bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Liberal surgical laparoscopy reduction for acute intussusception: experience from a tertiary pediatric institute
Authors: Yang Jian , Wang Guoyong , Gao Jia , Zhong Xiaotong , Gao Kai , Liu Qianyang , Nan Guoxin , Yan Chengwei , Chen Gongli , Lu Peng , Guo Chunbao
Published: January 2024

The optimal treatment for acute intussusception has not yet been defined. In this study, we explored whether employing a liberal laparoscopic intervention for intussusception could lead to favorable outcomes. We performed a historical control analysis to evaluate the outcomes associated with this liberal surgical management protocol. This liberal surgical management protocol were revised to incorporate a new protocol centered around the laparoscopic approach. In some cases of acute intussusception, liberal laparoscopic exploration and intervention were undertaken without initial hydrostatic or pneumatic reduction. During the study interval, a retrospective review was conducted on a total of 3086 patients. These were categorized into two groups: 1338 cases before May 2019 (pre-protocol group) and 1748 cases after May 2019 (post-protocol group). Surgical intervention rates in the pre-protoco and post-protocol period were 10.2% and 27.4% respectively (odds ratio [OR] = 0.30 [95% CI 0.25–0.37]; p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in baseline clinical characteristics or demographic features between the two groups. The duration from admission to operation was longer for the pre-protocol group (p = 0.008) than for the post-protocol group. The post-protocol group demonstrated decreases in both intestinal resection (OR = 1.50 [95% CI 0.96–2.35]; p = 0.048) and total recurrent events (OR = 1.27 [95% CI 1.04–1.55]; p = 0.012) compared to the pre-protocol group. Liberal laparoscopic intervention for intussusception may effectively reduce the risk of intestinal resection and total recurrent events, thereby exhibiting promising outcomes for patients with intussusception.
Maintenance of crack with infilling polymer modified mortar for shear deficient of reinforced concrete beam
Authors: Waqas Rana Muhammad , Elahi Ayub , Kırgız Mehmet Serkan , Nagaprasad N. , Ramaswamy Krishnaraj
Published: January 2024

Being a developing country, Pakistan needs sustainable and cost-effective strengthening/ retrofitting solution to be adopted/ practiced in the construction industry. The research reported in this paper was aimed to study the effectiveness of PMM, an indigenous product, for repairing reinforced concrete beams, resulting more effective and cost benefiting repair and strengthening for restoration of pre-cracked RC structures. This article presents the research results of experimental investigation conducted for repairing of cracks in shear deficient reinforced concrete (RC) beams with locally available novel material polymer modified mortar (PMM). A total of 6 beams; divided in three groups i.e. short beams, medium beams and deep beams with varying depths and same mix design were tested to four point loading under monotonic loading conditions until failure loads. Afterwards, these beams were repaired with PMM and cured with water for 72 h for retesting until failure. Load at first crack and at failure, crack pattern and deflections were recorded for all specimens during testing. Results from the experimental investigation indicate that load carrying capacity of the repaired beams was significantly restored in comparison to the control specimens. However, repaired specimens of medium group showed more improvement in load carrying capacity as compared with those of repaired specimens of short and deep group. The specimens of medium group restored up to 90% of their original load carrying capacity. The ductility is improved significantly for all shear critical repaired RC beams up to opening of cracks. Sudden brittle failure was observed after opening of repaired cracks. The contribution of PMM to load carrying capacity was found more significant for medium beams as compared to short and deep beams. The results of this study indicated that application of polymer modified mortar is effective technique for repairing of cracks in shear deficient RC beams.
Characterization, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities of silver nanoparticles using the whole biofilm layer as a macromolecule in biosynthesis
Authors: Yakoup Aghapy Yermans , Kamel Azza G. , Elbermawy Yasmin , Abdelsattar Abdallah S. , El-Shibiny Ayman
Published: January 2024

Recently, multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria are responsible for a large number of infectious diseases that can be life-threatening. Globally, new approaches are targeted to solve this essential issue. This study aims to discover novel antibiotic alternatives by using the whole components of the biofilm layer as a macromolecule to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a promising agent against MDR. In particular, the biosynthesized biofilm-AgNPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, electron microscopes, Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), zeta sizer and potential while their effect on bacterial strains and normal cell lines was identified. Accordingly, biofilm-AgNPs have a lavender-colored solution, spherical shape, with a size range of 20–60 nm. Notably, they have inhibitory effects when used on various bacterial strains with concentrations ranging between 12.5 and 25 µg/mL. In addition, they have an effective synergistic effect when combined with phage ZCSE9 to inhibit and killSalmonella entericawith a concentration of 3.1 µg/mL. In conclusion, this work presents a novel biosynthesis preparation of AgNPs using biofilm for antibacterial purposes to reduce the possible toxicity by reducing the MICs using phage ZCSE9.
A degradation feature extraction technique based on static divided symbol sequence entropy
Authors: Gu Chunxia , Bi Juan , Wang Bing
Published: January 2024

