bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID Pandemic on Epidemiology of Antibiotic Resistance in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU): The Experience of a North-West Italy Center
Authors: Parisini Andrea , Boni Silvia , Vacca Elisabetta Blasi , Bobbio Nicoletta , Puente Filippo Del , Feasi Marcello , Prinapori Roberta , Lattuada Marco , Sartini Marina , Cristina Maria Luisa , Usiglio David , Pontali Emanuele
Published: July 2023

SARS-CoV-2 pandemic caused an increase in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) hospitalizations with rise in morbidity and mortality; nevertheless, there is still little evidence of pandemic impact on antibiotic resistance in ICU. Retrospective monocentric epidemiological study. All microorganisms isolated from all patients admitted to E.O. Galliera ICU from January 2018 to December 2022 were included. Antibiotic resistance (AR) profiles were evaluated. Aim of the study was to describe and analyze the impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on ICU microorganisms resistance patterns. 1,771 microorganisms identified, 221 (12.47%) had resistant pattern (Resistant Organisms; ROs) isolated from 1,679 patients during 12,030 hospitalization days. The majority of ROs were Gram-negative (79.66% 2018, 77.29% 2019, 61.83% 2020, 62.56% 2021, 60.75% 2022), but increase of Gram-positive microorganisms was observed (20.34% to 39.25% between 2018-2022). Prevalence of AR was: 19.44% 2018, 11.54% 2019, 38.04% 2020, 34.15% 2021, 39.29% 2022 for Gram-positives; 19.86%, 13.56%, 18.12%, 12.41%, 12.31% for Gram-negatives. Incidence of Ros showed COVID-related rise in 2020-2021, followed by a lowering trend since 2021, with new rise in 2022. Possible explanations are antibiotic overtreatment and drop of containing measures. Interesting finding is the cumulative lowering trend of carbapenem resistant K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa probably due to different patient features.
Interferons for Covid-19: A Literature Review on Their Therapeutic Potential, Clinical Data and Challenges
Authors: Yadav Pramod , Chandra Vishal , Raghuvanshi Vikas , Yadav Amarjeet , Yadav Adhishree , Ali Samim , Tripathi Vivek Mani
Published: July 2023

The 2019 COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in many fatalities worldwide. Despite various types of supportive care, mortality rates for patients with comorbidities remain high. To explore alternative treatment options, interferons (IFNs) have emerged as promising therapeutic drugs for SARS-CoV-2. This review aims to investigate the potential of IFNs as a drug with details on their mechanisms of action, and available data on their use with ongoing clinical trials, results, potential limitations, and challenges. Recently published research articles, which were systematically searched through online databases, have been selected and found that IFNs have colossal potential in treating SARS-CoV-2 infection by modulating the host's immune response and inhibiting viral replication and decreasing the severity of disease and hospitalization (p = 0.03, ±0.05) and (p = 0.04, ±0.05) respectively. However, due to less available data, more controlled and randomized trials are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of IFN therapy. The optimal dosing and duration of IFN therapy also remain to be determined. Although further research is needed the wait for ongoing clinical trial results under investigation is also important for a better understanding of IFN therapy.
Serological Assay for SARS-CoV-2 in Domestic and Wild Animals in Middle and Southeast Regions in Brazil
Authors: Dias Julia Maldi , Costa Mariana Oliveira , De Souza Amanda Oliveira , Faria Majela Lima , Golcman Daniel Hofman , Selim Mariana Baroni , Medici Emília Patrícia , Haga Guilherme Shin Iwamoto , Romaldini Adriana Hellmeister de Campos Nogueira , Okuda Liria Hiromi
Published: July 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has become the largest public health crisis since the 1918 influenza pandemic. Despite the extensive research conducted on the SARS-CoV-2 virus in humans, little is still known about animal-related transmission and its consequences. Therefore, this study contributed to a better understanding of this issue by focusing on the serological survey of SARS-CoV-2 in samples from the serum bank of the Bovine Virology Laboratory at the Biological Institute of São Paulo, as well as horses and dogs from the Military Police of the State of São Paulo, and tapirs and bats from the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and São Paulo. To achieve this, the possible presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in domestic and wild animal species was evaluated using the ID Screen® "SARS-CoV-2 Double Antigen Multi Species" ELISA test (ID-Vet.®), following the manufacturer's recommendations. The findings of this study demonstrate a higher occurrence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in domestic animals compared to wild animals, as well as different antibody profiles among the species analyzed, with horses showing a wide range of seroconversion comparable to humans.
The Effects of Firm Characteristics on Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure Using Financial Performance as an Intervening Variabel
Authors: Elvandari Rully Novira , Supriyadi
Published: July 2023

