bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engineering zinc oxide hybrid selenium nanoparticles for synergetic anti-tuberculosis treatment by combining Mycobacterium tuberculosis killings and host cell immunological inhibition
Authors: Lin Wensen , Fan Shuhao , Liao Kangsheng , Huang Yifan , Cong Yanguang , Zhang Junai , Jin Hua , Zhao Yi , Ruan Yongdui , Lu Hongmei , Yang Fen , Wu Changxian , Zhao Daina , Fu Zhendong , Zheng Biying , Xu Jun-Fa , Pi Jiang 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionAs a deadly disease induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), tuberculosis remains one of the top killers among infectious diseases. The low intracellular Mtb killing efficiency of current antibiotics introduced the long duration anti-TB therapy in clinic with strong side effects and increased drug-resistant mutants. Therefore, the exploration of novel anti-TB agents with potent anti-TB efficiency becomes one of the most urgent issues for TB therapies. MethodsHere, we firstly introduced a novel method for the preparation of zinc oxide-selenium nanoparticles (ZnO-Se NPs) by the hybridization of zinc oxide and selenium to combine the anti-TB activities of zinc oxide nanoparticles and selenium nanoparticles. We characterized the ZnO-Se NPs by dynamic laser light scattering and transmission electron microscopy, and then tested the inhibition effects of ZnO-Se NPs on extracellular Mtb by colony-forming units (CFU) counting, bacterial ATP analysis, bacterial membrane potential analysis and scanning electron microscopy imaging. We also analyzed the effects of ZnO-Se NPs on the ROS production, mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptosis, autophagy, polarization and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway of Mtb infected THP-1 macrophages. At last, we also tested the effects of ZnO-Se NPs on intracellular Mtb in THP-1 cells by colony-forming units (CFU) counting. ResultsThe obtained spherical core-shell ZnO-Se NPs with average diameters of 90 nm showed strong killing effects against extracellular Mtb, including BCG and the virulent H37Rv, by disrupting the ATP production, increasing the intracellular ROS level and destroying the membrane structures. More importantly, ZnO-Se NPs could also inhibit intracellular Mtb growth by promoting M1 polarization to increase the production of antiseptic nitric oxide and also promote apoptosis and autophagy of Mtb infected macrophages by increasing the intracellular ROS, disrupting mitochondria membrane potential and inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. DiscussionThese ZnO-Se NPs with synergetic anti-TB efficiency by combining the Mtb killing effects and host cell immunological inhibition effects were expected to serve as novel anti-TB agents for the development of more effective anti-TB strategy.
Efficacy of Psycho-Cardiology therapy in patients with acute myocardial infarction complicated with mild anxiety and depression
Authors: Chen Xiaoliang , Zeng Mengya , Chen Chen , Zhu Dan , Chen Li , Jiang Zuying 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of Psycho-Cardiology therapy among patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) complicated with mild anxiety and depression.MethodsTwo hundred and fifty-six patients with AMI who were admitted to the Cardiovascular Department of Chenzhou First People's Hospital from January 2018 to January 2020 were selected as subjects, and randomly divided into the control group (n = 128) and the Psycho-Cardiology treatment group (n = 128). Prior to the intervention, the general clinical data of the enrolled patients, such as gender, age, comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes) and smoking history, were compared, which revealed no statistical differences between the two groups (P &gt; 0.05). The control group was given routine treatments such as reperfusion and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, while the treatment group was given Psycho-Cardiology intervention in addition to the aforementioned treatments.ResultsNo significant differences in PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores were observed between the control and treatment groups at admission (P &gt; 0.05). After the Psycho-Cardiology treatment, the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores of the treatment group decreased significantly. Based on the 1-year post-treatment comparison, the left ventricular ejection fraction was improved more significantly in the Psycho-Cardiology treatment group, showing statistical significance (P &lt; 0.05). The treatment group exhibited statistically significantly low incidences of adverse cardiovascular events, such as recurrent angina pectoris, heart failure, malignant arrhythmia, recurrent myocardial infarction and death (P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsPsycho-Cardiology therapy is remarkably efficacious in improving the anxiety, depression, cardiac function and reducing the occurrence of adverse cardiovascular events, which can better improve the long-term prognosis of patients with AMI compared to the traditional treatments.
