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It is essential to determine the most suitable machining method for magnesite-reinforced Aluminium 6061 composites, which possess excellent mechanical properties, especially notable tensile strength and hardness. The composites were produced using a stir-casting technique, incorporating reinforcements of lightly-calcined magnesite, dead burnt magnesite, and
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It is essential to determine the most suitable machining method for magnesite-reinforced Aluminium 6061 composites, which possess excellent mechanical properties, especially notable tensile strength and hardness. The composites were produced using a stir-casting technique, incorporating reinforcements of lightly-calcined magnesite, dead burnt magnesite, and waste magnesite in weight fractions of 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% within an aluminium 6061 matrix. Wire electrical discharge machining was employed to investigate the machining characteristics of these composites, using controllable process parameters such as cutting speed, pulse-on and pulse-off times, and the weight fraction of magnesites. Two performance indicators such as surface roughness and material removal rate were tested for various parameter combinations by central composite design. To comprehend the impact of the study parameters, contour charts were drawn. MRR increases at a high cutting speed of 2 mm/min when the pulse-on time changes from 120 μs to 125 μs. SR increases when the pulse-on times above 120 μs at all cutting speeds. High cutting speeds make high MRR irrespective of the weight fractions of reinforcement. High pulse-on times make the material melt more, which increases the material removal rate. Because specimen surface material erodes quickly and forms microcracks, high pulse-on time also results in high surface roughness. To optimize the WEDM machining conditions for each composite, hybrid SSO-DF and DFO-DF optimizers were developed by combining the desirability function with Salp-swarm optimization and Dragonfly optimization algorithms. The cutting speed of 2 mm/min and the pulse-on time of 114 μs produce the best performances on the composites.
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A curve on a surface is a geodesic curve if its principal normal vector is anywhere aligned with the surface normal. Using the Serret–Frenet frame, a timelike surface couple ( with the symmetry of a Bertrand couple () can
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A curve on a surface is a geodesic curve if its principal normal vector is anywhere aligned with the surface normal. Using the Serret–Frenet frame, a timelike surface couple ( with the symmetry of a Bertrand couple () can be specified in terms of linear combinations of the components of the local frames in Minkowski 3-space . With these parametric representations, the necessary and sufficient conditions for the specified are derived to be the geodesic curves defining these surfaces. Afterward, the definition of a ruled surface () is also provided. Furthermore, the application of the method to some significant models is given.
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As industrial development and population growth continue, water pollution has become increasingly severe, particularly in rapidly industrializing regions like the area surrounding the Yopurga landfill. Ensuring water resource safety and environmental protection necessitates effective water quality monitoring and assessment. This paper explores the
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As industrial development and population growth continue, water pollution has become increasingly severe, particularly in rapidly industrializing regions like the area surrounding the Yopurga landfill. Ensuring water resource safety and environmental protection necessitates effective water quality monitoring and assessment. This paper explores the application of advanced machine learning technologies and the Water Quality Index (WQI) model as a comprehensive method for accurately assessing groundwater quality near the Yopurga landfill. The methodology involves selecting water quality indicators based on available data and the hydrochemical characteristics of the study area, comparing the performance of Decision Trees, Random Forest, and Xgboost algorithms in predicting water quality, and identifying the optimal algorithm to determine indicator weights. Indicators are scored using appropriate sub-index (SI) functions, and six different aggregation functions are compared to find the most suitable one. The study reveals that the Xgboost model surpasses Decision Trees and Random Forest models in water quality prediction. The top three indicator weights identified are pH, Manganese (Mn), and Nickel (Ni). The SWM model, with a 0% overestimation eclipsing rate and a 34% underestimation eclipsing rate, is chosen as the most appropriate WQI model for evaluating groundwater quality at the Yopurga landfill. According to the WQI results from the SWM aggregation function, the overall water quality in the area ranges from moderately polluted to slightly polluted. These assessment results provide a scientific basis for regional water environment protection.
