bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospective Evaluation of Fetal Hemoglobin Expression in Maternal Erythrocytes: an Analysis of a Cohort of 345 Parturients
Authors: Blain Laurence , Watier Christian , Weng Xiaoduan , Masse Andre , Bédard Marie-Josée , Bettache Nazila , Weber Florence , Mahone Michele , Forte Stéphanie , Lavallée Vincent-Philippe , Gaudreau Pierre-Olivier , Newmarch Michael J. , Soulières Denis
Published: May 2023

It is believed that fetal hemoglobin (HbF) expression in adults is largely genetically regulated. The increased expression of HbF in pregnancy has been reported in a small number of articles. Different mechanisms have been proposed, but the description of HbF expression during pregnancy remains unclear. The objectives of this study were to document HbF expression during peri and postpartum periods, confirm its maternal origin, and assess clinical and biochemical parameters potentially associated with HbF modulation. In this observational prospective study, 345 pregnant women were followed. At baseline, 169 had HbF expression (≥1% of total hemoglobin) and 176 did not have HbF expression. Women were followed at the obstetric clinic during their pregnancy. Clinical and biochemical parameters were measured at each visit. Analyses were made to determine which parameters had a significant correlation to HbF expression. Results show that HbF expression of ≥ 1% during peri and postpartum periods in pregnant women without influencing comorbidities is at its highest peak during the first trimester. In all women, it was proven that HbF was of maternal origin. A significant positive correlation between HbF expression, β-HCG, and HbA1C was present. A significant negative association between HbF expression and total hemoglobin was found. HbF expression induction during pregnancy is probably associated with increase in β-HCG and HbA1C, and decrease of total hemoglobin, which could temporarily reactivate the fetal erythropoietic system.
Analysis of Tool Wear in GH4169 Material Milling Process
Authors: Li Xueguang , Zhang Wang , Miao Liqin , Pang Zhaohuan
Published: May 2023

Nickel base superalloy GH4169 is a material with strong mechanical properties and is difficult to process. In order to reduce tool wear during material processing and improve workpiece surface processing quality, based on the finite element simulation software DEFORM, the influence of n, ap, and fz parameters on tool wear during carbide tool milling GH4169 was studied, and a simulation orthogonal experimental model was established, The prediction model of tool wear is obtained; The ultrasonic vibration milling is compared with ordinary milling, and the improvement degree of different coating materials on carbide tool wear is explored. The results show that the ultrasonic vibration signal is helpful to reduce tool wear, improve the surface quality of the workpiece, and improve the stability of the milling process. TIALN/TIN (WC) composite coated tools have good cutting performance, help to reduce tool temperature, reduce tool wear, and improve tool life.
Safe and Robust Map Updating For Long-Term Operations in Dynamic Environments
Authors: Stefanini Elisa , Ciancolini Enrico , Settimi Alessandro , Pallottino Lucia
Published: May 2023

Ensuring safe and continuous autonomous navigation in long-term mobile robot applications is still challenging. To ensure a reliable representation of the current environment without the need for periodic re-mapping, updating the map is recommended. However, in case of incorrect estimation of robot pose, updating the map can lead to errors that prevent the robot localisation and jeopardize map accuracy. In this paper, we propose a safe LIDAR-based occupancy grid map updating algorithm for dynamic environments taking into account the uncertainties in the estimation of the robot’s pose. The proposed approach allows robust long-term operations as it can recover the robot’s pose, even when it gets lost, to continue the map update process providing a coherent map. Moreover, the approach is robust also to temporary changes in the map due to the presence of dynamic obstacles such as humans and other robots. Results highlighting map quality, localisation performance, and pose recovery, both in simulation and experiments, are reported.
Natural Drugs: A New Direction for the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetesm
Authors: Wu Peishan , Wang Xiaolei
Published: May 2023

Insulin resistance, as a common pathological process of many metabolic diseases, including diabetes and obesity, has attracted much attention due to its relevant influencing factors. To date, studies have mainly focused on the mechanisms between mitochondrial stress and insulin resistance, and they are now pursued as a very attractive therapeutic target due to their extensive involvement in many human clinical settings. In view of the complex pathogenesis of diabetes, natural drugs have become new players in diabetes prevention and treatment because of their wide targets and few side effects. In particular, plant phenolics have been paid more attention because of their close relationship with oxidative stress. In this review, we briefly review the mechanisms by which mitochondrial stress leads to insulin resistance. Moreover, we list some cytokines and genes that have recently been found to play roles in mitochondrial stress and insulin resistance. Furthermore, we describe several natural drugs that are currently widely used and give a brief overview of their therapeutic mechanisms. Finally, we suggest possible ideas for future research related to the unique role that natural drugs play in the treatment of insulin resistance through the above targets.
Combination of Chemically Characterized Pomegranate Extract and Hydrophilic Vitamins against Prolonged Fatigue: A Monocentric, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Ullah Hammad , Sommella Eduardo , Minno Alessandro Di , Piccinocchi Roberto , Buccato Daniele Giuseppe , Lellis Lorenza Francesca De , Riccioni Costanza , Baldi Alessandra , El-Seedi Hesham R. , Khalifa Shaden A. M. , Piccinocchi Gaetano , Campiglia Pietro , Sacchi Roberto , Daglia Maria
Published: May 2023

