bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socioeconomic impacts of the dust storms in southwest Iran
Authors: MalAmiri Neamat , Rashki Alireza , Azarmdel Hasan , Kaskaoutis Dimitris , Al-Dousari Ali
Published: October 2023

Dust storms are a frequent meteorological occurrence in the arid and semi-arid regions of Khuzestan province (KHP) in southwest Iran. These storms result in significant social and economic repercussions that extend beyond mere meteorological and climatic disturbances. Over the past decade, they have become the primary cause of substantial environmental and socio-economic damage in the region. In this study, we aim to assess the economic impacts of sand/dust storms (SDSs) on human health, agriculture (specifically Estamran Dates), and migration in KHP during the period from 1960 to 2020. Our findings reveal the following economic consequences: Respiratory diseases incurred a financial loss of approximately US$14 million, with more than 450 individuals requiring hospitalization at a cost exceeding US$0.04 million (between April and July 2022). Cardiovascular diseases related to SDSs resulted in costs exceeding US$1.9 million within the same timeframe. Cities near the sources of dust storms experienced a cumulative damage cost of approximately US$6.8 million. The local population in these cities also suffered more significant adverse effects compared to those in cities farther from the influence of dust storms in southwest Iran. We evaluated the impact of SDSs on the quality of Estamran Dates by analyzing 20 samples from key Estamran Dates production areas in KHP, including Ahvaz, Abadan, Khorramshahr, and Shadegan. The cost of damages (CODs) in this sector amounted to around US$18.3 million, with Shadegan bearing the brunt of the loss at approximately US$8.3 million. In total, the socio-economic costs of SDSs in these three sectors amounted to about US$39 million. This is particularly concerning considering that Khuzestan province contributed 14.8% to Iran's GDP in 2020, representing 50% of the economic output of southwestern provinces. Dust storms have left an indelible mark on the southwestern Iranian provinces over the last few decades.
Exo70 protects against memory and synaptic impairments following mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Lira Matias , Abarca Jorge , Mira Rodrigo G , Zamorano Pedro , Cerpa Waldo
Published: October 2023

Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is damage to the brain due to external forces. It is the most frequent form of brain trauma and a leading cause of disability in young adults. Hippocampal glutamatergic transmission and synaptic plasticity are impaired after mTBI, and NMDA receptors play critical in these functions. The Exocyst is a vesicle tethering complex implicated in the trafficking of glutamate receptors. We have previously shown that Exo70, a critical exocyst's subunit, redistributes in the synapse and increases its interaction with GluN2B in response to mTBI, suggesting a role in the distribution of the GluN2B subunit of NMDARs from synaptic to extrasynaptic membranes. We tested whether Exo70 could prevent NMDAR depletion from the synapse and limit mTBI pathology. To this end, we used a modified Maryland's model of mTBI in mice overexpressing Exo70 in CA1 pyramidal neurons through a lentiviral vector transduction. We showed that after mTBI, the overexpression of Exo70 prevented the cognitive impairment observed in mice infected with a control vector using the Morris' water maze paradigm. Following these findings, mice overexpressing Exo70 showed basal and NMDAR-dependent hippocampal synaptic transmission comparable to sham animals, preventing the deterioration induced by mTBI. Long-term potentiation, abundant synaptic GluN2B-containing NMDARs, and downstream signaling effectors showed that Exo70 overexpression prevented the mTBI-induced alterations. Our findings revealed a crucial role of Exo70 in NMDAR trafficking to the synapse and suggested that the Exocyst complex may be a critical component of the basal machinery that regulates NMDAR distribution in health and disease.
Implementation of Topological Quantum Gates in Magnet-Superconductor Hybrid Structures
Authors: Morr Dirk , Bedow Jasmin , Mascot Eric , Hodge Themba , Rachel Stephan
Published: October 2023

The creation of topological quantum gates using Majorana zero modes -- an outstanding problem in the field of topological quantum computing -- relies on our ability to control the braiding process of these particles in time and space. Here, we propose two-dimensional magnet-superconductor hybrid structures as a new platform for the successful implementation of topologically protected √σz-, σz- and σx-quantum gates using Majorana zero modes. We utilize a braiding protocol that makes use of recent advances in the ability to control the spin of individual atoms using electron-spin-resonance techniques. We visualize the braiding process in time and space by computing the non-equilibrium local density of states, which is proportional to the time-dependent differential conductance measured in scanning tunneling spectroscopy experiments.
Application of a hydrophobic coating to the inner wall of a pressurized pipe and its effect on energy losses and fluid flow profile
Authors: Muñóz Antonio J. , Reca Juan , Martínez Juan
Published: October 2023

