bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testosterone Regulation of Proto‐Oncogene c‐myc Expression in Primary Sertoli Cell Cultures from Prepubertal Rats
Authors: LIM KYU , YOO JI‐HUN , KIM KYE‐YOUNG , KWEON GI‐RYANG , KWAK SANG‐TAE , HWANG BYUNG‐DOO
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The expression of c‐myc has been associated with cell proliferation through changes of nuclear function. To evaluate the possibility that the proto‐oncogene c‐myc plays a role in testoster‐one‐dependent gene regulation, the effects of testosterone on the expression of c‐myc have been investigated in primary Sertoli cell cultures. Testosterone increased c‐myc mRNA levels, with maximal stimulation reached in 16 hours. The induction of c‐myc mRNA was dependent on the concentration of testosterone. Testosterone‐induced c‐myc mRNA levels were also increased in cells after addition of cycloheximide but reduced by actinomycin‐D pretreatment. Even in the absence of hormone in culture medium, c‐myc mRNA was clearly detectable in Sertoli cells from 8‐day‐old rats but hardly detectable in cells from 14 and 28 days of age. Testosterone stimulated c‐myc mRNA expression in the Sertoli cells from only 8‐/and 14‐day‐old rats. These results suggest that testosterone induces c‐myc mRNA levels in the primary Sertoli cells from prepubertal rats, and then transient expression of c‐myc may be responsible for some of the regulatory roles of testosterone‐dependent genes in the Sertoli cells. The biological significance of testosterone‐dependent c‐myc induction is not known.
Effect of Low‐Dose Testicular Irradiation on Sperm Count and Fertility in Patients with Testicular Seminoma
Authors: CENTOLA GRACE M. , KELLER JAMES W. , HENZLER MARGARET , RUBIN PHILIP
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The treatment of seminoma with radiation therapy risks transient infertility. We have prospectively followed eight patients with stage I seminoma of the testicle. All patients underwent radical orchiectomy of the affected testis. The mean age of the patients was 32.9 years (range 24–40). Each patient was treated with megavoltage radiation with a 10‐ or 18‐MV linear accelerator. The remaining testicle was shielded using a standard lead enclosure, and the mean testicular dose was 44 cGy (range 20.8–78.2). Semen specimens were delivered to the lab within 30 minutes of ejaculation. All specimens were analyzed using a computer‐assisted sperm analyzer. Pretreatment parameters were within normal limits for all but one patient; one patient presented with a borderline normal sperm count at 18 and 22 x lOM6/ml. Following treatment, there was a decrease in sperm count, detected at 3 months, to <10 × 106/ml (range 4.4–8.6 × 106) in all patients except one, who presented with an initial pretreatment count of 189 × 106/ml, which decreased to 58 × 106/ml at 3 months, 32 × 106/ml at 6 months, and rose to 325 × 106/ml by 12 months following treatment. Although the sperm count for this patient (D.L.) was within the normal range, the post‐radiation sperm count was less than 20% of the pretreatment count. There was no difference in the motility at 3 months, the mean of which was 51.3%. One patient's (F.C.) wife conceived at 9 months following treatment, one at 12 months (J.R.), and one (J.S.) at 14 months, and all have delivered normal infants. Of the remaining patients, four patients recovered sperm counts within the normal range by 1 year (range 38–325 × 106/ml), one by 18 months, and one by 30 months. Of the two remaining patients, one did not return for sperm analysis after the couple had a child using banked sperm, and the second was able to conceive a child at 14 months and believed that a sperm count was superfluous. The earliest recovery was seen at 12 months. In the present study, recovery was seen at doses of ≤65 cGy, although the one patient receiving a dose of 90 cGy conceived naturally and did not return for follow‐up sperm analysis after a sperm count at 12 months (4.3 × 106/ml). There is thus a transient decrease in sperm count following megavoltage radiation treatment with testicular doses between 28 and 90 cGy, with recovery of normal sperm count or the ability to father offspring by a maximum of 30 months after treatment. A study of serial semen analyses in patients with Hodgkin's disease (and two patients with testicular seminoma) from this institution was updated to serve as a comparison for this study.
The Direct Pituitary Effect of Testosterone to Inhibit Gonadotropin Secretion in Men Is Partially Mediated by Aromatization to Estradiol
Authors: BAGATELL CARRIE J. , DAHL KRISTINE D. , BREMNER WILLIAM J.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: In men, administration of exogenous testosterone (T) exerts direct negative feedback effects at the pituitary as well as at the hypothalamic level. This study was undertaken to determine whether T itself causes the inhibitory effects on the pituitary, or whether conversion to estradiol (E2) or dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is required. We assessed the biological activity of serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), as well as immunoactivity. Blood samples were drawn before, during, and after a continuous, 72‐hour i.v. infusion of T (15 mg/day), E2 (90 μg/day), or DHT (500 μg/day). Each of these doses is twice the daily production rate of the steroid. Each man received each of the three steroid infusions. We studied four men, ages 23–35, with idiopathic hypothalamic hypogonadism (IHH), who were treated with pulsatile gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) until their gonadotropins reached the normal range. Serum levels of T, E2, DHT, and levels of immunologically active and biologically active LH and FSH were measured. We found that administration of each steroid increased serum levels of the infused steroid to the upper physiologic range. Administration of T or E2 resulted in decreased mean levels of biologically and immunologically active LH and FSH; administration of DHT did not alter gonadotropin secretion. These data suggest that some of the direct effect of T at the pituitary level in men is mediated by E2, whereas peripherally formed DHT may not play an important role in this process.
Consistency of Sperm Morphology Classification Methods
Authors: DAVIS R. O. , GRAVANCE C. G.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The World Health Organization (WHO) recently suggested new morphometric dimensions for normal sperm heads and new sperm head classification rules. These specifications differ from previous WHO methods and from the Kruger method for strict morphology assessment. We analyzed the WHO and Kruger sperm classification rules to determine their appropriateness as predictive linear models. We reviewed the theoretical requirements for allometric modeling, a more traditional approach for specifying the size relationships between phenotypic characters, and developed valid allometric models based on the statistical properties of over 3,700 measurements of individual sperm head dimensions. We implemented the WHO, Kruger, and Allometric methods on the same set of digitized sperm heads to study the empirical consequences of different metric requirements and classification methods. Results show that the WHO and Kruger methods are internally consistent, but specify nonconstant variance. Hence, they are inappropriate linear models. The allometric models were internally consistent and specified constant variance. Hence, they are appropriate linear models. Significant differences were found in the percentage of normal sperm between the methods. On average, the Kruger method produced the lowest value and the Allometric methods produced significantly higher values than the WHO methods, but no average difference was found between WHO methods or between Allometric methods. Nevertheless, the percentage of normal sperm did change significantly for individual specimens. These results indicate that small differences in metric requirements and classification rules can dramatically change the percentage of normal sperm. Until more rig‐orous definitions of sperm features can be developed, and valid statistical models can be used to describe the population characteristics of fertile sperm, the prognostic value of sperm morphology is limited.
Periprosthetic joint infection and immunity: Current understanding of host–microbe interplay
Authors: Piuzzi Nicolas S. , Klika Alison K. , Lu Qiuhe , Higuera‐Rueda Carlos A. , Stappenbeck Thaddeus , Visperas Anabelle
Published: October 2023

