bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socio-ecological tradeoffs between household wealth and water stress in global mining areas
Authors: Davis Kyle , Akram Humayoun , Meydani Amirreza , Khan Bhoktear , Ali Saleem 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Rising global demand for minerals to support continued economic development and the Green Transition is expanding areas of extraction across the planet. While mineral extraction often necessitates substantial transformation of the immediate landscape, whether these activities contribute to positive outcomes for the local communities and minimize natural resource competition of targeted areas has not been assessed globally, with previous investigations largely limited to case studies or missing an assessment of multiple dimensions of sustainability. Here we perform a comprehensive analysis of the associations between mining activities, rural household wealth, and water scarcity across for 19 major minerals (selected either due to their importance for the green energy transition or their overall volumes of extraction) and 27 countries in the Global South. Combining georeferenced information on 1373 large-scale mining locations and 63 household surveys (encompassing 1.32 million households) on wealth within a mixed effects modelling approach while controlling for a suite of economic, demographic, and environmental factors known to be associated with household wealth, we find that only 22% of countries (6 out of 27) show significant increases in household wealth associated with greater proximity to mines, suggesting that anticipated economic benefits to local communities may not be the norm. Further, depending on the focus mineral and considering much larger global dataset of mines about 8103, we find that between 45% and 50% of mine operations are located in water-scarce regions (i.e., water withdrawals more then 40% then total available blue water) and may be exacerbating water competition with local communities and other water users and needs. Finally, in directly comparing wealth and water scarcity, we identify win-win (e.g., Liberia, Gabon) and lose-lose (e.g., Armenia, Dominican Republic, India, Kyrgyzstan, Philippines, and South Africa) countries where mines tend to be associated with (un)realized household wealth benefits and (non)minimal water competition. Ensuring win-wins that both benefit the livelihoods of local communities and minimize environmental impact and natural resource competition is the crux of sustainable mining development, but our findings highlights that such socio-environmental co-benefits are often not achieved. As such, our study underscores the need for more inclusive policies that prioritize local benefits and environmental sustainability.
Adolescent morphine exposure induced long-term cognitive impairment and prefrontal neurostructural abnormality in adulthood in mice
Authors: Wang Yunpeng , Lu Ye , Guo Yijie , Sun Lulu , Liu Tong , Dong Ziqing , Jia Min , Zhuo Lixia , Yin Fangyuan , Zhu Yongsheng , Ma Xiancang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Opioids abuse in adolescence is becoming a pressing public health issue. Although evidence indicates that adolescent opioid exposure contributes to persistent changes in brain development, its long-term consequences in adulthood are still unclear. Here, we established a mouse model of adolescent morphine exposure and used the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5‐CSRTT) combined with behavioral tests to evaluate changes in cognitive behaviors. We found that exposure to morphine during adolescence led to deficits in multidimensional cognitive functions in mice, including attention, information processing speed, and behavior inhibition. Notable, these impairments persisted into adulthood. Furthermore, the morphine-exposed mice exhibited decreased learning efficiency and spatial memory. Adolescent morphine exposure also induced significant and persistent morphological changes and synaptic abnormalities in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) neurons, which may be responsible for cognitive impairments in adulthood. Together, our study identifies adolescence as a critical period during which opioid exposure acts profoundly on cognitive development and emphasizes that the disruption of neurons by opioids in adolescence may link mPFC-associated cognitive impairments in adulthood.
Acute and Significant Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding Linked to an Inflammatory Polyp of Colon in a Young Adult: a case report
Authors: Hsu Yu-Hao , Li Yao-Feng , Cheng Yi-Chiao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is a serious medical condition that can be life-threatening and may present as acute or chronic bleeding. While diverticulitis is a common cause of LGIB in adults, other etiologies such as polyps are less common, especially in young patients. We present a rare case of acute LGIB in a 20-year-old man with no significant medical history who presented with massive bleeding. Emergency imaging revealed active bleeding from a polyp in the sigmoid colon. Subsequent colonoscopy confirmed the presence of a large pedunculated polyp, diagnosed as an inflammatory polyp, which was promptly removed. Unlike most reported cases, our patient had no underlying comorbidities or medication use associated with LGIB. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of LGIB from an inflammatory polyp in a young adult population. This case highlights the importance of considering polyps as a potential cause of LGIB, even in young patients without predisposing factors. Further research is warranted to better understand the mechanisms underlying polyp-related bleeding and to enhance diagnostic and management strategies for this condition.
