bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of the first deep-sea seafloor massive sulfide mining excavation tests on benthic communities
Authors: Washburn TW , Iguchi A , Yamaoka K , Nagao M , Onishi Y , Fukuhara T , Yamamoto Y , Suzuki A
Published: April 2023

Japan undertook the first ever tests of deep-sea seafloor massive sulfide (SMS) excavation in 2017 in the Okinawa Trough. This study examines infauna from several nearby stations before and up to 3 yr after disturbance. Distance from excavation, current direction, seafloor topography, and modeled and observed deposition were used to classify the level of impact of each station. Metal concentrations were analyzed, as were nanofauna (2-32 µm), meiofauna (32-300 µm), and macrofauna (>300 µm). Elevated Cd, Pb, Hg, Zn, Fe, and Cu were confirmed as indicators of sedimentation from the SMS extraction. Benthic communities appeared altered by the disturbance test, with different size classes showing different levels of response and recovery. Nanofaunal and meiofaunal abundances appeared to take several weeks to show impacts from the disturbance and may have returned to pre-test levels within 1 yr, but changes to nematode community structure persisted longer. In contrast, macrofaunal abundances and diversity appeared to decrease immediately, and possibly remained depressed compared to pre-test levels at impacted sites at least 3 yr later. In addition, meiofaunal nematode:copepod ratio and macrofaunal percent composition of polychaetes, along with several nematode taxa, may serve as useful bioindicators of SMS mining. The small scale of disturbance requires caution when extrapolating to full-scale mining, but these results suggest current direction and topography greatly influence the extent of mining impacts; in addition, several metals may be useful for identifying the mining footprint. Biological results indicate that larger macroinfauna may be less resistant and resilient to mining impacts than smaller meiofauna and impacts from even small-scale mining activities may persist for at least 3 yr.
Extension Treatment: Preventing Recurrence of Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Sutton David , Rhodes Sue
Published: April 2023

A conversation with David Sutton, co-director of the Staffordshire Thrombosis and Anticoagulation Centre, University Hospitals North Midlands, UK, and Sue Rhodes, venous thromboembolism (VTE) clinical nurse specialist and joint Anticoagulant Lead at Great Western Hospitals, Swindon, UK.

VTE is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality, and is still a bigger killer than breast cancer, prostate cancer, and road traffic accidents.1 While there has been little change in the number of cases since 2010, treatment options have improved. EMJ talked to thromboembolism experts about VTE extension treatment and its role in preventing recurrence.
AMINATION OF 2-(2-OXO-2-ARYLETHYLTHIO)-PYRIMIDIN-4(3H)-ONE DERIVATIVES USING THE SULFONATE METHOD
Authors: Yavolovskii Arkadii , Davtian Araksia , Grishchuk Lidiya , Pluzhnik-Glagyr Sergei , Rakipov Ildar , Ivanov Yuri , Chikhichin Dmytro , Kamalov Gerbert
Published: April 2023

A Derivatives of 2-thiouracil are characteri­zed by wide spectrum of biological activity, which is characteristic of most representatives this heterocycles class. In particular, 2-(2-oxo-2-phenylethylthio)-pyrimi­din-4(3H)-ones belong to the group of non-nucleoside inhibitors of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. The antimalarial properties of 2-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl­thio)-4-R-pyrimidine derivatives, which proved to be effective inhibitors of CIpP protease of Plasmodium falciparum, are being studied. Known examples of 2-(2-oxo-2-phenylethyl­thio)-pyrimidines modification at the "4" position of the heterocycle are limited to use 4-chloro derivatives, which, in turn, are formed according to the classical method by reaction of pyrimidine-4(3H)-ones with POCl3 at boiling point of reaction mixture. In this work, we present an alternative version of modification the above-mentioned class of compounds. By amination amide function of 6-R-2-(2-oxo-2-arylethylthio)-pyrimidin-4(3H)-ones derivati­ves of with ethanolamine and 1-aminopropa­ne-2,3-diol using sulfonate method, synthesized and characterized new compounds a 6-R-2-(2-oxo-2-phenylethylthio)-pyrimidines series by spectral methods. The advantages of this scheme are discussed (the formation of intermediate sulfonates and the amination stage do not require harsh conditions and are carried out with satisfactory yields). The proposed scheme can be recommended in cases where the original substrate contains functio­nal groups that are labile at high temperatures and sensitive to an acidic environment.
Uji Aktivitas Antioksidan dan Daya Terima Es Krim Ekstrak Daun Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f) Nees)
Authors: Maylina Nita , Sari Afrinia Eka
Published: April 2023

One of the antioxidants that can increase the body's immunity is bitter leaf (Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f) Nees). This leaf is rarely used. Therefore, it is used with more interesting processing such as ice cream. This study was to determine antioxidant activity, overrun, melting speed, organoleptic characteristics and preference level of the ice cream of bitter leaf extract. Method is Completely Randomized Design (CRD). There were 3 treatments, namely 8%, 16% and 24% of bitter leaf extract. The results of the antioxidant activity test on the ice cream of bitter leaft extract, the three formulas have a very weak antioxidant content. The highest overrun ice cream test results, namely formula 3 50%. The results of the ice cream melting speed test on the three formulas still do not meet the standards for a good ice cream melting speed. The results of statistical test analysis on indicators of color, aroma, taste and texture showed there was a significant difference from the statistical test results obtained p-value <0.05. The most preferred level of preference for bitter leaf extract ice cream was formula 1. It could be concluded that the bitter leaf extract ice cream was acceptable to the public.
Otoyol Projelerinin Mekânsal Değişim ve Gelişim Üzerine Etkileri: Kuzey Marmara Otoyolu Sakarya Kesimi
Authors: AYHAN Fatih
Published: April 2023

