bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kirigami-Inspired, Three-Dimensional Piezoelectric Pressure Sensors Assembled by Compressive Buckling
Authors: Liu Changbo , Zhang Yi , Jia Ben , Ma Dongqin , Tian Xuecheng , Cui Yuanyuan , Deng Yuan
Published: December 2023

Piezoelectric sensors whose sensing performances can be flexibly regulated hold significant promise for efficient signal-acquisition applications in the healthcare field. The existing methods for regulating the properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films mainly include material modification and structural design. Compared to material modification, which has a long test period and an unstable preparation process, structural design is a more efficient method. The Kirigami structure combined with compressive buckling can endow the flexible film with rich macrostructural features. Here, a method is fabricated to modulate the sensing performance by employing distinct 3D structures and encapsulation materials with varying Young’s moduli. The relationship among the aspect ratio (α), pattern factor (η), elastic modulus of encapsulation materials, and equivalent stiffness is obtained by finite element simulation, which provides theoretical guidance for the design of the 2D precursor and the selection of encapsulation materials. In the demonstration applications, the sensor accurately captures pulse waveforms in multiple parts of the human body and is employed for the pressure monitoring of different parts of the sole under various posture states. This method of structure design is efficient, and the preparation process is convenient, providing a new strategy for the performance control of piezoelectric pressure sensors.
The prevalence and distribution characteristics of anxiety disorders, social support, and quality of life in the population many years after the lushan earthquake in Ya’an, China
Authors: Xu Liu-Xiu , Liu Shan , Zhang Bing-Zhi , Wu Jun-Lin , He ZHao-Xia , Lu Yu-Tong , Bai Jing-Zhen , Ran Mao-Sheng , Gao Ru
Published: December 2023

Purpose To explore (1) the anxiety disorders prevalence, relevant infuencing factors of anxiety disorders; and (2) the current status of social support and quality of life of people with anxiety disorders in the affected areas many years after Lushan earthquake in Ya’an, China.Methods An epidemiological mental health survey was conducted to identify the prevalence of anxiety disorders in general peoples in Ya’an.A multi-stage, group-matching random sampling method was adopted.By face-to-face interviewed,firt stage used the scale for preliminary screening by traned psychiatric nurses,and the second stage used the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) for diagnosis by trained Psychiatrists.Results There were 8876 valid questionnaires.The adjusted 12-month and lifetime prevalence of anxiety disorder was 3.83% and 4.44%,respectively.The total scores of SSRS and SF-36 in patients with anxiety disorder were lower than others(all P < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that being female, middle or old, and with chronic physical diseases were risk factors for anxiety disorder, and minority ethnicity, higher education level, and middle or high income were protective factors.Conclusion Though after many years of Lushan earthquake, we also should pay more attention the people of th female, middle or old, with lower education level, lower income level, and chronic physical diseases.
Development of a model system to study the regulation of patterning competency in regenerating axolotl limbs
Authors: Raymond Michael , Vieira Warren , Manon Sheyla , Cherubino Matthew , McCusker Catherine
Published: December 2023

Limb regeneration in the Mexican axolotl requires the dedifferentiation of mature limb cells into progenitor cells known as blastema cells. The blastema cells become competent to the signals that inform the blueprint, or pattern, of the regenerating cells to organize into the complex limb structures. Signaling downstream of the limb nerves plays a role in the induction of patterning competency; however, the underpinnings of this process are poorly understood. Studying patterning competency in amputated axolotl limbs is challenging because the complex network of signals and tissue interactions that occur during regeneration are activated. Here, we address this issue by developing an assay that we call the competency accessory limb model (CALM) assay, which is based on a simplified limb injury model where various signaling inputs can be systemically added and their individual contributions to patterning competency can be evaluated independently. We used the CALM as a platform to generate foundational knowledge by characterizing the specific timing of competency induction and maintenance and identifying nerve-dependent signals sufficient for induction and epigenetic modifications induced in wounded cells by these signals.
Evaluation of food metabolism in Chinese cities: based on emergy analysis
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Yu Hu , Wang Yangyang
Published: December 2023

The rapid urbanization of the world requires attention to food metabolism processes at the micro-level of urban elements and exploration of the fundamental role of urban material and energy metabolism as represented by food metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the structure and intensity of urban food metabolism in 30 Chinese provinces using Emergy analysis and analyze the eco-efficiency of this metabolism. The findings are as follows: From 2000 to 2020, the annual growth rate of food metabolism flux in Chinese cities was 7.04%. In the "well-off society", urban residents have shown a preference for consuming high nutritional food such as meat, eggs and milk, which has become an important indicator of a high-quality lifestyle. However, this has led to an increase in the density and intensity of food metabolism, the density is mainly concentrated within the range of [0,5.0E + 08] sej/m2, with an average value of 2.4 E + 08 Sej/m2. The intensity of food metabolism can be categorized into three types, continuous expansion, lifting before lowering, and stable development according to the changing trends. The imbalance of regional density and intensity can be adjusted by changing the scale, type and structure of food circulation. Furthermore, the rapid food metabolism system has concealed ecological damage, environmental pollution, soil fertility decline and other problems. Although the eco-efficiency of food metabolism of Chinese urban residents has increased by 5.6%, they still face significant challenges in the utilization of non-renewable resources.
Environmental risk score of multiple pollutants for kidney damage among residents in vulnerable areas by occupational chemical exposure in Korea: The FROM study
Authors: Jang Hyun A , Choi Kyung-Hwa , Cho Yong Min , Han Dahee , Hong Young Seoub
Published: December 2023

