bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scarless Modified Approach to Subcondylar Fracture Bypassing the Parotid Gland- A Case Report
Authors: Shah Stuti , Matariya Ridhi , Parikh Parth , Mistry Ekta , Vaghela Devanshi
Published: April 2023

Subcondylar fractures contribute about 19-29% amongst all the mandibular fractures worldwide, yet the treatment paradigm remains slightly controversial. Subcondylar fractures are pivotal in maxillofacial surgery for diverse reasons, as they can result in number of complications, whether treated or not. Initial clinical outcomes may appear pragmatic but complications such as pain, restrictions of jaw movements, muscle spasm, mandibular deviation, malocclusion, and facial asymmetry may become apparent. Fracture of tympanic part, mandibular fossa of temporal bone, may or may not be escorted by dislocation of condylar segment into middle cranial fossa, damage to blood vessels, arteriovenous fistula are some additional complications. Choosing right surgical strategy is a for minimising postoperative complications management of subcondylar fractures and it should be taken in account that, perioperative, functional, and patient-reported outcomes. The majority of studies that have been published describe the use submandibular, retromandibular, or preauricular incisions have drawbacks such as poor visibility, accessibility, and the potential to harm facial nerve and complications related to the parotid gland. Hereby, the authors present a case report of left subcondylar fracture in a 55-year-old, male patient, where a modified percutaneous approach was taken, to access the fracture, and aid in adequate reduction and proper fixation without any postoperative complications. In this approach, parotid gland is bypassed and masseter muscle fibres are excised to reach the fractured site at subcondylar region. It is small, straight forward, elementary, safe, reliable and scarless approach for the management of subcondylar fractures that ensures adequate exposure of the fractured site, osteosynthesis and minimal potential postoperative complications.
Clinical, Radiological and Spirometric Analysis of Treated Tuberculosis Patients-A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Chakravarti ChiragH , Patel Kaushani H , Cheguri Vasavi R , Patel Bhavesh M
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Post-Tuberculosis (TB), complications may involve the lungs, mediastinum, pleura, chest wall, or any combination of these structures. It can also affect the caliber of the airways which might lead to the increase in their resistance and decrease in the airflow, severely impairing the quality of life. Due to a lack of controlled trials in this population, no evidence-based recommendations for the investigation and management of post TB complications are currently available. Aim: To study the clinical symptoms, radiological involvement and the Spirometry pattern of previously treated TB patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shri MP Shah Government Medical College and Guru Govind Singh Government Hospital, Jamnagar, from July 2018 to December 2019. Total 102 patients with history of TB and currently sputum negative were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent clinical examination, microbiological examination, chest radiograph, and spirometry. Data was collected from case record form and entered into MS excel 2016. Data analysis was done in Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) Software version 26. Results: Out of the 102 patients, there were 66 (64.70%) males and 36 (35.29%) females. Of the study population, 13 (12.74%) was asymptomatic, 7 (6.86%) had dyspnea, 17 (16.66%) had cough and 65 (63.72%) had both cough and dyspnea. Spirometry analysis revealed that 26 (25.49%) were normal, 6 (5.88%) had restrictive pattern, 69 (67.64%) had obstructive pattern and 1 (0.98%) had mixed pattern. Chest radiograph revealed unilateral chest involvement in 78 patients (76.47%) and 24 patients (23.52%) had bilateral chest involvement. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of post-TB pulmonary disability causing clinical symptoms, radiological involvement and spirometry changes and thus should be assessed early to prevent further complications.
Detection of Salmonella in Wastewater Irrigated Farms in Meknes City, Morocco
Authors: Hassani Yousra Ameziane El , Ghazi Ibrahim El , Laziri Fatiha
Published: April 2023

The use of polluted water for irrigation is prominent in urban and peri-urban farms in Meknes (Morocco). However, this water may contain many pathogens that cause serious infections. Consumption of contaminated vegetables could be a significant public health problem. Salmonella is a bacteria responsible for multiple body infections, including gastroenteritis, fevers, and more severe symptoms. This study aims to determine the prevalence of Salmonella in urban and periurban farms of Meknes. A total of seventy samples (17 Water, 11 soil, and 42 vegetables) were collected and analyzed using a combination of conventional and molecular methods. The results showed that irrigation water was the most contaminated with Salmonella, followed by soil samples (45.5%) and vegetables (16.6%). This study shows a high prevalence of Salmonella in irrigation water, which can be a source of contamination of crops. It raises public health concerns as farmers and consumers are at risk of infection.
Self-exciting Threshold Autoregressive Model with Application to Crude Oil Production in Nigeria
Authors: Onyeka-Ubaka J. N. , Ebiringa O. A.
Published: April 2023

