bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel model for risk prediction of water inrush and its application in a tunnel in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Pi Yuanyue , Sun Zhong , Lu Yangyang , Xu Jian
Published: August 2024

Tunnel water inrush may not only cause hundreds of millions of economic losses and serious casualties, but also leads to a series of ecological and environmental problems such as the decline of groundwater level, soil salinization and surface vegetation degradation. In this study, considering hydrogeology, construction, and dynamic monitoring factors, a new risk prediction model of water inrush is proposed based on fuzzy mathematical theory. The element of novelty is that this approach comprehensively considers nonlinearity and randomness factors, and the index values, weights, and membership are expressed as interval numbers instead of constant values. The interval membership degree of each index is calculated by an improved sigmoid membership function (SMF). A coupling algorithm of improved analytic hierarchy process and entropy method is used to calculate the index weight. In addition, the Boolean matrix is introduced into the relative advantage analysis of the interval vector, and the final risk level of water inrush is determined by the ranking result. The proposed model is applied to the analysis of the water inrush risk in the Ka−Shuang 2 (KS2) tunnel in Xinjiang, China. The predicted results align well with the actual excavation results, which indicates that this novel model has high accuracy and reliability. Simultaneously, a risk management response mechanism for different risk levels of water inrush is discussed, which is expected to provide a new research perspective for risk control of other related projects and promote regional sustainable development.
All paths to the same end?—a comparative study on carbon emissions reduction effects of digital finance and green finance
Authors: Jiang Shasha , Wang Li
Published: August 2024

The massive CO2 emission has caused frequent occurrence of climate problems, and a typical response to climate change has reached international consensus. Digital finance and green finance, as a subversion of the traditional financial model, have become significant drivers of global carbon emissions reduction efforts. Based on the panel data, this paper profoundly compares the effects of carbon emissions reduction, mechanisms, and heterogeneous results of two forms of finance. Research finds that technology-centered digital finance focuses on suppressing carbon emissions through technological innovation, and the higher the level of regional economic is, the stronger the role of digital finance in suppressing carbon emissions through technological innovation. The concept-centered green finance focuses on carbon emissions reduction through industrial ecologization, and government-led environmental regulation plays a positive regulatory role. Although the paths of affecting carbon emissions are different, there is a natural fit between the two in terms of the essential goal of carbon emissions reduction. Based on the consideration of the differences in geographic location and financial development level, the carbon emission reduction effects of two forms of finance show apparent heterogeneity. Based on the spatial characteristics of digital finance and carbon emissions, this paper further finds that the digital finance’s carbon emission reduction effects have apparent spatial spillovers. These findings provide an essential direction to formulate a reasonable carbon emissions reduction plan and accelerate realizing the “double carbon” goal.
Chinese medicine PaBing-II protects human iPSC-derived dopaminergic neurons from oxidative stress
Authors: Wu Shouhai , Rong Cuiping , Lin Ruishan , Ji Kaiyuan , Lin Tongxiang , Chen Weimin , Mao Wei , Xu Yang
Published: August 2024

Background

PaBing-II Formula (PB-II) is a traditional Chinese medicine for treating Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, owing to the complexity of PB-II and the difficulty in obtaining human dopaminergic neurons (DAn), the mechanism of action of PB-II in PD treatment remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic benefits of PB-II in patients with PD.

Methods

hiPSCs derived DAn were treated with H2O2 to construct the DAn oxidative damage model. SwissTargetPrediction was employed to predict the potential targets of the main compounds in serum after PB-II treatment. Metascape was used to analyze the pathways. Sprague-Dawley rats were used to construct the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced PD model, and the duration of administration was four weeks. RNA sequencing was used for Transcriptome analysis to find the signal pathways related to neuronal damage. The associated inflammatory factors were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We identified PB-II as an Nrf2 activator using antioxidant-responsive element luciferase assay in MDA-MB-231 cells.

Results

In vitro experiments showed that the treatment of PB-II-treated serum increased the percentage of TH+ cells, decreased inflammation and the apoptosis, reduced cellular reactive oxygen species, and upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and its downstream genes. Pathway analysis of the RNA-seq data of samples before and after the treatment with PB-II-treated serum identified neuron-associated pathways. In vivo experiments demonstrated that PB-II treatment of PD rat model could activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway, protect the midbrain DAn, and improve the symptoms in PD rats.

Conclusion

PB-II significantly protects DAn from inflammation and oxidative stress via Nrf2 pathway activation. These findings elucidate the roles of PB-II in PD treatment and demonstrate the application of hiPSC-derived DAn in research of Chinese medicine.
Regional disparities in the prevalence and correlated factors of myopia in children and adolescents in Gansu, China
Authors: Wang Jinyu , Li Sheng , He Shiqi , Feng Yali , Li Pu
Published: August 2024

Background

Myopia is a significant public health problem across the globe. This study aimed to examine the regional disparity in prevalence and correlated factors of myopia in children and adolescents in two typical regions, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (Gannan Prefecture for short, a Tibetan residential area) and Wuwei City (a Han residential area) in Gansu Province, China, and to provide a reference for the prevention and control of regional myopia.

