bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra) Calyx Wastes as a Promising Anthelmintic Agent Against Poultry Pathogen Raillietina spp.
Authors: Majumdar Rima , Kumar Kar Pradip
Published: October 2024

In this study, we explore the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using calyx wastes from Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) and evaluate their anthelmintic potential against poultry pathogen Raillietina spp. The ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) spectrum of nanoparticles showed an absorbance peak at 425 nm, confirming AgNP formation. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry (FTIR) analysis indicated the presence of functional groups responsible for reducing silver ions, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the crystallinity of the nanoparticles. Dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) analyses were used to measure the size (20–50 nm) and morphology (spherical) of the synthesized AgNPs. The dose‐dependent in vitro anthelmintic efficacy was highest at 125 μg/ml of AgNPs, resulting in paralysis and death within 0.54 and 1.29 hours, respectively, while untreated control parasites survived for ~72 hours. The SEM micrographs of the treated parasites showed swelling and blebbing of the tegument. Histochemical localization studies showed a remarkable decline of tegumental and neurotransmitter enzymes involved with the parasite's metabolism and regulation of the endogenous physiological processes. This study underscores the potential of okra calyces in the green synthesis of AgNPs and provides a novel approach to developing alternative anthelmintics that interfere with the host‐parasite interface.
Photoactivated Hydrogel Therapeutic System with MXene‐Based Nanoarchitectonics Potentiates Endogenous Bone Repair Through Reshaping the Osteo‐Vascularization Network
Authors: Wu Minhao , Zhang Yufeng , Zhao Yanfang , Chu Liuxi , Meng Xiaolei , Ye Luyang , Li Xiaokun , Wang Zhouguang , Wu Ping
Published: October 2024

The repair and reconstruction of large‐scale bone defects face enormous challenges because of the failure to reconstruct the osteo‐vascularization network. Herein, a near‐infrared (NIR) light‐responsive hydrogel system is reported to achieve programmed tissue repair and regeneration through the synergetic effects of on‐demand drug delivery and mild heat stimulation. The spatiotemporal hydrogel system (HG/MPa) composed of polydopamine‐coated Ti3C2Tx MXene (MP) nanosheets decorated with acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF, a potent angiogenic drug) and hydroxypropyl chitosan/gelatin (HG) hydrogel is developed to orchestrate the reconstruction of the osteo‐vascularization network and boost bone regeneration. Upon exposure to NIR light irradiation, the engineered HG/MPa hydrogel can achieve the initial complete release of aFGF to induce rapid angiogenesis and provide sufficient blood supply, maximizing its biofunction in the defect area. This integrated hydrogel system demonstrated good therapeutic efficacy in promoting cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and osteogenic differentiation through periodic NIR irradiation. In vivo, animal experiments further revealed that the spatiotemporalized hydrogel platform synergized with mild photothermal treatment significantly accelerated critical‐sized bone defect healing by increasing the osteo‐vascularization network density, recruiting endogenous stem cells, and facilitating the production of osteogenesis/angiogenesis‐related factors. Overall, smart‐responsive hydrogel could enhance the reconstruction of the osteo‐vascularization network in bone regeneration.
Postoperative Injection of a Triptolide‐Preloaded Hydrogel Prevents the Recurrence of Glioblastoma by Dual‐Pathway Activation of Ferroptosis
Authors: Wu Hongshuai , Cao Pingping , Wang Haiyang , Wang Wenhong , Yu Hanyang , You Chaoqun , Shen Tianqi , Yang Suisui , Hu Ziyi , Zhou Tingting , Wang Jing , Wang Qianghu , Qian Xu , Zhang Junxia , Wang Xiuxing , Cao Yuandong , Ning Like , Lin Fan
Published: October 2024

Glioblastoma (GBM) recurrence leads to high mortality, which remains a major concern in clinical therapy. Herein, an injectable triptolide (TP)‐preloaded hydrogel (TP@DNH) accompanied by a postoperative injection strategy is developed to prevent the recurrence of GBM. With a potential inhibitor of the NRF2/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis, it is demonstrated that TP can deactivate glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) from the source of glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis, thereby activating ferroptosis in GBM cells by blocking the neutralization of intracellular lipid peroxide (LPO). Based on acid‐sensitive Fe3+/tannic acid (TA) metal‐phenolic networks (MPNs), the TP@DNH hydrogel can induce the effective generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through Fe3+/TA‐mediated Fenton reaction and achieve controllable release of TP in resected GBM cavity. Due to ROS generation and GPX4 deactivation, postoperative injection of TP@DNH can achieve high‐level ferroptosis through dual‐pathway LPO accumulation, remarkably suppressing the growth of recurrent GBM and prolonging the overall survival in orthotopic GBM relapse mouse model. This work provides an alternative paradigm for regulating ferroptosis in the postoperative treatment of GBM.
Surface Regulation via Carboxylate Polymer for Efficient and Stable CsPbI2Br Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Weilin , Duan Chen , Du Mengzhen , Cai Zhichao , Cong Peiqing , Li Cong , Xue Tangyue , Du Jimin , Guo Qiang , Zhou Erjun
Published: October 2024

