bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Foliar spraying exogenous S3307: an important method to resist low temperature stress on mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] at the flowering stage
Authors: Xiang Hongtao , Wang Shiya , Liang Xiaoyan , Wang Xueyang , Xie Hongchang , Wang Deming , Wang Qingjuan , Li Wan
Published: August 2023

Low temperature is one of the major constraints on agricultural productivity worldwide and is likely to further increase. Several adaptations and mitigation strategies are required to cope with low-temperature stress. Uniconazole (S3307) could play a significant role in the alleviation of abiotic stress in plants. In this study, the effects of S3307 on the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant metabolism were studied in the leaves of mung bean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]. The experimental results showed that the low-temperature induced accumulation of superoxide anion (O2·−) production rate, and malonaldehyde (MDA) contents. Increased proline content and enzymatic antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (POD), were found to alleviate oxidative damage under low temperatures. While, S3307 could reduce O2·− production rate and MDA contents and increase the activities of SOD, POD, and CAT, slowed the decrease in ascorbic acid (AsA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), glutathione (GSH), and oxidized glutathione (GSSG), and promoted increase in soluble sugars (SS), soluble proteins (SP), and proline (Pro) content under low-temperature. At the same time, low temperature leads to lower 100 grain weight and number of grains per plant, which eventually causes yield reduction decreased. Foliar spraying of S3307 could alleviate the yield loss caused by low temperature, and the increase of S3307 treatment was 5.1–12.5% and 6.3–32.9% for the two varieties, respectively, compared with CK. In summary, exogenous S3307 pretreatment enhances plant tolerance to low-temperature by improving the antioxidant enzyme activities, increased non-enzymatic antioxidants content, and decreased O2·− production rate and MDA contents and inducing alterations in endogenous S3307, and reduce the decrease in mung bean yield.
Biochar: A Surrogate Approach to Modulating Soil Chemical Properties and Germination Parameters of Barley Plants Grown under Multi-Stress Conditions
Authors: Awad Ahmed , Omar Murtada , Ghallab Ahmed , El-Galil Ali Abd
Published: August 2023

BackgroundOwing to its unique features, biochar (BC) is an excellent surrogate approach to improve the chemical properties of soil with undesirable characteristics.Methods. Under multiple abiotic stresses (ECe = 10.8 vs. 10.7 dS.m−1; CaCO3= 19.1 vs. 18.8%; soil pH = 8.15 vs. 8.13) during two growing seasons (2020/2021 and 2021/2022), an experimental pot study was conducted to investigate the potential effects of palm tree frond biochar (PTF-BC) applied at three rates (0.0, 28.0, and 56.0 g.pot−1, labeled as BC0, BC1, and BC2) generated under three pyrolysis temperatures (350, 500, and 700 °C, labeled as PT350, PT500, and PT700). The experiment was set up according to a split-plot structure in a randomized complete block design; the pyrolysis temperatures were set as the main plot and BC addition rates were set as sub-main plots.Results.The results indicate that PT700and BC2had the most impact on soil chemical properties, except soil pH, which was positively affected by PT350and BC1. Regarding the germination parameters, the data reveal that PT350and P700were the superior treatments, while BC2led to noteworthy elevations of all studied germination parameters, except germination rate (GR), in both seasons. The heat map illustrating the studied soil chemical properties fluctuates between positive and negative.Conclusion.In short, the application of BC has profound desirable effects on soil physio-chemical properties relying on PTs.
Investigation of corrosion behavior of Al-TiO2 nanocomposite produced using Air Plasma Spray and Accumulative Roll Bonding method
Authors: Aminian Hamed , Borhani Ehsan , Mahmoudi Mohammad , Amouaghaei Omid , Shafyei Ali
Published: August 2023

This work is an attempt to study the Al-TiO2 nanocomposite properties applying accumulative roll bonding process. For this purpose, nano Titania powder was first coated on aluminum foil by air plasma spraying process. The nanocomposite was then fabricated in one, two, three, five, and seven cycles by ARB. To investigate the effect of ARB process cycles on an Al-5wt.% TiO2 nanocomposite, characterization tests including XRD, quantitative XRD analysis by MAUD software, FESEM, EDS, electrochemical impedance, and TAFEL polarization tests were performed on the samples. The results indicate that the crystallite size reduced from 156nm to 31nm and the dislocation density quadrupled in the composite. The results of XRD analysis showed an increase in the dislocation density in the composite when the number of cycles increases. The reduction of crystallite size and increase of the grain boundaries have caused a sudden increase in the dislocation density. As the ARB cycle increases, the local porosity decreases and the local cracks due to the separation of the titanium sprayed droplets disappear in the matrix phase, and the reinforcing phase has more diffusion in the matrix. With the increase of ARB cycles, the percentage of titanium and oxygen elements on the surface was decreasing, but they remained until the last cycle. Among the non-rolled and rolled samples in different cycles, ARBed samples after 1 cycle and 5 cycles had not only the lowest and highest corrosion current densities but also the highest and lowest total resistance (Rt), respectively. This indicates max corrosion resistance due to the decrease in defect and porosity resulting from plasma spray and min corrosion resistance thanks to formation of galvanic cell between Al-matrix and Ti-reinforcing particles, respectively.
Application of Key Exchange Algorithm under Private Random Precoding in Wireless Communication
Authors: Hu Shunyi
Published: August 2023

