bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in placental adipocytokine gene expression associated with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Meller M , Qiu C , Vadachkoria S , Abetew DF , Luthy DA , Williams MA
Published: May 2022

Leptin and adiponectin, two adipocytokines, may work together in regulating energy homeostasis and insulin action. Leptin gene expression has been investigated in term placental tissue complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), but never in conjunction with all isoforms of the leptin receptor (LEPR A-D), or with adiponectin receptors (ADIPOR1 and 2). In this study we examined the association between changes in expression of these genes in placental tissue and GDM risk. We assessed placental gene expression of leptin, LEPR A-D and ADIPOR1 and 2 by real time PCR using mRNA from maternal and fetal biopsies. Tissues were collected from uncomplicated pregnancies (n=28) and those complicated by GDM (n=19). Gene expression was normalized to three endogenous housekeeping genes. Relative gene expression values were reported as fold change between groups. Adiponectin gene expression was out of the sensitive range of our assay. There were increases in leptin mRNA expression in GDM cases compared with controls for maternal-side (p=0.06), and fetal-side (p=0.09) placental biopsies. No significant changes were seen in GDM cases compared with controls in LEPR A-D or ADIPOR1 and 2. mRNA derived from maternal-side tissue was positively correlated with tissue from the fetal side for all genes studied (all p<0.01). Finally, we noted that absence or presence of GDM was a major factor in leptin mRNA expression after adjusting for maternal age, mode of delivery, parity and smoking status. In conclusion, increases in leptin mRNA expression in term placenta, but not that of its receptors, are associated with the diagnosis of GDM. Changes seen in the ligand, but not the receptor, of the leptin pathway in GDM-complicated pregnancies may also apply to the adiponectin pathway, as the ADIPOR1 and 2 mRNAs do not change with GDM diagnosis.
Effect of gene polymorphisms on lipoprotein levels in patients with dyslipidemia of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Stančáková A , Baldaufová L , Javorský M , Kozárová M , Šalagovič J , Tkáč I
Published: May 2022

Dyslipidemia in the metabolic syndrome (MS) is considered to be one of the most important risk factors for atherosclerosis. It is characterized by hypertriglyceridemia, low concentration of plasma HDL-cholesterol, predominance of small dense LDL particles and an increased concentration of plasma apolipoprotein B (apoB). The pathogenesis of this type of dyslipidemia is partially explained, but its genetic background is still unknown. To evaluate the influence of cholesterol ester transfer protein (CETP) TaqIB polymorphism, lipoprotein lipase (LPL) PvuII and HindIII polymorphisms, hepatic lipase (LIPC) G-250A polymorphism and apolipoprotein C-III (APOC3) SstI gene polymorphism on lipid levels in dyslipidemia of the metabolic syndrome, 150 patients with dyslipidemia of metabolic syndrome were included. 96 % of patients had type 2 diabetes. The patients did not take any lipid lowering treatment. The exclusion criterion was the presence of any disease that could affect lipid levels, such as thyroid disorder, liver disease, proteinuria or renal failure. Gene polymorphisms were determined using the polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphisms. The genotype subgroups of patients divided according to examined polymorphisms did not differ in plasma lipid levels with the exception of apoB. The apoB level was significantly higher in patients with S1S1 genotype of APOC3 SstI polymorphism when compared with S1S2 group (1.10+/-0.26 vs. 0.98+/-0.21 g/l, p=0.02). Similarly, patients with H-H- genotype of LPL HindIII polymorphism had significantly higher mean apoB, compared with H+H- and H+H+ group (1.35+/-0.30 vs. 1.10+/-0.26 g/l, p=0.02). In the multiple stepwise linear regression analysis, apoB level seemed to be influenced by APOC3 SstI genotype, which explained 6 % of its variance. The present study has shown that the S1 allele of APOC3 SstI polymorphism and the H- allele of LPL HindIII polymorphism might have a small effect on apoB levels in the Central European Caucasian population with dyslipidemia of metabolic syndrome.
Differential right and left ventricular diastolic tolerance to acute afterload and NCX gene expression in Wistar rats
Authors: Correia Pinto J , Henriques-Coelho T , Roncon-Albuquerque R , Leite-Moreira AF
Published: May 2022

This study evaluated right ventricular (RV) and left ventricular (LV) diastolic tolerance to afterload and SERCA2a, phospholamban and sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) gene expression in Wistar rats. Time constant tau and end diastolic pressure-dimension relation (EDPDR) were analyzed in response to progressive RV or LV afterload elevations, induced by beat-to-beat pulmonary trunk or aortic root constrictions, respectively. Afterload elevations decreased LV- tau, but increased RV-tau. Whereas LV- tau analyzed the major course of pressure fall, RV- tau only assessed the last fourth. Furthermore, RV afterload elevations progressively upward shifted RV EDPDR, whilst LV afterload elevations did not change LV-EDPDR. SERCA2a and phospholamban mRNA were similar in both ventricles. NCX-mRNA was almost 50 % lower in RV than in LV. Left ventricular afterload elevations, therefore, accelerated the pressure fall and did not induce diastolic dysfunction, indicating high LV diastolic tolerance to afterload. On the contrary, RV afterload elevations decelerated the late RV pressure fall and induced diastolic dysfunction, indicating small RV diastolic tolerance to afterload. These results support previous findings relating NCX with late Ca(2+) reuptake, late relaxation and diastolic dysfunction.
Adenosine potentiates stimulatory effects on granulocyte-macrophage hematopoietic progenitor cells in vitro of IL-3 and SCF, but not those of G-CSF, GM-CSF and IL-11
Authors: Hofer M , Vacek A , Pospíšil M , Weiterová L , Holá J , Štreitová D , Znojil V
Published: May 2022

