bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of MicroRNAs and Retroelements in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Mustafin R. N. , Galieva E. A.
Published: April 2024

Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease among adults. The incidence of atherosclerosis increases significantly with age, which indicates the possible influence of aging mechanisms on the development of the disease, including changes in epigenetic factors caused by pathological activation of transposable elements. Triggers of atherosclerosis are also viral infections, which promote the expression of retroelements that stimulate the interferon response with the development of chronic inflammation. Activated retroelements also alter the regulation of immune system genes and epigenetic factors, including the pathological production of microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs. A promising direction for atherosclerosis treatment is the epigenetic impact on the expression of specific genes involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis using small interfering RNAs. In this regard, the drugs inclisiran and olpasiran have undergone clinical trials and have shown their effectiveness. Therefore, it is important to search for new molecular targets in this direction, which can serve as transposons, which are sources of non-coding RNAs. Changes in the activity of retroelements during aging have a global regulatory effect on the functioning of the entire genome, contributing to the development of age-associated pathology. An analysis of the scientific literature made it possible to identify 29 microRNAs derived from retroelements, changes in the expression of which have been identified both during aging and atherosclerosis. These microRNAs can be used as tools for prolonging life and treating cardiovascular pathology. The results obtained also indicate that retroelements pathologically activated during aging cause the development of atherosclerosis.
Clinical Features, Differential Diagnosis and Treatment of IgG4-Related Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Guseva A. K. , Okhlobystin A. V.
Published: April 2024

The aim: To present the state-of-the-art of clinical features, differential diagnosis and treatment of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis.Key points: IgG4-sclerosing cholangitis is a fibrotic inflammatory disease affecting the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts. The clinical features of IgG4-sclerosing cholangitis are similar to those of primary sclerosing cholangitis, bile duct cancer and pancreatic cancer. More than one third of patients with IgG4-sclerosing cholangitis undergo surgery. Currently, there are no specific and sensitive methods to diagnose this disease. Increased serum IgG4 levels are observed in many other diseases. A fourfold increase in serum IgG4 levels is a more reliable marker, but this feature is found in only a small percentage of patients. The imaging of bile ducts usually reveals segmental or extended strictures with prestenotic dilatation and wall thickening. Glucocorticosteroids are the first-line therapy for induction and maintenance of disease remission. More than a half of patients develop relapses. Several studies have found an increased risk of malignant tumors. This review describes the clinical, laboratory, and instrumental features of IgG4-sclerosing cholangitis. Comparative evaluation of diseases manifestations versus primary sclerosing cholangitis and cholangiocarcinoma is presented along with options of therapy, prognosis and outcomes of the disease.Conclusion: IgG4-sclerosing cholangitis is a rare and difficult to diagnose disease that requires careful differential diagnosis with primary sclerosing cholangitis, bile duct cancer and pancreatic cancer. Despite its relatively benign course and efficacy of glucocorticosteroid therapy, the disease recurs frequently and has an unknown long-term outcome. Special attention is paid to the risk of malignant neoplasms in this group of patients, emphasizing the need for lifelong follow-up.
The role of melatonin as an adjuvant therapeutic strategy in the modulation of carcinogenesis. A narrative review
Authors: Fernández-Lázaro Diego , Celorrio San Miguel Ana M. , Roche Enrique
Published: April 2024

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5 methoxytryptamine) is an indolic compound present in almost all fungi, plants, and animals. This neurohormone is synthesized and secreted into the internal environment mainly by the pineal gland, present in most vertebrates. Non-endocrine extrapineal locations have not been documented. This molecule with pleiotropic bioactions regulates the circadian rhythm, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulant, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, antiobesity, neuroprotective, and antiaging actions. Furthermore, in recent years, many studies have described the key role of melatonin in the prevention and development of cancer. The objective of this narrative review is to describe the different mechanisms through which melatonin exerts its action as an adjuvant in the modulation of carcinogenesis. The general anticarcinogenic mechanisms include epigenetic control, modulation of cell proliferation, regulation of cell cycle, induction of apoptosis, and telomerase inhibition. Melatonin also exerts antiestrogenic activity, which is particularly significant in hormone-dependent tumors, regulating the expression and transactivation of the estrogen receptor, and modulating the enzymes involved in the local synthesis of estrogens. Modulation of metastasis by melatonin includes increased expression of cell adhesion molecules such as E-cadherin and β1-integrin, inhibition of angiogenesis, and control of fat metabolism by inhibiting the uptake of fatty acids by membrane transporters. Finally, immunomodulatory properties include enhanced production of anti-inflammatory interleukins and other cytokines in lymphocytes and monocytes and modulation of antioxidant activity by neutralizing free radicals. Despite all the mentioned properties, the use of melatonin in daily clinical practice is very limited, and additional studies are needed to better establish the role of this hormone in oncological clinical applications against different types of cancer.
Stable ultrathin lithium metal anode enabled by self-adapting electrochemical regulating strategy
Authors: Zeng Si-Yuan , Wang Wen-Long , Li Deyuan , Yang Chunpeng , Zheng Zi-Jian
Published: April 2024