Pre-quake frequency characteristics of Ms ≥7.0 earthquakes in mainland China
Authors: Luo Guofu , Ding Fenghe , Ma Heqing , Yang Mingzhi 
Published: January 2023

In this study, natural orthogonal expansion was performed on earthquake frequencies to compute the pre-quake frequency fields of 9 Ms ≥7.0 earthquakes in mainland China from 1980 to 2020. The temporal and spatial pre-quake anomalies of these earthquakes were extracted from their frequency fields. We found that the majority of pre-quake temporal anomalies (i.e., variations exceeding two-times the absolute mean square error) of a strong earthquake are condensed within the first four frequency fields, and typically comprise multiple components. The temporal factor of the first frequency field usually accounts for the largest proportion of these anomalies (40%–60% of the entire field). Most Ms ≥7.0 earthquakes exhibited long-term anomalies 5–8 years before their occurrence; some presented medium-term anomalies 1–2 years prior to the quake, and only a few presented short-term and imminent anomalies (≤3 months before the quake). Anomalous seismic hazard zones have high-gradient turning points in regional frequency-field contour maps, and the epicenters of strong earthquakes are often located in areas containing active faults that have contour values. Through the comparison of seismic frequency field and the traditional method of regional seismic activity frequency (3 months), it is shown that the frequency-field time factor has the advantages of diversified and rich abnormal information. The slope comparison between the frequency field and the cumulative frequency curve shows that the frequency anomaly time of the two is consistent, and the conclusion is reliable. Therefore, the seismic frequency method can predict the occurrence time and location of strong earthquakes, which is closer to the predictable seismic model.
Deep electrical structure of the hinterland of Yunkai magmatic arc in South China and the seismogenic environment of the 2019 Beiliu earthquake
Authors: Yan Chunheng , Li Sha , Zhou Bin , Zhan Yan , Sun Xiangyu , Liu Xuehua , Su Shan , Liang Fei , Zhao Lingqiang 
Published: January 2023

The Yunkai Magmatic Arc (YKMA) is located southwest of the South China Block. It has experienced the amalgamation, splitting, and intracontinental orogeny caused by multistage tectonic thermal events. It is also a concentrated area of strong earthquakes in South China. On 12 October 2019, the Beiliu M5.2 earthquake occurred in the hinterland of the YKMA. To reveal the deep electrical structure of the YKMA and the seismogenic environment of the Beiliu earthquake, 101 high-quality data from the magnetotelluric (MT) survey points were acquired. The deep electrical structure images were obtained by three-dimensional electromagnetic inversion imaging. The results indicated that the deep part of the hinterland of the YKMA is characterized by a mushroom-shaped electrical structure composed of ultra-high resistance (R1, with a resistivity value exceeding 10,000 Ωm) and sub-high resistance (R2, with a resistivity value of about 1,000–10,000 Ωm) bodies. The epicenter of the Beiliu M5.2 earthquake was located in R1, close to the contact region between R1 and R2. There are broad low resistivity zones on the southeast and northwest sides of the YKMA. The low resistivity zones is considered to be correspond to the deep extension of the Wuchuan-Sihui and Hepu-Beiliu brittle-ductile shear zones, respectively. The brittle-ductile shearing of the boundary zones and the oblique upwelling of deep mantle-derived magma from the Leiqiong region are the main reasons for the activation of faults and the activity of moderate and strong earthquakes in the YKMA. In this geodynamic environment, local stress and strain accumulation easily occur in the brittle high resistivity body (R1). When the strain energy accumulation exceeded the threshold value that the rock could withstand, new fracture dislocations occurred in the weak region where R1 and R2 contact, which finally resulted in the 2019 Beiliu M5.2 earthquake.
