bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for microbiological persistence after 6 months of treatment for
Mycobacterium intracellulare
and its impact on the drug-resistance profile
Authors: Luo Xuejiao , Zheng Xubin , Fang Yong , Yu Fangyou , Cui Haiyan , Sun Qin , Sha Wei
Published: September 2023

Patients with
Mycobacterium intracellulare
pulmonary disease are more likely to experience poor treatment outcomes if they have been observed with microbiological persistence after 6 months of treatment. This study aims to identify the risk factors for microbiological persistence and describe the changes in the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) during antimycobacterial treatment. This retrospective case-control study enrolled patients diagnosed with
M. intracellulare
pulmonary disease between April 2017 and September 2021 at Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital. Patients with positive cultures after 6 months of treatment (positive group) were matched by age and sex in a 1:1 ratio to patients with negative conversion (negative group). Totally, 46 pairs of patients were analyzed. Risk factors for microbiological persistence at month 6 were smoking, previous tuberculosis treatment, chronic lung diseases, a positive baseline acid-fast bacilli smear, and adverse drug reactions; the risk was reduced by a regimen containing ethambutol, ≥3 effective drugs, and a higher pre-treatment absolute lymphocyte count. Regarding the drug-resistance profile, the negative group had a higher proportion of susceptibility to clarithromycin (100.0% vs 84.8%,
P
= 0.012). Most isolates were susceptible or intermediate to amikacin in both groups (93.5% and 84.8%, respectively). Nine patients (16.4%, 9/55) had a change in the drug-resistance profile, including four who changed from clarithromycin susceptible to clarithromycin resistant, and the other three reversed. Two pairs of isolates had a change in resistance to amikacin. In conclusion, risk factors for microbiological persistence were identified, and the change in MIC values during antimycobacterial treatment indicated the need for monitoring to enable timely adjustment of the regimen.

IMPORTANCE

Nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary disease (NTM-PD) has been recognized as an important public health issue because of its increasing incidence globally, low cure rate, and high recurrence rate. NTM-PD has innate resistance to many first-line anti-tuberculous drugs, which limits the treatment options.
Mycobacterium intracellulare
is reportedly the most important pathogenic NTM and accounts for the highest proportion of NTM-PD in China. A previous study suggested that poor microbiological response after 6 months of treatment is predictive of treatment failure. The present study investigated the risk factors associated with persistent positive sputum cultures by treatment month 6 in patients with
M. intracellulare
pulmonary disease and the variation in minimum inhibitory concentration patterns in clinical settings. This information might help to identify patients at higher risk of treatment failure and enable the timely provision of necessary interventions.
Anti-inflammatory effects of yeast-derived vacuoles on LPS-induced murine macrophage activation
Authors: Lee Su-Min , Kim Yang-Hoon , Min Jiho
Published: September 2023

Saccharomyces cerevisiae
is a single-celled fungal microorganism.
S. cerevisiae
-derived vacuoles are closely related to mammalian lysosomes, which play a role in the degradation of macromolecules by various hydrolytic enzymes. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory efficacy of
S. cerevisiae
-vacuoles by inhibiting inflammatory mediators induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The results showed that treatment with 5, 10, and 20 µg/mL of
S. cerevisiae
-derived vacuoles almost completely inhibited the LPS-induced expression of iNOS protein and mRNA. Moreover, vacuoles significantly reduced the mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) in LPS-stimulated macrophages compared to the control cells. The immunofluorescence analysis confirmed that
S. cerevisiae
-derived vacuoles inhibited the translocation of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) in LPS-stimulated cells. Taken together, the treatment with
S. cerevisiae
-derived vacuoles alone activated macrophages, but LPS-activated macrophages modulated pro-inflammatory mediators by downregulating the NF-κB pathway. These results suggest that
S. cerevisiae
-derived vacuoles may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In conclusion, our study provides new insights into the immunomodulatory effects of
S. cerevisiae
-derived vacuoles and their potential as a novel anti-inflammatory agent.

IMPORTANCE

This study investigates the potential of using vacuoles derived from the yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
as a new anti-inflammatory therapy. Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to invading pathogens, but when it is dysregulated, it can lead to chronic diseases. The researchers found that treating macrophages with vacuoles significantly reduced the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and iNOS, markers of inflammation when they were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. The study also showed that vacuoles inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway, which is involved in the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. These findings suggest that
S. cerevisiae
-derived vacuoles may have potential as a new therapeutic agent for regulating the inflammatory response in various diseases. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vacuoles
in vivo
and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of their anti-inflammatory effects.
The inhibitory effect of berberine chloride hydrate on
Streptococcus mutans
biofilm formation at different pH values
Authors: Zhou Yang , Liu Zhuoying , Wen Jie , Zhou Yan , Lin Huancai
Published: September 2023

