bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra-broadband and wide-angle thin metamaterial solar absorber based on the square-disk array
Authors: Luo Fuyin , Liu Mingjie , Zhao Yujie , Shi Wenhui , Li Chuanliang , He Xiaohu
Published: August 2023

In this paper, an ultra-wideband solar absorber consisting of a four-layer structure of Al2O3-TiN-Al2O3-Ti is proposed. The proposed absorber achieves an average absorption of 97.85% in the wavelength range of 250–2000 nm (49.96% improvement over the reference planar structure), and its bandwidth of absorption over 90% is even as high as 1742 nm. As a result of the symmetrical design of the structure, the absorber has a polarization insensitivity as well as a wide-angle absorption characteristic. In particular, the absorber has a large process tolerance in the structural parameters and a high degree of universality for other metals and dielectric materials, which is highly advantageous in manufacturing. In addition, we explored the reasons for the high absorption of the structure in detail, discussed the influence of different structures on the absorption, and analyzed the absorption characteristics of the structure under the solar spectrum. The proposed structure provides a broader bandwidth and higher light absorption than the recently reported work and further reduces the structure's thickness. Therefore, the absorber will have broad application prospects in photothermal conversion, solar cells, imaging, and stealth.
MiR-21-5p delivered by exosomes of placental mesenchymal stem cells targets the PTEN/AKT/mTOR axis to inhibit ovarian granulosa cell apoptosis
Authors: Liu huidong , Zhang Xiao , Wang Shao-wei
Published: August 2023

Background: This study aims to determine the therapeutic effect of placental mesenchymal stem cell exosomes ((PMSC-Exos) on premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and explore the mechanism of inhibiting ovarian granulosa cells (OGCs) apoptosis.
Methods: Exos were extracted from PMSCs and identified by transmission electron microscopy(TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis(NTA), and Western blot (WB). OGC induced by cisplatin was used to establish POI models in vitro, and the therapeutic effect of PMSC-Exos on POI was evaluated by flow cytometry, WB, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), and wound-healing assay. The results of miRNA microarray assay of PMSC-Exos showed that miR-21-5p was the most enriched miRNA. The target gene of miR-21-5p identified by the database and references was PTEN. The regulatory effect of miR-21-5p on PTEN was verified by dual luciferase reporter assay, WB, and qRT-PCR. Then, rescue experiments were designed to fully confirm the regulatory mechanism of miR-21-5p on the PTEN/AKT/mTOR axis. Finally, WB, flow cytometry, CCK-8, and wound-healing assay were used to verify that miR-21-5p carried by PMSC-Exos protected OGCs by targeting the PTEN/AKT/mTOR axis.
Results: The co-culture of PMSC-Exos with OGCs inhibited cisplatin-induced apoptosis and promoted cell proliferation and migration. These therapeutic effects significantly decreased after miR-21-5p knockdown. Dual luciferase reporter assay, WB, and qRT-PCR verified that miR-21-5p could target PTEN to inhibit its expression. Finally, multiple experimental groups were designed to verify that miR-21-5p delivered by PMSC-Exos to granulosa cells could bind to the 3ʹ untranslated region (UTR) of PTEN, thus regulating the AKT/mTOR pathway and playing a positive role in inhibiting apoptosis of OGCs and promoting cell proliferation and migration.
Conclusion: MiR-21-5p carried by PMSC-Exos inhibits OGCs apoptosis by targeting the PTEN/AKT/mTOR axis. This finding provides a new idea for the precision treatment of POI and the cell-free treatment of Exos.
A Novel Approach of Stock Price Direction and Price Prediction Based on News Sentiments
Authors: Singh Harmanjeet , Malhotra Manisha
Published: August 2023

Forecasting stock trends guide investment management, financial policy, and the country’s economic growth. Investor-generated textual information has impacted stock movements across media channels in recent years. Most sentiment index studies weigh linguistic content equally. Such studies ignore that the sentiment index’s impact on the stock market decreases over time. This study analyses stock indices using dual classifier coupling and sentiment analysis. A dual classifier is created by combining two popular classifiers, Decision Tree (DT) with Convolution Bi-Directional Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU). The proposed model is tested using Reliance Industries shares. The adjusted sentiment index improved overall accuracy in the Reliance Industries stock news sentiment analysis case study by 84.12 percent. The investor sentiment indicator improves stock index trend prediction, as shown by a 3.16 RMSE (Root Mean Squared Error) and 0.97 R2(Coefficient of determination) reduction. The adjusted sentiment index improves predicted accuracy considerably. The investors’ sentiments improve the overall results in Reliance Industries’ stock price prediction with our fusion of pro- posed VADER (Valence Aware Dictionary and sEntiment Reasoner) and CNN + BDGRU models compared to benchmark models.
Gene expression-phenotype association study reveals the dual role of TNF- α/TNFR1 signaling axis in confined breast cancer cell migration
Authors: Cruceriu Daniel , Balacescu Loredana , Baldasici Oana , Gaal Orsolya I. , Balacescu Ovidiu , Russom Aman , Irimia Daniel , Tudoran Oana
Published: August 2023

