bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal heterogeneity of primary and secondary school student distribution in Liaoning Province, China from 2010 to 2020
Authors: Liu Wanbo , Zhu Zhenghui , Wang Ling-en
Published: September 2022

Data mining student information helps to understand the compulsory education population size, structure, distribution and flow characteristics. Here, the spatial evolution, regional disparity, and emerging spatiotemporal distribution patterns are analyzed based on statistical data of primary and secondary education in Liaoning Province from 2010 to 2020. Demographic and spatial analysis methods, population size and structural changes were used in the assessments. The scale of primary and secondary school students in Liaoning Province declined, the gender imbalance was alleviated, and the proportion of migrant students increased. The distribution of students in primary and secondary schools is clearly unbalanced, and an increasingly evident central direction of flow from the countryside to the city exists. The overall difference in distribution of primary and secondary school students in Liaoning Province exhibits a trend of narrowing and then expanding, which is largely due to the uneven distribution among the non-agricultural municipal district, agriculture-related municipal district, and agriculture-related county. The emerging hot spot analysis patterns were dominated by consecutive and intensifying cold spots, spatiotemporal persistent and intensifying hot spots. Overall, these educational statistics and spatial analysis results provide important insights into population and educational geography.
A new forecasting method for failure time of creep landslide based on nonlinear creep behavior and new pre-warning criterion
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Jiang Tong , Pei Xiangjun , Huang Runqiu , Xu Qiang , Xie Yushan , Pan Xuwei , Zhi Longxiao
Published: September 2022

The forecast of failure time of unstable slope and the definition of early warning threshold are very important for preventing landslide disaster and reducing its losses. Based on the monitoring curve of unstable slope deformation varying with time, the mathematical models are used to accurately describe the nonlinear creep behavior in the initial creep stage and the unstable creep stage of unstable slope and a forecasting method for creep landslide is proposed. In addition, this study examines an improved tangential angle criterion obtained by a new forecasting method. The results show that the initial creep stage of unstable slope can not be neglected for forecasting the failure time. The initial creep velocity v0 and the viscoelastic hysteresis coefficientξof the slope are determined at initial creep stage, which together control the creep process of the unstable slope. Moreover, in the secondary creep stage, there is an inverse relationship between the velocity and the critical tangential angle. According to the average velocity of the secondary creep stage, the early warning criterion of the landslide tangential angle is proposed. Combined with the forecast parameters of the unstable slope, comparative analysis of the critical tangential angle warning criterion and an improved tangential angle criterion, the early warning and forecasting system of landslide with creep characteristic is established. This system is applied to the early warning and forecasting analysis of reported soil and rock landslides cases with creep characteristics. The forecasting effect and applicability of the new method are studied in order to make it a better supplement to the early warning strategy of landslide.
Investigating metallic cores using experiments on the physical properties of liquid iron alloys
Authors: Pommier Anne , Driscoll Peter E. , Fei Yingwei , Walter Michael J.
Published: September 2022

An outstanding goal in planetary science is to understand how terrestrial cores evolved to have the compositions, thermal properties, and magnetic fields observed today. To achieve that aim requires the integration of datasets from space missions with laboratory experiments conducted at high pressures and temperatures. Over the past decade, technological advances have enhanced the capability to conduct in situ measurements of physical properties on samples that are analogs to planetary cores. These challenging experiments utilize large-volume presses that optimize control of pressure and temperature, and diamond-anvil cells to reach the highest pressures. In particular, the current experimental datasets of density, compressional velocity, viscosity, and thermal conductivity of iron alloys are most relevant to the core conditions of small terrestrial planets and moons. Here we review the physical properties of iron alloys measured in the laboratory at conditions relevant to the cores of Mars, the Moon, and Mercury. We discuss how these properties inform models of core composition, as well as thermal and magnetic evolution of their cores. Experimental geochemistry (in particular, metal-silicate partitioning experiments) provides additional insights into the nature and abundance of light elements within cores, as well as crystallization processes. Emphasis is placed on the Martian core to discuss the effect of chemistry on core evolution.
Stability assessment for hard anti-inclined bedded rock slopes using a limit equilibrium method
Authors: Qu Xin , Diao Fangfang
Published: September 2022

The failure mechanism of hard anti-inclined bedded rock slopes with the possibility of undergoing flexural toppling is very complex so that it is difficult to effectively perform their stability assessment. In this study, an attempt was made to accurately predict the stability factor and the failure surface of such slopes: establishing a new failure zone model and developing a limit equilibrium method based on this model. In this model, the failure zones of such a slope were divided strictly according to the failure mechanisms of the rock layers. In the presented method, the failure surface was considered to be a bilinear-type surface as observed in field investigations and laboratory tests, and the non-dimensional parameter indicating the position of application of the interlayer force was revised by deriving the distribution and the equivalent substitution of interlayer force. Then, a comparative study on Yangtai slope was performed to prove the presented method, and the effect of the non-dimensional parameter on the stability was also investigated. The results reveal that the presented method can accurately determine the failure surface and precisely evaluate the slope stability factor. In addition, the presented method has higher predictive accuracy compared with other analytical methods. With the decrease of the non-dimensional parameter, the stability of the slope is reinforced, but the larger landslide with more serious damage effect will occur if the slope undergoes the overall failure.
Impact of virtual reality use on the teaching and learning of vectors
Authors: Campos Esmeralda , Hidrogo Irving , Zavala Genaro
Published: September 2022