This study aims to develop an environmental risk score (ERS) of multiple pollutants (MP) that cause kidney damage (KD) in Korean residents near abandoned metal mines or smelters and evaluate the association between ERS and KD by a history of occupational chemical exposure (OCE). Exposure to MP consisting of nine metals, four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and four volatile organic compounds was measured as urinary metabolites. The study participants based on the Forensic Research via Omics Markers (FROM) study (n = 256). Beta-2-microglobulin (β2-MG), N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were used as biomarkers of KD. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) was selected as the optimal ERS model with the best performance and stability of the predicted effect size among elastic net, adaptive elastic net, weighted quantile sum regression, BKMR, Bayesian additive regression tree, and super learner model. Variable importance was estimated to evaluate the effects of metabolites on KD. When stratified with the history of OCE after adjusting for several confounding factors, the risks for KD were higher in the OCE group than those in the non-OCE group: Odds ratio (OR; 95% CI) for ERS in non-OCE and OCE groups were 2.97 (2.19, 4.02) and 6.43 (2.85, 14.5) for β2-MG, 1.37 (1.01, 1.86) and 4.16 (1.85, 9.39) for NAG, and 4.57 (3.37, 6.19) and 6.44 (2.85, 14.5) for eGFR, respectively. We found that the ERS stratified the history of OCE was the most suitable for evaluating the association between MP and KD, and the risks were higher in the OCE group than in the non-OCE group.
Study on the regulatory mechanism and experimental verification of Ardisia crenata for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tian Zhongjia , Zhu Lin , Xie Yutong , Hu Huan , Lin Qin , Luo Qian , Liu Huaqian , Wu Faming , Wang Qian
Published: December 2023

Objective Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common squamous epithelial malignancies. Ardisia crenatahas an effect in the inhibition of tumor cells by regulating the cell cycle and inducing cell apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of A. crenata anti-HNSCC based on network pharmacology, molecular docking and in vitro experiments.
Methods The active compounds of A. crenata and HNSCC related targets were retrieved from SwissTargetPrediction, BATMAN-TCM, and SymMap v2 databases. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and the key targets were screened. GO and KEGG enrichment was conducted in DAVID. Survival analysis and core targets identification were conducted in TISIDB. The main active compounds of A. crenata were docked with the corresponding core targets by AutoDockTools and Autodock Vina. The regulatory effect of A. crenata on HNSCC was verified in FaDu cells.
Results 163 common target genes were identified as candidate targets of A. crenata for the treatment of HNSCC, the top core targets are TP53, GAPDH, AKT1, STAT3, CCND1 and SRC. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that A. crenata exerted anti-HNSCC effects mainly through pathways in cancer, prostate cancer, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, p53 signaling pathway, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance and endocrine resistance. It’s also confirmed that A. crenatacould effectively inhibit the proliferation of FaDu cells, and down-regulate the expression of p-PI3K and p-AKT.
Conclusion The study demonstrated the multi-targets and multi-pathways characteristics of A. crenata in the treatment of HNSCC.
Cytidine diphosphate diacylglycerol synthase 2 is a synthetic lethal target in mesenchymal cancers
Authors: Arnoldus Tim , Vliet Alex van , de Groot Adriaan , Blomberg Niek , Bleijerveld Onno , Veen Susan van Hal-van , Grootemaat Anita , Harkes Rolf , Wel Nicole van der , Altelaar Maarten , Giera Martin , Peeper Daniel
Published: December 2023

Synthetic lethal interactions (SLIs) can provide a therapeutic index, as illustrated by PARP inhibition of BRCA-deficient cancers1–4. Whereas additional SLIs based on genomic alterations in cancer have been identified5–19, we set out to explore the SLI space as a function of differential RNA expression profiles in cancer and normal tissue. By unbiased computational analyses of publicly available functional genomic and gene expression resources we uncovered a cancer-specific SLI between the paralogs cytidine diphosphate synthase 1 (CDS1) and CDS2. The essentiality of CDS2 for cell survival is observed for mesenchymal-like cancers, which express low levels of CDS1. We confirm the CDS1-2 SLI in a panel of cultured cancer cell lines and in tumor-bearing mice. Mechanistically, the CDS1-2 SLI is accompanied by disruption of lipid homeostasis including extensive accumulation of cholesterol esters and triglycerides, and induction of apoptotic cell death. Genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screens in a panel of CDS1-negative cancer cell lines failed to identify a common escape mechanism of death caused by CDS2 ablation, indicating the robustness of the SLI. Our findings reveal that CDS2 may serve as a pharmacologically tractable target in mesenchymal cancers, meriting therapeutic exploration.
Simulation of the Uncertainties propagation in the measurement of the scattering matrix of a duct containing porous material
Authors: Hannachi Hanen , Trabelsi Hassen , Taktak Mohamed , Chaabane Mabrouk , Haddar Mohamed
Published: December 2023

