bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence-Based Approach for Secondary Prevention of Uterine Fibroids (The ESCAPE Approach)
Authors: Vafaei Somayeh , Ciebiera Michał , Omran Mervat M. , Ghasroldasht Mohammad Mousaei , Yang Qiwei , Leake Tanya , Wolfe Rochelle , Ali Mohamed , Al-Hendy Ayman
Published: November 2023

Uterine fibroids (UFs) are common tumors in women of reproductive age. It is imperative to comprehend UFs’ associated risk factors to facilitate early detection and prevention. Simple relying on surgical/pharmacological treatment of advanced disease is not only highly expensive, but it also deprives patients of good quality of life (QOL). Unfortunately, even if the disease is discovered early, no medical intervention is traditionally initiated until the disease burden becomes high, and only then is surgical intervention performed. Furthermore, after myomectomy, the recurrence rate of UFs is extremely high with the need for additional surgeries and other interventions. This confused approach is invasive and extremely costly with an overall negative impact on women’s health. Secondary prevention is the management of early disease to slow down its progression or even halt it completely. The current approach of watchful observation for early disease is considered a major missed opportunity in the literature. The aim of this article is to present an approach named the ESCAPE (Evidence-Based Approach for Secondary Prevention) of UF management. It comprises simple, inexpensive, and safe steps that can arrest the development of UFs, promote overall reproductive health, decrease the number of unnecessary surgeries, and save billions of health care systems’ dollars worldwide.
Reference Genes Screening and Gene Expression Patterns Analysis Involved in Gelsenicine Biosynthesis under Different Hormone Treatments in Gelsemium elegans
Authors: Zhang Yao , Mu Detian , Wang Liya , Wang Xujun , Wilson Iain W. , Chen Wenqiang , Wang Jinghan , Liu Zhaoying , Qiu Deyou , Tang Qi
Published: November 2023

Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) is an accurate method for quantifying gene expression levels. Choosing appropriate reference genes to normalize the data is essential for reducing errors. Gelsemium elegans is a highly poisonous but important medicinal plant used for analgesic and anti-swelling purposes. Gelsenicine is one of the vital active ingredients, and its biosynthesis pathway remains to be determined. In this study, G. elegans leaf tissue with and without the application of one of four hormones (SA, MeJA, ETH, and ABA) known to affect gelsenicine synthesis, was analyzed using ten candidate reference genes. The gene stability was evaluated using GeNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, ∆CT, and RefFinder. The results showed that the optimal stable reference genes varied among the different treatments and that at least two reference genes were required for accurate quantification. The expression patterns of 15 genes related to the gelsenicine upstream biosynthesis pathway was determined by RT-qPCR using the relevant reference genes identified. Three genes 8-HGO, LAMT, and STR, were found to have a strong correlation with the amount of gelsenicine measured in the different samples. This research is the first study to examine the reference genes of G. elegans under different hormone treatments and will be useful for future molecular analyses of this medically important plant species.
Immunodetection of Truncated Forms of the α6 Subunit of the nAChR in the Brain of Spinosad Resistant Ceratitis capitata Phenotypes
Authors: Guillem-Amat Ana , López-Errasquín Elena , García-Ricote Irene , Barbero José Luis , Sánchez Lucas , Casas-Tintó Sergio , Ortego Félix
Published: November 2023

The α6 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) has been proposed as the target for spinosad in insects. Point mutations that result in premature stop codons in the α6 gene of Ceratitis capitata flies have been previously associated with spinosad resistance, but it is unknown if these transcripts are translated and if so, what is the location of the putative truncated proteins. In this work, we produced a specific antibody against C. capitata α6 (Ccα6) and validated it by ELISA, Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays in brain tissues. The antibody detects both wild-type and truncated forms of Ccα6 in vivo, and the protein is located in the cell membrane of the brain of wild-type spinosad sensitive flies. On the contrary, the shortened transcripts present in resistant flies generate putative truncated proteins that, for the most part, fail to reach their final destination in the membrane of the cells and remain in the cytoplasm. The differences observed in the locations of wild-type and truncated α6 proteins are proposed to determine the susceptibility or resistance to spinosad.
Changes in Arterial Stiffness Monitored Using the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index in Patients with Rheumatic Disease Receiving Initial Glucocorticoid Therapy: A Clinical Pilot Study
Authors: Kaneko Kaichi , Sakai Daiki , Sato Shuji , Kinoshita Toshio , Shimizu Kazuhiro
Published: November 2023