The use of virtual reality in education has enabled the possibility of representing abstract concepts and virtually manipulating them, providing a suitable platform for understanding mathematical concepts and their relation with the physical world. In this contribution, we present a study that aims to evaluate the students’ experience using a virtual reality (VR) tool and their learning of three-dimensional vectors in an introductory physics university course. We followed an experimental research design, with a control and an experimental group, for measuring students’ performance in a pre-post 3D vectors questionnaire. We surveyed the experimental group about their perception of VR use regarding their learning objectives, their experience using VR as a learning tool during the sessions, and the value of using VR in class. We found that on the items in which visualization was important, students in the experimental group outperformed the students in the control group. Students evaluated the VR tool as having a positive impact on their course contents learning and as a valuable tool to enhance their learning experience. We identified four hierarchical categories in which students perceived the use of virtual reality helped them learn the course contents: Visualization, 3D Visualization, Identification, and Understanding. Overall, this study’s findings contribute to the knowledge of using virtual reality for education at the university level. We encourage university instructors to think about incorporating VR in their classes.
Smart rogaining for computer science orientation
Authors: Chessa Manuela , Delzanno Giorgio , Ferrando Angelo , Gelati Luca , Guerrini Giovanna , Mascardi Viviana , Noceti Nicoletta , Odone Francesca , Vitali Francesca
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we address the problem of designing new formats of computer science orientation activities to be offered during high school students internships in Computer Science Bachelor degrees. In order to cover a wide range of computer science topics as well to deal with soft skills and gender gap issues, we propose a teamwork format, called smart rogaining, that offer engaging introductory activities to prospective students in a series of checkpoints dislocated along the different stages of a rogaine. The format is supported by a smart mobile and web application. Our proposal is aimed at stimulating the interest of participants in different areas of computer science and at improving digital and soft skills of participants and, as a side effect, of staff members (instructors and university students). In the paper, we introduce the proposed format and discuss our experience in the editions organized at the University of Genoa before the COVID-19 pandemic (2019 and 2020 waves).
A bi-level co-expansion planning of integrated electric and heating system considering demand response
Authors: Du Yuan , Xue Yixun , Lu Lina , Yu Canping , Zhang Jiangfeng
Published: September 2022

With the wide deployment of combined heat and power units, electric boilers, etc., the power system and the heating system are coupled tightly, which necessitates expansion planning in a coordinated manner. Demand response (DR) is considered an effective method for augmenting system flexibility, which would lead to a more beneficial planning strategy in the co-expansion planning strategy. Therefore, we develop a bi-level co-expansion planning model with DR constraints for the integrated electric and heating system to minimize expenses on both investment and operation. The upper level gives the optimal investment strategy of energy facilities, while the lower level is optimal operation problems with DR constraints under the given investment decision. Numerical simulation is employed in the P6H8 system to demonstrate the proposed model.
Characterizing the prognostic and therapeutic value of necroptosis in sarcoma based on necroptosis subtypes
Authors: Ma Yibo , Yuan Qihang , He Shiping , Mao Xiulin , Zheng Shuo , Chen Changjian
Published: September 2022

Necroptosis, a type of necrotic cell death independent of caspase regulation, is mainly mediated by receptor interacting serine/threonine kinase 1 (RIPK1), receptor interacting serine/threonine kinase 3 (RIPK3) and mixed lineage kinase domain-like (MLKL). Necroptosis plays an essential role in many tumors. However, the potential roles of necroptosis in tumor microenvironment (TME) of sarcoma (SARC) remain unknown. This study analyzed the expression, prognosis, genetic alterations of necroptosis genes in SARC. We identified two subtypes (cluster A and B) by performing unsupervised consensus clustering. Cluster A and B greatly differed in prognosis and immune infiltration, with cluster A showing more favorable prognosis, higher immune infiltration and higher expression levels of necroptosis genes than cluster B. Based on the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between two clusters, a necroptosis scoring system was developed for predicting overall survival of SARC patients. Patients with high necroptosis score had worse survival status, with a decreased infiltration level of most immune cells. Our findings demonstrated the potential role of necroptosis in regulating tumor microenvironment and the prognostic value of necroptosis-related genes for SARC patients.
Features of the metabolic syndrome and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis: An augmented risk for premature cardiovascular disease
Authors: Cohen H. , Hassin-Baer S. , Shaish A.
Published: September 2022

Background: Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare lipid storage disease, caused by deficiency of sterol-27-hydroxylase. Xanthomatous lesions in numerous tissues, and an elevation of cholestanol levels, characterize the disease. Its natural course is progressive neurologic deterioration, leading to premature death. Chronic treatment with oral chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) reduces cholestanol levels. Occurrence of premature atherosclerosis has been described in CTX in an unknown mechanism.