Methods

The study was a cross-sectional study of children and adolescents in Gansu Province, China. A total of 6,187 (Wuwei City: 3,266, Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture: 2,921) students were selected by stratified cluster sampling. Eye examinations and questionnaires were administered to the participants. Myopia is defined as a condition in which the spherical equivalent refractive error of an eye is less than or equal to −0.50 D when ocular accommodation is relaxed. The χ2 test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the correlated factors of myopia.

Results

The myopia rate of 6,187 students was 71.4%, and students had a higher rate of myopia (77.5%) in Wuwei City compared to Gannan Prefecture (64.6%) (p < 0.001). The results of multivariate analysis in Wuwei City showed that girls (odds ratio (OR) = 1.325), junior students (OR = 2.542), senior students(OR = 4.605), distance between eyes and book less than one foot (OR = 1.291), and parents with myopia (one, OR = 2.437; two, OR = 4.453) had higher risks of myopia (all, p < 0.05). For Gannan Prefecture, girls (OR = 1.477), senior students (OR = 1.537), daily time spent doing homework ≥2 h (OR = 1.420), the distance between eyes and book less than one foot (OR = 1.205), mean time continuous eye use (0.25–<0.5 h, OR = 1.345, 0.5–<1 h, OR = 1.317, ≥1 h, OR = 1.313), average daily sleep duration <8 h (OR = 1.399), and parents with myopia (one, OR = 1.852; two, OR = 2.913) had higher risks of myopia (all, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The prevalence of myopia is at a relatively high level in Gansu Province. The prevalence and risk factors for myopia vary by region.
The function of the inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitors in the development of disease
Authors: Zhang Xin-feng , Zhang Xiao-li , Guo Li , Bai Yun-ping , Tian Yan , Luo Hua-you
Published: August 2024

Through the formation of covalent connections with hyaluronic acid (HA), the inter-α-trypsin inhibitor (IαI) family collaborates to preserve the stability of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The five distinct homologous heavy chains (ITIH) and one type of light chain make up the IαI family. ITIH alone or in combination with bikunin (BK) has been proven to have important impacts in a number of earlier investigations. This implies that BK and ITIH might be crucial to both physiological and pathological processes. The functions of BK and ITIH in various pathophysiological processes are discussed independently in this paper. In the meanwhile, this study offers suggestions for further research on the roles of BK and ITIH in the course of disease and summarizes the plausible mechanisms of the previous studies.
Gut microbe-derived metabolites and the risk of cardiovascular disease in the METSIM cohort
Authors: Mirzaei Sahereh , DeVon Holli A. , Cantor Rita M. , Cupido Arjen , Fernandes Silva Lilian , Laakso Markku , Lusis Aldons J.
Published: August 2024

Background

An association between gut microbes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been established, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of the cross-sectional data obtained from the Metabolic Syndrome in Men (METSIM) population-based cohort of 10,194 Finnish men (age = 57.65 ± 7.12 years). We tested the levels of circulating gut microbe-derived metabolites as predictors of CVD, ischemic cerebrovascular accident (CVA), and myocardial infarction (MI). The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate the time from the participants' first outpatient clinic visit to the occurrence of adverse outcomes. The associations between metabolite levels and the outcomes were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

During a median follow-up period of 200 months, 979 participants experienced CVD, 397 experienced CVA, and 548 experienced MI. After adjusting for traditional risk factors and correcting for multiple comparisons, higher plasma levels of succinate [quartile 4 vs. quartile 1; adjusted hazard ratio, aHR = 1.30, (confidence interval (CI), 1.10–1.53) p = 0.0003, adjusted p = 0.01] were significantly associated with the risk of CVD. High plasma levels of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) (quartile 3 vs. quartile 1); [aHR = 1.68, (CI, 1.26–2.2); p = 0.0003, adj. p = 0.01] were associated with a higher risk of CVA. Furthermore, as a continuous variable, succinate was associated with a 10% decrease in the risk of CVD [aHR = 0.9; (CI, 0.84–0.97); p = 0.008] and a 15% decrease in the risk of MI [aHR = 0.85, (CI, 0.77–0.93); p = 0.0007].

Conclusion

Gut microbe-derived metabolites, succinate, and ursodeoxycholic acid were associated with CVD, MI, and CVA, respectively. Regulating the gut microbes may represent a potential therapeutic target for modulating CVD and CVA.
Retroperitoneal schwannoma mimicking a metastatic lymph node of renal clear cell carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Pan Shaorong , Wang Pengyuan , Chen Zeyang , Liu Yucun , Zhou Zhengfei
Published: August 2024

