bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in population-based incidence, diagnostics, and mortality of acute superior mesenteric artery occlusion
Authors: Soltanzadeh-Naderi Y. , Acosta S.
Published: January 2024

Acute occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) results in lethal intestinal ischemia. Results from two previous population-based studies in Malmö, Sweden, suggest a decreasing incidence of acute SMA occlusion. This study aimed to evaluate trends in the epidemiology of acute SMA occlusion in Malmö. The report was a retrospective population-based study conducted from 2014 to 2019 on patients with acute SMA occlusion residing in Malmö municipality. Patient data were retrieved from Skåne University Hospital and postmortem examinations. Epidemiological data were compared to those of the two earlier studies, in particular to the one conducted from 2000 to 2006. Sixteen patients with acute SMA occlusion resided in Malmö municipality. The incidence of acute SMA occlusion significantly decreased from 5.4/100,000 person-years to 0.8/100,000 person-years. The ratio of acute SMA occlusion to non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) decreased from 12.5:1 to 0.9:1 (p < 0.0001), the proportion of inhabitants aged 80 years or above in the population decreased from 6.0% to 4.3% (p < 0.0001), and the autopsy rate decreased from 25% to 14% (p < 0.0001). The in-hospital mortality rate decreased from 63% to 44% (p = 0.14). The incidence of acute SMA occlusion seems to have decreased significantly in Malmö, probably due to high-resolution computed tomography angiographies being available around the clock to distinguish acute SMA occlusion from NOMI, a reduced proportion of elderly individuals, improved control of medical risk factors, and a decrease in autopsy rates.
Short-term clinical outcomes and five-year survival analysis of laparoscopic-assisted transanal natural orifice specimen extraction versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for sigmoid and rectal cancer: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Zheng Zhizhong , Kang Fenfen , Yang Yugang , Fang Yicong , Yao Kaiyuan , Zeng Qunzhang , Fu Muhai , Luo Lixiong , Xue Xiajuan , Lin Shuijie , Shi Xingpeng , Fang Xun , Zhou Baohua , Guo Yincong
Published: January 2024

Background

The cosmetic benefits of natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE) are easily noticeable, but its principles of aseptic and tumor-free procedure have caused controversy.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of the clinical data of patients who underwent laparoscopic-assisted transanal NOSE or conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) for sigmoid and rectal cancer at our hospital between January 2018 and December 2018. The study aimed to compare the general characteristics, perioperative indicators, postoperative complications, and five-year follow-up results between the two groups.

Results

A total of 121 eligible patients were enrolled, with 52 underwent laparoscopic-assisted transanal NOSE and 69 underwent CLS. There were no significant differences observed between the two groups in terms of gender, age, body mass index (BMI), TNM stage, etc. (P > 0.05). However, the NOSE group exhibited significantly shorter total incision length and longer operation time compared to the CLS group (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences observed between the two groups in terms of positive rate of bacterial culture, incidence rates of intraabdominal infections or anastomotic leakage (P > 0.05). Furthermore, during follow-up period there was no statistically significant difference observed between these two groups concerning overall survival rate and disease-free survival outcomes (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The management of surgical complications in CLS is exemplary, with NOSE presenting a sole advantage in terms of incision length albeit at the cost of prolonged operative time. Therefore, NOSE may be deemed appropriate for patients who place high emphasis on postoperative cosmetic outcomes.
Indoor PV Modeling Based on the One-Diode Model
Authors: Teh Christopher Jun Qian , Drieberg Micheal , Hasan Khairul Nisak Md , Shah Abdul Latif , Ahmad Rizwan
Published: January 2024

The use of photovoltaic (PV) panels in interior spaces is expected to increase due to the proliferation of low-power sensor devices in the IoT domain. PV models are critical for estimating the I–V curves that define their performance at various light intensities. These models and the extraction of their parameters have been extensively studied under outdoor conditions, but their indoor illumination performance is less studied. With respect to the latter, several studies have used the parameter-scaling technique. However, the model’s accuracy degrades when the light level decreases. In this study, we propose a simple PV modeling technique that can be applied at various illuminance levels by only using characteristic points (short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, and maximum-power voltage points) at a reference illumination level. The model uses the characteristic point translation technique to translate the reference characteristic points to other operating conditions. Then, parameter extraction technique is used to extract the model’s parameters. The proposed model’s accuracy is verified using two commercial PV panels and different indoor lighting technologies. The results indicate that the proposed model outperforms the other examined works in terms of accuracy, with an average improvement of 15.75%.
A Machine Learning Force Field for Bio-Macromolecular Modeling Based on Quantum Chemistry-Calculated Interaction Energy Datasets
Authors: Fan Zhen-Xuan , Chao Sheng D.
Published: January 2024