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a major complication of total joint arthroplasty. Even with current treatments, failure rates are unacceptably high with a 5‐year mortality rate of 26%. Majority of the literature in the field has focused on development of better biomarkers for diagnostics and treatment strategies including innovate antibiotic delivery systems, antibiofilm agents, and bacteriophages. Nevertheless, the role of the immune system, our first line of defense during PJI, is not well understood. Evidence of infection in PJI patients is found within circulation, synovial fluid, and tissue and include numerous cytokines, metabolites, antimicrobial peptides, and soluble receptors that are part of the PJI diagnosis workup. Macrophages, neutrophils, and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are initially recruited into the joint by chemokines and cytokines produced by immune cells and bacteria and are activated by pathogen‐associated molecular patterns. While these cells are efficient killers of planktonic bacteria by phagocytosis, opsonization, degranulation, and recruitment of adaptive immune cells, biofilm‐associated bacteria are troublesome. Biofilm is not only a physical barrier for the immune system but also elicits effector functions. Additionally, bacteria have developed mechanisms to evade the immune system by inactivating effector molecules, promoting killing or anti‐inflammatory effector cell phenotypes, and intracellular persistence and dissemination. Understanding these shortcomings and the mechanisms by which bacteria can subvert the immune system may open new approaches to better prepare our own immune system to combat PJI. Furthermore, preoperative immune system assessment and screening for dysregulation may aid in developing preventative interventions to decrease PJI incidence.
Possibility of spatial estimation of soil erosion using Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation model and generalized additive model in post‐hard coal mining spoil heap
Authors: Singh Pranav Dev , Klamerus‐Iwan Anna , Hawryło Paweł , Sierka Edyta , Pietrzykowski Marcin
Published: October 2023

Revegetation and plant cover establishment on coal mining heap areas are effective methods for reducing runoff and soil erosion. They are essential components for reestablishing ecosystems in ecologically vulnerable areas. Our study area covered the Upper Silesia coal region. The research focused on active and passive reclamation plots of the study area with different land covers, that is, woodland, grassland, forbland, and control plots. This study aimed to evaluate the spatial allotment of soil erosion in various reclamation techniques and land covers of a mining area using a combination of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model, geographic information systems, and regression modeling with generalized additive models. We demonstrated that the combination of different data analysis methods can be used to accurately predict soil degradation, even if not all factors used in the RUSLE model are wall‐to‐wall available. However, only sheet and rill erosions can be predicted using this model. The results demonstrated the spread of soil erosion over the post‐coal mining heaps, varying from 0.03 Mg/ha/year to 583.47 Mg/ha/year. The highest soil erosion rate was observed at the control site (bare rock without vegetation). Approximately 62.6% of the region remained in the safe zone, whereas approximately 1.4% of the area was classified as a very severe zone for erosion.
Impacts of consumer regrets on product demos and pricing strategy in new product release
Authors: Zhang Guoquan , Lv Qi , Shang Jennifer
Published: October 2023

When customers lack information about a new product, they may experience regret after making their purchase decisions. Thanks to anticipated regret, consumers are motivated to learn more through demonstration (Demo). To understand the impact of consumers' anticipated regret, we propose an analytical model to identify a firm's best pricing and demo strategies. If the current product price is exogenous, Repeat Regret (RR) is positively related to the new product price and demo degree, while Switch Regret (SR) exhibits a negative relationship. In addition, the effects of RR and SR on demo are non‐monotonic when the current product is endogenously priced.
„Sleep tight, wake up bright“
Authors: Hödlmoser Kerstin , Bothe Kathrin
Published: October 2023

