The A. japonicus industry has expanded significantly, but no research has focused on how to de-termine the age of A. japonicus during farming. Correctly estimating the age of A. japonicus can provide a decision-making basis for the breeding process, and data for the protection of A. japonicus aquatic germplasm resources. DNA methylation levels in the body wall of Apostichopus japonicus at 4 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years old were determined by MethylRAD-Seq, and differentially methylated genes related to age were screened. The results of the study found that 441 and 966 differentially methylated genes were detected at CCGG and CCWGG sites, respectively. As-partate aminotransferase, succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, the histone H2AX, heat shock protein Hsp90, aminopeptidase N, cell division cycle CDC6, Ras GTPase activating protein (RasGAP), slit guidance ligand slit 1, integrin linked kinase ILK, mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase Mtor, protein kinase A Pka, and autophagy-related 3 atg3 these genes may play key roles in the growth and aging process of A. japonicus. This study provided data for identifying the age of A. japonicus.

An undescribed diterpene, stellerterpenoid A (1) and two undescribed sesquiterpenoids, stellerterpenoids B and C (2-3), together with six known compounds, were isolated from the roots of Stellera chamaejasme L. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic data (1D, 2D NMR, IR, UV and HR-ESI-MS). The absolute configuration of 1-3 were elucidated based on ECD calculation. Among of them, stellerterpenoid A was a rare 13, 14 - seco nortigliane diterpenoid and stellerterpenoid B was a guaiacane type sesquiterpenoid with an unusual 1, 2-diketone moiety. The known stelleraguaianone B (5) exhibited moderate activity to suppress NO production in LPS - simulated macrophages with an IC50 value of 24.76 ± 0.4 μM. None of the compounds showed inhibitory influenza virus and tumor activity.

The review concerns the chemical structures of all the triterpene glycosides from the most valuable commercially harvesting North Atlantic sea cucumber Cucumaria frondosa and their biological activities. The isolation and structural elucidation of 17 specific triterpene glycosides are described along with isolation and identification of two known glycosides. Antitumor, immunomodulatory, antithrombotic and anti-Alzheimer disease activities are also described. Frondoside A, the major component of the glycosidic fraction seems to be very perspective leader-compound for creation of useful medicinal preparations.

Migratory and local birds may disperse ticks and their associated pathogens. The aim of this study was to provide information regarding tick infesting birds in Asturias, region that accounts for most of the Lyme disease hospitalizations in Spain. From September 2021 and April 2023 trained and experienced bird- banders collected ticks from birds in six estuary and forest locations. A total of 1,698 birds (52 species, 38 genera and 26 families) were captured. A total 51 ticks (28 larvae, 20 nymphs and 3 females) were collected from 43 birds, belonging to three species: Ixodes ricinus (31), I. frontalis (18) and Haemaphysalis concinna (1). The average prevalence of tick infestation was 2.5% and the average tick burden was 1.2 ticks per host. The bird species Turdus merula, Parus major, Luscinia svecica and Anthus pratensis were among the most infested. Anaplasma phagocytophilum was detected from one Turdus merula. We have not detected B. burgdorferi s.l., Rickettsia spp., Coxiella burnetii or piroplasmids in any of the 51 analyzed ticks. The results of the study suggest low infestation rate in migratory/estuary birds and a higher rate in forest/sedentary ones. Despite this, the detection of pathogens, although with low prevalence, can pose a risk to public health.

Bare slope instability is a prevalent concern. The root system of, herbaceous vegetation enhances the shear strength of shallow–slope soil. Indoor experiments were conducted on rootless undisturbed soil (RUS) and undisturbed soil with a root system (USRS) using a triaxial compression apparatus to analyze the slope stability of composite soil with a Tagetes erecta root system. Significance tests and correlation analysis of the factors affecting shear performance were conducted using R software. The slope reinforcement, effect by the plant root system was simulated under 24 working conditions using the MIDAS finite element method. The results revealed the influence of the–root content (RC), moisture content (MC), and stress on the shear strength of USRS, the contribution degree, and the variables’ influences on slope stability. Both RUS and USRS exhibited strain hardening during shearing. The internal friction angle (φ) and cohesion (c) of USRS were negatively and positively correlated with the RC and MC (root burial depth), respectively, and a good fit was obtained for the relationship. The maximum deviatoric stress during shear failure was 1.29 times higher for USRS than for RUS. The RC (root depth) was positively correlated with the slope safety coefficient and the slope of the line under different working conditions, whereas the slope gradient was negatively correlated with the slope safety coefficient. The reinforcement effect by the root system resulted in a 13.2% increase in the safety coefficient and improved stability of slopes with a gradient larger than 1.5%. This article investigated the mechanism of the root–soil system and, the effects of different influencing factors on the shear strength of the soil, and slope stability. The findings provide new insights into shallow slope stability in practical slope protection projects.

In this paper, we study a differential operator of parabolic type with a variable and unbounded coefficient, defined on an infinite strip. Sufficient conditions for the existence and compactness of the resolvent are established, and an estimate for the maximum regularity of solutions of the equation Lu=f∈L_2(Ω) is obtained. Two-sided estimates for the distribution function of approximation numbers are obtained. As is known, estimates of approximation numbers show the rate of best approximation of the resolvent of an operator by finite-dimensional operators. The paper proves the assertion about the existence of positive eigenvalues among the eigenvalues of the given operator and finds two-sided estimates for them.

Enteric viruses are the major cause of gastroenteritis and enteric hepatitis worldwide, but in some areas like Saudi Arabia little data is known about their presence in water sources. The available information from clinical samples is not enough to figure their actual prevalence. The aim of this study was to gather information for the first time in Saudi Arabia on the presence of Norovirus (NoV) genogroup GI and GII, hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) in water. For this purpose, thirteen monthly samples were collected in lake Wadi Hanifa and surrounding wells from December 2014 to November 2015. Viruses were detected and quantified by Real-time RT-qPCR. Despite HEV findings were anecdotic, our results highlight interesting behaviors of the other viruses. There was a higher prevalence of noroviruses in Wadi Hanifa samples than in well water samples (46.43% vs12.5% of NoV GI; 66.67% vs8.33% of NoV GII). On the contrary, similar levels of HAV positivity were observed (40.48% in surface water vs 43.06% in well water). Also, a strong influence of flooding events on HAV and NoV GI occurrence was observed in both surface and well water samples, being NoV GII apparently not affected.

Perhaps the greatest challenge in the graft copolymerization of acrylic acid onto starch initiated by Fenton’s is the selectivity of the grafting reaction. Low selectivity means that too much of unwanted homopolymer polyacrylic acid is produced. In this paper, it has been analyzed why with this reaction system, involving a water soluble monomer and indirect initiation, the graft selectivity is such a challenge. Several other grafting reactions, especially with monomers of low water solubility or when direct initiation is applied, show a better grafting performance. A scheme is presented based on reaction engineering principles, that supports an explanation of the observed differences. A more selective activation of starch is a factor, but perhaps even more important is a low monomer to starch ratio at the starting sites of graft reactions. Based on these insights, several methods to improve the graft selectivity are evaluated, with the help of literature data but mostly by experimental explorations in our laboratory. Most promising appears to be a dedicated dosage method, to add monomer in portions over time, tested in a batch reactor with gelatinized cassava starch. This way, both grafting percentage and graft selectivity could be improved. Such could not be realized with the more conventional dosage, which is to add all monomer before the start of the reaction. This can be considered a principal breaktrough. Still, more research and development would be needed to refine the method and to implement the idea also in a continuous reactor at larger scale.

Ewing sarcoma (EWS) is an aggressive pediatric malignancy of the bone and soft tissues in need of novel therapeutic options. To identify potential therapeutic targets, we focused on essential biological pathways that are upregulated by EWS-FLI1, the primary oncogenic driver of EWS, including mitotic proteins such as Aurora Kinase A (AURKA), Kinesin Family Member 15 (KIF15) and its binding partner, targeting protein for Xklp2 (TPX2). KIF15/TPX2 cooperates with KIF11, a key mitotic kinesin essential for mitotic spindle orientation. Given the lack of clinical grade KIF15/TPX2 inhibitors, we chose to target KIF11 (using SB-743921) in combination with AURKA (using VIC-1911), given phosphorylation of KIF15S1169 by Aurora A is required for its targeting to the spindle. In vitro, the drug combination demonstrated strong synergy (Bliss score ≥10) at nanomolar doses. Colony formation assay revealed significant reduction in plating efficiency (1-3%) and increased percent accumulation of cells in G2/M phase with the combination treatment (45-52%) upon cell-cycle analysis indicating mitotic arrest. In vivo studies in EWS xenograft mouse models showed significant tumor reduction and overall effectiveness: drug combination vs vehicle control (p≤0.01), SB-743921 (p≤0.01) and VIC-1911 (p≤0.05). Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated superior overall survival with the combination compared to vehicle or monotherapy arms (p≤0.0001).

The pharmacokinetic profile of fat-soluble vitamins A, E, K1, and D3 co-administered with liquid paraffin or water in an experimental rat model was investigated. Animals received a solution of the four vitamins orally through a probe, followed 10 minutes later by the administration of either the liquid paraffin product dissolved in water (Emuliquen Simple®) or water (control). Vitamin formulations were 20, 50, 0.30 and 0.10 mg/kg for vitamins A, E, K1, and D3, respectively. Blood samples were collected before dosing and at 0.17, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 24 hours post-dosing. Vitamin concentrations were quantified by liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. No relevant differences in the absorption of vitamins in terms of AUC0-last (area under the curve up to the last measurable concentration) or Cmax in the absence or presence of co-administration of the liquid paraffin product were observed. The difference of these parameters between the treatment groups for all vitamins was in the range of bioequivalence (≤ 20%). The liquid paraffin-based laxative product did not interfere with the absorption of vitamins A, E, K1, and D3 that are ingested in the diet, which is clinically relevant due to the high prevalence of functional constipation in children and adults.

Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) is widely existed in the inner coating of canned foods. It migrates into food and generate various derivatives in the process of storage, such as Bisphenol A (2, 3-dihydroxypropyl) glycidyl ether (BADGE·H2O), Bisphenol A (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) glycidyl ether (BADGE·HCl) and Bisphenol A (3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) (2, 3-dihydroxypropyl) glycidyl ether (BADGE·HCl·H2O), which have negative effects on human health. A gold nanoparticle-based immu-nochromatographic assay for simultaneous detection of BADGE and its derivatives was developed by using a broad-spectrum polyclonal antibody, and the detection can be finished in 15 min. The visuali-zation of results was processed by Adobe Photoshop CC software to achieve quantitative analysis and the detection limit (IC15) is 0.97ng/mL. The recoveries of BADGE and its derivatives at various spiking levels in canned food samples ranged from 79.86% to 93.81%. The detection results of the proposed immu-nochromatographic assay were also validated by HPLC analysis, and got good consistency (R2=0.9580).

The rationalization and modeling of an electric discharge in a fluid require the knowledge of electron swarm parameters. In this work, transport coefficients of alcohols, including methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol are reported. The electron energy distribution function, mean energy, reduced mobility, and diffusion coefficient, are calculated using the two-term expansion of the electron Boltzmann equation in the frame of BOLSIG+ and the Monte Carlo collision code METHES. For such, experimental and theoretical values of the electron-alcohol collision cross-section, covering a range of electron impact energy from 1 eV to 1000 eV, are employed. A temperature of 300K, reduced fields E/N between $1-10^4$ Td (1Td = $10^{-21}~\rm Vm^2$), and Plasma density of $10^{19}~\rm m^{-3}$ were used in simulations. The calculated coefficients are compared with data available from previous studies.

Finding the ideal statistical method for grouping phenological data is always an important step for breeders to draw correct conclusions from it possibly. In this paper, K-cluster analysis is presented as a perfect tool for grouping phenological data. The present research was performed based on the phenological data of 61 strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) cultivars of different geo-graphical origins grown in Estonian conditions. Groups of strawberry cultivars were deter-mined according to flowering and ripening time: early, middle and late, based on the sum of ef-fective temperatures above +5°C. The result of the K-cluster analysis carried out in this way makes it possible to precisely plan the ripening time of berries of different strawberry cultivars. Using such analysis data, it is possible to combine with different early, mid or late strawberry cultivars to extend the picking period. Also, this technique can be used to study the effect of cli-matic changes occurring over the years on the phenology of strawberry cultivars grown in the region.

The study within the current research is focused on theoretical assessment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) obtained by blending traditional jet fuels Jet A and different liquids (biodiesel and alcohols) from analytical point of view. Within this paper in-depth analysis ofthe physical-chemical properties of Jet A fuel blended with different biodiesels and alcohols has been performed. Also within the blends Aeroshell 500 oil has been added (5% vol.) for ensuring the lubrication of the turbo engine. The blends consists of: Jet Aaviation fuel + biodieselfrom: palm oil, pork fat, sunflower oil and alcohols: methanol, ethanol and butanol. All the 6 liquids have been blended with Jet A in the following percentages: 10, 20 and 30%. Flash point, kinematic viscosity, density, freezing point, elemental analysis and FTIR analysis have been performed for all the liquids: Aeroshell 500, jet A, jet A + 10, 20, 30% biodiesel from waste palm oil, pork fat and waste sunflower oil, jet A + 10, 20, 30% methanol, ethanol and butanol, biodiesels and alcohols. The obtained results shows the influence of each of the blend’s components on the physical-chemical properties of the blends. Based on the physical-chemical analysis of the blends, conclusions on the behavior of the blends during burning and the gaseous pollutants resulting from the burning process can be drawn.

