bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in the cardiovascular profile in patients 3 and 12 months after COVID-19 pneumonia: parameters of arterial stiffness, global longitudinal strain, and diastolic function of the left ventricle
Authors: Yaroslavskaya E. I. , Shirokov N. E. , Krinochkin D. V. , Migacheva A. V. , Korovina I. O. , Osokina N. A. , Sapozhnikova A. D. , Petelina T. I.
Published: April 2024

Aim. To study changes in the brachial – ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), ankle – brachial index (ABI), diastolic function, and global longitudinal strain of the left ventricle (LV) 3 and 12 months after COVID-19 pneumonia.

Materials and methods. The dynamics of vascular age and LV global longitudinal strain was studied in 154 patients 3 and 12 months after COVID-19 pneumonia (51 ± 12 years, 48% were women). The control group consisted of 55 sexand age-matched individuals.

Results. During the follow-up, the average baPWV decreased (13.2 [11.8; 15.1] cm / sec vs. 13.0 [11.8; 14.1] cm/ s; p < 0.001), and the frequency of its elevated values declined (45.4 vs. 35.1%; p = 0.008). The average ABI increased (1.09 [1.04; 1.14] vs. 1.11 [1.06; 1.17]; p = 0.012), but remained within the normal range. LV global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) (–19.6 ± 2.2 and –19.7 ± 2.5%; p = 0.854) and the frequency of reduced LV GLS (21.4 and 26.6%; p = 0.268) did not change significantly and did not differ from values in the control group. Global longitudinal strain in the LV basal inferoseptal segment improved (–19.2 ± 3.6% vs. –20.1 ± 4.0%; p = 0.032). The early diastolic mitral annular velocity decreased (8.4 ± 3.0 cm / s vs. 8.0 ± 2.5 cm / s; p = 0.023). The LV isovolumic relaxation time was greater than in the control group (101.8 ± 22.3 ms at the 1st visit vs. 92.9 ± 21.5 ms; p = 0.012; 105.9 ± 21.9 ms vs. 92.9 ± 21.5 ms at the 2nd visit; p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between baPWV (r = 0.209; p = 0.009) and ABI (r = 0.190; p = 0.021) and strain parameters of the LV basal segments 12 months after discharge.

Conclusion. Patients with optimal visualization on echocardiography at 12 months after COVID-19 pneumonia, compared to the results of the examination 3 months after the disease, had deteriorated parameters of LV diastolic function. LV GLS was within the grey zone and did not change significantly. An improvement in arterial stiffness was noted, associated with an improvement in the strain of basal LV segments.
Enabling and constraining causal powers for research and innovation in the South African higher education
Authors: Monnapula-Mapesela N
Published: April 2024

This article highlights the critical importance of research and innovation in higher education, using South Africa (SA) as a case study. It analyses discourses that enable and constrain research and innovation. Margaret Archer’s social realist theory and stratified construct of structure, culture and agency is employed to understand various emerging transformation discourses exerting enabling or constraining causal powers for research and innovation. The interplay between structural, cultural, and agential milieus is investigated to better understand the urgency towards research and innovation. With this understanding, academics might locate their agency in the global and local contexts, create ideal conditions and build corporate agency for strengthening research and innovation. Universities with limited resources, should not reinvent what already exists, but should responsibly borrow key aspects that would thrive in their own contexts. However, it must be cautioned that no system of the world can exist as an end without deficits and flaws.
Reflections and experiences of mentors, tutors and writing consultants on enhancing student Learning during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Ravhuhali F , Tshililo T.Y. , Mboweni H.F , Muthivhi K.M.
Published: April 2024

The experiences of mentors, tutors, and writing consultants in the execution of their roles during unprecedented times, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, remain insufficiently explored and inadequately documented. This article, which adopts a qualitative research methodology with a specific focus on a rural-based comprehensive university in South Africa, delves into the experiences and reflections of mentors, tutors, and writing consultants in the course of their duties during the COVID-19 pandemic. We contend that providing safe spaces for mentors, tutors and writing practitioners to share their experiences on their roles not only during the pandemic should be central to all student support initiatives. This fosters a sense of reflection on their practices which in turn results in professional growth and development as reflective practitioners capable of enhancing student success in higher education. In assessing their work, data was gathered from a population comprising seventy-two selected mentors and tutors (referred to as MenTuts), as well as writing consultants affiliated with the Academic Development Unit (ADU) of the institution. Content and thematic analysis were employed to examine the data after coding. The reflections and experiences of MenTuts and writing consultants were both positive and negative. They expressed enthusiasm for their roles during the COVID-19 pandemic but also conveyed feelings of being overwhelmed by the challenges they faced. This underscores the need for exploring alternative approaches to mentoring, tutoring, and writing consultancy to enhance effective student learning and success in higher education during both present and future unprecedented times. Given the plethora of recent unprecedented events, higher education institutions in South Africa as well as in Africa should start undertaking innovative radical approaches for student support initiatives that are centred around engaging with mentors, tutors, and writing consultants to ensure that they are able to reflect on their experiences to enhance student learning.
Caracterización florística y funcional de las epífitas vasculares asociadas a palmas del género Phoenix L. en Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Medina-Sánchez Ana María , Moreno-Barreto Esteban
Published: April 2024

