bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Contemporary Secure Microservices Discovery Architecture with Service Tags for Smart City Infrastructures
Authors: Bilal Omair , Raza Asif , Khan Saif ur Rehman , Ghazanfar Ali
Published: April 2024

The re-conceptualization of fundamental elements from traditional monolithic structures to the Microservices framework has emerged as a vital vision for the future of IoT systems. This transformation is pivotal in addressing the present and future challenges faced by IoT systems and enhancing their overall operational qualities. The adoption of Microservices in IoT introduces an array of opportunities for innovative research, which collectively contribute to its feasibility and success. The transition from traditional systems to Microservices in IoT brings forth various complex challenges that need to be effectively addressed. Key challenges include ensuring seamless Microservice discovery, efficient API gateway management, scalable distribution services, reliable uniform service discovery, robust containerization, and stringent access control mechanisms. These challenges encompass both technical and security-related aspects, necessitating innovative solutions to overcome them. To overcome these challenges, our research proposes a secure service discovery architecture that integrates security measures at each stage of the discovery process. This methodology employs advanced encryption techniques, authentication protocols, and authorization mechanisms to safeguard Microservices in IoT. A mathematical framework is introduced to formalize and implement these security measures, ensuring a robust and reliable approach to Microservices adoption in the IoT ecosystem. In the experimental phase of our research, we aim to validate the proposed secure service discovery architecture through a series of rigorous tests and simulations. We will assess its performance, scalability, and security efficacy under various real-world scenarios and IoT use cases. Experimental results and performance metrics will be analyzed to provide empirical evidence of the viability and effectiveness of our proposed methodology in addressing Microservices-related challenges in IoT systems.
The Determination of CO2 Storage Potential Parameters for the Real Depositional Environments
Authors: Penigin A. , Afanasyev A. , Dymochkina M. , Belovus P. , Pavlov V. , Tsvetkova Y. , Vedeneeva E.
Published: April 2024

A reliable and safe geological storage of CO2 must require a detailed characterization of the reservoirs which is usually consists of a huge amount of data. Often, this kind of information is accumulated and processed over many decades of subsurface exploration. Therefore, the regions of the intensive exploration, especially well established petroleum provinces, offer a good prospect for an industrial-scale deployment of CCS. The data gathered is incredibly useful for screening and evaluation of trapping mechanisms.

The environments represents the largest share of geological conditions. They correspond to the submarine fan of the Achimov formation (AF), the barrier island of the Cherkashinsky (BR), the deltaic environment of the Tanopchinsky (DT) and the fluvial sediments of the Tyumen (FL). Every reservoir model corresponds to a sector of a larger regional model. About 20 parameters were varied in the study to evaluate the storage performance of the environments. The average reservoir permeability is tuned in a subset of cases to ensure reaching the full storage capacity at 50 years to normalize the fluid dynamics in time.

The results testify that the saline aquifers in the fluvial environments appear to be not suitable for a large-scale CCS. They are characterized by low storage potential (Es>0.04) as well as low capacity and injectivity. Other environments (AF, BR and DT) are characterized by a better Es≼0.1. The barrier island depositional environments should be considered the most perspective for CCS, with Es occasionally exceeding 0.15. Approximately, 0.2-0.3 megatons of CO2 per 1 km2 of reservoir area can be stored in aquifers characterized by the effective thickness of 10-15m. An intriguing observation is that the BR exhibits the largest net-to-gross thickness, NTG, and the smallest number of non-reservoir intervals, NRI. At the same time, the worst environments for CCS are characterized by either small NTG (FL) or large NRI (AF). It can be expected that the formations characterized by the largest NTG and a relatively small NRI are best for the carbon storage. On the other hand, if NRI is 0, then the reservoir shows strong communication in the vertical direction. Due to the buoyancy, this can lead to a rapid CO2 accumulation and spreading in a narrow interval beneath the caprock and, thus, to a smaller Ev.

The paper provides arguments for the selection of reservoirs belonging to certain depositional environments over others during screening process for carbon storage location. Storage efficiency, being the integral factor describing how big an area is required to store a given amount of CO2, is subdivided into factors and parameters. An approach is described for estimation of effects that depositional environment and reservoir engineering parameters produce on storage efficiency in CCS projects.
Less Invasive Triangular Osteosynthesis in the Management of AO Type-B Unstable Sacral Fractures
Authors: Habba Hesham , Abou-Madawi Ali , Ali Sherif H. , Samaan Sam S. , Alaswad Mohammed , Elkazaz Mohamed K. , Farouk Osama , Elkhatib Essam
Published: April 2024