Schlafprobleme und eine unzureichende Schlafdauer sind bereits im Kindesalter weit verbreitet und können sich negativ auf die psychische Gesundheit oder die kognitive Leistungsfähigkeit auswirken. Die in diesem Beitrag präsentierte Befundlage weist darauf hin, dass gesunder, ausreichender und qualitativ hochwertiger Schlaf im Kindesalter sowohl während der Nacht als auch während des Tages für die optimale Entwicklung und Gedächtnisbildung notwendig ist. Während des Schlafs kommt es zur Bildung und zur Umstrukturierung neuronaler Netzwerke. Hinsichtlich der Schlafphysiologie zeigt sich, dass eine präzise Kopplung zwischen sog. langsamen Oszillationen (< 1 Hz) und Schlafspindeln (11–16 Hz) während des „non-rapid-eye-movement“(NREM)-Schlafs sowohl für die deklarative als auch für die prozedurale Gedächtnisbildung förderlich ist. Neue Informationen werden dadurch aus subkortikalen Gedächtnisstrukturen in kortikale Netzwerke integriert und dort langfristig abgespeichert. Schlafprobleme, Schlafmangel und Tagesmüdigkeit können die Gedächtnisbildung bereits in den frühen Entwicklungsjahren beeinträchtigen. Auf eine gesunde Schlafhygiene sollte deshalb schon ab dem Säuglingsalter geachtet werden. Der vorliegende Beitrag gibt deshalb praktische Empfehlungen für die Implementierung von Maßnahmen zur Förderung der Schlafqualität in verschiedenen Entwicklungsstufen.
Relationship between nailfold capillaroscopy parameters and the severity of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Okabe Tatsu , Kunikata Hiroshi , Yasuda Masayuki , Kodama Shinjiro , Maeda Yuta , Nakano Joe , Takeno Dan , Fuse Nobuo , Nakazawa Toru
Published: October 2023

Purpose

To determine whether non-invasive measurements of the nailfold capillaries (NCs) are associated with the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Eighty-three eyes of 83 patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled. Sixty-three age-matched non-diabetic subjects served as controls. Diabetic patients were classified by the severity of their DR: non-DR (NDR), non-proliferative DR (NPDR), and proliferative DR (PDR). We used nailfold capillaroscopy to measure NC parameters, including number, length, width, and turbidity.

Results

Four NC parameters in the diabetic patients were significantly lower than in the controls (all P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant decrease in the NC parameters along with the increasing severity of DR (number: P = 0.02; all others: P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that combining the systemic characteristics of age, sex, systolic blood pressure, estimated glomerular filtration rate, hemoglobin A1c level, and history of hypertension and dyslipidemia could indicate the presence of DR and PDR (the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.81, P = 0.006; AUC = 0.87, P = 0.001, respectively). Furthermore, the discriminative power of DR was significantly improved (P = 0.03) by adding NC length to the systemic findings (AUC = 0.89, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

NC measurement is a simple and non-invasive way to assess the risk of DR and its severity.
Topical administration of S. salivarius 24SMB-S. oralis 89a in children with adenoidal disease: a double-blind controlled trial
Authors: Folino Francesco , Di Pasquale Daniele , Marchisio Paola , Pignataro Lorenzo , Capaccio Pasquale , Gaini Lorenzo , Battilocchi Ludovica , Bosis Samantha , Torretta Sara
Published: October 2023

Chronic adenoiditis (CA) is generally sustained by some infectious foci mainly located within the nasopharynx or in the deep adenoidal pads and it is characterized by a complex interplay between bacterial species. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of the topical nasal administration of a probiotic compound based on S. salivarius 24SMB and S. oralis 89a in children with CA in terms of reduction in: the number of acute adenoidal infections (primary outcome), and in the blockage of the nasopharynx space by hypertrophic adenoids (secondary outcome). A prospective, double-blind, 1:1 randomized controlled study was performed to test the effectiveness of a 90-day treatment with Rinogermina spray (DMD ITALIA s.r.l, Rome), 1 puff each nostril twice a day for 90 days, to nasal spray placebo in children with CA (in terms of number of acute exacerbations and blockage of nasopharynx space assessed after 90 days of treatment- T1, and 90 days later- T2). The final analysis was based on 152 children (males = 48.0%; mean age = 49.2 ± 14.1 months). Compared to the baseline, no significant differences in terms of number of acute exacerbations at T1 and T2 follow-up visits were detected in both groups. After treatment, a significant reduction in the blockage of nasopharynx space by hypertrophic adenoids (0.002 < p-value < 0.007) compared to the baseline was attested in the study group at T1 and T2, but not in the control group.

Conclusions: Our findings document a positive effect of Rinogermina spray in achieving reduction in the blockage of nasopharynx space by hypertrophic adenoids, thus suggesting that its use into the integrated therapeutic management of children with CA could be of a certain utility.

