bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strength prediction model of fractured dolomite and analysis of mechanical properties based on PFC3D
Authors: Chen Yi , Rao Junying , Zhao Changjie , Xue Yanghao , Liu Chang , Yin Quan
Published: March 2023

In order to study the mechanical properties of fractured dolomite, this paper first uses the rubbing method to count the surface fracture of the dolomite rock samples, obtains the main parameters of the fracture characteristics, and then carries out the uniaxial compression test to obtain the uniaxial compressive strength of the dolomite rock. Then, the Pearson correlation coefficient and the maximum information coefficient (MIC) are used to analyze the fracture characteristics. The three-times polynomial is used to preprocess the original data, and the three-classification strategy is used to improve the logistic regression algorithm to predict the dolomite strength. Finally, the significant order of the influence of fracture characteristics on rock strength is judged by numerical simulation software PFC3D, and the dip angle effect of rock fracture is explained from the perspective of fracture propagation. The results show that: 1) When the regularization coefficient λ = 10000, the algorithm has the highest prediction accuracy and the strongest model generalization ability. 2) The numerical simulation analysis software PFC3D can accurately invert rock failure process and characteristics, and the order of influence of fracture characteristics on rock strength is inclination > length > position. 3) When α = 0° ~ 90°, the peak strength decreases first and then increases. The greater the peak strength of the rock, the more obvious the crushing phenomenon, and the worse the wing fracture expansion ability. When α = 60°, the peak strength is the lowest.
Grass-legume intercropping systems in rotation with soybean crops: C and N stocks and CO 2 and NH 3 emissions
Authors: Pinaffi Camila Dias , Moreira Ana Carolina Mônico , Mignacca Flávia Alessandra , Tiritan Carlos Sérgio , Santos Carlos Henrique dos
Published: March 2023

Understanding factors that contribute to carbon dioxide (CO2) losses and ammonia (NH3) volatilization in agricultural soils, mainly in sandy soils, is essential for determining strategies to decrease emissions of these gases and improving carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks in the soil. The objective of this study was to quantify C and N inputs to the soil and CO2 and NH3 emissions in a crop-livestock integration system composed of pastures with grass-legume intercropping and N fertilizer application. The experiment was carried out in a Typic Hapludox, evaluating three consecutive soybean crops grown in rotation with the following pasture systems: mombaca grass (Panicum maximum cv. Mombaca) with N fertilizer (M + N); mombaca grass without N fertilizer (M-N); mombaca grass intercropped with the forage legume pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan) (M + G); and mombaca grass intercropped with the forage legume java (Macrotyloma axillare cv. Java) (M + J). Soil samples were collected at the beginning and end of each crop and analyzed for total C (TCS) and N (TNS) stocks. NH3 volatilization and CO2 emissions were evaluated every 15 days, with simultaneous evaluations of soil moisture and temperature. Soybean rotation with grass-legume intercropping or grass with mineral fertilizer application improved N and C inputs to the agricultural systems, although there were losses in CO2 and NH3. The M + G and M + J intercrops after soybean crops increased NH3 volatilization, whereas the use of M + N tended to decrease it. The soil moisture affected the C and N input-output balance in the production systems evaluated.
The potential of soils from cropland and varying riparian buffer vegetations to emit NO, N2O, N2, and CO2 under denitrification.
Authors: Dlamini Jerry C. , Tesfamariam E. H. , Verbeeck M. , Loick N. , Louro-Lopez A. , Hawkins J. M.B. , Blackwell M. S.A. , Dunn R. , Collins A. L. , Cardenas L. M.
Published: March 2023

Riparian buffers are expedient interventions for water quality functions in agricultural landscapes. However, the choice of their vegetation and management affects soil microbial communities, which in turn affect nutrient cycling and the production and emission of gases such as nitric oxide (NO), nitrous oxide (N2O), nitrogen gas (N2), and carbon dioxide (CO2). To investigate the potential fluxes of the above-mentioned gases, soil samples were collected from a cropland and downslope grass, willow, and woodland riparian buffers from a replicated plot scale experimental facility. The soils were re-packed into cores, and to investigate their potential to produce the aforementioned gases, a potassium nitrate (KNO3−) and glucose (labile carbon)-containing amendment, was added prior to incubation in a specialized laboratory DENItrification System (DENIS). The resulting NO, N2O, N2, and CO2 emissions were measured simultaneously, with the highest NO (2.9 ± 0.31 mg NO m− 2), and N2O (1413.4 ± 448.3 mg N2O m− 2) generated by the grass riparian buffer and the highest N2 (698.1 ± 270.3 mg N2 m− 2) and CO2 (27558.3 ± 128.9 mg CO2 m− 2) produced by the willow riparian buffer. Thus, the results show that soils developed under grass and willow riparian buffers may potentially increase greenhouse gas fluxes, especially in areas with similar conditions to the current study.
Autonomic Neuropathy is Associated with More Densely Interconnected Cytokine Networks in People with HIV
Authors: Lawrence Steven , Mueller Bridget R. , Benn Emma K. T. , Kim-Schulze Seunghee , Kwon Patrick , Robinson-Papp Jessica
Published: March 2023

