bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound mediated flaxseed oil microcapsule: effect of ternary wall material (Arabic gum-Whey Protein Concentrate-Maltodextrin) on the characterization, in vitro release behaviour and storage stability
Authors: Sharma Neha , Kaur Gurkirat , Khatkar Sunil Kumar , Singh Arashdeep , Kaur Preetinder 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The primary objective of the present study was aimed at exploring the effect of ultrasound on the encapsulation potential of a ternary blend of wall materials (Arabic gum-Whey Protein Concentrates-Maltodextrin; GA:WPC:MD) for effective protection of flaxseed oil. Combined effects of sonication treatment time and variable composition of wall materials on the emulsion properties (droplet size, Polydispersity Index and Zeta Potential and viscosity) and subsequent spray dried microcapsules of flaxseed oil were investigated. The best-formulated emulsion, with average droplet sizes of 406.28 nm was observed, exhibited pseudoplastic behavior. Microcapsules were obtained with highest encapsulation rates of 90.27% with 4 minutes of sonication treatment with GA:WPC:MD present in ratio of 0.20:0.50:1.5. The microcapsules’ flow properties were also found to be optimum. Morphological assessment of microcapsules indicated the formation of uniform spherical and continuous wall formation. The microcapsules’ oxidative stability was observed to be significantly higher even after 56 days of storage and accelerated oxidative stability rates were also increased manifolds after encapsulation. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion results revealed that designed conditions retarded release under gastric conditions, with less than 10% release of oil. However, higher (56% release) bioaccessibility rates were favored after sequential exposure to intestinal conditions. Therefore outcomes of the study demonstrated the important implications in designing of encapsulation systems for lipid soluble bioactives for their effective and targeted, controlled delivery in various food products.
Mechanism of high-fat diet causing metabolic cognitive decline in lipid metabolism disorders
Authors: Lee Eun Chae , Lee Dong-Hun , Oh Jae Sang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Recent findings support the notion that High fat homeostasis can cause dementia progressively. We investigate the relationship between glucose intolerance and cognitive impairment. Increasing body weights with high fat diet in transgenic mice in which the low-density-lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) was deleted, induce the glucose intolerance. This metabolic disorder for long period make the integrity of blood-brain barrier on hippocampal region disrupt and cognitive impairment. Cognitive dysfunction includes decreased short-term and working memory and motor functioning. Fasting blood glucose due to high fat intake in transgenic mice in which the low-density-lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) was deleted, and traced the association between metabolic disorders and the blood-brain barrier, and the alignment and integrity of the hippocampal region. And we tried to confirm the changes in motor ability and cognitive function through behavioral analysis. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of high-fat diet exposure on cognitive function, motor performance, blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, and hippocampal array changes in transgenic mice with ablated LDLR receptor (LDLr). We also wanted to determine changes the adverse effects of these changes on the development of dementia caused by a high-fat diet. It was confirmed that stabilization and permeability of the BBB structure deteriorated due to a high-fat diet, and genes expressed in precursors for neurogenesis were reduced. The BBB regulates the transport of molecules into the central nervous system (CNS) maintaining tight control over the chemical composition of the nervous environment required for proper nerve function. In this sense, it can be hypothesized that high-fat diet-induced BBB dysfunction alters the neurogenic environment contributing to cognitive impairment. Changes in the BBB structure resulted in weakening of the cortical and hippocampal arrangements, and prolonged high-fat diets resulted in general motor and cognitive dysfunction.
Case report：A new foetal sonographic characteristic of Baraitser–Winter cerebrofrontofacial syndrome with ACTB mutation
Authors: Yang Yali , Yan Kai , Xu Yuqing , Dong Minyue 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Baraitser-Winter cerebrofrontofacial syndrome (BWCFF) is a complex, rare developmental syndrome characterized by craniofacial, visceral, and muscular manifestations. Diagnosis of BWCFF usually occurs postnatally; however, with the widespread application of prenatal trio whole-exome sequencing (WES), it is now possible to diagnose BWCFF prenatally.
Case presentation
A pregnant woman was found to carry a foetus with pulmonary valve stenosis and renal pelvic separation, and prenatal diagnosis was performed. The pregnant woman underwent amniocentesis to collect amniotic fluid for karyotyping, chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and trio WES. Simultaneously, peripheral blood samples were obtained from the woman and her husband for trio WES and Sanger sequencing. The foetal karyotype was normal, and CMA did not reveal any abnormalities. WES identified a heterozygous missense mutation in ACTB (NM_001101.5; c.645G>T) in the foetus. The mutation was classified as likely pathogenic. Sanger sequencing revealed the absence of the mutation in either parent.
