bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insights on the Biomarker Potential of Exosomal Non-Coding RNAs in Colorectal Cancer: An In Silico Characterization of Related Exosomal lncRNA/circRNA–miRNA–Target Axis
Authors: Mezher Maria , Abdallah Samira , Ashekyan Ohanes , Shoukari Ayman Al , Choubassy Hayat , Kurdi Abdallah , Temraz Sally , Nasr Rihab
Published: April 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancer types, ranking third after lung and breast cancers. As such, it demands special attention for better characterization, which may eventually result in the development of early detection strategies and preventive measures. Currently, components of bodily fluids, which may reflect various disease states, are being increasingly researched for their biomarker potential. One of these components is the circulating extracellular vesicles, namely, exosomes, which are demonstrated to carry various cargo. Of importance, the non-coding RNA cargo of circulating exosomes, especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs (circRNAs), and micro RNAs (miRNAs), may potentially serve as significant diagnostic and prognostic/predictive biomarkers. In this review, we present existing evidence on the diagnostic and prognostic/predictive biomarker value of exosomal non-coding RNAs in CRC. In addition, taking advantage of the miRNA sponging functionality of lncRNAs and circRNAs, we demonstrate an experimentally validated CRC exosomal non-coding RNA-regulated target gene axis benefiting from published miRNA sponging studies in CRC. Hence, we present a set of target genes and pathways downstream of the lncRNA/circRNA–miRNA–target axis along with associated significant Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, which may collectively serve to better characterize CRC and shed light on the significance of exosomal non-coding RNAs in CRC diagnosis and prognosis/prediction.
Lectin Receptor-like Kinase Signaling during Engineered Ectomycorrhiza Colonization
Authors: Shrestha Him , Yao Tao , Qiao Zhenzhen , Muchero Wellington , Hettich Robert L. , Chen Jin-Gui , Abraham Paul E.
Published: April 2023

Mutualistic association can improve a plant’s health and productivity. G-type lectin receptor-like kinase (PtLecRLK1) is a susceptibility factor in Populus trichocarpa that permits root colonization by a beneficial fungus, Laccaria bicolor. Engineering PtLecRLK1 also permits L. bicolor root colonization in non-host plants similar to Populus trichocarpa. The intracellular signaling reprogramed by PtLecRLK1 upon recognition of L. bicolor to allow for the development and maintenance of symbiosis is yet to be determined. In this study, phosphoproteomics was utilized to identify phosphorylation-based relevant signaling pathways associated with PtLecRLK1 recognition of L. bicolor in transgenic switchgrass roots. Our finding shows that PtLecRLK1 in transgenic plants modifies the chitin-triggered plant defense and MAPK signaling along with a significant adjustment in phytohormone signaling, ROS balance, endocytosis, cytoskeleton movement, and proteasomal degradation in order to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of L. bicolor colonization. Moreover, protein–protein interaction data implicate a cGMP-dependent protein kinase as a potential substrate of PtLecRLK1.
Potential Effects of High Temperature and Heat Wave on Nanorana pleskei Based on Transcriptomic Analysis
Authors: Zhang Tao , Niu Zhiyi , He Jie , Pu Peng , Meng Fei , Xi Lu , Tang Xiaolong , Ding Li , Ma Miaojun , Chen Qiang
Published: April 2023

In the context of climate change, understanding how indigenous amphibians of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau react to stresses and their coping mechanisms could be crucial for predicting their fate and successful conservation. A liver transcriptome for Nanorana pleskei was constructed using high-throughput RNA sequencing, and its gene expression was compared with frogs acclimated under either room temperature or high temperature and also heat wave exposed ones. A total of 126,465 unigenes were produced, with 66,924 (52.92%) of them being annotated. Up to 694 genes were found to be differently regulated as a result of abnormal temperature acclimatization. Notably, genes belonging to the heat shock protein (HSP) family were down-regulated in both treated groups. Long-term exposure to high-temperature stress may impair the metabolic rate of the frog and trigger the body to maintain a hypometabolic state in an effort to survive challenging times. During heat waves, unlike the high-temperature group, mitochondrial function was not impaired, and the energy supply was largely normal to support the highly energy-consuming metabolic processes. Genes were more transcriptionally suppressed when treated with high temperatures than heat waves, and the body stayed in low-energy states for combating these long-term adverse environments to survive. It might be strategic to preserve initiation to executive protein activity under heat wave stress. Under both stress conditions, compromising the protection of HSP and sluggish steroid activity occurred in frogs. Frogs were more affected by high temperatures than by heat waves.
Identifying Genomic Signatures of Positive Selection to Predict Protective Genomic Loci in the Cohort of Lithuanian Clean-Up Workers of the Chornobyl Nuclear Disaster
Authors: Žukauskaitė Gabrielė , Domarkienė Ingrida , Matulevičienė Aušra , Dauengauer-Kirlienė Svetlana , Kučinskas Vaidutis , Ambrozaitytė Laima
Published: April 2023

