bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of Antibiotic Use in Semi-intensive Poultry Farms: Evidence From a Survey in Senegal
Authors: Emes Eve , Faye Adiouma , Naylor Nichola , Belay Dagim , Ngom Babacar , Fall Awa Gueye , Knight Gwenan , Dione Michel
Published: January 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the capacity of microbial pathogens to survive in the presence of antimicrobials, is considered one of the greatest threats to human health worldwide and is growing rapidly in importance. AMR is thought to be driven in part by the use of antimicrobials (AMU) in livestock production. AMU reduction in agriculture is therefore important, but doing so may endanger farmers’ incomes and hamper broader food security. Understanding drivers for farmers' antibiotics use is essential to designing interventions which avoid harming agricultural output and safeguard farmers’ economic security. In this study, we analyse AMUSE survey data from poultry farmers in Senegal to explore the effects of vaccination, attitudes towards AMR, and biosecurity practices on: AMU, animal mortality, and farm productivity. We found that farmers with more “AMR-aware” attitudes may be less likely to use antibiotics in healthy birds. Stronger on-farm biosecurity was associated with less use of antibiotics in healthy birds, and in some specifications was linked to higher broiler productivity. Vaccination and AMU were both linked with higher disease prevalence, and both factors appeared conducive to higher broiler productivity. Overall, there is evidence that awareness-raising and biosecurity improvements could encourage prudent use of antibiotics, and that biosecurity and vaccination could to some extent replace antibiotic use as productivity-enhancing and disease-management tools in broiler farms. Finally, issues of farm antimicrobial stewardship must be considered at the structural level, with farm behaviours contingent on interaction with state and private stakeholders.
Quantifying Variability in Gene Expression Profiles using Transcriptome and Isoform Diversity
Authors: Jones Emma , Haldar Anisha , Oza Vishal , Lasseigne Brittany
Published: January 2023

Following the central dogma of molecular biology, gene expression variability can aid in predicting and explaining the wide variety of protein products, functions, and, ultimately, variability in phenotypes. There is currently overlapping terminology used to describe the types of variability in gene expression profiles, and overlooking these nuances can misrepresent important biological information. Here, we describe transcriptional diversity as quantifying transcriptional changes as a measure of the variability in 1) the total expression of all genes or a gene across samples (transcriptome diversity) or 2) the isoform-specific expression of a given gene (isoform diversity). We first overview modulators and quantification of gene expression variability. Then, we discuss the role alternative splicing plays in driving transcript isoform expression variability and how isoform diversity can be quantified. Additionally, we overview computational resources for calculating transcriptome and isoform diversity for short- and long-read sequencing data. Finally, we discuss future applications of transcriptional diversity. This review provides a comprehensive overview of how gene expression variability arises, and how measuring it determines a more complete picture of heterogeneity across proteins, cells, tissues, organisms, and species
Efficacy and safety of the combined contraceptive with chlormadinone acetate for heavy menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhea in real clinical practice
Authors:   D.O.Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Khachaturyan A.R. ,   Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Yarmolinskaya M.I. ,   D.O.Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation,   I.I.Mechnikov North-Western State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Misharina E.V. ,   D.O.Ott Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Savina A.A. ,   Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Published: January 2023

This article presents the results of the prospective study involving 70 patients of reproductive age with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and dysmenorrhea, interested in reliable contraception. Objective. To study the safety and efficacy of the low-dose combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing chlormadinone acetate (CMA) for the treatment of dysmenorrhea and HMB in real clinical practice. Patients and methods. Among 90 women who sought a method of contraception, we identified a group of 70 patients aged 18–45 years (mean age = 31.0 ± 7.7 [95% CI 29.2–32.9]) with complaints for HMB (n = 23) and/or dysmenorrhea (n = 65): primary (n = 37) and secondary (n = 28). For contraception, COC containing 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 2 mg CMA was recommended. After 3 months, the dynamics of the volume of menstrual blood loss, pain severity (according to the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)), as well as the frequency of side effects were assessed. Results. Among 90 women of reproductive age, 70 (78%) had HMB and/or dysmenorrhea of varying severity. After 3 months of using a low-dose CMA-containing COC, 87% of patients with HMB showed a statistically significant decrease in menstrual blood loss (p < 0.001); in 72% of patients, a significant decrease in pain severity was observed: mean NRS value before taking COC was 6.2 ± 2.1 [95% CI 5.7–6.7]), it decreased to 3.5 ± 1.8 [95% CI 3.0-3.9]) (p < 0.001) after 3 months. There were no significant differences in efficacy between the groups with primary and secondary dysmenorrhea. Conclusion. The prevalence of HMB and dysmenorrhea in a random sample of women of reproductive age is consistent with the data of systematic reviews (26% and 72%, respectively). The results obtained in real clinical practice confirm the additional therapeutic efficacy of the low-dose CMA-containing COC in HMB and dysmenorrhea. The frequency and severity of side effects during the COC use do not depend on the initial body mass index, but with an increase in the waist-to-hip ratio, there is a tendency to reduce the chance of developing side effects of using COC, which corresponds to the data on the metabolic neutrality of chlormadinone. Key words: chlormadinone, heavy menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea
ASSESSING THE INFORMATIVENESS OF THE CONTROLLED PARAMETERS IN THE TASK OF IDENTIFYING THE STATE OF THE SYSTEM
Authors: Raskin Lev , Sukhomlyn Larysa , Sokolov Dmytro , Domochka Lidiia
Published: January 2023