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César Fernández-de-las-Peñas, Anabel Franco-Moreno, María Ruiz-Ruigómez, Estibaliz Arrieta-Ortubay, Pablo Ryan-Murua, Carlos Lumbreras-Bermejo, Pablo del-Valle-Loarte, Oscar J. Pellicer-Valero, Rocco Giordano, Lars Arendt-Nielsen, Isabel Martín-Garrido and Juan Torres-Macho
Viruses2024, 16(6), 947; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16060947 (registering DOI) - 12 Jun 2024
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of administrating Remdesivir at the acute COVID-19 phase on developing post-COVID symptoms in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors by controlling factors such as age, sex, body mass index, and vaccination status. A case-control study
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The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of administrating Remdesivir at the acute COVID-19 phase on developing post-COVID symptoms in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors by controlling factors such as age, sex, body mass index, and vaccination status. A case-control study was performed. Hospitalized COVID-19 survivors who had received intravenous Remdesivir during the acute phase (n = 216) were matched by age, sex, body mass index, and vaccination status with survivors who did not receive antiviral treatment (n = 216). Participants were asked to self-report the presence of any post-COVID symptom (defined as a symptom that started no later than three months after infection) and whether the symptom persisted at the time of study (mean: 18.4, SD: 0.8 months). Anxiety levels (HADS-A), depressive symptoms (HADS-D), sleep quality (PSQI), and severity/disability (FIC) were also compared. The multivariate analysis revealed that administration of Remdesivir at the acute COVID-19 phase was a protective factor for long-term COVID development (OR0.401, 95%CI 0.256–0.628) and specifically for the following post-COVID symptoms: fatigue (OR0.399, 95%CI 0.270–0.590), pain (OR0.368, 95% CI 0.248–0.548), dyspnea at rest (OR0.580, 95%CI 0.361–0.933), concentration loss (OR0.368, 95%CI 0.151–0.901), memory loss (OR0.399, 95%CI 0.270–0.590), hair loss (OR0.103, 95%CI 0.052–0.207), and skin rashes (OR0.037, 95%CI 0.005–0.278). This study supports the potential protective role of intravenous administration of Remdesivir during the COVID-19 acute phase for long-lasting post-COVID symptoms in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors.
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Background: Due to its rapid resistance development and ability to form biofilms, treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections is becoming more complicated by the day. Drug combinations may help reduce both resistance and biofilm formation. Methods: Using the microtiter plate assay, we investigated the
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Background: Due to its rapid resistance development and ability to form biofilms, treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections is becoming more complicated by the day. Drug combinations may help reduce both resistance and biofilm formation. Methods: Using the microtiter plate assay, we investigated the in vitro inhibition of biofilm formation and the disruption of preformed biofilms in multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa in the presence of peak plasma levels of eight antipseudomonal antibiotics alone and in combination with fosfomycin: ceftazidime, piperacillin/tazobactam, cefepime, imipenem, gentamicin, amikacin, ciprofloxacin and colistin. Results: Combination therapy was significantly superior to monotherapy in its inhibition of biofilm formation. The highest inhibition rates were observed for combinations with colistin, cefepime and ceftazidime. Conclusion: Our results support fosfomycin combination therapy as an enhanced prophylactic option. Moreover, combinations with β-lactam antibiotics and colistin demonstrated a more potent inhibition effect on biofilm formation than protein synthesis inhibitors.