This study aims to determine the influence of company characteristics on corporate social responsibility disclosure by using financial performance as an intervening variable. This study used a quantitative approach. The secondary data were used as a data collection technique. The researchers used purposive sampling and a total of 126 data were collected as samples. This research was conducted on mining sector companies listed on the IDX in the period of 2019 to 2021. The results show that sales growth has a positive effect on financial performance, but the size of the company has a negative effect on financial performance. Financial performance has a positive effect on corporate social responsibility disclosure. Related to intervening variables, company growth positively affected corporate social responsibility disclosure through financial performance. However, the size of the company negatively affects the disclosure of corporate social responsibility through financial performance.
Pandangan eksistensialisme terhadap pendidikan karakter kedisiplinan dalam pembelajaran pendidikan kewarganegaraan
Authors: Madon Kharisma Romadhon , Maemonah  , Malahati Fildza , Atin Sri , Irfan Irfan , Nurjanna Ummi Atya
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to define the analysis of the character of student discipline in Civics subjects from an existentialist perspective. This research method uses qualitative analysis with a case study approach, namely research that is designed to provide explanations from researchers and retrieve information generated in the field through direct communication between researchers and informants. The object of this research was carried out at MI Darussalam Plaosan. The informants involved were fourth grade educators/teachers at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Darussalam Plaosan, Klaten, Central Java. The results of the study show that the character of student discipline in Civics subjects in the view of existentialism can be described in four concepts including: (1) self-potential, (2) exploring self-ability, (3) self-awareness, and (4) self-discipline
A review of sensor-based approaches for monitoring rapid response treatments of cyanoHABs
Authors: Johansen Richard , Katzenmeyer Alan , Pokrzywinski Kaytee , Reif Molly
Published: July 2023

Water quality sensors are dynamic and vary greatly both in terms of utility and data acquisition. Data collection can range from single-parameter and one-dimensional to highly complex multiparameter spatiotemporal. Likewise, the analytical and statistical approaches range from relatively simple (e.g., linear regression) to more complex (e.g., artificial neural networks). Therefore, the decision to implement a particular water quality monitoring strategy is dependent upon many factors and varies widely. The purpose of this review was to document the current scientific literature to identify and compile approaches for water quality monitoring as well as statistical methodologies required to analyze and visualize highly diverse spatiotemporal water quality data. The literature review identified two broad categories: (1) sensor-based approaches for monitoring rapid response treatments of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs), and (2) analytical tools and techniques to analyze complex high resolution spatial and temporal water quality data. The ultimate goal of this review is to provide the current state of the science as an array of scalable approaches, spanning from simple and practical to complex and comprehensive, and thus, equipping the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) water quality managers with options for technology-analysis combinations that best fit their needs.
READINGS AS A HELPING TOOLS FOR ECONOMICS EDUCATION: ANIMAL FARM
Authors: HALAÇ Umut , ERĞUN Eda
Published: July 2023

Economic events have many social and political causes and consequences. Unfortunately, it becomes meaningless to explain these events using only mathematical methods as time goes by. In addition to this, the teaching methods of this comprehensive science to young generations have begun to be questioned. While the learning skills of generations change, there is no drastic change in methods in economics education. This study aims to analyze the advantages of using literary works in economics education in the sample of Animal Farm as in using different training methods. Firstly, the study examined the interactions between literature and economics briefly. Then, the plots of Animal Farm were revealed from the allegory of historical events using defamiliarization. Finally, the benefits of using Animal Farm in economics education were discussed. Using literary works like Animal Farm in economics education assists in raising future economists who can prick the bubble in the events, understand the effects, and create unique systems for societies more easily.
Development of a Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching System Using a Low-Speed, High-Torque Motor
Authors: Azuma Akihiro
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to develop a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching system using a low-speed, high-torque motor and to investigate the acute response in hip flexion range of motion by applying PNF stretching using this system. The PNF stretching system consisted of a low-speed, high-torque motor with a rotational torque of 157 Nm, a braking torque of 1470 Nm, and a rotational speed of 6 degrees/s, a lever arm attached to the motor and its rotating shaft, and a pedestal mounted on the lever arm. The system, which targets hamstrings, enabled the subjects to raise the leg in a supine straight leg raise position and perform passive muscle lengthening and isometric muscle contractions by operating an electric motor. The study included 21 healthy male students aged between 18 and 21 years. The hold-relax (HR) technique was employed, in which the target muscle was lengthened step by step by performing three 10 s isometric contractions. The hip joint flexion angles were measured at the limit of leg raising without discomfort before and after HR (pre-HR and post-HR) and compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank sum test. The results showed that the hip flexion angle at post-HR (81.4 ± 18.0 degrees) was significantly greater than that at pre-HR (63.9 ± 15.2 degrees) (P < 0.05, effect size = 0.88). In conclusion, the PNF stretching system, which uses a low-speed, high-torque motor, effectively leads to an immediate improvement in hamstring flexibility.
Determination of Concentration-Dependent Effective Diffusivity of Each Gas Component of a Binary Mixture in Porous Media Saturated with Heavy Oil under Reservoir Conditions
Authors: Zhao Wenyu , Jang Hyun Woong , Yang Daoyong
Published: July 2023

