bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Synthesis and Properties of a New Salt-Resistant Drag Reducer
Authors: Ying Xiong , Lang Zhou , Pengfei Chen
Published: July 2023

To solve the problem of poor salt resistance of conventional drag reducers, a hydrophobic associative polymer drag reducer was prepared by inverse emulsion polymerization with acrylamide (AM), methacrylic acid (MAA), 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), and hexadecyl dimethyl allyl ammonium chloride (C16DMAAC) as the main monomers. The synthetic product was confirmed as the target product by infrared (IR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and mass spectrometry (MS). The viscosity-average molecular weight of the prepared drag reducer is 1100×104 g/mol. The pipeline friction results show that the drag reducer has good friction reduction and salt resistance. When the concentration in clean water is 0.06%, the maximum friction reduction rate is 71.1%. When the salinity is 5×104 mg/L, the calcium ion concentration is 2000 mg/L, and the suspended solid content is 500 mg/L, the maximum friction reduction rate is 68.9% when the concentration of the drag reducer is 0.06%. Salt water will not significantly lower the friction reduction rate. If the concentration of the drag reducer is increased to 0.08%, the maximum drag reduction rate will reach 73.8%. The microrheological test results of the friction reducer solution show that, at 0.2% concentration, there is no network structure between friction reducer molecules, which is consistent with Newtonian fluids possessing a certain viscosity. The elasticity index (EI) of the drag reducer solution is basically unchanged over time, maintaining good friction reduction and sand-carrying performance during the shearing process of large displacement pumping.
Quercetin improves diabetic cardiomyopathy by inhibiting pyroptosis via the Nrf2 pathway
Authors: Wei Zhang , zhou jing , kang pinfang , shi chao , qian shaohuan
Published: July 2023

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate whether quercetin can promote the translocation of Nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) into the nucleus to inhibit pyroptosis progression and improve diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Research design and methods:The protective effect of quercetin against diabetic cardiomyopathy was evaluated using a diabetic rat model by analyzing the expression of pyroptosis pathway proteins, myocardial cell apoptosis rate, degree of myocardial fibrosis, and serum inflammatory indexes in the hearts of rats in each group. The expression of Nrf2 in the nucleus of myocardial tissue and H9C2 cells were analyzed to clarify the role of quercetin in promoting the translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus. In addition, the Nrf2 inhibitor ml385 was co-incubated with the myocardial tissue to confirm that quercetin inhibits diabetes-induced cardiomyocyte pyroptosis via the Nrf2 pathway.
Results: Quercetin promoted the translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus in the cardiac cells of diabetic rats, increased the expression of antioxidant proteins HO-1, GCLC, and SOD, reduced the accumulation of ROS and the level of cell apoptosis in diabetic cardiomyocytes, and alleviated the cardiac fibrosis caused by diabetes. The therapeutic effects of quercetin were further validated in H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Additionally, ml385 prevented the beneficial effects of quercetin on diabetic cardiomyopathy, further indicating that the inhibition of pyroptosis by quercetin requires the participation of the Nrf2 pathway.
Conclusions: Quercetin promotes the translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus, increases the expression of antioxidant factors in cells, and inhibits the progression of cell pyroptosis thereby alleviating diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Small networks of expressed genes in the whole blood and relationships to profiles in circulating metabolites provide insights in inter-individual variability of feed efficiency in growing pigs
Authors: Juigné Camille , Becker Emmanuelle , Gondret Florence
Published: July 2023

Background: Feed efficiency is a research priority to support a sustainable meat production. It is recognized as a complex trait that integrates multiple biological pathways orchestrated in and by various tissues. This study aims to determine networks between biological entities to explain inter-individual variation of feed efficiency in growing pigs.
Results: The feed conversion ratio (FCR), a measure of feed efficiency, and its two component traits, average daily gain and average daily feed intake, were obtained from 47 growing pigs from a divergent selection for residual feed intake and fed high-starch or high-fat high-fiber diets during 58 days. Datasets of transcriptomics (60 k porcine microarray) in the whole blood and metabolomics (1H-NMR analysis and target gas chromatography) in plasma were available for all pigs at the end of the trial. A weighted gene co-expression network was built from the transcriptomics dataset, resulting in 33 modules of co-expressed molecular probes. The eigengenes of eight of these modules were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) or tended to be (0.05 < P ≤ 0.10) correlated to FCR. Great homogeneity in the enriched biological pathways was observed in these modules, suggesting co-expressed and co-regulated constitutive genes. They were mainly enriched in genes participating to immune and defense-related processes. They were also generally associated with growth rate and percentage of lean mass. In the network, only one module composed of genes participating to the response to substances, was significantly associated with daily feed intake and body adiposity. The profiles in circulating metabolites and fatty acids of plasma were summarized by weighted linear combinations using a dimensionality reduction method. Close association was notably found between a module composed of co-expressed genes participating to T cell receptor signaling and cell development process in the whole blood and related to FCR, and the circulating concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids in plasma.
Conclusion: These systemic approaches have highlighted networks of entities driving key biological processes involved in the phenotypic difference in feed efficiency between animals. Connecting transcriptomics and metabolic levels together had some additional benefits.
Exploring persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Danube River: An analysis of Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) using NORMAN Database
Authors: Saxena Priyam , Sarkar Atanu , Hazarika Rashmi , Pattanaik Abhishek , Yadav Om Prakash , Achari Gopal
Published: July 2023