The objective of a theoretical simulation of an experiment is the identification of the experience parameters which are the most sensitive to errors to take them into account during the measurement and to reduce their corresponding errors.
In this study, a simulation of the experiment procedure of measurement of the scattering matrix and the acoustic power attenuation of a duct element containing porous material is presented. The influence of the errors of measurement parameters like the separation distance, the length of the porous material and the modulus of the incident pressure on the measured quantities (scattering matrix coefficients and the acoustic power attenuation) is evaluated using the Monte Carlo technique. This method is considered as a benchmark for examining uncertainty diffusion on theoretical methods. The results of the uncertainty simulation are used to determine the 95% confidence intervals and the maximum and minimum errors for each measured parameter. The obtained results show that errors on the estimation of the length of the porous material has a great influence on the transmission and reflection coefficients as well as the acoustic power attenuation of the studied duct. For the other parameters, their effects are negligible.
Triose phosphate utilization determines the yield-grain protein trade-off in contrasting rice genotypes under varying light intensities
Authors: Nagaraju Spoorthi , Ramesh Mohan , Vijayaraghavareddy Preethi , Abhishree Ramachandra , Chaitanya Purushothama , Sree Sheshshayee
Published: December 2023

Aim: Attempts to increase grain protein content (GPC) most often result in a reduction in yield in cereals. This trade-off between GPC and yield could arise mainly because of the shared source of reductants for carbon and nitrogen assimilation. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether the negative relationship between yield and GPC is primarily influenced by the availability of reductants for carbon and nitrogen assimilation.
Methods: Based on the initial screening of ten high-yielding rice genotypes, we identified two genotypes contrasting in GPC with comparable yield and photosynthesis. This would be the most appropriate set to assess the interrelationship between carbon and nitrogen assimilation among the contrasts under ambient (~1500 µmole m-2 s-1) and low light intensities (~300 µmole m-2 s-1).
Results: Data suggest that triose phosphate utilization limitation acts as a switch between carbon and nitrogen assimilation. Under ambient conditions, the high GPC genotype effectively managed the flow of electrons to carbon assimilation and diverted the excess electrons to other sinks. The diversion of extra electrons, particularly to nitrite reduction, was boosted by increased substrates from higher uptake, transport, and metabolism of nitrogen in leaves. In low GPC genotype, under ambient condition, excess electrons were quenched in the form of heat.
Conclusions: The current study suggests that an efficient utilization of electrons by adopting a switch called TPU limitation coupled with better uptake of nitrogen and remobilization efficiency can be a promising genotype for breeders to develop a high yielding variety complemented with high GPC.
Hypophosphatemia in critically ill patients: Incidence, Patient Characteristics, Trajectory, Treatment and Outcomes
Authors: Attokaran Antony George , White Kyle C , Doola Ra'eesa , McIlroy Philippa , Senthuran Siva , Luke Stephen , Garrett Peter , Tabah Alexis , Shekar Kiran , Laupland Kevin B , Edwards Felicity , White Hayden , McCullough James , Hurford Rod , Clement Pierre , Ramanan Mahesh
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Hypophosphatemia is common in critically ill patients. We have described the epidemiology of hypophosphatemia in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Units.
Methods: A multicentre, retrospective cohort study of 12 ICUs in Queensland, Australia using clinical information systems. All adult patients admitted from January 1st, 2015, or from the commencement of the clinical information system to December 31st, 2021, were included. Patients on renal replacement therapy and those admitted with palliative intent or transferred from other ICUs were excluded. Patients were classified into four groups based on severity of serum phosphate (PO4) derangement: “None” (PO4: ≥ 0.81 mmol/L, ``Mild” (PO4: ≥ 0.50 mmol/L & < 0.81 mmol/L) “Moderate” (PO4: ≥ 0.30 mmol/L & < 0.50 mmol/L) and “Severe” (PO4: < 0.30 mmol/L).
Results: Of the 89,776 patients admitted, 77,310 patients were included in this study, with 26,409 (34.2%) having at least an episode of hypophosphatemia with onset mostly on ICU Day-2 in all groups. The proportion of ICU days with low phosphate was highest in the severe group (Mild: 0.33; Moderate: 0.40; Severe: 0.5). Groups received phosphate administration to varying extents (None: 1031(2%), Mild 13343 (59%); Moderate: 2658 (91%); Severe: 583 (97%)). The serum phosphate concentration normalised by Day-3 in all groups. There was substantial variation among participating ICUs in the percentage of hypophosphatemic patients who received phosphate replacement, the threshold for replacement and the route by which it was administered.
Conclusion: Hypophosphatemia, while common, was mostly mild and occurred on day 2 with early normalisation of serum phosphate. Phosphate replacement practices were variable among ICUs in dose, route, threshold for administration and duration of replacement.
TCR signatures following SARS-CoV-2 infection correlate with clinical symptoms and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19
Authors: Smith Corey , Lineburg Katie , Mahajan Arushi , Raju Jyothy , Panikkar Archana , Texier Laetitia Le , Lekieffre Lea , Swaminathan Srividhya , Crooks Pauline , Srih Sriganesh Srihari , Neller Michelle , Khanna Rajiv
Published: December 2023

