bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ellagic Acid Attenuates Muscle Atrophy in STZ-Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: LIU X , CHENG C , DENG B , LIU M
Published: January 2023

Diabetes is closely connected with skeletal muscle dysfunction. Ellagic acid (EA) possesses a variety of bio-effects and is applied to the improvement of diabetes. The purpose of this study was to explore the potential improvement effect and mechanisms of EA in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic muscle atrophy. The model of diabetic mice was established by intra-peritoneal STZ to evaluate treatment effect of EA (100 mg/kg/d for 8 weeks) on muscle atrophy. Our data exhibited that EA enhanced fiber size and weight of gastrocnemius, and promoted grip strength to relieve STZ-induced muscle lesions. In serum, the levels of Creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) were inhibited, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) level was enhanced by EA treatment in diabetic mice. In gastrocnemius, EA decreased Atrogin-1 and MuRF-1 expressions to relieve STZ-induced muscle atrophy. Moreover, EA increased NRF-1 and PGC-1α expressions to alleviate mitochondrial disorder. Meanwhile, EA suppressed CHOP and GRP-87 levels to relieve ER stress. Lastly, EA inhibited BAX expressions and enhanced Bcl-2 expressions to mitigate apoptosis. In conclusion, EA is preventing the event of STZ-induced gastrocnemia by amelioration of mitochondrial dysfunction, ER stress and apoptosis, and could be used in the protection and therapeutic of muscle atrophy in diabetes.
Toponimija sela Podgora u Brezi
Authors: Ibrišimović Nihada
Published: January 2023

Based on field research, cadastral data and historical sources, the paper presents and analyzes the toponymy of the village of Podgora in the municipality of Breza. The research covers about two hundred toponymic variations. Taking into account the linguistic and extra-linguistic characteristics of the researched area, a semantic-motivational and structural-formative classification was made, and linguistic influences and alloglottic elements in the formation of toponomasticons were observed. Finally, a dictionary of toponyms was given in alphabetical order. All toponymic characters confirmed in the field are accented.
VALIDITY AND PRACTICALLY OF MODIFIED FLASHCARD MEDIA OF INTERACTION AMONG LIVING THINGS MATERIAL FOR MTS STUDENTS
Authors: Qurrotul Uyuni  , Kuswanti Nur
Published: January 2023

Students in one of the Islamic junior high schools (MTs) in Jombang are better able to understand science material by using visual learning media. One of the science materials that requires visual media is the interaction between living things. This was a development research. The general purpose of this study was to develop modified flashcards as learning media for junior high school on the material of interaction among living things. Meanwhile, the main purposes were to describe the process and results of developing the media. This research used the ADDIE development model which stands for Analize, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. The modified flashcard media after being developed was then examined for their validity and practicality. The results of the analysis showed that the modified flashcard media on the interaction material among living things obtained averages of validity score of 3.6 and practicality score of 3.83. Based on these results, the developed media belongs to the category of very valid and very practical.
LITERATURE STUDY: STUDENTS’ LEARNING MOTIVATION, ACTIVITY, AND RESULT IN LEARNING USING AUDIOVISUAL MEDIA OF HUMAN LOCOMOTION SYSTEM
Authors: Prabowo Rohmat Kukuh , Kuswanti Nur
Published: January 2023

Media is one of important aspects in learning. This study aimed to describe students’ learning motivation, activity and outcomes in and after learning using audiovisual media on the subject of human locomotion system. This was a qualitative research using literature study method. It used secondary data derived from previous researches, i.e. development, experimental and class action researches. The data obtained showed that there was relationship among motivation, activities and student learning outcomes during and after learning human locomotion  system using audiovisual media, with higher results in the experimental classes or those treated with applying audiovisual media.
Platelet-rich plasma attenuates the severity of joint capsule fibrosis following post-traumatic joint contracture in rats
Authors: Zhang Yuxin , Wang Zengguang , Zong Chenyu , Gu Xiaoding , Fan Shuai , Xu Lili , Cai Bin , Lu Shenji
Published: January 2023

Background: Post-traumatic joint contracture (PTJC) mainly manifests as excessive inflammation leading to joint capsule fibrosis. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, a key regulator of inflammation and fibrosis, can promote fibroblast activation, proliferation, migration, and differentiation into myofibroblasts. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is considered to have strong potential for improving tissue healing and regeneration, the ability to treat joint capsule fibrosis remains largely unknown.

Methods: In this study, we aimed to determine the antifibrotic potential of PRP in vivo or in vitro and its possible molecular mechanisms. The TGF-β1-induced primary joint capsule fibroblast model and rat PTJC model were used to observe several fibrotic markers (TGF-β1, α-SMA, COL-Ⅰ, MMP-9) and signaling transduction pathway (Smad2/3) using histological staining, qRT-PCR and western blot.

Results: Fibroblasts transformed to myofibroblasts after TGF-β1 stimulation with an increase of TGF-β1, α-SMA, COL-Ⅰ, MMP-9 and the activation of Smad2/3 in vitro. However, TGF-β1-induced upregulation or activation of these fibrotic markers or signaling could be effectively suppressed by the introduction of PRP. Fibrotic markers’ similar changes were observed in the rat PTJC model and PRP effectively reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and collagen fiber deposition in the posterior joint capsule. Interestingly, HE staining showed that articular cartilage was degraded after rat PTJC, and PRP injection also have the potential to protect articular cartilage.