Introduction. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a complex role in the regulation of the immune system, with generally inhibitory effects via activation of β-adrenergic receptors on immune cells. We hypothesized that HIV-associated autonomic neuropathy (HIV-AN) would result in immune hyperresponsiveness which could be depicted using network analyses.
Methods. Forty-two adults with well-controlled HIV underwent autonomic testing to yield the Composite Autonomic Severity Score (CASS). The observed range of CASS was 2-5, consistent with normal to moderate HIV-AN. To construct the networks, participants were divided into 4 groups based on the CASS (i.e., 2, 3, 4 or 5). Forty-four blood-based immune markers were included as nodes in all networks and the connections (i.e., edges) between pairs of nodes were determined by their bivariate Spearman’s Rank Correlation Coefficient. Four centrality measures (strength, closeness, betweenness and expected influence) were calculated for each node in each network. The median value of each centrality measure across all nodes in each network was calculated as a quantitative representation of network complexity.
Results. Graphical representation of the four networks revealed greater complexity with increasing HIV-AN severity. This was confirmed by significant differences in the median value of all four centrality measures across the networks (p≤0.025 for each).
Conclusion. Among people with HIV, HIV-AN is associated with stronger and more numerous positive correlations between blood-based immune markers. Findings from this secondary analysis can be used to generate hypotheses for future studies investigating HIV-AN as a mechanism contributing to the chronic immune activation observed in HIV.
Vitamin D a panacea compound for silica induced lung oxidative stress and inflammation in Rat
Authors: Mehri Fereshteh , Rahbar Amir Hossein , Asl Sara Soleimani , Esfahani Maryam
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Chronic exposure to silica is related with the provocation of an inflammatory response and oxidative stress mechanism. Vitamin D has multiple benefits in biological activities particularly respiratory system disease.
Methods: In this research, 20 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups (5 rats /group) as follow: Group1 received saline as (negative control) group. The group 2 received a single IT instillation of silica (positive control) group; the group 3 was co-administrated with single IT silica and Vitamin D (20 mg/kg/day) daily for a period of 90 days. The rats of group 4 received Vitamin D daily for a period of 90 days.
Results: Silica significantly increased serum and lung total Oxidant Status (TOS). Meanwhile, silica reduced serum and lung total antioxidant capacity (TAC), GSH and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-a). Vitamin D treatment meaningfully reversed oxidative stress, antioxidants status and inflammatory response. Also, Vitamin D improved histopathological changes caused by silica.
Conclusions: These findings indicate that Vitamin D exerts protective effects against silica-induced lung injury. It seems that Vitamin D has potential use as a therapeutic object for silica induced lung injure
Use of multivariate analysis to identify phytoplankton bioindicators of stream water quality in the mono-modal equatorial agro-ecological zone of Cameroon
Authors: Fai Patricia Bi Asanga , Kenko Daniel Brice Nkontcheu , Tchamadeu Norbert Ngameni , Mbida Mpoame , Korejs Krystof , Riegert Jan
Published: March 2023

The aquatic ecosystem is compromised by many contaminants that may lead to reduced ecosystem functions and severe consequences on human health. This study aimed at determining suitable bioindicators of water quality among the phytoplankton community for the biomonitoring of freshwater streams in the mono-modal agroecological zone of Cameroon. For this purpose, water physicochemical and hydrological parameters, together with the phytoplankton abundance and diversity were measured from June 2016 to May 2017 along the Benoe stream (South-West Region). The Shannon–Wiener diversity and Pielou’s evenness indices indicated a clean to mildly polluted stream with a diverse phytoplankton community which consisted of 84 species belonging to 51 families. The community was dominated by the Bacillariophyta (64%), followed by Chlorophyta (13%) and Cyanophyta (10%). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed that the total dissolved solids (TDS), electrical conductivity (EC), stream water velocity and discharge were the most important stream characteristics affecting the abundance of the dominant phytoplankton genera. These analyses unveiled seasonal variations in the stream characteristics as well as spatial community distribution along an urban - small-scale farming – large-scale farming gradient and their influence on the phytoplankton relative abundances. Consequently, phytoplankton indicator species were identified with increased abundance of Synedra ulna being indicative of low TDS and EC, while Gyrosigma baltium dominance was connected with increased TDS and EC. High Pleurosira laevis abundance was associated with the urban zone while high Diatoma sp. and Oscillatoria sp. abundances were related to large-scale farming zone of the stream. These phytoplankton species have good potential for use as bioindicators for monitoring water quality in the Benoe stream and other streams in the monomodal agroecological zone of Cameroon.
KRASG12C inhibition using MRTX1257: a novel radio-sensitizing partner
Authors: Laurent Pierre-Antoine , Milic Marina , Quevrin Clément , Meziani Lydia , Liu Winchygn , Morel Daphné , Signolle Nicolas , Clémenson Céline , Levy Antonin , Mondini Michele , Deutsch Eric
Published: March 2023