Streptococcus mutans
(
S. mutans
) is one of the major cariogenic bacteria of dental caries owing to its ability to adhere to tooth surfaces and biofilm formation. Berberine chloride hydrate (BH), a quaternary ammonium salt alkaloid, has diverse pharmacological efforts against microorganisms. However, the effect of BH on
S. mutans
biofilm has not been reported. Considering that berberine is a quaternary ammonium salt alkaloid, which needs to adapt to a large variation in pH values and the acid resistance of
S. mutans
, we employed three groups including pH 5 (acidic), pH 8 (alkaline), and unprocessed group (neutral) to examine the antibiofilm activities of BH against
S. mutans
during different pH values. In this study, we found BH effectively suppresses
S. mutans
biofilm formation as well as its cariogenic virulence including acid production and EPS synthesis significantly, and the inhibitory effort was reduced under acidic condition whereas elevated under alkaline condition. In addition, we preliminarily explored the influence of pH values on the structural stability and biosafety of BHas well as the underlying mechanism of inhibition of
S. mutans
biofilm formation with BH. Our study showed BH could maintain a good structural stability and low toxicity to erythrocytes at different pH values. And BH could downregulate the expression of
srtA, spaP,
and
gbpC,
which play critical roles in the adhesion process, promoting bacterial colonization and biofilm formation. Furthermore,
comX
and
ldh
expression levels were downregulated in BH-treated group, which might explain its inhibitory effect on acid production.

IMPORTANCE

Dental caries is a common chronic detrimental disease, which could cause a series of oral problem including oral pain, difficulties in eating, and so on. Recently, many natural products have been considered as fundamental sources of therapeutic drugs to prevent caries. Berberine as a plant extract showed good antibiofilm abilities against microorganism. Our study focuses on its antibiofilm abilities against
S. mutans,
which was defined as major cariogenic bacterium and explored the role of pH values and possible underlying mechanisms in the inhibitory effect of BH on
S. mutans
biofilm formation. This study demonstrated a promising prospect for BH as an adjuvant drug in the prevention and management of dental caries.
Middle Ura Association of Organic-Walled Microfossils: the Lower Vendian of the Patom Basin, Siberia
Authors: Vorob’eva N. G. , Petrov P. Yu.
Published: September 2023

A new assemblage of Early Vendian (Middle Ediacaran) microfossils, including acanthomorphic acritarchs and various filamentous remains, as well as sphaeromorphic striated vesicles of Valeria, which are not characteristic of deposits of this age, is described from the Ura Formation of the Dal’nyaya Taiga Group of the Patom Basin. A new species of acanthomorphs Hocosphaeridium crispum sp. nov. is recognised. The Ediacaran eukaryotic phytoplankton taphocoenoses are shown to be selectively restricted to the open-sea proximal facies of the inner ramp.
Eosinophilic myocarditis mimicking acute coronary syndrome in a young man with T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and hypereosinophilia
Authors: Raffali Mohd Asyiq Al-Fard , Boon Cong Beh , Muhammad Syawal Faizal , Che Hassan Hamat Hamdi
Published: September 2023

A man in his 20s with underlying chemorefractory primary T-lymphoblastic lymphoma and hypereosinophilia developed acute chest pain in the ward after readmission for disease progression. ECG showed widespread ST depression and serum troponin was markedly elevated. Transthoracic echocardiography showed diffused thrombus deposition with preserved ejection fraction consistent with eosinophilic myocarditis. The patient ultimately succumbed to the disease, after complications with severe hospital-acquired pneumonia.
Understanding why and how youth-friendly health services improve viral load suppression among adolescents and young people living with HIV in Nigeria: realist evaluation with qualitative comparative analysis
Authors: Badejo Okikiolu , Nöstlinger Christiana , Wouters Edwin , Laga Marie , Okonkwo Prosper , Jwanle Plang , Van Belle Sara
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Youth-friendly health service (YFHS) approaches are essential to better outcomes for young people. We evaluated attainment of viral load suppression among young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) enrolled in an HIV treatment programme implementing YFHS models in Nigeria.

Methods

A realist evaluation using qualitative and quantitative programme data from 10 implementing health facilities. We used qualitative information to explore how and why viral load suppression was attained across different settings and quantitative data to describe patterns and associations between youth-friendly structures and processes of care, care retention and viral load suppression. To consolidate the theories, we used qualitative comparative analysis to identify the necessary and sufficient conditions for attaining viral load suppression, using 30 YPLHIV as cases.

Results

Between baseline (2018) and study-end (May 2022), viral load suppression coverage increased in 8 of the 10 study facilities. The number of facilities with viral load suppression coverage ≥90% rose from two to seven, while one facility remained unchanged, and another had a decline in coverage. Among the 30 selected YPLHIV cases, 18 had viral load suppression during the first test and 24 at the second test. However, viral load suppression attainment varied in different contexts. We identified the different YFHS interventions and key mechanisms that influenced viral load suppression in different contexts.

