bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the association of neighborhood aesthetics with neighborhood-based physical activity, chronic stress, and body mass index in school children
Authors: Martínez-Soto Joel , Sánchez Ma. De la Luz Casillas , Villada Carolina , Ruiz-Correa Salvador , Aguilar-Zavala Herlinda , López-Revilla Rubén 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate a structural equation model to explore statistical relationships between the onset of obesity, the neuroendocrine response to neighborhood aesthetics, and physical activity among elementary school children residing in a Mexican community. A sample of 103 children (mid‐childhood mean age = 9.02 years, SD = 1.05, range 7‐11 years; 51.5 % boys) participated in the study. The neuroendocrine response to chronic stress was assessed by hair cortisol concentration (HCC) over 3 months. Ratings of the parental perception of neighborhood aesthetics, child’s physical activity at home and neighborhood, HCC, and Body Mass Index percentile (BMI) were evaluated. The model shows that neighborhood aesthetics negatively impacts children’s BMI scores and contributes positively to the practice of children’s physical activity. Likewise, environment-based physical activity impacts positively on lower scores of BMI and children’s HCC (restorative effects). The positive effects of neighborhood aesthetics on children's physical activity and children's HCC (chronic stress) were in line with the positive relationship between HCC and children's obesity, suggesting that neighborhood aesthetics positively impact health indicators, diminishing chronic stress biomarkers and obesity indicators. These findings document the relevance of a psycho-environmental approach toward a better understanding of the synergistic effects of a positive environment, and behavior transactions related to weight gain and obesity
Inﬂuence of seed moisture content and storage period on germination and biochemical indices: Lallemantia iberica and Lallemantia royleana
Authors: Farahani Saeideh Maleki , Rezazadeh Alireza , Paravar Arezoo 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The longevity of seeds varies greatly between species and seed viability reduction due to seed ageing is one of the major problems affecting agricultural productivity. To comprehend the mechanisms involved in the ageing, seeds of two plant species dragon head (Lallemantia iberica) and lady’s mantle (Lallemantia royleana) and with 5, 15 and 25% seed moisture content (SMC) were tested for 24 and 48 hours storage period (SP) at 40°C. Increased SMC and SP significantly reduced germination percentage (GP), protein content, catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzyme activity. During storage, most significant deterioration was observed in L. iberica seeds showing lower GP, protein content, CAT and APX enzyme activities. As a result, the cell membrane of L. iberica seeds was damaged, resulting in an increase in electrical conductivity (EC), hydrogen peroxidase (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents compared to L. royleana. Overall, the lowest deterioration was obtained in stored seeds of both Lallemantia species by 5% SMC and 24 h SP; in contrast increasing of SMC and SP induced the faster deterioration of Lallemantia seeds. Furthermore, L.iberica deteriorates rapidly by rising of SMC and SP in comparison with L.royleana.
Subchronic Neurotoxic Effects of Cypermethrin on Earthworms
Authors: Zhao Fuhui , Wu Sijia , Zhou Shiping , Li Huijuan , Li Qisheng , Liu ShouQing , Liu HuaYin , Qin Mei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Cypermethrin is one of the most heavily used pyrethroid pesticides worldwide and is a potential threat to soil organisms such as earthworms. In this paper, Amynthas corticis was selected as a test organism to investigate the neurobehavioral changes in movement, cognition and memory caused by subchronic neurotoxicity of cypermethrin in earthworms, starting from the changes in the characteristic enzymes of earthworms' nerve ion channels triggered by exposure to cypermethrin. The changes in biomarkers of earthworms were evaluated using the integrated biomarker response (IBR), and the mechanism of cypermethrin neurotoxicity in earthworms was investigated using molecular docking technology, so as to investigate the subchronic neurotoxicity of earthworms caused by exposure to cypermethrin. The results showed that the subchronic neurotoxicity of cypermethrin for earthworms increased with the increase of the exposure concentration and the duration of cypermethrin exposure. The chronic neurotoxicity of cypermethrin did not lead to earthworm death but induced neurobehavioral changes such as locomotor retardation and cognitive deficits in earthworms. Cypermethrin exposure induced abnormalities in the enzyme that characterizes nerve ion channels in earthworms, which is one of the possible molecular mechanisms for the neurobehavioral changes of locomotor retardation and cognition and memory disorders in earthworms.
