bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Targeting Human progesterone receptor (PR), through Pharmacophore- based screening and molecular simulation revealed potent inhibitors against breast cancer
Authors: Shahab Muhammad , Ziyu Peng , Zheng Guojun , Almaary Khalid S. , Wondmie Gezahign Fentahun , Bouhrhia Mohammed
Published: September 2023

Breast cancer, the prevailing malignant tumor among women, is linked to progesterone and its receptor (PR) in both tumorigenesis and treatment responsiveness. Despite thorough investigation, the precise molecular mechanisms of progesterone in breast cancer remain unclear. The human progesterone receptor (PR) serves as an essential therapeutic target for breast cancer treatment, warranting the rapid design of small molecule therapeutics that can effectively inhibit HPR. By employing cutting-edge computational techniques like molecular screening, simulation, and free energy calculation, the process of identifying potential lead molecules from natural products has been significantly expedited. In this study, we employed pharmacophore-based virtual screening and molecular simulations to identify natural product-based inhibitors of human progesterone receptor (PR) in breast cancer treatment. High-throughput molecular screening of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and zinc databases was performed, leading to the identification of potential lead compounds. The analysis of binding modes for the top two compounds from each database provides valuable structural insights into the inhibition of HPR for breast cancer treatment. The top four hits exhibited enhanced stability and compactness compared to the reference compound. In conclusion, our study provides valuable insights for identifying and refining lead compounds as HPR inhibitors.
Uric acid mitigates cognitive deficits via transcription factor EB - mediated microglial autophagy in mice models of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Xiao Qian , Wang Jiaojiao , Tian Qiuyun , Tian Na , Tian Qi , He Xin , Wang Yutian , Dong Zhifang
Published: September 2023

Clinical trials have demonstrated the potential neuroprotective effects of uric acid in Alzheimer's disease. However, the specific mechanism underlying the neuroprotective effect of uric acid remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the neuroprotective effect and underlying mechanism of uric acid in Alzheimer's disease mouse models. Various behavioral tests including elevated plus maze, Barnes maze, and Morris water maze was conducted to evaluate the impact of uric acid on cognitive function in β-amyloid microinjection and APP23/PS45 double transgenic mice models of Alzheimer's disease. Immunohistochemical staining was employed to visualize pathological changes in the brains of Alzheimer's disease mice. Western blotting and immunofluorescence techniques were used to assess levels of autophagy-related proteins and transcription factor EB -related signaling pathways. BV2 cells were used to investigate the association between uric acid and microglial autophagy. We reported that uric acid treatment significantly alleviated memory decline and β-amyloid pathology in β-amyloid -induced Alzheimer's disease model mice and APP23/PS45 double transgenic Alzheimer's disease model mice. Furthermore, uric acid activated microglia and upregulated the autophagy-related proteins such as LC3II/I ratio, Beclin-1 and LAMP1 in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease model mice. Similarly, uric acid protected BV2 cells from β-amyloid toxicity by upregulating the expressions of Beclin-1, LAMP1 and the LC3II/I ratio, whereas genetic inhibition of transcription factor EB completely abolished these protective effects. Our results indicate that uric acid may serve as a novel activator of transcription factor EB to induce microglia autophagy and facilitate β-amyloid degradation, thereby improving cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease model mice. Therefore, these findings suggest that uric acid may be a novel therapeutic agent for Alzheimer's disease treatment.
Impact of Chilling Temperature and Its Exposure Period on Survival, Flight Ability and Sterility of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Hossain Md. Forhad , Ghosh Ananna , Hossain M Aftab , Seheli Kajla
Published: September 2023

The tiny bloodsuckers Aedes aegypti is the primary vector of some fatal diseases like dengue, zika and yellow fever which presents a significant concern for the healthcare sector of Bangladesh. To manage this insect pest, the feasibility of sterile insect technique (SIT) in Bangladesh is being investigated for which quality radio-sterilized males are indispensable. Typically, the sterile males are chilled at low temperature to facilitate their transportation from rear-out-facility to the release site, concurrently to minimize the metabolism, stress and physical damage. In this study, the impact of chilling temperatures (4, 7 and 10°C) and exposure periods (1, 4, 8 and 24h) have been studied on the survival, chill-coma recovery rate (CCRR), induced sterility and flight ability of lab-reared local A. aegypti strain. Different chilling temperatures showed insignificant effect on CCRR except the 24h exposure duration. Log-rank test of Kaplan-Meier survival curve resulted the significant effect of chilling temperature and duration on the survival. Notably, the chilling temperature of 7°C exposed for 1h was found to be optimum in terms of survival. Hence, the induced sterility and flight ability were studied only for this specific temperature and duration, revealing the insignificant effects between the sterile-chilled and sterile but non-chilled A. aegypti. This study underscores the recommendation to chill the mosquitoes at 7°C for 1h which will be helpful for the implementation of SIT in Bangladesh.
The study of the role of Purified anti-mouse CD193 (CCR3) Antibody in allergic rhinitis mouse animal models
Authors: Bao Youwei , Wu Zhaokun , Zhu Xinhua , Jiang Yinli , Zhang Ying , Zhu Yu , Deng Yi , Liu Wenqiang , Wei Mengyi , Xiao Yating , Luo Weiming , Liu Zheng , Wu Jun
Published: September 2023

