bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Investigation on Chemical Looping Co‐Gasification of Water Hyacinth and Solid Wastes
Authors: An Fengxia , Chen Delu , Zhong Zhaoping , Wang Xiaojia , Qin Lixiao , Chen Yuhao , Liu Mutong , Yu Ying
Published: July 2023

Chemical looping gasification (CLG) is a promising method to realize the resource utilization of solid waste. Chemical looping co‐gasification (CLCG) attracts much attention as it can fully utilize the synergistic effects between different types of fuels to improve the quality of gasification products. The CLCG characteristics of water hyacinth and different solid wastes, including straw, polypropylene, and sludge, are studied using lean iron ore as oxygen carriers (OCs). It is shown in the results that these solid wastes have synergistic effects on the CLG of water hyacinth to some extent. The addition of straw has a positive impact on gas production and H2/CO ratio, while the introduction of polypropylene and sludge focuses on improving gas production and H2/CO ratio, respectively. In addition, the optimal mixing ratios between water hyacinth and different solid waste are water hyacinth: straw = 50:50; water hyacinth: polypropylene 25:75; and water hyacinth: sludge = 75:25, respectively. The mixing of water hyacinth with polypropylene exhibits better gasification performance, in terms of the total gas yield of 1.27 Nm3 kg−1 and the H2/CO ratio of 1.76 at the mixing ratio of 25:75. This implies that the CLCG of biomass and polypropylene has better application prospect.
A Temperature and Voltage Coupling Equivalent Electrical Behavior Model of Lithium‐Ion Battery Pack for Electric Unmanned Aerial Vehicle under Variable Load Conditions
Authors: Chen Gaige , Liu Yao , Yang Yahong , Wang Baihao
Published: July 2023

It is a valuable and challenge problem to reveal the coupling mechanism between heat and electricity in lithium‐ion battery under variable load conditions. A temperature–voltage coupling equivalent electrical behavior model for lithium‐ion battery under variable load conditions is established to describe the electrical behavior of the battery by analyzing the effect of temperature on particle motion, the effect of particle motion on charge distribution, and the effect of charge distribution on the electrical behavior of the battery and to accurately portray the temperature and voltage coupling mechanism. In the model, heat is taken as the state variable of lithium‐ion battery, and the relationship between the external temperature and voltage is described. The model is verified by simulation and measured data of lithium‐ion battery used in electric unmanned aerial vehicles. The results indicate that the established temperature–voltage coupling model can accurately describe the electrical behavior of the battery and can accurately reveal the coupling relationship between temperature and voltage, and the effect of temperature on the electrical behavior of the battery reflected by the model is basically consistent (voltage and temperature mean absolute percentage error is 5.50% and 2.02%, respectively) with the measured data.
Association of patent foramen ovale with epilepsy: A hospital‐based case–control study
Authors: Tang Yusha , Ji Shuming , Li Hua , Dong Bosi , Li Yajiao , Zhu Chenxing , Chen Lei
Published: July 2023

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the proportion of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in people with epilepsy (PWE) compared to controls without epilepsy and to assess whether PWEs with and without PFO exhibit distinctive clinical features.

Methods

This is a case–control study conducted in a hospital. Contrast transthoracic echocardiography with a venous microbubble bolus and provocative maneuvers (Valsalva and coughing) were used to identify PFO and its right‐to‐left shunt (RLS) among 741 PWEs and 800 controls without epilepsy. The risk of having PFO in PWEs was explored using multiple matching methods and logistic regression with adjusted congenital factors that may affect the occurrence of PFO.

Results

The proportion of PFO in PWEs and controls was 39.00% and 24.25%, respectively. After 1:1 propensity score matching, the risk of suffering PFO in PWEs was 1.71 times (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.24–2.36) higher than that in controls. PWEs also had a higher risk of having a high RLS grade (βepilepsy = 0.390, P < 0.001). Among clinical characteristics of PWEs, migraine, and drug‐resistant epilepsy showed significantly different distributions between those without RLS and those with RLS grade I to III. PWEs with PFO had higher risk of suffering from migraine and drug‐resistant epilepsy (OR in migraine, 2.54, 95% CI, 1.65–3.95; OR in drug‐resistant epilepsy, 1.47, 95% CI, 1.06–2.03).

Significance

The proportion of PFO was found to be higher in PWE than in controls without epilepsy, especially in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy, suggesting potential relationship between the two disorders. Large multicentric study will be needed to confirm this finding.
Effect of cross walls on the interaction curves of the unreinforced masonry walls
Authors: Patel Kaushal P. , Dubey R. N.
Published: July 2023

