bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Medicinal Uses of Self-Emulsifying Crop Seed Oil: A Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) Study
Authors:   Director of MIK Research Lab. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Former Professor of Chemistry, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia., Khalil Mutasim , Hadj Ahmed Ahmed Yacine Badjah ,   Professor of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia., Khalil Khalil ,   Surgeon, Riyadh Care Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Published: February 2023

The GC-MS analysis of an extracted self-emulsifying Sudanese crop seed oil has revealed a content of a number of medicinal components that could be used to assist preventing or treating a number of diseases. Besides the oil contains a form of vitamin E, the use of which will meet appropriate dietary requirements. Keywords: Herbal medicine, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, hypocholesterolemia, apoptosis.
Tracking sarus crane movements in Cambodia and Vietnam reveals seasonal vulnerabilities and gaps in protected area coverage
Authors: van Zalinge RN , Barzen J , Garnett ST
Published: February 2023

The movements of 17 eastern sarus cranesGrus antigone sharpiiin Cambodia and Vietnam were tracked during both wet and dry seasons in 1998-2002 and 2015-2017, revealing previously unknown but important sites. Crane breeding territories were located in Cambodia’s northern dry deciduous dipterocarp forests, with territories of cranes captured in the Tonle Sap basin located further west and more likely to fall within protected areas than those captured in the Mekong Delta. During the non-breeding (dry) season, cranes returned to sites in which they had originally been captured. Most cranes initially used a different part of the same floodplain in the early stages of the dry season, but cranes from the Mekong Delta that nested west of the Mekong River would initially stop in the eastern Tonle Sap floodplains before continuing to the Mekong Delta floodplains. Protected area coverage of key dry season habitat within the Tonle Sap basin was lower than in the Mekong Delta. Out of 5 juveniles tracked in 2015/2016, 1 disappeared, 1 died and 1 was injured; 1 adult also disappeared. All mortality and disappearances occurred during the wet season and at least 1 mo after capture. Persistence of the eastern sarus crane will require improvement of protected area coverage of both breeding areas and previously unknown but important sites used during the dry season. In the dry season, engagement of farmers in conservation efforts is also important, as crane home ranges included agricultural areas even in the direct surroundings of protected wetland habitat.
Seasonality of diet overlap among small pelagic fish in the waters southwest of the UK
Authors: Patel R , Roy S , Capuzzo E , van der Kooij J
Published: February 2023

Small pelagic fish (SPF) play an important ecological role by facilitating energy transfer in marine ecosystems, from lower to higher trophic levels. The Celtic Seas ecoregion is home to several economically important SPF that spend some or all their life in these waters. In recent decades, major changes in the relative abundances of the 6 main SPF in the region (anchovy, herring, horse mackerel, mackerel, sardine, and sprat) have been observed. Changes in the region may impact SPF, and previous studies in neighbouring seas have highlighted possible diet overlap of these species; therefore, it is important to understand the changes in diet overlap and trophic relationships, particularly across different seasons. Consequently, we investigated the seasonal diet composition of these 6 SPF in the Celtic Seas ecoregion, identified diet overlap, and determined species selectivity towards prey size. Combining historical and new observations on fish-stomach contents, diet-overlap indices were computed to quantify potential seasonal intra- and inter-specific overlap. Diet overlaps among species changed between seasons; in particular, sprat and anchovy changed significantly between spring and autumn, and mackerel between spring, summer, and winter. SPF species primarily consumed calanoid copepods, with herring and horse mackerel having more selective diets compared to mackerel, anchovy, and sardine. All species fed at similar trophic levels between seasons. To our knowledge, this study is the first to show seasonal variability in diet overlap among the 6 SPF in the Celtic Seas ecoregion. These results can improve the understanding of feeding dynamics for SPF in ecosystem model outputs.
Back to the Future of Tragedy: Some Notes on Brecht's Reading of Shakespeare
Authors: Wood Nigel
Published: February 2023

This article revisits Brechtian tragedy through a posthumanist reading framed through reference, particularly, to the work of N. Katherine Hayles, doing so in the context of broader questions about how genres decline (e.g. the pastoral, the georgic, the epic though not, inevitably, the tragic). The de-centring of humanistic assumptions and practices would seem to invite a re-visioning of the tragic, one shorn of traditional generic and affective certainties, and attentive to new technological imperatives.
Double black hole solutions in Einstein-scalar theory
Authors: CHEN WEN-XIANG
Published: February 2023

