bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary Supplementation with 23-Hydroxy Ursolic Acid Reduces the Severity and Incidence of Acute Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE) in a Murine Model of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Asmis Reto , Medrano Megan T. , Chase Huizar Carol , Griffith Wendell P. , Forsthuber Thomas G.
Published: December 2023

23-Hydroxy ursolic acid (23-OH UA) is a potent atheroprotective and anti-obesogenic phytochemical, with anti-inflammatory and inflammation resolving properties. In this study, we examined whether dietary 23-OH UA protects mice against the acute onset and progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Female C57BL/6 mice were fed either a defined low-calorie maintenance diet (MD) or an MD supplemented with 0.2 % wgt/wgt 23-OH UA for 5 weeks prior to actively inducing EAE and during the 30 days post-immunization. We observed no difference in the onset of EAE between both groups of mice, but ataxia and EAE disease severity were suppressed by 52% and 48%, respectively, and disease incidence was reduced by over 49% in mice that received 23-OH UA in their diet. Furthermore, disease-associated weight loss was strikingly ameliorated in 23-OH UA-fed mice. ELISPOT analysis showed no significant differences in frequencies of T cells producing IL-17 or IFN- between 23-OH UA fed mice and control mice, suggesting that 23-OH UA does not appear to regulate peripheral T-cell responses. In summary, our findings demonstrate that dietary 23-OH UA may represent an effective oral adjunct therapy for the prevention and treatment of relapsing-remitting MS.
Optimization of the structure of PCB Coil for Magnetically Coupled Wireless Power Transfer
Authors: Fu You , Zhu Yu , Jiang Dequan , Ji Bing , Peng Zhouhua
Published: December 2023

In recent years, wireless power transfer (WPT) has progressed rapidly in both theory and commercialization abroad. However, existing research into WPT coil design for low-power devices is limited. This paper investigates coil structure using printed circuit board (PCB) for magnetic resonant coupling WPT to address this gap. Specifically, the impacts of key geometric parameters on the coil quality factor and coupling coefficient are analysed through models and simulations. Equivalent PCB coils were formed for mutual inductance models, and four basic compensation circuits were analysed. The impacts of changes in coil thickness, line width, turn spacing, and number of turns on the quality factor of PCB coils were analysed with a fixed outer diameter of the coil. In this paper, to mitigate the coil offset while retaining PCB manufacturing simplicity for practical uses, a dual layer PCB coil structure is proposed. The structure optimizated PCB coil could offer remarkable improvements in the WPT system for low power electronic devices.
Chemical Composition of Healthy and Raspberry Leaf Blotch Emaravirus-Infected Red Raspberry ‘Willamette’ Fruits
Authors: Miletić Nemanja , Mitić Milan , Popović Branko , Petković Marko , Vasilijević Bojana , Katanić Vera , Jevremović Darko
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the changes in chemical composition of the fresh red raspberry ‘Willamette’ fruits, caused by the presence of raspberry leaf blotch emaravirus (RLBV). In three experimental orchards of ‘Willamette’ raspberry, fruits were harvested from RLBV‒free and RLBV-infected plants in 2019 and 2020. Fruits were collected at appropriate maturity stages and further analyzed on total phenolics, total anthocyanins, and selected individual phenolics. In all three experimental orchards, the phenolic profiles of infected and uninfected fruit samples were considerably different during both studied years. Nonetheless, the intensity of the modifications varied greatly depending on location and harvest year. Statistical analysis revealed that the influence of RLBV infection on the studied features is undeniable, although the influences of weather conditions and soil composition outweigh the influence of RLBV. Taking into consideration all experimental and statistical data, it can be concluded that raspberry 'Willamette' fruits may be RLBV-tolerant, while sensitivity to environmental conditions and soil composition is emphasized.
Data-Driven Inverse Design of Low-Dimensional Nanocarbons: Revealing Hidden Growth-Properties Relationships and Identifying Universal Descriptors
Authors: Lukin Alexander , Gülseren Oğuz
Published: December 2023

Recent advances in nanomaterials have been heavily influenced by low-dimensional nanocarbon allotropes. In particular, carbyne has attracted attention for its potential as a true one-dimensional carbon chain with sp1 hybridization. To maximize the capabilities of this material, we employ a focused data-driven inverse design approach based on the carbon nanomaterials genome concept. This involves using deep learning neural network models to identify key descriptors tied to desired properties, enabling property prediction and reverse engineering of nanocarbons. Our iterative approach entails: (i) gathering growth/property data on nanostructures; (ii) identifying informative numerical/categorical predictors; (iii) developing deep learning models mapping descriptors to properties; (iv) refining models with new insights; (v) determining required descriptors/conditions for target properties via inverse mapping; (vi) validating models by synthesizing predicted nanostructures; and (vii) enhancing models with validation data. This allows uncovering hidden growth-property connections, precisely tuning nanocarbons for desired attributes. We introduce new methodologies including exciting synergistic effects, synchronizing atomic vibrations, active screen plasma, energy-driven transformations, surface acoustic micro/nano-manipulation, doping and directed self-assembly to expose relationships and integrate insights into the inverse design flow. This research promises to accelerate discovery of next-generation low-dimensional nanocarbons with exceptional properties and applications.
A Novel Approach for Glycero-(9,10-Trioxolane)-Trialeate Incorporation into Poly(lactic Acid)/Poly(ɛ-Caprolacton) Blends for Biomedicine and Packaging
Authors: Alexeeva Olga V. , Olkhov Anatoliy A. , Konstantinova Marina L. , Podmasterev Vyacheslav V. , Petrova Tuyara V , Martirosyan L. Yu , Karyagina Olga K. , Kozlov Sergey S. , Lomakin Sergey M. , Tretyakov Ilya V. , Siracusa Valentina , Iordanskii Alexey L.
Published: December 2023

