bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Explosion Energy Conversion of a Perforating Shaped Charge during Perforation Detonation
Authors: Ding Liangliang , Chen Wenkang , Han Chuanjun , Xue Yongzhi , Lei Qisong
Published: March 2024

The perforation-acidizing-testing combined technology has become the key technology for increasing the efficiency and speed of ultradeep well completion testing. However, the shock load and the wellbore pressure surge affect the stability and local strength of the lower packer string system during the perforation detonation. The energy generated by the perforation detonation is the fundamental source of the shock load and the wellbore pressure surge. The effect laws and distribution characteristics of the explosion energy of the perforating shaped charge is urgently needed. Therefore, a fluid-structure coupling method based on a structural-arbitrary Lagrangian-Euler algorithm (S-ALE) is used to construct a numerical model to forecast the explosion energy. The feasibility of the numerical model is verified by comparison with the field experimental results. The detailed studies on the output value and distribution characteristics of the explosion energy are carried out. The main control factors and influencing laws of the explosion energy are clarified. Then, an equation for the explosion energy prediction is fitted to lay the foundation for studying the wellbore pressure surge and the lower packer string system failure caused by the perforation detonation. The obtained results indicate that the explosion energy is mainly divided into three parts: the jet kinetic energy, the shell case energy, and the pressure surge energy. The pressure surge energy can reach 59.254 to 66.08%, the jet kinetic energy can reach 9.895 to 17.159%, and the shell case energy can reach 21.426 to 24.325%. The major sensitive parameters that affect the pressure surge energy are ranked as follows: the explosive mass, the explosive type, the shell thickness, the standoff distance, the cone angle of the liner, and the shot density. This work provides a reliable prediction method for the accurate description of the explosion energy conversion, which is critical for improving the success rate of the perforation-acidizing-testing combined technology.
Environmental Impact of a U.S. Transition from an Animal-Based Diet to More Plant-Based Diets
Authors: Acquaviva Anthony , Muller Peter
Published: March 2024

Numerous reports and studies tout a vegan diet's positive impact on the environment. Our study investigates the effect on the environment, particularly greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, land use, and freshwater withdrawals, of shifting from animal-based diets to plant-based diets in the U.S. Linear regression models for prototypical omnivore, vegetarian, and vegan diets are created based on U.S. consumption data and a review of 570 life-cycle assessments of various foods. These models are used to compare future scenarios with no dietary changes to scenarios where meat-based diets are replaced by more plant-based diets. We also explore the impact of reducing the consumption of animal by-products (such as dairy and eggs) through model analysis. We find that an annual drop of 0.75% of the percentage of the U.S. omnivore population would lead to a 2-6% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030 and a 6-20% reduction by 2050. We also see a 3-6% (by 2030) and 9-21% (by 2050) reduction in land use and 1-5% (by 2030) and 3-17% (by 2050) reduction in freshwater withdrawals. The extent of the reduction depends on whether the omnivore diet is replaced by a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Evaluating the Effects of Chlorella sp. and Schizochytrium sp. Extracts, Individually and in Combination, on Growth Performance, Body Composition, and Gene Expression Related to Growth, Digestion, Antioxidant, and Immune Responses in Rainbow Trout
Authors: KARATAŞ Boran
Published: March 2024

Aquaculture is a fast-growing industry requires nutritionally well-balanced and sustainable feed alternatives. Microalgae such as Chlorella sp. and Schizochytrium sp. have attracted attention for their potential usability in fish culture due to their growth-promoting and immune-stimulating properties. This study aimed to assess the impact of these microalgae extracts on the growth performance, feed utilization, body composition and gene expression related to growth, digestion, antioxidant, and immune responses in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Rainbow trout, each weighing an average of 8.92±0.04 g, were randomly allocated into 12 fiberglass tanks, with 15 fish per tank. The study comprised four treatments, including a control group (K) and experimental groups fed with 0.5% Chlorella (CH), 0.5% Schizochytrium (SC), and a combination of 0.25% Chlorella + 0.25% Schizochytrium (CH+SC) for 60 days. The results indicated that individual inclusion of Chlorella and Schizochytriumextracts up to 0.5% in the diet did not significantly affect growth performance and feed utilization. However, the combination of both microalgal extracts at the 0.5% level demonstrated significant improvements in all parameters.
Notably, the expression level of the growth hormone (GH-I) gene was higher in the CH+SC and SC groups compared to the control group, indicating a potential impact on growth-related mechanisms. Regarding body composition, there were no significant differences in moisture, lipid, and ash among groups. However, fish fed the mixed treatment-supported diet exhibited high crude protein. Additionally, the expression of genes inducing digestive enzymes significantly increased in fish fed the mixed diet, suggesting enhanced digestive activity. Furthermore, the study revealed significant increases in the expression levels of antioxidant-related genes (SOD, CAT, GPx) in all experimental groups compared to the control group, indicating an improvement in antioxidant status. Immunological assessments demonstrated significant differences in the expression of immune-related genes among treatments. Adding algal extracts to the diet positively affected the expression of immune-related genes, such as LYZII, TNF-α, and IL-1β, suggesting enhanced immune responses.
This work demonstrated a mixed diet containing Chlorella and Schizochytriumextracts positively influenced the growth performance of rainbow trout while enhancing digestive activity, immune responses, and antioxidant status. These findings support a combination of 0.25% Chlorella and 0.25% Schizochytriumin supplementary feed for rainbow trout in aquaculture practices. This research contributes valuable insights toward developing optimized aquafeeds for the aquaculture industry.
Quali-quantitative water behaviour in an intensive swine production catchment in the Atlantic Forest biome, southern Brazil
Authors: Cardozo Aimê , Piazza Gustavo Antonio , Alves Thiago Caique , Pinheiro Adilson , Kaufmann Vander , Torres Edson , Mota João André Ximenes
Published: March 2024