CsPbI2Br perovskite solar cell (PSC) is a promising candidate for high‐efficiency single‐junction and tandem solar cells. However, due to the numerous surface defects of the CsPbI2Br film and the mismatch of energy levels at the CsPbI2Br/charge transport layer interface, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of CsPbI2Br PSC is still significantly lower than the theoretical limits. To alleviate those issues, in this work, a carboxylate‐based p‐type polymer, TTC‐Cl, is employed to modify the surface of CsPbI2Br layer. TTC‐Cl can interact with uncoordinated Pb2+, thereby mitigating surficial defects of CsPbI2Br film and reducing non‐radiative recombination losses. Furthermore, TTC‐Cl also improves the band properties of the CsPbI2Br thin film surface, rendering it more p‐type, which facilitates hole transport. Consequently, the CsPbI2Br PSCs with TTC‐Cl modification achieve a remarkable PCE of 17.81%, which is notably higher than that of counterpart without TTC‐Cl (15.87%). Moreover, CsPbI2Br PSCs with TTC‐Cl modification also exhibit better stability. This work highlights the importance of surface regulation via carboxylate polymer for further enhancing the performance of CsPbI2Br PSCs.
Observation of Body‐Centered‐Cubic Cu Nanocluster with Partial Cu(0) Character
Authors: Gao Pu , Du Jing , Hong Weijie , Wu Mingzai , Feng Yan , Ding Yanjun , Zhu Manzhou
Published: October 2024

The structure of nanoparticles is a key determinant of their material properties. The synthesis of non‐face‐centered‐cubic (FCC) Cu nanoclusters (NCs) with Cu(0) character is still challenging due to their instability. Herein, a Cu(0)‐containing Cu NC is first reported to contain a metallic framework of 23 Cu atoms with a body‐centered‐cubic Cu@Cu8 core, stabilized by 6 triphenylphosphine (TPP) and 18 4‐methylbenzenethiolate ligands, as determined by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The observed structure stands in stark contrast to the FCC and other structures reported for Cu NCs. Moreover, this newly formed NC could react with Au+ ion with controlled concentration, rapidly yielding another identifiable and bright red‐emitting AuCu14 cluster upon irradiation. Based on this structural conversion, a new “turn‐on” type of photoluminescent probe can be developed for the detection of Au+ ion with an ultrafast response time (30 s) at a low detection limit (0.13 ppm). This work provides a new way of understanding the growth of metal clusters and exploring their applications in luminescent sensors.
A simplified procedure for seismic collapse probability assessment of RC frame buildings
Authors: Koopaee Mohammad E. , Dhakal Rajesh P.
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a procedure for simplified collapse probability prediction of RC frame buildings when subjected to ground motion intensities commonly used in designing buildings. For this purpose, seismic collapse probability of a range of RC moment resisting frame buildings are assessed at the design basis earthquake (DBE) and the maximum considered earthquake (MCE) levels of seismic intensity by conducting more than a thousand nonlinear response history analyses (NRHA) using a suite of 40 seismic ground motion records. The 13 buildings included in the investigation have different heights (5–15 storeys) and footprints (3–6 bays), are designed to different target maximum inter‐storey drifts (within the code specified limit), and have critical members detailed to sustain different levels of confinement and anti‐buckling demands. The NRHA results consistently demonstrate that the design inter‐storey drift and the anti‐buckling detailing of longitudinal rebars in the critical frame members strongly influence the collapse probability of RC frame buildings. The results also show that while RC frame buildings designed to reach 2.5% (or less) inter‐storey drifts and detailed for ductile seismic performance can successfully avoid collapse at DBE, avoidance of collapse at DBE cannot be guaranteed if RC frames are designed to reach a target drift of more than 2% and not detailed for full ductility. At MCE, collapse probability is found to consistently exceed 10% unless the building is designed to incur no more than 1% plastic drift and the frame members have ductile detailing. Based on the NRHA results of the 13 case study buildings, easy‐to‐use equations relating their seismic collapse probability at MCE with the design drift and a quantifiable measure of ductile detailing are generated and validated by comparing with the collapse probability obtained by NRHA of an independent RC frame building. The proposed equations provide a rapid, yet reasonably reliable tool for performance‐based seismic design of RC frame buildings, and enable designers to estimate seismic collapse probability of RC frame buildings without having to conduct cumbersome NRHA.
Estimating soil moisture from environmental gamma radiation monitoring data
Authors: Akter Sonia , Huisman Johan Alexander , Bogena Heye Reemt
Published: October 2024

Soil moisture (SM) information is invaluable for a wide range of applications, including weather forecasting, hydrological and land surface modeling, and agricultural production. However, there is still a lack of sensing information that adequately represents root‐zone SM for longer periods and larger spatial scales. One option for root‐zone SM observation is terrestrial gamma radiation (TGR), as it is inversely related to SM. Hence, the near real‐time data of more than 5000 environmental gamma radiation (EGR) monitoring stations archived by the EUropean Radiological Data Exchange Platform (EURDEP) is a potential source to develop a root‐zone SM product for Europe without extra investments in SM sensors. This study aims to investigate to what extent the EURDEP data can be used for SM estimation. For this, two EGR monitoring stations were equipped with in situ SM sensors to measure reference SM. The terrestrial component of EGR was extracted after eliminating the contributions of rain washout and secondary cosmic radiation, and used to obtain a functional relationship with SM. We predicted the weekly volumetric SM with a root mean square error of 7%–9% from TGR measurements. Nevertheless, we believe that this technique, due to its greater penetration depth and long data legacy, can provide useful data complementary to satellite‐based remote sensing techniques to estimate root‐zone SM at the continental scale.
Tissue derivatization for visualizing lactate and pyruvate in mouse testis tissues using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry imaging
Authors: Nagano Erika , Odake Kazuki , Shimma Shuichi
Published: October 2024