Analyzing the spatial and temporal distribution of brucellosis disease burden and ecological influencing factors of working-age population in Inner Mongolia, 2015–2020
Authors: Yu Lei , Zheng Huiqiu , Wang Yanling , Wang Xinyan , Wang Xuemei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Backgrounds:
Brucellosis is a major public health problem globally, with cases concentrated in working-age populations, but there are few studies on the burden of brucellosis disease in working-age populations. This study estimated the disease burden and spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of brucellosis in Inner Mongolia's working-age population from 2015 to 2020 and explored the ecological influences on its disease burden.
Methods
The study described the incidence of brucellosis in Inner Mongolia's working-age population from 2015 to 2020. It calculated years of life lost with disability (YLD) and the YLD rate. Spatiotemporal Bayesian modeling was utilized; thus, the spatiotemporal variation pattern of brucellosis disease burden was analyzed. Using the geographically weighted regression analysis (GWR), the study explored the ecological influencing factors of the burden of brucellosis in the working-age population.
Results
The incidence rate increased from 30.74/100,000 to 77.29/100,000 in Inner Mongolia's working-age population from 2015 to 2020. The YLD of brucellosis in the working-age population of Inner Mongolia between 2015 and 2020 was 1533.98 person-years, with a YLD rate of 0.091 per 1,000, and the YLD rate exhibited an upward trend with time. The Bayesian spatiotemporal distribution model revealed that the disease burden of Inner Mongolia's working-age population was at high risk and increasing rapidly: areas including Hinggan, Tongliao, and Chifeng. Bayan Nur exhibited a low risk of brucellosis disease burden but a rapid rate of increase. A considerably high number of cattle at year-end (β: 0.011284–0.011290, P < 0.05), low number of beds (β: -0.007465-0.007436, P < 0.05), and high rainfall (β: 0.010495–0.010520, P < 0.05) are ecological influences on the brucellosis disease burden in the working-age population of Inner Mongolia.
Conclusion
From 2015 to 2020, the YLD rate of brucellosis among Inner Mongolia's working-age population exhibited an increasing trend and spatial aggregation. Medical practitioners should dedicate more research attention to areas where the risk of disease burden is growing at a fast rate, and cities with a low risk of disease burden but a fast rate of increase also merit urgent research attention. The number of cattle at year-end, high rainfall, and low number of beds are ecological influences on the brucellosis disease burden among the working-age population.
Experimental investigation into the physical properties of mixed soil within sliding zones and landslide slip zone evolution process analysis
Authors: Zhang Jian , Wu Yihang , Ye Yuke , Chen Cong , Zhu David Z. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The formation of slip zone is a key process for the landslide disasters occurrence. This study aims to investigate the physical properties of a complex multicomponent sliding zone soil within a typical large landslide, shedding light on the mechanisms behind sliding zone formation. Various physical testing methods were employed to analyze the mixed sliding zone soil, which is comprised of several components. The primary constituents of the sliding zone soil, including fully weathered tuff soil and silty clay, were combined in different proportions using materials sourced from a representative landslide site. Analyses methods encompassed liquid-plastic limit tests, unconfined compressive strength tests, direct shear tests, and water retention capacity assessments. Experimental findings underscore the substantial alteration of physical properties in the sliding zone soil due to the intermixing of multiple soil components during the slope's sliding zone formation. This alteration is chiefly characterized by a reduction in shear strength and water retention capacity. Consequently, mixed sliding zone soil is more susceptible to waterlogging and saturation phenomena. Based on the experimental data, the formation process of a typical landslide slip zone was revealed.
