bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT MELALUI PEMBUDIDAYAAN APOTIK HIDUP DI DESA MEREMBU
Authors: Ratulangi Wulan Ratia , Sukmana Dhika Juliana , Hardani
Published: June 2023

Desa Merembu memiliki potensi sumber daya alam berupa air, lahan perkebunan, lahan persawahan, sungai dan hewan ternak. Namun, terdapat lahan kosong dan pekarangan rumah yang belum dimanfaatkan secara optimal. Lahan-lahan tersebut memiliki potensi untuk dimanfaatkan sebagai tempat pembudidayaan apotik hidup yang berguna sebagai obat tradisional untuk meningkatkan kualitas kesehatan masyarakat sekaligus menjadi sarana penghijauan lingkungan agar lebih asri. Hal ini disebabkan oleh masih kurangnya pemahaman masyarakat tentang pentingnya apotik hidup jika dibudidayakan di lingkungan mereka. Oleh karena itu, dilakukan kegiatan pengabdian terkait pemberdayaan masyarakat melalui pembudidayaan apotik hidup di desa Merembu agar masyarakat memiliki pengetahuan tentang manfaat dari apotik hidup. Kegiatan pengabdian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif meliputi kegiatan observasi untuk mengidentifikasi masalah yang muncul di masyarakat untuk dikaji dan dicari solusinya. Kegiatan-kegiatan yang dilakukan dalam pemberdayaan masyarakat ini meliputi, kegiatan penyuluhan tentang pentingnya pembudidayaan apotik hidup dengan memanfaatkan lahan kosong atau pekarangan rumah, pemberian bibit tanaman apotik hidup, dan pelatihan penanaman tanaman apotik hidup. Secara keseluruhan kegiatan pemberdayaan masyarakat melalui pembudidayaan apotik hidup dapat dilaksanakan dengan baik di mana masyarakat telah dapat mengaplikasikan pengetahuan yang diperoleh dari kegiatan penyuluhan dengan menanam tanaman obat apotik hidup di lahan kosong maupun pekarangan rumah masing-masing.
SOSIALISASI PEMANFAATAN DAUN SELEDRI PADA PEMBUATAN SABUN CUCI TANGAN CAIR UNTUK PENCEGAHAN PENULARAN COVID-19
Authors: Kurniawan Edy , Sri Idawati  , Helmina Andriani
Published: June 2023

Kebiasaan mencuci tangan dengan sabun menjadi suatu perilaku esensial yang perlu dibudayakan dalam upaya mencegah penularan COVID-19. Maka diperlukan alternatif bahan alami untuk pembuatan sabun cuci tangan cair yang aman digunakan dalam jangka waktu panjang, salah satunya adalah daun seledri (Apium graveolens). Tujuan kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini adalah memberikan pengetahuan dan pemahaman kepada guru dan siswa SMKN 1 Kediri Kabupaten Lombok Barat tentang pemanfaatan daun seledri untuk pembuatan sabun cuci tangan cair. Metode sosialisasi yaitu memberikan materi menggunaan media power point, praktek cara mencuci tangan dengan baik dan benar serta diskusi.Kegiatan sosialisasi diikuti oleh guru dan siswa kelas XII berjumlah 35 orang. Sabun herbal adalah suatu jenis sabun yang umumnya berasal dari ekstrak tanaman dan minyak essensial yang memiliki aktivitas antibakteri. Jadi sabun cuci tangan cair dari ekstrak daun seledri ini ramah lingkungan dan aman digunakan dalam jangka waktu panjang. Program ini mampu memberikansolusi terhadap permasalahan lingkungan khususnya dalam pembuatan produk sabun ramah lingkungan.Pemanfaatan sabun herbal  untuk mencuci tangan adalah salah satu kegiatan Pola Hidup Bersih dan Sehat (PHBS) dalam upaya pencegahan penularan covid-19 di lingkungan sekolah. Guru dan siswa sangat antusias memperhatikan materi pembuatan sabun cuci tangan dari ekstrak daun seledri dan praktek mencuci tangan.
CAOS E COSMOS – UM TEXTO DE CONTRADIÇÕES E PROPOSTAS À LUZ DA BIBLIOTECA DE GUIMARÃES ROSA
Authors:   UEMG - Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais - Unidade Frutal, PESSOA MARCELO
Published: June 2023

Our work proposes to resume the work Chaos e Cosmos (1976), by Suzi Sperber. Methodologically, this study was carried out through a bibliographical review of production arranged in physical and digital collections. When we outline general considerations about the text of Chaos e Cosmos, we present as primary results of the investigation, some of its strengths and conceptual contradictions. The main objective of the search is to detect, in our readings, a probable critical-literary encounter between Brazil and Portugal, and also to suggest new research horizons. Among the main bibliographic contributions of this examination, we have the texts of Bolle (2004), Meyer (2008) and Eagleton (2019), suggesting ways to recover part of a historical bias that has usually been guided by the binomial ideology of a colony versus metropolis, underlying substrate in the analysis of Guimarães Rosa's works.
APOTHEKE/DEWEY e o Pensamento Pintado como ação Investigativa e Formativa
Authors: Facco Marta Lucia Cargnin
Published: June 2023

