bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
UJI ANTIOKSIDAN EKSTRAK ETANOL BIJI KOPI ARABIKA (Coffea arabica L.) LERENG GUNUNG ARGOPURA KABUPATEN JEMBER PADA BERBAGAI KONDISI PENYANGRAIAN
Authors: Pebriarti Iski Weni , Diana Agustin Nourma
Published: November 2023

Coffee (Coffea arabica L.) is a plant which has been cultivated in Indonesia and it is one of natural source of antioxidants. The main bioactive component which contain antioxidant properties is chlorogenic acid. The roasting process can cause  chlorogenic acid in coffee beans to decrease as the temperature increases and the length of roasting, so the way coffee is served as a source of antioxidants which may need to be considered. The purpose of this study was to determine the group of compounds and antioxidant activity contained in Arabica coffee beans obtained from the slopes of Mount Argopura at various conditions of roasting. The samples of Arabica coffee beans each done roasting in advance at a temperature of 160°C - 180°C; 190°C - 210°C; and 220°C - 240°C before it is milled. The used of extraction method is maceration using 80% ethanol solvent. Antioxidant activity testing was done by DPPH method. Antioxidant activity is expressed based on the IC50 value (Inhibitor Concentration 50%). The highest value of antioxidant activity was obtained from Arabica coffee beans roasted at a moderate temperature with a value of IC50 26.41 ± 0.182 ppm. The result of the T-test obtained a sig value < 0.05 which indicates a difference in the antioxidant activity produced by the extract of Arabica coffee beans at various conditions of roasting.
Analisis Kemampuan Membaca Siswa Kelas Awal melalui Pendekatan Teaching at the Ringht Level (TaRL)
Authors: Syarifudin Syarifudin , Nurrahmah
Published: November 2023

Penelitian ini merupakan deskriptif kuantitatif dengan tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui pengaruh pembelajaran TaRL terhadap literasi membaca peserta didik SD. Model penelitian yang diterapkan menggunakan proses pemebelajaran TaRL (Teaching at the Right Level). Model pembelajaran ini dikelompokan berdasarkan level pengetahuannya. Subyek penelitian adalah peserta didik kelas I sampai kelas IV dengan jumlah peserta didik sebanyak 374 untuk 6 sekolah di SD Kecamatan Monta Kabupaten Bima dan menggunakan teknik total sampling. Untuk mengukur kemampuan literasi membaca peserta didik yaitu dengan cara tes lisan. Kemampuan literasi membaca peserta didik dalam penelitian ini dibagi menjadi lima level yaitu: (1) Level Pemula,(2) Level Huruf, (3) Level Kata, (4) Level Paragraf, (5) Level Cerita. Berdasarkan data yang diperoleh pada level pemula sebesar 100 % peserta didik telah naik level, Pada level huruf sebesar 6% peserta didik telah naik level, kemudian pada level kata sebesar 47% peserta didik telah naik level, sedangkan level paragraf terjadi penambahan peserta didik sebanyak 12 orang, untuk level cerita sebesar 213% peserta didik telah naik level. Sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa pembelajaran TaRL dapat berpengaruh meningkatkan kemampuan literasi membaca peserta didik dengan persentase sebanyak 78% peserta didik telah mengalami peningkatan level kemampuan membaca.
Functionalized TMC and ε-CL elastomers with shape memory and self-healing properties
Authors: Chen Siwen , Xiao Miaomiao , Hou Zhipeng , Li Zhongcun , Hu Jianshe , Guo Jing , Chen Jing , Yang Liqun , Na Quan
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Smart elastomers, which possess self-healing and shape memory capabilities, have immense potential in the field of biomedical applications. Polycarbonates and polyesters have gained widespread interest due to their remarkable biocompatibility over the last century. Nevertheless, the lack of functional versatility in conventional polyesters and polycarbonates means that they fall short of meeting the ever-evolving demands of the future.

Methods: This paper introduced a new smart elastomer, named mPEG43-b-(PMBC-co-PCL)n, developed from polyester and polycarbonate blends, that possessed shape memory and self-heal capabilities via a physical crosslinking system.

Results: The material demonstrated a significant tensile strength of 0.38 MPa and a tensile ratio of 1155.6%, highlighting its favorable mechanical properties. In addition, a conspicuous shape retrieval rate of 93% was showcased within 32.5 seconds at 37°C. Remarkably, the affected area could be repaired proficiently with no irritation experienced during 6h at room temperature, which was indicative of an admirable repair percentage of 87.6%. Furthermore, these features could be precisely modified by altering the proportion of MBC and ε-CL to suit individual constraints.

Discussion: This innovative elastomer with exceptional shape memory and self-heal capabilities provides a solid basis and promising potential for the development of self-contracting intelligent surgical sutures in the biomedical field.
Enhancing Vibrio vulnificus infection diagnosis for negative culture patients with metagenomic next-generation sequencing
Authors: Li Xinghua , Wang Chengzhuo , Guo Zhaowang , Xiao Tongyang , Ji Yuxin , Ma Yongguang , Li Meiyi , Xia Jinyu , Liu Xi
Published: November 2023

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic value of metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) in Vibrio vulnificus (V. vulnificus) infection.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients with V. vulnificus infection at the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from January 1, 2020 to April 23, 2023 was conducted. 14 enrolled patients were diagnosed by culture or mNGS. The corresponding medical records were reviewed, and the clinical data analyzed included demographics, epidemiology laboratory findings, physical examination, symptoms at presentation, antibiotic and surgical treatment, and outcome.

