bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Biological Activity of Beauveria bassiana, Beauveria peruviensis, and Metarhizium sp. against Hypothenemus hampei (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Chuquibala-Checan Beimer , Torres-de la Cruz Magdiel , Leiva Santos , Hernandez-Diaz Elgar , Rubio Karol , Goñas Malluri , Arce-Inga Marielita , Oliva-Cruz Manuel
Published: October 2023

Coffee (Coffea arabica) is the main commodity in Peru and is the economic support for thousands of small farmers. However, coffee production is affected by the coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei). Currently, H. hampei is the most important pest in whole coffee-growing regions in Peru. This study aimed to evaluate in vitro biological activity of Beauveria bassiana, Beauveria peruviensis, and Metarhizium sp. against Hypothenemus hampei in two trials at different times. Conidia production, Conidia viability, and pathogenicity against H. hampei were evaluated at three concentrations (1 × 105, 1 × 107, and 1 × 109 conidia/mL−1). In addition, lethal times (LT50 and LT90) and lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) were calculated. There were significant differences in conidia production (

P

 < 0.001) and conidia viability (

P

 < 0.041). The highest conidia production and conidia viability were reached by B. bassiana and B. peruviensis, respectively. Likewise, there were differences in the pathogenicity of the strains in the two tests carried out (test 1:

P

 < 0.0009 and test 2:

P

 < 0.0001). The highest mortality occurred in the treatments of B. bassiana 1 × 109 conidia/mL−1, B. bassiana 1 × 107 conidia/mL−1, and B. peruviensis 1 × 109 conidia/mL−1. The treatments with lower LT50 and LT90 were B. bassiana 1 × 109 conidia/mL−1 and B. peruviensis 1 × 109 conidia/mL−1, and the strains with the lowest LC50 and LC90 were B. peruviensis and B. bassiana. The in vitro characteristics shown by B. bassiana and B. peruviensis conditions suggest they should be evaluated in the field to determine the capability of these strains to reduce populations of H. hampei.
Development of Efficient Biochar Produced from Orange Peel for Effective La(III) and Y(III) Adsorption
Authors: Liu Li , Feng Bo , Rao Yun Zhang , Tian Chang Shun , Gu Qi Xiong , Huang Tao
Published: October 2023

In this work, orange peel (OP) was used as raw material to produce biochar. The effect of oxygen-limited carbonization temperature (200, 400, and 600°C) on the physicochemical properties and adsorption behavior of orange peel biochar (OPB) toward La(III) and Y(III) in aqueous media was studied. The prepared OPB samples were characterized by SEM, FTIR, and XRD. The experimental results exhibited effective removal of La(III) and Y(III) from aqueous solution by OPB. The carbonization promoted the pore development, and the adsorption process occurred rapidly. The main chemisorption of La(III) and Y(III) on OPB was analyzed by the Langmuir and pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the participations of electrostatic attraction, exchange, and hydroxyl and carboxyl complexation in OPB were confirmed. The Langmuir maximum capacity of 55.57 mg/g and 31.49 mg/g was obtained at the optimum pH range of 4~6 and the OPB dosage of 1 g/L and 2 g/L for La(III) and Y(III). The efficient orange peel biochar with high adsorption performance can be obtained by considering suitable carbonization temperature.
Deformation Analysis of a New Subway Transfer Channel Closely Undercrossing an Existing Station
Authors: Sun Houqiang , Wu Jun , Zhang Jiabing , Du Yu , Teng Lirong , Qin Houtong
Published: October 2023

Disturbances that occur due to the construction of new subway transfer channels in cities pose a significant threat to the safe operation and structural stability of existing subway stations. Due to the construction of the new Jin-Fu Station of Chengdu Rail Transit Line 27, the transfer channel of the new Jin-Fu Station closely underpasses the station of the existing Metro Line 6. First, based on the random medium theory, the curved integral boundaries of the rectangular section are improved and simplified by the numerical simulation. Second, the mechanical response of the underpass construction to the existing subway station is analyzed by Pasternak foundation model theory. Finally, the accuracy of the theoretical calculation is verified by the three-dimensional numerical calculation and the measured data, and the sensitivity of its parameters is analyzed. The results show that maintaining a certain net distance d (that is, increasing the thickness of the interlayer soil) is conducive to forming the soil arch effect and reducing the deformation of the existing station above. The settlement of the existing station can be reduced by increasing the height-to-width ratio of the excavated section, but the maximum bending moment of the floor will increase slightly. With the increase in the foundation reaction coefficient k, the interaction between the soil mass and the existing station is enhanced, and the deformation, bending moment, and shear force on the floor of the existing station increase significantly. When the foundation reaction coefficient increases to 10k, there is an obvious uplift phenomenon outside the settlement trough of the existing station floor.
Analysis of the Antibacterial Activity and the Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents of the Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract as an Antimicrobial Agent against Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Royani Ahmad , Hanafi Muhammad , Lotulung Puspa Dewi N. , Julistiono Heddy , Dinoto Achmad , Manaf Azwar
Published: October 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium that causes metal deterioration by forming biofilms on metal surfaces. This work was carried out to analyze the antibacterial activity and the phenolic and flavonoid contents of the Moringa oleifera leaf extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. M. oleifera leaves were extracted in a methanol solution at different concentrations. The M. oleifera leaf extract yields were 12.84%, 18.96%, and 19.64% for the 100%, 75%, and 50% methanol ratios, respectively. Extracts of M. oleifera leaves had a minimum inhibiting concentration (MIC) of approximately 6144 μg/mL against P. aeruginosa for a ratio of 100% methanol. In addition, no antibacterial activity was found for the 75% and 50% methanol ratios. The total phenolic levels were 16.26%, 12.73%, and 12.33% for the 100%, 75%, and 50% methanol solvent ratios, respectively. The total amounts of flavonoids were 23.32%, 3.40%, and 0.64% for the 100%, 75%, and 50% methanol solvents, respectively. The chemical structure of M. oleifera consists of kaemferol-3-O-rutinoside, quercimeritrin, kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, stearidonic acid, trichosanic acid, pyrophaeophorbide A, and stigmastan-3,6-dione. The concentration of the solvent is essential in the extraction of plant constituents. Different concentrations indicate differences in antibacterial activity, phenolic and flavonoid contents, and chemical structure.
The Efficacy of 480 ml Oral Sodium Sulfate for Improving Insufficient Bowel Preparation of Colonoscopy with High-Concentrated Polyethylene Glycol
Authors: Yoshida Naohisa , Inagaki Yoshikazu , Hasegawa Daisuke , Kobayashi Reo , Tomita Yuri , Hashimoto Hikaru , Hirose Ryohei , Dohi Osamu , Inoue Ken , Morimoto Yasutaka , Inada Yutaka , Murakami Takaaki , Itoh Yoshito
Published: October 2023

