bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of methods in the serologic diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis
Authors: Erganis Sidre , Sarzhanov Fakhriddin , Al Funda Dogruman , Caglar Kayhan
Published: July 2023

Purpose: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is caused by the larval form of Echinococcus granulosus. Clinical, radiologic, pathologic, and serologic findings should be evaluated together for the diagnosis of CE. The sensitivity and specificity of serologic tests may vary depending on the method used. In this study, we aimed to detect IgG antibodies specific to E. granulosus using indirect hemagglutination (IHA), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), indirect fluorescent antibodies (IFA) and western blot (WB) tests.
Methods: In our study, the serum samples of 79 patients sent to our laboratory with suspicion of CE were studied using two different commercial IHA tests, ELISA, IFA and WB test. The test results were evaluated with pathology and radyology reports as the gold standard.
Results: Of all the patients, 56 (71%) were female and 23 (29%) were male. There was a statistically significant difference in females (χ2=4.67, p=0.03). Out of 79 patients Siemens IHA, Fumouze IHA, ELISA, IFA and WB test were positive as 35 (44.3%), 39 (49.4%), 46 (58.2%), 45 (57%) and 43 (54.4%), respectively The sensitivity and specificity of Siemens and Fumouze commercial IHAs, ELISA, IFA and WB test were 67.3-96.3%, 78.9-96.3% 86.6-92.6%, 84.62-92.59% and 75-96.3%, respectively.
Conclusion: There were statistically significant differences in all five methods (p<0,001). While the tests with the highest specificity were IHAs and WB, the test with the highest sensitivity was the ELISA test. It was concluded that IHA and ELISA tests were more practical in practice because of their greater applicability.
Statistical Thermodynamics and Data ad Infinitum: Conjugate Variables as Entropic Forces, and their Statistical Variations
Authors: Yang Ying-Jen , Qian Hong
Published: July 2023

Maximum Entropy principle identifies notions of forces conjugated to observables and the relations between them, independent upon their underlying mechanistic details. For data about state distributions or transition rates, the principle can be derived purely from limit theorems of the idealized infinite data sampling. This derivation from data reveals the empirical origin of the principle and clarify the meaning of applying it to finite but large data. The identified forces lead to symmetry breaking for each particular system that produces the data, e.g. the emergence of time correlation and time irreversibility. We show that the leading-order statistical variations of the observables and the inferred forces satisfy an asymptotic thermodynamic uncertainty principle.
Tree equations and climatic variables effect in the growth of planted forest of Calophyllum brasiliense in Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Wesley Costa , Hakamada Rodrigo Eiji , Berger Rute , Santos Lorena Paulina , Lima Maria Clara Bezerra , Silva Jonatas Carlos , Marçal Igor Gomes , Ferreira Maria Beatriz
Published: July 2023

Understanding the effect of climatic variations in tree growth is fundamental in the scenario of climate change. The objectives of this work were to adjust allometric equations to estimate volume and aboveground biomass in a planted forest of Guanandi (Calophyllum brasiliense), a species that has a large potential to be planted in tropical regions because of its potential high growth and its wood quality and to evaluate the influence of meteorological monthly seasonality on its growth. Volumetric was well adjusted with Schumacher-Hall model, with good fit indicators (R²adj = 0.89 and Syx% = 9.74) and both for estimating the aboveground biomass and the plant compartments (leaves, branches and stem) the best fit model was Meyer's. The total wood volume obtained was 100 m3 ha− 1 and an average annual increment for the stand of 10.3 m3 ha− 1 year− 1 at 9.8 years of age. It was observed that the growth of C. brasiliense trees was influenced by meteorological seasonality, and the variation in its growth was better correlated with the subset of the variables maximum and minimum temperature, potential evapotranspiration, actual evapotranspiration and water deficit. From a practical point of view, the study shows that ongoing climate change is going to affect wood growth in this tropical region of Brazil, reducing the potencial of this tropical specie in Carbon sequestration.
A Novel SIGGW Dual Post Band-Pass Filter for 5G Millimeter-Wave Band Applications with a Transmission Zero
Authors: Salehian Kamran , Tayarani Majid
Published: July 2023

Integration of planar circuits been considered a credible technique for low-cost mass production of microwave and millimeter-wave circuits and systems. For the first time, in this research a dual-post band-pass filter is designed and simulated in a three-layer substrate integrated gap groove waveguide (SIGGW) for 5G millimeter-wave frequency band applications. The filter includes 12 posts (6 × 2). Also, the structure facilitates to use resonant posts and so we can design the posts to add a transmission zero in lower rejection band. The design theory algorithm and its limitations are investigated based on the circuit model of filter. The results shows that FBW of 5% and a lower band transmission zero for the proposed 12 posts filter. Also, the results are verified by simulation using CST. According to the results, the proposed filter is a good option for Ka-band applications and can be used as the building block for suppressing the LO leakage that is commonly used for up-converting the 5G signal to Ka band.
Impact of Telehealth Implementation on Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors Training Experience
Authors: Piggott Laura , Piggott Simon , Kelly Maureen
Published: July 2023

