bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ РОЗВИТКУ ІТ-ГАЛУЗІ В УКРАЇНІ
Authors: Заяць Олена , Ярема Томаш , Чорномаз Микола
Published: July 2023

Стаття присвячена дослідженню особливостей розвитку ІТ-галузі в Україні. Визначено, що до найбільш поширених сегментів на українському ринку ІТ послуг відносять керування даними, телекомунікації, хмарні технологій, фінтех. Зазначено, що гармонізація українських цифрових ринків сприятиме конкуренції, покращенню онлайн-послуг за кращими цінами, різноманіттю вибору та призведе до більш широкомасштабного залучення інвестицій, збільшенню зайнятості, зростанню торгівлі, а також підвищенню соціально-економічних стандартів. Виявлено, що російсько-українська війна порушила співпрацю країн-членів Європейського Союзу з Україною. Доведено, що український технологічний ландшафт відносно невеликий порівняно з країнами-членами ЄС, проте тут знаходиться значний резерв технічних талантів і підприємців, які дали початок кільком успішним стартапам за останні роки. Ідентифіковано, що Україна є одним із найкращих місць ЄС для офшорних інженерних та ІТ-послуг, і порушення економічної діяльності в Україні має прямі наслідки для корпорацій у ЄС.
Gas Dispersion in Non-Newtonian Fluids with Mechanically Agitated Systems: A Review
Authors: Barros Paloma Lins , Ein-Mozaffari Farhad , Lohi Ali
Published: July 2023

Gas dispersion in non-Newtonian fluids is encountered in a broad range of chemical, biochemical, and food industries. Mechanically agitated vessels are commonly employed in these processes because they promote high degree of contact between the phases. However, mixing non-Newtonian fluids is a challenging task that requires comprehensive knowledge of the mixing flow to accurately design stirred vessels. Therefore, this review presents the developments accomplished by researchers in this field. The present work describes mixing and mass transfer variables, namely volumetric mass transfer coefficient, power consumption, gas holdup, bubble diameter, and cavern size. It presents empirical correlations for the mixing variables and discusses the effects of operating and design parameters on the mixing and mass transfer process. Furthermore, this paper demonstrates the advantages of employing computational fluid dynamics tools to shed light on the hydrodynamics of this complex flow. The literature review shows that knowledge gaps remain for gas dispersion in yield stress fluids and non-Newtonian fluids with viscoelastic effects. In addition, comprehensive studies accounting for the scale-up of these mixing processes still need to be accomplished. Hence, further investigation of the flow patterns under different process and design conditions are valuable to have an appropriate insight into this complex system.
MOTION GRAPHIC KAMPUNG WISATA JAMBANGAN SURABAYA SEBAGAI SARANA EDUKASI LINGKUNGAN SEHAT DAN BERSIH
Authors: Syauqi Firdaus Bryan , Synakarya Widyasari , Synakarya Diana Aqidatun Nisa
Published: July 2023

Kampung Jambangan is a tourist village located in a densely populated area in the heart of Surabaya City. The environmental management in Kampung Jambangan can serve as a role model for educating the community about a healthy and clean environment. The research method used was descriptive qualitative, employing interview techniques, questionnaires, and observations of the residents of Kampung Jambangan. The results of this study indicate that the design of motion graphic animations on the education of a healthy and clean environment, using Kampung Jambangan as a case study, can be used as an effort to conserve the environment and campaign for preserving the environment in densely populated urban villages. Motion graphic animations can be an effective educational tool to enhance public awareness regarding a healthy and clean environment, by taking Kampung Jambangan as a benchmark case. The findings of this study can serve as a reference for the development of campaigns promoting a healthy and clean environment in densely populated urban villages.
Keywords: Animation, Environment, Education, Tourism Village, Litter, Recycle.
 
ABSTRAK
Kampung Jambangan merupakan kampung wisata yang berada di area padat penduduk di tengah Kota Surabaya. Pengelolaan lingkungan di Kampung Jambangan sudah bisa dijadikan sebagai panutan untuk mengedukasi masyarakat tentang lingkungan sehat dan bersih Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif deskriptif dengan menggunakan teknik wawancara, kuisoner dan observasi terhadap masyarakat Kampung Jambangan. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa perancangan animasi motion graphic mengenai edukasi lingkungan yang sehat dan bersih dengan percontohan Kampung Jambangan ini dapat digunakan sebagai salah satu upaya konservasi lingkungan hidup dan kampanye tentang cara melestarikan lingkungan di kampung-kampung yang berada di perkotaan yang padat penduduk. animasi motion graphic dapat dijadikan sarana edukasi yang efektif untuk meningkatkan kesadaran masyarakat terkait lingkungan yang sehat dan bersih dengan mengambil percontohan Kampung Jambangan sebagai studi kasus. Hasil dari penelitian ini dapat menjadi acuan bagi pengembangan kampanye-kampanye lingkungan yang sehat dan bersih di kampung-kampung perkotaan yang padat penduduk.
Kata Kunci: Animasi, Lingkungan, Edukasi, Kampung Wisata, Sampah, Daur Ulang.
PATTERN AND PREVALENCE OF C-SHAPED CANAL IN MANDIBULAR SECOND MOLARS IN PATIENTS ATTENDING SAIDU COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY SWAT, USING CONE BEAM COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY.
Authors: Afsar Rozi , Shahid Muhaamad , Nasir Umar , Alam Shamsul
Published: July 2023