The effectiveness of solving the problem of identifying the system state significantly depends on the number of controlled parameters and the degree of their informativeness. The traditional method for assessing the informativeness of these parameters is based on the measure of distance between the probability distributions of the values of the controlled parameter for different states of the system proposed by Kullback. The shortcomings of Kullback measure have been revealed. Firstly, the value of this measure is not normalised and is not limited from above. Secondly, this measure is asymmetric, i.e. its numerical value depends on the way its components enter the calculation ratio. The method for calculating the informativeness criterion proposed in this paper takes into account the uncertainty that arises due to the fuzzy description of the boundaries of the areas of possible values of the controlled parameters for each of the possible states of the system. An important enhancement of the known methods for assessing the informativeness of the controlled parameters is to take into account the real existing inaccuracy in estimating the values of the results of measuring these parameters themselves. These circumstances determine the subject and purpose of the study that is the development of a method for calculating the distance between the distributions of fuzzy values of the controlled parameter, free from the shortcomings of the Kullback measure. To calculate the measure of the distance between the distributions of the values of the controlled parameter under conditions of uncertainty of the initial data, described in terms of fuzzy mathematics, a symmetric criterion is proposed, which is easily calculated. Examples of the criterion calculation are given. The possibilities of increasing the level of informativeness of the criterion using analytical descriptions of membership functions of fuzzy values of the controlled parameter for different states of the system are considered.
EXAMPLE OF USE OF VIRTUAL PROMOTION MAP
Authors: Orekhov Sergey , Kopp Andrii , Orlovskyi Dmytro
Published: January 2023

The paper presents an example of using new technology to solve the problem of promoting goods and services according to the 7P concept. The technology was called virtual promotion. The reason for its occurrence is a decrease in the effectiveness of the currently classical search engine optimization methodology on the Internet. The task of the latter is to bring the given corporate WEB resource to the first place in the search server’s answers to the requests of potential buyers. Virtual promotion is based on two ideas. The first is based on marketing theory when to sell a product or service, you need to build a marketing channel. The second is that a search server is an intelligent machine. Then, to get the first position, we need to teach the virtual space, which consists of Internet nodes, to activate in such a way that the number of links to the WEB page with the desired product is maximum. To implement these ideas, two objects are synthesized as part of the virtual promotion: a semantic kernel and a promotion map. A semantic kernel is a description of a product or service or a training sequence of keywords. A map is a set of nodes on the Internet, where the semantic core should be placed to attract the maximum number of buyers of the product. The map is also a variant of marketing channels on the Internet. The paper considers an example of a situation where a semantic core and a minimal map have already been created using the classical approach (search optimization). In this case, the classic approach gave an increase in the number of visits to the WEB site, but there was not a single buyer of the product for six months. That is, the classical approach improved the key performance indicator, but it did not affect the sales performance in any way. The paper demonstrates how virtual promotion forms such a modification of the map that gives a given result in a given period. At the same time, it is not enough to synthesize a new map. It is necessary to apply a special mechanism for its implementation. For this purpose, the paper shows a real task of inter-functional coordination, which makes it possible to implement a promotion map. Real data for 2021, which was used to promote the product on the Ukrainian market, is given. The introduction of the new version of the map resulted in the first two orders within the first two weeks.
PLANNING THE EVOLUTION OF THE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS BASED ON THE METHOD OF SEQUENTIAL OPTION ANALYSIS
Authors: Godlevskyi Mykhaylo , Burlakov Heorhii
Published: January 2023

It is noted that the process approach is a means of scientific research and practical change of the surrounding world, which allows representing and implementing production systems in the form of a set of processes. The paper considers the peculiarities of using this approach to the study of human activity related to software development. A list of scientists, who drew attention to the necessity of implementing a process approach to software development, is presented, and on this basis, the concept of the software development process (SDP) was introduced. The concept of a model life cycle (MLC) is defined. It is emphasized that the most well-known sets of MLC are SMMI and SPICE maturity models. The improvement of SDP in the work is understood as a set of actions aimed at improving its characteristics by implementing a certain set of measures that are based on quality engineering, including TQM. It is emphasized that maturity models belong to one of two main categories: continuous and discrete (staged). The SMMI model is implemented on the basis of two approaches, and the SPICE model is implemented only on the basis of a continuous approach. Currently, the SMMI model has been formalized, which made it possible to plan the development of the SDP or its separate processes under conditions of limited resources. From the point of view of the SPICE reference model, the formalization of its structure is presented in the form of the following hierarchy: a set of process groups; multiple categories; set of processes; set of practices. Based on the given structure, the assessment of the possibility level of a separate process for SPICE model was formalized. The developed model became a basis for optimization problem development of planning evolution of a processes subset for the SPICE maturity model. In order to analyze this problem and develop an algorithm for its implementing, it is presented in a shortened form. Its objective function is additive and determines the integral indicator of the increase in the level of possibility of a processes subset over the entire planning period. The model has a resource limitation, which is characterized by the fact that resources that are not used in a given subperiod can be implemented in subsequent planning subperiods. It is shown that the method of sequential analysis of options, which can be implemented based on various algorithms, is the most suitable for the optimization of such a model. The work uses the "Kyiv Broom" algorithm, which is a multi-step process, at each planning sub-period of which "sweeping out" a certain set of non-competitive options is implemented.
Carroñeros, recolectores, cazadores, granjeros y caminantes. La serie The Walking Dead como recurso didáctico para la prehistoria
Authors: Romero Alonso Antonio J.
Published: January 2023