This paper studies the double black hole solutions in the Einstein-scalar theory and finds that, unlike in vacuum General Relativity, the theory allows for balanced static, neutral, asymptotically flat double black hole solutions where the scalar field provides the equilibrium repulsion. These solutions are scalar hairy versions of the double Schwarzschild (or Bach-Weyl) solution and are regular both above and below the (topological spherical) horizons. We give an explicit construction using a Weyl-type structure that is applicable for numerical solutions and does not require partial linearization or integrability structures of the Einstein-scalar equations. Fixing the model coupling, the balanced configurations form a one-parameter family of solutions, labeled by the proper distance between the black holes.
Together for Synergy and Resiliency: Students Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Peng Lance
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic substantially remodeled the lives of a mass of the people worldwide. This presentation, reflecting the underway situations and mirroring the foregoing notions, will firstly investigate the difficulties in academia connected with pandemic-related changes and provide a literature review on how school counselling are adapting to meet students needs in education system under COVID-19. Next, considering that school counsellors are nowadays looked upon as versatile roles in educational domain from social and emotional educator, academic adviser to conflict mediator and family liaison, an exploration of school counsellors responsibilities will be presented to locate their functions particularly during the advent of the pandemic caused by the novel coronavirus. Finally, a prospect and probabilities of future school counselling in the course of disconcerting times will be presented to acquire a better understanding and interpretation of the social and emotional impact of this pneumonia outbreak.
Gender and sexual diversity in education
Authors: Peng Lance
Published: February 2023

The importance of recognising and embracing gender and sexual diversity (GSD) in education has never been more pressing. This presentation explores the current landscape of GSD in education and the ways in which educators can create inclusive and safe learning environments for all students. The presentation examines the challenges and obstacles that individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ face in educational settings and the impact of these experiences on their well-being and academic success. Additionally, the presentation provides practical strategies and best practices for teachers and administrators to support and affirm gender and sexual diversity in their schools. The ultimate goal of this presentation is to equip educators with the tools they need to create inclusive, equitable, and supportive learning environments that celebrate the unique identities and experiences of all students.
G22.2262 Data Communications Lecture Notes Fall 1983 with revisions from G22.2262 Data Communications Lecture Notes Fall 1990
Authors: Bernstein Herbert J. , Goldstein Max
Published: February 2023

These are lecture notes from a one semester course on Data Communications taught at NYU in the 1980's. These notes were written by Dr. Herbert J. Bernstein and the late Professor Max Goldstein and, along with the companion lecture notes on Network Design provide components essential to a more modern book that is under development. Even though, indeed especially because an extensive rewrite and extension is needed for the new work, making these lecture notes accessible is needed to connect the modern work to its past. We will study the tools and techniques needed to deal with communications between computers and the real world and to deal with communications among pieces of computer hardware. We will consider communications systems and media, bandwidth limitations, channel sharing and grouping, data formatting, error detection and correction, protocols, networks, I/O driver design, operating system interfaces and human interfaces.
Simulation-based prediction of bone healing and treatment recommendations for lower leg fractures: Effects of motion, weight-bearing and fibular mechanics
Authors: Orth Marcel , Ganse Bergita , Andres Annchristin , Wickert Kerstin , Warmerdam Elke , Müller Max , Diebels Stefan , Roland Michael , Pohlemann Tim
Published: February 2023

Despite recent experimental and clinical progress in the treatment of tibial and fibular fractures, in clinical practice rates of delayed bone healing and non-union remain high. The aim of this study was to simulate and compare different mechanical conditions after lower leg fractures to assess the effects of postoperative motion, weight-bearing restrictions and fibular mechanics on the strain distribution and the clinical course. Based on the computed tomography (CT) data set of a real clinical case with a distal diaphyseal tibial fracture, a proximal and a distal fibular fracture, finite element simulations were run. Early postoperative motion data, recorded via an inertial measuring unit system and pressure insoles were recorded and processed to study strain. The simulations were used to compute interfragmentary strain and the von Mises stress distribution of the intramedullary nail for different treatments of the fibula, as well as several walking velocities (1.0 km/h; 1.5 km/h; 2.0 km/h) and levels of weight-bearing restriction. The simulation of the real treatment was compared to the clinical course. The results show that a high postoperative walking speed was associated with higher loads in the fracture zone. In addition, a larger number of areas in the fracture gap with forces that exceeded beneficial mechanical properties longer was observed. Moreover, the simulations showed that surgical treatment of the distal fibular fracture had an impact on the healing course, whereas the proximal fibular fracture barely mattered. Weight-bearing restrictions were beneficial in reducing excessive mechanical conditions, while it is known that it is difficult for patients to adhere to partial weight-bearing recommendations. In conclusion, it is likely that motion, weight bearing and fibular mechanics influence the biomechanical milieu in the fracture gap. Simulations may improve decisions on the choice and location of surgical implants, as well as give recommendations for loading in the postoperative course of the individual patient.
Current applications of nanomaterials in urinary system tumors
Authors: Qian Zhounan , Zhang Yang , Yuan Jie , Gong Sun , Chen Binghai
Published: February 2023