The use of additives, generally called DRAs (Drag Reducing Additives), has been proposed to re-duce the energy consumption in pressurized pipes. Although many research works have been conducted to analyze the effect of these additives, less attention have been devoted to the application of coatings to the pipe wall. This paper demonstrates that the application of a hydrophobic coating to the pipe can lead to a head loss reduction for a transition flow regime with moderate Reynolds number values (IR). For this purpose, an experiment was conducted to compare the performance of both coated and uncoated pipes by measuring the head losses and assessing the Drag Reduction Percentage (%DR) and the pipe friction factor (f). This was done for two Polyvinylchloride (PVC) pipes with different nominal diameters (PVC90 and PVC63). Besides, the flow velocity distribution was also measured in all these tests. The %DR decreased as the IR values increased, tending to zero for higher IR values. This could be explained by the fact that a partial slip condition is induced by the hydrophobic product and its effect is significant for a transition regime where the effect of viscosity is important, and it becomes negligible for increasing levels of turbulence. No significant differences were observed in the flow distribution between coated and uncoated pipes, which seems to indicate that the velocity change could be limited to the near-wall viscous sublayer. The results of this work open an important research line aimed at reducing energy costs and the carbon footprint in pipe fluid distribution systems.
Assessment of heavy metals accumulation in Celtis tournefortii Lam and Prosopis farcta from Mazne subdistrict, Kurdistan region of Iraq
Authors: Abdulwahid-Kurdi Samiaa Jamil , Khalid Karzan Mohammad , Abdulwahid Muhsin Jamil , Sardar Abdullah Shakur
Published: October 2023

Most of the world's population relies on medicinal plants as their main source of healthcare. Therefore, it is crucial to ascertain the amount of heavy metals accumulated in medicinal plants. In this study, elements (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, S, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Cd, V, Cr, Ni, Ag, Be, Sr, Ba, Al, Pb, Bi, Rb, B, As, and Sb) found in Celtis tournefortii Lam and Prosopis farcta that were gathered from the Mazne sub-district of Kurdistan in Iraq were identified. Using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), concentrations of 25 elements in the leaves, fruit (Celtis tournefortii Lam), pod, and seed (Prosopis farcta) were identified. An exploratory study of samples was conducted using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). For Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and As. The elements quantified by ppm are: Ca (3403–81948), Mg (1573–7578 ), Na (108–291), K (6481–23212), Fe (184–623), Cu (8–16), Zn (3–48), Se (0.5–33), Cd (0.11–0.40 ppm), V (1–3), Cr (2–25), Ni (2–4), Ag (0.5–1.7), Be (0.20–0.40), Sr (79.3–454), B (3–86), Al (100–738), Bi (0.7–2.30), Rb (1–7), B (0.7–2.3), As (0.1–3.9), Sb (6.60–12). All of the samples under investigation contained similar levels of phosphorus and lead (218 and 1, respectively). The samples were divided into three major categories, as demonstrated by PCA and HCA. According to the findings, the fruit of Celtis tournefortii Lam is a source of Mg, K, Cu, Cd, Cr, Be, Sr, Ba, and Rb. The seeds of Prosopis farcta had accumulated a significant level of S, Zn, Se, and Ni. The data usually implies that using these plants poses a risk to people.
Exploring the correlation between Preoperative Gut Microbiota and Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting Using 16S Absolute Quantitative Sequencing : A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Tang Yijie , Guo Yu , Xie Xiyuan , Chen Yu , Huang Xinlei , Dai Dongsheng , Wu Xiaodan
Published: October 2023

Background
Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is the most common adverse reaction after surgery. A variety of methods have been used to prevent PONV, but this condition has still failed to reach a satisfactory level. From the perspective of the interaction between gut microbes and the host, 16S absolute quantitative sequencing technology is used to find new ideas for prevention.
Methods
The patients suffering from nausea and vomiting 24 h after surgery were divided into a PONV group (n = 22) and a non-PONV group (n = 22). The microorganisms related to the occurrence and development of PONV were assessed using bioinformatics and analysed. Analysis of correlation was used to indicate the relationship between microbiota and PONV, and the possibility of the gut microbiome in predicting PONV was assessed by ROC analysis.
Results
There were significant differences in α- and β-diversities between the PONV and non-PONV groups. Six microorganisms were the typical representatives. Among these genera, Bifidobacterium, Bilophila and Oscillibacter were negatively associated with the severity of PONV. ROC analysis indicated that it was dependable to predict PONV by using Bifidobacterium.
Conclusions
These findings propose a possible new mechanism of PONV from the perspective of gut microbiota and a theoretical basis for the prevention of PONV by taking probiotics preoperatively.
Spatial microniches of IL-2 synergize with IL-10 to drive lung migratory Th2 cells in response to inhaled allergen
Authors: Poholek Amanda , He Kun , Xiao Hanxi , MacDonald William , Mehta Isha , Kishore Akash , Vincent Augusta , Xu Zhongli , Ray Anuradha , Chen Wei , Lambrecht Bart , Das Jishnu
Published: October 2023

The mechanisms that guide Th2 cell differentiation in barrier tissues are unclear. Using temporal, spatial and single cell transcriptomic tracking of house dust mite (HDM) specific T cells, we describe the molecular pathways driving allergen specific Th2 cells. Differentiation and migration of lung allergen-specific Th2 cells requires early expression of the transcriptional repressor Blimp-1. Loss of Blimp-1 during priming in the lymph node ablated the formation of Th2 cells that migrate to the lung, indicating early Blimp-1 promotes the population of Th2 cells with migratory capability. Blimp-1 occurs in a subset of lymph node CD4 T cells that requires IL-10 from allergen-specific T cells. Furthermore, IL-2/STAT5 signals are essential for both Blimp-1 and GATA3 upregulation through repression of Bcl6 and Bach2 in the lymph node. Spatial microniches of IL-2 in the lymph node identified by the latent factor discovery method SLIDE discriminate and support the earliest Blimp-1+ migratory Th2 cells, demonstrating that lymph node localization is a primary driver of Th2 initiation. Our findings illuminate the molecular pathways for inhaled allergens to promote Th2 cells and identify an early requirement for IL-2 mediated spatial microniches that synergize with allergen-driven IL-10 from responding T cells to drive allergic asthma
Sex differences in the association between insulin resistance and myocardial infarction across glycaemic states
Authors: Riccio Alessia , Fortin Elena , Mellbin Linda , Norhammar Anna , Näsman Per , Rydén Lars , Sesti Giorgio , Ferrannini Giulia
Published: October 2023