Objectives. Oral sulfate solution (OSS) is used for bowel preparation (BP) during colonoscopy. The way of taking this agent can be used a same-day regimen (only on the day of colonoscopy) and split regimen (the day before and on the day of colonoscopy) for receiving it. In this study, we analyzed the efficacy of a same-day regimen of 480 ml OSS for insufficient bowel preparation (BP) with high-concentrated polyethylene glycol (H-PEG). Materials and Methods. This multicenter retrospective study was conducted from December 2021 to December 2022 at three related institutions on patients

aged
≥
20

years with a fair or poor Aronchick score of BP with 1 l H-PEG in previous colonoscopy. All patients received a low-residual diet and 10 ml of 0.75% picosulfate sodium a day before the colonoscopy and 480 ml of OSS and ≥1 l of water 3 hours before the colonoscopy. We analyzed the rate of improvement with OSS compared to H-PEG and other efficacies, and adverse events (AE). Results. We evaluated 125 cases (77 males) with an average age of

72.1
±
8.8

years. The completion rate of 480 ml of OSS was 97.6% (122/125). The improvement rate of BP showing good or excellent score with OSS was 70.4% (88/125). Compared OSS with previous H-PEG, the insertion time (min) was

7.0
±
4.8

vs.

8.1
±
6.0

(

p
=
0.01

), and the adenoma detection rates were 67.2% vs. 63.2% (

p
=
0.05

). The cleansing time (min) was

131
±
46

vs.

165
±
53

(

p
<
0.01

). The rate of AE with OSS was 10.4% (13/125). There were no significant differences about AE in age and gender. The tolerance of OSS compared with H-PEG (good/similar/bad) was 72.0%/24.8%/3.2% (amounts), 26.4%/39.2%/34.4% (taste), and 76.8%/10.4%/12.8% (overall preference), respectively. Conclusions. The same-day regimen of 480 ml OSS effectively improved the insufficient BP of 1 l H-PEG.
Evaluation of Retention and Fracture Strength of All Ceramic Crowns with Three Different Esthetic Cast Post–Core Systems
Authors: Safari Sina , Mirzapour Amirmohammad , Sadrmohammadi Roya
Published: October 2023

Purpose. This study investigates the fracture and retention strength of all-ceramic crowns with modified composite resin and ceramic cores compared to conventional casted post and core systems. Materials and Methods. A prepared human central tooth was initially scanned to design and 3D print the post and core. Subsequently, 40 bovine teeth were adjusted to accommodate the fabricated post and cores. They were then divided into four groups of 10 each: group 1 comprised cast cores without cover (control group), group 2 involved cast cores reduced and replaced with IPS Empress material (IPS group), group 3 consisted of cast cores covered with opaque composite (composite group), and group 4 included cast cores covered with opaque ceramic (ceramic group). Zirconia crowns were cemented onto all samples. After an aging process, pull-off and fracture strength tests were conducted. Fracture strength was determined by applying a compressive force at an angle of 135° to the tooth’s longitudinal axis until the fracture occurred. For retention strength assessment, a universal testing machine with a 10 mm/min crosshead speed was employed. The resulting data underwent statistical analysis utilizing two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Mann–Whitney U tests. Results. The analysis revealed no significant difference in fracture strength among the groups (P-value = 0.997). However, the retention strength of the control and IPS groups was significantly higher than that of the other groups. Conclusion. There were no discernible distinctions among the three study methods regarding fracture strength. Nonetheless, the retention strength of the IPS group resembled that of the control group, surpassing that of the composite and ceramic groups.
Wastewater Treatment Using Wood Ash and Cement as Chemical Coagulant
Authors: Ingida Milkessa , Bedane Gurmesa , Adugna Firanbon , Nigusu Degefa , Hussen Mohammed , Sime Chala Hailu
Published: October 2023