The aim of the studies was to ascertain if adenosine is able to co-operate with selected hematopoietic growth factors and cytokines, namely with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), stem cell factor (SCF), interleukin-3 (IL-3), and interleukin-11 (IL-11), in inducing the growth of colonies from hematopoietic progenitor cells for granulocytes and macrophages (GM-CFC) from normal bone marrow cells in vitro. Adenosine was found not to produce any colonies when present in the cultures as the only potential stimulator. All the tested cytokines and growth factors were observed to induce the growth of distinct numbers of GM-CFC colonies, with the exception of IL-11. When suboptimal concentrations of the evaluated cytokines and growth factors were tested in the cultures in which various concentrations of adenosine were concomitantly present, mutually potentiating effects were found in the case of IL-3 and SCF. These results confirm the role of adenosine in regulation of granulopoiesis and predict IL-3 and SCF as candidates for further in vivo studies of their combined administration with adenosine.
Folate co-administration improves the effectiveness of fenofibrate to decrease the lipoprotein oxidation and endothelial dysfunction surrogates
Authors: Mayer O , Šimon J , Holubec L , Pikner R , Trefil L
Published: May 2022

Fibrate therapy results in elevation of plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), which is known to induce oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction. We aimed to establish whether fibrate-induced elevation of tHcy has also similar consequences and whether they may be prevented by folate co-administration. Eighteen subjects with hypercholesterolemia were included in an open, prospective, cross-over study. We compared intra-individually the effect of fenofibrate on tHcy, oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction surrogates, in monotherapy and when combined with 10 mg of folate. These effects were also compared with fluvastatin monotherapy. Fenofibrate in monotherapy significantly decreased LDL cholesterol, increased the tHcy by 39.5 %, while oxidized LDL (oxLDL), malondialdehyde (MDA), von Willebrand factors (vWf) and thrombomodulin (TMD) remained unchanged. When fibrate was co-administered with folate, the tHcy remained on the initial post-diet level, while both the total and oxLDL as well as MDA, vWf and TMD decreased. In contrast to fenofibrate monotherapy, fluvastatin (80 mg) had a similar effect as combined therapy with fenofibrate and folate, while tHcy remained uninfluenced. In conclusion, fenofibrate decreases the LDL cholesterol, but in contrast to fluvastatin, has no significant antioxidative and endothelium-protective potential, probably due to a concomitant increase of tHcy. These effects may be improved by co-administration of folate.
Protective effect of S-adenosylmethionine against galactosamine-induced injury of rat hepatocytes in primary culture
Authors: Kučera O , Červinková Z , Lotková H , Křiváková P , Roušar T , Mužáková V , Héžová R , Kanďár R , Rudolf E
Published: May 2022

The protective effect of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) on D-galactosamine (GalN)-induced damage to rat hepatocytes was tested in primary cultures. SAMe at concentrations of 50 and 1000 mg/l significantly reduced lactate dehydrogenase release from cells injured by 40 mM GalN after 24 h of incubation. There were no significant changes in urea production after 24 h among tested groups, including control hepatocytes. Exposure of hepatocytes to GalN leads to 3.5-fold decrease in urea synthesis after 48 h in comparison with control cell cultures. Addition of the highest dose of SAMe (1000 mg/l) into the culture media attenuated this decrease by 180 %. None of the tested doses of SAMe (5, 25, 50 and 1000 mg/l) affected considerably the reduced activity of mitochondrial dehydrogenases. The content of reduced and oxidized glutathione in GalN-exposed cells was diminished to 1.5 % and 16 %, respectively, of the control values after 24 h. Using only the highest concentration SAMe increased significantly these contents. SAMe had no effect on dramatically decreased albumin synthesis. These findings indicate beneficial effect of SAMe, especially of the highest concentration, on GalN-induced toxicity to rat hepatocytes in primary culture. This action of SAMe seems to be associated with reduction of plasma membrane damage and increased synthesis of glutathione.
A fast right ventricle segmentation in cine-MRI from a dense hough representation
Authors: Martínez Carrillo Fabio , Moreno Tarazona Alejandra , Guayacán Chaparro Luis Carlos , Bautista Rozo Lola Xiomara , Pico Jean Alejandro
Published: May 2022

Segmentation of the right ventricle (RV) is essential for the diagnosis of multiple cardiac pathologies and conditions. However, its manual delineation is a tedious task and computational support is complex due to geometric and dynamic variability.  This work introduces a dense Hough transform and representation (HT) that allows a nonparametric characterization of the shape, encoding each voxel by its curvature and orientation. This representation is integrated into a bayesian tracking approach, which efficiently segments the RV structure throughout the cardiac cycle. The proposed approach was evaluated on a public dataset, with 16 patients, achieving a Sørensen-Dice coefficient of 0.87 and 0.92, for complete volumes and basal structures, respectively. These results evidence an adequate fit of the proposed model with respect to RV shape throughout the entire cardiac cycle.

