bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sturgeon gut development: a unique yolk utilization strategy among vertebrates
Authors: Shah Mujahid Ali , Xie Xuan , Rodina Marek , Stundl Jan , Braasch Ingo , Šindelka Radek , Rzepkowska Małgorzata , Saito Taiju , Pšenička Martin
Published: May 2024

In vertebrates, maternally supplied yolk is typically used in one of two ways: either intracellularly by endodermal cells or extracellularly via the yolk sac. This study delves into the distinctive gut development in sturgeons, which are among the most ancient extant fish groups, contrasting it with that of other vertebrates. Our observations indicate that while sturgeon endodermal cells form the archenteron (i.e., the primitive gut) dorsally, the floor of the archenteron is uniquely composed of extraembryonic yolk cells (YCs). As development progresses, during neurulation, the archenteric cavity inflates, expands laterally, and roofs a semicircle of YCs. By the pharyngula stage, the cavity fully encompasses the YC mass, which begins to be digested at the hatching stage. This suggests a notable deviation in sturgeon gut development from that in other vertebrates, as their digestive tract initiates its function by processing endogenous nutrition even before external feeding begins. Our findings highlight the evolutionary diversity of gut development strategies among vertebrates and provide new insights into the developmental biology of sturgeons.
Multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring cells: a powerful tool for tissue damage repair
Authors: Que Hanyun , Mai Erziya , Hu Yanting , Li Hong , Zheng Wenxin , Jiang Yuchen , Han Feiruo , Li Xuedong , Gong Puyang , Gu Jian
Published: May 2024

Multilineage-differentiating stress-enduring (Muse) cells are a type of pluripotent cell with unique characteristics such as non-tumorigenic and pluripotent differentiation ability. After homing, Muse cells spontaneously differentiate into tissue component cells and supplement damaged/lost cells to participate in tissue repair. Importantly, Muse cells can survive in injured tissue for an extended period, stabilizing and promoting tissue repair. In addition, it has been confirmed that injection of exogenous Muse cells exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis, anti-fibrosis, immunomodulatory, and paracrine protective effects in vivo. The discovery of Muse cells is an important breakthrough in the field of regenerative medicine. The article provides a comprehensive review of the characteristics, sources, and potential mechanisms of Muse cells for tissue repair and regeneration. This review serves as a foundation for the further utilization of Muse cells as a key clinical tool in regenerative medicine.
Keto-enol tautomerism in the development of new drugs
Authors: Araujo de Oliveira Ana Paula , Wegermann Camila Anchau , Ferreira Ana Maria Da Costa
Published: May 2024

The presence of isomers is a huge challenge in the development of new medicinal or pharmaceutical agents because the main goal is to obtain the most active compound with high purity and yield. Tautomerism is a phenomenon quite common in biomolecules that also appears in many drugs, and strategies to control the corresponding desired species and related equilibrium conditions leading to efficient chemical speciation are frequently required. There are many reports in the literature about the presence of tautomers, although some articles do not properly emphasize their occurrence or their importance for the differences verified in biological activity. Herein, a discussion about tautomers observed in both metalated and non-metalated compounds and their importance in the biological properties of promising drugs is revisited. Mainly, keto-enol equilibria among imines, hydrazones, and oxindole derivatives are showcased, based on significant examples, and strategies to improve their speciation or to better elucidate their modes of action are suggested.
Capping motifs in antimicrobial peptides and their relevance for improved biological activities
Authors: Brango-Vanegas José , Leite Michel Lopes , Macedo Maria L. R. , Cardoso Marlon H. , Franco Octávio Luiz
Published: May 2024

N-capping (N-cap) and C-capping (C-cap) in biologically active peptides, including specific amino acids or unconventional group motifs, have been shown to modulate activity against pharmacological targets by interfering with the peptide’s secondary structure, thus generating unusual scaffolds. The insertion of capping motifs in linear peptides has been shown to prevent peptide degradation by reducing its susceptibility to proteolytic cleavage, and the replacement of some functional groups by unusual groups in N- or C-capping regions in linear peptides has led to optimized peptide variants with improved secondary structure and enhanced activity. Furthermore, some essential amino acid residues that, when placed in antimicrobial peptide (AMP) capping regions, are capable of complexing metals such as Cu2+, Ni2+, and Zn2+, give rise to the family known as metallo-AMPs, which are capable of boosting antimicrobial efficacy, as well as other activities. Therefore, this review presents and discusses the different strategies for creating N- and C-cap motifs in AMPs, aiming at fine-tuning this class of antimicrobials.
Noble metal-free CZTS electrocatalysis: synergetic characteristics and emerging applications towards water splitting reactions
Authors: Dhawale Somnath C. , Digraskar Renuka V. , Ghule Anil V. , Sathe Bhaskar R.
Published: May 2024

