bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring p53 Protein Expression and Its Link to TP53 Mutation in Myelodysplasia-Related Malignancies - Interpretive Challenges and Potential Field of Applications
Authors: Bedekovics Judit , Madarász Kristóf , Mokánszki Attila , Molnár Sarolta , Mester Ágnes , Miltényi Zsófia , Méhes Gábor
Published: September 2023

Background: TP53 alterations have a significant prognostic effect in myeloid neoplasms. Our objective was to investigate the TP53 gene mutation status, p53 protein expression, and their re-lationship in dysplasia-related myeloid neoplasms with varying levels of myeloblast counts. Methods: 76 bone marrow biopsy samples with different blast counts were analyzed. Total and strong (3+) p53 expression was determined. Dual immunohistochemical staining was performed to determine the cell population associated with p53 expression. NGS analysis was performed using the Accel-Amplicon Comprehensive TP53 panel. Results: Both p53 expression and TP53 VAF showed a significant correlation with the myeloblast ratio (p<0.0001), however, p53 expres-sion was present in other cell lineages as well. The VAF value exhibited a significant correlation with p53 expression. A high specificity (0.9800) was observed for TP53 mutation using the ≥10% strong (3+) p53 cut-off value, although the sensitivity (0.4231) was low. Conclusion: Strong (3+) p53 expression using a ≥10% cut-off value accurately predicts TP53 mutation but doesn't reveal the allelic state. The p53 expression is significantly influenced by myeloblast count, and histo-logical interpretation should consider the presence of intermixed non-neoplastic marrow cells with varying physiological p53 expression.
PtNi Catalyst Supported on Ni Foam for Enhanced Oxidation of Formic Acid
Authors: Nacys Antanas , Simkunaite Dijana , Balciunaite Aldona , Zabielaite Ausrine , Upskuviene Daina , Levinas Ramunas , Jasulaitiene Vitalija , Kovalevskij Vitalij , Simkunaite-Stanyniene Birute , Tamasauskaite–Tamasiunaite Loreta , Norkus Eugenijus
Published: September 2023

Pt-coated Ni layer supported on Ni foam catalyst (denoted PtNi/Nifoam) was investigated for the oxidation of the formic acid (FAO) in acidic media. The prepared PtNi/Ni foam catalyst was studied as a function of the formic acid (FA) concentration at bare Pt and PtNi/Nifoam catalysts. The catalytic activity of the PtNi/Nifoam catalysts, studied on the basis of the ratio of the direct and indirect current peaks (jd)/(jnd) for the FAO reaction, showed values about 10 times higher compared to those on bare Pt, particularly at a low formic acid concentrations, reflecting the superiority of the former catalysts for the oxidation of FA to CO2. Ni foams provide a large surface area for the FOR while synergistic effects between Pt nanoparticles and Ni-oxy species layer on Ni foams contribute significantly to the enhanced oxidation of FA via the direct pathway, making it almost equal to the indirect pathway, particularly at low formic acid concentrations.
Analysis of Opioid-Related Adverse Events in Japan
Authors: Hirai Risako , Uesawa Yoshihiro
Published: September 2023

Adverse events associated with opioid use in palliative care have been extensively studied. However, predicting the occurrence of adverse events based on the specific opioid used remains unclear. This study aimed to comprehensively analyze the adverse events caused by µ receptor stimulation of opioids approved in Japan and investigate the tendencies of adverse event occur-rence among different opioids.We utilized the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database to extract reported adverse events of opioids approved in Japan. Cluster analysis was performed on reporting odds ratios (RORs) of adverse event names among opioids to visualize relationships between opioids and adverse events, facilitating a comparative study of their clas-sifications.We calculated the RORs of adverse events for the target opioids. Based on these RORs, we performed a cluster analysis, which resulted in the classification of 11 target opioids into five distinct groups. we were able to comprehensively compare and examine the relationships between opioids and adverse events. This analysis helps in understanding and managing the risks and benefits of each drug in palliative care settings. By analyzing relationships between opioids and adverse events, clinicians can make informed decisions about opioid selection, dosage, and monitoring to maximize patient safety and comfort.
Molecular, Genetic Susceptibility and Immunotherapy of Melanoma
Authors: Shenoy Prathvi V , Nag Radhakanta , Kolathur Kiran Kumar , Malik Yagya , Varanasi Sai Manasa , Angom Ramcharan Singh , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata
Published: September 2023

Skin cancer is a prevalent and heterogenous disease with several subtypes, such as melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Among them, melanoma is the most aggressive subtype, with a higher propensity to spread compared to most solid tumors. The application of OMICS approaches has revolutionized the field of melanoma research by providing comprehensive insights into the molecular alterations and biological processes underlying melanoma development and progression. This review aims to offer an overview of melanoma biology, covering its transition from primary to malignant melanoma, as well as the key genes and pathways involved in the initiation and progression of this disease. Utilizing online databases, we extensively explored the general expression profile of genes, identified the most frequently altered genes, and gene mutations, and examined genetic alterations responsible for drug resistance. Additionally, we studied the mechanisms responsible for immune checkpoint inhibitors resistance in melanoma.
Antimycobacterial Activities of Hydroxamic Acids and Their Iron(II/III), Nickel(II), Copper(II) and Zinc(II) Complexes
Authors: Yang Dong , Zhang Yanfang , Sow Ibrahima Sory , Liang Hongping , El Manssouri Naima , Gelbcke Michel , Dong Lina , Chen Guangxin , Dufrasne François E. , Fontaine Véronique , Li Rongshan
Published: September 2023

