bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharyngoconjuctival fever in a Pandora’s Box – A diagnostic conundrum
Authors: Hegde Navya , Singh Shashikiran , Kulkarni Venu
Published: September 2023

Background: Pharyngoconjunctival fever typically leads to symptoms involving the upper respiratory tract and is a self-limiting condition that requires only supportive care. However, many varied and atypical manifestations of adenovirus infection have been reported over the years.
Case presentation: We encountered a pharyngoconjunctival fever with masquerading symptoms like Gastrointestinal bleeding and a maculopapular rash which made us take a detour before reaching the final diagnosis.
Conclusion: Pharyngoconjunctival fever is very common among the pediatric population and many rare manifestations are possible in its spectrum which includes hematemesis and maculopapular rashes occasionally.
A Robust Real-Time S-Wave Detection Method with Low Computational Cost Based on Modified STA/LTA
Authors: Katakami Satoshi , Iwata Naoyasu
Published: September 2023

Since October 2007, the Japan Meteorological Agency has been operating an Earthquake Early Warning (EEW) System in Japan. To ensure the timely estimation of magnitude immediately after the detection of an earthquake, the EEW process utilizes two types of magnitude calculation formulas: one for the P-wave phase and another after the arrival of S-wave. The process dynamically switches between these two formulas, depending on the estimated arrival time of the S-wave at each observation point. Misidentifying the amplitude of S-wave as a P-wave may lead to an overestimation of the magnitude, which results in the issuance of a wide-area warning for a region with only weak ground motion. However, real-time picking of S-wave arrivals with low computational costs poses a challenge. In this study, we developed a novel robust method to determine the arrival time of S-waves in real time with a low computational cost while adhering to the basic algorithm of short-term average/long-term average (STA/LTA). This approach deliberately introduces additional noise prior to the identified P-wave to enhance the differentiation between the P- and S-waves. Subsequently, the STA/LTA method is reapplied to detect the S-wave. This method was effective in determining the S-wave arrival time, with the residuals (automatic reading minus manual reading) revealing that the percentage of correct decisions (residual < 1.5 s) for all earthquakes with all observation points was 67%. However, the percentage of correct decisions for earthquakes of magnitude 5.5–6.5, which may cause excessive alarms, with observation points at the epicentral distance less than 100 km was 81%. The error in automatic readings can be reduced by optimizing the parameters for each earthquake and possibly for each station. However, because this method is designed for real-time operation, the optimal parameters must be set after the occurrence of an earthquake. It may be feasible to analyze numerous earthquakes and empirically determine the parameters based on information such as STA/LTA and P-wave amplitude.
Assessment of knowledge and awareness about reproductive cancer and its association with demographic factors of four geographically diverse regions in India
Authors: Gadiraju Padmaja , Singh Punam , Vanlalhruaii C. , Dehury Ranjit Kumar , Dehury Parthsarathi , Prashad Lokender , Devaraju Kadari , Alam MD Tabrez , Behera Sangita
Published: September 2023

Objective:The study aims to investigate the participants' understanding of reproductive cancer, including its symptoms, risk factors, and preventive measures. The study examine awareness levels across different demographic variables such as caste, age group, state, and education level, the study seeks to identify potential disparities and gaps in knowledge.Methodology:The cross-sectional survey involved a representative sample of participants from various demographic backgrounds in four different geographical regions of India. A structured questionnaire was adopted to collect data on knowledge about risk factors, symptoms, preventive measures, and types of reproductive cancer. The study collected data from 625 reproductive cancer patients using multistage sampling. The collected data were analysed using STARTA (Version 17).Results:The results revealed varying levels of knowledge and awareness among reproductive cancer patients from four diverse regions of India. While most participants know about reproductive cancers, others showed significant knowledge gaps. Awareness about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection and screening with regular PAP Tests was relatively low, with many male respondents unaware of prostate cancer. Reproductive cancer awareness varies on demographic factors such as age, education, occupational status, and geographical location of the respondents. The study found that respondents' caste, age group, state, and education level were significantly associated with awareness.Conclusion:The study findings highlight the need for targeted health education campaigns to improve knowledge and awareness about reproductive cancers in India. Healthcare providers' involvement in disseminating information is vital to bridge the knowledge gap. By enhancing knowledge and awareness about reproductive cancers, India can empower individuals to take preventive measures, seek timely medical care, and contribute to reducing the burden of these cancers.
Spatial Effects of Digital Economy Development on Carbon Emissions: Empirical Evidence from the Provincial Level in China
Authors: LI Yajing
Published: September 2023