Results

In this study, 78.6% (11/14) patients had a history of marine trauma (including fish stab, shrimp stab, crab splints and fish hook wounds), 7.1% (1/14) had eaten seafood, and the remaining 14.3% (2/14) had no definite cause. Isolation of V. vulnificus from clinical samples including blood, tissue, fester and secreta. 9 cases were positive for culture, 5 cases were detected synchronously by mNGS and got positive for V. vulnificus. 85.7% (12/14) cases accepted surgical treatment, with 1 patient suffering finger amputated. 14 enrolled patients received appropriate antibiotic therapy, and all of them had recovered and discharged. 9 strains V. vulnificus isolated in this study were sensitive to most beta-lactam antibiotics, aminoglycosides, quinolones, etc.

Conclusion

Vibrio vulnificus infection is a common water-exposed disease in Zhuhai, which requires identification of a number of pathogens. Of severe infections with unknown pathogen, mNGS can be used simultaneously, and the potential to detect multiple pathogens is of great help in guiding treatment.
The reemerging and outbreak of genotypes 4 and 5 of Japanese encephalitis virus
Authors: Zhang Weijia , Yin Qikai , Wang Huanyu , Liang Guodong
Published: November 2023

The Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is classified into five distinct genotypes, with genotypes 1 and 3 historically showing higher activity. These genotypes are the primary agents of viral encephalitis in the Asian continent. Genotypes 4 and 5 have remained silent in low-latitude tropical regions since their discovery. From 2009, the hidden genotype 5 suddenly emerged simultaneously in mosquitoes from the Tibetan region of China and those from South Korea in East Asia. The detection of genotype 5 of JEV in these mosquitoes was associated with cases of viral encephalitis in the local population. Similarly, in 2022, the long-silent genotype 4 of JEV emerged in Australia, resulting in a local outbreak of viral encephalitis that primarily affected adults and caused fatalities. The emergence and outbreaks of genotypes 4 and 5 of JEV present new challenges for the prevention and control of Japanese encephalitis (JE). This study not only analyzes the recent emergence of these new genotypes but also discusses their implications in the development of JE vaccines and laboratory tests for newly emerging JEV infections.
Exploring moral perception and mind uploading in Kazuo Ishiguro's ‘Klara and the Sun': ethical-aesthetic perspectives on identity attribution in artificial intelligence
Authors: Echarte Alonso Luis E.
Published: November 2023

Literature wields a profound influence on our cognitive processes, shaping not only how we think but also what we think about. Aesthetic experiences, in particular, seem to foster a positive impact on our ability to comprehend complexity. This influence underscores the significant role of literature in the exploration of value learning and ethics research, because evaluating any decision-making requires seeking the widest possible frame of reference. Furthermore, literature plays a pivotal role in enriching our perception of both the external world and our inner selves, thereby fostering a heightened sense of ethical discernment. In this paper, I explore this last idea by examining Kazuo Ishiguro'sKlara and the Sun. In this enquiry, I reveal connections between two crucial controversies surrounding mind uploading: the epistemological debate centered on the theory of moral perception and the ontological inquiry into personal identity. Researching the intersection of these two big issues guide my decision to employ conceptual synthesis as the methodological framework. Besides, I will argue that the ideas of moral perception and personal identity that emerges in Ishiguro's dystopia are in tune with the narrativist hypothesis of Charles Taylor. In my conclusions, I defend that prospect of replacing a human being with a robot hinges on the challenge of instilling the machine with a unique moral perception. This remains an elusive goal, perhaps perpetually so, due to the inherent impossibility of objectifying a machine capable of apprehending and processing the non-objective qualities of matter. Furthermore, even if we were able to create such a machine, it would likely resist assuming a substitutive role, as it would quickly discover and appreciate its own existence. Finally, I ponder the implications of mistaking a simulation of human for an authentic replica, namely, an unsuccessful and unnoticed attempt at mind uploading—loneliness.
Estimation of central blood pressure waveform from femoral blood pressure waveform by blind sources separation
Authors: Gbaoui Laila , Hoeschen Christoph , Kaniusas Eugenijus , Khatib Saher , Gretschel Stephan , Wellnhofer Ernst
Published: November 2023

Background

Central blood pressure (cBP) is a better indicator of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality than peripheral BP (pBP). However, direct cBP measurement requires invasive techniques and indirect cBP measurement is based on rigid and empirical transfer functions applied to pBP. Thus, development of a personalized and well-validated method for non-invasive derivation of cBP from pBP is necessary to facilitate the clinical routine. The purpose of the present study was to develop a novel blind source separation tool to separate a single recording of pBP into their pressure waveforms composing its dynamics, to identify the compounds that lead to pressure waveform distortion at the periphery, and to estimate the cBP. The approach is patient-specific and extracts the underlying blind pressure waveforms in pBP without additional brachial cuff calibration or any a priori assumption on the arterial model.