Las palmas del género Phoenix han sido introducidas con fines estéticos en diferentes ciudades del mundo y se ha reportado que tienen comunidades de plantas epifitas creciendo sobre ellas. Esta investigación evaluó la flora epifita encontrada en la necromasa y en las copas de palmas de este género en Bogotá, Colombia, y los rasgos que hacen que se establezca allí. Para esto se muestrearon 66 individuos en las localidades de Kennedy y Bosa, se calculó el Índice de Valor de Importancia (IVI), el índice de Shannon-Wiener (H), el índice de diversidad funcional (FRic), la equidad funcional (FEve) y divergencia funcional (FDiv) y la similaridad con las epifitas encontradas en palmas del mismo género en cuatro ciudades del mundo a través del índice de Jaccard. Los resultados obtenidos muestran una alta riqueza y diversidad florística, con la presencia de 42 especies, 36 géneros y 19 familias. Asteraceae, Poaceae, Polygonaceae y Amaranthaceae fueron las familias más importantes. En cuanto a los rasgos funcionales, la mayoría de las especies contaba con rasgos de historia de vida adecuados para la colonización de áreas novedosas o intervenidas, encontrando que solo el 7 % de las especies son epifitas verdaderas.
Uncrewed survey-vessel conversion
Authors: Nguyen David
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the uses of an uncrewed survey vessel to maintain mission readiness of all federal navigation channels and ports. Developing an uncrewed survey vessel capable of collecting data in a riverine environment may increase the efficiency and resiliency of the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) missions and USACE districts to conduct surveys during post natural disasters and pandemics. This document describes the installation, enhancement, and modification of the commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) system, the Sea Machines SM300, on a US Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) survey vessel to create a semiautonomous survey capability.
Digital Decarbonization in the Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Ershaghi Iraj , Paul Donald L. , Popa Andrei
Published: April 2024

The need for energy transition has triggered an unprecedented momentum for developing renewable energy sources. With its historical and current contributions to the energy and products market, all indications are that the petroleum Industry needs to continue its efforts in the production of hydrocarbons while also actively exploring substantial ways to substantially reduce GHG emissions such as methane and carbon dioxide. The decarbonization process requires significant investments and concrete steps.

In parallel, we see a transformation in the petroleum industry with the expanded use of ML, AI, data centers, and cloud computing applications. In all operational phases, introducing and expanding digital technologies, including data analytics and AI, is intended to help reduce emissions, minimize accidents, and improve efficiency.

These technologies are also changing job functionalities and require additional energy for data acquisition and computing in data services and cloud computing. We discuss some of these issues in decarbonizing the petroleum industry's operation using digital transformation to improve operational monitoring and efficiency. We particularly examine the implication of additional energy needs to run the new and evolving shape of the industry.
Real-World Analysis of Medications Inducing Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: based on the FDA adverse event reporting system database
Authors: Li Xiang , Wu Shi-Nan , Zhang Si-Qi , Zhang Zhi-Jie , Wang Meng-Yuan , Chen Cui-Ting , Chen Xiao-Dong , Li Ran , Liu Hui-Ying , Dong Nuo
Published: April 2024

Objective: Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) poses a growing public health concern, significantly impacting quality of life. Among its various causes, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) plays a pivotal role. This study focuses on investigating drug-induced MGD to enhance drug safety assessment.
Methods: We analyzed FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) data from January 2004 to September 2023. Using statistical methods like the Ratio of Odds Ratios (ROR) and Proportional Reporting Ratio (PRR), we identified signals indicative of drug-induced MGD. We also categorized drugs associated with MGD.
Results: We examined 289 subjects reporting MGD adverse reactions, with an average age of 51.69 years and 65.44% being female. Adverse reaction reports have steadily increased, peaking in 2023, primarily in the United States and Europe. We identified 9 drugs linked to MGD adverse reactions, spanning ophthalmology, oncology, immunomodulation, dermatology, and the urogenital system.
Conclusion: Our study provides real-world data for swiftly identifying potential MGD-inducing drugs. It offers a robust strategy for exploring drug-MGD associations and informs pharmacovigilance strategies, aiding clinicians in optimizing drug treatments.
WITHDRAWN: Integrated analysis of distribution characteristics, controlling factors, source apportionment, and potential remediation requirements of Pb in a typical karst region
Authors: Huang Chunyang , Li Jie , Wang Xinyu , Feng Minhao , Luo Jie , Feng Siyao , Yin Ningxin
Published: April 2024

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors due to author disagreement with the posting of the preprint. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
The knowledge, facilitators, and barriers of providing botulinum toxin and dermal filler treatments in UK dental practice
Authors: Golian Behnaz Agh , Radford David , Louca Chris
Published: April 2024