During the earthquake, masonry walls are subjected to both in‐plane and out‐of‐plane loading. The walls are interconnected in the masonry buildings at the corners and other locations. The cross walls connected to the main walls considerably affect the behavior of the masonry walls, which has not been paid enough attention to in previous studies. Therefore, the present study focuses on the effect of cross walls on the interaction curves of unreinforced masonry walls. The interaction curves have been obtained by applying the out‐of‐plane pressure to the walls, followed by the uniform in‐plane displacement at its top. Both in‐plane and out‐of‐plane loads are applied unidirectionally on the walls. The walls have been analyzed in the finite element software Abaqus using the simplified micro‐modeling approach. Masonry walls with cross‐sections of rectangular shape, C shape, H shape, and T shape have been considered herein. Further, the effect of varying aspect ratios and pre‐compressions on the interaction curves of the walls has been assessed. An empirical equation has been proposed to obtain the interaction curves of the masonry walls of different shapes, which depends on the aspect ratio and pre‐compression applied to the walls. It has been observed that the in‐plane strengths of the walls are sensitive to the pressure applied in the out‐of‐plane direction on them. The in‐plane strength of the walls reduces rapidly after exceeding the critical out‐of‐plane pressure. Further, it has been found that the shapes of the walls also significantly impact the interaction curves of the masonry walls. The cross walls connected to the main wall noticeably affect the walls' strength and stiffness as well.
Theoretical investigation on the impact effect in dynamic analysis of self‐centering pier system based on the Hertz contact‐pounding model
Authors: Zhang Pu , Li Suchao , Zhang Dongyu , Yan Xueyuan
Published: July 2023

The self‐centering (SC) pier system exhibits different mechanical behaviors under an earthquake compared with that in quasi‐static experiments, especially the impact effect on the rocking interface. Published theoretical analysis and experiments had indicated that the impact events significantly affected the rocking motion, including extra energy dissipation, greater contact stress, and even more serious damage. To describe the impact mechanism more clearly and obtain the impact responses more directly, this study investigates a dynamic theoretical model considering the impact effect and its influences on the seismic responses and rocking interface. First, a dynamic theoretical model based on the Hertz contact‐pounding model specific to the SC pier system is proposed, and the impact mechanism is described in detail. Subsequently, dynamic motion equations considering the impact effect are derived. The key parameters of the contact‐pounding element (stiffness KHertz and damping CHertz) that significantly affect the impact process are presented. The accuracy of the proposed theoretical model is verified by test data and a finite element model (FEM). Finally, the influences of the key parameters (KHertz and CHertz) on the impact force are analyzed, and the impact effect on the rocking interface is investigated. The results indicate that the impact effect significantly increases the vertical acceleration and contact stress, particularly under near‐fault earthquakes. This may cause unexpected damage on the rocking interface and should be an important consideration in the optimize design of SC pier system.
Provenance and transport of supraglacial debris revealed by variations in debris geochemistry on Khumbu Glacier, Nepal Himalaya
Authors: Kirkbride Martin P. , Sherriff Sophie C. , Rowan Ann V. , Egholm David L. , Quincey Duncan J. , Miles Evan , Hubbard Bryn , Miles Katie
Published: July 2023

The origin of supraglacial debris covers is often conceptualised as the formation of a surface lag by melt‐out of englacial debris from slow‐moving ice, where complexity arises from feedback between debris thickness and sub‐debris ice melt. Here, we examine the origin of a debris cover from the perspective of debris provenance and changing tributary supply in a high‐elevation compound valley glacier. Geochemical analysis of 11 major elements in 21 debris samples from six tributaries of Khumbu Glacier (Nepal) shows unambiguous statistical differentiation of debris sources reflecting lithological differences between tributary catchments. Twenty‐four samples from transects across the ablation area are partitioned according to their source areas using the FR2000 sediment unmixing model. We estimate the age of ice at each transect using a higher order ice flow model. The results show greater proportions of debris from lateral tributaries in downglacier locations that have experienced longer flowline histories. More recently, ice from the Main Himalayan Divide (Western Cwm) has become relatively more important. This suggests a change in the state of the lower glacier's structure depending on the relative ice discharges of lateral and divide sources. Ice flux from lower elevation tributaries was more important probably prior to a weakening of the Indian Summer Monsoon at around 1420 CE. The lower elevation tributaries lie within the range of late Holocene equilibrium line altitude variation and therefore respond most sensitively to climatic drivers of the glacier's flow structure. Negative glacier mass balance since around 1900 CE caused tributary glaciers to detach and high‐elevation catchments to re‐establish as the dominant ice source to Khumbu Glacier.
The pharmacology and therapeutic role of cannabidiol in diabetes
Authors: Zhang Jin , Lin Cong , Jin Sha , Wang Hongshuang , Wang Yibo , Du Xiubo , Hutchinson Mark R. , Zhao Huiying , Fang Le , Wang Xiaohui
Published: July 2023

