bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcriptomics integrated with metabolomics reveals partial molecular mechanisms of nutritional risk and neurodevelopment in children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Gao Minglei , Shen Yang , Yang Ping , Yuan Chang , Sun Yanan , Li Zipu
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To explore molecular mechanisms affecting nutritional risk and neurodevelopment in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) by combining transcriptome and metabolome analysis.

Methods

A total of 26 blood and serum samples from 3 groups of children with CHD low nutritional risk combined with normal neurodevelopment (group A), low nutritional risk combined with neurodevelopmental disorders (group B) and high nutritional risk combined with normal neurodevelopment (group C) were analyzed by transcriptome and metabolomics to search for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and metabolites (DEMs). Functional analysis was conducted for DEGs and DEMs. Further, the joint pathway analysis and correlation analysis of DEGs and DEMs were performed.

Results

A total of 362 and 1,351 DEGs were detected in group B and C compared to A, respectively. A total of 6 and 7 DEMs were detected in group B and C compared to A in positive mode, respectively. There were 39 and 31 DEMs in group B and C compared to A in negative mode. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that neurodevelopment may be regulated by some genes such as NSUN7, SLC6A8, CXCL1 and LCN8, nutritional risk may be regulated by SLC1A3 and LCN8. Metabolome analysis and joint pathway analysis showed that tryptophan metabolism, linoleic and metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism may be related to neurodevelopment, and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway may be related to nutritional risk.

Conclusion

By integrating transcriptome and metabolome analyses, this study revealed key genes and metabolites associated with nutritional risk and neurodevelopment in children with CHD, as well as significantly altered pathways. It has important clinical translational significance.
Transaction strategy of virtual power plants and multi-energy systems with multi-agent Stackelberg game based on integrated energy-carbon pricing
Authors: Yan Yanyu , Xie Shiwei , Tang Jianlin , Qian Bin , Lin Xiaoming , Zhang Fan
Published: August 2024

A virtual power plant (VPP) has the ability to aggregate numerous decentralized distributed energy resources using advanced control technology, offering a promising approach for low-carbon development. In order to enhance the VPP’s contribution to reducing carbon emissions, a bi-level framework is proposed that incorporates an integrated energy-carbon price response mechanism. This model allows VPPs to participate in a multi-energy system through a multi-agent Stackelberg game framework. Initially, a transaction model is established where the power distribution system operator and the gas distribution system operator act as leaders, while the virtual power plant operator acts as a follower in the multi-energy system. Subsequently, an integrated energy-carbon pricing method, rooted in carbon emission flow theory, is introduced to encourage VPPs to proactively adjust their energy-use and trading strategies within multi-energy systems, thereby promoting multi-principal interactive trading. To achieve a distributed solution among multiple entities while maintaining the privacy of each entity’s information, the adaptive step-size alternating direction multiplier method is employed. The feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model and method are then demonstrated through case studies.
Renewable energy and CO2 emissions in developing and developed nations: a panel estimate approach
Authors: Jie Wang , Rabnawaz Khan
Published: August 2024

Emerging economies and ecosystems are critically dependent on fossil fuels, and a country’s energy dependence is a significant measure of its reliance on foreign suppliers. This study evaluates the impact of energy reliance on energy intensity, CO2 emission intensity, and the utilization of renewable resources in 35 developing and 20 developed nations, as well as the connection between renewable energy (REN), GDP growth, and CO2 emissions. This study employs the generalized linear model (GLM) and the robust least squares (RLS) method to assess the inverse association between renewable energy and developed and developing economy policymakers, utilizing unique linear panel estimate approaches (1970–2022). The impact of renewable energy as a response variable on economic growth, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions across four continents is investigated in this study. The findings indicate that developing countries experience a rise in per capita CO2 emissions if their renewable energy use exceeds their capacity. This finding remains significant even when other proxies for renewable energy use are introduced using modified approaches. Furthermore, it is particularly relevant to industrialized nations that possess more developed institutions. Even more surprisingly, in terms of the energy and emission intensity required for growth, energy dependence has accelerated all components. The regional analysis revealed a spillover impact in most areas, suggesting that the consequences of energy dependence are essentially the same in neighboring countries. The growth of the renewable energy sector and the decrease in greenhouse gas emissions depend critically on the ability of regional energy exchange unions to mitigate the negative environmental and economic impacts of energy dependency. These underdeveloped countries need to spend more on research and development to catch up technologically.
Investigating potential novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for ankylosing spondylitis using plasma protein screening
Authors: You Wenkang , Lin Yanbin , Liu Mingzhong , Lin Zhangdian , Ye Rongjie , Zhang Canhong , Zeng Rongdong
Published: August 2024

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints. Recent genetic studies suggest certain plasma proteins may play a causal role in AS development. This study aims to identify and characterize these proteins using Mendelian randomization (MR) and colocalization analyses.

