bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mycorrhizal association controls soil carbon-degrading enzyme activities under nitrogen addition: Implications for soil carbon dynamics
Authors: Hu Yuanliu , Chen Ji , Olesen Jorgen , Groenigen Kees Jan van , Hui Dafeng , He Xinhua , Chen Guoying , Deng Qi
Published: December 2022

Increasing atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition affects soil carbon (C) dynamics in terrestrial ecosystems. Recent evidence suggests that changes in C-degrading extracellular enzyme activities (C-EEAs) largely explain the responses of soil C dynamics to N deposition. However, the factors that control C-EEA variations under N addition remain unclear, impeding the inclusion of microbial mechanisms in global C cycle models. Using a global meta-analysis, we show that across a wide range of experimental and environmental factors, the response of C-EEAs to N addition is best predicted by mycorrhizal association. In ecosystems dominated by ectomycorrhizal plants, N addition stimulated cellulase activity by 24.4%, suppressed ligninase activity by 13.8%, and increased soil C stock by 5.8% on average. Nitrogen addition did not affect C-EEAs and soil C pool in ecosystems dominated by arbuscular mycorrhizal plants. Incorporating mycorrhizae in global C cycle models could improve predictions of soil C storage and stabilization under N enrichment.
Paradoxical increase in global longitudinal strain by handgrip exercise despite left ventricular diastolic dysfunction
Authors: Motoi Ko , Iwano Hiroyuki , Ishizaka Suguru , Nakamura Kouske , Tamaki Yoji , Aoyagi Hiroyuki , Nakabachi Masahiro , Yokoyama Shinobu , Nishino Hisao , Murayama Michito , Kaga Sanae , Anzai Toshihisa
Published: December 2022

Background
Although global longitudinal strain (GLS) is recognized as a sensitive marker of intrinsic left ventricular (LV) dysfunction, its afterload dependency has also been pointed. We hypothesized that GLS during handgrip exercise could be more sensitive marker of intrinsic myocardial dysfunction.
Methods
Handgrip exercise-stress echocardiography was performed in 90 cardiovascular disease patients with preserved LV ejection fraction. LV diastolic function was graded according to the guidelines. Diastolic wall stress (DWS) and ratio of left atrial (LA) volume index to late-diastolic mitral annular velocity (LAVI/a¢) were measured at rest as LV stiffness. As well, LA strains were measured to assess LA function. GLS was expressed as absolute value and significant changes in GLS by handgrip exercise was defined as changes over prespecified mean absolute test-retest variability (2.65%).
Results
While mean value of GLS did not change by the exercise, substantial patients showed significant changes in GLS: decreased (group I, n=28), unchanged (group II, n=34), and increased (group III, n=28). Unexpectedly, patients in group I did not show any clinical and echocardiographic characteristics, while those in group III were characterized by elevated natriuretic peptide levels, blunted heart rate response to handgrip exercise, and advanced LV diastolic dysfunction. Multivariable analyses revealed that DWS, left atrial booster strain, and grade II or more diastolic dysfunction determined the increase in GLS even after adjustment for elevated natriuretic peptides and the changes in heart rate by the exercise.
Conclusion
Paradoxical increase in GLS by handgrip exercise could be associated with advanced LV diastolic dysfunction in cardiovascular patients with preserved LV ejection fraction.
An analysis of the hot forming characteristics of diffusion bonded TC4 alloy using processing maps
Authors: Muhammad Imran Sardar , LI Can , LANG Lihui , LI Yong , ZANG Bo , ULLAH Sattar , LI Xiaoxing
Published: December 2022

Since the hot forming of TC4 alloy after diffusion bonding has extensive applications in aerospace and medical industries, it is practically significant to explore the influence of diffusion bonding on the alloy's hot formability and identify the optimal forming parameters. Therefore, dual-stage diffusion bonding of aviation grade TC4 is carried out firstly at 900 °C for 1 hr and then at 930 °C for 2 hr under 2 MPa normal pressure in 5.0 x 10-3 Pa vacuum atmosphere. Another block of the as-received alloy is subjected to the same thermal loading as the diffusion bonding process. The diffusion-bonded and heat-treated alloys are then subjected to uniaxial tensile tests at 750 – 900 °C and 0.0001 – 0.1 s-1. Based on the tensile test data, the constitutive and dynamic material models are developed to investigate diffusion bonding effects on the alloy's hot forming behavior and identify optimal forming conditions. The developed constitutive model showed good predictability. The apparent activation energy of diffusion bonded (440 – 510 kJ • mole-1) and heat-treated (400 kJ • mole-1) alloys indicated that dynamic recrystallization and recovery are the primary deformation mechanisms. The processing maps revealed that diffusion bonding expanded the instability domain and lowered the dissipation efficiency, limiting the safe working conditions of the alloy. The analysis of deformed microstructure validated the findings of processing maps. The optimal processing conditions of 800 °C/ 0.0001 s-1 and 850 °C/ 0.0001 s-1 are discovered for diffusion-bonded and heat-treated alloys, respectively.
Experimental Study of the Long-term Performance of BFRP Composite Laminates under Flexural Fatigue Test
Authors: Chhorn Buntheng , Lee SangMoon , Jung WooYoung
Published: December 2022