Etkili olduğu sahada fiziki ve beşeri anlamda değişim ve dönüşümü sağlayan en önemli unsurlardan biri ulaşımdır. Küreselleşmenin önem kazandığı günümüzde yerel düzeyden ulusal düzeye kadar ticari ve ekonomik canlılığın sağlanması bakımından planlı ve entegre ulaşım sistemlerine ihtiyaç artmıştır.
Kuzey Marmara Otoyolu; ülke ekonomisine önemli katkı sağlayan İstanbul, Kocaeli ve Sakarya illeri üzerinde özel sektör tarafından inşa edilmiş D100 Karayolu ve TEM Otoyolu’na alternatif bir otoyol projesidir. 2011 yılında proje güzergâhının açıklanmasıyla birlikte otoyolun yaratacağı etkiler tartışılmaya başlanmış ve proje sahasında bazı etkiler görülmüştür. Çalışmada Kuzey Marmara Otoyolu’nun Sakarya güzergâhı üzerinde oluşturduğu fiziki ve beşeri etkiler ile mekânsal dönüşüm zamansal ölçek kullanılarak (2011 – 2022) uzaktan algılama ve CBS yöntemiyle yorumlanarak ortaya konmuştur. Ortaya çıkan sonuçlara bakıldığında Kuzey Marmara Otoyolu’nun Sakarya kesiminde 11 yıl gibi kısa bir zaman dilimi içinde çarpıcı sonuçlar ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu durum otoyol projelerinin yerleşmelerin gelişimi ve dönüşümü üzerinde önemli etkiye sahip olduğunu göstermektedir.
Doğal Ortam Üzerinde Beşerî Etkinin Mekânsal Analizi: Denizli Örneği
Authors: BELGE Rauf , DUMAN Cansu
Published: April 2023

Doğal ortam üzerinde insan etkisinin artması sonucunda doğal bozunumlar (bitki örtüsünün tahrip edilmesi, yanlış arazi kullanımı, erozyon) ve iklim değişikliği gibi çevresel sorunlar ortaya çıkmıştır. Bu sorunların giderek artış göstermesi, insanın çevre üzerindeki etkisinin belirlenmesi ve ölçülmesi problemini gündeme getirmiştir. Bu maksatla geliştirilmiş Beşerî Etki İndeksi, sınırları belirlenmiş bir alanda birden fazla parametreyi kullanarak mekân üzerinde antropojenik etkiyi ölçmeyi amaçlar. Bu çalışmada Beşerî Etki İndeksi kullanılarak Denizli ilinde antropojenik etkinin yoğunluğu ve mekânsal dağılışı analiz edilmiştir. Beşerî etki belirlenirken Çok Kriterli Karar Verme (ÇKKV) yöntemlerinden biri olan Analitik Hiyerarşi Süreci (AHP) kullanılmıştır. Yapılan analizler sonucunda Denizli ilinin %0,3’ü çok yüksek, %2’si yüksek, %4’ü orta dereceli insan etkisi altındadır. Buna karşın il yüzölçümünün %35’inde düşük ve %59’unda çok düşük insan etkisi altında olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Dolayısıyla Denizli’de beşerî etki yoğun olmakla birlikte belirli ve dar bir alanda faaliyet göstermiştir.
Gamma Function derived from Factorial Function based-Pi Function
Authors: Annamalai Chinnaraji
Published: April 2023

Several professors of mathematics from the renowned universities in Australia, Canada, Europe, India, USA, etc. argue with me that the gamma function is not related to the factorial function. For them, this paper describes the derivation of gamma function from the factorial function.
Construct validation of a general movement competence assessment utilising active video gaming technology
Authors: Ng Jonathan Leo , Button Chris
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The assessment of children’s motor competence is an important concern as physical inactivity has been linked with poor movement quality and aspects of well-being such as low self-esteem. The General Movement Competence Assessment (GMCA) is a new instrument that was developed using active video gaming technology.

Methods: Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to examine the internal validity of the GMCA in a sample of 253 typically developing children (135 boys and 118 girls), aged 7–12 years old (9.9 ± 1.6 years). Further, a second-order confirmatory factor analysis examined how the four constructs fit onto the higher-order variable of movement competence.

Results: Results revealed that the first-order four-construct model of the GMCA was a good fit (CFI 0.98; TLI 0.98; RMSEA 0.05). The second-order confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the four constructs loaded directly onto movement competence. It accounted for 95.44% of the variance which is approximately 20% more than the first-order model. The internal structure of the GMCA identified four constructs of movement competence (i.e., stability, object-control, locomotion and dexterity) based on the study sample.