Conclusion

YFHS interventions can improve young people’s engagement with HIV services, but their effectiveness depends on specific mechanisms and contextual factors influencing their response to interventions. By exploring how and why viral load suppression was attained in different contexts, the findings will improve the design and implementation of strategies to improve outcomes in young people, which will be relevant for achievement of global goals to eliminate HIV by 2030.
Reliability and responsiveness of the D12 and validity of its scores as a measure of dyspnoea severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease
Authors: Swigris Jeffrey J , Danoff Sonye , Dellaripa Paul F , Doyle Tracy J , Solomon Joshua J
Published: September 2023

Background

Interstitial lung disease due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA-ILD) affects a substantial minority of patients with RA, inducing life-altering symptoms, impairing quality of life (QOL) and forcing patients to confront the potential for shortened survival. Dyspnoea is the predominant respiratory symptom of RA-ILD and a strong driver of QOL impairment in patients with it. The D12 is a 12-item questionnaire that assesses the physical and affective components of dyspnoea. It was one of a battery of patient-reported outcomes used in the double-blind, placebo-controlled TRAIL 1 trial of pirfenidone for RA-ILD. There is little information on the reliability, validity or responsiveness of the D12 in RA-ILD.

Methods

In accordance with COSMIN (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) methodology, we conducted analyses on data from the TRAIL 1 trial to assess the measurement properties of the D12.

Results

Internal consistency (α=0.95, 0.95, 0.95, 0.95 and 0.96 at baseline, 13, 26, 39 and 52 weeks) and test-retest reliability 0.85 (0.71 to 0.92) exceeded acceptability criteria. Well over the 75% benchmark of hypotheses (43/46=93%) around D12 measurement properties were confirmed. Known-groups validity was supported by significant differences between subgroups of patients with differing levels of dyspnoea (eg, St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) Activity score ≥50 vs <50, 9.36 (1.27) points, p<0.0001, with a large effect size=1.7) and physiological impairment at baseline. Longitudinal validity was supported by significant associations between D12 and anchor scores over time (eg, at 52 weeks, correlation between D12 change and SGRQ Activity change was 0.54, p<0.0001; between D12 change and Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data (RAPID) Functioning Component was 0.41, p<0.0001). A battery of analyses confirmed the responsiveness of D12 scores for capturing change in dyspnoea over time. We estimated the minimal within-patient change threshold for worsening as 3 points.

Conclusions

D12 scores possess acceptable measurement properties in RA-ILD, such that it can be used with confidence in this population to assess dyspnoea severity defined by its physical and affective components. As validation is an ongoing process, and never accomplished in a single study, additional research on the psychometric properties of the D12 in RA-ILD is encouraged.
Perinatal and early life factors and asthma control among preschoolers: a population-based retrospective cohort study
Authors: Moore Linn E , Serrano-Lomelin Jesus , Rosychuk Rhonda J , Kozyrskyj Anita L , Chari Radha , Crawford Susan , Bakal Jeffery , Hicks Anne , Ducharme Francine M , Ospina Maria B
Published: September 2023

Background

Preventing poor childhood asthma control is crucial for short-term and long-term respiratory health. This study evaluated associations between perinatal and early-life factors and early childhood asthma control.

Methods

This retrospective study used administrative health data from mothers and children born 2010–2012 with a diagnosis of asthma before age 5 years, in Alberta, Canada. The outcome was asthma control within 2 years after diagnosis. Associations between perinatal and early-life factors and risk of partly and uncontrolled asthma were evaluated by multinomial logistic regression.

Results

Of 7206 preschoolers with asthma, 52% had controlled, 37% partly controlled and 12% uncontrolled asthma 2 years after diagnosis. Compared with controlled asthma, prenatal antibiotics (adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 1.19; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.33) and smoking (aRR: 1.18; 95% CI 1.02 to 1.37), C-section delivery (aRR: 1.11; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.25), summer birth (aRR: 1.16; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.34) and early-life hospitalisation for respiratory illness (aRR: 2.24; 95% CI 1.81 to 2.76) increased the risk of partly controlled asthma. Gestational diabetes (aRR: 1.41; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.87), C-section delivery (aRR: 1.18; 95% CI 1.00 to 1.39), antibiotics (aRR: 1.32; 95% CI 1.08 to 1.61) and hospitalisation for early-life respiratory illness (aRR: 1.65; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.27) were associated with uncontrolled asthma.

Conclusion

Maternal perinatal and early-life factors including antibiotics in pregnancy and childhood, gestational diabetes, prenatal smoking, C-section and summertime birth, and hospitalisations for respiratory illness are associated with partly or uncontrolled childhood asthma. These results underline the significance of perinatal health and the lasting effects of early-life experiences on lung development and disease programming.
Point-of-care ultrasound-guided versus standard reduction of displaced distal radius fractures in the emergency department: a randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Haak Svenja L , Borgstede Marion G , Stolmeijer Renate , Bens Bas WJ , Boendermaker Annemieke E , van der Kolk Brigitta (Britt) YM , ter Maaten Jan C , ter Avest Ewoud , Lameijer Heleen
Published: September 2023

Background

During closed reduction of displaced distal radius fractures, physical examination is used to determine the need for further manipulation before radiographic confirmation and cast application. Manipulation performed under ultrasound guidance has the potential to decrease the number of reduction attempts.