Pyruvate and lactate are the final metabolites of the glycolytic system that are formed under oxygen-rich and anaerobic conditions, respectively. They play an important role in energy metabolism. Obtaining a tissue distribution image of pyruvate and lactate holds great significance in molecular biology because the glycolytic system plays an essential role in diseases, such as tumors and diabetes; microbial activities, such as alcohol production and lactic acid fermentation; and maintaining homeostasis in the gut environment. However, it is difficult to obtain images of the distribution of in vivo metabolites because of the low detection sensitivities of current methods. In this study, a novel derivatization method for pyruvate and lactate was developed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) to detect pyruvate and lactate in vivo and obtain biodistribution images. We investigated derivatization methods using readily available 3-nitrophenylhydrazine (3NPH), the addition of which improves the sensitivity of pyruvate detection, and the distribution of pyruvate in mouse testes was successfully visualized. Furthermore, the distribution of lactate in the mouse testes could be visualized, and improved detection sensitivity for the main metabolites of the tricarboxylic acid cycle was demonstrated. This derivatization method can be used to detect carboxyl-containing metabolites, including pyruvate, via MALDI-MSI. Furthermore, 3NPH forms amide bonds with carbonyl, phosphate, and carboxyl groups, suggesting the possibility of visualizing its distribution in many metabolites.

Graphical Abstract
On limiting behaviors of stepwise multiple testing procedures
Authors: Dey Monitirtha
Published: October 2024

Stepwise multiple testing procedures have attracted several statisticians for decades and are also quite popular with statistics users because of their technical simplicity. The Bonferroni procedure has been one of the earliest and most prominent testing rules for controlling the familywise error rate (FWER). A recent article established that the FWER for the Bonferroni method asymptotically (i.e., when the number of hypotheses becomes arbitrarily large) approaches zero under any positively equicorrelated multivariate normal framework. However, similar results for the limiting behaviors of FWER of general stepwise procedures are nonexistent. The present work addresses this gap in a unified manner by elucidating that, under the multivariate normal setups with some correlation structures, the probability of rejecting one or more null hypotheses approaches zero asymptotically for any step-down procedure. Consequently, the FWER and power of the step-down procedures also tend to be asymptotically zero. We also establish similar limiting zero results on FWER of other popular multiple testing rules, e.g., Hochberg’s and Hommel’s procedures. It turns out that, within our chosen asymptotic framework, the Benjamini–Hochberg method can hold the FWER at a strictly positive level asymptotically under the equicorrelated normality.
A novel strategy to map a locus associated with flowering time in canola (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Long Yunming , Zheng Puying , Anderson James V. , Horvath David P. , Sthapit Jinita , Li Xuehui , Rahman Mukhlesur , Chao Wun S.
Published: October 2024

Flowering time is an important agronomic trait for canola breeders, as it provides growers with options for minimizing exposure to heat stress during flowering and to more effectively utilize soil moisture. Plants have evolved various systems to control seasonal rhythms in reproductive phenology including an internal circadian clock that responds to environmental signals. In this study, we used canola cultivar ‘Westar’ as a recurrent parent and canola cultivar ‘Surpass 400’ as the donor parent to generate a chromosome segment substitution line (CSSL) and to map a flowering time locus on chromosome A10 using molecular marker-assisted selection. This CSSL contains an introgressed 4.6 mega-bases (Mb) segment (between 13 and 17.6 Mb) of Surpass 400, which substantially delayed flowering compared with Westar. To map flowering time gene(s) within this locus, eight introgression lines (ILs) were developed carrying a series of different lengths of introgressed chromosome A10 segments using five co-dominant polymorphic markers located at 13.5, 14.0, 14.5, 15.0, 15.5, and 16.0 Mb. Eight ILs were crossed with Westar reciprocally and flowering time of resultant 16 F1 hybrids and parents were evaluated in a greenhouse (2021 and 2022). Four ILs (IL005, IL017, IL035, and IL013) showed delayed flowering compared to Westar (P < 0.0001), and their reciprocal crosses displayed a phenotype intermediate in flowering time of both homozygote parents. These results indicated that flowering time is partial or incomplete dominance, and the flowering time locus mapped within a 1 Mb region between two co-dominant polymorphic markers at 14.5–15.5 Mb on chromosome A10. The flowering time locus was delineated to be between 14.60 and 15.5 Mb based on genotypic data at the crossover site, and candidate genes within this region are associated with flowering time in canola and/or Arabidopsis. The co-dominant markers identified on chromosome A10 should be useful for marker assisted selection in breeding programs but will need to be validated to other breeding populations or germplasm accessions of canola.
Age-dependent somatic expansion of the ATXN3 CAG repeat in the blood and buccal swab DNA of individuals with spinocerebellar ataxia type 3/Machado-Joseph disease
Authors: Sidky Ahmed M. , Melo Ana Rosa Vieira , Kay Teresa T. , Raposo Mafalda , Lima Manuela , Monckton Darren G.
Published: October 2024

