ST Values Research Articles

Endangered Pinto/Northern Abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana) are Panmictic Across Their 3700 km Range Along the Pacific Coast of North America.

Connectivity is integral to the dynamics of metapopulations through dispersal and gene flow, and understanding these processes is essential for guiding conservation efforts. Abalone, broadcast-spawning marine snails associated with shallow rocky habitats, have experienced widespread declines, and all seven North American species are threatened. We investigated the connectivity and population genomics of pinto/northern abalone (Haliotis kamtschatkana), the widest-ranging of abalone species. We employed reduced representation sequencing (RADseq) to generate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data, assessing population connectivity and potential adaptive variation at 12 locations across the full range from Alaska to Mexico. Despite depleted populations, our analysis of over 6000 SNPs across nearly 300 individuals revealed that pinto abalone maintains a high genetic diversity with no evidence of a genetic bottleneck. Neutral population structure and isolation by distance were extremely weak, indicating panmixia across the species' range (global F ST = 0.0021). Phylogenetic analysis, principal components analysis, and unsupervised clustering methods all supported a single genetic population. However, slight population differentiation was noted in the Salish Sea and Inside Passage regions, with evidence for higher barriers to dispersal relative to outer coastal areas. This north-central region may also represent the species' ancestral range based on relatively low population-specific F ST values; the northern and southern extremes of the range likely represent range expansions. Outlier analysis did not identify consensus loci implicated in adaptive variation, suggesting limited adaptive differentiation. Our study sheds light on the evolutionary history and contemporary gene flow of this threatened species, providing key insights for conservation strategies, particularly in sourcing broodstock for ongoing restoration efforts.

Effects of different tillage methods on soil properties and maize seedling growth in alternating wide and narrow rows rotation mode in the Songliao Plain of China

The Songliao Plain is the main maize (Zea mays L.) producing region in Northeast China. The no-tillage22NT: no-tillage. (NT) method in alternating wide and narrow rows rotation mode is widely used for maize planting in this region. However, in spring, the NT method in this mode suffer from low soil temperature and high soil water content33SWC: soil water content. (SWC), which severely restrict maize seed germination and seedling growth. We pioneered the research and practice of the ridge tillage44RT: ridge tillage. (RT) method and strip tillage55ST: strip tillage. (ST) method in this mode. We developed a new tillage machine to enable the implementation of RT and ST methods in alternating wide and narrow rows rotation mode, which has not been previously reported in this region. In this mode, the relative research of the RT method and ST method has not been conducted, and the effects of the RT method and ST method on the soil properties and maize seedling growth have not been clarified. Therefore, a 3-year field experiment was conducted at 7 randomly selected experimental sites in this region to research the effects of RT, ST, and NT methods on soil properties and maize seedling growth. During the spring sowing period, for soil pH, organic matter66OM: organic matter. (OM), available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium, both the RT method and ST method resulted in greater values than the NT method, and there was no significant difference between the RT method and ST method. This indicated that prolonged NT was not conducive to even distribution of OM, resulting in slightly lower available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compared to the RT and ST methods. Within 30 days after spring sowing, for soil temperature, RT method value > ST method value > NT method value; for SWC, NT method value > RT method value > ST method value. For mean seedling emergence time77MET: mean seedling emergence time. (MET), RT method value < ST method value < NT method value; for seedling emergence rate88ER: seedling emergence rate. (ER), plant height, stem thickness, and plant dry weight, RT method value > ST method value > NT method value. Higher soil temperature, more suitable SWC, and better nutrient availability were beneficial in shortening MET, promoting dry matter accumulation, which ultimately increased plant height, stem thickness, and plant dry weight of maize seedlings. In RT, ST, and NT methods, soil temperature and plant dry weight were positively and linearly correlated in the 10–22 °C soil temperature interval. In the RT method and ST method, SWC and plant dry weight were positively and linearly correlated in the 15–24 % SWC interval. In the NT method, SWC and plant dry weight were negatively and linearly correlated in the 27–35 % SWC interval. Moreover, maize yield responses were positive for the RT method and ST method compared with the NT method. The RT method and ST method well solved the problems of low soil temperature and high SWC that existed in NT fields, which affected the early growth of maize seedlings, and ensured the stability and improvement of maize yields. The results suggest that both the RT method and ST method may provide significant improvements over the existing NT method.

Stress-Related Hormonal and Psychological Changes to Simulated and Official Judo Black Belt Examination in Older Tori and Adult Uke: An Exploratory Observational Study.