Conclusions
This case report presents an instance of foetal pulmonary valve stenosis coupled with renal pelvis separation, where trio WES identified an ACTB (NM_001101.5; c.645G>T) mutation. This is the first case in which foetal pulmonary valve stenosis was associated with BWCFF linked to an ACTB mutation.
Evaluating the Impact of Cuproptosis-Related Genes on Prognosis and the Tumor Microenvironment in Colon Cancer
Authors: Zhang Jinghui , Li Shen , Wang Xiujia , Huang Jingle 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Design:
Cuproptosis, a novel copper-induced cell death mechanism dependent on mitochondrial respiration, has been identified. Despite its implications, the roles of cuproptosis-related genes in the prognosis and tumor microenvironment of colon cancer remain largely unexplored. This study aims to elucidate the prognostic and microenvironmental impacts of cuproptosis-related genes in colon cancer through comprehensive genetic and transcriptional analysis.
Methods
From four independent databases of TCGA and GEO datasets, we characterized the set of cuproptosis-related genes in 1124 colon cancer samples from the fields of genetics and transcription, and then evaluated their expression patterns. We identified two CRGclusters, and found that distinguishing clinicopathological features, prognosis, and tumor microenvironment cell infiltration characteristics were correlated with cuproptosis-related genes expression. Moreover, a predive risk score for overall-survival was established and its predictive capability in colon cancer patients was validated by Kaplan-Meier analysis, and receiver operating characteristic curves. Subsequently, a nomogram was constructed to improve the clinical features of the risk cores.
Results
The two cuproptosis-related gene clusters exhibited distinct clinicopathological and prognostic profiles, with significant variations in tumor microenvironment cell infiltration. High-risk scores were associated with increased mutation burdens, high microsatellite instability, and elevated immune cell infiltration, suggesting enhanced responsiveness to immunotherapy. The nomogram demonstrated robust predictive capabilities, enhancing the prognostic assessments in clinical settings.
Conclusion
Our findings not only deepen the understanding of cuproptosis-related genes in colon cancer but also pave the way for new prognostic tools and more effective immunotherapeutic strategies, leveraging the unique aspects of the cuproptosis pathway.
Specific Absorption Rate in Human Eye Model Exposed to Mobile Phone Radiation: A FDTD Study
Authors: Shadidi Zina Al , Falih Ahmad , Muslim zainab 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

It is imperative to recognize that extended exposure to radiofrequency (RF) waves can significantly affect the specific absorption rate (SAR) values in human eye tissues. In this study, we calculated the SAR values for the multilayered models of the Human Head and the Human Eye through various exposure periods (30 min, 45 min, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 h) at frequencies of 0.9 GHz and 1.8 GHz emitted from mobile phones antennas using MATLAB and the Finite Difference Time Doman (FDTD) method. The results indicate that increasing the exposure period of RF waves, results in elevated SAR values in the human eye tissues. Specifically, the Cornea in the Human Eye model experiences a drastic increase in SAR value to 19.44 W/kg after just 1.5 hours of exposure at a frequency of 0.9 GHz, which is a high value due to the increasing exposure period and interference. This significant increase in the SAR value presents a notable threat to one's health, as it is vulnerable to the constructive interference of electric waves from the antenna, which can amplify its strength. This is particularly crucial when prolonged exposure is considered. In light of these findings, it is imperative to prioritize safety and take all necessary measures to limit exposure to RF waves.
Monte Carlo simulations and machine learningmodels for cosmic-ray short-term variations andtest-mass charging on board LISA
Authors: Villani Mattia , Sabbatini Federico , Cesarini Andrea , Fabi Michele , Grimani Catia 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Energetic particles of galactic and solar origin charge the metal free-falling testmasses (TMs) of the interferometers for gravitational wave detection in space.The deposited charge couples with stray electric fields thus generating spuri-ous Coulomb forces between the TMs and the electrode housing that limit theinterferometer sensitivity. Long-term and short-term galactic cosmic-ray varia-tions are strongly energy-dependent and the TM charging varies with particleenergy distribution. We propose two different approaches involving Monte Carlosimulations and machine learning models to study the recurrent modulationof energy spectra of galactic particles ascribable to the passage of high-speedsolar wind streams. The transit of interplanetary counterparts of coronal massejections modifies the effects of high-speed streams. This work aims at betterunderstanding the energy-dependence of galactic cosmic-ray short-term varia-tions for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA), the first interferometerfor gravitational wave detection in space, starting from lessons learned with LISAPathfinder. The outcomes of our models will be used to assess the TM chargingduring the time LISA will remain in orbit around the Sun.
