bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A krónikus vesebetegség mint cardiovascularis kockázati tényező
Authors: Simonyi Gábor
Published: September 2023

A krónikus vesebetegség a szív- és érrendszeri betegségek egyik legfontosabb rizikófaktora. A krónikus vesebetegségben szenvedő betegek több mint 50%-a cardiovascularis betegségben hal meg, még a dialízis megkezdése előtt. A krónikus vesebetegség és a cardiovascularis betegségek közötti kapcsolatot több mechanizmus magyarázza, többek között az érfalmerevség, a gyulladás, az oxidatív stressz, az anaemia, a kalcium-foszfát anyagcsere zavara és a renin-angiotenzin-aldoszteron rendszer aktivációja. A krónikus vesebetegségben szenvedő betegek cardiovascularis rizikójának csökkentése érdekében fontos a krónikus vesebetegség korai felismerése és kezelése, valamint a hagyományos és nem hagyományos rizikófaktorok optimalizálása. A jelen összefoglaló célja, hogy áttekintse a krónikus vesebetegség és a cardiovascularis betegségek közötti összefüggéseket.
TOWARDS DEEP AND MEANINGFUL LEARNING: SHAPING CULTURE, DESIGNING CURRICULA AND CONSIDERING STUDENT NEEDS
Authors: van As Janus , Pentz Stephen , Cooke Richard
Published: September 2023

Over the past decade, higher education has shifted its focus from teaching to learning excellence, The Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care (DFMPC) at the University of the Witwatersrand has embraced this shift, adopting a learning excellence philosophy that informs their approach to teaching, learning, and assessment. This philosophy emphasises a personal connection to learning through the Deep and meaningful learning framework and COVID-19 highlighted the diverse learning needs of students. The DFMPC applied the deep and meaningful learning framework to understand and address student needs, putting the student voice at the center of curriculum development. This chapter explores three essential dimensions for reimagining learning: context, culture, and curriculum. It emphasizes the importance of understanding student needs within their context, promoting innovative, adaptive, and inclusive student-centered curriculum design. The concept of constructive alignment has been expanded to consider various stakeholders and notional hours.
Los exigua initia de Roma. Construcción del pasado a fines de la Republica
Authors: Muñiz-Coello Joaquin
Published: September 2023

La tradición sobre los primeros pobladores de la Ciudad habló de colonos griegos y en particular, de los sucesores de los fugitivos de Troya, y de poblaciones autóctonas, los aborígenes, las poblaciones que ya estaban instaladas en el Lacio. Versiones que en algún momento en esta tradición se fusionan. Se crea así la imagen de una Roma abierta, de población mixta y heterogénea desde el principio, que la hizo la más fuerte y poderosa de su tiempo. Pero esta imagen sólo era una retroproyección de la Roma que habitaban los historiadores que construyeron el relato de su pasado más antiguo,  a partir de su presente.
Una fortificación romana en Los Frailes (El Campito, Huelva)
Authors: Pérez Macias Juan Aurelio , Macías Fortes Rubén , Rabadán Vázquez Manuel
Published: September 2023

La minería romana de la plata y el cobre en la Faja Pirítica ibérica estuvo acompañada en su despegue industrial por toda una serie de medidas administrativas y militares que hicieron posible el aprovechamiento de sus masas polimetálicas. Entre las primeras una presencia directa de la hacienda imperial en la gestión de las minas, aunque la explotación fuera fue cedida a particulares. En las segundas la construcción de una abundante serie de pequeñas fortificaciones para el control del territorio en el convulso periodo del final de las guerras civiles. En este trabajo se da a conocer otro pequeño recinto-torre en el lugar conocido como Los Frailes, a escasa distancia de la mina de Riotinto.
Les bateaux du ciel. Témoignages chalcolithiques du sud-ouest ibérique
Authors: Escacena Carrasco José Luis , Belle Jilliane
Published: September 2023

L’art rupestre du Chalcolithique ibérique inclut des images de bateaux. Dans de nombreux cas, leur schématisation atteint de tels niveaux qu’il devient difficile de les identifier comme de véritables embarcations. Ces dites représentations peuvent être représentées en étant associées à des figures solaires, car elles constituent une expression de la croyance archaïque en des dieux qui se déplacent dans le ciel sur des barques sacrées. Cette mentalité se manifeste également au travers de figures animales trouvées dans des tombes, certaines d’entre elles interprétables comme des barques utilisées par le défunt pour atteindre l’autre monde. Ce présent travail analyse les divers échantillons graphiques de cette croyance religieuse, en commençant par les témoignages les plus réalistes et en poursuivant par les plus abstraits. Notre étude se centre sur le Sud-Ouest ibérique, mais l’interprétation de certains éléments exigent de prendre en compte des données d’autres régions. L’ensemble de ces preuves archéologiques représentent toute une partie d’une idéologie étendue sur quasiment toute la Méditerranée, au moins depuis le Néolithique.
Archaic Greek Pottery of Aeolian Inspiration Made in Huelva, Spain
Authors: González de Canales Fernando
Published: September 2023

