bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Embracing biodiversity on engineered coastal infrastructure through structured decision-making and Engineering With Nature®
Authors: Dolatowski Emily , Suedel Burton , Calabria Jon , Bilskie Matthew , Byers James , Broich Kelsey , McKay S. , Tritinger Amanda , Woodson C.
Published: April 2024

Extreme weather variation, natural disasters, and anthropogenic actions negatively impact coastal communities through flooding and erosion. To safeguard coastal settlements, shorelines are frequently reinforced with seawalls and bulkheads. Hardened shorelines, however, result in biodiversity loss and environmental deterioration. The creation of sustainable solutions that engineer with nature is required to lessen natural and anthropogenic pressures. Nature-based solutions (NbS) are a means to enhance biodiversity and improve the environment while meeting engineering goals. To address this urgent need, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineering With Nature® (EWN) program balances economic, environmental, and social benefits through collaboration. This report presents how design and engineering practice can be enhanced through organized decision-making and landscape architectural renderings that integrate engineering, science, and NbS to increase biodiversity in coastal marine habitats. When developing new infrastructure or updating or repairing existing infrastructure, such integration can be greatly beneficial. Further, drawings and renderings exhibiting EWN concepts can assist in decision-making by aiding in the communication of NbS designs. Our practical experiences with the application of EWN have shown that involving landscape architects can play a critical role in effective collaboration and result in solutions that safeguard coastal communities while maintaining or enhancing biodiversity.
Pesticide contamination patterns in Montagu’s harrier (Circus pygargus) chicks
Authors: Fuentes Elva , Moreau Jérôme , Rodrigues Anaïs , Millet Maurice , Bretagnolle Vincent , Monceau Karine
Published: April 2024

Biomonitoring of persistent pesticides in birds of prey has been carried out for decades, but few studies have investigated their relevance for the monitoring of non-persistent pesticides. Herein, we determined the contamination patterns of multiple pesticides in Montagu’s harrier (Circus pygargus) chicks in an intensive farming area of southwestern France. Blood samples from 55 chicks belonging to 22 nests in 2021 were assessed for 104 compounds (herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, safeners and synergists). All chicks had at least one herbicide in their blood, and half had at least two compounds. The 28 compounds detected comprised 10 herbicides, 12 fungicides, 5 insecticides and 1 synergist. Mixtures in blood were predominantly composed of herbicides, and six chicks presented a mixture of the three pesticide classes. The most prevalent compounds were sulcotrione (96% of chicks), tebutam (44%) and chloridazon (31%), of which the latter two had been banned in France for 19 and 3 years, respectively, at the time of sampling. Most compounds are considered non-acutely toxic but sulcotrione is potentially carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic, raising questions about the effects on the health of nestlings. Biomonitoring of multiple pesticides through Montagu’s harrier chicks in agroecosystems is clearly relevant because it reflects the general pattern of agricultural pesticide use in the study area. It also raises questions about exposure pathways in chicks, and further investigations are needed to disentangle the roles of dietary routes and maternal transfer for the established pesticide contamination patterns.
A novel Golgi related genes based correlation prognostic index can better predict the prognosis of glioma and responses to immunotherapy
Authors: Zhao Beichuan , Xuan Ruoheng , Yang Guitao , Hu Tianyu , Chen Yihong , Cai Lingshan , Hu Bin , Ling Gengqiang , Xia Zhibo
Published: April 2024

Background
The Golgi apparatus (GA) serves as the center of protein and lipid synthesis and modification within cells, playing a crucial role in regulating diverse cellular processes as a signaling hub. Dysregulation of GA function can give rise to a range of pathological conditions, including tumors. Notably, mutations in Golgi-associated genes (GARGs) are frequently observed in various tumors, and these mutations have been implicated in promoting tumor metastasis. However, the precise relationship between GARGs and glioma, a type of brain tumor, remains poorly understood. Therefore, the objective of this investigation was to assess the prognostic significance of GARGs in glioma and evaluate their impact on the immune microenvironment.
Methods
The expression of GARGs was obtained from the TCGA and CGGA databases, encompassing a total of 1564 glioma samples (598 from TCGA and 966 from CGGA). Subsequently, a risk prediction model was constructed using LASSO regression and Cox analysis, and its efficacy was assessed. Additionally, qRT-PCR was employed to validate the expression of GARGs in relation to glioma prognosis. Furthermore, the association between GARGs and immunity, mutation, and drug resistance was investigated.
Results
A selection of GARGs (SPRY1, CHST6, B4GALNT1, CTSL, ADCY3, GNL1, KIF20A, CHP1, RPS6, CLEC18C) were selected through differential expression analysis and Cox analysis, which were subsequently incorporated into the risk model. This model demonstrated favorable predictive efficiency, as evidenced by the area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.877, 0.943, and 0.900 for 1, 3, and 5-year predictions, respectively. Furthermore, the risk model exhibited a significant association with the tumor immune microenvironment and mutation status, as well as a diminished sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs. qRT-PCR analysis confirmed the up-regulation or down-regulation of the aforementioned genes in glioma.
Conclusion
The utilization of GARGs in our constructed model exhibits a high level of accuracy in prognosticating glioma and offers promising avenues for the development of therapeutic interventions targeting glioma.
Isolation, Characterization, and Herbicidal Activity of Streptomyces spp. from Diseased Potato Scab Tubers
Authors: HUANG Zhong-di , SHI Shu-ping , ZHANG Yi , YIN Cai-ping , ZHANG Shu-xiang , Zhang Yinglao
Published: April 2024