Conclusion: PRP can attenuate pathological changes of joint capsule fibrosis during PTJC, which may be implemented by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling and downstream fibrotic marker expression in joint capsule fibroblasts.
Profiling of amines in biological samples using polythioester-functionalized magnetic nanoprobe
Authors: Qiu Yuming , Zhang Mo , Lai Zhizhen , Zhang Renjun , Tian Hongtao , Liu Shuai , Li Dan , Zhou Jiang , Li Zhili
Published: January 2023

Introduction: The metabolic balance of amines is closely related to human health. It remains a great challenge to analyze amines with high-throughput and high-coverage.

Methods: Polythioester-functionalized magnetic nanoprobes (PMPs) have been prepared under mild conditions and applied in chemoselective capture of amides. With the introduction of polythioester, PMPs demonstrate remarkably increased capture efficiency, leading to the dramatically improved sensitivity of mass spectrometry detection.

Results: The analysis method with PMPs treatment has been applied in rapid detection of more than 100 amines in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, mouse organ tissues, and 103 human serum samples with high-throughput and high-coverage. Statistical analysis shows that arginine biosynthesis differed between lung adenocarcinoma cell lines.

Discussion: Phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis differed between tissues. The combination indicators demonstrate a great diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing between health and lung disease subjects as well as differentiating the patients with benign lung disease and lung cancer. With powerful capture ability, low-cost preparation, and convenient separation, the PMPs demonstrate promising application in the intensive study of metabolic pathways and early diagnosis of disease.high-throughput and high-coverage. Here, polythioester-functionalized magnetic nanoprobes (PMPs) have been prepared under mild conditions and applied in chemoselective capture of amides. With the introduction of polythioester, PMPs demonstrate remarkably increased capture efficiency, leading to the dramatically improved sensitivity of mass spectrometry detection. The analysis method with PMPs treatment has been applied in rapid detection of more than 100 amines in lung adenocarcinoma cell lines, mouse organ tissues, and 103 human serum samples with high-throughput and high-coverage. Statistical analysis shows that arginine biosynthesis differed between lung adenocarcinoma cell lines. Phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis differed between tissues. The combination indicators demonstrate a great diagnostic accuracy for distinguishing between health and lung disease subjects as well as differentiating the patients with benign lung disease and lung cancer. With powerful capture ability, low-cost preparation, and convenient separation, the PMPs demonstrate promising application in the intensive study of metabolic pathways and early diagnosis of disease.
Naturally derived injectable hydrogels with ROS-scavenging property to protect transplanted stem cell bioactivity for osteoarthritic cartilage repair
Authors: Li Haobo , Xiang Dong , Gong Chongcheng , Wang Xiaomin , Liu Lin
Published: January 2023

Intra-articular injection of adipose mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) is a potential alternative to the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) and has aroused great interest of clinical researchers. However, the hostile microenvironment in the joint cavity, characterized by reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and excessive inflammation, disturbs the bioactivity of the transplanted stem cells. The (-)-epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), a green tea catechin, has attracted the researchers’ attention owing to its powerful ROS-scavenging and antioxidant properties. In this study, to avoid rapid degradation and/or depletion of EGCG, we prepare a long-lasting injectable hydrogel by EGCG and hyaluronic acid (HA). The naturally derived hydrogels with excellent biocompatibility and durable retention time can capture the redundant ROS continuously and efficiently, thus protecting ADSCs from ROS-mediated death and bioactivity inhibition, including cell survival, proliferation and chondrogenic differentiation. Intra-articular injection of this ADSCs loaded hydrogel significantly induced synovial macrophages polarization to M2 phenotype, decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β, MMP-13, and TNF-α) expression, promoted cartilage matrix formation, and repaired cartilage destruction in OA. This stem cell-protected hydrogel delivery strategy showed superior efficacy than ADSCs delivering or EGCG-HA injection singly, which providing a potential alternative strategy for OA management.
Future perspectives of earthquake-tsunami catastrophe modelling: From single-hazards to cascading and compounding multi-hazards
Authors: Goda Katsuichiro , De Risi Raffaele
Published: January 2023

Probabilistic risk models for natural hazards, or natural catastrophe models, are indispensable tools for forecasting and quantifying the impacts of cascading and compounding earthquake-tsunami hazards. Their applications facilitate improved disaster risk mitigation and management. Uncertainties associated with forecasted multi-hazard impacts can be substantial, and practitioners and policymakers need guidance on implementing disaster risk reduction actions at all levels (local, regional, national, and international). In communicating such broad ranges of possible consequences with stakeholders, disaster scenarios need to be carefully selected and presented. This article reviews the state-of-the-art of earthquake, tsunami, and earthquake-tsunami catastrophe modelling and discusses future perspectives for earthquake-tsunami risk assessments.
A model analysis on the knowledge, attitude, and readiness of ELVs policy among Malaysians: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ismail Rozmi , Sitinjak Charli , Tahir Zurinah , Che Rose Rosniza Aznie , Mat Yazid Muhamad Razuhanafi , Harun Zambri , Suparjo Noordin Nur Atiqah
Published: January 2023

