bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Quantum Dots Doped Ni3Se4/Co9Se8/Fe3O4 Multilayer Nanosheets Prepared by One-Step Solvothermal Method to Boost Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Zhang Yao , Wang Runze , Zhu Longqi , Li Xu , Sun Caixia , Liu Haizhen , Zhu Lei , Wang Kuikui
Published: May 2023

Oxygen evolution reaction is a momentous part of electrochemical energy storage and conversion devices such as rechargeable metal-air batteries. It is particularly urgent to develop low-cost and efficient electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reactions. As a potential substitute for noble metal electrocatalysts, transition metal selenides are still challenging in improving the activity of oxygen evolution reaction and the research of reaction intermediates. In this study, a simple one-step solvothermal method was used to prepare a polymetallic compound carbon matrix composite (Co9Se8/Ni3Se4/Fe3O4@C) with a multilayered nanosheets structure. It exhibited good OER activity in an alkaline electrolyte solution with an overpotential of 268 mV at 10 mA/cm2 in an alkaline medium. Besides, this catalyst also showed excellent performance in the 24 hours stability test. The composite presents a multi-layer sheet structure, which effectively improves the contact between the active site and the electrolyte. The selenide formed by Ni and Co has a synergistic effect, Fe3O4 and Co9Se8 form a heterojunction structure, which can effectively improve the reaction activity by initiating the electronic coupling effect through the interface modification. In addition, carbon quantum dots have rich heteroatoms and electron transferability, which improves the electrochemical properties of the composites. This work provides a new strategy for the preparation of highly efficient OER electrocatalysts utilizing the multimetal synergistic effect.
Interleukin 17A-Correlated Myocarditis in Patients with Psoriasis: Cardiac Recovery Following Secukinumab Administration
Authors: Frustaci Andrea , Galea Nicola , Dominici Lorenzo , Verardo Romina , Alfarano Maria , Scialla Rossella , Richetta Antonio Giovanni
Published: May 2023

Background. Psoriasis (PS) is a common immune-mediated disease of the skin with pos-sible extension to joints, aorta and eye. Myocardial inflammation has been rarely sug-gested.
Aims: Report of PS-related myocarditis
Methods and Results: One hundred consecutive patients with PS were screened for car-diac involvement. Among them, five male patients (aged 56 ± 9.5 years) with moder-ate-severe form showed a dilated cardiomyopathy (LVEF <35%) with normal coronary ar-teries and valves. They underwent a left ventricular endomyocardial biopsy for evaluation of myocardial substrate. Endomyocardial samples were processed for histology and im-munohistochemistry, including myocardial expression of Toll-Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) and interleukin-17A (IL-17A), which plays a major role in psoriasis pathogenesis; real-time PCR for cardiotropic viruses and Western blot analysis for myocardial expression of IL-17A. Patients’ sera were tested for anti-heart autoantibodies.An active lymphocytic myocarditis was revealed in all 5 patients, characterized by absence of viral genomes at PCR, positive anti-heart autoantibodies, overexpression of TLR-4 and enhancement of IL-17-A at western blot analysis showing a 2,48-fold increase in psoriatic myocarditis compared with no psoriatic myocarditis and a 6-fold increase compared to myocardial controls. Treatment included combination of prednisone (1 mg/Kg daily for 4 weeks, ta-pered to 0.33 mg/Kg) + azathioprine (2 mg/Kg, daily) in 3 pts or secukinumab (SK, 100 mg/monthly) in 2 pts for 6 months. LVEDD and LVEF improved in the first 3 pts (-14% and + 118%, respectively) while completely recovered (LVEF> 50%) in the last 2 pts on SK.
Conclusion. IL-17A-related myocarditis can occur in up-to 5% of patients with psoriasis. It manifests as a progressive dilated cardiomyopathy. It may completely recover following SK administration.
Computational Advancements in Drug Repurposing for Cancer Combination Therapy Prediction
Authors: Flanary Victoria L. , Fisher Jennifer L. , Wilk Elizabeth J. , Howton Timothy C. , Lasseigne Brittany N.
Published: May 2023

As cancer remains resistant to several modes of treatment, novel therapeutics are still under active investigation to overcome treatment inefficacy in cancer. Given the high attrition rate of de novo drug discovery, drug screening, and drug repurposing have offered time- and cost-effective alternative strategies for the identification of potentially effective therapeutics. In contrast to large-scale drug screens, computational approaches for drug repurposing leverage the increasing amounts of biomedical data to predict candidate therapeutic agents prior to testing in biological models. Current studies in drug repurposing for cancer therapy prediction have increasingly focused on the prediction of combination therapies, as combination therapies have numerous advantages over monotherapies. These include increased effect from synergistic interactions, reduced toxicity from lowered drug doses, and a reduced risk of resistance due to multiple non-overlapping mechanisms of action. This review provides a summary of several classes of computational methods used for drug combination therapy prediction in cancer research, including networks, regression-based machine learning, classifier machine learning models, and deep learning approaches, with the goal of presenting current progress in the field, particularly to non-computational cancer biologists. We conclude by discussing the need for further advancements in technologies that incorporate disease mechanisms, drug characteristics, multi-omics data, and clinical considerations to generate effective patient-specific drug combinations, as holistic data integration will inevitably result in optimal targeted therapeutics for cancer.
The Brain Cannot Take Up Polyamines from the Blood Stream Leaving It Solely Dependent on Local Biosynthesis As Demonstrated Here with the Aid of Biotinylated Spermine
Authors: Weiss Torsten , Bernard René , Laube Gregor , Rieck Julian , Eaton Misty , Skatchkov Serguei N , Veh Rüdiger W.
Published: May 2023

