bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE CONCEPT OF STATE POLICY IMPLEMENTATION IN THE FIELD OF REGULATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROPERTIES OF WHEELED VEHICLES IN LIFE CYCLE
Authors:   State Enterprise “State Road Transport Research Institute”, Gorytskyi Viktor , Klymenko Oleksii ,   State Enterprise “State Road Transport Research Institute”
Published: October 2022

The Concept of state policy implementation in the field of regulation of environmental properties of wheeled vehicles in life cycle is presented in the order of discussion. The purpose of the Concept is to determine the principles of creating a regulatory framework, tools, and consistent and systematic measures to implement effective public policy in the field of regulation of essential environmental properties of wheeled vehicles in life cycle to ensure: reduction of emissions of toxic substances in road transport and improve quality of atmospheric air of cities; decrease in other manifestations of man-caused pressure of road transport on the environment and people; in general, improving the living conditions of people in cities; reduction of energy consumption by transport; reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from transport; overall reduction of the negative impact of the transport and road infrastructure and related industries on the environment. Suggestions for terminology and definitions in this area are provided. Finally, ways and means to solve the selected problems are described. Keywords: wheeled vehicles, road transport, systems management, environmental properties, energy efficiency, environmental pollution, life cycle.
Deep learning model for automatic segmentation of lungs and pulmonary metastasis in small animal MR images
Authors: Lefevre Edgar , Bouilhol Emmanuel , Chauvière Antoine , Souleyreau Wilfried , Derieppe Marie-Alix , Trotier Aurélien J. , Miraux Sylvain , Bikfalvi Andreas , Ribot Emeline J. , Nikolski Macha
Published: October 2022

Lungs are the most frequent site of metastases growth. The amount and size of pulmonary metastases acquired from MRI imaging data are the important criteria to assess the efficacy of new drugs in preclinical models. While efficient solutions both for MR imaging and the downstream automatic segmentation have been proposed for human patients, both MRI lung imaging and segmentation in preclinical animal models remains challenging due to the physiological motion (respiratory and cardiac movements), to the low amount of protons in this organ and to the particular challenge of precise segmentation of metastases. As a consequence post-mortem analysis is currently required to obtain information on metastatic volume. In this work, we have developed a complete methodological pipeline for automated analysis of lungs and metastases in mice, consisting of an MR sequence for image acquisition and a deep learning method for automatic segmentation of both lungs and metastases. On one hand, we optimized an MR sequence for mouse lung imaging with high contrast for high detection sensitivity. On the other hand we developed DeepMeta, a multiclass U-Net 3+ deep learning model to automatically segment the images. To assess if the proposed deep learning pipeline is able to provide an accurate segmentation of both lungs and pulmonary metastases, we have longitudinally imaged mice with fast- and slow-growing metastasis. Fifty-five balb/c mice were injected with two different derivatives of renal carcinoma cells. Mice were imaged with a SG-bSSFP (self-gated balanced steady state free precession) sequence at different time points after the injection of cancer cells. Both lung and metastases segmentations were manually performed by experts. DeepMeta was trained to perform lung and metastases segmentation based on the resulting ground truth annotations. Volumes of lungs and of pulmonary metastases as well as the number of metastases per mouse were measured on a separate test dataset of MR images. Thanks to the SG method, the 3D bSSFP images of lungs were artifact-free, enabling the downstream detection and serial follow-up of metastases. Moreover, both lungs and metastases segmentation was accurately performed by DeepMeta as soon as they reached the volume of ∼0.02mm3. Thus we were able to distinguish two groups of mice in terms of number and volume of pulmonary metastases as well as in terms of the slow versus fast patterns of growth of metastases. We have shown that our methodology combining SG-bSSFP with deep learning, enables processing of the whole animal lungs and is thus a viable alternative to histology alone.
Recent advances in surface modification of micro- and nano-scale biomaterials with biological membranes and biomolecules
Authors: Abesekara Manisha Sandupama , Chau Ying
Published: October 2022

Surface modification of biomaterial can improve its biocompatibility and add new biofunctions, such as targeting specific tissues, communication with cells, and modulation of intracellular trafficking. Here, we summarize the use of various natural materials, namely, cell membrane, exosomes, proteins, peptides, lipids, fatty acids, and polysaccharides as coating materials on micron- and nano-sized particles and droplets with the functions imparted by coating with different materials. We discuss the applicability, operational parameters, and limitation of different coating techniques, from the more conventional approaches such as extrusion and sonication to the latest innovation seen on the microfluidics platform. Methods commonly used in the field to examine the coating, including its composition, physical dimension, stability, fluidity, permeability, and biological functions, are reviewed.
Variable allelic expression of imprinted genes at the Peg13, Trappc9, Ago2 cluster in single neural cells
Authors: Claxton Michael , Pulix Michela , Seah Michelle K. Y. , Bernardo Ralph , Zhou Peng , Aljuraysi Sultan , Liloglou Triantafillos , Arnaud Philippe , Kelsey Gavin , Messerschmidt Daniel M. , Plagge Antonius
Published: October 2022

Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic process through which genes are expressed in a parent-of-origin specific manner resulting in mono-allelic or strongly biased expression of one allele. For some genes, imprinted expression may be tissue-specific and reliant on CTCF-influenced enhancer-promoter interactions. The Peg13 imprinting cluster is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and comprises canonical imprinted genes, which are conserved between mouse and human, as well as brain-specific imprinted genes in mouse. The latter consist of Trappc9, Chrac1 and Ago2, which have a maternal allelic expression bias of ∼75% in brain. Findings of such allelic expression biases on the tissue level raise the question of how they are reflected in individual cells and whether there is variability and mosaicism in allelic expression between individual cells of the tissue. Here we show that Trappc9 and Ago2 are not imprinted in hippocampus-derived neural stem cells (neurospheres), while Peg13 retains its strong bias of paternal allele expression. Upon analysis of single neural stem cells and in vitro differentiated neurons, we find not uniform, but variable states of allelic expression, especially for Trappc9 and Ago2. These ranged from mono-allelic paternal to equal bi-allelic to mono-allelic maternal, including biased bi-allelic transcriptional states. Even Peg13 expression deviated from its expected paternal allele bias in a small number of cells. Although the cell populations consisted of a mosaic of cells with different allelic expression states, as a whole they reflected bulk tissue data. Furthermore, in an attempt to identify potential brain-specific regulatory elements across the Trappc9 locus, we demonstrate tissue-specific and general silencer activities, which might contribute to the regulation of its imprinted expression bias.
Predicting xylose yield from prehydrolysis of hardwoods: A machine learning approach
Authors: Wang Edward , Ballachay Riley , Cai Genpei , Cao Yankai , Trajano Heather L.
Published: October 2022

Hemicelluloses are amorphous polymers of sugar molecules that make up a major fraction of lignocellulosic biomasses. They have applications in the bioenergy, textile, mining, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Industrial use of hemicellulose often requires that the polymer be hydrolyzed into constituent oligomers and monomers. Traditional models of hemicellulose degradation are kinetic, and usually only appropriate for limited operating regimes and specific species. The study of hemicellulose hydrolysis has yielded substantial data in the literature, enabling a diverse data set to be collected for general and widely applicable machine learning models. In this paper, a dataset containing 1955 experimental data points on batch hemicellulose hydrolysis of hardwood was collected from 71 published papers dated from 1985 to 2019. Three machine learning models (ridge regression, support vector regression and artificial neural networks) are assessed on their ability to predict xylose yield and compared to a kinetic model. Although the performance of ridge regression was unsatisfactory, both support vector regression and artificial neural networks outperformed the simple kinetic model. The artificial neural network outperformed support vector regression, reducing the mean absolute error in predicting soluble xylose yield of test data to 6.18%. The results suggest that machine learning models trained on historical data may be used to supplement experimental data, reducing the number of experiments needed.
Enzyme-responsive polymersomes ameliorate autophagic failure in a cellular model of GM1 gangliosidosis
Authors: Paruchuri Bipin Chakravarthy , Smith Sarah , Larsen Jessica
Published: October 2022

GM1 gangliosidosis is a lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficiency of β-galactosidase (βgal) and subsequent accumulation of GM1 ganglioside in lysosomes. One of the pathological aspects of GM1 gangliosidosis, and other storage disorders, is impaired autophagy, i.e., a reduced fusion of autophagosomes and lysosomes to degrade cellular waste. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) can effectively treat systemic deficiency but is limited by immunogenicity and shortened half-life of intravenously administered enzyme. In this paper, we report a hyaluronic acid-b-polylactic acid (HA-PLA) polymersome delivery system that can achieve an enzyme-responsive and sustained delivery of βgal to promote the cell’s self-healing process of autophagy. HA-PLA polymersomes have an average diameter of 138.0 ± 17.6 nm and encapsulate βgal with an efficiency of 77.7 ± 3.4%. In the presence of model enzyme Hyaluronidase, HA-PLA polymersomes demonstrate a two-fold higher release of encapsulant than without enzyme. We also identified reduced autophagy in a cellular model of GM1 Gangliosidosis (GM1SV3) compared to healthy cells, illustrated using immunofluorescence. Enhanced autophagy was reported in GM1SV3 cells treated with βgal-loaded polymersomes. Most notably, the fusion of lysosomes and autophagosomes in GM1SV3 cells returned to normal levels of healthy cells after 24 h of polymersome treatment. The HA-PLA polymersomes described here can provide a promising delivery system to treat GM1 Gangliosidosis.
Carbon dots for photothermal applications
Authors: Balou Salar , Shandilya Pooja , Priye Aashish
Published: October 2022