Systemic inflammatory rheumatic diseases predispose to premature birth, accelerated atherosclerosis, and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD). While glucocorticoids (GCs) are used in various rheumatic diseases, and the associations between GC excess and increased prevalence of CVD complications are well established, the mechanisms underlying GCs’ role in atheroma development are unclear. We conducted an observational study to address GC therapy’s effect on arterial stiffness using the cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) in patients with rheumatic diseases. Twenty-eight patients with rheumatic disease received initial GC therapy with prednisolone at doses ranging from 20 to 60 mg/d. CAVI was examined at baseline and 3 and 6 months after GC therapy. Changes in CAVI and inflammatory parameters were evaluated. GC therapy increased the mean CAVI after 3 months but decreased it to pretreatment levels after 6 months. The mean CAVI substantially decreased with GC treatment in patients <65 years but increased in patients ≥65 years. Alterations in CAVI during the 6-month GC treatment negatively correlated with the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) at baseline. Conversely, no correlation was observed between alterations in CAVI values and conventional inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Multivariate analysis of factors related to changes in CAVI highlighted young age, high prednisolone dosage, and LMR at baseline. GC temporarily exacerbates but eventually improves arterial stiffness in rheumatic diseases. Particularly in young patients, GC may improve arterial stiffness by reducing inflammation. Therefore, the LMR before GC therapy in rheumatic diseases may be a potential predictor of arterial stiffness.
An Overview of Physical Exercise Program Protocols and Effects on the Physical Function in Multiple Sclerosis: An Umbrella Review
Authors: Sortino Martina , Petrigna Luca , Trovato Bruno , Amato Alessandra , Castorina Alessandro , D’Agata Velia , Maugeri Grazia , Musumeci Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

Multiple sclerosis is a disease that concerns a growing number of people, especially females. There are different interventions proposed for this population, and physical activity is one of them. A proper and well-structured physical activity program can be a cheap, feasible, and practical instrument to help this population improve their quality of life. Consequently, the present study aimed to analyze, through an umbrella review, published articles to evaluate the protocols and the effect of intervention on different types of multiple sclerosis and eventually to propose a standardized intervention for this population. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials on multiple sclerosis and physical activity effects were searched for on the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus up to 22 December 2022. The quality of the studies included was determined and the results were narratively analyzed. The included studies present heterogeneity in the population, in the study design and protocols, and in the outcomes evaluated. Most of the studies detected positive outcomes on the physical function of people with multiple sclerosis. This study highlights the necessity of future studies on a population with similar characteristics, adopting similar protocols to evaluate their feasibility and validity to make physical intervention prescribed as a medicine.
An Automatic Train Operation Based Real-Time Rescheduling Model for High-Speed Railway
Authors: Liu Fan , Xun Jing
Published: November 2023

With the continuous development of the Automatic Train Operation (ATO) system in high-speed railways, automatic driving is progressively supplanting manual operations, ushering in a new era of predictability and reliability for high-speed railway transport. Concurrently, the advent of the ATO system provides a notable impact on real-time rescheduling during disruptions, as it equips dispatchers with precise insights into train operation statuses. This paper is dedicated to a thorough analysis of how the transition to automatic driving in train operations influences the real-time rescheduling model. Based on the distinctive impact of the ATO system on real-time rescheduling, we have proposed a mixed-integer linear programming model that combines train re-timing, reordering, and the minimization of passenger delays. To validate the effectiveness of our model, we present several experiments conducted using data from the Beijing–Shanghai high-speed railway line. The results unequivocally demonstrate that our ATO-based model significantly mitigates train delay time, demonstrating its practical value in optimizing high-speed railway operations.
The Possible Precipitating Role of SARS-CoV-2 in a Case of Late-Onset Hemichorea Due to a Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State: Case Report and Brief Literature Review
Authors: Sperotto Roberto , Ceccarelli Laura , Tereshko Yan , Merlino Giovanni , Gigli Gian Luigi , Valente Mariarosaria
Published: November 2023

Case report: An 83-year-old Italian female developed postural instability and gait disturbance associated with a concomitant hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state. Brain CT and MRI scans detected a lesion in the right putamen due to metabolic derangement. A month later, the patient started suffering from choreic movements along the left side of the body with brachio-crural distribution, approximately three weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. She was treated with tetrabenazine with complete resolution of the aberrant movements. Any attempt to reduce tetrabenazine caused a relapse of the symptoms. Discussion: In diabetic patients, choreic syndrome should be considered a rare event with a benign prognosis and favorable response to treatment. It is the result of a condition known as “diabetic striatopathy”. The association of new-onset choreic movements, an episode of hyperglycemia, and a basal ganglia lesion is suggestive of this condition. Its pathophysiology remains unclear, and a lot of hypotheses are still debated. SARS-CoV-2 might have played a role in triggering the patient’s motor symptoms. Conclusions: Our case report agrees with the general features of those reported in the literature about movement disorders in diabetic patients. The late onset of symptoms and the poor response to treatment seem to be atypical characteristics of the syndrome. Although speculative, we cannot exclude the role of SARS-CoV-2. This case can be added to the literature for further studies and reviews.
Peripheral Nerve Blocks for Cesarean Delivery Analgesia: A Narrative Review
Authors: Sangkum Lisa , Tangjitbampenbun Amornrat , Chalacheewa Theerawat , Brennan Kristin , Liu Henry
Published: November 2023

Effective postoperative analgesia using multimodal approach improves maternal and neonatal outcomes after cesarean delivery. The use of neuraxial approach (local anesthetic and opioids) and intravenous adjunctive drugs, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen, currently represents the standard regimen for post-cesarean delivery analgesia. Peripheral nerve blocks may be considered in patients who are unable to receive neuraxial techniques; these blocks may also be used as a rescue technique in selected patients. This review discusses the relevant anatomy, current evidence, and advantages and disadvantages of the various peripheral nerve block techniques. Further research is warranted to compare the analgesic efficacy of these techniques, especially newer blocks (e.g., quadratus lumborum blocks and erector spinae plane blocks). Moreover, future studies should determine the safety profile of these blocks (e.g., fascial plane blocks) in the obstetric population because of its increased susceptibility to local anesthetic toxicity.
Correlation of Different Cemented Carbide Starting Powders with the Resulting Properties of Components Manufactured via Binder Jetting
Authors: Berger Christian , Pötschke Johannes , Scheithauer Uwe , Michaelis Alexander
Published: November 2023

