bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial distribution of preantral follicles in ovarian parenchyma of bovine species
Authors: González Suellen Miguez , Cerezetti Marcela Bortoletto , Bergamo Larissa Zamparone , Morotti Fábio , Seneda Marcelo Marcondes
Published: February 2023

The goal of this study was to determine the distribution of preantral follicles in bovine ovaries. Follicular distribution in the ovaries (n = 12) was evaluated in the region of the greater curvature of the ovary (GCO) and the region close to the ovarian pedicle (OP) of Bos taurus indicus heifers of the Nelore breed. Two fragments were obtained from each region of the ovary (GCO and OP). The mean weight of the ovaries was 4.04 ± 0.32 g. The mean antral follicle count (AFC) was 54.58 ± 3.55 follicles (minimum and maximum variation of 30 and 71 follicles, respectively). In total, 1123 follicles were visualized in the region of the GCO; 949 (84.5%) of them were primordial follicles and 174 (15.5%) were developing follicles. The region close to the OP contained 1454 follicles, of which 1266 (87%) were primordial follicles and 44 (12.9%) were developing follicles. The OP region showed a higher proportion of intact follicles in the primordial (P < 0.0001) and primary (P = 0.042) stages compared with the GCO region. The proportion of secondary follicles was similar in the OP and GCO regions. The ovaries of two bovine females (16%; 2/12) contained multi-oocytes follicles, which were characterized as primary follicles. Therefore, the distribution of preantral follicles in the bovine ovary was heterogeneous, with the region close to the OP containing a greater number of preantral follicles compared with the GCO region (P < 0.05).
High‐Pressure Mechanical Properties of Talc: Implications for Fault Strength and Slip Processes
Authors: Boneh Y. , Pec M. , Hirth G.
Published: February 2023

The hydrous mineral talc is stable over a relatively large P‐T field and can form due to fluid migration and metamorphic reactions in mafic and ultramafic rocks and in faults along plate boundary interfaces. Talc is known to be one of the weakest minerals, making it potentially important for the deformation dynamics and seismic characteristics of faults. However, little is known about talc's mechanical properties at high temperatures under confining pressures greater than 0.5 GPa. We present results of deformation experiments on natural talc cylinders exploring talc rheology under 0.5–1.5 GPa and 400–700°C, P‐T conditions simulating conditions at deep faults and subducted slab interface. At these pressures, the strength of talc is highly temperature‐dependent where the thermal weakening is associated with an increased tendency for localization. The strength of talc and friction coefficient inferred from Mohr circle analysis is between 0.13 at 400°C to ∼0.01 at 700°C. Strength comparison with other phyllosilicates highlights talc as the weakest mineral, a factor of ∼3–4 weaker than antigorite and a factor of ∼2 weaker than chlorite. The observed friction coefficients for talc are consistent with those inferred for subducted slabs and the San Andreas fault. We conclude that the presence of talc may explain the low strength of faults and of subducted slab interface at depths where transient slow slip events occur.
Magnesium Isotope Constraints on the Holocene Hydromagnesite Formation in Alkaline Lake Dujiali, Central Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Lin Yongjie , Knapp William J. , Li Weiqiang , Zheng Mianping , Ye Chuanyong , She Jiaxin , Xia Zhiguang , Power Ian M. , Zhao Yue , Tipper Edward T.
Published: February 2023

Hydromagnesite is a common hydrated magnesium carbonate mineral found in alkaline lakes on Earth, potentially present on Mars, and is also a key mineral for carbon capture and storage. However, mechanisms governing its formation in alkaline lakes remain enigmatic. Extensive hydromagnesite formed during the Holocene in the alkaline Dujiali Lake (DL), central Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau, making it an ideal field site to constrain the process of hydromagnesite formation in a modern environmental context. In this study, we report a set of magnesium isotope ratios ( expressed as δ26 Mg) data from DL on abiotic hydromagnesite (mean = −1.35‰ ± 0.14‰) modern lake waters (−0.07‰ to +0.46‰), and rivers and groundwater (−0.53‰ to −1.46‰). These differences in δ26 Mg (and also Mg/Ca) are most likely caused by low‐Mg carbonate precipitation, a process which fractionates Mg/Ca and values. A semi‐quantitative box model of the lake chemistry was developed based on carbonate equilibria to investigate the behavior of Mg isotopes during the evolution of the lake chemistry. The modeling results indicate that evaporation concentrates solutes in the lake driving saturation of multiple minerals. Aragonite reaches saturation before hydromagnesite, preferentially removing Ca relative to Mg via aragonite precipitation. This process elevates the Mg/Ca of the lake and the saturation index of hydromagnesite, increasing the likelihood of hydromagnesite formation. Given that the Mg/Ca ratio of many alkaline lakes is far below than that required for the formation of hydromagnesite, our findings suggest that low‐Mg carbonate precipitation may be a common precursor process for abiotic hydromagnesite precipitation in evaporative environments in addition to a high Mg source likely derived from ultramafic rocks.
Potential Evaporation and the Complementary Relationship
Authors: Tu Zhuoyi , Yang Yuting , Roderick Michael L. , McVicar Tim R.
Published: February 2023