Telehealth can be defined as the provision of health care services over a distance. Major health systems, including outpatient clinics and check-ups alike pivoted to telehealth and teleconsultation amid the COVID19 pandemic. There are many recognized advantages of telehealth and its increasing implementation, however, not much is known about the specific impact of remote consultation on quality of non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHD) training experiences. The aim of this study was to gain rich descriptive insights into the specific impact of remote consultation on quality of NCHD training experiences and their own perceptions, through purposeful sampling. Data was collected via semi structured zoom interviews of fifteen NCHD participants. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The collective transcripts were analysed using NVIVO data software for common themes. The themes identified suggested that there were both advantages and disadvantages to telehealth and its impact on training across a spectrum of entities including; doctor-patient relationship, peer relationships, service provision, work morale, working hours, clinical skills experience and general feedback as a trainee. NCHD perspectives expressed were mixed across all themes. Further research is recommended to advance understanding of the potential impact of telehealth on current and prospective doctors in training. With greater understanding of general insights, future changes, including telehealth training programmes, could be implemented to build confidence and familiarity with telehealth utilization and potentiate it’s conceivable benefits.
Thermal Sensitivity Analysis of a liquid-cooled stator in a PM motor using CFD
Authors: Baile Sireesha
Published: July 2023

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are the solution to the current problem of climatic change due to environmental pollution, thereby conserving the environment. The need for faster adoption of EVs has gained massive importance in the field of e-mobility, and intense research is going on to launch it on a large scale of applications. The thermal management of the motor in an EV is an essential aspect because the electrical insulation has a temperature limit, affecting its efficiency. As part of the motor development, Flow and Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT) analysis of the liquid-cooled stator has been carried out using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). CFD bestows the advantage of visualizing the flows and temperature distributions in 3D. This paper deals with the thermal sensitivity analysis of the coolant flow path to study the various parameters affecting the flow in the stator. CHT studies are done by modelling all the fluid and solid domains. The effect of the mass flow rate of coolant, coolant inlet temperature, type of coolant, and heat loss on thermal parameters such as heat transfer coefficient (HTC), coolant temperatures, winding temperatures, and stator temperatures are discussed. The predicted flow and temperature results have been validated with the experimental test data, and the CFD results were within 3% of the experimental data.
Performance, meat quality and blood parameters in four strains of organic broilers differ according to range use
Authors: Bonnefous Claire , Collin Anne , Guilloteau Laurence A. , Germain Karine , Ravon Laure , Bordeau Thierry , Chartrin Pascal , Godet Estelle , Cailleau-Audouin Estelle , Couroussé Nathalie , Raynaud Emilie , Mignon-Grasteau Sandrine , Reverchon Maxime , Mattioli Simona , Castellini Cesare , Angelucci Elisa , Guesdon Vanessa , Calandreau Ludovic , Berri Cécile , Bihan-Duval Elisabeth Le
Published: July 2023

Chicken meat production in organic systems involves free-range access where animals can express foraging and locomotor behaviours. These behaviours may promote outdoor feed intake, but at the same time induce a loss of energy in exploring. More generally, the relationship of range use with metabolism, welfare, health, growth performance and meat quality needs to be better understood. We studied four strains of intermediate (JA757) to slow-growing (S757N, White Bresse and a dual-purpose strain) meat-type chickens with outdoor access. We selected 25 males high- (HR) and low-rangers (LR) per strain. Only in JA757, HR exhibited lower body weight before range access, which may have predisposed them to use the range more. Carcass weight and/or carcass yield were significantly lower in HR compared to LR, showing a negative trade-off between range use and growth performance in all strains. Breast meat yellowness was higher in HR compared to LR in JA757 and the dual-purpose strain, probably due to carotenoids intake from the grass. No relationship between range use and welfare indicators at slaughter was reported whatever the strain. Chicken metabolism differed by range use as HR and LR diverged for blood biomarkers of oxidative and metabolic status, innate and inflammatory system response.
Relevance of snow cover in the implementation of plant conservation and restoration and restoration plans in high mountain peaks: Are we ready to lose the snow in the Mediterranean mountains?
Authors: Avila Jose Antonio Algarra , Cariñanos Paloma , Ramos-Lorente María del Mar
Published: July 2023