In recent years, cannabidiol (CBD), a non‐psychotropic cannabinoid, has garnered substantial interest in drug development due to its broad pharmacological activity and multi‐target effects. Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease that can damage multiple organs in the body, leading to the development of complications such as abnormal kidney function, vision loss, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease. CBD has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential in treating diabetes mellitus and its complications owing to its various pharmacological effects. This work summarizes the role of CBD in diabetes and its impact on complications such as cardiovascular dysfunction, nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy. Strategies for discovering molecular targets for CBD in the treatment of diabetes and its complications are also proposed. Moreover, ways to optimize the structure of CBD based on known targets to generate new CBD analogues are explored.
Exploring the phenolic profile, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties of walnut leaves (Juglans regia L.)
Authors: Altemimi Ammar B. , Al‐haliem Siba Mouid , Alkanan Zina T. , Mohammed Muthanna J. , Hesarinejad Mohammad Ali , Najm Mazin A. A. , Bouymajane Aziz , Cacciola Francesco , Abedelmaksoud Tarek Gamal
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to identify phenolic compounds in walnut leaves from northern Iraq and evaluate their ability to act as antibacterial and antioxidant agents. Phenolic compounds were determined by reversed‐phase HPLC. Antibacterial activity was tested against various bacteria. Antioxidant properties were evaluated by various assays, including reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The HPLC profiles of walnut leaf fractions revealed quercetin, hydroquinone, 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, and caffeic acid in three fractions. The inhibitory activity of DPPH was determined as 47.66, 32.41, and 51.90 μg/mL for fractions I, II, and III, respectively. For ferric reducing power activity, fraction II > fraction III > fraction I and the FRAP activity was observed as 64.43, 73.19, and 68.18 μg/mL for fractions I, II, and III, respectively. All extracted fractions had antibacterial properties against all bacterial strains tested. Observations showed that fraction I was able to produce similar zones of inhibition as streptomycin in most cases. These results suggest that the fractions of this plant extract are plausible natural antioxidants that could be used as prime candidates for the synthesis of antioxidant drugs that can be used for the treatment of many oxidative stress‐related diseases.
Collateral sensitivity: An evolutionary trade‐off between antibiotic resistance mechanisms, attractive for dealing with drug‐resistance crisis
Authors: Yekani Mina , Azargun Robab , Sharifi Simin , Nabizadeh Edris , Nahand Javid Sadri , Ansari Navideh Karimi , Memar Mohammad Yousef , Soki Jozsef'
Published: July 2023

Background

The discovery and development of antimicrobial drugs were one of the most significant advances in medicine, but the evolution of microbial resistance limited the efficiency of these drugs.

Aim

This paper reviews the collateral sensitivity in bacteria and its potential and limitation as a new target for treating infections.

Results and Discussion

Knowledge mechanisms of resistance to antimicrobial agents are useful to trace a practical approach to treat and control of resistant pathogens. The effect of a resistance mechanism to certain antibiotics on the susceptibility or resistance to other drugs is a key point that may be helpful for applying a strategy to control resistance challenges. In an evolutionary trade‐off known as collateral sensitivity, the resistance mechanism to a certain drug may be mediated by the hypersensitivity to other drugs. Collateral sensitivity has been described for different drugs in various bacteria, but the molecular mechanisms affecting susceptibility are not well demonstrated. Collateral sensitivity could be studied to detect its potential in the battle against resistance crisis as well as in the treatment of pathogens adapting to antibiotics. Collateral sensitivity‐based antimicrobial therapy may have the potential to limit the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
Comparison of recent updates in genetics, immunology, biomarkers, and neuroimaging of primary‐progressive and relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis and the role of ocrelizumab in the management of their refractory cases
Authors: Prajjwal Priyadarshi , Marsool Mohammed Dheyaa Marsool , Asharaf Shahnaz , Inban Pugazhendi , Gadam Srikanth , Yadav Rukesh , Vora Neel , Nandwana Varsha , Marsool Ali Dheyaa Marsool , Amir Omniat
Published: July 2023

Background

Primary‐progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS) and relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) are two frequent multiple sclerosis (MS) subtypes that involve 10%–15% of patients. PPMS progresses slowly and is diagnosed later in life. Both subtypes are influenced by genetic and environmental factors such as smoking, obesity, and vitamin D insufficiency. Although there is no cure, ocrelizumab can reduce symptoms and delay disease development. RRMS is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, demyelination, and disability. Early detection, therapy, and lifestyle changes are critical. This study delves into genetics, immunology, biomarkers, neuroimaging, and the usefulness of ocrelizumab in the treatment of refractory patients of PPMS.

Method

In search of published literature providing up‐to‐date information on PPMS and RRMS, this review conducted numerous searches in databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, and Scopus. We looked into genetics, immunology, biomarkers, current breakthroughs in neuroimaging, and the role of ocrelizumab in refractory cases.

Results

Our comprehensive analysis found considerable advances in genetics, immunology, biomarkers, neuroimaging, and the efficacy of ocrelizumab in the treatment of refractory patients.

Conclusion

Early detection, timely intervention, and the adoption of lifestyle modifications play pivotal roles in enhancing treatment outcomes. Notably, ocrelizumab has demonstrated potential in symptom control and mitigating the rate of disease advancement, further underscoring its clinical significance in the management of MS.
Fears and misconceptions toward COVID‐19 vaccination among Syrian population: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Klib Mohamad , Ghandour Munir , Alazki Osama , Nabhan Ayman I. , Idres Fatima A. , Alolabi Homam , Khaddour Majd S. , Zahlout Jaafar , Albakkar Farah , Hamoud Hasan M. M. , Houri Hasan N. Al , Alafandi Bana Z. ,   Data Collection Group
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Despite the significant milestone of vaccine discovery, the spread of misinformation and pseudoscientific claims has resulted in an increasing number of people refusing vaccination in Syria. In this study, we aimed to explore fears and misconceptions towards COVID‐19 vaccines among the Syrian population.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide cross‐sectional study between January and May 2022, using a convenience sample of 10,006 participants aged at least 18 years and living in Syria. We administered a validated online/paper questionnaire and conducted face‐to‐face interviews. We used SPSS software (version 26) for statistical analysis, assessing our data using frequency and χ2 tests, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