Some people resist or recover from health challenges better than others. We studied Lithuanian clean-up workers of the Chornobyl nuclear disaster (LCWC) who worked in the harshest conditions and, despite high ionising radiation doses as well as other factors, continue ageing relatively healthily. Thus, we hypothesised that there might be individual features encoded by the genome which act protectively for better adaptiveness and health that depend on unique positive selection signatures. Whole-genome sequencing was performed for 40 LCWC and a control group composed of 25 men from the general Lithuanian population (LTU). Selective sweep analysis was performed to identify genomic regions which may be under recent positive selection and determine better adaptiveness. Twenty-two autosomal loci with the highest positive selection signature values were identified. Most important, unique loci under positive selection have been identified in the genomes of the LCWC, which may influence the survival and adaptive qualities to extreme conditions, and the disaster itself. Characterising these loci provide a better understanding of the interaction between ongoing microevolutionary processes, multifactorial traits, and diseases. Studying unique groups of disease-resistant individuals could help create new insights for better, more individualised, disease diagnostics and prevention strategies.
Using Odontoblasts Derived from Dog Endometrial Stem Cells Encapsulated in Fibrin Gel Associated with BMP-2 in a Rat Pulp-Capping Model
Authors: Hoveizi Elham , Naddaf Hadi , Ahmadianfar Sina , Bernardi Sara
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to treat dental injuries by utilizing one of the most advanced tissue engineering techniques. In this study, an in vitro model was employed to investigate the proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of canine endometrial stem cells (C-EnSCs). Furthermore, the dentin regeneration potential of odontoblast like-cells (OD) derived from C-EnSCs was assessed in rats. The C-EnSCs were isolated by the enzymatic method and identified by flow cytometry. The C-EnSCs were encapsulated in fibrin gel associated with signaling factors to create the proper conditions for cell growth and differentiation. Then, the OD cells were associated with bone morphologic protein-2 (BMP-2) to promote dentin formation in vivo. The animal model used to evaluate the regenerative effect of cells and biomaterials included the preparation of the left maxillary first molar of rats for direct pulp capping operation. Animals were divided into four groups: group 1, a control group without any treatment, group 2, which received fibrin, group 3, which received fibrin with ODs (fibrin/ODs), and group 4, which received fibrin with ODs and BMP-2 (fibrin/ODs/BMP-2). The morphological observations showed the differentiation of C-EnSCs into adipose, bone, neural cells, and ODs. Furthermore, the histomorphometric data of the treated teeth showed how fibrin gel and BMP2 at a concentration of 100 ng/mL provided an optimal microenvironment for regenerating dentin tissue in rats, which was increased significantly with the presence of OD cells within eight weeks. Our study showed that using OD cells derived from C-EnSCs encapsulated in fibrin gel associated with BMP2 can potentially be an appropriate candidate for direct pulp-capping and dentin regeneration.
Liver Damage and COVID-19: At Least a “Two-Hit” Story in Systematic Review
Authors: Montori Michele , Baroni Gialuca Svegliati , Santori Pierangelo , Di Giampaolo Catia , Ponziani Francesca , Abenavoli Ludovico , Scarpellini Emidio
Published: April 2023

COVID-19 pandemic waves have hit on our lives with pulmonary and, also, gastrointestinal symptoms. The latter also includes acute liver damage linked to direct SARS-CoV-2 action and/or drug-induced (DILI) in the frame of pre-existing chronic liver disease. We aimed to review literature data regarding liver damage during COVID-19. We conducted a systematic search on the main medical databases for original articles, reviews, meta-analyses, randomized clinical trials and case series using the following keywords and acronyms and their associations: liver disease, COVID-19, acute liver damage, drug-induced liver injury, antivirals. Acute liver damage due to SARS-CoV-2 infection is common among COVID-19 patients and is generally self-limiting. However, chronic hepatic diseases, such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), are associated with a less favorable prognosis, especially when alkaline phosphatases show a significant rise. Pathophysiology of COVID-19 liver damage is multifaceted and helps understand differences in liver derangement among patients. Thus, early recognition, monitoring and treatment of liver damage are crucial in these patients. In the frame of a not-ending pandemic sustained by SARS-CoV-2, it is crucial to recognize acute hepatic decompensation due to the virus and/or drugs used for COVID-19 treatment.
Fabrication of Slippery Surfaces on Aluminum Alloy and Its Anti-Icing Performance in Glaze Ice
Authors: Li Bo , Bai Jie , Fan Lei , Mao Xianyin , Ding Zhimin , Mu Hao , Liu Guoyong , Yuan Yuan
Published: April 2023

Slippery liquid-infused porous surfaces (SLIPS) have received growing attention as promising icephobic materials. In this study, SLIPS were prepared on aluminum alloys by combining anodization and infusion of common silicone oil. An SLIPS with low ice-adhesion strength (6 kPa) was obtained by optimizing the anodizing time parameters (10 min). In addition, the frosting process and freezing of water droplets on the as-prepared SLIPS at −10 °C were delayed for 2000 s and 4800 s, respectively. Simultaneously, the as-prepared SLIPS also exhibited excellent anti-icing performance in glaze ice, since the supercooled water drips/ice slipped from the surface. The ice weight of the as-prepared SLIPS was significantly lower than that of the bare aluminum surface and the anti-icing-fluid-coated aluminum surface, which was reduced by 38.2%–63.6% compared with the bare aluminum surface. The ice weight increased with decreased temperature and inclination angle. This work proposes a method suitable for large-area preparation of SLIPS that achieves excellent anti-icing performance and significantly reduces the weight of glaze ice.
CAR-T Cells in Canada; Perspective on How to Ensure We Get Our Value’s Worth
Authors: Villeneuve Pierre J. A. , Bredeson Christopher
Published: April 2023