The digital economy presents unprecedented opportunities to address the current dilemma between economic growth and environmental protection. Based on panel data from China's provinces during 2013–2021, this study employs spatial econometric models to empirically analyze the spatial effects of digital economy development on carbon emissions, and discusses the underlying mechanisms. The findings indicate that the advancement of the digital economy not only contributes to reducing local carbon emissions, but also exhibits spatial spillover effects on neighboring regions. The development of the digital economy indirectly achieves emission reduction through facilitating industrial restructuring, promoting technological advancements, and enhancing energy efficiency. These factors drive the spatial overflow of carbon emissions due to the digital economy's influence. Consequently, this study also provides policy implications for achieving economic low-carbon development in China and other emerging economies.
JEL Classification : Q56 ; C520 ; C34 ; O3 ; O4
Physicochemical, Microbiological, and Sensorial Properties of Chickpea Yogurt Analogue Produced with Different Types of Stabilizers
Authors: Fazla Sofia Nadhirah Mohd , Marzlan Anis Asyila , Hussin Anis Shobirin Meor , Rahim Muhamad Hafiz Abd , Madzuki Iffah Nadhira , Mohsin Aliah Zannierah
Published: September 2023

There is a growing need for plant-based yogurts analogue that meet consumer demands in terms of texture and sensory qualities. Stabilizers are crucial in plant-based yogurt's physical properties which develop a thicker and creamier texture mimicking dairy yogurt. The addition of stabilizers helps to prevent syneresis. Thus, the study aims to evaluate the effect of pectin, corn starch, and locust bean gum (LBG) at different ratios on the physical, chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of chickpea yogurts analogue (CYA). The concentration of stabilizer significantly influenced (p < 0.05) the proximate compositions, physicochemical and textural properties, and cell viability. A significant increase (p < 0.05) was observed in yogurt viscosity with the addition of corn starch and LBG at 1.0%. Firmness and consistency were improved in samples supplemented with 1.0% corn starch and commercial stabilizer. The sensory evaluation indicated that adding LBG at the ratio of 0.5% generated better preference among panelists in the appearance, color, and texture aspects despite commercial CYA showing significantly higher overall acceptability (p < 0.05) than other samples. The stabilizer's behavior significantly impacts the features of CYA which with 0.5% LBG received high consumer acceptance, which proves a good potential for CYA to be on the same shelf with other commercial yogurts analogue in the market.
Advantages of Cell Proliferation and Immune Regulation in CD146+NESTIN+ HUMSCs Obtained from Extremely Premature Infants: Insights from Single-Cell RNA Sequencing
Authors: huang peng , Qin Xiaofei , Fan Chuiqin , zhong Huifeng , Wang Manna , Chen Fuyi , Liao Maochuan , Zheng Nanpeng , Wang Hongwu , Lin Bingchun , Ma Lian
Published: September 2023

BackgroundIn our prior study, we discovered that human umbilical cord Wharton’s Jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUMSCs) obtained from extremely preterm infants demonstrated superior characteristics compared to term infants, particularly regarding cell proliferation, pluripotency, and cell damage repair ability. To explore the underlying heterogeneity between these cells further, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to examine their transcriptional differences and potential molecular pathways involved in this heterogeneity.MethodsWe conducted scRNA-seq on HUMSCs obtained from three distinct gestational ages- 22+5 weeks, 28 weeks, and 39 weeks, respectively. To assist in the analysis, we employed the scRNA-seq data from two bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) samples available in existing literature as reference datasets. Subsequently, we undertook bioinformatics analysis on the obtained transcriptomic data using the R programming language.ResultsUpon merging the five samples, we were able to identify a total of 17 cell subpopulations with high expression of fibroblast and MSC markers. The expression of CD146 was found to be significantly higher in HUMSCs as compared to BMSCs. Moreover, we observed higher expression of Nestin+ cells in premature HUMSCs. Cell cycle analysis revealed that the majority of HUMSCs were in the G2M phase, while BMSCs were mainly in the G1 phase. Pseudotime analysis showed that HUMSCs had a lower degree of differentiation compared to BMSCs, and this decreased with increasing gestational age. Custom gene set scoring analysis revealed that the cells expressed genes related to osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, adipogenesis, stemness, immunology, and vasculogenesis; with preterm HUMSCs displaying an immunological edge. Differential gene analysis and gene enrichment analysis indicated that CD146+Nestin+ HUMSC subpopulations displayed upregulation in immune regulation, cell proliferation-related gene expression, and gene regulatory pathways.ConclusionscRNA-seq analysis revealed differences between BMSCs and HUMSCs at both preterm and term infant. Specifically, the expression of CD146+ and Nestin+ cells was significantly higher in preterm HUMSCs, which may contribute to their advantages in immune regulation, cell proliferation-related gene expression, and regulatory pathways. These findings hold great significance in advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of HUMSCs and their potential applications in disease treatment, transplantation, and regenerative medicine.
Enhanced bacterial cancer therapy delivering therapeutic RNA interference of c-Myc, a key driver of tumourigenesis.
Authors: Williams Jason S. , Higgins Adam T. , Stott Katie J. , Thomas Carly , Farrell Lydia , Bonnet Cleo , Peneva Severena , Derrick Anna V. , Hay Trevor , Wang Tianqi , Morgan Claire , Dwyer Sarah , D’Ambrogio Joshua , Hogan Catherine , Smalley Matthew J. , Parry Lee , Dyson Paul
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:
Bacterial cancer therapy was first trialled in patients at the end of the nineteenth century. More recently, tumour-targeting bacteria have been harnessed to deliver plasmid-expressed therapeutic interfering RNA to a range of solid tumours. A major limitation to clinical translation of this is the short-term nature of RNA interference in vivo due to plasmid instability. To overcome this, we sought to develop tumour-targeting attenuated bacteria that stably express shRNA by virtue of integration of an expression cassette within the bacterial chromosome and demonstrate therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo.
RESULTS:
The attenuated tumour targeting Salmonella typhimurium SL7207 strain was modified to carry chromosomally integrated shRNA expression cassettes at the xylA locus. The colorectal cancer cell lines SW480, HCT116 and breast cancer cell line MCF7 were used to demonstrate the ability of these modified strains to perform intracellular infection and deliver effective RNA and protein knockdown of the target gene c-Myc. In vivo therapeutic efficacy was demonstrated using the Lgr5creERT2Apcflx/flx and BlgCreBrca2flx/flp53flx/flx orthotopic immunocompetent mouse models of colorectal and breast cancer, respectively. In vitro co-cultures of breast and colorectal cancer cell lines with modified SL7207 demonstrated a significant 50-95% (P < 0.01) reduction in RNA and protein expression with SL7207/c-Myc targeted strains. In vivo, following establishment of tumour tissue, a single intra-peritoneal administration of 1x106 CFU of SL7207/c-Myc was sufficient to permit tumour colonisation and significantly extend survival with no overt toxicity in control animals.
CONCLUSIONS:
In summary we have demonstrated that tumour tropic bacteria can be modified to safely deliver therapeutic levels of gene knockdown. This technology has the potential to specifically target primary and secondary solid tumours with personalised therapeutic payloads, providing new multi-cancer detection and treatment options with minimal off-target effects. Further understanding of the tropism mechanisms and impact on host immunity and microbiome is required to progress to clinical translation.
Safety and efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an adjunct to standard treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke – A Randomized controlled trial (NACTLYS)
Authors: Komakula Snigdha , Bhatia Rohit , Sahib Akhil , Upadhyay Ashish , MBBS Leve Joseph , Garg Ajay , VY Vishnu , KishorPandit Awadh , Vibha Deepti , Singh Mamta Bhushan , Tripathi Manjari , Srivast MV Padma
Published: September 2023

