bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The stabilization of bio-oil as an alternative energy source through hydrodeoxygenation using Co and Co-Mo supported on active natural zeolite
Authors: Pulungan A N , Nurfajriani  , Kembaren A , Sihombing J L , Ginting C V , Nurhamidah A , Hasibuan R
Published: February 2022

In this study, hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) process of bio-oil from coconut shell waste was catalyzed by active Sarulla natural zeolite (ZAS) supported by Co metal and a combination of Co-Mo metal. The resulting bio-oil HDO product is expected to have good physicochemical stability during the storage period so as to increase its potential as an alternative source of hydrocarbon energy. Preparation and activation of ZAS catalyst with 3M HCl and calcination with N2 gas flow. Impregnation of Co and Co-Mo into ZAS was carried out by wet impregnation method followed by oxidation and reduction with O2 and H2 gas flow. Several important properties of the catalyst were characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR, and BET methods. Bio-oil HDO process is carried out in fixed bed reactor with H2 gas flow at a certain temperature for two hours. Analysis of physicochemical properties and stability of bio-oil products includes analysis of acid number, viscosity, elementary content, HHV, and component analysis using GC-MS. The data obtained showed that the loading of two metals increased the spesific surface area, volume and pore size, but decreased the crystallinity of the catalyst. Based on the distribution of HDO products, it indicates that monometal catalysts tend to produce more liquid phase, coke, and gas while bimetallic catalysts tend to produce more organic phase. Viscosity and acid number of bio-oil catalyzed by Co-Mo/ZAS is lower than that of Co/ZAS. Co/ZAS catalyst showed high selectivity towards the aqueous phase. The bio-oil catalyzed by Co/ZAS has a higher HHV and a higher viscosity and lower oxygen content as a result of the release of hydrogen bound oxygen into water molecules. Thus, it can be assumed that the deposition of Co and Co-Mo on zeolite has a different effect on the characteristics of zeolite and its activity as a catalyst.
Analysis of frieze and crystallographic patterns of North Sumatran Malay songket textile
Authors: Kartika D , Suwanto F R , Niska D Y , Ilmiyah N F
Published: February 2022

Traditional fabrics are included in one of the local cultures that are traditionally made for customs purposes. One of the famous traditional fabrics in North Sumatra is the Malay songket. This cloth has various patterns and motifs, depending on the area where the songket is made. This study analyzed 22 North Sumatran Malay songket motifs based on frieze and crystallographic patterns. Based on the results of the study, 4 frieze patterns were found on 14 North Sumatran Malay songket motifs, namely pattern I, pattern 3, pattern 5, and Pattern 7. In addition, 5 crystallographic patterns on 8 North Sumatran Malay songket motifs, namely the pmm, p4g, pi, cmm and p4m patterns. The results of this study can be used as a reference to learning mathematics.
An experimental study of liquid smoke and charcoal production from coconut shell by using a stove of indirect burning type
Authors: Hasan Hanapi , Gunawan Safri , Silaban Robert , Sinaga Ferry Indra Sakti H , Simanjuntak Janter Pangaduan
Published: February 2022

The quality of liquid smoke and charcoal product yield can be improved by conducting pyrolysis process through indirect heating process. However, a great huge of energy is required to reach the exact operating temperature. In this experiment, slow pyrolysis of coconut shell is performed for liquid smoke and charcoal production using indirect method where the feedstock is just heated in a tube by using LPG as the heat source. The effect of feedstock size and the operating temperature on the liquid smoke and charcoal yields are investigated by varying the coconut shell sizes in the ranges of 1 to 7 cm2, while the operating temperature is expected as low as possible to reduce the energy required. The optimum process conditions for maximizing the two products yields and quality were also identified to meet the user requirement. The various characteristics of liquid smoke obtained under the optimum conditions for maximum yield are identified based on standard test methods. Data from a simple way of charcoal and liquid smoke production during preliminary research of this study indicated that the coconut shell sizes, and the operating temperatures are the crucial parameter during process.
Distribution pattern of soil bearing capacity on the island of Sumatra using field testing data from standard penetration test (SPT) method
Authors: Nahesson P , Suhairiani S , Enny K S , Samuel A S
Published: February 2022

Construction of a structure, whether in the form of buildings, bridges and roads, begins with planning. Planning comprise of foundation and the main structure above the ground. Particularly within planning such foundation require data related to the bearing capacity of the soil. This data is obtained from the results of soil testing in the field, one of which is by using the Standard Penetration Test (SPT) method. The test data are then analysed and interpreted into a value that describes the strength of the soil based on the origin. In the development of infrastructure such as toll roads, a large amount of data specifying bearing capacity of the soil is required. The more data that is known, the design planning and construction implementation in the field will be better and have better quality. Acquiring the bearing capacity data in the field requires no small fee and also a relatively long testing time. One solution that can be used is to map the distribution pattern of the bearing capacity of the soil in a very large area, for example the island of Sumatra. The island of Sumatra is part of Indonesia, where infrastructure development in the form of toll roads is currently underway. The infrastructure construction of this toll road is carried out continuously, starting from Aceh to Lampung. The distribution pattern of the soil bearing capacity on the island of Sumatra can be used as initial data and an overview of the local soil bearing capacity for better pre-design and budget planning.
Characteristic of appropriate material building partition board by utilizing waste oil palm trunk
Authors: Wijaya K , Sutrisno  , Solahuddin A A , Siregar A Z
Published: February 2022