Methods

The intra-arterial femoral BPfe and intra-aortic pressure BPao were anonymized digital recordings from previous routine cardiac catheterizations of eight patients at the German Heart Centre Berlin. The underlying pressure waveforms in BPfe were extracted by the single-channel independent component analysis (SCICA). The accuracy of the SCICA model to estimate the whole cBP waveform was evaluated by the mean absolute error (MAE), the root mean square error (RMSE), the relative RMSE (RRMSE), and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The agreement between the intra-aortic and estimated parameters including systolic (SBP), diastolic (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and pulse pressure (PP) was evaluated by the regression and Bland–Altman analyses.

Results

The SCICA tool estimated the cBP waveform non-invasively from the intra-arterial BPfe with an MAE of 0.159 ± 1.629, an RMSE of 5.153 ± 0.957 mmHg, an RRMSE of 5.424 ± 1.304%, and an ICC of 0.94, as well as two waveforms contributing to morphological distortion at the femoral artery. The regression analysis showed a strong linear trend between the estimated and intra-aortic SBP, DBP, MAP, and PP with high coefficient of determination R2 of 0.98, 0.99, 0.99, and 0.97 respectively. The Bland–Altman plots demonstrated good agreement between estimated and intra-aortic parameters with a mean error and a standard deviation of difference of −0.54 ± 2.42 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI): −5.28 to 4.20] for SBP, −1.97 ± 1.62 mmHg (95% CI: −5.14 to 1.20) for DBP, −1.49 ± 1.40 mmHg (95% CI: −4.25 to 1.26) for MAP, and 1.43 ± 2.79 mmHg (95% CI: −4.03 to 6.90) for PP.

Conclusions

The SCICA approach is a powerful tool that identifies sources contributing to morphological distortion at peripheral arteries and estimates cBP.
In situ probing of the present-day zircon-bearing magma chamber at Krafla, Northeastern Iceland
Authors: Borisova Anastassia Y. , Melnik Oleg E. , Gaborit Nicolas , Bindeman Ilya N. , Traillou Thibault , Raffarin Marie , Stefánsson Andri , Laurent Oscar , Leisen Mathieu , Llovet Xavier , de Parseval Philippe , Proietti Arnaud , Tait Stephen
Published: November 2023

Active felsic magmatism has been rarely probed in situ by drilling but one recent exception is quenched rhyolite sampled during the 2009 Iceland Deep Drilling Project (IDDP). We report finding of rare zircons of up to ∼100 µm in size in rhyolite glasses from the IDDP-1 well products and the host 1724 AD Viti granophyres. The applied SHRIMP U-Th dating for both the IDDP and the Viti granophyre zircons gives zero-age (±2 kyr), and therefore suggests that the IDDP-1 zircons have crystallized from an active magma intrusion rather than due to the 20–80 ka post-caldera magmatic episodes recorded by nearby domes and ridges. Ti-in-zircon geothermometer for Viti granophyre reveals zircon crystallization temperatures ∼800°C–900°C, whereas IDDP-1 rhyolite zircon cores show Ti content higher than 100 ppm, corresponding to temperatures up to ∼1,100°C according to the Ti-in-zircon thermometer. According to our thermochemical model at such elevated temperatures as 1,100°C, rhyolitic magma cannot be saturated with zircon and zircon crystallization is not possible. We explain this controversy by either kinetic effects or non-ideal Ti incorporation into growing zircons at low pressures that start to grow from nucleus at temperatures ∼930°C. High temperatures recorded by IDDP-1 zircon together with an occurrence of baddeleyite require that the rhyolite magma formed by partial melting of the host granophyre due to basaltic magma intrusion. Zr concentration profiles in glass around zircons are flat, suggesting residence in rhyolitic melt for >4 years. In our thermochemical modeling, three scenarios are considered. The host felsite rocks are intruded by: 1) a basaltic sill, 2) rhyolite magma 3) rhyolite sill connected to a deeper magmatic system. Based on the solution of the heat conduction equation accounting for the release of latent heat and effective thermal conductivity, these data confirm that the rhyolite magma could be produced by felsic crust melting as a result of injection of a basaltic or rhyolite sill during the Krafla Fires eruption (1975 AD).
Pseudohypoadrenalism, a subclinical cortisol metabolism disorder in hyperuricemia
Authors: Bao Ruixia , Chen Beibei , Pan Jujie , Wang Alexander , Yu Haiyang , Chen Qian , Zhang Yi , Wang Tao
Published: November 2023

Background

Hyperuricemia is a known risk factor of lipid metabolism disorder. However, the mechanisms have not been fully understood.

Methods

The serum samples from hyperuricemia subjects were used to analyze the correlation between serum uric acid and clinical characteristics. Hyperuricemia mice induced by potassium oxonate (PO) and adenine were used to explore glucocorticoid metabolism.

Results

In hyperuricemia patients, the levels of serum uric acid were positively correlated with the levels of γ-glutamyltransferase, associated with a cortisol metabolism disorder. In hyperuricemia state, the adrenal glands failed to respond to adrenocorticotropic hormone properly, leading to low cortisol, but not corticosterone production, and decreased mRNA levels of aldosterone synthase, 11β-hydroxylase, and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1, three key enzymes for cortisol synthesis. The expression of both hepatic 5α-reductase and renal 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 was significantly reduced, which led to low cortisol clearance. We denominated this cortisol metabolism disorder in hyperuricemia as pseudohypoadrenalism (PHAL).