Schwannomas are usually benign tumors typically found in the head, neck, and extremities, with approximately 3% originating in the retroperitoneum. In this case, a young male presented with incidental masses in the left kidney and retroperitoneum. Abdominal pelvic enhanced computerized tomography (CT) revealed a tumor apparently originating from the left kidney, along with a retroperitoneal mass suspected to be a metastatic lymph node. Subsequently, a radical nephrectomy of the left kidney and retroperitoneal mass resection was performed. Pathological examination confirmed the left kidney mass as renal clear cell carcinoma and the retroperitoneal mass as schwannoma. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged from the hospital. A 6-month postoperative follow-up showed no evidence of recurrence. Preoperative diagnosis of schwannomas concurrent with other concurrent malignancies in rare sites, such as the retroperitoneum, is challenging due to their rare and non-specific radiological features. Although retroperitoneal schwannomas are rare, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis during CT examinations for renal cancer. Additionally, the advantages of a multidisciplinary team approach should be utilized in tumor management.
Lactococcus strains with psychobiotic properties improve cognitive and mood alterations in aged mice
Authors: Gao Kan , Chen Cailing , Zheng Zhiyao , Fan Qiuling , Wang Haifeng , Li Yanjun , Chen Su
Published: August 2024

Aging often accompanies cognitive and mood disturbances. Emerging evidence indicates that specific probiotics mitigate cognitive and mood dysfunctions. Strains within Lactococcus, a subgroup of probiotics, including Lactococcus lactis and Lactococcus cremoris are shown beneficial effects on brain functions via the gut microbiota-brain axis (GBA). Our previous study identified two Lactococcus strains (L. lactis WHH2078 and L. cremoris WHH2080) with the ability to promote the secretion of gut 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), the precursor of the GBA mediator 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). In this study, the modulatory effects of WHH2078 and WHH2080 on cognitive and mood alternations were investigated in aged mice. Oral administration of WHH2078 and WHH2080 (1 × 109 CFU/mL/day) in aged mice (12-month-old) for 12 weeks significantly improved cognitive and depressive-and anxiety-like behaviors. The neuronal loss, the 5-HT metabolism dysfunction, and the neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of aged mice were restored by WHH2078 and WHH2080. the disturbances in the serum tryptophan metabolism in aged mice were unveiled by metabolomics, notably with decreased levels of 5-HT and 5-HTP, and increased levels of kynurenine, 3-hydroxykynurenine, and indolelactic acid, which were reversed by WHH2078 and WHH2080. Regarding the gut microbial community, WHH2078 and WHH2080 restored the increased abundance of Firmicutes, Desulfobacterota, and Deferribacterota and the decreased abundance of Bacteroidota and Actinobacteriota in aged mice. The beneficial effects of the two strains were linked to the modulation of 5-HT metabolism and gut microbiota. Our findings point to the potential role of Lactococcus strains with 5-HTP-promoting abilities as therapeutic approaches for age-related cognitive and mood disorders.
The benefits of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) supplements on brain function and sports performance
Authors: Guo Shiyi , Rezaei Mohammad J.
Published: August 2024

Ashwagandha or Withania somnifera is an herbal plant belonging to the Solanaceae family. Because of its wide range of phytochemicals, ashwagandha root extract has been used in numerous research studies, either alone or in conjunction with other natural plants, for various biomedical applications, which include its anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, anti-tumor, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective properties. Additionally, it improves endothelial function, lowers reactive oxygen species, controls apoptosis, and improves mitochondrial function. These properties make it a useful treatment for a variety of conditions, including age-related symptoms, anxiety, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, stress, arthritis, fatigue, and cognitive/memory impairment. Despite the numerous benefits of ashwagandha supplementation, there have been just four meta-analyses on the herb’s effectiveness in treating anxiety, neurobehavioral disorders, impotence, and infertility. Moreover, no reviews exist that examine how ashwagandha affects antioxidant response and physical sports performance. Consequently, the goal of this study was to analyze the scientific literature regarding the effects of ashwagandha consumption on antioxidant response and athletic performance.
Omega-3 fatty acids abrogates oxido-inflammatory and mitochondrial dysfunction-associated apoptotic responses in testis of tamoxifen-treated rats
Authors: Odetayo Adeyemi Fatai , Akhigbe Roland Eghoghosoa , Hamed Moses Agbomhere , Balogun Morufu Eyitayo , Oluwole David Tolulope , Olayaki Luqman Aribidesi
Published: August 2024

Background

Tamoxifen (TAM) is a widely used drug in patients with gynecomastia and breast cancer. TAM exerts its anticancer effects via its antiestrogenic activities. Unfortunately, TAM has been reported to exert gonadotoxic effects on male testes. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the possible associated mechanisms involved in TAM-induced testicular dysfunction and the possible ameliorative effects of omega-3 fatty acids (O3FA).

Methodology

Animals were randomly divided into control, O3FA, TAM, and TAM + O3FA. All treatment lasted for 28 days.

Results

TAM exposure impaired sperm qualities (count, motility, and normal morphology) and decreased testicular 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD. It was accompanied by a decline in serum testosterone and an increase in estradiol, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones. These observed alterations were associated with an increase in testicular injury markers, oxido-inflammatory response, and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. These observed alterations were ameliorated by O3FA treatments.