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Pierluigi Macchioni, Giuseppe Germanò, Nicolò Girolimetto, Giulia Klinowski, Letizia Gavioli, Francesco Muratore, Alessia Laneri, Caterina Ricordi, Chiara Marvisi, Luca Magnani and Carlo Salvarani
J. Pers. Med.2024, 14(6), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14060627 (registering DOI) - 12 Jun 2024
Pathological studies have demonstrated that the adventitial layer is markedly thickened in Takayasu (TAK) as compared to large vessel giant cell arteritis (LV-GCA). An ultrasound (US) examination of the arterial vessels allows the determination of intima media thickness (IMT) and of adventitial layer
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Pathological studies have demonstrated that the adventitial layer is markedly thickened in Takayasu (TAK) as compared to large vessel giant cell arteritis (LV-GCA). An ultrasound (US) examination of the arterial vessels allows the determination of intima media thickness (IMT) and of adventitial layer thickness (extra media thickness (EMT)). No previous study has evaluated if there are differences in EMT thickness between TAK and LV-GCA. In this cross-sectional retrospective study of stored ultrasound (US) imaging, we have compared common carotid artery (CCA) EMT and IMT in a series of consecutive TAK and LV-GCA patients. US examination CCA IMT and EMT were significantly higher in TAK as compared to LV-GCA. With ROC curve analysis, we have found that an EMT > 0.76 mm has high sensitivity and specificity for TAK CCA examination. The percentage of CCA at EMT > 0.76 mm and the total arterial wall thickening were significantly higher in TAK group examinations. EMT thickness correlated with disease duration and IMT in the TAK group, as well as with the IMT and ESR values in the LV-GCA group. Upon multivariate logistic regression analysis, factors independently associated with TAK CCA were EMT > 0.76 mm and age. No significant variation in IMT and EMT could be demonstrated in subsequent US CCA examinations.
Full article
Numerous studies in management and leadership indicate that one’s decision-making style is reflective of one’s leadership style. In the context of civil protection and the fire service, the ability of the fire officers to adopt the best style of decision-making and leadership in
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Numerous studies in management and leadership indicate that one’s decision-making style is reflective of one’s leadership style. In the context of civil protection and the fire service, the ability of the fire officers to adopt the best style of decision-making and leadership in each situation represents a critical factor of success. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the relationship between decision-making and the leadership style of fire officers. For this study, a quantitative method was used, with the application of questionnaires with closed questions. A sample of 346 officers of Portuguese fire stations answered the questionnaire. Correlations between styles are consistent with findings from other studies. Decision-making styles directly influence the leadership styles adopted. Fire officers prioritize people and social concerns, involving teams in decision-making. Research shows positive correlations between participants’ roles, conceptual decision-making, and relation-focused leadership. Higher academic degrees are associated with relationship-focused leadership. Behavioral decision-making mediates the impact of education on leadership styles.
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The genomes of positive-sense (+) single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses are believed to be subjected to a wide range of RNA modifications. In this study, we focused on the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) as a model (+) ssRNA virus to study the landscape of viral
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The genomes of positive-sense (+) single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses are believed to be subjected to a wide range of RNA modifications. In this study, we focused on the chikungunya virus (CHIKV) as a model (+) ssRNA virus to study the landscape of viral RNA modification in infected human cells. Among the 32 distinct RNA modifications analysed by mass spectrometry, inosine was found enriched in the genomic CHIKV RNA. However, orthogonal validation by Illumina RNA-seq analyses did not identify any inosine modification along the CHIKV RNA genome. Moreover, CHIKV infection did not alter the expression of ADAR1 isoforms, the enzymes that catalyse the adenosine to inosine conversion. Together, this study highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to assess the presence of RNA modifications in viral RNA genomes.
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In base-station-based underwater wireless acoustic networks (B-UWANs), effective handover mechanisms are necessary to ensure seamless data services for mobile nodes such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Unlike terrestrial base stations (BSs), moored buoy BSs in B-UWANs experience motion responses due to wave loads
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In base-station-based underwater wireless acoustic networks (B-UWANs), effective handover mechanisms are necessary to ensure seamless data services for mobile nodes such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Unlike terrestrial base stations (BSs), moored buoy BSs in B-UWANs experience motion responses due to wave loads under environmental conditions, posing unique challenges to the handover process. This study examines how BS motion affects handover decision errors, which arise when AUVs incorrectly initiate handovers to unintended BSs due to BS motion. By utilizing the AUV–BS distance as a handover triggering parameter, our analysis reveals a significant increase in decision errors within the overlapping regions when both the current and target BSs are in motion, especially when moving in the same direction. In addition, these errors intensify with the magnitude of BS motion and are exacerbated by smaller BS network radii. Based on these simulation results, we present an analytical framework that not only measures the influence of BS motion on the AUV–BS distance but also provides strategic insights for refining underwater handover protocols, thereby enhancing operational reliability and service continuity in B-UWANs.