New therapies in a publicly funded healthcare system are first appraised by health technology assessment agencies that provide funding recommendations to the payers. Treatment with Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T cell (CAR-T) therapy is revolutionizing the management of patients with relapsed/refractory aggressive B-cell lymphoma by providing an effective alternative to the standard of care. Yet, the implementation of CAR-T treatment has a substantial impact on the healthcare system due to its high cost, complex manufacturing process, and requirement for highly specialized services and expertise. CAR-T Cells, as a “living drug”, are fundamentally different from usual medications, and their approvals and funding recommendations pose unique challenges to the health technology agency. In this paper, we explore the specific challenges that face the health technology agencies in reviewing reimbursement recommendations for CAR-T therapy. We take a Canadian perspective and use CAR-T treatment of relapse/refractory aggressive B-cell lymphoma as an example.
Comparison of Mandibular Volume and Linear Measurements in Patients with Mandibular Asymmetry
Authors: Hikosaka Yuki , Koizumi So , Kim Yong-Il , Adel Mohamed , Nadim Mohamed , Hikita Yu , Yamaguchi Tetsutaro
Published: April 2023

In patients with mandibular asymmetry, the volume of the mandible divided by the mandibular median plane is significantly larger on the non-deviated (N-Dev) side than on the deviated (Dev) side. However, it has been reported that there is no significant difference between the volumes of the N-Dev and Dev sides when the mandibular ramus and body are divided. The purpose of this study was to investigate which region is responsible for the volume difference between the N-Dev and Dev sides. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images of patients with mandibular asymmetry were analyzed by measuring the volume, and linear analysis of the mandibular body, ramus, and condyle on the N-Dev and Dev side was performed. In this study, CBCT images of 37 patients (8 Japanese, 16 Korean, and 13 Egyptian) aged ≥ 18 years with mandibular asymmetry (men: 20, women: 17) were used to evaluate mandibular asymmetry. In patients with mandibular asymmetry, the N-Dev side showed significantly larger values than the Dev side for both volume and linear condyle, ramus, and mandibular body measurements. These results do not differ according to sex or ethnicity. Therefore, it is suggested that the N-Dev side of mandibular asymmetry is large without any regional specificity in pathophysiology.
MDCT Diagnosis and Staging of Xanthogranulomatous Pyelonephritis
Authors: Tamburrini Stefania , Comune Rosita , Lassandro Giulia , Pezzullo Filomena , Liguori Carlo , Fiorini Valeria , Picchi Stefano Giusto , Lugarà Marina , Del Biondo Dario , Masala Salvatore , Tamburro Fabio , Scaglione Mariano
Published: April 2023

Background: Benign nephrectomy to treat patients with renal inflammatory disease in cases of severe urinary infection represents a diagnostic and management challenge because of significant inflammatory, fibrotic, and infectious components. Among renal inflammatory diseases, fistulization and invasiveness to adjacent structures are some of the hallmarks of xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP). The aims of this study were as follows 1. to retrospectively determine key demographic and clinical features of XGP among benign nephrectomies; 2. to assess the CT preoperative diagnostic accuracy; and 3. to define the imaging characteristics of the CT stage. Material and Methods: A retrospective review of clinical, laboratory, and radiological features and operative methods of patients who underwent benign nephrectomy with histologically proven XGP was performed. Results: XPG was diagnosed in 18 patients over a 4-year (2018–2022) period. XGP represented 43.90% among benign nephrectomies. The mean age of the patients was 63 years, and the sex prevalence was higher in women (72.22%). Symptoms were vague and not specifically referrable to urinary tract disorders and unilateral (100%), with the left kidney affected in 61.11% of cases. Staghorn calculi and stone disease were the most common underlying cause (72.22%). All patients underwent CT. The preoperative CT imaging accuracy for renal inflammatory disease was 94.44% and indeterminate in 5.56%. A suspected diagnosis of XGP was formulated in 66.67% (12/18; 2 stage II/10 stage III), meanwhile, in 33.33% (6 patients with stage I), a non-specific diagnosis of renal inflammatory disease was formulated. CT was reported according to the Malek and Elder classification and staged in the stage I nephric form (33.33%), stage II perinephric form (11.11%), stage III paranephric form (55.56%). Conclusions: The CT diagnostic accuracy for kidney inflammatory disease was extremely high, whereas the suspected diagnosis of XGP was formulated preoperatively in only 66.67% of high-stage disease, where the hallmarks of invasiveness and fistulization of the pathology increased the diagnostic confidence.
Sample Size Calculations in Simple Linear Regression: A New Approach
Authors: Guan Tianyuan , Alam Mohammed Khorshed , Rao Marepalli Bhaskara
Published: April 2023