Carbon dots are zero-dimensional nanomaterials that have garnered significant research interest due to their distinct optical properties, biocompatibility, low fabrication cost, and eco-friendliness. Recently, their light-to-heat conversion ability has led to several novel photothermal applications. In this minireview, we categorize and describe the photothermal application of carbon dots along with methods incorporated to enhance their photothermal efficiency. We also discuss the possible mechanisms by which the photothermal effect is realized in these carbon-based nanoparticles. Taken together, we hope to provide a comprehensive landscape highlighting several promising research directions for using carbon dots for photothermal applications.
DNase inhibits early biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa- or Staphylococcus aureus-induced empyema models
Authors: Deng Wusheng , Lei Yanmei , Tang Xiujia , Li Dingbin , Liang Jinhua , Luo Jing , Liu Liuyuan , Zhang Wenshu , Ye Liumei , Kong Jinliang , Wang Ke , Chen Zhaoyan
Published: October 2022

Anti-infection strategies against pleural empyema include the use of antibiotics and drainage treatments, but bacterial eradication rates remain low. A major challenge is the formation of biofilms in the pleural cavity. DNase has antibiofilm efficacy in vitro, and intrapleural therapy with DNase is recommended to treat pleural empyema, but the relevant mechanisms remain limited. Our aim was to investigate whether DNase I inhibit the early biofilm formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa- or Staphylococcus aureus-induced empyema models. We used various assays, such as crystal violet staining, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) analysis, peptide nucleic acid-fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA-FISH), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Our results suggested that DNase I significantly inhibited early biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting the growth of P. aeruginosa or S. aureus in vitro. CLSM analysis confirmed that DNase I decreased the biomass and thickness of both bacterial biofilms. The PNA-FISH and SEM analyses also revealed that DNase I inhibited early (24h) biofilm formation in two empyema models. Thus, the results indicated that DNase inhibited early (24h) biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa- or S. aureus-induced rabbit empyema models and showed its therapeutic potential against empyema biofilms.
Automating individualized, process-focused writing instruction: A design-based research study
Authors: Dux Speltz Emily , Roeser Jens , Chukharev-Hudilainen Evgeny
Published: October 2022

Writing quality is dependent upon the organization and sequencing of cognitive processes during writing. College students need writing-strategy advice that is tailored to their individual needs and is cognizant of their already-established writing processes. However, there is an obstacle to providing such advice: Both writing instructors and the writers lack awareness of the moment-by-moment actions by which text was produced. This is because switching between the processes of defining the task, coming up with ideas, outputting text, evaluating, and revising is largely regulated implicitly. To address this shortcoming, the present study uses a design-based research approach to develop and evaluate a minimally viable prototype of a system called “ProWrite” that uses novel biometric technology (concurrent keystroke logging and eye tracking) for providing real-time, individualized, automated, process-focused feedback to writers. This feedback is grounded in the analysis of each writer's individual needs and is presented in the context of a learning cycle consisting of an initial diagnostic, an intervention assignment, and a final follow-up. In two iterations, eight students used the system. Effects on student behavior were determined through direct analysis of biometric writing-process data before and after remediation and through changes in writing-process and written-product measures. Semi-structured interviews revealed that students generally considered the system useful, and they would try to use the newly learned strategies in their future writing experiences. The study demonstrated that individualized, real-time feedback informed by biometric technology can effectively modify writers' processes when writing takes place.
Stenting of critical aortic coarctation in neonates between 600 and 1,350 g. Using a transfemoral artery approach. A single center experience
Authors: Mini Nathalie , Zartner Peter A. , Schneider Martin B. E.
Published: October 2022

Background

Stenting of aortic coarctation (CoA) in newborns with a very low bodyweight remains rare and challenging. In this study we aim to highlight on two points: first the feasibility of CoA stenting in such babies and second the importance of using echocardiogram for guiding the intervention without the need for contrast agent.

Methods

Between 2020 and 2022 three preterm babies with very low (VLWB) and extremely low weight (ELWB) underwent CoA-stenting in our center. The weight of the patients at time of intervention was 1,350, 1,200, and 600 g, respectively. The femoral artery was chosen in all patients as vascular access. Transthoracic echocardiography, sonography of the femoral arteries and head ultrasound were applied for follow up.

Results

All three interventions were successfully done, with no complications. Coronary stents were implanted. In one Patient (1,350 g) the stent was inserted without sheath. In two patients with renal failure, the stenting was performed under echocardiography-guidance without contrast agent. The follow up showed a preserved function of the left ventricle in all patients. No relevant gradient was reported and no stent re-intervention was required. Sonographic follow up showed a patent femoral artery in all patients. Two patients were operated 73 and 110 days after stenting, and the stents were successfully removed. In the third patient the intervention was performed 130 days ago and he is waiting for the operation.

