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Two-dimensionality of the properties of a volumetric object may be defined by its anisotropy. Perovskite-like compounds of the family of Aurivillius–Smolensky phases (ASPs) have exactly this property. By studying perovskite-like compounds of the family of Aurivillius–Smolensky phases and the changes in the volume of the crystal lattice, occurring in them, namely the increase or decrease in the phase transition temperature (Curie temperature), the preferred direction of grain growth with an increase in the sintering temperature and, as a consequence, the increase in the relative permittivity, the main factor in all cases is the change in the linear parameters a and b, lying in the plane perpendicular to the c-axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a class of stochastic processes making jumps around the circle. These circular processes are the wrapped versions of the Poisson, the negative binomial, the binomial processes and of extensions thereof obtained by compounding with a secondary frequency distribution. Their prevailing application is for modeling planar motions. These processes can be weakly stationary, can have uniform stationary distribution, can have independent or stationary circular increments. Their autocovariance functions, one-dimensional trigonometric moments and wrapped distributions are obtained. For the wrapped Poisson process, it is shown that the formula for the one-dimensional distribution can be obtained either by discrete Fourier transform or by wrapping the Poisson distribution around the circle and by simplifying it with the generalized hyperbolic function. Some numerical illustrations and comparisons are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic flux leakage from the rotor core bridge must be improved in interior permanent magnet motors to improve their performance. The partial non-magnetization of bridges is effective in reducing magnetic flux leakage. In our previous studies, we proposed a new partial nonmagnetization process for silicon steel, which was used for the rotor core. The portion of the silicon steel sheets that becomes a bridge after pressing can be non-magnetized by melting and mixing Ni-Cr-B alloy powder with the silicon steel sheets using a laser beam and then laminated to produce the rotor core. In this study, the effect of B addition to Ni-Cr alloy powder was widely investigated to optimize the B addition amount. Based on the appearance, solidification defect, and magnetic and mechanical strength properties of the improved portion, the optimal content of B was within the range of 0.5-1.0 mass%. Furthermore, core sheet samples with an improved portion, which had the improved length of 1.0mm and has the composition of Fe-13.9 mass%Cr-15.1 mass%Ni-2.3 mass%Si-0.5 mass%B, were prepared by laser and press processing. A rotor core was fabricated using core sheets and evaluated for its magnetic flux and high-speed rotation for practical use. The prototype rotor core exhibited a 32% higher magnetic force and could rotate at speeds of up to 43,000 rotations. It is expected that the size of interior permanent magnet motors will be reduced due to the increased magnetic force. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Incidence of fall armyworm in maize has been reported at a severe level since 2018 resulting in low yield and in extreme cases complete failure of the crop. In view of undesirable effects of unilateral reliance on chemicals, greener avenues like intercropping needs to be explored, which promise to subside pests, as well as, provide higher income to cultivators. Methods: Field experiment was conducted during 2019-2021, consecutively for three years to investigate the consequences of intercropping with legumes viz., red gram (Cajanus cajan L.), black gram (Vigna mungo L.), green gram (Vigna radiata L. ), cowpea (Vigna unguiuculata L.), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and soybean (Glycine max L.) on incidence of fall armyworm in maize and the cost economics involved. Result: Among the different intercrops studied, maize+cowpea recorded significantly lowest mean per cent infested plants (45.0 per cent) at 75 days after sowing which was statistically on par with maize+green gram (45.5 per cent). The next effective intercropping system was maize+black gram (55.7 per cent) followed by maize+red gram (58.2 per cent). Maize as a sole crop recorded the highest mean per cent infested plants (76.3 per cent) at 75 days after sowing. The system equivalent yield (SEY) of the intercropping systems under study ascertained that the maize+cowpea achieved highest SEY of 5230 kg per ha followed by maize+green gram (5160 kg per ha) followed by maize+black gram (4900 kg per ha). Upon comparison of the benefit cost ratio (BC ratio), the maize+cowpea proved to be highly profitable with BC ratio of 4.11 followed by maize+green gram (4.05) followed by maize+black gram (3.85), whereas, sole maize recorded minimum BC ratio of 2.87. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought stress is a major limited factor that decreased seed yield and applying micronutrients such as Zinc (Zn), Manganese (Mn) and Boron (B) is considered as agricultural management practices for improving the seed yield, oil content and tolerance under different irrigation conditions. A two-year experiment was carried out as a split-plot arrangement based on a randomized complete block design with three replications during two years (2015–2017). Main plots consisted of three irrigation regimes (Optimal irrigation, cessation of irrigation from flowering, and silique setting stages) and subplots included 10 levels of foliar spray of micronutrients (2, 4, 6 g/L Zn; 2, 4, 6 g/L Mn; 2, 4, 6 g/L B, and the foliar spraying of distilled water as control treatment). Cessation of irrigation led to increase in the activity of Polyphenol oxidase (PPO), Catalase (CAT), Peroxidase (PO), Ascorbate peroxidase (APX), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Proline (PRO) and Malondialdehyde (MDA) but seed yield (SY) and oil content (OC) decreased. Cessation of irrigation at flowering and silique stages led to a decrease in seed yield by 39.3 and 13.1%, as compared with the optimal irrigation regime, respectively. The interaction of irrigation regime × foliar spray revealed that spraying Zn (4 g/L) and B (4 g/L) maximized the SY (4311.11 kg/ha) under optimal irrigation regime. Under cessation of irrigation from flowering stage, the foliar spray of Mn (6 g/L) produced the highest SY (2862.2 kg/ha) during two tears. Cessation of irrigation at flowering and silique stages caused in decrease OC by 3.3 and 6.5%, respectively. Overall, the foliar spraying of Zn, Mn and B improved the SY and OC of canola under optimal water supply and drought stress regimes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most spheroidal graphite irons (SGIs) have a matrix consisting of ferrite, pearlite, or a mix of the two. To achieve the desired matrix composition, pearlite promoters such as Mn, Cu, or Sn, are added to the molten metal. Among these elements, Sn is the most potent pearlite promoter. However, each has a different impact on the solidification, graphite precipitation, eutectoid transformation, and ultimately the final structure of the material. Research has shown that B promotes ferrite in fully pearlitic grades where Cu and Mn were used to promote pearlite. The present work investigates the effect of B in SGI with additions of Sn, Cu, and Mn, and the effects of varying amounts of the different pearlite promoters on the matrix composition. The results show that Mn alone at levels of approximately 0.9 wt% is not enough to promote a fully pearlitic matrix, while 0.5 wt% Cu combined with 0.67 wt% Mn is sufficient. Likewise, a fully pearlitic microstructure can be obtained by alloying with 0.06 wt% Sn and 0.67 wt% Mn. B was found to promote ferrite in fully pearlitic SGI alloyed with Sn or Cu. However, in the absence of those elements, B promoted pearlite when alloyed with just Mn. Graphite protrusions were observed on the graphite nodule surface only for B-added alloys with Sn and Cu. In these cases, it is believed B promotes ferrite by changing the growth mechanism of graphite after solidification from spherical to lamellar. However, a different graphite morphology is observed when B is added with just Mn. Thermal analysis data is in agreement with the microstructural observations regarding the ferrite promoting effect of B. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a recent call for the Africanization of the philosophy curriculum in African universities. Though this is a worthwhile venture, we believe care must be taken in adopting a model for the curriculum. Thus, we reject the three models proposed by Chimakonam (the B, C, and D models). The D model proposes that African philosophy content, should totally replace the Western philosophy that presently dominates the curriculum, while the C model demands that African philosophy curriculum, should consists of two equal segments – African and Western philosophy and the student should choose to study whichever he/she wants. The B model on the other hand, advocates for a balance between Western and African philosophy courses. While acknowledging the powerful appeal of these arguments, we think the O (Open) model will be more appropriate. In this model, various philosophical courses in African, Western, Eastern and other regions would be thrown open as electives. We argue that this will give birth to a philosophy curriculum that is not lopsided or marginal in content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: With amazing clinical efficacy, Yangyin Qingfei Decoction Plus (YQDP), a well-known and age-old Chinese compound made of ten Chinese botanical drugs, is utilized in clinical settings to treat a range of respiratory conditions. This study examines the impact of Yangyin Qingfei Decoction (YQDP) on lung tissue metabolic products in severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP) model mice and examines the mechanism of YQDP in treating MP infection using UPLC-MS/MS technology. Methods: YQDP's chemical composition was ascertained by the use of Agilent 1260 II high-performance liquid chromatography. By using a nasal drip of 1010 CCU/mL MP bacterial solution, an SMPP mouse model was created. The lung index, pathology and ultrastructural observation of lung tissue were utilized to assess the therapeutic effect of YQDP in SMPP mice. Lung tissuemetabolites were found in the normal group, model group, and YQDP group using UPLC-MS/MS technology. Using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent test (ELISA), the amount of seruminflammatory