Prolonged fatigue is associated with non-pathological causes, and lacks an established therapeutic approach. The current study is aimed at assessing the efficacy of a new food supplement (Improve® Response) based on a chemically characterized pomegranate extract and hydro-soluble vitamins (B complex and C). UHPLC-HRMS analysis of pomegranate extract showed the presence of 59 compounds, with gallotannins and ellagitannins being the most abundant phytochemicals. For the clinical study, 58 subjects were randomized into two groups, 1 and 2 (n = 29, each), which received either the food supplement or placebo. The effects of the food supplement against fatigue were assessed via validated questionnaires, recorded at time intervals t0 (at baseline), t1 (after 28 days), t2 (56 days), and t3 (after follow-up) in combination with the analysis of biochemical markers at t0 and t2. Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) questionnaire scores were significantly decreased at the t2 and t3 time intervals in subjects treated with the food supplements, while the effect of the food supplement on a 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) was not considerable. Moreover, the food supplement did not significantly affect biochemical parameters associated with fatigue and stressed conditions. This study shows that the food supplement tested reduces prolonged fatigue following two months supplementation in healthy subjects with mild prolonged fatigue.
The Policies, Practices and Challenges of Digital Financial Inclusion for Sustainable Development: The Case of Developing Economy
Authors: Anakpo Godfred , Xhate Zizipho , Mishi Syden
Published: May 2023

Globally, over 1.4 billion adult people remain unbanked. This worrisome phenomenon was exacerbated by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which further created a new dimension of inequality in accessing financial services. Digital financial inclusion promises to be an effective tool for addressing this socioeconomic ill and propelling economic development. Given the limited studies on the subject in the context of the developing economies, it is imperative to understand the existing policies, practices, and barriers to digital financial inclusion in the developing economies so as to provide cutting-edge interventions for redress. It is against this background that this study seeks to address the following research questions: (1) What is the state of digital financial inclusion in the developing economy? (2) What are the policies and practices regarding digital financial inclusion in the developing economy? (3) What are the barriers to digital financial inclusion and innovative interventions for redress? Findings reveal that about 44% of the adult population in developing countries does not have access to financial services, with only a few countries that have made significant progress and gains through policy and practice such as mobile financial services, mobile money interoperability, native connectivity, human capital development, and digitalization of public services for digital financial inclusion. The findings also identify challenges and implications with recommendations, which are discussed in detail in the paper.
The Impact of Higher-Order Interactions on the Synchronization of Hindmarsh-Rose Neuron Maps under Different Coupling Functions
Authors: Mehrabbeik Mahtab , Ahmadi Atefeh , Bakouie Fatemeh , Jafari Amir Homayoun , Jafari Sajad , Ghosh Dibakar
Published: May 2023

In network analysis, links depict the connections between each pair of network nodes. However, such pairwise connections fail to consider the interactions among more agents, which may be indirectly connected. Such non-pairwise or higher-order connections can be signified by involving simplicial complexes. The higher-order connections become even more noteworthy when it comes to neuronal network synchronization, an emerging phenomenon responsible for the many biological processes in real-world phenomena. However, involving higher-order interactions may considerably increase the computational costs. To confound this issue, map-based models are more suitable since they are faster, simpler, more flexible, and computationally more optimal. Therefore, this paper addresses the impact of pairwise and non-pairwise neuronal interactions on the synchronization state of 10 coupled memristive Hindmarsh-Rose neuron maps. To this aim, electrical, inner linking, and chemical synaptic functions are considered as 2- and 3-body interactions in three homogenous and two non-homogenous cases. The results show that through chemical pairwise and non-pairwise synapses, the neurons achieve synchrony with the weakest coupling strengths.
Development of an Accurate Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Assay for Genetic Sex Identification in Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) based on Male-specific anti-Mullerian Hormone (amh) Gene
Authors: Chaiyasut Kasidis , Merviel Paul , Palma Peter , Perschthaler Johanna , Jimenez Fernandez Eduardo , Davie Andrew , Gutierrez Alejandro P.
Published: May 2023

Production of lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) has become crucial in controlling sea lice levels in salmonid aquaculture. To improve their breeding, there is a need for early sex identification. The genomic region containing anti-Müllerian hormone (amh) gene was suggested as the candidate sex-determining gene in lumpfish. However, the genome of lumpfish contains three copies of amh with ambiguous sex specificity, designated amh1, amh2, and amh3. The study aims to analyse the male-specific region between these amh paralogues, for its application as a sex marker. In this study, we utilised polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays to identify the male-specific amh markers in lumpfish and estimate the length of the male-specific region in the lumpfish genome. Our results suggest that a region of approximately 26 kilobase (kb) region containing amh1 and amh2 is male-specific, while both sexes share amh3. The developed PCR-based genetic sex identification assays targeting amh1 and amh2 exhibited more than 97% accuracy. Further experiments in other members of the Cyclopteridae: Aptocyclus ventricosus, Eumicrotremus taranetzi, and E. asperrimus revealed male-specific amh fragments only in A. ventricosus. Phylogenetic analyses using the available Cyclopteridae amh sequences suggest that male-specific amh arose early in the Cyclopteridae lineage. These findings and development of the PCR test will be of service to lumpfish aquaculture as well as to future studies attempting to further elucidate the sex-determination system and sex chromosome evolution in lumpfish.
Time To See if Fracturing for Steam Pays Off
Authors: Rassenfoss Stephen
Published: May 2023

Two test sites in the southwest US have successfully fractured geothermal injection wells in hot, dry hard-rock formations. Now it is time to find out if they can create really hot water by pumping cold water through the fractures in that hot rock into a second well.