The product of ozonolysis, Glycero-(9,10-trioxolane)-trioleate (ozonide of oleic acid triglyceride, [OTOA]), was incorporated into polylactic acid/polycaprolactone (PLA/PCL) blend films in the amount of 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40% w/w. The morphological, mechanical, thermal and antibacterial properties of the biodegradable blend after the OTOA addition were studied. According to DSC and XRD data, the crystallinity degree of PLA/PCL+OTOA films tended to decrease with increase in OTOA content that could be explained by its plasticizing effect. Morphological analysis showed that the structure of the films with the OTOA concentration above 20% drastically changed. Specifically, the interface between the PLA/PCL matrix and OTOA was formed, thereby forming a capsule with the embedded antibacterial agent. The moisture permeability of the resulting PLA/PCL+OTOA films decreased due to the formation of uniformly distributed hydrophobic amorphous zones that prevents water penetration. This architecture affects the tensile characteristics of the films: strength decreases to 5.6 MPa, elastic modulus E by 40%. The behavior of film elasticity is associated with the redistribution of amorphous regions in the matrix. Additionally, PLA/PCL+OTOA films with 20, 30 and 40% of OTOA showed good antibacterial properties on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Raoultella terrigena (Klebsiella terrigena) and Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Developed PLA/PCL+OTOA films could be used as packaging materials and wound dressings. By variation of the OTOA content, it is possible to tailor the physical-chemical and antibacterial properties of the developed films for various applications.
Multi-Echo Complex Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping and Quantitative Blood Oxygen Level Dependent Magnitude (mcQSM+qBOLD or mcQQ) for Oxygen Extraction Fraction (OEF) Mapping
Authors: Cho Junghun , Zhang Jinwei , Spincemaille Pascal , Zhang Hang , Nguyen Thanh D. , Zhang Shun , Gupta Ajay , Wang Yi
Published: December 2023

Oxygen extraction fraction (OEF), the fraction of oxygen that tissue extracts from blood, is an es-sential biomarker for directly assessing tissue viability and function in neurologic disorders. For quantitative mapping of OEF, an integrative model of quantitative susceptibility mapping and quantitative blood oxygen level-dependent magnitude (QSM+qBOLD or QQ) was recently pro-posed. However, QQ assumes Gaussian noise in both susceptibility and multi-echo gradient echo (mGRE) magnitude signals for OEF estimation. This assumption is unreliable in low sig-nal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regions like disease-related lesions, risking inaccurate OEF estimation and potentially impacting clinical decisions. Addressing this, our study presents a novel multi-echo complex QQ (mcQQ) that models realistic noise in mGRE complex signals. The proposed mcQQ was implemented using a deep learning framework (mcQQ-NET) and compared with the existing deep learning-based QQ (QQ-NET) in simulations, ischemic stroke patients, and healthy subjects. Both mcQQ-NET and QQ-NET used identical training and testing datasets and schemes for a fair comparison. In simulations, mcQQ-NET provided more accurate OEF than QQ-NET. In the sub-acute stroke patients, mcQQ-NET showed a lower average OEF ratio in lesions relative to unaf-fected contralateral normal tissue than QQ-NET. In the healthy subjects, mcQQ-NET provided uniform OEF maps, similar to QQ-NET, but without unrealistically high OEF outliers in areas of low SNR. Therefore, mcQQ-NET improves OEF accuracy by better reflecting realistic data noise characteristics.
Neuroprotective Effects of the Nutraceutical Dehydrozingerone and its C2- symmetric Dimer in a Drosophila Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Setzu Maria Dolores , Mocci Ignazia , Fabbri Davide , Carta Paola , Muroni Patrizia , Diana Andrea , Dettori Maria Antonietta , Casu Maria Antonietta
Published: December 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamin-ergic neurons responsible for unintended or uncontrollable movements. Mutations in leu-cine-rich repeat kinase 2 locus, contributes to genetic forms of PD. The fruit fly Drosophila mela-nogaster carrying this mutation (LRRK2-Dm), is an in vivo model of PD that develops motor impairment and stands for an eligible non mammalian paradigm to test novel therapeutic ap-proaches. Dehydrozingerone (DHZ) is a natural phenolic compound isolated from ginger. Pre-sents anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties making it a potential therapeutic target for PD. We administered DHZ and its C2-symmetric dimer (DHZ-DIM) at 0.5 and 1mM, for 14 and 21 days, in the LRRK2-Dm, with the aim to assess changes for rescuing motor behavior, brain dopaminergic neurons, mitochondria and synapses (T-Bars). The shorter treat-ment with both molecules revealed efficacy at the higher dose improving climbing behavior with a prevention of dopaminergic neuronal demise. After 21 days, a recovery of the motor disability, dopaminergic neuron loss, mitochondrial damage and T-Bars failure was observed with the DHZ-DIM. Our data indicates that the DHZ-DIM exerts a more potent neuroprotective effect respect to the monomer in LRRK2-Dm, prompting further investigation of these compounds in rodent models of PD.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma: A Rare Case Report and Comprehensive Review
Authors: Chokshi Niti , Desai Dev , Teraiya Tushar , Shah Sahil , Gami Vismit
Published: December 2023

