bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Label-Free Electrochemical Aptasensor Based on Carbon Nanotubes for Carbendazim Detection
Authors: Venegas Constanza J. , Rodríguez Luna , Sierra-Rosales Paulina
Published: February 2023

One of the most widely used pesticides in Chile is carbendazim (CBZ), which in agriculture is used to protect crops from fungal diseases that commonly occur in rice, vegetable, and fruit crops. However, prolonged exposure to it, and its high persistence, can cause adverse health effects. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the presence of CBZ through rapid detection methods in food samples to prevent ingestion and exposure to this pesticide at risk concentrations. In this work, a label-free electrochemical aptasensor based on functionalized carbon nanotubes was prepared for CBZ detection. The carbodiimide reaction between the amino-terminated aptamer and the carboxylic groups of carbon nanotubes achieved the covalent immobilization of the aptamer. The immobilized aptamer changed its conformation when it detected CBZ and blocked access to the redox mediator on the electrode surface, resulting in a measurable decrease in the voltammetric response. Under the optimal conditions, the aptasensor featured a linear detection range between 1.0 and 50.0 nM, with a detection limit of 4.35 nM. Moreover, the aptasensor exhibited good selectivity for CBZ, among other pesticides, and good repeatability. For CBZ detection in tomatoes, the aptasensor accurately measured CBZ content in a sample prepared using the standard addition method. This work provides a simple, rapid, sensitive, and selective biosensor for CBZ detection and quantification in food samples.
Quenching of the Photoluminescence of Gold Nanoclusters Synthesized by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Water upon Interaction with Toxic Metal Species in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Tahir  , Freire Jr Fernando Lazaro , Aucelio Ricardo Q. , Cremona Marco , Padilha Juliana da S. , Margheri Giancarlo , Zaman Quaid , Concas Guilherme C. , Gisbert Mariana , Ali Sajjad , Toloza Carlos A. T. , Licea Yordy E. , Saint’Pierre Tatiana D. , Carvalho Rafael S. , Khan Rajwali , Mariotto Gino , Daldosso Nicola , Perez Geronimo , Del Rosso Tommaso
Published: February 2023

Sensors for the detection of heavy metal ions in water are in high demand due to the danger they pose to both the environment and human health. Among their possible detection approaches, modulation of the photoluminescence of gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) is gaining wide interest as an alternative to classical analytical methods based on complex and high-cost instrumentation. In the present work, luminescent oxidized AuNCs emitting in both ultraviolet (UV) and visible (blue) regions were synthesized by pulsed laser ablation of a gold target in NaOH aqueous solution, followed by different bleaching processes. High-resolution electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray scattering confirmed the presence of oxygen and gold in the transparent photoluminescent clusters, with an average diameter of about 3 nm. The potentialities of the bleached AuNCs colloidal dispersions for the detection of heavy metal ions were studied by evaluating the variation in photoluminescence in the presence of Cd2+, Pb2+, Hg2+ and CH3Hg+ ions. Different responses were observed in the UV and visible (blue) spectral regions. The intensity of blue emission decreased (no more than 10%) and saturated at concentrations higher than 20 ppb for all the heavy metal ions tested. In contrast, the UV band emission was remarkably affected in the presence of Hg2+ ions, thus leading to signal variations for concentrations well beyond 20 ppb (the concentration at which saturation occurs for other ions). The limit of detection for Hg2+ is about 3 ppb (15 nmol/L), and the photoluminescence intensity diminishes linearly by about 75% up to 600 ppb. The results are interpreted based on the ligand-free interaction, i.e., the metallophilic bonding formation of Hg2+ and Au+ oxide present on the surface of the UV-emitting nanoclusters.
Detection of Kidney Complications Relevant Concentrations of Ammonia Gas Using Plasmonic Biosensors: A Review
Authors: Usman Fahad , Ghazali Kamarul Hawari , Muda Razali , Dennis John Ojur , Ibnaouf Khalid Hassan , Aldaghri Osamah A. , Alsadig Ahmed , Johari Nasrul Hadi , Jose Rajan
Published: February 2023

Kidney-related health problems cause millions of deaths around the world annually. Fortunately, most kidney problems are curable if detected at the earliest stage. Continuous monitoring of ammonia from exhaled breath is considered as a replacement for the conventional blood-based monitoring of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney failure owing to its cost effectiveness, non-invasiveness, excellent sensitivity, and capabilities for real-time measurement. The detection of ammonia for renal failure requires a biosensor with a detection limit of 1000 ppb (1 ppm). Among biosensors, plasmonic biosensors have attracted considerable research interest due to their potential for ultra-sensitivity, single particle/molecular level detection capability, multiplexing capability, photostability, real-time measurement, label-free measurement, room temperature operation, naked-eye readability, ease of miniaturization via simple sensor chip fabrication, and instrumentation, among other features. In this review, plasmonic sensors for the detection of ammonia gas relevant to kidney problems (LOD ≤ 1 ppm) are reviewed. In addition, the utilized strategies and surface functionalization for the plasmonic sensor are highlighted. Moreover, the main limitations of the reported sensors are stated for the benefit of future researchers. Finally, the challenges and prospects of plasmonic-based ammonia gas biosensors for potential application in the monitoring and screening of renal (kidney) failure, as well as the endpoint of the dialysis session, are stated.
The Efficacy of a Posterior Approach to Surgical Correction for Neglected Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Comparative Analysis According to Health-Related Quality of Life, Pulmonary Function, Back Pain and Sexual Function
Authors: Grabala Pawel , Helenius Ilkka J. , Buchowski Jacob M. , Shah Suken A.
Published: February 2023

