bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Effluent Degradation with Zinc Oxide, Carbon Nitride, and Carbon Xerogel Trifecta on brass monoliths
Authors: Silva Émerson Felipe Mendonça da , Garcia Ramón Raudel Peña , Rodrigues Liana Alvares , Sanz Oihane , Napoleão Daniella Carla , Almeida Luciano Costa 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In recent years, heterogeneous photocatalysis has emerged as an alternative for the treatment of organic pollutants. This technique presents advantages such as low cost and ease of operation. However, finding a semiconductor material with operational viability and high activity under solar irradiation is a challenge, almost always in nanometric sizes. Furthermore, in many processes, the photocatalysts are suspended in the solution, which means that additional steps are required to remove them, which can make the technique economically unviable, especially when the catalysts are in nanometric size. This work aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using structured photocatalyst (ZnO, g-C3N4, and carbon xerogel), optimized for this photodegradation process. The synthesized materials were characterized by nitrogen adsorption and desorption techniques, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). Adhesion testing demonstrated the efficiency of the deposition technique, with film adhesion exceeding 90%. The photocatalytic evaluation was performed with a mixture of three textile dyes in a recycle photoreactor, varying pH (4.7 and 10), recycle flow rate (2, 4, and 6 L h− 1), immobilized mass (1, 2, and 3 mg cm− 2), monolith height (1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 cm), and type of radiation (solar and visible artificials; and natural solar). The structured photocatalyst was able to degrade over 99% of the dye mixture using artificial radiation. The results obtained using solar energy were highly promising, achieving a degradation efficiency of approximately 74%. Furthermore, it was possible to regenerate the structured photocatalyst up to seven consecutive times using exclusively natural solar light and maintain a degradation rate of around 70%. These results reinforce the feasibility and potential application of this system in photocatalytic reactions, highlighting its effectiveness and sustainability.
Amyloidogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 Delta Plus and Omicron Variants Receptor-Binding Domain (RBD): Impact of SUMO Fusion Tag
Authors: Zargan Sadegh , Jalili Hasan , Dabirmanesh Bahareh , Mesdaghinia Saba , Khajeh Khosro 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The RBD of SARS-CoV-2 mediates viral entry into host cells by binding to the host receptor ACE2. SARS-CoV-2 infection is linked to various health issues resembling amyloid-related problems, persuading us to investigate the amyloidogenicity of the SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD.
The FoldAmyloid program was used to assess the amyloidogenic propensities in the RBD of Delta Plus and RBD of the Omicron variant, with and without the SUMO tag. After the expression of RBDs, purification, and dialysis steps were performed. Subsequently, the ThT assay, FTIR, and TEM were employed to check the RBD's ability to form fibrils.
Results
The ThT assay, TEM, and FTIR revealed the ability of RBD to self-assemble into β-sheet-rich aggregates (48.4% β-sheet content). Additionally, the presence of the SUMO tag reduced the formation of RBD amyloid-like fibrils. The amyloidogenic potential of Omicron RBD was higher than Delta Plus, according to both in silico and experimental analyses.
Conclusions
The SARS-CoV-2 RBD can assemble itself by forming aggregates containing amyloid-like fibrils and the presence of a SUMO tag can significantly decrease the formation of RBD amyloid-like fibrils. In silico analysis suggested that variation in the ThT fluorescence intensity of amyloid accumulations in the two SARS-CoV-2 strains arises from specific mutations in their RBD regions.
