bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Borehole Analysis with the Modification of RQD Value
Authors: Somodi Gábor , Vásárhelyi Balázs
Published: October 2023

The most common classification method of drill cores is the Rock Quality Designation (RQD) value, which indicates the percentage of rock cores longer than 10 cm in a given core section. This core logging procedure is the basic parameter in the most useful rock mass classification methods like Rock Mass Rate (RMR) and Rock Mass Quality (Q). It is also used to determine the Geological Strength Index (GSI), which has become widely used in the last 20 years. One of the basic problems of the RQD value is that it does not distinguish different rock cores longer than 10 cm (100% is obtained for one piece of 1 m length and 10 pieces of 10 cm length) and a uniform result is obtained for shorter units. In this paper, the so-called Integrated RQD (Int_RQD) factor is introduced to eliminate these problems and to provide a better description of fracture density in the core logging procedure. As it uses the original core logging procedure, historical RQD data can also be reevaluated. Considering that RQD is an input parameter for most rock engineering classifications, these systems such as GSI can be reviewed based on the new RQD definition proposed herein.
Nurses’ Perceptions Regarding Their Professional Commitment and Development during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Caro-Alonso Pedro Ángel , Rodríguez-Martín Beatriz , Rodríguez-Almagro Julián , Chimpén-López Carlos , Romero-Blanco Cristina , Casado-Naranjo Ignacio , Bermejo-Cantarero Alberto , López-Espuela Fidel
Published: October 2023

Introduction: During the pandemic, nurses have undergone a high level of professional burnout, suffering emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and lack of personal realization. Objective: The object of this study is to understand in depth, through a phenomenological study of Giorgi, the perceptions on commitment and professional development of frontline nurses during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Qualitative study designed and analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological focus. For data collection, semi-structured interviews were utilized in a theoretical sample of frontline nurses who worked in public hospitals of Extremadura and Madrid, Spain, until saturation of data. The interviews were conducted between the months of May and December 2020 following an outline of topics. The analysis was based on the phenomenological focus of Giorgi and was supported by the software Atlas-Ti 8.0. Results: A total of 14 nurses participated in this study. Two main themes emerged to explain the perceptions of the nurses: (1) the professional commitment of the nurses during the pandemic and (2) the effects of the pandemic on professional development; seven subcategories were also identified. Conclusion: The social and professional development of nurses is important. If nurses feel that they are quality professionals, this will enable them to protect their psychosocial health and increase professional commitment toward their patients in difficult situations such as pandemics. The results of this study may serve as a guide for better understanding the problems and needs of nurses as healthcare providers. This may help administrators in the generation of solutions for the establishment of a safe and reliable work environment, which will in turn promote a healthcare system that can efficiently respond to future catastrophes.
Validation of the Romanian Version of the Halitosis Associated Life-Quality Test (HALT) in a Cross-Sectional Study among Young Adults
Authors: Briceag Raluca , Caraiane Aureliana , Raftu Gheorghe , Bratu Melania Lavinia , Buzatu Roxana , Dehelean Liana , Bondrescu Mariana , Bratosin Felix , Bumbu Bogdan Andrei
Published: October 2023

Halitosis is a common condition with a significant impact on individuals’ quality of life. The Halitosis Associated Life-Quality Test (HALT) is a reliable instrument for measuring this impact. This study aimed to introduce and validate the Romanian translation of the HALT questionnaire (R-HALT). We hypothesized that the R-HALT would demonstrate good reliability and validity in measuring the impact of halitosis on quality of life among Romanian teenagers and young adults. Our objectives were to translate and adapt the HALT, validate it among a cross-sectional group, and evaluate the extent of halitosis in this population. A multicentric cross-sectional design followed, which was approved by the Ethics Research Committee in Romania. The translation process involved independent translations, retro-translations, expert review, and pre-testing. The psychometric properties were evaluated among 150 patients (mean age 23.6 ± 1.8; 51% males) at dental clinics, including reliability, convergent, and discriminant validity, using accepted statistical measures such as Cronbach’s alpha and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). The R-HALT revealed strong internal consistency with Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.93 to 0.96, and an ICC value of 0.87 (95% CI = 0.70–0.99), demonstrating excellent test–retest reliability. Mean scores of individual items ranged from 0.82 ± 0.94 (Q3) to 3.23 ± 1.15 (Q11). The corrected item–total correlation ranged from 0.30 (Q2) to 0.90 (Q19). Organoleptic test scores diagnosed 41% (62 patients) with a score of 2, with increasing severity in 9% (13 patients) with a score of 5. The R-HALT exhibited robust reliability and validity in assessing the impact of halitosis among Romanian teenagers and young adults. The questionnaire is a strong tool for understanding, diagnosing, and managing halitosis in Romania, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life of affected individuals. Further studies with diverse populations could enhance the applicability of the R-HALT.
Direct and Indirect Predictors of Burden in Arab-Bedouin and Jewish-Israeli Mothers Caring for a Child with Epilepsy
Authors: Joss Idit , Bachner Yaacov G. , Shorer Talia , Shorer Zamir , O’Rourke Norm
Published: October 2023