Conclusion

PHAL increased exposure to the bioavailable cortisol in the liver, leading to local amplification of the biological action of corticosteroids. Unregulated biosynthesis pathway of bile acid expanded bile acid pool, and further aggravated cholestatic liver injury.
Designing a combined liothyronine (LT3), L- thyroxine (LT4) trial in symptomatic hypothyroid subjects on LT4 - the importance of patient selection, choice of LT3 and trial design
Authors: Premawardhana Lakdasa D. , Taylor Peter Nicholas , Okosieme Onyebuchi E. , Adlan Mohamed A. , Obuobie Emmanuel K. , Dayan Colin Mark
Published: November 2023

Approximately 10%–15% of subjects with hypothyroidism on L-thyroxine (LT4) alone have persistent symptoms affecting their quality of life (QoL). Although the cause is unclear, there is evidence that “tissue T3 lack” may be responsible. If so, combining liothyronine (LT3) with LT4 would be helpful. However, randomized controlled trials (RCT), have not established greater efficacy for the LT3 + LT4 combination in these subjects than for LT4 alone. While the trial design may have been responsible, the use of unphysiological, short-acting LT3 preparations and non-thyroid-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) may have contributed. We recommend attention to the following aspects of trial design for future RCTs of LT3 + LT4 compared to LT4 alone: (a) Subject selection—(i) measurable symptoms (disadvantages should be recognized); (ii) using a validated thyroid specific PROM such as ThyPRO39 or the Composite scale derived from it; (iii) those taking over 1.2 μg/day or 100 μg/day (for pragmatic reasons) of LT4 defining a population likely without intrinsic thyroid activity who depend on exogenous LT4; (iv) recruiting a preponderance of subjects with autoimmune thyroiditis increasing generalisability; and (v) those with a high symptom load with a greater response to combination therapy e.g. those with the deiodinase 2 polymorphism. (b) The use of physiological LT3 preparations producing pharmacokinetic similarities to T3 profiles in unaffected subjects: two long-acting LT3 preparations are currently available and must be tested in phase 2b/3 RCTs. (c) The superiority of a crossover design in limiting numbers and costs while maintaining statistical power and ensuring that all subjects experienced the investigative medication.
Energy evolution mechanism during rockburst development in structures of surrounding rocks of deep rockburst-prone roadways in coal mines
Authors: Xuan Zhongtang , Cheng Zhiheng , Li Chunyuan , Fan Chaojun , Qin Hongyan , Li Wenchen , Guo Kai , Chen Haoyi , Xie Yifei , Yang Likai
Published: November 2023

Influenced by the deep high-stress environment, geological structures, and mining disturbance in coal mines, the frequency of rockburst disasters in roadways is increasing. This research analyzed energy evolution characteristics during rockburst development in the elastic bearing zone and energy conversion in the plastic failure zone. The critical energy criteria for structural instability of roadway surrounding rocks were deduced. Numerical software was also applied to simulate the energy evolution during rockburst development in surrounding rocks of rockburst-prone roadways under conditions of different mining depths and coal pillar widths. The occurrence mechanism of rockburst deep in coal mines was analyzed from the perspective of energy in structures of deep roadway surrounding rock in coal mines. The research results show that the critical energy criteria are closely related to the elastic strain energy stored in deep roadway surrounding rocks and the energy absorbed by support systems. The impact energy in roadways is directly proportional to the square of the stress concentration factor k. Moreover, as the mining depth increases, the location of the peak point of maximum energy density gradually shifts to coal ahead of the working face. The larger the mining depth is, the more significantly the energy density is influenced by advanced abutment pressure of the working face and the wider the affected area is. With the increment of the coal pillar width, the distance from the peak point of energy density to the roadway boundary enlarges abruptly at first and then slowly, and the critical coal pillar width for gentle change in the distance is 30 m. Changes in the peak elastic energy density in coal pillars with the coal pillar width can be divided into four stages: the slow increase stage, abrupt increase stage, abrupt decrease stage, and slow decrease stage. The elastic energy density is distributed asymmetrically in deep roadway surrounding rocks in coal mines. Under the action of structures of roadway surrounding rocks, energy evolution in these structures differs greatly during rockburst development under conditions of different coal pillar widths. This research provides an important theoretical basis for the support of rockburst-prone roadways during deep coal mining.
Performance analysis and techno-economic assessment of a developed cooling/preheating small PVT-RO desalination plant
Authors: Bacha Habib Ben , Abdullah Abdelkader Saad , Alqasir Umar , Salama Reda S. , Abdelgaied Mohamed , Kabeel Abd Elnaby
Published: November 2023

Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries are experiencing rapid population growth, so water and electricity consumption plays a crucial role in the sustainable development of these countries. To overcome the water scarcity and electricity problems facing the MENA region, the developed cooling/preheating small PVT-RO desalination plants have been proposed as a practical solution. To achieve sustainable water and energy development in the MENA region, this study presents a commendable and highly efficient renewable energy project for freshwater production and electricity generation to solve the energy crisis and water scarcity in the MENA countries. Therefore, this study aims to develop a cooling/preheating small PVT-RO desalination plant to facilitate freshwater supply to remote regions and produce electricity. This was done by connecting photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) collectors with reverse osmosis (RO) desalination systems, where seawater is used as a medium to cool photovoltaic cells to increase electric power generation and at the same time recover thermal energy and use it in the initial heating of feed seawater before it is fed into the RO plants, thus increasing its productivity. The results indicate that using the photovoltaic thermal panels as preheating units will lead to a 0.135 kWh/m3 reduction in the rate of specific electricity consumption for the RO desalination plant, as well as increase the electricity generation from PVT panels by a rate of 8%. The economic feasibility presented that the proposed developed cooling/preheating small PVT-RO desalination plant represents an effective technology that reduced the freshwater cost by a rate of 49.5%.
Impact of Corona virus pandemic on wastewater characteristics, treatment, and water reuse in a municipal plant
Authors: Hamoda Mohamed F. , AL Rashidi Noura S.
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic is considered one of the most significant threats to health. The effect of the pandemic on performance of wastewater treatment plants has not received much attention in the literature. This study assessed the impact of Coronavirus pandemic on the wastewater quantity, characteristics, treatment processes, and water reuse in Kuwait. It focused on three municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) with different design capacities, namely Sulaibiya (600,000 m3/d), Kabd (180,000 m3/d), and Umm Al-Hayman (27,000 m3/d), all using tertiary treatment. Daily data records were obtained on influent and effluent over the years 2018–2020 (before and during the pandemic). In addition, influent and effluent samples were collected from the Sulaibiya and Kabd plants for laboratory analysis to determine the effect of increase in the use of home disinfectants. The results indicate an increase (<50%) in the average daily flow rates received in WWTPs during the 2020 home quarantine lockdowns. Statistical analysis showed stability of the Sulaibiya in BOD5, COD, and TSS removal efficiency while a decrease in the Kabd and UAH plants removal efficiency was observed during the pandemic. During the lockdown period, GC-MS analysis showed a high probability of chloroxylenol (>90), one of the main components of Dettol disinfectant, existing in the raw wastewater samples while the GC-FID analysis indicated the presence of (PAH) as emerging contaminants, at higher concentrations in the influent and effluent samples. The pandemic adversely affected wastewater treatment plant performance and excessive use of Dettol disinfectant by homes resulted in the presence of objectionable organic pollutants in the tertiary-treated effluent which would impair water reuse. Reverse osmosis process used in Sulaibiya plant proved to be effective in removing residual organics and improving effluent quality for reuse during the pandemic.
Evaluation of three formulations based on Polymorphic membrane protein D in mice infected with Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Russi Romina Cecilia , del Balzo Diego , Reidel Ivana Gabriela , Alonso Bivou Mariano , Flor Noelia , Lujan Agustín , Sanchez Diego , Damiani María Teresa , Veaute Carolina
Published: November 2023

The significant impact of Chlamydia trachomatis(Ct) infections worldwide highlights the need to develop a prophylactic vaccine that elicits effective immunity and protects the host from the immunopathological effects of Ct infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate a vaccine based on a fragment of the Polymorphic membrane protein D (FPmpD) of C. trachomatis as an immunogen using a heterologous DNA prime-protein boost strategy in female mice Three different formulations were evaluated as protein boost: free recombinant FPmpD (rFPmpD) or rFPmpD formulated with a liposomal adjuvant alternatively supplemented with CpG or a cationic gemini lipopeptide as immunostimulants. The three candidates induced an increase in the cervicovaginal and systemic titers of anti-rFPmpD antibodies in two strains of mice (BALB/c and C57BL/6), with no evidence of fertility alterations. The three formulations induced a rapid and robust humoral immune response upon the Ct challenge. However, the booster with free rFPmpD more efficiently reduced the shedding of infective Ct and prevented the development of immunopathology. The formulations containing adjuvant induced a strong inflammatory reaction in the uterine tissue. Hence, the prime-boost strategy with the adjuvant-free FPmpD vaccine formulation might constitute a promissory candidate to prevent C. trachomatis intravaginal infection.
Unraveling immunotherapeutic targets for endometriosis: a transcriptomic and single-cell analysis
Authors: Zhou Cankun , Feng Minqing , Chen Yonglian , Lv Side , Zhang Yifan , Chen Jiebo , Zhang Rujian , Huang Xiaobin
Published: November 2023

Background

Endometriosis (EMs), a common gynecological disorder, adversely affects the quality of life of females. The pathogenesis of EMs has not been elucidated and the diagnostic methods for EMs have limitations. This study aimed to identify potential molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of EMs.

Methods

Differential gene expression (DEG) and functional enrichment analyses were performed using the R language. WGCNA, Random Forest, SVM-REF and LASSO methods were used to identify core immune genes. The CIBERSORT algorithm was then used to analyse the differences in immune cell infiltration and to explore the correlation between immune cells and core genes. In addition, the extent of immune cell infiltration and the expression of immune core genes were investigated using single-cell RNA (scRNA) sequencing data. Finally, we performed molecular docking of three core genes with dienogest and goserelin to screen for potential drug targets.

Results

DEGs enriched in immune response, angiogenesis and estrogen processes. CXCL12, ROBO3 and SCG2 were identified as core immune genes. RT-PCR confirmed that the expression of CXCL12 and SCG2 was significantly upregulated in 12Z cells compared to hESCs cells. ROC curves showed high diagnostic value for these genes. Abnormal immune cell distribution, particularly increased macrophages, was observed in endometriosis. CXCL12, ROBO3 and SCG2 correlated with immune cell levels. Molecular docking suggested their potential as drug targets.

