bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Percepções, evidências e prevenção às IST´S entre estudantes de duas escolas de referência em ensino médio no município de Paudalho/PE
Authors: Silva Iasmin Alice da , Pereira Livia Maria Marques , Muniz Fausto José de Araújo , Soares Anísio Francisco
Published: January 2023

A sexualidade, que é despertada no estágio da puberdade, é um aspecto inerente ao ser humano. A partir desse período, ocorrem mudanças físicas e psicossociais. Desse modo, a ausência de orientações educacionais a respeito dessa fase leva a recorrência da disseminação de infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST’s). Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar, por meio de um questionário, o entendimento e a prevalência de IST’s entre os discentes da EREM Confederação do Equador e da  EREM Herculano Bandeira, localizadas em Paudalho, PE,  a fim de obter informações para elaborar e realizar intervenções educativas. A avaliação constatou que, embora apenas 15,6% dos alunos consideram possuir um nível baixo de conhecimento sobre sexualidade, 34,8% dos alunos consideram não entender a respeito de IST’s e AIDS. Ademais, apesar de 0,5% dos alunos responderem “sim” para a prevalência de ISTs entre o período  de 2020 a 2021 e 1,1% responderem “talvez”, 10,3% dos alunos responderam que talvez tenham apresentado sintomas associados a IST’s (alterações nas genitálias: feridas, verrugas, secreção, líquido de cor diferente) e 5,7% responderam realmente ter apresentado essas alterações. Por tanto, apesar da facilidade no acesso à informações a partir do desenvolvimento da internet e das redes sociais, a ignorância acerca de sexualidade e prevenção de IST’s ainda é presente, devido a ausência no controle e na orientação a respeito do viés das informações  disseminadas e visualizadas nessas ferramentas sociais.
Atuação do enfermeiro no cuidado ao paciente oncopediátrico
Authors: Alves Francisco Paulo de Andrade , Negreiros Rosângela Vidal de , Sousa Bruna Ravena Bezerra de , Fonseca Emanuel Nildivan Rodrigues da , Rodrigues Onadja Benício , Silva Ana Cristina Rodrigues Luna e , Ferreira Cayla Carolieva Fernandes , Batista Laudeci Brito , Santos Marcos Wender Bezerra dos , Sousa Andréia Oliveira Barros , Lucena Rennê de Figueirêdo Bezerra , Ramos Janai de Albuquerque , Machado Ana Paula Ramos , Costa Liana Fernandes da , Mendes Jogilmira Macedo Silva , Meira Mary Luce Melquiades
Published: January 2023

Introdução: O câncer infantil era considerado uma doença aguda com mau prognóstico. Atualmente, apresenta grande possibilidade de cura, com potencial aumento de sobrevida. A Enfermagem Oncológica faz parte da equipe multiprofissional, cabe aos profissionais estabelecerem uma relação de ajuda com paciente e família, por meio da comunicação efetiva, humanizando a assistência, promovendo o controle dos sintomas, medidas para alívio da dor e para o conforto psicológico, os profissionais devem buscar proporcionar os pacientes, durante todo o tratamento, o bem estar biopsicossocial. Objetivo: identificar as ações realizadas pelos enfermeiros direcionadas ao cuidado integral à criança em tratamento oncológico. Resultados: A importância do apoio familiar durante o tratamento, assim como a convivência da criança com esta e o respeito aos sentimentos e crenças que o profissional precisa possuir, com relação ao paciente e seus familiares. A inclusão da família no tratamento foi observada como um fator positivo, embora os enfermeiros ainda tenham dificuldades em lidar com ela. Foi possível analisar que o enfermeiro atuante na ala oncopediátrica precisa ter características pessoais que o faça estar ali, além das suas habilidades profissionais, para saber lidar com a dor dos pacientes e dos familiares, o conhecimento científico para realizar exames e administrar medicações, o enfermeiro deve estar preparado para gerenciar seus próprios sentimentos. Conclusão: Cabe aos enfermeiros a árdua função de gerenciar não só as atribuições técnicas da enfermagem, mas os sentimentos pessoais, dos pacientes e de seus familiares, assim pode-se observar que o cuidar de crianças em oncologia é complexo e pode acarretar muito sofrimento à equipe.
Antiphospholipid Syndrome and the Lungs
Authors: Yılmaz Süreyya , Yılmaz Zülfükar
Published: January 2023

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterised by recurrent thromboembolic events (arterial or venous) and/or morbidity in pregnancy (fetal loss, premature birth, or recurrent embryonic losses) in the presence of laboratory evidence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). APS is a multisystem disorder. Several lung manifestations may develop in patients with APS including pulmonary embolism (PE)/infarction; thromboembolic and non-thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (PH) (pulmonary arterial hypertension); pulmonary microthrombosis; acute respiratory distress syndrome associated with catastrophic APS; diffuse alveolar haemorrhage; and pulmonary capillaritis. Postpartum syndrome and cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis (CFA) can be associated with APS. Pulmonary manifestations are relatively rare but are more likely to be life-threatening compared with other complications of APS. Particularly in the presence of aPL, pulmonary manifestations should be suspected in any systemic lupus erythematosus patient with clinical findings such as chest pain, dyspnoea, tachypnoea, and haemoptysis. Early diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary manifestations in APS are essential for improving mortality rates in patients with this condition. The purpose of this review is to assess current evidence around the diagnosis, prognosis, and management of patients with common and rare pulmonary manifestations of APS.
THE CORRELATION BETWEEN ORTHOREXIA NERVOSA AND SOCIAL MEDIA USE IN NURSING STUDENTS
Authors: ÖZKEFELİ HAMURCU Tuğçe Gözde , YILMAZ Sevil
Published: January 2023

