bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interspecific competition predicts the potential impact of little fire ant Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) invasion on resident ants in southern China
Authors: Nie Lei , Bamisile Bamisope Steve , Li Yuling , Ran Hao , Wang Suhang , Wang Lei , Xu Yijuan
Published: December 2022

The little fire ant Wasmannia auropunctata (Roger) is a major invasive species that seriously threatens the biodiversity of invaded areas. W. auropunctata was first reported in Chinese mainland in 2022 and its impact on native species is still unknown. To evaluate the impact of W. auropunctata invasion on the ant communities in southern China, a series of interspecific competition experiments were conducted in this study. The individual aggression index and group aggression experiments showed the advantage of W. auropunctata in competition with 5 resident ants under equal worker numbers. When encountering Anoplolepis gracilipes, Camponotus nicobarensis, Tetramorium bicarinatum, Polyrhachis dives, and Solenopsis invicta, W. auropunctata gradually gained a competitive advantage with an increase in its number of workers. In the group aggression experiments with equal worker numbers, there was a negative correlation between the body length and mortality rate of resident ants. The results of the foraging behavior experiments showed that W. auropunctata was able to dominate food resources under competition with Carebara diversa, which also displayed weak competition in the group aggression bioassay. In addition, the abilities to recruit workers and retrieve food were inhibited under competition with S. invicta and T. bicarinatum. The results of the nesting behavior experiments showed that in the 24‐h bout of space resource competition, W. auropunctata was dominant over C. diversa, S. invicta, and T. bicarinatum. The results of this study show that W. auropunctata has certain advantages in competition for food and space resources over resident ants in southern China, and some resident ant species may be replaced in the future.
NLRP13 inflammasome complex is hypermethylated in familial Mediterranean fever and global methylation correlates with the disease severity
Authors: Caldiran Feyzanur Yildirimtepe , Deveci Koksal , Cacan Ercan
Published: December 2022

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory disease caused by variations in the MEFV gene, which encodes the pyrin protein, a member of the inflammasomes. Despite the complex pathogenesis of FMF, epigenetic changes also play roles in the disease progression. In our previous study, we observed a relationship between NLRP13, which is one of the members of the inflammasome complex and has a pyrin domain in its structure, and the MEFV gene using the STRING database. In this study, we examined NLRP13 expression and methylation status in 40 patients with FMF attack and 20 healthy individuals. We then investigated the global DNA methylation status of patients with FMF in the attack period and control groups. We further examined the relationship between the clinical manifestation and global methylation as well as NLRP13 gene expression of patients with FMF and healthy individuals. As a result, we showed that hypomethylation in patients with FMF leads to different clinical outcomes in terms of disease severity. In addition, the data indicated that NLRP13 inflammasome is epigenetically controlled in patients with FMF and the presence of amyloidosis may affect the hypermethylation of this gene. Moreover, NLRP13 was silenced because of the hypermethylation of the promoter. The increase of methylation level at the promoter region participated in the inactivation of NLRP13. In the current study, we not only found a new gene that plays a role in the pathogenesis of FMF disease, but also new evidence for the epigenetic regulation of the disease.
Temporary 6TH cranial nerve paralysis after accidental durotomy in endoscopic disc surgery
Authors: Avci İdris , Gürsoy Tansu , Paksoy Kemal , Şentürk Salim , Yaman Onur , Özer Ali Fahir
Published: December 2022

We present a unique case of 6th nerve palsy following accidental durotomy in endoscopic lumbar spine surgery, which has not been reported in the literature before. A 72‐ year‐old female patient was admitted to our outpatient clinic complaining of right leg pain for 6 months. A 4/5 motor paresis was observed on her right toe with a positive Lasegue test at 45°. On her magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a L5‐S1 disc herniation was detected. The patient was planned for percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar disc surgery. The extruded disc was adherent to the dura. During removal, a dural tear was observed. She was relieved of her right leg pain immediately after surgery, but after 30 min postoperatively, she complained of double vision with left abducens nerve paralysis. On cranial MRI, no abnormality could be observed. Intravenous fluids were administered and the paralysis resolved on the postoperative 24th hour. The patient was discharged from the hospital and did not show any complaints on her follow‐ups. A 6th nerve palsy can be caused due to alterations of intracranial pressure or mechanic injury. We believe that the durotomy following removing of the disc fragment caused a rapid drainage of CSF, leading to intracranial hypotension and injury of the abducens nerve. Intracranial pressure should be monitored perioperatively and brisk deteriorations has to result in immediate finishing of the surgery to avoid further secondary damage.
Precision laparoscopic sentinel node navigation surgery for femoral skin cancer
Authors: Hanzawa Shunya , Teraishi Fuminori , Matsumi Yuki , Tachibana Kota , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi
Published: December 2022