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you for suggesting to submit the manuscript with the title “Insulin resistance develops due to an imbalance in the synthesis of cyclic AMP and the natural cyclic AMP antagonist prostaglandylinositol cyclic phosphate (cyclic PIP)” to the Editorial Board of the MDPI journal Stresses, and I ask for consideration to publish it in the journal Stresses. It was previously submitted to the MDPI journal Int. J. Mol. Sci. (IJMS-195 6513), but it was found that 1) it would not fit within the scope of this special edition and 2) it would primarily deal with cyclic PIP and would have not enough literature citation on the topic insulin resistance. The present version of the manuscript is improved, but the content is the same. The goal of this review is not to write again a summary on nearly all reports on insulin resistance as this was done by Dr. Petersen and Dr. Shulman, whose review has 961 literature citations. The present manuscript compiles what is known on cyclic PIP in relation to insulin resistance and the reason of writing this manuscript was that the discovered facts on cyclic PIP synthesis allow to suggest how insulin resistance most likely starts. Hitherto, reports on insulin resistance did not come close to this question. I am convinced that the manuscript makes an essential contribution to the question what causes the development of insulin resistance, and I have to say that stress overload is one of the reasons. Unfortunately, I have to mention a topic, about which I do not like to talk. Years ago, research groups postulated with rigor that the mediator of insulin action would be a peptide and then they suggested various, extracellularly synthesized glycans as mediators. They caused confusions and a high degree of disbelief in the matter of mediators of insulin action. In my review on cyclic PIP in IUBMB Life from 2020, I wrote in the introduction that cyclic PIP should not be confused with these mediators. But I cannot write this in the introduction of every report. I am keeping fingers crossed so that the editor in charge will find fair and openminded reviewers. Last not least I confirm that neither the manuscript nor any part of its content is currently under consideration or published in another journal. Kind regards, Henrich Wasner, PhD, BioReg Biopharm, TiLab; University of Illinois at Chicago; 2242 West Harrison St., Ste. 201, Chicago, Il 60612; USA

This study presents a transversal investigation, that we performed at Fundeni hospital, into the therapeutic benefits and efficacy of Emicizumab, a non-factor therapy, in the context of hemophilia A. Ten patients diagnosed with hemophilia A were closely monitored, using clinical and laboratory resources, during the course of Emicizumab treatment, with an average of 12.8 months. Among these patients, six exhibited anti-factor VIII inhibitors, changing the medical approach and adding complexity to their clinical profiles. A comprehensive approach was adopted to assess the coagulation status of patients under Emicizumab therapy. The study employed several key coagulation monitoring tools, of which including thrombin generation time (TGT) and thrombelastography (TEG). These methodologies proved highly valuable results in evaluating the patients' coagulation profiles during the treatment regimen. Additionally, traditionally coagulation assays were utilized to gain a comprehensive understanding of the overall coagulation dynamics. Noteworthy, impressive outcomes emerged from the study. During prophylaxis with Emicizumab all patients had experienced a reduced number of bleeding events. Moreover, a subset of these patients underwent major surgical procedures (orthopedic joint replacements) with successful outcomes. These findings underscore the potential of Emicizumab therapy as an effective option for hemophilia A patients, including those that presented a prompt production of anti-factor VIII inhibitors. As for the outcomes, this transversal study sheds some light on the positive impact of Emicizumab therapy in addressing the coagulation challenges posed by hemophilia A. The utilization of global coagulation assays, such as thrombin generation time, thrombelastography and combined with traditional coagulation assays, used as monitoring tools highlights their significance once more in evaluating the therapeutic response. This research contributes by providing physicians with valuable insights to the field, offering a potential avenue for improved patients’ care and treatment strategies that translate in enhanced quality of life for hemophilia A patients undergoing Emicizumab therapy.

The optical complexity of coastal waters is mostly caused by the water discharged from land carrying optical components (such as dissolved and particulate matter) into coastal bays and estuaries, and increasing the attenuation of light. This paper aims to investigate the links between in-water optical properties in four Swedish bays (from the northern Baltic proper up to the Bothnian bay) and the land use and land cover (LULC) and the hydrology in the respective catchment of each bay. The optical properties were measured in situ over the last two decades by various research and monitoring groups while the LULC in each bay was classified using the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service based on Landsat 8 and Sentinel-3 data. The absorption coefficient of coloured dissolve organic matter at 440 nm, aCDOM (440), and its spectral slope factor, SCDOM, were mostly correlated to natural land cover classes (Wetland, Meadow) acting as sources of CDOM, while Agricultural and Urban classes seem to act as sinks. The Agricultural class was also found to be a sink for suspended particulate organic matter (SPOM) whilst Coniferous and Mixed Forests as well as Meadows acted as a sources. SPOM seems to mostly originate from Natural classes, possibly due to the release of pollen and other organic matter. Overall, the methods applied here allow for a better understanding of effects of land used and land cover on the bio-optical properties, and thus coastal water quality, on a macroscopic scale.

Clarifying the impact mechanism of digital transformation of enterprises on the M&A efficiency of listed companies can provide a factual basis for improving capital market regulatory policies. Taking the mergers and acquisitions of listed companies from 2007 to 2021 as a research sample, the influence mechanism of the digital transformation degree of companies on their M&A efficiency was studied. The research results show that the digital transformation of listed companies will improve their M&A efficiency. Digital transformation will reduce the degree of mispricing of stocks of M&A companies, curb conflicts between managers and agents of M&A companies, and improve their M&A efficiency. Further research finds that the promotion effect of digital transformation on M&A efficiency is more significant in non-state-owned companies, with a higher degree of financing constraint and high analyst attention. In the future, regulatory authorities should actively promote the digital transformation of listed companies, curb mispricing and management agency problems in the capital market with digital governance, and improve the efficiency of mergers and acquisitions in the capital market.

Based on the analysis of the spatial distribution of uranium grade in 348 boreholes of a uranium deposit in Xinjiang, the enrichment and spatial variation of uranium ore in two stopes of the deposit are discussed by using multifractal theory. The distribution characteristics of uranium ore of the two stopes are studied by multifractal parameters: the scaling exponent of mass , the scaling exponent of each sub-set and its corresponding fractal dimension , the fractal dimension D0 and information dimension D1. The differences of uranium distribution in two stopes can be well quantified by multifractal spectrum and multifractal parameters( , , ).10m×10m is defined as a fence unit, and the window sizes are respectively set, the singularity exponent of the two stopes are calculated by this element concentration-area(C-A) method. The results show that the multifractal theory and model can organically combine spatial structure information, scale change information and anisotropy information to obtain low-grade and weak mineral resources information, and can effectively distinguish complex and superimposed anomalies. This will provide a basis for local concentration and spatial variation rules of uranium distribution and the design of the parameters of leaching uranium mining well site.

The Influenza A virus (IAV) is a highly infectious virus that poses a significant threat to global public health and food supplies. The current subtype of avian influenza virus (AIV), H5N1, is being closely monitored worldwide due to its unprecedented spread from Europe to North America and now to Central and South America. This review summarizes recent updates on the evolution of the different IAV subtypes in birds and mammals including humans, in Chile. The distribution and spread of AIV H5N1 in Chile indicated a complex interplay between ecological and human factors in that it was negatively correlated with distance to the closest urban center and precipitation and temperature seasonality. It is evident that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 in Chile was introduced from North America via the Atlantic migratory flyways as opposed to local transmission from other countries in South America. The presence of these viruses in Chile underscores the need for increased biosecurity on poultry farms and continuous genomic surveillance approaches to understand and control AIVs in both wild and domestic bird populations in Chile.

The amino acids (AAs) and vitamins imbalances are observed in celiac disease (CD). This study evaluated the plasma profile of vitamin A and AAs and the expression level of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12 and TGFβ in CD patients. A total of 60 children and adults with CD and 40 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Plasma profile of Vitamin A and AAs and the mRNA expression levels of target genes were assessed. Active adult patients exhibited a decrease in Vitamin A levels (p=0.04) and an increase in IL-2 (p=0.008) and IL-12 (p=0.007) mRNA expression compared to HCs. Treated adult patients showed elevated Serine (p=0.003) and Glycin (p=0.04) levels, as well as increased IL-12 (P<0.0001) mRNA expression, and a decrease in Tryptophan (p=0.04) levels relative to the controls. Additionally, treated adult patients had higher plasma levels of Threonine compared to both active (p=0.04) and control (p=0.02) subjects, and increased mRNA expression of IL-4 (p=0.01) in comparison to active patients. In active children with CD, IL-2 mRNA level was found to be higher than in controls (P<0.0001) and in treated children (p=0.005). Treated children with CD exhibited decreased plasma levels of Tryptophan (p=0.01) and Isoleucine (p=0.01) relative to the controls, and increased mRNA expression of TGFβ (p=0.04) relative to active patients. Managing Retinoic acid levels is crucial to alleviate intestinal inflammation of CD patients. Threonine, tryptophan, and Isoleucine are potential therapeutic options for treating CD, and targeting serine, histidine, tyrosine, and aspartate may hold promise as therapeutic targets for CD patients.

Weak contact metric structures on a smooth manifold, introduced by V. Rovenski and R. Wolak in 2022, have provided new insight into the theory of classical structures. In this paper, we define new structures of this kind (called weak nearly Sasakian and weak nearly cosymplectic and nearly K\"{a}hlerian structures) and study their geometry. We introduce weak nearly K\"{a}hlerian manifolds (generalizing nearly K\"{a}hlerian manifolds) and characterize weak nearly Sasakian and weak nearly cosymplectic hypersurfaces in such Riemannian manifolds.

The present studies were undertaken to address the role of fetuin-A in the growth and invasion potential in a triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line, MDA-MB-468. Basal like TNBC that express high levels of ectopic fetuin-A have poorer prognosis for the patients compared to those that express low levels of the protein. We overexpressed fetuin-A in MDA-MB-468 and then determined the invasive potential of fetuin-A overexpressing cells vs controls transfected with empty vector. We also determined the adhesion and growth potential of the cells in the presence of only fetuin-A in serum free medium and also in complete medium. Our data suggest that fetuin-A overexpression significantly enhances the invasive potential of the cells and also the expression of Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) on these cells. More importantly, the cells rely on fetuin-A-TLR4 signaling network for growth and invasion because the specific TLR4 inhibitor CLI-095 (resatorvid) abrogates fetuin-A mediated growth and invasion. Taken together, the data suggest that fetuin-A-TLR4 signaling network plays a significant role in the growth and invasion potential of TNBC.

SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B virus (IAV/IBV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are among the common viruses causing acute respiratory infections. Clinical diagnosis to differentiate these viruses is challenging due to similar clinical presentations, thus laboratory-based real-time RT PCR is the gold standard for diagnosis. The study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of STANDARD M10 Flu/RSV/SARS-CoV-2 (SD Biosensor Inc, Seoul, Korea). This retrospective study was conducted with archived respiratory samples positive and negative for SARS-CoV-2, IAV, IBV or RSV. The evaluation study involved a total of 322 respiratory samples comprising 215 positive samples (49 SARS-CoV-2, 48 IAV, 53 IBV, 65 RSV) and 107 negative samples. All samples were tested with both STANDARD M10 and either Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 or Xpert Xpress Flu/RSV (Cepheid, USA). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value rates of STANDARD M10 were very similar to Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 or Xpert Xpress Flu/RSV ranges for each virus (98-100%). The overall agreement was 99.4% with 99.1% agreement for positive samples and 100% agreement for negative samples. In conclusion, the STANDARD M10 point-of-care test is suitable for rapid simultaneous detection of SARS-CoV-2, IAV, IBV and RSV.

In recent, Chae found that, at weak gravitational acceleration g_N≲10⁻⁹ms⁻², the observed orbit of the wide binary stars is not accordant with current theory of binary star. Here, we present, this finding should be an observational evidence for that Newtonian theory of orbit perturbation is still valid in galactic scale.

Chlorophyll-a (Chla) is a crucial pigment in phytoplankton, playing a vital role in determining phytoplankton biomass and water nutrient status. However, in optically complex water bodies, Chla concentration is no longer the primary factor influencing remote sensing spectral reflectance signals, leading to significant errors in traditional Chla concentration estimation methods. With advancements in in-situ measurements, synchronized satellite data, and computer technology, machine learning algorithms have become popular in Chla concentration retrieval. Nevertheless, when using machine learning methods to estimate Chla concentration, abrupt changes in Chla values can disrupt the spatiotemporal smoothness of the retrieval results. Therefore, this study proposes a two-stage approach to enhance the accuracy of Chla concentration estimation in optically complex water bodies. In the first stage, a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1DCNN) is employed for precise Chla retrieval, and in the second stage, the regression layer of the 1DCNN is replaced with Support Vector Regression (SVR). The research findings are as follows: (1) In the first stage, the performance metrics (R², RMSE, RMLSE, Bias, MAE) of the 1DCNN outperform state-of-the-art algorithms (OCI, SVR, RFR) on the test dataset. (2) After the second stage, the performance further improves, with the metrics achieving values of 0.892, 11.243, 0.052, 1.056, and 1.444, respectively. (3) In mid-to-high latitude regions, the inversion performance of 1DCNN\SVR is superior to other algorithms, exhibiting richer details and higher noise tolerance in nearshore areas. (4) 1DCNN\SVR demonstrates high inversion capabilities in water bodies with medium to high nutrient levels.

Public health suffers from noxious gas of beached Sargassum algae. Floating barrages containing them at sea will be useful provided efficiently catch them and resist to hydrodynamic pressure. Nowadays design and installation of algae barrages are empiric. Structural break, anchor and mooring chain drifts can arise. We provide a mechanical model to evaluate stresses and loads on a structure made of nets and moorings. Hydrodynamic uncertainties occur through catches, fouling, and a range of sea currents appearing in lagoons or sheltered bays. We consider a nonlinear finite-element model of elastic membrane in large displacements and small strains. We study some forcings fixed a priori on a standard section of barrage. A section 50 m long, 1 m high, with two net-faces is examined at low and moderate current velocities, 0.05 and 0.35 m.s-1, while assuming specific vertical and horizontal catch pressures. A barrage installed in lagoon at Le François on Martinique Island and being observable by satellite imagery could benefit of the computed net and mooring tensions.

Abstract: Type A acute aortic dissection is a serious condition within the acute aortic syndromes that demands immediate treatment. Despite advancements in diagnostic and referral pathways, the survival rate post-surgery currently sits at almost 20%. Our objective was to pinpoint clinical indicators for mortality and morbidity, particularly raised arterial lactate as a key factor for negative outcomes. Methods: All patients referred to the three cardiovascular centres between January 2005 and December 2022 were included in the study. The inclusion criteria required the presence of a lesion involving the ascending aorta, symptoms within 7 days of surgery, and referral for primary surgical repair of TAAAD based on recommendations, with consideration for other concomitant major cardiac surgical procedures needed during TAAAD and retrograde extension of TAAAD. We conducted an analysis of both continuous and categorical variables and utilized predictive mean matching to fill in missing numeric features. For missing binary variables, we used logistic regression to impute values. We specifically targeted early postoperative mortality and employed LASSO regression to minimize potential collinearity of over-fitting variables and variables measured from the same patient. Results: 633 patients were recruited for the study, out of which 449 patients had complete preoperative arterial lactate data. The average age of the patients was 64 years, and 304 patients were male (67.6%). The crude early postoperative mortality rate was 24.5% (110 out of 449 patients). The mortality rate did not show any significant difference when comparing conservative and extensive surgeries. However, malperfusion had a significant impact on mortality [48/131 (36.6%) vs 62/318 (19.5%), p<0.001]. Preoperative arterial lactates were significantly elevated in patients with malperfusion. The optimal prognostic threshold of arterial lactate for predicting early postoperative mortality in our cohort was ≥ 2.6 mmol/L. Conclusion: The arterial lactate concentration in patients referred for TAAAD is an independent factor for both operative mortality and postoperative complications. In addition to mortality, patients with an upper arterial lactate cut-off of ≥2.6 mmol/L face significant risks of VA ECMO and the need for dialysis within the first 48 hours after surgery. To improve recognition and facilitate rapid transfer and surgical treatment protocol, more diligent efforts are required in the management of malperfusion in TAAAD.

