bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FAM3A plays a key role in protecting against tubular cell pyroptosis and acute kidney injury
Authors: Zhou Lili , Li Xiaolong , Yuan Feifei , Tang Ying , Ai Jun , Miao Jinhua , Ye Wenting , Zhou Shan , Wu Qinyu , Wang Xiaoxu , Xu Dan , Li Jiemei , Huang Jiewu , Chen Qiurong , Shen Weiwei , Liu Youhua , Hou Fan Fan
Published: October 2023

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is in high prevalence worldwide, but with no therapeutic strategies. Targeting programmed cell death in tubular epithelial cells has been reported to improve a variety of AKI, but the main pathways and mechanisms of programmed cell death are controversial. In further analysis of previous single-cell RNA-seq data, we identified that pyroptosis was primarily responsible to AKI progression, highly relating with ATP depletion. Herein, we found that FAM3A, a mitochondrial protein responsible for ATP synthesis, was decreased and negatively correlated with tubular injury and pyroptosis in both mice and patients with AKI. Knockout of FAM3A further worsened tubular damage and renal function deterioration, increased macrophage and neutrophil infiltration, and facilitated tubular cell pyroptosis in ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) model. Conversely, FAM3A overexpression improved kidney injury and alleviated pyroptosis in IRI or cisplatin AKI. Mechanistically, FAM3A depletion suppressed PI3K/AKT/NRF2 signaling, thus leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and mt-ROS accumulation. NLRP3 inflammasome sensed the overloaded mt-ROS and activated Caspase-1. The activated Caspase-1 then cleaved GSDMD, pro-IL-1β, and pro-IL-18 into their mature forms to mediate pyroptosis. The pro-pyroptotic effects of FAM3A depletion were alleviated after treatment whit NRF2 activator, while the anti-pyroptotic function of FAM3A was blocked by deletion of NRF2. Hence, our study provides new mechanisms for AKI progression and demonstrated that FAM3A is a potential therapeutic target for treating AKI.
Impact of hepatitis B surface and core antibody levels on hepatitis B virus reactivation
Authors: Ohkubo Maki , Seo Emiko , Doki Kosuke , Suzuki Yoshiharu , Sekine Ikuo , Homma Masato
Published: October 2023

Hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBV-R) is a serious concern during cancer chemotherapy in patients with resolved HBV infection. We examined the levels of HBV surface (HBsAb) and core antibodies (HBcAb) to assess the incidence of HBV-R in patients with solid and hematopoietic cancers. Retrospective cohort study was conducted in 590 patients with resolved HBV infection. The patients consisted of solid (n = 466) and hematopoietic cancers (n = 124), including lymphoma receiving rituximab-containing chemotherapy. The incidenceof HBV-R was evaluated 761.5 (range, 4–3,898) days after the start of chemotherapy. Of 590 patients, 13 (2.2%) developed HBV-R after the start of chemotherapy. All HBV-R patients exhibited a lower HBsAb (<100 mIU/mL) at baseline. A higher HBcAb (≥100 C.O.I.) was identified as a risk factor for HBV-R,with an incidence of 9.6%. The simultaneous presence of HBsAb <100 mIU/mL and HBcAb ≥100 C.O.I. increased the risk of HBV-R by 18.5%. Patients treated with rituximab-containing chemotherapy had a higher risk of HBV-R (18.4%) despite having HBcAb <100 C.O.I. Our results indicate that baseline levels of HBsAb <100 mIU/mL and HBcAb ≥100 C.O.I are risk factors for HBV-R, except for the patients receiving chemotherapy containing rituximab.
Polymersomes Based on a Fumaric Copolymer as a Novel Drug Nanocarrier
Authors: Bada Romina , Molinuevo M. Silvina , Azcárate Julio C. , Cortizo M. Susana , Peruzzo Pablo
Published: October 2023

There is great interest in the development of nanoparticles as new platforms for the transport and release of drugs that present drawbacks for their direct administration into the body. In this work we developed a platform for bisphosphonates encapsulation based on polymersomes. Polymersomes were obtained by self-assembly of a new triblock amphiphilic copolymer based on polyethylene glycol (PEG) as hydrophilic block, and a statistical copolymer of vinyl benzoate (VB) and diisopropyl fumarate (DIPF) as hydrophobic block. The copolymer was synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT). The obtained amphiphilic polymer presented a weight fraction of hydrophilic block (f) of 30, appropriate for the formation of vesicles by self-assembly. Using the solvent injection method, we obtained vesicles of around 54 nm with a Z-average hydrodynamic diameter of 163 nm. The nanoparticles were smaller and with narrow size distribution than particles formed by the counterpart copolymer without DIPF. In order to evaluate the potential of these copolymers as a vehicle for bisphosphonates, risedronate loaded polymersomes were prepared. The obtained particles showed a similar size to their uncharged analogues, with a content of 12 ± 2 mg of risedronate per g of polymer, determined by HPLC. Cell viability and cytotoxicity were evaluated using murine monocyte-macrophage RAW264.7 cells. The empty or risedronate-loaded nanoparticles did not affect cell proliferation, viability and nitric oxide production at the tested concentrations.
Impact of Power Outages Depends on Who Loses It: Equity-Informed Grid Resilience Planning
Authors: Tutay Gizem Toplu , Kutanoglu Erhan , Hasenbein John
Published: October 2023