Ultrathin lithium (Li) metal foils with controllable capacity could realize high-specific-energy batteries; however, the pulverization of Li metal foils due to its extreme volume change results in rapid active Li loss and capacity fading. Here, we report a strategy to stabilize ultrathin Li metal anode via in-situ transferring Li from ultrathin Li foil into a well-designed three-dimensional gradient host during a cycling process. A three-dimensional carbon fiber with gradient distribution of Ag nanoparticles is placed on the ultrathin Li foil in advance and acts as a Li reservoir, guiding Li deposition into its interior and thus alleviating the volume change of ultrathin Li foil anodes. Hence, a high reversibility of Li metal is achieved and Li pulverization is suppressed, which can be witnessed by a long cyclic life in the symmetric cells. The proposed method offers a versatile and facile approach for protecting ultrathin Li metal anodes, which will boost their commercial application process.
Silent players, loud impact: unveiling the therapeutic potentials of LncRNAs
Authors: Kamal Ahmed , Swellam Menha , Shalaby Nevin M. , Darwish Marwa K. , El-Nahrery Eslam M.
Published: April 2024

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of RNA transcripts that are long (i.e., more than 200 nucleotides) and not translated into proteins. They have recently emerged as potential treatment targets for numerous disorders due to their involvement in multiple cellular functions such as gene regulation, epigenetic modulation, and chromatin organization. This review highlights the current state of lncRNA-based therapeutics, the potential of lncRNAs as drug targets for treating human diseases, the various strategies and types of RNA-based therapeutics, and the complications of developing lncRNA-based drugs. We conclude that lncRNA-based therapeutics represent a promising class of drugs that can potentially treat various human diseases and that further research is needed to fully realize their therapeutic potential.
Association of NAFLD/NASH, and MAFLD/MASLD with chronic kidney disease: an updated narrative review
Authors: Lonardo Amedeo
Published: April 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) account for substantial financial burden worldwide. These alarming features call for enhanced efforts to prevent and manage the development and progression of CKD. Accumulating evidence supporting a causal role of NAFLD/MAFLD/MASLD-in CKD opens new horizons to achieve this aim. Recent epidemiological studies and meta-analyses exploring the association of NAFLD/MAFLD/MASLD with CKD and the characteristics of NAFLD/MAFLD/MASLD associated with the odds of incident CKD are discussed. The involved pathomechanisms, including the common soil hypothesis, genetics, gut dysbiosis, and portal hypertension, are examined in detail. Finally, lifestyle changes (diet and physical exercise), direct manipulation of gut microbiota, and drug approaches involving statins, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2, pemafibrate, and vonafexor are examined within the context of prevention and management of CKD among those with NAFLD/MAFLD/MASLD. The evolving NAFLD/MAFLD/MASLD nomenclature may generate confusion among practicing clinicians and investigators. However, comparative studies investigating the pros and contra of different nomenclatures may identify the most useful definitions among NAFLD/MAFLD/MASLD and strategies to identify, prevent, and halt the onset and progression of CKD.
Eminent Antimicrobial Peptide Resistance in Zymomonas mobilis: A Novel Advantage of Intrinsically Uncoupled Energetics
Authors: Rutkis Reinis , Lasa Zane , Rubina Marta , Strazdina Inese , Kalnenieks Uldis
Published: April 2024

Relative to several model bacteria, the ethanologenic bacterium Zymomonas mobilis is shown here to have an elevated resistance to exogenous antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) – both, with regard to peptide bulk concentration in the medium, and the numbers of peptide molecules per cell. By monitoring integration of the AMPs in the bacterial cell membrane and observing the resulting effect on membrane energy-coupling, it is concluded that the membranotropic effects of the tested AMPs in Z. mobilis and in Escherichia coli are comparable. The advantage of Z. mobilis over E. coli apparently results from its uncoupled mode of energy metabolism that, in contrast to E. coli, does not rely on oxidative phosphorylation, and hence, is less vulnerable to disruption of its energy-coupling membrane by AMPs. It is concluded that the high resistance to antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) observed in Z. mobilis not only proves crucial for its survival in its natural environment but also offers a promising platform for AMP production and sheds light on potential strategies for novel resistance development in clinical settings.
Convolution Neural Network Based Multi- Label Disease Detection using Tongue Images
Authors: Bhatnagar Vibha , Bansod Prashant P
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT

Purpose: Tongue image analysis for disease diagnosis is an ancient traditional non-invasive diagnosis technique widely used by traditional medicine practitioners. Deep Learning based multi-label disease detection models offer tremendous potential to clinical decision support systems, by facilitating preliminary diagnosis.
Methods: In this work, we propose a multi-label disease detection pipeline, where in observation and analysis of tongue images captured and received via smartphones assist in predicting the health status of an individual. All images are voluntarily given by subjects consulting collaborating physicians. Images thus acquired are first and foremost classified either into a diseased or a normal category by a 5-fold cross-validation algorithm using a convolution neural network (MobileNetV2) model for binary classification. Once the diseased label is predicted, the image is used to diagnose multiple diseases using the prediction algorithm based on DenseNet121.
Results: Average accuracy of 93 % was achieved in classifying diseased from normal healthy tongue by detection model with MobileNetV2 architecture. Multilabel disease classification produced more than 90% accurate results for the seven class labels considered.
Conclusion: AI based image analysis shows promising results and an extensive dataset could provide further improvements to this approach. Rather than employing high-cost sophisticated image capturing setup, experimenting with smartphone images opens opportunity to provide preliminary health status to individuals on smartphone prior to further line of treatment and diagnosis.
Spray-Drying Microencapsulation of Campomanesia adamantium Mixed with Green Bocaiuva Pulp and Different Encapsulating Agents
Authors: Ortega Nailene de Freitas , Mendoza Viviane da Silva , Baldivia Debora da Silva , Yahagi Silvia Sayuri , Gonçalves Daniel Araujo , Sanjinez-Argandonãa Eliana Janet
Published: April 2024

Microencapsulation by atomization can be used to minimize the loss of bioactive compounds, improving the characteristics and applicability of the powdered product. This study evaluates the effect of different encapsulating agents (maltodextrin, gum arabic, and chitosan) and three spray nozzle diameters (1.0, 1.2, and 1.5 mm) on the atomization of guavira (Campomanesia adamantium) pulp with added 6% bocaiuva (Acrocomia aculeata) dehydrated pulp in the green maturation stage. The experiment followed a simplex-centroid mixed design, with carrier agent concentrations and spray nozzle diameters as independent variables and powder yield, solubility, hygroscopicity, and vitamin C content as dependent variables. The results show that gum arabica increased powder yield and vitamin C retention. The addition of maltodextrin resulted in powders with increased solubility and low hygroscopicity. Furthermore, the optimization tool indicated that the best process conditions were achieved with the addition of gum arabic (10.8%) and chitosan (7.2%), resulting in powders with 29.48% yield, 82.96% solubility, 15.90% hygroscopicity and 741.11 mg/100g vitamin C. Furthermore, the 1.0 mm diameter spray nozzle was considered the most suitable for obtaining guavira pulp microparticles with higher ascorbic acid content.
Characteristics of Equestrian Injury Accidents and Injuries Leading to Permanent Medical Impairment
Authors: Stigson Helena , Klingegård Maria
Published: April 2024

Background: Equestrian sports are practiced all over the world and are a popular leisure activity in Sweden. Equestrianism is the country's second-largest youth sport. Previous studies indicate that equestrianism is accident-prone. However, few previous studies have examined acute equestrian injuries leading to permanent medical impairment.
Methods: By using nationwide insurance data including all injured equestrian registered in the Swedish Equestrian Federation, the objective was to examine acute injuries. The injury incidence and injuries leading to permanent medical impairment were examined. All equestrians injured during 2017-2021 were included (n=6876). Injury incidence was calculated separately for males and females as well as for different age groups by dividing the number of insurance claims by the number of members and multiplying by 1000. Risk Ration was calculated between gender. Pearson’s chi-squared test was used to analyse differences in distributions for categorical variables.
Results: The majority of injuries affected females, correlating with an almost three times higher risk compared to males. Those aged 21-40 years were associated with the highest injury risk (14.26/1000 registered riders). In total twelve percent of all injuries led to permanent medical impairment. Injuries to the upper and lower extremities, along with fractures, had a higher risk of resulting in an impairment.
Conclusions: The predominant injuries resulting in permanent medical impairment were arm and leg injuries, but to prevent the most serious injuries that significantly affect the rider's daily life, efforts to prevent head and spinal cord neck injuries should be implemented. Head injures remain the most frequent, serious and the most important injuries to prevent and mitigate within equestrian sports.
Magnetic resonance imaging versus transabdominal ultrasound about operative findings of placental adhesive disorder
Authors: Al-Ameen Zaid Khidher , Ahmed Sahar Basim , Mahmood Kawa Abdullah
Published: April 2024

Background: Ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been used for the diagnosis of placental adhesive disorders (PAD). Still, the accuracy of these two imaging techniques remains to be determined and depends on the skills of the sonographer or radiologist.
Objectives: To assess the accuracy of MRI & US in evaluating a patient with morbidly adherent placenta.
Patients and methods:This prospective cross-sectional study included 25 pregnant women presented with placenta previa and a history of cesarean section (CS) from October 2018 to October 2019 at Al-Yarmook Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq. Patients were examined by transabdominal ultrasonography (US) and pelvis MRI. Then, each test's accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, Negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) were assessed to diagnose placental position and PAD, compared to each other, and correlated with operative findings at the CS.
Results: MRI showed high accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, NPV & PPV (100% for each) in assessing placenta position and attachment. In the case of placenta position, the US assessment showed an accuracy of 88%, sensitivity of 91.3%, specificity of 50%, NPV of 33.3% & PPV of 95.4%, while the US assessment in placental attachment showed an accuracy of 88%, sensitivity of 95.4%, specificity of 33.3%, NPV of 50% and PPV of 91.3%.
Conclusions: MRI showed very high accuracy in assessing abnormal placentation in both position and attachment, while transabdominal US showed high sensitivity with low specificity.
Exploring phytochemical as potential inhibitors of human DNA polymerase β for targeted ovarian cancer therapy: An In-Silico approach.
Authors: Patra Anutosh , Choudhuri Indranil , Paria Prasenjit , Samanta Abhishek , Khanra Kalyani , Chakraborty Anindita , Bhattacharyya Prof. (Dr.) Nandan
Published: April 2024