This paper proposes a Physical Layer Network Coding (PLNC) scheme based on two channels pre-balanced by studying the PLNC technology and the security problem of the Network Coding (NC) system to solve the security problem of PLNC in Wireless Communication (WC). This security scheme focuses not only on the key generation process but also on the use of generated keys for encryption and decryption during the transmission of useful information by the NC system. In addition, for the security risks of the traditional Private Random Precoding (PRP) Key Exchange Algorithm (KEA), this paper proposes an improved PRP. The security and confidentiality of the KEA are strengthened. The method is applied to multi-user scenarios to verify. The results show that the security scheme based on channel time domain key generation encryption can ensure the security of the PLNC system and effectively prevent the eavesdropping attacks of illegal users. Compared with other algorithms, the improved PRP KEA significantly reduces the key error rate of generating a 64-bit key under the same conditions compared to the key when generating a 16-bit key, reaching less than 10-3. In scenarios with high correlation coefficients, the improved algorithm leaks less information than other algorithms and has higher security performance. Therefore, the improved KEA performs well for the physical layer network security problem in WC.
Adaptive Sliding Mode Filtering Control of Memristor-Based Bao Hyper-chaotic System
Authors: Zhu Shixiang , Feng Yuming , Li Rongfeng , Yan Dongfang , Onasanya Babatunde Oluwaseun
Published: August 2023

Utilizing the three-dimensional Bao system as a basis, we propose a hyper-chaotic circuit system and develop a dimensionless mathematical model by incorporating the smooth cubic nonlinear flux control arrester model as the feedback component. The dynamic characteristics, equilibrium set, and stability of the system are investigated through the utilization of Lyapunov exponential spectrum and bifurcation diagrams. Subsequently, we design the hardware circuit and simulate its analog equivalent circuit, demonstrating consistent results with the numerical simulation. Additionally, we construct an adaptive sliding mode filter controller for ensuring asymptotic stability of the system under external interference and unknown parameters conditions. By integrating the Lyapunov stability principle, we effectively control the Bao hyper-chaotic system. In the final section of this paper, the results of numerical simulation and analysis demonstrate the effectiveness of the designed controller, thus establishing a solid foundation for the practical application of memristor chaotic circuits.
Parenteral calcium administration and outcomes of critically ill patients with hypocalcemia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Melchers M , Moonen Hanneke Pierre Franciscus Xaverius , Breeman Tessa Maria , Bree Sjoerd Hendrika Willem van , Zanten Arthur RH van
Published: August 2023

Background
Administration of calcium in patients with hypocalcemia admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) remains disputed, as previous data show conflicting effects on outcome, with a lack of subgroup analyses. This study aimed to investigate the associations between parenteral calcium administration and clinical outcomes in septic and non-septic critically ill patients with serum hypocalcemia.
Methods
This retrospective study included patients who were admitted to a mixed medical-surgical adult ICU in a University-affiliated teaching hospital between October 1, 2015, and September 1, 2020. The primary outcomes were all-cause 180-day mortality and time to shock resolution. Subgroup analyses in septic and non-septic patients with mild or moderate hypocalcemia based on median splits were conducted.
Results
Among the 1,100 patients with hypocalcemia who met the inclusion criteria, 576 (52%) received intravenous calcium. The study found no significant difference in 180-day mortality between patients who received parenteral calcium and those who did not (aHR 1.18, 95% CI 0.90–1.56). Time to shock resolution was more likely to be longer in patients treated with intravenous calcium (aOR 1.23, 95% CI 1.06–1.42). Subgroup analyses revealed that septic patients with mild hypocalcemia in whom pareneteral calcium was administered exhibited an elevated risk of 90- and 180-day mortality (aHR 1.88, 95% CI 1.02–3.47 and 1.79, 95% CI 1.07-3.00, respectively).
Conclusions
The study indicates that intravenous calcium does not confer survival or shock resolution benefits for ICU patients with hypocalcemia and might even pose risks. Further research in the form of randomized controlled trials is needed to confirm this.
Maxwell's Fluid Mechanics
Authors: Belevich Michael
Published: August 2023

The analogy between the standard hydromechanical equations and the system of Maxwell's equations has long been noticed and discussed in a number of publications. In this regard in [7] an alternative model of a viscous fluid was presented, based on the description of a moving medium using a system of Maxwell-type equations. The appearance of such models expands the researcher's arsenal, especially since, unlike the standard hydromechanical model, which is a nonlinear system of partial differential equations of the second order, the alternative model is a linear system of equations of the first order. In this paper, this model is studied from different viewpoints. First of all, various problem posing and algorithms for their integration are considered. An example of using this model to describe known shear flows is discussed separately. The results obtained are compared with the classical ones (Couette and Poiseuille flows). The linearity of the proposed model makes it easy to use the Fourier transform to solve it. Such an approach is demonstrated in the last section of this paper.
PACS numbers: 40., 47., 47.10.-g, 47.10.A-
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Medical Students Towards Role of Physical Activity in Prevention of Non-communicable Diseases
Authors: Mohamed Sami , Muhammad Abdulqadir Surajo , Mohamed Abdikarim Abdi , Alhaj Ahmad Mahmud , Bulama Ahmad Abdullahi , Eldeen Ahmad Al-Mujtaba Esam
Published: August 2023