Conclusions

O3FA ameliorated TAM-induced testicular dysfunction in male Wistar rats by modulating XO/UA and Nrf2/NF-kb signaling and cytochrome c-mediated apoptosis in TAM-treated rats.
Fructan content in most commonly consumed Slovenian foods and estimation of daily fructan consumption
Authors: Ferjančič Blaž , Korošec Mojca , Kočevar Baloh Ana , Bertoncelj Jasna
Published: August 2024

Fructans can be considered as part of the group of fermentable oligo-, di- and monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs). Short-chain fructans have a rapid fermentation rate and can thus worsen symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. In this study, the fructan content in 40 of the most commonly consumed foods in Slovenia was measured. Overall, the fructan content was relatively low: 0.1–1.97 g/100 g fresh weight. The highest fructan content was found in onion (1.97 g/100 g), followed by wheat flour (0.75 g/100 g). A simple model for calculating fructan intake was developed based on the results of the SI. Menu 2017/2018 national survey, which collected data on the frequency of intake of different foods and food groups (expressed in g/day). After calculating the daily intake of the surveyed foods, we used our results on fructan content to estimate daily fructan consumption. Mean daily fructan intake reaches 1.6–1.7 g/day, with no differences between men and women. Our assessment of fructan intake at the national level represents the first step toward the creation of a database on FODMAP intake.
Testing calpain inhibition in tumor endothelial cells: novel targetable biomarkers against glioblastoma malignancy
Authors: Guarnaccia Laura , Navone Stefania Elena , Begani Laura , Barilla Emanuela , Garzia Emanuele , Campanella Rolando , Miozzo Monica , Fontana Laura , Alotta Giovanni , Cordiglieri Chiara , Gaudino Chiara , Schisano Luigi , Ampollini Antonella , Riboni Laura , Locatelli Marco , Marfia Giovanni
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Glioblastoma IDH-wildtype (GBM) is the most malignant brain tumor in adults, with a poor prognosis of approximately 15 months after diagnosis. Most patients suffer from a recurrence in <1 year, and this renders GBM a life-threatening challenge. Among molecular mechanisms driving GBM aggressiveness, angiogenesis mediated by GBM endothelial cells (GECs) deserves consideration as a therapeutic turning point. In this scenario, calpains, a family of ubiquitously expressed calcium-dependent cysteine proteases, emerged as promising targets to be investigated as a novel therapeutic strategy and prognostic tissue biomarkers.

Methods

To explore this hypothesis, GECs were isolated from n=10 GBM biopsies and characterized phenotypically by immunofluorescence. The expression levels of calpains were evaluated by qRT-PCR and Western blot, and their association with patients’ prognosis was estimated by Pearson correlation and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis. Calpain targeting efficacy was assessed by a time- and dose-dependent proliferation curve, MTT assay for viability, caspase-3/7 activity, migration and angiogenesis in vitro, and gene and protein expression level modification.

Results

Immunofluorescence confirmed the endothelial phenotype of our primary GECs. A significant overexpression was observed for calpain-1/2/3 (CAPN) and calpain-small-subunits-1/2 (CAPNS1), whereas calpastatin gene, the calpain natural inhibitor, was reported to be downregulated. A significant negative correlation was observed between CAPN1/CAPNS1 and patient overall survival. GEC challenging revealed that the inhibition of calpain-1 exerts the strongest proapoptotic efficacy, so GEC mortality reached the 80%, confirmed by the increased activity of caspase-3/7. Functional assays revealed a strong affection of in vitro migration and angiogenesis. Gene and protein expression proved a downregulation of MAPK, VEGF/VEGFRs, and Bcl-2, and an upregulation of caspases and Bax-family mediators.

Conclusion

Overall, the differential expression of calpains and their correlation with patient survival suggest a novel promising target pathway, whose blockade showed encouraging results toward precision medicine strategies.
Paediatric motor difficulties and internalising problems: an integrative review on the environmental stress hypothesis
Authors: Erskine Noah , Barratt Jaime , Cairney John
Published: August 2024

The current study aims to provide an in-depth analysis and extension of the Environmental Stress Hypothesis (ESH) framework, focusing on the complex interplay between poor motor skills and internalising problems like anxiety and depression. Using an integrative research review methodology, this study synthesises findings from 38 articles, both empirical and theoretical, building upon previous foundational works. The hypothesis posits that poor motor skills serve as a primary stressor, leading to internalising problems through various secondary stressors. A rigorous comparison of data was conducted, considering study design, findings, and methodologies—while exploring variables such as age, sex, and comorbidities. The study also enhances the ESH framework by including intrapersonal stressors and introducing resource buffers, including optimism and familial support as additional influencing factors. This multi-level approach yields a more nuanced and comprehensive ESH framework, highlighting the need for future studies to consider variables that intersect across multiple domains and how the relationship between poor motor skills and internalising problems may vary across different life stages.
Trio-based whole exome sequencing in patients with ectopic posterior pituitary
Authors: Lyra Arthur , Rodart Itatiana Ferreira , Barros Lara , Silva Tatiane Sousa e , da Rocha Antônio José , Kochi Cristiane , Longui Carlos Alberto
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Ectopic posterior pituitary (EPP) is a rare congenital abnormality, sometimes associated with other midline defects, such as pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS), in which thin or absent pituitary stalk and anterior pituitary hypoplasia are combined to EPP. Most cases are sporadic, with few reports of familial cases, and many congenital hypopituitarism (CH) cases remain unsolved.

Objective

To search for candidate genes associated with this condition, we performed trio-based whole-exome sequencing (WES) on patients with EPP, including two familial cases.