Aim: The aim of the current work was to evaluate the potential metabolic abnormalities and preclinical vascular changes in Israeli CTX patients.

Methods: Ten subjects with CTX were studied. Features of the metabolic syndrome were evaluated, and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) was measured in the common carotid arteries.

Results: All patients were diagnosed with CTX, and all received treatment with CDCA, which resulted in normalization of their plasma cholestanol levels. At the conclusion of the follow up, risk factors for CVD and features of MS were present in all the patients and in three patients, cIMT was higher compared to control subjects.

Conclusion: Cardiovascular risk factors and premature vascular changes exist in young CTX patients and proper assessment should be implemented with preventive measures to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in CTX patients.
3’UTR of SARS-CoV-2 spike gene hijack host miR-296 or miR-520h to disturb cell proliferation and cytokine signaling
Authors: Yuan Jinjin , Feng Ziheng , Wang Qiaowen , Han Lifen , Guan Shenchan , Liu Lijuan , Ye Hanhui , Xu Lili , Han Xiao
Published: September 2022

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has becoming globally public health threat. Recently studies were focus on SARS-CoV-2 RNA to design vaccine and drugs. It was demonstrated that virus RNA could play as sponge to host noncoding RNAs to regulate cellular processes. Bioinformatic research predicted a series of motif on SARS-CoV-2 genome where are targets of human miRNAs. In this study, we used dual-luciferase reporter assays to validate the interaction between 3’UTR of SARS-CoV-2 S (S-3’UTR) gene and bioinformatic predicted targeting miRNAs. The growth of 293T cells and HUVECs with overexpressed S-3’UTR was determined, while miRNAs and IL6, TNF-α levels were checked in this condition. Then, miR-296 and miR-602 mimic were introduced into 293T cells and HUVECs with overexpressed S-3’UTR, respectively, to reveal the underlying regulation mechanism. In results, we screened 19 miRNAs targeting the S-3’UTR, including miR-296 and miR-602. In 293T cell, S-3’UTR could inhibit 293T cell growth through down-regulation of miR-296. By reducing miR-602, S-3’UTR could induce HUVECs cell proliferation, alter the cell cycle, reduce apoptosis, and enhanced IL6 and TNF-αlevel. In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 RNA could play as sponge of host miRNA to disturb cell growth and cytokine signaling. It suggests an important clue for designing COVID-19 drug and vaccine.
NLRP3: Role in ischemia/reperfusion injuries
Authors: Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Shoorei Hamed , Poornajaf Yadollah , Hussen Bashdar Mahmud , Hajiesmaeili Yasaman , Abak Atefe , Taheri Mohammad , Eghbali Ahmad
Published: September 2022

NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) is expressed in immune cells, especially in dendritic cells and macrophages and acts as a constituent of the inflammasome. This protein acts as a pattern recognition receptor identifying pathogen-associated molecular patterns. In addition to recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns, it recognizes damage-associated molecular patterns. Triggering of NLRP3 inflammasome by molecules ATP released from injured cells results in the activation of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Abnormal activation of NLRP3 inflammasome has been demonstrated to stimulate inflammatory or metabolic diseases. Thus, NLRP3 is regarded as a proper target for decreasing activity of NLRP3 inflammasome. Recent studies have also shown abnormal activity of NLRP3 in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries. In the current review, we have focused on the role of this protein in I/R injuries in the gastrointestinal, neurovascular and cardiovascular systems.
Bloom of Trichogloeopsis pedicellata (Rhodophyta, Nemaliales) following hurricane Iota in San Andrés, Southwestern Caribbean Sea
Authors: Gavio Brigitte , Prato Julián , Gnecco Mariana , Maya María Fernanda , Mancera-Pineda José Ernesto
Published: September 2022

Hurricanes and tropical storms are major climatic disturbances with potentially catastrophic effects on coastal and marine ecosystems. The impact of these climatic events on coastal communities may vary greatly and depends on the hurricane’s severity, trajectory, and duration. Furthermore, the impact of hurricanes can be patchy, causing extensive damage in some locations, while leaving other subjacent areas intact. In coral reef areas, breakage, dislodgement, and sandblasting may cause extensive coral mortality, and loss of coral cover may increase due to sedimentation and freshwater runoff. After the impact of the climatic event, successional stages in the reef community have been observed, where blooms of ephemeral algae may occupy space made available by the storm impact. We report a bloom of the red alga Trichogloeopsis pedicellata on the west coast of the island of San Andrés, following Hurricane Iota. The survey was carried out in seven locations at different depths: shallow (2–5 m) and deep (8–15 m). Three video transects were recorded at each sampling site, and 15 photo quadrats were analyzed for benthic cover. For the biomass estimate, three to five quadrats of 25 × 25 cm were laid on the substrate, all the algae inside were collected, and their wet biomass was determined. The algal cover reached 100% in some locations, with wet biomass up to 5,264 g/m2, and persisted for several weeks. The bloom was more severe at shallow depths. Apparently, the availability of the substrate due to the detachment of foliose algae triggered the bloom. After a few months, the bloom receded naturally.
Ferroptosis and its emerging role in esophageal cancer
Authors: Maimaitizunong Rezeye , Wang Kai , Li Hui
Published: September 2022