Background There is a clinical need for thrombolytic agents that can disaggregate arterial thrombi without significantly increasing the risk of bleeding. The present study was aimed to study if adjunctive therapy with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) along with standard thrombolytic agent was safe and effective in patients with acute ischemic stroke as thrombolytic agent.
Methods An open label randomized blinded assessor pilot study was conducted. Patients with acute ischemic stroke presented to the emergency within 4.5 hours were randomized into two groups and intravenous NAC with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) or IV tPA alone was given in a 1:1ratio. Primary outcomes were any intracerebral hemorrhage or symptomatic cerebral hemorrhage, any major or minor systemic bleeding and any adverse reactions. Secondary outcomes were major neurological improvement assessed by (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale) NIHSS at 24 hours, recanalization on first run of angiography in patients who underwent thrombectomy or on repeat vascular imaging at 24 hours, modified Rankin scale and mortality at 3 months of follow-up.
Results A total of 40 patients were enrolled out of which 21 patients received rtPA only and 19 patients received NAC with alteplase. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics among both the groups. Among primary outcomes, no significant difference was noted in the adverse events(p=0.99), intracranial hemorrhage(p=0.21), symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (p=0.47) and extracranial bleeding (p=0.21). Among the secondary outcomes, median NIHSS at 24 hours was significantly low in the control arm (p=0.03). The proportion of patients with mRS 0-2 at 3 months and mortality at 3 months was comparable among both the groups (p=0.85 and p=0.99 respectively).
Conclusion N-acetylcysteine as an adjunct to alteplase has not shown significant difference in
morbidity, mortality at3months and safety profile. However, there was slightly better early neurological outcome with co- administration of N-acetylcysteine and alteplase. These indifference
might be due to the small size of the present study. Future larger trials are needed to further conclude on safety and efficacy of N-acetylcysteine as a thrombolytic agent.
Equine Embryo Production by Means of Double Ovulation Protocols in Colombian Creole Mares
Authors: Vargas José Luis Porras , Molano Carlos Eduardo Rodríguez , Romero Melisa Daniela Munevar , Torres Sergio Ulloa , Suarez Néstor Julián Pulido
Published: September 2023

Equine reproductive efficiency can be improved through the development of technologies such as embryo transfer, where the use of protocols that allow the presence of double ovulations can contribute to increasing the number of offspring per female per year. The objective was to evaluate the presence of double ovulation and embryos in Colombian Creole mares treated with deslorelin and histrelin. Twenty mares were taken and divided into 2 groups as follows: Treatment 1: 150 mg of deslorelin every 12 hours intramuscularly. Treatment 2: 80 mg of histrelin every 12 hours intramuscularly. In both treatments, the hormone was administered until two follicles with diameters greater than 35 mm were found to administer 2,000 U. I of human chorionic gonadotropin and were artificially inseminated 12 to 24 hours later with 300 million motile spermatozoa. Seven days after insemination, uterine lavage was performed to collect embryos. It was found that 60% of the females treated with histrelin presented double ovulation with a follicular diameter of 31.7 mm, and 8 mares had double embryos, while 45% of the mares treated with deslorelin presented double ovulation with a follicular diameter of 33 mm, and 5 mares had double embryos. An association between the presence of double ovulation and the presence of embryos was found in 45% of the mares treated with deslorelin. It is concluded that histrelin treatment presented better results in obtaining double ovulation in mares.
Caregiver Perspectives on Patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis II Treated with Pabinafusp Alfa: Results of Qualitative Interviews in Japan
Authors: Nakamura Kimitoshi , Sakai Norio , Hossain Mohammad Arif , Eisengart Julie B. , Yamamoto Tatsuyoshi , Tanizawa Kazunori , So Sairei , Schmidt Mathias , Sato Yuji
Published: September 2023

