bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbosilane Dendrimers: Unique Models for Studying the Properties of New Polymeric Matter
Authors:   Enikolopov Institute of Synthetic Polymeric Materials, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Profsoyuznaya 70, Moscow, 117393 Russia, Katarzhnova E. Yu. , Ignat'eva G. M. ,   Enikolopov Institute of Synthetic Polymeric Materials, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Profsoyuznaya 70, Moscow, 117393 Russia, Tatarinova E. A. ,   Enikolopov Institute of Synthetic Polymeric Materials, Russian Academy of Sciences, ul. Profsoyuznaya 70, Moscow, 117393 Russia
Published: July 2023

The emergence of a new type of organization of polymeric matter, namely, dendrimers has led to a change in concepts about the macromolecular world. High and strictly defined functionality, monodispersity, and the cascade principle of molecular structure formation made these systems unique objects, the interest in which has not faded to date. Carbosilane dendrimers are of particular importance owing to the stability and inertness of their molecular backbone, high reactivity of functional groups at the silicon atom, and also the possibility of providing good analytical control over the forming structure. A wide variety of synthetic approaches to the modification of terminal groups allows for considering them as hybrid systems for the elucidation of structure–property relationships. Based on the results of the analysis of a large number of variations of the main strategies for the synthesis of dendrimers, this review highlights the importance of studying the relationships between structure and properties using representative homologous series of new objects as a fundamental basis for exploring the dendritic form of polymeric matter.
Yurisprudensi MA No.1/Yur/Ag/2018 Tentang Pemberian Wasiat Wajibah Kepada Ahli Waris Non Muslim Perspektif Hukum Islam
Authors: Zulfa Ajeng Nabila , Permana Muhammad Yogi Galih
Published: July 2023

Al-Qur'an, Hadith, and KHI have determined that religious differences are a barrier to inheritance. Along with the development of the era, the phenomenon of religious differences between heirs and heirs is increasingly found, so it is necessary to have a permanent law that regulates it. Therefore, the Supreme Court established Supreme Court Jurisprudence Number 1/Yur/Ag of 2018 concerning the granting of obligatory wills to non-Muslim heirs. On the other hand, if this law is not examined more deeply, it will seem to be at odds with the regulations in Islamic inheritance law. The purpose of this study is to analyze the Supreme Court Jurisprudence Number 1/Yur/Ag of 2018 from the perspective of Islamic fiqh law. Researchers used a qualitative approach with normative Islamic law research methods, namely legal clinical and data collection methods, namely literature studies and processed using content analysis methods. The result of this research is MA Juridprudence No. 1/Yur/Ag 2018 does not conflict with Islamic inheritance law because these non-Muslims do not become heirs but receive a mandatory will because a mandatory will can be given to anyone regardless of their religion
Struktur komunitas Tumbuhan Bawah di Zona Pemanfaatan Blok Ireng-Ireng Taman Nasional Bromo Tengger Semeru (TNBTS)
Authors: Kurnia Anisa , Asmuni Hasyim Muhammad , Nugra Prasetya Koestriadi
Published: July 2023

Indonesia is a country that has a very large tropical rain forest. The forest is a unified biological system as part of the earth there is an ordinary organic wealth covered with trees which in cooperation in their nature and current state cannot be separated. Groundcover is a basic vegetation component under forest stands other than tree rejuvenation, which consists of grasses, herbs and shrubs. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS) is a conservation area with abundant biodiversity, both in terms of flora and fauna. The purpose of this study was to determine the genus of the undergrowth and dominancefound in the Ireng-Ireng Block Utilization Zone, Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The research method uses line and transect plots with 4 transects 20 m long, each with 5 plots measuring 1 x 1 m with a distance between plots of 3 m. Result research Found 13 genera as follows Davallia, Strychnos, Homalomena, Nheprolepis, Pheghopteris, Pteris, Ageratina, Sceleria, Molineria, Didymochlaena, Adiantum, Begonia, and Ruellia. The understorey plants that had the highest cover were from the Strychnos genus group with an important value index of 26.87 .
 
Keywords: structure, komposition, Groundcover, ireng ireng block utilization zone Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.
Dimensionamento empírico e empírico-mecanicista: Impacto na área trincada e no período de projeto de pavimentos flexíveis
Authors: Cardozo Letícia Gabrielle Esteves , Resende Daiany Cristina Costa , Silva Natalia Assunção Brasil
Published: July 2023