The issue of end-of-life vehicles (ELV) in Malaysia has recently received serious attention from the government. The Malaysian government has launched various programs to reduce the number of ELVs that have not been adequately managed. Initiatives like offering rewards to those who want to turn up their damaged vehicles are similar to An effort to trade in their old automobiles. However, it was unsuccessful due to a lack of cooperation from Malaysians. This study examines the sociological aspects of community acceptance of ELV legislation in Malaysia. This study assesses community knowledge, attitudes, and readiness to implement ELV management in Malaysia. Six hundred thirty people participated in a cross-sectional survey performed across Malaysian states (Pulau Pinang, Kelantan, Johor, Melaka, Selangor, and Kuala Lumpur). A collection of questions was distributed face-to-face after satisfying the steps of validity and reliability tests. Then descriptive and multiple regression tests were run to determine correlations between variables. We use the structural equation model to determine the model in this research. The study’s findings revealed that people’s knowledge, attitudes, and readiness toward ELV policies were significantly influenced by their length of stay, level of education, and vehicle ownership (overall R2 = 0.663, VIF = 1,612, p = 0.000). It was also discovered that knowledge and attitude together could determine community readiness in implementing ELV policies in Malaysia. The findings of this study demonstrate how important it is for the government to consider the populace’s knowledge and attitudes before implementing the ELV policy in Malaysia.
RSK1 and RSK2 serine/threonine kinases regulate different transcription programs in cancer
Authors: Yang Won Seok , Caliva Maisel J. , Khadka Vedbar S. , Tiirikainen Maarit , Matter Michelle L. , Deng Youping , Ramos Joe W.
Published: January 2023

The 90 kDa ribosomal S6 kinases (RSKs) are serine threonine kinases comprising four isoforms. The isoforms can have overlapping functions in regulation of migration, invasion, proliferation, survival, and transcription in various cancer types. However, isoform specific differences in RSK1 versus RSK2 functions in gene regulation are not yet defined. Here, we delineate ribosomal S6 kinases isoform-specific transcriptional gene regulation by comparing transcription programs in RSK1 and RSK2 knockout cells using microarray analysis. Microarray analysis revealed significantly different mRNA expression patterns between RSK1 knockout and RSK2 knockout cell lines. Importantly some of these functions have not been previously recognized. Our analysis revealed RSK1 has specific roles in cell adhesion, cell cycle regulation and DNA replication and repair pathways, while RSK2 has specific roles in the immune response and interferon signaling pathways. We further validated that the identified gene sets significantly correlated with mRNA datasets from cancer patients. We examined the functional significance of the identified transcriptional programs using cell assays. In alignment with the microarray analysis, we found that RSK1 modulates the mRNA and protein expression of Fibronectin1, affecting cell adhesion and CDK2, affecting S-phase arrest in the cell cycle, and impairing DNA replication and repair. Under similar conditions, RSK2 showed increased ISG15 transcriptional expression, affecting the immune response pathway and cytokine expression. Collectively, our findings revealed the occurrence of RSK1 and RSK2 specific transcriptional regulation, defining separate functions of these closely related isoforms.
miR-23a/b clusters are not essential for the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis in mouse aging and post-traumatic models
Authors: Fujiwara Yusuke , Ding Chenyang , Sanada Yohei , Yimiti Dilimulati , Ishikawa Masakazu , Nakasa Tomoyuki , Kamei Naosuke , Imaizumi Kazunori , Lotz Martin K. , Akimoto Takayuki , Miyaki Shigeru , Adachi Nobuo
Published: January 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA), the most prevalent aging-related joint disease, is characterized by insufficient extracellular matrix synthesis and articular cartilage degradation and is caused by various risk factors including aging and traumatic injury. Most microRNAs (miRNAs) have been associated with pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) using in vitro models. However, the role of many miRNAs in skeletal development and OA pathogenesis is uncharacterized in vivo using genetically modified mice. Here, we focused on miR-23–27–24 clusters. There are two paralogous miR-23–27–24 clusters: miR-23a-27a-24–2 (miR-23a cluster) and miR-23b-27b-24–1 (miR-23b cluster). Each miR-23a/b, miR-24, and miR-27a/b is thought to function coordinately and complementary to each other, and the role of each miR-23a/b, miR-24, and miR-27a/b in OA pathogenesis is still controversial. MiR-23a/b clusters are highly expressed in chondrocytes and the present study examined their role in OA. We analyzed miRNA expression in chondrocytes and investigated cartilage-specific miR-23a/b clusters knockout (Col2a1-Cre; miR-23a/bflox/flox: Cart-miR-23clus KO) mice and global miR-23a/b clusters knockout (CAG-Cre; miR-23a/bflox/flox: Glob-miR-23clus KO) mice. Knees of Cart- and Glob-miR-23a/b clusters KO mice were evaluated by histological grading systems for knee joint tissues using aging model (12 and/or 18 month-old) and surgically-induced OA model. miR-23a/b clusters were among the most highly expressed miRNAs in chondrocytes. Skeletal development of Cart- and Glob-miR-23clus KO mice was grossly normal although Glob-miR-23clus KO had reduced body weight, adipose tissue and bone density. In the aging model and surgically-induced OA model, Cart- and Glob-miR-23clus KO mice exhibited mild OA-like changes such as proteoglycan loss and cartilage fibrillation. However, the histological scores were not significantly different in terms of the severity of OA in Cart- and Glob-miR-23clus KO mice compared with control mice. Together, miR-23a/b clusters, composed of miR-23a/b, miR-24, miR-27a/b do not significantly contribute to OA pathogenesis.
Thermal and flow performance analysis of a concentrated linear Fresnel solar collector with transverse ribs
Authors: Hasan Husam Abdulrasool , Sherza Jenan S. , Abed Azher M. , Togun Hussein , Ben Khedher Nidhal , Sopian Kamaruzzaman , Mahdi Jasim M. , Talebizadehsardari Pouyan
Published: January 2023