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the production and modification of CZTS nanoparticles (NPs) and their application in electrocatalysis for water splitting. Various aspects, including surface modification, heterostructure design with carbon nanostructured materials, and tunable electrocatalytic studies, are discussed. A key focus is the synthesis of small CZTS nanoparticles with tunable reactivity, emphasizing the sonochemical method’s role in their formation. Despite CZTS’s affordability, it often exhibits poor hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) behavior. Carbon materials like graphene, carbon nanotubes, and C60 are highlighted for their ability to enhance electrocatalytic activity due to their unique properties. The review also discusses the amine functionalization of graphene oxide/CZTS composites, which enhances overall water splitting performance. Doping with non-noble metals such as Fe, Co., and Ni is presented as an effective strategy to improve catalytic activity. Additionally, the synthesis of heterostructures consisting of CZTS nanoparticles attached to MoS2-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) hybrids is explored, showing enhanced HER activity compared to pure CZTS and MoS2. The growing demand for energy and the need for efficient renewable energy sources, particularly hydrogen generation, are driving research in this field. The review aims to demonstrate the potential of CZTS-based electrocatalysts for high-performance and cost-effective hydrogen generation with low environmental impact. Vacuum-based and non-vacuum-based methods for fabricating CZTS are discussed, with a focus on simplicity and efficiency. Future developments in CZTS-based electrocatalysts include enhancing activity and stability, improving charge transfer mechanisms, ensuring cost-effectiveness and scalability, increasing durability, integrating with renewable energy sources, and gaining deeper insight into reaction processes. Overall, CZTS-based electrocatalysts show great promise for sustainable hydrogen generation, with ongoing research focused on improving performance and advancing their practical applications.
Unveiling the chemical kinetics of aminomethanol (NH2CH2OH): insights into O.H and O2 photo-oxidation reactions and formamide dominance
Authors: Nulakani Naga Venkateswara Rao , Ali Mohamad Akbar
Published: May 2024

Aminomethanol is released into the atmosphere through various sources, including biomass burning. In this study, we have expounded the chemical kinetics of aminomethanol in the reaction pathways initiated by the hydroxyl radical (O˙H) with the aid of ab initio//density functional theory (DFT) i.e., coupled-cluster theory (CCSD(T))//hybrid-DFT (M06-2X/6-311++G (3df, 3pd). We have explored various possible directions of the O˙H radical on aminomethanol, as well as the formation of distinct pre-reactive complexes. Our computational findings reveal that the H transfer necessitates activation energies ranging from 4.1 to 6.5 kcal/mol from the –CH2 group, 3.5–6.5 kcal/mol from the –NH2 group and 7–9.3 kcal/mol from the –OH group of three rotational conformers. The H transfer from –CH2, –NH2 and –OH exhibits an estimated total rate constant (kOH) of approximately 1.97 × 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1 at 300 K. The branching fraction analysis indicates a pronounced dominance of C-centered NH2C˙HOH radicals with a favorability of 77%, surpassing the N-centered N˙ HCH2OH (20%) and O-centered NH2CH2O˙ (3%) radicals. Moreover, our investigation delves into the oxidation of the prominently favored carbon-centered NH2C˙HOH radical through its interaction with atmospheric oxygen molecules. Intriguingly, our findings reveal that formamide (NH2CHO) emerges as the predominant product in the NH2C˙HOH + 3O2 reaction, eclipsing alternative outcomes such as amino formic acid (NH2COOH) and formimidic acid (HN = C(H)-OH). At atmospheric conditions pertinent to the troposphere, the branching fraction value for the formation of formamide is about 99%, coupled with a rate constant of 5.5 × 10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1. Finally, we have scrutinized the detrimental impact of formamide on the atmosphere. Interaction of formamide with atmospheric hydroxyl radicals could give rise to the production of potentially perilous compounds such as HNCO. Further, unreacted N˙HCH2OH radicals may initiate the formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines when reacting with trace N-oxides (namely, NO and NO2). This, in turn, escalates the environmental risk factors.
Challenges and opportunities in patients with adult congenital heart disease, a narrative review
Authors: Fabbri Matteo , Sahu Anurag
Published: May 2024

Adult congenital heart disease Pregnancy Transition of care Challenges heart failure.
Three-year outcomes of surgical valve replacement with Dafodil™ pericardial bioprosthesis: Dafodil™-1 trial
Authors: Hiremath Channabasavaraj Shivalingaiah , Jain Anil R. , Garg Anurag , Maslekar Atul A. , Gupta Nirmal K. , Sarkar Binay Krishna , Bhat Seetharama , Porwal Manish , Meharwal Zile Singh , Mishra Yugal Kishore , Vaijyanath Prashanth , Grover Vijay , Chaudhary Shiv Kumar , Rajput Subash S. , Sethuratnam Rajan , Shastri Naman
Published: May 2024

Background

The Dafodil™-1 trial was designed to evaluate the clinical safety and performance of Dafodil™ pericardial bioprosthesis for replacing diseased native or prosthetic aortic or mitral valves in patients with advanced valvular heart disease (VHD).

