bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical composition, antimicrobial activities, and cholinesterase inhibitory properties of the lichen Usnea diffracta Vain
Authors: Hao Yi-Meng , Yan Yuan-Cong , Zhang Qing , Liu Bing-Qian , Wu Chang-Sheng , Wang Li-Ning
Published: January 2023

Lichens are important sources of versatile bioactive compounds. Two new dibenzofurans (1–2), a multi-substituted single benzene ring (3), and two organic acid compounds (4–5) along with 25 known compounds (6–30) were isolated from the lichen Usnea diffracta Vain. Their structures were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral analyses. Compounds 1–30 were tested for inhibitory activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans by the disk diffusion method and microdilution assay respectively. Compound 3 showed moderate inhibitory activities against S. aureus and E. coli with the inhibition zone (IZ) of 6.2 mm and 6.3 mm, respectively. Depside 10 exhibited good activity against S.aureus and C. albicans with 6.6 mm and 32 μg/ml, respectively. The acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of compounds 1, 2, and 6–8 with the characteristic dibenzofuran scaffold were evaluated var anti-AChE assay and a molecular docking study. Compound 2 could better inhibit AChE at the concentration of 0.3 μmol/ml with a value of 61.07 ± 0.85%. The molecular docking study also demonstrated that compound 2 had the strongest binding affinity among the five dibenzofurans, and the “-CDOCKER Energy” value was 14.4513 kcal/mol.
Room-temperature synthesis of nanometric and luminescent silver-MOFs
Authors: Celis-Arias Vanessa , Garduño-Wilchis Ismael A. , Alarcón Gilberto , González Chávez Fernando , Garrido Guerrero Efrain , Beltrán Hiram I. , Loera-Serna Sandra
Published: January 2023

Three silver-MOFs were prepared using an optimized, room-temperature methodology starting from AgNO₃ and dicarboxylate ligands in water/ethanol yielding Ag2BDC, Ag2NDC (UAM-1), and Ag2TDC (UAM-2) at 38%–48% (BDC, benzenedicarboxylate; NDC, 1,8-naphthalene-dicarboxylate; TDC, p-terphenyl-4,4″-dicarboxylate). They were characterized by PXRD/FT-IR/TGA/photoluminescence spectroscopy, and the former two by SEM. These materials started decomposing at 330°C, while showing stability. The crystal structure of UAM-1 was determined by PXRD, DFT calculations, and Rietveld refinement. In general, the structure was 3D, with the largest Ag-O bond interlinking 2D layers. The FT-IR spectra revealed 1450 and 1680 bands (cm−1) of asymmetrically stretching aniso-/iso-bidentate -COO in coordination with 2/3-Ag atoms, accompanied by Ag-O bands at 780–740 cm−1, all demonstrating the network formation. XRD and SEM showed nanometric-scale crystals in Ag₂BDC, and UAM-1 developed micrometric single-stranded/agglomerated fibrillar particles of varying nanometric widths. Luminescence spectroscopy showed emission by Ag₂BDC, which was attributed to ligand-to-metal or ligand-to-metal–metal transitions, suggesting energy transfer due to the short distance between adjacent BDC molecules. UAM-1 and UAM-2 did not show luminescence emission attributable to ligand-to-metal transition; rather, they presented only UV emission. The stabilities of Ag₂BDC and UAM-1 were evaluated in PBS/DMEM/DMEM+FBS media by XRD, which showed that they lost their crystallinity, resulting in AgCl due to soft–soft (Pearson’s principle) affinity.
Identification of chemosensitizing agents of colorectal cancer in Rauvolfia vomitoria using an NMR-based chemometric approach
Authors: Cui Wei-Liang , Guo Dong-Xiao , Wang Ning , Wang Zhi-Fan , Ji Jian-Bo , Wang Xiao , Yang Chun-Guo , Lin Yong-Qiang , Wang Shu-Qi
Published: January 2023

Searching for new adjuvants of conventional chemotherapeutic approaches against colorectal cancer cells is extremely urgent. In current research, a non-targeted analytical approach was established by combining proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy with a chemometrics data mining tool to identify chemosensitizing agents from Rauvolfia vomitoria. This approach enabled the identification of potential active constituents in the initial fractionation process and provided their structural information. This strategy was validated by its application to Rauvolfia vomitoria extract exhibiting chemosensitizing activity on 5-fluorouracil against colorectal cancer cells. After the workflow, the biochemometrics analysis showed that at least 15 signals (Variable influence on projection (VIP) > 1) could have contributions in the differentiation of various fractions. Through systematic literature and database searches, we found that the most active fraction (fraction 7) exhibited the highest presence of sabazin-type and armaniline-type alkaloids, which were potential chemosensitizers as previously reported. To validate the results of the strategy, the effect of 5-FU and compounds isolated from fraction seven incubation on HCT-8 and LoVo cell vialibilty were evaluated. These results evidenced that compound β-carboline (3), 1-methyl-β-carboline (4), and lochnerine (6) could enhance the cytotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil against to Colorectal cancer cells. Besides, 21 compounds including two new compounds were isolated from Rauvolfia vomitoria. The experimental results verify the reliability of the method, and this approach provides a new and efficient tool to overcome some of the bottlenecks in natural products drug discovery.
Fabrication of black NiO/Sr2FeTaO6 heterojunctions with rapid interface charge transfer for efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Yu Guiyun , Hu Jiawei , Xiao Wen , Zhu Yongtai , Dai Yong
Published: January 2023