Las series televisivas de corte post-apocalíptico ofrecen al espectador la oportunidad de observar cómo se configura una sociedad desde un hipotético estadio inicial fruto de la destrucción de un sistema anterior. En la serie The Walking Dead (AMC Studios, 2010-2022), el colapso del sistema del capitalismo financiero y de las instituciones que lo soportan a raíz de la aparición de una epidemia que transforma a la población en zombis coloca a los personajes frente al reto de sobrevivir en condiciones extremas, algo que sólo puede lograrse a través de la reorganización de los supervivientes. El análisis de esta organización económica, territorial, social y política desde una óptica (pre)histórica y su crítica a la luz de los datos que nos ofrecen Ciencias Sociales como la Arqueología y la Antropología permiten que la serie The Walking Dead sea empleada como herramienta didáctica para conseguir una mayor comprensión de las sociedades cazadoras-recolectoras y primeras productoras de la Prehistoria.
Russia and Europe: Yuly Aykhenvald on Fyodor Dostoevsky’s historiosophy
Authors:   Lomonosov Moscow State University, Takho-Godi Elena A.
Published: January 2023

The paper discusses the perception of Fyodor Dostoevsky’s work by Yuly Aykhenvald (1872–1928), a famous literary critic of the first quarter of the twentieth century. It shows that Aykhenvald’s attitude toward Dostoevsky had undergone a certain evolution from a rejection via demands to “overcome” him to his recognition as one of the “spiritual leaders” of the thinking Russia alongside Pushkin and Leo Tolstoy. Yet Aykhenvald still had some controversy with Dostoevsky, above all over philosophy of history. The ques­tion of Russia’s destiny and its relation to the West is addressed by Aykhenvald following the same algorithm that is used in the article by Thomas G. Masaryk (to which Aykhen­vald was reacting), namely through the prism of and in dispute with Dostoevsky. The pa­per proves that Aykhenvald focuses not on interpreting or analyzing Masaryk’s ideas, but on refuting the views of the Eurasianists and that Eurasian ideas are the very philosophi­cal context that serves as a background for his argument with Dostoevsky. In refuting Dostoevsky’s views on Europe and justifying his own historiosophic view of the entire world as a unified Europe, Aykhenvald eventually comes to the paradox that Dostoevsky, being the “denier of Europe”, is the “intercultural cross-link” that ties Europe and Russia even more closely together. In this way, Dostoevsky’s work turns out to be a starting point for Aykhenvald’s own historiosophic framework, which brings him closer to both Russian interpreters of the Silver Age (Vikentii V. Veresaev) and the European philosoph­ical and political tradition (Thomas G. Masaryk).
Deep logic and the problem of schematization
Authors:   Institute of Philosophy, Russian Academy of Sciences, Boroday Sergey Yu.
Published: January 2023

The article is an extended version of the paper for the round table discussion “Process Logic and Philosophy of Consciousness” devoted to the key ideas of A.V. Smirnov. The paper deals with two topics: the problem of logical and the problem of the connec­tion between deep logic and linguistic-specific cognitive development. The author criti­cizes the widespread reduction of “logical” to university logic and proposes to understand A.V. Smirnov’s logic-sense theory as a program of analysis of the intuitions and proce­dures underlying particular kinds of logic. The distinction between substantive logic and process logic, put forward within this theory, is analyzed in the light of schema theory. The article argues the following: 1) an essential contribution to our cognitive develop­ment is made by innate, as well as sensorimotor schemas formed in the process of onto­genesis and cultural learning; 2) they are proto-representations, which have immanent logic (logical visibility), multimodality and automaticity; 3) the difference between sub­stantive logic and process logic, is due to the dominance of one of the schemas (container vs. action) due to acquisition of language and other cultural practices; 4) this distinction is not only ontogenetic but also permanent, i.e. it is maintained in real time through im­plicit verbalizations, or “inner speech”; 5) the historical appearance of these schemes in language and cultural practices and the dominance of one of them is due to the specifics of human corporality and its embodiment in structurally organized reality.
On the way to the multicivilizational integrity
Authors:   Belarusian State University, Danilov Alexander N.
Published: January 2023