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3/Machado-Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD) is caused by the expansion of a genetically unstable polyglutamine-encoding CAG repeat in ATXN3. Longer alleles are generally associated with earlier onset and frequent intergenerational expansions mediate the anticipation observed in this disorder. Somatic expansion of the repeat has also been implicated in disease onset and slowing the rate of somatic expansion has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy. Here, we utilised high-throughput ultra-deep MiSeq amplicon sequencing to precisely define the number and sequence of the ATXN3 repeat, the genotype of an adjacent single nucleotide variant and quantify somatic expansion in blood and buccal swab DNA of a cohort of individuals with SCA3 from the Azores islands (Portugal). We revealed systematic mis-sizing of the ATXN3 repeat and high levels of inaccuracy of the traditional fragment length analysis that have important implications for attempts to identify modifiers of clinical and molecular phenotypes. Quantification of somatic expansion in blood DNA and multivariate regression revealed the expected effects of age at sampling and CAG repeat length, although the effect of repeat length was surprisingly modest with much stronger associations with age. We also observed an association of the downstream rs12895357 single nucleotide variant with the rate of somatic expansion, and a higher level of somatic expansion in buccal swab DNA compared to blood. These data suggest that the ATXN3 locus in SCA3 patients in blood or buccal swab DNA might serve as a good biomarker for clinical trials testing suppressors of somatic expansion with peripheral exposure.
Biomarkers of cognitive and memory decline in psychotropic drug users
Authors: Grigore Monica , Ruscu Mihai Andrei , Hermann Dirk M. , Colita Ivan-Cezar , Doeppner Thorsten Roland , Glavan Daniela , Popa-Wagner Aurel
Published: October 2024

Psychotropic drugs are vital in psychiatry, aiding in the management of mental health disorders. Their use requires an understanding of their pharmacological properties, therapeutic applications, and potential side effects. Ongoing research aims to improve their efficacy and safety. Biomarkers play a crucial role in understanding and predicting memory decline in psychotropic drug users. A comprehensive understanding of biomarkers, including neuroimaging, biochemical, genetic, and cognitive assessments, is essential for developing targeted interventions and preventive strategies. In this narrative review, we performed a comprehensive search on PubMed and Google using review-specific terms. Clinicians should use a multifaceted approach, including neurotransmitter analysis, neurotrophic factors, miRNA profiling, and cognitive tasks for early intervention and personalized treatment. Anxiolytics' mechanisms involve various neurotransmitter systems and emerging targets. Research on biomarkers for memory decline in anxiolytic users can lead to early detection and intervention, enhancing clinical practices and aligning with precision medicine. Mood stabilizer users can benefit from early detection of memory decline through RNA, neurophysiological, and inflammatory biomarkers, promoting timely interventions. Performance-enhancing drugs may boost athletic performance in the short term, but their long-term health risks and ethical issues make their use problematic. Long-term use of psychotropic performance enhancers in athletes shows changes in biomarkers of cognitive decline, necessitating ongoing monitoring and intervention strategies. Understanding these genetic influences on memory decline helps pave the way for personalized approaches to prevent or mitigate cognitive deterioration, emphasizing the importance of genetic screening and early interventions based on an individual's genetic profile. Future research should focus on refining these biomarkers and protective measures against cognitive deterioration. Overall, a comprehensive understanding of biomarkers in psychotropic drug users is essential for developing targeted interventions and preventive strategies.
Dynamics of digestive vacuole differentiation clarified by the observation of living Paramecium bursaria
Authors: Obayashi Keiko , Kodama Yuuki
Published: October 2024

Paramecium bursaria is a ciliate species that has a symbiotic relationship with Chlorella spp. This study aimed to elucidate the dynamics of digestive vacuole (DV) differentiation in P. bursaria, using yeast stained with a pH indicator. Previously, DV differentiation in P. bursaria has been classified into eight periods based on fixed-cell observations. However, to understand the behavior and physiology of P. bursaria in its natural state, it is essential to observe living cells. This study presented a novel method using Cornig® Cell-Tak™ to immobilize living P. bursaria cells, which enabled long-term observation of the same cell from the same direction. This technique allowed for real-time observation of DV differentiation, including the relationship between changes in the internal pH of DV and the diameter of DV, yeast budding from the DV membrane by a single cell into the cytoplasm, and separation of a DV containing multiple yeasts into two DVs. This study provides new insights into the dynamic process of DV differentiation in P. bursaria. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying the symbiotic relationship between the two organisms and shed light on the complex process of intracellular digestion in ciliates.
Preventing dentin erosion with silver diamine fluoride and salivary pellicle: an in vitro study
Authors: Chawhuaveang Darren Dhananthat , Lam Walter Yu-Hang , Chu Chun-Hung , Yu Ollie Yiru
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To investigate the preventive and discoloring effects of a single and two weekly applications of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) against dentin erosion.