Background: Females are generally less prone to cardiovascular (CV) events than males, but this protection in trumped by the presence of diabetes. The mechanism behind the increased relative risk in females with diabetes is not fully understood. Insulin resistance (IR) is suggested to be a more important contributor to CV morbidity in females than in males. We aim at investigating differences in the association between IR indexes (Homeostatic Model Assessment of IR - HOMA-IR, visceral adiposity index – VAI, and triglycerides/high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol - TG/HDL-C index), and a first myocardial infarction (MI) across different glycaemic states.
Methods: In this post-hoc analysis of the PAROKRANK study, IR indexes were calculated in a population with (n=696) and without (n=707) a first MI, free from known diabetes. MI patients were investigated at least six weeks after the event. All participants were categorized by an oral glucose tolerance test as having normal glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, or newly diagnosed diabetes. Comparison of proportion of glycaemic states by sex was tested by chi-square test. The associations between sex, a first MI, IR indexes, and traditional CV risk factors were analysed by multivariate logistic regression models. Continuous variables were logarithmically transformed.
Results: Of the total population 19% were females and 81% males, out of whom 47% and 50% had a first MI, respectively. Compared with males, females were older, less often smokers, with lower body mass index and higher total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. The proportion of glycaemic states did not differ between the sexes (p=0.06). Females were less insulin resistant than males. In logistic regression models adjusted for major CV risk factors including sex, the associations between VAI and TG/HDL-C index and a first non-fatal MI remained significant only in females (odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals: 1.7, 1.0-2.9 and 1.9, 1.1-3.4 respectively).
Conclusions: These results support the assumption that IR is of special importance as a CV risk factor in females and IR indexes based on anthropometrics and lipid panel, i.e., VAI and TG/HDL-C, could be a better measure of IR and CV-predictor in females than in males.
Exploring Online Sexual Abuse and Risky Sexual Behaviors: A Comparative Analysis of Adolescents with ADHD and Healthy Controls
Authors: Ozdag Veysel , Soylu Nusret , Yuce Servet
Published: October 2023

Aim: This study investigates the relationship between online sexual abuse, risky sexual behaviors, and ADHD symptoms in adolescents.
Method:We examined 118 adolescents with ADHD and 117 healthy controls using cross-sectional data collection. Measures included sociodemographic, an online sexual abuse scale, and the Conners Parent Rating Scale. Online sexual abuse was categorized into victimization, receiving/sending sexual content messages, and online sexual bullying. Data analysis used SPSS 28.0.
Results:ADHD and control groups matched in age/gender, but ADHD group had lower academic performance. Online sexual abuse was higher in ADHD (50%) than controls (31.6%). ADHD group showed significantly higher rates of sexual victimization (33.1% vs. 17.1%) and receiving sexual content messages (38.1% vs. 23.9%). Older ADHD children received more sexual content messages, girls had higher victimization rates, and poor academic performance correlated with more online sexual abuse. Comorbid conditions like Oppositional Defiant Disorder increased online sexual abuse risk. Adolescents with ADHD exhibiting online abuse scored higher on Conners Parent Rating Scale subscales.
Discussion:This study reveals a heightened risk of online sexual abuse in adolescents with ADHD and identifies associated factors. Future research should delve deeper into these factors and their ties to ADHD.
Metallurgical evaluation and wear resistance at room and high temperature of Stellite-6/WC-6Co coatings deposited by laser cladding process
Authors: Félix-Martínez Christian , Salgado-López Juan Manuel , López-Martínez Aldo , García-Salas Luis Daniel , González-Carmona Juan , Cruz-González Celso Eduardo
Published: October 2023

Research have focused on finding solutions to prolong the life of metal parts which suffer damage from wear. Hard facing is a suitable solution and Co-based alloys and ultimately metal matrix composites have been used due to their high wear resistance. In this work, the wear resistance at room temperature (RT) and at 600°C of Stellite-6/WC-6Co coatings obtained by laser cladding was evaluated, deposited using continuous (CW) and pulsed wave (PW), and varying the idle time. The coatings deposited with CW showed higher hardness in the matrix (785–843 HV); meanwhile, the PW showed values between 623–786 HV. The increase in hardness was attributed to the higher W and C diffusion towards the matrix. The use of PW reduced diffusion due to the higher cooling rates. Similarly, coatings deposited with CW obtained the best wear resistance both temperature conditions, with values between 11.81 x10− 6 mm3/Nm and 39.39 x10− 6 mm3/Nm, respectively. At RT, W and C diffusion promoted the formation of carbides that had a lubricating effect; however, at high temperature, tribo-oxidation occurred with the formation of protective layers of oxides. Stellite-6/WC-6Co coatings showed good wear resistance, which makes them an alternative to improve the useful life of metallic components.
A Cutting Plane Approach to Maximization of Fundamental Frequency in Truss Topology Optimization
Authors: Pessoa Artur Alves , Aroztegui José Miguel
Published: October 2023