Myricetin suppressed DSS-induced colitis and promoted the therapeutic success of Infliximab in TNBS-induced colitis
Authors: Camlibel Mine , Ferah Sena , Gurbuz Melisa , Tekin Cagla , Ercelik Melis , Tezcan Gulcin , Aktas Ahmet Ali , Acar Irem Zehra , Isik Ozgen , Ugras Nesrin , Bozkurt Ozlem , Aksoy Secil Ak , Aksoy Fuat , Yilmazlar Tuncay , Tunca Berrin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Infliximab (IFX) is widely used in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Still, long-term use may be ineffective or suggest some side effects. This study investigated the role of Myricetin, a flavonoid, alone and its complementary therapeutic potential in combination with IFX against UC, CH, and cancerization. DSS triggered the development of acute UC syndromes in Wistar albino rats, while TNBS treatment triggered some of the symptoms seen in CD. The effectiveness of IFX, Myricetin, and their combination against UC and CD was determined by the disease activity index and changes in TNF-α secretion. The effect of IFX and Myricetin on tumor aggressiveness was evaluated by in vitro wound healing and colony formation analysis and expression of NF-κB and COX2 genes in a colon cancer cell line. Myricetin strongly reduced NF-κB expression in the DSS-induced UC model (p < 0.0001), but this effect was weaker in the TNBS-induced CD model, while COX2 expression was the opposite. Myricetin was beneficial as a complement to IFX in the CD model, while also promoting the improvement of clinical symptoms of the acute UC model (p < 0.05). Myricetin slowed down wound healing and colony formation of HT-29 cells and attenuated NF-κB expression. Myricetin may promise an alternative treatment approach in acute UC. Additionally, CD cases may benefit from Myricetin only when used in conjunction with IFX.
Lactic acid produced by optimal vaginal Lactobacillus species potently inactivates HIV-1 by several mechanisms including promoting inhibition of virion-associated reverse transcriptase activity and viral RNA degradation
Authors: Aldunate Muriel , Tyssen David , Johnson Adam , Latham Catherine L , Cowieson Nathan , Hayward Joshua A , Center Rob J , Ramsland Paul A , Hearps Anna C , Tachedjian Gilda 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background. An optimal vaginal microbiota dominated by Lactobacillus spp. protects women against acquiring and transmitting HIV in contrast to a nonoptimal vaginal microbiota exemplified by bacterial vaginosis (BV); however, the virucidal activity of carboxylic acid metabolites present in vaginal fluid is not well defined. Here we determined the HIV-1 virucidal activity of lactic acid (LA), short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and succinic acid under conditions observed in women with a Lactobacillus-dominated vaginal microbiota compared to women with BV and examined the mechanism by which LA inactivates HIV-1. The ability of LA to inactivate HSV-2 and HPV16 was also examined.
Results: LA was >10-fold more potent at inactivating an HIV-1 transmitted/founder strain than SCFAs (acetic, butyric, and propionic acid) and succinic acid when tested at an equivalent 20 mM of protonated acid at pH 4.2 (p£0.05). While LA decreased HIV-1 infectivity by >103-fold, virions were intact, expressing a similar gp120:p24 ratio, and showed a 2-fold decrease in CD4 binding compared to the untreated control (p£0.05). Treatment of recombinant gp120 with LA revealed no major conformational changes by small angle X-ray scattering. LA treatment of HIV-1 at pH 3.8 resulted in an 80% decrease in virion-associated reverse transcriptase activity compared to untreated virus, which was more potent than acetic acid or HCl-adjusted media at pH 3.8. LA decreased HIV-1 virion-associated RNA levels by ~50% compared to untreated virus (p<0.001), acetic acid or HCl acidified media, with this effect potentiated in the presence of cervicovaginal fluid. In contrast, HSV-2 virucidal activity of LA was similar to acetic acid and HCl-acidified media while HPV16 was acid-resistant.
Conclusions: These findings reveal LA’s potent and specific HIV-1 virucidal activity, mediated by its membrane permeant properties, compared to SCFAs and succinic acid, with implications for the vaginal transmission of HIV-1 to partners and neonates during birth.