O texto apresenta reflexões sobre a construção do pensamento pictórico, em meio ao ateliê de pintura e o desenvolvimento da prática estética do artista professor, situado no contexto investigativo do Grupo Estúdio de Pintura Apotheke. O pensar pintura, advém do pensar junto, com, em meio a pintura e não só sobre ela, envolvendo-se com diferentes elementos que a constituem, material e imaterial, teórico e prático. Apresento diálogos possíveis realizados no âmbito investigativo e formativo, como maneira de experienciar o ateliê de pintura junto ao conceito de artista professor investigador, que alimenta-se dos movimentos que acontecem entre as práticas artísticas e pedagógicas para reinventar-se, a fim de transgredir o ensino enquanto sujeito em prática de si. As explanações refletem as experiências investigativas e pedagógicas realizadas pela autora durante o período formativo da Pós-Graduação em Artes Visuais no ateliê de pintura.
Morte a Ideologia de Gênero
Authors: Lopes Costa Augusto Henrique , Biriba Ricardo
Published: June 2023

A origem dos trabalhos que compõem este ensaio visual é oriunda das andanças, visitas e estudos pelas Dunas localizadas ao lado da rua Mãe Stella de Oxóssi na cidade de Salvador na Bahia, são partes de mim e da pesquisa que venho desenvolvendo em processos de criação em performance nas urbanidades, utilizando-me da PaR (Prática como Pesquisa).
The modulation of metabolomics and antioxidant stress is involved in the effect of nitazoxanide against influenza A virus in vitro
Authors: Huang Zhen , Zheng Haihong , Wang Yanping , Wang Xiaoyang , Wang Chunmei , Liu Yingchun , Zhou Wen , Wang Zhaoxiong , Zhang Keyu
Published: June 2023

The prevalence of highly infectious influenza A virus (IAV) is still a major threat to global human health. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) possesses potent antiviral properties against the influenza virus. However, the role of small molecular metabolites and antioxidant stress in the NTZ’s anti-influenza virus mechanism is not yet fully understood. This study compared the changes in cellular metabolism, ROS levels, antioxidant enzyme activities, and Keap-1/Nrf2 pathway in IAV-infected MDCK cells after NTZ treatment in vitro, using LC-MS-based metabolomics, flow cytometry, immunoblot. We observed that the NTZ treatment in the IAV-infected cells drastically altered the metabolism of small molecules, among which eleven metabolites were highly relevant to NTZ. The virus induced oxidative stress was also remarkably suppressed by NTZ. Meanwhile, the Nrf2 pathway and some proteins with modulating antiviral activity were activated after NTZ treatment, protecting cells from IAV injury. Therefore, regulation of the intracellular oxidative state is the primary outcome of NTZ treatment, which may underpin an antiviral mechanism attributed to the thiazolide.
Whole blood transcriptome analysis of lactating Murrah buffaloes divergent to contrasting genetic merits for milk yield
Authors: Sikka Poonam , Singh Kunwar Pal , Singh Inderjeet , Mishra Dwijesh Chandra , Paul Shyam Sundar , Balhara Ashok K. , Andonissamy Jerome , Chaturvedi Krishna Kumar , Rao Atmakuri Ramakrishna , Rai Anil
Published: June 2023

Functional genome profiling of Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) was performed for milk-production trait by whole blood transcriptome analysis comparing RNA-seq data assembled from high and low milk producing multiparous (5 -6 parity) animals. These buffaloes reflected the genetic merit inherited as daughters born to extremely high- and low-end bulls evaluated under a progeny testing scheme and ranked by the estimated breeding value. The average standard milk yield (SMY) over the 305 d during the parity was recorded as 2909.50L ± 492.63 and 1869.57 ± 189.36L in high- and low-performance buffaloes, respectively. The “reference” assembly data was assembled from transcriptome libraries of a group of buffaloes (n=16), comprising of animals in different physiological states. Replicates selected within each category of the high and low genetic merit animals showed a correlation coefficient of high order (R2=0.98) while comparing with the `reference' assembly. The sequence data of selected buffaloes, mapped over the Mediterranean water buffalo genome, revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) distinctly depicted via heat maps and volcano plots obtained for two categories of animals, determining more than 25,000 genes via the Cufflink analysis. DEGs included 83 down-regulating and 142 up-regulating genes (p<0.05, FDR<0.05). Functional classification of the DEGs revealed a fine networking of biological processes, primarily cell signaling, cell proliferation, cell differentiation, RNA splicing, fat metabolism, and inflammasome generation. These processes are regulated by transcription factors and binding proteins covered under the network of TNF alpha signaling, NF-kappa B signaling and MAPK PI3K-AKT signaling pathways/ cascade emerged as main biological pathways. Emerged pathways revealed remarkably intricate tuning of metabolic and cell development processes converging into milk production in buffaloes. Segregated patterns of gene expression obtained for high and low milk producing buffaloes using the non-invasive method of whole blood transcriptome analysis has emerged as a promising resource comprising gene network and protein -protein interactions, primarily involved in lactation. Synergism of transcription factors and binding proteins promoting epigenetic regulation at all development stages of mammary tissue induce mammogenic and lactogenic responses for subsequent milk secretion under optimum feeding management. These findings may help improve breeding strategies to achieve the desired milk yield in Murrah buffaloes.
Rumen microbiome response to sustained release mineral bolus supplement with low- and high-quality forages
Authors: Eberly Jed O. , Wyffels Samuel A. , Carlisle Tanner J. , DelCurto Timothy
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Limited forage quantity and quality are challenges faced in livestock production systems in semi-arid rangelands of the western United States, particularly when livestock face stressors such as cold weather or have increased nutritional requirements such as during pregnancy and lactation. To meet livestock nutrient requirements, producers frequently provide supplemental nutrition, however there is limited knowledge regarding the effects of these practices on the rumen microbiome in these environments.