Background
KRAS activating mutations are considered the most frequent oncogenic drivers and are correlated with radio-resistance in multiple cancers including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer. Although KRAS was considered undruggable until recently, several KRAS inhibitors have recently reached clinical development. Among them, MRTX849 (Mirati Therapeutics) showed encouraging clinical outcomes for the treatment of selected patients with KRASG12C mutated NSCLC and colorectal cancers. In this work, we explore the ability of MRTX1257, a KRASG12C inhibitor analogous to MRTX849, to radio-sensitize KRASG12C+/+ mutated cell lines and tumors.
Methods
Both in vitro and in vivo models of radiotherapy (RT) in association with MRTX1257 were used, with different RAS mutational profiles. We assessed in vitro the radio-sensitizing effect of MRTX1257 in CT26 KRASG12C+/+, CT26 WT, LL2 WT and LL2 NRAS KO (LL2 NRAS−/−) cell lines. In vivo, we used syngeneic models of subcutaneous CT26 KRASG12C+/+ tumors in BALB/c mice and T cell deficient athymic nu/nu mice to assess both the radio-sensitizing effect of MRTX1257 and its immunological features.
Results
MRTX1257 was able to radio-sensitize CT26 KRASG12C+/+ cells in vitro in a time and dose dependent manner. Moreover, RT in association with MRTX1257 in BALB/c mice bearing CT26 KRASG12C+/+ subcutaneous tumors resulted in an observable cure rate of 20%. However, no durable response was observed with similar treatment in athymic nude mice. The analysis of the immune microenvironment of CT26 KRASG12C+/+ tumors following RT and MRTX1257 showed an increase in the proportion of various cell subtypes including conventional CD4 + T cells, dendritic cells type 2 (cDC2) and inflammatory monocytes. Furthermore, the expression of PD-L1 was dramatically down-regulated within both tumor and myeloid cells, thus illustrating the polarization of the tumor microenvironment towards a pro-inflammatory and anti-tumor phenotype following the combined treatment.
Conclusion
This work is the first to demonstrate in vitro as in vivo the radio-sensitizing effect of MRTX1257, a potent KRASG12C inhibitor compatible with oral administration, in CT26 KRASG12C mutated cell lines and tumors. This is a first step towards the use of new combinatorial strategies using KRAS inhibitors and RT in KRASG12C mutated tumors, which are the most represented in NSCLC with 14% of patients harboring this mutational profile.
Novel dimethylsulfoniopropionate biosynthesis enzymes in diverse marine bacteria, cyanobacteria and abundant algae
Authors: Wang Jinyan , Zhou Shun , Curson Andrew , Vieira Ana , Walsham Keanu , Monaco Serena , Li Chun-Yang , Rivera Peter Paolo , Wang Xiao-Di , Hanwell Libby , Zhu Xiao-Yu , Leão Pedro , Lea-Smith David J. , Zhang Yuzhong , Zhang Xiaohua , Todd Jonathan
Published: March 2023

Dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) is an abundant marine organosulfur compound[1] with roles in stress protection[2, 3], chemotaxis[4], nutrient and sulfur cycling[5] and, potentially, climate regulation[6, 7]. Marine algae and bacteria are considered significant DMSP producers, but many diverse representatives lack known DMSP synthesis genes/enzymes[8, 9]. Here, new DMSP biosynthesis enzymes were identified that considerably increase the number and diversity of potential DMSP-producing organisms, inferring new and significant global DMSP producers. A novel bifunctional DMSP biosynthesis enzyme, DsyGD, identified in the rhizobacterium Gynuella sunshinyii, produces DMSP at levels higher than any other bacterium from methylthiohydroxybutyrate (MTHB) via an N-terminal MTHB S-methyltransferase domain (termed DsyG) and a C-terminal dimethylsulfoniohydroxybutyrate (DMSHB) decarboxylase domain (termed DsyD, which is the first reported enzyme with this activity). DsyGD is also found in some filamentous cyanobacteria, not previously known to produce DMSP. Regulation of DMSP production and dsyGD transcription was consistent with their role in osmoprotection. Indeed, cloned dsyGD conferred osmotolerance to bacteria deficient in osmolyte production, something not previously demonstrated for any known DMSP synthesis gene, and which could be exploited for biotechnology e.g., engineering salt tolerance. DsyGD characterisation led to identification of phylogenetically distinct DsyG-like proteins, termed DSYE, with MTHB S-methyltransferase activity, in diverse and environmentally abundant Chlorophyta, Chlorachniophyta, Ochraphyta, Haptophyta and Bacillariophyta algae. These algae comprise a mix of low, high and previously unknown DMSP producers[10]. Algae containing DSYE, particularly bloom-forming Pelagophyceae species, which we showed to accumulate medium-high intracellular DMSP levels, were globally more abundant DMSP producers than Haptophyta, Dinophyta and Bacillariophyta with DSYB and/or TpMMT. This highlights the potential importance of Pelagophyceae and other DSYE containing algae in global DMSP production and sulfur cycling.
The rising global economic costs of Aedes and Aedes-borne diseases
Authors: Roiz David , Pontifes Paulina , Jourdain Fréderic , Diagne Christophe , Leroy Boris , Vaissière Anne-Charlotte , Tolsá Maria Jose , Salles Jean-Michel , Simard Frédéric , Courchamp Franck
Published: March 2023

