bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Cascade Reservoir Construction on Labile Phosphorus in the Sediment of Lancang River
Authors: Cheng Yao , Li Yu , Wu Jinkun , Hu Mingming , Wang Yuchun , Wang Zhongjun , Jiang Xiaoman
Published: July 2021

The influence of cascade reservoirs construction on labile phosphorus (P) is an important scientific problem in the Lancang River. The concentration of labile P in cascade deep-water reservoirs were determined, and the influence of cascade reservoirs construction on the DGT-labile P was analyzed. The construction of cascade reservoirs led to significant differences in concentrations of DGT-labile P, which in the upstream of Xiaowan (XW) Reservoir were differences from that in the downstream Nuozhadu (NZD) Reservoir. The P diffusion fluxes in XW Reservoir were − 8.59–250.50 ng·cm− 2·d− 1, and that in NZD Reservoir were 3.82–24.80 ng·cm− 2·d− 1. The P pollution of XW Reservoir was higher, highlighting the importance of controlling P pollution of XW Reservoir. The construction of cascade reservoirs had made the release of DGT-labile P more dependent on the reductive dissolution of Mn oxides. The early diagenesis transformed bio-availability P (BAP) remobilization into DGT-labile P that made the increase of DGT-labile P/BAP with depth. However, the DGT-labile P/BAP of upstream XW Reservoir was 7.8 times larger than that of downstream NZD Reservoir, which indicated that the construction of cascade reservoirs weakened the remobilization of P in sediment.
Quantitative Analysis of Eco-Economic Benefit of Urban Reclaimed Water Greening Based on Emergy Theory
Authors: Lv Cuimei , He Yifan , Zhang Wenge , Gu Changkuan , Li Yang , Yan Denghua
Published: July 2021

With the faster urbanization and the higher living environment requirements of people, the urban green area is getting increasingly attention. But green irrigation consumes huge tap water, causes the waste of high-quality water resources. The reclaimed water meets the standard of green irrigation and the source is sufficient, it is a good alternative water source for urban greening. The eco-economic benefit of using reclaimed water as greening water was evaluated in this paper. The composition of benefit was analyzed and the difference in benefit brought by using reclaimed water greening instead of tap water was quantified based on emergy theory. Taking Zhengzhou in 2018 for example, the results showed that the eco-economic benefit of reclaimed water greening was remarkable. The total eco-economic benefit was $4.05 billion, which was three times of that of tap water. Among the benefits, economic benefit accounted for the largest proportion, reaching 69.22%. After deducting the cost, the net eco-economic benefit of reclaimed water greening was $2.00 billion, while tap water was negative. Therefore, using reclaimed water to irrigate urban green area can save a lot of high-quality water and bring a lot of economic, social and ecological environmental benefits. The quantitative results of this paper can provide reference for the promotion of reclaimed water greening and the allocation decision of reclaimed water in water shortage areas. And it is helpful to improve the utilization efficiency of water resources and alleviate the shortage of urban water resources.
Maternal Underweight Does Not Adversely Affect The Outcomes of IVF/ICSI and Frozen Embryo Transfer Cycles or Early Embryo Development
Authors: Hoffman Dana , Kalma Yael , Samara Nivin , Herzberger Einat Haikin , Levi Sagi , Groutz Asnat , Azem Foad , Amir Hadar
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To compare assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes and preimplantation embryo development between underweight and normal weight women.
Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 26 underweight women (body mass index [BMI] < 18.50 kg/m2) and 104 normal weight women (BMI > 20 and < 24.9 kg/m2) who underwent a total of 204 in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles and 358 fresh/frozen embryo transfers (ET) in our institution between January 2016 and December 2018. Statistical analyses compared selected ART outcomes (ovarian stimulation, fertilization, and pregnancy) between both weight groups. Morphokinetic and morphological parameters were also compared between 346 and 1467 embryos of underweight and normal weight women, respectively.
Results

The mean ± standard deviation age of the underweight and normal weight women was similar (31.6 ± 4.17 vs 32.4 ± 3.59 years; p = 0.323). There were no differences in the peak estradiol levels, the number of retrieved oocytes, the number of metaphase II oocytes, and the oocyte maturity rates between the two groups. The IVF/ICSI fertilization rates and the number of embryos suitable for transfer or cryopreservation were similar for both groups. All morphokinetic parameters that were evaluated by means of time-lapse imaging as well as the morphological characteristics were comparable between low and normal BMI categories. There were no significant differences in pregnancy achievement, clinical pregnancy, live births, and miscarriage rates between the suboptimal and optimal weight women.
Conclusion

Underweight status has no adverse impacts on the outcomes of IVF/ICSI with either fresh or frozen ET or on preimplantation embryo development and quality.
Assessing The Quality of Water Depth Derived From Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) For Flood Monitoring. A Case Study of Hurricane Harvey In Harris County, Texas
Authors: Alyaqout Abdullatif , Chow T. Edwin , Savelyev Alexander
Published: July 2021