Methods

This study included subjects with EPP and PSIS diagnosed by a simple MRI protocol (FAST1.2). We performed two distinct analyses in the trio-based WES. We looked for previously described genes associated with pituitary development. Next, we investigated the whole exome for variants inherited in a pattern consistent with a monogenic etiology.

Results

Ten families were evaluated; eight were composed of a child with EPP and healthy parents, one has two affected siblings, and one family has a son and mother with EPP. When analyzing the previously described candidate variants associated with pituitary development, we found variants in GLI2 and FGFR1 in three families. We also found six other variants of interest in three patients: KMT2A, GALR3, RTN4R, SEMA3A, NIPBL, and DSCAML1.

Conclusion

The analysis allowed us to find previously reported and not reported GLI2 variants, all inherited from healthy parents, which reinforces the incomplete penetrance pattern of GLI2 variants in the development of EPP and draws attention to possible future functional studies of those variants that have a recurrent expression in CH. We also found novel FGFR1 and SEMA3A variants that suggest an oligogenic mechanism in PSIS and EPP, as seen in patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. We report the first case of a patient with Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome and PSIS, suggesting that the KMT2A gene may be related to pituitary development. Furthermore, the trios' analysis allowed us to find five other variants of interest. Future investigations may clarify the roles of these variants in the etiology of EPP and PSIS.
Oleanane triterpenoids with C-14 carboxyl group from Astilbe grandis inhibited LPS-induced macrophages activation by suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Yue Lan , Luo Jinfang , Zhao Chenliang , Zhao Jinfeng , Ye Jianghai , He Kang , Zou Juan
Published: August 2024

Background

Excessive inflammation poses significant risks to human physical and mental health. Astilbe grandis, a traditional Miao medicine, is renowned for its anti-inflammatory properties. However, the specific anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of many compounds within this plant remain unclear. This study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of two characteristic oleanane triterpenoids, 3α-acetoxyolean-12-en-27-oic acid (1) and 3β-acetoxyolean-12-en-27-oic acid (2), isolated from Astilbe grandis, using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Macrophages.

Methods

The anti-inflammatory effects and mechanisms of compounds 1 and 2 were investigated by establishing an LPS-induced inflammation model in RAW 264.7 cells and THP-1 cells. Nitric oxide (NO) levels were assessed using the Griess method. The concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was determined using western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Additionally, the phosphorylation level of p65 in nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was assessed through western blotting. The nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 was assessed through immunofluorescence staining. Finally, the binding affinity of the compounds to NF-κB p65 target was validated through molecular docking.

Results

Compounds 1 and 2 significantly inhibited the expression of NO, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, COX-2, and iNOS in LPS-induced Macrophages. Mechanistically, they attenuated the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway by downregulating the phosphorylation level and nuclear translocation of p65.

Conclusion

This study elucidates the anti-inflammatory activities and potential mechanism of the characteristic oleanane triterpenoids with C-14 carboxyl group, compounds 1 and 2, in LPS-induced Macrophages by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway for the first time. These findings suggest that these two compounds hold promise as potential candidates for anti-inflammatory interventions in the future.
BFNet: a full-encoder skip connect way for medical image segmentation
Authors: Zhan Siyu , Yuan Quan , Lei Xin , Huang Rui , Guo Lu , Liu Ke , Chen Rong
Published: August 2024

In recent years, semantic segmentation in deep learning has been widely applied in medical image segmentation, leading to the development of numerous models. Convolutional Neural Network (CNNs) have achieved milestone achievements in medical image analysis. Particularly, deep neural networks based on U-shaped architectures and skip connections have been extensively employed in various medical image tasks. U-Net is characterized by its encoder-decoder architecture and pioneering skip connections, along with multi-scale features, has served as a fundamental network architecture for many modifications. But U-Net cannot fully utilize all the information from the encoder layer in the decoder layer. U-Net++ connects mid parameters of different dimensions through nested and dense skip connections. However, it can only alleviate the disadvantage of not being able to fully utilize the encoder information and will greatly increase the model parameters. In this paper, a novel BFNet is proposed to utilize all feature maps from the encoder at every layer of the decoder and reconnects with the current layer of the encoder. This allows the decoder to better learn the positional information of segmentation targets and improves learning of boundary information and abstract semantics in the current layer of the encoder. Our proposed method has a significant improvement in accuracy with 1.4 percent. Besides enhancing accuracy, our proposed BFNet also reduces network parameters. All the advantages we proposed are demonstrated on our dataset. We also discuss how different loss functions influence this model and some possible improvements.
Nitrogen fertilizer application rate affects the dynamic metabolism of nitrogen and carbohydrates in kernels of waxy maize
Authors: Feng Wanjun , Xue Weiwei , Zhao Zequn , Shi Zhaokang , Wang Weijie , Bai Yu , Wang Haoxue , Qiu Peng , Xue Jianfu , Chen Baoguo
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Nitrogen (N) plays a pivotal role in the growth, development, and yield of maize. An optimal N application rate is crucial for enhancing N and carbohydrate (C) accumulation in waxy maize grains, which in turn synergistically improves grain weight.