Synthesis, theoretical investigation, ADMET studies, antimicrobial activity, and docking analysis of some novel imidazolidinone derivatives
Authors: Khodair Ahmed , Imam Dalia , Kheder Nabila , Fahim Asmaa , El-Barbary Ahmed 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In this study, we constructed twenty novel imidazolidinone derivatives via the reaction of 2-(methylthio)-3,5-dihydro-4H-imidazol-4-one derivatives (1a-c) with some active methylene reagents and nitrogen nucleophiles. The synthesized compounds were confirmed through spectral analysis such as 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR, and MS. Moreover, the synthesized compounds were optimized and utilizing the DFT/B3LYP/6–31(G) basis set to investigate their energies and the presence of two forms of isomers (E and Z). The results confirmed the stability of the E form. ADMET of new imidazolidinones was also studied to investigate their lipophilicity and Lipinski's rule for determination of their physiological biological analysis. Also, the antimicrobial activity of new compounds on Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus Nigar using the inhibition zone technique were evaluated. The results demonstrate that compound 11c showed higher activity rather than other compounds due to the presence of piperazine moiety out of the plane of the benzene ring. Additionally, the docking study showed an electrostatic bonding interaction of the hydrogen of 11c and the amino acids of two proteins such as PDBID: 3t88 and 2wje.
Quality of life after Colectomy and Ileo-Jpouch-anal anastomosis in paediatric patients with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Wong Michela Cing Yu , Rotondi Giulia , Roso Margherita , Avanzini Stefano , Gandullia Paolo , Arrigo Serena , Mattioli Girolamo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Surgery is required in cases of severe acute colitis, massive hemorrhage, toxic megacolon, and perforation; in such cases colectomy and JpouchIleoanal anastomosis (IPAA) are performed. The aim of this study was to evaluate functional outcome, and patient satisfaction and Quality of Life (QoL) after surgery.
MATERIAL AND METHODS Questionnaires were administered to 24 patients with UC undergoing surgery from 2011 to 2022.
RESULTS Mean age at IPAA was 10.8 years. Twenty patients underwent IPAA in 3 operations, 4 patients in 2. All patients underwent laparoscopic surgery. Six months after surgery mean level of satisfaction was 8.7/10, perception of health status was 7.4. Twenty-three patients (95.8%) recommended IPAA. For 20 patients (83.3%) surgery did not cause delay in education, while 14 patients (58.3%) played sport. The lowest number of evacuations was 9.2 per day, the highest
13.3. Seventeen patients (70.8%) had no incontinence and 15 patients (62.5%) were not affected by pouchitis. After 12 months mean satisfaction level raised up to 9.2/10, perception of health status to 8.5. School absences decreased and no other patients showed any delay in education. Seventeen (70.8%) patients played sports. The number of evacuations decreased: the lowest number was 5.1 per day, the highest 7.5. Twenty patients (83.3%) were continent and 12 (50%) did not use antibiotics.
CONCLUSION Most patients show a good functional outcome in defecation frequency and continence, which has improved through time, number of pouchitis episodes has increased. Patients appear satisfied after surgery.
Level of Evidence: III
Teratoma combined with struma ovarii and sarcomatoid carcinoma：A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Qin Haojie , Chen dan , Jin Shan , Liu Jia , Gao Bo , Wang Yongpeng 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This is a rare case of struma ovarii combined with sarcomatoid carcinoma. Whether it's struma ovarii or ovarian sarcomatoid carcinoma, the incidence of both is extremely low and rarely reported, so there are no clear guidelines for either disease and to our knowledge this may be the first case of combined occurrence of both. Therefore, this report describes its clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment, analyzes the pathogenesis, and summarizes the previous literature in the hope that it can be helpful to other tumor-related medical personnel and provide material support for the formation of guidelines in this disease.
Association analysis of immunophenotypes with ulcerative colitis: A two- sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Cai Longjiao , Wang Chao , Liu Ting 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Immune cells change in Ulcerative colitis (UC). However, the causal relationship between the immunophenotypes and UC is not clear.
Methods
731 immunophenotype databases and the UC database with 463,010 participants were utilized. Five Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis methods were used, with inverse variance weighted (IVW) as the main method and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) as the instrumental variable (IV), to explore the causal relationship. False discovery rate (FDR) correction and sensitivity analysis were used to examine the MR hypothesis. Next, the MR results were cross-verified in FinnGen Consortium R9 with 369,652 participants to confirm the reliability. Finally, reverse MR is performed.