Agriculture is an essential economic activity in Brazil. However, it is also the main source of water quality degradation. Monitoring catchments with agricultural land use is a way to generate information on a scale to identify causes and sources of water quality degradation. This work used monitoring data derived from hydrology and the quality of surface and underground water in an intensive agricultural catchment in the Atlantic Forest biome. The Fortaleza River catchment is located in the western part of Santa Catarina state in southern Brazil and has 62 km² of drainage area. Hydrological and water quality monitoring was conducted for seven years at two fluviometric stations, three lysimeters, one meteorological station and one piezometer. Data on precipitation, temperature, water flow, surface runoff, drainage, and water quality were used. Statistical analyses were also developed. Precipitation between 2013 and 2019 presented a homogeneous distribution in monthly and annual data, with January and July the months with the highest and lowest values, respectively. Statistical difference in the average and Q95 flows was found in upstream and downstream fluviometric sections. In terms of quality, statistical differences were identified for ammonium, nitrate and potassium concentrations, which had higher concentrations in lysimeter runoff, indicating direct influence of agricultural activity on water quality. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that (i) surface water presented a positive relationship in Component 1 for the magnesium-calcium, sulphate-chloride and acetate-bromide groups and a negative relationship for phosphate-nitrate; (ii) in lysimeters, the positive relationship occurred for Component 2 for the phosphate-chloride and sulphate-nitrate groups and was negative for ammonium-lithium and calcium-potassium-magnesium; and (iii) in piezometer, positive relationships were found for chloride-sodium and phosphate-nitrite pairs, while negative relationships were found for calcium-magnesium.
Population genomics and transcriptomics identify patterns of selection in two Liangshan chicken breeds
Authors: Wang Tao , Cui Xiang , Li Diyan , Chen Binlong
Published: March 2024

The global diversity of domestic chicken breeds or lines, each exhibiting unique and specialized traits, offers a compelling context to explore how selection influences genetic variation patterns. China, with its myriad local chicken breeds, contributes significantly to this diversity. This study presents a population genome overview of genetic variations in 35 domestic chickens encompassing two distinct breeds from the Liangshan Prefecture in Sichuan Province. Through comparative genomic analysis with 17 red jungle fowls (RJFs), genes associated with natural selection in the Yanying and Luning Chickens were identified. Notably, selected genes in Yanying Chickens primarily affect energy metabolism, body size maintenance, and available food sources, mirroring similar trends in Luning Chickens. Transcriptomic analysis further validated the potential roles of these genes in the domestication of both breeds. This research sheds light on the unique evolutionary trajectories shaped by artificial selection for agricultural purposes and natural selection for high-altitude chickens. The study identified specific genes as potential candidates for influencing economic traits and other phenotypic characteristics in chickens
Global meta-analysis reveals the drivers of gut microbiome variation across vertebrates
Authors: Xie Yong , Xu Songsong , Xi Yufei , Li Zixin , Zuo Erwei , Xing Kai , Bai Lijing , Li Kui
Published: March 2024

Background Shifts in their gut microbial composition and diversity are a known mechanism vertebrates use to adapt to environmental conditions. However, the relative contribution of individual environmental factors to gut microbiota composition and diversity remains poorly understood. To understand the broad influence of different environmental factors on gut microbiome of vertebrates, we collected 6508 16S rRNA gene sequencing samples of gut bacterial communities from 113 host species, spanning seven different classes as well as different types of feeding behaviors and host habitats. Furthermore, we identified the common antibiotic resistomes and their potential mobility between terrestrial vertebrate gut microbiomes (n = 489) and their sympatric soil environment samples (n = 203) using metagenomic sequencing analysis.Results We demonstrate that host diet patterns have a significant impact on changes in the gut microbiome. We reveal the phylum Fusobacteria is enriched in the gut of carnivorous vertebrates, while in the gut of herbivorous vertebrates there was a larger representation of Verrucomicrobia. Climate factors are also strongly associated with gut microbiome variation among vertebrates. We show that the abundance of Bacteroidetes increases gradually from high- to low-latitude zones, while Proteobacteria show a decreasing trend. In particular, we found that bacA and its flanking sequences are highly homologous among the genomes of mammals, avian gut communities, and sympatric soil biomes, suggesting that the bacA resistance gene may undergo horizontal transfer between vertebrates and sympatric environments.Conclusions Our findings show diet patterns and climatic factors play key roles in promoting specific taxa in vertebrate gut microbiota. In addition, we comprehensively decipher the common antibiotic resistance groups of wild vertebrates and their sympatric soil biological environment samples, and provide evidence of potential horizontal transfers of the bacA gene. These results significantly advance our knowledge of the diversity and structure of gut microbiomes in vertebrates and their association with environmental factors, and provide crucial insights to better manage the soil ARG pool.
Assessment of the Microstructure and Geotechnical Characteristics of Lime- Improved Lateritic Soil with the Addition of Pulverised Snail Shell and Sawdust Ash for Sustainable Highway Infrastructure
Authors: Fadugba Olaolu George , Ojo Adeyemi Amos , OLUYEMI-AYIBIOWU BAMITALE DORCAS , OMOMOMI OLADAPO JAYEJEJE , Bodunrin Michael
Published: March 2024