Methods

A study was conducted to evaluate changes in the rumen microbiome in response to high- and low- quality forage with sustained release mineral boluses. The study consisted of 16 ruminally-cannulated 2–3-year-old black angus cows fed high quality grass alfalfa hay or low-quality grass hay with a 90 or 180 day sustained release mineral bolus. Rumen samples were collected pre-feeding and 8 hours post feeding and bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons were sequenced from the rumen fluid.

Results

Alpha diversity as measured by Shannon’s diversity index decreased significantly over time (p<0.01) and averaged 5.6 pre-feeding and 5.4 post- feeding and was not significantly different between high- and low-quality forages or between mineral bolus types (p>0.05). Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) of the Bray-Curtis dissimilarity matrix showed distinct grouping by feed quality and time but not by mineral bolus type. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the dominant phyla in all treatments and significant increases (p<0.05) in the relative abundance of the family Lachnospiraceae and the genus Prevotella were observed in high quality forage diets. Rumen VFA and NH3-N concentrations were also strongly associated with the high-quality forage diet. Predictive functional profiling indicated that functions associated with methanogenesis were negatively correlated with feed quality.

Discussion

The results of this study suggest that mineral bolus type is unlikely to affect rumen bacterial community structure or function while forage quality can significantly alter community structure and predicted functions associated with methanogenesis and VFA production.
Lipoaspirate fluid derived factors and extracellular vesicles accelerate wound healing in a rat burn model
Authors: Wu Yue , Hong Pengyu , Liu Pan , Zhang Qi , Zhang Yue , Yang Baohua , Liu Huixing , Liu Lei , Tian Weidong , Yu Mei
Published: June 2023

Background: The regenerative capabilities of derivatives derived from the fat layer of lipoaspirate have been demonstrated. However, the large volume of lipoaspirate fluid has not attracted extensive attention in clinical applications. In this study, we aimed to isolate the factors and extracellular vesicles from human lipoaspirate fluid and evaluate their potential therapeutic efficacy.

Methods: Lipoaspirate fluid derived factors and extracellular vesicles (LF-FVs) were prepared from human lipoaspirate and characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis, size-exclusion chromatography and adipokine antibody arrays. The therapeutic potential of LF-FVs was evaluated on fibroblasts in vitro and rat burn model in vivo. Wound healing process was recorded on days 2, 4, 8, 10, 12 and 16 post-treatment. The scar formation was analyzed by histology, immunofluorescent staining and scar-related gene expression at day 35 post-treatment.

Results: The results of nanoparticle tracking analysis and size-exclusion chromatography indicated that LF-FVs were enriched with proteins and extracellular vesicles. Specific adipokines (adiponectin and IGF-1) were detected in LF-FVs. In vitro, LF-FVs augmented the proliferation and migration of fibroblasts in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, the results showed that LF-FVs significantly accelerated burn wound healing. Moreover, LF-FVs improved the quality of wound healing, including regenerating cutaneous appendages (hair follicles and sebaceous glands) and decreasing scar formation in the healed skin.

Conclusion: LF-FVs were successfully prepared from lipoaspirate liquid, which were cell-free and enriched with extracellular vesicles. Additionally, they were found to improve wound healing in a rat burn model, suggesting that LF-FVs could be potentially used for wound regeneration in clinical settings.
Dynamic changes of soil microorganisms in rotation farmland at the western foot of the Greater Khingan range
Authors: Wei Shuli , Fang Jing , Zhang Tianjiao , Wang Jianguo , Cheng Yuchen , Ma Jie , Xie Rui , Liu Zhixiong , Su Erhu , Ren Yongfeng , Zhao Xiaoqing , Zhang Xiangqian , Lu Zhanyuan
Published: June 2023

Crop rotation and other tillage systems can affect soil microbial communities and functions. Few studies have reported the response of soil spatial microbial communities to rotation under drought stress. Therefore, the purpose of our study was to explore the dynamic changes of the soil space microbial community under different drought stress-rotation patterns. In this study, two water treatments were set up, control W1 (mass water content 25%–28%), and drought W2 (mass water content 9%–12%). Four crop rotation patterns were set in each water content, spring wheat continuous (R1), spring wheat-potato (R2), spring wheat-potato-rape (R3) and spring wheat-rape (R4), for a total of eight treatments (W1R1, W1R2, W1R3, W1R4, W2R1, W2R2, W2R3, W2R4). Endosphere, rhizosphere and bulk soil of spring wheat in each treatment were collected, and root space microbial community data were generated. The soil microbial community changed under different treatments and their relationship with soil factors were analyzed using a co-occurrence network, mantel test, and other methods. The results revealed that the alpha diversity of microorganisms in the rhizosphere and bulk soil did not differ significantly, but it was significantly greater than in the endosphere. The bacteria community structure was more stable, fungi alpha-diversity significant changes (p< 0.05), that were more sensitive to the response of various treatments than bacteria. The co-occurrence network between fungal species was stable under rotation patterns (R2, R3, R4), while the community stability was poor under continuous cropping pattern (R1), and interactions were strengthened. Soil organic matter (SOM), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and pH value were the most important factors dominating the bacteria community structural changed in the endosphere, rhizosphere, and bulk soil. The dominant factor that affected the fungal community structural changed in the endosphere, rhizosphere, and bulk soil was SOM. Therefore, we conclude that soil microbial community changes under the drought stress-rotation patterns are mainly influenced by soil SOM and microbial biomass content.
Out-of-plane behavior of innovative infill walls made of autoclaved aereated concrete (AAC) subjected to shake table tests
Authors: Giulivo Marco , Borretti Giovanbattista , Prota Andrea , Menna Costantino
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Seismic damage affecting the non-structural components of buildings (such as infills) can significantly impact the expected economic losses over a structure’s service life. Recently, autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) infills have gained attention in the construction industry due to their light weight, energy efficiency, and durability.