The article considers the possibility of new multi-civilizational integrity in the context of the concept outlined in the new monograph by A.V. Smirnov “The Logic of Sense as a Philosophy of Mind”, where the author argues that a multipolar world is possible as sta­ble only as a multi-civilizational one and calls into question three currently dominant the­ses in the humanities. They are: 1) globalization is a natural process; 2) globalization of economic processes must necessarily be accompanied by cultural and civilizational globalization; 3) the civilizational project, which is implemented by the West in its histor­ical development and taken as the basis of globalization, is universal in its essence and is the best socio – political and economic model for the whole world. Historical experience and analysis of modern practice show that new multi-civilizational integrity will not work as long as the Western project is considered as the only possible prospect for modern civi­lization, and its ideals and values are presented as a role model. At the same time, the im­plementation of the value orientations of the consumer society outside Europe generates new crises and contradictions, not fitting into the national and cultural characteristics of other countries. Therefore, the way out to the points of growth of a new civilizational integrity should be not found in the West at all, but should be explored in those cultures that have preserved the traditional ground under the influence of modernization pro­cesses. Without ignoring the centuries-old experience of the development of Greek-Latin-European culture, A.V. Smirnov argues, it is necessary to conduct a study of the logic of non-Western cultures, which currently constitutes an important task of the theoretical development of the project of a multi-civilizational world.
Reflection on one of the theses of S.N. Bulgakov, initiated by the idea of process logic
Authors:   Samara University, Konev Vladimir A.
Published: January 2023

Building on A.V. Smirnov’s distinction between substantive and process logic, the author evaluates the position of S.N. Bulgakov laid out in “The Tragedy of Philosophy”. The article shows that the judgment “I am A”, which Bulgakov considers the fundamental principle of thought and the basis for defining the Self as a hypostasis, cannot be a form of defining the Self as an individual. Individuality is not defined within the framework of substantial logic (“I am A”), but defines itself within the framework of process logic (“I affirm A”). The author considers three forms of affirmation of the Self: affirmation as performativity, affirmation as negation, and affirmation as productive action. Conclusion: the being of the Self, which requires the active action of the Self itself, is the ontological basis for the existence of process logic.
Possible correlation of Genetivus Objectivus semantics with socio-practice in different philosophical cultures
Authors:   RUDN University, Pskhu Ruzana V.
Published: January 2023

The article suggests specific grammatical features of some languages of the leading philosophical traditions of Eurasia, which can explain some of the differences in philo­sophical thinking that exist in these traditions. In particular, the use of Genetivus Objec­tivus in Sanskrit, New European, Latin and Arabic languages is considered, its possible correlation with the socio-practice of cultures in which these languages are dominant is analyzed. As a theoretical preamble, which allows not only to raise, but also to compre­hend the designated problems, the author refers to the logical-semantic theory proposed by the Russian philosopher and arabist Andrei V. Smirnov (b. 1958), which deals with subject-predicate constructions in substantive and procedural logic, the problems of cor­relation of language and thinking, as well as the commensurability of the bases rationality in different philosophical cultures. Analyzing the peculiarities of the use of the so-called object genitive case (Genetivus Objectivus) in different linguistic traditions, the author comes to the conclusion that it is the grammar of a language that often determines the pe­culiarities of a person’s thinking, which in turn are reflected in the socio-practice of a par­ticular culture. Using the example of the Sanskrit fragment “Śrībhāṣya” by the Indian me­dieval philosopher Rāmānuja (XI–XII), in which the compound word (brahmajijñāsā) is proposed to be read as a combination of two nouns in the construction of Genetivus Ob­jectivus (brahmano jijñāsā) (with reference to the grammar of Pāṇini), the author of the article shows the peculiarity of Sanskrit-speaking thinking in comparison with New Euro­pean, Arabic and Latin languages. This feature is understood in the light of the defini­tions offered by philosophical traditions to understand the nature of God or the Absolute Principle.
Practice and associated factors of traditional uvulectomy among caregivers having children less than 5 years old in South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2020; a triangulated cross-sectional study.
Authors: Yirdaw Berhanu Wale , Gobeza Mengistu Berhanu , Gebreegziabher Netsanet Tsegaye
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Traditional uvulectomy is widely practiced in Africa especially in sub-Saharan countries including Ethiopia. Studies conducted in different times and areas of the world have shown that the level of practice of uvulectomy and its associated factors were varied from country to country. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the practice and associated factors of traditional uvulectomy among caregivers having children less than 5 years old in the South Gondar Zone.
Objective; this study aimed to assess practice and associated factors of traditional uvulectomy among caregivers having children less than 5 years old in South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2020.
Method: a community – based triangulated cross-sectional study was conducted on 644 participants. Quantitative data were collected from 634 participants using a structured interviewer-administered Amharic version questionnaire; it was entered into Epi Data and analyzed using SPSS. Qualitative data were collected from 10 participants via an in-depth interview and analyzed by OpenCode. Descriptive statistics were calculated and logistic regressions were fitted to declare statistical significance at p-value < 0.05 and 95% CI.
Result: the prevalence of traditional uvulectomy in this study was 52.5% (95% CI, 48.6 – 56.3%). Moreover, lack of information [AOR = 2.975 (1.677 - 5.277)], perceived as uvula causes illness [AOR = 4.888 (2.954 - 8.086)], future intention or will perform [AOR = 4.188 (2.584 - 6.788)], perceived as traditional uvulectomy should not be eradicated [AOR = 1.893 (1.172 - 3.057)]), saw the previous good result [AOR = 9.396 (5.512 - 16.016)], health personnel hospitality problem [AOR = 5.922 (2.392 – 14.664)] and did not get cured by pharmacologic treatment [AOR = 3.918 (2.073, 7.405)] were significantly associated with traditional uvulectomy.
Conclusion and recommendation: the prevalence of traditional uvulectomy was high. Lack of information, perceived as uvula causes illness, future intention to uvulectomy, perceived as traditional uvulectomy should not be eradicated, saw the previous good result, health personnel hospitality problem and did not get cured by pharmacologic treatment were the factors significantly associated with traditional uvula cutting. Therefore, special attention will be given to creating further awareness to the community at large and setting controlling mechanisms for the health care delivery system.
Medical Student Non-Modifiable Risk Factors and USMLE Step 1 Exam Score
Authors: Davison Jenna , Taylor Malynda B. , Bumsted Tracy N.
Published: January 2023

