bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of a New Dinuclear Cu(I) Complex with a Triazine Ligand and Diphenylphosphine Methane: X-ray Structure, Optical Properties, DFT Calculations, and Application in DSSCs
Authors: Peñuelas Carlos A. , Campos-Gaxiola José J. , Soto-Rojo Rody , Cruz-Enríquez Adriana , Reynoso-Soto Edgar A. , Miranda-Soto Valentín , García Juventino J. , Flores-Álamo Marcos , Baldenebro-López Jesús , Glossman-Mitnik Daniel
Published: September 2023

A new copper(I) complex, [Cu2(L)2dppm](PF6)2 (1) [L = 3-(2-Pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine and dppm: Bis(diphenylphosphino)methane], was prepared and characterized by IR, 1H-NMR, 31P-NMR spectroscopy, elemental and thermogravimetric analysis, and a single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. Complex 1 is a dinuclear compound, showing that L and dppm act as tridentate and bidentate chelating ligands, respectively. The two Cu(I) atoms exhibit a distorted tetrahedral coordination sphere embedded in N3P environments. The supramolecular interactions in the solid-state structure are characterized by C−H···N, C−H···F, C-H···π and π···π intermolecular interactions, which we studied using Hirshfeld surface and fingerprint tools. Additionally, the complex was studied experimentally using UV–Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry, and theoretical studies with time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) were performed. Moreover, the optical and electrochemical properties were studied, focusing on the band gap. Compound 1 was used as a co-sensitizer in a dye-sensitized solar cell, showing a good photovoltaic performance of 2.03% (Jsc = 5.095 mAcm−2, Voc = 757 mV, and FF = 52.7%) under 100 mW cm−2 (AM 1.5G) solar irradiation, which is similar to that of DSSC, which was only sensitized by N719 (2.2%) under the same condition.
Osteoarticular Sporotrichosis of the Knee Caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis: Two Similar Cases with Different Outcomes
Authors: de Sousa Bruno Ivanovinsky Costa , Ferreira Livia Cristina Fonseca , de Lima Marcella Morgado Ramiro , Netto Juliana dos Santos Barbosa , Astacio Guis Saint-Martin , Bernardes-Engemann Andréa Reis , de Macedo Priscila Marques , Gutierrez-Galhardo Maria Clara , Freitas Dayvison Francis Saraiva
Published: September 2023

Sporotrichosis is the most frequent subcutaneous or implantation mycosis in Latin America, and its transmission occurs as a result of traumatic inoculation into the skin by organic matter containing the thermodimorphic fungi of the genus Sporothrix. Although cutaneous forms are more common, another important site is the osteoarticular system, whose hematogenous involvement is commonly associated with disseminated forms, especially in people who have an immunosuppressive condition, such as HIV/AIDS, chronic steroid use, and alcohol abuse. We present two cases of osteoarticular sporotrichosis of the knee caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis and followed up at our institution, with different outcomes. In the cases presented here, aging, anatomical sites, comorbidities, subtherapeutic serum levels, low adherence to treatment, and late diagnosis for different reasons may explain the observed outcomes. Early diagnosis of Sporothrix infection is critical in preventing complications, including death. We also highlight the importance of multidisciplinary follow-up and adherence to treatment for a favorable outcome.
Problems Encountered Using Fungal Extracts as Test Solutions for Fungal Allergy Diagnosis
Authors: Pfeiffer Sandra , Swoboda Ines
Published: September 2023

Fungal allergy is a worldwide public health burden, and problems associated with a reliable allergy diagnosis are far from being solved. Especially, the lack of high-quality standardized fungal extracts contributes to the underdiagnosis of fungal allergy. Compared to the manufacturing processes of extracts from other allergen sources, the processes used to manufacture extracts from fungi show the highest variability. The reasons for the high variability are manifold as the starting material, the growth conditions, the protein extraction methods, and the storage conditions all have an influence on the presence and quantity of individual allergens. Despite the vast variety of studies that have analyzed the impact of the different production steps on the allergenicity of fungal allergen extracts, much remains unknown. This review points to the need for further research in the field of fungal allergology, for standardization and for generally accepted guidelines on the preparation of fungal allergen extracts. In particular, the standardization of fungal extracts has been and will continue to be difficult, but it will be crucial for improving allergy diagnosis and therapy.
Gunshot Abdominal Injuries: A Report of Two Cases and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Elek Zlatan , Igrutinovic Gojko , Grujic Blagoje , Djordjevic Ivona , Konstantinovic Strahinja
Published: September 2023

Abdominal injuries in children caused by guns are a rare clinical entity globally. But, in countries with undefined legal regulations and in war zones, urban violence is a tremendous social problem among older children and adolescents. This manuscript provides details regarding two cases of severe gunshot injuries in young children. The injuries were very complicated and included damage to the parenchymatous and hollow organs and major blood vessels. The clinical presentation on admission was severe and dramatic, but the patients survived. However, one patient developed numerous complications that required repeated surgical interventions and long treatment. This article provides a detailed description of injuries and how to treat them. Patient care requires a multidisciplinary approach, and the initial decision on further treatment depends on the patient’s hemodynamic stability.
Iodine Concentration in the Breast Milk and Urine as Biomarkers of Iodine Nutritional Status of Lactating Women and Breastfed Infants in Taiwan
Authors: Huang Chun-Jui , Li Jia-Zhen , Hwu Chii-Min , Chen Harn-Shen , Wang Fan-Fen , Yeh Chang-Ching , Yang Chen-Chang
Published: September 2023

