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Introduction risk of fire ants through container cargo in ports: Data integration approach considering a logistic network
Invasive alien species introduced to ports through cargo containers have destroyed the biodiversity worldwide. The introduction risk at ports must be estimated to control the early stages of invasion. However, limited data are available for this estimation in the introduction stage. Spatial statistical models have been used to address the lack of information by considering the observations of neighbors or integrating multiple data sources based on the assumption of spatial correlation. Unlike natural dispersal, methods to address these issues have not yet been established, because the spatial correlation between ports based on the geographical distance is not assumed for human-mediated species introduction through container cargo. Herein, we propose a multivariate conditional autoregressive model that considers a logistic network in order to integrate multiple data sources and estimate introduction risk. A relationship between locations based on logistics connectivity is assumed rather than the spatial correlation based on the geographical distance used in the past. Hierarchical Bayesian models integrating data through the network were implemented for two fire ant species (Solenopsis invicta and Solenopsis geminata) observed in Japanese ports. We observed that the proposed joint models improved the fit compared to conventional models estimated from a single dataset. This finding suggests that integrating data from multiple species or data types based on a network helps to address the lack of observations. This is one of the first studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of multivariate conditional autoregressive model in considering biological invasion networks and contributes to the development of reliable biosecurity strategies.
The effects of Thymus capitatus essential oil topical application on milk quality: a systems biology approach
Abstract Essential oils (EO) are known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and can be used as an alternative to reduce the reliance on antimicrobials in dairy cattle. While many studies have explored the beneficial properties of EO in vitro, their effects on milk quality and milk microbiota, when applied directly to the udder skin, remain relatively unknown. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Thymus capitatus essential oil (TCEO), known for its high antibacterial and antioxidant properties, on milk microbiota using 16S rRNA sequencing, the lipidomic profile via liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, udder skin microbiota, and inflammatory biomarkers of dairy cows at the end of lactation. Sixteen-quarters of 12 Holstein cows were selected, and TCEO was topically applied to the udder skin twice a day for 7 days. Milk was collected aseptically on days 0, 7, 21, and 28 before morning farm milking. The results showed no significant changes in microbiota composition after the EO treatment in alpha and beta diversity or taxonomical composition at the phylum and genus levels. TCEO induced limited changes in the milk lipidome, primarily affecting diacylglycerols at T21. The treatment did not affect inflammatory biomarkers, milk sensory properties, or quality. Our study is the first to demonstrate that a local application of 10% TCEO on cow’s quarters does not significantly alter milk quality or microbiota composition in milk and skin. More studies should be conducted to ensure the safe use of TCEO in dairy cows and explore its potential benefits on antibiotic-resistant bacteria as an alternative or support for antibiotic therapy.
Trajectory tracking sliding mode control for vertical take-off and landing aircraft based on double loop and global Lipschitz stability
Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft excel in their ability to maneuver in limited spaces, making them ideal for a variety of uses including urban air mobility, emergency response, and disaster surveillance. Their agility and quick deployment features are especially valuable for executing complex missions in challenging environments. This paper addresses this issue by proposing a dual-loop sliding mode control (SMC) strategy optimized for VTOL models. However, tracking errors in the inner loop can impact the performance of the outer loop, complicating the assessment of the inner loop’s convergence speed to meet the outer loop’s criteria, and thus hindering the achievement of absolute stability in both control loops. To tackle this issue, the paper leverages the global asymptotic stability theorem for dynamic systems and develops a closed-loop system with global Lipschitz continuity, guaranteeing robust stability across both loops. This method not only bolsters the system’s dependability but also enhances its flexibility to operate effectively under complex dynamic conditions, thereby increasing the overall resilience and performance of the VTOL control systems. The implementation of the sliding mode control strategy in VTOL models significantly enhances operational stability and reduces tracking errors in complex environments. Numerical simulations demonstrate that our approach reliably improves both performance and adaptability of the system under varying dynamic conditions.
