bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Подросток в виртуальном мире (на материалах Узбекистана)
TEENAGER IN THE VIRTUAL WORLD (THE CASE OF UZBEKISTAN)
Authors: Tashmukhamedova D. G.
Published: July 2023

Узбекистан переживает период реформ, одной из целей которых является формирование инновационного общества. Молодежь до 18 лет представляет 40% населения страны. Поэтому вопрос, с каким «капиталом» подросток вступает в период зрелости, имеет чрезвычайную значимость. Именно от него будет зависеть будущее государства. Мир вступает в цифровую эпоху, и информационная виртуальная среда имеет огромное влияние на детей, особенно в подростковом возрасте. Поэтому цифровой фактор, воздействующий на подростка (его физическое здоровье, психику, ценностные ориентации, поведение, общение со сверстниками и старшим поколением и т. д.), нельзя недооценивать. Статья посвящена влиянию Интернета и социальных сетей на школьника‑подростка в Узбекистане, и основана на результатах исследования (по проекту ВОЗ), проведенного среди учителей, учащихся и их родителей в школах г. Ташкента, городах Кашкадарьинской и Ферганской областей. Результаты исследования показали, что учителя и родители имеют иллюзорную картину относительно времяпровождения школьников в Интернете, а также их неподготовленность в вопросах «контроля». Выявлена разница качества использования Интернета в учебном процессе в столичных и областных школах, что может сказаться и на качестве знаний выпускников в целом. На основе результатов исследования были разработаны рекомендации для органов народного образования.
Uzbekistan is going through a period of reforms, which, among other issues, aim to promote innovation. 40% of the country’s population are under the age of 18. That is why it is so important which “capital” teenagers own when they enter the period of maturity. They will determine the country’s future. The world is entering a digital age, and the virtual environment has a significant impact on non‑adults, particularly in teenage years. Therefore, the influence of the digital factor on adolescents (their physical health, psyche, values, behavior, communication with peers and older generation, etc.) is difficult to overestimate. The article is devoted to the effect that the Internet and social networks have on schoolchildren in Uzbekistan, and is based on the findings of a survey (WHO project) conducted among teachers, students and their parents in schools in Tashkent, Kashkadarya, and Fergana provinces. The findings show that teachers and parents have a wrong idea of how much time schoolchildren spend on the Internet, and reveal their unpreparedness in terms of “control”. The way the Internet is used in the educational process in the capital is different from regional schools, which may have an impact the on the graduates’ knowledge. The article offers recommendations to the public education authorities based of the results of the research.
Питейные заведения как досуговая практика горожан
DRINKING ESTABLISHMENTS AS A LEISURE PRACTICE FOR CITY DWELLERS
Authors: Titova T. A. , Mingaliev A. Kh.
Published: July 2023

Актуальность статьи обусловлена необходимостью изучения форм досуга населения городов. Статья написана на материалах социоантропологического исследования, проведенного в Республике Татарстан в марте 2020 г. среди жителей г. Казань. Цель статьи заключается в анализе востребованности услуг «питейных» заведений в досуговых практиках горожан. Авторами рассмотрены особенности местоположения заведений, их популярность среди казанцев. Проанализированы мотивы посещения заведений, частота, привычки посетителей и пр. Сделан вывод о том, что специализированные супермаркеты по реализации алкогольной и сопутствующей продукции («алкомаркеты») вместе с пунктами продажи разливного пива («пивнушки», «разливухи») локализованы преимущественно в спальных частях города и местах плотной жилой застройки и являются неотъемлемыми атрибутами урбанизированного пространства. Как показало исследование, сотрудники и посетители не видят отрицательных моментов в работе заведений: для первых это гарантированные рабочие места, для вторых — доступная и приемлемая по соотношению цены и качества алкогольная продукция, способствующая удовлетворению рекреационных потребностей после рабочего дня. Материалы статьи могут быть полезными для социологов, психологов, социальных и культурных антропологов, а также представителей социальных структур и органов, курирующих сферу производства и оборота алкоголя.
The relevance of the article is due to the need to study the leisure forms of the urban population. The article is based on a socioanthropological study conducted in the Republic of Tatarstan in March 2020 among the residents of Kazan. The purpose of the article is to analyze the actualization of “drinking” establishments in the leisure practices of citizens. The authors consider the location of institutions and their popularity among Kazan residents. The motives for visiting establishments, frequency, habits of visitors, etc. are analyzed. It is concluded that specialized supermarkets selling alcoholic and related products (“alcohol markets”) together with points of sale of draft beer (“pivnushki”, “razlivukhi”) are integral attributes of urbanized space, localized mainly in residential parts of the city and places of dense residential development. As the study showed, employees and visitors do not see any negative aspects in the work of institutions: for the former they are associated with guaranteed employment, for the latter they provide affordable alcohol products acceptable in terms of price and quality, which satisfy the need for rest after a working day.
The materials of the article may be useful for sociologists, psychologists, social and cultural anthropologists, as well as representatives of social structures and bodies in charge of the production and turnover of alcohol.
Protective efficacy of Toxoplasma gondii GRA12 or GRA7 recombinant proteins encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles against acute Toxoplasma gondii infection in mice
Authors: Sun Hong-chao , Deng Pu-ming , Fu Yuan , Deng Jin-hua , Xie Rong-hui , Huang Jing , Qi Meng , Shi Tuan-yuan
Published: July 2023

Background

Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite that affects the health of humans and livestock, and an effective vaccine is urgently required. Nanoparticles can modulate and improve cellular and humoral immune responses.