Objective: This prospective cohort study investigated the clinical and radiological efficacy of triangular osteosynthesis (TO) in the management of AO type-B unstable sacral fractures.Methods: All patients with unstable AO type-B sacral fractures were included in this study. They were evaluated clinically and radiologically and underwent TO. Pre- and postoperative clinical parameters included the visual analogue score (VAS) for back pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Gibbon classification. Radiological parameters included x-rays and multislice 3-dimensional computed tomography scans of the pelvis and the Tornetta and Matta criteria for fracture reduction.Results: This study included 30 patients (17 males and 13 females; mean age, 31.63±9.65 years). The reported causes of trauma were a fall from height in 17 patients, road traffic accident in 11 patients, and hard objects falling onto the pelvis in 2 patients. According to the AO spine sacral fracture classification system, 8 cases were type B2 and 22 were type B3. At the last postoperative follow-up, the mean VAS improved from 7.77±1.19 preoperatively to 3.97±1.59 (p<0.001), the mean ODI was 15.27±3.34, and the Gibbon classification of cauda equina injury improved from 2.87±0.97 preoperatively to 1.27±0.52 (p<0.001). According to Tornetta and Matta criteria for fracture reduction, the results were excellent (<4 mm) in 73.3% of patients, good (4–10 mm) in 20%, and fair (10–20 mm) in 6.7%. All patients experienced complete fracture healing.Conclusion: TO is a less invasive, safe, and effective option for the management of unstable AO type-B sacral fractures with good clinical and radiological outcomes.
Protein restriction slows the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease in mice
Authors: Babygirija Reji , Sonsalla Michelle M. , Mill Jericha , James Isabella , Han Jessica H. , Green Cara L. , Calubag Mariah F. , Wade Gina , Tobon Anna , Michael John , Trautman Michaela M. , Matoska Ryan , Yeh Chung-Yang , Grunow Isaac , Pak Heidi H. , Rigby Michael J. , Baldwin Dominique A. , Niemi Natalie M. , Denu John M. , Puglielli Luigi , Simcox Judith , Lamming Dudley W.
Published: April 2024

Dietary protein is a critical regulator of metabolic health and aging. Low protein diets are associated with healthy aging in humans, and many independent groups of researchers have shown that dietary protein restriction (PR) extends the lifespan and healthspan of mice. Here, we examined the effect of PR on metabolic health and the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the 3xTg mouse model of AD. We found that PR has metabolic benefits for 3xTg mice and non-transgenic controls of both sexes, promoting leanness and glycemic control in 3xTg mice and rescuing the glucose intolerance of 3xTg females. We found that PR induces sex-specific alterations in circulating metabolites and in the brain metabolome and lipidome, downregulating sphingolipid subclasses including ceramides, glucosylceramides, and sphingomyelins in 3xTg females. Consumption of a PR diet starting at 6 months of age reduced AD pathology in conjunction with reduced mTORC1 activity, increased autophagy, and had cognitive benefits for 3xTg mice. Finally, PR improved the survival of 3xTg mice. Our results demonstrate that PR slows the progression of AD at molecular and pathological levels, preserves cognition in this mouse model of AD, and suggests that PR or pharmaceutical interventions that mimic the effects of this diet may hold promise as a treatment for AD.
Experimental Investigation on Microstructure, Mechanical Behavior and Tribological analysis of Al2017/SiC/TiO₂ Composed by double stir casting route
Authors: Agarwal Shlok , Kambiri Kaustubh , Lal Roop
Published: April 2024

This study is on synthesising aluminium-based metal matrix hybrid composites with silicon carbide (SiC) and Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) reinforcements by double stir casting technique. SiC and TiO₂ were chosen for their excellent mechanical, tribological and physical properties. As limited information exists on the mechanical properties of Al2017 composites with both SiC and TiO₂. The Al/SiC/TiO₂ hybrid nanocomposites were prepared with 5 wt.% of SiC nanoparticles, 5 wt.% of TiO₂ nanoparticles, and a mixture of both at 5,5 wt.%. Microstructure analysis confirmed a uniform distribution of SiC and TiO₂ particles within the aluminium matrix. The Al2017/SiC composite exhibited a hardness of 46.33 HRB, while the Al2017/TiO₂ composite displayed a comparable hardness of 44.33 HRB. However, the combined Al2017/SiC/TiO₂ composite showed a decreased hardness of 40.33 HRB suggesting the importance of considering the composition and combination of reinforcement materials when designing metal matrix composites. The observed decrease in hardness in the Al2017/SiC/TiO₂ composite can be attributed to various factors, including the interaction and compatibility between SiC and TiO₂ particles within the aluminium matrix. Further research is required to understand the underlying mechanisms and enhance the mechanical behaviour of the Al2017 composites.
Ground radiative measurements reveal negative longwave cloud feedback
Authors: Liu Lei , Huang Yi , Gyakum John
Published: April 2024

Clouds profoundly influence Earth’s energy balance1-2. Observationally constraining cloud radiative feedback, a notably uncertain climate feedback mechanisms3-5, is crucial for improving predictions of climate change5-7. However, the quantification of cloud feedback faces challenges due to the complex effects of cloud changes on the energy balance, which are often entangled with the radiative impacts of other climate factors, and also due to the scarcity of long-term concurrent records of cloud properties and atmospheric radiation. In this work, we use an optimal spectral fingerprinting method designed to separate surface longwave cloud feedback from other surface forcings and feedbacks, by leveraging the unique spectral signatures of various meteorological variables in the long-term record of spectrally resolved downwelling longwave radiance at the Southern Great Plains site. We detect a prominent negative surface longwave cloud feedback, suggesting that cloud changes have a cooling effect on the surface and modulate the warming effect of increased greenhouse gas concentrations and atmospheric temperatures. Our findings establish a pivotal observational benchmark of radiative forcing and feedback needed for validating climate models.
Conformational cycle of a protease-containing ABC transporter in lipid nanodiscs reveals the mechanism of cargo-protein coupling
Authors: Mchaourab Hassane , Zhang Ruojing , Jagessar Kevin , Polasa Adithya , Brownd Matthew , Stein Richard , Moradi Mahmoud , Karakas Erkan
Published: April 2024

