bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Цитогенетична мінливість у сучасних сортів пшениці озимої
Authors: Окселенко О.М. , Назаренко М.М.
Published: July 2024

Хімічні супермутагени алкільної групи можуть значно підвищити частоту мутацій порівняно з іншими, такими як іонізуюче випромінювання. Частота мутацій може бути в 1,5-2 рази вищою, ніж у споріднених речовин. Мета. Дослідити відмінності по цитогенетичній мінливості згідно частот та спектрів хромосомних аберацій у клітинах пшениці озимої в залежності від концентрації та сорту, показати основні параметри за котрими можна моделювати процес мінливості на клітинному рівні організації. Методи. Насіння 4 сортів пшениці озимої Перспектива Одеська, Соната Полтавська, Шпалівка та МІП Лада обробляли водним розчином ДАБ (1,4-бісдіазоацетилбутану) у концентраціях 0,1%, 0,2%, 0,3%. Методом світлової мікроскопії проводили аналіз хромосомних аберацій на пізній стадії метафази та ранній анафазі. Результати. Вплив сорту був значимий лише на індукцію комплексних аберацій, а от підвищення концентрації ДАБ впивало вагомо та достовірно для усіх типів змін. За показником загальної частоти аберацій вагомо відрізнявся сорт Соната Полтавська, який виявився більш толерантним (нижча частота аберацій). Попарне порівняння показало для кількості фрагментів, що при переході між окремими концентраціями різниця була достовірна завжди, крім від ДАБ 0,2% до ДАБ 0,3% для сорту Перспектива Одеська. Для випадку з мостами перша концентрація значуще діяла в порівнянні з контролем тільки для сортів Шпалівка та МІП Лада. Для інших типів хромосомних перебудов знаходимо, що всіх варіантів немає статистично достовірної відмінності з контролем, крім сорту Соната Полтавська, у котрої немає різниці між ДАБ 0,1 та ДАБ 0,2%. Перехід від ДАБ 0,2 до ДАБ 0,3% недостовірний лише для Перспективи Одеської. При індукції комплексних аберацій для всіх варіантів є статистично достовірні відмінності, крім переходу між концентраціями ДАБ 0,1% та 0,2%у сорту Соната Полтавська. Аналіз центроїдних відстаней показав недоцільність використання водночас концентрацій ДАБ 0,1 та 0,2%. Висновки. Ключовим є показник множиннх (комплексних) перебудов. Вищу генетичну спорідненість до дії ДАБ показав сорт Соната Полтавська через вищу толерантність до несприятливих наслідків, особливо при показниках загальної частоти перебудов, кількості фрагментів, інших типів та комплексних аберацій. Застосовані концентрації слід віднести до діапазону умовно-помірних. Недоцільним є використання водночас концентрацій ДАБ 0,1 та ДАБ 0,2%.
Efectos de consecuencias diferenciales en tareas de igualación de la muestra demorada con reforzamiento dependiente e independiente de la respuesta
Authors: Carpio Claudio ,   Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Flores Carlos , Bautista Eliseo , Pacheco Virginia ,   Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,   Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México,   Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Published: July 2024

Se emplearon cuatro grupos de palomas para evaluar el efecto de consecuencias diferenciales en tareas de igualación de la muestra con reforzamiento dependiente e independiente de la respuesta al estímulo de comparación. El primer grupo recibió consecuencias iguales independientes; el segundo consecuencias diferenciales independientes; el tercero consecuencias iguales dependientes y el cuarto consecuencias diferenciales dependientes. El procedimiento consistió en tres fases de igualación: con demora cero, con demora de un segundo y con demora de tres segundos. En las dos primeras fases el índice de discriminación fue mayor en los grupos con consecuencias diferenciales, al margen de que el reforzamiento fuera dependiente o independiente de la respuesta. En la fase de demora tres segundos no hubo diferencias sistemáticas entre los grupos con consecuencias iguales y diferenciales. Con base en la similitud del efecto de consecuencias diferenciales bajo condiciones de reforzamiento dependiente e independiente se cuestiona la relevancia de la contingencia respuesta-reforzador para la distinción de clases funcionales de conducta.
Efectos de la probabilidad de acierto y los criterios de ajuste instruidos en una tarea de aprendizaje probabilístico: una replicación intrasujeto
Authors: Ribes Emilio ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Padilla Antonia , Martínez Carlos ,   Universidad de Guadalajara,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: July 2024

Se realizó un estudio para evaluar las interacciones entre instrucciones con criterio de ajuste del desempeño y distintos valores y distribuciones de la probabilidad de acierto en tareas de aprendizaje probabilístico. Se empleó un diseño intrasujeto, en el que la mitad de los sujetos experimentales se expusieron a cambios en la instrucción entre-sesiones y a cambios repetidos en la probabilidad intrasesión, mientras que los otros sujetos se expusieron a condiciones complementarias. No se observaron efectos de las instrucciones-criterio sobre el desempeño en las tareas de aprendizaje probabilístico. En cambio, se observaron efectos de los valores y distribuciones de la probabilidad en el porcentaje de aciertos, en la distribución de las elecciones y en los patrones de cambio de elección. Se examinan estos resultados en términos de efectos locales de la exposición a valores y distribuciones de probabilidad.
Interacción del tipo de entrenamiento y el tipo de respuesta de igualación en transferencia en una discriminación condicional de segundo orden
Authors: Ribes-Iñesta Emilio ,   Universidad de Guadalajara, Castillo Adolfo ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: July 2024