Greeks settled in the ancient emporium of Huelva manufactured Archaic gray pottery inspired by Aeolian prototypes.Results of Neutron Activation Analysis showed that seven out of 11 specimens analyzed had a chemical composition similar to the loamy clay from local deposits traditionally used in pottery. This gray pottery must have found a good acceptance not only among the resident Greeks, but also among the non-Greek population long before familiarized with the so called “orientalizing gray pottery”, whose coloration and production by reduction firing are similar to the Aeolian one. In the same settlement, two other groups of Archaic Greek pottery manufactured in situ had already been identified: one of them characterized by a yellowish-green paste and the other one, conventionally named “Group H”, decorated with red slips comparable to the Phoenician ceramics.
Un IMBREX con inscripción del asentamiento romano de las minas de Riotinto (Huelva).
Authors: Gimeno Pascual Helena , Hidalgo Martín Luis Ángel , Iglesias García Luis
Published: September 2023

La pieza objeto de este estudio procede del poblado de Cortalago (Llano de los Tesoros) en el distrito minero de Riotinto (Huelva), donde se están realizando intervenciones arqueológicas al amparo del nuevo proyecto minero de Atalaya Mining. Se descubrió en una fase de vivienda en el entorno de edificios públicos entre los que destacan el balineum y un espacio de representación de la familia imperial con estatuas. La inscripción puede relacionarse con un grupo de aestimatores vinculados a una de las figlinae de este coto minero.
How Do Swedish Student Teachers Assess their Own Writing Skills in English as a Foreign Language?
A Pilot Study
Authors: Dragemark Oscarson Anne
Published: September 2023

The present paper reports some results from a pilot project where student teachers’ ability to assess their global ability in English, as well as their writing skills, were investigated using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Data was generated from a self-assessment and feedback questionnaire administered to a total cohort (N=29) of first-year students of a teacher education programme in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) for lower- and upper secondary school in Sweden.  Self-assessment is a metacognitive skill that helps develop awareness of the learning process and that is said to foster learning to learn skills. This skill is considered so important that it is included in the Swedish curriculum and syllabus for languages from an early level but there is little known whether once pupils leave upper secondary school, they are able to assess their language skills with any degree of accuracy.  The results indicate that though the students are fairly accurate in their assessments of their general language skills at the group level, self-assessment needs to be practiced for the students to have a realistic view, individually of their own specific writing ability as these skills do not seem to develop otherwise. .
“Originated in China”: Western opera and international practices in the Beijing National Centre for the Performing Arts
Authors: Giordano Silvia
Published: September 2023

The international reputation of Western operas – with artists and producers moving across the world’s opera houses – has become even more global in recent years. Nevertheless, the field of opera has never been analyzed in terms of strategies to foster this vocation in line with the development of the emerging markets outside Europe. China is one of the most flourishing among them in terms of the creation of grand theaters able to perform Western opera together with a strong indigenous opera tradition. Due to the novelty of such appealing context, a case study analysis would provide an evidence-based account of the questions raised as to how this ambivalence is managed: How does a Chinese opera house performing Western opera find its legitimacy in the international arena? Which are the artistic and production strategies fitting under the definition of international practices? Why is the Chinese context appealing to the Western opera industry? This paper, therefore, aims to address such questions by examining the international practices of the National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing, in view of the process of building a reputation in the global opera network, with a particular focus on the artistic program, casting choices, the attractive power of the theatre and the exchange of expertise between Western and Chinese operatic contexts.
Factors affecting strategic management attitudes and practices in creative industries organisations
Authors: Sassi Marge , Pihlak Ülle , Haldma Toomas
Published: September 2023

Organisational performance measurement is essential for the competitiveness of organisations – however, measuring performance is not widely used among Estonian cultural and creative industries organisations (CCIOs). This study aims to indicate the factors that influence strategic management attitudes and activities within CCIOs. Factor analysis is used to detect those factors affecting the internal and external environment of CCIOs. Cluster analysis leads to establishing differences between five identified clusters of Estonian CCIOs. As a result of the study, the following potential critical success factors for the competitiveness of organisations in cultural and creative industries were mapped: the lack of financial resources, a highly competitive environment and orientation to international co-operation. The study distinguishes those features contributing to organisational performance measurement and specifies “evaluation-friendly” and “evaluation-hesitant” CCIO characteristics. Some implications for managers of CCIOs and a future research agenda are also offered.
Simulating the mechanical stimulation of cells on a porous hydrogel scaffold using an FSI model to predict cell differentiation
Authors: Azizi Pedram , Drobek Christoph , Budday Silvia , Seitz Hermann
Published: September 2023