Benchmark dose determining airborne crystalline silica particles based on A549 lung-cell line survival in an in vitro study
Authors: Rafieepour Athena , Shekarloo Masoomeh Vahabi , Ashtarinezhad Azadeh , Alimohammadi Iraj , Panjali Zahra 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Crystalline silica has emerged as a prominent occupational toxicant over extended periods, leading to the development of lung fibrosis and cancer. The objective of this investigation is to establish a benchmark dose (BMD) for crystalline silica micro and nanoparticles based on the viability of the A549 lung-cell line. The impact of exposure to crystalline silica micro-particles (C-SiO2 MPs) and crystalline silica nanoparticles (C-SiO2 NPs) on A549 epithelial lung cells was examined for durations of 24 and 72 hours to evaluate cell viability using the MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. The determination of dose-response and BMD was carried out through the BMD software v 3.2. The findings reveal a dose-dependent relationship between cell viability and both C-SiO2 MPs and -NPs. The BMDL values for 24-h treatment of C-SiO2 MPs and -NPs were determined to be 2.26 and 0.97 µg/ml, respectively, based on exponential models. Correspondingly, these values were found to be 1.17 and 0.85 µg/ml for the 72-h treatment. This investigation underscores the significance of particle size as a contributing factor in assessing occupational health risks. Moreover, the utilization of BMDL can facilitate the determination of more precise values for occupational exposures by considering various parameters associated with particle presence.
Temporal hydrogeochemical evolution of karst groundwater discharging into a continental-type Ramsar site in the Huasteca Potosina, Mexico
Authors: Molina Cynthia Del Carmen Cordova , Enriquez Octavio Ortiz , Torre Ma. Catalina Alfaro-De la , Agüero Juan Antonio Reyes , Benavides Antonio Cardona 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Karst groundwater is the main source of water supply for ecosystems that are dependent on its discharges, such as wetlands, which are habitats for various species. Due to their characteristics and significance, it is imperative to conduct research aimed at elucidating the mechanisms governing the water quality and quantity in ecosystems reliant on karst groundwater discharges. The karstic systems are susceptible to contamination, and despite this fact, there is a dearth of information available, which hampers the accurate determination of water quality. The site study is the karst groundwater system discharging in the RAMSAR wetland Ciénaga de Tamasopo (Mexico) affected by the water extraction for the extensive sugar cane agriculture. The goal was to identify the groundwater flow systems discharging into the wetland by using hydrogeochemical and isotopic techniques. Additionally, it aimed to assess the temporal changes in physical and chemical parameters. It was determined that the chemical composition of the water changes with respect to residence time in the subsoil, and the predominant processes are the dissolution–precipitation of calcite, dolomite, and gypsum by water-rock interaction, mixing, and evaporation. This study facilitated the development of a conceptual model for understanding the movement of groundwater in karst systems in a warm, sub-humid climate. This conceptual model is crucial for enhancing water management strategies in the area.
Monitoring anomalies on the large-scale energy and water balance components by coupling remote sensing parameters and gridded weather data
Authors: Teixeira Antonio , Leivas Janice Freitas , Takemura Celina , Garçon Edlene , Sousa Inajá , Azevedo Ana 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

MODIS images and weather data from 2007 to 2021, were used to monitor the energy balance components and their anomalies, in the Atlantic Forest (AF) and Caatinga (CT) biomes, within a coastal agricultural growing zone, Northeast Brazil. Significant differences on net radiation (Rn) partitions into latent (λE), sensible (H), and ground (G) heat fluxes, promoted distinct vegetation root-zone moisture conditions. The Rn values between the biomes are not significantly different, with annual averages of 9.40 and 9.50 MJ m-2 d-1, for AF and CT, respectively. However, for respectively AF and CT, the annual average values for λE were 5.10 MJ m-2 d-1 and 4.00 MJ m-2 d-1; for H they were 3.80 MJ m-2 d-1 and 5.00 MJ m-2 d-1; and for G they were 0.50 MJ m-2 d-1 and 0.40 MJ m-2 d-1, yielding respective mean evaporative fraction (Ef = λE/(Rn – G) values of 0.60 and 0.50. Anomalies on λE, H, and Ef were detected by comparing the results for the years 2018 to 2021 with the long-term values from 2007 to each of these years, showing that the energy fluxes between surfaces and the lower atmosphere, and then the root-zone moisture conditions for both biomes, may strongly vary along seasons and years. These assessments are important for water policies as they can picture suitable periods and places for rainfed agriculture as well as the irrigation needs in irrigated agriculture under climate and land-use changes conditions.