Se evaluó la interacción entre dos tipos de entrenamiento, observacional e instrumental, y el uso de respuestas verbales o no verbales en la transferencia y mantenimiento de una discriminación condicional de segundo orden. Participaron 16 estudiantes universitarios de ambos sexos que fueron asignados al azar a cuatro grupos experimentales distintos. Dos grupos fueron expuestos a dos fases de entrenamiento instrumental y a dos pruebas de transferencia, uno de ellos con respuesta verbal de igualación y otro con respuesta no verbal. Los otros dos grupos fueron expuestos a dos fases de entrenamiento observacional y a dos pruebas de transferencia, uno de ellos con respuesta verbal de igualación y otro con respuesta no verbal. Los resultados mostraron altos porcentajes de adquisición y mantenimiento en casi todos los sujetos. En cambio, solo los sujetos que emplearon respuesta de igualación verbal mostraron altos porcentajes de transferencia. Se examinan estos resultados en términos de la interacción de las respuestas verbales de descripción con las propiedades instruccionales de los estímulos de segundo orden.
La definición de lo estrictamente psicológico y las trampas del dualismo
Authors: Alcaraz Romero Víctor Manuel ,   Universidad de Guadalajara
Published: July 2024

Los estudios psicológicos han caído, muchas veces, en las trampas del dualismo cuando consideran ciertas expresiones descriptivas metafóricas como realidades. La teoría de Ribes y López busca evitar ese problema y para ello recurre a la noción kantoriana de interconducta. La propuesta de Ribes y López representa un avance frente a los enfoques más comunes en Psicología, pero sin embargo, no llega a explicar fenómenos como los llamados "qualía", es decir las experiencias particulares e intransferibles que se presentan en los seres humanos cuando se enfrentan a la estimulación ambiental y a los estímulos propioceptivos e interoceptivos que surgen de sus acciones Para estudiar objetivamente los qualia hace falta analizar la conducta "autoreflexiva" cuya base vienen a ser los signos lingüísticos, los materiales escritos y las producciones artísticas. La conducta autoreflexiva está compuesta por secuencias de respuestas. Algunas de esas respuestas forman lo que llamaríamos códigos de segundo orden. Para descubrir esa codificación de segundo orden es muy importante considerar la dimensión temporal. La teoría de Ribes y López podría tener una aproximación más comprensiva del análisis de la conducta si le prestara mayor atención a la dimensión temporal.
Conducta de estudio: el papel de identificar criterios en el discurso didáctico
Authors: Ibañez Bernal Carlos ,   Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua
Published: July 2024

Se realizó un estudio exploratorio para analizar cómo la generación de competencias de distinto nivel de aptitud puede estar relacionada con la conducta de estudio, específicamente con la capacidad de los sujetos para identificar criterios cumplibles en el discurso didáctico escrito. Se sometió a un grupo de 606 sujetos a una prueba de competencias de distinto nivel de aptitud que serían generadas a partir de la lectura de 5 textos con un criterio diferente a lograr en cada uno de ellos. Los resultados muestran una significativa relación entre Ia identificación de los textos que contenían el criterio específico y la capacidad para solucionar las diferentes tareas de prueba.
A Lightweight Model to Skin Disease Recognition
Authors: Nguyen To Huu , Ma T. Thu Hong , Do Thanh Mai , Phung T. Thu Trang , Dang An , Vu Duc-Quang
Published: July 2024

Skin disease has become increasingly prevalent, emerging as one of the most widespread conditions. It significantly affects human health and even causes skin cancer and death. Therefore, there are many methods have been proposed to solve this issue recently, especially deep learning-based methods. However, these state-of-the-art methods seem to only focus on how to achieve better performance and ignore the issue of inference time. Specifically, deep learning-based methods usually build very deep with a huge of model size and computational cost. As a result, this becomes very difficult to deploy these models on devices with no GPU support. In this study, we introduce a proficient and lightweight model designed to address this issue, leveraging the Mobilenet architecture. Our experimental findings demonstrate that the suggested network delivers comparable performance to contemporary cutting-edge techniques across diverse benchmark datasets, including HAM10000, International Skin Imaging Collaboration 2017, and International Skin Imaging Collaboration 2019. Notably, our approach utilizes merely 0.2 million parameters and 0.3 GFLOPs for image classification. This attribute holds substantial importance for deploying the model on edge devices lacking GPU support.
PELATIHAN PRAKTIKUM SAINS BAGI GURU DAN SISWA DI SEKOLAH DASAR NO. 038/IX KOTO LOLO
Authors: Siregar Anggi Desviana , Mairisiska Titin , Lala Kiki , Febrianti Amelia
Published: July 2024

