bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insecticide Resistance in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes: First Evidence of Kdr F1534C, S989P and V1016G Triple Mutation in Benin, West Africa
Authors: TOKPONNON Tatchémè Filémon , OSSE Razack , Zoulkifilou Sare Dabou , GBENOUGA Amos , Houessinon Festus , Gounou Idayath , Sidick Aboubakar , Messenger Louisa A. , Akogbeto Martin
Published: May 2023

Epidemics of arboviruses in general, and dengue fever, in particular, are an increasing threat in areas where Aedes (Ae.) aegypti is present. The effectiveness of chemical control of Ae. aegypti is threatened by the increasing frequency of insecticide resistance. The aim of this study was to determine the susceptibility status of Ae. aegypti to public health insecticides and assess the underlying mechanisms driving insecticide resistance. Ae. aegypti eggs were collected in two study sites in the vicinity of houses for two weeks using Gravid Aedes Traps (GATs). After rearing mosquitoes to adulthood, female Ae. aegypti were exposed to the diagnostic doses of permethrin, deltamethrin and bendiocarb, using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) bottle bioassays. Unexposed, un-engorged female Ae. aegypti were tested individually for mixed-function oxidase (MFO), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and esterase activity. Finally, allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR) was used to detect kdr mutations (F1534C, S989P and V1016G) in the voltage-gated sodium channel gene in insecticide-exposed Ae. aegypti. Most traps were oviposition positive; 93.2% and 97% of traps contained Ae. aegypti eggs in the 10ème arrondissement of Cotonou and in Godomey-Togoudo, respectively. Insecticide bioassays assays detected resistance to permethrin and deltamethrin in both study sites and complete susceptibility to bendiocarb. By comparison to the insecticide-susceptibility Rockefeller strain, field Ae. aegypti populations had significantly higher levels of GSTs and significantly lower levels of  and  esterases; there was no significant difference between levels of MFOs. AS-PCR genotyping revealed the presence of the three kdr mutations (F1534C, S989P and V1016G) at high frequencies; 80.9% (228/282) of Ae. aegypti tested had at least one mutation, while the simultaneous presence of all three kdr mutations was identified in 13 resistant individuals. Study findings demonstrated phenotypic pyrethroid resistance, the overexpression of key detoxification enzymes and the presence of several kdr mutations in Ae. aegypti populations, emphasizing the urgent need to implement vector control strategies, targeting arbovirus vector species in Benin.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Variants of the Obturatory Artery
Authors: Brachini Gioia , Matteucci Matteo , Sapienza Paolo , Cirocchi Roberto , Favilli Alessandro , Avenia Stefano , Cheruiyot Isaac , Tebala Giovanni Domenico , Fedeli Piergiorgio , Davies Justin , Randolph Justus , Cirillo Bruno
Published: May 2023

Background: Knowledge of vascular anatomy and its possible variations is essential for performing embolization or revascularization procedures and complex surgery in the pelvis. The obturator artery (OA) is a branch of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery (IIA), and it has the highest frequency of variation between branches of the internal iliac artery. Possible anomalies of the origin of the obturator artery (OA) should be known when performing pelvic and groin surgery, where its control or ligation may be required. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis, based on Sanudo’s classification, is to analyse the origin of the obturator artery (OA) and its variants.
Methods: Thirteen articles, published between 1952 and 2020, were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis.
Results: The obturator artery (OA) was present in almost all cases (99.8%): the pooled prevalence estimate for internal iliac artery (IIA) was 77.7% (95% CI 71.8% – 83.1%) vs 22.3% (95% CI 16.9% – 28.2%) for the external iliac artery (EIA). In most cases, the obturator artery (OA) originated from the anterior division trunk of the internal iliac artery (IIA) (61.6%).
Conclusion: Performing preoperative radiological studies to know the pelvic vascular pattern and having awareness to evaluate possible changes in the obturator artery can reduce the risk of iatrogenic injury and complications
The Relationship Between PM2.5 and Health Vulnerability in Argentina
Authors: Bullo Manuela , Lakkis Gabriela , Pustilnik Martin , Bonfiglio Juan Ignacio , Di Pasquale Ricardo , Gonzalez Luciana Marisol , Gonzalez-Aleman Gabriela , Lamas Maria Cristina , Salvia Agustin , Langsam Martín , Olego Tomás , Starosta Valentín , Perez-Lloret And Santiago
Published: May 2023