While enhanced tumor cell migration is a key process in the tumor disemination, mechanistic insights into causal relationships between tumor cells and mechanical confinement are still limited. Here we combine the use of microfluidic platforms to characterize cell migration with genetic tools to systematically unravel the global signaling landscape associated with the migratory phenotype of breast cancer (BC) cells. The migration capacity of seven BC cell lines was evaluated in 3D microfluidic devices and their migration capacity was associated with their molecular signature. The gene expression of 715 genes was correlated with the migratory phenotype. TNF-α was found to be one of the most important upstream regulators of the signaling networks in which these 715 genes participate. Furthermore, the expression of the main TNF-α receptor, TNFR1, was strongly associated with the migration capacity, but also with a triple-negative, mesenchymal phenotype. In order to assess the impact of TNF-α/TNFR1 signaling axis on the BC migration capacity, either rhTNF-α was administrated or TNFR1,was silenced by siRNA, in four phenotypically diverse BC cell lines. In each experimental setting, the cell migration capacity was evaluated in microfluidic devices, while the molecular effects triggered by the treatment were monitored by RT-qPCR. According to our results, TNF-α stimulates the confined migration of triple negative, mesenchymal-like BC cells that are also characterized by high TNFR1 expression, but inhibits the migration of epithelial-like cells with low TNFR1 expression. Downstream of TNF/TNFR1 signaling, transcriptional regulation of NFKB seems to be dominant in driving cell migration in confined spaces.
The Interplay between Chinese EFL Teachers’ Resilience and Agency
Authors: Qin Lili , Derakhshan Ali , Wang Yunsong , He Yanhua
Published: August 2023

Background
While teacher resilience has been shown to be a key factor in teachers’ development, a bulk of research on resilience in the field of foreign language education has largely focused on how teachers exercise resilience during challenges. Moreover, the interrelationship between resilience and agency has received sparse scholarship. It is also unclear how teachers in a foreign language context implement and show their resiliency and agency.
Method
This study intends to fill these gaps by investigating foreign language teachers’ perceived resilience had its association with their agency. For this purpose, a mixed-methods design was utilized based on a questionnaire and an interview.
Results
Teachers’ resilience and agency were found to be at a higher level, and there was a causal relationship between resilience and agency.
Conclusion
The impact of uncertainty in the new working situation seemed to have been buffered by teachers’ social interaction with experts and peers. In addition, the role of teacher identity was flagged up in the interplay between teacher resilience and agency. This study advances research on teachers’ resilience with the consideration of agency and suggests implications for teachers and teacher educators to activate teachers’ resilience and agency.
Longitudinal course and predictors of health-related quality of life, mental health, and fatigue, in non-hospitalized individuals with or without post COVID-19 syndrome
Authors: Kirchberger Inge , Meisinger Christine , Warm Tobias D. , Hyhlik-Dürr Alexander , Linseisen Jakob , Goßlau Yvonne
Published: August 2023