This work introduces a cutting plane algorithm to solve the maximization of the minimum frequency of truss structures subject to volume and compliance constraints.Multiple load cases and multiple scenarios of non-structural mass distributions are considered.This problem is formulated as a non-convex semi-definite programming problem with Bi-linear Matrix Inequality (BMI) constraints.The proposed algorithm consists of iteratively tightening a linear relaxation of that problem.A new family of linear constraints (cutting planes) is defined as a linearization of BMI constraints.It is proved that the algorithm can find a violated valid cut for any infeasible solution that could be found in any iteration.Implementation details of the algorithm are given.We show the robustness of the method with some numerical examples and compare its performance with other available solvers.The reported results indicate that the new method outperforms the previous ones when the number of load cases and non-structural masses scenarios is big.
Creatine and L-carnitine attenuate muscular laminopathy in the LMNA mutation transgenic zebrafish
Authors: Yuh Chiou-Hwa , Pan Shao-Wei , Wang Horng-Dar , Hsiao He-Yun , Hsu Po-Jui , Tseng Yung-Che , Liang Wen-Chen , Jong Yuh-Jyh
Published: October 2023

LMNA gene mutations cause debilitating striated muscle laminopathies, affecting cardiac and skeletal muscles, with limited treatments. This study investigates five LMNA mutations using zebrafish models. Transgenic zebrafish expressing wild-type LMNAand each mutation are extensively profiled for morphology, behavior, and histology, with a focus on skeletal muscles. Drug screening and transcriptomic analysis uncover altered gene expression. Intriguing phenotypes emerge in adult zebrafish with LMNA mutations. LMNA(W520G) variants exhibit a mortality rate within three months. LMNA(A539V) fish exhibit abnormalities in F0 adults and crooked bodies in F1 adults, similar to LMNA(R453W) F1 fish. Larvae of LMNA(L35P), LMNA(E358K), and LMNA(R453W) transgenic fish swim slower than AB(WT) and LMNA(WT) in DanioVision. All LMNA transgenic adult fish, except LMNA(E358K), show reduced swimming speed and muscle endurance compared to AB(WT) in T-maze and swimming tunnel tests. Histochemical staining reveals decreased fiber size in LMNA(L35P), LMNA(E358K), LMNA(R453W), and LMNA(A539V) transgenic fish. Drug screening identifies L-carnitine treatment rescuing muscle endurance in LMNA(L35P) and creatine treatment reversing muscle endurance in LMNA(R453W) zebrafish models. Creatine activates AMPK and mTOR pathways, improving muscle endurance and swimming speed in LMNA(R453W) fish. Transcriptomic profiling reveals upstream regulators and affected genes contributing to motor dysfunction, cardiac anomalies, and ion flux dysregulation in LMNA mutant transgenic fish. These findings mimic clinical manifestations of muscular laminopathies, including dysmorphism, early mortality, decreased fiber size, and muscle dysfunction in zebrafish. Moreover, drug screening suggests L-carnitine and creatine treatments as potential rescuers of muscle endurance in LMNA(L35P) and LMNA(R453W) zebrafish models, offering insights into treating LMNA-related muscular laminopathy.
Comparative physicochemical and structural characterisation studies establish high Biosimilarity between BGL-ASP and Reference Insulin Aspart
Authors: Ghade Nikhil , Thappa Damodar , Lona Jeseena , Krishnan Archana , Sonar Sanjay
Published: October 2023

Biosimilar insulin analogues are increasing market access for diabetic patients globally. Scientific establishment of biosimilarity is cornerstone of this key change in the medical landscape. BGL-ASP is a biosimilar insulin aspart developed by BioGenomics Limited, India. BioGenomics has considered a stepwise approach in generating the totality of evidence required to establish similarity with reference product. Insulin aspart is a recombinant rapid-acting human insulin analogue utilised in the treatment of type-1 and type-2 diabetes mellitus. The single amino acid substitution at position B28 where proline is replaced with aspartic acid results in a decreased propensity to form hexamers, thus increasing the absorption rate on subcutaneous administration compared to native insulin. In order to establish the safety and efficacy of BGL-ASP, the critical quality attributes (CQAs) of BGL-ASP are identified based on the impact created on biological activity, pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamic (PK/PD), immunogenicity and safety. The CQAs of insulin aspart are related to product structure, purity and functionality and are characterised using a series of state-of-the-art orthogonal analytical tools. The primary protein sequence, the secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure are found to be highly similar for BGL-ASP and reference product. The product related impurities of insulin aspart and the assay content are determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) based analysis and is similar for BGL-ASP and reference insulin aspart sourced from United States of America (US), Europe Union (EU) and India. The safety, efficacy and immunogenicity of BGL-ASP is also found to be comparable with reference product and is confirmed through the clinical trials conducted as recommended by International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) and European Medicines Agency (EMA) guidelines. The data encompassed in this study demonstrates that reference insulin aspart and BGL-ASP are highly similar in terms of structural, physicochemical, and biological properties, thus confirming its safety and efficacy for usage as potential alternative economical medicinal treatment for diabetes mellitus.
Network Pharmacology and Metabolomic Effects in vivo of Fufang Duzhong Jiangu Granules for the Treatment of Kashin-Beck Disease
Authors: Deng Xingxing , Niu Hui , Zhang Qian , Wen Jinfeng , Zhao Yijun , Li Wenyu , Liu Huan , Guo Xiong , Zhang Feng , Wu Cuiyan
Published: October 2023