The occurrence and development of tumors involve a series of life activities of cells, among which cell death has always been a crucial part in the research of tumor mechanisms and treatment methods. Ferroptosis is a non-apoptotic form of cell death, which is characterized by lipid peroxidation accumulation and further cell membrane rupture caused by excessive production of intracellular oxygen free radicals dependent on iron ions. Esophageal cancer is one of the common digestive tract tumors. Patients in the early stage are mainly treated with surgery, and the curative effect is awe-inspiring. However, surgery is far from enough for terminal patients, and it is the best choice to combine radiotherapy and chemotherapy before the operation or during the perioperative period. Although the treatment plan for patients with advanced esophageal cancer is constantly being optimized, we are disappointed at the still meager 5-year survival rate of patients and the poor quality of life. A series of complex problems, such as increased chemotherapy drug resistance and decreased radiotherapy sensitivity of esophageal cancer cells, are waiting for us to tackle. Perhaps ferroptosis can provide practical and feasible solutions and bring new hope to patients with advanced esophageal cancer. The occurrence of ferroptosis is related to the dysregulation of iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and glutamate metabolism. Therefore, these dysregulated metabolic participant proteins and signaling pathways are essential entry points for using cellular ferroptosis to resist the occurrence and development of cancer cells. This review first introduced the main regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis. It then summarized the current research status of ferroptosis in esophageal cancer, expecting to provide ideas for the research related to ferroptosis in esophageal cancer.
Autonomic dysfunction as the initial presentation in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jin Yi , Chen Yuchao , Li Dan , Qiu Mengqiu , Zhou Menglu , Hu Zhouyao , Cai Qiusi , Weng Xulin , Lu Xiaodong , Wu Bin
Published: September 2022

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3), as the most frequent autosomal dominant ataxia worldwide, is characterized by progressive cerebellar ataxia, dysarthria and extrapyramidal signs. Additionally, autonomic dysfunction, as a common clinical symptom, present in the later stage of SCA3. Here, we report a 44-year-old male patient with early feature of autonomic dysfunction includes hyperhidrosis and sexual dysfunction, followed by mild ataxia symptoms. The Unified Multiple System Atrophy Rating Scale (UMSARS) indicated significant dysautonomia during autonomic function testing. Combination of early and autonomic abnormalities and ataxia would be more characteristic of the cerebellar type of multiple system atrophy (MSA-C), the patient's positive family history and identification of an ATXN3 gene mutation supported SCA3 diagnosis. To best of our knowledge, the feature as the initial presentation in SCA3 has not been described. Our study demonstrated that autonomic dysfunction may have occurred during the early stages of SCA3 disease.
Development and validation of a novel immunotype for prediction of overall survival in patients with clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Yu Deshui , Zhang Xuanzhi , Gao Lixia , Qian Subo , Tang Hong , Shao Ning
Published: September 2022

Background

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a highly immunogenic tumor. The purpose of the present study was to establish a novel immunotype for different immune infiltration and overall survival (OS) of patients with ccRCC.

Methods

Based on the Cancer Genome Atlas Project (TCGA) database (discovery set), a novel immunotype was established using ssGSEA methods. The databases of Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC) and Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine (XHH) served as an external validation set. GSEA was carried out to identify the immunotype associated signal transduction pathways.

Results

A total of 652 ccRCC patients were included in our study. We constructed a novel immunotype of ccRCC to classify patients into three groups: high-immunity, moderate-immunity, and low-immunity. The high-immunity and moderate-immunity groups had higher ImmuneScores, ESTIMATEScores, StromalScores, and lower tumor purity than that of the low-immunity group in both sets. Additionally, the patients from the high-immunity and moderate-immunity groups had longer survival than patients from low-immunity group in both discovery set and validation set (HR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.56–4.13, p < 0.01; HR = 2.75, 95% CI: 1.24–6.11, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

In summary, we defined a novel immunotype of ccRCC. The immune types could be used as a clinical predictive tool to identify ccRCC patients with different survival. In addition, the immune-related biological signaling pathway also brought new insights on the mechanism of ccRCC.
Bibliometric analysis of the global research development of bone metastases in prostate cancer: A 22-year study
Authors: Chen Yongming , Tang Chen , Shen Zefeng , Peng Shengmeng , Wu Wanhua , Lei Zhen , Zhou Jie , Li Lingfeng , Lai Yiming , Huang Hai , Guo Zhenghui
Published: September 2022

Background

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most diagnosed cancer in men. Most PCa-related deaths result from metastatic disease. Metastases occur most often in the bones (90%). However, the current treatments for bone metastases in PCa are not very effective. Here we present an overview of the current research situation of bone metastases in PCa, focusing on hotspots and trends.