Coupling effect of landscape patterns on the spatial and temporal distribution of ecosystem services: a case study in Harbin City, Northeast China
Measles neutralising antibody levels in patients receiving intravenous immunoglobulin treatment – a sub-analysis of a randomized, cross-over bioequivalence trial
Background Intravenous immunoglobulin is a replacement therapy for patients living with primary immunodeficiencies. Each batch of intravenous immunoglobulin is required by the Food and Drug Administration to contain threshold levels of measles neutralising antibodies. Widespread use of the measles vaccine has decreased measles antibody potency in the United States plasma supply. There is limited data on measles antibody trough levels in treated primary immunodeficiency patients. The aim of this sub-analysis was to evaluate the measles antibody trough levels in treated primary immunodeficiency patients. Methods GMX07 was an open-label, two-period, crossover bioequivalence study which randomized 33 adult patients with primary immunodeficiency disease in 16 centres across the United States, the United Kingdom and Hungary. Eligible adult patients received five infusions of Gammaplex® 5% followed by five infusions of Gammaplex® 10%, or vice versa, on either a 21- or 28-day dosing regimen. The trial included 15 paediatric patients who were not randomized, receiving only five infusions of 10% product. This sub-analysis measured trough levels of measles neutralising antibodies using a Vero cell-based measles virus neutralisation assay. Results Median measles antibody trough levels were ~ 1300 mIU/mL with no significant difference between Gammaplex 5% and Gammaplex 10% treatment (p > 0.9) or the 21-day or 28-day dosing regimen (p > 0.3). There was also no difference between mean measles neutralising antibody levels following Gammaplex 10% in adult or paediatric patients. Conclusions Levels of measles neutralising antibodies in the 5% and 10% formulations of this intravenous immunoglobulin product provided protective antibodies well above accepted thresholds and were similar in adult and paediatric patients across both 21-day and 28-day dosing regimens. Switching between Gammaplex products did not affect antibody levels. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01963143
Biomass derived carbon/platinum nanoparticles as electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution
Abstract Green hydrogen is gaining a significant attention in the transition to sustainable energy and achieving net-zero emissions. Platinum-based catalysts are highly regarded in hydrogen production, particularly due to their efficiency in water electrolysis. Platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) is successively prepared by the microwave-assistant citrate method on a biomass-based support, and characterized by X-rays diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The chelation and gelation resulted by using citric acid during the synthesis lead to the formation of highly stabilized and dispersed Pt NPs on the carbon support. The electrocatalytic activity of Pt NPs for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is examined by cathodic linear polarization and impedance spectroscopy. A high catalytic performance is shown by the prepared sample, as indicated by the calculated exchange current density 5.3 mA/cm2, and activation energy, 38.13 kJ/mol. The HER follows Volmer/Tafel mechanism with a reaction order of unity. Impedance spectra confirms the high electrocatalytic activity by the decrease of the total impedance, pore resistance, and charge-transfer resistance, with increasing the applied overpotential. The proposed synthesis method offers a green, economic, and efficient route for preparing precious metals used for catalytic applications.
Correction: The salivary microbiota of patients with acute lower respiratory tract infection–A multicenter cohort study
Development and validation of a risk prediction model for PICC-related venous thrombosis in patients with cancer: a prospective cohort study
Comprehensive cDNA cloning and putative feature analysis of endogenous cellulases possessed by the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas
Previous studies have examined the cellulase activity of Crassostrea gigas (Pacific oyster) and suggested its potential utilization of terrestrial lignocellulose. However, no studies have been conducted to comprehensively assess its endogenous cellulases. Therefore, our objective was to identify the cellulases present in C. gigas through transcriptome and genomic analyses. The results showed that there are 10 cellulase orthologs, seven of which are endogenous. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that two of these cellulases belong to the glycoside hydrolase family (GHF) 5, four to GHF9, and one to GHF45. An alignment of the amino acid sequences suggested the presence of at least endo-β-1,4-glucanase. Therefore, C. gigas is likely capable of decomposing lignocellulose into glucose. This finding supports the fact that C. gigas, a globally commercial bivalve species, thrives in environments that lack phytoplankton, such as mangroves.