Materials and methods

180 dentin blocks were divided into four groups. Group 1 (SDF2) received two weekly applications of 38% SDF. Group 2 (SDF1) received a single application of 38% SDF. Group 3 (SNF) received a daily application of stannous chloride/amine fluoride/sodium fluoride (standard of care for dental erosion). Group 4 (DW) received a daily application of deionized water. The treated blocks were subjected to a 14-day erosive challenge. Crystal characteristics, elemental composition, surface morphology, percentage of surface microhardness loss (%SMHL), surface loss, and color change (ΔE) were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), hardness testing, profilometry, and digital spectrophotometry, respectively.

Results

XRD and EDS showed dentin surfaces had silver compounds in SDF2 and SDF1, and stannous chloride in SNF. SEM revealed less dentin demineralization with tubular occlusion in SDF2, SDF1, and SNF, but severe demineralization in DW. The %SMHL of SDF2, SDF1, SNF, and DW were 10.8 ± 2.1, 15.7 ± 2.1, 17.9 ± 2.1, and 28.7 ± 2.0 (SDF2 < SDF1 < SNF < DW, p < 0.05). Surface loss (µm) of SDF2, SDF1, SNF, and DW were 5.0 ± 0.6, 6.0 ± 0.6, 6.0 ± 0.7, and 9.0 ± 0.5 (SDF2 < SDF1 = SNF < DW, p < 0.001). ΔE of SDF2, SDF1, SNF, and DW were 26.0 ± 3.4, 12.1 ± 3.8, 6.9 ± 3.5, and 3.9 ± 3.6 (SDF2 > SDF1 > SNF = DW, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

38% SDF with two weekly applications provided better preventive effects against dentin erosion, but it might discolor dentin.

Clinical relevance

The increased 38% SDF application showed a better anti-erosive potential against dentin erosion. However, SDF caused black staining on the dentin.
Correlates of Sleep Health among Older-Age People with and without HIV in Uganda
Authors: Yoo-Jeong Moka , Ratnayake Aneeka , Tong Yao , Tsai Alexander C. , Paul Robert , Reynolds Zahra , Ritchie Christine S. , Seeley Janet , Hoeppner Susanne S. , Atwiine Flavia , Okello Samson , Nakasujja Noeline , Saylor Deanna , Greene Meredith , Asiimwe Stephen , Tindimwebwa Edna , Tanner Jeremy , Olivieri-Mui Brianne , Siedner Mark J.
Published: October 2024

There is a growing population of older people with HIV (PWH) in Uganda. Sleep problems disproportionately affect older people and PWH. This study aimed to estimate correlates of sleep health among older Ugandans (aged ≥ 50 years) with and without HIV, using data from the Quality of Life and Aging with HIV in Rural Uganda Study. We used the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to assess sleep quality, duration, and efficiency. We fitted multivariable linear and logistic regression models to estimate the associations between sleep outcomes and variables selected based on the Senescent Sleep Model: age, HIV serostatus, loneliness, urbanicity, symptoms of depression and anxiety, and perceived stress. Of 556 participants, 271 were PWH and 285 were people without HIV (PWoH). There were no statistically significant differences in sleep outcomes by HIV serostatus. Of the total sample, most reported very good (32.79%) or fairly good sleep quality (49.37%). The mean sleep duration was 6.46 h (SD = 1.74). The mean sleep efficiency was 73.98% (SD = 19.52%) with 36.69% having optimal (≥ 85%) sleep efficiency. A positive depression screen was associated with worse sleep quality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.21; 95% CI [0.12, 0.36]), shorter sleep duration (b=-0.44; 95% CI [-0.60, -0.28]), and worse sleep efficiency (aOR = 0.51; 95% CI[0.31, 0.83]). Interventions targeting depression may improve sleep among older Ugandans, independent of HIV serostatus. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine the potential bidirectionality of this relationship and elucidate pathways to support sleep health among older Ugandans.
Early Childhood Intervention under the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme: Characteristics and Recruitment Practices of Service Providers
Authors: Gavidia-Payne Susana , Zanuttini Jessica Zoe , Carlon Sarah , Kemp Coral
Published: October 2024

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) constitutes a major policy reform for Australian people with disabilities. Despite its ten-year implementation, little is known about the characteristics of the workforce delivering Australia’s NDIS early childhood intervention services (ECI). The present study sought to identify the range of skills, knowledge, and experience of ECI professionals as listed in recruitment advertisements, and their alignment with best practice guidelines. Provider data were extracted from 246 advertisements for ECI roles over a 5-month period and assigned into various categories. Interrater reliability was determined by randomly selecting 65 of the 246 of the advertisements, which were coded independently by two researchers and assigned to service provider categories. Significant changes have occurred in the qualities of professionals providing ECI services under the NDIS, and their adherence to best practice guidelines. The limited emphasis on best practice in the recruitment process may result in an ECI workforce that is not well equipped to deliver specialised and inclusive support to young children with disabilities and their families.
Insights into the electrochemical performance of manganese dioxide coated metallic foils as potential electrodes for supercapacitors
Authors: Tayyaba Qanita , Sultan Numrah , Siddique Sadaf , Khan Abdul Rehman
Published: October 2024