Accurate energy data from noncovalent interactions are essential for constructing force fields for molecular dynamics simulations of bio-macromolecular systems. There are two important practical issues in the construction of a reliable force field with the hope of balancing the desired chemical accuracy and working efficiency. One is to determine a suitable quantum chemistry level of theory for calculating interaction energies. The other is to use a suitable continuous energy function to model the quantum chemical energy data. For the first issue, we have recently calculated the intermolecular interaction energies using the SAPT0 level of theory, and we have systematically organized these energies into the ab initio SOFG-31 (homodimer) and SOFG-31-heterodimer datasets. In this work, we re-calculate these interaction energies by using the more advanced SAPT2 level of theory with a wider series of basis sets. Our purpose is to determine the SAPT level of theory proper for interaction energies with respect to the CCSD(T)/CBS benchmark chemical accuracy. Next, to utilize these energy datasets, we employ one of the well-developed machine learning techniques, called the CLIFF scheme, to construct a general-purpose force field for biomolecular dynamics simulations. Here we use the SOFG-31 dataset and the SOFG-31-heterodimer dataset as the training and test sets, respectively. Our results demonstrate that using the CLIFF scheme can reproduce a diverse range of dimeric interaction energy patterns with only a small training set. The overall errors for each SAPT energy component, as well as the SAPT total energy, are all well below the desired chemical accuracy of ~1 kcal/mol.
Impact of Aging and a High-Fat Diet on Adipose-Tissue-Derived Extracellular Vesicle miRNA Profiles in Mice
Authors: Cho Young-Eun , Chen Shaoshuai , Crouch Keith , Yun Joseph , Klingelhutz Aloysius
Published: January 2024

Background: Middle-aged adults have the highest obesity rates, leading to significant health complications in later years. Obesity triggers the release of altered molecules, including extracellular vesicles (EVs) from excess adipose tissue (AT), contributing to various health complications. In this study, we assessed the effects of age and a high-fat diet on AT-derived EV miRNA profiles to understand their potential roles in aging and obesity. Method: C57BL/6 male mice were subjected to a normal chow diet (NCD) or a high-fat diet (HFD) for either 10–12 weeks (young mice, n = 10) or 50–61 weeks (middle-aged mice, n = 12). After evaluating metabolic characteristics, peri-gonadal white AT was isolated and cultured to obtain EVs. AT-derived EV miRNAs were profiled using a NanoString miRNA panel (n = 599). Results: Middle-aged mice exhibited obesity regardless of diet. Young mice fed an HFD showed similar metabolic traits to middle-aged mice. In the NCD group, 131 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRNAs) emerged in middle-aged mice compared to young mice, including miR-21, miR-148a, and miR-29a, associated with cancer, neuro/psychological disorders, and reproductive diseases. In the HFD group, 55 DE-miRNAs were revealed in middle-aged mice compared to young mice. These miRNAs were associated with significantly suppressed IGF1R activity. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential significant impact of miRNAs of AT EVs on aging- and obesity-related diseases.
Polymorphous Adenocarcinoma: A Systematic Review of the Literature and Presentation of Two Cases in a Less-Considered Anatomical Site
Authors: Mauceri Rodolfo , Coppini Martina , Alecci Giuseppe , Cordova Adriana , Florena Ada Maria , Magro Gaetano , Toro Corrado , Campisi Giuseppina
Published: January 2024

Background: Polymorphous adenocarcinoma (PAC) is the second-most common malignant tumour of the minor salivary glands. Although PAC predominantly affects the palate, it can also involve the buccal mucosa. This systematic review aims to investigate the literature data about PAC. Furthermore, we report two cases of patients affected by PAC in an infrequently considered anatomical site. Methods: According to PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Observational studies conducted on patients with a histological diagnosis of PAC were selected and analysed. Furthermore, two cases of patients with PAC affecting the buccal mucosa were reported. Results: Twenty-nine studies were included, and 143 patients affected by PAC were analysed (62 males, 75 females, and 6 undefined, with a mean age of 57.4 ± 14.5 years). The palate was the most affected site (99/143, 69.2%), followed by the buccal mucosa (12/143, 8.4%). Moreover, we report two cases of patients with PAC affecting the buccal mucosa (one male and one female, with a mean age of 70.5 ± 2.5 years). Conclusions: The present study underscores the importance of considering the buccal mucosa as a possible location of minor salivary gland tumours; although it is a less-considered affliction, it is not uncommon.
Simulation Process for Allyl Alcohol Production via Deoxydehydration of Glycerol
Authors: Assaad Ghadir , Silva Vargas Karen , Katryniok Benjamin , Araque Marcia
Published: January 2024