This research presents a novel approach for enhancing power grid resilience with a focus on social equity in light of increasing natural disasters. Utilizing a two-stage stochastic optimization model for flood mitigation investments, we optimize substation hardening and power flow decisions to minimize the weighted combination of expected load shed and expected equity metric. Our method uniquely approximates community power outages stemming from transmission grid disruptions, sidestepping the complexities of the distribution grid, and it incorporates two equity metrics (affected population and duration of loss) to address the uneven postdisaster well-being loss across communities. Our approach's novelty lies in integrating this equity-informed resilience model with realistic flood scenario generation and utilizing a large-scale synthetic but a realistic power grid of Texas. The findings highlight the importance of the composite objective function in altering power flow decisions to prioritize electricity provision and save communities in disadvantaged areas even without investing in substation hardening. The results also quantify the equity and load shed benefits of substation hardening as a function of the investment budget with a parameterized analysis. With an attention to equity, power outages increase in nonvulnerable communities — a trade-off made to mitigate well-being loss in the most vulnerable areas. We further explore a justice model inspired by the government's Justice40 initiative but find it less effective than our equity-informed models at preventing well-being loss. Our research, enriched by a comprehensive sensitivity analysis, offers valuable insights for policymakers, grid operators, and utilities aiming for a more resilient and equitable power grid.
Effects of rooftop solar on household energy burden in the United States
Authors: Forrester Sydney , Montañes Cristina Crespo , O’Shaughnessy Eric , Barbose Galen
Published: October 2023

Policymakers at the federal and state level have begun to incorporate energy burden into equity goals and program evaluations, aiming to reduce energy burden below a “high” level of 6% for lower income households. Pairing an empirical household-level dataset spanning U.S. geographies together with modeled hourly energy demand curves, we show that rooftop solar reduces energy burden across a majority of adopters from a median of 3.3–2.7%. For low- and moderate-income adopters, solar reduced median energy burden from 7.7–6.4%, and from 4.1–3.4%, respectively. Importantly, solar reduced the rate of high or severe energy burden from 67% of all low-income households before adoption to 54% of households following adoption, and correspondingly from 21–14% for moderate-income households. Overall, rooftop solar can support state and federal goals to reduce energy burden along with other strategies such as weatherization and bill assistance.
Effect of Glucose Variability on the Mortality of the Very Old People During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Salinero-Fort Miguel A. , Andres-Rebollo F. Javier Sam , Cárdenas-Valladolid Juan , Mostaza José , Lahoz Carlos , Rodriguez-Artalejo Fernando , Gómez-Campelo Paloma , Vich-Pérez Pilar , Jiménez-García Rodrigo , Miguel-Yanes José M. , Maroto-Rodríguez J , Iriarte-Campo Víctor
Published: October 2023

Background
To our knowledge, only one study has examined the association between glucose variability (GV) and mortality in the elderly population with diabetes. GV was assessed by HbA1c, and a J-shaped curve was observed in the relationship between HbA1c thresholds and mortality. No study of GV was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdown. This study aims to evaluate whether GV is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients aged 75 years or older with and without COVID-19 who were followed during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdown measures.
Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study of 407,492 patients from the AGED-MADRID dataset aged 75 years and older; 63.2% were women, and 29.3% had diabetes. GV was measured by the coefficient of variation of fasting plasma glucose (CV-FPG) over 6 years of follow-up (2015–2020). The outcome measure was all-cause mortality in 2020. Four models of logistic regression were performed, from simple (age, sex) to fully adjusted, to assess the effect of CV-FPG on all-cause mortality.
Results
During follow-up, 34,925 patients died (14,999 women and 19,926 men), with an all-cause mortality rate of 822.3 per 10,000 person-years (95% confidence interval (CI), 813.7 to 822.3) (739 per 10,000; 95% CI 728.7 to 739.0 in women and 967.1 per 10,000; 95% CI 951.7 to 967.2 in men). The highest quartile of CV-FPG was significantly more common in the deceased group (40.1% vs. 23.6%; p < 0.001). The fully adjusted model, including basal FPG, showed an odds ratio for mortality that ranged from 2.48 to 2.88 according to different sensitivity analyses.
Conclusions
GV has clear implications for clinical practice, as its assessment as a risk prediction tool should be included in the routine follow-up of the elderly and in a comprehensive geriatric assessment. Electronic health records can incorporate tools that allow its calculation, and with this information, clinicians will have a broader view of the medium- and long-term prognosis of their patients.
Experimental and numerical simulation of catalyst deactivation caused by transient turbulence in gradient flow field
Authors: Li Yaode , Qiao Mingshuai , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: October 2023