Construction of high-rise buildings is currently flourishing implemented that serves as an office, hall, hotel, or home. High-rise buildings in general minimize the use of construction materials that has a heavy weight to reduce the building load and achieving efficiency. One of construction parts that can be minimized weight is a wall construction. The materials of partition wall which produced are glass, gypsum, concrete and wood. This research uses of wood fiber materials from oil palm trunks which have reached the age of replanting. It is constituted by the growing oil palm plantations and palm oil mills in Indonesia so that it will also increase waste produced. This research uses experimental methods to determine the mixture of adhesive and oil palm trunk fiber (OPTF) in order to reach the standards of strength by find out the physical and mechanical properties of the partition. The result shows that using ratio 70:30 of adhesive and OPTF reach the standard partition wall that serves as partition board and decorative panel.
Characterization of scintillator screens under irradiation of low energy 133Cs ions
Authors: Toledo-Garrido J.J. , Galdon-Quiroga J. , Viezzer E. , Birkenmeier G. , Olevskaia V. , Balden M. , Garcia-Lopez J. , Jimenez-Ramos M.C. , Rodriguez-Ramos M. , Anda G. , Videla-Trevin M. , Garcia-Munoz M.
Published: February 2022

An imaging heavy ion beam probe (i-HIBP) diagnostic, for the
simultaneous measurement of plasma density, magnetic field and
electrostatic potential in the plasma edge, has been installed at
ASDEX Upgrade. Unlike standard heavy ion beam probes, in the i-HIBP
the probing (heavy) ions are collected by a scintillator detector,
creating a light pattern or strike-line, which is then imaged by a
camera. Therefore, a good characterization of the scintillator
response is needed. Previous works focused on the scintillator
behaviour against irradiation with light ions such as hydrogen and
alpha particles. In this work we present the characterization of
several scintillator screens — TG-Green
(SrGa2S4:Eu2
+), YAG-Ce
(Y3Al5O12:Ce3
+) and P11 (ZnS:Ag) —
against irradiation with 133Cs+ ions, in an energy range
between 5 and 70 keV and ion currents between 105 and 107
ions/(s·cm2). Three main properties of the scintillators
have been studied: the ionolumenescence efficiency or yield, the
linearity and the degradation as a function of the fluence. The
highest yield was delivered by the TG-Green scintillator screen with
> 8·103 photons/ion at 50 keV. All the samples showed a
linear response with increasing incident ion flux. The degradation
was quantified in terms of the fluence F1/2, which leads to a
reduction of the emissivity by a factor of 2. TG-Green showed the
lowest degradation with F1/2= 5.4·1014
ions/cm2. After the irradiation the samples were analyzed by
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Rutherford Backscattering
Spectrometry (RBS) and Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). No
trace of Cs was found in the irradiated regions. These results
indicate that, among the tested materials, TG-Green is the best
candidate for the i-HIBP detector.
Environmental context and socio-economic status drive plastic pollution in Australian cities
Authors: Schuyler Qamar , Hardesty Britta Denise , Lawson T J , Wilcox Chris
Published: February 2022

Plastic pollution is a critical environmental concern. There is a growing focus on this transboundary issue, and a corresponding increase in public and government awareness. Understanding the key factors associated with litter and mismanaged waste on land will help to predict where and how waste enters the environment, providing opportunities for low cost, effective interventions. There exist only a few large-scale datasets with which such analyses can be conducted. To fill this knowledge gap we analysed a national, designed survey dataset of litter in the environment from Keep Australia Beautiful (2007–2017). We found that debris decreased significantly, with a nearly 6% decrease over the decade. Using generalised additive model modelling of 17 653 surveys at 983 sites around Australia, we found that site type, land use, state, population, and socio-economic status had the strongest relationships (in decreasing order) with litter distribution. Higher levels of litter were found in economically and socially disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Site types related to transitory human use such as highways and carparks, had more litter than areas with higher aesthetic or cultural value such as beaches, parks, and residential neighbourhoods. Sites that were sources of litter, such as shopping centres and retail strips, also had elevated litter counts, as did surveys near waterways. This enhanced understanding of the factors that influence litter deposition will help to craft more effective policy solutions, and can also improve our models of litter loads on land, and subsequent input to the ocean.
Income-based inequality in post-disaster migration is lower in high resilience areas: evidence from U.S. internal migration
Authors: Chen Ted Hsuan Yun , Lee Boyoon
Published: February 2022