Objectives: To determine the types and prevalence of C-shape canal in lower second molars in patients attending Saidu College of Dentistry Swat, using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).Materials and Methods: A total of 200 CBCT images of patients with age range 15 to 60 years, both genders, local residents and clear images having lower second molar area with complete anatomy were included. Images with incomplete root formation, presence of root canal fi llings, deep caries, open apices, and root calcifi cation in lower second molars were excluded. Presence and type of C-shape canal in mandibular second molar along with gender and age of the participants were recorded. Classifi cation of C-shaped canal was done according to Fan et al. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Presence and type of C-shaped canal were stratifi ed among genders to see eff ect modifi ers using Fischer exact test.Results: The mean age of the participants was 32.26 ±8.84 years. The males were 116(58%) and females were 84(42%). The C-shaped canal was present in 16(8.0%) participants. The pattern of C-shaped canal showed that C1 was present in 6(37.5%), both C2 and C3 in 4(25%) and C4 in 2 (12.5%) participants.Conclusion: In mandibular second molars the occurrence of C-shaped canal is relatively common and the most common type of C-shaped canal is C1 and C2.
Días de la vida
Authors:   Universidad de Cuenca, Dávila Vásquez Jorge
Published: July 2023

El escritor se vale de otros escritores y su obra. El anciano sacerdote que luce moribundo persigue unas palabras que se le escapan a su ya pesada memoria. «Rosa, vana estrella de…» y el lector debe completar los versos de Juan Bautista de Aguirre en su Carta a Lizardo: «…carmín, fragante pompa». Igualmente bello es el homenaje a Dolores Veintimilla de Galindo en el cuento «Quejas», donde una adolescente transcribe los apasionados versos frente al disgusto de una abuela. No se queda atrás la escena costeña en la que un núbil Medardo Ángel Silva persigue líneas del poema «Se va con algo mío» y su madre lo interrumpe con el llamado a desayunar. Hay escenas de crimen, hay ancianos solitarios y amantes celosos, pero más que nada, fantasmas, buenos, añorantes de la vida y las personas, que regresan insistentes a diferentes escenarios, implícito tributo a la vida, como si la muerte fuese una cosa triste; todo contado con gracia y sin estridencias, como si las historias estuvieran buscando el solaz, no el susto; la añoranza y no la amargura. Jorge Dávila Vázquez nos sorprende con el cierre de estos cien cuentos porque introduce una pluma ajena. El cuento final es de Daniel Zamora Dávila, su nieto, que, en un trasunto de fusión mágica, amalgama sensaciones de deslumbramiento —música, visión, recuerdo— para sugerir apocalipsis. 220 páginas ISBN: 978-9942-847-77-5 E ISBN: 978-9942-847-78-2
Development of Practical Use of Augmented Reality Technology in Public Art and Street Art.
Authors:   Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts, Novikov Mykhailo , Khudiakova Anastasiia ,   Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts
Published: July 2023

The article considers the use of augmented reality technologies in public art and street art. An overview of the possibilities and options for the embodiment of AR works in contemporary art is made. Trends in the development of digital art in the world are studied. As a result of the technical revolution, radical changes have taken place in all spheres of human activity, including culture and art. Thus, a phenomenon called digital art arose under the influence of new technologies on the artistic environment. The so called “digital” culture influenced traditional types of fine arts — graphics, sculpture, and painting. These are certain types of artistic activity, the productive and conceptual base of which is closely interconnected with the digital environment. For example, wide creative opportunities have revealed such areas as virtual reality, three dimensional animation, and interactive systems. It is worth emphasizing that the development of modern technologies gives artists, and people with different tastes and views new opportunities, opens up new spaces for them, allows them to immerse themselves in their own creativity. Thus, due to the rapid development of relatively new technologies, new artistic means and interactivity have been introduced into augmented reality (AR), and new vectors of development, directions and tools have appeared. Augmented reality is an integral part of mixed reality, which also includes augmented virtuality. The specificity of AR technology is that it visually connects the virtual world and the world of real objects around us, reproduced with the help of computer technology, and software. The materials of this article provide many different examples of how augmented reality works in art. Society communicates with AR art very actively. Thanks to more advanced technologies, the artist gets closer to his own work. Augmented Reality (AR) technology provides an opportunity to surround society with art in everyday life.
Analysis of mechanical characteristics of walking and running foot functional units based on non-negative matrix factorization
Authors: Bai Xiaotian , Huo Hongfeng , Liu Jingmin
Published: July 2023

Objective: To explore the characteristics of Non-Negative Matrix Factorization (NNMF) in analyzing the mechanical characteristics of foot functional units during walking and running.