Mesothelioma of the peritoneum is the second most prevalent type. The peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdomen and abdominal organs, is affected in this type of cancer. A common risk factor is exposure to asbestos. There isn’t a cure, but surgery, chemotherapy, and palliative care can improve your prognosis and quality of life. Here we present a case of a 47-year-old female with peritoneal mesothelioma.
Ankyloglossia in children, a cause of obstructive sleep apnoea: Case report
Paediatric Ankyloglossia and sleep apnoea. Dise resolves the mystery.
Authors: Valderrama-Penagos Johanna-Ximenez , Rodriguez-Alcala Laura , Plaza Guillermo , Baptista Peter , Garcia-Iriarte María Teresa , Correa Eduardo J. , O'Connor-Reina Carlos
Published: December 2023

Tongue mobility is an obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) marker and myofunctional therapy (MFT) target. For this reason, all patients with sleep-disordered breathing should require a combined functional assessment from an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist and a phonoaudiologist to confirm or rule out the presence of tongue-tie. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a 13-year-old girl diagnosed with severe OSA and a significant decrease of 94% in her apnoea index (AI), requiring frenotomy with immediate postoperative change in the tongue position. A drug-induced sleep en-doscopy (DISE) was performed before and immediately post-frenotomy, and the anatomical changes provoked by this surgery during sleep were confirmed for the first time.
Unpacking Demographics Based Impediments to Professionalization in the South African Built Environment.
Authors: Ramabodu Molusiwa , Nena Tholang
Published: December 2023

Keywords: Demographics, Diversity, Gender, Race, Age, Professionals, Built Environment, Construction Industry, South Africa
Catalytic Upgrading of Biodiesel by Partial Hydrogenation of Its FAME Composition: A Systematic Review
Authors: Psalidas Alexandros , Emmanouilidou Elissavet , Kokkinos Nikolaos C.
Published: December 2023

Biodiesel is one of the most popular biofuels as it is a promising substitute of the conventional diesel fuel, but for now it cannot be used as a stand-alone fuel due to its low oxidative stability. For this reason, the last years there have been efforts for its upgrading through the partial hydrogenation of the fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) that biodiesel consists of. This procedure succeeds in resolving the problem of low oxidative stability, but in some cases a new problem arises as the non-selective hydrogenation is deteriorating the fuel’s cold flow properties, which are crucial for its operation without damaging the vehicle’s engine. More specifically, the problem of deteriorated cold flow properties is caused by the formation of trans-monounsaturated FAMEs and fully saturated FAMEs while the hydrogenation reaction is taking place. The hydrogenated biodiesels are preferred to contain more cis-monounsaturated FAMEs, because these are considered to have the best combination between high oxidative stability and good cold flow properties. As a result, various systems and methods have been tested in order to achieve a selective partial hydrogenation of biodiesel’s FAMEs. In this review article, the catalytic systems and methods that stood out in various researches are presented and the factors that lead to the best possible outcome are investigated and discussed.
Improved Extraction Method of Soil Nitrite
Authors: Song Yaqi , Wu Dianming , Dörsch Peter , Yue Lanting , Deng Lingling , Liao Chengsong , Sha Zhimin , Dong Wenxu , Yu Yuanchun
Published: December 2023

Soil nitrite (NO2‒) is an important reactive intermediate in many nitrogen transformation processes, but it is unstable under acidic conditions. Canonical extraction method of soil NO2‒ with potassium chloride (KCl) solution greatly underestimates its concentration. In order to reflect the concentration more accurately, we optimized the extraction method of soil NO2‒ in this study. Moreover, soil ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3‒) were also systematically investigated to achieve efficient extraction of soil inorganic nitrogen. The results showed that un-buffered KCl significantly underestimated soil NO2‒ concentration compared to DIW. The highest recovery of NO2‒ was obtained by extracting with DIW at 10 min of oscillation for three soils. Compared with DIW, the concentration of NH4+ and NO3‒ in soil extracted from KCl solution increased significantly. Furthermore, the soil inorganic nitrogen content of extracts stored at 4°C for one day were closer to directly measurements of fresh samples than the other storage methods. Overall, the recommend analysis method for soil NO2‒ was extracted by DIW, oscillated for 10 min, and filtered by a 0.45 µm filter, and soil NH4+ and NO3‒ were extracted with KCl solution and oscillated for 30 min. The extract should be stored at 4°C and analyzed within 24 hours.
Cropping Systems Diversification as an Approach to Enhancing Crop Productivity
Authors: Abdulkadir Kalifa Nasiro
Published: December 2023