Ovarian cancer poses significant challenges due to limited treatment options and high mortality rates, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies. Targeting DNA repair pathways, such as DNA polymerase β (Pol β), holds promise for improving treatment outcomes. This study aims to identify phytochemicals from the SuperNatural database as natural inhibitors of Pol β activity to enhance ovarian cancer therapy efficacy, particularly when used in combination with damaging agents. Screening 21,105 drug-like molecules and 800 NatProd molecules based on Lipinski's rule of five, Golden Triangle rule, and Pfizer’s rule, followed by the removal of compounds with predicted carcinogenicity, toxicity, and mutagenicity, resulted in 1,104 molecules for structure-based virtual screening. Docking-based virtual screening using two servers was conducted on selected molecules, followed by computer simulations to assess their interaction dynamics and stability with Pol β. Molecular dynamics simulations further evaluated stability and interactions, considering energy, forces, and interaction scores. From these analyses, four promising Pol β inhibitors—SN00158342, SN00305418, SN00004251, and SN00341636—were identified, exhibiting favorable stability profiles and interactions. Utilizing these compounds alongside DNA-damaging agents presents a novel and potentially fruitful approach to improving ovarian cancer treatment outcomes. Overall, this study underscores the potential of phytochemicals as effective Pol β inhibitors, offering a promising avenue for enhancing ovarian cancer therapy effectiveness.
Artificial Neural Network models (ANNs) in identifying Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (INPH) and Alzheimer Dementia (AD) patients: clinical psychological features and differential diagnosis
Authors: Gitto Lara , Mento Carmela , Massini Giulia , Buscema Paolo Massimo , Raffa Giovanni , Germanò Antonino , Quattropani Maria Catena
Published: April 2024

Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (INPH) patients present symptoms common to other diseases, as dementia (AD). However, while dementia is not reversible, INPH dementia can be treated through neurosurgery. The perception characteristics of a small sample of patients (n = 19) were observed through the Rorschach Inblok test. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) models allowed to analyze the correlations between patients’ cognitive functions and perception characteristics. The results obtained lead to interesting remarks about the independent traits in pattern of response to patients with INPH and AD. In performing the test, the latter concentrated more on the cards displayed and what they perceived, while other patients concentrated on reactions related to the image proposed. The Rorschach test can be a valid predictor tool to identify INPH patients, who could successfully be treated with neurosurgery. Hence, this methodology show its potentialities on differential diagnosis applied in clinical context.
Evaluation of clinical variables affecting myocardial glucose uptake in cardiac FDG PET
Authors: Lee Yeongjoo , Na Sae Jung , Lim Sungmin , Jang Jaehyuk
Published: April 2024

Objective
Cardiac 2-deoxy-2-[F-18]fluoro-D-glucose positron emission tomography (FDG PET) is widely used to assess myocardial viability in patients with ischemic heart disease. While sufficient glucose uptake is a prerequisite for accurate interpretation of cardiac viability, there is a lack of data on which clinical variables have the most significant impact on myocardial glucose metabolism. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate several clinical variables that could affect myocardial glucose metabolism.
Methods
Between May 2018 and November 2022, a total of 214 consecutive cases were retrospectively enrolled in this study. All subjects were fasted for at least 8 hours. They received 250 mg of acipimox and underwent glucose loading as preparation for cardiac FDG PET/CT. Three-dimensional regions of interest (ROI) were drawn on PET/CT fusion images. SUV ratio (SUVmax of LV myocardium/SUVmean of liver) was then calculated. Clinical variables of age, sex, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), fasting blood glucose level, administered insulin dosage, blood glucose level at FDG injection, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, cardiac markers, creatinine, hemoglobin A1c, and ejection fraction were measured and analyzed for correlation with myocardial glucose uptake. Participants were divided into an obese group and a non-obese group based on a BMI of 25. Whether there was a difference in myocardial glucose uptake between the two groups was then determined. Pearson correlation coefficient and Student’s t-test were used for statistical analysis.
Results
Myocardial uptake showed significant correlations with BMI (r = -0.162, p = 0.018), HbA1c (r = -0.150, p = 0.030), and triglyceride levels (r = -0.137, p = 0.046). No other clinical variables showed a significant correlation with myocardial glucose uptake. In group analysis, after dividing patients based on BMI, the obese group showed significantly lower myocardial uptake than the non-obese group (3.8 ± 1.9 vs. 4.4 ± 2.1, p = 0.031).
Conclusions
Among several clinical variables, BMI, HbA1c, and triglyceride levels exhibited negative correlations with myocardial glucose uptake. Patients with higher BMI, HbA1c, and triglyceride levels might require more thorough preparation or consideration during cardiac FDG PET exams to ensure optimal glucose uptake.
Causes of death in people living with HIV in the post 95 -95 -95 era: Lessons from five AIDS Healthcare Foundation clinics in Eswatini
Authors: Mafulu Yves , Khumalo Sukoluhle , Williams Victor , Ndabezitha Sandile , Nyandoro Elisha , Ndlovu Nkosana , Kay Alexander , Maseko Khetsiwe , Simelane Hlobisile , Gwebu Siphesihle , Musarapasi Normusa , Mafukidze Arnold , Bongomin Pido , Dube Nduduzo , Buzaalirwa Lydia , Dube Nkululeko , Haumba Samson
Published: April 2024