Methods

This multicentre randomised controlled trial was undertaken between December 2018 and July 2020 in the ED of four hospitals in the Netherlands. Patients aged ≥16 years presenting to the ED with a distal radius fracture requiring closed reduction were randomised to either point-of-care ultrasound (PoCUS)-guided or standard reduction. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients requiring more than one reduction attempt. The secondary outcomes were time to complete reduction and treatment plan at ED discharge (conservative or operative repair).

Results

A total of 214 patients were screened, of which 211 patients were included for primary endpoint analysis (87% female, median age 68 years, 94% dorsal angulation, 59% intra-articular and 73% multifragmentary). In total, 105 patients were randomised to standard treatment and 106 patients to PoCUS-guided fracture reduction. In the standard treatment group, 13 patients (12%) required more than one reduction attempt, compared with 6 patients (6%) in the PoCUS group (OR 2.35, 95% CI 0.86 to 6.45). The median reduction time was 5 min in the PoCUS group (IQR 3–6) vs 3 min (IQR 2–4) in the standard reduction group (p<0.001). At ED discharge, operative repair was indicated for 17 (16%) patients in the standard group and 21 (20%) patients in the PoCUS group (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.39 to 1.58).

Conclusion

This study could not demonstrate that PoCUS-guided reduction of distal radius fractures was associated with a statistically significant decrease in the number of reduction attempts.

Trial registration number

The Netherlands Trial Register (NTR7934).
Exercise in the workplace: examining the receptivity of practical and time-efficient stair-climbing “exercise snacks”
Authors: Stork Matthew J. , Marcotte-Chénard Alexis , Jung Mary E. , Little Jonathan P.
Published: September 2023

In the workplace, people are often sedentary for prolonged time and do not regularly engage in physical activity—two factors independently linked to premature morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the receptivity of incorporating practical stair-climbing “exercise snacks” (Snacks; three isolated bouts of ascending 53–60 stairs performed sporadically throughout the day) into workplace settings compared to more traditional high-intensity interval training (HIIT; performed as three bouts of 53-60 stairs within a structured HIIT workout) and to explore if these exercise strategies could influence sedentary and physical activity behaviour. Fourteen participants (12 women; Mage = 38.9 ± 10.2 years) completed two supervised exercise trials (Snacks and HIIT) followed by 1 week participating in either form of exercise in their workplace. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), affective valence, enjoyment, and self-efficacy were measured at the supervised exercise sessions. During the follow-up period, sedentary behaviour and physical activity were measured with an accelerometer. Affective valence was more positive ( p = 0.03; η2 p = 0.21) and there was a lower rise in RPE ( p = 0.01; η2 p = 0.29) during Snacks than HIIT. Post-exercise enjoyment of, and self-efficacy towards, Snacks and HIIT were high and similar ( ps > 0.05). After the supervised trials, 10/14 of the participants preferred Snacks and 4/14 preferred HIIT ( p = 0.18). On days when participants chose to perform either exercise modality, the average number of sit-to-stands in a 24 h period was increased (48.3 ± 8.7 to 52.8 ± 7.8; p = 0.03; Hedge's g = 0.73) and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity tended to increase (21.9 ± 18.2 to 38.1 ± 22.1 min; p = 0.06; Hedge's g = 0.60) compared to days when they chose not to exercise. Stair-climbing exercise snacks may be an attractive approach to implement in the workplace setting and has potential to positively impact sedentary behaviour and physical activity metrics.
Caloric restriction improves inflammation in different tissues of the Wistar rats with obesity and 2K1C renovascular hypertension
Authors: Pizzo Thayane Rafaela Feola , Valverde Ana Paula , Orzari Lucas Eduardo , Terciotti Luiz Gustavo , de Lima Robson Damasceno , Costa do Bomfim Fernando Russo , Esquisatto Marcelo Augusto Marreto , de Andrade Thiago Antônio Moretti , Corezola do Amaral Maria Esméria , de Oliveira Camila Andrea , Felonato Maíra
Published: September 2023

Renovascular hypertension (RHV) is the cause of high blood pressure due to left renal ischemia, and obesity and hypertension cause an inflammatory response. This work analyzed the inflammatory and tissue repair profile in renal, hepatic, and cardiac tissues in an animal model of RVH associated with a high-fat diet and caloric restriction. The expressions of RORγ-t, IL-17, T-bet, and TNF-α decreased and IFN-γ increased in the right kidney. In relation to the left kidney, caloric restriction decreased the expression of IFN-γ. In the liver, caloric restriction decreased RORγ-t, IL-17, and T-bet. Hypertension associated with obesity decreased the expression of IFN-γ, while caloric restriction increased. In the right kidney, hypertension and obesity, associated or not with caloric restriction, increased the area of collagen fibers. In the heart and liver, caloric restriction reduced the area of collagen fibers. Caloric restriction increased vascular endothelial growth factor, reduced levels of growth transformation factor-β1 (TGF-β), and increased collagen I in the left kidney. Hypertension/obesity, submitted or not having caloric restriction, increased TGF-β in liver. The results suggest that caloric restriction has beneficial effects in lowering blood pressure and regulating tissue proinflammatory cytokines. However, there was no change in the structure and composition of tissue repair markers.
Considerations for choosing an optimal animal model of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Parikh Mihir , Pierce Grant N.
Published: September 2023

