bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetized Quantum Plasma Half space, Analytical study of Electrostatic surface waves and their dispersion relation
Authors: Ahmad Zulfiqar , Ahmad Mushtaq , Khitab Umar
Published: August 2023

We present a comprehensive study on the characteristics of electrostatic surface waves in a magnetized quantum plasma half-space. By analytically investigating the system under the influence of quantum diffraction and Fermi pressure, we employ the quantum hydrodynamic model (QHD) and the specular reflection boundary condition at the plasma-vacuum interface to accurately capture quantum effects. We analyze the dispersion relations for two specific cases of magnetic field orientation: parallel and perpendicular to the interface. We numerically plot the dispersion relations and explore the effects of plasma parameters, such as plasma density, cyclotron frequency, and Fermi velocity, on the surface wave behavior. The results show that increasing plasma density and Fermi velocity result in changes in the normalized frequency of surface waves, while an increase in the cyclotron frequency leads to a significant increase in the surface plasmon frequency. Our work provides valuable insights into the behavior of electrostatic surface waves in magnetized quantum plasmas and their potential applications in waveguide structures and other related areas such as signal processing, communication systems, sensing devices, quantum dot devices, nanostructures.
Is Enemy Release Strong for Invasive Plants?
Authors: Stiling Peter , Lajeunesse Marc J.
Published: August 2023

The Enemy Release Hypothesis (ERH) suggests that escape from natural enemies causes introduced plants to become invasive. We used meta-analysis to synthesize and investigate the strength of the ERH using both the biological control of invasive plants by individual introduced insects and the effects of individual native insect herbivores on native plants. Insects used in biological control studies, specified as both pre- and post-release, had significantly greater effects on invasive plants than native insects had on native plants, which supports the ERH. However, this effect was driven mostly by study outcomes from biocontrol releases, which had significantly greater effects on invasive plants than native insects had on native plants. Insects used in pre-release biocontrol studies did not have significantly stronger effects than native insects on native plants. This suggests that ERH may not be as common a cause of plant invasiveness as thought since, by that logic, release from natural enemies would cause any introduced plant species to become invasive. Among all studies, there was no significant difference in the strength of enemy release between the effects of monophagous versus polyphagous herbivores, terrestrial and aquatic plants, insect orders or feeding guilds and latitude of experiment. However, there were significant differences in the effects of insect herbivores between above and below ground feeders, plant growth forms, and plant organ affected.
Physical frailty is related to oxidative stress through Thiol/Disulfide homeostasis parameters
Authors: HAFIZOGLU Merve , Eren Funda , Neşelioğlu Salim , Şahiner Zeynep , Karaduman Didem , Atbaş Cansu , Dikmeer Ayşe , İleri İbrahim , Balcı Cafer , Doğu Burcu Balam , Cankurtaran Mustafa , Erel Özcan , Halil Meltem Gülhan
Published: August 2023

Aim
To evaluate relationship between frailty and oxidative stress through thiol/disulfide homeostasis parameters (Native thiol (NT), total thiol (TT), and disulfide levels (D), disulfide-native thiol (D/NT), disulfide-total thiol (D/TT), native thiol-total thiol (NT/TT) ratios and ischemia-modified albumin levels (IMA)).
Materials and Method
In total, 139 community-dwelling older adults were included. The frailty status, defined by the FRIED frailty index (FFI) and Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and comprehensive geriatric assessment results compared with thiol/disulfide homeostasis parameters and ischemia-modified albumin levels.
Results
NT and TT levels were significantly lower in the frail group (respectively; p = 0.014, p = 0.020). The FFI scores were correlated with the levels of NT, TT, D/NT, D/TT, and NT/TT (respectively; r=-0.25, r=-0.24, r = 0.17, r = 0.17, r=-0.17). The significant correlation could not be retained with the CFS scores. In ROC analysis, the AUC for NT was calculated as 0.639 in diagnosing frailty according to the FFI (95% CI: 0.542–0.737), AUC was 0.638 for TT (95% CI: 0.540–0.735), AUC was 0.610 for NT/TT (95% CI: 0.511–0.780). The AUC was calculated as 0.610 for both D/NT and D/TT in diagnosing physical frailty (95% CI: 0.511–0.708).
Conclusion
Thiol/disulfide homeostasis parameters can be a potential biomarker in diagnosing physical frailty. However, further studies are needed for diagnosing frailty defined with cumulative deficit models.
Impact assessment of selected ports intervention to coastal and nearshore dynamics:A GIS and AHP approach
Authors: R Madhumitha , S Rajakumari , B Deepika
Published: August 2023