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental contaminants that have been widely detected in various matrices, including air, water, sediment, and biota, across the globe, but their sources and fate remain poorly understood. This review aims to explore the occurrence of PBDEs and PFAS in the Danube River. The study employs the NORMAN database repository as a source of data pertaining to persistent organic pollutants (POPs). This study compares and evaluates the occurrence patterns of PBDEs and PFAS in various countries along the Danube River basin. The spatial results demonstrate a decreasing trend for PBDEs in surface water and biota, while a significant increase for PFAS is observed. The distributions of PBDE congeners in biota samples mirrored the compositional profiles in the water, which were dominated by BDE-47 and/or BDE-99, while BDE-209 predominated in sediments. In regards to PFAS, PFOA and PFOS are prevalent in surface water. In conclusion, the occurrence of PBDEs and PFAS in Europe is of significant concern, and regulatory policies have been implemented to control their use and release into the environment. The results of this study can be used to assess the health and environmental risks posed by POPs in the Black Sea and can aid in the formulation of future public health policies.
Metformin's Impact on Follistatin and Oxyntomodulin in PCOS, and Comorbidities: Secondary Analysis of a Double-Blind RCT
Authors: Damasceno Rachel , Oliveira Flávia , Cândido Ana Lúcia , Gomes Karina , Bizzi Mariana , Azevedo Rosana , Comim Fábio , Reis Fernando , Rocha Ana Luiza
Published: July 2023

Background: Abnormal secretion of incretins, particularly Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), and oxyntomodulin (OXM), have been observed in individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and PCOS. OXM plays a crucial role in metabolism, including reducing food intake and improving insulin secretion to decrease liver fat accumulation. Metformin, an insulin-sensitizing hypoglycemic drug, is widely used in the PCOS treatment. However, the impact of metformin on circulating OXM levels remais unknown, and this study aims to investigate it. Design: This study presents a secondary analysis of a randomized double-blind clinical trial. Methods: Forty-five patients with PCOS were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups: one received metformin (n=21), and other received placebo (n=24). The study aimed to evaluate the levels of follistatin and oxyntomodulin before and after metformin tretament (1500mg/day). Blood levels of oxyntomodulin and follistatin were assessed by ELISA tests. Results: At the end of the study, 20 patients were evaluated, including 5 (25%) from the metformin group and 15 (75%) from the placebo group. There was no significant difference in the variation of follistatin and oxyntomodulin levels between the metformin and placebo groups. However, a significant difference in follistatin levels was observed among participants with hyperandrogenic and non-hyperandrogenic phenotypes. There was no significant difference in oxyntomodulin levels in different phenotypes. Conclusion: Treatment with metformin for 60 days did not have a impact on follistatin and oxyntomodulin levels. However, a significant difference was found in follistatin values between participants with hyperandrogenic and non-hyperandrogenic phenotypes.
Trial registration: Brazilian Registration Platform for Clinical Studies - REBEC -ID RBR-47tvky – Date of fist registration: 04/07/2017/ Brazilian Health Ministry- ID 17127713.2.0000.5149.
Cobenefit Effect Between Pollution Reduction and Carbon Emission Mitigation: Evidence from Cities in the Middle Reaches of the China Yangtze River
Authors: Zhou Zhiyi , Zhu Yongguang , Gong Yuna , Xu Deyi
Published: July 2023

This paper is based on the actual problems of the coordinated treatment of pollution reduction and carbon emission mitigation in the urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the China Yangtze River. It makes two main contributions. First, on the basis of cross-impact analysis, the cobenefit variable of pollution reduction and carbon emission mitigation is added to measure the cobenefit effect more intuitively and accurately. Second, on the basis of adding cobenefit variables and taking into account regional and dynamic characteristics, variable coefficient regression is conducted on the cobenefit variables. It is found that the level of the cobenefit effect of pollution reduction and carbon emission mitigation of the urban agglomeration in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River in different regions is not only spatially heterogeneous but also heterogeneous between different types of cobenefit effects. The interregional collaborative level of pollution reduction in the urban agglomeration is better than that of carbon emission mitigation. Then, compared with carbon emission mitigation policy investment, carbon emission mitigation technology investment and pollution reduction investment have a higher cobenefit effect. At the same time, carbon emission mitigation investment has higher comprehensive benefits than pollution reduction investment.
Effects of microbes in pig farms on occupational exposed persons and the environment
Authors: Han Jinyi , Li Mengyu , Li Xin , Liu Chuang , Li Xiu-Ling , Wang Kejun , Qiao Ruimin , Yang Feng , Han Xuelei , Li Xin-Jian
Published: July 2023