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the treatment outcomes of severe idiopathic scoliosis (IS) and hypothesized that surgical treatment would have a superior impact on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL), pulmonary function (PF), back pain, and sexual function. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 195 consecutive patients with IS classified into severe (SG) and moderate groups (MG) with a minimum follow-up of two years. Results: The mean preoperative curve was 131° and 60° in the SG and MG, respectively. The mean preoperative flexibility in the bending films averaged between 22% in the SG and 41% in the MG. After definitive surgery, the main curve was corrected to 61° and 18° in the SG and MG, respectively. The mean preoperative thoracic kyphosis was 83° in the SG and 25° in the MG, which was corrected to 35° in the SG and 25° in the MG. At baseline, the percentage of predicted lung volume (FVC) was significantly lower in the SG than that in the MG (51.2% vs. 83%). The baseline percentage of the predicted FEV1 values was also significantly lower in the SG than in the MG (60.8% vs. 77%). During the two-year follow-up, the percentage of predicted FVC showed significant improvement in the SG (69.9%) (p < 0.001), and the percentage of predicted FEV1 values during the follow-up improved significantly in the SG (76.9%) (p < 0.001) compared with the MG (81%), with no statistical difference observed during the two-year follow-up. The SRS-22r showed a clinically and statistically significant improvement in the preoperative results to those of the final follow-up (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Surgical treatment of severe scoliosis can be safe. It provided a mean correction of the deformity for 59% of patients and significantly improved respiratory function, with the percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s improving by 60% and the forced vital capacity improving by 50%, resulting in clinically and statistically significant improvements in the SRS-22r, HRQoL outcome scores, and back pain (reduced from 36% to 8%), as well as improved sexual function. The planned surgical treatment can achieve a very significant deformity correction with a minimal risk of complications. The surgical treatment has a superior impact on the quality of life patients with severe spinal deformities and significantly improves function in every sphere of life.
Avoidance Measures for Patients with Allergic Rhinitis: A Scoping Review
Authors: Tomé Miguel , Lourenço Olga
Published: February 2023

Environmental allergen control is recommended as an essential part of allergic rhinitis (AR) management guidelines. In this scoping review, our objective is to identify measures of allergen avoidance and to evaluate their effectiveness in the management of AR. We conducted systematic searches for randomized controlled trials and observational studies in PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Web of Science databases. We included all types of control measures based on allergen eviction or reduction in exposure. Overall, 18 studies satisfied our criteria and were thus included for further analysis. The majority of the studies (15 out of 18) reported decreases in overall AR symptom scores, improvements in quality of life, or reductions in medication usage. However, due to the low number of participants and the limitations in study designs, it is not possible to make a definitive recommendation on the use of these interventions in the management of AR. A multifaceted approach, including treatment, prevention, and eradication of allergens from the environment, may be necessary to effectively reduce symptoms.
Concurrent and Predictive Validity of a Cycloid Loops Copy Task to Assess Handwriting Disorders in Children
Authors: Lopez Clémence , Vaivre-Douret Laurence
Published: February 2023

Handwriting disorders (HDs) are mainly assessed using script or cursive handwriting tasks. The most common is the scale for children’s handwriting, with a French adaptation (BHK). The present study aims to assess the concurrent validity of a pre-scriptural task (copying a line of cycloid loops) with the BHK for the diagnosis of HDs. Thirty-five primary school children (7 females, 28 males) with HD aged 6–11 years were recruited and compared to 331 typically developing children (TDC). Spatial/temporal/kinematic measures were collected using a digital pen on a paper. Posture and inter-segmental writing arm coordination were video recorded. A logistic regression statistical method, including a receiver-operating characteristic curve, was used to assess the ability of the task to predict HD. Gestural patterns were significantly less mature in HDs than in TDC (p < 0.05), and associated with poorer quality, less fluid, and slower drawing (p < 0.001). Moreover, good correlations between temporal and kinematic measures and the BHK scale were found. Number of strokes, total drawing time, in-air pauses times, and number of velocity peaks showed very good sensitivity (88%) and specificity (74%) to diagnose HDs. Consequently, the cycloid loops task is an easy, robust, and predictive tool for clinicians to identify HDs before the alphabet is mastered.
Maternal and Paternal Authoritarian Parenting and Adolescents’ Impostor Feelings: The Mediating Role of Parental Psychological Control and the Moderating Role of Child’s Gender
Authors: Yaffe Yosi
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Recent systematic reviews about the impostor phenomenon unveil a severe shortage of research data on adolescents. The present study aimed at reducing this gap in the literature by investigating the association between maternal and paternal authoritarian parenting and impostor feelings among adolescents, while testing the mediating role played by parental psychological control and the moderating role of the child’s gender in this context. Methods: Three hundred and eight adolescents took part in an online survey, in which they reported anonymously on their impostor feelings and their parents’ parenting styles via several valid psychological questionnaires. The sample consisted of 143 boys and 165 girls, whose age ranged from 12 to 17 (M = 14.67, SD = 1.64). Results: Of the sample’s participants, over 35% reported frequent to intense impostor feelings, with girls scoring significantly higher than boys on this scale. In general, the maternal and paternal parenting variables explained 15.2% and 13.3% (respectively) of the variance in the adolescents’ impostor scores. Parental psychological control fully mediated (for fathers) and partially mediated (for mothers) the association between parental authoritarian parenting and the adolescents’ impostor feelings. The child’s gender moderated solely the maternal direct effect of authoritarian parenting on impostor feelings (this association was significant for boys alone), but not the mediating effect via psychological control. Conclusions: The current study introduces a specific explanation for the possible mechanism describing the early emergence of impostor feelings in adolescents based on parenting styles and behaviors.
Telehealth Use in Pediatric Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study on the Perspectives of Caregivers
Authors: Kodjebacheva Gergana Damianova , Tang Charlotte , Groesbeck Faith , Walker Loretta , Woodworth Jillian , Schindler-Ruwisch Jennifer
Published: February 2023