Conclusion

This study investigated the correlation between EMs and the immune system and identified potential immune-related biomarkers. These findings provided valuable insights for developing clinically relevant diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for EMs.
Neural network models for seabed stability: a deep learning approach to wave-induced pore pressure prediction
Authors: Du Xing , Sun Yongfu , Song Yupeng , Yu Yang , Zhou Qikun
Published: November 2023

Wave cyclic loading in submarine sediments can lead to pore pressure accumulation, causing geohazards and compromising seabed stability. Accurate prediction of long-term wave-induced pore pressure is essential for disaster prevention. Although numerical simulations have contributed to understanding wave-induced pore pressure response, traditional methods lack the ability to simulate long-term and real oceanic conditions. This study proposes the use of recurrent neural network (RNN) models to predict wave-induced pore pressure based on in-situ monitoring data. Three RNN models (RNN, LSTM, and GRU) are compared, considering different seabed depths, and input parameters. The results demonstrate that all three RNN models can accurately predict wave-induced pore pressure data, with the GRU model exhibiting the highest accuracy (absolute error less than 2 kPa). Pore pressure at the previous time step and water depth are highly correlated with prediction, while wave height, wind speed, and wind direction show a secondary correlation. This study contributes to the development of wave-induced liquefaction early warning systems and offers insights for utilizing RNNs in geological time series analysis.
Unobstructed orthopaedic surgical robot assisted percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation of sacral brittle fractures
Authors: Hao Xiao-dong , Zhang Yuan-zhi , Wang Shao-bai , Liu Gang
Published: November 2023

Pelvic fractures mostly result from high-energy injuries in life; the longitudinal fracture of the sacrum is the most common type of sacrum fracture. This study was designed to evaluate the accuracy, safety, and efficacy of percutaneous sacroiliac joint screw placement in the treatment of longitudinal sacrum fractures with the assistance of unobstructed orthopaedic surgery robots. According to different surgical methods, 32 patients were divided into robot group and free hand group, with 16 patients in each group. The operation time, intra-operative blood loss, intra-operative fluoroscopy times, screw placement angle deviation were collected. There were statistically significant differences in terms of angle deviation of screw placement (1.96 ± 0.75° vs. 2.87 ± 1.03°; p = 0.0145), deviation of the guide needle (1.92 ± 0.93 mm vs. 2.91 ± 1.22 mm; p = 0.0209), intra-operative fluoroscopy time (7.25 ± 1.72 s vs. 20.93 ± 5.64 s; p = 0.0000), insertion time of each sacroiliac joint screw (14.72 ± 2.66 min vs. 29.21 ± 5.18 min; p = 0.0000). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of blood loss (100.21 ± 7.37 mL vs. 102.52 ± 8.15 mL; p = 0.4136). These results suggest that orthopaedic surgery robot for the treatment of longitudinal sacrum fracture is safer and provides less irradiation than the traditional freehand methods.
Chicken IFI6 inhibits avian reovirus replication and affects related innate immune signaling pathways
Authors: Wan Lijun , Wang Sheng , Xie Zhixun , Ren Hongyu , Xie Liji , Luo Sisi , Li Meng , Xie Zhiqin , Fan Qing , Zeng Tingting , Zhang Yanfang , Zhang Minxiu , Huang Jiaoling , Wei You
Published: November 2023

Interferon-alpha inducible protein 6 (IFI6) is an important interferon-stimulated gene. To date, research on IFI6 has mainly focused on human malignant tumors, virus-related diseases and autoimmune diseases. Previous studies have shown that IFI6 plays an important role in antiviral, antiapoptotic and tumor-promoting cellular functions, but few studies have focused on the structure or function of avian IFI6. Avian reovirus (ARV) is an important virus that can exert immunosuppressive effects on poultry. Preliminary studies have shown that IFI6 expression is upregulated in various tissues and organs of specific-pathogen-free chickens infected with ARV, suggesting that IFI6 plays an important role in ARV infection. To analyze the function of avian IFI6, particularly in ARV infection, the chicken IFI6 gene was cloned, a bioinformatics analysis was conducted, and the roles of IFI6 in ARV replication and the innate immune response were investigated after the overexpression or knockdown of IFI6 in vitro. The results indicated that the molecular weight of the chicken IFI6 protein was approximately 11 kDa and that its structure was similar to that of the human IFI27L1 protein. A phylogenetic tree analysis of the IFI6 amino acid sequence revealed that the evolution of mammals and birds was clearly divided into two branches. The evolutionary history and homology of chickens are similar to those of other birds. Avian IFI6 localized to the cytoplasm and was abundantly expressed in the chicken lung, intestine, pancreas, liver, spleen, glandular stomach, thymus, bursa of Fabricius and trachea. Further studies demonstrated that IFI6 overexpression in DF-1 cells inhibited ARV replication and that the inhibition of IFI6 expression promoted ARV replication. After ARV infection, IFI6 modulated the expression of various innate immunity-related factors. Notably, the expression patterns of MAVS and IFI6 were similar, and the expression patterns of IRF1 and IFN-β were opposite to those of IFI6. The results of this study further advance the research on avian IFI6 and provide a theoretical basis for further research on the role of IFI6 in avian virus infection and innate immunity.
Meta-omic profiling reveals ubiquity of genes encoding for the nitrogen-rich biopolymer cyanophycin in activated sludge microbiomes
Authors: Farmer McKenna , Rajasabhai Rashmi , Tarpeh William , Tyo Keith , Wells George
Published: November 2023