factors, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), was found. Additionally, the protein expression of PI3K, P-PI3K, AKT, P-AKT, NF-κB, and P-NF-κB was found using Western blot. Results: The contents of chlorogenic acid, paeoniflorin, forsythrin A, forsythrin, and paeonol in YQDPwere 3.480 ± 0.051, 3.255 ± 0.040, 3.612 ± 0.017, 1.757 ± 0.031, and 1.080 ± 0.007 mg/g respectively. YQDP can considerably lower the SMPP mice's lung index (p < 0.05). In the lung tissue of YQDP groups, there has been a decrease (p < 0.05) in the infiltration of inflammatory cells at varying concentrations in the alveoli compared with the model group. A total of 47 distinct metabolites, including choline phosphate, glutamyl lysine, L-tyrosine, 6-thioinosine, Glu Trp, 5-hydroxydecanoate, etc., were linked to the regulation of YQDP, according tometabolomics study. By controlling the metabolism of porphyrins, pyrimidines, cholines, fatty acids, sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, ferroptosis, steroid hormone biosynthesis, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis, enrichment analysis suggested that YQDP may be used to treat SMPP. YQDP can lower the amount of TNF-α and IL-6 in model group mice as well as downregulate P-PI3K, P-AKT, and P-NF-κB expression (p < 0.05). Conclusion: A specific intervention effect of YQDP is observed in SMPPmodel mice. Through the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathways, YQDP may have therapeutic benefits by regulating the body's metabolism of α-Linoleic acid, sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, arachidonic acid, and the production of unsaturated fatty acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Garden pea productivity and qualities are hampered in zinc (Zn), boron (B), and molybdenum (Mo) deficient soil. Thus, the combination of micronutrients (i.e., Zn, B, and Mo) and rhizobium is necessary to increase the productivity and quality of garden peas, since this management for garden peas is neglected in Bangladesh. Therefore, the present study was made to assess the effectiveness of rhizobium inoculant singly or in combination with the micronutrients (i.e., Zn, B, and Mo) on growth, yield, nutrient uptake, and quality of garden peas. Treatments were: T1 = Control, T2 = Rhizobium inoculation at 50 g/kg seed, T3 = T2 + Zn3Mo1, T4 = T2 + B2Mo1, T5 = T2 + Zn3B2, T6 = T2 + Zn3B2Mo1 and T7 = Zn3B2Mo1. All treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and repeated all treatments in three times. The application of 3 kg Zn, 2 kg B, and 1 kg Mo ha−1 with inoculation of Rhizobium at 50 g kg−1 seed (T6) facilitated to increase of 44.8% in the green pod and 29.7% seed yield over control. The same treatment contributed to attaining the maximum nodulation (25.3 plant−1 ), Vitamin C (43.5 mg 100 g−1 ), protein content (22.2%), and nutrient uptake as well as accumulation in garden peas. Among all treatment combinations, treatment T6 was found superior to others based on microbial activities, soil fertility, and profitability. The results of the study found that the application of 3 kg Zn, 2 kg B, and 1 kg Mo ha−1 in combination with Rhizobium inoculation (50 g kg−1 seed) can improve the yield and quality of garden peas. The results of the study have the potential for the areas, where there is no use of Rhizobium inoculant or Zn, B, and Mo fertilizer for cultivation of garden pea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article identifies the key sources of iron and boron impurities entering silicon metal under industrial smelting conditions in Submerged arc furnace (SAF). Impurity rocks in the composition of quartz, the main raw material for the production of silicon metal, were studied using the X-ray fluorescence method, and their visual classification was carried out. It has been established that the energy of secondary characteristic x-ray radiation (CXR) for boron and iron contained in the feedstock is 3.1 and 6.3 keV, respectively. A relationship was found between the intensity of CXR pulses and the concentration of iron and boron impurities. The features of the distribution of these elements between metallurgical phases (silicon metal, slag and gas phase) when used in the smelting process with and without borate flux (colemanite) have been established. Under industrial conditions, it has been established that the transfer coefficient of boron into silicon metal is reduced when using borate flux from 76.3% to 58.36%. The transfer of iron into silicon metal from the charge remains at the same level with a slight downward trend from 93.18% to 92.12%. This may be explained by a reduction in the contact time of the molten slag accumulating on the bottom with liquid silicon metal. There is also a reduction in the consumption of charge materials when using colemanite from 6.07 to 5.635 t/t of silicon metal due to the reduction in the time of cleaning the smelting bath from viscous slag accumulated on the bottom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a retrospective, cohort study at 4 medical centers with high coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination rates, we evaluated breakthrough severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Delta variant infections in vaccinated healthcare workers. Few work-related secondary cases were identified. Breakthrough cases were largely due to unmasked social activities outside of work.