Protease-containing ABC transporters (PCATs) couple the energy of ATP hydrolysis to the processing and export of diverse cargo proteins across cell membranes to mediate antimicrobial resistance and quorum sensing. Here, we combine biochemical analysis, single particle cryoEM, and DEER spectroscopy in lipid bilayers along with computational analysis to illuminate the structural and energetic underpinnings of coupled cargo protein export. Our integrated investigation uncovers competitive interplay between nucleotides and cargo protein binding that ensures the latter’s orderly processing and subsequent transport. The energetics of cryoEM structures in lipid bilayers are congruent with the inferred mechanism from ATP turnover analysis and reveal a snapshot of a high-energy outward-facing conformation that provides an exit pathway into the lipid bilayer and/or the extracellular side. DEER investigation of the core ABC transporter suggests evolutionary tuning of the energetic landscape to fulfill the function of substrate processing prior to export.
A Comprehensive Study on the Effects of Electrocoagulation integrated in a Membrane Bioreactor Treating Sunflower Oil Refinery Wastewater on Treatment Performance, Biological Properties, and Fouling Behavior
Authors: Sharghi Elham Abdollahzadeh , Miri Marjan , Davarpanah Leila , Faridizad Ghazale
Published: April 2024

This study evaluated the effects of electrocoagulation integrated in a laboratory-scale membrane bioreactor (MBR), namely EC-MBR, on the treatment performance, activated sludge morphological characterization, and membrane fouling of MBR treating actual sunflower oil refinery wastewater. The EC-MBR system exhibited significantly higher chemical oxygen demand (COD) and oil and grease (O&G) removal efficiency compared to the MBR system. Additionally, both systems achieved excellent turbidity removal, with a percentage above 99%. The membrane fouling rate was higher in the EC-MBR system compared to the MBR system. Despite the decrease in the soluble microbial product (SMP) and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) concentration in the EC-MBR system, especially their protein fraction, the significant increase in MLSS and carbohydrates/protein ratio, and the decrease in the mixed liquor and the cake layer particles size were the main membrane fouling factors. The membrane fouling resistance distribution also showed that in the EC-MBR system, the pore blocking resistance percentage increased compared to MBR. According to FTIR analysis, the cake layer in the EC-MBR system had a higher carbohydrate compounds proportion compared to the MBR. The SEM images also reveal dense microbial clusters in the EC-MBR system, dominated by rod- and oval-shaped bacteria. EDX analysis detected Ca, K, O, Al, and P elements in both systems, with higher Al content in EC-MBR.
Narrative Medicine to Affect Empathy in Medication Counselling – A Pre-Post Intervention Study of a Course in Narrative Medicine for Pharmacists
Authors: Graabaek Trine , Rasmussen Anders Juhl , Mai Anne-Marie , Rossing Charlotte Verner , Andersen Merethe Kristine Kousgaard , Hedegaard Ulla
Published: April 2024

Background
Narrative medicine is a recent cross-disciplinary approach aiming to encourage empathy, reflection, professionalism, and trustworthiness through aesthetic activities such a reading fiction and creative writing.
Aim
The aim of this study was to investigate if a post-graduate course in narrative medicine affects the level of empathy among pharmacists.
Method
During 2020–2021, three courses in narrative medicine were evaluated in Odense, Denmark. The primary outcome was the pharmacists’ self-reported level of empathy measured with Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE).
Results
A total of 33 community and hospital pharmacists participated in the three courses. The pharmacists’ median age was 41 years, 91% were female, 76% were working at community pharmacy, and 47% were, according to themselves, rare readers. A statistically significant increase was found in mean total JSE score from 109.9 +/- 17.1 before the course to 115.7 +/- 14.6 after the course (p = 0.0362).
Conclusion
Following the course in narrative medicine the level of empathy for the pharmacists according to JSE was enhanced. We recommend that future studies also use patient-reported outcomes to explore if the self-experienced enhanced empathy among pharmacists reaches the patients’ confidence and well-being.
Complementary Feeding Practices and Associated Factors for Infants Attending Hawasa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Kasim Shemsu Gabiso , Nigussie Hilina Hailu
Published: April 2024