This cross-sectional and descriptive study investigated the correlation between orthorexia nervosa and social media use in nursing students. The study sample consists of 339 students who volunteered to participate in the research. Data were collected using the Sociodemographic Data Form, the Social Media Use Integration Scale (SMUIS), and the ORTO-11 scale. The mean ORTO-11 scale score of the nursing students was 27.98 ± 4.92, and 30.38% were under 25 points. A significant negative relationship was found between the ORTO-11 scores and the SMUIS total scores (r = -0.136, p=0.01), the Integration into Social Routines sub-dimension (r = -0.138, p=0.01), and the duration of social media use (r = -0.11, p = 0.04). It was found that there was no difference between orthorexia tendencies according to the type of social media tools used by the students, but the orthorexia nervosa tendency increased as the duration of social media use increased. Curriculum studies can be recommended so that nursing faculty students can reach accurate information about the effects of social media and healthy nutrition.
Effects of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seed powder addition during early lactation on performance, milk fatty acid profile, and rumen fermentation parameters of Holstein cows
Authors: Moosavi-Zadeh Erfaneh , Rahimi Amin , Rafiee Hassan , Saberipour Hamidreza , Bahadoran Ramin
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Aromatic and herbal plants usage as feed additives have become a new tendency in dairy cows’ nutrition to enhance animal performance. This experiment was performed to study the effects of supplementing fennel seed powder (FSP) to diets during early lactation on performance, milk fatty acid (FA) profile, and rumen fermentation of Holstein dairy cows.

Methods

Twenty-four primiparous Holstein dairy cows (10 ± 3 d in milk, 30 ± 2.1 Kg of milk/d, 610 ± 31 Kg body weight; mean ± SE) were balanced for actual milk yield and calving date (n = 8 per treatment) in a complete randomized design. Animals were allocated randomly to diets containing 0 g/d (0FSP), 25 g/d (25FSP), or 50 g/d (50FSP) FSP, individually top-dressed over the total mixed ration. The experimental period was 45 d consisting of the first 15 d for adaptation and the final 30 d for data collection and sampling.

Results and discussion

Dry matter intake responded quadratically to FSP feeding, and cows fed 25FP treatment had greater DMI than 0FSP treatment. The average ruminal pH value decreased linearly as FSP increased in diets. Ruminal valerate and isovalerate proportion increased linearly as FSP inclusion in diets increased, while acetate proportion decreased and acetate:propionate ratio tended to decrease linearly. Increasing FSP in diets linearly increased serum glucose, globulin, and total protein concentrations. Milk yield increased linearly as FSP inclusion in diets increased, whereas milk composition was unaffected. Increasing FSP in diets linearly increased de novo and mixed FA and decreased preformed FA in milk. Dietary treatments did not affect saturated FA, whereas unsaturated FA, mono and poly unsaturated FA linearly decreased with increasing FSP inclusion in diets. Moreover, the content of C18:0 tended to decrease, and C18:1 cis-9 decreased linearly as FSP inclusion increased. Also, increasing the FSP level in diets decreased linearly non-esterified fatty acids and acetone concentrations in the milk. It could be concluded that FSP addition at 50 g/d could enhance performance of early lactating cows.
E3 ligase ligand optimization of Clinical PROTACs
Authors: Jiang Hanrui , Xiong Huan , Gu Shuang-Xi , Wang Mingliang
Published: January 2023

Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) technology can realize the development of drugs for non-druggable targets that are difficult to achieve with traditional small molecules, and therefore has attracted extensive attention from both academia and industry. Up to now, there are more than 600 known E3 ubiquitin ligases with different structures and functions, but only a few have developed corresponding E3 ubiquitin ligase ligands, and the ligands used to design PROTAC molecules are limited to a few types such as VHL (Von-Hippel-Lindau), CRBN (Cereblon), MDM2 (Mouse Doubleminute 2 homolog), IAP (Inhibitor of apoptosis proteins), etc. Most of the PROTAC molecules that have entered clinical trials were developed based on CRBN ligands, and only DT2216 was based on VHL ligand. Obviously, the structural optimization of E3 ubiquitin ligase ligands plays an instrumental role in PROTAC technology from bench to bedside. In this review, we review the structure optimization process of E3 ubiquitin ligase ligands currently entering clinical trials on PROTAC molecules, summarize some characteristics of these ligands in terms of druggability, and provide some preliminary insights into their structural optimization. We hope that this review will help medicinal chemists to develop more druggable molecules into clinical studies and to realize the greater therapeutic potential of PROTAC technology.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of antifungal combinations against azole-resistant Aspergillus fumigatus isolates
Authors: Jemel Sana , Raveloarisaona Yannick , Bidaud Anne-Laure , Djenontin Elie , Kallel Aicha , Guillot Jacques , Kallel Kalthoum , Botterel Françoise , Dannaoui Eric
Published: January 2023