This article deals with the impact of including transverse ribs within the absorber tube of the concentrated linear Fresnel collector (CLFRC) system with a secondary compound parabolic collector (CPC) on thermal and flow performance coefficients. The enhancement rates of heat transfer due to varying governing parameters were compared and analyzed parametrically at Reynolds numbers in the range 5,000–13,000, employing water as the heat transfer fluid. Simulations were performed to solve the governing equations using the finite volume method (FVM) under various boundary conditions. For all Reynolds numbers, the average Nusselt number in the circular tube in the CLFRC system with ribs was found to be larger than that of the plain absorber tube. Also, the inclusion of transverse ribs inside the absorber tube increases the average Nusselt number by approximately 115% at Re = 5,000 and 175% at Re = 13,000. For all Reynolds numbers, the skin friction coefficient of the circular tube with ribs in the CLFRC system is larger than that of the plain absorber tube. The coefficient of surface friction reduces as the Reynolds number increases. The performance assessment criterion was found to vary between 1.8 and 1.9 as the Reynolds number increases.
Efficient antibacterial AIEgens induced ROS for selective photodynamic treatment of bacterial keratitis
Authors: Cai Wenting , Shen Tianyi , Wang Dong , Li Tingting , Yu Jing , Peng Chen , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: January 2023

Bacterial keratitis (BK) is an acute infection of the cornea, accompanied by uneven epithelium boundaries with stromal ulceration, potentially resulting in vision loss. Topical antibiotic is the regular treatment for BK. However, the incidence rate of multidrug-resistant bacteria limits the application of traditional antibiotics. Therefore, a cationic aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) named TTVP is utilized for the treatment of BK. TTVP showed no obvious cytotoxicity in maintaining the normal cell morphology and viability under a limited concentration, and revealed the ability to selectively combine with bacteria in normal ocular environment. After light irradiation, TTVP produced reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus exerting efficient antibacterial ability in vitro. What’s more, in rat models of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection, the therapeutic intervention of TTVP lessens the degree of corneal opacity and inflammatory infiltration, limiting the spread of inflammation. Besides, TTVP manifested superior antibacterial efficacy than levofloxacin in acute BK, endowing its better vision salvage ability than conventional method. This research demonstrates the efficacy and advantages of TTVP as a photodynamic drug in the treatment of BK and represents its promise in clinical application of ocular infections.
“Smart” drug delivery: A window to future of translational medicine
Authors: Rana Abhilash , Adhikary Meheli , Singh Praveen Kumar , Das Bhudev C. , Bhatnagar Seema
Published: January 2023

Chemotherapy is the mainstay of cancer treatment today. Chemotherapeutic drugs are non-selective and can harm both cancer and healthy cells, causing a variety of adverse effects such as lack of specificity, cytotoxicity, short half-life, poor solubility, multidrug resistance, and acquiring cancer stem-like characteristics. There is a paradigm shift in drug delivery systems (DDS) with the advent of smarter ways of targeted cancer treatment. Smart Drug Delivery Systems (SDDSs) are stimuli responsive and can be modified in chemical structure in response to light, pH, redox, magnetic fields, and enzyme degradation can be future of translational medicine. Therefore, SDDSs have the potential to be used as a viable cancer treatment alternative to traditional chemotherapy. This review focuses mostly on stimuli responsive drug delivery, inorganic nanocarriers (Carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, Meso-porous silica nanoparticles, quantum dots etc.), organic nanocarriers (Dendrimers, liposomes, micelles), antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) and small molecule drug conjugates (SMDC) based SDDSs for targeted cancer therapy and strategies of targeted drug delivery systems in cancer cells.
The effect of gut microbiota dysbiosis on patients with preeclampsia
Authors: Zhao Yefang , Wang Bingjie , Zhao Xiaoling , Cui Dan , Hou Shaoke , Zhang Hongzhen
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To compare the difference of gut microbiota between preeclampsia (PE) and healthy normal pregnant women, providing new therapeutic strategy for preeclampsia.

Methods

Forty-one PE patients and 45 age- and pre-pregnancy body mass index- matched healthy controls were enrolled from Nov 2021 to May 2022 in this retrospective case-control study. Fecal microbiota was detected by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, followed by bioinformatics analysis including microbial α diversity, microbial β diversity, and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis. Serum inflammatory factors were also detected and compared between the two groups.