This qualitative study surveyed caregivers regarding their perspectives on the benefits of, challenges with, and suggestions for improving telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Caregivers who had the responsibility for caring for at least one child aged under 18 years of age in Genesee County, MI, participated. The caregivers were biological parents, stepparents, foster parents, adoptive parents, and guardians. A total of 105 caregivers completed a survey with open-ended questions via Qualtrics. Two independent coders developed themes based on the responses using grounded theory. Participants were primarily biological parents and non-Hispanic White and African Americans. According to the participants, the benefits of telehealth included prevention of exposure to the COVID-19 virus, quality communication with physicians, savings in travel time, and cost-effective methods to receive care. The challenges included a lack of in-person interaction, fear of compromised confidentiality, and the potential for misdiagnosis. Suggestions for improvement by caregivers included increasing access to telehealth for poorer families, offering a media educational campaign to promote telehealth use, and creating a universal platform to share patient information. Future studies may test the effectiveness of interventions such as those suggested by caregivers in this study to improve telehealth.
Network Pharmacological Analysis of a New Herbal Combination Targeting Hyperlipidemia and Efficacy Validation In Vitro
Authors: Kim Tae-Hyoung , Yu Ga-Ram , Kim Hyuck , Kim Jai-Eun , Lim Dong-Woo , Park Won-Hwan
Published: February 2023

The network pharmacology (NP) approach is a valuable novel methodology for understanding the complex pharmacological mechanisms of medicinal herbs. In addition, various in silico analysis techniques combined with the NP can improve the understanding of various issues used in natural product research. This study assessed the therapeutic effects of Arum ternata (AT), Poria cocos (PC), and Zingiber officinale (ZO) on hyperlipidemia after network pharmacologic analysis. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of forty-one key targets was analyzed to discover core functional clusters of the herbal compounds. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and gene ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis identified significant categories of hypolipidemic mechanisms. The STITCH database indicated a high connection with several statin drugs, deduced by the similarity in targets. AT, PC, and ZO regulated the genes related to the energy metabolism and lipogenesis in HepG2 cells loaded with free fatty acids (FFAs). Furthermore, the mixture of three herbs had a combinational effect. The herbal combination exerted superior efficacy compared to a single herb, particularly in regulating acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1). In conclusion, the network pharmacologic approach was used to assess potential targets of the herbal combination for treatment. Experimental data from FFA-induced HepG2 cells suggested that the combination of AT, PC, and ZO might attenuate hyperlipidemia and its associated hepatic steatosis.
Macro-Regional Strategies, Climate Policies and Regional Climatic Governance in the Alps
Authors: Cattivelli Valentina
Published: February 2023

This paper describes the macro-regional governance framework behind the climate adaptation policies that are currently in place in the Alpine area. Through this discussion, it specifically considers the implications of the regional governance of South Tyrol and Lombardy as case studies. Despite rising concern at the European level, there are still no specific guidelines in place for climate change governance at the macro-regional level. Macro-regions encompass multiple regions that have certain shared morphological characteristics. To address climate changes that occur here, they adopt optional larger-scale strategies without adequately considering territorial and governmental specificities at the regional level. Each individual region adopts specific climate adaptation strategies to deal with the challenges of the territories they govern, without considering the effects on their neighbours, decentralises climate policies to the lowest tiers of government, and encourages participation from individuals and non-governmental organisations. The Alpine macro-region is governed by three separate international/transnational institutions at the macro-regional level and is subject to different regulations from each of the 48 regions/autonomous provinces. One of these regions is Lombardy, which is particularly exposed to the effects of climate change due to having the highest values for land consumption and pollution in Italy. From the administrative point of view, it is an ordinary region, which means that it has the same legislative competences of the other Italian regions. South Tyrol is entirely mountainous. Being an autonomous province, it benefits from greater legislative autonomy than ordinary regions. Based on documental analysis of climate adaptation strategies, findings demonstrate that the preferred governance structure involves the presence of a coordinating institution (such as the province in South Tyrol or the region in Lombardy) that decides climate action, along with several other local institutions and stakeholders that have less decision-making power. Its preferred mechanism for addressing specific climate challenges is the definition of specific regulations and the draft of regional and mono-sectoral plans. These regulations do not relate strongly to wider-scale strategies at the macro-regional level, but are inspired by their principles and priorities. At both definition and implementation levels, the participation of local organisations is limited and not incentivised. Administratively, South Tyrol enjoys greater autonomy, whereas Lombardy must comply more closely with state regulations that limit its decision-making freedom.
Heatwave Variability and Structure in South Africa during Summer Drought
Authors: Mbokodo Innocent L. , Bopape Mary-Jane M. , Ndarana Thando , Mbatha Sifiso M. S. , Muofhe Tshimbiluni P. , Singo Mukovhe V. , Xulu Nkosinathi G. , Mohomi Tumelo , Ayisi Kingsley K. , Chikoore Hector
Published: February 2023