One frequently used enhanced heavy oil recovery technique is gas injection, during which heavy oil viscosity is reduced due to diffusion of gaseous components and heavy oil swelling in porous media. Effective diffusivities of gas components are generally assumed to be constants, while no attempts have been made to determine both the concentration-dependent effective diffusivity in porous media saturated with heavy oil and the preferential contribution of each component in a binary/ternary gas mixture. In this study, a pragmatic and robust technique has been proposed to determine the concentration-dependent effective diffusivity of each gas component by reproducing the experimental measurements during pressure decay tests for CO2-C3H8-heavy oil systems in porous media. Experimentally, CO2 and C3H8 are utilized to diffuse into sandpacks fully saturated with heavy oil. Under a constant temperature within a thermostatic chamber, the pressures of the aforementioned gas(es)-heavy oil systems are consistently tracked and saved while gas samples are taken at the start and end of the diffusion tests for gas chromatography analyses. Theoretically, a mass transfer model is formulated to determine effective gas diffusivity in heavy oil as a concentration-dependent function by incorporating Fick’s second law and the modified Peng-Robinson equation of state (PR EOS). The concentration-dependent effective diffusivity for each gas component is ascertained when the measured pressure profiles and gas compositions are matched well to their correspondingly calculated values with minimum deviations. Compared to either a constant assumption or a linear concentration-dependent relation with respect to diffusivity, an exponential concentration-dependent relation leads to more accurately reproducing the measured pressure profiles. Compared with pure CO2, its effective diffusivity in a binary (i.e., CO2 and C3H8) gas system is found to be larger, indicating that C3H8 accelerates the CO2 mass transfer into heavy oil under the same circumstances. Furthermore, this study confirms that a larger tortuosity of a porous medium leads to a longer diffusion path with less contact between gas and liquid phases and that a lower concentration of a gaseous component yields a lower effective diffusivity.
Smallest Self-cleaving Ribozyme class revealed by deep mutational scanning
Authors: Zhou Yaoqi , Zhang Zhe , Hong Xu , Xiong Peng , Wang Junfeng , Zhan Jian
Published: July 2023

Despite their importance in a wide range of living organisms, self-cleaving ribozymes in human genome are few and poorly studied. Here, we performed deep mutational scanning and covariance analysis of two previously proposed self-cleaving ribozymes (LINE-1 and OR4K15). We found that the functional regions for both ribozymes are made of two short segments, connected by a non-functional loop with a total of 46 and 47 contiguous nucleotides only. The discovery makes them the shortest known self-cleaving ribozymes. Moreover, the above functional regions are circular permutated with two nearly identical catalytic internal loops, supported by two stems of different lengths. This new self-cleaving ribozyme class, named as lantern ribozyme for their shape, is similar to the catalytic region of the twister sister ribozymes in term of sequence and secondary structure. However, the nucleotides at the cleavage sites have shown that mutational effects on lantern ribozymes are different from twister sister ribozymes. The discovery of lantern ribozymes reveals a new ribozyme class with the simplest and, perhaps, the most primitive structure needed for self-cleavage.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for a Global Patient co-Owned Cloud (GPOC)
Authors: Lidströmer Niklas , Davids Joe , ElSharkawy Mohamed , Herlenius Eric , Ashrafian Hutan
Published: July 2023

Current geopolitical tensions together with the global pandemic have provided important lessons for the need to independently re-evaluate our healthcare needs, guide and promote patient self-awareness and patient-centred care and to consider how cross-border medical information needs have become connected. The pandemic and war have also led to various humanitarian and healthcare crises for which there’s a need to re-evaluate and develop technologies to better manage Personal Health Records (PHRs) for displaced refugees with chronic diseases crossing borders. The recent trend of mobile platform-based, and electronic health record for e-health technologies enabled cloud-based PHR management as a paradigm for patient centred care. However, these platforms are yet to gain use-ubiquity globally. Here we performed a Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) registered and Preferred Reporting Items Systematic and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-guided systematic review and meta-analysis of the Personal Health Record looking at outcomes such as data security, efficiency, privacy, cost-based measures to generate a benchmark for future studies in this area. A meta-analysis of twelve axes for a future Global Patient co-Owned Cloud (GPOC) highlight the potential in health economics, performance, cryptography and speed of the basic techniques that are currently available, that would facilitate the construction of a GPOC. Whilst the field is early in its development, we highlight barriers, limitations and solutions through a proposed global consensus to ensure appropriate value delivery, safety and ethical governance for global digital personal health record adoption that can fundamentally beneficially transform the future of healthcare.
Regulation and Mechanism of Chloride Channels in Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Wen Weibo , Xu Dongyuan , Jiang Meiling , Liu Yingfeng , Li Xiangdan , Sun Lixia
Published: July 2023