Methods

In the current study, poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles were used as a delivery system for the T. gondii dense granule antigens GRA12 and GRA7. BALB/c mice were injected with the vaccines and protective efficacy was evaluated.

Results

Mice immunized with PLGA+GRA12 exhibited significantly higher IgG, and a noticeable predominance of IgG2a over IgG1 was also observed. There was a 1.5-fold higher level of lymphocyte proliferation in PLGA+GRA12-injected mice compared to Alum+GRA12-immunized mice. Higher levels of IFN-g and IL-10 and a lower level of IL-4 were detected, indicating that Th1 and Th2 immune responses were induced but the predominant response was Th1. There were no significant differences between Alum+GRA7-immunized and PLGA+GRA7-immunized groups. Immunization with these four vaccines resulted in significantly reduced parasite loads, but they were lowest in PLGA+GRA12-immunized mice. The survival times of mice immunized with PLGA+GRA12 were also significantly longer than those of mice in the other vaccinated groups.

Conclusion

The current study indicated that T. gondii GRA12 recombinant protein encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles is a promising vaccine against acute toxoplasmosis, but PLGA is almost useless for enhancing the immune response induced by T. gondii GRA7 recombinant protein.
Air-sea flux and SST variability associated with atmospheric rivers in the southeast Indian Ocean
Authors: Shinoda Toshiaki , Han Weiqing , Feng Xue
Published: July 2023

A previous study demonstrated that atmospheric rivers (ARs) generate substantial air-sea fluxes in the northeast Pacific. Since the southeast Indian Ocean is one of the active regions of ARs, similar air-sea fluxes could be produced. However, the spatial pattern of sea surface temperature (SST) in the southeast Indian Ocean, especially along the west coast of Australia, is different from that in the northeast Pacific because of the poleward flowing Leeuwin Current, which may cause different air-sea fluxes. This study investigates AR-associated air-sea fluxes in the southeast Indian Ocean and their relation with SST variability. The large-scale spatial pattern of latent heat flux (evaporation) associated with ARs in the southeast Indian Ocean is similar to that in the northeast Pacific. A significant difference is however found near the coastal area where relatively warm SSTs are maintained in all seasons. While AR-induced latent heat flux is close to zero around the west coast of North America where the equatorward flowing coastal current and upwelling generate relatively cold SSTs, a significant latent heat flux induced by ARs is evident along the west coast of Australia due to the relatively warm surface waters. Temporal variations of coastal air-sea fluxes associated with landfalling ARs are investigated based on the composite analysis. While the moisture advection reduces the latent heat during landfalling, the reduction of air humidity with strong winds enhances large evaporative cooling (latent heat flux) after a few days of the landfalling. A significant SST cooling along the coast is found due to the enhanced latent heat flux.
Therapeutic difficulties in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and numerous symptomatic premature ventricular contractions—case report and literature review
Authors: Sławiński Grzegorz , Wabich Elżbieta , Hawryszko Maja , Daniłowicz-Szymanowicz Ludmiła , Chevalier Philippe
Published: July 2023

A 28-year-old female patient diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type III (hypermobile EDS, hEDS) was admitted to the cardiology clinic due to a 3-year history of symptomatic ventricular arrhythmia in the form of multiple premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Attempts at antiarrhythmic treatment with beta-blockers, propafenone, and verapamil were unsuccessful. Due to the diagnosis of hEDS and the high risk of vascular complications related to the ablation procedure, invasive treatment was abandoned, and it was decided to implement flecainide. After the flecainide treatment initiation, a spectacular improvement in the number of ventricular arrhythmias was observed, along with the disappearance of the complaints previously reported by the patient. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first described case of spectacular flecainide antiarrhythmic effect in a patient with numerous PVCs also diagnosed with EDS. Flecainide treatment in the EDS group could be a successful alternative to ablation, which can lead to serious vascular and even life-threatening complications, especially after the failure of propafenone and beta-blockers treatment.
Ameliorating diabetes-associated atherosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy through modulation of soluble guanylate cyclase
Authors: Sharma Arpeeta , Choi Judy , Sim Lachlan , Dey Abhiroop , Mohan Muthukumar , Kantharidis Phillip , Dietz Lisa , Sandner Peter , de Haan Judy B.
Published: July 2023