The primary objectives of this study are to 1) assess the quality of each volunteered geographic information (VGI) data modality (text, pictures, and videos), and 2) evaluate the quality of multiple VGI data sources, especially the multimedia that include pictures and videos, against synthesized water depth (WD) derived from remote sensing (RS) and authoritative data (e.g. stream gauges and depth grids). The availability of VGI, such as social media and crowdsourced data, empowered the researchers to monitor and model floods in near-real-time by integrating multi-sourced data available. Nevertheless, the quality of VGI sources and its reliability for flood monitoring (e.g. WD) is not well understood and validated by empirical data. Moreover, existing literature focuses mostly on text messages but not the multimedia nature of VGI. Therefore, this study measures the differences in synthesized WD from VGI modalities in terms of (1) spatial and (2) temporal variations, (3) against WD derived from RS, and (4) against authoritative data including (a) stream gauges and (b) depth grids. The results of the study show that there are significant differences in terms of spatial and temporal distribution of VGI modalities. Regarding VGI and RS comparison, the results show that there is a significant difference in WD between VGI and RS. In terms of VGI and authoritative data comparison, the analysis revealed that there is no significant difference in WD between VGI and stream gauges, while there is a significant difference between the depth grids and VGI.
Effect of Alkalized Urine on Renal Calculi in Patients With Gout: a Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Jia Ertao , Zhu Haiqiong , Geng Hongling , Wang Yadong , Zhong Li , Liu Shangwen , Lin Feng , Zhang Jianyong
Published: July 2021

Background: The prevalence of renal calculi in patients with gout is high. Alkalized urine has been recommended by the 2020 European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines to promote calculus dissolution. However, randomized controlled trials are lacking. Hence, it wasn't recommended by the 2020 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidelines. Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effect of sodium bicarbonate-alkalized urine on renal calculus in patients with gout. Methods: In this randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded trial, patients with gout combined with renal calculi are randomized (1:1) to the placebo and sodium bicarbonate groups. All patients were administered febuxostat (40 mg/day) and concomitant anti-inflammatory prophylaxis therapy. The 1–12-week group is double-blinded, and the 13–24-week group is open-labeled. The primary outcome is the rate of patients whose renal calculus volume is reduced after 12 weeks. The secondary outcomes included the volume changes of renal calculi, uric acid changes, the rate of patients with serum uric acid (sUA) levels < 360 μmol/L, the changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the pH value of urine, and the adverse effects after 12 and 24 weeks.Discussion: This trial would evaluate the efficacy and safety of sodium bicarbonate-alkalized urine on renal calculi in patients with gout.Trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR2100045183, Registered 7 April 2021http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=124742
Influence of spraying Nano-curcumin and Nano- glycyrrhizic acid on resistance enhancement and some growth parameters of soybean (Glycine max) in response to Tetranychus urticae infestation and drought stress
Authors: Salama Azza M. , Alakhdar Hala H. , Shoala Tahsin
Published: July 2021

This study was carried out during two successive seasons 2018 and 2019, on soybean plants (Glycine max L. cv. Giza 90) atQaha Research Station, Plant Protection Research Institute, Qalyoupia governorate, Egypt. In order to investigate the effect of curcumin and glycyrrhizic acid ammonium salt (GAS-NPs) as a foliar application under water deficit on growth, yield, anatomical and chemical parameters. The obtained results revealed that, under water deficit over seasons significantly decreased all morphological and yield characters. Glycyrrhizic acid ammonium salt nanoparticles gave the highest averages of plant height, branches and leaves number and fresh and dry weight of plant at 1 mM. Moreover, number of pods, 100 seed weight and seed yield (kg/ha) increased significantly as a result of spraying with glycyrrhizic acid ammonium salt nanoparticles under water deficit. As to anatomical studies, water deficit decreased the values of the leaf and stem anatomical parameters. Treatment with curcumin or glycyrrhizic acid ammonium salt nanoparticles at 50% of water holding capacity increased the thickness of mid vein and xylem and phloem tissues. Likewise, such treatment increased stem diameter due mainly to the increase in the thickness of cortex, phloem and xylem tissues compared with control.
mRNA Vaccine-Induced Antibodies More Effective than Natural Immunity in Neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 and its High Affinity Variants
Authors: Yu Yunkai , Esposito Dominic , Kang Zhigang , Lu Jianming , Remaley Alan , Chen Leonard , De Giorgi Valeria , West Kamille , Cao Liang
Published: July 2021

Several variants of SARS-CoV-2 have emerged. Those with mutations in the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2) receptor binding domain (RBD) are associated with increased transmission and severity. In this study, we developed both antibody quantification and functional assays. Analyses of both COVID-19 convalescent and diagnostic cohorts strongly support the use of RBD antibody levels as an excellent surrogate to biochemical neutralization activities. Data further revealed that the samples from mRNA vaccinated individuals had a median of 17 times higher RBD antibody levels and a similar degree of increased neutralization activities against RBD-ACE2 binding than those from natural infections. Our data showed that N501Y RBD had 5-fold higher ACE2 binding than the original variant. While antisera from naturally infected subjects had substantially reduced neutralization ability against N501Y RBD, all blood samples from vaccinated individuals were highly effective in neutralizing it. Thus, our data indicates that mRNA vaccination is far more effective than natural immunity in generating highly effective neutralizing antibodies. It further suggests a potential need to maintain high RBD antibody levels to control the more infectious SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Clinical Features and Risk Factors Analysis of Bronchitis Obliterans Due to Refractory Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia in Children: A Nomogram Prediction Model
Authors: Cheng Qi , Zhang Han , Shang Yunxiao , Zhao Yuetong , Zhang Ye , Zhuang Donglin , Cai Xuxu , Chen Ning
Published: July 2021