Conclusion

CoA-stenting in VLWB and ELWB is feasible and can bridge them to the next surgery without complications. Echocardiography-guided CoA-stenting in VLWB is a considerate option especially in patients with renal failure. Accessing the femoral artery by experienced doctors, using local anesthesia before the puncture and before removing the sheath might help to protect the vessel from stenosis or occlusion.
The factors influencing the efficiency of drug-coated balloons
Authors: Cao Zheng , Li Jun , Fang Zhao , Feierkaiti Yushanjiang , Zheng Xiaoxin , Jiang Xuejun
Published: October 2022

The drug-coated balloon (DCB) is an emerging percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) device that delivers drugs to diseased vessels to decrease the rate of vascular stenosis. Recent clinical studies have demonstrated that DCBs tend to have both good safety and efficacy profiles, leading to extended application indications in the clinic, including in-stent restenosis (ISR) for metal stents such as drug-eluting stents (DESs), small vascular disease, bifurcation disease, large vascular disease, acute coronary syndrome (ACS), and high bleeding risk. However, some previous clinical data have suggested that DCBs performed less effectively than DESs. No studies or reviews have systematically discussed the improvement strategies for better DCB performance until now. Drug loss during the process of delivery to the target lesion and inefficient delivery of the coating drug to the diseased vascular wall are two key mechanisms that weaken the efficiency of DCBs. This review is the first to summarize the key influencing factors of DCB efficiency in terms of balloon structure and principles, and then it analyzes how these factors cause outcomes in practice based on current clinical trial studies of DCBs in the treatment of different types of lesions. We also provide some recommendations for improving DCBs to contribute to better DCB performance by improving the design of DCBs and combining other factors in clinical practice.
Comparison of out-of-plane short axis with in-plane long axis for ultrasound-guided radial arterial cannulation: A systematic review with trial sequential analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Sun Xia-xuan , Lv Meng , Du Wen-ya , Liu Yi , Zhang Haixia , Wang Yue-lan
Published: October 2022

Background

It is controversial whether the short-axis out-of-plane or long-axis in-plane approach is a better needling technique for ultrasound-guidance radial artery cannulation. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of the two approaches for ultrasound-guided radial artery cannulation.

Methods

A systematic search of Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and Web of Science for relevant articles published until 1 May 2021 was conducted. Randomised controlled trials comparing the long-axis in-plane with short-axis out-of-plane approaches were included. Review Manager software version 5.4, STATA version 14.2, and trial sequential analysis (TSA) version 0.9.5.10 Beta were used for statistical analysis. Risk of bias and methodological quality of all studies included in this review were assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration tool for the risk of bias. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity.

Results

The rate of cannula insertion success on the first attempt was similar between the short-axis out-of-plane and long-axis in-plane approaches (RR = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.83 to 1.28; P = 0.79; I2 = 83.0%). No significant differences were observed in total time to successful cannulation between the two approaches (MD = –3.9; 95% CI:-18.30 to 10.49; P = 0.6; I2 = 97%). However, the required information size for the success rate of the first attempt and total time to successful cannulation was not reached.

Conclusion

It remains inconclusive whether short-axis out-of-plane is a better choice for radial arterial cannulation than the long-axis in-plane approach. Inexperienced operators may need more attempts and longer ultrasound location time with the short-axis out-of-plane technique.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42021236098].
Measuring the effects of course modularizations in online courses for life-long learners
Authors: Serth Sebastian , Staubitz Thomas , van Elten Martin , Meinel Christoph
Published: October 2022

Many participants in Massive Open Online Courses are full-time employees seeking greater flexibility in their time commitment and the available learning paths. We recently addressed these requirements by splitting up our 6-week courses into three 2-week modules followed by a separate exam. Modularizing courses offers many advantages: Shorter modules are more sustainable and can be combined, reused, and incorporated into learning paths more easily. Time flexibility for learners is also improved as exams can now be offered multiple times per year, while the learning content is available independently. In this article, we answer the question of which impact this modularization has on key learning metrics, such as course completion rates, learning success, and no-show rates. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of longer breaks between modules on these metrics. According to our analysis, course modules facilitate more selective learning behaviors that encourage learners to focus on topics they are the most interested in. At the same time, participation in overarching exams across all modules seems to be less appealing compared to an integrated exam of a 6-week course. While breaks between the modules increase the distinctive appearance of individual modules, a break before the final exam further reduces initial interest in the exams. We further reveal that participation in self-paced courses as a preparation for the final exam is unlikely to attract new learners to the course offerings, even though learners' performance is comparable to instructor-paced courses. The results of our long-term study on course modularization provide a solid foundation for future research and enable educators to make informed decisions about the design of their courses.
Microplastics in sediments of the Pantanal Wetlands, Brazil
Authors: Camargo Alan Lacerda Gomes , Girard Pierre , Sanz-Lazaro Carlos , Silva Andressa Carla Moreschi , de Faria Érika , Figueiredo Bruno Renaly Souza , Caixeta Danila Soares , Blettler Martin C. M.
Published: October 2022