The importance of PAs for CNS functions are well known. Less clear is, however, where PAs in the brain are derived from. Principally, there are three possibilities: (i) intake by nutrition, release into the bloodstream, and subsequent uptake from CNS capillaries, (ii) products of parenchymatous organs as the liver, and again uptake from CNS capillaries, and (iii) uptake of precursors such as arginine from the blood and subsequent local biosynthesis of polyamines within the CNS.The present investigation aimed to unequivocally answer the question, whether PAs, especially the higher ones like SPD and SPM can or cannot be taken up into the brain from the bloodstream. For this purpose a biotin-labelled analogue of SPM was synthesized, characterized, and used to visualize its uptake into brain cells subsequent to application to surviving brain slices, to the intraventricular space, or to the bloodstream.In surviving slices uptake of B-X-SPM is massive into protoplasmic and absent in fibrous type astrocytes. It is also taken up by neurons but to a lesser degree. Under in-vivo conditions astrocyte uptake of biotinylated SPM also is massive from the brain interstitial fluid subsequent to intraventricular application. In contrast, following intracardial injection there is no uptake from the bloodstream, indicating that the brain is completely dependent on the local synthesis of polyamines.
Design and Synthesis of Porous Organic Polymers: Promising Catalysts for Lignocellulose Conversion to 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural and Derivates
Authors: Yang Lei , Shao Lishu , Wu Zhiping , Zhan Peng , Zhang Lin
Published: May 2023

In the face of the current energy and environment problems, the full use of biomass resources instead of fossil energy to produce a series of high-value chemicals has great application prospects. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which can be synthesized from lignocellulose as raw material, is an important biological platform molecule. Its preparation and catalytic oxidation of subsequent products have important research significance and practical value. In the actual production process, porous organic polymer (POPs) catalysts are highly suitable for biomass catalytic conversion due to its high efficiency, low cost, good designability, and environmentally friendly features. Here, we briefly described the application of various types of POPs (including COFs、PAFs、HCPs、CMPs) in the preparation and catalytic conversion of HMF from lignocellulosic biomass, and analyzed the influence of the structural properties of catalysts for the catalytic performance. Finally, we summarized some challenges that POPs catalysts will face in biomass catalytic conversion, and prospected the important research directions in future. This review would provide valuable references for the efficient conversion of biomass resources into high-value chemicals in practical applications.
Melanin Journey from Melanocytes to Keratinocytes: Uncovering the Molecular Mechanisms of Melanin Transfer and Processing
Authors: Bento-Lopes Liliana , Cabaço Luís C. , Charneca João , V. Neto Matilde , C. Seabra Miguel , C. Barral Duarte
Published: May 2023

Skin pigmentation ensures efficient photoprotection and relies on the pigment melanin, which is produced by epidermal melanocytes and transferred to surrounding keratinocytes. While the molecular mechanisms of melanin synthesis and transport in melanocytes are now well characterized, much less is known about melanin transfer and processing within keratinocytes. Over the past few decades, distinct models have been proposed to explain how melanin transfer occurs at the cellular and molecular levels. However, this remains a debated topic as up to four different models have been proposed, with evidence presented supporting each. Here, we review the current knowledge on the regulation of melanin exocytosis, internalization, processing and polarization. Regarding the different transfer models, we discuss how these might co-exist to regulate skin pigmentation under different conditions, i.e. constitutive and facultative skin pigmentation or physiological and pathological conditions. Moreover, we discuss recent evidence that sheds light on the regulation of melanin exocytosis by melanocytes and internalization by keratinocytes, as well as how melanin is stored within these cells in a compartment that we proposed to be named melanokerasome. Finally, we review the state of the art on the molecular mechanisms that lead to melanokerasome positioning above the nuclei of keratinocytes, forming supranuclear caps that shield the nuclear DNA from UV radiation. Thus, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms regulating skin pigmentation, from melanin exocytosis by melanocytes and internalization by keratinocytes, to processing and polarization within keratinocytes. A better knowledge of these molecular mechanisms will clarify long lasting questions in the field that are crucial for the understanding of skin pigmentation and can shed light on fundamental aspects of organelle biology. Ultimately, this knowledge can lead to novel therapeutic strategies to treat hypo- or hyper-pigmentation disorders, which have a high socio-economic burden to patients and healthcare systems worldwide, as well as having cosmetic applications.
Quality of Raspberry Fruit (Rubus idaeus L.) Cultivated under Balanced Fertilization Conditions: Commodity Evaluation
Authors: Sawicka Barbara , Barbaś Piotr , Skiba Dominika , Krochmal-Marczak Barbara , Pszczółkowski Piotr
Published: May 2023