Navigation surgery using indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging has been used in thoracoabdominal surgery, and its usefulness has been reported in many cases. In this study, laparoscopic lateral lymph node dissection was performed using ICG fluorescence imaging in a patient with left femoral spinous cell carcinoma with inguinal and external iliac lymph node metastases. Spinous cell carcinoma is classified as a rare cancer in Japan, and there is a scarcity of evidence for pelvic lymph node dissection, as well as a lack of studies that mention the dissection area. We hypothesized that visualization of lymph nodes and lymph flow using intraoperative ICG fluorescence imaging would indicate the area of dissection and lead to more efficient dissection. In conclusion, intraoperative ICG fluorescence imaging may be useful in this area where there is limited evidence, although there are some limitations.
Quantifying leg muscle deoxygenation during incremental cycling in hypoxemic patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease
Authors: Marillier Mathieu , Bernard Anne‐Catherine , Verges Samuel , Moran‐Mendoza Onofre , Neder J. Alberto
Published: December 2022

Background

Hypoxaemia and cardiocirculatory abnormalities may impair muscle oxygen (O2) delivery relative to O2 requirements thereby increasing the rate of O2 extraction during incremental exercise in fibrotic interstitial lung disease (f‐ILD). Using changes in deoxyhaemoglobin concentration ([HHb]) by near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a proxy of O2 extraction, we investigated whether a simplified (double‐linear) approach, previously tested in heart failure, would provide useful estimates of muscle deoxygenation in f‐ILD.

Methods

A total of 25 patients (23 men, 72 ± 8 years; 20 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, lung diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide = 44 ± 11% predicted) and 12 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls performed incremental cycling to symptom limitation. Changes in vastus lateralis [HHb] assessed by NIRS were analysed in relation to work rate (WR) and O2 uptake throughout the exercise.

Results

Patients showed lower exercise capacity than controls (e.g., peak WR = 67 ± 18% vs. 105 ± 20% predicted, respectively; p < 0.001). The [HHb] response profile was typically S‐shaped, presenting three distinct phases. Exacerbated muscle deoxygenation in patients versus controls was evidenced by: (i) a steeper mid‐exercise [HHb]‐WR slope (0.30 ± 0.22 vs. 0.11 ± 0.08 μmol/W; p = 0.008) (Phase 2), and (ii) a larger late‐exercise increase in [HHb] (p = 0.002) (Phase 3). Steeper [HHb]‐WR slope was associated with lower peak WR (r = –0.70) and greater leg discomfort (r = 0.77; p < 0.001) in f‐ILD.

Conclusion

This practical approach to interpreting [HHb] during incremental exercise might prove useful to determine the severity of muscle deoxygenation and the potential effects of interventions thereof in hypoxemic patients with f‐ILD.
Efficacy and safety of total lymphoid irradiation in different chronic lung allograft dysfunction phenotypes
Authors: Geng‐Cahuayme Abraham André Arturo , Sáez‐Giménez Berta , Altabas‐González Manuel , Vázquez‐Varela Miriam , Berastegui‐Garcia Cristina , Giralt‐López de Sagredo Jordi , Zapata‐Ortega Marta , Recalde‐Vizcay Enar , López‐Meseguer Manuel
Published: December 2022

Total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) is an alternative treatment for chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD). However, data regarding its efficacy and tolerance are scarce. This study included patients with CLAD treated with TLI at our center between 2011 and 2018. Clinical characteristics before and after TLI and related complications were analyzed. Forty patients with CLAD (twenty‐nine bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome [BOS], nine restrictive allograft syndrome [RAS], and two mixed) were included. Significant attenuation of the forced expiratory volume in 1‐sec (FEV1) decline slope was observed in all phenotypes, in both the BOS and RAS. The median FEV1 12, 6, and 3 months pre‐TLI were as follows: 1980 (IQR 1720‐2560), 1665 (IQR 1300‐2340) and 1300 (IQR 1040‐1740) ml (p < .001), while the median FEV1 at 3, 6, and 12 months post‐TLI was 1110 (IQR 810–1440), 1130 (IQR 860–1470), and 1115 (IQR 865–1490) ml (p = .769). No dropouts due to radiation toxicity were observed. The mean survival according to the Karnofsky Performance Status Scale (KPS) >70 or ≤70 at baseline was 1837 (IQR 259–2522) versus 298 (IQR 128–554) days (p < .0001), respectively. In conclusion, TLI may stop FEV1 decline in both BOS and RAS. Moreover, a good KPS score may be an important prognostic factor.
Serologic follow‐up of solid organ transplant recipients who received organs from donors with reactive syphilis tests: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fernández García Oscar A. , Singh Ameeta E. , Gratrix Jennifer , Smyczek Petra , Doucette Karen
Published: December 2022

The increased procurement of organs from donors with risk factors for blood‐borne diseases and the expanding syphilis epidemic have resulted in a growing number of organs transplanted from donors with reactive syphilis serology in our center. Based on guidelines, recipients typically receive therapy shortly after the transplant, but data on outcomes are limited. The primary objective of this study was to determine syphilis seroconversion rates at three months post‐transplant in recipients of solid organs procured from donors with reactive syphilis serology. Organ donors and recipients were tested for syphilis antibody; positive results were confirmed with Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination (TPPA). Eleven donors with reactive syphilis antibody donated organs to 25 syphilis negative recipients. Three recipients seroconverted at post‐transplant month 3. All of them had received therapy shortly after transplant. TPPA was negative in all 3. Despite post‐transplant treatment, 3 of 25 (12%) syphilis negative recipients of organs from syphilis positive donors seroconverted at 3 months. All remained TPPA negative possibly reflecting passive antibody transfer or differing test sensitivity to low level treponemal antibodies. Further studies are needed to assess optimal syphilis transmission prevention strategies and follow up recipient testing in organ transplantation.
Using Active Learning Methods to Strategically Select Essays for Automated Scoring
Authors: Firoozi Tahereh , Mohammadi Hamid , Gierl Mark J.
Published: December 2022