The problem tackled is the determination of sample size for a given level and power in the context of a simple linear regression model. The standard approach deals with planned experiments in which the predictor X is observed for a number n of times and the corresponding observations on the response variable Y are to be drawn. The statistic that is used is built on the least squares’ estimator of the slope parameter. Its conditional distribution given the data on the predictor X is utilized for sample size calculations. This is problematic. The sample size n is already presaged and the data on X is fixed. In unplanned experiments, in which both X and Y are to be sampled simultaneously, we do not have data on the predictor X yet. This conundrum has been discussed in several papers and books with no solution proposed. We overcome the problem by determining the exact unconditional distribution of the test statistic in the unplanned case. We have provided tables of critical values for given levels of significance following the exact distribution. In addition, we show that the distribution of the test statistic depends only on the effect size, which is defined precisely in the paper.
Empirical Squared Hellinger Distance Estimator and Generalizations to a Family of α-Divergence Estimators
Authors: Ding Rui , Mullhaupt Andrew
Published: April 2023

We present an empirical estimator for the squared Hellinger distance between two continuous distributions, which almost surely converges. We show that the divergence estimation problem can be solved directly using the empirical CDF and does not need the intermediate step of estimating the densities. We illustrate the proposed estimator on several one-dimensional probability distributions. Finally, we extend the estimator to a family of estimators for the family of α-divergences, which almost surely converge as well, and discuss the uniqueness of this result. We demonstrate applications of the proposed Hellinger affinity estimators to approximately bounding the Neyman–Pearson regions.
Enhancement of Electrochemical Performance of Aqueous Zinc Ion Batteries by Structural and Interfacial Design of MnO2 Cathodes: The Metal Ion Doping and Introduction of Conducting Polymers
Authors: Kamenskii Mikhail A. , Volkov Filipp S. , Eliseeva Svetlana N. , Tolstopyatova Elena G. , Kondratiev Veniamin V.
Published: April 2023

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) and, in particular, Zn//MnO2 rechargeable batteries have attracted great attention due to the abundant natural resources of zinc and manganese, low cost, environmental friendliness, and high operating voltage. Among the various ways to improve the electrochemical performance of MnO2-based cathodes, the development of MnO2 cathodes doped with metal ions or composites of MnO2 with conducting polymers has shown such advantages as increasing the specific capacity and cycling stability. This mini-review focuses on the strategies to improve the electrochemical performance of manganese-based cathodes of AZIBs.
Solar Energy Conversion and Electron Storage by a Cu2O/CuO Photocapacitive Electrode
Authors: Xue Huangjun , Wen Xin , Fu Cheng , Zhan Haolan , Zou Zongquan , Zhang Ruifen , Xia Yongpeng , Xu Fen , Sun Lixian
Published: April 2023

Solar conversion devices are generally connected with energy storage systems to overcome the influence of sunlight variability. Developing an integrated solar energy conversion and storage device is an attractive approach to compensate for the energy loss of directly connecting these separate devices. In this work, a photocapacitive device is developed based on the Cu2O/CuO heterostructure, with Cu2O as a light absorber and CuO providing a platform for electron and ion storage. The coupling of Cu2O and CuO leads to a high specific capacitance of 135 mF/cm2 under bias and an open-circuit potential of 0.62 VRHE. A photo-charge and dark-discharge ability of Cu2O/CuO system under zero-bias is also discovered and explained based on the concept of Faradaic junction. This work presents an avenue for the investigation of high-performance Cu2O-based solar energy storage devices.
A Comprehensive Review on Wireless Power Transfer Systems for Charging Portable Electronics
Authors: Laha Arpan , Kalathy Abirami , Pahlevani Majid , Jain Praveen
Published: April 2023

Wireless power transfer (WPT) for portable electronic applications has been gaining a lot of interest over the past few decades. This study provides a comprehensive review of the recent advancements in WPT technology, along with the challenges faced in its practical implementation. The modeling and design of WPT systems, including the effect of cross-coupling in multiple receivers, have been discussed and the techniques for efficiency improvement have been highlighted. The challenges of coil design, EMI shielding, and foreign object detection have been pointed out and various cutting-edge solutions have been presented. With improvements in wide bandgap technology, there is a push to operate WPT systems at mega-hertz frequencies. The reason for this is twofold: the miniaturization of the system and the ability to achieve a better magnetic link efficiency. However, with higher frequency comes the challenge of operating the power electronic components efficiently by using soft-switching techniques. Hence, an in-depth discussion on soft-switched topologies such as the Class D and Class E converters and their variations has been provided. Finally, the effects of magnetic field exposure on humans along with safety standards have been discussed.
Dwarfing Effect of Plant Growth Retarders on Melaleuca alternifolia
Authors: Li Qiong , Zhang Le , Cao Shoujin , Li Jian’an , Yan Jindong , Xiong Li , Wang Fan , He Jienan
Published: April 2023

Rapid growth and scattered plant types are urgent issues for potted Melaleuca alternifolia. An effective strategy for dwarfing cultivation is the exogenous application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) to plants. However, for many non-wood forest species, there is currently limited understanding of the regulatory mechanism of dwarfing effects of PGRs, which greatly limits the application of PGRs. In this study, three PGRs, paclobutrazol (PP333), uniconazole (S3307), and chlormequat chloride (CCC) were applied to dwarf terpinen-4-ol M. alternifolia. By observing the morphological characteristics and leaf anatomy of M. alternifolia after dwarfing and measuring its photosynthetic characteristics and physiological and biochemical indexes, the dwarfing effect of the three PGRs and the underlying mechanisms were investigated to provide a reference for the cultivation of M. alternifolia by dwarfing. The results show that the PP333 (P3) treatment at 2000 mg·L−1 had the best dwarfing effect on M. alternifolia, with a compact plant shape, thicker stems, and green leaf color. At the same time, it increased the chlorophyll contents, changed the blade structure, increased the content of soluble substances and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, increased the endogenous hormones indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellin A3 (GA3), and trans-zeatin-riboside (ZR), and decreased abscisic acid (ABA) levels.
Mixed Plantations Induce More Soil Macroaggregate Formation and Facilitate Soil Nitrogen Accumulation
Authors: He Yaqin , Zhang Qianchun , Wang Shengqiang , Jiang Chenyang , Lan Yahui , Zhang Han , Ye Shaoming
Published: April 2023