This study was attempted to understand the impact of selected ports on the coastal and nearshore dynamics. Dwelling activities along the coastal zone were particularly high in the last two decades. Hence ports constructed between 2000 and 2022 such as Mundra, Hazira, Karaikal, Krishnapatnam, Gangavaram and Gopalpur were considered for the study. The land and shore dynamics were assessed prior and after their construction. The landward impact was identified by the changes in LULC and coastal sediment dynamics were estimated from numerical model before and after the ports construction. The highly impacted land and shore features were used in Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assess the extent of their impact due to port construction. The extent of impacts was indicated as ‘Criteria Weight (CW)’ expressed as percentage. Village-wise Local Sensitivity Analysis (LSA) of the port environs due to port activities were also assessed with six parameters such as changes in LULC, cyclone, population, Road network, cultural heritage site and shore stability based on their influence on the coast on case- by-case basis using AHP. The obtained influence of the impact of these parameters was used to determine the category of local sensitivity of the adjacent villages around the ports. For effective management planning the LSA was classified into five classes namely Very Low, Low, Moderate, High and Very High. Villages categorized with different sensitivities can be attempted for suitable management plans and similar studies can be attempted for all villages impacted by port interventions.
Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Non-structural Adhesive Mortar using Linear Low Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Aggregate Substitution with Vinyl Acetate/Ethylene (VAE) Interface
Authors: Hendriko Albert , Juwono Ariadne Laksmidevi , Budiman Ismail , Subyakto Subyakto , Soegijono Bambang , Sadir Muhammad , Sudarmanto Sudarmanto , Purnomo Deni , Narto Narto , Akbar Fazhar , Setyolisdianto Jeremy Ariandi , Kristianto Marco Amadeus
Published: August 2023

Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) is a type of plastic with a high percentage of solid waste and is hardly degradable. The characteristics of LLDPE such as high toughness and low density have the potential to be an alternative aggregate substitute for applications in non-structural mortar composites. The purpose of this study was to determine the suitable formulation of LLDPE aggregate substitution against silica sand for the application of non-structural adhesive mortar composites. Vinyl Acetate/Ethylene (VAE) surfactant (1.2 wt%) was used to improve the interface between LLDPE and the cement matrix. Mechanical testing; XRD and FTIR characterization; density measurements; compression, adhesion, and thermogravimetric test; and morphological observation were carried out in this experiment. The Results showed that LLDPE substitution decreased physical properties and accelerated thermal degradation. Cracks occurred on higher amount of LLDPE composition due to big difference in polarity. Suitable LLDPE substitution composition for adhesive mortar is up to 50%.
Evaluation of biochemical indices in indigenous cattle breeds and crossbred genotypes under natural trypanosome challenge
Authors: Nwachukwu Eugene N. , Ogbu Cosmas C. , Kalla Demo J. U. , Ukwu Henry O. , Ezea Jonas , Onoja Samuel O. , Onyeabor Amaechi
Published: August 2023

Breeding for trypanotolerance could be a more sustainable control strategy against African animal trypanosomiasis. This study examined the biochemical indices of crossbred/composite cattle, N’dama and WF breeds under natural trypanosome challenge to assess trypanotolerance capacity. Serum total protein, albumin, globulin, ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, creatinine and urea were compared among cattle genotypes, genotypic groups, anaemic and non-anaemic, and parasitaemic and aparasitaemic groups. Non-anaemic cattle had higher (p < 0.05) total protein and albumin compared to anaemic cattle. Globulin, albumin/globulin, ALT, ALP, and creatinine did not differ significantly between cattle genotypes but AST was highest in anaemic NDxWF (38.50 ± 6.19 U/l) while indirect bilirubin and urea were highest in non-anaemic 75NDx25WF. Aparasitaemic cattle had higher total protein, albumin and ALP but lower creatinine than parasitaemic cattle. AST and total bilirubin were highest in ND(GUxWFxMU) (33.18 ± 1.78 U/l) and ND(GUxWF) (0.30 ± 0.03 mg/dl), respectively and least in parasitaemic WF (24.63 ± 3.57 U/l) and NDxWF (0.19 ± 0.03 mg/dl), respectively. Creatinine, indirect bilirubin and urea were highest in 75NDx25WF (1.23 ± 0.26 mg/dl, 0.23 ± 0.03 mg/dl, and 39.68 ± 3.05 mg/dl, respectively) and lowest in ND (0.28 ± 0.10 mg/dl), parasitaemic WF (0.11 ± 0.03mg/dl), and ND(BOxWF) (22.84 ± 3.05 mg/dl), respectively. Crossbred/composite cattle and N’Dama had higher serum total protein, albumin, AST, total and indirect bilirubin, but lower creatinine compared to WF cattle indicating better body nutrient reserves, lower oxidative stress challenge and stronger trypanotolerance capacity.
WITHDRAWN: Sustainable Agriculture through Battery Recycling: Effect Of Recycled Liquid Nano Manganese Fertiliser on Wheat Yield
Authors: Valson Aparna , Suman Naveen , Varma Nimisha , Gupta Ragini
Published: August 2023

The productivity of agriculture is significantly hampered by micronutrient deficiencies, particularly manganese (Mn) insufficiency. For agriculture to be sustainable, it is essential to address these shortcomings. In this context, a study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of "Mangnify," a nano manganese sulphate fertiliser made by recycling used single use primary batteries, in enhancing wheat yield in Rajasthan. The field trials showed a considerable increase compared to control in wheat yield when treated with a foliar application of nano manganese fertiliser. The results of ANOVA analysis showed that treated and controlled crops in every region had significantly different growth characteristics and yields. Kemla, in particular, revealed a noteworthy 30.8% rise in production, while Gudli showed increases of 19.3% and 5.8%. Furthermore, Bundi demonstrated a 6.7% yield improvement using a twofold application strategy.The study emphasises how recycled nano manganese sulphate fertilisers have the potential to address manganese deficiency and promote sustainable agriculture. According to the research, nano manganese fertiliser significantly enhances crop development and output while providing an environmentally friendly remedy for micronutrient deficiencies. This study highlights the potential of cutting-edge recycling methods to create successful agricultural interventions, ultimately pointing to a viable plan for boosting agricultural productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability.
Experimental, surface and computational studies on nicotinic hydroxamic acid as an efficient and ecofriendly chelating corrosion inhibitor in the gas and oil industry
Authors: Dewangan Yeestdev , Verma Dakeshwar Kumar , Haldhar Rajesh , Berdimurodov Elyor , Kim Seong-Cheol , Saxena Akhil , Guo Lei , Jain Swati
Published: August 2023