Breast milk iodine concentration (BMIC) can be different when median urinary iodine concentration (UIC) is similar. The BMIC, UIC/creatinine (Cr), estimated 24-h urinary iodine excretion (24-h UIE) of lactating women in Taiwan is unknown. This study enrolled lactating women from Taipei Veterans General Hospital (August 2021–February 2023). Each participant provided a random spot urine sample, two breast milk samples, a blood sample, and completed a food frequency questionnaire on the same day. Iodine measurement was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The median UIC of the enrolled 71 women was 91.1 μg/L, indicating insufficient iodine status; however, the median BMIC was 166.6 μg/L and this suggested that the amount of iodine delivered through breast milk was adequate for the breastfed infants. BMIC was correlated with UIC/Cr and 24-h UIE (both rs = 0.49) but not with UIC (rs = 0.18) or thyroid stimulating hormone (rs = 0.07). Women who did not consume dairy products (adjusted odds ratio: 24.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.26–471.2) and multivitamins (adjusted odds ratio: 8.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.76–38.79) were at increased odds for having lower BMIC. The results suggest that measuring maternal UIC alone may not be sufficient, as BMIC, UIC/Cr, and 24-h UIE are all important biomarkers. Ingestion of dairy products and multivitamins were independently associated with BMIC.
Association of Dietary Flavonoid Intake with Serum Cotinine Levels in the General Adult Population
Authors: Zhu Ning , Lin Shanhong , Yu Hang , Huang Weina , Cao Chao
Published: September 2023

Cotinine, the primary metabolite of nicotine, can be utilized as a marker for active smoking and as an indicator of exposure to secondhand smoke. However, the direct relationship between dietary flavonoid intake and serum cotinine levels remains a subject of ongoing investigation. In this study, we utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2010 and 2017–2018 to assess the association between dietary flavonoid intake and serum cotinine levels in adults through multiple linear regression analysis. A weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression model was used to assess the association of the mixture of six dietary flavonoids with serum cotinine levels in adults, which could represent the overall effect of the mixture of six dietary flavonoids. We also conducted stratified analyses by smoke status to explore multiple linear regression associations between different flavonoid intake and serum cotinine levels. A total of 14,962 adults were included in the study. Compared to the group with the lowest dietary flavonoid intake, total flavonoid intake in the second (β = −0.29 [−0.44, −0.14]), third (β = −0.41 [−0.58, −0.24]), and highest groups (β = −0.32 [−0.49, −0.16]) was inversely related to the levels of serum cotinine after adjusting the full model. An RCS model showed that when the total dietary flavonoid intake was less than 99.61 mg/day, there was a negative linear association between dietary flavonoid intake and the serum cotinine. The WQS regression model also showed that the intake of a mixture of six dietary flavonoids was significantly negatively correlated with serum cotinine levels (β = −0.54 [−0.61, −0.46], p <0.01), with anthocyanins having the greatest effect (weights = 32.30%). Our findings imply a significant correlation between dietary flavonoid intake and serum cotinine levels among adults. The consumption of a combination of six dietary flavonoids was consistently linked to lower serum cotinine levels, with anthocyanins displaying the most pronounced impact.
Pacific Islands Families Study: Household Food Security during Pregnancy and Secondary School Educational Achievement
Authors: Iusitini Leon , Tautolo El-Shadan , Plank Lindsay D. , Rush Elaine
Published: September 2023

Nutritional environment in early life is a key factor for brain development and function. It is important to understand the relationship between nutrition in early life and academic achievement in adolescence. The birth cohort of the Pacific Islands Families (PIF) study was born in the year 2000. When their child was six weeks old, mothers were asked questions concerning food security over the past year. Two binary measures of food security were derived as previously used in PIF and also by the Ministry of Health (MOH). In 2020, records of academic achievement from the National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) for 649 (317 female, 332 male) cohort members showed progressive achievement at levels 1, 2, and 3 of NCEA and allowed University Entrance (UE) to be assessed. The prevalence of food insecurity was not different for sex but high at 29% and 42% using the PIF and MOH definitions of food insecurity, respectively. More females (27%) than males (18%) achieved UE as their highest qualification, and more males (40%) than females (31%) achieved NCEA levels 1 or 2 as their highest qualification. UE was achieved by 25% of those born into food-secure households and 17% from food-insecure households. Logistic regression demonstrated that the odds of achieving UE were 1.8-fold (95% CI 1.2, 2.6, p = 0.003) higher in females than males and, independently, 1.6-fold (95% CI 1.1, 2.5 p = 0.026) higher if the household was food secure. This work emphasises the importance of maternal and early-life food security for subsequent academic achievement and the well-being of future generations.
Anticancer Effects of Fucoxanthin in a PDX Model of Advanced Stage Pancreatic Cancer with Alteration of Several Multifunctional Molecules
Authors: Terasaki Masaru , Suzuki Sally , Tanaka Takuji , Maeda Hayato , Shibata Masaki , Miyashita Kazuo , Kuramitsu Yasuhiro , Hamada Junichi , Ohta Tohru , Yagishita Shigehiro , Hamada Akinobu , Sakamoto Yasunari , Hijioka Susumu , Morizane Chigusa , Takahashi Mami
Published: September 2023