Pronounced subsidence leading to summer drought over southern Africa causes warmer than average surface air temperatures or even heatwave (HW) conditions. We investigated the occurrence of HWs during the summer drought over South Africa based on station data and the ECMWF ERA5 reanalyses. Temperature observations from the South African Weather Service were analyzed for seasonality and long-term trends (1981–2020) as background to the occurrence and variability of HWs. We focused on three severe El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-induced drought seasons, i.e., 1982/83, 1991/92, and 2015/16, to investigate HW characteristics. While 1997/98 was among the strongest El Niño seasons, the impacts were not as severe because it coincided with an intense Angola low, which allowed for rain-bearing cloud bands to form. Results showed that the hottest months were spread across the austral summer season from December to February. Regions experiencing high mean maximum temperatures and high HW frequencies exhibited a strong ENSO signal, with record HWs occurring during 2015/16. The establishment and persistence of a middle-level high-pressure system over Botswana/Namibia (Botswana High) appears to trigger the longest-lasting HWs during drought seasons. The Botswana high is usually coupled with a near-surface continental heat low and/or tropical warm air advection towards the affected region. It was also found that intense ENSO-induced drought events coincided with high HW frequency over South Africa, such as during 1982/83, 1991/92, and the recent 2015/16 events. The results of this study contribute to understanding drought and heat wave dynamics in a region experiencing rapid warming as a result of climate change.
Increasing Risk of Tick-Borne Disease through Growth Stages in Ticks
Authors: Kondo Makoto , Matsushima Yoshiaki , Nakanishi Takehisa , Iida Shohei , Koji Habe , Yamanaka Keiichi
Published: February 2023

Rickettsia and Coxiella spp. are pathogens transmitted by ticks to humans. However, the developmental stage of the tick carrying the greatest risk of infection is unknown. Detection of pathogen-specific genes proves that ticks carrying Rickettsia or Coxiella spp. constitute a reservoir of infection. However, conventional PCR methods are unable to quantitate the pathogens within ticks. In the present study, we collected ticks in the endemic area of Japanese spotted fever, caused by Rickettsia japonica, and determined the rate of tick-borne pathogens carried by the ticks. As a method of evaluation, next-generation sequencing was used to estimate the proportion of pathogens in 10 adult and 10 larval ticks. Ticks were identified Haemaphysalis longicornis (H.L) from the results of the sequencing of PCR products amplified using tick identification-specific primers. The gene detection rates were 10/10 for Rickettsia sp. and 10/10 for Coxiella sp. among the adult ticks. For the larval ticks, the ratios were 7/10 and 5/10 for Rickettsia sp. and Coxiella sp., respectively. The largest proportion of Coxiella sp.-specific DNA reached 96% in one adult tick. The proportion of Rickettsia sp. genes ranged from 1.76% to 41.81% (mean, 15.56%) in the adult ticks. The proportions of Coxiella and Rickettsia spp. genes in the larvae ranged from 0% to 27.4% (mean 5.86%) and from 0% to 14.6% (mean 3.38%), respectively. When the percentage of Rickettsia sp., out of all pathogens detected via next-generation sequencing, was analyzed between the adult and larval stages of the ticks, a significant difference was observed at p = 0.0254. For Coxiella sp., a highly significant difference (p < 0.0001) was found between the adult and larval stages of the ticks. In conclusion, the detection rates and proportions of Rickettsia and Coxiella spp. genes were highest in adult H.L ticks. The risk of contracting tick-borne infections may increase with bites from adult ticks, especially those harboring Coxiella sp.
Preparation and Characterization of Stable Superhydrophobic Copper Foams Suitable for Treatment of Oily Wastewater
Authors: Baxevani Aikaterini , Stergioudi Fani , Patsatzis Nikolaos , Malletzidou Lamprini , Vourlias George , Skolianos Stefanos
Published: February 2023