Residential relocation following environmental disasters is an increasingly necessary climate change adaptation measure. However, relocation is among the costliest individual-level adaptation measures, meaning that it may be cost prohibitive for disadvantaged groups. As climate change continues to worsen, it is important to better understand how existing socioeconomic inequalities affect climate migration and how they may be offset. In this study we use network regression models to look at how internal migration patterns in the United States vary by disaster-related property damage, household income, and local-level disaster resilience. Our results show that post-disaster migration patterns vary considerably by the income level of sending and receiving counties, which suggests that income-based inequality impacts both individuals’ access to relocation and the ability of disaster-afflicted areas to rebuild. We further find evidence that income-based inequality in post-disaster outmigration is attenuated in areas with higher disaster resilience, not due to increased relocation out of poorer areas but instead because there is decreased relocation from richer ones. This finding suggests that, as climate adaptation measures, relocation and resilience-building are substitutes, with the implication that resilience incentivizes in situ adaptation, which can be a long term drain on individual wellbeing and climate adaptation resources.
The effect of temperature on outdoor recreation activities: evidence from visits to federal recreation sites
Authors: Liu Pengfei
Published: February 2022

This paper uses over 30 million individual-level trips in federal recreation locations to investigate the impact of short-term temperature shocks on outdoor recreation activities. Our results show that in the short term, a

1

 

∘

C temperature increase during the last six months increases the total trip duration by 1.197 d (or a 4.12% increase) and the total number of trips by 0.472 (or a 5.44% increase) at the zipcode-month level. The positive effect is primarily driven by the increased number of trips and more in-state travel. We find that the impact of temperature on the number of recreation trips generally increases under a higher temperature. When the monthly temperature is below

5

 

∘

C, the temperature increase will reduce the number of trips as individuals in low-temperature regions are likely to reduce travel when the temperature gets warmer.
Tuning the band gap and effective mass of black arsenic phosphide monolayer by in-plane strain
Authors: Mao Yuliang , Yao Zihua , Wu Runlin , Zhou Xing , Du Yuting
Published: February 2022

Based on first-principles calculations, the electronic properties of a black AsP monolayer were investigated by applying an external strain. It was found that the electronic property and effective mass of black AsP monolayer exhibits strong anisotropy. Comparing with the armchair direction, the zigzag direction was more resistant to elastic deformation. When the strain was applied along the zigzag direction, a direct-indirect-direct transition of the band gap occurred with increasing tensile strain and compressive strain. The direct to indirect transition occurred at a −2% compressive strain when the strain was applied along the armchair direction. The direct-indirect transition occurred at biaxial compressive and tensile stains of −3% and 3%, respectively. In addition, the effective mass of electrons and holes along the armchair direction is an order of magnitude smaller than that associated with the zigzag direction, suggesting that electron and hole transport will occur preferentially along the armchair direction. Moreover, we found that the effective mass of the black AsP monolayer can be significantly tuned by strain.
Pay as you throw; an exploratory study on a market-based approach to the environmental problems caused by public littering in Nigeria
Authors: Umerie Cletus Alexander , Nnamoko Joy Nzube
Published: February 2022

This paper provides an overview of environmental policy research focusing on market-based instruments, and their applicability to developing countries, in particular Nigeria. It also addresses more general developments in the field of deposit-refund systems (DRSs) and explores the practicality of a DRS to litter management in Nigeria. A prominent theme of our discussion is economic instruments, where different approaches will be explored to understand the link between compliance and neglect inherent in environmental issues of a developing country such as Nigeria. Where the objective is to reduce littering, a DRS was considered the choice for the framework of this study, after researches detailed its benefits and relevance to the research problem. DRS is subsequently discussed as a policy intervention, and the feasibility of introducing the system in Nigeria is evaluated. By understanding the implementation mechanisms, the economic viability and environmental effectiveness of a DRS, it is concluded that a DRS can support a country’s drive to solve some of its pressing issues of environmental concerns even with the bare minimum of government administration. The consolidation of information from this research can kick-start the conversation on ways to incorporate this system as part of Nigeria’s solid waste management policy.
Proof-of-Concept Feasibility Trial of a Dissonance-Based Sun Safety Intervention for Young Adult Tanners
Authors: Pagoto Sherry L , Waring Molly E , Groshon Laurie C , Rosen Aviana O , Schroeder Matthew W , Goetz Jared M
Published: February 2022

Background

Melanoma is the second most common cancer in young adults. Social media may be a means to conduct interventions to increase sun safety in young adults.

Purpose

We conducted a randomized proof-of-concept pilot trial to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a dissonance-based social media intervention designed to promote sun safety in young adult tanners.

Methods

Young adult tanners (N = 66) were randomized into two 4-week interventions in which participants were incentivized to create content for a social media campaign on healthy skin or healthy lifestyle. Feasibility outcomes included retention, participation, acceptability, and contamination. We also examined the impact of participation on motivation to engage in the target health behaviors and outdoor tanning intentions.

Results

Retention was 100%. Most Healthy Skin (88%) and Healthy Lifestyle participants (91%) created ≥1 post. Acceptability was high with 94% and 97% of participants in Healthy Skin and Healthy Lifestyle conditions, respectively, agreeing they would recommend the campaign to a friend. At 4 weeks, Healthy Skin participants reported greater declines in motivation to tan indoors (p = .0017) and outdoors (p = .0003), and greater increases in motivation to wear sunscreen (p = .0009) and protective clothing (p = .0342). Healthy Skin participants reported greater declines in intentions to tan outdoors in the next year (p = .0286).