The main objective of the present study is to investigate the flexural fatigue performance of unidirectional basalt fiber/epoxy (BFRP). Three types of composite laminate, i.e., configuration 1 with 0° and 90° directional denoted by [C1/0], [C1/90], respectively, and configuration 2 with 0° directional denoted by [C2/0] were considered. The composite laminates were manufactured using vacuum infusion technique with average thickness (3.2 ± 0.1) mm. Displacement-controlled flexural fatigue test was conducted with a frequency of 10 Hz at a stress ratio of 1. The failure criterion was taken to be a 2 % reduction of the initial flexural stiffness. The failure modes of flexural fatigue test specimens were investigated. The S − N curves of different types of composite laminates were constructed using five specimens for each one as the design curve. Two-parameter Weibull distribution function was used to statistically analyze the long-term fatigue performance of BFRP. Also, the function was implemented to incorporate failure probability into the S − N relationships. Finally, it is observed that both the plies stacking sequence, and the specimen configurations, have significant effects on the S − N relationship.
Stability of Lyophilised Platelet Lysate From Leukocyte-poor Platelet Concentrate as Growth Medium Supplement for Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Culture
Authors: Chitchongyingcharoen Narong , Hassan Shirmeela , Tawonsawatruk Tulyapruek , Tragoonlugkana Patcharapa , Toso Montree , Cotivongsa Pongsaporn , Supokawej Aungkura
Published: December 2022

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been extensively studied for clinical purposes due to their positive therapeutic properties. MSCs showed potential roles in immunomodulation and paracrine effects for tissue regeneration. The preparation of MSCs for human use must be conducted under a good manufacturing process (GMP). Human platelet lysate (HPL) is currently recommended for MSC expansion by minimizing content variability and safety concerns from xeno-contamination. However, prolonged storage and temperature volatility may destabilize HPL shelf life. In this study, freeze-drying (lyophilization) was applied to evaluate the quality of lyophilized platelet lysate (LPL) after two years of storage. Media containing FBS, fresh human platelet lysate (fHPL), fresh lyophilized platelet lysate (fLPL), stored human platelet lysate (sHPL), and stored lyophilized platelet lysate (sLPL) were applied in human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) expansion. Total cell number, BMSC surface markers, and tri-lineage differentiation were studied. Population doubling time (PDT) of BMSCs cultured in fHPL, fLPL, sHPL and sLPL had rapid growth in comparison with FBS at 32.91 (± 1.34), 34.50 (± 1.25), and 52.04 (± 1.99) hours, respectively. BMSC characteristics, such as cell surface markers and mesodermal differentiation potential, were studied. Adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potentials were similar in all culture conditions. Meanwhile, osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in sHPL and sLPL was enhanced and demonstrated a strong positive stain to Alizarin Red S. BMP-2 and PDGF-BB levels were quantitatively determined in HPL and LPL samples. This study revealed that lyophilization process can preserve the properties of HPL over 2 years storage while also support BMSCs expansion.
Construction of a peptidase gene-based prognostic prediction model for esophageal carcinoma and identification of IMMP1L as a potential tumor biomarker
Authors: jiang jie , Yang Xue-Lian , Wang Zhen , Zhang Dong-Ni , Xie Shi-Yun , Fu Qiu-Xia
Published: December 2022

Background
Esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) is among the most prevalent malignant tumors worldwide, with a high incidence and fatality rate. However, there are presently few biomarkers connected to early diagnosis and treatment. It is essential to find the ideal biomarkers and construct reliable prognostic models.
Methods and Results
We identified 60 peptidase genes with differential expression in the ESCA using expression profiling data in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Based on these genes, a prognostic risk model for ESCA was constructed by completing lasso regression analysis, ten-fold cross-validation, univariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. According to Kaplan-Meier survival analyses, the model demonstrated excellent performance on both the TCGA and the GEO datasets. The nomogram established by the peptidase gene and clinical variables also matched the projected and actual patient survival rates. According to the results of multivariate regression analysis, Inner Mitochondrial Membrane Peptidase Subunit 1 (IMMP1L) can be used as an independent prognostic factor for ESCA. We verified the mRNA expression level of IMMP1L in 15 esophageal cancer tissues, 12 of which were significantly increased. And we have identified the hub genes potentially targeted by IMMP1L.
Conclusions
we constructed and validated a prognostic risk prediction model for ESCA. And it can accurately predict survival in patients by integrating genes and tumor stage. Our results also show that IMMP1L could be used as a prospective biomarker for ESCA. These could help in the early detection and treatment of ESCA, increasing patient survival rates.
Ecological Mortar from Recycled Composite Powder with Waste Clay Brick and Coal Gangue
Authors: Wang Binglei , Li Jun , Lyu Boning , Ma Jianhua
Published: December 2022