BackgroundEarly prediction of bronchitis obliterans (BO) is of great significance to the improvement of the long-term prognosis of children caused by refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP). This study aimed to establish a nomogram model to predict the risk of BO in children due to RMPP.MethodsA retrospective observation was conducted to study the clinical data of children with RMPP (1-14 years old) during acute infection. According to whether there is BO observed in the bronchoscope, children were divided into BO and the non-BO groups. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to construct the nomogram model.Results141 children with RMPP were finally included, of which 65 (46.0%) children with RMPP were complicated by BO. According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis, WBC count, ALB level, consolidation range exceeding 2/3 of lung lobes, timing of macrolides, glucocorticoids or fiber bronchoscopy and plastic bronchitis were independent influencing factors for the occurrence of BO and were incorporated into the nomogram. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) value of nomogram was 0.899 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.848~0.950). The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed good calibration of the nomogram (p=0.692).Conclusion: A nomogram model found by seven risk factor was successfully constructed and can use to early prediction of children with BO due to RMPP.
Patient Characteristics Associated with Different Types of Prison TB: An Epidemiological Analysis of 921 TB Cases Diagnosed at an Ethiopian Prison
Authors: Amirkhani Asmah , Humayun Maheen , Ye Wen , Worku Yoseph , Yang Zhenhua
Published: July 2021

Background: Despite incarcerated population being at an increased risk of tuberculosis (TB) and serving as a potential source of TB transmission for the general population, prison TB remains understudied. Given its adverse impact on progress towards TB elimination, World Health Organization (WHO) has identified prison TB research as a top priority to guide TB treatment/control interventions. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 921 notified TB cases that were diagnosed at Kality Federal Prison, Ethiopia during 2009-2017. To assess trends of microbiologically confirmed pulmonary TB (PTB), extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB), and TB-HIV co-infection, an ecological analysis of aggregated cases was used to report trends over time. Additionally, we used multivariable log binomial regression to identify patient characteristics associated with microbiologically confirmed PTB, extra-pulmonary TB (EPTB), and TB-HIV co-infection. Results: Microbiologically confirmed PTB proportion increased over time. Young age was identified as an important risk factor for EPTB (aPR=1.74, 95%CI: 0.97, 3.13) while HIV coinfection was negatively associated with EPTB (aPR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.55, 0.97). While previous TB history was associated with a lower likelihood of EPTB (aPR=0.42, 95%CI:0.25, 0.70), it was associated with an increased risk of TB-HIV coinfection (aPR=1.37, 95%CI:1.10, 1.71). Clinically diagnosed PTB patients were more likely to have TB-HIV coinfection compared to microbiologically confirmed PTB patients (aPR= 1.32, 95%CI: 1.02, 1.72).Conclusions: Increasing proportion of microbiologically confirmed PTB may suggest delayed access to treatment, severe disease and increased risk of intramural transmission. Associations with clinical/demographic factors varied for different types of TB and were not always consistent with what has been previously reported for the general population, necessitating the need to refocus prison TB control/treatment strategies based on context specific epidemiological factors.
Extremely High Levels of Central Nervous System Involvement in Miliary Tuberculosis
Authors: Wang Guirong , Liang Ruixia , Sun Qing , Liao Xinlei , Wang Chenqian , Huang Hairong
Published: July 2021

BackgroundMiliary tuberculosis (TB) is one of the severest manifestations of TB that can be lethal when concomitant with the central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Bacteriological, biochemical and radiological methods for find CNS comorbidity in miliary TB was evaluated in this study.MethodsConsecutive miliary TB adults were retrospectively enrolled from two designated TB hospitals in China. The capacities of examinations of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), cerebral computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for diagnosis of CNS involvement were assessed.ResultsAssessment of CNS involvement with a lumbar puncture and/or neuroimaging was undertaken in 282 out of 392 of acute miliary TB. Of these 282 patients, 87.59% (247/282) had CNS involvement. Cerebral contrast-enhanced MRI (96.05%, 170/177) and MRI (93.15%, 204/219) yielded significantly higher sensitivities over CSF examination (71.92%, 146/203, P<0.001) and CT (34.69%, 17/49, P<0.001). The sensitivity of CSF examination was superior to CT scan (P<0.001). Although 59.65% (134/225) miliary TB patients acquired bacteriological evidence with sputum examination, the positivity was only 8.82% (21/238) for CSF examination by conventional and molecular tests.ConclusionAlmost all miliary TB had CNS involvement and MRI demonstrated outstanding potential over other methods. Therefore, a routinely screening of CNS TB should be strongly suggested in miliary TB and MRI could be used as the initial approach in resources rich settings.
Simulation Study on Parametric Dependence of Whistler-mode Hiss Generation in the Plasmasphere
Authors: Liu Yin , Omura Yoshiharu , Hikishima Mitsuru
Published: July 2021