For several years, researchers have been exploring the use of the binder jetting powder-based additive manufacturing process to produce WC-Co hardmetals. Compared to other additive manufacturing processes, binder jetting has the potential for high-volume production. However, due to the powder-based approach, the resulting green bodies typically have low green density, limiting the achievable hardness and requiring higher Co content. Choosing the appropriate starting powder and post-processing can extend previous limitations and allow the selection of a suitable powder based on the application. This investigation focuses on exploring and evaluating the correlation between varying morphologies of WC-Co starting powders, their processability using the BJT method, and the resultant mechanical properties of sintered components.
Electrochemical Noise Analysis Using Experimental Chaos Theory, Power Spectral Density and Hilbert–Huang Transform in Anodized Aluminum Alloys in Tartaric–Phosphoric–Sulfuric Acid Solutions
Authors: Martínez-Ramos Cynthia , Olguin-Coca Javier , Lopez-Leon Luis Daimir , Gaona-Tiburcio Citlalli , Lara-Banda María , Maldonado-Bandala Erick , Castañeda-Robles Ivan , Jaquez-Muñoz Jesús M. , Cabral-Miramontes Jose , Nieves-Mendoza Demetrio , Almeraya-Calderón Facundo
Published: November 2023

Aluminum and its alloys find widespread applications across diverse industries such as the automotive, construction, and aeronautics industries. When these alloys come into contact with ambient air, an Al2O3 thin oxide layer is naturally formed, typically measuring 2 to 4 nm and exhibiting remarkable hardness and protective qualities, rendering the alloys corrosion-resistant in specific atmospheric and chemical environments. This study aimed to characterize the electrochemical behaviors of anodized AA2024 and AA7075 alloys within a complex three-component electrolyte composed of tartaric–phosphoric–sulfuric acid (TPSA) solutions. The anodized specimens were subsequently exposed to 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution at room temperature, and their electrochemical performances were meticulously evaluated using an electrochemical noise (EN) analysis in accordance with ASTM G-199, respectively. In the EN, three methods of data analysis were used: the time domain analysis (chaos analysis: application of Lyapunov exponent and dimension correlation), the frequency domain analysis (power spectral density, PSD), and the time–frequency domains analysis (Hilbert–Huang transform, HHT). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the morphologies of the anodized surfaces. The results indicated that the AA2024-0, AA2024-1, and AA2024-2 alloys and the AA7075-2 and AA7075-3 samples exhibited mixed corrosion according to the Lyapunov constant, with a notable inclination towards localized corrosion when analyzed using the PSD and HHT methods. The surface was not homogenous, and the corrosion process was predominately localized in specific zones.
Manifestations of Liver Impairment and the Effects of MH-76, a Non-Quinazoline α1-Adrenoceptor Antagonist, and Prazosin on Liver Tissue in Fructose-Induced Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Kubacka Monika , Nowak Barbara , Zadrożna Monika , Szafarz Małgorzata , Latacz Gniewomir , Marona Henryk , Sapa Jacek , Mogilski Szczepan , Bednarski Marek , Kotańska Magdalena
Published: November 2023

Excessive fructose consumption may lead to metabolic syndrome, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and hypertension. α1-adrenoceptors antagonists are antihypertensive agents that exert mild beneficial effects on the metabolic profile in hypertensive patients. However, they are no longer used as a first-line therapy for hypertension based on Antihypertensive and Lipid-Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial (ALLHAT) outcomes. Later studies have shown that quinazoline-based α1-adrenolytics (prazosin, doxazosin) induce apoptosis; however, this effect was independent of α1-adrenoceptor blockade and was associated with the presence of quinazoline moiety. Recent studies showed that α1-adrenoceptors antagonists may reduce mortality in COVID-19 patients due to anti-inflammatory properties. MH-76 (1-[3-(2,6-dimethylphenoxy)propyl]-4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazine hydrochloride)) is a non-quinazoline α1-adrenoceptor antagonist which, in fructose-fed rats, exerted anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive properties and reduced insulin resistance and visceral adiposity. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of fructose consumption and treatment with α1-adrenoceptor antagonists of different classes (MH-76 and prazosin) on liver tissue of fructose-fed rats. Livers were collected from four groups (Control, Fructose, Fructose + MH-76 and Fructose + Prazosin) and subjected to biochemical and histopathological studies. Both α1-adrenolytics reduced macrovesicular steatosis and triglycerides content of liver tissue and improved its antioxidant capacity. Treatment with MH-76, contrary to prazosin, reduced leucocytes infiltration as well as decreased elevated IL-6 and leptin concentrations. Moreover, the MH-76 hepatotoxicity in hepatoma HepG2 cells was less than that of prazosin. The use of α1-adrenolytics with anti-inflammatory properties may be an interesting option for treatment of hypertension with metabolic complications.
Biting Midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) as Vectors of Viruses
Authors: Kampen Helge , Werner Doreen
Published: November 2023