This research investigated the effects of lime, Pulverized snail shell (PSS), and sawdust ash on the mechanical properties of lateritic soil for soil stabilization in construction. Various tests, including maximum dry density, moisture content, unconfined compressive strength (UCS), triaxial, permeability, compressibility, and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests, were conducted on soil samples with different proportions of additives. The results show that the addition of additives reduced maximum dry density and increased moisture content. The sample with 6% lime and 7.5% PSS exhibited the highest UCS of 302 kPa after 28 days of curing, while the untreated sample had a UCS of 121 kPa. Triaxial tests revealed reduced cohesion and increased angle of internal friction with higher additive content. The 6% lime and 7.5% PSS sample displayed the highest shear strength of 60.6 kPa and elastic modulus of 181.8 MPa. Permeability tests demonstrated that the 6% lime and 6% sawdust ash sample had the lowest permeability (6.67x10− 7 m/s) among the stabilized samples. The untreated soil exhibited high compressibility, whereas the 6% lime and 7.5% PSS sample exhibited the highest resistance to compression and deformation. The untreated soil had a soaked CBR value of 8%, while the 6% lime and 7.5% PSS sample achieved the highest soaked CBR value of 38%, making it suitable as a sub-base material. These findings highlight the effectiveness of lime, PSS, and sawdust ash in enhancing the mechanical properties of lateritic soil and offer valuable insights for soil stabilization in construction applications.
Evolution trend and prediction of coal mine water disaster accidents in China from 2000 to 2023
Authors: lu cunjin , chai jincheng , Xu Jinpeng , li pu
Published: March 2024

We have compiled data on coal mine accidents in China from 2000 to 2023 through official channels such as the National Coal Mine Safety Supervision Bureau. We conducted a statistical analysis on water-related accidents, studied the evolving trends of water-related accidents in China from 2000 to 2023, and specifically discussed the distribution characteristics and causes of major water-related accidents. The results indicate that the number of water-related accidents and the mortality rate showed a stepwise decrease from 2000 to 2023, displaying a negative correlation with the original coal production. Major water-related accidents exhibit distinct spatial and temporal features, with the most severe occurrences concentrated in Northeast, North China, and South China, particularly during the months of March to May and July to August, and daily between 9:00 and 12:00. Various types of water-related accidents occur in Chinese coal mines, with the most common being old goaf water inrush, and the highest average number of fatalities resulting from surface floods. Using the Holt model, we predicted that the mortality rate per million tons for water-related accidents in 2024 and 2025 would be 0.00133 and 0.00066, respectively, with coal production estimates of 49.68 billion tons and 51.13 billion tons. The predicted number of deaths caused by water-related accidents would be 6–7 people and 3–4 people, respectively.
Combinations of meso-(4-carboxyphenyl) and meso-(4- hydroxyphenyl) porphyrins as anti-HIV-1 agents
Authors: Sharma Debdulal , Singh Aradhana , Safi Sanaullah , Gaur Ritu , Sengupta Devashish
Published: March 2024

A series of 4-carboxyphenyl/4-hydroxyphenyl meso-substituted porphyrins were synthesized, purified, and characterized. The compounds exhibited anti-HIV-1 activities, in vitro, under both non-photodynamic (PDT) and photodynamic (PDT) conditions. Specifically, the porphyrins inhibited HIV-1 virus entry, with c-PB2(OH)2 and PB(OH)3 showing significant anti-HIV-1 activity. All of the porphyrins inhibited HIV-1 subtype B and C virus entry under PDT conditions. Our study demonstrated that the compounds bearing combinations of 4-carboxyphenyl/4-hydroxyphenyl moieties were not toxic even at higher concentrations, as compared to the reference porphyrins 5,10,15,20-tetra-(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP) and 5,10,15,20-tetra-(4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin (THPP), under PDT conditions. This study highlighted the promising potential of the target compounds as HIV entry inhibitors in both non-PDT and PDT settings.
Discover overlooked complications after preeclampsia using electronic health records
Authors: Garmire Lana , Zhu Haoming , Yang Xiaotong , Xie Wanling , Langen Elizabeth , Li Ruowang
Published: March 2024