Both Fervo Energy and Utah FORGE test sites are using fracturing and reported hopeful signs at the recent SPE Hydraulic Fracturing Technology Conference and Exhibition (HFTC).

But there are some fundamental differences in the goals of the organizations behind those test sites.

Fervo is a startup with an aggressive timeline for commercial geothermal development that uses widely applied methods developed to produce oil and gas from extremely tight rock.

FORGE is a research site managed by the University of Utah and funded by the US Department of Energy (DOE). Its goals are to help launch geothermal in hot, dry rocks by trying a number of approaches, as well as promoting the development and testing of tools needed in extremely hot formations.

So far, both sites have shown it is possible to fracture the hard rock in granitic or metamorphosed formations. It appears they both created the long, simple fractures needed for high-volume flows.

During a panel discussion at the opening session of HFTC, Jack Norbeck, Fervo’s co-founder, and chief technology officer, played up the connections between fracturing for oil production and geothermal.

“There’s a lot of similarities about what we’re trying to do and what y’all do every day. Probably the biggest difference is that we try to actually achieve frac hits,” he said.

Fervo’s testing is further along, with the second well of its pair of horizontal wells drilled, which FORGE will be doing later this spring. While drilling, they collected proppant from the first well, which will be the injector, indicating a fracture connecting the pair.

Fervo’s modeling suggests they created a fracture network with the surface area needed to heat the 40,000–60,000 B/D of steam needed per well, which is in line with FORGE’s well capacity, Norbeck said. High-volume flows matter because the high upfront cost of building a hot-rock injection geothermal system limits the number of wells they can build per power plant.

“We were able to show that the stimulator reservoir volumes that we generated in this project were sufficient for economic production,” Norbeck said.

As with fracturing for oil production, creating a large volume of fractured surface area is a prerequisite. But they still need to show they can produce enough water at a high enough temperature over a long period of time.
A Trigonometric Spline Method for a Singularly Perturbed Parabolic Time-Dependent Partial Differential - Difference Equations Arising in Computational Neuroscience
Authors: Lalu M , G B.S.L. Soujanya , Phaneendra K.
Published: May 2023

We examine a computational technique for a singularly perturbed parabolic partial differential equation with mixed small shifts arguments, whose solution displays parabolic boundary layer behaviour. To derive the scheme, backward Euler approach was used for temporal discretization, and a trigonometric spline method was used for spatial discretization. The Taylor series is utilized to estimate the shift terms, resulting in a singularly perturbed parabolic differential equation with a nearby singularly perturbed parabolic differential equation. The existence and uniqueness of a solution for the proposed technique are investigated. The scheme is proven to be fourth order convergent in space and first order convergent in time. The accuracy of the suggested spline numerical approach is demonstrated by comparing numerical results with those obtained using other approaches.
2010mathematics Subject Classification. 65L10, 65L11, 65L12
Application of Time Series Analysis to Vendor Selection Problem:
A Problem of Multi-Objective Decision Making
Authors: Gupta Srikant , Gupta Neha , Kamal Murshid
Published: May 2023

The attainment of a competitive advantage can be facilitated by the presence of a vendor who is both effective and efficient. The process of selecting a vendor is a complex decision-making task that entails consideration of multiple quantitative and qualitative factors. The objective of this study is to minimise the net ordering cost, transportation cost, and late deliveries. When examining the various circumstances of existence, it is impossible to make anticipatory prognostications. The utilisation of Interval type-2 trapezoidal fuzzy numbers has been employed to effectively demonstrate the presence of uncertainty in the input parameters. A precise equivalent form has been derived through the calculation of the expected value. Exponential smoothing forecasting analysis has been utilised to ascertain the precise demand for the product in order to mitigate the risk of shortages and consequent financial losses. Ultimately, an effective methodology utilising fuzzy goal programming has been employed to attain a mutually satisfactory solution. The proposed methodology has been elucidated through the addition of a numerical illustration of its underlying concepts.
Fine-Grained Activity Classification in Assembly Based on Multi-Visual Modalities
Authors: Chen Haodong , Zendehdel Niloofar , Leu Ming C. , Yin Zhaozheng
Published: May 2023