La segmentación del Ventrículo Derecho (VD) es esencial para el diagnóstico de múltiples patologías y condiciones cardiacas. Sin embargo, su delineación manual es una tarea tediosa y el soporte computacional resulta complejo debido a la variabilidad geométrica y dinámica.  Este trabajo introduce una transformación y representación densa de Hough (TH) que permite una caracterización no paramétrica de la forma, codificando cada vóxel por su curvatura y orientación. Esta representación es integrada en un enfoque de seguimiento bayesiano, que logra de forma eficiente segmentar la estructura del VD, a lo largo del ciclo cardíaco. El enfoque propuesto fue evaluado en un conjunto de datos públicos, con 16 pacientes, logrando un coeficiente Sørensen-Dice de 0,87 y 0,92, para volúmenes completos y estructuras basales, respectivamente. Estos resultados evidencian una adecuada adaptación del modelo propuesto respecto a la forma del VD a lo largo de todo el ciclo cardíaco.
The Role of Innovative Methods in the Development of Students’ Speech in Russian Language Classes
Authors: Bakirova M. , Abdullaeva Zh.
Published: May 2022

Research relevance: critical thinking strategy application is the main direction of innovative method, which is important in development of students' thinking, in enriching the vocabulary and increasing the activity of students in the Russian language classes. Research objectives: to reveal the role and essence of the innovative method in the development of speech of undergraduate students. Research methods and materials: methodological advice is described on how to conduct classes based on strategy “We know, we want to know, we learned”. Research results: this strategy allows students to tell and write, remember what they know on a given topic at the moment, allows them to recall the knowledge gained on topics covered and directs them to new knowledge. Conclusions: strategy is a source of thinking and speech development, enrichment of vocabulary and activation skills of students.
El compromiso con la tarea en el alumnado Con TDAH: análisis del tiempo de escritura digital
Authors: Sánchez Chiva Desirée , García-Castellar Rosa
Published: May 2022

La evolución de las nuevas tecnologías y la reciente situación de la Pandemia por COVID-19, han modificado las condiciones de la docencia educativa pasando mayoritariamente a una docencia digital. La utilización del ordenador se ha convertido en una herramienta necesaria para el aprendizaje. El alumnado con Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad (TDAH) presenta especiales dificultades en la escritura y en la composición escrita. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo analizar la velocidad de la escritura (mecanografiado) en el alumnado con TDAH utilizando el ordenador en diferentes tareas. La muestra está formada por 48 niños y niñas entre 8-12 años, 24 forman el grupo con TDAH y 24 el grupo con desarrollo típico. Los tiempos de escritura se valoran mediante una tarea de dictado de frases a mecanografiar y con una tarea de chat de interacción social en tres momentos, al inicio, durante y al finalizar el chat social. Los resultados muestran que el alumnado con TDAH presenta significativamente mayor lentitud en la tarea de dictado de frases que el grupo de desarrollo típico. Sin embargo, el perfil de tiempo de escritura en la tarea de chat social es similar a sus compañeros/as. Los hallazgos evidencian que el tiempo de escritura (mecanografiado) empleado por el alumnado, está relacionado con el tipo de tarea, independientemente de la complejidad de esta. Se concluye que la motivación hacia la tarea es un aspecto crucial en el TDAH, que afecta a la variabilidad de la ejecución en las tareas digitales.
Resiliencia y personalidad en adultos de identidad cisgénero heteronormativos y de identidades disidentes en Argentina
Authors: Facal Silvana Carolina , Mustaca Alba Elisabeth
Published: May 2022

Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo describir y comparar la resiliencia y personalidad en personas con identidades disidentes (ID) e  Identidades Cisgénero heteronormativos (ICH) en una muestra incidental de Argentina. Previamente se presentó una síntesis del estado legal de las identidades disidentes (ID) en los países, su epidemiología, el desarrollo de la orientación sexual y estudios previos sobre personalidad y resiliencia.  A 92 adultos (43 de ID y 49 ICH) se les administraron la Escala de Resiliencia (ER), el Cuestionario Personalidad de Eysenck, y un cuestionario sociodemográfico que indagó la existencia de grupos de apoyo. Los dos grupos fueron homogéneos en los datos sociodemográficos y en la presencia de grupos de apoyo, aunque en los ICH predominaron los familiares y en los ID, los amigos. En resiliencia se obtuvieron valores más bajos en las personas de ID; la única diferencia significativa fue en autoeficacia (Z= -1,979, p<,048, r=.02). En personalidad, los ID obtuvieron mayor neuroticismo que los ICH (Z= -3,473, p<.001, r=.04). Hubo una correlación significativa entre neuroticismo y resiliencia con independencia de cada grupo (r= -.58, p<.0001). En conjunto los valores de resiliencia y de personalidad de los dos grupos estuvieron alrededor de los percentiles 50 de muestras generales de Argentina. Estos resultados apoyan las teorías que indican que la orientación sexual no son indicadores válidos de existencia de cuadros psicopatológicos, tal como lo determinó la OMS en 1990, y como consecuencia, el DSM-IV y DSM-V modificaron las clasificaciones previas.
Happiness in University Students in Uaz, México
Authors: Martell Muñoz Juan - , Mora Romo José Fernando , Nuñez Alejandro , Castro Saucedo Laura Karina
Published: May 2022