Exploring factors that full-service school teachers believe disable their self-efficacy to teach in an inclusive education system
Authors: Van Staden-Payne Isabel , Nel Mirna 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionTeachers’ sense of self-efficacy has been identified by research as a key factor in the successful implementation of inclusive education. This article reports on disabling factors in South Africa that are reportedly influencing inclusive Full-Service school (FSS) teachers’ sense of self-efficacy to implement inclusive education successfully.MethodologyA qualitative study, using semi-structured individual and group interviews as well as collages, was employed.ResultsThe findings revealed that the disabling factors included internal and external factors. Internal factors comprised a lack of knowledge and skills, including a lack of self-confidence, FSS teachers seeing themselves as a barrier, and physical and psychological problems. External factors were also identified. They are ineffective implementation of inclusive education, inadequate training, incompetent education department officials and managers, a lack of support from the education department, curriculum constraints, as well as disabling factors within the school system. Negative media perceptions were also mentioned.ConclusionIt was concluded that it is important for the basic and higher education departments of education to be aware of the identified disabling factors and purposefully attempt to improve the external factors, while ensuring that FSS teachers’ capabilities are developed and sustained in in-service and pre-service teacher education. This could contribute to developing and improving their sense of self-efficacy.
Correlation study of male semen parameters and embryo aneuploidy in preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy
Authors: Yang Hongyi , Liu Yan , Niu Wenbin , Yang Zilan , Wang Yang , Jin Haixia , Li Gang 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of abnormal semen parameters on embryo aneuploidy based on single nucleotide polymorphism microarray (SNP array).MethodsA total of 464 blastocysts from 103 PGT-A cycles were analyzed. The embryo quality and embryo aneuploidy rates were compared between different groups which divided by male semen parameters (sperm concentration, motility, morphology, and DFI) according the WHO criteria (2021).ResultsThe total blastocysts chromosome aneuploidy rate was 42.3% (191/452). In the teratozoospermia group, the good-quality embryo and blastocyst formation rate were lower than the normal group(44.4% vs 60.7%, P &lt;0.01; 33.3% vs 43.5%, P &lt;0.05), The good-quality embryo rate in normal DFI group was significantly higher than high-DFI group (59.0% vs 48.4%, P &lt; 0.05). The blastocyst aneuploidy rate in low sperm concentration group, and high DFI group was no differences between with that in normal sperm concentration and DFI group (47.7% vs 37.8% and 44.7% vs 37.8%, P&gt;0.05). The aneuploid rate of blastocyst in teratozoospermic and asthenozoospermia group was significantly higher than that of normal morphology and motility group (50.0% vs 34.0% and 46.7% vs 33.7%, P&lt;0.05).ConclusionOur study revealed that sperm DFI were positively correlated with blastocyst aneuploidy rate, while sperm motility and sperm morphology rate were negatively correlated with blastocyst aneuploidy rate. Abnormal semen parameters may affect embryo quality and increase the aneuploidy rate of blastocyst chromosomes, suggesting that in clinical practice of assisted reproduction patients with abnormal semen parameters can be treated in advance to improve sperm quality, so as to reduce the impact on embryo quality and achieve a better pregnancy outcome.
Single cell cortical bone transcriptomics define novel osteolineage gene sets altered in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Agoro Rafiou , Nookaew Intawat , Noonan Megan L. , Marambio Yamil G. , Liu Sheng , Chang Wennan , Gao Hongyu , Hibbard Lainey M. , Metzger Corinne E. , Horan Daniel , Thompson William R. , Xuei Xiaoling , Liu Yunlong , Zhang Chi , Robling Alexander G. , Bonewald Lynda F. , Wan Jun , White Kenneth E. 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionDue to a lack of spatial-temporal resolution at the single cell level, the etiologies of the bone dysfunction caused by diseases such as normal aging, osteoporosis, and the metabolic bone disease associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remain largely unknown.MethodsTo this end, flow cytometry and scRNAseq were performed on long bone cells from Sost-cre/Ai9+ mice, and pure osteolineage transcriptomes were identified, including novel osteocyte-specific gene sets.ResultsClustering analysis isolated osteoblast precursors that expressed Tnc, Mmp13, and Spp1, and a mature osteoblast population defined by Smpd3, Col1a1, and Col11a1. Osteocytes were demarcated by Cd109, Ptprz1, Ramp1, Bambi, Adamts14, Spns2, Bmp2, WasI, and Phex. We validated our in vivo scRNAseq using integrative in vitro promoter occupancy via ATACseq coupled with transcriptomic analyses of a conditional, temporally differentiated MSC cell line. Further, trajectory analyses predicted osteoblast-to-osteocyte transitions via defined pathways associated with a distinct metabolic shift as determined by single-cell flux estimation analysis (scFEA). Using the adenine mouse model of CKD, at a time point prior to major skeletal alterations, we found that gene expression within all stages of the osteolineage was disturbed.ConclusionIn sum, distinct populations of osteoblasts/osteocytes were defined at the single cell level. Using this roadmap of gene assembly, we demonstrated unrealized molecular defects across multiple bone cell populations in a mouse model of CKD, and our collective results suggest a potentially earlier and more broad bone pathology in this disease than previously recognized.