A vida útil dos pavimentos em sua maioria tem sido menor do que aquela prevista em projeto, devido a diversos fatores, como os geométricos e de carregamento. Dessa forma, o método de dimensionamento de um pavimento deve considerar para a distribuição de tensões e deformações que ele é composto por diferentes camadas e materiais, com suas respectivas rigidezes e espessuras. Assim, este estudo visa analisar o impacto que as estruturas de pavimento dimensionadas pelos métodos empírico e empírico-mecanicista proporcionam na área trincada e no período de projeto de pavimentos flexíveis. Para o dimensionamento dos pavimentos, foi considerado as informações do tráfego de um trecho rodoviário da BR-040 e um período de 10 anos para o projeto. E as características dos materiais utilizados nas camadas de revestimento, base, sub-base e subleito, foram provenientes da análise de trabalhos científicos e acadêmicos. O pavimento projetado utilizando o método empírico-mecanicista atendeu aos requisitos para o período proposto, ao contrário dos resultados obtidos para os dois pavimentos dimensionados pelo método empírico, que apresentaram uma estrutura que atenderia apenas 50% e 75% da vida útil de projeto. Concluiu-se que a estrutura do pavimento dimensionado pelo método empírico-mecanicista, diferente daqueles dimensionados pelo método empírico, apresentou uma estrutura que atende ao critério da área trincada no pavimento para o período no qual foi projetado.
Desempenho físico-químico, térmico e mecânico de blenda polimérica à base do amido do mesocarpo do coco babaçu
Authors: Souza Marcus Vinicius de Carvalho , Santos Júnior José Ribeiro dos , Silva Rondenelly Brandão da , Santos Lisiane Pires Martins dos , Andrade Izane Luisa Xavier Carvalho , Freire Silvana de Oliveira , Melo Suely Moura
Published: July 2023

Objetivou-se caracterizar as propriedades físico-químicas, térmicas e mecânica de blenda polimérica à base do amido do mesocarpo do coco babaçu, com adição de glicerina, melamina/formaldeído. Foi utilizado como matéria-prima o mesocarpo do coco babaçu e adicionaram-se os plastificantes glicerina, melamina/formaldeído. Realizaram-se os ensaios de Análise Termogravimétrica (TGA), Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial (DSC), Infravermelho com Transformada de Fourier (FTIR), Ultravioleta Visível (UV-Vis), Difração de Raios X (DRX), Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV) e tração. A blenda polimérica apresentou distribuição não homogênea com ondulações irregulares e rugosas, pequenas diferenças de coloração e concentrados de melamina, presença de resíduos do amido, sem poros e fissuras. O TGA revelou que as faixas de degradação do amido e a maioria dos compostos orgânicos foi de 210 ºC a 400 ºC. O DSC demonstrou predomínio de eventos endotérmicos. O FTIR identificou o amido presente e os picos dos compostos da melamina e glicerina. O UV-Vis evidenciou comprimentos máximos entre 220 e 247 nm, e um ombro acentuado em 281 nm referente às transições eletrônicas das duplas ligações presentes na melamina e no amido. A blenda é amorfa, com pontos de cristalinidade devido ao amido e/ou sobreposição com a melamina. O comportamento mecânico de tração foi do tipo dúctil. Conclui-se que a metodologia proposta para a formação da blenda polimérica à base do amido do mesocarpo do coco babaçu apresentou bons resultados para as propriedades físico-químicas, mecânicas e térmicas, sendo um produto inovador com possível potencial para aplicações diversas.
Evaluating the Economic Potential for Geological Hydrogen Storage in Australia
Authors: Walsh Stuart D. C. , Easton Laura , Wang Changlong , Feitz Andrew J.
Published: July 2023

Australia has ambitions to become a major global hydrogen producer by 2030. The establishment of Australia’s and the world’s hydrogen economy, however, will depend upon the availability of affordable and reliable hydrogen storage. Geological hydrogen storage is a practical solution for large scale storage requirements ensuring hydrogen supply can always meet demand, and excess renewable electricity can be stored for later use, improving electricity network reliability. Hosting thick, underground halite (salt) deposits and an abundance of onshore depleted gas fields, Australia is well placed to take advantage of geological hydrogen storage options to support its ambition of building a global hydrogen hub export industry. Using the Bluecap modelling software, we identify regions in Australia that are potentially profitable for large scale hydrogen production and storage. We use the results of this work to suggest high-potential regions for hydrogen development, supporting policymaker and investor decisions on the locations of new infrastructure and hydrogen projects in Australia.
Performance of multiple neural networks in predicting lower limb joint moments using wearable sensors
Authors: Altai Zainab , Boukhennoufa Issam , Zhai Xiaojun , Phillips Andrew , Moran Jason , Liew Bernard X. W.
Published: July 2023