Background
A highly effective and environmentally friendly method of controlling weeds is biological herbicides, which typically constitute of naturally secondary metabolites, such as bioherbicidal metabolites produced by Streptomyces sp. However, the isolation of phytotoxic compounds from pathogenic Streptomyces has not been fully studied.
Results
Here, a total of 50 strains of Streptomyces genera were isolated from the potato tubers with typical common scab (CS) symptoms using the culture-dependent method. The radish seedling test indicated that 32 fermentation broths of potato common scab-associated Streptomyces could produce phytotoxic metabolites that affect the normal growth of radish seedlings’ radicles. Of note, two potential new pathogens (NKY-4 and L7-2) of potato scab were discovered by combining the methods of radish seedlings, potato tuber slices, and PCR detection of pathogenic genes txtAB. Moreover, the phytotoxic test demonstrated that the fermentation broths of 31 strains exhibited phytotoxic activities against at least one of the tested weeds (Echinochloa crusgalli, Digitaria sanguinalis, and Abutilon theophrastis). Furthermore, one novel metabolite and three known compounds, including new N-(2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-3-acetamide-4-hydroxybenzamide (1), thaxtomin A (2), nicotinic acid (3) and pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid (4) were isolated from S. bottropensis (AMCC400023). Among them, compound 2 exhibited strong phytotoxic activity against E. crusgalli, D. sanguinalis, and A. theophrast with IC50 values of 0.99, 0.78, and 1.95 µg/mL, respectively, which was comparable to those of the positive control 2,4-D.
Conclusions
Based on the results of these findings, phytotoxic metabolites from the potato scab pathogen may be one of the effective ways to develop new biological herbicides.
Ultrasound guided pediatric caudal dose: A prospective, randomized, observer-blinded clinical trial.
Authors: Syal Kartik , Chandel Ankita , Kanwar Manjit Singh
Published: April 2024

Background: The drug volume to be used in caudal in pediatric patients has remained an unmet issue since long. We determined the minimum drug volume required to reach T10 level in pediatric patients using ultrasonography and compared it with the already established volume by Armitage formula.
Aim: To determine the minimum effective caudal local anesthetic dose using ultrasound guidance.
Methods: Study was performed at two centres and at each centre, 50 pediatric patients (Total 100 patients), aged 1 to 3 years, undergoing below umbilical surgeries were included and randomised into two groups of 25 each (Total 50) to receive ultrasound guided drug volume vs Armitage formula based volume. The volume required to reach T10 level was assessed with ultrasound in one group. Also, maximum height achieved, cutaneous level achieved after 15 minutes and parental satisfaction scores were noted.
Results: The mean drug volume required to reach T10 level in Group U was 0.755 ± 0.053 ml/kg with a P value <0.001. (Compared to the drug volume of 1 ml/kg using one sample t test). The highest level achieved in both groups were calculated as the mode value of T8 and T7 in Group U and Group A respectively. The highest cutaneous level achieved after 15 minutes was also calculated as the mode value of T4 in both groups. Satisfaction scores were comparable in both groups.
Conclusion: A volume of 0.7 ml/kg of local anaesthetic in pediatric caudal block is sufficient to achieve a target of T10 level for infraumblical surgeries.
Comparison of MRI-guided Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy and Cognitive Targeted Biopsy in the Diagnosis of Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer: Lesion Size Matters
Authors: Shao I-Hung , Liao Fan-Ting , Chang Chun-Bi , Chang Ying-Hsu , Wang Li-Jen , Huang Liang-Kang , Kan Hung-Cheng , Lin Po-Hung , Yu Kai-Jie , Chuang Cheng-Keng , Wu Chun-Te , Pang See-Tong
Published: April 2024

