bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrangea paniculata coumarins attenuate experimental membranous nephritis by bidirectional interactions with the gut microbiota
Authors: Li Zhaojun , Zhang Xingguang , Wu Haijie , Ma Zhiling , Liu Xikun , Ma Jie , Zhang Dongming , Sheng Li , Chen Xiaoguang , Zhang Sen 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCoumarins isolated from Hydrangea paniculata (HP) had a renal protective effect in experimental membranous nephritis (MN), but the mechanisms are not clear. Currently, we investigate whether the modulation of gut dysbiosis by HP contributes to its renal protection. Experimental MN rats were treated with HP for six weeks. Fecal 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolomics were performed. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was used for the evaluation study. The results demonstrate that deteriorated renal function and gut dysbiosis are found in MN rats, as manifested by a higher Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and reduced diversity and richness, but both changes were reversed by HP treatment. Reduced gut dysbiosis is correlated with improved colonic integrity and lower endotoxemia in HP-treated rats. HP normalized the abnormal level of fecal metabolites by increasing short-chain fatty acid production and hindering the production of uremic toxin precursors. FMT of HP-treated feces to MN animals moderately reduced endotoxemia and albuminuria. Moreover, major coumarins in HP were only biotransformed into more bioactive 7-hydroxycoumarin by gut microbiota, which strengthened the effect of HP in vivo. Depletion of the gut microbiota partially abolished its renal protective effect. In conclusion, the bidirectional interaction between HP and the gut microbiota contributes to its beneficial effect.
Extensive freshened groundwater resources emplaced during the Messinian sea-level drawdown in southern Sicily, Italy
Authors: Lipparini Lorenzo , Chiacchieri Damiano , Bencini Roberto , Micallef Aaron 
Published: November 2023

AbstractDeep groundwater resources around the world represent an important potential unconventional source of water. Here we document an extensive (17.3 km3) fresh/brackish groundwater body preserved in a deep (between 800 and 2100 m) carbonate platform aquifer (Gela Formation.) in southern Sicily (Italy), by using deep well data and a 3D hydrogeological modelling. We attribute the distribution of this fossil groundwater to topographically-driven meteoric recharge driven by the Messinian sea-level drawdown, which we estimate to have reached 2400 m below present sea level in the eastern Mediterranean Basin. The discovery of such an extensive and deep freshened groundwater has significant implications in terms of resource potential for southern Sicily as well as other Mediterranean coastal regions, which share similar geological setting and water scarcity issues.
Initiatives to increase colonoscopy capacity – is there an impact on polyp detection? A UK National Endoscopy Database analysis
Authors: Rutter Matthew D. , Sharp Linda , Lu Liya , Catlow Jamie ,   on behalf of the NED-APRIQOT study team
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background To address mismatch between routine endoscopy capacity and demand, centers often implement initiatives to increase capacity, such as weekend working or using locums/agency staff (insourcing). However, there are concerns that such initiatives may negatively impact quality. We investigated polyp detection for weekend vs. weekday and insourced vs. standard procedures using data from the UK National Endoscopy Database.
Methods We conducted a national, retrospective, cross-sectional study of diagnostic colonoscopies performed during 01/01–04/04/2019. The primary outcome was mean number of polyps (MNP) and the secondary outcome was polyp detection rate (PDR). Multi-level mixed-effect regression, fitting endoscopist as a random effect, was used to examine associations between procedure day (weekend/weekday) and type (insourced/standard) and these outcomes, adjusting for patient age, sex, and indication.
Results 92 879 colonoscopies (weekends: 19 977 [21.5 %]; insourced: 9909 [10.7 %]) were performed by 2496 endoscopists. For weekend colonoscopies, patients were less often male or undergoing screening-related procedures; for insourced colonoscopies, patients were younger and less often undergoing screening-related procedures (all P < 0.05). Fully adjusted MNP was significantly lower for weekend vs. weekday (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.86 [95 %CI 0.83–0.89]) and for insourced vs. standard procedures (IRR 0.91 [95 %CI 0.87–0.95]). MNP was highest for weekday standard procedures and lowest for weekend insourced procedures; there was no interaction between procedure day and type. Similar associations were found for PDR.
Conclusions Strategies to increase colonoscopy capacity may negatively impact polyp detection and should be monitored for quality. Reasons for this unwarranted variation require investigation.
Functional Imaging of the Knee—A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Kim Kenneth C. , Wakeman Brooke , Wissman Rob 
Published: November 2023