Azole resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) has become a widespread threat and a major concern for optimal management of patients with invasive aspergillosis (IA). Combination of echinocandins with azoles is an attractive alternative option for the treatment of IA due to azole-resistant Af strains. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo combination of caspofungin (CAS) with either voriconazole (VRZ) or posaconazole (PSZ). In vitro interactions were assessed by two methods, and an animal model of IA in Galleria mellonella was used for in vivo evaluation. Assessment of efficacy was based on larvae mortality. Groups of 10 larvae were infected by 3 clinical strains of Af (azole susceptible, AfS; PSZ resistant, AfR1; VRZ and PSZ resistant strain, AfR2). In vitro, combination of CAS and azoles was indifferent against AfS, and AfR2, and a synergy was found for AfR1. When compared to VRZ monotherapy, the combination of VRZ at 4 µg/larva with CAS at 4 µg/larva improved survival of AfR2-infected larvae (p=0.0066). Combination of PSZ at 4µg/larva with CAS at 4 µg/larva improved survival of AfR1-infected larvae compared to CAS (p=0.0002) and PSZ (0.0024) monotherapy. Antagonism was never observed. In conclusion, the combination of caspofungin with azoles is a promising alternative for the treatment of azole resistant strains of Af.
Taphonomic analysis of the exceptional preservation of early bird feathers during the early Cretaceous period in Northeast China
Authors: Zhao Yan , Tian Qian , Ren Guang-Ying , Guo Ying , Zheng Xiao-Ting
Published: January 2023

Fossil soft tissues contain important and irreplaceable information on life evolution, and on the comprehensive understanding of the nature of Mesozoic ecosystems. Compared to other fossil soft tissues, Jehol Biota feathers are more commonly reported. However, taphonomic analysis of these feathers is lacking. Here, five Jehol Biota specimens of early bird Sapeornis chaoyangensis with differently preserved feathers were selected. One specimen, STM 15-36, has a complete set of extraordinarily preserved feathers. An interesting consequence was revealed by their host sediment Zr/Rb analysis that specimen STM 15-36 possesses the coarsest sediment grain size but the best-preserved feathers. More geochemical analyses of host sediments, including organic carbon isotopes and major elements, were conducted to restore the paleoenvironment during those Sapeornis’ burial. The result mainly shows that the paleoclimate when Sapeornis STM 15-36 was buried is warmer and wetter than those of the other four; STM 15-36 host sediment has a pure terrestrial-derived organic input, while the others are aquatic algae. In addition, redox-sensitive trace elements analysis indicates the lake bottom-water preserved Sapeornis STM 15-36 is anoxic and restricted, being more oxygen-depleted than those of the other four. Therefore, the transportation and burial of Sapeornis STM 15-36 were preliminarily inferred as: the carcass of Sapeornis STM 15-36 was transported rapidly into the lake by a short and strong rain flush, and then was buried quickly by the accompanying terrestrial debris; the subsequent anoxic and restricted burial environment inhibited bioturbation and hydrodynamic disturbance on Sapeornis STM 15-36 and its host sediments, allowing its whole set of feathers to be delicately preserved. This finding provides a valuable case study on understanding the taphonomy of fossil soft tissues’ exceptional preservation in Jehol Biota.
A comprehensive insight into the effects of acidification on varied-sized pores in different rank coals
Authors: Jiang Peiwen , Yang Chengtao , Chen Feng , Li Bing , Ren Jiangang , Liu Jianbao , Song Zhimin
Published: January 2023