Biting midges of the genus Culicoides occur almost globally and can regionally and seasonally reach high abundances. Most species are hematophagous, feeding on all groups of vertebrates, including humans. In addition to being nuisance pests, they are able to transmit disease agents, with some viruses causing high morbidity and/or mortality in ruminants, horses and humans. Despite their impact on animal husbandry, public health and tourism, knowledge on the biology and ecology of culicoid biting midges and their interactions with ingested pathogens or symbiotic microorganisms is limited. Research is challenging due to unknown larval habitats, the insects’ tiny size, the inability to establish and breed most species in the laboratory and the laborious maintenance of colonies of the few species that can be reared in the laboratory. Consequently, the natural transmission of pathogens has experimentally been demonstrated for few species while, for others, only indirect evidence of vector potential exists. Most experimental data are available for Culicoides sonorensis and C. nubeculosus, the only species kept in western-world insectaries. This contribution gives an overview on important biting midge vectors, transmitted viruses, culicoid-borne viral diseases and their epidemiologies and summarizes the little knowledge on interactions between biting midges, their microflora and culicoid-borne arboviruses.
Impact of Caloric Restriction in Breast Cancer Patients Treated with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Prospective Case Control Study
Authors: Castellano Isabella , Gallo Francesco , Durelli Paola , Monge Taira , Fadda Maurizio , Metovic Jasna , Cassoni Paola , Borella Fulvio , Raucci Carlo , Menischetti Monica , Beano Alessandra , Migliaretti Giuseppe , Finocchiaro Concetta
Published: November 2023

Background and aims: It is well established that caloric restriction (CR) may influence metabolic and hormonal factors involved in cancer development and progression. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that CR may have a favorable impact on the response to systemic therapy in breast cancer (BC) patients. However, there is a lack of data regarding the influence of CR during neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Our study’s primary aim was to evaluate CR’s impact on BC patients undergoing NACT. Secondly, we investigated the nutritional efficacy and safety of this intervention. Methods: We performed a prospective, case–control study in two breast units. A diet group consisting of 39 patients undergoing NACT and CR was enrolled in our study at the same time. CR consisted of a 30% reduction in caloric intake, which increased to 50% on the days before, during, and after the administration of chemotherapy. A control group of 60 patients that underwent the same treatment approach only followed the general dietary recommendations for BC according to WCRF guidelines. The diet group was monitored during the study for both dietary adequacy and weight trends. Results: CR combined with NACT showed a statistically significant therapeutic response in tumor size (OR 2.94, IC 1.07–8.01, p = 0.009) and lymph node status (OR 3.22, IC 1.22–8.56, p = 0.001) compared to NACT alone, even after the adjustment for all biological parameters. Our data also showed the efficacy and safety of this intervention in both anthropometric and biochemical analyses. Conclusions: Patients who adhered to CR showed a better response to NACT, both in the breast and in the axillary lymph nodes, compared to the patients in the control group. Furthermore, the CR diet combined with NACT showed good tolerance and safety.
Aqueous Fraction from Cucumis sativus Aerial Parts Attenuates Angiotensin II-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction In Vivo by Activating Akt
Authors: Trejo-Moreno Celeste , Alvarado-Ojeda Zimri Aziel , Méndez-Martínez Marisol , Cruz-Muñoz Mario Ernesto , Castro-Martínez Gabriela , Arrellín-Rosas Gerardo , Zamilpa Alejandro , Jimenez-Ferrer Jesús Enrique , Baez Reyes Juan Carlos , Fragoso Gladis , Salgado Gabriela Rosas
Published: November 2023

Background: Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is a marker of vascular damage and a precursor of cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, which involve inflammation and organ damage. Nitric oxide (NO), produced by eNOS, which is induced by pAKT, plays a crucial role in the function of a healthy endothelium. Methods: A combination of subfractions SF1 and SF3 (C4) of the aqueous fraction from Cucumis sativus (Cs-Aq) was evaluated to control endothelial dysfunction in vivo and on HMEC-1 cells to assess the involvement of pAkt in vitro. C57BL/6J mice were injected daily with angiotensin II (Ang-II) for 10 weeks. Once hypertension was established, either Cs-AqC4 or losartan was orally administered along with Ang-II for a further 10 weeks. Blood pressure (BP) was measured at weeks 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20. In addition, serum creatinine, inflammatory status (in the kidney), tissue damage, and vascular remodeling (in the liver and aorta) were evaluated. Cs-AqC4 was also tested in vitro on HMEC-1 cells stimulated by Ang-II to assess the involvement of Akt phosphorylation. Results: Cs-AqC4 decreased systolic and diastolic BP, reversed vascular remodeling, decreased IL-1β and TGF-β, increased IL-10, and decreased kidney and liver damage. In HMEC-1 cells, AKT phosphorylation and NO production were increased. Conclusions: Cs-AqC4 controlled inflammation and vascular remodeling, alleviating hypertension; it also improved tissue damage associated with ED, probably via Akt activation.
The Potential of Films as Transmucosal Drug Delivery Systems
Authors: de Carvalho Ana Clara Wada , Paiva Natália Floriano , Demonari Isabella Kriunas , Duarte Maíra Peres Ferreira , do Couto Renê Oliveira , de Freitas Osvaldo , Vicentini Fabiana Testa Moura de Carvalho
Published: November 2023