In the present work, the nicotinic hydroxamic acid (NHA) was first presented as a more effective corrosion resistance in 1 M HCl. The reason for the selection of 1 M HCl solution is that 1 M HCl solution was used in the acid pickling and acid-cleaning processes. During these processes, the mild steel corroded. The carbonyl and the hydroxyl groups of the selected inhibitor molecule are mainly responsible for the formation of a stable five-membered chelate complex with a metal cation. Its inhibition characteristics were first researched by the electrochemical, surface morphology and quantum chemical methods. The density functional theory (DFT) with the 6−31G (d, p) basis sets were used to analyse the theoretical characteristics of inhibition for NHA. The corrosion prevention activity was utilized on the steel in 1 M HCl using a variety of electrochemical approaches, including potentiodynamic polarization measurements and EIS. In 1 M HCl solution, the maximum inhibition efficiency of 92.75% was achieved for 200 ppm concentration. The existence of multiple double bonds, as well as numerous oxygen atoms of carbonyl and hydroxyl groups of the phytochemicals, is primarily responsible for its superior anti-corrosive properties.
Molecular identification and characterization of hevein antimicrobial peptide genes in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: Drikvand Reza Mir , Sohrabi Seyyed Mohsen , Sohrabi Seyed Sajad , Samiei Kamran
Published: August 2023

Heveins are one of the most important groups of plant antimicrobial peptides. So far, various roles in plant growth and development and in response to biotic and abiotic stresses have reported for heveins. The present study aimed to identify and characterize the hevein genes in barley. In total, thirteen hevein genes identified in barley genome. The identified heveins showed a high similarity with heveins from other plant species in terms of structural and functional characteristics. The hevein coding sequences produced open reading frames (ORFs) ranged from 342 to 1002 bp. Most of the identified hevein genes were intronless, and the others had only one intron. The hevein ORFs produced proteins ranged from 113 to 333 amino acids. Search for conserved functional domains showed ChtBD1 and Lyz-like domains in barley heveins. All barley heveins comprised extracellular signal peptides ranged from 19 to 35 amino acids. The phylogenetic analysis divided barley heveins into two groups. The promoter analysis identified cis-acting elements related to growth and development, hormone response, and environmental stresses in the promoter of barley hevein genes. The expression analysis showed high expression level of heveins in root and reproductive organs of barley. The expression analysis also showed that barley heveins is induced by both biotic and abiotic stresses. The results of antimicrobial activity prediction showed the highest antimicrobial activity in ChtBD1 domain of barley heveins. The findings of the current study can improve our knowledge about the role of hevein genes in plant and can be used for future studies.
The Impact of Physician Variation on the Training and Performance of Deep Learning Auto-Segmentation Models: the Development of Physician Inconsistency Metrics
Authors: Yan Yujie , Kehayias Christopher , He John , Aerts Hugo J.W.L. , Fitzgerald Kelly J. , Kann Benjamin H. , Kozono David E. , Guthier Christian V. , Mak Raymond H.
Published: August 2023

Manual segmentation of tumors and organs-at-risk (OAR) in 3D imaging for radiation-therapy planning is time-consuming and subject to variation between different observers. Artificial intelligence (AI) can assist with segmentation, but challenges exist in ensuring high-quality segmentation, especially for small, variable structures. We investigated the effect of variation in segmentation quality and style of physicians for training deep-learning models for esophagus segmentation and proposed a new metric, edge roughness, for evaluating/quantifying slice-to-slice inconsistency.
This study includes a real-world cohort of 394 patients who each received radiation therapy (mainly for lung cancer). Segmentation of the esophagus was performed by 8 physicians as part of routine clinical care. We evaluated manual segmentation by comparing the length and edge roughness of segmentations among physicians to analyze inconsistencies. We trained six multiple- and individual-physician segmentation models in total, based on U-Net architectures and residual backbones. We used the volumetric Dice coefficient to measure the performance for each model. We proposed a metric, edge roughness, to quantify the shift of segmentation among adjacent slices by calculating the curvature of edges of the 2D sagittal- and coronal-view projections.
The auto-segmentation model trained on multiple physicians (MD1-7) achieved the highest mean Dice of 73.7±14.8%. The individual-physician model (MD7) with the highest edge roughness (mean ± SD: 0.106±0.016) demonstrated significantly lower volumetric Dice for test cases compared with other individual models (MD7: 58.5±15.8%, MD6: 67.1±16.8%, p < 0.001). An additional multiple-physician model trained after removing the MD7 data resulted in fewer outliers (e.g., Dice £ 40%: 4 cases for MD1-6, 7 cases for MD1-7, Ntotal=394).
This study demonstrates that there is significant variation in style and quality in manual segmentations in clinical care, and that training AI auto-segmentation algorithms from real-world, clinical datasets may result in unexpectedly under-performing algorithms with the inclusion of outliers. Importantly, this study provides a novel evaluation metric, edge roughness, to quantify physician variation in segmentation which will allow developers to filter clinical training data to optimize model performance.
Overexpressing ZOS7 confers drought tolerance through mediating stomatal density and wax crystal deposition in rice
Authors: Zhou Shubo , Lin Wei , Su Yi , Essemine Jemaa , Huang Jihang , Qu Mingnan , He Lijing , Xiao Langtao
Published: August 2023