Discussion: Performance trends in the general movement competence assessment support empirical evidence that movement competence improves as children age. Results suggest that active video games have considerable potential to help assess general motor competency in the wider population. Future work may consider the sensitivity of motion-sensing technologies in detecting developmental changes over time.
Radiosensitizing effects of pyrogallol-loaded mesoporous or-ganosilica nanoparticles on gastric cancer by amplified ferroptosis
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Niu Hongyan , Luo Xi , Zhu Nan , Xiang Jingfeng , He Yan , Chen Zhian , Li Guoxin , Hu Yanfeng
Published: April 2023

Radiotherapy (RT) incorporated multidisciplinary treatment is producing excellent clinical results, but its efficacy in treating late-stage gastric cancer is constrained by radioresistance and RT-related toxicity. Especially, since reactive oxygen species are the pivotal effectual molecules of ionizing radiation, improving ROS production by nanoparticles and other pharmacological modulation to amplify oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and subsequent ferroptotic cell death is shown to enhance cancer cell radioresponse. Herein, we constructed a nanosystem by loading Pyrogallol (PG), a polyphenol compound and ROS generator, into mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles named as MON@pG. The nanoparticles exhibit proper size distribution with amplified ROS production and substantial glutathione depletion under X-ray radiation in gastric cancer cell line. Meanwhile, MON@PG enhanced radiosensitivity of gastric cancer in xenograft tumor model by ROS-mediated accumulation of DNA damage and apoptosis. Furthermore, this augmented oxidative process induced mitochondrial dysfunction and ferroptosis. In summary, MON@PG nanoparticles show the capacity to improve RT potency in gastric cancer by disrupting redox balance and augmenting ferroptosis.
The effects of referential gaze in spoken language comprehension: Human speaker vs. virtual agent listener gaze
Authors: Nunnemann Eva M. , Kreysa Helene , Knoeferle Pia
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Four studies addressed effects of human speaker gaze vs. virtual agent listener gaze on eye movements during spoken sentence comprehension.

Method

Participants saw videos in which a static scene depicting three characters was presented on a screen. Eye movements were recorded as participants listened to German subject-verb-object (SVO) sentences describing an interaction between two of these characters. Participants' task was to verify whether the sentence matched a schematic depiction of the event. Two critical factors were manipulated across all four experiments: (1) whether the human speaker—uttering the sentence—was visible, and (2) whether the agent listener was present. Moreover, in Experiments 2 and 4, the target second noun phrase (NP2) was made inaudible, and in Experiments 3 and 4, the gaze time course of the agent listener was altered: it looked at the NP2 referent about 400 ms before the speaker did. These manipulations served to increase the value of the speaker's and listener's gaze cues for correctly anticipating the NP2 referent.

Results

Human speaker gaze led to increased fixations of the NP2 referent in all experiments, but primarily after the onset of its mention. Only in Experiment 3 did participants reliably anticipate the NP2 referent, in this case making use of both the human speaker's and the virtual agent listener's gaze. In all other cases, virtual agent listener gaze had no effect on visual anticipation of the NP2 referent, even when it was the exclusive cue.

Discussion

Such information on the use of gaze cues can refine theoretical models of situated language processing and help to develop virtual agents that act as competent communication partners in conversations with human interlocutors.
Survival rate of dental implants installed by postgraduate students attending an implantology program in Brazil: A 52-month retrospective analysis
Authors: Kang Myungjin , Smanio Neto Henrique , Pelegrine André Antonio , Turssi Cecilia Pedroso , Clemente-Napimoga Juliana Trindade , Napimoga Marcelo Henrique
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the survival rate and identify possible risk factors for failure of dental implants placed by postgraduate students in Implantology at a Brazilian Dental School.

Materials & methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted to evaluate 1,164 dental implants placed by postgraduate students in Implantology at São Leopoldo Mandic Dental School (Brazil) during a 3-year time period (2018–2020). Data collected from the patients' medical charts included the following: implant loss, gender, diabetes, smoking, continuous use of medication, type of implant connection system, implant position (maxilla or mandible), previous bone grafting and type of prosthetic provisioning (temporary prosthesis, immediate prosthesis or permanent prosthesis). The association between all the independent variables and implant loss was run using χ2 and G tests (α = 5%). The implant survival rate was estimated using Kaplan-Meier curve.

Results

Gender, diabetes, smoking, continuous use of medication, type of implant connection system, implant position, previous bone grafting and type of prosthetic provisioning showed no statistically significant association with implant loss. Of the 1,164 implants installed, 29 (2.5%) failed. The overall survival rate of dental implants placed by postgraduate students up to 52 months was 90.5% (IC95%: 74.5%–96.7%).