AbstractKnee pain is a common presenting problem in the general population. Radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the cornerstones of imaging in current clinical practice. With advancements in technology, there has been increasing utilization of other modalities to evaluate knee disorders. Dynamic assessment utilizing computed tomography and portable ultrasounds have demonstrated the capacity to accurately assess and reproducibly quantify kinematics of knee disorders. Cartilage physiology can be evaluated with MRI. Emerging research has even demonstrated novel musculoskeletal applications of positron emission tomography to evaluate anterior cruciate ligament graft metabolic activity following reconstruction. As technology continues to evolve and traditional ways are improved upon, future comparative studies will elucidate the distinct advantages of the various modalities. Although radiology is still primarily an anatomic specialty, there is immense potential for functional imaging to be the standard of care. This review focuses on the most common musculoskeletal applications of functional imaging as well as future utilization.
Rater variability and reliability of constructed response questions in New York state high-stakes tests of English language arts and mathematics: implications for educational assessment policy
Authors: Huang Jinyan , Whipple Patrick B. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUsing generalizability (G-) theory as a theoretical framework and research methodology, this study examined the impact of the current one-rater holistic scoring practice on the rater variability and reliability of constructed response questions in New York State high-stakes tests of grades four and six English language arts (ELA) and grades four and five mathematics assessments. Following the New York State scoring rubrics, a total of 36 grades four and six ELA constructed response samples and 72 grades four and five mathematics constructed response samples were marked holistically by ten independent raters having current certifications as educators in the State of New York. The results indicated that the current single-rater holistic scoring practice would not be able to yield acceptableG-coefficients for the New York State grades four and six ELA and grades four and five mathematics assessments. Implications for assessment policy making at the local and state levels are discussed.
Backward scattering of laser plasma interactions from hundreds-of-joules broadband laser on thick target
Authors: Wang Peipei , An Honghai , Fang Zhiheng , Xiong Jun , Xie Zhiyong , Wang Chen , He Zhiyu , Jia Guo , Wang Ruirong , Zheng Shu , Xia Lan , Feng Wei , Shi Haitao , Wang Wei , Sun Jinren , Gao Yanqi , Fu Sizu 
Published: November 2023