(Background:) Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) is very popular with consumers around the world for its intense flavor, attractive appearance and health benefits. In recent years, interest in healthy eating and natural products has increased, and raspberry fits perfectly into these trends, which translates into its greater importance on the consumer market. (Aim) The aim of the study was the commodity evaluation of raspberry fruits bearing fruit on 2-year-old shoots, cultivated under the conditions of varied nitrogen fertilization against the background of constant phosphorus-potassium fertilization. The first-order factor were cultivars ('Laszka' and ‘Glen Ample’), and the second-order factor was nitrogen fertilization (0, 50, 100 and 150 kg N ha-1), against the background of constant phosphorus-potassium fertilization (100 kg P2O5 and 120 kg K2O ha-1). The experiment was set up in a dependent split-plot design, in 3 repetitions. (Results) The importance of raspberry on the consumer market was shaped by: taste and quality of fruit, health benefits, naturalness and freshness, universality of use, availability and nutritional trends. (Conclusion) The tested cultivars were characterized by similar production and quality capabilities. Fertilization of the tested cultivars with a dose of 135 kg N·ha-1 turned out to be justified in terms of yield. Increasing nitrogen doses resulted in a significant increase in fresh fruit yield and 1000 fruit weight. Different doses of nitrogen increased fruit resistance to mechanical damage, firmness and improved quality indices.
The Role of Fuel Characteristics and Heat Release Formulations in Coupled Fire-Atmosphere Simulation
Authors: Shamsaei Kasra , Juliano Timothy W. , Roberts Matthew , Ebrahimian Hamed , Lareau Neil P. , Rowell Eric , Kosovic Branko
Published: May 2023

In this study, we focus on the effects of fuel bed representation and fire heat and smoke distribution in a coupled fire-atmosphere simulation platform for two landscape-scale fires: the 2018 Camp Fire and the 2021 Caldor Fire. The fuel bed representation in the coupled fire-atmosphere simulation platform WRF-Fire currently includes only surface fuels. Thus, we enhance the model by adding canopy fuel characteristics and heat release, for which a method to calculate the heat generated from canopy fuel consumption is developed and implemented in WRF-Fire. Furthermore, the current WRF-Fire heat and smoke distribution in the atmosphere is replaced with a heat-conserving Truncated Gaussian (TG) function and its effects are evaluated. The simulated fire perimeters of case studies are validated against semi-continuous, high-resolution fire perimeters derived from NEXRAD radar observations. Furthermore, simulated plumes of the two fire cases are compared to NEXRAD radar reflectivity observations followed by buoyancy analysis using simulated temperature and vertical velocity fields. The results show that while the improved fuel bed and the TG heat release scheme have small effects on the simulated fire perimeters of the wind-driven Camp Fire, they affect the propagation direction of the plume-driven Caldor Fire, leading to better-matching fire perimeters with the observations. However, the improved fuel bed representation together with the TG heat smoke release scheme leads to more realistic plume structure in comparison to the observations in both fires. The buoyancy analysis also depicts more realistic fire-induced temperature anomalies and atmospheric circulation when the fuel bed is improved.
An Ethyl Acetate Extract of Eryngium carlinae Inflorescences Attenuates Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in the Liver of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Trejo-Hurtado Cristian M. , Landa-Moreno Cinthia I. , Cruz Jenaro Lemus-De la , Peña-Montes Donovan J. , Montoya-Pérez Rocío , Salgado-Garciglia Rafael , Manzo-Avalos Salvador , Cortés-Rojo Christian , Monribot-Villanueva Juan Luis , Guerrero-Analco José Antonio , Saavedra-Molina Alfredo
Published: May 2023

Secondary metabolites such as flavonoids are considered to be promising in the treatment of NAFLD, which is one of the complications of diabetes due to oxidative stress and inflammation. Some plants, such as Eryngium carlinae, have been investigated with regard to their medicinal properties in in vitro and in vivo assays, showing favorable results for the treatment of various diseases such as diabetes and obesity. The present study examined the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the phenolic compounds present in an ethyl acetate extract of the inflorescences of Eryngium carlinae on liver homogenates and mitochondria from STZ-induced diabetic rats. Phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by UHPLC-MS. In vitro assays were carried out to discover the antioxidant potential of the extract. Male Wistar rats were administered with a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (45 mg/kg) and were given the ethyl acetate extract at a level of 30 mg/kg for 60 days. Phytochemical assays showed that the major constituents of the extract were flavonoids; in addition, the in vitro antioxidant activity was dose-dependent with IC50 = 57.97 mg/mL and IC50 = 30.90 mg/mL in the DPPH and FRAP assays, respectively. Moreover, the oral administration of the ethyl acetate extract improved the effects of NAFLD, decreasing serum and liver TG levels and oxidative stress markers and increasing the activity of the antioxidant enzymes. Likewise, it attenuated liver damage by decreasing the expression of NF-κB and iNOS, which lead to inflammation and liver damage. These results suggest that the phenolic compounds of the ethyl acetate extract of E. carlinae have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective activity.
Analysis of Paxton Siphon frazil ice blockage event during January 2022
Authors: Engel Chandler , Giovando Jeremy , Halvorson Grant
Published: May 2023