Methods

The Dafodil™-1 trial was a prospective, multicenter, first-in-human clinical trial. Patients were enrolled if they had advanced VHD requiring aortic valve replacement (AVR) or mitral valve replacement (MVR) with or without concomitant valve surgery and having surgical risk scores <4%. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including all-cause death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke; and hemodynamics were analyzed.

Results

A total of 136 patients (aortic: 67 and mitral: 69) were enrolled in the trial (with mean age—AVR group: 60.2 ± 8.3 years and MVR group: 49.7 ± 14.4 years). A total of 134 patients (aortic: 66 and mitral: 68) completed the 3-year follow-up (total 300 per 100 patient-years of follow-up). The AVR group demonstrated a significant reduction in the mean pressure gradients from 51.2 ± 24.1 mmHg at baseline to 11.1 ± 6.0 mmHg at the 3-year follow-up (p < 0.0001). The mean effective orifice area (EOA) improved from baseline (0.9 ± 0.6 cm2) to 3-year follow-up (1.8 ± 0.4 cm2) (p < 0.0001). In the MVR group, the mean indexed EOA (iEOA) increased significantly from baseline (0.7 ± 0.4 cm2/m2) to 3-year follow-up (1.1 ± 0.4 cm2/m2) (p < 0.001). There was significant improvement in New York Heart Association functional class and mean SF-12 scores in both groups. At 3-year follow-up, the MACE incidence was 2.3% per 100 patient-years (1.3% strokes per 100 patient-years and 1.3% deaths per 100 patient-years) for AVR group and 4.7% per 100 patient-years (0.6% strokes per 100 patient-years and 4.0% deaths per 100 patient-years) for MVR group. No cases of MI, structural valve deterioration and prosthetic valve endocarditis were reported. The AVR and MVR groups achieved 89.6% and 79.7% MACE-free survival, respectively at 3-year follow-up.

Conclusions

The Dafodil™-1 trial demonstrated satisfactory outcomes of clinical safety, hemodynamic performance, and quality-of-life metrics. Additionally, no incidence of structural valve deterioration and very low rates of valve thrombosis during the 3-year follow-up period of Dafodil™-1 first-in-human trial indicated acceptable valve durability up to three years and similar outcomes are warranted for longer follow-ups as a primary goal.

Clinical Trial Registration Number

https://www.ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/showallp.php?mid1=18377&EncHid=&userName=CTRI/2017/07/009008, CTRI/2017/07/009008.
Stable tensor neural networks for efficient deep learning
Authors: Newman Elizabeth , Horesh Lior , Avron Haim , Kilmer Misha E.
Published: May 2024

Learning from complex, multidimensional data has become central to computational mathematics, and among the most successful high-dimensional function approximators are deep neural networks (DNNs). Training DNNs is posed as an optimization problem to learn network weights or parameters that well-approximate a mapping from input to target data. Multiway data or tensors arise naturally in myriad ways in deep learning, in particular as input data and as high-dimensional weights and features extracted by the network, with the latter often being a bottleneck in terms of speed and memory. In this work, we leverage tensor representations and processing to efficiently parameterize DNNs when learning from high-dimensional data. We propose tensor neural networks (t-NNs), a natural extension of traditional fully-connected networks, that can be trained efficiently in a reduced, yet more powerful parameter space. Our t-NNs are built upon matrix-mimetic tensor-tensor products, which retain algebraic properties of matrix multiplication while capturing high-dimensional correlations. Mimeticity enables t-NNs to inherit desirable properties of modern DNN architectures. We exemplify this by extending recent work on stable neural networks, which interpret DNNs as discretizations of differential equations, to our multidimensional framework. We provide empirical evidence of the parametric advantages of t-NNs on dimensionality reduction using autoencoders and classification using fully-connected and stable variants on benchmark imaging datasets MNIST and CIFAR-10.
The role of counseling for non-traditional students in formal higher education: a scoping review
Authors: Stamou Panagiota , Tsoli Konstantina , Babalis Thomas
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Since the mid-20th century, the number of adult students enrolled in formal higher education (HE) programs has significantly increased. The profile of non-traditional students differs significantly from that of traditional students in terms of their characteristics, learning methods, obstacles and challenges, motivations for learning, and conditions for effective learning. Unlike traditional students, adult students often balance family, work, and educational responsibilities, necessitating a more nuanced approach to support and guidance. However, most HE institutions primarily serve the needs of traditional student populations, which results in limited support available to adult students. This scoping review aimed to explore and map the existing literature on the role of adult (or non-traditional) students counseling in the context of formal HE.