In SCR system, the velocity of flue gas field varies with the load, forming a gradient flow field. The characteristics of gradient flow field have important influence on the physical deactivation of catalyst. Through CFD simulation in this paper, it was found that the relative standard coefficients of flow field with characteristic flow velocity were 10.03%, 12.48% and 14.37% respectively. The uniformity of flow field deteriorated with the increase of flow velocity, and the alternating flow field was more likely to scour, wear and block the catalyst channel, leading to its inactivation. This conclusion is also confirmed by the test data obtained from the measuring points installed in various parts of the system. Through LES simulation, it is found that alternating flow field will generate transient turbulent vortices in the system, and with the increase of velocity, the number and distribution range of transient turbulent vortices increase rapidly. In the low-speed flow field, the flow field at the inlet Angle of the flue is disordered, and the velocity varies from 2.42m /s to 8.14m /s. At the corner of flue gas outlet, the flow velocity also varies between 4.86 m/s and 9.03 m/s, but there is laminar flow near the wall. The transient vortices are triggered by the laminar stripping mechanism near the wall. In high velocity flow field, the number of turbulent vortices increases sharply, especially on the surface of the first layer catalyst, which has a great influence on its activity. The triggering mechanism of turbulent vortices also changes. At this time, with the increase of the shear force of the flue gas jet, the turbulent vortex is mainly triggered in the shear jet.
Assessment of prognostic model performance in the presence of competing risks using a cause-specific hazards approach
Authors: Mozumder Sarwar , Booth Sarah , Riley Richard D , Rutherford Mark J , Lambert Paul C
Published: October 2023

Background: Calibration is assessed on absolute risks to determine the agreement between predicted risks from the model and the observed risks. For competing risks data, correct specification of more than one model may be required to ensure well-calibrated predicted risks for the event of interest. Furthermore, interest may be in the predicted risks of the event of interest, competing events and all-causes. Therefore, calibration must be assessed simultaneously using various measures.
Methods: In this paper, we focus on the development of prediction models using the cause-specific hazards approach. We propose that miscalibration for cause-specific hazards models is assessed using net probabilities of each event alongside the assessment of calibration of the cause-specific cumulative incidence functions. We simulated a range of scenarios to illustrate how to identify which model(s) is mis-specified, both in an internal and external validation setting. Calibration plots are presented alongside performance measures such as the Brier Score and Index of Prediction Accuracy. We propose using pseudo-values to calculate observed risks and we generate a smooth calibration curve with restricted cubic splines. We fitted flexible parametric survival models to the simulated data in order to flexibly estimate baseline cause-specific hazards for prediction of individual risk.
Results: Our simulations illustrate that miscalibration due to a mis-specified covariate functional form in the prediction model, or changes in the baseline cause-specific hazards in external validation data are better identified using net probabilities of death. A mis-calibrated model on one cause, could lead to poor calibration on predicted risks for each cause of interest, including the all-cause absolute risk. This is because prediction of a single cause-specific absolute risk is impacted by effects of variables on the cause of interest and competing events.
Conclusions: If accurate predictions for both all-cause and each cause-specific absolute risk are of interest, this is best achieved by developing and validating models via the cause-specific hazards approach. For each cause-specific model, researchers should evaluate calibration plots on net probabilities for each event to reveal the cause of any miscalibration. Pseudo-values are also proposed as a means to obtain observed individual risk and smoothed calibration curves.
A practical method for determining the dead time in a single-photon avalanche diode with a weak laser beam
Authors: Rahmanpour Mahdi , Erfanian AliReza , Afifi Ahmad , Khaje Mahdi , Fahimifar MohammadHossein
Published: October 2023

Dead time refers to a time in which the single photon detector cannot detect a new photon due to the effects caused by the incoming photon detection and the reset process. Due to the importance of dead time in limiting the detection frequency of single photon avalanche detectors and limiting the exchange rate in various systems, such as quantum key distribution, measuring this characteristic in single photon detectors is essential. In the proposed method of this research, A weak continuous laser beam can use to determine the dead time. An FPGA chip is proposed to measure the dead time in single photon detectors. The suggested FPGA model XC3S400 belongs to the Spartan family of Xilinx company.
Aneurysmatic Patient Presenting with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Role of Multimodality Imaging in Emergency Setting – a Case Report
Authors: Fikri Yusuf Ananda , Mulia Eka Prasetya Budi , Nugroho Faris Wahyu
Published: October 2023

Background: Aortic dissection with concurrent ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) is rarely reported. As the proportion of myocardial infarction is higher in the emergency setting compared to aortic dissection, the diagnosis of aortic dissection may be overlooked, and it can be potentially fatal. By using bedside available information, detailed history taking and multimodality imaging in the emergency setting, it is possible to avoid a mistaken diagnosis. Here we present a case of aortic aneurysm presenting with anterior STEMI.
Case Presentation: A 79-year-old woman was admitted to our emergency department with decreased consciousness. Shortly before the patient went unconscious, she had a short episode of dyspnea. Her ECG showed marked ST elevation in the anterior leads. However, her chest radiograph revealed mediastinal widening and a prominent aortic knob. Due to suspicion of aortic dissection from the chest radiograph and loss of consciousness, which may be a sign of malperfusion syndrome of aortic dissection, bedside handheld echocardiography was then performed. It revealed hypokinesis of anterior and anteroseptal walls, pericardial effusion, and dilated aortic root to ascending aorta with severe aortic regurgitation. The presence intimal flap can not be clearly excluded. Based on her imaging and clinical findings, aortic dissection was suspected and thrombolysis was postponed. The patient proceeded to undergo triple-rule-out computed tomography, from which the finding of ascending aortic aneurysm was noted, along with multiple stenosis of LAD (moderate-to-severe) and LCx (moderate), and there was no presence of false lumen.
Conclusion: Acute aortic dissection should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with symptoms suggesting acute coronary syndrome. A suspected case of acute aortic dissection should necessitate further imaging studies. Therefore, multimodality imaging plays a vital role in the emergency setting, as it may avoid fatal consequences of misdiagnosis and mistreatment.
In vitro modulation of mTOR and mGlur5 influence α-synuclein accumulation.
Authors: Xing Viktoria , Biggar Kyle , Ferguson Stephen S. G. , Hayley Shawn
Published: October 2023