This study investigated the psycho-physiological impact of a black belt examination. Older brown-belt judoka (Tori, F = 2, M = 4; age = 75.6 ± 4.5 yrs) and their 2nd-5th Dan black-belt coaches (Uke; M = 6; age = 36.5 ± 10.8 yr) were evaluated during a simulated and official examination and a resting day. Participants' trait anxiety (STAI-Y2) was recorded prior to the study. State anxiety (STAI-Y1), ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), enjoyment (ENJ), and fear of falling (FoF) were collected 15 min before and after the experimental conditions. Saliva samplings at awakening (T0), PRE (T1), and POST (T2) exercise and during the recovery (15 min-T3, 30 min-T4, 60 min-T5) were collected for cortisol (sC), testosterone (sT), and alpha-amylase (sAA). Participants showed normal age-reference population trait anxiety. A difference (p ≤ 0.05) for role emerged for ENJ and sT only. For STAI-Y1, higher PRE values with respect to POST ones emerged (p = 0.005), and the highest values (p = 0.007) for PRE of the examination were with respect to the simulation. For sAA, differences for sampling were found in the examination conditions only, with peak values at T2 (370.3 ± 78.6 U/mL, p = 0.001). For sC, a significant peak value (0.51 ± 0.09 μg/dL, p = 0.012) emerged at T2 in the examination condition. With respect to Tori, Uke showed higher mean sT values in all conditions (p ≤ 0.05) and the highest T2 during examination (712.5 ± 57.2 pg/mL). Findings suggest the relevance of monitoring psycho-physiological stress-related responses in judo for optimizing both coaching effectiveness and sport performance, especially in older judo practitioners.

Scatterer spacing based on Gabor atoms matched from harmonic ultrasound echoes to improve assessment of microwave‐induced thermal lesions

AbstractBackgroundMicrowave ablation (MWA) is a minimally invasive alternative for the treatment of unresectable liver tumors. To verify the effectiveness and safety of MWA, it is critical to measure the temperature variation and assess the regions of the microwave‐induced thermal lesions.PurposeRecent studies have indicated that the locations of optimally matched Gabor atoms (LOMGA) from ultrasound radiofrequency (RF) echo signals allow accurate and stable scatterer spacing estimation. Herein, a harmonic‐based LOMGA method is proposed to estimate the scatterer spacing for improving the assessment of microwave‐induced thermal lesions.MethodsThe mean scatterer spacing (MSS) is estimated via the LOMGA method incorporating the selection of concise atoms from separated second‐harmonic RF echo signals with the pulse‐inversion algorithm for thermal lesion evaluation. In vitro experiments, 10 fresh porcine liver samples were ablated at different time nodes during the ablation period, and 200 sets of second‐harmonic and fundamental RF echo signals were randomly selected from the regions of interest in the coagulated liver samples for MSS estimation. The means and standard deviations of the MSSs, as well as the linear regression for the mean MSSs, were calculated from fundamental and second‐harmonic signals for comparison and evaluation, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the 200 sets of fundamental‐based and harmonic‐based MSS estimates from the 10 liver samples at five pairs of adjacent time nodes were calculated, and one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed for the five pairs of adjacent time nodes. The fundamental and harmonic‐based p‐values in the ANOVA tests and the areas under the ROC curves (AUCs) were calculated to statistically analyze the differences in the MSSs between adjacent time nodes.ResultsThe harmonic‐based increments in the intensity variation and coherent components were larger than the fundamental‐based increments with the increasing ablation time. The harmonic‐based MSSs from the 10 liver samples at five pairs of adjacent time nodes were found to be highly statistically significant (p &lt; 0.01). Thus, the harmonic‐based MSSs had greater variations. Compared with the fundamental‐based results, for the five preset ST values, the average increment in the harmonic‐based mean slopes was 69.22% and the average decrement in the mean standard deviations was 11.67% for the linear‐fitting MSS results, and the results were statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionHarmonic‐based MSSs are more sensitive and robust to variations in coagulated tissues, which is advantageous for the assessment of microwave‐induced thermal lesions.