Hydroxamic acid (HA) derivates displayed antibacterial and antifungal activities. HA with various numbers of carbon atoms (C2, C6, C8, C10, C12 and C17), complexed to different metal ions Fe(II/III), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) were evaluated for their antimycobacterial activities and their anti-biofilm activities. Some derivates, among others HA12Fe2, inhibited the development of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis BCG and Mycobacterium marinum biofilms and could even attack pre-formed Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm. Proteomic profiles showed that the potential targets of HA10FeCl were mainly related to mycobacteria stress adaptation, involving cell wall lipid biosynthesis, drug resistance and tolerance, siderophore metabolism. This study provides new insights regarding the antimycobacterial activities of the HA and their complexes, especially about their potential antibiofilm activities.
Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome in Children in Chad: Epidemiology and Clinical Outcome
Authors: MAHAMAT ABDERRAMAN Guillaume , DJIDITA HAGRE Youssouf , MAHAMAT Hissein Ali , CHARFADINE Senoussi , AMNE Ali Sakine , KHADIDJA Adoum Attimer , ROSTAING Lionel
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) remains the most frequent mode of presentation of glo-merular diseases in children; in addition, the NS is primitive, i.e., idiopathic in 90% of cases with an average age of onset between 2 and 10 years. The objective of our study was to describe the char-acteristics and outcome of NS in children from 3 major hospitals from one of the poorest countries worldwide (Chad).
Patients and Methods: Observational, cross-sectional, descriptive and multicenter study which took place over a period of 36 months (January 1,2019-December 31,2021) carried out in 3 hospitals in N’Djamena (Chad). All children aged 1-15 years presenting with NS were included.
Results: Out of 16,776 children hospitalized or followed-up in outpatient clinics, 24 cases of NS were identified, giving a prevalence of 0.14%. The median age at presentation was 6.16(1-10) years. Nineteen children were male (sex ratio 3.8). There were 8 impure NS (33.3%). Edema was present in all patients, oliguria in 29.16%(n=7), and arterial hypertension in 20.83%(n=5) of cases. Mean proteinuria, albuminemia and total proteins were 2.86g/L, 19.13g/L and 30.41g/L respectively. Median serum creatinine was 87.3 µmol/L(75-1375µmol/L); three patients had acute renal failure on admission. Four patients had secondary NS. All patients (n=20) with idiopathic NS had received corticosteroid therapy; steroid-sensitivity was found in 90% of patients. Those who were not ster-oid-sensitive or relapsed underwent kidney biopsy (n=7); the most represented histological lesion was focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS; n=4), followed by minimal change disease (n=2), and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (n=1). The median length of hospitalization stay was 10.67 (5-27) days. None of the patients with idiopathic NS died. At last follow-up sixteen patients (80%) achieved long-term complete remission with normal renal function; however, 4 had subse-quent relapses. 16 patients. One patient with secondary NS died.
Conclusion: In Chad childhood idiopathic nephrotic syndrome involves mostly young male; steroid sensitivity is as high as 95% and in the long-term 80% of the patients are in remission with normal renal function.
Delving into Hearing Threshold of the Delay Gap of Initial Reflection in a Room by Using the Response of Cortical Brain Waves
Authors: Chen Chiung Yao
Published: September 2023

In this study, the apparent variation range of acoustical parameters were investigated in a concert hall. The initial time delay gap (ITDG) was evaluated in terms of its just noticeable difference (JND) through two instruments, the cello and the trumpet. Even though the IDTG values were prolonged over the measurements and were not significantly varied, an ITDG range of 22 - 220 ms in increments of 91 steps was produced electro-acoustically in an anechoic chamber with a loudspeaker. The result of JNDc ((delta gap/gap) was rated 0.059 and 0.081 at 50% “different” judgement ranges for the cello and trumpet tracks, respectively. The effective duration of the autocorrection function (ACF) of the continuous brainwaves (CBWs) within the alpha (8-13 Hz) frequency range on the left hemisphere responding to 91-step ITDG increments revealed that the continuous ratio minimum Tauee e of CBW was approximately equal to 0.28 s on the trumpet. The continuous ratios of Tauee e_min ((Tauee e_min_rear - Tauee e_min_front)/ Tauee e_min_front) of CBWs were constantly at 0.4. Furthermore, a homologous period of resonance between the subjective JNDc and Tauee e values of the ACF of CBWs in the alpha range allowed us to conclude that the subjective JND of the ITDG in a room is related to the W_IACC value of the interaural cross-correlation function, which reflect the characteristics of source signal themselves and arouse the activities of brain on the right hemisphere (p < 0.01).
Forensic Analysis of the 38 Subject Deaths in the 6-Month Interim Report of the Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine Clinical Trial
Authors: Michels Corinne , Perrier Daniel , Kunadhasan Jeyanthi , Clark Ed , Gehrett Joseph , Gehrett Barbara , Kwiatek Kim , Adams Sarah , Chandler Robert , Stagno Leah , Damian Tony , Delph Erika , Flowers Chris
Published: September 2023