What is Known:• Chronic adenoiditis in children results from an imablance in baterial homeostasis at the nasophaynx, with impairment in respiratory microbiota.• The modulatory effect of target transnasal bacteriotheray by means of S. salivarius has been considered in children with chronic adenoiditis in children with recurrent acute otitis media with preliminary positive results.

What is New:• This randomized controlled study, specifically designed on a cohrt of children with chronic adenoiditis, documents a certain effectiveness of the probiotic treatment in achieving a reduction in the grade of adenoidal hypertropy, compared to placebo.
Effects of metformin on parasitological, pathological changes in the brain and liver and immunological aspects during visceral toxocariasis in mice
Authors: Salama Amina M. , Elmahy Rasha A. , Ibrahim Hoda A. , Amer Alaa Ibrahim Mohamed , Eltantawy Asmaa Fawzy , Elgendy Dina I.
Published: October 2023

There are currently insufficient anthelmintic medications available for the treatment of toxocariasis. For instance, Albendazole (ABZ) is the preferred medication, but its effectiveness against tissue-dwelling parasites is limited. In addition, Metformin (MTF) is a widely used oral antidiabetic medication that is considered to be safe for treatment. This study aimed to investigate any potential effects of MTF, alone or in combination with ABZ, on mice infections caused by Toxocara canis (T. canis). The efficacy of the treatment was assessed in the acute and chronic phases of the infection by larval recovery and histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies. The results showed that combined therapy significantly reduced larval counts in the liver, brain, and muscles and ameliorated hepatic and brain pathology. It reduced oxidative stress and TGF-β mRNA expression and increased FGF21 levels in the liver. It decreased TNF-α levels and MMP-9 expression in the brain. In addition, it increased serum levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ and decreased serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10. In the acute and chronic phases of the infection, the combined treatment was more effective than ABZ alone. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential role of MTF as an adjuvant in the treatment of experimental T. canis infection when administered with ABZ.
Asymmetric business cycle changes in US carbon emissions and oil market shocks
Authors: Jiang Xueting , Stern David I.
Published: October 2023

Previous research shows that, in the USA, the elasticity of carbon emissions with respect to GDP is greater when GDP declines than when GDP increases. Using monthly US data, we examine each individual recession since 1973. We find asymmetric changes in carbon emissions in the 1973–1975, 1980, 1990–1991, and 2020 recessions but not in the 1981–1982, 2001, or 2008–2009 recessions. The former four recessions are associated with negative oil market shocks. In the first three, there was a supply shock and in 2020, a demand shock. Changes in oil consumption that are not explained by changes in GDP explain these asymmetries. Furthermore, the asymmetries are due to emissions in the transport and industrial sectors, which are the main consumers of oil. We conclude that emissions behaved similarly in 2020 to the way they did in recessions associated with oil supply shocks, but, actually, this pattern is not inherent to the business cycle itself.
Efficient photocatalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol under visible light irradiation based on Ag NPs loaded brown 2D g-C3N4 / g-C3N4 QDs nanocomposite
Authors: Maged Sandy , El-Borady Ola M. , El-Hosainy Hamza , El-Kemary Maged
Published: October 2023

Recently, low-cost graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) revealed high photocatalytic activities and provided solutions to environmental pollution. In this study, we synthesized brown mesoporous 2D g-C3N4 by calcination dicyandiamide with pluronic P123. This is followed by loading of Ag NPs on the prepared 2D g-C3N4 by photodeposition process. After that, a ternary composite 2% Ag/ 2D g-C3N4 / g-C3N4 QDs heterojunction photocatalyst has been successfully prepared. The prepared nanomaterials were comprehensively characterized by various analysis techniques such as XRD, UV–Vis., BET, XPS, SEM, TEM. This new system exhibited a large surface area with porous structure and a wide absorption of visible light. The results verified that Ag NPs decoration enhanced the charge separation of photo-generated carriers of g-C3N4 2D and g-C3N4 QDs, promote significant enhancement in the photocatalytic activity for reduction of p-nitrophenol with a rate constant (k) value of 0.49729 / min in 6 min. This rate is about two-fold higher than that observed for pure g-C3N4 2D and g-C3N4 QDs as well as shows an improvement compared to 2% Ag/ g-C3N4 2D and g-C3N4 2D/ g-C3N4 QDs. The results open the door to design highly efficient 2D/0D nanocomposite photocatalysts for a wide variety of environmental applications.
Truncation quantization in the edge calculus
Authors: Schulze B.-Wolfgang , Seiler Jörg
Published: October 2023

Pseudodifferential operators on the half-space associated with classical symbols of order zero without transmission property are shown to belong to the so-called edge algebra.
The inverted U-shaped relationship between weight loss percentage and cardiovascular health scores
Authors: Chen Feng , Zhang Yu , Chen Shaohe
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Obesity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease; however, the impact of weight loss on cardiovascular health (CVH) in individuals with specific obesity patterns remains incompletely understood. The objective of our study was to investigate the relationship weight loss percentage and CVH scores across individuals with various obesity patterns.

Methods

Our study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 2007 and 2018, involving a total of 12,835 participants aged 16 years or older, to conduct a cross-sectional analysis. Multiple linear regression and multinomial logistic regression methods were used to assess the correlation between the weight loss percentage and the CVH scores. Additionally, restricted cubic spline analysis was employed to examine the nonlinear relationship between the two variables.