PM2.5 levels affect human health. However, its relationship with other health vulnerability determinants has not been sufficiently explored. Furthermore, public access to PM2.5 datasets, linkable to health statistics, is not available. We built a georeferenced database and map of annual mean PM2.5 emissions and air concentrations values in Argentina in 2010 and explored their correlations with other health vulnerability determinants. We obtained data for montlhy PM2.5 values emissions and air concentrations in Argentina from public sources. We evaluated health vulnerability by the “Sanitary Vulnerability Index (SVI)”. Non-parametric correlations between variables below 0.22, corresponding to a R2=5%, were deemed meaningless. PM2.5 emissions concentrated in urban and intensive agricultural areas of Argentina. PM2.5 air concentrations were acceptable (≤10 microg/m3) in only 15% of the Argentinean territory, respectively. The correlation between air concentration of PM2.5 and human emission was meaningless. Emissions, but not air concentrations correlated >0.22 with indicators of human activity. SVI correlated meaninglessly with PM2.5 air concentration. In conclusion, PM2.5 levels were above acceptable levels in 85% of the Argentinian territory in 2010. The lack of meaningful correlations between PM2.5 and SVI suggest that these coefficients might be used in combination to assess health vulnerability. Further research is warranted.
Epididymis May Be More Important in Male Fertility than Our Cognition
Authors: Liu Meng-Meng , Shang Hao , Feng Xin-Lei , Qi Chao , Zhang Shu-Er , Sun Yuan-Chao , Gou Chun-Yang , Sun Yu-Jiang , Zhang Guo-Liang
Published: May 2023

Sperm gain fertilization ability and forward movement characteristics during epididymal transport. Sperm maturation is inseparable from the processing of the epididymis. Compared with other reproductive organs, relatively little is known about the epididymis. However, with the development of molecular biology and the improvement of single-cell sequence technology, we gradually realized that we should re-examine the importance of the epididymis for sperm mat-uration and for the entire male reproductive system. Recently, epididymis related reports have tended to be more regionalized and more refined. We can understand cell distribution and gene expression from the perspective of a single cell. It has been reported that different regions of the epididymis have different functions and different cell compositions, which may be determined by gene expression. Here, we comprehensively reviewed the epididymal studies. From the ana-tomical structure of the epididymis to the division of its regions, we focused on the cell compo-sition and region-specific genes differentially expressed in the epididymis. The gene expression of the epididymis extends to a series of biological processes of sperm in the epididymal cavity, and the serious effects of epididymal diseases on reproduction are discussed. Therefore, the importance of the epididymis in male reproduction is emphasized. With the maturity of single-cell spatial transcriptomics, it is hoped that the technology can be applied to epididymal research and bring about the spatiotemporal landscape of the epididymis at the single-cell level.
Exploring New Tools to Risk Classification Among Adults with Several Degrees of Obesity
Authors: Westphal-Nardo Greice , Chaput Jean-Philippe , Faúndez-Casanova César , Fernandes Carlos Alexandre Molena , Gonçalves Eliane Cristina de Andrade , Utrila Raquel Tomiazzi , Oltramari Karine , Ferraz Grizzo Felipe Merchan , Nardo-Junior Nelson
Published: May 2023

The pandemic of obesity worldwide has been recognized as a very important challenge. Within its complexity the identification of higher risk patients becomes essential since it seems unsustainable trying to offer access to treatment to all people with obesity. Several new approaches have recently been presented as important tools for risk stratification. This research applied some of these tools in a cross-sectional study involving adults with obesity classes I, II, III and super obesity. The participants had their cardiometabolic risk profile assessed. The study included adults with obesity, aged 18 to 50 years (n=404) who were evaluated for anthropometric, body composition, hemodynamic, physical fitness and biochemical assessments. These variables were used to identify the prevalence of risk factors for cardiometabolic diseases according to the classes of obesity, by gender and age group. The results showed a high prevalence of risk factors, especially among the upper classes of obesity (BMI > 35 kg/m2) using single parameters as the waist circumference with almost 90% above the cut-off point. But there were also smaller numbers as the Glycated Hemoglobin whose prevalence was around 30%. Indexes like the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) had the highest prevalence, with 100% of the male participants identified with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases.
Triangular Grid Filter Method Based on Slope Filter
Authors: Kang Chuanli , Lin Zitao , Wu Siyi , Lan Yiling , Geng Chongming , Zhang Sai
Published: May 2023

High-precision ground point cloud data has a wide range of applications in various fields, and the separation of ground points from non-ground points is a crucial preprocessing step. Therefore, designing an efficient, accurate, and stable ground extraction algorithm is of great significance for improving the processing efficiency and analysis accuracy of point cloud data. The study area in this article was a Park in Guilin, Guangxi, China. The point cloud was obtained by utilizing the UAV platform. In order to improve the stability and accuracy of the Filter algorithm, this article proposed a triangular grid filter based on Slope Filter, found violation points by the spatial position relationship within each point in the triangulation network, improved KD-Tree-Based Euclidean Clustering, and applied it to the non-ground points extraction, this method has good accuracy, stability and achieves good results in separating ground points from non-ground points. At first, using Slope Filter to remove some non-ground points, to reduce the error of taking ground points as non-ground points; Secondly, established a triangular grid based on the triangular relationship between each point, the violation-triangle can determin through the grid, and then the corresponding violation points were found in the violation-triangle; Thirdly, according to the three-point collinear method to extract the regular points, used these points to extract the regular landmarks by KD-Tree-Based Euclidean Clustering and Convex Hull Algorithm; Finally, removed disperse points and irregular landmarks by Clustering Algorithm. In order to confirm the superiority of this algorithm, this article compared the filter effects of various algorithms on the study area and filtered the 15 sample data provided by ISPRS, and obtained an average error of 3. 46%. The results showed that the algorithm in this article have a high processing efficiency and accuracy, which can greatly improve the processing efficiency of point cloud data in practical applications.
One- and Two-Particle Correlation Functions in the Cluster Perturbation Theory for Cuprates
Authors: Kuz'min Valerii I. , Nikolaev Sergey V. , Korshunov Maxim M. , Ovchinnikov Sergey G.
Published: May 2023