This study aims to analyse the effects that snow cover may have on the survival of one-year-old seedlings from 15 different taxa in high Mediterranean mountains (Sierra Nevada National ParK, SE Spain) in order to have a clear criteria for the planning and management of restoration efforts in these environments. Additionally, the influence of variables that have been scarcely explored up to now is also revised.
Using the survival rates of the seedlings carried out in the ecological restoration trial as a reference value, the achieved success (survival) is analysed based on a series of variables to evaluate their
effects.
The results confirm that the permanence of snow is a favourable variable for plant survival, independently of the plant community. Contrastly, a specific substrate (stones and rocks) stands out for being clearly unfavourable, regardless of other variables. For altitude, a clear tendency to worsen the survival rate is observed as it increases. The species’ geographic ranges were all shown to be unfavourable for those taxa of boreo-alpine distribution. Solar radiation seems to be a more unfavourable variable as it increases. And finally, the plant community does not significantly impact results in any sense.
These results provide novel indications to improve the results of restoration work in Mediterranean high mountains. It is also valuable for the management and cataloguing of threatened flora, as well as they have direct applications in Recovery Plans and Protection Lists.
Positive Francisella tularensis meningitis outcome despite the delay of identification: a case report
Authors: Mäki-Koivisto Vesa , Korkala Marianne , Simola Lotta , Suutari-Kontio Sonja , Koivunen Sini , Puhto Teija , Junttila Ilkka S.
Published: July 2023

Francisella tularensis is a gram negative bacteria, that may cause a zoonotic disease, tularemia. We describe here a patient case, where previously healthy young woman in Northern Finland contacted primary/occupational health care as she had fever and headache. Due to the symptoms and lack of further diagnostic tools in the primary health care, the patient was transferred to University Hospital (UH). There she received empirically ampicillin and cetriaxone. In the UH the cerebrospinal fluid sample (CSF) was drawn and subsequently scarce growth of small gram negative bacteria was observed. Maldi-tof did not provide identification, but the bacteria was found to be sensitive to ciprofloxacin with disk diffusion method and subsequently the treatment was redirected to ciprofloxacin. During the time patient was infected, there were several positive tularemia samples found in the area. Therefore, in house tularemia nucleic acid method (PCR) was used on the growing bacteria. Additionally, 16S rDNA sequencing was performed and these methods identified the bacteria as F. tularensis spp. holarctica. Fortunately, the patient recovered completely with ciprofloxacin and was discharged without any further complications or permanent side effects. Our case underlines the need to fully understand the limits of specific diagnostic methods such as Maldi-tof used in clinical laboratory settings.
Evaluation of the surface characteristics and antibacterial properties of TiO2 nanotube and Methacryloyloxyethylphosphorylcholine (MPC) coated orthodontic brackets-A Comparative Invitro study
Authors: Rao Madhura , V Ashith M , Suman Ethel , Isloor Arun S , Shetty Neetha J , N Srikant
Published: July 2023

Objectives
White spot lesions is the most common iatrogenic effect observed post orthodontic treatment. This study aimed to compare the surface characteristics such as morphology, roughness, and antibacterial action of uncoated and coated orthodontic brackets. 1
Materials and Methods
Sixty commercially available stainless steel brackets were coated with TiO2 nanotubes and methacryloyloxyethylphosphorylcholine (MPC). The surface roughness was assessed with AFM and surface topography using SEM. Streptococcus mutans was selected to test the antibacterial ability of the orthodontic brackets. Measurement of total bacterial adhesion was performed using the optical density (OD) method. Bacterial viability was assessed by counting colony forming units (CFU). The brackets were subjected to SEM to detect the biofilm. 2
Results
The computed results indicate that surface roughness was the greatest in uncoated orthodontic brackets. TiO2NT-coated brackets exhibited the least surface roughness, followed by TiO2 NT + MPC- and MPC-coated brackets. The OD values were highest in uncoated orthodontic brackets with TiO2 NT + MPC having the lowest OD values. Comparison of colony counts showed the highest counts in uncoated orthodontic brackets and the lowest counts in the TiO2 NT + MPC group. A positive correlation between surface roughness and colony counts was obtained but was not statistically significant.
Conclusions
The coated orthodontic brackets exhibited less surface roughness than the uncoated orthodontic brackets. TiO2 NT+MPC-coated orthodontic brackets showed the best antibacterial properties.
Clinical Relevance:
Coated orthodontic brackets prevent adhesion of streptococcus mutans onto its surface and reduces plaque accumulation around the brackets thereby reducing the formation of white spot lesions post orthodontic treatment.
A Novel Transactive Energy Market Model for Residential Energy Hubs
Authors: Kidd Braden
Published: July 2023

The rise of distributed energy generation and storage is creating new opportunities for energy consumers to actively engage with energy markets. Achieving these potential benefits will require the implementation of new business models to address limitations of existing market structures. One promising area of research involves the use of peer to peer trading systems via residential energy hubs. These local area trading systems can increase renewable energy generation through improved infrastructure utilisation and financial returns. However, facilitating these trading systems is challenging due to the constraints of physical laws and energy losses. The model presented in this paper addresses these challenges by demonstrating a transactive energy market structure for local energy trading that accounts for physical constraints and losses. It fairly allocates the gains of trade and incentivises agents to minimise distribution losses. This market structure can be implemented with existing metering data and approximate values of electrical distribution network properties.
A fungal pathogen manipulates phytocytokine signaling for plant infection
Authors: Nuernberger Thorsten , Hua Chenlei , Zhang Lisha , Stintzi Annick , Schaller Andreas , Guo Hui-Shan
Published: July 2023