Purpose MRI-guided targeted biopsy (MRGB) was recommended as part of biopsy paradigm of prostate cancers by current guidelines. This study aimed to analyze the diagnostic efficacy of MRGB and systemic biopsy (SB), and to compare diagnostic capabilities within subgroups of MRGB: MRI-cognitive biopsy (MRCB) and MRI-fusion biopsy (MRFB).Materials and Methods We retrospectively enrolled patients who underwent MRGB for suspicious malignant lesion(s) identified on MRI in a single tertiary center. An mpMRI was performed prior to biopsy and reviewed by an experienced radiologist specialized in prostate cancer. Per-person results of MRGB and each concomitant SB were analyzed as independent biopsies for its positive biopsy rate and positive core percentage. Per-lesion results of MRFB and MRCB were compared for the detection rate. Variables of interest were analyzed with t-test, chi-squared test, and logistic regression analysis. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS software version 23.Results Total of 74 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. MRFB had higher PCa detection rate comparing to both MRCB and SB (56.1%, 30.3%, and 33.9% respectively, p value = 0.036); csPCa detection rate was also significantly higher in MRFB group (43.9%, 24.2%, and 16.9% in each group respectively, p value = 0.011). In per-lesion analysis, MRCB and MRFB had no significant difference in PCa and csPCa detection rate (41.0% vs. 26.2% and 29.5% vs. 16.7% respectively, p value = 0.090 and 0.103). In the lesion ≦ 1.3 cm group, MRFB could achieve higher PCa detection rate, comparing to MRCB (36.4% vs. 14.3%, p value = 0.047); there were also higher positive rates for PCa and csPCa per biopsied cores (22.1% vs. 6.8% and 15.6% vs. 2.7%, p value = 0.029 and 0.028, respectively). Further logistic regression of multi-variate analysis in subgroup of lesion ≦ 1.3 cm revealed that PIRADS score and biopsy method were significant predictors of positive biopsy result for PCa (p value = 0.045 and 0.026, respectively) and for csPCa (p value = 0.043 and 0.025, respectively).Conclusion In patients receiving trans-perineal prostate biopsy, MRFB had higher cancer detection rate than MRCB and SB. In per lesion comparison, MRFB and MRCB had similar diagnostic accuracy. However, in lesions with diameter less than 1.3 cm, MRFB can provided better diagnose value for PCa and csPCa than MRCB.
A ferritin-based nanoparticle displaying a neutralizing epitope for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) confers partial protection in guinea pigs
Authors: Lu Bingzhou , Ru Yi , Hao Rongzeng , Yang Yang , Liu Huanan , Li Yajun , Zhang Yue , Mao Yuhan , Yang Rui , Pan Yangyang , Yu Sijiu , Zheng Haixue , Cui Yan
Published: April 2024

Background
Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a devastating disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, that leads to significant economic losses in affected countries and regions. Currently, there is an evident inclination towards the utilization of nanoparticles as powerful platforms for innovative vaccine development. Therefore, this study developed a ferritin-based nanoparticle (FNP) vaccine that displays a neutralizing epitope of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) VP1 (aa 140–158) on the surface of FNP, and evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of these FNPs in mouse and guinea pig models to provide a strategy for developing potential FMD vaccines.
Results
This study expressed the recombinant proteins Hpf, HPF-NE and HPF-T34E via an E. coli expression system. The results showed that the recombinant proteins Hpf, Hpf-NE and Hpf-T34E could be effectively assembled into nanoparticles. Subsequently, we evaluated the immunogenicity of the Hpf, Hpf-NE and Hpf-T34E proteins in mice, as well as the immunogenicity and protectiveness of the Hpf-T34E protein in guinea pigs. The results of the mouse experiment showed that the immune effects in the Hpf-T34E group were greater than those in the Hpf-NE group. The results from guinea pigs immunized with Hpf-T34E showed that the immune effects were largely consistent with the results of the FMD inactivated vaccine (IV) and could confer partial protection against FMDV challenge in guinea pigs.
Conclusions
The Hpf-T34E nanoparticles stand out as a superior choice for a subunit vaccine candidate against FMD, offering effective protection in FMDV- infected model animals. FNP-based vaccines on s exhibit excellent safety and immunogenicity, thus representing a promising strategy for the continued development of highly efficient and safe FMD vaccines.
First-Trimester Serum Targeted Metabolomics for Eicosanoids Reveals Predictive Potential and Preventive Targets for Severe Preeclampsia: A Nested Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ma Yongqiang , Li Linjie , Fang Yiwen , Cai Wei , Yang Jingbo , Zhang Liuyang , Zuo Lushu , Niu Xiulong , Chen Shaobo , Yang Qing , Yu Ying , Han Cha , Cong Hongliang , Zhang Xu , Zhou Xin
Published: April 2024

Background: The metabolic profiles of eicosanoids before the clinical onset of preeclampsia remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to use a targeted metabolomic approach to identify eicosanoid metabolites in first-trimester blood samples and assess their potential to predict severe preeclampsia.
Methods: We carried out a nested case-control study focusing on eicosanoid metabolites within a prospective cohort of 5,809 pregnant women. The study analyzed 45 participants who subsequently developed severe preeclampsia and 41 controls with uncomplicated pregnancies. Metabolomic data were examined, and the predictive performance of these metabolites was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.
Results: Among 40 eicosanoids metabolites quantified, the levels of 10 metabolites differed statistically between groups. Further analysis revealed an increased activation of cyclooxygenase (COX) and 12/15-lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways, alongside a compromised cytochrome P450 (CYP450) pathway, as the underlying mechanisms in the altered eicosanoid metabolomics preceding the clinical onset of severe preeclampsia. Notably, ratios of metabolites indicating a shift from heightened (COX and 12/15-LOX) to compromised (CYP450) pathways demonstrated clinically relevant predictive potential: the performance of the Fetal Medicine Foundation first-trimester preeclampsia screening algorithms (area under curve [AUC] = 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.67 to 0.87) was significantly improved by incorporating these ratios, with the highest increment achieved by the 14-hydroxy-docosahexaenoic acid/19,20-epoxydocosapentaenoic acid ratio (AUC = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.80 to 0.94; ΔAUC = 0.10, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.18, P = 0.008).
Conclusions: Our findings revealed novel prediction models for severe preeclampsia based on first-trimester eicosanoid metabolomics, and provide mechanistic evidence supporting early aspirin use for COX pathway inhibition and suggest that rebalancing the 12/15-LOX and CYP450 pathways may be a potential strategy for preventing severe preeclampsia.
Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identiﬁer: ChiCTR-EOC-15007644
Optimal Organic Working Fluid for the Rankine Cycle Operating by Parabolic Trough Solar Collector
Authors: Hassan Ahmed Sayed
Published: April 2024