Background
Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe pregnancy complication characterized by hypertension and end-organ damage such as proteinuria. PE poses a significant threat to women's long-term health, including an increased risk of cardiovascular and renal diseases. Most previous studies have been hypothesis-based, potentially overlooking certain significant complications. This study conducts a comprehensive, non-hypothesis-based analysis of PE-complicated diagnoses after pregnancies using multiple large-scale electronic health records (EHR) datasets.
Method
From the University of Michigan (UM) Healthcare System, we collected 4,348 PE patients for the cases and 27,377 patients with pregnancies not complicated by PE or related conditions for the controls. We first conducted a non-hypothesis-based analysis to identify any long-term adverse health conditions associated with PE using logistic regression with adjustments to demographics, social history, and medical history. We confirmed the identified complications with UK Biobank data which contain 443 PE cases and 14,870 non-PE controls. We then conducted a survival analysis on complications that exhibited significance in more than 5 consecutive years post-PE. We further examined the potential racial disparities of identified complications between Caucasian and African American patients.
Findings
Uncomplicated hypertension, complicated diabetes, congestive heart failure, renal failure, and obesity exhibited significantly increased risks whereas hypothyroidism showed decreased risks, in 5 consecutive years after PE in the UM discovery data. UK Biobank data confirmed the increased risks of uncomplicated hypertension, complicated diabetes, congestive heart failure, renal failure, and obesity. Further survival analysis using UM data indicated significantly increased risks in uncomplicated hypertension, complicated diabetes, congestive heart failure, renal failure, and obesity, and significantly decreased risks in hypothyroidism. There exist racial differences in the risks of developing hypertension and hypothyroidism after PE. PE protects against hypothyroidism in African American postpartum women but not Cacausians; it also increases the risks of uncomplicated hypertension but less severely in African American postpartum women as compared to Cacausians.
Interpretation
This study addresses the lack of a comprehensive examination of PE's long-term effects utilizing large-scale EHR and advanced statistical methods. Our findings underscore the need for long-term monitoring and interventions for women with a history of PE, emphasizing the importance of personalized postpartum care. Notably, the racial disparities observed in the impact of PE on hypertension and hypothyroidism highlight the necessity of tailored aftercare based on race.
Inversion of heat loss to obtain conductivity, density and permeability at bottom-heated surfaces: The case of hydrothermal system at Vulcano between 2019 and 2023
Authors: Harris Andrew , Pailot-Bonnétat Sophie
Published: March 2024

At hydrothermal systems, heat transfer across the final surface layer is driven by permeable convection and conduction, so that permeability and conductivity play fundamental roles in controlling the heat flux to the atmosphere. We build a Rayleigh-number driven heat transfer model for a bottom-heated surface that uses measurements of heat flux density (radiation and convection to the atmosphere in W/m²), surface temperature, and soil temperature to solve for soil conductivity, density, and permeability. At Vulcano in 2019, we measured an ASTER-derived heat flux density of 240 ± 70 W/m², and a difference between soil and surface temperature of 18 ± 6°C. The surface layer is a 7.5 ± 2.5 cm thick case hardened crust across which heat transfer is conduction dominated. We invert our heat transfer model by using the derived temperature (T) gradient of T = -49.7y² + 113.6y + 35 (R² = 0.9997), where y is depth in meters between the surface and 70 cm. The result is a conductivity for the case hardened layer of 1.0 ± 0.3 W/(m K) and density of 2440 ± 120 kg/m3. Below the case harded layer heat transfer is dominated by permeable convection, and a soil comprised of highly altered trachytic blocks in an ash matrix. Our model gives permeabilities of 1–19 × 10− 10 m² of this layer in 2019. In 2021, Vulcano entered a phase of unrest. Our model reveals that this was associated with an increase in permeability to 10− 7 m². However, by 2023 permeabilities had reverted to pre-unrest levels. Using simple measurements of surface and soil temperature, coupled with heat flux density from a satellite overpass, the model can be used as a basis to constrain heat transfer and to assess permeability at any hydrothermal system.
Self-reported motivation in the pursuit and choice of companion dogs
Authors: Udvarhelyi-Tóth Kata Mária , Iotchev Ivaylo , Kubinyi Enikő , Turcsán Borbála
Published: March 2024

Since many dog adoptions end with the dog being abandoned due to unmet expectations, it is important to know how certain demographic variables and previous experiences of the owners relate to the characteristics of the dog they are looking for. We asked Austrian dog owners about why they chose their dog in an online questionnaire. Based on their free-text responses, we examined how family structure, the role of the dog, and the owners' previous experience with dogs influenced what characteristics they indicated. Owners who had lived with other people/another dog when choosing a new animal were more thoughtful and often took on the animal with a predetermined purpose. People who lived alone/had no children/were previously dogless were more likely to take on an animal spontaneously on a whim, either because they felt sorry for it or because they fell in love with it. Appearance factors were more critical for first-time dog owners, while experienced owners were more likely to mention their intention to work or play sports with the animal in the future. The results point to factors which influence whether choosing a dog is done with proper reflection versus impulsively. This may carry important implications for animal welfare.
Research on M/M/1/WV Queuing System with Single Working Vacation
Authors: Huang Ziyu , Su Xuhan
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we discuss the applications of queuing theory in working vacation state and normal busy state, then establish a M/M/1 queuing model with impatient customers and single working vacation. The model provides theoretical guidance for practical problems such as library reservation system.
In a queuing system, the customers' arrival follows Poisson distribution, while the service time is a negative exponential distribution. We consider the situation that there is a stationary distribution when the queuing system reaches steady state at any time. Using the constant variation method of differential equation (Bernoulli equation) to solve the stationary equation, the average queue length in two states of probability generation function is obtained.
Finally, we improve the model to acquire Q matrix of the single working vacation model, which can be used to calculate the average queue staying time of the system in two states. By construction and improvement of M/M/1/WV queuing models, ingenious proofs of three important theorems are given accordingly, which will definitely make a difference in many practical problems.
Assessing the pharmaceutical residues as hotspots of the main rivers of Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Domínguez-García Pol , Fernández-Ruano Laura , Báguena Judith , Cuadros Jordi , Canela Cristian Gómez
Published: March 2024