The analysis reported here is unique in that it is the first study of the original data from the Pfizer/BioNTech BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine clinical trial (CA4591001) to be carried out by a group unaffiliated with the trial sponsor. Our study is a forensic analysis of the 38 trial subjects who died between July 27, 2020, the start of Phase 2/3 of the clinical trial, and March 13, 2021, the data end date of their 6-Month Interim Report. Phase 2/3 of the trial involved 44,060 subjects who were equally distributed into two groups and received Dose 1 of either the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccinated or the Placebo control (0.9% normal saline). At Week 20, when the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine received Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. FDA, subjects in the placebo arm were given the option to be BNT162b2 vaccinated. All but a few accepted. Surprisingly, a comparison of the number of subject deaths per week during the 33 Weeks of this study found no significant difference between the number of deaths in the vaccinated versus placebo arms for the first 20 weeks of the trial, the placebo-controlled portion of the trial. After Week 20, as subjects in the Placebo were unblinded and vaccinated, deaths among this still unvaccinated cohort of this group slowed and eventually plateaued. Deaths in the BNT162b2 vaccinated subjects continued at the same rate. Our analysis revealed inconsistencies between the subject data listed in the 6-Month Interim Report and publications authored by Pfizer/BioNTech trial site administrators. Most importantly, we found evidence of an over 3.7-fold increase in number of deaths due to cardiovascular events in BNT162b2 vaccinated subjects compared to Placebo controls. This significant adverse event signal was not reported by Pfizer/BioNTech. Potential sources of these data inconsistencies are identified.
Experimental and Computational Methodology to the Design and Construction of Translatomic Maps of Plants
Authors: Goldenkova-Pavlova Irina V. , Mustafaev Orkhan N. , Fridman Viktoriia A. , Deyneko Igor V. , Tyurin Alexander A.
Published: September 2023

Regulation at the level of translation plays an essential role in modulating gene expression. Given the importance of knowledge about translationally active mRNAs as an indicator of translation efficiency, it is crucial for researchers to have at their disposal organised sources of functional information on translation - plant translatomic maps similar to transcription maps. The development of a general experimental and computational methodology for constructing translatome maps is essential to address this challenge. In this manuscript, we discuss what researchers can do to design plant translatome maps, namely, we review: (i) experimental methods to obtain translationally active mRNA fractions, considering their advantages and limitations; (ii) additional methodological approaches to obtain complete pools of translationally active mRNAs; (iii) sequencing methods to qualitatively and quantitatively assess different mRNA fractions; and (iv) multivariate analyses of sequencing results by bioinformatics methods, including metrics for assessing mRNA translational activity.
Effects of Duration of Calcium Propionate Supplementation in Lambs Finished with Supplemental Zilpaterol Hydrochloride: Productive Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality
Authors: Carrillo-Muro Octavio , Rivera-Villegas Alejandro , Hernandez-Briano Pedro , Lopez-Carlos Marco Antonio , Plascencia Jorquera Alejandro
Published: September 2023

Forty-five male Dorper crossbred lambs (40.17 ± 0.35 kg BW) were used in order to investigate the effects of the duration of calcium propionate (CaPr) supplementation in lambs finished with zilpaterol hydrochloride (ZH) on the productive performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Lambs were individually housed and fed a finishing-diet for 42 d before being slaughtered. Lambs received the following treatments: 1) No additives (CTL), 2) ZH supplementation for 28 d (with 3 d ZH withdrawal before slaughter) at a dosage of at 7.2 mg/kg diet (ZH), for treatments 3, 4, and 5, lambs received ZH and 10g CaPr/lamb/d throughout the entire phase (42 d), or during the last 28 or 14 d before slaughter. Compared to CTL, ZH lambs exhibited a similar average daily gain (ADG) but had lower dry matter intake (DMI), leading to increased feed efficiency. Supplementing with ZH alone did not affect carcass traits, visceral mass, whole cuts, or meat quality. Lambs that received both CaPr and ZH exhibited quadratic increases (p < 0.05) in final BW (FBW), ADG, and dressing percentage (D%). These increases were optimal at an estimated inclusion durations of 26 d for FBW, 30 for ADG, and 39 d for D%. The ADG:DMI ratio and the longissimus muscle area (LMA) both exhibited quadratic increases (p < 0.05). The optimal duration of CaPr supplementation for ADG:DMI ratio was found to be 28 d, while for LMA, it was 14 d. As the period of CaPr supplementation increased, there was a linear increase (p <0.05) in hot carcass weight, leg circumference, and whole cuts of breast IMPS209 and shoulder IMPS207. Cook loss percent increased quadratically (p < 0.05), being higher when CaPr was included for an estimated duration of 26 d. As the duration of CaPr supplementation increased, the purge loss percentage (PLR) also increased linearly (p < 0.05). In conclusion, including CaPr in the diet for a duration of 28 d in lambs improved the response to ZH supplementation on the productive performance, carcass weight and some whole cuts. However, it can also have a negative effect on PRL%.
Thyroid Eye Disease as Initial Manifestation of Graves’ Disease Following Viral Vector SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine—Report of A Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Armeni Anastasia K , Markantes Georgios K , Stathopoulou Alexandra , Saltiki Katerina , Zampakis Petros , Assimakopoulos Stelios F , Michalaki Marina A
Published: September 2023