A process for the deoxydehydration (DODH) of glycerol to allyl alcohol in 2-hexanol as solvent was modelled with Aspen Plus. Experimental results for the DODH reaction, the liquid vapour equilibria and the catalytic hydrogenation were employed for the development of the model. The whole process consists of four subsystems: allyl alcohol production (S1), solvent recovery (S2), allyl alcohol purification (S3) and solvent regeneration (S4). Based on the results of the process model, allyl alcohol with 96% yield and a purity of 99.99% with product loss of only 0.2% was obtained. The optimisation of the energy consumption through an integrated heat exchange network resulted in a net primary energy input of 863.5 kW, which corresponded to a carbon footprint of 1.89 kgCO2/kgAllylOH.
Impact of Opioid Use on Duration of Therapy and Overall Survival for Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Young Philip , Elghawy Omar , Mock Joseph , Wynter Emmett , Gentzler Ryan D. , Martin Linda W. , Novicoff Wendy , Hall Richard
Published: January 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have significantly improved outcomes in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We evaluated the effect of opioid use on outcomes in patients receiving ICI either alone or with chemotherapy. We conducted a retrospective review of 209 patients with advanced NSCLC who received an ICI at the University of Virginia between 1 February 2015 and 1 January 2020. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to evaluate the impact of opioid use on duration of therapy (DOT) and overall survival (OS). Patients with no or low opioid use (n = 172) had a median DOT of 12.2 months (95% CI: 6.9–17.4) compared to 1.9 months (95% CI: 1.8–2.0) for those with high opioid use (n = 37, HR 0.26 95% CI: 0.17–0.40, p < 0.001). Patients with no or low opioid use had a median OS of 22.6 months (95% CI: 14.8–30.4) compared to 3.8 months (95% CI: 2.7–4.9) for those with high opioid use (HR 0.26 95% CI: 0.17–0.40 p < 0.001). High opioid use was associated with a shorter DOT and worse OS. This difference remained significant when accounting for possible confounding variables. These data warrant investigation of possible mechanistic interactions between opioids, tumor progression, and ICIs, as well as prospective evaluation of opioid-sparing pain management strategies, where possible.
Numerical Simulation Study of Hydrogen Blending Combustion in Swirl Pulverized Coal Burner
Authors: Lin Xiang , Lei Xin , Wang Chen , Jing Xuehui , Liu Wei , Dong Lijiang , Wang Qiaozhen , Lu Hao
Published: January 2024

Hydrogen blending of pulverized coal in boilers is a promising technology. However, there are few studies on hydrogen blending in coal-fired boilers. In order to reduce CO2 emissions from coal-fired boilers, this study investigates the co-combustion of pulverized coal and hydrogen in a swirl pulverized coal burner by numerical simulation. Itis shown that the burnout rate of fuel is 5.08% higher than that of non-hydrogen blended coal when the percentage of hydrogen blended is 5%. The water vapor generated by hydrogen blending not only leads to the formation of a low-temperature zone near the burner outlet; it also results in a prolonged burnout time of moist pulverized coal and a high-temperature zone near the furnace outlet. The greater the amount of hydrogen for blending, the higher the water produced. When 1–3% hydrogen is blended, the water vapor in the furnace reacts with the carbon to produce a large amount of CO. When the amount of hydrogen added to the furnace is more than 3%, the water content in the furnace rises, resulting in a lower temperature at the burner outlet and a decrease in the amount of CO produced. When 1–3% hydrogen is blended, the CO2 emission rises. The CO2 emission decreased by 1.49% for 5% hydrogen blending compared to non-hydrogen blending and by 3.22% compared to 1% hydrogen blending.
Design and Analysis of a Three-Phase Interleaved DC-DC Boost Converter with an Energy Storage System for a PV System
Authors: Pirashanthiyah L. , Edirisinghe H. N. , De Silva W. M. P. , Bolonne S. R. A. , Logeeshan V. , Wanigasekara C.
Published: January 2024

This paper describes a groundbreaking design of a three-phase interleaved boost converter for PV systems, leveraging parallel-connected conventional boost converters to reduce input current and output voltage ripple while improving the dynamic performance. A distinctive feature of this study is the direct connection of a Li-Ion battery to the DC link, which eliminates the need for an additional charging circuit, which is a departure from conventional approaches. Furthermore, the combination of an MPPT controller and a closed-loop fuzzy controller with a current control mode ensures accurate switching signal generation for all three phases. The meticulously tuned system exhibits a remarkably low ripple content in the output voltage, surpassing calculated values, and demonstrates a superior dynamic performance. The investigation extends to a comprehensive analysis of losses, encompassing inductor copper loss and semiconductor conduction loss. In all scenarios, the converter exhibits an efficiency exceeding 93%, highlighting its robust performance as an effective solution for PV systems.
Ultra-Short-Term Wind Power Prediction Based on eEEMD-LSTM
Authors: Huang Jingtao , Zhang Weina , Qin Jin , Song Shuzhong
Published: January 2024

The intermittent and random nature of wind brings great challenges to the accurate prediction of wind power; a single model is insufficient to meet the requirements of ultra-short-term wind power prediction. Although ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD) can be used to extract the time series features of the original wind power data, the number of its modes will increase with the complexity of the original data. Too many modes are unnecessary, making the prediction model constructed based on the sub-models too complex. An entropy ensemble empirical mode decomposition (eEEMD) method based on information entropy is proposed in this work. Fewer components with significant feature differences are obtained using information entropy to reconstruct sub-sequences. The long short-term memory (LSTM) model is suitable for prediction after the decomposition of time series. All the modes are trained with the same deep learning framework LSTM. In view of the different features of each mode, models should be trained differentially for each mode; a rule is designed to determine the training error of each mode according to its average value. In this way, the model prediction accuracy and efficiency can make better tradeoffs. The predictions of different modes are reconstructed to obtain the final prediction results. The test results from a wind power unit show that the proposed eEEMD-LSTM has higher prediction accuracy compared with single LSTM and EEMD-LSTM, and the results based on Bayesian ridge regression (BR) and support vector regression (SVR) are the same; eEEMD-LSTM exhibits better performance.
Effects of Climate Change on Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) Growth across Europe: Decrease of Tree-Ring Fluctuation and Amplification of Climate Stress
Authors: Brichta Jakub , Šimůnek Václav , Bílek Lukáš , Vacek Zdeněk , Gallo Josef , Drozdowski Stanisław , Bravo-Fernández José Alfredo , Mason Bill , Roig Gomez Sonia , Hájek Vojtěch , Vacek Stanislav , Štícha Václav , Brabec Pavel , Fuchs Zdeněk
Published: January 2024