Pig farming has an effect on farmers and the farm environment. Pig gut microbes play an important role in this effect. However, which microbial composition is more likely to be affected remains unknown. Primarily, we collected 136 samples in pig farm A, including 70 pig fecal, 18 farmers, 4 individuals without contact with any type of farm animal (“non-exposed” persons) fecal, and 44 environmental dust samples (dust from inside and outside pig houses and the farm). Another 43 samples were collected from pig farm B, including 10 pig fecal, 24 environment samples, and 9 humans fecal. Whereafter, 16S rRNA sequencing and taxonomic composition analysis were performed. Result showed that pig farmers significantly upregulated 13 genera compared with non-exposed persons, and 76 genera were significantly upregulated inside the pig house than outside the pig house. Comparing non-exposed persons who were farther away from the pig farm, the results showed that the relative abundance of three microbes, including Turicibacter, Terrisporobacter, and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, increased between the farmers and environment inside and outside the pig farm, and significant differences were observed (P < 0.05). Moreover, the abundance increased with the exposure time of farmer animals and spatial location to pigs. The greater the distance from the farm, the less effective the three microbes were. Although the distance is about 550 km, the analysis results of pig farm A and pig farm B confirm each other. This study shows that the three microbes where pig farmers co-occurring with the environment come from pig farms, which provides new ideas for blocking the transmission of microbial aerosols in pig farms and reducing pollution.
Moderately delayed maturation of composting promotes the reduction of guild-plant pathogenic fungi within vegetable waste
Authors: Lv Zijian , Tao Chengyuan , Zhang Jiawei , Shen Zongzhuan , Wang Dongsheng , Wang Bei , Liu Hongjun , Li Rong
Published: July 2023

The relationships among the relative abundance of guild-plant pathogenic fungi, compost maturation index and microbial community variation during vegetable waste composting, which are influenced by the C/N ratio, remain poorly understood. To address this, fungal communities were analyzed in composting treatments with C/N ratios of approximately 15 (CN15) and 25 (CN25), using vegetable waste as the primary raw material. The CN15 treatment showed greater microbial community variation and a better overall compost maturation index value than the CN25 treatment. However, the CN25 treatment had a greater decline in plant-pathogenic fungi than the CN15 treatment. Notably, the relative abundance of guild-plant pathogenic fungi was significantly negatively related to the compost maturity index in the CN25 treatment, while no significant relationship was observed in the CN15 treatment. This study suggests that the moderately delayed maturation of composting is beneficial for reducing guild-plant pathogenic fungi in vegetable waste.
A nonlinear quantum scheme of a single mode optical field and a four-level atom under energy dissipation effect
Authors: Raffah Bahaaudin , Berrada Kamal , Khalil Eied M. , Abdel-khalek Sayed
Published: July 2023

In this interferometry the geometrical phase, von-Neumann entropy, and non-classical features of a field interacting with a four-level moving atom in the presence of a Kerr medium were investigated. We highlight the influence of intensity-dependent coupling and energy dissipation to examine the temporal behavior of the geometrical phase, the statistical properties of the field as well as the von-Neumann entropy. The results show that the evolution of system dynamics, atomic von-Neumann entropy, and geometrical phase are strongly influenced by the Kerr medium, field mode structure, and atomic motion. Using empirically available parameters, we test this result, and many new items are discovered.
Association of dyslipidemia with lumbar disc herniation: A case-control study
Authors: Tan Bing , Xiang Shan-Lin , Hu Zhen-Ming , Zheng Yu-Hao , Ouyang Jian-yuan
Published: July 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between dyslipidemia and lumbar disc herniation (LDH).
Methods: A total of 269 patients with LDH and 269 patients with lumbar vertebral fracture (LVF) were enrolled in this study. The total cholesterol level (TC), Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level (LDL-C), triglyceride level (TG), High-density lipoprotein-cholesterol level (HDL-C), nonHDL-C, ApoB level, ApoB A1 level and arteriosclerosis index (AI) were measured.The 269 patients with single-level LDH underwent surgery were enrolled as the disc herniation group and 269 patients who underwent surgical treatment for spine fracture(Pfirrmann Grading Systems of Grade I or II) during the same period were enrolled as the control group. The participants in the control group were selected randomly and matched for age (within 5 years) and sex.
Results: In this analysis, we found that the level of TC, TG, LDL, nonHDL-C, APOB, and APOA1 in patients with LDH was significantly higher compared with that of the controls. The proportion of high TC, borderline high-total cholesterol, high LDL-C,high TG, borderline high LDL-C, high APO B, high AI and high ApoB/ApoA1 in the LDH group was significantly higher relative to that of the control group. The ratio of TC/HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, nonHDL-C/HDL-C and ApoB/ApoA1 in the LDH group was significantly higher compared with that of the control group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the levels of serum LDL-C, TC, TG, nonHDL-C, Apo B and AI were positively associated with the risk of LDH and were independent risk factors predicting LDH development.
Conclusion: Overall, this study indicates that TC, TG, LDL-C, nonHDL-C, Apo B, and AI levels in may increase the risk of LDH.Dyslipidemia may be associated with cartilage endplate (CEP) degeneration and hence may be involved in the pathological process of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Moreover, dyslipidemia may be a useful predictor of IVDD.
Dissecting fibroblast growth factor-induced endocrine therapy resistance in breast cancer cells
Authors: Altelaar Maarten , Veth Tim , Piskopou Anastasia
Published: July 2023