326 Relationship between activity and social interactions of beef bulls during the pre-breeding period and siring capacity in multi-sire breeding groups

Abstract It is currently unknown whether the behavior of bulls during pre-breeding is related to their siring capacity. This information could help producers anticipate the reproductive potential of their bulls and include it in their decision-making. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the activity and characteristics of social interaction of beef bulls expressed in drylot pens during the pre-breeding period and their siring capacity. Collars with 3-axis accelerometers and proximity sensors were placed on bulls for 12 d prior to breeding season in 2020 (n = 11 bulls) and in 2021 (n = 10 bulls). Bulls were satisfactory at the breeding soundness evaluation, and ages ranged from 1.5 to 5.4 yr. Afterward, bulls were exposed to cows in multi-sire groups at a 1:30 ratio for 2 mo, however, some bulls were removed early due to injuries (range = 15 to 62 d). DNA samples were collected from bulls and calves to calculate the number of calves sired per bull (SRC), adjusted to days exposed to cows. Daily proportion of time active (AC) was measured through a machine learning algorithm created in Python for beef bulls to differentiate activity vs. non-activity from accelerometer data every 20 sec (Precision = 95%). Daily non-directional social networks were created from proximity perceived by the sensors (Precision = 91%, &amp;lt;3m) in Python, where nodes represented bulls and a connection represented one second in proximity. Eigencentrality (how well connected a bull is to others, EC) and strength (proportion of connections among overall connections, ST) were calculated for each bull daily, where greater EC and ST values indicated more interactions. The statistical analyses were performed in RStudio. Negative binomial mixed effect models were fitted to AC (mean ± S.E., 26.05 ± 0.31 %), EC (26.50 ± 0.89), and ST (8.90 ± 0.21 %) as repeated measures, age (3.3 ± 0.3 yr), days exposed to cows (54 ± 3.1 d), and year as covariates, identification of bull as a random effect, and SRC as the outcome variable (21 ± 2, 2 to 45 calves). Estimates were transformed into percentage change. Days exposed to cows, year, and interactions were not significant (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Separate models with EC or ST (model-EC and model-ST) were built due to collinearity (r = 0.89, P &amp;lt; 0.001). In model-EC (marginal-R2 = 0.26, conditional-R2 = 0.70) bulls with increased AC (estimate = 2.16±0.67, P = 0.001), increased EC (0.56±0.24, P = 0.019), and younger (-20.75 ± 5.51, P &amp;lt; 0.001) had greater SRC. In model-ST (marginal-R2 = 0.25, conditional-R2 = 0.72) bulls with increased AC (2.29 ± 0.65, P &amp;lt; 0.001), increased ST (3.57 ± 0.98, P &amp;lt; 0.001), and younger (-19.90 ± 5.49, P &amp;lt; 0.001) had greater SRC. These preliminary results suggest that activity and social interactions during pre-breeding of beef bulls are related to SRC when accounted for age. Therefore, the behavior of beef bulls during the pre-breeding period might have the potential to predict their SRC, and future studies could investigate using this information to select bulls and form breeding groups aiming at optimization of the use of the bulls.

Assessment of right ventricular sequelae by speckle tracking echocardiography in recovered COVID-19 patients

Background TTE is the main modality used to assess RV function, but conventional TTE parameters have limited diagnostic value because they may fail to detect early abnormalities in RV systolic function. Due to its ability to detect subclinical impairment of cardiac function, 2D STE has been widely used to investigate RV function. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there are sequelae of RV function in recovered COVID-19 patients with pulmonary involvement. Methods This is a prospective observational cohort study of 57 healthy volunteers and 54 patients. Participants had no history of chronic illness and no evidence of respiratory or cardiac symptoms. The patients had been hospitalised with COVID-19 with pulmonary involvement but did not require intensive care unit follow-up or non-invasive mechanical ventilation support. TTE was performed. Demographic and clinical characteristics and laboratory test results were collected. Results LVEF, TAPSE, St and FAC were significantly lower in the patient group. LV-LS 3-chamber, LV-GLS, RV-FWS, RV-GLS were significantly lower in the patient group. Conclusions RV-LS and LV-GLS were shown to decrease in the patient group. Although no obvious pathological values were observed in RV parameters on conventional echocardiography, TAPSE, St and FAC values were lower in the patient group.

Generalist species exhibit more genetic structure in comparison to a habitat specialist: Evidence from a phylogeographic study of two freshwater crabs (Decapoda: Potamonautidae: Potamonautes), implications for habitat conservation.