Liver stiffness measurement of endoscopy versus transjugular intrahepatic portosystem shunt treatment of variceal bleeding: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhu Tong , Zhang Shibin , Liu Xuqing , Jing Changyou , Zheng Jiasheng , Zhang Yonghong , Li Jianjun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

To compare the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) of transient elastography (TE) before and after treatment by endoscopyplus propranolol and transjugular intrahepatic portosystem shunt (TIPS) respectively for patients with variceal bleeding. This was a single-center, prospective, cohort study. A total of 78 patients with bleeding from gastroesophageal varices between September 2018 to December 2020 were treated with endoscopy plus propranolol (ET group, n=37) and TIPS (TIPS group, n=41) respectively. All patients underwent clinical examination, blood tests, computed tomography and TE. Fibrosis index based on four factors (FIB-4) and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio (APRI) were calculated for each patient. Variceal eradication was achieved after treatment by endoscopy in ET group. The portal pressure gradient (PPG) was 20.15±5.20 mmHg (range 14-34 mmHg) and 6.59±3.41 mmHg (range 2-14 mmHg) before and after treatment in TIPS group (P<0.0001). The LSM values of the ET group and TIPS group at baseline and 24 months after treatment were 23.70±12.07 vs 29.92±16.77 (P=0.005) and 30.23±22.00 vs 13.792±8.14 (P<0.001). The COX regression analysis in TIPS group manifested that PPG was only one of the related factors of LSM decline. Based on the results of transient elastography, TIPS treatment can partially reverse decompensated liver cirrhosis.
Infiltrating Peripheral Monocyte TREM-1 Mediates Dopaminergic Neuron Injury in Substantia Nigra of Parkinson's Disease Model Mice
Authors: Zhang Yong-mei , Song Wei , Zhou Zi-ming , Zhang Le-le , Shu Hai-feng , Xia Jin-ru , qin Xia , Hua Rong 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Neuroinflammation is a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Activated microglia in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripherally infiltrating immune cells contribute to the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons. However, how the peripheral immune system leads to neuron loss and whether blocking this response slows disease progression remain largely unknown. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1), a key regulator of inflammation, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of infection and noninfection-related inflammation. However, the specific role of TREM-1 in PD has not yet been determined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the immune regulation mechanism of monocyte TREM-1 on dopaminergic neurons and motor function in PD.
Methods
First, we evaluated TREM-1 expression and monocyte infiltration in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine hydrochloride (MPTP)-related neurotoxic model of PD by western blot, qRT-PCR, and flow cytometry. Second, we determined the level of TREM-1 and the extent of dopaminergic neuronal injury in the SNpc after the depletion of peripheral monocytes. Motor function was assessed by the open field test, pole test, and rotarod test. Third, to determine the actual role of TREM-1 in the PD, we analyzed the effects of TREM-1 inhibition on monocytes infiltration. Assays examining dopaminergic neuron degeneration and neuroinflammation include immunofluorescence, western blot, and qRT-PCR. To corroborate the dopaminergic terminal loss in the striatum we quantified the concentration of dopamine in the striatum using High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, we conducted an adoptive transfer of TREM-1-producing monocytes from PD model mice to investigate whether monocytes induce dopaminergic neuron injury and motor dysfunction in a TREM-1-dependent manner.
Results
MPTP administration successfully induced subacute PD model and increased peripheral blood inflammatory monocyte levels. Deletion of peripheral monocytes protected against MPTP neurotoxicity in the SNpc. TREM-1 inhibition genetically or pharmacologically dampens the peripheral innate response, reduces the accumulation of infiltrating monocytes, and efficiently prevents dopaminergic neuron injury in the SNpc. Adoptive transfer of TREM-1-producing monocytes from PD model mice was sufficient to induce dopaminergic neurons and motor deficits in naive mice.