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Understanding the oceanic carbon cycle, particularly in the Arctic regions, is crucial for addressing climate change. However, significant research gaps persist, especially regarding climate effects on the oceanic carbon cycle in these regions. This review systematically explores Arctic-related research, focusing on mechanisms, regulatory
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Understanding the oceanic carbon cycle, particularly in the Arctic regions, is crucial for addressing climate change. However, significant research gaps persist, especially regarding climate effects on the oceanic carbon cycle in these regions. This review systematically explores Arctic-related research, focusing on mechanisms, regulatory frameworks, and modelling approaches in the oceanic carbon cycle, carbon sink, climate change impact, and maritime shipping. The findings highlight the Arctic’s limited observer presence and high operational costs, hindering the data availability and studies on carbon-cycle changes. This underscores the need to integrate real-time Arctic Ocean monitoring data. Carbon sink research urgently requires direct methods to measure anthropogenic carbon uptake and address uncertainties in air–ocean carbon fluxes due to sea ice melting. Unlike terrestrial carbon cycling research, carbon-cycle studies in the oceans, which are essential for absorbing anthropogenic emissions, receive insufficient attention, especially in the Arctic regions. Numerous policies often fall short in achieving effective mitigation, frequently depending on voluntary or market-based approaches. Analyzing carbon-cycle and sink models has uncovered limitations, primarily due to their global perspective, hampering in-depth assessments of climate change effects on the Arctic regions. To pave the way for future research, enhancing Arctic Ocean climate data availability is recommended, as well as fostering international cooperation in carbon-cycle research, enforcing carbon policies, and improving regional modelling in the Arctic Ocean.
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The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has posed significant health challenges worldwide. While children generally experience less severe illness compared to adults, pneumonia remains a substantial risk, particularly for those under five years old. This study examines the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes
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The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has posed significant health challenges worldwide. While children generally experience less severe illness compared to adults, pneumonia remains a substantial risk, particularly for those under five years old. This study examines the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of pediatric COVID-19 pneumonia patients treated with favipiravir in Thailand, aiming to identify associated factors for pneumonia. A retrospective review was performed on pediatric patients aged 1 month to 18 years hospitalized with COVID-19 at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, from 13 January 2020 to 15 November 2021. Data on demographics, clinical symptoms, treatment, and outcomes were collected, and logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with pneumonia. Among 349 hospitalized children, the median age was 8 years, with 51.9% being male. Symptoms included a fever (100%), a cough (74.2%), and a rash (24.9%). COVID-19 pneumonia was diagnosed in 54.7% of the children. Favipiravir was administered as the standard treatment, showing mild adverse effects, including a rash (4.3%) and nausea (2.8%). Monocytosis was significantly associated with COVID-19 pneumonia (aOR 30.85, 95% CI: 9.03–105.41, p < 0.001), with an ROC curve area of 0.77 (95% CI: 0.71–0.83). Pediatric COVID-19 patients typically exhibit mild-to-moderate symptoms, with pneumonia being common in the early pandemic phase. Monocytosis is a significant factor associated with COVID-19 pneumonia. Favipiravir demonstrated mild adverse effects. Further studies are needed to validate these findings across different settings and phases of the pandemic.