Manganese dioxide (MnO2) is a promising electrode material for supercapacitors due to its high theoretical specific capacitance. In this study, MnO2 particles were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method and subsequently coated onto silver, nickel, and aluminum foils via dip coating. The structural, morphological, and functional properties of the resulting MnO2 nanocomposites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT–IR). Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were employed to investigate the electrochemical performance of the coated metallic foils. The results demonstrated that MnO2/Ag foils exhibited the highest specific capacitance of 198 F g–1 at a scan rate of 0.25 A g−1, accompanied by excellent cycle stability (89% capacitance retention). This performance surpassed that of MnO2/Ni and MnO2/Al foils, which exhibited maximum specific capacitances of 150 and 101 F g−1, respectively. Additionally, MnO2/Ag foils displayed the highest charge storage capacity, as evidenced by EIS analysis, reaching 4000 Ω, nearly double that of MnO2/Ni and MnO2/Al foils. These findings highlight the potential of cost-effective and high-performance MnO2/Ag foils for widespread applications in energy storage devices such as electrochemical capacitors.

Graphical Abstract
Collagen fleece grafting for surgical treatment of patients with mild to severe peyronie’s curvatures
Authors: Garaz Radion , Amend Bastian , Stenzl Arnulf , Bedke Jens , Hennenlotter Jörg , Rochwarger Alexander , Schürch Christian M. , Tsaur Igor , Rausch Steffen
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Collagen fleece grafting (CFG) is the recommended treatment for severe Peyronie’s disease (PD) curvature (> 60°), but its efficacy in mild/moderate curvatures remains uncertain. This study evaluated CFG in patients with mild/moderate curvatures (< 60°) at risk of penile shortening or symptomatic plaque.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent surgical treatment for PD using plaque incision or partial plaque excision and CFG. Clinical parameters and complications were reviewed. Subgroup analysis was performed on patients with curvatures of > 60° and curvatures ≤ 60°.

Results

89 patients with a median age of 59 years and a median curvature of 70 (20–90)° were identified. Dorsal curvature was predominant in 66% of cases, followed by lateral (16%), ventral (8%), and complex curvatures (10%). Partial plaque excision was performed in 98% of patients, with an average grafting area of 2.1 cm2; 71% had a singular penile plaque, while 29% presented two or more plaques. The comparison between patients with curvatures ≤ 60° and > 60° revealed no significant differences in mean operation time (86.3 vs. 94.4 min, p = 0.13) or in the incidence of postoperative complications, including glans necrosis, hypoesthesia, ecchymosis, bleeding, hematoma, infection, residual curvature, revision surgery, or pain.

Conclusions

Early postoperative outcomes and complication rates following plaque incision or partial plaque excision and grafting with CFG were comparable in patients with mild/moderate and severe PD deformities. The technique may be a viable option with a similar risk profile for achieving penile straightening in selected PD cases, particularly when plication is not feasible.
Establishing a Comprehensive Hierarchical construct of Eustress (CHE)
Authors: Kloidt Juliane , Barsalou Lawrence W.
Published: October 2024

Eustress as a positive response to challenging situations has received increasing attention across diverse literatures, reflecting its potential to improve wellbeing, work performance, and personal growth. In the process, eustress has been defined, measured, and manipulated in myriad ways, leading to fragmentation and vagueness. Because a unified and well-specified construct would significantly support eustress research, we developed one here. Rather than basing it on our subjective views, we developed it empirically, extracting 57 unique features of eustress from 80 theoretical, interventional, empirical, and psychometric articles. Organizing and interpreting these 57 features produced a Comprehensive Hierarchical construct of Eustress (CHE). According to CHE, eustress emerges from three sources: (1) successful goal-directed action, (2) experiencing the moment in an enjoyable, fulfilling, or meaningful manner, and (3) positive stable qualities of the individual. Within each source, CHE establishes specific facets of eustress hierarchically, which in turn organize the 57 eustress features extracted initially. Bibliometric analyses identified CHE’s hierarchical elements addressed most often in the eustress literatures. Overall, these results suggest that eustress cannot be specified with a simple definition but should instead be viewed as a family resemblance structure having statistical properties. Rather than taking a single form, eustress manifests itself as diverse states during successful goal-directed action and fulfilling momentary experience. Regularly producing eustress in these manners likely establishes CHE’s trait-like qualities for generating eustress effectively on future occasions. Interestingly, these qualities overlap highly with well-established elements of wellbeing, suggesting that wellbeing contributes to eustress in challenging situations.
Local elimination in the traveling salesman problem
Authors: Cook William , Helsgaun Keld , Hougardy Stefan , Schroeder Rasmus T.
Published: October 2024