Conclusion
These results indicate the critical role of peripheral monocytes in the pathogenesis of PD and suggest that inhibiting monocyte TREM-1 expression is a promising therapeutic approach for the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the SNpc in PD patients.
Electrochemical visualization of latent fingerprints using polyphenazine dyes on brass cartridges
Authors: Hermochová Sára , Hlavín Petr , Novotný Michal , Vrňata Martin , Broncova Gabriela 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This work is focused on the visualization of latent fingerprints left on unfired brass cartridges. Polymer films were prepared from 2 mM neutral red or 5 mM toluidine blue using two different electrochemical methods (cyclic voltammetry or chronoamperometry) with relatively short polymerization times. The conditions for the deposition of conductive polymers, poly(neutral red) and poly(toluidine blue), from a neutral medium (phosphate buffer with 0.1 M KNO3 or 0.1 M KNO3, respectively) were optimized to preserve genetic information while producing highquality visualization of the remaining fingerprints on the brass substrates. The surface morphology and quality of the polymer films after the electrochemical deposition of both polyphenazine dyes were optically characterized. Phenazine dyes, which were used for the visualization of fingerprints, have been shown to provide different degrees of homogeneity in the deposited film. Furthermore, the dependence of the stability of the monomer solutions on their age, use and storage conditions are discussed. Finally, a methodology is proposed for how to apply this technique of visualizing latent fingerprints with observed details of papillary lines in forensic practice.
Prediction of Suitable Habitats for sect. Tuberculata (Camellia L.) Based on the MaxEnt Model
Authors: Xiao Xu , Li zhi , Ran Zhaohui , Yan Chao , Chen Juyan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Sect. Tuberculata as one of the endemic plant groups in China, it belonging to the genus Camellia of the Theaceae family, possessing significant economic and ecological value. Nevertheless, the characteristics of habitat distribution and the major eco-environmental variables affecting its suitability are poorly understood. In this study, we have using 65 occurrence records along with 60 environmental factors, historical, present and future suitable habitats were estimated using MaxEnt modeling, and the important environmental variables affecting its geographical distribution were analyzed. The results indicate that the size of the potential habitat area of it in the current climate was 1.05 × 105 km2, and the highly suitable habitats were located in Guizhou, central-southern Sichuan, the Wuling Mountains in Chongqing, the Panjiang Basin, and southwestern Hunan. The highest probability of presence for it occurs at bio2 ≤ 7.83 °C, S_bs ≤ 53.36%, bio7 ≤ 27.49 °C, -7.75 °C < bio9 < 7.75 °C, uvb2 ≤ 1.31 × 105 W/m2, and uvb3 ≤ 5089.61 W/m2. In particular, bio2 is the most important environmental factor for it. During thehistorical, the potential habitat area of it was severely fragmented; in contrast, it is much more contiguous in the current period. In the three future periods, the potential habitat area will change by varying degrees, depending on the aggressiveness of emissions reductions, and the increase in the potential habitat area was the largest in the RCP2.6 scenario. Although the RCP8.5 scenario indicated an expansion in the habitat of it in the short term, their growth and development would be adversely affected in the long term. In the centroid analysis, the centroid of the potential habitat of it will shift from lower to higher latitudes in the northwest direction. The findings of our study will aid efforts to uncover the origins of it, their geographic differentiations, conservation of unique germplasms, and forestry development and utilization.