Science learning in Elementary Schools (SD) emphasizes the process through practical activities. Still, the SD 038/IX Koto Lolo teachers do not yet involve science practicums in their learning methods. Partners face several obstacles, such as teachers' lack of knowledge regarding the importance of implementing practicums, unfamiliar with using practicum tools and materials, and not understanding the procedures for implementing science practicums in elementary schools. To overcome this problem, service activities are carried out through comprehensive training, which begins with an understanding of the urgency of science practicum in elementary school, a demonstration of several examples of elementary school science practicum, and direct practice according to the instructions that have been explained. As a result, training participants gained four things, namely: a) Knowledge, where they gained new knowledge about implementing elementary science practicum; b) Ability (Skill), participants appear to have the skills to carry out elementary science practicum activities; c) Behavior (Attitude), from the practicum carried out, a scientific attitude is formed from the participants; d) Product, elementary school teachers produce science practicum guides in the form of simple modules that can be applied in elementary schools.
ІВАН СОКОЛЯНСЬКИЙ – ВИДАТНИЙ УКРАЇНСЬКИЙ ВЧЕНИЙ, ЗАСНОВНИК ШКОЛИ ВІТЧИЗНЯНОЇ ТИФЛОСУРДОПЕДАГОГІКИ ДО 135-РІЧЧЯ ВІД ДНЯ НАРОДЖЕННЯ
Authors: Рапіна Лідія
Published: July 2024

Багато років ім’я талановитого практика, блискучого теоретика, умілого організатора освіти, розробника оригінального методу навчання дітей з втратою зору і слуху, автора багатьох наукових праць та ряду винаходів з сурдо- і тифлотехніки Івана Соколянського було викреслено з історії української спеціальної педагогіки. Сьогодні сучасна теорія та практика роботи зі сліпоглухонімими дітьми по-новому відкриває для себе цю велику людину складної долі, спираючись на роботи і досягнення видатного українського вченого світового рівня.
A new frontier in the battle against infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Tomizawa Daisuke
Published: July 2024

Not available.
Effects of Sowing Date and Cutting Management on the Grain and Fodder Yield of Barleyeffects of Sowing Date and Cutting Management on the Grain and Fodder Yield of Barley
Authors: Hasanuzzaman M , Rana M S , Islam F , Mollick M O A , Masum S M
Published: July 2024

Cereal crops need to be grown for dual purpose to overcome continuous food and feed shortage. Sowing date and cutting management both are important to obtain the balanced fodder and grain simultaneously. To address the issue, the field experiment was conducted at agronomy field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, Bangladesh to find out the effect of optimum sowing date and cutting management on the plant growth, green fodder and grain yield of barley. Five sowing times viz., 30 October, 15 November, 30 November, 15 December and 30 December and four cutting management viz., uncut, cutting at Zadoks growth stage, ZGS 19, cutting at ZGS29 and ZGS31 were used. Results of the present study revealed that early sowing time, 30 October gave significantly higher plant height, dry matter accumulation, effective tiller, fertile spikelet, spike length, 1000-grain weight, grain yield, straw yield, biological yield and green fodder yield under both uncut (control) and cut conditions. Cutting of barley for green fodder had reduced significantly all growth parameters, yield attributes and yield compared to uncut barley. Among cutting schedules, minimum and maximum reduction in growth parameters, yield attributes and yield were recorded with cutting of fodder at ZGS19 (vegetative growth stage) and ZGS31 (stem elongation stage), respectively compared to uncut. However, cutting of barley for fodder purpose at ZGS29 (tillering stage) was found in a balance between green fodder and grain yield simultaneously. Therefore, the study suggested that early sowing (30 October) can compensate the reduction in barley yield due to cutting for fodder purpose and cutting at maximum tillering stage (ZGS29) can balance having optimum grain and green fodder simultaneously.
Bangladesh J. Agri. 2024, 49(1): 10-18
Reasons for the transition of conventional banks to Islamic banking in Bangladesh: Evidence from balance sheets and factor analyses
Authors: Ahmmed Monir
Published: July 2024

The study aims to answer the research question of why conventional banks are interested in converting into Islamic banks. The study uses some financial and statistical tools for measuring the financial strength of some selected banks in the scenario of before and after conversion and also measures the perceptions of Bankers and Policymakers that lead to the conversion of the bankers by factor analysis covering the Islamic banks of Bangladesh, which were converted from conventional to Islamic in the era of private commercial banks. The study found a statistically significant difference in performance between the pre-conversion and the post-conversion scenarios of the selected banks based on different financial ratios like Profitability Ratios, Liquidity Ratios, Risk and solvency ratios and Efficiency ratios. However, the results have indicated that higher capitalization, lower credit risk, higher profitability, and significant market share from conversion are the main reasons for converting to the Islamic system rather than religious obligations.
IIUC Business Review, Vol.-11, Issue-1, Dec. 2022, pp. 9-34
Measurement of the impact of micro-credit programs on poverty alleviation in Bangladesh
Authors: Billah Md Arif
Published: July 2024

The main purpose of this study is to measure the impact of micro-credit programs on selected non-government organizations (NGOs) regarding poverty alleviation in Bangladesh using a purposive sample of 1000 credit borrowers. Alongside respondents' perceived change in a poverty situation, this study developed an alternative measure of poverty change based on changes in household wealth and educational attainment. This study found that the perceived change in poverty was 78.1 percent. However, the poverty change index (PI) examination indicates that around 55.6% of the respondents had successfully overcome their poverty. According to the analysis of multinomial logistic regression and two-level binary logistic regression, the amount of loan, various NGOs' performance, satisfaction level, previous loan, and micro-credit as the main instruments of asset and poverty change. Significance variation at the community level was found in this study, which means that respondents from various communities with similar attributes will demonstrat distinct impect on the evolution of the poverty situation. More research should be conducted to identify the causes of this difference to maximize the impact of microcredit.
IIUC Business Review, Vol.-11, Issue-1, Dec. 2022, pp. 95-112
Exploring Abul Ḥasan ʽAlī Nadwī’s views on distinctive features of Islamic civilization
Authors: Mohammad Saud Bin , Rahim Adibah Abdul
Published: July 2024