The complementary relationship (CR) provides a framework for estimating land surface evaporation with basic meteorological observations by acknowledging the relationship between actual evaporation, apparent potential evaporation and potential evaporation (Epo). As a key variable in the CR, Epo estimates by conventional models have a long‐standing problem in practical applications. That is, the meteorological forcings (i.e., radiation and temperature) employed in conventional Epo models are observed under actual conditions that are generally not saturated. Hence, conventional Epo models do not conform to the original definition of Epo (i.e., the evaporation that would occur with an unlimited water supply). Here, we estimate Epo using the maximum evaporation approach (Epo_max) that does follow the original Epo definition. We find that adopting Epo_max considerably reduces the asymmetry of the CR compared to when the conventional Priestley‐Taylor Epo is used. We then employ Epo_max and develop a new physically based, calibration‐free CR model, which shows an overall good performance in estimating actual evaporation in 705 catchments at the mean annual scale and 64 flux sites at monthly and mean annual scales (R2 ranges from 0.73 to 0.75 and root‐mean‐squared error ranges from 9.8 to 18.8 W m−2).Both the 705 catchments and 64 flux sites cover a wide range of climates. More importantly, the use of Epo_max leads to a new physical interpretation of the CR.
Faunal engineering stimulates landscape-scale accretion in southeastern US salt marshes
Authors: Crotty Sinéad M. , Pinton Daniele , Canestrelli Alberto , Fischman Hallie S. , Ortals Collin , Dahl Nicholas R. , Williams Sydney , Bouma Tjeerd J. , Angelini Christine
Published: February 2023

The fate of coastal ecosystems depends on their ability to keep pace with sea-level rise—yet projections of accretion widely ignore effects of engineering fauna. Here, we quantify effects of the mussel, Geukensia demissa, on southeastern US saltmarsh accretion. Multi-season and -tidal stage surveys, in combination with field experiments, reveal that deposition is 2.8-10.7-times greater on mussel aggregations than any other marsh location. Our Delft-3D-BIVALVES model further predicts that mussels drive substantial changes to both the magnitude (±<0.1 cm·yr−1) and spatial patterning of accretion at marsh domain scales. We explore the validity of model predictions with a multi-year creekshed mussel manipulation of >200,000 mussels and find that this faunal engineer drives far greater changes to relative marsh accretion rates than predicted (±>0.4 cm·yr−1). Thus, we highlight an urgent need for empirical, experimental, and modeling work to resolve the importance of faunal engineers in directly and indirectly modifying the persistence of coastal ecosystems globally.
Genome-wide genotype-serum proteome mapping provides insights into the cross-ancestry differences in cardiometabolic disease susceptibility
Authors: Xu Fengzhe , Yu Evan Yi-Wen , Cai Xue , Yue Liang , Jing Li-peng , Liang Xinxiu , Fu Yuanqing , Miao Zelei , Yang Min , Shuai Menglei , Gou Wanglong , Xiao Congmei , Xue Zhangzhi , Xie Yuting , Li Sainan , Lu Sha , Shi Meiqi , Wang Xuhong , Hu Wensheng , Langenberg Claudia , Yang Jian , Chen Yu-ming , Guo Tiannan , Zheng Ju-Sheng
Published: February 2023

Identification of protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) helps understand the underlying mechanisms of diseases and discover promising targets for pharmacological intervention. For most important class of drug targets, genetic evidence needs to be generalizable to diverse populations. Given that the majority of the previous studies were conducted in European ancestry populations, little is known about the protein-associated genetic variants in East Asians. Based on data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry technique, we conduct genome-wide association analyses for 304 unique proteins in 2,958 Han Chinese participants. We identify 195 genetic variant-protein associations. Colocalization and Mendelian randomization analyses highlight 60 gene-protein-phenotype associations, 45 of which (75%) have not been prioritized in Europeans previously. Further cross-ancestry analyses uncover key proteins that contributed to the differences in the obesity-induced diabetes and coronary artery disease susceptibility. These findings provide novel druggable proteins as well as a unique resource for the trans-ancestry evaluation of protein-targeted drug discovery.
Acoustic metamaterials-driven transdermal drug delivery for rapid and on-demand management of acute disease
Authors: Xu Junhua , Cai Hongwei , Wu Zhuhao , Li Xiang , Tian Chunhui , Ao Zheng , Niu Vivian C. , Xiao Xiao , Jiang Lei , Khodoun Marat , Rothenberg Marc , Mackie Ken , Chen Jun , Lee Luke P. , Guo Feng
Published: February 2023

Transdermal drug delivery provides convenient and pain-free self-administration for personalized therapy. However, challenges remain in treating acute diseases mainly due to their inability to timely administrate therapeutics and precisely regulate pharmacokinetics within a short time window. Here we report the development of active acoustic metamaterials-driven transdermal drug delivery for rapid and on-demand acute disease management. Through the integration of active acoustic metamaterials, a compact therapeutic patch is integrated for penetration of skin stratum corneum and active percutaneous transport of therapeutics with precise control of dose and rate over time. Moreover, the patch device quantitatively regulates the dosage and release kinetics of therapeutics and achieves better delivery performance in vivo than through subcutaneous injection. As a proof-of-concept application, we show our method can reverse life-threatening acute allergic reactions in a female mouse model of anaphylaxis via a multi-burst delivery of epinephrine, showing better efficacy than a fixed dosage injection of epinephrine, which is the current gold standard ‘self-injectable epinephrine’ strategy. This innovative method may provide a promising means to manage acute disease for personalized medicine.
Nsun2 coupling with RoRγt shapes the fate of Th17 cells and promotes colitis
Authors: Yang Wen-Lan , Qiu Weinan , Zhang Ting , Xu Kai , Gu Zi-Juan , Zhou Yu , Xu Heng-Ji , Yang Zhong-Zhou , Shen Bin , Zhao Yong-Liang , Zhou Qi , Yang Ying , Li Wei , Yang Peng-Yuan , Yang Yun-Gui
Published: February 2023