In the last two years the price of oil and its fluctuations have reached levels never recorded in the history of international oil markets. The determinants of past, current, and future levels of the price of oil and its fluctuations have been the subject of analysis by academics and energy experts, given the relevance of crude oil in the worldwide economy. The paper, therefore, model and forecast crude oil production (2002-2022) sourced from Central Bank of Nigeria website. The successive least squares estimation and model diagnostics are applied. The results affirmed that the self-exciting threshold autoregressive (SETAR(2,2,1)) model outperformed autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA(3,1,3)) model for crude oil production fluctuations based on our diagnostics (AIC, SC, SSR and log-likelihood ratio). The results obtained will greatly assist the government and policy makers in planning for economic development since the long-run success of any country is closely related to how well management is able to foresee the future and develop appropriate strategies.
Histopathological Profile of Obese Zebrafish Liver after Administration of Red Spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.)
Authors: Yuniarto Ari , Putri Aisyah Zavira , Selifiana Nita , Megawati Sefi , Rangkuti Saru Noliqo , Adnyana I. Ketut
Published: April 2023

Aims: Obesity is a non-communicable disease whose prevalence continues to increase every year throughout the world. Obesity contributes to the emergence of several diseases such as type-2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and non-alcoholic fatty liver. A number of studies report that natural ingredients have the potential to be used as a treatment for obesity while reducing a fatty liver. The aim of this research is to evaluate the activity of red spinach ethanol extract in reducing the accumulation of fatty liver in diet-induced obese zebrafish based on its histopathological profile.

Methodology: Zebrafish must be adapted for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, the zebrafish were divided into 6 groups which included:  the normal group (or negative control); the obesity group (positive control group); the standard drug (orlistat with dose 4.5 µg/ml); the EERS group (dose of 50 µg/ml); the EERS group (dose of 100 µg/ml); and the EERS group (dose of 200 µg/ml). For a period of 4 weeks, the normal group received a standard diet. A positive control group received Artemia. The treated group received Artemia which was combined with the administration of red spinach (preventive method). The obese group and extract-treated group were given 60 mg/group/fish in the experimental diet.

Results: The results showed that EERS at a dose of 100 µg/ml did not show any fatty liver based on their histopathological profile. The EERS dose of 200 µg/ml is more effective in reducing fatty liver when compared to doses of 50 µg/ml and 100 µg/ml on obese zebrafish.

Conclusion: Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that EERS is very prospective for further research and development as a drug for treating obesity and reducing fatty liver.
Reprofiling Hydrogen Peroxide from Antiseptics to Pyolytics: A Narrative Overview of the History of Inventions in Russia
Authors: Urakov Aleksandr , Urakova Natalya , Reshetnikov Alexey , Shchemeleva Albina , Shabanov Petr , Lovtsova Lubov , Samorodov Aleksandr , Fisher Evgeny , Stolyarenko Anastasia , Suntsova Daria , Yagudin Ilnur , Muhutdinov Nikita
Published: April 2023

Pyolytics are drugs that dissolve thick pus when applied topically. This group of drugs was discovered in early 21st century in Russia as a result of successful repurposing of antiseptics hydrogen peroxide, sodium bicarbonate and sodium chloride from antiseptics to pyolytics. Prior to this watershed event in pharmacy, the problem of effective treatment of purulent diseases had not been solved. The fact is that before that in the treatment of various purulent diseases mainly antiseptics and disinfectants solutions were used, of which hypertonic sodium chloride solution and 3 - 6% hydrogen peroxide solutions took the leading role as "antipurulent" drugs. However, the use of the known antiseptics and disinfectants solutions provided disinfection of the treated surface, but not dissolution of thick pus masses, as the solutions had no effective pyolytic action. Pyolytic activity, i.e. activity of dissolution of thick pus masses, was fantastically increased in hydrogen peroxide solutions only after the possibility of transformation of "old" drugs into "new" drugs by means of artificial changes in physical and chemical properties of their dosage forms was discovered. The greatest (explosive) effect was achieved by developing warm alkaline hydrogen peroxide solutions enriched with oxygen gas under increased pressure. In chronological order, an overview is given of Russian inventions, which formed the basis for the physicochemical repurposing of hydrogen peroxide solutions into pyolytics as well as the basis of temperature and physicochemical pharmacology and pharmaceutics.
Voxel‐Based Full‐Field Eigenstrain Reconstruction of Residual Stresses
Authors: Uzun Fatih , Korsunsky Alexander M.
Published: April 2023

Inverse eigenstrain (inherent strain) analysis methods are shown to be effective for the reconstruction of residual stresses in plane eigenstrain problems (continuously processed bodies) while conversely residual stress reconstruction in discontinuously processed bodies is extremely challenging and necessitates the use of complex regularizing assumptions. Herein, a new generic inverse eigenstrain method suitable for the reconstruction of residual stresses along with residual elastic strains and displacements in discontinuously processed bodies is introduced. The proposed method uses the superposition of eigenstrain radial basis functions together with a set of limited experimental data for model‐free (unconstrained) determination of unknown eigenstrain fields. This approach eliminates the limitations introduced by global basis functions such as polynomials. The novel point of this method is the ability to account for all six components of strain in an isotropic body without using regularizing assumptions. By lifting complex guiding formulation, the fidelity of full‐field eigenstrain reconstruction becomes directly related to the quality of experimental data and proper discretisation of the model domain. The FEniCS implementation has been validated using the experimental data of pointwise high‐energy synchrotron X‐ray diffraction measurements from a bent titanium alloy bar. A hybrid high throughput computing approach is also introduced for effective parallel computing.
Pollen‐Inspired Adhesive Multilobe Microparticles from Microfluidics for Intestinal Drug Delivery
Authors: Huang Danqing , Wang Jinglin , Nie Min , Chen Guopu , Zhao Yuanjin
Published: April 2023