Background
Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II), or Hunter syndrome, is a rare inherited X-linked metabolic disorder predominantly affecting males. Pabinafusp alfa, an iduronate-2-sulfatase enzyme that can cross the blood-brain barrier, was approved in Japan in 2021 for use in the first enzyme replacement therapy targeting both the neuropathic and somatic symptoms of MPS II. This study explores the experiences of MPS II patients receiving pabinafusp alfa through qualitative interviews with their caregivers.
Methods
A semi-structured moderation guide (Voice of the Caregiver guide) was used to conduct semi-structured, qualitative interviews with caregivers at clinical sites in Japan. The interview transcripts underwent thematic analysis to identify symptoms and health-related quality of life impacts at baseline, changes since treatment began, and treatment experience.
Results
Seven caregivers were interviewed, representing seven children aged 8–18 years who had received pabinafusp alfa treatment for 3.3–3.5 years at the time of the interviews. The collective data suggest a general trend towards improvement, although not all caregivers observed discernible changes. Cognitive improvements encompassed language skills, concentration, self-control, eye contact, mental clarity, concept understanding, following instructions, and expressing personal needs. Changes included improvements in motor function and mobility, as well as musculoskeletal and somatic changes, such as organ involvement, joint mobility, sleep patterns, and fatigue. Four caregivers reported improvements in family quality of life, five reported treatment satisfaction, and all seven expressed a strong willingness to continue treating the children with pabinafusp alfa.
Conclusion
This study of caregivers’ perspectives on the qualitative experiences of patients treated with pabinafusp alfa showed treatment satisfaction and multiple quality of life improvements following therapy. These findings expand understanding of the benefit of using pabinafusp alfa to treat MPS II, and they should be helpful in defining MPS II-specific outcome measures to better determine treatment response in future clinical trials.
First Record of a Rare Species Atlantic Triple Tail, Lobotes Surinamensis (Bloch, 1790) From the Northwest Coast of India
Authors: Parmar Jeet , Borichangar Ritesh , Kardani Hitesh , Vyas Upasana
Published: September 2023

During our taxonomical research on rare fish species along the Northwest Coast of India, we documented the presence of Lobotes surinamensis, (Atlantic triple tail) species at two different locations along the Gujarat coast. One specimen was caught by Wada fishing in the Gulf of Kutch, the northwest coast, and another from Gholvu net from the southwest coast of Gujarat. While commercial fisheries have received significant focus, there has been a lack of studies conducted in the artisanal fisheries sector. In this study, we applied the classical taxonomical method for species identification. For the identification of specimens, we recorded morphometric parameters and meristic characters. The comparison was done with past records, upon close examination of all characteristics. Its presence has been reported from various parts of the globe and the east coast of India. This study confirms the first report of L. surinamensis on the northwest coast of India.
Implementation of Direct Battery Driven Discharge in Triggerless Operation of Vacuum Arc Thrusters
Authors: Saletes James , Saddul Kash , Wittig Alexander , Kim Minkwan
Published: September 2023

The increasing demand for CubeSat missions with limited budgets and constrained timelines necessitates the development of innovative propulsion systems. This paper focuses on vacuum arc thrusters (VATs) and investigates the implementation of battery-driven discharge for triggerless firing. VATs offer a promising alternative for CubeSat propulsion, generating thrust through the pulsed ejection of plasma in a cathode arc discharge. The study explores the feasibility of direct battery-driven discharge in VATs and demonstrates stable and variable-duration pulses. Experimental testing using high C-rating lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries showcase the advantages and operational benefits of this approach. The results highlight the potential for variable energy pulses, precise control of thrust impulse bit, and improved performance compared to capacitor-driven systems. Future research directions include optimising pulse duration for enhanced lifetime, plume analysis, and erosion rate investigations. The implementation of VATs with battery-driven discharge presents a promising solution to enhance the performance and reliability of CubeSat propulsion systems while ensuring compliance with space sustainability guidelines.
Social Climate of Physical Training Classes of The Chinese Universities and the Undergraduate Students’ Mental Health, Physical Activities and Life Style
Authors: Wei Xiaowei , Yang Jian , Wei Chunyan , He Qiling
Published: September 2023