La felicidad, entendida como el grado de sentido positivo asignado a la vida, la satisfacción con la vida, el grado de realización personal y la alegría de vivir se estudió en una muestra de universitarios. Se realizó un trabajo transversal no experimental con una muestra de 229 participantes de diferentes carreras académicas con edades de 18 a 57 años. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron correlaciones entre las carreras académicas con el Sentido positivo de la vida, Satisfacción con la vida y Alegría de vivir. Además, se encontraron diferencias al considerar el sexo de los participantes, las carreras académicas, las ocupaciones laborales del padre y las ocupaciones laborales de la madre. Se analiza la influencia que cada factor tiene por separado sobre la felicidad de los estudiantes para concluir con la discusión sobre la importancia que han descubierto otros estudios sobre la influencia de las interacciones sociales en el mantenimiento de la felicidad, y cómo estos resultados podrían apoyar los hallazgos de nuestro trabajo.
State of the Art VANETs Routing Protocols: A Literature Review
Authors: Rao Rajwant Singh , . Seema , Singh Pawan , Khan Suhel Ahmad
Published: May 2022

Wireless technology, especially Vehicular Ad-hoc Network (VANET), is developing rapidly. VANET is an emerging technology that assists intelligent transportation systems by improving traffic services and helping in minimizing road accidents. Data sharing in VANETs is time-critical, necessitating the formation of fast and robust network connections. Due to the highly dynamic nature of VANET, providing reliable, consistent, and seamless communication is a significant challenge. In the last decade, various routing approaches have been proposed to efficiently handle quick handover of safety and infotainment-related VANET applications. This paper reviews and investigates the existing routing protocols and classifies them into a taxonomy based on essential attributes such as forwarding strategies, routing strategies, network dimensions. Routing challenges and future research directions in the VANET area are discussed in this paper.
Flame-Retardant Properties and Mechanism of Polylactic Acid-Conjugated Flame-Retardant Composites
Authors: Zhang Daohai , Pei Meng , Wei Ke , Tan Fang , Gao Chengtao , Bao Dongmei , Qin Shuhao
Published: May 2022

The DOPO derivative-conjugated flame retardant 4, 4'-{1'', 4'' - phenylene - bis [amino - (10‴ - oxy -10‴-hydro-9‴-hydrogen-10‴ λ5 -phosphaphenanthrene-10''-yl)-methyl]}-diphenol (P-PPD-Ph) with two hydroxyl groups was synthesized. Polylactic acid conjugated flame-retardant composites with P-PPD-Ph were papered by using a twin-screw extruder. The flame-retardant properties of polylactic acid-conjugated flame-retardant composites were investigated. The flame-retardant properties of PLA-conjugated flame-retardant composites were characterized by the limiting oxygen index (LOI) and the vertical burning test (UL94). The results showed that the PLA-conjugated flame-retardant composites achieved a V-0 rating (UL-94, 3.2 mm) when the conjugated flame retardant was added at 5 wt%, and increase in LOI value from 22.5% to 31.4% relative to composites without added conjugated flame retardant. The flame-retardant mechanism of PLA-conjugated flame-retardant composites were further studied by TG-FTIR, the results showed that the P-PPD-Ph promoted the PLA-conjugated flame-retardant composites to decompose and also released fragments with quenching and dilution, which suggests that P-PPD-Ph for PLA-conjugated flame-retardant composites mainly play a role of the gas-phase flame retardant.
Direct Modification of Extracellular Vesicles and Its Applications for Cancer Therapy: A Mini-Review
Authors: Nan Wenbin , Zhang Chao , Wang Hao , Chen Hongli , Ji Shenglu
Published: May 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are a class of lipid membrane-bound vesicles released by various cells and mediate cell-to-cell communication. By reason of their high physiochemical stability and biocompatibility, EVs are considered as novel drug delivery system. An increasing number of studies have indicated that EVs can be modified to enhance their loading efficiency, targeting ability and therapeutic capabilities for cancer therapy. Compared with the tedious process of gene engineering approaches, direct modification of EVs is easier, faster and versatile. This mini review will summarize the prevailing approaches for direct modification of EVs. Additionally, the potential applications of modified EVs in cancer therapy are also discussed, which will help readers gain a better understanding of the technologies and applications in this field.
Rational Design of Photothermal and Anti-Bacterial Foam With Macroporous Structure for Efficient Desalination of Water
Authors: Wang Zhifen , Niu Jin , Wang Juanxia , Zhang Yucang , Wu Guoqiang , Liu Xiaoyun , Liu Qun
Published: May 2022

With the environmental deterioration and the rise in demand for sustainability, the lack of freshwater resources has emerged as a global concern. To address this issue, the desalination of water using solar evaporation is centered on as a promising approach. In this study, we designed a light and photothermal liquefied-chitin-based polyurethane foam to achieve efficient water evaporation benefiting from their powerful solar spectral absorption, low thermal conductivity, quick transportation of water, hierarchically porous structures, and anti-biofouling natures. Moreover, because of the introduction of nano-silver, the newly developed foam exhibits considerable antibacterial ability and improved photothermal performance. Notably, the low thermal conductivity of the foam can reduce the loss of absorbed solar heat, whereas its large porous structure provides a smooth water transport channel. More importantly, with the assistance of heat, polyacrylamide hydrogels adhering along with the pores rapidly absorb and desorb water molecules, promoting the evaporation of water and improving solar energy conversion efficiency. Ultimately, under irradiation by one sunlight, the proposed material demonstrated a water evaporation rate and solar photothermal conversion efficiency of 2.44 kg m−2 h−1 and 153.2%, respectively.
Information Theory as a Bridge Between Language Function and Language Form
Authors: Futrell Richard , Hahn Michael
Published: May 2022