The wide spectrum of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants with phenotypes impacting transmission and antibody sensitivity necessitates investigation of immune responses to different spike protein versions. Here, we compare neutralization of variants of concern, including B.1.617.2 (delta) and B.1.1.529 (omicron), in sera from individuals exposed to variant infection, vaccination, or both. We demonstrate that neutralizing antibody responses are strongest against variants sharing certain spike mutations with the immunizing exposure, and exposure to multiple spike variants increases breadth of variant cross-neutralization. These findings contribute to understanding relationships between exposures and antibody responses and may inform booster vaccination strategies.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess whether the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Epsilon variant (B.1.429/427) is more virulent, leading to more hospitalization and more severe disease requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission.MethodsSARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance was performed on respiratory samples from 231 unique patients, collected at a single large health system in Southern California between November 2020 and March 2021 during the winter surge.ResultsThe frequencies of the Epsilon variant among outpatients, hospitalized patients, and ICU patients were indifferent.ConclusionsOur study suggests that the Epsilon variant is not associated with increased hospitalization and ICU admission.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a disease mainly of preterm infants with a 30-50% mortality rate and long-term morbidities for survivors. Treatment strategies are limited and have not improved in decades, prompting research into prevention strategies, particularly with probiotics. Recent work with the probiotic B. infantis EVC001 suggests that this organism may generate a more appropriate microbiome for preterm infants who generally have inappropriate gut colonization and inflammation, both risk factors for NEC. Experimental NEC involving Paneth cell disruption in combination with bacterial dysbiosis or formula feeding was induced in P14-16 C57Bl/6 mice with or without gavaged B. infantis. Following completion of the model, serum, small intestinal tissue, the cecum, and colon were harvested to examine inflammatory cytokines, injury, and the microbiome, respectively. EVC001 treatment significantly decreased NEC in a bacterial dysbiosis dependent model, but this decrease was model-dependent. In the NEC model dependent on formula feeding, no difference in injury was observed, but trending to significant differences was observed in serum cytokines. EVC001 also improved wound closure at six and twelve hours compared to the sham control in intestinal epithelial monolayers. These findings suggest that B. infantis EVC001 can prevent experimental NEC through anti-inflammatory and epithelial barrier restoration properties.

An on-farm trial on the assessment of IPM practices against rice yellow stem borer Scirphophaga incertulas (Walker) in rice was carried out at five locations at randomly selected farmers' fields of KVK adopted villages of Scirphophaga incertulas (Walker) Nalgonda District, Telangana during rabi 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18. The IPM practice consisted of seed treatment, nursery management, clipping off leaf tips before transplanting, application of recommended dosages of fertilizers, application of chlorantraniliprole granules @ 10 kg/ ha, the release of biocontrol agent Trichogramma japanicum @ 1,25,000/ ha at five releases from 20 DAT at an interval of 20 days, installation of pheromone traps @ 10/ ha, spraying of cartap hydrochloride 50SP @ 2.0 g/ l at the vegetative stage and chlorantraniliprole 18.5SC @ 0.3 ml/ l at the panicle initiation stage. The results on pest incidence like mean deadhearts were significantly lower in IPM demonstration plots (9.9%) than in farmers' practice (17.7%) and the white earheads incidence was Scirphophaga incertulas (Walker) (9.0%) Scirphophaga incertulas (Walker) in IPM demonstration plots compared to 19.3% in farmers' practice. The grain yield was higher in demonstration plots 6588.3 kg/ ha, with a increase of 12.0% over the farmers' practice of 5913.3 kg/ ha. The gross returns, net returns, and benefit-cost were obtained more in IPM demonstrations as compared to farmers' practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses a study conducted on three varieties of wheat and the effects of different plant growth promoters on their growth and yield. The results showed that the variety DBW-187 had the highest growth and yield, with significant variations observed among the different plant growth promoters. The application of a mixture of micronutrients as a foliar spray at the tillering stage resulted in the most significant improvements in growth and yield. The study emphasizes the importance of micronutrients and plant growth promoters in enhancing wheat production. [Extracted from the article]