The pathogenesis of allergic asthma is similar to that of allergic rhinitis, with inflammation cells producing and releasing inflammatory mediators and cytokines closely related to CCR3. Related literature has reported that the use of CCR3 monoclonal antibodies can improve symptoms such as allergic enteritis and allergic pneumonitis. Based on the theory of "one airway, one disease", the use of CCR3 monoclonal antibodies may also have a similar effect on allergic rhinitis. However, there are currently few research reports on the application of CCR3 monoclonal antibodies in allergic rhinitis. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effective concentration of CCR3 monoclonal antibodies and compare the effects of different dosing methods, as well as detecting the lung condition of allergic mice to investigate whether antibody treatment can protect the lungs.
On the basis of successfully constructing a mouse model of allergic rhinitis, this study uses intraperitoneal injection of three different doses of CCR3 mAb (5uL/mg, 10uL/mg, and 20uL/mg) to observe its therapeutic effects: observing changes in tissue morphology of nasal mucosa, infiltration of inflammation, and using ELISA to detect changes in relevant inflammatory mediators and cytokines, studying the role of CCR3 mAb in inhibiting CCR3-related actions on the nasal mucosa of allergic rhinitis mice. Furthermore, based on the effective concentration, two dosing methods were compared: intraperitoneal injection and topical administration to study the therapeutic effects of both dosing methods.
Potential of Waste Wood Ash as an Additive in Soil Grouting
Authors: Hamed Majid , Abdulhaleem Khamees N. , Mohammed Waleed
Published: September 2023

The study investigated the use of waste wood ash (WWA) as a cement replacement in low-plasticity clayey soil. Various replacement ratios of WWA were examined (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%). A binder (cement + WWA) to soil was 0.2 and the water to the binder ratios was 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 has been conducted. The results indicated a moderate improvement in the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the soil up to a replacement ratio of 6%. However, higher replacement ratios resulted in a longer setting time of the binder. The bulk density of the soil decreased with increasing WWA content. Overall, the use of WWA as a cement replacement has the potential to enhance soil strength, but careful consideration of the replacement ratio is necessary to avoid negative effects on strength and setting time. Further research is needed to explore the impact of WWA on other geotechnical properties of the soil for a comprehensive evaluation of its suitability as a soil stabilization technique.
Downregulation of enhancer RNA AC003092.1 is associated with poor prognosis in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Chen , Li Lili , Xiong Xi , Yuan Yuan , Yang Jun , Luo Pengcheng , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2023

Purpose: Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) is the most common histological type of renal cancer, enhancer RNA plays a significant role in tumor growth, however, it has been less studied in renal cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of eRNA AC003092.1 in KIRC.
Methods：Clinical and RNA expression data were downloaded from a TCGA database, and performed bioinformatics analysis, including expression level analysis, survival analysis, clinical correlation analysis, immune correlation analysis. We further confirmed the expression level of AC003092.1 between normal and tumor cell, predicted the biological role of AC003092.1 in KIRC, and performed cell proliferation and wound healing assays, followed by GSEA enrichment analysis and western blot to detect the proteins of the enriched pathway.
Results: Bioinformatics results showed that AC003092.1 expression was elevated in tumor tissues, and knockdown of AC003092.1 expression inhibited cell proliferation and migration. GSEA and western blot results showed that knockdown AC003092.1 expression alleviated the extracellular matrix (ECM) process in KIRC cell lines.
Conclusion：Our study provides evidence that AC003092.1 play an important role in KIRC, and AC003092.1 may promote tumor cell progression by affecting the ECM process during tumor development.
Exogenous input autoregressive model optimization based on mixed variables for offline prediction CNC Swiss lathes thermal errors
Authors: Wu Shan , Kong Lingfei , Wang Aokun , Lu Qianhai , Feng Xiaoyang
Published: September 2023

Accurate prediction models of thermal errors are very useful for improving the machining accuracy of machine tools; it is also the core of thermal error compensation technology. Often, it is preferable to predict thermal deformation using the exogenous input autoregressive model, as opposed to computational inaccuracy and non-robustness existing in the static model. However, the autoregressive model needs to measure the thermal error online, which can be intrusive to the production process and reduce production efficiency. Previously, applying models to solving the engineering problem of machine thermal errors requires balancing accuracy and productivity. To simultaneously ensure prediction accuracy, robustness and productivity, this paper presents a new exogenous input autoregressive modeling approach based on mixed variables (MV-ARX) in CNC Swiss lathes. In addition, offline prediction is achieved by replacing online measurements with estimates of thermal errors. The effects of factors on thermal error, such as ambient temperature and spindle speed, are analyzed through thermal characteristic experiments. The K-means clustering method was used to select the thermal critical point, and the exogenous input autoregressive prediction model was optimized by combining the selected temperature variables with the spindle speed to improve the accuracy and robustness of offline prediction. The effectiveness of the proposed model is verified by comparing it with conventional models based on temperature-variable autoregression (TV-ARX) and multiple linear regression (MLR).
Foreign Ownership in Tax and Tunneling Incentive Relations - Transfer Pricing: The Case of a Multinational Company on the Indonesia Stock Exchange
Authors: Yuliana Indah , Rasheeda Salma , Nasikin Yayan , Ainiyah Faida
Published: September 2023