Due to the doping of considerable noise and impact components in vibration signals of quay crane gearboxes, some traditional methods have difficulty uncovering degradation patterns. To accurately extract degradation features from vibration monitoring signals, a degradation feature extraction technique based on static divided symbol sequence entropy is proposed. Based on the basic scale entropy technique, considering the uniformity of the symbolization standard, the technique takes the root mean square of the health condition signal as the basis and incorporates the scale coefficient to establish a uniform basic scale. Simultaneously, the symbol set is expanded to enhance the information content and the ability of the approach to characterize the complexity levels of signals in large-value regions. Therefore, the proposed static divided symbol sequence entropy technique can accurately and flexibly characterize performance degradations. The logistic chaotic sequence and the lifetime signal of hoisting mechanism gearbox are separately used for analysis. It shows that the proposed technique can characterize the complexity of the nonlinear time series and sensitively describe the performance degradation exhibited by hoisting mechanism gearbox. This technique is computationally fast, and it can be implemented as a foundation for developing new methods for evaluating the health conditions of quay crane gearboxes.
Effect of the peripartum depressive symptoms on the Internet use disorder of their offspring in late childhood: retrospective longitudinal study
Authors: Kim Jinhyun , Hurh Kyungduk , Kim Hyunkyu , Park Eun-Cheol , Ha Min Jin
Published: January 2024

Internet use disorder (IUD) is an emerging social and mental health concern. This study aimed to analyze the relative risk of IUD in late childhood among children whose mothers experienced peripartum depressive symptoms. This study included 762 participants (397 boys and 365 girls) and was conducted in 2017 (aged 9) and 2019 (aged 11). We analyzed the adjusted relative risk of being at high risk for IUD based on whether the mother experienced depressive symptoms during pregnancy or one month after delivery. We also considered the persistence of depressed mood for 4 months after delivery and the severity of peripartum depressive symptoms. From 2017, 20.7% of boys and 14.0% of girls were at high risk of developing IUD. Compared to the non-peripartum depressive group, girls whose mothers experienced peripartum depressive symptoms and those that persisted for 4 months were 1.084 and 1.124 times more likely to be at high risk of IUD (95% confidence interval = 1.005–1.170 and 1.013–1.248), respectively. There were no statistically significant differences among boys. Peripartum depressed mood could be one of risk factors of IUD. IUD needs to be monitored in children whose mothers experienced peripartum depressive symptoms.
Examining factors contributing to the socioeconomic inequalities in handgrip strength among older adults in India: a decomposition analysis
Authors: Pai Manacy , Muhammad T.
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine (a) the socioeconomic status (SES)-related inequalities associated with handgrip strength (HGS); and (b) the extent to which several demographic, health, and behavioral factors contributed to such SES disparities in HGS among older adults in India. Data were drawn from the 2017–2018 wave 1 of the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI). The study sample included 27,707 older adults (13,199 men and 14,508 women) aged 60 years and older. HGS was assessed using a handheld Smedley's Hand Dynamometer with a cut-off of 19.5 kg for men and 12.5 kg for women. Bivariate analysis showed the weighted percentage distribution of weak HGS across respondent characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression assessed factors linked to weak HGS. The concentration curve and index (CCI) was used to determine the inequalities in the prevalence of weak HGS by wealth index scores. Wagstaff's decomposition approach was used to test the contribution of each explanatory variable to weak HGS. Around 9% of older adults in this study reported a weak HGS. It was significantly higher among those aged 80 or older (19.21%) and males (15.55%). Weak HGS was concentrated among older adults from poor SES (CCI: 0.05, p < 0.001). A higher percentage of wealth-based inequality in weak HGS was explained by being underweight (38.83%), belonging to the richest wealth quintile (27.95%), and having a higher subjective social status (32.20%). Moreover, about 23.29% of the inequality in weak HGS was explained by Western region and 22.54% by female gender. Additionally, having a secondary level of education explained a higher percentage (22.09%) of inequality, followed by current working status (− 20.68%). Rural residence (13.08%), limitations in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) (12.21%), and engagement in yoga-related activities (11.55%) explained a higher percentage of wealth-based inequalities. The findings provide evidence of significant SES-related inequalities in HGS and the contribution of various demographic, health, and behavioral factors to such inequality. As such, public health policies and programs focusing on reducing the burden of disability must consider the contribution of social and economic equity to the preservation of muscle strength among older adults.
Magnitude of effect and sample size justification in trials supporting anti-cancer drug approval by the US Food and Drug Administration
Authors: Nadler Michelle B. , Wilson Brooke E. , Desnoyers Alexandra , Valiente Consolacion Molto , Saleh Ramy R. , Amir Eitan
Published: January 2024

Approval of drugs is based on randomized trials observing statistically significant superiority of an experimental agent over a standard. Statistical significance results from a combination of effect size and sampling, with larger effect size more likely to translate to population effectiveness. We assess sample size justification in trials supporting cancer drug approvals. We identified US FDA anti-cancer drug approvals for solid tumors from 2015 to 2019. We extracted data on study characteristics, statistical plan, accrual, and outcomes. Observed power (Pobs) was calculated based on completed study characteristics and observed hazard ratio (HRobs). Studies were considered over-sampled if Pobs > expected with HRobs similar or worse than expected or if Pobs was similar to expected with HRobs worse than expected. We explored associations with over-sampling using logistic regression. Of 75 drug approvals (reporting 94 endpoints), 21% (20/94) were over-sampled. Over-sampling was associated with immunotherapy (OR: 5.5; p = 0.04) and associated quantitatively but not statistically with targeted therapy (OR: 3.0), open-label trials (OR: 2.5), and melanoma (OR: 4.6) and lung cancer (OR: 2.17) relative to breast cancer. Most cancer drug approvals are supported by trials with justified sample sizes. Approximately 1 in 5 endpoints are over-sampled; benefit observed may not translate to clinically meaningful real-world outcomes.
Quasi-instantaneous materials processing technology via high-intensity electrical nano pulsing
Authors: Olevsky Eugene A. , Jiang Runjian , Xu Wenwu , Maximenko Andrii , Grippi Thomas , Torresani Elisa
Published: January 2024