We conduct electromagnetic particle simulations to examine the applicability of nonlinear wave growth theory to the generation process of plasmaspheric hiss. We firstly vary the gradient of background magnetic field from a realistic model to a rather steep gradient model. Under such variation, the threshold amplitude in the nonlinear theory increases quickly and the overlap between threshold and optimum amplitude disappears correspondingly, and the nonlinear process is suppressed. In the simulations, as we enlarge the gradient variation of the background magnatic field, waves generated near the equator do not grow through propagation. By examining extracted typical wave packets from different gradient cases, we find the generation of wave packets is limited to equatorial region when background field is steep, showing a good agreement with what is indicated by critical distance in the theory. We then check the dependence of generation of hiss emissions on different hot electron densities. Since the overlap between threshold and optimum amplitude vanishes, the nonlinear process is weakened when hot electron density becomes smaller. In the simulation results, we find similar wave structures in all density cases, yet with different magnitudes. The existence of suitable values of the inhomogeneity factor S implies that nonlinear process occurs even at a low level of hot electron density. However, by examining J E which is closely related to the wave growth, we find energy conveyed from particles to waves is much limited in small density cases. Therefore, the nonlinear process is suppressed when hot electron density is small, which is in agreement with the theoretical analysis.
Duvelisib Eliminates CLL B Cells, Impairs CLL-Supporting Cells, and Overcomes Ibrutinib Resistance in Preclinical Models
Authors: Chen Shih-Shih , Barrientos Jacqueline , Ferrer Gerardo , Ravichandran Priyadarshini , Ibrahim Michael , Kieso Yasmine , Kutok Jeff , Peluso Marisa , Sharma Sujata , Weaver David , Pachter Jonathan , Rai Kanti , Chiorazzi Nicholas
Published: July 2021

Inhibitors of Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTKi) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3Ki) have significantly improved therapy of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). However, the emergence of resistance to BTKi has introduced an unmet therapeutic need. Here we demonstrate in vitro and in vivo the essential roles of PI3K-δ for CLL B-cell survival and migration and of PI3K-γ in T-cell migration and macrophage polarization; and more efficacious inhibition in CLL-cell burden by dual inhibition of PI3K-δ,γ. We also report an ibrutinib-resistant CLL case, whose clone exhibited BTK and PLCγ2 mutations, responded immediately to single agent duvelisib with a redistribution lymphocytosis followed by a partial clinical remission associated with subsequent modulation of T and myeloid cells. CLL samples from patients progressed on ibrutinib were also responsive to duvelisib in patient-derived xenografts irrespective of BTK mutations. Our data support dual inhibition of PI3K-δ,γ as a valuable approach for therapeutic interventions, including patients refractory to BTKi.
Study on Creep Constitutive Model of Stratified Siltstone and its Application to Environmental Hazards Treatment
Authors: Yang Yiran , Lai Xingping , Luo Tao , Yuan Kekuo , Wang Feiyong
Published: July 2021

Mining causes environmental hazards which have an adverse effect on ecological system and human living environment. Rock is the main body of underground coal mining, and among them stratified siltstone is very common. Creep and instability of underground stratified siltstone is one of the main inducing factors of ground fissures and ground surface settlement. In this study, on the basis of fully considering its stratified structure features, we built and theoretically analyzed the viscoelastic-viscoplastic constitutive model of stratified siltstone. Creep tests and numerical simulation under multi-stress were conducted. Numerical simulation results under high, medium and low stress were consistent with the creep test results, it made up for the deficiency of traditional creep models in predicting plastic deformation at low stress level. Numerical simulation results showed that under different boundary conditions, the proposed model had advantage to more accurately simulate creep behavior of stratified siltstone compared with traditional models. Also, the numerical simulation results reveled creep characteristics of underground roadway surrounding rock, based on which a supporting scheme was put forward. In the stress adjustment stage, the strain rate dropped significantly from 14.6mm/d to 10.3mm/d. Then, it entered the deceleration creep stage. Creep of roadway surrounding rock and ground surface settlement stopped. The environmental hazards were solved to a great extent.
Maternal Depression Trajectories and Child BMI in a Multi-ethnic Sample: A Latent Growth Modeling Analysis
Authors: Farewell Charlotte V. , Donohoe Ryley , Thayer Zaneta , Paulson James , Nicklas Jacinda , Walker Caroline , Waldie Karen , Leiferman Jenn A.
Published: July 2021

Background: Perinatal (antenatal and postpartum) depression impacts approximately 12% of mothers. Perinatal depression can impact everyday functioning for mothers, and the relationship with, and development of, their children. The purpose of this study was to investigate depression trajectories from the antenatal period through 54-months postpartum and associations with child body mass index at 54-months postpartum.Methods: This study applied latent growth modeling to the Growing Up in New Zealand study, which is a longitudinal pregnancy cohort study that provides nationally representative level data, to investigate associations between depression at three time points (antenatal, 9-months postpartum, 54-months postpartum) and child body mass index at 54-months (n=4897).Results: The average slope of depression for this sample is low and decreases over time. When child BMI was added to the model as an outcome variable, both antenatal depression (B=.25, p<.01), and the rate of change of depression across the perinatal and postpartum periods (B=.09, p<.01) were associated with child BMI at 54-months postpartum. After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, antenatal depression, but not postnatal depression, remained significantly associated with child BMI (B=.05, p<.05). When controlling for maternal pre-pregnancy BMI the effect of antenatal depression on child BMI at 54-months was entirely attenuated (χ² (9) = 39.60, p < .05, SRMR = 0.01, CFI = .99, RMSEA = 0.03, BIC=53213).Conclusions: Our findings align with the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease theory and imply that both the physical and mental health of mothers during pregnancy may be important indicators of child growth and development outcomes. Early intervention directed towards women who have even mild depression scores during pregnancy may promote healthy child development outcomes. Additionally, given the heterogeneity of depressive symptoms over time seen in this study, multiple assessment periods across the postpartum period may be valuable to adequately address and support maternal mental health.
Lightning Fast and Highly Sensitive Full-Length Single-cell sequencing using FLASH-Seq
Authors: Hahaut Vincent , Pavlinic Dinko , Cowan Cameron , Picelli Simone
Published: July 2021