Conclusions

A dissonance-based, social media sun safety intervention was feasible and acceptable. Future research should examine the efficacy and longer-term effects of this intervention in young adults at elevated risk for skin cancer.

Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03834974 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03834974
Non-inferiority of a home-based videoconference physical training program in comparison with the same program administered face-to-face in healthy older adults: the MOTION randomised controlled trial
Authors: Langeard Antoine , Bigot Lucile , Maffiuletti Nicola A , Moussay Sébastien , Sesboüé Bruno , Quarck Gaélle , Gauthier Antoine
Published: February 2022

Background

older adults often fail to reach the recommended amount of physical activity to prevent the age-related decline in metabolic, cardiorespiratory and muscular function. Effective home-based physical training programs could neutralise barriers preventing older adults from being active, and administration/supervision through videoconference may be an optimal solution. The present randomised controlled trial aimed to test the non-inferiority of training program administered through videoconference against the same program administered face-to-face in healthy older adults.

Methods

participants were randomised in a no-training control group (n = 13), a face-to-face training group (n = 15) and a videoconference training group (n = 13). The intervention groups completed the same home-based, structured, progressive and combined training program for 16 weeks, 1-h twice a week. Pre-intervention and post-intervention evaluations included body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle function measures.

Results

non-inferiority of videoconferencing against face-to-face training was observed for changes in body weight (P < 0.01), fat mass (P = 0.015), maximal aerobic power (P = 0.013), maximal heart rate (P = 0.034), maximal oxygen consumption (P < 0.01), knee extension strength (P = 0.044) and lower limb power (P = 0.019), but not for muscle mass (P = 0.067), handgrip strength (P = 0.171), trunk extension strength (P = 0.241) and knee flexion strength (P = 0.462).

Conclusion

a training program administered through videoconferencing was not inferior to the same program administered face-to-face for reducing body weight and fat mass, and for improving maximal aerobic power and oxygen consumption as well as lower limb power and knee extension strength in healthy older subjects. However, videoconferencing training was not as effective as face-to-face training for improving handgrip, trunk extension and knee flexion isometric strength.
Alcohol Consumption: Medical Implications, the Liver and Beyond
Authors: Meza Víctor , Arnold Jorge , Díaz Luis Antonio , Ayala Valverde María , Idalsoaga Francisco , Ayares Gustavo , Devuni Deepika , Arab Juan Pablo
Published: February 2022

Alcohol consumption represents a major factor of morbidity and mortality, with a wide range of adverse medical implications that practically affect every organ system. It is the fifth major cause of deaths in men and women and causes up to 139 million disability-adjusted life years. Solid evidence places the risk as undoubtedly correlated to the length of time and amount of alcohol consumption. While alcohol-related liver disease represents one of the most studied and well-known consequences of alcohol use, the term itself embodies a wide spectrum of progressive disease stages that are responsible for almost half of the liver-related mortality worldwide. We discuss the staged alcohol-related fatty liver, alcohol-related steatohepatitis and, finally, fibrosis and cirrhosis, which ultimately may end up in a hepatocellular carcinoma. Other comorbidities such as acute and chronic pancreatitis; central nervous system; cardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine system; renal disease; urological pathologies; type 2 diabetes mellitus and even infectious diseases are reviewed in their relation to alcohol consumption. This article reviews the impact of alcohol use on different systems and organs, summarizing available evidence regarding its medical implications. It examines current basic and clinical data regarding mechanisms to highlight factors and processes that may be targetable to improve patient outcomes. Although alcohol use is a part of many cultural and social practices, as healthcare providers we must identify populations at high risk of alcohol abuse, educate patients about the potential alcohol-related harm and provide appropriate treatment.
Complications of Cosmetic Botulinum Toxin A Injections to the Upper Face: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zargaran David , Zoller Florence , Zargaran Alexander , Rahman Eqram , Woollard Alexander , Weyrich Tim , Mosahebi Afshin
Published: February 2022

Background

Botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) injections are a popular non-surgical procedure for facial rejuvenation. Its increase in popularity and utilization is met with limited regulations, potentially posing a significant risk to patient safety and public health.

Objectives

The authors sought to assess the safety profile of cosmetic glabellar and forehead BoNT-A injections and evaluate BoNT-A type on complication rate.

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed for studies reporting complications after cosmetic BoNT-A in the glabellar or in the forehead region in the glabellar or in the forehead region. A random effects meta-analysis was carried out to assess complication rate. Where there were sufficient randomized-controlled trials, a network meta-analysis was performed.