This paper investigates finding the best working fluid to improve the giving of the solar organic Rankine cycle. A parabolic trough solar complex was designed to focus the sun rays on a vicious cylinder to produce sufficient steam to operate the ORC. The steam is collected in an isolated tank filled with molten salt called an evaporator. The heat gained in this evaporator is transferred to feed the power generation turbine. Ten different working fluids of R123, R143a, R433A, R290, R40, R22, R600a, R601, RC318 and R1270 were tested at a boiling temperature from 150°C to 240°C. The results showed that using R601 as a working fluid for ORC gave the highest thermal efficiency compared to other organic liquids tested at temperatures from 150 to 240 °C. R601 gives a gain in cycle thermal efficiency by about 24.6% relative using R600a. While R 290 gave an improvement in the power produced by the turbine estimated at 10% higher than that used at higher temperatures above 240° C.
Advancements in Sustainable Conductors: Exploring the Potential of Polybutadiene-Based Urethane and Eutectic Gallium Indium Composites for Autonomous Self-Healing, Stretchable, and Deformation-Resistant Electrical Applications
Authors: Khanh Tran Duc , Joo Jinho , Kim Jong-Woong
Published: April 2024

In the burgeoningfield of wearable electronics, flexible and durable conductors that can maintain consistent electrical properties under various conditions are critically needed. This research investigates the potential of a composite material combining eutectic gallium-indium (EGaIn) with a polybutadiene-based urethane (PBU) to meet these demands. EGaIn is selected for its superior conductivity, which is attributed to its low melting point, allowing for consistent performance. However, the challenge lies in its integration with encapsulating polymers due to poor adhesion qualities and the complexity of treatment methods required for successful amalgamation. Moreover, the high cost of EGaIn poses additional hurdles for its practical application. Addressing these issues, our study introduces a novel EGaIn-PBU composite, which not only ensures robust electrical conductivity but also exhibits remarkable self-healing properties and recyclability, thus promising sustainability. The composite leverages the advantageous properties of both components: EGaIn offers reliable conductivity, and PBU provides flexibility and the ability to self-recover after damage, which are imperative for wearable applications. Additionally, the composite maintains exceptional electrical resistance stability, withstanding mechanical strains up to 135% without compromising performance. The material's self-healing capability is attributed to the autonomous mending properties of EGaIn and the reversible Diels-Alder reactions in the PBU matrix. The result is an efficient restoration of the composite’s original properties upon incurring damage. Furthermore, the composite's adaptability is showcased through its printability, allowing for precise patterning conducive to custom-designed wearable devices. Conclusively, the developed EGaIn-PBU composite represents a transformative advancement in flexible electronics, combining high performance with environmental friendliness.
Multilayer strain and stress echocardiography can represent myocardial viability and MI model types after different ischemic durations in rabbits
Authors: Yang Hongyu , Dong Liping , Li Keting , Jiang Zhonghui , Liu Yujie , Ren Min
Published: April 2024

Background
To investigate myocardial viability and MI model types using multilayer strain and stress echocardiography and evaluate the sensitive STI indicators of myocardial contractile function and viability.
Methods
Fifty-four rabbits were randomly divided into the 60-min, 90-min, and 120-min coronary artery occlusion groups. Blood collections and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) were performed at baseline, after ligation, and after low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography (LDDSE). The ratio of infarcted myocardium to viable myocardium was calculated using Evans Blue-TTC.
Results
After ligation, the ventricular global endocardial longitudinal strain (GSLsys-endo), global myocardial longitudinal strain (GSLsys-mid), and global epicardial longitudinal strain (GSLsys-epi) decreased in the three groups (P < 0.05); longitudinal strain of endocardium (SLsys-endo), longitudinal strain of myocardium (SLsys-mid), and longitudinal strain of epicardium (SLsys-epi) decreased in the affected segments (P < 0.05). After LDDSE, the absolute values of the above indicators in the 60-min and 90-min groups and GSLsys-endo, GSLsys-mid, GSLsys-epi in the 120-min group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). The absolute values of SLsys-endo, SLsys-mid and SLsys-epi in the ischemic segments increased (P < 0.05) in all groups. In the infarcted segments, the absolute values of SLsys-mid and SLsys-epi in 60-min group, SLsys-epi in 90-min group and none in 120-min group increased (P < 0.05). After coronary artery occlusion, malondialdehyde and tumor necrosis factor-α levels were increased, and superoxide dismutase was decreased (P < 0.05). The myocardial infarction area percentage was higher in the 120-min group (40.5%±2.8%), followed by the 90-min (29.3%±3.6%) and 60-min (16.8%±3.2%) groups (P < 0.05). The mortality of the 120-min group was higher than in the two other groups (22.2% vs. 5.6% and 11.1%, P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Multilayer strain and stress echocardiography can evaluate myocardial viability and MI model types in rabbits after different ischemic durations and provide insights into the selection of an appropriate STI indicators and animal model for future reperfusion experiments.
Normative values to assess functional fitness in older adults in a region of Chile.
Authors: Cossio-Bolaños Marco , Vidal-Espinoza Ruben , Olivares Pedro R. , de Campos Luis Felipe Castelli Correia , Sulla-Torres Jose , Guzman Ana , Urra--Albornoz Camilo , Luarte-Rocha Cristian , Urzua-Alul Luis , de Lazari Marcela Silva Ramos , Gomez-Campos Rossana
Published: April 2024