Agricultural intensification increased crop productivity but simplified production with lower diversity of cropping systems, higher genetic uniformity, and a higher uniformity of agricultural landscapes. Associated detrimental effects on the environment and biodiversity as well as the resilience and adaptability of cropping systems to climate change are of growing concern. Crop diversification may stabilize productivity of cropping systems and reduce negative environmental impacts and loss of biodiversity, but a shared understanding of crop diversification including approaches towards a more systematic research is lacking. The current review highlights the use of Cropping Systems Diversification as an Approach to Enhancing Crop Productivity. Crop diversification can be considered as an attempt to increase the diversity of crops through, e.g. crop rotation, multiple cropping or intercropping, compared to specialized farming with the aim to improve the productivity, stability and delivery of ecosystem services. It can be one measure to develop more sustainable production systems, develop value-chains for minor crops. Crop diversification practices can include higher crop diversity, more diverse crop, mixed cropping; cultivation of grain legumes in otherwise cereal dominated systems, perennial leys or grassland and regionally adapted varieties or variety mixtures. Crop diversification and/or additional diversification measures like variation of seeding time or changing cropping patterns have the potential to lead to higher and more stable yields, increase profitability and lead to greater resilience of agro-ecosystems in the long term. These practices have the potential to make cropping systems more diverse in space, time and genetics. Through a balanced portfolio approach to agricultural sustainability, cropping system performance can be optimized in multiple dimensions, including food and biomass production, profit, energy use, pest management, and environmental impacts.
Biological Properties of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Sublineages
Authors: Shipovalov Andrey V. , Zaykovskaya Anna V. , Kudrov Gleb A. , Drachkova Irina A. , Antonets Maria E. , Lyukhanov Maksim P. , Bodnev Sergey A. , Bauer Tatyana V. , Tregubchak Tatyana V. , Ivleva Elena K. , Taranov Oleg S. , Pyankov Oleg V.
Published: December 2023

A change in biological properties of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can enhance its transmissibility and virulence, complicate the disease course, and reduce the effectiveness of anti-viral therapy and vaccination. We have studied 16 genetic lineages of the Omicron variant. The viral reproduction course was analyzed based on plaque morphology in the agar layer and the maximum titer in Vero E6 cells. BALB/c mice and Syrian hamsters were used as animal models. Viral load and infectious SARS-CoV-2 titer were determined in the nasal tissue and lungs. The severity of infectious process was assessed using histological methods. An increased plug size was observed in CH.1.1 and BQ.1.2.1 strains after six passages. This was due to substitutions D614G, H655Y, and N764K in the coronavirus S protein. The same changes in gene variants Gamma and BA.1 were caused by the substitution R682W, which is not present in lineages CH.1.1 and BQ.1.2.1. A similar substitution, namely R682P, was observed in the BA.5.1 strain. We characterized BA.1 (as a reference), BA.5.2, and XBB.3 strains in vivo as representatives of the main circulating genetic lineages. For the BA.1 strain, ID50 was 1.3 and 14 TCD50 in Syrian hamsters and BALB/c mice, respectively. An insignificant increase in the BA.5.2 virulence compared to that of BA.1 was noted (ID50 was 07. and 10 TCD50, respectively). The XBB.3 pathogenicity in laboratory animals is similar to that of BA.1 (ID50 was 1.8 and 15 TCD50, respectively). Experiments showed a consistent decrease in the virulence of Omicron strains compared to previously circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants. A co-evolutionary change in amino acid sequences, affecting the conformation of the coronavirus S protein and its surface epitopes in representatives of different genetic lineages, was noted. The emergence of potential proteolysis sites and alterations of the furin cleavage site have been observed in numerous Omicron coronavirus variants.
Reducing the Risk of Pre-eclampsia in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome using a Combination of Pregnancy Screening, Lifestyle, and Medical Management Strategies
Authors: Parker Jim , O'Brien Claire , Yeoh Christabelle , Gersh Felice L , Brennecke Shaun
Published: December 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a multisystem disorder that presents with a variety of phenotypes involving metabolic, endocrine, reproductive, and psychological symptoms and signs. Women with PCOS are at increased risk of pregnancy complications including implantation failure, miscarriage, gestational diabetes, fetal growth restriction, preterm labour, and preeclampsia (PE). This may be attributed to the presence of specific susceptibility features associated with PCOS before and during pregnancy, such as chronic systemic inflammation, insulin resistance (IR), and hyperandrogenism, all of which have been associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications. Many of the features of PCOS are reversible following lifestyle interventions such as diet and exercise, and pregnant women following a healthy lifestyle have been found to have a lower risk of complications, including PE. This review summarizes the evidence investigating the risk of PE and the role of nutritional factors in women with PCOS. The findings suggest that the beneficial aspects of lifestyle management of PCOS, as recommended in the evidenced-based international guidelines, extend to improved pregnancy outcomes. Identifying high-risk women with PCOS will allow targeted interventions, early pregnancy screening, and increased surveillance for PE. Women with PCOS should be included in risk assessment algorithms for PE.
Entropy-based explanations of serial position and learning effects in ordinal responses to word list tests
Authors: Melin Jeanette , Kettunen Petronella , Wallin Anders , Pendrill Leslie
Published: December 2023