Methods

We searched the Web of Science Core Collection database for publications related to bone metastases in PCa published between 1999 and 2021. We used VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and a bibliometric online platform to perform a bibliometric analysis of countries, institutions, authors, journals, references, and keywords.

Results

A total of 4,832 related articles were included in the present study. The USA published the most articles in the field, followed by China and England. The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is the leading institution in the research field of bone metastases in PCa. Saad F, from Canada, has made great achievements in this area by publishing 91 related articles. Prostate is the journal which published most related articles, and Mundy GR, 2002, Nat Rev Cancer, is the most cited article in this field. Furthermore, the analysis of author keywords can be divided into five clusters: (1) diagnosis of PCa, (2) mechanism of bone metastasis, (3) drug treatments of bone metastases, (4) radiotherapy of bone metastases, and (5) treatments and prognosis of PCa.

Conclusions

mCRPC has been the hottest topic in PCa in recent years. CT is the most common diagnostic method for bone metastases. Enzalutamide and radium-223, as important treatments for bone metastases in PCa, bring about widespread attention. Furthermore, the researchers focus on the tumor microenvironment and biomarkers to explore the mechanism and the therapeutic targets of bone metastases in PCa.
Muramyl dipeptide-based analogs as potential anticancer compounds: Strategies to improve selectivity, biocompatibility, and efficiency
Authors: Iwicka Eliza , Hajtuch Justyna , Dzierzbicka Krystyna , Inkielewicz-Stepniak Iwona
Published: September 2022

According to the WHO, cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world. This is an important global problem and a major challenge for researchers who have been trying to find an effective anticancer therapy. A large number of newly discovered compounds do not exert selective cytotoxic activity against tumorigenic cells and have too many side effects. Therefore, research on muramyl dipeptide (MDP) analogs has attracted interest due to the urgency for finding more efficient and safe treatments for oncological patients. MDP is a ligand of the cytosolic nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 receptor (NOD2). This molecule is basic structural unit that is responsible for the immune activity of peptidoglycans and exhibits many features that are important for modern medicine. NOD2 is a component of the innate immune system and represents a promising target for enhancing the innate immune response as well as the immune response against cancer cells. For this reason, MDP and its analogs have been widely used for many years not only in the treatment of immunodeficiency diseases but also as adjuvants to support improved vaccine delivery, including for cancer treatment. Unfortunately, in most cases, both the MDP molecule and its synthesized analogs prove to be too pyrogenic and cause serious side effects during their use, which consequently exclude them from direct clinical application. Therefore, intensive research is underway to find analogs of the MDP molecule that will have better biocompatibility and greater effectiveness as anticancer agents and for adjuvant therapy. In this paper, we review the MDP analogs discovered in the last 10 years that show promise for antitumor therapy. The first part of the paper compiles the achievements in the field of anticancer vaccine adjuvant research, which is followed by a description of MDP analogs that exhibit promising anticancer and antiproliferative activity and their structural changes compared to the original MDP molecule.
Exploring the pharmacological action mechanism of Ligusticum Chuanxiong-Piper Longum couplet medicines on the treatment of migraine based on network pharmacology
Authors: Li Ti , Guo Shupeng , Lu Meixi , Lu Fang , Lu Tianjiao , Zheng Chunze
Published: September 2022

Objective: To study the mechanisms of the Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.–Piper longum L. herbal pair (LPHP) in the treatment of migraine using network pharmacology.

Methods: The active constituents of LPHP and their targets were searched for and screened using the Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database. Genes related to migraine were searched on GeneCards, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man and other databases. Cytoscape was used to construct and combine active component–target and disease–target networks. The core target was screened by network topology analysis, and the Metascape database was used for gene ontology analysis of key targets and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis to explore the molecular mechanisms in the treatment of migraine.

Results: A total of 28 active constituents of LPHP were obtained through database screening and literature review, and 60 cross-linking targets were obtained. The target sites were analysed using a protein–protein interaction network to obtain six target proteins with a greater degree of relevance. These were identified as the main targets for the treatment of hypertension, and these key targets were found to be associated with 20 signalling pathways, including neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction, the calcium signalling pathway, the cGMP–PKG signalling pathway, pathways in cancer and the cyclic adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) signalling pathway.