The Cys2/His2-type zinc finger proteins have been implicated in different cellular processes involved in plant development and abiotic stress responses. Our previous study identified a drought-responsive zinc finger protein gene ZOS7 with high expression in Shanlan upland rice line possessing drought tolerance. In this study, we further found that overexpressing ZOS7 induces up to eudicots 30% increase in biomass together with 14% increase in yield relative to WT under moderate drought stress (DS) in the field. Stomatal density was increased 33% in ZOS7 knockout line with 12% water loss compared to WT exposed to DS. Transcriptome and qPCR analysis reveal significant increase in the expression of genes related to stomatal density and wax biosynthetic process. We observed that ZOS7 could bind to the C2H2 binding motif of a wax biosynthetic gene, CER4, resulting in co-transcriptional activation of CER4 and its a chaperone expression, MYB60. Interestingly, MYB60 but not ZOS7 could target to the W-box motif of a STOMAGEN like gene, EPFL9, leading to its transcriptional suppression. We hence concluded that ZOS7 and MYB60 forms a combined module that confers to drought tolerance through regulating stomatal density and wax biosynthetic process. We highlighted the importance of potential use of ZOS7-MYB60 towards drought molecular breeding in rice in the field.
Public environmental landscape art design based on the concept of sustainable development
Authors: Chen HanYi , Lin YounJien , Chen HanYun , Lu ChiHen
Published: August 2023

Since the beginning of the 21st century, the material civilization and spiritual civilization of our human society have developed rapidly, and the concept of harmonious coexistence between man and nature has also been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Therefore, we are more aware of the importance of sustainable development. fields, economy, natural ecology, international relations, science and technology, engineering design, educational thinking, etc. How to meet the needs of the contemporary people without harming the interests of future generations and even long-term stable development is the core of the concept of sustainable development. In today's world, the excessive waste of resources and development have led to serious damage to the ecological environment, and some damages are even irreversible. In the context of the contradiction between man and nature, contemporary design projects such as architecture and landscape design also need to learn sustainable development concept. This paper analyzes and studies some currently developing and perfect landscape design ideas in line with the concept of sustainable development, so that the concept of sustainable development in the field of landscape design can penetrate into our engineering design blueprint and realize it.
R-spondin-1 induces Axin degradation via the LRP6-CK1ε axis
Authors: Tan Lifeng , Su Zijie , Yan Mengfang , Li Huan , Zhao Xibao , Liu Shanshan , Sun Qi , Lu Desheng
Published: August 2023

R-spondins (RSPOs) are secreted signaling molecules that potentiate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway by cooperating with Wnt ligands. However, the molecular mechanism by which RSPOs activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling remains elusive. In this study, we found that RSPOs could mediate the degradation of Axin through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. The results of Co-IP showed that recombinant RSPO1 protein induced an enhanced interaction between Axin1 and CK1ε. Either knockout of CK1ε gene or treatment with the CK1δ/CK1ε inhibitor SR3029 caused an increase in Axin1 protein level, and attenuated RSPO1-induced degradation of Axin1 protein. Moreover, we observed the increased association of LRP6 with CK1ε and Axin1 following RSPO1 stimulation. Overexpression of LRP6 further potentiated Axin1 degradation mediated by RSPO1 or CK1ε. In addition, recombinant RSPO1 and Wnt3A proteins synergistically downregulated protein expression of Axin1 and enhanced the transcriptional activity of the SuperTOPFlash reporter. Taken together, this study uncovers a novel mechanism by which RSPOs activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling through a LRP6/CK1ε-mediated degradation of Axin.
Hygrothermal stress increases malignant arrhythmias susceptibility by remodeling connexin43 via AMPK
Authors: Chi Jianing , Li Pengfei , Wu Ningxia , Hu Jiaman , Cai Hua , Lin Cailong , Lai Yingying , Yang Han , Huang Jianyu , Li Min , Xu Lin
Published: August 2023

High mortality due to hygrothermal stress (high temperature and humidity, HHS) during heat waves is mostly linked to cardiovascular malfunction, the most serious of which are malignant arrhythmias. However, the mechanism associated with HHS leading to malignant arrhythmias remains unclear. Here, SD rats were exposed to 40°C and 85% humidity for constructing the HHS model, and the incidence of arrhythmic events, as well as the expression, phosphorylation, and distribution of Cx43 in the myocardium, were examined. The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, AICAR, was also administered to investigate the role played by AMPK in the process. Our results showed that HHS could induce malignant arrhythmias such as ventricular tachycardia (VT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), and severe atrioventricular block (AVB). Besides, HHS increased the distribution of "side-to-side" connections, decreased the phosphorylation of Cx43, and enhanced myocardial fibrosis. Furthermore, HHS also caused LKB1 and p-AMPK expression to be less abundant. While, pretreatment with AICAR could significantly ameliorate Cx43 remodeling and malignant arrhythmias, indicating that the HHS-induced arrhythmias is associated with the redistribution of gap junctions in cardiomyocytes, the dysfunction of intercellular conduction, and the organism's energy metabolism.
Risk Factors Analysis of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation in Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Resection
Authors: Ruan Yingding , Han Jianwei , Yang Aiming , Ding Qingguo , Xu Jincheng , Zhang Ting
Published: August 2023