T cell receptor (TCR) diversity analysis is critical for understanding the complex role of T cells in disease pathogenesis. In this study we profile the CD4+ and CD8+ T cell compartments in SARS-CoV-2-recovered participants and use TCR beta variable (TRBV) receptor deep sequencing to explore the association between the T cell repertoire and severity of COVID-19. We compare mild and severe COVID-19 cohorts and identify two unique populations of shared TRBV sequences that are significantly enriched in patients following severe disease or in patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). These enriched TRBV sequences display a clear association with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and class II alleles, yet are distinct from the SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell repertoire. Exploration of additional disease datasets confirms that these TRBV populations are present in unexposed individuals and potentially represent a TRBV signature associated with either restricting efficient viral control or exacerbating disease symptoms.
Subject terms: COVID-19, T cell immunity, T cell receptor
Mood Sharedness: Well-being indicator on the team status, rather than individual factors
Authors: Aramaki Eiji , Ito Kazuhiro , Wakamiya Shoko , Manabe Masae , Watanabe Yasushi , Nakayama Masataka , Uchida Yukiko
Published: December 2023

Well-being has drawn considerable attention due to its contributions to physical and mental health, economic prosperity, and work performance. Although numerous studies have examined individual well-being, little attention has been paid to the relationship between individuals and their social groups. Based on the social psychology theory of shared reality, we propose that individuals in a team with a recognized shared mood are more likely to experience increased well-being. This study examined the relationship between individual well-being and the consistency of recognised team mood (mood sharedness) through a two-month experiment involving the daily reports of 94 employees of a Japanese company. Mood sharedness was measured using both score- and text-based methods. The results showed that higher individual well-being correlated with higher mood sharedness. Employers and team leaders can leverage mood sharedness to enhance team members' well-being, thereby enhancing employee motivation and productivity.
Sex disparities of the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality among patients living with tuberculosis in the United States
Authors: Deng Huan , Liu Yishan , Lv Fan , Li Xiaofeng , Qi Mingyan , Bo Yajing , Qiu Sikai , He Xinyuan , Ji Fanpu , Zeng Qing-Lei , Gao Ning
Published: December 2023

Background：
We aimed to determine the trend of tuberculosis (TB)-related deaths during the pandemic, with focus on the impact of the epidemic on mortality in males and females.
Methods：
Using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Census Bureau, TB-related mortality data of decedents aged ≥ 25 years from 2006-2021 were analyzed. Excess TB-related deaths were estimated by determining the difference between observed and projected mortality rates during the pandemic. The mortality trends were then quantified with Joinpoint regression analysis.
Results：
A total of 18,626 TB-related deaths were documented among adults aged 25 years and older from 2006-2021. A downward trend was noted in TB-related mortality rates before the pandemic, followed by an increase during the pandemic. TB-related age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs) were 0.51 in 2020 and 0.52 in 2021, corresponding to an excess mortality of 10.22% and 9.19%, respectively. Increased TB-related mortality was observed across all age and sex subgroups, but female with TB demonstrated a higher relative increase in mortality (26.33% vs. 2.17% in 2020; 21.48% vs.3.23% in 2021) during the pandemic when compared to male. Furthermore, female with TB and aged 45-64 years old showed a surge in mortality, with an annual percent change (APC) of -2.2% pre-pandemic to 22.8% (95% CI: -1.7% to 68.7%) during the pandemic, corresponding to excess mortalities of 62.165% and 99.16% in 2020 and 2021, respectively; these excess mortality rates were higher than those observed in the overall female population ages 45-64 years in 2020 (17.53%) and 2021 (33.79%).
Conclusions：
The steady decline in TB-related mortality in the United States has been reversed by COVID-19. Female patients with TB were disproportionately affected by the pandemic, largely owing to care gaps and health disparities experienced by this population.
The effect of a clinical leadership and management course on residents' knowledge of clinical leadership competencies in the Department of Internal Medicine and General Surgery of Hazrat-e Rasul-e Akram (PBUH) Hospital in 2021
Authors: Kadkhodaei Monireh sadat , Sohrabi Zohreh , Arabshahi Seyed Kamran Soltani , Bigdeli Shoaleh , Zabihi Atefe , Ghassabichorsi mehdi
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Today, the growing need for efficient medical leaders has been highlighted due to the complexity of health care systems, rising costs, and attention to patient-centered care. Therefore, it is essential to design and implement curricula related to the development of the leadership skills of medical students. This study aims to investigate the effect of clinical leadership and management courses on residents' knowledge of clinical leadership competencies in the Department of Internal Medicine and General Surgery.
Methods: The present research is a preexperimental study with a one-group pretest and posttest that is conducted on residents of the Department of Internal Medicine and General Surgery of Iran University of Medical Sciences. The Dick and Carey nine-step instructional design model was used to design, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of the course. After translating and verifying validity and reliability, the self-assessment of clinical leadership competencies questionnaire of the NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement and Academy of Medical Royal Colleges was used as a data collection method in this study. The results were analyzed using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistical test, parametric independent t test, and paired-sample t test.
Results: In the present study, the content validity index and content validity ratio of the self-assessment questionnaire of clinical leadership competencies of the residents were confirmed. The reliability of the questionnaire was also verified by Cronbach's alpha of 0.956. Moreover, after instruction, the mean scores of each dimension of clinical leadership competencies increased significantly so that the mean scores of "clinical leadership competencies" of 43 participants increased from 131/14 in the pretest to 151/186 in the posttest, and the significant value of the paired t test was less than 0.001, which implies that the instructional intervention had a significant impact on improving the scores of "clinical leadership competencies" of residents.
Conclusion: Considering the effect of holding leadership courses on promoting clinical leadership competencies and responding to the instructional needs of individuals in this field, it is necessary that curriculum planners specifically address strengthening the curriculum of residents concerning the subject matter of leadership.
Evaluating carbon stocks in soils of fragmented Brazilian Atlantic Forests (BAF): How soil features and different methodologies influence its assessment
Authors: Guerrini Iraê Amaral , Silva Jaqueline Pinheiro , Sivisaca Deicy Carolina Lozano , Moraes Felipe Góes , Puglla Celso Anibal Yaguana , Neto Carlos de Melo Silva , Silva Rafael Barroca , Justino Sérvio Túlio Pereira , Roder Ludmila Ribeiro , James Jason Nathaniel , Capra Gian Franco , Ganga Antonio
Published: December 2023