T helper 17 (Th17) cells are a subset of CD4+ T helper cells involved in the inflammatory response in autoimmunity. Th17 cells secrete Th17 specific cytokines, such as IL-17A and IL17-F, which are governed by the master transcription factor RoRγt. However, the epigenetic mechanism regulating Th17 cell function is still not fully understood. Here, we reveal that deletion of RNA 5-methylcytosine (m5C) methyltransferase Nsun2 in mouse CD4+ T cells specifically inhibits Th17 cell differentiation and alleviates Th17 cell-induced colitis pathogenesis. Mechanistically, RoRγt can recruit Nsun2 to chromatin regions of their targets, including Il17a and Il17f, leading to the transcription-coupled m5C formation and consequently enhanced mRNA stability. Our study demonstrates a m5C mediated cell intrinsic function in Th17 cells and suggests Nsun2 as a potential therapeutic target for autoimmune disease.
DddA homolog search and engineering expand sequence compatibility of mitochondrial base editing
Authors: Mi Li , Shi Ming , Li Yu-Xuan , Xie Gang , Rao Xichen , Wu Damu , Cheng Aimin , Niu Mengxiao , Xu Fengli , Yu Ying , Gao Ning , Wei Wensheng , Wang Xianhua , Wang Yangming
Published: February 2023

Expanding mitochondrial base editing tools with broad sequence compatibility is of high need for both research and therapeutic purposes. In this study, we identify a DddA homolog from Simiaoa sunii (Ddd_Ss) which can efficiently deaminate cytosine in DC context in double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). We successfully develop Ddd_Ss-derived cytosine base editors (DdCBE_Ss) and introduce mutations at multiple mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) loci including disease-associated mtDNA mutations in previously inaccessible GC context. Finally, by introducing a single amino acid substitution from Ddd_Ss, we successfully improve the activity and sequence compatibility of DdCBE derived from DddA of Burkholderia cenocepacia (DdCBE_Bc). Our study expands mtDNA editing tool boxes and provides resources for further screening and engineering dsDNA base editors for biological and therapeutic applications.
Pathophysiology, risk, diagnosis, and management of venous thrombosis in space: where are we now?
Authors: Harris Katie M. , Arya Roopen , Elias Antoine , Weber Tobias , Green David A. , Greaves Danielle K. , Petersen Lonnie G. , Roberts Lara , Kamine Tovy Haber , Mazzolai Lucia , Bergauer Andrej , Kim David S. , Olde Engberink Rik H. , zu Eulenberg Peter , Grassi Bruno , Zuccarelli Lucrezia , Baldassarre Giovanni , Tabury Kevin , Baatout Sarah , Jordan Jens , Blaber Andrew P. , Choukér Alexander , Russomano Thais , Goswami Nandu
Published: February 2023

The recent incidental discovery of an asymptomatic venous thrombosis (VT) in the internal jugular vein of an astronaut on the International Space Station prompted a necessary, immediate response from the space medicine community. The European Space Agency formed a topical team to review the pathophysiology, risk and clinical presentation of venous thrombosis and the evaluation of its prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, and management strategies in spaceflight. In this article, we discuss the findings of the ESA VT Topical Team over its 2-year term, report the key gaps as we see them in the above areas which are hindering understanding VT in space. We provide research recommendations in a stepwise manner that build upon existing resources, and highlight the initial steps required to enable further evaluation of this newly identified pertinent medical risk.
Unpriced climate risk and the potential consequences of overvaluation in US housing markets
Authors: Gourevitch Jesse D. , Kousky Carolyn , Liao Yanjun , Nolte Christoph , Pollack Adam B. , Porter Jeremy R. , Weill Joakim A.
Published: February 2023

Climate change impacts threaten the stability of the US housing market. In response to growing concerns that increasing costs of flooding are not fully captured in property values, we quantify the magnitude of unpriced flood risk in the housing market by comparing the empirical and economically efficient prices for properties at risk. We find that residential properties exposed to flood risk are overvalued by US$121–US$237 billion, depending on the discount rate. In general, highly overvalued properties are concentrated in counties along the coast with no flood risk disclosure laws and where there is less concern about climate change. Low-income households are at greater risk of losing home equity from price deflation, and municipalities that are heavily reliant on property taxes for revenue are vulnerable to budgetary shortfalls. The consequences of these financial risks will depend on policy choices that influence who bears the costs of climate change.
Diffusion mobility increases linearly on liquid binodals above triple point
Authors: Dmitryuk Nikita A. , Mistryukova Lucia A. , Kryuchkov Nikita P. , Khrapak Sergey A. , Yurchenko Stanislav O.
Published: February 2023