Results

Of 556 identified articles, 24 were included in the final quantitative analysis, with 4268 BoNT-A injection sessions and 1234 placebos. Frequently observed treatment-related complications in the BoNT-A intervention group included headache, local skin reactions, and facial neuromuscular symptoms. The overall BoNT-A complication rate was 16%. The odds ratio of developing complications from abobotulinum toxin injections compared with placebo was 1.62 (1.15, 2.27; P > 0.05) and that from onabotulinum toxin injections compared with placebo was 1.34 (0.52, 3.48; P > 0.05). In 30% of the studies, the injectors were doctors, whereas the training status of the practitioner was not reported in the remaining 70%.

Conclusions

Cosmetic BoNT-A injections in the glabellar and forehead region appear to be safe, and most complications are mild and transient. Nevertheless, the literature demonstrates heterogeneous reporting of complications and a lack of consistency of the definition of treatment-related complications.

Level of Evidence: 2
Non-linear latitudinal cline of egg size and its consequence for larval survival in the rhinoceros beetle
Authors: Kojima Wataru , Lin Chung-Ping
Published: February 2022

The egg size of insects often exhibits latitudinal trends, which are attributed to local adaptations to temperature or temperature-related ecological factors. Although increased egg size improves offspring fitness, the relationship between size and fitness is influenced largely by environmental variables. Additionally, there is a trade-off between the size and number of eggs if the quantity of reproductive resources is constant. Despite the key associations among offspring size, number and performance, relatively few studies have jointly considered these traits when studying the genetic differentiation of egg size. Here, we examined the effects of latitude on egg size using 14 populations of the univoltine rhinoceros beetle Trypoxylus dichotomus (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Dynastinae) along a 1200-km latitudinal gradient under common garden laboratory conditions. We found that egg size decreased with increasing latitude in a non-linear manner. Geographical variation in egg size was independent of maternal body size, and there was no difference in female lifetime fecundity between the low-latitude (large eggs) and high-latitude (small eggs) populations. Therefore, low-latitude females invest more resources in reproduction compared with high-latitude females. We further found that the larvae of the high-latitude population showed higher mortality than those of the low-latitude population under both nutrient-poor and nutrient-rich conditions. Although the ecological factors that shape the non-linear cline of egg size were not identified in our study, geographical variation in local environments or in female reproductive strategies could have caused the latitudinal trend.
Calcium-binding proteins S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12: expression and regulation at the maternal-conceptus interface in pigs
Authors: Jang Hwanhee , Lee Soohyung , Yoo Inkyu , Choi Yohan , Han Jisoo , Cheon Yugyeong , Ka Hakhyun
Published: February 2022

Among the many calcium-binding proteins, S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12 play important roles in inflammation, innate immunity, and antimicrobial function, but their expression, regulation, and function at the maternal-conceptus interface in pigs are not fully understood. Therefore, we determined the expression and regulation of S100A8, S100A9, S100A12, and their receptor AGER at the maternal-conceptus interface in pigs. We found that S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12 mRNAs were expressed in the endometrium during the estrous cycle and pregnancy, with the greatest levels on Day (D) 12 of pregnancy, and AGER appeared at greater levels on D15 and D30 of pregnancy than on other days. The expression of S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12 was predominantly localized to epithelial cells in the endometrium, and they were detected in early-stage conceptus and later chorioallantoic tissues during pregnancy. AGER expression was localized to endometrial epithelial and stromal cells and chorionic epithelial cells. In endometrial explant tissues, the expression of S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12 was induced by estrogen, S100A8 by interleukin-1β, and AGER by interferon-γ. We further found that on D12 of pregnancy, the expression of S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12 decreased significantly in the endometria of gilts carrying conceptuses derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer. These results indicate that the expression of S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12 is dynamically regulated in response to conceptus-derived signals at the maternal-conceptus interface, suggesting that S100A8, S100A9, and S100A12 could play a critical role in regulating endometrial epithelial cell function and conceptus implantation to support the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in pigs.
Chemopreventive efficacy of silibinin against basal cell carcinoma growth and progression in UVB-irradiated Ptch+/– mice
Authors: Paudel Sandeep , Raina Komal , Tiku Vasundhara R , Maurya Akhilendra , Orlicky David J , You Zhiying , Rigby Cindy M , Deep Gagan , Kant Rama , Raina Bupinder , Agarwal Chapla , Agarwal Rajesh
Published: February 2022

The factors (environmental and genetic) contributing to basal cell carcinoma (BCC) pathogenesis are well-established; however, effective agents for BCC prevention are marred by toxic side-effects. Herein, we assessed the efficacy of flavonolignan silibinin against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced BCC in Ptch+/– (heterozygous patched homolog 1 gene) mouse model. Both male and female Ptch+/– mice were irradiated with a 240 mJ/cm2 UVB dose 3 times/week for 26 or 46 weeks, with or without topical application of silibinin (9 mg/200 µl in acetone, applied 30 min before or after UVB exposure). Results indicated that silibinin application either pre- or post-UVB exposure for 26 weeks significantly decreased the number of BCC lesions by 65% and 39% (P < 0.001 for both) and the area covered by BCCs (72% and 45%, P < 0.001 for both), respectively, compared to UVB alone. Furthermore, continuous UVB exposure for 46 weeks increased the BCC lesion number and the BCC area covered by ~6 and ~3.4 folds (P < 0.001), respectively. Notably, even in this 46 week prolonged UVB exposure, silibinin (irrespective of pre- or post-UVB treatment) significantly halted the growth of BCCs by 81–94% (P < 0.001) as well as other epidermal lesions; specifically, silibinin treated tissues had less epidermal dysplasia, fibrosarcoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence studies revealed that silibinin significantly decreased basal cell proliferation (Ki-67) and the expression of cytokeratins (14 and 15), and Hedgehog signaling mediators Smo and Gli1 in the BCC lesions. Together, our findings demonstrate strong potential of silibinin to be efficacious in preventing the growth and progression of UVB-induced BCC.
Clinical significance of differential serum-signatures for early prediction of severe dengue among Eastern Indian patients
Authors: Mukherjee Saikat , Saha Bibhuti , Tripathi Anusri
Published: February 2022