The majority of the participants were female 6048 (60.4%), university degree holders 7304 (73%), and from urban areas 8015 (80.1%). Approximately half of the participants 5021 (50.2%) belonged to the medical sector (49% had concerns about the vaccine). Females, university degree holders, and participants with a history of symptomatic COVID‐19 were more likely to have fears about the vaccines. The main concerns about the vaccines were the rapid development, fears of blood clots, and common side effects. The prevalence of some misconceptions was relatively high, such as the belief that the vaccine is an experiment or a secret plan to reduce the population. Reliable sources are crucial to fight misleading information on social media.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 vaccine is key to controlling the spread, but acceptance rate is critical. High variability in vaccine acceptance and high vaccine hesitancy can affect the efforts to terminate the COVID‐19 pandemic. Addressing the barriers associated with the acceptance of COVID‐19 vaccination will be the cornerstone to achieving maximum vaccination coverage. It is important to consider the reasons for refusing the COVID‐19 vaccine when interpreting the results of any study on vaccine attitudes among the Syrian population.
Comparisons of nonpharmaceutical analgesia and pharmaceutical analgesia on the labor analgesia effect of parturient women
Authors: Zhu Rongyu , Pan Qin , Cao Xiaoxia
Published: July 2023

Objective

We aimed to compare the labor analgesia effects of nonpharmaceutical analgesia and pharmaceutical analgesia on parturient women.

Methods

One hundred and four parturient women with spontaneous births were selected and randomly divided into pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical analgesia groups. Before and after analgesia, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), parturient satisfaction with analgesia, serum pain stress factors (substance P [SP], neuropeptide Y [NPY], nerve growth factor [NGF], and prostaglandin E2 [PGE2]), duration of labor, vaginal bleeding at 2 h postpartum, postpartum urinary retention and dysuria incidence, Apgar score of 1 min and 5 min after birth, and neonatal cord blood gas analysis (pH, partial pressure of oxygen [PO2], partial pressure of carbon dioxide [PCO2], and lactate [Lac]) were compared in the two groups.

Results

VAS scores were lower and the analgesia satisfaction was higher in the pharmaceutical analgesia group than in the nonpharmaceutical analgesia group (all p < .05). Serum levels of SP, NPY, NGF, and PGE2 in the pharmaceutical analgesia group were lower than those in the nonpharmaceutical analgesia group (all p < .05). The first and second stages of labor were longer and the bleeding volume at 2 h postpartum was greater in the pharmaceutical analgesia group than those in the nonpharmaceutical analgesia group (all p < .05). Reduced Lac and PCO2 levels and increased PO2 level were found in the pharmaceutical analgesia group in comparison to the nonpharmaceutical analgesia group (all p < .05).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the analgesic effect and neonatal condition of the pharmaceutical analgesia are better than the nonpharmaceutical analgesia, but the labor duration and postpartum bleeding volume of the pharmaceutical analgesia are greater than those of the nonpharmaceutical analgesia.
Altered expression of apoptosis‐related genes in rheumatoid arthritis peripheral blood mononuclear cell and related miRNA regulation
Authors: Ebrahimian Hamidreza , Akhtari Maryam , Akhlaghi Maassoumeh , Farhadi Elham , Jamshidi Ahmadreza , Alishiri Gholam Hossein , Mahmoudi Mahdi , Tavallaie Mahmood
Published: July 2023

Aim

Impaired apoptosis and proliferation resulted in autoreactive lymphocyte development and inflammation in Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). TP53, BAX, FOXO1, and RB1 are related genes in cell survival, proliferation, and inflammation which could be important in RA development and disease severity. Here we investigated their expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from RA patients in comparison to healthy controls.

Methods

Fifty healthy controls and 50 RA patients were selected. The quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the gene expression level in PBMCs.

Results

The mRNA expression of TP53 (FC = 0.65, p = .000), BAX (FC = 0.76, p = .008), FOXO1 (FC = 0.59, p = .000) and RB1 (FC = 0.50, p = .000) were significantly reduced in RA PBMCs. TP53 expression was negatively correlated with miR‐16‐5p (p = .032) and FOXO1 expression was negatively correlated with miR‐335‐5p (p = .005) and miR‐34a‐5p (p = .014). A positive correlation was seen between TP53 expression and its downstream gene, BAX (p = .001). FOXO1 expression was also negatively correlated with disease activity, DAS28 (p = .021).

Conclusion

All selected genes have downregulated expression in RA PBMCs which could be correlated with RA pathogenesis by regulating apoptosis, cell survival, inflammatory mediator production, and proliferation. Due to the correlation of miR‐16‐5p, miR‐34a‐5p, and miR‐335‐5p with TP53 and FOXO1 expression in RA PBMCs, they could be used as future therapeutic targets.
Impact of COVID‐19 on the distribution of pathogenic bacteria in the lower respiratory tract of the elderly
Authors: Zhang Shi‐Yan , Shi Jing , Zhuo Ying , Wang Ting‐Qiang
Published: July 2023

Background

To investigate the distribution of bacterial pathogens of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in hospitalized elderly patients during the COVID‐19 epidemic and to explore the influence of COVID‐19 on the distribution of bacterial pathogens, to provide guidance for clinical diagnosis.