Methods: Eighteen subjects (9 males and 9 females) were recruited, and the ground reaction force curves of each foot region during walking and running were collected using a plantar pressure measurement system. NNMF was used to extract the mechanical features of different foot regions and to determine the number of foot functional units. The differences between the base matrices of walking and running were compared by traditional t-tests, and the differences in coefficient matrices were compared by one-dimensional statistical parameter mapping.

Results: 1) When the number of foot functional units for walking and running were both 2, the Variability Accounted For (VAF) by the matrix exceeded 0.90 (VAF walk = 0.96 ± 0.02, VAF run = 0.95 ± 0.04); 2) In foot functional unit 1, both walking and running exhibited buffering function, with the heel region being the main force-bearing area and the forefoot also participating in partial buffering; 3) In foot functional unit 2, both walking and running exhibited push-off function, with the middle part of the forefoot having a higher contribution weight; 4) In foot functional unit 1, compared to walking, the overall force characteristics of the running foot were greater during the support phase of the 0%–20% stage, with the third and fourth metatarsal areas having higher contribution weights and the lateral heel area having lower weights; 5) In foot functional unit 2, compared to walking, the overall force was higher during the beginning and 11%–69% stages of running, and lower during the 4%–5% and 73%–92% stages. During running, the thumb area, the first metatarsal area and the midfoot area had higher contribution weights than during walking; in the third and fourth metatarsal areas, the contribution weights were lower during running than during walking.

Conclusion: Based on the mechanical characteristics of the foot, walking and running can both be decomposed into two foot functional units: buffering and push-off. The forefoot occupies a certain weight in both buffering and push-off functions, indicating that there may be a complex foot function transformation mechanism in the transverse arch of foot. Compared to walking, running completes push-off earlier, and the force region is more inclined towards the inner side of the foot, with the hallux area having a greater weight during push-off. This study suggests that NNMF is feasible for analyzing foot mechanical characteristics.
State-of-the-art and novel approaches to mild solubilization of inclusion bodies
Authors: Klausser Robert , Kopp Julian , Prada Brichtova Eva , Gisperg Florian , Elshazly Mohamed , Spadiut Oliver
Published: July 2023

Throughout the twenty-first century, the view on inclusion bodies (IBs) has shifted from undesired by-products towards a targeted production strategy for recombinant proteins. Inclusion bodies can easily be separated from the crude extract after cell lysis and contain the product in high purity. However, additional solubilization and refolding steps are required in the processing of IBs to recover the native protein. These unit operations remain a highly empirical field of research in which processes are developed on a case-by-case basis using elaborate screening strategies. It has been shown that a reduction in denaturant concentration during protein solubilization can increase the subsequent refolding yield due to the preservation of correctly folded protein structures. Therefore, many novel solubilization techniques have been developed in the pursuit of mild solubilization conditions that avoid total protein denaturation. In this respect, ionic liquids have been investigated as promising agents, being able to solubilize amyloid-like aggregates and stabilize correctly folded protein structures at the same time. This review briefly summarizes the state-of-the-art of mild solubilization of IBs and highlights some challenges that prevent these novel techniques from being yet adopted in industry. We suggest mechanistic models based on the thermodynamics of protein unfolding with the aid of molecular dynamics simulations as a possible approach to solve these challenges in the future.
Design, synthesis and antifungal activity of novel 1,4-benzoxazin-3-one derivatives containing an acylhydrazone moiety
Authors: Tang Chenghao , Guo Wenbo , Yang Shengzhou , Hu Xiuhong , Chen Xingju , Wang Xiang
Published: July 2023

A series of 1,4-benzoxazin-3-one derivatives containing an acylhydrazone moiety were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antifungal activities against Gibberella zeae, Pellicularia sasakii, Phytophthora infestans, Capsicum wilt, and Phytophthora capsica. The structures of target compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13H NMR, 19F NMR and HRMS. The preliminary antifungal evaluation of all target compounds showed that some target compounds possessed moderate to good activities against G. zeae, P. sasakii, P. infestans and C. wilt. Among them, compounds 5L and 5o exhibited noticeable inhibition effects against G. zeae with the EC50 values (effective concentration for 50% activity) of 20.06 and 23.17 μg/ml, respectively, which were even nearly double effective than that of hymexazol (40.51 μg/ml). Meanwhile, compound 5q displayed a notable inhibitory effect toward P. sasakii, with the EC50 value of 26.66 μg/ml, which was better than that of hymexazol (32.77 μg/ml). In addition, compound 5r yielded the EC50 value of 15.37 μg/ml against P. infestans, which was less than those of hymexazol (18.35 μg/ml) and carbendazim (34.41 μg/ml). Eventually, compound 5p showed higher inhibitory effect against C. wilt, with EC50 value of 26.76 μg/ml, which was better than that of hymexazol (>50 μg/ml).
Exploration of sponge city construction in China from the perspective of typical cases
Authors: Shang Shouwei , Wang Leizhi , Wang Yintang , Su Xin , Li Lingjie , Xia Xiaohan
Published: July 2023