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an independent risk factor for micro- and macrovascular complications such as nephropathy and atherosclerosis respectively, which are the major causes of premature morbidity and mortality in Type 1 and Type 2 diabetic patients. Endothelial dysfunction is the critical first step of vascular disease and is characterized by reduced bioavailability of the essential endothelial vasodilator, nitric oxide (NO), coupled with an elevation in inflammation and oxidative stress. A novel pathway to bolster NO activity is to upregulate soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), an enzyme responsible for mediating the protective actions of NO. Two classes of sGC modulators exist, activators and stimulators, with differing sensitivity to oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the therapeutic effects of the sGC stimulator BAY 41-2272 (Bay 41) and the sGC activator BAY 60-2770 (Bay 60) on endpoints of atherosclerosis and renal disease as well as inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetic Apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE-/-) mice. We hypothesized that under oxidative conditions known to accompany diabetes, sGC activation might be more efficacious than sGC stimulation in limiting diabetic vascular complications. We demonstrate that Bay 60 not only significantly decreased nitrotyrosine staining (P < 0.01) and F4/80 positive cells by 75% (P < 0.05), but it also significantly reduced total plaque area (P < 0.05) and improved endothelial function (P < 0.01). Our data suggest an important anti-atherogenic role for Bay 60 accompanied by reduced oxidative stress and inflammation under diabetic settings. Treatment with the stimulator Bay 41, on the other hand, had minimal effects or caused no changes with respect to cardiovascular or renal pathology. In the kidneys, treatment with Bay 60 significantly lessened urinary albuminuria, mesangial expansion and nitrotyrosine staining under diabetic conditions. In summary, our head-to-head comparator is the first preclinical study to show that a sGC activator is more efficacious than a sGC stimulator for the treatment of diabetes-associated vascular and renal complications.
Low-carbon economic dispatch of regional integrated energy system based on carbon-oxygen cycle
Authors: Wang Rutian , Wen Xiangyun , Wang Xiuyun , Fu Yanbo , Zhao Yanfeng
Published: July 2023

In order to solve the contradiction between energy supply and carbon emissions, using P2G to combine oxy-fuel combustion power plant with gas turbines. According to the laws of mass conservation and energy conservation, carbon and oxygen elements are introduced into the model in the form of gases to construct an energy hub model for the carbon oxygen cycle system. To solve the problem of time imbalance between interconnected devices, a flexible operation mode using storage devices as connection hubs is proposed. Based on the constraints of the system’s operating mechanism, study the variation range of the operating range and establish an objective function with the optimal operating cost. Optimize the operation of the combined system, study the change interval of its operation range, and analyze the scheduling model under three different operation models. Low-Carbon economic model of combined system is established in regional integrated energy system. The results show that the basic carbon oxygen cycle model can save 9.14% economic cost and reduce 44.05% carbon emission. The carbon oxygen cycle capacity increasing mode can save 13.05% economic cost and reduce 59.91% carbon emission. Carbon and oxygen circulation system in improving renewable energy consumption and reducing carbon dioxide emissions is verified by an example.
Successful pregnancies in post-kidney transplant couples: four case reports
Authors: Huang Hao , Liu Xinyu , Lin Xiaoli , Wu Xiaoying , Qiu Yingyin , Huang Hongfeng
Published: July 2023

Background

The fertility of female kidney transplant recipients is increasing with the progression of transplant management. This article aims to evaluate the clinical prognosis of mothers and newborns for post-kidney transplant couples.

Methods

From January 2019 to April 2022, a total of four couples, all kidney transplant recipients, were successfully prepared for pregnancy after a rigorous preconception evaluation, including three cases of natural conception and one case of in vitro fertilization. Data regarding the mother and newborn, including general clinical condition and laboratory results, were recorded and assessed throughout the pregnancy and up until 12 months after delivery.

Results

The mean conception age of the mothers was 34.8 years (30–38 years), and the mean interval between renal transplantation and pregnancy was 6.6 years (3.7–8.7 years). All deliveries were by cesarean section and took place without incident. There were three premature births (<37 weeks; average 35.1 weeks). In case 1 (in vitro fertilization), pre-eclampsia occurred during maternity, and this was the only case in which the fetal weight was less than 2,500 g (average 2,576.7 g). The mean Apgar score (1 min) was 7.8 (6–9) and reached 9 in all cases at 5 min. The mothers’ eGFR rose during mid-gestation, decreased in late pregnancy, and was largely restored along with proteinuria 1 year postpartum. Postnatal evaluation at 6 months showed normal neurological development. In addition, NK cell and IFN-γ levels increased and Treg cell and IL-10 levels decreased along with the onset of pre-eclampsia.