Background
Complementary feeding is defined as the process of starting additional food when breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of infants. Inadequate infant feeding are the major causes of infant mortality and under-nutrition. Yet, very little is known about the determinants of complementary feeding practices in study area. This study assessed complementary feeding practices and associated factors for infants in Hawasa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Sidama Region, Ethiopia.
Methods
Cross sectional study design was used to assess complementary feeding practices and associated factors for infants attending Hawasa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.
Result
Three hundred and ninety-five (395) mothers or caregivers were interviewed during the study making the response rate of 100%. More than half (66.3%) of respondents reported that they knew the reason for initiating complementary feeding while 58.9% knew when to start the complementary feeding for their infants; however 58.5% of them did not know the minimum frequency of complementary feeding in a day. The mean meal frequency for infants was 4.35 (± 1.24) (95% CI 3.3–3.6). The results show that only 19% of infants consume a minimum acceptable diet, 16% achieve minimum dietary diversity, and 44% reach minimum meal frequency. Multivariate regression analysis shows that mother’s/care taker’s knowledge about proper complementary feeding, mother’s age, mother’s employment status and father’s employment status are significant predictors of complementary feeding practices among infants aged 6–24 months in the study area.
Conclusion
Infants’ complementary feeding practices fell below the World Health Organization recommended level in terms of minimum acceptable diet and minimum meal frequency and minimum dietary diversity among infants aged 6–24 months in Hawasa University Comprehensive Specialized hospital. It’s important to raise awareness of mothers/care takers of infants through health practitioners in addition to ensuring employment of infants’ parents to ensure proper practices of complementary feeding among infants.
Caspase-3 is involved in nuclear remodeling of human satellite cells under stress conditions
Authors: Sancilio Silvia , Pietro Roberta Di , Mancinelli Rosa , Impicciatore Gianna , Stati Gianmarco , Fulle Stefania
Published: April 2024

Satellite cells (SC) proliferation and differentiation play a crucial role in skeletal muscle regeneration after damage and adaptation in response to hypertrophic stimuli. Skeletal muscle ageing affects SC proliferation and differentiation and rely on an enhanced expression of several pro-apoptotic factors. As previous researches demonstrated a modified expression of some genes associated with SC antioxidant and repair activity due to age, in the present project we aimed at assessing the occurrence of apoptotic features in human SCs. Cells were collected from Vastus Lateralis of 9 young (27.3+2.0 years old) and 9 old (71.1+1.8 years old) subjects and cultured in serum-free medium to be collected at 4-24-48 and 72 h. Apoptosis was investigated with Annexin V/PI staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated nick-end labelling (TUNEL) technique, flow cytometry analysis of Caspase-8 activity and RT-PCR detection of transcripts of apoptotic genes. Interestingly, CAS9 and FOXO1 genes were found upregulated in aged SCs at all-time points tested. Furthermore, we showed the activation of caspase-3 enzyme after 72 h starvation in culture with a nice co-localization with myogenin and TUNEL-positive micronuclei in the elderly. Interestingly, after treatment for 24 h with a broad pan-caspase inhibitor Cbz-Val-Ala-Asp- fluoromethyl-ketone (z-VAD-fmk) no micronuclei neither myotube formation were revealed, suggesting the involvement of caspase enzymes in the nuclear remodelling occurring during myotube formation.
Manu on Lenti G2B Gene Therapy for β-Thalassemia
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Bing , Gao zhuying , Yang Zhi-Xue , Deng Dong-Hao , Zhang Feng , Zhang Zhi-Kang , Yu Bing , Zhang Yang-Yang , Lv Xiang , Nakamura Yukio , Gong An , Cheng Tao , Zhang Jian-Ping
Published: April 2024

Gene therapy, particularly lentiviral vector-based approaches, has emerged as a crucial alternative for treating β-thalassemia, one of the most prevalent monogenic disorders worldwide. This study focuses on overcoming clinical challenges associated with existing HBB lentiviral vectors, characterized by suboptimal titers and inadequate β-globin expression. We have advanced the BB305 lentiviral vector, creating a novel HBB vector, G2B, specifically engineered for β-thalassemia gene therapy. The optimization involved refining the Locus Control Region (LCR) sequence length and incorporating mutated gamma globin HGB2 promoter into the BB305 vector. Our innovative G2B vector exhibits a significant ~4-fold increase in lentiviral titer and a 50% enhancement in β-globin expression compared to the clinical BB305 vector. In the Hbbth4/Hbb+ thalassemic hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell transplantation model, the G2B vector demonstrated remarkable therapeutic efficacy without altering integration safety profiles. These findings highlight the potential of the G2B vector in treating β-thalassemia and possibly other hemoglobinopathies. Our research offers a promising pathway toward more effective and affordable gene therapy options for β-thalassemia and similar genetic disorders.
Are there differences in taste preferences according to genetic polymorphisms? A study with children submitted to different methods of complementary feeding?
Authors: Neves Renata Oliveira , Rechenmacher Ciliana , Borges Rogério Boff , Goldani Marcelo Zubaran , Nunes Leandro Meirelles , Bernardi Juliana Rombaldi
Published: April 2024