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As civilization and technology have developed, there have been multiple energy transitions that have pushed various resources like coal, wood, oil, and gas to the forefront of the energy mix. Due to a variety of geopolitical initiatives, there have been progressively more restrictions
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As civilization and technology have developed, there have been multiple energy transitions that have pushed various resources like coal, wood, oil, and gas to the forefront of the energy mix. Due to a variety of geopolitical initiatives, there have been progressively more restrictions on the energy sector in recent years. One of the main concerns of researchers is the widespread use of renewable energy and the replacement of fossil resources. The utilization of non-renewable energy sources results in a detrimental increase in greenhouse gas emissions. One of the most crucial strategies for lowering energy consumption and enhancing the energy system’s sustainability is to increase energy efficiency. Numerous studies note that energy transition has become necessary in the modern day. Using the analysis of the main components as an extraction method, hierarchical cluster analysis, this study focuses on the situation of the states of the European Union in their race for energy transition, taking into account the main challenges generated by geopolitical tensions and the energy poverty spectrum for the population. The conclusions of the study call for a reconfiguration of the energy mix based on renewable energy. Increasing the share of renewable energy is a goal pursued by EU countries, but energy policies must be considered in a broader context that includes the social aspects of the energy transition. So, just transition is a new concept that reshapes the actions of public authorities on the path to a low-carbon economy. Just transition is a necessity that puts the consumer at the center of attention so that the negative externalities generated by the move away from fossil fuels are minimized in terms of social impact.
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The venous anatomy of the two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) remains poorly understood, particularly in living specimens due to the limitations of traditional cadaveric studies. This study aims to describe the unique venous structures of Choloepus didactylus using computed tomography, enhancing our
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The venous anatomy of the two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) remains poorly understood, particularly in living specimens due to the limitations of traditional cadaveric studies. This study aims to describe the unique venous structures of Choloepus didactylus using computed tomography, enhancing our understanding of this species in a live setting. Three living Choloepus didactylus underwent CT scans as part of routine clinical assessments. The images were reconstructed using 3D Slicer software (version 5.6.2), focusing on the caudal vena cava anatomy. The reconstructions confirmed the presence of a significant intravertebral vein, showing complex venous connections through the ventral sacral foramen and vertebral foramina. These findings highlight notable anatomical variations and challenge existing literature on the species’ venous architecture. By employing modern imaging technologies, this research provides new insights into the venous anatomy of Choloepus didactylus, demonstrating the value of non-invasive techniques in studying the anatomical features of live animals, thereby offering a foundation for further comparative and evolutionary studies.
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Trine Engelbrecht Hybel, Sofie Hesselberg Jensen, Matthew A. Rodrigues, Thomas Engelbrecht Hybel, Maya Nautrup Pedersen, Signe Håkansson Qvick, Marie Hairing Enemark, Marie Bill, Carina Agerbo Rosenberg and Maja Ludvigsen
Int. J. Mol. Sci.2024, 25(12), 6465; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25126465 (registering DOI) - 12 Jun 2024
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogenous blood cancer with a dismal prognosis. It emanates from leukemic stem cells (LSCs) arising from the genetic transformation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). LSCs hold prognostic value, but their molecular and immunophenotypic heterogeneity poses challenges: there
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Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogenous blood cancer with a dismal prognosis. It emanates from leukemic stem cells (LSCs) arising from the genetic transformation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). LSCs hold prognostic value, but their molecular and immunophenotypic heterogeneity poses challenges: there is no single marker for identifying all LSCs across AML samples. We hypothesized that imaging flow cytometry (IFC) paired with artificial intelligence-driven image analysis could visually distinguish LSCs from HSCs based solely on morphology. Initially, a seven-color IFC panel was employed to immunophenotypically identify LSCs and HSCs in bone marrow samples from five AML patients and ten healthy donors, respectively. Next, we developed convolutional neural network (CNN) models for HSC-LSC discrimination using brightfield (BF), side scatter (SSC), and DNA images. Classification using only BF images achieved 86.96% accuracy, indicating significant morphological differences. Accuracy increased to 93.42% when combining BF with DNA images, highlighting differences in nuclear morphology, although DNA images alone were inadequate for accurate HSC-LSC discrimination. Model development using SSC images revealed minor granularity differences. Performance metrics varied substantially between AML patients, indicating considerable morphologic variations among LSCs. Overall, we demonstrate proof-of-concept results for accurate CNN-based HSC-LSC differentiation, instigating the development of a novel technique within AML monitoring.