Despite many efforts, the outcomes obtained with field-assisted processing of materials still rely on long-term coupling with other electroless processes. This conceals the efficacy and the intrinsic contributions of electric current. A new device utilizing electrical nano pulsing (ENP) has been designed and constructed to bring quasi-instantaneous modifications to the micro- and nano-structure in materials. Featuring ultra-high intensity (~ 1011 A/m2) and ultra-short duration (< 1 μs), the ENP technology activates non-equilibrium structural evolutions at nanometer spatial scale and nanosecond temporal scale. Several examples are provided to demonstrate its utility far outpacing any conventional materials processing technology. The ENP technology gives a practical tool for exploring the intrinsic mechanism of electric-field effects and a pathway towards the rapid industrial manufacturing of materials with unique properties.
Spatial structure and network characteristics of the coupling coordination innovation ecosystems in the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay area
Authors: Yang Zhichen , Li Xiangtao , Wang Fangfang , Chen Rongjian , Ma Renwen
Published: January 2024

In recent times, a new wave of scientific and technological advancements has significantly reshaped the global economic structure. This shift has redefined the role of regional innovation, particularly in its contribution to developing the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay area (GBA) into a renowned center for science, technology, and innovation. This study constructs a comprehensive evaluation system for the Regional Innovation Ecosystem (RIE). By applying the coupling coordination degree model and social network analysis, we have extensively analyzed the spatial structure and network attributes of the coupled and coordinated innovation ecosystem in the GBA from 2010 to 2019. Our findings reveal several key developments: (1) There has been a noticeable rightward shift in the kernel density curve, indicating an ongoing optimization of the overall coupling coordination level. Notably, the center of gravity for coupling coordination has progressively moved southeast. This shift has led to a reduction in the elliptical area each year, while the trend surface consistently shows a convex orientation toward the center. The most significant development is observed along the ‘Guangdong–Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Macao Science and Technology Innovation Corridor’, where the level of coupling coordination has become increasingly pronounced. (2) The spatial linkages within the GBA have been strengthening. There are significant spatial transaction costs in the regional innovation ecological network. In the context of the 2019 US-China trade war, the cities of Jiangmen and Zhaoqing experienced a notable decrease in connectivity with other cities, raising concerns about their potential marginalization. (3) Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong have emerged as core nodes within the network. The network exhibits a distinctive “core–edge” spatial structure, characterized by both robustness and vulnerability in various aspects.
PI3K/Akt signaling pathway mediates the effect of low-dose boron on barrier function, proliferation and apoptosis in rat intestinal epithelial cells
Authors: Chen Shuqin , Huang Jialiang , Liu Ting , Zhang Feng , Zhao Chunfang , Jin Erhui , Li Shenghe
Published: January 2024

Boron is an essential trace element with roles in growth, development, and physiological functions; however, its mechanism of action is still unclear. In this study, the regulatory roles of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway on boron-induced changes in barrier function, proliferation, and apoptosis in rat intestinal epithelial cells were evaluated. Occludin levels, the proportion of cells in the G2/M phase, cell proliferation rate, and mRNA and protein expression levels of PCNA were higher, while the proportions of cells in the G0/G1 and S phases, apoptosis rate, and caspase-3 mRNA and protein expression levels were lower in cells treated with 0.8 mmol/L boron than in control IEC-6 cells (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). However, 40 mmol/L boron decreased ZO-1 and Occludin levels, the proportion of cells in the G2/M phase, cell proliferation rate, and mRNA and protein levels of PCNA and increased the apoptosis rate and caspase-3 mRNA expression (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). After specifically blocking PI3K and Akt signals (using LY294002 and MK-2206 2HCL), 0.8 mmol/L boron had no effects on Occludin, PCNA level, apoptosis rates, and caspase-3 levels (P < 0.05); however, the proliferation rate and PCNA levels decreased significantly (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The addition of 40 mmol/L boron did not affect ZO-1 and Occludin levels and did not affect the apoptosis rate or PCNA and caspase-3 levels. These results suggested that the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway mediates the effects of low-dose boron on IEC-6 cells.
Bacteriophage-mediated decolonization of Klebsiella pneumoniae in a novel Galleria mellonella gut colonization model with Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Mirza Kamran A. , Nietzsche Sandor , Makarewicz Oliwia , Pletz Mathias W. , Thieme Lara
Published: January 2024