Microplastics (<5 mm) can have negative and deleterious environmental effects. However, the scarce information on the levels of microplastics and the factors underlying their input in wetlands, limits the understating of the vulnerability of these ecosystems to microplastics. To contribute closing this important information gap, the concentration (items/m−2), size and the variables related to the distribution of microplastics in fluvial sediments of the Cuiabá River, a tributary of the Pantanal, the world largest flooded Savanna and a UNESCO World Heritage were investigated. The mean microplastic level was 576.8 ± 577.8 items/m−2 of sediments which were mainly fragments (309.0 ± 319.6 items/m−2) and fibers (267.8 ± 339.9 items/m−2). The maximum level was 1938.8 items/m−2 found in the urban stretch of the sister cities of Cuiabá and Várzea Grande, the largest urban agglomeration in the study area. Unexpectedly, the composition of the microplastic with highest average level (240.7 ± 310.4 items/m−2), a blue synthetic fiber, could not be unequivocally determined by RAMAN spectrometry. Its complex composition includes Pb, Li and Nb, suggesting it may derive from electronic waste. Polypropylene (159.2 ± 133.4 items/m−2) and Polyvinyl Chloride (104.6 ± 217.2 items/m−2) were the second and third polymers with higher average levels. The average size of microplastics particles in sampling sites ranged from 0.18 mm to 1.74 mm. Microplastic concentration was positively related to urban areas. Similarly, microplastics particles size decreased with distance from urban areas. These results suggest that urban areas along the Cuiabá River, with poor waste management, are a major source of microplastic pollution in the Pantanal floodplain and that electronic waste might contribute significantly to this contamination. This study highlights the importance of adequate waste management in cities to limit microplastic contamination in areas of ecological importance, such as the Pantanal.
Decreasing land use and increasing information infrastructure: Big data analytics driven integrated online learning framework in rural education
Authors: Wei Na
Published: October 2022

Nowadays, Big Data Analytics (BDA) attracted considerable interest due to its tremendous social and scientific value. The use of traditional rural education land is being replaced by the emerging network classroom. With the fast-growing data and information numbers at present, the IT world’s educational system are changing rapidly. The performance of rural school students is less satisfactory, and many rural schools have disadvantageous of having distanced from a nearby university. The schools in the countryside are located in the remote land. Rural schools are smaller and costlier to operate and likely to have a teacher shortage. These problems are all expected to be solved by the application of big data. In this paper, Big Data Analytics driven Integrated Online Learning Framework (BDAIOLF) has been proposed for rural education. The study showed that the conditions, social impact, performance, and effort expectations facilitating behavioral intentions have been essential determinants for the use of ICT for educational purposes. Data have been collected through a literature study, interviews between individuals and focus groups. Key findings indicated that rural school success is influenced by a number of factors relating to the core values of education, the teacher-learner relationship, the proficiency of English, and parental participation in teaching and learning. In rural schools, however, teaching and learning are influenced by factors such as topics, the work environment, genetic characteristics, and environmental conditions. The construction of information infrastructure is an important reason for the reduction of rural education land.
Potential applications for multifunctional microalgae in soil improvement
Authors: Song Xiaotong , Bo Yahui , Feng Yanzhang , Tan Yinghong , Zhou Chengxu , Yan Xiaojun , Ruan Roger , Xu Qingshan , Cheng Pengfei
Published: October 2022

Soil is the basis of agricultural production, and the quality of soil directly affects crop quality and yield. Microalgae can carry out photosynthesis, carbon and nitrogen fixation, and produce large amounts of valuable biomass coupled with wastewater treatment. Also, microalgae can produce plant hormones and other high-value products, which can promote plant growth, improve soil fertility, soil ecological health, and control crop diseases. This research reviews the characteristics of microalgae in improving soil health, discusses the situation of microalgae in controlling soil pollutants, elaborates on the technical application of microalgae in alleviating soil problems, and proposes potential applications of microalgae in ecological environment. Also, resource utilization of multifunctional microalgae is discussed, to provide a theoretical basis for the application of microalgae in soil improvement.
Drivers of water quality in Afromontane-savanna rivers
Authors: Wanderi Elizabeth W. , Gettel Gretchen M. , Singer Gabriel A. , Masese Frank O.
Published: October 2022

