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What data are needed to detect wildfire effects on coastal ecosystems? A case study d...
Sasha J. Kramer
Kelsey M Bisson

Sasha J. Kramer

and 2 more

February 24, 2023
A document by Sasha J. Kramer. Click on the document to view its contents.
High prevalence of blaCTX-M-15 type extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in Gambian hood...
Hanna Woksepp
Fagimba Camara

Hanna Woksepp

and 2 more

February 23, 2023
One hundred fecal samples from hooded vultures in the Gambia (Banjul area) were investigated for the presence of bacteria with extended-spectrum cephalosporin- (ESBL/AmpC), carbapenemases, and colistin resistance. No Enterobacteriales carrying carbapenemases or resistance against colistin were detected. Fifty-four ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and five ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates were identified in 52 of the samples, of which 52 E. coli and 4 K. pneumoniae yielded passed sequencing results. Fifty of the E. coli had ESBL phenotype and genotype harboring blaCTX-M genes, of which 88.5% (n=46) were the blaCTX-M-15 gene, commonly found on the African continent. Furthermore, the genetic context around blaCTX-M-15 was similar between isolates, being co-localized with ISKpn19. In contrast, cgMLST analysis of the E. coli harboring ESBL genes revealed a genetic distribution over a large fraction of the currently known existing E. coli populations in the Gambia. Hooded vultures in the Gambia thus have a high ESBL E. coli-prevalence (>50%) with low diversity regarding key resistance genes. Furthermore, given the urban presence and frequent interactions between hooded vultures and humans, data from this study implies hooded vultures as potential vectors contributing to the further dissemination of antibiotic-resistance genes.
Factors influencing data-driven healthcare and learning health system
Salifu Yusif
Abdul Hafeez-Baig

Salifu Yusif

and 1 more

February 23, 2023
The health industry is undergoing a critical transformation to become data-driven to catch up with other service industries. To achieve this, the industry would need to transition from its current conventional digital health models, which are impacted by several factors ranging from data quality and availability, technology advancement/trend, enabling ecosystem, public-private partnership, and care consumer participation to data skills development and change management. It would need to create a learning health system (LHS) when it integrates and inculcates knowledge-generating capabilities in its operations to take advantage of big data to identify healthcare service quality gaps and evaluate interventions for progressive improvement. But first, it has to continue to explore and come up with novel data-generating innovations, the use of data by healthcare consumers and providers, and reliable data regulation to ensure privacy and security as factors that influence data-driven healthcare design/models.
Upgrade is independently associated with short-term mortality after cardiac resynchro...
Tainá Viana
Gustavo Pinheiro Santana

Tainá Viana

and 7 more

February 24, 2023
Title: Upgrade is independently associated with short-term mortality after cardiac resynchronization therapy.
The Use of Quality Improvement Interventions in Reducing Rarely Appropriate Echocardi...
Michael Tao
Mohammed Al-Sadawi

Michael Tao

and 5 more

February 23, 2023
Background: As the volume of cardiac imaging continues to increase, so is the number of tests performed for rarely appropriate indications. Appropriate use criteria (AUC) documents were published by professional societies with quality improvement (QI) interventions developed in various institutions. However, the effectiveness of these interventions has not been assessed in a systematic fashion. Methods: We performed a database search for studies reporting the association between cardiac imaging, AUC and QI. We selected studies assessing the effect of QI interventions on performance of rarely appropriate echocardiograms. The primary endpoint was reduction of rarely appropriate testing. Results: Nine studies with 22,070 patients met inclusion criteria. QI interventions resulted in statistically significant reduction in rarely appropriate tests (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.41-0.66; p<0.01). The effects of QI interventions were analyzed over both the short (< 3 months) and long-term (> 3 months) post intervention (OR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.49-0.79; p<0.01 in the short term, and OR 0.47, 95% CI: 0.35-0.62; p<0.01 in the long term). Subgroup analysis of the type of intervention, classified as education tools or decision support tools showed both significantly reduced rarely appropriate testing (OR 0.54, 95% CI: 0.41-0.73; p<0.01; OR 0.47, 95% CI: 0.36-0.61; p<0.01). Adding a feedback tool did not change the effect compared to not using a feedback tool (OR 0.49 vs. 0.57, 95% CI: 0.36-0.68 vs. 0.39-0.84; p>0.05). Conclusion: QI interventions are associated with a significant reduction in performance of rarely appropriate echocardiography testing, the effects of which persist over time.
System-level transcriptomics of wheat responses to FHB identifies gene regulatory net...
Florian Rocher
Samir Dou