Background
Long-term information on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and mental health of non-hospitalized individuals with „post COVID-19 syndrome“ (PCS) is scarce. Thus, the objectives of the present study were to compare HRQOL and mental health of individuals with and without PCS in a German sample of non-hospitalized persons after SARS-CoV-2 infection, to characterize the long-term course up to 2 years and to identify predictors for post COVID-19 impairments.
Methods
Individuals with past COVID-19 were examined at the University Hospital of Augsburg from November 2020 to May 2021 and completed a postal questionnaire between June and November 2022. Participants who self-reported the presence of fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, memory problems or concentration problems were classified as having PCS. HRQOL was assessed using the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey, mental health was measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire and the Fatigue Asessment Scale was used to assess fatigue severity. Multivariable linear regression models with inverse probability weighting were used to determine the association between PCS and health outcomes.
Results
From the 304 participants (58.2% women, median age 53 years), 210 (69.1%) were classified as having PCS in median 26 months after COVID-19 onset. Persons with PCS showed significantly more often depressive and anxiety disorders. PCS was independently and significantly associated with higher levels of depression, post-traumatic stress and fatigue, as well as poorer physical and mental HRQOL in median 9 months as well as 26 months after COVID-19 onset. A large number of acute symptoms and a prior diagnosis of depression were independently associated with poor mental health and HRQOL. While post-traumatic stress and mental HRQOL improved from 9 months to 26 months post infection onset, depressiveness, fatigue and physical HRQOL remained stable in both, persons with and without PCS.
Conclusions
PCS in non-hospitalized persons after COVID-19 is often associated with long-term impairments of mental health and HRQOL outomes.
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy for Deep-seated Perivascular Brain Tumors is Not Associated with Distal Ischemia
Authors: Reese Jared C. , Fadel Hassan A. , Pawloski Jacob A. , Samir Mariam , Haider Sameah , Komatar Ricardo J. , Luther Evan , Morell Alexis A. , Ivan Mike E. , Robin Adam M. , Kalkanis Steven N. , Lee Ian Y.
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive cytoreductive treatment option for brain tumors with a risk of vascular injury from catheter placement or thermal energy. This may be of concern with deep-seated tumors that have surrounding end-artery perforators and critical microvasculature. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk of distal ischemia following LITT for deep-seated perivascular brain tumors.
Methods
A retrospective review of a multi-institution database was used to identify patients who underwent LITT between 2013–2022 for tumors located within the insula, thalamus, basal ganglia, and anterior perforated substance. Demographic, clinical and volumetric tumor characteristics were collected. The primary outcome was radiographic evidence of distal ischemia on post-ablation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Results
61 LITT ablations for deep-seated perivascular brain tumors were performed. Of the tumors treated, 24 (39%) were low-grade gliomas, 32 (52%) were high-grade gliomas, and 5 (8%) were metastatic. The principal location included 31 (51%) insular, 14 (23%) thalamic, 13 (21%) basal ganglia, and 3 (5%) anterior perforated substance tumors. The average tumor size was 19.6 cm3 with a mean ablation volume of 11.1 cm3. The median extent of ablation was 92% (IQR 30%, 100%). Two patients developed symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage after LITT. No patient had radiographic evidence of distal ischemia on post-operative diffusion weighted imaging.
Conclusion
We demonstrate that LITT for deep-seated perivascular brain tumors has minimal ischemic risks and is a safe cytoreductive treatment option for otherwise difficult to access intracranial tumors.
A nomogram model predicting the risk of high-grade cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions: a population-based study
Authors: Zhao Weihong , Wen Songquan , Li Qi , Wang Jingfang , Zhang Lili , Wang Yonghong , Wang Tong , Hao Min
Published: August 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a nomogram for the prediction of high-grade cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs).
Methods: This cross-sectional study included the baseline data of the Shanxi Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN) cohort study, in which 1,249 community-dwelling adults (372 patients with pathologically diagnosed CIN and 877 patients with a normal cervix) from a rural area of Shanxi, China, were recruited. Interviewer-administered questionnaires on sociodemographic characteristics, hygiene habits, marriage and childbearing information, and past medical and family histories of cancer were obtained. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection types were detected by flow-through hybridization. Logistic regression analysis of independent risk factors for HSILs and a nomogram prediction model were established.
Results: Of the 1,249 participants, 460 (36.83%) were infected with high-risk HPV (HR-HPV), and the five most frequent types of HPV were HPV16, HPV52, HPV58, HPV56, and HPV33. After adjusting for demographics and other related variables, HPV16 was associated with an 11.363-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.639–19.449) higher risk of HSILs and HPV58 was associated with a 5.758-fold (95% CI, 2.542–13.045) higher risk of HSILs compared to the uninfected group. HR-HPV infection, younger age at menarche, menopause, and tea drinking were selected as nomogram covariates. The concordance index of the nomogram prediction model was 0.822.
Conclusion: The most common highly pathogenic HR-HPV types in the study area are HPV16 and HPV58. An easy-to-use nomogram, with reliable discrimination ability and accuracy, was established to help predict HSILs using the identified significant risk factors.
Trial registration: This study was registered by the China Clinical Trials Center (registration number: ChiCTR-ROC-15006479).
3D Ultrasound based Determination of Skeletal Muscle Fascicle Orientations
Authors: Sahrmann Annika , Vosse Lukas , Siebert Tobias , Handsfield Geoffrey , Röhrle Oliver
Published: August 2023

Architectural parameters of skeletal muscle such as pennation angle provide valuable information on the muscle's functionality, since they can be directly related to the muscle's force generating capacities.In this paper, we introduce a 3D ultrasound based workflow for determining 3D fascicle orientations of skeletal muscles.We used a custom-designed automated motor driven 3D ultrasound scanning system for obtaining 3D ultrasound images.From these, we applied a custom-developed multiscale-vessel enhancement filter based fascicle tracking algorithm and determined muscle volume and pennation angle.We conducted trials on a phantom and on the human tibialis anterior (TA) muscle of 10 healthy subjects in plantarflexion, neutral position (corresponding to neutral standing), and one resting position in between.The results of the phantom trials showed a high accuracy with a mean absolute error of 0.92 \(\pm\) 0.59\textdegree.TA pennation angles were significantly different between all positions for the deep muscle compartment and for the superficial compartment, angles are significantly increased for neutral position compared to plantarflexion and resting position.Pennation angles were also significantly different between superficial and deep compartment.The muscle volume measurements corresponding to the 3 ankle joint angles indicates the suitability of the method for capturing 3D muscle geometry.Absolute pennation angles in our study were slightly lower than recent literature.Decreased pennation angles for plantarflexion are consistent with previous studies.The techniques presented here will enable measurement and study of muscle fascicle architecture in a variety of clinical and scientific settings, accelerating our knowledge on muscle architecture and mechanics in vivo.
Optimized design strategy of 3D-printed drill guiding template for accurate pedicle screw insertion of subaxial cervical spine
Authors: Ma Jun , Yin Guoyong , Zhang Baofeng , Chen Cong , Jiang Yongliang
Published: August 2023