From an economic perspective, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is one of Europe’s most important tree species. It is characterized by its wide ecological adaptability across its natural range. This research aimed to evaluate the forest structure, productivity and especially radial growth of heterogenous pine stands in 16 research plots in the Czech Republic, Poland, Spain and Great Britain. The study assessed the tree-ring formation and its relationship to climate change for each country, using 163 dendrochronological samples. The stand volume of mature pine forest ranged between 91 and 510 m3 ha−1, and the carbon sequestration in the tree biomass was 40–210 t ha−1. The stands had a prevailing random distribution of trees, with a high vertical structure close to selection forests (forest stands with typical very diverse height, diameter and age structure). Spectral analyses showed a substantial decrease in fluctuations in the tree-ring index and a loss in natural growth cyclicity in the last thirty years. The results also evinced that mean air temperature was the most important factor influencing the radial growth compared to precipitation totals. Pine thrives in precipitation-stable locations, as shown by the results from Great Britain. The conclusions of this study confirm the fundamental effect of ongoing global climate change on the dynamics and growth of pine forests in Europe.
Antisocial Personality Traits, Substance Use, and Somatization: A Brief Consideration of Their Interrelation
Authors: Arble Eamonn
Published: January 2024

The relationship between antisocial personality traits and the expression of somatic symptoms has been the subject of several theoretical and empirical investigations. The present study sought to advance the understanding of the relationship between these variables by testing two moderation models. It was hypothesized that the relationship between antisocial traits and somatization would be moderated by alcohol use, such that the presence of alcohol dependence would strengthen the relationship between antisocial traits and somatization. It was also hypothesized that gender would play a moderating role in the relationship between ASPD and somatization, such that the relationship would be stronger among women than among men. These models were tested in a sample of 787 criminal offenders. Gender did not emerge as a significant moderator in the relationship between antisocial traits and somatization. Although substance use did significantly moderate the relationship between antisocial traits and somatization, the direction of the effect ran counter to expectations: among participants reporting a history of alcohol dependency, the relationship between antisocial features and somatization was diminished. The implications of these findings are discussed.
A Comprehensive Study of MicroRNA in Baculoviruses
Authors: Motta Lucas Federico , Cerrudo Carolina Susana , Belaich Mariano Nicolás
Published: January 2024

Baculoviruses are viral pathogens that infect different species of Lepidoptera, Diptera, and Hymenoptera, with a global distribution. Due to their biological characteristics and the biotechnological applications derived from these entities, the Baculoviridae family is an important subject of study and manipulation in the natural sciences. With the advent of RNA interference mechanisms, the presence of baculoviral genes that do not code for proteins but instead generate transcripts similar to microRNAs (miRNAs) has been described. These miRNAs are functionally associated with the regulation of gene expression, both in viral and host sequences. This article provides a comprehensive review of miRNA biogenesis, function, and characterization in general, with a specific focus on those identified in baculoviruses. Furthermore, it delves into the specific roles of baculoviral miRNAs in regulating viral and host genes and presents structural and thermodynamic stability studies that are useful for detecting shared characteristics with predictive utility. This review aims to expand our understanding of the baculoviral miRNAome, contributing to improvements in the production of baculovirus-based biopesticides, management of resistance phenomena in pests, enhancement of recombinant protein production systems, and development of diverse and improved BacMam vectors to meet biomedical demands.
Cytoophidia Influence Cell Cycle and Size in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Deng Ruolan , Li Yi-Lan , Liu Ji-Long
Published: January 2024

Cytidine triphosphate synthase (CTPS) forms cytoophidia in all three domains of life. Here we focus on the function of cytoophidia in cell proliferation using Schizosaccharomyces pombe as a model system. We find that converting His359 of CTPS into Ala359 leads to cytoophidium disassembly. By reducing the level of CTPS protein or specific mutation, the loss of cytoophidia prolongs the G2 phase and expands cell size. In addition, the loss-filament mutant of CTPS leads to a decrease in the expression of genes related to G2/M transition and cell growth, including histone chaperone slm9. The overexpression of slm9 alleviates the G2 phase elongation and cell size enlargement induced by CTPS loss-filament mutants. Overall, our results connect cytoophidia with cell cycle and cell size control in Schizosaccharomyces pombe.
Pyrosequencing Analysis of O-6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase Methylation at Different Cut-Offs of Positivity Associated with Treatment Response and Disease-Specific Survival in Isocitrate Dehydrogenase-Wildtype Grade 4 Glioblastoma
Authors: Silva Fábio França Vieira e , Di Domenico Marina , Caponio Vito Carlo Alberto , Pérez-Sayáns Mario , Camolesi Gisela Cristina Vianna , Rojo-Álvarez Laura Isabel , Ballini Andrea , García-García Abel , Padín-Iruegas María Elena , Suaréz-Peñaranda Jose Manuel
Published: January 2024