Methods

Specimens of sputum from elderly LRTIs patients at Fuding Hospital of China were consecutively collected from October 2022 to January 2023. Cultures and identification were done, and RT‐PCR was employed to detect SARS‐Cov‐2 nucleic acid.

Results

A total of 195 isolates were characterized in 163 sputum samples of consecutive hospitalized elderly patients, of which 11.3% were Gram‐positive bacteria and 88.7% were Gram‐negative. The top of frequently isolated pathogens was Klebsiella pneumonia (30.3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.0%), Acinetobacter baumannii (12.8%), Stenotrophomonas maltophili, (7.7%), Escherichia coli (7.2%). According to the results of novel coronavirus nucleic acid detection, the 163 patients were divided into COVID‐19 group and non‐COVID control (CNT) group. The comparison of bacterial distribution between the groups revealed that Stenotrophomonas maltophilia was lower in the COVID‐19 than in the CNT group, while A. baumannii was higher in the COVID‐19 group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < .05).

Conclusion

The major bacteria identified in sputum culture of hospitalized elderly patients were K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, A. baumannii, S. maltophilia, and E. coli. Furthermore, the distribution of S. maltophilia and A. baumannii between the COVID‐19 and CNT groups was found to be significantly different (p < .05), while there were no significant differences in the distribution of other bacteria.
Calycosin inhibits hepatocyte apoptosis in acute liver failure by suppressing theTLR4/NF‐κBpathway: An in vitro study
Authors: Chang Le , Zhang Aiqing , Liu Wenjuan , Cao Ping , Dong Lixian , Gao Xiaoxue
Published: July 2023

Background

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a serious liver disease that is difficult to treat owing to its unclear pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the roles and molecular mechanisms of calycosin (CA) in ALF.

Methods

In this study, the roles and mechanism of CA in ALF were explored using an in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced ALF cell model. Additionally, 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)−2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay was used to assess the effect of CA on the activity of LPS‐induced L02 human liver epithelial cells, and flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis in L02 cells. Expression levels of apoptosis‐related genes,BaxandBcl‐2, were measured using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot analysis. Expression levels of inflammatory factors in LPS‐induced L02 cells were measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, the effect of CA on ALF was inhibited via transfection of a toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4)‐plasmid to elucidate the relationship between CA and TLR4/nuclear factor (NF)‐κB signaling pathway in ALF.

Results

CA had no toxic effects on L02 cells, but enhanced the activity of LPS‐induced L02 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Apoptosis and inflammatory factor release was increased in ALF, activating theTLR4/NF‐κBsignaling pathway. However, CA treatment inhibited the apoptosis and release of inflammatory factors. Further mechanistic studies revealed that the upregulation ofTLR4expression reversed the alleviating effects of CA on inflammation and apoptosis in LPS‐induced L02 cells.

Conclusion

CA alleviates inflammatory damage in LPS‐induced L02 cells by inhibiting theTLR4/NF‐κBpathway and may be a promising therapeutic agent for ALF treatment.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide exerts therapeutic action by regulating PTEN in a model of Sjögren's disease
Authors: Li Yixi , Zhu Wen , Lin Rui , Zhao Junjie , Wang Yue
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Sjögren's disease (SjD) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the loss of the secretory function of the exocrine glands. At present, drugs that can both correct the immune imbalance and improve exocrine gland function are needed. Meanwhile, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) has been reported as a candidate with anti‐inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties for treating autoimmune diseases.

Methods

Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice and the primary splenic lymphocyte cells (SPLCs) were used to construct the SS model. The therapeutic effects of VIP for SjD by evaluating water consumption, histopathology, T cell subsets, and related cytokines. RT‐qPCR and Western blot analysis were used to identify the expression of the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.

Results

We found that VIP therapy in NOD mice could increase the expression of PTEN and VIP/VPAC1 receptor, as well as decrease the PI3K/AKT pathway. In vitro, the results showed that the PTEN knockdown decreased the Treg/Th17 ratio and enhanced the phosphorylated PI3K/AKT pathway, which were reversed with VIP treatment.

Conclusions

VIP exerts potential therapeutic action in SjD by upregulating PTEN through the PI3K/AKT pathway and Treg/Th17 cell balance.
Application of Naphthoquinone Derivatives Non‐Covalently Modified Graphene Nanosheets in Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Hou Lijie , Kong Chao , Hu Zhongai , Han Yanxia , Wu Bowan
Published: July 2023