Background: Fufang Duzhong Jiangu Granules (FDJG) is used clinically for treating swelling, pain and functional impairment caused by osteoarthropathy. However, the potential therapeutic mechanisms of FDJG for Kashin-Beck Disease (KBD) remain unclear.
Objective: Our study aims to predict the drug efficacy and molecular mechanisms of FDJG in the treatment of KBD based on network pharmacology, metabolomics and molecular docking.
Methods: The active ingredients and target proteins of FDJG were obtained from TCMSP database, and analyzed in conjunction with the differential genes of KBD. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, PPI network construction and topological characteristics evaluation, molecular docking were performed to explore gene function and potential mechanisms of FDJG in the treatment of KBD. Furthermore, FDJG treatment for one month was administered to patients with KBD, and some differentially expressed genes and metabolic effects before and after treatmentwere measured using qPCR and nontargeted metabolomics methods. Further gene-metabolism joint pathway analysis was conducted.
Results: There were 151 genes which are the therapeutic targets of FDJG in the treatment of KBD. 48 core target proteins were mainly enriched in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, TNF signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, apoptosis and osteoclast differentiation. Quercetin, kaempferol and luteolin in FDJG could strongly bind to TP53, STAT3, HSP90AA1, etc., which had important anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects in the treatment of KBD. After one-month FDJG treatment, the RNA expression levels of STAT3, FOS and RELA in peripheral blood of KBD patients were significantly down-regulated. A total of 80 differential expressed metabolites were identified in the plasma of KBD patients. Drug targets and differential metabolites were co-enriched in four metabolic pathways: glycerophospholipid metabolism, inositol phosphate metabolism, phosphatidylinositol signaling system, and steroid hormone biosynthesis.
Conclusion: FDJG may effectively treat KBD by anti-inflammatory and regulating abnormal lipid metabolism pathway, which has great potential in the treatment of patients with KBD.
Assessment of Pollution Indices of Microplastic Contamination in Commercially Important Brachyuran Crab (Portunus sanguinolentus)
Authors: Rabari Vasantkumar , Patel Heris , Rakib Md. Refat Jahan , Trivedi Jigneshkumar , Malafaia Guilherme , M. Idris Abubakr
Published: October 2023

Microplastic (MP) in seafood is a growing area of food safety. In the present study, MP contamination in the commercially important crab,Portunus sanguinolentus,of Gujarat state, India, was assessed. A total of 300 crab specimens were collected from three principal fishing harbors in Gujarat. The collected specimens were analyzed using a previously used methodology. The average abundance of MP was recorded as 0.67 ± 0.62 MPs/g. The pollution indices revealed high contamination and fell under class IV (Jakhau) and V risk categories (Okha and Veraval). Threads were found dominantly. Blue and black-colored MPs with 1–2 mm sizes were recorded dominantly. Polyethylene, Polyethylene tetraphene, polyurethane, polystyrene, and polypropylene were identified as polymer compositions of MPs. Concludingly, the present study gives an insight into the MP in crabs, which can help design further investigations on the toxicity of MPs in seafood.
Directed evolution of a keratinase BLk from Bacillus licheniformis to enhance the solvent tolerance
Authors: Zhu Fucheng , Yan Zixu , Dai Jingli , Li Guosi , Xu Qiling , Ma Yunfeng , Ma Jingbo , Chen Naidong , Zang Yongjun
Published: October 2023

Keratinase, an important protein used in hair degradation, requires stability enhancement in industrial applications due to the harsh reaction environment for keratin hydrolysis. Previous studies have focused on improving the thermostability of keratinase. In this study, directed evolution was applied to enhance the organic solvent stability of keratinase BLk from Bacillus licheniformis. Three excellent mutants were screened and exhibited significantly improved stability in various solvents, although similar results were not observed in terms of thermostability. The identified mutations were located on the enzyme's surface. The half-life of the D41A, A24E, and A24Q mutants increased by 47-, 63-, and 61-fold, respectively, in the presence of 50% (v/v) acetonitrile compared to the wild-type. Similarly, in the presence of 50% (v/v) acetone, the half-life of these mutants increased by 22-, 27-, and 27-fold compared to the wild-type. Importantly, the proteolytic activity of all selected mutants was similar to that of the parent keratinase BLk. Furthermore, molecular dynamic simulation was employed to analyze the possible reasons for the enhanced solvent stability. The results suggest that increased intramolecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, may contribute to the improved solvent tolerance. The mutants obtained in this study hold significant potential for industrial applications.
Bleeding skin lesions in gestating sows of a piglet producing farm in Austria
Authors: Schwarz Lukas , Hamar Flora , Bernreiter-Hofer Tanja , Loncaric Igor , Arnold Mirjam , Voglmayr Thomas , Ladinig Andrea
Published: October 2023