Background: Botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid dermal filler injections are the most widely used aesthetic facial treatments and dental professionals are well-positioned to provide them due to their knowledge of facial anatomy. OBJECTIVES: To study the knowledge, types of treatment, facilitators, and barriers that dental professionals have in providing botulinum toxin and dermal filler management in UK dental practice.
METHODS: A questionnaire was developed, and after piloting was distributed through an email link via the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT) and the Chief Investigator’s personal network of dental professionals from different dental backgrounds and with varying scopes of practice. A sample size of 100 respondents to the questionnaire was anticipated.
RESULTS: A total of 110 questionnaires were returned. 47 (43%) of 110 participants were trained in botulinum toxin and dermal filler management. Of those 47 participants, currently only 22 were actively offering these treatments. Of those, 100% offered treatment for facial wrinkles, 73% for lip augmentation and 50% for chin and cheek enhancement. Training courses were of short duration of between 1 and 4 days. 46% of trained participants identified a lack of confidence in managing complications.
CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed a significant interest among dental professionals who responded in offering botulinum toxin and dermal filler treatments, which could represent a potential growth area for the dental profession. However, concerns were raised about the adequacy of hands-on training provided through short courses, which highlighted the need for more comprehensive and hands-on training courses.
Extracted Rutin from Moringa oleifera leaves has a potential inhibitory effect on Mushroom tyrosinase-diphenolase: Competitive inhibition and Computational simulation analyses
Authors: El-Sharkawy Reyad M. , El-Hadary Abdalla E. , Essawy Heba S. , El-Sayed Ashraf S.A.
Published: April 2024

Tyrosinase is a binuclear copper-containing enzyme that catalyzes the conversation of monophenols to diphenols via o-hydroxylation and then the oxidation of o-diphenols to o-quinones which is profoundly linked to eukaryotic melanin synthesis and fruits browning. The hyperpigmentation due to unusual tyrosinase activity has gained growing health concern. Plants and their metabolites are considered promising and effective sources for potent antityrosinase enzymes. Hence, searching for potent, specific tyrosinase inhibitor from different plant extracts is an alternative approach in regulating overproduction of tyrosinase. Among the tested extracts, the hydro-alcoholic extract of Moringa oleifera L. leaves displayed the potent anti-tyrosinase activity (IC50 = 98.93 µg/ml) in a dose-dependent manner using L-DOPA as substrate; however, the kojic acid showed IC50 of 88.92 µg/ml. The tyrosinase-diphenolase (TYR-Di) kinetic analysis revealed mixed inhibition type for the Ocimum basilicum L and Artemisia annua L extracts, while the Coriandrum sativum L extract displayed a non-competitive type of inhibition. Interestingly, the extract of Moringa oleifera L. leaves exhibited a competitive inhibition, low inhibition constant of free enzyme (\({\text{K}}_{\text{i}\text{i}}^{\text{a}\text{p}\text{p}}\)) value and no Pan-Assay Interfering Substances, hinting the presence of strong potent inhibitors. The major putative antityrosinase compound in the extract was resolved, and chemically identified as rutin based on various spectroscopic analyses namely, UV spectrophotometer, FTIR, mass spectrum, and 1H NMR. The in silico computational molecular docking has been performed using rutin and mushroom tyrosinase (PDB code: 2Y9X). The binding energy of the predicted interaction between tropolone native ligand, kojic acid, and rutin against 2Y9X was respectively − 5.28, -4.69, and − 7.75 kcal/mol. The docking simulation results revealed the reliable binding of rutin to the amino acid residues (ASN260, HIS259, SER282) in the tyrosinase catalytic site. Based on the developed results, rutin extracted from M. oleifera L. leaves has the capability to be powerful anti-pigment agent with a potential application in cosmeceutical area. in vivo studies are required to unravel the safety and efficiency of rutin as antityrosinase compound.
Rider Re-Route Suggestions Using Demand Forecasting Based on Passenger's Routes
Authors: Sivakumar Dharun , S Bairavel , C Suriyalakshmi V , A Sricharan
Published: April 2024

Through data analysis and internet networking, ride-sharing can be optimized with the aim of revolutionizing urban transportation. It addresses the common issue of lone commuters by connecting "riders" and "passengers" through an intelligent platform that suggests alternative routes based on passenger demand. The primary goals are to boost urban mobility efficiency, reduce trip costs, and increase sustainability. The project is divided into components for rider and passenger registration, demand forecasts, matchmaking, and route optimization. The results demonstrate that the suggested deviations offer similar travel times, considerable cost savings, and improved customer satisfaction. Cutting back on single-occupancy car use is in line with environmental objectives. This concept offers a data-driven solution to transportation problems, which might drastically alter how people move around cities.
RETRACTED: Supinoxin blocks Small Cell Lung Cancer Progression by Inhibiting Mitochondrial Respiration through the RNA Helicase DDX5
Authors: Tran Elizabeth , Das Subhadeep , Russon Matthew , Zea Maria , Xing Zheng , Torregrosa-Allen Sandra , Cervantes Heidi , Elzey Bennett , Harper Haley
Published: April 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Experimental investigation on the moisture absorption performance of common rough processed biomass particles
Authors: Liang Yiting , Cheng Haifeng , Zhang Ju , Chen Xiaoyu , Yin Linjian
Published: April 2024