Methods

We focused on literature related to academic advising for non-traditional students in formal HE, restricting our search to both empirical and non-empirical articles published in peer-reviewed journals between 2010 and 2022. Employing Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review method and the PRISMA-ScR Checklist, we searched four databases (EBSCOhost, Crossref, Semantic Scholar, and ERIC), supplemented by a manual search.

Results

Of the 1,330 articles identified and screened, 25 studies met the eligibility criteria. Our review included 17 empirical and eight non-empirical studies, with the majority conducted in the USA (21 of 25). Thematic analysis revealed five key research areas (or themes): academic advising practices, perceptions of advising, technology, and advising, advising models, and academic success. The most common research theme, advising practices for adult (undergraduate and doctoral) students, constituted 52% of the studies (n= 13).

Discussion

Drawing from our analysis, we discuss current trends and future development in advising non-traditional students within formal HE settings. The added value of academic advising for adult students is explored, and any potential gaps in research literature knowledge are identified.
Blending pedagogy: equipping student teachers to foster transversal competencies in future-oriented education
Authors: Niemi Laura H. L. , Kangas Jonna , Köngäs Mirja
Published: May 2024

Blended teaching and learning, combining online and face-to-face instruction, and shared reflection are gaining in popularity worldwide and present evolving challenges in the field of teacher training and education. There is also a growing need to focus on transversal competencies such as critical thinking and collaboration. This study is positioned at the intersection of blended education and transversal competencies in the context of a blended ECEC teacher-training program (1000+) at the University of Helsinki. Blended education is a novel approach to training teachers, and there is a desire to explore how such an approach supports the acquisition of transversal competencies and whether the associated methods offer something essential for the development of teacher training. The aim is to explore what transversal competencies this teacher-training program supports for future teachers, and how students reflect on their learning experiences. The data consist of documents from teacher-education curricula and essays from the students on the 1000+ program. They were content-analyzed from a scoping perspective. Students’ experiences of studying enhanced the achievement of generic goals in teacher education, such as to develop critical and reflective thinking, interaction competence, collaboration skills, and independent and collective expertise. We highlight the importance of teacher development in preparing for education in the future during the teacher training. Emphasizing professional development, we challenge the conventional teaching paradigm by introducing a holistic approach.
Promoting family wellbeing through parenting support in ECEC services: parents' views on a model implemented in Ireland
Authors: Leitão Catarina , Shumba Jefrey
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Providing support to parents during the children's early years can positively impact children's development and families' wellbeing. An innovative parenting support model within ECEC services, called Powerful Parenting, has been implemented in Ireland. This model involves placing one dedicated Facilitator in each ECEC service to support parents based on their families' needs. The current study aimed to explore parents' views about this model.

Methods

Twenty-seven parents were interviewed. Content analysis was used to identify the activities in which parents participated. Thematic analysis was used to explore their views on the model or Facilitators' work.

Results

The activities organised by the Facilitators in which parents participated included one-to-one meetings, group work, and coordination with other services for children and families. Valued aspects included Facilitators showing high interest in their work, being approachable and responsive to parents' needs, and constituting a central point of contact, bridging the home and the ECEC service. Perceived outcomes for parents included a better understanding of their children's needs, facilitated access to services for families, and socio-emotional benefits.

Discussion

A parenting support model involving a new professional role, that of the Facilitator, in ECEC services can potentiate accessible and tailored support according to families' needs.
Parents’ spatial talk to boys and girls in museum settings: variations by science topic and exhibit scale
Authors: Umansky Vera M. , Callanan Maureen A.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Children are exposed to STEM ideas, including spatial and other mathematical concepts, in a variety of everyday contexts through interactions with their parents. There may be variations in the spatial language that boys and girls hear from their parents within different informal contexts. The present study investigated variations in the frequency and type of parental spatial talk that occurred in museum settings that varied by topic (physical science vs. life science) and exhibit scale (small-scale activity vs. large-scale activity).

Method

The sample consisted of 194 families with children between the ages of 3–6 years who visited museums in Northern California. Of the total sample, 50 families visited a large-scale physical science exhibit, 44 families visited a large-scale life science exhibit, 50 families visited a small-scale physical science exhibit, and 50 families visited a small-scale life science exhibit. Parent–child conversations that occurred during the duration of the museum visit were coded for parents’ spatial language.