Background: Non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death and the main issue in modern and future public health worldwide. Non-communicable diseases are amenable to health promotion, prevention and medical interventions. Improved social conditions, quality of diet, body weight, smoking cessation, and increased physical activity can greatly reduce the burden of NCDs.
Methods: This study aims to assess the attitude and practice of medical students towards the role of physical activity in non- communicable diseases prevention in Nile University as perceived by students. An Observational-based analytical, cross-sectional study design. Data analysis was done using the SPSS software.
Result: The study included 81 males(43.1%) and 107 females(56.9%). Out of total number of students , 51% do not engage in physical activities and 49% participate in planned physical activities. The frequency of participation in physical activities are; Students who engage in physical activities daily (14, 7.4%) and weekly (37, 19.7%), while 40 students (21.3%) engage in physical activity monthly. Students that participate in planned physical activities for health benefits were 86(45.7%), and 4 students (2.1%) practice physical activities for social reasons, while a single student practices due to doctor’s advice 1 (5%). The majority of students had good background knowledge (83%) and most provde advice to their friends (38.3%) and family (51.1&).
Conclusion: Maority of the students had an acceptable background knowledge about the role of physical activities in prevention of major NCDs. However, they had low frequency of participation in planned physical activities despite having positive advocating attitude.
Facial authentication based smart door lock system and anomaly detection using machine learning architectures integrated with IoT
Authors: Derbali Morched
Published: August 2023

Home security and reconnaissance, as well as far off entryway exchanging with a hello framework are two parts of this work. Process of installing system's hardware components for security and surveillance begins the user's journey. With advent of Internet of Things (IOT), there is an increase in interest in smart home systems in recent years. One of the significant parts of the brilliant home framework is the security and access control. In this paper, a facial acknowledgment security framework was planned utilizing Raspberry Pi which are consistently coordinated to savvy home framework. Using machine learning architectures and IoT, this study aims to develop a smart door lock (SDL) system based on facial authentication and intrusion detection. Biometric authentication that is based on facial recognition is used to lock this smart door. The distributed encoder Shannon Gaussian Correntropy Bayesian Q-neural networks (DeSGCBQNN) are then used to detect anomalies. The trial examination is completed for different savvy entryway facial dataset as far as accuracy, mean average precision, False Acceptance Rate, False Rejection Rate and mean square error.Proposed technique attained accuracy of 98%, mean average precision of 66%, False Acceptance Rate of 65%, False Rejection Rate 55%and mean square error of 53%.
PI3K-AKT activation resculpts integrin signaling to drive filamentous tau-induced proinflammatory astrogliosis
Authors: Wang Peng , Anderson D. Eric , Ye Yihong
Published: August 2023

Background
Microtubule-binding protein tau is a misfolding-prone protein associated with tauopathies. As tau undergoes cell-to-cell transmission, extracellular tau aggregates convert astrocytes into a pro-inflammatory state via integrin activation, causing them to release unknown neurotoxic factors.
Results
Here, we combine transcriptomics with isotope labeling-based quantitative mass spectrometry analysis of mouse primary astrocyte secretome to establish PI3K-AKT as a critical differentiator between pathogenic and physiological integrin activation; simultaneous activation of PI3K-AKT and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in tau fibril-treated astrocytes changes the output of integrin signaling, causing pro-inflammatory gene upregulation, trans-Golgi network restructuring, and altered secretory flow. Furthermore, NCAM1, as a proximal signaling component in tau-stimulated integrin and PI3K-AKT activation, facilitates the secretion of complement C3 as a main neurotoxic factor. Significantly, tau fibrils-associated astrogliosis and C3 secretion can be mitigated by FAK or PI3K inhibitors.
Conclusions
These findings reveal an unexpected function for PI3K-AKT in tauopathy-associated reactive astrogliosis, which may be a promising target for anti-inflammation-based Alzheimer’s therapy.
Effect of Risk Factor-tailored Autonomy Enhancement Education in the First-time Middle-aged Patients undergoing Coronary Intervention: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Uhm In Ae , Hwang Seon Young
Published: August 2023