Methods: This study investigates the out-of-plane behavior of an innovative AAC infill wall system by means of shake table tests. The wall system was made of low-density AAC units with innovative joints made from polyurethane resin and steel plates for connection to a structural frame. Shake table tests were carried out using artificial accelerograms based on ICBO-AC156, which can reproduce a wide range of interstory drift demands. The study is articulated in three stages: the mechanical characterization of the AAC infill wall, shake table tests, and seismic behavior analysis of the wall based on current code requirements.

Results and Discussions: The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the innovative AAC infill wall system in resisting out-of-plane seismic loads, also considering different levels of seismic action, with base accelerations reaching up to 0.80 g.
Macrophages—bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells crosstalk in bone healing
Authors: Fan Siyu , Sun Xin , Su Chuanchao , Xue Yiwen , Song Xiao , Deng Runzhi
Published: June 2023

Bone healing is associated with many orthopedic conditions, including fractures and osteonecrosis, arthritis, metabolic bone disease, tumors and periprosthetic particle-associated osteolysis. How to effectively promote bone healing has become a keen topic for researchers. The role of macrophages and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in bone healing has gradually come to light with the development of the concept of osteoimmunity. Their interaction regulates the balance between inflammation and regeneration, and when the inflammatory response is over-excited, attenuated, or disturbed, it results in the failure of bone healing. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the function of macrophages and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in bone regeneration and the relationship between the two could provide new directions to promote bone healing. This paper reviews the role of macrophages and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in bone healing and the mechanism and significance of their interaction. Several new therapeutic ideas for regulating the inflammatory response in bone healing by targeting macrophages and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells crosstalk are also discussed.
Analysis of coexisting pathogens in nasopharyngeal swabs from COVID-19
Authors: Gao Zhan , Yu Lisong , Cao Ling , Yang Meng , Li Yuhui , Lan Yue , Tang Ruixiang , Huang Yang , Luan Guangxin , Liu Yingfen , Yu Hailin , Jian Ling , Zha Yi , Fan Zhenxin , Bai Yujiao , Luo Mei , He Miao , Deng Shanshan
Published: June 2023

Background

The impact of COVID-19 on the world is still ongoing, and it is currently under regular management. Although most infected people have flu-like symptoms and can cure themselves, coexisting pathogens in COVID-19 patients should not be taken lightly. The present study sought to investigate the coexisting pathogens in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients and identify the variety and abundance of dangerous microbes to guide treatment strategies with a better understanding of the untested factors.

Methods

We extracted total DNA and RNA in COVID-19 patient specimens from nasopharyngeal swabs to construct a metagenomic library and utilize Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to discover chief bacteria, fungi, and viruses in the body of patients. High-throughput sequencing data from Illumina Hiseq 4000 were analyzed using Krona taxonomic methodology for species diversity.

Results

We studied 56 samples to detect SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens and analyzed the species diversity and community composition of these samples after sequencing. Our results showed some threatening pathogens such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and some previously reported pathogens. SARS-CoV-2 combined with bacterial infection is more common. The results of heat map analysis showed that the abundance of bacteria was mostly more than 1000 and that of viruses was generally less than 500. The pathogens most likely to cause SARS-CoV-2 coinfection or superinfection include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Human gammaherpesvirus 4.

Conclusions

The current coinfection and superinfection status is not optimistic. Bacteria are the major threat group that increases the risk of complications and death in COVID-19 patients and attention should be paid to the use and control of antibiotics. Our study investigated the main types of respiratory pathogens prone to coexisting or superinfection in COVID-19 patients, which is valuable for identifying and treating SARS-CoV-2.
Transposon mutagenesis of atypical enteroaggregative Escherichia coli reveals a hemagglutinin-associated protein that mediates cell adhesion and contributes to the Galleria mellonella virulence
Authors: Monfardini Mariane V. , Souza Renata T. , Rojas Thais C. G. , Guerrieri Caroline G. , Orikaza Cristina , Scaletsky Isabel C. A.
Published: June 2023