Microparticles (MPs)‐based delivery systems have a demonstrated value in gastrointestinal administration. Research in this area is focusing on the development of multifunctional MPs to improve delivery effects. Herein, learning from the natural morphology of peony pollens, novel multilobe MPs delivery systems for target surface adhesion and durable drug release are pesented. Ascribing to the flexibility of microfluidic technology and the combination of selective hydrogel degradation methods, MPs with a series of multilobe structures can be obtained using alginate and methacrylated gelatin. Compared with spherical MPs, these multilobe MPs are elucidated to show excellent adhesion capacity due to their enhanced contact area. By encapsulating anti‐inflammatory agent dexamethasone (DXM) into their matrix hydrogel, the resultant multilobe MPs delivery systems are verified to feature durable drug‐release property and anti‐inflammatory efficacy, which is further demonstrated in rats with inflammatory bowel disease. These results indicated that the biomimetic multilobe MPs are potentially ideal adhesive and durable drug‐delivery vehicles for gastrointestinal drug administrations.
The role of institutional quality and industry dynamism in explaining firm performance in emerging economies
Authors: Kafouros Mario , Aliyev Murod , Piperopoulos Panagiotis , Au Alan Kai Ming , Ho Joanne Wing Yee , Wong Susanna Yee Na
Published: April 2023

Research Summary

This study explains how heterogeneity in firm competitiveness and performance in emerging economies is influenced jointly by the institutional quality of countries and interindustry variations in technological and market dynamism. The analysis of 12,888 firms from 16 emerging economies shows that while the performance advantages of institutional quality are strengthened for firms in technologically dynamic industries, the opposite pattern emerges in high market‐dynamism industries. The study advances the institution‐based view by explaining the mechanisms through which such effects occur and why two industry‐specific boundary conditions (technological and market dynamism) influence differently the relationship between institutional quality and firm performance.

Managerial Summary

This study investigates how the performance of firms in emerging economies is influenced by the quality of institutions in each country as well as by the technological and market dynamism in the industry in which each firm operates. To examine these relationships, the study analyzes a sample of 12,888 firms from 16 emerging economies. The results indicate that institutional quality enhances firm performance and that these positive effects are stronger in technologically dynamic industries than in industries that are less technologically dynamic. However, the opposite pattern of results emerges for market dynamism, indicating that the role of institutional quality in enhancing firm performance is weaker in industries that exhibit a high degree of market dynamism than in industries that are less volatile in market demand.
Associations between the levels of circulating inflammatory adipokines and the risk of type 2 diabetes in Chinese male individuals: A case–control study
Authors: Sun Xia , Qiu Wei‐Wen , Wu Jing , Ding Shi‐Ling , Wu Rong‐Zhen
Published: April 2023

Background

Whether the levels of circulating inflammatory adipokines affect the progression of type 2 diabetes (T2D) remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the association between circulating inflammatory adipokine levels and risk of T2D.

Methods

This case–control study involved 130 individuals consisting of 66 healthy controls (Control group) and 64 patients with T2D (T2D group) in Lishui Municipal Central Hospital from January 2017 to June 2017. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to assess the associations between circulating inflammatory adipokine levels and the risk of T2D.

Results

There were significant differences in the levels of adiponectin (p = 0.013) and visfatin (p < 0.001) between the T2D and Control groups. In contrast, no significant differences in leptin (p = 0.113), TNF‐α (p = 0.632), and IL‐6 (p = 0.156) levels were found between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that elevated visfatin level was associated with an increased risk of T2D (OR: 3.543; 95% CI: 1.771–7.088;p < 0.001), while adiponectin (OR: 1.946; 95% CI: 0.925–4.094;p = 0.079), leptin (OR: 3.723; 95% CI: 0.788–17.583;p = 0.097), TNF‐α (OR: 1.081; 95% CI: 0.911–1.281;p = 0.373), and IL‐6 (OR: 0.878; 95% CI: 0.657–1.173;p = 0.379) were not associated with the risk of T2D.

Conclusions

This study found elevated visfatin levels are associated with an increased risk of T2D, while adiponectin, leptin, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 are not. These findings should be further verified by a large‐scale prospective study.
Low serum level of citrullinated histone H3 in patients with dermatomyositis
Authors: Wang Wei , Peng Wanchan , Wu Siyu
Published: April 2023

Objectives

We aimed at analyzing the serum levels of citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3) in patients with dermatomyositis (DM) and their association with disease activity.

Methods

Serum CitH3 levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays in serum samples obtained from 93 DM patients and 56 healthy controls (HCs). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to evaluate the discriminant capacity of CitH3 and other disease variables. The association between CitH3 and disease variables was analyzed using Pearson's rank correlation.

Results

Serum CitH3 level was significantly lower in DM patients than in HCs (p < 0.001). The ROC curve analysis revealed that CitH3 strongly discriminated DM patients from HCs (area under the curve [AUC], 0.86), and a combination of CitH3 and the ratio of neutrophil to lymphocyte counts (NLR) showed a greater diagnostic value (AUC, 0.92). Serum CitH3 levels were markedly lower in DM patients with normal muscle enzyme levels than in HCs (all p < 0.001), and when compared to an elevated group, the CitH3 levels were comparable (all p > 0.05). The CitH3 levels showed no difference between DM in active and remission groups. However, in a paired test with 18 hospitalized DM patients, the CitH3 levels were higher in remission state than in active state. Moreover, the CitH3 levels showed no correlation with disease variables that were associated with the disease activity of DM.