Formal and functional theories of language seem disparate, because formal theories answer the question of what a language is, while functional theories answer the question of what functions it serves. We argue that information theory provides a bridge between these two approaches,viaa principle of minimization of complexity under constraints. Synthesizing recent work, we show how information-theoretic characterizations of functional complexity lead directly to mathematical descriptions of the forms of possible languages, in terms of solutions to constrained optimization problems. We show how certain linguistic descriptive formalisms can be recovered as solutions to such problems. Furthermore, we argue that information theory lets us define complexity in a way which has minimal dependence on the choice of theory or descriptive formalism. We illustrate this principle using recently-obtained results on universals of word and morpheme order.
FAIR Digital Twins for Data-Intensive Research
Authors: Schultes Erik , Roos Marco , Bonino da Silva Santos Luiz Olavo , Guizzardi Giancarlo , Bouwman Jildau , Hankemeier Thomas , Baak Arie , Mons Barend
Published: May 2022

Although all the technical components supporting fully orchestrated Digital Twins (DT) currently exist, what remains missing is a conceptual clarification and analysis of a more generalized concept of a DT that is made FAIR, that is, universally machine actionable. This methodological overview is a first step toward this clarification. We present a review of previously developed semantic artifacts and how they may be used to compose a higher-order data model referred to here as a FAIR Digital Twin (FDT). We propose an architectural design to compose, store and reuse FDTs supporting data intensive research, with emphasis on privacy by design and their use in GDPR compliant open science.
Trace Element Composition and Cathodoluminescence of Quartz in the Hongniu–Hongshan Skarn Deposit in Yunnan Province, Southwest China
Authors: Wang Shi-ling , Peng Hui-juan , Wang Tian-rui , Zou Hao , Zhou Qi , Yang Dong-jie , Sun Ce , Tian Xue
Published: May 2022

The Hongniu–Hongshan Cu skarn deposit is located in the central part of the Zhongdian porphyry and skarn Cu belt in southwestern China. Various elements, including Al, Ti, Li, K, Na, Ca, Fe, and Ge, have been completed by using scanning electron microscopy–cathodoluminescence (SEM-CL) and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) on quartz phenocrysts from the Hongniu–Hongshan porphyry and skarn Cu deposit. Three quartz generations were identified in the porphyritic granite based on the CL textures and trace element signatures. Samples of the first-generation quartz (Qtz1) contain dark gray luminescent cores assaying 22–85 ppm Ti, 58–129 ppm Al, 4–18 ppm Li, and 0.43–40 ppm Fe. The Ti-in quartz geothermometer indicates crystallization temperatures of 593–664°C for Qtz1. Samples of the second-generation quartz (Qtz2) are characterized by clear bright gray oscillatory overgrowths with medium Ti concentrations of 51–70 ppm with elevated and variable amounts of Al, Li, and Fe, and low K. The Ti-in quartz geothermometer indicates crystallization temperatures of 672–706°C. Samples of the third-generation quartz (Qtz3) contain narrow light gray rims assaying 56–93 ppm Ti, 80–101 ppm Al, 11–19 ppm Li, 1.42–17 ppm K, and 2–25 ppm Fe. The Qtz3 crystallised crystallized at higher temperatures of 706–799°C. Our study indicates that the quartz phenocryst in the Hongniu–Hongshan porphyry may have undergone two mixing episodes involving a second hotter magma. Before the first resorption, average Ti concentration in the quartz phenocryst cores was 24 ppm, and Ti of the bright band halo at the edge of the crystal core is 56 ppm; the maximum temperature difference is 109°C higher than that of the pre-resorption. Furthermore, the Ti concentration is 75 ppm at the edge of the quartz phenocryst before resorption. After resorption, the average Ti increased to 81 ppm at maximum temperature difference of 54°C higher than that of pre-resorption. Moreover, on the basis of quartz composition collected from 14 different deposits and our new dataset, we propose that covariations of Ge/Al ratio can be used to effectively discriminate magmatic quartz and hydrothermal quartz. Magmatic quartz has a Ge/Al ratio of <0.013, and the hydrothermal quartz has a ratio of >0.013.
Black Start and Voltage Establishment Strategy for PMSG-Based Wind Turbine
Authors: Ji Xiaotong , Liu Dan , Hu Pan , Cao Kan , Jiang Kezheng , Huang Guohang , Huang Sheng
Published: May 2022