The O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) gene is a critical guardian of genomic integrity. MGMT methylation in diffuse gliomas serves as an important determinant of patients’ prognostic outcomes, more specifically in glioblastomas (GBMs). In GBMs, the absence of MGMT methylation, known as MGMT promoter unmethylation, often translates into a more challenging clinical scenario, tending to present resistance to chemotherapy and a worse prognosis. A pyrosequencing (PSQ) technique was used to analyze MGMT methylation status at different cut-offs (5%, 9%, and 11%) in a sample of 78 patients diagnosed with IDH-wildtype grade 4 GBM. A retrospective analysis was provided to collect clinicopathological and prognostic data. A statistical analysis was used to establish an association between methylation status and treatment response (TR) and disease-specific survival (DSS). The patients with methylated MGMT status experienced progressive disease rates of 84.6%, 80%, and 78.4% at the respective cut-offs of 5%, 9%, and 11%. The number was considerably higher when considering unmethylated patients, as all patients (100%), regardless of the cut-off, presented progressive disease. Regarding disease-specific survival (DSS), the Hazard Ratio (HR) was HR = 0.74 (0.45–1.24; p = 0.251); HR = 0.82 (0.51–1.33; p = 0.425); and HR = 0.79 (0.49–1.29; p = 0.350), respectively. Our study concludes that there is an association between MGMT unmethylation and worse TR and DSS. The 9% cut-off demonstrated a greater potential for patient survival as a function of time, which may shed light on the future need for standardization of MGMT methylation positivity parameters in PSQ.
Transcriptomic–Proteomic Analysis Revealed the Regulatory Mechanism of Peanut in Response to Fusarium oxysporum
Authors: Wang Mian , Zhu Lifei , Zhang Chushu , Zhou Haixiang , Tang Yueyi , Cao Shining , Chen Jing , Zhang Jiancheng
Published: January 2024

Peanut Fusarium rot, which is widely observed in the main peanut-producing areas in China, has become a significant factor that has limited the yield and quality in recent years. It is highly urgent and significant to clarify the regulatory mechanism of peanuts in response to Fusarium oxysporum. In this study, transcriptome and proteome profiling were combined to provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of peanut stems after F. oxysporums infection. A total of 3746 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 305 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were screened. The upregulated DEGs and DEPs were primarily enriched in flavonoid biosynthesis, circadian rhythm-plant, and plant–pathogen interaction pathways. Then, qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the expression levels of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone isomerase (CHI), and cinnamic acid-4-hydroxylase (C4H) genes increased after F. oxysporums infection. Moreover, the expressions of these genes varied in different peanut tissues. All the results revealed that many metabolic pathways in peanut were activated by improving key gene expressions and the contents of key enzymes, which play critical roles in preventing fungi infection. Importantly, this research provides the foundation of biological and chemical analysis for peanut disease resistance mechanisms.
Clinical Relevance of Vaginal and Endometrial Microbiome Investigation in Women with Repeated Implantation Failure and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Gao Xushan , Louwers Yvonne V. , Laven Joop S. E. , Schoenmakers Sam
Published: January 2024

Recent studies have investigated if and how the vaginal and endometrial microbiome might affect endometrial receptivity and reproductive health. Although there is no consensus on the existence of a core uterine microbiome yet, evidence shows that the dominance of Lactobacillus spp. in the female reproductive tract is generally associated with eubiosis and improved chances of successful implantation and an ongoing pregnancy. Conversely, vaginal and endometrial dysbiosis can cause local inflammation and an increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines, compromising the integrity and receptivity of the endometrial mucosa and potentially hampering successful embryonic implantation. This review provides a critical appraisal of the influence of the vaginal and endometrial microbiome as parts of the female reproductive tract on fertility outcomes, focusing on repeated implantation failure (RIF) and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). It seems that RIF as well as RPL are both associated with an increase in microbiome diversity and a loss of Lactobacillus dominance in the lower female reproductive system.
The NLRP3 Inflammasome as a Pathogenic Player Showing Therapeutic Potential in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Comorbidities: A Narrative Review
Authors: Chen Po-Ku , Tang Kuo-Tung , Chen Der-Yuan
Published: January 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease characterized by chronic synovitis and the progressive destruction of cartilage and bone. RA is commonly accompanied by extra-articular comorbidities. The pathogenesis of RA and its comorbidities is complex and not completely elucidated. The assembly of the NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activates caspase-1, which induces the maturation of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 and leads to the cleavage of gasdermin D with promoting pyroptosis. Accumulative evidence indicates the pathogenic role of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in RA and its comorbidities, including atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and interstitial lung diseases. Although the available therapeutic agents are effective for RA treatment, their high cost and increased infection rate are causes for concern. Recent evidence revealed the components of the NLRP3 inflammasome as potential therapeutic targets in RA and its comorbidities. In this review, we searched the MEDLINE database using the PubMed interface and reviewed English-language literature on the NLRP3 inflammasome in RA and its comorbidities from 2000 to 2023. The current evidence reveals that the NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to the pathogenesis of RA and its comorbidities. Consequently, the components of the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway represent promising therapeutic targets, and ongoing research might lead to the development of new, effective treatments for RA and its comorbidities.
The Interaction of HMGB1 with the Proinflammatory TREM-1 Receptor Generates Cytotoxic Lymphocytes Active against HLA-Negative Tumor Cells
Authors: Yurkina Daria M. , Romanova Elena A. , Feoktistov Alexey V. , Soshnikova Natalia V. , Tvorogova Anna V. , Yashin Denis V. , Sashchenko Lidia P.
Published: January 2024