Conclusions

Serum CitH3 level may serve as a useful biochemical marker for screening patients with DM from HCs, while its role in monitoring DM disease activity requires further research.
Regenerative MRL/MpJ tendon cells exhibit sex differences in morphology, proliferation, mechanosensitivity, and cell–ECM organization
Authors: Marvin Jason C. , Brakewood Molly E. , Poon Mong L. S. , Andarawis‐Puri Nelly
Published: April 2023

Clinical and animal studies have reported the influence of sex on the incidence and progression of tendinopathy, which results in disparate structural and biomechanical outcomes. However, there remains a paucity in our understanding of the sex‐specific biological mechanisms underlying effective tendon healing. To overcome this hurdle, our group has investigated the impact of sex on tendon regeneration using the super‐healer Murphy Roths Large (MRL/MpJ) mouse strain. We have previously shown that the scarless healing capacity of MRL/MpJ patellar tendons is associated with sexually dimorphic regulation of gene expression for pathways involved in fibrosis, cell migration, adhesion, and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling following an acute mid‐substance injury. Thus, we hypothesized that MRL/MpJ scarless tendon healing is mediated by sex‐specific and temporally distinct orchestration of cell–ECM interactions. Accordingly, the present study comparatively evaluated MRL/MpJ tendon cells on two‐dimensional (2D; glass) and scaffold platforms to examine cell behavior under biochemical and topographical cues associated with tendon homeostasis and healing. Female MRL/MpJ cells showed reduced 2D migration and spreading area accompanied by enhanced mechanosensing, ECM alignment, and fibronectin‐mediated cell proliferation compared to male MRL/MpJ cells. Interestingly, female MRL/MpJ cells cultured on isotropic scaffolds showed diminished cell–ECM organization compared to male MRL/MpJ cells. Lastly, MRL/MpJ cells elicited enhanced cytoskeletal elongation and alignment, ECM deposition and organization, and connexin 43‐mediated intercellular communication compared to male B6 cells, regardless of culture condition or sex. These results provide insight into the cellular features conserved within the MRL/MpJ phenotype and potential sex‐specific targets for the development of more equitable therapeutics.
Application of TEMPO‐Oxidized Cellulose Nanofibrils/Lanthanide Hybrid Materials TOCN/Eu(III) as Luminescent Sensor
Authors: Cao Hui , Jia Lingyun , Liu Wenli , Liu Pengtao
Published: April 2023

This study prepares lanthanide rare earth ion‐doped optical materials TOCN/Eu(III) based on the simple blending reaction of TEMPO‐oxidized cellulose nanofiber (TOCN) with trivalent lanthanide ions (Eu3+). The carboxyl groups on the surface of TOCN are adopted to generate solid ionic bonds with rare earth ions (Eu3+) so that TOCN/Eu(III) emits solid red light under UV irradiation. TOCN/Eu(III) composites are synthesized and proved to selectively detect Fe3+. This finding suggests that the cellulose‐based lanthanide hybrid material, TOCN/Eu(III), holds promising application potential as a fluorescent probe for the selective detection of Fe3+ ions.
The roles of type 1 and type 2 taste receptors in bone remodeling: A literature review
Authors: Nasrun Nisrina Ekayani , Tanimura Akihiko , Shimo Tsuyoshi
Published: April 2023

Taste sensitivity in humans varies due to quantitative and qualitative differences in the structure of the sense‐perception organs. Taste perception is caused by the interaction of peripheral chemosensory organs, transmitted from the taste receptors of the taste buds on the tongue to the brain. Interestingly, taste receptors, which are classified into four types, are not only found in the oral cavity; they are also present at extraoral sites. Taste receptor type 1 (TAS1R) and type 2 (TAS2R) regulate bone remodeling. This review focuses on the effects of TAS1R1, TAS2R, TAS1R2, and TAS1R3, all of which belong to the family of G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) related to bone remodeling. A summary of the clinical evidence that taste receptors play an essential role in bone remodeling is also provided.
S1 reduction of 4D $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 3 SCFTs and squashing independence of ABJM theories
Authors: Nakanishi Tomoki , Nishinaka Takahiro
Published: April 2023

Abstract

We study the compactification of 4D $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 superconformal field theories (SCFTs) on S1, focusing on the relation between the 4D superconformal index and 3D partition function on the squashed sphere $$ {S}_b^3 $$

S
b
3

. Since the center $$ \mathfrak{u} $$
u
(1) of the $$ \mathfrak{u} $$
u
(3) R-symmetry of the 4D theory can mix with an $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 6 abelian flavor symmetry in three dimensions, the precise 4D/3D relation for the global symmetry is not obvious. Focusing on the case in which the 3D theory is the ABJM theory, we demonstrate that the above R-symmetry mixing can be precisely identified by considering the Schur limit (and/or its $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 cousin) of the 4D index. As a result, we generalize to the ABJM theories recent discussions on the connection between supersymmetry enhancement of the 4D index and squashing independence of the $$ {S}_b^3 $$