Joint moment measurements represent an objective biomechemical parameter in joint health assessment. Inverse dynamics based on 3D motion capture data is the current 'gold standard’ to estimate joint moments. Recently, machine learning combined with data measured by wearable technologies such electromyography (EMG), inertial measurement units (IMU), and electrogoniometers (GON) has been used to enable fast, easy, and low-cost measurements of joint moments. This study investigates the ability of various deep neural networks to predict lower limb joint moments merely from IMU sensors. The performance of five different deep neural networks (InceptionTimePlus, eXplainable convolutional neural network (XCM), XCMplus, Recurrent neural network (RNNplus), and Time Series Transformer (TSTPlus)) were tested to predict hip, knee, ankle, and subtalar moments using acceleration and gyroscope measurements of four IMU sensors at the trunk, thigh, shank, and foot. Multiple locomotion modes were considered including level-ground walking, treadmill walking, stair ascent, stair descent, ramp ascent, and ramp descent. We show that XCM can accurately predict lower limb joint moments using data of only four IMUs with RMSE of 0.046 ± 0.013 Nm/kg compared to 0.064 ± 0.003 Nm/kg on average for the other architectures. We found that hip, knee, and ankle joint moments predictions had a comparable RMSE with an average of 0.069 Nm/kg, while subtalar joint moments had the lowest RMSE of 0.033 Nm/kg. The real-time feedback that can be derived from the proposed method can be highly valuable for sports scientists and physiotherapists to gain insights into biomechanics, technique, and form to develop personalized training and rehabilitation programs.
Recombinant human TIM-3 ectodomain expressed in bacteria and recovered from inclusion bodies as a stable and active molecule
Authors: Lima G. C. , Chura-Chambi R. M. , Morganti L. , Silva V. J. , Cabral-Piccin M. P. , Rocha V. , Medina T. S. , Ramos R. N. , Luz D.
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Microbial systems, such as Escherichia coli, as host recombinant expression is the most versatile and the cheapest system for protein production, however, several obstacles still remain, such as recovery of soluble and functional proteins from inclusion bodies, elimination of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) contamination, incomplete synthesis, degradation by proteases, and the lack of post-translational modifications, which becomes even more complex when comes to membrane proteins, because they are difficult not only to produce but also to keep in solution in its active state. T-cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin domain 3 (TIM-3) is a type I transmembrane protein that is predominantly expressed on the surface of T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages, playing a role as a negative immune checkpoint receptor. TIM-3 comprises a single ectodomain for interaction with immune system soluble and cellular components, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail, responsible for the binding of signaling and scaffolding molecules. TIM-3 pathway holds potential as a therapeutic target for immunotherapy against tumors, autoimmunity, chronic virus infections, and various malignancies, however, many aspects of the biology of this receptor are still incompletely understood, especially regarding its ligands.

Methods: Here we overcome, for the first time, the challenge of the production of active immune checkpoint protein recovered from bacterial cytoplasmic inclusion bodies, being able to obtain an active, and non-glycosylated TIM-3 ectodomain (TIM-3-ECD), which can be used as a tool to better understand the interactions and roles of this immune checkpoint. The TIM-3 refolding was obtained by the association of high pressure and alkaline pH.

Results: The purified TIM-3-ECD showed the correct secondary structure and was recognized from anti-TIM-3 structural-dependent antibodies likewise commercial TIM-3-ECD was produced by a mammal cells system. Furthermore, immunofluorescence showed the ability of TIM-3-ECD to bind to the surface of lung cancer A549 cells and to provide an additional boost for the expression of the lymphocyte activation marker CD69 in anti-CD3/CD28 activated human PBMC.

Discussion: Taken together these results validated a methodology able to obtain active checkpoint proteins from bacterial inclusion bodies, which will be helpful to further investigate the interactions of this and others not yet explored immune checkpoints.
Synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles using Grignard reactions through the protection of azides
Authors: Namioka Rina , Suzuki Minori , Yoshida Suguru
Published: July 2023

An efficient method to prepare organomagnesium intermediates having a protected azido group is reported. Protection of azido groups with di-(tert-butyl)(4-(dimethylamino)phenylphosphine (amphos) and following iodine–magnesium exchange realized the preparation of organomagnesium intermediates, which served in the synthesis of diverse azides by transformation with various electrophiles followed by deprotection with elemental sulfur. Furthermore, click reactions of azides with alkynes enabled synthesizing a wide variety of 1,2,3-triazoles.
Comparison of quality/quantity mNGS and usual mNGS for pathogen detection in suspected pulmonary infections
Authors: Zhao Zhan , Chen Xuefen , Wang Yubao , Feng Jing
Published: July 2023

Improved metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS), for example, quality/quantity mNGS (QmNGS), is being used in the diagnosis of pulmonary pathogens. There are differences between QmNGS and the usual mNGS (UmNGS), but reports that compare their detection performances are rare. In this prospective study of patients enrolled between December 2021 and March 2022, the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of thirty-six patients with suspected pulmonary infection was assessed using UmNGS and QmNGS. The sensitivity of QmNGS was similar to that of UmNGS. The specificity of QmNGS was higher than that of UmNGS; however, the difference was not statistically significant. The positive likelihood ratios (+LR) of QmNGS and UmNGS were 3.956 and 1.394, respectively, and the negative likelihood ratios (-LR) were 0.342 and 0.527, respectively. For the co-detection of pathogens, the depth and coverage of the QmNGS sequencing were lower than those of UmNGS, while for the detection of pathogens isolated from patients with pulmonary infection, the concordance rate was 77.2%. In the eleven patients with nonpulmonary infection, only viruses were detected using QmNGS, while UmNGS detected not only viruses but also bacteria and fungi. This study provides a basis for the selection of mNGS for the diagnosis of suspected pulmonary infection.
Predictive value of blood urea nitrogen in heart failure: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Duan Siyu , Li Yuqi , Yang Ping
Published: July 2023

Background

The mortality rate of patients with heart failure (HF) remains high, and when heart failure occurs, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is involved in the perfusion of renal blood flow. Some studies have shown an association between heart failure prognosis and blood urea nitrogen, but the results of some other studies were inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis to investigate the value of BUN on the prognosis of patients with heart failure.