Radon Release at a Rehabilitated Uranium Mine Site and Dose Assessment (Case of the Former Beshtaugorskiy Mine, North Caucasus)
Authors: Miklyaev Petr , Petrova Tatiana , Sidyakin Pavel , Shshitov Dmitriy , Murzabekov Murat , Tsebro Dmitriy , Gavriliev Sakhayaan , Mikliaeva Elizaveta , Klimshin Aleksey 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The article presents the results of the radon release studies at the rehabilitated uranium mine and an assessment of doses received by the population when using the territory for recreational purposes (the case of the former Beshtaugorsky uranium mine). The measurements of radon flux density from the ground surface, radon concentration in the atmospheric air and groundwater, as well as the gamma dose rate and content of natural radionuclides in soils and bedrocks were performed. It is established that abnormally high radon release associated with both a former uranium adits and natural factors such as tectonic faults. The abnormally high radon release is due to advective radon transport, mainly associated with convective thermally induced air convection in permeable zones of mountain massif; radon transport by groundwater does not affect radon emissions from the surface. The most significant source of radiation risk is the incompletely blocked adit mouths, from which mine air is periodically blown out. Radon concentration and gamma dose rate values many times exceed permissible levels in these locations. A person resting in such an area for 4 hours can lead to a dose exceeding 2 mSv. This is advisable to take measures to prevent or reduce the time people spend in the areas of former adit mouths.
Examining the evolving patterns of recent droughts and climate categorization's impact on groundwater reserves through the utilization of GRI and SPI indices in the southern plain of the Sefidroud Basin, Iran
Authors: Mobarhan Ebrahim Yousefi , Khaleghi Ali , Zandifar Samira 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Groundwater reservoirs are acknowledged as a vital and cost-effective water source, and comprehending their significance and efficient utilization can foster sustainable development of social and economic activities in a region, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. This study aimed to explore the correlation between the GRI index and standard rainfall, followed by the classification of the region's climate using the De Martonne method. The research focused on analyzing the temporal variations in recent droughts and climate classification concerning underground water resources in the Qorveh-Dehgolan plain. The GRI calculation method was employed to assess groundwater depletion over periods ranging from 1 to 48 months in the Qorveh-Dehgolan plain. Additionally, ArcGIS software was utilized to zone the groundwater levels and drought severity. The study conducted a correlation analysis between GRI and SPI indicators through linear regression in Excel, revealing a lack of significant correlation between the two indicators (P-value = 0.053 and R2 value = 0.003), despite their distinctiveness. Furthermore, the drought classification based on SPI indicated that the region fell into the normal drought category. The climatic classification derived from three nearby stations was established as semi-arid using the De Martonne method.
Involvement of NEK7 in the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages of rheumatoid arthritis and the intervention of Er Miao San
Authors: Wang Jin , Su Wenrui , Chen Simeng , Meng Xiangwen , Wang Jiayu , Qin Zhifang , Tang Ran , Yin Jiahua , Liang Juan , Jia Xiaoyi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Er Miao San (EMS) has a historical usage in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The aim of this study is to explore whether EMS can target NEK7 for inhibiting activation of NEK7/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway to protect rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods
The EMS ethyl acetate part was concentrated to the required experimental doses and EMS-containing serum was prepared. DBA/1 mice were used to establish the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model, and the general indicators of the mice were evaluated. The extent of inflammation in mice ankle joint tissues were detected using HE staining, radiography. Anti-tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (Trap) staining was used to observe osteoclasts in the ankle joint of mice. Changes in the immune system of the mice were determined via thymus/spleen index and the ability of T/B cell proliferation. NEK7 small interfering RNA (NEK7 siRNA) and Mus NEK7 were transfected into RAW264.7 cells, respectively. The formation of NEK7-NLRP3 complex in RAW264.7 cells was detected by immunoprecipitation. The protein expressions of NLRP3, NEK7 and caspase-1 in peritoneal macrophages (PMs), ankle joint tissues of CIA mice and RAW264.7 cells were examined using Western blot and immunohistochemistry. The immunofluorescence was used to investigate the formation of ASC spots in PMs and RAW264.7 cells. Elisa was employed to quantify the amounts of IL-1β and IL-18 in the serum of CIA mice, PMs and RAW264.7 cells supernatants.
Results
The results indicated that EMS decreased arthritis index, joint swelling score and pathological changes of the ankle joint in CIA mice. EMS decreased the expression levels of NEK7, Caspase-1 and NLRP3 in the ankle joint tissues and PMs of CIA mice and reduced the formation of ASC spots in PMs. Additionally, EMS also decreased the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the serum and supernatants of PMs in CIA mice. Finally, it was discovered that EMS-containing serum decreased the expression proteins of NEK7, Caspase-1, NLRP3, and ASC in RAW264.7 cells. It also decreased the formation of ASC spots and reduced the IL-1β and IL-18 levels in the cell supernatants of RAW264.7.