Conclusions

Implants placed by postgraduate students in Implantology at São Leopoldo Mandic Dental School showed a high survival rate, with gender, diabetes, smoking, continuous use of medication, type of implant connection system, implant position, previous bone grafting and type of prosthetic provisioning not accounting for the risk of implant failure.
Bending-damaged fracture criterion and numerical implementation of limestone beam under three-point bending test
Authors: Li Benyun , Tian Yunlei , Tian Jiao , Zuo Shuangying , Chen Shiwan
Published: April 2023

To study the characteristics of tensile cracking by rock-bending damage, the bending stress–strain curves and the cumulative ringing counts were obtained by a three-point bending test and acoustic emission (AE) monitoring of limestone beams. Based on the Lemaitre strain equivalent principle and the continuous damage theory, the bending damage variable D was defined by the AE cumulative ringing counts, and the bending crack damage evolution equation was established according to the Weibull distribution of the rock element strength. To realize the numerical test of the bending deformation, the damage variable D was used as the intermediate variable, and the specific process of damage bending stress transformation and the realization of the tensile crack criterion were secondary developed by FISH language in FLAC3D. According to the results, the central part of rock beam deforms downward under the action of bending stress, and both ends tilt up. Therefore, the bending failure begins with the tensile crack at the bottom of the rock beam and gradually extends to the compression zone. The maximum damage value is about 0.402 before the peak stress. The compressive stress in the x direction increases from the neutral layer to the top of the rock beam, and the tensile stress in the x direction increases from the neutral layer to the bottom of the rock beam. The maximum tensile stress is distributed in the center of the bottom of the specimen, where the bending effect is obvious. The stress–time curve was divided into the (Ⅰ) compaction stage, (Ⅱ) expansion stage, and (Ⅲ) penetration stage, accordingly, and the evolution of damage equation was divided into three stages: initial damage stage, slow damage stage, and accelerated damage stage. The curves of the experimental result, theoretical model prediction result, and numerical simulation result were in good agreement with each other, which indicates that the numerical simulation based on the criterion of rock damaged fracture can better reflect the bending process of rock beams under three-point bending stress.
Association between body mass index and reversion to normoglycemia from impaired fasting glucose among Chinese adults: a 5-year cohort study
Authors: Han Yong , Hu Haofei , Huang Zhiqiang , Liu Dehong
Published: April 2023

Objective

Evidence regarding the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and reversion to normoglycemia from prediabetes is still limited. The purpose of our study is to survey the link of BMI on reversion to normoglycemia among patients with impaired fasting glucose (IFG).

Methods

This study, a retrospective cohort, covered 32 regions and 11 cities in China and collected 258,74 IFG patients who underwent a health check from 2010 to 2016. We investigated the association between baseline BMI and reversion to normoglycemia in patients with IFG using the Cox proportional-hazards regression model. The nonlinear relationship between BMI and reversion to normoglycemia was determined using a Cox proportional hazards regression with cubic spline functions and smooth curve fitting. In addition, we also performed a series of sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses. A competing risk multivariate Cox regression was performed using progression to diabetes as a competing risk for reversal of normoglycemic events.

Results

After adjusting covariates, the results showed that BMI was negatively related to the probability of reversion to normoglycemia (HR=0.977, 95%CI:0.971-0.984). Compared with participants with normal BMI(<24kg/m2), overweight (BMI:24-28kg/m2) participants with IFG had a 9.9% lower probability of returning to normoglycemia (HR=0.901,95%CI:0.863-0.939), while obese patients (BMI ≥ 28kg/m2) had a 16.9% decreased probability of reverting from IFG to normoglycemia (HR=0.831,95%CI:0.780-0.886). There was also a nonlinear relationship between them, and the inflection point of BMI was 21.7kg/m2. The effect sizes (HR) on the left sides of the inflection point were 0.972(95%CI:0.964-0.980). The competing risks multivariate Cox’s regression and sensitivity analysis demonstrated the robustness of our results.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a negative and nonlinear relationship between BMI and reversion to normoglycemia in Chinese patients with IFG. Minimizing BMI to 21.7 kg/m2 in patients with IFG through aggressive intervention may significantly increase the probability of returning to normoglycemia.
Increase of jump performance during GH treatment in short children born SGA
Authors: Schweizer Roland , Martin David D. , Binder Gerhard
Published: April 2023

Background

Short children born small for gestational age (SGA) often have low muscle mass. Studies on maximal isometric grip-force (MIGF) observed lower muscle strength in these children. In contrast to MIGF, jumping is an everyday muscle activity for children. Our hypothesis was that GH treatment would cause an increase in jumping strength. So, we aimed to study jumping by mechanography in short SGA children before and during GH treatment.

Methods

Monocentric prospective longitudinal study in a tertiary pediatric endocrinology center. We studied 50 prepubertal short children (23 females) born SGA (mean age 7.2 y, height -3.24 SDS) during GH treatment (mean dose 45 µg/kg/d). Main outcome measures were Peak jump force (PJF) and peak jump power (PJP) measured by Leonardo® ground reaction force plate at baseline and after 12 months of GH treatment. Mechanography data were compared to sex, age and height related references (SD-Score). Fitness was estimated as PJP/kg body weight by use of the Esslinger-Fitness-Index (EFI).

Results

At start of GH treatment PJP/body weight was low at -1.52 SDS and increased significantly to -0.95 SDS during 12 months of treatment (p<0.001). PJF was low-normal compared to height dependent references and remained unchanged. PJP was normal compared to height dependent references and increased only slightly from -0.34 to -0.19 SDSHT.