Methods

A computerized systematic search of all English literature was performed in four databases, PubMed, Cochrane, Embase and Web of Science, from their inception to May 2022. The data of BUN were classified into continuous and categorical variables after passing the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The BUN data of both types were extracted separately into stata15.0 for statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 19 cohort studies involving 56,003 patients were included. When BUN was used as a categorical variable, the risk of death in heart failure was 2.29 times higher for high levels of BUN than for low levels of BUN (RR = 2.29, 95% CI:1.42–3.70, P < 0.001). The results showed statistical significance in multifactorial and univariate groups, the prospective cohort, and European and Asian groups. When BUN was used as a continuous variable, the risk of death in heart failure was 1.02 times higher for each unit increase in BUN (RR = 1.02, 95% CI:1.01–1.03, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed statistical significance in retrospective cohort, American and Asian.

Conclusion

High BUN is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in heart failure. Lower BUN was associated with better prognosis in patients with heart failure.
ALKBH5 inhibitors as a potential treatment strategy in heart failure—inferences from gene expression profiling
Authors: Komal Sumra , Gohar Atia , Althobaiti Saad , Ahmad Khan Ishtiaq , Cui Liu-Gen , Zhang Li-Rong , Han Sheng-Na , Shakeel Muhammad
Published: July 2023

Heart Failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome in which the heart is unable to provide enough blood flow to meet metabolic needs and lacks efficient venous return. HF is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality with cardiovascular diseases globally. Despite enormous research, the molecular markers relevant to disease prognosis and management remain not well understood. Here, we analyzed the whole transcriptomes of 18 failing hearts and 15 non-failing hearts (predominantly of Caucasian origin), by applying the standard in silico tools. The analyses revealed novel gene-markers including ALKBH5 of mRNA demethylation and KMT2E of histone modification processes, significantly over-expressed in the HF compared with the non-failing hearts (FDR < 0.05). To validate the over-expression of ALKBH5, we determined the global m6A level in hypoxic H9c2 cells using a dot blot assay. The global m6A level was found markedly lower in the hypoxic H9c2 cells than in the control cells. Additionally, the expression of ALKBH5 in the H9c2 cells was quantified by the qPCR and found to be 1.18 times higher at 12 h (p < 0.05), and 1.67 times higher at 24 h of hypoxia (p < 0.01) compared with the control cells, indicating a likely role of ALKBH5 in the failing cardiac cells. Furthermore, we identified several compounds through the virtual screening of 11,272 drug-like molecules of the ZINC15 database to inhibit the ALKBH5 in a molecular docking process. Collectively, the study revealed novel markers potentially involved in the pathophysiology of HF and suggested plausible therapeutic molecules for the management of the disease.
Faults and stratigraphic boundaries control evolution of the huge debris flows along the Jinjiang River, China
Authors: Liu Zhuoya , Wen Yi , Mao Xianyin , Lv Qianyong , Zeng Guisen
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the controlling factors of the evolution of debris flows along the Jinjiang River, which is located in an active orogen. The debris flows along the Jinjiang River are threatening nomads and pastures, as well as the power station on the river and its workers. Remote sensing images, geological maps, and field investigations were conducted to determine the distribution of the lithologies, faults, and debris flows. A total of 82.2 km of riverbank and 108 debris flows, including 22 huge flows, were investigated. The results indicate that the distribution of the huge debris flows is primarily controlled by either faults or boundaries between the sedimentary rocks and basalt. Both the faults and the stratigraphic boundaries play crucial roles in the evolution of the huge debris flows along the river. The fractured zone of faults and stratigraphic boundaries provides loose resource materials for the debris flows and is a weak strip prone to incision to become a debris flow valley. However, the lithology has relatively less impact on the evolution of the huge debris flows.
Environmental and physiological conditions that led to the rise of calcifying nannoplankton in the Late Triassic
Authors: Hohn Sönke , Dal Corso Jacopo , Hoke Kim Lisa , Thoms Silke , Merico Agostino
Published: July 2023

The rise of calcifying nannoplankton in the Late Triassic (237–201 Ma) had profound consequences for the carbonate buffering capacity of the ocean. Research on the appearance of calcification typically focuses on the reasons that made this process successful on a global scale. The underlying environmental and physiological conditions that led to its appearance, therefore, are still obscure. Here we show that the rise of intracellular calcification is intrinsically linked to cellular calcium metabolism and to the prevention of calcium accumulation in the cytoplasm. Using gene tree analysis, we present evidence that the physiological machinery for calcification was already present in non-calcifying ancestor cells. Additionally, by modelling the energy demands for calcium transport in calcifying and non-calcifying cells, we demonstrate that intracellular calcification does not require additional energy investments. Since all eukaryotic cells export calcium across the plasma membrane, our findings indicate that the onset of intracellular calcification in Earth’s history required only the activation of calcium transport proteins during their passage to the plasma membrane. Hence, intracellular calcification could have occurred at any time in the geological past because physiological preconditions were already present, but a combination of favourable environmental factors may have helped calcifying nannoplankton to spread at the beginning of the Mesozoic, a time of catastrophic climate changes and mass extinctions that reshuffled life on Earth.
Differential miRNA expression of hypoxic MCF7 and PANC-1 cells
Authors: Al-Sisan Sandy M. , Zihlif Malek A. , Hammad Hana M.
Published: July 2023

Background

Hypoxia plays a critical role in the tumor microenvironment by affecting cellular proliferation, metabolism, apoptosis, DNA repair, and chemoresistance. Since hypoxia provokes a distinct shift of microRNA, it is important to illustrate the relative contribution of each hypoxamiR to cancer progression.