Background: It is known that Preeclampsia affects the lactogenesis. However, data on effects of this pathology on the human milk neurobiomarkers composition are not available. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of this gestational pathology on Activin A levels, a neurobi-omarker known to play an important role in the development and protection of the central nerv-ous system. Methods: The women recruited were divided in two different study groups: preeclamptic or normotensive women. All the human milk samples were collected using the same procedure. Activin A was quantified using an ELISA test. To investigate the effect of Preeclampsia on the Activin A concentration in the 3 lactation phases, mixed linear model with unistructural covariance structure, mother as random effect, and fixed effects were performed. Results: Activin A was detected in all samples. There were no significant differences between Preeclamptic and Normotensive women. The only significant effect is related to the lactation phase: it is significant the difference between colostrum and mature milk (p<0.01). In conclusion these results allow us to affirm that breast milk beneficial properties are maintained even if preeclampsia occurs.

Influenza A (IAV) is a major human respiratory pathogen, causing illness, hospitalizations, and mortality annually worldwide. IAV is also a zoonotic pathogen with a multitude of hosts, allowing for interspecies transmission, reassortment events, and the emergence of novel pandemics, as was seen in 2009 with the emergence of a swine origin H1N1 (pdmH1N1) virus into humans, causing the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century. While the 2009 pandemic was considered to have high morbidity and low mortality, studies have linked the pdmH1N1 virus and its gene segments to increased disease in humans and animal models. Genetic components of the pdmH1N1 virus currently circulate in the swine population, reassorting with endemic swine viruses that co-circulate and occasionally spillover into humans. This is evidenced by the regular detection of variant swine IAVs in humans associated with state fairs and other intersections of humans and swine. Defining genetic changes that support species adaptation, virulence, and cross-species transmission, as well as mutations that enhance or attenuate these features will improve our understanding of influenza biology, aid in surveillance and virus risk assessment, and guide the establishment of counter measures for emerging viruses. Here, we review current understanding of determinants of specific IAV phenotypes, focusing on the fitness, transmission, and virulence determinants that have been identified in swine IAVs and/or in relation to the 2009 pdmH1N1 virus.

Arthrospira platensis is a class of microalgae with high economic value. Its high adaptability, high photosynthetic efficiency, and fast growth rate make it one of the few microalgae that can be cultivated on a large scale. Therefore, using the selenium enrichment property of Arthrospira platensis to cultivate selenium-enriched Arthrospira platensis will not only enhance the physiological efficacy of Arthrospira platensis but also increase its economic value significantly. In this study, we investigated the effects of sodium selenite on the growth and photosynthetic performance of Arthrospira platensis selenium by setting different amounts and methods of sodium selenite addition, and we explored the optimal culture conditions. The results showed that the experimental group treated with sodium selenite at 120 mg/L had the fastest growth, and the contents of soluble protein, phycocyanin, and Chlorophyll a increased by approximately 67.9%, 1.44 times, and 38.8%, respectively, compared to the control group. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity increased by 1.88-fold and 65%, respectively, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were reduced by 62% compared to the control group. The results of the OJIP assay showed that the J and I points were significantly higher at the batch addition and treatment concentration of 120 mg/L, with the rate of QA being reduced and the proportion of the slowly reduced PQ pool being increased. The values of the maximum light energy conversion efficiency (Fv/Fm) per unit of reaction center were higher in both sodium selenite treatment groups than in the control group, indicating that the light energy conversion efficiency of Arthrospira was promoted under all concentration treatment conditions. The batch addition of sodium selenite at concentrations less than 120 mg/L resulted in significantly higher ABS/RC values than the control, and they were far superior to the one-time addition method. The reason for this may have been that the batch addition of sodium selenite at low concentrations increased the light absorption capacity of the unit reaction center of the Arthrospira PSII, resulting in a rise in captured light energy, a rise in the energy captured by the reaction center for electron transfer (ETo/RC), a decrease in the energy dissipated in the absorption of light energy by the reaction center (DIo/RC), and an increase in the photosynthetic performance index (PI abs).

Molecules sourced from marine environments hold immense promise for the development of novel therapeutic drugs, owing to their distinctive chemical compositions and valuable medicinal attributes. Notably, Talarolide A and Talaropeptides A-D have gained recent attention as potential candidates for pharmaceutical applications. This study aims to explore the chemical reactivity of Talarolide A and Talaropeptides A-D through the application of molecular modeling and computational chemistry techniques, specifically employing Conceptual Density Functional Theory (CDFT). By investigating their chemical behaviors, the study seeks to contribute to the understanding of the potential pharmacological uses of these marine-derived compounds. The investigation involves the utilization of molecular modeling and computational chemistry tools, with a specific focus on Conceptual DFT. These techniques are applied to examine the chemical reactivity of Talarolide A and Talaropeptides A-D, shedding light on their potential for interacting with various biological targets. The research reveals insights into the chemical reactivity of Talarolide A and Talaropeptides A-D, uncovering active reaction sites and potential biological targets. Talarolide A demonstrates robust anti-inflammatory properties and antitumor activity against diverse cancer cell lines, while Talaropeptide A displays antimicrobial efficacy against both bacteria and fungi. The study underscores the significance of comprehending the chemical reactivity of natural marine products for advancing pharmaceutical development. By employing computational tools such as Conceptual DFT, this research uncovers crucial information about the active sites and potential targets of Talarolide A and Talaropeptides A-D. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of marine-derived peptides and their prospects as pharmaceutical agents, though further investigations are necessary to fully elucidate their pharmacological attributes.

Abstract: Background: Neonatal sepsis continues to be one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, particularly in under development and underdeveloped countries. We aim to compare laboratory parameters between the early-onset sepsis (EOS) and non-EOS groups and to evaluate the association between TLR2- Arg753Gln, TLR4 -Asp299Gly, IL6-174G/C and IL10-1082G/A gene single nucleotide polymorphisms and EOS susceptibility in preterm newborns. Methods: Genotyping of the TLR2, TLR4, IL6 and IL10 polymorphisms was performed in 36 preterm neonates by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (RFLP). Logistic regression analysis was used to test the associations between the studied gene polymorphisms and EOS susceptibility. Results: Statistically significant differences in gestational age and birth weight were observed between the two groups, preterm neonates with EOS having a lower mean of gestational age (weeks, 29.4 ± 2.8 versus 32.6 ± 1.1, p = 0.00002) and lower mean of birth weight (gr., 1342.1 ± 446.5 vs. 1984 ± 376.9) than preterm neonates without EOS. C-reactive protein (CRP) values measured at first day significantly increased in EOS group compared with non-EOS group (median, 95% CI: 0.80 [0.40, 1.15] versus 0.30 [0.02, 0.50]). Mean of neutrophils significantly decreased in the EOS preterm neonates (mean difference: 17.3%, 95% CI: [4.0%, 30.5%], p = 0.0126) and non-EOS group (mean difference: 20.8%, 95% CI: [1.8%, 39.9%, p = 0.0354) between the first day and 7th hospitalization day. The minor IL10-A1082 allele frequency was higher in the EOS group than in the nonEOS group (50% versus 25%) with a marginal statistical significance (p=0.0550). In the dominant model, the A/G + A/A variant genotype of IL10- 1082G/A polymorphism significantly increased the odds of EOS compared with GG genotype (OR= 5.25, p = 0.0322). Conclusions: The results of the current study suggests the IL10- 1082G/A gene polymorphism as significant risk factor for early onset sepsis development in preterm neonates.

Bisphenol F (BPF) and bisphenol S (BPS) are increasingly used as substitutes for bisphenol A (BPA) in the plastic industry, driven by concerns over the adverse effects of BPA. However, there is a lack of infor-mation on the extent of exposure to these chemicals in children. This study aims to assess the extent of BPA, BPF, and BPS exposure and determine factors that influence such exposure. A group of Thai children (age 6-13 years, n=358) were recruited between October 2019-2020. Two first morning void was collected one week apart. Demographic and exposure-related information was gathered. Urinary concentrations of bisphenols were analyzed by liquid-chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. Correlation between bisphenol concentrations and various factors was determined using generalized estimating equations with linear model. BPA, BPF, and BPS were detected at 79.6%, 31.0%, and 16.8%, with geometric mean (GM) concentrations of 1.41, 0.013, and 0.014 ng/mL respectively. Younger children aged < 10 years exhibited 1.3-1.6 times higher GM levels of all bisphenols compared to older children. Exposure to food stored in plas-tic containers were associated with higher levels of BPF and BPS. In conclusion, BPA was the most fre-quently detected bisphenol in urine samples from Thai children, followed by BPF and BPS.

There has been considerable progress in implicit neural representation to upscale an image to any arbitrary resolution. However, existing methods are based on defining a function to predict the RGB value from just four specific loci. Relying on just four loci is insufficient as it leads to losing fine details from the neighboring region(s). We show that by taking into account the semi-local region leads to an improvement in performance. In this paper, we propose applying a new technique called Overlapping Windows on Semi-Local Region (OW-SLR) to an image to obtain any arbitrary resolution by taking the coordinates of the semi-local region around a point in the latent space. This extracted detail is used to predict the RGB value of a point. We illustrate the technique by applying the algorithm to the Optical Coherence Tomography-Angiography (OCT-A) images and show that it can upscale them to random resolution. This technique outperforms the existing state-of-the-art methods when applied to the OCT500 dataset. OW-SLR provides better results for classifying healthy and diseased retinal images such as diabetic retinopathy and normals from the given set of OCT-A images. The project page is available at https://rishavbb.github.io/ow-slr/index.html

The city administration of China planned numerous metro projects and more metros can hardly avoid undercrossing a bridge. While metro shield construction when undercrossing a bridge (MSCUB) is frequently located in complicated natural and social context, which made the construction process more susceptible to safety accidents. Therefore, it is crucial to look into safety risk of MSCUB. The paper identified the safety risk factors during SSCUR by using literature review and experts’ evaluation, proposed a novel safety risk assessment model by integrating CFA and FER, and then selected a project case to test the validity of the suggested model. Research results show that (a) a safety risk factors list of MSCUB was identified, including 4 first-level safety risks and 37 second-level safety risk factors; (b) the proposed safety risk assessment model can be used to measure the risk values of the overall worksite safety risk, the first-level safety risks and the safety risk factors of MSCUB; (c) environment-type safety risk and personnel-type safety risk have higher risk values when shield construction undercrossing a bridge; (d) when compared to worker-type safety risk, manager-type safety risk is the higher risk value. The research can enrich the theoretic knowledge of MSCUB safety risk assessment and provide references to safety managers for conducting scientific and effective safety management on the construction site when subway undercrossing a river.

Background: Identity diffusion plays a central role in the onset of borderline personality and disorders. The Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) is a treatment program for adolescents with emotional instability and dysregulation. The interest of this study is to examine the influence of a standardized and certified DBT-A therapy program on identity development of adolescents with emotion dysregulation in an inpatient setting. Methods: 138 adolescents aged 13 to 18 years with symptoms of emotional instability were assessed before and after a curricular 12-weeks in-patient DBT-A program with standardized instruments for the assessment of identity (AIDA), emotion regulation (FEEL-KJ, SEE) and general psychopathology (SCL-90-R, DIKJ). Results: The results indicate a significant change in identity development, emotion regulation and general symptoms of psychopathology after treatment with DBT-A. A connection between identity scales and psychopathological symptoms of adolescents with diagnosed borderline disorders and impaired emotion regulation could be established. Conclusion: In this large sample of adolescents, DBT-A significantly improved identity and reduced identity diffusion. As identiy disturbance is a core symptom of borderline personality disorder, our results may become clinically relevant for the prevention of personality disorders in emotionally unstable adolescents

: Ovarian cancer has a dismal prognosis. Standard treatment following surgery relies on platinum-based chemotherapy. However, sizeable percentages of patients are unresponsive. Identification of markers predicting response to chemotherapy might help select eligible patients while sparing unresponsive ones treatment-associated toxicity. Cancer/testis antigens (CTA) are expressed by healthy germ cells and malignant cells of diverse histological origin. This expression profile identifies them as attractive targets of cancer immunotherapies. We analyzed correlations between expression of MAGE-A10 and New York esophageal-1 cancer (NY-ESO-1) CTAs at protein level and effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced-stage high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). MAGE-A10 and NY-ESO-1 protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples from 93 patients with advanced-stage HGSOC treated at our institutions between January 1996 and December 2013. Correlation between expression of these markers and response to platinum-based chemotherapy, evaluated according to RECIST 1.1 criteria, platinum sensitivity, measured as platinum free interval (PFI), progression free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was explored. MAGE-A10 protein expression predicts unresponsiveness to platinum-based chemotherapy (p=0.005), poor platinum sensitivity (p<0.001), and poor PFS (p<0.001) and OS (p<0.001). Multiva-riate analysis identifies MAGE-A10 protein expression as independent predictor of poor platinum sensitivity (p=0.005) and shorter OS (p<0.001). Instead, no correlation was observed between NY-ESO-1 protein expression and response to platinum-based chemotherapy (p=0.832), platinum sensitivity (p= 0.168), PFS (p=0.126) and OS (p=0.335). MAGE-A10 protein expression reliably identifies advanced-stage HGSOC unresponsive to platinum-based chemotherapy. Targeted im-munotherapy could represent an important alternative therapeutic option in these cancers.

Data is present in the data sources like Files and Data bases, Retrieval of information from that data sources is one of the important issue nowadays. So for retrieval information from the data sources clustering is used. In the present market different types of clustering algorithms were available. But opting of the clustering is based on user requirements. This paper focuses on the study of hierarchical clustering approach on different conditions or measures or with customer choices like clustering process number of clusters generated at each level, number of levels, attributes range for performing the clustering on the given data set. In brief overview we discuss the hierarchical approach for clustering algorithm with the user opting choices.

Based on the elasticity theory, this paper deals with the static analysis of a cracked double beam system in presence of a Winkler medium. The double-beam system is also supposed to be constrained at both ends by elastically flexible springs, with transverse and rotational stiffness. Using a variational formulation, the static governing equations are derived and solved by using analytical and numerical approaches. In the first approach, the closed-form solutions for the displacements functions are obtained based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. In the second approach, the Cell-Discretization Method (CDM) is performed, according to which the two beams are reduced to a set of rigid bars linked together by means of elastic constraints, where the bending stiffness of the bars is concentrated. The resulting stiffness matrix is easily deduced, and the governing equations of the static problem can be immediately solved. A comparative analysis is performed in order to verify the accuracy and validity of the proposed method. This study focuses on the effect of various parameters including the crack depth and position, boundary conditions, elastic medium and slenderness. The validity of the proposed analysis is confirmed by comparing the present results with those obtained from the other approach. In particular, the results obtained by closed-form solution and Cell-discretization method (CDM) are compared by Finite element method (FEM). Accuracy of the results has been evaluated by making comparisons with the results in literature and reported in bibliography. It is demonstrated that the proposed algorithm provides a simple and powerful tool in dealing with the static analysis of a double-beam system. Finally, some concluding remarks are made.