Objective: Caring for a child with epilepsy poses various psychological, physical and medical challenges; these can lead to caregiver burden. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of burden with mothers caring for a child with epilepsy. Our analyses included sociodemographic (e.g., ethnicity), mental health (e.g., symptoms of anxiety, depression) and physiological factors (e.g., extent of pharmacotherapy). Methods: A total of 168 mothers caring for a child with epilepsy were recruited while attending the Pediatric Neurology Clinic at Soroka Medical Center, Be’er Sheva, Israel. This cross-sectional sample included 130 Jewish-Israeli and 38 Arab-Bedouin mothers who completed parallel questionnaire batteries that included the Zarit Burden Interview and other scales translated and validated in Hebrew and Arabic. We computed path analyses to identify both direct and indirect predictors of caregiver burden. Results: Burden was directly predicted by emotional exhaustion, symptoms of anxiety and (Bedouin) ethnicity. Indirect effects on burden included illness severity (via emotional exhaustion), ethnicity and emotional exhaustion (both via anxiety). That is, both ethnicity and emotional exhaustion directly and indirectly predicted caregiver burden via greater anxiety. Illness severity indirectly predicted symptoms of depression, anxiety and caregiver burden. We found that 55% of epilepsy care burden was predicted by this path model. Conclusions: Bedouin mothers reported greater illness severity, symptoms of depression, anxiety and caregiver burden. Differences between groups in epilepsy severity suggest that less severe cases in the Bedouin community do not come to clinical attention (e.g., are concealed due to stigma). These findings underscore the need for health promotion strategies and interventions for caregivers tailored to account for ethnic and cultural differences.
Dental Insurance Coverage, Dentist Visiting, and Oral Health Status among Asian Immigrant Women of Childbearing Age in Canada: A Comparative Study
Authors: Li Qianqian , Du Meizhi , Knight John C. , Yi Yanqing , Wang Qi , Wang Peizhong Peter , Zhu Yun
Published: October 2023

Objectives: This study examined the dental insurance coverage, dentist visits, self-perceived oral health status, and dental problems among Asian immigrant women of childbearing age in contrast to Canadian women of childbearing age and non-Asian immigrant women of childbearing age. Potential barriers to dental care services among Asian immigrant women were explored. Methods: This analysis utilized data from the combined Canadian Community Health Survey from 2011 to 2014. The analytical sample consisted of 5737 females whose age was between 20 and 39 years. Multivariable logistic regression models assessed immigrant status and other factors in relation to the indicators of dental health (i.e., dental visit, self-perceived oral health, acute teeth issue, and teeth removed due to decay). Results: Amongst Asian women immigrants of childbearing age, there was a significantly lower frequency of dentist visits compared to non-immigrant counterparts (OR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.37–0.76). The most commonly reported reason for not seeking dental care in the last three years was that the “respondent did not think it was necessary”. Relative to Canadian born women of same age bracket, Asian women of childbearing age reported fewer acute teeth issues (OR = 0.67; 95% CI: 0.49–0.91) and had a greater risk of tooth extracted due to tooth decay (OR = 3.31; 95% CI: 1.64–6.68). Furthermore, for Asian women immigrants, their major barriers to dental care included low household income (≤$39,999 vs. $40,000–$79,999 OR = 0.26) and a lack of dental insurance (no vs. yes OR = 0.33). Conclusions: Asian immigrant women showed lower utilization of dental services than non-immigrant women. A perceived lack of necessity, lower household income, and dental insurance coverage were major barriers to professional dental usage for most Asian immigrants of childbearing age.
Experimental Research on the Production of Hydrogen-Rich Synthesis Gas via the Air-Gasification of Olive Pomace: A Comparison between an Updraft Bubbling Bed and a Downdraft Fixed Bed
Authors: Carmo-Calado Luís , Hermoso-Orzáez Manuel Jesús , Diaz-Perete Daniel , Cal-Herrera José La , Brito Paulo , Terrados-Cepeda Julio
Published: October 2023

The present study compares the performance of bubbling-bed updraft and a fixed-bed downdraft gasification systems for producing hydrogen-rich (H2) syngas from olive pomace on a semi-industrial scale. The focus is on examining the effects of temperature and efficiency ratio (ER) on the composition, low heat value (LHV), carbon conversion efficiency (CCE), and cold gas efficiency (CGE) of the produced syngas. The results presented for the fixed bed show the concentration of H2 (15.6–16.52%), CGE (58.99–66.80%), CCE (69.07–71.86%), and LHV (4.82–5.70 MJ/Nm3). The CGE reaches a maximum of 66.80% at a temperature of 700 °C and an ER of 0.20, while the syngas yield (2.35 Nm3/kg) presents a maximum at a temperature 800 °C and an ER of 0.21, with a tendency to decrease with the increase in the temperature. For the bubbling fluidized bed, results were shown for the concentration of H2 (12.54–12.97%), CGE (70.48–89.51%), CCE (75.83–78.49%), and LHV (6.10–6.93 MJ/Nm3), where, at a temperature of 700 °C and an ER of 0.23, the CGE is 89.51% and the LHV is 6.93 MJ/Nm3, with a tendency to decrease with the increase in the temperature, while the maximum syngas yield (2.52 Nm3/kg) occurs at a temperature of 800 °C and an ER of 0.23. Comparing the two gasification processes, the fixed bed has a higher concentration of H2 at all the temperatures and ERs of the experiments; however, the bubbling fluidized bed has a higher CGE. These findings have implications for applications involving syngas, such as energy production and chemical synthesis, and can guide process optimization and enhance energy efficiency. The information obtained can also contribute to emission mitigation strategies and improvements in syngas-based synthesis reactors.
Portraying the Influence Factor of Urban Vibrancy at Street Level Using Multisource Urban Data
Authors: Lu Rujuan , Wu Liang , Chu Deping
Published: October 2023