Twenty-two atypical enteroaggregative Escherichia coli isolates from a previous epidemiological study harboring EAEC virulence genes were examined for their adhesion properties. Nine strains showed a typical aggregative adherence (AA) pattern, while 13 strains showed variant AA, such as AA with lined up cells characteristic of the chain-like adhesion (CLA) and AA mainly to HeLa cells characteristic of the diffuse adherence (DA). The aggregative forming pilus (AFP) genes afpA2 and afpR were detected only in strain Q015B, which exhibited an AA/DA pattern. Using Tn5-based transposon mutagenesis on Q015B strain, we identified a 5517-bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a predicted 1838-amino-acid polypeptide that is genetically related to a putative filamentous hemagglutinin identified in E. coli strain 7-233-03_S3_C2. Therefore, the ORF was named orfHA. The regions flanking orfHA were sequenced and two ORFs were found; upstream, an ORF that encodes a 603-amino-acid polypeptide with 99% identity to hemolysin secretion/activation proteins of the ShlB/FhaC/HecB family, and downstream, another ORF, which encodes a 632-amino-acid polypeptide with 72% identity to the glycosyltransferase EtpC. An orfHA mutant (Q015BΔorfHA) was constructed from strain Q015B. Q015BΔorfHA strain did not adhere to HeLa cells, whereas Q015BΔ orfHA transformed with a pACYC184 plasmid carrying orfHA restored the AA/DA phenotype of strain Q015B. Furthermore, the Q015ΔorfHA mutant had a marked effect on the ability of strain Q015B to kill the larvae of Galleria mellonella. Our results suggest that the AA/DA pattern of strain Q015B is mediated by a hemagglutinin-associated protein which also contributes to its virulence in the G. mellonella model.
5-Nitro-3-(2-(4-phenylthiazol-2-yl)hydrazineylidene)indolin-2-one derivatives inhibit HIV-1 replication by a multitarget mechanism of action
Authors: Corona Angela , Meleddu Rita , Delelis Olivier , Subra Frederic , Cottiglia Filippo , Esposito Francesca , Distinto Simona , Maccioni Elias , Tramontano Enzo
Published: June 2023

In the effort to identify and develop new HIV-1 inhibitors endowed with innovative mechanisms, we focused our attention on the possibility to target more than one viral encoded enzymatic function with a single molecule. In this respect, we have previously identified by virtual screening a new indolinone-based scaffold for dual allosteric inhibitors targeting both reverse transcriptase-associated functions: polymerase and RNase H. Pursuing with the structural optimization of these dual inhibitors, we synthesized a series of 35 new 3-[2-(4-aryl-1,3-thiazol-2-ylidene)hydrazin-1-ylidene]1-indol-2-one and 3-[3-methyl-4-arylthiazol-2-ylidene)hydrazine-1-ylidene)indolin-2-one derivatives, which maintain their dual inhibitory activity in the low micromolar range. Interestingly, compounds 1a, 3a, 10a, and 9b are able to block HIV-1 replication with EC50 < 20 µM. Mechanism of action studies showed that such compounds could block HIV-1 integrase. In particular, compound 10a is the most promising for further multitarget compound development.
Mitigation of soil nitrous oxide emissions during maize production with basalt amendments
Authors: Chiaravalloti Isabella , Theunissen Nicolas , Zhang Shuang , Wang Jiuyuan , Sun Fengchao , Ahmed Ayesha A. , Pihlap Evelin , Reinhard Christopher T. , Planavsky Noah J.
Published: June 2023

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent and long-lived greenhouse gas that accounts for roughly 6% of global anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, and it has risen from its preindustrial concentration of 270 ppb N2O to 332 ppb N2O as a result of human activities. The majority of anthropogenic N2O emissions (52–80%) come from agricultural settings due to high rates of reactive nitrogen fertilizer application. Amending soils with fine-grained basalt is gaining traction as a carbon dioxide removal (CDR) pathway, and model simulations suggest that this process may also significantly decrease soil N2O emissions. Here, we continuously measure N2O fluxes from large-scale maize mesocosms in a greenhouse setting and use a machine learning framework to assess the relative importance of the levers on N2O fluxes. We observe significant decreases in cumulative N2O emissions (between 29–32%) from mesocosm systems with basalt addition. We find that basalt application rate, soil pH, and surface soil moisture are the strongest levers on N2O emissions depending on the system settings. These results provide empirical support for a potentially significant co-benefit of deploying enhanced rock weathering of silicates (ERW) on managed lands, particularly those subject to elevated rates of reactive nitrogen input.
Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging for preprocedural planning of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure
Authors: Bertsche Dagmar , Metze Patrick , Luo Erfei , Dahme Tillman , Gonska Birgid , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Vernikouskaya Ina , Rasche Volker , Schneider Leonhard M.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Percutaneous closure of the left atrial appendage (LAA) facilitates stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. Optimal device selection and positioning are often challenging due to highly variable LAA shape and dimension and thus require accurate assessment of the respective anatomy. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and x-ray fluoroscopy (XR) represent the gold standard imaging techniques. However, device underestimation has frequently been observed. Assessment based on 3-dimensional computer tomography (CTA) has been reported as more accurate but increases radiation and contrast agent burden. In this study, the use of non-contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) to support preprocedural planning for LAA closure (LAAc) was investigated.

Methods

CMR was performed in thirteen patients prior to LAAc. Based on the 3-dimensional CMR image data, the dimensions of the LAA were quantified and optimal C-arm angulations were determined and compared to periprocedural data. Quantitative figures used for evaluation of the technique comprised the maximum diameter, the diameter derived from perimeter and the area of the landing zone of the LAA.