3D-structured hydrogel scaffolds are frequently used in tissue engineering applications as they can provide a supportive and biocompatible environment for the growth and regeneration of new tissue. Hydrogel scaffolds seeded with human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be mechanically stimulated in bioreactors to promote the formation of cartilage or bone tissue. Although in vitro and in vivo experiments are necessary to understand the biological response of cells and tissues to mechanical stimulation, in silico methods are cost-effective and powerful approaches that can support these experimental investigations. In this study, we simulated the fluid-structure interaction (FSI) to predict cell differentiation on the entire surface of a 3D-structured hydrogel scaffold seeded with cells due to dynamic compressive load stimulation. The computational FSI model made it possible to simultaneously investigate the influence of both mechanical deformation and flow of the culture medium on the cells on the scaffold surface during stimulation. The transient one-way FSI model thus opens up significantly more possibilities for predicting cell differentiation in mechanically stimulated scaffolds than previous static microscale computational approaches used in mechanobiology. In a first parameter study, the impact of the amplitude of a sinusoidal compression ranging from 1% to 10% on the phenotype of cells seeded on a porous hydrogel scaffold was analyzed. The simulation results show that the number of cells differentiating into bone tissue gradually decreases with increasing compression amplitude, while differentiation into cartilage cells initially multiplied with increasing compression amplitude in the range of 2% up to 7% and then decreased. Fibrous cell differentiation was predicted from a compression of 5% and increased moderately up to a compression of 10%. At high compression amplitudes of 9% and 10%, negligible areas on the scaffold surface experienced high stimuli where no cell differentiation could occur. In summary, this study shows that simulation of the FSI system is a versatile approach in computational mechanobiology that can be used to study the effects of, for example, different scaffold designs and stimulation parameters on cell differentiation in mechanically stimulated 3D-structured scaffolds.
Self-assembled adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells as an extracellular matrix component- and growth factor-enriched filler
Authors: Park Choa , Lee Ok-Hee , Park Jin Ju , Yoo Jiyoon , Kwon Euna , Park Jie-Eun , Kang Byeong-Cheol , Lee Dong-Sup , Cho Jaejin
Published: September 2023

The clinical application of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is attracting attention due to their excellent safety, convenient acquisition, multipotency, and trophic activity. The clinical effectiveness of transplanted MSCs is well-known in regenerative and immunomodulatory medicine, but there is a demand for their improved viability and regenerative function after transplantation. In this study, we isolated MSCs from adipose tissue from three human donors and generated uniformly sized MSC spheroids (∼100 µm in diameter) called microblocks (MiBs) for dermal reconstitution. The viability and MSC marker expression of MSCs in MiBs were similar to those of monolayer MSCs. Compared with monolayer MSCs, MiBs produced more extracellular matrix (ECM) components, including type I collagen, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid, and growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor. Subcutaneously injected MiBs showed skin volume retaining capacity in mice. These results indicate that MiBs could be applied as regenerative medicine for skin conditions such as atrophic scar by having high ECM and bioactive factor expression.
Widespread distribution of lymphatic vessels in human dura mater remote from sinus veins
Authors: Vera Quesada César Luis , Rao Shreyas Balachandra , Torp Reidun , Eide Per Kristian
Published: September 2023

Background and purpose: Previous experimental studies have shown that meningeal lymphatic vessels are located primarily along the walls of the dural sinus veins. Whether they are more widespread throughout human dura mater has presently not been characterized. The present study explored in humans whether meningeal lymphatic vessels may be identified remote from the sinus veins and whether they differ in the various location of dura mater.

Methods: We included 15 patients who underwent neurosurgery, in whom dura mater was removed as part of the planned procedure. Tissue was prepared for immunohistochemistry using the lymphatic endothelial cell markers lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1 protein (LYVE-1), podoplanin and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR3).

Results: Lymphatic endothelial cell positive cells were found in dura mater at the posterior fossa (n = 8), temporal skull base (n = 5), frontal convexity (n = 1), and cranio-cervical junction (n = 1). They were most commonly seen remote from blood vessels, but also occurred along blood vessels, and seemed to be most abundant at the skull base.

Conclusion: The present observations show that human lymphatic vessels are widespread in dura mater, not solely lining the dural sinuses.
Facile H2PdCl4-induced photoreforming of insoluble PET waste for C1-C3 compound production
Authors: Li Dani Tong , Yu He , Huang Ying
Published: September 2023

Plastic pollution has emerged as a pressing global concern, driven by the extensive production and consumption of plastic, resulting in over 8 billion tons of plastic waste generated to date. Conventional disposal methods have proven inadequate in effectively managing polymer waste, necessitating the exploration of novel techniques. Previous research has demonstrated the successful application of photoreforming (PR) in converting water-soluble oligomer fragments of plastics into valuable chemicals. However, an unresolved challenge remains in dealing with the insoluble oligomer fragments characterized by complex chemical structures and larger molecular sizes. In this study, we propose a facile approach that involves H2PdCl4-induced activation on PET substrate for PR of PET bottles. Remarkably, this method enables the production of C1-C3 compounds without the reliance on sacrificial reagents or photocatalysts. The significant findings of this study offer a practical solution to address the most formidable aspect of plastic PR, specifically targeting the insoluble oligomer fragments. Moreover, this research contributes to the advancement of effective strategies for the sustainable management of plastic waste.
The effect of water molecules on paraquat salts: from physicochemical properties to environmental impact in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Aguiar Antônio S. N. , Costa Luiz B. , Borges Igor D. , Aguirre Gerardo , Tejerina-Garro Francisco L. , Dutra e Silva Sandro , Napolitano Hamilton B.
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The green revolution model that is followed in the Brazilian Cerrado is dependent on mechanization, chemical fertilization for soil dressing and correction, and the use of herbicides. Paraquat is a methyl viologen herbicide marketed as bipyridylium dichloride salts and used (in low doses) to combat weeds in their post-emergence stage. It is a non-selective pesticide that causes the peroxidation of the lipids that make up the cell membrane, and when it comes into contact with foliage, it results in the death of the plant.