Exploring the factors influencing urban vibrancy can help policy development and advance urban planning and sustainable development. Previous studies have typically focused on the effects of physical environmental factors (e.g., built environment, urban landscape) on urban vibrancy, ignoring the role of non-physical environmental factors (e.g., urban psychological perceptions). In addition, these studies remain focused on relatively coarse spatial units and lack the exploration of finer-grained spatial structures. In this study, a novel framework is proposed to analyze urban vibrancy and its influencing factors at a more fine-grained street level. Firstly, two types of urban sensing data, POIs and Weibo check-ins, are integrated to portray the spatial distribution patterns of urban vibrancy on the streets. Secondly, a full convolutional network (FCN-8s) is used to segment the streetscape images of Beijing and use them as a basis to extract potential visual–spatial features and urban psychological perceptual features that influence urban vibrancy. Thirdly, we reveal the deeper causes of the impact of psychological perception on urban vibrancy. Finally, an improved ridge regression model is proposed to model the relationship between features and vibrancy, reducing the covariance between features while avoiding the reduction of important features. Satisfactory regression model performances were attained with adjusted R2 values of 0.706, 0.743, and 0.807 at each characteristic level. The results of the study show that: Urban vibrancy is highly dependent on the proposed visual–spatial and urban psychological perception characteristics at the street level. In particular, positive urban psychological perceptions (safety, lively, wealthy) are positively correlated with urban vibrancy, while negative street perceptions (boring) are negatively correlated with urban vibrancy. Unlike previous research scales, our study shows that urban vibrancy portrayal based on the street scale has a greater potential to demonstrate fine-grained vibrancy distribution compared to the neighborhood scale. These findings may provide important insights for people-oriented urban development and planning.
Non-Contrast MR Lymphography and Intranodal Dynamic Contrast MR Lymphangiography in Children with Congenital Heart Disease—Imaging Findings as well as Impact on Patient Management and Outcome
Authors: Bauer Christoph , Scala Mario , Sekyra Pavel , Fellner Franz , Tulzer Gerald
Published: October 2023

Lymphatic flow disorders are rare but devastating complications in children with congenital heart disease. T2-weighted magnetic resonance lymphography and intranodal dynamic contrast magnetic resonance lymphangiography are imaging modalities that can depict central lymphatic anatomy and flow pattern. Our objective was to describe the technical aspects and our imaging findings of central lymphatic abnormalities and their impact on patient management and outcomes: We conducted a retrospective review of 26 children with congenital heart disease who presented for lymphatic imaging between 2015 and 2020 at our institution. Eleven had postoperative chylothorax, six had plastic bronchitis, seven had protein-losing enteropathy and three had Noonan syndrome. Our lymphatic imaging demonstrated severely abnormal lymphatic flow in all of the children, but only minor abnormalities in protein-losing enteropathy. No major procedure-related complication occurred. Lymphatic interventions were performed in six patients, thoracic duct decompression in two patients and chylothorax revision in three patients. This led to symptomatic improvements in all of the patients: Lymphatic imaging is safe and essential for the diagnosis of lymphatic flow disorders and therapy planning. Our intranodal lymphangiography depicts an abnormal lymphatic flow pattern from the central lymphatics but failed to demonstrate an abnormal lymphatic flow in protein-losing enteropathy. These imaging techniques are the basis for selective lymphatic interventions, which are promising to treat lymphatic flow disorders.
Diffracted X-ray Tracking for Observing the Internal Motions of Individual Protein Molecules and Its Extended Methodologies
Authors: Sasaki Yuji C.
Published: October 2023

In 1998, the diffracted X-ray tracking (DXT) method pioneered the attainment of molecular dynamics measurements within individual molecules. This breakthrough revolutionized the field by enabling unprecedented insights into the complex workings of molecular systems. Similar to the single-molecule fluorescence labeling technique used in the visible range, DXT uses a labeling method and a pink beam to closely track the diffraction pattern emitted from the labeled gold nanocrystals. Moreover, by utilizing X-rays with extremely short wavelengths, DXT has achieved unparalleled accuracy and sensitivity, exceeding initial expectations. As a result, this remarkable advance has facilitated the search for internal dynamics within many protein molecules. DXT has recently achieved remarkable success in elucidating the internal dynamics of membrane proteins in living cell membranes. This breakthrough has not only expanded our knowledge of these important biomolecules but also has immense potential to advance our understanding of cellular processes in their native environment.
The Temporal and Geographical Dynamics of Potato Virus Y Diversity in Russia
Authors: Samarskaya Viktoriya O. , Ryabov Eugene V. , Gryzunov Nikita , Spechenkova Nadezhda , Kuznetsova Maria , Ilina Irina , Suprunova Tatiana , Taliansky Michael E. , Ivanov Peter A. , Kalinina Natalia O.
Published: October 2023