Purpose
It is important for middle-aged patients who have undergone acute treatment for coronary artery disease to voluntarily improve their lifestyle and risk factors throughout their lives based on their recognition as patients with chronic diseases. This study conducted individual education to improve risk factors and tried to verify its effectiveness.
Methods
The hypothesis was verified by applying a randomized controlled pre- and post-test design through random assignment of two groups. Middle-aged (40–64 years) patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention for the first time due to acute myocardial infarction or unstable angina were recruited from a university hospital in Seoul. For the experimental group, based on the Self-Determination Theory, risk factor- tailored counseling and education were provided individually for 1 hour based on the education booklet, and telephone counseling was conducted twice for 12 weeks. The control group was received usual care about risk factor recognition and the need for improvement at the time of discharge. Differences in autonomous motivation, resilience, self-care compliance and biochemical indicators measured after 12 weeks in the experimental group and the control group were compared. Data were analyzed using SPSS/WIN ver. 22.0.
Results
After 12 weeks in the experimental group, autonomous motivation (t = 4.46, p < .001), resilience (t = 7.08, p = .003), and self-care compliance (t = 5.56, p < .001) were significantly higher than those of the control group. Body mass index was also significantly decreased in the experimental group (t=-4.92, p = .005), but there was no significant difference in other biochemical parameters. Among the risk factors, the smoking rate was significantly lower in the experimental group than the control group after intervention (p < .001).
Conclusion
For middle-aged patients with first coronary intervention, risk factor-tailored education emphasizing autonomy by nurses should be provided early after discharge.
Trial registration:
This study was retrospectively registered in the Clinical Research Information Service and the identification number is KCT0008698(11/08/2023).
AI based Inspection of the Axes of Machine Tools Corresponding author: Ibrahim N. Tansel E-Mail: tanseli@fiu.edu
Authors: Demetgul Mustafa , Wang Wei , Fleischer Jürgen , Tansel Ibrahim
Published: August 2023

Linear stages are one of the most important components of machine tools, additive manufacturing equipment, and many machines which are needed to create precise linear motion. Monitoring the current of electric motor has been used for sensorless diagnostic of linear stages. This paper proposed a new Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) approach. The proposed AutoML used multiple methods for interpretation of the current signal to estimate the extent of the misalignment problems. Support Vector Machine (SVM), Gradient Boosting (GB) and Auto-multilayer perceptron (AutoMLP) methods were used for classification of the data. To enhance the performance of these methods Ensemble learning (EL) was used to obtain the final decision by using estimations of each method. Motor current signals in the horizontal and vertical direction were saved in the user interface's database. AutoML learned the proper classification through the user interface which holds data and user interpretations for training and started to make classifications. To improve the classification performance, each hyperparameter was optimized and compared with the initial results. Experimental studies showed that the ensemble method was superior compared to the considered classification methods in fault detection through the motor current signal. The findings indicated that the current features could be used successfully discriminate the signals in the horizontal and vertical directions and could detect linear stage defects. In addition, the results demonstrated that additional fault detection capabilities may be added to the system.
Rates of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in a cohort of patients undergoing first endocrine consultation for thyroid nodular disease
Authors: Negro Roberto , Greco Gabriele
Published: August 2023

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the rates of necessary diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in a cohort of patients undergoing their first endocrine consultation for thyroid nodular disease.
Methods
This was an observational study conducted between January 1 and June 30, 2023, on patients undergoing their first endocrine consultation for thyroid nodular disease. Data were collected, including age, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration, reasons for performing thyroid ultrasound (US), and thyroid US reports. The US was performed at the time of the endocrine consultation according to the American College of Radiology Thyroid Imaging, Reporting and Data System (ACR-TIRADS) risk stratification system. Patients underwent further investigations/treatment or simple US follow-up as necessary.
Results
A total of 373 patients with thyroid nodules were evaluated. Reasons for undergoing thyroid US were unrelated to suspected thyroid disease in 33.8%, incidentalomas in 24.4%, dysfunction or positivity for thyroid antibodies in 18%, symptoms or visible nodules in 16.3%, and family history of thyroid disease in 7.5%. A total of 183 diagnostic or therapeutic procedures were performed in 133 (35.7%) patients [fine-needle aspiration (FNA): 121 (66.1%), surgery: 28 (15.3%), percutaneous ethanol injection: 20 (10.9%), thermal ablation: 7 (3.8%), and radioactive treatment: 7 (3.8%)].
Conclusions
The study results demonstrate that nearly one-third of the patients undergoing their first endocrine consultation for thyroid nodules need diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
WITHDRAWN: Prospective, multicenter study investigating the acceptance and physiologic effects of a palatable and nutritionally complete food in dogs with malignant cancer
Authors: Becvarova Iveta , Amundson Madison D. , Brejda John , Gross Kathy L. , Anthony Reshma
Published: August 2023

Background Cancer and its treatments can be associated with loss of appetite and poor quality of life (QoL) in dogs. The objective of this single-arm, non-controlled study was to evaluate eating enthusiasm and the nutritional effects of a new food (Hill’s Prescription Diet ON-Care Canine dry) in adult dogs undergoing treatment for malignant cancer. A total of 29 eligible (≥ 1 years old, confirmed diagnosis of malignant cancer, undergoing or recently underwent conventional anticancer therapy, not on any appetite stimulants, and maintaining current medications) dogs were fed the study food for 56 days, with a 7-day transition. Intake (grams, calories), body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS; 1 = very thin, 5 = obese), muscle condition score (MCS; 1 = normal, 4 = severe loss), body fat index (BFI; 20%=low risk, 70%=extreme risk), eating enthusiasm (1 = lowest, 7 = highest), stool quality (1 = liquid, 6 = firm), blood laboratory tests, and QoL were recorded at enrollment and at specific timepoints throughout the 56 days. Results Mean age, BW, BCS, MCS and BFI at Day 0 were 10.1 y, 20.9 kg, 3.2, 1.3 and 27.2%, respectively. Twenty-three of the 29 dogs completed the study. Food (g) and caloric intake measured starting on Day 8 were unchanged throughout the study. However, dogs had a significant increase in BW (1.18 kg, SE 0.30,P = 0.0006) and BFI (3.27%, SE 1.30,P = 0.0193), and improved MCS (–0.18, SE 0.08,P = 0.0375) at Day 56. BCS remained unchanged. Eating enthusiasm remained high throughout the study. QoL assessments were high and remained unchanged except for a significant increase in affection for the family on Day 14 (P = 0.0409). Mean fecal scores ranged between 4.39 and 4.78 throughout the study. Additionally, serum 25 OH-vitamin D significantly increased by 18.1 nmol/L (SE 7.6,P = 0.0257) on Day 56. Conclusions This study demonstrated high acceptance of the study food with significant improvement of muscle condition score and significant increase in serum 25 OH-vitamin D levels, as well as maintained eating enthusiasm and QoL in dogs with malignant cancer. Thus, this new food may provide a favorable nutritional choice for maintaining weight and QoL in dogs with malignant cancer.
Establishment of an in vitro 3D vascularized micro-tumor model and screening of chemotherapeutic drugs
Authors: Ye Qian , Wang Juanru , Wang Boyang , Zhao Min , Wu Zhengsheng , Liu Xiaoli
Published: August 2023