Conclusions

Pregnancies can succeed in couples who are both kidney transplant recipients. However, there might be higher risks of infertility, prematurity, and low birth weight.
Evaluating potential changes to the US Chukchi Sea bottom trawl survey design via simulation testing
Authors: Oyafuso Zack S. , Barnett Lewis A. K. , Siple Margaret C. , Cooper Daniel W. , Kotwicki Stan
Published: July 2023

The US Chukchi Sea consists of the waters off the northwest of Alaska and is a naturally dynamic ice-driven ecosystem. The impacts from climate change are affecting the Arctic marine ecosystem as well as the coastal communities that rely on healthy marine ecosystems. In anticipation of increased ecosystem monitoring in the area, there is an opportunity to evaluate improved sampling designs for future ecological monitoring of the Chukchi Sea, an area that is sampled less comprehensively compared to other regions in Alaska. This analysis focused on standardized NOAA-NMFS-AFSC bottom trawl surveys (otter and beam trawls) and three types of survey designs: simple random, stratified random, and systematic. First, spatiotemporal distributions for 18 representative demersal fish and invertebrate taxa were fitted using standardized catch and effort data. We then simulated spatiotemporal taxon densities to replicate the three survey design types to evaluate design-based estimates of abundance and precision across a range of sampling effort. Modest increases in precision were gained from stratifying the design when compared to a simple random design with either similar or lower uncertainty and bias of the precision estimates. There were often strong tradeoffs between the precision and bias of the systematic estimates of abundance (and associated variance) across species and gear type. The stratified random design provided the most consistent, reliable, and precise estimates of abundance indices and is likely to be the most robust to changes in the survey design. This analysis provides a template for changing bottom trawl survey designs in the Chukchi Sea and potentially other survey regions in Alaska going forward and will be important when integrating new survey objectives that are more ecosystem-focused.
Microbial composition and diversity of the tobacco leaf phyllosphere during plant development
Authors: Gao Jianing , Uwiringiyimana Ernest , Zhang Dan
Published: July 2023

Phyllosphere-associated microorganisms affect host plant’s nutrients availability, its growth and ecological functions. Tobacco leaves provide a wide-area habitat for microbial life. Previous studies have mainly focused on phyllosphere microbiota at one time point of tobacco growth process, but more is unknown about dynamic changes in phyllospheric microbial composition from earlier to the late stage of plant development. In the current study, we had determined the bacterial and fungal communities succession of tobacco growth stages (i.e., seedling, squaring, and maturing) by using both 16S rRNA sequencing for bacterial and ITS sequencing for fungi. Our results demonstrated that among tobacco growth stages, the phyllospheric bacterial communities went through more distinct succession than the fungal communities did. Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria exerted the most influence in tobacco development from seedling to squaring stages. At maturing stage, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria dominance was gradually replaced by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Network analysis revealed that Proteobacteria, as the core phyllospheric microbia, played essential role in stabilizing the whole bacterial network during tobacco development, and consequently rendered it to more profound ecological functions. During tobacco development, the contents of leaf sugar, nicotine, nitrogen and potassium were significantly correlated with either bacterial or fungal communities, and these abiotic factors accounted for 39.3 and 51.5% of the total variation, respectively. We overall evinced that the development of tobacco phyllosphere is accompanied by variant dynamics of phyllospheric microbial community.
Novel insights into the progression and prognosis of the calpain family members in hepatocellular carcinoma: a comprehensive integrated analysis
Authors: Dai Dongjun , Wu Dehao , Ni Runliang , Li Ping , Tian Zhifeng , Shui Yongjie , Hu Hanguang , Wei Qichun
Published: July 2023

Objectives: The goal of our bioinformatics study was to comprehensively analyze the association between the whole calpain family members and the progression and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: The data were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). The landscape of the gene expression, copy number variation (CNV), mutation, and DNA methylation of calpain members were analyzed. Clustering analysis was performed to stratify the calpain-related groups. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-based Cox model was used to select hub survival genes.

Results: We found 14 out of 16 calpain members expressed differently between tumor and normal tissues of HCC. The clustering analyses revealed high- and low-risk calpain groups which had prognostic difference. We found the high-risk calpain group had higher B cell infiltration and higher expression of immune checkpoint genes HAVCR2, PDCD1, and TIGHT. The CMap analysis found that the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor trichostatin A and the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway inhibitors LY-294002 and wortmannin might have a therapeutic effect on the high-risk calpain group. The DEGs between calpain groups were identified. Subsequent univariate Cox analysis of each DEG and LASSO-based Cox model obtained a calpain-related prognostic signature. The risk score model of this signature showed good ability to predict the overall survival of HCC patients in TCGA datasets and external validation datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database and the International Cancer Genome Consortium database.

Conclusion: We found that calpain family members were associated with the progression, prognosis, and drug response of HCC. Our results require further studies to confirm.
Effect of isolated intracranial hypertension on cerebral perfusion within the phase of primary disturbances after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats
Authors: Hao Guangshan , Conzen-Dilger Catharina , Schmidt Tobias Philip , Harder Ekaterina , Schöps Malte , Clauser Johanna Charlotte , Schubert Gerrit Alexander , Lindauer Ute
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) and blood components are the main trigger factors starting the complex pathophysiological cascade following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). It is not clear whether they independently contribute to tissue damage or whether their impact cannot be differentiated from each other. We here aimed to establish a rat intracranial hypertension model that allows distinguishing the effects of these two factors and investigating the relationship between elevated ICP and hypoperfusion very early after SAH.