Potato virus Y, an important viral pathogen of potato, has several genetic variants and geographic distributions which could be affected by environmental factors, aphid vectors, and reservoir plants. PVY is transmitted to virus-free potato plants by aphids and passed on to the next vegetative generations through tubers, but the effects of tuber transmission in PVY is largely unknown. By using high-throughput sequencing, we investigated PVY populations transmitted to potato plants by aphids in different climate zones of Russia, namely the Moscow and Astrakhan regions. We analyzed sprouts from the tubers produced by field-infected plants to investigate the impact of tuber transmission on PVY genetics. We found a significantly higher diversity of PVY isolates in the Astrakhan region, where winters are shorter and milder and summers are warmer compared to the Moscow region. While five PVY types, NTNa, NTNb, N:O, N-Wi, and SYR-I, were present in both regions, SYRI-II, SYRI-III, and 261-4 were only found in the Astrakhan region. All these recombinants were composed of the genome sections derived from PVY types O and N, but no full-length sequences of such types were present. The composition of the PVY variants in the tuber sprouts was not always the same as in their parental plants, suggesting that tuber transmission impacts PVY genetics.
The Late Embryogenesis Abundant Proteins in Soybean: Identification, Expression Analysis, and the Roles of GmLEA4_19 in Drought Stress
Authors: Guo Binhui , Zhang Jianhua , Yang Chunhong , Dong Lu , Ye Heng , Valliyodan Babu , Nguyen Henry T. , Song Li
Published: October 2023

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins play important roles in regulating plant growth and responses to various abiotic stresses. In this research, a genome-wide survey was conducted to recognize the LEA genes in Glycine max. A total of 74 GmLEA was identified and classified into nine subfamilies based on their conserved domains and the phylogenetic analysis. Subcellular localization, the duplication of genes, gene structure, the conserved motif, and the prediction of cis-regulatory elements and tissue expression pattern were then conducted to characterize GmLEAs. The expression profile analysis indicated that the expression of several GmLEAs was a response to drought and salt stress. The co-expression-based gene network analysis suggested that soybean LEA proteins may exert regulatory effects through the metabolic pathways. We further explored GnLEA4_19 function in Arabidopsis and the results suggests that overexpressed GmLEA4_19 in Arabidopsis increased plant height under mild or serious drought stress. Moreover, the overexpressed GmLEA4_19 soybean also showed a drought tolerance phenotype. These results indicated that GmLEA4_19 plays an important role in the tolerance to drought and will contribute to the development of the soybean transgenic with enhanced drought tolerance and better yield. Taken together, this study provided insight for better understanding the biological roles of LEA genes in soybean.
Application of Nanotechnology in Plant Genetic Engineering
Authors: Wu Kexin , Xu Changbin , Li Tong , Ma Haijie , Gong Jinli , Li Xiaolong , Sun Xuepeng , Hu Xiaoli
Published: October 2023

The ever-increasing food requirement with globally growing population demands advanced agricultural practices to improve grain yield, to gain crop resilience under unpredictable extreme weather, and to reduce production loss caused by insects and pathogens. To fulfill such requests, genome engineering technology has been applied to various plant species. To date, several generations of genome engineering methods have been developed. Among these methods, the new mainstream technology is clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) with nucleases. One of the most important processes in genome engineering is to deliver gene cassettes into plant cells. Conventionally used systems have several shortcomings, such as being labor- and time-consuming procedures, potential tissue damage, and low transformation efficiency. Taking advantage of nanotechnology, the nanoparticle-mediated gene delivery method presents technical superiority over conventional approaches due to its high efficiency and adaptability in different plant species. In this review, we summarize the evolution of plant biomolecular delivery methods and discussed their characteristics as well as limitations. We focused on the cutting-edge nanotechnology-based delivery system, and reviewed different types of nanoparticles, preparation of nanomaterials, mechanism of nanoparticle transport, and advanced application in plant genome engineering. On the basis of established methods, we concluded that the combination of genome editing, nanoparticle-mediated gene transformation and de novo regeneration technologies can accelerate crop improvement efficiently in the future.
BSA-Seq for the Identification of Major Genes for EPN in Rice
Authors: Shen Shen , Xu Shanbin , Wang Mengge , Ma Tianze , Chen Ning , Wang Jingguo , Zheng Hongliang , Yang Luomiao , Zou Detang , Xin Wei , Liu Hualong
Published: October 2023

Improving rice yield is one of the most important food issues internationally. It is an undeniable goal of rice breeding, and the effective panicle number (EPN) is a key factor determining rice yield. Increasing the EPN in rice is a major way to increase rice yield. Currently, the main quantitative trait locus (QTL) for EPN in rice is limited, and there is also limited research on the gene for EPN in rice. Therefore, the excavation and analysis of major genes related to EPN in rice is of great significance for molecular breeding and yield improvement. This study used japonica rice varieties Dongfu 114 and Longyang 11 to construct an F5 population consisting of 309 individual plants. Two extreme phenotypic pools were constructed by identifying the EPN of the population, and QTL-seq analysis was performed to obtain three main effective QTL intervals for EPN. This analysis also helped to screen out 34 candidate genes. Then, EPN time expression pattern analysis was performed on these 34 genes to screen out six candidate genes with higher expression levels. Using a 3K database to perform haplotype analysis on these six genes, we selected haplotypes with significant differences in EPN. Finally, five candidate genes related to EPN were obtained.
Anti-Hyperalgesic Efficacy of Acetyl L-Carnitine (ALCAR) Against Visceral Pain Induced by Colitis: Involvement of Glia in the Enteric and Central Nervous System
Authors: Lucarini Elena , Micheli Laura , Toti Alessandra , Ciampi Clara , Margiotta Francesco , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Ghelardini Carla
Published: October 2023