Aims

The present study aims to shed light on the hypoxamiRs that are involved in pancreatic and breast cancer progression to highlight novel targets for the development of new therapies.

Methods

For 20 cycles, MCF7 breast cancer cells and PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells were subjected to chronic cyclic hypoxia, which consisted of 72 hours of hypoxia followed by 24 hours of reoxygenation. After 10 and 20 cycles of hypoxia, miRNA expression alterations were profiled using RT-PCR array and further analyzed using a visual analytics platform. The MTT cell proliferation assay was used to determine hypoxic cells’ chemoresistance to doxorubicin.

Results

Under chronic cyclic hypoxia, hypoxic PANC-1 cells have a comparable doubling time with their normoxic counterparts, whereas hypoxic MCF7 cells show a massive increase in doubling time when compared to their normoxic counterparts. Both hypoxic cell lines developed EMT-like phenotypes as well as doxorubicin resistance. According to the findings of miRNet, 6 and 10 miRNAs were shown to play an important role in enriching six hallmarks of pancreatic cancer in the 10th and 20th cycles of hypoxia, respectively, while 7 and 11 miRNAs were shown to play an important role in enriching the four hallmarks of breast cancer in the 10th and 20th cycles of hypoxia, respectively.

Conclusions

miR-221, miR-21, miR-155, and miR-34 were found to be involved in the potentiation of hypoxic PANC-1 hallmarks at both the 10th and 20th cycles, while miR-93, miR-20a, miR-15, and miR-17 were found to be involved in the potentiation of hypoxic MCF7 hallmarks at both the 10th and 20th cycles. This variation in miRNA expression was also connected to the emergence of an EMT-like phenotype, alterations in proliferation rates, and doxorubicin resistance. The chemosensitivity results revealed that chronic cyclic hypoxia is critical in the formation of chemoresistant phenotypes in pancreatic and breast cancer cells. miR-181a and let-7e expression disparities in PANC1, as well as miR-93, miR-34, and miR-27 expression disparities in MCF7, may be associated with the formation of chemoresistant MCF7 and PANC-1 cells following 20 cycles of chronic cyclic hypoxia. Indeed, further research is needed since the particular mechanisms that govern these processes are unknown.
Endometrial proteomic profile of patients with repeated implantation failure
Authors: Yang Jing , Wang Linlin , Ma Jingwen , Diao Lianghui , Chen Jiao , Cheng Yanxiang , Yang Jing , Li Longfei
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Successful embryo implantation, is the initiating step of pregnancy, relies on not only the high quality of the embryo but also the synergistic development of a healthy endometrium. Characterization and identification of biomarkers for the receptive endometrium is an effective method for increasing the probability of successful embryo implantation.

Methods

Endometrial tissues from 22 women with a history of recurrent implantation failure (RIF) and 19 fertile controls were collected using biopsy catheters on 7-9 days after the peak of luteinizing hormone. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in six patients with RIF and six fertile controls using isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based proteomics analysis.

Results

Two hundred and sixty-three DEPs, including proteins with multiple bioactivities, such as protein translation, mitochondrial function, oxidoreductase activity, fatty acid and amino acid metabolism, were identified from iTRAQ. Four potential biomarkers for receptive endometrium named tubulin polymerization-promoting protein family member 3 TPPP3, S100 Calcium Binding Protein A13 (S100A13), 17b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 (HSD17B2), and alpha-2-glycoprotein 1, zinc binding (AZGP1) were further verified using ProteinSimple Wes and immunohistochemical staining in all included samples (n=22 for RIF and n=19 for controls). Of the four proteins, the protein levels of TPPP3 and HSD17B2 were significantly downregulated in the endometrium of patients with RIF.

Discussion

Poor endometrial receptivity is considered the main reason for the decrease in pregnancy success rates in patients suffering from RIF. iTRAQ techniques based on isotope markers can identify and quantify low abundance proteomics, and may be suitable for identifying differentially expressed proteins in RIF. This study provides novel evidence that TPPP3 and HSD17B2 may be effective targets for the diagnosis and treatment of non-receptive endometrium and RIF.
High preoperative blood oxaloacetate and 2-aminoadipic acid levels are associated with postoperative delayed neurocognitive recovery
Authors: Mao Haoli , Huang Huimin , Zhou Ren , Zhu Jiao , Yan Jia , Jiang Hong , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to identify preoperative blood biomarkers related to development of delayed neurocognitive recovery (dNCR) following surgery.

Methods

A total of 67 patients (≥65 years old) who underwent head and neck tumor resection under general anesthesia were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Preoperative serum metabolomics were determined using widely targeted metabolomics technology.