Florian Rocher

and 6 more

February 23, 2023
Plant diseases are driven by an intricate set of defense mechanisms counterbalanced by the expression of host susceptibility factors promoted through the action of pathogen effectors. In spite of their central role in the establishment of the pathology, the primary components of plant susceptibility are still poorly understood and challenging to trace. Focusing on Fusarium head blight (FHB) in bread wheat and integrating plant transcriptomics responses from a susceptible cultivar facing Fusarium graminearum strains of different aggressiveness, we described unexpected differential expression of a conserved set of transcription factors and an original subset of master regulators were evidenced using a regulation network approach. The dual-integration with the expression data of pathogen effector genes combined with database mining, demonstrated robust connections with the plant molecular regulators and identified relevant candidate genes involved in plant immunity, mostly able to suppress plant defense mechanisms. Furthermore, taking advantage of wheat cultivars of contrasting susceptibility levels, a refined list of 142 conserved susceptibility gene candidates were proposed to be necessary host’s determinants for the establishment of a compatible interaction. In this respect, our findings provide new clues for improving FHB control in wheat and also could conceivably leverage further original researches dealing with a broader spectrum of plant pathogens.
Surgical Repair of Septal Perforations: Comparison of Pedicled Anterior Ethmoid Flap...
Megan Falls
Joseph B. Meleca

Megan Falls

and 9 more

February 23, 2023
Abstract Background: Nasal septal perforations (NSP) cause a variety of bothersome symptoms for patients, and when medical management fails, surgical repair is indicated. Objective: This study examines the efficacy of a NSP repair method utilizing superficial or deep temporal fascia and a polydiaxonone (PDS) plate scaffold to the prior repair method of a pedicled anterior ethmoid mucosal flap. Methods: A retrospective review of patients who underwent NSP repair at a tertiary academic medical center from 2016-2021. Results: The most common etiologies for NSP were prior nasal surgery, digital trauma, and chronic epistaxis. Compared to the previous repair group with local flaps, the temporalis fascia and PDS plate group had significantly higher rates of complete closure for perforations of all sizes and a lower incidence of revision surgery. Patients also reported improved resolution of symptoms after repair with this new method. Conclusion: The use of temporalis fascia with a PDS plate is a promising surgical method for repair of NSP, regardless of size or etiology. Keywords: septal perforation, polydiaxonone, temporalis
Clinical efficacy and safety of HIFU combined with GnRH-a and hysteroscopic surgery a...
yan peng
YU DAI

yan peng

and 6 more

February 23, 2023
Objective To assess the safety and clinical efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) combined with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a), hysteroscopic surgery (hysteroscopic resection of adenomyosis and endometrial ablation) and levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) for the treatment of adenomyosis patients with an unsatisfactory HIFU ablation. Design A retrospective analysis. Setting A specialized hospital in China. Population In all, 25 adenomyosis patients with HIFU ablation, the the non-perfused volume (NPV) ratio<50%, without fertility requirement. Methods All patients underwent HIFU ablation combined with GnRH-a, hysteroscopic surgery and LNG-IUS treatment (HGHL), with a follow-up period of at least 12 months. Main outcome measures The changes in dysmenorrhea and menstrual volume before, and at 3, 6 and 12 months following HGHL treatment. Results All 25 patients enrolled in the study were successfully treated with the HGHL combination with a median follow-up length of 15 months (range, 12–30 months). Mean value of the NPV ratio calculated immediately after the HIFU treatment was (32.8±10.4)%. Mean operation time, median intraoperative blood loss and median length of hospital stay of hysteroscopic surgery were 42.9±12.8 min, 10 (5,15) ml, and 3 (3,3) days, respectively. No significant complications were observed during HGHL treatment. Compared with the symptom scores before the HIFU treatment, the score of dysmenorrhea and menstrual volume decreased significantly at 3, 6 and 12 months after HGHL treatment ( p< 0.05), and no significant difference was observed between 3, 6 and 12 months after HGHL treatment ( p> 0.05). No recurrence was observed during the follow-up. Conclusions HGHL is a novel and effective combination therapy for adenomyosis with unsatisfactory HIFU ablation with the goal of preserving as much of the uterus as possible.
Considerations on implementation of the newest treatment for symptomatic uterine fibr...
Maria de Lange
Annika Semmler