Results

Perimeter- and area-based diameters derived from preprocedural CMR showed excellent congruency compared to those measured periprocedurally by XR, whereas the respective maximum diameter resulted in significant overestimation (p < 0.05). Compared to TEE assessment, CMR-derived diameters resulted in significantly larger dimensions (p < 0.05). The deviation of the maximum diameter to the diameters measured by XR and TEE correlated well with the ovality of the LAA. C-arm angulations used during the procedures were in agreement with those determined by CMR in case of circular LAA.

Discussion

This small pilot study demonstrates the potential of non-contrast-enhanced CMR to support preprocedural planning of LAAc. Diameter measurements based on LAA area and perimeter correlated well with the actual device selection parameters. CMR-derived determination of landing zones facilitated accurate C-arm angulation for optimal device positioning.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 resistance is associated with body shape in patients with type 2 diabetes complicating hypertension
Authors: Gan Jing , Duan Zikun , Tang Lu , Liu Zhen , Tian Huiying , Wu Maolan , Bi Yanxue , Pan Xingchao , Wang Wenjun , Gao Xiaotang , Wang Ningrui , Lin Zhuofeng , Yang Hong
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Obesity, especially abdominal obesity, increases the prevalence of metabolic and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has been identified as a critical regulator playing a therapeutic role in diabetes and its complications. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between serum FGF21 levels and body shape parameters in patients with hypertension (HP) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

Serum FGF21 levels were determined in 1,003 subjects, including 745 patients with T2DM, and 258 individuals were selected as a healthy control in this cross-sectional study.

Results

Serum FGF21 levels were significantly higher in T2DM patients with HP than those without [534.9 (322.6–722.2) vs. 220.65 (142.8–347.55) pg/ml, p < 0.001], and levels in both of these two groups were significantly increased compared with that of healthy control [123.92 (67.23–219.32) pg/ml, all p < 0.001]. These differences were also observed in body shape parameters, including weight, waistline, body mass index (BMI), body shape index (ABSI), and the percentage of abdominal obesity. Serum FGF21 levels in T2DM patients were positively correlated with body shape parameters, including weight, waistline, neck circumference, BMI, ABSI, percent of abdominal obesity, and triglyceride, while negatively with estimated glomerular filtration rate (all p < 0.01). The significance remained stable when adjusted for age and T2DM duration. In addition, both serum FGF21 concentrations and waistline were independently associated with HP in T2DM patients after the adjustment for risk factors (all p < 0.05). ROC analysis for FGF21 levels of 745 patients with T2DM identified 411.33 pg/ml as an optimal cut-off point to predict HP, with a sensitivity and specificity of 66.0% and 84.9%, respectively.

Conclusions

FGF21 resistance occurs in patients of HP in T2DM, and positively correlates with body shape parameters (especially waistline and BMI). High levels of FGF21 may be a compensatory reaction to offset HP.
Cardiac contractility is a key factor in determining pulse pressure and its peripheral amplification
Authors: Piccioli Francesco , Li Ye , Valiani Alessandro , Caleffi Valerio , Chowienczyk Phil , Alastruey Jordi
Published: June 2023

Background

Arterial stiffening and peripheral wave reflections have been considered the major determinants of raised pulse pressure (PP) and isolated systolic hypertension, but the importance of cardiac contractility and ventricular ejection dynamics is also recognised.

Methods

We examined the contributions of arterial compliance and ventricular contractility to variations in aortic flow and increased central (cPP) and peripheral (pPP) pulse pressure, and PP amplification (PPa) in normotensive subjects during pharmacological modulation of physiology, in hypertensive subjects, and in silico using a cardiovascular model accounting for ventricular–aortic coupling. Reflections at the aortic root and from downstream vessels were quantified using emission and reflection coefficients, respectively.

Results

cPP was strongly associated with contractility and compliance, whereas pPP and PPa were strongly associated with contractility. Increased contractility by inotropic stimulation increased peak aortic flow (323.9 ± 52.8 vs. 389.1 ± 65.1 ml/s), and the rate of increase (3193.6 ± 793.0 vs. 4848.3 ± 450.4 ml/s2) in aortic flow, leading to larger cPP (36.1 ± 8.8 vs. 59.0 ± 10.8 mmHg), pPP (56.9 ± 13.1 vs. 93.0 ± 17.0 mmHg) and PPa (20.8 ± 4.8 vs. 34.0 ± 7.3 mmHg). Increased compliance by vasodilation decreased cPP (62.2 ± 20.2 vs. 45.2 ± 17.8 mmHg) without altering dP/dt, pPP or PPa. The emission coefficient changed with increasing cPP, but the reflection coefficient did not. These results agreed with in silico data obtained by independently changing contractility/compliance over the range observed in vivo.