Methods

Blood or four different types of fluids [gelofusine, silicone oil, artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), aCSF plus xanthan (CX)] were injected into the cisterna magna in anesthetized rats, respectively. Arterial blood pressure, ICP and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were continuously measured up to 6 h after injection. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were performed to measure the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in brain cortex and peripheral blood.

Results

Silicone oil injection caused deaths of almost all animals. Compared to blood, gelofusine resulted in lower peak ICP and lower plateau phase. Artificial CSF reached a comparable ICP peak value but failed to reach the ICP plateau of blood injection. Injection of CX with comparable viscosity as blood reproduced the ICP course of the blood injection group. Compared with the CBF course after blood injection, CX induced a comparable early global ischemia within the first minutes which was followed by a prompt return to baseline level with no further hypoperfusion despite an equal ICP course. The inflammatory response within the tissue did not differ between blood or blood-substitute injection. The systemic inflammation was significantly more pronounced in the CX injection group compared with the other fluids including blood.

Discussion

By cisterna magna injection of blood substitution fluids, we established a subarachnoid space occupying rat model that exactly mimicked the course of ICP in the first 6 h following blood injection. Fluids lacking blood components did not induce the typical prolonged hypoperfusion occurring after blood-injection in this very early phase. Our study strongly suggests that blood components rather than elevated ICP play an important role for early hypoperfusion events in SAH.
The impact of disease modifying therapies on cognitive functions typically impaired in multiple sclerosis patients: a clinician’s review
Authors: Kania Karolina , Ambrosius Wojciech , Kozubski Wojciech , Kalinowska-Łyszczarz Alicja
Published: July 2023

Objective

Over the last few decades clinicians have become aware that cognitive impairment might be a major cause of disability, loss of employment and poor quality of life in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis [MS].

The impact of disease modifying therapies [DMTs] on cognition is still a matter of debate. Theoretically, DMTs could exert a substantial beneficial effect by means of reducing neuroinflammation and brain atrophy, which are established correlates of cognitive dysfunction. The aim of the study was to review the evidence concerning the effect of DMTs on cognitive functions.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and the European Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis [ECTRIMS] Library were searched for articles concerning the pediatric and adult populations of patients with multiple sclerosis, including clinical trials and RWD, where psychometric results were analyzed as secondary or exploratory endpoints.

Results

We reviewed a total of 44 studies that were found by our search strategy, analyzed the psychological tests that were applied, the length of the follow-up, and possible limitations. We pointed out the difficulties associated with assessing of DMTs’ effects on cognitive functions, and pitfalls in cognitive tools used for evaluating of MS patients.

Conclusion

There is a need to highlight this aspect of MS therapies, and to collect adequate data to make informed therapeutic decisions, to improve our understanding of MS-related cognitive dysfunction and provide new therapeutic targets.
Meningeal lymphatics and their role in CNS disorder treatment: moving past misconceptions
Authors: Melloni Alexandra , Liu Longsha , Kashinath Vivek , Abdi Reza , Shah Khalid
Published: July 2023

The central nervous system (CNS) was previously thought to lack lymphatics and shielded from the free diffusion of molecular and cellular components by the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCB). However, recent findings have redefined the roles played by meningeal lymphatic vessels in the recruitment and drainage of lymphocytes from the periphery into the brain and the potentiation of an immune response. Emerging knowledge surrounding the importance of meningeal lymphatics has the potential to transform the treatment of CNS disorders. This review details the most recent understanding of the CNS-lymphatic network and its immunologic implications in both the healthy and diseased brain. Moreover, the review provides in-depth coverage of several exciting avenues for future therapeutic treatments that involve the meningeal lymphatic system. These therapeutic avenues will have potential implications in many treatment paradigms in the coming years.
In vitro assays reveal inherently insecticide-tolerant termite symbionts
Authors: Blanton Alison G. , Perkins Samontriona , Peterson Brittany F.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Termite symbionts are well known for conferring a myriad of benefits to their hosts. Bacterial symbionts are repeatedly associated with increased fitness, nutritional supplementation, pathogen protection, and proper development across insect taxa. In addition, several recent studies link bacterial symbionts to reduced insecticide efficacy. This has important implications both in pest control management and environmental bioremediation efforts. Insects’ guts may be a valuable resource for microbes with broad application given their unique niches and metabolic diversity. Though insecticide resistance in termites is considered unlikely due to their life history, the close association of termites with a multitude of bacteria raises the question: is there potential for symbiont-mediated pesticide tolerance in termites?

Methods and results: We identified a candidate that could grow in minimal medium containing formulated pesticide. This bacterial isolate was then subjected to continuous culture and subsequently demonstrated improved performance in the presence of pesticide. Isolates subjected to continuous culture were then grown at a range of concentrations from 1–10X the formulation rate. After constant exposure for several generations, isolates grew significantly better.