The development of nanotechnology and nanomaterials has provided insights into the treatment of urinary system tumors. Nanoparticles can be used as sensitizers or carriers to transport drugs. Some nanoparticles have intrinsic therapeutic effects on tumor cells. Poor patient prognosis and highly drug-resistant malignant urinary tumors are worrisome to clinicians. The application of nanomaterials and the associated technology against urinary system tumors offers the possibility of improving treatment. At present, many achievements have been made in the application of nanomaterials against urinary system tumors. This review summarizes the latest research on nanomaterials in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary system tumors and provides novel ideas for future research on nanotechnologies in this field.
The application of optical technology in the diagnosis and therapy of oxidative stress-mediated hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Wang Lijuan , Shao Jiali , Su Chen , Yang Jinfeng
Published: February 2023

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is defined as liver tissue damage and cell death caused by reperfusion during liver transplantation or hepatectomy. Oxidative stress is one of the important mechanisms of HIRI. Studies have shown that the incidence of HIRI is very high, however, the number of patients who can get timely and efficient treatment is small. The reason is not hard to explain that invasive ways of detection and lack of timely of diagnostic methods. Hence, a new detection method is urgently needed in clinic application. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are markers of oxidative stress in the liver, could be detected by optical imaging and offer timely and effective non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring. Optical imaging could become the most potential tool of diagnosis of HIRI in the future. In addition, optical technology can also be used in disease treatment. It found that optical therapy has the function of anti-oxidative stress. Consequently, it has possibility to treat HIRI caused by oxidative stress. In this review, we mainly summarized the application and prospect of optical techniques in oxidative stress-induced by HIRI.
Anticancer properties of bacterial cellulose membrane containing ethanolic extract of Epilobium angustifolium L
Authors: Perużyńska Magdalena , Nowak Anna , Birger Radosław , Ossowicz-Rupniewska Paula , Konopacki Maciej , Rakoczy Rafał , Kucharski Łukasz , Wenelska Karolina , Klimowicz Adam , Droździk Marek , Kurzawski Mateusz
Published: February 2023

Epilobium angustifolium L. is a medicinal plant well known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties related to its high polyphenols content. In the present study, we evaluated the antiproliferative properties of ethanolic extract of E. angustifolium (EAE) against normal human fibroblasts (HDF) and selected cancer cell lines, including melanoma (A375), breast (MCF7), colon (HT-29), lung (A549) and liver (HepG2). Next, bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes were applied as a matrix for the controlled delivery of the plant extract (BC-EAE) and characterized by thermogravimetry (TG), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. In addition, EAE loading and kinetic release were defined. Finally, the anticancer activity of BC-EAE was evaluated against the HT-29 cell line, which presented the highest sensitivity to the tested plant extract (IC50 = 61.73 ± 6.42 µM). Our study confirmed the biocompatibility of empty BC and the dose and time-dependent cytotoxicity of the released EAE. The plant extract released from BC-2.5%EAE significantly reduced cell viability to 18.16% and 6.15% of the control values and increased number apoptotic/dead cells up to 37.53% and 66.90% after 48 and 72 h of treatment, respectively. In conclusion, our study has shown that BC membranes could be used as a carrier for the delivery of higher doses of anticancer compounds released in a sustained manner in the target tissue.
Biocontainment strategies for in vivo applications of Saccharomyces boulardii
Authors: Hedin Karl Alex , Kruse Vibeke , Vazquez-Uribe Ruben , Sommer Morten Otto Alexander
Published: February 2023

The human gastrointestinal tract is a complex and dynamic environment, playing a crucial role in human health. Microorganisms engineered to express a therapeutic activity have emerged as a novel modality to manage numerous diseases. Such advanced microbiome therapeutics (AMTs) must be contained within the treated individual. Hence safe and robust biocontainment strategies are required to prevent the proliferation of microbes outside the treated individual. Here we present the first biocontainment strategy for a probiotic yeast, demonstrating a multi-layered strategy combining an auxotrophic and environmental-sensitive strategy. We knocked out the genes THI6 and BTS1, causing thiamine auxotrophy and increased sensitivity to cold, respectively. The biocontained Saccharomyces boulardii showed restricted growth in the absence of thiamine above 1 ng/ml and exhibited a severe growth defect at temperatures below 20°C. The biocontained strain was well tolerated and viable in mice and demonstrated equal efficiency in peptide production as the ancestral non-biocontained strain. In combination, the data support that thi6∆ and bts1∆ enable biocontainment of S. boulardii, which could be a relevant chassis for future yeast-based AMTs.
Mitochondrial dysfunction in hearing loss: Oxidative stress, autophagy and NLRP3 inflammasome
Authors: Li Peipei , Li Shen , Wang Le , Li Hongmin , Wang Yang , Liu Hongbing , Wang Xin , Zhu Xiaodan , Liu Zhangsuo , Ye Fanglei , Zhang Yuan
Published: February 2023