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most fatal cancers, and there is an urgent need to develop new anticancer agents with fewer side effects for the treatment of this condition. A patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse model transplanted with cancer tissue from patients is widely accepted as the best preclinical model for evaluating the anticancer potential of drug candidates. Fucoxanthin (Fx) is a highly polar carotenoid contained in edible marine brown algae and possesses anticancer activity. However, there is a lack of data on the effects of Fx in PDX models. We investigated the anticancer effects of Fx in PDX mice transplanted with cancer tissues derived from a patient with PC (PC-PDX) using comprehensive protein expression assay. Fx administration (0.3%Fx diet) ad libitum for 27 days significantly abrogated tumor development (0.4-fold) and induced tumor differentiation in PC-PDX mice, as compared to those in the control mice. Fx significantly upregulated the expression of non-glycanated DCN (2.4-fold), tended to increase the expressions of p-p38(Thr180/Tyr182) (1.6-fold) and pJNK(Thr183/Tyr185) (1.8-fold), significantly downregulated IGFBP2 (0.6-fold) and EpCAM (0.7-fold), and tended to decrease LCN2 (0.6-fold) levels in the tumors of the PC-PDX mice, as compared to those in the control mice. Some of the protein expression patterns were consistent with the in vitro experiments. That is, treatment of fucoxanthinol (FxOH), a prime metabolite derived from dietary Fx, enhanced non-glycanated DCN, p-p38(Thr180/Tyr182), and pJNK(Thr183/Tyr185) levels in human PC PANC-1 and BxPC-3 cells.These results suggested that Fx exerts anticancer and differentiation effects in a PC-PDX mice through alterations of some multifunctional molecules.
Image Haziness Contrast Metric Describing Optical Scattering Depth
Authors: Vitor André R. , Shaus Arie , Cardoso George C.
Published: September 2023

Contrast is not uniquely defined in the literature. There is a need for a contrast measure that scales linearly and monotonically with the optical scattering depth of a translucent scattering layer that covers an object. Here, we address this issue by proposing an image contrast metric, which we call the Haziness contrast metric. In its essence, the Haziness contrast compares normalized histograms of multiple blocks of the image, a pair at a time. Subsequently, we test several prominent contrast metrics in the literature, as well as the new one, by using milk as a scattering medium in front of an object to simulate a decline in image contrast. Compared to other contrast metrics, the Haziness contrast metric is monotonic and close to linear for increasing density of the scattering material, compared with other metrics in the literature. The Haziness contrast has a wider dynamic range, and it correctly predicts the order of scattering depth for all the channels in the RGB image. Utilization of the metric to evaluate the performance assessment of dehazing algorithms is also suggested.
The Development of Dermal Self-Double-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems: Preformulation Studies as the Keys to Success
Authors: van Staden Daniélle , Haynes Richard K. , Viljoen Joe M.
Published: September 2023

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs) are lipid-based systems that are superior to other lipid-based oral drug delivery systems in terms of providing drug protection against the gastrointestinal (GI) environment, inhibition of drug efflux as mediated by P-glycoprotein, enhanced lymphatic drug uptake, improved control over plasma concentration profiles of drugs, enhanced stability, and drug loading efficiency. Interest in dermal spontaneous emulsions has increased, given that systems have been reported to deliver drugs across mucus membranes, as well as the outermost layer of the skin into the underlying layers. The background and development of a double spontaneous emulsion incorporating four anti-tubercular drugs, clofazimine (CFZ), isoniazid (INH), pyrazinamide (PZY), and rifampicin (RIF), are described here. Our methods involved examination of oil miscibility, the construction of pseudoternary phase diagrams, the determination of self-emulsification performance and the emulsion stability index of primary emulsions (PEs), solubility, and isothermal micro calorimetry compatibility and examination of emulsions via microscopy. Overall, the potential of self-double-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SDEDDSs) as a dermal drug delivery vehicle is now demonstrated. The key to success here is the conduct of preformulation studies to enable the development of dermal SDEDDSs. To our knowledge, this work represents the first successful example of the production of SDEDDSs capable of incorporating four individual drugs.
Molecular Mechanism of Response and Adaptation of Antioxidant Enzyme System to Salt Stress in Leaves of Gymnocarpos przewalskii
Authors: Qi Jianwei , Luo Yongzhong , Huang Haixia , Lu Songsong , Zhao Fei , Deng Zhuo , Qiu Yingde
Published: September 2023