Hougardy and Schroeder (WG 2014) proposed a combinatorial technique for pruning the search space in the traveling salesman problem, establishing that, for a given instance, certain edges cannot be present in any optimal tour. We describe an implementation of their technique, employing an exact TSP solver to locate k-opt moves in the elimination process. In our computational study, we combine LP reduced-cost elimination together with the new combinatorial algorithm. We report results on a set of geometric instances, with the number of points n ranging from 3038 up to 115,475. The test set includes all TSPLIB instances having at least 3000 points, together with 250 randomly generated instances, each with 10,000 points, and three currently unsolved instances having 100,000 or more points. In all but two of the test instances, the complete-graph edge sets were reduced to under 3n edges. For the three large unsolved instances, repeated runs of the elimination process reduced the graphs to under 2.5n edges.
Adaptive approximation of persistent homology
Authors: Herick Maria , Joachim Michael , Vahrenhold Jan
Published: October 2024

We study an important preprocessing step for the efficient calculation of persistent homology: coarsening a set of points while controlling the quality of the induced persistence diagram. This coarsening step is instrumental in reducing the overall runtime of state-of-the-art algorithms such as Ripser, GUDHI, or PHAT. For this, we adaptively sparsify the set of points and carefully define a dissimilarity function between the remaining points. This function takes into account local properties given by a separate function defined on the point set as well as the relation of the removed points to the subsample. It is then used to build simplicial filtrations and calculate their persistent homology. We assess the quality of our approach both theoretically by proving topological approximation guarantees and empirically by using the bottleneck distance. Since our subsample is calculated adaptively, we also prove adaptive properties of our result. Our results show that we can significantly reduce the size of the point sample with only very moderate bottleneck distance to the ground truth; in particular, we still are able to capture the salient topological features of the input through our approximated persistence diagrams.
Hybrid intrusion detection models based on GWO optimized deep learning
Authors: Elsaid Shaimaa Ahmed , Shehab Esraa , Mattar Ahmed M. , Azar Ahmad Taher , Hameed Ibrahim A.
Published: October 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of network communication systems, the need for robust security measures has become paramount due to increased vulnerability to cyber threats. Traditional Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) face challenges in efficiently handling redundant features, leading to increased computational complexity. This research addresses these challenges by proposing two optimized IDSs leveraging Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) combined with deep learning (DL) models. The first system integrates Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) with GWO (GRU-GWO), while the second utilizes Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) with GWO (LSTM-GWO). These systems aim to enhance feature selection, reducing dimensionality and improving detection accuracy. The NSL-KDD and UNSW-NB15 datasets, representative of contemporary network environments, were employed to evaluate the proposed systems. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in intrusion detection accuracy and computational efficiency, underscoring the efficacy of the DL-GWO approach in enhancing network security. The first approach (GRU-GWO-FS) increased accuracy to 90% and 79% for anomaly and signature-based detection on the UNSW-NB15 dataset, compared to 80% and 77% with all features. The second approach (LSTM-GWO-FS) achieved 93% and 79%, compared to 82% and 77%. On the NSL-KDD dataset, GRU-GWO-FS improved accuracy to 94% and 92%, and LSTM-GWO-FS to 94% and 92% for anomaly and signature-based detection, respectively.
Tidal levels significantly change bacterial community composition in a tropical estuary during the dry season
Authors: Aguilar Pablo , Piyapong Chantima , Chamroensaksri Nitcha , Jintasaeranee Pachoenchoke , Sommaruga Ruben
Published: October 2024

Estuaries are usually characterized by strong spatial and temporal variability in water physicochemical conditions and are often largely affected by human activities. One important source of variability is caused by tides that can swiftly alter not only physicochemical conditions but also the abundance and composition of the biota. The effect of the diurnal tidal cycle on microbial community composition during different seasons remains uncertain, although this knowledge underlies having effective monitoring programs for water quality and potential identification of health risk conditions. In this study, we assessed the bacterioplankton community composition and diversity across four tidal water levels in a tropical estuary characterized by a mixed semidiurnal tide regime (i.e., two high and two low tides of varying amplitudes) during both dry and wet seasons. The bacterial community composition varied significantly among the four tidal levels, but only during the dry season, when the influence of the seawater intrusion was largest. Bacterial indicators’ taxa identified using the Indicator Value Index were found within Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria. The indicator taxon Cyanobium sp. had a prominent presence across multiple tidal levels. The main predicted phenotypes of the bacterial communities were associated with potential pathogenicity, gram-negative, and biofilm formation traits. While there were no marked predicted phenotypic differences between seasons, pathogenic and gram-negative traits were more prevalent in the dry season, while biofilm formation traits dominated in the wet season. Overall, our findings underscore the intricate relationship between river hydrodynamics and bacterial composition variability and hint a significant human impact on the water quality of the Bangpakong River.
An asymptomatic geminivirus activates autophagy and enhances plant defenses against diverse pathogens
Authors: Wang Li , Yu Zijie , Jiang Mengge , Tian Mengyuan , Zhou Hongsheng , Zhao Wanying , Andika Ida Bagus , Shang Qiaoxia , Sun Liying
Published: October 2024