Objective
To propose optimized design strategy of 3D-printed drill guiding template (DGT) for subaxial cervical pedicle screw (CPS) insertion and to evaluate the safety and accuracy of CPS placement.
Methods
Twenty-two consecutive patients (12 males and 10 females) with a mean age of 50.1 ± 13.4 years (range, 25–79) who underwent 3D-printed DGT-assisted subaxial cervical pedicle screw insertion in our center between August 2016 and October 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. DGTs were individually designed for each patient based on standardized optimal strategies. Accuracy of screw placement was assessed in post-operative CT scanning, and perioperative complications were recorded for each patient.
Results
A total of 118 CPSs were placed, among which 94.9% (112/118) were considered accurate (90 screws in Grade 0 and 22 screws in Grade 1) and 5.1% (6/118) were misplaced (5 screws in Grade 2 and 1 screw in Grade 3) according to Kaneyama’s method. The direction of CPS perforation (higher than Grade 0) was lateral in 85.7% (24/28), medial in 3.6% (1/28), superior in 3.6% (1/28), and inferior in 7.1% (2/28). Twelve lateral mass screws (LMSs) were inserted as alternative of contraindicated pedicles. No major neuromuscular complications were observed.
Conclusion
Our optimized design strategy of 3D-printed DGT might help to improve the accuracy and safety for subaxial CPS insertion, and decrease learning curve for spine surgeons, particularly for beginners.
Evaluating spectral indices from MODIS to predict maize and soybean regional yields
Authors: Ovando Gustavo , Casa Antonio , Diaz Guillermo , Soler Fernando , Diaz Pablo , Clemente Juan Pablo
Published: August 2023

A regression model with spectral information and dummy variables was developed and evaluated for predicting regional maize and soybean yield in the agricultural rain-fed region of Córdoba, Argentina. The study area comprises eleven departments that currently harvest more than 80% of the provincial production of maize and soybean. In this study monthly Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) product (MOD13C2) and daytime Land Surface Temperature (LST) product (MOD11C3) derived from the MODIS sensor on board of TERRA satellite were used as model input. From these data Temperature Vegetation Dryness Index (TVDI) was calculated and assessed also. In total, 19 summer crop seasons were analyzed between 2000/2001 and 2018/2019. There is a close and negative relationship between the NDVI, with both LST and TVDI. The best regression models with dummy variables were selected to estimate yield variation on a regional scale are integrated both with spectral information, as LST from January and NDVI from February, and factors linked to edaphic and management differences of each department, as well as the technological improvement in the model for soybean. By using an adaptation of the Leave One Out Cross-Validation (LOOCVad) technique, model accuracy was verified. The Residual Standard Error (RSE) obtained each year was, mostly, lower than that obtained for the entire record (general models). The mean RSE obtained for the set of years was 279.4 and 579.4 kg ha− 1 for soybean and maize, respectively, which are below those ​​obtained from the general models (354.7 and 788.6 kg ha− 1, respectively).
Evaluating evaporite minerals sedimentation potential and the origin of brine chemical composition
Authors: Ghadimi Feridon , Azadifar Sara
Published: August 2023

Mighan playa is a closed intracontinental watershed and located 15 kilometers northeast of Arak city. The playa water level is affected by the sodium sulfate company's effluent, the purified wastewater plant, underground water, precipitation and evaporation. Mighan playa consists of two parts of island in the center and a lake in the periphery and is the most important pole of sodium sulfate extraction in Iran. In order to study brine and its evolution, 25 samples were taken from the playa, and it determined EC, TH, pH, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cl, SO4, Br, I, Li, HCO3, NO3 and PO4. The inlet water shows the molar ratio of HCO3 < < Ca + Mg and the diagram of the geochemical evolution of Mighan brine follows the geochemical path (II), so the type of Mighan brine is Na-Cl-SO4, which authorized with Piper diagram. Also, according to the results of saturation indexes, Mighan brine has the possibility of forming evaporite deposits such as glauberite, mirablite, thenardite, halite, gypsum, calcite and small extent dolomite, anhydrite. The most important and effective mineralization factors were identified by factor analysis and factorial fuzzy maps. The salinity of Mighan playa brines is related to anions and cations that originate from the gypsum and salt layers in the northern part. Alkalinity and bicarbonate resulting from the dissolution of limestone rocks in the southern layers of the Mighan watershed.
Robot-aided Assessment and Associated Brain Lesions of Impaired Ankle Proprioception in Chronic Stroke
Authors: Huang Qiyin , Elangovan Naveen , Zhang Mingming , de Winckel Ann Van , Konczak Jürgen
Published: August 2023

Background
Impaired ankle proprioception strongly predicts balance dysfunction in chronic stroke. However, only sparse data on ankle position sense and no systematic data on ankle motion sense dysfunction in stroke are available. Moreover, the lesion sites underlying impaired ankle proprioception have not been comprehensively delineated. Using robotic technology, this study quantified ankle proprioceptive deficits post-stroke and determined the associated brain lesions.
Methods
Twelve adults with chronic stroke and 13 neurotypical adults participated. A robot passively plantarflexed a participant’s ankle to two distinct positions or at two distinct velocities. Participants subsequently indicated which of the two movements was further/faster. Based on the stimulus-response data, psychometric just-noticeable-difference (JND) thresholds and intervals of uncertainty (IU) were derived as measures on proprioceptive bias and precision. To determine group differences, Welch’s t-test and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test were performed for the JND threshold and IU, respectively. Voxel-based lesion subtraction analysis identified the brain lesions associated with observed proprioceptive deficits in adults with stroke.
Results
83% of adults with stroke exhibited abnormalities in either position or motion sense, or both. JND and IU measures were significantly elevated compared to the control group (Position sense: + 77% in JND, + 148% in IU; Motion sense: +153% in JND, + 78% in IU). Lesions in the parietal, frontal, and temporoparietal regions were associated with deficits in both senses, lesions in the medial/lateral occipital cortex were exclusively linked to impaired position sense, and temporal pole lesions were associated with impaired motion sense.
Conclusions
This is the first study to document the prevalence and magnitude of ankle position and motion sense impairment in adults with chronic stroke. Proprioceptive dysfunction was characterized by elevated JND thresholds and increased uncertainty in perceiving ankle position/motion. Associated cortical lesions for both proprioceptive senses were largely overlapping, but temporal pole lesions were independently linked to motion sense dysfunction.
Electrochemical study and adsorption parameter investigation of copper in a chicken bone ash inhibited NaCl environment
Authors: Omoegun Olumide G. , Fayomi Ojo S. I. , Atiba Joshua O.
Published: August 2023