Background

Medical students from all backgrounds should have equitable opportunities of employment. Currently, many specialties utilize a minimum threshold for USMLE Step 1 score when screening applicants for residency interviews.

Activity

A survey of non-modifiable risk factors and Step 1 exam scores was collected and analyzed.

Results and Discussion

Study results demonstrated students with Adverse Childhood Experience score (ACEs) had increased odds of not meeting a minimum threshold. Students of Color and students who identified as female had higher odds of ACEs ≥3. The relationship between ACEs and Step 1 score was not significant at the passing threshold.
A longitudinal follow-up of continuous laryngoscopy during exercise test scores in athletes
Authors: Irewall Tommie , Bäcklund Catharina , Naumburg Estelle , Ryding Marie , Stenfors Nikolai
Published: January 2023

Background
Exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction (EILO) is diagnosed by the continuous laryngoscopy during exercise (CLE). Whether or how much CLE test scores vary over time is unknown. This study aimed to compare CLE test scores in athletes over time, irrespective of respiratory symptoms and grade of laryngeal obstruction.
Methods
Ninety-eight athletes previously screened for EILO were invited for a follow-up CLE irrespective of CLE scores and respiratory symptoms. Twenty-nine athletes aged 16–27 did a follow-up CLE 3–23 months after the baseline test. Laryngeal obstruction at the glottic and supraglottic levels was graded by the observer during exercise, at baseline and follow-up, using a visual grade score (0–3 points).
Results
At baseline, 11 (38%) of the 29 athletes had moderate laryngeal obstruction and received advice on breathing technique; among them, 8 (73%) reported exercise-induced dyspnea during the last 12 months. At follow-up, 8 (73%) of the athletes receiving advice on breathing technique had an unchanged supraglottic score. Three (17%) of the 18 athletes with no or mild laryngeal obstruction at baseline had moderate supraglottic obstruction at follow-up, and none of the 3 reported exercise-induced dyspnea.
Conclusions
In athletes with repeated testing, CLE scores remain mostly stable over 3–24 months even with advice on breathing technique to those with EILO. However, there is some intraindividual variability in CLE scores over time.
Trial Registration ISRCTN, ISRCTN60543467, 2020/08/23, retrospectively registered, ISRCTN - ISRCTN60543467: Investigating conditions causing breathlessness in athletes
Genetic Diversity and Phylogeography of cultivated and wild Ophipogon japonicus based on chloroplast DNA exploration for origin and sustainable cultivation
Authors: Zhao Luying , Shen Yi , Zhang Qiaoyan , Liu Sha , Ren Qiuru , Qin Luping , Sun Yiqi
Published: January 2023