Series of black NiO/Sr2FeTaO6 (NiO/SFT) composites were synthesized by the combined processes of hydrothermal method and calcination treatment. The formed NiO was deposited on the surface of Sr2FeTaO6 to form a closely interfacial contact, leading to the formation of NiO/Sr2FeTaO6 heterojunction. The resulted samples were fully characterized by XRD, TEM, XPS, and UV-Vis DRS to gain their microstructure, crystal phase, atomic states and optical absorption properties. Introducing narrow-bandgap semiconductor of black NiO in NiO/Sr2FeTaO6 heterojunctions exhibits two major advantages. On the one hand, coupling with black NiO can significantly increase the light harvesting capacity of Sr2FeTaO6. On the other hand, the formed NiO/Sr2FeTaO6 heterojunctions benefited the separation and transfer of photogenerated charge carriers, which was confirmed by photo-electrochemical measurement, PL and TR-PL spectra. The activity of as-prepared samples was evaluated by photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) evolution (PHE) under visible light irradiation. The resulted NiO/SFT composites showed the improved PHE efficiency than that of NiO and Sr2FeTaO6, owing to the synergistic effects of synergistic effects of heterojunction formation for the efficient charge carrier transfer/separation and increased light harvesting capacity. However, the excess amount of NiO loaded in NiO/SFT composites will restrain the light harvesting of Sr2FeTaO6 component and decrease, leading to the decreased PHE activity. Our work provided an insight on the construction of high-efficiency heterojunction photocatalysts for PHE reaction.
Ginsenoside Rg3 treats acute radiation proctitis through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and regulation of intestinal flora
Authors: Duan Xiaoyu , Cai Hongyi , Hu Tingting , Lin Lili , Zeng Lu , Wang Huixia , Cao Lei , Li Xuxia
Published: January 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of ginsenoside Rg3 (GRg3) against acute radiation proctitis (ARP) in rats.

Methods

Wistar rats were randomly divided into control, model, dexamethasone-positive, GRg3 low-dose, GRg3 medium-dose, and GRg3 high-dose groups. The ARP rat model was established by a single 22-Gy irradiation of 6 MV) X-rays. The distribution and function of intestinal flora were detected using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing, rectal tissue was observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, the expression of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-10 inflammatory factors was detected by ELISA, and mRNA and protein expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blotting, respectively.

Results

GRg3 improved the symptoms of ARP in rats in a dose-dependent manner. The species distribution of intestinal flora in GRg3 rats was significantly different from that in ARP rats. These differences were more significant in the high-dose group, where the numbers of Ruminococcus, Lactobacillus, and other beneficial bacteria were significantly increased, whereas those of Escherichia, Alloprevotella, and other harmful bacteria were decreased. In addition, GRg3 was closely related to amino acid metabolism. After GRg3 treatment, the mRNA and protein expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in rectal tissue was significantly down-regulated, and the level of downstream inflammatory factor IL-1β decreased, whereas that of IL-10 increased.

Conclusion

Our study indicated GRg3 as a new compound for the treatment of ARP by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway, down-regulating the expression of proinflammatory factors, thus effectively regulating intestinal flora and reducing inflammatory reactions.
Serum metabolic profiling of rats infected with Clonorchis sinensis using LC-MS/MS method
Authors: Han Su , Zhang Xiaoli , Ding Jian , Li Xiang , Zhang Xueli , Jiang Xu , Duan Shanshan , Sun Beibei , Hu Xinyi , Gao Yannan
Published: January 2023

Background

Clonorchiasis is an important foodborne parasitic disease. The omics-based-techniques could illuminate parasite biology and further make innovations in the research for parasitic diseases. However, knowledge about the serum metabolic profiles and related metabolic pathways in clonorchiasis is very limited.

Methods

A untargeted ultra-high performance liquid tandem chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF-MS) was used to profile the serum metabolites of rats at both 4 and 8 weeks post infection (wpi) with Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis). Additionally, multivariate statistical analysis methods were employed to identify differential metabolites. Next, serum amino acids and phosphatidylcholines (PCs) levels were determined by targeted metabolomics analysis.

Result

A total of 10530 and 6560 ions were identified in ESI+ and ESI− modes. The levels of phosphatidylcholines, glycerophosphocholine and choline were significantly changed, with the shift in lipid metabolism. Significant changes were also observed in amino acids (isoleucine, valine, leucine, threonine, glutamate and glutamine). Targeted analysis showed that BCAAs (isoleucine, valine, leucine) levels significantly increased at 4 wpi and decreased at 8 wpi; threonine was increased at 8 wpi, whereas glutamate and glutamine showed a decreasing trend at 8 wpi. Additionally, the level of 17 PCs were significantly changed in infected rats. Marked metabolic pathways were involved in clonorchiasis, including glycerophospholipid metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, histidine metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism.