In this study, we report the first outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A H5N8, clade 2.3.4.4b in Kosovo on May 19, 2021. The outbreak consisted of three temporal phases: May–June 2021, September–November 2021, and January–May 2022. In total, 32 backyard and 10 commercial holdings tested positive for the virus, affecting 179,198 poultry. Interestingly, the third and last phase of the outbreak coincided with the massive H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b epidemic in Europe. Phylogenetic analyses of 28 viral strains from Kosovo revealed that they were closely related to the H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4.b viruses that have been circulating in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, and Russia in early 2021. Whole genome sequencing of the 25 and partial sequencing of 3 H5N8 viruses from Kosovo showed high nucleotide identity, forming a distinctive cluster and suggesting a single introduction. The results of the network analysis were in accordance with the three epidemic waves and suggested that the viral diffusion could have been caused by secondary spreads among farms and/or different introductions of the same virus from wild birds. The persistent circulation of the same virus over a one-year period highlights the potential risk of the virus becoming endemic, especially in settings with non-adequate biosecurity.

This paper introduces a novel algorithm for solving the point-to-point shortest path problem in a static regular 8-neighbor connectivity (G8) grid. This algorithm can be seen as a generalization of Hadlock algorithm to G8 grids, and is shown to be theoretically equivalent to the relaxed A* (RA*) algorithm in terms of the provided solution's path length, but with substantial time and memory savings, due to a completely different computation strategy, based on defining a set of lookup matrices. Through an experimental study on grid maps of various types and sizes (1290 runs on 43 maps), it is proven to be 2.25 times faster than RA* and 17 times faster than the original A*, in average. Moreover, it is more memory-efficient, since it does not need to store a G score matrix.

The aims of the review were to elucidate the spatial variation in sea ice algae primary production rates and biomasses (Chl a) in the Canadian Arctic – Greenland region, characterized by comparable physical settings. A database was compiled from 30 studies of sea ice algae primary production rates, biomasses (Chl a), snow and ice thicknesses, ice types, nutrient (Si(OH)4, PO4, (NO3+NO2), and (NH4) concentrations in ice and below ice from the region. Production rates were significantly high (463 mg C m-2 d-1) in Resolute Bay and in Northern Baffin Bay (317 mg C m-2 d-1) both in Canadian Arctic, as compared to a rate of 0.2 mg C m-2 d-1 in northeast Greenland. The biomasses reached 340 mg Chl a m-2 in Resolute Bay in comparison to a 0.02 mg Chl a m-2 in southwest Greenland. Primary production at other Canadian and Greenland sites were comparable but sea ice Chl a was higher (15.0 ± 13.4 mg Chl a m-2) at Canadian sites as compared to Greenland (0.8 ± 0.5 mg Chl a m-2). Resolute and Northern Baffin Bays production rates were significantly higher when compared to other Arctic Ocean sites outside the studied region. The review concludes that high production rates and biomasses in Resolute and Northern Baffin Bay’s were related to inflow and mixing of nutrient rich waters of Pacific origin. A conceptual model with drivers and inhibitors of sea ice algae primary production is projected, and the database compiles a dataset of published data for further studies.

This study is aimed to point out the possible application of the Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA) test on table olives. Because olives, like many other foods, are not free from mycotoxin contamination, the main focus of this work was assessing the presence or absence of aflatoxins and ochratoxin A. The work was carried out in two phases. In the first phase, tests were carried out on commercial olives to assess the efficacy of the method and the kit (Veratox® 'Neogen' and AgraQuant® 'Romer Labs') by comparing them with the Liquid Chromatography coupled to a mass-mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS); in order to understand if there were any interferences in antigen-antibody recognition; subsequently, mycotoxins were inoculated on the same samples with a known quantity, in order to assess the concentrations obtained and compare them to the expected ones. The second step involved modifying the method, so to improve the recovery of inoculated mycotoxins in the samples under study. Afterwards we evaluated the presence of mycotoxins in table olives supplied in the project. The results showed the effectiveness of the ELISA test, especially in the mycotoxin recovery phase. Indeed, after the modification of the mycotoxin extraction method, recoveries increased from 55% to over 70% for aflatoxins, and from 40% to over 55% for ochratoxin A. When analysing the samples provided by the above-mentioned company, the results showed some false positives, in particular in relation to ochratoxin A ’s analysis, mainly related to the first sample submission. Taking this into account, the ELISA test can be considered as an initial screening method applicable as a control programme for the evaluation of mycotoxins in olives which helps by saving time and costs. It should always be kept in mind that, if positive values should emerge, the LC-MS/MS analysis should be carried out.

Rotavirus is a major cause of diarrhea globally in animals and young children under 5 years. Here, molecular detection and genetic characterization of porcine rotavirus in smallholder and commercial pig farms in the Lusaka Province of Zambia were con-ducted. Screening of 148 stool samples by RT-PCR targeting the VP6 gene revealed a prevalence of 22.9 % (34/148). Further testing of VP6-positive samples with VP7-specific primers produced 12 positives, which were then Sanger-sequenced. BLASTn of the VP7 positives showed sequence similarity to porcine and human rota-virus strains with identities ranging from 87.5% to 97.1%. By next-generation se-quencing, the full-length genetic constellation of the representative strains RVA/pig-wt/ZMB/LSK0137 and RVA/pig-wt/ZMB/LSK0147 were determined. Geno-typing of these strains revealed a known Wa-like genetic backbone and their genetic constellations were G4-P[6]-I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1-E1-H1 and G9-P[13]-I5-R1-C1-M1-A8-N1-T1-E1-H1, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that these two viruses might have their ancestral origin from pigs, though some of their gene segments were related to human strains. The study shows evidence of reas-sortment and possible interspecies transmission between pigs and humans in Zambia. Therefore, the “One Health” surveillance approach for rotavirus A in animals and humans is recommended to inform the design of effective control measures.

The aim of this work is to broaden the theory of computation by making use of fuzzy sets and multisets, which are generalization of ordinary sets. We study fuzzy multiset finite automata (FMFA), which are characterized by the incorporation of vagueness when it comes to the choice of the next state and multiple occurrences of the same input symbol. The resulting automaton is a genaralization of both classical automata and fuzzy automata. We discuss the algebraic characteristics of FMFA sub-automata—separatedness, strongly connectedness, cyclic, directable, and triangular FMFA in terms of equivalence classes induced by an equivalence relation defined on state set of FMFA. Intrestingly, for a given FMFA, a new FMFA can be constructed that is a homomorphic image of the original FMFA. We define different posets structures that can be associated with a given FMFA and show that some of them are upper semilattices and discuss the inter-relationship of a given poset, a finite upper semilattice (FUSL), a FMFA and a posets/FUSL associated with a given FMFA. Finally, we introduce the concept of decomposition of a FMFA in two different ways and characterize the strongly connected, triangular and directable FMFA.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common disease and the second most common cause of death in the world. The drug for second-line treatment depends on the drugs used in first-line treatment and biomarker status. As biomarkers, the RAS gene, BRAF gene, and dMMR/MSI-H, TMB-H, and HER2 statuses have been established in clinical practice, and the corresponding molecularly targeted therapeutic agents are selected based on biomarker status. Given the frequency of biomarkers, it is assumed that when patients move on to second-line treatment, an angiogenesis inhibitor is selected in many cases. For second-line treatment, three angiogenesis inhibitors, bevacizumab (BEV), ramucirumab (RAM), and aflibercept (AFL), are available, and one of them is combined with cytotoxic agents. These three angiogenesis inhibitors are known to inhibit angiogenesis through different mechanisms of action. Although no useful biomarkers are established for selecting angiogenesis inhibitors, previous biomarker studies have suggested that angiogenesis-related factors such as VEGF-A and VEGF-D might be predictors of therapeutic efficacy of angiogenesis inhibitors. These biomarkers are measured as protein levels in plasma and are considered to be hopeful biomarkers. We consider that the rationale for selecting among these three angiogenesis inhibitors should be clarified to benefit patients.

Tamanu oil has traditionally been used to treat various skin problems. The oil has wound-healing and skin-regenerating capabilities, and encourages the growth of new skin cells, all of which are helpful for fading scars and hyperpigmentation, as well as promoting an all-around glow. The strong nutty odor and high viscosity are the major disadvantages associated with their application. The aim of this study was to create bigels using tamanu oil for its anti-scarring properties. Bigels were prepared with Tamanu oil ranging from 5 to 20% along with micronized xanthan gum and evaluated for their pH, viscosity, and spreadability. In silico studies were performed to analyze the binding affinity of the protein with the drug, and the anti-scarring activity was established using a full-thickness excision wound model. In silico studies have reported that the components Calanolide A, Inophyllum C, and 4-Norlanosta-17(20),24-diene-11,16-diol-21-oic acid, and 3-oxo-16,21-lactone had docking scores of -9.8, -11.3, and -11.1, respectively with the cytokine TGF- β1 receptor. An acute dermal irritation study in rabbits showed no irritation, erythema, eschar, or edema. In vivo excisional wound healing studies performed on wistar rats and subsequent histopathological studies showed that bigels had better healing properties when compared to the commercial formulation (Murivenna oil). This study substantiates the wound healing and scar reduction potential of Tamanu oil bigels.

Introduction: The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the association between human blood type and COVID-19 infection in both inpatient and longitudinal populations at our institution in South Florida and (2) identify the association between blood type and severity of COVID-19 infection via presence of cellular biomarkers of severe infection in hospitalized individuals. Methods: This study consists of (1) a single-center retrospective analysis of 669 of 2,741 COVID-19 positive screened patients seen from January 1, 2020 until March 31, 2021 at the University of Miami Emergency Department (ED) who tested positive for COVID-19 infection and had a documented ABO blood type and (2) a longitudinal SARS-CoV-2 immunity study (“CITY”) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine consisting of 185 survey participants. COVID-19 outcome rates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each ABO blood type and Rh group using Chi-squared tests for categorical and ANOVA for continuous variables in the inpatient cohort and Chi-squared tests for the longitudinal cohort, all executed in R studio. Results: Our inpatient cohort had a mean age of 53.6 (± 17.9) years with 48% males and 52% females. When compared to patients with other blood types, those with O- demonstrated less risk of developing COVID-19 pneumonia (26.7% for O- vs. 69.2% for type A-, 56.5% for A+, 71.4% for AB+, 53.7% for B+, 51.5% for O+, p-value= 0.003 via Chi-squared test) and decreased mortality due to COVID-19 infection (17.0% mortality for O vs. 26.3% for A, 29.2% for B, p-value= 0.012 via Chi-squared test). Blood type O- demonstrated less elevated levels of LDH than did other blood types (p-value= 0.001, ANOVA) and a higher frequency of clinically accepted baseline levels of troponin (0.04 ng/mL) (p-value= 0.026, ANOVA) (Figure 1). Most of the longitudinal cohort was ABO blood grouping type O (47% (87/185)), with 33.5% type A, 14.1% B, and 5.4% AB. Most individuals were Rh positive (85.9%). There was no significant association found between COVID status (infection vs. non-infection) and ABO (Chi-squared test (3, N = 185) = 1.8, p = 0.6) or Rh (Chi-squared test (1, N = 185) = 0.16, p = 0.7) blood typing. Nearly all participants had been vaccinated (95.1% (176/185)), with a majority reporting primary vaccination with Pfizer (57.8% (107/185)), followed by Moderna (33% (61/185)), and Johnson & Johnson (4.3% (8/185)). 8 participants (4.3%) were unvaccinated. Conclusions: In an inpatient setting, blood type O sustained less risk of COVID-19 mortality and O- demonstrated less risk of developing COVID-19 pneumonia. In a longitudinal setting, there was no association found between blood type and COVID-19 severity. As the novelty of COVID-19 infection declines with time, further studies on risk-stratification by blood type are encouraged.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) represents an important co-monomer for obtaining polycarbonate, epoxy resins, flame retardants, in paint, and other chemicals products. Products containing BPA are widely used, and thus, we can find it in the environment: in the air, in the soil, in natural surface water and in sediments, underground water in landfills, and in wastewater. BPA disturbs human and animals’ health. This influences the enzymatic, androgenic, neurological, liver and reproductive systems at different stages of human life: like in fetal stage, children and adults’ stages. Taking these inconveniences into account, it is very important to remove BPA from water. Ultrasonic technology can be considered a verry sustainable and efficient method to remove BPA from water. The advantages of this method is easy to implement on existing water treatment and purification facilities, it does not produce residual compounds that produce sludge, the time required for degradation is of the order of 1-2 hours and the level of degradation is very high. In this work, we presented the studies on the efficiency of ultrasonics under air atmosphere on the degradation of BPA. The influence of the frequency and of some additional compounds such as carbon tetrachloride, FeSO4 7H2O (FS), and ethyl anthraquinone (EAC) was studied. Three different frequencies were used: 1146 KHz, 864 KHz, 580 KHz, at a power of 50 W. It was identified the efficiency of BPA degradation over a period of 60 minutes, with sampling every 15 minutes. Using the LC-MS/MS technique, the degradation compounds were identified that result from the application of ultrasound processes. Pathways of BPA degradation were also proposed.

Immunosorbent turnip vein clearing virus (TVCV) particles displaying the IgG-binding domains D and E of Staphylococcus aureus protein A (PA) on every coat protein (CP) subunit (TVCVPA) were purified from plants via optimized and new protocols. The latter used polyethylene glycol (PEG) raw precipitates, from which virions were selectively re-solubilized in reverse PEG concentration gradients. This procedure improved the integrity of both TVCVPA and the wildtype subgroup 3 tobamovirus. TVCVPA could be loaded with more than 500 IgGs per virion, which mediated the immunocapture of fluorescent dyes, GFP and active enzymes. Bi-enzyme ensembles of cooperating glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase were tethered together on the TVCVPA carriers by a single antibody type, with one enzyme conjugated chemically to its Fc region, and the other one bound as target, yielding synthetic multienzyme-complexes. In microtiter plates, the TVCVPA-displayed sugar-sensing system possessed a considerably increased reusability upon repeated testing, compared to the IgG-bound enzyme pair in the absence of the virus. A high coverage of the viral adapters was achieved also on Ta2O5 sensor chip surfaces coated with a polyelectrolyte interlayer, as a prerequisite for durable, TVCVPA-assisted electrochemical biosensing through modularly IgG-assembled sensor enzymes.

The approach based on molecular modeling was developed to study dNTP derivatives characterized by new polymerase-specific properties. For this purpose, the relative efficiency of PCR amplification with modified dUTPs was studied using Taq, Tth, Pfu, Vent, Deep Vent, Vent (exo-), and Deep Vent (exo-) DNA polymerases. The efficiency of PCR amplification with modified dUTPs was compared with the results of molecular modeling using the known 3D structures of KlenTaq polymerase–DNA–dNTP complexes. The dUTPs were C5-modified with bulky functional groups (the Cy5 dye analogs) or lighter aromatic groups. Comparing the experimental data and the results of molecular modeling revealed the decrease of PCR efficiency in the presence of modified dUTPs with an increase in the number of non-covalent bonds between the substituents and the DNA polymerase (about 15% decrease per one extra non-covalent bond). Generalization of the revealed patterns to all the studied polymerases of the A and B families is discussed herein. The number of non-covalent bonds between the substituents and polymerase amino acid residues is proposed to be a potentially variable parameter for regulating enzyme activity.