The three-dimensional (3D) cell culture system has received widespread attention in drug discovery, but current 3D culture models have limitations, and a simple and repeatable 3D culture model needs to be developed for high-throughput screening. In this study, we designed an encapsulation device to co-culture MCF-7 cells and HUVE cells in core-shell microcapsules. The formation of vascular lumen was determined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence, and cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay. Anticancer drugs (doxorubicin or paclitaxel) were added 12 hours after the 2D cultured cells were plated or 7 days after the cells grew in the core-shell microcapsules to observe the drug reactions between the models. We found that vascularized micro-tumors were successfully obtained after 14 days of 3D culture. Moreover, our study showed that the proliferation rate of 3D cultured cells was slower than that of 2D cultured cells. In addition, 3D cultured cells were more resistant to anticancer drugs than 2D cultured cells. In this study, we believe that the 3D culture model may provide an available platform for drug screening and is valuable for the study of tumor development and angiogenesis.
Evaluating the Management Trends for Priapism and Assessing the Risk of Priapism After In-office Intracavernosal Injections
Authors: Leong Joon Yau , Prebay Zachary , Ebbott David , Li Michael , Chung Paul
Published: August 2023

We aim to describe the management trends of patients suffering from any priapism, and to evaluate the risks of developing priapism after intracavernosal injections (ICI) performed in the office. We queried TriNetX for two separate male adult cohorts - those who presented with any priapism based on ICD code, N48.3 and those who underwent ICI in the office based on CPT code, 54235. We evaluated treatment options for these patients after any priapism and described demographic risks for developing priapism after ICI performed in office. There were 17,545 priapism encounters and 26,104 usages of ICI in the office. Most common treatment for any priapism was corporal irrigation/injection of medications. The prevalence of prosthesis implants for the acute management of any priapism was low (0.33% malleable, 0.18% inflatable). Patients presenting with priapism after ICI were younger and had a disproportionate prevalence of mood disorders, pain disorders and sickle cell disease. They were less likely to have diabetes, hypertension, prostate cancer or have taken sildenafil or tadalafil. Despite increased exposure, the utility of penile prosthesis placement after priapism remains low. For patients administered and prescribed ICI, proper screening and counseling of developing priapism is important to reduce complications such as erectile dysfunction.
Streptococcus equi Subspecies equi From Strangles Suspected Equines: Molecular Detection, Antibiogram Profiles and Risk Factors
Authors: Bekele Demsew , Desalegn Bereket , Tadesse Belege , Abey Solomon Lulie
Published: August 2023

Strangles, caused by Streptococcus equi subspecies equi, is a highly infectious disease of equines causing major health issues and financial losses. The aim of the study was to detect the presence of the SeM gene in Streptococcus equi isolated from equine suspected of having strangles. A cross-sectional study design was conducted from July to December 2022 in five districts of the central Gondar zone, Ethiopia. One-hundred sixty swap samples were taken from animals that had been clinically suspected. The SeM gene was detected using polymerase chain reaction, and the antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. The binary logistic regression model was employed to test for statistical significance. In 31.87% (51/160) of the samples, Streptococcus equi species were isolated, and 31.37% (16/51) of these species carried the SeM gene. There was a significant amount of tetracycline (81.5%), erythromycin (81.5%), and vancomycin (75.5%) resistance among the 16 isolates. Strangles were more likely to be present in animals who shared feed containers (AOR = 7.59; 95% CI = 1.44–39.93), drank from the same water troughs (AOR = 7.74; 95% CI = 1.44–41.01), and spent the night together (AOR = 5.97; 95% CI 1.41–25.37). The findings of this study showed that the research areas harboured Streptococcus equi subspecies equi. Sharing feed containers and water troughs were potential sources of strangles infection; thus, these containers need to be cleaned regularly.
CBCT prevalence of MB2 canals in Maxillary molars and its subsequent clinical detection. A comparative clinical study.
Authors: Azim Adham , Alaugaily Ibrahim
Published: August 2023