In early January 2022, the Paxton Siphon, owned and operated by the Nebraska Public Power District, filled with frazil ice creating a blockage that resulted in a rapid upstream stage rise for the Sutherland Canal. An event of this type has never happened in the over 80 years of operating the Paxton Siphon. An analysis of the available weather and canal data suggests a rapid air temperature change resulted in the water becoming supercooled, which combined with the moderately low flows in the canal resulted in an anomalous frazil ice formation event. To address this issue for future cold-weather events, a water-temperature model was developed using the Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System and can be used to determine the spatial extents of the supercooling event using forecasted weather information. In addition, we developed a heat-exchange forecast tool that can be used operationally to screen for potential frazil ice formation periods with a 1-week outlook period.
Intelligent Risk Identification and Warning Model for Typical Drilling Operation Scenes and its Application
Authors: Zhang Shaohui , Huang Weihe , Bi Guoqiang , Zhang Jianli , Zhang Xiaohui , Wen Hucheng , Ma Changjun , Bai Junqing , Li Haijun
Published: May 2023

The drilling operation procedures are complicated and its risks are high. The unsafe behavior of well site personnel and the unsafe state of equipment and materials are the main causes of drilling accidents. At present, these are mainly supervised by drilling supervisors. The supervisors, who's supervising means are single, cannot achieve full coverage of on-site personnel, equipment and materials. In order to realize intelligent identification and warning of drilling operation risks, the intelligent risk identification and warning model for typical drilling operation scenes and its application are carried out.

First of all, considering the influence of different environmental conditions, the approach of automatically generating image dataset based on machine learning is proposed, and the typical scene sample image database is established. Meanwhile, the typical scene risk identification model based on YOLOv5 algorithm is designed and established by introducing feature aggregation, loss function and attention mechanism, and the algorithm model is trained and tested by using neural network method. In addition, based on the risk identification of drilling operation, the approach of risk warning and feedback is put forward. Finally, a set of ablation experiments are designed to test the performance of the improved algorithm models in drilling well sites.

By using the approach of automatically generating image dataset based on machine learning, the foreground and background images can be automatically fused, and the standardized collection and classified storage of well site video image data are realized, saving a lot of manpower labeling costs. With the use of the risk identification model of typical scenes, typical risks can be automatically identified, with the mAP of 90.3% and the response time of less than 2 seconds. Three ways of mobile phone short message, well site speaker and screen pop-up reminder have been developed to timely send the identified risks to relevant personnel. Through intelligent risk identification and processing, the operation risk is reduced, the operation quality is guaranteed, and the supervision efficiency and effect are improved significantly.

The intelligent risk identification and warning models of typical drilling operation scenes are innovatively established by using the approach of combining the drilling operation risk identification theory and artificial intelligence technology, which solves the problem of intelligent risk identification and warning of typical drilling operation scenes, and provides theoretical and practical basis for the development of digital supervision management in the drilling operation.
How Thermal Fluctuations Influence the Function of the FeMo-cofactor in Nitrogenase Enzymes
Authors: Li Wan-Lu , Li Yong , Li Jun , Head-Gordon Teresa
Published: May 2023

The catalytic mechanism of N2 fixation by nitrogenase remains unresolved in how the strong N≡N
bond is activated and why the reductive elimination of H2 is required. Here we use Density Functional
Theory and physiologically relevant thermal simulations to elucidate the mechanism of the complete
nitrogenase catalytic cycle. Over the accumulation of four reducing equivalents we find that protons and
electrons transfer to the FeMo-cofactor to weaken and break its bridge Fe-S bond, leading to temporary
H2S formation that exposes the Fe sites to weakly bind N2. Remarkably, we find that subsequent H2
formation is responsible for chemical activation to an N=N double bond accompanied by a low barrier
for H2 release. We emphasize that finite temperature effects smooth out mechanistic differences between
DFT functionals observed at 0 K, thus leading to a consistent understanding as to why H2 formation is
an obligatory step in N2 adsorption and activation.
Does Rising Resources Income, Consumer Prices, Government Outlay, and Globalisation Hinder Africa's Sustainable Development?
Authors: Aladejare Samson Adeniyi , Musa Mohammed Auwal
Published: May 2023

This study examined the long-term effect of contemporary challenges such as growing resource income, rising consumer prices, inefficient public spending, and globalisation on Africa's quest for sustainable development. A robust measure of sustainable development that integrates resource productivity is adopted. The study period spanned from 1991 to 2021, and data sourced from 24 African countries. The empirical output for this study is derived using long-term methodologies, including feasible generalised least squares, Driscoll-Kraay, and panel dynamic ordinary least squares. The estimation of the long-term model was to capture the consequential effects of contemporary issues on sustainable development. Evidence from the model revealed that increases in resources income, consumer prices, public outlay, and globalisation are deterrents to sustainable development. The individual cross-sectional regression outputs also demonstrated similar effects. Given these contemporary challenges, the study proposed relevant policy measures to aid the attainment of sustainable development.
Uncharacterized protein with amino acid deletions from Bombyx mori illustrates divergence from Bombyx mandarina hemocytin and showed modulated gene expression after infection by Nosema bombycis
Authors: Kalyani Dhadesugur , Varghese Alvina , Prabhuling Shambhavi Hungund , Makwana Pooja , Ponnuvel Kangayam M. , Pradeep Appukuttan R
Published: May 2023