Methods

A 2-year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of different N application rates on two waxy maize varieties, Jinnuo20 (JN20) and Jindannuo41 (JDN41), during various grain filling stages. The applied N rates were 0 (N0), 120 (N1), 240 (N2), and 360 (N3) kg N ha-1.

Results

The study revealed that N application significantly influenced nitrogen accumulation, protein components (gliadin, albumin, globulin, and glutelin), carbohydrate contents (soluble sugars, amylose, and amylopectin), and activities of enzymes related to N and C metabolism in waxy maize grains. Notable varietal differences in these parameters were observed. In both varieties, the N2 treatment consistently resulted in the highest values for almost all measured traits compared to the other N treatments. Specifically, the N2 treatment yielded an average increase in grain dry matter of 21.78% for JN20 and 17.11% for JDN41 compared to N0. The application of N positively influenced the activities of enzymes involved in C and N metabolism, enhancing the biosynthesis of grain protein, amylose, and amylopectin while decreasing the accumulation of soluble sugars. This modulation of the C/N ratio in the grains directly contributed to an increase in grain dry weight.

Conclusion

Collectively, our findings underscore the critical role of N in regulating kernel N and C metabolism, thereby influencing dry matter accumulation in waxy maize grains during the grain filling stage.
The enduring echoes of juvenile bullying: the role of self-esteem and loneliness in the relationship between bullying and social media addiction across generations X, Y, Z
Authors: Lissitsa Sabina , Kagan Maya
Published: August 2024

Objective

Being bullied is a profoundly distressing experience for children and adolescents, with the potential for adverse mental and behavioral outcomes throughout their adult years. This study aims to explore the association between juvenile bullying, self-esteem, loneliness, and social media addiction among men across three generational cohorts: X, Y, and Z.

Method

The study utilized an online survey, administering structured questionnaires to 797 men aged 18–58 divided into three generational cohorts: 142 individuals from Gen X (born between 1965 and 1980), 275 from Gen Y (born between 1981 and 1996), and 380 from Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2005).

Results

The findings demonstrate that across all three generations, there was a positive correlation between experiencing bullying in one’s youth and social media addiction in adulthood. Among Gen X, self-esteem did not act as a mediator in this relationship, nor did loneliness moderate the links between bullying and social media addiction, or between self-esteem and social media addiction. However, for Gen Y and Z, self-esteem was found to mediate the relationship between bullying and social media addiction. Loneliness moderated the association between self-esteem and social media addiction in Gen Y and the association between bullying and social media addiction in Gen Z.

Conclusion

The differences observed among generational cohorts can be attributed to changes in masculinity norms, the evolution of bullying types, and the rapid development of social media platforms, catering to the distinct needs and gratifications of each generation.
A real-world, cross-sectional, and longitudinal study on high-risk human papillomavirus genotype distribution in 31,942 women in Dongguan, China
Authors: Zhong Huanxia , Pan Wenwei , Chen Binbin , Gu Jiamin , Liang Yu , Sun Guoli , Huang Xinghua , Yuan Huitao , Guo Haina , Zhong Ling , Li Zhuanfen , Zhou Ping , Zeng Siliang , Tang Li
Published: August 2024

Background

Persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection remains a key risk factor for cervical cancer. HPV-based primary screening is widely recommended in clinical guidelines, and further longitudinal studies are needed to optimize strategies for detecting high-grade cervical lesions compared to cytology.

Methods

From November 2015 to December 2023, 31,942 participants were included in the real-world observational study. Among those, 4,219 participants underwent at least two rounds of HPV tests, and 397 completed three rounds of HPV tests. All participants were tested for high-risk types of HPV 16/18/31/33/35/39/45/51/52/56/58/59/66/68 (hrHPV) and low-risk types of HPV6/11 genotyping. Some participants also received cytology or colposcopy with pathology.

Results

In the cross-sectional cohort, the prevalence of hrHPV and all HPV subtypes was 6.6% (2,108/31,942) and 6.8% (2,177/31,942), respectively. The three top hrHPV genotypes were HPV52 (1.9%), HPV58 (0.9%), and HPV16 (0.9%). Age distributions showed two peaks at 45–49 and 60–65 years. For the primary screening cohort, the hrHPV prevalence rate increased from 4.8% in 2015–2017 to 7.0% in 2020–2020 and finally reached 7.2% in 2023. For the longitudinal cohort study, the hrHPV prevalence rates in the repeated population (3.9, 5.3, and 6.0%) were lower than the primary hrHPV screening rates (6.6%), which indicated that repeated screening might decrease the prevalence rate. Methodologically, the hrHPV (89.5%) and the screening group of 16 subtypes (92.3%) demonstrated superior sensitivity than the cytology group (54.4%). Moreover, the longitudinal study indicated that the persistent hrHPV subgroup had a significantly higher (p = 0.04) incidence of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions and more histology progression events (7/17 vs. 0/5) than the reinfection group.