In the last 10 years, single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) has undergone exponential growth. Emulsion droplets methods, such as those commercialized by 10x Genomics, have allowed researchers to analyze tens of thousands of cells in parallel in a robust and reproducible way. However, in contrast to SMART-based full-length sequencing protocols, these methods interrogate only the outer portion of the transcripts and still lack the required sensitivity for analyzing comprehensively the transcriptome of individual cells. Building upon the existing SMART-seq forerunners protocols, we developed FLASH-Seq (FS), a new scRNA-seq method which displays greater sensitivity while decreasing incubation times and reducing the number of processing steps compared to its predecessors. The entire FS protocol - from lysed cells to pooled cDNA libraries - can be performed in ~4.5 hours, is automation-friendly and can be easily miniaturized to decrease costs.
Trajectory Tracking Control of Mobile Manipulators Subject to Unknown External Forces
Authors: Galicki Miroslaw
Published: July 2021

This work proposes a new class of controllers for mobile manipulators subject to both undesirable forces exerted on the end-effector and slip reaction forces acting on the platform wheels, unknown friction forces coming from joints directly driven by the actuators as well as undesirable forces caused by kinematic singular configurations appearing on the mechanism trajectory. Based on suitably defined task space non-singular terminal sliding manifold (TSM) and the Lyapunov stability theory, we derive a class of estimated extended transposed Jacobian controllers which seem to be effective in counteracting the unstructured forces. Moreover, in order to eliminate (or to alleviate) undesirable chattering effects, the proposed control law involves second order sliding technique. The numerical computations closely related to an experiment, which are carried out for a mobile manipulator consisting of a platform of (2, 0) type and holonomic manipulator of two revolute kinematic pairs, illustrate the performance of the proposed controllers.
Super High-Quality SEM/FIB Imaging of Dentine Structures Without Collagen Fiber Loss Through a Metal Staining Process
Authors: Xu Shiyou , Stranick Michael , Hines Deon , Du Ke , Pan Long
Published: July 2021

Scanning Electron Microscope/Focused Ion Beam (SEM/FIB) system has become a valuable and popular tool for the analysis of biological materials such as dentine structures. According to physiological and anatomical studies, dentine structures are a complicated system containing collagen fibers, nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite, and numerous networks of tubular pores. During a routine FIB milling process, collagen fibers and other organic structures are vaporized, while the number of tubular pores remaining is increased. This causes the final cross-section to be more porous than the real sample. Unfortunately, little attention has been paid to the collagen fiber loss and how to preserve them during a FIB milling process. In this work, we present a novel and simple approach to preserve the organic portions of the dentine structure through metal staining. By using this method, the porosity of the dentine structure after the FIB milling process is significantly reduced similar to the real sample. This indicates that the organic portion of the dentine structure is well protected by the metal staining. This approach enables the SEM/FIB system to generate super-high quality SEM images with less ion beam damage; and the SEM images can better reflect the original condition of the dentine structure. Further, serial energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) mapping of the stained dentine structure is achieved without an additional metal coating; and three-dimensional (3-D) elemental mapping of an occluded dentine is achieved with a significantly reduced data acquisition time.
The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Sarcopenia in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ai Yaqin , Xu Ruoxin , Liu Lingping
Published: July 2021

BackgroundSarcopenia was a frequent chronic complication in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and previous evidence showed conflicting results regarding the prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia in T2DM. In the current study, we aimed at systematically exploring the prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia in patients with T2DM. MethodsPubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were systematically searched to identify observational studies which investigated the prevalence and risk factors of sarcopenia in patients with T2DM. The quality of individual included studies was evaluated using The Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Pooled effects regarding prevalence and associated factors were calculated using random-effects models. The potential publication bias was assessed via funnel plot and Egger test. ResultsTwenty-eight studies involving 16800 patients were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with T2DM was 18% (95% CI, 0.15-0.22; I2=97.4%). The pooled results showed that elder age (OR, 4.73; 95% CI, 4.30-5.19; I2=85.6%), male gender, chronic hyperglycemia (higher HbA1c) (OR, 1.16; 95% CI,1.05-2.47; I2=99.2%) and osteoporosis (OR, 1.16; 95% CI,1.05-2.47; I2=99.2%) was predictors for sarcopenia, whereas patients with lower BMI (OR, 1.16; 95% CI,1.05-2.47; I2=99.2%) and metformin administrations (OR, 1.16; 95% CI,1.05-2.47; I2=99.2%) were not prone to get sarcopenia. The funnel plot and statistical tests showed no obvious publication bias. ConclusionsSarcopenia was frequent in T2DM patients. Elder age, male gender and chronic hyperglycemia, Osteoporosis were significant risk factors for Sarcopenia. Lower BMI and metformin administrations were associated with lower risk of sarcopenia.
Comparing Chick and Grower Stages of Nine Breeds of Gallus gallus domesticus, Linnaeus, 1758 for RBC and WBC Parameters
Authors: Bhattacherjee Ananya , Mohanty Prafulla Kumar , Mallik Bandi Kumar
Published: July 2021