Genome wide gene expression analysis, transcription analysis and mass spectrometry have revealed several uncharacterized genes and proteins from commercial silkwormBombyx mori. Infection ofB. morilarvae with the microsporidianNosema bombycisinduced appearance of exclusive proteins in hemocytes ofB. morishowing host response. Mass spectrometry of the exclusive proteins revealed abundance of an uncharacterized protein H9JAZ8 that displayed conserved domains of Von Willebrand Factor type D domain (VWF), C8 domain, trypsin inhibitor-like cysteine rich domain and conserved epidermal growth factor like. Protein model of H9JAZ8 confirmed presence of VWF domains, cysteine rich domains and disulphide bonds. Expression ofH9JAZ8gene showed upregulation on day 2 after the infection followed by significant down regulated expression till day 10 exhibiting infection- associated modulation of the gene. BLASTP of H9JAZ8 showed 99% amino acid sequence similarity withB. moriBGIBMGA006693 demonstrating H9JAZ8 as a paralog ofB. morihemocytin. BLASTP of H9JAZ8 revealed 18 most similar hemocytin homologues from different insect species with 99% similarity forB. mandarinahemocytin. A Maximum Parsimony phylogeny tree showed three clusters where H9JAZ8 branched from the hemocytin ofB. mandarinawith 100% bootstrap value. Global BLAST analysis of H9JAZ8 with hemocytin ofB. mandarina(XP_028038271.1) showed deletion of two regions, a 27 amino acid stretch, RRIFFSFILIYCTFNCEAGYGIPASSD at 2–28th position and a 21 amino acid stretch, DVVVISPNHHNNSSYYSYSQG at 317-338th position. Togteher,B. moriH9JAZ8 is diverged fromB. mandarinahemocytin as part of speciation and immune evolution during domestication from the wild silkworm.
Effects of precipitation concentration and human activities on city runoff changes
Authors: Lv Cuimei , Wang Xinrui , ling minhua , Xu Wenjing , Yan Denghua
Published: May 2023

Under the dual influence of precipitation and human activity, urban runoff has changed significantly. To evaluate how these two factors may affect city runoff, we used hydro statistical methods to provide a scientific basis for the evolution of urban flood control and non-point source pollution. This study took Guangzhou city as an example and examined the characteristic changes of runoff from 1970 to 2020. The results showed that the concentration of precipitation in Guangzhou City varied between 0.25 and 0.63 during 1970–2020, with a mean value of 0.47, and abrupt changes in runoff occurred in 2013 and 2016. We also found that the impact of human activities on runoff was greater than that of the concentration of precipitation from to 2014–2016, contributing 82.3% while the contribution of precipitation concentration was 11.7%. The impact of precipitation concentration on runoff was more obvious during 2017–2020, contributing up to 98% of the change in runoff compared to only 2% for human activities, and runoff increased with increasing precipitation concentration. The combined effect of precipitation concentration and human activities has a certain impact on urban runoff, and each has a different impact on urban runoff in different periods. This research provides a scientific basis for alleviating urban flood.
Neurobehavioral deficits, histoarchitectural alterations, parvalbumin neuronal damage and glial activation in the brain of male Wistar rat exposed to Landfill leachate
Authors: Usende Ifukibot Levi , Bintu Mofio M. , Daniella Osinachi Chinonyerem , Oyenike Oyelowo-Abdulraheem Fatima , Agbonu Adikpe Oluwa , Adedamola Azeez Mariam , Ndidi Enefe , Saka Sanni Fatimah , Gela Beselia V. , Mbagwu Smart I. , Edem Edem Ekpenyong , Olukayode Olopade James , James Connor R
Published: May 2023

Concerns about inappropriate disposal of waste into unsanitary municipal solid waste landfills around the world has been on the increase; and this pose a public health challenge due to leachate production. The neurotoxic effect of Gwagwalada landfill leachate (GLL) was investigated in male adult Wistar rats. Rats were exposed to 10% concentration of GLL for 21days. Control group received tap water for same period of experiment. Our results showed that neurobehavior, absolute body and brain weights and brain histomorphology as well as parvalbumin interneurons were severely altered, with consequent astrogliosis and microgliosis after 21 days of administrating GLL. Specifically, there was severe loss and shrinkage of purkinje cells, with their nucleus, and severe diffused vacuolations of the white matter tract of GLL exposed rat brains. There was severe cell loss in the granular layer of the cerebellum resulting to reduced thickness of the layer. Also. there was severe loss of dendritic arborization of the purkinje cells in GLL exposed rat brains, and damage as well of reduced populations of parvalbumin-containing fast-spiking GABAminergic interneurons in various regions of the brain. In conclusion, data from the present study demonstrated the detrimental effects of Gwagwalada landfill leachate on the brain which may be implicated in neuropsychological conditions.
Modelling of Compression Ignition Engine by Soft Computing Techniques (ANFIS-NSGA-II and RSM) to Enhance the Performance Characteristics for Leachate Blends with Nano-additives
Authors: Khan Osama , Parvez Mohd , Kumari Pratibha , Yadav Ashok Kumar , Akram Wasim , Ahmad Shadab , Parvez Samia , Idrisi Mohammad Javed
Published: May 2023