Conclusion

The study indicates a rising high-risk HPV prevalence in Dongguan, with repeated screening reducing this trend. The findings support HPV-based primary screening and might guide HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention in South China.
Deep learning for prediction of post-thrombectomy outcomes based on admission CT angiography in large vessel occlusion stroke
Authors: Sommer Jakob , Dierksen Fiona , Zeevi Tal , Tran Anh Tuan , Avery Emily W. , Mak Adrian , Malhotra Ajay , Matouk Charles C. , Falcone Guido J. , Torres-Lopez Victor , Aneja Sanjey , Duncan James , Sansing Lauren H. , Sheth Kevin N. , Payabvash Seyedmehdi
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA) is the first line of imaging in the diagnosis of Large Vessel Occlusion (LVO) strokes. We trained and independently validated end-to-end automated deep learning pipelines to predict 3-month outcomes after anterior circulation LVO thrombectomy based on admission CTAs.

Methods

We split a dataset of 591 patients into training/cross-validation (n = 496) and independent test set (n = 95). We trained separate models for outcome prediction based on admission “CTA” images alone, “CTA + Treatment” (including time to thrombectomy and reperfusion success information), and “CTA + Treatment  + Clinical” (including admission age, sex, and NIH stroke scale). A binary (favorable) outcome was defined based on a 3-month modified Rankin Scale ≤ 2. The model was trained on our dataset based on the pre-trained ResNet-50 3D Convolutional Neural Network (“MedicalNet”) and included CTA preprocessing steps.

Results

We generated an ensemble model from the 5-fold cross-validation, and tested it in the independent test cohort, with receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC, 95% confidence interval) of 70 (0.59–0.81) for “CTA,” 0.79 (0.70–0.89) for “CTA + Treatment,” and 0.86 (0.79–0.94) for “CTA + Treatment + Clinical” input models. A “Treatment + Clinical” logistic regression model achieved an AUC of 0.86 (0.79–0.93).

Conclusion

Our results show the feasibility of an end-to-end automated model to predict outcomes from admission and post-thrombectomy reperfusion success. Such a model can facilitate prognostication in telehealth transfer and when a thorough neurological exam is not feasible due to language barrier or pre-existing morbidities.
Evaluation and visualization of a rectangle’s gravity on its surface, and on spheres inside, outside, or intersecting it
Authors: Hu Weiduo , Fu Tao , Wang Yue
Published: August 2024

For convenient comparison and clear physical meaning, the gravity on the surface of a homogeneous cube and on spheres inside, outside, and intersecting about it is calculated by polyhedral or harmonic expansion methods. In addition, the gravity coefficients of a rectangle’s spherical harmonics are both derived analytically and evaluated numerically, where only five terms are nontrivial up to the order of 4, which is somewhat unexpected when we first obtained them. There are some similarities of these coefficients to an ellipsoid for the terms C20,C22,C42, but they are much different for the terms C40,C44. Thence, a few special gravity characteristics are here revealed or visualized. For example, it is shown as expected that the maximum gravity appears at the sphere intersecting the cube, but maximum surface gravity at the center of the mid-plane of a rectangle’s surface is different from the gravity on an ellipsoid at the end of its short axis. Based on these results, an orbit around a cube is integrated by a polyhedral method, and its secular motion analysis by averaging theory is investigated where the numerical and analytic results fit very well. Finally, a few special trajectories on a surface plane of a cube are simulated; the physical meaning is quite clear, and some insights are shown, such as why a natural celestial body in the shape of a rectangle with sharp corners is rarely found due to its surface gravity distribution. All gravity calculations are visualized on 3D figures both for cubes or rectangles. Additionally, examples of an asteroid and an ellipsoid are shown so that the techniques discussed here can be adopted to directly analyzing the gravity of other shapes.
Global incorporation of meta-fluorotyrosine or meta-fluorophenylalanine into 1,2-catechol dioxygenase modulates the binding affinities of substrates
Authors: Wong Michael C. H. , Grant Thomas E. , Karbalaei-Heidari Hamid Reza , Robotham Anna C. , Loewen Matthew E. , St-Jacques Antony D. , Budisa Nediljko , Loewen Michele C.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Previous studies have shown how replacing canonical residues with isosteric amino acid analogs in enzymes can predictably alter biocatalytic activities by introducing variations in the first and second shell residues relative to the binding pocket. In this study, we explore the global integration of amino acid analogs into 1,2-catechol dioxygenase from Rhodococcus opacus (Rho 1,2-CTD), an industrial enzyme containing non-heme iron that is vital for phenol ring degradation.

Methods

We replaced tyrosine residues in the first shell of the binding pocket, phenylalanine residues in the second shell, and methionine residues near the binding pocket with m-fluorotyrosine (m-FY), m-fluorophenylalanine (m-FF), and Nle, respectively, using auxotrophic Escherichia coli strains.

Results

The expression, purification, and incorporation of m-FY and m-FF into the Rho 1,2-CTD was successful, but the Nle-insertion did not work. The structural characterization of the resulting m-FF- and m-FY-containing variants provided a mechanistic framework and plausible explanation for the results of the kinetic analyses of the native enzyme and fluorinated variants.