Results and discussion

Analyses revealed that parents in the large-scale life science exhibit used more spatial language than parents in the other exhibits. Additionally, parents used more “where” spatial language (spatial language that describes location and directionality) than “what” spatial language (spatial language that describes the look of something) across the exhibit contexts, but especially in the large-scale exhibits. Finally, boys heard more “where” spatial language than did girls across exhibit contexts, whereas there was no difference by gender for “what” spatial language exposure. Variations in the kinds of spatial language that parents use in different environments should be taken into account in developmental models of children’s spatial understanding. Future research is needed to more systematically explore how parents’ spatial language varies across children’s gender, exhibit topic, and exhibit scale.
Research and optimisation of focused solar heating system with phase change thermal storage
Authors: Zhang Yishu , Zhang Wenqing
Published: May 2024

Currently, solar heating systems face several challenges in winter cold conditions, including low heat collection temperature, high heat collection loss, low thermal storage density, and unstable storage temperature, making it difficult to meet heating quality requirements. Taking the heating of a driving school building in the suburbs of Baiyin, Gansu as a case study, and using typical meteorological data for the local heating season, we simulated the indoor thermal load of the building using DEST software. We then designed a focused solar heating system with phase change thermal storage, coupling focused solar thermal technology with latent heat storage technology. The thermal storage performance of Ba(OH)2·8H2O composite phase change material in an oil-sealed environment was verified. Mathematical models of the major components of the focused solar heating system with phase change storage were developed, along with a TRNSYS system model. An objective function was established using the annualized cost method, with the area of the collector and the mass of PCM as variables. Optimization was performed using Genopt software, invoking the Hooke-Jeeves algorithm to optimize the heat collection area S and mass m of phase change material in the focused solar heating system. The optimized results showed a collector area of 4.11 m2, and a PCM mass of 130 kg, resulting in a 10.04% improvement in the solar assurance rate. Over the system’s entire lifecycle, the cost decreased by 1025 RMB, and the carbon emission reduction increased from 10,838 to 16,101 kg.
Hybrid energy storage configuration methodology, taking into account the accumulation of wind farm forecast deviations
Authors: Yuan Zhongfang , He Yongling , Meng Zhanbin
Published: May 2024

The accumulation of wind power prediction deviations will make it difficult to maintain the long-term stable operation of energy storage. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a hybrid energy storage system configuration method containing second-use batteries. This paper establishes a three-battery hybrid energy storage operation strategy that considers the accumulation of prediction deviation and prevents the accumulation of prediction deviation by changing the energy storage used at the end of the dispatch cycle. It also establishes an optimal allocation model for energy storage capacity, which takes into account the performance parameters and life loss of the second-use batteries and the new power battery. Finally, Gurobi is used to simulate the field data of a wind farm. The simulation results show that this method is effective in preventing the accumulation of prediction deviation while reducing wind power grid deviation and improving the level of energy storage utilization. It can play a certain reference role in the configuration of energy storage for wind farms.
A fusion topology method for generating new equipment startup schemes for power grids
Authors: Meng Tao , Lu Xiaohui , Wang Xiaoang , Wang Liang , Tao Wenbiao , Shan Lianfei , Geng Xiaofei
Published: May 2024

New grid equipment startup programs are widely used in various countries to regulate the commissioning of new equipment; these programs have unique differences in terms of strictness, information asymmetry, and complexity relative to other types of startup programs. With respect to rule-based generation methods, because the method of revising the rules weakens their migration ability, it is difficult to adapt these methods to the status quo of high-speed power grid construction; moreover, most of the current generation methods based on deep learning improve upon the rule-based methods but do not eliminate the rules of the constraints. Therefore, this paper presents a fusion topology for generating a new grid equipment startup scheme, which generates the scheme from end to end. The method utilizes the powerful processing capabilities of the GATv2 model and the ERNIE-GEN model for topology and text, respectively. The device type-based coding strategy and the scheme complexity-based self-attention layer selection strategy are used in the GATv2-based device identification model to address information asymmetry and complexity variability, and the device information modification strategy is applied to solve the strictness variability problem in the ERNIE-GEN-based scheme generation model. Finally, through the testing and verification of field data from four types of new equipment startup schemes in real power grids, it is verified that the method can effectively generate new equipment startup schemes for power grids, and the reasonableness and efficiency of the three strategies are verified through ablation experiments, which verify that the method can effectively generate new equipment startup schemes for power grids that meet the requirements of real power grids.
Thermodynamic and structural characterization of high-entropy garnet electrolytes for all-solid-state battery
Authors: Ting Yin-Ying , Ye Ruijie , Dashjav Enkhtsetseg , Ma Qianli , Taminato Sou , Mori Daisuke , Imanishi Nobuyuki , Finsterbusch Martin , Eikerling Michael H. , Guillon Olivier , Kaghazchi Payam , Kowalski Piotr M.
Published: May 2024