COVID-19 vaccines and attributable risk of neurological disorders: a multicentre, case-control study (COVIVAX)
Authors: Pupillo Elisabetta , Bianchi Elisa , Beghi Ettore , Pedrazzini Francesco , Giglio Angela , Schilke Edoardo , Percetti Marco , Colleoni Carlo Morotti , Mainini Gabriele , Calabresi Paolo , Primiano Guido , Frisullo Giovanni , Padovani Alessandro , Cristillo Viviana , Pilotto Andrea , Arici Davide , Gipponi Stefano , Tedeschi Gioacchini , D'Ambrosio Alessandro , Melisi Rosario , Gallo Antonio , Bisecco Alvino , Salmaggi Andrea , Basilico Paola , Scaccabarozzi Chiara , Kiferle Lorenzo , Valenti Raffaella , Avino Gianluca , Borghi Annamaria , Contardi Sara , Zini Andrea , Ferrarese Carlo , Beretta Simone 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The COVIVAX study investigated the attributable risk of common neurological disorders in previously neurologically-healthy persons exposed to COVID-19 vaccines. In a multicenter, case-control study, the proportions of individuals with a first diagnosis of a neurological disorder (cases) and controls were compared in vaccinated versus unvaccinated participants. A total of 624 participants were enrolled. The most frequent neurological diagnosis in cases were stroke (60.4%), multiple sclerosis (11.3%) and seizures (6.4%). The risk of developing a new neurological disorder was reduced in vaccinated participants, compared to unvaccinated ones (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.29–0.86; p = 0.0114). The number of doses received was associated with a reduced risk of developing new neurological disorders for participants aged over 60 years ( p = 0.0472; OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03–0.68), with pre-existing comorbidities (p = 0.0122; OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.01–0.99) and for stroke (p = 0.0232; OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.02–0.97). The COVIVAX study provided no warning sign regarding the risk of developing new neurological disorders following COVID-19 vaccination of any type or doses. A potentially protective effect of multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines against the risk of stroke in people aged over 60 needs to be confirmed by further studies.
Photosynthesis promotes pre-protein processing and progression of chloroplast biogenesis during early plant development
Authors: Kessler Felix , Collombat Joy , Quadroni Manfredo , Douet Véronique , Pipitone Rosa , Longoni Fiamma 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Photosynthetic activity is established during chloroplast biogenesis, but whether photosynthesis itself is required for chloroplast biogenesis has not been clarified. In this study we use 680nm red light to overexcite Photosystem II and disrupt photosynthesis in two conditional mutants (var2 and abc1k1) which reversibly arrests chloroplast biogenesis. During their biogenesis, chloroplasts import most proteins associated with photosynthesis. Some of these must be transported further across the thylakoid membrane into the thylakoid lumen by the evolutionarily conserved SEC (Secretory) and TAT (Twin Arginine Translocation) pathways, energized by ATP and the trans-thylakoid proton gradient, respectively. Most luminal thylakoid proteins are synthesized in the cytoplasm with bi-partite, cleavable targeting sequences (first for the chloroplast envelope, second for the thylakoid membrane). Two-stage cleavage of these peptides is a critical step of chloroplast biogenesis. Linked to the photosynthetic defect in var2 and abc1k1 under red light, six essential proteins at the thylakoid lumen side of Photosystems I and II were incompletely cleaved and intermediate forms accumulated to high levels in the mutants. The results show that the processing of a specific module of Photosystem-associated proteins and concomitantly progression of chloroplast biogenesis depend on active photosynthesis at the earliest stages of seedling development.
Correlation between triglyceride glucose-body mass index and hypertension in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Li Kui , Yang Xueyuan , Liu Jun , Chen Lei , Xiao Hong , Yang Changlong , Chen Yuxuan , Li Yunhang , Wen Jiaojiao , Ma Yi , Xu Guanxue 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The triglyceride glucose-body mass index (TyG-BMI index) is a simple, cost-effective, practical alternative marker for early detection of insulin resistance. However, studies on the relationship between TyG-BMI index and hypertension in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are limited. We investigated the relationship between TyG-BMI index and hypertension in patients with ACS. We included 2,635 patients with ACS. TyG-BMI index was grouped into tertiles. In the overall ACS population, after adjusting for covariates, multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that TyG-BMI index was an independent risk factor for hypertension in patients with ACS. In subgroup analyses, the TyG-BMI index was found to be an independent risk factor for hypertension in older, nondiabetic, and male ACS patients. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed a nonlinear correlation between TyG-BMI index and hypertension in patients with ACS. The baseline risk model’s predictive power was not improved by the inclusion of TyG-BMI index in patients with ACS. TyG-BMI index was nonlinearly correlated with hypertension in patients with ACS, and the inclusion of TyG-BMI index did not enhance the predictive power of the baseline risk model in patients with ACS.