Maria de Lange

and 6 more

February 23, 2023
Novel Gonadotrophin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) antagonist treatments have recently been developed in combination with hormonal add-back therapy, as an oral treatment option for women suffering from uterine fibroids. Registration trials assessing the GnRH antagonist combination preparations with relugolix, elagolix, and linzagolix have assessed treatment efficacy for fibroid related heavy menstrual blood loss in comparison to placebo. Marketing authorization has already been granted by several agencies including those in Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Prior to marketing authorization, the European Medicines Agency recommends that Phase III registration trails should assess treatment efficacy in a representative study population, assess relevant outcomes with a comparison to gold-standard alternative treatment options and that long-term safety data will adequately be collected. In this review, we demonstrate limitations in the trial data generated to date, namely a lack of generalizability due to the restricted population studied, the absence of any comparison to alternative treatment methods, and findings limited to specific subgroups of patients because of the type of outcomes assessed. Symptoms related to uterine fibroids adversely affect many women’s quality of life and effective medical treatments are lacking. However, despite the urgent need for effective treatments, it is vitally important that novel drugs, like combination oral GnRH antagonists, undergo sufficiently rigorous evaluation of safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness in a representative population compared with alternative treatment methods before introduction into mainstream clinical practice.
Global transmission of Monkeypox virus -- a potential threat under the COVID-19 pande...
Hao Zhou
Yang Wang

Hao Zhou

and 2 more

February 23, 2023
Since May 2022, Monkeypox virus (MPXV) cases have dramatically increased worldwide. In this comprehensive review, we describe the basic characteristics, transmission routes, and susceptible individuals of MPXV as well as discuss the main causes of the current outbreak. The history, clades, genetic evolution, and transmission tendency of MPXV are depicted. Regarding viral transmission analysis in several geographical spots, we would like to point out that men who have sex with men (MSM) could play important roles in the process of transmission that eventually causes viral outbreaks. Susceptible populations at high risk of infection alert society to raise awareness on the protection of these special individuals. We also highlight that airline traveling is a driving force in causing international MPXV transmission. Further summarization of the clinical implications, the prevention of MPXV, and clinical measures of viral detection can enable the rapid diagnosis of MPXV.
Biomembrane Force Probe (BFP): Designs, advancements and recent applications to live-...
Laura Moldovan
Caroline Song

Laura Moldovan

and 4 more

February 23, 2023
Mechanical forces play a crucial role in biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels. Recent advancements in dynamic force spectroscopies (DFS) have enabled the application and measurement of forces and displacements with high resolutions, providing insights into the mechanical pathways involved in various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and COVID-19. Among the various DFS techniques, biomembrane force probe (BFP) advancements have improved our ability to measure bond kinetics and cellular mechanosensing with pico-newton and nano-meter resolutions. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the classical BFP-DFS setup and highlight key advancements, including the development of dual biomembrane force probe (dBFP) and fluorescence biomembrane force probe (fBFP). BFP-DFS not only enables the investigation of dynamic bond behaviors on living cells, but also contributed significantly to our understanding of the specific ligand–receptor axes mediated cell mechanosensing. Besides, we explore the contribution of discoveries made possible by BFP-DFS in cancer biology, thrombosis, and inflammation, as well as predict future BFP upgrades to improve output and feasibility. Although BFP-DFS is still a niche research modality, its contribution to the growing field of cell mechanobiology is unparalleled, and its potential to elucidate novel therapeutic discoveries is significant.
NATURAL HISTORY OF POSTNATAL HUMAN CYTOMEGALOVIRUS INFECTION
Piera d’Angelo
PAOLA ZELINI