Galleria mellonella larvae have emerged as an invertebrate model for investigating bacterial pathogenesis and potential therapies, addressing ethical concerns related to mammalian models. This model has the advantage of having a simple gut microbiome, which is suitable for gut colonization studies. Intestinal colonization by Enterobacteriaceae significantly contributes to the spread of antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to establish a novel Enterobacteriaceae gut colonization larval model and assess its suitability for evaluating distinct antimicrobial efficacies. Larvae were force-fed sequentially with bacterial doses of K. pneumoniae and E. coli at 0, 24, and 48 h, with survival monitoring at 24 h intervals. Bacterial counts were assessed after 48 h and 120 h of force-feeding. Successfully colonized larvae were subjected to one-time force feeding of a bacteriophage cocktail (107 PFU/larvae) or MIC-based meropenem and ciprofloxacin. The colonized bacterial load was quantified by CFU count. Three doses of 106 CFU/larvae resulted in stable gut colonization, independent of the K. pneumoniae or E. coli strain. Compared with the control, force-feeding of the bacteriophage reduced the colonization of the strain Kp 419614 by 5 log10 CFU/larvae, while antibiotic treatment led to a 3 log10 CFU/larval reduction. This novel G. mellonella model provides a valuable alternative for gut colonization studies, facilitating proof-of-concept investigations and potentially reducing or replacing follow-up experiments in vertebrate models.
The Rogdi knockout mouse is a model for Kohlschütter–Tönz syndrome
Authors: Jimenez-Armijo Alexandra , Morkmued Supawich , Ahumada José Tomás , Kharouf Naji , de Feraudy Yvan , Gogl Gergo , Riet Fabrice , Niederreither Karen , Laporte Jocelyn , Birling Marie Christine , Selloum Mohammed , Herault Yann , Hernandez Magali , Bloch-Zupan Agnès
Published: January 2024

Kohlschütter–Tönz syndrome (KTS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by severe intellectual disability, early-onset epileptic seizures, and amelogenesis imperfecta. Here, we present a novelRogdimutant mouse deleting exons 6–11- a mutation found in KTS patients disablingROGDIfunction. ThisRogdi−/−mutant model recapitulates most KTS symptoms. Mutants displayed pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures, confirming epilepsy susceptibility. Spontaneous locomotion and circadian activity tests demonstrateRogdimutant hyperactivity mirroring patient spasticity. Object recognition impairment indicates memory deficits.Rogdi−/−mutant enamel was markedly less mature. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed its hypomineralized/hypomature crystallization, as well as its low mineral content. Transcriptomic RNA sequencing of postnatal day 5 lower incisors showed downregulated enamel matrix proteinsEnam, Amelx,andAmbn. Enamel crystallization appears highly pH-dependent, cycling between an acidic and neutral pH during enamel maturation.Rogdi−/−teeth exhibit no signs of cyclic dental acidification. Additionally, expression changes inWdr72,Slc9a3r2, andAtp6v0cwere identified as potential contributors to these tooth acidification abnormalities. These proteins interact through the acidifying V-ATPase complex. Here, we present theRogdi−/−mutant as a novel model to partially decipher KTS pathophysiology.Rogdi−/−mutant defects in acidification might explain the unusual combination of enamel and rare neurological disease symptoms.
Synergism between coexisting eye diseases and sex in increasing the prevalence of the dry eye syndrome
Authors: Stang Andreas , Schmidt Börge , Schramm Sara , Kowall Bernd , Jöckel Karl-Heinz , Erbel Raimund , Kuss Oliver , Geerling Gerd
Published: January 2024

The aim was to investigate prevalence of dry eye syndrome (DES) in a population-based sample in Germany. The association between coexisting eye diseases and DES was also of interest. We recontacted participants of the Heinz Nixdorf Recall study between 2018 and 2021 by postal questionnaire that included the Women’s Health Study questionnaire on DES. We estimated prevalence of DES and examined DES-associated factors among 2095 participants aged 62–91 years. We performed interaction analyses between sex and coexisting eye diseases in relation to the DES prevalence and performed bias analyses to examine the robustness of the results. The DES prevalence was 31.5% (34–36% after correction for potential non-response bias, 24.1% after correction for outcome misclassification) and it was almost 2.1-times higher in women than in men (women 42.3%, men 20.4%). Among DES subjects, 70.3% had received treatment in the previous 12 months. There was synergism between female sex and coexisting eye diseases (cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration) in terms of DES prevalence. The extrapolated numbers of patients aged 62–91 years with DES in Germany are 1.1–1.3 million men and 6.1–6.8 million women. The observed synergism may be explained by differences in ocular physiology, subjective perception and response behavior. Women with eye diseases (cataract, glaucoma, macula degeneration) appear to have a markedly higher susceptibility to suffer from DES than men, so that a diagnostic workup of DES symptoms is particularly justified in women with these eye diseases.
Social and political trust diverge during a crisis
Authors: Aassve Arnstein , Capezzone Tommaso , Cavalli Nicolo’ , Conzo Pierluigi , Peng Chen
Published: January 2024