Conclusion
EMS protects CIA mice by inhibiting the NEK7/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, which suggests a potential application of EMS in the treatment of RA.
Breast organoid suspension cultures maintain long-term estrogen receptor expression and responsiveness
Authors: Brugge Joan , Chang Kung-Chi , Silvestri Francesca , Olipant Michael , Martinez-Gakidis M. Angie , Orgill Dennis , Garber Judy , Dillon Deborah 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Organoid cultures offer a powerful technology to investigate many different aspects of development, physiology, and pathology of diverse tissues. Unlike standard tissue culture of primary breast epithelial cells, breast organoids preserve the epithelial lineages and architecture of the normal tissue. However, existing organoid culture methods are tedious, difficult to scale, and do not robustly retain estrogen receptor (ER) expression and responsiveness in long-term culture. Here, we describe a modified culture method to generate and maintain organoids as suspension cultures in reconstituted basement membrane (™Matrigel). This method improves organoid growth and uniformity compared to the conventional Matrigel dome embedding method, while maintaining the fidelity of the three major epithelial lineages. Using this adopted method, we are able to culture and passage purified hormone sensing (HS) cells that retain ER responsiveness upon estrogen stimulation in long-term culture. This culture system presents a valuable platform to study the events involved in initiation and evolution of ER-positive breast cancer.
The Causal Effect of Digestive System Diseases on Risk of Erectile Dysfunction : A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: zhang xiansheng , Yang Peng , Yang Tianle , Ma Yukuai , Cao Zhi , Gao Pan , jiang hui 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Digestive system diseases are common in the population and may have a potential relationship with erectile dysfunction (ED), however, there are few studies on the effect of digestive system diseases on ED, and its relationship is not clear. This study aims to investigate the causal relationship between digestive system diseases and ED, and assesses their potential mechanisms and effect sizes. Our study included the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) datasets for 23 digestive system diseases to retrieve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), employing the univariable Mendelian randomization (MR) approach for analysis. Additionally, we utilized multivariable Mendelian randomization (MVMR) to investigate the direct causal effects between exposure and ED. Through MR analysis, we found that celiac disease (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01–1.16, p = 0.03), Crohn's disease (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.01–1.12, p = 0.04), colorectal cancer (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.03–1.35, p = 0.02), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04–1.18, p = 0.003) are positively associated with the risk of ED. Gastric cancer (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.84–0.99, p = 0.03) is negatively associated with the risk of ED. After adjusting for BMI, alcohol consumption, and smoking by MVMR, we found that only Crohn's disease and colorectal cancer had a direct causal effect on ED. Based on MR analysis of the association between 23 digestive system diseases and ED, we identified 5 digestive system diseases causally related to ED. These identified digestive diseases can be used as early warning factors for future clinical monitoring of patients' erectile function status. This provides a theoretical basis for attending to the sexual health of male patients concerned with digestive system diseases.
Influence of an Inspiratory Muscle Fatigue Protocol on Healthy Youths on Respiratory Muscle Strength, Vertical Jump Performance and Muscle Oxygen Saturation. A randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Maestro Arturo Ladriñán , Gómez-Escalonilla Jorge Sánchez-Infante , Vera Daniel Martín , Sierra Alberto Sánchez 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Inspiratory muscle fatigue has been shown to have effects on limbs blood flow and physical performance. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of an inspiratory muscle fatigue protocol on respiratory muscle strength, vertical jump performance and muscle oxygen saturation in healthy youths.
Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial, employing double-blinding, was conducted with twenty-four participants aged 18-45 years, non-smokers and engaged in sports activity at least three times a week for a minimum of one year. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: Inspiratory Muscle Fatigue (IMFG), Activation, and Control. Measurements of vertical jump, diaphragmatic ultrasound, muscle oxygen saturation, and maximum inspiratory pressure were taken at two stages: before the intervention (T1) and immediately after treatment (T2).