During the present study, the phylogeography of the wetland specialist, freshwater crab, Potamonautes flavusjo, was investigated and compared to that of the ubiquitous, generalist, P. sidneyi, using DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit one (COI). We inferred the evolutionary history of each species and compared their population-level genetic structure by constructing haplotype networks and using an analysis of molecular variation. Additionally, we explored the evolutionary relationship between southern African lentic and lotic freshwater crab species by examining the usefulness of carapace attributes in relation to genetic indices and a species' assumed dispersal capacity. In the lentic species, P. flavusjo, a single interconnected haplocluster characterized by shared haplotypes was observed, suggesting marked maternal dispersal, a result corroborated by the low F ST values. In contrast, for the lotic species, P. sidneyi two distinct haploclusters and marked genetic differentiation was observed indicating the absence of maternal dispersal, a result corroborated by the high F ST values. The phylogenetic relationship in P. sidneyi was further investigated using a maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses with the addition of sequence data from the mitochondrial 16S rRNA locus to estimate divergence times. Three species delimitation methods (ASAP, PTP, and bGMYC) were used to explore the presence of distinct lineages in P. sidneyi. The phylogenetic results indicated that within P. sidneyi two clades were present, while divergence time estimates suggest cladogenesis during the middle to late Pleistocene. The species delimitation methods used showed moderate congruence, however all oversplit the number of putative lineages. Our results indicated that P. sidneyi is a species complex comprised of two cryptic lineages, occurring in sympatry contemporarily possibly alluding to secondary contact. Carapace height was found to have no discernible influence on the genetic indices and presumed dispersal capabilities of mainland southern African freshwater crab species. The importance of our results are discussed in terms of conservation of freshwater habitats.

Species distribution models predict genetic isolation of Hetaerina vulnerata Hagen in Selys, 1853 (Odonata, Calopterygidae).

Understanding how past and current environmental conditions shape the demographic and genetic distributions of organisms facilitates our predictions of how future environmental patterns may affect populations. The Canyon Rubyspot damselfly (Odonata: Zygoptera: Hetaerina vulnerata) is an insect with a range distribution from Colombia to the arid southwestern United States, where it inhabits shaded mountain streams in the arid southwestern United States. Past spatial fragmentation of habitat and limited dispersal capacity of H. vulnerata may cause population isolation and genetic differentiation, and projected climate change may exacerbate isolation by further restricting the species' distribution. We constructed species distribution models (SDMs) based on occurrences of H. vulnerata and environmental variables characterizing the species' niche. We inferred seven current potential population clusters isolated by unsuitable habitat. Paleoclimate models indicated habitat contiguity in past conditions; projected models indicated some habitat fragmentation in future scenarios. Seventy-eight H. vulnerata individuals from six of the current clusters were sequenced via ddRADseq and processed with Stacks. Principal components and phylogeographic analyses resolved three subpopulations; Structure resolved four subpopulations. F ST values were low (<0.05) for nearby populations and >0.15 for populations separated by expanses of unsuitable habitat. Isolation by distance was an existing but weak factor in determining genomic structure; isolation by environment and the intervening landscape explained a significant proportion of genetic distance. Hetaerina vulnerata populations were shown to be isolated by a lack of tree canopy coverage, an important habitat predictor for oviposition and territoriality. Thus, H. vulnerata populations are likely separated and are genetically isolated. Integrating SDMs with landscape genetics allowed us to identify populations separated by distance and unsuitable habitat, explaining population genetic patterns and probable fates for populations under future climate scenarios.

Declining Genetic Polymorphisms of the C-terminus Merozoite Surface Protein-1 Amidst Increased Plasmodium knowlesi Transmission in Thailand.

Recent reports from Thailand reveal a substantial surge in Plasmodium knowlesi cases over the past decade, with a more than eightfold increase in incidence by 2023 compared to 2018. This study investigates temporal changes in genetic polymorphism associated with the escalating transmission of P. knowlesi malaria in Thailand over the past two decades. Twenty-five P. knowlesi samples collected in 2018-2023 were sequenced for the 42-kDa region of pkmsp1 and compared with 24 samples collected in 2000-2009, focusing on nucleotide diversity, natural selection, recombination rate, and population differentiation. Seven unique haplotypes were identified in recent samples, compared to 15 in earlier samples. Nucleotide and haplotype diversities were lower in recent samples (π = 0.016, Hd = 0.817) than in earlier samples (π = 0.018, Hd = 0.942). Significantly higher synonymous substitution rates were observed in both sample sets (dS - dN = 2.77 and 2.43, p < 0.05), indicating purifying selection and reduced genetic diversity over time. Additionally, 8 out of 17 mutation points were located on B-cell epitopes, suggesting an adaptive response by the parasites to evade immune recognition. Population differentiation analysis using the fixation index (Fst) revealed high genetic differentiation between parasite populations in central and southern Thailand or Malaysia. Conversely, the relatively lower Fst value between southern Thailand and Malaysia suggests a closer genetic relationship, possibly reflecting historical gene flow. In conclusion, our findings highlight a decline in genetic diversity and evidence of purifying selection associated with the recently increased incidence of P. knowlesi malaria in Thailand. The minor genetic differentiation between P. knowlesi populations from southern Thailand and Malaysia suggests a shared recent ancestry of these parasites and underscores the need for coordinated efforts between the two countries for the elimination of P. knowlesi.