Nicotinamide mononucleotide attenuates HIF-1α activation and fibrosis in hypoxic adipose tissue via NAD+/SIRT1 axis
Authors: Wu Keke , Li Biao , Ma Yingxu , Tu Tao , Lin Qiuzhen , Zhu Jiayi , Zhou Yong , Liu Na , Liu Qiming 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundFibrosis is increasingly considered as a major contributor in adipose tissue dysfunction. Hypoxic activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) induces a profibrotic transcription, leading to adipose fibrosis. Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a member of the vitamin B3 family, has been shown to relieve hepatic and cardiac fibrosis, but its effects on hypoxic adipose fibrosis and the underlying mechanism remain unclear. We aimed to elucidate the roles of NMN in regulating HIF-1α and fibrosis in hypoxic adipose tissue.MethodsMice were placed in a hypobaric chamber for four weeks to induce adipose fibrosis. NMN (500 mg/kg, every three days) was administered by intraperitoneal injection. In vitro, Stromal vascular fractions (SVF) cells were treated by hypoxia with or without NMN (200μM), sirtinol (25μM, a SIRT1 inhibitor) and CoCl2 (100μM, a HIF1α enhancer). The effects of NMN on hypoxia-associated adipose fibrosis, inflammation, NAD+/SIRT1 axis alteration, and HIF-1α activation were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blots, immunohistochemistry staining, immunoprecipitation, and assay kits.ResultsMice placed in a hypoxic chamber for four weeks showed obvious adipose fibrosis and inflammation, which were attenuated by NMN. NMN also restore the compromised NAD+/SIRT1 axis and inhibited the activation of HIF-1α induced by hypoxia. In hypoxia-induced SVFs, the SIRT1 inhibitor sirtinol blocked the anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects of NMN, upregulated the HIF-1α and its acetylation level. The HIF1α stabilizer CoCl2 showed similar effects as sirtinol.ConclusionNMN effectively attenuated HIF-1α activation-induced adipose fibrosis and inflammation by restoring the compromised NAD+/SIRT1 axis.
Numerical simulation of in-depth profile control for dispersed particle gel in heterogeneous reservoirs
Authors: Sun Gang , Li Peichao , Du Dongyuan , Song Ting , Lu Detang 
Published: January 2023

Introduction: As a new agent of enhancing oil recovery, the dispersed particle gel (DPG) has been gradually used for in-depth profile control in mature oilfields. Many researchers investigated the preparation, profile control mechanism and application of DPG based on a series of laboratory experiments. However, few numerical studies have been carried out on profile control mechanism of DPG.Methods: This paper proposes a novel mathematical model to proceed numerical simulation of profile control for DPG, considering DPG particles adsorption and weak shear thinning effects. The numerical codes are verified by the UTCHEM simulator.Results and discussion: The effects of the DPG viscosity, the DPG concentration, the water saturation of high permeable regions and the permeability ratio between high and low permeable regions on decreasing the water-cut of producing well are studied. Simultaneously, this paper also investigates the influence of different mobility ratios between high and low permeable regions on water shutoff of DPG. The numerical simulation results show that the effects of DPG profile control become better as the DPG solution viscosity, the suspension concentration and the permeability ratio increase. But the increased water saturation of high permeable regions is not helpful to improve oil recovery. Water plugging effect of DPG becomes worse with increasing mobility ratio between different regions. According to comparison results between DPG profile control and polymer flooding, it is found that DPG profile control is more suitable for heterogeneous reservoirs. These findings are of benefit to guide the efficient field application of DPG profile control in heterogeneous reservoirs.