Measuring a person’s cognitive abilities, such as memory and learning, is central in many medical conditions to reliably diagnose, treat and monitor disease progression. Common tests typically include tasks of recalling sequences of blocks, digits or words. Recalling a word list is affected by so-called serial position effects (SPE), meaning that words at the beginning or end of the list are more likely to be recalled. In our earlier work, as part of including ordinal and nominal properties in metrology, compensation for ordinality in the raw test scores has been performed with psychometric Rasch measurement theory. Thereafter, SPE have been successfully explained with construct specification equations (CSE) dominated by information theoretical entropy as candidate reference measurement procedures. Here, we present how previous German results for explaining memory difficulty in the immediate recalling (IR, trial 1) task of the Rey’s Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) can be replicated with a Swedish cohort (the Gothenburg Mild Cognitive Impairment study, n = 251). This CSE replicability for RAVLT demonstrates comparability across the two cohorts in a kind of inter-laboratory study. Moreover, RAVLT includes repeated trials and learning through practice is expected. How memory task difficulty changes over the eight trials in RAVLT is studied: SPE are not so prominent for the delayed recalling sequences and there is an overall reduction in the task difficulty CSE intercept with trial number, interpreted as an effect of learning. To conclude, the methodology and evidence provided here can be clinically used not only to measure a person’s memory ability but also his or her learning ability, as well as understanding the relationship between learning ability and other cognitive domains.
Application of 2D shape analysis to study Epigravettian lithic assemblages: assessing its analytical potential
Authors: Rossini Matteo , Falcucci Armando , Dominici Clarissa , Ronchitelli Annamaria , Tomasso Antonin , Boschin Francesco
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we apply a two-dimensional (2D) Geometric morphometric analysis to a sample of Epigravettian lithic artefacts with the aim of assessing the potential of such an approach to study Epigravettian lithic assemblages. The lithic sample comes from layer 9c2 (Evolved Epigravettian, Upper Palaeolithic, about 18,000-19,000 years ago) of Grotta Paglicci (Apulia, southern Italy). After extracting the outline coordinates from high-resolution images using the software DiaOutline, we conduct Elliptic Fourier Analysis, Principal Component Analysis, and Linear Discriminant Analysis in the R package Momocs to investigate the internal variability of the sample. Shape analysis confirms that 1) the production of microbladelets was not linked to a dedicated reduction sequence and 2) the modification of blanks into backed points followed a rather standardised stone tool design. The result opens interesting perspectives for the routine implementation of 2D shape analyses complementary to the classical technological ones.
Evaluation of spatial patterns accuracy in identifying built-up areas within risk zones using deep learning, RGB aerial imagery, and multi-source GIS data
Authors: Vitale Alessandro , Salvo Carolina , Lamonaca Francesco
Published: December 2023

In the presence of natural disasters that increasingly affect urban centers, innovative methodologies that can support all the subjects and bodies involved in the disaster management system are increasingly important. This task can be enhanced in urban settings by automatically assessing at-risk buildings through satellite and aerial imagery. However, creating and implementing models with robust generalization capabilities is crucial to achieving this goal. Based on these premises, the authors proposed a deep learning approach utilizing the U-Net model to map buildings within known landslide-prone areas. They trained and validated the U-Net model using the Dubai Satellite Imagery Dataset. The model's prediction accuracy in adapting its results to urban environments in Italy, different from those involved in the training and validation stages, was tested using natural color orthoimages and diverse geographic information system (GIS) data sources.
The outcomes indicate that the model's predictions are better in contexts with denser urban fabric. The level of accuracy in dispersed urban shapes worsens as building footprints cover a small portion of the total image area. Overall, the results demonstrate that the suggested methodology can effectively identify buildings in landslide risk zones, demonstrating noteworthy adaptability, making the proposed platform a tool that can be instrumental for decision-makers and urban planners in pre-disaster and post-disaster stages.
NOVA PROPOSTA DE COMPARTIMENTAÇÃO DO PLANALTO VULCÂNICO RIOGRANDENSE
Authors: Pereira Josielle Samara , Paisani Julio Cesar , Sordi Michael Vinicius de
Published: December 2023