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More than 40 hypotheses predict associations between features of nest architecture and at least one measure of reproductive success. However, quantitative studies of reproductive consequences of nest characteristics remain scarce. In addition, most studies were conducted on model species of which nests can
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More than 40 hypotheses predict associations between features of nest architecture and at least one measure of reproductive success. However, quantitative studies of reproductive consequences of nest characteristics remain scarce. In addition, most studies were conducted on model species of which nests can be easily monitored with artificial nest-boxes. Here, we review the replicability of research protocols and findings in model species, with many repeat studies focusing mainly on nest-size components, animal-derived nest material, or fresh greenery in model species of secondary hole-nesting birds: Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus), Great Tits (Parus major), Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), and Starlings (Sturnus spp.). The studies looked for correlations between nest traits and aspects of breeding performance that can be easily quantified in the field, such as clutch size, brood size at hatching or fledging, the percentage of eggs that hatch or fledge, or nestling characteristics assumed to reflect qualities associated with survival probabilities (e.g., morphometry, body condition, blood profiles). We discuss the consequences of poor replicability of research methodologies and provide explanations for why many of these studies reported poor associations between nest design and breeding success at different spatiotemporal scales. We also make suggestions for future research.
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The preparation and application of the composite material “crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol—magnetite” as a sensitive matrix for use in digital colorimetry and optical micrometry methods are discussed. The material was synthesized in the form of spherical granules (for micrometry) and thin films (for digital
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The preparation and application of the composite material “crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol—magnetite” as a sensitive matrix for use in digital colorimetry and optical micrometry methods are discussed. The material was synthesized in the form of spherical granules (for micrometry) and thin films (for digital colorimetry). The obtained composites were characterized by the registration of magnetization curves. It was shown that the amount of grown Fe3O4 particles in the polymer gel is in linear dependence with the iron salt concentrations in the impregnating solutions. The composite granules were applied to determining monosaccharides using optical micrometry. The optimal pH value for the total amount of monosaccharides’ determination was 8.6. The study of the analytical response of composite granules and films performed with a low limit of detection (7.9 mmol/dm3) of both glucose and fructose and a possibility of the control of high alcohol contention in water media. The granules were used to determine the total carbohydrate content in samples of natural honey and syrups with high fructose contents, while the films were used to control the alcohol content in hand antiseptics. The results obtained are in good agreement with the data provided by the manufacturers.
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With the gradual densification of China’s railway network, more and more railways are inevitably crossing active fault zones. Creep dislocation and stick–slip dislocation of the fault zones can lead to uneven deformation and cracks in the railway subgrade, threatening the sustainability of the
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With the gradual densification of China’s railway network, more and more railways are inevitably crossing active fault zones. Creep dislocation and stick–slip dislocation of the fault zones can lead to uneven deformation and cracks in the railway subgrade, threatening the sustainability of the railway. Therefore, a model test and numerical simulation were used to analyze the deformation mechanism and sustainability of the subgrade and foundation induced by a strike–slip fault dislocation in a flat site under different angles between the subgrade and fault strikes. The test and simulation results show that (1) under the influence of strike–slip fault dislocation, the horizontal direction of the subgrade appeared to have an S–shaped displacement. The top surface of the subgrade appeared to have a vertical settlement. Further, tension–shear cracks and compression crush zones appeared on the subgrade’s surface. (2) When the angle between the fault and subgrade strikes increased, the subgrade’s uneven deformations induced by fault dislocation first decreased and then increased. The angle between the main tension–shear crack on the top surface of the subgrade and the fault strike showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing. In addition, the compressive stress along the subgrade strike decreased, while the tensile stress along the subgrade strike gradually increased. (3) The tension–shear cracks in the subgrade and foundation were spiral and converged to the basement strike–slip fault along the depth direction. This study provides a reference for the safe operation and sustainability of railways near faults.