Methods: The effect of water molecules co-crystallized in Paraquat salt structures was analyzed in anhydrous, dihydrate, and trihydrate forms to understand those physicochemical properties in its redox activity. The frontier molecular orbitals were also carried out using DFT to obtain the chemical reactivity of the bipyridylium cation. Finally, the supramolecular arrangements were evaluated to analyze the physicochemical stability and acquire insights on superoxide anions.

Results and discussion: The electronic structure indicated that the BP cation presents an acidic character due to its low ELUMO value, while the salt has a more basic character due to its high EHOMO value. For this reason, the BP ion is more susceptible to reduction during the weeds’ photosynthesis process. During the process of plant photosynthesis, PQ is reduced to form a stable radical cation. In the supramolecular arrangement, the presence of water molecules increases the number of strong H-bonds, while the weak/moderate H-bonds are stabilized. PQ’s toxic effects are observed in wildlife, domesticated animals, human populations, and ecosystems. The influence of PQ on the terrestrial environment is limited because of the soil adsorption capacity associated with good agricultural practices. The current use of good agricultural practices in the Cerrado seems not to prevent the environmental impacts of herbicides like PQ because it aims for the expansion and profitability of large-scale farming based on input-intensive practices instead of sustainable agriculture processes.
The PreProcessor module for the ATLAS Tile calorimeter at the HL-LHC
Authors: Valero A. , Carrió F. , Fiorini L. , Cervelló A. , Hernandez D. , Ruiz Martinez A.
Published: September 2023

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of fundamental physics. With the discovery of the Higgs boson in 2012, the ATLAS and CMS experiments have made significant progess in studying its properties and searching for new physics beyond the Standard Model. To maintain and expand the LHC’s discovery potential, the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) project is planned as a major upgrade. As part of this upgrade, the ATLAS experiment has developed a comprehensive roadmap for upgrades, including the installation of new detector components and advancements in data acquisition and processing systems. A crucial component of these enhancements involves the complete replacement of the ATLAS central Tile hadronic calorimeter readout electronics. This upgrade aims to optimize the system’s ability to handle higher data rates and improve its resilience to radiation. Through these comprehensive improvements, the ATLAS experiment aims to meet the requirements and seize the opportunities presented by the HL-LHC era. This paper presents the design and architecture of the TilePPr (Tile PreProcessor) module, which serves as a crucial interface between the on-detector electronics and the central systems of the ATLAS experiment, including Data Acquisition, Detector Control, and Trigger systems. The TilePPr module is based on the Advanced Telecommunications Computing Architecture (ATCA) and incorporates high-speed optical links, communication interfaces, and data processing capabilities. Through a series of certification tests, the module has demonstrated its compliance with industry standards and functional requirements, confirming its suitability for seamless integration into the ATLAS experiment during the HL-LHC phase.
A pilot randomized controlled trial comparing the effectiveness of different spaced learning models used during school examination revision: the SMART Spaces 24/10 model
Authors: O’Hare Liam , Stark Patrick , Gittner Alastair , McGuinness Carol , Thurston Allen , Biggart Andy
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The main aim of this pilot study was to compare the efficacy of using different spaced learning models during school examination revision on pupil attainment. Spaced learning is using intervals between periods of learning rather than learning content all at one time.

Methods

Three spaced learning models with different inter-study intervals (ISI’s) were co-designed by teachers and researchers using research evidence and practice knowledge. A pilot randomized controlled trial compared the three ISI models against control groups in 12 UK secondary schools’ science classes (pupil n = 408). The effects on attainment of each model were assessed using pre and post-tests of science attainment.

Results

The results showed that all three models were feasible for use in a classroom. The spacing model using ISI of 24-h spaces between and 10-min spaces within revision sessions was the only significant one for improving attainment against a control group (effect size d = 0.19, p = <0.05). The study also found that student engagement with the spaced learning program was a statistically significant predictor of increased pupil attainment.