Research on Automated Essay Scoring has become increasing important because it serves as a method for evaluating students’ written responses at scale. Scalable methods for scoring written responses are needed as students migrate to online learning environments resulting in the need to evaluate large numbers of written‐response assessments. The purpose of this study is to describe and evaluate three active learning methods that can be used to minimize the number of essays that must be scored by human raters while still providing the data needed to train a modern Automated Essay Scoring system. The three active learning methods are the uncertainty‐based, the topological‐based, and the hybrid method. These three methods were used to select essays included in the Automated Student Assessment Prize competition that were then classified using a scoring model that was trained with the bidirectional encoder representations from a transformer language model. All three active learning methods produced strong results, with the topological‐based method producing the most efficient classification. Growth rate accuracy was also evaluated. The active learning methods produced different levels of efficiency under different sample size allocations but, overall, all three methods were highly efficient and produced classifications that were similar to one another.
A unified probabilistic fatigue life prediction model for natural rubber components considering strain ratio effect
Authors: Liu Xiangnan , Zhao Xuezhi , Liu Xiao‐Ang
Published: December 2022

The fatigue life of natural rubber (NR) components under a constant‐amplitude load is dispersed. The dispersion can be reflected by establishing a probabilistic fatigue life prediction model (also called the P–S–N curve). However, the effect of strain ratio on fatigue life is typically ignored in conventional P–S–N curves. Aiming at improving the prediction accuracy of conventional models, a unified P–S–N curve for NR components is proposed in the present study, in which the strain ratio effect is considered in the calculations. Using the dumbbell‐shaped rubber specimen fatigue test data, a polynomial function is proposed to describe the correlation between the equivalent strain amplitude, strain amplitude, and strain ratio. Then a calculation model of equivalent strain amplitude is established. Furthermore, a unified P–S–N curve for NR is established with equivalent strain amplitude as the damage parameter. By comparing the measured and predicted fatigue life of NR under different reliabilities, the accuracy of the established unified P–S–N curve is verified.
Multistep synthesis of VO2 (M) nanoparticles and their application to thermochromic hybrid films for IR modulation
Authors: Kwon Soon‐il , Hagiwara Manabu , Kim Sae‐hoon , Fujihara Shinobu
Published: December 2022

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is widely known as one of the excellent thermochromic materials based on a reversible insulator‐to‐metal phase transition upon temperature change. In this study, VO2 (M) powder was initially synthesized through a hydrothermal method and a subsequent post‐annealing treatment. Additionally, a particle size of the VO2 (M) powder was reduced and uniformized by introducing a ball‐milling process. The resultant VO2 (M) nanoparticles (NPs) were dispersed in ethanol with the addition of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The ethanolic dispersion was then coated on a transparent heater used as a substrate by spin‐coating to produce VO2 (M)/PVP composite films. We have attained an exact temperature control of the films by applying voltages to the heater for the assessment of their thermochromic performance such as the solar and the infrared modulation ability. For example, the film temperature could be raised from room temperature to 85.5°C within 180 s at a low voltage of 11 V, which was enough for inducing the phase transition of the VO2 (M) NPs showing the infrared modulation ability of 19.3%. The combination of the composite films and the heater was thus proved to be a promising way for realizing transparent thermochromic devices.
Epigenetic regulation of osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells in periodontitis
Authors: Cao Jingwei , Zhang Qiong , Yang Qiyuan , Yu Yue , Meng Mingmei , Zou Jing
Published: December 2022

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease characterized by alveolar bone loss. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) have osteogenic differentiation potential, which can be influenced by epigenetics regulation in periodontitis. Therefore, this review aimed to shed light on the role of different epigenetic mechanisms in the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs and to consider the prospects of their possible therapeutic applications in periodontitis. Databases MEDLINE (through PubMed) and Web of Science were searched for the current knowledge of epigenetics in osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs using the keywords “periodontal ligament stem cells”, “epigenetic regulation”, “epigenetics”, “osteogenic differentiation”, and “osteogenesis”. All studies introducing epigenetic regulation and PDLSCs were retrieved. This review shows that epigenetic factors like DNMT, KDM6A, HDACi, some miRNAs, and lncRNAs can induce the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in the noninflammatory microenvironment. However, the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs is inhibited in the inflammatory microenvironment through the upregulated DNA methylation of osteogenesis‐related genes and specific changes in histone modification and noncoding RNA. Epigenetics of osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in inflammation exhibits the contrary effect compared with a noninflammatory environment. The application of epigenetic drugs to regulate the abnormal epigenetic status in periodontitis and focus on alveolar bone regeneration is promising.
SlBBX20 attenuates JA signalling and regulates resistance to Botrytis cinerea by inhibiting SlMED25 in tomato
Authors: Luo Dan , Sun Wenhui , Cai Jun , Hu Guoyu , Zhang Danqiu , Zhang Xiaoyan , Larkin Robert M. , Zhang Junhong , Yang Changxian , Ye Zhibiao , Wang Taotao
Published: December 2022