Objective: Postoperative atrial fibrillation ( POAF ) is a frequent complication after lung cancer resection. To identify potential intervention targets, this study aimed to analyze risk contributing factors to the development of POAF in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery ( VATS ) for non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC ) resection.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on a cohort of patients who underwent VATS for NSCLC resection at our hospital between January 2016 to October 2019. Patient demographics, preoperative data, and postoperative outcomes were collected and reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify significant risk factors for POAF.
Results: Among 276 patients who underwent VATS for NSCLC, 29 ( 10.5 % ) developed POAF during hospitalization, and there were no deaths during hospitalization. 25 cases ( 86.2 % ) of POAF occurred within the first three days after surgery. The study established a cut-off age of 73 years, and when patients ' age exceeded this threshold. The incidence of POAF was significantly higher compared to the n-POAF group ( [ 10 ( 34.5 % ) vs. 46 ( 18.6 % ), P = 0.045 ] ). In addition, compared to the n-POAF group, the mediastinal lymph nodes retrieved and node stations explored were significantly higher in the POAF group ( [ median nodes: 10 ( 5,14 ) vs. 6 ( 0,11 ), P = 0.011; median node stations : 3 ( 3, 4 ) vs. 3 ( 0, 3 ), P = 0.005 ). Moreover, the POAF group had higher intraoperative bleeding volume [ 100 ( 50,100 ) vs. 100 ( 100, 200 ) ]. P = 0.034 ] ) and postoperative pulmonary infections ( [ 15 ( 51.7 % ) vs. 55 ( 22.3 % ). The study also identified a significant difference in preoperative hemoglobin levels between the POAF and n-POAF groups ( [ ( 117.63 ± 19.79 ) vs. ( 125.06 ± 16.30 ), P = 0.024] ). Compared to the n-POAF group, the postoperative hospitalization and drainage time were significantly longer in the POAF group ( [ postoperative hospitalization: 11 ( 9, 14 ) vs. 9 ( 6, 12 ), P = 0.024; drainage time: 7 ( 5, 9 ) vs. 5 ( 4, 8 ), P = 0.011 ). Multivariate analysis indicated that postoperative pulmonary infection ( OR: POAF group / n-POAF group = 0.349; 95 % CI 0.149-0.821 ) was an independent risk factor for POAF following VATS for NSCLC.
Conclusion: Our study revealed that pulmonary infection was one of the independent risk factors for POAF following VATS in patients with NSCLC. Furthermore, POAF is associated with prolonged drainage time and extended postoperative hospitalization.
An asymptotic property of quaternary additive codes
Authors: Bierbrauer Jürgen , Marcugini Stefano , Pambianco Fernanda
Published: August 2023

Let nk(s) be the maximal length n such that a quaternary additive [n, k, n − s]4-code exists. We solve a natural asymptotic problem by determining the lim sup λk of nk(s)/s, and the smallest value of s such that nk(s)/s = λk. The proof uses geometric language and is elementary.
Mathematics Subject Classification. 94Bxx, 51E22.
Changes in leaf structure and control of Conyza spp. by herbicides applied in the presowing desiccation of soybean
Authors: Silva Paulo Vinicius , Schedenffeldt Bruna Ferrari , Medeiros Elias Silva , Bicalho Carolina Cristina , Salmazo Pedro Antônico Vougodo , Barros Daniela Maria , Monquero Patrícia Andrea , Munaro Fernando Cesar , Mauad Munir , Dias Roque Carvalho , Borges Rafael Pereira Nascimento
Published: August 2023

The presowing desiccation of Conyza spp. is an important practice to reduce weed competition with soybean, and the applications of post-emergent herbicides, as an alternative to 2,4 D, promote changes in the leaf anatomy of horseweed. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of post-emergent herbicides on the leaf structure and chemical control of Conyza spp. with heights greater than 10 cm in soybean presowing desiccation. A field experiment was conducted following a randomized block design, with seven treatments and four replicates. For the control data, only mesotrione + atrazine and chlorimuron resulted in control percentages lower than 80%. Regarding scanning electron microscopy (SEM), trichomes showed higher density in the adaxial part and stomata in the abaxial part, although they were present on both sides. Both trichomes and stomata showed clustering and random distribution tendencies. The control and halauxifen + diclosulam showed greater intensity of trichomes and less damage to these structures, while fluroxypyr + clethodim, dicamba and tryclopyr showed lower intensity. Therefore, fluroxypyr + clethodim and tryclopyr, dicamba and halluxifen + diclosulam were effective in the desiccation of Conyza spp., and the first two caused disruption of the trichomes due to plasmolysis.
Latent tuberculosis infection and COVID-19: analysis of a cohort of patients from Careggi University Hospital (Florence, Italy)
Authors: Mariotti Francesca , Sponchiado Francesco , Moroni Chiara , Lagi Filippo , Paggi Riccardo , Kiros Seble Tekle , Miele Vittorio , Bartoloni Alessandro , Mencarini Jessica
Published: August 2023