Discussion

The study demonstrates the potential benefits of applying spaced learning to exam revision, with the most optimal ISI model found to be the SMART Spaces 24/10 model.
Efficacy of progestin-primed ovarian stimulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Liu , Liang Fuxiang , Yuan Yue , Luo Xufei , Wang Qi , Yao Liang , Zhang Xuehong
Published: September 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinopathy causing infertility in childbearing women. Progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocol has recently been used for infertile women. However, whether PPOS provides a significant benefit over gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analogue protocols in PCOS is still controversial. The objective of this systematic review is to investigate the efficacy of PPOS in patients with PCOS during in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). We searched Medline, Embase, Google Scholar, ClinicalTrials, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to April 1, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing the efficacy between PPOS and conventional GnRH analogue protocols in patients with PCOS in English were included. The primary outcomes included live birth rate, the incidence of moderate or severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), and the number of metaphase II oocytes. The pooled estimates were calculated using the random-effects models as odds ratios (OR) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Three RCTs and six cohort studies involving 2289 patients were included. Results from RCTs suggest that PPOS leads to no significant difference in the risk of OHSS, the number of metaphase II oocytes, or the rate of live birth when compared to GnRH analogue protocols. The pooling estimates of cohort studies showed consistent results. Additionally, in cohort studies, PPOS required a higher dose of Gn and tended to improve the implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and ongoing pregnancy rate. For subgroup analyses, the higher implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and ongoing pregnancy rate were found in PPOS compared to the GnRH agonist short protocol. However, the certainty of the evidence for the outcomes was generally low. Overall, There is currently no evidence to support that PPOS could reduce the risk of OHSS, increase oocyte maturation, or improve pregnancy outcomes in women with PCOS undergoing IVF/ICSI when compared to GnRH analogue protocols. Considering its efficiency and safety, this protocol could be a patient-friendly and viable alternative for PCOS patients, especially when frozen-thawed embryo transfer is planned. Future high-quality randomized trials with children’s long-term safety and cost-effective analyses are still required.

System Review Registration

NPLASY (202340059). https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2023-4-0059/
Metformin targets intestinal immune system signaling pathways in a high-fat diet-induced mouse model of obesity and insulin resistance
Authors: Brīvība Monta , Silamiķele Laila , Kalniņa Ineta , Silamiķelis Ivars , Birzniece Līga , Ansone Laura , Jagare Lauma , Elbere Ilze , Kloviņš Jānis
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Research findings of the past decade have highlighted the gut as the main site of action of the oral antihyperglycemic agent metformin despite its pharmacological role in the liver. Extensive evidence supports metformin’s modulatory effect on the composition and function of gut microbiota, nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of the host responses remain elusive. Our study aimed to evaluate metformin-induced alterations in the intestinal transcriptome profiles at different metabolic states.

Methods

The high-fat diet-induced mouse model of obesity and insulin resistance of both sexes was developed in a randomized block experiment and bulk RNA-Seq of the ileum tissue was the method of choice for comparative transcriptional profiling after metformin intervention for ten weeks.

Results

We found a prominent transcriptional effect of the diet itself with comparatively fewer genes responding to metformin intervention. The overrepresentation of immune-related genes was observed, including pronounced metformin-induced upregulation of immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region coding Ighv1-7 gene in both high-fat diet and control diet-fed animals. Moreover, we provide evidence of the downregulation NF-kappa B signaling pathway in the small intestine of both obese and insulin-resistant animals as well as control animals after metformin treatment. Finally, our data pinpoint the gut microbiota as a crucial component in the metformin-mediated downregulation of NF-kappa B signaling evidenced by a positive correlation between the Rel and Rela gene expression levels and abundances of Parabacteroides distasonis, Bacteroides spp., and Lactobacillus spp. in the gut microbiota of the same animals.

Discussion

Our study supports the immunomodulatory effect of metformin in the ileum of obese and insulin-resistant C57BL/6N mice contributed by intestinal immunoglobulin responses, with a prominent emphasis on the downregulation of NF-kappa B signaling pathway, associated with alterations in the composition of the gut microbiome.
Analysis of compression/expansion stage on compressed air energy storage cogeneration system
Authors: An Dou , Li Yuquan , Lin Xixiang , Teng Shiyang
Published: September 2023

Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) technology has risen as a promising approach to effectively store renewable energy. Optimizing the efficient cascading utilization of multi-grade heat can greatly improve the efficiency and overall system performance. Particularly, the number of compressor and expander stages is a critical factor in determining the system’s performance. In this study, we focused on the Advanced Adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage system with Combined Heat and Power (AA-CAES -CHP). Both economic and thermodynamic models were established for the AA-CAES-CHP system. To systematically study the effects of compression and expansion stages, the influence of 3 different compressor stages and expander stages was comprehensively analyzed under 4 operating conditions. Key findings reveal that the count of compressor and expander stages have a notable impact on the exergy losses of the AA-CAES-CHP system. As for the investment cost, the proportion of investment cost for expanders decreases when the stage numbers of compressors and expanders are the same. Furthermore, both thermodynamic and economic characteristics allow us to optimize the AA-CAES-CHP system’s performance. One of our cases demonstrates that doubling the air mass flow rate results in a doubled total energy output with a relatively modest increase (41.1%–65.1%) in the total investment cost.
Comparing two strategies of counter-defense against plant toxins: a modeling study on plant–herbivore interactions
Authors: Chakraborty Suman , Gershenzon Jonathan , Schuster Stefan
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Various herbivorous insects prefer toxic plants as their hosts, although this may appear paradoxical. They have evolved specific adaptations (called counter-defenses) against the toxins. For example, the two-component chemical defense system of plants of the Brassicaceae family against herbivores consists of glucosinolates (GLSs) and the activating enzyme myrosinase. GLS hydrolysis by myrosinase leads to isothiocyanates (ITCs), which are toxic and deterrent to many insect herbivores. Two different types of counter-defenses can be distinguished: a preemptive counter-defense that prevents the GLSs from being hydrolyzed to ITCs due to metabolic redirection and direct counter-defense, where the ITCs are formed but then metabolized to non-toxic conjugates. In general, preemptive counter-defense is only a possibility if the plant stores a precursor of the toxin, which is activated upon attack. Preemptive counter-defense is believed to be more efficient due to the lower exposure to ITCs, but this has not been satisfactorily demonstrated experimentally.