Piera d’Angelo

and 8 more

February 23, 2023
Postnatal cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection is well characterized in preterm infants, where it can lead to severe symptomatic infection. We analyzed the rate and route of transmission of postnatal HCMV infections in full-term babies during the first year of life. A cohort of 120 HCMV seropositive mothers and their 122 newborns were tested after delivery for HCMV DNA shedding in different bodily fluids. Postnatal HCMV infection was defined as the detection of >2.5×10 2 HCMV-DNA copies/mL in infants’ saliva swabs. Maternal neutralizing antibody serum titer, HCMV specific T-cell response, and HCMV glycoprotein B (gB) IgG on breastmilk were analyzed. HCMV shedding was detected in 67 of 120 mothers (55.8%), and 20 of 122 infants (16.4%) developed HCMV infection within the first three months of life. Six additional infants were infected during the first year, for a postnatal infection rate of 21.3%. Viral shedding was more frequent in breastmilk than saliva, urine and vaginal secretions, and the mothers of infected infants showed higher levels of HCMV-DNA in milk. No association was found between the antibody levels in serum or milk and maternal viral shedding, whereas a slightly lower frequency of HCMV-specific CD4 + T-cells with long-term memory phenotype was observed in women with HCM-DNA-positive milk. About one out of five infants develop HCMV infection within the first year of life. Breastmilk appears the major route of transmission of the infection, maternal saliva have a minor role whereas the role of vaginal secretions is negligible.
Enhancement of SARS-CoV-2 infection and growth by an ACE2-specific monoclonal antibod...
Guangxiang Luo

Guangxiang Luo

February 23, 2023
SARS-CoV-2 causes COVID-19 pandemic and continues to pose a threat to global public health through genetic mutation. In this study, we have found that an ACE2-specific monoclonal antibody at low concentration was able to greatly enhance SARS-CoV-2 infection and growth in cell culture. Strikingly, it promotes SARS-CoV-2 plaque formation, resulting in accurate titration of different SARS-CoV-2 variants, particularly the newly emerged Omicron variants, which otherwise cannot be determined by standard plaque assays. Quantification of infectious titers of the newly emerged variants will facilitate the development and evaluation of vaccines and antiviral drugs against SARS-CoV-2.
GENERALIZED INTEGRAL TYPE HILBERT OPERATOR ACTING BETWEEN WEIGHTED BLOCH SPACE
PENGCHENG TANG
XUEJUN ZHANG

PENGCHENG TANG

and 1 more

February 23, 2023
Let µ be a finite Borel measure on [0 ,1). In this paper, we consider the generalized integral type Hilbert operator I µ α + 1 ( f ) ( z ) = ∫ 0 1 f ( t ) ( 1 − tz ) α + 1 d µ ( t ) ( α > − 1 ) . The operator I µ 1 has been extensively studied recently. The aim of this paper is to study the boundedness(resp. compactness) of I µ α + 1 acting from the normal weight Bloch space into another of the same kind. As consequences of our study, we get completely results for the boundedness of I µ α + 1 acting between Bloch type spaces, logarithmic Bloch spaces among others.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF PNEUMONIA WITHOUT VACCINATION UNDER THREE YEAR CHILDREN INSO...
Tadesse Lamesse
Batire Bargene

Tadesse Lamesse

and 1 more

February 23, 2023
This thesis looked at statistical models for the spread of pneumonia among young children under three in WolaitaSodo town without vaccination. A lung illness known as pneumonia is brought on by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It is a severe infection where pus and other liquids fill the air sacs. In this research, we use data from the Sodo Town Hospitals to develop a deterministic Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) model to study the spread of pneumonia. In this instance, we examine the effects of pneumonia using an Ordinary Differential Equation. The constancy The next generating matrices method was used to analyze the model and find the Basic Reproductive number. If R 0 <1, the disease-free equilibrium is locally asymptotically stable, and if R 0 >1it isunstable. The research assesses the influence of preventative measures (primarily those lacking vaccination) on pneumonia disease. Through the security of the equilibria, conditions for the eradication or persistence of the pneumonia infection are deduced. In the event of an outbreak, the most crucial element in stopping the spread of streptococcus pneumonia is prompt vaccination, and vaccination of the susceptible population is necessary to stop the disease’s spread. To support our theoretical findings, numerical simulations are given as a conclusion.
Increased dialysis symptom index burden in maintenance hemodialysis patients during t...
Wen-Man Zhao
Li Zhu