Background
This study aimed to investigate the regulation of chloride channels in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) both in vitro and in vivo using a rabbit model and to explore the underlying mechanism.
Methods
The chloride channel was regulated by the chloride channel inhibitor NPPB and the chloride channel activator lubiprostone. RPE cell proliferation and migration were assessed using CCK-8, cell scratch, and Transwell assays. Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin protein levels were detected by Western blotting. In the in vivo study, NPPB or lubiprostone was injected intravitreally to induce the PVR model. PVR severity was evaluated based on histological Western blotting, which detected Collagen I, Collagen III, and Fibronectin protein levels.
Results
Lubiprostone promoted TGF-β1-induced ARPE 19 cell growth and invasion, thereby facilitating PVR formation, while NPPB had the opposite effect, inhibiting PVR formation. Consistent results were also observed in in vivo models.
Conclusions
Reducing the opening of chloride channels within RPE cells using drugs can suppress PVR formation, which is sufficient to explain retinal degeneration. Chloride channels may have a crucial impact on RPE cell proliferation and migration. The therapeutic strategy of blocking chloride channels may be beneficial for PVR.
Approach based on quality function deployment and fuzzy measures of interacting criteria for hotel services improvement
Authors: Cai Mei , Zhang Xue , Yang Chen
Published: July 2023

Due to fierce market competition in the hotel industry, hotel managers need to take service improvement measures to improve customer satisfaction. The purpose of the paper is to develop a method to obtain robust prioritization of design requirements (DRs) for hotel development based on customer requirements (CRs) extracted from online reviews. Quality function deployment (QFD) is an effective tool that integrates customers’ voice into product requirements. Considering the psychological factors of customers, prospect theory is employed to transform objective DRs into subjective CRs to obtain the relationship between CRs and DRs. Furthermore, the preference information mined from online reviews is used as the input of the proposed linear program model to find the necessary importance relations between DRs. Therefore, the house of quality (HOQ) can be established based on the relationships established by the proposed linear program model. Then, we construct a judgment matrix from the two dimensions of market prospect and relative competitiveness. The hotel manager judges which quadrant each DR of the hotel belongs to and takes corresponding service improvement measures. In the case study, we crawled online reviews from the TripAdvisor website to identify the necessary importance relations of two different types of hotels. The results show that the preference characteristics of customers for different types of hotels are different. Hotel managers need to choose the appropriate service improvement strategy according to the preference characteristics of customers and their own situation.
Reconstructing Missing Time-Varying Land Subsidence Data Using Back Propagation Neural Network with Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Liu Chih-Yu , Ku Cheng-Yu , Hsu Jia-Fu
Published: July 2023

Land subsidence, characterized by a gradual settling of the ground surface over extended time periods, is a complex geophysical phenomenon. The availability of time-varying land subsidence data is of importance for comprehending the spatio-temporal variability of regional subsidence patterns. This article focuses on the crucial task of reconstructing missing time-varying land subsidence data in the Choshui Delta, Taiwan. We propose a novel algorithm that leverages a multi-factorial perspective to accurately reconstruct the missing time-varying land subsidence data. By considering various influential factors, such as groundwater extraction, sediment type, drainage path length, and precipitation, our approach aims to capture the complex interplay of these variables in the land subsidence process. The principal component analysis (PCA) is initially employed to determine the relevance between these influencing factors and land subsidence. This analysis identifies the most influential factors, such as cumulative land subsidence, groundwater level, electricity consumption of pumping, and precipitation. To reconstruct the missing time-varying land subsidence data using the factors identified by the PCA, we employ the backpropagation neural network (BPNN). We illustrate the approach using data from three multi-layer compaction monitoring wells from 2008 to 2021 in a significant subsidence region within the study area. The proposed model is validated, and the resulting network is used to reconstruct the missing time-varying subsidence data. The accuracy of the reconstructed data is evaluated using metrics such as root mean square error and relative error. The results demonstrate the high accuracy of the proposed neural network model, which obviates the need for a sophisticated hydrogeological numerical model involving corresponding soil compaction parameters.
Teleportation-based quantum imaging
Authors: Chen Lixiang , Qiu Xiaodong , Guo Haoxu
Published: July 2023

Quantum teleportation lies at the heart of various quantum technologies. A fundamental challenge remains as to whether we can teleport multilevel qudit states and, ultimately, a structured optical image with bipartite entanglement. Here, we report a proof-of-principle experiment of realizing teleportation-based high-dimensional state transfer at a distance, using photonic orbital angular momentum (OAM). We exploit “perfect vortices” for preparing high-dimensional yet maximal OAM entanglement. Based on nonlinear sum-frequency generation working with a strong coherent wave packet and a single photon, we also conduct the Bell-like sate measurements for high-dimensional “perfect vortices”. We experimentally achieve the average fidelity 0.879±0.048 and 0.796±0.066 for a complete set of 3-dimensional and 5-dimensional OAM mutually unbiased bases, respectively. Furthermore, by exploring the full transverse entanglement, we succeed in realizing the first teleportation-based quantum image transport at a distance. From the multi-pixel field of view of the received images, we characterize the high-dimensional feature of teleportation-like channel capacity. It is expected that, with the future advances in nonlinear frequency conversion, our scheme will offer a truly secure quantum image teleportation for the upcoming quantum network.
A New Fuzzy Approach and Bankruptcy Theory in Risk Estimation in Waste Load Allocation
Authors: Nouri Alireza , Bazargan-Lari Mohammad Reza , Oftadeh Ershad
Published: July 2023