Aedes-borne diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika are caused by viruses transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, producing an enormous public health burden and a lesser-known economic impact. We present a reliable, up-to-date, standardized and easily updatable global-scale synthesis of studies reporting the economic costs caused by these mosquitoes, obtained from 880 records from 118 countries covering the last 45 years. From 1975 to 2020, the cumulative reported cost of Aedes and Aedes-borne diseases was at least 87.3 billion in 2022 US$ values, having increased almost 100-fold over this period, while still considerably underreported and underestimated. Costs are mainly due to dengue (80%), and do not consider the medical sequelae of chikungunya and Zika, which would bring this estimate up to US$ 310.8 billion worldwide. Damage and losses were an order of magnitude higher than investment in management, and only a modest portion of the total reported expenditure went to prevention. Effective control measures are urgently needed to safeguard global health and well-being, and to reduce the burden on human societies. Providing up-to-date data fills a gap in our limited understanding, can inform evidence-based policy and contributes towards a greater awareness of the increasing economic costs of Aedes and Aedes-borne diseases.
The Role of Pyruvate-Induced Enhancement of Oxygen Metabolism in Extracellular Purinergic Signaling in The Post- Cardiac Arrest Rat Model
Authors: Shinozaki Koichiro , Wong Vanessa , Aoki Tomoaki , Hayashida Kei , Takegawa Ryosuke , Endo Yusuke , Nandurkar Harshal , Diamond Betty , Robson Simon C. , Becker Lance B.
Published: March 2023

Purine nucleotide adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is a source of intracellular energy maintained by mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. However, when released from ischemic cells into the extracellular space, they act as death-signaling molecules (eATP). Despite there being potential benefit in using pyruvate to enhance mitochondria by inducing a highly oxidative metabolic state, its association with eATP levels is still poorly understood. Therefore, while we hypothesized that pyruvate could beneficially increase intracellular ATP with the enhancement of mitochondrial function after cardiac arrest (CA), our main focus was whether a proportion of the raised intracellular ATP would detrimentally leak out into the extracellular space. Indicated by the increased levels in systemic oxygen consumption and brain ATP levels, intravenous administrations of bolus (500 mg/kg) and continuous infusion (1000 mg/kg/hr) of pyruvate successfully increased oxygen and energy metabolism in post 10-min CA rats. The plasma ATP levels increased significantly from 67 ± 11 nM before CA to 227 ± 100 nM 2 hours after the resuscitation, while the pyruvate injection did not affect post-CA ATP levels. Notably, the pyruvate injection improved post-CA cardiac contraction and acidemia (low pH). We also found that pyruvate increased systemic CO2 production post-CA. These data support that pyruvate has therapeutic potential for improving CA outcomes by enhancing oxygen and energy metabolism in the brain and heart, and attenuating intracellular hydrogen iron disorders, but does not exacerbate the death-signaling of eATP in the blood.
Design optimization for high-performance computing using FPGA
Authors: Isik Murat , Inadagbo Kayode , Aktas Hakan
Published: March 2023

Reconfigurable architectures like Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) have been used for accelerating computations in several domains because of their unique combination of flexibility, performance, and power efficiency. However, FPGAs have not been widely used for high-performance computing, primarily because of their programming complexity and difficulties in optimizing performance. We optimize Tensil AI's open-source inference accelerator for maximum performance using ResNet20 trained on CIFAR in this paper in order to gain insight into the use of FPGAs for high-performance computing. In this paper, we show how improving hardware design, using Xilinx Ultra RAM, and using advanced compiler strategies can lead to improved inference performance. We also demonstrate that running the CIFAR test data set shows very little accuracy drop when rounding down from the original 32-bit floating point. The heterogeneous computing model in our platform allows us to achieve a frame rate of 293.58 frames per second (FPS) and a \%90 accuracy on a ResNet20 trained using CIFAR. The experimental results show that the proposed accelerator achieves a throughput of 21.12 Giga-Operations Per Second (GOP/s) with a 5.21 W on-chip power consumption at 100 MHz. The comparison results with off-the-shelf devices and recent state-of-the-art implementations illustrate that the proposed accelerator has obvious advantages in terms of energy efficiency.
The G2-Like gene family in Populus trichocarpa: identification, evolution and expression profiles
Authors: Wu Ruihua , Guo Lin , Guo Leyang , Ma Lehang , Xu Kehang , Du Liang
Published: March 2023

The G2-like (GLK) transcription factors are plant-specific transcription factors (TFs) that perform extensive and significant roles in regulating chloroplast development. Here, genome-wide identification, classification, conserved motifs, cis-elements, chromosomal locations, MCScanX, evolution and expression patterns of the PtGLK genes in the woody model plant Populus trichocarpa were analyzed in detail. In total, 55 putative PtGLKs (PtGLK1-PtGLK55) were identified and divided into 11 distinct subfamilies according to the gene structure, motif composition and phylogenetic analysis. Synteny analysis showed that 22 orthologous pairs and highly conserved microscopy between regions of GLK genes across P. thrchocarpa and Arabidopsis were identified. Furthermore, analysis of the duplication events and divergence times provided insight into the evolutionary patterns of GLK genes. The previously published transcriptome data indicated that PtGLK genes presented distinct expression patterns in various tissues and different stages. Additionally, several PtGLKs were significantly upregulated under the responses of cold stress, osmotic stress, and MeJA and GA treatments, implying that they might take part in abiotic stress and phytohormone responses. Overall, our results provide comprehensive information on the PtGLK gene family and elucidate the potential functional characterization of PtGLK genes in P. trichocarpa.
Spatial-temporal evolution and influencing factors of China's economic development performance under carbon emission constraints
Authors: Xie Zhixiang , Zhao Rongqin , Xiao Liangang , Ding Minglei
Published: March 2023