Conclusions

Ventricular contractility plays a key role in raising and amplifying PP, by altering aortic flow wave morphology.
Volatile emissions from past eruptions at La Soufrière de Guadeloupe (Lesser Antilles): insights into degassing processes and atmospheric impacts
Authors: Metcalfe Abigail , Moune Séverine , Moretti Roberto , Komorowski Jean-Christophe , Aubry Thomas J.
Published: June 2023

Volatiles exert a critical control on volcanic eruption style and in turn impact the near source environment and global climate. La Soufrière de Guadeloupe in the Lesser Antilles has been experiencing volcanic unrest since 1992, increasing to a peak in 2018. The lack of data available on volatiles from past eruptions, and the well-developed hydrothermal system makes understanding deep-released volatile behaviour challenging. In this study, we analyse new melt inclusions and shed light on the volatile lifecycle and impacts at La Soufrière de Guadeloupe. We focus on four eruptions: 1657 CE (Vulcanian), 1010 CE (Plinian), 341 CE (Strombolian) and 5680 BCE (Plinian), and compare to the well-studied 1530 CE (Sub-Plinian) eruption. The maximum volatile content of these eruption melt inclusions are: 4.42 wt% H2O, 1700 CO2 ppm, 780 ppm S, 0.36 wt% Cl and 680 ppm F. We observe a decrease in S content over time indicating the whole system is evolving by early separation of FeS, resulting in a lower S content in younger magma. Using the CHOSETTO v1 model, we modelled degassing paths related to decompression at low pressures, suggesting the majority of S degassing has occurred during magma ascent. We also calculate the SO2 emissions using the petrologic method, and while the 1657 CE, 1530 CE and 341 CE eruptions have negligible emissions (0.0001–0.001 Mt of SO2), the 1010 CE and 5680 BCE eruptions (0.2 Mt and 0.3 Mt of SO2, respectively) are greater. Using the SO2 emissions and plume height, we calculated the climate forcing associated with each event. The 1010 CE and 5680 BCE Plinian eruptions produced a peak global mean stratospheric aerosol optical depth (SAOD) of 0.0055 and 0.0062, respectively. This suggests, that even the largest eruptions of La Soufrière de Guadeloupe did not exert a significant climate forcing individually, but are important contributors to the volcanic stratospheric sulfate aerosol background resulting from relatively moderate but frequent explosive eruptions. Overall, this study provides new insights into degassing processes and climate forcing not only at La Soufrière de Guadeloupe, but also for other basaltic-andesitic, magmatic-hydrothermal systems. These new constraints are vital particularly if the volcano is currently in a state of unrest and will contribute to improving monitoring crisis management and long-term planning.
Estimation of terrestrial heat flow in hydrothermally active areas based on long-term bedrock temperature observations: a case study of northwestern Yunnan, China
Authors: Wang Wenchao , Liu Qiongying , Chen Shunyun , Liu Peixun , Chen Lichun
Published: June 2023

Terrestrial heat flow plays an important role in the study of plate tectonics, geothermal resource exploration and earthquake genesis. The measurement of terrestrial heat flow usually utilizes deep boreholes, which is expensive and inconvenient for high altitudes or mountainous terrain. In hydrothermally active areas, the temperature distribution is disturbed by heat convection, resulting in difficulty in obtaining conductive heat flow. In fact, heat can be used as a tracer to quantify groundwater flow. This article presents a method for calculating terrestrial heat flow suitable for hydrothermally active areas, which can correct the influence of groundwater flow to obtain the conductive heat flow reflecting the deep thermal background. The method uses temperature-time series at multiple depths of the shallow crust to calculate the groundwater flow rate. The convective heat flux component is then removed based on information on groundwater movement, and the conductive heat flow can be acquired. The feasibility of the method is verified by a theoretical model. This method has been applied to estimate terrestrial heat flows in northwestern Yunnan, China, which is a hydrothermally active area. The heat flow obtained through our method range from 54.5 to 130.3 mW/m2, with an average of 94.5 mW/m2, consistent with the high-quality measured heat flow values in the boreholes. This study provides new perspectives for acquiring terrestrial heat flow in areas that are affected by fluid activities.
Risk factors and survival prediction of young breast cancer patients with liver metastases: a population-based study
Authors: Pu Chen-Chen , Yin Lei , Yan Jian-Ming
Published: June 2023

Background

The risk and prognosis of young breast cancer (YBC) with liver metastases (YBCLM) remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to determine the risk and prognostic factors in these patients and construct predictive nomogram models.

Methods

This population-based retrospective study was conducted using data of YBCLM patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database between 2010 and 2019. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to identify independent risk and prognostic factors, which were used to construct the diagnostic and prognostic nomograms. The concordance index (C-index), calibration plot, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the performances of the established nomogram models. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to balance the baseline characteristics between the YBCLM patients and non-young patients with BCLM when comparing overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS).

Results

A total of 18,275 YBC were identified, of whom 400 had LM. T stage, N stage, molecular subtypes, and bone, lung, and brain metastases were independent risk factors for LM developing in YBC. The established diagnostic nomogram showed that bone metastases contributed the most risk of LM developing, with a C-index of 0.895 (95% confidence interval 0.877–0.913) for this nomogram model. YBCLM had better survival than non-young patients with BCLM in unmatched and matched cohorts after propensity score matching analysis. The multivariate Cox analysis demonstrated that molecular subtypes, surgery and bone, lung, and brain metastases were independently associated with OS and CSS, chemotherapy was an independent prognostic factor for OS, and marital status and T stage were independent prognostic factors for CSS. The C-indices for the OS- and CSS-specific nomograms were 0.728 (0.69–0.766) and 0.74 (0.696–0.778), respectively. The ROC analysis indicated that these models had excellent discriminatory power. The calibration curve also showed that the observed results were consistent with the predicted results. DCA showed that the developed nomogram models would be effective in clinical practice.