During the black start, backup ac power sources such as diesel generators can offer line-side voltage reference for wind turbine and keep line-side converter of wind turbine work properly so that the dc-link capacitor voltage within converter can be established without overcharge. This study proposes a black start control strategy and line-side voltage establishment method for PMSG-based wind turbines with no ac power source. Unlike the traditional control strategy of full power grid-connected converters, the dc-link voltage within back-to-back full power converters of wind turbines can be controlled by generator-side converters, and the line-side voltage can be established by line-side converters with the help of fixed loads. The mechanical power can be balanced by pitch angle control, and the power unbalance between mechanical power and electrical power will be reflected in the rotor speed of PMSG. By this method, a single wind turbine can establish the line-side voltage with no extra backup ac power source, offering voltage reference for the other wind turbines during the black start of a wind power plant.
The Ecotoxicity Approach as a Tool for Assessing Vermiremediation Effectiveness in Polychlorobiphenyls, Polychlorodibenzo-p-Dioxins and Furans Contaminated Soils
Authors: Remelli Sara , Celico Fulvio , Menta Cristina
Published: May 2022

Chemical analyses are inadequate for assessing soil biological quality. Instead, the soil living community can be used both for monitoring and restoring soil health. The aim of this research was to verify vermiremediation efficiency in PCDD/F and PCB contaminated soils from Brescia-Caffaro (Italy), using an ecotoxicity approach. To gauge whether Caffaro soil could sustain a living community, a characterization of the arthropod community was conducted. Earthworms’ suitability for soil bioremediation was assessed applying ecotoxicity tests. Five treatments were set up: 1) contaminated soil; 2) contaminated soil + Eisenia fetida; 3) contaminated soil + Lepidium sativum; 4) contaminated soil + E. fetida + L. sativum, 5) uncontaminated soil + E. fetida. The ecotoxicity tests were: L. sativum germination index and root elongation inhibition, and Folsomia candida survival and reproduction, applied on soil and elutriate on: starter soil (T0), after 56 and 112 days (T56 and T112), the last after water percolation. Soil arthropod community was dominated by Hypogastruridae, Oribatida and, to a lesser degree, Formicidae and Coleoptera larvae. Ecotoxicity tests showed that F. candida reproduction and L. sativum root elongation were more adversely affected by pollutants than survival and germination. The higher soil ecotoxicity at T112 than at T56, suggested higher contaminant bioavailability after water addition. F. candida showed more variability between soil and elutriate than L. sativum. Both bioassays suggested earthworm treatment as the most promising. The importance of selecting different organisms in soil ecotoxicity monitoring, and the role of elutriate like a solid phase complement, was highlighted.
The Mating Pattern of Captive Naked Mole-Rats Is Best Described by a Monogamy Model
Authors: Szafranski Karol , Wetzel Michaela , Holtze Susanne , Büntjen Ina , Lieckfeldt Dietmar , Ludwig Arne , Huse Klaus , Platzer Matthias , Hildebrandt Thomas
Published: May 2022

Naked mole-rats form colonies with a single reproductively active female surrounded by subordinate workers. Workers perform offspring care, construction and defense of the burrow system, and food supply. Such division of labor, called “cooperative breeding,” is strongly associated with the evolution of monogamous mating behavior, as seen in several mammalian lineages. This association is explained by the evolutionary theory of kin selection, according to which a subordinate adult may help to raise other’s offspring if they are in full sibling relationship. In conflict with this theory, the naked mole-rat is widely considered to be polyandrous, based on reports on multiple males contributing to a colony’s progeny. In order to resolve this contrast, we undertook an in-depth microsatellite-based kinship analysis on captive colonies. Four independent colonies comprising a total of 265 animals were genotyped using a panel of 73 newly established microsatellite markers. Our results show that each mole-rat colony contains a single monogamous breeder pair, which translates to a reproductive skew of 100% for both sexes. This finding, also in conjunction with previously published parental data, favors monogamy as the best-fitting model to describe naked mole-rat reproduction patterns. Polyandry or other polygamous reproduction models are disfavored and should be considered as exceptional. Overall, the empirical genetic data are in agreement with the kin selection theory.
Integrated Single Cell and Bulk RNA-Seq Analysis Revealed Immunomodulatory Effects of Ulinastatin in Sepsis: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Lin , Jin Senjun , Yang Min , Gui Chunmei , Yuan Yingpu , Dong Guangtao , Zeng Weizhong , Zeng Jing , Hu Guoxin , Qiao Lujun , Wang Jinhua , Xi Yonglin , Sun Jian , Wang Nan , Wang Minmin , Xing Lifeng , Yang Yi , Teng Yan , Hou Junxia , Bi Qiaojie , Cai Huabo , Zhang Gensheng , Hong Yucai , Zhang Zhongheng
Published: May 2022

Sepsis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit, which is caused by unregulated inflammatory response leading to organ injuries. Ulinastatin (UTI), an immunomodulatory agent, is widely used in clinical practice and is associated with improved outcomes in sepsis. But its underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Our study integrated bulk and single cell RNA-seq data to systematically explore the potential mechanisms of the effects of UTI in sepsis. After adjusting for potential confounders in the negative binomial regression model, there were more genes being downregulated than being upregulated in the UTI group. These down-regulated genes were enriched in the neutrophil involved immunity such as neutrophil activation and degranulation, indicating the immunomodulatory effects of UTI is mediated via regulation of neutrophil activity. By deconvoluting the bulk RNA-seq samples to obtain fractions of cell types, the Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) were significantly expanded in the UTI treated samples. Further cell-cell communication analysis revealed some signaling pathways such as ANEEXIN, GRN and RESISTIN that might be involved in the immunomodulatory effects of UTI. The study provides a comprehensive reference map of transcriptional states of sepsis treated with UTI, as well as a general framework for studying UTI-related mechanisms.
Composition and Potential Functions of Bacterial Communities Associated With Aurelia Polyps
Authors: Li Yongxue , Hao Wenjin , Peng Saijun , Sun Tingting , Zhao Jianmin , Dong Zhijun
Published: May 2022