Background: Guided by the green transformation of economic development, incorporating carbon peaking and carbon neutrality into ecological progress, and accelerating the formation of an industrial and energy structure that saves resources and protects the environment are the intrinsic requirements for China's high-quality economic development. The paper uses the DEA model and Malmquist productivity index to measure the economic development performance of 30 provincial units in mainland China, and summarizes the spatial-temporal evolution characteristics. Then, the Tobit model is used to analyze the influencing factors.
Results: Our results show that: (1) The static performance of economic development generally showed an upward trend from 2008 to 2020, except for Beijing, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Guangdong, Hainan, Ningxia and Xinjiang, most of provinces had different degrees of input redundancy and output insufficiency. (2) The spatial distribution pattern of the static performance under carbon emissions constraint is dominated by the higher and high-level areas. As time goes by, the number of provincial units in different level areas tends to be stable, and the spatial distribution shows staggered layout characteristics. (3) The dynamic performance of economic development shows a downward trend from 2008 to 2016, and an upward trend from 2016 to 2020. The dynamic performance in most of provincial units has realized the transformation from the constraint of technological progress to the constraint of scale efficiency. (4) The urbanization level, economic development level, energy efficiency and the vegetation coverage are the main factors affecting economic development performance, while other factors such as industrialization level, environmental regulation, motorization level, openness and government intervention have no significant effect.
Conclusions: This study suggests that China should adopt industrial structure transformation and upgrading, strengthen environmental regulation, promote new energy vehicles and introduce high-tech industries to improve economic development performance in the future.
Open versus closed reduction internal fixation for lateral condyle humeral fractures in children： a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhu Suyue , Zheng Yan , Jiang Yazhou , Yin Hanjun , Zhu Dongsheng
Published: March 2023

Objective: The objective of this meta-analysis was to illustrate the clinical outcomes and safety of two different management options for Song stage 2-4 lateral condyle humeral fractures in children.
Method: In January 2023, a systematic computer-based search was conducted. Data were retrieved for patients with two different management options for lateral condyle humeral fractures in children. The primary endpoints were clinical outcomes based on infection, avascular necrosis, and nonunion. After testing for publication bias and heterogeneity between studies, the data was aggregated for stochastic effect models when necessary.
Results: Eight clinical studies with 742 patients were eventually included in the meta-analysis. There was no significant difference between the closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, and open reduction and internal fixation in terms of the clinical outcomes based on infection, avascular necrosis, and nonunion (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, as well as open reduction and internal fixation of lateral condyle humeral fractures in children, resulted in similar structural stability and functional outcomes. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to determine this conclusion.
The Effect of Gamma Linoleic Acid on the Expression of c-Fos and Inflammatory Factors on the Formalin-Induced Pain
Authors: rahimi kaveh , Nourishirazi Arman , Delaviz Hamid Reza , Ghotbeddin Zohreh
Published: March 2023

Introduction: The sensation of pain as a pathological entity has always been discussed. The current study was conducted to determine the analgesic effect of gamma linoleic acid (GLA) in the formalin test.
Materials and methods: Formalin was injected into the right hind paw in rats. Pain behaviors were determined as a numerical score for 60 minutes after the injection of formalin. The spinal cord was removed to evaluate the protein expression of C-Fos. Also, the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β were measured in the skin where formalin was injected.
Results: Doses of 100 and 150 mg/kg of GLA could reduce pain perception in the acute phase of the formalin test. Also, GLA 100 and 150 mg/kg reduction of TNF-α and IL-1β induced by formalin compared with the control group. There was elevated c-Fos protein observed in the spinal cord after formalin injection in GLA 100 and 150 mg/kg compared with the control group.
Conclusion: Molecular analysis targeting c-Fos and inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-1b also showed an effect of GLA, which matched the results of the behavioral data analysis. These results demonstrated that pretreatment, with GLA, produced antinociceptive effects in the formalin test and may be effective for pain relief.
A comparative proteomic analysis for non-invasive early prediction of hypoxic-ischemic injury in asphyxiated neonates
Authors: Gurtoo Sumrati , Karthikkeyan Gayathree , Behera Santosh Kumar , Kotimoole Chinmaya Narayana , Najar Mohd. Altaf , Modi Prashant Kumar , K.S. Sahana , Pinto Sneha M , A.B. Arun
Published: March 2023