Conclusion

These results show that C. sinensis infection can cause significant changes in the rat serum metabolism, especially in amino acids and lipids. The metabolic signature together with perturbations in metabolic pathways could provide more in depth understanding of clonorchiasis and further make potential therapeutic interventions.
Therapeutic efficacy of dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine combination for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Ghana
Authors: Abuaku Benjamin , Boateng Paul , Peprah Nana Yaw , Asamoah Alexander , Duah-Quashie Nancy Odurowah , Matrevi Sena Adzoa , Amoako Eunice Obeng , Quashie Neils , Owusu-Antwi Felicia , Malm Keziah Laurencia , Koram Kwadwo Ansah
Published: January 2023

In 2020, Dihydroartemisinin-Piperaquine (DHAP) was adopted as a second-line antimalarial for treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Ghana following a review of the country’s antimalarial medicines policy. Available data obtained in 2007 had shown PCR-uncorrected therapeutic efficacy of 93.3% using a 28-day follow-up schedule. In 2020, the standard 42-day follow-up schedule for DHAP was used to estimate efficacy levels among febrile children aged 6 months to 9 years in three malaria sentinel sites representing the three main ecological zones of the country- savannah, forest, and coastal. PCR genotyping distinguished between recrudescence and re-infection using merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP2)-specific primers for FC27 and 3D7 strains. Per protocol analyses showed day 28 efficacy of 100% in all three sentinel sites with day 42 PCR-corrected efficacy ranging between 90.3% (95% CI: 80.1 – 96.4%) in the savannah zone and 100% in the forest and coastal zones, yielding a national average of 97.0% (95% CI: 93.4 – 98.8). No day 3 parasitemia was observed in all three sites. Prevalence of measured fever (axillary temperature ≥ 37.5°C) declined from 50.0 - 98.8% on day 0 to 7.1-11.5% on day 1 whilst parasitemia declined from 100% on day 0 to 1.2 - 2.3% on day 1. Mean haemoglobin levels on days 28 and 42 were significantly higher than pre-treatment levels in all three sites. We conclude that DHAP is highly efficacious in the treatment of uncomplicated malaria in Ghana. This data will serve as baseline for subsequent DHAP efficacy studies in the country.
Tenacibaculosis caused by Tenacibaculum maritimum: Updated knowledge of this marine bacterial fish pathogen
Authors: Mabrok Mahmoud , Algammal Abdelazeem M. , Sivaramasamy Elayaraja , Hetta Helal F. , Atwah Banan , Alghamdi Saad , Fawzy Aml , Avendaño-Herrera Ruben , Rodkhum Channarong
Published: January 2023

Tenacibaculosis occurs due to the marine bacterial pathogen Tenacibaculum maritimum. This ulcerative disease causes high mortalities for various marine fish species worldwide. Several external clinical signs can arise, including mouth erosion, epidermal ulcers, fin necrosis, and tail rot. Research in the last 15 years has advanced knowledge on the traits and pathogenesis mechanisms of T. maritimum. Consequently, significant progress has been made in defining the complex host-pathogen relationship. Nevertheless, tenacibaculosis pathogenesis is not yet fully understood. Continued research is urgently needed, as demonstrated by recent reports on the re-emerging nature of tenacibaculosis in salmon farms globally. Current sanitary conditions compromise the development of effective alternatives to antibiotics, in addition to hindering potential preventive measures against tenacibaculosis. The present review compiles knowledge of T. maritimum reported after the 2006 review by Avendaño-Herrera and colleagues. Essential aspects are emphasized, including antigenic and genomic characterizations and molecular diagnostic procedures. Further summarized are the epidemiological foundations of the T. maritimum population structure and elucidations as to the virulence mechanisms of pathogenic isolates, as found using biological, microbiological, and genomic techniques. This comprehensive source of reference will undoubtable serve in tenacibaculosis prevention and control within the marine fish farming industry. Lastly, knowledge gaps and valuable research areas are indicated as potential guidance for future studies.
Cross-species transmission, evolution and zoonotic potential of coronaviruses
Authors: Li Qian , Shah Taif , Wang Binghui , Qu Linyu , Wang Rui , Hou Yutong , Baloch Zulqarnain , Xia Xueshan
Published: January 2023

Coronaviruses (CoVs) continuously evolve, crossing species barriers and spreading across host ranges. Over the last two decades, several CoVs (HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63, HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-OC43, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2) have emerged in animals and mammals, causing significant economic and human life losses. Due to CoV cross-species transmission and the evolution of novel viruses, it is critical to identify their natural reservoiurs and the circumstances under which their transmission occurs. In this review, we use genetic and ecological data to disentangle the evolution of various CoVs in wildlife, humans, and domestic mammals. We thoroughly investigate several host species and outline the epidemiology of CoVs toward specific hosts. We also discuss the cross-species transmission of CoVs at the interface of wildlife, animals, and humans. Clarifying the epidemiology and diversity of species reservoirs will significantly impact our ability to respond to the future emergence of CoVs in humans and domestic animals.
A bibliometric analysis of studies on the gut microbiota in cardiovascular disease from 2004 to 2022
Authors: Sheng Ming , Xu Shuquan , Chen Wei-wei , Li Fa-quan , Zhong Yi-ming , Ouyang Yi-xiang , Liao Yong-ling , Lai Ping
Published: January 2023

Background

Increasing evidence indicates that the gut microbiota (GM) is linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Many studies on the GM in CVD have been published in the last decade. However, bibliometric analysis in this field is still lacking.