The global increase in pharmaceutical consumption, driven by factors such as aging populations and chronic diseases, has raised concerns regarding the environmental impact of pharmaceutical contaminants (ECs). Europe, notably Catalonia in Spain, exhibits high pharmaceutical consumption rates, potentially exacerbating environmental contamination. Pharmaceuticals enter rivers through various pathways, persisting through wastewater treatment plants and posing risks to aquatic organisms and human health. Llobregat and Besòs rivers in Catalonia, crucial water sources, demonstrate detectable pharmaceutical levels, necessitating comprehensive analysis. High-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) proves effective in detecting pharmaceutical residues, facilitating risk assessment. This paper reviews the occurrence, fate, and risks associated with 78 pharmaceuticals in Llobregat and Besòs rivers, utilizing HPLC-MS/MS for analysis. Understanding pharmaceutical impacts on Catalonian river ecosystems is essential for developing mitigation strategies.
Cytoarchitecture of SARS-CoV-2 infected hamster lungs by X-ray phase contrast tomography: imaging workflow and classification for drug testing
Authors: Salditt Tim , Reichmann Jakob , Sarrazin Clement , Schmale Sebastian , Blaurock Claudia , Schmitzer Bernhard , Balkema-Buschmann Anne
Published: March 2024

X-ray Phase Contrast Tomography (XPCT) based on wavefield propagation has been established as a high resolution three-dimensional (3D) imaging modality, suitable to reconstruct the intricate structure of soft tissues, and the corresponding pathological alterations. However, for biomedical research, more is needed than 3D visualisation and rendering of the cytoarchitecture in a few selected cases. First, the throughput needs to be increased to cover a statistically relevant number of samples. Second, the cytoarchitecture has to be quantified in terms of morphometric parameters, independent of visual impression. Third, dimensionality reduction and classification are required for identification of effects and interpretation of results. To address these challenges, we here design and implement a novel integrated and high throughput XPCT imaging and analysis workflow for 3D histology, pathohistology and drug testing. Our approach uses semi-automated data acquisition, reconstruction and statistical quantification. We demonstrate its capability for the example of lung pathohistology in Covid-19. Using a small animal model, different Covid-19 drug candidates are administered after infection and tested in view of restoration of the physiological cytoarchitecture, specifically the alveolar morphology. To this end, we then use morphometric parameter determination followed by a dimensionality reduction and classification based on optimal transport. This approach allows efficient discrimination between physiological and pathological lung structure, thereby providing quantitative insights into the pathological progression and partial recovery due to drug treatment. Finally, we stress that the XPCT image chain implemented here only used synchrotron radiation for validation, while the data used for analysis was recorded with laboratory µCT radiation, more easily accessible for pre-clinical research.
Ignoring cost of living misses the true level of energy burden
Authors: Zhang Jingjing , Nock Destenie , Li Xiatong
Published: March 2024

Energy burden, which measures the percentage of a household's income allocated to energy expenses, is a widely used metric for identifying a form energy or fuel poverty. A blind spot in energy burden calculations is an omission of the cost of living impacts on ability to spend money on energy bills. There has been a significant nationwide increase in housing burden since 1980, especially among renters. Currently, at least half of all renters face financial strain due to housing costs. Our research reveals that excluding housing cost from the energy burden calculation results in the omission of 21% of burdened census regions (2197 out of 10327 under our method) facing financial strain. Furthermore, this approach identifies more regions with household incomes above the national median (about $75,000 in 2022) experiencing energy burden when housing cost is included. These patterns are particularly pronounced in humid and cold regions. Re-thinking energy burden to include housing affordability is critical to reflect the true level of energy poverty.
Unlocking Biological Activity and Metabolomics Insights: Primary Screening of Cyanobacterial Biomass from a Tropical Reservoir
Authors: Médice Rhuana Valdetário , Arruda Renan Silva , Yoon Jaewon , Borges Ricardo Moreira , Noyma Natalia Pessoa , Lurling Miquel , Crnkovic Camila Manoel , Marinho Marcelo Manzi , Pinto Ernani
Published: March 2024

Cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (CyanoHABs) can pose risks to ecosystems and human health worldwide due to their capacity to produce natural toxins. Nevertheless, the potential danger associated with numerous metabolites produced by cyanobacteria remains undisclosed. Only select classes of cyanopeptides have been extensively studied to yield substantial evidence regarding their toxicity, resulting in their inclusion in risk management and water quality regulations. Information about exposure concentrations, co-occurrence, and toxic impacts of several cyanopeptides remains largely unexplored. This research utilized LC-MS-based metabolomics to ascertain the chemical profile of environmental cyanobacterial biomass collected from a eutrophic reservoir in Brazil. Using NP Analyst and Data Fusion-based Discovery (DAFdiscovery) platforms, we examined the correlation between the various cyanopeptides identified in the cyanobacterial crude extract, fractions, and the acute toxicity of these samples against the Artemia. salina microcrustacean. Four classes of cyanopeptides were revealed through metabolomics: microcystins, microginins, aeruginosins, and cyanopeptolins. The bioinformatics tools showed high bioactivity correlation scores for compounds of the cyanopeptolin class, in some cases even higher than those attributed to microcystins. These results emphasize the pressing need for a comprehensive evaluation of the (eco)toxicological risks associated with different cyanopeptides, considering their potential for exposure. This work also demonstrates the feasibility of conducting risk assessments using a more efficient approach involving LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics and chemometric techniques that require less time and reagents.
The effect of habitat fragmentation on Malay tapir relative abundance in Thailand’s protected areas
Authors: Suwannaphong Thanaphon , Radeloff Volker , Limmun Wanida , Suttidate Naparat
Published: March 2024

Habitat fragmentation threatens the persistence of mammals in tropical regions. Malay tapir (Tapirus indicus) is a globally-endangered species, and its distribution is largely confined to fragmented habitats within protected areas. However, it is unclear how that fragmentation affects its relative abundance. Here, we investigated the effects of habitat fragmentation on Malay tapir relative abundance in Thailand. We first quantified the spatial patterns of habitat fragmentation within nine of Thailand’s protected areas. Second, we assessed the relationship of fragmentation metrics and the relative abundance of Malay tapirs. Third, we identified the relative importance of the fragmentation metrics in explaining the relative abundance. We found high Malay tapir relative abundance in the Southern forest complex despite the fact that tapir habitats were significantly more fragmented there than in the protected areas in the Western forest complex (P < 0.05). Additionally, we found that the patch density, clumpiness index, proportion of habitat, and landscape shape index explained the relative abundance patterns well (R2 = 0.79) with the patch density explaining most of the variance (39.55%). Our finding highlights the urgent need to increase connectivity of forest habitats within the protected areas to support the long-term viability of Malay tapirs in Thailand.
Prediction and pathogenesis of gallstone disease based on clinical metabolomics
Authors: Li Xiang , Liu Zhengtao , Yin Xiaodan , Xu Jun , Zheng Shusen , Lei Geng
Published: March 2024

Gallstone is a common disease of biliary system at present. At present, our research on its pathogenesis is still at a single analysis stage. In this study, we collected peripheral serum samples from patients with gallstones and non-biliary diseases, obtained the difference of metabolites in the peripheral blood of both sides through omics technology, and established a clinical risk prediction model for gallstones based on the clinical information of patients. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis was applied to find the metabolite set with high correlation with the pathogenesis of gallstone, and the KEGG enrichment analysis was used to find the relevant enrichment pathway, so as to obtain the metabolic pathway related to the pathogenesis of gallstone. Among them, Pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis, Linoleic acid metabolism path, Citrate cycle (TCA cycle), Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism are screened that they set with high correlation with the pathogenesis of gallstone. We found in combination with other studies that these highly correlated pathways increase the incidence of gallstones by up-regulating cholesterol synthesis raw materials, reducing cholesterol breakdown, and affecting glucose and lipid metabolism. Therefore, blocking or inhibiting the related pathways or metabolites of GSD formation has guiding significance for the clinical prevention and treatment of this disease.
Changes of respiratory pathogen and clinical features of in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Kim Soo Jung , Kim Taehee , Choi Hayoung , Shin Tae Rim , Kim Hwan Il , Jang Seung Hun , Hong Ji Young , Lee Chang Youl , Chung Soojie , Choi Jeong-Hee , Sim Yun Su
Published: March 2024

Respiratory infections are common causes of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive lung disease (AECOPD). We explored whether the pathogens causing AECOPD and clinical features changed from before to after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. We reviewed the medical records of patients hospitalized with AECOPD at four university hospitals between January 2017 and December 2018 and between January 2021 and December. We evaluated 1,180 patients with AECOPD for whom medication histories were available. After the outbreak, the number of patients hospitalized with AECOPD was almost 44% lower compared with before the outbreak. Patients hospitalized with AECOPD after the outbreak were younger (75 vs. 77 years, p = 0.003) and more often stayed at home (96.6% vs. 88.6%, p < 0.001) than patients of AECOPD before the outbreak. Hospital stay was longer after the outbreak than before the outbreak (10 vs. 8 days. p < 0.001). After the COVID-19 outbreak, the identification rates of S. pneumoniae (15.3 vs. 6.2%, p < 0.001) and Hemophilus influenzae (6.4 vs. 2.4%, p = 0.002) decreased, whereas the identification rates of P. aeruginosa (9.4 vs. 13.7%, p = 0.023), Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.3 vs. 9.8%, p = 0.004), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (1.0 vs. 2.8%, p = 0.023) increased. After the outbreak, the identification rate of influenza A decreased (10.4 vs. 1.0%, p = 0.023). After the outbreak, the number of patients hospitalized with AECOPD was lower and the identification rates of community-transmitted pathogens tended to decrease, whereas the rates of pathogens capable of chronic colonization tended to increase. During the period of large-scale viral outbreaks that require quarantine, patients with AECOPD should consider treatment against strains that can colonize chronic respiratory disease rather than community acquired pathogens.
RfaA (YqhY), a novel adaptor protein, controls metabolite-sensitive protein degradation
in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Stulke Jorg , Wicke Dennis , Lentes Sabine , Herrfurth Cornelia , Tödter Dominik , Stannek-Goebel Lorena , Commichau Fabian , Feussner Ivo
Published: March 2024