Aim:
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the principal causes of neonatal mortality and long-term morbidity worldwide. The neonatal signs of mild cerebral injury are subtle, making an early precise diagnosis difficult. Delayed detection, poor prognosis, and lack of specific biomarkers for the disease are increasing mortality rates. In this study, we intended to identify specific biomarkers using comparative proteomic analysis to predict the severity of perinatal asphyxia so that its outcome can also be prevented.
Experimental Design:
A case-control study was conducted on 38 neonates, and urine samples were collected within 24
and 72 hours of life. A tandem mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics approach followed by validation via sandwich ELISA was performed.
Results:
The LC-MS/MS-based proteomics analysis resulted in the identification of 1,201 proteins in urine with 229, 244 and 426 being differentially expressed in HIE-1, HIE-2 and HIE-3, respectively. Axon guidance, Diseases of programmed cell death, and Detoxification of reactive oxygen species pathways were significantly enriched in mild HIE vs severe HIE. Of the differentially expressed proteins in various stages of HIE, we chose to validate four proteins- APP, AGT, FABP1, and FN1 via sandwich ELISA. Individual and cumulative ROC curves were plotted. AGT and FABP1 together showed high sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of HIE
Conclusion:
Establishing putative urinary biomarkers will facilitate clinicians to more accurately screen neonates for brain injury and monitor the disease progression. Prompt treatment of neonates may reduce mortality and neurodevelopmental impairment.
Decreased Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in Patients with Vitiligo
Authors: Weissmann Sarah , Burrack Nitzan , Golan-Tripto Inbal , Horev Amir
Published: March 2023

Introduction
Vitiligo is a skin disorder characterized by defected melanocytes causing depigmented skin lesions. The role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) ratios as prognostic hematological markers has not yet been studied in a large population. We aimed to investigate these values in patients with mild and severe vitiligo compared to healthy controls.
Methods
This was a single-center retrospective cohort study that included patients of all ages diagnosed with vitiligo between 2005 and 2020. We compared patients with vitiligo to controls matched for age and gender.
Results
8,398 adults and 1,428 children were included in this study. Patients had a lower NLR compared to their controls (2.04 vs 2.23, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in PLR between patients and controls. We found no significant differences in NLR and PLR between mild and severe vitiligo patients. Patients with mild vitiligo had a mean NLR of 2.04 while their controls had a mean NLR of 2.22 (p-value<0.001). Patients with severe vitiligo had a mean NLR of 2.01 while their matched controls had a mean NLR of 2.27 (p-value<0.001).
Conclusion
Decreased NLR is associated with both severe and mild forms of vitiligo.
Suv39h1 silencing recovers memory decline due to scopolamine-induced amnesia
Authors: Kushwaha Akanksha , Thakur MK
Published: March 2023

Histone post-translational modifications play an important role in the regulation of long-term memory and modulation of expression of neuronal immediate early genes (IEGs). The histone methyltransferase Suv39h1 (a mammalian ortholog of the Drosophila melanogaster SU(VAR) 3–9) aids in the methylation of histone H3 at lysine 9. We previously reported that age-related memory decline is associated with an increase in Suv39h1 expression in the hippocampus of male mice. The scopolamine-induced amnesic mouse model is a well-known animal model of memory impairment. In the current study, we have made an attempt to find a link between the changes in H3K9 trimethylation pattern and memory decline during scopolamine-induced amnesia. It was followed by checking the effect of siRNA-mediated silencing of hippocampal Suv39h1 on memory and expression of neuronal IEGs. Scopolamine treatment significantly increased global levels of H3K9me3 and Suv39h1 in the amnesic hippocampus. Suv39h1 silencing in amnesic mice reduced H3K9me3 levels at the neuronal IEGs (Arc and BDNF) promoter, increased the expression of Arc and BDNF in the hippocampus, and improved recognition memory. Thus, these findings suggest that the silencing of Suv39h1 alone or in combination with other epigenetic drugs might be effective for treating memory decline during amnesia.
Feasibility and acceptability of group CBT+CRT for adults with major depressive disorders in an Iranian community: a single group study
Authors: Khodabandeloo Yusuf , Sohrabi Faramarz , Borjali Ahmad , Isamorad Abolghasem , Motamedi Abdollah
Published: March 2023

Background Despite significant advances in the psychological treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), many treatment challenges remain, such as high recurrence and functional impairment after treatment. It seems that ignoring underlying factors such as cold cognitive dysfunctions plays an important role in these therapeutic challenges. Although a lot of research has been done on hot cognition, cold cognition is about neglect. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability and to estimate the effect size of the group CBT+CRT for future controlled trials.
Methods Among the 31 volunteers who were diagnosed with MDD in the online clinical interview, 14 adults aged 22-40 years were treated in 12 weekly two-hour sessions. Only 12 patients remained in the study at week 12. Psychological and neuropsychological assessments were evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory-Second Edition (BDI-II), the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS), and the THINC-it tool.
Results Data analysis showed that psychological symptoms of depression were significantly reduced at post-test and at follow-up compared to pre-test based on BDI-II and SHAPS scores. Regarding neuropsychological symptoms, effect sizes were largest for attention (d=−1.37) and processing speed (d=−1.18), but smaller effect sizes were observed for working memory (d=−0.26) and executive functioning (d=−0.54). The observed effect sizes remained relatively stable at the three-month follow-up.
Conclusion To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate group CBT+CRT for adults with MDD designed based on the hot-cold cognition model of depression, stimulating further developmental research. In general, the results showed the sufficient feasibility and acceptance of this treatment manual.
Alkali-Tolerant Bacillus Producing PHA and Application of its PHA Surface Binding Protein as Surfactant
Authors: Fan Xueyu , Fu Shuangqing , Jiang Junpo , Liu Dexu , Li Xinyue , Han Mengnan , Li Wei , Zhang Honglei
Published: March 2023