One of the main hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is abnormal alpha-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation which forms the main component of intracellular Lewy body inclusions. This short report used α-syn fibrils, as well as an A53T mutant α-syn adenovirus to mimic conditions of pathological protein aggregation in dopaminergic human derived SH-SY5Y neural cells. Since there is evidence that the mTOR pathway and glutamatergic signaling each influence protein aggregation, we also assessed the impact of the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin and the mGluR5 allosteric modulator, CTEP. We found that both rapamycin and CTEP induced a significant reduction of α-syn fibrils in SH-SY5Y cells and this effect was associated with a reduction in mTOR signaling pathway factors (consistent with enhanced autophagic activity). These data support the possibility that CTEP (or rapamycin) might be a useful pharmacological approach to target abnormal α-syn accumulation by promoting intracellular degradation or enhanced clearance.
Research on hydro-pressing of aluminum alloy double cavity profile components
Authors: Han Cong , Wang Yejie , Zhuang Yongpeng
Published: October 2023

In this paper, double-cavity profiles with variable cross-section characteristics formed by hydro-pressing are studied. The hydro-pressing forming law of aluminum alloy double-cavity profiles is investigated by numerical simulation and experimental methods, and the effects of process parameters on corner filling, height and width dimensions, flatness of rib plate and wall thickness distribution are analyzed. The results show that the lower corner radius of the middle section increases first and then decreases with the increase of the supporting pressure. The upper corner radius of the middle section and the upper and lower corner radius near the two ends of the section increase with the increase of the supporting pressure. With the increase of the clamping force, the size deviation of the component height decreases and the size deviation of the width increases. The double-cavity profiles formed under pressure within 0.25ps had the worst flatness of the rib plate. The use of teflon as lubricant has the best effect on the improvement of thickness distribution. The component with good dimensional accuracy and wall thickness distribution can be formed by using 0.5ps supporting pressure and teflon lubricant. The forming characteristics of double-cavity profiles are summarized, which provides reference for the selection of actual production process parameters.
Effect of iron deficiency anemia on hemoglobin A1c levels in diabetic and non- diabetic pregnant women
Authors: Firat Aysun , Katlan Doruk Cevdi , Uzunay Nebahat
Published: October 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Comparing the performance of Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm in allocating and scheduling fire stations for dispatching forces to a fire/accident (A Case study: the Region 19, Tehran, Iran)
Authors: Kheirdast Afrasyab , Jozi Seyed Ali , Rezaian Sahar , Tehrani Mahnaz Mirza Ebrahim
Published: October 2023

Considering the importance of "time" in the process of dispatching forces to reach the fire or accident site, GA or PSO models can be used as artificial intelligence alternatives. Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm (PSOA) models can be used. This research shows which of these two models is more appropriate in this case study. With the hypothesis that GA and PSOA have positive effects on the allocation and scheduling of the stations, this research seeks to compare them in order to find which one of these two methods is more appropriate to shorten the time to reach fire/incident site in the Region 19 of Tehran. This is an applied type of research. Data analysis was carried out using NFPA standards and MATLAB software. The statistical population includes 8 fire stations and 250 personnel of the stations selected in a simple way, and the sampling volume was obtained using Morgan's table (n = 148). At first, the algorithm of dispatching forces to reach the site of fire/incident was designed and implemented based on PSOA, GA and the time to response the incident according to NFPA1720 standards. After writing the assumptions of the problem and running the mathematical model from nonlinear to linear, the data was entered into the MATLAB software, and finally by comparing the performance improvement of PSOA and GA, appropriate results were obtained. In order to efficiently assign and schedule fire stations to arrive at the site, a linear numerical programming model was presented with the aim of minimizing the arrival time and taking into account the effect of firemen's fatigue (α = 0.1). The findings of the research showed that the operation processing time (of fire extinguishing) had a normal distribution with a mean of 40 minutes and a variance of 10 minutes, independent of the severity of the incident. Also, fatigue coefficient was calculated 0.1 by analyzing the sensitivity of the solution time of the algorithm with changes [0–1]. The initial standard travel time, with an average speed of 47 km/h and a density factor of 1.24, was 5min:20s. Solving the problem in large and small dimensions showed that the initial power effect of each fire station is 0.36 according to the fatigue level of the forces. Based on the obtained results, GA performs better in terms of problem solution time, and the improved PSOA also has higher quality answers.
Measuring Effectiveness of Treatments in Rare Disorders, Evidence from Clinical Trials in Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Steenbergen Adam V. , Minhas Amrita , Lin Tony , Kaur Manpreet , Bolduc Francois V.
Published: October 2023

Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the leading cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It results from mutations of the FMR1 gene and the subsequent loss of Fragile X mental disorder 1 protein (FMRP). FXS has been the focus of intense preclinical research leading to several clinical trials. Effect sizes compare the effectiveness of treatments for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as FXS. This paper reviews effect sizes of different drug treatments in clinical trials for FXS to understand potential issues with the designs of current trials which could affect efficacy detectability. We searched for "Fragile X Syndrome" query in PubMed and filtered the clinical trials and downloaded the list of all publication IDs. PubMed's API was then utilized to collect the abstract's content into a spreadsheet. Studies were narrowed down to those with sufficient statistics data to calculate effect size relative to placebo. Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials for arbaclofen and one trial for L-acetylcarnitine reported large effect sizes. No significant findings were present between placebo and treatment groups. Studies without a placebo group reported larger treatment effect sizes. Small sample sizes, scarcity of studies, and outcome measures based on caregiver reports prevented us from drawing conclusions.
In-situ multicore fibre-based pH mapping through obstacles in integrated microfluidic devices
Authors: Chandrasekharan Harikumar K. , Wlodarczyk Krystian L. , MacPherson William N. , Maroto-Valer M. Mercedes
Published: October 2023

Microfluidic systems with integrated sensors are ideal platforms to study and emulate processes such as complex multiphase flow and reactive transport in porous media, numerical modeling of bulk systems in medicine, and in engineering. Existing commercial optical fibre sensing systems used in integrated microfluidic devices are based on single-core fibres, limiting the spatial resolution in parameter measurements in such application scenarios. Here, we propose a multicore fibre-based pH system for in-situ pH mapping with tens of micrometer spatial resolution in microfluidic devices. The demonstration uses custom laser-manufactured glass microfluidic devices (called further micromodels) consisting of two round ports. The micromodels comprise two lintels for the injection of various pH buffers and an outlet. The two-port system facilitates the injection of various pH solutions using independent pressure pumps. The multicore fibre imaging system provides spatial information about the pH environment from the intensity distribution of fluorescence emission from the sensor attached to the fibre end facet, making use of the cores in the fibre as independent measurement channels. As proof-of-concept, we performed pH measurements in micromodels through obstacles (glass and rock beads), showing that the particle features can be clearly distinguishable from the intensity distribution from the fibre sensor.
Assessing the Impact of Mineral Based Nutrient Sources and Nano-Fertilizers on Root Growth, Soil Health, and Nutrient Availability in Wheat Crop
Authors: Jayara Alok Singh , Kumar Rajeew , Singh Ajay Veer , Shukla Anil , Pandey Priyanka , Bhatt Manoj , Singh Narendra Kumar , Singh Ajeet Pratap
Published: October 2023

Aim
Utilizing mineral based nutrient source (IMBP) in tandem with nano fertilizers can promote nutrient release and soil microbiological parameters.
Methods
Developing IMBP by incubation of minerals with organic matter which along with nanofertilizers were evaluated under field conditions in comparison to recommended fertilizers. Experiment laid out in strip plot with three horizontal factors (Recommended P & K; IMBP + Nano DAP; IMBP + Nano K) and four vertical factors (Control; 3 sprays of Nano urea only; Basal+ 2 sprays of nano urea; Recommended dose of nitrogen).
Results
IMBP was multinutrient source. Root length density, roost surface area density and root dry weight were 20-21%, 14-19% and 25-29% higher, respectively with IMBP and nano fertilizers compared to recommended P & K, and with RDN. Significant population of bacteria (73-74 ×105 CFU/g soil), and actinomycetes (49.7-49.8 ×105 CFU/g soil), dehydrogenase, alkaline and acid phosphatase activity were reported with IMBP + nanofertilizers. Higher values of microbial population, and enzyme activity were reported with basal + 2 sprays of nano urea, at par with RDN. Available nitrogen (245-246 kg/ ha), sulphur (16.3 kg/ ha) and silicon (71-78 mg/ kg soil) after harvest recorded significantly higher values for the IMBP, whereas phosphorus and potassium was comparatively higher where their nano forms were applied. These values were significantly higher for RDN, except available silicon which was highest for control.
Conclusion
The results indicate that mineral based products along with nano fertilizers can replace the existing recommended dose of fertilizers through synthetic fertilizers.
STAT3 combined with Y27632 to treat glaucoma by promoting axon growth of Müller differentiated retina ganglion cells
Authors: Zhang Wulong , Wang Yujue , Feng Lemeng , Zhang Cheng , Zhu Weiming , Li Xin , He Ye , Song weitao
Published: October 2023