Background
Aging is a global phenomenon that has generated great concerns and challenges in terms of public health and medical care, associated with a lower quality of life.
Objective
To compare the functional fitness of older adults in a region of Chile with other countries, and to propose normative values according to age range and sex.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in older adults of the central-south region of Chile. The sample selection was non-probabilistic. A total of 787 older adults (180 males and 607 females) with an age range of 60 to 85 years were investigated. Weight and height were assessed. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated. The four physical tests evaluated were: 30-s push-up (reps), 30-s standing chair (rep), 8-ft up-and-go (sec), 2-min step test (rep) and 6-min walk (m). Percentiles were calculated for p10, p25, p50, p75 and p90), through the LMS method (L: Lambda; skewness), M: Mu; median and S: Sigma; coefficient of variation).
Results
Discrepancies in BMI were observed between countries (in males from ~ 4.3 to 7.0 kg/m2 and in females from ~ 6.7-7.5kg/m2). In the 30-s push-up test) there were variations from ~ 3 to 6 repetitions in both sexes. In the 8-ft up-and-go test, discrepancies ranged from ~ 1.1 to 4.4 seconds. In the aerobic 2-min step test, discrepancies ranged in both sexes from ~ 21 to 41 repetitions. In the 6-min walk test, the variations between studies ranged from ~ 150 to 245 meters in both sexes. In the 30-s standing chair test, performance in both sexes was relatively homogeneous, varying from ~ 1 to 2 repetitions. Percentiles by age range and sex were developed for BMI and the five functional fitness tests.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that there were discrepancies in BMI and functional fitness performance of older adults between countries in various geographic regions of the world. In addition, the proposed percentiles are an important tool to track individual changes and can be used to evaluate and plan intervention programs in older adults in Chile.
Monitoring Turkey's Nighttime Light and Environmental Change
Authors: Uyar Nehir
Published: April 2024

Night lighting, population growth and climate change are major concerns for Turkey. The intensity of night lights in Turkey has increased significantly in recent years and this increase is closely linked to the rapid growth of the population and the expansion of urban areas. It has been observed that there are more night lights in areas with higher population density. The use of night lighting is directly linked to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This is a major contributor to global climate change. The increase in night lighting in Turkey may aggravate the effects of climate change. In this study, NTL and average DNB for 2013-2021 from NOAA/V21 satellite, average DNB radiance values for 2013-2023 from NOAA/CMCFG satellite, BRDF corrected DNB NTL data for 2013-2023 from NOAA/VNP46A2 satellite were obtained. Night temperature values were extracted from NOAA and MODIS images and their relationship with night light data was analysed. A moderate relationship between NTL and night LST was observed (R:0.32, p-value <0.05). Population and greenhouse gas emission data were obtained from the TurkStat data portal. A high correlation was observed between NTL and greenhouse gases (R>0.8, p-value <0.05). Population density is one of the most important determinants of night light intensity. According to the results, night light intensity in Turkey is significantly correlated with population and greenhouse gas emissions. These results suggest that night light data can be used to develop sustainability and environmental policies. Controlling population growth and energy consumption is an important step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Thermophilic Bacteria (Caldibacillus thermoamylovorans) and Walnut Shells: Promising Antibacterial Agents for Diverse Applications
Authors: Akkaya Sefa Nur , Omeroglu Mehmet Akif , Nadaroglu Hayrunnisa , Adiguzel Ahmet
Published: April 2024

The preparation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) via an environmentally friendly green synthesis method using both bacterial and plant extracts represents a promising alternative approach from an ecological point of view. Thermophilic bacteria were isolated from the Ilıca hot spring in Erzurum, and the Caldibacillus thermoamylovorans SA1 strain was identified as having the highest lignin peroxidase enzyme activity. Using waste walnut shells in combination with this bacterium, the optimal conditions for lignin peroxidase enzyme production were determined by two different methods (5 g/L shell amount, 96 h incubation time, 140 rpm agitation, 60°C temperature, and pH 8.0). Characterization of the synthesized AgNPs was performed using various analytical techniques, including UV‒Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which confirmed the successful production of the nanoparticles. Furthermore, the biological efficacy of the synthesized AgNPs was evaluated by assessing their antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Bacillus cereus. The AgNPs showed significant efficacy against all five pathogenic bacteria, with the antibacterial potency ranking as follows: B. cereus > E. coli = S. aureus > K. pneumoniae > S. pyogenes. In particular, the highest activity was observed against the pathogen B. cereus (15 mm). The broad-spectrum antibacterial properties exhibited by the Ag NPs synthesized in this study offer a promising and sustainable solution for diverse applications in various sectors, including the environmental, agricultural, medical and pharmaceutical fields. In addition, the use of walnut shell, an agricultural waste product, as a substrate for enzyme production not only enhances the value of agricultural byproducts but also ensures the continued use of renewable and sustainable resources.
Vision-Based Tactile Sensors in Precision Agriculture: Deep Learning Approaches, Applications, and Limitations
Authors: Fahmy Israa , Hassan Taimur , Hussain Irfan , Seneviratne Lakmal , Werghi Naoufel
Published: April 2024