The main channel for disseminating information is now the Internet. Users have different expectations for the calibre of websites regarding the posted and presented content. The WEB site's quality is influenced by up to 120 factors, each represented by two to fifteen attributes. A major challenge is quantifying the features and evaluating the quality of a website based on the feature counts. One of the aspects that determines a website's quality is its completeness, which focuses on the existence of all the objects and their connections with one another. It isn’t easy to build an expert model based on feature counts to evaluate website quality, so this paper has focused on that challenge. Both a methodology for calculating a website's quality and a parser-based approach for measuring feature counts are offered. We provide a multi-layer perceptron model that is an expert model for forecasting website quality from the "Completeness" perspective. The accuracy of the predictions is 98%, whilst the accuracy of the nearest model is 87%.

Bisphenol A (BPA) has been identified as one of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Due to its massive production (over 700,000 tons per year) and the extensive use of BPA-based plastics (i.e., polycarbonate and epoxy resin) in Taiwan, it was thus included into a toxic substance by the Ministry of Environment. This work surveyed the updated information about the production of BPA and its environmental distributions in Taiwan over the past decade. Furthermore, the regulatory strategies and countermeasures for managing the environmental risks of BPA by the Taiwan government were summarized to show the cross-ministerial efforts under the relevant acts, including the Toxic and Concerned Chemical Substances Control Act (TCCSCA), the Food Sanitation Management Act (FSMA) and the Commodity Inspection Act (CIA). The findings showed that most of the monitoring data showed far below the acceptable risks. However, the people may pose an adverse threat to the aquatic environment and human health via ecological and food chains. In addition, some countermeasures were further recommended to echo the international actions on environmental endocrine disruptors in recent years.

Prior to clinical trials, preclinical testing of oncology drug candidates is performed by evaluating drug candidates with in vitro and in vivo platforms. For in vivo testing, animal models are used to evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of drug candidates. However, animal models often display poor translational results as many drugs that pass preclinical testing fail when tested in humans, with oncology drugs exhibiting especially poor acceptance rates. The FDA Modernization Act 2.0 promotes alternative preclinical testing techniques, presenting the opportunity to use higher complexity in vitro models as an alternative to in vivo testing, including 3D cell culture models. 3D tissue cultures address many of the shortcomings of 2D cultures by more closely replicating the tumour microenvironment through a combination of realistic drug diffusion, paracrine signaling, cellular phenotype, and vascularization that can better mimic native human tissue. This review will discuss the common forms of 3D cell culture, including cell spheroids, organoids, organs-on-a-chip, and 3D bioprinted tissues. Their advantages and limitations will be presented, aiming to discuss the use of these 3D models to accurately represent human tissue and as an alternative to animal testing. The use of 3D culture platforms for preclinical drug development is expected to accelerate as these platforms continue to improve in complexity, reliability, and translational predictivity.

It is known from ancient Egyptian mathematical papyri that the Egyptians were able to calculate the area of a circle with great accuracy. How they found the formula for this calculation was still unknown. Here it is shown how the unknown ancient Egyptian mathematician found a method for calculating the area of a circle and the ratio of a circle’s circumference to diameter.

Bisphenol A is a remarkable chemical compound for its many applications mainly in the plastics industry, but also for its toxic effects on the environment and human health. BPA (4,4-isopropylidenediphenol) is an anthropogenic compound, moderately soluble in water (120 – 300 mg/l) at room temperature, and highly soluble in alkaline solutions, ethanol and acetone. BPA can bioconcentrate, bioaccumulate and biomagnify through food webs until it reaches humans. To prevent this, effective strategies are sought to allow its removal from the environment, through physico-chemical or enzymatic methods, advanced oxidation, adsorption and biodegradation, ultrasonic degradation. This article shows a comparative study regarding adsorption of BPA on Active carbon and zeolitic tuff, ZTC. In this paper, the characterization of the zeolitic tuff Rupea adsorbent, was carried out from an elemental and mineralogical point of view, pore size and elemental distribution, using SEM, EDAX, and XRD analysis. The pore size varies from 30 nm to 10 µm, atomic ratio Si/Al≥4, and the 80 % of mineralogical composition represent Ca Clinoptilolite zeolites Ca Clinoptilolite zeolite ((Na1.32K1.28Ca1.72Mg0.52)(Al6.77Si29.23O72)(H2O)26.84). Also, a comparative study of the adsorbtion capacity of bisphenol A from synthetic solutions on activated carbon type - Norit GAC 830 W, GAC, as well as on Clinoptilolite-type zeolitic tuff, ZTC, Rupea, was carried out. The experiments were carried out at a temperature of 20 ºC, a pH of 4.11; 6.98 and 8.12, and ionic strength being assured using KCl of 0.01 M, and 0.1 M. The adsorption capacities of GAC and ZTC tend to 115 mg/g and 50 mg/g respectively, at 8.12 pH and ionic strength of 0 M. The Langmuir mathematical model most faithfully describes the adsorption equilibrium of BPA. The maximum adsorption capacity for both adsorbents increases with increasing pH, and decreases with increasing ionic strength.

Respiratory infections constitute a major reason for infants and children seeking medical advice and visiting health facilities, thus remaining a significant public threat with high morbidity and mortality. The predominant viruses causing viral respiratory infections are influenza A and B viruses (Flu-A, Flu-B), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Adenovirus and Coronaviruses. We aimed to record the incidence of RSV, SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A/B and Adenovirus cases with rapid antigen tests and validate the results with RT-PCR assay of upper respiratory specimens with a wide range of viral loads and (co)-infection patterns in children. Clinical samples were collected from early symptomatic children (presenting with fever and/or cough and/or headache within 5–7 days). The surveillance program was conducted in five private pediatrician dispensaries and one Pediatric care unit, from 10 January 2023 to 30 March 2023 in central Greece. The total sample of specimens collected was 784 young children and infants, of which 383 (48.8%) ware female and 401 were male (51.2%). The mean age of participants was 7.3 + 5.5 years. The sensitivity of FLU A &amp; B test was 91.15% (95% CI: 84.33% -95.67%), and the specificity was 98.96% (95% CI: 97.86% - 99.58%). The sensitivity and specificity of the adenovirus and RSV test was {92.45% (95% CI: 81.79% - 97.91%), 99.32% (95% CI: 98.41% -99.78%)} and {92.59% (95% CI: 75.71% -99.09%), 99.47% (95% CI: 98.65% - 99.86%)} respectively. Lastly, the sensitivity of the SARS-CoV-2 test was 100.00% (95% CI: 79.41%-100.00%) and the specificity was 99.74% (95% CI: 99.06% - 99.97%). We recorded proportion of incidence for the Influenza-A and B, (14.3%), - (3.44%) correspondingly, followed by the adenovirus with a proportion (6.9%) and the RSV with (3.7%) incidence proportion and finally, the SARS-CoV-2 (2.3%). The combination of a new multiple rapid test with multiple antigens, will be probably a useful tool with financial impact for health systems targeting the early detection and right treatment of respiratory infections in the emergency departments in primary health care facilities.

Pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) plays an integral role in breast cancer (BC), especially triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). This subtype accounts for the most aggressive BC, possesses high tumor heterogeneity, is least responsive to standard treatments and has the poorest clinical outcomes. There is a critical need to address the lack of effective targeted therapeutic options available. PAPP-A is a protein that is highly elevated during pregnancy. Frequently, higher PAPP-A expression is detected in tumors than in healthy tissues. The increase in expression coincides with increased rates of aggressive cancers. In BC, PAPP-A has been demonstrated to play a role in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), as well as acting as a biomarker for predicting patient outcomes. In this review, we present the role of PAPP-A, with specific focus on TNBC. The structure and function of PAPP-A, belonging to the pappalysin subfamily, and its proteolytic activity are assessed. We highlight the link of BC and PAPP-A with respect to the IGFBP/IGF axis, EMT, the window of susceptibility and the impact of pregnancy. Importantly, the relevance of PAPP-A as a TNBC clinical marker is reviewed and its influence on immune-related pathways are explored. The relationship and mechanisms involving PAPP-A reveal the potential for more treatment options that can lead to successful immunotherapeutic targets and the ability to assist with better predicting clinical outcomes in TNBC.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been reported to cause oxidative stress in metabolic processes. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between exposure to PAHs, including benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and 1-nitropyrene (1-NP), in the atmosphere and oxidative stress levels in the human body. This study included 44 Korean adults who lived in Cheongju, South Korea. Atmospheric BaP and 1-NP concentrations and urinary 6-hydroxy-1-nitropyrene (6-OHNP), N-acetyl-1-aminopyrene (1-NAAP), and 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) concentrations were measured. The oxidative stress level was assessed by measuring urinary thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) concentrations. Urinary TBARS and 6-OHNP concentrations significantly differed between winter and summer. BaP exposure was significantly associated with urinary 8-OHdG concentrations in summer. However, atmospheric 1-NP did not show a significant correlation with oxidative stress marker concentrations. Urinary 1-NAAP concentration was a significant determinant for urinary 8-OHdG concentration in summer. Oxidative stress in the body increases in proportion to inhalation exposure to BaP, and more 8-OHdG is produced in the body as the amount of 1-NP, which is metabolized to 1-AP or 1-NAAP, increases.

Conducted within the scope of geochemical exploration in Eastern Thailand, this study aims to detect geochemical anomalies and potential mineral deposits. The objective was to interpret intricate spatial dispersion patterns and concentration levels of deposit pathfinder elements, specifically arsenic (As), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn), using a comprehensive array of stream sediment geochemistry data. Methodologies involved integrating multifractal properties and traditional statistics, facilitated by the GeoDAS and ArcGIS platforms as instrumental analytical tools. In total, 5,376 stream sediment samples were collected and evaluated, leading to the development of an in-depth geochemical map. The results indicated distinct geological units marked by substantially elevated average values of the aforementioned elements. Identification of geochemical anomalies was achieved through the spatial distribution method and the subsequent application of the Spectrum-Area (S-A) multifractal model. An intriguing link was found between high As concentrations and gold deposits in the area, suggesting As as a viable pathfinder element for gold mineralization. The anomaly maps, generated from the stream sediment data, spotlighted potential zones of interest, offering valuable guidance for future mineral exploration and geological inquiries. Nonetheless, it is vital to recognize that the increased values noted in these maps may be influenced by regional geological factors, emphasizing the necessity for a diverse set of analytical methods for accurate interpretation. The study's significance lies in its pioneering use of the S-A multifractal model in geochemical data analysis. This innovative approach has deepened our comprehension of geochemical dispersion patterns and improved the precision of mineral exploration.

Choosing a college major is a crucial issue for twelfth-grade students. Many students feel confused and influenced by their surroundings when making this decision. This can have negative consequences if it does not align with the students interests and talents. This research proposes a web application as a solution, providing introductory information for each major. We employed a design and developement approach to create an application that assists prospective students in identifying majors based on their interests. The primary objective is to alleviate students discomfort during their studies, which often leads to decreased performance. With this application, students can avoid selecting majors solely due to peer pressure or parental coercion.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease of global importance. The current killed vaccine provides serovar-specific protection without sterilizing immunity. Several surface antigens, including Leptospira immunoglobulin-like proteins (LigA and LigB), have been identified as subunit vaccine candidates; however, they require potent adjuvants. Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), including lipid A, is a well-known immunostimulatory agent, and the formulation of Monophosphoryl Lipid A (MPLA) in Alum is a clinical adjuvant. Being less endotoxic, we tested the adjuvant activity of lipid A purified from L. interrogans serovar Pomona (PLA) for its ability to activate innate and enhance antigen-specific adaptive immune response. PLA-induced activation of macrophages similar to levels induced by MPLA, albeit at a much higher dose, indicating that it is less stimulatory than MPLA. Mice immunized with a Variable portion of LigA (LAV) formulated in Alum and PLA (LAV-Alum-PLA) induced significantly higher levels of LAV-specific humoral and cellular immune response than Alum but similar to levels induced by Alum-MPLA. The adjuvant activity of PLA seems to be quite similar to MPLA and primarily mediated through enhanced recruitment, activation, and uptake of antigens by innate immune cells. Moreover, like MPLA, the PLA formulation was able to generate a long-term memory response. Most importantly, PLA demonstrated better potency than MPLA formulation and generated sterilizing immunity against challenge in a hamster model of leptospirosis. Altogether, our study has provided important insight into the adjuvant activity of Leptospira lipid A and has opened avenues for the development of LPS-based vaccines against this dreadful zoonosis.

In the study of rough sets, there are many covering approximation spaces, how to classify covering approximation spaces has become a hot issue. In this paper, we propose concepts covering approximation $T_{1}$-space, $F-$symmtry, covering rough continuous mapping, covering rough homeomorphism mapping to solve this question. We also propose a new method for constructing topology in Theorem 5.1, and get the following properties: (1) For each $x\in U$, $\{X_{i}:i\in I\}\subseteq \mathcal{P}(U)$ is all the subsets of $U$ which contains $x$ and $*$ is a reflexive relation on $U$. If $V\in \tau$ is a subset of $U$ and $x\in V$, then $\underline{*}(\bigcap \limits_{i\in I}X_{i})$ is the smallest subset of $U$ and $x \in \underline{*}(\bigcap \limits_{i\in I}X_{i})\subseteq V$. Denoted by $C(x)=\bigcap \{\underline{*}(X_{i}):x\in \underline{*}(X_{i}),i\in I\}$. (2)If $V\in \tau$ is a subset of $U$, then $V =$ $\bigcup \limits_{x\in V} C(x)$. (3) Let $\{\underline{*}(X_{i}):x\notin \underline{*}(X_{i}), i\in I\}$, then $\overline{\{x\}}$ $=$ $U \setminus \bigcup \limits_{x\notin \underline{*}(X_{i}), i\in I}\underline{*}(X_{i})$; (4) Let $*$ be a reflexive relation on $U$. For every $X\subseteq U$, we have $int(\underline{*}(X))=\underline{*}(X)$. Where $int(\underline{*}(X))$ represents the interior of $\underline{*}(X)$. (5) Let $\{\underline{*}(X_{i}):x\in \underline{*}(X_{i}),i\in I\}$ be a family subsets of $U$, then $\{\underline{*}(X_{i}):x\in \underline{*}(X_{i}),i\in I\}$ is a base for $(U,\tau)$ at the point $x$. \\

We assume that poetic devices have an implicit goal: producing an overall sound scheme that will induce the reader to associate intended and expressed meaning to the sound of the poem. Sounds may be organized into categories and assigned presumed meaning as suggested by traditional literary studies. In my work, I have extracted automatically the sound grids of all the sonnets by William Shakespeare and have combined them with the themes expressed by their contents. In a first experiment I have computed lexically and semantically based sentiment analysis obtaining an 80% of agreement. In a second experiment sentiment analysis has been substituted by Appraisal Theory thus obtaining a more fine-grained interpretation which in some cases contradicts the first one. The computation for the second poet - regarded by many critics the best of last century - includes both vowels and consonants. In addition, it combines automatic semantically and lexically based sentiment analysis with sound grids. The results produce visual maps that clearly separate poems into three clusters: negative harmony, positive harmony and disharmony where the latter instantiates the need by the poet to encompass the opposites in a desperate attempt to reconcile them.