With the increasingly severe global ecological and energy crisis, green environmental protection is receiving more and more attention from people. This study uses peanut shells and bamboo as raw materials for rough processing to produce biomass particles as solid adsorbents, exploring the feasibility of using biomass materials as environmentally friendly desiccants. The pore size and distribution of the materials are characterized by a fully automatic specific surface area and pore size analyzer, and the desorption performance of the materials is detected by a thermogravimetric analyzer. Using a dynamic water vapor adsorption analyzer (DVS) to test the moisture absorption capacity and rate of materials under a single operating condition (25 ℃, RH90%), and comparing them with silica gel under the same experimental conditions. The results show that the specific surface area and pore volume of bamboo charcoal particles are larger than those of peanut shell particles, so the moisture absorption of bamboo charcoal particles is better than that of peanut shell particles; Thermogravimetric analysis shows that compared to bamboo charcoal particles, peanut shell particles have lower temperatures during the main desorption stage and consume less energy during the regeneration process; Research on adsorption kinetics shows that both bamboo charcoal and peanut shell particles have lower moisture absorption than silica gel, but have a longer effective dehumidification time. Therefore, bamboo charcoal and peanut shell particles are potential environmentally-friendly dehumidification materials.
Research on Vibration Characteristics of Bearingless Motorized Spindle Based on Multibody Dynamics
Authors: Meng Jie , He Lihong , Yang Jianan , Liu Shuang
Published: April 2024

During the service process of bearingless motorized spindle (BLMS), its parameters change with time and external conditions, leading to the decrease in the accuracy of the motorized spindle. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately describe the dynamic performance of the motorized spindle during actual operation using deterministic parameters. In this paper, the interactions between thermal deformation and vibration of the motorized spindle are explored. The dynamic model of the motorized spindle based on multibody dynamics and time-varying parameters is established, and the solution method of dynamic model with uncertain parameters is investigated. Firstly, the reasons of vibration in the BLMS are analyzed, and the influences of thermal deformation on the thermal eccentricity and inhomogeneous air gap of BLMS are studied. The vibration model of the BLMS is established and solved to acquire the radial vibration displacement. Secondly, the discrete multibody dynamics model of the BLMS is built, and the center trajectory of the motorized spindle is attained by solving the multibody dynamics model. The prototype experimental platform of BLMS is designed and the vibration tests are carried out. The experimental results show that the vibration amplitude of the BLMS increases with the running time, and the maximum displacement has a large deviation from the simulation results using the determined parameters, while a small deviation from the simulation results using the uncertain parameters. It indicates that the solution of the multibody dynamics model of the BLMS described by uncertain parameters is closer to the experimental data. The research findings can provide reference for the optimized design of BLMS.
The Evolution of Female Preference, Male Traits and the G matrix:
“Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore”
Authors: Roff Derek
Published: April 2024

Female preference exerts selection pressure on male traits. This results in a complex interplay of phenotype and genotype. This complexity was examined by an experiment in which females were either mated to males they preferred (S lines) or to males chosen at random from the population (R lines). If genetic correlations between preference and preferred traits (14 song components) resulted from linkage disequilibrium, the correlation would diminish more in the S than the R line. This was not observed, suggesting that the correlation was generated by linkage disequilibrium and pleiotropy. Univariate preference was greatest for time spent calling (CALL), volume (VOL) and chirp rate (CHIRP) but the major contributors in the multivariate function were CALL and CHIRP, the univariate influence of VOL arising from correlations to these traits. Estimation of β for CALL and VOL resulting from female preference showed that both were under strong direct selection. However, CALL did not change over the course of the experiment whereas VOL, CHIRP and other song components did. Simulation of the experiment using the G matrix estimated from generation 11 showed that the lack of change in CALL resulted from indirect genetic effects negating direct effects. CHIRP and VOL were predicted to change as observed. Changes in song components were largely due to indirect effects. This experiment showed that female preference may exert strong selection on traits but how they respond to such selection will depend greatly upon the details of the G matrix.
Diabetes screening among women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A descriptive study of commercial claims, 2011-2019
Authors: Vollmer Jacklyn , Lacy Mary E. , Christian W. Jay
Published: April 2024