Assembly activity recognition and prediction help to improve productivity, quality control, and safety measures in smart factories. This study aims to sense, recognize, and predict a worker's continuous fine-grained assembly activities in a manufacturing platform. We propose a two-stage network for workers' fine-grained activity classification by leveraging scene-level and temporal-level activity features. The first stage is a feature awareness block that extracts scene-level features from multi-visual modalities, including red-green-blue (RGB) and hand skeleton frames. We use the transfer learning method in the first stage and compare three different pre-trained feature extraction models. Then, we transmit the feature information from the first stage to the second stage to learn the temporal-level features of activities. The second stage consists of the Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) layers and a final classifier. We compare the performance of two different RNNs in the second stage, including the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and the Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU). The partial video observation method is used in the prediction of fine-grained activities. In the experiments using the trimmed activity videos, our model achieves an accuracy of > 99% on our dataset and > 98% on the public dataset UCF 101, outperforming the state-of-the-art models. The prediction model achieves an accuracy of > 97% in predicting activity labels using 50% of the onset activity video information. In the experiments using an untrimmed video with continuous assembly activities, we combine our recognition and prediction models and achieve an accuracy of > 91% in real time, surpassing the state-of-the-art models for the recognition of continuous assembly activities.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the NAC Gene Family and Functional Verification of the DcNAC043s in Dendrobium catenatum
Authors: Liu Miao , Tian Tian , Li Yong-quan , Tang Liu , Tian Yu-hang , zhang Yu-jin , shangguan Li-yang , Hang Ye , Huang Ming-jin , zhang Ming-sheng
Published: May 2023

The NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2 and CUC2) domain protein plays an important role in plant growth and development. The function of members of NAC gene family has been deeply studied in many plants. However, the evolutionary relationships and characteristics of NAC family genes in Dendrobium catenatum (D.candidum) unclear. In this study, we identified 33 NAC genes in D.catenatum, all contain NAM conservative domain. Subcellular localization predictions indicated that all the DcNAC proteins are localized to the nucleus. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the DcNAC gene family could be divided into four groups. Then, the amino-acid composition, physicochemical properties, gene structure, motif, and promoter cis-acting elements were analyzed, the evolutionarily conservative gene DcNAC043 was found. Using qRT-PCR, DcNAC043-1 and DcNAC043-2 were proved to respond to drought stress induction in D.catenatum. At the same time, phloroglucinol staining proved that the expression of DcNAC043-1 and DcNAC043-2 in the plant were up-regulated, which could increase the lignin content in the plant. We supplemented the relevant information of NAC gene family in D.catenatum. At the same time, the gene function of DcNAC043s and its contribution to the response of Dendrobium to drought stress were verified. These results provide a comprehensive evolutionary history of NAC genes in D.catenatum, and insight into the biological functions of DcNAC043s genes in response to drought stress.
Assessing the impact of an evidence- and consensus-based guideline for controlling SARS-CoV-2 transmission in schools on decision-making processes
Authors: Wabnitz Katharina , Rueb Mike , Rehfuess Eva A. , Strahwald Brigitte , Pfadenhauer Lisa M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic, decision-making on measures to reduce or prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in schools was rendered difficult by a rapidly evolving and uncertain evidence base regarding their effectiveness and unintended consequences. To support decision-makers, an interdisciplinary panel of scientific experts, public health, and school authorities as well as those directly affected by school measures, convened in an unprecedented effort to develop an evidence- and consensus-based public health guideline. This study sought to assess the extent to which this guideline impacteddecision-making processes.

Methods

This study comprised three components: 1) We sent inquiries according to the Freedom of Information Acts of each federal state to ministries or departments of education, family, and health. 2) We conducted semi-structured interviews with individuals involved in decision-making regarding school measures in two federal states. 3) We conducted semi-structured interviews with members of the guideline panel. The content of response letters in component 1 was analysed descriptively; data for components 2 and 3 were analysed using deductive-inductive thematic qualitative content analysis according to Kuckartz.

Results

Responses to the Freedom of Information Act inquiries showed that the guideline was recognised as a relevant source of information by ministries of education in nine federal states and used as a reference to check existing directives for school measures in five federal states. It was consulted by participants who advised policymakers (5 interviews). Overall, perceptions regarding the guideline’s impact were, however, mixed. All participants (20 interviews) discussed the value of the guideline given its evidence- and consensus-based development process but also noted limitations in its usability and usefulness, e.g., lack of context-specificity.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that the guideline was widely known in federal decision-making bodies, but that its actual use was relatively limited. We suggest that further research to evaluate the impact of public health guidelines on (political) decision-making is warranted, and that guideline development processes may need to be adapted to account for the realities of decision-making during public health emergencies and beyond.
Spatial evaluation and zoning strategy of land use elemental conflicts in heavy industrial zones: Evidence from central Liaoning province in northeast China
Authors: Li Wenying , Wang Yue , Jiang Yuting , Liu Zhaoyu , Shen Dianshi
Published: May 2023