The seventh to thirteenth centuries was a very glorious period of Islamic civilization. During this time, the Islamic world advanced in the arts and sciences and influenced other segments of the world. Unfortunately, due to the rise of Arab imperialism, Islamic civilization experienced many ups and downs, but the remarkable decline was noticed after Western dominance over the Muslim world started to increase a few centuries ago. Under the influence of Western civilization, the Muslim world began to regress towards backwardness. As a matter of fact, Muslims all over the world are in decline, and in order to retain their lofty status, Nadwī suggested reviving Islamic civilization as an alternative to Western civilization. He criticized Western civilization for its moral degradation and lack of spirituality. This paper, therefore, will explore Nadwī’s views on the most distinctive features of Islamic civilization in comparison to Western civilization. Nadwī strongly believed that Islamic civilization should be the pillar of world civilization that can guide humankind toward the right path in this world and otherworldly life.
IIUC Studies Vol.19, December 2022: 159-168
The Next Frontier in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
Authors: Enesco Ada
Published: July 2024

THE FUTURE of metabolic-dysfunction associated liver disease (MASLD) was discussed in an insightful session chaired by Hannes Hagström, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; and Dina Tiniakos, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece, during the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) Congress 2024, held in Milan, Italy from the 5ᵗʰ–8ᵗʰ June. Hot topics included the evolving role of hepatologists, novel treatments and biomarkers for MASLD, and the promise of AI in the field.
HUKUM KEPEMILIKAN BARANG TAMBANG PERSPEKTIF FIQH MUAMALAH
Authors: Wedi Wedi Pratanto Rahayu , Syai'in Syai'in
Published: July 2024

Abstrak
Kepemilikan barang tambang memberikan kemanfaatan yang sangat besar bagi pemiliknya. Sangat penting ada hukum yang tepat untuk mengaturnya Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menemukan hukum kepemilikan barang tambang, perspektif fiqh muamalah. Hasil penelitan adalah menurut fiqh muamalah, barang tambang dapat dimiliki dengan cara ihraz al-Mubahat dan mayoritas ulama berpendapat bahwa barang tambang boleh dimiliki oleh individu, sementara ulama Malikiyah berpendapat bahwa barang tambang hanya boleh dimiliki oleh negara, serta kepemilikan barang tambang harus dilandasi dengan aqidah, akhlaq, keadilan dan kemaslahatan.
Kata Kunci : Hukum kepemilikan, barang tambang, fiqh muamalah, ihraz al-Mubahat
A pedagogic intervention using bio design and natural dye systems.
Authors: Ewings Rowanna
Published: July 2024

Biodesign within textiles and design education is developing at pace, this paper aims to discuss the value of how developmental planning within an educational setting allows the student and also a wider community audience to gain a deeper understanding of how focused education in this area can lead to the generation of bio-based material knowledge, problem solving sustainable and regenerative design responses that have impact, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, (2017). The work will consider the question of production and bio pigmentation using natural dye systems and palmaria algae in particular, Stévant, P. et al. (2023). It will define bio design through the lense of a designer and an educator in the field of textiles using exploratory investigations leading to building strong foundations curriculum framework. A key focus will review interventions and reflections of how curriculum design using a specific case study of a taught module within a Higher Education environment, Wood, J. et al. (2023). Implementations of this form of pedagogical intervention allows opportunity to address a number of the UN Sustainability Goals, and the transition towards sustainable and circular systems, UN Environment Programme. (2024). The challenges of moving away from synthetic fibre and petrochemical derived materials to a more sustainable and regenerative raw material source within textile output are evident, WRAP, U. (2021). The underpinning of core knowledge and encouragement of risk-taking experimentation within bio design, Myers, W. (2012) has the potential to develop novel materials, enhance best practice enabling productive transdisciplinary collaborative actions in the field of bio design.
Application of stimuli-responsive hydrogel in brain disease treatment
Authors: Xie Bingqing , Xie Huangfan
Published: July 2024

Treating brain diseases presents significant challenges due to neuronal degeneration, inflammation, and the intricate nature of the brain. Stimuli-responsive hydrogels, designed to closely resemble the brain’s extracellular matrix, have emerged as promising candidates for controlled drug delivery and tissue engineering. These hydrogels have the unique ability to encapsulate therapeutic agents and release them in a controlled manner when triggered by environmental stimuli. This property makes them particularly suitable for delivering drugs precisely to targeted areas of the brain, while minimizing collateral damage to healthy tissue. Their preclinical success in treating various brain diseases in animal studies underscores their translational potential for human brain disease treatment. However, a deeper understanding of their long-term behavior, biodistribution, and biocompatibility within the brain remains crucial. Furthermore, exploring novel hydrogel systems and therapeutic combinations is paramount for advancing towards more effective treatments. This review summarizes the latest advancements in this field over the past 5 years, specifically highlighting preclinical progress with novel stimuli-responsive hydrogels for treating brain diseases.
Photothermal oxidative dehydrogenation of propane to propylene over Cu/BN catalysts
Authors: Sun Shaoyuan , Zhao Manqi , Liu Huimin , Li Dezheng , Lei Yiming
Published: July 2024