This study shows that social and political trust may diverge in the face of shared threats, and that this pattern is driven by negative information about crisis management. Leveraging a three-wave panel survey and an information-provision experiment in the USA during the COVID-19 crisis, our research reveals that negative perceptions of pandemic management lead to a decline in political trust and a parallel increase in social trust. This dynamic is pronounced among government supporters, who, confronted with COVID-19 challenges, experience a substantial erosion of political trust. Simultaneously, there is a notable rise in social trust within this group. Our analysis suggests that, as government supporters attributed more responsibility for the crisis to their political leader, political trust was supplanted by social trust. Disenchanted voters, feeling let down by institutions, sought support in society. Both the survey and the experiment underscore that societal shocks can prompt individuals to shift from relying on formal institutions to informal ones as a coping strategy. This research contributes a generalizable framework explaining how negative perceptions of crisis management can lead societies to substitute political trust with social trust, advancing our understanding of societal responses to shared threats and adaptive strategies during crises.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: A vehicular network based
intelligent transport system for smart cities using machine learning
algorithms
Authors: Prakash J. , Murali L. , Manikandan N. , Nagaprasad N. , Ramaswamy Krishnaraj
Published: January 2024

Smart cities and the Internet of Things have enabled the integration of
communicating devices for efficient decision-making. Notably, traffic congestion is one
major problem faced by daily commuters in urban cities. In developed countries,
specialized sensors are deployed to gather traffic information to predict traffic
patterns. Any traffic updates are shared with the commuters via the Internet. Such
solutions become impracticable when physical infrastructure and Internet connectivity
are either non-existent or very limited. In case of developing countries, no roadside
units are available and Internet connectivity is still an issue in remote areas.
Internet traffic analysis is a thriving field of study due to the myriad ways in which
it may be put to practical use. In the intelligent Internet-of-Vehicles (IOVs), traffic
congestion can be predicted and identified using cutting-edge technologies. Using
tree-based decision-tree, random-forest, extra-tree, and XGBoost machine learning (ML)
strategies, this research proposes an intelligent-transport-system for the IOVs-based
vehicular network traffic in a smart city set-up. The suggested system uses ensemble
learning and averages the selection of crucial features to give high detection accuracy
at minimal computational costs, as demonstrated by the simulation results. For IOV-based
vehicular network traffic, the tree-based ML approaches with feature-selection (FS)
outperformed those without FS. When contrasted to the lowest KNN accuracy of 96.6% and
the highest SVM accuracy of 98.01%, the Stacking approach demonstrates superior accuracy
as 99.05%.
Suspension culture of stem cells established of Calendula officinalis L.
Authors: Kaňuková Šarlota , Lenkavská Klaudia , Gubišová Marcela , Kraic Ján
Published: January 2024

Plant stem cell cultures have so far been established in only a few plant species using cambial meristematic cells. The presence of stem cells or stem cell-like cells in other organs and tissues of the plant body, as well as the possibility of de novo generation of meristematic cells from differentiated cells, allow to consider the establishment of stem cell cultures in a broader range of species. This study aimed to establish a stem cell culture of the medicinal plant Calendula officinalis L. Callus tissues were induced from leaf and root explants, and already at this stage, stem and dedifferentiated cells could be identified. The cell suspension cultures established both from the root- and leaf-derived calli contained a high proportion of stem cells (92–93% and 72–73%, respectively). The most effective combination of growth regulators for the development of stem cells in calli as well as cell cultures was 1.0 mg/L 2,4-D and 0.5 mg/L BAP. The highest amount of stem cells (5.60–5.72 × 105) was in cell suspension derived from the roots. An effective protocol for the establishment of marigold stem cell suspension culture was developed. The ratio of root-derived stem cells against dedifferentiated cells exceeded 90%.
The greening-causing agent alters the behavioral and electrophysiological responses of the Asian citrus psyllid to a putative sex pheromone
Authors: Volpe Haroldo X. L. , Carmo-Sousa Michele , Luvizotto Rejane A. G. , de Freitas Renato , Esperança Victoria , Darolt Josiane C. , Pegoraro Abner A. L. , Magalhães Diego M. , Favaris Arodi P. , Wulff Nelson A. , Miranda Marcelo P. , Bento José Maurício S. , Leal Walter S.
Published: January 2024

The Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, is a vector of the pathological bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), which causes the most devastating disease to the citrus industry worldwide, known as greening or huanglongbing (HLB). Earlier field tests with an acetic acid-based lure in greening-free, ‘Valencia’ citrus orange groves in California showed promising results. The same type of lures tested in São Paulo, Brazil, showed unsettling results. During the unsuccessful trials, we noticed a relatively large proportion of females in the field, ultimately leading us to test field-collected males and females for Wolbachia and CLas. The results showed high rates of Wolbachia and CLas infection in field populations. We then compared the olfactory responses of laboratory-raised, CLas-free, and CLas-infected males to acetic acid. As previously reported, CLas-uninfected males responded to acetic acid at 1 µg. Surprisingly, CLas-infected males required 50 × higher doses of the putative sex pheromone, thus explaining the failure to capture CLas-infected males in the field. CLas infection was also manifested in electrophysiological responses. Electroantennogram responses from CLas-infected ACP males were significantly higher than those obtained with uninfected males. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a pathogen infection affecting a vector’s response to a sex attractant.
Industrial camera model positioned on an effector for automated tool center point calibration
Authors: Konecny Jaromir , Beremlijski Petr , Bailova Michaela , Machacek Zdenek , Koziorek Jiri , Prauzek Michal
Published: January 2024