Background
Eswatini has a high HIV prevalence in adults (24.8%), and despite achieving HIV epidemic control, AIDS-related deaths are still high at 200 per 100,000 population. This study, therefore, describes the causes of death among people living with HIV (PLHIV) receiving care at five clinics in Eswatini.
Methods
Data of clients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) from five AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Clinics in Eswatini who died was analysed to describe the causes of death. Clients' records were included if they received treatment from any of the five clinics from January 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022. Clients' sociodemographic, clinical, and specific cause of death data were extracted from their clinical records into an Excel spreadsheet for mortality reporting and audits. The different causes of death were categorised and descriptive, and comparative analysis was done using Stata 15 and R. Odds ratio significant at p<0.05 (with 95% confidence interval) to estimate the different associations between the client's characteristics and the four leading causes of death.
Results
Of 257 clients, 52.5% (n=135) were males, and the median age was 47 years (IQR: 38, 59). The leading causes of death were non-communicable diseases (NCDs) (n=59, 23.0%), malignancies (n=37, 14.4%), Covid-19 (n=36, 14.0%) and advanced HIV disease (AHD) (n=24, 9.3%). Patients aged ≥60 years (OR 0.08; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.44) had lower odds of death from AHD than ≥40 years, and those who had been on ART for 12 – 60 months (OR 0.01; 95% CI: 0.0006, 0.06) and >60 months (OR 0.006; 95% CI: 0.0003, 0.029) had lower odds of death from AHD compared to those on ART for <12 months. Patients aged ≥40 years had higher odds of dying from COVID-19, while females (OR 2.64; 95% CI: 1.29, 5.70) had higher odds of death from malignancy.
Conclusion
Most patients who died were aged 40 years and above and died from an NCD, malignancy, COVID-19 and AHD-related cause. This indicates a need to expandprevention, screening, and integration of treatment for NCDs and cancers into HIV services. Specific interventions targeting younger PLHIV will limit their risks for AHD.
The 2022 M w 6.7 Menyuan earthquake: a cascade rupture reveals the high stress accumulation on the west section of Tianzhu seismic gap
Authors: Chen Wei , Xiong Wei , Zhao Bin , Wen Yangmao , Qiao Xuejun
Published: April 2024

The January 8th 2022 menyuan earthquake(Mw6.7) occurred along major boundary fault zone in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau.In this study, we derived the co-seismic deformation from pixel offset tracking (POT) and interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) by using Sentinel-1 data. The inteferograms pattern shows that coseismic deformation is dominated by horizontal movements with the maximum displacement are over 0.5m in both tracks and POT results. Then we inverted the geometry parameters of the causactive fault and the slip distribution of the fault plane based on the finite dislocation model. The result shows the seismogenic fault has an average strike of 108.0◦ and a northeast dip angle of 83◦. moreover, the coseismic slip is primarily concentrated on the lenglongling fault with on main asperity of 10 X 23 km and the maximum slip of 3.5m at depth of 4km as well as rupture the eastern of the tuolaishan fault with a small area of 5×5 km at depths of 0–8 km. On the basis of the dCFS results caused by historical earthquakes in tuolaishan fault and geodetic-derived slip rate of the tuolaishan fault, we emphasize the potential seismic risk on western Tianzhu gap is high.
Association between Clustering of Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Chronic Kidney Disease: Findings from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study
Authors: Zeng Zhihe , Xiao Zhaoyang
Published: April 2024