Although several studies have investigated the relationships between water quality in rivers and the types of land use within their catchments, many aspects of these relationships remain unclear in Afromontane-savanna rivers, especially the interactions between catchment land use, seasonality and stream size. Afromontane-savanna catchments present a unique situation where headwater regions and lowlands have experienced more dramatic land cover change, but mid-elevation regions remained rather natural. We examined the influence of seasonality, catchment land use and stream size, including their interactions, on water physico-chemistry, nutrients and major ions in the Afromontane-savanna Mara River in Kenya, using data collected from 2010 to 2018 at >150 sampling sites in the Kenyan part of the river. We developed generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs) to explore the influence of seasonality (dry and wet seasons), land use (forest, mixed, agriculture and grasslands), stream size (stream orders 1–7), and their interactions on river water quality. Water quality variables included physico-chemical measures (pH, dissolved oxygen [DO] concentration, temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids [TDS], turbidity, total suspended solids [TSS] and particulate organic matter [POM]), nutrients (NH4+, NO3−, total dissolved nitrogen [TDN], total nitrogen [TN], soluble reactive phosphorus [SRP], total phosphorus [TP] and dissolved organic carbon), and major ions (Cl−, F−, SO42−, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Fe2+, HCO3− and Si). There were clear differences in average values of most water quality variables among land uses with sites in savanna grasslands having high levels of major ions, ammonium and P, while agricultural sites had higher dissolved fraction of N (except ammonium). Stream order was a poor predictor of water quality, and most parameters did not display any relationship (either linear or non-linear) with stream size. Our results can be used to efficiently enhance water quality by developing strategies for stream restoration and management based on the predomination type of land use in the catchments.
Recent methods in the production of activated carbon from date palm residues for the adsorption of textile dyes: A review
Authors: Alharbi Hattan A. , Hameed Bassim H. , Alotaibi Khaled D. , Al-Oud Saud S. , Al-Modaihsh Abdullah S.
Published: October 2022

Textile dyes are organic compounds that can pose an environmental threat if not properly treated. They can cause many problems ranging from human health, ecosystem disturbances, and the reduction of the esthetic value of water bodies. The adsorption process using activated carbon (AC) has been proven to be effective in treating dyes in wastewater. However, the production of AC is limited by the non-renewables and relatively expensive precursor of coal. Date palm residues (DPRs) provide a good alternative for AC’s precursor due to their continuous supply, availability in a large amount, and having good physiochemical properties such as high oxygen element and fixed carbon. This study provides a review of the potential of date palm residues (DPRs) as AC in adsorbing textile dyes and the recent technological advances adopted by researchers in producing DPR-based AC. This review article focuses solely on DPR and not on other biomass waste. This study presents a background review on date palms, textile dyes, biochar, and AC, followed by production methods of AC. In the literature, DPR was carbonized between 250 and 400°C. The conventional heating process employed an activation temperature of 576.85–900°C for physical activation and a maximum of 800°C for physicochemical activation. Chemical agents used in the chemical activation of DPR included NaOH, KOH, ZnCl2, H3PO4, and CaCl2. The maximum surface area obtained for DPR-AC was 1,092.34 and 950 m2/g for physical and chemical activation, respectively. On the other hand, conditions used in microwave heating were between 540 and 700 W, which resulted in a surface area of 1,123 m2/g. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) utilized carbonization temperatures between 150 and 250°C with pressure between 1 and 5 MPa, thus resulting in a surface area between 125.50 and 139.50 m2/g. Isotherm and kinetic models employed in the literature are also discussed, together with the explanation of parameters accompanied by these models. The conversion of DPR into AC was noticed to be more efficient with the advancement of activation methods over the years.
Polymorphic scent gland secretions in Nelima harvestmen: “Sclerosomatid compounds” but different chemical lineages
Authors: Raspotnig Günther , Hüfner Antje , Bodner Michaela , Blesl Julia , Schaider Miriam , Escalante Ignacio , Kunert Olaf
Published: October 2022

The scent glands of harvestmen (Opiliones) produce secretions of taxon-specific composition. One class of compounds, assumed to be a key group in opilionid chemosystematics and prevalent among sclerosomatid Eupnoi, was termed “sclerosomatid compounds” (SCs). Known compounds of this group comprise acyclic 4-methyl-branched ethyl-ketones and -alcohols as well as 2,4-dimethyl-branched primary alcohols and aldehydes, originally described from several species of North American Leiobuninae. We analyzed the scent gland secretions of Nelima ssp. (Sclerosomatidae, Leiobuninae) from two continents by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, NMR, stereoselective synthesis, and chiral chromatography. We found a surprising chemical dichotomy: while North American N. paesserli produced typical acyclic SCs such as (E)-4-methyl-4-hexen-3-one, the secretions of European Nelima species exhibited a mixture of aromatic and aliphatic compounds, namely (R)-2-methyl-1-phenyl-pentan-3-one (MPP), 4-phenyl-2-butanone (PB), 2-phenylacetamide (PA), as well as (2R,4R)-2,4-dimethylhexanoic acid (DHA), all of which are new for the secretions of harvestmen. Remarkably, in N. sempronii, the secretions of juveniles (containing PB) differed from the secretions of adults (containing MPP and DHA). Though the chemistry of European Nelima species clearly diverged at first sight, all compounds detected either possess specific chemical motifs that allow an assignment to the class of SCs or appear to be biochemically/ontogenetically connected to SC-components. Thus, we here add novel compounds to the pool of SCs along with an extension of the definition of SCs to include aromatic compounds with SC-motifs. Furthermore, we describe a first case of juvenile-adult polymorphism for the exocrine secretions of harvestmen and provide a scheme of how secretions are regenerated.
Stand and environmental conditions drive functional shifts associated with mesophication in eastern US forests
Authors: Woodbridge Margaret , Keyser Tara , Oswalt Christopher
Published: October 2022