As an organic pseudocapacitive active material, 2, 3‐Dichloro‐1, 4‐naphthoquinone (DNQ) was used in supercapacitors. Graphene with unique structures and high electrical conductivity acts as substrate. DNQ non‐covalently modified graphene composite material (DNQ@rGO) was synthesized through the simple solvothermal synthesis. The redox reaction between naphthol and naphthoquinone occurs on reduced graphene oxide(rGO), which forms an ideal pseudocapacitance without destroying its sp2 network. The optimal DNQ@rGO electrode material obtained the specific capacitance of 361.2 Fg−1 at 5 mV s−1 in 1 mol L−1 H2SO4 and exhibited excellent rate capability (capacitance retention of 87.5 % at 100 mV s−1) in the three‐electrode system. We also prepared holey layered oxygen‐rich graphene hydrogels (HLGH) material, whose electrochemical performance is superior to traditional three‐dimensional (3D) graphene hydrogels (GH). Finally, two asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) were assembled by using the DNQ@rGO (positive electrode), the HLGH and GH (negative electrode). The results show that the ASC with HLGH as negative electrode achieved the high energy and power densities due to the perfect matching of capacitance and kinetics between the positive and negative electrodes. The specific capacitance was almost no loss after 4700 cycles, showing the excellent stability.
Liquid metal compartmented by polyphenol‐mediated nanointerfaces enables high‐performance thermal management on electronic devices
Authors: Zhang Chaojun , Tang Yang , Guo Tianyu , Sang Yizhou , Li Ding , Wang Xiaoling , Rojas Orlando J. , Guo Junling
Published: July 2023

The exponentially increasing heat generation in electronic devices, induced by high power density and miniaturization, has become a dominant issue that affects carbon footprint, cost, performance, reliability, and lifespan. Liquid metals (LMs) with high thermal conductivity are promising candidates for effective thermal management yet are facing pump‐out and surface‐spreading issues. Confinement in the form of metallic particles can address these problems, but apparent alloying processes elevate the LM melting point, leading to severely deteriorated stability. Here, we propose a facile and sustainable approach to address these challenges by using a biogenic supramolecular network as an effective diffusion barrier at copper particle‐LM (EGaIn/Cu@TA) interfaces to achieve superior thermal conduction. The supramolecular network promotes LM stability by reducing unfavorable alloying and fluidity transition. The EGaIn/Cu@TA exhibits a record‐high metallic‐mediated thermal conductivity (66.1 W m−1 K−1) and fluidic stability. Moreover, mechanistic studies suggest the enhanced heat flow path after the incorporation of copper particles, generating heat dissipation suitable for computer central processing units, exceeding that of commercial silicone. Our results highlight the prospects of renewable macromolecules isolated from biomass for the rational design of nanointerfaces based on metallic particles and LM, paving a new and sustainable avenue for high‐performance thermal management.

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Single‐Cell Transcriptomics of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells in Diversity Outbred Mice: A Model for Population‐Level scRNA‐Seq Studies
Authors: Dillard Luke J , Rosenow Will T , Calabrese Gina M , Mesner Larry D , Al‐Barghouthi Basel M , Abood Abdullah , Farber Emily A , Onengut‐Gumuscu Suna , Tommasini Steven M , Horowitz Mark A , Rosen Clifford J , Yao Lutian , Qin Ling , Farber Charles R
Published: July 2023

Genome‐wide association studies (GWASs) have advanced our understanding of the genetics of osteoporosis; however, the challenge has been converting associations to causal genes. Studies have utilized transcriptomics data to link disease‐associated variants to genes, but few population transcriptomics data sets have been generated on bone at the single‐cell level. To address this challenge, we profiled the transcriptomes of bone marrow–derived stromal cells (BMSCs) cultured under osteogenic conditions from five diversity outbred (DO) mice using single‐cell RNA‐seq (scRNA‐seq). The goal of the study was to determine if BMSCs could serve as a model to generate cell type–specific transcriptomic profiles of mesenchymal lineage cells from large populations of mice to inform genetic studies. By enriching for mesenchymal lineage cells in vitro, coupled with pooling of multiple samples and downstream genotype deconvolution, we demonstrate the scalability of this model for population‐level studies. We demonstrate that dissociation of BMSCs from a heavily mineralized matrix had little effect on viability or their transcriptomic signatures. Furthermore, we show that BMSCs cultured under osteogenic conditions are diverse and consist of cells with characteristics of mesenchymal progenitors, marrow adipogenic lineage precursors (MALPs), osteoblasts, osteocyte‐like cells, and immune cells. Importantly, all cells were similar from a transcriptomic perspective to cells isolated in vivo. We employed scRNA‐seq analytical tools to confirm the biological identity of profiled cell types. SCENIC was used to reconstruct gene regulatory networks (GRNs), and we observed that cell types show GRNs expected of osteogenic and pre‐adipogenic lineage cells. Further, CELLECT analysis showed that osteoblasts, osteocyte‐like cells, and MALPs captured a significant component of bone mineral density (BMD) heritability. Together, these data suggest that BMSCs cultured under osteogenic conditions coupled with scRNA‐seq can be used as a scalable and biologically informative model to generate cell type–specific transcriptomic profiles of mesenchymal lineage cells in large populations. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Transmembrane protein 150b attenuates BMP signaling in the Xenopus organizer
Authors: Keum Byeong‐Rak , Yeo Inchul , Koo Youngmu , Han Wonhee , Choi Sun‐Cheol , Kim Gun‐Hwa , Han Jin‐Kwan
Published: July 2023