Jasmonic acid (JA) plays an important role in regulating plant growth and defence responses. Here, we show that a transcription factor that belongs to the B‐box (BBX) family named SlBBX20 regulates resistance to Botrytis cinerea in tomato by modulating JA signalling. The response to JA was significantly suppressed when SlBBX20 was overexpressed in tomato. By contrast, the JA response was enhanced in SlBBX20 knockout lines. RNA sequencing analysis provided more evidence that SlBBX20 modulates the expression of genes that are involved in JA signalling. We found that SlBBX20 interacts with SlMED25, a subunit of the Mediator transcriptional co‐activator complex, and prevents the accumulation of the SlMED25 protein and transcription of JA‐responsive genes. JA contributes to the defence response against necrotrophic pathogens. Knocking out SlBBX20 or overexpressing SlMED25 enhanced tomato resistance to B. cinerea. The resistance was impaired when SlBBX20 was overexpressed in plants that also overexpressed SlMED25. These data show that SlBBX20 attenuates JA signalling by regulating SlMED25. Interestingly, in addition to developing enhanced resistance to B. cinerea, SlBBX20‐KO plants also produced higher fruit yields. SlBBX20 is a potential target gene for efforts that aim to develop elite crop varieties using gene editing technologies.
Pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate dehydrogenase is an essential enzyme for proline dehydrogenase function during dark‐induced senescence in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Zheng Yao , Cabassa‐Hourton Cécile , Planchais Séverine , Crilat Emilie , Clément Gilles , Dacher Matthieu , Durand Nina , Bordenave‐Jacquemin Marianne , Guivarc'h Anne , Dourmap Corentin , Carol Pierre , Lebreton Sandrine , Savouré Arnould
Published: December 2022

During leaf senescence, nitrogen is remobilized and carbon backbones are replenished by amino acid catabolism, with many of the key reactions occurring in mitochondria. The intermediate Δ1‐pyrroline‐5‐carboxylate (P5C) is common to some catabolic pathways, thus linking the metabolism of several amino acids, including proline and arginine. Specifically, mitochondrial proline catabolism involves sequential action of proline dehydrogenase (ProDH) and P5C dehydrogenase (P5CDH) to produce P5C and then glutamate. Arginine catabolism produces urea and ornithine, the latter in the presence of α‐ketoglutarate being converted by ornithine δ‐aminotransferase (OAT) into P5C and glutamate. Metabolic changes during dark‐induced leaf senescence (DIS) were studied in Arabidopsis thaliana leaves of Col‐0 and in prodh1prodh2, p5cdh and oat mutants. Progression of DIS was followed by measuring chlorophyll and proline contents for 5 days. Metabolomic profiling of 116 compounds revealed similar profiles of Col‐0 and oat metabolism, distinct from prodh1prodh2 and p5cdh metabolism. Metabolic dynamics were accelerated in p5cdh by 1 day. Notably, more P5C and proline accumulated in p5cdh than in prodh1prodh2. ProDH1 enzymatic activity and protein amount were significantly down‐regulated in p5cdh mutant at Day 4 of DIS. Mitochondrial P5C levels appeared critical in determining the flow through interconnected amino acid remobilization pathways to sustain senescence.
D‐A‐D‐based Unsymmetrical Thiosquaraine Dye for the Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells†
Authors: Jadhav Avinash P. , Singh Ambarish Kumar , Maibam Ashakiran , Krishnamurty Sailaja , Krishnamoorthy Kothandam , Nithyanandhan Jayaraj
Published: December 2022

In dye‐sensitized solar cell, modulating the electronic properties of the sensitizer by varying the donor, π‐spacer, acceptor and anchoring groups help optimizing the structure of the dye for better device performance. Here, a donor–acceptor–donor‐based unsymmetrical thiosquaraine sensitizer (SQ5S) has been designed and synthesized. Photophysical, electrochemical, theoretical and photovoltaic characterizations of SQ5S dye have been compared with its oxygen analog, SQ5. The incorporation of the sulfur atom in the acceptor unit of SQ5S dye showed an intense peak at 688 nm, which was 38 nm of red‐shifted and showed the panchromatic light harvesting response with the onset of 850 nm compared with SQ5 dye. The LUMO and HOMO energy levels are well aligned with the conduction band of TiO2 and the redox potential of electrolyte for the charge injection and the dye‐regeneration processes, respectively. Photovoltaic efficiency of 1.51% (VOC 610 mV, JSC 3.07 mA cm−2, ff 81%) has been achieved for SQ5S dye, whereas SQ5 showed the device performance of 5.43% (VOC 723 mV, JSC 9.3 mA cm−2, ff 80%). The decreased device performance for the dye SQ5S has been attributed to the favorable intersystem crossing process associated with the photoexcited SQ5S that reduces the driving force for the charge injection process.
Dental care provision for people with neurodevelopmental disorders in Iran; a qualitative study of barriers
Authors: Ghorbani Zahra , Raeesi Pooya , Vahdati Amin , Karimi Mandana , Rostamigooran Narges , Attaran Kakhki Nona
Published: December 2022

Introduction

One of the most underserved populations among dental patients is the people with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (PNDs). This study aimed to explore the barriers to dental care provision for PNDs from the viewpoint of stakeholders in provision in Iran.