Phytocytokines are hormone-like plant peptides that modulate immune homeostasis and development. Phytosulfokine (PSK) mediates plant growth and attenuates activation of plant pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). We show that the small cysteine-containing effector VdSCP8 from Verticillium dahliae (Vd) is a virulence-promoting protein that suppresses PTI in Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana. Apoplastic SCP8 suppresses immune activation through leucine-rich repeat ectodomain pattern recognition receptors. SCP8 virulence and immunosuppressive activities require PHYTOSULFOKINE RECEPTOR 1 (PSKR1), which binds PSK and forms a complex with co-receptor BAK1 for PTI suppression. We find that PSK, like SCP8, suppresses PTI, SCP8 stimulates PSKR1-BAK1 complex formation, and that Vd requires PSK signaling for host infection. SCP8 interacts with an apoplastic subtilase, and co-expression of SCP8 and subtilase inhibitors reduces PTI suppression. Our findings suggest that a multi-host plant pathogen manipulates PTI by enhancing immunosuppressive PSK signaling, likely through plant subtilase activity.
Availability of psychological resources for parents receiving a communication of positivity at newborn screening for metabolic diseases in Italy
Authors: Bani Marco , Caviglia Stefania , Bensi Giulia , Carcereri Mirsada Sarah , Greco Benedetta , Lastrucci Elisa , Massa Pamela , Vissani Sofia , Cazzorla Chiara
Published: July 2023

Receiving communication of positivity at the expanded newborn screening (ENBS) for metabolic diseases is a stressful event in the case of confirmation of positive or false-positive cases. The availability of psychological support to families is crucial across the different communication steps and is recommended by different guidelines and position papers. However, little is known about the availability of psychological resources in the ENBS process.
This national survey aimed to provide an overview of the availability of psychological resources for parents who received communication of positivity at the ENBS in the 23 Italian centers and how the support is provided to parents.
An online survey was sent to the Heads of the ENBS centers asking about the availability of a clinical psychologist, their involvement in the ENBS process and an estimation of parents receiving psychological support.
Nearly 60% of the centers report having a clinical psychologist in the ENBS team; however, in more than 50% of cases the psychologist does not participate in the consultation with parents (nor for the first consultation post-positivity or at confirmation of diagnosis). Furthermore, nearly 60% of the centers reported that parents sometimes rejected the proposal for psychological sessions.
Conclusions
There is a need for harmonization among the Italian ENBS centers with regard to the availability of psychological resources and how these resources are provided to families. Parents’ needs remained only partially fulfilled.
Cyclic di-GMP rescues H-NS–mediated silencing of bacterial type VI secretion systems
Authors: Zhang Lei , Li Shuyu , Liu Qinmeng , Duan Chongyi , Li Jialin , Sun Hengxi , Xu Lei , Yang Qiao , Wang Yao , Shen Xihui
Published: July 2023

The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a widespread versatile machine that is encoded by many gram-negative bacteria and plays crucial roles in interbacterial competition and bacteria-host interactions. Histone-like nucleoid structuring protein (H-NS) is a global regulator that represses the expression of T6SS genes in various pathogens and environmental isolates. Bacteria appear to have evolved regulatory mechanisms to relieve the transcriptional repression mediated by H-NS when the T6SS activity is required, but the underlying molecular mechanism awaits elucidation. Here we show that elevated intracellular cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) levels alleviate the H-NS–mediated repression of the T6SS inSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium.Mechanistically, c-di-GMP directly binds to the H-NS protein to abrogate its binding to the T6SS promoters, thus derepressing expression of the T6SS genes. Furthermore, we provide evidence that bile salts-induced increase in intracellular c-di-GMP levels leads to activation of theS. TyphimuriumT6SS within the host gut, facilitating its killing of commensal bacteria and successful colonization. The observations that c-di-GMP derepresses gene expression via targeting the H-NS or H-NS-like proteins inVibrio parahaemolyticus,Pseudomonas aeruginosaandPseudomonas putidasuggest a general mechanism through which the H-NS family of proteins act as environment-sensing regulators in Gram-negative bacteria.
Kindergarten Teachers’ Mindfulness in Teaching and Job Satisfaction: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Yin Pan , Huang Chao , Yin Xiaochun , Yang Fengwan , Qiu Shi , Song Daixue
Published: July 2023