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) produced by Bacillus bacteria have potential advantages in medical applications, due to its cell membrane do not contain outer membrane lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, the PHA accumulation level is far lower than that of Gram-negative bacteria. In this study, an alkali-tolerant Bacillus cereus HBL-AI was screened using Nile Red and Sudan Black B in a Low-Salt LB solid medium at pH 8.0. This strain displayed high PHA accumulation capacity in fed‑batch fermentation with glucose as the carbon source in a 5 L unsterilized fermentor. The highest PHA accumulation reached 12.8 g/L and the extracted product was finally determined as (Poly-β-3-hydroxybutyrate, PHB). It has the potential to be used for large-scale open and continuous fermentation. Furthermore, PHA membrane binding protein (PhaP), PHA regulatory protein (PhaQ and PhaR) derived from HBL-AI were heterologously expressed inE. coli and purified to investigate their application as biosurfactants. The results showed that the emulsification ability and stability of three amphiphilic proteins were higher than those of widely used chemical surfactants. The protein concentration of PhaQ used to form a stable emulsion layer in vegetable oil was the lowest (50 μg/mL), which greatly reduced the amount of protein used in emulsification. This clearly demonstrated that HBL-AI has great potential in the production of PHA without endotoxin, and its PHA binding protein can be well applied as an environmentally friendly biosurfactants.
WITHDRAWN: An Electric-Field High Energy Harvester from Medium voltage power line with parallel line
Authors: Srila Aekanuwat , Hoyingchareon Pakpoom , Prasertsit Anuwat , Chetpattananondh Kanadit
Published: March 2023

In order to effectively monitor transmission lines and transmission towers, a number of different types of sensors are needed. A lot of times, these sensors along with the transmission lines and transmission towers are in inaccessible or hard-to-access areas and replacing their batteries is difficult. Yet they need consistent power supply. By harvesting energy directly from these medium and high voltage power lines, these devices can become self-sustaining while the overall system is more friendly to the environment. This paper presents a novel approach to high energy harvesting based on capacitive coupling between the power line and the harvesting line. This technique has several advantages, namely high output voltage, easy adjustment of coupling coefficient, and low cost. The validation and implantation of this harvesting system are proposed with the support of experimental results. This energy-harvesting ability of W and mA levels is achieved for the power line monitoring devices, with higher power output depending on the length and the size of the harvesting line.
Apple Leaf Disease Recognition with Segmentation Research Trend: A Systematic Analysis Using VoSViewer
Authors: Bonkra Anupam , Bhatt Pramod kumar , Kaur Amandeep , Shah Mohd Asif
Published: March 2023

The study’s goals were to examine the effects of unforeseen weather circumstances on agricultural productivity and to test artificial intelligence-based strategies for feature extraction and segmentation for plant leaf disease identification. A bibliometric analysis was used in the study to look into current trends, publications, citation structures, patterns of ownership and collaboration, production patterns, and other aspects connected to the early detection of apple diseases. While there have been many studies on recognising apple illnesses, there have been few attempts to develop a thorough multidisciplinary science map because disease detection is not exclusive to any one field of study. The study’s objectives were to combine knowledge frameworks and identify the current state of the research field. A scientometric examination of 200 papers from the Scopus database between 2017 and 2022 was done by the researchers in order to accomplish this goal. VOSviewer was utilised for the research, and its automated workflow was used to pick significant journals, authors, nations, articles, and themes. To find patterns and trends, social network studies, citation and co-citation checks, and citation counts were all carried out. The study revealed changes in the cognitive and social structure of the area and concluded that the interdisciplinary field of sickness detection employing segmentation has expanded over time. The study also revealed areas that need additional investigation and clarified the intellectual underpinnings of the topic.
Comprehensive bioinformatics analysis to identify a novel Ferroptosis-related gene and its ceRNA regulatory network and candidate Therapeutic Agents in UVB-irradiated human skin
Authors: Huang Qilong , Li Guyu , Han Jiayu , Wang Zhaohua , Li Shuo
Published: March 2023

UVB light can be toxic to the skin, penetrating the epidermal layer and potentially causing skin disease. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death that differs from apoptosis. To better understand the molecular biomarkers and potential mechanisms of UVB-induced skin damage with Ferroptosis-related genes, we downloaded two microarray datasets (GSE45493 and GSE56754) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and performed bioinformatic analyses. By analyzing differential gene expression with the Limma package, we identified 35 DEGs (28 up-regulated and 7 down-regulated) and used Cytoscape 3.8.2 to screen for hub genes based on the degree of connectivity in the PPI network. IL6 was obtained by intersecting genes related to ferroptosis. We then proposed the ceRNA network of IL6 by searching multiple online miRNA and lncRNA databases. Finally, we screened 7 significant potential activating compounds using the CTD platform, including benzo(a)pyrene, bardoxolone methyl, tetrachlorodibenzodioxin, testosterone undecanoate, demecolcine, tetradecanoylphorbol acetate, and cyclosporine. Molecular docking experiments were conducted to verify the reliability of these potential drugs. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanism of UVB-irradiated human skin and identifies potential candidate drugs for treating it.
Effects of Socio-economic Status and Daily Variation on Municipal Solid Waste Composition: A Preliminary Analysis for Sustainable Planning and Development in Aligarh City
Authors: Singh Alok , Srivast Amitabh Kumar
Published: March 2023