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of duodenal origin are an unusual subset among all NETs, comprising only about 3% of this neoplasm class. In general, NETs are characterized by overexpression of somatostatin receptors and carry an excellent prognosis with early diagnosis and intervention. Chromogranin A (CgA), a protein originating in secretory vesicles of neurons and endocrine cells, has gained wide usage in NET diagnosis and surveillance. Lanreotide is a synthetic octapeptide somatostatin analog with potent anti-proliferative action which has been approved by the FDA (U.S.) and EMA (E.U.) for NET treatment. It is known for its inhibitory effects on growth hormone, serotonin, CgA, and other markers. Here we describe a 56yr-old female with functional NET of duodenal origin, where serum CgA was successfully reduced from 3636 to <100 ng/mL after multidose lanreotide within five months. Of note, no metastatic spread was identified on positron emission tomography/computed tomography with 64Cu-labeled somatostatin analog tracer. Surgical resection of distal antrum, pylorus, and proximal duodenum followed without complication. Histology revealed several foci of well-differentiated tumor cells with characteristic neuroendocrine features and clear surgical margins; low proliferation index (2%) was noted on Ki-67 staining. While select laboratory and imaging modalities are available for diagnosis and monitoring of duodenal NET, this is the first reported therapeutic use of lanreotide in this NET setting. The observed serum CgA attenuation, even before surgery, supports its effectiveness in management of primary nonmetastatic duodenal NET.

Large values and gradients of stresses and deformations, triggering concentrations of stresses and deformations, arise in the corner areas of a structure. The action of forced deformations, leading to the finite rupture of the contact between the elements of a structure, also triggers the concentration of stresses, while the rupture reaches an irregular point, a line on the area boundary. The theoretical analysis of the stress-strain state (SSS) of areas with angular cutouts in the boundary under the action of discontinuous forced deformations is reduced to the study of singular solutions to the homogeneous problem of the elasticity theory that has power-related features. The calculation of stress concentration coefficients in the domain of a singular solution to the elastic problem makes no sense. It is experimentally proven that the zone, that is close to the vertex of the angular cutout in the area boundary, has substantial deformations, rotations, and it corresponds to rising values of the first and second derivatives of displacements along the radius in cases of sufficiently small radii in the neighbourhood of the irregular point of the boundary. For such areas, it is necessary to consider the plane problem of the elasticity theory, taking into account the geometric nonlinearity under the action of forced deformations. This will allow analyzing the effect of relations between orders of values of deformations, rotations, and forced deformations on the form of the equation of equilibrium. The purpose of this work is to analyze the effect of relations of deformation orders, rotations, forced deformations on the form of the equilibrium equation in the polar coordinate system for a V-shaped area under the action of forced temperature-induced deformations with regard for the geometrical non-linearity and physical linearity.

The visual appearance of humans derives significantly from our skin and hair color. While melanin from epidermal melanocytes protects our skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation, the biological value of pigmentation in the hair follicle, particularly in the scalp, is less clear. In this study, we explore the heterogeneity of pigment cells in the human scalp anagen hair follicle bulb, a site conventionally viewed to be focused solely on pigment production for transfer to the hair shaft. Using c-KIT/CD117 microbeads, we isolated bulbar c-KIT-positive and c-KIT-negative melanocytes. While both subpopulations expressed MITF, only the c-KIT-positive fraction expressed SOX10. We further localized bulbar melanocyte subpopulations (expressing c-KIT, SOX10, MITF, and DCT) that exhibited distinct/variable expression of downstream differentiation-associated melanosome markers (e.g., gp100 and Melan-A). Localization of a second ‘immature’ SOX10 negative melanocyte population, which was c-KIT/MITF double positive, was identified outside of the melanogenic zone in the most peripheral/proximal matrix. These studies describe an approach to purifying human scalp anagen hair bulb melanocytes, allowing us to identify unexpected levels of melanocyte heterogeneity. The function of the more immature melanocytes in this part of the hair follicle remains to be elucidated. Could they be in-transit migratory cells destined to synthesize mela-nin ultimately or could they contribute to the hair follicle in non-melanogenic ways.

Historically, viral hepatitis is a considerable public health problem in Central Asian countries, which may have worsened after dissolution of the Soviet Union. However, up-to-date seroepidemiological studies are lacking. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to provide current estimates of seroprevalence of viral hepatitis in Kyrgyzstan, one of the economically least developed countries in the region. We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study in 2018 in the capital of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek (n=1075). Participants, children and adults, were recruited from an outpatient clinic. Data were collected during face-to-face interviews. A blood sample (6 ml) was collected from each participant and tested with ELISA for the presence of serological markers for five viral hepatitides (A, B, C, D and E). Poststratification weighting was performed to obtain nationally representative findings. The overwhelming majority of the study participants were positive for anti-HAV (estimated seroprevalence, 75.3%; 95% confidence interval: 72.5–77.9%). The weighted seroprevalence estimates of HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HDV were 2.2% (1.5–3.3%), 3.8% (2.8–5.1%), and 0.40% (0.15–1.01%), respectively. Anti-HEV seropositivity was 3.3% (2.4–4.5%). Of the 33 HBsAg positive participants, five (15%) were anti-HDV positive. Our study confirms that Kyrgyzstan remains a high endemic country for hepatitis virus A and C infections. However, seroprevalences of HBV and HDV were lower than previously reported, and based on these data, the country could potentially be reclassified from high to (lower) intermediate endemicity. The observed anti-HEV seroprevalence resembles the low endemicity pattern characteristic of high-income countries.

Herein, we developed a highly sensitive and specific bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC)-based influenza A virus (IAV) sensing system created by combining a galactose/glucose-binding protein (GGBP) with an N-terminal large domain (YN1-172) and a C-terminal small domain (YC173-239) of enhanced yellow fluorescence protein (eYFP). The GGBP-based BiFC reporter exhibits the fluorescence reconstitution as a result of conformational changes in GGBP when lactose, derived from 6’-silalyllactose used as a substrate for neuraminidase (NA), binds to GGBP in the presence of IAV. The system showed a linear dynamic range from 1 x 100 TCID50/mL to 1 x 107 TCID50/mL, with a detection limit of 4 x 101 TCID50/mL for IAV (H1N1), demonstrating ultra-high sensitivity. Our system exhibited fluorescence intensity enhancements in the presence of IAV, while displaying weak fluorescence signals when exposed to NA-deficient viruses such as RSV A, RSV B, adenovirus and rhinovirus, thereby indicating selective responses for IAV detection. Taken together, our system provides a simple, highly sensitive and specific IAV detection platform based on BiFC capable of detecting the ligand-induced protein conformational changes, obviating the need for virus culture or RNA extraction processes.

Immune surveillance by natural killer (NK) cells and their recruitment to sites of inflammation renders them susceptible to viral infection, potentially modulating their effector function. Here, we analyzed innate RNA receptor signaling in NK cells downstream of direct Influenza A virus (IAV) infection and its impact on NK cell effector function. Infection of NK cells with IAV resulted in the activation of TBK1, NF-κB and subsequent type-I IFN secretion. CRISPR- generated knockouts in primary human NK cells revealed that this effect depended on the antiviral cytosolic RNA receptor RIG-I. Transfection of NK cells with synthetic 3p-dsRNA, a strong RIG-I agonist that mimics viral RNA, resulted in a similar phenotype and rendered NK cells resistant to subsequent IAV infection. Strikingly, both IAV infection and 3p-dsRNA transfection enhanced degranulation and cytokine production by NK cells when exposed to target cells. Thus, RIG-I activation in NK cells both supports their cell intrinsic viral defense and enhances their cytotoxic effector function against target cells.

In photolithography process, nanometer level precise, wavefront aberration models enable the machine to be able to meet the overlay (OVL) drift and critical dimension (CD) specifications. Software control algorithms take as input these models and correct any expected wavefront imperfections before reaching the wafer. In such way a near optimal image is exposed on the wafer surface. Optimizing the parameters of these models though, involves several time costly sensor measurements which reduce the throughput performance, in terms of exposed wafers per hour, of the machine. In that case, photolithography machines come across the trade-off between throughput and quality. Therefore one of the most common Optimal Experimental Design (OED) problems in photolithography machines (and not only) is how to choose the minimum amount of sensor measurements that will provide the maximum amount of information. Additionally, each sensor measurement corresponds to a point on the wafer surface and therefore we must measure uniformly around the wafer surface as well. In order to solve this problem, we propose a Sensor Marks Selection Algorithm which exploits Genetic Algorithms. The proposed solution first selects a pool of points that qualify as candidates to be selected in order to meet the uniformity constraint. Then, the point that provides the maximum amount of information, quantified by the Fisher based criteria of G, D and A-Optimality, is selected and added to the measurement scheme. This process though is considered "greedy", and for this reason Genetic Algorithms (GA) are exploited to further improve the solution. By repeating in parallel the "greedy" part several times we get an initial population that will be the input to our GA. This meta-heuristic approach outperforms the "greedy" approach significantly. The proposed solution is applied in a real life semiconductors industry use case and achieves interesting industry and academical results as well.

In this paper, MnO2 nanowire (MnO2-NW) modified carbon paper (CP) electrode was developed as a novel electrochemical sensor for sensitive determination of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). MnO2 nanowire was prepared by a hydrothermal synthesis method, and the morphology and structure of MnO2 were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Electrochemical performance of TBBPA on MnO2-NW/CP was investigated by cyclic voltammetry, and the result confirmed that MnO2-NW/CP exhibited excellent sensitive for the determination of TBBPA due to the high specific surface area and good electrical conductivity of the nanowire-like MnO2. Moreover, the important electrochemical factors such as pH value, incubation time and modified material proportion were systematically studied to improve the determination sensitivity. The interferences from similar structure compounds on TBBPA have also been investigated. Under the optimal conditions, MnO2-NW/CP displayed the linear range of 70 500 nM for TBBPA with the detection limit of 3.1 nM, which was superior to some electrochemical methods in references. The work presents a novel and simple method for the determination of TBBPA.

Computer simulation relies on well-defined experimental supported theories, models, and numerical methods. Computer simulation is an alternative to fill the gaps where the experiment is pricy or limited in engineering. Computer simulation is a high-fidelity computational technique that can work as an engineering innovation tool to try imaginative ideas beyond the available technologies. The accuracy of current computer simulation results is reliable enough to accelerate innovation for new materials and mechanical technologies without experimental validation. So, we may need to urge relying on computer simulation results without any experimental validation to accelerate engineering innovations. In addition, using high-fidelity computer simulation for engineering innovation acceleration without validation will be promoted if it is credited as a new classification. This subject and a related justification's classification in engineering have been discussed.

A retrospective cohort study was performed to determine the likelihood of malignant stroke after mechanical thrombectomy via ASPECTS-PASS score(A-P score), a novel scoring system using ASPECT score and number of arterial-passes. This prediction score is designed to help clinicians take early measures. Malignant stroke is defined as a large MCA infarct with mass effect that develops during the first 5 days following presentation and is associated with approximately 80% mortality. Previous studies have shown an association of low ASPECTS and high number of passes with poor outcome.We performed a retrospective cohort analysis on 78 patients with anterior circulation stroke who underwent mechanical thrombectomy at our hospital. We analyzed the likelihood of developing malignant stroke post thrombectomy in the first 5 days following successful recanalization (TICI ≽ 2b). Malignant stroke is defined as severe symptoms secondary to edema as evidenced by midline shift, cistern engorgement, and hemorrhagic conversion with edema. Patients with ASPECTS of 0-5 were excluded. We used two variables to predict the outcome: ASPECT score and number-of-passes. We used the equation ASPECT score minus number-of-passes (A-P) to arrive at a single number to predict the risk of malignant stroke. A-P scoring scale ranged from 0-9. Our study showed a statistically significant inverse relationship of A-P score and risk of malignant stroke. Approximately 90% of patients with A-P score < 5 developed malignant stroke in our study. A-P score can help predict malignant stroke post thrombectomy even after successful recanalization. Thus, A-P score of ≤ 5 suggests very high risk. (A-P) Score can assist clinicians to take early measures, and thereby prevent worse outcomes.

We employ hierarchy of models (HoM) with 2, 3 and 4 parameters to reanalyze the nucleation kinetics in the electrodeposition as quantified by n(t) - “the number of nuclei vs. time” data obtained at different overvoltages from precise experiments on electrodeposition of Hg on two different types of Pt-cathodes by Ivan V. Markov and Evgenia Stoycheva [1]. The obtained two scales, nmax and , are used to rescale the original data mapping it on a master curve in coordinates . Our main result is obtained by studying further the dependence of these two scales on the overvoltage (analogue of supersaturation). Surprisingly, for one of the two cathode types - the “hemispherical single-crystal electrode” (as defined by the authors), there is discontinuity in the “ vs. overvoltage” dependence – an almost horizontal jump from 85 to 86 mV accompanied by a change in the slope of the dependence - it is ~ -1 and ~ -0.5 after. For the other cathode - “plane structureless platinum electrode”,  decreases smoothly. Combined, these two behaviors point at the so called “cusp catastrophe”. We compare our findings with published results on protein nucleation.

A simulation test system for the two-dimensional (2D) fuze overload loading process was designed to address the loading issues of recoil overload and centrifugal overload in fuze safety and arming (S&amp;A) devices. By incorporating centrifuge rotation energy storage, impact acceleration simulation, and equivalent centrifugal rotation simulation, a block equipped with a fuze S&amp;A device was accelerated instantly upon being impacted by a centrifuge-driven impact hammer, simulating recoil overload loading. The impact hammer was retracted instantaneously by adopting an electromagnetic brake, which resulted in the centrifugal rotation of the block around its track, to simulate the centrifugal overload loading. The dynamic equations of the simulation test system and the equations of impact hammer motions were established, whereby the rotation speed of the centrifuge and the braking force of the electromagnetic brake were calculated and selected. A dynamic model of the collision between the impact hammer and block was established using ANSYS/LS-DYNA software for simulation analysis. The acceleration curves of the recoil overload and centrifugal overload with variations in the centrifuge speed, cushion material, and buffer thickness were obtained, which verified the feasibility of the proposed loading simulation method. 2D overload loading simulation tests were performed using the developed simulation system, and the acceleration curves of the recoil overload and centrifugal overload were measured. The test results indicated that the proposed system can accomplish 2D overload loading simulations for a recoil overload of several 10000 g and centrifugal overload of several 1000 g.