Premixed combustion and emission characteristics of methane diluted with ammonia under F-class gas turbine relevant operating condition
Authors: Zhang Yanfei , Zhao Dapeng , Li Qin , Huang Mingming , Hao Qing , Du Jianji , Song Yang , Ming Zhaoqing , Wang Jihang 
Published: January 2023

Ammonia has been used on a small scale in other industrial equipment, such as gas turbines, as a carbon-free fuel. However, ammonia fuel suffers disadvantages such as high ignition temperature, low flame velocity and high NOx emissions. Doping with ammonia using a more reactive fuel, such as methane, can solve the above problems. Therefore, under the relevant operating conditions of the gas turbine (T = 723 K, p = 16.5 atm), the effect of ammonia content on the combustion and emission characteristics of laminar premixed methane flames was numerically investigated. This research uses the PREMIX code from ANSYS CHEMKIN-PRO 2020 and Okafor chemical kinetic mechanisms and provides a reference for our subsequent analysis of gas turbine operating conditions. Firstly, the emission data of major pollutants under different ammonia content (XNH3 = 0–1.0) and equivalent ratio (Φ = .6–1.4) were calculated. Then, the laminar premixed flame structure is analyzed under the lean fuel conditions associated with gas turbines (Φ = .6, .8). Finally, the effect of ammonia addition on the chemical reaction path of NO and CO emission was studied. The results show that ammonia/methane mixture fuel is more suitable for combustion at .6 &lt; Φ &lt; .8 under high temperature and pressure. High ammonia content (XNH3 &gt; .6) and low equivalent ratio can reduce NO and CO emissions. The molar fractions of H, O, and OH radicals and flame temperature decreased with the increase in ammonia content. In addition, high temperature and high pressure conditions and ammonia content greatly influence the reaction path of NO and CO production. The increase in pressure resulted in a change in the primary reaction that produced NO. In conclusion, this study guides reducing the emission of NO and CO from lean side of gas turbine plants.
Genome-wide analysis of Hsp40 and Hsp70 gene family in four cotton species provides insights into their involvement in response to Verticillium dahliae and abiotic stress
Authors: Zhou Xin , Su Ling , Tang Rui , Dong Yuxuan , Wang Fei , Li Rong , Xie Quanliang , Zhang Xianliang , Xiao Guanghui , Li Hongbin 
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Cotton is an important economic crop to provide natural fibers as raw materials to textile industry, and is significantly affected by biotic and abiotic stress during the whole growth stage, in which Verticillium wilt (VW) caused by Verticillium dahliae is one of the most destructive disease to lead to a significant yield reduction. Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are important molecular chaperones, and play crucial roles in plant growth, development, resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. Hsp40 and Hsp70 are two key Hsps in cell chaperone network, however, the function and regulatory mechanism of Hsp40 and Hsp70 members in VW resistance and abiotic stress in cotton are largely unknown.Methods and Results: Herein, a systematic and comprehensive analysis of Hsp40s and Hsp70s in four cotton species of Gossypium arboretum, G. raimondii, G. hirsutum, and G. barbadense were performed. A total of 291 Hsp40s and 171 Hsp70s identified in four Gossypium species. Sequence analysis revealed that all Hsp40 proteins contained J domain that provides the binding sites to Hsp70. Protein-protein interaction prediction analysis displayed that GhHsp40-55 might interact with GhHsp70-2 and GhHsp70-13, suggesting their potential function as protein complex. Promoter cis-acting element analysis demonstrated that multiple cis-elements related to disease and stress response consists in GhHsp40 and GhHsp70 promoters. Further expression analysis showed that eight GhHsp40s (Hsp40-2,4,8,11,20,23,53,55) and seven GhHsp70s (Hsp70-2,3,6,8,13,19,22) were up-regulated after V. dahliae infection. In addition, five GhHsp40s (Hsp40-2,8,11,53,55) and four GhHsp70s (Hsp70-3,6,8,13) were up-regulated after salt treatment, six GhHsp40s (Hsp40-4,11,20,23) and three GhHsp70s (Hsp70-2,8,19) were up-regulated after drought treatment, four GhHsp40s (Hsp40-2,11,20,23) and four GhHsp70s (Hsp70-3,6,19,22) were up-regulated after temperature treatment, suggesting these Hsps have possible important function in the process of abiotic stress response.Discussion: Our results lay a foundation for understanding the function of Hsp40 and Hsp70 in the resistance against V. dahliae and abiotic stress, and elucidating the regulatory mechanism of the protein complex, evolution and molecular mechanism under stress.