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Large waves pose a significant threat to the safety of low-laying coastal bridges. In 2004 and 2005, many coastal bridges were destroyed by the large waves generated by Hurricane Ivan and Katrina. A series of studies have been conducted to investigate the wave
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Large waves pose a significant threat to the safety of low-laying coastal bridges. In 2004 and 2005, many coastal bridges were destroyed by the large waves generated by Hurricane Ivan and Katrina. A series of studies have been conducted to investigate the wave action on bridge decks. However, the effect of seabed topography on wave forces is seldom considered. In this study, a numerical model of wave impact on bridge decks located close to a sloping seabed was set up based on OpenFOAM-v1912. The reliability of the present numerical model was checked against published experimental results. The wave forces acting on the bridge decks located before and after the sloping seabed were compared with a bridge deck located above a flat bottom. With the validated numerical model, the effect of the wave properties, coefficient of submergence, and the inclination on wave forces were investigated. The results show that the wave forces on the bridge are affected by the interaction among the incident and reflected waves, the position of the bridge relative to the sloping seabed, and the inclination. These findings emphasize the complex dynamic effects of wave forces on bridges and the importance of considering seabed topography in bridge design and strengthening strategies. This research contributes to an improvement in the safety of coastal bridges, especially in the face of increasing threats from climate change and sea level rise, as well as promotes the development of more resilient infrastructures.
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Background: Complications are an inevitable part of orthopaedic surgery, and how one defines complications can have an impact on the ability to learn from them. There have been issues with a commonly used classification system first outlined by Clavien and Dindo. Our aim
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Background: Complications are an inevitable part of orthopaedic surgery, and how one defines complications can have an impact on the ability to learn from them. There have been issues with a commonly used classification system first outlined by Clavien and Dindo. Our aim was to evaluate a modification of this classification system developed for use in our department, with our hypothesis being that this could make our audit presentations more efficient. Methods: A modified Clavien–Dindo Classification was prospectively applied to all complications recorded in the orthopaedic departmental audits at our institution for a 12-month period. The audit discussion was recorded and analysed and compared with the complication audits for the preceding 12-month period. Results: We analysed eight audit presentations before and eight audit presentations after the introduction of a modified Clavien–Dindo classification to our orthopaedic complications over a 2-year period. The number of PowerPoint™ slides (103 vs. 84, p = 0.03) and the time spent on each presentation (88 vs. 71 min, p = 0.02) decreased significantly with the introduction of the modified classification. The novel system was found to have high inter-observer reliability. Conclusions: The modified Clavien–Dindo classification system is a reproducible classification system for orthopaedic complications. It made our audit presentations more efficient.
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The bivalve mollusc Pinna nobilis, endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, has been vanishing since 2016 from the whole basin because of an infection by multiple pathogens that caused mass mortality events. In the Eastern Mediterranean, some small populations seem to be resistant
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The bivalve mollusc Pinna nobilis, endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, has been vanishing since 2016 from the whole basin because of an infection by multiple pathogens that caused mass mortality events. In the Eastern Mediterranean, some small populations seem to be resistant to the infection. These individuals could represent the only possibility for the species to recolonize desert habitats. Thus, according to the recommendations of IUCN, looking for living specimens of P. nobilis is a priority. With this goal in mind, we carried out surveys in different areas of Southern Italy, and in 2018, we launched a Citizen Science campaign to involve recreational and professional divers in this challenge. As a result of a monitoring activity carried out in 2022–2024, along the Ionian coast of Apulia, in Southern Italy, we can say that there are no more living specimens there but only empty shells. Concurrent to the vanishing of the queen P. nobilis, its congeneric P. rudis, resistant to the infection, seems to be taking advantage, becoming more common and colonizing habitats once exclusive to P. nobilis. In fact, from different areas of the Mediterranean, sightings of the new possible queen, P. rudis, are increasing, together with the discovery of individuals exhibiting morphological traits that are a mixture of the two species. In some cases, these morphological features are not easy to detect; nevertheless, the presence of these hybrids, resistant to the infection, is important for the conservation of the species.