The antioxidant enzyme system is the main defense system responsible for maintaining cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis and normal plant growth and development after saline stress. In this study, we identified and characterized the members of the SOD, APX and CAT gene families of the antioxidant enzyme system in Gymnocarpos przewalskii, using plant physiology and molecular biology methods, and analyzed the pattern of enzyme activity in response to NaCl stress. It was found that seven, six and two genes of SOD, APX and CAT gene families, respectively, were expressed in the leaf tissue of G. przewalskii, in which most of the genes were significantly upregulated under NaCl stress, and the enzymatic activities were in accordance with the gene expression. Three positive selection sites in the GpCAT1 gene can increase the hydrophilicity of the GpCAT1 protein, increase the volume of the active site and increase the affinity for H2O2, thus improving the catalytic efficiency of GpCAT1. The results of the present study provide new insights for further investigations of the evolution and function of the SOD, APX and CAT gene families in G. przewalskii and their essential roles under salt stress, and the findings will be useful for revealing the molecular mechanism of salt tolerance and breeding of salt-tolerant plants.
Continuous Cropping Inhibits Photosynthesis of Polygonatum odoratum
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhou Yunyun , Ye Jing , Jin Chenzhong , Hu Yihong
Published: September 2023

Polygonatum odoratum (Mill.) Druce possesses widespread medicinal properties; however, the continuous cropping (CC) often leads to a severe consecutive monoculture problem (CMP), ultimately causing a decline in yield and quality. Photosynthesis is the fundamental process for plant growth development. Improving photosynthesis is one of the most promising approaches to increase plant yields. To better understand how P. odoratum leaves undergo photosynthesis in response to CC, this study analyzed the physiochemical indexes and RNA-seq. The physiochemical indexes, such as the content of chlorophyll (chlorophyll a, b, and total chlorophyll), light response curves (LRCs), and photosynthetic parameters (Fv/Fm, Fv/F0, Fm/F0, Piabs, ABS/RC, TRo/RC, ETo/RC, and DIo/RC) were all changed in P. odoratum under the CC system. Furthermore, 13,798 genes that exhibited differential expression genes (DEGs) were identified in the P. odoratum leaves of CC and first cropping (FC) plants. Among them, 7932 unigenes were upregulated, while 5860 unigenes were downregulated. Here, the DEGs encoding proteins associated with photosynthesis and carbon assimilation showed a significant decrease in expression under the CC system, such as the PSII protein complex, PSI protein complex, Cytochorome b6/f complex, the photosynthetic electron transport chain, light-harvesting chlorophyll protein complex, and Calvin cycle, etc., -related gene. This study demonstrates that CC can suppress photosynthesis and carbon mechanism in P. odoratum, pinpointing potential ways to enhance photosynthetic efficiency in the CC of plants.
BaSO4/TiO2 Microparticle Embedded in Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Co-Hexafluoropropylene/Polytetrafluoroethylene Polymer Film for Daytime Radiative Cooling
Authors: Altamimi Mohamed Mahfoodh Saleh , Saeed Usman , Al-Turaif Hamad
Published: September 2023

Radiative cooling is a new large-scale cooling technology with the promise of lowering costs and decreasing global warning. Currently, daytime radiative cooling is achieved via the application of reflective metal layers and complicated multilayer structures, limiting its application on a massive scale. In our research, we explored and tested the daytime subambient cooling effect with the help of single-layer films consisting of BaSO4, TiO2, and BaSO4/TiO2 microparticles embedded in PVDF/PTFE polymers. The film, consisting of BaSO4/TiO2 microparticles, offers a low solar absorbance and high atmospheric window emissivity. The solar reflectance is enhanced by micropores in the PVDF/PTFE polymers, without any significant influence on the thermal emissivity. The BaSO4/TiO2/PVDF/PTFE microparticle film attains 0.97 solar reflectance and 0.95 high sky-window emissivity when the broadly distributed pore size reaches 180 nm. Our field test demonstrated that the single-layer BaSO4/TiO2/PVDF/PTFE microparticle film achieved a temperature 5.2 °C below the ambient temperature and accomplished a cooling power of 74 W/m2. Also, the results show that, when the humidity rises from 33% to 38% at 12:30 pm, it hinders the cooling of the body surface and lowers the cooling effect to 8%.
“Thy Law Is within My Heart” (Ps 40:7). Sacred Tradition in the Hebrew Psalter and in African Indigenous Texts
Authors: Mensah Michael Kodzo
Published: September 2023

Every society possesses systems for accessing, preserving, and transmitting its traditions. These are meant to ensure that privileged knowledge entrusted to reliable custodians is passed on unchanged between generations for the preservation of society. In Africa, scholars have advocated new hermeneutical approaches to the study of the Bible, arguing that the adoption of traditional methods of exegesis served as another instrument in the colonialists’ toolkit to undermine the reception and preservation of Africa’s sacred traditions. Using African Biblical Hermeneutics, this paper studies the processes for preserving Sacred Tradition in Psalm 40. Similar processes are found in African Indigenous Sacred Texts such as the mate masie of the Adinkra textual system. I argue, therefore, that a complementary reading of the texts of the two traditions could serve to de-link from the monocular vision of traditional exegesis and offer a much more fruitful approach to interpreting these texts and making them relevant to the contemporary African reader.
Global–Local Information Fusion Network for Road Extraction: Bridging the Gap in Accurate Road Segmentation in China
Authors: Wang Xudong , Cai Yujie , He Kang , Wang Sheng , Liu Yan , Dong Yusen
Published: September 2023

