nitrogen at 0 h, and the weight-corrected urine output (UO) at 0, 6, 12 and 24 h) with serial measurements of urine [tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2)]*[ insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP7)] at 0, 6, 12 and 24 h) and then using an unsupervised hierarchical clustering of principal components approach to identify different phenotypes of SA-AKI. We then compared the subphenotypes with regard to the renal replacement therapy initiation rate and survival rate in the first seven days.
Results: We included 184 patients presenting SA-AKI within six hours of the diagnosis of septic shock. Three distinct subphenotypes were identified: subphenotype A (99 patients) was characterized by a normal UO, a low SCr and a low [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] level; subphenotype B (74 patients) was characterized by existing chronic kidney disease, a higher SCr, a low UO, and an intermediate [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] level; and subphenotype C was characterized by very low UO, a very high [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] level, and an intermediate SCr level. Renal replacement therapy was initiated within the first seven days in four (4%), 27 (36%) and three (27%) patients from the subphenotype A, B and C groups, respectively (p<0.001). After adjustment for confounding factors, the seven-day survival rate [95% confidence interval (CI)] was respectively 88% [80–96], 80% [72–88] and 75% [56–94] in the subphenotypes A, B and C. With subphenotype A as reference, the adjusted hazard-ratio [95%CI] for seven-day mortality was 1.53 [0.76–3.08] (p=0.24) in subphenotype B and 5.90 [2.04–17.07] (p=0.001) in subphenotype C.
Conclusions: By combining conventional kidney function variables with urine measurements of a cell-cycle arrest biomarker, we identified three distinct SA-AKI subphenotypes with different short-term courses and survival rates. This approach might help to better stratify patients in the early phases of septic shock but its value must be confirmed in a larger, independent cohort.
Trial registration: the AKI-CHECK study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02812784) before the inclusion of the first patient.
Running head: Subphenotypes of sepsis-associated acute kidney injury