This study aims to analyze the direct relationship between tax and tunneling incentives with transfer pricing and moderation of foreign ownership in the relationship between tax and tunneling incentives and transfer pricing in multinational manufacturing companies in Indonesia. These results are useful for viewing company behavior in tunneling activities from a different perspective as well as for seeing companies with foreign ownership as vulnerable to transfer pricing and tunneling incentive transactions. The results of the study show that taxes and tunneling incentives simultaneously have an effect on transfer pricing, but partially tunneling incentives have no effect on transfer pricing and taxes have a positive effect on transfer pricing. Foreign ownership is able to moderate the effect of the tax variable on transfer pricing and foreign ownership is unable to moderate the effect of tunneling incentives on transfer pricing.
Compartmental intra-abdominal pressure risk in severe acute pancreatitis is prospectively assessed
Authors: Saad Hassan A. , Eraky Mohamed E. , El-Tahe¹ Ahmed K , Riad¹ Mohamed , Farid Mohamed I , Sharaf Khaled
Published: September 2023

Background
Hospital death is significant in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). These patients have elevated intraabdominal pressure (IAP), which may result in organ dysfunction. The goals of this study were to examine the overall incidence of rising IAP in patients with SAP, as well as the progression of organ dysfunction and risk of mortality factors for higher IAP.
Methods
Between 2020 and 2023, 118 cases of acute pancreatitis were managed in the intensive care unit of (University). Patients were categorized into quartiles 1–4. The intravesical technique was used to assess elevated IAP levels.
Results
Peak IAP, max SOFA score, max APACHE II score, top creatinine level, and age, with lactate peak level, were substantially related to IAP and were higher in nonsurvivors. The maximal IAP in retrospective groups 1–4 was 7–14, 15–18, 19–24, and 25–33 mmHg, respectively, with hospital mortality rates of 10%, 12.5%, 22.2%, and 50%, respectively. Respectively, the difference was statistically significant. The highest quality ICU-free days were 45.7, 38.8, 32.0, and 27.5 days, respectively. Categories one–four had significant statistical significance.
Conclusion
A greater IAP in SAP cases presented with early organ damage and fewer ICU-free days. IAP was assessed throughout ICU inpatient care to determine the cure rate after decompression.
Effect of host preference on bacterial microbiota of the bed bug species Cimex hemipterus
Authors: Mwamundela Baraka E. , Ismail Ashura M. , Mariën Joachim , Nzalawahe Jahashi S. , Mnyone Ladslaus L.
Published: September 2023

Bed bug infestations are growing globally as a result of increased travel, poor hygiene, and chemical resistance, making treatment more difficult. Like in other arthropods, understanding the bed bug gut microbiota composition can provide valuable insights for developing safe and effective control strategies by manipulating the bacteria found within. So far, little is known about how blood-meal sources impact the microbial compositions of bed bugs (Cimex hemipterus). We studied bed bug bacterial diversity after feeding on five host species: Humans, rats, mice, guinea pigs and bats. Bed bugs were fed on different blood sources every two days for 10 minutes, and DNA samples were extracted and analyzed using Illumina sequencing and the DADA2 pipeline method. The findings show that bacterial composition and diversity differed based on the blood-meal source, with only the Proteobacteria phylum consistently dominant across all bed bug samples (158011 sequences ), the most dominant genera were Wolbachia (136134 sequences, 86.15%) followed by Pectobacterium (21708, 13.74% sequences). The Wolbachia was found in three strains: Wolbachia1, Wolbachia2 and Wolbachia3. These represented 85.03% (134,367 sequences), 1.08% (1,701 sequences), and 0.04% (66 sequences) of the Wolbachia diversity in our samples. Furthermore, Salmonella with 158 (0.1%) sequences and Massilia with 11 (0.01%) sequences were the only pathogenic bacteria and were found in bed bugs fed on Guinea pigs and humans respectively. Our findings indicate that bed bugs feeding on humans have greater microbial diversity compared to those feeding on guinea pigs, rats, mice, or bats.
Exploration and research on ammonium free green leaching agent for ionic rare earth ore and influencing factors of soil slope stability
Authors: dengy yunchuan , Kang Shijie , Yang Jie , Yu Hongdong
Published: September 2023

This study analyzes the factors affecting the stability of soil slopes in the mining process of ammonium-free green leach of ionic rare earth ore through the research exploration related to ammonium-free green leach on the indoor similar simulation test, this paper sets up the research exploration of several ammonium-free green leach indoor similar simulation factors according to the role of soil particles, groundwater, etc., comparing and analyzing the role of ammonium-free green leach on seepage, time, and the role of precipitation on friction and cohesion. According to these three intrinsic influencing factors of ionic rare earth ore soil slope stability, combined with the relevant extrinsic influencing factors, the mine landslide was studied, which contributes to the exploration research of ammonium-free green leaching agent for ionic rare earth ore and analyzing influencing factors of soil slope stability, and provides an important theoretical basis for ammonium-free green, safe mining of ionic rare earth ore.
An Effective and Environmentally Friendly One-pot Multicomponent Approach for the Synthesis of spiroannulated hybrid molecules with Preferred Substructures using Indium Triflate as an efficient and Reusable Catalyst
Authors: Verma Asha , Kumar Sandeep , Khatri Vineeta , Pathak Gargi , Arya Dinesh Kumar
Published: September 2023