The use of broadband laser technology is a novel approach for inhibiting processes related to laser plasma interactions (LPIs). In this study, several preliminary experiments into broadband-laser-driven LPIs are carried out using a newly established hundreds-of-joules broadband second-harmonic-generation laser facility. Through direct comparison with LPI results for a traditional narrowband laser, the actual LPI-suppression effect of the broadband laser is shown. The broadband laser had a clear suppressive effect on both back-stimulated Raman scattering and back-stimulated Brillouin scattering at laser intensities below 1 × 1015 W cm−2. An abnormal hot-electron phenomenon is also investigated, using targets of different thicknesses.
Energy and mass transport properties in the near-cathode region of atmospheric thermal plasma
Authors: Sun Li , Li Zeng-Yao , Xu Ming 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
As the main region where charged particles are accelerated by the electric field and accumulated near the cathode, the near-cathode region has significant non-local equilibrium characteristics and plays a crucial role in exploring the energy and mass transport properties of the thermal plasma from the arc column region to the hot cathode surface. However, there is a lack of universally adopted models and accepted theories for the study of the near-cathode region due to the complexity of the physical mechanisms involved in the sheath. According to the physical characteristics of the arc discharge, an external circuit is usually used to regulate the total current applied to the electrodes to maintain stable discharge. Therefore, the energy and mass transport properties of atmospheric thermal plasma driven by a current source coupled to an external circuit are investigated in this work to explore the transport mechanism of charged particles in the near-cathode region based on an implicit particle-in-cell Monte Carlo collision method. Firstly, the current-driven model in this work is compared with the present voltage-driven model and fluid model to verify the correctness of this model. Then, the collisions between charged particles and gas atoms inside the sheath are analyzed, and the spatial distributions of particle current density and particle heating rate inside the sheath are also studied. Finally, the variations of typical parameters of thermal particles under different current densities (106–107 A m−2) are analyzed, including maximum particle number density, maximum particle spatially-averaged temperature, sheath thickness, charge density and electric field strength in the cathode.
A laser-ultrasonic based sensor fusion framework for height measurement during the stone crushing process
Authors: Tang Chaoquan , Li Chuncheng , Zhou Gongbo , Shang Xuejian , Zhou Ping , Li Yue , Li Menggang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
It is a challenging work to monitor the height of the material pile via laser measurement due to the influence of high-concentration dust in a moving crushing line. At present, although the error of using only ultrasonic radar is small, the monitoring range is limited, while using only laser radar to monitor materials is highly affected by dust environments and may fail in high dust environments. To overcome this limitation, a height measurement based on the laser-ultrasonic radar fusion method was proposed to monitor material height in mobile crushing line. Firstly, the proposed method used laser scanning to obtain the three-dimensional point cloud of the material surface through point cloud preprocessing and calculated the material height. Secondly, considering that the concentration of dust has a great impact on the monitoring of the material level height, the experimental data on the change of the material level height with the concentration of dust were obtained, and the monitoring error was fitted to improve the accuracy of the material level height detection. Finally, in order to further reduce the error, the monitoring data of the ultrasonic radar was integrated to reduce the influence of dust on the detection of the material level height. The results showed that the average error was reduced to 22.65 mm when the dust concentration was below 200 mg m−3, and the average error was reduced to 32.14 mm when the dust concentration was higher than 200 mg m−3. The experimental results in different dust concentration environments demonstrated that the proposed method can effectively detect the point cloud shape and material level height of the material in real applications, which effectively improves the accuracy of material height detection by combining the three-dimensional laser points of the laser radar and the penetrability of the ultrasonic radar in high-concentration dust.
Cosmic acceleration and turns in the Swampland
Authors: Freigang Julian , Lüst Dieter , Nian Guo-En , Scalisi Marco 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
We argue that field trajectories, which lead to cosmic acceleration and feature rapid
turns near the boundary of the moduli space, are in the Swampland. We obtain this result by
assuming the validity of the Swampland Distance Conjecture (SDC) in the presence of a positive
scalar potential and by focusing on hyperbolic spaces, as prototype geometries of infinite
distance limits of Calabi-Yau compactifications. We find that, in a quasi-de Sitter space with
Hubble rate H and acceleration parameter ϵ, the turning rate Ω is upper bounded
such as Ω/H < 𝒪(√(ϵ)). Therefore, field trajectories consistent with the
SDC can only have a negligible deviation from geodesics. This has direct implications for the
realization and consistency of multi-field scenarios in string theory. Moreover, it implies a
tension between asymptotic accelerating expansion, consistent with observations, and the de Sitter
conjecture.
A Fermi-LAT Study of Globular Cluster Dynamical Evolution in the Milky Way: Millisecond Pulsars as the Probe
Authors: Feng Li , Cheng Zhongqun , Wang Wei , Li Zhiyuan , Chen Yang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Using archival Fermi-LAT data with a time span of ∼12 yr, we study the population of Millisecond Pulsars (MSPs) in Globular Clusters (GlCs) and investigate their dependence on cluster dynamical evolution in the Milky Way. We show that the γ-ray luminosity (L

γ
) and emissivity (i.e., ϵ

γ
= L

γ
/M, with M the cluster mass) are good indicators of the population and abundance of MSPs in GlCs, and they are highly dependent on the dynamical evolution history of the host clusters. Specifically speaking, the dynamically older GlCs with more compact structures are more likely to have larger L

γ
and ϵ

γ
, and these trends can be summarized as strong correlations with cluster stellar encounter rate Γ and the specific encounter rate (Λ = Γ/M), with L