High mobility group protein (HMGB1) is secreted by myeloid cells and cells of damaged tissues during inflammation, causing inflammatory reactions through various receptors, including TLRS and RAGE. TREM-1 is considered to be one of the potential HMGB1 receptors. In this work, we have shown that the HMGB1 protein is able to bind to the TREM-1 receptor at high affinity both in solution and on the cell surface. This binding causes lymphocytes to release cytokines IL-2, IL-1b, IL-6, TNF and Ifny into the medium, which leads to the appearance of cytotoxic lymphocytes in PBMC capable of lysing HLA-negative tumor cells. Expanding the spectra of proinflammatory receptor ligands and understanding the mechanisms of their action is essential for the creation of new immunotherapy pathways.
Effect of Nutraceutical Factors on Hepatic Intermediary Metabolism in Wistar Rats with Induced Tendinopathy
Authors: Ramos-Barbero Marta , Rufino-Palomares Eva E. , Serrano-Carmona Sergio , Hernández-Yera Manuel , García-Salguero Leticia , Lupiáñez José Antonio , Pérez-Jiménez Amalia
Published: January 2024

Tendinopathy (TP) is a complex clinical syndrome characterized by local inflammation, pain in the affected area, and loss of performance, preceded by tendon injury. The disease develops in three phases: Inflammatory phase, proliferative phase, and remodeling phase. There are currently no proven treatments for early reversal of this type of injury. However, the metabolic pathways of the transition metabolism, which are necessary for the proper functioning of the organism, are known. These metabolic pathways can be modified by a number of external factors, such as nutritional supplements. In this study, the modulatory effect of four dietary supplements, maslinic acid (MA), hydroxytyrosol (HT), glycine, and aspartate (AA), on hepatic intermediary metabolism was observed in Wistar rats with induced tendinopathy at different stages of the disease. Induced tendinopathy in rats produces alterations in the liver intermediary metabolism. Nutraceutical treatments modify the intermediary metabolism in the different phases of tendinopathy, so AA treatment produced a decrease in carbohydrate metabolism. In lipid metabolism, MA and AA caused a decrease in lipogenesis at the tendinopathy and increased fatty acid oxidation. In protein metabolism, MA treatment increased GDH and AST activity; HT decreased ALT activity; and the AA treatment does not cause any alteration. Use of nutritional supplements of diet could help to regulate the intermediary metabolism in the TP.
The Neuroanatomy of the Habenular Complex and Its Role in the Regulation of Affective Behaviors
Authors: Piper Jordan Allan , Musumeci Giuseppe , Castorina Alessandro
Published: January 2024

The habenular complex is a diencephalic structure divided into the medial and lateral divisions that lie within the epithalamus of most vertebrates. This brain structure, whose activities are mainly regulated via inputs/outputs from and to the stria medullaris and the fasciculus retroflexus, plays a significant role in the modulation of anti-reward behaviors in both the rodent and human brain. Such anti-reward circuits are regulated by dopaminergic and serotonergic projections with several other subcortical and cortical regions; therefore, it is plausible that impairment to this key subcortical structure or its connections contributes to the pathogenesis of affective disorders. Current literature reveals the existence of structural changes in the habenula complex in individuals afflicted by such disorders; however, there is a need for more comprehensive investigations to elucidate the underlying neuroanatomical connections that underpin disease development. In this review article, we aim to provide a comprehensive view of the neuroanatomical differences between the rodent and human habenular complex, the main circuitries, and provide an update on the emerging roles of this understudied subcortical structure in the control of affective behaviors, with special emphasis to morbid conditions of the affective sphere.
Study on the Preparation and Properties of Vegetation Lightweight Porous Concrete
Authors: Cao Qingyu , Zhou Juncheng , Xu Weiting , Yuan Xiongzhou
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study is to formulate vegetated light porous concrete (VLPC) through the utilization of various cementing materials, the design of porosity, and the incorporation of mineral additives. Subsequently, the study aims to assess and analyze key properties, including the bulk density, permeability coefficient, mechanical characteristics, and alkalinity. The findings indicate a linear decrease in the volume weight of VLPC as the designed porosity increases. While higher design porosity elevates the permeability coefficient, the measured effective porosity closely aligns with the design values. The examined VLPC exhibits a peak compressive strength of 17.7 MPa and a maximum bending strength of 2.1 MPa after 28 days. Notably, an escalation in porosity corresponds to a decrease in both the compressive and the bending strength of VLPC. Introducing mineral additives, particularly silicon powder, is shown to be effective in enhancing the strength of VLPC. Furthermore, substituting slag sulfonate cement for ordinary cement significantly diminishes the alkalinity of VLPC, resulting in a pH below 8.5 at 28 days. Mineral additives also contribute to a reduction in the pH of concrete. Among them, silica fume, fly ash, fly ash + slag powder, and slag powder exhibit a progressively enhanced alkaline reduction effect.
Computational Model of Effective Thermal Conductivity of Green Insulating Fibrous Media
Authors: Sankara Hamidou , Baillis Dominique , Coulibaly Ousmane , Coquard Rémi , Naouar Naïm , Saghrouni Zahia
Published: January 2024