Water is essential for daily activities and maintaining human well-being. However, in many less-developed countries, including Ethiopia, the lack of a well-developed wastewater treatment system leads to contaminated surface water. This poses significant risks to human health. To address this problem, wastewater can be treated using locally available materials such as wood ash and cement as chemical coagulants. The objective of this study was to treat wastewater using these materials. The study involved analyzing a 20-liter sample of wastewater from the Awetu River in Jimma City, Ethiopia. The materials used for the treatment included wood ash, cement, and lemon. Various doses of cement and wood ash were prepared and added to the wastewater. The results showed that 5 g was the optimum dosage for effectively treating the wastewater. The treated water at the optimum dosage exhibited significant improvements in turbidity, total dissolved solids, conductivity, and color, meeting drinking water criteria. Overall, the study concludes that locally available materials such as wood ash and cement can be successfully utilized as chemical coagulants for wastewater treatment. This approach offers a viable solution for improving water quality and reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.
Settlement Characteristics of Urban Underground Comprehensive Pipe Gallery under Different Backfill Conditions
Authors: Li Fengting , Wu Ke , Ma Xiaoyang , Jin Pengfei , Xu Wenbin , Liu Dapeng
Published: October 2023

In order to solve the problem of differential settlement of pavement after the backfilling of urban underground comprehensive pipe corridors based on a pipe gallery project in Xiong’an New Area, the mechanical calculation model of the pipe gallery foundation pit backfilling process was simulated by ABAQUS, and the pavement settlement and the change of the pipe gallery model under different construction conditions were simulated and verified. The results show that many external environmental factors have an impact on pavement settlement, and methods such as increasing the compaction degree of backfill soil and the slope of the foundation pit, reducing the width of the pit floor, and controlling the vehicle load after work can avoid the pavement damage caused by uneven settlement.
Modelization and Calibration of the Power-Law Distribution in Stock Market by Maximization of Varma Entropy
Authors: Liu Chang , Chang Chuo
Published: October 2023

Proper description of the return distribution is crucial for investment practitioners. The underestimation of the tail risk may lead to severe consequences, even for assets with moderate fluctuations. However, many empirical studies found that the distribution tails of many financial assets drop off more slowly than the Gaussian distributions. Therefore, we intend to model and calibrate the heavy tails observed in financial fluctuations in this study. By maximizing the Varma entropy with value-at-risk and expected shortfall constraints, we obtain the probability distribution of stock return and observe that the tail of stock return distribution is a power law. Since the variance of the real stock portfolio may be a random variable, using the mean-VaR-ES constraints to maximize the Varma entropy effectively avoids the problem of assuming that the variance is a constant value under the traditional mean-variance constraint. Therefore, the deduced theoretical model would be more consistent with the real market. Using high-frequency data from China’s stock markets, we calibrate our theoretical model and give the concrete form of probability density distribution p(x) for different time intervals. The calibration results show that the tail of the stock return distribution is a power law with most of the power-law orders between −2 and −7. We prove the robustness of our results by calibrating the Varma entropy for S&P 500 of the USA stock market and different stock market indices in China’s A-share market. Our research’s findings not only offer a theoretical perspective for researchers but also give investing professionals a theoretical foundation on which to base their decisions.
Performance Assessment of Four Grid-Connected Solar Photovoltaic Technologies under Similar Environmental Conditions in Nigeria
Authors: Owolabi Abdulhameed Babatunde , Yakub Abdulfatai Olatunji , Luqman Raji , Same Noel Ngando , Suh Dongjun
Published: October 2023

This research presents the performance of four grid-connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed at the Adamawa State College of Health Technology, Mubi, Adamawa, Nigeria. The system consists of 3.5 kWp each of four different PV technologies. The mis and psi cells manufactured by China Sunergy and Conergy comprised 14 modules with a power capacity of 250 watts. The asi produced by Moser Baer consists of 10 modules, each having 350 watts, and the CIS manufactured by Solar Frontier has 20 modules, each having 175 watts. The PV was observed and recorded data from January 2022 to December 2022. The system performance was analyzed using eleven evaluation criteria. Based on the technical assessment of the systems for this location, the asi solar PV has the best annual performance. It demonstrated the most favorable performance ratio (PR) and capacity factor (CF) of 90.7% and 27.6%, respectively, when considering energy output, system yields, performance ratio, and capacity ratio. On the other hand, the msi system, manufactured by China Sunergy, exhibited significant efficiencies at both the panel and system levels, with values of 14.3% and 13.7%, respectively. This system stood out for its minimal overall losses, recorded at 7.78 hours, demonstrating superior efficiency and lower overall losses than the other systems under study. This study is critical because the result will provide valuable information to researchers in identifying the appropriate PV systems suitable for Nigeria. In addition, it will assist PV installers and manufacturers with updated information on the PV system with the best performance.
QSPR Modeling of Fungicides Using Topological Descriptors
Authors: Parveen Saima , Saeed Fatima , Farooq Fozia Bashir , Parveen Nusrat , Idrees Nazeran , Nasir Sumiya , Fanja Rakotondrajao
Published: October 2023