Self-diffusion in fluids has been thoroughly studied numerically, but even for simple liquids just a few scaling relationships are known. Relations between diffusion, excitation spectra, and character of the interparticle interactions remain poorly understood. Here, we show that diffusion mobility of particles in simple fluids increases linearly on the liquid branch of the liquid–gas binodal, from the triple point almost up to the critical point. With molecular dynamics simulations, we considered bulk systems of particles interacting via a generalised Lennard–Jones potential, as well as ethane. Using a two-oscillator model for the analysis of excitations, we observed that the mobility (inverse diffusion) coefficient on the liquid–gas binodal increases linearly above the triple point until the dispersion of high-frequency spectra has a solid-like (oscillating) shape. In terms of a separate mode analysis (of longitudinal and transverse modes), this corresponds to crossed modes in the intermediate range of wavenumbers q, between the hydrodynamic regime (small q) and the regime of individual particle motion (large q). The results should be interesting for a broad community in physics and chemistry of fluids, since self-diffusion is among the most fundamental transport phenomena, important for prospective chemical technologies, micro-, nanofluidics, and biotechnologies.
Inhibition of inflammatory microglia by dietary fiber and short-chain fatty acids
Authors: Caetano-Silva Maria Elisa , Rund Laurie , Hutchinson Noah T. , Woods Jeffrey A. , Steelman Andrew J. , Johnson Rodney W.
Published: February 2023

Microglia play a vital role maintaining brain homeostasis but can also cause persistent neuroinflammation. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by the intestinal microbiota have been suggested to regulate microglia inflammation indirectly by signaling through the gut-brain axis or directly by reaching the brain. The present work evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of SCFAs on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglia from mice fed inulin, a soluble fiber that is fermented by intestinal microbiota to produce SCFAs in vivo, and SCFAs applied to primary microglia in vitro. Feeding mice inulin increased SCFAs in the cecum and in plasma collected from the hepatic portal vein. Microglia isolated from mice fed inulin and stimulated with LPS in vitro secreted less tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) compared to microglia from mice not given inulin. Additionally, when mice were fed inulin and injected i.p with LPS, the ex vivo secretion of TNF-α by isolated microglia was lower than that secreted by microglia from mice not fed inulin and injected with LPS. Similarly, in vitro treatment of primary microglia with acetate and butyrate either alone or in combination downregulated microglia cytokine production with the effects being additive. SCFAs reduced histone deacetylase activity and nuclear factor-κB nuclear translocation after LPS treatment in vitro. Whereas microglia expression of SCFA receptors Ffar2 or Ffar3 was not detected by single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, the SCFA transporters Mct1 and Mct4 were. Nevertheless, inhibiting monocarboxylate transporters on primary microglia did not interfere with the anti-inflammatory effects of SCFAs, suggesting that if SCFAs produced in the gut regulate microglia directly it is likely through an epigenetic mechanism following diffusion.
Metagenomic mapping of cyanobacteria and potential cyanotoxin producing taxa in large rivers of the United States
Authors: Linz David M. , Sienkiewicz Nathan , Struewing Ian , Stelzer Erin A. , Graham Jennifer L. , Lu Jingrang
Published: February 2023

Cyanobacteria and cyanotoxin producing cyanobacterial blooms are a trending focus of current research. Many studies focus on bloom events in lentic environments such as lakes or ponds. Comparatively few studies have explored lotic environments and fewer still have examined the cyanobacterial communities and potential cyanotoxin producers during ambient, non-bloom conditions. Here we used a metagenomics-based approach to profile non-bloom microbial communities and cyanobacteria in 12 major U.S. rivers at multiple time points during the summer months of 2019. Our data show that U.S. rivers possess microbial communities that are taxonomically rich, yet largely consistent across geographic location and time. Within these communities, cyanobacteria often comprise significant portions and frequently include multiple species with known cyanotoxin producing strains. We further characterized these potential cyanotoxin producing taxa by deep sequencing amplicons of the microcystin E (mcyE) gene. We found that rivers containing the highest levels of potential cyanotoxin producing cyanobacteria consistently possess taxa with the genetic potential for cyanotoxin production and that, among these taxa, the predominant genus of origin for the mcyE gene is Microcystis. Combined, these data provide a unique perspective on cyanobacteria and potential cyanotoxin producing taxa that exist in large rivers across the U.S. and can be used to better understand the ambient conditions that may precede bloom events in lotic freshwater ecosystems.
Optimized workplace risk mitigation measures for SARS-CoV-2 in 2022
Authors: Pettit Rowland , Peng Bo , Yu Patrick , Matos Peter G. , Greninger Alexander L. , McCashin Julie , Amos Christopher Ian
Published: February 2023