Recovering nitrogen (N) from municipal wastewater is a promising approach to prevent nutrient pollution, reduce energy use, and transition toward a circular N bioeconomy, but remains a technologically challenging endeavor. Existing N recovery techniques are optimized for high-strength, low-volume wastewater. Therefore, developing methods to concentrate dilute N from mainstream wastewater will bridge the gap between existing technologies and practical implementation. The N-rich biopolymer cyanophycin is a promising candidate for N bioconcentration due to its pH-tunable solubility characteristics and potential for high levels of accumulation. However, the cyanophycin synthesis pathway is poorly explored in engineered microbiomes. In this study, we analyzed over 3,700 publicly available metagenome assembled genomes (MAGs) and found that the cyanophycin synthesis gene cphA was ubiquitous across common activated sludge bacteria. We found that cphA was present in common phosphorus accumulating organisms (PAO) Ca. ‘Accumulibacter’ and Tetrasphaera, suggesting potential for simultaneous N and P bioconcentration in the same organisms. Using metatranscriptomic data, we confirmed the expression of cphA in lab-scale bioreactors enriched with PAO. Our findings suggest that cyanophycin synthesis is a ubiquitous metabolic activity in activated sludge microbiomes. The possibility of combined N and P bioconcentration could lower barriers to entry for N recovery, since P concentration by PAO is already a widespread biotechnology in municipal wastewater treatment. We anticipate this work to be a starting point for future evaluations of combined N and P bioaccumulation, with the ultimate goal of advancing widespread adoption of N recovery from municipal wastewater.
Chlorella pyrenoidosa mitigated the negative effect of cylindrospermopsin-producing and non-cylindrospermopsin-producing Raphidiopsis raciborskii on Daphnia magna as a dietary supplement
Authors: Lei Lamei , Lai Shuyan , Liu Wei , Li Yaokai , Zhang Huiping , Tang Yali
Published: November 2023

Feeding effects are crucial for evaluating the capacity of zooplankton to regulate phytoplankton populations within freshwater ecosystems. To examine the impact of the bloom-forming cyanobacteria Raphidiopsis raciborskii, which occurs in tropical and subtropical freshwaters, on the growth of zooplankton Daphnia in relation to toxins, filament length and fatty acid content, we fed D. magna with R. raciborskii only (cylindrospermopsin (CYN)-producing and non-CYN-producing, as the negative controls), Chlorella pyrenoidosa only (as the positive control) and a mixed diet containing R. raciborskii (CYN-producing and non-CYN-producing) and C. pyrenoidosa. Consequently, our findings revealed that the toxic effect of CYN-producing R. raciborskii strains on Daphnia was mitigated by the coexistence of C. pyrenoidosa containing stearidonic acid (SDA, C18:4 ω3) in mixed diets. This was evident in the elevated survival rate compared that from diets containing only R. raciborskii and a significantly higher reproduction and population intrinsic increase rate compared to diets consisting of only R. raciborskii or C. pyrenoidos. Additionally, a strong positive correlation was observed between arachidonic acid (ARA, 20:4ω6) and the population intrinsic increase rate of Daphnia; notably, R. raciborskii strains were found to be rich in the ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acid ARA. These outcomes reinforce the crucial role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in predicting the population increase of crustacean zooplankton, which has long been neglected. Furthermore, our results underscore the potential effectiveness of zooplankton, particularly in temperate lakes, in controlling CYN-producing R. raciborskii populations.
Comparison of Shigella GMMA and glycoconjugate four-component formulations in animals
Authors: Di Benedetto Roberta , Mancini Francesca , Caradonna Valentina , Aruta Maria Grazia , Giannelli Carlo , Rossi Omar , Micoli Francesca
Published: November 2023

Shigellosis is leading bacterial cause of diarrhea with high prevalence in children younger than 5 years in low- and middle-income countries, and increasing number of reports of Shigella cases associated to anti-microbial resistance. No vaccines against Shigella are still licensed, but different candidates based on the O-antigen portion of lipopolysaccharides are in clinic. Generalized Modules for Membrane Antigens (GMMA) have been proposed as an alternative delivery system for the O-antigen, and a 4-component vaccine candidate (altSonflex1-2-3), containing GMMA from S. sonnei and S. flexneri 1b, 2a and 3a is being tested in a phase 1/2 clinical trial, with the aim to elicit broad protection against the most prevalent Shigella serotypes. Here, the 4-component GMMA vaccine candidate has been compared to a more traditional glycoconjugate formulation for the ability to induce functional antibodies in mice and rabbits. In mice, in the absence of Alhydrogel, GMMA induce higher IgG antibodies than glycoconjugates and stronger bactericidal titers against all Shigella serotypes. In the presence of Alhydrogel, GMMA induce O-antigen specific IgG levels similar to traditional glycoconjugates, but with a broader range of IgG subclasses, resulting in stronger bactericidal activity. In rabbits, GMMA elicit higher functional antibodies than glycoconjugates against S. sonnei, and similar responses to S. flexneri 1b, 2a and 3a, independently from the presence of Alhydrogel. Different O-antigen based vaccines against Shigella are now in clinical stage and it will be of particular interest to understand how the preclinical findings in the different animal models translate in humans.
Defects go green: using defects in nanomaterials for renewable energy and environmental sustainability
Authors: Fuhr Addis S. , Sumpter Bobby G. , Ganesh Panchapakesan
Published: November 2023