Elucidating the evolution law of coal pore structure under acidification is crucial for guiding the practical application of acidizing technology and improving the production of coalbed methane. To comprehensively investigate the influence of acidification on varied-sized pores in different rank coals, in this study, fat coal, meagre coal and anthracite coal were collected and acidified with a mixed solution composed of hydrochloric acid (9 wt%) and hydrofluoric acid (3 wt%). An approach integrating low-pressure CO2 adsorption (LPGA-CO2), low-temperature N2 adsorption (LTGA-N2) and Mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) was adopted to fully characterize the varied-sized pore structure before and after acidification to eliminate the limitations of single method. The results demonstrated that acid treatment improved the pore opening degree and connectivity in coal, but had essentially no effect on the pore shape. After acidification, all the coal samples showed significant increases in the porosity and total pore volume, which was mainly contributed by the numerous newly formed large mesopores and macropores, especially the macropores (with an average contribution rate of 74.59%). Taken as a whole, acid treatment had the largest impact on macropores, followed by mesopores, and the smallest impact on micropores. In addition, the variation trend of total specific surface area (SSA) under acidification was primarily determined by micropores. For the three different rank coals selected in this study, the total SSA of fat coal (PM) was more easily affected by acidification and had the largest percentage increase after acid treatment, followed by anthracite coal (YM), while that of meagre coal (LA) decreased slightly. This difference was driven primarily by the different variation trend of micropore SSA in different rank coals. After acidification, the SSA of ultra-micropores and super-micropores all increased in fat coal (PM) and anthracite coal (YM), whereas for meagre coal (LA), although ultra-micropores SSA increased, super-micropores SSA decreased, which ultimately led to the slight decrease of its micropore SSA. Moreover, the total pore volume increment of coal was closely related to the macropore volume increment under acidification, but not significantly related to the coal maturity,which might indicate that, compared with coal rank, the mineral content in coal might be a more important consideration when measuring the applicability of acidification technology.
Incidence and long-term specific mortality trends of metabolic syndrome in the United States
Authors: Li Weiya , Qiu Xinfan , Ma Huan , Geng Qingshan
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is extremely prevalent and related to severe diseases and death. This study aims to investigate the incidence and mortality trends among MetS over the past few decades. The gender and age differences of MetS are also explored.

Patients and methods

Adults with MetS were screened in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2014. The mortality data were also acquired. Then we assessed the incidence and mortality trends of MetS in the United States.

Results

Our study included 14171 participants with a mean age of 46.8 ± 19.3 years, of whom 7354 (51.9%) were women. Among them, 4789 participants were subsequently diagnosed with MetS. From 1999 to 2014, the overall trend of MetS incidence increased (from 27.6 to 32.3%; adjusted odds ratios [aOR], 1.71; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42-2.05; P-value <0.001, P for trend <0.001). In more detail, the incidence of MetS rose first but subsequently plateaued and declined. Obvious downward trends were observed from 29.6 to 2.7% for all-cause mortality (aOR, 0.12; 95%CI, 0.07-0.21; P-value <0.001, P for trend <0.001) and 4.8 to 0.8% for cardio-cerebrovascular mortality (aOR, 0.17; 95%CI, 0.05-0.61; P-value =0.007, P for trend <0.001). All-cause mortality decreased yearly, whereas cardio-cerebrovascular death increased briefly before declining and stabilizing. Similarly, the temporal mortality trends in MetS patients of different ages and genders had the same results. Specifically, the incidence of MetS was higher in women than in men (adjusted P =0.003; OR, 1.14; 95%CI, 1.05-1.24), but the mortality was significantly lower after an average of 7.7 years of follow-up (all-cause mortality, adjusted P <0.001; hazard ratio [HR], 0.68; 95%CI, 0.57-0.81; cardio-cerebrovascular mortality, adjusted P =0.004; HR, 0.55; 95%CI, 0.37-0.83).

Conclusion

From 1999 to 2014, the incidence of MetS in U.S. adults significantly increased overall, while the mortality rate of MetS had a considerable downward trend. Both trends showed marked gender differences, being more prevalent and at lower risk in women compared with men. It is important to identify the factors that will curb the incidence of MetS and decrease mortality, especially in male patients.
Hybrid model of intensive lifestyle intervention is potentially effective in patients with diabetes & obesity for post-COVID era
Authors: Dhaver Shilton , Al-Badri Marwa , Salah Tareq , Kilroy Cara , Shahar Jacqueline , Johnson Colleen , Votta Jennie , Mitchell Christine , Beaton Joan , Khater Abdelrahman , Kibaa Karim , McCarragher Ryan , Davis Chandra , Hamdy Osama
Published: January 2023

The Weight Achievement and Intensive Treatment (Why WAIT) program is a 12-week multidisciplinary intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) for patients with diabetes and obesity in real-world clinical practice that has led to long-term weight loss maintenance for up to 10 years. During COVID-19, we reported that a virtual model (VM) of the program was equally effective in reducing body weight and improving glycemic control. Here, we test a newly-introduced hybrid model (HM), to accommodate ongoing restrictions of the pandemic. We evaluated 56 participants: 18 from HM, 16 from VM and 22 from the in-person model (iPM). At 12 weeks, mean change in body weight from baseline for HM was -8.2 ± 5.0 kg; p<0.001. Mean change in A1C for HM was -0.6 ± 0.6%; p=0.002. There were no significant differences in body weight reduction (p=0.7) or A1C reduction (p=0.6) between groups. Blood pressure, lipid profile, and all other parameters showed improvements without significant differences between groups. Overall, HM is as effective as VM and iPM in reducing body weight and A1C after 12 weeks. Given its scalability, HM could be offered to more patients with diabetes and obesity who may benefit from its increased flexibility and enhanced accountability without compromising the multidisciplinary approach for a post-COVID era.
Grifola frondosa may play an anti-obesity role by affecting intestinal microbiota to increase the production of short-chain fatty acids
Authors: Hu Ruxiao
Published: January 2023

Background

Grifola frondosa (G. frondosa) is a fungus with good economic exploitation prospects of food and medicine homologation. This study aims to investigate the effects of G. frondosa powder suspension (GFPS) on the intestinal contents microbiota and the indexes related to oxidative stress and energy metabolism in mice, to provide new ideas for developing G. frondosa weight loss products.