A partir da década de 1950 uma série de estudos geomorfológicos buscaram compartimentar o relevo brasileiro. No Planalto Vulcânico Riograndense (PVRG), apesar de ter vários estudos geomorfológicos realizados buscando sua compartimentação ainda existem lacunas principalmente que levem em consideração a relação entre litoestruturas e superfícies geomórficas. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo é apresentar uma compartimentação do PVRG que combine a delimitação de superfícies geomórficas com aspectos litoestruturais. Secundariamente o estudo busca um aprimoramento das compartimentações já efetuadas, demonstrando a importância da atualização de estudos geomorfológicos partir de novas ferramentas de análise. Sendo assim, realizou-se a delimitação de compartimentos geomorfológicos através da análise de diferentes dados georreferenciados (mapa hipsométrico, declividade e relevo sombreado, perfis topográficos e de Swath, mapas de geologia, falhas e lineamentos), comparando e verificando a sua correspondência com as classificações previas já existentes. Disso resultou a definição de 6 compartimentos na área de estudo: Planalto Central; Planalto das Missões; Planalto do Sudoeste; Dissecado do Rio Uruguai; Dissecado do Rio Jacuí-Taquari e Dissecado Atlântico. Os três primeiros correspondem a superfície geomórfica mais ou menos preservada, enquanto os outros três refere-se a compartimentos dissecados, onde ocorre a incisão fluvial ativa comandada pelos cursos d’água homônimos, isto é, essas áreas estão sendo ativamente dissecados por seus sistemas fluviais. Assim, de modo geral, a compartimentação possibilitou entender que os compartimentos individualizados são resultantes da erosão diferencial do atual sistema de tributários que pertencem, a partir do controle de níveis de bases locais, variações litológicas dos derrames e controles tectônicos estruturais.
Diversity of bacterial symbionts associated with the tropical plant bug Monalonion velezangeli (Hemiptera: Miridae) revealed by high-throughput 16S-rRNA sequencing.
Authors: Navarro-Escalante Lucio , Benavides Pablo , Acevedo Flor Edith
Published: December 2023

Insects and microbes have developed complex symbiotic relationships that evolutionarily and ecologically play beneficial roles for both, the symbiont and the host. In most Hemiptera insects, bacterial symbionts offer mainly nutritional, defensive, and reproductive roles in addition to promoting the adaptive radiation of several hemipteran phytophagous lineages. The tropical plant bug Monalonion velezangeli(Hemiptera: Miridae) is a polyphagous herbivore considered an important insect pest for several economically relevant tropical crops, but information about the composition of its bacterial microbiota was missing. In this study, we describe the diversity and structure of the bacterial microbiota in the nymph and adult life stages of M. velezangeliusing Illumina high-throughput sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons (meta-barcoding). We found that both insect life stages share a similar microbiota in terms of bacterial diversity and community structure. The intracellular symbiont Wolbachiadominated the overall microbiome composition (~92%) in these life stages. Members of the core microbiota include Wolbachia, Romboutsia, Ignavibacterium, Clostridium, Allobaculum, Paracoccus, Methylobacterium, Faecalibacterium, Collinsella, Rothia, Sphingomonasand 4 other undetermined bacterial genera. Based on PCR screening and DNA sequencing of the wspgene, Wolbachiainfection was confirmed in almost 80% of samples, and represented by two different isolates or strains within the supergroup B. This data offer opportunities for studying the contribution of symbiotic bacteria in the biological performance of this insect pest, and provides a base to explore other insect control methods.
Muscle Excitability Scale for the Assessment of Spastic Reflexes in Spinal Cord Injury: Development and Evaluation
Authors: Kriz Jiri , Nasincova Zuzana , Gallusova Veronika , Vyskocil Tomas , Gregor Martin , Slaby Krystof , Sediva Kristyna
Published: December 2023

Study Design: A psychometric study
Objectives: To introduce a novel simple tool designed to evaluate the intensity of the phasic (dynamic) component of spastic motor behavior in spinal cord injury (SCI) people and to assess its reliability and validity.
Setting: The study was developed in the Spinal Cord Unit at University Hospital Motol and Paraple Centre in Prague, Czech Republic
Methods: The Muscle Excitability Scale (MES) is designed to rate muscle motor response to exteroceptive and proprioceptive stimuli. The impairment rating ranges from zero muscle/muscle group spasm or clonus to generalized spastic response. The selected 0 to 4 scale allows for comparing the MES results with those of the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). After long-term use and repeated revisions, a psychometric analysis was conducted. According to the prescribed algorithm, two physiotherapists examined 50 individuals in the chronic stage after SCI.
Results: The inter-rater reliability of MES for both legs showed κ=0.52. The intra-rater reliability of MES for both legs showed κ=0.50. The inter-rater reliability of simultaneously assessed MAS for both legs was 0.69. The intra-rater reliability of MAS for both legs showed kappa values of 0.72. As expected, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient between MES and spasm frequency of PSFS was low, while the correlation coefficient between MES and the severity part of PSFS was moderate.
Conclusions: The MES is a complementary tool for the assessment of spasms in SCI people. It allows a more comprehensive clinical characterization of spastic motor behavior when used along with the MAS.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Tensile Strength and Material Consumption of FDM Parts using Multi-Objective Symbiotic Organisms Search (MOSOS)
Authors: Saad Mohd Sazli , Zakaria Mohd Zakimi , Baharudin Mohamad Ezral , Nor Azuwir Mohd , Ju Mohamad Farizal Md
Published: December 2023