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that affects 6-12% of United States women of reproductive age. Women with PCOS are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes and fall into high-risk groups according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) screening guidelines. Guidelines further indicate that an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) should be used for diabetes screening in women with PCOS instead of an A1C or fasting plasma glucose test. The purpose of this study is two-fold: 1) to estimate rates of diabetes screening among a nationwide sample of commercially insured women with PCOS and 2) to report the percentage of women screened using each test (OGTT, A1C, fasting plasma glucose) among those who were screened.
Methods: We used the MarketScan Commercial Claims database (2011-2019) to identify a sample of women aged 18-64 years with PCOS who were free from diabetes at baseline and had ≥5 years of continuous enrollment. PCOS was ascertained using International Classification of Disease diagnosis codes (ICD-9: 256.4; ICD-10: E28.2). Diabetes screening was ascertained using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes (A1C: 83036, 83037; Fasting blood sugar: 82947; OGTT: 82950). Diabetes screening rates were calculated for the overall study sample as well as across subgroups defined by age, overweight/obesity, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and vascular disease.
Results: In our sample of 191,110 commercially insured women with PCOS, 73.40% were screened at least once for diabetes during a five-year period. Among the women screened, 19.24% were screened using the Androgen Excess Society (AES)-recommended OGTT, 61.58% were screened using A1C, and 23.37% were screened using fasting blood sugar.
Conclusions: Almost 75% of women with PCOS comply with the ACOG screening guidelines for diabetes. However, while the OGTT is recommended as the preferred screening tool for women with PCOS, it was less commonly used than A1C and fasting blood sugar tests.
Strain-Specific Responses in Microalgal Lipid Production: Revealing the Impact of Light, Temperature, and Nitrogen Stressors on Nannochloropsis and Microchloropsis
Authors: Abdelkarim Omnia , Wijffels Rene H. , Barbosa Maria
Published: April 2024

The oleaginous genera Nannochloropsis and Microchloropsis are recognized for their lipid accumulation capacity. Microalgal lipid accumulation is triggered by nitrogen starvation, negatively affecting photosynthesis and growth. Moreover, light and temperature play pivotal roles in microalgal physiology, lipid accumulation and composition. This study focuses on comparing the responses of eight microalgal species from Nannochloropsis(N.) and Microchloropsis(M.) genera (N. oceanica Necton, N. oceanica IMET1, N. sp. CCAP211/78, N. oculata, M. gaditana CCFM01, M. gaditana CCMP526, M. salina, and N. limnetica) to light, temperature, and nitrogen availability. Biomass, lipid content and productivities were monitored under light intensities (150 (LL) and 600μmol.m-2.s-1(HL)) and temperatures (15, 25, 30℃) variation under nitrogen(N-) starvation and replete conditions. Our results revealed that under N-starvation and HL, N. sp exhibited the most substantial lipid content (59%DW) and productivity (0.069glipid/L/d), while N. oculata had the lowest lipid content (37.5%DW) and productivity (0.037glipid/L/d) among the eight strains. Notably, M. gaditana CCFM01 achieved the highest EPA content (4.7%DW), contrasting with N. oceanica IMET1’s lowest EPA content (2.9%DW) under 150μmol.m-2.s-1 and N-repletion. The response to temperature fluctuations under LL was species-dependent. M. salina and M. gaditana CCFM01 demonstrated the highest and lowest lipid productivities (0.069 glipid/L/d and 0.022 glipid/L/d, respectively) at 15℃ under N-starvation. Moreover, significant EPA accumulation across various strains was observed in N. oculata (5.7%DW) under N-repletion at 15°C, surpassing M. gaditana CCFM01 by 40%. Ultimately, the physiological responses to cultivation conditions vary markedly among microalgal species, even within the same genus. This knowledge is essential for selecting suitable strains for the efficient microalgal lipid production industry.
Uncovering the genomic basis of symbiotic interactions and niche adaptations in freshwater picocyanobacteria
Authors: Park Hongjae , Bulzu Paul , Shabarova Tanja , Kavagutti Vinicius S. , Ghai Rohit , Kasalický Vojtěch , Jezberová Jitka
Published: April 2024

Background Picocyanobacteria from the genera Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, and Cyanobium are the most widespread photosynthetic organisms in aquatic ecosystems. However, their freshwater populations remain poorly explored, due to uneven and insufficient sampling across diverse inland waterbodies.
Results In this study, we present 170 high-quality genomes of freshwater picocyanobacteria from non-axenic cultures collected across Central Europe. In addition, we recovered 33 genomes of their potential symbiotic partners affiliated with four genera, Pseudomonas, Mesorhizobium, Acidovorax, and Hydrogenophaga. The genomic basis of symbiotic interactions involved heterotrophs benefiting from picocyanobacteria-derived nutrients while providing detoxification of ROS. The global abundance patterns of picocyanobacteriarevealed ecologically significant ecotypes, associated with trophic status, temperature, and pH as key environmental factors. The adaptation of picocyanobacteria in (hyper-)eutrophic waterbodies could be attributed to their colonial lifestyles and CRISPR-Cas systems. The prevailing CRISPR-Cas subtypes in picocyanobacteria were I-G and I-E, which appear to have been acquired through horizontal gene transfer from other bacterial phyla.
Conclusions Our findings provide novel insights into the population diversity, ecology, and evolutionary strategies of the most widespread photoautotrophs within freshwater ecosystems.
Can AI answer my questions? Using Artificial Intelligence to help provide information for patients with a stoma
Authors: Lim Bryan , Lirios Gabriel , Sakalkale Aditya , Satheakeeerthy Shriranshini , Hayes Diana , Yeung Justin M
Published: April 2024