The focus of this study is on the potential of using oils extracted from food waste that ended up in landfills. These waste oils were tested to see how they affected performance and emissions in diesel engines. The study's results are analysed and compared with models created using intelligent hybrid prediction approaches including adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), response surface methodology (RSM) - genetic algorithm (GA), and ANFIS - non sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II). The analysis takes into account engine load, blend percentage, nanoadditive concentration, and injection pressure, and the desired responses are the thermal efficiency and specific energy consumption of the brakes, as well as the concentrations of carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbon, and oxides of nitrogen. Root-mean-square error (RMSE) and the coefficient of determination (R2) were used to assess the predictive power of the model (R2). Comparitevely to AI and the RSM-GA model, the results provided by ANFIS-NSGA-II are superior. This is because it achieved a pareto optimum front of 24.45 kW, 2.76, 159.54 ppm, 4.68 ppm, and 0.020243% for BTE, BSEC, NOX, UBHC, and CO. Combining the precision of ANFIS's prediction with the efficiency of NSGA-optimization II's gives a reliable and thorough evaluation of the engine's settings.
Snowprint: a predictive tool for genetic biosensor discovery
Authors: Stofel Sarah , Ellington Andrew , d'Oelsnitz Simon
Published: May 2023

Bioengineers increasingly rely on ligand-inducible transcription regulators for chemical-responsive control of gene expression, yet the number of regulators available is limited. Novel regulators can be mined from genomes, but an inadequate understanding of their DNA specificity complicates genetic design. Here we present Snowprint, a simple yet powerful bioinformatic tool for predicting regulator:DNA interactions. Benchmarking results demonstrate that Snowprint predictions are significantly similar for 67 out of 147 experimentally validated regulator:operator pairs from organisms across nine phyla and for regulators that span five distinct structural families. We then use Snowprint to design promoters for 33 previously uncharacterized regulators sourced from diverse phylogenies, of which 28 were shown to influence gene expression and 24 produced a >20-fold signal-to-noise ratio. A panel of the newly domesticated regulators were then screened for response to biomanufacturing-relevant compounds, yielding new sensors for a polyketide (olivetolic acid), terpene (geraniol), steroid (ursodiol), and alkaloid (tetrahydropapaverine) with 6-, 3.4-, 2.3-, and 10.7-fold induction ranges. Snowprint represents a unique, generalizable tool that greatly facilitates the discovery of ligand-inducible transcriptional regulators for bioengineering applications.
Age-integrated breast imaging reporting and data system assessment model to improve the accuracy of breast cancer diagnosis
Authors: Deng Jingwen , Shi Manman , Wang Min , Liao Ni , Jia Yan , Yao Feng , Sun Shengrong , Zhang Yimin
Published: May 2023

Purpose
Ultrasonography is one of the most effective methods for diagnosing breast diseases, especially among Asian women. The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) is widely used independently of age in diagnosing breast cancer via ultrasonography. This study aimed to develop a model that integrates age with the BI-RADS lexicon to improve the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography in diagnosing breast cancer among the Chinese population.
Methods
This study comprised two cohorts: the training cohort, including 975 women from the Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, and the validation cohort, including 500 women from the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province. Logistic regression was used to construct a model combining BI-RADS scores with age and to determine the age-based prevalence of breast cancer to predict a cut-off age. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to determine the model’s diagnostic efficacy.
Results
The age with BI-RADS scores model had the best performance compared to the age-only model and BI-RADS scores-only model with an AUC of 0.872 (95% CI: 0.850–0.894, p < 0.001). Moreover, among participants aged < 30 years, the prevalence of breast cancer was lower than the lower limit of the reference range (2%) for the BI-RADS subcategory 4A lesions but within the reference range for BI-RADS category 3 lesions according to the linear regression analysis.
Conclusions
The integrated assessment model based on age and BI-RADS may improve the accuracy of ultrasonography in diagnosing breast lesions. Young patients with BI-RADS subcategory 4A lesions may be excluded from biopsy.
County-Level Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) in the Contiguous U.S. (2012-2019): Spatial Variations, Temporal Trends and Environmental Justice Analyses
Authors: Xiao Qian , Zhou Meng , Lyu Yue , Lu Jiachen , Zhang Kehe , Figueiro Mariana , Wang Jun , Bauer Cici
Published: May 2023