Dengue infection can result in simple dengue fever or life-threatening severe dengue. Early identification of severe patients is needed for proper disease management. Dengue infection was screened among 168 symptomatic patients by qRT-PCR, anti-dengue IgM, and IgG ELISA. Dengue patients were categorized according to WHO classification. Viral load and dengue serotypes were determined by qRT-PCR. Levels of acute-phase-proteins (SAP, SAA2; CRP and ApoA1), endothelial (Ang2, VEGF), coagulation (fibrinogen) markers were determined by sandwich ELISA/immunoturbidimetry/western-blotting. Hepatic (ALT, AST, ALP) and other blood biochemical parameters were studied by autoanalyzer and haematology cell counter. Statistical analysis and protein–protein-interaction network were performed by GraphPad-Prism and STRINGS database, respectively. Among 87 dengue patients, significantly higher levels of Ang2, VEGF, CRP, SAA2, ApoA1, AST, ALT, and AST/ALT ratio and low level of fibrinogen were detected in severe-dengue cases compared to dengue without warning-signs, with seven of them severely altered during febrile-phase. Higher fold-change of Ang2 and VEGF as well as decreased fibrinogen were observed among patients with haemorrhagic-manifestation, clinical-fluid accumulation and thrombocytopenia. Functional network analysis predicted Ang2, VEGF, and CRP to be functionally and physically connected and SAA2 and ApoA1 to be functioning together. Correlation analyses also validated this connectivity by a strong positive correlation between Ang2, VEGF, and CRP. PCA analysis followed by hierarchical clustering heatmap analysis segregated severe-dengue patients from the rest, with VEGF, Ang2, ApoA1, AST, and ALT clearly distinguishing the severe-dengue group. Thus, serum levels of VEGF, Ang2, ApoA1, AST, and ALT might act as potential biomarkers for predicting dengue severity during the early stage.
All-or-none neural mechanisms underlying face categorization: evidence from the N170
Authors: Jin Haiyang , Hayward William G , Corballis Paul M
Published: February 2022

Categorization of visual stimuli is an intrinsic aspect of human perception. Whether the cortical mechanisms underlying categorization operate in an all-or-none or graded fashion remains unclear. In this study, we addressed this issue in the context of the face-specific N170. Specifically, we investigated whether N170 amplitudes grade with the amount of face information available in an image, or a full response is generated whenever a face is perceived. We employed linear mixed-effects modeling to inspect the dependency of N170 amplitudes on stimulus properties and duration, and their relationships to participants’ subjective perception. Consistent with previous studies, we found a stronger N170 evoked by faces presented for longer durations. However, further analysis with equivalence tests revealed that this duration effect was eliminated when only faces perceived with high confidence were considered. Therefore, previous evidence supporting the graded hypothesis is more likely to be an artifact of mixing heterogeneous “all” and “none” trial types in signal averaging. These results support the hypothesis that the N170 is generated in an all-or-none manner and, by extension, suggest that categorization of faces may follow a similar pattern.
Serial changes of layer-specific myocardial function according to chemotherapy regimen in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Kim Mi-Na , Kim So-Ree , Kim Hee-Dong , Cho Dong-Hyuk , Jung Seung Pil , Park Kyong Hwa , Park Seong-Mi
Published: February 2022

Aims

Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity (CIC) is a significant complication, meanwhile myocardial damage might differ depending on chemotherapy agents and their timing. The aim of this study was to evaluate serial changes of layer-specific myocardial function in patients with breast cancer and their differences by the development time of CIC and chemotherapy agent.

Methods and results

A total of 105 consecutive patients with breast cancer (age: 52.3 ± 9.3 years) were enrolled. Chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity occurred in 20 (19%) patients during 6 months. Endocardial and midmyocardial functions decreased in patients with or without CIC, with patients with CIC showing greater decreases during follow-up. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) change at 3 months was the most sensitive parameter to detect CIC. When new development of CIC was analysed at 6 months, GLS was reduced earlier than the decrease of left ventricular ejection fraction. In patients with CIC who were treated with anthracycline-based regimen for 3 months, endocardial GLS markedly decreased at 3 months and continued to decrease until 6 months. Patients with CIC who received trastuzumab therapy after anthracycline therapy showed further reduction in endocardial GLS at the 6-month follow-up, which was not shown in patients with CIC who received taxane therapy subsequently.