596 million SARS-CoV-2 cases have been reported and over 12 billion vaccine doses have been administered. As vaccination rates increase, a gap in knowledge exists regarding appropriate thresholds for escalation and de-escalation of workplace COVID-19 preventative measures. We conducted 133,056 simulation experiments, evaluating the spread of SARS-CoV-2 virus in hypothesized working environments subject to COVID-19 infections from the community. We tested the rates of workplace-acquired infections based on applied isolation strategies, community infection rates, methods and scales of testing, non-pharmaceutical interventions, variant predominance, vaccination coverages, and vaccination efficacies. When 75% of a workforce is vaccinated with a 70% efficacious vaccine against infection, then no masking or routine testing + isolation strategies are needed to prevent workplace-acquired omicron variant infections when the community infection rate per 100,000 persons is ≤ 1. A CIR ≤ 30, and ≤ 120 would result in no workplace-acquired infections in this same scenario against the delta and alpha variants, respectively. Workforces with 100% worker vaccination can prevent workplace-acquired infections with higher community infection rates. Identifying and isolating workers with antigen-based SARS-CoV-2 testing methods results in the same or fewer workplace-acquired infections than testing with slower turnaround time polymerase chain reaction methods. Risk migration measures such as mask-wearing, testing, and isolation can be relaxed, or escalated, in commensurate with levels of community infections, workforce immunization, and risk tolerance. The interactive heatmap we provide can be used for immediate, parameter-based case count predictions to inform institutional policy making. The simulation approach we have described can be further used for future evaluation of strategies to mitigate COVID-19 spread.
A cross-country study on the impact of governmental responses to the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal mental health
Authors: Mesquita Ana , Costa Raquel , Bina Rena , Cadarso-Suárez Carmen , Gude Francisco , Díaz-Louzao Carla , Dikmen-Yildiz Pelin , Osorio Ana , Mateus Vera , Domínguez-Salas Sara , Vousoura Eleni , Levy Drorit , Alfayumi-Zeadna Samira , Wilson Claire A. , Contreras-García Yolanda , Carrasco-Portiño Mercedes , Saldivia Sandra , Christoforou Andri , Hadjigeorgiou Eleni , Felice Ethel , Buhagiar Rachel , Hancheva Camellia , Ajaz Erilda , Uka Ana , Motrico Emma
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to analyse the role of governmental responses to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, measured by the Containment and Health Index (CHI), on symptoms of anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postpartum, while considering the countries’ Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) and individual factors such as age, gravidity, and exposure to COVID-19. A cross-sectional study using baseline data from the Riseup-PPD-COVID-19 observational prospective international study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04595123) was carried out between June and October 2020 in 12 countries (Albania, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and the United Kingdom). Participants were 7645 pregnant women or mothers in the postpartum period—with an infant aged up to 6 months—who completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) or the Generalised Anxiety Disorder Assessment (GAD-7) during pregnancy or the postpartum period. The overall prevalence of clinically significant depression symptoms (EPDS ≥ 13) was 30%, ranging from 20,5% in Cyprus to 44,3% in Brazil. The prevalence of clinically significant anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 ≥ 10) was 23,6% (ranging from 14,2% in Israel and Turkey to 39,5% in Brazil). Higher symptoms of anxiety or depression were observed in multigravida exposed to COVID-19 or living in countries with a higher number of deaths due to COVID-19. Furthermore, multigravida from countries with lower IHDI or CHI had higher symptoms of anxiety and depression. Perinatal mental health is context-dependent, with women from more disadvantaged countries at higher risk for poor mental health. Implementing more restrictive measures seems to be a protective factor for mental health, at least in the initial phase of the COVID-19.
The impacts of mining on soil pollution with metal(loid)s in resource-rich Mongolia
Authors: Pecina Václav , Juřička David , Hedbávný Josef , Klimánek Martin , Kynický Jindřich , Brtnický Martin , Komendová Renata
Published: February 2023

As Mongolia is considered one of the most resource extraction-dependent countries globally, significant mining-related environmental and human health risks are expected. The aim of this study was to (I) assess the impacts of mining on soil pollution with metals in Mongolia's key coal mining towns (Baganuur, Nalaikh and Sharyn Gol) and (II) review the current knowledge on soil pollution with metal(loid)s and related health risks in Mongolia. The results showed predominantly low soil contents of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn and a related absence of severe pollution and potential health risk in the coal mining towns. Urban design, rather than the presence of mines, controlled the pollution distribution. Despite the methodological shortcomings of several studies on soil pollution in Mongolia, their results suggest a similarly low threat in the three largest cities (Ulaanbaatar, Darkhan, Erdenet) and several mining areas. While the generally highlighted risk of As seems like an artificially escalated issue, the content of Cr in urban soil may be a neglected threat. Further pollution research in Mongolia should focus on street dust and drinking water pollution.
The permanent magnet hypothesis: an intuitive approach to designing non-circular magnet arrays with high field homogeneity
Authors: Tewari Sumit , Webb Andrew
Published: February 2023

Does the Halbach magnetization rotation rule that is used for designing circular magnet arrays for achieving the best homogeneity hold also for an elliptical or other non-circular cross-section? In this article, it is shown that a new numerically optimized magnetization rotation rule can provide more than three orders of magnitude improvement in field homogeneity as compared to a Halbach configuration for elliptical systems. Further it is demonstrated that such optimized magnetization rules can be easily derived in an intuitive way by studying virtual permanent magnets of a similar cross-section as the desired magnet array. This is coined as a permanent magnet hypothesis. Finally, it is shown that the applicability of this technique is not limited to circular or elliptical systems but can be applied to any arbitrarily shaped cross-section.
Optimization of green and environmentally-benign synthesis of isoamyl acetate in the presence of ball-milled seashells by response surface methodology
Authors: Fattahi Amir Hossein , Dekamin Mohammad G. , Clark James H.
Published: February 2023