Modelling effective thermal properties is crucial for optimizing the thermal performance of materials such as new green insulating fibrous media. In this study, a numerical model is proposed to calculate the effective thermal conductivity of these materials. The fibers are considered to be non-overlapping and randomly oriented in space. The numerical model is based on the finite element method. Particular attention is paid to the accuracy of the results and the influence of the choice of the representative elementary volume (REV) for calculation (cubic or rectangular parallelepiped slice). The calculated effective thermal conductivity of fibrous media under different boundary conditions is also investigated. A set of usual mixed boundary conditions is considered, alongside the uniform temperature gradient conditions. The REV rectangular slice and uniform temperature gradient boundary conditions provide a more accurate estimate of the effective thermal conductivity and are therefore recommended for use in place of the usual cubic representative elementary volume and the usual mixed boundary conditions. This robust model represents a principal novelty of the work. The results are compared with experimental and analytical data previously obtained in the literature for juncus maritimus fibrous media, for different fiber volume fractions, with small relative deviations of 7%. Analytical laws are generally based on simplified assumptions such as infinitely long fibers, and may neglect heat transfer between different phases. Both short and long fiber cases are considered in numerical calculations.
On Thermal and Electrodynamic Aspects of the Superconductive Transition Process
Authors: Hirsch J. E.
Published: January 2024

In a classic paper of 1960, W. H. Cherry and J. I. Gittleman discussed various thermal and electrodynamic aspects of the superconductive transition process relevant to practical applications. In a section of the paper that has remained unnoticed, they proposed a physical model for the Meissner effect. Earlier in 1940–1943, in work that has also remained unnoticed, K. M. Koch had introduced related physical ideas to explain the Meissner effect. Still earlier in 1937, J. C. Slater proposed a model to explain the perfect diamagnetism of superconductors. None of these ideas are part of the conventional London-BCS understanding of superconductivity, yet I will argue that they are essential to understand the Meissner effect, the most fundamental property of superconductors. The unconventional theory of hole superconductivity unifies and extends these ideas. A key missing element in the conventional theory as well as in these early theories is electron-hole asymmetry. A proper understanding of the Meissner effect may help with practical applications of superconductors, as well as to find new superconducting materials with desirable properties.
Structural and Dynamical Basis of VP35-RBD Inhibition by Marine Fungi Compounds to Combat Marburg Virus Infection
Authors: Alawam Abdullah S. , Alawam Hadil Sultan , Alshahrani Mohammed Merae , Alwethaynani Maher S. , Alneghery Lina M. , Alamri Mubarak A.
Published: January 2024

The Marburg virus (MBV), a deadly pathogen, poses a serious threat to world health due to the lack of effective treatments, calling for an immediate search for targeted and efficient treatments. In this study, we focused on compounds originating from marine fungi in order to identify possible inhibitory compounds against the Marburg virus (MBV) VP35-RNA binding domain (VP35-RBD) using a computational approach. We started with a virtual screening procedure using the Lipinski filter as a guide. Based on their docking scores, 42 potential candidates were found. Four of these compounds—CMNPD17596, CMNPD22144, CMNPD25994, and CMNPD17598—as well as myricetin, the control compound, were chosen for re-docking analysis. Re-docking revealed that these particular compounds had a higher affinity for MBV VP35-RBD in comparison to the control. Analyzing the chemical interactions revealed unique binding properties for every compound, identified by a range of Pi–cation interactions and hydrogen bond types. We were able to learn more about the dynamic behaviors and stability of the protein–ligand complexes through a 200-nanosecond molecular dynamics simulation, as demonstrated by the compounds’ consistent RMSD and RMSF values. The multidimensional nature of the data was clarified by the application of principal component analysis, which suggested stable conformations in the complexes with little modification. Further insight into the energy profiles and stability states of these complexes was also obtained by an examination of the free energy landscape. Our findings underscore the effectiveness of computational strategies in identifying and analyzing potential inhibitors for MBV VP35-RBD, offering promising paths for further experimental investigations and possible therapeutic development against the MBV.
Spinetoram-Induced Potential Neurotoxicity through Autophagy Mediated by Mitochondrial Damage
Authors: Chen Fan , Lu Jin , Li Meng , Yang Junwu , Xu Wenping , Jiang Xufeng , Zhang Yang
Published: January 2024