The clay brick and powder recycled from construction and industrial waste may be utilized as recycled construction materials. To alleviate the negative environmental impact of the cement industry’s CO2 emission, waste clay brick was used as fine aggregate, clay brick powder (CBP), and coal gangue powder (CGP) were utilized as supplementary materials to partly substitute the cement. The physical properties, mechanical properties, and durability of ecological mortar were investigated with microstructure analysis and revealed that the replacement of cement with recycled composite powder generally harms the performance of ecological mortar, and this impact is found to be less significant in proper mix proportions (5:5). Furthermore, a limited clay brick fine aggregate (CBFA) replacement rate under 20% exhibited higher mechanical properties. The hydration products of pozzolanic activity resulted in densification and enhanced the microstructure of the mortar framework. The result obtained by the investigation help promote the development of the synergetic application of waste clay brick and coal gangue as supplementary cementitious materials in the full component ecological mortar and green construction materials.
Genetic profile of gamma irradiated Locusta migratoria migratorioides: A futuristic eco-friendly control approach
Authors: Ali Hanaa , Fathy Zeinab , Ibrahim Samah , Sayed Rehab
Published: December 2022

The most common species of grasshopper in Africa is calledLocusta migratoria migrotaria (L.), and it is thought to pose a severe danger to agriculture worldwide. TheLocusta migratoriaspecies developed resistance to insecticides because of overuse, which also polluted the environment. As a result, opportunities to investigate new control strategies appeared. The purpose of the current study is to assess the effectiveness of gamma radiation in eradicating Locusta species and to look into the DNA alterations caused by radiation exposure in both male and female insects. Males and female adults (around one-month-old) received radiation treatments of 10, 20, 30, and 40 Gy. DNA isolation and Start codon targeted polymorphism (SCoT-PCR) analysis were done, along with mortality percentage calculations. The death rate increased significantly over time as a result of gamma irradiations resulting in an estimated LD50value for males and females of 33.94 and 51.55Gy, respectively. According to the SCoT research, the adults' radiation exposure resulted in the disappearance of some bands and the appearance of new additional bands. The similarity index was used to create a dendrogram. It was determined that irradiating the pest may be used as a technique to kill the insect and stop its spread. In addition, it resulted in certain genetic alterations within this species. Conclusions: The control ofL.may be suggested by utilizing radiation technology, after further field studies.
Evaluation of active labor market policy reform: Employment outcomes of employment rehabilitation services
Authors: Pesor Renee , Põder Kaire
Published: December 2022

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the Estonian active labor market reform in 2016, which introduced a new policy concerning employment rehabilitation services. As a research question, we investigate how such services may have affected the employment outcomes of people with mental and/or physical impairments.
Methods
Our sample includes 9,244 people from 2016 to 2020, with a mean age of 46 years. Due to multiple entries to the services, we have more than 11,000 episodes, and monthly panel property increases the number of observations by over 100,000. We use propensity score matching in combination with fixed effects panel regressions to analyze how the completion of the scheduled rehabilitation plan affected monthly employment duration.
Results
Our results indicate that completing the rehabilitation service yields on average 2.6 months longer post-rehabilitation employment, compared to matched individuals who discontinued the service. This effect was larger when already employed and male participants entered the service, while weaker effects were observed in the case of individuals with only mental disabilities.
Conclusions
Overall, we conclude that while completing the scheduled rehabilitation plan has a positive effect on employment outcomes, still maintaining employment status seems to remain a challenge, based on the relatively modest effect sizes. Thus, we question the economic arguments behind the reform.
Development and validation of Adaptability to Return-to-Work Scale (ARTWS) for cancer patients
Authors: Li Jia-mei , Gu Li-pei , Xu Jia-shuo , Su Xiao-qin , Guo Yu-jie
Published: December 2022

Objective: To develop the Adaptability to Return-to-Work Scale (ARTWS) for cancer patients and evaluate its psychometric properties.
Methods: In stage 1, the items of the initial scale were compiled based on the theoretical model, interview coding topics, and literature review results. Afterward, through two rounds of Delphi expert consultation and a pilot survey, the initial scale was further checked and revised. In stage 2, the psychometric properties of the ARTWS were assessed. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency and test-retest reliability evaluation. Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA) and Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to examine the construct validity. Moreover, the content validity was evaluated by the scale level content validity index (S-CVI).
Results: The final ARTWS for cancer Patients consisted of 24 items. EFA extracted "Focusing on rehabilitation", "Rebuilding Self- efficiency", and "Adjusting plans" as common factors in determing adaptability of cancer patients to return-to-work, and the cumulative variance contribution rate for these three factors was 66.6%. The S-CVI of the total scale was 0.979. The Cronbach's α coefficient was 0.937. The 2-week test-retest reliability was 0.814. CFA showed that after model modification, the fitting of the model was within the acceptable range.
Conclusion: The developed ARTWS for adult cancer patients has good reliability and validity, which can be used as a tool to measure the adaptability of cancer patients' return-to-work.
Ultrasonic-Assisted Dyeing of Nylon 6 Electrospun Nanofibers
Authors: Khatri Awais , Ali Shamshad , Javeed Alishba
Published: December 2022