The vertebrate organizer is a specified embryonic tissue that regulates dorsoventral patterning and axis formation. Although numerous cellular signaling pathways have been identified as regulators of the organizer's dynamic functions, the process remains incompletely understood, and as‐yet unknown pathways remain to be explored for sophisticated mechanistic understanding of the vertebrate organizer. To identify new potential key factors of the organizer, we performed complementary DNA (cDNA) microarray screening using organizer‐mimicking Xenopus laevis tissue. This analysis yielded a list of prospective organizer genes, and we determined the role of six‐transmembrane domain containing transmembrane protein 150b (Tmem150b) in organizer function. Tmem150b was expressed in the organizer region and induced by Activin/Nodal signaling. In X. laevis, Tmem150b knockdown resulted in head defects and a shortened body axis. Moreover, Tmem150b negatively regulated bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling, likely via physical interaction with activin receptor‐like kinase 2 (ALK2). These findings demonstrated that Tmem150b functions as a novel membrane regulatory factor of BMP signaling with antagonistic effects, contributing to the understanding of regulatory molecular mechanisms of organizer axis function. Investigation of additional candidate genes identified in the cDNA microarray analysis could further delineate the genetic networks of the organizer during vertebrate embryogenesis.
Single Extracellular VEsicle Nanoscopy
Authors: Saftics Andras , Abuelreich Sarah , Romano Eugenia , Ghaeli Ima , Jiang Nan , Spanos Michail , Lennon Kathleen M. , Singh Gagandeep , Das Saumya , Van Keuren‐Jensen Kendall , Jovanovic‐Talisman Tijana
Published: July 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their cargo constitute novel biomarkers. EV subpopulations have been defined not only by abundant tetraspanins (e.g., CD9, CD63 and CD81) but also by specific markers derived from their source cells. However, it remains a challenge to robustly isolate and characterize EV subpopulations. Here, we combined affinity isolation with super‐resolution imaging to comprehensively assess EV subpopulations from human plasma. Our Single Extracellular VEsicle Nanoscopy (SEVEN) assay successfully quantified the number of affinity‐isolated EVs, their size, shape, molecular tetraspanin content, and heterogeneity. The number of detected tetraspanin‐enriched EVs positively correlated with sample dilution in a 64‐fold range (for SEC‐enriched plasma) and a 50‐fold range (for crude plasma). Importantly, SEVEN robustly detected EVs from as little as ∼0.1 μL of crude plasma. We further characterized the size, shape and molecular tetraspanin content (with corresponding heterogeneities) for CD9‐, CD63‐ and CD81‐enriched EV subpopulations. Finally, we assessed EVs from the plasma of four pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients with resectable disease. Compared to healthy plasma, CD9‐enriched EVs from patients were smaller while IGF1R‐enriched EVs from patients were larger, rounder and contained more tetraspanin molecules, suggestive of a unique pancreatic cancer‐enriched EV subpopulation. This study provides the method validation and demonstrates that SEVEN could be advanced into a platform for characterizing both disease‐associated and organ‐associated EV subpopulations.
Preprocedural control of nutritional status score and prediction of early death after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy
Authors: Yoshida Yuki , Maetani Iruru , Shigoka Hiroaki , Matsuda Takahisa
Published: July 2023

Background and Aim

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is often associated with early mortality. We therefore investigated factors associated with early death after PEG.

Methods

The present study comprised patients who had undergone PEG between April 2014 and March 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: an early mortality group who died within 1 month of PEG, and a non‐mortality group whose clinical course could be followed for more than 1 month after the procedure. Patient background, hematological data, and procedural duration were compared between groups.

Results

Univariate analysis identified older age, high blood urea nitrogen (BUN), low prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and high controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score as factors associated with early death after PEG. In multivariate analysis, high CONUT score remained an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.0035).

Conclusion

A high CONUT score may be a prognostic factor for early mortality after PEG.
Robust and protective immune responses induced by heterologous prime‐boost vaccination with DNA‐protein dimeric RBD vaccines for COVID‐19
Authors: An Yaling , Zhao Gan , Duan Huixin , Zhang Ning , Duan Minrun , Xu Senyu , Liu Xueyuan , Han Yuxuan , Zheng Tianyi , Li Xin , Hou Jiawang , Zhang Zhiyu , Bi Yuhai , Zhao Xin , Xu Kun , Dai Lianpan , Wang Bin , Gao George F.
Published: July 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic posed great impacts on public health. To fight against the pandemic, robust immune responses induced by vaccination are indispensable. Previously, we developed a subunit vaccine adjuvanted by aluminum hydroxide, ZF2001, based on the dimeric tandem‐repeat RBD immunogen, which has been approved for clinical use. This dimeric RBD design was also explored as an mRNA vaccine. Both showed potent immunogenicity. In this study, a DNA vaccine candidate encoding RBD‐dimer was designed. The humoral and cellular immune responses induced by homologous and heterologous prime‐boost approaches with DNA‐RBD‐dimer and ZF2001 were assessed in mice. Protection efficacy was studied by the SARS‐CoV‐2 challenge. We found that the DNA‐RBD‐dimer vaccine was robustly immunogenic. Priming with DNA‐RBD‐dimer followed by ZF2001 boosting induced higher levels of neutralizing antibodies than homologous vaccination with either DNA‐RBD‐dimer or ZF2001, elicited polyfunctional cellular immunity with a TH1‐biased polarization, and efficiently protected mice against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the lung. This study demonstrated the robust and protective immune responses induced by the DNA‐RBD‐dimer candidate and provided a heterologous prime‐boost approach with DNA‐RBD‐dimer and ZF2001.
A comparative study of TOPSIS‐based GCMs selection and multi‐model ensemble
Authors: Han Rucun , Li Zhanling , Han Yuanyuan , Huo Pengying , Li Zhanjie
Published: July 2023