Results: Results: The IMFG showed lower scores in muscle oxygen saturation and cardiorespiratory variables after undergoing the diaphragmatic fatigue intervention compared to the activation and control groups (p < 0.05). As for the vertical jump variables, intragroup differences were found (p < 0.01), but no differences were found between the three groups analyzed (p > 0.05).
Conclusions: Inspiratory muscle fatigue appears to negatively impact vertical jump performance, muscle oxygen saturation and inspiratory muscle strength in healthy youths.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06271876. Date of registration 02/21/2024. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06271876
Electroencephalography based Delirium Detection in Acute Stroke
Authors: Hermann Gesine , Baumgarte Friederike , Welzel Julius , Nydahl Peter , Kuhlenbäumer Gregor , Margraf Nils Gerd 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Up to 25 percent of patients suffering from an acute stroke are diagnosed with delirium during the hospital stay, with older age increasing the risk. Generalized slowing in the electroencephalogram (EEG) supports the diagnosis of delirium. We examined the potential of single-channel EEG (DeltaScan®) as an easy-to-use device on intensive care units for detecting delirium. Our aim was to compare clinically established delirium diagnoses with bihemispheric EEG recordings and single-channel EEG to analyze the diagnostic accuracy of EEG-based diagnoses.
Methods
Within the first five days after stroke onset, patients received single-channel EEG DeltaScan® and a routine 21-channel EEG. The DeltaScan® analyzes right sided fronto-parietal EEG using a proprietary algorithm focusing on polymorphic delta activity (PDA). In routine EEG the power spectral density (PSD) in predefined frequency bands was analyzed based on 2-minute eyes-closed resting state segments. EEG-analyses were conducted in MNE (v1.3.1) in Python (3.10) and RStudio (v4.2.1).
Results
In 9 of 53 patients (52–90 years) delirium was diagnosed according to DSM-V criteria. Sensitivity of DeltaScan® was 44% (95% CI = 15.3–77.3%), while specificity was 71% (95% CI = 57–83%). We found patients with right hemispheric stroke having a higher probability to be false positive in DeltaScan® (p = 0.01). The 21-channel EEG based power analysis revealed frontal delta (sensitivity 0.89, 95% CI = 0.67-1; specificity 0.68, 95% CI = 0.54–0.8) as the best predictor of diagnosed delirium.
Conclusions
When EEG is used in clinical practice to support a delirium diagnosis in stroke patients, bihemispheric recordings are likely preferable over unilateral recordings. Slowing in the delta- or theta-frequency spectrum over the site of stroke may lead to false-positive results in single channel EEG based delirium scoring.
NRF2-mediated persistent adaptation of oesophageal adenocarcinoma cells to HER2 inhibition
Authors: Tournier Cathy , Zhang Wei , Chattrakarn Sorayut , Wong Chun Wai , Li Shiyang , Kan Karmern , Liu Hongcai , GU WENCHAO , Zhang Jingwei , Whitmarsh Alan J. , Sharrocks Andrew 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2, also known as ERBB2) is a commonly over-expressed oncoprotein in oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). Nonetheless, HER2-blocking agents failed short in improving the outcome of OAC patients, despite achieving striking clinical successes in breast cancer. To address this conundrum, we investigated how resistance progressively emerges when HER2 is targeted. We found subpopulations of drug-tolerant persister cells capable of surviving in the presence of the dual HER1/HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor lapatinib through elevated expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2). Activation of NRF2-mediated transcription associated with the evolution of drug-resistance coincided with a subsequent increase in glutathione metabolism. Accordingly, lapatinib resistant OAC xenografts became exquisitely sensitive to pharmacological inhibition of the NRF2 pathway, while increased NRF2 expression in OAC cells reduced sensitivity to lapatinib treatment. Collectively, these findings constitute a promising new therapeutic opportunity to tackle incurable OAC by targeting the NRF2 pathway alongside receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition.