Methods

Plasma protein data were obtained from recent publications in Nature Genetics, integrating data from five previous GWAS datasets, including 738 cis-pQTLs for 734 plasma proteins. GWAS summary data for AS were sourced from IGAS and other European cohorts. MR analyses were conducted using “TwoSampleMR” to assess causal links between plasma protein levels and AS. Colocalization analysis was performed with the coloc R package to identify shared genetic variants. Sensitivity analyses and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses were conducted to validate findings and explore therapeutic targets. We performed Phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) to examine the potential side effects of drug protein on AS treatment.

Results

After FDR correction, eight significant proteins were identified: IL7R, TYMP, IL12B, CCL8, TNFAIP6, IL18R1, IL23R, and ERAP1. Elevated levels of IL7R, IL12B, CCL8, IL18R1, IL23R, and ERAP1 increased AS risk, whereas elevated TYMP and TNFAIP6 levels decreased AS risk. Colocalization analysis indicated that IL23R, IL7R, and TYMP likely share causal variants with AS. PPI network analysis identified IL23R and IL7R as potential new therapeutic targets.

Conclusions

This study identified eight plasma proteins with significant associations with AS risk, suggesting IL23R, IL7R, and TYMP as promising therapeutic targets. Further research is needed to explore underlying mechanisms and potential for drug repurposing.
Impacts on microbial communities in sediments by aquaculture farming during one salmon cycle
Authors: Johansen Bjarta O. , Mikalsen Svein-Ole , Magnussen Eyðfinn , Patursson Esbern J. , á Norði Gunnvør , Djurhuus Anni
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the salmon farming industry has grown significantly worldwide, and in the Faroe Islands, it has become a major industry with an annual production of over 94,000 tonnes, yielding 24% of the GDP. According to environmental regulations, the ocean floor is monitored during every production cycle at all farming sites, involving macrofaunal, sensory, and chemical analyses. However, the impact of farming activity on microorganisms in the Faroe Islands remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the impact of Atlantic salmon farming on benthic microbial communities, giving a better understanding of the effects on the foundation of the benthic food web and to assess if these are more prone to environmental impact than traditional macrofaunal biomonitoring. Sediment cores were sampled along a transect from directly below the salmon cages to a background reference site. The sampling occurred prior to the release of salmon into the cages (‘before stocking’) and immediately before the salmon were harvested (‘peak biomass’). The 16S rRNA (V4-V5) gene was sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq from our sediment samples at the surface, 3 cm, and 10 cm depth. Significant shifts in microbial community composition were observed between ‘before stocking’ and ‘peak biomass’, as well as between different depth layers. Microbial diversity increased with increasing distance from the cages and was at its highest ‘before stocking’, indicating a significant impact of the salmon farming on the microbial community structure. In contrast to the regularly executed environmental monitoring, the results from this study showed an impact on the sediments by the salmon farming, underlining the powerful alternative of DNA-metabarcoding when biomonitoring an aquaculture area.
Eat-clean-repeat: reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) undertake repetitive feeding-cleaning cycles at an aggregation site in Seychelles
Authors: Newsome Rachel J. , Grimmel Henriette M. V. , Pouponeau Dillys K. , Moulinie Ellie E. , Andre Amy A. , Bullock Robert W.
Published: August 2024

To maximise energy efficiency, manta ray (Mobula alfredi, M. birostris) foraging and cleaning behaviours are thought to often be mutually exclusive, whereby individuals will only forage when prey density thresholds are met and will only clean when foraging is too energetically costly (i.e., thresholds are not met). Here, snorkel surveys and remote camera cleaning station footage show reef manta rays (M. alfredi) undertaking repetitive and short-term movements between surface-feeding and cleaning station visits around D’Arros Island, Seychelles. These observations demonstrate that foraging and cleaning behaviours are not mutually exclusive even when prey densities are high. At D’Arros Island, the proximity of cleaning stations to highly productive foraging areas may afford individuals the opportunity to undertake non-foraging activity without incurring significant energy loss from the shifts in behaviour. These data inform a more nuanced understanding of this species’ use of key habitats.
Active herpesviruses are associated with intensive care unit (ICU) admission in patients pulmonary infection and alter the respiratory microbiome
Authors: Liu Zhiguang , Qi Chun-jian , Shi Yujia , Li Tianyu , Fang Yuan , Zhang Qian
Published: August 2024

Background

The Herpesviridae family contains several human-related viruses, which are able to establish colonizing and latency in the human body, posing a significant threat to the prognosis of patients. Pulmonary infections represent one of the predominant infectious diseases globally, characterized by diverse and multifaceted clinical manifestations that have consistently attracted clinician’s concern. However, the relationship of herpesviruses on the prognosis of pulmonary infections and the respiratory microbiota remains poorly understood.

Methods

Here, we retrospectively analyzed respiratory samples from 100 patients with pulmonary infection detected by metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS).