Background
Ophipogon japonicus, planted in Sichuan (CMD) and Zhejiang (ZMD) Province in China, has a long cultivation history that can trace back to Ming dynasty (500 years ago) and Song dynasty (600 years ago) respectively. During the long period of domestication, the genetic diversity of cultivated O. japonicus has decreased a lot so that this species is facing with plant degradation. Therefore, it is urgent to clarify the genetic diversity and origin of cultivated O. japonicus to establish a theoretical basis for the utilization and conservation of the genetic resources of O. japonicus.
Result
We analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of 266 O. japonicus individuals from 23 sampling sites based on 4 chloroplast DNA sequences (atpB-rbcL、rpl16、psbA-trnH and rpl20-5’rps12), identified the effects of domestication on genetic diversity of cultivars and determined the geographic origins of cultivars. The results showed that cultivated O. japonicus and wild O. japonicus had 4 haplotypes and 15 haplotypes respectively. The genetic diversity of two cultivars (Hd = 0.35700, π = 0.06667) was much lower than the wild populations (Hd = 0.76200, π = 0.20378), and the level of genetic diversity in CMD (Hd = 0.01900, π = 0.00125) was lower than that in ZMD (Hd = 0.06900, π = 0.01096). Genetic differentiation between the cultivated and the wild (FST= 0.82044) was significant, especially between the two cultivars (FST= 0.98254). This species showed a more pronounced phylogeographical structure (NST > GST, P < 0.05). The result of phylogenetic tree showed that demonstrated with the outgroup O. amblyphyllus Wang et Dai, the genetic difference between CMD and ZMD is not enough to distinguish the cultivars from two producing area. Besides, both CMD and ZMD have a closer relationship with wild populations in Sichuan than that in Zhejiang. In addition, according to the TCS network and MaxEnt suggested that the wild population TQ located in Sichuan Province should be served as the ancestor of cultivated O. japonicus, which is supported by RASP analysis.
Conclusion
These results suggest that cultivated O. japonicus has experienced dramatic loss of genetic diversity under anthropogenic influence. The genetic differentiation between CMD and ZMD was likely to be influenced by founder effect and strong artificial selection for plant traits. It appears that wild populations in Sichuan area were involved in the origin of not only CMD but also ZMD. Furthermore, some scientific strategies are suggested for resource conservation of O. japonicus based on its genetic diversity and population structure in this study.
The Effect of Ding’s Screw and Tension Band Wiring for Treatment of Olecranon Fractures：A Finite Element Study
Authors: Nuo Yin , Pan Mingman , Li Chenglei , Du Li , Ding Liang
Published: January 2023

Background:Tension band wiring (TBW) is common surgical intervention for olecranon fractures. However, high rate of complications such as loss of reduction, skin irritation, and migration of the K-wires were reported up to 80%. We have developed a new cannulated screw with holes on the tail, which called Ding’s screw. The goal of this study was to evaluate the stability of Ding’s screw and tension band wiring (DSTBW) for treatment of olecranon fractures by using a finite element analysis.
Method: We conducted a finite element model by using two fixation methods: Ding’s screw and tension band wiring (DSTBW) and K-wire tension band wiring (TBW), were simulated to fix the olecranon fractures. The stress distribution, opening angle, twisting angle, and pullout strength of K-wires or screws were analyzed and compared.
Results: The highest von Mises stress of fixation happened in 90°elbow movement in both groups. The value was 241.2 MPa at scews in DSTBW, and was 405.0 MPa at K-wires in TBW. Opening angle: 0.730°,0.741° at 45° and 0.679°, 0.693° at 90° elbow flexion for TBW and DSTBW, respectively. Twisting angle: 0.146°,0.180° at 45° flexion and 0.111°, 0.134° at 90° flexion for TBW and DSTBW, respectively. There was much higher pullout strength of DSTBW when compared to TBW. The maximum pullout strength was 2179.1N for screws in DSTBW, and it was 263.6N for K-wires in TBW.
Conclusion: The technique of DSTBW can provide stable fixation to olecranon fractures, and reduce the risk of failure and migration of medical apparatus and instruments.
The structural behaviour of sustainable concrete that incorporate use of agro-industrial waste and recyclable construction materials
Authors: AHMED MUNEER , Khan Suliman , Aziz Sajid
Published: January 2023

This study emphasizes a sustainable approach on alternative green construction techniques that make use of agro-industrial waste and recyclable construction materials to overcome the greenhouse gas emissions and to protect the consumptions of natural resources. In this research experimental study is carried out to evaluate the structural characteristics of self-compacting concrete (SCC) by utilizing ground coal bottom ash (GCBA) as a cement substitute, coir fibre (CF) as a filler with self-consolidating precast concrete beam (PS-B). To determine the fresh state and hardened state properties, a concrete mix design with compressive strength of 45 MPa based on Eurocode-2 guidelines was carried out with different percentages of GCBA and CF. The outcomes revealed that the workability of SCC mix increases up to 10% addition and decreases between 10% and 20% with the incorporation of GCBA. However, it increased significantly by addition of 10% GCBA and 0.5% CF. In addition, the modulus of elasticity, compressive strength, and split tensile strength of SCC were improved substantially with addition of 10% GCBA and 0.5% CF. Lastly, the flexural capacity against four-point bending test in terms of load-deflection behaviour of PS-B was considerably increased by 62.96% by incorporating 0.5% CF - 10% GCBA- compared to the other shell beams, and observed the least deflection.
Genome-wide evolutionary analysis and the expression patterns of RLK gene family in wheat and other plants
Authors: Yan Jun , Su Peisen , Meng Xianyong , Liu Pingzeng
Published: January 2023