Pharmaceutical films are polymeric formulations used as a delivery platform for administration of small and macromolecular drugs for local or systemic action. They can be produced by using synthetic, semi-synthetic, or natural polymers through solvent casting, electrospinning, hot-melt extrusion, and 3D printing methods, and depending on the components and the manufacturing methods used, the films allow the modulation of drug release. Moreover, they have advantages that have drawn interest in the development and evaluation of film application on the buccal, nasal, vaginal, and ocular mucosa. This review aims to provide an overview of and critically discuss the use of films as transmucosal drug delivery systems. For this, aspects such as the composition of these formulations, the theories of mucoadhesion, and the methods of production were deeply considered, and an analysis of the main transmucosal pathways for which there are examples of developed films was conducted. All of this allowed us to point out the most relevant characteristics and opportunities that deserve to be taken into account in the use of films as transmucosal drug delivery systems.
The Effect of Illumination Patterns during Mung Bean Seed Germination on the Metabolite Composition of the Sprouts
Authors: Perchuk Irina N. , Shelenga Tatyana. V. , Burlyaeva Marina. O.
Published: November 2023

Mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) sprouts are popular over the world because of their taste, nutritional value, well-balanced biochemical composition, and other properties beneficial for human health. Germination conditions affect the composition of metabolites in mung bean sprouts, so a detailed study into its variability is required. This article presents the results of a comparison of the metabolite composition in the leaves of mung bean sprouts germinated first in the dark (DS) and then in the light (LS). Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC–MS) made it possible to identify more than 100 compounds representing various groups of phytochemicals. Alcohols, amino acids, and saccharides predominated in the total amount of compounds. The analysis of metabolomic profiles exposed a fairly high intra- and intervarietal variability in the metabolite content. DS and LS differed in the qualitative and quantitative content of the identified compounds. The intravarietal variability was more pronounced in DS than in LS. DS demonstrated higher levels of saccharides, fatty acids, acylglycerols, and phenolic compounds, while amino acids were higher in LS. Changes were recorded in the quantitative content of metabolites participating in the response of plants to stressors—ornithine, proline, GABA, inositol derivatives, etc. The changes were probably induced by the stress experienced by the sprouts when they were transferred from shade to light. The analysis of variance and principal factor analysis showed the statistically significant effect of germination conditions on the content of individual compounds in leaves. The identified features of metabolite variability in mung bean genotypes grown under different conditions will contribute to more accurate selection of an illumination pattern to obtain sprouts with desirable biochemical compositions for use in various diets and products with high nutritional value.
Further Molecular Diagnosis Determines Lack of Evidence for Real Seed Transmission of Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus in Cucurbits
Authors: Sáez Cristina , Kheireddine Amina , García Arcadio , Sifres Alicia , Moreno Alejandro , Font-San-Ambrosio María Isabel , Picó Belén , López Carmelo
Published: November 2023

Begomoviruses (family Geminiviridae) cause serious diseases in many crop families. Since 2013, the Spanish isolate of tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) has been a limiting factor for cucurbits production in the Mediterranean basin, forcing farmers to adapt new management and control techniques. Although it is well-known that begomoviruses are naturally transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci, the capacity of these viruses to be vertically transmitted through seeds remains controversial. Clarifying the potential ToLCNDV seed transmission is essential to understand the epidemiology of this threating-for-cucurbits virus and to design appropriate control strategies. We assessed ToLCNDV distribution in the leaves, flowers and seeds of the infected plants of susceptible Cucumis melo accessions and toleration to the infected genotypes of Cucurbita moschata by conventional and quantitative PCR. We analyzed whether the viral particle was transmitted to offspring. We also evaluated ToLCNDV presence in commercial seeds of cucurbits (zucchini (Cucurbita pepo), melon (C. melo), cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus)) and in their progenies. As the assayed seedlings remained symptomless, we increased the reliability and accuracy of detection in these samples by searching for replicative forms of ToLCNDV by combining Southern blot hybridization and rolling-circle amplification (RCA). However, integral genomic DNA was not identified in the plants of offspring. Although the seedborne nature of ToLCNDV was confirmed, our results do not support the transmission of this virus from contaminated seeds to progeny.
Spatial and Temporal Variation in Water Use Efficiency and Ecosystem Photosynthetic Efficiency in Central Asia
Authors: Yahefujiang Heran , Zou Jie , Ding Jianli , Zou Wensong , Tangjialeke Wulala , Yang Miao
Published: November 2023