Results

Employing mNGS, five herpesvirus species were detected: Human alphaherpesvirus 1 (HSV-1), Human gammaherpesvirus 4 (EBV), Human betaherpesvirus 5 (CMV), Human betaherpesvirus 7 (HHV-7), and Human betaherpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B). Regression analysis showed that the age and positivity of herpesviruses in patients were independently correlated with ICU admission rates. In addition, positivity of herpesvirus was related with increased ICU days and total hospital stay. The herpesvirus-positive group demonstrated markedly higher incidences of co-infections and fungi-positive, predominantly involving Pneumocystis jirovecii and Aspergillus fumigatus. Analysis of respiratory microbiota revealed a substantially altered community composition within the herpesvirus-positive group, and herpesviruses were significantly positively correlated with the diverse respiratory opportunistic pathogens.

Conclusion

Overall results substantiate that the active herpesviruses in patients with pulmonary infections were significantly associated with high ICU admission rate. Moreover, the herpesviruses promotes the dysbiosis of the respiratory microbiota and an increased proportion of co-infections. These insights could contribute to unraveling the underlying mechanisms connecting active herpesviruses to the progression of severe illnesses.
Elevational distribution patterns and drivers factors of fungal community diversity at different soil depths in the Abies georgei var. smithii forests on Sygera Mountains, southeastern Tibet, China
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhu Sijie , Li Jiangrong , Fu Fangwei , Guo Liangna , Li Jieting , Zhang Yibo , Liu Yuzhuo , Chen Ganggang , Zhang Gengxin
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Soil fungal communities play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological functions of alpine forest soil ecosystems. However, it is currently unclear how the distribution patterns of fungal communities in different soil layers of alpine forests will change along the elevational gradients.

Material and methods

Therefore, Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology was employed to investigate fungal communities in three soil layers (0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm) along an elevational gradient (3500 m to 4300 m) at Sygera Mountains, located in Bayi District, Nyingchi City, Tibet.

Results and discussion

The results indicated that: 1) Soil depth had a greater impact on fungal diversity than elevation, demonstrating a significant reduction in fungal diversity with increased soil depth but showing no significant difference with elevation changes in all soil layers. Within the 0–10 cm soil layer, both Basidiomycota and Ascomycota co-dominate the microbial community. However, as the soil depth increases to 10–20 and 20–30 cm soil layers, the Basidiomycota predominantly dominates. 2) Deterministic processes were dominant in the assembly mechanism of the 0–10 cm fungal community and remained unchanged with increasing elevation. By contrast, the assembly mechanisms of the 10–20 and 20–30 cm fungal communities shifted from deterministic to stochastic processes as elevation increased. 3) The network complexity of the 0–10 cm fungal community gradually increased with elevation, while that of the 10–20 and 20–30 cm fungal communities exhibited a decreasing trend. Compared to the 0–10 cm soil layer, more changes in the relative abundance of fungal biomarkers occurred in the 10–20 and 20–30 cm soil layers, indicating that the fungal communities at these depths are more sensitive to climate changes. Among the key factors driving these alterations, soil temperature and moisture soil water content stood out as pivotal in shaping the assembly mechanisms and network complexity of fungal communities. This study contributes to the understanding of soil fungal community patterns and drivers along elevational gradients in alpine ecosystems and provides important scientific evidence for predicting the functional responses of soil microbial ecosystems in alpine forests.
Post-COVID-19 pandemic changes in pertussis incidence among patients with acute respiratory tract infections in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Wang Huabin , Fu Miao , Chen Wei , Ma Yongjun
Published: August 2024

Background

Previous studies have compared the incidence of pertussis before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding that public health measures related to COVID-19 contributed to a temporary decline in reported pertussis cases during the pandemic. However, the post-pandemic period has seen a resurgence in respiratory infections, influenced by relaxed health measures and decreased public vigilance. This study investigates the epidemiological dynamics of pertussis among patients with acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) in Zhejiang Province, China, providing essential reference information for ongoing public health strategies.

Methods

This study analyzed multicenter data from January 2023 to May 2024, involving 8,560 patients with ARTI from three hospitals in Zhejiang Province. Inclusion criteria included patients who presented with cough symptoms and were clinically diagnosed with either acute upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) or acute lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI), and who had undergone at least one Bordetella pertussis DNA test. The study analyzed the epidemiological changes of pertussis positivity rates and their associations with time, age, gender, and diagnosis types (URTI and LRTI).

Results

From January 2023 to May 2024, the positivity rate and testing number for pertussis among patients with ARTI generally showed a gradual increasing pattern. In March 2024, the positivity rate reached its peak at 31.58%, followed by a weekly decline. The overall positivity rate was 23.59%, with no significant differences observed between genders. Pertussis incidence was higher in patients with LRTI (24.49%) compared to those with URTI (18.63%, OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.20–1.63, p < 0.001) and in outpatients (25.32%) compared to inpatients (6.09%, OR = 4.17, 95% CI: 3.07–5.64, p < 0.001). According to a generalized additive model analysis, there was a wave-shaped, non-linear relationship between age and pertussis incidence, with a relatively high rate observed in the 5 to 17 age group, peaking at age 10 (33.85%). Additionally, the impact of age, patient type, and diagnosis type on the pertussis infection rate varied across different age groups.