Ball-milled seashells, as a nano-biocomposite catalyst and natural source of CaCO3 in its aragonite microcrystalline form with fixed CO2, was optimized for the synthesis of isoamyl acetate (3-methylbutyl ethanoate) by response surface methodology with a five-level three-factor rotatable circumscribed central composite design. The seashells nano-biocomposite has proved to be an excellent heterogeneous multifunctional catalyst for the green and environmentally-benign synthesis of isoamyl acetate from acetic acid and isoamyl alcohol under solvent-free conditions. A high yield of 91% was obtained under the following optimal conditions: molar ratio of alcohol: acetic acid (1:3.7), catalyst loading (15.7 mg), the reaction temperature (98 °C), and the reaction time (219 min). The outstanding advantages of this protocol are the use of an inexpensive, naturally occurring and easily prepared nano-biocomposite material having appropriate thermal stability and without any modifications using hazardous reagents, lower catalyst loading and reaction temperature, no use of corrosive Bronsted acids as well as toxic azeotropic solvents or water adsorbents, and simplicity of the procedure.
The spatial distribution of GPCR and Gβγ activity across a cell dictates PIP3 dynamics
Authors: Wijayaratna Dhanushan , Ratnayake Kasun , Ubeysinghe Sithurandi , Kankanamge Dinesh , Tennakoon Mithila , Karunarathne Ajith
Published: February 2023

Phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5) trisphosphate (PIP3) is a plasma membrane-bound signaling phospholipid involved in many cellular signaling pathways that control crucial cellular processes and behaviors, including cytoskeleton remodeling, metabolism, chemotaxis, and apoptosis. Therefore, defective PIP3 signaling is implicated in various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Upon activation by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) or receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), phosphoinositide-3-kinases (PI3Ks) phosphorylate phosphatidylinositol (4,5) bisphosphate (PIP2), generating PIP3. Though the mechanisms are unclear, PIP3 produced upon GPCR activation attenuates within minutes, indicating a tight temporal regulation. Our data show that subcellular redistributions of G proteins govern this PIP3 attenuation when GPCRs are activated globally, while localized GPCR activation induces sustained subcellular PIP3. Interestingly the observed PIP3 attenuation was Gγ subtype-dependent. Considering distinct cell-tissue-specific Gγ expression profiles, our findings not only demonstrate how the GPCR-induced PIP3 response is regulated depending on the GPCR activity gradient across a cell, but also show how diversely cells respond to spatial and temporal variability of external stimuli.
Fungal cell barriers and organelles are disrupted by polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB)
Authors: Ntow-Boahene Winnie , Papandronicou Isabelle , Miculob Josephous , Good Liam
Published: February 2023

The similarities between fungal and mammalian cells pose inherent challenges for the development of treatments for fungal infections, due to drug crossover recognition of host drug targets by antifungal agents. Thus, there are a limited number of drug classes available for treatment. Treatment is further limited by the acquisition and dissemination of antifungal resistance which contributes to the urgent need of new therapies. Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) is a cationic antimicrobial polymer with bactericidal, parasiticidal and fungicidal activities. The antifungal mechanism of action appears to involve preferential mechanical disruption of microbial cell structures, offering an alternative to conventional antifungals. However, the antifungal mechanisms have been little studied. The aim of this study was to characterise PHMB’s activities on selected yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans) and filamentous fungal species (Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium glabrum). Fungal membrane disruption, cell entry and intracellular localisation activities of PHMB were evaluated using viability probe entry and polymer localisation studies. We observed that PHMB initially permeabilises fungal cell membranes and then accumulates within the cytosol. Once in the cytosol, it disrupts the nuclear membrane, leading to DNA binding and fragmentation. The electrostatic interaction of PHMB with membranes suggests other intracellular organelles could be potential targets of its action. Overall, the results indicate multiple antifungal mechanisms, which may help to explain its broad-spectrum efficacy. A better understanding of PHMB’s mechanism(s) of action may aid the development of improved antifungal treatment strategies.
Application of TOPSIS algorithm in describing bacterial cellulose-based composite hydrogel performance in incorporating methylene blue as a model drug
Authors: Amrabadi Touraj , Jalilnejad Elham , Ojagh Seyed Mohammad Amin , Vahabzadeh Farzaneh
Published: February 2023

A multi-component hydrogel was developed using bacterial cellulose, alginate, and gelatin with the aid of glycerol as trihydric alcohol which participates in re-distribution of hydrogen bonds in the test system. FTIR, XRD, SEM, and TGA as instrumental techniques were used to structurally characterize the physical/chemical properties of the formed composite hydrogel. By using an exponential equation, swelling behavior of the hydrogel was evaluated. By incorporating a model drug (methylene blue—MB) in the formed hydrogel, experiments were directed to study release characteristics of the MB where the medium solution for the release was prepared at four different pHs. The maximum cumulative drug release at pH 2.8, 6, 7.4, and 9 were 42.8, 63, 80, and 84.5%, respectively. Data fitting process was carried out using five kinetic models (Korsmeyer-Peppas, Higuchi, Hopfenberg, zero-order, and first-order equations) and the preferred kinetic model at each pH was estimated by applying TOPSIS algorithmic technique. The adsorption capacity of the hydrogel in relation to MB was determined while thermodynamic properties of this relationship were quantified ($$\Delta{\text{H}}_{\text{ad}}^{0}= \text{ } -\text{99.95 kJ} \, {\text{mo}}{\text{l}}^{-{1}}$$

Δ

H

ad

0

=

-
99.95 kJ

mol

-
1

and $$\Delta{\text{S}}_{\text{ad}}^{0}= -\text{0.237 kJ} \, {\text{mo}}{\text{l}}^{-{1}} {\text{K}}^{-{1}}$$