A topological index is a real number that is obtained from a chemical graph’s structure. Determining the physiochemical and biological characteristics of a variety of medications is useful since it more accurately represents the theoretical characteristics of organic molecules. This is accomplished using degree-based topological indices. The QSPR research has improved the structural understanding of the physiochemical properties of fungicides. Thirteen fungicides are examined for some of their physiochemical properties, and a QSPR model is built using nine of the drugs’ topological indices. Here, we examine the degree to which the topological indices and physiochemical attributes are connected. To do this, we create networks connecting each of the topological indices to the properties of fungicides and computationally construct topological indices of the drugs mentioned above. According to this QSPR model, the melting point, boiling point, flash point, complexity, surface tension, etc. of fungicides are strongly connected. It was discovered that the topological indices (TIs) applied to the fungicides more accurately represent their theoretical features and show a strong correlation with their physical attributes.
Clarification of the identity of deep-sea crab Tymolus uncifer (Ortmann, 1892) and validation of Tymolus melanommus (Doflein, 1904) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Cyclodorippidae)
Authors: KOMAI TOMOYUKI
Published: October 2023

Examination of material from Japanese waters has disclosed that two species have been confounded under Tymolus uncifer (Ortmann, 1892) (Decapoda: Brachyura: Cyclodorippidae) in previous literature. The identity of Tymolus uncifer sensu stricto is clarified in reference to the lectotype, and the second taxon is herein attributed to T. melanommus (Doflein, 1904), which was originally recognised as a “forma” of T. uncifer with one specimen from off Kenya and one specimen from Japan. A lectotype is herein selected for T. melanommus in the interest of nomenclatural stability. Differentiating characters between the two species are assessed in detail, and those two species are compared also with T. glaucommus (Alcock, 1894), T. similis (Grant, 1905), T. brucei Tavares, 1991, T. daviei Tavares, 1997, T. hirtipes Tan & Huang, 2000 and T. globosus Spiridonov & Türkay, 2007, all of them are considered as valid. Sexual dimorphism and ontogenetic variation are seen in the relative length and stoutness of the pereopods 2 and 3 in T. uncifer and T. melanommus, but the morphometric characters derived from the two pereopods are useful as diagnostic at comparison between same sex in adults. Comparison of partial fragments of the mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA gene sequences strongly supports that the two taxa are distinct. Previous records of T. uncifer, including fossil records, are reviewed based on the present findings. Tymolus uncifer and T. melanommus are restricted to Japanese waters at present.
Revision of Litoria rothii (Anura: Pelodryadidae) from northern Australia
Authors: DONNELLAN S.C. , CATULLO R.A. , ROWLEY J.J.L. , DOUGHTY P. , PRICE L. , HINES H.B. , RICHARDS S.J.
Published: October 2023

Litoria rothii is a widespread pelodryadid frog with a charismatic “laughing” advertisement call, distributed across the Australian Monsoon Tropics and southern New Guinea. Given its large distribution spanning well-known biogeographic barriers, variation in male advertisement calls and the prevalence of unresolved species complexes in the Australian frog fauna, we examine the genetic, morphological and acoustic diversity in the species from across its range. Our analyses reveal the presence of a previously unrecognised species in western parts of the range of L. rothii sensu lato, which we describe herein as a new species. Litoria ridibunda sp. nov. is distinguished from L. rothii on the basis of paraphyly of nuclear gene trees with L. everetti from Indonesia, colour patterns on the posterior thigh and male advertisement calls. Compared to L. rothii, the new species has a less contrasting pattern on the posterior thigh and a male advertisement call with a greater number of notes per call and a greater call duration. In particular, the magnitude of call differences between the species is highest where the ranges of the two species are in proximity in north-western Queensland. Our study further emphasises the undiagnosed diversity that remains in Australian frogs, even in relatively large, charismatic, frequently encountered species that often share human dwellings.
Description of Protosticta samtsensis sp. nov. (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platystictidae) from Samtse district, Bhutan
Authors: GURUNG MER MAN , PHAN QUOC TOAN
Published: October 2023

Protosticta samtsensis sp. nov. (holotype ♂: Bhutan, Samtse District, Norgaygang gewog (Bara), 27.142670°N, 88.835228°E; altitude 1,264 m, 12-viii-2022), is described from a holotype male and a female paratype and compared with P. himalaica Laidlaw, 1917.
The relationship between preoperative anemia and length of hospital stay among patients undergoing radical surgery for esophageal carcinoma: a single-centre retrospective study
Authors: Zheng Zonggui , Peng Shixuan , Yang Jieping , Ke Weiqi
Published: October 2023

Background

Although it is unclear if preoperative anemia affects patients undergoing radical resection of esophageal cancer, it does increase the length of stay (LOS) for surgical patients. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to investigate if, after adjusting for other covariates, anemia was independently associated with LOS in people undergoing radical resection of esophageal cancer.

Methods

The retrospective cohort study included 680 patients undergoing radical esophageal cancer surgery between January 2010 and December 2020. Preoperative anemia was the targeted independent variable, while LOS was the target independent variable. Demographics, comorbidities, laboratory tests, surgery and anesthesia, postoperative outcomes, and complications were collected. Multivariate linear analyses were performed for variables that might influence preoperative anemia and LOS selection. Subgroup analysis using hierarchical variables was then used to test the potential relationship.