Night years have witnessed the construction of sponge city in China. In recent years, more frequent extreme rainstorm has put more pressure on urban flood control and waterlogging elimination, and the construction of sponge city has been facing many controversies. In response, this study discusses the concept, connotation, evaluation indexes, construction objectives, investment and benefits of sponge city construction. The key point is that the concept of the sponge city has expanded from the construction of low-impact development to a new model of urban development and construction, with an emphasis on improving the overall function of the city and enhancing the comprehensive response to urban water issues. Its construction benefits cannot be measured only in terms of flood control and waterlogging prevention. Besides, the biggest problem faced by cities is still flooding. The priority of building a sponge city is the prevention of waterlogging. Meanwhile, the integrity and systematic construction which integrates multiple sectors, industries and fields should be considered. The government should focus on the combination of ecological methods and engineering facilities, and scientifically promote the systematic management of urban water.
Making confident and competent readers of Cell, Nature and Science papers using a flipped classroom approach to introduce protein detection techniques
Authors: de Vries Teun J.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

It is beneficial for all biomedical track courses to train students early in their educational career in reading biomedical literature. A shortcoming of many biomed track courses during undergraduate education is that laboratory techniques necessary for fully understanding further reading of biomedical articles are not part of courses early in the curriculum. To bridge this gap, an educational investment is needed that will create confident and competent readers of scientific biomedical literature. All consecutive courses in the biomedical track may benefit from such an investment. Probably, the nescience of techniques needed for protein detection, which are part of virtually all composite figures in cell biological articles, forms the basis of such a gap. Activating forms of education were shown to be effective and are increasingly implemented in higher education.

Methods

Here, the implementation of a flipped classroom approach for explaining ELISA, Immunohistochemistry, Western Blotting and flow cytometry as four common basic protein detection methods is described. The successfulness of the educational approach was assessed in the exam, where a comparison was made between the experts’ and receivers’ grades. Students gave feedback on whether this method made them more confident and competent readers of biomedical literature.

Results

Experts on the four techniques were successful in conveying their field of expertise since exam performances on the specific techniques were equally good between experts and receivers. The flipped classroom activity made students more confident (65% agreed vs. 18% disagreed) and more competent (79% agreed vs. 12% disagreed).

Conclusion

A simple and time-efficient intervention early in their educational career, using a flipped classroom approach has resulted in self-reported confident and competent readers of scientific cell biological literature.
Humanizing STEM education: an exploratory study of faculty approaches to course redesign
Authors: Azizi Mehri , Imad Mays , Foote Stephanie M. , Caulkins Joshua , Wuetherick Brad
Published: July 2023

This study presents the findings from the analysis of reflections from 26 STEM faculty at various institutions of higher education across the United States who participated in the online course, The Humanity of Inclusive Practices, part of the Teaching and Learning Academy, offered by the John N. Gardner Institute (Gardner Institute) for Excellence in Undergraduate Education. Participants answered three questions at the end of the online course: what are your equity challenges? What are your goals? How do you measure your success?; we analyzed responses using grounded theory. Findings from this study suggest that student-teacher positionality and inequity in prior knowledge may cause equity challenges for educators. Furthermore, the findings suggest that participants in the course set goals such as increasing student success (grades) in the course, empowering students, and incorporating inclusive material in curricula to humanize their course(s). Lastly, the findings reveal that educators measure their success through grades, as well as student engagement and feedback. Recommendations on how to tackle the challenges associated with humanizing STEM course redesign are provided.
The duration of estrogen treatment before progesterone application does not affect neonatal and perinatal outcomes in frozen embryo transfer cycles
Authors: Zhang Junwei , Du Mingze , Wang Zhongkai , Wu Sheling , Guan Yichun , Sun Lijun
Published: July 2023

Objective

To explore whether the duration of estrogen treatment before progesterone application affects neonatal and perinatal outcomes in artificial frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients who underwent FET via artificial cycles and delivered a singleton live birth between January 2015 and August 2019 were included in the analysis. According to the duration of estrogen treatment before progesterone application, we divided the cycles into four groups: ①≤12 days, ②13-15 days, ③16-19 days, and ④≥20 days. The ‘≤12 days group’ was considered the reference group. The main outcome measures were preterm birth (PTB), small-for-gestational age (SGA), low birth weight (LBW), macrosomia, large-for-gestational age (LGA), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertension, premature rupture and placenta previa.

Results

Overall, 2010 FET cycles with singleton live births were included for analysis. Cycles were allocated to four groups according to the duration of estrogen treatment before progesterone application: ①≤12 days (n=372), ②13-15 days (n=745), ③16-19 days (n=654), ④≥20 days (n=239). The neonatal outcomes, including PTB, SGA, LBW, macrosomia and LGA, were comparable among the groups (P=0.328, P=0.390, P=0.551, P=0.565, P=0.358). The rates of gestational hypertension, premature rupture and placenta previa (P=0.676, P=0.662, P=0.211) were similar among the groups. The rates of GDM among the four groups were 4.0% (15/372), 6.7% (50/745), 6.4% (42/654), and 11.3% (27/239), with statistical significance (P=0.006). After multiple logistic regression analysis, the duration of estrogen treatment did not affect the rate of GDM or other outcomes.