Aim: Dostarlimab plus carboplatin-paclitaxel (CP) significantly increased progression-free survival in patients with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer (pA/rEC) vs CP alone in the RUBY trial (NCT03981796). This analysis estimated the per-member-per-month (PMPM) costs of introducing dostarlimab + CP as a treatment alternative from a third-party US payer perspective. Materials and methods: A budget impact model was developed to estimate the costs of introducing dostarlimab + CP into commercial and Medicare health plans over a 3-year time horizon (2023–2025). Costs were sourced from relevant literature and US-specific databases and were calculated using epidemiology data, clinical inputs, treatment costs, and market share estimates. Clinical inputs were sourced from primary clinical trials for each respective treatment (i.e. dostarlimab + CP, CP, pembrolizumab, pembrolizumab plus lenvatinib, bevacizumab + CP, and pembrolizumab + CP). Current and future market shares assumed dostarlimab + CP reduced the market share of CP only. Analyses were performed in mismatch repair–deficient/microsatellite instability–high (dMMR/MSI-H) and overall populations using a US 2023 cost year. Results: For a commercial plan, the model estimated (dMMR/MSI-H and overall populations) that 7 and 26 patients would be treated with dostarlimab + CP, respectively; average annual budget impacts per patient treated were $118,257 and $116,094; average budget impacts per patient treated per month (PPPM) were $9,855 and $9,675; average budget impacts PMPM were $0.02 and $0.06. For a Medicare plan, the model estimated that 28 and 93 patients, respectively, would be treated with dostarlimab + CP. Average annual budget impacts per patient treated and PPPM were the same as those for the commercial plan in both populations; average budget impacts PMPM were $0.07 and $0.22, respectively. Conclusions: Introducing dostarlimab + CP as a first-line treatment for patients with pA/rEC results in minimal budget impact PMPM from a US third-party payer's perspective. Together with the efficacy and safety results from RUBY, these results support the use of dostarlimab + CP as a treatment option. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Dostarlimab with carboplatin–paclitaxel is a recently approved treatment for newly diagnosed advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer. This analysis was done to estimate the added costs that US commercial and Medicare health plans would have over 3 years if this treatment was covered. This analysis found that the budget increase for covering dostarlimab with carboplatin–paclitaxel was small ($0.02–$0.06 per commercial plan member per month; $0.07–$0.22 per Medicare plan member per month). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of dapagliflozin added to standard of care (SoC) versus SoC in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients from the Qatari healthcare perspective. Materials and Methods: A lifetime Markov model was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of adding dapagliflozin to SoC based on the findings of Petrie et al. 2020, which were based on the DAPA-HF trial. The model was constructed based on four health states: "alive with no event", "urgent visit for heart failure", "hospitalization for heart failure", and "dead". The model considered 1,000 hypothetical HFrEF and without T2DM patients using 3-month cycles over a lifetime horizon. The outcome of interest was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per quality-adjusted life-year gained (QALY) and years of life lived (YLL). Utility and cost data were obtained from published sources. A scenario analysis was performed to replace the transition probabilities of events in people without T2DM with the transition probabilities of events irrespective of T2DM status, based on findings of the DAPA-HF trial. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to confirm the robustness of the conclusion. Results: Adding dapagliflozin to SoC was estimated to dominate SoC alone, resulting in 0.6 QALY and 0.8 YLL, at a cost saving of QAR771 (USD211) per person compared with SoC alone, with total healthcare costs of QAR42,413 (USD 11,620) versus 43,184 (USD11,831) per person, respectively. When replacing the transition probabilities of events in people without T2DM with the transition probabilities of events in people irrespective of T2DM status, dapagliflozin was cost-effective at ICER of QAR5,212 (USD1,428) per QALY gained and QAR3,880 (USD1,063) per YLL. In the probabilistic sensitivity analysis, dapagliflozin combined with SoC was cost saving in over 49% of the cases and cost-effective in over 43% of the simulated cases against QALYs gained and YLL. Limitations: Data from clinical trials were used instead of local data, which may limit the local relevance. However, evidence from the local Qatari population is lacking. Also, indirect costs were not included due to a paucity of available data. Conclusions: Adding dapagliflozin to SoC is likely to be a cost-saving therapy for patients with HFrEF and without T2DM in Qatar. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction is a type of heart failure characterized by left ventricular ejection fraction of 40% or less. Dapagliflozin is a novel therapy for this condition, which was initially designed to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is unclear whether dapagliflozin is a cost-effective option for patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and without type 2 diabetes. A lifetime Markov model was developed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of adding dapagliflozin to standard of care from the Qatari healthcare perspective. Model results suggest that adding dapagliflozin to standard of care dominated standard of care alone, resulting in a gain of 0.8 years of life lived, a gain of 0.6 quality-adjusted life-years, and a cost saving of 211 United States dollars per person. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: VAD therapy has revolutionized the treatment of end-stage heart failure, but infections remain an important complication. The objective of this study was to characterize the clinical and economic impacts of VAD-specific infections. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a United States claims database identified members ≥ 18 years with a claim for a VAD implant procedure, at least 6 months of pre-implant baseline data, and 12 months of follow-up between 1 June 2016 and 31 December 2019. Cumulative incidence of infection was calculated. Infection and non-infection cohorts were compared regarding mortality, healthcare utilization, and total cost. Regression models were used to identify risk factors associated with infections and mortality. Results: A total of 2,259 patients with a VAD implant were included, with 369 experiencing infection (12-month cumulative incidence 16.1%). Patients with infection were 2.1 times more likely to die (p < 0.001, 95% CI [1.5–2.9]). The mean 12-month total cost per US patient was $354,339 for the non-infection cohort and $397,546 for the infection cohort, a difference of $43,207 (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: VAD infections were associated with higher mortality, more healthcare utilization, and higher total cost. Strategies to minimize VAD-specific infections could lead to improved clinical and economic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD), caused by cassava mosaic geminiviruses (CMGs), is a major constraint to the cassava crop in Africa and southeastern Asia. Here, we investigated the ability of acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), a functional analog of salicylic acid (SA), to trigger systemic acquired resistance (SAR) against two CMGs, namely African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) and East African cassava mosaic Cameroon virus (EACMCV) in Nicotiana benthamiana. ASM treatment delayed the time to first viral symptoms appearance, reduced virus infection rate, and attenuated symptoms. Furthermore, ASM caused an enhanced recovery from symptoms of both viruses and inhibited plant death observed in N. benthamiana plants infected by EACMCV. This study further showed that ASM induced resistance to the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), the vector of CMGs, in cassava. Notably, we observed that ASM treatment affected adult whitefly feeding preference and oviposition in cassava under both choice and no-choice conditions. A significant reduction in whitefly adult, egg, and nymph populations was observed irrespective of ASM treatment. The results of this study show that ASM has the potential to control both CMGs and their whitefly vector which is an important first step toward managing whitefly and cassava viruses.

Bone biomineralization is a complex process in which type I collagen and associated non-collagenous proteins (NCPs), including glycoproteins and proteoglycans, interact closely with inorganic calcium and phosphate ions to control the precipitation of nanosized, non-stoichiometric hydroxyapatite (HAP, idealized stoichiometry Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) within the organic matrix of a tissue. The ability of certain vertebrate tissues to mineralize is critically related to several aspects of their function. The goal of this study was to identify specific NCPs in mineralizing and non-mineralizing tissues of two animal models, rat and turkey, and to determine whether some NCPs are unique to each type of tissue. The tissues investigated were rat femur (mineralizing) and tail tendon (non-mineralizing) and turkey leg tendon (having both mineralizing and non-mineralizing regions in the same individual specimen). An experimental approach ex vivo was designed for this investigation by combining sequential protein extraction with comprehensive protein mapping using proteomics and Western blotting. The extraction method enabled separation of various NCPs based on their association with either the extracellular organic collagenous matrix phases or the inorganic mineral phases of the tissues. The proteomics work generated a complete picture of NCPs in different tissues and animal species. Subsequently, Western blotting provided validation for some of the proteomics findings. The survey then yielded generalized results relevant to various protein families, rather than only individual NCPs. This study focused primarily on the NCPs belonging to the small leucine-rich proteoglycan (SLRP) family and the small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoproteins (SIBLINGs). SLRPs were found to be associated only with the collagenous matrix, a result suggesting that they are mainly involved in structural matrix organization and not in mineralization. SIBLINGs as well as matrix Gla (γ-carboxyglutamate) protein were strictly localized within the inorganic mineral phase of mineralizing tissues, a finding suggesting that their roles are limited to mineralization. The results from this study indicated that osteocalcin was closely involved in mineralization but did not preclude possible additional roles as a hormone. This report provides for the first time a spatial survey and comparison of NCPs from mineralizing and non-mineralizing tissues ex vivo and defines the proteome of turkey leg tendons as a model for vertebrate mineralization.