The integration of artificial intelligence with sensor technologies has revolutionized precision agriculture, offering unprecedented opportunities for enhancing crop management and productivity. This review focuses on the latest advancements in vision-based tactile sensors, a technology at the forefront of this transformation. By combining tactile data with vision-based techniques, these sensors provide a more comprehensive understanding of the agricultural environment. We investigate thoroughly the role of deep learning approaches in refining the functionality of these sensors, highlighting their potential to significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of agricultural operations. The paper also explores the importance of specialized datasets in training deep neural networks for vision-based tactile applications, assessing the current landscape and identifying gaps in the available data. Through a thorough examination of the current state of the art, this review paper aims to shed light on the potential of AI-driven tactile sensing in precision agriculture and outline future research directions to further advance this field.
Genome-wide association study of photosynthetic pigment content in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Huang Zijun , Zhang Lei , Cui Yuwei , Liu Shiyuan , Zeng Ruier , Liu Yiyang , Li Jie , Gao Hengkuan , Tan Jiangtao , Cao Jing , Jiang Zongli , Pan Qingqing , Geng Qinghui , Li Lan , Li Xi , Li Hong , Zhang Qunjie , Wan Shubo , Li Guowei , Chen Tingting
Published: April 2024

Improving the photosynthetic capacity could increase crop yields but is particularly challenging in C3 crops. Photosynthetic pigments are important for photosynthesis; however, their genetic basis at the seedling and flowering stages in peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) is unclear. In the present study, 241 peanut accessions were genotyped using whole-genome re-sequencing and phenotyped for 4 photosynthetic pigment-related traits across 5 environments. A genome-wide association study of 2,110,659 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was performed, and 149 and 426 SNPs were associated with photosynthetic pigment-related traits based on the best linear unbiased estimation values, including 93 and 242 quantitative trait loci identified at the seedling and flowering stages, respectively. Furthermore, 19 genes were screened using gene-based association analysis, and two novel candidate genes (Arahy.VMJ95M and Arahy.YWY61J) were identified using RNA sequencing. Arahy.VMJ95M, encoding the photosystem I P700 chlorophyll A-binding protein, was linked to the leading SNP 04-121558770, which was associated with Chl b and Car content. Meanwhile, Arahy.YWY61J encoding the terpene synthase 14, was linked to the leading SNP 20-6416174, which was associated with Chl a and Chl b content. Two haplotypes of the two genes encoded distinct phenotypes considering photosynthetic pigment content in the peanut accessions. These findings will contribute to the understanding of genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying variations in photosynthetic pigments and benefits the improvement of photosynthetic efficiency using marker-assisted breeding in peanuts.
Bone metastasis prediction in non-small-cell lung cancer: primary CT-based radiomics signature and clinical feature
Authors: Liu Zheng , Yin Rui , Ma Wenjuan , Li Zhijun , Guo Yijun , Wu Haixiao , Lin Yile , Chekhonin Vladimir P. , Peltzer Karl , Li Huiyang , Mao Min , Jian Xiqi , Zhang Chao
Published: April 2024

Background: Radiomics provided opportunities to quantify the tumor phenotype non-invasively. This study extracted contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) radiomic signatures and evaluated clinical features of bone metastasis in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). With the combination of the revealed radiomics and clinical features, the predictive modeling on bone metastasis in NSCLC was established.
Methods: A total of 318 patients with NSCLC at the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute & Hospital was enrolled between January 2009 and December 2019, which included a feature-learning cohort (n=223) and a validation cohort (n=95). We trained a radiomics model in 318 CECT images from feature-learning cohort to extract the radiomics features of bone metastasis in NSCLC. The Kruskal-Wallis and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression (LASSO) were used to select bone metastasis-related features and construct the CT radiomics score (Rad-score). Multivariate logistic regression was performed with the combination of the Rad-score and clinical data. A predictive nomogram was subsequently developed.
Results: Radiomics models using CECT scans were significant on bone metastasis prediction in NSCLC. Model performance was enhanced with each information into the model. The radiomics nomogram achieved an AUC of 0.745(95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.68,0.80) on predicting bone metastasis in the training set and an AUC of 0.808(95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71,0.88) in the validation set.
Conclusion: The revealed invisible image features were of significance on guiding bone metastasis prediction in NSCLC. Based on the combination of the image features and clinical characteristics, the predictive nomogram was established. Such nomogram can be used for the auxiliary screening of bone metastasis in NSCLC.
Hypernatremia and risk of death in patients hospitalized for community acquired pneumonia: findings from the FADOI-ICECAP study
Authors: Giarretta Igor , Pieralli Filippo , Carleo Christian , Cavalleri Maurizio , Falco Olga , Tangianu Flavio , Dentali Francesco
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a frequent cause of admission to internal medicine units (IMUs). CAP-mortality is still high and it is necessary to identify possible risk factors for unfavorable outcomes. In this study we evaluated the effect of hypernatremia on mortality and the need for intensive care admission in CAP-patients admitted to internal medicine units (IMUs).
Methods: We included 1241 patients hospitalized for CAP in 26 Italian IMUs from October 2016 to February 2018. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the association between patients’ clinical characteristic, disease severity and sodium disorders with need for ICU admission and 30-day mortality .
Results: The prevalence of hypernatremia was 5.7% (95%, CI: 4.41-6.99) and was significantly associated with 30-day mortality (OR 3.88, 95% CI 2.18-6.90) while no association with need for ICU admission was found. Other variables associated with 30-day mortality were age >75 years (OR 3.11, 95 CI 1.81-5.35); multilobar infiltrates at chest imaging (1.54, 95% CI 1.03-2.32); cancer (OR 6.32, 95% CI 3.22-12.4); dementia (OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.80-4.31) and chronic kidney disease (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.03-2.80). Mortality in patients with 0, 1, 2, 3, or ≥ 4 risk factors progressively increased. Based on the number of risk factors in each patient we defined three risk categories that defined the short-term prognosis of this cohort better than PSI and CURB-65 (AUC 0.71 vs 0.63 and 0.64 respectively).
Conclusions: Our study suggests a strong association between hypernatremia and adverse outcomes in patients with CAP. Further studies are needed to validate our score in clinical practice.
Preparation and evaluation of peptide-PLGA nanoparticles on porcine epidemic diarrhea virus infection
Authors: Xu Qian , Wang Fangyu , Feng Hua , Wei Qiang , Sun Xuefeng , Xing Guangxu , Zhang Gaiping
Published: April 2024