Methods

Twenty Kunming mice were randomly divided into control (CC), low-dose GFPS (CL), medium-dose GFPS (CM), and high-dose GFPS (CH) groups. The mice in CL, CM, and CH groups were intragastrically administered with 1.425 g/(kg·d), 2.85 g/(kg·d), and 5.735 g/(kg·d) GFPS, respectively. The mice in CC group were given the same dose of sterile water. After 8 weeks, liver and muscle related oxidative stress and energy metabolism indicators were detected, and the intestinal content microbiota of the mice was detected by 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing.

Results

After eight weeks of GFPS intervention, all mice lost weight. Compared with the CC group, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents in CL, CM, and CH groups were increased, while Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) contents in the liver were decreased. The change trends of LDH and SDH in muscle were consistent with those in the liver. Among the above indexes, the change in CH is the most significant. The Chao1, ACE, Shannon, and Simpson index in CL, CM, and CH groups were increased. In the taxonomic composition, after the intervention with GFPS, the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria such as unclassified Muribaculaceae, Alloprevotella, and unclassified Lachnospiraceae increased. In linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis, the characteristic bacteria in CC, CL, CM, and CH groups showed significant differences. In addition, some characteristic bacteria significantly correlated with related energy metabolism indicators.

Conclusion

The preventive effect of G. frondosa on obesity is related to changing the structure of intestinal content microbiota and promoting the growth of SCFAs. While excessive intake of G. frondosa may not be conducive to the antioxidant capacity and energy metabolism.
Social sustainable development green brand value in education impact strategic alliance investment decision evaluation
Authors: Ko Chuan-Chuan , Liu Chien-Yu , Liu Chunmei
Published: January 2023

The green brand is a consumer experience. Educational hospitality attaches importance to green brands, and consumers’ preference for green brands has become the current business practice of environmental protection and sustainable development. Strategic alliances drive competitiveness and exert multiplier effects. Commodity diversification is an important key factor in enhancing competitiveness and sustainable development. This study uses the real options approach to construct a dynamic strategy model, which explains the optimal occupancy pricing threshold and optimal green brand value investment strategy threshold on different influence variables and evaluates the difference between hospitality alliances with green brand restaurants and hospitality providers that create their own brand specialty restaurants. This study provides corresponding strategies for the development of a larger consumer market and market share for hospitality and the feasibility of sustainable development. The results show that the threshold of hospitality alliances with green brand restaurants is lower and will gain higher returns. However, if the economy is booming, it is more advantageous for hospitality alliances to adopt their own innovative brand specialty restaurants. It is recommended that managers consider developing innovative catering services and quality when hospitality faces strong competition. The choice is to form an alliance with a green brand restaurant or create its own brand specialty restaurant to enhance the popularity of hospitality to attract more customers. This will contribute to the sustainable development of hospitality. The results of the analysis provide a reference for managers to make appropriate investment decisions for restaurant management at an appropriate time.
Characterization of pore structure and reservoir properties of tight sandstone with CTS, SEM, and HPMI: A case study of the tight oil reservoir in fuyu oil layers of Sanzhao Sag, Songliao basin, NE China
Authors: Mu Changhe , Hua Haojie , Wang Xiukun
Published: January 2023

Quantitative characterization of the pore throat structures and reservoir properties of the tight sandstone in Fuyu oil layers of Sanzhao Sag, Songliao Basin, NE China was carried out using cast thin section (CTS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-pressure mercury intrusion (HPMI) combined with fractal theory. cast thin section and scanning electron microscopy describe the composition, pore filling, cementation, and connectivity of tight sandstones. Six different fractal models, i.e. 2D capillary model, 3D spherical model, 3D capillary model, geometric model, thermodynamic model, and wetting phase model are used to calculate the fractal dimension of pore size distribution using capillary pressure data of high-pressure mercury intrusion, and their correlations with reservoir properties were analyzed. The images of CTS and SEM show that the main lithology of this oil reservoir is tight sandstone, and the pore types are mainly intergranular dissolved pores and intragranular dissolved pores, with uneven pore distribution and poor connectivity. The study of the HPMI data shows that the throat sorting coefficient is the main influencing factor of tight sandstone permeability. The fractal dimensions calculated from the HPMI capillary pressure data using the 3D capillary model and the wetting phase fractal model have the strongest correlations with the reservoir properties compared with the other fractal model. As the fractal dimension increases, the pore throat structures become more heterogenous and reservoir properties become poorer. For the wetting phase fractal model, the calculated fractal dimension is positively correlated with the heterogeneity of the pore throat structure of tight sandstone, which is contrary to the fractal theory and is not suitable for analyzing pore throat structures. The fractal dimensions calculated from the thermodynamic model have no obvious correlations with reservoir properties and cannot quantitatively characterize the heterogeneity of tight sandstone.
Research on gas production law of free gas in oil-immersed power transformer under discharge fault of different severity
Authors: Zhou Xiu , Tian Tian , Liu Ningbo , Bai Jin , Luo Yan , Li Xiuguang , He Ninghui , Zhang Pengcheng , Jun Sun
Published: January 2023

Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) is a common technology used in the on-site maintenance of oil-immersed power transformers in the power industry at present. However, when the content of dissolved gas in the oil reaches the attention value DGA method can effectively diagnose the operating state of the transformer. Due to the lack of gas production data of free gas which was detected when the faults occur, DGA method cannot timely diagnose the transformer status. To solve the above problem, an experimental platform is built for studying the free gas generation law in oil-immersed transformers under discharge faults, and the characteristic free gas information under discharge fault of transformer is obtained through the experiment. It is found that the existing DGA method cannot accurately analyze the types and severity of sudden serious insulation faults. When high-energy partial discharge fault occurred in the equipment, CO, CO2, CH4, and H2 will be collected in large quantities on the oil surface. These four gases can be used as the basis for characterizing high-energy partial discharge faults. When spark discharge occurred in the equipment, C2H6, C2H4, and C2H2 also be collected on the oil surface which can be used as a diagnostic basis for spark discharge. Moreover, it is found that the existing three-ratio method cannot be used for accurate analysis of oil free characteristic gas, so it is necessary to explore new diagnostic methods. The aim of this study is to explore the pattern of free gas production law by experiments when discharge faults occur and to provide data for a new diagnostic method.
Solar energy investment, technological innovation and carbon emission reduction: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhao Linhai , Cao Ruihua , Wang Yajun
Published: January 2023

The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of solar energy investment on carbon emissions. The STIRPAT model, a non-parametric additive regression model, and the vector autoregression model are built to investigate the comprehensive effect of solar energy investment on China’s carbon emissions. Solar energy investment and other factors related to carbon emissions are examined. The empirical study shows that it will take about 8 years for the solar energy investment to promote carbon emission reductions. The moderation analysis indicates that technological innovation has a moderating effect in the facilitation of carbon emission reduction by solar energy investment. The finding of this study has some meaningful policy implications. In order to achieve the goal of carbon emission reduction, China should keep solar energy investment continuous and steady and improve technological innovation.
Smart power consumption in energy digital economy: A perspective of the value co-creation mechanism
Authors: Shuyi Zhang , Pingkuo Liu , Chen Zhang , Quansheng Shi
Published: January 2023

Residential load is one of the important components of the seasonal peak load of the power grid, and it is increasing each year, with a huge demand response potential. With the development of the energy digital economy, the demand response of the new power system shows the characteristics of multi-stakeholder participation. The development mode based on the value co-creation has become a prominent support for market-oriented reform, and the need for the promotion of smart electricity use is increasingly prominent. In order to realize the in-depth exploration of residents’ demand response potential and the sustainable development of “value co-creation” of smart electricity consumption with the participation of multi-stakeholders, this study adopts both the social network analysis method and the counterfactual analysis approach to reveal the general characteristics of agents promoting the residents to participate in the value co-creation of smart electricity positively. The results show that 1) for social network, both the absolute resource advantage and the structural hole have obvious positive guidance on the agent; however, the incentive effect of the relative resource advantage is not significant; 2) for individual nodes , the role positioning of each agent has obvious guiding function for realizing the value co-creation; and 3) for interrelationship among main agents, the functional relationship has a significant degree of interdependence.
Redefining resilience: The case of small entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alshebami Ali Saleh
Published: January 2023

The survival of enterprises and the effective management of daily problems and obstacles, particularly those faced by small entrepreneurs, depend heavily on resilience. This study examines the critical elements that help small Saudi entrepreneurs strengthen their entrepreneurial resilience through internal locus of control and entrepreneurial self-efficacy, particularly during trying times. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS–SEM) technique was used to analyse the responses of 207 small entrepreneurs operating in various regions of Saudi Arabia. The convenience sampling technique was used, and the data was collected using an online questionnaire. The study found a strong relationship between entrepreneurial resilience, internal locus of control, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. These results demonstrated that entrepreneurial self-efficacy could mediate the relationship between the internal locus of control and entrepreneurial resilience. Finally, the study addressed limitations and provided recommendations for policymakers and potential authors.
Biochemical exploration of β-lactamase inhibitors
Authors: Arer Varshaa , Kar Debasish
Published: January 2023

The alarming rise of microbial resistance to antibiotics has severely limited the efficacy of current treatment options. The prevalence of β-lactamase enzymes is a significant contributor to the emergence of antibiotic resistance. There are four classes of β-lactamases: A, B, C, and D. Class B is the metallo-β-lactamase, while the rest are serine β-lactamases. The clinical use of β-lactamase inhibitors began as an attempt to combat β-lactamase-mediated resistance. Although β-lactamase inhibitors alone are ineffective against bacteria, research has shown that combining inhibitors with antibiotics is a safe and effective treatment that not only prevents β-lactamase formation but also broadens the range of activity. These inhibitors may cause either temporary or permanent inhibition. The development of new β-lactamase inhibitors will be a primary focus of future research. This study discusses recent advances in our knowledge of the biochemistry behind β-lactam breakdown, with special emphasis on the mechanism of inhibitors for β-lactam complexes with β-lactamase. The study also focuses on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of all inhibitors and then applies them in clinical settings. Our analysis and discussion of the challenges that exist in designing inhibitors might help pharmaceutical researchers address root issues and develop more effective inhibitors.
Clinical and functional analyses of the novel STAR c.558C>A in a patient with classic lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Liu Jie , Dai Hong-Mei , Guang Gao-Peng , Hu Wen-Mu , Jin Ping
Published: January 2023