Conclusion: This study reveals the molecular mechanism of LPHP in the treatment of migraine from the perspective of network pharmacology and provides a basis for further research and molecular mechanism research.
Omaveloxolone inhibits IL-1β-induced chondrocyte apoptosis through the Nrf2/ARE and NF-κB signalling pathways in vitro and attenuates osteoarthritis in vivo
Authors: Jiang Zengxin , Qi Guobin , Lu Wei , Wang Hao , Li Defang , Chen Weibin , Ding Lei , Yang Xiuying , Yuan Hengfeng , Zeng Qingmin
Published: September 2022

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease. Effective drugs that can halt or decelerate osteoarthritis progression are still lacking. Omaveloxolone is a semisynthetic oleanane triterpenoid exerting antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aims to determine whether omaveloxolone has a therapeutic effect on OA. Chondrocytes were treated with interleukin (IL)-1β to establish an OA cell model in vitro. Indicators of cell viability, oxidative stress, inflammation, cell apoptosis and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation were investigated. Proteins related to the Nuclear factor erythroid derived-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signalling pathways were assessed using Western blotting. A destabilized medial meniscus surgery-induced OA rat model was used in vivo. Gait analysis, microcomputed tomography analysis, and histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to determine the therapeutic effect of omaveloxolone on attenuating osteoarthritis in vivo. The results showed that omaveloxolone exerts antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic and anti-ECM degradation effects via activation of the Nrf2/ARE signalling pathway and inhibition of the NF-κB signalling pathway in chondrocytes in vitro and attenuates OA progression in vivo, suggesting that omaveloxolone may be a potential therapeutic agent for OA.
Resistance training and Down Syndrome: A narrative review on considerations for exercise prescription and safety
Authors: Melo Geiziane Leite Rodrigues , Neto Ivo Vieira de Sousa , Fonseca Eduardo Fernandes da , Stone Whitley , Nascimento Dahan da Cunha
Published: September 2022

The current manuscript reviews the literature on the health effects of resistance training (RT) for individuals with Down syndrome (DS), focusing on this training modality’s methodology, application, and safety. The literature has mentioned that early aging in this population is associated with loss of muscle strength, lower lean and bone mass, and increased obesity. It is necessary to propose non-pharmacological measures for prevention and health promotion. Thus, this review suggests a current research-based RT guide for individuals with DS. This review is divided into three sections: Section 2 briefly reviews DS and the effects on structural and functional decline and how exercise and physical activity can influence health aspects in this population; Section 3 summarizes the evidence for RT prescription; Section 4 briefly reviews the health and potential benefits of RT in individuals with DS. The findings from this review suggest that most individuals with DS should engage in moderate-intensity RT at least 2 days a week and perform RT on the major muscle groups and include balance training. The RT program should be modified and adapted according to individuals’ characteristics and limitations. RT promotes positive, health-related benefits such as increasing strength, improving body composition, improving functional capacity and balance, reducing inflammatory status and oxidative stress, and improving the immune system. The RT protocols summarized in this current review provide guidance, critical conclusions, and novel research settings, which could be useful to coaches, clinicians, and researchers to effectively design RT program for individuals with DS.
Low temperature modifies seedling leaf anatomy and gene expression in Hypericum perforatum
Authors: Su Hongyan , Jin Ling , Li Mengfei , Paré Paul W.
Published: September 2022

Hypericum perforatum, commonly known as St John’s wort, is a perennial herb that produces the anti-depression compounds hypericin (Hyp) and hyperforin. While cool temperatures increase plant growth, Hyp accumulation as well as changes transcript profiles, alterations in leaf structure and genes expression specifically related to Hyp biosynthesis are still unresolved. Here, leaf micro- and ultra-structure is examined, and candidate genes encoding for photosynthesis, energy metabolism and Hyp biosynthesis are reported based on transcriptomic data collected from H. perforatum seedlings grown at 15 and 22°C. Plants grown at a cooler temperature exhibited changes in macro- and micro-leaf anatomy including thicker leaves, an increased number of secretory cell, chloroplasts, mitochondria, starch grains, thylakoid grana, osmiophilic granules and hemispherical droplets. Moreover, genes encoding for photosynthesis (64-genes) and energy (35-genes) as well as Hyp biosynthesis (29-genes) were differentially regulated with an altered growing temperature. The anatomical changes and genes expression are consistent with the plant’s ability to accumulate enhanced Hyp levels at low temperatures.
Mulberry based zinc nano-particles mitigate salinity induced toxic effects and improve the grain yield and zinc bio-fortification of wheat by improving antioxidant activities, photosynthetic performance, and accumulation of osmolytes and hormones
Authors: Chattha Muhammad Umer , Amjad Tahira , Khan Imran , Nawaz Muhammad , Ali Muqarrab , Chattha Muhammad Bilal , Ali Hayssam M. , Ghareeb Rehab Y. , Abdelsalam Nader R. , Azmat Saira , Barbanti Lorenzo , Hassan Muhammad Umair
Published: September 2022