In this paper, a simulator-optimizer model based on risk analysis was developed to determine the Waste Load Allocation (WLA). A new Fuzzy index as Fuzzy Risk Index (FRI) was linked with multi-objective optimization to minimize FRI for the environmental stakeholder and the total cost of sewage treatment for the polluting industries as the other collective stakeholder. Afterwards, the conflict was resolved with the help of Nash Bargaining and bankruptcy approach (Constrained Equal Awards Rule). The model was run using quantitative/qualitative data for the KhoramAbad River. To check the efficiency of FRI, the process followed for WLA was reimplemented by the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). The comparison between the two approaches showed the results obtained from the Fuzzy arithmetic of all fields, including the river qualitative simulation, non-overlapping procedure, agreed point by Nash bargaining, and bankruptcy output, were very close to the results of the MCS.
Interaction of in-plane Drude carrier with c-axis phonon in
PdCoO2
Authors: Choi Eunjip , Seo Dongmin , Ahn Gihyeon , Rimal Gaurab , Khim Seunghyun , Chung Suk Bum , Mackenzie Andrew P. , Oh Seongshik , Moon Soonjae
Published: July 2023

We performed polarized reflection and transmission measurements on the layered conducting oxide PdCoO2 thin films. For the ab-plane, an optical peak near Ω ≈ 750 cm−1 drives the scattering rate γ∗(ω) and effective mass m∗(ω) of the Drude carrier to increase and decrease respectively for ω ≧ Ω. For the c-axis, a longitudinal optical phonon (LO) is present at Ω as evidenced by a peak in the loss function Im[−1/εc(ω)]. Further polarized measurements in different light propagation (q) and
electric field (E) configurations indicate that the Peak at Ω results from an electron-phonon coupling of the ab-plane carrier with the c-LO phonon, which leads to the frequency-dependent γ∗(ω) and m∗(ω). This unusual interaction was previously reported in high-temperature superconductors (HTSC) between a non-Drude, mid-infrared band and a c-LO. On the contrary, it is the Drude carrier that couples in PdCoO2. The coupling between the ab-plane Drude carrier and c-LO suggests that the c-LO phonon may play a significant role in the characteristic ab-plane electronic properties of PdCoO2 including the ultra-high dc-conductivity, phonon-drag, and hydrodynamic electron transport.
Bayesian Spatial Analysis of Incomplete Vaccination among Children Aged 12-23 Months in Nigeria: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ahmed Lanre Quadri , Adebowale Ayo Stephen , Palamuleni Martin E.
Published: July 2023

Background
High childhood disease prevalence and under-five mortality rates have been consistently reported in Nigeria. Vaccination is a cost-effective preventive strategy against childhood diseases. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the determinants of Incomplete Vaccination (IV) among children aged 12–23 months in Nigeria.
Method
This cross-sectional design study utilized the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) dataset. A two-stage cluster sampling technique was used to select women of reproductive age who have children (n = 5,475) aged 12–23 months. The outcome variable was IV of children against childhood diseases. Data were analyzed using Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation and Bayesian binary regression models (α0.05). Visualization of incomplete vaccination was produced using the ArcGIS software.
Results
Children’s mean age was 15.1 ± 3.2 months and the median number of vaccines received was four. Northern regions contributed largely to the IV. The likelihood of IV was lower among women aged 25–34 years (aOR = 0.67, 95% C.I = 0.54–0.82, p < 0.05) and 35–49 years (aOR = 0.59, 95%C.I = 0.46–0.77, p < 0.05) compared to younger women in the age group 15–24 years. An increasing level of education reduces the risk of odds of IV. Other predictors of IV were delivery at the health facility (aOR = 0.64, 95% C.I = 053-0.76, p < 0.05), and media exposure (aOR = 0.63, 95%C.I = 0.54–0.79, p < 0.05). Mothers' characteristics explained most of the variability in the IV, relatively to smaller overall contributions from the community and state-level factors (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
The level of IV against childhood diseases was high in Nigeria. However, disparities exist across the regions and other socioeconomic segments of the population. More efforts are required to improve vaccination sensitization programs and campaigns in Nigeria.
Expression and localization of HPG axis-related genes in Carassius auratus with different ploidy
Authors: Xu Xiaowei , Yang Li , Deng Xinyi , Xiao Qingwen , Huang Xu , Wang Chongqing , Xu Xidan , Zhou Yue , Luo Xiang , Zhang Yuxin , Qin Qinbo , Liu Shaojun
Published: July 2023