Objective: Congenital lipid adrenal hyperplasia (LCAH) is the most serious type of congenital adrenal hyperplasia and is caused by steroid-based acute regulatory (STAR) protein mutations. Herein, we report compound heterozygous mutations c.558C>A (p.S186 R) and c.772C>T (p.Q258*) in a newborn 46 XY patient diagnosed with classic LCAH and explore their clinical and functional characteristics.

Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from LCAH patient and their families. The pathogenic variant identified by whole-exome sequencing was further confirmed by Sanger sequencing and pedigree verification. The functional consequence and ability to convert cholesterol into progesterone of the identified STAR Q258* and S186 R mutations were analyzed by cell transfection and in vitro assays.

Results: The proband was presented with severe glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiency, high adrenocorticotropic hormone, and enlarged adrenals. Heterozygous mutations p. S186 R and p. Q258* in the STAR gene were identified in the patient, and her parents were carriers, which is consistent with an autosomal recessive disorder. The STAR p. Q258* mutation has been reported and generates a truncated protein. The p. S186 R mutation is a novel variant that disrupts STAR. The residual STAR activities of p. S186R, p. Q258*, and p. S186R/p.Q258* were 13.9%, 7.3%, and 11.2%, respectively, of the wild-type, proving the main negative effects of the mutant proteins.

Conclusion: Our findings reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying LCAH pathogenesis, further expanding the genotype and clinical spectrum of LCAH.
Neonatal NET-Inhibitory Factor improves survival in the cecal ligation and puncture model of polymicrobial sepsis by inhibiting neutrophil extracellular traps
Authors: de Araujo Claudia V. , Denorme Frederik , Stephens W. Zac , Li Qing , Cody Mark J. , Crandell Jacob L. , Petrey Aaron C. , Queisser Kimberly A. , Rustad John L. , Fulcher James M. , Evangelista Judah L. , Kay Michael S. , Schiffman Joshua D. , Campbell Robert A. , Yost Christian C.
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) clear pathogens but may contribute Q8 pathogenically to host inflammatory tissue damage during sepsis. Innovative therapeutic agents targeting NET formation and their potentially harmful collateral effects remain understudied.

Methods

We investigated a novel therapeutic agent, neonatal NET-Inhibitory Factor (nNIF), in a mouse model of experimental sepsis – cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). We administered 2 doses of nNIF (1 mg/ kg) or its scrambled peptide control intravenously 4 and 10 hours after CLP treatment and assessed survival, peritoneal fluid and plasma NET formation using the MPO-DNA ELISA, aerobic bacterial colony forming units (CFU) using serial dilution and culture, peritoneal fluid and stool microbiomes using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and inflammatory cytokine levels using a multiplexed cytokine array. Meropenem (25 mg/kg) treatment served as a clinically relevant treatment for infection.

Results

We observed increased 6-day survival rates in nNIF (73%) and meropenem (80%) treated mice compared to controls (0%). nNIF decreased NET formation compared to controls, while meropenem did not impact NET formation. nNIF treatment led to increased peritoneal fluid and plasma bacterial CFUs consistent with loss of NET-mediated extracellular microbial killing, while nNIF treatment alone did not alter the peritoneal fluid and stool microbiomes compared to vehicle-treated CLP mice. nNIF treatment also decreased peritoneal TNF-a inflammatory cytokine levels compared to scrambled peptide control. Furthermore, adjunctive nNIF increased survival in a model of sub-optimal meropenem treatment (90% v 40%) in CLP-treated mice.

Discussion

Thus, our data demonstrate that nNIF inhibits NET formation in a translationally relevant mouse model of sepsis, improves survival when given as monotherapy or as an adjuvant with antibiotics, and may play an important protective role in sepsis.
The role of intestinal immune cells and matrix metalloproteinases in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Mei Kun , Chen Zilu , Wang Qin , Luo Yi , Huang Yan , Wang Bin , Gu Renjun
Published: January 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has become globally intractable. MMPs play a key role in many inflammatory diseases. However, little is known about the role of MMPs in IBD. In this study, IBD expression profiles were screened from public Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that IBD-related specific functions were associated with immune pathways. Five MMPS-related disease markers, namely MMP-9, CD160, PTGDS, SLC26A8, and TLR5, were selected by machine learning and the correlation between each marker and immune cells was evaluated. We then induced colitis in C57 mice using sodium dextran sulfate and validated model construction through HE staining of the mouse colon. WB and immunofluorescence experiments confirmed that the expression levels of MMP-9, PTGDS, SLC26A8, and CD160 in colitis were significantly increased, whereas that of TLR5 were decreased. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that MMPs regulate intestinal inflammation and immunity mainly through CD8 in colitis. Our findings reveal that MMPs play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of IBD and are related to the infiltration of immune cells, suggesting that MMPs may promote the development of IBD by activating immune infiltration and the immune response. This study provides insights for further studies on the occurrence and development of IBD.
Gardnerella subgroup dominant microbiomes are associated with divergent cervicovaginal immune responses in a longitudinal cohort of Kenyan women
Authors: Shvartsman Elinor , Perciani Catia T. , Richmond Meika E. I. , Russell Justen N. H. , Tough Riley H. , Vancuren Sarah J. , Hill Janet E. , KAVI-ICR  , Jaoko Walter , McKinnon Lyle R. , Sandstrom Paul A. , MacDonald Kelly S.
Published: January 2023