Objectives Based on the theory of meaning construction, this research aims to examine the relationship between mindfulness-based instruction and job satisfaction among educators working in kindergarten settings. Specifically, the study will evaluate whether teachers’ self-efficacy mediates this relationship and also explore the potential moderating impact of role maladjustment on this mediation process.
Method A total of 531 kindergarten teachers (Mage = 26.89, 89.64% female) took part in the study by responding to self-administered questionnaires measuring their mindfulness in teaching, teachers’ self-efficacy, role maladjustment, and job satisfaction. The findings of the study indicate that there is a notable and favorable correlation between the practice of mindfulness in teaching and job satisfaction among kindergarten teachers. Furthermore, the analysis suggests that teachers' self-efficacy partially mediates this relationship. These results remained significant even after controlling for demographic variables. Further examination using moderated mediation analysis indicated that role maladjustment did not have a moderating effect on either the direct or indirect links between mindfulness in teaching and job satisfaction.
Conclusions The results highlight the importance of teacher self-efficacy as a mediating factor, emphasizing the role of mindfulness in assisting preschool educators in effectively managing challenges and adversities. This, in turn, enhances emotional regulation and coping skills, while cultivating a heightened awareness of personal strengths and abilities, ultimately resulting in higher job satisfaction.
Histological evaluation of edentulous alveolar ridge horizontal bone augmentations using a xenogeneic bone substitute and autologous platelet concentrates: A prospective case series
Authors: Nagy Pal , Nemeth Florina , Ghanaati Shahram , Heselich Anja , Windisch Peter
Published: July 2023

Purpose:
This case series aimed to assess the efficacy of a novel horizontal ridge augmentation modality using histomorphometry. Combinations of “sticky bone” and tenting screws without autologous bone were used as augmentative materials.
Methods:
Five individuals presenting healed, atrophic, partially edentulous sites that required horizontal bone augmentation before implant placement were enrolled. Patients underwent the same augmentation type and five months of postoperative reentry procedures. The first surgery served as implant site development, while the biopsy and corresponding implant placement were performed during reentry. The bone was qualitatively analyzed using histology and histomorphometry and quantitatively evaluated using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).
Results:
Four individuals healed uneventfully. Early wound dehiscence occurred in one case. Histology showed favorable bone substitute incorporation into the newly formed bone and intimate contact between de novo bone and graft material in most cases. Histomorphometry reveled an average of 48% newly formed bone, 19% graft material, and 33% soft tissue components. The CBCT-based mean alveolar ridge horizontal increase was 3.9 mm at five months postoperatively.
Conclusions:
The described augmentation method appears suitable for implant site development resulting in favorable bone quality according to histology. The presence of 48% de novo bone and 33% connective tissue formation on average is highly preferable. However, clinicians must accommodate 1–2 mm resorption in augmentative material width at the buccal aspect, which might indicate a secondary lateral augmentation during implant placement.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT05612737. Registered 30 October 2022- Retrospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/template/EditRecord.vm?epmode=Edit&listmode=Edit&uid=U0005NHB&ts=6&sid=S000CMHA&cx=-bgh60i
Characteristics of circulating immune cells in HBV-related acute- on-chronic liver failure following artificial liver treatment
Authors: Ju Tao , Jiang Daixi , Zhong Chengli , Zhang Huafen , Huang Yandi , Zhu Chunxia , Yang Shigui , Yan Dong
Published: July 2023

Background and aim:
Liver failure, which is predominantly caused by hepatitis B (HBV) can be improved by an artificial liver support system (ALSS). This study investigated the phenotypic heterogeneity of immunocytes in patients with HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ACLF) before and after ALSS therapy.
Methods
A total of 22 patients with HBV-ACLF who received ALSS therapy were included in the study. Demographic and laboratory data were collected and analyzed during hospitalization. Immunological features of peripheral blood in the patients before and after ALSS were detected by mass cytometry analyses.
Results
Patients with Grade I according to the ACLF Research Consortium score were considered to have recovered. In total, 12 patients recovered and 10 patients did not. According to the immunological features data after ALSS, the proportion of circulating monocytes was significantly higher in unrecovered patients, but there were fewer γδT cells compared with those in recovered patients. Characterization of 37 cell clusters revealed that the frequency of effector CD8+ T (P = 0.003), CD4+ TCM (P = 0.033), CD4+ TEM (P = 0.039), and inhibitory natural killer (NK) cells (P = 0.029) decreased in HBV-ACLF patients after ALSS therapy. Sub group analyses after treatment showed that the recovered patients had higher proportions of CD4+ TCM (P = 0.010), CD4+ TEM (P = 0.021), and γδT cells (P = 0.003) and a lower proportion of monocytes (P = 0.012) compared with the unrecovered patients.
Conclusions
Changes in effector CD8+ T cells, effector and memory CD4+ T cells, and inhibitory NK cells are associated with ALSS treatment of HBV-ACLF. Moreover, monocytes and γδT cells exhibited the main differences when patients obtained different prognoses. The phenotypic heterogeneity of lymphocytes and monocytes may contribute to the prognosis of ALSS and future immunotherapy strategies.
Magnetic Incremental Permeability of Elastically Deformed Iron and Nickel
Authors: Stashkov Alexey , Schapova Elizaveta , Nichipuruk Aleksander , Stolbovsky Alexey
Published: July 2023