Results

Of the 67 patients, 25 developed dNCR and were matched to 25 randomly selected patients from the remaining 42 without dNCR. Differential metabolites were selected using the criteria of variable importance in projection > 1.0 in orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis, false discovery rate <0.05, and fold-change >1.2 or <0.83 to minimize false positives. Preoperative serum levels of oxaloacetate (OR: 1.054, 95% CI: 1.027–1.095, P = 0.001) and 2-aminoadipic acid (2-AAA) (OR: 1.181, 95% CI: 1.087–1.334, P = 0.001) were associated with postoperative dNCR after adjusting for anesthesia duration, education, and age. Areas under the curve for oxaloacetate and 2-AAA were 0.86 (sensitivity: 0.84, specificity: 0.88) and 0.86 (sensitivity: 0.84, specificity: 0.84), respectively. High levels of preoperative oxaloacetate and 2-AAA also were associated with postoperative decreased MoCA (β: 0.022, 95% CI: 0.005–0.04, P = 0.013 for oxaloacetate; β: 0.077, 95%CI: 0.016–0.137, P = 0.014 for 2-AAA) and MMSE (β: 0.024, 95% CI: 0.009–0.039, P = 0.002 for oxaloacetate; β: 0.083, 95% CI: 0.032–0.135, P = 0.002 for 2-AAA) scores after adjusting for age, education level, and operation time.

Conclusion

High preoperative blood levels of oxaloacetate and 2-AAA were associated with increased risk of postoperative dNCR.

Clinical trial registration

https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05105451, identifier NCT05105451.
Effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on glycemic control: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sanchez Michael J. , Mossayebi Ali , Sigaroodi Solmaz , Apaflo Jehu N. , Galvan Michelle J. , Min Kisuk , Agullo Francisco J. , Wagler Amy , Bajpeyi Sudip
Published: July 2023

Background

Physical inactivity increases the risk for metabolic diseases such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is an effective method to induce muscle contraction, particularly for populations with physical impairments and/or metabolic diseases. However, its effectiveness to improve glycemic control is unclear. This review aimed to determine the effectiveness of NMES on glycemic control.

Methods

Electronic search consisted of MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Web of Science to identify studies that investigated the effects of NMES on glycemic control for this systematic review. The meta-analysis consists of the studies designed as randomized controlled trials. Effect sizes were calculated as the standardized mean difference (SMD) and meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model.

Results

Thirty-five studies met the inclusion criteria for systematic review and of those, nine qualified for the meta-analysis. Existing evidence suggested that NMES effectively improves glycemic control predominantly in middle-aged and elderly population with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and spinal cord injury. The meta-analysis is comprised of 180 participants and reported that NMES intervention lowered fasting blood glucose (SMD: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.78; p=0.002; I²=0%). Additional analysis using the primary measures reported by each study to indicate glycemic control (i.e., OGTT, HOMA-IR, and fasting glucose) also confirmed a significant effect of NMES on improving glycemic control (SMD: 0.41; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.72; p=0.01; I²=11%). NMES protocol varied across studies and requires standardization.

Conclusion

NMES could be considered as a therapeutic strategy to improve glycemic control in populations with physical impairments and/or metabolic disorders.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42020192491.
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound in obstetrics and gynecology: advances in clinical application and research progress
Authors: Ji Xiaoyu , Duan Hua , Wang Sha , Chang Yanan
Published: July 2023

In the past decade, research on ultrasound therapy in obstetrics and gynecology has rapidly developed. Currently, high-intensity ultrasound has been widely used in clinical practice, while low-intensity ultrasound has gradually emerged as a new trend of transitioning from pre-clinical research to clinical applications. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), characterized by a non-invasive low-intensity pulse wave stimulation method, employs its non-thermal effects to achieve safe, economical, and convenient therapeutic outcomes. LIPUS converts into biochemical signals within cells through pathways such as cavitation, acoustic flow, and mechanical stimulation, regulating molecular biological mechanisms and exerting various biological effects. The molecular biology mechanisms underlying the application of LIPUS in obstetrics and gynecology mainly include signaling pathways, key gene expression, angiogenesis, inflammation inhibition, and stem cell differentiation. LIPUS plays a positive role in promoting soft tissue regeneration, bone regeneration, nerve regulation, and changes in cell membrane permeability. LIPUS can improve the treatment benefit of premature ovarian failure, pelvic floor dysfunction, nerve damage caused by intrauterine growth restriction, ovariectomized osteoporosis, and incomplete uterine involution through the above biological effects, and it also has application value in the adjuvant treatment of malignant tumors such as ovarian cancer and cervical cancer. This study outlines the biological mechanisms and applications of LIPUS in treating various obstetric and gynecologic diseases, aiming to promote its precise application and provide a theoretical basis for its use in the field.
Behavioral and socio-economic determinants of urban households’ investment in energy efficient technologies: evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Hassen Sied , Anandarajah Gabrial , Seifemichael Robel
Published: July 2023