Mallory-Denk-bodies (MDBs) are hepatic protein aggregates associated with inflammation both clinically and in MDB-inducing models. Similar protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases also triggers inflammation and NF-κB activation. However, the precise mechanism that links protein aggregation to NF-κB-activation and inflammatory response remains unclear. Herein we find that treating primary hepatocytes with MDB-inducing agents (N-methylprotoporphyrin (NMPP), protoporphyrin IX (PPIX), or Zinc-protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP)) elicited an IκBα-loss with consequent NF-κB activation. Four known mechanisms of IκBα-loss i.e. the canonical ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradation (UPD), autophagic-lysosomal degradation, calpain degradation and translational inhibition, were all probed and excluded. Immunofluorescence analyses of ZnPP-treated cells coupled with 8 M urea/CHAPS-extraction revealed that this IκBα-loss was due to its sequestration along with IκBβ into insoluble aggregates, thereby releasing NF-κB. Through affinity pulldown, proximity biotinylation by antibody recognition, and other proteomic analyses, we verified that NF-κB subunit p65, which stably interacts with IκBα under normal conditions, no longer binds to it upon ZnPP-treatment. Additionally, we identified 10 proteins that interact with IκBα under baseline conditions, aggregate upon ZnPP-treatment, and maintain the interaction with IκBα after ZnPP-treatment, either by cosequestering into insoluble aggregates or through a different mechanism. Of these 10 proteins, the nucleoporins Nup153 and Nup358/RanBP2 were identified through RNA-interference, as mediators of IκBα-nuclear import. The concurrent aggregation of IκBα, NUP153, and RanBP2 upon ZnPP-treatment, synergistically precluded the nuclear entry of IκBα and its consequent binding and termination of NF-κB activation. This novel mechanism may account for the protein aggregate-induced inflammation observed in liver diseases, thus identifying novel targets for therapeutic intervention. Because of inherent commonalities this MDB cell model is a bona fide protoporphyric model, making these findings equally relevant to the liver inflammation associated with clinical protoporphyria.

The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the association between human blood type and COVID-19 in both inpatient and longitudinal populations and (2) identify the association between blood type and severity of COVID-19 via presence of cellular biomarkers of severe infection in hospitalized individuals at our institution in South Florida. This study consisted of (1) a single-center retrospective analysis of 669 out of 2741 COVID-19-positive, screened patients seen from 1 January 2020 until 31 March 2021 at the University of Miami Emergency Department (ED) who tested positive for COVID-19 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. In an inpatient setting, blood type appeared to be associated with COVID-19 severity and mortality. Blood type O sustained less risk of COVID-19 mortality, and blood type O- demonstrated less risk of developing COVID-19 pneumonia. Inpatients with O- blood type exhibited less biomarkers of severe infection than did other blood types. In a longitudinal setting, there was no association found between blood type and SARS-CoV-2 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Area-wide field experiments were conducted in bitter gourd during 2014-2016 at Karnal, Haryana to study validation and economic viability and feasibility of adaptable and rational IPM technology involving farmers' driven holistic approach. The adoption of IPM technology, apart from lowering the incidence of major pests, reduced the number of chemical sprays to 5-9 from 15-17 in non-IPM fields with higher yields of 31.3, 22.3 and 18.75 mt/ ha in IPM compared to 29.5, 20.8 and 17.45 mt/ ha in non-IPM fields with marginally higher CBR of 1:1.80, 1:1.54 and 1:1.91 in IPM than 1:1.60, 1:1.30 and 1:1.68, respectively, in FP fields. There was a net income increase of Rs 23718.1, 35079 and 32403/ ha in IPM fields over FP fields. On an average, IPM farmers harnessed higher net return of Rs. 1.27 lakh/ ha with B:C ratio of 1:1.75 compared to the non-IPM farmers with net return of Rs. 0.97 lakh/ ha with a B:C ratio of 1:1.52. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inadequate health literacy is a risk factor for poorer outcomes across various conditions. The present study examined the level of health literacy, as measured by the Single Item Literacy Screener (SILS), and its association with a range of physical and mental outcomes [e.g. health-related quality of life, depression, anxiety, well-being, body mass index (BMI)] among individuals with depression in Hong Kong. A total of 112 individuals with depression were recruited from the community and invited to complete a survey. Among the participants, 42.9% of them were classified as having inadequate health literacy as screened by the SILS. After adjusting for significant sociodemographic and background variables, participants with inadequate health literacy had significantly poorer health-related quality of life and well-being, and had higher