Identification of an Interacting Kinase between AmCERK1 and AmLYK3 Mediates CIP-Induced Immune Responses in Atractylodes
Authors: Chen lei , Chang xiangbing , Wu kun , Tian Wei , Wu Chuntao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The Sclerotium rolfsii-induced Southern blight poses a severe threat to the medicinal plant Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz (Atractylodes), yet effective control strategies for this pathogen remain limited. Chrysanthemum indicum polysaccharides (CIP) as an elicitor have been verified to induce the defense response of Atractylodes against Sclerotium rolfsii. However, the fundamental mechanisms underlying ligand perception remain largely elusive. In this study, a comparative transcriptome analysis was conducted to identify two potential LysM-receptor kinases in Atractylodes, namely AmCERK1 and AmLYK3, as pattern recognition receptor (PRR) complexes recognize CIP. Subsequently, the involvement of these genes in CIP-induced defense responses was further confirmed. Notably, AmCERK1 and AmLYK3 are orthologs of Arabidopsis CERK1 and Medicago truncatula LYK3 respectively, exhibiting up-regulation upon CIP treatment. The BiFC assays demonstrate that the interaction between these two receptors necessitates the presence of CIP. Transient overexpression experiments reveal that CIP treatment enhances the expression of the receptor gene in the plants significantly. Additionally, the CIP treatment effectively mitigated the inhibition of target genes during the silencing of AmCERK1 and AmLYK3 in seedlings induced by pTRV-based VIGS application. The CIP is required for the interaction of AmCERK1 and AmLYK3 and facilitating the establishment of PTI in Atractylodes. This is novel receptor recognition complexes, and is crucial to probe into mechanisms of innate immune recognition in plant.
Functional Neural Networks of Physical Reserve Moderate the Association between White Matter Hyperintensity and Postural Balance in Older Adults with Subcortical Ischemic Vascular Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Hsu Chun Liang , Holtzer Roee , Tam Roger , Alkeridy Walid , Liu-Ambrose Teresa 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are markers of subcortical ischemic vascular cognitive impairment (SIVCI) associated with impaired postural balance. Physical reserve (PR) is a recently established construct that reflects one’s capacity to maintain physical function despite brain pathology. This cross-sectional study aims to map functional networks associated with PR, and examining the relationship between PR, WMH, and postural balance. PR was defined in 22 community-dwelling older adults with SIVCI. Functional networks of PR were computed using general linear model. Subsequent analyses examined whether PR and relevant networks moderated the relationship between WMH and postural balance under two conditions – eyes open while standing on foam (EOF) or on floor (EONF). We found that PR and the relevant networks - frontoparietal network (FPN) and default mode network (DMN) - significantly moderated the association between WMH and postural balance. For individuals with high PR, postural balance remained stable regardless of the extent of WMH load; whereas for those with low PR, postural balance worsened as WMH load increased. These results suggest the attenuated effects of WMH on postural stability due to PR may be underpinned by functional neural network reorganization in the FPN and DMN as a part of compensatory processes.
Exploring the mediating role of motivational regulations in the relationship between body image and physical activity by sex: a structural equation modelling approach
Authors: LEÓN SERGIO NAVAS , TAJADURA-JIMÉNEZ ANA , MARQUEZ LUIS MORALES , MAS MERCEDES BORDA , NAVARRO MARÍA LUISA AVARGUES , MARTÍN MILAGROSA SÁNCHEZ 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background This study examined the relationship between body image (BI), physical activity (PA) level, and the mediating role of motivational regulation. Methods The study used a cross-sectional design and involved 1012 participants. BI was assessed using the Multidimensional Body Self-Relations Questionnaire, motivational regulation using the Behavioural Regulation Exercise Questionnaire, and PA level with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the results. Results The findings showed that the subjective importance of physical appearance and physical shape had both direct and indirect impacts on moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and motivational regulation. The relationship between BID and MVPA was mainly mediated by intrinsic, integrated, and introjected regulations for men, and integrated, identified, and amotivated regulations for women. Conclusion These findings suggest that motivational regulation plays a crucial role in the relationship between BID and PA level and provide valuable insights for policy-makers and practitioners seeking to promote healthy PA behaviour.
High-precision rod-shaped bacterial cell length measurement based on Omnipose
Authors: Liu Weixin , Cheng Kaifang , Wang Qiuyan , Yang Xi , Yan Yang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Cell length is one of important parameters of cell morphology, which is of great significance for understanding cell structure, function,and physiological status. This paper uses the Omnipose method to segment rod-shaped bacterial cells, determine their skeleton and measure the length of rod-shaped bacterial cells. Compared with other algorithms, this algorithm proposed in this paper has smaller errors, achieving higher accuracy and stability in measuring bacterial cell length. The method described in the paper can quickly and automatically batch process a large number of cell images, and calculate the length of cells with high accuracy. This algorithm also provides a convenient, efficient, and reliable method for the study and experimentations of cell morphology.