The main challenge of effectively treating estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer is overcoming endocrine therapy resistance initiated by fibroblast growth factor signaling. Fibroblast growth factor-induced resistance can completely inhibit a therapeutic response to endocrine therapy, such as induced by the estrogen degrader Fulvestrant. Evidently, this sharply decreases a patient’s chance of survival. While fibroblast growth factor signaling is known to play an important role in endocrine therapy resistance, the molecular mechanisms driving this process remain unknown. Here, we expose alterations in signaling that are involved in treatment resistance by monitoring system-wide changes in the (phospho)proteome, and activation of the kinome, upon FGF-induced endocrine therapy resistance in breast cancer cells. We show that FGF treatment effectively degrades the estrogen receptor, likely via the transcription factor TWIST1, while initiating various phosphorylation-driven pathways that are known to support cell survival. Our data further indicate involvement of apoptosis inhibition through BAD activation, and AP-1 transcription factor activity mediated by JUN phosphorylation. In addition, our data reveals involvement of the transcription factor ENO1, which protein abundance anti-correlates with ER levels, in FGF-induced endocrine therapy resistance. The observed co-regulation of ENO1 with MYC indicates that its function in regulating cellular metabolism is driving this contribution to resistance. Altogether, our data provides a system-wide insight into FGF-induced resistance and can contribute to novel treatment options for endocrine therapy resistance in breast cancer patients.
Survival benefits of interventional radiology and surgical teams collaboration during primary trauma surveys: a single-centre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Okada Ichiro , Hifumi Toru , Yoneyama Hisashi , Inoue Kazushige , Seki Satoshi , Jimbo Ippei , Takada Hiroaki , Nagasawa Koichi , Kohara Saiko , Hishikawa Tsuyoshi , Shiojima Hiroki , Hasegawa Eiju , Morimoto Kohei , Ichinose Yoshiaki , Sato Fumie , Kiriu Nobuaki , Matsumoto Junichi , Yokobori Shoji
Published: July 2023

Background
A team approach is essential for effective trauma management. Close collaboration between interventional radiologists and surgeons during the initial management of trauma patients is important for prompt and accurate trauma care. This study aimed to determine whether trauma patients benefit from close collaboration between interventional radiology (IR) and surgical teams during the primary trauma survey.
Methods
A retrospective observational study was conducted between 2014 and 2021 at a single institution. Patients were assigned to an embolization group (EG), a surgery group (SG), or a combination group (CG) according to their treatment. The primary and secondary outcomes were survival at hospital discharge compared with the probability of survival (Ps) and the time course of treatment.
Results
The analysis included 197 patients, consisting of 135 men and 62 women, with a median age of 56 [IQR, 38–72] years and an injury severity score of 20 [10–29]. The EG, SG, and CG included 114, 48, and 35 patients, respectively. Differences in organ injury patterns were observed between the three groups. In-hospital survival rates in all three groups were higher than Ps. In particular, survival in the CG was 15.5% higher than the Ps (95% CI: 7.5–23.6%; p < 0.001). In the CG, the median time for starting the initial procedure was 53 [37–79] min and the procedure times for IR and surgery were 48 [29–72] min and 63 [13–48] min, respectively. Those times were significantly shorter between three groups.
Conclusion
Close collaboration between IR and surgical teams, including the primary survey, improves the survival of severe trauma patients who require both IR procedures and surgeries by improving appropriate treatment selection and reducing the time process.
The impact of Internet development on carbon emission efficiency of industrial sector: the threshold effect ofmultiple environmental regulations
Authors: baitong Li , jian Li , Yan Tang
Published: July 2023

Under the background of carbon emission constraint and Industrial intelligent transformation, the extent to which Internet development affects the carbon emission efficiency of industrial sector (CEEI) has been increasingly focused. Using China’s provincial data during the period of 2011 to 2020, this study illustrates the impact of Internet development on CEEI and the role of different types and intensities of environmental regulatory tools in the relationship. The following conclusions could be drawn from this study. (1) Internet development will promote the CEEI. And the relationship is influenced by multiple environmental regulations, namely, command-controlled environmental regulation (CER), market-incentive environmental regulation (MER) and voluntary public participation environmental regulation (VER). For the whole sample, the enhancement effect of Internet development across the CER threshold on CEEI is weakened. when MER is between its two thresholds, the boost effect will be greatest. And under the VER threshold effect, the relationship presents an inverted U-shaped. (2) Heterogeneity analysis shows that the influence of Internet development on CEEI varies in different regions under the threshold of three types of environmental regulation tools. Therefore, the government should implement a diversified portfolio of environmental regulation policies, and give full play to the maximum effect of Internet development on CEEI promotion according to regional characteristics, thereby promoting industrial green transformation and upgrading.
Fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), a new gene involved in the genesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Nicotera Antonio Gennaro , Amore Greta , Saia Maria Concetta , Vinci Mirella , Musumeci Antonino , Chiavetta Valeria , Federico Concetta , Spoto Giulia , Saccone Salvatore , Rosa Gabriella Di , Calì Francesco
Published: July 2023