Brazil’s Atlantic Forest (BAF) is a highly fragmented, strategic environmental and socio-economic region that represents the fourth biodiversity hotspot while also producing many commodities that are exported globally. Human disturbance plays a pivotal role as a driver of BAF’s soil dynamics and behaviors. The soils below Riparian Forests (RFs) and some Semideciduous Primary Forests (SFs) were characterized by high to moderate resilience, with improved chemical properties as human disturbance decreased. The Transitional Forest to Cerrado (TFC) had the worst soil conditions. Accordingly, SOCs stocks and soil carbon credits (SCC) increased from TFC << SFs < RFs. In BAF soils, measurements of SOC quantity and behavior should be conducted to at least 1 m soil depth to avoid unreliable data. Furthermore, quantifying SOC with a CHN analyzer was more reliable than other methods. A positive feedback was observed between soil and BAF vegetation, with human disturbance strongly affecting it and related SOCs dynamics. Soil development decreased as human disturbance increased, thus negatively affecting SOC. Soils in the BAF require a long time to recover after the end of human disturbance, thus suggesting that preservation strategies should be prioritized in remnant BAF fragments.
Study on antioxidation and antialcohol activity of Puerariae Flos Chrysanthemum functional drink in vitro
Authors: Quan Chunmei , Li Yuanmei , Wang Zhaoyao , Ling Qinglong , Cao Shuai
Published: December 2023

In traditional Chinese medicine, Puerariae Flos is often used as a hangover remedy and Chrysanthemum is often used in some drinks to clear heat and detoxify. We develope a functional drink with potential effects of curing wine using Puerariae Flos and Chrysanthemums as materials. In this study, DPPH method, ABTS method and salicylic acid method were used to study the antioxidant activity of the functional drink in vitro. By investigating the activation of ethanol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) of the functional drink, the antialcohol activity in vitro was studied. DPPH method, ABTS method and salicylic acid method were used to prove that the functional drink had the ability to remove oxygen free radical and hydroxyl group and the clearance rates were 96.63%, 93.44%, 86.72%, respectively. Besides, the functional drink can activate ADH (289.2%) and ALDH (66.1%) in vitro. The study has shown that the Puerariae Flos Chrysanthemum functional drink not only has the antioxidant effect of scavenging free radicals, but also has the effect of activating alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. Therefore, the functional drink has the potential antialcohol effect.
Establishment of FUT8 gene knockout CHO cell line with stable expression of monoclonal antibody
Authors: Gao Li , Zhang Mengxin , Li Bin , Zhang Cuiqiao , Miao Xiuxiu , Li Xiaohong , Yu Chao , Li Hongwen
Published: December 2023

Background: Afucosylated antibodies have been become increasingly popular in clinical trials for therapeutic purposes owing to the improved efficacy compared to the fucosylated counterparts. The elimination of fucose on the heavy chain of an antibody can enhance the activity of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). However, antibodies produced by Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells are heavily fucosylated, and the modification reduces the activity of ADCC. FUT8,GMD and FX encoding major fucose modification enzymes, which were knockout respectively in CHO cells using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9). These gene knockout cell lines were evaluated for cell growth, antibody yield, N-glycan profiles and ADCC activities.
Results: The results showed that the gene knockout cell lines exhibited morphology and growth kinetics similar to those of the wild CHO cells, and produced completely afucosylated recombinant antibodies. Among them, the ADCC activity of cell pool and monoclonal cell line with FUT8 gene knocked out (FUT8KO) were increased 2-2.5-fold comparing to conventional fucosylated antibodies.
Conclusions: Our results indicated that FUT8KO monoclonal clone cell lines (#08E9, 05E9, 20D8, 12C4, 01E9, and 01F4) were ideal hosts for stable production of completely afucosylated high-ADCC activity antibodies, with considerable therapeutic quality and efficacy.
Extensive misidentification of European ivy species (Hedera L.): How taxonomically reliable are online biodiversity databases?
Authors: Coca-de-la-Iglesia Marina , Gallego-Narbón Angélica , Alonso Alejandro , Valcárcel Virginia
Published: December 2023