This study was carried out to address sustainability aspect of ultrasonic-assisted dyeing of nylon 6 electrospun polymeric nanofibers with reactive dyes using batchwise dyeing process specially in terms of reducing the wastewater pollution and energy. For this, nylon 6 nanofibers were prepared on an electrospinning technique and then dyed with reactive dyes by both conventional (CN) and ultrasonic (US) assisted dyeing methods. The influence of factors that may affect the dyeability of nylon 6 nanofiber with reactive dyes were simultaneously carried out using both CN and US dyeing methods. The spectrophotometric measurement of dyed samples was carried out to determine the color coordinates and color yield values. Colour yield (K/S) value up to 1.72 was achieved using US energy in dyeing nylon 6 nanofibrous mats with reactive dyes. As an additional experiment, the TDS contents of the effluent of US dyeing was reduced to 28% comparing to that of the CN dyeing, demonstrating the ecological merit of the US dyeing process. And, the potential of saving in thermal energy (up to1200 kcal), dyeing time (66.7%) and amount of reactive dye (up to 25%) were realized in US dyeing in comparison to the CN dyeing. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy analysis were also carried out for this study.
Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Children Complicated with Severe Infection during the Maintenance treatment
Authors: Yin Tiantian , Han Juan , Hao Jinjin , Yu Hui , Qiu Yining , Xu Jiawei , Peng Yun , Wu Xiaoyan , Zhou Fen , Jin Runming
Published: December 2022

Purpose
Infection is the most common adverse event of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment and also one of the main causes of death. To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of severe infection during the maintenance phase of ALL treatment, we conducted a retrospective study.
Methods
We collected clinical data of ALL children, and analyzed the clinical features and risk factors of severe infection by χ2 test and binary Logistic regression.
Results
A total of 181 children were eligible, and 46 patients (25.4%) suffered from 51 events of severe infection, most of which occurred in the first half year of the maintenance phase (52.9%). The most common infection was pulmonary infection (86.3%) and followed by bloodstream infection (19.6%). The positive rate of pathogen detection was low (17.6%, 44/250), and the most common one was fungal infection. The main symptoms of ALL patients with pulmonary infection were fever, cough and shortness of breath. The main manifestations of CT were ground glass shadow (56.8%), consolidation shadow (27.3%) and streak shadow (25%). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that agranulocytosis, agranulocytosis ≥ 7 days, anemia and low globulin level were independent risk factors for severe infection during the maintenance phase (all P < 0.05).
Conclusion
Blood routine examinations and protein levels should be monitored regularly for ALL patients in the maintenance phase, especially in the first six months. For ALL patients with the risk factors, preventive anti-infective therapy or supportive therapy can be given as appropriate to reduce the occurrence of severe infection.
Powdery mildew-induced changes in phyllosphere microbial community dynamics of cucumber
Authors: yue cong , Du Changxia , Tan Yinqing , Liu Xingchen , Fan Huaifu
Published: December 2022

As an important habitat for microorganisms, the phyllosphere has an important impact on plant health and growth. The changes of the phyllosphere microorganisms are closely related to the occurrence of leaf diseases. However, little is known about how the microbial community changes in the phyllosphere under the infection of pathogen. Here, we analyzed the microbial communities in the phyllosphere at different disease levels (L1 ≤ 10%, 30% ≤ L2 < 50%, and L3 ≥ 50%) to explore the dynamic changes of the phyllosphere microorganisms. The analysis showed that bacterial microbial community diversity increased with disease severity and fungal diversity gradually decreased. There were no significant differences in the community structure and composition of phyllosphere microorganisms at different levels of incidence, the relative abundance of species changed significantly. The relative abundance of rosenbergiella, rickettsia and cladosporium was negatively correlated with the severity of the disease, while bacillus, pantoea, kocuria and podosphaera were positively correlated with the severity of the disease. Co-occurrence network showed that both fungal and bacterial communities L1 have relatively stable and complex ecological networks. The bacterial network tends to be unstable with the increase in disease degree, and the fungal network gradually stabilizes. These studies showed that the severity of the disease will have a certain impact on the phyllosphere microbial community, which provides a new reference for cucumber powdery mildew control from a microbial perspective.
Membranous Septum Length Predicts New Conduction Abnormalities in Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement - A novel predictor for PPMI after SAVR
Authors: Nakashima Makoto , Jilaihawi Hasan , He Yuxin , Williams David , Pushkar Illya , Williams Mathew , Hisamoto Kazuhiro
Published: December 2022

PURPOSE
The membranous septum (MS) length measured by cardiac computed tomography (CT) is useful for the prediction of permanent pacemaker implantation (PPMI) and new left bundle branch block (LBBB) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement. However, its predictive value for patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is unknown.
Methods
A total of 2531 consecutive patients were registered in the institutional Society of Thoracic Surgeons database between July 2017 and June 2020. Excluding non-SAVR procedures, prior pacemaker/implantable cardioverter defibrillator, prior SAVR, no pre-procedural CT assessment and suboptimal CT imaging.
Results
A total of 126 SAVR with pre-procedural CT assessment were analyzed. Bicuspid aortic valve morphology was confirmed on CT in 59.5% of patients. There were three new PPMIs and five new LBBBs observed after SAVR at the time of discharge. In-hospital mortality was 0.8%. Low left ventricular ejection fraction (< 50%), left ventricular (LV) mass index > 120 g/m2, large right coronary artery height and MS length < 1.5 mm predicted new PPMI/LBBB. Multivariate analysis showed LV mass index > 120 g/m2 (odds ratio: 9.165; 95% confidence interval: 1.644-51.080; p = 0.011) and MS length < 1.5 mm (odds ratio: 14.449; 95% confidence interval: 1.632-127.954; p = 0.016) were independent predictors for new PPMI/LBBB.
Conclusion
Short MS length on preoperative cardiac CT is a powerful and novel predictor for the risk of new PPMI/LBBB after SAVR. Special care should be taken in patients with short MS length to avoid suture-mediated trauma.
Bile acids induce neurite outgrowth in NSC-34 cells via TGR5 and a distinct transcriptional profile
Authors: Gerhard Glenn , Ackerman Hayley
Published: December 2022