The present study estimates haematological parameters of different breeds of chicken, viz., Aseel, Black Rock, Dahlem Red, Kadaknath, Naked-neck, Red Cornish, Rhode Island Red, Vanaraja and White Leghorn. Blood samples were collected from 40 unsexed birds of each breed, comprising 20 chicks (< 2 months) and 20 growers (2-8months). Erythrocytic parameters such as Haemoglobin, Total Erythrocyte Count, Packed Cell Volume and erythrocyte indices and leukocytic parameters such as Total Leukocyte Count and Differential Leukocyte Count were taken into account. The data were subjected to ANOVA followed by post-hoc analysis and significant differences were observed at p < 0.01 and p < 0.05. As a whole, Red Blood Cell and White Blood Cell parameters (except Total Leukocyte Count and Basophil percentage which are not significantly different) record significant differences at p < 0.01 among and between the breeds. But some birds also differ at p < 0.05 among and between themselves.
Activation of GPR39 With TC-G 1008 Attenuates Neuroinflammation Via SIRT1/PGC-1α/Nrf2 Pathway Post Neonatal Hypoxic-ischemic Injury in Rats
Authors: Xie Shucai , Jiang Xili , Doycheva Desislava Met , Shi Hui , Jin Peng , Gao Ling , Liu Rui , Xiao Jie , Hu Xiao , Tang Jiping , Zhang Lina , Zhang John H
Published: July 2021

Background: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a severe anoxic brain injury that leads to premature mortality or long-term disabilities in infants. Neuroinflammation is a vital contributor to the pathogenic cascade post HIE and a mediator to secondary neuronal death. As a plasma membrane G-protein coupled receptor, GPR39, exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in several diseases. This study aimed to explore the neuroprotective function of GPR39 through inhibition of inflammation post hypoxic-ischemic (HI) injury and to elaborate the contribution of sirtuin 1(SIRT1)/ peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α)/ nuclear factor, erythroid 2 like 2(Nrf2) in G protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39)-mediated protection.Methods: A total of 206 10-day old Sprague Dawley rat pups were subjected to HIE or sham surgery. TC-G 1008 was administered intranasally at 1h, 25h, 49h, and 73h post HIE induction. SIRT1 inhibitor EX527, GPR39 CRISPR, and PGC-1α CRISPR were administered to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Brain infarct area, short-term and long-term neurobehavioral tests, Nissl staining, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining were performed post HIE.Results: The expression of GPR39 and pathway-related proteins, SIRT1、PGC-1α and Nrf2 were increased in a time-dependent manner, peaking at 24 h or 48h post HIE. Intranasal administration of TC-G 1008 reduced the percent infarcted area and improved short-term and long-term neurological deficits. Moreover, TC-G 1008 treatment significantly increased the expression of SIRT1, PGC-1α, Nrf2, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. GPR39 CRISPR EX527 and PGC-1α CRISPR abolished GPR39’s neuroprotective effects post HIE.Conclusions:TC-G 1008 attenuated neuroinflammation in part via the SIRT1/PGC-1α/Nrf2 pathway in a neonatal rat model of HIE. TC-G 1008 may be a novel therapeutic target for treatment post neonatal HIE injury.
Knockdown of LSD1 alleviates the IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis, inflammation and ECM degradation via TRIM32-mediated autophagy
Authors: Xu Wenqiang , Liu Xiaofeng , Qu Wenqing , Wang Xin , Su Hao , Li Wenliang , Chen Yiheng
Published: July 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease with characteristics of chronic inflammation and articular cartilage degeneration. It has been proved that LSD1 was up-regulated in OA cartilage tissues, but its role and regulatory mechanism in OA are unclear. Herein, interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β)-treated human chondrocytes was performed as a cell model of OA. Then, LSD1 expression was found that up-regulated in OA cartilage tissues and IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. Knockdown of LSD1 increased cell viability, while decreased apoptosis rate and inflammatory cytokines secretion levels in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes. In addition, knockdown of LSD1 reduced the expression of catabolic proteins (MMP-13 and ADAMTS-5) and enhanced the expression of anabolic proteins (Collagen II and Aggrecan) in chondrocytes after IL-1β stimulation. Moreover, overexpression of TRIM32 repressed chondrocyte viability, while promoted IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis, inflammation and ECM degradation. The expression of LSD1 and TRIM32 in OA cartilage was positively correlated, and knockdown of LSD1 down-regulated TRIM32 expression of chondrocytes. Our data further indicated that LSD1 regulated autophagy of chondrocytes through modulating TRIM32. Overexpression of TRIM32 reduced the effect of LSD1 knockdown on IL-1β-induced chondrocytes, while activating autophagy by Rapamycin further reversed this reduction. Therefore, our study shows that knockdown of LSD1 inhibited IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis, inflammation and ECM degradation via TRIM32-mediated autophagy.
Fabrication and Detailed Characterization of Perlite Mineral Supported a New Magnetic Nanomaterial.
Authors: KUTLUAY Sinan , ŞAHİN Ömer , ECE MEHMET ŞAKİR
Published: July 2021