Physics of high-Tc superconducting cuprates is obscured by the effect of strong electronic correlations. One way to overcome the problem is to seek for an exact solution at least within the small cluster and expand it to the whole crystal. Such an approach is in the heart of the cluster perturbation theory (CPT). Here we develop CPT for the dynamic charge and spin susceptibilities (spin-CPT), within which the correlation effects are explicitly taken into account by the exact diagonalization. We apply spin-CPT to the effective two-band Hubbard model for the cuprates obtained from the three-band Emery model and calculate one- and two-particle correlation functions, namely, spectral function and spin and charge susceptibilities. Doping dependence of the spin susceptibility was studied within spin-CPT and CPT-RPA that is the CPT generalization of the random phase approximation (RPA). Both methods produce the low energy response at four incommensurate wave vectors in qualitative agreement to the results of the inelastic neutron scattering on overdoped cuprates.
Zn2+ and Cu2+ Interaction with the Recognition Interface of ACE2 for SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein
Authors: Pelucelli Alessio , Peana Massimiliano F , Orzeł Bartosz , Gumienna-Kontecka Elzbieta , Medici Serenella , Zoroddu Maria Antonietta
Published: May 2023

The spike protein (S) of SARS-CoV-2 has been shown to bind to the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor with much higher affinity compared to other coronaviruses. The binding interface between the ACE2 receptor plays a critical role in the entry mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 virus. There are specific amino acids involved in the interaction between S protein and ACE2 receptor. This specificity is critical for the virus to establish a systemic infection and cause COVID-19 disease. In the ACE2 receptor, the largest number of amino acids that play a crucial role in the mechanism of interaction and recognition with the S protein are located in the C-terminal part which represents the main binding region between ACE2 and S. This fragment is abundant in coordination residues such as aspartates, glutamates and histidine that could be targeted by metal ions. Zn2+ ion binds to the ACE2 receptor in its catalytic site and modulates its activity, but it could also contribute to the structural stability of the entire protein. The ability of the human ACE2 receptor to coordinate metal ions, such Zn2+, in the same region where it binds to the S protein could have a crucial impact in the mechanism of recognition and interaction of ACE2-S with consequences on their binding affinity that deserve to be investigated. To test this possibility, this study aims to characterize the coordination ability of Zn2+, and also Cu2+ for comparison, with selected peptide models of the ACE2 binding interface using spectroscopic and potentiometric techniques.
Effect of Genetic and Environmental Factors on Twin Pregnancy in Primiparous Dairy Cows
Authors: López-Gatius Fernando , Garcia-Ispierto Irina , Ganau Sergi , Wijma Robert , Weigel Daniel J. , Di Croce Fernando A.
Published: May 2023

Twin pregnancies are highly undesirable in dairy cattle; they compromise the health and wellbeing of a cow, and its incidence dramatically impairs the farm economy. Recently, a genomic prediction for twin pregnancies has been developed. The objective of this study was to assess cow, environmental and management risk factors affecting the incidence of twin pregnancies in high-producing dairy cows in their first lactation, with special emphasis placed on the genomic prediction values for twin pregnancy. Our study population of primiparous cows proved valuable in identifying factors other than genomic predictive values influencing the twin pregnancy rate. The odds ratio for twin pregnancy was 0.85 (p <0.0001) for each unit of a prediction value increase, 3.5 (p = 0.023) for cows becoming pregnant during the negative photoperiod, and 0.33 (p = 0.016) for cows producing ≥42 kg of milk at AI, compared to the remaining cows producing <42kg of milk. As a general conclusion, the practical implication of our findings is that genomic prediction values can identify the risk of twin pregnancy at herd level. Given the cumulative effect of genomic selection, selecting for animals with reduced genetic risk of twin pregnancies can contribute to reduce its incidence in dairy herds.
Public Land Action and Development of Land Registry System in Benin: Towards Effective Land Management?
Authors: Nyalewo Mawussi Kossi , Sondou Tchakouni , Nassi Karl Martial , Napo Gbati , Aholou Coffi C.
Published: May 2023

Land registry is one of the instruments most mentioned by public actors in land management in Benin to solve land problems faced by the country. Its implementation and functioning depend not only on technical actions but also on political will. Through a methodology based on participant observation, semi-structured interviews, focus group, as well as on the theory of "change in public action" by P. Muller (2005), legal and institutional changes have been observed in the implementation of the cadastral project. It is a project whose political component is readable through government action and the legal reforms carried out. At the technical level, the land data collected are processed by computer systems that can facilitate the mass production of land titles.
Cell Response on Laser-Patterned Ti/Zr/Ti and Ti/Cu/Ti Multilayer Systems
Authors: Petrović Suzana , Božinović Nevena , Rajić Vladimir , Stanisavljevic Ninkovic Danijela , Kisić Danilo , Stevanović Milena J , Stratakis Emmanuel
Published: May 2023