Results

The 647 individuals that were randomly chosen had an average age of 61.06 ± 8.16 years, and 77.43% of them were male. The prevalence of anemia was 36.6%. All patients recruited had an average length of stay (LOS) of 26.31 ± 13.19 days, 25.40 ± 11.44 days for patients who had no preoperative anemia, and 27.89 ± 15.66 days for patients who had preoperative anemia, p < 0.05. After adjusting for covariates, the results of fully adjusted linear regression revealed that preoperative anemia was significantly associated with LOS (β = 2.04, 95%CI (0.13, 3.96) ), p < 0.05. The results of the subgroup analysis were basically accurate and steady. Regardless of gender, same outcomes were seen when preoperative anemia was defined as a Hb level < 13 g/dL (β = 2.29, 95%CI (0.33, 4.25) ), p < 0.05. In addition, the LOS was shortened with the increase of preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) (β= -0.81, 95%CI (-1.46, -0.1) ), p < 0.05.

Conclusion

Preoperative anemia is typical in Chinese patients undergoing radical esophageal cancer resection and is independently associated with prolonged LOS.
Reported adverse events related to use of hepatitis C virus direct-acting antivirals with opioids: 2017–2021
Authors: Martinez Anthony , Khan Tipu , Dylla Douglas E. , Marcinak John , Collins Michelle , Saget Brad , Conway Brian
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Due to concerns over potential interactions between some hepatitis C direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and opioids, we describe adverse event (AE) reports of concomitant use of opioids and DAAs.

Methods

AEs reported (July 28, 2017–December 31, 2021) with the administration of the DAAs glecaprevir/pibrentasvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir, and elbasvir/grazoprevir as suspect products were downloaded from the US Food and Drug Administration AE Reporting System Public Dashboard. The number of AE reports containing opioids (fentanyl, hydrocodone, oxycodone) as co-suspect products/concomitant products were counted and summarized by severity, reporting country and whether an outcome of death was reported. Overdose AEs were counted irrespective of opioid use, and changes over time were assessed.

Results

In total, 40 AEs were reported for DAAs and concomitant fentanyl use, 25 (62.5%) were in the USA, 35 (87.5%) were considered serious, and 14 (35.0%) resulted in death; and 626 were reported with concomitant oxycodone/hydrocodone use, 596 (95.2%) were in the USA, 296 (47.3%) were considered serious, and 28 (4.5%) resulted in death. There were 196 overdose AEs (32 [16%] deaths) declining from 2018 (N = 56) to 2021 (N = 29).

Conclusions

Treating people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who use drugs is key to achieving HCV elimination. Low numbers of DAA AE reports with opioids may provide reassurance to prioritize HCV treatment in this population. These data contribute to evidence supporting the continued scale-up of DAA treatment among people who use drugs to achieve HCV elimination goals.
Ontogenetic variation in the cranium of Mixosaurus cornalianus, with implications for the evolution of ichthyosaurian cranial development
Authors: Miedema Feiko , Bindellini Gabriele , Dal Sasso Cristiano , Scheyer Torsten M. , Maxwell Erin E.
Published: October 2023

Relatively complete ontogenetic series are comparatively rare in the vertebrate fossil record. This can create biases in our understanding of morphology and evolution, since immaturity can represent a source of unrecognized intraspecific variation in both skeletal anatomy and ecology. In the extinct marine reptile clade Ichthyopterygia, ontogenetic series were widely studied only in some Jurassic genera, while the ontogeny of the oldest and most basal members of the clade is very poorly understood. Here, we investigate cranial ontogeny in Mixosaurus cornalianus, from the Middle Triassic Besano Formation of the Swiss and Italian Alps. This small-bodied taxon is represented by a wealth of material from multiple size classes, including fetal material. This allows us to assess ontogenetic changes in cranial morphology, and identify stages in the ontogenetic trajectory where divergence with more derived ichthyosaurs has occurred. Early ontogenetic stages of Mixosaurus show developmental patterns that are reminiscent of the presumed ancestral (early diverging sauropsid) condition. This is prominently visible in the late fetal stage in both the basioccipital, which shows morphology akin to basal tubera, and in the postorbital, which has a triradiate head. The ontogenetic trajectory of at least some of the cranial elements of Mixosaurus is therefore likely still very akin to the ancestral condition, even though the adult cranium diverges from the standard diapsid morphology.
Mettl1-mediated internal m7G methylation of Sptbn2 mRNA elicits neurogenesis and anti-alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Li Qingfeng , Liu Hui , Li Lishi , Guo Haomin , Xie Zhihao , Kong Xuejian , Xu Jiamin , Zhang Junlin , Chen Yunxia , Zhang Zhongsheng , Liu Jun , Xuan Aiguo
Published: October 2023

Background

N7-methylguanosine (m7G) is one of the most conserved modifications in nucleosides impacting mRNA export, splicing, and translation. However, the precise function and molecular mechanism of internal mRNA m7G methylation in adult hippocampal neurogenesis and neurogenesis-related Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remain unknown.

Results

We profiled the dynamic Mettl1/Wdr4 expressions and m7G modification during neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro and in vivo. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis and its molecular mechanisms were examined by morphology, biochemical methods and biological sequencing. The translation efficiency of mRNA was detected by polysome profiling. The stability of Sptbn2 mRNA was constructed by RNA stability assay. APPswe/PS1ΔE9 (APP/PS1) double transgenic mice were used as model of AD. Morris water maze was used to detect the cognitive function.