Methods

On 30 September 2022, a search of the Web of Science™ (WoS; Clarivate™, Philadelphia, PA, USA) yielded 1,500 articles and reviews on the GM and CVD. Microsoft Excel and CiteSpace and VOSviewer software were used to analyze publication trends and research hotspots in this field.

Results

Our search generated 1,708 publications on the GM in CVD published between 2004 and 2022, and 1,500 articles and review papers were included in the final analysis. The number of publications relating to the GM in CVD increased from 1 in 2004 to 350 in 2021. China (485 publications, 9,728 non-self-citations, and an H-index of 47) and the USA (418 publications, 24,918 non-self-citations, and an H-index of 82) contributed 32.31%, and 27.85%, respectively, of the total number of publications. Examination of the number of publications (Np) and number of citations, excluding self-citations (Nc), of individual authors showed that Y. L. Tian (Np: 18, Nc: 262, and H-index: 12), from China, is the most productive author, followed by R. Knight (Np: 16, Nc: 3,036, and H-index: 15) and M. Nieuwdorp (Np: 16, Nc: 503, and H-index: 9). The Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College accounted for the largest number of publications (Np: 62, Nc: 3,727, and H-index: 13, average citation number (ACN): 60.11). The journal Nutrients had the most publications (Np: 73, Nc: 2,036, and ACN: 27.89). The emerging keywords in this field were “monooxygenase 3” (strength 3.24, 2020–2022), “short-chain fatty acid” (strength 4.63, 2021–2022), “fatty liver disease” (strength 3.18, 2021–2022), “metabolic disease” (strength 3.04, 2021–2022), “Mediterranean diet” (strength 2.95, 2021–2022), “prevention” (strength 2.77, 2021–2022), and “intestinal barrier” (strength 2.8, 2021–2022).

Conclusion

Publications on the GM in CVD rapidly increased in the last decade. The USA was the most influential country in publications in this field, followed by China. The journal with the most publications was Nutrients. Monooxygenase-3, short-chain fatty acids, fatty liver disease, metabolic disease, the Mediterranean diet, intestinal barrier, and prevention are the current hotspots or potential hotspots for future study.
Meningitis-associated pneumococcal serotype 8, ST 53, strain is hypervirulent in a rat model and has non-haemolytic pneumolysin which can be attenuated by liposomes
Authors: Müller Annelies , Lekhuleni Cebile , Hupp Sabrina , du Plessis Mignon , Holivololona Lalaina , Babiychuk Eduard , Leib Stephen L. , Grandgirard Denis , Iliev Asparouh I. , von Gottberg Anne , Hathaway Lucy J.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria cause life-threatening invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), including meningitis. Pneumococci are classified into serotypes, determined by differences in capsular polysaccharide and both serotype and pneumolysin toxin are associated with disease severity. Strains of serotype 8, ST 53, are increasing in prevalence in IPD in several countries.

Methods

Here we tested the virulence of such an isolate in a rat model of meningitis in comparison with a serotype 15B and a serotype 14 isolate. All three were isolated from meningitis patients in South Africa in 2019, where serotype 8 is currently the most common serotype in IPD.

Results and Discussion

Only the serotype 8 isolate was hypervirulent causing brain injury and a high mortality rate. It induced a greater inflammatory cytokine response than either the serotype 15B or 14 strain in the rat model and from primary mixed-glia cells isolated from mouse brains. It had the thickest capsule of the three strains and produced non-haemolytic pneumolysin. Pneumolysin-sequestering liposomes reduced the neuroinflammatory cytokine response in vitro indicating that liposomes have the potential to be an effective adjuvant therapy even for hypervirulent pneumococcal strains with non-haemolytic pneumolysin.
Impact of frailty on early rhythm control outcomes in older adults with atrial fibrillation: A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Yu Ga-In , Kim Daehoon , Sung Jung-Hoon , Jang Eunsun , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae-Hoon , Pak Hui-Nam , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Yang Pil-Sung , Joung Boyoung
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Rhythm-control therapy administered early following the initial diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) has superior cardiovascular outcomes compared to rate-control therapy. Frailty is a key factor in identifying older patients’ potential for improvement after rhythm-control therapy. This study evaluated whether frailty affects the outcome of early rhythm-control therapy in older patients with AF.

Methods

From the Korean National Health Insurance Service database (2005–2015), we collected 20,611 populations aged ≥65 years undergoing rhythm- or rate-control therapy initiated within 1 year of AF diagnosis. Participants were emulated by the EAST-AFNET4 trial, and stratified into non-frail, moderately frail, and highly frail groups based on the hospital frailty risk score (HFRS). A composite outcome of cardiovascular-related mortality, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for heart failure, and ischemic stroke was compared between rhythm- and rate-control.