Results

There were significant differences in Bacteroidetes (2.68% in PE patients vs 11.04% in healthy controls, P < 0.001), Proteobacteria (4.04% in PE patients vs 1.22% in healthy controls, P = 0.041), and Fusobacteria (1.07% in PE patients vs 0.01% in healthy controls, P = 0.042) between the two groups at the phylum level. Microbial α diversity was lower in PE patients than that in healthy controls. In addition, there was significant difference in microbial β diversity between the two groups. LEfSe analysis showed that there are 24 different taxa between the two groups. The levels of proinflammatory factors including serum tumor necrosis factor-α and Interleukin-6 were statistically significant higher in PE patients than those in healthy controls (both P < 0.001), while there were no significant differences in the levels of serum anti-inflammatory factors including Interleukin-4 and Interleukin-10 between the two groups (P = 0.234 and P = 0.096, respectively).

Conclusion

PE patients demonstrated gut microbiota disturbances and increasing serum proinflammatory factors, leading to a better understanding of the relationship between the gut microbiota dysbiosis and PE.
Clinical and genomic analysis of hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates: Identification of new hypermucoviscosity associated genes
Authors: Jin Meiling , Jia Tianye , Liu Xiong , Yang Meitao , Zhang Na , Chen Jiali , Yang Xiaojing , Qin Shiyu , Liu Fangni , Tang Yue , Wang Yong , Guo Jinpeng , Chen Yong , Li Boan , Wang Changjun
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae (HmKp) poses an emerging and highly pathogenic global health threat. This study aimed to investigate the clinical and genomic characteristics of HmKp isolates to better understand the virulence mechanisms of the hypermucoviscous (HMV) phenotype.

Methods

From May 2018 to August 2021, 203 non-repeat K. pneumoniae isolates causing invasive infections were collected from a hospital in Beijing, China. Isolates were divided into HmKp (n=90, 44.3%) and non-HmKp (n=113, 55.7%) groups according to string test results.

Results

Multivariate regression showed that diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR]=2.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20-4.05, p=0.010) and liver abscess (OR=2.93, CI 95%:1.29-7.03, p=0.012) were associated with HmKp infections. K. pneumoniae was highly diverse, comprising 87 sequence types (STs) and 54 serotypes. Among HmKp isolates, ST23 was the most frequent ST (25/90, 27.8%), and the most prevalent serotypes were KL2 (31/90, 34.4%) and KL1 (27/90, 30.0%). Thirteen virulence genes were located on the capsular polysaccharide synthesis region of KL1 strains. HmKp isolates were sensitive to multiple antibiotics but carried more SHV-type extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) resistance genes (p<0.05), suggesting that the emergence of ESBL-mediated multidrug resistance in HmKp should be monitored carefully during treatment. Phylogenetic analysis disclosed that HmKp isolates were highly diverse. Comparative genomic analysis confirmed that the HMV phenotype is a plasmid-encoded virulence factor. Seventeen HmKp genes were highly associated with HmKp, and included rmpAC, 7 iron-acquisition-related genes, and pagO, which may promote liver abscess formation.

Discussion

This investigation provides insight into the mechanisms producing the HMV phenotype.
Effects and perception of multimodal recontextualization in political Internet memes. Evidence from two online experiments in Austria
Authors: Bülow Lars , Johann Michael
Published: January 2023

Internet memes are an integral part of social media communication and a popular genre for humorous engagement in online political discourses. A meme is a collective of multimodal signs that refer to each other through shared formal, content-related, and/or stance-related characteristics and can be recontextualized on different levels: (1) language, (2) mode of presentation, and (3) humor. In this paper, we examine the perceptions and effects of recontextualization in image macros—the most prominent meme subgenre. Two between-subjects online experiments from Austria offer a holistic approach to meaning-making through multimodal recontextualization in political image macros. The first experiment explored the perception of language variety and its effects on users' intentions to forward a humorous image macro. The second experiment further investigated the effects of a political message's language variety, mode of presentation, and humor on users' perceptions and behavioral intentions. The experiments' results indicate that perceptions and behavioral intentions are mainly affected by a political message's presentation as an image macro, while the recontextualization of language variety and humor plays a minor role. The study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on Internet memes as multimodal and recontextualizable political messages from the receivers' point of view.
Plasma VWF: Ag levels predict long-term clinical outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Xier Zulipiyemu , Zhu Yu-Xia , Tang Shou-Wei , Kong Can , Aili Dilihumaer , Huojia Guzailinuer , Peng Hui
Published: January 2023

Background

A vital role in coronary artery disease is played by Von Willebrand factor (VWF), which serves as a bridge between platelets and the subendothelial matrix after vessel damage. The purpose of the study was to assess the validity of plasma VWF antigen (VWF: Ag) levels as a predictor of clinical outcomes after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

Methods

Three hundred and seventy-four patients were studied following coronary angiography, including 209 patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction and 165 healthy participants. Coronary angiography was followed by measurement of plasma VWF: Ag levels. Over a 2-year follow-up period, major adverse cardiopulmonary and cerebrovascular events (MACEs) were the primary endpoint. All-cause mortality was investigated as a secondary endpoint.

Results

When compared to controls, patients with AMI had mean plasma VWF: Ag levels that were ~1.63 times higher (0.860 ± 0.309 vs. 0.529 ± 0.258 IU/ml; P < 0.001). The plasma VWF: Ag levels were substantially higher in patients who experienced MACEs after myocardial infarction vs. those without MACEs (1.088 ± 0.253 vs. 0.731 ± 0.252 IU/ml; P < 0.001). For predicting long-term MACEs using the optimal cut-off value (0.7884 IU/ml) of VWF: Ag, ROC curve area for VWF: Ag was 0.847, with a sensitivity of 87.2% and a specificity of 66.3% (95%CI: 0.792–0.902; P = 0.001). Two-year follow-up revealed a strong link between higher plasma VWF: Ag levels and long-term MACEs. At the 2-year follow-up, multivariate regression analysis revealed an independent relationship between plasma VWF: Ag levels and MACEs (HR = 6.004, 95%CI: 2.987–12.070).