Methods

We found that m7G methyltransferase complex Mettl1/Wdr4 as well as m7G was significantly elevated in neurons. Functionally, silencing Mettl1 in neural stem cells (NSCs) markedly decreased m7G modification, neuronal genesis and proliferation in addition to increasing gliogenesis, while forced expression of Mettl1 facilitated neuronal differentiation and proliferation. Mechanistically, the m7G modification of Sptbn2 mRNA by Mettl1 enhanced its stability and translation, which promoted neurogenesis. Importantly, genetic defciency of Mettl1 reduced hippocampal neurogenesis and spatial memory in the adult mice. Furthermore, Mettl1 overexpression in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice rescued neurogenesis and behavioral defects.

Conclusion

Our findings unravel the pivotal role of internal mRNA m7G modification in Sptbn2-mediated neurogenesis, and highlight Mettl3 regulation of neurogenesis as a novel therapeutic target in AD treatment.
Machine learning based low-complexity channel state information estimation
Authors: Meng Juan , Wei Ziping , Zhang Yang , Li Bin , Zhao Chenglin
Published: October 2023

In 5G communications, the acquisition of accurate channel state information (CSI) is of great importance to the hybrid beamforming of millimeter wave (mmWave) massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system. In classical mmWave MIMO channel estimation methods, the exploitation of inherent sparse or low-rank structures has demonstrated to improve the performance. However, most high-accurate CSI estimators incur a high computational complexity and require the prior channel information, which hence present the major challenges in the practical deployment. In this work, we leverage machine learning to design the low-complexity and high-performance channel estimator. To be specific, we first formulate the CSI estimation, in the case of sparse structure, as one classical least absolute shrinkage and selection operator problem. In order to reduce the time complexity of existing compressed sensing (CS) methods, we then approximate the original optimization problem to another one, by imposing the other low-rank constraint that was barely considered by CS. We thus solve this new approximated problem and attain the near-optimal solution of the original problem. One new method excludes any prior channel information, and greatly improves the estimation performance, which only incurs a low time complexity. Simulation results demonstrate the superiority of our proposed method both in the estimation accuracy and time complexity.
Evaluation of in vitro digestibility of Aspergillus oryzae fungal biomass grown on organic residue derived-VFAs as a promising ruminant feed supplement
Authors: Uwineza Clarisse , Bouzarjomehr Mohammadali , Parchami Milad , Sar Taner , Taherzadeh Mohammad J. , Mahboubi Amir
Published: October 2023

Background

As demand for high quality animal feed continues to raise, it becomes increasingly important to minimize the environmental impact of feed production. An appealing sustainable approach to provide feed fractions is to use organic residues from agro-food industry. In this regard, volatile fatty acids (VFAs) such as acetic, propionic and butyric acids, derived from bioconversion of organic residues can be used as precursors for production of microbial protein with ruminant feed inclusion potential. This study aims to investigate the in vitro digestibility of the Aspergillus oryzae edible fungal biomass cultivated on VFAs-derived from anaerobic digestion of residues. The produced fungal protein biomass, along with hay clover silage and rapeseed meal were subjected to various in vitro assays using two-stage Tilley and Terry (TT), gas, and bag methods to evaluate and compare its digestibility for application in ruminant feed.

Results

The produced fungal biomass contained a higher crude protein (CP) (41%–49%) and rather similar neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (41%–56%) compared to rapeseed meal. The rumen in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of the fungal biomass in the TT method ranged from 82% to 88% (statistically similar to that of the gas method (72% to 85%)). The IVDMD of fungal biomass were up to 26% and 40% greater than that of hay clover silage and rapeseed meal, respectively. The type of substrate and bag method had pronounced effect on the fermentation products (ammonium-N (NH4+-N), total gas and VFAs). Fungal biomass digestion resulted in the highest release of NH4+-N (340–540 mg/L) and the ratio of acetate to propionate ratio (3.5) among subjected substrates.

Conclusion

The results indicate that gas method can be used as a reliable predictor for IVDMD as well as fermentation products. Furthermore, the high IVDMD and fermentation product observed for Aspergillus oryzae fungal biomass digestion, suggest that the supplementation of fungal biomass will contribute to improving the rumen digestion by providing necessary nitrogen and energy to the ruminant and microbiota.
Supra-second interval timing in bipolar disorder: examining the role of disorder sub-type, mood, and medication status
Authors: Ewald Victória A. Müller , Trapp Nicholas T. , Sarrett McCall E. , Pace Benjamin D. , Wendt Linder , Richards Jenny G. , Gala Ilisa K. , Miller Jacob N. , Wessel Jan R. , Magnotta Vincent A. , Wemmie John A. , Boes Aaron D. , Parker Krystal L.
Published: October 2023

Background

Widely reported by bipolar disorder (BD) patients, cognitive symptoms, including deficits in executive function, memory, attention, and timing are under-studied. Work suggests that individuals with BD show impairments in interval timing tasks, including supra-second, sub-second, and implicit motor timing compared to the neuronormative population. However, how time perception differs within individuals with BD based on disorder sub-type (BDI vs II), depressed mood, or antipsychotic medication-use has not been thoroughly investigated. The present work administered a supra-second interval timing task concurrent with electroencephalography (EEG) to patients with BD and a neuronormative comparison group. As this task is known to elicit frontal theta oscillations, signal from the frontal (Fz) lead was analyzed at rest and during the task.

Results

Results suggest that individuals with BD show impairments in supra-second interval timing and reduced frontal theta power during the task compared to neuronormative controls. However, within BD sub-groups, neither time perception nor frontal theta differed in accordance with BD sub-type, depressed mood, or antipsychotic medication use.