Results

Early rhythm-control strategy showed a 14% lower risk of the primary composite outcome in the non-frail group [weighted incidence 7.3 vs. 8.6 per 100 person-years; hazard ratio (HR) 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79–0.93, p < 0.001] than rate-control strategy. A consistent trend toward a lower risk of early rhythm-control was observed in the moderately frail (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.81–1.02, p = 0.09) and highly frail (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.75–1.17, p = 0.55) groups.

Conclusion

Although the degree attenuated with increasing frailty, the superiority of cardiovascular outcomes of early rhythm-control in AF treatment was maintained without increased risk for safety outcomes. An individualized approach is required on the benefits of early rhythm-control therapy in older patients with AF, regardless of their frailty status.
Cavotricuspid isthmus ablation for atrial flutter guided by contact force related parameters: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pang Naidong , Gao Jia , Zhang Nan , Guo Min , Wang Rui
Published: January 2023

Background

Contact force (CF) and related parameters have been evaluated as an effective guide mark for pulmonary vein isolation, yet not for linear ablation of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) dependent atrial flutter (AFL). We thus studied the efficacy and safety of CF related parameter-guided ablation for CTI-AFL.

Methods

Systematic search was performed on databases involving PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science (through June 2022). Original articles comparing CF related parameter-guided ablation and conventional parameter-guided ablation for CTI-AFL were included. One-by-one elimination, subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used for heterogeneity test between studies.

Results

Ten studies reporting on 761 patients were identified after screening with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Radiofrequency (RF) duration was significantly shorter in CF related parameter-guided group (p = 0.01), while procedural time (p = 0.13) and fluoroscopy time (p = 0.07) were no significant difference between two groups. CF related parameter-guided group had less RF lesions (p = 0.0003) and greater CF of catheter-tissue (p = 0.0002). Touch-up needed after first ablation line was less in CF related parameter-guided group (p = 0.004). In addition, there were no statistical significance between two groups on acute conduction recovery rates (p = 0.25), recurrence rates (p = 0.92), and complication rates (p = 0.80). Meta-regression analysis revealed no specific covariate as an influencing factor for above results (p > 0.10).

Conclusion

CF related parameters guidance improves the efficiency of CTI ablation, with the better catheter-tissue contact, the lower RF duration and the comparable safety as compared with conventional method, but does not improve the acute success rate and long-term outcome.
The impact of moderate endurance exercise on cardiac telomeres and cardiovascular remodeling in obese rats
Authors: Semeraro Maria Donatella , Beltrami Antonio Paolo , Kharrat Feras , Almer Gunter , Sedej Simon , Renner Wilfried , Gruber Hans-Jürgen , Curcio Francesco , Herrmann Markus
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Hypercaloric nutrition and physical inactivity cause obesity, a potential driver of myocardial apoptosis and senescence that may accelerate cardiac aging. Although physical activity reduces mortality, its impact on myocardial aging is insufficiently understood. Here we investigated the effects of a hypercaloric high-fat diet (HFD) and regular exercise training on cardiac cells telomeres and histomorphometric indices of cardiac aging.

Methods

Ninety-six 4-months old female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed for 10 months normal (ND) or a HFD diet. Half of the animals in each group performed 30 min treadmill-running sessions on 5 consecutive days per week. At study end, cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area (CSA), interstitial collagen content, vascular density, apoptotic and senescent cells, relative telomere length (RTL), and expression of telomerase-reverse transcriptase (Tert) as marker of telomere-related senescence and apoptosis were analyzed.

Results

Compared to ND, the HFD group developed obesity, higher CSA, lower capillary density and tended to have more apoptotic cardiomyocytes and interstitials cells. Myocardial RTL and the expression of Terf-1 and Terf-2 were comparable in sedentary HFD and ND animals. In the HFD group, regular moderate endurance exercise improved myocardial vascularization, but had no effect on CSA or apoptosis. Notably, the combination of exercise and HFD increased senescence when compared to sedentary ND or HFD, and reduced RTL when compared to exercise ND animals. Exercising HFD animals also showed a trend toward higher Tert expression compared to all other groups. In addition, exercise reduced Terf-1 expression regardless of diet.

Conclusion

HFD-induced obesity showed no effects on myocardial telomeres and induced only mild morphologic alterations. Summarized, long-term moderate endurance exercise partially reverses HFD-induced effects but may even trigger cardiac remodeling in the context of obesity.
An implantable loop recorder or smartphone based single-lead electrocardiogram to detect arrhythmia in adults with congenital heart disease?
Authors: Koole Maarten A. , Kauw Dirkjan , Kooiman Kirsten M. , de Groot Joris R. , Robbers-Visser Danielle , Tulevski Igor I. , Mulder Barbara J. , Bouma Berto J. , Schuuring Mark J.
Published: January 2023

Background

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the management of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) recommend screening in patients at risk for arrhythmic events. However, the optimal mode of detection is unknown.

Methods

Baseline and follow-up data of symptomatic ACHD patients who received an implantable loop recorder (ILR) or who participated in a smartphone based single-lead electrocardiogram study were collected. The primary endpoint was time to first detected arrhythmia.