Objective: The aim of this clinical study was to determine the prevalence of the MB2 canals, factors associated with its radiographic detection using CBCT, and the correlation between CBCT detection and clinically finding these canals.
Materials & Methods: All treatments were completed in the endodontic post-graduate clinic using surgical operating microscopes. Information related to the patient’s age, sex, tooth, treatment type, and type of coronal restoration, were recorded. If MB2 canal was located, this information was recorded together with its canal configuration. If CBCT was acquired before or during treatment, the scans were observed by two board-certified endodontists to determine the radiographic presence or absence of MB2. Fleiss’ Kappa analysis was performed to calculate the inter-observer agreement regarding the presence or absence of MB2 on the CBCT scans. Chi-square, Fisher exact test, and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to establish a correlation between the recorded variables and the ability to locate the MB2 canals clinically and radiographically.
Results:556 maxillary molar teeth met the inclusion criteria. MB2 canals were located in 68.5%. There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of MB2 between cases with and without CBCT scans (P>0.05). There was a higher prevalence of MB2 canals, both clinically and radiographically, in male patients, first molars, and retreatment cases (P<0.05). There was no correlation between the patient’s age and observing the MB2 on the scan (P>0.05), However, patients above 60 yrs. of age had a significantly lower clinical prevalence of MB2 (Odds Ratio:2.83; 95% CI 1.28 - 6.23; P= 0.01). The presence of a full coverage restoration did not affect the clinical or radiographic detection of MB2 (P>0.05).
Conclusion: The prevalence of MB2 canals is high among maxillary molar teeth when high magnification is being used, particular among male patients, first molars, and retreatment cases. CBCT has high sensitivity in detecting MB2 canals which can improve the clinician’s certainty to further search for it. However, it did not increase the incidence of locating MB2 canals, particularly in older patients.
Clinical Relevance: MB2 canals may be observed on the CBCT but not all of them will be clinically accessible, particularly in older patients.
Coral Photosymbiosis on Mid-Devonian Reefs
Authors: Jung Jonathan , Zoppe Simon , Söte Till , Moretti Simone , Duprey Nicolas , Foreman Alan , Wald Tanja , Vonhof Hubert , Haug Gerald , Sigman Daniel , Schindler Eberhard , Janussen Dorte , Martinez-Garcia Alfredo
Published: August 2023

The ability of scleractinian corals to thrive in the oligotrophic (low-nutrient, low-productivity) surface waters of the tropical ocean is commonly attributed to their symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic dinoflagellates1,2. The evolutionary history of this symbiosis might clarify its organismal and environmental roles. It is currently unclear whether photosymbiosis first arose in the Triassic, with the emergence of scleractinian corals, or if it was already prevalent amongst older coral groups that have since gone extinct3–5. Here, we report the first measurements of nitrogen isotope ratios of coral-bound organic matter (CB-δ15N) in samples from Mid-Devonian reefs (Givetian, ca. 385 Ma), which represent the oldest isotopic constraint on the evolution of photosymbiosis to date. The colonial tabulate and loosely colonial (dendroid) corals analyzed have low CB-δ15N values (1.59‰±0.53‰ and 1.45±0.66‰, respectively) in comparison with co-occurring solitary rugose corals (4.38‰±1.34‰). The isotopic difference between Devonian colonial and solitary corals (2.86‰±0.86‰) is statistically indistinguishable from that observed between modern symbiont-bearing and symbiont-barren corals (3.38‰±1.05‰). From this evidence we infer that Mid-Devonian colonial tabulate and loosely colonial (dendroid) corals hosted active photosymbionts, while solitary rugose corals did not. The low CB-δ15N values of the Devonian colonial tabulate and dendroid corals relative to the modern range suggest that Devonian reefs formed in biogeochemical regimes analogous to the modern oligotrophic subtropical gyres. Widespread oligotrophy during the Devonian likely may have promoted coral photosymbiosis, potentially explaining why Devonian reefs were the most productive reef ecosystems of the Phanerozoic.
Foliar application of melatonin reduces cadmium uptake and Cd-induced oxidative stress in tobacco under Cd stress
Authors: LV Yi-Ying , Zheng Yuanxian , Wang Jiming , Chen Xiaolong , Ke Yanguo , Huang Feiyan , Liu jiani , He Yuansheng , Zhao Yongteng , Yu lei
Published: August 2023

Melatonin is a well-known signaling molecule in animals and plants. It plays a crucial role in enhancing the antioxidant capacity and resistance of plants to abiotic stresses. This study revealed that the application of exogenous melatonin improved resistance to cadmium (Cd) stress in tobacco, 18 which was reflected through reduction in malondialdehyde and Cd contents and inhibition of tobacco growth. Additionally, melatonin pretreatment controlled Cd-induced oxidative damage to tobacco by directly increasing the photosynthetic efficiency, improving the water absorption capacity, and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities in cells. Molecular evidence demonstrated that exogenous melatonin-mediated modulation of melatonin synthesis-, antioxidant enzyme synthesis-, and Cd transport-associated genes could cause weakening of Cd toxicity. The transcription levels of six selected genes were further verified through qRT-PCR. This study provides important insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the role of melatonin in Cd stress regulation.
A smartphone-based sensing for portable and sensitive visual detection of Hg (II) via nitrogen doped carbon quantum dots modified paper strip
Authors: Yin Bo , Zhou Rongping , Guo Zhonglong , Sun Jing , Zhu Jihua , Wang Zhenbin , Ma Cunhua , Zhang Mingjin
Published: August 2023