The management of abdominal pain in patients affected by inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) still represents a problem because of the lack of effective treatments. Acetyl L-carnitine (ALCAR) has proved useful in the treatment of different types of chronic pain with excellent tolerability. The present work aimed at evaluating the anti-hyperalgesic efficacy of ALCAR in a model of persistent visceral pain associated with colitis induced by 2,4-dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS) injection. Two different protocols were applied. In the preventive protocol, ALCAR was administered daily starting 14 days to 24 h before the delivery of DNBS. In the interventive protocol, ALCAR was daily administered starting the same day of DNBS injection, and the treatment was continued for 14 days. In both cases, ALCAR significantly reduced the establishment of visceral hyperalgesia in DNBS-treated animals, though the interventive protocol showed a greater efficacy than the preventive one. The interventive protocol partially reduced colon damage in rats, counteracting enteric glia and spinal astrocyte activation resulting from colitis, as analyzed by immunofluorescence. On the other hand, the preventive protocol effectively protected enteric neurons from the inflammatory insult. These findings suggest the putative usefulness of ALCAR as a food supplement for patients suffering from IBDs.
A New HRCT Score for Diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia: A Single-Center Study with 1153 Suspected COVID-19 Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Sofia Soccorsa , Filonzi Giacomo , Catalano Leonardo , Mattioli Roberta , Marinelli Laura , Siopis Elena , Colì Laura , Mulas Violante , Allegri Davide , Rotini Carlotta , Scala Beatrice , Bertini Alessio , Imbriani Michele , Spampinato Michele Domenico , Orlandi Paolo
Published: October 2023

The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is affecting millions of people worldwide. Chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is commonly used as a diagnostic test for suspected COVID-19; however, despite numerous attempts, there is no single scoring system that is widely accepted and used in clinical practice to estimate the probability of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. The aim of this single-center retrospective study is to develop a radiological score to predict the probability of COVID-19 with HRCT. Patients admitted to the emergency department with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 who underwent both HRCT and RT-PCR on nasopharyngeal swab to detect SARS-CoV-2 infection between 1 March and 30 April 2020 were included. A multivariable regression analysis was conducted to identify all HRCT signs independently associated with a positive RT-PCR assay for SARS-CoV-2 and build the HRCT score. A total of 1153 patients were enrolled in this study. The number of segments with ground glass opacities (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.11–1.26), number of segments with linear opacities (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.05–1.42), crazy paving patterns (OR 6, 95% CI 3.79–9.76), and vascular ectasia in each segment (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.1.5–5.8) were included in the score. The HRCT score showed high discriminatory power (area under the ROC curve of 0.8267 [95% CI 0.8–0.85]) with 72.2% sensitivity, 86.6% specificity, 78% PPV, and 83% NPV for its best cut-off. In summary, the HRCT score has good diagnostic and discriminatory accuracy for COVID-19 and is easy and quick to perform.
Transient Resonance Passage of a Mistuned Bladed Disk with and without Underplatform Dampers
Authors: Brinkmann Katharina , Hoffmann Thomas , Panning-von Scheidt Lars , Stüer Heinrich
Published: October 2023

In this work, the vibration response of an academic free-standing turbine blisk is analyzed in regard to transient resonance passages. Measurement data are recorded using strain gauges and tip timing to evaluate the blades first bending mode both linearly and with two different types of underplatform dampers. These results are validated against steady-state responses and show good agreement with each other. To examine the effects of a transient resonance passage, response functions of each blade are evaluated both with and without the underplatform dampers. It is shown that friction damping is able to inhibit any appearance of a transient ring-down. Additionally, a multi-mass oscillator model with frictional contacts is analyzed, which qualitatively exhibits the same dynamics as the measurements. Due to geometric mistuning, all blades exhibit different vibration responses. This can lead to a transient amplitude amplification, which is observed on several blades. Analogously, this phenomenon can be mitigated by friction damping.
Enhancement of the Cytotoxicity of Quinazolinone Schiff Base Derivatives with Copper Coordination
Authors: Gurgul Ilona , Hricovíniová Jana , Mazuryk Olga , Hricovíniová Zuzana , Brindell Małgorzata
Published: October 2023

Two copper(II) complexes (Cu-L1, Cu-L2) derived from 2,3-substituted quinazolinone Schiff base ligands (L1, L2) were prepared to examine their anticancer activity. Compounds were characterized using various spectroscopic methods (FTIR, NMR, UV-vis) and quantum-chemical calculations. The biological effects of Cu(II) complexes bearing quinazolinone scaffolds were evaluated on two cancers’ cell lines (breast—MCF-7 and lung—A549), as well as on untransformed cells (keratinocytes—HaCaT). Copper complexes were highly cytotoxic, with IC50 in the low micromolar range, while the quinazoline ligands L1 and L2 remained inactive in inhibiting cell proliferation. Antioxidant activity was investigated in the model systems using DPPH and FRAP assays. The Cu-L1 and Cu-L2 complexes exhibited enhanced DPPH free radical scavenging efficiency compared to the L1 and L2 ligands, but their reducing ability was comparable to that of the free ligands. Evaluation of oxidative stress in vitro carried out by staining cells with various ROS-specific indicators showed reduced production of superoxide anion radical and hydrogen peroxide after treatment of cells with copper complexes. Such a negative impact on ROS formation in cells can lead to cellular redox imbalance and consequent cell death, among others, by inducing apoptosis and/or necrosis, depending on the copper complex used. We hypothesize that the high cytotoxic activity of the investigated copper complexes is apparently the result of multiple mechanisms of action, and the imbalance in the cellular antioxidant system partly contributes to the overall cytotoxic effect.
Viral Prevalence and Genomic Xenology in the Coevolution of HzNV-2 (Nudiviridae) with Host Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Tembrock Luke R. , Zink Frida A. , Gilligan Todd M.
Published: October 2023