Sensorineural deafness becomes an inevitable worldwide healthy problem, yet the current curative therapy is limited. Emerging evidences demonstrate mitochondrial dysfunction plays a vital role of in the pathogenesis of deafness. Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced mitochondrial dysfunction combined with NLRP3 inflammasome activation is involved in cochlear damage. Autophagy not only clears up undesired proteins and damaged mitochondria (mitophagy), but also eliminate excessive ROS. Appropriate enhancement of autophagy can reduce oxidative stress, inhibit cell apoptosis, and protect auditory cells. In addition, we further discuss the interplays linking ROS generation, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and autophagy underlying the pathogenesis of deafness, including ototoxic drugs-, noise- and aging-related hearing loss.
Phenotypic and genomic comparison of dominant and nondominant sequence-type of Acinetobacter baumannii isolated in China
Authors: Kong Xiaoyang , Chen Tao , Guo Lihua , Zhou Yanzi , Lu Ping , Xiao Yonghong
Published: February 2023

A. baumannii is a common clinical pathogen that often causes pneumonia and bloodstream infections in ICU patients. Sequence types (ST) are used to investigate the distribution and spread of A. baumannii. Biological characteristics such as virulence and resistance may play a role in A. baumannii becoming a specific dominant ST(DST,ST191, ST195 and ST208) strain. To characterize the biological, genetic, and transcriptomic differences between the DST and non-dominant ST(NST,ST462 and ST547,etc.) strains in A. baumannii, we performed several biological experiments and genetic, and transcriptomic analyses. The DST group displayed more resistance ability to desiccation, oxidation, multiple antibiotics, and complement killing than the NST group. However, the latter had higher biofilm formation ability than the former. The genomic analysis showed the DST group exhibited more capsule-related and aminoglycoside-resistant genes. Besides, GO analysis indicated that functions involved in lipid biosynthetic, transport, and the metabolic process were up-regulated in the DST group, while KEGG analysis manifested that the two-component system related to potassium ion transport and pili were down-regulated. In short, resistance to desiccation, oxidation, multiple antibiotics, and serum complement killing are important reasons for the formation of DST. Genes related to capsule synthesis and lipid biosynthesis and metabolism play an important role at the molecular level in the formation of DST.
Engineering surveys of Sri Lankan schools exposed to tsunami
Authors: Cels Jonas , Rossetto Tiziana , Dias Priyan , Thamboo Julian , Wijesundara Kushan , Baiguera Marco , Del Zoppo Marta
Published: February 2023

The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami affected 5% of Sri Lanka’s schools, severely damaging 108 and destroying 74. The catastrophe highlighted the critical role of schools in providing educational continuity during community recovery. Sri Lanka has since rehabilitated and rebuilt most of the destroyed schools along the coastline. However, there is a limited understanding of current levels of school exposure to tsunami. This hampers preparedness and risk reduction interventions that can improve community and educational tsunami resilience. This paper presents a multi-disciplinary school exposure database relevant to both vulnerability and loss modelling. The repository includes data on 38 schools and 86 classroom buildings, surveyed across the coastal districts of Ampara, Batticaloa and Galle in Sri Lanka, which were heavily affected by the 2004 tsunami. A new engineering rapid visual survey tool is presented that was used to conduct the physical assessment of schools for the exposure repository. School damage mechanisms observed in past tsunami inform the survey forms, which are designed to capture information at both school compound and building levels. The tsunami engineering survey tools are universally applicable for the visual assessment of schools exposed to tsunami. The surveys show that most Sri Lankan school buildings can be classified into three building archetypes. This means that future risk assessments can be conducted considering a small number of index buildings that are based on these archetypes with differing partition arrangements and structural health conditions. The surveys also raise three significant concerns. Firstly, most schools affected by the 2004 tsunami remain in the same exposed locations without any consideration for tsunami design or strengthening provisions. Secondly, Sri Lankan schools are fragile to tsunami loading and many of the schools in the Galle district suffer from severe corrosion, which will further affect their tsunami vulnerability. Thirdly, schools do not appear prepared for tsunami, and do not have adequate tsunami warnings nor evacuation protocols in place. These observations raise the urgent need to mitigate tsunami risk, including a holistic plan for tsunami retrofitting and for interventions to improve the tsunami preparedness of schools in Sri Lanka.
Study on performance and fractal characteristics of high-strength manufactured sand concrete with different MB values
Authors: Zhou Hailong , Ge Chenglong , Chen Yan , Song Xingfang
Published: February 2023