Conclusion

The present study determined the risk and prognostic factors of YBCLM and further developed nomograms that can be used to effectively identify high-risk patients and predict survival outcomes.
Identification of four secretory phospholipase A2s in a lepidopteran insect, Acrolepiopsis sapporensis, and their functional association with cellular immune responses
Authors: Hrithik Md Tafim Hossain , Hong Jooan , Kim Yonggyun
Published: June 2023

Background

Eicosanoids are a group of the oxygenated C20 polyunsaturated fatty acids and play crucial roles in mediating various insect physiological processes. Catalytic activity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) provides an initial substrate, arachidonic acid (AA), for subsequent eicosanoid biosynthesis.

Results

This study identified four different secretory PLA2 (As-PLA2A–As-PLA2D) genes encoded in the Asian onion moth, Acrolepiopsis sapporensis. A phylogenetic analysis indicated that As-PLA2A and As-PLA2D are clustered with Group III PLA2s while As-PLA2B and As-PLA2C are clustered with Group XII and Group X PLA2s, respectively. Expression levels of these PLA2 genes increased along with larval development, especially in the fat body. A bacterial immune challenge upregulated the basal expression levels of the four PLA2 genes, which resulted in significant increases of the PLA2 enzyme activity. The enzyme activity was susceptible to a calcium chelator or reducing agent, suggesting Ca2+ dependency and disulfide linkage required for the catalytic activities of the secretory type of PLA2s. In addition, the PLA2 activity was also susceptible to bromophenacyl bromide (BPB), a specific inhibitor to sPLA2, but not to intracellular PLA2 inhibitors. An addition of BPB to the immune challenge significantly prevented hemocyte-spreading behavior of A. sapporensis. BPB treatment also suppressed a cellular immune response measured by hemocyte nodule formation. However, the immunosuppression was significantly rescued by the AA addition. To determine the PLA2(s) responsible for the immunity, individual RNA interference (RNAi) treatments specific to each of the four PLA2s were performed. Injection of gene-specific double-stranded RNAs caused significant reductions in the transcript level in all four PLA2s. In all four PLA2s, the RNAi treatments prevented the cellular immune response even after the immune challenge.

Conclusion

This study reports four secretory PLA2s encoded in A. sapporensis and their function in mediating cellular immunity.
A novel management scheme for power grid demand response based on blockchain
Authors: Guoshi Wang , Hairong Zhang , Ying Liu , Qing Yan , Dazhi Zhu , Xiuli Li , Yan Wang , Wei Guo
Published: June 2023

The smart grid optimizes traditional power grids and provides more intelligent services for end users and utilities. However, due to the large number of unsafe devices in the smart grid, there are corresponding risks when implementing relevant solutions on these devices. Therefore, in this article, a security demand response management scheme based on blockchain is proposed to safely make energy trading decisions, thereby realizing the management of the overall load of users in the power grid. In this scheme, the miner node is the verifier. These nodes are responsible for verifying energy transactions in the smart grid (SG) and adding corresponding blocks to the blockchain. Successful energy transactions only occur in blocks in the blockchain. Here, the proposed method is validated through experiments on electric vehicles. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme in demand response management.
Dynamic coupling across energy forms and hybrid simulation of the multi-energy system
Authors: Zhang Shuqing , Hu Xianfa , He Xianggang , Tang Shaopu , Li Haibo , Zhang Donghui
Published: June 2023

A multi-energy (ME) system can coordinate local energy sources and users and optimize the supply of various energy forms, to maximize the comprehensive utilization efficiency of energy. As the scale of the multi-energy system becomes more extensive and the physical connections of different energy forms become diversified, the coupling of various forms of energy becomes closer. Such development has brought significant challenges to safe operations and effective regulation of the system and equipment. However, no efficient and easy-to-use dynamic simulation method is available for multi-energy systems. It has become an urgent problem how to fully use the existing rich models and algorithms of conventional energy systems to construct the dynamic simulations of multi-energy systems. Based on the multi-energy system’s structure, components, and model characteristics, this paper studies the mechanism of cross-energy-form dynamic coupling, proposes the critical techniques of multi-energy hybrid simulation and verifies the effectiveness and accuracy of the methods through case tests.
Setbacks for gas stations in a world with regionally varying emissions factors and acceptable health risks
Authors: Hilpert Markus
Published: June 2023

Motivation

Gas stations chronically release gasoline vapor to the environment that contains the carcinogen benzene. However, there is no method for estimating setbacks for a gas station depending on an acceptable excess cancer risk due to the benzene emissions, sales volume, benzene content of the emissions, and inhalation dose, without performing an air dispersion simulation for each scenario.

Methods

We developed a new modeling framework, in which only one air dispersion simulation is performed for a reference gas station. Then, a new scaling law is used to estimate cancer risks and setbacks for different gas station characteristics and exposure scenarios.

Results

Our new scaling law allows estimating cancer risk vs. distance as a function of an acceptable excess cancer risk, total benzene emission rate, and frequency of exposure. Setbacks can also be determined from this scaling law or graphically from a design chart. Calculated setbacks differ only slightly from those determined from air dispersion simulations. Different emission control technologies substantially affect calculated setbacks.

Conclusions

We developed a framework that allows policy makers to examine easily how setbacks depend on regulatable measures such as emission control and acceptable cancer risk as well as on exposure characteristics. The framework also allows incorporating a safety factor to account for increased emissions. While this study was conducted in the context of US gas stations, our framework can be applied world-wide.