Background
The development of child taste preferences seems to play a crucial role in food preferences and health outcomes. This study aimed to analyze the differences in taste preferences according to genetic polymorphisms in children allocated to different methods of complementary feeding (CF). This was a secondary analysis derived from a randomized clinical trial involving distinct groups of children regarding the method of CF. The intervention occurred at 5.5 months old. At 12 months old, the Feeding Preferences Questionnaire (FPQ) was applied. Between 12–35 months old, the Taste Acceptance Test (TAT) was performed and oral mucosa was collected. Data were analyzed by intention to treat. The main analyses were performed using Pearson’s chi-square test.
Results
The duration of exclusive breastfeeding was associated with TAS1R3(rs35744813) (p = 0.039). The type of milk consumed at 12 months was associated with TAS1R2(rs9701796) (p = 0.022), and with the number of polymorphisms related to sweet taste perception (p = 0.013). As for the FPQ, there was an association between TAS1R3(rs35744813) with the preference for sour-tasting foods (p = 0.040), and between TAS2R16(rs846672) with the preference for umami-flavored foods (p = 0.042). Concerning the TAT, the infant’s reaction to the bitter taste was associated with TAS1R2(rs9701796) (p = 0.021), with TAS1R3(rs307355) (p = 0.008), and with the count of polymorphisms related to the sweet taste perception (p = 0.037); in addition, the reaction to the sour taste was associated with the count of polymorphisms related to the bitter taste perception (p = 0.048).
Conclusions
The study concluded that genetic polymorphisms act on infant food acceptance, generating differences in food preferences.
Intermittent hypoxia-induced enhancements in corticospinal excitability predict gains in motor learning and metabolic efficiency
Authors: Bogard Alysha T. , Hembree Thomas G. , Pollet Aviva K. , Smith Andrew C. , Ryder Stephanie C. , Marzloff George E. , Tan Andrew Quesada
Published: April 2024

Acute intermittent hypoxia (AIH) enhances human motor function after incomplete spinal cord injury. Although the underlying mechanisms in humans are unknown, emerging evidence indicates that AIH facilitates corticospinal excitability to the upper limb. However, the functional relevance of this plasticity remains unexplored, and it is unclear whether similar plasticity can be induced for lower limb motor areas. We recently demonstrated that AIH improves motor learning and metabolic efficiency during split-belt walking. Thus, we hypothesized that AIH increases lower limb excitability and that these enhancements would predict the magnitude of motor learning and the corresponding reductions in net metabolic power. We assessed tibialis anterior (TA) excitability using transcranial magnetic stimulation and quantified changes in spatiotemporal asymmetries and net metabolic power in response to split-belt speed perturbations. We show that AIH enhances TA excitability and that the magnitude of this facilitation positively correlates with greater spatiotemporal adaptation. Notably, we demonstrate a novel association between increased excitability and reduced net metabolic power during motor learning and savings. Together, our results suggest that AIH-induced gains in excitability predict both the magnitude of motor learning and the associated metabolic efficiency. Determining indices of AIH-induced improvements in motor performance is critical for optimizing its therapeutic reach.
Comparison of anterior segment parameters of patients with myopia measured using 2 swept-source optical coherent biometry devices
Authors: Sun Bingqing , Ye Yuhao , Zhao Jing , Zhou Xingtao , Niu Lingling
Published: April 2024

Background
This study assessed the agreement of anterior segment parameters of patients with myopia measured using 2 swept-source optical coherent biometry devices: the Colombo intraocular lens (IOL) and IOL Master 700.
Methods
Eighty patients (male/female, 22/58; average age, 29.11 ± 7.77 years) with myopia (159 eyes) were included in this study in May 2023. All participants underwent measurements using the IOL Master 700 and Colombo IOL to obtain axial length (AXL), central corneal thickness (CCT), lens thickness (LT), white-to-white (WTW), and front flat (K1) and steep (K2) corneal keratometry. The measurements by the 2 devices were compared using the generalized estimating equation, correlation analysis, and Bland-Altman plots.
Results
The Colombo IOL measured larger values for WTW (OR = 1.277, p < 0.0001) and lower values for K2 (OR = 0.587, p < 0.033). All anterior segment measurements by both instruments showed positive correlations (0.8079 < r < 0.9996, p < 0.01), with AXL demonstrating the strongest correlation (r = 0.9996, p < 0.0001). The intraclass correlation coefficients for AXLs measured by both instruments was 0.999 (p < 0.0001), and Bland-Altman plot indicated that the 95% limits of agreement ranged from − 0.078 to 0.11. The measurement deviations of K2, LT, WTW between IOL Master 700 and Colombo IOL were 0.526 D, -0.085 mm and − 0.244 mm, respectively.
Conclusions
The Colombo IOL and IOL Master 700 comparably measured CCT and AXL. However, their measurements of corneal refractive power, WTW and LT were significantly different, necessitating caution in using two devices interchangeably in clinical practice.
Vitamin D levels and bone mineral density of middle-aged premenopausal female football players: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sakamoto Kimiko , Miyamori Takayuki , Someya Yuki , Nagao Masashi , Ishihara Yoshihiko , Kobayashi Yohei , Shimasaki Yu , Imai Junko , Ono Takeshi , Ikeda Hiroshi , Tashima Kohzo , Yoshimura Masafumi
Published: April 2024

Background:
The number of football teams in the senior categories has recently increased. Since outdoor sports entail players being exposed to sunlight, playing football may contribute to maintaining vitamin D stores and body mineral density and preventing osteoporosis. This study aimed to determine bone mineral density and vitamin D levels in middle-aged premenopausal female football players.
Methods:
The participants were premenopausal females in their 40s. We evaluated bone mineral density of the second to fourth lumbar vertebrae and femoral neck; serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25-OHD) levels, which is the indicator of body vitamin D stores; and body composition. In addition, we administered a questionnaire survey on exercise habits and lifestyle. Ninety-two participants were placed into three groups: the football group (n=27), volleyball group (n=40), and non-exercise group (n=25).
Results:
Bone mineral density was higher in the football and volleyball groups than in the non-exercise group. The volleyball group had a significantly higher bone mineral density of the lumbar spine and femoral neck than the non-exercise group. The football group had a significantly higher bone mineral density of the femoral neck than the non-exercise group. Serum 25-OHD levels were the highest in the football group and were significantly higher in the volleyball and non-exercisegroups.
Conclusions:
The present study found that middle-aged premenopausal football playershad higher body vitamin D levels and bone mineral densities than non-active females. These results suggest that playing football may contribute to the prevention of osteoporosis.
Using machine learning to explore the efficacy of administrative variables in prediction of subjective-wellbeing outcomes in New Zealand
Authors: Narayanan Anantha , Stewart Tom , Duncan Scott , Pacheco Gail
Published: April 2024