Methods

Here, we derive on theoretical grounds the conditions under which preemptive counter-defense reduces exposure to ITCs compared to direct counter-defense by studying the dynamics of GLS defense and counter-defense with two separate ordinary differential equation models. We model how herbivory transfers the GLSs to the insect gut with the leaf material. Thereafter, we describe the insects’ exposure to toxins by deriving the dynamics of ITCs in the gut during feeding with the two types of counter-defenses.

Results and discussion

By calculating the area under the curve (AUC) of the ITC concentrations, we show, based on empirical data, that herbivores with a preemptive detoxification system are usually less exposed to ITCs. In addition, our models explain how the decline in the level of ITCs is achieved by both counter-defenses, which helps to understand the overall mechanisms and benefits of these techniques. Our results may also apply to plant defenses by inactive toxin precursors other than GLSs as well as to insects that sequester such precursors for their own defense.
Identification of key claudin genes associated with survival prognosis and diagnosis in colon cancer through integrated bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Alghamdi Rana A. , Al-Zahrani Maryam H.
Published: September 2023

The claudin multigene family is associated with various aberrant physiological and cellular signaling pathways. However, the association of claudins with survival prognosis, signaling pathways, and diagnostic efficacy in colon cancer remains poorly understood.

Methods: Through the effective utilization of various bioinformatics methods, including differential gene expression analysis, gene set enrichment analysis protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis, survival analysis, single sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), mutational variance analysis, and identifying receiver operating characteristic curve of claudins in The Cancer Genome Atlas colon adenocarcinoma (COAD).

Results: We found that: CLDN2, CLDN1, CLDN14, CLDN16, CLDN18, CLDN9, CLDN12, and CLDN6 are elevated in COAD. In contrast, the CLDN8, CLDN23, CLDN5, CLDN11, CLDN7, and CLDN15 are downregulated in COAD. By analyzing the public datasets GSE15781 and GSE50760 from NCBI-GEO (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/), we have confirmed that CLDN1, CLDN2, and CLDN14 are significantly upregulated and CLDN8 and CLDN23 are significantly downregulated in normal colon, colon adenocarcinoma tumor, and liver metastasis of colon adenocarcinoma tissues from human samples. Various claudins are mutated and found to be associated with diagnostic efficacy in COAD.

Conclusion: The claudin gene family is associated with prognosis, immune regulation, signaling pathway regulations, and diagnosis of COAD. These findings may provide new molecular insight into claudins in the treatment of colon cancer.
Addressing the unmet clinical need for low-volume assays in early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Sheik Daniel A. , Byers Kaleb , Thomas Mini , Rajesh Ummadisetti Chinna , Ifuku Kelli , Kirkwood Kimberly , Al-Haddad Mohammed , Craik Charles S. , Davisson V. Jo
Published: September 2023

The incidental detection of pancreatic cysts, an opportunity for the early detection of pancreatic cancer, is increasing, owing to an aging population and improvements in imaging technology. The classification of pancreatic cystic precursors currently relies on imaging and cyst fluid evaluations, including cytology and protein and genomic analyses. However, there are persistent limitations that obstruct the accuracy and quality of information for clinicians, including the limited volume of the complex, often acellular, and proteinaceous milieu that comprises pancreatic cyst fluid. The constraints of currently available clinical assays lead clinicians to the subjective and inconsistent application of diagnostic tools, which can contribute to unnecessary surgery and missed pancreatic cancers. Herein, we describe the pathway toward pancreatic cyst classification and diagnosis, the volume requirements for several clinically available diagnostic tools, and some analytical and diagnostic limitations for each assay. We then discuss current and future work on novel markers and methods, and how to expand the utility of clinical pancreatic cyst fluid samples. Results of ongoing studies applying SERS as a detection mode suggest that 50 µL of pancreatic cyst fluid is more than sufficient to accurately rule out non-mucinous pancreatic cysts with no malignant potential from further evaluation. This process is expected to leave sufficient fluid to analyze a follow-up, rule-in panel of markers currently in development that can stratify grades of dysplasia in mucinous pancreatic cysts and improve clinical decision-making.
Iatrogenic air embolism: pathoanatomy, thromboinflammation, endotheliopathy, and therapies
Authors: Marsh Phillip L. , Moore Ernest E. , Moore Hunter B. , Bunch Connor M. , Aboukhaled Michael , Condon Shaun M. , Al-Fadhl Mahmoud D. , Thomas Samuel J. , Larson John R. , Bower Charles W. , Miller Craig B. , Pearson Michelle L. , Twilling Christopher L. , Reser David W. , Kim George S. , Troyer Brittany M. , Yeager Doyle , Thomas Scott G. , Srikureja Daniel P. , Patel Shivani S. , Añón Sofía L. , Thomas Anthony V. , Miller Joseph B. , Van Ryn David E. , Pamulapati Saagar V. , Zimmerman Devin , Wells Byars , Martin Peter L. , Seder Christopher W. , Aversa John G. , Greene Ryan B. , March Robert J. , Kwaan Hau C. , Fulkerson Daniel H. , Vande Lune Stefani A. , Mollnes Tom E. , Nielsen Erik W. , Storm Benjamin S. , Walsh Mark M.
Published: September 2023