There is a growing body of evidence that mesic tree species are increasing in importance across much of the eastern US. This increase is often observed in tandem with a decrease in the abundance and importance of species considered to be better adapted to disturbance and drier conditions (e.g.,Quercusspecies). Concern over this transition is related to several factors, including the potential that this transition is self-reinforcing (termed “mesophication”), will result in decreased resiliency of forests to a variety of disturbances, and may negatively impact ecosystem functioning, timber value, and wildlife habitat. Evidence for shifts in composition provide broad-scale support for mesophication, but we lack information on the fine-scale factors that drive the associated functional changes. Understanding this variability is particularly important as managers work to develop site-and condition-specific management practices to target stands or portions of the landscape where this transition is occurring or is likely to occur in the future. To address this knowledge gap and identify forests that are most susceptible to mesophication (which we evaluate as a functional shift to less drought or fire tolerant, or more shade tolerant, forests), we used data from the USDA Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis program to determine what fine-scale factors impact the rate (change through time) and degree (difference between the overstory and midstory) of change in eastern US forests. We found that mesophication varies along stand and environmental gradients, but this relationship depended on the functional trait examined. For example, shade and drought tolerance suggest mesophication is greatest at sites with more acidic soils, while fire tolerance suggests mesophication increases with soil pH. Mesophication was also generally more pronounced in older stands, stands with more variable diameters, and in wetter sites, but plots categorized as “hydric” were often highly variable. Our results provide evidence that stand-scale conditions impact current and potential future changes in trait conditions and composition across eastern US forests. We provide a starting point for managers looking to prioritize portions of the landscape most at risk and developing treatments to address the compositional and functional changes associated with mesophication.
Biphasic cell cycle defect causes impaired neurogenesis in down syndrome
Authors: Sharma Vishi , Nehra Sunita , Do Long H. , Ghosh Anwesha , Deshpande Aniruddha J. , Singhal Nishant
Published: October 2022

Impaired neurogenesis in Down syndrome (DS) is characterized by reduced neurons, increased glial cells, and delayed cortical lamination. However, the underlying cause for impaired neurogenesis in DS is not clear. Using both human and mouse iPSCs, we demonstrate that DS impaired neurogenesis is due to biphasic cell cycle dysregulation during the generation of neural progenitors from iPSCs named the “neurogenic stage” of neurogenesis. Upon neural induction, DS cells showed reduced proliferation during the early phase followed by increased proliferation in the late phase of the neurogenic stage compared to control cells. While reduced proliferation in the early phase causes reduced neural progenitor pool, increased proliferation in the late phase leads to delayed post mitotic neuron generation in DS. RNAseq analysis of late-phase DS progenitor cells revealed upregulation of S phase-promoting regulators, Notch, Wnt, Interferon pathways, and REST, and downregulation of several genes of the BAF chromatin remodeling complex. NFIB and POU3F4, neurogenic genes activated by the interaction of PAX6 and the BAF complex, were downregulated in DS cells. ChIPseq analysis of late-phase neural progenitors revealed aberrant PAX6 binding with reduced promoter occupancy in DS cells. Together, these data indicate that impaired neurogenesis in DS is due to biphasic cell cycle dysregulation during the neurogenic stage of neurogenesis.
The development of a novel signature based on the m6A RNA methylation regulator-related ceRNA network to predict prognosis and therapy response in sarcomas
Authors: Li Huling , Lin Dandan , Wang Xiaoyan , Feng Zhiwei , Zhang Jing , Wang Kai
Published: October 2022

Background: N6 methyladenosine (m6A)-related noncoding RNAs (including lncRNAs and miRNAs) are closely related to the development of cancer. However, the gene signature and prognostic value of m6A regulators and m6A-associated RNAs in regulating sarcoma (SARC) development and progression remain largely unexplored. Therefore, further research is required.

Methods: We obtained expression data for RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and miRNAs of SARC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets. Correlation analysis and two target gene prediction databases (miRTarBase and LncBase v.2) were used to deduce m6A-related miRNAs and lncRNAs, and Cytoscape software was used to construct ceRNA-regulating networks. Based on univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression analyses, an m6A-associated RNA risk signature (m6Ascore) model was established. Prognostic differences between subgroups were explored using Kaplan–Meier (KM) analysis. Risk score-related biological phenotypes were analyzed in terms of functional enrichment, tumor immune signature, and tumor mutation signature. Finally, potential immunotherapy features and drug sensitivity predictions for this model were also discussed.