Background: Receptor-like kinases (RLKs) gene family contains huge number of members in plants. They are membrane proteins with an extracellular receptor domain, and participate into abiotic and biotic stress responses.
Results: In this study, we identified RLKs in 15 representative plants genomes including wheat, and classified them into 64 subfamilies by using four kinds of phylogenetic trees and HMM models. Conserved exon-intron structures with conserved exon phase in the kinase domain were found in many RLK subfamilies from Physcomitrella patens to Triticum aestivum. Domain distributions of RLKs were also diagrammed. Collinearity events and tandem gene clusters suggested that polyploidizations and tandem duplication events contributed to the member expansions of T. aestivum RLKs. Global expression pattern analysis of T. aestivum, Aegilops tauschii and Brachypodium distachyon RLKs under abiotic and biotic stresses were performed by using public transcriptome data. We also selected 9 RLKs to validate the prediction of transcriptome by using qRT-PCR under drought treatment and with infection of Fusarium graminearum.
Conclusion: In this study, we performed the identification, classification, evolution, and expression patterns of RLKs in wheat and relative plants. Thus, our results will help researchers study evolutionary history and molecular mechanisms of wheat RLKs.
Evidence for a Martian D"-like layer
Authors: Khan Amir , Huang Dongyang , Durán Cecilia , Sossi Paolo , Giardini Domenico , Murakami Motohiko
Published: January 2023

Seismic recordings made as part of the InSight mission (Banerdt et al., 2020) have shown that Mars’s liquid core is ~27% lighter than pure liquid iron (Irving et al., 2022), implying that it contains considerable quantities of light elements. However, geophysically-constrained core compositions require abundances of the volatile elements H, C, and S that are too high with respect to their cosmochemical availability in the potential building blocks that accreted to form Mars (Khan et al., 2022). Here we show that P-waves diffracted along and traversing the core-mantle boundary of Mars in combination with first principles computations of the thermoelastic properties of liquid Fe-rich alloys (Huang et al., 2022) require the presence of a D’’-like molten silicate layer (Samuel et al., 2021) overlying the liquid core of Mars. To match the elastic properties of the core, this layer must be 145+/-25 km thick, causing a reduction in core radius to 1690+/-50 km and an increase in density to 6.65+/-0.15 g/ccm relative to previous models (Staehler et al., 2021, Duran et al., 2022, Khan et al., 2022, Drilleau et al., 2022, Irving et al., 2022). These new bulk core properties are able to reconcile geophysical- and cosmochemical requirements for the light-element content of the Martian core, which is shown to consist of 86--89 wt% Fe-Ni and 11--14 wt% light elements (S, C, O, and H). The chemical characteristics of such a layer may be revealed by products of Martian magmatism.
Efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid in adolescent scoliosis surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Keyu , Wang Liang , Gao Qingyang , Masood Umar , Zeng Zhimou , Yang Huiliang , Song Yueming
Published: January 2023

Background
Although tranexamic acid (TXA) has been widely used in orthopedic surgery, the literature has not established the efficacy of TXA in adolescent scoliosis surgery. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to gather data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs to evaluate the efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid (TXA) versus placebo treatment during or after adolescent scoliosis surgery.
Methods
English and Chinese electronic databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane, CNKI, and Wan Fang database were searched to identify the relevant literature up until August 2022. The primary outcomes are interoperative blood loss and total blood loss. The secondary outcomes are the need for transfusion, postoperative Hb level, and the change in Hb level. Stata 17 was used for data analysis and the risk of bias was assessed. PRISMA check list is followed to form this article.
Results
Eight studies (670 patients) reported data on the patients that needed a transfusion after surgery. The overall RR showed that there is a significant difference between the TXA and control group regarding the need for transfusion. (RR = 0.547, 95%CI = 0.308 to 0.972, p = 0.04). Twelve studies (795 participants) were included in the meta-analysis for blood loss during surgery. The results of the meta-analysis suggest that TXA can reduce the blood loss of the patients (SMD= -1.23, 95%CI=-1.79 to -0.68, p = 0.000). Six studies (2027 patients) were included in the meta-analysis for total blood loss. The pooled result shows that the total blood loss of the TXA group was significantly lower than that of the control group (SMD=-0.83, 95%CI= -1.22 to -0.43, p = 0.000). Five studies (419 patients) were included in the meta-analysis for the postoperative Hb level and shows a significant outcome (SMD = 0.45, 95%CI = 0.25 to 0.64, p = 0.000). Three studies (268 patients) were included in the meta-analysis for the postoperative Hb level. There is a significant decrease in the TXA group (SMD= -0.27, 95%CI=-0.52 to -0.02, p = 0.034).
Conclusions
The meta-analysis of the data reveals that TXA usage has a significantly better hemostatic effect than the placebo for adolescent scoliosis surgery. However, the surgical operation situations in different studies vary. Therefore, further research is required on gender, operation time, blood transfusion indicators, and other surgical operation variables.
A novel vari-potential bistable nonlinear energy sink for improved vibration suppression: Numerical and experimental study
Authors: Liao Xin , Chen Lin , Zhou Shihua , Zhang Mingliang
Published: January 2023