The field dependences of the magnetic incremental permeability U~(H) have been measured on nickel and iron subjected to both elastic compression and tension. The inflections and additional maxima on the U~(H) curves are observed for nickel under tension and for iron under compression. The appearance of the features on the U~(H) curves is traceable to the induction of magnetic texture of the "easy-plane" type caused by elastic deformation of nickel and iron samples. These features appear only if the signs of magnetostriction and applied load are opposite. Only in this case, there is the possibility of estimation of applied mechanical stresses and residual stresses (after annealing). This can be useful for technical diagnostics of objects made of ferromagnetic materials with different signs of magnetostriction. The proposed technique is makes it possible to estimate the “easy-axis” magnetostriction constant.
The evaluation of resistance of Luffa cylindrica genotypes to the fungus Verticillium dahliae
Authors: Shirzaei Fatemeh , Keykhasaber Mojtaba , Pirnia Mahdi , Rafiei Vahideh , Karimi-Jashni Mansoor
Published: July 2023

Verticillium wilt, caused by V. dahliae is one of the important soil-borne disease on various host plants. Luffa cylindrica, a valuable tropical plant from the Cucurbitaceae, is one of the plants that can be affected by V. dahliae. This research investigated the resistance of several indigenous and non-indigenous genotypes of the Luffa plant to Verticillium wilt disease. To achieve this, the rate of disease severity index (DI) and the area under the disease progression curve (AUDPC) were evaluated in each of the genotypes after infection. The statistical analysis of the data was performed using Excel software. To confirm the proper colonization of plants, a plating assay was conducted on PDA culture. Additionally, to confirm the colonization and quantification of fungus in plant tissue at molecular level, the real-time PCR and specific ITS primers were utilized. The results indicated that all studied Luffa genotypes were categorized into two groups, super sensitive and sensitive, based on the severity of disease development. However, the Angled genotype exhibited less sensitivity to V. dahliae compared to the other studied genotypes, with a disease index of 18%. The results of plating assay and real-time PCR, confirmed the pathogenic effect of the V. dahliae on the luffa plant. However, due to the lack of sufficient studies on the genetics of resistance to Verticillium in Luffa, more extensive and detailed studies at the molecular level are needed to investigate the defense structure of this plant, especially the Angled genotype.
Causality between stock indices and cryptocurrencies during the Russia-Ukraine war
Authors: Mgadmi Nidhal
Published: July 2023

This article examines the causal relationship between stock indices and cryptocurrencies during the current war between Russia and Ukraine. The econometric investigation runs from February 24, 2022 to April 12, 2023, focusing on seven stock market indices (S&P500, DAX, CAC40, Nikkei, TSX, MOEX and PFTS) and seven cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litcoin, Dash, Ripple, DigiByte and XEM). In this article, we try to understand how investors react to fluctuations in financial assets to seek safe havens in crypto currencies. We used dynamic causality in the Granger (1969) sense to detect a possible causal relationship in the short term, and seven models to estimate the long-term relationship between cryptocurrencies and financial assets. The causal relationship between financial market indexes and cryptocurrency coins in the short run indicate that three famous cryptocurrencies (BITCOIN, ETHEREUM, RIPPLE) and the two digital asset with minor popularity (XEM, Digibyte) are impacted by the German, Russian and Ukrainian stock markets. In the long-run we found a positive and significate effect of the American, Canadian, French and Ukrainian stock market indexes on Bitcoin. Thus, the stability of the traditional financial markets during the current war period can be explained on the one hand by investors’ fears of an unstable business climate, and on the other hand, by speculators’ sentiment towards new electronic products which are perceived as hedging instruments and a safe haven in the face of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
JEL Classifcation: C5 · C22 · G1
Importance of the posterior plate in three-column tibial plateau fractures: Finite element analysis and clinical validation
Authors: Liu Chen-dong , Hu Sun-jun , Chang Shi-Min , Du Shou-chao , Xiong Wen-feng
Published: July 2023