Background
There is mixed evidence for an association between cardiometabolic risk factors and chronic kidney disease risk (CKD). This study aimed to determine whether different latent classes of cardiometabolic conditions were associated with chronic kidney disease risk.
Method
Data from 7,195 participants in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) were analyzed. Latent class analysis was performed using data on obesity, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, hypertension, diabetes, arthritis or rheumatism, and systemic inflammatory conditions and heart disease. Confounder-adjusted multiple logistic regressions were conducted to estimate CKD incidence by cardiometabolic latent classes.
Results
Three cardiometabolic classes were identified: relatively healthy cardiometabolic (RHC) phenotype, metabolic syndrome (MetS) phenotype, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) phenotype, which accounted for 66.2%, 19.9%, and 13.8%, respectively. The incidence of CKD was 12.7% in the CVD group, 9.4% in the MetS group, and 5.9% in the RHC group. After adjusting for confounding factors, it was found that the metabolic syndrome type had a 54% increased risk of newly diagnosed CKD compared to the healthy heart type (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.22–1.93), while the cardiovascular type increased by 104% (OR = 2.04, 95% CI: 1.61–2.57).
Conclusion
Different cardiometabolic phenotypes are associated with an increased risk of new-onset CKD. Gender and age are important factors influencing the strength of this association.
miR-6516-3p-mediated downregulation of the endogenous MMP-9 inhibitor RECK in mesangial cells might exacerbate lupus nephritis
Authors: Tomita Hiroyuki , Hayakawa Kunihiro , Ikeda Keigo , Tsushima Hiroshi , Shinoura Marina , Fujishiro Maki , Kataoka Yuko , Yamaji Ken , Takamori Kenji , Tamura Naoto , Sekigawa Iwao , Morimoto Shinji
Published: April 2024

Background
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate biological processes by inhibiting translation and causing mRNA degradation. In this study, we identified the miRNAs involved in the development and progression of lupus nephritis (LNs) and verified their roles.
Methods
Total RNA, extracted from PBMCs collected from patients with LNs before and after treatment, was used for miRNA array analysis to identify miRNAs whose expression was significantly altered. The results of this analysis were confirmed using qRT-PCR. The identified miRNAs were transfected into normal human mesangial cells (NHMCs), human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells (RPTECs), human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and THP-1-derived macrophages (THP1-Mφ) to investigate their biological functions.
Results
Three miRNAs were altered in PBMCs before and after treatment of LNs. Among these miRNAs, hsa-miR-6516-3p promoted TNF-α-induced expression of MMP-9 in NHMCs. Moreover, hsa-miR-6516-3p downregulated the expression of RECK, an endogenous inhibitor of MMP-9. However, in NHMCs, endogenous hsa-miR-6516-3p was not present in functional amounts under inflammatory environment; therefore, we performed analysis using an experimental system considering extracellular influences of mesangial cells under LNs. The expression of hsa-miR-6516-3p was increased in HUVECs under inflammatory conditions and in activated macrophages.
Conclusions
hsa-miR-6516-3p increases MMP-9 expression by suppressing RECK, and might, thereby, exacerbate LNs.
Increased CCL2/CCR2 axis promotes tumor progression by increasing M2 macrophages in MYC/BCL2 double-expressor diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Jeon Yoon Kyung , Kim Sehui , Jeong Hyein , Ahn Hyun Kyung , Han Bogyeong , Lee Ki-Chang , Song Young Keun , Lim Sojung , Yim Jeemin , Koh Jaemoon
Published: April 2024

The pathogenesis of MYC and BCL2 double expressor diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DE-DLBCL) remains unclear. To investigate how MYC and BCL2 contribute to tumor aggressiveness, we analyzed tumors from 14 patients each with DE- and non-DE-DLBCL patients by whole transcriptome sequencing. Validation was performed using publicly available datasets, tumor tissues from 126 patients, DLBCL cell lines, and a syngeneic mouse lymphoma model. Our transcriptome analysis revealed significantly elevated mRNA levels of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) in DE-DLBCLs compared to non-DE-DLBCLs (Padj < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis with public datasets and immunohistochemistry corroborated these findings, indicating heightened M2 macrophage presence but diminished T-cell infiltration in DE-DLBCLs compared to non-DE-DLBCLs (all, P < 0.05). MYChigh/BCL2high DLBCL cells showed higher CCL2 secretion than MYClow/BCL2low cells. MYC and BCL2 increased CCL2 secretion by upregulation of nuclear factor-κB p65 in DLBCL cells, and the CCL2 promoted M2 polarization of macrophages. In a mouse lymphoma model, CCL2 contributed to the immunosuppressive microenvironment and tumor growth. We demonstrated that the increased CCL2/CCR2 axis confers aggressiveness to DE-DLBCL by increasing M2 polarization and can be a potential therapeutic target.
Dynamic and Quasi-Static Evaluation of Stiffness Properties of CLT: Longitudinal MoE and Effective Rolling Shear Modulus
Authors: Olsson Anders , Schirén Whokko , Hu Min
Published: April 2024

Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) is an engineered wood product composed of solid layers of glued sawn timber. In this study, essential material stiffness parameters for CLT made from Norway spruce and Scots pine are evaluated. Specifically, the longitudinal modulus of elasticity (MoE) for longitudinally oriented layers and the effective rolling shear modulus for transversely oriented layers are the focus. By combining finite element (FE) analysis with four-point, out-of-plane bending tests using digital image correlation (DIC), a robust assessment of the effective rolling shear modulus of CLT layers is achieved. Additionally, eigenvalue analysis, applied to an FE model, along with resonance frequencies obtained from dynamic excitation of CLT, enables stable and simultaneous assessment of the dynamic longitudinal MoE and effective rolling shear modulus. Notably, while the dynamic MoE of longitudinal CLT layers is only 4% higher than the quasi-static local MoE, the dynamic effective rolling shear modulus of CLT layers is 40% higher than the quasi-static effective rolling shear modulus. This finding indicates a tangible viscoelastic behavior of wood concerning rolling shear.
Type 3 Deiodinase is Induced in Brain Of Two Models Leading to Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Dreher Milla Paim , Oliveira Thaliane Carvalho , Sindô¹ Jessica Carvalho , Solari¹ Maria Inês Gonzalez , Ribeiro Rafael Teixeira , Longo Larisse , Gayger-Dias Vitor , Silva Vanessa-Fernanda , Freitas Laura Bayni Rodrigues , Gonçalves Carlos-Alberto , Alvares-da-Silva Mario Reis , Wajner Simone Magagnin
Published: April 2024

Thyroid hormone is the regulator of brain cell maintenance, plasticity and energy production. The activation process of T4 into T3 depends on type 1 and 2 deiodinases, and type 3 (D3) inactivates T3. Several mechanisms, as oxidative stress, led by disease, imbalances D3 function. The response of D3 in the adult brain tissue in the context of different diseases is not defined. We evaluated D3 induction and its effects in the brain of two animal models. Methodology: To the metabolic-dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) model, male/adult Sprague Dawley rats (n=20) were assigned to control group (standard diet–2.93kcal/g) or high-fat-diet group (HFCD–4.3kcal/g). In the streptozotocin-induced Alzheimer's model (AD), adult Wistar rats (n=16) were allocated to the control group (5uL of citrate) or 5uL of streptozotocin. Sham animals were used as controls. Inflammation status, oxidative stress parameters, D3 expression and protein, as well as T3 controlled genes and endoplasmic stress and mitochondrial function were determined. Cerebral tissue from both groups had augmented carbonyl (P<0.001), reduced sulfhydryl and glutathione levels (P<0.001). D3 was induced (~30% in each group, P<0.0001) in both MASLD and AD groups trough ERK pathway, while genes controlled by T3 were diminished, suggesting diminished levels of T3 in the brain. Augmented endoplasmic reticulum stress and diminished mitochondrial biogenesis were observed in both models (P=0.001). The augmented T3 inactivation by D3 dysfunction in brain of both models results in a cascade of cell disruptions, most probably accelerating disease progression or worsening symptoms.
Using the nominal group technique to capture how local communities value blue space for physical activity
Authors: Afentou Nafsika , Jackson Louise , Andrade Luiz Flavio , Elliott Stephanie , Hull Katrina , Shepherd Jenny , Frew Emma
Published: April 2024

In recent years, natural environments, particularly blue spaces such as canals, have become focal points in health policies aimed at promoting physical activity (PA), reducing obesity, and mitigating inequalities. Alongside the health benefits, there is an array of societal, environmental, cultural and other welfare-enhancing factors, which shape the overall value of blue spaces for population wellbeing. This study investigates the multifaceted value of canals for promoting physical activity and wider community wellbeing. Members of local communities in Birmingham (UK) participated in two group consensus workshops to share perceptions on the value of their local canals for PA. Using the Nominal Group Technique, 21 participants with varying levels of canal use identified enablers and barriers to canal-based PA, voting for the most important factors. Data were also analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that opportunities to connect with nature, enjoy a quiet and stress-free environment and socialise with other people were mentioned as important facilitators for exercising at canals. Concerns regarding safety including anti-social behaviour, inadequate lighting, lack of cameras, and fear of visiting alone emerged as prominent barriers by both groups. This study highlights the importance of understanding community perspectives on the value of blue spaces for informing resource allocation and policy decisions aimed at enhancing community health and wellbeing. The findings informed the development of a framework for assessing blue environments for physical activity and wellbeing.
Mechanism of integrated territorial development as a basic resource for promoting regional housing construction
Authors: Peshkov V. V. , Kudryavtseva V. A. , Nikishina O. V.
Published: April 2024

The article considers the program Integrated Territorial Development and defines its role in developing regional housing construction. The study also presents a unique mechanism for integrated territorial development which provides many opportunities for qualitative changes in urban spaces, including urban fabric renewal. This program provides an opportunity to simultaneously achieve several beneficial effects. Firstly, it ensures balanced and sustainable urban development. Secondly, it creates necessary conditions for transport, social, and engineering infrastructure development. Thirdly, the program helps to attract private financing to solve the problem of rehousing residents from substandard and dilapidated housing stock since today the strategic task in the construction market is to ensure the renewal of the old housing stock to such that will meet new technological requirements. This program implementation will create conditions for the growth of real estate capitalization in the transformed territories and will bring substantial benefits for both the region and the entire country.
Monitoring of effects, caused by the anthropogenic factors of the municipal economy functioning, on the occurrence of floods and groundwater flooding
Authors: Tshovrebov E. S. , Niyazgulov U. D. , Sergeev E. B. , Prus Yu V.
Published: April 2024