Wen-Man Zhao

and 8 more

February 23, 2023
The high prevalence of dialysis-related symptoms in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients severely affect quality of life. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the dialysis symptom index (DSI) of MHD patients during the second wave of COVID-19, which triggered a health crisis, resulting in many cities in China opting for social isolation. A total of 106 MHD patients from our center were screened. DSI, sleep quality, and fatigue scales were investigated separately before and during lockdown. Demographic and laboratory data of MHD patients were collected. A nomogram was used to predict high DSI by combining multiple indicators. Additionally, internal validation was performed to reduce overfitting bias. The mean age of patients was 56.0 years (SD 13.1). The prevalence and severity of DSI were significantly higher during lockdown than pre-lockdown. Notably, itching, trouble staying asleep, bone or joint pain, muscle cramps, feeling irritability, difficulty concentrating, headache, constipation, and feeling nervous were observed ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified longer dialysis vintage, lower albumin level, and lower Kt/V as predictors of high DSI. Additionally, the nomogram showed good accuracy in estimating high DSI with a C-index and bootstrap-corrected index of 0.875 and 0.863, respectively. Moreover, calibration plots showed optimal consistency with the actual presence of high DSI. We found a higher prevalence of DSI in MHD patients during the COVID-19 lockdown. Furthermore, patients with longer dialysis vintage, lower albumin levels and Kt/V had a risk of developing high DSI. Further studies should identify targeted therapies for improving the symptom burden of MHD patients.
Centralization potential of automotive E/E architectures
Lucas Mauser
Stefan Wagner

Lucas Mauser

and 1 more

September 19, 2024
Current automotive E/E architectures are subject to significant transformations: Computing-power-intensive advanced driver-assistance systems, bandwidth-hungry infotainment systems, the connection of the vehicle with the internet and the consequential need for cyber-security drives the centralization of E/E architectures. A centralized architecture is often seen as a key enabler to master those challenges. Available research focuses mostly on the different types of E/E architectures and contrasts their advantages and disadvantages. There is a research gap on guidelines for system designers and function developers to analyze the potential of their systems for centralization. The present paper aims to quantify centralization potential reviewing relevant literature and conducting qualitative interviews with industry practitioners. In literature, we identified seven key automotive system properties reaching limitations in current automotive architectures: busload, functional safety, computing power, feature dependencies, development and maintenance costs, error rate, modularity and flexibility. These properties serve as quantitative evaluation criteria to estimate whether centralization would enhance overall system performance. In the interviews, we have validated centralization and its fundament - the conceptual systems engineering - as capabilities to mitigate these limitations. By focusing on practical insights and lessons learned, this research provides system designers with actionable guidance to optimize their systems, addressing the outlined challenges while avoiding monolithic architecture. This paper bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical application, offering valuable takeaways for practitioners.
Morphology and distribution of antennal sensilla on Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidopter...
Wen-Wen WANG
Peng-Yang HE

Wen-Wen WANG

and 4 more

February 23, 2023
Abstract The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important and devastating insect pest feeding on extensive species of plants and causing serious economic losses in crops worldwide. The antennal sensilla of insect adults and larvae play an important role in the recognition and perception of plant odors and chemical pheromones. In this study, the antennal morphology, and sensilla types on the antennae of both FAW larvae and adults were examined using an optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The results showed that FAW larval antennae possessed smell pores, sensilla pegs, and 5 types of antennal sensilla, i.e., sensilla trichodea Ⅰ and Ⅱ, sensilla basiconica Ⅰ and Ⅱ, sensilla chaetica, sensilla cavity, and sensilla styloconicum. Among them, smell pores and sensilla cavity were first identified in Lepidoptera larvae. The size of the antennal sensilla on 5th-instar larvae was significantly larger than those of 3rd-instar larvae. The antennae of FAW adults were thread-like and the flagellum consisted of 69-73 subsegments. The adult antennae were covered by imbricate scales and most sensilla were on the ventral side of the flagellum. There were smell pores and 12 types of sensilla were identified on adult antennae, i.e., sensilla trichodea, sensilla basicaonica, sensilla auricillica, sensilla cavity, sensilla placodea, sensilla ligulate, Böhm bristles, sensilla chaetica, sensilla squamous, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla styloconicum, and sensilla uniporous peg. Among them, sensilla uniporous peg were only distributed in females. Sensilla cavity, sensilla placodea, sensilla ligulate, sensilla uniporous peg, and smell pores were first identified in FAW adults. To further explore the host location mechanism and courtship behavior of FAW, the possible functions of these antennal sensilla were also discussed. The present work not only provides valuable information for a comprehensive understanding of the type and function of antennal sensilla in FAW, but also assists the development of novel pest control strategies such as pest behavior control technology for the prevention of this invasive pest.
Generalized Filtered Lifting Line Theory for Arbitrary Chord Lengths and Application...
Luis A. Martínez-Tossas
Philip Sakievich