Conclusion: Here we demonstrate that naïve insect hosts can harbor symbionts with inherent insecticide tolerance capable of rapid adaptation to increasing insecticide concentrations overtime. This has broad implications for both pest control and environmental cleanup of residual pesticides.
Political polarization: a curse of knowledge?
Authors: Beattie Peter , Beattie Marguerite
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Could the curse of knowledge influence how antagonized we are towards political outgroups? Do we assume others know what we know but still disagree with us? This research investigates how the curse of knowledge may affect us politically, i.e., be a cause of political polarization.

Background

Research on the curse of knowledge has shown that even when people are incentivized to act as if others do not know what they know, they are still influenced by the knowledge they have.

Methods

This study consists of five studies consisting of both experimental and non-experimental and within- and between-subjects survey designs. Each study collected samples of 152–1,048.

Results

Partisans on both sides overestimate the extent to which stories from their news sources were familiar to contrapartisans. Introducing novel, unknown facts to support their political opinion made participants rate political outgroup members more negatively. In an experimental design, there was no difference in judging an opponent who did not know the same issue-relevant facts and someone who did know the same facts. However, when asked to compare those who know to those who do not, participants judged those who do not know more favorably, and their ratings of all issue-opponents were closer to those issue-opponents who shared the same knowledge. In a debiasing experiment, those who received an epistemological treatment judged someone who disagreed more favorably.

Conclusion

This research provides evidence that the curse of knowledge may be a contributing cause of affective political polarization.
Construction of a Nomogram predictive model for post-discharge psychosomatic review of psychiatric liaison consultation patients based on medical record data
Authors: Yanwen Liu , Mei Li , Wenwen Zhang , Huihui Jing , Hongbin Lu , Ying Wang , Ning Liu , Le Han , Xueyang Han , Xue Zou
Published: July 2023

Epidemiological studies have shown that almost all physical illnesses coexist with psychiatric disorders or psychological problems, and the severity of mental illness is positively correlated with the duration and severity of physical illness. Liaison consultations are valuable in identifying and treating psychiatric disorders, but the rate of psychiatric follow-up after consultation is low in outpatients. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing post-discharge psychosomatic follow-up visits in patients undergoing psychiatric liaison consultation in general hospitals and construct a Nomogram prediction model for patients’ post-discharge psychosomatic follow-up visits. Medical record data of inpatients who received psychiatric liaison consultations at Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital in China from September 2019 to September 2020 were analyzed. Lasso regression and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to screen independent influences on the occurrence of post-discharge psychosomatic follow-ups in patients undergoing psychiatric liaison consultations. Risk prediction column line graphs were constructed using R software, and the models were evaluated. Of the 494 inpatients who received psychiatric liaison consultations, 115 patients (23.279%) (mean age = 54.8 years) went for post-discharge psychosomatic follow-up, while 379 patients (mean age = 59.3 years) had no record of psychosomatic follow-up. Furthermore, occupation, interval.time, diagnosis, out.antipsychotics, and recommendations.followup were independent factors influencing post-discharge psychosomatic follow-up. The model accurately predicted post-discharge psychosomatic follow-up behavior of inpatients who received psychiatric liaison consultations. Lastly, the clinical decision curve analysis showed that the model had good validity for clinical application. Patients who received a psychiatric liaison consultation with a ≤ 10-day interval between admission to the hospital and application for consultation, were discharged with prescribed medication, and had a clear written medical order for a follow-up consultation had an increased probability of psychosomatic follow-up after discharge.
The impact of comorbid anxiety on quantitative EEG heterogeneity in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Jang Changwon , Oh Soowhan , Lee Hyerin , Lee Junho , Song Inmok , Park Yerin , Lee Eunji , Joung Yoo-Sook
Published: July 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare quantitative electroencephalography (Q-EEG) characteristics of children with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), taking into account the presence of a comorbidity for anxiety disorder. It also sought to investigate the impact of comorbid anxiety on the Q-EEG heterogeneity of children with ADHD.

Method

A total of 141 children with ADHD but without comorbid anxiety (ADHD-Only), 25 children with a comorbidity for anxiety disorder (ADHD-ANX) and 43 children in the control group were assessed. To compare Q-EEG characteristics between groups, we performed ANCOVA (Analysis of Covariance) on relative power and theta/beta ratio (TBR) controlling for covariates such as age, sex, and FSIQ. Relative power values from 19 electrodes were averaged for three regions (frontal, central and posterior). Furthermore, cluster analysis (Ward’s method) using the squared Euclidian distance was conducted on participants with ADHD to explore the impact of anxiety on the heterogeneity of Q-EEG characteristics in ADHD.

Results

There were no significant group differences in cognitive and behavioral measures. However, significant differences between groups were observed in the theta values in the central region, and the beta values in the frontal, central and posterior regions. In post hoc analyses, It was found that the ADHD-ANX group has significantly higher beta power values than the ADHD-Only group in all regions. For the theta/beta ratio, the ADHD-Only group had significantly higher values than the ADHD-ANX group in frontal, central and posterior regions. However, the control group did not show significant differences compared to both the ADHD-Only and ADHD-ANX group. Through clustering analysis, the participants in the ADHD-Only and ADHD-ANX groups were classified into four clusters. The ratios of children with comorbidities for anxiety disorder within each cluster were significantly different (χ2 = 10.018, p = 0.019).