Conclusion

The estrogen treatment duration before progesterone application does not affect neonatal and perinatal outcomes in single frozen blastocyst transfer cycles.
Low-carbon economic operation of integrated energy systems in consideration of demand-side management and carbon trading
Authors: Fan Qiang , Weng Jiaming , Liu Dong
Published: July 2023

Under the background of carbon emission abatement worldwide, carbon trading is becoming an important carbon financing policy to promote emission mitigation. Aiming at the emerging coupling among various energy sectors, this paper proposes a bi-level scheduling model to investigate the low-carbon operation of the electricity and natural gas integrated energy systems (IES). Firstly, an optimal energy flow model considering carbon trading is formulated at the upper level, in which carbon emission flow model is employed to track the carbon flows accompanying energy flows and identify the emission responsibility from the consumption-based perspective, and the locational marginal price is determined at the same time. Then at the lower level, a developed demand-side management strategy is introduced, which can manage demands in response to both the dynamic energy prices and the nodal carbon intensities, enabling the user side to participate in the joint energy and carbon trading. The bi-level model is solved iteratively and reaches an equilibrium. Finally, case studies based on the IEEE 39-bus system and the Belgium 20-node system illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in reducing carbon emissions and improving consumer surplus.
The dynamic relationship among economic development, air pollution, and health production in China: the DNSBM efficiency model
Authors: Ye Yizhong , Tao Qunshan
Published: July 2023

China’s economy has grown rapidly in response to the adoption of a high-energy, high-emissions development model, which has led to varying degrees of air pollution; moreover, the corresponding health damage has become a major concern for the public. Studies of the interrelationships between the economy, air pollution, and health often use empirical methods such as regression analysis, to explore the impacts of economic growth and air pollution, human health or air pollution on human health in isolation, and they rarely explore the interactions between the economy, air pollution, and health in terms of efficiency (i.e., the maximum output per unit of input resources that can be produced). Thus, this study constructed a Dynamic Network SBM efficiency model that unifies the production of economic development, air pollution, and health into a single framework. The article reports the findings of a comprehensive study of economic development, air pollution, and health management data for 30 Chinese provinces from 2015 to 2020. The results show that: 1) the overall efficiency (0.693) of China’s two stages from economic production input to healthy output from 2015 to 2020 is low, and there is much room for improvement; 2) the efficiency of economic development (0.729) is higher than the efficiency of health production (0.657), indicating that the health production stage needs to be strengthened; 3) during the study period, China’s PM2.5, SO2, and NOx control efficiency was low, at 0.786, 0.710, and 0.718, respectively, indicating that more effective measures are needed to improve environmental efficiency; and 4) there are significant differences in economic, environmental, and health efficiency across regions. China’s developed eastern provinces are more efficient in terms of economic development, health production, and air pollution control. In contrast, the central and western provinces, which are relatively backward in their economic development, are less efficient. This means that each province should implement sound policies based on its own assessment to promote sustainable economic development while enhancing air pollution mitigation and health promotion.
Evidence of chelonid herpesvirus 5 infection in green turtle (Chelonia mydas) indicated a possible tumorigenesis activation by transcriptome analysis
Authors: Li Tsung-Hsien , Lei Ian-I , Byadgi Omkar Vijay , Chen I-Chun , Tsai Ming-An
Published: July 2023

Chelonia mydas (green turtles) are being threatened worldwide by fibropapillomatosis (FP), which has seriously affected their survival. The presence of FP on the body surface and visceral organs of green turtles found dead was confirmed, causing obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract, changes in foraging behavior, and reduction of visceral functions. The etiology of FP has not yet been elucidated, and previous research generally considers that the occurrence of FP is related to the chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChHV5), associated with low animal immunity, and also with marine environmental factors, such as poor water quality and eutrophication. However, there is no evaluation on the induction of FP pathogenesis associated with the green turtle. In this study, we evaluated blood samples from green turtles with and without FP using de novo transcriptome assembly. Results indicated that 3,090 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (p < 0.05) were identified, including 1,357 upregulated genes and 1,733 downregulated genes in turtles with or without FP. We observed that DEGs, which are significantly upregulated, are found in cancer development, namely, MAPK1IP1L and APAF1. Furthermore, the infected green turtle indicated that the greater number of DEGs was contributed by the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, which can be activated through an endocytosis of the viral particle by the immune system cells, and the Wnt signaling pathway, which is believed to have played a role in FP tumorigenesis. We validated the more upregulated/downregulated DEGs in cancer development and immunization, and DEGs such as LEF1, BTRC, and FOSL1 participating in the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway, as well as ERBIN, TRAF6, and NFKB1 in the Wnt signaling pathway, using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Altogether, this study provided some genes as potential markers during FP infection and a further evidence of FP in endangered green turtles in Taiwan.
A numerical study of the mixing and stratification alterations in estuaries due to climate change using the potential energy anomaly
Authors: Lupiola Jagoba , Bárcena Javier F. , García-Alba Javier , García Andrés
Published: July 2023