The mud powder in the manufactured sand will have an influence on the indicators of the manufactured sand concrete (MSC), and the methylene blue value can quantitatively indicate the mud powder content. To demonstrate the impact of MB values on the performance and microstructural characteristics of the manufactured sand concrete, the paper designed five high-strength MSC proportions at five MB values by controlling the clay powder content. On this basis, the workability, chloride migration coefficient, relative dynamic modulus of elasticity (P), mass loss rate (η), and dry shrinkage rate of MSC concrete were tested under five mix ratios, and the relationship between concrete microstructure, fractal characteristics, and compressive strength (fcc) was analyzed by combining SEM technology and fractal theory. The experiment showed that: the higher the MB, the lower the fluidity of the MSC, and the cohesiveness gradually increases, while the water retention remains basically unchanged. In addition, the chloride migration coefficient gradually increases, the P after 300 freeze-thaw cycles first increases and then gradually decreases, while the η and drying shrinkage first decreases and then gradually increases, and the MB value corresponding to the turning point of these three changes are all 1.10. With MB values of 0.85 and 1.10, the degree of hydration of MSC is higher and the overall structural compactness is better. The higher the MB value, the more inadequate the hydration of concrete, and the mineral components such as fly ash that have not been hydrated inside gradually increase, which leads to the gradual decrease of the overall structure compactness. In addition, when the MB value is small, the SEM image texture of concrete is relatively simple, the fractal dimension value is small, and the corresponding fcc is large. When the MB value is large, the texture of the SEM image is complex, the fractal dimension is large, and the corresponding fcc is small.
Different scan areas affect the detection rates of diabetic retinopathy lesions by high-speed ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Li Mengyu , Mao Mingzhu , Wei Dingyang , Liu Miao , Liu Xinyue , Leng Hongmei , Wang Yiya , Chen Sizhu , Zhang Ruifan , Zeng Yong , Wang Min , Li Jie , Zhong Jie
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The study aimed to determine the effect of the scanning area used for high-speed ultra-widefield swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA) on the detection rate of diabetic retinopathy (DR) lesions.

Methods

This prospective, observational study involved diabetic patients between October 2021 and April 2022. The participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination and high-speed ultra-widefield SS-OCTA using a 24 mm × 20 mm scanning protocol. A central area denoted as “12 mm × 12 mm-central” was extracted from the 24 mm × 20 mm image, and the remaining area was denoted as “12 mm~24mm-annulus.” The rates of detection of DR lesions using the two scanning areas were recorded and compared.

Results

In total, 172 eyes (41 eyes with diabetes mellitus without DR, 40 eyes with mild to moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), 51 eyes with severe NPDR, and 40 eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) from 101 participants were included. The detection rates of microaneurysms (MAs), intraretinal microvascular abnormalities (IRMAs), and neovascularization (NV) for the 12 mm × 12 mm central and 24 mm × 20 mm images were comparable (p > 0.05). The detection rate of NPAs for the 24 mm × 20 mm image was 64.5%, which was significantly higher than that for the 12 mm × 12 mm central image (52.3%, p < 0.05). The average ischemic index (ISI) was 15.26% for the 12 mm~24mm-annulus, which was significantly higher than that for the 12 mm × 12 mm central image (5.62%). Six eyes had NV and 10 eyes had IRMAs that only existed in the 12 mm~24mm-annulus area.

Conclusions

The newly developed high-speed ultra-widefield SS-OCTA can capture a 24 mm × 20 mm retinal vascular image during a single scan, which improves the accuracy of detecting the degree of retinal ischemia and detection rate of NV and IRMAs.
The relationship between the monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio and osteoporosis in postmenopausal females with T2DM: A retrospective study in Chinese population
Authors: Li Hailin , Zhang Xinqi , Zhang Qi , Zhang Qiong , Zhu Xueying , Xie Tuxiu , Wang Shuo
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The risk of fragility fractures is increased in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Many reports indicate that inflammatory and immune responses are associated with osteoporosis and osteopenia. The monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) is a novel potential marker of inflammatory and immune responses. The present study evaluated the associations between the MLR and osteoporosis in postmenopausal females with T2DM.

Methods

Data were obtained from 281 T2MD postmenopausal females, and divided into three groups: Osteoporosis group, osteopenia group and normal BMD group.

Result

Data analyses revealed that the MLR was significantly lower in T2MD postmenopausal females with osteoporosis than in those with osteopenia and normal BMD. Logistic regression showed that the MLR was an independent protective factor for osteoporosis in postmenopausal females with T2DM (odds ratio [OR]: 0.015, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.000–0.772). Based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the MLR for diagnosing osteoporosis in postmenopausal females with T2DM was projected to be 0.1019, an area under the curve of 0.761 (95% CI: 0.685–0.838), a sensitivity of 74.8% and a specificity of 25.9%.