The study presents a novel, full model of an industrial camera suitable for robotic manipulator tool center point (TCP) calibration. The authors propose a new solution which employs a full camera model positioned on the effector of an industrial robotic arm. The proposed full camera model simulates the capture of a calibration pattern for use in automated TCP calibration. The study describes an experimental test robot stand for producing a reference data set, a full camera model, the parameters of a generally known camera obscura model, and a comparison of proposed solution with the camera obscura model. The results are discussed in the context of an innovative approach which features a full camera model to assist the TCP calibration process. The results showed that the full camera model produced greater accuracy, a significant benefit not provided by other state-of-the-art methods. In several cases, the absolute error produced was up to seven times lower than with the state-of-the-art camera obscura model. The error for small rotation (max. of 5$$^\circ $$

∘

) and small translation (max. of 20 mm) was 3.65 pixels. The results also highlighted the applicability of the proposed solution in real-life industrial processes.
Combined use of anticoagulant and antiplatelet on outcome after stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and systemic atherosclerosis
Authors: Heo JoonNyung , Lee Hyungwoo , Lee Il Hyung , Lim In Hwan , Hong Soon-Ho , Shin Joonggyeong , Nam Hyo Suk , Kim Young Dae
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to investigate whether there was a difference in one-year outcome after stroke between patients treated with antiplatelet and anticoagulation (OAC + antiplatelet) and those with anticoagulation only (OAC), when comorbid atherosclerotic disease was present with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). This was a retrospective study using a prospective cohort of consecutive patients with ischemic stroke. Patients with NVAF and comorbid atherosclerotic disease were assigned to the OAC + antiplatelet or OAC group based on discharge medication. All-cause mortality, recurrent ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, myocardial infarction, and bleeding events within 1 year after the index stroke were compared. Of the 445 patients included in this study, 149 (33.5%) were treated with OAC + antiplatelet. There were no significant differences in all outcomes between groups. After inverse probability of treatment weighting, OAC + antiplatelet was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 0.48; 95% confidence interval 0.23–0.98; P = 0.045) and myocardial infarction (0% vs. 3.0%, P < 0.001). The risk of hemorrhagic stroke was not significantly different (P = 0.123). OAC + antiplatelet was associated with a decreased risk of all-cause mortality and myocardial infarction but an increased risk of ischemic stroke among patients with NVAF and systemic atherosclerotic diseases.
Two new species of Tasiocera Skuse from Baltic amber (Diptera, Limoniidae)
Authors: Kania-Kłosok Iwona , Wąsacz Patryk , Tuchowski Michał , Krzemiński Wiesław
Published: January 2024

The paper presents very rare fossil record of crane flies. Inclusions in Baltic amber have documented the second evidence of the existence of the genus Tasiocera (Diptera: Limoniidae: Chioneinae) in ancient epochs of Earth’s history. Hypotheses were also introduced regarding the environmental preferences of fossil Dasymolopilus in relation to modern representatives of the subgenus. The genus is numerous in species and widespread in the modern fauna, while only one species, Tasiocera (Dasymolophilus) circumcincta, has been known from the fossil record to date. The paper presents an additional description and graphic documentation of this species based on new materials. The discovery of two other species Tasiocera (Dasymolophilus) gorskii sp. nov. and Tasiocera (Dasymolophilus) baltica sp. nov. in Eocene resins documents the occurence of Tasiocera since Eocene. Interestingly, only subgenus Dasymolophilus is represented both in extinct and extant fauna while subgenus Tasiocera is not known from the fossil record. The new discovery is very significant, and the result of the study adds a brick to our understanding of the evolution of this group of insects and their habitat.
Synthesis of colloidal silica nanofluid and assessment of its impact on interfacial tension (IFT) and wettability for enhanced oil recovery (EOR)
Authors: Mansouri Zadeh Morteza , Amiri Fatemeh , Hosseni Seyednooroldin , Ghamarpoor Reza
Published: January 2024

Ever-increasing global energy demand, from one hand and reduced oil initially in place in oil reservoirs due to production and reduced natural reservoir production capacity, on the other hand, has encouraged researchers to investigate different methods to improve and increase enhanced oil recovery (EOR) from oil reservoirs. One method is to employ nanotechnology in injected water, where nanoparticles could affect interfacial tension (IFT) between water and oil and wettability through properties, including high specific surface area and nanoparticle size. However, a major challenge in using nanoparticles in injected water is the instability of these particles in water, which ultimately reduces the efficiency of EOR. These particles cannot be stabilized through conventional methods at a large scale. In this study, stabilized silica nanoparticles were synthesized in the water phase using sodium silicate and sol–gel processes. The stability of this nanofluid was studied in seawater, and then its effect on IFT and changing wettability was examined. According to the results, seawater containing 40 times diluted nanofluid could obtain 41% reduced IFT and 40% alteration in wettability of carbonate core becoming more water-wet and ultimately 13.7% improved final oil recovery in secondary oil recovery and 8.3% improved final oil recovery in third EOR.
In vitro feeding of all life stages of two-host Hyalomma excavatum and Hyalomma scupense and three-host Hyalomma dromedarii ticks
Authors: Elati Khawla , Benyedem Hayet , Fukatsu Kohsuke , Hoffmann-Köhler Peggy , Mhadhbi Moez , Bakırcı Serkan , Bilgiç Hüseyin Bilgin , Karagenç Tülin , Darghouth Mohamed Aziz , Nijhof Ard M.
Published: January 2024