Nitrogen plays a crucial role in limiting plant growth and determining net primary productivity in forest ecosystems. However, variations and influencing factors of soil nitrogen distribution on the aggregate scale in pure and mixed Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook) plantations remain unclear. This study aimed to explore how soil aggregate composition, geometric mean diameter (GMD), mean weight diameter (MWD), total nitrogen (TN), total acidolyzable nitrogen (TAN), available nitrogen (AN), nonacidolyzable nitrogen (AIN), amino acid nitrogen (AAN), nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N), cidolyzable ammonia nitrogen (AMN), unknown-acidolyzable nitrogen (HUN), amino sugar nitrogen (ASN), and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) contents and stocks varied with aggregate size (>2, 1–2, 0.25–1, and <0.25 mm) and stand type [Chinese fir mixed with Michelia macclurei Dandy (CF + MM), Chinese fir mixed with Mytilaria laosensis Lecomte (CF + ML) and pure stands of Chinese fir (CF)] in 0–20 and 20–40 cm soil depth. Soil N content in different stand types of Chinese fir plantations decreased as the aggregate size increased, whereas the soil N stock exhibited the opposite trend. In contrast to CF soil, CF + MM and CF + ML soil displayed a significant increase in MWD, GMD, and aggregate-associated TN, AN, NO3−-N, NH4+-N, AIN, AAN, ASN, and AMN contents and stocks, especially CF + MM soil. Organic N was more sensitive to the response of aggregate size and stand type than mineral N. Redundancy analysis and Pearson’s correlation analysis indicated that the 0.25–1 mm aggregate proportion was the main controlling factor for the variations in soil N content and storage. Overall, this study contributed significantly to the promotion of the sustainable use of soil resources and reference information for the scientific management and sustainable development of Chinese fir forests.
Potential Westward Spread of Emerald Ash Borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, 1888 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) from Eastern Ukraine
Authors: Meshkova Valentyna , Borysenko Oleksandr , Kucheryavenko Tetiana , Skrylnyk Yuriy , Davydenko Kateryna , Holusa Jaroslav
Published: April 2023

Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is a phloem-boring beetle, native to East Asia that has become a serious invasive pest of ash (Fraxinus spp.) trees in North America and European Russia since the early 2000s. In 2019, EAB was detected in Ukraine. It had spread over 300 km from the entry point over two years and killed hundreds of Fraxinus excelsior and F. pennsylvanica trees. EAB poses a threat to the ash forests of neighboring European countries, which have already been damaged by the invasive fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. The purpose of this research was (i) to reveal the traits of EAB and the climatic variables that affect its survival; (ii) to predict the EAB expansion range in Ukraine and westward; and (iii) to compare the most significant bioclimatic variables in the native, invasive ranges of EAB, as well as outside these ranges. The results demonstrated the following: (i) in all ranges, EAB has adapted to the seasonal temperature variations; (ii) the MaxEnt model predicted the potential distribution of EAB with high accuracy (AUC = 0.988); the predicted area of EAB invasion covered 87%, 48%, and 32% in Luhansk, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions, respectively; and (iii) the ranges of climatic variables in EAB-inhabited regions demonstrated the high ecological plasticity of this pest. However, the predictions could be improved by considering forest structure, as well as the localization of roads.
Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermented Dandelion Improves Hyperuricemia and Regulates Gut Microbiota
Authors: Ma Qianwen , Chen Mingju , Liu Yu , Tong Ying , Liu Tianfeng , Wu Lele , Wang Jiliang , Han Bin , Zhou Lin , Hu Xuguang
Published: April 2023

Foodborne prevention and treatment of hyperuricemia (HUA) has received widespread attention. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can improve intestinal function, while traditional medicine dandelion has the functions of detoxification and detumescence. Whether LAB fermented dandelion has any effects on HUA and the underlying mechanism is not clear. To address these questions, Lactobacillus acidophilus was selected or maximal xanthine oxidase activity. The effect of Lactobacillus acidophilus fermented dandelion (LAFD) on uric acid metabolism was evaluated by the HUA mouse model. Expression levels of UA, BUN, CRE, XOD, and inflammatory factors in serum were detected. Paraffin sections and staining were used to observe the kidney and small intestine, and mRNA expression of GLUT9, URAT1, OAT1, and ABCG2 related to uric acid metabolism were investigated. Furthermore, the intestinal flora was studied by contents of the cecum and high throughput 16S rRNA sequencing. The results showed that LAFD had a significant inhibitory effect on XOD in vitro (p < 0.01). LAFD could reduce the levels of UA, BUN, CRE, XOD, IL-1 β, IL-6, and TNF- α in serum (p < 0.05), thus inhibiting inflammatory reaction, and reducing UA by decreasing the mRNA expression of GLUT9, URAT1 in kidney and increasing the mRNA expression of OAT1 and ABCG2 in kidney and small intestine (p < 0.05). In addition, the 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis demonstrated that LAFD treatment can help restore the imbalance of the intestinal microbial ecosystem and reverse the changes in Bacterodietes/Firmicutes, Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae in mice with HUA. It is suggested that the mechanism of LAFD in treating HUA may be related to the regulation of the mRNA expressions of GLUT9, URAT1, OAT1, and ABCG2 in the kidney and small intestine, as well as the regulation of intestinal flora, which provides the experimental basis for the development of new plant fermented products.
Countering Omitted Evidence of Variable Historical Forests and Fire Regime in Western USA Dry Forests: The Low-Severity-Fire Model Rejected
Authors: Baker William , Hanson Chad , Williams Mark , DellaSala Dominick
Published: April 2023