The matching imbalance of resource factors leads to land use elemental conflicts (LUECs), which has become the bottleneck restricting high-quality social and economic development. The heavy industrial zones (HIZ) have become the focus area of LUECs due to the high resource consumption. Taking the urban group of central Liaoning Province, the area of industrial revitalization in northeast China as a case study area, the study proposed a wavelet coherence approach to identifying the influencing indicators and indicators weight of LUECs for spatial evaluation. Two‒dimensional graph theory is used to cluster the evaluation results of LUECs at the plot scale, and controls the main indicators to put forward the zoning strategies of LUECs. The results showed that the main indicators affecting LUECs in the western part of the HIZ are mainly human indicators, while the fierce conflicts in the east mainly come from natural indicators. The zoning strategies of LUECs in the HIZ should prevent excessive energy consumption from increasing carbon emissions in intense conflicts zone and moderate conflicts zone, strengthen the rural settlement arrangement and soil erosion control in mild conflicts zone, and structure ecological security early warnings in potential conflicts zone. This study provides an important reference for land use conflicts in the global heavy industrial urban agglomeration.
Swedish musculoskeletal researchers view on a collaborative network and the most important future research areas in Swedish health care: A SweMSK national collaborative network study
Authors: Diarbakerli Elias , Thoreson Olof , Björklund Martin , Leif Dahlberg , Englund Martin , Gerdhem Paul , Kvist Joanna , Mohaddes Maziar , Peolsson Anneli , Rolfson Ola , Öberg Birgitta , Abbott Allan
Published: May 2023

Background Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are a global burden causing significant suffering and economic impact. Systematic identification and targeting of research questions of highest interest for stakeholders can aid in improving MSK disorder knowledge and management. Therefore, this study aims to obtain Swedish MSK researchers' opinions and views on a collaborative Swedish MSK network (SweMSK) and identify future research areas of importance for Swedish MSK research. Methods A web-based survey was conducted from July to September 2021 to collect data from Swedish MSK researchers. The survey focused on the need, objectives, and structure of a SweMSK network and identified priority and key areas for future MSK research. Results The study included 140 respondents, of which 82 were associate professors or professors. The majority (68%) supported the creation of a new musculoskeletal network. The most supported element was increased collaboration regarding nationwide and multicenter studies. Respondents recommended the creation of a homepage and the establishment of national work groups with different specific interests as the primary elements of a new network. Discussion The results demonstrated a need and desire for increased national research collaboration and the creation of a new musculoskeletal network. The high academic experience and active research participation of the respondents suggest the need for MSK disorder knowledge and management improvement in Sweden. Therefore, the SweMSK network may help to facilitate effective collaboration and research efforts that can contribute to the advancement of MSK disorder management and care. This study may provide valuable insights for policymakers, clinicians, and researchers to improve MSK disorder care and management in Sweden.
Levels of organic phosphorus, the pollution status, and the potential health risks in Urumqi's snow water in the years 2019-2022
Authors: Zhaoyong Zhang , Jieyi Guo , Pengwei Wang
Published: May 2023

Due to the lack of research on organic pollutants in snow water and the rapid economic growth of oasis cities in dry areas, this study looked at the pollution characteristics and sources of organophosphorus flame retardants in the urban snow of Urumqi, a typical oasis city. The results showed that: (1) The average (mean) values of 10 organophosphorus flame retardants detected in the snow of Urumqi from 2019 to 2022 were TMP-50.09(45.52) ng/L, TEP-41.79(39.75) ng/L, TnBP - 41.48(43.32) ng/L, TEHP - 69.19(65.64) ng/L, TCEP - 64.64 (61.21)ng/L, TCPP-78.20(72.32) ng/L, TDCPP-140.62(132.22) ng/L, TCP-28.61(25.67) ng/L, TPhP - 29.83(31.22) ng/L, and EHDPP-6.21(8.65) ng/L, respectively. (2) According to an analysis of the single factor pollution index and comprehensive pollution index, the single factor pollution index values for TCEP, TCPP, and TDCPP in 2020, TCPP and TDCPP in 2021, and TCEP, TCPP, and TDCPP in 2022 are all larger than 1, which results in pollution. 10 organophosphorus flame retardants' complete pollution index values were found in the snow in Urumqi. The composite index value for January, February, and December of 2019 was 4.56, which is considered to be extremely high pollution. The overall index value of 3.16 in January, February, and December of 2022 indicated severe pollution, whereas other years belonged to low to moderate pollution levels. (3) The health risk assessment of organophosphorus flame retardants in snow showed that the ADDs of 10 OPEs ranged from 29.87 to 34.22 ng/(kg·d) under the average exposure level, and from 30.92 to 48.39 ng/(kg·d) under the high exposure level. The ADDs of 10 OPEs were much below the threshold for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk computation, falling between 1.00×10-2 and 10-6 range. (4) Based on PCA and correlation analysis, we know that PC1 (TBOEP, TCPP, TCEP, TDCPP and EHDPP) is primarily from atmospheric migration and dry and wet deposition; PC2 (TMP, TEP and TPhP) mainly comes from VC materials and thermoplastic synthetic rubber; PC3 (TnBP and TCP) largely comes from atmospheric transport and dry and wet deposition.
The first report of Pyrenochaetopsis terricola as a dark septate endophytic fungus antagonistic to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Lycopersici, a pathogen causing wilt disease in tomato plants
Authors: Surono Surono , Zaffan Zuhay Ratuz , Soekarno Bonny Poernomo Wahyu , Munif Abdul , Nurdebyandaru Nicho
Published: May 2023