Bile acids have recently emerged as potential neuroprotective agents that may modulate neurodegeneration. Most studies have focused on the single bile acid tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and its role as an anti-apoptotic agent. We studied other bile acids as signaling molecules for their two cellular receptors, farnesoid X receptor (FXR or NR1H4) and G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1 or TGR5), and for liver X receptor (LXR), as potential neurotrophic agents. We used two in vitro model systems to identify the effects of bile acids and related pharmacological agents on neurite outgrowth using quantitative image analysis. We also identified early effects on gene expression using RNA sequencing analysis. We found that 20 uM deoxycholic acid (DCA) could induce neurite outgrowth in NSC-34 cells that was comparable to the neurotrophic effects of the culture control 1 uM retinoic acid (RA) with similar, but slightly less robust effects observed for chenodexoycholic acid (CDCA) at 20 uM and in SH-SY5Y cells. Using chemical agonists and antagonists of FXR, LXR, and TGR5, TGR5 agonism was comparable to DCA stimulation, stronger than RA, and neither FXR nor LXR inhibition could block bile acid-induced neurite growth. RNA sequencing identified a core set of genes whose expression was regulated by DCA, CDCA, and RA. Our data suggest that bile acid signaling through TGR5 may be a targetable pathway to stimulate neurite outgrowth.
Evaluation of the FAST score in patients with suspected colorectal cancer in the Herts Valley CCG
Authors: Cama Rigers , Kapoor Neel , Bhatti Haroon , Sawyer Philip , Patel Bharat , Landy Jonathan
Published: December 2022

Objective
The UK has seen a doubling in “urgent cancer ” referrals for patients with suspected colorectal cancer (CRC) over the last decade.1,2 The FAST score (faecal haemoglobin, age and sex test score) was proposed to improve the utility of the quantitative faecal immunochemical test (FIT) in the diagnosis of CRC. We aimed to investigate the utility of the FAST score for detection of CRC in our population.
Methods
Medical records of patients undertaking a FIT sample in primary care within the Herts Valley between June 2019 to November 2020 were referenced with the cancer database. Other significant colonic pathology (SCP) recorded included inflammatory bowel disease and high-risk adenomas. FIT analysis was performed using OC-Sensor analyser.3 FAST scores (≥ 2.12 versus < 2.12) were assessed.4
Results
5340 patients returned a FIT sample. 2150 patients were referred to secondary care and 924 patients were investigated with a colonoscopy (group A). 3190 patients were not referred to secondary care immediately (group B).
Using a FAST score with ≥2.12, which gives high clinical sensitivity for CRC, 841 of 924 in group A would have been referred for colonoscopy, a 9.0% reduction in colonoscopy demand. 147 of 153 (96.0%) with SCP had a positive FAST score. Only 80 of 771 (10.4%) without SCP had a negative FAST score. In group B, 2226 (69.8%) had a FAST score ≥2.12 but only 149 (4.7%) were referred to secondary care; with no cases of CRC or SCP.
Conclusion
Our data does not support use of the FAST score in patient triage for colonoscopy.
Cyanidin prevents anxiety-like effects and dysregulation of cytokine systems during MDPV abstinence in rats
Authors: Inan Saadet , Meissler Joseph J , Shekarabi Aryan , Foss Jeffrey , Wiah Sonita , Eisenstein Toby K , Rawls Scott M.
Published: December 2022

Psychostimulant exposure and withdrawal cause neuroimmune dysregulation and anxiety that contributes to dependence and relapse. Here, we tested the hypothesis that abstinence from the synthetic cathinone MDPV (methylenedioxypyrovalerone) produces anxiety-like effects and enhanced levels of mesocorticolimbic cytokines that are inhibited by cyanidin, an anti-inflammatory flavonoid and nonselective blocker of IL-17A signaling. For comparison, we tested effects on glutamate transporter systems that are also dysregulated during psychostimulant abstinence. Rats injected for 9 d with MDPV (1 mg/kg, IP) or saline were pretreated daily with cyanidin (0.5 mg/kg, IP) or saline, followed by behavioral testing on the elevated zero maze (EZM) 72 h after the last MDPV injection. MDPV abstinence caused a reduction in time spent on the open arm of the EZM that was prevented by cyanidin. Cyanidin itself did not affect locomotor activity or time spent on the open arm, or cause aversive or rewarding effects in place preference experiments. MDPV abstinence caused enhancement of cytokine levels (IL-17A, IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, IL-10, and CCL2) in the ventral tegmental area, but not amygdala, nucleus accumbens, or prefrontal cortex, that was prevented by cyanidin. During MDPV abstinence, mRNA levels of glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) and glutamate transporter subtype 1 (GLT-1) in the amygdala were also elevated but normalized by cyanidin treatment. These results show that MDPV abstinence causes withdrawal-induced anxiety, and brain-region specific dysregulation of cytokine and glutamate systems, that are both prevented by cyanidin, thus identifying cyanidin for further investigation in the context of psychostimulant dependence and relapse.
Is the Interplanetary shock wave evolution self-similar in the Inner Heliosphere?
Authors: Perez-Alanis Carlos , Janvier Miho , Nieves-Chinchilla Teresa , Aguilar-Rodriguez Ernesto , Dèmoulin Pascal , Corona-Romero Pedro
Published: December 2022