Ecosystem water use efficiency (WUE) and ecosystem photosynthetic efficiency (EPE) are key indicators in studies of the carbon–water cycle in terrestrial ecosystems. Analyses of WUE and EPE can enhance our understanding of the relationship between ecosystem light use efficiency and WUE. Although several studies of individual indexes (i.e., either WUE or EPE) have been conducted, analyses of variation in both WUE and EPE, as well as their relationships, have rarely been conducted. Here, we analyzed spatial and temporal variation in WUE and EPE in Central Asia. Specifically, time trend analysis was conducted to characterize temporal and spatial changes in WUE and EPE in Central Asia from 2001 to 2020 at different altitudes and latitudes. Pearson correlation analysis was used to characterize the effects of precipitation and temperature on WUE and EPE. WUE decreased and EPE increased in Central Asia over the 20-year study period; this might have been due to interannual variations in precipitation and temperature. WUE was highest in August, and EPE was highest in June and July. Substantial spatial heterogeneity in WUE and EPE was observed; WUE was highly variable in Central Asia as well as in western and southern Central Asia. Major changes in EPE were observed in northern, eastern, and southern Central Asia. We also found that both WUE and EPE decreased with the increase in altitude. WUE was positively correlated with temperature and negatively correlated with precipitation, whereas EPE was positively correlated with both temperature and precipitation. The increase in photosynthetic efficiency might be one of the main factors contributing to increases in ecosystem productivity in arid environments. The temporal and spatial variation in WUE and EPE observed in our study will aid ecosystem research, providing a reliable theoretical basis for ecosystem research in areas with scarce large-scale data, integrated water resources management, and ecosystem restoration efforts. Our findings also enhance our understanding of the terrestrial carbon–water cycle and have implications for predicting ecosystem responses to climate change. The results of this study provide insights that will aid studies of the terrestrial carbon–water cycle under the background of climate change. It is of great significance to further study the carbon water cycle in the future.
Interpretation of Bridge Health Monitoring Data from Satellite InSAR Technology
Authors: Tonelli Daniel , Caspani Valeria F. , Valentini Andrea , Rocca Alfredo , Torboli Riccardo , Vitti Alfonso , Perissin Daniele , Zonta Daniele
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a study on applying satellite Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology for the remote monitoring of road bridges and interpreting the results from a structural standpoint. The motivation behind this study arises from the widespread deterioration observed in many road bridges worldwide, leading to the need for large-scale, economic, and effective structural health monitoring (SHM) techniques. While traditional contact-type sensors have cost sustainability limitations, remote sensing techniques, including satellite-based InSAR, offer interesting alternative solutions. The objective of this study is three-fold: (i) to process InSAR data specifically for road bridges in operational conditions through the Multi-Temporal InSAR technique and extract displacement time series of reflective targets on their decks; (ii) to interpret the observed millimetric bridge displacements to verify the consistency with expected response to environmental loads and the possibility to detect unexpected behaviours; and (iii) to investigate the correlation between bridge displacements and environmental loads as temperature and river water flow variations. The study focuses on the multi-span prestressed concrete A22 Po River Bridge in Italy, utilising a dataset of X-Band HIMAGE mode Stripmap images acquired over eight years by the satellite constellation COSMO-SkyMed. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of InSAR-based SHM in detecting temperature-induced displacements and identifying different bridge spans simply by studying the sign of the correlation between displacements and temperature variation. It also reveals an unexpected behaviour in a portion of the bridge retrofitted to prevent scour issues a few years before the dataset start date. Furthermore, the correlation between pier displacements and river level variations underscores the importance of considering environmental factors and the geotechnical characteristics of the foundation soils in bridge monitoring. The results obtained from this study are significant with a view to using this satellite InSAR-based monitoring for early detection of anomalous bridge behaviour on a large scale.
Multi-Scale Discrete Cosine Transform Network for Building Change Detection in Very-High-Resolution Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Zhu Yangpeng , Fan Lijuan , Li Qianyu , Chang Jing
Published: November 2023

With the rapid development and promotion of deep learning technology in the field of remote sensing, building change detection (BCD) has made great progress. Some recent approaches have improved detailed information about buildings by introducing high-frequency information. However, there are currently few methods considering the effect of other frequencies in the frequency domain for enhancing feature representation. To overcome this problem, we propose a multi-scale discrete cosine transform (DCT) network (MDNet) with U-shaped architecture, which is composed of two novel DCT-based modules, i.e., the dual-dimension DCT attention module (D3AM) and multi-scale DCT pyramid (MDP). The D3AM aims to employ the DCT to obtain frequency information from both spatial and channel dimensions for refining building feature representation. Furthermore, the proposed MDP can excavate multi-scale frequency information and construct a feature pyramid through multi-scale DCT, which can elevate multi-scale feature extraction of ground targets with various scales. The proposed MDNet was evaluated with three widely used BCD datasets (WHU-CD, LEVIR-CD, and Google), demonstrating that our approach can achieve more convincing results compared to other comparative methods. Moreover, extensive ablation experiments also present the effectiveness of our proposed D3AM and MDP.
Measurement of Cutting Temperature in Interrupted Machining Using Optical Spectrometry
Authors: Espinoza-Torres Isaí , Martínez-Ramírez Israel , Sierra-Hernández Juan Manuel , Jauregui-Vazquez Daniel , Gutiérrez-Rivera Miguel Ernesto , Carmen Felipe de Jesús Torres-Del , Lozano-Hernández Tania
Published: November 2023