The growing acknowledgment of population wellbeing as a key indicator of societal prosperity has propelled governments worldwide to devise policies aimed at improving their citizens' overall wellbeing. In New Zealand, the General Social Survey provides wellbeing metrics for a representative subset of the population (~ 10,000 individuals). However, this sample size only provides a surface-level understanding of the country's wellbeing landscape, hampering in-depth exploration into the determinants of population wellbeing and the impacts of governmental policies, particularly on smaller subgroups who may be of high policy interest. To overcome this challenge, comprehensive population-level wellbeing data is imperative. Leveraging New Zealand's Integrated Data Infrastructure, this study developed and validated the efficacy of three predictive models—Stepwise Linear Regression, Elastic Net Regression, and Random Forest—for predicting subjective wellbeing outcomes (life satisfaction, life worthwhileness, family wellbeing, and mental wellbeing) using census-level administrative variables as predictors. Our results demonstrated the Random Forest model's effectiveness in predicting subjective wellbeing, reflected in low RMSE values (~ 1.5). Nonetheless, the models exhibited low R2 values, suggesting limited explanatory capacity for the nuanced variability in outcome variables. While achieving reasonable predictive accuracy, our findings underscore the necessity for further model refinements to enhance the prediction of subjective wellbeing outcomes.
Early bactericidal activity of sitafloxacin against pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Nie Lihui , Tong jing , Wu Guihui , Du Juan , Shang Yuanyuan , Wang Yufeng , Wu Zhangjun , Xu Yuanhong , Ren Yi , Rao Youyi , Pang Yu , Gao Mengqiu
Published: April 2024

Backgrounds:
Sitafloxacin is a quinolone broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, and its pharmacologic properties and in vitro data demonstrate that sitafloxacin has a potent killing effect against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including drug-resistant strains, which is superior to that of other available quinolones. However, its efficacy in patients with primary-sensitive tuberculosis is unclear.
Objective
to evaluate the early bactericidal activity of sitafloxacin in patients with primary sensitive tuberculosis.
Methods
In this early bactericidal activity study, 30 patients with primary smear-positive tuberculosis were randomized to the once-daily oral administration of 200 mg sitafloxacin, 500 mg levofloxacin, or 300 mg isoniazid (INH) for 7 days. Sputum for quantitative culture was collected 2 days before the study of drug administration, followed by 16 hours of overnight sputum collected daily for 7 days of monotherapy. Colony-forming units (CFU) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis were counted from the collected overnight sputum on agar plates to calculate the early bactericidal activity (EBA), defined as log10 CFU/ml sputum/day. The bactericidal activity was measured by measuring the first 2 days (early bactericidal activity) and the last 5 days (prolonged early bactericidal properties) of study drug administration.
Results
The early bactericidal activity of isoniazid (0.39 ± 0.22 log10CFU/ml/day) was higher than that of levofloxacin (0.26 ± 0.27 log10CFU/ml/day) and sitafloxacin (0.22 ± 0.25 log10CFU/ml/day), with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.08). Isoniazid prolonged early bactericidal activity (0.17 ± 0.16 log10CFU/ml/day) was higher than levofloxacin (0.14 ± 0.10 log10CFU/ml/day) and lower than sitafloxacin (0.26 ± 0.31 log10CFU/ml/day), with no statistically significant difference (P = 0.59). Early bactericidal activity (0–2 days) and extended early bactericidal activity (2–7 days) were similar for the three drugs; however, the extended early bactericidal activity of sitafloxacin showed higher activity than isoniazid and levofloxacin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sitafloxacin exhibits comparable early bactericidal activity, and higher extended early bactericidal activity relative to levofloxacin. In addition, this novel fluoroquinolone has good safety profile. Thus, our data highlights the potential of sitafloxacin in clinical management of drug-susceptible tuberculosis, as well as drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Characterization of two novel HIV-1 recombinant forms (CRF01_AE/B and C/B/CRF01_AE) Among Men Who Have Sex with Men in Hebei Province, China
Authors: Jia Jianru , Zhang Bin , Chen Sisi , Shi Haoxi , Zhang Zhen , Fan Weiguang
Published: April 2024

