bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological inhibition of FOXO1 promotes lymphatic valve growth in a congenital lymphedema mouse model
Authors: Ogunsina Ololade , Banerjee Richa , Knauer Luz A. , Yang Ying 
Published: January 2023

Mutations in many genes that regulate lymphatic valve development are associated with congenital lymphedema. Oscillatory shear stress (OSS) from lymph provides constant signals for the growth and maintenance of valve cells throughout life. The expression of valve-forming genes in lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) is upregulated by OSS. The transcription factor FOXO1 represses lymphatic valve formation by inhibiting the expression of these genes, which makes FOXO1 a potential target for treating lymphedema. Here, we tested the ability of a FOXO1 inhibitor, AS1842856, to induce the formation of new lymphatic valves. Our quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot data showed that treatment of cultured human LECs with AS1842856 for 48 h significantly increased the expression levels of valve-forming genes. To investigate the function of AS1842856 in vivo, Foxc2+/− mice, the mouse model for lymphedema-distichiasis, were injected with AS1842856 for 2 weeks. The valve number in AS-treated Foxc2+/− mice was significantly higher than that of the vehicle-treated Foxc2+/− mice. Furthermore, since β-catenin upregulates the expression of Foxc2 and Prox1 during lymphatic valve formation, and AS1842856 treatment increased the level of active β-catenin in both cultured human LECs and in mouse mesenteric LECs in vivo, we used the mouse model with constitutive active β-catenin to rescue loss of lymphatic valves in Foxc2+/− mice. Foxc2+/− mice have 50% fewer lymphatic valves than control, and rescue experiments showed that the valve number was completely restored to the control level upon nuclear β-catenin activation. These findings indicate that pharmacological inhibition of FOXO1 can be explored as a viable strategy to resolve valve defects in congenital lymphedema.
Assessment of environmental sustainability of nickel required for mobility transition
Authors: Golroudbary Saeed Rahimpour , Kraslawski Andrzej , Wilson Benjamin P. , Lundström Mari 
Published: January 2023

Nickel (Ni) in batteries (e.g., nickel-metal hydride battery (NiMH), lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC)) aim to ensure higher energy density and greater storage capacity. Two typical layered nickel-rich ternary cathode materials, NCA and NMC, are commercialized as advanced lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) for electric vehicles (EVs). The technology of those batteries has been improving by steadily increasing the nickel content in each cathode generation. In this study, we consider two types of batteries having a composite cathode made of Li [Ni0.80Co0.1Al0.1]O2, and Li [Ni0.33Mn0.33Co0.33]O2, which are the most common cathode materials for LiBs in EVs since 2010 and their functional recycling is performed. The increasing use of nickel in battery technologies has resulted in the continuous growth of demand for nickel over recent years. Nickel was added to the list of critical materials by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) already in 2021. Unfortunately now, the sustainable supply of nickel is even at higher risk due to the sanctions-related disruption of supplies from Russia. Therefore, enhancing the circularity of nickel starts to be vital for many economies. Demand for recycled nickel is growing, however, a systematic analysis of the sustainability of its recycling is still missing. Therefore, we provide a comprehensive assessment of the sustainability of the global primary and secondary production of nickel. Using system dynamics modelling integrated with geometallurgy principles and by analyzing the processing routes (pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical processes), we quantify the key environmental concerns across the life cycle of primary and secondary nickel required for sustainable mobility transition. Energy consumption, water use, and related emissions are assessed for all stages of the nickel supply chain, from mining to recycling. Our analysis shows the possibility of reducing the emissions by around 4.7 mt for GHG, 6.9 kt for PM2.5, 34.3 t for BC, 2.8 kt for CH4, 7.5 kt for CO, 3.3 mt for CO2, 169.9 t for N2O, 3.8 kt for NOx, 11.8 kt for PM10, 104.8 t for POC, 1.6 mt for SOx, and 232.5 t for VOC by engaging in the secondary production of nickel through the recycling of batteries. However, identical growth rate of energy consumption and water use compared to nickel mass flows means no technical progress has been achieved in different stages of the nickel supply chain towards sustainability over the period 2010–2030. Therefore, an improvement in technology is needed to save energy and water in nickel production processes. The results and findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the necessity for improving closed-loop supply chain policies for nickel.
A novel insulin delivery system by β cells encapsulated in microcapsules
Authors: Luo Zongjie , Dong Yutong , Yu Mengyu , Fu Xiao , Qiu Yudong , Sun Xitai , Chu Xuehui 
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Diabetes is a growing epidemic worldwide and requires effective clinical therapies. In recent years, β-cell transplantation has emerged as a promising treatment for diabetes, and an encapsulation approach has been proposed to ameliorate this treatment.Methods: Microfluidic technology had been used to generate microcapsules using a porous sodium alginate shell and a core containing β cells. The microcapsules were transplanted into diabetic mice and the therapeutic effect was measured.Results: Porous hydrogel shell allows exchange of small molecules of nutrients while protecting beta cells from immune rejection, while the core ensures high activity of the encapsulated cells. The glucose control effect of the microcapsules were more durable and better than conventional methods.Discussion: We believe that this system, which is composed of biocompatible porous hydrogel shell and enables highly activity of encapsulated β cells, can enhance therapeutic efficacy and has promising clinical applications.
Vancomycin-nanofunctionalized peptide-enriched silk fibroin to prevent methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis-induced femoral nonunions in rats
Authors: Bottagisio Marta , Palombella Silvia , Lopa Silvia , Sangalli Fabio , Savadori Paolo , Biagiotti Marco , Sideratou Zili , Tsiourvas Dimitris , Lovati Arianna B. 
Published: January 2023