Analysis of the genetic diversity and genetic structure of Dermatophagoides farinae in different habitats using microsatellite markers

ABSTRACT The mite, Dermatophagoides farinae, is an allergen source that triggers allergy symptoms in humans. We studied how different habitats affect the genetic structure of D. farinae populations. We used 12 microsatellite loci to analyse the genetic structure of six D. farinae populations collected from four habitats: flour mill (FM), dormitory (DM), cotton mill (CM), and pillow (PL). The CM population had the highest genetic diversity (He = 0.641) while the FM population had less genetic diversity. AMOVA analysis showed 81% intrapopulation genetic variation and 19% interpopulation variation. The overall F ST value of the six populations was 0.18531, indicating significant population genetic differentiation. Significant genetic differentiation occurred between the FM population and the other three habitat populations. Bayesian clustering analysis showed that the FM population was divided into two clusters. UPGMA tree and PCoA data supported the above results and indicated that the D. farinae populations from CM, PL, and DM1 had similar genetic ancestors. It was speculated that D. farinae could spread through the cotton-pillow-dormitory route. This study showed that D. farinae may have undergone habitat-associated differentiation and provides measures for preventing the dispersal of D. farinae.

Whole-genome resequencing reveals genetic diversity and adaptive evolution in Chinese honeybee (Apis cerana cerana) in Guizhou, China.

Introduction: Guizhou Province, characterized by complex and diverse geographic and climatic environments, has rich genetic resources for the Chinese honeybee (Apis cerana cerana) and is one of the main bee-producing areas in China. However, research on the genetic diversity of Chinese honeybee in the Guizhou region is very limited, despite implications for conservation of biodiversity. Methods: In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity, differentiation, and selection signals based on 116 Chinese honeybees from 12 regions in Guizhou Province using whole-genome sequencing. Results: We identified 1,400,430 high-quality SNPs across all samples. A population structure analysis revealed two independent genetic subgroups of Chinese honeybees in Guizhou, a Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau population in western Guizhou and a hilly-mountainous population in eastern Guizhou. The average nucleotide diversity (Pi) ranged from 0.00138 to 0.00161 and average expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.2592 to 0.2604. The average genetic differentiation index (F ST) for Chinese honeybees in pairwise comparisons of 12 regions ranged from 0.0094 to 0.0293. There was clear genetic differentiation between the western plateau and the eastern hilly mountainous areas of Guizhou; however, F ST values between the eastern and western populations ranged from 0.0170 to 0.0293, indicating a low degree of differentiation. A genome-wide scan revealed a number of genes under selection in the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau environment. These genes were related to growth and development, reproduction, and cold resistance, and several candidate genes involved in environmental adaptation were identified, including CTR, MAPK, MAST, HSF, and MKKK. Discussion: The results of the present study provide important theoretical bases for the conservation, evaluation, development, and utilization of genetic resources for Chinese honeybees in the Guizhou region and for further investigations of environmental adaptation and underlying mechanisms in the species.

Effect of design parameters on auxetic behavior and stiffness of additively manufactured 316L stainless steel

Auxetic structures, characterized by showing negative Poisson's ratio (ʋ) when loaded, are cellular metamaterials consisting of connected struts in repeating unit cells. The mechanical behavior of auxetics depends on dimensions of the unit cell such as height and length of the unit cell, strut thickness (St), and orientation angle (θ) of the struts. The present study investigates effects of variations in St and θ on ʋ and stiffness (E) of additively manufactured 316L stainless steel with re-entrant honeycomb auxetics fabricated by laser powder bed fusion technique. Poisson's ratio was acquired through linear elastic simulations via finite element analysis (FEA) and verified experimentally through digital image correlation (DIC) facility attached to tensile tests. The design of the auxetic patterns entailed a simulation of thirty-five distinct models, incorporating St values of 0.4–1.6 mm, as well as θ values of 70–90°. In comparison, experimental validation was conducted on nine specimens, featuring St values of 0.6–1.4 mm, and θ values of 70–80°. FEA and experimental results obtained by DIC exhibited ʋ values of −5.23 to −0.3 (for St 0.6-1.4 mm and θ 70–80°), displaying increased ʋ with reductions in both St and/or θ. Meanwhile, E increased with St increase or θ decrease, exhibiting values of 18.9–72 GPa, which could be optimized to fit with human bones stiffness as potential orthopedics implantation in future.