Results

Compared to individuals with a weight loss percentage < 0%, participants with weight loss percentages of 0–5% and 5.1–10% showed improved CVH scores, with β values of 2.85 (95% CI 2.32–3.38) and 2.55 (95% CI 1.69–3.4), respectively. Regarding different obesity patterns, compared to participants with a weight loss percentage < 0%, participants with a weight loss percentage of 0–5% showed an increase in CVH scores in the normal weight and overweight/general obesity (OGO) groups, with β values of 1.45 (95% CI 0.7–2.19) and 1.22 (95% CI 0.46–1.97), respectively. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a significant inverted U-shaped relationship between the weight loss percentage and the CVH scores (with optimal CVH scores at 3%).

Conclusions

There was an inverted U-shaped relationship between weight loss percentage and CVH scores, with moderate weight loss (0–10%, optimal value of 3%) being associated with improved CVH scores, especially among individuals with OGO.

Level V

Opinions of respected authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees.
Typologies of Secularism in China: Religion, Superstition, and Secularization
Authors: Xu Aymeric
Published: October 2023

This article examines four typologies of secularism in China from the sixteenth century onward, through an analysis of the triadic relationship between the secular, religious, and superstitious. These notions have been considered to be derived from the particular intellectual and political history of the West, but this fails to grasp the complexity of non-Western belief systems. This article proposes to instead examine how Chinese policymakers and intellectuals actively fabricated religion and produced secularization. It goes beyond a simple rebuttal of Eurocentrism, and arguments regarding the mutual incomparability of Western and Chinese experiences of secularization. It distinguishes four typologies of secularism that emerged successively in China: (1) the reduction of Christianity from the sixteenth century to the 1900s; (2) the Confucian secular and (3) atheist secular that were conceptualized, respectively, by royalist reformers and anti-Manchu revolutionaries during the final two decades of the Qing Dynasty; and (4) the interventionist secularism pursued by the Republican and the Communist regimes to strictly supervise and regulate religious beliefs and practices. The paper argues that, if secularization is indeed Christian in nature, secularism and religion were not imposed in China under Western cultural and political hegemony. Instead, the Christian secular model was produced in China mainly via pre-existing cultural norms and the state’s ad hoc political needs, making the Christian secularism itself a multipolar phenomenon.
The Environmental Footprint of Bitcoin Mining Across the Globe: Call for Urgent Action
Authors: Chamanara Sanaz , Ghaffarizadeh S. Arman , Madani Kaveh
Published: October 2023

Based on a multi‐attribute assessment of the environmental impacts and challenges associated with global Bitcoin (BTC) mining activities around the globe, we call for urgent action by the scientific, policy, and advocacy communities. The worldwide BTC mining network consumed 173.42 TWh of electricity during the 2020–2021 period, bigger than the electricity consumption of most nations. The mining process emitted over 85.89 Mt of CO2eq in the same timeframe, equivalent to the emission caused by burning 84 billion pounds of coal or running 190 natural gas‐fired power plants. The environmental footprint of BTC mining is not limited to greenhouse gas emissions. In 2020–2021, the global water footprint of BTC mining was about 1.65 km3, more than the domestic water use of 300 million people in rural Sub‐Saharan Africa. The land footprint of the global BTC mining network during this period was more than 1,870 square kilometers, 1.4 times the area of Los Angeles. These striking numbers highlight the heavy reliance of the BTC network on fossil fuels and natural resource‐intensive energy sources, resulting in major but unmonitored and unregulated environmental footprints. To mitigate the environmental costs of BTC mining, immediate policy interventions, technological advancements, and scientific research are crucial. Proposed measures include enhanced transparency, economic and regulatory tools, developing energy‐efficient alternative coins, and the adoption of greener blockchain validation protocols.
Effect of Shape and Size on the Transport of Floating Particles on the Free Surface in a Natural Stream
Authors: Sanness Salmon Henri R. , Baker Lucia J. , Kozarek Jessica L. , Coletti Filippo
Published: October 2023

Understanding how floating particles are transported by streaming waters is crucial in predicting the transport of plastic pollution, which is dramatically abundant in rivers, lakes, and oceans. Using particle tracking velocimetry, we investigate the motion of floating particles of different shape and size on the turbulent free surface of a field‐scale meandering stream. We consider two different locations, where the role of surface waves on transport is deemed negligible. Millimeter‐sized spheres are used as tracers to characterize the surface flow. These are compared with centimeter‐sized discs and rods, approximating typical‐sized pieces of floating litter. The larger particles exhibit similar mean and fluctuating velocities as the tracers but filter out the extreme turbulent accelerations. Consequently, their motion is more time‐correlated and their spreading rate is larger. This behavior is also confirmed by complementary laboratory measurements in an open channel flow. The rotation of the rods, affected by a range of turbulent scales, reduces the correlation time scale of their translational motion, and leads to a slower dispersion compared to the discs, despite the rods' length being larger than the discs' diameter. Taken together, these results indicate that the motion of finite‐sized objects floating on the surface of weakly wavy turbulent waters is consistent with the behavior of inertial particles in three‐dimensional turbulence. These results can be valuable when constructing predictive models of floating plastics.
Predicted resistance to broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) and associated HIV-1 envelope characteristics among seroconverting adults in Botswana
Authors: Moraka Natasha O. , Choga Wonderful T. , Pema Marea N. , Chawawa Moses Kudzai , Gobe Irene , Mokomane Margaret , Bareng Ontlametse T. , Bhebhe Lynette , Kelentse Nametso , Mulenga Graceful , Pretorius Holme Molly , Mohammed Terence , Koofhethile Catherine K. , Makhema Joseph M. , Shapiro Roger , Lockman Shahin , Moyo Sikhulile , Gaseitsiwe Simani
Published: October 2023