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) has emerged as a prominent method for rapid prototyping in Additive Manufacturing (AM) due to its ability to construct intricate geometries. Nevertheless, optimizing FDM process parameters to attain desired part characteristics remains a challenge. This study presents comprehensive findings from an experimental investigation, comparing results obtained through simulations and practical experiments, within the framework of multi-objective optimization for FDM. The core objectives of this analysis center on material consumption and tensile strength, both pivotal in FDM applications, while exploring the efficacy of Multi-Objective Symbiotic Organisms Search (MOSOS) in addressing the trade-off between these objectives. This study utilizes advanced experimental design techniques, specifically Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in conjunction with Face-Centered Central Composite Design (FCCD), to meticulously conduct experiments. These experiments are crucial in the creation of precise regression models that serve as objective functions for the MOSOS algorithm. The significant outcome of this study is the identification of a trade-off relationship between material consumption and tensile strength in FDM. The research revealed that achieving higher tensile strength in FDM requires an increase in material consumption, while reducing material usage comes at the cost of compromised tensile strength. The study also pinpointed an optimal configuration at the fourth index, consisting of specific parameter settings such as a layer thickness of 0.25 mm, printing speed of 60 mm/s, infill density of 20%, and print temperature of 213.26°C, which strikes a satisfactory balance between material efficiency and mechanical performance.
J-shaped Relationship between Stress Hyperglycemia Ratio and 90-day and 180-day Mortality in Patients with a First Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction: Analysis of the MIMIC-IV Database
Authors: Hu Ben , Chen Xinghua , Wang Yuhui , Wei Xing , Feng Jun , Hou Linlin
Published: December 2023

Aims:The Stress Hyperglycemia Ratio (SHR) potently predicts adverse outcomes in patients with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. However, the relationship between SHR and short-term mortality risk in patients with a first diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains contentious. This study sought to understand better the relationship between SHR and short-term mortality risk in patients with a first diagnosis of AMI.
Methods:We conducted a cohort study using data from 1961 patients with a first diagnosis of AMI from the MIMIC-IV (version 2.2) database. Patients were divided into three groups based on SHR tertiles. The Cox proportional hazards model and a two-segmented Cox proportional hazards model were used to elucidate the nonlinear relationship between SHR in patients with a first diagnosis of AMI and mortality were used to elucidate the nonlinear relationship between SHR in patients with a first diagnosis of AMI and mortality.
Results:Of the surveyed population, 175 patients (8.92%) died within 90 days, and 210 patients (10.71%) died within 180 days. After multivariate adjustments, elevated SHR levels were significantly and non-linearly associated with a higher risk of 90-day and 180-day mortality in patients with a first diagnosis of AMI, showing a J-shaped correlation with an inflection point at 0.9. Compared to participants with SHR levels below the inflection point, those with higher SHR levels had a 474% increased risk of 90-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 5.74; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.19,10.33) and a 356% increased risk of 180-day mortality (HR 4.56; 95% CI 2.62, 7.95). In the subgroup analysis, patients with pre-diabetes mellitus (pre-DM) and higher SHR levels had increased 90-day (HR 6.90; 95% CI 1.98, 24.02) and 180-day mortality risks (HR 5.30; 95% CI 1.96, 14.27).
Conclusion:In patients with a first diagnosis of AMI, there is a J-shaped correlation between SHR and 90-day and 180-day mortality, with an adverse prognostic inflection point of SHR at 0.9.
Striatal arbitration between choice strategies guides few-shot adaptation
Authors: Lee Sang Wan , Yang Minsu Abel , Jung Min Whan
Published: December 2023

Animals often exhibit extremely rapid action changes in context-switching environments. This study hypothesized that, compared to the expected outcome, an unexpected outcome leads to distinctly different action-selection strategies to guide rapid adaptation. We designed novel behavioral measures differentiating between trial-by-trial dynamics after expected and unexpected events. In various reversal learning data with different rodent species and task complexities, conventional learning models failed to replicate the choice behavior following an unexpected outcome. This discrepancy was resolved by the proposed model with two different decision variables contingent on outcome expectation: the support-stay and conflict-shift bias. Electrophysiological data analyses revealed that striatal neurons encode our model's key variables. Furthermore, the inactivation of striatal direct and indirect pathways neutralizes the effect of past expected and unexpected outcomes, respectively, on the action-selection strategy following an unexpected outcome. Our study suggests new roles of the striatum in arbitrating between different action selection strategies for few-shot adaptation.
Life cycle assessment of Apple production system from the perspective of farmer differentiation -- a case study of Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province
Authors: Li Shuqiang , Zhang Huanming
Published: December 2023

Although China's agriculture and food sectors have contributed to human health and food security, they have also significantly impacted the environment. As a major apple-producing country globally, compared with the standardized orchards in other countries, China's orchards have a smaller production scale, a lower degree of standardization, and higher differentiation, which increases the difficulty of agricultural environmental governance. Based on the national conditions of small-scale farmers in China, this study comprehensively evaluated the environmental impact of fruit farmers producing 1 ton of apples in Yuncheng, Shanxi Province, from the perspective of farmers' differentiation. Moreover, bringing the environmental impact of fruit farmers' purchase of social services (Handing&warehousing) and economic services (Insurance and Internet services) into the orchard production system. Due to different constraints on resource endowment, differentiated farmers show different behaviors and target choices among individuals, which will have different effects on the environment. The results show that different types of farmers affect ecosystem quality, human health, and natural resources. At present, the differentiation trend of farmers has an adverse impact on the orchard environment. The production of 1 ton of apples by class II concurrent households has the most severe environmental pollution. In economic activity services, farmers' purchase of Insurance services and Internet services has little impact on the environment, accounting for only 0.74% − 1.56% of the environmental impact of Apple's life cycle. Farmers' purchase of socialized services(Handing&warehousing) has a more significant impact on the environment, accounting for 14.21% − 22.41% of the environmental impact of Apple's life cycle, which means that in order to reduce the environmental impact of apple production, relevant subjects in the apple industry chain need to work together. By encouraging the circulation of orchards, organic fertilizer instead of chemical fertilizer and paper bag landfills can effectively reduce the environmental impact, but the large use of organic fertilizer will also harm the environment.
Role of YWHAG in cell proliferation in gastric cancer
Authors: Li Yumin , Yang Luxi , Gu Yanmei , Li Jicheng , Li Xiaomei , Wu Songlin Songlin
Published: December 2023