This study explores multi-component garnet-based materials as solid electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium batteries. Through a combination of computational and experimental approaches, we investigate the thermodynamic and structural properties of lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide garnets doped with various elements. Applying density functional theory, the influence of dopants on the thermodynamic stability of these garnets was studied. Probable atomic configurations and their impact on materials’ properties were investigated with the focus on understanding the influence of these configurations on structural stability, phase preference, and ionic conductivity. In addition to the computational study, series of cubic-phase garnet compounds were synthesized and their electrochemical performance was evaluated experimentally. Our findings reveal that the stability of cubic phase in doped Li-garnets is primarily governed by enthalpy, with configurational entropy playing a secondary role. Moreover, we establish that the increased number of doping elements significantly enhances the cubic phase’s stability. This in-depth understanding of materials’ properties at atomic level establishes the basis for optimizing high-entropy ceramics, contributing significantly to the advancement of solid-state lithium batteries and other applications requiring innovative material solutions.
Implementation effectiveness evaluation of watershed ecological compensation policy for sustainability based on the Huai river Basin in China
Authors: Xue Kaijia , Yang Yingjian , Huang Zhiyi
Published: May 2024

Watershed ecological compensation (WEC), as a public policy for sustainability, aims at balancing the ecological environment and economic development within specific watersheds to achieve the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. This study takes an innovative approach by constructing an effective WEC policy evaluation model for the Huai River Basin based on a comprehensive evaluation system and empirical research. By systematically integrating the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of the analytic hierarchy process and descriptive statistical methods, the model provides a comprehensive evaluation of the WEC policy’s influence on the basin’s overall environment. The results indicate that each area related to the Huai River Basin presents a positive promotion of the ecological environment and economic development based on its comprehensive score calculated by the model. Besides, the results also reveal a noticeable reduction in major pollution elements in the Huai River Basin based on empirical research of the model, accompanied by effective improvements in water and air quality. However, the impact of WEC’s policy implementation on regional economic development is relatively limited. It is found that although the WEC’s policy implementation is in a favorable state, downstream cities of the Huai River Basin still exhibit a phenomenon of “free-riding”. Meanwhile, the WEC’s policy overlooks the focus on economic concerns and lacks robust legal safeguards. Therefore, this study further proposes constructive recommendations, including promoting collaborative governance between upstream and downstream areas, balancing environmental protection and economic development, and improving the legal system for the WEC.
Work-life integration among nurse educators: a meta-synthesis
Authors: Erasmus Sonja , Downing Charlene , Ntshingila Nompumelelo
Published: May 2024

Background

Work-life integration has been extensively researched in various contexts. Women dominate the nursing profession, but work-life integration is essential for men and women since both are expected to focus equally on their families and careers. The nursing faculty perceives nurse educators’ work environment as undervalued, lacking support, and limited time to grow and carry the heavy workload.

Method

A qualitative meta-synthesis of studies between 2013 and 2023 was conducted using ScienceDirect, EBSCO Host, Sage and Sabinet databases. Seven articles related to the research phenomenon were retrieved.

Conclusion

The resulting themes revolved around two central aspects: nurse educators’ work and life integration. Nurse educators face various challenges with work-life integration and often view their failure as a personal rather than a societal issue. However, as much as achieving work-life integration is personal, there is a call for employers in academic environments to improve workplace policies, like better-paid maternity leave, affordable quality childcare, and social support. Furthermore, nurse educators’ line managers should display warmth and encouragement about personal challenges affecting nurse educators.
Ethical and legal considerations of mood enhancement technology
Authors: Kamenjasevic Erik
Published: May 2024

Technology qualifying as human mood enhancement can be developed, on the one hand, for the well-being and mental health of their users (therapy) and, on the other hand, for changing the mood of their users above levels of normality (enhancement). Such technology provokes debates concerning its societal, ethical and legal consequences for individuals and society as a whole. This paper’s aim is twofold. It first aims to show an overview of the often-occurring arguments in the ethics debate about mood enhancement technology and outline which arguments should be considered relevant for supporting the legislative debate. The second aim of the paper is to highlight some of the main legal aspects concerning this technology through the human rights lens of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, and the European Union.
The impact of Mycobacterium tuberculosis on the macrophage cholesterol metabolism pathway
Authors: Chen Zhanpeng , Kong Xingxing , Ma Quan , Chen Jinyun , Zeng Yuqin , Liu Huazhen , Wang Xiaomin , Lu Shuihua
Published: May 2024