The competition between mixing and stratification in estuaries determines the quality of their waters, living conditions, and uses. These processes occur due to the interaction between tidal and fluvial contributions, which significantly vary depending on the estuarine characteristics. For the study of mixing and stratification alterations in estuaries due to climate change, a new methodology is proposed based on high-resolution 3D hydrodynamic modeling to compute the Potential Energy Anomaly (PEA). Regarding the model scenarios, first, a base case is analyzed with the realistic forcings of the year 2020. Subsequently, the forecasts of anomalies due to climate change for sea conditions (level, temperature, and salinity), atmosphere conditions (precipitation, air temperature, relative humidity, and solar irradiance), and river conditions (flow and temperature) are projected for the year 2020. The selected scenarios to analyze hydrodynamic changes are RCP 4.5 and 8.5 for the years 2050 and 2100. The proposed methodology has been applied to the Suances estuary. Independently of the climate change scenario, the stratification intensity increases and decreases upstream and downstream of the estuary, respectively. These results indicate that unlike the 2020 base scenario, in which the stratification zone has been mainly centered between km 4 and 8, for the new climate change scenarios, the stratification zone will be displaced between km 2 and 8, attenuating its intensity from km 4 onwards. The Suances estuary presents and will present under the considered scenarios a high spatiotemporal variability of the mixing and stratification processes. On the one hand, sea level rise will pull the stratification zones back inland from the estuary. On the other hand, climate change will generate lower precipitations and higher temperatures, decreasing runoff events. This phenomenon will decrease the freshwater input to the estuary and increase the tidal excursion along the estuary, producing a displacement of the river/estuarine front upstream of the areas.
Transport and accumulation of litter in submarine canyons: a geoscience perspective
Authors: Pierdomenico Martina , Bernhardt Anne , Eggenhuisen Joris T. , Clare Michael A. , Lo Iacono Claudio , Casalbore Daniele , Davies Jaime S. , Kane Ian , Huvenne Veerle A.I. , Harris Peter T.
Published: July 2023

Marine litter is one of the most pervasive and fast-growing aspects of contamination in the global ocean, and has been observed in every environmental setting, including the deep seafloor where little is known about the magnitude and consequences of the problem. Submarine canyons, the main conduits for the transport of sediment, organic matter and water masses from shallow to abyssal depths, have been claimed to be preferential pathways for litter transport and accumulation in the deep sea. This is supported by ongoing evidence of large litter piles at great water depths, highlighting efficient transfer via canyons. The aim of this article is to present an overview of the current knowledge about marine litter in submarine canyons, taking a geological, process-based point of view. We evaluate sources, transport mechanisms and deposition of litter within canyons to assess the main factors responsible for its transport and accumulation in the deep sea. Few studies relate litter distribution to transport and depositional processes; nevertheless, results from available literature show that canyons represent accumulation areas for both land-based and maritime-based litter. Particularly, accumulation of fishing-related debris is mainly observed at the canyon heads and walls and is related to fishing activities carried out in and adjacent to canyons, while transport and accumulation of general waste and plastic along canyon axes can be related to different mechanisms, encompassing enhanced bottom currents, dense water cascading and turbidity currents, and is related to the proximity of canyons to shore. Global assessment of canyons exposure to riverine plastic inputs and fishing-related debris indicates varying susceptibility of canyons to litter, also highlighting that most of the canyons prone to receive large amounts of anthropogenic debris have not yet been surveyed. Considering that litter research in canyons is still in its infancy, several knowledge gaps need to be filled before the role of canyons as litter traps and the implication for benthic ecosystems can be fully understood.
Development and validation of a risk prediction model for cage subsidence after instrumented posterior lumbar fusion based on machine learning: a retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Xiong Tuotuo , Wang Ben , Qin Wanyuan , Yang Ling , Ou Yunsheng
Published: July 2023

Background

Interbody cage subsidence is a common complication after instrumented posterior lumbar fusion surgery, several previous studies have shown that cage subsidence is related to multiple factors. But the current research has not combined these factors to predict the subsidence, there is a lack of an individualized and comprehensive evaluation of the risk of cage subsidence following the surgery. So we attempt to identify potential risk factors and develop a risk prediction model that can predict the possibility of subsidence by providing a Cage Subsidence Score (CSS) after surgery, and evaluate whether machine learning-related techniques can effectively predict the subsidence.