Conclusions

The MLR have a high efficacy in diagnosis for osteoporosis in postmenopausal females with T2DM. MLR have the potential to be used as diagnosis marker for osteoporosis in postmenopausal females with T2DM.
Effects of different sperm sources on the clinical outcomes of in vitro oocyte maturation cycles combined with intracytoplasmic sperm injection
Authors: Li Jianhua , Chen Jing , Tian Shuang , Jiao Tingting , Wang Jianye , Wei Yan , Cheng Yanbin , Xu Ye , Chian Ri-Cheng , Li Youzhu , Zhang Shuiwen
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the embryonic developments and clinical outcomes of different sperm sources with cycles of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and in vitro maturation (IVM).

Methods

This retrospective study was approved by the hospital ethics committee and conducted in the hospital in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinic. From January 2005 to December 2018, 239 infertile couples underwent IVM–ICSI cycles and were divided into three groups according to different sperm sources. Group 1 comprised patients with percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA; n = 62, 62 cycles), group 2 comprised patients with testicular sperm aspiration (TESA; n = 51, 51 cycles), and group 3 comprised patients with ejaculated sperm (n = 126, 126 cycles). We calculated the following outcomes: 1) outcomes per IVM–ICSI cycle: fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and embryo quality; 2) outcomes per embryo transfer cycle: endometrial thickness, implantation rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate.

Results

There was no difference in basic characteristics among the three groups, such as the female partner’s age, basal follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), basal luteinizing hormone (LH), and antral follicle count (p > 0.1). There were no statistically significant differences according to the IVM–ICSI cycle among the three groups in fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and rate of good-quality embryos (p > 0.05). The results were similar among cycles regarding the number of transfer embryos and endometrial thickness per embryo transfer cycle among the three groups (p > 0.05). There were also similar clinical outcomes per embryo transfer cycle among the three groups, such as the biochemical pregnancy rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and live birth rate (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Different sperm sources, percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration, testicular sperm aspiration, and ejaculated sperm, do not affect the embryo and clinical outcomes after IVM–ICSI cycles.
Association of weight-adjusted-waist index with asthma prevalence and the age of first asthma onset in United States adults
Authors: Yu Longshan , Chen Yan , Xu Ming , Li Rongfu , Zhang Juan , Zhu Shouwei , He Zongbao , Chen Mingwei , Wang Gaosheng
Published: February 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess whether the weight-adjusted-waist index(WWI) is associated with the prevalence of asthma and age when first asthma onset appears in US adults.

Methods

For analysis we selected participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES)database between 2001 and 2018. A dose-response curve was calculated using logistic regression,subgroup analysis,and a dose-response curve.

Results

The study included 44480 people over the age of 20,including 6061 reported with asthma, and the increase in asthma prevalence was 15% associated with each unit increase in the WWI, after adjusting for all confounders(odds ratio(OR)=1.15,95% CI:1.11,1.20). The sensitivity analysis was performed by trichotomizing the WWI, and compared to the lowest tertile, the highest tertile WWI group displayed a 29% increase in asthma prevalence(OR=1.29,95% CI:1.19,1.40). A nonlinear correlation was found between the WWI index and the risk of asthma onset, with a threshold saturation effect indicating an inflection point of 10.53 (log-likelihood ratio test, P<0.05), as well as a positive linear correlation with age at first asthma onset.

Conclusions

A higher WWI index was associated with an increased prevalence of asthma and an older age of first asthma onset.
Note on the performance of parametrization strategies to determine the decay heat of PWR fuel
Authors: Seidl Marcus , Basualdo Joaquin , Kadiroglu Mehmet , Glöde Helmut , Haendel Kai-Martin
Published: February 2023

The behavior of fuel assembly safety properties such as decay heat is often parametrized by a set of proxy variables such as burnup and by categorical variables like UOX or MOX. The standards ANS5.1 and DIN-25463 are examples of this strategy. They face the challenge to accurately approximate a wide range of possible fuel assembly states which occur in practice because they traditionally do not follow the nuclide vector evolution with a detailed microscopic model. While burnup is widely regarded as an important fuel parameter it is only an approximation or proxy for the physical relevant quantity which is the fuel nuclide vector. The performance of one of the latest and most advanced decay heat standards, DIN-25463-2014, is compared with Studsvik’s best-estimate code SSP SNF which uses a state-of-the-art microscopic model. Both the differences in initial nuclide vector after irradiation and the differences in decay heat between 1 s and 60 years are analyzed. Comparisons with realistic PWR core fuel inventories show that the margin between SSP SNF and DIN-25463-2014 varies in a range ±5% which is a manifestation of the challenge to accurately approximate the fuel state without detailed microscopic model. Given today’s small compute footprint of best-estimate codes for decay heat determination we conclude that parametrization strategies have little advantage except for applications like system codes used in transient analyses.
DRA-net: A new deep learning framwork for non-intrusive load disaggregation
Authors: Yu Fang , Wang Zhihua , Zhang Xiaodong , Xia Min
Published: February 2023