Oxidative dehydrogenation of propane (ODHP) is a reaction with significant practical significance. As for the industrial application of ODHP, it is challenging to achieve high activity and high propylene selectivity simultaneously. In this study, to overcome this obstacle, we designed a series of Cu/BN catalysts with unique morphologies for establishing a photothermal ODHP system with high efficiency and selectivity. Characterization and evaluation results revealed that Cu/BN-NS and Cu/BN-NF with enlarged specific surface areas exhibited higher catalytic activities. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of Cu nanoparticles further enhanced the photothermal catalytic performances of Cu/BN catalysts under visible light irradiation. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time to establish a BN-based photothermal ODHP catalytic system. This study is expected to pave pathways to realize high activity and propylene selectivity for the practical application of ODHP.
Probiotic Limosilactobacillus reuteri KUB-AC5 decreases urothelial cell invasion and enhances macrophage killing of uropathogenic Escherichia coli in vitro study
Authors: Tantibhadrasapa Arishabhas , Li Songbo , Buddhasiri Songphon , Sukjoi Chutikarn , Mongkolkarvin Panupon , Boonpan Pattarapon , Wongpalee Somsakul Pop , Paenkaew Prasobsook , Sutheeworapong Sawannee , Nakphaichit Massalin , Nitisinprasert Sunee , Hsieh Michael H. , Thiennimitr Parameth
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Bacterial urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most common infectious diseases worldwide. The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) UTI cases is a significant threat to healthcare systems. Several probiotic bacteria have been proposed as an alternative to combat MDR UTI. Lactic acid bacteria in the genus Limosilactobacillus are some of the most studied and used probiotics. However, strain-specific effects play a critical role in probiotic properties. L. reuteri KUB-AC5 (AC5), isolated from the chicken gut, confers antimicrobial and immunobiotic effects against some human pathogens. However, the antibacterial and immune modulatory effects of AC5 on UPEC have never been explored.

Methods

Here, we investigated both the direct and indirect effects of AC5 against UPEC isolates (UTI89, CFT073, and clinical MDR UPEC AT31) in vitro. Using a spot-on lawn, agar-well diffusion, and competitive growth assays, we found that viable AC5 cells and cell-free components of this probiotic significantly reduced the UPEC growth of all strains tested. The human bladder epithelial cell line UM-UC-3 was used to assess the adhesion and pathogen-attachment inhibition properties of AC5 on UPEC.

Results and discussion

Our data showed that AC5 can attach to UM-UC-3 and decrease UPEC attachment in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment of UPEC-infected murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells with viable AC5 (multiplicity of infection, MOI = 1) for 24 hours enhanced macrophage-killing activity and increased proinflammatory (Nos2, Il6, and Tnfa) and anti-inflammatory (Il10) gene expression. These findings indicate the gut-derived AC5 probiotic could be a potential urogenital probiotic against MDR UTI.
Prevalence of tick-borne bacterial pathogens in Germany—has the situation changed after a decade?
Authors: Mertens-Scholz Katja , Hoffmann Bernd , Gethmann Jörn M. , Brangsch Hanka , Pletz Mathias W. , Klaus Christine
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Tick-borne pathogens, such as Borreliella spp., Rickettsia spp., and Anaplasma spp., are frequently detected in Germany. They circulate between animals and tick vectors and can cause mild to severe diseases in humans. Knowledge about distribution and prevalence of these pathogens over time is important for risk assessment of human and animal health.

Methods

Ixodes ricinus nymphs were collected at different locations in 2009/2010 and 2019 in Germany and analyzed for tick-borne pathogens by real-time PCR and sequencing.

Results

Borreliella spp. were detected with a prevalence of 11.96% in 2009/2010 and 13.10% in 2019 with B. afzelii and B. garinii as dominant species. Borrelia miyamotoi was detected in seven ticks and in coinfection with B. afzelii or B. garinii. Rickettsia spp. showed a prevalence of 8.82% in 2009/2010 and 1.68% in 2019 with the exclusive detection of R. helvetica. The prevalence of Anaplasma spp. was 1.00% in 2009/2010 and 7.01% in 2019. A. phagocytophilum was detected in seven tick samples. None of the nymphs were positive for C. burnetii.