Conclusions

Jumping performance (EFI) measured by mechanography increased during one year of GH treatment in short children born SGA.
Role of sex hormones in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Liu Jiahui , Liu Zhe , Sun Weixia , Luo Ling , An Xingna , Yu Dehai , Wang Wanning
Published: April 2023

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common microvascular complication in diabetes and one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease. The standard treatments for patients with classic DN focus on blood glucose and blood pressure control, but these treatments can only slow the progression of DN instead of stopping or reversing the disease. In recent years, new drugs targeting the pathological mechanisms of DN (e.g., blocking oxidative stress or inflammation) have emerged, and new therapeutic strategies targeting pathological mechanisms are gaining increasing attention. A growing number of epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that sex hormones play an important role in the onset and progression of DN. Testosterone is the main sex hormone in males and is thought to accelerate the occurrence and progression of DN. Estrogen is the main sex hormone in females and is thought to have renoprotective effects. However, the underlying molecular mechanism by which sex hormones regulate DN has not been fully elucidated and summarized. This review aims to summarize the correlation between sex hormones and DN and evaluate the value of hormonotherapy in DN.
Osteocytes contribute via nuclear receptor PPAR-alpha to maintenance of bone and systemic energy metabolism
Authors: Chougule Amit , Baroi Sudipta , Czernik Piotr J. , Crowe Emily , Chang Mi Ra , Griffin Patrick R. , Lecka-Czernik Beata
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The view that bone and energy metabolism are integrated by common regulatory mechanisms is broadly accepted and supported by multiple strands of evidence. This includes the well-characterized role of the PPARγ nuclear receptor, which is a common denominator in energy metabolism and bone metabolism. Little is known, however, about the role of PPARα nuclear receptor, a major regulator of lipid metabolism in other organs, in bone.

Methods

A side-by-side comparative study of 5-15 mo old mice with global PPARα deficiency (αKO) and mice with osteocyte-specific PPARα deficiency (αOTKO) in order to parse out the various activities of PPARα in the skeleton that are of local and systemic significance. This study included transcriptome analysis of PPARα-deficient osteocytes, and analyses of bone mass and bone microarchitecture, systemic energy metabolism with indirect calorimetry, and differentiation potential of hematopoietic and mesenchymal bone cell progenitors. These analyses were paired with in vitro studies of either intact or silenced for PPARα MLO-A5 cells to determine PPARα role in osteocyte bioenergetics.

Results

In osteocytes, PPARα controls large number of transcripts coding for signaling and secreted proteins which may regulate bone microenvironment and peripheral fat metabolism. In addition, PPARα in osteocytes controls their bioenergetics and mitochondrial response to stress, which constitutes up to 40% of total PPARα contribution to the global energy metabolism. Similarly to αKO mice, the metabolic phenotype of αOTKO mice (both males and females) is age-dependent. In younger mice, osteocyte metabolism contributes positively to global energetics, however, with aging the high-energy phenotype reverts to a low-energy phenotype and obesity develops, suggesting a longitudinal negative effect of impaired lipid metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction in osteocytes deficient in PPARα. However, bone phenotype was not affected in αOTKO mice except in the form of an increased volume of marrow adipose tissue in males. In contrast, global PPARα deficiency in αKO mice led to enlarged bone diameter with a proportional increase in number of trabeculae and enlarged marrow cavities; it also altered differentiation of hematopoietic and mesenchymal marrow cells toward osteoclast, osteoblast and adipocyte lineages, respectively.

Discussion

PPARα role in bone is multileveled and complex. In osteocytes, PPARα controls the bioenergetics of these cells, which significantly contributes to systemic energy metabolism and their endocrine/paracrine function in controlling marrow adiposity and peripheral fat metabolism.
Naringenin and β-carotene convert human white adipocytes to a beige phenotype and elevate hormone- stimulated lipolysis
Authors: Coulter Ann A. , Greenway Frank L. , Zhang Dachuan , Ghosh Sujoy , Coulter Cathryn R. , James Sarah L. , He Yanlin , Cusimano Luke A. , Rebello Candida J.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Naringenin, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) activator found in citrus fruits, upregulates markers of thermogenesis and insulin sensitivity in human adipose tissue. Our pharmacokinetics clinical trial demonstrated that naringenin is safe and bioavailable, and our case report showed that naringenin causes weight loss and improves insulin sensitivity. PPARs form heterodimers with retinoic-X-receptors (RXRs) at promoter elements of target genes. Retinoic acid is an RXR ligand metabolized from dietary carotenoids. The carotenoid β-carotene reduces adiposity and insulin resistance in clinical trials. Our goal was to examine if carotenoids strengthen the beneficial effects of naringenin on human adipocyte metabolism.

Methods

Human preadipocytes from donors with obesity were differentiated in culture and treated with 8µM naringenin + 2µM β-carotene (NRBC) for seven days. Candidate genes involved in thermogenesis and glucose metabolism were measured as well as hormone-stimulated lipolysis.