Antibiotic-induced gut microbiota disruption promotes vascular calcification by reducing short-chain fatty acid acetate
Authors: zeng shiyu , liu yifu , zeng zhaolin , zhao zhibo , yan xilin , zheng jie , chen wenhang , wang zhenxing , xie hui , liu jianghua 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background Vascular calcification is a common vascular lesion associated with high morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular events. Antibiotics can disrupt the gut microbiota (GM) and have been shown to exacerbate or attenuate several human diseases. However, whether antibiotic-induced GM disruption affects vascular calcification remains unclear. Methods Antibiotic cocktail (ABX) treatment was utilized to test the potential effects of antibiotics on vascular calcification. The effects of antibiotics on GM and serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in vascular calcification mice were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted metabolomics, respectively. Further, the effects of acetate, propionate and butyrate on vascular calcification were evaluated. Finally, the potential mechanism by which acetate inhibits osteogenic transformation of VSMCs was explored by proteomics. Results ABX exacerbated exacerbated vascular calcification. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and targeted metabolomics analyses showed that ABX and vancomycin treatments resulted in decreased abundance ofbacteroidetesin the fecal microbiota of the mice and decreased serum levels of SCFAs. In addition, supplementation with acetate was found to reduce calcium salt deposition in the aorta of mice and inhibit osteogenic transformation in VSMCs. Finally, using proteomics, we found that the inhibition of osteogenic transformation of VSMCs by acetate may be related to glutathione metabolism and ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis. Conclusion ABX exacerbate vascular calcification, possibly by depleting the abundance ofbacteroidetesand SCFAs in the intestine. Supplementation with acetate has the potential to alleviate vascular calcification, which may be an important target for future treatment of vascular calcification.
Utilizing Sodium Alginate Biopolymer for Enhancing Montmorillonite- Enriched Clayey Subgrade
Authors: Abdi Salad Omar , Deb Plaban 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Soil stabilization is the optimal approach that can improve various soil properties, including permeability, compressibility, strength, and durability. It is widely known that chemical stabilization can improve the mechanical characteristics of problematic soils. This work examined sodium alginate (SA) as a sustainable bentonite clay stabiliser to improve a high-plasticity clay. We soaked sodium alginate at different concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 3%) to stabilise the bentonite clay of the compacted soil samples, utilising techniques such as standard proctor and unconfined compressive strength (UCS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Adding sodium alginate in different amounts (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%) lowered the optimum moisture content (OMC) and raised the maximum dry density (MDD). Following 0, 14, and 28 days of curing, the UCS of stabilized samples were evaluated. It was found that adding 2% sodium alginate to bentonite clay raised both the maximum dry density and the optimum moisture content. The soil stabilized using the soaking technique displayed a higher 14-day UCS at the ideal sodium alginate content of 2% compared to the untreated soil. The microstructural investigation showed that the increase in strength was due to sodium aluminosilicate hydrate, a new cementitious material that filled in the pores and made the bonds between particles stronger. This research's conclusions will support bentonite clay's stability through the use of environmentally acceptable sodium alginate in subgrade applications.
Amplified vertical salinity contrasts in the northwestern tropical Pacific under ocean warming
Authors: Shi Huangyuan , Du ling , Ni Xubin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Analyses of vertically layered structures in ocean salinity present a recently amplified vertical contrast in the northwestern tropical Pacific, which has been attributed to the reversal of the long-term linear trend in salinity within the upper ocean from 1960 to 2023. Based on data obtained from both observations (Argo and WOD) and reanalysis (EN4), salinity trends shifted from freshening (-0.04 psu/40 yr) to salinification (+0.04 psu/60 yr) in the near-surface (above 24.6σθ), while subsurface (below 25σθ) freshening further strengthened from -0.03 psu/40 yr to -0.1 psu/60 yr after 2000. The near-surface salinification can be partly explained by atmospheric forcing related to global warming. The anomalous cyclonic wind-induced Ekman suction and wind-driven horizontal salt transport were favorable for increased salinity in upper layers. Nevertheless, the oceanic dynamic forces governed the vertical salinity structure. Under a warming climate, heat influx and warm water accumulation due to diabatic effects play a deterministic role in isopycnal deepening. The changes in salinity evoked by isopycnal changes were investigated from two perspectives: entrainment at the bottom of 24.6σθ and heaving variabilities for the upper layer above 24.6σθ, were primary factors in near-surface salinification. However, the relative significance of heaving variabilities decreased with depth and the major controlling factor became contingent on spiciness variabilities. It is suggested that, owing to a northward migration of the outcrop line, subduction along the path of the geostrophic streamline from the ventilation region, where freshened spiciness anomalies can be injected into subduction surfaces, tended to dominate the significant freshening trend at subsurface isopycnals.