Results

In total 116 ACHD patients (mean age 42 years, 44% male) were studied. The ILR group (n = 23) differed from the smartphone based single-lead electrocardiogram group (n = 93) in having a greater part of males and had more severe CHD and (near) syncope as qualifying diagnosis. In the smartphone based single-lead electrocardiogram group history of arrhythmia and palpitations were more frequent (all p < 0.05). Monitoring was performed for 40 and 79 patient-years for the ILR- and smartphone based single-lead electrocardiogram group, respectively. Arrhythmias occurred in 33 patients with an equal median time for both groups to first arrhythmia of 3 months (HR of 0.7, p = 0.81). Furthermore, atrial fibrillation occurred most often (n = 16) and common therapy changes included medication changes (n = 7) and implantation of pacemaker or Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) (N = 4). Symptoms or mode of detection were not a determinant of the first event.

Conclusion

Non-invasive smartphone based single-lead electrocardiogram monitoring could be an acceptable alternative for ILR implantation in detecting arrhythmia in symptomatic ACHD patients in respect to diagnostic yield, safety and management decisions, especially in those without syncope.
Integrated manufacturing of direct 3D-printed clear aligners
Authors: Rajasekaran Abirami , Chaudhari Prabhat Kumar
Published: January 2023

The inception of laboratory work for the construction of a removable, tooth-moving appliance by sectioning teeth from the malocclusion model to align them with wax and achieve minor dental correction has evolved into a state of digital planning and appliance manufacturing for a wide spectrum of malocclusions. The groundbreaking technology of directly printing clear aligners has drawn the interest of clinicians and researchers in the orthodontic community today. This workflow enables the development of an in-house aligner system with complete control over desired aligner thickness, extent, and attachments; it is also technically resource-efficient with greater accuracy by excluding all the intermediate steps involved in the thermoforming method of manufacturing. This promising exploratory subject demands to be well-received with further research-based improvements. This article intends to summarize the digital orthodontic workflow and the literature evidence.
Quantification of gas, ash, and sulphate aerosols in volcanic plumes from open path Fourier transform infrared (OP-FTIR) emission measurements at Stromboli volcano, Italy
Authors: Smekens Jean-François , Mather Tamsin A. , Burton Mike R. , La Spina Alessandro , Kabbabe Khristopher , Esse Benjamin , Varnam Matthew , Grainger Roy G.
Published: January 2023

Field-portable Open Path Fourier Transform Infrared (OP-FTIR) spectrometers can be used to remotely measure the composition of volcanic plumes using absorption spectroscopy, providing invaluable data on total gas emissions. Quantifying the temporal evolution of gas compositions during an eruption helps develop models of volcanic processes and aids in eruption forecasting. Absorption measurements require a viewing geometry which aligns infrared source, plume, and instrument, which can be challenging. Here, we present a fast retrieval algorithm to estimate quantities of gas, ash and sulphate aerosols from thermal emission OP-FTIR measurements, and the results from two pilot campaigns on Stromboli volcano in Italy in 2019 and 2021. We validate the method by comparing time series of SO2 slant column densities retrieved using our method with those obtained from a conventional UV spectrometer, demonstrating that the two methods generally agree to within a factor of 2. The algorithm correctly identifies ash-rich plumes and gas bursts associated with explosions and quantifies the mass column densities and particle sizes of ash and sulphate aerosols (SA) in the plume. We compare the ash sizes retrieved using our method with the particle size distribution (PSD) of an ash sample collected during the period of measurements in 2019 by flying a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System into the path of a drifting ash plume and find that both modes of the bimodal PSD (a fine fraction with diameter around 5–10 μm and a coarse fraction around 65 μm) are identified within our datasets at different times. We measure a decrease in the retrieved ash particle size with distance downwind, consistent with settling of larger particles, which we also observed visually. We measure a decrease in the SO2/SA ratio as the plume travels downwind, coupled with an increase in measured SA particle size (range 2–6 μm), suggesting rapid hygroscopic particle growth and/or SO2 oxidation. We propose that infrared emission spectroscopy can be used to examine physical and chemical changes during plume transport and opens the possibility of remote night-time monitoring of volcanic plume emissions. These ground-based analyses may also aid the refinement of satellite-based aerosol retrievals.
Characteristics of the upper-level outflow and its impact on the rapid intensification of Typhoon Roke (2011)
Authors: Jin Ru , Li Yan , Chen Xianyan , Li Meiying
Published: January 2023

In this study, we investigate the structural characteristics of the upper-level outflow and its impact on the rapid intensification (RI) of Typhoon Roke (2011), which experienced an evident outflow transformation from equatorward to poleward during its RI period. The simulations by the Weather Research and Forecasting Model suggest that the upper-level outflow extends from 100 hPa to 150 hPa, with an upper-level warm core at around 150 hPa. The upper-level outflow is enhanced ahead of the typhoon intensification, which is closely related to the outflow-environment interaction. Further analyses indicate that at the early stage of Roke (2011) before the RI, the strong equatorward outflow and the updraft south of the typhoon center are enhanced, favoring the onset of RI. During the RI period, the strong divergent flow near the entrance of the southwesterly jet in front of the upper-level trough, induces the poleward outflow. The eddy flux convergence of angular momentum inward propagated to the typhoon center from a 1000-km radius further enhances the poleward outflow and leads to the development of the vertical motion north of the typhoon center. Then Roke (2011) intensifies rapidly. Simultaneously, the shallow weak positive potential vorticity (PV) anomaly south of the southwesterly jet increases the inner-core PV, favoring the sustained intensification of Roke (2011). After Roke (2011) reaches its peak intensity, its intensity decreases due to the increase of vertical wind shear and the approaching of the southwesterly jet. It is indicated that the interaction between the upper-level outflow and the upper-tropospheric trough has significant influence on the RI of TC.
Quasi-static test study of tunnel with resistance-limiting shock absorption layer in high-intensity seismic
Authors: Li Pinpin , Qiu Wenge , Lu Feng , Yang Qingwen , Chen Zhenyu , Li Linlong , Wang Yi , Gao Meiben , Deng Zhiheng
Published: January 2023