Results

We found that β-carotene acts synergistically with naringenin to boost UCP1 and glucose metabolism genes including GLUT4 and adiponectin, compared to naringenin alone. Protein levels of PPARα, PPARγ and PPARγ-coactivator-1α, key modulators of thermogenesis and insulin sensitivity, were also upregulated after treatment with NRBC. Transcriptome sequencing was conducted and the bioinformatics analyses of the data revealed that NRBC induced enzymes for several non-UCP1 pathways for energy expenditure including triglyceride cycling, creatine kinases, and Peptidase M20 Domain Containing 1 (PM20D1). A comprehensive analysis of changes in receptor expression showed that NRBC upregulated eight receptors that have been linked to lipolysis or thermogenesis including the β1-adrenergic receptor and the parathyroid hormone receptor. NRBC increased levels of triglyceride lipases and agonist-stimulated lipolysis in adipocytes. We observed that expression of RXRγ, an isoform of unknown function, was induced ten-fold after treatment with NRBC. We show that RXRγ is a coactivator bound to the immunoprecipitated PPARγ protein complex from white and beige human adipocytes.

Discussion

There is a need for obesity treatments that can be administered long-term without side effects. NRBC increases the abundance and lipolytic response of multiple receptors for hormones released after exercise and cold exposure. Lipolysis provides the fuel for thermogenesis, and these observations suggest that NRBC has therapeutic potential.
Long non-coding RNAs in bone metastasis: progresses and perspectives as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers
Authors: Maroni Paola , Gomarasca Marta , Lombardi Giovanni
Published: April 2023

In a precision medicine perspective, among the biomarkers potentially useful for early diagnosis of cancers, as well as to define their prognosis and eventually to identify novel and more effective therapeutic targets, there are the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The term lncRNA identifies a class of non-coding RNA molecules involved in the regulation of gene expression that intervene at the transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and epigenetic level. Metastasis is a natural evolution of some malignant tumours, frequently encountered in patients with advanced cancers. Onset and development of metastasis represents a detrimental event that worsen the patient’s prognosis by profoundly influencing the quality of life and is responsible for the ominous progression of the disease. Due to the peculiar environment and the biomechanical properties, bone is a preferential site for the secondary growth of breast, prostate and lung cancers. Unfortunately, only palliative and pain therapies are currently available for patients with bone metastases, while no effective and definitive treatments are available. The understanding of pathophysiological basis of bone metastasis formation and progression, as well as the improvement in the clinical management of the patient, are central but challenging topics in basic research and clinical practice. The identification of new molecular species that may have a role as early hallmarks of the metastatic process could open the door to the definition of new, and more effective, therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. Non-coding RNAs species and, particularly, lncRNAs are promising compounds in this setting, and their study may bring to the identification of relevant processes. In this review, we highlight the role of lncRNAs as emerging molecules in mediating the formation and development of bone metastases, as possible biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, and as therapeutic targets to counteract cancer spread.
Characteristics of thermophysical parameters in the Wugongshan area of South China and their insights for geothermal genesis
Authors: Liu Kai , Zhang Yaoyao , He Qingcheng , Zhang Shouchuan , Jia Wuhui , He Xiaolong , Zhang Haoran , Wang Luyao , Wang Shuxun
Published: April 2023

The Wugongshan area is rich in medium–low temperature convective geothermal resources, among which there are more than 10 geothermal fields in Wentang, Wanlongshan, Wenjia, Hongjiang, etc. There are few basic geothermal geological studies in the geothermal fields and their peripheral areas; thus far, no systematic research work into the thermophysical parameters has been carried out. In this paper, 85 rock samples were collected from the surface and boreholes covering the strata and magmatic rocks in the study area. The results show that the average radioheat generation rate, the average thermal conductivity, and the average specific heat are 0.24–5.49 (μW/m3), 1.995–4.390 (W/mK), and 1.318–4.829 (MJ/m3K), respectively. The average thermal diffusivity ranges from 1.115 to 1.611 × 10-6 m2/s. The highest radioheat generation rate is Jurassic granite, and the lowest is quartz vein. The largest thermal conductivity and specific heat is the siliceous quartzite, and the smallest is the quartz vein. The highest thermal diffusivity is Cambrian metamorphic mica schist, and the lowest is siliceous quartzite. The radioactive heat generation rate, thermal conductivity, specific heat, and thermal diffusivity are closely related to the chemical composition, mineral composition, rock fabric, porosity, water content, and temperature and pressure conditions of rocks in the whole area. There is a linear relationship between thermal conductivity (K) and thermal diffusivity (κ), and the correlation equation is K = −0.3144k + 3.2172. Combined with the characteristics of thermophysical parameters, the genetic theory of deep crust heat generation + structural heat accumulation + siliceous quartzite heat conduction + granite heat preservation is preliminarily proposed.
How does education affect urban carbon emission efficiency under the strategy of scientific and technological innovation?
Authors: Tang Miao miao , Xu Dong , Lan Qiang
Published: April 2023