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a long known complex neurodevelopmental disorder, and over the past decades, with the enhancing of the research genomic techniques, has been the object of intensive research activity. This has aimed to unravel the potential causative factors underpinning its clinical and etiological heterogeneity and allowing our better understanding of the genetic causes of the disease and to find common genetic risk variants. Today, many genes involved in the development and functioning of the central nervous system have been related to ASD genesis. Herein, we report a 12-year-old Sicilian male diagnosed with severe ASD carrying a novel G>A de novo variant in the FGFR2 gene (NM_000141.5:c.412G>A) at the 138th codon (NP_000132.3:p.Asp138Asn). FGFR2 encodes for the ubiquitous fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) type 2, a tyrosine kinase receptor implicated in several biological processes. The mutated version of this protein is known to be responsible for several variable overlapping syndromes. Even if there still is only sparse and anecdotal data, recent research highlighted a potential role of FGFR2 on neurodevelopment, and our finding provides new insights into the potential causative role of FGFR2 in complex neurodevelopmental disorders, and we propose FGFR2 as a new potential ASD-related gene.
Immunogenomic determinants of exceptional response to immune checkpoint inhibition in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Shukla Sachet , Jammihal Tejas , Saliby Renée-Maria , Labaki Chris , Soulati Hanna , Gallegos Juan , Cuesta Arnau Peris , McCurry Dustin , Yu Chunlei , Shah Valisha , Poduval Deepak , Zarif Talal El , Ahmar Nourhan El , Laimon Yasmin , Eid Marc , Heng Daniel , Casellas Rafael , Rai Kunal , Millward Niki Zacharias , Msaouel Pavlos , Karam Jose , Signoretti Sabina , Allen Eliezer Van , Choueiri Toni , Braun David
Published: July 2023

Although immune checkpoint inhibitors can lead to “exceptional”, durable clinical responses in a subset of patients, the molecular mechanisms underlying exceptional responses (ERs) are still unknown. We analyzed pre-therapy genomic and transcriptomic data in treatment-naive patients with mccRCC treated with standard-of-care immunotherapies: (1) combination of PD-1/PDL1 and CTLA-4 (IO/IO), or (2) PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor and VEGF-receptor inhibitor (IO/VEGF) combination. In the IO/IO cohort, clonal neoantigen load was significantly higher in ER patients. In the IO/VEGF cohort, ER patients displayed strong enrichment of B-cell receptor signaling related pathways, tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) signatures, and evidence of increased metabolic activity. Our results suggest that ER may be related to clonal neoantigen-driven cytotoxic T-cell responses and TLS formation in tumor microenvironments. We conclude that novel therapeutic combinations that elicit both T- and B-cell directed anti-tumor immunity may be important to achieve exceptional benefit to IO-based treatment in ccRCC.
Severe pneumonia with co-infection of H5N1 and SARS-CoV-2: a case report
Authors: Jin Ke , Dai Zixing , Shi Ping , Li Yuwen , Zhu Chuanlong
Published: July 2023

Background H5N1 influenza is a cause of severe pneumonia. Co-infection with influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may lead to poor prognosis in the epidemic of COVID-19. However, few studies have reported regarding patients co-infected with avian influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
Case presentation A 52-year-old woman presented with fever for eight days and worsening shortness of breath and decreased blood pressure. Computed tomography (CT) revealed air bronchogram, lung consolidation and bilateral pleural effusion. Furthermore, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) showed positivity for H5N1 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Conclusion H5N1 influenza is a cause of severe pneumonia. The clinical presentation of the patient had a predomination of H5N1 influenza rather than COVID-19. A viral PCR analysis is necessary to demonstrate the pathogen of severe pneumonia. The patient exhibited an excellent prognosis upon the appropriate use of antiviral medicine.
Stratigraphic framework of pulsed volcanism in central Ethiopian plateau
Authors: Ayalew Dereje , Sefa Faysel , Pik Raphaël , Abebe Bekele , Getaneh Worash , Atnafu Balemwal
Published: July 2023

This paper presents new stratigraphic correlation and naming for younger basalt lavas (<24 Ma) and enclosed rhyolites near the intersection of the southern Red Sea rift and the Ethiopian rift valley, based upon three volcano-stratigraphic sections located over about 30 kilometres, and they bracket the timing of eruption of the upper sequence with existing geochronology. The correlations are based on the petrography (thin sections) of ca. 32 samples taken from these three sections, combined with outcrop description. The stratigraphy is proposed as 5 new formations, partially placed into an existing stratigraphic framework, based on the dominant unit-basalt or rhyolite in the package of sequences. These new stratigraphic columns also include non-volcanic units (interlayered sedimentary strata, paleosols and weathering surfaces), which are not usually described in the volcanic pile, showing that there was more complexity in this succession than previously known. This new stratigraphic framework will encourage more geochronology and geochemistry studies that are sorely needed.
Fetching Felines: A Survey of Cat Owners on the Diversity of Cat (Felis catus) Fetching Behaviour
Authors: Forman Jemma , Renner Elizabeth , Leavens David
Published: July 2023