COVID-19, a contagious disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, emerged in 2019 and quickly became a pandemic, infecting more than 700 million people worldwide. The disease incidence, morbidity and mortality rates have started to decline since the development of effective vaccines against the virus and the widespread immunization of the population. SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are associated with minor local or systemic adverse reactions, while serious adverse effects are rare. Thyroid-related disorders have been reported after vaccination for COVID-19, and Graves’ disease (GD) is the second most common amongst them. Thyroid eye disease (TED), an extrathyroidal manifestation of GD is rarely observed post COVID-19 vaccination. All TED cases followed mRNA-based vaccinations, but two new onset mild TED cases post viral vector vaccine (ChAdox1nCoV-19) have also been reported. We report the case of a 63-year-old woman who presented with new onset hyperthyroidism and moderate-to-severe and active TED ten days after she received the first dose of a viral vector vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. This is the first case of moderate-to-severe TED after such a vaccine. Our patient was initially treated with intravenous glucocorticoids and subsequently with intravenous rituximab, due to no response. The disease was rendered inactive after rituximab, but constant diplopia persisted, and the patient was referred for rehabilitative surgery.
Bacterial Isolated from Oreochromis niloticus and Possible Use as Probiotic
Authors: Sato Luciana Yuri , Dias Danielle de Carla , Natori Mariene Miyoko , Alarcon Miguel Frederico Fernandez , Ranzani-Paiva Maria José , Cassiano Luara Lucena , Ishikawa Carlos Massatoshi , Guimarães Mateus Cardoso , Moriñigo Miguel Angel , Tapia-Paniagua Silvana , Bach Erna Elisabeth , Harakava Ricardo , Tachibana Leonardo
Published: September 2023

The aim of this paper was to test isolated and pre-selected bacteria strains from Nile tilapia intestinal mucus, collected in Brazilian commercial fish farming, to use as probiotics in the feeding. The variable were growth performance, hematology, microbiology and immunology. These strains were submitted to in vitro inhibition tests of pathogenic bacteria. Then, they were identified by PCR and sequencing, and comparing using the BLAST software. The experiment was carried out in the Fisheries Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil, for 84 days, following the randomized experiment design with seven treatments and three replicates (21 experimental units): T0 – control, T1 – Bacillus velezensis, T2 – Bacillus pumilus, T3 – Bacillus subtilis, T4 –Enterococcus hirae T5 – Enterococcus faecium and T6 – mix of bacteria strains used to this experiment. The variables analyzed were: growth performance, DGGE (Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis), phagocytes respiratory burst activity, hematology and bromatology. As result, the bacteria strains B. pumilus (T2) and all bacteria mix (T6), included in Nile tilapia diet, promoted better biomass values, with similar feed conversion rate of control group (p<0,05). Apparently, the microorganisms use does not affect the health and well-fare of the fish. The hematology index, except basophils and thrombocytes numbers do not demonstrated differences among the groups, as well as glycemia, lactate level, respiratory burst and lysozyme activities. In conclusion, the isolated and pre-selected bacteria from intestinal mucus of Nile tilapia, B. pumilus (T2) and mix (T6 - B. velezensis, B. pumilus, B. subtilis, E. hirae and E. faecium) improve the growth performance and may be used as probiotics for Nile tilapia.
β-Lactam TRPM8 Antagonists Derived from Phe-Penylalaninol Conjugates: Structure-Activity Relationships and Antiallodynic Activity
Authors: Martín-Escura Cristina , Bonache M. Ángeles , Medina Jessy A. , Medina-Peris Alicia , De Andrés-López Jorge , González-Rodríguez Sara , Kerselaers Sara , Fernández-Ballester Gregorio , Voets Thomas , Ferrer-Montiel Antonio , Fernández-Carvajal Asia , González-Muñiz Rosario
Published: September 2023