Background
Stomas present significant lifestyle and psychological challenges for patients, requiring comprehensive education and support. Current educational methods have limitations in offering relevant information to the patient, highlighting a potential role for Artificial Intelligence (AI). This study examined the utility of AI in enhancing stoma therapy management following colorectal surgery.
Material and Methods
We compared the efficacy of four prominent Large Language Models (LLM)—OpenAI's ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4.0, Google's Gemini, and Bing's CoPilot—against a series of metrics to evaluate their suitability as supplementary clinical tools. Through qualitative and quantitative analyses, including readability scores (Flesch-Kincaid, Flesch-Reading Ease, and Coleman-Liau index) and reliability assessments (Likert scale, DISCERN score and QAMAI tool), the study aimed to assess the appropriateness of LLM-generated advice for patients managing stomas.
Results
There are varying degrees of readability and reliability across the evaluated models, with CoPilot and ChatGPT-4 demonstrating superior performance in several key metrics such as readability and comprehensiveness. However, the study underscores the infant stage of LLM technology in clinical applications. All responses required high school to college level education to comprehend comfortably. While the LLMs addressed users’ questions directly, the absence of incorporating patient-specific factors such as past medical history generated broad and generic responses rather than offering tailored advice.
Conclusion
The complexity of individual patient conditions can challenge AI systems. The use of LLMs in clinical settings holds promise for improving patient education and stoma management support, but requires careful consideration of the models' capabilities and the context of their use.
Integrative phenotyping approaches to unmask the Phyb-PIF4 pathway in Arabidopsis thaliana reproductive organs at high ambient temperatures
Authors: Naghani Shekufeh Ebrahimi , Šmeringai Ján , Pleskačová Barbora , Dobisová Tereza , Panzarová Klára , Pernisová Markéta , Robert Hélène S.
Published: April 2024

Background
The increasing ambient temperature significantly impacts plant growth, development, and reproduction. Uncovering the temperature-regulating mechanisms in plants is of high importance, not only for boosting our plant biology knowledge but also for assisting plant breeders in improving plant resilience to these stress conditions. Numerous studies on the molecular mechanisms by which plants regulate temperature responses revealed that plants employ distinct transcription factors to regulate thermomorphogenesis specific to each tissue type. A significant discovery in this field was the identification of PHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTORs (PIFs) as key regulators of thermomorphogenesis during vegetative growth. PIF4, a regulator of auxin-mediated signaling pathways, is crucial in controlling high-temperature responses.
Results
In this study, we screened the temperature responses of the wild type and several PhyB-PIF4 pathway Arabidopsis mutant lines in combined and integrative phenotyping platforms for root in soil, shoot, inflorescence, and seed. We demonstrated that high ambient temperature differentially impacts vegetative and reproductive organs through this pathway. Suppression of the PhyB-PIF4 components mimics the response to a high ambient temperature in wild-type plants. We also identified correlative responses to high ambient temperature between shoot and root tissues. This integrative and automated phenotyping was complemented by monitoring the changes in transcript levels in reproductive organs. Transcriptomic profiling of the pistils from plants grown under high ambient temperature identified key elements that may provide clues to the molecular mechanisms behind temperature-induced reduced fertilization rate, such as a downregulation of auxin metabolism, upregulation of genes involved auxin signalling, miRNA156and miRN160 pathways, pollen tube attractants.
Conclusions
Thermomorphogenesis is uniquely controlled in the different plant tissues at different developmental stages. We have identified key elements that may help to determine the response to high ambient temperatures during reproduction processes.
Preparation, Characterization, and Antibacterial Evaluation of Novel Biodegradable Self-Healing Film Based on Fish Collagen Crosslinked Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Authors: Zallaghi Mahsa , Esmkhani Maryam , Mirzaei Akbar , Javanshir Shahrzad
Published: April 2024

Biodegradable films are widely explored to environment pollution. One of the best alternatives to reduce packaging waste is the use of biodegradable polymers. Fish collagen is attracting great interest due to its high biocompatibility and absence of religious and social limitations compared to other terrestrial collagen sources. This study aimed to prepare and characterize a biodegradable and antibacterial fish collagen-based film crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose with good mechanical performance, good moisture barrier, and self-healing property. The films were prepared by mixing a solution of isinglass (IG) with different carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) contents (0.1, 0.25, and 0.4 g) using triethanolamine (TEA) as plasticizer. Up to the results the optimized film contained 0.4 g CMC and 0.5 ml TEA. Morphological characteristics were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the interactions between the functional groups were analyzed by FTIR. The optimized CMC-IG film possessed a tensile stress of around 1.02–3.32 MPa, and an elongation at break of 176–241%. Moreover, the films showed a good self-healing property and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The good mechanical properties, antibacterial activity, and good moisture barrier made this thin film a good choice for food packaging applications.
Effect of rock porosity on the natural frequency of the sample: theoretical model and experiment
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Gu Zewen , Kong Xiangqing , Liu Baoshan , Wang Zidong , Liu Jianlin
Published: April 2024