Background
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) can cause diarrhea, dehydration and death in suckling piglets, which seriously affects the economic benefits of the production line. Therefore, it is urgent to find an economical and effective treatment to prevent and control PEDV.
Methods
peptide (P6), which could specifically target the S1 C-terminal domain (CTD) protein of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), was subsequently conjugated to poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) by dehydration synthesis generating P6-PLGA nanoparticles and used cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence to further study the inhibitory effect of different concentrations of P6-PLGA nanoparticles on PEDV.
Results
The results showed that cell viability was > 95% when treated with P6-PLGA nanoparticles at concentrations not exceeding 1000 µg/ml. Results of the absolute quantitative PCR revealed that the concentration of P6-PLGA nanoparticles at 400 µg/ml could significantly reduce the viral load of PEDV compared with the virus group (p < 0.05 or p < 0.001). Similarly, results of Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence also suggested that the antiviral effect of P6-PLGA nanoparticles at 400 µg/ml is still significant. Based on the above research, high affinity peptide (P6) was covalently coupled with PLGA particles to obtain P6-PLGA nanoparticles.
Conclusions
PLGA as a drug delivery carrier combined with peptide (P6) can overcome the problems of poor stability, easy degradation or low bioavailability of peptide after entering the body, and provide a new strategy for the development of PEDV antiviral drugs.
Ecofriendly synthesis of cellulose-silver nanocomposites and the evaluation of their antibacterial activity
Authors: Charti Ibtissam , Sair Said , Rafik Oussama , Abboud Younes , Bouari Abdeslam El
Published: April 2024

The integration of nanotechnology into cellulose matrices has gained considerable attention due to the resulting enhanced mechanical, thermal, and antibacterial properties. In this work, we report on a facile and environment-friendly microwave method to prepare cellulose/Ag nanocomposites using palm date wood extract as an effective reductant for silver ion onto surface of cellulose. In order to obtain cellulose microfiber (MFC) from date palm wood fibers, a succession of specific chemical treatments including alkalization and whitening treatment have been developed. Cellulose obtained have been characterized by different techniques. FTIR spectra confirmed the removal of non-cellulosic components after chemical treatments and DRX confirmed the presence of cellulose pics. Experimental results indicated that the palm date wood extract was an effective reductant for silver ions favoring the formation of silver with higher crystallinity and mass content in the nanocomposites. Silver nanoparticles were identified within the cellulose matrix through Scanning Electron Microscopic (SEM). The FTIR characterization studies demonstrated the existence of silver in the cellulose nanocomposites. Additionally, the XRD analysis confirmed the formation of silver peaks within these composites. Qualitative antibacterial tests towards gram negative (Escherichia coli) and gram positive (Micrococcus luteus) bacteria are carried out and the results demonstrated that the Ag-MFCs inhibit the bacteria growth, with 9–13 mm of inhibition zone for the both bacteria. These results demonstrated that the Ag-MFC possess suitable and promising antibacterial behavior and could be used for industrial and technological application.
Economic evaluation of multi-recycling and once-through fuel cycle considering national plans
Authors: Jang Hong , Im Hun Suk , Hur Jungho , Nam Hyo On , Ko Won Il
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a comparative and quantitative analysis of transition scenarios to potential fuel cycle options, focusing on once-through (OT) and pyro-sodium-cooled fast reactor (pyro-SFR) cycles. By employing a module-based flow diagram in system definition, we developed a dynamic mass-flow model to simulate transition scenarios in line with current Korean nuclear plans. Additionally, we derived an economic evaluation model to determine the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for each fuel cycle option. This model includes detailed equations for calculating reactor capital costs and the optimal concentration of depleted uranium. Our mass-flow analysis highlights the pyro-SFR cycle's superior resource utilization and reduced high-level radioactive waste (HLW) production. However, this cycle necessitates additional reactors and back-end cycle facilities. The economic evaluation reveals a marginally higher LCOE for the pyro-SFR cycle, attributed to the costs of constructing and operating these additional facilities. However, uncertainty analysis indicates that uncertainties in unit costs diminish the impact of the cost difference. Through sensitivity analysis, we identified critical modules and break-even points for unit costs, such as reactor capital and natural uranium mining. Our findings offer crucial insights for decision making in spent fuel management plans or policies. System analysis always faces challenges due to data limitations and the commercialization barriers of back-end fuel cycle technologies, however, continued efforts to enhance evaluation accuracy and reduce uncertainty is needed.
The Validation of Non-Invasive Pressure-Volume Loop Indices in Severe Aortic Stenosis
Authors: Aldalati Omar , Eskandari Mehdi , Ali Montasir H , Cabaco Rita , Byrne Jonathan , Monaghan Mark , Lukban Bobit , Kennedy Nicola , Shah Ajay , Dworakowski Rafal , MacCarthy Philip
Published: April 2024