The protein TRPM8, a non-selective, calcium (Ca2+) permeable ion channel is implicated in several pathological conditions, including neuropathic pain states. In our previous research endeavors, we have identified β–lactam derivatives with high hydrophobic character that exhibit potent and selective TRPM8 antagonist activity. This work describes the synthesis of novel derivatives featuring C-terminal amides and diversely substituted N’-terminal monobenzyl groups, in an attempt to increase the total polar surface area (TPSA) in this family of compounds. The primary goal was to assess the influence of these substituents on the inhibition of menthol-induced cellular Ca2+ entry, thereby establishing critical structure-activity relationships. While the substitution of the tert-butyl ester by isobutyl amide moieties improved the antagonist activity, none of the N’-monobencyl derivatives, regardless of the substituent on the phenyl ring, achieved the activity of the model dibenzyl compound. The antagonist potency of the most effective compounds was subsequently verified using Patch-Clamp electrophysiology experiments. Furthermore, we evaluated the selectivity of one of these compounds against other members of the TRP ion channel family and some receptors connected to peripheral pain pathways. This compound demonstrated specificity for TRPM8 channels. To better comprehend the potential mode of interaction, we conducted docking experiments to uncover plausible binding sites on the functionally active tetrameric protein, which come upon four main poses by the pore zone, differents from those described for other known antagonists. Finally, in vivo experiments, involving a couple of selected compounds, revealed significant antinociceptive activity within a mice model of cold allodynia induced by oxaliplatin.
Evaluation of Smallpox Vaccination Coverage and Attitude towards Monkeypox Vaccination among Healthcare Workers in An Italian University Hospital
Authors: Scarinci Sergio , Padovan Martina , Cosci Bianca , Petillo Armando , Gattini Vittorio , Cosentino Francesca , Mignani Aldo , Foddis Rudy , Guglielmi Giovanni
Published: September 2023

(1) Background: Mpox was declared an international public health emergency by WHO. Initially, Smallpox vaccine in Italy was offered only to laboratory personnel at direct risk of infection. Currently, Healthcare workers (HCWs) are all considered by European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) to be at low or moderate risk. (2) Methods: To assess smallpox vaccination coverage among HCWs in an Italian hospital with different levels of risk of exposure to Mpox infection and to assess their attitudes toward vaccination, a self-report was administered to HCWs stratified at high and low/moderate risk. (3) Results: Of the 338 HCWs evaluated, 60.36% provided the requested data; among them the percentage of previously vaccinated staff was 38.7%, which corresponds to 23.4% of the total HCWs in the departments considered. Considering those born before 1979 as vaccinated, vaccination coverage increases from 23.4% to 41.4%. The department with the highest percentage of vaccinated is infectious diseases (60.5%); The percentage of HCWs who adhered to vaccination is 23%; only 8.8% of laboratory staff want to vaccinate, compared with 100% of midwives. The department with the highest percentage of vaccination adherence is proctology (85.7%). (4) Conclusions: Given the vaccination adherence rate and the vaccination coverage of the departments analyzed, it would be useful to extend vaccination against Smallpox to frontline HCWs involved in patient care in Italy too.
Evaluation and Optimization of Urban Public Space Accessibility for Residents' Satisfaction: A Case Study of Nanshan District, Shenzhen City
Authors: Wang Meng , Pei Xiao Chen , Zhang Man , Tang Yuyang
Published: September 2023

As an important carrier of urban residents' public life, urban public open space plays an indispensable role in improving the quality of life of urban residents. Accessibility is an important indicator to characterize the publicity and service level of a public open space. This study optimized the GIS-based, Gaussian two-part mobile search method to quantitatively calculate and evaluate the accessibility of public open space within a 5-minute walking distance for residents in Nanshan District, Shenzhen. On this basis, social survey methods, including the questionnaire survey method via a field survey and the interview method, were used to conduct field research on residents' accessibility satisfaction. Comparing the results of the survey on residents' accessibility satisfaction to the GIS quantitative evaluation results of accessibility, the results of the field research show that current residents of Nanshan are more satisfied with the accessibility of public open space. In view of the similarities and differences between the two sets of results, the influencing factors of public open space accessibility were analyzed, corresponding countermeasures were proposed for the construction of public open spaces in the future.
Genetic Databases and Gene Editing Tools for Enhancing Crop Resistance against Abiotic Stress
Authors: Joshi Alpana , Yang Seo-Yeon , Song Hyung-Geun , Min Jiho , Lee Ji-Hoon
Published: September 2023

Abiotic stresses extensively reduce agricultural crop production globally. Traditional breeding approaches have been widely used to mitigate the risks of abiotic stresses. The discovery of gene editing technology for modifying stress-responsive genes and associated molecular networks has paved the foundation for sustainable crop management against environmental stress. Integrated approaches based on functional genomics and transcriptomics are now expanding the opportunities to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying abiotic stress responses. This review summarizes some of the features and weblinks of plant genome databases related to abiotic stress genes utilized for crop improvement. Clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas) based gene-editing tool has revolutionized stress tolerance research due to its simplicity, versatility, adaptability, flexibility, and broader applications. However, off-target and low cleavage efficiency hinder the successful application of CRISPR/Cas systems. Computational tools have been developed for designing highly competent gRNA with better cleavage efficiency. This powerful genome editing tool offers tremendous crop improvement opportunities, overcoming conventional breeding techniques' shortcomings. Furthermore, we also discuss the mechanistic insights of the CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing technology. This review summarizes the current advances in understanding plant species' abiotic stress response mechanism and applying the CRISPR/Cas system genome editing technology to develop crop resilience against drought, salinity, temperature, heavy metals, and herbicides.
Application of Composts’ Biochar as Potential Sorbent for Reduce VOCs Emission during Food Waste Storage
Authors: Rosik Joanna , Łyczko Jacek , Marzec Łukasz , Stegenta-Dąbrowska Sylwia
Published: September 2023