Plant viral diseases cause great losses in agricultural production. Virus cross-protection is a strategy in which a mild virus is employed to shield plants against subsequent infections by severe viral strains. However, this approach is restricted to protection against the same viruses. In this study, we observed that pre-inoculation with apple geminivirus (AGV) reduced the accumulation of secondarily infected heterologous viruses, such as cucumber mosaic virus, potato virus X, and tobacco mosaic virus in Nicotiana benthamiana, tomato, and pepper plants. Transcriptional expression analysis showed that autophagy-related genes were transcriptionally up-regulated upon AGV inoculation at an early stage of infection. Accordingly, autophagic activity was observed to be elevated following AGV infection. Interestingly, AGV accumulation was reduced in autophagy-deficient plants, suggesting that autophagy activation promotes AGV infection in the plant. Moreover, pre-inoculation with AGV provided cross-protection against infection with a phytopathogenic bacterium (Pseudomonas syringae) and fungus (Botrytis cinerea) in Nicotiana species. In summary, our study showed that AGV, an asymptomatic virus, could protect plants against severe viral, fungal, and bacterial diseases to some extent through the activation of autophagy pathways, highlighting its potential as a biocontrol agent for managing a wide range of plant crop diseases in the field.
The Versatility of the Taguchi Method: Optimizing Experiments Across Diverse Disciplines
Authors: Hisam Mohammed Wamique , Dar Amir Ahmad , Elrasheed Mohammed Osman , Khan Mohammad Shahfaraz , Gera Rajat , Azad Imran
Published: October 2024

The Taguchi method, a robust experimental design technique, establishes a strong connection between input and output variables. Known for its capacity to yield precise results with fewer trials and minimized errors, this method has gained widespread application in various fields such as engineering, physics, chemistry, economics, finance, and more. In this paper, the authors examine the importance of the Taguchi orthogonal array method, its step-by-step optimization procedure, and its potential for future applications. Through a thorough literature review, the authors investigate how the Taguchi method has been effectively employed to identify key factors influencing response variables. The versatility of the Taguchi method becomes apparent when considering its applications across diverse disciplines. Researchers in engineering have successfully utilized this technique to optimize processes and enhance product quality. Furthermore, in scientific fields like physics and chemistry, the Taguchi method has proven invaluable for conducting experiments efficiently, resulting in more accurate and reproducible outcomes. Researchers gain critical insights into the effects of factors on the response variable by employing statistical tools such as mean analysis, variance analysis, and signal-to-noise ratio. The Taguchi method remains a valuable and broadly applicable tool for optimizing experiments and identifying influential factors across multiple disciplines. This paper’s extensive literature review emphasizes its significance in various fields and outlines the step-by-step procedure to leverage its potential for optimization.
Flood vulnerability map of the Bagmati River basin, Nepal: a comparative approach of the analytical hierarchy process and frequency ratio model
Authors: Malla Sushmita , Ohgushi Koichiro
Published: October 2024

The analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and frequency ratio model (FR), along with the integration of GIS, have proven to be successful approaches for assessing flood-prone areas. However, in Nepal flood vulnerability mapping based on GIS decision analysis is limited. Thus, this study focused on comparing the data-driven FR method and expert knowledge-based AHP technique in a GIS environment to prepare a flood vulnerability map for the Bagmati River basin, helping to explore the gap in flood vulnerability mapping methodologies and approaches. By combining all class-weighted contributing factors, like elevation, precipitation, flow accumulation, drainage density, soil, distance from the river, land use land cover, normalized difference vegetative index, slope and topographic wetness index, the study evaluated the efficiency of FR and AHP in assessing flood vulnerability maps. An inventory map of floods containing 107 flood points was created. Subsequently, the flood vulnerability maps generated using FR and AHP models revealed that 9.30% and 11.36% of regions were in highly vulnerable areas, respectively. Receiver operating characteristics validated the model outcomes, indicating that the FR model’s accuracy of 91% outperformed the AHP model’s 84% accuracy. The study findings will assist decision-makers in enacting sustainable management techniques to reduce future damage in the Bagmati basin.
Lanthanide detection by novel arylether based receptor with imine functional groups: synthetic, photophysical, electrochemical and computational elucidation
Authors: Sharma Rashmi , Mittal Susheel K. , Chhibber Manmohan
Published: October 2024

The present research discloses a novel chemical sensor (TEI) [1-((E)-(2-(3-(2-((E)-(2-hydroxynaphthalene-1-yl)methyleneamino)phenoxy)phenoxy)phenylimino)methyl)naphthalene-2-ol] for the detection of rare earth element cerium (III) in which spectrophotometric and voltametric sensor techniques were used with a versatile combination of ether and imine group. Various lanthanide ions were checked for the binding in a solution of TEI under identical conditions, including Ce(III), Dy(III), Ho(III), La(III), Sm(III), Eu(III), Gd(III), Tb(III), Er(III), Yb(III), Tm(III), Pr(III) and Nd(III). As observed in absorption studies, the enhancement of spectral intensity at 310 nm caused by Ce(III) was expected over other lanthanide ions. Cyclic and differential pulse voltammograms were also drawn for TEI receptor with and without Ce3+ ions With incremental addition of Ce3+ ions the anodic peak at 0.68 V oxygen gets completely diminished. Another anodic peak at 0.75 V which was due to complete oxidation of ether group and re-oxidation of reduced imine group, got reduced. In case of cathodic peak (due to reduction of imine group) at 0.6 V, there was hardly any decrease in current. This leads to the confirmation that there was no involvement of imine group in binding in the complex. Detection limit obtained by this sensor is 5 × 10–7 M without any interference which makes it a potent sensor for cerium detection.