Conclusion

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the positivity rate of pertussis in Zhejiang Province peaked in early 2024 and then showed a declining pattern. Children and adolescents were particularly affected, emphasizing the need for enhanced vaccination and public health interventions in this population.
The malnutrition in AECOPD and its association with unfavorable outcomes by comparing PNI, GNRI with the GLIM criteria: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Xueyang , Wang Yu , Xu Minmin , Zhang Yuanyi , Lyu Quanjun
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The management of nutritional risk has garnered significant attention in individuals diagnosed with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) due to the high prevalence of malnutrition and its correlation with unfavorable outcomes. While numerous rating scales exist to assist in assessment for both clinical and research purposes, there is considerable variability in the selection of scales based on the characteristics of the study participants and the study design. The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) and Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) in identifying malnutrition and predicting prognosis in elderly AECOPD patients.

Methods

From January 2022 to December 2022, a consecutive inclusion of elderly AECOPD patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University was conducted. Diagnosing malnutrition in patients using PNI and GNRI, comparing the results with the diagnostic outcomes based on the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria through Receiver Operating Characteristic curves. Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the risks associated with length of stay (LOS), hospitalization costs, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) based on GLIM, GNRI, or PNI.

Results

A total of 839 elderly AECOPD patients were investigated in the study. The GNRI and PNI demonstrated a sensitivity of 89.5 and 74.1%, specificity of 77.2 and 66.4%, and an area under the curve of 0.834 and 0.702, respectively. The identification of high malnutrition-risk cases using the GLIM, GNRI and PNI were associated with a significant increase in the risk of LOS over 7 days [odds ratio (95% CI) for GLIM, GNRI, PNI: 1.376 (1.033–1.833); 1.405 (1.070–1.846); 1.875 (1.425–2.468)] and higher hospitalization expenses [OR (95% CI) for GLIM, GNRI: 1.498 (1.080–2.080); 1.510 (1.097–2.079)], but not with the CCI.

Conclusion

According to our study, it is possible to use GNRI and PNI as alternatives to GLIM in the context of AECOPD, which makes it easier to identify malnutrition. The utilization of GNRI and PNI as alternatives to GLIM in the context of AECOPD enables the identification of malnutrition. The presence of malnourished individuals experiencing AECOPD is correlated with higher probabilities of extended hospital stays and escalated in-hospital expenses.
Independent and combined effect of serum copper and folate on depression: cross-sectional data from the NHANES 2011–2016
Authors: Liu Mengqing , Wang Gang , Jiang Chongfei
Published: August 2024

Background and objective

Depression is a widespread mental health condition that can impact both mental and physical well-being. Prior research has shown that high levels of copper in the blood and low levels of folate are linked to depression. This study aimed to explore whether serum folate levels, independently or in combination with serum copper levels, associated with the risk of depression.

Methods

Data from participants aged 18–80 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011 to 2016 were analyzed to examine the role of trace elements. Depression was assessed using the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Logistic regression analyses were employed to evaluate the main effect of serum copper and folate levels on depression. Three indices, including the relative excess risk of interaction (RERI), attributable proportion of interaction (API), and synergy index (SI), were used to analyze the interaction effect.

Results

Among the 4,847 participants selected for this study, 429 (8.9%) had PHQ-9 scores above 10, which we defined as having depressive symptoms. After adjusting for all confounding factors, higher serum copper levels [≥15.5 vs. <15.5 μmol/L, odds ratio (OR): 1.54; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.18–2.11] and folate deficiency (folate ≥53.7 vs. <53.7 μmol/L, OR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.21–2.10) were associated with an increased risk of depression. Patients with both higher serum copper levels and folate deficiency (OR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.43–3.14) had the highest risk of depression than other levels. High copper levels and low folate levels are associated with the occurrence of depression symptoms, and there may be a synergistic effect between them (SI: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.49–4.76), with this interaction accounting for 19% of depression cases (API: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.01–0.54).

Conclusion

There may be a synergistic interaction between high copper levels and low folate levels associated with increasing risk of depression. Further population-based interventional studies are needed to confirm whether folic acid supplementation is effective in preventing depression in individuals with high blood copper levels.
Long term survival achieved through combination of almonertinib and pyrotinib in EGFR-mutant/HER2-amplified advanced NSCLC patient: a case report and literature review
Authors: Pan Xin , Zhou Xiao
Published: August 2024

Backgroud

Human epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplification is an important mechanism of acquired resistance to anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. For patients with both EGFR mutation and HER2 amplification, there is currently no unified standard treatment, and further exploration is needed on how to choose the therapy.