Δ

S

ad

0

=
-
0.237 kJ

mol

-
1

K

-
1

). The results of the present study were in favor of the potential usage of the developed composite hydrogel in drug delivery systems.
Data storage mechanism of industrial IoT based on LRC sharding blockchain
Authors: Ren Yongjun , Liu Xinyu , Sharma Pradip Kumar , Alfarraj Osama , Tolba Amr , Wang Shenqing , Wang Jin
Published: February 2023

With the rapid development of Industry 4.0, the data security of Industrial Internet of Things in the Industry 4.0 environment has received widespread attention. Blockchain has the characteristics of decentralization and tamper-proof. Therefore, it has a natural advantage in solving the data security problem of Industrial Internet of Things. However, current blockchain technologies face challenges in providing consistency, scalability and data security at the same time in Industrial Internet of Things. To address the scalability problem and data security problem of Industrial Internet of Things, this paper constructs a highly scalable data storage mechanism for Industrial Internet of Things based on coded sharding blockchain. The mechanism uses coded sharding technology for data processing to improve the fault tolerance and storage load of the blockchain to solve the scalability problem. Then a cryptographic accumulator-based data storage scheme is designed which connects the cryptographic accumulator with the sharding nodes to save storage overhead and solve the security problem of data storage and verification. Finally, the scheme is proved to be security and the performance of the scheme is evaluated.
Industrial upgrading and its influence on green land use efficiency
Authors: Chang Jifeng , Wang Wei , Liu Jinli
Published: February 2023

The rational use of land is an important guarantee for the sustainable development of resource-based cities. First, this paper uses the panel data of 115 resource-based cities in China from 2004 to 2018 to measure green land use efficiency (GLUE) by SBM model and Metafrontier-Malmquist productivity index model. Secondly, it analyzes the industrial upgrading from the perspectives of the optimization of industrial structure and the rationalization of industrial structure to explore the impact mechanism of industrial upgrading on GLUE. Furtherly, the heterogeneity analysis is carried out from the following two perspectives: exploring the impact of industrial upgrading on GLUE under different types of urban samples; using the quantile model to analyze the impact of industrial upgrading under different GLUE quantiles. The main conclusions of this study are as follows: (1) both the optimization of industrial structure and the rationalization of industrial structure promote the improvement of GLUE. The robustness test and instrumental variable method support this conclusion. (2) For different types of resource-based cities, the rationalization and optimization of industrial structure have positive coefficients in regeneration cities, growing cities, and declining cities, but have a negative effect on mature cities. (3) In all quantiles, the effects of industrial structure optimization and industrial structure rationalization are positive. However, with the increase of quantiles, the role of industrial structure optimization gradually decreases. The role of industrial structure rationalization gradually increases. Meanwhile, there is an obvious threshold effect when taking resource endowment as the threshold variable. This paper provides a theoretical reference for the transformation and development of resource-based cities.
IRF4 as a novel target involved in malignant transformation of oral submucous fibrosis into oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Meng Li , Jiang Yucheng , You Jiawen , Zhao Panpan , Liu Weiguang , Zhao Na , Yu Zhichun , Ma Junqing
Published: February 2023

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) in the context of oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) has a high incidence owing to undefined pathogenesis. Identifying key genes and exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms involved in the conversion of OSF into OSCC are in urgent need. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between OSCC and OSF were dug from GEO databases and a total of 170 DEGs were acquired. Functional association of DEGs were analyzed by GO and KEGG. Protein–protein interactions (PPIs) analysis was carried out and candidate biomarkers were identified by Gene co-expression analysis and Cox analyses. Hub genes were confirmed by qRT-PCR in tissues and cell lines, of which we found that IRF4 mRNA was successively up-regulated from Normal to OSF and then to OSCC and associated with immune infiltrating levels. In addition, Immunohistochemical (IHC) and Immunofluorescence (IF) assays were conducted to validate the consistent upregulation of IRF4 and the oncogene role of IRF4 in OSF and OSCC at translation level. IRF4 may be indicative biomarker in transformation of OSF into OSCC. High IRF4 expression contribute to increased immune infiltration of OSCC and may provide a novel diagnostic marker for OSCC patients translated from OSF.
No evidence for the benefit of PPIs in the treatment of acute pancreatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Horváth István László , Bunduc Stefania , Hankó Balázs , Kleiner Dénes , Demcsák Alexandra , Szabó Bence , Hegyi Péter , Csupor Dezső
Published: February 2023

Although current guidelines do not recommend the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in the standard of care of acute pancreatitis (AP), they are often prescribed in clinical practice, mainly for ulcer stress prophylaxis. In this systematic review and meta-analysis we evaluated the association between the use of PPIs in the management of AP and various clinical outcomes. We conducted the systematic research in six databases without restrictions on January 24th, 2022. We investigated adult patient with AP, who were treated with PPI compared to conventional therapy. The pooled odds ratios, mean differences, and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated with random effect model. We included six RCTs and three cohort studies, consisting of 28,834 patients. We found a significant decrease in the rate of pancreatic pseudocyst formation in patients who received PPI treatment. PPI use was associated with a higher risk of GI bleeding, however this finding could be due to the patients’ comorbid conditions. We found no significant difference in the rates of 7-day mortality, length of hospital stay, and acute respiratory distress syndrome between the groups. The available data on this topic are limited; therefore, further well designed RCTs are needed to evaluate the potential benefits and adverse effects of PPIs in AP.
Dynamics of stochastic-constrained particles
Authors: Guo Tao
Published: February 2023