scores in depression, anxiety and BMI compared with those with adequate health literacy. Inadequate health literacy was associated with a range of negative physical and mental outcomes among individuals with depression. Interventions promoting the health literacy level of individuals with depression are highly warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extensive application of ceramic matrix composites has always been limited due to the long-period and expensive process. Hence, this research introduces a rapid manufacturing method named as ViS f P-TiCOP (High Viscosity Solvent-free Precursor Combined Elemental Titanium Controlled Pyrolysis). The solvent-free precursor possesses high viscosity (30 °C, 106 mPa S) and wide molecular weight distribution (M z /M w = 3.3), accomplishing stable loading of inorganic fillers. Simultaneously, the elementary titanium and ZrB 2 , as the active and inert filler, are dopped into the precursor to control the pyrolysis. The ViS f P-TiCOP technique offers a rapid method to manufacture CMCs under pressureless and low pyrolysis temperature conditions (1200 °C). Comparing to the addition of ZrB 2 , the precursor with titanium provides an exceptional ceramic yield of 87 wt%, leading a notable enhancement in the rate of densification. This high densification efficiency is attributed to an in-situ titanium gas-phase reaction, besides with the high degree of cross-linking and low volatile of precursor. After undergoing three cycles of impregnation-pyrolysis, the porosity of C/SiBCN–Ti was discovered to be below 10 vol%, whereas that of C/SiBCN-25 wt%ZrB 2 still remained as high as 20.91 vol%. The ViS f P-TiCOP technology can provide guidance for low-cost and rapid preparation of CMCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While HIV-1 subtype B has caused a large epidemic in the Western world, its transmission in Ukraine remains poorly understood. We assessed the genetic diversity of HIV-1 subtype B viruses circulating in Ukraine, characterized the transmission group structure, and estimated key evolutionary and epidemiological parameters. We analyzed 120 HIV-1 subtype B pol sequences (including 46 newly generated) sampled from patients residing in 11 regions of Ukraine between 2002 and 2017. Phylogenies were estimated using maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic methods. A Bayesian molecular clock coalescent analysis was used to estimate effective population size dynamics and date the most recent common ancestors of identified clades. A phylodynamic birth-death model was used to estimate the effective reproductive number (Re) of these clades. We identified two phylogenetically distinct predominantly Ukrainian (≥75%) clades of HIV-1 subtype B. We found no significant transmission group structure for either clade, suggesting frequent mixing among transmission groups. The estimated dates of origin of both subtype B clades were around early 1970s, similar to the introduction of HIV-1 subtype A into Ukraine. Re was estimated to be 1.42 [95% highest posterior density (HPD) 1.26-1.56] for Clade 1 and 1.69 (95% HPD 1.49-1.84) for Clade 2. Evidently, the subtype B epidemic in the country is no longer concentrated in specific geographical regions or transmission groups. The study results highlight the necessity for strengthening preventive and monitoring efforts to reduce the further spread of HIV-1 subtype B.

The purpose of this study was to improve the photocatalytic activity of TiO 2. A composite material in which apatite crystals were precipitated on the surface of TiO 2 was synthesized by immersing TiO 2 powder in pseudo-body solution. The composite material was heated in an attempt to improve the crystallization without inducing the anatase to rutile phase transformation of TiO 2 or reducing the specific surface area. In contrast to using TiO 2 alone, apatite-coated TiO 2 had a higher anatase-to-rutile transition temperature and lower specific surface area. In the methylene blue decolorization test, the decolorization rate of apatite-coated TiO 2 gradually increased with an increase in the heating temperature from 100 °C to 500 °C, and rapidly increased from 700 °C to 900 °C. The apatite-coated TiO 2 heated at 800 °C had the highest decolorization speed, which was approximately three times faster than that of apatite-coated TiO 2 without heating. It is assumed that the crystallinity of the anatase part is enhanced by heating, and the photocatalytic activity is improved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the influence of small additions of Cr, Mo, Cu, Ni, B, Ca, Zr, and Ce on the hot ductility of advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) has been reviewed. Most of these small additions have a positive effect in improving hot ductility on straightening during continuous casting operations and should be considered when problems with cracking in continuous casting are encountered. In many of these cases, the reason for these generally small but important improvements in hot ductility is not known with certainty, but the segregation of these elements to the austenite grain boundaries, strengthening the bonding, is often suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]