Jellyfish and their associated microbes form an ecological unit called the holobiont. Changes in the composition of dominant microbial assemblages may influence the environmental resilience and function of the holobionts. Differentiating the microbial communities from diverse jellyfish is essential for characterizing the functional contributions of microorganisms but has not been fully explored. In this study, based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we investigated the composition of microbial communities associated with two Aurelia polyp species (Aurelia coerulea and Aurelia solida) obtained from seven locations, which were maintained under the same environmental conditions. Sequence analysis showed that the genera Sphingomonas, Phyllobacterium, and Ralstonia were the most abundant members of the Aurelia-associated microbial communities and dominated the core microbiome of the Aurelia polyps in this study. Functional prediction revealed that chemoheterotrophy and aerobic chemoheterotrophy, based on the FAPROTAX dataset, were the primary functions of the associated microbes of Aurelia polyps. In addition, the comparison of microbial communities from different Aurelia polyp populations revealed interspecific instead of intraspecific variation, indicating a correlation between the composition of the symbiotic microbiota and genetic background of Aurelia polyps.
Doubling Down on Wicked Problems: Ocean ArtScience Collaborations for a Sustainable Future
Authors: Jung Julia , Gupa Dennis , Hash Colton , Thoms Jol , Owens Dwight , Threlfall John , Juniper S. Kim
Published: May 2022

The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development recognizes the current ocean sustainability crisis and calls for a transformation of ocean science. Many of the key challenges recognized by the UN Decade are examples of wicked problems: intractable and messy situations with high stakeholder divergence. Addressing wicked ocean sustainability problems requires adaptable, iterative, and participatory approaches that can embrace multiple ways of knowing. It also requires a re-imagining of our relationship with the Ocean from extraction and resulting environmental degradation, towards the building of a sense of connection and stewardship. We propose ArtScience as a means to this end by highlighting how transdisciplinary collaborations can help create sustainable ocean futures. We reflect on a recent ArtScience event emerging from Ocean Networks Canada’s Artist-in-Residence programme. By situating ArtScience in a broader context of inter- and transdisciplinary collaborations, we demonstrate how ArtScience collaborations can help transform ocean science by envisioning previously unimagined possibilities, and establishing and strengthening relationships with diverse stakeholders through long-term mission-driven or place-based inquiry. We conclude with a call to action to acknowledge the potential these collaborations hold for addressing the challenges of the UN Ocean Decade.
Heavy Smoking Patients Receiving a Lung Cancer Screen Want to Quit: A Call for Tailored Cessation Interventions
Authors: Bernstein Michael H. , Baird Grayson L. , Oueidat Karim , Agarwal Saurabh , Atalay Alexander , Healey Shannon , Healey Terrance T.
Published: May 2022

Background

Lung cancer screening for current or former heavy smokers is now recommended among all asymptomatic adults 50–80 years old with a 20 pack-year history of smoking. However, little is known about the smoking-related attitudes of this population.

Method

An assessment was conducted among 1,472 current smokers who presented for an annual lung cancer screen at one of 12 diagnostic imaging sites in Rhode Island between April 2019 and May 2020. Patients were asked about their use of smoking products, interest in quitting, and smoking-related attitudes.

Results

Patients smoked a median of 16 cigarettes per day; 86.6% were daily cigarette smokers and 30.1% were daily cigar smokers. In total, 91.4% of patients were, to some degree, interested in quitting smoking and 71.4% were seriously thinking about quitting in the next 6 months or sooner. Patients planned on smoking less regardless of whether their lung screen was positive or negative for cancer, though they were more likely to plan on smoking less if negative (on 0–3 pt Likert scale: 0.31, 95% CI [0.27, 0.34] vs. 0.77, 95% CI [0.72, 0.81]). Confidence in quitting and belief in one’s inherent ability to quit smoking varied substantially within the sample.

Conclusion

Nearly all current smokers receiving a lung cancer screen have some interest in smoking cessation. Due to the heterogeneity in some smoking-related attitudes, tailored interventions for this population should be tested.
Advanced Glycation End Products in the Skin: Molecular Mechanisms, Methods of Measurement, and Inhibitory Pathways
Authors: Chen Chun-yu , Zhang Jia-Qi , Li Li , Guo Miao-miao , He Yi-fan , Dong Yin-mao , Meng Hong , Yi Fan
Published: May 2022

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are a series of stable compounds produced under non-enzymatic conditions by the amino groups of biomacromolecules and the free carbonyl groups of glucose or other reducing sugars commonly produced by thermally processed foods. AGEs can cause various diseases, such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, neurodegeneration, and chronic kidney disease, by triggering the receptors of AGE (RAGEs) in the human body. There is evidence that AGEs can also affect the different structures and physiological functions of the skin. However, the mechanism is complicated and cumbersome and causes various harms to the skin. This article aims to identify and summarise the formation and characteristics of AGEs, focussing on the molecular mechanisms by which AGEs affect the composition and structure of normal skin substances at different skin layers and induce skin issues. We also discuss prevention and inhibition pathways, provide a systematic and comprehensive method for measuring the content of AGEs in human skin, and summarise and analyse their advantages and disadvantages. This work can help researchers acquire a deeper understanding of the relationship between AGEs and the skin and provides a basis for the development of effective ingredients that inhibit glycation.
How Donor and Surgical Factors Affect the Viability and Functionality of Human Hepatocytes Isolated From Liver Resections
Authors: Solanas Estela , Sanchez-Fuentes Nieves , Serrablo Alejandro , Lue Alberto , Lorente Sara , Cortés Luis , Lanas Angel , Baptista Pedro M. , Serrano M. Trinidad
Published: May 2022