Cayley–Purser secured communication and jackknife correlative classification for COVID patient data analysis
Efficacy and safety of dexamethasone or triamcinolone in combination with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for diabetic macular edema: A systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis
Background The clinical efficacy of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGFs), corticosteroids, and their combined treatment for diabetic macular edema (DME) has been substantiated by numerous studies. However, it remains uncertain whether the therapeutic benefits of the combined treatment with corticosteroids and anti-VEGFs is superior to those of anti-VEGF monotherapy. Consequently, we conducted a meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of combined treatment with dexamethasone or triamcinolone and anti-VEGF versus anti-VEGF monotherapy in DME treatment. Methods An exhaustive search of the literature was performed on February 23, 2024, scanning through the databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, with the aim of identifying all relevant studies. The combined results for efficacy and safety were analyzed using the standard mean difference (SMD) and relative risk (RR), both of which were presented with 95% confidence interval (CI). The assessment of heterogeneity was conducted via Cochran’s Q test, I2 statistics, and the implementation of a 95% prediction interval (PI). All analyses were performed by R 4.3.1, Stata 12.0, and TSA v0.9.5.10 Beta software. Results This meta-analysis incorporated 21 eligible studies. The overall analysis revealed that combined treatment of dexamethasone or triamcinolone with anti-VEGF agents did not demonstrate superiority over anti-VEGF monotherapy in improving best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (Dexamethasone: SMD -0.266, 95% CI -1.001 to 0.468, 95% PI -2.878 to 2.346; Triamcinolone: SMD -0.340, 95% CI -1.230 to 0.550, 95% PI -3.554 to 2.874) and reducing central macular thickness (CMT) (Dexamethasone: SMD -1.255, 95% CI -2.861 to 0.350; Triamcinolone: SMD -0.207, 95% CI -0.895 to 0.481, 95% PI -2.629 to 2.215). However, the combination therapy significantly increased the risk of elevated intraocular pressure (RR 5.783, 95% CI 3.007 to 11.121, 95% PI 0.520 to 56.931) and ocular hypertension (RR 8.885, 95% CI 2.756 to 28.649, 95% PI 1.262 to 39.208). Subgroup analysis suggests that dexamethasone plus anti-VEGF therapy showed a greater reduction in central subfield thickness (SMD -0.440, 95% CI -0.755 to -0.126) compared to anti-VEGF monotherapy among patients with persistent DME. Conclusion Our study confirmed that dexamethasone or triamcinolone plus anti-VEGF therapy did not show superior efficacy in improving BCVA and reducing CMT in DME patients compared with anti-VEGF monotherapy. Clinicians should weigh the pros and cons comprehensively when implementing combined therapy.
Integrating petrophysical characterization and reservoir evaluation of the Kafr ELSheikh formation in Sapphire field, Nile Delta, Egypt
Abstract This study aims to integrate petrophysical characterization and reservoir evaluation for optimizing field development. The focus is on the Kafr Elsheikh formation, using iso-parametric maps to analyze key reservoir parameters such as effective porosity, shale content, net-pay thickness, permeability, hydrocarbon saturation, and water saturation across lateral sections. Petrophysical characterization is essential for understanding the reservoir quality and productivity potential. The study evaluates four wells—Sapphire 1, Sapphire-Da, Sapphire-Deep 1, and Sapphire-Dh—using well logs, including gamma ray, caliper, density, neutron, and resistivity, recorded in Las files. These wells are crucial for assessing the reservoir potential and development path of the Sapphire Field. Findings reveal that the Kafr Elsheikh formation has significant reservoir potential, with effective porosity ranging from 14 to 34%, water saturation between 15% and 45%, gas saturation from 55 to 85%, and net-pay thickness from 0.46 m to 23.8 m. Lithological analysis shows a composition of sandstone and shale within the formation. The developmental trajectory of Sapphire Field indicates increases in effective porosity and hydrocarbon saturation towards the central and northwest-southeast directions. Sapphire Da is identified as the most promising well, with 85% saturation, 29% effective porosity, and a net-pay thickness of 14.04 m. The study underscores the hydrocarbon reserves in the Kafr Elsheikh formation and advocates for further exploration and development wells to enhance productivity. Insights from iso-parametric maps are vital for future exploration and development within the Sapphire Field.
Nucleus accumbens D2-expressing neurons: Balancing reward and licking disruption through rhythmic optogenetic stimulation
Nucleus accumbens (NAc) dopamine D1 receptor-expressing neurons are known to be critical for processing reward and regulating food intake. However, the role of D2-expressing neurons in this nucleus remains less understood. This study employed optogenetic manipulations to investigate the role of NAc D2-expressing neurons in reward processing and sucrose consumption. Optogenetic activation of these neurons decreased sucrose preference (at 20 Hz), disrupted licking patterns (particularly at 8 and 20 Hz), and increased self-stimulation. Conversely, synchronizing stimulation with the animal licking rhythm mitigated licking disruption and even increased sucrose intake, suggesting a rewarding effect. Furthermore, 20 Hz stimulation (but not 8 Hz) induced place preference in a real-time place preference (RTPP) test. In contrast, inhibiting D2 neurons produced a negative hedonic state, although not reaching complete aversion, influencing food choices in specific contexts. For instance, while the RTPP test per se was not sensitive enough to observe place aversion when mice could choose between consuming a high-fat diet (HFD) pellet in a context associated with or without inhibition of D2 neurons, they preferred to consume HFD on the non-inhibited side. This suggests that the palatability of HFD can unmask (but also overshadow) the negative hedonic state associated with D2 neuron inhibition. A negative reinforcement paradigm further confirmed the active avoidance behavior induced by D2 neuron inhibition. In conclusion, NAc D2 neuron inhibition induces a negative hedonic state, while activation has a dual effect—it is rewarding yet disrupts licking behavior—highlighting its complex role in reward and consummatory behavior. Importantly, self-paced stimulation, where the animal controls the timing of the stimulation through its licking behavior, offers a more efficient and natural approach for stimulating NAc activity.