In tropical areas like Indonesia, there hasn't been much research on dark septate endophyte fungi (DSE), particularly to take advantage of its function as a plant disease controller. The aim of this study was to investigate if DSE isolates DS08-Ib and DS08-Ic could control Fusarium wilt in tomatoes. Molecular analysis revealed that those isolates are related to Pyrenochaetopsis terricola. Siderophores and hydrolytic enzymes such as catalase and glucanase were produced by P. terricola DS08-Ib and DS08-Ic. The P. terricola DS08-Ic was capable of producing chitinase, whereas P. terricola DS08-Ib was not. In the nursery system, tomato plant inoculated with P. terricola DS08-Ib and DS08-Ic and challenged with Fol had a lower disease incidence than the control, at 37.04% and 37.04%, respectively, whereas the disease incidence in the control was 92.59%. Under Fol challenge, Inoculation of DS08-Ib and DS08-Ic increased tomato seedling dry weight by 37.5% and 33.3%, respectively, and plant height by 32.6% and 18.5%, respectively, compared to the control treatment. Plants inoculated with P. terricola DS08-Ib and DS08-Ic produced a higher peroxidase response than the control under Fol challenge. The two DSE fungi colonized the roots of tomat seedling in the nursery system. In this study, we found that P. terricola has DSE characteristics and could suppress Fusarium wilt of tomato. In the future, the two DSE fungi could help to promote sustainable agriculture by reducing pesticide use to suppress Fusarium wilt in tomato plants.
RNF115/BCA2 deficiency alleviated acute liver injury in mice by promoting autophagy and inhibiting inflammatory response
Authors: Feng Jinqiu , Ye Shufang , Lou Yaxin , Duan Mengyuan , Guo Pengli , Lv Ping , Lu Wenping , chen yingyu
Published: May 2023

The E3 ubiquitin ligase RING finger protein 115 (RNF115), also known as breast cancer-associated gene 2 (BCA2), has been linked with the growth of some cancers and immune regulation, which is negatively correlated with prognosis. Here, it is demonstrated that the RNF115 deletion can protect mice from acute liver injury (ALI) induced by the treatment of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-GalN), as evidenced by decreased levels of alanine aminotransaminase, aspartate transaminase, inflammatory cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6), chemokines (e.g., MCP1/CCL2) and inflammatory cell (e.g., monocytes and neutrophils) infiltration. Moreover, it was found that the autophagy activity in Rnf115−/− livers were increased, which resulting in the removal of damaged mitochondria and the hepatocyte apoptosis. However, the administration of adeno-associated virus Rnf115 or autophagy inhibitor 3-MA impaired autophagy and aggravated liver injury in Rnf115−/− mice with ALI. Further experiments proved that RNF115 interacts with LC3B, negatively regulates LC3B protein homeostasis and cell autophagy. Additionally, Rnf115 deletion inhibited M1 type macrophage activation via NF-κB and Jnk signaling pathways. Elimination of macrophages narrowed the difference in liver damage between Rnf115+/+ and Rnf115−/− mice, indicating that macrophages were linked in the ALI induced by LPS/D-GalN. Collectively, for the first time, we have proved that Rnf115 inactivation ameliorated LPS/D-GalN-induced ALI in mice by promoting autophagy and attenuating inflammatory responses. This study provides new evidence for the involvement of autophagy mechanisms in the protection against acute liver injury.
Assessment of air-sand-biomass flow and particle segregation in a conical spouted bed using CFD
Authors: Araujo Maynne Soares , de Faria Erica Victor , Bacelos Marcelo Silveira , Xavier Thiago Padovani , Barrozo Marcos Antonio de Souza , Lira Taisa S.
Published: May 2023

Biomass pyrolysis is a promising technology used to obtain important industrial chemicals or to produce renewable energy. For pyrolysis reaction, conical spouted beds (CSBs) can be used because of the high heat and mass transfer rates. On the other hand, for CSB either the fluid dynamics stability or particle segregation may limit its usage as a reactor. As a contribution to the application of CSB reactors for biomass pyrolysis, this research aims not only to test Euler-Euler models to predict segregation in CSBs composed of binary mixtures with different particle shapes and densities but also present experimental verification. The computational fluid dynamic (CFD) designs are carried out using the Euler granular model. The results reveal that the CFD simulation using Gidaspow's drag and dispersed k-ε turbulence models can better represent the experimental pressure drop and axial biomass particle concentration in the bed.
Forecasting system in decision-making on the chemical control of Asian soybean rust
Authors: Engers Lana Bruna de Oliveira , Radons Sidinei Zwick , Henck Aline Ulzefer , Novakowiski Jaqueline Huzar , Bortoluzzi Mateus Possebon
Published: May 2023