Conclusion

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder children with comorbid anxiety disorder showed lower theta power in the central region, higher beta power in all regions and lower TBR in all regions compared to those without comorbid anxiety disorder. The ratios of children with comorbidities for anxiety disorder within each cluster were significantly different.
The potential effect of metformin on cognitive and other symptom dimensions in patients with schizophrenia and antipsychotic-induced weight gain: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression
Authors: Battini Vera , Cirnigliaro Giovanna , Leuzzi Rodolfo , Rissotto Eleonora , Mosini Giulia , Benatti Beatrice , Pozzi Marco , Nobile Maria , Radice Sonia , Carnovale Carla , Dell’Osso Bernardo , Clementi Emilio
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Metformin has shown good efficacy in the management of antipsychotic-induced metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorders. Its ability to induce antidepressant behavioural effects and improve cognitive functions has also been investigated: yet information has not been systematized. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of metformin on cognitive and other symptom dimension in schizophrenic patients treated with antipsychotics through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched PubMed, ClinicalTrials.Gov, Embase, PsycINFO, and WHO ICTRP database up to February 2022, Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT) evaluating patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and related disorders, who were treated with metformin as add-on therapy to antipsychotics for the treatment of weight gain and in which changes in psychiatric symptoms and cognitive functions were evaluated.

Results

A total of 19 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed on 12 eligible studies. We found a positive trend after 24 weeks of treatment in schizophrenic patients with stable conditions [SMD (95%CI) = -0.40 (−0.82;0.01), OR (95%CI) = 0.5 (−2.4;3.4)]. Better performance was detected in the Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) with low heterogeneity among studies. One study reported changes in BACS-verbal memory subdomain in favour of placebo [MD (95%CI) = -16.03 (-23.65;8.42)]. Gastrointestinal disorders, xerostomia, and extrapyramidal syndrome were the most reported adverse effects. Psychiatric adverse events were also described: in particular, symptoms attributable to a relapse of schizophrenia.

Conclusion

Some degree of efficacy was found for Metformin in improving cognitive and other symptom dimensions in patients with Schizophrenia. Given the clinical relevance of this potential pharmacological effect, longer specific studies using adequate psychometric scales are strongly recommended. Likewise, how metformin acts in this context needs to be evaluated in order to enhance its efficacy or find more efficacious drugs.
Non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma following surgery: long-term outcomes and development of an optimal follow-up strategy
Authors: Hussein Ziad , Grieve Joan , Dorward Neil , Miszkiel Katherine , Kosmin Michael , Fersht Naomi , Bouloux Pierre Marc , Jaunmuktane Zane , Baldeweg Stephanie E. , Marcus Hani J.
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Recurrence and regrowth of non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFPMs) after surgery are common but remain unpredictable. Therefore, the optimal timing and frequency of follow-up imaging remain to be determined. We sought to determine the long-term surgical outcomes of NFPMs following surgery and develop an optimal follow-up strategy.

Methods

Patients underwent surgery for NFPMs between 1987 and 2018, with a follow-up of 6 months or more, were identified. Demographics, presentation, management, histology, imaging, and surgical outcomes were retrospectively collected.

Results

In total, 383 patients were included; 256 were men (256/383; 67%) with median follow-up of 8 years. Following primary surgery, 229 patients (229/383; 60%) achieved complete resection. Of those, 28 (28/229; 11%) developed recurrence, including six needed secondary surgery (6/229; 3%). The rate of complete resection improved over time; in the last quartile of cases, 77 achieved complete resection (77/95; 81%). Reoperation-free survival at 5, 10 and 15 years was 99%, 94% and 94%, respectively. NFPMs were incompletely resected in 154 patients (154/383; 40%); of those, 106 (106/154; 69%) had regrowth, and 84 (84/154; 55%) required reoperation. Surgical reintervention-free survival at 5, 10 and 15 years was 74%,49% and 35%, respectively. Young age and cavernous sinus invasion were risk factors for undergoing reoperation (P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001, respectively) and radiotherapy (P = 0.003 and P < 0.001, respectively). Patients with residual tumour required reoperation earlier than those underwent complete resection (P = 0.02). Radiotherapy to control tumour regrowth was delivered to 65 patients (65/383; 17%) after median time of 1 year following surgery. Radiotherapy was administered more in patients with regrowth of residual disease (61/106; 58%) than those who had NFPMs recurrence (4/28; 14%) (P ≤ 0.001) Following postoperative radiotherapy, one patient (1/65; 2%) had evidence of regrowth, seven (7/65; 11%) had tumour regression on imaging, and no patients underwent further surgery.