Prognostic significance of &lt;I&gt;TLR3&lt;/I&gt; and &lt;I&gt;TLR9&lt;/I&gt; gene polymorphism in assessing the severity of COVID-19

Objective: to study polymorphic variants of TLR3 (rs3775291) and TLR9 (rs352140) genes in patients with COVID-19 depending on the severity of the disease and their significance for determining the risk of severe course of COVID-19.Materials and Methods: genetic analysis of polymorphism of TLR3 (rs3775291) and TLR9 genes (rs352140) was performed in 164 patients with COVID-19, who were divided by degree of severity into three groups: Group 1 with mild, Group 2 with moderate and Group 3 with severe and extremely severe degrees of severity. The control group consisted of 40 healthy donors. Statistical processing of the obtained results was carried out using STATISTICA 12.0 programs (Stat Soft, USA). To assess the difference of groups by qualitative characteristics, the χ2 criterion with Yates correction was used, and in case of violation of its conditions, the χ2 criterion was applied. Yates correction, and if the conditions of its applicability were violated, the two-sided Fisher’s two-sided criterion (RF). The difference between the groups was considered statistically significant at р&lt;0,05. The strength of associations was evaluated in the values of the odds ratio index odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval.&gt; ˂ 0,05. The strength of associations was evaluated in the values of the odds ratio index odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval.Results: the frequency of the ST genotype was significantly higher and the frequency of the TT genotype of the rs3775291 allele of the TLR3 gene was significantly lower in patients with the manifest form of COVID-19 compared with the control group. Frequency analysis of TLR9 (rs352140) in COVID-19 patients showed significantly higher values of the ST genotype and lower values of the CC genotype compared to healthy individuals. Comparative analysis between groups of hospitalized patients depending on severity revealed higher frequency of ST genotype and lower frequency of TT genotype of TLR3 (rs3775291) and TLR9 (rs352140) genes in patients with severe and extremely severe condition.Conclusion: reliable differences in the frequency of occurrence of genotypes of TLR3 (rs3775291) and TLR9 (rs352140) genes in patients with the manifest form of COVID-19 compared to healthy people were revealed. The analysis of nucleotide sequence variants of the studied genes in hospitalized patients depending on the degree of severity also showed significant differences in the frequency of genotypes. Thus, in patients with severe and extremely severe COVID-19, a significant difference in the frequency of occurrence of ST and TT genotypes of TLR3 (rs3775291) and TLR9 (rs352140) genes was revealed compared to patients with mild and moderate COVID-19, which may further have prognostic value in assessing the severity of the disease.

Numerical simulation of non-spherical microparticles' deposition on single fiber

As a classical gas-solid two-phase flow system, the processes of fiber filtering microparticles are prevalent in nature and engineering. However, the impact of microparticle shape on fiber filtration processes is still largely unexplored. Herein, using the self-developed spheropolyhedral-based discrete element lattice Boltzmann method, the filtration process of non-spherical microparticles through a single fiber is investigated. Results show that the single fiber efficiency (SFE) for non-spherical particles exhibits a trend of initially increasing and subsequently decreasing trend with the increase in Stokes number (St), which is similar to the case of spherical particles. However, it is interesting to note that the peak values of SFE increase significantly with decreasing particle sphericity (ψ) and the corresponding St values become larger. As ψ decreases from 1.0 (sphere) to 0.671 (tetrahedron), the SFE increase from 0.205 to 0.49 and the corresponding St rises from 1.0 to 1.75. The enhanced SFE can be explained by elevated collision probability and adhesion probability, based on detailed particle kinematics and dynamics behavior analysis as well as microscopic depositional structure evaluation. The depositional structures of the non-spherical particles have larger capture areas, leading to higher initial collision probabilities. Meanwhile, the anisotropic collisions between non-spherical particles and fibers greatly contribute to higher secondary collision probabilities. In addition, compared to spherical particles of the same volume, the non-spherical particles experience greater fluid resistance, resulting in lower initial collision velocities and larger initial adhesion probabilities. The face-to-face contacts between non-spherical particles also lead to stronger interparticle adhesion and enhanced adhesion probabilities.