In situ observations of interplanetary (IP) coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) and IP shocks are important to study as they are the main components of the solar activity. Hundreds of IP shocks have been detected by various space missions at different times and heliocentric distances. Some of these are followed by an ICME while not for others. In this study, we carry out a statistical analysis of the distributions of plasma and magnetic parameters of the IP shocks. We classify the shocks according to the heliocentric distance, namely from 0.29 to 0.99 au (Helios-1/2); near 1 au (Wind, ACE and STEREO-A/B); and from 1.35 to 5.4 au (Ulysses). We also differentiate the IP shocks into two populations, those with a detected ICME and those without it. We find, as expected, that there are no significant difference in the results from spacecraft positioned at 1 au. Moreover, the distributions of shock parameters, as well as the shock normal have no significant variations with the heliocentric distance. Additionally, we investigate how the number of shocks associated to stream interaction regions (SIRs) increases with distance in proportion of ICME/shocks. From 1 to 5 au, SIRs/ shock occurrence increases slight from 21% to 33%, in contrast ICME/shocks occurrence decreases from 47% to 17%. We find also no indication of an asymmetry induced by the Parker spiral.
Clinical outcomes of congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Kanaya Tomomitsu , Tsumura Sanae , Kawai Syota , Miwa Koji , Usui Noriaki , Iwai Shigemitsu
Published: December 2022

Background: Patienets with congenital diaphragmatic hernia comorbidity with congenital heart disease have a more severe prognosis than those with either condition alone. Here we report the clinical outcomes of congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients with congenital heart disease who have either two ventricles or a functional single ventricle.
Methods: The subjects included 17 congenital diaphragmatic hernia patients with congenital heart disease who were treated at Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The severity of congenital diaphragmatic hernia was assessed by the observed-expected lung-to-head ratio. We assessed the details of clinical course in the patients.
Results: A total of 238 patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia were born between 1981 and 2021 at our hospital. Of these, a total of 21 patients (8.8 %) had congenital heart disease and seventeen patients were evaluated for the study. Fourteen patients had two ventricles and three patients had single ventricle. Of seventeen patients, eight patients were alive and nine patients were dead. There was no significant difference in congenital diaphragmatic hernia severity between the alive and dead patients. The patients who survived had two ventricles and received definitive heart repair operations. Although two patients with a functional single ventricle had mild congenital diaphragmatic hernia severity, they were managed using mechanical ventilation management. All of the patients with a functional single ventricle could not undergo Glenn or Fontan operation, and died.
Conclusion: Long-term survival may be expected in the patients with two ventricles. Patients with a functional single ventricle might not survive for a long time if they required ventilation due to the respiratory dysfunction.
A novel therapeutic management for diabetes patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia: comparison of autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells versus allogenic Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Arango-Rodríguez Martha L , Mateus Ligia C , Sossa Claudia L , Becerra Silvia M , Solarte-David Víctor Alfonso , Vera Miguel Enrique Ochoa , Viviescas Lady T Giratá , Berrio Ana M Vera , Serrano Sergio Eduardo , Vargas Oliverio , Isla Andrés Catalá , Benitez Alapé , Rangel Germán
Published: December 2022

Background
Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) represents the final stage of peripheral arterial disease. Approximately one-third of patients with CLTI are not eligible for conventional surgical treatments. Furthermore, patients with advanced-stage of CLTI are prone to amputation and death. Thus, an effective therapeutic strategy is urgently needed. In this context, autologous bone marrow mononuclear cell (auto-BM-MNC) and allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells represent a promising therapeutic approach for treating CLTI. In this study, we compared the safety and beneficial therapeutic effect of auto-BM-MNC vs. allogeneic Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (allo-WJ-MSCs) in diabetic patients with CLTI.
Methods
We performed a randomized, prospective, double-blind and controlled pilot study. Twenty-four diabetic patients in the advanced stage of CLTI (4 or 5 in Rutherford’s classification) and a transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) below 30 mmHg were randomized to receive 15 injections of (i) auto-BM-MNC (7.197x106 ± 2.984 x106 cells/mL) (n=7), (ii) allo-WJ-MSCs (1.333 x106 cells/mL) (n=7) or (iii) placebo solution (1 mL) (n=10), which were administered into the periadventitial layer of the arterial walls under eco-Doppler guidance. The follow-up visits were at months 1, 3, 6, and 12 to evaluate the following parameters: (i) Rutherford’s classification, (ii) TcPO2, (iii) percentage of wound closure, (iv) pain, (v) pain-free walking distance, (vi) revascularization and limb-survival proportion, and (vii) life quality (EQ-5D questionnaire).
Results
No adverse events were reported. Patients with CLTI who received auto-BM-MNC and allo-WJ-MSCs presented an improvement in Rutherford’s classification, a significant increase in TcPO2 values, a reduction in the lesion size in a shorter time, a decrease in the pain score and an increase in the pain-free walking distance, in comparison with the placebo group. In addition, the participants treated with auto-BM-MNC and allo-WJ-MSCs kept their limbs during the follow-up period, unlike the placebo group, which had a marked increase in amputation.
Conclusions
Our results showed that patients with CLTI treated with auto-BM-MNC and allo-WJ-MSCs conserved 100% of their limb compared to the placebo group where 60% of participants underwent limb amputation in different times. Furthermore, we observed a faster improvement in the allo-WJ-MSC group, unlike the auto-BM-MNC group.
during 12 months of the follow-up
Trial registration
The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05631444).
COVID-19 survivors: How pandemic precautions result in lingering discrimination in China
Authors: Li Xiaoguang , Guo Xiaoxian
Published: December 2022