Salinity stress (SS) is a challenging abiotic stress that limits crop growth and productivity. Sustainable and cost effective methods are needed to improve crop production and decrease the deleterious impacts of SS. Zinc (Zn) nano-particles (NPs) have emerged as an important approach to regulating plant tolerance against SS. However, the mechanisms of SS tolerance mediated by Zn-NPs are not fully explained. Thus, this study was performed to explore the role of Zn-NPs (seed priming and foliar spray) in reducing the deleterious impacts of SS on wheat plants. The study comprised different SS levels: control, 6 and 12 dS m−1, and different Zn-NPs treatments: control, seed priming (40 ppm), foliar spray (20 ppm), and their combination. Salinity stress markedly reduced plant growth, biomass, and grain yield. This was associated with enhanced electrolyte leakage (EL), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), sodium (Na), chloride (Cl) accumulation, reduced photosynthetic pigments, relative water contents (RWC), photosynthetic rate (Pn), transpiration rate (Tr), stomata conductance (Gs), water use efficiency (WUE), free amino acids (FAA), total soluble protein (TSP), indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), and nutrients (Ca, Mg, K, N, and P). However, the application of Zn-NPs significantly improved the yield of the wheat crop, which was associated with reduced abscisic acid (ABA), MDA, H2O2 concentration, and EL, owing to improved antioxidant activities, and an increase in RWC, Pn, Tr, WUE, and the accumulation of osmoregulating compounds (proline, soluble sugars, TSP, and FAA) and hormones (GA and IAA). Furthermore, Zn-NPs contrasted the salinity-induced uptake of toxic ions (Na and Cl) and increased the uptake of Ca, K, Mg, N, and P. Additionally, Zn-NPs application substantially increased the wheat grain Zn bio-fortification. Our results support previous findings on the role of Zn-NPs in wheat growth, yield, and grain Zn bio-fortification, demonstrating that beneficial effects are obtained under normal as well as adverse conditions, thanks to improved physiological activity and the accumulation of useful compounds. This sets the premise for general use of Zn-NPs in wheat, to which aim more experimental evidence is intensively being sought. Further studies are needed at the genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic level to better acknowledge the mechanisms of general physiological enhancement observed with Zn-NPs application.
Elastic property and fracture mechanics of lateral branch-branch junctions in cacti: A case study of Opuntia ficus-indica and Cylindropuntia bigelovii
Authors: Mylo Max D. , Hoppe Anna , Pastewka Lars , Speck Thomas , Speck Olga
Published: September 2022

Species with various reproductive modes accompanied by different mechanical properties of their (lateral) branch-branch junctions have evolved in the cactus subfamily Opuntioideae. Older branches of Opuntia ficus-indica with fracture-resistant junctions often bear flowers and fruits for sexual reproduction, whereas younger branches break off easily and provide offshoots for vegetative propagation. Cylindropuntia bigelovii plants are known for their vegetative reproduction via easily detachable branches that can establish themselves as offshoots. We characterized the elastic and fracture behaviors of these lateral junctions by tensile testing and analyzed local strains during loading. Additionally, we carried out finite element analyses to quantify the influence of five relevant tissue layers on joint elastic behavior. Our fracture analysis revealed various fracture modes: (i) most young samples of Opuntia ficus-indica failed directly at the junction and had smooth fracture surfaces, and relative fracture strain was on median 4% of the total strain; (ii) most older samples of Opuntia ficus-indica failed at the adjacent branch and exhibited rough fracture surfaces, and relative fracture strain was on median 47%; (iii) most samples of Cylindropuntia bigelovii abscised directly at the junction and exhibited cup and cone surfaces, and relative fracture strain was on median 28%. Various geometric and mechanical properties such as junction area, fracture energy, and tensile strength were analyzed with respect to significant differences between species and age of sample. Interestingly, the abscission of lateral branches naturally triggered by wind, passing animals, or vibration showed the following differences in maximum force: 153 N (older Opuntia ficus-indica), 51 N (young Opuntia ficus-indica), and 14 N (Cylindropuntia bigelovii).
Diversity in boardroom and debt financing: A case from China
Authors: Sun Xinbo , Ahmad Muneeb , Tahir Kamran , Zafar Hammad
Published: September 2022

The study aims to explore the role of gender diversity in debt financing choices among Chinese listed firms. The study used the Chinese listed firm's data from 1991 to 2022 from the Chinese Stock Market return. The study used the fixed effect regression analysis and revealed that gender diversity positively affects debt financing among Chinese firms. Additionally, mass theory results suggested that at least three females on the board significantly influence firms. It served as the voice of gender diversity to influence the board's decisions regarding debt financing. The study has several theoretical and practical implications. This study will enlighten the Chinese boardroom dynamics by reassuring them to add more females to diversity policies. It will benefit future studies on boardroom activities and debt financing in emerging economies. It will be practical guidance for the Chinese policymakers, governing authorities, and corporate executives. The study stresses the need for significant diversity on the board rather than one female presence on the board. Secondly, this study contradicts the stereotype perception that females are not making risky decisions.
Does anodal cerebellar tDCS boost transfer of after-effects from throwing to pointing during prism adaptation?
Authors: Fleury Lisa , Panico Francesco , Foncelle Alexandre , Revol Patrice , Delporte Ludovic , Jacquin-Courtois Sophie , Collet Christian , Rossetti Yves
Published: September 2022