Methods and results

A female NSCLC patient developed bone and brain metastases 14 and 42 months after radical surgery, respectively. The second genetic sequencing detected EGFR L858R mutation and HER2 amplification, and therefore initiated treatment with almonertinib and pyrotinib. The patient achieved partial remission and did not show any further progression during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

For NSCLC patients with both EGFR mutation and HER2 amplification, the combination of almonertinib and pyrotinib is a valuable therapy that can continuously reduce tumor burden and achieve long-term survival.
Implementing fencing as adapted physical activity in non-metastatic breast cancer patients: design and early rehabilitation strategy of the FENICE study protocol
Authors: Berretta Massimiliano , Garozzo Daniele , Foti Calogero , Roselli Mario , Materazzo Marco , Vita Giulia , Iellamo Ferdinando , Scordari Marco , Di Mauro Giordana , Spatari Giovanna , Ottaiano Alessandro , Noce Annalisa , Pellicciaro Marco , Bignucolo Alessia , Vanni Gianluca , Buonomo Oreste Claudio
Published: August 2024

Background

Improving prognosis of BC patients has drawn the attention of health care professionals on disease related long-term side effects and on the multiple treatments BC patients must undergo. Despite advances in procedures, surgery still has multiple detrimental effects, including pain, edema, and limited mobility. For this reason, fostering adapted physical activity (APA) and healthy lifestyle (including a balanced diet and weight management) should become an everyday purpose of healthcare professionals. Fencing may be a well-suited activity to counteract fatigue, pain, and limited arm mobility.

Method and analysis

The FENICE study is a mono-center, randomized clinical trial targeting women with BC stages I-III within four weeks from BC surgery. Participants in the control arm will receive the usual recommendations based on the good clinical practice guidelines. In the study arm, participants will be treated with the usual clinical and therapeutic recommendations together with APA and correct lifestyle suggestions.

Objective

The primary objective of the study is to compare whether implementation of APA and healthy lifestyle in BC patient after surgery will result in an overall improvement of physical and mental status.

Conclusion

Fencing and its early application in postoperative period may represent a feasible strategy to be implemented in the rehabilitation journey of BC patients.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol FENICE has been approved by an Italian Ethics Committee on May 2023 (R.S 100.23 5th May 2023).
Kojic acid reverses LPS-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Ali Waqar , Choe Kyonghwan , Park Jun Sung , Ahmad Riaz , Park Hyun Young , Kang Min Hwa , Park Tae Ju , Kim Myeong Ok
Published: August 2024

Intense neuroinflammation contributes to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) are an integral part of the cell wall of Gram-negative bacteria that act as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) and potentially activate the central nervous system’s (CNS) immune system. Microglial cells are the local macrophages of the CNS and have the potential to induce and control neuroinflammation. This study aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of kojic acid against the toxic effects of LPSs, such as neuroinflammation-induced neurodegeneration and cognitive decline. The C57BL/6N mice were subjected to LPS injection for 2 weeks on alternate days (each mouse received 0.25 mg/kg/i.p. for a total of seven doses), and kojic acid was administered orally for 3 weeks consecutively (50 mg/kg/mouse, p. o). Bacterial endotoxins, or LPSs, are directly attached to TLR4 surface receptors of microglia and astrocytes and alter the cellular metabolism of immune cells. Intraperitoneal injection of LPS triggers the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), phospho-nuclear factor kappa B (p-NFκB), and phospho-c-Jun n-terminal kinase (p-JNK) protein expressions in the LPS-treated group, but these expression levels were significantly downregulated in the LPS + KA-treated mice brains. Prolong neuroinflammation leads to the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) followed by a decrease in nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the enzyme hemeoxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression in LPS-subjected mouse brains. Interestingly, the levels of both Nrf-2 and HO-1 increased in the LPS + KA-treated mice group. In addition, kojic acid inhibited LPS-induced TNF-α and IL-1β production in mouse brains. These results indicated that kojic acid may suppress LPS-induced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in male wild-type mice brains (in both the cortex and the hippocampus) by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
Shell-model study of weak β-decays relevant to astrophysical processes
Authors: Suzuki Toshio , Shimizu Noritaka
Published: August 2024

Shell-model studies on the weak β-decay in nuclei relevant to astrophysical processes are carried out. The β-decay rates, as well as electron-capture rates in the sd-pf shell induced by Gamow–Teller (GT) transition, are evaluated in astrophysical environments. The weak rates for the Urca pair of nuclei with A = 31 in the island of inversion, which are important for the nuclear Urca processes in neutron star crusts, are investigated by shell-model calculations in the sd–pf shell. The GT strength is evaluated in the sd–pf shell for selected β-decays in the sd-shell nuclei, and the effects of the expansion of the configuration space on the quenching of the axial–vector coupling are examined. β-decay rates induced by first-forbidden (FF) transitions are studied by the Behrens–Bühring (BB) method for the isotones with N = 126 and compared with the Walecka method. The important role of the electron distortions in the β-decays of 206Hg and 207Tl is pointed out.
Developmental endothelial locus 1: the present and future of an endogenous factor in vessels
Authors: Jiang Daisong , Yue Honghua , Liang Wei-Tao , Wu Zhong
Published: August 2024