The decision to use the optimal animal model to mimic the various types of cardiovascular disease is a critical one for a basic scientist. Clinical cardiovascular disease can be complex and presents itself as atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemia/reperfusion injury, myocardial infarcts, and cardiomyopathies, amongst others. This may be further complicated by the simultaneous presence of two or more cardiovascular lesions (for example, atherosclerosis and hypertension) and co-morbidities (i.e., diabetes, infectious disease, obesity, etc). This variety and merging of disease states creates an unusually difficult situation for the researcher who needs to identify the optimal animal model that is available to best represent all of the characteristics of the clinical cardiovascular disease. The present manuscript reviews the characteristics of the various animal models of cardiovascular disease available today, their advantages and disadvantages, with the goal to allow the reader access to the most recent data available for optimal choices prior to the initiation of the study. The animal species that can be chosen, the methods of generating these models of cardiovascular disease, as well as the specific cardiovascular lesions involved in each of these models are reviewed. A particular focus on the JCR:LA- cp rat as a model of cardiovascular disease is discussed.
Magnetic monopole energy cooling source model of old white dwarf stars
Authors: Liu Jing-Jing , Liu Dong-Mei
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we mainly focus on 22 old white dwarfs and present two new magnetic monopoles (MMs) energy cooling resources models (I) and (II) based on MMs catalytic nuclear decay. We discussed their luminosity, and compared with the observations. The luminosities for these old White Dwarf stars (WDs) for models (I) and (II) are well in agreement with the observations [Formula: see text] and the differences are no more than one order magnitude at relativistic low temperature (e.g. [Formula: see text]). However, at relativistic high temperature (e.g. [Formula: see text]), the observations [Formula: see text] can be four and two orders of magnitude lower than those of models (I) and (II), respectively. We also compared the results of models (I) and (II) by scaling factor [Formula: see text]. One can see that the maximum of the luminosities for model (I) are 185.2705 and 512.7054 times larger than those of model (II) for old WD [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text], 10, respectively. On the other hand, the minimum of the luminosities for model (I) are 7.3563 and 34.8064 times larger than those of model (II) for old WD 1444-175 at [Formula: see text], 10, respectively. By considering the effect on the mass radius relationship by the number of the MMs captured in WDs and catalytic nuclear decay, our results show that the study of model (II) may be an improving estimation, and the monopole-catalyzed nucleon decay process could be preventing white dwarfs from cooling down into a stellar graveyard by keeping them hot.
Analysis of pressure load-carrying capacity and squeezing time on magnetohydrodynamic couple stress fluid flow between sphere and flat plate with slip velocity
Authors: Jyothi V. , Hanumagowda B. N. , Verma Amit
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of the effects of a magnetic field, couple stress fluid, and slip velocity on squeeze film lubrication between a sphere and a flat plate. The modified Reynolds equation is derived using Stokes micro continuum theory of couple stress fluids. The nondimensional governing equations of the flow model are solved analytically for pressure, load-carrying capacity and squeezing time. The results are graphically presented and analyzed for various parameters. The study shows that the couple stress parameter and magnetic field significantly enhance the film pressure, load-carrying capacity, and squeeze film time compared to the Newtonian and nonmagnetic cases. Also from the results, it is observed that the squeeze film properties can be significantly reduced by the effect of the slip parameter.
Thermally stable reduced graphene oxide: An eco-friendly method for the synthesis of graphene compounds
Authors: Singh Pradeep Kumar , Kumar Singh Pankaj
Published: September 2023

In this work, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is generated by an environmentally friendly electrochemical technique using an aqueous solution of 2.5[Formula: see text]M nitric acid (HNO3), followed by thermal degradation at a temperature of 750∘C. To facilitate the exfoliation process, the electrolytic cell was equipped with a continuous supply of 54[Formula: see text]V DC. The microstructure of the rGO sheet has been analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The obtained results show that rGO sheets are irregularly stacked together, have a fractured surface, and porous structure. TGA analysis depicts that the total estimated weight loss was observed to be 40% because of the removal of the oxygen functionalities and volatile gases. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was used to analyze the phase purity, crystalline nature, interatomic distance as well as crystallite size of the rGO sheet. In the Raman study, the value [Formula: see text], which compares the peak intensity of the D band to intensity of the G band, provides evidence that the structural component associated with the rGO is present.
FROM CONCEPTUALISATION TO INDUSTRIALISATION – UNCOVERING THE INTRINSIC NATURE OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT OF NON-ASSEMBLED PRODUCTS
Authors: LAGER THOMAS , LIIRI EMILIA
Published: September 2023