The article considers topical issues of preventing environmental hazards during the functioning of urban economy system as a factor for the occurrence and development of natural emergencies – freshets and groundwater flooding. The study aims to form a configuration of a comprehensive monitoring system for making reasonable organisational, technical and managerial decisions on the prevention of emergencies with dangerous environmental consequences. The objective of the study was to investigate proposals for the creation of such a system using an example of specific natural emergencies: floods, groundwater flooding and freshets, caused by anthropogenic activities, associated with the functioning of human settlements. The object of the study includes freshets and floods in terms of natural emergencies. The subject of the study involves a set of factors, conditions, parameters and restrictions, affecting the occurrence and development of floods, groundwater flooding and freshets. The research methodology is based on the application of a system analysis to factors, functioning parameters, conditions, restrictions, cause-and-effect relationships of technogenic events and natural phenomena, leading to the occurrence and passage of groundwater flooding and floods as a natural emergency with environmentally hazardous consequences. Using the study of anthropogenic causes of floods and groundwater flooding, this paper presents proposals for the organisation of a system for integrated monitoring of urban areas in order to timely prevent, identify and mitigate adverse events, hazards, threats, risks and potential consequences for the infrastructure of urban economy and population vital activity.
Calculation for non-pressure sewage systems taking into account the irregularity of wastewater inflow from subscribers
Authors: Chupin V. R. , Moroz M. V.
Published: April 2024

Sewerage systems are calculated according to the conditions of their operation in the mode of steady uniform wastewater flow. However, this mode is only likely to occur when the wastewater received from subscribers has a constant flow rate during the day. This, in turn, is possible if each subscriber has a regulating tank that ensures an average flow rate. Unfortunately, the established standards do not provide for such containers and, obviously, they are very expensive. Therefore, the wastewater nonuniformly enters the sewerage and nonuniformly flows through pipelines and gravity sewers. The presented work aims to model such modes of flow motion based on the particle method. The particle method is based on a graphical solution of the continuity equation (matter conservation) and the momentum conservation equation (motion). Numerical experiments performed using the particle method showed that flow rate, speed, and depth vary as wastewater moves, and they have a wave character. Knowledge of such modes is important to effectively organize the operation of gravity sewers, receiver tanks of pumping stations and treatment plants. Based on the proposed models, one can study the transfer of suspended solids and changes in the biochemical composition of wastewater. Moreover, the models can be used to calculate the storage capacity of gravity sewers.
Minimizing risks in the development of prospective water supply and wastewater discharge schemes
Authors: Yarygin R. N. , Chupin R. V. , Melekhov E. S.
Published: April 2024

Water supply and wastewater discharge systems constitute capital-intensive, energy-consuming, and complex facilities that are characterized by significant inertia and are, therefore, difficult to adapt to constantly changing operating conditions. The past 20 years have seen a decrease in specific water consumption by almost half. Infill development and the fact that new projects are not designed for the existing utility lines caused an overload in many parts of water supply and wastewater discharge systems, while others became virtually non-functioning. All these factors led to increased failure rates, significant maintenance costs, inadequate hydraulic conditions, and deterioration of drinking water quality, as well as clogs and blockages in sewers. An example is group water supply systems, whose construction was very popular in the era of “developed socialism” and the post-perestroika period. Nowadays, many of them continue to operate, with no one to supply water to, as many settlements have simply ceased to exist due to migration processes. The current situation can be attributed to planning and design errors or, more precisely, the neglect of factors that exist now and will probably arise in the future. Design is known to be a process of creating an object that is yet to be realized. The object needs to be designed so that it functions in the future, and the future is not defined and has no deterministic parameters and values (the basic contradiction of design). The article proposes one of the possible approaches to resolving this contradiction; it is based on studying the zone of uncertainty and identifying minimum economic risk options.
Urban planning factors in sustainable development of the territorial recreational system in Nizhneudinsky District of Irkutsk Oblast
Authors: Bobryshev D. V. , Usacheva V. V.
Published: April 2024

The article considers urban planning factors in the development of the territorial recreational system of Nizhneudinsky District (Raion) of Irkutsk Oblast from a standpoint of the infrastructure model of territorial planning. The study aims to formulate a concept for placing functional planning elements of recreation and tourism on the Nizhneudinsky District territory considering the existing spatial settlement structure. The main objectives of the study: to identify urban planning factors in the organization of territorial recreational systems; to analyze the initial situation and determine prospects for tourism and recreation development in Nizhneudinsky District; to develop a concept of spatial development of a territorial recreational system drawing on the example of Nizhneudinsky District. The analytical part of the research examines the main factors in planning territorial recreational systems and the existing recreational and tourist infrastructure of the district. The applied part of the research formulates the conceptual proposals for the territorial and systemic organization of the tourist and recreational network in Nizhneudinsky District. The result of the work is the schematic diagrams of the functional planning development of the Nizhneudinsky District territorial recreational system, as well as its constituent part Tofalariya.