Background:
Studies utilising invasive pressure‒volume loops offer valuable insights into left ventricular (LV) contractility, yet their availability remains limited. Conversely, noninvasive indices are accessible and reproducible; however, their validation in patients with aortic stenosis (AS) is lacking. We sought to validate the noninvasive indices of PVL studies in a group of symptomatic severe AS patients.
We recruited patients with symptomatic severe AS admitted for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) for invasive PVL studies. Noninvasive PVL indices were measured with three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography with a prespecified protocol. The agreement between invasive and noninvasive calculation methods was assessed.
Results:
Eleven patients (11) were recruited for this pilot study. The noninvasive end-systolic pressure‒volume relationship (ESPVR) determined by Kelly's method (Ees(sb) = 0.9 × systolic blood pressure/end-systolic volume (ESV)) had the best agreement with the invasive ESPVR (limits of agreement -1.7 to 2.1 with a percentage error of 24%, one sample T test p =0.504). Systolic blood pressure, as measured by the brachial blood pressure cuff, had the best agreement with end-systolic pressure in severe aortic stenosis (limits of agreement -60 to 60 with a percentage error of 3%, one sample T test p =0.959).
Conclusion:
Measurement of the single-beat estimate of ventricular elastance (Ees(sb)) is possible in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Kelly's method (Ees(sb) = 0.9 × SBP/ESV) had the best agreement with the invasive measurement of left ventricular elastance (Ees). Systolic blood pressure, as measured by the brachial blood pressure cuff, has the best agreement with end-systolic pressure in severe aortic stenosis.
Birth Asphyxia in Undiagnosed Term Singleton Breech Presentation Delivered Vaginally
Authors: GUL SAIMA , Khan Arifa , AHMAD RASHID
Published: April 2024

Breech presentation, characterized by the fetus being positioned bottom-down instead of head-down, poses various risks to both the fetus and the mother. This study aims to investigate the frequency of birth asphyxia in undiagnosed singleton term breech presentations delivered vaginally. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Ayub Teaching Hospital Abbottabad between April 2012 and April 2013. A total of 139 cases of breech presentation were consecutively selected from the labour room, and relevant observations were recorded. The mean age of the sample was 27.64 years, with a majority (53.2%) falling in the age group of 15-25 years. Birth asphyxia was observed in 17 neonates (12.2%), with primiparous women showing the highest frequency. Findings highlight the significance of vigilance in obstetric care, particularly for primiparous women with undiagnosed breech presentations, to mitigate risks associated with birth asphyxia.
Investigation of performance of rock and artificial rubble mound breakwater armour using physical modelling and OpenFOAM
Authors: Safa Ehsan , Mojtahedi Alireza , Yaghin Mohamad Ali Lotfollahi
Published: April 2024

The widely used traditional armour units might be promoted by more detailed analysis for better performance.
This research investigates the stability, run-up and overtopping performances of three traditional armours, including rock, antifer and tetrapod layer of a rubble-mound breakwater by regular and irregular waves. The comparison is made by the results obtained from several verified numerical models in OpenFOAM library and OlaFOAM solver and also utilizes the common wave flume test procedure. The calibration process has two main parts, which include mesh solution and model turbulence. In this process, the optimal mesh and the most effective turbulence model were selected. The results indicate that the lowest and highest values of relative run-up and overtopping discharge were observed for rock armour and Antifer armour units, respectively. The amount of the relative run-up for tetrapod was slightly more than the rock armour. Also, it was observed that the measured stability parameter Ns on the armour unit was controlled. The results indicate that Antifer units can lead to a more stable armour layer than other units.
Predictors of income level: A sociodemographic, social and contextual analysis
Authors: Leite Ângela , Silva Catarina Vieira da , Dias Paulo
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of income levels on different facets of everyday life, encompassing aspects such as food accessibility, housing, living conditions, healthcare services. Additionally, the research intends to grasp the factors that contribute to defining the financial worth of income. The public database used in this study was retrieved from the World Values Survey (WVS): Wave 7 that includes several items related to demographics, social and neighborhood variables. Persistent gender income gaps, favoring men and younger individuals in higher brackets, result from historical norms, pay gaps, and age-related factors. Education correlates with income, notably among upper-middle and upper-class individuals. Neighborhood dynamics affect incomes positively through diverse interactions and negatively through health challenges. Income disparities are intricate and influenced by a combination of demographic, social, and personal factors. Addressing these economic hurdles and fostering diverse interactions contribute to high incomes.