Today, the possibilities offered by nanotechnology are undeniable. Nanotechnology has permeated all aspects of our daily lives. Nanotechnology, as an interdisciplinary field, also provides unique products in a variety of engineering fields. These products are more appealing than macro products due to their unique properties such as surface area, volume, conductivity, optical, and magnetic. Magnetite (Fe3O4), the most powerful magnetic mineral on the planet, has many properties such as nano size, surface area, morphology, and ferromagnetism at room temperature, and thus Fe3O4-based products are being developed for appropriate studies. There are very few materials created by modifying perlite Fe3O4, a mineral abundant in nature. In this study, Fe3O4 was modified with the mineral perlite to create magnetic nanomaterials. To that end, Fe3O4/Perlite magnetic nanomaterials were created using a co-precipitation method, followed by Fe3O4/Perlite@SiO2 magnetic nanomaterials created using a sol-gel method, and Fe3O4/Perlite@SiO2@Sulfanilamide magnetic nanomaterials created using a sol-gel method. The structures of the synthesized magnetic nano materials were clarified by various characterization devices such as BET, FTIR, SEM, SEM-EDX, TGA-DTA, and XRD. The characterization findings revealed that the syntheses and surface coatings of Fe3O4/Perlite, Fe3O4/Perlite@SiO2 and Fe3O4/Perlite@SiO2@Sulfanilamide magnetic nanomaterials were successfully performed. Furthermore, in light of these findings, Fe3O4/Perlite, Fe3O4/Perlite@SiO2 and Fe3O4/Perlite@SiO2@Sulfanilamide magnetic nano materials were discovered to be in crystalline cubic spinel form, mechanical and thermal stability, and mesoporic size. Since synthesized perlite-supported magnetic nano materials have potential in many applications, such as sustainable technologies, environmental safety technologies such as water reclamation and pollution removal, adsorption technologies, etc., they are brought to the attention of related fields.
Sex Differences in Blood Pressure and the Kidney Cortex Transcriptome in Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Riojas Angelica M , Spradling-Reeves Kimberly D. , Shade Robert E. , Puppala Sobha R. , Christensen Clinton L. , Birnbaum Shifra , Glenn Jeremy P. , Hall-Ursone Shannan , Cox Laura A.
Published: July 2021

Hypertension is a complex disease influenced by sex, and genetic and environmental factors. Blood pressure (BP) is a continuous trait that is heritable in primates, including humans and baboons. The kidneys play a role in systemically regulating BP. Sex differences in BP onset and control with antihypertensive drug therapies have been observed in humans and rodents. Hypertension studies in nonhuman primates (NHP) to date have focused on males. We hypothesized that there are differences in renal molecular networks associated with BP in female and male primates. Sodium-naïve female (n=8) and male (n=9) baboons were fed a low-sodium chow diet prior to and during the study. Implantable telemetry devices continuously monitored heart rate and blood pressure over 24-hours, and ultrasound-guided kidney biopsies were collected for RNA-Seq. Serum 17 beta-estradiol concentration correlated BP in females. BP in males correlated with Na+ intake, blood urea nitrogen, and glucose. Cell type composition of renal biopsies was consistent between females and males. Sex differences were observed in the kidney transcriptomes by principal components analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis. Network analysis revealed HNF4A, ESR1, ESR2, SMARCA4, TP53, and NR3C1 as BP regulators in males. Our results demonstrate sex differences in primate kidney molecular networks and provide evidence of a novel link between renal transcription factors and BP regulation in males. Understanding sex differences and transcriptome variation in primate kidneys correlated with BP and clinical measures associated with BP will inform better therapies towards the goal of precision medicine for women and men.
Nrf2 Activation Attenuates Chronic Constriction Injury-induced Neuropathic Pain via Induction of PGC-1α-mediated Mitochondrial Biogenesis in the Spinal Cord
Authors: Sun Jia , Li Jia-Yan , Zhang Long-Qing , Li Dan-Yang , Wu Jia-Yi , Gao Shao-Jie , Zhou Ya-Qun , Mei Wei
Published: July 2021

BackgroundNeuropathic pain is a debilitating disease with few effective treatments. Emerging evidence indicates the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in neuropathic pain. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a potent regulator of antioxidant response system. In this study, we investigated whether RTA-408 (a novel synthetic triterpenoid under clinical investigation) could activate Nrf2 and promote mitochondrial biogenesis (MB) to reverse neuropathic pain and the underlying mechanisms.MethodsNeuropathic pain was induced by chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Pain behaviors were measured via the von-Frey test and Hargreaves plantar test. The L4-6 spinal cord was collected to examine the activation of Nrf2 and MB.ResultsRTA-408 treatment significantly reversed mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in CCI mice in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, RTA-408 increased the activity of Nrf2 and significantly restored MB that was impaired in CCI mice in an Nrf2 dependent manner. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α) is the key regulator of MB. We found that PGC-1α activator also exhibited a potent analgesic effect in CCI mice. Moreover, the antinociceptive effect of RTA-408 was reversed by the pre-injection of PGC-1α inhibitor.ConclusionsNrf2 activation attenuates chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain via induction of PGC-1α-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis in the spinal cord. Our results indicate that Nrf2 may be a potential therapeutic strategy to ameliorate neuropathic pain and many other disorders with oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.
Effect of Co-solvent on the Performance of LDHs Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Orange Solution
Authors: Huang Liang , Jin Xianghui , Tao xumei , Yang Chen , Han Yuanyuan
Published: July 2021