By examining the corrosive behaviour and adsorption characteristics of copper in a corrosive medium containing 0.5 M NaCl, the potential of chicken bone as a corrosion inhibitor was examined in this study. With inhibitor concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 0.8 g, the experiments were carried out at temperatures between 30 and 60°C. The effectiveness of chicken bone ash as a corrosion inhibitor was evaluated using a variety of electrochemical analysis techniques, such as polarisation analysis and open circuit potential measurement. The electrochemical analysis' findings demonstrated that chicken bone ash functions as a cathodic inhibitor, significantly slowing copper corrosion. The inhibitor outperformed all other concentrations tested and demonstrated its maximum inhibition efficiency at a temperature of 50°C. These findings were further supported by the adsorption parameter analysis, which showed that the copper surface responded quickly to the inhibitor's adsorption, primarily through a physical adsorption process. A promising alternative for protecting copper in corrosive environments is the use of chicken bone as a corrosion inhibitor. The findings imply that chicken bone ash has inherent inhibitory properties that effectively slow down corrosion.
The renoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of human urine-derived stem cells in acute kidney injury animals
Authors: Kuang Yuanyuan , Fan Chenyu , Long Xiaojun , Zheng Jiajia , Zeng Yunsi , Wei Yuhui , Zhang Jiasheng , Yu Shuangjin , Chen Tong , Ruan Hehuan , Wang Yi , Na Ning , Zhou Yiming , Qiu Jiang
Published: August 2023

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is defined by a sudden loss of kidney function, which is often caused by drugs, toxins, and infections. The large spectrum of AKI implies diverse pathophysiological mechanisms. In many cases, AKI can be lethal, and kidney replacement therapy is frequently needed. However, current treatments are not satisfying. Thus, developing novel therapies for AKI is essential. Adult stem cells possess regenerative powers and play an important role in medical research and disease treatment.
Methods: Here we isolated and characterized a distinct human urine-derived stem cell, which expresses both proximal tubular cell and mesenchymal stem cell genes as well as certain unique genes.
Results:We discovered that these cells exhibited robust protective effects on tubular cells and anti-inflammatory effects on macrophages in vitro. In an ischemia-reperfusion induced acute kidney injury mouse model, transplantation of USCs significantly protected the kidney morphology and functions in vivo.
Conclusions: In summary, our results highlight the effectiveness of USCs in protecting PTC injury and impeding macrophage polarization as well as the secretion of pro-inflammatory interleukins, suggesting the potential of USCs as a novel cell therapy in AKI.
Inhibiting the expression of PGK1 can improve the damage of nerve cells caused by acrylamide
Authors: Li Hong-Qiu , Wang Xiao-Li , Pan Yu-Lin , Lei Ya-Ting , Zhao Fang-Fang , Li Zhi-Ming , Ma Wei-Wei , Hao Xiao-Xiao , Yu Cui-Ping , Wang Sheng-Yuan , Wu Yong-Hui
Published: August 2023

Recent studies have shown that phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) may improve neurodegeneration. However, the role of PGK1 in acrylamide(ACR)-induced neuronal damage is not yet clear. In this study, SD rats were treated with 6 mg/kg and 18 mg/kg of ACR, and PC12 cells were treated with 1.25 mM and 2.5 mM of ACR, and PC12 cells were transfected with PGK1 siRNA. Behavioral responses and histopathological changes in the rats were monitored, and transmission electron microscopy was used to observe changes in neurons and internal organelles in the hippocampal tissues of the various groups. Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to detect changes in the expression of neuronal-related proteins BDNF, Syn1, Nrf2 signaling pathway-related proteins and PGK1 in the hippocampal tissues of the rats and PC12 cells. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to analyze PGK1 expression in the hippocampal tissues of the rats. The results showed that after ACR treatment, obvious hindlimb clasping effect was observed in rats, hippocampal tissue pathology occurred, neuronal boundaries became blurred, mitochondria swelled, and organelles became sparse. BDNF and Syn1 mRNA expression and protein levels decreased both in vivo and in vitro, while Nrf2 and PGK1 mRNA expression and protein levels increased both in vivo and in vitro. In PC12 cells, inhibition of PGK1 can alleviate cell damage, and increase the expression of BDNF and Syn1 while Nrf2 expression is suppressed. These results suggest that inhibiting the expression of PGK1 can protect nerve cell damage induced by ACR.
Drug Interaction Between Co-packaged Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir and Tacrolimus might cause Hyponatremia and Tacrolimus Intoxication in Lung Transplant Recipients
Authors: Lo Chien-Ming , Chen Wei-Hsun , Tsai Meng-Yun , Lu Hung-I , Hsiao Yu-Hsin , Chen Yu , Wu Hsuan-Feng , Huang Kuo-Tung , Wang Yi-Hsi
Published: August 2023