Study of intelligent home environment system based on big data and improved k-means algorithm
Authors: Yu Shaopeng , Liu Chenyu , Li Mingmei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The Embedded operating system based on STC12C5A MCU is designed to facilitate real-time monitoring and control of the home environment, in order to solve some problems such as low acquisition frequency, poor real-time performance, lack of feedback and adaptation. The Kalman filter and improved k-means algorithm are used to analyze the big data which is processed by BP neural network, and then the most comfortable living environment parameters can be obtained. The independent monitoring mechanism and feedback adjustment are designed to achieve efficient collaboration and stable operation of system hardware and software. The test results show that the system has high acquisition accuracy, fast response speed, good reliability performance, as well as good real-time and adaptive capabilities.
Independent origins of vertebral complexity in tetrapods
Authors: Roberts Lucy , Head Jason 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The axial skeleton is the central anatomical structure uniting vertebrates, varying across the clade in the total number of constituent elements and morphological complexity, associated with changes in regulatory genetic mechanisms, respiratory efficiency, and locomotory adaptation. The evolution of this morphological complexity has historically been interpreted as a linear increase from relatively simple, homogeneous anatomies in tetrapods and stem mammals to uniquely high complexity in crown mammals. However, axial skeletal complexity remains poorly understood in stem taxa beyond Pan-Mammalia, restricting the ability to infer the evolutionary history of the vertebral column outside of this clade. Here we combine 3D geometric morphometrics with maximum likelihood model testing in a comprehensive phylogenetic framework of tetrapods, including crown and stem taxa, to reveal the independent acquisition of equally high degrees of regionalization across Pan-Mammalia and every major reptile clade. We reject the traditional view of linear increases in vertebral complexity leading to mammals. We demonstrate divergent evolutionary histories across amniote clades, associated with the differential presence or absence of functional constraint on the axial skeleton. In most reptiles, morphological heterogeneity within the column is associated with body size and segment count, unlike Pan-Mammalia, across which heterogeneity is a component of functional regionalization associated with the evolution of endothermy. Intracolumnar heterogeneity is constrained in mammals and birds by anatomical complexity required for respiratory and locomotory function regardless of body size. The absence of such physiological or metabolic constraints on axial skeletal evolution across non-avian reptiles has facilitated the morphological plasticity that has contributed to their remarkable diversity of function and form.
Variation in diet concentration and bacterial inoculum size in larval habitat shapes the performance of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus
Authors: Raquin Vincent , Martin Edwige , Minard Guillaume , Moro Claire Valiente 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Ecological niches present unique environmental and biological trademarks such as abiotic conditions, nutrient availability and trophic interactions that may impact ecology of living organisms. Female mosquitoes deposit their eggs in aquatic niches with fluctuating diet sources and microbial communities. However, how niche’s diet and microbial composition impact mosquitoperformance (i.e. traits that maximizes the mosquito fitness) are not well understood. In this study, we focused on the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, one of the most invasive species in the world and a competent vector for human pathogens. To remove any external microbes, Ae. albopictus eggs were surface sterilized then hatching larvae were exposed to a gradient of bacterial inoculum (i.e. initial microbial load) and diet concentrations while their impact on mosquito performance traits during juvenile development was measured.
Results
Our results showed that Ae. albopictus larvae develop faster and give larger adults when exposed to microbiota in rearing water. However, mosquito performance, up to the adult stage, depends on both bacterial inoculum size and diet concentration in the aquatic habitat. Upon low inoculum size, larvae survived better if diet is in sufficient amount whereas a higher inoculum size was associated with an optimal larvae survival only in presence of lower amount of diet. Inoculum size, and to a lesser extent diet concentration, shaped bacterial community structure and composition of larval rearing water allowing the identification of bacterial taxa for which their abundance in larvae rearing water correlated with niche parameters and/or larval traits.
Conclusions
Our work demonstrates that both diet concentration and bacterial inoculum size impact mosquito performance possibly by shaping bacterial community structure in the larval habitat, which account for a large part of the juvenile’s microbiota. Host-microbe interactions influence several mosquito life-history traits, and our work reveals that niche parameters such as inoculum size and diet concentration could have numerous implications on the microbiota assembly and host evolutionary trajectory. This underlies that host-microbe-environment interactions are an important yet overlooked factor of mosquito adaptation to its local environment, with potential future implications for vector control and vector ecology.