Conclusion

We found evidence that plasma VWF: Ag levels were independent risk factors for AMI. Meanwhile, higher plasma VWF: Ag levels are associated with long-term MACEs in people with AMI.
Semi-automatic thresholding of RV trabeculation improves repeatability and diagnostic value in suspected pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Macdonald Alistair , Salehi Mahan , Alabed Samer , Maiter Ahmed , Goh Ze Ming , Dwivedi Krit , Johns Chris , Cogliano Marcella , Alandejani Faisal , Condliffe Robin , Wild James M. , Kiely David G. , Garg Pankaj , Swift Andrew J.
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Right ventricle (RV) mass is an imaging biomarker of mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Some methods of RV mass measurement on cardiac MRI (CMR) exclude RV trabeculation. This study assessed the reproducibility of measurement methods and evaluated whether the inclusion of trabeculation in RV mass affects diagnostic accuracy in suspected pulmonary hypertension (PH).

Materials and methods

Two populations were enrolled prospectively. (i) A total of 144 patients with suspected PH who underwent CMR followed by right heart catheterization (RHC). Total RV mass (including trabeculation) and compacted RV mass (excluding trabeculation) were measured on the end-diastolic CMR images using both semi-automated pixel-intensity-based thresholding and manual contouring techniques. (ii) A total of 15 healthy volunteers and 15 patients with known PH. Interobserver agreement and scan-scan reproducibility were evaluated for RV mass measurements using the semi-automated thresholding and manual contouring techniques.

Results

Total RV mass correlated more strongly with MPAP and PVR (r = 0.59 and 0.63) than compacted RV mass (r = 0.25 and 0.38). Using a diagnostic threshold of MPAP ≥ 25 mmHg, ROC analysis showed better performance for total RV mass (AUC 0.77 and 0.81) compared to compacted RV mass (AUC 0.61 and 0.66) when both parameters were indexed for LV mass. Semi-automated thresholding was twice as fast as manual contouring (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Using a semi-automated thresholding technique, inclusion of trabecular mass and indexing RV mass for LV mass (ventricular mass index), improves the diagnostic accuracy of CMR measurements in suspected PH.
Machine learning-based integration develops biomarkers initial the crosstalk between inflammation and immune in acute myocardial infarction patients
Authors: Li Hongyu , Sun Xinti , Li Zesheng , Zhao Ruiping , Li Meng , Hu Taohong
Published: January 2023

Great strides have been made in past years toward revealing the pathogenesis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the prognosis did not meet satisfactory expectations. Considering the importance of early diagnosis in AMI, biomarkers with high sensitivity and accuracy are urgently needed. On the other hand, the prevalence of AMI worldwide has rapidly increased over the last few years, especially after the outbreak of COVID-19. Thus, in addition to the classical risk factors for AMI, such as overwork, agitation, overeating, cold irritation, constipation, smoking, and alcohol addiction, viral infections triggers have been considered. Immune cells play pivotal roles in the innate immunosurveillance of viral infections. So, immunotherapies might serve as a potential preventive or therapeutic approach, sparking new hope for patients with AMI. An era of artificial intelligence has led to the development of numerous machine learning algorithms. In this study, we integrated multiple machine learning algorithms for the identification of novel diagnostic biomarkers for AMI. Then, the possible association between critical genes and immune cell infiltration status was characterized for improving the diagnosis and treatment of AMI patients.
Trends in outcomes of women with myocardial infarction undergoing primary angioplasty—Analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Motovska Zuzana , Hlinomaz Ota , Aschermann Michael , Jarkovsky Jiri , Želízko Michael , Kala Petr , Groch Ladislav , Svoboda Michal , Hromadka Milan , Widimsky Petr
Published: January 2023

Background

Sex- and gender-associated differences determine the disease response to treatment.

Aim

The study aimed to explore the hypothesis that progress in the management of STE-myocardial infarction (STEMI) overcomes the worse outcome in women.

Methods and results

We performed an analysis of three randomized trials enrolling patients treated with primary PCI more than 10 years apart. PRAGUE-1,-2 validated the preference of transport for primary PCI over on-site fibrinolysis. PRAGUE-18 enrollment was ongoing at the time of the functional network of 24/7PCI centers, and the intervention was supported by intensive antiplatelets. The proportion of patients with an initial Killip ≥ 3 was substantially higher in the more recent study (0.6 vs. 6.7%, p = 0.004). Median time from symptom onset to the door of the PCI center shortened from 3.8 to 3.0 h, p < 0.001. The proportion of women having total ischemic time ≤3 h was higher in the PRAGUE-18 (OR [95% C.I.] 2.65 [2.03–3.47]). However, the percentage of patients with time-to-reperfusion >6 h was still significant (22.3 vs. 27.2% in PRAGUE-18). There was an increase in probability for an initial TIMI flow >0 in the later study (1.49 [1.0–2.23]), and also for an optimal procedural result (4.24 [2.12–8.49], p < 0.001). The risk of 30-day mortality decreased by 61% (0.39 [0.17–0.91], p = 0.029).