Not confined to static effects such as permeability, the effect of porosity on the natural frequency of a rock is crucial to explore its dynamic behaviors. In the present work, a cylinder vibration model governed by the Lame-Navier equation is developed to clarify the mechanism of porosity-effect on the natural frequency of a rock. Focusing on the structural difference of the pore, the porosity-effect on the natural frequency for a cylinder model is preliminarily investigated by finite element (FE) simulations, in consideration of ideal straight and conical hole structures. To probe the distribution of real pores, the micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) technique is used to extract the accurate geometry of pores of the digital core, and the results are imported into the FE model for simulation. By introducing the Nur’s model and Krief’s model, the improved cylinder vibration model is able to predict multiple orders of the natural frequency of real rock samples with various porosities, and therefore overcomes the defects of the conventional spring-dashpot model. Verified by the resonant experiment on various rock samples, the results of the FE model and the improved cylinder vibration model show a basically consistent trend, i.e. the natural frequency decreases with the increase of porosity. These findings are beneficial to a wide range of engineering applications such as resonance enhanced drilling (RED) of rocks, high-speed processing of novel porous materials, and oil or gas explorations.
Segmental Vertebral Three-dimensional Motion in Patients with L4 Isthmic Spondylolisthesis under Weight-bearing Conditions
Authors: Xu Hongda , Deng Haitao , Li Mingfan , Wang Tieheng , Zhang Lei , Gou Yuankun , Xu Jianfeng , Qing Peidong , Zhao Shengxin
Published: April 2024

Objective
To investigate in vivo 6-degree-of-freedom (DOF) vertebral motion in patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis (IS) during various functional weight-bearing activities.
Methods
Fifteen asymptomatic volunteers (mean age 54.8 years) and fourteen patients with IS at L4-5 (mean age 53.4 years) were recruited. The positions of the vertebrae (L4-L5) in the supine, standing, flexion-extension, left-right twisting and left-right bending positions were determined using previously described CT-based models and dual fluoroscopic imaging techniques. Local coordinate systems were established at the center of the anterior vertebra of L4 isthmic spondylolisthesis (AIS), the posterior lamina of L4 isthmic spondylolisthesis (PIS) and the center of the L5 vertebra to obtain the 6DOF range of motion (ROM) at L4-L5 and the range of motion (ROM) between the AIS and the PIS.
Results
The translation along the anteroposterior axis at L4-L5 during flexion-extension, left-right bending and left-right twisting was significantly greater than that of the healthy participants. However, the translation along the mediolateral axis at L4-L5 presented paradoxical motion under different positions: the ROM increased in the supine-standing and flexion-extension positions but decreased in the left-right bending and left-right twisting positions. The separation along the anteroposterior axis during flexion was significantly greater than that during standing, on average, reaching more than 1 mm. The separation along the mediolateral axis during standing, flexion and extension was significantly greater than that in the supine position.
Conclusions
This study revealed the occurrence of displacement between the AIS and PIS, primarily in the form of separation during flexion. Symptomatic patients with isthmic spondylolisthesis exhibit intervertebral instability, which might be underestimated by flexion-extension radiographs.
Comparing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and its Management in Babies Prenatally Exposed to Opioids and Methamphetamines
Authors: Behmadi Reza , Vahedi Zahra , Marzban Reza , Akhgarjand Camellia , Houjaghani Hirad
Published: April 2024

Background
The increasing prevalence of methamphetamine use during pregnancy has raised concerns about its impact on neonatal outcomes, including neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). This retrospective cohort study aimed to examine the severity of NAS and associated clinical outcomes in neonates based on the type of prenatal substance exposure (opioids, methamphetamines, or a combination).
Material and Methods
The study population included 80 term neonates born to mothers with documented substance use, stratified into three cohorts: opioid-only exposure, stimulant-only exposure, and combined opioid and stimulant exposure. Data on birth weight, gestational age, gender, route of delivery, length of hospital stay, and treatment requirements were extracted from medical records.
Results
Significant differences were observed in birth weight, with infants in the opioid-only group being heavier compared to the other two groups. The rates of small for gestational age (SGA) were 0%, 12.5%, and 21.4% in the opioid, methamphetamine, and Opioid + Methamphetamine groups, respectively. However, gestational age and the need for cesarean delivery did not differ significantly across the groups. Regarding treatment requirements, there were no statistically significant differences among the groups in the need for pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions, nor in the duration of hospitalization.
Conclusions
Contrary to previous findings, this study suggests that neonates prenatally exposed to methamphetamines may exhibit NAS severity and treatment requirements comparable to those exposed to opioids. These findings challenge the long-held notion that opioid withdrawal universally eclipses the severity of methamphetamine withdrawal in newborns. Further research is needed to elucidate the potential mediating variables that may contribute to the observed equivalency in NAS susceptibility across different drug classes.
Ash areas of the Middle Pleistocene at Cova Negra (Xàtiva, Spain): the microstratigraphic sequence of level VIII
Authors: Oltra-Carrió Isabela , Bergadà M. Mercè , Eixea Aleix , Villaverde Valentín
Published: April 2024