In recent years, many new circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) and unique recombinant forms (URFs) of human immunodeficiency virus type one (HIV-1) have been discovered among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. In this study, we report two HIV-1 URFs (BDL154 and BDL161) identified in the MSM population in Hebei Province, China. The phylogenetic tree and recombination analysis based on the near-full-length genome (NFLG) sequences showed that BDL154 was a recombination form originated from CRF01_AE and subtype B, whereas BDL161 consisted of subtypes C ,B and CRF01_AE. BDL154 and BDL161 contained three and eight fragments, respectively. The analysis of recombination breakpoints showed that the recombination pattern of BDL154 sequence was the insertion of one B gene fragment into the backbone of CRF01_AE, whereas the recombination pattern of BDL161 sequence was the insertion of two CRF01_AE and two B gene fragments into the backbone of subtype C. The emergence of CRF01_AE/B and C/B/CRF01_AE suggests that we should continuously monitor the recombinant forms of HIV-1 among MSM population, which can provide the data for the controlling of HIV-1 epidemic.
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the PP2C gene family in Apocynum venetum and Apocynum hendersonii
Authors: Chen Jiayi , Wang Yue , Wu Yongmei , Huang Xiaoyu , Qiu Xiaojun , Chen Jikang , Lin Qian , Zhao Haohan , Chen Fengming , Gao Gang
Published: April 2024

Background
Protein phosphatase class 2C (PP2C) is the largest protein phosphatase family in plants, which plays an important role in plant growth and development and response to adversity stress. Apocynum is a perennial persistent herb, divided into Apocynum venetum and Apocynum hendersonii. It mainly grows in saline soil, desert and other harsh environments, and is widely used in saline soil improvement, ecological restoration, textile and medicine. It was found that Apocynum hendersonii is more tolerant of adverse conditions. The main purposeof this study was to investigate the PP2C gene family and its expression pattern under salt stress and to identify important candidate genes related to salt tolerance.
Results
In this study, 68 AvPP2C genes and 68 AhPP2C genes were identified from the genomes of Apocynum venetum and Apocynum hendersonii, respectively. They were classified into 13 subgroups based on their phylogenetic relationships and further analyzed for their subcellular locations, gene structures, conserved structural domains and cis-acting elements. The results of qRT-PCR analyses of seven AvPP2C genes and seven AhPP2C genes proved that they differed significantly in gene expression under salt stress. It has been observed that the PP2C genes in Apocynum venetum and Apocynum hendersonii exhibit different expression patterns. Specifically, AvPP2C2, 6, 24, 27, 41 and AhPP2C2, 6, 24, 27, 42 have shown significant differences in expression under salt stress. This indicates that these genes may play a crucial role in the salt tolerance mechanism of Apocynum venetumand Apocynum hendersonii.
Conclusions
In this study, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of the AvPP2C and AhPP2C gene families in Apocynum, which provided a reference for further understanding the functional characteristics of these genes.
A Novel Remote Sensing Image Encryption Scheme Based on Block Period Arnold Scrambling
Authors: Wang Guanpeng , Ye Xiaolin , Zhao Boyu
Published: April 2024

In this paper, a new spatiotemporal chaos model is proposed. The model is the Hash Arnold Coupled Logistic Map Lattices (HACLML) based on the Arnold Coupled Logistic Map Lattices (ACLML). By introducing hash index chain mapping, the chaotic performance of lattice is improved. Then, a novel image encryption algorithm is obtained based on the HACLML. During the scrambling phase of image encryption, a point-to-block encryption algorithm is designed. In addition, the diffusion encryption algorithm is designed according to the structure of HACLML and double hash index chain. The security analysis results show that the designed encryption algorithm has highly resistant to deciphering.
RETRACTED: Evaluation of the interaction between Fusarium culmorum isolates and Pratylenchus thornei on barley
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Fatma Gül GÖZE , ARICI Şerife Evrim , ELEKÇİOĞLU İBRAHİM HALİL , TOSUN BEKİR
Published: April 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
TITLE: Cortico-Spinal Intermittent Theta Burst Stimulation Propelling Sensorimotor Function Recovery in Complete Spinal Cord Injury: Randomized Control Trial Protocol
Authors: Patel Deeksha , Banerjee Rohit , Farooque Kamran , Gupta Deepak , Garg Bhavuk , Kumar Nand , Kocchar KP , Jain Suman
Published: April 2024

Background:Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) is a non-invasive stimulation technique to induce neuronal and synaptic plasticity. The induced cortical plasticity is imperative in the recovery of motor and sensory functions. Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes damage to neurons and results in sensorimotor dysfunction. The effect of iTBS on recovery of motor and sensory dysfunction in complete SCI (cSCI) is still elusive. This study aims to assess the effect of iTBS on cortico-spinal tract integrity, plasticity, and regaining of motor and sensory function in cSCI patients. The rationale behind using an iTBS protocol is to modify and augment the communication between spared neurons of the cortico-spinal tract and strengthen the synaptic transmission, which will improve motor function in underlying muscles.
Methods: A total of 48 patients will be recruited and randomly divided into placebo and real stimulation groups. iTBS along with a rehabilitation program will be administered to the placebo and real stimulation groups. Follow-up will be done at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after the intervention.
Result: The outcome of the study will be defined by electrophysiological parameters elicited by single and paired-pulse stimulation, ASIA score, pain, activities of daily life, quality of life, anxiety, depression, and biomarkers related to SCI.
Discussion: The results of this study will uncover the effectiveness of iTBS stimulation on (i) recovery of motor and sensory function in cSCI (ii) excitability of cortico-spinal tract (iii) neurological recovery and modulation of pain (iv) cortical reorganization after injury. Intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) in conjunction with an individualized rehabilitation program may serve as an integrated strategy to rejuvenate locomotor abilities and improve the overall quality of life for people with complete spinal cord injuries (SCI).
Trial Registration: The study is registered in the Clinical Trials Registry- India (CTRI) with reference number CTRI/2022/11/047038.
Analysis of Income Effects of Agricultural Technology Services on Farm Households
Authors: Shi Dongmei , Liu Meiyan , Chen Xiaoqian , Hu Jian
Published: April 2024