Background: In the Dongting water system, the Carassius auratus (Crucian carp) complex is characterized by the coexistence of diploid forms (2n=100, 2nCC) and polyploid forms. The diploid (2nCC) and triploid C. auratus (3n=150, 3nCC) had the same fertility levels, reaching sexual maturity at one year.
Results: The nucleotide sequence, gene expression, methylation, and immunofluorescence of the gonadotropin releasing hormone 2(Gnrh2), Gonadotropin hormone beta(Gthβ),and Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor(Gthr) genes pivotal genes of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis were analyzed.The analysis results indicated that Gnrh2, follicle stimulating hormone receptor(Fshr), and Lethal hybrid rescue(Lhr) genes increased the copy number and distinct structural differentiation in 3nCC compared to that in 2nCC. The expression levels of HPG axis genes in 3nCC were higher than 2nCC (P<0.05), which can promote the production and secretion of sex steroid hormones conducive to the gonadal development of 3nCC. Meanwhile, the DNA methylation levels in the promoter regions of the HPG axis genes were lower in 3nCC than in 2nCC. These results suggested that methylation of the promoter region had a potential regulatory effect on gene structure and expression after triploidization. Immunofluorescence showed that the localization of the Fshβ, Lhβ, and Fshr genes between 3nCC and 2nCC remained unchanged, ensuring the normal expression of these genes at the corresponding sites after triploidization.
Conclusions: Relevant research results provide cell and molecular biology evidence for normal reproductive activities such as gonad development and gamete maturation in triploid C. auratus, and contribute to further understanding of the genetic basis for fertility restoration in triploid C. auratus
Association between reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and peritoneal dialysis related peritonitis: A single center retrospective cohort study in Japan
Authors: Yamaguchi Makoto , Obayashi Takaaki , Kobayashi Naoto , Izumi Naoki , Nagai Masaaki , Nobata Hironobu , Asai Akimasa , Kamiya Keisuke , Sugiyama Hirokazu , Kinashi Hiroshi , Banno Shogo , Ando Masahiko , Imaizumi Takahiro , Kubo Yoko , Katsuno Takayuki , Ishimoto Takuji , Ito Yasuhiko
Published: July 2023

We present a single-center retrospective analysis of 228 Japanese patients with peritoneal dialysis (PD), in which we examined whether reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a risk factor for peritonitis development. Time-dependent multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models revealed that reduced LVEF (LVEF <50% vs. preserved LVEF ≥50%, hazard ratio (HR):2.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.16–3.82) was associated with peritonitis. Qualitatively, similar associations with reduced LVEF (<50%) were observed for enteric peritonitis (adjusted HR, 7.68; 95% CI, 2.51–23.5) but not for non-enteric peritonitis (adjusted HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.54–2.44). Reduced LVEF is associated with a significantly higher risk of subsequent peritonitis, particularly enteric peritonitis. These results indicate that patients with reduced LVEF may be at risk of enteric peritonitis from bowel sources caused by intestinal involvement due to cardiac dysfunction.
Periodic variations in stormwater quality in the roadside ponds system and its possible uses
Authors: Zubala Tomasz
Published: July 2023

In connection with the growing deficit of water and problems in satisfying certain needs, stormwater ponds collecting runoff from impervious surfaces are increasingly often considered a potential water source. This paper evaluates the pollution level and variations in the quality of stormwater stored and pre-treated in reservoirs located next to new roads in the metropolitan area of Lublin (south-eastern Poland). Possibilities of water reuse were also assessed. The studies took into account changes in weather conditions and traffic intensity. Quality tests were carried out seasonally (16 measurement dates in total). Selected physical, oxygen, nutrient and salinity indicators were analysed. High variations in the concentration of total suspended solids, NH4+, NO2−, TP, PO43− and Cl− were observed (74–216%). On some measurement dates alarming conductivity, pH, suspended solids, COD, TP and Cl− values were recorded. Variations in stormwater quality are greater at the first stage of using the system of ponds, and the mean level of pollution stabilises several years after its construction. Changes in traffic intensity have no significant effect on the degree of pollution of the stored water. The highly variable water pollution level makes it difficult to precisely identify periods in which the use of ponds poses the lowest risk. Stormwater management should be accompanied by thorough analyses of water quality (constant monitoring) and the evaluation of possible risks to the environment.
Development of an indirect ELISA against Orf virus using two recombinant antigens, partial B2L and F1L
Authors: 郑 维豪 , zhang you , gu qinglin , liang qian , long youci , wu qin , Xian Simei
Published: July 2023

Background
Orf is a highly contagious viral disease affecting goats and sheep. It is caused by Orf virus (ORFV) and has caused severe economic losses to the global goat and sheep industry. Therefore, it is particularly important to develop a convenient, rapid and low-cost diagnostic method for ORFV.
Methods
In this study, an indirect ELISA method for recombinant proteins based on truncated dominant antigenic epitopes of the B2L and F1L genes of ORFV was established.
Results
The sequences from aa208 to aa378 encoded by the B2L gene and sequences from aa2 to aa182 encoded by the F1L gene were selected by DNASTAR software analysis and intercepted as the major fragments of the ORFV double gene fusion. The method specifically detects anti-ORFV antibodies and does not cross-react with positive sera for other common goat pathogenic bacteria antiserum. ORFV-positive sera were still positive after 1:512 dilution, with an intra-batch coefficient of variation (CV) between 7.1% and 9.5% and an inter-batch CV between 5.0% and 7.6%; 62.55% (152/243) of immunized goat serum samples tested positive, and 14.44% (26/180) of nonimmunized goat serum samples were positive.
Conclusion
These results show that the B2L-F1L-ELISA antibody assay established in this study has good specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility and provides a technical tool for clinical ORFV serum antibody detection and epidemiological investigation.
Post-hypnotic safety suggestion improves stress coping with long-lasting effects
Authors: Schmidt Barbara , Rohleder Nicolas , Engert Veronika
Published: July 2023