Insect viruses have been described from numerous lineages, yet patterns of genetic exchange and viral prevalence, which are essential to understanding host–virus coevolution, are rarely studied. In Helicoverpa zea, the virus HzNV-2 can cause deformity of male and female genitalia, resulting in sterility. Using ddPCR, we found that male H. zea with malformed genitalia (agonadal) contained high levels of HzNV-2 DNA, confirming previous work. HzNV-2 was found to be prevalent throughout the United States, at more than twice the rate of the baculovirus HaSNPV, and that it contained several host-acquired DNA sequences. HzNV-2 possesses four recently endogenized lepidopteran genes and several more distantly related genes, including one gene with a bacteria-like sequence found in both host and virus. Among the recently acquired genes is cytosolic serine hydroxymethyltransferase (cSHMT). In nearly all tested H. zea, cSHMT contained a 200 bp transposable element (TE) that was not found in cSHMT of the sister species H. armigera. No other virus has been found with host cSHMT, and the study of this shared copy, including possible interactions, may yield new insights into the function of this gene with possible applications to insect biological control, and gene editing.
Hypertonic Salt Solution Enhances Inflammatory Responses in Cultured Splenic T-Cells from Dahl Salt-Sensitive Rats but Not Dahl Salt-Resistant Rats
Authors: Jang Sungmin , Kim Jee Young , Kim Cheong-Wun , Kim Inkyeom
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to delineate the effect of sodium chloride on the induction of inflammatory responses and the development of hypertension in Dahl salt-sensitive (SS) and salt-resistant (SR) rats. Splenocytes were isolated from the spleens of SS and SR rats, and cultured on anti-CD3-coated plates for 5 days. The cultured splenic T-cells were challenged with a hypertonic salt solution (0, 20, or 40 mM) in the absence or presence of IL-6 (0, 20, or 60 ng/mL), TGF-β (0, 5, or 15 ng/mL), or IL-23 (0, 10, or 30 ng/mL), and analyzed via ELISA, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence. The hypertonic salt solution potentiated IL-17A production, as well as the differentiation of Th17 cells via IL-6/TGF-β/IL-23, exclusively in SS rats. However, it did not affect IL-10 production or the differentiation of Treg cells in any of the groups. Furthermore, it potentiated the signal of RORγt in IL-6-treated splenic T-cells from SS rats. To summarize, cultured splenic T-cells exhibited enhanced inflammatory responses on exposure to a hypertonic salt solution in SS rats only, which indicated that sodium chloride and inflammatory cytokines synergistically drove the induction of pathogenic Th17 cells and the development of hypertension in this group only.
Dissecting the Impact of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell ABCA1 versus ABCG1 Expression on Cholesterol Efflux and Macrophage-like Cell Transdifferentiation: The Role of SR-BI
Authors: Oladosu Olanrewaju , Esobi Ikechukwu C. , Powell Rhonda R. , Bruce Terri , Stamatikos Alexis
Published: October 2023

Cholesterol-laden macrophages are recognized as a major contributor to atherosclerosis. However, recent evidence indicates that vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) that accumulate cholesterol and transdifferentiate into a macrophage-like cell (MLC) phenotype also play a role in atherosclerosis. Therefore, removing cholesterol from MLC may be a potential atheroprotective strategy. The two transporters which remove cholesterol from cells are ABCA1 and ABCG1, as they efflux cholesterol to apoAI and HDL, respectively. In this study, the well-characterized immortalized VSMC line MOVAS cells were edited to generate ABCA1- and ABCG1-knockout (KO) MOVAS cell lines. We cholesterol-loaded ABCA1-KO MOVAS cells, ABCG1-KO MOVAS cells, and wild-type MOVAS cells to convert cells into a MLC phenotype. When we measured apoAI- and HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux in these cells, we observed a drastic decrease in apoAI-mediated cholesterol efflux within ABCA1-KO MOVAS MLC, but HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux was only partially reduced in ABCG1-KO MOVAS cells. Since SR-BI also participates in HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux, we assessed SR-BI protein expression in ABCG1-KO MOVAS MLC and observed SR-BI upregulation, which offered a possible mechanism explaining why HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux remains maintained in ABCG1-KO MOVAS MLC. When we used lentivirus for shRNA-mediated knockdown of SR-BI in ABCG1-KO MOVAS MLC, this decreased HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux when compared to ABCG1-KO MOVAS MLC with unmanipulated SR-BI expression. Taken together, these major findings suggest that SR-BI expression in MLC of a VSMC origin plays a compensatory role in HDL-mediated cholesterol efflux when ABCG1 expression becomes impaired and provides insight on SR-BI demonstrating anti-atherogenic properties within VSMC/MLC.
Kinetic Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in Predicting Paediatric Acute Kidney Disease
Authors: Chisavu Flavia , Gafencu Mihai , Chisavu Lazar , Stroescu Ramona , Schiller Adalbert
Published: October 2023