Methods

This study reviewed 59 patients who underwent posterior lumbar fusion in our hospital from 2014 to 2019. They were divided into a subsidence group and a non-subsidence group according to whether the interbody fusion cage subsidence occurred during follow-up. Data were collected on the patient, including age, sex, cage segment, number of fusion segments, preoperative space height, postoperative space height, preoperative L4 lordosis Angle, postoperative L4 lordosis Angle, preoperative L5 lordosis Angle, postoperative PT, postoperative SS, postoperative PI. The conventional statistical analysis method was used to find potential risk factors that can lead to subsidence, then the results were incorporated into stepwise regression and machine learning algorithms, respectively, to build a model that could predict the subsidence. Finally the diagnostic efficiency of prediction is verified.

Results

Univariate analysis showed significant differences in pre−/postoperative intervertebral disc height, postoperative L4 segment lordosis, postoperative PT, and postoperative SS between the subsidence group and the non-subsidence group (p < 0.05). The CSS was trained by stepwise regression: 2 points for postoperative disc height > 14.68 mm, 3 points for postoperative L4 segment lordosis angle >16.91°, and 4 points for postoperative PT > 22.69°. If the total score is larger than 0.5, it is the high-risk subsidence group, while less than 0.5 is low-risk. The score obtains the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.857 and 0.806 in the development and validation set, respectively. The AUC of the GBM model based on the machine learning algorithm to predict the risk in the training set is 0.971 and the validation set is 0.889. The AUC of the avNNet model reached 0.931 in the training set and 0.868 in the validation set, respectively.

Conclusion

The machine learning algorithm has advantages in some indicators, and we have preliminarily established a CSS that can predict the risk of postoperative subsidence after lumbar fusion and confirmed the important application prospect of machine learning in solving practical clinical problems.
Overexpression of the autism candidate gene Cyfip1 pathologically enhances olivo-cerebellar signaling in mice
Authors: Busch Silas E. , Simmons Dana H. , Gama Eric , Du Xiaofei , Longo Francesco , Gomez Christopher M. , Klann Eric , Hansel Christian
Published: July 2023

Cyfip1, the gene encoding cytoplasmic FMR1 interacting protein 1, has been of interest as an autism candidate gene for years. A potential role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is suggested by its location on human chromosome 15q11-13, an instable region that gives rise to a variety of copy number variations associated with syndromic autism. In addition, the CYFIP1 protein acts as a binding partner to Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein (FMRP) in the regulation of translation initiation. Mutation of FMR1, the gene encoding FMRP, causes Fragile X syndrome, another form of syndromic autism. Here, in mice overexpressing CYFIP1, we study response properties of cerebellar Purkinje cells to activity of the climbing fiber input that originates from the inferior olive and provides an instructive signal in sensorimotor input analysis and plasticity. We find that CYFIP1 overexpression results in enhanced localization of the synaptic organizer neurexin 1 (NRXN1) at climbing fiber synaptic input sites on Purkinje cell primary dendrites and concomitant enhanced climbing fiber synaptic transmission (CF-EPSCs) measured using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings from Purkinje cells in vitro. Moreover, using two-photon measurements of GCaMP6f-encoded climbing fiber signals in Purkinje cells of intact mice, we observe enhanced responses to air puff stimuli applied to the whisker field. These findings resemble our previous phenotypic observations in a mouse model for the human 15q11-13 duplication, which does not extend to the Cyfip1 locus. Thus, our study demonstrates that CYFIP1 overexpression shares a limited set of olivo-cerebellar phenotypes as those resulting from an increased number of copies of non-overlapping genes located on chromosome 15q11-13.
Oral fructose intake does not improve exercise, visual, or cognitive performance during acute normobaric hypoxia in healthy humans
Authors: Post Titiaan E. , Schmitz Jan , Denney Cayla , De Gioannis Riccardo , Weis Henning , Pesta Dominik , Peter Andreas , Birkenfeld Andreas L. , Haufe Sven , Tegtbur Uwe , Frings-Meuthen Petra , Ewald Ann C. , Aeschbach Daniel , Jordan Jens
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The ability to metabolize fructose to bypass the glucose pathway in near-anaerobic conditions appears to contribute to the extreme hypoxia tolerance of the naked-mole rats. Therefore, we hypothesized that exogenous fructose could improve endurance capacity and cognitive performance in humans exposed to hypoxia.

Methods

In a randomized, double-blind, crossover study, 26 healthy adults (9 women, 17 men; 28.8 ± 8.1 (SD) years) ingested 75 g fructose, 82.5 g glucose, or placebo during acute hypoxia exposure (13% oxygen in a normobaric hypoxia chamber, corresponding to oxygen partial pressure at altitude of ~3,800 m) on separate days. We measured exercise duration, heart rate, SpO2, blood gasses, and perceived exertion during a 30-min incremental load test followed by Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue (FM-100) color vision testing and the unstable tracking task (UTT) to probe eye-hand coordination performance.

Results

Exercise duration in hypoxia was 21.13 ± 0.29 (SEM) min on fructose, 21.35 ± 0.29 min on glucose, and 21.35 ± 0.29 min on placebo (p = 0.86). Heart rate responses and perceived exertion did not differ between treatments. Total error score (TES) during the FM-100 was 47.1 ± 8.0 on fructose, 45.6 ± 7.6 on glucose and 53.3 ± 9.6 on placebo (p = 0.35) and root mean square error (RMSE) during the UTT was 15.1 ± 1.0, 15.1 ± 1.0 and 15.3 ± 0.9 (p = 0.87).