Background
Stomoxys calcitrans, the stable fly, occurs in pig producing countries worldwide. While in cattle the impact of this blood sucking insect is quite well described, its role in pig production is poorly investigated. Here we describe a case of a massive stable fly overpopulation in the gestation unit of a piglet producing farm in Austria that resulted in bleeding skin lesions in bitten sows.
Case Presentation
In October 2021, the responsible herd veterinarian of the case farm reported of sows in the gestation area presenting with bloody crusts on the whole skin surface of the body and of bleeding skin lesions. 33/50 sows were affected by moderate to severe skin lesions. Reproductive performance decreased during the time of massive stable fly overpopulation. Sows in the gestation unit showed defensive behaviour and at a certain time point resigned and accepted being bitten by stable flies. After controlling the fly population, reproductive performance improved and even exceeded the performance before the massive overgrowth of the stable fly population.
Conclusions
Stable flies are a serious harm to pigs and should be kept in mind for improved animal health and welfare. Knowledge about the determination of Stomoxys calcitrans and early recognition of an increasing stable fly population in pig farming systems followed by proper insect control measures have to be performed to reduce losses caused by this harming insect.
Corneal involvement in multicentric reticulohistiocytosis, a case report
Authors: Helal rehab , Nayeb Mohamad , Gharib Miral , Alqahtani Omar
Published: October 2023

Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis (MRH) is a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the skin and articular tissues that can involve other organs. Involvement of the ocular region is usually confined to the skin and ocular adnexa. Corneal involvement has never been reported with MRH. Here we are reporting a case of MRH with corneal lesion.
Long-range hybrid plasmonic waveguide of graded-index InGaAsP active layer based on InP_language correction
Authors: Shneen Watheq Fahem , Ameen sabah M M
Published: October 2023

A hybrid plasmonic waveguide based on indium phosphide (InP) was proposed for nanoscale optical confinement and long-range propagation at a wavelength of 1.55 µm. The waveguide consists of an InGaAsP layer designed as a ridge with a gold cap. The InGaAsP materials are suitable for InP substrates. The refractive index of In1 − xGaxAsyP1−y was graded by changing the mole fraction to improve the confinement and propagation length compared with the conventional one. Changing only the y parameter with constant x results in a propagation length increase compared to the inverse case, changing only the parameter x. This parallels good results in the mode effective area (Aeff) and figure-of-merit (FoM) for the exact condition of changing y, expressing a good confinement condition. A propagation length of 40 µm is achieved with better confinement than the standard hybrid case. The designs proposed in this paper were simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics.
Numerical study of flow control on an asymmetric beveled trailing edge
Authors: Mosallem M. M. , Ahmed Zienab A.
Published: October 2023

The current research aims to numerically study the flow past a beveled trailing edge of the plate in the presence of a control rod. The test model used in the current study is a sharp-faced 2D flat plate of thickness, H and having an asymmetric 60° beveled trailing edge. A control rod of diameter, \(d=0.2 H\) inserted at two different locations (Location (1); \(x/H=\) 0.18, \(y/H=1.0\)) and (Location (2); \(x/H=\) 0.28, \(y/H=0.9\)) behind the trailing edge. A two-dimensional unsteady numerical simulation was conducted at Reynolds number, \({{Re}}_{H}=1.09\times 1{0}^{5}\) based on the plate thickness. The numerical results revealed the vortex formation and vortex shedding mechanism in the wake downstream of the trailing edge with and without control rod. A drag reduction of 4.6% and 5.9% was obtained for location (1) and (2) respectively. The oscillations lift coefficient amplitude decreased for both rod locations in comparison with that for without rod. the CL (rms) value was decreased in around 87% for location (1) and 39.4% for location (2). in compared to the case without control rod. The results showed also that for location (1) the lift force tends to be symmetry on the two sides of the plate. Strouhal number values for the two locations of control rod are less than that for trailing edge without control rod.
A multi-sensor framework in Google Earth Engine for trend analysis of water quality parameters in Anzali lagoon
Authors: Navabian Maryam , Vazifedoust Majid , Varaki Mehdi Esmaeili
Published: October 2023

Monitoring of water quality parameters (WQP) in Anzali Lagoon is deemed a priority for protection and prevention of its degradation. The current study investigates the environmental condition of the wetland between 2014 to 2021 using remote sensing technology. A multi-sensor framework was developed in google earth engine for spatio-temporal trend analysis of water quality parameters in Anzali lagoon. The spatial distributions indicated that the critical points of the lagoon are changing from the Western to the center and Eastern parts. The comparison of the WQP parameters with the environmental standards confirmed that the lagoon condition is in critical stage, especially in terms of TSS. Nitrate values showed that 50% of the lagoon area exceeds the environmental standards, which indicates the nutritional status. The investigated WQP has had a significant positive trend in most areas, so the lagoon is under high environmental risk and unfriendly human activities should be controlled.
Investigating the Critical Characteristics of Pedestrian-Vehicle Game Modes at Unsignalized Crosswalks: Based on MCMC and BP Network
Authors: Yang Zhen , Xie Shikun , Yuan Fang , Qi Yani , Wang Mingxuan
Published: October 2023