It is expected that due to the new UE regulation focus on waste management, managing kitchen waste will become more important in the future, especially in households. It is, therefore, crucial to develop user-friendly and odor-free containers to store kitchen waste. The study aimed to test the effectiveness of compost biochar in reducing noxious odors and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released during kitchen waste storage. Varying quantities of compost biochar (0%, 1%, 5%, and 10%) were added to food waste samples and incubated for seven days at 20℃. VOCs released were analyzed on days 1, 3, and 7 of the storage simulation process. The results indicated that adding 5-10% of composts’ biochar to kitchen waste significantly reduced emissions in 70% of detected VOCs compounds. Additionally, Compost's biochar can be used to eliminate potential odor components and specific dangerous VOCs such as ethylbenzene, o-xylene, acetic acid, and naphthalene. A new composts’ biochar with a unique composition was particularly effective in reducing VOCs and could be an excellent solution for eliminating odors in kitchen waste con-tainers.
Atmospheric Thermodynamic Profiling through the Use of a Micro-Pulse Raman Lidar System: Introducing the Compact Raman Lidar MARCO
Authors: Di Girolamo Paolo , Franco Noemi , Di Paolantonio Marco , Summa Donato , Dionisi Davide
Published: September 2023

It was for long time believed that lidar systems based on the use of high-repetition micro-pulse lasers could be effectively used to only stimulate atmospheric elastic backscatter echoes, and thus only exploited in elastic backscatter lidar systems. Their application to stimulate rotational and roto-vibrational Raman echoes, and consequently their exploitation in atmospheric thermodynamic profiling, was considered not feasible based on the technical specifications possessed by these laser sources until a few years ago. However, recent technological advances in the design and development of micro-pulse lasers, presently achieving high UV average powers (1-5 W) and small divergences (0.3-0.5 mrad), in combination with the use of large aperture telescopes (0.3-0.4 m diameter primary mirrors), allow to presently develop micro-pulse laser-based Raman lidars capable to measure the vertical profiles of atmospheric thermodynamic parameters, namely water vapour and temperature, both in daytime and nighttime. This paper is aimed at demonstrating the feasibility of these measurements and at illustrating and discussing the high achievable performance level, with a specific focus on water vapour profile measurements. The technical solutions identified in the design of the lidar system and their technological implementation within the experimental setup of the lidar prototype are also carefully illustrated and discussed.
Identification, Sequencing, and Molecular Analysis of Artichoke Italian Latent Virus Isolates from Old and New Host Plant Species
Authors: Elbeaino Toufic , Ben Slimen Amani , Belgacem Imen , Hattab Mounia Mnari , Spanò Roberta , Digiaro Michele , Abdelkhalek Ahmed
Published: September 2023

Despite its remote discovery (1977) and numerous reports of its presence in vari-ous plant species in many countries, the available molecular information for the artichoke Italian latent virus (AILV) is still limited to a single complete genome sequence (RNA1 and 2) isolate from grapevine (AILV-V) and to a partial sequence portion from RNA2 of an isolate of unknow origin and host, both reported in the GenBank. Here we report the results of molecular analyses conducted on RNA2 of AILV isolates, sequenced for the first time in this study, together with the first-time finding of AILV in a new host plant species, i.e., chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris). The different AILV isolates sequenced are from artichoke (AILV-C), gladiolus (AILV-G), sonchus (AILV-S) and chard (AILV-B). At the bio-logical level, the AILV-B was found to be involved with vein clearing and mott-ling symptoms on chard leaves. At the molecular level, sequencing results of RNA2 segments showed that AILV-C, AILV-G, AILV-S and AILV-B were 4,629 nt in length (excluding the 3’ terminal polyA tail), hence one nt shorter than that of AILV-V reported in the GenBank. The comparative sequence analysis between the CR of RNA2 of all isolates showed that AILV-V was the most variable isolate, with the lowest sequence identities of 83.2% and 84.7% at the nucleotides and amino acids levels, respectively. Putative intra-species sequence recombination sites were predicted among the AILV isolates, of which the AILV-V, AILV-C and AILV-B genomes were found to be mostly involved. This study adds further mo-lecular information on the previously unrecorded high genomic variability of the Nepoviruses of subgroup B, together with information on recombinations that may have conditioned the infection and transmission of AILV in nature; thus learning the way forward to design a new integrated pest management of chard plantation.
Dissolved Carbon Concentrations and Emission Fluxes in Rivers and Lakes of Central Asia (Sayan-Altai Mountain Region, Tyva): First Assessment across a Permafrost Gradient and Different Seasons
Authors: Byzaakay Arisiya A. , Kolesnichenko Larisa G. , Kolesnichenko Iuri , Khovalyg Aldynai , Raudina Tatiana V. , Prokushkin Anatoly Stanislavovich , Lushchaeva Inna V. , Kvasnikova Zoia , Vorobyev Sergey , Pokrovsky Oleg S. , Kirpotin Sergey
Published: September 2023