An Effective and Environmentally friendly, In(OTf)3 catalysed multicomponent approach to the synthesis of spiroannulated indolinequinolines, indoline pyridopyrimidines, chromeno pyridineindolines and indeno pyridineindolines has been presented the first time. The current approach uses an indium triflate catalyst in a one-pot four-component reaction of isatin, malononitrile, 1,3-Diketone, and 4-ethylaniline in ethyl alcohol. The current protocol presents multiple advantages that including operational simplicity with easy workup, moderate reaction conditions, shorter reaction times (25-40 min), excellent yields (85-96%) with superior atom economy, and environmentally friendly reaction conditions due to the use of recyclable, and non-hazardous catalyst.
Machine learning-based predictions and analyses of the creep rupture life of the Ni-based single crystal superalloy
Authors: Chen Yanzhan , Zhao Yaohua
Published: September 2023

The evaluation of creep rupture life is complex due to its variable formation mechanism. In this paper, machine learning algorithms are applied to explore the creep rupture life span as a function of 27 physical properties to address this issue. By training several classical machine learning models and comparing their prediction performance, XGBoost is finally selected as the predictive model for creep rupture life. Moreover, we introduce an interpretable method, Shapley additive explanations (SHAP), to explain the creep rupture life predicted by the XGBoost model. The SHAP values are then calculated, and the feature importance of the creep rupture life yielded by the XGBoost model is discussed. Finally, the creep fracture life is optimized by using the chaotic sparrow optimization algorithm. We then show that our proposed method can accurately predict creep properties in a cheaper and faster way than other approaches in the experiments. The proposed method can be used for the inverse design of alloys.
3D3C rainbow particle tracking velocimetry: improving depth resolution and velocity vector acquisition rate by using color space for a multi-cycle rainbow pattern
Authors: Takeyama Mao , Suto Hitoshi , Hattori Yasuo
Published: September 2023

Rainbow particle tracking velocimetry can be used to measure 3D3C flow velocity vectors with a single color camera. The particle depth position is calculated from the hue degree of a particle color. A liquid-crystal display (LCD) projector can be used conveniently as a light source of the color pattern in place of the spectral diffraction of white light. Another advantage of using an LCD projector is the ability to change the RGB components of the color pattern. In this study, the rainbow color pattern was modified to increase available color. Colors with the same hue degree but different saturations were used in the color pattern. Using color space enhanced positional resolution in the color change direction. The parameters of new color patterns were number of cycles, saturation continuity and range of color space. They were designed and their performances were compared. The effective resolution in color change direction enhanced 2.4 times from original patten (single cycle rainbow), and velocity vector acquisition rate improved, in particular, for the range of small amount movement per step. Graphical Abstract
Re-exploration of prognosis in type B thymomas: establishment of a predictive nomogram model
Authors: Zhao Ke , Liu Lei , Zhou Xiaoyun , Wang Guige , Zhang Jiaqi , Gao Xuehan , Yang Libing , Rao Ke , Guo Chao , Zhang Ye , Huang Cheng , Liu Hongsheng , Li Shanqing , Chen Yeye
Published: September 2023

Objective
To explore the risk factors for disease progression after initial treatment of type B thymomas using a predictive nomogram model.
Methods
A single-center retrospective study of patients with type B thymoma was performed. The Cox proportional hazard model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Variables with statistical and clinical significance in the multivariate Cox regression were integrated into a nomogram to establish a predictive model for disease progression.
Results
A total of 353 cases with type B thymoma were retrieved between January 2012 and December 2021. The median follow-up was 58 months (range: 1-128 months). The 10-year progression-free survival (PFS) was 91.8%. The final nomogram model included R0 resection status and Masaoka stage, with a concordance index of 0.880. Non-R0 resection and advanced Masaoka stage were negative prognostic factors for disease progression (p < 0.001). No benefits of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) were observed in patients with advanced stage and non-R0 resection (p = 0.114 and 0.284, respectively).
Conclusion
The best treatment strategy for type B thymoma is the detection and achievement of R0 resection as early as possible. Long-term follow-up is necessary, especially for patients with advanced Masaoka stage and who have not achieved R0 resection. No prognostic benefits were observed for PORT.
Initial characterization of a transgenic mouse with overexpression of the human D1-dopamine receptor in the heart
Authors: Rayo-Abella Lina Maria , Jacob Hannes , Hofmann Britt , Schneider Sarah , Schindler Lisa , Keller Max , Buchwalow Igor B. , Jin CongYu , Panula Pertti , Dhein Stefan , Klimas Jan , Hadova Katarína , Gergs Ulrich , Neumann Joachim
Published: September 2023