Asian soybean rust (ASR; Phakopsora pachyrhizi) is one of the most important diseases of soybean that can reduce soybean yield. The frequent use of site-specific fungicides has led to the evolution of resistant populations of the pathogen, resulting in reduced effectiveness of chemical control. Thus, to reduce the number of fungicide sprays in the crop, disease forecasting systems are tools that could help in the decision-making process about the time for fungicide application. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a forecasting system for ASR to guide chemical control. Four experiments were carried out in three locations (Cerro Largo, Entre Ijuís and Passo Fundo) in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. Treatments consisted of intervals of calculated severity values (CSV) between fungicide applications, in addition to control without application. Thousand-grain mass and yield (kg ha-1) were evaluated in addition to ASR severity. The data were subjected to analysis of variance using the F test and the means compared using the Tukey’s test at 5% error probability level. The results showed that the disease forecasting system allowed the yield maintenance in different locations and crop seasons, associated with a decrease in the number of fungicide sprays. Thus, we conclude that the proposed disease forecasting system is a viable tool for ASR management.
Prediction of blood pressure changes during surgical incision using minimum evoked current of vascular stiffness value under sevoflurane anesthesia
Authors: Shorin Daiki , Kamiya Satoshi , Nakamura Ryuji , Ishibashi Ayaka , Saeki Noboru , Tsuji Toshio , Tsutsumi Yasuo M.
Published: May 2023

Opioid sensitivity is difficult to predict, and varies among individuals. We previously reported that sympathetic responses to nociceptive stimuli under propofol anesthesia can be predicted by measuring the minimum evoked current of the vascular stiffness value (MECK). We now propose that MECK can also be used in the same capacity for volatile anesthetic. Thirty patients undergoing laparotomy with sevoflurane anesthesia received intravenous remifentanil at a constant concentration of 2 ng/mL followed by tetanic stimulation. The first-order linear regression equation of MECK and the rate of change of systolic blood pressure during the skin incision (ROCBP) under sevoflurane anesthesia were almost the same as those for propofol. We fitted the data in the present study to the prediction equation for ROCBP obtained under propofol anesthesia and performed a Bland-Altman plot analysis. Fixed bias was minimal, at -1.86%, and the precision range at 9.96% was almost the same as 10.17% that from the previous study. No significant proportional errors were observed. These results suggest that MECK can be used as a predictive index for ROCBP under sevoflurane anesthesia. Additionally, the prediction equation for ROCBP under propofol anesthesia can be used for sevoflurane anesthesia without a decrease in predictive performance.
Clinical trial registration Registry: University hospital medical information network; Registration number: UMIN000047425; principal investigator name: Noboru Saeki; date of registration: April 8th, 2022.
Educational intervention for the promote behaviors related to oral health: a randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: marashi Seyedeh Zahra , Heidarnia Alireza , Kazemi Seyedeh Somayeh , zarei fatemeh
Published: May 2023

Introduction
Considering that Oral health is an essential part of the overall health in infants, children, and adolescents; and on the other hand, nowadays; many adolescents use mobile applications to monitor their lifestyle behaviors and improve their health. Therefore, the present study will be conducted with the aim of the effect of Mobile App intervention based on the theory of self-efficacy on the promotion of behaviors related to oral health of adolescents.
Materials and Methods
This is a randomized controlled trial that will be done in two steps. The first stage is related to a descriptive-analytical study; at this stage, determination the current status and educational need assessment of behaviors related to oral health and will be reviewed eligible individuals. The second stage is an experimental study. At this stage, eligible adolescents are divided into two groups of intervention and control based on randomized allocation. Then the interventions will be implemented by using of educational strategies based on the self-efficacy theory through the mobile application. Evaluations will be performed with a standard questionnaire of self-efficacy and behaviors related to oral health (knowledge, attitude, behavior).
Discussion
Adolescents who are in the early stages of permanent teeth; and this unfavorable condition of the mouth and teeth can have negative effects on the longevity of permanent teeth.
Trial Registration
Iranian Registry of Clinical Trial (IRCT) IRCT20200120046204N1. Registered on 24 September 2022 Ethics code: IR.MODARES.REC.1401.125
Trial registration
(IR.MODARES.REC.1401.125)
Peripheral circulatory support and pericardial drainage for cardiac tamponade from blowout rupture: A case report
Authors: Kato Taichi , Miyagawa Atsushi , Hikone Mayu , Yuri Koichi , Sugiyama Kazuhiro
Published: May 2023

Background
Left ventricular free wall rupture is one of the most lethal complications of myocardial infarction and can cause catastrophic cardiac tamponade. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is often used to treat hemodynamic instability due to cardiac tamponade. However, elevated pericardial pressure collapses the right atrium, resulting in inadequate ECMO access and preventing stabilization of the circulation. Further, it interferes with the venous return from the superior vena cava (SVC), which increases the intracranial pressure and reduces cerebral perfusion levels.
Case presentation:
A 65-year-old man was hospitalized for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. We used ECMO for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. After the establishment of ECMO, transthoracic echocardiography and left ventriculography revealed massive pericardial effusion. The treatment was supplemented with pericardial drainage since ECMO failed frequently in providing adequate suction. However, the blowout rupture caused the requirement of constant drainage from the pericardial catheter. Herein, we connected the venous cannula of ECMO and pericardial drainage catheter. The surgery was performed with stable circulation without the suction failure of ECMO.
Conclusion
We present a case wherein the combination of pericardial drainage and ECMO was used to maintain circulation in a patient with massive pericardial effusion due to cardiac rupture.
Interfacial engineering of PZT/PVDF composites via insulating MgO as an interlayer towards enhanced dielectric performances
Authors: Cao Jing , Zhou Wenying , Li Ting , Guan Yining , Liu Jing , Zhao Yingying , Li Ying
Published: May 2023