The development of portable and cost-effective sensing system for Hg2+ quantitation is highly demanded for environmental monitoring. Herein, an on-site, rapid and portable smartphone readout device based Hg2+ sensing system integrating nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots (NCDs) modified paper strip was proposed, and the physicochemical properties of NCDs were characterized by high resolution TEM, FTIR, UV-vis absorption spectrum and fluorescence spectral analysis. The modified paper strip was prepared via “ink-jet” printing technology and exhibits sensitive fluorescence response to Hg2+ with fluorescence color of bright blue (at the excitation/emission wavelength of 365/440 nm). This portable smartphone-based sensing platform is highly selective and sensitive to Hg2+ with the limit of detection (LOD) of 10.6 nM and the concentration range of 0-130 nM. In addition, the recoveries of tap water and local lake water were in the range of 89.4% to 109%. The cost-effective sensing system based on smartphone shows a great potential for trace amounts of Hg2+ monitoring in environmental water samples.
First Principles Study of Photocatalytic Water Splitting by M1M2CO2 (M1=Zr,Hf; M2=Hf, Ti, Sc) MXenes
Authors: Rastegar Sima , Ebrahimzadeh Alireza Rastkar , Sardroodi Jaber Jahanbin
Published: August 2023

Using density functional theory (DFT), we investigated the structural, electronic, and optical properties of functionalized and doped MXenes such as M1M2CO2 (M1=Zr, Hf; M2=Hf, Ti, Sc). This study aimed to find a suitable photocatalyst that would work well in the water-splitting process. Among the calculated nanostructures, MXenes ZrHfCO2 and ZrTiCO2 were chosen as suitable photocatalysts for the water-splitting process. The calculated value of the band gaps with the GGA-PBE functional was 1.08(0.79) eV for the ZrHfCO2 (ZrTiCO2) monolayer. Also, the band gaps for these monolayers with the HSE06 hybrid functional were 1.86 and 1.57 eV, respectively. These MXenes' optical properties, such as complex dielectric function, refractive index, extinction coefficient, and reflectivity, were also investigated. The results showed that these monolayers had good absorption in the visible region. Additionally, we discovered that ZrHfCO2 and ZrTiCO2 MXenes could be used for the water-splitting process by calculating the photocatalytic properties. Meanwhile, the results indicate that the monolayers of ZrHfCO2 and ZrTiCO2 are ideal and promising materials for application in visible-light-driven photocatalysis.
Conversion therapy of a giant HCC with portal vein thrombus and inferior vena cava tumor thrombus
Authors: Song wenjie , Xu jian , Nie ye , Li weimin , Li jianping , Yang li , Wei mengqi , Tao kaishan
Published: August 2023

Background The prognosis of HCC combined with portal and hepatic vein tumor thrombus is poor, with a median survival time of only about 2.7-3 months [1], and treatment requires the cooperation of the MDT team. Prof. Cheng's team gives treatment recommendations based on the classification of portal vein thrombosis and hepatic vein thrombosis. For portal vein tumor thrombus involving the main trunk of the portal vein (PVTT III) and hepatic vein tumor thrombus involving the inferior vena cava, a combination of radiotherapy, TACE, and surgical resection is recommended according to the patient's liver function [2, 3]. The combination of targeted therapy and immune therapy has progressed to become the first-line recommended treatment for advanced HCC [4]. Conversion therapy or conversion surgery (CS) is a surgical strategy developed to improve long-term survival in patients with initially unresectable tumors, aiming at R0 resection after stage reduction by non-surgical treatment [5].CS has also been reported in HCC, radical resection of partially unresectable HCC (UR-HCC) has been achieved through transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), portal vein embolization, and oral administration of molecular targeted drugs [6.7]. In recent years, the efficacy of atilizumab combined with bevacizumab (Atez + Bev) in the treatment of UR-HCC has been confirmed [8–10]. The above therapeutic advances have brought hope for advanced HCC, but the efficacy is still limited. In our center, a patient with giant HCC combined with portal vein tumor thrombus and hepatic vein tumor thrombus was treated with TACE, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, and was continuously given Epimedium soft capsules for oral regulation. After 7 months of conversion therapy, the patient's tumor shrank and the tumor thrombus subsided significantly. The pathology of surgical resection was in complete remission, and there was no progression in the postoperative follow-up for 7 months, which provided a basis for the future strategy of combined conversion therapy.CONCLUSION In this case, atezolizumab, bevacizumab, icaritin soft capsules combined with radiotherapy and TACE had a good effect. For patients with hepatocellular carcinoma combined with hepatic vein/inferior vena cava tumor thrombus, adopting a high-intensity, multimodal proactive strategy under the guidance of MDT is an important attempt to break through the current treatment dilemma.
Reactivity of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex, but not the amygdala, to negative emotion faces predicts greed personality trait
Authors: Deng Kun , Jin Weipeng , Jiang Keying , Li Zixi , Im Hohjin , Chen Shuning , Du Hanxiao , Guan Shunping , Ge Wei , Wei Chuqiao , Zhang Bin , Wang Pinchun , Zhao Guang , Chen Chunhui , Liu Liqing , Wang Qiang
Published: August 2023