The carboxylation of acetyl-CoA is the committed step of fatty acid synthesis catalyzed by the multisubunit acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACCase). However, the mechanisms that control the activity of this enzyme are poorly understood. Here, we identify the so far unknown protein RfaA (YqhY) of the model bacterium Bacillus subtilis as a regulator of fatty acid acquisition that targets the AccC subunit of ACCase for degradation. RfaA interacts with both AccC and the ClpE unfoldase subunit of the ClpEP protease complex. While the former interaction is not sensitive to the physiological conditions, RfaA interacts with ClpE only in the absence of the global amino group donor glutamate. This results in the degradation of AccC in the absence of glutamate. The inactivation of the rfaA gene results in the accumulation of fatty acids in the cell and in the formation of lipid droplets which are toxic for the bacteria. The reduced fatty acid synthesis in the absence of glutamate as a result of RfaA- and ClpEP-dependent degradation of AccC thus prevents intoxication of the cells by fatty acids. Our findings suggest that the degradation of enzymes that catalyze the committed step of biosynthetic pathways might be an important mechanism to control cellular homeostasis.
Astrocytic NHERF-1 increases seizure susceptibility by inhibiting surface expression of TREK-1
Authors: Hwang Eun Mi , Bae Yeonju , Kim Ajung , Lee Shinae , seongseop kim , Park Sunyoung , Ryoo Kanghyun , Yi Gwan-Su , Park Jae-Yong
Published: March 2024

Mature hippocampal astrocytes exhibit a linear current-to-voltage (I-V) K + membrane conductance, which is called passive conductance. It is estimated to enable astrocytes to keep potassium homeostasis in the brain. We previously reported that the TWIK-1/TREK-1 heterodimeric channels are crucial for astrocytic passive conductance. However, the regulatory mechanism of these channels by other binding proteins still remains elusive. Here, we identified Na+/H + exchange regulator-1 (NHERF-1), a protein highly expressed in astrocytes, as a candidate interaction partner for these channels. NHERF-1 endogenously bound to TWIK-1/TREK-1 in hippocampal cultured astrocytes. When NHERF-1 is overexpressed or silenced, surface expression and activity of TWIK-1/TREK-1 heterodimeric channels were inhibited or enhanced, respectively. Furthermore, we confirmed that reduced astrocytic passive conductance by NHERF-1 overexpressing in the hippocampus increases kainic acid (KA)-induced seizure sensitivity. Taken together, these results suggest that NHERF-1 is a key regulator of TWIK-1/TREK-1 heterodimeric channels in astrocytes and suppression of TREK-1 surface expression by NHERF-1 increases KA-induced seizure susceptibility via reduction of astrocytic passive conductance.
A Potential Toxicological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals and Pesticides in Irrigated Rice Cultivars near Industrial Areas of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Huda Muhammad Nurul , Hosen Anowar , Akter Mahfuga , Islam Md. Mominul , Emon Sharmin Zaman , Rahman Asma , Harun-Ur-Rashid Mohammad , Jashim Zuairia Binte , Shahrukh Saif , Ismail Mohammad
Published: March 2024

Rice intake represents a significant pathway through which humans accumulate heavy metals. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of heavy metal and pesticide contamination in rice cultivars irrigated with industrial wastewater near Dhaka, Bangladesh, a region heavily influenced by industrial activities. We employed a unique methodology that not only quantified the concentrations of heavy metals and pesticide residues in rice grains but also extended to evaluating the physicochemical properties of rice stems, husks, soil, and irrigation water. Our findings revealed alarmingly high levels of heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and mercury in the soil and irrigation water, with concentrations in some cases exceeding the World Health Organization safety thresholds by 2 to 15 times. Notably, the rice grains also exhibited significant contamination, including substantial amounts of Diazinon and Fenitrothion pesticides, exceeding the established safety limits. The study employed hazard quotients (HQs) and cancer risk (CR) assessments to evaluate the potential health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated rice. The results indicated HQ values were greater than 1 for rice grains across the sampled fields, suggesting a considerable non-carcinogenic health risk, particularly from lead exposure, which was found at levels twice the standard limit in all the sampling fields. Moreover, the CR values for As, Pb, Cd, Co, and Mn highlighted a significant carcinogenic risk in several instances.
Latent profile analysis and burnout study of Work addiction among clinical nurses
Authors: Liang Xinhui , Liu Xiaoxia , Yin yue , Liu fang , Zhang La Ting , Hu Mengyi , jia yao , Gao lijuan , Jiang xue
Published: March 2024