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Background: Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite and a main cause of abortions in cattle worldwide. However, its role in abortions and decreased fertility in sheep is not completely understood, especially due to the complex, multifactorial etiology of abortions. This study aimed to
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Background: Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite and a main cause of abortions in cattle worldwide. However, its role in abortions and decreased fertility in sheep is not completely understood, especially due to the complex, multifactorial etiology of abortions. This study aimed to perform a longitudinal field study to investigate the epidemiology of neosporosis and its effect on fertility in endemic sheep herds. Methods: Serological (IFAT) and clinical (outcome of pregnancy) data from 153 ewe-lambs was collected in four intensive management farms in Israel during three consecutive pregnancies. Results: The seroprevalence in ewe-lambs at different farms varied between 24% and 93%. The overall seroprevalence increased from 50% in ewe-lambs to 96.6% at the end of the third pregnancy. Horizontal infection was observed in all farms, with seroconversion in 59% of seronegative sheep. Abortion rates were lower (p = 0.004) in seropositive ewes in the first pregnancy and not significantly higher in seropositive sheep in consecutive pregnancies. Seropositivity or seroconversion were not associated with abortions or repeated abortions; however, many aborting ewes were removed from the flock. Conclusions: No direct short- or long-term association was found between Neopsora infection and abortions. The variations between flocks and pregnancies suggest a more complex etiology.
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Reactive pustular eruptions (RPEs) can manifest in a variety of conditions, including pustular psoriasis (PP) and adult-onset immunodeficiency syndrome due to anti-interferon-γ autoantibody (AOID). These RPEs can be attributed to different causes, one of which is genetic factors. However, the genetic basis for
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Reactive pustular eruptions (RPEs) can manifest in a variety of conditions, including pustular psoriasis (PP) and adult-onset immunodeficiency syndrome due to anti-interferon-γ autoantibody (AOID). These RPEs can be attributed to different causes, one of which is genetic factors. However, the genetic basis for pustular skin diseases remains poorly understood. In our study, we conducted whole-exome sequencing on a cohort of 17 AOID patients with pustular reactions (AOID-PR) and 24 PP patients. We found that 76% and 58% of the AOID-PR and PP patients, respectively, carried rare genetic variations within the filaggrin (FLG) gene family. A total of 12 out of 21 SNPs on FLG had previously received clinical classifications, with only p.Ser2706Ter classified as pathogenic. In contrast, none of the FLG3 SNPs identified in this study had prior clinical classifications. Overall, these variations had not been previously documented in cases of pustular disorders, and two of them were entirely novel discoveries. Immunohistochemical analysis of skin biopsies revealed that FLG variants like p.Ser860Trp, p.Gly3903Ter, p.Gly2440Glu, and p.Glu2133Asp caused reductions in FLG levels similar to the pathogenic FLG p.Ser2706Ter. These results highlight rare FLG variants as potential novel genetic risk factors contributing to pustule formation in both AOID and PP.
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Maja Stojkovic, Milan Petrovic, Maria Capovilla, Sara Milojevic, Vedrana Makevic, Dejan B. Budimirovic, Louise Corscadden, Shuhan He and Dragana Protic
Biology2024, 13(6), 432; https://doi.org/10.3390/biology13060432 (registering DOI) - 12 Jun 2024
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common monogenic cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, is caused by a full mutation (>200 CGG repeats) in the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene. Individuals with FXS experience various challenges
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Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common monogenic cause of inherited intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, is caused by a full mutation (>200 CGG repeats) in the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMR1) gene. Individuals with FXS experience various challenges related to social interaction (SI). Animal models, such as the Drosophila melanogaster model for FXS where the only ortholog of human FMR1 (dFMR1) is mutated, have played a crucial role in the understanding of FXS. The aim of this study was to investigate SI in the dFMR1B55 mutants (the groups of flies of both sexes simultaneously) using the novel Drosophila Shallow Chamber and a Python data processing pipeline based on social network analysis (SNA). In comparison with wild-type flies (w1118), SNA analysis in dFMR1B55 mutants revealed hypoactivity, fewer connections in their networks, longer interaction duration, a lower ability to transmit information efficiently, fewer alternative pathways for information transmission, a higher variability in the number of interactions they achieved, and flies tended to stay near the boundaries of the testing chamber. These observed alterations indicate the presence of characteristic strain-dependent social networks in dFMR1B55 flies, commonly referred to as the group phenotype. Finally, combining novel research tools is a valuable method for SI research in fruit flies.
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