Discussion

Here, observed changes in prevalence were not significant after a decade but require longitudinal observations including parameters like host species and density, climatic factors to improve our understanding of tick-borne diseases.
Strategies and mechanisms targeting Enterococcus faecalis biofilms associated with endodontic infections: a comprehensive review
Authors: Yang Shipeng , Meng Xiuping , Zhen Yuqi , Baima Quzhen , Wang Yu , Jiang Xinmiao , Xu Zhibo
Published: July 2024

Enterococcus faecalis is one of the main microorganisms that infects root canals, ranking among the most prevalent microorganisms associated with endodontic treatment failure. Given its pervasive presence in persistent endodontic infections, the successful elimination of Enterococcus faecalis is crucial for effective endodontic treatment and retreatment. Furthermore, Enterococcus faecalis can form biofilms - defense structures that microbes use to fight environmental threats. These biofilms confer resistance against host immune system attacks and antibiotic interventions. Consequently, the presence of biofilms poses a significant challenge in the complete eradication of Enterococcus faecalis and its associated disease. In response, numerous scholars have discovered promising outcomes in addressing Enterococcus faecalis biofilms within root canals and undertaken endeavors to explore more efficacious approaches in combating these biofilms. This study provides a comprehensive review of strategies and mechanisms for the removal of Enterococcus faecalis biofilms.
Clinical outcome and intraprocedural characteristics of left atrial appendage occlusion: a comparison between single-occlusive plug-type and dual-occlusive disc-type devices
Authors: Primessnig Uwe , Schrader Helene , Wiedenhofer Julia M. , Trippel Tobias D. , Parwani Abdul S. , Blaschke Florian , Hindricks Gerhard , Falk Volkmar , Dreger Henryk , Sherif Mohammad , Boldt Leif-Hendrik
Published: July 2024

Background

Percutaneous interventional left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is a reliable, safe, and effective alternative for stroke prevention in selected patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

In a retrospective observational study, 149 patients underwent LAAO between 2016 and 2022 at the Department of Cardiology of the Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow, with AF for prevention of thromboembolic complications. We compared patient characteristics, intraoperative details and postoperative outcomes between single-occlusive plug-type (SOPT) and dual-occlusive disc-type (DODT) devices.

Results

In all patients, the device implantation was successful. 60 patients received a SOPT occluder, including Watchman (35%) and Watchman FLX Occluders (65%), while 89 patients received a DODT occluder, including Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (37.1%), the Amplatzer Amulet (25.8%), and the LAmbre occluder (37.1%) systems. Procedure duration was significantly longer for DODT occluder implantation (49 ± 33 vs. 41 ± 25 min, p = 0.018). There were no in-hospital deaths or thromboembolic events reported after LAAO in both groups. Beyond that, a low rate of bleeding or access-side-related complications and pericardial tamponades were observed. Anticoagulation at discharge varied. About 60.8% of patients received dual antiplatelet therapy at hospital discharge, and 33.1% received direct oral anticoagulants. A 6-month follow-up was obtained in 85% of the patients. All implanted devices were in the desired position. However, in 5.7% of the patients, a device-related thrombus formation was detected in the SOPT group, while no thrombus was seen in the DODT group (p = 0.11). Thromboembolic events were noticed in 3.1%, without any difference between the device types. There was a statistically non-significant trend for less residual device leaks after SOPT vs. DODT implantation (no leak in 71.7% vs. 62.2%, p = 0.07; minor leaks <5 mm, 9.4% vs. 20.3%, p = 0.1). In the SOPT group, less bleeding complications were reported after LAAO (11.3% vs. 17.6%, p = 0.1).

Conclusion

Our data suggest the safety and efficiency of LAAO with a very high procedural implantation success rate irrespective of the used LAA device. Furthermore, no relevant procedural or device-related complication occurred during the 6-month follow-up in all patients.
Expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines during anti-proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 therapy in patients with statin-resistant familial hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Morales-Portano Julieta Danira , Trujillo-Cortés Rafael , Roa-Martínez Bricia Margarita , Pérez-Cabeza de Vaca Rebeca , García Silvia , Mondragón-Terán Paul , Suárez-Cuenca Juan A.
Published: July 2024

Background

Some clinical dyslipidemia cases do not respond to statins, known as statin-resistant familial hypercholesterolemia (SR-FH), in which patients are under a high cardiovascular risk despite statin therapy. Therefore, novel therapeutic alternatives are required. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i) reduce cholesterol levels and cardiovascular disease risk, particularly in patients with SR-FH, where PCSK9i may differentially affect pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators depending on the clinical setting.

Aim

To evaluate the effect of PCSK9i treatment on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in patients with SR-FH.

Methods

Before–after comparison, quasi-experimental, single-center study in patients with SR-FH. Blood samples were processed to obtain complete blood counts of glycated hemoglobin and serum lipid levels. Flow cytometry was performed to characterize baseline circulating M1- and M2-macrophages and monocytes. Multiplexing of plasma samples was used to compare plasma fraktaline, interleukins (ILs), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. The endpoints were lower serum lipid levels and pro-inflammatory mediator modification.

Results

Twenty patients with SR-FH, aged 58 years and most of them males, were included, with a mean body–mass index of 26.4 and showing ischemic heart disease and similar values of baseline M1- and M2-macrophages and monocytes. Six-month iPSCK-9 therapy considerably reduced LDLc, increased anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-4), and modified pro-inflammatory cytokine (TNF-alpha and MCP-1) levels. No notable effects were observed for the other markers.

Conclusion

PCSK9i therapy exerted subclinical anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic effects, indicating potential benefits for clinical outcomes.
Impact of hypertensive heart disease, risk factors, and age-period-cohort models across 204 nations and regions from 1990 to 2019: a global perspective from the 2019 global burden of disease study
Authors: Gao Guoliang , Chen Zhaoyi , Yan Guoping , Bao Minqiang
Published: July 2024

Background

Hypertensive heart disease (HHD) is a major global public health issue resulting from hypertension-induced end-organ damage. The aim of this study was to examine the global impact, risk factors, and age-period-cohort (APC) model of HHD from 1990 to 2019.