Signatures of selection in Mulinia lateralis underpinning its rapid adaptation to laboratory conditions.

The dwarf surf clam, Mulinia lateralis, is considered as a model species for bivalves because of its rapid growth and short generation time. Recently, successful breeding of this species for multiple generations in our laboratory revealed its acquisition of adaptive advantages during artificial breeding. In this study, 310 individuals from five different generations were genotyped with 22,196 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the aim of uncovering the genetic basis of their adaptation to laboratory conditions. Results revealed that M. lateralis consistently maintained high genetic diversity across generations, characterized by high observed heterozygosity (H o: 0.2733-0.2934) and low levels of inbreeding (F is: -0.0244-0.0261). Population analysis indicated low levels of genetic differentiation among generations of M. lateralis during artificial breeding (F st <0.05). In total, 316 genomic regions exhibited divergent selection, with 168 regions under positive selection. Furthermore, 227 candidate genes were identified in the positive selection regions, which have functions including growth, stress resistance, and reproduction. Notably, certain selection signatures with significantly higher F st value were detected in genes associated with male reproduction, such as GAL3ST1, IFT88, and TSSK2, which were significantly upregulated during artificial breeding. This suggests a potential role of sperm-associated genes in the rapid evolutionary response of M. lateralis to selection in laboratory conditions. Overall, our findings highlight the phenotypic and genetic changes, as well as selection signatures, in M. lateralis during artificial breeding. This contributes to understanding their adaptation to laboratory conditions and underscores the potential for using this species to explore the adaptive evolution of bivalves.

Genetic diversity assessment of Helichrysum arenarium (Asteraceae) for the genetic restoration of declining populations.

Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench (Asteraceae) is a self-compatible, insect-pollinated herb occurring in sand grasslands, and is declining and endangered in many parts of its European distribution range. A recovery plan of H. arenarium has been conducted in southern Belgium, involving plant translocations. We developed multiplex genotyping protocol for nine microsatellite markers previously published for Helichrysum italicum and two newly developed microsatellite markers for H. arenarium. Eleven polymorphic loci were associated (pooled) in two multiplex panels, to assess the genetic status of the only small remaining population in Belgium and of three large German populations used as seed source for propagating transplants. The small Belgian population was characterized by high clonality, with only two, however heterozygous, genets detected. The three large German populations showed high genetic diversity (H e ranging from 0.635 to 0.670) and no significant inbreeding coefficient values, despite expectations of geitonogamous selfing. Management practices (grazing livestock) increasing seed dispersal distances, inbreeding depression at early stages of development, and mechanisms preventing or delaying selfing might be hypothesized to explain the observed patterns. The two Belgian genotypes remained within genetic variation range of German populations so that the high genetic differentiation between Belgian and German populations (F ST values ranging from 0.186 to 0.206) likely resulted from genetic drift effects and small sample size. Transplants obtained from seeds sampled from the three large source populations from Germany constitute a highly diverse, noninbred gene pool, and are thus of high genetic quality for plant translocations.

ECG changes and their prognostic value for the development of sudden cardiac death in HCM patients

Background. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a primary myocardial disease characterized by an increase in the left ventricular (LV) wall thickness, which is not explained only by abnormal loading conditions. The development of sudden cardiac death (SCD) is one of the most dangerous complications of HCM. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of electrocardiography (ECG) changes for the development of SCD in the Ukrainian population of patients with HCM. Materials and methods. We evaluated 350 patients with HCM who were examined in the City Clinical Hospital 8 (Kharkiv, Ukraine) from 2006 to 2021. The diagnosis of HCM was made in accordance with the current guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology. Clinical and instrumental data of patients with HCM were analyzed retrospectively, including general clinical data, 12-lead ECG, echocardiography, Holter monitoring, calculation of the 5-year risk of SCD according to the HCM Risk-SCD tool. The endpoint of the study was SCD and its surrogates, including adequate performance of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator and the state after a successful resuscitation. Results. Follow-up was 5.0 (1.5–9.5) years. During this time, 16 patients (4.6 %) reached the endpoint, which was 0.9 %/year. According to the HCM Risk-SCD, 5 (31.3 %) patients in this group were at a high (≥ 6 %) and 3 (18.8 %) were at an intermediate risk of SCD (≥ 4 and &lt; 6 %). A multivariable Cox regression analysis has shown that independent predictors of SCD are syncope (hazard ratio (HR) 3.81, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–13.12, p = 0.034), systolic blood pressure (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94–0.99, p = 0.026), ECG with “infarction-like” ST elevation (HR 6.81, 95% CI 2.09–22.16, p = 0.001) and PQ interval value (HR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05, p = 0.002), Harrell’s C-index (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.73–0.95, p &lt; 0.0001). Conclusions. The proposed HCM Risk-SCD tool was not effective enough in predicting SCD in our study. In order to improve the risk stratification, ECG changes (“infarction-like” ST elevation and PQ interval prolongation) and systolic blood pressure lowering can be used, which were found to be independent predictors of SCD risk.