Road extraction is crucial in urban planning, rescue operations, and military applications. Compared to traditional methods, using deep learning for road extraction from remote sensing images has demonstrated unique advantages. However, previous convolutional neural networks (CNN)-based road extraction methods have had limited receptivity and failed to effectively capture long-distance road features. On the other hand, transformer-based methods have good global information-capturing capabilities, but face challenges in extracting road edge information. Additionally, existing excellent road extraction methods lack validation for the Chinese region. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel road extraction model called the global–local information fusion network (GLNet). In this model, the global information extraction (GIE) module effectively integrates global contextual relationships, the local information extraction (LIE) module accurately captures road edge information, and the information fusion (IF) module combines the output features from both global and local branches to generate the final extraction results. Further, a series of experiments on two different Chinese road datasets with geographic robustness demonstrate that our model outperforms the state-of-the-art deep learning models for road extraction tasks in China. On the CHN6-CUG dataset, the overall accuracy (OA) and intersection over union (IoU) reach 97.49% and 63.27%, respectively, while on the RDCME dataset, OA and IoU reach 98.73% and 84.97%, respectively. These research results hold significant implications for road traffic, humanitarian rescue, and environmental monitoring, particularly in the context of the Chinese region.
Micro-Doppler Effect and Sparse Representation Analysis of Underwater Targets
Authors: Lu Yan , Kou Siwei , Wang Xiaopeng
Published: September 2023

At present, the micro-Doppler effects of underwater targets is a challenging new research problem. This paper studies the micro-Doppler effect of underwater targets, analyzes the moving characteristics of underwater micro-motion components, establishes echo models of harmonic vibration points and plane and rotating propellers, and reveals the complex modulation laws of the micro-Doppler effect. In addition, since an echo is a multi-component signal superposed by multiple modulated signals, this paper provides a sparse reconstruction method combined with time–frequency distributions and realizes signal separation and time–frequency analysis. A MicroDopplerlet time–frequency atomic dictionary, matching the complex modulated form of echoes, is designed, which effectively realizes the concise representation of echoes and a micro-Doppler effect analysis. Meanwhile, the needed micro-motion parameter information for underwater signal detection and recognition is extracted.
A Typology of Martial Arts Scholar–Practitioners: Types, Transitions, and Tensions in Capoeira
Authors: Islas David S. Contreras , Jennings George
Published: September 2023

Martial arts are concerned with continuous technical practice and refinement over a lifetime, while scholarship is ordinarily undertaken by active learners and experienced (occasionally veteran) practitioners. These martial arts scholar–practitioners tend to be positioned according to specific types, from a more distant (and sometimes critical) scholar with less combat acumen to an instructor keen to read and engage in collaborative research. This article introduces a typology of ten martial arts scholar–practitioner types: (1) Supportive Scholar; (2) Former Practitioner; (3) Practitioner on Stand-by; (4) Immersed Apprentice; (5) Budding Scholar–Practitioner; (6) Established Scholar–Practitioner; (7) Temporary Practitioner–Researcher; (8) Experimental Leader; (9) Inquisitive Teacher; and (10) Curious Practitioner. The types are examined using Capoeira, one of the most academically studied martial arts. Drawing on the Spannungsfeld—the “field of tension” between science and practice—we reveal the specific strengths and limitations of each type while illustrating the common transition between positions across a career or research project. Finally, we consider some practical solutions to mitigate the relative weaknesses and oversights of the specific types, including the ability to form teams of scholar–practitioners from different positions in academia and martial arts. We close with suggestions for empirical research to test and refine our methodological model.
Assessing the Role of Melia azedarach Botanical Nematicide in Enhancing the Structure of the Free-Living Nematode Community
Authors: Theofilidou Aphrodite , Argyropoulou Maria D. , Ntalli Nikoletta , Kekelis Panagiotis , Mourouzidou Snezhana , Zafeiriou Ioannis , Tsiropoulos Nikolaos G. , Monokrousos Nikolaos
Published: September 2023

In a greenhouse experiment, we studied the impact of Melia azedarach ripe fruit water extract (MWE), Furfural (a key ingredient of M. azedarach), and the commercial nematicide Oxamyl (Vydate® 10 SL) on the soil free-living nematode community. Treatments were applied every 20 days for two months, and soil samples were collected 3 days after the last application (3DAA) and at the end of the cultivation period (34DAA). We assessed short- and long-term effects on nematode community structure, metabolic footprint, genus composition, and interaction networks. Oxamyl and Furfural significantly reduced bacterial and fungal feeder populations. MWE had no impact on free-living nematode populations. Oxamyl and Furfural-treated soil samples were dominated by Rhabditis at 3DAA and Meloidogyne spp. at 34DAA. On the contrary, MWE-treated soil showed a balanced distribution, with Rhabditis, Panagrolaimus, Mesorhabditis, and Diploscapter being equally abundant. MWE treatment exhibited higher diversity indices (Shannon and Simpson) and equitability. Network analysis showed that the Oxamyl network had the highest fragmentation, while the MWE and Furfural networks had higher cohesion compared to the control. Mesorhabditis spp. in the MWE network played a crucial role, being directly connected to the omnivore genera Thonus and Aporcelaimellus. Our results indicated that continuous MWE application, besides controlling Meloidogyne spp., could enhance the structure and stability of the soil-free-living nematode community.
The Semantics of Remorse for the Climate Crisis: Moral Self-Awareness and Its Educational Role
Authors: Tłokiński Waldemar , Olszewski Henryk , Olech Michał
Published: September 2023