We used HIV-1C sequences to predict (in silico) resistance to 33 known broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs) and evaluate the different HIV-1 Env characteristics that may affect virus neutralization. We analyzed proviral sequences from adults with documented HIV-1 seroconversion (N = 140) in Botswana (2013–2018). HIV-1 env sequences were used to predict bnAb resistance using bNAb-ReP, to determine the number of potential N-linked glycosylation sites (PNGS) and evaluate Env variable region characteristics (VC). We also assessed the presence of signature mutations that may affect bnAb sensitivity in vitro. We observe varied results for predicted bnAb resistance among our cohort. 3BNC117 showed high predicted resistance (72%) compared to intermediate levels of resistance to VRC01 (57%). We predict low resistance to PGDM100 and 10-1074 and no resistance to 4E10. No difference was observed in the frequency of PNGS by bNAb susceptibility patterns except for higher number of PNGs in V3 bnAb resistant strains. Associations of VC were observed for V1, V4 and V5 loop length and net charge. We also observed few mutations that have been reported to confer bnAb resistance in vitro. Our results support use of sequence data and machine learning tools to predict the best bnAbs to use within populations.
Disrupted brain mitochondrial morphology after in vivo hydrogen sulfide exposure
Authors: Rumbeiha Wilson K. , Kim Dong-Suk , Min Angela , Nair Maya , Giulivi Cecilia
Published: October 2023

Changes in mitochondrial dynamics are often associated with dietary patterns, medical treatments, xenobiotics, and diseases. Toxic exposures to hydrogen sulfide (H2S) harm mitochondria by inhibiting Complex IV and via other mechanisms. However, changes in mitochondrial dynamics, including morphology following acute exposure to H2S, are not yet fully understood. This study followed mitochondrial morphology changes over time after a single acute LCt50 dose of H2S by examining electron microscopy thalami images of surviving mice. Our findings revealed that within the initial 48 h after H2S exposure, mitochondrial morphology was impaired by H2S, supported by the disruption and scarcity of the cristae, which are required to enhance the surface area for ATP production. At the 72-h mark point, a spectrum of morphological cellular changes was observed, and the disordered mitochondrial network, accompanied by the probable disruption of mitophagy, was tied to changes in mitochondrial shape. In summary, this study sheds light on how acute exposure to high levels of H2S triggers alterations in mitochondrial shape and structure as early as 24 h that become more evident at 72 h post-exposure. These findings underscore the impact of H2S on mitochondrial function and overall cellular health.
Mapping the vulnerability of irrigation sand traps in a tropical volcanic basin, Indonesia
Authors: Pradipta Ansita Gupitakingkin , Loc Ho Huu , Park Edward , Prihanantya Akram Sripandam , Nurhady Sigit , Setyawan Chandra , Mohanasundaram S. , Virdis Salvatore G. P. , Shrestha Sangam
Published: October 2023

Sand traps in irrigation networks are typically used in mitigating canal sedimentation. In irrigation networks located in basins of high sediment yield due to the presence of volcanoes, it is essential to assess the vulnerability of sand traps. Using sediment yield at irrigation scheme inlets, sand trap vulnerability can be evaluated. This study aims to understand the vulnerability of irrigation sand traps throughout the Progo–Opak–Serang (POS) Volcanic River Basin, Indonesia, via mapping the sediment yield distributions in the basin. We employed the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation to estimate soil loss, where the results show that the average soil loss in the POS River Basin is 179.69 tons/ha/year that falls under the category of moderate erosion potential, while the average sediment yield for the whole basin is 51.04 tons/ha/year. Parts of the basin with high yields of more than 180 tons/ha/year were mostly found along the volcanic mountains such as Sindoro, Sumbing, Merapi, Merbabu, and Telomoyo, and the Menoreh Hills. The model demonstrated relatively high performance with R2, NSE, RMSE, and MAE of 0.89, 0.82, 0.14, and 0.11, respectively. Within the POS Basin, Badran, Kalibawang, and Blawong are the three most vulnerable irrigation sand traps, with sediment yield values of 252.83, 178.92, and 63.49 tons/ha/year, respectively; they are all located in sub-watershed outlets. The vulnerability assessment conducted in this study can be used for the decision support system to prioritize irrigation sand traps towards a more effective irrigation system development.
A low-carb diet increases fecal short-chain fatty acids in feces of obese women following a weight-loss program: randomized feeding trial
Authors: Rad Zahra Abbaspour , Mousavi Seyedeh Neda , Chiti Hossein
Published: October 2023