In this paper, NiAlCe hydrotalcite was prepared by co-precipitation method and hydrothermal method in different volume fractions of ethylene glycol-water mixed solvent and polyethylene glycol-water mixed solvent, and the effect of photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange under ultraviolet light was studied. Samples were characterized by XRD, XPS, UV-Vis and FT-IR in order to find the reasons for the improvement of photocatalytic performance under co-solvent system. NiAlCe-10%EG(h) and NiAlCe-15%PEG(h) had smaller particle size, which was beneficial to photocatalytic performance. The degradation rate of methyl orange could reach up to 100% in 42 min using NiAlCe hydrotalcite with 10% volume fraction of EG and in 48 min using NiAlCe hydrotalcite with 15% volume fraction of PEG. The photocatalytic effect of NiAlCe hydrotalcite samples prepared by hydrothermal method were better than that prepared by co-precipitation method. This provided a new type of catalyst for the degradation of dyes: preparing with ethylene glycol-water mixed solvent.
TRIB3 Regulates FSHR Expression in Human Granulosa Cells Under High Levels of Free Fatty Acids
Authors: Wang Nan , Si Chenchen , Xia Lan , Wu Xian , Zhao Sheng , Xu Huihui , Ding Zhide , Niu Zhihong
Published: July 2021

Background: Granulosa cells (GCs) in cumulus oophorus highly express follicle stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR), which is the most important mediator of both estradiol synthesis and oocyte maturation. Obese women have elevated free fatty acids (FFAs) levels in their follicular fluids and decreased FSHR expression in GCs, which is related to an altered protein kinase B/glycogen synthase kinase 3β (Akt/GSK3β) signaling pathway. Such FFA increases accompany 3-fold rises in pseudokinase 3 (TRIB3) expression and reduce the Akt phosphorylation status in both the human liver and in insulinoma cell lines. Therefore, in a high FFA environment, we determined if TRIB3 mediates regulation of FSHR via the Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway in human GCs. Methods: GCs from women undergoing in vitro fertilization were collected and designated as high and low FFAs cohorts based on their follicular fluid FFA content. GCs with low FFA levels and a human granulosa-like tumor (KGN) cell line were exposed to palmitic acid (PA), which is a dominate FFA follicular fluid constituent. The effects were assessed of this substitution on the Akt/GSK3β signaling pathway activity as well as the expressions of TRIB3 and FSHR at both the gene and protein levels by qPCR, Western blot and immunofluorescence staining analyses. Meanwhile, the individual effects of TRIB3 knockdown in KGN cells and p-AKT inhibitors were compared to determine the mechanisms of FFA-induced FSHR downregulation.Results: The average FSH dose consuming per oocyte (FSH dose/oocyte) was elevated and Top embryo quality ratio was decreased in women with high levels of FFAs in their follicular fluid. In these women, the GC TRIB3 and ATF4 protein expression levels were upregulated which was accompanied by FSHR downregulation. Such upregulation was confirmed based on corresponding increases in their gene expression levels. On the other hand, the levels of p-Akt decreased while p-GSK3β increased in the GCs. Moreover, TRIB3 knockdown reversed declines in FSHR expression and estradiol (E2) production in KGN cells treated with PA, which also resulted in increased p-Akt levels and declines in the p-GSK3β level. In contrast, treatment of TRIB3-knockdown cells with an inhibitor of p-Akt (Ser473) resulted in rises in the levels of both p-GSK3β as well as FSHR expression whereas E2 synthesis fell. Conclusions: During exposure to a high FFA content, TRIB3 can reduce FSHR expression through stimulation of the Akt/GSK3β pathway in human GCs. This response may contribute to inducing oocyte maturation.
Finite Element Modelling and Simulating Effects of Hairiness Performance on Hairiness Entanglement During Fabric Pilling
Authors: Xiao Qi , Wang Rui , Sun Hongyu , Wang Jingru
Published: July 2021

For analyzing behaviors of hairiness entanglement during fabric pilling, nonlinear dynamic motion equations are deduced based on the elastic thin rod element, combined with the moving characteristics of hairiness, which follow the principles of mechanical equilibrium and energy conservation. The finite element simulation model of the effects of hairiness performance on behaviors of hairiness entanglement was established by ABAQUS. The analysis solution values of nonlinear dynamics were compared with the finite element simulation results. The results showed that hairiness elastic modulus, hairiness friction coefficient and hairiness diameter have significant effects on frictional dissipation energy, strain energy and kinetic energy produced by hairiness entanglement during pilling. Compared the finite element simulation results with analysis solution values, they are in good agreement. The fitness is greater than 0.96, which verifies the validity of finite element method.