Luis A. Martínez-Tossas

and 3 more

February 23, 2023
The filtered lifting line theory is an analytical approach to solving the equations of flow subjected to body forces with a Gaussian distribution, such as used in the actuator line model. In the original formulation 1, the changes in chord length along the blade were assumed to be small. This assumption can lead to errors in the induced velocities predicted by the theory compared to full solutions of the equations. In this work, we revisit the original derivation and provide a more general formulation, that can account for significant changes in chord along the blade. The revised formulation allows for applications to wings with significant changes in chord along the span, such as wind turbine blades.
Beyond 5G: Exploiting learning aided precoder for downlink Cell-Free networks
Mona Aggarwal
Swapnaja Deshpande

Mona Aggarwal

and 3 more

February 23, 2023
Cell-free massive multiple-input multiple-output (CFMM) networks with its ubiquitous coverage at high spectral efficiency (SE), is one of the promising technology for 5G and beyond system. In this study, We propose a new framework for downlink (DL) CFMM system operating under Rayleigh fading channel model. We introduce new deep learning-based precoding scheme that improve the performance of the proposed system by reducing run time and computational complexity as compared to conventional linear precoding schemes. We also introduce an improved version of basic scalable pilot assignment algorithm which further enhances system performance. We derive closed- form expression for average DL spectral efficiency (SE) for the proposed scheme considering channel estimation error and pilot contamination(PC), which is then compared with Minimum Mean Square Error(MMSE), Regularised Zero Forcing (RZF) and Maximum Ratio (MR) combining techniques. We analyse the proposed scheme with perfect channel state information(CSI), instantaneous CSI, coherent transmission, non-coherent transmission, different pilot configuration, non-linear and linear precoding techniques. Numerical results shows that the proposed deep learning based precoding scheme outperforms other conventional techniques. endabstract
Vertical distribution characteristics of soil bacterial community structure during ve...
Xiaopeng Wang
Man Zhou

Xiaopeng Wang

and 8 more

February 23, 2023
The vertical distribution of soil microorganisms in soil indicates the restoration degree of degraded soil ecosystems. We took the untreated bare land and vegetation restoration sample plot in the red soil erosion area of southern China as the object of study; comparatively analysed the soil bacterial community changes in the 0 to 10, 10 to 20, 20 to 30 and 30 to 40 cm soil layers; and explored the environmental factors driving the change in the soil bacterial community. The poor nutrient conditions created by soil erosion increased the competitiveness of autotrophs and made Chloroflexi the dominant phylum of bacteria. Soil erosion led to the gradual similarity of soil bacterial communities in the 0 to 10, 10 to 20 and 20 to 30 cm soil layers. However, only the relative abundance of Actinobacteria changed in different soil layers in the erosion area, mainly due to the inconsistent distribution of soil organic carbon caused by erosion affecting the change in the Actinobacteria relative abundance in the soil layer. After vegetation restoration, the soil properties of the eroded land were obviously improved, and the dominant bacterial phylum changed from autotrophic bacteria ( Chloroflexi) to heterotrophic bacteria ( Actinobacteria). The change in community structure existed only in the 0 to 30 cm soil layer in the restoration area, while the community structure changed to mainly Proteobacteria in the 30 to 40 cm soil layer. The change in the respective proportions of Chloroflexi, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria was the main reason for the difference in soil bacterial community structure among soil layers. The change in soil aggregates caused by vegetation restoration was the main environmental factor driving the variation in soil bacterial community structure, and the formation of aggregates was closely related to soil organic carbon. The vertical distribution of Actinobacteria in different soil layers can indicate the degree of soil ecosystem restoration in the red soil erosion area of southern China, and the relationship between Actinobacteria and soil organic carbon was significant.
VIABILITY OF A WILDLIFE CORRIDOR: CASE OF MAKUYUNI WILDLIFE CORRIDOR IN TANZANIA
Emmanuel Lyimo
Gabriel Mayengo