Developmental Endothelial Locus-1 (DEL-1), also known as EGF-like repeat and discoidin I-like domain-3 (EDIL3), is increasingly recognized for its multifaceted roles in immunoregulation and vascular biology. DEL-1 is a protein that is mainly produced by endothelial cells. It interacts with various integrins to regulate the behavior of immune cells, such as preventing unnecessary recruitment and inflammation. DEL-1 also helps in resolving inflammation by promoting efferocytosis, which is the process of clearing apoptotic cells. Its potential as a therapeutic target in immune-mediated blood disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer metastasis has been spotlighted due to its wide-ranging implications in vascular integrity and pathology. However, there are still unanswered questions about DEL-1’s precise functions and mechanisms. This review provides a comprehensive examination of DEL-1’s activity across different vascular contexts and explores its potential clinical applications. It underscores the need for further research to resolve existing controversies and establish the therapeutic viability of DEL-1 modulation.
Assessing the impact of vaccination and medical resource allocation on infectious disease outbreak management: a case study of COVID-19 in Taiyuan City
Authors: Guo Jiaming , Luo Yuxin , Ma Yifei , Xu Shujun , Li Jiantao , Wang Tong , Lei Lijian , He Lu , Yu Hongmei , Xie Jun
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Amidst an emerging infectious disease outbreak, the rational allocation of vaccines and medical resources is crucial for controlling the epidemic’s progression.

Method

Analysing COVID-19 data in Taiyuan City from December 2022 to January 2023, this study constructed a SV1V2V3EIQHR dynamics model to assess the impact of COVID-19 vaccination and resource allocation on epidemic trends.

Results

Vaccination significantly reduces infection rates, hospitalisations, and severe cases, while also curtailing strain on medical resources by reducing congestion periods. An early and sufficient reserve of medical resources can delay the onset of medical congestion, and with increased maximum capacity of medical resources, the congestion’s end can be accelerated. Stronger resource allocation capabilities lead to earlier congestion resolution within a fixed total resource pool.

Discussion

Integrating vaccination and medical resource allocation can effectively reduce medical congestion duration and alleviate the epidemic’s strain on medical resource capacity (CCMR).
Empowering the future: improving community wellbeing and health literacy through outreach and service-learning
Authors: Restini Carolina B. A. , Weiler Tracey , Porter-Stransky Kirsten A. , Vollbrecht Peter J. , Wisco Jonathan J.
Published: August 2024

Institutions training future healthcare professionals in healthcare and community engagement play a crucial role beyond traditional classroom settings. Recognizing their potential to support under-represented groups and minorities, institutions increasingly encourage engagement with schools and community organizations. However, work remains to advance meaningful and impactful educational outreach and service-learning programs. This manuscript synthesizes the perspectives of a group of medical school educators to discuss developing sustainable programs to engage youth in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, and Medicine (STEMM) education with a focus on biomedical science. Through near-peer education and service-learning, healthcare students can impart knowledge, provide mentorship, promote enthusiasm for STEMM fields, and nurture health-related self-efficacy within individuals and communities. Collaborative efforts through student-as-teacher approaches bridge health-related disparities and cultivate healthier, more empowered futures for all. We advocate for community outreach strategies that target future health professionals early in their education and support the scholarship of teaching and learning and program evaluation. Successful long-term programs must ensure that results are systematically assessed, measured, and perpetuated. This perspective aims to highlight the role of service learning and community outreach in increasing individual health literacy and fostering an enduring interest in STEMM careers, thereby empowering the next generation of elementary and secondary school students.
Using synthetic dataset for semantic segmentation of the human body in the problem of extracting anthropometric data
Authors: Absadyk Azat , Turar Olzhas , Akhmed-Zaki Darkhan
Published: August 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for accurate virtual sizing in e-commerce to reduce returns and waste. Existing methods for extracting anthropometric data from images have limitations. This study aims to develop a semantic segmentation model trained on synthetic data that can accurately determine body shape from real images, accounting for clothing.

Methods

A synthetic dataset of over 22,000 images was created using NVIDIA Omniverse Replicator, featuring human models in various poses, clothing, and environments. Popular CNN architectures (U-Net, SegNet, DeepLabV3, PSPNet) with different backbones were trained on this dataset for semantic segmentation. Models were evaluated on accuracy, precision, recall, and IoU metrics. The best performing model was tested on real human subjects and compared to actual measurements.

Results

U-Net with EfficientNet backbone showed the best performance, with 99.83% training accuracy and 0.977 IoU score. When tested on real images, it accurately segmented body shape while accounting for clothing. Comparison with actual measurements on 9 subjects showed average deviations of −0.24 cm for neck, −0.1 cm for shoulder, 1.15 cm for chest, −0.22 cm for thallium, and 0.17 cm for hip measurements.