The reference method for cefiderocol antimicrobial susceptibility testing is broth microdilution (BMD) with iron-depleted-Mueller-Hinton (ID-MH) medium, whereas breakpoints recommended for disk diffusion (DD) are based on MH-agar plates. We aimed to compare the performance of the commercial BMD tests ComASP (Liofilchem) and UMIC (Bruker), DD and E-test using MH- and ID-MH-agar plates with the reference BMD method using 100 carbapenem-resistant-A. baumannii isolates. Standard BMD was performed according to the EUCAST guidelines, DD and E-test were carried out using two commercial MH-agar plates (bioMérieux and Liofilchem) and an in-house ID-MH-agar plate, while ComASP and UMIC were performed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. DD performed with the ID-MH-agar plates led to a higher categorical agreement (CA, 95.1%) with standard BMD and fewer categorization errors compared to the commercial MH-agar plates (CA bioMérieux 91.1%, Liofilchem 89.2%). E-test on ID-MH-agar plates exhibited a significantly higher essential agreement (EA, 75%) with standard BMD compared to the two MH-agar plates (EA bioMérieux 57%, Liofilchem 44%), and showed a higher performance in detecting high-level resistance than ComASP and UMIC (mean log2 difference with standard BMD for resistant isolates of 0.5, 2.83 and 2.08, respectively). In conclusion, DD and E-test on ID-MH-agar plates exhibit a higher diagnostic performance than on MH-agar plates and the commercial BMD methods. Therefore, we recommend using ID-MH-agar plates for cefiderocol susceptibility testing of A. baumannii.

Oestrogen receptor expression in breast cancer (BC) cells is a marker of high cellular differentiation and allows the identification of two BC groups (ER-positive and ER-negative) that, although not completely homogeneous, differ in biological characteristics, clinical behaviour and therapeutic options. The study, based on three publicly available EWAS datasets, focuses on the comparison between these two groups of breast cancer using an epimutation score. The score is calculated not only based on the presence of the epimutation but also on the deviation amplitude of the methylation outlier value. For each dataset, we performed a functional analysis based first on the functional gene region of each annotated gene (we aggregated the data per gene region TSS1500, TSS200, first-exon, body-gene identified by the information from the Illumina Data Sheet) and then we performed a pathway enrichment analysis through the REACTOME database based on the genes with the highest epimutation score. Thus, we blended our results and found common pathways for all three data sets. We found that a higher and significant epimutation score due to hypermethylation in ER-positive BC is present in the promoter region of the genes belonging to the SUMOylation pathway, the NOTCH pathway, the IFN-$\gamma$ signalling pathway and the deubiquitination protease pathway; while a higher and significant level of epimutation due to hypomethylation in ER-positive BC is present in the promoter region of the genes belonging to the ESR-mediated pathway. The presence of this state of promoter hypomethylation in the ESR-mediated signalling genes is consistent and coherent with an active signalling pathway mediated by oestrogen function in the group of ER-positive BC. SUMOylation and NOTCH pathways are associated with BC pathogenesis and have been found to play distinct roles in the two BC subgroups. We speculated that the altered methylation profile may play a role in regulating signalling pathways with specific functions in the two subgroups of ER-BC.

This study aimed to assess the variations in the nutritional attributes of thirteen Moringa oleifera cultivars. Leaves from six-month-old plants were harvested and tested for various nutritional attributes. There were significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences in the carbohydrates, energy, some of the sugars and fibre amongst the cultivars. The levels of moisture in the cultivars ranged from 7.10% to 8.20%. Additionally, there were significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences across the cultivars in microelements studied except for zinc (Zn). These data revealed that plants from different geographical provenances differed in their adapting to varied environments. In general, under the same cultivation, management and environmental conditions, the main reasons for these differences occurred in cultivars could be associated with the genetic background of each M. oleifera germplasm. However, the study cautions on the differences of nutritional properties, as some of the cultivars have been reported not to be pharmacological potent.

Mutations in the LMNA gene (encoding lamin A/C proteins) cause several human cardiac diseases, including dilated cardiomyopathies (LMNA-DCM). The main clinical risks in LMNA-DCM patients are sudden cardiac death and progressive left ventricular ejection fraction deterioration, and therefore most human and animal studies have sought to define the mechanisms through which LMNA mutations provoke cardiac alterations, with particular focus on cardiomyocytes. To investigate if LMNA mutations also cause vascular alterations that might contribute to the etiopathogenesis of LMNA-DCM, we generated and characterized Lmnaflox/floxSM22αCre mice, which constitutively lack lamin A/C in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), cardiac fibroblasts, and cardiomyocytes. Like mice with whole body or cardiomyocyte-specific lamin A/C ablation, Lmnaflox/floxSM22αCre mice recapitulated the main hallmarks of human LMNA-DCM, including ventricular systolic dysfunction, cardiac conduction defects, cardiac fibrosis, and premature death. These alterations were associated with hyperactivation of Smad3 and elevated expression of the proapoptotic protein caspase 3 in the heart. Lmnaflox/floxSM22αCre mice also exhibited perivascular fibrosis in the coronary arteries, and a switch of aortic VSMCs from the ‘contractile’ to the ‘synthetic’ phenotype. Ex vivo wire myography in isolated aortic rings revealed impaired maximum contraction capacity and an altered response to vasoconstrictor and vasodilator agents in Lmnaflox/floxSM22αCre mice. To our knowledge, our results provide the first evidence of phenotypic alterations in VSMCs that might contribute significantly to the pathophysiology of some forms of LMNA-DCM. Future work addressing the mechanisms underlying vascular defects in LMNA-DCM may open new therapeutic avenues for these diseases.

This paper proposes an AI-based approach to overcome the limitations of the SHM system in measuring global stress with limited sensors. Feature elements are selected based on correlation analysis among finite elements and used as stress-measured points. An ANN is used to establish the solution relationship between the feature and correlation elements. The proposed method is applied to the connector structure of an offshore platform, and an optimal ANN is established to optimize accuracy by considering factors like the number of sensors, neural network framework, and convergence criteria. The accuracy of the ANN is verified through a real-scale model test, demonstrating 93.6% accuracy. This technology represents a significant advancement, enhancing the practicality of the structural health monitoring (SHM) system from “point monitoring" to “field monitoring".

Background: The manifestations, severity, and mortality of COVID-19 are considered to be associated with the changes in various hematological parameters and in immunity. Associations of immunoglobulin G antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome-linked coronavirus (IgG-SARS)-positive status with cardiac function and hematological and biochemical parameters in apparently health subjects are poorly understood. Methods: The present cross-sectional study included 307 healthy volunteers (24-69 years of age; 44.8±8.6 years; 80.4% men) and was initiated in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 episodes were confirmed by detection of IgG-SARS against SARS-CoV-2 S1 RBD to reveal 70 IgG-SARS-positive and 237 negative participants. Numerous ultrasound characteristics were assessed by echocardiography, and 15 hematological and biochemical parameters were assayed in the blood. Descriptive and comparative analysis was based on the IgG-SARS status of the participants. Results: The left ventricular mass index, mitral ratio of peak early to late diastolic filling velocity or flow velocity across the mitral valve, and deceleration time of early mitral inflow were decreased (P<0.05) in IgG-SARS-positive participants versus those in IgG-SARS-negative participants according to multivariate logistic regression analysis. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and platelet count were slightly increased, and blood hemoglobin was decreased in IgG-SARS-positive participants compared with those in IgG-SARS-negative participants. Conclusions: LV filling, inflammation, blood coagulation, and hemoglobin appear to be influenced by COVID-19 infection in healthy participants. These observations contribute to the development of a population recovery strategy after the episodes of COVID-19.

This paper presents an innovative testing framework, testFAILS, designed for the rigorous evaluation of AI Linguistic Systems, with a particular emphasis on various iterations of ChatGPT. Leveraging orthogonal array coverage, this framework provides a robust mechanism for assessing AI systems, addressing the critical question, "How should we evaluate AI?" While the Turing test has traditionally been the benchmark for AI evaluation, we argue that current publicly available chatbots, despite their rapid advancements, have yet to meet this standard. However, the pace of progress suggests that achieving Turing test-level performance may be imminent. In the interim, the need for effective AI evaluation and testing methodologies remains paramount. Our research, which is ongoing, has already validated several versions of ChatGPT, and we are currently conducting comprehensive testing on the latest models, including ChatGPT-4, Bard and Bing Bot, and the LLaMA model. The testFAILS framework is designed to be adaptable, ready to evaluate new bot versions as they are released. Additionally, we have tested available chatbot APIs and developed our own application, AIDoctor, utilizing the ChatGPT-4 model and Microsoft Azure AI technologies

In a context of exponential demographic growth, the imbalance between human resources and public health problems is impelling us to envision other solutions to the difficulties faced in the diagnosis, prevention and large-scale management of the most common diseases. Cardiovascular diseases represent the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A large-scale screening program would make it possible to promptly identify patients with high cardiovascular risk in order to manage them adequately. Optical coherence tomography-angiography (OCT-A), as a window into the state of the cardiovascular system, is a rapid, reliable, and reproducible imaging examination that enables prompt identification of at-risk patients through the use of automated classification models. One challenge that limits the development of computer-aided diagnostic programs is the small number of open-source OCT-A acquisitions available. To facilitate the development of such models, we have assembled a set of images of the retinal microvascular system from 499 patients. It consists of 814 angiocubes as well as 2005 en face images. Angiocubes were captured with a swept-source OCT-A device of patients with varying overall cardiovascular risk. To the best of our knowledge, our dataset, RASTA, is the only publicly available dataset comprising such a variety of images from healthy and at-risk patients. This dataset will enable the development of generalizable models for screening of cardiovascular diseases from OCT-A retinal images.

Antimicrobial application of carbon nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), capped CNT, C60 fullerene, and C70 fullerene are increasing owing to their low cytotoxicity properties compared to other nanomaterials such as metallic nanoparticles. Enhanced mechanical property and antibacterial activity can be caused by incorporation of CNTs in 3-dimentional (3D) printed nanocomposites (NCs). Interruption of bacterial membrane resulting from cylindrical shape and high aspect ratio properties has been found as the prominent antibacterial mechanism of CNTs. However, unraveling interaction of CNT, capped CNT, C60 fullerene, and C70 fullerene with virulence factors of the main bacterial pathogenesis has not yet been known. Therefore, in the present study, interactions of CNT, capped CNT, C60, and C70 with the eight virulence factors including protein kinase A and ESX-secreted protein B of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, pseudomonas elastase and exotoxin A of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, alpha-hemolysin and penicillin binding protein 2a of Staphylococcus aureus and shiga toxin 2a and heat-labile enterotoxin of Escherichia coli have been evaluated by molecular docking method of AutoDock Vina. This study disclosed the binding strength followed the sequence CNT &gt; capped CNT &gt; C70 &gt; C60 towards alpha-hemolysin of S. aureus compared to other virulence factors with values of -19.6, -18.8, -13.6, and -12.8 kcal/mol, respectively. The lowest and highest binding affinity were found for CNT against 1TII and 1MWT by binding energy values of 97.4 and -20.1 kcal/mol. The stability of CNT-1MWT complex at the different times has resulted according to the normal mode analysis of elNémo and iMOD servers. Future studies should be focused on improving cellular uptake of CNTs, capped CNTs, C70, and C60 by surface functionalization for active targeting of bacteria.

This work deals with finding out whether the heart rate values of operators of forwarding machines during the work shift are influenced by the individual activities that the operator has to perform during timber skidding, or by the operators themselves. Furthermore, the work deals with determining the difficulty of individual activities in terms of physical load. For this purpose, the work shift of operators carrying out timber skidding was divided into individual activities: Driving, Maintenance, Forwarding, Break. During these work activities, the heart rate of each operator was taken for subsequent evaluation. The results show that the highest pulse rates of the operators were achieved during the Maintenance of the entrusted machine, while the highest pulse fluctuations in the operators were recorded during Forwarding. As part of this activity, the highest heart rate of the entire measurement process was recorded (132.0000 bpm), but also the lowest (42.0000 bpm). Furthermore, it was proven that both the operator and the activity he performs affect the pulse rate. The activities themselves did not differ from each other in only one of the six cases of comparison. Specifically, it was Driving and Forwarding.

In this study we analyzed the concentration of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)], PCSK9-Lp(a) complexes and the circulating monocyte subsets in coronary atherosclerosis. 257 patients with coronary atherosclerosis (CA) and 68 patients without stenotic atherosclerosis in the coronary, carotid and lower extremity arteries (control group) were enrolled. Monocyte subpopulations (classical CD14++CD16-, intermediate CD14++CD16+, non-classical CD14+CD16+) were analyzed by direct immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Lp(a) and PCSK9-Lp(a) complexes in serum were detected by ELISA. The concentration of Lp(a) was higher in CA group compared to controls (23.0 (9.1;73.3) mg/dL versus 10.7 (4.7;25.0) mg/dL, p&lt;0.05). No correlations between the level of Lp(a) and the concentration of PCSK9-Lp(a) complexes, nor between the level of Lp(a) or PCSK9 and the total number of monocytes were observed in both groups. A slight positive correlation between the concentration of PCSK9-Lp(a) complexes and the absolute level of monocytes was obtained (r=0.20, p=0.002) in patients with atherosclerosis predominantly due to intermediate monocyte subsets (r=0.33, p=0.04). According to regression analysis both PCSK9-Lp(a) complex concentration and BMI were related to the absolute number of blood monocytes in patients with atherosclerosis. Further studies are required to determine the pathogenetic contribution of PCSK9-Lp(a) complexes to the development of atherosclerosis.

For order-of-addition experiments, the response is affected by the addition order of the experimental materials. Consequently, the main interest focuses on creating a predictive model and an optimal design for optimizing the response. Van Nostrand (1995) proposed the pairwise-order (PWO) model for detecting PWO effects. Under the PWO model, the full PWO design is optimal under various criteria but is often unaffordable because of the large run size. In this paper, we consider the D-, A- and M.S.-optimal fractional PWO designs. We first present some results on information matrices. Then, a flexible and efficient algorithm is given for generating these optimal PWO designs. Numerical simulation shows that the generated design has an appealing efficiency in comparison with the full PWO design, though with only a small fraction of runs. Several comparisons with existing designs illustrate that the generated designs achieve better efficiencies, and the best PWO designs and some selected 100% efficient PWO designs generated by the new algorithm are reported.