The global digitization effort and the popularization of citizen science is providing unprecedented amount of biodiversity online data. However, these databases can be severely affected by species misidentifications, whose validation may require access to specimens. This is often difficult, as most online records lack a physical voucher, and time-consuming in all cases. For this reason, the use of online databases to address biological questions has long been questioned by taxonomists. Ivies (Hedera L.) are an excellent case to evaluate this issue as they have tons of online records, whose use at the species level is questioned due to a high expected taxonomic uncertainty. Here we analyze the sources and extent of taxonomic errors in ivy species in Europe, the area of the world with the highest number of species. We estimate a high misidentification rate (18% on average), varying between species (maximized in H. iberica: 38%; H. azorica: 48%, H. hibernica: 55%) and regions (maximized in Spain: 27%, UK: 38%). We identify a systematic misidentification of all European ivies with H. helix and analyze the associated cascade error effects. We compile a spatial database to overcome the large discrepancies we observed in species distributions between online and morphologically reviewed records.
Using applicable approach to solving circle geometry problems; a quantitative study of senior high school students’ academic performance in circle geometry in Sefwi-Wiawso municipality
Authors: Enoch Suglo Kabinaa
Published: December 2023

The main aim of this study was to investigate the approach students’ use in solving circle geometry questions and the influence of it on their academic performance in circle geometry. The study was guided by the null hypothesis that students’ approach to solving circle geometry questions has no significant influence on their academic performance in circle geometry. The study employed a quantitative descriptive research design with a sample size of 210 students selected from a population of 460 using probability systematic sampling technique. The data collection was done using a questionnaire and an achievement test instrument. Data analysis methods included descriptive statistics and simple linear regression analysis. The major finding of the study was that students’ approach to solving circle geometry related problems has a statistically significant influence on their academic performance in circle geometry. The study recommended that teachers must effectively orientate students on how to correctly use applicable circle theorems in solving circle geometry related questions during examinations so as to improve the academic performance.
CircSP3 promotes ccRCC progression and sunitinib resistance via encoding SP3- 461aa to stabilize MYH9 and activate the PI3K-AKT pathway
Authors: Wu Xiaoliang , Zhang Yangjun , Sun Guoliang , Liu Kai , Duan Chen , Mao Xiongmin , Wu Huahui , Yao Xiangyang , Li Bo , Fan Ruixin , Chen Ke , Gong Yan , Chen Zhong , Xu Hua
Published: December 2023

Background: In recent years, the potential of circular RNAs to encode proteins has garnered significant attention, rendering them a prominent subject of interest. The expression patterns and functional significance of protein-coding circRNAs in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) have yet to be fully elucidated. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the role of circSP3 in the advancement of ccRCC.
Methods: The clinical significance of circSP3 was assessed through various analytical techniques, including heatmap analysis, RT-qPCR, and RNA-seq in both ccRCC tissues and cells. To further understand the role of circSP3 in ccRCC, several experimental assays were conducted, including colony formation, EdU incorporation, CCK-8 assay, migration, and invasion assays. Additionally, immunoprecipitation, LC-MS/MS, Ubiquitination assay, and site-mutagenesis were employed to investigate the interaction and translation of circSP3.
Results: CircSP3 was overexpressed and acted as an oncogene in ccRCC. High circSP3 expression is correlated with a high TNM stage. (P = 0.024). circSP3 was mainly located in the cytoplasm. which include an IRES sequence that could bind with the ribosome to initiate the translation process. CircSP3 encodes a novel 461-amino acid peptide referred to as SP3-461aa, which promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of ccRCC. SP3-461aa protects the MYH9 protein from proteasomal degradation. Moreover, SMYD2 regulates circSP3 expression by methylating TP53 to suppress DHX9 expression. SP3-461aa played a pivotal role in mediating the oncogenic effects of circSP3 by interacting with the MYH9 protein and activating the VEGFA/PI3K-AKT pathway. Furthermore, SP3-461aa was found to enhance sunitinib resistance in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions: These findings suggested that circSP3 plays an important role in ccRCC development and could be a potential biomarker for the treatment and prognosis of ccRCC.
Distinct roles of SOX9 in self-renewal of progenitors and mesenchymal transition of the endothelium
Authors: Zhao Jilai , Sormani Laura , Jacquelin Sebastien , Styke Cassandra , Zhou Chenhao , Beesley Jonathan , Oon Linus , Kaur Simranpreet , Sim Seen-Ling , Wong Ho Yi , Dight James , Hashemi Ghazaleh , Shafiee Abbas , Roy Edwige , Patel Jatin , Khosrotehrani Kiarash
Published: December 2023