Liver resections are a significant source of primary human hepatocytes used mainly in artificial liver devices and pharmacological and biomedical studies. However, it is not well known how patient-donor and surgery-dependent factors influence isolated hepatocytes’ yield, viability, and function. Hence, we aimed to analyze the impact of all these elements on the outcome of human hepatocyte isolation.

Patients and methods

Hepatocytes were isolated from liver tissue from patients undergoing partial hepatectomy using a two-step collagenase method. Hepatocyte viability, cell yield, adhesion, and functionality were measured. In addition, clinical and analytical patient variables were collected and the use or absence of vascular clamping and its type (continuous or intermittent) plus the ischemia times during surgery.

Results

Malignant disease, previous chemotherapy, and male gender were associated with lower hepatocyte viability and isolation cell yields. The previous increase in transaminases was also associated with lower yields on isolation and lower albumin production. Furthermore, ischemia secondary to vascular clamping during surgery was inversely correlated with the isolated hepatocyte viability. An ischemia time higher than 15 min was related to adverse effects on viability.

Conclusion

Several factors correlated with the patient and the surgery directly influence the success of human hepatocyte isolation from patients undergoing liver resection.
Biocontrol and Action Mechanism of Bacillus subtilis Lipopeptides’ Fengycins Against Alternaria solani in Potato as Assessed by a Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Zhang Dai , Qiang Ran , Zhou Zhijun , Pan Yang , Yu Shuiqing , Yuan Wei , Cheng Jianing , Wang Jinhui , Zhao Dongmei , Zhu Jiehua , Yang Zhihui
Published: May 2022

Alternaria solani is an airborne fungus and the primary causal agent of potato early blight worldwide. No available fungicides that are both effective and environmentally friendly are usable to control this fungus. Therefore, biological control is a potential approach for its suppression. In this study, Bacillus subtilis strain ZD01’s fermentation broth strongly reduced A. solani pathogenicity under greenhouse conditions. The effects of strain ZD01’s secondary metabolites on A. solani were investigated. The exposure of A. solani hyphae to the supernatant resulted in swelling and swollen sacs, and the ZD01 supernatant reduced A. solani conidial germination significantly. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry and pure product tests revealed that fengycins were the main antifungal lipopeptide substances. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of the fengycins’ biological control, RNA sequencing analyses were performed. A transcriptome analysis revealed that 304 and 522 genes in A. solani were differentially expressed after 2-h and 6-h fengycin treatments, respectively. These genes were respectively mapped to 53 and 57 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. In addition, the most enriched KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the inhibitory mechanisms of fengycins against A. solani regulated the expression of genes related to cell wall, cell membrane, transport, energy process, protein synthesis and genetic information. In particular, cell wall and cell membrane metabolism were the main processes affected by fengycin stress. Scanning and transmission electron microscope results revealed hyphal enlargement and a wide range of abnormalities in A. solani cells after exposure to fengycins. Furthermore, fengycins induced chitin synthesis in treated cells, and also caused the capture of cellular fluorescent green labeling and the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from outer membranes of A. solani cells, which may enhance the fengycins ability to alter cell membrane permeability. Thus, this study increases the transcriptome data resources available and supplies a molecular framework for B. subtilis ZD01 inhibition of A. solani HWC-168 through various mechanisms, especially damaging A. solani cell walls and membranes. The transcriptomic insights may lead to an effective control strategy for potato early blight.
Functional Flexibility of Exosomes and MicroRNAs of Intestinal Epithelial Cells in Affecting Inflammation
Authors: Park Eun Jeong , Shimaoka Motomu , Kiyono Hiroshi
Published: May 2022

Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) are a mucosal immune barrier essential to coordinate host–microbe crosstalk. Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory syndrome with dysfunction in multiple organs including the intestine whose epithelial barrier is deregulated. Thus, IECs are a main contributor to intestinal permeability and inflammation in sepsis. Exosomes emerge as a mediator of intercellular and inter-organic communications. Recently, IEC-derived exosomes and their cargoes, such as microRNAs (miRNAs), in sepsis were shown to regulate the expression of proinflammatory mediators in the inflamed gut tissues. It is a compelling hypothesis that these IEC exosomes exhibit their dynamic activity to deliver their functional miRNA cargoes to immune cells in local and distant organs to regulate proinflammatory responses and alleviate tissue injury. Also, epithelial tight junction (TJ) proteins are downregulated on gut inflammation. Some of the IEC miRNAs were reported to deteriorate the epithelial integrity by diminishing TJ expressions in intestines during sepsis and aging. Thus, it is worth revisiting and discussing the diverse functions of IEC exosomes and miRNAs in reshaping inflammations. This review includes both iterative and hypothetical statements based on current knowledge in this field.