The indifference of Earth’s inhabitants towards progressive climate crises raises understandable anxiety for ecologists. Searching for effective forms of education aimed at radical and rapid change in attitudes is implemented in various areas of knowledge. This research combines linguistic, cognitive workshops and personality psychology, together with a selection of statistical tools. The results obtained through empirical research facilitated the construction of the semantic image of remorse and its wider (transcending the lexical) interpretation framework within self-aware emotional states and, specifically, moral feelings. The semantic analyses herein have become the grounds for educational guidelines within the process of attitude changes.
Evolutionary Characteristics of Daytime and Nocturnal Precipitation Heterogeneity in Gansu Province, Northwest China
Authors: Li Qingfeng , Wang Shengxia , Zhao Chuancheng , Yao Shuxia , Li Hongyuan
Published: September 2023

The diurnal variation in precipitation and its evolution are important foundations for understanding the regional impact of climate change and the parameterization of the model. Based on the daily precipitation data set of 23 national meteorological stations during 1970–2019, the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of precipitation concentration degree (PCD) and precipitation concentration period (PCP) in Gansu province were evaluated on daytime and nocturnal scales. The results show the following: (1) Annual precipitation ranges from 69.1 ± 24.7 mm to 578.3 ± 96.6 mm, mainly (54.1 ± 2.6%) occurring at night, and the spatial distribution of the nocturnal precipitation rate is positively (r = 0.53, p < 0.01) correlated with annual precipitation; the wetting trend (12.7 mm/10 a, p < 0.01) in the past 50 years is obvious, and is mainly dominated by the frequency of precipitation (r = 0.58, p < 0.001), with both performing better during the day. (2) Most PCD is located between 0.55 and 0.75, showing a basic distribution pattern for daytime greater than nocturnal, higher values, and stronger interannual fluctuations in arid areas; the significant decreasing trend (p < 0.05) of PCD is very clear and highly consistent, especially in the high-altitude area, and the increase in precipitation in the dry season and the improvement in precipitation uniformity in the wet season play a key role. (3) PCP often fluctuates slightly around the 39th–41st pentad, but the general rule that daytime values are smaller than night values and the interannual variability is larger in arid areas also requires special attention; PCP has shown a relatively obvious advance trend in a few regions, but this is because the prominent and complex changes in the monthly precipitation distribution pattern have not been fully reflected. Along with continuous humidification, the decrease in PCD and the advance of PCP are likely to be the priority direction of precipitation evolution in the arid region of Northwest China, especially during the day. These findings provide a new perspective for understanding regional climate change.
Studying the Metazoan Zooplankton Community Characteristics and Evaluating the Water Quality Based on the Ecological and Functional Zones in Gaoyou Lake
Authors: Guo Liuchao , Mo Liwu , Su Yuyan , Hu Xiaodong , Xu Dandan
Published: September 2023

To study the metazoan zooplankton community structure and water quality, we investigated the amount of metazoan zooplankton and the water quality in Gaoyou Lake from January to December 2022. Furthermore, we also evaluated the multi-index and nutritional status of Gaoyou Lake using the comprehensive nutritional status index of water quality, dominant population composition of the metazoan zooplankton, B/T index, and Shannon–Weaver diversity index based on the situation of each ecological and functional zone. The results indicated that the metazoan zooplankton of Gaoyou Lake included 21 families, 31 genera, and 63 species. The rotifers had 8 families, 16 genera, and 34 species, accounting for 53.9% of all species. The cladocerans had 6 families, 7 genera, and 16 species, which accounted for 25.4% of all species. The copepods had 7 families, 8 genera, and 13 species, that accounted for 20.7% of all species. The density and species of small metazoan zooplankton (rotifers) had a higher proportion than large metazoan zooplankton (crustaceans). The average annual metazoan zooplankton density was 1595.7 ind./L, the average annual biomass was 4.31 mg/L, the average annual total nitrogen (TN) was 1.101 mg/L, and the average annual total phosphorus (TP) was 0.082 mg/L. The TN and TP of the Gaoyou Lake were over the standard. The comprehensive nutritional status indices of the water quality in the entire lake and the ecological and functional areas were consistent with the metazoan zooplankton evaluation results, which determined that Gaoyou Lake showed mild eutrophication.
Study on the Coupling Relationship between Carbon Emission from Sewage Treatment and Economic Development in Industrial Parks
Authors: Liu Xiaoping , Cheng Shengdong , Li Zhanbin , Li Peng , Wang Tian , Guo Xingyue , Miao Ziyao , Zhang Naichang , Cao Yongxiang
Published: September 2023