Methods

We arranged a qualitative study based on an individual in‐depth, semi‐structured interview between October 2019 and February 2020. We interviewed 30 participants using a snowball sampling strategy with three groups: dentists who provided dental care for PNDs, dental public health professionals, and policymakers/managers in dental care provision in Iran. The interviewer used an interview framework based on Levesque's model of patient‐centered access. The main question was: “How do you assess the barriers to the provision of dental services to PNDs in Iran?” The data were analyzed by the qualitative content analysis method described by Graneheim and Lundman.

Results

From the 30 interviewees (11 women), there were 11 dentists, nine dental public health professionals, and 10 participants who worked as policymakers/managers. They were aged 35–62 years and had working experience between 4 and 25 years. In the content analysis, 60 meanings units were extracted, and later classified into 14 subthemes, and four main themes.

Conclusion

Four main barriers were traced regarding access, financial, competency‐related, and policy‐making aspects.
Photodynamic therapy treats acne by altering the composition of the skin microbiota
Authors: Guo Yangmin , Zeng Mi , Yuan Yumeng , Yuan Mengsi , Chen Yanxia , Yu Haoyang , Liu Ruimin , Ruan Zhijie , Xie Qingdong , Jiao Xiaoyang , Lu Tao
Published: December 2022

Background

Acne is the eighth‐most prevalent inflammatory skin disease with no optimal treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an effective treatment for severe acne.

Aims

The effect of PDT on the composition and diversity of skin microflora in severe acne patients was studied.

Materials and Methods

A total of 18 patients with severe acne and 8 healthy individuals were selected for this study. Patients were treated with 5‐aminolevulinic acid‐mediated PDT once a week three times in total; the skin microbiome was measured by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing before and after treatment (1 week after each PDT).

Results

The microflora composition was different between healthy controls and patients, and between patients before and after treatment. Alpha diversity indices were lower in patients than those in control. There were 15 bacterial genera with high relative abundance that had noticeable changes during treatment. At the genus level,particularly Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes formerly Propionibacterium acnes), there was no statistically significant difference among different group. The abundances of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus were low.

Discussion

The microbial composition is different between severe acne patients acne patients and healthy individuals. The therapeutic efficacy of severe acne treated with PDT is associated with the composition and diversity of skin microbiota.

Conclusion

The skin microbial composition changes after PDT treatment. PDT is an effective method for the treatment of severe acne.
Coxiella burnetii (Q‐fever) outbreak associated with non‐occupational exposure in a semi‐urban area of western Croatia in 2022
Authors: Tomljenovic Morana , Lakošeljac Danijela , Knežević Lucija , Bubonja‐Šonje Marina , Abram Maja , Špičić Silvio , Zdelar‐Tuk Maja , Duvnjak Sanja , Reil Irena , Valjin Orea , Kramarić Melanija , Miškić Tihana , Janković Ivana Lohman , Rončević Dobrica
Published: December 2022

In March 2022, an outbreak of Q fever (Coxiella burnetii) with non‐occupational exposure was confirmed in a semi‐urban area in Čavle, Croatia. Veterinary and human epidemiological investigations were conducted to identify the source of the outbreak and to implement appropriate control measures. Three farms were settled next to each other near the homes of the first human cases at the end of the street. The closest farm was less than 500 meters away. These farms contained 161 adult sheep and goats. Among the animal samples analysed, all 16 goats (100%) and 24/50 sheep (48%) tested positive for C. burnetii IgM/IgG antibodies, phase I and II. One out of five sheeps' vaginal swabs were C. burnetti DNA positive. Human testing revealed 20 confirmed and three probable cases (9/23 pneumonia, 2/23 hepatitis, 21/23 fever), with three hospitalizations, and one death. Twenty‐seven cases were discarded following negative laboratory results. The epidemiological investigation revealed airborne transmission as the most likely route of transmission. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate risk factors for Q fever infection. Persons who were near the farms (≤750 m) (OR 4.5; 95% CI = 1.1–18.3) and lived in the nearest street to the farms had the highest risk of contracting Q fever (OR 3.7; 95% CI = 1.1–13.6). Decreased rainfall compared to monthly averages was recorded in the months prior to the outbreak with several days of strong wind in January preceding the outbreak. This was the largest Q fever outbreak in the county in the last 16 years, which was unexpected due to its location and non‐occupational exposure. To stop the outbreak, numerous intensive biosecurity measures were implemented. The outbreak highlights the importance of urban development strategies to limit the number of animal housing near residential areas while providing regular biosecurity measures to prevent infections in livestock.
An invariant property of Mahler measure
Authors: Lalín Matilde , Nair Siva Sankar
Published: December 2022

We exhibit a change of variables that maintains the Mahler measure of a given polynomial. This method leads to the construction of highly non‐trivial polynomials with given Mahler measure and settles some conjectural numerical formulas due to Boyd and Brunault.
Anatomy of the mitral valve relative to controversies concerning the so-called annular disjunction
Authors: Anderson Robert H , Garbi Madalina , Zugwitz Dasa , Petersen Steffen E , Nijveldt Robin
Published: December 2022