Abstract: Arranged patterns obtained by ultrafast laser processing on the surface of Ti/Cu/Ti/Si and Ti/Zr/Ti/Si thin film systems are reported. Two differently designed multilayer thin films, Ti/Cu/Ti/Si and Ti/Zr/Ti/Si, were deposited on silicon by the ion sputtering method. The bioactive surfaces on these systems involve the formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) in each of the laser-written lines of mesh patterns on 5x5 mm areas. The formation of nano- and micro-patterns with an ultra-thin oxide film on the surfaces was used to observe the effects of morphology and proliferation of the MRC-5 cell culture line. To determine whether Ti-based thin films have a toxic effect on living cells, an MTT assay was performed. The relative cytotoxic effect as a percentage of surviving cells showed that there was no difference in cell number between the Ti-based thin films and the control cells. There was also no difference in the viability of the MRC-5 cells, except for the Ti/Cu/Ti/Si system, where there was a slight 10% decrease in cell viability.
Pengembangan dan Pengujian Validitas Skala Perilaku Mengemudi Berbahasa Indonesia
Authors: Natanael Yonathan , Mulyana Agus , Fahmi Irfan , Azizah Nur’aini
Published: May 2023

In 2018, the discourse on creating a psychological test to apply for a driver's license in Indonesia was sounded, but creating the right instrument for a psychological test is not easy. In 2022 scientifically, there is one instrument for the psychological assessment process, but from a psychometric perspective, it still has many weaknesses. Therefore, this research aims to develop a psychological test that meets the elements of good validity and reliability. This study uses the factor analysis method of scale development design. The participants in this study were 323 participants from various cities in Indonesia who voluntarily participated in a series of activities obtained by purposive sampling technique. By testing the content validity with Aiken and construct validity with confirmatory factor analysis, the study found that 24 of the 30 items developed on the Driving Behavior Scale were valid and very reliable. This research implies that the Driving Behavior Scale is suitable as a psychological test for making a driver's license.
Pengaruh Parent Involvement dan Academic Self-Concept Terhadap School Engagement Dalam Situasi Pandemi Covid-19 Pada Siswa SMK “X” Di Kota Bandung
Authors: Putri Ciptaning , Savitri Jane , Rohinsa Meiliani
Published: May 2023

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk melihat pengaruh parent involvement dan academic self-concept terhadap school engagement pada siswa SMK “X”  Bandung. Penelitian dilakukan untuk melihat parent involvement dan academic self-concept terhadap school engagement pada siswa kelas X – XII SMKN “X” Kota Bandung. Penelitian ini mengacu pada teori parent involvement, academic self-concept sebagai variabel bebas, dan school engagement sebagai variabel terikat. Peneliti memberikan kuesioner parent involvement, academic self-concept, dan school engagementkepada siswa siswi SMK “X” Bandung. Metodologi penelitian ini yaitu metode kuantitatif regresi berganda dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 368 siswa yang diambil secara random di tiap jenjang kelas. Pengolahan data menggunakan teknis SPSS 22. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh  dari parent involvement terhadap school engagement, terdapat pengaruh dari academic self-concept terhadap school engagement, dan terdapat pengaruh dari academic self-concept dan parent involvement secara simultan terhadap school engagement pada siswa SMK X Bandung. Peneliti menyarankan pada peneliti selanjutnya untuk melakukan penelitian pada SMU (non SMK), untuk melihat apakah kecenderungan yang sama dapat terjadi di lingkungan sekolah menengah atas lain, dan melakukan penelitian dengan menambahkan variabel lain sehingga dapat dipetakan pengaruh antar variable yang lebih beragam.
The Extent to Which Financial Institutions Comply With The US FATCA Law
Authors: Murad Khairi Ibrahim
Published: May 2023

This scientific article explores the challenges and risks faced by Iraqi banks in complying with the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA). The study aims to investigate the extent of compliance in Iraqi banks and examine the general framework of FATCA through document analysis and interviews with bank officials. The results reveal that while Iraqi banks encounter various challenges in adhering to FATCA, they are actively taking significant steps to implement the necessary changes. The study highlights the need for continued monitoring of compliance efforts and emphasizes the importance of adapting to the global banking system. The implications of this research underscore the crucial role of FATCA in preventing tax evasion and ensuring tax compliance among US taxpayers utilizing non-US financial institutions and investment vehicles abroad. This research contributes valuable insights for professionals in the field, policymakers, and researchers interested in understanding the impact of FATCA on the banking sector and its implications for global financial regulations.

Highlights : 

Challenges and risks faced by Iraqi banks in complying with FATCA.

Active steps taken by Iraqi banks to implement necessary changes for FATCA compliance.

Implications for preventing tax evasion and ensuring tax compliance in the global financial landscape.