A dominant dimensionless number and theoretical model for the evolution of multiphase Richtmyer–Meshkov instability

Multiphase Richtmyer–Meshkov instability (RMI) is often accompanied by a dispersed phase of particles, where the evolution of the mix zone width (MZW) is a significant issue. The Stokes number (St) is a key dimensionless parameter for particle-containing multiphase flows because it represents the ability of particles to follow the fluid. However, our theoretical analysis and numerical simulation indicate that the Stokes number is not the only dominant parameter for the evolution of multiphase RMI. This study uses the derivation of particle and fluid momentum equations to demonstrate the inability of the Stokes number to predict MZW evolution, that is, even at the same Stokes number, increasing the particle density or the radius leads to completely different MZW evolution trends. This study proposes a novel dimensionless number, Sd, to measure the effect of drag on the fluid owing to the particles. Sd is the ratio of the relaxation time of the fluid velocity affected by the particle force to the characteristic time of the shock wave. We developed theoretical models of MZW at different Sd values. Subsequently, a set of multiphase RMI numerical simulations on uniformly distributed particles with different St and Sd values was conducted. The numerical results verify the theoretical predictions and effectiveness of the proposed dimensionless number. The phase diagram containing different simulation cases demonstrates that the Stokes number cannot be used to predict MZW and must be combined with Sd to determine its evolution.

Numerical investigation of flow past a triangular cylinder at various Reynolds numbers

Numerical simulation of flow around a triangular cylinder placed both in left and right position at Reynolds number Re = 80–200 is presented in this study. The single relaxation time lattice Boltzmann method is used. The results are obtained in terms of vorticity contour visualization, drag and lift coefficients, and force statistics. Regular vortex shedding is observed for both cases, but the vortices generated for a triangular cylinder placed in the right position move toward the top downstream position as the range of Reynolds number increases due to effect of pressure (effect of thrust). The drag coefficient is constant, and lift coefficient is containing negative values from Re = 80–150 for that case, but negative Cdmean values are not observed for a triangular cylinder placed in the left position. In that case, it is due to the reason that the effect of thrust diminishes. The maximum value of Cdmean is obtained at Re = 200, that is, 1.5006 for the left triangular cylinder, but the value of the mean drag coefficient for the right triangular cylinder is zero throughout the cases for Re = 80–200. No fluid forces are produced for right triangular case. The Strouhal number (St) values increased by increasing the Reynolds number, i.e., Re = 80–200, for the right triangular cylinder, and it has a mixed trend for the left triangular cylinder. In literature, a lot of work has been found on rectangular and square cylinders, but triangular cylinder has not been studied much.

3D Slot Roughness of Contemporary Ceramic Brackets

Purpose of Study: To examine the roughness of slots of three ceramic brackets. Materials and Methods: Three ceramic bracket types (Encore, Reflections and Inspire ICE). The bottom of each slot of every bracket was selected for evaluation and pictures were taken by optical microscopy at magnification (20x) for a general estimation of the roughness. Then the roughness parameters (Sa, Sq, St, Sz) of every slot were examined in a 3D optical profilometer in a higher magnification. Results: The picture from Optical microscope gave a differences of textural morphology of brackets slots for tested brackets. Metallic slots gave differences of grooves and striations whereas plastic slots presented peaks and pits. Inspire ICE showed the highest Sa and Sq value, statistically higher than the other brackets tested. Reflections gave the highest Sz and St values, which were statistically significant higher than the other brackets, followed by Inspire ICE which presented statistically significant higher values compared to Encore. Conclusions: The significant differences were revealed through 3D-images and roughness parameters of slots gives significantly different among the tested bracket. Encore and exhibited low roughness parameters.