A simple two-stage chemical solution process is reported, to deposit a superhydrophobic film on copper foams with a view to be employed in oil absorption or filtration procedures. The first stage includes the growth of a silver layer to increase micro roughness and the second one evolves the modification of the film using stearic acid. The whole process is time-saving, cost effective and versatile. UV-Vis spectroscopy was employed to determine optimum deposition durations and detect potential film detachments during the synthesis process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to examine the film structure and elemental analysis. Surface functional groups were detected by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. An adherent superhydrophobic silver coating was achieved under optimum deposition durations. A leaf-like structural morphology appeared from silver deposition and spherical, microflower morphologies stemmed from the stearic acid deposition. The influence of process conditions on wettability and the obtained silver film morphology and topography were clarified. Thermal stability at several temperatures along with chemical stability for acidic and alkaline environments were examined. Oil absorption capacity and separation efficiency were also evaluated for the optimum superhydrophobic copper foams. The results showed that the produced superhydrophobic copper foams can potentially be used to oil/water separation applications.
Graphitic Layered Structures Enhancing TiNT Catalyst Photo-Electrochemical Behaviour
Authors: Passalacqua Rosalba , Abate Salvatore , De Luca Federica , Perathoner Siglinda , Centi Gabriele
Published: February 2023

The increasing knowledge in nanoscience and materials technology promoted the development of advanced materials with enhanced and unusual properties suitable for sustainable applications ranging from energy to environmental purposes. Here are presented some results from our current investigations on composite semiconducting materials. The investigated composites have been prepared from different nitrogen precursors and thin films of TiO2 nanotubes. The synergy between hetero-structures based on graphitic-C3N4 and thin films of titania nanotubes obtained by anodisation was studied. The composites have been characterised with several complementary techniques to evidence the relation between photo-behaviour and the composition of the samples. This study allows new insights into the nature of the specific enhanced properties due to this synergy among the two compounds. The g-C3N4/TiNT heterojunctions showed enhanced photo-electrochemical properties observed from the photocurrent measurements. The as-prepared composites have been investigated as cathode materials in the electrocatalytic reduction of oxalic acid (OX), evidencing the capability of tuning the reaction toward glycolic acid with respect to the pristine TiNT array. The observed Faradic efficiency (FE) for the composites follows the trend: TiNT-U6 > TiNT-M6 > TiNT-MU18. TiNT-U6 shows the best performances (FEGC = 63.7%; FEGO = 15.5%; OX conversion = 61. 4%) after 2 h of reaction. The improved photo-electrochemical properties make these materials suitable for H2 production, solar-light-driven water splitting, and CO2 reduction applications.
Alginate-Based Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Coating Extends Storage Life and Maintains Quality Parameters of Mango Fruits “cv. Kiett”
Authors: Hmmam Ibrahim , Ali Mohamed Abdel-Shakur , Abdellatif Abdou
Published: February 2023

In this study, we describe the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and evaluate the impact of alginate-based ZnO NPs (Alg–ZnO NPs) on microbiological activity, storage behavior, and physico-chemical properties of ‘Kiett’ mango fruit. The fruits were coated with alginate and Alg–ZnO NPs and then stored at 13 °C; uncoated mango fruits were used as controls. ZnO NPs were synthesized and characterized, confirming the formation of spherically shaped particles with sizes ranging from 12 to 15.1 nm and a zeta potential equal to 31 mV. Alg–ZnO NPs exhibited the same inhibition capacities against the growth of E. coli and S. aureus bacteria. The cold-stored fruits showed an increase in weight loss, respiration rate, total soluble solids (TSS), total sugars, and total carotenoids over the storage period. However, this increase was comparatively less significant in coated fruits than in uncoated ones. Alg–ZnO NP treatment maintained better fruit quality, controlled the decay incidence, and increased the shelf life of the mango fruits. Firmness and titratable acidity (TA) significantly decreased during storage, but this decrease was reduced in coated fruits. We conclude that Alg–ZnO NP treatment could be a promising safe alternative for maintaining fruit quality, extending the storage period, and increasing the shelf life of mango fruits ‘cv. Kiett’.
Operation of Gate-Controlled Irrigation System Using HEC-RAS 2D for Spring Flood Hazard Reduction
Authors: Akiyanova Farida , Ongdas Nurlan , Zinabdin Nurlybek , Karakulov Yergali , Nazhbiyev Adlet , Mussagaliyeva Zhanbota , Atalikhova Aksholpan
Published: February 2023