Iatrogenic vascular air embolism is a relatively infrequent event but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. These emboli can arise in many clinical settings such as neurosurgery, cardiac surgery, and liver transplantation, but more recently, endoscopy, hemodialysis, thoracentesis, tissue biopsy, angiography, and central and peripheral venous access and removal have overtaken surgery and trauma as significant causes of vascular air embolism. The true incidence may be greater since many of these air emboli are asymptomatic and frequently go undiagnosed or unreported. Due to the rarity of vascular air embolism and because of the many manifestations, diagnoses can be difficult and require immediate therapeutic intervention. An iatrogenic air embolism can result in both venous and arterial emboli whose anatomic locations dictate the clinical course. Most clinically significant iatrogenic air emboli are caused by arterial obstruction of small vessels because the pulmonary gas exchange filters the more frequent, smaller volume bubbles that gain access to the venous circulation. However, there is a subset of patients with venous air emboli caused by larger volumes of air who present with more protean manifestations. There have been significant gains in the understanding of the interactions of fluid dynamics, hemostasis, and inflammation caused by air emboli due to in vitro and in vivo studies on flow dynamics of bubbles in small vessels. Intensive research regarding the thromboinflammatory changes at the level of the endothelium has been described recently. The obstruction of vessels by air emboli causes immediate pathoanatomic and immunologic and thromboinflammatory responses at the level of the endothelium. In this review, we describe those immunologic and thromboinflammatory responses at the level of the endothelium as well as evaluate traditional and novel forms of therapy for this rare and often unrecognized clinical condition.
Influence of atmospheric dust deposition on sinking particle flux in the northwest Pacific
Authors: Kim Hyung Jeek , Kim Dongseon , Park Young-Gyu , Park Jong-Yeon , Choi Ki-Young , Park Joon Sang , An Sung Min , Kwon Kyungman , Noh Jae Hoon , Hwang Jeomshik
Published: September 2023

We examined the flux and composition of sinking particles collected at a water depth of 800 m in the northwest Pacific from November 2017 to August 2018 to assess the impact of dust deposition on organic carbon export. The fluxes of total particulate matter and particulate organic carbon averaged over the study period were 88 ± 63 mg m-2 d-1 and 9.0 ± 5.8 mg m−2 d−1, respectively. Biogenic particles accounted for 82% of the sinking particles, on average. There were two notable pulses in the particle fluxes of both biogenic and lithogenic material in February and May 2018. These flux peaks were decoupled from net primary production in the surface waters but coincided with intervals of high rates of atmospheric dust deposition. The biogenic component of the two peaks was dominated by two different phytoplankton communities, which may have influenced carbon export efficiency. Correlations between the sinking particle flux and the lithogenic flux are found at several locations in the northwest Pacific, implying that East Asian dust deposition has a prevalent influence on the biological pump. Attention should be paid to the effects of changes in the continental dust supply to the oceans on oceanic carbon export.
Routine breast milk monitoring using automated molecular assay system reduced postnatal CMV infection in preterm infants
Authors: Song Junhyup , Kim Sinyoung , Kwak Eunmin , Park Younhee
Published: September 2023

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) transmitted through breast milk poses fatal risks to preterm infants. However, current molecular assay systems often do not accommodate breast milk samples. In this study, we evaluated the analytical and clinical performance of the measurement procedure of CMV load in breast milk utilizing the Cobas CMV test on the Cobas 6,800 system. This was enabled by incorporating a simple independent sample preparation procedure before the application of samples on the automated assay system. Clinical data from electronic medical records were retrospectively analyzed. Breast milk samples from mothers of preterm infants born before 33 weeks of gestation were screened for CMV using the automated assay system. CMV positivity rates in breast milk and neonatal samples and the CMV transmission rate were calculated. Furthermore, to validate the analytical accuracy of the overall measurement procedure with newly obtained residual breast milk samples, the linearity of the measurement procedure was assessed, and a simplified sample preparation method was validated against a conventional method. The CMV positivity rates in maternal breast milk and neonatal samples were 57.8 and 5.2%, respectively. The CMV transmission rate through breast milk was 7.7%. No significant differences in gestational age or birth weight were found between the CMV-negative and CMV-positive neonates. The linearity of the procedure was observed within a range of 1.87–4.73 log IU/mL. The simplified sample preparation method had an equivalent or even improved CMV detection sensitivity than the conventional method. Incorporating a simple independent sample preparation procedure effectively resolved any potential issues regarding the application of breast milk on the automated assay system. Our approach contributed to reduced vertical transmission of CMV by providing a convenient and reliable method for the monitoring of breast milk CMV positivity for clinicians.
ARPC1B is a novel prognostic biomarker for kidney renal clear cell carcinoma and correlates with immune infiltration
Authors: Tang Yong-Fei , Qiao Bin , Huang Ya-Bing , Wang Ming
Published: September 2023

Background: Actin-related protein 2/3 complex subunit 1B (ARPC1B) is reported to be involved in tumorigenesis and progression. However, its role in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC), correlation with tumor-infiltrating immune cells, and prognostic significance remain unclear.