Background
The social climate within educational settings has been recognized as a significant factor influencing students' psychological well-being, behaviors, and overall quality of life. In the context of Chinese universities, where physical training classes play a crucial role in the holistic development of undergraduate students, understanding the relationship between the social climate of these classes and students' mental health engagement in physical activities, and lifestyle choices becomes paramount.
Objectives
This study aims to investigate the correlation between the social climate of physical training classes/ environment in Chinese universities and various aspects of undergraduate students' physical activities, healthy lifestyle, and mental health.
Method
384 undergraduate students from …. University in China were selected through connivence sampling. The participants attempted mental health, healthy lifestyle, caring climate and physical activities scales. Pearson correlation was used for analyzing the data (p < 0.05).
Results
Results show that there is a significant negative correlation between the students’ perceived social climate and their mental health. However, the correlation between the social climate and the students’ physical activities, healthy lifestyle, and dimensions of lifestyle were significantly positive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the intricate relationship between the social climate of physical training classes within Chinese universities and the multifaceted dimensions of undergraduate students' well-being.
Implications:
The implications of these findings are noteworthy for educators, policymakers, and practitioners involved in the design and management of educational settings. The negative correlation observed between students' perceived social climate and mental health underscores the need for concerted efforts to create supportive and nurturing environments within physical training classes. Strategies aimed at fostering a sense of belonging, emotional safety, and positive social interactions could contribute to enhanced mental well-being among students.
Molecular characterization and function of hif1a and fih1 in response to acute thermal stress in American shad (Alosa sapidissima)
Authors: Liang Zhengyuan , Hu Songqin , Dong Yalun , Miao Linghong , Zhu Wenbin , Feng Bingbing , Fu Jianjun , Luo Mingkun , Wang Lanmei , Dong Zaijie
Published: September 2023

In order to evaluate the function of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (hif1α) and factor inhibiting hif1α (fih1) in response to thermal stress, we firstly conducted functional analysis of A. sapidissima hif1α and fih1, and determined hif1α and fih1 expressions in different tissues in response to thermal stress based on identified housekeeping genes (HKGs). The results showed hif1α and fih1 were mainly located in the nucleus and cytoplasm. The full length cDNA sequence of hif1α and fih1 was 4073 bp and 2759 bp, respectively. The cDNA sequence of hif1α includes 15 exons encoding 750 amino acid residues and the full length cDNA sequence of fih1 contains 9 exons encoding 354 amino acid residues. During the acute thermal stress transferring from 16±0.5 oC (control) to 20±0.5 oC, 25±0.5 oC, and 30±0.5 oC for 15 min, it was found that the expression trends of hif1α and fih1 showed an inhibitory regulation in the heart, while they consistently expressed in other tissues. In conclusion, this is the first study to identify the tissue-specific HKGs in A. sapidissima and found that ef1α and β-actin are the most suitable HKGs. Hif1α and Fih1 is mainly the nuclear protein and cytoplasmic protein, respectively, both having high level in the heart and brain. Alosa sapidissima countered a temperature increasing from 16 ℃ to 25 ℃ by regulating the expressions of hif1α and fih1, but its physiological regulatory function was unable to cope with acute thermal stress at a temperature difference of 14 ℃ (from 16 ℃ to 30 ℃).
Effects of NaCl application on Cs concentration, number, and size of epidermal bladder cells in quinoa plants
Authors: Isobe Katsunori , Wada Kengo Shota Oishi・Masao , Oishi Shota , Higo Masao
Published: September 2023

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) plants possess epidermal bladder cells (EBCs) on the leaf surface that accumulate excess Na+. However, whether excess Cs+ is transported from the leaf to the EBCs has not been elucidated in quinoa plants. In this study, the Cs+ concentration of EBCs and leaves of quinoa plants grown in soil treated with high concentrations of NaCl was investigated via pot experiments. Three different treatments were performed: 9.75 g plot, and 19.50 g plot, and a control (with no added NaCl). In 9.75 g plot and 19.50 g plot, 9.75 g and 19.5 g of NaCl were applied to the soil, respectively. And 0.10 g of CsCl were applied to all pots. We observed that Na+ concentration in EBCs and in leaves with and without EBCs increased with increasing NaCl concentration at the vegetative and flowering stages; Na+ concentration was lower in the EBCs than in both types of leaves at both growth stages. Cs+ concentration in EBCs and both types of leaves increased with increasing NaCl concentration; Cs+ concentration was higher in EBCs than in both types of leaves. However, NaCl application did not affect the number of EBCs at both growth stages, but the number of EBCs in older leaves was lower than that in younger leaves at both growth stages. Moreover, EBC diameter increased with NaCl application at both growth stages; the EBCs of younger leaves were larger than those of older leaves at both growth stages. Therefore, NaCl increased the Cs+-accumulation capacity of quinoa plants by increasing the size of the EBCs.
The evolutionary and genetic patterns of African swine fever virus
Authors: Cho Myeongji , Min Xianglan , Been Nara , Son Hyeon S.
Published: September 2023