Background
The medial and lateral dual-plates fixation is considered as the standard method for most bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. Nevertheless, with the concept of the three-column developed, the importance of the anatomical reduction of the posterior column has been stressed. By recent clinical studies, it was advocated the fixation should direct at each sub-column, but it has not been proven by the experimental validation so far.
Methods
Finite element analysis and clinical case series study were contained in this paper. In finite element (FE) study, three experimental models were established: longitudinal triple-plates group (LTPG), oblique triple-plates group (OTPG) and dual-plates group (DPG). Three loading scenarios of a 60kg adult in the physiological walking gait were performed. The distribution of the deformation and the equivalent von Mises stress (VMS) in each structure was calculated for comparison. The comparative measurements including the maximum posterior column collapse (MPCC), the maximum total displacement of the model (MTD), the maximum VMS of cortical posterior column (MPC-VMS) and the maximum VMS located on each group of plates and screws (MPS-VMS).The clinical study evaluated the indicators between the groups with or without the posterior plate, including operation time, blood loss volume, full-weight bearing period, Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Scoring system (HSS), Rasmussen score and common postoperative complications.
Results
In the FE analysis, under all loading conditions, the MPCC was found significant less in LTPG and OTPG compared with DPG (reduced at least 38%), and the difference between the LTPG and OTPG was not significant. The largest MPC-VMS was found in DPG (reduced by 14% in LTPG and 2% in OTPG). The largest MPS-VMS was found in LTPG, followed by OTPG, and the smallest group was DPG, 40% increment was found in LTPG and 19% in OTPG at most. The MTD was found significant less in LTPG and OTPG (reduced by 35% and 42% at most in LTPG and OTPG). In the clinical study, 35 cases were included (14 cases in triple-plates group and 21 cases in dual-plates group). Among them, the operation time was 115.6 minutes and 100.5 minutes in the triple-plates group and the dual-plates (P < 0.05), the blood loss volume was 287.0 ml and 206.6 ml (P < 0.05), the full-weight bearing period was 14.5 weeks and 16.2 weeks (P < 0.05). At the final follow-up, the HSS score was 85.0 in the triple-plates group and 77.5 in the dual-plates (P < 0.05), the Rasmussen score was 24.1 and 21.6 (P < 0.05), there was one case superficial incision infection in triple-plates group.
Conclusion
The application of the supplementary posterior plate was beneficial to optimize the biomechanical stability and functional outcome in the three-column tibial plateau fractures.
Macrokinetics of the Deterioration of Cement-based Grouting Material for Predicting Its Service Life Under Acid Rain Attack
Authors: Hu Wenjing , Fang Shiqiang , Xie Lina , Chen Xueqiang , Zhang Bingjian
Published: July 2023

Cement-based grouting material is widely used to reinforce the unsafe stone inscription although it is considered inappropriate in protection of ancient sites. As this approach is irreversible, a longer service life is desirable for the grouting material and methods to predict the service life are needed. Here we propose a universal formula based on the dissolved amount of calcium ion to predict the deterioration rate of cement-based grouting material caused by acid deposition in the laboratory. The experimental results showed that the dissolved amount of calcium ion had a linear relationship with lnT and the pH value, with better accuracy when the pH value was greater than 3.0. This work could provide a facile and quantitative method to help us predict the service life of cement-based grouting material under acid rain attack outdoors.
Identification of immune-related lncRNAs in peripheral blood of sepsis by transcriptome sequencing and analysis core lncRNA PRKCQ-AS1 roles in prognosis and progression of sepsis
Authors: Ding Xian , Liang Wenqi , Xia Hongjuan , Liu Yuee , Liu Shuxiong , Xia Xinyu , Zhu Xiaoli , Pei Yongyan , Zhang Dewen
Published: July 2023

Sepsis is a high mortality and great harm systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by infection. lncRNAs are potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target. Therefore, we expect to screen and analyze lncRNAs with potential prognostic markers in sepsis. We obtained 2310 differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and 7310 DEmRNAs by transcriptome sequencing. Then the immune-related lncRNA-mRNA regulatory network, which contains 14 core lncRNAs, was constructed by functional enrichment and Pearson correlation analysis. The results of immune infiltration, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and gene set variation analysis (GSVA) further confirmed the correlation between 14 key lncRNAs and immune cells. Subsequently, the key immune-related lncRNA PRKCQ-AS1 was identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). RT-qPCR showed that PRKCQ-AS1 was up-regulated in clinical samples and sepsis model cells (LPS-induced HUVECs). Kaplan-Meier (KM), receiver operator characteristic (ROC), Cox regression analysis and nomogram confirmed that PRKCQ-AS1 was an independent prognostic factor in sepsis patients. Immune correlation analysis showed that PRKCQ-AS1 was involved in the immune response and inflammatory process of sepsis. Cell function assay confirmed that PRKCQ-AS1 could inhibit the LPS-induced sepsis model cells viability and promote cell apoptosis, inflammatory damage and oxidative stress. In conclusion, we constructed immune-related lncRNA-mRNA regulatory networks in the progression of sepsis and analyzed the role of PRKCQ-AS1 in the prognosis and progression of sepsis. It is confirmed that PRKCQ-AS1 is an important prognostic factor affecting the progression of sepsis and is involved in immune response.
Functional Network Characteristics in Adolescent Psychotic Mood Disorder: Associations with Symptom Severity and Treatment Effects
Authors: Zhou Jingshuai , Duan Jia , Liu Xiaoxue , Wang Yang , Zheng Junjie , Tang Lili , Zhao Pengfei , Zhang Xizhe , Zhu Rongxin , Wang Fei
Published: July 2023