Keywords : FATCA Compliance, Iraqi Banks, Tax Evasion, Global Banking System, Financial Regulations
An Optimal computational method for Singular Perturbed second order boundary value problem
Authors: . K.SELVAKUMAR .
Published: May 2023

This article presents a computational method to solve the Singular Perturbed second order boundary value problem which occurs in chemical flow reactor theory. The proposed method does not require the matrix inversion for the numerical convergence of the boundary value problem. The numerical solution of the proposed method in this article reflects the asymptotic behavior of the solution of the given boundary value problem. It is an optimal computational method. The computational rate of the order of convergence of the method is given. The computational error at the right end boundary is also given in this article. This method works well for small values of the singular perturbation parameter and even for large step sizes. The numerical and graphical results show the performance of the method.
Monitoring for the presence of invasive arboreal rodents: an assessment of monitoring tools across forest strata
Authors: Nance Alexandra Hilary , Wilson Melinda , Cook Carly N , Clarke Rohan H
Published: May 2023

Accurate detection of invasive rodents is essential to guide appropriate management responses, including effective control. Due to the arboreal behaviour of some invasive rodent species, above-ground monitoring may provide managers with a clearer picture of rodent presence. Numerous ground-based rodent monitoring tools have been tested and compared, but how these tools perform in an arboreal context is unknown. Our study sought to compare the strata-specific detection capability of three widely applied rodent monitoring tools using a nested design. Over two month-long periods, we deployed 180 monitoring stations at the ground, mid-storey and canopy across 30 forested sites. Each monitoring station consisted of a camera trap, chew card and tracking tunnel positioned to detect rodent presence. Device agreement was high, with all devices detecting rodent presence at 50% of stations. Chew cards were the most sensitive above-ground tool, implied by positive rodent detection 90% of the time, while tracking tunnels and camera traps generated a positive detection 74% and 75% of the time respectively. Low equipment costs also made chew cards the most cost-effective method. Detection performance differed according to the strata in which the device was deployed, thus a combination of methods that includes camera traps and chew cards was most effective when implementing a three-dimensional rodent monitoring network in forested settings. While not all methods are equal, traditionally ground-based rodent monitoring devices can be used to effectively monitor arboreal rodent activity. We provide evidence-based guidance for invasive rodent monitoring in an arboreal context to support future invasive rodent population control or eradication programs.
Neural Network Models in Fashion Design Recommendation with Interactive Visualization Methods
Authors: Zhao Defu , Zou Qunying
Published: May 2023

As people demand for personalized clothing continues to grow, the application prospects of visual interactive design software in the clothing industry are very promising. But the traditional design process depends a lot on the work of designers, and only experienced designers can think about how style and pattern affect the overall look of clothing. As an artificial intelligence technology that has been around for a while, neural networks can be used to help with design by suggesting materials for clothes. This paper suggests a way to recommend clothing materials to designers using clothing design software by combining interactive visualization and neural network models. The method utilizes the progress and content information of the designer's current project and extracts features through a convolutional neural network (CNN) to recommend the design materials that may be needed next. The experimental results show that this method can not only provide better material recommendations for designers but also improve design efficiency and shorten the design time. Based on the Polyvore dataset, the test results show that when using this method, designers chose materials at the top of the recommendation 67% of the time, reduced the time between material selections by 43%, and reduced the average number of completed steps in the project by 56%. This method performs well in many aspects and can be integrated into clothing design software as an effective tool for clothing designers.
Use of complementary and integrative health (CIH) in Finland: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Pyykkönen Maija , Aarva Pauliina , Ahola Salla , Pasanen Matti , Helin Kaija
Published: May 2023

Background: Population based studies have shown large differences in the estimated prevalence of complementary and integrative health (CIH) usage between studies. This is in part due to there being no golden standard definition for CIH. In Finland, an updated and internationally comparable study on the prevalence of CIH usage is needed. In the present study, a modified Finnish version of the International Questionnaire to Measure Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (I-CAM-QFI) was utilised to examine prevalence of use of different CIH modalities and the experienced helpfulness in the general Finnish population.
Methods: Respondents (n = 3244) aged 16 and above were invited to take part in the I-CAM-QFI through an online panel in December 2022. The usage of CIH and the experienced helpfulness were described as the proportion of users per each modality. The data were weighted based on gender, age and place of residence.
Results: CIH was used by 51.1% (95%CI: 49.4-52.8) of the respondents in the 12 months prior to the survey. Self-help practices were the most used category of CIH (28.8%; 95%CI: 27.3-30.4). The prevalence of usage of CIH natural remedies excluding vitamins and minerals was 27.0% (95%CI: 25.5 -28.6). CIH providers were visited by 20.4% of the respondents (95%CI: 19.0-21.8). CIH was generally used more by women compared to men. The large majority found the modalities they used helpful.
Conclusions: The results increase current understanding on CIH usage in Nordic countries. As the majority of users experience CIH as helpful, there is a need to study CIH in the context of public health policies. The estimates of CIH usage are highly dependent on what is considered as CIH, and this should be paid attention to in future studies.
Signal-transducing adaptor protein 1 (STAP1) in microglia promotes the malignant progression of glioma
Authors: Yang Xinyu , Ji Chunxia , Qi Ying , Huang Jianhan , Hu Lang , Zhou Yuan , Zou Liping , Xia Yi , Tan Feng , Yao Yu , Chen Di
Published: May 2023