Background: African swine fever (ASF) is a serious animal disease, and has spread to Africa, Europe and Asia, causing massive economic losses. African swine fever virus (ASFV) is transmitted from a reservoir host (warthog) to domestic pigs via a sylvatic cycle (transmission between warthogs and soft ticks) and a domestic cycle (transmission between domestic pigs) and survives by expressing a variety of genes related to virus–host interactions.
Methods: We evaluated differences in codon usage patterns among ASFV genotypes and clades and explored the common and specific evolutionary and genetic characteristics of ASFV sequences. We analysed the evolutionary relationships, nucleotide compositions, codon usage patterns, selection pressures (mutational pressure and natural selection) and viral adaptation to host codon usage based on the coding sequences (CDS) of key functional genes of ASFV.
Results: AT bias was detected in the six genes analysed, irrespective of clade. The AT bias of genes (A224L, A179L, EP153R) encoding proteins involved in interaction with host cells after infection was high; among them, the AT bias of EP153R was the greatest at 78.3%. A large number of overrepresented codons were identified in EP153R, whereas there were no overrepresented codons with a relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) value of ≥ 3 in B646L. In most genes, the pattern of selection pressure was similar for each clade, but in EP153R, diverse patterns of selection pressure were captured within the same clade and genotype. As a result of evaluating host adaptation based on the codon adaptation index (CAI), for B646L, E183L, CP204Land A179L, the codon usage patterns in all sequences were more similar to tick than domestic pig or wild boar. However, EP153R showed the lowest average CAI value of 0.52 when selecting tick as a reference set.
Conclusions: The genes analysed in this study showed different magnitudes of selection pressure at the clade and genotype levels, which is likely to be related to the function of the encoded proteins and may determine key evolutionary traits of viruses, such as the level of genetic variation and host range. The diversity of codon adaptations at the genetic level in ASFV may account for differences in translational selection in ASFV hosts and provides insight into viral host adaptation and co‑evolution.
Self-eating in the plaque: nanogels with covalently bound and releasable trehalose for autophagy stimulation in atherosclerosis
Authors: ZHONG YUAN , Maruf Ali , Qu Kai , Milewska Małgorzata , Wandzik Ilona , Mou Nianlian , Cao Yu , Wu Wei
Published: September 2023

Atherosclerosis, cholesterol-driven plaque formation in arteries, is a complex multicellular disease which is a leading cause of vascular diseases. During the progression of atherosclerosis, the autophagic function is impaired, resulting in lipid accumulation-mediated foam cell formation. The stimulation of autophagy is crucial for the recovery of cellular recycling process. One of the potential autophagy inducers is trehalose, a naturally occurring non-reducing disaccharide. However, trehalose has poor bioavailability due to its hydrophilic nature which results in poor penetration through cell membranes. To enhance its bioavailability, we developed trehalose-releasing nanogels (TNG) for the treatment of atherosclerosis. The nanogels were fabricated through copolymerization of 6-O-acryloyl-trehalose with the selected acrylamide-type monomers affording a high trehalose conjugation (~58%, w/w). TNG showed a relatively small hydrodynamic diameter (dH, 67 nm) and a uniform spherical shape and were characterized by negative zeta (ζ) potential (-18 mV). In vitro study confirmed that TNG could stimulate autophagy in foam cells and enhance lipid efflux and in vivo study in ApoE-/- mice indicated a significant reduction in atherosclerotic plaques, while increasing autophagic markers. In conclusion, TNG hold great promise as a trehalose delivery system to restore impaired autophagy-mediated lipid efflux in atherosclerosis and subsequently reduce atherosclerotic plaques.
Purpureocillium lilacinum, a biocontrol agent: Bioprospecting of its antagonistic activity against pathogenic Sporothrix spp
Authors: Corrêa-Moreira Danielly , Costa Gisela , Pereira Sandro , Almeida Adilson , Laine Roberta , Teixeira Claudener , Borba Cintia , Oliveira Manoel
Published: September 2023

Background
Purpureocillium lilacinum is a filamentous, hyaline, anamorphic and ubiquitous fungus described by some authors as biocontrol agent. The genera Sporothrix consists of 8 dimorphic pathogenic species, classically found in the soil, including in the Atlantic Forest. In the last years, there was an increase of studies about Sporothrix spp., however, few of them describing or attempting to isolate these fungi from the soil in Brazil. Previous studies of our group demonstrated that P. lilacinum was able to inhibit the growth of S. brasiliensis and to interact as overgrowth by antagonist pattern in vitro. Thus, the aim of this work was evaluating the antagonistic activity of P. lilacinum isolates against seven pathogenic Sporothrix spp. by dual culture method.
Results
Our results confirm the greater number of P. lilacinum isolates from soil in an area belonging to the sporotrichosis belt in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as well as the antagonistic activity against pathogenic Sporothrix spp.
Conclusions
Our study reinforces the need to better study the secondary metabolites produced by P. lilacinum. in the sense to improve its potential of being used as biocontrol agent. Additionally, these compounds may represent a good strategy for the control and treatment of emerging pathogenic fungi in the future.
Non-market values of urban parks in developing countries: The case of Samanes park
Authors: Zambrano-Monserrate Manuel A. , Ruano Maria Alejandra
Published: September 2023