As the pandemic continues worldwide, do coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors suffer social discrimination or prejudice? Existing scientific studies on COVID-19 survivors focus on the recovery of physical health while paying less attention to mental health and social integration. We investigated whether COVID-19 survivors suffer discrimination in China by examining representative social survey data with an embedded vignette experiment on social interaction in December 2021 during the lockdown in Xi'an (N = 3,046). We found that COVID-19 survivors suffered social discrimination and prejudice. Participants showed significantly lower willingness to socialize with hypothetical COVID-19 survivors. This discrimination effect was pronounced among individuals with high levels of education, social status, and social capital. This is partly due to the scarcity of public knowledge about COVID-19 recovery, which exacerbates the fear of infection in social interactions. Given China’s unique pandemic policies and media environment, the dissemination of information about COVID-19 recovery and risks is crucial, as is the provision of counselling to alleviate the depression and anxiety of COVID-19 survivors.
Genetic diversity and population structure analysis of Paris polyphylla Sm revealed by SSR marker
Authors: Oliya Bal Kumari , Maharjan Lasta , Pant Bijaya
Published: December 2022

Paris polyphyllais a threatened medicinal plant with numerous pharmacological effects including prized anticancer phytochemicals. In the present study, the genetic diversity, and population structure of 32P. polyphyllagermplasm collected from natural habitats of three ecological regions Central, Eastern, and Western Nepal was performed using 15 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. The polymorphic information content (PIC) value of the SSR marker ranged from 0 to 0.75. The value of the average observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.63) is greater than the expected heterozygosity (He = 0.53) with average total heterozygosity (Ht = 0.32). The molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) revealed high genetic variation within the population (74%) than low genetic variance (26%) among populations. The value of Fst and gene flow were 0.53 and 0.458, respectively. In STRUCTURE analysis 32 germplasm were separated into two populations where Eastern accessions were separated far from Central and western accessions which were also in complete correspondence to the unweighted pair group method based on arithmetic average (UPGMA) phylogenetic tree and principle coordinate (PCoA) analysis. Further, in the UPGMA and PCoA, accessions collected from the same or relatively similar geographic origin were closer. These genetic results are of great significance for scientifically formulating conservation strategies and commercial cultivation for the medicinally important Vernalable plantP. polyphylla.
Intention to provide ridesharing services: Determinants from the perspective of driver-partners in a gig economy
Authors: Le Van Hung , Nguyen Ngoc Trung , Pham Thi Thu Phuong , Nguyen Thi Dao
Published: December 2022

Research on ridesharing platforms under the gig economy has focused much on the incentives and barriers of users, leaving many gaps in understanding drivers’ intention to provide ridesharing services. This paper aims to explore, from the perspective of driver-partners, motives that encourage them to continue being gig workers. Data for the study are based on a cross-sectional survey of ridesharing drivers in three metropolitan areas in three regions (North, Central, and South) of Vietnam, conducted from June to July 2022. The paper regresses behavioral intention to continue being a gig driver on their demographic characteristics and self-estimation of economic benefit, time preference, and enjoyment of being a gig driver via ordered probit models. For all three regions, the result suggests that economic benefit, time preference, and enjoyment are good predictors of drivers’ intention to provide the services. Specifically, the probability of remaining in gig work among drivers decreases with their educational and economic status. Higher economic benefit does not predict a higher intention of drivers to stay longer in gig work. Similarly, those with higher levels of enjoyment of traveling and vehicles have a lower intention to remain in this sphere. In the North, the interaction terms between time preference and enjoyment level are significant, suggesting that the effect of enjoyment levels becomes less damaging with an increase in time preference. In other words, time preference is vital in keeping gig drivers in this type of work.
El pensamiento de la joven María Zambrano (1928- 1939). Una aproximación desde la perspectiva del liberalismo conservador
Authors: Luján Enric , Baqués Josep
Published: December 2022