Low-carbon economy is not only an important topic for the globe but also a serious challenge for China with its economy entering a new level. Based on the DEA-undesirable model and Malmquist index model, urban agglomeration of the Yangtze River Delta and the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area from 2010 to 2021 were selected as research samples. Based on that, a panel generalized method of moments model was constructed to analyze the effects of the education level, technological development, and their interaction on urban carbon emission efficiency. It found that 1) the carbon emission efficiency of the Yangtze River Delta and the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area urban agglomerations shows a steady growth trend, but the overall level is low and there are regional differences, among which pure technical efficiency mainly limits the improvement of comprehensive efficiency; 2) the education level and technological development have a high positive correlation on urban carbon emission, and their interaction is conducive to the improvement of carbon emission efficiency. The carbon emission efficiency has a significant advantage under the influence of control variables, such as the economic development level, industrial structure upgrading, opening-up degree, and Internet penetration rate. 3) According to the economic dimension and population dimension, the samples of the Yangtze River Delta and the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area were divided into large cities and small cities, and regression results showed no substantial changes. It shows that the research conclusion is scientific. According to the aforementioned conclusion, this paper puts forward corresponding countermeasures and suggestions.
Orb weaver aggregate glue protein composition as a mechanism for rapid evolution of material properties
Authors: Ayoub Nadia A. , DuMez Lucas , Lazo Cooper , Luzaran Maria , Magoti Jamal , Morris Sarah A. , Baker Richard H. , Clarke Thomas , Correa-Garhwal Sandra M. , Hayashi Cheryl Y. , Friend Kyle , Opell Brent D.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Orb web and cobweb weaving spiders in the superfamily Araneoidea are distinguished by their ability to make a chemically sticky aqueous glue in specialized aggregate silk glands. Aggregate glue is an environmentally responsive material that has evolved to perform optimally around the humidity at which a spider forages. Protein components and their post-translational modifications confer stickiness to the glue, but the identities of these proteins have not been described for orb web weavers.

Methods

Using biomechanics, gene expression data, and proteomics, we characterized the glue’s physical properties and molecular components in two congeners that live in different environments, Argiope argentata (dry southwest US) and Argiope trifasciata (humid southeast US).

Results

The droplets of A. argentata are less hygroscopic than those of A. trifasciata and have proportionately smaller viscoelastic protein cores, which incorporate a smaller percentage of absorbed water as humidity increases. Argiope argentata protein cores were many times stiffer and tougher than A. trifasciata protein cores. Each species’ glue included ~30 aggregate-expressed proteins, most of which were homologous between the two species, with high sequence identity. However, the relative contribution and number of gene family members of each homologous group differed. For instance, the aggregate spidroins (AgSp1 and AgSp2) accounted for nearly half of the detected glue composition in A. argentata, but only 38% in A. trifasciata. Additionally, AgSp1, which has highly negatively charged regions, was ~2X as abundant as the positively charged AgSp2 in A. argentata, but ~3X as abundant in A. trifasciata. As another example, A. argentata glue included 11 members of a newly discovered cysteine-rich gene family, versus 7 members in A. trifasciata.

Discussion

Cysteines form disulfide bonds that, combined with the higher potential for electrostatic interactions between AgSp1 and AgSp2, could contribute to the greater stiffness of A. argentata glue. The ability to selectively express different glue protein genes and/or to extrude their products at different rates provides a faster mechanism to evolve material properties than sequence evolution alone.
Differential gene expression patterns between the head and thorax of Gynaephora aureata are associated with high-altitude adaptation
Authors: Zhao Jia-Rui , Hu Shi-Yun , Zhang Li-Jun , Zhang Li , Yang Xing-Zhuo , Yuan Ming-Long
Published: April 2023

Grassland caterpillars (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Gynaephora) are important pests in alpine meadows of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP). These pests have morphological, behavioral, and genetic adaptations for survival in high-altitude environments. However, mechanisms underlying high-altitude adaptation in QTP Gynaephora species remain largely unknown. Here, we performed a comparative analysis of the head and thorax transcriptomes of G. aureata to explore the genetic basis of high-altitude adaptation. We detected 8,736 significantly differentially expressed genes (sDEGs) between the head and thorax, including genes related to carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, epidermal proteins, and detoxification. These sDEGs were significantly enriched in 312 Gene Ontology terms and 16 KEGG pathways. We identified 73 pigment-associated genes, including 8 rhodopsin-associated genes, 19 ommochrome-associated genes, 1 pteridine-associated gene, 37 melanin-associated genes, and 12 heme-associated genes. These pigment-associated genes were related to the formation of the red head and black thorax of G. aureata. A key gene, yellow-h, in the melanin pathway was significantly upregulated in the thorax, suggesting that it is related to the formation of the black body and contributed to the adaptation of G. aureata to low temperatures and high ultraviolet radiation in the QTP. Another key gene, cardinal, in the ommochrome pathway was significantly upregulated in the head and may be related to red warning color formation. We also identified 107 olfactory-related genes in G. aureata, including genes encoding 29 odorant-binding proteins, 16 chemosensory proteins, 22 odorant receptor proteins, 14 ionotropic receptors, 12 gustatory receptors, 12 odorant degrading enzymes, and 2 sensory neuron membrane proteins. Diversification of olfactory-related genes may be associated with the feeding habits of G. aureata, including larvae dispersal and searching for plant resources available in the QTP. These results provide new insights into high-altitude adaptation of Gynaephora in the QTP and may contribute to the development of new control strategies for these pests.
Identification and verification of ferroptosis-related genes in gastric intestinal metaplasia
Authors: Song Biao , Li Tingting , Zhang Yi , Yang Qi , Pei Bei , Liu Yun , Wang Jieyu , Dong Gang , Sun Qin , Fan Shanshan , Li Xuejun
Published: April 2023

Background: Gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM) is the key link of gastric precancerous lesions. Ferroptosis is a novel form of programmed cell death. However, its impact on IM is unclear. The focus of this study is to identify and verify ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) that may be involved in IM by bioinformatics analysis.