Discussion

The synthetic dataset and trained models enable accurate extraction of anthropometric data from real images while accounting for clothing. This approach has significant potential for improving virtual fitting and reducing returns in e-commerce. Future work will focus on refining the algorithm, particularly for thallium and hip measurements which showed higher variability.
Evaluating the efficiency of supplementary feeding as a management strategy for enhancing honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) colony growth and productivity
Authors: Sultana Naznin , Reza Md Elmur , Alam Md Noor , Siddiquee Md Nuray Alam , Islam Md Shafiqul , Rahman Md Ataur , Sayed Md Abu , Rahman Md Mashiur
Published: August 2024

Sustaining honeybee colonies is challenging during dearth periods as their metabolic functions are reduced due to limited foraging activities. The experiment used honeybee colonies of Apis mellifera, and five different low-cost supplementary foods—sugar, banana, pumpkin, maize flour, and rice flour syrups—were introduced as treatments. Every box for each treatment received a daily 300-ml supplementary food syrup consisting of a specific amount of feeding materials along with 100 g of brown sugar and 20 g of honey. The amount of food consumed was assessed on the second day following the supplementation. Supplemental food with low-cost feeding materials significantly impacts the growth and strength of the colonies. Results revealed significant impacts on colony growth and strength, with all supplements contributing to food consumption over 78%. Despite variations in brood and pollen cells, all feeding supplements showcased efficiency in supporting honeybee feeding, indicating their potential utility in mitigating the challenges during the dearth period. Notably, pumpkin syrup emerged as the best supplement, offering cost-effectiveness compared to sugar and banana syrups, and it could reduce sugar syrup costs by 50% while enhancing brood, honey, and pollen cell production by 71.36%, 108.36%, and 58.73%, respectively. The findings of the economic analysis revealed that the cost of feeding materials was the highest for sugar syrup ($1.89), followed by banana ($0.91), pumpkin ($0.83), maize ($0.53), and rice ($0.53). This study suggests that supplementing honeybee colonies with low-cost feeding materials can positively impact colony growth and strength during dearth periods and advance the beekeeper’s decision as a cost-effective alternative to traditional sugar syrup.
Enhancing nitrogen management in corn silage: insights from field-level nutrient use indicators
Authors: Olivo Agustin J. , Workman Kirsten , Ketterings Quirine M.
Published: August 2024

Corn (Zea mays L.) silage is an important feed ingredient in dairy cow diets in New York (NY). Improving corn nitrogen (N) management will help increase farm profitability while reducing environmental impacts from N losses. The objectives of this study were to (1) characterize field-based N balances and other N use indicators for corn silage, and (2) describe major contributors to high balances and inefficiencies as a first step to understand potential opportunities to improve N management. Field-level N balances (N supply – N uptake) and associated N use indicators were derived for 994 field observations across eight NY dairy farms and 5 years. Available and total N balances per ha, which differed only in the fraction of manure N accounted for (plant-available N or total N, respectively), yield-scaled N balances, and N uptake/N supply were calculated. The median balance across all fields was 111 kg N ha−1 for available N and 245 kg N ha−1 for total N. Median yield-scaled available and total N balances were 2.7 and 6.0 kg N Mg−1, respectively. Median N uptake/N supply was 0.60 for available N and 0.41 for total N. Differences in N use indicators were larger among farms than among years within a farm. The amount of N supply greatly influenced N use indicators, manure N supply explaining the largest portion of the variability. At the whole-farm level, balances per ha were positively related to farm’s animal density and impacted by farm crop rotations and within-farm allocation of manure N. We conclude that farms have opportunities to improve upon N management for corn by adjusting N supply based on realistically attainable yield, fully crediting manure and sod N contributions, improving manure inorganic N utilization efficiency, optimizing animal density, and/or exporting manure. Future work is needed to identify feasible ranges for field-level N balances and incentivize the implementation of this assessment through adaptive nutrient management policies.
Cold Disinfestation on Orange for Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Wu Jiajiao , Xu Qiang , Liu Haijun , Zhao Jupeng , Zou Hang , Wu Mutao , He Xunuo , Wu Hairong , Wei Shuang
Published: August 2024

Cold treatment has been extensively employed for the phytosanitary control of fruit flies for citrus cultivation worldwide. Trials with artificial infestation methods on navel and Valencia oranges at 3 °C and 2 °C against the oriental fruit fly (Bactrocera dorsalis) were conducted, following standard bioassay protocols and large-scale testing. The results showed that the third instar larval stage was the most tolerant stage in both cultivars. The maximum estimated cold treatment time at 3 °C required to produce 99.9968% mortality (LT99.9968) with a 95% confidence level was 16.6 days and 16.2 days for the navel orange and Valencia orange, respectively. Meanwhile, the estimated cold treatment time at 2 °C was 14.8 days for both navel and Valencia oranges, with a 95% confidence level. Furthermore, it was also observed that no survivors came from a total of 104,420 estimated (51,396 for the navel cultivar and 53,024 for the Valencia cultivar) third instar larvae in orange fruits after being subjected to a cold treatment of 3 °C for 17 days. Meanwhile, there were also no survivors from a total of 100,556 (50,740 for the navel cultivar and 49,816 for the Valencia cultivar) third instar larvae in orange fruits after being subjected to a cold treatment of 2 °C for 15 days. The treatments at 3 °C for 17 days and 2 °C for 15 days on oranges, including navel and Valencia, against the oriental fruit fly, surpassed the required mortality assurance of 99.9968% at a 95% confidence level and also met the probit-9 mortality standard. Overall, the application of these results will provide more flexibility for the citrus industry to satisfy quarantine treatment requirements.
Delayed Growth in Immature Male Rats Exposed to 900 MHz Radiofrequency
Authors: Bodin Raphaël , Robidel Franck , Rodrigues Stéphanie , Lecomte Anthony , Villégier Anne-Sophie
Published: August 2024