Prism Adaptation (PA) is a useful method to study the mechanisms of sensorimotor adaptation. After-effects following adaptation to the prismatic deviation constitute the probe that adaptive mechanisms occurred, and current evidence suggests an involvement of the cerebellum at this level. Whether after-effects are transferable to another task is of great interest both for understanding the nature of sensorimotor transformations and for clinical purposes. However, the processes of transfer and their underlying neural substrates remain poorly understood. Transfer from throwing to pointing is known to occur only in individuals who had previously reached a good level of expertise in throwing (e.g., dart players), not in novices. The aim of this study was to ascertain whether anodal stimulation of the cerebellum could boost after-effects transfer from throwing to pointing in novice participants. Healthy participants received anodal or sham transcranial direction current stimulation (tDCS) of the right cerebellum during a PA procedure involving a throwing task and were tested for transfer on a pointing task. Terminal errors and kinematic parameters were in the dependent variables for statistical analyses. Results showed that active stimulation had no significant beneficial effects on error reduction or throwing after-effects. Moreover, the overall magnitude of transfer to pointing did not change. Interestingly, we found a significant effect of the stimulation on the longitudinal evolution of pointing errors and on pointing kinematic parameters during transfer assessment. These results provide new insights on the implication of the cerebellum in transfer and on the possibility to use anodal tDCS to enhance cerebellar contribution during PA in further investigations. From a network approach, we suggest that cerebellum is part of a more complex circuitry responsible for the development of transfer which is likely embracing the primary motor cortex due to its role in motor memories consolidation. This paves the way for further work entailing multiple-sites stimulation to explore the role of M1-cerebellum dynamic interplay in transfer.
Evaluating the couriers’ experiences of logistics platform: The extension of expectation confirmation model and technology acceptance model
Authors: Zheng Qiumei , Li Chenglong , Bai Shizhen
Published: September 2022

The current study integrated the Extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and included information system quality (ISQ), user interface (UI), knowledge sharing motivation (KSM), the expectation confirmation model (ECM), safety management practices (SMP), interface aesthetics (IA), and perceived value (PV) to evaluate the logistics couriers’ experience while using an Online logistics platform. This research examines the relationships of KSM, SMP, and ISQ on the TAM’s, perceived usefulness (PU), and perceived ease of use (PEOU). In addition, it explores the relationship between UI on PEOU. Furthermore, to explore the impact of ECM, it examines the impact of confirmation (CON) on PU and satisfaction (SAT). Finally, this research explores the impact of logistics couriers’ SAT on continuous intention (CI). According to the findings of this study, UI did not have a significant association with PEOU. Furthermore, KSM was found to significantly impact PEOU, while having no significant effect on PU. Moreover, SMP was found to have no significance on PEOU, however, SMP was discovered to be in a significant association with PU. In addition, ISQ was found to significantly impact PEOU, PU, and, PV. Moreover, CON was in a significant relationship with PU, while not having a significant impact on SAT. Furthermore, IA did not significantly impact PV. Also, SAT was significantly impacted by PU, while not having any significant impact from PEOU, and PV. Besides, PEOU was discovered to significantly impact PU. Finally, SAT was found to be in a significant relationship with CI.
Meta-analysis of structural and functional brain abnormalities in schizophrenia with persistent negative symptoms using activation likelihood estimation
Authors: Zhu Tingting , Wang Zixu , Zhou Chao , Fang Xinyu , Huang Chengbing , Xie Chunming , Ge Honglin , Yan Zheng , Zhang Xiangrong , Chen Jiu
Published: September 2022

Background

Persistent negative symptoms (PNS) include both primary and secondary negative symptoms that persist after adequate treatment, and represent an unmet therapeutic need. Published magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence of structural and resting-state functional brain abnormalities in schizophrenia with PNS has been inconsistent. Thus, the purpose of this meta-analysis is to identify abnormalities in structural and functional brain regions in patients with PNS compared to healthy controls.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase for structural and functional imaging studies based on five research methods, including voxel-based morphometry (VBM), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), functional connectivity (FC), the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation or fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF/fALFF), and regional homogeneity (ReHo). Afterward, we conducted a coordinate-based meta-analysis by using the activation likelihood estimation algorithm.

Results

Twenty-five structural MRI studies and thirty-two functional MRI studies were included in the meta-analyses. Our analysis revealed the presence of structural alterations in patients with PNS in some brain regions including the bilateral insula, medial frontal gyrus, anterior cingulate gyrus, left amygdala, superior temporal gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus, cingulate gyrus and middle temporal gyrus, as well as functional differences in some brain regions including the bilateral precuneus, thalamus, left lentiform nucleus, posterior cingulate gyrus, medial frontal gyrus, and superior frontal gyrus.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that structural brain abnormalities are consistently located in the prefrontal, temporal, limbic and subcortical regions, and functional alterations are concentrated in the thalamo-cortical circuits and the default mode network (DMN). This study provides new insights for targeted treatment and intervention to delay further progression of negative symptoms.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42022338669].