Prior studies have focused on the overall behavior of randomly moving particle swarms. However, the characteristics of the stochastic-constrained particles that form ubiquitously within these swarms remain oblivious. This study demonstrates a generalized diffusion equation for stochastic-constrained particles that considers the velocity and location aggregation effects observed from their parent particle swarm (i.e., a completely random particle swarm). This equation can be approximated as the form of Schrödinger equation in the microcosmic case (low relative density) and describe the dynamics of the total mass distribution in the macrocosmic case (high relative density). The predicted density distribution of the particle swarm in the stable aggregation state is consistent with the total mass distribution of massive, relaxed galaxy clusters (at least in the range of $$r<r_{\textrm{s}}$$

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s

), preventing cuspy problems in the empirical Navarro–Frenk–White profile. This study opens a window to observe the dynamics of stochastic-constrained particles from a third perspective, from which the aggregation effect of particles without gravitation can be saw.
The association between egg consumption and metabolic health status in overweight and obese adolescents
Authors: Tabatabaeyan Ali , Lotfi Keyhan , Mirzaei Saeideh , Asadi Ali , Akhlaghi Masoumeh , Saneei Parvane
Published: February 2023

Existing evidence examining the relation between egg consumption and metabolic health of overweight/obese adolescents is scarce. We examined the association between egg consumption and metabolic status in Iranian overweight/obese adolescents. Using multistage cluster random sampling approach, overweight/obese adolescents (n = 203) with ages from 12 to 18 years old were selected for the present cross-sectional study. A validated 147-item food frequency questionnaire was adopted to determine usual dietary intakes. Blood pressure and anthropometric data and were assessed, and levels of lipid profile, insulin, and glucose were measured by collecting fasting blood samples. Participants were classified into metabolically healthy obese (MHO) or metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) based on two methods of International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the combination of IDF with Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR). In total, 67 (33.0%) and 79 (38.9%) adolescents were classified as MUO based on IDF/HOMA and IDF definitions, respectively. Considering IDF criteria, the highest intake of egg was related to decreased chance of MUO, in crude (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.10–0.48) and maximally-adjusted model (OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.10–0.59). Considering IDF/HOMA-IR criteria, similar results were obtained (crude model: OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.11–0.52; fully-adjusted model: OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.11–0.69). Stratified analyses found stronger relation among boys (vs. girls) and overweight (vs. obese) individuals. In conclusion, higher egg consumption was negatively related to decreased chance of being MUO in overweight/obese adolescents, especially in boys and overweight individuals, regardless of MUO definitions. Prospective studies are required to support our results.
Ultrasmall amorphous zirconia nanoparticles catalyse polyolefin hydrogenolysis
Authors: Chen Shaojiang , Tennakoon Akalanka , You Kyung-Eun , Paterson Alexander L. , Yappert Ryan , Alayoglu Selim , Fang Lingzhe , Wu Xun , Zhao Tommy Yunpu , Lapak Michelle P. , Saravanan Mukunth , Hackler Ryan A. , Wang Yi-Yu , Qi Long , Delferro Massimiliano , Li Tao , Lee Byeongdu , Peters Baron , Poeppelmeier Kenneth R. , Ammal Salai C. , Bowers Clifford R. , Perras Frédéric A. , Heyden Andreas , Sadow Aaron D. , Huang Wenyu
Published: February 2023

Carbon–carbon bond cleavage reactions, adapted to deconstruct aliphatic hydrocarbon polymers and recover the intrinsic energy and carbon value in plastic waste, have typically been catalysed by metal nanoparticles or air-sensitive organometallics. Metal oxides that serve as supports for these catalysts are typically considered to be inert. Here we show that Earth-abundant, non-reducible zirconia catalyses the hydrogenolysis of polyolefins with activity rivalling that of precious metal nanoparticles. To harness this unusual reactivity, our catalytic architecture localizes ultrasmall amorphous zirconia nanoparticles between two fused platelets of mesoporous silica. Macromolecules translocate from bulk through radial mesopores to the highly active zirconia particles, where the chains undergo selective hydrogenolytic cleavage into a narrow, C18-centred distribution. Calculations indicated that C–H bond heterolysis across a Zr–O bond of a Zr(O)2 adatom model for unsaturated surface sites gives a zirconium hydrocarbyl, which cleaves a C–C bond via β-alkyl elimination.
First monotreme from the Late Cretaceous of South America
Authors: Chimento Nicolás R. , Agnolín Federico L. , Manabe Makoto , Tsuihiji Takanobu , Rich Thomas H. , Vickers-Rich Patricia , Novas Fernando E.
Published: February 2023

Monotremata is a clade of egg-lying mammals, represented by the living platypus and echidnas, which is endemic to Australia, and adjacent islands. Occurrence of basal monotremes in the Early Cretaceous of Australia has led to the consensus that this clade originated on that continent, arriving later to South America. Here we report on the discovery of a Late Cretaceous monotreme from southern Argentina, demonstrating that monotremes were present in circumpolar regions by the end of the Mesozoic, and that their distinctive anatomical features were probably present in these ancient forms as well.