The study of the uses of fire and of the domestic activities linked to them is necessary for a bettter understanding of the relations and behaviors of the Neanderthal groups in southern Europe during the Middle Pleistocene. The analysis of the microstratigraphy of level VIII at Cova Negra, dated between 206–255 ka which situates it in the MIS 7 interglacial complex, has enabled us to identify several distinct microfacies which present different plant compositions. Those remains that stand out have a predominance of Gramineae deposited as bedding at the top of the sequence. Between the microfacies of combustion that have been established, coprolites of carnivores have been identified, related to periods of abandonment by the human populations. The record of all these processes in level VIII at Cova Negra leads us to new approaches concerning the vision that we hold of the first Neanderthals in relation to Mediterranean Iberia. Matters such as the preparation of zones for cleaning or for resting in place perhaps formed part of the behavior of these groups of early Neanderthals.
Exploring the Genetic Link Between COVID-19 Severity and Pre-eclampsia: The Role of NTSR1 Gene SNPs and Calcium Ion Transport
Authors: Li Linli , Shen Qi , Zheng Hui , Mo Yanxiang
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and pre-eclampsia both present significant health challenges worldwide, with emerging evidence suggesting a genetic interlinkage that could illuminate new therapeutic avenues. This study aims to explore the genetic relationship between the severity of COVID-19 and pre-eclampsia, with a focus on Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the NTSR1 gene and mechanisms of calcium ion transport.
Method: We employed a combination of genetic epidemiology and molecular biology techniques, including comprehensive bibliometric analysis and Mendelian Randomization, to assess the correlation between specific SNPs related to the NTSR1 gene and the severity of both COVID-19 and pre-eclampsia.
Result: Our findings reveal a significant genetic correlation between the severity of COVID-19 and pre-eclampsia, underscored by SNPs associated with the NTSR1 gene and calcium ion transport. This correlation suggests a shared genetic foundation that could exacerbate both conditions, providing insights into potential molecular interactions involved.
Conclusion: The identification of shared genetic pathways between COVID-19 and pre-eclampsia highlights the importance of genetic insights in developing targeted therapeutic interventions. These results open up new avenues for the mitigation of these conditions, emphasizing the role of genetic epidemiology in shaping future healthcare strategies.
Application of limit equilibrium and shear strength reduction techniques for stability assessment of upstream and downstream slope cuts- A case study ofKhalid-Dijo dam project, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Wendim Demeke
Published: April 2024

Dam failure can occur due to various reasons like structural instability, downstream and upstream slopes instability. The downstream and upstream slope cuts of Khalid-Dijo irrigation dam project has assessed by integrating both limit equilibrium and finite element methods. In this research, limit equilibrium methods such as Morgenstern-Price, Spencer and Janbu corrected methods were utilized. Because those methods are satisfies both force and moment equilibriums. In addition, numerical finite element shear strength reduction method was utilized to compare the analysis results with limit equilibrium methods and validate the analysis. Slide v 6.0 software packages were utilized for limit equilibrium analysis and a phase2 v 8.0 was utilized for finite element analysis. In both methods the analysis was carried out at four anticipated natural conditions (i.e., static dry, static saturated, dynamic dry and dynamic saturated conditions). Slope material (i.e. soil and rock) properties are measured from in situ, laboratory tests and used as input parameters for the analysis to obtain factor of safety and critical strength reduction factor. Those are unit weight, cohesion, angle of internal friction, poison’s ratio, dilation angle and young’s modulus. Thus, the analysis shows that the factor of safety values for limit equilibrium methods and the critical strength reduction factor for finite element method are very close each other for the three slope cuts at all anticipated conditions. The lowest factor of safety and critical strength reduction factor is 1.56 and 2.14 respectively. Thus, it can be concluded that Khalid-Dijo irrigation dam project is safe against upstream and downstream slope cuts failure. The study suggested that the average safety factor values of both methods should be used during the design stage to minimize the risk.
Disc degenerative disease in South Africa: A case-control analysis of selected gene variants
Authors: Pearce Keenau , Less Stephanie , Liebenberg Adriaan W. , Benjeddou Mongi
Published: April 2024

Background Disc degenerative disease is a multifactorial disease for which genetics plays an integral role. Several genes, and their variants, associated with the development and progression of disc degenerative disease have been identified. While several studies have investigated these genes in Asian and European populations, no available evidence exists for the South African population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate these parameters.Methods and results Biological samples were collected in the form of buccal swabs from patients. DNA extraction was carried out according to established methods. All genotyping was performed using the MassARRAY®System IPLEX extension reaction. or associations between variants and the presence of disc degenerative disease, odds ratios, confidence intervals, chi-squared analysis and logistic regression was calculated. This study found statistically significant associations for five of the evaluated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with disc degenerative disease, namely IL-1α rs1304037 and rs1800587, GDF-5 rs143383, ADAMTs-5 rs162509, and MMP-3 rs632478.Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first of its kind to investigate the association of gene variants associated with disc degenerative disease within the South African population. This study has shown that 5 of these gene variants were significantly associated with the presence of disc degenerative disease, reflecting their integral roles in development and possible progression of the disease.