Regenerative capabilities of the endothelium rely on vessel-resident progenitors termed endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs). This study aimed to investigate if these progenitors are impacted by conditions (i.e., obesity or atherosclerosis) characterized by increased serum levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), a known inducer of Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EndMT). Our investigation focused on understanding the effects of EndMT on the self-renewal capabilities of progenitors and the associated molecular alterations. In the presence of oxLDL, ECFCs displayed classical features of EndMT, through reduced endothelial gene and protein expression, function as well as increased mesenchymal genes, contractility, and motility. Additionally, ECFCs displayed a dramatic loss in self-renewal capacity in the presence of oxLDL. RNA-sequencing analysis of ECFCs exposed to oxLDL validated gene expression changes suggesting EndMT and identified SOX9 as one of the highly differentially expressed genes. ATAC sequencing analysis identified SOX9 binding sites associated with regions of dynamic chromosome accessibility resulting from oxLDL exposure, further pointing to its importance. EndMT phenotype and gene expression changes induced by oxLDL in vitro or high fat diet (HFD) in vivo were reversed by the silencing of SOX9 in ECFCs or the endothelial-specific conditional knockout of Sox9 in murine models. Overall, our findings support that EndMT affects vessel-resident endothelial progenitor’s self-renewal. SOX9 activation is an early transcriptional event that drives the mesenchymal transition of endothelial progenitor cells. The identification of the molecular network driving EndMT in vessel-resident endothelial progenitors presents a new avenue in understanding and preventing a range of condition where this process is involved.
Time course of plasma urea and urinary urea excretion in patients with a prolonged ICU stay
Authors: Zijlstra Hendrik W. , Westland Gjalt J. , Volbeda Meint , Meurs Matijs van , Pillay Janesh , Franssen Casper F.M. , Stegeman Coen A. , Nijsten Maarten W.
Published: December 2023

Background
Whereas urinary creatinine excretion (UCE) is an established marker of muscle mass, both in critically ill and non-critically ill patients, analysis of urinary urea excretion (UUE) may allow estimation of proteolysis that is associated with critical illness. We evaluated the time courses of plasma urea and creatinine as well UUE and UCE in critically ill patients with a prolonged ICU stay. Our goal was to evaluate changes in plasma urea and creatinine in conjunction with their urinary excretion, to get a better understanding of urea handling in ICU patients.
Methods
From 2002 to 2021, plasma urea and creatinine, UUE and UCE were determined in routinely obtained 24h urine samples between ICU admission and day 30, in adult patients with an ICU-stay ≥28d. Urea-to-creatinine ratios in plasma and urine were calculated. Patients with stage 3 acute kidney injury (AKI) were excluded. Analyses were performed separately for females and males to account for differences in muscle mass. A subanalysis was done in patients with and without AKI during ICU stay.
Results
Of 47,120 patients, who were admitted to the ICU between 2002 to 2021, 638 patients met the inclusion criteria. During the first 10 days mean±SD plasma urea increased from 9.7±6.0 mmol/L at ICU admission to 12.4±7.9 mmol/L (P <0.001) on day 11 and decreased afterwards with a rate of 0.1 mmol/l/d. UUE peaked at 590±317 mmol/day on day 13 whereas UCE peaked already on day 4. Males had higher plasma urea, plasma creatinine, UUE and UCE than females. Plasma and urinary urea-to-creatinine ratio (UCR) stabilized after day 7, with a gradual increase in plasma UCR and urinary UCR between day 7 and day 30. Similar courses, although less pronounced, were seen in patients without AKI.
Conclusion
The course of urea in critically ill patients is characterized by an initial rise of both plasma urea and urinary urea excretion, presumably due to increased catabolism of endogenous or exogenous protein in the first week of ICU admission. Subsequently, UUE and UCE declined steadily in a rate that was comparable to the known loss of muscle mass during ICU admission of approximately 1%/day.
Assessing Microplastic Distribution in Indoor Environments: A Case Study of a University Facility in Kuala Lumpur
Authors: M Dewika , Markandan Kalaimani , Irfan N Ahmad , Abdah Muhammad Amirul Aizat Mohd , Ruwaida J Nor , Sara Y Y , Khalid Mohammad , Ibrahim Y S
Published: December 2023

Detection of microplastics in indoor air environments has raised concerns related to the potential public health risks associated with exposure. The present investigation examines the prevalence of microplastics in a university facility situated in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Specifically, this study analyzed 24 samples of indoor dust for microplastics in both the classrooms and the offices of the faculty members, which were located on the same floor of the building. Findings indicate that microplastics were found in active samples in the office and classroom with a mean concentration of (156 ± 48 MPs/m3; n = 6) and (104 ± 13 MPs/m3; n = 6) MPs/m3, respectively, while deposition rates were 1898 ± 908 MPs/m2/day and 3434 ± 624 MPs/m2/day for classroom and office respectively. Besides, the estimated daily intake of an adult in the office and classroom was 227 MPs/kg /BW/day and 163 MPs/kg/BW/day, respectively. Findings from the present study indicate that indoor environments are prone to microplastic pollution, although microplastic concentration varies significantly based on the different characteristics of indoor settings.
Establishing associations of thrombospondin linked to tumor growth, with thrombosis
Authors: M Vidhya
Published: December 2023