The structure and fire regime of pre-industrial (historical) dry forests over ~26 million ha of the western USA is of growing importance because wildfires are increasing and spilling over into communities. Management is guided by current conditions relative to the historical range of variability (HRV). Two models of HRV, with different implications, have been debated since the 1990s in a complex series of papers, replies, and rebuttals. The “low-severity” model is that dry forests were relatively uniform, low in tree density, and dominated by low- to moderate-severity fires; the “mixed-severity” model is that dry forests were heterogeneous, with both low and high tree densities and a mixture of fire severities. Here, we simply rebut evidence in the low-severity model’s latest review, including its 37 critiques of the mixed-severity model. A central finding of high-severity fire recently exceeding its historical rates was not supported by evidence in the review itself. A large body of published evidence supporting the mixed-severity model was omitted. These included numerous direct observations by early scientists, early forest atlases, early newspaper accounts, early oblique and aerial photographs, seven paleo-charcoal reconstructions, ≥18 tree-ring reconstructions, 15 land survey reconstructions, and analysis of forest inventory data. Our rebuttal shows that evidence omitted in the review left a falsification of the scientific record, with significant land management implications. The low-severity model is rejected and mixed-severity model is supported by the corrected body of scientific evidence.
A Probabilistic Model for Fire Temperature Rise in High-Rise Residential Buildings under the Action of Uncertain Factors
Authors: Yin Jiyao , Tang Tianyao , Zhang Guowei , Zhou Lin , Deng Peng
Published: April 2023

Due to the randomness of interior combustibles, wall thermal inertia, and opening factor, the fire temperature rise in high-rise residential buildings is uncertain. This study investigated 38 urban high-rise residential buildings, created the probability density functions of fire load density, opening factor, and wall thermal inertia, and constructed random fire scenarios for urban high-rise residential buildings. On this basis, relying on the Latin Hypercube Sampling method, this study further explored the probabilistic model for fire temperature rise in urban high-rise residential buildings under the action of uncertain factors, generated the possible temperature rise curves of fires in urban high-rise residential buildings and their probability distribution, and established the most representative temperature rise curve.
Exact Solutions of Navier–Stokes Equations for Quasi-Two-Dimensional Flows with Rayleigh Friction
Authors: Burmasheva Natalya , Ershkov Sergey , Prosviryakov Evgeniy , Leshchenko Dmytro
Published: April 2023

To solve the problems of geophysical hydrodynamics, it is necessary to integrally take into account the unevenness of the bottom and the free boundary for a large-scale flow of a viscous incompressible fluid. The unevenness of the bottom can be taken into account by setting a new force in the Navier–Stokes equations (the Rayleigh friction force). For solving problems of geophysical hydrodynamics, the velocity field is two-dimensional. In fact, a model representation of a thin (bottom) baroclinic layer is used. Analysis of such flows leads to the redefinition of the system of equations. A compatibility condition is constructed, the fulfillment of which guarantees the existence of a nontrivial solution of the overdetermined system under consideration. A non-trivial exact solution of the overdetermined system is found in the class of Lin–Sidorov–Aristov exact solutions. In this case, the flow velocities are described by linear forms from horizontal (longitudinal) coordinates. Several variants of the pressure representation that do not contradict the form of the equation system are considered. The article presents an algebraic condition for the existence of a non-trivial exact solution with functional arbitrariness for the Lin–Sidorov–Aristov class. The isobaric and gradient flows of a viscous incompressible fluid are considered in detail.
Numerical Study on Collisions of Solitons of Surface Waves in Finite Water Depth
Authors: Liao Bo , Dong Guohai , Ma Yuxiang , Ma Xiaozhou
Published: April 2023

Head-on collisions between two solitary waves in the framework of the nonlinear Schrödinger (NLS) equation were investigated using the Fourier spectral method. When solitary waves undergo collision, the peak value of surface elevation (hereafter referred to as ζmax) exhibits fluctuations with increasing relative water depths k0h (where k0 is the wave number and h is the water depth). ζmax is approximately equal to the sum of the peak values of the two solitary waves with smaller wave steepness ε0 (ε0 = k0a0, a0 is the free background amplitude parameter), and it exhibits fluctuations for ε0 > 0.10. Similar results have been observed in the study of head-on collisions for four solitary waves. These results show that the water depth and wave steepness play important roles in the collision of solitary waves, and the effects of the interactions of intense wave groups are important in studies of the mechanisms and manifestations of freak oceanic waves.
The Evolution of Mitochondrial Genomes between Two Cymbidium Sister Species: Dozens of Circular Chromosomes and the Maintenance and Deterioration of Genome Synteny
Authors: Li Xiaoling , Zhe Mengqing , Huang Yiwei , Fan Weishu , Yang Junbo , Zhu Andan
Published: April 2023