Flooding events have been negatively affecting the Republic of Kazakhstan, with higher occurrence in flat parts of the country during spring snowmelt in snow-fed rivers. The current project aims to assess the flood hazard reduction capacity of Alva irrigation system, which is located in the interfluve area of Yesil and Nura Rivers. The assessment is performed by simulating spring floods using HEC-RAS 2D and controlling the gates of the existing system. A digital elevation model of the study domain was generated by integration of Sentinel-1 radar images with the data obtained from bathymetrical survey and aerial photography. Comparison of the simulated inundation area with a remote sensing image of spring flood in April 2019 indicated that the main reason for differences was due to local snowmelt in the study domain. Exclusion of areas flooded by local snowmelt, which were identified using the updated DEM, from comparison increased the model similarity to 70%. Further simulations of different exceedance probability hydrographs enabled classification of the study area according to maximum flood depth and flood duration. Theoretical changes on the dam crest as well as additional gates were proposed to improve the system capacity by flooding agriculturally important areas, which were not flooded during the simulation of the current system. The developed model could be used by local authorities for further development of flood mitigation measures and assessment of different development plans of the irrigation system.
High Throughput PRESENT Cipher Hardware Architecture for the Medical IoT Applications
Authors: Damodharan Jamunarani , Susai Michael Emalda Roslin , Shaikh-Husin Nasir
Published: February 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) is an intelligent technology applied to various fields like agriculture, healthcare, automation, and defence. Modern medical electronics is also one such field that relies on IoT. Execution time, data security, power, and hardware utilization are the four significant problems that should be addressed in the data communication system between intelligent devices. Due to the risks in the implementation algorithm complexity, certain ciphers are unsuitable for IoT applications. In addition, IoT applications are also implemented on an embedded platform wherein computing resources and memory are limited in number. Here in the research work, a reliable lightweight encryption algorithm with PRESENT has been implemented as a hardware accelerator and optimized for medical IoT-embedded applications. The PRESENT cipher is a reliable, lightweight encryption algorithm in many applications. This paper presents a low latency 32-bit data path of PRESENT cipher architecture that provides high throughput. The proposed hardware architecture has been implemented and tested with XILINX XC7Z030FBG676-2 ZYNQ FPGA board 7000. This work shows an improvement of about 85.54% in throughput with a reasonable trade-off over hardware utilization.
Structural Origin of Anisotropic Thermal Expansion of Molecular Crystals and Implication for the Density Rule Probed with Four ROY Polymorphs
Authors: Chattoraj Sayantan , Sun Changquan Calvin
Published: February 2023

The objective of this work was to investigate the molecular origin of the differences in the thermal expansivity of four ROY polymorphs (Y, R, OP, and ON) using variable temperature single crystal X-ray diffractometry (VT-SCXRD). Thermal expansivity was found to be directly influenced by the crystal packing and the number and type of directional interactions, such as hydrogen bonds, involved in packing. Polymorphs with layered molecular packing, i.e., ON, OP, and R, show higher volume expansivity, where the axial component of the expansion is the largest in the directions perpendicular to the hydrogen-bonded layers and the smallest along the layers. Polymorph Y shows the least volume expansivity, which corresponds to the presence of a denser hydrogen-bonded network structure in the crystal, and absence of apparent molecular layers. The largest overall expansivity is observed for polymorph ON that lacks intermolecular hydrogen bonds and exhibits a layered packing pattern along two axes. The differences in the thermal expansivity of the ROY polymorphs lead to violations of the density rule in polymorph stability prediction due to crossover in crystal density with change in temperature, which means the rank order of crystal density of polymorphs is temperature-dependent. Thus, at absolute zero, the most thermodynamically stable polymorph Y is predicted to not have the highest density, which violates the density rule. Likewise, for all enantiotropic polymorphs undergoing the density crossover phenomenon, the density rule is valid only within the temperature range bracketed by the temperatures of density crossover (Td) and thermodynamic transition (Tt). For all monotropic polymorphs, the density rule is valid only above Td.
Insight into Oncogenic Viral Pathways as Drivers of Viral Cancers: Implication for Effective Therapy
Authors: Elkhalifa Ahmed M. E. , Nabi Showkat Ul , Shah Ovais Shabir , Bashir Showkeen Muzamil , Muzaffer Umar , Ali Sofi Imtiyaz , Wani Imtiyaz Ahmad , Alzerwi Nasser A. N. , Elderdery Abozer Y. , Alanazi Awadh , Alenazy Fawaz O. , Alharbi Abdulaziz Hamdan A.
Published: February 2023

As per a recent study conducted by the WHO, 15.4% of all cancers are caused by infectious agents of various categories, and more than 10% of them are attributed to viruses. The emergence of COVID-19 has once again diverted the scientific community’s attention toward viral diseases. Some researchers have postulated that SARS-CoV-2 will add its name to the growing list of oncogenic viruses in the long run. However, owing to the complexities in carcinogenesis of viral origin, researchers across the world are struggling to identify the common thread that runs across different oncogenic viruses. Classical pathways of viral oncogenesis have identified oncogenic mediators in oncogenic viruses, but these mediators have been reported to act on diverse cellular and multiple omics pathways. In addition to viral mediators of carcinogenesis, researchers have identified various host factors responsible for viral carcinogenesis. Henceforth owing to viral and host complexities in viral carcinogenesis, a singular mechanistic pathway remains yet to be established; hence there is an urgent need to integrate concepts from system biology, cancer microenvironment, evolutionary perspective, and thermodynamics to understand the role of viruses as drivers of cancer. In the present manuscript, we provide a holistic view of the pathogenic pathways involved in viral oncogenesis with special emphasis on alteration in the tumor microenvironment, genomic alteration, biological entropy, evolutionary selection, and host determinants involved in the pathogenesis of viral tumor genesis. These concepts can provide important insight into viral cancers, which can have an important implication for developing novel, effective, and personalized therapeutic options for treating viral cancers.
Oncologic Outcomes of Surgically Treated Cervical Cancer with No Residual Disease on Hysterectomy Specimen: A 4C (Canadian Cervical Cancer Collaborative) Working Group Study
Authors: Aubrey Christa , Pond Gregory R. , Helpman Limor , Vicus Danielle , Elit Laurie , Plante Marie , Lau Susie , Kwon Janice S. , Altman Alon D. , Willows Karla , Feigenberg Tomer , Sabourin Jeanelle , Samouelian Vanessa , Bernard Laurence , Cockburn Norah , Saunders Nora-Beth , Piedimonte Sabrina , Teo-Fortin Ly-Ann , Kim Soyoun Rachel , Sadeq Noor , Jang Ji-Hyun , Shamiya Sarah , Nelson Gregg
Published: February 2023

Minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of macroscopic cervical cancer leads to worse oncologic outcomes than with open surgery. Preoperative conization may mitigate the risk of surgical approach. Our objective was to describe the oncologic outcomes in cases of cervical cancer initially treated with conization, and subsequently found to have no residual cervical cancer after hysterectomy performed via open and minimally invasive approaches. This was a retrospective cohort study of surgically treated cervical cancer at 11 Canadian institutions from 2007 to 2017. Cases initially treated with cervical conization and subsequent hysterectomy, with no residual disease on hysterectomy specimen were included. They were subdivided according to minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic (MIS) or laparoscopically assisted vaginal/vaginal hysterectomy (LVH)), or abdominal (AH). Recurrence free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Chi-square and log-rank tests were used to compare between cohorts. Within the total cohort, 238/1696 (14%) had no residual disease on hysterectomy specimen (122 MIS, 103 AH, and 13 VLH). The majority of cases in the cohort were FIGO 2018 stage IB1 (43.7%) and underwent a radical hysterectomy (81.9%). There was no statistical difference between stage, histology, and radical vs simple hysterectomy between the abdominal and minimally invasive groups. There were no significant differences in RFS (5-year: MIS/LVH 97.7%, AH 95.8%, p = 0.23) or OS (5-year: MIS/VLH 98.9%, AH 97.4%, p = 0.10), although event-rates were low. There were only two recurrences. In this large study including only patients with no residual cervical cancer on hysterectomy specimen, no significant differences in survival were seen by surgical approach. This may be due to the small number of events or due to no actual difference between the groups. Further studies are warranted.
Investigation of Vermicompost Influence on Seed Germination of the Endangered Wild Rubber Species Scorzonera tau-saghyz
Authors: Boguspaev Kenzhe-Karim , Turasheva Svetlana , Mutalkhanov Meirambek , Bassygarayev Zhandos , Yernazarova Gulzira , Alnurova Aizada , Sarsenbek Balaussa
Published: February 2023

In this paper, the effect of an organic fertilizer, namely, “vermicompost tea” (VCT), on the germination of seeds of the rare wild species Scorzonera tau-saghyz Lipsch. et & G.G. Bosse was studied. S. tau-saghyz is an alternative rubber plant to Hevea brasiliensis, and it was widely distributed and grew well in the northwestern spur of the Tien Shan in the pre-war years (1931–1943). In recent decades, the number of wild species of S. tau-saghyz in natural populations has declined sharply due to climate change and the impact of anthropogenic factors. In this context, it has become necessary to restore the number of wild species. One of the critical phases in the restoration of surviving S. tau-saghyz populations and domestication is seed germination. The approaches that have been explored to increase seed germination, such as stratification and seed dressing with ethyl mercuric chloride, have not yielded good results. The current study covered 4 and 8 h short-term seed treatments with 1, 5 and 10% VCT. The priming of S. tau-saghyz seeds with 10% VCT was found to significantly increase germination from 39.0 (in the control) to 76.7% and to improve seedling vigor, mean germination time, and seedling weight. The combination of soaking the seeds in 10% VCT for 8 h and cultivating the seedlings in soil with 20% vermicompost further improved both germination and seedling growth. The vermicompost incorporation lengthened the main root, which normally accumulates rubber, and it increased its crude biomass by 1.6 times compared to that of the control.
First Record of Corallivorous Nudibranch Pinufius (Gastropoda: Nudibranchia) in the South China Sea: A Suspected New Species of Pinufius
Authors: Jia Zhiyu , Tian Peng , Wang Wei , Cao Bingbing , Xu Ziqing , Xiao Jiaguang , Niu Wentao
Published: February 2023

A corallivorous nudibranch from the South China Sea reproduced explosively and caused extensive damage to Porites in our aquarium. In this study, morphological and molecular analyses of the nudibranch were conducted and described. Morphologically, this nudibranch was nearly consistent with Pinufius rebus in its characteristics intermediate between arminids and aeolids. The only detected difference was that the hook-like denticles on the masticatory border of P. rebus were absent in this nudibranch. In a molecular analysis, phylogenetic results based on the cytochrome oxidase subunit-I, 16S rRNA, and histone H3 gene sequences showed that this nudibranch and P. rebus form a well-supported sister clade under the superfamily Fionoidea, with significant interspecific divergence (0.18). Thus, we presumed that this nudibranch is a new species of Pinufius. Our results extend the distribution of Pinufius to the South China Sea, support the current taxonomic status of Pinufius under the superfamily Fionoidea, and imply that the species composition of Pinufius is more complex than previous records. Moreover, as a corallivorous nudibranch, the potential threat of Pinufius to coral health cannot be neglected.
Cranial Material of Long-Snouted Dolphins (Cetacea, Odontoceti, Eurhinodelphinidae) from the Early Miocene of Rosignano Monferrato, Piedmont (NW Italy): Anatomy, Paleoneurology, Phylogenetic Relationships and Paleobiogeography
Authors: Tosetto Vera , Damarco Piero , Daniello Riccardo , Pavia Marco , Carnevale Giorgio , Bisconti Michelangelo
Published: February 2023