This research presents an experimental study focused on measuring temperature at the tool flank during the up-milling process at high cutting speed. The proposed system deals with emissivity compensation through a two-photodetector system and during calibration. A ratio pyrometer composed of two photodetectors and a multimode fiber-optic coupler is employed to capture the radiation emitted by the cutting insert. The pyrometer is calibrated using an innovative calibration system that addresses theoretical discrepancies arising from various factors affecting the measurement of cutting temperature. This calibration system replicates the milling process to generate a calibration curve. Experimentally, AISI 4140 steel is machined with coated tungsten carbide inserts, using cutting speeds of 300 and 400 m/min, and feed rates of 0.08 and 0.16 mm/tooth. The results reveal a maximum recorded cutting temperature of 518 °C and a minimum of 304 °C. The cutting temperature tends to increase with higher cutting speeds and feed rates, with cutting speed being the more influential factor in this increase. Both the pyrometer calibration and experimental outcomes yield satisfactory results. Finally, the results showed that the process and the device prove to be a convenient, effective, and precise method of measuring cutting temperature in machine processes.
The Long-Term Performance of a Rainwater Harvesting System Based on a Quasi-Bicentennial Rainfall Time Series
Authors: Cauteruccio Arianna , Lanza Luca G.
Published: November 2023

The University of Genova (Italy) maintains a historical meteorological station that has provided daily rainfall measurements over a quasi-bicentennial period since 1833. The daily rainfall series is analyzed here to assess the impact of long-term precipitation trends on the performance of a rainwater harvesting system. The collected rainwater is used for the irrigation of urban green areas. A behavioral model is applied, involving a dedicated procedure to evaluate the actual soil water content available for vegetation and its decay over time. Non-dimensional indicators are obtained to support adaptation strategies and the sustainable design of the required storage tank. Since both irrigation demand and available water storage depend on the amount of rainfall received, fluctuations in daily rainfall and their trend do affect the performance of the system in a non-trivial way. The results demonstrate that the installation of an RWH system for landscape irrigation is a reliable and resilient solution, at least considering the measured rainfall variations of the last 200 years. In the town of Genoa, no specific adaptation seems necessary in terms of the design of the storage tank other than the usual oversizing, typical of engineering design, to account for uncertainties in the hydrological assessment of any RWH system.
Estimating Benefits of Microtransit for Social Determinants of Health: A Social Return on Investment System Dynamics Model
Authors: Maleki Mohammad , Smith-Colin Janille
Published: November 2023

Lack of transportation services in low-income communities greatly affects people’s health and well-being, creating barriers to social determinants of health (SDOH). One potential solution that has gained the attention of US decision-makers in recent years is microtransit, a transportation intervention aimed at addressing this issue. Despite promising results from prior microtransit implementation, the extent to which these programs deliver social benefits remains uncertain. This study presents a novel model called Social Return on Investment System Dynamics (SROISD) to forecast the social benefits of a microtransit program in Holmes County, Mississippi. The SROISD model identifies the scope and key stakeholders, maps outcomes, and gives outcomes a value. A causal loop diagram is developed next based on mapped outcomes and a literature review, thereby conceptualizing the processes through which social benefits are gained from the microtransit program. Three stock and flow diagrams are then created from the causal loop diagram to formulate the system and produce results. Outcomes mapped relative to three SDOH areas (1) accessing healthcare, (2) accessing employment, and (3) social participation indicate an overall positive return from investing in microtransit within the low-income community of interest. Additionally, ridesharing demonstrates a significant positive correlation with the SROI ratio. These findings offer support for the advantages of investing in microtransit. Additionally, the SROISD methodology offers decisionmakers a dynamically responsive approach that integrates traditional return on investment methodologies with system dynamics to explore social benefits across a variety of impact categories.
A Colonic Organoid Model Challenged with the Large Toxins of Clostridioides difficile TcdA and TcdB Exhibit Deregulated Tight Junction Proteins
Authors: Schneemann Martina , Heils Lucas , Moos Verena , Weiß Franziska , Krug Susanne M. , Weiner January , Beule Dieter , Gerhard Ralf , Schulzke Jörg-Dieter , Bücker Roland
Published: November 2023

Background: Clostridioides difficile toxins TcdA and TcdB are responsible for diarrhea and colitis. Lack of functional studies in organoid models of the gut prompted us to elucidate the toxin’s effects on epithelial barrier function and the molecular mechanisms for diarrhea and inflammation. Methods: Human adult colon organoids were cultured on membrane inserts. Tight junction (TJ) proteins and actin cytoskeleton were analyzed for expression via Western blotting and via confocal laser-scanning microscopy for subcellular localization. Results: Polarized intestinal organoid monolayers were established from stem cell-containing colon organoids to apply toxins from the apical side and to perform functional measurements in the organoid model. The toxins caused a reduction in transepithelial electrical resistance in human colonic organoid monolayers with sublethal concentrations. Concomitantly, we detected increased paracellular permeability fluorescein and FITC-dextran-4000. Human colonic organoid monolayers exposed to the toxins exhibited redistribution of barrier-forming TJ proteins claudin-1, -4 and tricellulin, whereas channel-forming claudin-2 expression was increased. Perijunctional F-actin cytoskeleton organization was affected. Conclusions: Adult stem cell-derived human colonic organoid monolayers were applicable as a colon infection model for electrophysiological measurements. The TJ changes noted can explain the epithelial barrier dysfunction and diarrhea in patients, as well as increased entry of luminal antigens triggering inflammation.
Using Regional Sero-Epidemiology SARS-CoV-2 Anti-S Antibodies in the Dominican Republic to Inform Targeted Public Health Response
Authors: Mario Martin Beatris , Cadavid Restrepo Angela , Mayfield Helen J. , Then Paulino Cecilia , De St Aubin Micheal , Duke William , Jarolim Petr , Zielinski Gutiérrez Emily , Skewes Ramm Ronald , Dumas Devan , Garnier Salome , Etienne Marie Caroline , Peña Farah , Abdalla Gabriela , Lopez Beatriz , de la Cruz Lucia , Henríquez Bernarda , Baldwin Margaret , Sartorius Benn , Kucharski Adam , Nilles Eric James , Lau Colleen L.
Published: November 2023