Polymer dielectrics with synergistic large dielectric constant (ε′) and high breakdown field strength (Eb) have important applications in electronics device and electrical industry. In this work, to enhance the integrated dielectric characteristics of lead zirconate titanate (PZT)/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), an insulating magnesia (MgO) shell was constructed on the surface of PZT via a facile chemical precipitation, and the prepared core@shell structured PZT@MgO particles were composited with PVDF to anticipate both high ε′ and Eb but low loss. We explored how the filler loading and MgO shell thickness, frequency affect the dielectric performances of PZT/PVDF composites. The results confirm that the PZT@MgO/PVDF composites show simultaneously improved ε′ and Eb along with low loss over the pristine PZT/PVDF because the MgO interlayer induces multiple-scale polarizations in PZT@MgO/PVDF and clearly boosts the Eb due to markedly prohibited charge injection and migration and electrical branch growth. The optimized ε′ and Eb in composites can be realized by controlling the MgO shell thickness. The theoretic fitting of experimental results by the Havriliak-Negami equation further uncovers the MgO shell’ impact on the polarization mechanism and expounds the inhibiting effect on carrier migration across the composites. The resulting PZT@MgO/PVDF composite dielectrics having both high ε′ and Eb but extremely low loss, display appealing uses in the electrical industries.
Post-Covid Condition and clinic characteristics associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: A 2-year follow up to Brazilian cases
Authors: Silva Nayara Sousa da , de Araújo Nathália Kelly , Santos Katiusse Alves dos , de Souza Karla Simone Costa , de Araújo Jéssica Nayara Góes , Cruz Marina Sampaio , Parra Esteban J , Silbiger Vivian Nogueira , Luchessi André Ducati
Published: May 2023

Until January 2023, Brazil recorded 37 million COVID-19 cases despite the decrease in mortality after mass vaccination efforts for SARS-CoV-2. The infection continues to challenge researchers and health professionals with persistent symptoms and onset manifestations after the acute phase of the disease, namely Post-Covid Condition (PCC). Being one of the countries with the highest infection rate, Brazil must prepare for many patients with chronic health consequences of COVID-19. Longitudinal studies that follow patients over extended periods are crucial in understanding the long-term impacts of COVID-19, including potential health consequences and the effects on quality of life. We describe the clinical profile of a cohort of COVID-19 patients infected during the first year of the pandemic in Brazil and a follow-up after two years to investigate the health impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Brazil featured extensive drug misuse, notably the ineffective COVID kit comprised of ivermectin, antimalarials and azithromycin, and elevated in-hospital mortality. In the study’s second phase, PCC was reported by symptomatic COVID-19 subjects across different severity levels two years after infection. Long haulers are more likely to be women, previously hospitalized, and reported a range of symptoms from muscle pain to cognitive deficit. In conclusion, our longitudinal study is essential to inform public health authorities to develop strategies and policies to control the spread of the virus and mitigate its impacts on society.
Slow stripe rusting in Chinese wheat Jimai 44 conferred by Yr29 in combination with a major QTL on chromosome arm 6AL
Authors: Liu Shengjie , Liu Dan , Mi Zhiwen , Zhang Wenjing , Wang Xiaoting , Zhang Chuangliang , Gao Xin , Ren Yong , Lan Caixia , Liu Xiukun , Yuan Fengping , Su Baofeng , Kang Zhensheng , Li Chunlian , Han Dejun , Wang Changfa , Cao Xinyou , Wu Jianhui
Published: May 2023

“Slow rusting” (SR) is a type of adult plant resistance (APR) that can provide non-specific durable resistance to stripe rust in wheat. Chinese elite wheat cultivar Jimai 44 (JM44) has maintained SR to stripe rust in China since its release despite exposure to a changing and variable pathogen population. An F2:6 population comprising 295 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between JM44 and susceptible cultivar Jimai 229 (JM229) was used in genetic analysis of the SR. The RILs and parent lines were evaluated for stripe rust response in five field environments and genotyped using the Affymetrix Wheat55K SNP array and 13 allele-specific quantitative PCR-based (AQP) markers. Two stable QTL on chromosome arms 1BL and 6AL were identified by inclusive composite interval mapping. The 1BL QTL was probably the pleiotropic gene Lr46/Yr29. QYr.nwafu-6AL (hereafter named YrJ44), mapped in a 3.5-cM interval between AQP markers AX-109373479 and AX-109563479, was more effective than Yr29 in reducing disease severity and relative area under the disease progress curve (rAUDPC). RILs harboring both YrJ44 and Yr29 displayed levels of SR equal to the resistant parent JM44. The AQP markers linked with YrJ44 were highly polymorphic and significantly correlated with stripe rust resistance in a panel of 1,019 wheat cultivars and breeding lines. These results suggested that adequate SR resistance can be obtained by combining YrJ44 and Yr29 and the AQP markers can be used in breeding for durable stripe rust resistance.