γ
∝ Γ0.70±0.11 and ϵ

γ
∝ Λ0.73±0.13 for dynamically normal GlCs. However, as GlCs evolve into deep core collapse, these trends are found to be reversed, implying that strong encounters may have lead to the disruption of Low-Mass X-ray Binaries and ejection of MSPs from core-collapsed systems. Besides, the GlCs are found to exhibit larger ϵ

γ
with increasing stellar mass function slope (ϵ

γ
∝ 10(0.57±0.1)α
), decreasing tidal radius (

ϵ

γ

∝

R

t

−
1.0
±
0.22

) and distances from the Galactic Center (GC,

ϵ

γ

∝

R

gc

−
1.13
±
0.21

). These correlations indicate that, as GlCs losing kinetic energy and spiral in toward the GC, tidal stripping and mass segregation have a preference in leading to the loss of normal stars from GlCs, while MSPs are more likely to concentrate to cluster center and be deposited into the GC. Moreover, we gauge ϵ

γ
of GlCs is ∼10–1000 times larger than the Galactic bulge, the latter is thought to reside thousands of unresolved MSPs and may be responsible for the GC γ-ray excess, which supports that GlCs are generous contributors to the population of MSPs in the GC.
Degeneration of oil bodies by rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER)-associated protein during seed germination in Cannabis sativa L.
Authors: Kim Eun-Soo , Han Joon-Hee , Olejar Kenneth J , Park Sang-Hyuck 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Abstract. Oil bodies serve as a vital energy source of embryos during germination and contribute to sustaining the initial growth of seedlings until photosynthesis initiation. Despite high stability in chemical properties, how oil bodies break down and go into the degradation process during germination is still unknown. This study provides a morphological understanding of the mobilization of stored compounds in the seed germination of Cannabis. The achenes of fibrous hemp cultivar (Cannabis sativa cv. ‘Chungsam’) were examined in this study using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Oil bodies in Cannabis seeds appeared spherical and sporadically distributed in the cotyledonary cells. Protein bodies contained electron-dense globoid and heterogeneous protein matrices. During seed germination, rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER) and high electron-dense substances were present adjacent to the oil bodies. The border of the oil bodies became a dense cluster region and appeared as a sinuous outline. Later, irregular hyaline areas were distributed throughout oil bodies, showing the destabilized emulsification of oil bodies. Finally, the oil bodies lost their morphology and fused with each other. The storage proteins were concentrated in the centre of the protein body as a dense homogenous circular mass surrounded by a light heterogeneous area. Some storage proteins are considered emulsifying agents on the surface region of oil bodies, enabling them to remain stable and distinct within and outside cotyledon cells. At the early germination stage, rER appeared and dense substances aggregated adjacent to the oil bodies. Certain proteins were synthesized within the rER and then translocated into the oil bodies by crossing the half membrane of oil bodies. Our data suggest that rER-associated proteins function as enzymes to lyse the emulsifying proteins, thereby weakening the emulsifying agent on the surface of the oil bodies. This process plays a key role in the degeneration of oil bodies and induces coalescence during seed germination.
Specific therapies of pulmonary hypertension and prognosis in COVID-19: 18-months analysis of BNP-PL national database
Authors: Mamzer A , Waligora M , Kurzyna M , Mroczek E , Mularek-Kubzdela T , Pruszczyk P , Skoczylas I , Lewicka E , Karasek D , Kusmierczyk-Droszcz B , Mizia-Stec K , Ptaszynska-Kopczynska K , Jachec W , Kopec G , Kasprzak J D 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Introduction
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a significant impact on mortality in the group of patients (pts) with pulmonary hypertension (PH). Specific therapies offer the potential to improve COVID-19 survival in this vulnerable population, but data on COVID-19 mortality according to specific PH therapies are scarce.

Aim
To assess mortality in the course of COVID-19 among pts diagnosed with PH, treated under the Polish ministry therapeutic program and registered in the national BNP-PL database, according to the intensity of specific PH therapy used in Poland.