Methods: Data sets from the TCGA, GTEx, GEPIA, GEO, UALCAN, and CPTAC databases were extracted and analyzed to investigate the expression difference, prognosis, and clinicopathological features of ARPC1B. Single-sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA), CIBERSORT, and TISCH2 analysis were used to examine the relationship between ARPC1B expression and tumor immune infiltration in KIRC. The potential function of ARPC1B in KIRC was explored by GO functional annotation and KEGG pathway analysis. The TIDE algorithm was used to predict and analyze the relationship between ARPC1B expression and response to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). The expression of ARPC1B was further validated by using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results: The study showed that ARPC1B expression was an independent prognostic factor of KIRC, with high ARPC1B expression being associated with poor overall survival (OS). Enrichment of GO annotation and pathway analysis showed multiple immune-related functional pathways affected by ARPC1B such as regulation of immune effector process, inflammatory response regulation, antigen processing and presentation, asthma, autoimmune thyroid disease, graft versus host disease, intestinal immune network for IgA production, and type I diabetic mellitus. Moreover, ARPC1B expression positively correlated with infiltrating levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in KIRC. Importantly, high ARPC1B expression predicted a low response to ICB in KIRC.

Conclusion: This study indicates that ARPC1B expression is an independent prognostic biomarker for OS in KIRC patients. High ARPC1B expression is closely associated with MDSCs and Tregs infiltration. These findings suggest that ARPC1B may serve as a biomarker for prognosis and immune infiltration in KIRC, potentially aiding in the development of novel treatment strategies to improve the survival outcomes for KIRC patients.
Ellagic acid effects on disease severity, levels of cytokines and T-bet, RORγt, and GATA3 genes expression in multiple sclerosis patients: a multicentral-triple blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Jafari Karegar Sahar , Aryaeian Naheed , Hajiluian Ghazaleh , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Shidfar Farzad , Salehi Masoud , Ashtiani Bahram Haghi , Farhangnia Pooya , Delbandi Ali-Akbar
Published: September 2023

Background

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease. Ellagic acid is a natural polyphenol and affects the fate of neurons through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The present study aimed to investigate ellagic acid effects on disease severity, the expression of involved genes in the pathogenesis of MS, and the levels of related cytokines.

Methods

The present study was a triple-blind clinical trial. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to two groups: Ellagic acid (25 subjects) for 12 weeks, receiving 180 mg of Ellagic acid (Axenic, Australia) and the control group (25 subjects) receiving a placebo, before the main meals. Before and after the study, the data including general information, foods intake, physical activity, anthropometric data, expanded disability status scale (EDSS), general health questionnaire (GHQ) and pain rating index (PRI), fatigue severity scale (FSS) were assessed, as well as serum levels of interferon-gamma (IFNγ), interleukin-17 (IL-17), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), nitric-oxide (NO) using enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) method and expression of T-box transcription factor (Tbet), GATA Binding Protein 3 (GATA3), retinoic acid-related orphan receptor-γt (RORγt) and Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) genes were determined using Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) method.

Findings

Ellagic acid supplementation led to a reduction in IFNγ, IL-17, NO and increased IL-4 in the ellagic acid group, however in the placebo group no such changes were observed (−24.52 ± 3.79 vs. -0.05 ± 0.02, p < 0.01; −5.37 ± 0.92 vs. 2.03 ± 1.03, p < 0.01; −18.03 ± 1.02 vs. -0.06 ± 0.05, p < 0.01, 14.69 ± 0.47 vs. -0.09 ± 0.14, p < 0.01, respectively). Ellagic acid supplementation had no effect on TGF-β in any of the study groups (p > 0.05). Also, the Tbet and RORγt genes expression decreased, and the GATA3 gene expression in the group receiving ellagic acid compared to control group significantly increased (0.52 ± 0.29 vs. 1.51 ± 0.18, p < 0.01, 0.49 ± 0.18 vs. 1.38 ± 0.14, p < 0.01, 1.71 ± 0.39 vs. 0.27 ± 0.10, p < 0.01). Also, ellagic acid supplementation led to significant decrease in EDSS, FSS and GHQ scores (p < 0.05), and no significant changes observed in PRI score (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Ellagic acid supplementation can improve the health status of MS patients by reduction of the inflammatory cytokines and Tbet and RORγt gene expression, and increment of anti-inflammatory cytokines and GATA3 gene expression.

Clinical trial registration: (https://en.irct.ir/trial/53020), IRCT20120415009472N22.