Results: A total of 16 miRNAs, 104 lncRNAs, and 11 mRNAs were incorporated into the ceRNA network. The risk score was obtained based on RP11-283I3.6, hsa-miR-455-3p, and CBLL1. Patients were divided into two risk groups using the risk score, with patients in the low-risk group having longer overall survival (OS) than those in the high-risk group. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves indicated that risk characteristic performed well in predicting the prognosis of patients with SARC. In addition, lower m6Ascore was also positively correlated with the abundance of immune cells such as monocytes and mast cells activated, and several immune checkpoint genes were highly expressed in the low-m6Ascore group. According to our analysis, lower m6Ascore may lead to better immunotherapy response and OS outcomes. The risk signature was significantly associated with the chemosensitivity of SARC. Finally, a nomogram was constructed to predict the OS in patients with SARC. The concordance index (C-index) for the nomogram was 0.744 (95% CI: 0.707–0.784). The decision curve analysis (DCA), calibration plot, and ROC curve all showed that this nomogram had good predictive performance.

Conclusion: This m6Ascore risk model based on m6A RNA methylation regulator-related RNAs may be promising for clinical prediction of prognosis and might contain potential biomarkers for treatment response prediction for SARC patients.
Construction and validation of a histone acetylation-related lncRNA prognosis signature for ovarian cancer
Authors: Hu Xiao-Qian , Zhang Xiao-Chong , Li Shao-Teng , Hua Tian
Published: October 2022

Ovarian cancer (OC) leads to the most deaths among gynecological malignancies. The various epigenetic regulatory mechanisms of histone acetylation in cancer have attracted increasing attention from scientists. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) also plays an important role in multiple biology processes linked to OC. This study aimed to identify the histone acetylation-related lncRNAs (HARlncRNAs) with respect to the prognosis in OC. We obtained the transcriptome data from Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) project and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA); HARlncRNAs were first identified by co-expression and differential expression analyses, and then univariate Cox regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used to construct the HARlncRNAs risk signature. Kaplan–Meier analysis, time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROC), univariate Cox regression, multivariate Cox regression, nomogram, and calibration were conducted to verify and evaluate the risk signature. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) in risk groups were conducted to explore the tightly correlated pathways with the risk group. A risk signature with 14 HARlncRNAs in OC was finally established and further validated in the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) cohort; the 1-, 3-, and 5-year ROC value, nomogram, and calibration results confirmed the good prediction power of this model. The patients were grouped into high- and low-risk subgroups according to the risk score by the median value. The low-risk group patients exhibited a higher homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) score, LOH_frac_altered, and mutLoad_nonsilent. Furthermore, consensus clustering analysis was employed to divide OC patients into three clusters based on the expression of the 14 HARlncRNAs, which presented different survival probabilities. Principal component analysis (PCA) and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) were also performed to evaluate the three clusters. In conclusion, the risk signature composed of 14 HARlncRNAs might function as biomarkers and prognostic indicators with respect to predicting the response to the anti-cancer drugs in OC.
Systematic analysis of circRNA biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy in colorectal cancer
Authors: Xiao Yafei , Qiu Mengyuan , Tan Cong , Huang Wanting , Hu Shaowen , Jiang Xiaowei , Guo Mingjie , Wang Congcong , Liang Jingyu , Wu Yimei , Li Mengmeng , Li Quanying , Qin Changjiang
Published: October 2022

As the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide, colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a serious threat to people’s health. In recent years, circRNA has been widely reported as a new biomarker in CRC, but a comprehensive summary and analysis is lacking. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic significance of circRNAs in CRC by systematically analysing their expression patterns, biological functions and clinical significance in CRC. The literature on circRNA in CRC was searched in the PubMed database and included for analysis after screening according to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. The UALCAN online tool was used to obtain host gene expression data. The miRTargetLink 2.0 was used to predict target genes for miRNAs action in CRC patients. Cytoscape was used to construct circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction networks. From the 236 included papers, we identified 217 circRNAs and their associated 108 host genes and 145 miRNAs. Among the 145 miRNAs, 27 miRNAs had no corresponding target genes. After prediction of target genes and differential analysis, a total of 25 target genes were obtained and a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction network was constructed. Among the 217 circRNAs, 74 were associated with diagnosis, 160 with treatment and 51 with prognosis. And 154 of them function as oncogenes while 58 as tumour suppressor genes. In addition, these circRNAs include 32 exosomal circRNAs, which have unique advantages as biomarkers. In total, we summarize and analyze the expression patterns, biological functions and clinical significance of circRNAs in CRC. In addition, we constructed some new circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes based on the miRNAs sponged by circRNAs.