Domesticated animals are famous for the ease with which they can accommodate to diverse human environments and roles, but less well-studied is the ease with which domestic animals can manipulate their human caregivers to their own ends. Here we present the results of a survey of 924 cat owners who report fetching behaviour in 1,154 cats. The overwhelming majority (94.4%) of these owners report that fetching emerged in the absence of explicit training. Fetching was primarily first noticed when the cats were less than one year old (n = 701) or 1 to 7 years old (n = 415). Cats initiated and terminated fetching bouts more often than did their owners. Thus, cats who fetch demonstrate independent and co-ordinated agency in the onset and maintenance of fetching behaviour with their human partners. Additional findings highlight the diversity of objects fetched and the diversity in household demographics. Our thematic analysis reveals owners’ perspectives on (a) the process of a fetching session, (b) the initial acquisition of fetching, and (c) the circumstantial factors that influence fetching patterns. In summary, cats who fetch largely determine when they engage in fetching sessions and actively influence the play behaviour of their owners.
A new large-scale gravitational complex discovered in the Squillace Embayment (central Mediterranean): Tectonic and geohazard implications
Authors: Mangano Giacomo , Ceramicola Silvia , Alves Tiago , Zecchin Massimo , Civile Dario , Ben Anna Del , Critelli Salvatore
Published: July 2023

Seismic reflection (2D/3D), borehole and bathymetric data have led to the recognition of a new gravitational complex in the Squillace Embayment. Named as Squillace Complex, it has a NE-striking headwall connected to a basal detachment zone formed between Messinian evaporites and Tortonian shales. Its geometry changes to a W to E predominant movement in its toe region. The Squillace Complex is marked by the presence of sinuous and continuous seafloor scarps just a few kilometers offshore (minimum distance 1.5 km), which occur over a lobate-shaped elongated morphological high. Seismic-well ties show that the complex initiated its movement in the Zanclean and continued for ~ 2 Ma into the Gelasian, with an average rate of 1.6 mm /y. Movement ceased in the Calabrian but resumed soon later during Middle Pleistocene, until the present day, at a relative slower rate of 0.4 mm/y. The onset of gravitational collapse in the Squillace Complex is correlated with discrete contractional/transpressional events, under episodes of basin shortening and temporary stopping of Calabrian Arc migration, as well as during episodes of tectonic uplift after 0.45 Ma. Conversely, its arrest during the Calabrian is linked to slab rollback and subduction of the Ionian plate under the arc.
Analysis of spatiotemporal variations in b-values before the 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Luding, Sichuan, China, on September 5, 2022
Authors: Li Qidong , Xie Zhuojuan
Published: July 2023

Using the earthquake catalog provided by the Sichuan Earthquake Network Center, spatial and temporal b-value scans were calculated for large- and small-scale regions based on assessing the completeness of the earthquake catalog and aftershock removal. The results show that (1) b-values in the large-scale region ranged from 0.689 to 1.169, with a mean value of 0.928, while the b-values in the small-scale region ranged from 0.694 to 1.223, with a mean value of 0.925. The b-values in the study area were below the mean value before the medium and strong earthquake occurrence, and all exhibited the anomalous feature of a sudden drop-low peak rise. (2) The sliding rate of the northwest section of the Xianshui River Fracture Zone was higher than that of the southeast section; therefore, a large amount of stress was accumulated in the mill-west section of the southeast section, leading to a 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Luding. Before the earthquake, the study area was a low b-value area. The b-value decreased within a short period after the earthquake, dividing the area into concave and convex bodies. This area still has a future risk of moderate to strong earthquakes. (3) The error in the b-values for most of the earthquakes in the large- and small-scale regions is between 0.05 and 0.15, and only individual grid points have larger b-value errors (>0.2), indicating high confidence in the information. In addition, when conducting a b-value study, choosing a suitable study area is important to avoid missing the b-value anomaly area.
Prognostic Value of the Preoperative Ratio of Fibrinogen to Prealbumin in Patients Undergoing Radical Resection for Lung Cancer
Authors: huang zhining , Wang Gaoxiang , Xu Liangdong , Cui Shijun , Sun Xiaohui , Li Tian , Wang Jun , Xu Meiqing , Xie Mingran
Published: July 2023