The role of tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein gamma (YWHAG) in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated its biological effects on GC as well as the associated molecular mechanisms. We evaluated YWHAG expression in GC and normal tissues, and using GC cells with YWHAG knockdown or overexpression, we examined GC cell viability and growth. We also performed experiments to determine GC cell cycle progression, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. We also verified the role of YWHAG in GC growth using a mouse xenograft tumor model and performed Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and western blot analysis to elucidate possible molecular mechanisms. Our results showed a significantly higher YWHAG expression level in GC tissues (p < 0.0001), especially in poorly differentiated GC tissues (p < 0.0001). Further, YWHAG knockdown significantly inhibited GC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transformation; however, these effects were reversed via YWHAG overexpression. Furthermore, YWHAG downregulation significantly retarded the growth of xenograft tumors in mice, and mechanistically, YWHAG exerted oncogenic effects in GC by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Therefore, YWHAG promotes GC growth, functions as an oncogene, and has potential as a therapeutic target in GC.
Low Back Pain Prevalence and Associated Factors among Nurses: Cross Sectional Study from Palestine
Authors: Said Nizar , AbuZaitoon Rasha , Snober Razan Hasan , Hussein Razan Fares , Abdoon Abrar Hani , Abushehadeh Aseel Maher , Battat Maher
Published: December 2023

Introduction: The prevalence of low back pain among nurses is notably elevated, exerting a detrimental impact on their job performance and overall work quality. Aim of study: This research aimed to evaluate the prevalence of low back pain among nurses in Nablus city and investigate the interplay between personal and work-related factors and the occurrence of low back pain in this population. Method: Employing a cross-sectional study design, we employed validated instruments, including the Nordic Musculoskeletal Disorder Questionnaire. The study encompassed 258 nursing employees from both the largest and smallest Ministry of Health (MOH) and private sector hospitals in Nablus city, West Bank, Palestine. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. Result: A total of 258 nurses participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 98%. The current prevalence of Low Back Pain (LBP) was 82% (n = 212) throughout their life. Additionally, the prevalence of LBP in the 12 months preceding data collection was 78% (N = 201), 71% (N = 182) in the month leading up to the study, and 61% (N = 156) on the day of data collection. Conclusion: The study disclosed a high prevalence of low back pain among nurses, underscoring the urgency for effective solutions. These findings lay the groundwork for future, more comprehensive research to further illuminate this issue.
Assessment of the Safety, Growth, and Gut Microbiota Modulation of Neonates Consuming Infant Formula with Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis CP-9 or Lactobacillus salivarius AP-32: Insights from a Four-Month Clinical Study in Newborn Infants Under Two Months Old
Authors: Shen Shang-Po , Lin Hung-Chih , Chen Jui-Fen , Wang Hui-Shan , Huang Yen-Yu , Hsia Ko-Chiang , Lin Jia-Hung , Kuo Yi-Wei , Li Ching-Min , Hsu Yu-Chieh , Tsai Shin-Yu , Ho Hsieh-Hsun
Published: December 2023

Background
Breast milk is a natural treasure for newborns, and its microbiota contains a rich array of bacterial species. When breastfeeding is not possible, infant formula with probiotics can be used as a sole source or as a supplement to breast milk. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety, tolerance, growth, and gut microbiota modulation resulting from the consumption of an infant formula with Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis CP-9 (B. animalis CP-9) or Lactobacillus salivarius AP-32 (L. salivarius AP-32), which were isolated from breast milk and the healthy human gut of newborn infants.
Methods
One hundred and fifty-nine healthy infants were enrolled in this study and separated into three groups: the control group, L. salivarius AP-32 group, and B. animalis CP-9 group. The clinical study evaluated adverse events, growth effects, the incidence of allergies, and gastrointestinal disorders in infants consuming infant formula containing B. animalis CP-9 or L. salivarius AP-32. Finally, the impact of the probiotic infant formula on the gut microbiota was elucidated by next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis.
Results
A 4-month intervention revealed that body weight, recumbent length, and head circumference were similar among the three groups. No adverse events related to the intervention were observed. The microbiota composition was more diverse on day 0 and became more uniform by month 4. B. animalis CP-9 and L. salivarius AP-32 were found to be antibiotic susceptible and displayed a low risk of horizontal antibiotic gene transfer.
Conclusions
The use of B. animalis CP-9 and L. salivarius AP-32 in infant formula was considered safe and well tolerated.
Trial registration
The trial was registered in the US Library of Medicine (clinicaltrials.gov) with the number NCT03993301 on 20/06/2019.