Induction of point defects in nanomaterials can bestow upon them entirely new physics or augment their pre-existing physical properties, thereby expanding their potential use in green energy technology. Predicting structure-property relationships for defects a priori is challenging, and developing methods for precise control of defect type, density, or structural distribution during synthesis is an even more formidable task. Hence, tuning the defect structure to tailor nanomaterials for enhanced device performance remains an underutilized tool in materials design. We review here the state of nanomaterial design through the lens of computational prediction of defect properties for green energy technology, and synthesis methods to control defect formation for optimal performance. We illustrate the efficacy of defect-focused approaches for refining nanomaterial physics by describing several specific applications where these techniques hold potential. Most notably, we focus on quantum dots for reabsorption-free solar windows and net-zero emission buildings, oxide cathodes for high energy density lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles, and transition metal dichalcogenides for electrocatalytic green hydrogen production and carbon-free fuels.
Conditional knockout of REST/NRSF in excitatory neurons reduces seizure susceptibility to chemical kindling
Authors: Natali Giulia , Michetti Caterina , Krawczun-Rygmaczewska Alicja , Floss Thomas , Cesca Fabrizia , Benfenati Fabio
Published: November 2023

The repressor element-1 silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencer factor (REST/NRSF) is an epigenetic master regulator that plays a crucial role during nervous system development and maturation. REST function was originally described during development, where it determines neuronal phenotype. However, recent studies showed that REST participates in several processes in the adult brain, including neuronal plasticity and epileptogenesis. In this regard, the relationships between REST and epilepsy are still controversial and need further investigation. As forebrain excitatory neurons are the common final pathway of seizure susceptibility, we investigated the role of REST in epilepsy by inducing REST conditional knockout (REST-cKO) specifically in excitatory neurons of the hippocampus. To target the excitatory neuronal population, we cloned the calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα minimal promoter upstream of Cre recombinase. After assessing the specificity of the promoter's expression, the transgenes were packaged in an engineered adeno-associated virus able to cross the blood–brain and blood–cerebrospinal fluid barriers and delivered in the lateral ventricles of 2-month-old RESTflox/flox mice to characterize, after 1 month, the cognitive phenotype and the seizure propensity. We show that REST-cKO mice display lower levels of anxiety in the light–dark test with respect to control mice but have unaltered motor, social, and cognitive profiles. The evaluation of the susceptibility to epileptic seizures showed that REST-cKO mice are more resistant to pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling but not to seizures induced by a single administration of the convulsant and show higher survival rates. Overall, these data suggest that the absence of REST in forebrain excitatory neurons decreases seizure susceptibility, pointing to a pro-epileptogenic role of the transcriptional repressor under conditions of pathological excitation/inhibition imbalance.
Effects of green coffee aqueous extract supplementation on glycemic indices, lipid profile, CRP, and malondialdehyde in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Khalili-Moghadam Sajad , Hedayati Mehdi , Golzarand Mahdieh , Mirmiran Parvin
Published: November 2023

Background/objectives

Studies have reported the health benefits of green coffee extract (GCE) in experimental models. In the current study, we aimed to determine whether supplementation with GCE improves glycemic indices, inflammation, and oxidative stress in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Methods and study design

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial included 44 patients (26 male and 18 female) with T2D and overweight/obesity. After blocked randomization, patients received either capsules containing 400 mg GCE twice per day (n = 22) or a placebo (n = 22) and were followed for 10 weeks. In this study, glycemic indices, lipid profiles, anthropometric examinations, blood pressure, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured twice; at baseline and at the end of the study.

Results

After 10 weeks of supplementation, GCE supplementation significantly reduced body weight (p = 0.04) and body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.03) compared to the placebo. The intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis indicated patients in the GCE group had a lower fasting blood glucose (FBG) concentration compared to the placebo group; however, this decreasing was marginally significant (8.48 ± 8.41 vs. 1.70 ± 5.82 mg/dL, p = 0.05). There was no significant difference in insulin levels and HOMA-IR between the groups. At the end of the study, significant changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.01), triglyceride (TG) level (p = 0.02), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (p = 0.001), and TG-to-HDL ratio (p = 0.001) were found between the intervention and placebo groups. Our trial indicated GCE supplementation had no effect on diastolic blood pressure (DBP), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or total cholesterol. During the supplementation period, the hs-CRP level significantly decreased in the GCE group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.02). No significant changes were observed in the MDA level between the two groups at the end of the study (p = 0.54).

Conclusion

Our findings showed beneficial effects of GCE on SBP, TG, hs-CRP, and HDL levels in patients with T2D and overweight/obesity over a 10-week period of supplementation.

Clinical trial registration:https://en.irct.ir/trial/48549, identifier [IRCT20090203001640N18].