Most cervicovaginal microbiome-immunology studies to date have relied on 16S rDNA microbial profiling which does not resolve the molecular subgroups of Gardnerella, believed to be central to the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and subsequent risk of HIV acquisition. Here we used the cpn60 universal target which in addition to other microbial taxa, resolves four Gardnerella subgroups, for cervicovaginal microbial profiling in a longitudinal cohort of Kenyan women to examine associations with cellular and soluble markers of inflammation and HIV susceptibility. Participants (N = 41) were sampled, contributing 362 samples for microbiome analysis. All non-Lactobacillus dominant microbial communities were associated with high pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Divergent associations were observed among different Gardnerella subgroup dominated communities with respect to the chemokine IP-10. Specifically, Gardnerella subgroup A dominant and polymicrobial communities were associated with reduced concentrations of IP-10 in adjusted linear mixed models (p<0.0001), compared to microbial communities dominated by Lactobacillus (non-iners) species. However, these associations did not translate to significant differences in the proportion or absolute number of CCR5, HLA-DR and CD38 expressed on cervical CD4+ T- cells. These findings suggest that some associations between Gardnerella subgroup dominant microbiomes and mucosal immunity differ and are relevant for the study of BV-pathogenesis and understanding the mechanisms of BV-associated HIV risk.
The E3 ubiquitin ligases regulate PD-1/PD-L1 protein levels in tumor microenvironment to improve immunotherapy
Authors: Hou Bo , Chen Ting , Zhang He , Li Jiatong , Wang Peter , Shang Guanning
Published: January 2023

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is the tumor surrounding environment, which is critical for tumor development and progression. TME is also involved in clinical intervention and treatment outcomes. Modulation of TME is useful for improving therapy strategies. PD-L1 protein on tumor cells interacts with PD-1 protein on T cells, contributing to T cell dysfunction and exhaustion, blockage of the immune response. Evidence has demonstrated that the expression of PD-1/PD-L1 is associated with clinical response to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in cancer patients. It is important to discuss the regulatory machinery how PD-1/PD-L1 protein is finely regulated in tumor cells. In recent years, studies have demonstrated that PD-1/PD-L1 expression was governed by various E3 ubiquitin ligases in TME, contributing to resistance of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in human cancers. In this review, we will discuss the role and molecular mechanisms of E3 ligases-mediated regulation of PD-1 and PD-L1 in TME. Moreover, we will describe how E3 ligases-involved PD-1/PD-L1 regulation alters anti-PD-1/PD-L1 efficacy. Altogether, targeting E3 ubiquitin ligases to control the PD-1/PD-L1 protein levels could be a potential strategy to potentiate immunotherapeutic effects in cancer patients.
Larval dispersal patterns and connectivity of Acropora on Florida’s Coral Reef and its implications for restoration
Authors: King Samantha , Saint-Amand Antoine , Walker Brian K. , Hanert Emmanuel , Figueiredo Joana
Published: January 2023

Since the 1980s, populations of Acropora cervicornis and A. palmata have experienced severe declines due to disease and anthropogenic stressors; resulting in their listing as threatened, and their need for restoration. In this study, larval survival and competency data were collected and used to calibrate a very high-resolution hydrodynamic model (up to 100m) to determine the dispersal patterns of Acropora species along the Florida’s Coral Reef. The resulting connectivity matrices was incorporated into a metapopulation model to compare strategies for restoring Acropora populations. This study found that Florida’s Coral Reef was historically a well-connected system, and that spatially selective restoration may be able to stimulate natural recovery. Acropora larvae are predominantly transported northward along the Florida’s Coral Reef, however southward transport also occurs, driven by tides and baroclinic eddies. Local retention and self-recruitment processes were strong for a broadcast spawner with a long pelagic larval duration. Model simulations demonstrate that it is beneficial to spread restoration effort across more reefs, rather than focusing on a few reefs. Differences in population patchiness between the Acropora cervicornis and A. palmata drive the need for different approaches to their management plans. This model can be used as a tool to address the species-specific management to restore genotypically diverse Acropora populations on the Florida’s Coral Reef, and its methods could be expanded to other vulnerable populations.