The theory that an itch inhibits pain has been refuted; however, previous research did not investigate this theory for interleukin-31 (IL-31)-induced itch. Previously, we have found that morphine-induced antinociception was partially reduced in IL-31 receptor A (IL-31RA)-deficient (IL-31RAKI) mice, indicating that IL-31RA may play an important role in morphine-induced peripheral antinociception. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of IL-31-induced analgesia on a 2,4,6-trinitrochlorobenzene (TNCB)-sensitized mice using a hot-plate test. This test evaluated the antinociceptive activity of morphine, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Repeated pretreatment with IL-31 showed significant antinociceptive action. Furthermore, its combination with morphine, but not with NSAIDs, increased the analgesic action. In contrast, treatment with TNCB and capsaicin decreased antinociception. Moreover, TNCB increased IL-31RA expression in the dorsal root ganglia at 24 h, whereas capsaicin inhibited it. The comparative action of several analgesics on TNCB or capsaicin was evaluated using a hot-plate test, which revealed that the antinociceptive activity was decreased or disappeared in response to capsaicin-induced pain and in IL-31RAKI mice. These results indicate that the analgesic action of IL-31 involves the peripheral nervous system, which affects sensory nerve. These results provide a basis for developing novel analgesics using this mechanism.

Our understanding of the diversity of life on our planet and the possibility of finding or sustaining life elsewhere in the universe plays a central role in supporting human space settling and exploration. Astrobiology and its outcomes require a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach, in which the microbial, geological, chemical, astronomical, and physical domains of research are interlinked. An example of the applications of astrobiology and space microbiology is the use of extremophiles for in-situ resource utilization through biomining and bioleaching. To better understand the multidisciplinary research landscape in this area, we have quantitatively reviewed the global scientific literature on astrobiology with a focus on biomining and bioleaching through bibliometric network analysis, investigating patterns and trends in its development over time. The network analysis of the keywords co-occurrence highlights different connecting and overlapping clusters, illustrating the multidisciplinary character of astrobiology. Temporal analyses show a recent focus on topics related to microbiology and geomicrobiology, emphasizing the role that these fields will play in future astrobiology research. In conclusion, astrobiology, biomining, and bioleaching research are timely responding to the identification of these techniques as tools for biotechnological applications, expected to play a crucial role in long-term human space exploration.

Hypercholesterolemia is a major risk for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the main cause of mortality worldwide, and it is characterized by high levels of circulating cholesterol. The drugs currently available for hypercholesterolemia control have several side effects, so it is necessary to develop new effective and safer therapies. Seaweeds serve as sources of several bio-active compounds with claimed beneficial effects. Eisenia bicyclis (Aramé) and Porphyra tenera (Nori) are edible seaweeds which were previously recognized as rich in bioactive compounds. In the present study, we aim to evaluate the anti-hypercholesterolemia effect of these two seaweeds ex-tracts and their health potential. Both extracts, but more efficiently Aramé extract demonstrated to have liver 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) inhibitory activity and to reduce approximately 30 % cholesterol permeation through human Caco-2 cells simulating the intestinal lining, targets for hypercholesterolemia treatments. An untargeted metabolomic assay on human intestinal Caco-2 and liver Hep-G2 cells lines exposed to Aramé and Nori extracts revealed changes in the cell’s metabolism as indicators of the extract’s health beneficial effects. The metabolic pathways affected by exposure to both extracts were associated to lipid metabolism, such as phospholipids, and fatty acid metabolism, pathways of amino acid, cofactors and vitamins and cellular respiration metabolism. More profound for Aramé treated cells, but also seen for Nori ex-posed cells, the metabolites modifications were associated with the protection against CVDs and other diseases and, to the improvement of cells oxidative stress tolerance. The results obtained for the anti-hypercholesterolemia properties, in addition to the revelation of the positive impact on cells metabolism, are an important contribution for further evaluation of these seaweeds extracts as functional foods or for CVDs prevention.

Considering rotation-induced centrifugal stiffening, spin softening, and Coriolis effects, the three-dimensional finite element model of a rotating blade with a dovetail structure is built through the contact dynamics theory. The fixed-interface component mode synthesis method is then adopted to reduce the model for high computational efficiency and adequate model accuracy. The effects of the number of normal modes on the first-six-order modal characteristics of the model varying with the rotating speed are studied between the reduced and full models. Next, the influence of rotating speed and friction factor on the nonlinear dynamic characteristics of the model under the action of aerodynamic force are elaborately discussed. The results show that: (1) tenon-mortise joint contact-induced nonlinearity under low rotating speeds results in the intermittent interference of contact surfaces and frequency multiplications of aerodynamic excitation frequency in the spectrum cascades, while that under high rotating speeds causes the continuous interface contact and asynchronous excitation at the tenon-mortise joint; (2) the increase of friction factor results in a lower contact pressure distribution and the right shift of the resonance peak (i.e., hard nonlinearity).

The Lluta River is the northernmost coastal wetland in Chile, representing a unique ecosystem and an important source of water in the extremely arid Atacama Desert. During peak season, the wetland is home to more than 150 species of wild birds and is the first stopover point for many migratory species that arrive in the country along the Pacific migratory route, representing a priority site for avian influenza virus (AIV) surveillance in Chile. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of influenza A virus (IAV) in the Lluta River wetland, to identify subtype diversity and to evaluate ecological and environmental factors that drive the prevalence at the study site. The wetland was studied and sampled from September 2015 to October 2020. In each visit, fresh fecal environmental samples (n = 178) of wild birds were collected for IAV detection by real-time RT-PCR. Furthermore, a count of wild birds present at the site was performed and environmental variables, such as temperature, rainfall, vegetation coverage (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index - NDVI) and water body size were determined. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) was built to assess the association between AIV prevalence and explanatory variables. Influenza positive samples were sequenced, and the host species was determined by barcoding. Of the 4,349 samples screened during the study period, overall prevalence in the wetland was 2.07% (95% CI: 1.68 to 2.55) and monthly prevalence of AIV ranged widely from 0% to 8.6%. A great diversity of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) subtypes were identified, and 10 viruses were isolated and sequenced, including low pathogenic H5, H7 and H9 strains. In addition, several reservoir species were recognized (both migratory and resident birds), including the newly identified host Chilean flamingo (Phoenicopterus chilensis). Regarding environmental variables, prevalence of AIV was positively associated with NDVI (OR=3.65, p<0.05) and with the abundance of migratory birds (OR=3.57, p<0.05). These results emphasize the importance of the Lluta wetland as a gateway to Chile for viruses that come from the Northern Hemisphere and contribute to the understanding of AIV ecological drivers.

The gut plays a key role in drug absorption and metabolism of orally ingested drugs. Additionally, characterization of intestinal disease processes are increasingly gaining more attention as gut health is an important contributor to our overall health. The most recent innovation to study intestinal processes in vitro is the development of gut-on-a-chip (GOC) systems. Compared to conventional in vitro models they offer more translational value, and many different GOC models have been presented over the past years. Here, we reflect on the almost unlimited choices in designing and selecting a GOC for preclinical drug (or food) development research. Four components that largely influence the GOC design are highlighted, namely 1) the biological research questions, 2) chip fabrication and materials, 3) tissue engineering, and 4) the environmental and biochemical cues to add or measure in the GOC. Examples are presented of GOC studies in the two major areas of preclinical intestinal research: 1) intestinal absorption and metabolism to study the oral bioavailability of compounds, and 2) treatment-orientated research for intestinal diseases. The last section of this review presents an outlook on the limitations to overcome in order to accelerate preclinical GOC research.

To drive safely, the driver must be aware of the surroundings, pay attention to the road traffic, and be ready to adapt to new circumstances. Most studies on driving safety focus on detecting anomalies in driver behavior and monitoring the cognitive capabilities of drivers. In our study, we proposed a classifier for basic activities in driving a car, based on a similar approach that could be applied to the recognition of basic activities in daily life, that is, using electrooculographic (EOG) signals and a one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D CNN). Our classifier achieved an accuracy of 80% for the 16 primary and secondary activities. The accuracy related to primary activities in driving, including crossroad, parking, roundabout was 97.9%, 96.8%, 97.4%, and 99.5%, respectively. The F1 score for secondary driving actions (0.99) was higher than for primary driving activities (0.93–0.94). Furthermore, using the same algorithm, it was possible to distinguish four secondary activities related to activities of daily life and secondary when driving a car.

The Influenza A Virus (IAV) represents an enveloped, positive-sense and single-stranded RNA-based virus that infects mammals mainly via the respiratory system, although other bodily systems are also infected and undergo various extents of inflammatory pathogenesis. There are two well-known strains of IAV that cause life-threatening disease in mammals; H1N1 and H5N1, and the first strain caused the 1918 IAV H1N1 pandemic that claimed between 30 and 50 million human lives. Due to the significant ability of IAV to evade important immune recognition, the virus was observed to favor the onset of secondary microbial infections (i.e. bacterial or fungal), as the overall performance of the immune system became transiently weakened during the viral infection. During the IAV H1N1 pandemic, many patients died as a result of bacterial pneumonia, as pathogenic bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, gained a wider opportunity to colonize and infect vital areas of the lower respiratory tract, and such a phenomenon led to the excessive, prophylactic usage of antibiotics due to the increased levels of panic, which in turn favored the natural selection of bacteria with genes that became resistant to such antibiotics. Antibiotics might be required for usage solely when bacteria are known to be colonizing vital areas of the human body, and this aspect is tricky, as colonization is asymptomatic and screening is consequently rare. Recently, new variants of the avian IAV H5N1 strain were transmitted from live, infected birds to mammals, including humans in some isolated cases, and given that there have already been several zoonotic spillover events overall since the beginning of 2023, we are rapidly approaching the time when a zoonotic spillover into humans will mark the first epidemic outbreak of the avian flu in humans. A lethality rate of 60% was projected by the World Health Organization, as the virus was shown to favor the development of life-threatening hyper-inflammatory responses at the levels of alveolar tissues constituted by Type II pneumocytes. There are hints that novel variants of H5N1 are capable of infecting the intestinal layer, as recently, two dolphins died as a result of ingesting infected birds within the area of the British Isles. IAV is known to suppress the production and transmission of Type I Interferons by expressing various non-structural proteins (NSPs), such as NSP1, which was found to be also packaged into exosomes and transmitted to neighboring uninfected cells, thereby preventing them from responding to the virus in the first place. A more pronounced rate of innate immune evasion would probably be observed in H5N1 IAV infection than in the infection caused by recent variants of H1N1 IAV. The H5N1 strain of IAV was also found to secrete a higher concentration of NSP1 than SARS-CoV-2, indicating the existence of an association to the greater mortality rate of H5N1 IAV infection. A direct, prophylactic stimulation of the interferon system using a reduced oral or nasal dosage of recombinant anti-inflammatory and anti-viral interferon glycoproteins may represent the most viable approach to prevent an emergence of a life-threatening H5N1 IAV pandemic. A similar non-invasive approach could be developed for an Marburg Virus (MARV) and a Nipah Virus (NiV) infection of humans, as risks of the emergence of a Marburg epidemic and also of a Nipah epidemic may be substantial at this stage as well. Clinical testing of clinical approaches as such could be of critical importance at the moment. Animals could also benefit from related clinical approaches. Somatic natural and adaptive lymphocytes treated with IFN I and III could also constitute a substantial approach of immunization and heavily favor an indefinite shift in the evolutionary battle between the host organism and microbes of public health concern.

Wobbling motion as an exotic collective mode in nuclei without axial symmetry, was intensively discussed during the last few years. The observation of the newly proposed transverse wobbling, first reported in $^{135}$Pr and soon after in nuclei from other mass regions, was considered as a significant discovery in low-spin nuclear structure. However, both the reported experimental results and the proposed theoretical models were lively questioned in a series of works devoted to the investigation of the low-spin wobbling mode in the same nucleus. The electromagnetic properties of the $\Delta I=1$ transitions connecting the one- to zero-phonon and the two- to one-phonon wobbling bands in $^{135}$Pr were recently remeasured, demonstrating their predominant $M1$ magnetic character which is in contradiction with the wobbling motion interpretation. These new experimental observables being well reproduced by both quasiparticle-plus-triaxial-rotor model and interacting boson-fermion model calculations, are against the previously proposed wobbling characteristics of the low-spin bands in $^{135}$Pr. On the other hand, we obtained conclusive experimental evidence for the theoretically suggested transverse wobbling bands at medium spin in $^{136}$Nd. The comparison of the experimental data with calculations utilizing the triaxial projected shell model and a new developed particle-rotor model with frozen orthogonal geometry of the active nucleons, supports the description in terms of transverse wobbling of medium-spin bands in triaxial even-even nuclei.

A sensitive electrochemical sensor based on AuPtPd trimetallic nanoparticles functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes coupled with chitosan modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE/CS/MWCNTs-AuPtPd) for the rapid detection of bisphenol A (BPA) was proposed. AuPtPd trimetallic nanoparticles were first assembled on MWCNTs to obtain MWCNTs-AuPtPd nanocomposite. Then the MWCNTs-AuPtPd was further dispersed on the surface of chitosan modified electrode surface to fabricate the GCE/CS/MWCNTs-AuPtPd sensor. Due to the superior catalytic properties of MWCNTs-AuPtPd and the good film formation of chitosan, the constructed sensor displayed good performances for BPA detection. The structural morphology of CS/MWCNTs-AuPtPd was characterized by many methods, such as SEM, UV-vis and TEM. Under the optimal conditions, the designed sensor showed a linear range from 0.05 to 100 µM for BPA detecting with a low detection limit of 1.4 nM. The designed sensor was further used to realize the determination of BPA in real samples and the recoveries ranged from 94.4% to 103.6%. The results demonstrated that the electrochemical sensor designed by CS/MWCNTs-AuPtPd nanocomposites was reliable and could be a useful tool for the monitoring of food safety.

Background: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of s-FLT-1 and PlGF concentrations in women in the first trimester of pregnancy on the pulsatility index of the ductus venosus and the right and left uterine arteries. Methods: A total of 108 pregnant women in their first trimester were included in the study, with 87 assigned to the experimental group and 21 to the control group. Ultrasound examination were performed to measure the uterine artery pulsatility index, resistance index, ductus venosus pulsatility index, and blood sampling levels of biomarkers such as b-HCG; PAPP-A; s-FLT-1 and PlGF. Results: There was a significant negative relationship between PAPP-A concentration and the risk of fetal growth restriction, and a significant negative relationship between PlGF concentration and the risk of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction in women in their first trimester of pregnancy. There was also a significant positive relationship between sFLT-1/PLGF ratio and the risk of developing preeclampsia. No significant relationships were found between the concentrations of biomarkers beta-HCG, PAPP-A, sFLT-1, PlGF, and any of the parameters PIUARt, PIUALt, Mean uterine arteries, and DVPI. Summary: In conclusion, this study did not find conclusive evidence to support the hypothesis that beta-HCG, PAPP-A, s-FLT-1, and PlGF concentrations in women in the first trimester of pregnancy have a significant effect on the Pulsatility Index of the ductus venosus and the Right and left Uterine Arteries. Further research is needed to investigate these potential associations.