Conclusions

This work suggests that BD sub-type, depressed mood status or antipsychotic medication use does not alter timing profile or frontal theta activity. Together with previous work, these findings point to timing impairments in BD patients across a wide range of modalities and durations indicating that an altered ability to assess the passage of time may be a fundamental cognitive abnormality in BD.
Efficient pollen grain classification using pre-trained Convolutional Neural Networks: a comprehensive study
Authors: Rostami Masoud A. , Balmaki Behnaz , Dyer Lee A. , Allen Julie M. , Sallam Mohamed F. , Frontalini Fabrizio
Published: October 2023

Pollen identification is necessary for several subfields of geology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. However, the existing methods for pollen identification are laborious, time-consuming, and require highly skilled scientists. Therefore, there is a pressing need for an automated and accurate system for pollen identification, which can be beneficial for both basic research and applied issues such as identifying airborne allergens. In this study, we propose a deep learning (DL) approach to classify pollen grains in the Great Basin Desert, Nevada, USA. Our dataset consisted of 10,000 images of 40 pollen species. To mitigate the limitations imposed by the small volume of our training dataset, we conducted an in-depth comparative analysis of numerous pre-trained Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architectures utilizing transfer learning methodologies. Simultaneously, we developed and incorporated an innovative CNN model, serving to augment our exploration and optimization of data modeling strategies. We applied different architectures of well-known pre-trained deep CNN models, including AlexNet, VGG-16, MobileNet-V2, ResNet (18, 34, and 50, 101), ResNeSt (50, 101), SE-ResNeXt, and Vision Transformer (ViT), to uncover the most promising modeling approach for the classification of pollen grains in the Great Basin. To evaluate the performance of the pre-trained deep CNN models, we measured accuracy, precision, F1-Score, and recall. Our results showed that the ResNeSt-110 model achieved the best performance, with an accuracy of 97.24%, precision of 97.89%, F1-Score of 96.86%, and recall of 97.13%. Our results also revealed that transfer learning models can deliver better and faster image classification results compared to traditional CNN models built from scratch. The proposed method can potentially benefit various fields that rely on efficient pollen identification. This study demonstrates that DL approaches can improve the accuracy and efficiency of pollen identification, and it provides a foundation for further research in the field.
Rate of fractional change in corneal tomography parameters in keratoconus using a combination of predictive parameters
Authors: Prakash Gaurav , Mammen Alex , Jhanji Vishal
Published: October 2023

Background

To compare the rate of fractional change for multiple corneal tomographic factors in progressive keratoconus (KC).

Methods

In this retrospective case series, 40 eyes (40 patients) with progressive KC (increase in central keratometry of 1.00 D or maximum keratometry of 1.50 D on two visits at least six months apart) were included. Cases with previous history of ocular surgery, poor scans, corneal scars, severe dry eyes, post-excimer ectasia, pellucid marginal degeneration were excluded. Medical records, corneal tomography and anterior corneal wavefront (8 mm) (Scheimpflug tomography, Pentacam, Oculus, Germany) were analyzed. Rate of fractional change (Rx = (x1 − x0)/(|x0|tm)); where, x1 = value at follow-up, x0 = value at initial visit and tm = time in months, was measured.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 30.0 ± 8.4 years. The mean follow-up duration was 8.9 ± 4.2 months. Coma (0.076 ± 1.4) had the largest rate of fractional change (P = 1.7 × 10−14, Kruskal–Wallis test). The rate of fractional change was higher for aberrometric parameters (anterior corneal higher-order aberrations root mean square and anterior coma) compared to pachymetric and keratometric parameters (P values ranging from 1.4 × 10−4 to 7.4 × 10−10, Mann–Whitney test, effect size ranging from 0.4–0.7). The rate of fractional change was comparable between pachymetric and keratometric factors (P > 0.05 for all comparisons, Mann–Whitney test).

Conclusions

Anterior corneal wavefront, especially anterior coma, were noted to have higher rate of fractional change compared to single point keratometric and pachymetric indices in progressive KC. This information can be used for decision-making when monitoring patients with KC.
Non-randomised feasibility study of training workshops for Talking Therapies service high-intensity therapists to optimise depression and anxiety outcomes for individuals with co-morbid personality difficulties: a study protocol
Authors: Warbrick Laura A. , Dunn Barnaby D. , Moran Paul A. , Campbell John , Kessler David , Marchant Katie , Farr Michelle , Ryan Mary , Parkin Megan , Sharpe Richard , Turner Katrina , Sylianou Mona , Sumner Gemma , Wood Emma
Published: October 2023

Background

The NHS Talking Therapies for Anxiety and Depression programme (‘TTad’; formerly Improving Access to Psychological Therapies ‘IAPT’) delivers high-intensity cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to over 200,000 individuals each year for common mental health problems like depression and anxiety. More than half of these individuals experience comorbid personality difficulties, who show poorer treatment outcomes. TTad therapists report feeling unskilled to work with clients with personality difficulties, and enhancing the training of TTad therapists may lead to improved treatment outcomes for individuals presenting with secondary personality difficulties alongside depression and anxiety.