Using a survey mode of inquiry, involving informants from 19[Formula: see text]global manufacturing companies in six sectors of the process industries, this study explores the intrinsic nature of product innovation of non-assembled products. Results show that the characteristics of the “transformation-based” production system in the process industries should not only govern the design of the total product innovation work process and the selection and use of related experimental environment but will also influence the design of the forthcoming production system. It is noted that pilot-planting and full-scale production trials are important instruments not only during the product development phase, but also afterward in solving B2B customers’ post-launch production problems. It is concluded that the experimental output from the product development phase of the product innovation work process for non-assembled products is both a new product design and a new foundation for the production process design.
A geological and geotechnical information system (GEO-GIS) for urban planning and its application to the Acıpayam Basin (Denizli, Turkey) with some observations from a M
w
5.5 earthquake on 20 March 2019
Authors: Kumsar Halil , Sarayköylü Tuğba
Published: September 2023

There are many site investigation projects used for the urban planning of a city. They are archived in hard copy or scanned in image files stored on computers. In this study, geological, geotechnical and geophysical data obtained from different site investigation projects in the Acıpayam district were evaluated in the same coordinate system using a geological and geotechnical information system (GEO-GIS) computer program. The Acıpayam GEO-GIS database includes field tests in 82 boreholes, 85 observation pits, laboratory test results of soil samples, 99 seismic refraction measurements and 70 microtremor measurements. Required information from the database can be displayed at its spatial coordinates on a base map and new maps can also be drawn using the GEO-GIS database system.

Resultant maps drawn using the Acıpayam GEO-GIS database show that in the northern and eastern parts of the Acıpayam district, where the Oğuz, Kırca, Yassıhöyük, Apa, Ovayurt, Karahüyük, Ucarı and Gedikli villages are located, weak soil layers exist. This means that some damage may be caused to adobe and masonry buildings in the villages during shaking associated with strong earthquakes, as observed after the 5.5 (M
w
) earthquake that occurred on 20 March 2019. The Acıpayam GEO-GIS database system is a useful tool for engineers and planners that can assist in drawing GIS-produced maps for geotechnical evaluations of the basin. These maps can be used in decision-making projects for urban planning.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Leading to Innovative Engineering Geology Practices collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/leading-to-innovative-engineering-geology-practices
I Still Think We Had it (
Almost
) Right: Community Networking, the Forgotten Gene of a New Better Internet
Authors: Schuler Douglas
Published: September 2023

Motivated by the Free-Nets, Santa Monica PEN, Berkeley Community Memory, and the Big Sky Telegraph system in Montana, the Seattle chapter of Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility (CPSR) --- of which I was an active member --- launched the Seattle Community Network (SCN) in 1994 [11]. SCN provided training, computer donations, free web pages and free email ---a full decade before Gmail arrived on the scene. But we did not sell ads or surveil our users. And our volunteer pool of over 100 volunteers couldn't have imagined that they would be competing in the future against gigantic corporations with untold billions at their disposal.
The Need for a Global Standard of Artificial Intelligence Regulation
Authors: Wu Weiyue , Liu Shaoshan
Published: September 2023

Recently, the rise of ChatGPT has attracted enormous attentions around the world. This breakthrough AI capability, represented by ChatGPT, signifies that AI may have reached a tipping point for large-scale commercialization, and has opened the doors of many monetization opportunities. For instance, a recent report indicates the potential of ChatGPT revolutionizing the search engine business [1]. In addition, Microsoft already plans to integrate ChatGPT technologies into its search engine Bing as well as Office 365 products.
Things Fall Apart - Concluding the Scandal in Academia
Authors: Heron Michael James , Belfort Pauline Helen
Published: September 2023

For several years, the authors of this paper have been providing an extended commentary on the Scandal in Academia - a fictional case-study intended for use as a teaching and discussion aid for educational practitioners looking to introduce elements of computer ethics into their curricula. Inspired by Epstein's Case of the Killer Robot, it is a full-cycle scenario involving many individuals, concepts and considerations. It touches upon the complexity and interrelations of modern computer ethics. It has been trialed and evaluated as a teaching tool by the authors and with multiple groups since then. However its utility as a general resource is limited without the academic context that supports deeper investigation of the material. It is to address this issue that the authors offer this final commentary on the Scandal, with a focus on the thirteenth and fourteenth newspaper items presented within. This paper focuses primarily on the articles
Student Journalism Outs Senior Academics and Resignations All Around at University of Dunglen.
Physics Beyond the Standard Model Associated with the Top Quark
Authors: Franceschini Roberto
Published: September 2023

In this article, I review scenarios of physics beyond the Standard Model in which the top quark plays a special role. Models that aim at the stabilization of the weak scale are presented together with the specific phenomenology of partner states that are characteristic of this type of model. Further, I present models of flavor in which the top quark is singled out as a special flavor in the Standard Model. The flavor and collider phenomenology of these models is broadly presented. Finally, I discuss the possibility that dark matter interacts preferably with the top quark flavor and give an overview of the dark matter phenomenology of these scenarios, as well as collider and flavor signals.
Physics of the Top Quark at the LHC: An Appraisal and Outlook of the Road Ahead
Authors: Ferreira da Silva P.
Published: September 2023