Wide uses of energy-efficient technologies have the potential to save a significant amount of electricity, which may allow deferral of construction of new power plants. However, in low-income countries, there is low use of energy-efficient technologies. This paper studies the behavioral and socio-economic determinants of urban households’ investment in energy efficiency improvements in Ethiopia. It considers multiple technologies and uses a multivariate probit model to take into account the sequential or simultaneous adoption of energy-efficient technologies. Using a random sample of 1,400 urban households from nine regions in Ethiopia, the study finds that most households (86%) adopt energy-efficient technologies and other energy conservation activities mainly to reduce energy expenditure. Interestingly, at least 12% of the respondents adopt these activities out of concern for the environment and future generations, which is encouraging. The multivariate probit regression result shows that households’ educational status, income or occupational status, access to credit, and age are significant determinants of households’ investment in energy-efficient technologies. The results illustrate there is a need for policies that incentivize or promote firms to sell energy-efficient products, for example, using installment (credit) and also a policy on the language of product specifications–using local language.
Remediation by enhanced natural attenuation; an environment-friendly remediation approach
Authors: Ayilara Modupe S. , Adeleke Bartholomew S. , Adebajo Mosimininuoluwa T. , Akinola Saheed A. , Fayose Chris A. , Adeyemi Uswat T. , Gbadegesin Lanre A. , Omole Richard K. , Johnson Remilekun M. , Edhemuino Mary , Ogundolie Frank Abimbola , Babalola Olubukola O.
Published: July 2023

The uncontrolled use of chemicals, urban wastes, nuclear resources, mining, petrochemicals and disposal of sewage sludge only a few anthropogenic activities that have contributed to the rapid industrialization and severe heavy metal contamination of soils and waterways. Both inorganic and organic pollutants, such as heavy metals, pesticides, petroleum hydrocarbons, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, can impact the composition and functionality of soils. Soils and plants are affected by pollution, thus, pose a dire threat to food security. This directly renders the soil unuseful for agricultural purposes, destroys the beneficial microbes in the soil, reduces the soil organic matter content, causes the imbalance of soil nutrients, affects plant growth and the interaction between the plants and microbes, subsequently affecting the soil and crop productivity. In addition, environmental pollutants affect human health, leading to different illnesses such as headaches, allergies, coughs, depression, chest pain, nausea, diabetes, liver problems, cancers, eye problems, and so on. Remediation (physical, chemical or biological) is therefore necessary to reduce the impacts of these pollutants in the environment. Bioremediations involve using natural products from plants, microbes, and so on, to detoxify the environment and make it useful or productive again. A key type of remediation is the Remediation by Enhanced Natural Attenuation (RENA) which involves the turning of soil to promote microbial proliferation, aeration, nutrient availability, moisture and consequently, the degradation of pollutants. This review discusses the technology of RENA, the associated microbes, the mechanism of its action, challenges associated with its usage and recommendations to advance the use of RENA for a sustainable environment.
Risk as a process: a history informed hazard planning approach applied to the 2018 post-fire debris flows, Montecito, California
Authors: Serra-Llobet Anna , Radke John , Kondolf G. Mathias , Gurrola Larry , Rogers J. David , Lindbergh Sarah , Douvinet Johnny
Published: July 2023

Historical information about floods is not commonly used in the US to inform land use planning decisions. Rather, the current approach to managing floods is based on static maps derived from computer simulations of the area inundated by floods of specified return intervals. These maps provide some information about flood hazard, but they do not reflect the underlying processes involved in creating a flood disaster, which typically include increased exposure due to building on flood-prone land, nor do they account for the greater hazard resulting from wildfire. We developed and applied an approach to analyze how exposure has evolved in flood hazard zones in Montecito, California, an area devastated by post-fire debris flows in January 2018. By combining historical flood records of the past 200 years, human development records of the past 100 years, and geomorphological understanding of debris flow generation processes, this approach allows us to look at risk as a dynamic process influenced by physical and human factors, instead of a static map. Results show that floods after fires, in particular debris flows and debris laden floods, are very common in Montecito (15 events in the last 200 years), and that despite policies discouraging developments in hazard areas, developments in hazard zones have increased substantially since Montecito joined the National Flood Insurance Program in 1979. We also highlight the limitation of using conventional Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to manage land use in alluvial fan areas such as Montecito. The knowledge produced in this project can help Montecito residents better understand how they came to be vulnerable to floods and identify action they are taking now that might increase or reduce their vulnerability to the next big flood. This science-history-centric approach to understand hazard and exposure evolution using geographic information systems (GIS) and historical records, is generalizable to other communities seeking to better understand the nature of the hazard they are exposed to and some of the root causes of their vulnerabilities, in other words, both the natural and social processes producing disasters.
Exploring the relationship between corporate ESG information disclosure and audit fees: evidence from non-financial A-share listed companies in China
Authors: Zhang Kaimeng , Liu Xihe , Wang Jingjing
Published: July 2023