Müller differentiated RGCs have potential therapeutic value for glaucoma. However, axonal regeneration of differentiated RGCs has been a difficult problem. Retinal stem cells were differenticated from rat retinal Müller cells. The stem cells were randomly divided into five groups (control group, AAV-STAT3 group, shSTAT3 group, Y27632 group and AAV-STAT3 + Y27632 group). Stem cells in different groups were injected into rat model of glaucoma. The length of axon regeneration in STAT3 combined with Y27632 group was significantly longer than that in other experimental groups. The AAV-STAT3 transfected RGCs treated with Y27632 significantly increased the mRNA levels of Esrrb, Prdm14, Sox2, and Rex1, while decreasing the mRNA levels of Nestin, Eomes, Mixl1, and Gata4. Meanwhile, Socs3, Pten, Klf9, and Mdm4 were significantly lowered, while Dclk2, Armcx1, C-MYC, and Nrn1 were elevated. After injecting differentiated RGCs into the glaucoma model rat eyes, the axon length, RGC layer thickness and the electrophysiology were superior to the glaucoma model group. These findings suggested that STAT3 combined with Y27632 can significantly improve the axonal growth level of Müller differentiated RGCs, and reveal the potential mechanism to induce pluripotency of RGCs.
Enhanced activity of Trichoderma asperellum introduced in solarized soil and its implications on the integrated control of strawberry-black root rot
Authors: Elshahawy Ibrahim , Saied Nehal , Abd-El-Kareem Farid , Abd-Elgawad Mahfouz
Published: October 2023

An effective method for maintaining the activity and longevity of microorganisms in adverse conditions is microencapsulation. In the present study, synthetic alginate pellets were developed as carriers for the biocontrol agent Trichoderma asperellum. In two field experiments, solarization was applied for three weeks to loamy clay soil that was naturally infested with strawberry-black root rot fungi (Fusarium solani, Rhizoctonia solani, and Machrophomina phaseolina). Following solarization, T. asperellum-based alginate pellets and/or spore suspension based- T. asperellum were added to the soil. Data reveal that,three weeks solarization of irrigated soil increased its maximum temperature reached by 11–14.2°C (1–10 cm depth), 11.6–13.1°C (11–20 cm depth) and 10.1-12.2°C (21–30 cm depth). In either trial, solarization also successfully lowers the vitality of strawberry-black root rot fungi directly after the solarization phase. When compared to controls, strawberry-black root rot was substantially less common in solarized plots. In two field trials, soil solarization followed by inoculation with alginate pellets based on T. asperellum led to the greatest reductions in black root rot incidence (59.3 and 74.1%) and severity (72.5 and 75.2%), as compared to un-solarized control plots. In two field studies, this treatment dramatically boosted the activity of defensive enzymes (peroxidase and chitinase) and strawberry yield (60.5 and 60.0%, respectively), when compared to non-solarized control plots. In two field studies, the rhizosphere population of native Trichoderma spp. developed more in solarized soils after the application of alginate pellets based on T. asperellum (86.5 and 83.6%, respectively), compared to the un-solarized control.
Antagonistic potential of Trichoderma strains isolated from Musa paradisiaca cv. Malnad Rasbale grown farmyards against Foc race 4 pathogen.
Authors: Sadarahalli Ullas Prasanna , Venkatarangaiah Krishna
Published: October 2023

Foc race 4 is a causative pathogen for Panama wilt disease of Musa Paradisiaca cv. Malnad Rasbale. The cost-effective measure to control rather than the usage of agrochemicals is still not available for this cultivar. Trichoderma strains act as an antagonistic agent against different phytopathogenic fungi, including many pathogenic races of Panama wilt-causing pathogens. An attempt has been made to recognize the mode of action of this antagonistic agent in in-vitro conditions, interaction between six Trichoderma strains and Foc race 4 was first investigated by dual plate culture method on PDA medium. This study revealed the potential of native strain KUVKU-TH02 for the biological control of Foc race 4 pathogen affected Malnad Rasbale cultivar in in-vivo conditions rather than native isolates KUVKU-TH01, KUVKU-TV01, and KUVKU-TV02. Observations revealed the lysis of hyphal ends in inhibited colonies of the fungal pathogen. Pure culture of isolated fungal strains incubated on Potato dextrose broth made a path to isolate DNA for identification and molecular characterization studies. Upon DNA sequencing native isolates sequences were deposited to NCBI genebank to gain accession IDs. The phylogenetic tree built showed the evolutionary relationship between the isolates and also the potency of native biocontrol isolates against procured isolates.
Self-assembly P(St-BA-MAA)@PGA-Fe 3+ photonic composites ink on cotton fabric for non-iridescent structure color
Authors: Qi Zhichuang , Chen Jingshan , Huang Zhangmi , Hu Chunyan , Liu Baojiang
Published: October 2023