Science and technology innovation is the source of agricultural economic growth, and agricultural technology services are a critical part of improving the effect of innovation. This paper analyzes the income effect of agricultural technology services provided by different subjects using PSM, RIF, etc. Overall, the income of farmers receiving agricultural technical services increased by 5.34 thousand yuan on average; the income effect is higher for farmers who grow cash crops, and the income of farmers receiving services from government departments increased by 4.67 thousand yuan. Besides, the income of farmers who receive technical guidance is at least 16.37 thousand yuan higher than those who do not, and the income of farmers who receive technical services provided by the government is 9.87 thousand yuan higher than those who choose other service providers. Moreover, agricultural technical services can narrow the income gap between farmers, especially low-income farmers, and the farmers who grow grain crops exhibit the characteristics of a “U-shaped” relationship. However, it has a greater effect on the high-income group among the farmers who grow cash crops. The technical services provided by the government are beneficial to reducing the number of low-income farmers.
To study the wastewater treatment using Bio flocculants Okra gel:
Authors: Rana Mehul Rana Mehul , Nair Anjali Nair Mrs. Anjali
Published: April 2024

This investigation delves into the substitute for flocculants, also referred to as bio-flocculants, used in wastewater treatment processes. Traditional sludge removal methods involve the use of Polyelectrolyte alongside coagulants like aluminum chloride, ferric chloride, and alum. Our study focuses on evaluating the efficacy of natural versus synthetic flocculants and comparing their outcomes. Parameters such as agitation settings, okra preparation techniques, and the dosage of coagulant/bio-flocculant were analyzed to determine the optimal sludge settling conditions. Utilizing quantities of 10, 15, and 20 ml for okra gel and alum respectively, we identified the most effective dosage. Plant-based flocculants emerge as superior substitutes compared to synthetic polymers due to their high efficiency and easy availability. Graphical performance analysis illustrates that okra gel can serve as a viable alternative to chemical polyelectrolytes as a flocculant. Our findings highlight the role of hydroxyl groups in okra gel, which act as active sites for removing colloidal particles during the treatment process
Epsilon Toxin Induces Cytotoxicity by Mediating Autophagy and Apoptosis Processes via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in A549 Cells
Authors: Dashti Ayat , Hosseini Hamideh Mahmoodzadeh , Mirhosseini Seyed Ali
Published: April 2024

Background
Epsilon toxin, synthesized by Clostridium perfringens, is a toxin from the class of pore-forming proteins that are associated with the development of enterotoxaemia in ruminants. As an agent of bioterrorism, exposure of toxin aerosol form causes endothelial cell damage and cytotoxicity in human lung cells. However, little information is available regarding the cytotoxicity and the mechanisms associated with lung cancer cell lines. The aim of the present study was to explore the cytotoxic effects of epsilon toxin on the human lung cell line A549 and its involvement in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway to clarify the underlying molecular mechanism.
Methods and Results
Following treatment of A549 cells with epsilon toxin, the cytotoxicity by the MTT and LDH assays and the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell cycle, and cell apoptosis using flow cytometry assay as well as detection of cell apoptosis with Hoechst 33258 staining were conducted. The expression levels of apoptosis-, autophagy- and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling-related mRNA and proteins were measured by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Epsilon toxin concentration-dependently induced a reduction in cell viability and an increase in membrane leakage along with ROS generation. Epsilon toxin upregulated the levels of beclin-1, LC3 II/I, and p62 expression while downregulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR expression levels. Epsilon toxin significantly arrested cell-cycle at the Sub-G1 phase and could further promote apoptosis in A549 cells via increasing the expression level of P53, Bax and caspase-3 while reducing the expression of Bcl-2, confirmed with annexin V/PI and Hoechst 33258 staining.
Conclusions
These findings demonstrated that the epsilon toxin-induced cytotoxicity associated with apoptosis and autophagy processes via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.
Cold unfolding of heat-responsive TRPV3
Authors: Wang Guangyu
Published: April 2024

The homotetrameric thermosensitive transient receptor potential vanilloid 1–4 (TRPV1-4) channels in sensory neurons are strongly responsive to heat stimuli. However, their cold activations have not been reported in line with the nonzero heat capacity difference during heat or cold unfolding transitions. Here, along with the experimental examinations of the predicted ring size changes in different domains against the central pore during channel gating at various temperatures, the K169A mutant of reduced human TRPV3 was first found to be activated and inactivated by cold below 42°C. Further thermoring analyses revealed distinct heat and cold unfolding pathways, which resulted in different protein thermostabilities. Thus, both cold and heat unfolding transitions of thermosensitive TRPV1-4 channels may exist once a mutation destabilizes the closed state.