Dopamine can exert effects in the mammalian heart via five different dopamine receptors. There is controversy whether dopamine receptors increase contractility in the human heart. Therefore, we have generated mice that overexpress the human D1-dopamine receptor in the heart (D1-TG) and hypothesized that dopamine increases force of contraction and beating rate compared to wild type mice (WT). In D1-TG hearts, we ascertained the presence of D1-dopamine receptors by autoradiography using [3H]SKF 38393. The mRNA for human D1-dopamine receptors was present in D1-TG hearts and absent in WT. We detected by in-situ-hybridization mRNA for D1-dopamine receptors in atrial and ventricular D1-TG cardiomyocytes compared to WT but also in human atrial preparations. We noted that in the presence of 10 µM propranolol (to antagonize β-adrenoceptors), dopamine alone and the D1- and D5-dopamine receptor agonist SKF 38393 (0.1 µM – 10 µM cumulatively applied) exerted concentration- and time-dependent positive inotropic effects and positive chronotropic effects in left or right atrial preparations from D1-TG. The positive inotropic effects of SKF 38393 in left atrial preparations from D1-TG led to an increased rate of relaxation and accompanied by and probably caused by an augmented phosphorylation state of the inhibitory subunit of troponin. In the presence of 0.4 µM propranolol, 1 µM dopamine could increase left ventricular force of contraction in isolated perfused hearts from D1-TG. In this model, we have demonstrated a positive inotropic and chronotropic effect of dopamine. Thus, in principle, the human D1-dopamine receptor can couple to contractility in the mammalian heart.
Application Research on Groundwater-level Rise and Diversion Measures in Subway Station Operation Period Based on Similar Physical Models
Authors: Guo Jianmin , Zeng Chunpin , Hu Tao , Gao Yang , Li Xin , Jia Chao , Huang Xue
Published: September 2023

Blocking seepage channels in underground engineering construction can easily cause changes in groundwater level and lead to a series of problems of deterioration of the geological environment. This paper uses the physical model test system and the preparation method of the corresponding stratum similar materials to carry out the physical model test of the application of the water fluctuation and diversion measures represented by the subway station. In this way, the excavation process of the subway structure is restored and the influencing factors of the water level fluctuation are studied. Firstly, according to the similarity theory, clay-similar, sand-similar and rock-similar materials were prepared using sand, clay, blanc fixe, iron powder and other raw materials. The simulation of six test conditions under four hydraulic gradient conditions was carried out, and then the solution of water-level fluctuation was proposed and tested. Finally, the influencing factors of water-level fluctuation are analyzed. The results of the study show that the largest water-level fluctuation occurs at the monitoring points on the upstream surface. The diversion measures adopted in this paper have obvious effect on the relief of water level yong height. The measured variation of water level in this experimental environment is 0.54m.
Optimization of Heat Treatment Cycle for Cast-Al6082 Alloy to Enhance the Mechanical Properties
Authors: Singh Pushpraj , Singh Raj Kumar , Das Anil Kumar
Published: September 2023

The present study focused on optimizing the heat treatment cycle for the Al6082 alloy, which is commonly used in the aerospace, automotive, and construction industries. The optimization process consisted of two steps: optimizing the solution and artificial ageing treatments. The as-cast Al6082 alloy samples were solutionised at 480°C, 495°C, and 510°C for 6, 8, and 10 hours, respectively, and quenched in paraffin oil at room temperature (RT). The optimal solution treatment was at 495°C for 8 hours. The optimization of artificial ageing treatment of the optimal solution-treated samples was performed at temperatures of 160°C, 175°C, 190°C, 205°C, and 220°C for 4, 6, and 8 hours, respectively. Microstructural analysis, mechanical characterization, i.e. (tensile strength, % elongation, hardness, and impact strength), and fractography analysis of tensile samples were carried out. The results showed that the optimal ageing cycle was obtained at 205°C for 6 hours. Optimized conditions improved tensile strength (154 MPa to 280 MPa) and hardness (65 BHN to 102 BHN) while slightly increasing the impact energy. However, the % elongation decreased. The study emphasizes the importance of optimizing the heat treatment cycle to meet the desired properties and application requirements of the Al6082 alloy.
Effect of Treadmill exercise on IGF-1 Signaling Associated with Muscle Regeneration and Exercise Performance in Aging Mice
Authors: Kim Taewan , Jin Youngyun , Kim Joohyung , Woo Sanggu , Kim Donghyun
Published: September 2023

Aging refers to the natural processes of birth, growth, and aging. As aging progresses, the functional ability of muscles gradually decreases, leading to loss of muscle mass and reduced exercise performance, referred to as sarcopenia. Sarcopenia is closely associated with weakness, osteoporosis, and degenerative diseases. It is related to the risk of falls, fractures, weakness, metabolic diseases, and death owing to limitations of physical performance in the elderly. Sarcopenia is influenced by complex factors, such as lifestyle, smoking, nutritional imbalance, and changes associated with aging. In this study, we aimed to investigate the biological mechanisms affecting protein expression and exercise performance in aging mice to identify the biological factors related to sarcopenia. The results showed that the Aged-Con group showed decreased muscle strength and muscle fiber size, as well as decreased exercise performance. Further, IGF-1 signaling was reduced in the Aged-Con group. In contrast, reduced IGF-1 signaling was alleviated in the Aged-Exe group; the decreased muscle size and exercise performance were also alleviated in the Aged-Exe group. Overall, these findings suggest that regular moderate exercise can prevent aging-induced sarcopenia and improve exercise performance.
Data-Free Knowledge Distillation via Generator-Free Data Generation for Non-IID Federated Learning
Authors: Zhao Siran , Liao Tianchi , Fu Lele , Chen Chuan , Bian Jing , Zheng Zibin
Published: September 2023