The Sichuan-Tibet Railway is faced with risks of active faults, unfavorable geological conditions, high in-situ stress levels, and a high potential for Traditional tunnel seismic measures that can no longer guarantee the safety of tunnel structures in high-intensity earthquake areas. The new shock absorption capacity layer with resistance-limiting is proposed in this paper and the resistance-limiting shock absorption principle. To study the safety of the new anti-shock lining structure, a large-scale quasi-static model test was carried out based on the improved static-dynamic coupling shear force. The test analyzes the response rules of strain, structural internal force, and lining failure form of tunnel lining, taking into consideration three influencing factors including layer layout position, layout density, and tunnel buried depth. The results showed that: 1) Under the action of low-cycle reciprocating shear strain, the failure mode of the shallow buried tunnel is mainly the tensile failure of the arch waist and the failure of the arch waist and the side wall, and the failure mode of the deeply buried tunnel is mainly the compression failure of the arch waist; 2) Compared with the case of no shock absorption layer, the lining tensile stress on the inner side of the arch waist position is significantly reduced. Under the high shear strain (0.20%), the increased tensile stress trend was slowed down on the inner side walls; 3) The main working area of the resistance-limiting layer can effectively improve the lining stress distribution underground vibration and protects the tensile damage on the arch waist to the side wall. The width and depth of the crack are weakened and the seismic bearing capacity of the width and depth of the crack is weakened and the seismic bearing capacity of the lining structure is greatly strengthened; 4) The lining cracks without the resistance limiting layer develop violently, and the crack at the arch waist runs The lining structure failure mode of the resistance limiting layer arranged at the arch waist is similar to The lining structure failure mode of the resistance limiting layer.
Molecular dynamics simulation of shear friction process in tectonically deformed coal
Authors: Liu Hewu , Song Yu , Du Zhigang
Published: January 2023

Shear friction is an important deformation process in tectonically deformed coals (TDCs) and is closely related to the dynamic metamorphism of coal. In the current study, we perform a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the shear friction process on primary structure coal. The simulation results show that coal friction is a process of energy transformation. The mechanical energy of shear friction work can lead to temperature increases and chain motion. Chain diffusion and reorientation are the two main chain motion modes during friction. Chain diffusion behavior is regular in the initial friction stage and becomes irregular in the later friction stage. The orientation change is different for various fused aromatic chains. The orientation changes of pentacenes and naphthacenes are more significant than those of the other fused aromatic chains, indicating that fused aromatic chains with a higher aspect ratio are preferentially reorientated by shear friction. It is also demonstrated that the C-O and C-N bonds in coal are more easily disassociated by shear friction. The research results directly confirm the molecular evolution during coal friction caused by shear stress.
Quantitative interpretation of coal industrial components using a gray system and geophysical logging data: A case study from the Qinshui Basin, China
Authors: Guo Jianhong , Zhang Zhansong , Xiao Hang , Zhang Chaomo , Zhu Linqi , Wang Can
Published: January 2023

The content of industrial components of coalbeds, one of the main parameters of coalbed methane (CBM) reservoirs, is crucial in the entire coal mine resource exploration and exploitation process. Currently, using geophysical logging data to determine the content of industrial components is the most widely implemented method. In this study, the PZ block in the Qinshui Basin was employed as a target block to evaluate ash (Aad), fixed carbon (FCad), volatile matter (Vdaf), and moisture (Mad) under the air-dry (AD) base condition based on the autocorrelation between the geophysical logging curves and industrial component contents combined with the OBGM (1, N) model. The results indicate that 1) the geophysical logging curves combined with the OBGM (1, N) model can accurately predict the Aad and FCad contents and an increase in geophysical logging curve types can effectively improve the model performance, compared to using a single geophysical logging curve for prediction. 2) When predicting the Vdaf content, using the geophysical logging curves combined with Aad and FCad contents had the highest prediction accuracy. Further, prediction bias does not exist, compared to using only the geophysical logging curve or the autocorrelation between the industrial component contents. The entire evaluation process begins with an assessment of the Aad and FCad contents. Then, the Vdaf content was assessed using the content of these two industrial components combined with geophysical logging data. Finally, the Mad content was calculated using the volumetric model. Accurate application results were obtained for the verification of new wells, demonstrating the efficacy of the method and procedure described in this study. 3) The OBGM (1, N) model has the highest prediction accuracy compared with the multiple regression and GM (0, N) models, which have the same computational cost. The geophysical logging interpretation model of the proposed coalbed industrial component contents is simple to calculate and suitable for small samples, providing a new method for the evaluation process of industrial component contents.
Influence of key parameters of ice accretion model under coexisting rain and fog weather
Authors: Zhou Yue , Wan Rong , Sun Jing , Gao Zhengxu , Yang Jialun
Published: January 2023