Samanes Park is the largest urban park in Ecuador and the third in Latin America. The park is one of the country's protected areas, home to many native and wild species and a recreation space for local and foreign tourists. On the other hand, being a non-excludable non-rival good, SamanesPark is a public good. Many public goods do not have a market; consequently, they cannot be priced. The problem with the above is that they are not incorporated into decision-making, leading to their deterioration over time, the Samanes Park being an example of the above. However, the population demands this type of goods, and its value is reflected in the consumer surplus. Non-market valuation aims to estimate the consumer surplus of public goods. This surplus can be used as a reference for public policy projects that aim to preserve the resource. This research applies the travel cost method (indirect valuation method) to estimate the consumer surplus of site visitors. The consumer surplus was estimated at US$4.50 per visit (per individual). Finally, the results indicate that Samanes park can be considered an inferior good for certain visitors. This finding is novel and contradicts the neoclassical theory that the higher the population's income, the greater the demand for environmental goods and services.
Mediterranean diet adherence and glycemic control in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Rebollo-Román Ángel , Tabernero-Urbieta Carmen , Rodríguez Joaquín Villaécija , Salas Bárbara Luque
Published: September 2023

Purpose: To effectively manage type 1 diabetes (T1D) insulin is essential, with dosages based on lifestyle. Mediterranean diet has demonstrated its advantages in preventing and enhancing the management of chronic diseases. Nevertheless, the evidence supporting this association in younger patients with type 1 diabetes remains limited. Our objective was to investigate the potential mediation of sensor activity on the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and glycemic control in children and adolescents.
Methods: 150 children and adolescents (mean age = 13.09, SD = 3.54; 44% female) with type 1 diabetes were recruited. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed using the KIDMED questionnaire. Glycemic control and the duration of sensor activity were evaluated based on data from flash glucose monitoring.
Results: The data confirmed our hypothesis by revealing a significant relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and glycemic control. This relationship was mediated by the duration of sensor activity.
Conclusions: Our results highlight the importance of incorporating Mediterranean diet recommendations to achieve better glycemic control. Furthermore, our findings support the increased utilization of glycemic control devices, as they contribute to improve glycemic control and mediate on the positive relationship between adherence of Mediterranean diet and adequate glycemic control.
The prevalence and risk factors of sexual dysfunction in the elderly in parts of China
Authors: Wang Chen , Yu Zhenzhen
Published: September 2023

Objective
This study aims to evaluate the epidemiological features of sexual dysfunc -tion in the old people that ages more than 65 in parts of China, and to investigate the independent significant risk factors.
Methods
According to population distribution of five communities in Xiamen and Chongqing, we have enrolled 2403 people that ages more than 65 randomly. We collected data information thought questionnaire survey mainly. Then demonstrated the current condition of sexual dysfunction in the samples by statistical analysis, and multivariable logistic regression was used to disclosed the risk factors of sexual dysfunction in the older adults.
Results
This epidemiological investigation demonstrated that about 10.48 percent of the elderly suffering from sexual dysfunction in different degree and duration time, the prevalence rate of this study was lower than previous studies. Gender, living in region, education experience, BMI, smoking and drinking history, hypertension and depression were significant differences in the rate or median(all p༜0.05).and Living in urban region[OR = 4.142 OR95%CI: 1.745–5.739 p༜0.001],drinking history [OR = 1.711 OR95%CI:1.124–2.604 p = 0.012] and depression[OR = 2.107 OR95% CI:1.109–4.356 p = 0.044] were independent risk factors for the sexual function.
Conclusion
The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was low among the elderly in the parts of China. The old people of living in urban region, drinking and depression are more likely have prone to sexual dysfunction.
An Industrial Network Intrusion Detection Algorithm Based on IGWO-GRU
Authors: yang wei , shan yao , wang jiaxuan , yao yu
Published: September 2023

Nowadays, the industrial control system has become open and interconnected, and informatization also increases the risk of network attacks and damage due to frequent intrusion. Research on industrial intrusion detection is ongoing, but many current methods need to consider the characteristics of industrial control flow. Therefore, this paper proposes an industrial network intrusion detection algorithm based on IGWO-GRU: starting from the timing of industrial control network traffic, select the simple architecture of the gated recurrent unit (GRU) as the network model; in view of the problem of the number of network parameters such as neurons and the learning rate, the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) is integrated with conducting autonomous learning to find the optimal parameters of the model and solve the problem of slow convergence rate caused by a large amount of data volume of the industrial control network traffic. However, due to the slow convergence speed and low optimization accuracy of the GWO algorithm and data imbalance, this paper improves an improved grey Wolf optimization algorithm (IGWO) by improving the nonlinear convergence factor and weight adjustment strategy to increase the convergence rate of the algorithm further and avoid falling into the local optimal solution. With the data set of the natural gas pipeline control system, the intrusion detection system is simulated for classifying abnormal flow attacks. The experimental results show that the IGWO-GRU algorithm has obvious advantages in accuracy, false alarm rate, and false report rate, which improves the safety protection ability of industrial control systems.
Income inequality, top shares of income and social classes in the 21st century
Authors: Giangregorio Luca , Villani Davide
Published: September 2023