Background and Objective It has been proven that The ratio of fibrinogen to prealbumin (FPR) has a significant effect on the prognosis of gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer and other malignant tumors, but there are few studies on its effect on the prognosis of patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer. This study aims to analyze the relationship between FPR and the postoperative clinicopathologic features and prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer.
Methods The clinical follow-up pathological data of 289 patients who underwent radical resection of lung cancer and were confirmed as NSCLC by postoperative pathology were analyzed retrospectively, and the FPR values were calculated according to the serological test results within 1 week before surgery. The critical value of FPR (cut-off value) was obtained by analyzing the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Cox proportional risk model were used to study the effect of FPR on the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer after surgery. Results 5-year survival was used as the end point to draw the ROC curve of the FPR value. When the FPR value was 10.96, the Youden index was the largest, the sensitivity was 62.4%, and the specificity was 69.6%. The cumulative five-year survival rate of the low FPR group was significantly higher than that of the high FPR group. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that age, TNM stage and FPR level were significantly correlated with survival rate (P < 0.05).
Conclusion As a new inflammatory marker, the FPR level can effectively predict the prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer after radical resection.
A collapse risk assessment method for subway foundation pit based on cloud model and improved Dempster-Shafer evidence theory
Authors: Wu Bo , Zeng Jiajia , Zhu Ruonan , Yang Fan , Liu Cong , Xie Yundong
Published: July 2023

Collapse is the main engineering hazard in the construction of open-cut foundation pit, and risk assessment is one of the important ways to reduce it. Aiming at the high conflicting evidence fusion failure, a fast convergence and highly reliable multi-data fusion method based on cloud model (CM) and improved Dempster-Shafer evidence theory is proposed, which can achieve accurate assessment of subway pit collapse risk. Firstly, CM is introduced to quantify the qualitative metrics. Then, A new correction parameter is defined for improving the conflicting among evidence bodies based on conflict degree, discrepancy degree and uncertainty, while a fine-tuning term is added to reduce the subjective effect of global focal element assignment. Finally, the risk level is obtained by the maximum affiliation principle. The method has been successfully applied to Luochongwei Station. The difference between the maximum value and the second largest value of the basic probability assignment is 0.624, and the global uncertainty degree is 0.087, both of which satisfy the decision evaluation condition, but other methods can only satisfy one or neither of them. And it requires only 5 cycles to reach the steady state by fusing data of the same index, which has faster convergence compared with other methods. The proposed method has good universality and effectiveness in subway pit collapse risk assessment.
Silicon nanocages as effective catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Yan Chuanyong , Wei Qing , Chen Qunyu , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2023

Here, the catalytic activity of Fe-C44 and Fe-Si44 for oxygen reduction reaction by effective mechanisms are examined. The nanocatalysts (Fe-C44 and Fe-Si44) for ORR mechanisms are suggested and results are compared with Pt-based catalysts. Results indicated that the H2O on surfaces of Fe-C44 and Fe-Si44 nanocages are physically absorbed and it means that H2O is easily desorbed from Fe-C44 and Fe-Si44 nanocages. The adsorption OOH on Fe-C44 and Fe-Si44 nanocages has higher Eadsorption than O2 adsorption and also dissociation of O2 molecules on Fe-C44 and Fe-Si44 nanocages has high activation barrier energy. The nanocage-*OH, nanocage-*OH and H2O and nanocage-*O and H2O formation are rate-determining steps in mechanisms 1, 2 and 3. It can be demonstrated that pathway 1 is effective mechanism for ORR on Fe-C44 and Fe-Si44 nanocages. Results shown that the overpotential of ORR on Fe-C44 and Fe-Si44 nanocages are lower than Pt catalysts.
Enhancing Classification of liquid chromatography mass spectrometry data with Batch Effect Removal Neural Networks (BERNN)
Authors: Pelletier Simon J. , Leclerq Mickaël , Roux-Dalvai Florence , de Geus Matthijs B. , Leslie Shannon , Wang Weiwei , Lam TuKiet T. , Nairn Angus C. , Arnold Steven E. , Carlyle Becky C. , Precioso Frédéric , Droit Arnaud
Published: July 2023

Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) is a powerful method for profiling complex biological samples. However, batch effects typically arise from differences in sample processing protocols, experimental conditions and data acquisition techniques, significantlyimpacting the interpretability of results. Correcting batch effects is crucial for the reproducibility of proteomics research, but current methods are not optimal for removal of batch effects without compressing the genuine biological variation under study. We propose a suite of Batch Effect Removal Neural Networks (BERNN) to remove batch effects in large LC-MS experiments, with the goal of maximizing sample classification performance between conditions. More importantly, these models must efficiently generalize in batches not seen during training. Comparison of batch effect correction methods across three diverse datasets demonstrated that BERNN models consistently showed the strongest sample classification performance. However, the model producing the greatest classification improvements did not always perform best in terms of batch effect removal. Finally, we show that overcorrection of batch effects resulted in the loss of some essential biological variability. These findings highlight the importance of balancing batch effect removal while preserving valuable biological diversity in large-scale LC-MS experiments.
Mechanical Digestion of Broccoli Through Chewing and Its Impact on Myrosinase Activity
Authors: Kosi-Kupe Anne-Marie , Cobau Alexis , Beard seanice , Ahmad Maha , Sanchez Maria , Saleh Hanaa
Published: July 2023