Background Glioma is the most malignant primary brain tumor with a poor survival time. The tumour microenvironment, especially glioma-associated microglia/macrophages (GAMs), plays a major role in the pathogenesis of glioma. Currently, microglia (CD11b+/CD45Low) and macrophages (CD11b+/CD45High) are distinguished as distinct cell types due to their different origins. Moreover, Signal-transducing adaptor protein 1 (STAP1) plays a role in tumourigenesis and immune responses. However, to date, no studies on STAP1 in GAMs have been reported.Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas databases were used to investigate the association between STAP1 mRNA levels and clinical parameters (grades, mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase, and overall survival). RNA-Sequencing, qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses were performed to detect the expression level of STAP1 and related proteins. BV-2 cells were used to construct a STAP1-overexpressing cell line. Phagocytosis of BV-2 cells was assessed by flow cytometry and fluorescence microscope. C57BL/6 mice were used to establish orthotopic and subcutaneous glioma mice models. Glioma growth was monitored by bioluminescence imaging.Results STAP1 expression in glioma-associated microglia is positively correlated with the degree of malignancy and poor prognosis of glioma. Moreover, STAP1 may promote M2-like polarisation by increasing ARG1 expression and inhibiting microglial phagocytosis of microglia. Increased ARG1 may be associated with IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Impaired phagocytosis may be associated with decreased cofilin and filopodia.Conclusion STAP1 is positively associated with the degree of glioma malignancy and may represent a potential novel therapeutic target for glioma.
Design of multistage FBG with variable filter parameters
Authors: ali hosam A.M. , Mohra Ashraf S. , Hussein Khalid F. A.
Published: May 2023

The fundamental issue limiting long-distance and high-speed optical fiber transmission is dispersion. Dispersion impairs system performance, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the bit error rate (BER). To address this, numerous dispersion modification techniques have been developed. The use of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is one of the efficient strategies for dispersion compensation. The FBG is frequently used as a filter. The proposed model uses uniform fiber Bragg grating UFBG. Two cascaded FBGs with varying lengths, a constant grating period, and a constant spacing between FBGs are employed in the proposed thesis. The input signal for the stage that follows is the output signal from the previous stage. The best performance and many applications are considered while modeling, analyzing, and comparing this system. Transmission and reflection in two cascaded stages of fiber Bragg grating using first and second order are studied. The mathematical equations for the proposed model are simulated in MATLAB.
PeMoScoring: a rapid screening of emerging threats caused by invasive plant pests.
Authors: Sarakatsani Evgenia , Campese Caterina , Tramontini Sara , Mosbach-Schulz Olaf , Mannino Maria Rosaria
Published: May 2023

Invasive species are anticipated to emerge in the future with equal or even higher rates than those recorded in the past. Plant pest emergence has serious negative environmental, economic, and social implications. The European Food Safety Authority was requested to develop a methodology for scoring the identified pests that may be eligible to be assessed as a potential threat. The methodology that was developed, PeMoScoring, consists in a list of criteria/questions to be answered choosing among pre-set scores. The result feeds a multi-criteria analysis that, by pairwise comparison with a set of reference pests, allows concluding whether the pest under evaluation provides sufficient evidence to be considered a threat (positive PeMo) or not (negative PeMo). In this article, PeMoScoring is described by using practical examples of four insects that have been previously evaluated: Arboridia kakogawana, Phenacoccus solenopsis, Adelges tsugae and Singhiella simplex. The PeMoScoring results, which were positive for the first two and negative for the last two pests respectively, are compared in terms of the information leading to the specific outcome. Overall, PeMoScoring proves to be a practical tool that can generate fast and reproducible results. Given its plasticity for prioritising pests in the context of risk analysis of emerging threats, accessibility should be granted before long to potential users within and outside the field of plant health.
Behaviour, Practices and Attitudes of Farmers Regarding the Use of Pesticides at the Agricultural Frontier in the South of the Amazon State
Authors: SOUZA Aline Lessa , Waichman Andrea
Published: May 2023

The objective of the research was to study the pesticides used in the agricultural frontier of Amazonas and to evaluate the behavior, practices and attitudes of the farmers in relation to the storage, handling and disposal of packages of pesticides. 89 interviews were carried out between 2020 and 2021 with pesticide applicators residing in five municipalities in southern Amazonas, Brazil. The behavior of farmers regarding the protection of their health and the environment was evaluated. We determined the correlation between health and environmental protection behavior with the variables age, schooling, income, reading labels and technical assistance, using the Spearman Rho test and the Cochran test. 22 types of active principles are used. Most farmers use PPE incompletely (79%) or do not use any form of protection, store pesticides improperly, dispose of packaging incorrectly or do not receive technical assistance. A total of 42% of farmers demonstrated unsafe health care behavior. In terms of environmental protection, 35% of farmers demonstrate behavior that potentially promotes environmental risk. A significant relationship was found between health care behavior, income and label reading. Our results indicate the need for more adequate attention to pesticide users in the region in terms of implementing public policies, in order to raise awareness and educate farmers about the health and environmental problems caused by pesticides and to improve safe pesticide control practices. pests.
Agricultural Wastewater Sodium Removal by Sugarcane Bagasse Magnetic Nano Biochar
Authors: Kermannezhad Jalil , TorabiPoodeh Hassan , Ghanbari-Adivi Elham , ShahiNezhad Babak
Published: May 2023