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a growing environmental exposure with economic, ecological and public health implications. Moreover, previous studies suggested a higher burden of light pollution and related adverse effects in disadvantaged communities. It is critical to characterize the geographic distribution and temporal trend of ALAN and identify associated demographic and socioeconomic factors at the population level to lay the foundation for environmental and public health monitoring and policy making. We used satellite data from the Black Marble suite to characterize ALAN in all counties in contiguous US and reported considerable variations in ALAN spatiotemporal patterns between 2012 and 2019. As expected, ALAN levels were generally higher in metropolitan and coastal areas; however, several rural counties in Texas experienced remarkable increase in ALAN since 2012, while population exposure to ALAN also increased substantially in many metropolitan areas. Importantly, we found that during this period, although the overall ALAN levels in the US declined modestly, the temporal trend of ALAN varied across areas with different racial/ethnic compositions: counties with a higher percentage of racial/ethnic minority groups, particularly Hispanic populations, exhibited significantly less decline. As a result, the disparities in ALAN across racial/ethnic groups exacerbated between 2012 and 2019. In conclusion, our study documented variations in ALAN spatiotemporal patterns across America and identified multiple population correlates of ALAN patterns that warrant future investigations.
Late Quaternary shrews (Mammalia: Soricomorpha) from Priamurye according to data from Koridornaya Cave
Authors: Omelko Valeriya E. , Tiunov Mikhail P.
Published: May 2023

During excavations in Koridornaya Cave (Pompeevskiy Ridge, Jewish Autonomous Oblast, Russia) in 2017–2018, for the first time in Priamurye (Outer Manchuria), numerous bone remains of Late Quaternary mammals were recovered. The purpose of this work was to determine the species list of shrews of that time and to estimate their abundance. In the deposits of Koridornaya Cave, 890 cranial remains of shrews (Soricidae) were found belonging to 11 species from four genera: Sorex, Neomys, Beremendia, and Crocidura. The formation time of the deposits corresponds to the Karginsky interstadial (MIS 3), and the upper part of the deposits contains Holocene (MIS 1) material. Pleistocene communities of shrews of the Pompeevskiy Ridge included modern inhabitants of this territory (S. caecutiens, S. isodon, S. unguiculatus, S. daphaenodon, S. roboratus, S. minutissimus, N. fodiens, and C. lasiura) and S. tundrensis; C. ex gr. suaveolens appeared in the Holocene. Sorex gracillimus, which currently lives here, either was absent in Late Pleistocene communities or was extremely rare. The dominant species in the communities of that time was S. caecutiens, just as in the Southern Sikhote-Alin (Late Pleistocene to Holocene) and in most of modern communities of shrews in the south of the Russian Far East.
Trade-offs and Synergies of Ecosystem Service Bundles in the Luan River Basin, China
Authors: Wang Ye , Wu Zhiyong , Xue Zhongcai , Gao Qiang , Bu Fan , Zhao Jiujia , Yang Yue
Published: May 2023

The relationships between multiple ecosystem services are essential for effective ecosystem management and decision-making. In this study, the Luan River Basin, which is a critical component of the water conservation and ecological environment support area in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region of China, was evaluated for its carbon storage, water yield, soil conservation, water retention, habitat quality, and food supply from 1990 to 2020. Ecosystem service bundles were identified using clustering methods that considered trade-offs and synergies, and the spatiotemporal variations of each bundle type were examined. The results indicated that carbon storage, water yield, soil conservation, water retention, and habitat quality increased after reaching their lowest values in 2000–2005, while food supply showed a significant decline after 2005. Most ecosystem services, except for food supply, were significantly positively correlated with each other, indicating the presence of synergies between them. Based on the ecosystem service value and the area proportion of synergies and trade-offs between ecosystem services, three ecosystem service bundles were identified as "Ecological conservation synergy type," "Food supply trade-off type," and "Ecological balance type." The interconversion between these types of bundles depended on natural background conditions, ecological protection policies, and the degree of agricultural economic development. These findings suggest that ecosystem management in the Luan River Basin should be tailored to specific measures based on the different ecosystem service bundles.
Sibling relationships among firstborn preschoolers with ADHD: a Chinese population- based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Xian Danxia , Zhang Jingyu , Wu Jianbo , Yin Xiaona , Zhang Yan , Qiu Shuangyan , Zhao Yafen , Yang Weikang , Lu Dali
Published: May 2023

Objective:
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are significantly impaired in social relationships, such as poorer parent-child and peer relationships. However, fewer study to explore sibling relationships in ADHD. Thus, this study is to investigate the quality of sibling relationships among firstborn preschooler with ADHD relative to those without ADHD.
Methods:
This was a population-based cohort study involving 69634 children enrolled in 234 kindergartens in Longhua District of Shenzhen, China. Sibling relationships were assessed with Sibling Inventory of Behavior (SIB) and ADHD symptoms were assessed with the 18-item Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham Rating Scale (SNAP-IV). Logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression models were performed to examine the associations between ADHD symptoms and sibling relationships among preschoolers.
Results:
This study included 8419 first-born children with siblings. Of them, 831 children (9.87%) have ADHD symptoms. Children with ADHD showed significantly higher scores of negative sibling relationships in rivalry, aggression and avoidance, and significantly lower scores of positive sibling relationships in involvement, empathy and teaching compared to non-ADHD group. Rivalry, aggression and child gender (boys) were positively correlated with children with ADHD, while involvement (companionship), teaching and household income were negatively correlated with children with ADHD. In ordinal logistic regression models, rivalry, aggregation, involvement and teaching entered the model, while rivalry and aggregation were risk factors of ADHD, and involvement and teaching were protective factors of ADHD.
Conclusion
It is important to pay more attention to the sibling relationships of children with ADHD.
Validation of the Media Fill method for Cytokine-Induced Killer cells manufacturing process
Authors: FERRERO Ivana , CASTIGLIA Sara , ADAMINI Aloe , MANDESE Alessandra , SISMONDI Francesca , RUSTICHELLI Deborah , LEONE Marco , PINNETTA Giuseppe , GIORDANENGO Lucia , MARESCHI Katia , FAGIOLI Franca
Published: May 2023