COVID-19 infection in recipients of lung transplants could be lethal owing to the immunosuppressant agents. Antiviral agents should be administered to these patients. Co-packaged nirmatrelvir-ritonavir is a new agent that is used in combination with antiviral medications. Here, we report a case of high serum tacrolimus concentration and hyponatremia after co-packaged nirmatrelvir-ritonavir administration.
Genetic evidence for functions of Chloroplast CA in Pyropia yezoensis: decreased CCM but increased starch accumulation
Authors: Baoyu Zhang , Xueying Liu , Xiujun Xie , Li Huan , Zhizhuo Shao , Guangce Wang
Published: August 2023

To adapt to changes in the intertidal environment, intertidal macroalgae have evolved complicated Ci utilization mechanisms. However, our knowledge regarding the CO2 concentrating mechanism (CCM) of macroalgae is limited. Carbonic anhydrase (CA), a key component of CCM, plays important roles in many physiological reactions in various organisms. While there are a large number of genes encoding CA in the Pyropia yezoensis genome, the exact function of specific CA in P. yezoensis remains elusive. To explore the specific function of chloroplast CA in intertidal macroalgae, we produced chloroplast-localized βCA1 knockdown mutants of P. yezoensis through RNA interference, and Pyca1i mutants showed a notable decrease in leaf area and overall biomass, as well as decreased soluble protein and unsaturated fatty acid content under different DIC conditions. However, Pyca1i mutants showed relatively higher starch content compared to the wild type. The activity of enzymes involved in the Calvin cycle, photorespiration, pentose-phosphate pathway and floridean starch synthesis of P. yezoensis indicated an effective starch accumulation pathway after interference with βCA1. All results suggest that the decreased activity of PyβCA1 impaired the CCM and development of thalli of P. yezoensis but stimulated starch accumulation in the cytoplasm through feedback to the photorespiration pathway and PP pathway to replenish intermediates for the Calvin cycle. This study is the first to explore the specific function of chloroplast CA in intertidal macroalgae using genomic technology. The results provide valuable insights into the adaptation mechanisms of intertidal macroalgae to their environment.
Causal relationships between inflammatory factors and Periodontitis: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Wei Mianxing , Yang Qian , Dai Xiaoying , Li Yuxuan , Guo Qingquan
Published: August 2023

Objective
Periodontitis, a inflammatory disease, has been associated with systemic inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP). However, the causal links between these factors and periodontitis are unclear. This study aims to elucidate these causal relationships using a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. (MR-PRESSO) technique.
Materials and Methods
Materials and Methods: We utilized a two-way summary-level MR design, capitalizing on publicly available summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for periodontitis and 42 systemic inflammatory markers, including CRP. We selected robust, independent single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as instrumental variables and performed the inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method to analyze the Wald ratios for each genetic variant. To account for potential pleiotropic bias, sensitivity analyses were conducted using methods such as MR-Egger regression, weighted median strategies, and the MR-Pleiotropy RESidual Sum and Outlier (MR-PRESSO) technique.
Results
Our analysis reveals that higher levels of IL-1β (IVW estimate odds ratio [ORIVW] per SD genetic cytokines alteration: 2.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 − 5.00; P = 0.05), IL-6 (0.54, 0.29 − 1.00; P = 0.05), and IL-9 (0.56, 0.32 − 0.98; P = 0.04) are associated with an increased susceptibility to periodontitis. In contrast, no significant relationship was found between CRP or any other systemic inflammatory markers and periodontitis.
Conclusion
Our analysis specifically identifies increased levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-9 as significant risk factors for developing periodontitis. However, no substantial link was observed between CRP and other inflammatory markers studied, implying that the inflammatory pathway to periodontitis may be cytokine-specific.
Clinical Relevance:
Our study provides genetic evidence into the interplay between CRP, systemic inflammatory markers, and periodontitis. Treatment strategies aimed at specific inflammatory markers could hold potential for reducing the risk of periodontitis.
Optimizing Production of Chemicals Firm using Linear Programming Technique
Authors: Atif Muhammad , Abidin Zain Ul , Mudasir Muhammad
Published: August 2023

This paper is an insight Linear Programming problem for different products produced by PASVEP Chemicals Production Firm and its scare resource allocation. For the purpose, the linear program model was developed with the definite objective function and adequate constraints available to the Firm. The study conducted because the firm has optimization issues in production, and therefore needed optimal solution. The result from linear mathematical model using TORA software rightly identified the optimization problem arises due to inefficient allocation of scare resources. The application of sensitivity analysis, in this regard, provided solution where to resources divert to most needed raw material to get optimal level of production. Based on outcome, the study recommended to use data-driven decision-making methods like linear programming being first and successful application in chemical industry to optimize its resource allocation. The study also recommended that the firm should continue the production of all four products, however, with more focus on PVS solution to further enhance its output.
Role of the hippocampus in decision making under uncertainty
Authors: Attaallah Bahaaeddin , Petitet Pierre , Zambellas Rhea , Toniolo Sofia , Maio Maria , Ganse-Dumrath Akke , Irani Sarosh , Manohar Sanjay , Husain Masud
Published: August 2023