Sewage treatment carbon emissions are one of the notable sources of total carbon emission in industrial parks. In order to explore the evolutionary characteristics of sewage treatment carbon emission in industrial parks and its coupling relationship with industrial economic development, based on the quarterly sewage quality monitoring data and regional economic development data of an energy and chemical industry park in Northern Shaanxi from 2016 to 2020, this paper analyzes the evolutionary characteristics of sewage treatment carbon emissions and the coupling relationship between economic development in the industrial parks by using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change carbon emission accounting method and the coupling coordination degree model. The results show that the total carbon emission of sewage treatment in the industrial parks is increasing year by year, and the indirect carbon emissions occupy the dominant position. In 2020, the direct and indirect carbon emissions in the sewage treatment process accounted for 2.4% and 97.6% of the total carbon emission, respectively. It was found that the coupling and coordination relationship between sewage treatment carbon emissions and the economy has experienced the transformation process of serious imbalance—lagging economic development, lagging carbon emission and lagging economic development. In the past five years, the coordinated development degree of the two systems has increased year by year, and the benign mutual feedback mechanism between the two systems has gradually formed. However, regional economic development has lagged due to the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, so speeding up regional economic development while protecting the environment is recommended.
Criterion-based assessment of masticatory muscle hypertonia severity in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Makedonova Yu. A. , Vorobev A. A. , Pavlova-Adamovich A. G. , Afanasyeva O. Yu. , Filimonova O. N. , Devyatchenko L. A.
Published: September 2023

Relevance. In children, muscle hypertonia, including sustained stiffness of the chewing muscles, accompanies the spastic form of cerebral palsy. Considering hypertonia severity is necessary to develop treatment tactics and schemes. This paper proposes a reasonable criterion-based assessment of the above pathology severity based on clinical and functional examination data.Material and methods. To develop grading of muscle hypertonia severity, we examined 30 children with spastic cerebral palsy and 30 healthy children of the same age to obtain normalized parameters. Based on the questionnaire data, the study analyzed the functions of chewing, swallowing, and speech formation, assessed the condition of the hard dental tissues by clinical examination, and obtained active and passive mouth-opening data. Electromyography calculated the average amplitude of the right and left temporal and masticatory muscles and the total biopotential.Results. Clinical and functional evaluation data showed a direct correlation. The more complex the situation in the oral cavity was, the higher the amplitude of the chewing muscles was.Conclusion. The correlation allowed the development of the criterion-based assessment of moderate and significant masticatory muscle hypertonia severity, which management of this patient type should consider.
Continuidad y cambio en la tecnología cerámica del noroeste de Mendoza (Argentina)
Authors: Frigolé Guerra Cecilia , Durán Victor , Marsh Erik , Cortegoso Valeria
Published: September 2023

Se presentan los resultados del análisis de un conjunto cerámico cuyos contextos de hallazgo corresponden a sitios emplazados en distintos ambientes altitudinales del noroeste de Mendoza, y cuyo marco cronológico incluye la totalidad del denominado período Medio de la etapa Agroalfarera del Centro Oeste Argentino. Con el objetivo de evaluar cambios y continuidades en la cerámica al interior del período Medio y observar variación entre sitios de tierras altas y bajas, se llevaron a cabo análisis de distintos estados de atributos medibles y observables a nivel macroscópico, considerando su grado de correlación y coocurrencia temporal y espacial. Desde una perspectiva sincrónica, los resultados sugieren escasas y leves variaciones entre tierras altas y bajas vinculadas a requerimientos funcionales de la alfarería. Desde una perspectiva diacrónica, se observaron cambios y continuidades en la mayor parte de los estados de atributos evaluados. Los cambios observados no aparecen como un salto en el registro determinado por la presencia de cerámica alóctona, sino como una tendencia gradual a la incorporación de determinadas elecciones técnicas replicadas a nivel local, que covarían en el tiempo y pueden estar vinculadas a un escenario de cambios en la subsistencia y en las dinámicas poblacionales a nivel local y regional.
Magnetic Microrobots Fabricated by Photopolymerization and Assembly
Authors: Liang Xiyue , Zhao Yue , Liu Dan , Deng Yan , Arai Tatsuo , Kojima Masaru , Liu Xiaoming
Published: September 2023

Magnetic soft microrobots have great potential to access narrow spaces and conduct multiple tasks in the biomedical field. Until now, drug delivery, microsurgery, disease diagnosis, and dredging the blocked blood vessel have been realized by magnetic soft microrobots in vivo or in vitro. However, as the tasks become more and more complex, more functional units have been embedded in the body of the developed magnetic microrobots. These magnetic soft microrobots with complex designed geometries, mechanisms, and magnetic orientation are now greatly challenging the fabrication of the magnetic microrobots. In this paper, we propose a new method combining photopolymerization and assembly for the fabrication of magnetic soft microrobots. Utilizing the micro-hand assembly system, magnetic modules with different shapes and materials are firstly arrayed with precise position and orientation control. Then, the developed photopolymerization system is employed to fix and link these modules with soft materials. Based on the proposed fabrication method, 3 kinds of soft magnetic microrobots were fabricated, and the fundamental locomotion was presented. We believe that the presented fabrication strategy could help accelerate the clinical application of magnetic microrobots.
A Respiratory Motion Prediction Method Based on LSTM-AE with Attention Mechanism for Spine Surgery
Authors: Han Zhe , Tian Huanyu , Han Xiaoguang , Wu Jiayuan , Zhang Weijun , Li Changsheng , Qiu Liang , Duan Xingguang , Tian Wei
Published: September 2023