Kinetic estimation of glomerular filtration rate (KeGFR) has proved its utility in predicting acute kidney injury (AKI) in both adults and children. Our objective is to assess the clinical utility of KeGFR in predicting AKI severity and progression to acute kidney disease (AKD) in patients already diagnosed with AKI and to examine major adverse kidney events at 30 days (MAKE30). We retrospectively calculated the KeGFR within the first 24 h of identified AKI (KeGFR1) and in the 24 h prior to AKD (KeGFR2) in all admitted children under 18 years old. The cohort consisted of 803 patients with AKI. We proposed a new classification of KeGFR stages, from 1 to 5, and assessed the predictive value of KeGFR stages for AKD development and MAKE30. AKI severity was associated with lower KeGFRs. KeGFR1 and KeGFR2 predicted AKD with AUC values between 0.777 and 0.841 respectively, p < 0.001. KeGFR2 had the best performance in predicting MAKE30 (AUC of 0.819) with a sensitivity of 66.67% and specificity 87.7%. KeGFR1 stage 3, 4 and 5 increased the risk of AKD by 3.07, 6.56 and 28.07 times, respectively, while KeGFR2 stage 2, 3, 4 and 5 increased the risk of AKD 2.79, 3.58, 32.75 and 80.14 times. Stage 5 KeGFR1 and KeGFR2 stages 3, 4 and 5 increased the risk of MAKE30 by 7.77, 4.23. 5.89 and 69.42 times in the adjusted models. KeGFR proved to be a useful tool in AKI settings. KeGFR dynamics can predict AKI severity, duration and outcomes.
Challenges of DMEK Technique with Young Corneal Donors’ Grafts: Surgical Keys for Success—A Pilot Study
Authors: Ariño-Gutierrez Mayte , Molero-Senosiain Mercedes , Burgos-Blasco Barbara , Vidal-Villegas Beatriz , Arriola-Villalobos Pedro , Gegundez-Fernandez Jose Antonio , Moloney Gregory , Holguín Luis Daniel
Published: October 2023

Purpose: To report on the surgical maneuvers recommended for a successful unfolding of very young donors in order to accomplish an uneventful Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery. Methods: Five patients (three females and two males, mean age 71.2 ± 6.7 years) with Fuchs endothelial cell dystrophy who underwent DMEK with very young donors (between 20 and 30 years old) were included. The following demographic data were assessed: donor’s age, donor’s endothelial cell density (ECD), preservation time, recipient’s age and sex and unfolding surgical time. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; decimal system), ECD and corneal central thickness (CCT) were assessed preoperatively and at 6-month follow-up. Results: Donors’ mean age was 23.6 ± 3.6 years (range 21 to 30) and the mean ECD was 2748.6 ± 162.6 cells/mm2. All of them underwent an uneventful DMEK as a single procedure performed by one experienced surgeon (MAG) with a mean unfolding time of 7.2 ± 4.9 min (range 4 to 15). The essential steps, including patient preparation as well as DMEK graft implantation, orientation, unrolling and centering are detailed. At 6 months, BCVA was 0.6 ± 0.2, ECD was 1945.0 ± 455.5 cells/mm2 and CCT was 497.0 ± 19.7 microns. Conclusions: We hereby present the keys to overcome tightly scrolled grafts of very young donors, which prove perfectly suitable for DMEK surgery. The graft shape tends towards a double-roll and specific maneuvers are strongly recommended.
Erosive Tooth Wear in Subjects with Normal Occlusion: A Pioneering Longitudinal Study up to the Age of 60
Authors: Eto Henrique Campos , Miranda Felicia , Rios Daniela , Honório Heitor Marques , Janson Guilherme , Massaro Camila , Garib Daniela
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to assess the erosive tooth wear (ETW) at early and mature adulthood in subjects with natural normal occlusion. The sample consisted of 23 untreated subjects with normal occlusion. Dental models were taken longitudinally from the same subjects at 13 (T0), 17 (T1) and 60.9 years of age (T2) at a university. Evaluation of ETW was performed using a modified Basic Erosive Wear Examination (BEWE) index. Interphase changes were evaluated using Friedman and Dunn’s test. Ordinal logistic regression was used to assess the influence of sex, dental arch, tooth and dental surfaces on the erosive tooth wear. Linear regression was used to evaluate whether the ETW degree at T1 could discriminate the degree of ETW at T2. The significance level adopted was 5%. ETW showed a significant increase with aging. The median ETW index at T0, T1 and T2 was 2, 4 and 7, respectively. ETW was greater in males in the incisors and canines and on the incisal/occlusal and lingual tooth surfaces. No significant differences were found between the maxillary and mandibular arches. Subjects with severe ETW at mature adulthood had greater tooth wear at age 17. In conclusion, ETW significantly increased during aging in subjects with normal occlusion. The greater the degree of tooth wear at early adulthood, the greater the tooth wear at mature adulthood. Preventive care should be recommended during early adulthood in patients demonstrating erosive tooth wear in order to avoid worsening with aging.
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Maternal and Neonatal Outcome in Correlation with Sociodemographic Aspects: A Retrospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Chicea Radu , Neagu Andrei Dorin , Chicea Eugen Dan , Grindeanu Amina Simona , Bratu Dan Georgian , Boicean Adrian Gheorghe , Roman Mihai Dan , Fleacă Sorin Radu , Chicea Liana Maria , Teacoe Dumitru Alin , Radu Ioana Andrada , Ognean Maria Livia
Published: October 2023

Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic evolved, concerns grew about its impact on pregnant women. This study aimed to determine how SARS-CoV-2 affects pregnancy, birth, and newborns, in order to identify vulnerable individuals and provide proper care. Methods: This is a retrospective case-control study of 398 pregnant women who delivered at the Emergency Clinical County Hospital in Sibiu, Romania from 1 February 2020 to 31 March 2022. Patients were initially grouped and compared based on their RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 test results into the COVID group (cases) (N = 199) and non-COVID group (control) (N = 199). The COVID cases were further divided and compared according to the pre-Delta (N = 105) and Delta/Omicron (N = 94) SARS-CoV-2 variants. COVID cases and control groups were compared to identify correlations between sociodemographic factors, pregnancy outcomes, and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The same comparisons were performed between pre-Delta and Delta/Omicron groups. Results: There were no significant differences concerning maternal residence, while educational level and employment proportion were higher among the positively tested patients. No significant differences were found for neonatal and pregnancy complications between COVID cases and control groups. Except for a lower mean gestational age, no significant differences were found between pre-Delta and Delta/Omicron periods. The maternal mortality in the infected group was 0.5% (1 case). Conclusions: Our study showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection at birth did not significantly affect maternal and neonatal outcomes, not even considering the SARS-CoV-2 strain.
Exploring Perturbations in Peripheral B Cell Memory Subpopulations Early after Kidney Transplantation Using Unsupervised Machine Learning
Authors: Fouza Ariadni , Tagkouta Anneta , Daoudaki Maria , Stangou Maria , Fylaktou Asimina , Bougioukas Konstantinos , Xochelli Aliki , Vagiotas Lampros , Kasimatis Efstratios , Nikolaidou Vasiliki , Skoura Lemonia , Papagianni Aikaterini , Antoniadis Nikolaos , Tsoulfas Georgios
Published: October 2023

Background: B cells have a significant role in transplantation. We examined the distribution of memory subpopulations (MBCs) and naïve B cell (NBCs) phenotypes in patients soon after kidney transplantation. Unsupervised machine learning cluster analysis is used to determine the association between the cellular phenotypes and renal function. Methods: MBC subpopulations and NBCs from 47 stable renal transplant recipients were characterized by flow cytometry just before (T0) and 6 months after (T6) transplantation. T0 and T6 measurements were compared, and clusters of patients with similar cellular phenotypic profiles at T6 were identified. Two clusters, clusters 1 and 2, were formed, and the glomerular filtration rate was estimated (eGFR) for these clusters. Results: A significant increase in NBC frequency was observed between T0 and T6, with no statistically significant differences in the MBC subpopulations. Cluster 1 was characterized by a predominance of the NBC phenotype with a lower frequency of MBCs, whereas cluster 2 was characterized by a high frequency of MBCs and a lower frequency of NBCs. With regard to eGFR, cluster 1 showed a higher value compared to cluster 2. Conclusions: Transplanted kidney patients can be stratified into clusters based on the combination of heterogeneity of MBC phenotype, NBCs and eGFR using unsupervised machine learning.
Multiple Controls on Organic Matter Accumulation in the Intraplatform Basin of the Early Cambrian Yangtze Platform, South China
Authors: Zhang Qiyang , Liu Entao , Pan Songqi , Wang Hua , Jing Zhenhua , Zhao Zhengfu , Zhu Ruiyue
Published: October 2023

Studying the accumulation rules of organic matter (OM) in paleo-ocean sediments can not only enhance our understanding of how OM becomes enriched in ancient oceans but also provide guidance for the exploration of shale gas in unconventional shale strata. A breakthrough has been made in shale gas exploration in the early Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation in South China. However, less attention has been paid to the intraplatform basin of the Yangtze Platform, and the factors controlling organic matter enrichment in this special region remain unclear. This study focuses on a continuous drilling core across the full well section of the Qiongzhusi Formation in the intraplatform basin of the Yangtze Platform. Through the comprehensive analysis of total organic carbon (TOC), major and trace elements, and Mo isotopes, this study investigates the controlling factors for OM enrichment with δ98/95Mo ratios utilized to identify the existence of euxinic bottom water. The examined 240 m long core can be divided into four units, where the TOC values of the lower Units 1 and 2 (0.2–5.0 wt.%) average higher than the upper Units 3 and 4 (0.2–2.5 wt.%). Redox indicators (U/Th, Ni/Co, EF(Mo)—EF(U)) indicate an increasing oxidation of bottom waters from the bottom upwards. δ98/95Mo data further confirm the presence of weakly euxinic conditions in Units 1 and 2, addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding bottom water redox environments. Primary productivity indicators (Ni/Al, Cu/Al) suggest a relatively low average productivity level within the intraplatform basin. The upwelling indicators EF(Co) * EF(Mn) of different profiles in the Yangtze Platform suggest that low productivity within the intraplatform basin can be mainly attributed to the absence of upwelling. Consequently, this study proposes an organic matter enrichment mechanism for the Qiongzhusi Formation in the intraplatform basin, which emphasizes the significance of the redox environment in the formation of high-quality hydrocarbon source rocks in restricted environments that lack upwelling, setting it apart from the deep ocean. These findings have the potential to provide valuable insights for the exploration of high-quality hydrocarbon source rocks in other similar regions.