The role of the hippocampus in decision making is poorly understood. Because of its prospective and inferential functions, we hypothesized that it might be required specifically when decisions involve evaluation of uncertain values. Here, a group of individuals with autoimmune limbic encephalitis (ALE) – a condition known to focally affect the hippocampus – was tested on how they evaluate reward against uncertainty compared to evaluation of reward against another key attribute – physical effort. Across four experiments requiring participants to make trade-offs between reward, uncertainty and effort, ALE patients demonstrated blunted sensitivity to reward and effort whenever uncertainty was considered, despite demonstrating intact uncertainty sensitivity. By contrast, valuation of these two attributes (reward and effort) was intact on uncertainty-free tasks. Reduced sensitivity to changes in reward under uncertainty correlated with severity of hippocampal damage. Together, these findings provide evidence for a context-sensitive role of the hippocampus in value-based decision making, apparent specifically under conditions of uncertainty.
Development And Evaluation Of A Meloxicam Topical Ointment For Localized Drug Delivery
Authors: Malvade Pratik V. , Dhamak Kavita V. , Muntode Prasad J. , Mule Pratiksha S.
Published: August 2023

The introduction of this research paper sheds light on the background and significance of employing topical drug delivery methods to enhance the localized effects of NSAIDs, such as meloxicam. The introductory section underscores the potential benefits of utilizing skin penetration enhancement techniques to augment the efficacy of the ointment. The materials and techniques section comprehensively outlines the constituents employed in the study, including meloxicam and excipients. Special attention is dedicated to ensuring the stability and compatibility of the formulation components, with thorough investigations into drug-excipient interactions. Following the formulation's development, a meticulous characterization of the ointments is conducted, encompassing their physicochemical attributes and drug release profiles. Concurrently, in vitro skin permeation experiments elucidate meloxicam's capability to permeate the skin and elicit its therapeutic effects. The resultant characterization data yield valuable insights into the physical characteristics of the ointments. In conclusion, this thesis study substantially advances our comprehension of meloxicam topical ointment formulation development and evaluation for localized drug delivery. The findings gleaned from this study provide invaluable insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of employing a meloxicam-infused ointment. Such an approach holds the promise of offering a compelling alternative to conventional systemic administration, mitigating systemic side effects, and concurrently maximizing the localized therapeutic advantages of meloxicam.
Impacts of Nitrogen Sources and Rates on Soil Chemical Attributes and Potato Nutrition and Yield in a Subtropical Environment
Authors: Yagi Renato , Bagio Bárbara , Soratto Rogério P. , Chiachia Thaís R. S. , Almeida Danilo S.
Published: August 2023

The nutritional status of the plants, soil chemical attributes prior to vine killing, and the classified yield of tubers may characterize soil-plant interactions with nitrogen (N) side-dressing for potato cultivars, indicating the most appropriate source and rate at sidedressing in subtropical environment. Two experiments with potato cultivars Agata and Atlantic were carried out with the aim of evaluating the effect of N sources (urea, ammonium sulfate and calcium nitrate) and rates (70, 140 and 210 kg ha− 1) on sidedressing, plus a zero-N control treatment, in the southern Brazil. Discrete variations on nutrients in diagnostic leaves and on soil chemical attributes in the Agata experiment were not reflected in the maximum average increase of 69.0% (14.2 Mg ha− 1) in total tuber yields obtained with 152 kg N ha− 1 as ammonium sulfate or calcium nitrate, which did not differ in AE’s. For the Atlantic cultivar, urea rates were practically inert in soil and plant attributes, and the ammonium sulfate rates acidified the soil and increased their Al3+ contents in the ridges, reduced Ca and Mg foliar concentrations and did not increase marketable tuber yields. Calcium nitrate increased foliar N, Ca and Mg concentrations, increasing marketable tuber yields by 26.6% (7.3 Mg ha− 1) with 116.7% higher AE than other N sources. In subtropical acidic inceptisols with potentially available Al3+, 153 kg N ha− 1 as ammonium sulfate or calcium nitrate for cultivar Agata and 152 kg N ha− 1 as calcium nitrate for cultivar Atlantic are the best options for sidedressing fertilization.
Physiological mechanism of sodium salicylate and folcisteine on alleviating salt stress in wheat seedlings
Authors: Han Aohui , Wang Cuiling , Li Jingchong , Xu Li , Guo Xiaoyan , Li Weiguo , Zhou Feng , Liu Run-Qiang
Published: August 2023