Data heterogeneity (Non-IID) on Federated Learning (FL) is currently a widely publicized problem, which leads to local model drift and performance degradation. Because of the advantage of knowledge distillation, it has been explored in some recent work to refine global models. However, these approaches rely on a proxy dataset or a data generator. First, in many FL scenarios, proxy dataset do not necessarily exist on the server. Second, the quality of data generated by the generator is unstable and the generator depends on the computing resources of the server. In this work, we propose a novel data-Free knowledge distillation approach via generator-Free Data Generation for Non-IID FL, dubbed as FedF2DG. Specifically, FedF2DG requires only local models to generate pseudo datasets for each client, and can generate hard samples by adding an additional regularization term that exploit disagreements between local model and global model. Meanwhile, FedF2DG enables flexible utilization of computational resources by generating pseudo dataset locally or on the server. And to address the label distribution shift in Non-IID FL, we propose a Data Generation Principle that can adaptively control the label distribution and number of pseudo dataset based on client current state, and this allows for the extraction of more client knowledge. Then knowledge distillation is performed to transfer the knowledge in local models to the global model. Extensive experiments demonstrate that our proposed method significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art FL methods and can serve as plugin for existing Federated Learning methds such as FedAvg, FedProx, etc, and improve their performance.
Determination of Urotensin Ii Levels Before and After Lsg in Patients With Obesity
Authors: Binnetoglu Damla , Binnetoglu Kenan , Yayla Muhammed
Published: September 2023

Purpose
The goal of this study is to measure and compare the levels of UII in adipose tissue and serum in obese and non-obese individuals.
Methods
This study is to measure and compare the levels of UII in adipose tissue and serum in obese and non-obese individuals. Blood samples taken from clinically severe patients with obesity before sleeve gastrectomy and adipose tissue samples taken during surgery were examined. UII and biochemical parameters were analyzed on blood samples taken from patients whose BMI decreased to normal limits after surgery (6 months later) and on adipose tissue from people with normal BMI.
Results
The serum UII levels of the POSTOP group decline compared to the PREOP. The tissue UII levels in the PREOP group was statistically significantly higher than in Group C. It was observed that the serum UII levels of the patients who achieved normal BMI with sleeve gastrectomy were lower than before the surgery. Individuals with serum UII levels below 46.88 and tissue UII levels below 202.87 were found to be unsuitable for sleeve gastrectomy, whereas those with values above this cut off were found to be more suitable.
Conclusions
The decrease in UII levels in individuals with normal BMI after LSG surgery and the difference in UII between individuals with normal BMI and obese indicate that UII has an important role in obesity.
Microbiome transmission through the ontogeny of the marine sponge Crambe crambe
Authors: Turon Marta , Ford Madeline , Maldonado Manuel , Sitjà Cèlia , Riesgo Ana , Díez-Vives Cristina
Published: September 2023

Background
Poriferans (sponges) are highly adaptable organisms that can thrive in diverse marine and freshwater environments due, in part, to their close associations with microbial communities. This sponge microbiome can be acquired from the surrounding environment (horizontal acquisition) or transferred to offspring during the reproductive process through a variety of mechanisms (vertical transfer), typically resulting in the presence of symbiotic microbes throughout all stages of sponge development. How and to what extent the different components of the microbiome are transferred to the developmental stages remain poorly understood. Here, we assess the microbiome composition of a common, low-microbial-abundance, Atlantic-Mediterranean sponge, Crambe crambe, along its ontogeny, including adult individuals, brooded larvae, lecithotrophic free-swimming larvae, newly settled juveniles still lacking osculum, and juveniles with a functional osculum for filter feeding.
Results
Using 16S rRNA gene analysis, we detected distinct microbiome compositions in each ontogenetic stage, with variations in the presence, relative abundances and diversity of microbial species. However, one particular dominant symbiont from the Gammaproteobacteria class was consistently present throughout all stages, suggesting its vertical transmission from parents to offspring. This symbiont fluctuated in relative abundance across developmental stages, with pronounced prevalence in lecithotrophic stages, constituting over 70% of the microbiome. A significant shift in microbial composition occurred as juveniles developed filter-feeding capacity, coinciding with osculum formation, marking the restoration of the adult microbiome. Microbial diversity peaked during filter-feeding stages, contrasting with lower diversity during lecithotrophic stages before filter feeding initiation. Furthermore, individual specific transmission patterns were detected, with greater similarity between larvae and their respective parents compared to conspecific parents.
Conclusions
These findings highlight the vertical transmission of a dominant symbiont, possibly playing a metabolic role during non-filtering developmental stages of C. crambe. The increased microbiome diversity during filter-feeding stages likely reflects enhanced interaction with environmental microbes, promoting horizontal transmission. Conversely, lower microbiome diversity in lecithotrophic stages, prior to filter feeding, suggests incomplete symbiont transfer or potential symbiont digestion. This research provides novel information on the dynamics of the microbiome during sponge development, on the symbiont acquisition strategies at each developmental stage, and on the potential importance of symbionts during larval development.
ZnFe2O4 Nanoparticles for Gas-Sensing Applications: Monitoring of Structural Parameters while Exposing the Ferrite in Gas Atmospheres
Authors: Abdulhamid Zeyad M. , Dabbawala Aasif A. , Delclos Thomas , Straubinger Rainer , Rueping Magnus , Polychronopoulou Kyriaki , Anjum Dalaver H.
Published: September 2023