A novel vari-potential energy bistable nonlinear energy sink (VBNES) is proposed in this paper. By introducing a pair of tuned oscillators (TOs) to dynamically adjust the potential barrier height of the BNES, the excitation threshold of the strong modulated response (SMR) is reduced and its vibration suppression ability is enhanced, especially under ultra-low and wide-amplitude excitation. Firstly, the dimensionless theoretical models of the VBNES and the fixed-potential BNES (FBNES) are constructed by the Lagrange equation. The actual response trajectories on the potential energy surface and restoring force surface are numerically tracked to verify the benefit of variable potential energy effect on vibration suppression. The dynamical characteristics of the typical target energy transfer (TET) mechanisms of the VBNES and their contributions to energy dissipation are analyzed. Furthermore, the transient responses and energy dissipation rates of the VBNES and FBNES with optimal stiffness under impact excitation are compared. The results indicate that the VBNES has higher impact vibration absorption efficiency and stronger robustness. The influences of system parameters on energy dissipation rate are analyzed. Finally, the experimental and numerical studies under harmonic excitation are carried out. The experimental results verify the correctness of the theoretical model. The complex dynamics under numerical frequency and amplitude sweeps demonstrate that the VBNES has a lower excitation threshold of the SMR and a broadband SMR. Parametric studies show that the optimal stiffness depends on the excitation amplitude.
WeChat as a Platform for Blending Problem/Case-Based Learning and Paper Review Method Among Undergraduate Pediatric Orthopaedics Internship: Feasibility and Effectiveness Study
Authors: Chen Junfei , Gao Bingjun , Wang Kunyao , Lei Yinghan , Zhang Shengling , Jin Shaobin , Yang Weiwei , Zhuang Yan
Published: January 2023

Background:

Pediatric orthopedics is a significant and difficult discipline that is for undergraduate students to master. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we relied on the WeChat platform and integrated the advantages of PBL, CBL and paper review teaching methods to establish a blended new online teaching model and demonstrate its feasibility and effectiveness.

Objective:

This study aims to explore a new blended pedagogical method merged PBL, CBL and Paper Review, which is relied on the WeChat platform and based on real clinical cases and frontier literatures for undergraduate participated in a internship pediatric orthopaedics and to demonstrate its feasibility and effectiveness.

Methods:

We enrolled 22 students participating in the Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics. They adopted the WeChat blending pedagogy mode. Their scores of departmental rotation examination were compared with 23 intern doctors who adopted the traditional teaching method. Moreover, an anonymous questionnaire was administered to evaluate students’ perceptions and experiences.

Results:

The total average score of students adopted WeChat blending pedagogy mode and traditional teaching methods was 47.27 and 44.52. There was no statistically significant between WeChat blending pedagogy mode and traditional teaching methodin the aspect of possessing professional accomplishment, gaining knowledge and promoting interpersonal skills (P= 0.07, P = 0.12 and P = 0.65, respectively). In terms of independent clinical thinking, self-improving capability and improving clinical skills, the score of WeChat blending pedagogy mode was 8.00, 8.00 and 6.00, whereas the traditional teaching methods was 6.70, 6.87 and 7.48.
The response rate to the questionnaire was 100% (22/22). and theoverall satisfaction reached 100%. 64%, 86%, 68%, 64% and 59% of students chose very large or large in the aspect of professional accomplishment, knowledge absorption, independent clinical thinking skills, English reading and literature exploring capacity, as well as interpersonal skills. 15 participants considered that WeChat blending pedagogy mode was less helpful to them in promoting the improvement of clinical skills. 9 students thought the WeChat blending pedagogy mode was time-consuming.

Conclusions:

Our study verified the feasibility and effectiveness of WeChat blending pedagogy mode for undergraduate pediatric orthopaedics internship.

Trial registration：

Retrospectively registered.
Machine learning and single-cell sequencing reveal the potential regulatory factors of mitochondrial autophagy in the progression of gastric cancer
Authors: Wei Chen , Ma Yichao , Wang Fei , Chen Yuji , Liao Yiqun , Zhao Bin , Zhao Qi , Wang Daorong , Tang Dong
Published: January 2023

Background

As an important regulatory mechanism to remove damaged mitochondria and maintain the balance between internal and external cells, mitochondrial autophagy plays a key role in the progression and treatment of cancer[1]. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively analyze the role of mitochondrial autophagy-related genes in the progression of gastric cancer (GC) by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq).

Methods

GSE26942, GSE54129,GSE66229,GSE183904 and other data sets were obtained by GEO databases. Using support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RVF) algorithm and random forest algorithm, the mitochondrial autophagy related genes related to gastric cancer were obtained, respectively. After that, the model was constructed and the inflammatory factors, immune score and immune cell infiltration were analyzed. Furthermore, according to the scRNA-seq data of 28836 cells from 13 GC samples, 18 cell clusters and 7 cell types were identified by scRNA-seq analysis. The expression level and signal pathway of related genes were verified by cell communication analysis. Finally, the regulatory network of cells was analyzed by SCENIC.

Results

MAP1LC3B, PGAW5, PINK1, TOMM40 and UBC are identified as key genes through machine learning algorithms. CXCL12-CXCR4, LGALS9-CD44, LGALS9-CD45 and MIF (CD74 + CD44) pathways may play an important role in endothelial cells with high score scores of T cells and monocytes in tumor environment. CEBPB, ETS1, GATA2, MATB, SPl1 and XBP1 were identified as candidate TF with specific regulatory expression in the GC cell cluster.

Conclusion

The results of this study will provide implications for the study of the mechanism, diagnosis and treatment of mitochondrial autophagy in GC.