This paper aims at providing new evidence about the link between personal and functional distribution and top-shares composition. We apply a novel class scheme based on two key features of contemporary capitalism i.e., individuals/households receiving multiple types of incomes, and the role of managers. The empirical application in Germany, Spain, and Italy over the period 2000–2017 reveals two main results. First, we observe a direct link between personal and functional distributions. In particular, a marginal increase in wages received by labourers would reduce inequality, whereas those received by capitalist households would increasing it. Second, we find that a significant portion of labour income at the top of the income distribution corresponds to wages received by capitalist households. We conclude that although the linear correspondence between income source and class location is more blurred today than it was 200 years ago, a class divide is still clear.
JEL Codes: E250
Chemical reaction, Thermal radiation and Newtonian heating impacts on Unsteady MHD Rotating Casson fluid flow past an infinite vertical porous surface
Authors: Sekhar B. Chandra , Kumar P. Vijaya , VeeraKrishna M.
Published: September 2023

The influences by the Newtonian heating on temperature in addition mass transport in unsteady MHD flows of the Casson fluids over the perpendicular plate with heat radiating as well as chemically reaction are explored. The Casson fluids modelling were utilized to distinguishing the non-Newtonian liquid behaviour. The fluids movement is persuaded owing to periodical fluctuations by the plate beside those lengths as well as a uniformed transversal magnetic domain is supplied into the directions this is vertical into the directions of fluids flows. The PDEs for leading the flows, temperature, as well as mass transfers are changed into the non-dimensional format utilizing appropriate non-dimensional variables these are afterwards solved methodically by using Laplace transforms methods. The computational quantities of the fluid velocities, temperature, along with species concentration are portrayed graphically. Also the quantities of skin-frictions, Nusselts number, as well as Sherwoods numbers are represented in table format. This is notified that the fluids velocity as well as temperature reduced by the enhancing quantities of Casson parameter whereas the concentration reduces by the increasing quantities of chemically reactions parameter as well as Schmidts number. Thus, a fluid flows modelling has quite a lot of engineering in addition to medical applications those are, in glasses manufacturing, papers productions, purifications of crude oils as well as studying of blood flows in the cardiovascular systems.
Global Longitudinal Strain by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography and Mortality in Septic Patients: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Andrzej Pruszczyk , Mateusz Zawadka , Pawel Andruszkiewicz , Luigi La Via , Antoine Herpain , Ryota Sato , Siddharth Dugar , Chew Michelle S. , Filippo Sanfilippo
Published: September 2023

Background: Septic cardiomyopathy is associated with poor outcomes but its definition remains unclear. In a previous meta-analysis, left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain (LS) showed significant prognostic value in septic patients, but findings were not robust due to limited number of studies, differences in effect size and no adjustment for confounders.
Methods: We conducted an updated systematic review (PubMed and Scopus up to 14.02.2023) and meta-analysis to investigate the association between LS and survival in septic patients. We included studies reporting global (from three apical views) or regional LS (one or two apical windows). A secondary analysis evaluated the association between LV ejection fraction (EF) and survival using data from the selected studies.
Results: We included fourteen studies (1678 patients, survival 69.6%) and demonstrated an association between better performance (more negative LS) and survival with mean difference (MD):-1.45%;[-2.10,-0.80] (p<0.0001;I2=42%). No subgroup differences were found stratifying studies according to number of views used to calculate LS (p=0.31;I2=16%), severity of sepsis (p=0.42;I2=0%), and sepsis criteria (p=0.59;I2=0%). Trial sequential analysis and sensitivity analyses confirmed the primary findings. Grade of evidence was low. In the included studies, thirteen reported LVEF and we found an association between higher LVEF and survival (MD:2.44%;[0.44,4.45]; p=0.02;I2=42%).
Conclusions: We confirmed that more negative LS values are associated with higher survival in septic patients. The clinical relevance of this difference and whether the use of LS may improve understanding of septic cardiomyopathy and prognostication deserve further investigation. The association found between LVEF and survival is of unlikely clinical meaning.
A flexible Bayesian tool for CoDa mixed models: logistic-normal distribution with Dirichlet covariance
Authors: Martínez-Minaya Joaquín , Rue Haavard
Published: September 2023

Compositional Data Analysis (CoDa) has gained popularity in recent years. This type of data consists of values from disjoint categories that sum up to a constant. Both Dirichlet regression and logistic-normal regression have become popular as CoDa analysis methods. However, fitting this kind of multivariate models presents challenges, especially when structured random effects are included in the model, such as temporal or spatial effects.
To overcome these challenges, we propose the logistic-normal Dirichlet Model (LNDM). We seamlessly incorporate this approach into the R-INLA package, facilitating model fitting and model prediction within the framework of Latent Gaussian Models (LGMs). Moreover, we explore metrics like Deviance Information Criteria (DIC), Watanabe Akaike information criterion (WAIC), and cross-validation measure conditional predictive ordinate (CPO) for model selection in R-INLA for CoDa.
Illustrating LNDM through a simple simulated example and with an ecological case study on Arabidopsis thaliana in the Iberian Peninsula, we underscore its potential as an effective tool for managing CoDa and large CoDa databases.