Methods

Data from the 2019 Global Burden of Disease were used to assess age-adjusted HHD prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), mortality rates, and contributions of HHD risk factors with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). APC models were used to analyze global age, period, and cohort mortality trends for HHD.

Results

In 2019, 18.6 million prevalent HHD cases led to 1.16 million fatalities and 21.51 million DALYs. Age-adjusted rates were 233.8 (95%UI = 170.5–312.9) per 100,000 individuals for prevalence, 15.2 (11.2–16.7) for mortality, and 268.2 (204.6–298.1) for DALYs. Regionally, the Cook Islands (703.1), Jordan (561.6), and Kuwait (514.9) had the highest age-standardized incidence of HHD in 2019. There were significant increases in HHD prevalence in Andean Latin America (16.7%), western sub-Saharan Africa (5.6%), and eastern sub-Saharan Africa (4.6%). Mortality rate varied widely among countries. Risk factors like elevated systolic blood pressure and high body mass index significant influenced DALY rates, especially in females. The APC model revealed an association between mortality rates and age, with a decreasing mortality risk over time and improved survival rates for a later birth cohort.

Conclusions

Despite the reduction in prevalence, HHD remains a significant public health issue, particularly in nations with low sociodemographic indices. To alleviate the impact of HHD, prevention efforts should concentrate on the management of hypertension, weight loss, and lifestyle improvement.
Case Report: two cases of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis involving large vessels
Authors: Zhang Hanyu , Yan Dingfang , Wei Yuehua , He Yun , Chang Junjie , Zhang Wenjun
Published: July 2024

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a group of systemic diseases caused by a combination of many factors, including genetics, environment, and immunity. AAV is characterized by predominantly small-vessel involvement and has a variety of clinical manifestations. Small-vessel lesions of the kidneys and lungs are common, and lesions of medium-sized arteries may also present, but the involvement of large arteries and their primary branches is very rare. This report delineates two instances of AAV with large arterial involvement, one case presenting with lesions of the aortic valve and the other with lesions of the pulmonary artery. The first case involved a 57-year-old man with no underlying diseases. Transthoracic echocardiography showed thickening of the left and right coronary valves of the aortic valve with enhanced echogenicity, moderate echogenic masses were seen on both valve leaflets, and the leaflets had restricted opening and poor closure. Blood tests showed positive perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA) and anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibodies. The patient's aortic valve thickening virtually disappeared after treatment with hormones combined with immunosuppressive agents. The second case involved a 60-year-old woman whose transthoracic echocardiography and CT (computed tomography) angiography of the pulmonary arteries showed wall thickening of the main pulmonary artery and the proximal left and right pulmonary arteries, leading to luminal stenosis. Blood tests showed positive cytoplasmic anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (c-ANCA) and anti-proteinase 3 (PR 3) antibodies. The patient's pulmonary artery wall thickening reduced after receiving hormones in combination with immunosuppression but she died of heart failure during subsequent treatment. The patient had been diagnosed with tuberculosis six months earlier and had been poorly treated with anti-tuberculosis therapy. The involvement of large arteries in AAV is a rare and critical condition with rapid progression and a high mortality rate. Early recognition of this type of AAV and aggressive immunosuppressive therapy may facilitate the reversal of the vascular lesion and a reduction in the risk of patient death.
University–community engagement in the Netherlands: blurring the lines between personal values, societal expectations, and marketing
Authors: Koekkoek Anouk , Kleinhans Reinout , van Ham Maarten
Published: July 2024

As a growing number of Dutch higher education institutions become increasingly interested and active in university–community engagement, questions have arisen about their motivations, goals, and activities in this area. This paper aims to provide insight into the factors driving universities’ community engagement and how this is manifested in the Netherlands, considering, in particular, the role of marketization and corporate social responsibility. It thus offers an empirical foundation for understanding university–community engagement. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with major stakeholders in university–community engagement at four Dutch universities, including members of the executive boards. It was found that university–community engagement shows several similarities to corporate social responsibility and is based on a complex mix of value-driven, performance-driven, and reaction-driven motivations. Three relationships between marketization and university–community engagement are identified, characterizing university–community engagement as a counteraction against marketization, an expression of marketization, and a result of marketization.
Low-carbon optimization operation of integrated energy system considering comprehensive demand response under improved carbon trading mechanism
Authors: Li Jing , Gao Xiying , Guo Dan , Xia Jingyi , Jia Zhuting , Wang Yue
Published: July 2024

The integrated energy system considering comprehensive demand response can realize cascade utilization of energy and reduce carbon emissions. However, few studies explore the operation of Integrated energy system considering the coupling markets of electricity and carbon trading. Based on the characteristics and specific needs of the integrated energy system, this paper establishes the mathematical model of each energy supply equipment, and studies the optimal energy supply method of the system. First, demand response is categorized into price and substitution types based on load response characteristics. Second, the price demand response models are established utilizing the price elasticity matrix, and substitution demand response models are developed considering the mutual conversion of electric and heat energy on the user-side. Subsequently, a baseline method is employed to allocate carbon emission quotas to the system without charge with considering the actual carbon emissions from gas turbines and gas boilers. This results in the formulation of an improved carbon trading mechanism tailored for integrated energy system. Finally, a low-carbon optimization operational model for integrated energy system is constructed with the multi-objective functions. The results of numerical case studies are presented to validate the performance of the proposed control method.
Complex network analysis of embodied carbon emission transfer in China’s construction industry
Authors: Xiao Wenwen , Fu Xianshun , Song Wenhao , Wang Lili
Published: July 2024