Spinetoram is an important semi-synthetic insecticide extensively applied in agriculture. It is neurotoxic to insects, primarily by acting on acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). However, few studies have examined the neurotoxicity of spinetoram in human beings. In this study, various concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 20 μM) of spinetoram were employed to expose SH-SY5Y cells in order to study the neurotoxic effects of spinetoram. The results showed that spinetoram exposure markedly inhibited cell viability and induced oxidative stress. It also induced mitochondrial membrane potential collapse (ΔΨm), and then caused a massive opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP), a decrease in ATP synthesis, and Ca2+ overloading. Furthermore, spinetoram exposure induced cellular autophagy, as evidenced by the formation of autophagosomes, the conversion of LC3-I into LC3-II, down-regulation of p62, and up-regulation of beclin-1. In addition, we observed that p-mTOR expression decreased, while p-AMPK expression increased when exposed to spinetoram, indicating spinetoram triggered AMPK/mTOR-mediated autophagy. Complementarily, the effect of spinetoram on neurobehavior was studied using the zebrafish model. After being exposed to different concentrations (5, 10, and 20 μg/mL) of spinetoram, zebrafish showed neurobehavioral irregularities, such as reduced frequency of tail swings and spontaneous movements. Similarly, autophagy was also observed in zebrafish. In conclusion, spinetoram exposure produced potential neurotoxicity through autophagy mediated by mitochondrial damage. The experimental data and results of the neurotoxicity study of spinetoram provided above are intended to serve as reference for its safety assessment.
Research Progress in Enzyme Biofuel Cells Modified Using Nanomaterials and Their Implementation as Self-Powered Sensors
Authors: Cao Lili , Chen Juan , Pang Jingyu , Qu Hongjie , Liu Jiaren , Gao Jinling
Published: January 2024

Enzyme biofuel cells (EBFCs) can convert chemical or biochemical energy in fuel into electrical energy, and therefore have received widespread attention. EBFCs have advantages that traditional fuel cells cannot match, such as a wide range of fuel sources, environmental friendliness, and mild reaction conditions. At present, research on EBFCs mainly focuses on two aspects: one is the use of nanomaterials with excellent properties to construct high-performance EBFCs, and the other is self-powered sensors based on EBFCs. This article reviews the applied nanomaterials based on the working principle of EBFCs, analyzes the design ideas of self-powered sensors based on enzyme biofuel cells, and looks forward to their future research directions and application prospects. This article also points out the key properties of nanomaterials in EBFCs, such as electronic conductivity, biocompatibility, and catalytic activity. And the research on EBFCs is classified according to different research goals, such as improving battery efficiency, expanding the fuel range, and achieving self-powered sensors.
Palladium-Catalyzed β-C(sp3)–H Bond Arylation of Tertiary Aldehydes Facilitated by 2-Pyridone Ligands
Authors: Xu Ziting , Li Zhi , Liu Chong , Yang Ke , Ge Haibo
Published: January 2024

2-Pyridone ligand-facilitated palladium-catalyzed direct C–H bond functionalization via the transient directing group strategy has become an attractive topic. Here, we report a Pd-catalyzed direct β-C(sp3)–H arylation reaction of tertiary aliphatic aldehydes by using an α-amino acid as a transient directing group in combination with a 2-pyridone ligand.
The Management of Intracranial Aneurysms: Current Trends and Future Directions
Authors: Deshmukh Aviraj S. , Priola Stefano M. , Katsanos Aris H. , Scalia Gianluca , Costa Alves Aderaldo , Srivastava Abhilekh , Hawkes Christine
Published: January 2024

Intracranial aneurysms represent a major global health burden. Rupture of an intracranial aneurysm is a catastrophic event. Without access to treatment, the fatality rate is 50% in the first 30 days. Over the last three decades, treatment approaches for intracranial aneurysms have changed dramatically. There have been improvements in the medical management of aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage, and there has been an evolution of treatment strategies. Endovascular therapy is now the mainstay of the treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms based on robust randomised controlled trial data. There is now an expansion of treatment indications for unruptured intracranial aneurysms to prevent rupture with both microsurgical clipping and endovascular treatment. Both microsurgical and endovascular treatment modalities have evolved, in particular with the introduction of innovative endovascular treatment options including flow diversion and intra-saccular flow disruption. These novel therapies allow clinicians to treat more complex and previously untreatable aneurysms. We aim to review the evolution of treatment strategies for intracranial aneurysms over time, and discuss emerging technologies that could further improve treatment safety and functional outcomes for patients with an intracranial aneurysm.
Intermittent Fasting Reduces Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Impairment in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice by Downregulating Lipocalin-2 and Galectin-3
Authors: Lee Jaewoong , An Hyeong Seok , Shin Hyun Joo , Jang Hye Min , Im Chae Oh , Jeong Yeonjun , Eum Kibaek , Yoon Sejeong , Lee So Jeong , Jeong Eun Ae , Kim Kyung Eun , Roh Gu Seob
Published: January 2024

Intermittent fasting (IF), an alternating pattern of dietary restriction, reduces obesity-induced insulin resistance and inflammation. However, the crosstalk between adipose tissue and the hippocampus in diabetic encephalopathy is not fully understood. Here, we investigated the protective effects of IF against neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in high-fat diet(HFD)-fed mice. Histological analysis revealed that IF reduced crown-like structures and adipocyte apoptosis in the adipose tissue of HFD mice. In addition to circulating lipocalin-2 (LCN2) and galectin-3 (GAL3) levels, IF reduced HFD-induced increases in LCN2- and GAL3-positive macrophages in adipose tissue. IF also improved HFD-induced memory deficits by inhibiting blood–brain barrier breakdown and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, immunofluorescence showed that IF reduced HFD-induced astrocytic LCN2 and microglial GAL3 protein expression in the hippocampus of HFD mice. These findings indicate that HFD-induced adipocyte apoptosis and macrophage infiltration may play a critical role in glial activation and that IF reduces neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment by protecting against blood–brain barrier leakage.