Emmanuel Lyimo

and 6 more

February 23, 2023
Wildlife corridors play a vital role in maintaining genetic connectivity between distant populations and provide a mix of habitats for various wildlife. Makuyuni wildlife corridor in Arusha, Tanzania, is a critical connection between Tarangire National Park, Lolkisale, Simanjiro Game Controlled Areas, Manyara Ranch, and Essmingor Forest Nature Reserve. The corridor is the main route of the northern sub-population of elephants in Tarangire National Park. Currently, the corridor faces activities such as settlements, livestock keeping, and farmlands. Ground distance sampling and GPS location were used to assess the number of individuals counted, frequency of occurrence (e), and abundance (estimate ± standard error) of large mammal species. Further, classification of satellite images was used to determine land use and land cover change between 2015 and 2021in the Makuyuni study site. Eight herbivores and two carnivore species were observed during our study, with different encounter rates and estimates. The most abundant wildlife species were Thomson gazelles (e=88, 1511±256), elephant (e=12, 783 ±198), zebra (e=14, 694±239), Giraffe (e=10, 185 ±74). We also encountered two livestock species in the study area; shoats (sheep and goat) (e=27, 15854 ±2020) and cattle (e=26, 7479 ±2126). In 2015, the 261 km2 Makuyuni study area was covered by 36.8% farmland, 24.11% woodland, 6.2% shrubland, 15.6% grassland, 17.2% bare land, and 0.1% water. In 2021 farmland increased to 41%, woodland, to 11.28%, shrubland to 9.1%, and 24.2% grassland. However, bare land was reduced to 14.4% and water to 0.03%. Despite the loss of habitat and increased human activities, the corridor remains viable for wildlife movements due to the wildlife distribution pattern connecting Lolkisale-Simanjiro GCAs and Tarangire National Park to Essmingor Forest Nature Reserve. The revealed distribution and connectivity may also pose a plan and piloting the implementation of the corridor regulation of 2018 by setting beacons while controlling human activities
Ukraine -- Taiwan Offshore Wind Joint Venture. Promising cooperation for achieving En...
Glib

Glib Ivanov

February 23, 2023
An Offshore Wind joint venture between Ukraine and Taiwan is proposed to exchange Ukrainian welding experience for Taiwan's offshore wind technology, notably floating. The first Black Sea offshore wind farm is envisioned as the first economical driver of the project with later joint fixed and floating offshore wind turbine foundations production envisioned. The dangers and benefits of this project from technical and board socio-political aspects were analysed using the SPEED framework. As Ukraine and Taiwan governments are searching for possible post-war cooperation directions, this paper provides a promising idea in the field of Offshore Wind. The ultimate goal is to support the establishment of friendly relations between Taiwan and Ukraine.
Towards the convergent therapeutic potential of GPCRs in autism spectrum disorders
Anil Annamneedi
Caroline Gora

Anil Annamneedi

and 6 more

February 23, 2023
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are diagnosed in 1/100 childbirth worldwide, based on two core symptoms, deficits in social interaction and communication and stereotyped behaviours. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell-surface receptors that mediate the transfer of extracellular signals to convergent intracellular signalling and downstream cellular responses that are dysregulated in ASD. Despite hundreds of GPCRs are expressed in the brain, only 23 GPCRs are genetically associated to ASD according to the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) gene database: oxytocin OTR, vasopressin V1A, V1B, metabotropic glutamate mGlu5, mGlu7, GABAB, dopamine D1, D2, D3, serotoninergic 5-HT1B, β2-adrenoceptor, cholinergic M3, adenosine A2A, A3, angiotensin AT2, cannabinoid CB1, chemokine CX3CR1, orphan GPR37, GPR85 and olfactory OR1C1, OR2M4, OR2T10, OR52M1. Here, we review the therapeutical potential of these 23 GPCRs, in addition to 5-HT2A, 5-HT6 and 5-HT7 for their relevance to ASD. We discuss their genetic association with ASD, the effects of their genetic and pharmacological manipulation in animal models and humans, their existing pharmacopeia towards core symptoms of ASD and rank them based on these evidences. Among these 23 GPCRs, we highlight that OTR, V1A, mGlu5, D2, 5-HT2A, CB1, and GPR37 are the best therapeutic targets. We conclude that the dysregulation of GPCRs and their signalling is a convergent pathological mechanism of ASD and their therapeutic potential has only begun as multiple GPCRs could mitigate ASD.
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