Ticks are blood-sucking ectoparasites and can transmit various pathogens of medical and veterinary relevance. The life cycle of ticks can be completed under laboratory conditions on experimental animals, but the artificial feeding of ticks has attracted increased interest as an alternative method. This study represents the first report on the successful in vitro feeding of all life stages of two-host tick species, Hyalomma scupense and Hyalomma excavatum, and the three-host tick Hyalomma dromedarii. The attachment and engorgement rates of adults were 84% (21/25) and 76% (19/25) for H. scupense females. For adult H. excavatum and H. dromedarii, 70% (21/30) and 34.4% (11/32) of the females attached and all attached females successfully fed to repletion. The oviposition rates of the artificially fed females were 36.4%, 57.1% and 63.1% for H. dromedarii, H. excavatum and H. scupense, respectively, with a reproductive efficiency index varying between 44.3 and 60.7%. For the larvae, the attachment and engorgement rates were 44.2% (313/708) and 42.8% (303/708) for H. dromedarii, 70.5% (129/183) and 56.8% (104/183) for H. excavatum and 92.6% (113/122) and 55.7% (68/122) for H. scupense. The attachment and engorgement rates for the nymphs were 90.2% (129/143) and 47.6% (68/143) for H. dromedarii, 66.7% (34/51) and 41.2% (21/51) for H. excavatum, and 44.1% (30/68) and 36.8% (25/68) for H. scupense. Molting rates of the immature stages varied between 71.3% (216/303) and 100% (68/68) for the larvae and between 61.9% (13/21) and 96% (24/25) for the nymphs. The successful in vitro feeding of all stages of the three Hyalomma species makes this method a valuable tool for tick research, with potential applications in studies on the pathogens transmitted by these tick species such as Theileria annulata.
Antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer's potential of Tetragonisca angustula (Jataí) stingless bee pollen
Authors: dos Santos Natalia Carine Lima , Malta Serena Mares , Franco Rodrigo Rodrigues , Silva Heitor Cappato Guerra , Silva Matheus Henrique , Rodrigues Tamiris Sabrina , de Oliveira Rafael Martins , Araújo Thayane Nogueira , Augusto Solange Cristina , Espindola Foued Salmen , Ueira-Vieira Carlos
Published: January 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered the leading cause of dementia in the elderly worldwide. It results in progressive memory loss and impairment of cognitive and motor skills, leading to a high degree of disability and dependence. The development of AD is associated with the accumulation of senile plaques in the brain, caused by the amyloidogenic pathway of the disease. Several genetic and biochemical events are linked to AD development, with oxidative stress being one of them. Due to the scarcity of drugs aimed at treating AD, antioxidant compounds are increasingly studied as therapeutic targets for the disease. In this study, we investigate the antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer potential of the Tetragonisca angustula (Jataí) pollen extract in a Drosophila melanogaster Alzheimer's model. For this purpose, we utilized a D. melanogaster AD-like model, which expresses genes related to the amyloidogenic pathway of Alzheimer's disease. We explored the floral origin of the collected pollen, conducted phytochemical prospecting, and evaluated its antioxidant capacity in vitro. In vivo experiments involved assessing the survival and climbing ability of the D. melanogaster AD-like model with various concentrations of the pollen extract. Our findings revealed that the pollen extract of Tetragonisca angustula exhibits a significant antioxidant response and high concentrations of important phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Furthermore, it enhanced the survival rate of D. melanogaster, and across all concentrations tested, it improved the climbing ability of the flies after 15 days of treatment with methanolic pollen extract. Additionally, the pollen extract reduced the neurodegeneration index in histopathological analysis. Thus, our study demonstrates the potential of Tetragonisca angustula pollen as an important subject for further investigation, aiming to isolate molecules that could potentially serve as therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease.
Nearly complete genome sequences of the first two identified Colorado potato beetle viruses
Authors: Antonets Maria , Bodnev Sergei , Rotskaya Ulyana , Kosman Elena , Tregubchak Tatyana , Bauer Tatyana , Azaev Mamedyar , Kryukov Vadim , Antonets Denis
Published: January 2024

The Colorado potato beetle is one of the most devastating potato pests in the world. However, its viral pathogens, which might have potential in pest control, have remained unexplored. With high-throughput sequencing of Colorado potato beetle samples derived from prepupal larvae which died from an unknown infection, we have identified two previously unknown RNA viruses and assembled their nearly complete genome sequences. The subsequent genetic and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the viruses, tentatively named Leptinotarsa iflavirus 1 and Leptinotarsa solinvi-like virus 1, are the novel representatives of the Iflaviridae and Solinviviridae families, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first sequencing-confirmed insect viruses derived from Colorado potato beetle samples. We propose that Leptinotarsa iflavirus 1 may be associated with a lethal disease in the Colorado potato beetle.
A new indicator for estimating the degree of mining-induced land subsidence: the overburden’s average GSI value
Authors: Gong Yaqiang , Zha Jianfeng , Guo Qingbiao , Guo Guangli
Published: January 2024