As reuse of the agricultural wastewater reduces the pressure on water resources and improves the environmental conditions, and some field wastewater is rich in sodium, this research has studied the sodium removability by sugarcane bagasse sorbents. The biochar was produced in an electric furnace, activated by KOH, heated in a microwave oven and magnetized using a 2:1 ratio Iron (III) chloride hexahydrate and Iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate. The sorbents were produced using 3 KOH-to-biochar ratios, 3 microwave powers and 3 activation times and the sodium in wastewater samples was adjusted using 2, 4 and 8 g/l of sodium nitrate. According to the results, in all treatments, increasing the initial concentration increased the sodium removability. By activated nano biochar it was 1.6 times that of the non-activated and sorbent magnetization reduced it by 20%; the highest removability with activated nano biochar was 61.4% and in the magnetized case it was 58.3%.
Sea Surface Temperature Clustering and Prediction in the Pacific Ocean Based on Isometric Feature Mapping Analysis
Authors: Tseng John Chien-Han , Tsai Bo-An , Chung Kaoshen
Published: May 2023

Isometric feature mapping (ISOMAP) is a nonlinear dimensionality reduction method and closely reflects the actual nonlinear distance by the view of tracing along the local linearity in the original nonlinear structure. Thus, the first leading 20 principal components (PCs) of low-dimensional space can reveal the characteristics of real structures and be utilized for clustering. In this study, a k-means algorithm was used to diagnose SST clustering based on ISOMAP. Warm and cold El Niño–Southern Oscillation events were subdivided into Central Pacific and Eastern Pacific types, and a two-dimensional cluster map was used to depict the relationship. The leading lowdimensional PCs of ISOMAP were considered as the orthogonal basis, and their trajectories demonstrated meaningful patterns that could be learned by machine learning algorithms. Because of the low dimensionality, not all high-dimensional data points were used in future predictions. Predictions of SST in the Pacific Ocean were performed using support vector regression (SVR) and feedforward neural network (NN) models based on the low-dimensional PCs of ISOMAP. The validation results for the root mean square error (RMSE) and anomaly correlation coefficient (ACC) were comparable to those of current numerical models.
Genetic diversity after a quarter of a century: How genotype composition of an experimental site of common reed (Phragmites australis) changed over 24 years
Authors: Kuprina Kristina , Seeber Elke , Rudyk Anna , Wichmann Sabine , Schnittler Martin , Bog Manuela
Published: May 2023

The cultivation of common reed (Phragmites australis) is one of the most promising practices of paludiculture on fen peatlands. This highly productive grass has a high adaptation capacity via high levels of genetic diversity and phenotypic plasticity. In this study, a reed experimental site established on a degraded fen in 1996/97 with a mixture of monoclonally (meristematically propagated plantlets) and polyclonally (seedlings) planted plots was investigated by microsatellite genotyping. All of the nine genotypes of the monoclonal planted plots were recovered and could be genetically characterized; invasion by other genotypes was negligible. Similarly, the polyclonal plots remained in this state, no prevalence of a single genotype was found. The growth characteristics of the five quantitatively investigated genotypes clearly differed from each other: dry biomass per stem 5–18 g, panicles per m2 20–60, average stem diameter 3.5–6 mm, height 170–250 cm. Similarly, the persistence (dominance at the planted plots) and invasiveness (ability to invade neighboured plots) of the genotypes were different. These results show that stands of reed are extremely persistent even if established with genotypes that are likely not to be locally adapted. Their genetic structure remained stable for at least 24 years, and this is largely independent of planting density (1, 4, and 10 plants per m2). Our results indicate that farmers may be able to maintain favourable genotypes for many years, thus the selection and breeding of reed as a versatile crop for rewetted peatlands is a promising objective for paludiculture research.
Inhibition of FEN1 promotes DNA damage and enhances chemotherapeutic response in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Wang Zhouyuan , Yong Chenxuan , Fu Yulian , Sun Yuling , Guo zhigang , Liu Songbai , Hu Zhigang
Published: May 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) refers to epithelial malignancies occurring in Prostate and is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among men. Flap structure-specific endonuclease 1 (FEN1) is one of the major base excise repair enzymes and is abnormally expressed in a variety of cancers, which contributes to cancer progression. Targeting FEN1 can be effective cancer treatment strategy However, how FEN1 act on PCa cell proliferation and its role in PCa chemotherapeutic response remain largely unknown. In this study, we show that knockdown of FEN1 by CRISPR/Cas9 system impedes the proliferation and migration of PC3 cells. Inhibitior of FEN1 SC13 induced DNA damage accumulation and further resulted in apoptosis of PC3 cells. Furthermore, genetic knockdown of FEN1 or inhibition of FEN1 by SC13 promoted DNA damage and enhanced docetaxel (DTX)-induced chemotherapeutic response in PC3 cells. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the importance of FEN1 in PCa cell proliferation and implicate FEN1 as a promising target for monotherapy or combination therapeutic strategy in PCa treatment.
Title: Evaluation of Glass Ceramic Bond Strength to Different Foundation Materials
Authors: Al-Sohbani Amal , Wassefy Noha El , Attia Ahmed
Published: May 2023