To compare fecal level of short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) and some serum inflammatory markers between the low-carbohydrate (LCD) and the habitual (HD) diet, subjects were enrolled from our previous study on the effect of LCD vs. HD on gut microbiota in obese women following an energy-restricted diet. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) significantly increased in the HD group (p < 0.001). Adjusted for the baseline parameters, fecal level of butyric, propionic, and acetic acid were significantly different between the LCD and HD groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.02, and p < 0.001, respectively). Increase in serum insulin level correlated with decrease in fecal propionic acid by 5.3-folds (95% CI =  − 2.7,  − 0.15, p = 0.04). Increase in serum high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) correlated with decrease in the percentage of fecal butyric acid by 25% (p = 0.04). Serum fasting blood sugar (FBS) and insulin showed a significant effect on fecal acetic acid (p = 0.009 and p = 0.01, respectively). Elevated serum FBS and insulin correlated with increase in fecal acetic acid by 2.8 and 8.9-folds (95%CI = 0.34, 1.9 and 1.2, 9.2), respectively. The LCD increased fecal SCFAs and a significant correlation was seen between serum IL-6 and fecal propionic acid level. More studies are needed to reach a concise correlation.

Trial registration number: The trial was registered in Iranian ClinicalTrials.gov IRCT20200929048876N3.
Population pharmacokinetic modeling of multiple-dose intravenous fosfomycin in critically ill patients during continuous venovenous hemodialysis
Authors: Hüppe Tobias , Götz Katharina M. , Meiser Andreas , de Faria Fernandes Andrea , Maurer Felix , Groesdonk Heinrich V. , Volk Thomas , Lehr Thorsten , Kreuer Sascha
Published: October 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of multiple-dose intravenous (i.v.) fosfomycin in critically ill patients during continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD). Non-compartmental analysis and population pharmacokinetic modeling were used to simulate different dosing regimens. We evaluated 15 critically ill patients with renal insufficiency and CVVHD undergoing anti-infective treatment with fosfomycin in our ICU. Five grams of fosfomycin were administered for 120 min every 6 h. Plasma concentrations were determined with and without CVVHD. Pharmacokinetic analysis and simulations were performed using non-linear mixed effects modelling (NONMEM). A two-compartment model with renal and dialysis clearance was most accurate in describing the pharmacokinetics of i.v. fosfomycin during CVVHD. Population parameter estimates were 18.20 L and 20.80 L for the central and peripheral compartment volumes, and 0.26 L/h and 5.08 L/h for renal and intercompartmental clearance, respectively. Urinary creatinine clearance (CLCR) represented a considerable component of renal clearance. Central compartment volume increased over time after the first dose. For patients with CLCR > 50 (90) mL/min and CVVHD, dosage should be increased to ≥ 15 (16) grams of i.v. fosfomycin across three (four) daily doses. Individual CLCR must be considered when dosing i.v. fosfomycin in critically ill patients during CVVHD.
Production of marmoset eggs and embryos from xenotransplanted ovary tissues
Authors: Hirayama Runa , Taketsuru Hiroaki , Nakatsukasa Ena , Natsume Rie , Saito Nae , Adachi Shuko , Kuwabara Sayaka , Miyamoto Jun , Miura Shiori , Fujisawa Nobuyoshi , Maeda Yoshitaka , Takao Keizo , Abe Manabu , Sasaoka Toshikuni , Sakimura Kenji
Published: October 2023

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) has attracted attention as a valuable primate model for the analysis of human diseases. Despite the potential for primate genetic modification, however, its widespread lab usage has been limited due to the requirement for a large number of eggs. To make up for traditional oocyte retrieval methods such as hormone administration and surgical techniques, we carried out an alternative approach by utilizing ovarian tissue from deceased marmosets that had been disposed of. This ovarian tissue contains oocytes and can be used as a valuable source of follicles and oocytes. In this approach, the ovarian tissue sections were transplanted under the renal capsules of immunodeficient mice first. Subsequent steps consist of development of follicles by hormone administrations, induction of oocyte maturation and fertilization, and culture of the embryo. This method was first established with rat ovaries, then applied to marmoset ovaries, ultimately resulting in the successful acquisition of the late-stage marmoset embryos. This approach has the potential to contribute to advancements in genetic modification research and disease modeling through the use of primate models, promoting biotechnology with non-human primates and the 3Rs principle in animal experimentation.
An advanced approach for the electrical responses of discrete fractional-order biophysical neural network models and their dynamical responses
Authors: Chu Yu-Ming , Alzahrani Taher , Rashid Saima , Rashidah Waleed , ur Rehman Shafiq , Alkhatib Mohammad
Published: October 2023

The multiple activities of neurons frequently generate several spiking-bursting variations observed within the neurological mechanism. We show that a discrete fractional-order activated nerve cell framework incorporating a Caputo-type fractional difference operator can be used to investigate the impacts of complex interactions on the surge-empowering capabilities noticed within our findings. The relevance of this expansion is based on the model’s structure as well as the commensurate and incommensurate fractional-orders, which take kernel and inherited characteristics into account. We begin by providing data regarding the fluctuations in electronic operations using the fractional exponent. We investigate two-dimensional Morris–Lecar neuronal cell frameworks via spiked and saturated attributes, as well as mixed-mode oscillations and mixed-mode bursting oscillations of a decoupled fractional-order neuronal cell. The investigation proceeds by using a three-dimensional slow-fast Morris–Lecar simulation within the fractional context. The proposed method determines a method for describing multiple parallels within fractional and integer-order behaviour. We examine distinctive attribute environments where inactive status develops in detached neural networks using stability and bifurcation assessment. We demonstrate features that are in accordance with the analysis’s findings. The Erdös–Rényi connection of asynchronization transformed neural networks (periodic and actionable) is subsequently assembled and paired via membranes that are under pressure. It is capable of generating multifaceted launching processes in which dormant neural networks begin to come under scrutiny. Additionally, we demonstrated that boosting connections can cause classification synchronization, allowing network devices to activate in conjunction in the future. We construct a reduced-order simulation constructed around clustering synchronisation that may represent the operations that comprise the whole system. Our findings indicate the influence of fractional-order is dependent on connections between neurons and the system’s stored evidence. Moreover, the processes capture the consequences of fractional derivatives on surge regularity modification and enhance delays that happen across numerous time frames in neural processing.
Capability of TiO2 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles loaded onto Algae (Scendesmus sp.) as a novel bio-magnetic photocatalyst to degration of Red195 dye in the sonophotocatalytic treatment process under ultrasonic/UVA irradiation
Authors: Zamani Wahid , Rastgar Saeedeh , Hedayati Aliakbar
Published: October 2023