Conclusion

Myocardial function assessed by strain decreased in all patients with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy. The endocardial layer was the most vulnerable to chemotherapy-induced myocardial damage. Functional impairment was more profound in patients with CIC who received sequential anthracycline-trastuzumab chemotherapy. Thus, early evaluation of left ventricular function might be necessary for all patients with breast cancer to detect CIC.
Hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment and control in 2019 in the adult population of Mayotte
Authors: Calas Lucinda , Subiros Marion , Ruello Marc , Hassani Youssouf , Gabet Amélie , Angue Marion , Pointeau Odile , Olié Valérie , Grave Clémence
Published: February 2022

Background

Mayotte is a French overseas territory with significant socio-economic and health challenges. This study updates the prevalence of hypertension in Mayotte to estimate the awareness, treatment and control of this disease and identify any associated factors.

Methods

Data were taken from the cross-sectional Unono Wa Maore survey conducted in Mayotte in 2019. Analyses were based on the adult population aged 18–69 years who underwent a clinical examination with at least two blood pressure measurements (n = 2620).

Results

In 2019, the prevalence of hypertension was estimated at 38.4% (36.1–40.7%) in the Mayotte population aged 18–69 years. The prevalence was similar in men (38.5%) and women (38.3%; P = 0.95). The prevalence of certain risk factors was high, with 75% of hypertensives being overweight or obese, 13% reporting diabetes and 69% being occupationally inactive. Among the hypertensives, 48% was aware of their diagnosis, with women more likely to be aware than men (P < 0.0001). Of those who were aware, 45% were treated pharmacologically and 49% reported engaging in physical activity to lower their blood pressure. The control rate was 30.2% among pharmacologically treated hypertensives. Overall, 80% of hypertensive patients had too high blood pressure during the survey’s clinical examination.

Conclusion

The prevalence of hypertension remains high in Mayotte, where certain risk factors like obesity are particularly common in the population. Awareness, treatment and control remain insufficient. Primary prevention measures, access to a healthy food, and screening and treatment of hypertension should be encouraged by targeting the most affected populations.
Microbiome–host-phylogeny relationships in animal gastrointestinal tract microbiomes
Authors: Ma Zhanshan (Sam) , Li Wendy , Shi Peng
Published: February 2022

Among the factors influencing the animal gastrointestinal tract microbiome (AGM) diversity, diet and phylogeny have been extensively studied. However, what made the studies particularly challenging is that diet characteristics per se are product of evolution, and hence totally disentangling both effects is unrealistic, likely explaining the lack of consensus in existing literatures. To further explore microbial diversity and host-phylogeny–diet relationships, we performed a big-data meta-analysis with 4903 16S rRNA AGM samples from 318 animal species covering all six vertebrate and four major invertebrate classes. We discovered that the relationship between AGM-diversity and phylogenetic timeline (PT) follows a power-law or log-linear model, including diet specific power-law relationships. The log-linear nature predicts a generally rising trend of AGM diversity along the evolutionary tree starting from the root, which explains the observation why Mammalia exhibited the highest AGM-diversity. The power-law property suggests that a handful of taxa carry disproportionally large weights to the evolution of diversity patterns than the majority of taxa, which explains why the species richness of Insecta was significant different than those from the other nine classes. Finally, we hypothesize that the diversity—PT power-law relationship explains why species-abundance distributions generally follow highly skewed probability distributions.
Heterogeneous IgE reactivities to Staphylococcus pseudintermedius strains in dogs with atopic dermatitis, and the identification of DM13-domain-containing protein as a bacterial IgE-reactive molecule
Authors: Takemura-Uchiyama Iyo , Tsurui Hiroki , Shimakura Hidekatsu , Nasukawa Tadahiro , Imanishi Ichiro , Uchiyama Jumpei , Fukuyama Tomoki , Sakamoto Shuji , Morisawa Keiko , Fujimura Masato , Murakami Hironobu , Kanamaru Shuji , Kurokawa Kenji , Kawamoto Keiko , Iyori Keita , Sakaguchi Masahiro
Published: February 2022

Staphylococcus pseudintermedius is one of the major pathogens causing canine skin infection. In canine atopic dermatitis (AD), heterogeneous strains of S. pseudintermedius reside on the affected skin site. Because an increase in specific IgE to this bacterium has been reported, S. pseudintermedius is likely to exacerbate the severity of canine AD. In this study, the IgE reactivities to various S. pseudintermedius strains and the IgE-reactive molecules of S. pseudintermedius were investigated. First, examining the IgE reactivities to eight strains of S. pseudintermedius using 141 sera of AD dogs, strain variation of S. pseudintermedius showed 10–63% of the IgE reactivities. This is different from the expected result based on the concept of Staphylococcus aureus clonality in AD patients. Moreover, according to the western blot analysis, there were more than four proteins reactive to IgE. Subsequently, the analysis of the common IgE-reactive protein at ∼15 kDa confirmed that the DM13-domain-containing protein was reactive in AD dogs, which is not coincident with any S. aureus IgE-reactive molecules. Considering these, S. pseudintermedius is likely to exacerbate AD severity in dogs, slightly different from the case of S. aureus in human AD.
Genetic Pleiotropy Between Pulmonary Function and Age-Related Traits: The Long Life Family Study
Authors: Feitosa Mary F , Wojczynski Mary K , Anema Jason A , Daw E Warwick , Wang Lihua , Santanasto Adam J , Nygaard Marianne , Province Michael A
Published: February 2022