Myrosinase activity on broccoli glucosinolates has been widely and extensively discussed.
Purpose
Studies on cruciferous vegetables, especially broccoli, have gained significance in the fight against cancer. Glucosinolates in broccoli transformation into sulforaphane occur after its exposure through chewing. However, the relationship between individual chewing patterns linked to denture morphology has not been studied extensively. Research on human digestion has demonstrated how the mechanical breakdown of larger food particles into smaller ones is a crucial precursor to chemical food breakdown. This study is a comparative analysis of how chewing on broccoli tissues by different individuals enables the enzyme myrosinase to break down broccoli glucosinolates chemically.
Individual chewing patterns linked to the surface anatomy of the pre-molars and molars and the myrosinase activity on broccoli glucosinolates will be investigated.
Methods
Three individuals chew a 4-millimeter broccoli floret four times sequentially into a four-millimeter-long broccoli floret (2 grams), and the floret length was measured at each bite until the sample was ground. Then the chewed broccoli was combined with distilled water, filtered, and myrosinase activity was measured using photospectrometric measurements and an agar diffusion test. Human pre-molars and molars are measured in millimeters.
Results
Data from the three human chewing mechanisms compared to the mechanical breakdown performed by an automatic mixer shows different values and is individually specific.
Conclusion
Individual chewing patterns link to the unique surface anatomy of the pre-molars and molars, subsequently impacting the myrosinase activity on broccoli glucosinolates’ breakdown individually.
(Re)Emerging Disease and Conflict Risk in Africa, 2000 – 2018
Authors: Koren Ore
Published: July 2023

The frequency of new disease outbreaks may rise in coming decades due to deforestation and climate change, yet their impact on conflict is poorly understood. Leveraging a new geolocated monthly outbreak dataset on 23 zoonotic pathogens in Africa, this study explores the impact of (re)emergent disease on armed conflict. Zoonotic pathogens are considered key drivers of reemergent and new epidemic risk, making them a useful test case while also ensuring their probability of being reported by media and health policy outlets is high. Results suggest that over the January 2000 – Dec. 2018 period, zoonotic disease outbreaks intensified social conflict but had a dampening effect on state-initiated conflict. Social conflict intensification was due to civil defense mobilization rather than security outsourcing by the government. Rebel-initiated conflicts are not noticeably sensitive to outbreaks. Results are robust to system GMM models that account for endogeneity and a battery of additional robustness models.
Construction of oxygen vacancies on Cu-COF as electron collector for high efficient photocatalytic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Liu Qingju , Qiu Zhishi , Luo Zhongge , Zhang Yumin , Zhou Tong , Zi Baoye , Lv Tianping , Zhao Jianhong , He Tianwei , Ma Yuxiang , Zhao Jianhong , Wang Kexin
Published: July 2023

Oxygen vacancies (OVs) play an essential role in photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, but the covalent organic frameworks (COFs) barely contain OVs due to their strong and stable covalent bonding. In this work, OVs are constructed on single atom Cu loaded COF-TpPa as electron collector to facilitate the transfer and utilization of electrons. Experiment and theoretical simulation proved that the synergistic effect between OVs and single-atom Cu greatly improves the efficiency of photogenerated carrier separation, decreases the activated energy and achieves a high apparent quantum efficiency of 20% at 420 nm. As electron collector, OVs transfer the collected electrons to Cu2+ to reduce Cu2+ to Cu1+, and then Cu1+ reduce the protons in the water to produce H2 and turn back to Cu2+, realizing the in-situ regeneration of Cu Active site. This study provides a brand-new modification method for COFs, disclosing the great potential of OV-COFs in visible light photocatalysis.
Pulsed electroreduction of low-concentration nitrate to ammonia
Authors: Yu Yifu , Huang Yanmei , He Caihong , Cheng Chuanqi , Han Shuhe , He Meng , Wang Yuting , Meng Nannan , Zhang Bin , Lu Qipeng
Published: July 2023

Electrocatalytic nitrate (NO3−) reduction to ammonia (NRA) has emerged as an alternative strategy for effluent treatment and ammonia production. Although significant advances have been made in this area, the efficient conversion of low-concentration nitrate to emission standards (≤ 0.81 mM) is still a major challenge due to the scarce distribution of negatively charged NO3− in the vicinity of the working electrode. Here, we adopt the pulsed electrocatalysis technique to overcome this issue, and a remarkable NRA performance (Faradaic efficiency: 97.6%, yield rate: 2.72 mmol h−1 mgRu−1, conversion rate: 96.38%) is achieved for low-concentration (≤10 mM) nitrate reduction, obviously exceeding the potentiostatic test (Faradaic efficiency: 65.8%, yield rate: 1.05 mmol/h/mgRu, conversion rate: 54.08%). The combined results of in situ characterizations and finite element analysis unveil the performance enhancement mechanism that the periodic appearance of anodic potential can significantly optimize the adsorption configuration of the key *NO intermediate and increase the local NO3− concentration. More importantly, our work suggests a way toward rational design and manipulating catalysts and reaction processes that could find wider and greener catalytic applications.