Conclusion

The prognosis of women with MI treated with primary PCI improved substantially with 24/7 regional availability of mechanical reperfusion, performance-enhancing technical progress, and intensive adjuvant antithrombotic therapy. A major modifiable hindrance to achieving this benefit in a broad population of women is the timely diagnosis by health professional services.
Socio-technical system analysis of responsible data sharing in water systems as critical infrastructure
Authors: Hazell Peter , Novitzky Peter , van den Oord Steven
Published: January 2023

Attention is increasingly focused on the protection of water systems as critical infrastructure, including subsystems of supply, sanitation, hygiene, and management. Similarly increasing consideration is paid to the growing role and impact of data on water systems and management. We explore key challenges associated with data-driven water systems as critical infrastructure. First, we describe the status of water infrastructure as a part of national critical infrastructure. Second, as this infrastructure increasingly relies on the constant flow of data from a huge variety, quality, and complexity of sensors, we provide a descriptive framework to map in detail the particular expertise needed across data-driven water management, applied to the UK water infrastructure as our use case. Third, through the framework of Capabilities Approach (CA) we analyze the specific challenges of data-driven water management, and argue that the current predominant narratives in the water infrastructure discourse have difficulties to effectively convey existing and emerging challenges. Fourth, we further demonstrate the widening gap between infrastructure services and consumer goods, arguing for increased convergence of the utilization of consumer data, and developing open data ecosystems.
Key factors affecting hydrocarbon accumulation in ancient dolomite gas reservoirs of Xixiangchi formation (Southern Sichuan Basin, China)
Authors: Hu Xiuquan , Luo Wei , Zang Dianguang , Wang Wenzhi , Yi Chi , Li Jianghan
Published: January 2023

The Upper Cambrian Xixiangchi Formation in the Southern Sichuan Basin, China, has favorable hydrocarbon accumulation conditions. The accumulation factors and enrichment conditions of this formation were key considerations in this study. By analyzing core, thin section, seismic, and geochemical data, the research shows that there are many sets of granular and crystalline dolomite reservoirs in the Xixiangchi Formation vertically, with thin thickness of single-reservoir. During the transformation of karst and tectonism, dissolution pores and fractures developed to form an ideal reservoir space. The reservoir of the Xixiangchi Formation is connected to the Lower Cambrian source rock through a fault system. The high-energy shoal facies of the Xixiangchi Formation are located on the oil and gas migration path, providing an appropriate reservoir space for forming the source reservoir configuration relationship between the lower generation and upper reservoir. The key factors affecting hydrocarbon accumulation in the Xixiangchi Formation are sufficient oil and gas supply, development of inherited paleo-uplift, effective transportation system, and favorable reservoir-forming combination. The inherited paleo-uplift controls the distribution of gas reservoirs. Owing to the short migration distance of oil and gas, hydrocarbon is found near source hydrocarbon accumulation, and the paleo-uplift slope area should be targeted for exploration in future studies.
Quantitative assessment of the impacts of climate and human activities on streamflow of the Lancang-Mekong river over the recent decades
Authors: Li Renzhi , Huang He Qing , Wang Zhonggen , Zhao Ruxin
Published: January 2023

The impacts of climate and human activities exerted on streamflow over the recent decades in the Lancang-Mekong River Basin (LMRB) have been examined in separate forms and this study performed an integrated quantitative evaluation. Using the meteorological and hydrological data measured in LMRB during 1961–2015, we analyzed the varying trend and abrupt change characteristics of streamflow along the river course, and constructed a SWAT hydrological model to quantitatively evaluate the contributions of climate and human activities by taking into account their spatial heterogeneity. At the yearly timescale, the results show that for significant complex changes in streamflow along the Lancang-Mekong River, the ratios of the contributions of the impacts of human activity (ηh) before 2000 to those after 2000 are under 15.2%, 17.5% and 32.4% respectively in the source area above Jiuzou (China), the upper area between Jiuzhou and Yunjinghong (China), and the middle area between Jiuzhou and Vientiane (Laos). In the lower area between Vientiane and Stung Treng (Cambodia), ηh was only 22.6% before 2000 and yet dramatically increased to 59.1% after 2000. While the same situation happened at the seasonal time scale, ηh has relatively larger values during dry seasons than in wet seasons. In contrast to the gradually increased impacts of human activities, the impacts of climate on streamflow gradually decreased from the upper to the lower areas. Furthermore, the impacts of the changes in land use types account for about 1/3 in the Lancang River Basin and yet reaches more than 1/2 in the Mekong River Basin.
Mapping the grassland quality of the flooded plain based on Jilin-01 images with a red-edge spectral band
Authors: Chen Ziqi , Zhang Yanhong , Zang Peng , Liu Zhaoli , Zhao Wenbin
Published: January 2023