In this study, the magnetic photocatalyst Scendesmus/Fe3O4/TiO2 was synthesized, and its sonophotocatalytic properties in relation to the degradation of the Red195 dye were evaluated. Particles were characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier's transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and a vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM). At a pH of 5, a photocatalyst dosage of 100 mg, an initial R195 concentration of 100 mg/l, an ultrasound power of 38W, and an exposure time of 20 min, the maximum Red195 removal efficiency (100%) was achieved. After five cycles of recycling, the composite's sonophotocatalytic degradation stability for R195 remains above 95%. Experiments on scavenging indicate that electrons (h+) and hydroxyls (OH-) are indispensable decomposition agents. The removal of R195 by Scendesmus/Fe3O4/TiO2 is consistent with the pseudo-first-order kinetic, Freundlich, and Henderson's isotherm models, as determined by kinetic and isotherm investigations. The negative activation enthalpy of the standard (ΔH°) illuminates the exothermic adsorption mechanism. The increase in standard Gibbs activation free energy (ΔG°) with increasing temperature reveals the process is not spontaneous. As indicated by the negative value of the standard entropy of activation (ΔS°), activation of the reactants resulted in a loss of freedom.
The prevalence and predictive factors of nocturnal polyuria in Japanese patients with nocturia: a multicentral retrospective cohort study
Authors: Iinuma Koji , Nishino Yoshinori , Matsuoka Kanako , Ihara Tatsuya , Makabe Shunta , Tanji Ryo , Harigane Yuki , Ishida Kenichiro , Tamaki Masayoshi , Yokoi Shigeaki , Hoshino Hiroki , Yuhara Kazuya , Yamada Toru , Kubota Yasuaki , Miwa Kousei , Kikuchi Mina , Kojima Yoshiyuki , Mitsui Takahiko , Koie Takuya
Published: October 2023

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence and predictors of nocturnal polyuria (NP) in Japanese patients. This multicentral, observational study enrolled patients with the chief complaint of nocturia at 17 Japanese institutions between January 2018 and December 2022. The frequency of daily voiding and volume of urination were evaluated using bladder diaries. NP was diagnosed in patients with an NP index of > 33%. The primary endpoint was NP prevalence in patients with nocturia. The secondary endpoints were the prevalence of NP according to sex and age and the identification of factors predicting NP. This study analyzed 875 eligible patients. NP was present in 590 (67.4%) patients, with prevalence rates of 66.6% and 70.0% in men and women, respectively. Age ≥ 78 years, body mass index (BMI) < 23.0 kg/m2, and patients with ischemic heart or cerebrovascular disease were significant predictors of NP (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.014, P = 0.016, respectively). This is the first large multicenter study to investigate the prevalence of NP in Japanese patients with nocturia. NP has a prevalence of 67.4%. Significant predictors of NP include age, BMI, and cardiovascular disease.
In vivo hepatic flow distribution by computational fluid dynamics can predict pulmonary flow distribution in patients with Fontan circulation
Authors: Frieberg Petter , Sjöberg Pia , Hedström Erik , Carlsson Marcus , Liuba Petru
Published: October 2023

In Fontan patients, a lung deprived of hepatic blood may develop pulmonary arterio-venous malformations (PAVMs) resulting in shunting, reduced pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and decreased oxygenation. To provide guidance for corrective invasive interventions, we aimed to non-invasively determine how the hepatic to pulmonary blood flow balance correlates with pulmonary flow, PVR, and with oxygen saturation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data from eighteen Fontan patients (eight females, age 3–14 years) was used to construct patient-specific computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models to calculate the hepatic to pulmonary blood flow. This was correlated with pulmonary vein flow, simulated PVR and oxygen saturation. Clinical applicability of the findings was demonstrated with an interventional patient case. The hepatic to pulmonary blood flow balance correlated with right/left pulmonary vein flow (R2 = 0.50), left/right simulated PVR (R2 = 0.47), and oxygen saturation at rest (R2 = 0.56). In the interventional patient, CFD predictions agreed with post-interventional MRI measurements and with regressions in the cohort. The balance of hepatic blood to the lungs has a continuous effect on PVR and oxygen saturation, even without PAVM diagnosis. MRI combined with CFD may help in planning of surgical and interventional designs affecting the hepatic to pulmonary blood flow balance in Fontan patients.