Conclusions

NFPMs recurrence and regrowth are common, particularly in patients with residual disease post-operatively. We propose a follow-up strategy based on stratifying patients as “low risk” if there is no residual tumour, with increasing scan intervals, or “high risk” if there is a residual tumour, with annual scans for at least five years and extended lifelong surveillance after that.
Mind the O˜: Asymptotically Better, but Still Impractical, Quantum Distributed Algorithms
Authors: Kerger Phillip , Bernal Neira David E. , Gonzalez Izquierdo Zoe , Rieffel Eleanor G.
Published: July 2023

We present two algorithms in the quantum CONGEST-CLIQUE model of distributed computation that succeed with high probability: one for producing an approximately optimal Steiner tree, and one for producing an exact directed minimum spanning tree, each of which uses O˜(n1/4) rounds of communication and O˜(n9/4) messages, achieving a lower asymptotic round and message complexity than any known algorithms in the classical CONGEST-CLIQUE model. At a high level, we achieve these results by combining classical algorithmic frameworks with quantum subroutines. Additionally, we characterize the constants and logarithmic factors involved in our algorithms as well as related classical algorithms, otherwise obscured by O˜ notation, revealing that advances are needed to render both the quantum and classical algorithms practical.
Design of Aerospace Vehicles’ Thermal Protection Based on Heat-Insulating Materials with Optimal Structure
Authors: Alifanov Oleg M. , Salosina Margarita O. , Budnik Sergey A. , Nenarokomov Aleksey V.
Published: July 2023

Highly porous open-cell carbon materials have great potential for use as high-temperature thermal insulation for space vehicles due to a unique combination of properties: low density, high rigidity, sufficient compressive strength, and low thermal conductivity. The physical properties of these materials essentially depend on their microstructure. This implies the possibility of constructing a new advanced technique for the optimal design of multilayer thermal protection systems for aerospace vehicles, taking into account the dependence of materials’ thermal properties on microstructure. The formulation of the optimization problem traditional to thermal design implies the determination of the layer thicknesses that provide a minimum specific mass of the thermal protection, subject to the specified constraints on the maximum temperatures in the layers. The novelty of this work lies in the fact that, along with the thickness of the layers, the design parameters include the cell diameter and porosity, which characterize the structure of highly porous cellular materials. The innovative part of the presented paper lies in the determination of cell diameter and the porosity of open-cell carbon foam together with the thickness of the layers for multilayer thermal insulation, ensuring the required operational temperature on the boundaries of the layers and a minimum of the total mass of the system. This article reveals new possibilities for using the numerical optimization method to determine the geometric parameters of the thermal protection system and the morphology of the materials used. A new methodology for designing heat-loaded structures based on the simultaneous selection of macro- and micro-parameters of the system is proposed. The basic principles of constructing an algorithm for designing a multilayer thermal protection system are outlined, taking into account the possibility of choosing the parameters of the highly porous materials’ structure. The reliability of the developed optimization method was verified by comparing the results of mathematical modeling with experimental data obtained for highly porous cellular materials with known microstructure parameters.
Application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Precision Agriculture
Authors: Liu Zongru , Li Jiyu
Published: July 2023

Agriculture has long been an important part of human activities [...]
Genetics and Environmental Factors Associated with Resistance to Fusarium graminearum, the Causal Agent of Gibberella Ear Rot in Maize
Authors: Magarini Andrea , Passera Alessandro , Ghidoli Martina , Casati Paola , Pilu Roberto
Published: July 2023

Maize is one of the most important food and feed sources at the worldwide level. Due to this importance, all the pathogens that can infect this crop can harm both food safety and security. Fungi are the most important pathogens in cultivated maize, and Fusarium spp. are one of the most important families. Reduction in yield and production of dangerous mycotoxins are the main effects of Fusarium spp. infection. Fusarium graminearum (part of the Fusarium graminearum species complex) is one the most important fungi that infect maize, and it is the causative agent of Gibberella ear rot (GER). The main characteristics of this species include its ability to infect various species and its varying infection pressures across different years. This fungus produces various harmful mycotoxins, such as deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, butanolide, and culmorin. Infection can start from silk channels or from ear wounds. In the first case, the environmental conditions are the most important factors, but in the second, a key role is played by the feeding action of lepidopteran larvae (in Europe, Ostrinia nubilalis). All these factors need to be taken into account to develop a successful management strategy, starting from cropping methods that can reduce the source of inoculum to the direct control of the fungus with fungicide, as well as insect control to reduce ear wounds. But, the most important factor that can reduce the effects of this fungus is the use of resistant hybrids. Different studies have highlighted different defensive methods developed by the plant to reduce fungal infections, like fast drying of silk and kernels, chemical compounds produced by the plant after infection, and mechanical protection from insects’ wounds. The aim of this paper is to review the scientific evidence of the most important management strategies against GER in maize and to highlight the genetic basis which is behind hybrid resistance to this disease, with a focus on genes and QTLs found in studies conducted across the world and with different types of maize from tropical cultivars to European flint.