ESG information disclosure is an essential aspect of corporate ESG responsibility and has gained significant attention in the context of ecological civilization development within the socialist market economy. However, in China’s early stage of ESG development, challenges such as ESG rating discrepancies, “greenwashing”, and corporate “cleansing” accompany ESG information disclosure. This study aims to investigate the impact of corporate ESG information disclosure on audit fees using a sample of non-financial A-share listed companies in China from 2011 to 2020. Drawing on the “deep pocket” theory, risk premium theory, and cost-benefit principle, the research examines the relationship between ESG information disclosure and audit fees. The findings reveal that approximately one-third of Chinese enterprises disclose ESG information, and substantial variation exists in the disclosure scores among the disclosed firms. The empirical analysis further demonstrates that firms disclosing ESG information tend to face higher audit fees, with higher ESG disclosure scores associated with increased audit fees. Moreover, an increase in the disclosure score of any ESG dimension (environment, social responsibility, and corporate governance) leads to higher audit fees. The study also identifies operational risk as a mediating factor in the relationship between ESG disclosure and audit fees. Additionally, media attention can dampen the positive effect of ESG disclosure scores on audit fees. Furthermore, the impact of ESG disclosure scores on audit fees is more pronounced in firms that voluntarily disclose ESG information before the implementation of the new Environmental Protection Law. These findings contribute to the literature and provide theoretical insights for governmental and regulatory decision-making, corporate managers, auditors, and ESG investors in China.
A large-scale study on the nocturnal behavior of African ungulates in zoos and its influencing factors
Authors: Gübert Jennifer , Hahn-Klimroth Max , Dierkes Paul W.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The nocturnal behavior of many ungulate species has currently not been sufficiently studied. However, the behavioral patterns of large herbivores vary greatly between day and night, and knowledge about species’ behavior is not only scientifically interesting, but also required for successful animal management and husbandry.

Material and methods

In the current study, the nocturnal behavior of 196 individuals of 19 ungulate species in 20 European zoos is studied, providing the first description of the nocturnal behavior of some of the species. The importance of a wide range of possible factors influencing nocturnal behavior is discussed. Specifically, the behavioral states of standing and lying were analyzed, evaluating the proportion and number of phases in each behavior. The underlying data consist of 101,629 h of video material from 9,239 nights. A deep learning-based software package named Behavioral Observations by Videos and Images Using Deep-Learning Software (BOVIDS) was used to analyze the recordings. The analysis of the influencing factors was based on random forest regression and Shapley additive explanation (SHAP) analysis.

Results

The results indicate that age, body size, and feeding type are the most important factors influencing nocturnal behavior across all species. There are strong differences between the zebra species and the observed Cetartiodactyla as well as white rhinos. The main difference is that zebras spend significantly less time in a lying position than Cetartiodactyla.

Discussion

Overall, the results fit well into the sparse existing literature and the data can be considered a valid reference for further research and might help to assess animal's welfare in zoos.
Advances in biological functions and mechanisms of histone variants in plants
Authors: Wu Xi , Zhang Xu , Huang Borong , Han Junyou , Fang Huihui
Published: July 2023

Nucleosome is the basic subunit of chromatin, consisting of approximately 147bp DNA wrapped around a histone octamer, containing two copies of H2A, H2B, H3 and H4. A linker histone H1 can bind nucleosomes through its conserved GH1 domain, which may promote chromatin folding into higher-order structures. Therefore, the complexity of histones act importantly for specifying chromatin and gene activities. Histone variants, encoded by separate genes and characterized by only a few amino acids differences, can affect nucleosome packaging and stability, and then modify the chromatin properties. Serving as carriers of pivotal genetic and epigenetic information, histone variants have profound significance in regulating plant growth and development, response to both biotic and abiotic stresses. At present, the biological functions of histone variants in plant have become a research hotspot. Here, we summarize recent researches on the biological functions, molecular chaperons and regulatory mechanisms of histone variants in plant, and propose some novel research directions for further study of plant histone variants research field. Our study will provide some enlightens for studying and understanding the epigenetic regulation and chromatin specialization mediated by histone variant in plant.
Ferroptosis of CD163+ tissue-infiltrating macrophages and CD10+ PC+ epithelial cells in lupus nephritis
Authors: Cheng Qi , Mou Lijun , Su Wenjing , Chen Xin , Zhang Ting , Xie Yifan , Xue Jing , Lee Pui Y. , Wu Huaxiang , Du Yan
Published: July 2023

Background

Dysregulation of cell death and defective clearance of dying cells are closely related to the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis (LN). However, the contribution of a recently discovered form of programmed cell death (PCD) called ferroptosis to LN has not been explored in detail. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of ferroptosis and its associated metabolic pathways in the pathogenesis of LN.

Methods

The composite gene expression scores were calculated by averaging the z-scored transformed log2 expressed genes within each form of PCD and pathway. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays were used to verify the bioinformatics results.

Results

We determined that ferroptosis is prominently and specifically elevated in the glomerular compartment of LN patients compared to other forms of PCD and kidney disease. This finding was then verified by immunohistochemical staining of 4-HNE (a key indicator for ferroptosis) expression in our own cohort (P < 0.0001). Intercorrelation networks were observed between 4-HNE and blood urea nitrogen, SLE disease activity index, serum creatinine, and complement 4, and negatively correlated with glomerular filtration rate in our own LN cohort (P < 0.05). Furthermore, enhanced iron metabolism and reduced fatty acid synthesis may be the most important factors for ferroptosis within the glomerulus. Through analysis of a single cell sequencing dataset and verification of immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining, aberrantly activated lipid peroxidation in CD163+ macrophages and CD10+ PC+ (pyruvate carboxylase) epithelial cells indicated that they may be undergoing ferroptosis in the glomerular compartment.

Conclusions

Two dysregulated genes, CD163 and PC, were identified and verified that were significantly associated with lipid peroxidation. Targeting ferroptosis in CD163+ macrophages and CD10+ PC+ epithelial cells may provide novel therapeutic approaches in LN.