Discussion

We conclude that oral fructose intake in non-acclimatized healthy humans does not acutely improve exercise performance and cognitive performance during moderate hypoxia. Thus, hypoxia tolerance in naked mole-rats resulting from oxygen-conserving fructose utilization, cannot be easily reproduced in humans.
Extracellular circulating miRNAs as potential non-invasive biomarkers in non-small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Raczkowska Justyna , Bielska Agnieszka , Krętowski Adam , Niemira Magdalena
Published: July 2023

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) comprises 85% of all lung cancers and is a malignant condition resistant to advanced-stage treatment. Despite the advancement in detection and treatment techniques, the disease is taking a deadly toll worldwide, being the leading cause of cancer death every year. Current diagnostic methods do not ensure the detection of the disease at an early stage, nor can they predict the risk of its development. There is an urgent need to identify biomarkers that can help predict an individual’s risk of developing NSCLC, distinguish NSCLC subtype, allow monitor disease and treatment progression which can improve patient survival. Micro RNAs (miRNAs) represent the class of small and non-coding RNAs involved in gene expression regulation, influencing many biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and carcinogenesis. Research reports significant differences in miRNA profiles between healthy and neoplastic tissues in NSCLC. Its abundant presence in biofluids, such as serum, blood, urine, and saliva, makes them easily detectable and does not require invasive collection techniques. Many studies support miRNAs’ importance in detecting, predicting, and prognosis of NSCLC, indicating their utility as a promising biomarker. In this work, we reviewed up-to-date research focusing on biofluid miRNAs’ role as a diagnostic tool in NSCLC cases. We also discussed the limitations of applying miRNAs as biomarkers and highlighted future areas of interest.
Biological function and research progress of N6-methyladenosine binding protein heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A2B1 in human cancers
Authors: Wu Yue , Li An , Chen Can , Fang Zhang , Chen Lujun , Zheng Xiao
Published: July 2023

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification found in both mRNA and lncRNA. It exerts reversible regulation over RNA function and affects RNA processing and metabolism in various diseases, especially tumors. The m6A binding protein, hnRNPA2B1, is extensively studied as a member of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) protein family. It is frequently dysregulated and holds significant importance in multiple types of tumors. By recognizing m6A sites for variable splicing, maintaining RNA stability, and regulating translation and transport, hnRNPA2B1 plays a vital role in various aspects of tumor development, metabolism, and regulation of the immune microenvironment. In this review, we summarized the latest research on the functional roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of hnRNPA2B1. Moreover, we discussed its potential as a target for tumor therapy.
Ursolic acid reduces oxidative stress injury to ameliorate experimental autoimmune myocarditis by activating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Fu Yanan , Liu Tianshu , He Shukun , Zhang Yichan , Tan Yuting , Bai Ying , Shi Jiawei , Deng Wenhui , Qiu Jiani , Wang Zhen , Chen Yihan , Jin Qiaofeng , Xie Mingxing , Wang Jing
Published: July 2023

Background: Oxidative stress is crucial in experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM)-induced inflammatory myocardial injury. Ursolic acid (UA) is an antioxidant-enriched traditional Chinese medicine formula. The present study aimed to investigate whether UA could alleviate inflammatory cardiac injury and determine the underlying mechanisms.

Methods: Six-week-old male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: Sham, EAM group, or UA intervention group (UA group) by gavage for 2 weeks. An EAM model was developed by subcutaneous injection of α-myosin heavy chain derived polypeptide (α-MyHC peptide) into lymph nodes on days 0 and 7. Echocardiography was used to assess cardiac function on day 21. The inflammation level in the myocardial tissue of each group was compared using hematoxylin and eosin staining (HE) of heart sections and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) immunohistochemical staining. Masson staining revealed the degree of cardiac fibrosis. Furthermore, Dihydroethidium staining, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to determine the mechanism of cardioprotective effects of UA on EAM-induced cardiac injury, and the level of IL-6, Nrf2, and HO-1.

Results: In EAM mice, UA intervention significantly reduced the degree of inflammatory infiltration and myocardial fibrosis while improving cardiac function. Mechanistically, UA reduced myocardial injury by inhibiting oxidative stress (as demonstrated by a decrease of superoxide and normalization of pro- and antioxidant enzyme levels). Interestingly, UA intervention upregulated the expression of antioxidant factors such as Nrf2 and HO-1. In vitro experiments, specific Nrf2 inhibitors reversed the antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects of ursolic acid, which further suggested that the amelioration of EAM by UA was in a Nrf2/HO-1 pathway-dependent manner.

Conclusion: These findings indicate that UA is a cardioprotective traditional Chinese medicine formula that reduces EAM-induced cardiac injury by up-regulating Nrf2/HO-1 expression and suppressing oxidative stress, making it a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of EAM.