In response to the difficulties of flood plain quality assessment, red-edge spectral remote sensing data acquired from the Jilin-01 satellite were used. The Grassland Quality Index (GQI) was formed by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Red Edge Index (NDRE) related to the determination of grassland quality and the first principal component of the red-edge Chlorophyll Index obtained by principal component analysis. The GQI was applied to evaluate grassland quality in the flooded plain, which is an important grassland ecological-barrier area in the western area of Jilin Province, and was then verified using field measurement data. Results show that 1) 80% of grasslands in Xianghai Nature Reserve are of a medium quality, and the grasslands with good growth status account for approximately 15% and are mainly concentrated in the wetland and swamp areas in the central south part of the reserve and that 2) the correlation of the evaluation results was verified using the survey field biomass, and the coefficient of the empirical correlation model is 0.96, which indicates good consistency. This study is of practical significance for the timely and accurate monitoring of grassland growth, which is beneficial for the development of livestock husbandry and the protection of the ecological environment in northern China.
On the acoustic attenuation characteristics of sonar detection in the salt-cavern gas storage environment
Authors: Yang Haiyan , Wang Yu , Dai Yao , Zhang Junfu , Chen Gang
Published: January 2023

Aiming at the acoustic attenuation in the salt-cavern environment, this paper established a theoretical relationship of the ultrasonic attenuation in the salt-cavern gas storage, based on the wave equation of the acoustic wave propagating in a non-ideal medium, and considering the specific environment of gas storage, and analyzes how the wall roughness of the gas storage affects the acoustic attenuation. The results show that the inner wall roughness of the salt-cavern gas storage has an effect on the acoustic attenuation. The inner wall surface is at the solid-liquid interface, where the change of the medium will affect the attenuation of the acoustic wave, and the effective reflection coefficient of the inner wall will cause the acoustic wave to attenuate at a lower frequency. On this basis, the characteristics of insoluble particles in the salt-cavern gas storage were also studied, and the main components of different media in salt-cavern cavities and the diameter distribution of different particles were obtained, and an experimental platform was established. According to the experimental results, the roughness of a reflective surface significantly affects the attenuation coefficient of the acoustic wave, and the acoustic wave will suffer two energy losses on a rough wall surface. In addition, the insoluble particles also affect the acoustic attenuation significantly, and scattering attenuation increases with the particle size. The research conclusions provide theoretical basis for the variation characteristics of ultrasonic attenuation with the environmental medium and ultrasonic excitation frequency of the salt-cavern gas storage.
Research on main controlling factors of tight sandstone gas accumulation in coal-bearing strata in the southern North China Basin: Comparison with the Ordos Basin
Authors: Chen Jingyi , Zhang Hongwei , Chang Hailiang , Wang Qingwei
Published: January 2023

Tight sandstone gas (TSG) reservoirs develop extensively in the upper Paleozoic coal bearing strata in both the southern North China Basin and the Ordos Basin. The former has not achieved important advances in TSG exploration, while the latter has built the largest TSG production facility in China. By comparing the TSG accumulation conditions in the Tongxu area of the southern North China Basin and the Fuxian area of the Ordos Basin, the main controlling factors of TSG accumulation in the southern North China Basin were analyzed in this article. The results indicate that the organic matter type of the upper Paleozoic source rocks are mainly type III kerogen, vitrinite reflectance values (Ro) are greater than 3.1%, source rocks are over mature, and the reservoir strata are characterized by low porosity and extra low permeability; therefore reservoir forming conditions are similar to those of the Ordos Basin. During the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous period, after a large-scale generation of hydrocarbons from source rocks in the two basins, the tectonic movements in the Yanshan period controlled the differential accumulation of TSG. The Ordos Basin has been uplifted as a whole by tectonic processes since the Triassic, which allowed a continuous deposition of Triassic strata, thus providing good sealing conditions for the upper Paleozoic TSG reservoirs. The southern North China Basin has experienced multi-stage compressive and extensive tectonic actions, so the original unified Paleozoic basin was divided into several residual blocks. However, the residual thickness of Triassic strata in slopes and sags is higher. The source rocks, reservoir strata, caprocks, and overlying strata continuously deposited in time, and the time allocation of reservoir forming elements is favorable. Therefore, this is conducive to the preservation of TSG reservoirs in the upper Paleozoic. Such reservoirs are defined by high gas saturation and enriched sandstone gas.
Study of deformation characteristics and a strain calculation model for pipelines impacted by landslides
Authors: Shi Ning , Li Liang-liang , Ma Yun-bin , Li Qiu-juan , Bai Lu-yao
Published: January 2023

It is not uncommon to see pipelines damaged by landslides. If the maximum strain that landslides exert on pipelines can be calculated from available survey data, then pipeline damage can be more accurately predicted and the safety of the pipeline can be improved. Furthermore, this information can assist targeted prevention and control measures, which should greatly reduce the risk that landslides pose to pipelines. However, although researchers have conducted considerable research on landslide-induced pipeline deformation, there is no model that can calculate the change in pipeline strain under the displacement of landslide material. Based on geological data collected from a buried crude oil pipeline damaged by a landslide near a city in southeast China, this work uses numerical simulations to obtain the deformation parameters of pipelines affected by landslides at different orientations and for different landslide and pipeline parameters. This work also summarizes the deformation characteristics of pipelines affected by landslides under these different variables. A model is then constructed and verified that simulates the change in pipeline strain with soil displacement while considering the characteristics of the landslide mass and the pipeline itself. The results show that the model can sufficiently reflect the influence of various factors that act on pipeline deformation and can accurately calculate the maximum strain that landslides exert on pipelines.