Soil salinization can significantly affect the normal growth and development of wheat, and can cause wheat death in severe cases, resulting in a decline of grain yield and quality, which poses an important threat to food security in China. In this study, the effects of two plant exogenous growth regulators, sodium salicylate and folcisteine, on the physiology and main characters of wheat under salt stress were studied by hydroponics. The results showed that both plant growth regulators could effectively alleviate the inhibition of wheat growth under salt stress. The morphological and physiological indexes, antioxidant enzyme such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of wheat after foliar spraying of sodium salicylate and folcisteine under salt stress were determined, which showed that the effect of sodium salicylate was better than that of folcisteine. Meanwhile, the determination results of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content and superoxide anion (O2−) content showed that the effect of folcisteine was better than that of sodium salicylate. Simultaneously, the synergistic effect of the two regulators can be played significantlyin the compound treatment, and the effect is the best. In addition, this study also found that the effect of early regulators was not obvious, but under the continuous action of the regulators, the growth of wheat under stress environment could be improved and the damage of salt stress on wheat growth and development colud be significantly alleviated, which could effectively guarantee the food security and production in China.
Where, when, and which root types do respond to local phosphorus supply?
Authors: Hashimoto Masaaki , Aoki Hiromitsu , Murakami Shun , Koyama Takuya
Published: August 2023

Background and aims To maximize the effectiveness of local phosphorus (P) application, it is necessary to understand under which soil conditions plant growth is improved and where, when, and which root types respond to these conditions.
Methods We developed an experimental system that combines root-box method with AI-based image analysis to monitor spatio-temporal root response. Wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Norin 61) were grown in boxes with varying soil P content between patches, while keeping P amount constant among treatments.
Results Significant improvement in root and shoot growth was observed only in treatments with substantial differences in soil P content between patches. Among root types, only lateral roots in P-rich patches increased but decreased in P-poor patch from 4th leaf stage, despite no difference in total roots per plant. If plants couldn’t sufficiently absorb P for growth, lateral roots primarily responded to local soil P content, whereas if plants could, their development would be systematically controlled by the entire plant.
Conclusion We concluded that lateral root distribution in response to local P supply from 4th leaf stage promoted shoot growth, only in cases where substantial differences in P content existed between patches. Seminal and nodal roots likely contribute to spreading root distribution, while lateral roots response plastic to local soil P conditions.
Inter-species root interaction can shift feedback effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from neutral to positive or negative
Authors: li xin , duan wenyan , jing ruonan , li qing , s min
Published: August 2023

Aims
The growth-improvement of Robinia pseudoacacia in the presence of Platycladus orientalis is well documented, but the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and roots on the growth of these trees remain largely unexplored. Here, we show different effects of changed AM fungi under distinct belowground interaction pathways.
Methods
An AM fungal community native to grassland and a remodeled AM community from an adjacent R. pseudoacacia and P. orientalis mixed stand were collected and used in a pot experiment to estimate the role of AM fungi in the co-existence of conspecific and heterospecific neighbor trees. Using pots compartmented with mesh of different pore sizes, we also investigated how the feedback effects of remodeled AM fungi on R. pseudoacacia and P. orientalisgrowth were affected by different belowground interaction pathways between plants.
Results
The biomass of P. orientalis coexisting with conspecific plants decreased under the remodeled AM treatment while that of R. pseudoacacia increased. The contrasting response of these tree species is attributable to different tree-tree interaction patterns. P. orientalis and R. pseudoacacia also experienced different AM-induced plant-soil feedback responses (APSF) in the presence of interspecific root interaction. Furthermore, we found the mechanisms of how AM colonization, photosynthesis and root morphology affected APSF in presence of different intra- and interspecific interaction pathways.
Conclusion
There is a critical influence of neighbor tree identity and of tree-tree interaction pathways in the feedback effects induced by AM fungi on R. pseudoacaciaand P. orientalis. The use of high proportion of P. orientalis is not advisable in R. pseudoacacia × P. orientalis mixed stands.
WITHDRAWN: The effect of different cage densities on keel bone damage in brown and white laying hens
Authors: UYSAL Ayşe , LAÇİN Ekrem
Published: August 2023

Fractures and deviations of the keel bone are an important welfare problem for laying hens. In this study, keel bone damage (KBD) was investigated by the X-ray method in brown and white laying hens, which were housed at three different cage densities during the laying period. Two different breeds of laying hens, namely, the Isa Tinted (IT) and Hy-Line Brown (HB), were used in the study. The chickens were assigned to three experimental groups, which were housed at a low (5 hens/cage (LCD)), medium (7 hens/cage (MCD)) and high cage density (10 hens/cage (HCD)) during the laying period. In total 396 chickens, comprising 198 HB and 198 IT layers were housed in these cages. Radiographic examination and blood sampling were performed on one chicken from each cage at 35, 51 and 60 weeks, amounting to a total of 54 brown and white laying hens in each period and a total of 162 hybrids for all three periods. X-ray images taken at the end of the study period were scored (0:no deviation, 1:deviation; 0:no fracture, 1:fracture). According to the results obtained, among the hormones involved in calcium metabolism (OC, CT, PTH), only PTH was found to be significantly affected by age (P<0.05) and breed (IT>HB) (P<0.001) The scoring data showed that while the effect of age on fracture and deviation was insignificant; cage density insignificantly affected fracture but significantly affected deviation (P=0.009) (higher rate at LCD). The results of this study demonstrated that conventional cage systems pose a risk for KBD.