Carbon (C) cycle n inland waters, including its concentrations and carbon dioxide (CO2) emis-sions from water surfaces are at the forefront of biogeochemical studies, especially in the re-gions, strongly impacted by on-going climate change. Towards better understanding of C stor-age, transport and emission in Central Asian mountain regions, extremely poorly studied until now, here we carried out systematic measurements of dissolved C and CO2 emissions in 15 riv-ers and 5 lakes located along a macro-transect of various natural landscapes in the Sayan-Altai mountain region, from high mountains of the Western Sayan in the northwest of Tyva to arid (dry) steppe and semi-deserts in intermountain basins of the southeast of Tyva, the border with Mongolia. New data on major hydrochemical parameters, CO2 fluxes by floating chambers, dis-solved organic and inorganic carbon concentrations collected over four main hydrological sea-sons allowed to assess the current C biogeochemical status of these water bodies in order to judge possible future changes under climate warming. We further tested the impact of perma-frost, river watershed size, lake area and climate parameters as well as ‘internal’ biogeochemical drivers (pH, mineralization, organic matter quality and bacterial population) on CO2 concentra-tion and emissions in lakes and rivers of this region, and compared them with available data on other subarctic and mountain settings.
Receptor-Independent Antipsychotic Therapies for Forensic Detainees with Schizophrenia-Dementia Comorbidity
Authors: Sfera Adonis , Andronescu Luminita , Britt William G , Himsl Kiera , Klein Carolina , Rahman Leah , Kozlakidis Zisis
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Forensic institutions throughout the country house patients with severe psychiatric illness and history of criminal violations. Improved medical care, hygiene, and nutrition led to unmatched longevity in this population which previously lived on average 15 to 20 years shorter than the public at large. On the other hand, longevity has contributed to increased prevalence of age-related diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders, which complicate clinical management.
Forensic institutions, originally intended for the treatment of younger individuals, are ill-equipped for the growing number of older offenders. Moreover, as antipsychotic drugs became available in 1950s and 1960s, we are observing the first generation of forensic detainees who had aged on dopamine blockers. Although the consequences of long-term treatment with these agents are unclear, schizophrenia-associated gray matter loss, may contribute to the development of early dementia.
Taken together, increased lifespan and subsequent cognitive deficit observed in long-term psychiatric institutions brought forth questions and dilemmas unencountered by the previous generations of clinicians, such as:
1. Does the presence of neurocognitive dysfunction justify antipsychotic dose reduction or discontinuation despite a lifelong history of schizophrenia and violent behavior?
2. Should neurolipidomic interventions become the standard of care in elderly individuals with lifelong schizophrenia and dementia?
3. Can patients with schizophrenia and dementia meet the Dusky standard and stand trial?
4. Should neurocognitive disorders in elderly with lifelong schizophrenia be treated differently than age-related neurodegeneration?
In this article, we describe strategies for potentially slowing the development of neurocognitive disorders in forensic patients with chronic mental illness by adopting a three-prong strategy:
1. Approaching lifelong psychosis from microbial and immunological perspective.
2. Identify modifiable risk factors for age-related diseases in forensic institutions.
3. Utilizing novel receptor-independent treatments for chronic psychosis.
High Resolution Computed Tomography in Middle ear Cholesteatoma: How Much do We Need it?
Authors: Stefanescu Eugen Horatiu , Balica Nicolae Constantin , Motoi Sorin Bogdan , Grigorita Laura , Georgescu Madalina , Iovanescu Gheorghe
Published: September 2023

Conclusions: HRCT is a valuable tool in preoperative assessment of cholesteatoma, helping in making surgical decisions. It can accurately predict the extent of disease and is helpful for detecting unapparent dangerous situations. However it is not very accurate in detecting Fallopian canal and stapes erosion.
A Near-Miss in Clinical Outcomes Research Data Collection
Authors: Earp Brandon E. , Benavent Kyra A. , Blazar Philip E. , Zhang Dafang
Published: September 2023

We present the case of a near-miss in clinical research to illustrate a situation in which errors in data collection would have led to different results in the data analysis, with the potential for drawing incorrect conclusions. Conclusions based on data errors may adversely influence future medical decision-making in patient care. In the interest of presenting this as an educational, nonpunitive, quality-improvement report, the study and the involved researchers remain anonymous, and the specific details and exact number of patients are not reported.
Strategies to Increase the Spanish-Speaking Workforce in Orthopaedic Surgery within the United States
Authors: Rodarte Patricia , Garavito Jorge , Medina Pérez Giancarlo , Farias Michael , Hernandez Victor H.
Published: September 2023

Language-concordant care improves patient satisfaction. Given the increase in Spanish-speaking persons requiring orthopaedic care in the United States, it is essential to increase the Spanish-speaking workforce in orthopaedic surgery. We have proposed strategies to improve the proportion of Spanish-speaking orthopaedic surgeons in the U.S. through early exposure to orthopaedic surgery, by creating collaborative advancement and mentorship opportunities, by endorsing Spanish-language immersion opportunities, and by increasing workforce diversity awareness. Furthermore, we have suggested a strategy to better equip non-Spanish-speaking orthopaedic surgeons while caring for Spanish-speaking patients. Together, the suggested strategies offer a variety of approaches that can have a direct, tangible impact on optimizing orthopaedic care while enhancing patient-physician communication in the Spanish language.
Co-Location of Hybrid Offshore Renewables for Off-Grid Electrification: Case Study on North Sea Assets
Authors: Nassar W. , Aboushady Ahmed A. , Slorach Paul , Miller Mark
Published: September 2023