Materials and methods: Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained from microarray dataset GSE60427 and GSE78523 downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes (DEFRGs) were obtained from overlapping genes of DEGs and FRGs got from FerrDb. DAVID database was used for functional enrichment analysis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis and Cytoscape software were used to screen hub gene. In addition, we built a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and verified the relative mRNA expression by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Finally, the CIBERSORT algorithm was used to analyze the immune infiltration in IM.

Results: First, a total of 17 DEFRGs were identified. Second, a gene module identified by Cytoscape software was considered as hub gene: PTGS2, HMOX1, IFNG, and NOS2. Third, ROC analysis showed that HMOX1 and NOS2 had good diagnostic characteristics. qRT-PCR experiments confirmed the differential expression of HMOX1 in IM and normal gastric tissues. Finally, immunoassay showed that the proportion of T cells regulatory (Tregs) and macrophages M0 in IM was relatively higher, while the proportion of T cells CD4 memory activated and dendritic cells activated was lower.

Conclusion: We found significant associations between FRGs and IM, and HMOX1 may be diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for IM. These results may enhance our understanding of IM and may contribute to its treatment.
Recruiting foreign-born individuals who have sought an abortion in the United States: Lessons from a feasibility study
Authors: Zuniga Carmela , Ragosta Sachiko , Thompson Terri-Ann
Published: April 2023

Although studies have documented challenges people encounter when attempting to access abortion care in the United States, there is little research on the perspectives and experiences of foreign-born individuals, who may encounter unique barriers to accessing care. Since lack of data may be due to difficulty recruiting this population, we explored the feasibility of using social media to recruit foreign-born individuals who have sought an abortion into interviews to share their abortion experiences. Our target population was limited to English and Spanish-speakers due to budget constraints. As this recruitment method was unsuccessful, we attempted to recruit our target population through the crowdsourcing website, Amazon Mechanical Turk (mTurk) to take a one-time survey on their abortion experience. Both online recruitment methods yielded a significant number of fraudulent responses. Although we aimed to collaborate with organizations that work closely with immigrant populations, they were unavailable to assist with recruitment efforts at the time of the study. Future abortion research utilizing online methods to recruit foreign-born populations should consider incorporating information on their target populations' use of online platforms as well as cultural views on abortion in order to develop effective recruitment strategies.
Preparation of graphene oxide–stabilized Pickering emulsion adjuvant for Pgp3 recombinant vaccine and enhanced immunoprotection against Chlamydia Trachomatis infection
Authors: Zhao Lanhua , Shu Mingyi , Chen Hongliang , Shi Keliang , Li Zhongyu
Published: April 2023

Background

Traditional emulsion adjuvants are limited in clinical application because of their surfactant dependence. Graphene oxide (GO) has unique amphiphilic properties and therefore has potential to be used as a surfactant substitute to stabilize Pickering emulsions.

Methods

In this study, GO–stabilized Pickering emulsion (GPE) was prepared and used as an adjuvant to facilitate an enhanced immune response to the Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) Pgp3 recombinant vaccine. Firstly, GPE was prepared by optimizing the sonication conditions, pH, salinity, GO concentration, and water/oil ratio. GPE with small-size droplets was characterized and chosen as the candidate. Subsequently, controlled-release antigen delivery by GPE was explored. Cellular uptake behaviors, M1 polarization, and cytokine stimulation by GPE + Pgp3 was considered in terms of the production of macrophages. Finally, GPE’s adjuvant effect was evaluated by vaccination with Pgp3 recombinant in BALB/c mouse models.

Results

GPE with the smallest droplet sizes was prepared by sonication under 163 W for 2 min at 1 mg/mL GO in natural salinity with a pH of 2 when the water/oil ratio was 10:1 (w/w). The optimized average GPE droplet size was 1.8 μm and the zeta potential was –25.0 ± 1.3 mv. GPE delivered antigens by adsorption onto the droplet surface, demonstrating the controlled release of antigens both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, GPE promoted antigen uptake, which stimulated proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), enhancing the M1 polarization of macrophages in vitro. Macrophage recruitment was also significantly promoted by GPE at the injection site. In the GPE + Pgp3 treatment group, higher levels of immunoglobin (IgG), immunoglobin G1 (IgG1), immunoglobin G2a (IgG2a) sera, and immunoglobin A (IgA) were detected in vaginal fluid, and higher levels of IFN-γ and IL-2 secretion were stimulated, than in the Pgp3 group, showing a significant type 1 T helper (Th1)-type cellular immune response. Chlamydia muridarum challenging showed that GPE enhanced Pgp3’s immunoprotection through its advanced clearance of bacterial burden and alleviation of chronic pathological damage in the genital tract.

Conclusion

This study enabled the rational design of small-size GPE, shedding light on antigen adsorption and control release, macrophage uptake, polarization and recruitment, which enhanced augmented humoral and cellular immunity and ameliorated chlamydial-induced tissue damage in the genital tract.