There is weak traffic control at unsignalized crosswalks, and the operation of pedestrians and motor vehicles is based on their recognition of the surrounding road conditions, environment, and degree of danger. This is fundamentally a game process of mutual compliance and obstacles. Currently, there is still insufficient understanding of the characteristics and mechanisms of this game behavior. In this paper, a large number of human-vehicle interaction examples in the non-signaled pedestrian crossing are collected by UAV to analyze the pedestrian-vehicle interaction mode, and a comprehensive index called Pedestrian-Vehicle Game Index (PVGI) that depicts the pedestrian-vehicle game process considering the change of motion state is proposed. Then, the Markov-chain Monte Carlo (MCMC)has been used to identify the critical conditions for game modes. Additionally, a BN model based on the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) and the Expectation-Maximum algorithm (EM) algorithm is applied to model and analyze multiple games between pedestrians and vehicles. The results show that pedestrian-vehicle interaction includes 11 typical game modes in 3 categories, and there are significant differences in each interaction mode. MCMC identified the PVGI domain of the pedestrian-vehicle as [-4.0s, 2.0s]. In this game interval, the game mode will be divided into "pedestrian yield - vehicle dominant" and " vehicle yield - pedestrian dominant ", with corresponding game intervals of [-4.0, 0] and [0, 2.0]. The Naive Bayes (NB) model for second-round game recognition based on the EM algorithm and GMM model performs better, with a total accuracy of 83.78%.
ZSTK474 Targeting PIK3R3 Inhibits the Wilms' Tumor through G0 / G1 Phase Arrest
Authors: Li Maoxian , Liu Jiayan , Jin Liming , Mi Tao , Zhang Zhaoxia , Zhanghuang Chenghao , Li Mujie , Wang Jinkui , Wu Xin , Wang Zhaoying , Wang Zhang , He Dawei
Published: October 2023

Purpose
Wilms' tumor (WT) is children's most common primary kidney malignancy. The prognosis of patients with anaplastic and recurrent nephroblastoma is still poor. Therefore, searching for a new potential medicinal agent for WT is urgent.
Methods
We used one-way Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis to identify differentially expressed and prognostic-related genes (p < 0.05) based on the nephroblastoma dataset TARGET-WT in the TCGA database. We predicted ZSTK474, a PI3K inhibitor, as a potential therapeutic agent for WT by querying the Connectivity Map (CMap) database for prognosis-related genes. The inhibitory effect of ZSTK474 on WT was investigated by in vivo and in vitro experiments, and its inhibitory mechanism was explored.
Results
In vivo, ZSTK474 inhibited the growth of nephroblastoma in a dose-dependent manner, and no significant toxic side effects were observed. Western blot and immunofluorescence
Photodynamic Antibacterial Evaluation of Polydopamine - Nanoparticles optimized Curcumin Longa as a Root Canal Irrigant against Endodontic Biofilm.
Authors: Gunasekaran Gokul , Manavalan Madhana Madhubala , Mahalaxmi Sekar
Published: October 2023

Background:
Root canal infections are a common challenge in endodontics where traditional root canal irrigants have been accompanied with photodynamic therapy(PDT) to enhance the antibacterial eradication and prevention of reinfection. This study explores a novel approach for root canal disinfection using photodynamically activated photosensitiser Curcuma longa(Cur), an active compound found in turmeric, optimized with polydopamine nanoparticles (nPD) against Enterococcus faecalis(E. faecalis) as a root canal irrigant.
Methodology: Fifty three single-rooted human premolar teeth were decoronated, 2–3 mm from the cementoenamel junction was removed to obtain specimens of 10 mm length. The root canals were biomechanically prepared and the samples were rinsed in ultrasonic bath with 3% NaOCl and 17% EDTA and rinsed in distilled water. Then, specimens were autoclaved and were inoculated with 0.1mL E. faecalis in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth and incubated at 37°Cfor four weeks. After E.faecalis growth, all the specimens were randomised into 5 groups (n=10); Group 1- Untreated specimens; 2. Group 2 - 2.5% NaOCl; Group 3 - PDT + Cur; Group 4 - PDT + nPD; Group 5 - PDT + nPD-Cur. Each specimen was then irrigated with respective experimental irrigation protocol followed by application of diode irradiation at wavelength of 808 nm and 405 nm simultaneously for 10 min. The samples were collected using sterile paper points immersed in root canal and cultured to determine the number of colony-forming units (CFU)/ml. Specimens were analysed under CLSM to determine the percentage of dead bacteria and SEM to evaluate biofilm disruption potential.
Results: CFU, dead bacteria percentage and bioflim disruption potential revealed to be highest for NaOCl group followed by PDT+nPD > PDT+Curcumin+nPD > PDT+Curcumin.
Conclusion: nPD were found to have good antibacterial properties than curcumin and nPD-Cur also proved to have enhance photodynamic antibacterial activity against endodontic biofilm.
Association between mechanical power normalized to compliance and prognosis of critically ill patients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Dong yukang , Fu jiangquan , Huang Rui , Yao Huan , Wang Jinni , Wang Ying , Shen Feng
Published: October 2023