S
b
3

partition function.
Finding globally optimal arrangements of multiple point loads in structural design using a single FEA
Authors: Lee Ting-Uei , Xie Yi Min
Published: April 2023

Many structures around us are designed to carry point loads. Such structures are typically sensitive to load arrangements, including load locations, magnitudes, and directions; a slight change in these ingredients could significantly affect the structural response. Therefore, knowing the extremal load arrangements to achieve the best and worst structural performance holds great potential to maximize structural efficiency and avoid structural failure, respectively. Existing studies have attempted to optimize load conditions using iterative optimization algorithms. However, they cannot always guarantee to find the global optimum and may instead obtain the local optima. In this study, we propose a new method, the single FEA method, that can effectively and efficiently find the extremal load conditions of a given structure. The new method considers all possible arrangements of prescribed loads without needing to create and analyze the corresponding finite element models. This is achieved by utilizing a single finite element analysis (FEA) with multiple load cases, where each load case has a unit load applied at one of the candidate load locations. Using the proposed method, we can quickly obtain the extremal load arrangements of the structure to produce the best and worst stiffness performance. A variety of 2D and 3D examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness and wide applicability of the new method.
Syphilis screening coverage and positivity by HIV treatment status among South African pregnant women enrolled in the 2019 antenatal HIV sentinel survey
Authors: Kufa Tendesayi , Woldesenbet Selamawit , Cheyip Mireille , Ayalew Kassahun , Kularatne Ranmini , Manda Samuel , Lombard Carl , Puren Adrian
Published: April 2023

We describe coverage of maternal syphilis screening, syphilis positivity, coverage of treatment and their association with maternal HIV infection and antiretroviral treatment (ART) status among pregnant women attending South African antenatal clinics. The 2019 antenatal care sentinel survey was a cross-sectional survey conducted from 1 October to 15 November 2019 at 1589 sentinel sites in all nine provinces of the country and aimed to enrol 36,000 pregnant women ages 15–49 years regardless of HIV, ART or syphilis status. Data collection procedures included obtaining written informed consent, a brief interview, medical record review and blood specimen collection. Completed data collection forms and specimens were sent to designated regional laboratories for data capture and HIV serology testing. Data analysis determined four outcomes i) syphilis screening coverage ii) syphilis positivity iii) coverage of any treatment and iv) with Benzathine penicillin G (BPG). Multivariable logistic regression models with or without interaction between HIV infection and ART status with province were used to determine factors associated with syphilis positivity. Of the 41 598 women enrolled, 35 900 were included in the analysis for syphilis screening coverage. The weighted syphilis screening coverage was 96.4% [95% Confidence Interval (CI) 95.9–96.7%] nationally and was lowest among HIV positive women not on ART at 93.5% (95% CI 92.2–94.5%). Syphilis positivity was 2.6% (95% CI 2.4–2.9%) nationally. Among those who were syphilis positive, 91.9% (95% CI 89.8–93.7%) had documentation of syphilis treatment status, of whom 92.0% (95% CI 89.8–93.9%) were treated, with the majority treated with one or more doses of BPG [92.2% (95% CI 89.8–94.3%)]. HIV-positive women, not on ART [adjusted odd ratio (aOR) 2.24 (95% 1.71–2.93)] and those on ART [aOR 2.25 (95% CI 1.91–2.64)] were more likely to be syphilis positive compared to those who were HIV negative. The national syphilis screening coverage met the global screening target of 95%. Syphilis positivity was higher among HIV positive women compared to negative women. Introduction of rapid syphilis testing and ensuring a universal supply of appropriate treatment for syphilis will reduce the likelihood of mother-to-child transmission of syphilis.
Congenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation promotes survival of heart allografts in murine models of acute and chronic rejection
Authors: Sadozai Hassan , Rojas-Luengas Vanessa , Farrokhi Kaveh , Moshkelgosha Sajad , Guo Qinli , He Wei , Li Angela , Zhang Jianhua , Chua Conan , Ferri Dario , Mian Muhtashim , Adeyi Oyedele , Seidman Michael , Gorczynski Reginald M , Juvet Stephen , Atkins Harold , Levy Gary A , Chruscinski Andrzej
Published: April 2023