Background.
In the available literature, data regarding the relationship between the Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) and active or latent tuberculosis (TB) are few and discordant.
Methods.
We conducted a retrospective study to examine the impact of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) on COVID-19 clinical progression and in-hospital mortality in a pre-vaccinal era and in a low-TB prevalence area. We selected 213 patients out of 495 admitted with COVID-19 in a tertiary-level Italian hospital from February to December 2020, who underwent QuantiFERON-TB test (QFT) and/or chest radiological exam.
Results.
Based on QFT result and radiological findings, the population was divided into three groups: (i) QFT negative and without radiological TB sequelae (Neg, 76.1%); (ii) QFT positive and without radiological TB sequelae (Pos, 7.0%); (iii) radiological TB sequelae regardless of QFT result (Seq, 16.9%). In-hospital mortality and orotracheal intubation (OTI) resulted significantly higher in Seq group than in the other two cohorts (respectively, Seq 50% vs Pos 13.3% vs Neg 9.3%, p < 0.001; Seq 16.7% vs Pos 6.7% vs Neg 4.9%, p = 0.04). Considering Pos and Seq cohorts as populations with defined LTBI, in-hospital mortality (39.2%, p < 0.001) and OTI risk (13.7%, p = 0.02) were statistically higher in respect to patients without LTBI. By multivariate analysis, we evidenced that Charlson Comorbidity Index and belonging to Seq group were significantly associated with the three groups in-hospital mortality.
Conclusion.
Latent tuberculosis infection appears significantly more common in patients presenting with severe COVID-19 than non-severe disease, with a significantly higher risk of in-hospital mortality and OTI.
The fundamental theorem of tropical differential algebra for formal Puiseux series
Authors: Falkensteiner Sebastian , Mereta Stefano
Published: August 2023

The fundamental theorem of tropical differential algebra has been established for formal power series solutions of systems of algebraic differential equations. It has been shown that the direct extension to formal Puiseux series solutions fails. In this paper, we overcome this issue by transforming the given differential system and such a generalization is presented. Moreover, we explain why such transformations do not work for generalizing the fundamental theorem to transseries solutions, but show that one inclusion still holds for this case even without using any transformation.
2010 Mathematics Subject Classification. Primary 14A20; Secondary 12H99, 13N99, 14T05, 14T99.
Anisotropic carbon matrix derived from cellulose aerogel decorated wood plate serving as self- supporting hosts for cathodes in lithium sulfur batteries with enhanced cycling stability
Authors: Yan Yinglin , Zhang Xingsheng , Jing Wei , Liu Pufang , Song Muze , Fan Chaojiang , Xu Rongfu , Zou Yiming , Deng Qijiu , Wang Xianhui , Zhong Lisheng , Yang Rong , Xu Yunhua
Published: August 2023

Lithium-sulfur batteries, as a promising electrochemical energy storage device, are impeded by sluggish reaction kinetics and poor cycle life under high sulfur loading. Herein, a natural wood disc derived carbon matrix with anisotropic and aligned microchannels decorated with carbonized cellulose aerogel was proposed to serve as a host for self-supporting sulfur/carbon composite cathodes (S/DBWC/CCA) in Li-S batteries. The obtained cathodes were capable of high sulfur areal loading (3.1 and 6.3 mg cm-2). Furthermore, exceptional cycling stabilities were achieved not only under a high current density (1 C) but also under a high sulfur areal loading of 6.3 mg cm-2. The improved performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of the ordered microchannels with low tortuosity and 3D conductive network of carbonized cellulose aerogel. This work provides an ideal host derived from natural resources for viable Li-S batteries with excellent cycling stability, which is a potential strategy for structural design of advanced energy storage devices.
One-pot, green synthesis of 1H-pyrazolo [1, 2-b] phthalazine-5, 10 diones by ZnFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles an efficient nanocatalyst
Authors: K Mhaske A. , G Gadhave A. , G Dholi A. , K Uphade B.
Published: August 2023

Zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles were synthesized in the presence of naturally available lemon juice. The synthesized zinc ferrite nanoparticles were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDX, and BET techniques. The zinc ferrite nanoparticles were used for the synthesis of 1H-pyrazolo[1,2-b] phthalazine-5,10-dione derivatives by one-pot coupling reaction of phthalhydrazide, aromatic aldehyde, and malononitrile under conventional reflux condition. This green synthetic approach offers important features like non-toxic substances, maximum yields with a short reaction time, and easy purification of a product. It is a highly efficient, cheap, and reusable nanocatalyst.
Generation of biochars for gas separation upon cellulose pyrolysis: A reactive molecular dynamics study
Authors: Barzegar Behnoush , Feyzi Farzaneh
Published: August 2023