Respiratory motion-induced vertebral movements can adversely impact intraoperative spine surgery, resulting in inaccurate positional information of the target region and unexpected damage during the operation. In this paper, we propose a novel deep learning architecture for respiratory motion prediction, which can adapt to different patients. The proposed method utilizes an LSTM-AE with attention mechanism network that can be trained using few-shot datasets during operation. To ensure real-time performance, a dimension reduction method based on the respiration-induced physical movement of spine vertebral bodies is introduced. The experiment collected data from prone-positioned patients under general anaesthesia to validate the prediction accuracy and time efficiency of the LSTM-AE-based motion prediction method. The experimental results demonstrate that the presented method (RMSE: 4.39%) outperforms other methods in terms of accuracy within a learning time of 2 min. The maximum predictive errors under the latency of 333 ms with respect to the
x
,
y
, and
z
axes of the optical camera system were 0.13, 0.07, and 0.10 mm, respectively, within a motion range of 2 mm.
Relationships of Residential Distance to Major Traffic Roads with Dementia Incidence and Brain Structure Measures: Mediation Role of Air Pollution
Authors: Li Chenglong , Gao Darui , Cai Yutong Samuel , Liang Jie , Wang Yongqian , Pan Yang , Zhang Wenya , Zheng Fanfan , Xie Wuxiang
Published: September 2023

Background:
Uncertainty exists regarding the operating pathways between near-roadway exposure and dementia incidence. We intend to examine relationships between proximity to major roadways with dementia incidence and brain MRI structure measures, and potential mediation roles of air and noise pollution.
Methods:
The cohort study was based on the UK Biobank. Baseline survey was conducted from 2006 to 2010, with linkage to electronic health records conducted for follow-up. Residential distance to major roadways was ascertained residential address postcode. A land use regression model was applied for estimating traffic-related air pollution at residence. Dementia incidence was ascertained using national administrative databases. Brain MRI measures were derived as image-derived phenotypes, including total brain, white matter, gray matter, and peripheral cortical gray matter.
Results:
We included 460,901 participants [mean (SD) age: 57.1 (8.1) years; men: 45.7%]. Compared with individuals living >1,000 m from major traffic roads, living ≤1,000 m was associated with a 13% to 14% higher dementia risk, accounting for 10% of dementia cases. Observed association between residential distance and dementia was substantially mediated by traffic-related air pollution, mainly nitrogen dioxide (proportion mediated: 63.6%; 95% CI, 27.0 to 89.2%) and PM
2.5
(60.9%, 26.8 to 87.0%). The shorter residential distance was associated with smaller volumes of brain structures, which was also mediated by traffic-related air pollutants. No significant mediation role was observed of noise pollution.
Conclusions:
The shorter residential distance to major roads was associated with elevated dementia incidence and smaller brain structure volumes, which was mainly mediated by traffic-related air pollution.
Association of demographic characteristics with mental anxiety caused by the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in candidate patients for cataract surgery
Authors: Eslami Jamshid , Setoodeh Giti , Zaremoghadam Elahe , Vashahi Torfi Fatemeh , Sadeghian Reyhaneh , Khaledi Mohamad , Molaee Hanieh , Parsai Najmeh
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The increasing outbreak of COVID-19 disease has challenged global public health and caused a pathological fear of its contracting. The unknown origin of COVID-19, long incubation period, high death rate, rapid transmissions, and the lack of definitive or preventive treatment caused great fear and anxiety among the world population. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between demographic characteristics and mental anxiety caused by the COVID-19 pandemic among candidate patients for cataract surgery. Patients and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study selected 258 candidates for cataract surgery patients referred to Shahid Dastgheib and Khalili hospitals in Shiraz. The data were collected using a demographic and the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale questionnaire. Analytical tests were used for data analysis, including Mann-Whitney U, Spearman’s correlation, Kruskal-Wallis, and univariate and multivariate linear regression. Results: Most participants were women with a mean age of 62.8 ± 15.9 years. There was no statistically significant correlation between age, education level, and history of COVID-19 with mental anxiety (P > 0.001). In contrast, gender and job indicated a statistically significant correlation. Housewives and retired people experienced higher levels of mental anxiety (P < 0.001). Multivariate linear regression explored that amongst all demographic characteristics, only female gender was an independent risk factor for patients’ mental anxiety. Conclusion: Considering the mental health of patients applying for surgery by gender status during the COVID-19 pandemic is very important.
Exploring the connection between types of acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease
Authors: Maloomi Mahdi , Noursina Ali , Omidi Maryam
Published: September 2023

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common clinical condition characterized by a rapid decline in renal function. AKI is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and many patients with AKI develop chronic kidney disease (CKD). Previous studies have examined the association between AKI and CKD; however, the relationship between AKI types and CKD development has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, a multi-center prospective observational study is required to investigate this relationship thoroughly. These findings may have significant implications for the early identification, prevention, and management of CKD in patients with a history of AKI.