Discussion

Our findings demonstrate the impact of fluorination on the activity of 1,2-catechol dioxygenase, revealing its influence on residues near the substrate (first shell) as well as those distant from the binding pocket (second shell). This provides a robust foundation for future engineering activity.
Mycotoxins and coccidiosis in poultry – co-occurrence, interaction, and effects
Authors: Gómez-Osorio Luis-Miguel , Vasiljevic Marko , Raj Jog , Chaparro-Gutierréz Jenny Jovana , López-Osorio Sara
Published: August 2024

Avian coccidiosis, a common disease caused by Eimeria species, results in significant losses in global poultry production. Mycotoxins are low-molecular-weight natural products (i.e., small molecules) produced as secondary metabolites by filamentous fungi and they have the potential to economically and significantly affect global poultry production. Little is known about the relationship between mycotoxins and avian coccidiosis, although they often co-occur in the field. This comprehensive review examines the intricate relationship between mycotoxins and avian coccidiosis, in particular how mycotoxins, including aflatoxins, ochratoxins, trichothecenes as well as Fusarium mycotoxins, compromise the health of the poultry flock and open the door to Eimeria parasites in the gut. In addition, this review sheds light on the immunosuppressive effects of mycotoxins, their disruption of cellular signaling pathways, and the consequent exacerbation of coccidiosis infections. The mechanisms of mycotoxin toxicity are also reviewed, emphasizing direct damage to intestinal epithelial cells, impaired nutrient absorption, inflammation, oxidative stress, and changes in the gut microbiota. Finally, the consequences for the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis when mycotoxins are present in the feed are discussed. This review emphasizes the need for effective management strategies to mitigate the combined risks of mycotoxins and coccidiosis and highlights the complexity of diagnosing and controlling these interrelated problems in poultry. The review advocates a holistic approach that includes strict feed management, disease prevention measures and regular monitoring to maintain the health and productivity of poultry against these significant challenges.
Leadership in Private Universities for the Sustainable Performance of Research: A System Dynamics Approach
Authors: Núñez-Acosta Alejandra , Sánchez-García Jacqueline Y.
Published: August 2024

In the context of private universities, improving researchers’ performance is critical for universities to remain competitive. This article utilizes system dynamics to analyze how key variables related to leadership, such as satisfaction, motivation, efficiency, research capabilities, and morale, interact and influence each other. We use causal loop diagrams to illustrate these relationships based on the priority assessments of 86 private university researchers, evaluated using the Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP). Our findings emphasize the critical importance of a balanced approach to strategy and policy design, suggesting that improving one factor may inadvertently affect others, thereby influencing the outcomes for leadership in educational settings. This study provides valuable insights for decision-makers and leaders who aim to foster and enhance their academic staff’s sustainable performance.
The Effect of Impactor Geometry on End-to-End Pecan Cracking
Authors: Jackson Mark W. , Langston Cody M. , Madsen Leah E. , Davis R. Benjamin
Published: August 2024

During the industrial pecan shelling process, kernels are often damaged. To address this problem, a study is conducted to experimentally determine improved impactor geometries for end-to-end pecan cracking. Four impactors of varying internal angles (from 30° to 52.5°, in increments of 7.5°) are tested. After cracking, the pecans are passed through an image analysis software designed to detect and measure cracks in their shells. These measurements help classify each pecan into one of four categories: under crack, standard crack, ideal crack, or over crack. Cracked and ideally cracked pecans are preferred for their processability, so the impactor geometries are then evaluated based on their ability to maximize these crack types across the widest impact energy range. For the four impactors tested, the 30° impactor is found to more consistently produce preferred cracks in a larger energy range relative to the other impactors.
Spectroscopic Analysis of Bioactive Compounds from Latex of Calotropis gigantea L. and an Evaluation of Its Biological Activities
Authors: C Jayalekshmi , Periakaruppan Rajiv , Vijai Selvaraj Karungan Selvaraj , Al-Dayan Noura
Published: August 2024

The current research investigation aimed to screen the bioactive compounds in the latex of Calotropis gigantea L. and evaluate its antibacterial and antioxidant properties towards clinical applications. The chemical moiety and volatile compounds of the latex of C. gigantea were detected by UV–Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, and GC–MS analysis. The antibacterial activity was assessed using wound-inducing pathogens by well diffusion method. In addition, the antioxidant properties were determined through DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods. The functional groups of O–H stretch, diketonic bonds, C–O, C–N, O–C bonds, and consecutive C–H bonds were observed in the latex of C. gigantea. The major bioactive compounds were 5H-3,5a-Epoxynaphth[2,1-c]oxepin, Cholesta-5-en-3-ol, 24-propylidene-, dodecane, Lup-20(29)-Ene-3,28-Diol, (3.Beta)-, Veridiflorol, and Lanosta-8,24-dien-3-ol, acetatate, (3.beta.). Oxazole derivatives were found in the latex of C. gigantea, proved by GC–MS analysis. The aqueous-mixed latex exhibited maximum antioxidant activity as compared to methanol-mixed latex. Aqueous-mixed latex and methanol-mixed latex inhibited the growth of K. pneumoniae, P. mirabilis, S. pyogenes, Micrococcus spp., S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. The present study clearly reveals that latex of C. gigantea has rich bioactive compounds with significant biological activities, and can be employed to produce a novel herbal formulation against wound-inducing pathogens.