Plant mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) exhibit fluid genome architectures, which could lead to the rapid erosion of genome synteny over a short evolutionary time scale. Among the species-rich orchid family, the leafy Cymbidium lancifolium and leafless Cymbidium macrorhizon are sister species with remarkable differences in morphology and nutritional physiology. Although our understanding of the evolution of mitochondria is incomplete, these sister taxa are ideal for examining this subject. In this study, the complete mitogenomes of C. lancifolium and C. macrorhizon, totaling 704,244 bp and 650,751 bp, respectively, were assembled. In the 2 mitogenomes, 38 protein-coding genes, 18 cis- and 6 trans-spliced introns, and approximately 611 Kb of homologous sequences are identical; overall, they have 99.4% genome-wide similarity. Slight variations in the mitogenomes of C. lancifolium and C. macrorhizon in repeat content (21.0 Kb and 21.6 Kb, respectively) and mitochondrial DNA of plastid origin (MIPT; 38.2 Kb and 37.5 Kb, respectively) were observed. The mitogenome architectures of C. lancifolium and C. macrorhizon are complex and comprise 23 and 22 mini-circular chromosomes, respectively. Pairwise comparisons indicate that the two mitogenomes are largely syntenic, and the disparity in chromosome numbers is likely due to repeat-mediated rearrangements among different chromosomes. Notably, approximately 93.2 Kb C. lancifolium mitochondrial sequences lack any homology in the C. macrorhizon mitogenome, indicating frequent DNA gains and losses, which accounts mainly for the size variation. Our findings provide unique insights into mitogenome evolution in leafy and leafless plants of sister species and shed light on mitogenome dynamics during the transition from mixotrophy to mycoheterotrophy.
Effects of Voluntary Wheel Running Exercise on Chemotherapy-Impaired Cognitive and Motor Performance in Mice
Authors: Lee Thomas H. , Devaki Malegaddi , Formolo Douglas A. , Rosa Julia M. , Cheng Andy S. K. , Yau Suk-Yu
Published: April 2023

Chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment (chemobrain) and muscle wasting (cachexia) are persisting side effects which adversely affect the quality of life of cancer survivors. We therefore investigated the efficacy of physical exercise as a non-pharmacological intervention to reverse the adverse effects of chemotherapy. We examined whether physical exercise in terms of voluntary wheel running could prevent chemotherapy-induced cognitive and motor impairments in mice treated with the multi-kinase inhibitor sorafenib. Adult male BALB/c mice were subdivided into runner and non-runner groups and orally administered with sorafenib (60 mg/kg) or vehicle continuously for four weeks. Mice could freely access the running wheel anytime during sorafenib or vehicle treatment. We found that sorafenib treatment reduced body weight gain (% of change, vehicle: 3.28 ± 3.29, sorafenib: −9.24 ± 1.52, p = 0.0004), impaired hippocampal-dependent spatial memory in the Y maze (exploration index, vehicle: 35.57 ± 11.38%, sorafenib: −29.62 ± 7.90%, p < 0.0001), increased anhedonia-like behaviour in the sucrose preference test (sucrose preference, vehicle: 66.57 ± 3.52%, sorafenib: 44.54 ± 4.25%, p = 0.0005) and impaired motor skill acquisition in rotarod test (latency to fall on day 1: 37.87 ± 8.05 and day 2: 37.22 ± 12.26 s, p > 0.05) but did not induce muscle wasting or reduce grip strength. Concomitant voluntary running reduced anhedonia-like behaviour (sucrose preference, sedentary: 44.54 ± 4.25%, runners: 59.33 ± 4.02%, p = 0.0357), restored impairment in motor skill acquisition (latency to fall on day 1: 50.85 ± 15.45 and day 2: 168.50 ± 37.08 s, p = 0.0004), but failed to rescue spatial memory deficit. Immunostaining results revealed that sorafenib treatment did not affect the number of proliferating cells and immature neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), whereas running significantly increased cell proliferation in both vehicle- (total Ki-67+ cells, sedentary: 16,687.34 ± 72.63, exercise: 3320.03 ± 182.57, p < 0.0001) and sorafenib-treated mice (Ki-67+ cells in the ventral DG, sedentary: 688.82.34 ± 38.16, exercise: 979.53 ± 73.88, p < 0.0400). Our results suggest that spatial memory impairment and anhedonia-like behaviour precede the presence of muscle wasting, and these behavioural deficits are independent of the changes in adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Running effectively prevents body weight loss, improves motor skill acquisition and reduces anhedonia-like behaviour associated with increased proliferating cells and immature neurons in DG. Taken together, they support physical exercise rehabilitation as an effective strategy to prevent chemotherapy side effects in terms of mood dysregulation and motor deficit.
Aligning Federated Learning with Existing Trust Structures in Health Care Systems
Authors: Abdullahi Imrana Yari , Raab René , Küderle Arne , Eskofier Björn
Published: April 2023