Results
At the significance level of p < 0.05, 71 immunophenotypes associated with UC were screened. After FDR correction, 7 immunophenotypes were still associated. Cross-analysis of the MR analysis results from the UC database with the MR results from the external IBD (FinnGen) database confirmed that CX3CR1 on CD14 + CD16- monocyte (OR = 1.001, pFDR = 0.075) and CX3CR1 on CD14 + CD16 + monocyte (OR = 1.001, pFDR = 0.002) immunophenotypes were significantly associated with an increased risk of UC. Reverse MR revealed no significant correlations.
Conclusion
This study verified the causal link between immunophenotypes and UC, which may provide a theoretical basis for developing new targeted drugs.
nip-type Sn-based perovskite solar cells with metal chalcogenide electron extraction layers
Authors: Liang Jia , Li Tianpeng , Li Bin , Yang Yingguo , Jin Zuoming , Zhang Zhiguo , Wang Peilin , Deng Liangliang , Zhan Yiqiang , Zhang Qinghong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

nip-type lead-based perovskite solar cells (LPSCs) swept nearly all record power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) since the advent of perovskite-based photovoltaic technology. In contrast, nip-type tin-based perovskite solar cells (TPSCs) are not satisfied and lag far behind their pin-type counterparts. A key contributing factor is the indiscriminate adoption of metal oxide electron transport layers (ETLs) from nip-type LPSCs to nip-type TPSCs. Here, we reveal the origin and underlying mechanism of metal oxide ETLs on the poor performance of the nip-type TPSC and propose a novel metal chalcogenide ETL, specifically Sn(S0.92Se0.08)2, to replace them. This newly developed metal chalcogenide ETL not only circumvents the oxygen molecules desorption and impedes the Sn2+ oxidation, but also exhibits a tailored band structure, improved morphology, heightened conductivity, and increased electron mobility. As a result, TPSCs with Sn(S0.92Se0.08)2 ETLs demonstrate significant increase in open-circuit voltage, rising from 0.48 to 0.73V, and a noteworthy enhancement in PCE, soaring from 6.98 to 11.78%, representing a more than 65% improvement. Additionally, TPSCs with Sn(S0.92Se0.08)2 ETLs exhibit improved operational stability, retaining over 95% of their initial efficiency after 1632 h. Our findings underscore a substantial advancement in nip-type TPSC performance and stability, showcasing metal chalcogenides as promising candidates for future nip-type TPSC applications.
Serum-derived exosomal circENC1 inhibits SMC phenotypic switching to stabilize atherosclerotic plaques by interacting with miR-513a-5p and inhibiting MYH9 degradation
Authors: He Xiang , Yan Wen , Zhang Huanji , Si Xiaoyun , Li Huilan , Hu Xingwei , Guo Yihai , Wang Yingyun , Zheng Lingxiao , Liao Wangjun , Liao Yulin , Bin Jianping 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
The function of serum-derived exosomes (serum-exos) that suppress smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotypic switching-related genes in plaque stabilization is unclear. We aimed to determine the functional role of serum-exos, which are pivotal molecular regulators, in plaque stabilization and the underlying mechanism.
Methods and results
RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses of human serum-exos were used to identify circENC1, which is involved in SMC phenotypic switching and plaque stabilization. qRT‒PCR assays further confirmed that the circENC1 level was substantially lower in the unstable plaque (UP)-exo group than in the stable plaque (SP)-exo group. In mice treated with serum-exos from patients with SPs, the expression of the SMC contractile phenotype indicators ACTA2 and SM22 and the plaque stability increased. In contrast, in the group treated with serum-exos from patients with UPs, CD68 expression and the vulnerability index were increased. Moreover, circENC1 expression was negatively correlated with the plaque vulnerability index in the UP-exo group and the sham group. Mechanistically, single-cell analysis, chromatin isolation by RNA purification (ChIRP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays indicated that circENC1 suppressed SMC phenotypic switching by inhibiting the degradation of MYH9 and acting as a miR-513a-5p sponge to release MYOCD.
Conclusion
Serum exosomal circENC1 inhibits SMC phenotypic switching to stabilize plaques by binding to miR-513a-5p and inhibiting MYH9 degradation, indicating that this molecule may play an important role in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of atherosclerotic plaques.