It is now accepted that the mitral valve functions on the basis of a complex made up of the annulus, the leaflets, the tendinous cords and the papillary muscles. So as to work properly, these components must combine together in harmonious fashion. Despite the features of the arrangement of each component having been the focus of anatomical investigation for centuries, controversies still exist in their inter-relations and how best to describe them. To a large extent, the ongoing problems reflect the fact that, again for centuries, morphologists when describing the heart have ignored the rule that its components should be described as seen in the body during life. Failure to use attitudinally appropriate descriptions underscores a particular current issue, namely the influence of the so-called disjunction within the atrioventricular junction as a potential substrate for leaflet prolapse or malignant arrhythmias. With these difficulties in mind, we have reviewed how the components of the valvar complex can best be described when comparing direct images with those obtained using three-dimensional techniques now used for clinical imaging. We submit that these show that the skirt of leaflet tissue is best described as having aortic and mural components. When the hinge of the mural leaflet is assessed within the overall atrioventricular junction, the so-called disjunction is ubiquitous, but not always in the same place. We further suggest that its significance will best be determined when clinicians describe its presence using attitudinally appropriate terms.
Doping occupancy and defect structure evolution process of Zn (1, 3, 5, 7 mol.%): Dy: LiNbO3 crystals
Authors: Dai Li , Xu Ziqian
Published: December 2022

Zn (1, 3, 5, 7 mol.%): Dy: LiNbO3 crystals were prepared by the traditional vertical pull-up method. The effective segregation coefficients of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were found to decrease with increasing [Formula: see text] concentration using ICP-AES analysis test. The lattice size was found to increase first and then decrease using XRD analysis test. The absorption spectrum was found blue shifted and produced two peaks using IR. Research shows that when the Zn content reaches or exceeds the threshold value, [Formula: see text] is replaced completely, and Zn occupies the Li and Nb positions of lithium niobate, thus introducing the non-intrinsic defect [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Both defects are able to form [Formula: see text] charge self-compensating defect groups and inhibit the charge transport process and thus will greatly increase the photodamage resistance.
A Facile and in situ Preparation Technique for Solid-Phase Microextraction Fibers with MOFs Coating
Authors: Liu Hongmei , Ye Baogui , Meng Jie , Li Zhaoyang , Wang Haiming
Published: December 2022

In this study, a facile preparation technique for in situ growth of MOFs-based-coated solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers is proposed. NH2-MIL-53 can be grown on the Al wire simply by immersing the Al wire in the solution of growth seeds and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) successively, thereby obtaining the SPME fiber. The as-prepared fiber was combined with gas chromatography flame ionization detection (GC-FID) for the determination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in water samples. Compared with NH2-MIL-53-coated fiber prepared with the gluing method, MIL-53-coated fiber prepared by in situ self-growth and commercial polyacrylate (PA) fiber, the as-prepared fiber demonstrated the better extraction performance, owing to more exposed adsorption sites and stronger interactions with the target. Moreover, the fiber exhibited a long service life due to multifaceted stability. After optimization of extraction and desorption conditions, the analytical method had a low-detection limit (0.002–0.05[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]L[Formula: see text], a wide linear range (0.01–500[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]g[Formula: see text]L[Formula: see text] and good reproducibility (relative standard deviation [Formula: see text]5.84%) and provided good results for actual water samples. MOFs-based SPME fibers grown on metal wires using a facile in situ technique can maximize the extraction advantage of MOFs coating, which well promotes the application and development of MOFs in solid-phase microextraction technology.
Hydrogenated TiO2 Nanotubes Regulate Osseointegration by Influencing Macrophage Polarization in the Osteogenic Environment
Authors: Cao Xu , Lu Ran , Wang Xin , Wang Caiyun , Zhao Yu , Sun Yuchen , Chen Su
Published: December 2022

The immunomodulatory role of monocytes is essential for tissue healing and can influence the osseointegration of implanted materials. Properties such as the surface structure, hydrophilicity, and roughness of the implanted materials can modulate monocyte–macrophage function. In this study, we characterized material‐hydrogenated TiO2 nanotubes (H‐TNT) with superhydrophilic surfaces to investigate the effect of H‐TNT on macrophage polarization and osseointegration. H‐TNT were prepared by anodic oxidation and hydrogenation and used in the experimental group, while TNT and smooth pure Ti were employed in the control groups. RAW264.7 cells were selected to observe the immunomodulatory effect of these samples. The cell morphology was observed via scanning electron microscopy, and cytokine expression was detected using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence staining. After 24 hr of cultivation, the macrophage‐conditioned medium was collected and used for indirect coculture with MC3T3‐E1 cells. The morphology of MC3T3‐E1 cells was observed using fluorescence staining. Cell adhesion and proliferation were measured using the Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay. Alkaline phosphatase activity measurement, alizarin red staining, calcium quantification, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were performed to assess the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells. The results showed that H‐TNT promoted the M2‐type polarization of macrophages, which in turn influenced the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells. These materials can serve as useful candidates for bone implants because they activate macrophages to produce a favorable osteoimmunomodulatory microenvironment.
Comparative Evaluation of a Commercial Herbal Extract and 0.2% Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on Three Periodontal Facultative Anaerobes: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Yaghooti Khorasani Mohammad Mahdi , Mohammadi Kamalabadi Yasaman , Salari Sedigh Somaye , Jafari Mina , Sadeghi Mostafa , Assar Sahar
Published: December 2022