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is an intracellular pathogen capable of adapting and surviving within macrophages, utilizing host nutrients for its growth and replication. Cholesterol is the main carbon source during the infection process of Mtb. Cholesterol metabolism in macrophages is tightly associated with cell functions such as phagocytosis of pathogens, antigen presentation, inflammatory responses, and tissue repair. Research has shown that Mtb infection increases the uptake of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and cholesterol by macrophages, and enhances de novo cholesterol synthesis in macrophages. Excessive cholesterol is converted into cholesterol esters, while the degradation of cholesterol esters in macrophages is inhibited by Mtb. Furthermore, Mtb infection suppresses the expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters in macrophages, impeding cholesterol efflux. These alterations result in the massive accumulation of cholesterol in macrophages, promoting the formation of lipid droplets and foam cells, which ultimately facilitates the persistent survival of Mtb and the progression of tuberculosis (TB), including granuloma formation, tissue cavitation, and systemic dissemination. Mtb infection may also promote the conversion of cholesterol into oxidized cholesterol within macrophages, with the oxidized cholesterol exhibiting anti-Mtb activity. Recent drug development has discovered that reducing cholesterol levels in macrophages can inhibit the invasion of Mtb into macrophages and increase the permeability of anti-tuberculosis drugs. The development of drugs targeting cholesterol metabolic pathways in macrophages, as well as the modification of existing drugs, holds promise for the development of more efficient anti-tuberculosis medications.
Identification of novel biomarkers related to neutrophilic inflammation in COPD
Authors: Huang Yuchen , Niu Yang , Wang Xuezhao , Li Xiaochen , He Yuanzhou , Liu Xiansheng
Published: May 2024

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most prevalent chronic respiratory diseases and the fourth cause of mortality globally. Neutrophilic inflammation has a vital role in the occurrence and progression of COPD. This study aimed to identify the novel hub genes involved in neutrophilic inflammation in COPD through bioinformatic prediction and experimental validation.

Methods

Both the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset (GSE173896) and the RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) dataset (GSE57148) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The Seurat package was used for quality control, dimensions reduction, and cell identification of scRNA-seq. The irGSEA package was used for scoring individual cells. The Monocle2 package was used for the trajectory analysis of neutrophils. The CIBERSORT algorithm was used for analysis of immune cell infiltration in the lungs of COPD patients and controls in RNA-seq dataset, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) correlated gene modules with neutrophil infiltration. The Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis explored the causal relationship between feature DEGs and COPD. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of novel hub genes was constructed, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to validate novel hub genes in clinical specimens.

Results

In scRNA-seq, the gene sets upregulated in COPD samples were related to the neutrophilic inflammatory response and TNF-α activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway. In RNA-seq, immune infiltration analysis showed neutrophils were upregulated in COPD lung tissue. We combined data from differential and modular genes and identified 51 differential genes associated with neutrophilic inflammation. Using MR analysis, 6 genes were explored to be causally associated with COPD. Meanwhile, 11 hub genes were identified by PPI network analysis, and all of them were upregulated. qRT-PCR experiments validated 9 out of 11 genes in peripheral blood leukocytes of COPD patients. Furthermore, 5 genes negatively correlated with lung function in COPD patients. Finally, a network of transcription factors for NAMPT and PTGS2 was constructed.

Conclusion

This study identified nine novel hub genes related to the neutrophilic inflammation in COPD, and two genes were risk factors of COPD, which may serve as potential biomarkers for the clinical severity of COPD.
Insights into maternal and neonatal anti-Ro/SSA antibodies: implications on pregnancy and neonatal health
Authors: Al Emadi Samar , Satti Eman , Hadwan Nawal
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The presence of anti-Ro/SSA antibodies is associated with an increased risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. We evaluated the rate of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes in a cohort of pregnant women with positive anti-Ro/SSA antibodies in Qatar and explored the significance of neonatal anti-Ro/SSA antibodies.

Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted at the largest tertiary institute in Qatar between July 2016 and January 2021. The study included pregnant women with confirmed anti- Ro/SSA positivity who were consistently followed to evaluate maternal and fetal complications.

Results

One-hundred-thirty-two pregnancies from 79 women were included in the analysis. Anti-Ro/SSA positivity was observed in all pregnancies, whereas anti-LA/SSB positivity only in 23.5% of pregnancies. Of the 132 pregnancies, 99 (75%), 27 (20%), and 6 (4.6%) resulted in live birth, miscarriage, and intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD), respectively. Among the 99 live births, serology testing for anti-Ro/SSA was performed on 84 neonates, of which only 45 were positive. Neonates born to mothers with primary SS and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had higher median antibody titers (240 IU/ml) than those born to mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) (89.5 IU/ml)). The rheumatic diseases (SS, RA, or SLE) showed no significant correlation with adverse pregnancy and fetal outcomes. Congenital heart block (CHB) was recorded in only two infants (2%), and one infant had neonatal lupus (1%). Interestingly, CHB was only observed in previously asymptomatic women who were subsequently diagnosed with SS. Most women (85.9%) were treated with hydroxychloroquine throughout pregnancy. These women had lower rates of miscarriage and neither of their infants presented with CHB.