People have been exposed to the 900 MHz mobile phone electromagnetic field for approximately 30 years. There is still no conclusion from immature rodent experiments regarding the potential effects of nonthermal radiofrequency (RF) 900 MHz continuous wave exposure during biological development. Here, we test the hypothesis that mother rats exposed at a whole-body specific absorption rate (wbSAR) occupational (Oc) limit of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection for humans (0.4 W/kg) will show impairments in development, with less effect at the public (Pu) limit (0.08 W/kg). The wbSAR was estimated at 0.4 W/kg to mimic working mothers (OcM exposure) and 0.08 W/kg for non-working mothers, i.e., public (PuM exposure). This pre- and postnatal study is the first to compare public and occupational exposure limits on rat pup physical development. Litter endpoints and the descendants’ body weights and lengths were recorded regularly from birth concomitantly with the age of developmental landmarks. Male neonates showed earlier pinna ear detachment and earlier eye opening in both the OcM and PuM groups, but earlier incisor eruption only in the PuM group. The OcM-exposed males showed lower body weight as juveniles until adolescence. The OcM- and PuM-exposed descendant females showed earlier pinna ear detachment and eye opening with similar body weight. These data suggest variations in the development time of descendant rats when the mother rats received daily 900 MHz continuous waves at human limits for workers and non-workers (public).
Propagation Mechanism of Pressure Waves during Pulse Hydraulic Fracturing in Horizontal Wells
Authors: Zhang Yao , Zuo Jiye , Fei Xinyu , Dong Shimin
Published: August 2024

Hydraulic fracturing, especially pulse hydraulic fracturing, is an important method for extracting oil and gas from low-permeability reservoirs, improving recovery rates significantly. Pulse hydraulic fracturing, which involves varying injection rates to create pressure waves, outperforms traditional constant-flow fracturing methods significantly. However, during pulse hydraulic fracturing operations, the flow properties of the fluid in the column change from moment to moment. Furthermore, current research on pulse hydraulic fracturing primarily focuses on vertical wells, while horizontal wells have become a common operational strategy. Therefore, a transient flow model of fluid within a horizontal well, considering variable-flow injection and unsteady friction conditions, is established in this paper. The model is solved using both the characteristic line method and the finite difference method. The hydrodynamic properties of the fracturing fluid were analyzed, and the propagation mechanisms of pressure waves within horizontal wells under various fluid injection schemes and well depths are analyzed to provide a reference for selecting appropriate fluid injection schemes in engineering practice. The study highlights the impact of fluid viscosity and injection flow amplitude on bottomhole pressure fluctuations, advancing the efficient development of low-permeability oilfields.
Research on the Corrosion Inhibition Effect of Xanthium sibiricum on Reinforced Steel and the Prediction of Reinforced Concrete Performance under a Stray Current and Chloride Environment
Authors: Liu Qi , Yuan Min , Zhang Jiaming , Qiang Sheng
Published: August 2024

This study examined a newly developed environmentally friendly plant-based corrosion inhibitor (Xanthium sibiricum). The natural potential method, linear polarization method, steel weight loss method, and corrosion area method were employed to verify the inhibitor’s effectiveness in chloride-containing concrete. The results indicated that Xanthium sibiricum elevated the natural potential of reinforcing steel in concrete, increased its self-corrosion potential, and reduced the self-corrosion current. After three months of curing, the corrosion rate of steel without an inhibitor was approximately 47.5% faster than the experimental group, with the steel loss rate about 40% more severe. The effectiveness of the inhibitor was influenced by increased chloride content in concrete. A two-dimensional multiphase ion transport model of reinforced concrete with realistic aggregate distribution was established using the finite element method (FEM). This model simulated chloride ion transport under typical civil engineering service environments—the coupled effects of a stray current and chloride environment. A predictive formula for the residual compressive strength of reinforced concrete was derived after corrosion under various voltages and chloride ion concentrations for a specific duration. In conjunction with a pump station project operating in a similar environment, the optimal dosage of the Xanthium sibiricum inhibitor for practical engineering was determined to be 2 g/L. At this dosage, the strength of reinforced concrete specimens increased by approximately 31.1%. Finally, a predictive formula for the residual compressive strength of reinforced concrete with an added inhibitor was obtained after corrosion under various voltages and chloride ion concentrations for a specific duration. The conclusions can enhance the durability and safety of concrete structures in similar projects, showing promising application prospects.