Background. The application of herbal and/or chemical antimicrobial mouthwashes in addition to the mechanical methods of bacteria removal helps reduce the periopathogens and thus increase the periodontal tissues’ health. The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Thymex (TMX) syrup on three periodontal facultative anaerobes in vitro and compare it with 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash. Methods. In this in vitro experiment, the disc diffusion method was used to measure the inhibitory halo diameter (IhD) of Enterobacter cloacae, Actinomyces viscosus, and Eikenella corrodens. The paper discs containing TMX and CHX were placed on Mueller–Hinton agar media and cultured with the mentioned bacteria. Moreover, a blank disc containing distilled water was used as a control. From each of the three bacterial species, five samples were taken, and after 18 hours of storage in the incubator, the IhDs were measured in millimeters. A one-way ANOVA test and an independent sample t-test were used to compare the mean differences of IhDs between groups. The significance level was considered to be 0.05. Results. The IhDs ranged between 6.2–8.8 mm and 12.3–34 mm for TMX and CHX, respectively. CHX showed a more inhibitory effect on all three species of bacteria compared to TMX mouthwash (

P
<
0.001

). Conclusions. Despite the inhibitory effect of TMX on bacterial growth, CHX showed significantly more antibacterial activity than TMX against three studied bacterial species.
Motor Resonance Flexibility to Emotion-Enriched Context in Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Authors: Lagravinese Giovanna , Bisio Ambra , Bove Marco , Botta Alessandro , Bonassi Gaia , Marchese Roberta , Ruggeri Piero , Pelosin Elisa , Avanzino Laura
Published: December 2022

In healthy people, motor resonance mechanisms are flexible to negative emotional contextual clues with greater motor resonance during the observation of a reach to grasp movement performed in an environment eliciting disgust. The link between emotion and motor control has become an interesting topic in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here, we aimed to study the response of the mirror neuron system, specifically motor resonance, to an emotion-enriched context in people with PD. Corticospinal excitability was recorded in a total of 44 participants, divided into two groups (23 PD patients and 21 healthy subjects). We recorded motor-evoked potentials from a muscle involved in the grasping movement while participants were watching the same reach-to-grasp movement embedded in surrounds with negative emotional valence, but different levels of arousal: sadness (low arousal) and disgust (high arousal). Basic motor resonance mechanisms were less efficient in PD than controls. Responsiveness to emotional contextual clues eliciting sadness was similar between PD and controls, whereas responsiveness to emotional contextual clues eliciting disgust was impaired in PD patients. Our findings show reduced motor resonance flexibility to the disgusting context, supporting the hypothesis that PD patients may have a deficit in “translating” an aversive motivational state into a physiologic response. The amygdala, which is implicated in the appraisal of fearful stimuli and response to threatening situations, might be implicated in this process.
Some Characterizations of w‐Noetherian Rings and SM Rings
Authors: Zhou De Chuan , Kim Hwankoo , Zhang Xiaolei , Xie Jin
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we characterize w‐Noetherian rings and SM rings. More precisely, in terms of the u‐operation on a commutative ring R, we prove that R is w‐Noetherian if and only if the direct limit of rGV‐torsion‐free injective R‐modules is injective and that R is SM, which can be regarded as a regular w‐Noetherian ring, if and only if the direct limit of GV‐torsion‐free (or rGV‐torsion‐free) reg‐injective R‐modules is reg‐injective. As a by‐product of the proof of the second statement, we also obtain that the direct and inverse limits of u‐modules are both u‐modules and that SM rings are regular w‐coherent.
Pronóstico kinesiológico cardiorrespiratorio: un enfoque biopsicosocial
Authors: Moya Gallardo Eduardo Sebastián , Rojas Muñoz Cynthia Teresa , Contreras Briceño Felipe Andrés , Miranda Gómez Jorge , Fernández Mincone Tiziana , Espinoza Vallejos Macarena
Published: December 2022

La kinesiología, fisioterapia o terapia física, se ha desarrollado de manera permanente a través de una perspectiva biopsicosocial, en la que identificar el contexto biomédico del usuario, junto con sus limitaciones en la actividad y restricciones en la participación es esencial para una atención individualizada del usuario en su contexto. Entidades como la Asociación Americana de Terapia Física (American Physical Therapist Association, APTA) y la Conferencia Mundial de Terapia Física (World Confederation for Physical Therapy, WCPT) o actualmente conocida como Fisioterapia Mundial (World Physiotherapy, WP), conceden como aspecto propio del kinesiólogo o fisioterapeuta la acción de diagnosticar, evaluar, tratar y pronosticar las disfunciones de usuarios con necesidades de atención en salud. Sin embargo, algunas de estas competencias profesionales no están del todo definidas para su aplicación en la práctica clínica. El presente artículo de comunicación profesional entrega las bases conceptuales en la que se sostienen los hitos necesarios para establecer una propuesta metodológica de elaboración del pronóstico kinesiológico funcional basado en el área cardiorrespiratoria con un enfoque biopsicosocial según la Clasificación Internacional del Funcionamiento, de la Discapacidad y de la Salud (CIF). Esto, con la finalidad de que el pronóstico funcional sea incorporado como parte de la formación curricular en la profesión, así como dentro de un proceso continuo en la práctica kinesiológica.
Imágenes de una pandemia. Un relato desde la Unidad de Pacientes Críticos
Authors: Bugedo Guillermo
Published: December 2022