Since its start, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has helped advance both theory and experiment on the production and properties of the heaviest fundamental particle, the top quark. This review focuses on a selected set of measurements and associated searches for new physics, which have opened the door for unprecedented precision in this area of high-energy physics. Fundamental parameters of the theory such as mt, αS, Vtb, and ytare measured from top quark events with relative uncertainties that are smaller than 0.5%, 1.8%, 2%, and 10%, respectively, and that are expected to improve with more data, better experimental methods, and more accurate theory predictions. Several results, even if statistically limited, already significantly constrain the phase space of new physics: measurements of associated production with bosons, processes with four top quarks, and searches for rare decays, among others. It is expected that until the completion of the LHC program, top quark physics will keep providing unique insights regarding the consistency of the Standard Model and the energy scale of new physics.
Biological sex divergence in transcriptomic profiles during the onset of hindlimb unloading-induced atrophy
Authors: Tsitkanou Stavroula , Morena da Silva Francielly , Cabrera Ana Regina , Schrems Eleanor R. , Murach Kevin A. , Washington Tyrone A. , Rosa-Caldwell Megan E. , Greene Nicholas P.
Published: September 2023

Herein, we have assessed the transcriptomic response across biological sexes during the onset and progression of unloading disuse-induced atrophy in mice. We have demonstrated an inverse expression of Fosb between males and females, as well as differentially timed patterns of expressing atrophy-related pathways between sexes that are concomitant to the accelerated atrophy in females. We also identified in females signs of mechanisms to combat disuse-induced mitochondrial degeneration and fibrosis.
Impact of stress phenotype, elevated temperature, and bacterin exposure on male Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) growth, stress, and immune biomarker gene expression
Authors: Ignatz Eric H. , Rise Matthew L. , Gamperl A. Kurt
Published: September 2023

This is the first paper to describe the impact of both temperature and bacterial stimulation on head kidney and liver transcript expression in Atlantic salmon characterized as LRs versus HRs. Notably, we found that HR salmon at 20°C mounted a more robust innate antibacterial immune response than LR salmon. In addition, LR fish at 12°C may ( P = 0.057) exhibit higher expression of stress-related transcripts in response to vaccine injection relative to HR fish.
Betulinic Acid Attenuates Osteoarthritis via Limiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation to Decrease Interleukin-1β Maturation and Secretion
Authors: Liu Bo , Wu Yanglin , Liang Ting , Zhou Yunlong , Chen Guangdong , He Jiaheng , Ji Chenchen , Liu Peixin , Zhang Chenhui , Lin Jun , Shi Kece , Luo Zongping , Liu Naicheng , Su Xinlin
Published: September 2023

Introduction. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disorder. Prior studies revealed that activation of NLRP3 inflammasome could promote the activation and secretion of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), which has an adverse effect on the progression of OA. Betulinic acid (BA) is a compound extract of birch, whether it can protect against OA and the mechanisms involved are still unknown. Materials and Methods. In vivo experiments, using gait analysis, ELISA, micro-CT, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), histological staining, immunohistological (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF) staining, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to assess OA progression after intraperitoneal injection of 5 and 15 mg/kg BA in an OA mouse model. In vitro experiments, caspase-1, IL-1β, and the N-terminal fragment of gasdermin D (GSDMD-NT) were measured in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) by using ELISA, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. Results. We demonstrated that OA progression can be postponed with intraperitoneal injection of 5 and 15 mg/kg BA in an OA mouse model. Specifically, BA postponed DMM-induced cartilage deterioration, alleviated subchondral bone sclerosis, and relieved synovial inflammation. In vitro studies, the activated NLRP3 inflammasome produces mature IL-1β by facilitating the cleavage of pro-IL-1β, and BA could inhibit the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in BMDMs. Conclusions. Taken together, our analyses revealed that BA attenuates OA via limiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation to decrease the IL-1β maturation and secretion.
Removal of Hexavalent Chromium by Using Sustainable Green Materials as Low-Cost Adsorbents
Authors: Li Qian , Huang Qing , Weng Fangqing , Hu Wenqian , Liu Jiamin , Luo Jiasheng
Published: September 2023

The possibility of using three types of NaOH-treated tea residues (green tea, pu-erh, and tieguanyin) as low-cost adsorbents for Cr(VI) treatment was investigated. The surface charge, composition, morphology, structure, and functional groups in the obtained biosorbents were characterized by pHzpc, cellulose content, SEM, BET, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy. The nonlinear pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich models were used to investigate adsorption kinetics at various initial concentrations. The adsorption processes were more consistent with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model in the range of 5-50 mg L-1. The adsorption isotherm at 298 K was described using the nonlinear Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin-Pyzhev, and Dubinin-Radushkevich models, indicating that the process was favorable and complex with maximum adsorption amounts of 6.15, 19.50, and 12.31 mg g-1 for green tea, pu-erh, and tieguanyin residues, respectively. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that the adsorption was a spontaneous, endothermic process. The results demonstrated that all materials had the potential to successfully remove Cr(VI) from the aqueous solution.
Angelica Yinzi Alleviates Pruritus‐Related Atopic Dermatitis through Skin Repair, Antioxidation, and Balancing Peripheral μ‐ and κ‐opioid Receptors
Authors: Liu Wei , Luo Yang , Song Wanci , Dan Hanxiong , Li Li , Zhou Daonian , You Pengtao
Published: September 2023