Incidence of COVID-19 has been associated with sociodemographic factors. We investigated variations in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence at sub-national levels in the Dominican Republic and assessed potential factors influencing variation in regional-level seroprevalence. Data were collected in a three-stage cross-sectional national serosurvey from June to October 2021. Seroprevalence of antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (anti-S) was estimated and adjusted for selection probability, age, and sex. Multilevel logistic regression was used to estimate the effect of covariates on seropositivity for anti-S and correlates of 80% protection (PT80) against symptomatic infection for the ancestral and Delta strains. A total of 6683 participants from 134 clusters in all 10 regions were enrolled. Anti-S, PT80 for the ancestral and Delta strains odds ratio varied across regions, Enriquillo presented significant higher odds for all outcomes compared with Yuma. Compared to being unvaccinated, receiving ≥2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine was associated with a significantly higher odds of anti-S positivity (OR 85.94, [10.95–674.33]) and PT80 for the ancestral (OR 4.78, [2.15–10.62]) and Delta strains (OR 3.08, [1.57–9.65]) nationally and also for each region. Our results can help inform regional-level public health response, such as strategies to increase vaccination coverage in areas with low population immunity against currently circulating strains.
Matematik Okuryazarlığının PISA 2018 Öğrenci Verilerine Göre İncelenmesi
Authors: KARAKAYA Mustafa , SEVGİ Sevim
Published: November 2023

Bu araştırmada Uluslararası Öğrenci Değerlendirme Programı (Programme for International Student Assessment) PISA 2018 verileri ışığında matematik okuryazarlığı ortalama puanı ile okula karşı tutum (attitude towards school), rekabet ve iş birliği algısı (perception of competition and cooperation), ayrımcı okul iklimi (discriminatory school climate) ilişkisini incelenmiştir. Araştırma 2018 PISA sonuçları ve çalışmanın gerçekleştiği Türkiye’deki öğrenci örneklemi ile sınırlıdır. Veriler İktisadi İş Birliği ve Kalkınma Teşkilatı (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development [OECD]) internet sitesinden elde edilmiştir (https://www.oecd.org/PISA/data/2018database/). PISA 2018 veri setinde her bir öğrencinin matematik okuryazarlığı PV1MATH- PV10MATH dâhil olmak üzere 10 matematik verisinin ortalama puanı alınmıştır. Betimsel istatistik, normallik testi, mann-whitney u testi, korelasyon analizi yapılmıştır. Matematik okuryazarlığı puan ortalamanın, okula karşı tutum, rekabet ve iş birliği algı farkının kız öğrenciler, ayrımcı okul iklimindeki farkın erkek öğrenciler lehine anlamlı olduğu görülmektedir. Matematik okuryazarlığı ortalama puanın, okula karşı tutum, rekabet ve okulda iş birliği algısı arasında pozitif yönlü düşük anlamlı bir ilişkisi olduğu görülmektedir. Matematik okuryazarlığı ortalama puanın, ayrımcı okul iklimi arasında negatif yönlü düşük anlamlı bir ilişkisi olduğu görülmektedir.
Okul Öncesi Öğretmenlerinin Yaşadığı Sorunlar
Authors: ASAR Ramazan , CİVAN Derya , TONBUL AKKURT Serap
Published: November 2023

Birçok ülkede zorunlu eğitim kapsamına alınan okul öncesi eğitime Türkiye'de de gerekli önem verilmeye çalışılmaktadır. Verilen bu önem şüphesiz okul öncesi eğitimin daha nitelikli hale gelmesini sağlayacaktır. Okul öncesi eğitimin nitelikli bir şekilde gerçekleştirilmesi ise var olan sorunların ortadan kaldırılması ile bağlantılıdır. Buradan hareketle araştırmada, okul öncesi öğretmenlerinin yaşadıkları sorunların incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmada öğretmenlerin yaşadıkları sorunlar farklı yönleriyle ortaya konulmuş ve okul öncesi eğitime olan yansımaları belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Betimsel bir durum saptaması niteliğinde olan bu araştırmada veriler görüşme yoluyla toplanmıştır. Kolay ulaşılabilir durum örneklemesi ile 12 okul öncesi öğretmeninin katılımıyla araştırma gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmanın sonucunda okul öncesi öğretmenleri ile yöneticiler arasında uyumsuzluk yaşandığı ve çalışma koşullarının diğer öğretmenlerden çok daha farklı niteliklere sahip olduğu görülmüştür. Bunlar arasında özellikle öğrencilerin yanından ayrılamama, kesintisiz bir şekilde çalışma, dinlenememe ve diğer öğretmenlerle iletişim kuramama gibi olumsuz sonuçların var olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bu bağlamda okul öncesi öğretmenlerin çalışma koşullarının iyileştirilerek verimin arttırılması ve nitelikli eğitime ulaşılması amacıyla yardımcı personel sayısında iyileştirmeye gidilmesi önerilmiştir.