Prevalence and associated factors of metabolic syndrome among people living with HIV in a medical center of Northern Taiwan
A catechol-O-methyltransferase genetic variant impacts functional movement in tactical athletes
Functional movement is a valuable indicator of physical performance, injury risk, and/or musculoskeletal impairment following injury. However, genetic variation and gene–environment interactions that may affect functional movement are largely unexplored. We recently reported a linkage between trauma exposure and functional movement in male tactical athletes. Here, we examined the effect of a common genetic variant, rs737865, within the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene on functional movement in specialized military personnel (N = 134). We also explored whether rs737865 modulated the influence of trauma exposure. Genotyping was determined from saliva, trauma exposure was self-reported using the Brief Trauma Questionnaire, and functional movement was evaluated using the Functional Movement Screen™. The effect of rs737865 on functional movement was evaluated using general linear models, while associations between trauma and functional movement were determined with regression models. An alpha level of 0.05 was set as the threshold for significance. In the standard three-genotype model (GG, AG, AA), rs737865 predicted functional movement (p = 0.03, η2p = 0.05). Specifically, GG (n = 9) exhibited the highest functional movement scores (mean [M] ± standard deviation [SD] = 17.2±1.9), followed by AG (n = 45; M±SD = 15.9±2.5), and then AA (n = 80; M±SD = 15.2±2.3). The connection between rs737865 and functional movement was preserved in both the dominant G model (G vs AA; p = 0.03, η2p = 0.04) and the dominant A model (A vs GG; p = 0.03, η2p = 0.03). The rs737865 variant also modulated the influence of trauma on functional movement. To our knowledge, this is the first discovery linking rs737865 to functional movement, which may lead to greater precision in musculoskeletal injury risk stratification and increased efficacy of strength and conditioning programs in tactical athletes. In resource constrained settings, genomic modeling may help to direct limited assets to at-risk subgroups (for screening purposes). It may also help to individualize, and enhance, strength and conditioning programs based on the genomic signature of a person’s training response.
FAN score predicts prognosis after platinum-based first-line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma
Retraction: Neuroprotective Role of Intermittent Hypobaric Hypoxia in Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Induced Depression in Rats
Optimal distribution modeling and multifractal analysis of wind speed in the complex terrain of Sichuan Province, China
Phenological cycles in the Pantanal woody communities: Responses to climate and soil moisture seasonality
This study investigated the influences of regional climate and soil moisture conditions on the vegetative and reproductive cycles of seven savanna and forest vegetation communities of the Pantanal Mato-grossense. Circular analysis of the phenological data revealed the occurrence of interspecific synchronism and seasonal responses in vegetative and reproductive activities, with flowering patterns differing the most between communities. Leaf shedding intensity events in communities were closely linked to climatic seasonality. Over half of the individuals were semideciduous or deciduous, with leaf drop intense events predominantly triggered by drier, warmer conditions. The annual flood pulse further constrains woody plants, influencing deciduousness and serving as a strategy to mitigate soil water stress. The preceding climatic signal announcing cold fronts was a relevant determinant of flowering events for many communities. Climate and soil seasonality had limited influences on fruiting phenology across the various vegetation communities. The asynchronous response of phenological cycles to surface soil moisture seasonality highlights the diverse habitat hydrodynamics and its interactions with the plant communities that may decouple leaf fall, flowering, and fruiting from surface soil water availability. The unique phenological response of the Pantanal’s woody communities to the hydro-climatic cycle sets it apart from other non-flooded savannas of tropical South America. This response involves the intricate interplay between phenological dynamism and alternating drought and wet-flooded phases.