The pyrolysis of cellulose via reactive molecular dynamic simulation to obtain an adsorbent for CO2 separation is the main goal of the present study. Biochars with six different densities ranging from 0.160-0.987 g/cm3 were produced and adsorption of pure CO2, CH4, N2 and mixtures of CO2 (0.05)/CH4 (0.95) and CO2 (0.2)/N2 (0.8) at 300 K was investigated as a function of pressure by Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations. Dual-site Langmuir (DSL) model was adjusted to the isothermal adsorption data with very good accuracy. Thermodynamic quantities were calculated based on the DSL parameters which showed that the amount of adsorbed CH4 and N2 decreases as the density of biochar increases. Adsorption isotherms, selectivity, and isosteric heat were calculated, which revealed that the biochar with 0.351 g/cm3 density had the highest selective adsorption of CO2. The higher Gibbs free energy and surface potential of pure CO2 indicated that CO2 adsorption on biochars is more favorable and spontaneous than CH4 and N2. Henry's constant for CH4 and N2 was smaller than that of CO2, which indicates that their affinity for biochar surfaces was weaker than CO2. The higher entropy changes of CO2 adsorption of pure gases and binary gas mixtures showed that CO2 molecules constitute a much more stable rearrangement than CH4 and N2. We may conclude that pyrolysis of cellulose, as a cheap and available material, can be used to make an economic structure with high ability for CO2 separation.
Urinary microbiota is associated to clinicopathological features in benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Arap Marco , Mariotti Antonio , Heidrich Vitor , Inoue Lilian , Coser Elisangela , Santos Ernande dos , Santos Hugo dos , Rocha Carolina , Asprino Paula , Bettoni Fabiana , Bastos Diogo , Jardim Denis , Camargo Anamaria
Published: August 2023

Background the urinary microbiota of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has been associated with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), however, little is known about urinary microbiota correlations with clinical clinicopathological parameters associated with BPH. Here, we investigate associations between the urinary microbiota and clinical parameters of patients with BPH undergoing surgery. Methods Forty-one patients with BPH undergoing surgery were recruited from two medical centers. Catheterized urine specimens were collected and the microbiota was characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Patients were segregated into two groups according to each clinical parameter and differences in urinary microbiota diversity and composition were evaluated. Results Higher prostate weight and PSA levels were associated with higher alpha-diversity in the urinary microbiota of BPH patients. At the specific-microbe level, we found that the greater the prostatic weight, the lower the relative abundance ofStreptococcus, while the greater the PSA levels, the higher the abundance ofLactobacillus. Treatment with 5-α-reductase inhibitor was associated with overall urinary microbiota composition, in part due to a higher abundance ofCorynebacteriumandAnaerococcusin this group. Conclusions We demonstrated that the urinary microbiota of BPH patients is associated with clinicopathological features, highlighting a possible role of urinary microbes in the BPH clinical course.
Otoscopy-Assisted Intranasal Cyst Marsupialization for Congenital Dacryocystocele
Authors: MD  , MD  , MD  , MD  , MD  , MD
Published: August 2023

Purpose
We report a novel, simple intranasal cyst marsupialization (ICM) technique for congenital dacryocystocele (CDC).
Design:
Prospective observational study
Methods
Twenty consecutive infants with 25 CDCs treated at our facility from 2011 to July 2023 were enrolled. Five infants with five CDCs required surgical interventions due to resistance to conservative treatment. Among these five infants, we evaluated the surgical method and the outcomes in three infants with three CDCs who underwent otoscopy-assisted ICM.
Results
Of the total 25 CDCs, 20 (80%) spontaneously resolved with conservative treatment. Surgical intervention was conducted on five consecutive infants with five CDCs. The median age at surgery was 97 days, with an interquartile range of 39–164.5 days. The surgical procedures involved one of the following methods: (1) Probing by an ophthalmologist (2 CDCs); (2) Otoscopy-guided ICM performed by an otolaryngologist in the manner of otoscopic myringotomy (3 CDCs). All infants were treated successfully by a single surgical procedure under topical anesthesia in an office setting.
Conclusion
CDC was successfully treated by ICM in the manner of an otoscopic myringotomy. Treatment of CDC using an otoscope and myringotome is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be performed in an office setting without the need for general anesthesia or advanced medical equipment such as a nasal endoscope. Moreover, the risk of false passage formation and/or recurrence after probing can be avoided. Therefore, we propose this procedure as one of the practical ICM techniques for CDC.
Numerical treatment for studying radiated power-law nanofluid flow past a nonlinearly stretching sheet under the viscous dissipation phenomena and non-uniform heat generation
Authors: Khader M. M. , Megahed Ahmed M. , Eid A.
Published: August 2023

A research investigation is performed to examine the impact of non-uniform heat generation and viscous dissipation on the boundary layer flow of a power-law nanofluid over a non-linearly stretching sheet. Within the thermal domain, the analysis takes into account both thermal radiation and variable thermal conductivity. Through the utilization of similarity transformations , the governing boundary layer equations are transformed and simplified into a system of ordinary differential equations. The spectral collocation method with shifted Vieta-Lucas polynomials is employed to provide an approximate expression for the n-order derivative and numerically solve the given system of equations. By employing this technique, the system of ordinary differential equations is transformed into a nonlinear system of algebraic equations. The dimensionless temperature, concentration and velocity are graphically presented and analyzed for different values of the relevant governing parameters. The graphical solutions are discussed in detail. The accuracy of the numerical results is validated by comparing them at some special cases with existing literature, revealing a strong resemblance between the current findings and the provided data, thereby affirming the precision of the proposed numerical method.
MSC 2010: 41A30; 65N12; 65M60; 76F12.
Decreased peripheral blood lymphocyte to monocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to monocyte ratio and platelet to albumin ratio predict poor survival in newly diagnosed Multiple Myeloma patients
Authors: Zhang Yan , Shou Lihong , Fang Qiu , Fei Juping , Xu Baolian , Cao Dan , Wu Ying , Dong Xiaohui , Lu Wentian , Zhang Zongxin , Chen Yelong , Dai Menglu
Published: August 2023