In context of developing countries such as India, with great differences in living standards of people, different communities, MSW management is one of the most promising problems in front of municipal organizations. Unlike every city in India, Aligarh city is also facing the same problem of MSWM. This problem not only affects the aesthetic view but also it is hazardous to health of people nearby. Currently, solid waste collected is either dumped in landfill unscientifically or partially treated by A to Z waste management (limited) by composting. In the present study, an effort was made to know about the per capita waste generation and variations in the quantity of different components of the MSW in five different regions of the city of different living standards. Also, weekly variation was also analyzed in tie study. One Way Anova analysis using SPSS is performed to analyze the variations in the mean composition of different components. The per capita solid waste generation in Aligarh city was found to be 0.42 kg/person/day. From the analysis, we came to know that compostable component (35.4%) is the highest, then inert (24.6%), plastic (12.2%), paper (10%), textile (9.2%), sand (8.6%). After analysis, the results can be helpful in sorting out the problem of MSW management in the city by selecting appropriate units as per composition of MSW.
E. coli “Stablelabel” S30 lysate for optimized cell-free NMR sample preparation
Authors: Levin Roman , Löhr Frank , Karakoc Betül , Lichtenecker Roman , Dötsch Volker , Bernhard Frank
Published: March 2023

Cell-free (CF) synthesis with highly productive E. coli lysates is a convenient method to produce labeled proteins for NMR studies. Despite reduced metabolic activity in CF lysates, a certain scrambling of supplied isotope labels is still notable. Most problematic are conversions of 15N labels of the amino acids L-Asp, LAsn, L-Gln, L-Glu and L-Ala, resulting into ambiguous NMR signals as well as into label dilution. Specific inhibitor cocktails could suppress most undesired conversion reactions, while limited availability and potential side effects on CF system productivity need to be considered. As alternative route to address NMR label conversion in CF systems, we describe the generation of optimized E. coli lysates with reduced amino acid scrambling activity. Our strategy is based on the proteome blueprint of standardized CF S30 lysates of the E. coli strain A19. Identified lysate enzymes with suspected amino acid scrambling activity were eliminated by constructing corresponding single and cumulative chromosomal mutations in A19. CF lysates prepared from the mutants were analyzed for their CF protein synthesis efficiency and for residual scrambling activity. The A19 derivative “Stablelabel” containing the cumulative mutations asnA, ansA/B, glnA, aspC and ilvE was finally identified as giving the most useful CF S30 lysates. We demonstrate the optimized NMR spectral complexity of selectively labeled proteins CF synthesized in “Stablelabel” lysates. By taking advantage of the ilvE deletion in "Stablelabel", we further exemplify a new strategy for methyl group specific labeling of membrane proteins with the proton pump proteorhodopsin.
Parental pressure on child body image, BMI, body image dissatisfaction associated with eating disorders: A path analysis
Authors: Chen Jiaoyan , Liu Keke , Zhang Juan , Liu Songhui , Wang Yuanyuan , Cao Ruiyao , Peng Xingwang , Han Mei , Han Hui , Yao Rongying , Fu Lianguo
Published: March 2023

Children's eating behaviors, body shape and body image cognition may be more susceptible to the influence of their parents, but these influences may be weakened with age. There may be different association pathways between parental pressure on children’s body image (PPCBI), body mass index (BMI), body image dissatisfaction (BID) and eating disorders (EDs) among children and adolescents at different developmental stages. This study aims to analyze the association pathways between PPCBI, BMI, BID and EDs among children and adolescents at different developmental stages. The stratified cluster sampling method was used to select 486 students aged 8–15 years in two 9-year schools. Children’s body height, weight, testicular volume and breast development were measured. PPCBI, BID, and EDs were investigated using the Appearance-related Social Stress Questionnaire, Body Size Questionnaire (BID-14), and EDI-1 scale, respectively. The boys with testicular volume <4 ml had significantly higher EDs score than girls with breast development <Tanner II (P<0.05). There were significant association pathways of PPCBI→BMI→BID→EDs and PPCBI→BID→EDs in boys with testicular volume <4 ml (β=0.035, P<0.01; β=0.059, P<0.01), boys with testicular volume ≥4 ml (β=0.032, P<0.01; β=0.175, P<0.001), and girls with breast development ≥Tanner II (β=0.026, P<0.01; β=0.172, P<0.001). There was a positive association pathway of PPCBI→EDs in boys with testicular volume <4 ml (β=0.30, P<0.001) and PPCBI→BID→EDs in girls with breast development <Tanner II (β=0.176, P<0.01). Parental pressure on children’s body image may positively predict children's eating disorders through BMI and body image dissatisfaction in boys and girls after puberty initiation and directly predict eating disorders in boys before puberty initiation; however, it indirectly predicts eating disorders only through BID in girls before puberty initiation.