Background. Angelica Yinzi (AYZ) is a Chinese traditional herbal formula reported to attenuate itches and inflammation caused by atopic dermatitis (AD). However, the underlying mechanism of AYZ in the attenuation of itchiness and inflammation remains unknown. Objective. This study investigated the mechanism of AYZ in reducing itchiness in mice with 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene‐ (DNCB‐)‐induced atopic dermatitis. Methods. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and toluidine blue staining were used to evaluate pathological changes in skin tissue, while an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess the cytokine levels in the skin. After that, qRT‐PCR was performed to determine the mRNA levels of cytokines in the skin. Immunofluorescence and western blotting analysis were further used to assess µ‐opioid receptor (MOR) expression and immunohistochemistry to assess the p‐ERK, p‐AKT, and κ‐opioid receptor (KOR). Results. The AYZ treatment alleviated the AD clinical symptoms, including decreasing the scratching frequency, the ear thickness, and the infiltration of mast cells, lymphocytes, inflammatory cells, and mononuclear cells. In addition, AYZ inhibited the expression of interleukin (IL)‐13, thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), and reduced neuraminidase (NA), corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression. Markers involved in itches, such as p‐ERK and p‐AKT, were significantly downregulated following AYZ treatment. Besides, AYZ significantly increased MOR expression and downregulated KOR in the epidermis and spinal cord. Conclusion. Our findings imply that AYZ ameliorates pruritus‐related AD through skin repair, antioxidation, and balancing peripheral MOR and KOR. The findings in this study lay a theoretical foundation for the control mechanism of peripheral itch.
A Dual GLP-1/GIP Receptor Agonist Is More Effective than Liraglutide in the A53T Mouse Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Zhang Zijuan , Shi Ming , Li Zhengmin , Ling Yuan , Zhai Luke , Yuan Ye , Ma He , Hao Li , Li Zhonghua , Zhang Zhenqiang , Hölscher Christian
Published: September 2023

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complex syndrome with many elements, such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, loss of dopaminergic neurons, build-up of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in cells, and energy depletion in neurons, that drive the disease. We and others have shown that treatment with mimetics of the growth factor glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) can normalize energy utilization, neuronal survival, and dopamine levels and reduce inflammation. Liraglutide is a GLP-1 analogue that recently showed protective effects in phase 2 clinical trials in PD patients and in Alzheimer disease patients. We have developed a novel dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist that can cross the blood-brain barrier and showed good protective effects in animal models of PD. Here, we test liraglutide against the dual GLP-1/GIP agonist DA5-CH (KP405) in the A53T tg mouse model of PD which expresses a human-mutated gene of α-synuclein. Drug treatment reduced impairments in three different motor tests, reduced levels of α-syn in the substantia nigra, reduced the inflammation response and proinflammatory cytokine levels in the substantia nigra and striatum, and normalized biomarker levels of autophagy and mitochondrial activities in A53T mice. DA5-CH was superior in almost all parameters measured and therefore may be a better drug treatment for PD than liraglutide.
Edible Bird’s Nest Effectively Attenuates Atherosclerosis through Modulation of Cholesterol Metabolism via Activation of PPARγ/LXRα Signaling Pathway In Vivo
Authors: Mohamad Nasir Nurul Nadiah , Mohamad Ibrahim Ramlah , Mahmud Rozi , Ab Razak Nor Asma , Ismail Norsharina , Chan Kim Wei , Abu Bakar Md Zuki
Published: September 2023

Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of the majority of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) due to high-cholesterol deposition in the aorta, resulting in hardening and narrowing of blood vessels and subsequently leading to an obstructed blood flow. There are few previous publications showing the preventive effects of edible bird’s nest (EBN) on CVD, but the study on cholesterol homeostasis related to atherosclerosis is limited. In this study, we have determined the mechanisms by which EBN modulates cholesterol metabolism by identifying genes and biomarkers. Male New Zealand white rabbits were fed either a high-fat high-cholesterol (HFC) diet or a HFC diet supplemented with EBN (500 mg/kg b.w/day) for 12 weeks. For comparison purposes, a group of rabbits receiving a HFC diet was supplemented with simvastatin (10 mg/kg b.w/day) as a standard drug treatment for hypercholesterolemia. EBN supplementation significantly improved lipid and coagulation profiles, reduced hepatosteatosis, and stabilized atherosclerotic plaque formation in hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Cholesterol accumulation in liver and aorta tissues, as well as hepatic HMGCR levels, was reduced in the hypercholesterolemic rabbits supplemented with EBN. Gene expression analysis showed that EBN induced many genes related to cholesterol uptake (LDLR, LOX-1, and CD36), cholesterol efflux (ABCA1, LCAT, and CYP7A1), and cholesterol-sensing signaling (LXRα and PPARγ). In conclusion, our studies suggest that EBN supplementation could be an effective food product for the treatment or prevention of atherosclerosis by regulating cholesterol metabolism.