The ability to induce tolerance would be a major advance in the field of solid organ transplantation. Here, we investigated whether autologous (congenic) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) could promote tolerance to heart allografts in mice. In an acute rejection model, fully MHC-mismatched BALB/c hearts were heterotopically transplanted into C57BL/6 (CD45.2) mice. One week later, recipient mice were lethally irradiated and reconstituted with congenic B6 CD45.1 Lin−Sca1+ckit+ cells. Recipient mice received a 14-day course of rapamycin both to prevent rejection and to expand regulatory T cells (Tregs). Heart allografts in both untreated and rapamycin-treated recipients that did not undergo HSCT were rejected within 33 days (median survival time = 8 days for untreated recipients, median survival time = 32 days for rapamycin-treated recipients), whereas allografts in HSCT-treated recipients had a median survival time of 55 days (P < 0.001 vs. both untreated and rapamycin-treated recipients). Enhanced allograft survival following HSCT was associated with increased intragraft Foxp3+ Tregs, reduced intragraft B cells, and reduced serum donor-specific antibodies. In a chronic rejection model, Bm12 hearts were transplanted into C57BL/6 (CD45.2) mice, and congenic HSCT was performed two weeks following heart transplantation. HSCT led to enhanced survival of allografts (median survival time = 70 days vs. median survival time = 28 days in untreated recipients, P < 0.01). Increased allograft survival post-HSCT was associated with prevention of autoantibody development and absence of vasculopathy. These data support the concept that autologous HSCT can promote immune tolerance in the setting of allotransplantation. Further studies to optimize HSCT protocols should be performed before this procedure is adopted clinically.
Vaccine attributes and vaccine uptake in Hungary: evidence from a conjoint experiment
Authors: Thompson Jack , Stöckli Sabrina , Spälti Anna Katharina , Phillips Joseph , Stoeckel Florian , Barnfield Matthew , Lyons Benjamin , Mérola Vittorio , Szewach Paula , Reifler Jason
Published: April 2023

Background

In an ongoing public health crisis, the question of why some people are unwilling to take vaccines with particular attributes is an especially pertinent one, since low rates of vaccination mean that it will take longer for many nations to exit the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

In this article, we conduct a pre-registered conjoint experiment in Hungary (N = 2512), where respondents were asked about their attitudes towards hypothetical COVID-19 vaccines whose characteristics varied across a number of attributes.

Results

Results indicate that vaccine attributes matter for the likelihood of uptake when it comes to the prevalence of severe side effects, efficacy and country of origin. Moreover, we find that our pre-treatment measure of institutional trust moderates the effect of our treatment, as differences in vaccine attributes are larger for those with robust levels of institutional trust compared to those with weaker levels.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that institutional trust matters when it comes to understanding the relationship between vaccine attributes and likelihood of uptake.
Novel temperature test method for aroma and filter materials
Authors: Qian Hong , Wu Kao , Cheng Yuhang , Li Chong , Wang Juan , Jiang Fatang
Published: April 2023

A good aromatherapy experience of an incense stick with filter material depended heavily on the barrier effect of the filter material particles and the comfort temperature of the aroma. The lack of accurate methods to determine the aroma temperature greatly hindered the quality control and product development of aromatherapy. In this study, a novel method was proposed to measure the temperature of the filter material and aroma with an negative temperature coefficient thermistor and a needle thermocouple. The experimental results showed that the measurement accuracy of this method was up to ±0.01°C, and the surface temperature distribution of the filter media and the extracted aroma temperature can be obtained quickly and accurately. It was found that under the two different heating methods, the aroma temperature produced by heating non-combustion was significantly higher than that produced by the non-flaming combustion. Different aroma delivery intervals also had significant effects on the aroma. This paper showed that this novel method could contribute to quality evaluation of filter sticks for aromatherapy products.
Development of hybrid super-capacitor and lead-acid battery power storage systems
Authors: Gu Guangyue , Lao Youliang , Ji Yaxiong , Yuan Shasha , Liu Haijing , Du Peng
Published: April 2023

Because the electricity storage of renewable energy is irregular, the battery in this system will be impacted by current. This will also have a negative impact on the battery life, increase the project cost and lead to pollute the environment. This study proposes a method to improve battery life: the hybrid energy storage system of super-capacitor and lead-acid battery is the key to solve these problems.
Daily consumption monitoring method of photovoltaic microgrid based on genetic wavelet neural network
Authors: Wang ShuMing , Yuan XiaoHui , Huang Qian , Chen AnQing , Ma HanBin , Xu Xiang
Published: April 2023

In order to comprehensively monitor the daily consumption of photovoltaic power and power generation of photovoltaic microgrid, a daily consumption monitoring method of photovoltaic microgrid based on genetic wavelet neural network is proposed to reduce the relative error of daily consumption monitoring. Considering the power generation forms of various units such as wind power, thermal power, hydropower and photovoltaic power generation, the upper and lower limits of daily consumption of different units and the constraints of consumption calculation are analyzed to obtain the daily consumption of photovoltaic microgrid. On this basis, the daily consumption monitoring model of photovoltaic microgrid including multiple inputs and outputs is constructed by using Morlet wavelet function, and the power generation is calculated by wavelet neural network. The genetic algorithm is used to optimize the individual fitness of wavelet neural network through the training of the number of wavelet bases and related thresholds and weights, and to normalize the optimal individual fitness to realize the daily consumption monitoring of photovoltaic microgrid. The experiment shows that this method can monitor the actual photovoltaic power in sunny weather, and after 12 o’clock, the photovoltaic power gradually drops below 30 kW. In cloudy weather, the actual photovoltaic power reaches its peak at around 12 o’clock, ~45–50 kW, and drops to about 10 kW at 17 o’clock. And the power generation in cloudy days is relatively low, and the power generation in rainy days is the lowest. When the relative humidity is 30%, the power generation increases rapidly and keeps at 8 kWh. When the relative humidity is 50%, the power generation gradually drops to 2 kWh. When the temperature is 20°C, the maximum radiation intensity is about 0.6 kW m2. When the temperature is 30°C, the maximum radiation intensity is greater than 0.8 kW m2. At 11:00 and 12:00, the power generation error is 0.02 kWh. In order to improve the monitoring accuracy of photovoltaic power and daily power generation of photovoltaic microgrid in different environments.
‘Social glands’ in parasitoids? – convergent evolution of metapleural glands in Hymenoptera
Authors: Ulmer Jonah M , Mikó István , Richter Adrian , Helms Anjel , van de Kamp Thomas , Krogmann Lars
Published: April 2023