Vat dyeing is the mainstream process of cotton fabric dyeing at present, but the high toxicity of the reducing agent and the high cost of dyeing waste liquid treatment make the process no longer meet the requirements of green and sustainable development of society. The photonic crystal structure color, which is made of nanoscale colloidal microspheres arranged in an orderly manner as structural units, is expected to be a new printing and dyeing technology, that provides a new way of thinking for dyeing cotton fabrics. However, the practical applications of photonic crystal structural colors on textile fabrics are hampered by their inadequate stability, muted color saturation, and weak mechanical properties. In this study, P(St-BA-MAA) nanospheres with a hard-core-soft-shell structure were prepared by soapless emulsion polymerization, and then P(St-BA-MAA)@PGA-Fe3+ photonic composite inks were prepared by forming a dark-colored coating film on the surface of the microspheres through the complexation of gallic acid with Fe3+. It was found that the performance of the prepared P(St-BA-MAA)@PGA-Fe3+ photonic composite ink was stable, and the dark metallic-polyphenol network film enabled the formation of vibrant non-iridescent structured colors on cotton fabrics, the soft shell of the seeded microspheres also significantly improved the adhesion between the ink and the fabrics, and the structural color fastness was greatly improved compared with the PS microspheres. The preparation of this photonic composite ink is facile, low-cost, and produces a bright color, providing practical value for the development of textile products that construct structural color effects on textile substrates.
Unveiling the petrogenesis of alkaline silicate rocks at the Sevattur Carbonatite Complex, India
Authors: Shinde Swastik D. , Dey Monojit , Bhattacharjee Sourav , Pandey Rohit , Rao Nittala V. Chalapathi , Mukherjee Sneha , Sorcar Nilanjana , Joshi Kumar B. , Pal Supratim , Chakrabarty Aniket
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the evolution of alkaline silicate rocks in the Southeast of the Sevattur Carbonatite Complex, intruding granite gneiss country rock. These rocks include monzodiorite, monzonite, syenite, albitite, and granite, alongside ultramafic enclaves known as pyroxene hornblendite. The present work unveils the intricate fractional crystallization processes within an alkali-rich basaltic magma system supported by mineralogical and geochemical studies. Mafic minerals such as diopside, pargasite, interstitial magnetite, and ilmenite indicate early cumulate textures forming at high temperatures. Amphibole and diopside alongside apatite inclusions suggest the presence of alkalis, fluorine, phosphorus and H2O in the primary magma. A coherent mineralogical and geochemical continuum from pyroxene hornblendite to monzodiorite, monzonite, and syenite with decreasing temperatures indicates fractional crystallization from a common primary magma. Furthermore, the absence of chilled margins and distinct boundaries dismisses a xenolithic origin for pyroxene hornblendite. The formation of granite, likely occurring during late-magmatic to hydrothermal stages, is characterized by K-feldspar, albite, and quartz, with clinozoisite and chlorite. Albitite occurrences as pegmatitic veins in syenite monzonite with shared geochemical traits with syenite and monzonite, suggesting a late-stage derivation from a common magma. Notably, these rocks lack the characteristic alkali-rich mineral assemblages, dispelling the notion of fenitization.
Single nucleotide polymorphism SNP19140160 A>C is a potential breeding locus for fast-growth largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)
Authors: Hua Jixiang , Zhong Chunyi , Chen Wenhua , Fu Jianjun , Wang Qingchun , Zhu Geyan , Li Yan , Tao Yifan , Zhang Maoyou , Dong Yalun , Lu Siqi , Liu Wenting , Qiang Jun
Published: October 2023

Background
Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) has significant economic value as a high-yielding fish species in China’s freshwater aquaculture industry. Determining the major genes related to growth traits and identifying molecular markers associated with these traits serve as the foundation for breeding strategies involving gene pyramiding. In this study, using restriction-site associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) data to identify single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci potentially associated with extreme growth differences between fast-growth and slow-growth groups in the F1 generation of a largemouth bass population.
Results
We subsequently identified associations between these loci and specific candidate genes related to four key growth traits (body weight, body length, body height, and body thickness) based on SNP genotyping. In total, 4,196,486 high-quality SNPs were distributed across 23 chromosomes. Using a population-specific genotype frequency threshold of 0.7, we identified 30 potential SNPs associated with growth traits. Among the 30 SNPs, three SNPs (SNP9639603, SNP9639605, and SNP23355498) were significantly correlated with one trait, body length, in the F1 generation, and one SNP (SNP19140160) was significantly linked with four traits (body weight, height, length, and thickness) in the F1 generation. Two potential genes were identified at the loci of the related markers, with fam174b being closely linked with growth, development, and feeding. The average body weight of the group with four dominant genotypes at these SNP loci in the F1 generation population (703.86 g) was 19.63% higher than that of the group without dominant genotypes at these loci (588.36 g).
Conclusions
Thus, these four markers could be used to construct a population with dominant genotypes at loci related to fast growth. These findings demonstrate how markers can be used to identify genes related to fast growth, and will be useful for molecular marker-assisted selection breeding of high-quality largemouth bass.
Protective effects of vacuum sealing techniques on intracranial drainage-associated infections
Authors: Yuan Xuhui , Hou Xianzeng , Qi Jianfeng , Liu Zexiang , Wang Xu , Wang Jianjun , Zhou Peng
Published: October 2023