Underground coal mining leads to land subsidence, which, in turn, results in damage to buildings and infrastructure, disturbs the original ecological environment, and hinders the sustainable development of coal mining cities. A reasonable estimation of land subsidence, on the other hand, is the foundation for building protection, land reclamation, and ecological environment reconstruction. However, when we applied the existing land subsidence estimation theory to the deep mining areas of the Ordos coalfield in western China, there was a significant deviation between the estimations and the measurements. To explain such unusual case, we propose using the overburden’s average GSI (Geological Strength Index) value instead of the compressive strength (UCS) of rock specimens for a better representation of the overburden’s overall properties. By using on-site subsidence monitoring results and historical data, we provided evidence which supports that the overburden’s average GSI value has a much greater impact on subsidence rates than the UCS. Subsequently, we investigated the relationship between three typical overburden’s GSI values and the subsidence rates via a calibrated numerical model, revealing the variation patterns of maximum surface subsidence when the overburden’s average GSI value is set at 30, 50, and 75, respectively. Finally, on the basis of the measured and simulated results, we discussed a non-conventional strip mining method for mining subsidence control in the deep mining areas of the Ordos coalfield in western China, and explained why it is possible and what are the significant advantages behind. The proposed methods, findings, and suggestions in this paper are therefore quite helpful for researchers and engineers who wish to estimate and control the mining-induced land subsidence, as well as for those who are particularly interested in the study of environment science related to land subsidence.
A comprehensive dataset of luminescence chronologies and environmental proxy indices of loess-paleosol deposits across Asia
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Yan Zhongfeng , Song Yougui , Fitzsimmons Kathryn E. , Yi Shuangwen , Kang Shugang , E Chongyi , Stevens Thomas , Lai Zhongping , Dave Aditi K. , Chen Chunzhu , Deng Yanqing , Yang He , Wang Leibin , Zhang Xiaojian , Qin Caixin , Zhao Qiuyue , Buylaert Jan-Pieter , Lu Tao , Wang Yixuan , Liu Xiangjun , Ling Zhiyong , Chang Qiufang , Wei Haitao , Wang Xiaoyan , Chen Fahu
Published: January 2024

Loess-paleosol sequences have been used in Asia to study climate and environmental changes during the Quaternary. The scarcity of age control datasets and proxy indices analysis data for Asian loess has limited our understanding of loess depositional processes and the reconstruction of paleoclimatic changes from loess-paleosol records. In this study, we present a dataset that includes 1785 quartz optically stimulated luminescence ages and 1038 K-feldspar post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence ages from 128 loess-paleosol sequences located in different regions of Asia. We generate 38 high-resolution age-depth models of loess records based on the provided datasets. We provide data on 12,365 grain size records, 14,964 magnetic susceptibility records, 2204 CaCO3 content records, and 3326 color reflection records. This dataset contains the most detailed and accurate chronologies and proxy index data for loess records in Asia yet published. It provides fundamental data for understanding the spatial-temporal variations in loess depositional processes and climatic changes across the continent during the mid-late Quaternary.
Narrow-band acceleration of gold ions to GeV energies from ultra-thin foils
Authors: Martin Philip , Ahmed Hamad , Doria Domenico , Cerchez Mirela , Hanton Fiona , Gwynne Deborah , Alejo Aaron , Fernández-Tobías Javier , Green James , Macchi Andrea , Maclellan David , McKenna Paul , Ruiz Jesús Álvarez , Swantusch Marco , Willi Oswald , Zhai Shuhua , Borghesi Marco , Kar Satyabrata
Published: January 2024

Interaction of intense lasers with nm thick targets provides an attractive regime for the acceleration of ions of all types. Acceleration of heavy ions however is undermined in the presence of low charge contaminant species due to their higher charge-to-mass ratio. Here we show narrow-band acceleration of very heavy Au ions from ~15 nm Au foils driven by a sub-Petawatt laser, with spectral peaks of 1.5 ± 0.5 GeV at fluxes on the order of 1012 particles per steradian. 3D and 2D particle-in-cell simulations show a complex interplay between different acceleration mechanisms at different stages of the interaction, suggesting the spectrally peaked Au ion bunches stem from strong radiation pressure acceleration on a heavy-ion dominant plasma in the moments just before transparency, followed by an efficient acceleration due to transparency-enhanced mechanisms.
Realistic tropical cyclone wind and pressure fields can be reconstructed from sparse data using deep learning
Authors: Eusebi Ryan , Vecchi Gabriel A. , Lai Ching-Yao , Tong Mingjing
Published: January 2024

Tropical cyclones are responsible for large-scale loss of life and property1–4, motivating accurate risk assessment and forecasting. These objectives require accurate reconstructions of storms’ wind and pressure fields which assimilate real-time observations5–9, but current methods used for these reconstructions remain computationally expensive and limited10. Here, we show that a physics-informed neural network11,12 can be a promising and computationally efficient algorithm for tropical cyclone data assimilation. Using synthetic training data sparsely sampled from hurricanes simulated in a forecast model, a physics-informed neural network is able to reconstruct full realistic 2- and 3-dimensional wind and pressure fields which capture key features of the cyclone. We also demonstrate how a set of sparse, real-time observations, can be used to accurately reconstruct Hurricane Ida. Our results highlight how recent advances in deep learning can augment data assimilation schemes. The methods are also general and can be applied to other flow problems.