Este artículo ahonda en las aportaciones en clave política de la filósofa española María Zambrano durante su juventud (1928–1939) en los albores de la Segunda República española y la posterior Guerra Civil para plantear un posible encaje de estas en el cuerpo teórico del liberalismo conservador. Con esa intención, contrastamos ambas referencias sirviéndonos de sus respectivas críticas del racionalismo e idealismo en cuanto disciplinas incapaces de tratar adecuadamente con la comunidad política entendida como realidad orgánica difícilmente reducible a un plan general. El análisis de este rechazo se lleva a cabo en sus dos expresiones: como denuncia de la imposibilidad teórica que supone la tentativa racionalista de obtener una imagen completa de la realidad y como radical desconfianza en cuanto a la aplicación en el terreno práctico de los esquemas de la idealidad.
El círculo hermenéutico de la praxis en Ricoeur
Authors: Villa Sánchez José Alfonso
Published: December 2022

La relación que Ricoeur establece entre lo bueno, lo justo y la convicción permite postular un círculo hermenéutico —semejante al que Heidegger propone en su ontología fundamental, y que Gadamer complementa en Verdad y método— en la filosofía práctica, conformado por tres momentos: lo bueno, lo justo y su aplicación al contexto que lo demanda. Con su “pequeña ética”, mediada por esta reformulación, Ricoeur pretende terciar en la discusión entre la ética de la argumentación de Habermas y el comunitarismo e historicismo de C. Taylor, A. MacIntyre y H.-G. Gadamer.
El darse muerte en la disputa soberana
Authors: Neira Hernán
Published: December 2022

El darse muerte o el asumir un riesgo de muerte en nombre de un motivo ético-político, evitando la producción de heridas, morales o físicas, contra terceros, ha sido recurrente en la historia. La inestabilidad del individuo que se deriva de esas acciones puede someter al Estado u otro poder a una suerte de estupefacción que debilite el ejercicio de su voluntad. No siempre el autosacrificio del tipo mencionado busca crear un contrapoder. Es más, su eficacia puede provenir de que no lo intente y genere una situación no opuesta a la previa, sino distinta, con resultados más cercanos a los deseados. A algunos autosacrificios políticos les es más propio el desplazar la relación con el Estado que enfrentarse a él. En el contexto de una soberanía estatal amenazada, analizo quién está en el corazón del autosacrificio ético-político, la naturaleza significativa del hecho, algunos de los prejuicios individualistas que oscurecen su interpretación y su relación con otras formas de darse muerte.
Hydrochemical assessment of groundwater quality in the Narmada River Basin (Central India)
Authors: Gupta Deepak , Chaudhary Supriya , Singh Anubhuti , Shukla Reetika , Kumar Mishra Virendra
Published: December 2022

This study details the hydrochemical characterization and human health risk assessment of groundwater in the Narmada River Basin. The study was performed based on data collected from 305 groundwater sample stations in the Narmada River Basin. Hydrochemical evaluation illustrated that cationic ions in the upper and middle Narmada Basin were dominated by Ca2+; however, in the lower basin it was dominated by Na+ ions. Similarly, anionic ions were dominated by HCO3− throughout the basin. A Chadha plot drawn from the collected data inferred that most groundwater belonged to the recharge water category (Ca-Mg-HCO3 type). Base-exchange indices of the collected data confirmed the presence of Na+-SO42− type of groundwater. Meteoric genesis indices indicated deep meteoric percolation groundwater. Further, Gibbs plots categorized groundwater samples in the rock dominated section, while chloro-alkaline indices confirmed direct as well as reverse ion-exchange reactions governing groundwater quality. Water Quality Index values showed that groundwater ranged from excellent to very poor. Human health risk of the Narmada River confirmed the non-carcinogenic risk for Nitrate (NO3−) and Fluoride (F−) ions. However, several indices justified that groundwater was ideal for irrigation. However, groundwater treatment is recommended before direct consumption such as drinking.
Extraction of iron from laterite soil and green synthesis of laterite nano iron catalyst (GLaNICs) for its application as Fenton's catalyst in the degradation of triclosan
Authors: K N Rashmishree , S Bhaskar , S Shrihari , Thalla Arun Kumar
Published: December 2022

Laterite based nano iron particles were synthesized using natural laterite extract as a precursor and Psidium guajava plant extract for its application as Fenton's catalyst in the degradation of triclosan. Chemical digestion method was used for the extraction of iron from laterite soil. Synthesized nano iron catalyst was characterized using SEM-EDS, XRD and FTIR and evaluated for its catalytic application in the Fenton's oxidation of triclosan. Maximum triclosan degradation of 69.5% was observed with nano iron catalyst dosage of 0.1 g/L and hydrogen peroxide dosage of 200 mg/L at acidic pH of 3. Hydrogen peroxide influence on the process was observed with Fenton's oxidation. Role of iron in the process has been accessed by control experiment with no nano catalyst addition in which degradation is considerably low. Fenton's oxidation was compared with conventional Fenton's oxidation driven by a green nano iron catalyst. Study claims the usage of natural laterite iron as a replacement for commercial iron in Fenton's degradation of triclosan. Regeneration and reusability studies on catalyst were studied and synthesized catalyst was observed to be reusable in three consecutive cycles. Degradation of triclosan in Fenton's oxidation follows pseudo-second order reaction with linear fit.