Patient-centered health care information systems (PHSs) on peer-to-peer (P2P) networks (e.g., decentralized personal health records) enable storing data locally at the edge to enhance data sovereignty and resilience to single points of failure. Nonetheless, these systems raise concerns on trust and adoption in medical workflow due to non-alignment to current health care processes and stakeholders’ needs. The distributed nature of the data makes it more challenging to train and deploy machine learning models (using traditional methods) at the edge, for instance, for disease prediction. Federated learning (FL) has been proposed as a possible solution to these limitations. However, the P2P PHS architecture challenges current FL solutions because they use centralized engines (or random entities that could pose privacy concerns) for model update aggregation. Consequently, we propose a novel conceptual FL framework, CareNetFL, that is suitable for P2P PHS multi-tier and hybrid architecture and leverages existing trust structures in health care systems to ensure scalability, trust, and security. Entrusted parties (practitioners’ nodes) are used in CareNetFL to aggregate local model updates in the network hierarchy for their patients instead of random entities that could actively become malicious. Involving practitioners in their patients’ FL model training increases trust and eases access to medical data. The proposed concepts mitigate communication latency and improve FL performance through patient–practitioner clustering, reducing skewed and imbalanced data distributions and system heterogeneity challenges of FL at the edge. The framework also ensures end-to-end security and accountability through leveraging identity-based systems and privacy-preserving techniques that only guarantee security during training.
Wastewater Treatment Plants as a Source of Malodorous Substances Hazardous to Health, Including a Case Study from Poland
Authors: Czarnota Joanna , Masłoń Adam , Pajura Rebeka
Published: April 2023

Using Poland as an example, it was shown that 41.6% of the requests for intervention in 2016–2021 by Environmental Protection Inspections were related to odour nuisance. Further analysis of the statistical data confirmed that approximately 5.4% of wastewater treatment plants in the group of municipal facilities were subject to complaints. Detailed identification of the subject of odour nuisance at wastewater treatment plants identified hydrogen sulphide (H2S), ammonia (NH3) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as the most common malodorous substances within these facilities. Moreover, the concentrations of hydrogen sulphide and ammonia exceed the reference values for some substances in the air (0.02 mg/m3 for H2S and 0.4 mg/m3 for NH3). A thorough assessment of the properties of these substances made it clear that even in small concentrations they have a negative impact on the human body and the environment, and their degree of nuisance is described as high. In the two WWTPs analysed in Poland (WWTP 1 and WWTP 2), hydrogen sulphide concentrations were in the range of 0–41.86 mg/m3 (Long-Term Exposure Limit for H2S is 7.0 mg/m3), ammonia 0–1.43 mg/m3 and VOCs 0.60–134.79 ppm. The values recognised for H2S cause lacrimation, coughing, olfactory impairment, psychomotor agitation, and swelling of the cornea with photophobia. Recognition of the methods used in practice at WWTPs to reduce and control malodorous emissions indicates the possibility of protecting the environment and human health, but these solutions are ignored in most facilities due to the lack of requirements specified in legislation.
Longitudinal Profiles of Recovery-Enhancing Processes: Job-Related Antecedents and Well-Being Outcomes
Authors: Kinnunen Ulla , Mäkikangas Anne
Published: April 2023

The present study aimed to examine longitudinal recovery profiles based on three recovery-enhancing processes, i.e., psychological detachment from work, physical exercise, and sleep. In addition, we examined whether job-related demands and resources predict profile membership and whether profile membership predicts well-being outcomes. The participants were Finnish employees (N = 664) who filled in an electronic questionnaire in three successive years. Latent profile analysis (LPA) revealed five stable profiles of recovery-enhancing processes across time: (1) physically inactive, highly detaching (15%), (2) impaired recovery processes (19%), (3) enhanced recovery processes (25%), (4) physically active, poorly detaching and sleeping (19%), and (5) physically active (29%). In addition, job-related antecedents and well-being outcomes showed unique differences between the five profiles identified. Altogether, our study takes recovery research a step forward in helping to understand how recovery-enhancing processes function simultaneously over the long-term and suggests that, from the perspective of well-being, detachment from work and good sleep are more crucial recovery processes than physical activity.
Consideration of Kinase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Hydrocephalus
Authors: Blazer-Yost Bonnie L.
Published: April 2023

Hydrocephalus is a devastating condition characterized by excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain. Currently, the only effective treatment is surgical intervention, usually involving shunt placement, a procedure prone to malfunction, blockage, and infection that requires additional, often repetitive, surgeries. There are no long-term pharmaceutical treatments for hydrocephalus. To initiate an intelligent drug design, it is necessary to understand the biochemical changes underlying the pathology of this chronic condition. One potential commonality in the various forms of hydrocephalus is an imbalance in fluid–electrolyte homeostasis. The choroid plexus, a complex tissue found in the brain ventricles, is one of the most secretory tissues in the body, producing approximately 500 mL of CSF per day in an adult human. In this manuscript, two key transport proteins of the choroid plexus epithelial cells, transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 and sodium, potassium, 2 chloride co-transporter 1, will be considered. Both appear to play key roles in CSF production, and their inhibition or genetic manipulation has been shown to affect CSF volume. As with most transporters, these proteins are regulated by kinases. Therefore, specific kinase inhibitors are also potential targets for the development of pharmaceuticals to treat hydrocephalus.