Background: The mechanical power (MP) of a ventilator, which is the accumulated energy load of multiple respiratory cycles per unit time, can vary based on the physiological state of the ventilated lungs, leading to different effects on the respiratory system. Accordingly, it is most reasonable to normalize the mechanical power to accurately reflect the actual volume of air reaching the lungs. At present, the relationship between MP normalized to compliance (MPCRS) and prognosis in critically ill patients under ventilation is not clear.
Methods: This retrospective cohort study included a total of 3551 patients in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) IV, with ICU mortality and in-hospital mortality as study outcomes. Multivariate regression analysis and subgroup analysis were used to explore the associations between MPCRS and prognosis in ventilator-supported critically ill patients. The results were illustrated using smoothing curves and forest plots.
Results: Participants' mean age was 61.3 ± 17.0 years and the median [IQR]baseline MPCRS was 0.4(0.2,0.6) J/min/mL/cmH2O. After adjusting for covariates, the ORs [95% confidence intervals (CIs)] for ICU mortality were 1.22 (95% CI: 0.94-1.59), 1.68 (95% CI: 1.29-2.19), and 2.93 (95% CI: 2.20-3.90), respectively, with quartile 1as reference. Similar results were found for hospital mortality. After correcting for all covariables, the smoothing curves revealed a consistent linear relationship between ICU and hospital mortality.
Conclusion: These results demonstrate that a higher MPCRS is associated with poor clinical outcomes in critically ill patients. Higher MPCRS can lead to a higher mortality among ICU and in-hospital patients.
Low back pain during pregnancy: Prevalence, pain characteristics, risk factors among pregnant women seen at Primary Health Care Centre in Damascus: a cross-sectional study.
Authors: alsaadi Aya , alkhalfah Lubna , Ataya Sham , Kudsi Maysoun
Published: October 2023

Background low back pain is one of the most common problems during pregency that can affect the quality of life of the mother. The recognition of LBP pain characteristics during pregnancy is important to establish effective management. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among Syrian pregnant women in the outpatient clinic of El-Zahrawi Hospital in Damascus City using convince sampling approach with face-to-face interviews. Pain severity was assessed using the numeric rating scale (NRS), using a 0–10 scale, with zero meaning “no pain” and 10 meaning “the worst pain imaginable. Results 330 pregnant women were recruited for this study. The end-up prevalence rate of LBP in the sample is 209 (63.3%). Multiple logistic regression revealed factors correlated to low back pain as follows: Obesity [AOR = 2.11, CI 95% (1.128–3.976)], overweight [AOR = 1.82, CI 95% (1.052–3.167)], history of LBP in previous pregnancy [AOR = 2.01, CI 95% (1.221–3.311)], history of LBP during menstrual cycle [AOR = 1.83, CI 95% (1.020–3.301)], and postgraduate on educational level [AOR = 2.2, CI 95% (1.148–4.216)]. The majority of women 144 (68.9%) have moderate pain, 73 (34.9%) have onset pain in the first semester, 126 (60.3%) have their daily activity affected, and 163 (78%) have sleep disturbance due to the pain. Long-standing was the most reported pain exacerbating factor (78%), followed by carrying weight (48.3%). Nearly 60% of women with LBP did not consult a doctor for their pain management. Muscle stretching was the most reported pain-relieving factor (71.8%), followed by resting from the movement that triggers the pain (35.9%) and back massage (33%). Conclusion Low back pain is prevalent among Syrian pregnant women, mostly with moderate severity with significant risk factors. Awareness should be raised about this common problem during pregnancy and seek a doctor's help to apply effective strategies and reduce the impacts of the pain on daily activity and quality of life.
Effects of Cognitive Demand Levels for Various Horticultural Activities on Psychophysiological Responses in Adults
Authors: Kim Yun-Jin , Park Sin-Ae
Published: October 2023

We compared the effects of horticultural activities according to cognitive demand levels on psychophysiological responses in adults. Thirty-two adults in their 20s were included. Participants performed 10 horticultural activities (raking, planting transplants, fertilizing, tying plants to stakes, harvesting, sowing, conducting cuttage, planting potted plants, cutting and washing, arranging flowers) for 150 seconds at two levels of cognitive demand. Electroencephalographic (EEG) and electrocardiographic measurements were acquired during the activity. After each activity, the participants’ emotional states were evaluated using the semantic differential method (SDM). The EEG results, according to comparison by activity, showed that for nine activities, excluding raking, relative theta decreased when performing tasks at a level of high cognitive difficulty (HCD) compared with those with a low cognitive difficulty (LCD), and relative beta, relative gamma, fast alpha, and relative low beta increased, indicating activation of the prefrontal cortex. In the relative theta power spectra, the cuttage activity was found to be the lowest when performing tasks at a high level high cognitive difficulty, and the working memory function was activated the most compared with other activities. When sowing at a low level of cognitive demand, participants’ heart rate decreased and stabilized. When potted plants were harvested at a high level of cognitive difficulty, the ratio of low frequency to high frequency increased, and the sympathetic nervous system was activated. In addition, when planting transplants, and cutting and washing were performed at a high level of cognitive difficulty, and the standard deviation of the RR interval was high, indicating a high ability of the autonomic nervous system to resist stress. As a result of the SDM, the emotional state according to task difficulty was found to be more stable and relaxed than high cognitive difficulty, but a significant increase in comfort, relaxation, and naturalness was achieved when nine gardening tasks with low cognitive difficulty were performed, with the exception of sowing. The results of this study show that tasks with high cognitive difficulty activate working memory, whereas those with low cognitive difficulty stabilize and relax brain activation. Therefore, this study confirmed that an intervention in horticultural activities with an appropriate level of cognitive difficulty could have a significant effect on psychophysiological changes in adults.