Background. Media fills are used to demonstrate the adequacy of the aseptic conditions of a pharmaceutical production process, according to good manufacturing practice (GMP), using a growth medium place of the product solution. For advanced therapy medicinal product (ATMP), where the final product consists of viable cells, the media fill is still a challenge, but represents the starting point for process validation. Methods. The aim of this paper is to describe the media fill test procedure in the context of ATMP manufacturing, in particular of Cytokine-Induced Killer (CIK) cell expansion process under GMP conditions, including quality control tests and environmental monitoring. The media fill test has been designed to cover all the critical steps of the process, including worst cases and deviations. Results. From July 2019 to August 2022, we performed 16 media fill tests. During these years, the media fill protocol has been gradually improved and the worst cases were designed to be closer to reality and occurring cases. Although some deviations occurred, all the media fills performed were compliant. Conclusions. A good media fill design combined with a robust environmental monitoring program provides a high degree of assurance of the microbial safety of ATMPs.
Use of Three-Dimensional Printing Technology for Supporting the Hip Reconstruction Surgery in Paediatric Patients
Authors: Iuppariello Luigi , Calderone Danilo , Casaburi Antonio , Romano Gemma , Guida Pasquale , Clemente Fabrizio
Published: May 2023

The use of three-dimensional (3D) printed patient-specific anatomical models is nowadays a viable strategy for improving surgical outcome in medicine. In adult surgery, 3D printing technology is commonly studied, but its use in paediatric surgery is still under development. This work presents the implementation of 3D printing technology in Orthopaedic department of the paediatric hospital “Santobono-Pausilipon” in Naples by producing 3D printed anatomical models of paediatric patients. The 3D printed models produced were used for the training of the surgical team during the preoperative planning and for carrying out a surgical simulation. The anatomical models are designed in compliance with the current European Medical Devices regulation and following the already existing guidelines in literature. The impact of the 3D printed anatomical models used, a total of seven printed anatomical models based on four patients, is then evaluated throughout a questionnaire proposed to the surgical team, composed by eight paediatric orthopaedic surgeons. Surgeons answered to a total of ten questions, six scale-based questions and four free-text questions. Results obtained from the questionnaires highlighted how 3D printed anatomical models can lead to a better understating of the treated pathologies, carrying relevant improvements in both the surgical team training and the surgical outcome.
Interneuron diversity in the human dorsal striatum
Authors: Garma Leonardo , Harder Lisbeth , Barba-Reyes Juan , Diez-Salguero Monica , Serrano-Pozo Alberto , Hyman Bradley , Munoz-Manchado Ana
Published: May 2023

Deciphering the striatal interneuron diversity is key to understanding the basal ganglia circuit and to untangle the complex neurological and psychiatric diseases affecting this brain structure. We performed snRNA-seq of postmortem human caudate nucleus and putamen samples to elucidate the diversity and abundance of interneuron populations and their transcriptional structure in the human dorsal striatum. We propose a new taxonomy of striatal interneurons with eight main classes and fourteen subclasses and provide their specific markers and some quantitative FISH validation, particularly for a novel PTHLH-expressing population. For the most abundant populations, PTHLH and TAC3, we found matching known mouse interneuron populations based on key functional genes such as ion channels and synaptic receptors. Remarkably, human TAC3 and mouse Th populations share important similarities including the expression of the neuropeptide tachykinin 3. Finally, we were able to integrate other published datasets supporting the generalizability of this new harmonized taxonomy.
A Survival Analysis of Family Forest Owners in the USA: Estimating Life Expectancy and 5-year Survivorship
Authors: Caputo Jesse , Butler Brett , Markowski-Lindsay Marla , Catanzaro Paul
Published: May 2023

Individuals, families, and trusts own a plurality of forest land in the United States, and the decisions made by these landowners have substantial impacts on the ecological, economic, and social benefits their lands provide. Some of the most impactful decisions include when and to whom to sell or leave their forested land, and whether or not to actively manage. Family forest landowners constitute an older population relative to the general population, and, the life expectancy of these landowners is a critical factor determining future land transitions, as well as patterns of management and land use. In this paper, we conduct a survival analysis using life tables and estimate that the average family forest landowner in the USA has a life expectancy of 21.0 additional years and an 89.3% chance of surviving the next five years. Five-year survivorship is a significant predictor of future plans to transfer land, as well as future intentions to actively manage. Additionally, at least in the Northeastern USA, survivorship significantly predicts filing wills and establishing land trusts. These results suggest that landowners may be consciously or subconsciously aware of their declining life expectancy and may be taking it into account when making decisions regarding estate planning and land management.