Operators in the North Sea are looking for solutions to reduce their carbon emissions to meet the North Sea Transition Authority's target of carbon-neutral assets by 2050. Wind energy as an offshore mature technology has been adopted in all electrification concepts proposed for neutralizing assets emissions, despite its challenges in terms of intermittency and seasonal availability. These challenges would limit the penetration level of renewable energy due to a higher Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) which is recorded with scenarios based on wind energy only. This study investigates the technical and economic feasibility of an islanded (off-grid) microgrid comprising a mix of renewable energy resources such as wave energy, floating solar PV and floating offshore wind for electrification of offshore assets. A case study is presented considering assets in the Central North Sea area to validate the level of battery storage capacity needed and LCOE using various mixes of renewable resources available. Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software is used as a specialist platform for the optimization of renewable energy systems to obtain the optimal share of different energy resources at various penetration levels of renewable energy. The outcome of this paper is promising where the system LCOE and the size of the battery storage are dramatically reduced by considering a mix of renewable energy resources instead of a wind-only scenario. The idea of the renewable mix, proposed in this paper, proves that electrification with higher penetration levels could be achieved with lower LCOE which is a milestone for achieving net-zero assets.
Journey Towards Near Zero Flaring - A Case Study
Authors: Almubayedh Mohammed , Alsanad Abdullmajeed
Published: September 2023

Saudi Aramco (SA) took a long and patient journey to reduce flaring, which has gone through several phases of growth and progression. The journey began with the development of the Master Gas System (MGS). That enable the company to achieve zero routine flaring as per the world bank definition. Today, Saudi Aramco achieved a remarkable flaring intensity of 4.60 scf/boe. This figure amounts to less than 1% of raw gas production.
A Generic Methodology for Predicting the Longevity of Offshore Infrastructure
Authors: Olatunde M. , Sriramula S. , Siddiq A. M. , Akisanya A. R. , Brixton A. D.
Published: September 2023

When structures are commissioned, they deteriorate with time. The time to failure of a structure is a function of the mode and rate of overall deterioration of the structure. Considering all the deterioration mechanisms and failure modes possible for detailed analysis is a complicated and inefficient endeavour. Hence, it is useful to streamline efforts by performing Multi Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) analysis (subjective and objective) before performing more detailed analyses. In this paper the methodology for developing a clear path through this process is presented and a case study for deep sea pipelines at cessation of production is presented to highlight the practicability of the methodology presented.

The Multi Criteria Decision Making analysis involves weighing different failure modes against probable risk factors based on expert judgement and existing literature. This is to select the failure mode with the highest risk priority for further objective analyses. The Post-MCDM analysis is performed by the utilisation of representative limit state (performance) functions for determining the response surfaces of the failure modes under consideration and performing reliability analysis based on a streamlined set of deterministic, probabilistic, and stochastic variables.

The results reveal that temperature is a principal stochastic process affecting the deterioration of pipelines when it comes to time dependent analysis. The case study presented demonstrates how effort can be efficiently applied to predict the longevity of offshore structures as well as providing information for key decisions to be made by stakeholders for decommissioning, repurposing, and late life management of offshore infrastructure.
Hybrid Optimization Technique Allows Dynamic Completion Design and Control in Advanced Multilateral Wells with Multiple Types of Flow Control Devices
Authors: Ahdeema Jamal , Sefat Morteza Haghighat , Muradov Khafiz
Published: September 2023

Designing a well completion for multilateral wells with multiple types of flow control devices (FCDs) can be a challenging optimization task due to a large number of correlated control variables and computationally demanding objective functions. Consequently, standard optimization workflows may fail to find the optimal design. The lack of a reliable optimisation workflow has forced the industry to adopt a simplified, snapshot approach to intelligent completion design, ignoring long-term dynamic reservoir performance.

In this work, a multistage optimization workflow named hybrid optimization (HO), has been developed for effectively optimizing the completion design of multilateral wells that are equipped with multiple types of FCDs. Differential evolution (DE), a metaheuristic optimisation algorithm, is utilized for initial exploration of the search space to identify promising regions, while the generated data are employed to develop a fast surrogate model to mimic the dynamic performance of the computationally expensive reservoir model. Global sensitivity analysis using the Sobol method is then performed with the aid of the developed and tested surrogate model, to divide control parameters into high and low impact groups. The Simultaneous Perturbation Stochastic Approximation (SPSA) algorithm is employed at the final optimisation stage to perform a refined search in the optimal areas previously identified. The proposed framework offers engineers a set of guidelines to adjust the completion design, by modifying the most critical design parameters, in order to maximize production performance while minimizing installation and operational risks.

The new workflow has been tested on a 3-D, synthetic, representative reservoir model developed by an intelligent dual-lateral well equipped with inflow control devices (ICDs) inside the laterals, and interval control valves (ICVs) at the laterals’ junctions. The developed HO technique showed superior performance as compared to the current, standard optimization options relying on a single algorithm. It allows efficient dynamic optimization and delivers reliable results in a reasonable time, to replace the snap-shot designs which can be sub-optimal due to their dependency on a single timestep.