Conclusion

Miscarriage is the most common adverse outcome reported in this cohort. The incidence of CHB was among asymptomatic carriers only. Nevertheless, hydroxychloroquine use seems to lower the vulnerability to these adverse events. However, these findings need to be validated in larger controlled cohorts. This study is one of few to report results on neonatal anti-Ro/SSA antibody testing.
Reef design influences habitat provision on a restored oyster reef
Authors: Beseres Pollack Jennifer , Sugla Monisha , Breaux Natasha J. , Trackenberg Stacy N. , Palmer Terence A.
Published: May 2024

Habitat restoration efforts are often limited by cost, making it important that available funds are used efficiently and effectively to achieve desired restoration goals. In this study, we evaluate habitat provision for oysters and motile epifauna on restored oyster reefs in a northwestern Gulf of Mexico estuary constructed with discrete high vertical relief (~0.6 m “reef mounds”) or continuous low vertical relief (<0.08 m “reef flats”). Habitat provision on reef mounds exceeded that on reef flats within one month of construction and supported 0.75x higher oyster density, 2x higher motile epifauna biomass, and 3.6x higher motile epifauna density one year after construction. Oyster density on reef mounds remained relatively high throughout the study period, with ~2x higher oyster densities than reef flats 18 months after construction and ~1.5x higher oyster densities by the end of the study. Both reef mounds and reef flats increased oyster and epifaunal densities compared to unrestored areas. Although on-reef oyster densities were higher on reef mounds than reef flats, the total restored oyster areal density and volumetric density was higher in restored reef flat areas, primarily because the restored flats area had no gaps within its restoration boundaries. Our findings have practical value for better predicting restoration outcomes and achieving desired restoration goals based on restored oyster reef height, with reef mounds maximizing on-reef oyster and epifaunal densities and reef flats maximizing the total number of oysters per area restored or volume of substrate purchased. Understanding the benefits and tradeoffs between restoration designs will allow resource managers to improve cost-efficiencies in future restoration projects.
A prediction model for prognosis of nephrotic syndrome with tuberculosis in intensive care unit patients: a nomogram based on the MIMIC-IV v2.2 database
Authors: Du Shenghua , Su Ning , Yu Zhaoxian , Li Junhong , Jiang Yingyi , Zeng Limeng , Hu Jinxing
Published: May 2024

Background

Currently, a scarcity of prognostic research exists that concentrates on patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) who also have tuberculosis. The purpose of this study was to assess the in-hospital mortality status of NS patients with tuberculosis, identify crucial risk factors, and create a sturdy prognostic prediction model that can improve disease evaluation and guide clinical decision-making.

Methods

We utilized the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV version 2.2 (MIMIC-IV v2.2) database to include 1,063 patients with NS complicated by TB infection. Confounding factors included demographics, vital signs, laboratory indicators, and comorbidities. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression and the diagnostic experiment the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to select determinant variables. A nomogram was established by using a logistic regression model. The performance of the nomogram was tested and validated using the concordance index (C-index) of the ROC curve, calibration curves, internal cross-validation, and clinical decision curve analysis.

Results

The cumulative in-hospital mortality rate for patients with NS and TB was 18.7%. A nomogram was created to predict in-hospital mortality, utilizing Alb, Bun, INR, HR, Abp, Resp., Glu, CVD, Sepsis-3, and AKI stage 7 days. The area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic evaluation was 0.847 (0.812–0.881), with a calibration curve slope of 1.00 (0.83–1.17) and a mean absolute error of 0.013. The cross-validated C-index was 0.860. The decision curves indicated that the patients benefited from this model when the risk threshold was 0.1 and 0.81.

Conclusion

Our clinical prediction model nomogram demonstrated a good predictive ability for in-hospital mortality among patients with NS combined with TB. Therefore, it can aid clinicians in assessing the condition, judging prognosis, and making clinical decisions for such patients.
Genomic insights into Dactylosporangium sp. AC04546, a rubber degrader with three latex clearing proteins
Authors: Basik Ann Anni , Gibu Namiko , Kawagiwa Yukimura , Ng Siuk-Mun , Yeo Tiong Chia , Sudesh Kumar , Kasai Daisuke
Published: May 2024

With more than 100 rubber-degrading strains being reported, only 9 Lcp proteins isolated from Nocardia, Gordonia, Streptomyces, Rhodococcus, Actinoplanes, and Solimonas have been purified and biochemically characterized. A new strain, Dactylosporangium sp. AC04546 (strain JCM34239), isolated from soil samples collected in Sarawak Forest, was able to grow and utilize natural or synthetic rubber as the sole carbon source. Complete genome of Strain AC04546 was obtained from the hybrid assembly of PacBio Sequel II and Illumina MiSeq. Strain AC04546 has a large circular genome of 13.08 Mb with a G+C content of 72.1%. The genome contains 11,865 protein-coding sequences with 3 latex clearing protein (lcp) genes located on its chromosome. The genetic organization of the lcp gene cluster is similar to two other reported rubber-degrading strains—Actinoplanes sp. OR16 and Streptomyces sp. CFMR 7. All 3 Lcp from strain AC04546 were expressed in Escherichia coli and exhibited degrading activity against natural rubber. The distinctiveness of strain AC04546, along with other characterized rubber-degrading strains, is reported here.