General circulation models (GCMs) are developed to simulate the past climate and generate future climate predictions. In the context of global warming, their important roles in identifying possible solutions to water resources planning/management are recognized by the world. However, in actual and regional implementation, due to many factors like initial and boundary conditions, parameters and model structures and so forth, there are great variabilities and uncertainties across the future climate projections of GCMs outputs, which has attracted criticism from water resources planners. Thus, the GCMs usually must be evaluated for assessing their performances in simulating the historical observations. Currently, there are many different conclusions and opinions as to whether the optimal individual model is more advantageous or whether the combined consideration of MME works better. The purpose of this paper is to compare the advantages and disadvantages between the selection of the optimal single GCM and multi‐model ensemble (MME) based on one of the more objective selection methods called TOPSIS. The results show that the performances of GCMs in simulating precipitation and temperature in different climate subregions over China are not identical. For CMIP6 GCMs simulations, the optimal precipitation GCM is CMCC‐CM2‐SR5 for EC, MIROC6 for SC, SWC and NWC, CESM2‐WACCM for NC and NEC, and FGOALS‐g3 for QTP. As for temperature, only NESM3 and BCC‐ESM1 are the optimal GCM for QTP and NWC, respectively; in other subregions, MME is better than single GCM. In general, a simple arithmetic averaging approach employed to generate the MME model is not superior to the optimal GCM, although the error metric with the observed data is reduced, at the cost of a severe compression of the interannual variability.
Evaluation of the role of mitofusin‐1 and mitofusin‐2 in periodontal disease
Authors: Kırmızıgül Ömer Alperen , Sabanci Arife , Dişli Faruk , Yıldız Sedat , Milward Michael R. , Aral Kübra
Published: July 2023

Background

Mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum are key cellular organelles and create contact sites (mitochondria‐endoplasmic reticulum contact [MERC]), which plays a major role in calcium metabolism, apoptotic processes, and inflammation. Previously, proteins that have been associated with these MERC contact sites mitofusin‐1 (MFN1) and mitofusin‐2 (MFN2) have been found to be downregulated in periodontal disease in vitro. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to evaluate MFN1 and MFN2 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with periodontal disease compared with healthy controls clinically.

Methods

A total of 48 participants were divided into three groups including periodontally healthy (n = 16), patients with gingivitis (n = 16), and patients with stage 3 grade B periodontitis (n = 16). GCF levels of MFN1, MFN2, calcium (Ca), caspase‐1, and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) were determined via enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results were calculated as total amount and concentration.

Results

MFN1 levels (total amount) were significantly higher in patients with periodontitis and gingivitis when compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). However, concentration levels of MFN1, MFN2, Ca, caspase‐1, TNF‐α significantly decreased in periodontal disease groups compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was detected among all evaluated markers (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The MERC protein MFN1 may have a role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease due to its increase in GCF of patients with periodontitis and gingivitis.
Periodontal ligament‐associated protein‐1 promotes osteoclastogenesis in mice by modulating TGF‐β1/Smad1 pathway
Authors: Liu Shuang , Yu Xijiao , Guo Qiushuang , Zhao Shuaiqi , Yan Kaixian , Hou Meng , Bai Fuxiang , Li Shu
Published: July 2023

Background

Periodontal ligament‐associated protein‐1 (PLAP‐1), an important target molecule of osteoarthritis research, may affect alveolar bone resorption. The aim of our study was to comprehensively and systematically detect the effect of PLAP‐1 on alveolar bone resorption and the underlying mechanism in PLAP‐1 knockout mouse models.

Methods

We used a PLAP‐1 knockout (C57BL/6N‐Plap‐1−/−) mouse model to investigate the effect of PLAP‐1 on osteoclast differentiation and the underlying mechanism by adding Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide to stimulate bone marrow‐derived macrophages. The effect of PLAP‐1 on alveolar bone resorption and the underlying mechanism were studied using a ligature periodontitis model, with microcomputed tomography imaging, immunochemistry, and immunofluorescence.

Results

The in vitro analysis results demonstrated that PLAP‐1 knockout significantly inhibited osteoclast differentiation under both normal and inflammatory conditions. Bioinformatic analysis, immunofluorescence, and co‐immunoprecipitation showed colocalization and interaction between PLAP‐1 and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1). The phosphorylation of Smad1 was reduced in the PLAP‐1 knockout cells compared with that in the cells from wild‐type mice. The in vivo analysis results demonstrated that PLAP‐1 knockout decreased bone resorption and the levels of osteoclast differentiation markers in experimental periodontitis compared with those in wild‐type mice. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed colocalization of PLAP‐1 and TGF‐β1 in the experimental periodontitis model. The phosphorylation level of Smad1 was significantly reduced in PLAP‐1 knockout mice compared with that in wild‐type mice.

Conclusions

This study revealed that the knockout of PLAP‐1 inhibits osteoclast differentiation and decreases alveolar bone resorption through the TGF‐β1/Smad1 signaling pathway, which could serve as an innovative target for the prevention and treatment of periodontitis.