Background. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal malignant tumor with abnormal proliferation of Plasma cell, ranking second in the incidence rate of common malignant tumors in the blood system. The clinical manifestations, treatment responses, and prognosis of patients are highly heterogeneous. Therefore, optimal strategies for identifying high-risk patients are urgently needed.
Materials and Methods. We retrospectively studied 145 newly diagnosed MM patients from January 2013 to December 2020 and analyzed the relationship between peripheral blood lymphocyte-monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), platelet-monocyte ratio (PMR), platelet-albumin ratio (PAR) and prognosis.
Results. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off value based on survival rate. It was found that patients with MM with LMR ≤ 2.55, PLR ≤ 117, PMR ≤ 181 and PAR ≤ 3.38 had inferior overall survival (OS). In multivariate analysis, LMR ≤ 2.55 (HR = 0.243, 95% CI 0.099–0.596, p = 0.002), PLR ≤ 117 (HR = 0.222, 95% CI 0.072–0.680, p = 0.008), PAR ≤ 3.38 (HR = 0.293, 95% CI 0.107–0.804, p = 0.017) and Serum creatinine ≥ 177umol/l (HR = 2.599, 95% CI 1.086–6.218, p = 0.032) were independently associated with short survival. The more items that simultaneously meet LMR ≤ 2.55, PLR ≤ 117, PMR ≤ 181 and PAR ≤ 3.38, the worse the prognosis of the patients (P = 0.000). The 2-year OS of patients with reduced four ratios was only 32%, and the 3-year OS was only 16%.
Conclusion. The pre treatment LMR, PLR, PMR and PAR of MM patients are closely related to their prognosis. Moreover, LMR, PMR, and PAR are independent prognostic indicators for MM patients. We can use them for initial screening and stratification of MM patients. It is simple, convenient and accurate to screen out patients with short lives, and formulate personalized treatment strategies.
A Contemporary Comparison of Laparoscopic versus Open Partial Nephrectomy for Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Nicaise Edouard , Feldman Adam S. , Gusev Andrew , Yu Alice , Nimmagadda Naren , Wszolek Matthew F. , McGovern Francis , Blute Michael L. , Dahl Douglas M.
Published: August 2023

Purpose:
To analyze surgical and oncologic outcomes of patients undergoing open partial nephrectomy (OPN) versus laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
Methods:
We retrospectively investigated our institutional RCC database for patients who underwent PN for RCC from 1997-2018. Decision for technique was at the discretion of the operating urologist, following practice patterns and training history. Outcomes analyzed included pre/peri/post-operative parameters, pathologic outcomes, and disease recurrence rates.
Results:
1088 patients underwent PN from 1997-2018. After exclusionary criteria, 631 patients who underwent 647 unique PNs for a total of 162 OPN and 485 LPN remained. Baseline, pre-op, and pathologic characteristics were not different. Surgical time was lower in laparoscopic cases [185 vs 205 minutes] (p = 0.013). Margin involvement was not different; LPN had lower estimated blood loss (EBL) [150 vs 250 mL] (p < 0.001) and longer ischemia time [21 vs 19 min] (p = 0.005). LPN had shorter length of stay [2 vs 4 days] (p < 0.001), fewer overall complications (p < 0.001), and no difference in high-grade complications [2.89 vs 4.32%] (p = .379). Fewer LPN patients developed metastases [1.65 vs 4.94%] (p = 0.0499). Local recurrence rates were not different [1.24 vs 3.09%] (p = 0.193). Renal function was equivalent between cohorts post-operatively.
Conclusion:
Our results show that LPN has equivalent oncologic outcomes to OPN, with no difference in patient and tumor characteristics. LPN was associated with lower EBL, shorter length of stay, and lower overall complication risk. Renal function was equally maintained.
The Double-Edged Sword of αB-Crystallin Chaperone Activity: Insights from P39L Mutant at N-terminal region
Authors: Barati Anis , Somee Leila Rezaei , Shahsavani Mohammad Bagher , Ghasemi Atieh , Hoshino Masaru , Hong Jun , Moosavi-Movahedi Ali Akbar , Agnetti Giulio , Yousefi Reza
Published: August 2023

The substitution of leucine to proline at position 39 (P39L) in human αB-crystallin (αB-Cry) has been associated with conflicting interpretations of pathogenicity in cataracts and cardiomyopathy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the P39L mutation on the structural and functional features of human αB-Cry. The mutant protein was expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli) and purified using anion exchange chromatography. We employed a wide range of spectroscopic analyses, gel electrophoresis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques to investigate the structure, function, stability, and fibrillation propensity of the mutant protein. The P39L mutation caused significant changes in the secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures of human αB-Cry and increased the thermal stability of the protein. The mutant αB-Cry exhibited an augmented chaperone activity and an altered oligomeric size distribution, along with an increased propensity to form amyloid aggregates. It is worth mentioning, increased chaperone activity has important positive and negative effects on damaged cells related to cataracts and cardiomyopathy, particularly by interfering in the process of apoptosis. Therefore, this study provides important insights into the effect of proline substitution by leucine at the N-terminal region on the dual nature of chaperone activity in human αB-Cry, which can act as a double-edged sword.