Background. External craniocerebral drain (ECD)-associated intracranial infections have high incidence rates in neurological intensive care patients. At present, it has been reported in the literature that the infection rate associated with external ventricular drainage (EVD) ranges between 1% and 40%. The incidence of ECD infections is higher than that of EVD-related infections. We sought to determine whether the infection rate associated with vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) would be lower than that associated with standard traditional dressings. This retrospective analysis compared the differences in the infection rates between the two techniques.
Methods. A total of 202 patients (aged 18-85 years, mean 60.7 years) were included in the final analysis. We compared the intracranial infection rates between 121 patients with standard conventional dressings and 81 patients with VSD by testing their cerebrospinal fluid.
Results. The intracranial infection rate was 15.45% in the traditional standard dressing group and 1.38% in the VSD group. The onset time of intracranial infection was the highest on days 4 and 5, with 6 cases each.
Conclusions. Compared with the conventionaltreatment of ECD-related wounds, the application of VSD to ECD wounds provides superior protection from the development of ECD-related infections. In this small contemporary series of patients, the infection rate following VSD placement according to one protocol was 1.38%.
Investigation of Phytochemical and Enzymatic Characteristics of Quinoa in an Intercropping Production System with Maize in Response to Mycorrhiza and Phosphorus Fertilizer
Authors: Rostami Tayebe , Abbasdokht Hamid , Makarian Hassan , Gholipoor Manouchehr , karimzadehasl khalil
Published: October 2023

Using bio-fertilizers such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in mixed cropping systems is a new sustainable method for improving crop growth and phytochemical product. Two location field experiments were performed to evaluate the effects of three levels of phosphorus fertilizer: control, 50 kg ha-1, and 100 kg ha-1, and Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi at two levels: M1 (no mycorrhiza) and M2 (use of mycorrhiza) on total phenolic, tannin, flavonoids, saponin compounds, The amount of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POX, SOD), and phytic acid of quinoa in intercropping with maize. Different cropping ratios included quinoa mono culture and replacement intercrop ratios of 50:50, 75:25, and 25:75 (maize: quinoa). The results showed the treatments used significantly affected the biochemical traits of tannin, saponin, total phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity, and phytic acid in quinoa. According to our results, the quinoa phytochemical traits were affected by experimental treatments and increased significantly in intercropping patterns after applying phosphorus fertilizer and AMF. The highest amounts of flavonoids (66.80 mggr-1), TPC (40.57 mggr-1), tannin (0.49 mggr-1), saponin (14.2 mg of saponin per gram of dry feed), antioxidant activity (79.85%), and phytic acid (3.8%) of quinoa were achieved in a 50:50 intercropping ratio by use of AMF. In general, use of AMF in a cropping ratio of 50/50 proposed to approach for phytochemical characteristics such as phenolic component and antioxidant activity and phytic acid and reducing harmful compounds such as saponin in quinoa under the use of 50 kg ha-1 phosphorus fertilizer.
Bridging the gap in harm reduction using Mobile Overdose Response Services (MORS) in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.
Authors: Seo Boogyung , Rioux William , Rider Nathan , Teare Adrian , Jones Stephanie , Taplay Pamela , Ghosh S. Monty
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a myriad of challenges for accessing healthcare services, especially for people who use substances (PWUS). Numerous supervised consumption sites (SCS) across Canada faced shutdowns and reduced operating capacity in order to comply with public health measures, which has exacerbated the mortality rates associated with opioid toxicity. In an effort to reduce the harms associated with these dual public health crises, Mobile Overdose Response Services (MORS) were introduced to allow PWUS to consume substances under virtual supervision. Here, we examine the role of MORS in the context of the pandemic. A total of 59 semi-structured interviews were conducted with relevant interest groups, including PWUS, health care providers, harm reduction workers, and operational experts. Major themes and subthemes were identified using inductive thematic analysis informed by grounded theory. Overall, participants felt that the COVID-19 pandemic shifted the public focus away from harm reduction and neglected the needs of PWUS. MORS were regarded as a useful tool to mitigate the closure/reduced capacity of physical SCS, prevent the transmission of COVID-19, and help alleviate the prevailing sense of isolation during public health crises. MORS were seen as a useful and much-necessary adjunct service to address the unmet needs of physical SCS during the pandemic and beyond.
Strength and Stiffness Forecasting of mechanically altered Black Cotton Soil and Red Soil using ANN Principles
Authors: Alisha Shaik Subhan , Venkateswarlu DUMPA , Sreenivas VEMU
Published: October 2023

In recent years, in developing nations, importance of village roads with sustainable and low-cost are gaining importance. In this study an attempt has been made to understand the strength and stiffness of mechanically altered soils. The locally available Lateritic soil and black cotton soil can be used in the construction field to improve the properties of soils for building foundations, roadways, and other engineering structures. The main goal of this study was to investigate the effects of mixing different percentages of red soil and black cotton soils on the physical and mechanical properties of the blended soil. Experimental investigation was carried to determine various properties such as shear strength, compressibility, water content, and differential swell index, of blended soils. The results of these tests were then compared to the properties of the individual soils to determine the effects of mechanically alteration on the overall properties of the soil. This experiment is important in the construction field as it allows engineers and contractors to determine the optimal mix of soils for specific construction projects. This experiment can be used to improve the overall soil quality in construction sites, which can lead to cost savings and improved durability of structures built on the site. Finally, the results thus obtained are trained to an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and the relation between the engineering properties, UCS, and CBR are obtained. The prediction models show higher performance with correlation coefficients of 0.986 and 0.980, respectively. Overall, the blending of red soil and black cotton soil is an important experiment in the construction field that provides valuable information on the properties of blended soils and how they can be used in construction projects to improve the overall quality, durability, and stability of engineering structures.