Methods
We analyzed the records of the complete population of Polish pts treated under the National Drug Program of PH (PAH and CTEPH) and registered in the national database of BNP-PL from 01 March 2020 to 31 August 2022. The clinical severity of COVID-19 course and mortality were reviewed. Clinical characteristics of infected and deceased patients were compared in relation to the specific therapy used.

Results
The analysis included 188 pts with SARS-CoV-2 infection (mean age 59 ± 17,7 years; 61% female). 45 patients (24%) required hospitalization. Mortality rate was 18% (34/188, including 15 out-of-hospital deaths) vs. 2,6% for estimated in the general population. Those who died due to COVID-19 were slightly older (mean age 63 ± 18.4 vs. 58 ± 17.5 yrs; p=0,13). There was no significant difference in mortality in subsets receiving monotherapy (13.8%), 2 drugs (25.4%) or 3 drugs(15%)- p=0.18. There was a trend towards higher mortality in pts on double regimen. Pts treated with prostacyclin analogues had significantly higher risk of dying from COVID-19 (30% vs 11.4% in others, p=0.002).

Conclusions
COVID-19 infection in pulmonary hypertension pts was related to high mortality and prostacyclin analogues users are at highest risk. Considering that this analysis suggests that COVID-19 mortality was equalized between less sick patients suitable for monotherapy and those qualified for double/triple regimens. The finding of numerically highest risk in double therapy users might signify needs for earlier escalation to triple regimen.Characteristics of pts with PH and Covid
The role of transient receptor potential canonical 7 (TRPC7) in western diet-induced aortic damage via abnormal lipid production
Authors: Hsu W , Chen C , Tsai M 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
The Western lifestyle, characterized by a diet rich in fat and fructose (HFHF), has been linked to metabolic disorders that accelerate aortic aging and damage, ultimately leading to the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVD). Signaling pathways that promote cellular aging are associated with pathological changes. Our previous research has shown that activating TRPC7, a protein responsible for regulating cellular calcium homeostasis, leads to elevated levels of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, and cellular aging, thereby initiating age-related pathogenesis. Metabolic disorders have also been linked to myocardial aging and damage. Therefore, investigating the impact of TRPC7 on the pathogenesis of metabolic disorder-associated aortic damage is of utmost importance.

Purpose
We aimed to examine the involvement of TRPC7 in the pathogenesis of metabolic disorders associated with aortic damage, which ultimately contributes to the development of ASCVD.

Methods
The study involved feeding mice an HFHF diet for 10 weeks, after which their body weight was recorded, and their aortas were harvested for analysis. Aortic thickness, lipid accumulation, and collagen content were measured. Immunohistochemistry staining was used to detect various markers, including DNA damage, senescence, senescence-associated secretory phenotype, and cell death. In addition, abnormal lipid production was screened using a lipidomic approach and bioinformatics tool.

Results
The study revealed that TRPC7 deficiency inhibited HFHF-induced increases in body weight and the ratio of adventitia to tunica media thicknesses, lipid accumulation, and collagen content in the aorta. Interestingly, lacking TRPC7 significantly reduced aortic pathogenesis induced by HFHF while upregulating DNA damage, senescence, SASP, and cell death in the mice fed with HFHF. In contrast, mice fed a regular diet, with or without TRPC7, showed no significant effects on body weight, aortic morphology, lipid droplets, DNA damage, senescence, and cell death in their aortas. Additionally, the study revealed that abnormal lipids, such as PC(18:0/20:4), PC(16:0/20:4), LacCer(d18:1/12:0), and PC(18:0/18:2), which can cause aortic aging and damage, were produced in mice fed with HFHF. However, in mice with deficient TRPC7, these abnormal lipids were not detected in their plasma.

Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that TRPC7 plays a crucial role in regulating metabolic disorder-associated aortic pathogenesis, leading to the progression of ASCVD. By inhibiting HFHF-induced aortic damage and aging, TRPC7 blockage shows promising effectiveness. Furthermore, the observed abnormal lipids production suggests TRPC7's involvement in lipid metabolism. These findings underscore the significance of investigating TRPC7 as a potential therapeutic target for preventing or treating metabolic disorder-associated aortic damage and related cardiovascular diseases.fig 1fig 2