Background

Pulmonary function (PF) progressively declines with aging. Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) are predictors of morbidity of pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality. In addition, reduced PF is associated with elevated chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, glucose metabolism, body fatness, and low muscle strength. It may suggest pleiotropic genetic effects between PF with these age-related factors.

Methods

We evaluated whether FEV1 and FVC share common pleiotropic genetic effects with interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, body mass index, muscle (grip) strength, plasma glucose, and glycosylated hemoglobin in 3 888 individuals (age range: 26–106). We employed sex-combined and sex-specific correlated meta-analyses to test whether combining genome-wide association p values from 2 or more traits enhances the ability to detect variants sharing effects on these correlated traits.

Results

We identified 32 loci for PF, including 29 novel pleiotropic loci associated with PF and (i) body fatness (CYP2U1/SGMS2), (ii) glucose metabolism (CBWD1/DOCK8 and MMUT/CENPQ), (iii) inflammatory markers (GLRA3/HPGD, TRIM9, CALN1, CTNNB1/ZNF621, GATA5/SLCO4A1/NTSR1, and NPVF/C7orf31/CYCS), and (iv) muscle strength (MAL2, AC008825.1/LINC02103, AL136418.1).

Conclusions

The identified genes/loci for PF and age-related traits suggest their underlying shared genetic effects, which can explain part of their phenotypic correlations. Integration of gene expression and genomic annotation data shows enrichment of our genetic variants in lung, blood, adipose, pancreas, and muscles, among others. Our findings highlight the critical roles of identified gene/locus in systemic inflammation, glucose metabolism, strength performance, PF, and pulmonary disease, which are involved in accelerated biological aging.
Chromosome-scale assembly and population diversity analyses provide insights into the evolution ofSapindus mukorossi
Authors: Xue Ting , Chen Duo , Zhang Tianyu , Chen Youqiang , Fan Huihua , Huang Yunpeng , Zhong Quanlin , Li Baoyin
Published: February 2022

Sapindus mukorossi is an environmentally friendly plant and renewable energy source whose fruit has been widely used for biomedicine, biodiesel, and biological chemicals due to its richness in saponin and oil contents. Here, we report the first chromosome-scale genome assembly of S. mukorossi (covering ~391 Mb with a scaffold N50 of 24.66 Mb) and characterize its genetic architecture and evolution by resequencing 104 S. mukorossi accessions. Population genetic analyses showed that genetic diversity in the southwestern distribution area was relatively higher than that in the northeastern distribution area. Gene flow events indicated that southwest species may be the donor population for the distribution areas in China. Genome-wide selective sweep analysis showed that a large number of genes are involved in defense responses, growth and development, including SmRPS2, SmRPS4, SmRPS7, SmNAC2, SmNAC23, SmNAC102, SmWRKY6, SmWRKY26, and SmWRKY33. We also identified several candidate genes controlling six agronomic traits by genome-wide association studies, including SmPCBP2, SmbHLH1, SmCSLD1, SmPP2C, SmLRR-RKs, and SmAHP. Our study not only provides a rich genomic resource for further basic research on Sapindaceae woody trees but also identifies several economically significant genes for genomics-enabled improvements in molecular breeding.
Application evaluation of passive energy-saving strategies in exterior envelopes for rural traditional dwellings in northeast of Sichuan hills, China
Authors: Hou Jiawen , Zhang Tao , Liu Zu’an , Zhang Lili , Fukuda Hiroatsu
Published: February 2022

With the increase of residents’ requirements for the living environment, the current indoor thermal environment cannot meet the needs of modern rural residents who live in the northeast of Sichuan, China. Passive energy-saving strategies can not only improve the thermal performance of envelopes but also create high economic benefits. Evaluating the application effect of passive energy-saving strategies for traditional dwellings can provide a guide for local residents and policy makers to select rational passive strategies. Seven energy-saving strategies are proposed based on the current local building construction and heat transfer model, and then their energy-saving potential is evaluated by using EnergyPlus and the dynamic investment payback period method. Results show that adding exterior envelope insulation and setting on-top sunspaces on the roof simultaneously can save 83.9% of building energy consumption. However, the most economic energy-saving strategy is only employing exterior envelope insulation for local traditional dwellings when considering the economy. It can save 842 CNY/m2 during 100 years and its dynamic investment payback period is 14.1 years. In addition, building orientation also affects the energy-saving effects and the energy-saving rate can be increased by 8.4% under the optimal orientation (facing south) compared with the worst orientation (facing west).