The non-intrusive load decomposition method helps users understand the current situation of electricity consumption and reduce energy consumption. Traditional methods based on deep learning are difficult to identify low usage appliances, and are prone to model degradation leading to insufficient classification capacity. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a dilated residual aggregation network to achieve non-intrusive load decomposition. First, the original power data is processed by difference to enhance the data expression ability. Secondly, the residual structure and dilated convolution are combined to realize the cross layer transmission of load characteristic information, and capture more long sequence content. Then, the feature enhancement module is proposed to recalibrate the local feature mapping, so as to enhance the learning ability of its own network for subtle features. Compared to traditional network models, the null-residual aggregated convolutional network model has the advantages of strong learning capability for fine load features and good generalisation performance, improving the accuracy of load decomposition. The experimental results on several datasets show that the network model has good generalization performance and improves the recognition accuracy of low usage appliances.
Effect of slope shape on soil aggregate stability of slope farmland in black soil region
Authors: Wang Yuxian , Xu Yingying , Yang Huiying , Shen Huibo , Zhao Lei , Zhu Baoguo , Wang Jiangxu , Guo Lifeng
Published: February 2023

Slope erosion in the black soil region of Northeast China is complex and specific. In order to effectively control soil erosion and protect scarce black soil resources, it is necessary to reveal the law of soil erosion and the influence of basic units of soil structure on its erosion process. This paper used three treatments in the Le Bissonnais (LB) method to determine soil aggregate stability parameters and soil erodibility K values based on particle size composition. By establishing a mathematical fitting of the slope erosion rate along the slope length, it is found that the sinusoidal function fitting can better characterize the periodic law of the slope erosion rate of the long and gentle slope cultivated land in the typical black soil region. The research shows that the primary mechanism of black soil aggregate breakage is dissipation and mechanical disturbance, while the damage caused by clay expansion is the least.
Effects of abiotic heterogeneity on species densities and interaction strengths lead to different spatial biodiversity patterns
Authors: Catella Samantha A. , Abbott Karen C.
Published: February 2023

During community assembly, abiotic factors can influence species at multiple stages during their life history, for example by affecting early settlement or establishment probabilities and thus initial densities (route 1: abiotic effects on density), or later by affecting the strength of biotic interactions during subsequent life stages (route 2: abiotic effects on interaction strengths). Since real abiotic landscapes are multivariate and complex, how these two distinct routes of abiotic influence affect community patterns has not been quantified. Using an individual-based spatially explicit simulation model, we compared scenarios where abiotic conditions shaped initial densities, interaction strengths, or both, of plant species with unique abiotic niches. We then partitioned the effect of the abiotic landscape on community patterns into components arising from variable density, variable interaction strengths, and their interaction. Even when plants responded to identical landscapes, variable density and variable interaction strengths led to different community patterns, and their combined effects were non-additive. Variable density promoted more spatial structure, while variable interaction strengths promoted higher local species richness. We highlight important implications these findings have in applied plant community ecology.
High sedimentation rates lead to rapid vegetation recovery in tidal brackish wetland restoration
Authors: van Proosdij Danika , Graham Jennie , Lemieux Ben , Bowron Tony , Poirier Emma , Kickbush Jocelyn , Ellis Kirsten , Lundholm Jeremy
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Tidal wetland restoration in the Bay of Fundy involves restoring tidal hydrology to sites with tidal restrictions. Most have focused on salt marsh sites close to the mouth of estuaries, but there are also many tidally restricted wetlands closer to the freshwater end of tidal rivers. Recovery of salt marsh vegetation has been rapid in past projects, but little is known about sediment and vegetation dynamics post restoration in tidal brackish or freshwater environments.

Methods

We implemented tidal wetland restoration projects on two tidal rivers near the inland limit of saltwater. Hydrological restoration involved breaching (St. Croix) or realigning agricultural dykes (Belcher Street). We monitored hydrology, sediment accretion and vegetation at replicated plots on restoration sites and nearby reference tidal marshes; and conducted habitat mapping and elevation surveys using drones.

Results

After re-establishing tidal flow, sediment accretion was very rapid, leading to a deep layer of new sediments. Plant colonization at both sites resulted in a high diversity of halophytes in the first 2 years post restoration, but the St. Croix site transitioned to freshwater wetland species dominating by the fifth year post- restoration. The Belcher St. site has a mix of freshwater and brackish wetland species after the fourth-year post-restoration.