Effective coping with acute stress is important to promote mental health and to build stress resilience. Interventions improving stress coping usually require long training periods. In this study, we present a hypnosis-based intervention that produces long-term effects after a single hypnosis session. In that session, we established a post-hypnotic safety suggestion that participants can activate afterwards with a cue. We tested 60 participants in our study who all received the hypnosis session and a stress task. The safety group used the post-hypnotic safety cue during acute stress (Trier Social Stress Test, TSST). The control group used a neutral trigger instead. We measured subjective stress responses via self-reports and physiological stress responses via saliva and blood samples as well as heart rate. One week later, all participants filled in an online survey to measure long-term effects of the post-hypnotic safety suggestion. We found that participants using the post-hypnotic safety cue during the TSST reported significantly lower stress and anxiety compared to the control group. The safety group also reported significantly fewer negative thoughts concerning their TSST performance than the control group during the stress recovery phase and one week later. All participants indicated that the post-hypnotic safety suggestion still worked one week after its establishment. Suggestibility did not affect the efficacy of the post-hypnotic safety suggestion. Our findings demonstrate that post-hypnotic safety suggestions improve stress coping with long-lasting effects, which makes it a promising intervention to promote mental health and establish stress resilience in just one hypnosis session.
Insights into the genetic architecture of Phytophthora capsici root rot resistance in chile pepper (Capsicum spp.) from multi-locus genomewide association study
Authors: Kaur Navdeep , Lozada Dennis N. , Bhatta Madhav , Barchenger Derek W. , Khokhar Ehtisham S. , Nourbakhsh Seyed Shahabeddin , Sanogo Soum
Published: July 2023

Background
Phytophthora root rot, a major constraint in chile pepper production worldwide, is caused by the soil-borne oomycete, Phytophthora capsici. Multi-locus genomewide association study (GWAS) was conducted to detect significant regions in the Capsicum genome linked to Phytophthora root rot resistance using a diversity panel consisting of 157 Capsicum spp. genotypes. Individual plants were inoculated with P. capsici isolates, ‘PWB-185’, ‘PWB-186’, and ‘6347’ separately at the 4–8 leaf stage and were scored for disease symptoms up to 14 days post-inoculation. Disease scores were used to calculate disease parameters including disease severity index percentage, percent of resistant plants, the area under disease progress curve, and estimated marginal means for each genotype.
Results
Most of the genotypes displayed root rot symptoms, whereas five accessions were completely resistant to all the isolates and displayed no symptoms of infection. A total of 55,117 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers derived from genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) were used to perform multi-locus GWAS which identified 330 significant SNP markers associated with disease resistance. Of these, 56 SNP markers distributed across all chromosomes were common across the isolates, indicating association with more durable resistance. Candidate genes including nucleotide-binding site leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR), systemic acquired resistance (SAR8.2), and receptor-like kinase (RLKs), were identified within 0.5Mb of the associated markers.
Conclusions
These genomic loci can be targeted for improving P. capsici root rot resistance using molecular methods. Results will be used to improve resistance to Phytophthora root rot in chile peppers by the development of Kompetitive allele-specific markers (KASP®) for marker validation, genomewide selection, and marker-assisted breeding.
Harnessing Hazardous Wastes: The Production, Characterization and Performance of Controlled Low Strength Materials using CETP Sludge
Authors: N Skanda Kumar B , C Chandre Gowda , R Chandrashekhar , Ramachandra Suhas , M Sreenatha , A Shashishankar
Published: July 2023

India's remarkable economic growth and technological advancements have resulted in rapid industrialization, accompanied by a considerable increase in waste generation. This necessitates the development of efficient waste disposal methods to mitigate environmental degradation. Among the various waste streams, those generated by thermal power plants and effluent treatment plants contribute significantly to soil and groundwater pollution. Consequently, the proper management of these impertinent disposals is crucial, particularly to reduce pollution resulting from landfill disposal. In this research, the challenge has been addressed by investigating the utilization of hazardous Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) sludge for the development and production of CLSM meaning Controlled Low-strength Materials. By harnessing CETP sludge, we aim to alleviate the environmental impacts associated with its disposal while simultaneously providing an innovative and sustainable solution. To assess the feasibility of CETP sludge derived CLSM, a series of tests were conducted to comprehensively characterize the material. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) & X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analyses were carried out to examine the morphological characters and microstructural conditions of the materials. Also, Flowability and Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS) of the developed CLSM were evaluated. The results of the research demonstrate that the developed CLSM samples exhibit excellent flowability, surpassing 200 mm, indicating their favorable handling characteristics. Furthermore, the UCS values ranging from 1.76 MPa to 5.5 MPa suggest their structural integrity and potential suitability for various applications. The findings of this research contribute to the advancement of sustainable waste management practices, offering insights into the repurposing of CETP sludge to produce CLSM. Moreover, the comprehensive characterization and performance evaluation provide valuable guidance for policymakers, environmental scientists, and practitioners seeking effective solutions to mitigate soil and groundwater pollution while promoting sustainable industrial growth.
Engineered regenerative isolated peripheral nerve interface for targeted reinnervation
Authors: Kim Junesun , Kwon Jinju , Eom Seongsu , Kong Jeong Sik , Kim Dong Sung , Cho Dong-Woo
Published: July 2023