An intriguing fresh insights was obtained from the examination of non-lymphocytic immune cells from a human stage IA lung adenocarcinoma using parallel single-cell RNA-seq (MARS-Seq). HISAT2 was used to align the data to the reference human genome hg38 and perform analysis after the data quality was checked.
Thrombospondin was shown to be significantly elevated among the genes particularly expressed in tumour samples by statistical analysis of RNA-seq data. Additional correlation analysis revealed favourable associations with genes such as 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 6 and G protein-coupled receptor 153.
Further, functional protein network analysis of thrombospondin, identified relationships that were predicted, including CD47, CD36 and fibronectin. These partners were divided into three clusters by KMeans clustering, which offered an understanding of Thrombospondin's interactome. It is known that CD36, the thrombospondin receptor, connects to the small GTPase RAP1 and functions in multiple ways in lipid uptake, platelet hyperactivity, and thrombosis. Cell adhesion, migration, and integrin activation were all impacted by the downstream route from CD36 to RAP1 activation, which included ligand binding, intracellular signalling, and RAP1-mediated effects. The analysis identified the significance of functional interaction between Thrombospondin and Rap1 activation which correlates tumor to thrombotic events.
Transparency in Music-Generative AI: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Batlle-Roca Roser , Gómez Emila , Liao WeiHsiang , Serra Xavier , Mitsufuji Yuki
Published: December 2023

Music-generative AI raises multiple challenges particularly related to the work of artists, the existing music industry model, the role of AI in creative processes, and the discussion of intellectual property rights. Our study addresses these challenges by examining transparency in music generation. We conduct a systematic literature review, following the PRISMA methodology, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the associations between algorithmic transparency, music generation, the evaluation in terms of creativity and originality, and the connections to intellectual property rights.We identify 1,111 publications by formulating four research questions. Following a rigorous review process, we narrow down the selection to 66 relevant investigations published by 2022, covering multiple AI domains. Acknowledging the rapid growth of the music generation field, we then incorporate 18 publications from 2023, focusing our search on the music-specific domain and novel applications. Thus, the present review overviews 84 publications. Our findings highlight a growing interest in AI transparency and the ethical consequences of generative models. However, transparent strategies in music-generative AI remain an under-explored topic. Our main contribution is the identification of research gaps and challenges in transparency for music-generative AI.
Optimal scheduling model for master-slave game considering demand-side incentives
Authors: Yingjun Sang , Zhenglong Wu , Quanyu Chen , Jinglei Tao , Yuanyuan Fan
Published: December 2023

Global energy saving and emission reduction measures are deeply promoted, and the importance of demand-side resource participation in smart grid response is highlighted. A novel master-slave game model is proposed to address the uncertainty of demand-side response load-shedding capability and the fluctuation of renewable energy output during peak hours; the follower-side incentive mechanism (CBIM) considers the credit index, contribution, and electricity comfort to constrain the amount of declared load shedding, and is modeled with the objective function of maximizing the revenue from electricity consumption; and the real-time dispatch model in the leader's multi-timescale optimal scheduling model considers the wind and light Penalty coefficients and DR incentive mechanism using improved particle swarm algorithm to solve the mathematical model. Encouraging users to feedback load shedding according to their actual capacity can integrate demand-side revenue, as well as flatten the load curve to improve grid stability, enhance new energy consumption, and reduce the cost of grid energy consumption.
The LINC02701/miR-193a-3p Axis Regulates ERBB4 Expression and Inhibits the Cell Cycle in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Li Hangjin , Wang Yiqin , Qu Hui , Zhang Wei , Yin Junting , Yu Shen , Guo Yan , Wang Jizhe
Published: December 2023

Background
Chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is highly prevalent in the general population. Though CRSwNP substantially affects the quality of life of patients, there is a lack of effective treatments for this disease. Several studies have shown that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) and miRNAs can regulate the development of CRSwNP through ceRNA. ERBB4 is a key factor in regulating the occurrence and development of CRSwNP, but the mechanism of its expression and regulation is not clear.
Objective
In this study, we aimed to determine whether the LINC02701/miR-193a-3p axis could promote the development of CRSwNP by regulating the expression of ERBB4.
Methods
We identified differentially expressed lncRNAs, miRNAs, and mRNAs in controls and individuals with chronic sinusitis via gene set enrichment analysis. We analyzed the relationship between them by constructing a ceRNA network. We performed RNA sequencing and investigated whether the LINC02701/miR-193a-3p axis could promote the development of CRSwNP by regulating ERBB4 expression levels.
Results
Our findings showed that changes in LINC02701 and miR-193a-3p expression levels resulted in a change in ERBB4 expression levels. Further study found that LINC02701 regulates the expression of ERBB4 through miR-193a-3p, which in turn affects the occurrence and development of CRSwNP.
Conclusion
This project will provide new ideas for clinical diagnosis and treatment of CRSwNP.