This study investigated whether amygdala reactivity predicted the greed personality trait [GPT] using a classical face-matching task in two cohorts of participants (n = 452). Region-of-interest [ROI] analysis results indicated no correlation between amygdala reactivity to fearful and angry faces to GPT. However, whole-brain analyses revealed that GPT was negatively varied with activations in the right ventromedial prefrontal cortex [vmPFC], supramarginal gyrus [SMG], and angular gyrus in the contrast of fearful + angry faces > shape. These findings were robust even when contrasting fearful and angry faces to neutral ones. Moreover, task-based PPI analyses showed that compared to the group with low scores in GPT, the high group exhibited weaker functional connectivity of the vmPFC seed with top-down control network and visual pathways when processing fearful or angry faces. Furthermore, functional connectivity [FC] analyses indicated that individuals with higher levels of greed exhibit weaker connectivity between the vmPFC and the top-down control network and visual pathways. Bilateral amygdala seeds showed positive associations with the top-down control network but exhibited a distinct pattern with decreased resting-state FC with visual pathway. These findings shed light on the neural underpinnings of dispositional greed, emphasizing the importance of the vmPFC and its functional connectivity with cognitive control networks and visual pathways rather than amygdala reactivity in understanding the greed personality trait.
Are academic self-efficacy and fear of negative evaluation related to nursing students' clinical competence?
Authors: Keshtkaran Zahra , Shirazi Fatemeh , Darvishpour Somaye
Published: August 2023

Background Acquiring the clinical competence of nursing students is the ultimate goal and the criterion of the effectiveness of education, which includes the ability to use knowledge and information, communication and interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills, and technical skills. The researchers believe that to maintain nursing care standards, it is necessary to know the factors related to the improvement of their clinical competence, so the present study was conducted to determine the relationship between academic self-efficacy and fear of negative evaluation and the clinical competence of nursing students.
Methods This cross-sectional descriptive research was conducted on 346 nursing students from the second to eighth semesters in 1402 through available sampling. The data were collected using questionnaires on demographic characteristics, clinical competence of nursing students, academic self-efficacy, and fear of negative evaluation. Data analysis was done using descriptive and inferential statistics and a significance level of 0.05 using SPSS version 22 software.
Results The results of this study showed that the highest level of clinical competence of students was in the emotional dimension with a mean of 21.47±4.04, and that there was a positive and significant relationship between academic self-efficacy and clinical competence in all three cognitive dimensions (r=0.292, p<0.001), emotional (r=0.320, p<0.001) and psycho-motor (r=0.329, p<0.001). There was also a negative and significant relationship between fear of negative evaluation and all three dimensions of cognitive clinical competency (r=_0.117, p=0.001), emotional (r=_0.162, p=0.003), and psychomotor (r=_0.144, p=0.007).
Conclusion The results showed that the clinical competence of nursing students in all three dimensions was at an average level and had a significant relationship with fear of negative evaluation and academic self-efficacy, so nursing students with higher academic self-efficacy and less fear of negative evaluation, and competence. They had better clinical results, so it is recommended to identify and use effective programs to improve these factors in relevant educational programs.
Identification of Macrophage-related Gene Signature Associated with Unstable Atherosclerotic Plaques through Integrative Multi- omics Analysis
Authors: Lv Zhengtian , Zhao Bowen , Hu Luoxia , Pan Jiahuan , Li Xinyi , Li Mingshuang , Wu Chenxia , Mao Wei
Published: August 2023

Background: Macrophages play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study is to identify critical candidate genes associated with unstable atherosclerotic plaques in macrophages
Methods: The single-cell sequencing dataset GSE159677 and microarray datasets GSE43292 and GSE100927 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The intersection of differential analysis results from single-cell transcriptome sequencing data, microarray data, immune infiltration analysis, and WGCNA analysis results yielded macrophage-related genes. Least absolute shrinkage, and selection operator (LASSO) was utilized for screening characteristic genes among atherosclerotic plaque progression- and macrophage-related genes. ROC curves were produced to evaluate the diagnostic performance. Finally, pseudo-time analysis was used to obtain the expression patterns of key genes along the cell differentiation trajectory.
Results: Based on multiple omics analyses, we obtained 59 genes related to macrophages. Then, by using the LASSO algorithm to select features, we ultimately obtained five key genes. Using these five genes, we constructed a nomogram diagnostic model that demonstrated high diagnostic performance in both the training (AUC=0.882) and testing (AUC=0.985) datasets. Pseudo-time analysis shows that STAB1 is exclusively expressed in resident macrophages, while IL1RN expression gradually increases over time. DAB2 is highly expressed in both resident and foamy macrophages. NLRP3 expression is found in some cells of resident and inflammatory macrophages, but not at all in foam cells. HMOX1 expression varies little across different cell types.
Conclusion: Our study has identified a gene signature consisting of STAB1, NLRP3, IL1RN, HMOX1, and DAB2 through integrative multi-omics analysis, which may play a crucial role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.