Background: Evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of pressable ceramic bonded to four core materials.Methods: Sixty-four cylinders of IPS e-max Press were fabricated. Disc-shaped specimens (n=16) of (IPS e-max ZIRCAD), Composite resin (Te-Econom Plus), and resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGIC) (GC FUJI II LC Capsule) were fabricated according to manufacturer recommendations. Sixteen molars were embedded in acrylic resin then their occlusal surfaces were grounded to flat dentin. Each core group was divided into two subgroups (n=8) according to cement type, either adhesive resin cement (Multilink N, Ivoclar Vivadent) or self-adhesive resin cement (Breeze, Pentron Clinical Technologies). Ceramic cylinders were bonded to core materials. All bonded specimens were stored in a water bath for five months at 37°C, then thermocycling for 5000 cycles. SBS test was performed using a universal testing machine at 0.5 mm/min. A stereomicroscope was used to determine the failure mode, followed by SEM examination. Data were analyzed using Two-way ANOVA, serial one-way ANOVAs at each level of study, and Tukey's HSD test at (p=0.05).Results: There was a statistically significant difference between different test groups, with the highest mean SBS for composite resin groups followed by RMGI groups and the lowest mean SBS for dentin groups followed by zirconia groups with no significant difference regarding cement type.Conclusion: Different core materials affected the SBS of pressable ceramic, while the cement type had no effect.
Cardamonin protects against iron overload induced arthritis by attenuating ROS production and NLRP3 inflammasome activation via the SIRT1/p38MAPK signaling pathway
Authors: Li Shaocong , He Qi , Chen Baihao , Zeng Jiaxu , Dou Xiangyun , Pan Zhaofeng , Xiao Jiacong , Li Miao , Wang Fanchen , Chen Chuyi , Lin Yuewei , Wang Xintian , Wang Haibin , Chen Jianfa
Published: May 2023

Iron homeostasis plays a essential role on joint health, while iron overload can cause damage and death of cartilage cells. Cardamonin (CAR) is a substance found in the fruit of the chasteberry plant and has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities.We first administered iron dextran (500 mg/kg) intraperitoneally to establish an iron overload mouse model and surgically induced osteoarthritis. The extent of OA and iron deposition were assessed using micro-CT, Safranin-O/Fast green, H&E staining, and Prussian Blue 10 weeks later.We administered primary chondrocytes with FAC to evaluate the chondrocyte changes. Chondrocytes were identified in vitro by toluidine blue staining, and chondrocyte viability was evaluated by CCK-8. The rate of apoptosis was determined by Annexin V-FITC/PI assay. The mechanism of action of CAR was verified by adding the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527, and the expression of SIRT1 and MAPK signaling pathways was detected by Western blot. Iron overload also promoted chondrocyte apoptosis, a process that was reversed by CAR. In addition, CAR reduced NLRP3 inflammasome production via the SIRT1-MAPK pathway, and the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 inhibited the treatment of OA by CAR.CAR inhibited cartilage degeneration induced by iron overload both in vivo and in vitro. Besides, our study showed that iron overload not only inhibited type II collagen expression but also induced MMP expression by catalyzing the generation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Our results suggest that CAR can treat KOA by promoting SIRT1 expression and inhibiting p38MAPK pathway expression to reduce the production of NLRP3 inflammasome vesicles.
Estimation of the economic impact of heat stress on dairy production systems in Chile
Authors: Arias Rodrigo A. , Keim Juan P. , Pinto Reinaldo , Bombal Enrique
Published: May 2023

The estimation of the economic impact of heat stress on the dairy sector is relevant to the implementation of policies to cope with it. We collected hourly records (November-March 2017–2022) from 19 weather stations representing the eight Chilean dairy macrozones to estimate two comfort thermal indices: the temperature-humidity index (THI) and the THI adjusted for solar radiation and wind speed (THIa). The economic impact was estimated considering the losses on milk yield, days open, culling rate, and deaths based on international previous work using a critical threshold of 65. There were important differences in the number of hours above the threshold among dairy production macrozones, independent of the thermal index used. The greatest values were observed in macrozones I, II, and VIII, where most of the dairy cows are located. Average losses in milk yield were between 1.75 to 6.09 times higher when THIa was used instead of THI, which also depends on the macrozone. These estimations coincide with those reported by dairy producers. Thus, the THI would be underestimating the decrease in milk yield due to heat stress. The lowest average economic losses per cow/season, 5 seasons average, occurred in macrozone VI (US$ 463.4), and the highest losses were observed in macrozone I (US $1161.4) both using THIa. Thus, losses at the country level fluctuate between US$ 29.0 and 108.4 million per season, depending on the index used. Finally, heat stress impacts negatively and significantly the Chilean dairy sector, which is highly dependent on the dairy production macrozone.