We provide a new study of previously published eurhinodelphinid materials from the early Miocene of Piedmont (NW Italy) based on a new preparation of the fossil specimens. We studied specimens previously assigned to Tursiops miocaenus and Dalpiazella sp. and provide new anatomical data on the eurhinodelphinid skull and ear bones. In particular, we suggest that a skull that was previously assigned to Tursiops miocaenus must be reassigned to Ziphiodelphis sigmoideus (Cetacea, Odontoceti, Eurhinodelphinidae) based on new comparisons of the squamosal. This finding enabled us to provide new anatomical information on the ear bone anatomy of Z. sigmoideus that was previously unknown. The material originally assigned to Tursiops miocaenus is currently lost. For this reason and due to the fact that the partial illustration of this species by Portis does not allow us to find diagnostic characters for this species, we decided that Tursiops miocaenus is a nomen dubium. Analysis of additional isolated teeth previously assigned to Tursiops miocaenus led to the conclusion that these specimens represent Odontoceti incertae sedis. We performed a new phylogenetic analysis by adding newly discovered character states to a previous dataset and a paleobiogeographic analysis of Eurhinodelphinidae. We found two monophyletic clades within this family. The paleobiogeographic pattern found by the present work suggests the existence of North Atlantic and Mediterranean clades with some species distributed among both basins. We analyzed the virtual endocast of Ziphiodelphis sigmoideus and found that it resembles that of Schizodelphis in several respects, suggesting that some of the more derived characters of the odontocete brain were still absent in these early Miocene eurhinodelphinids.
Modern Methods of Diagnostics and Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Depression
Authors: Shusharina Natalia , Yukhnenko Denis , Botman Stepan , Sapunov Viktor , Savinov Vladimir , Kamyshov Gleb , Sayapin Dmitry , Voznyuk Igor
Published: February 2023

This paper discusses the promising areas of research into machine learning applications for the prevention and correction of neurodegenerative and depressive disorders. These two groups of disorders are among the leading causes of decline in the quality of life in the world when estimated using disability-adjusted years. Despite decades of research, the development of new approaches for the assessment (especially pre-clinical) and correction of neurodegenerative diseases and depressive disorders remains among the priority areas of research in neurophysiology, psychology, genetics, and interdisciplinary medicine. Contemporary machine learning technologies and medical data infrastructure create new research opportunities. However, reaching a consensus on the application of new machine learning methods and their integration with the existing standards of care and assessment is still a challenge to overcome before the innovations could be widely introduced to clinics. The research on the development of clinical predictions and classification algorithms contributes towards creating a unified approach to the use of growing clinical data. This unified approach should integrate the requirements of medical professionals, researchers, and governmental regulators. In the current paper, the current state of research into neurodegenerative and depressive disorders is presented.
Abbreviated Versus Multiparametric Prostate MRI in Active Surveillance for Prostate-Cancer Patients: Comparison of Accuracy and Clinical Utility as a Decisional Tool
Authors: Zattoni Fabio , Maresca Silvio , Dal Moro Fabrizio , Bednarova Iliana , Randazzo Gianmarco , Basso Giovanni , Reitano Giuseppe , Giannarini Gianluca , Zuiani Chiara , Girometti Rossano
Published: February 2023

(1) Purpose: To compare the diagnostic accuracy between full multiparametric contrast-enhanced prostate MRI (mpMRI) and abbreviated dual-sequence prostate MRI (dsMRI) in men with clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) who were candidates for active surveillance. (2) Materials and Methods: Fifty-four patients with a diagnosis of low-risk PCa in the previous 6 months had a mpMRI scan prior to a saturation biopsy and a subsequent MRI cognitive transperineal targeted biopsy (for PI-RADS ≥ 3 lesions). The dsMRI images were obtained from the mpMRI protocol. The images were selected by a study coordinator and assigned to two readers blinded to the biopsy results (R1 and R2). Inter-reader agreement for clinically significant cancer was evaluated with Cohen’s kappa. The dsMRI and mpMRI accuracy was calculated for each reader (R1 and R2). The clinical utility of the dsMRI and mpMRI was investigated with a decision-analysis model. (3) Results: The dsMRI sensitivity and specificity were 83.3%, 31.0%, 75.0%, and 23.8%, respectively, for R1 and R2. The mpMRI sensitivity and specificity were 91.7%, 31.0%, 83.3%, and 23.8%, respectively, for R1 and R2. The inter-reader agreement for the detection of csPCa was moderate (k = 0.53) and good (k = 0.63) for dsMRI and mpMRI, respectively. The AUC values for the dsMRI were 0.77 and 0.62 for the R1 and R2, respectively. The AUC values for the mpMRI were 0.79 and 0.66 for R1 and R2, respectively. No AUC differences were found between the two MRI protocols. At any risk threshold, the mpMRI showed a higher net benefit than the dsMRI for both R1 and R2. (4) Conclusions: The dsMRI and mpMRI showed similar diagnostic accuracy for csPCa in male candidates for active surveillance.