A regenerative peripheral nerve interface (RPNI) provides neuroma pain relief through the reinnervation of the native skeletal muscle and represents a promising therapeutic solution for severe nerve injury or amputation. Despite its notable effects, the unsolvable limitation of donor-site morbidity owing to autologous muscle grafts has emphasized the necessity to develop a substantial muscle construct using tissue engineering. However, the current fabrication methods for engineered skeletal muscle constructs have limitations in terms of the mechanical properties of the bioink and surgical manipulation. Therefore, we developed an engineered regenerative isolated peripheral nerve interface (eRIPEN) using three-dimensional skeletal cell printing and direct electrospinning for a nanofiber membrane-envelop with host nerve implantation to facilitate long-term functionality. In our in vivo study, the eRIPEN shows long-term survival, myofiber formation, neuromuscular junction formation, promotion of vascularization, and muscle contractility. More importantly, neuropathic pain was relieved and motor function was restored over 8 months following proper neural regeneration and innervation of the host nerve. These results suggest that the eRIPEN with neural integration can replace the basic RPNI and realize neuroprosthesis control through synaptic connections.
Association of LDL-cholesterol subtractions with cardiovascular disorders: A systematic review
Authors: Chary Abdolreza , Tohidi Maryam , Hedayati Mehdi
Published: July 2023

Background: Cardiovascular disorders (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the association between Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions and cardiovascular disorders.
Methods: For to ensure the rigor of the systematic review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used. For this systematic review, a comprehensive search strategy in important databases including PubMed, Scopus, Embase, International Statistical Institute (ISI) Web of Science and google scholar from 2009 to February 2021 was performed. Also, for the evaluation of the risk of bias, the Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used.
Results: At the end of the search process, 33 articles were included in this study. The results of more of the evaluated studies were shown that the higher LDL particle number was consistently associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, independent of other lipid measurements. Also, small dense LDL was associated with an increased risk of CVDs. There wasn’t any association between LDL subfraction with CVDs in a small number of studies.
Conclusions: Overall, it seems that the evaluation of LDL subclasses can be used as a very suitable biomarker for the evaluation and diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. However, further studies are needed to identify the mechanisms involved.
Nucleocapsid Protein residues 35, 36, and 113 are critical sites in up- regulating the Interleukin-8 Production via C/EBPα pathway by Highly Pathogenic Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus
Authors: Gong Xingyu , Ma Tianyi , Wang Jingjing , Cao Xinran , Zhang Qiaoya , Wang Yanhong , Song Chengchuang , Lai Min , Zhang Chunlei , Fang Xingtang , Chen Xi
Published: July 2023

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a highly infectious and pathogenic agent that causes considerable economic damage in the swine industry. It regulates the inflammatory response, triggers inflammation-induced tissue damage, suppresses the innate immune response, and leads persistent infection. Interleukin-8 (IL-8), a pro-inflammatory chemokine, plays a crucial role in inflammatory response during numerous bacteria and virus infections. However, the underlying mechanisms of IL-8 regulation during PRRSV infection are not well understood. In this study, we demonstrate that PRRSV-infected porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) release higher levels of IL-8. We screened the nucleocapsid protein, non-structural protein (nsp) 9, and nsp11 of PRRSV to enhance IL-8 promoter activity via the C/EBPα pathway. Furthermore, we identified that the amino acids Q35A, S36A, R113A, and I115A of the nucleocapsid protein play a crucial role in the induction of IL-8. Through reverse genetics, we generated two mutant viruses (rQ35-2A and rR113A), which showed lower induction of IL-8 in PAMs during infection. This finding uncovers a previously unrecognized role of the PRRSV nucleocapsid protein in modulating IL-8 production and provides insight into an additional mechanism of immune and inflammation modulation by PRRSV.
Glucose-containing sulfonic acid-catalyzed efficient synthesis of spiro[benzo[g]pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline-4,3’-indoline] derivatives
Authors: Yuan Rui , Chi Xiaowei , Zhang Lizhuo , Liu Jinjuan , Wan Yu , Wu Hui
Published: July 2023

β-1-N-methyl-imidazole-2,3,4,6-tetrasulfonic-D-glucopyranosyl bisulfate ([Bmim-G-(SO3H)4]+[HSO4]-, NMI-GSA) was used as the efficient catalyst to promote the three-component reaction of 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, isatins and aminopyrazoles to afford a series of spiro[benzo[g]pyrazolo[3,4-b]quinoline-4,3’-indoline] derivatives (4). Six bonds were cleaved while six new bonds (two C-N bonds and four C-C bonds) were formed to constructed a new dihydropyridine ring and a spiro skeleton in one-pot with water as the only one by-product in this highly atom-economic reaction. Two non-toxic products to normal cells have been screened out because of their special high inhibition rate of on MCF-7 cells (> 90%).