For over a century, the metapleural gland, an exocrine gland above the hind coxa, has been thought to be a unique structure for ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), and regarded as a catalyst for the ecological and evolutionary success of the family. This gland is one of the most researched exocrine glands in arthropods and its anatomy, ultrastructure, and chemistry are well documented. Herein, we describe an exocrine gland from the proctotrupoid wasp Pelecinus polyturator (Hymenoptera: Pelecinidae) with a similar position, structure, and chemistry to the ant metapleural gland: it is located just above the hind coxa, corresponds to an externally concave and fenestrated atrium, is composed of class 3 gland cells, and its extract contains relatively strong acids. We discover that the pelecinid gland is associated with the dilator muscle of the first abdominal spiracle, a trait that is shared with ants, but remained overlooked, possibly due to its small diameter, or obfuscation by the extensive metapleural gland. We also provide a biomechanical argument for passive emptying of the gland in both taxa. Pelecinids and ants with metapleural glands share a close association with soil. The pelecinid metapleural gland might therefore also have an antiseptic function as suggested for ants. We examined 44 other Hymenoptera families and found no glands associated with the oclusor apodeme or any signs of external modification. Our results strongly indicate that this complex trait (anatomical & chemical) evolved independently in ants and pelecinid wasps providing an exceptional system to better understand exocrine gland evolution in Hymenoptera.
Effects of dairy cow temperament on milk yield: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Marçal-Pedroza Maria G , Canozzi Maria Eugênia Andrighetto , Campos Mariana M , Sant’Anna Aline C
Published: April 2023

The temperament of dairy cows interferes in milk yield and quality, but there is a lack of consensus throughout the literature. Thus, systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) methodologies were used to assess the effects of dairy cow temperament on milk yield. Our literature search included four electronic databases (CABI Abstracts, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) and bibliographies of the publications included on MA. As inclusion criteria, we considered publications about the temperament of lactating cows and its effect on daily milk yield and total milk yield (whole lactation). A random effect-MA was carried out separately for daily milk yield and total milk yield related to each class of cows’ temperament, ‘low’ (low reactivity, calm animals), ‘intermediate’ (intermediate reactivity), and ‘high’ (high reactivity, reactive animals). A total of eight publications reporting 75 trials were included in the analyses for daily milk yield, and three publications reporting nine trials for total milk yield. For daily and total milk yield the heterogeneity between publications was high (I2 = 99.9%). Cows of European breeds with intermediate temperament produced less milk daily than the calm (P = 0.020) and reactive ones (P < 0.001). In the case of primiparous cows, those with intermediate temperament produced less milk daily (P < 0.001) than the reactive ones, while for multiparous, the intermediate produced less than calm (P = 0.032) and reactive cows (P < 0.001). Regarding the stage of lactation, cows evaluated throughout lactation with a calm temperament tended (P = 0.081) to produce more milk than the intermediate ones, but less than the reactive ones (P < 0.001). For total milk yield, reactive cows tended to produce more than the calm (P = 0.082) and intermediate (P = 0.001) ones. Among European and primiparous cows, reactive cows produced more than the intermediate (P = 0.001). According to our results, we cannot confirm what we expected, that calmer cows would be the most productive for both daily and total yield.
Genomic evaluation of carcass traits of Korean beef cattle Hanwoo using a single-step marker effect model
Authors: Koo Yangmo , Alkhoder Hatem , Choi Tae-Jeong , Liu Zengting , Reents Reinhard
Published: April 2023

Hanwoo beef cattle are well known for the flavor and tenderness of their meat. Genetic improvement programs have been extremely successful over the last 40 yr. Recently, genomic selection was initiated in Hanwoo to enhance genetic progress. Routine genomic evaluation based on the single-step breeding value model was implemented in 2020 for all economically important traits. In this study, we tested a single-step marker effect model for the genomic evaluation of four carcass traits, namely, carcass weight (CW), eye muscle area, backfat thickness, and marbling score. In total, 8,023,666 animals with carcass records were jointly evaluated, including 29,965 genotyped animals. To assess the prediction stability of the single-step model, carcass data from the last 4 yr were removed in a forward validation study. The estimated genomic breeding values (GEBV) of the validation animals and other animals were compared between the truncated and full evaluations. A parallel conventional best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) evaluation with either the full or the truncated dataset was also conducted for comparison with the single-step model. The estimates of the marker effect from the truncated evaluation were highly correlated with those from the full evaluation, ranging from 0.88 to 0.92. The regression coefficients of the estimates of the marker effect for the full and truncated evaluations were close to their expected value of 1, indicating unbiased estimates for all carcass traits. Estimates of the marker effect revealed three chromosomal regions (chromosomes 4, 6, and 14) harboring the major genes for CW in Hanwoo. For validation of cows or steers, the single-step model had a much higher R2 value for the linear regression model than the conventional BLUP model. Based on the regression intercept and slope of the validation, the single-step evaluation was neither inflated nor deflated. For genotyped animals, the estimated GEBV from the full and truncated evaluations were more correlated than the estimated breeding values from the two conventional BLUP evaluations. The single-step model provided a more accurate and stable evaluation over time.
Black queen cell virus detected in Canadian mosquitoes
Authors: Baril Cole , LeMoine Christophe M R , Cassone Bryan J
Published: April 2023