Background: Work addiction in clinical nurses is associated with burnout.However, the classification of work addiction in this group remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the subtypes of work addiction in Chinese clinical nurses, explore the factors influencing the subtypes, and explore the relationship between job burnout and work addiction to provide a reference for improving the work addiction of nurses.
Methods: From July to October 2023, 524 clinical nurses from five tertiary general hospitals in Shaanxi Province were selected for a cross-sectional survey. They filled out questionnaires online through the questionnaire star, which included the General Information Questionnaire, the Burnout Scale, and the Work Addiction Scale. Data analysis included latent feature analysis, analysis of variance, chi-square test, binary logistic regression,and hierarchical regression analysis.
Results: Two potential traits were identified - low-grade work addiction(grade 1) and high work addiction (grade 3), representing 67.9% and 32.1%of the total number of nurses surveyed, respectively. Nurses' job titles and emotional exhaustion had an impact on the potential categories of work addiction in clinical nurses (P<0.05). Burnout is a significant predictor of work addiction and can independently explain the 18.70%difference in work addiction in clinical nurses.
Conclusion: There are different classification characteristics of work addiction in clinical nurses in China. More than half of clinical nurses have low levels of burnout, and work addiction is an essential predictor of nurses' burnout. Hospital administrators should actively focus on nurses with high work addiction to help them reduce burnout.
RETRACTED: Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of biofilm formation in Staphylococcus haemolyticus isolated from urinary tract infections and their antibiotic resistance patterns.
Authors: Rafik Aniba , Asmaa Dihmane , Habiba Raqraq , Amina Ressmi , Kaotar Nayme , Mohammed Timinouni , Abouddihaj Barguigua
Published: March 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Association of Exhaled Breath Volatile Organic Compounds with Surgical Traumatic Stress during General Anaesthesia: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Wang Qifeng , Zhao Yuyi , Li Shikuo , Li Xuehan , Wang Haiyan , Zuo Yunxia
Published: March 2024

Surgical procedures can induce traumatic stress responses, which are associated with postoperative complications. Therefore, a perioperative monitor is needed to identify patients with a higher degree of stress responses. We explored the relationship between breath volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a non-invasive method widely explored in disease diagnosis, and surgical traumatic stress. Exhaled breath and blood samples were collected from 105 patients under general anaesthesia at three time points: prior to incision (Pre-op), 2h after incision (Intra-op), and prior to extubation (End-op). Differential VOCs between these time points were screened. Blood metabolomics analysis, traumatic stress-related biomarkers detection, and correlation analysis between VOCs and stress biomarkers were performed. We found that both the abundance of VOCs and blood metabolites changed significantly between these time points. Norepinephrine, epinephrine and cortisol all increased significantly in Intra-op and then reduced significantly in End-op. Correlation analysis showed both Comp_6 and Comp_23 were negatively correlated with norepinephrine in group comparison between Intra-op and End-op, the same trend as that in group comparison between Pre-op and Intra-op. We conclude that surgical traumatic stress resulting from surgical procedures may change the exhaled breath VOC profile in perioperative patients, providing preliminary evidence for VOC use in future monitoring.
Improvement and clinical benefit analysis of low-dose ketamine on postoperative pain and sleep after sinus surgery
Authors: Zhao Yan-ping , Lu Ji-can , Liu Chao , Fu Xun-si , Jia Yan , Zhu Feng
Published: March 2024

Objective
To investigate the benefits of low-dose esketamine on pain relief and sleep quality improvement after sinus surgery.
Methods
One hundred and thirty-five patients admitted to our hospital between June 2018 and September 2023 who suffered from sinusitis and were scheduled to undergo functional endoscopic sinus surgery were recruited. Three groups were divided as 0.2 mg (n = 45), 0.3 mg (n = 45), and control (n = 45) using a random number table. Three groups were tested for the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and the Sino-nasal Outcome Test-20 (SNOT-20), and the related scores were analyzed by comparing their means between the groups.
Results
Esketamine affected differently the PSQI, the VAS, the HAMD, the HAMA, the CD-RISC, and the SNOT-20 scores in patients (FPSQI score treatment=67.569 FHAMD score treatment=59.593, FHAMA score treatment=71.479, FCD−RISC score treatment=65.549, F SNOT−20 score treatment=66.429, FVAS score treatment=56.73, all P < 0.05). The PSQI, the HAMD, the HAMA, the SNOT-20, and the VAS scores were in the same order at the four-time points of 1, 3, 5, and 9 days ( the order at all four-time points was: control > 0.2 mg > 0.3 mg), while the order of the CD-RISC scores at the four-time points was: control < 0.2 mg < 0.3 mg.
Conclusion
Low-dose esketamine boasts relief of postoperative anxiety, pain, and depression, reduction of patient symptoms, and improvement of sleep quality after sinus surgery.