Based on 30 complete wire icing processes lasted longer than 24 h observed from the Enshi, Jinsha, Dacaoping and Shennongding of Shennongjia in mountainous areas of Hubei province during the winter of 2008–2016, the macroscopic effects of rain–fog weather on the ice accretion process were analyzed. Furthermore, the distribution characteristics of key simulation parameters in supercooled fog (SF) and freezing rain (FR) were discussed according to the physical model of icing process. Finally, the evolution characteristics of the simulated ice thickness in rain–fog weather were proposed. Results showed that the duration of ice accretion in mountainous areas is the key factor affecting the maximum ice thickness; the freezing rain is most frequent during the glaze icing process, which leads to the substantial growth of ice thickness. The average growth rates of ice thickness with and without freezing rain are 1.26 mm h−1 and -0.11 mm h−1, respectively. Collision rate is the main parameter for inhibiting ice accretion of SF, with an average value of ∼ 0.1, while freezing rate is the main parameter for inhibiting ice accretion of FR, with an average value of ∼ 0.6. The ice accretion of SF shows the characteristics of periodic growth, while the ice accretion of FR shows the explosive growth of ice thickness, which makes the simulated values of icing closer to the observations. The ice formation efficiency of FR was more than twice that of SF, with a negative feedback mechanism to the ice accumulation of SF.
Value of long-term LNG contracts: A theoretical and empirical study
Authors: Xia Xiaoning , Wu Rui , Liu Yan , Wu Jinzhou , Lu Tiankuo
Published: January 2023

With the rapid development of short-term and spot trade of liquefied natural gas (LNG), the natural gas market is gradually evolving from regionalization to globalization. At the same time, the existence and rationality of long-term LNG contracts have become increasingly controversial. To explore the value of long-term LNG contracts in the process of natural gas market globalization, this article constructs a two-stage game model and applies China’s LNG trade data in 2018 to the model. The study shows that, compared with complete import of short-term LNG, even if the long-term LNG contracts do not have price advantages, importing an appropriate amount of long-term LNG may help to increase the total LNG imports, reduce the price of LNG, and thus improve import benefits. Besides, a moderate amount of long-term LNG contracts is conducive to the establishment of a stable and flexible natural gas supply system and the security of natural gas imports. Therefore, natural gas importers should not underestimate or even ignore the value of long-term LNG contracts while actively participating in short-term and spot trade of natural gas.
Exploring the wicked problem dilemmas and driving mechanism of green transition: Evidence from the Yellow River Basin, China
Authors: Xie Weiwei , Dong Yaning , Jin Tianlin
Published: January 2023

The green transition of the Yellow River Basin (YRB) plays an important role in China’s economic and social development, as well as its ecological security. In view of the wicked problem dilemmas of development and emissions reduction in the YRB, this study theoretically and empirically examines the driving forces of its green transition. A six-sector green endogenous growth model reveals that low-carbon governance and innovation activities are the main drivers of green transition. Subsequently, a panel econometric model empirically explores how these drivers can solve the challenges of green transition. The findings are summarized as follows: low-carbon governance and innovative human and physical capital are key elements of green transition. The investment and innovation-driven periods regression results confirm that these elements drive green transition in the latter period. The regional heterogeneity show that drivers can promote green transition in highly developed areas. At the same time, with the inflow of innovative human capital, the promotion of low-carbon governance and innovative human capital to green transition has increased to an extent. Hence, combining the urban development stage and level to avoid a uniform policy may be key to the green transition in the YRB.
Evaluation of the consolidation status of heavy oil sands through rock physics analysis: A case study from Fengcheng oilfield
Authors: Yuan Hemin , Han Xuehui , Zhang Xin , Wang Yang
Published: January 2023

Heavy oil is an important unconventional oil resource with huge availability worldwide, which also forms the primary oil source in Fengcheng oilfield, XinJiang, China. The elastic properties and consolidation status of heavy oil sands are of significant values as they can provide guidance for reservoir exploration and production. However, due to the lack of detailed rock physics investigation of the heavy oil sands in Fengcheng oilfield, the knowledge about their micro-scale elastic properties and consolidation status is still limited. Based on the well log data and laboratory measurements, we performed rock physics analysis of the heavy oil sands’ elastic properties. We first analyzed the well logs to determine the oil sands formations and then quantitatively delineated the relations between density, porosity, and velocity. Combining with laboratory measured data, we applied theoretical rock physics models to characterize the consolidation status of the heavy oil sands. Our results show that the oil sands in this area are poorly consolidated with a loose rock frame. Overall, this study highlights the micro-scale elastic properties of the heavy oil sands in Fengcheng oilfield and also reveals the consolidation status. It presents a method of integrating well log, laboratory data, and rock physics analysis to evaluate the consolidation status of heavy oil sands, which can facilitate the future detailed petrophysical analysis and provide important information for seismic characterization and drilling risk evaluation.