Discussion

High suspended sediment concentrations at both sites suggest that each site was positioned closed to the estuarine turbidity maximum within its river. Tidal wetland restoration at the head of estuaries may benefit from the large ecological disturbance associated with rapid sediment accretion, providing a productive substrate with little competition from prior vegetation. However ultimate vegetation patterns may take longer to develop as elevation gains alter tidal flooding frequency. Low salinities suggest that the physical disturbance of sediment burying prior vegetation is the main mechanism creating a clean slate for plant recolonization, rather than mortality of terrestrial vegetation due to salt water. The majority of elevation change was due to allochthonous sediment deposition, with belowground processes playing a minor role. The wetlands restored showed substantial net elevation gains in the first years following tidal hydrological restoration, but long-term monitoring is required to track their overall resilience in the face of sea level rise.
Comprehensive analysis of cuproptosis-related prognostic gene signature and tumor immune microenvironment in HCC
Authors: Qin Haotian , Sheng Weibei , Zhang Geng , Yang Qi , Yao Sen , Yue Yaohang , Zhang Peng , Zhu Yuanchao , Wang Qichang , Chen Yixiao , Zeng Hui , Weng Jian , Yu Fei , Yang Jun
Published: February 2023

Background: Copper is an indispensable mineral element involved in many physiological metabolic processes. Cuproptosis is associated with a variety of cancer such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of this study was to examine the relationships between the expression of cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) and tumor characteristics, including prognosis and microenvironment of HCC.

Methods: The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between high and low CRGs expression groups in HCC samples were identified, and further were analyzed for functional enrichment analysis. Then, CRGs signature of HCC was constructed and analyzed utilizing LASSO and univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Prognostic values of CRGs signature were evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis, independent prognostic analysis and nomograph. The expression of prognostic CRGs was verified by Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) in HCC cell lines. In addition, the relationships between prognostic CRGs expression and the immune infiltration, tumor microenvironment, antitumor drugs response and m6A modifications were further explored using a series of algorithms in HCC. Finally, ceRNA regulatory network based on prognostic CRGs was constructed.

Results: The DEGs between high and low CRG expression groups in HCC were mainly enriched in focal adhesion and extracellular matrix organization. Besides, we constructed a prognostic model that consists of CDKN2A, DLAT, DLST, GLS, and PDHA1 CRGs for predicting the survival likelihood of HCC patients. And the elevated expression of these five prognostic CRGs was substantially in HCC cell lines and associated with poor prognosis. Moreover, immune score and m6A gene expression were higher in the high CRG expression group of HCC patients. Furthermore, prognostic CRGs have higher mutation rates in HCC, and are significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, and anti-tumor drug sensitivity. Then, eight lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes that affected the progression of HCC were predicted.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the CRGs signature could effectively evaluate prognosis, tumor immune microenvironment, immunotherapy response and predict lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes in HCC. These findings extend our knowledge of cuproptosis in HCC and may inform novel therapeutic strategies for HCC.
Associations of circulation levels of cytokines with birthweight, preterm birth, spontaneous miscarriages, and stillbirth: A Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Wang Honghong , Jiang Jinghang , Jin Tingwei , Wang Yifu , Li Mingli , Huang Shengzhu , Xie Juanjuan , Chen Zhongyuan , Guo Yi , Zheng Jie , Jiang Yonghua , Mo Zengnan
Published: February 2023

Background: The association between immune imbalances and adverse pregnancy outcomes has been extensive investigated by observational studies, but remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to establish the causality of the circulation levels of cytokines on adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as offspring’s birthweight (BW), preterm birth (PTB), spontaneous miscarriage (SM), and stillbirth (SB).

Methods: Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was employed to investigate potential causal relations between 41 cytokines and pregnancy outcomes on the basis of previously published GWAS datasets. Multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis was implemented to investigate the effect of the composition of cytokine networks on the pregnancy outcomes. Potential risk factors were further estimated to explore the potential mediators.

Results: Genetic correlation analysis based on large GWAS data sources revealed that genetically predicted MIP1b (β = −0.027, S.E. = 0.010, p = 0.009) and MCSF (β = −0.024, S.E. = 0.011, p = 0.029) were associated with reduced offspring’s BW, MCP1 (OR: 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83–0.97, p = 0.007) was associated with reduced SM risk, SCF (β = −0.014, S.E. = 0.005, p = 0.012) associated with decreased number of SB in MVMR. The univariable MR showed that GROa (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87–0.97, p = 0.004) was associated with decreased PTB risk. Except for the MCSF-BW association, all above associations surpassed the Bonferroni corrected threshold. The MVMR results revealed that MIF, SDF1a, MIP1b, MCSF and IP10 composed cytokine networks, associated with offspring’s BW. Risk factors analysis indicated that the above causal associations might be mediated by smoking behaviors.

Conclusion: These findings suggest the causal associations of several cytokines with adverse pregnancy outcomes, which were potentially mediated by smoking and obesity. Some of the results did not been corrected through multiple tests and larger samples verification is required in further studies.