Black queen cell virus (BQCV) is a ubiquitous honeybee virus and a significant pathogen to queen bee (Apis mellifera) larvae. However, many aspects of the virus remain poorly understood, including the transmission dynamics. In this study, we used next-generation sequencing to identify BQCV in Aedes vexans (n = 4,000) collected in 2019 and 2020 from Manitoba, Canada. We assembled de novo the nearly complete (>96%) genome sequence of the virus, which is the first available from North America and the first report of BQCV being harbored by mosquitoes. Phylogenetic tree reconstructions indicated that the genome had 95.5% sequence similarity to a BQCV isolate from Sweden. Sequences of a potential vector (Varroa destructor) and a microsporidian associated with BQCV (Nosema apis) were not identified in the mosquito samples, however, we did detect sequences of plant origin. We, therefore, hypothesize that the virus was indirectly acquired by mosquitoes foraging at the same nectar sources as honeybees.
Spontaneous resolution of traumatic bronchial tear after thoracic crush injury
Authors: Schwarze Erik , Chang Donald D , Cleary Corbin J , Rakitin Ilya
Published: April 2023

Traumatic bronchial tears are rare life-threatening injuries. Here, we report a 28-year old male who presented after sustaining a crush injury to his thoracic cavity, resulting in a spiral left mainstem bronchial tear secondary to high intraluminal pressure. While preparing for surgery, a preoperative bronchoscopy found that the bronchial tear had re-approximated and effectively sealed the laceration. No operative intervention was performed and the patient subsequently underwent a full recovery. While most bronchial tears undergo surgical intervention, our report describes the successful management of a bronchial tear injury with a non-operative approach and supportive care.
GOLVEN peptides regulate lateral root spacing as part of a negative feedback loop on the establishment of auxin maxima
Authors: Jourquin Joris , Fernandez Ana Ibis , Wang Qing , Xu Ke , Chen Jian , Šimura Jan , Ljung Karin , Vanneste Steffen , Beeckman Tom
Published: April 2023

Lateral root initiation requires the accumulation of auxin in lateral root founder cells, yielding a local auxin maximum. The positioning of auxin maxima along the primary root determines the density and spacing of lateral roots. The GOLVEN6 (GLV6) and GLV10 signaling peptides and their receptors have been established as regulators of lateral root spacing via their inhibitory effect on lateral root initiation in Arabidopsis. However, it was unclear how these GLV peptides interfere with auxin signaling or homeostasis. Here, we show that GLV6/10 signaling regulates the expression of a subset of auxin response genes, downstream of the canonical auxin signaling pathway, while simultaneously inhibiting the establishment of auxin maxima within xylem-pole pericycle cells that neighbor lateral root initiation sites. We present genetic evidence that this inhibitory effect relies on the activity of the PIN3 and PIN7 auxin export proteins. Furthermore, GLV6/10 peptide signaling was found to enhance PIN7 abundance in the plasma membranes of xylem-pole pericycle cells, which likely stimulates auxin efflux from these cells. Based on these findings, we propose a model in which the GLV6/10 signaling pathway serves as a negative feedback mechanism that contributes to the robust patterning of auxin maxima along the primary root.
Transient mutation bias increases the predictability of evolution on an empirical genotype–phenotype landscape
Authors: Horton James S. , Ali Shani U. P. , Taylor Tiffany B.
Published: April 2023

Predicting how a population will likely navigate a genotype–phenotype landscape requires consideration of selection in combination with mutation bias, which can skew the likelihood of following a particular trajectory. Strong and persistent directional selection can drive populations to ascend toward a peak. However, with a greater number of peaks and more routes to reach them, adaptation inevitably becomes less predictable. Transient mutation bias, which operates only on one mutational step, can influence landscape navigability by biasing the mutational trajectory early in the adaptive walk. This sets an evolving population upon a particular path, constraining the number of accessible routes and making certain peaks and routes more likely to be realized than others. In this work, we employ a model system to investigate whether such transient mutation bias can reliably and predictably place populations on a mutational trajectory to the strongest selective phenotype or usher populations to realize inferior phenotypic outcomes. For this we use motile mutants evolved from ancestrally non-motile variants of the microbe
Pseudomonas fluorescens
SBW25, of which one trajectory exhibits significant mutation bias. Using this system, we elucidate an empirical genotype–phenotype landscape, where the hill-climbing process represents increasing strength of the motility phenotype, to reveal that transient mutation bias can facilitate rapid and predictable ascension to the strongest observed phenotype in place of equivalent and inferior trajectories.

This article is part of the theme issue ‘Interdisciplinary approaches to predicting evolutionary biology’.