The construction industry is an important material production sector of the national economy, and trade in goods and services between different industrial sectors in different regions may result in the transfer of embodied carbon emissions from the construction industry. A systematic identification of the relationships and structural characteristics of the embodied carbon transfer in the construction industry is crucial for rationally defining the responsibility for emission reduction and scientifically formulating emission reduction policies to promote the effective promotion of China’s carbon emission reduction actions. Based on the calculation of input-output theory, this study constructs a multi-regional input-output (MRIO) model of 31 provinces in China containing 28 industries to estimate the carbon emissions of the construction industry in 2017, it also combines the complex network theory to construct the industrial and regional embodied carbon transfer network of China’s construction industry, and calculates the network structure indexes to deeply explore the spatial transfer network structure characteristics of the embodied carbon transfer between regions of China’s construction industry in 2017. The results show that the construction, energy and building materials manufacturing sectors are at the core of the sectoral carbon transfer network structure, with strong network control. The embodied carbon transfer network between regions in the construction industry has a small-world character, more than 40% of all relevant regions have carbon transfer relationships with other regions, significant carbon emissions are transferred from the resource-rich, industrially well-endowed central-western and north-eastern provinces to the economically developed south-eastern coastal provinces. According to the results of the study, differentiated carbon emission reduction plans are formulated, and policy suggestions for optimizing the carbon emission reduction plan of the construction industry are put forward.
Biochar manure decreases ammonia volatilization loss and sustains crop productivity in rice paddy
Authors: Canatoy Ronley C. , Cho Song Rae , Galgo Snowie Jane C. , Park So Yeong , Kim Pil Joo
Published: July 2024

Manure application is a recommended method to improve soil quality and mitigate global warming via soil carbon (C) sequestration. However, such application can significantly increase ammonia (NH3) volatilization loss and cause secondary environmental problems, such as acidification, eutrophication, and particulate matter formation. To investigate the potential of reducing NH3 emissions in flooded rice paddies, three types of stabilized swine manure amendments (fresh, composted, and biochar) were applied at a rate of 12 Mg ha−1 (dry weight) under standard fertilization (N–P2O5–K2O = 90–45–57 kg ha−1), and NH3 emission was characterized using the static chamber method. Regardless of manure management practices, NH3 fluxes increased significantly immediately after application of an inorganic nitrogen (N) fertilizer (urea). The manure was applied completely as the basal fertilizer before rice transplanting, but the NH3 emission rates increased more dramatically following urea application in the manure treatments. Fresh and composted manure applications significantly increased seasonal NH3 volatilization losses compared to the control but the biochar did not. Compost manure significantly increased rice grain productivity owing to the higher N content, while fresh and biochar manures did not increase rice productivity because of fewer panicles per hill and fewer grains per panicle. Consequently, biochar application resulted in lower NH3 flux intensity and seasonal NH3 flux per grain yield, whereas fresh and compost manures substantially increased this intensity. Therefore, biochar manure may be a more reasonable organic amendment than fresh and composted manures for reducing NH3 emission impacts on rice paddies.
Spectrum of pathogenic variants and high prevalence of pathogenic BBS7 variants in Russian patients with Bardet–Biedl syndrome
Authors: Orlova M. , Gundorova P. , Kadnikova V. , Polyakov A.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Bardet–Biedl syndrome is a rare condition characterized by obesity, retinitis pigmentosa, polydactyly, development delay, and structural kidney anomalies. This syndrome has an autosomal recessive type of inheritance. For the first time, molecular genetic testing has been provided for a large cohort of Russian patients with Bardet–Biedl syndrome.

Materials and methods

Genetic testing was provided to 61 unrelated patients using an MPS panel that includes coding regions and intronic areas of all genes (n = 21) currently associated with Bardet–Biedl syndrome.

Results

The diagnosis was confirmed for 41% of the patients (n = 25). Disease-causing variants were observed in BBS1, BBS4, BBS7, TTC8, BBS9, BBS10, BBS12, and MKKS genes. In most cases, pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were localized in BBS1, BBS10, and BBS7 genes; recurrent variants were also observed in these genes.

Discussion

The frequency of pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in the BBS1 and BBS10 genes among Russian patients matches the research data in other countries. The frequency of pathogenic variants in the BBS7 gene is about 1.5%–2% of patients with Bardet–Biedl syndrome, while in the cohort of Russian patients, the fraction is 24%. In addition, the recurrent pathogenic variant c.1967_1968delinsC was detected in the BBS7 gene. The higher frequency of this variant in the Russian population, as well as the lack of association of this pathogenic variant with Bardet–Biedl syndrome in other populations, suggests that the variant c.1967_1968delinsC in the BBS7 gene is major and has a founder effect in the Russian population. Results provided in this article show the significant role of pathogenic variants in the BBS7 gene for patients with Bardet–Biedl syndrome in the Russian population.