ZnFe2O4 materials are promising for several applications, including catalysis, sensors, and supercapacitors. This paper presents a hydrothermal-based facile method for synthesizing ZnFe2O4, whose size can be controlled with the concentration of sodium acetate used as a fuel. The characterization of the morphology, structure, composition, and electronic properties of the synthesized samples is also presented in this paper. The crystal structure of the synthesized samples was determined using an X-ray Diffractometer (XRD). The results revealed fluctuations in the size, lattice parameter, and strain in the nanoparticles with increasing the concentration of sodium acetate fuel. Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) was used to determine the morphology and elemental composition of synthesized materials, and it revealed that the particles in synthesized samples possessed approximately spherical morphology whose size decreased significantly with the increasing amount of sodium acetate. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was utilized to determine the structure, morphology, and elemental distributions in particles at the nanoscale, and it confirmed the findings of XRD and FESEM analyses. The high-resolution TEM (HRTEM) imaging analysis of the nanoparticles in samples revealed that the particles predominantly possessed (001) type facets. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and core-loss electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) showed an increasing fraction of Fe2+ with the decreasing size of the particles in samples. The Brunauer, Emmett, and Tellers (BET) analysis of samples revealed a higher surface area as the particle size decreases. In addition, the determined surface area and pore size values are compared with the literature, and it was found that the synthesized materials are promising for gas-sensing and supercapacitor applications. The ab initio calculations of the Density of States (DOS) and Band structure of (001) surface terminating ZnFe2O4 particles were carried out using Quantum Espresso software to determine the bandgap of the synthesized samples. They were compared to the experimentally determined bandgap values for the corresponding samples. Finally, in-situ TEM measurement was carried out on one sample and revealed that the d-spacing of ZnFe2O4 NPs showed a noticeable fluctuation reaching more than 5% upon exposure to CO2 and Ar gases. It is concluded from the presented study that the reduction in the size of the nanoparticles provides more active sites due to a higher concentration of oxygen vacancies and tunes the bandgap.
The Impact of Surface Passivation on Kapitza Resistance at the Interface between a Semiconductor and Liquid Nitrogen
Authors: Mohammadian Babak , McCulloch Mark Anthony , Sweetnam Thomas , Gilles Valerio , Piccirillo Lucio
Published: September 2023

Cooling electronic devices to cryogenic temperatures (< 77 K) is crucial in various scientific and engineering domains. Efficient cooling involves the removal of heat generated from these devices through thermal contact with either a liquid cryogen or a dry cryostat cold stage. However, as these devices cool, thermal boundary resistance, also known as Kapitza resistance, hinders the heat flow across thermal interfaces, resulting in elevated device temperatures. In transistors, the presence of passivation layers like Silicon Nitride (SiN) introduces additional interfaces that further impede heat dissipation. This paper investigates the impact of passivation layer thickness on Kapitza resistance at the interface between a solid device and liquid nitrogen. The Kapitza resistance is measured using a capacitance thermometer that has been passivated with SiN layers ranging from 0 to 240 nm. We observe that Kapitza resistance increases with increasing passivation thickness.
MBIP promotes ESCC metastasis by activating MAPK pathway
Authors: Yanchun Ma , Yuyan Hua , Ye Jiao , Enwei Xu , Ting Yan , Jian Yang , Ling Zhang
Published: September 2023

Background
MBIP has been identified as a susceptibility gene in several cancers. However, the role and molecular mechanism of MBIP in ESCC remain unclear.
Methods
The association between MBIP expression and clinical factors in ESCC was analyzed by t-test, chi-square test and Cox regression analysis. The biological function of MBIP was investigated by MTT assay, colony formation assay, Transwell assay, flow cytometry and mouse xenograft assay. The potential molecular mechanism was studied by RNA-seq, qRT-PCR and western blotting.
Results
The expression level of MBIP in ESCC was higher than that in normal tissue (P < 0.05). Functionally, MBIP overexpression promoted migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo, whereas MBIP knockdown played the opposite role. In addition, we elucidated the possible molecular mechanisms of MBIP in ESCC, whereby MBIP promotes EMT via the phosphorylation JNK/p38 in ESCC.
Conclusions
This study revealed that MBIP plays an important role in the prognosis and metastasis of ESCC. MBIP might serve as an ESCC prognostic biomarker.
Biology and morphological description of Conopomorpha sinensis Bradley (Lepidoptera: Gracillaridiae): a serious pest of litchi
Authors: Siraj Masrat , Singh Sandeep , Jindal Jawala
Published: September 2023