Methods

This is a pre-post non-randomised mixed-method feasibility study, exploring the feasibility and acceptability of a 1-day training workshop for high-intensity (HI) CBT therapists. The workshop is focused on understanding and assessing personality difficulties and adapting HICBT treatments for anxiety and depression to accommodate client needs. The feasibility and acceptability of the workshop and the evaluation procedures will be investigated. It will be examined to what extent the workshop provision leads to improvements in therapist skills and confidence and explored to what extent the training has the potential to enhance clinical outcomes for this client group.

Discussion

This feasibility study will provide data on the acceptability and feasibility of delivering brief therapist training to adapt usual HICBT to optimise care for individuals with secondary personality difficulties seeking treatment in TTad services for a primary problem of depression and/or anxiety. The study will also evaluate proof of concept that such an approach has the potential to improve clinical outcomes for those with secondary personality difficulties and report any possible harms identified. The study will inform the design of a future randomised controlled trial designed to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the training.

Trial registration

ISRCTN81104604. Submitted on 6th June 2022. Registration date: 3rd January 2023.
Controlled release of Clenbuterol from a hydroxyapatite carrier for the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Lin Yi-Wen , Fang Chih-Hsiang , Liang Ya-Jyun , Yang Ching-Yun , Kuo Wei-Ting , Lin Feng-Huei
Published: October 2023

Background

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, and Aβ aggregation is considered to be the central process implicated in its pathogenesis. Current treatments are faced by challenges such as serious side effects and reduced drug bioavailability. In this study, we developed a drug delivery system for intramuscular injection that uses cellular activity to achieve constant and long-term drug release.

Methods

Synthesized mesoporous hydroxyapatite (SHAP) was prepared via co-precipitation, and hydrophobic surface modification using stearic acid was then used to load clenbuterol by physical absorption, thus creating the drug delivery system. Clenbuterol release was achieved through cellular activity, with macrophage uptake triggering lysosome/endosome disruption, cytoplasmic release, extracellular exocytosis, and subsequent systemic circulation.

Results

We found that clenbuterol-loaded SHAP enabled sustained release for more than 2 weeks and effectively modulated inflammation, reduced Aβ oligomer-induced toxicity, and prevented Aβ aggregation.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that treatment with clenbuterol loaded in this SHAP delivery system could be a promising strategy for treating Alzheimer’s disease.

Graphical Abstract
Volatility spillovers, structural breaks and uncertainty in technology sector markets
Authors: Arnell Linn , Engström Emma , Uddin Gazi Salah , Hasan Md. Bokhtiar , Kang Sang Hoon
Published: October 2023

This study uses the dynamic conditional correlation to investigate how technology subsector stocks interact with financial assets in the face of economic and financial uncertainty. Our results suggest that structural breaks have diverse effects on financial asset connectedness and that the level of bond linkage increases when the trend breaks. We see a growing co-movement between the technology sector and major financial assets when uncertainty is considered. Overall, our findings indicate that the connectedness response varies depending on the type of uncertainty shock.
Associations of quantitative whole-body PSMA-PET metrics with PSA progression status under long-term androgen deprivation therapy in prostate cancer patients: a retrospective single-center study
Authors: Murthy Vishnu , Appiah-Kubi Emmanuel , Nguyen Kathleen , Thin Pan , Hotta Masatoshi , Shen John , Drakaki Alexandra , Rettig Matthew , Gafita Andrei , Calais Jeremie , Sonni Ida
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To evaluate whether quantitative whole-body (WB) PSMA-PET metrics under long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and/or androgen receptor signaling inhibitors (ARSi) are associated with PSA progression.

Methods

Patients who underwent at least 2 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT scans between October 2016 and April 2021 (n = 372) and started a new line of ADT ± ARSi between PET1 and PET2 were retrospectively screened for inclusion. We investigated the association between PCWG3-defined PSA progression status at PET2 and the following PSMA-PET parameters: appearance of new lesions on PET2, ≥ 20% increase in WB-PSMA tumor volume (WB-PSMA-VOL), progression of disease (PD) by RECIP 1.0, and ≥ 30% increase in WB-PSMA-SUVmean from PET1 to PET2. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients and Fisher’s exact test were used to evaluate the associations.

Results

Thirty-five patients were included: 12/35 (34%) were treated with ADT only and 23/35 (66%) with ARSi ± ADT. The median time between PET1 and PET2 was 539 days. Changes (%) in median PSA levels, WB-PSMA-SUVmean, and WB-PSMA-VOL from PET1 to PET2 were -86%, -23%, and -86%, respectively. WB-PSMA-VOL ≥ 20%, new lesions, RECIP-PD, and WB-PSMA-SUVmean ≥ 30% were observed in 5/35 (14%), 9/35 (26%), 5/35 (14%), and 4/35 (11%) of the whole cohort, in 3/9 (33%), 7/9 (78%), 3/9 (33%), and 2/9 (22%) of patients with PSA progression at PET2, and in 2/26 (8%), 2/26 (8%), 2/26 (8%), and 2/26 (8%) of patients without PSA progression at PET2 (p = 0.058, p < 0.001, p = 0.058, p = 0.238, respectively). Changes in PSA were correlated to percent changes in WB-PSMA-VOL and WB-PSMA-SUVmean (Spearman ρ: 0.765 and 0.633, respectively; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Changes in PSA correlated with changes observed on PSMA-PET, although discordance between PSA and PSMA-PET changes was observed. Further research is necessary to evaluate if PSMA-PET parameters can predict progression-free survival and overall survival and serve as novel endpoints in clinical trials.