Introduction:
Adolescent psychotic mood disorder (MDP) is a specific phenotype that characterized by more severe symptoms and prognosis compared to nonpsychotic mood disorder (MDNP). But the underlying mechanisms remain unknown, and graph theory analysis can help to understand possible mechanisms of psychotic symptoms from the perspective of functional networks.
Methods
A total of 177 adolescent patients with mood disorders were recruited, including 61 MDP and 116 MDNP. Functional networks were constructed, and topological properties were compared between the two groups at baseline and after treatment, and the association between properties changes and symptom improvement was explored.
Results
Compared to the MDNP group, the MDP group exhibited higher small-world properties (FDR q = 0.003) and normalized clustering coefficients (FDR q = 0.008) but demonstrated decreased nodal properties in the superior temporal gyrus (STG), Heschl’s gyrus, and medial cingulate gyrus (all FDR q < 0.05). These properties were found to be correlated with the severity of psychotic symptoms. Topological properties also changed with improvement of psychotic symptoms after treatment, and changes in degree centrality of STG in the MDP was significantly positive correlated with improvement of psychotic symptoms (r = 0.377, P = 0.031).
Conclusions
This study indicated that functional networks are more severely impaired in patients with psychotic symptoms. Topological properties, particularly those associated with the STG, hold promise as emerging metrics for assessing symptoms and treatment efficacy in patients with psychotic symptoms.
Patterns of viral communities and the host–pathogen interactions with ecological factors in bat caves
Authors: Li xiaolin , Li Aoqiang , Li Zhongle , Leng Haixia , Jin Longru , Xiao Yanhong , Sun Keping , Feng Jiang
Published: July 2023

Background
Bats (Chiroptera) are major sources of epidemics. To understand the dynamics of diseases, it is crucial to study the dynamics of microorganisms in the environment and the relationship between microorganisms and bats. In this study, we investigated the soil virus communities in bat caves using viral metagenomic sequencing technology. We further explored host–pathogen interactions with regard to the effects of the environment by combining analyses of microorganisms (viruses and bacteria) and immune genes (major histocompatibility complex, MHC) of the main resident species (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum) in the bat caves.
Results
A total of 31 families of viruses were identified. Significant differences were observed in alpha diversity, beta diversity, and the relative abundances of soil virus families, indicating their habitat specificity in bat caves. Zoonotic risk viruses were also found, and the composition of viruses in bat caves was similar to the distribution of virus families of R. ferrumequinum in a previous study. Second, the alpha diversity of both viruses and bacteria was significantly negatively correlated with precipitation of the wettest month. The relative abundances of viral and bacterial families were correlated with MHC allele frequencies. Moreover, a structural equation model further revealed that the precipitation of the coldest quarter significantly negatively affected virus diversity, which in turn significantly negatively affected the MHC allele frequencies in R. ferrumequinum. The MHC allele frequencies were negatively affected by bacterial alpha diversity.
Conclusions
The results of the present study suggest that the polymorphism of the MHC class I gene of R. ferrumequinum is driven by environmental pathogen selection pressure and that environmental climate affects the host immune genes by regulating the diversity of microorganisms. This study is the first to demonstrate the diversity of virus communities in bat caves, and thus has significance for protecting bat habitats from human disturbance and in preventing zoonotic diseases.
Quercetin improves epithelial regeneration from airway basal cells of COPD patients
Authors: McCluskey Elizabeth S. , Liu Nathan , Pandey Abhimaneu , Marchetti Nathaniel , Sajjan Umadevi
Published: July 2023

Background
Airway basal cells from patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) regenerate abnormal airway epithelium and this was associated with reduced expression of several genes involved in epithelial repair. Quercetin reduces goblet cell metaplasia and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in COPD models. This study assessed whether quercetin improves epithelial regeneration from COPD airway basal cells.
Methods
COPD airway basal cells were treated with DMSO or 1 µM quercetin for three days. The cells were then cultured at air/liquid interface (ALI) for up to 4 weeks. Basal cells from healthy donors cultured at air/liquid interface were used as controls. Polarization of cells was determined at 8 days of ALI. The cell types and IL-8 expression in differentiated cell cultures were quantified by flow cytometry and ELISA. Microarray analysis was conducted on DMSO or quercetin-treated COPD basal cells to identify differentially regulated genes (DEG) and the enriched biological pathways. Bronchial brushings from COPD patients treated with either placebo or quercetin for 6 months were used to confirm the effects of quercetin on gene expression.
Results
Compared to DMSO, quercetin-treated COPD basal cells showed an increase in TER and regenerated the airway epithelium with more ciliated cells, and less goblet cells and IL-8. Comparison of DMSO- and quercetin-treated COPD basal cell transcriptomic profiles indicated that quercetin upregulated genes associated with tissue and epithelial development and differentiation. COPD patients treated with quercetin, but not placebo showed significantly increased expression of two developmental genes HOXB2 and ELF3, which were also increased in quercetin-treated COPD basal cells. Bronchial brushings from active smokers showed significantly increased mRNA expression of TGF-β and IL-8, and it was reduced after quercetin treatment.
Conclusions
These results indicate that quercetin may improve airway epithelial regeneration by increasing the expression of genes involved in epithelial development/differentiation in COPD.
Trial registration
This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on 6-18-2019. The study number is NCT03989271.