Conopomorpha sinensis Bradley (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) is a serious pest of litchi. After hatching, the larvae immediately entre into the fruit, pierce its peduncle, and feed on the soft tissue within. This leads to poor fruit quality and fruit drop after infestation. Understanding the life history and identification characters of C. sinensis is, therefore essential for developing effective management strategies. In order to perform different research studies on this pest, a study was done to first standardize the laboratory rearing procedures for C. sinensis in 2021 and 2022. Insect rearing cages was developed where fresh litchi fruits and 10 per cent honey solution were employed as food for larvae and adults. Results indicated that C. sinensis can be reared successfully under controlled conditions at 25 ± 2°C temperature with high relative humidity (75–85%) RH. Significant difference was observed in number of eggs laid on different treatments provide in the multi choice condition. Laboratory-reared female moths laid on an average 82.2 ± 1.87 yellowish transparent eggs, in an ordered manner. Observations on pupation showed that C. sinensis always tend to pupate on the paper cards with folded angles. C sinensis completed its life cycle in 32.75 ± 0.9 and 30.8 ± 0.70 days under field and laboratory condition, respectively. C. sinensis adult and pupae showed remarkable sexual dimorphisms. This study provides baseline information about the rearing techniques, biology and morphological identification of C. sinensis. Apart from being an important reference point for future research on the litchi fruit borer, the data provided would aid C. sinensis management decision-making
Birth weight and premature ovarian insufficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Jiang Chengyang , Gao Tongqing , Wang Yuwei , Yang Wenqiang , Yang Xinghai
Published: September 2023

Objective
In clinical work, it has been found that low birth weight will affect the ovarian function of women in adulthood, and may cause premature ovarian insufficiency, but there is no clear conclusion on this issue. We designed this meta-analysis to summarize the current evidence on the relationship between birth weight and premature ovarian insufficiency.
Methods
We performed a systematic review of the literature by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Wanfang and CNKI up to August 2023. Data were combined using inverse-variance weighted meta-analysis with fixed and random effects models and between-study heterogeneity evaluated. We evaluated risk of bias using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale and using Egger’s method to test publication bias.
Results
Five articles were included in the review. Most of the studies were from North America and European countries, and most of the articles had a low risk of bias. A total of 2248594 women were included, including 21,813 (1%) cases of premature ovarian insufficiency, 150743 cases of low birth weight, and 220703 cases of macrosomia. We found strong evidence that low birth weight is associated with an increased risk of premature ovarian insufficiency (OR = 1.15, 95%CI 1.09–1.22) in adulthood compared with normal birth weight, and no evidence of heterogeneity was found. No effect of macrosomia on premature ovarian insufficiency was found.
Conclusions
Our meta-analysis showed strong evidence of an association between low birth weight and premature ovarian insufficiency. We should strengthen nutrition during pregnancy to avoid premature ovarian insufficiency caused by low birth weight.
Comparison of three dimensional gradient-echo sequences with conventional two dimensional sequences to assess the image quality of shoulder joint in magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Shirani Shapoor , Mousavi Najmeh-Sadat , Talib Milad Ali , gharehbagh Elahe Jazayeri , Bagheri Mohammad Ali , Hameed Qasim Abdulsahib Jaafar , Dehghani Sadegh
Published: September 2023

Background: Three-dimensional gradient-echo (3D-GRE) sequences provide isotropic or nearly isotropic 3D images, leading to better visualization of smaller structures, compared to two-dimensional (2D) sequences. The aim of this study was to prospectively compare 2D and 3D-GRE sequences in terms of key imaging metrics, including signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), glenohumeral joint space, image quality, artifacts, and acquisition time in shoulder joint images, using 1.5 T MRI scanner.
Methods: Thirty-five normal volunteers with no history of shoulder disorders underwent a shoulder MRI examination with conventional 2D sequences, including T1- and T2-weighted fast spin-echo (T1/T2w FSE) as well as proton density-weighted fast spin-echo with fat saturation (PD-FS) followed by 3D-GRE sequences including VIBE, TRUEFISP, DESS, and MEDIC techniques. Two independent reviewers assessed all images of the shoulder joints. Intra- and inter-observer agreement, were quantified using kappa statistics.
Results: Among 3D-GRE sequences, TRUEFISP showed significantly the best CNR between cartilage-bone (30.12, p = 0.001) and cartilage-muscle (12.98, p = 0.01). TRUEFISP also showed the highest SNR for cartilage (41.40, p = 0.01) and muscle (28.33, p = 0.001). Furthermore, 3D-GRE sequences showed significantly higher image quality, compared to 2D sequences (p < 0.001). Moreover, the acquisition time of the 3D-GRE sequences was considerably shorter than the total acquisition time of PD-FS sequences in three orientations (p<0.01).
Conclusions: 3D-GRE techniques provided shoulder joint imaging with significantly higher image quality, compared to 2D sequences. Among 3D sequences, TRUEFISP showed significantly the best CNR between cartilage-bone and cartilage-muscle, as well as the highest SNR for cartilage and muscle, compared to other sequences. Moreover, 3D-GRE could take a shorter acquisition time than the total acquisition time of 2D PD-FS techniques in three planes.