Cuando supimos la noticia y después, mientras nos enterábamos de los primeros casos fuera de China, y luego los alarmantes reportes desde Europa y USA, nunca imaginamos la magnitud que tendría la actual pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV-2 en nuestro país y a nivel mundial, en nuestros hospitales, y en nuestras vidas (Huang et al., 2020).  Como nunca, nos enfrentábamos a un enemigo agresivo y letal, aún desconocido en su comportamiento, y del que también podíamos ser víctimas al estar en la primera línea de la defensa.
Devolución saldos a favor impuesto de renta de asalariados en Colombia. Un problema de cultura tributaria
Authors: Circa Garzón Jairo Saúl , Ramírez Maldonado Gloria Marcela
Published: December 2022

El artículo propone fomentar una cultura tributaria en doble vía que permita, primero, concientizar a los contribuyentes asalariados de la importancia del cumplimiento voluntario de sus obligaciones tributarias; segundo, abordar la solicitud de la devolución de saldos a favor registrados en sus declaraciones de renta. La metodología fue cuantitativa, se hizo un estudio comparativo en dos momentos (2017 y 2022), años en que se aplicó una encuesta a contribuyentes asalariados y se analizó la información suministrada por la DIAN entre 2012-2020 considerando la normativa vigente. Las encuestas arrojaron que las personas naturales no solicitan los saldos a favor por: desconocimiento normativo del proceso de devolución ante la DIAN, trámites engorrosos, miedo a ser investigados e imputación de saldos para el período siguiente. Respecto a la información de la DIAN se encontró que, durante los nueve años, en promedio sólo 1.3% de los contribuyentes asalariados solicitaron los saldos a favor.
A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products in Human Skeletal Muscle: A Comparative Analysis between Patients with and without Sarcopenia
Authors: Hwang Ji Sup , Kwon Hyun Jung , Gong Hyun Sik
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Animal studies suggest that advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and their interaction with receptor for AGEs (RAGE) are involved in sarcopenia, but their relationship in human skeletal muscles has yet to be elucidated. We aimed to determine whether RAGE expression in human skeletal muscle is associated with serum AGE levels and sarcopenia-related changes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 33 consecutive women (mean age, 65 years) with distal radius fracture who had consented to donate a sample of forearm muscle for research purposes, which was taken during surgical fracture repair. The muscle RAGE expression was measured with immunohistochemistry staining and serum AGE levels using ELISA method. We compared RAGE expression and AGE levels in patients with and without sarcopenia. We also correlated RAGE expression with such clinical parameters as demographic factors, as well as sarcopenia-related changes, including grip strength, appendicular skeletal muscle mass, and muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) ratios. Results: Twelve patients (36%) were diagnosed with sarcopenia. They had a significantly higher RAGE expression (p = 0.044) and AGE level (p < 0.001) than those without sarcopenia. The RAGE expression correlated significantly with a high AGE level (r = 0.510, p = 0.011) and correlated inversely with a muscle CSA ratio (r = −0.696, p < 0.001). Discussion: This study shows that RAGE expression increases in sarcopenic patient skeletal muscles. This expression also correlates positively with serum AGE levels and inversely with muscle CSA ratios. Further studies are necessary to determine whether targeting RAGEs can be a therapeutic option for sarcopenia.
Citizen engagement and collaboration: The key to promoting learning city
Authors: Kaewhanam Kathanyoo , Kaewhanam Phimlikid , Pongsiri Ariya , Intanin Jariya , Kamolkat Sirinada , Thongmual Noppakun
Published: December 2022

The urban development of learning is a key goal of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). However, the drive to achieve urban learning requires several key points. Citizenship and cooperation are associated with developing the city of learning. This research studies the relationship between citizenship and cooperation in driving the learning city. The study uses the methodology of the structure-equation model (SEM) to study citizenship relationships. Cooperation and learning cities are based on civic data analysis of 500 samples. The result showed that the two observed variables were public participation and The four observed variables are: policy collaboration's positive effect on cooperation; citizen-subjectivity, citizen-intersubjectivity, citizen-sub politics, and citizen-globality's positive effect on citizenship; Furthermore, the six observed variables are: inclusive learning in the education system; revitalized learning in families and communities; effective learning for and in the workplace; expanded use of modern learning technologies; improved learning quality; and a vibrant culture of lifelong learning. In part of the regression between latent variables, we found that cooperation has a positive effect on learning cities (b=0.882), and citizenship has a positive effect on learning cities (b=0.056) and cooperation (b=0.217).