IntroductionImplant-related infections and infected fractures are significant burdens in orthopedics. Staphylococcus epidermidis is one of the main causes of bone infections related to biofilm formation upon implants. Current antibiotic prophylaxis/therapy is often inadequate to prevent biofilm formation and results in antibiotic resistance. The development of bioactive materials combining antimicrobial and osteoconductive properties offers great potential for the eradication of microorganisms and for the enhancement of bone deposition in the presence of infections. The purpose of this study is to prevent the development of methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE)-infected nonunion in a rat model.MethodsTo this end, a recently developed in our laboratories bioactive material consisting of antibiotic-loaded nanoparticles based on carboxylic acid functionalized hyperbranched aliphatic polyester (CHAP) that are integrated into peptide-enriched silk fibroin sponges with osteoconductive properties (AFN-PSF) was employed, whose biocompatibility and microbiological tests provided proof of its potential for the treatment of both orthopedic and dental infections. In particular, non-critical femoral fractures fixed with plates and screws were performed in Wistar rats, which were then randomly divided into three groups: 1) the sham control (no infection, no treatment); 2) the control group, infected with MRSE and treated with peptide-enriched silk fibroin sponges incorporating non-drug-loaded functionalized nanoparticles (PSF); 3) the treated group, infected with MRSE and treated with peptide-enriched silk fibroin sponges incorporating vancomycin-loaded functionalized nanoparticles (AFN-PSF). After 8 weeks, bone healing and osteomyelitis were clinically assessed and evaluated by micro-CT, microbiological and histological analyses.ResultsThe sham group showed no signs of infection and complete bone healing. The PSF group failed to repair the infected fracture, displaying 75% of altered bone healing and severe signs of osteomyelitis. The AFN-PSF treated group reached 70% of fracture healing in the absence of signs of osteomyelitis, such as abscesses in the cortical and intraosseous compartments and bone necrosis with sequestra.DiscussionAFN-PSF sponges have proven effective in preventing the development of infected nonunion in vivo. The proposed nanotechnology for local administration of antibiotics can have a significant impact on patient health in the case of orthopedic infections.
Specific fungi associated with response to capsulized fecal microbiota transplantation in patients with active ulcerative colitis
Authors: Chen Qiongyun , Fan Yanyun , Zhang Bangzhou , Yan Changsheng , Chen Zhangran , Wang Lin , Hu Yiqun , Huang Qingwen , Su Jingling , Ren Jianlin , Xu Hongzhi 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveFecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a novel microbial treatment for patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). In this study, we performed a clinical trial of capsulized FMT in UC patients to determine the association between the gut fungal community and capsulized FMT outcomes.DesignThis study recruited patients with active UC (N = 22) and healthy individuals (donor, N = 9) according to the criteria. The patients received capsulized FMT three times a week. Patient stool samples were collected before (week 0) and after FMT follow-up visits at weeks 1, 4, and 12. Fungal communities were analysed using shotgun metagenomic sequencing.ResultsAccording to metagenomic analysis, fungal community evenness index was greater in samples collected from patients, and the overall fungal community was clustered among the samples collected from donors. The dominant fungi in fecal samples collected from donors and patients were Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. However, capsulized FMT ameliorated microbial fungal diversity and altered fungal composition, based on metagenomic analysis of fecal samples collected before and during follow-up visits after capsulized FMT. Fungal diversity decreased in samples collected from patients who achieved remission after capsulized FMT, similar to samples collected from donors. Patients achieving remission after capsulized FMT had specific enrichment of Kazachstania naganishii, Pyricularia grisea, Lachancea thermotolerans, and Schizosaccharomyces pombe compared with patients who did not achieve remission. In addition, the relative abundance of P. grisea was higher in remission fecal samples during the follow-up visit. Meanwhile, decreased levels of pathobionts, such as Candida and Debaryomyces hansenii, were associated with remission in patients receiving capsulized FMT.ConclusionIn the metagenomic analysis of fecal samples from donors and patients with UC receiving capsulized FMT, shifts in gut fungal diversity and composition were associated with capsulized FMT and validated in patients with active UC. We also identified the specific fungi associated with the induction of remission. ClinicalTrails.gov (NCT03426683).
Protective efficacy of statins in patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infection
Authors: Xu Qian , Zheng Beiwen , Shen Ping , Xiao Yonghong 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundPatients with bloodstream infection of Klebsiella pneumoniae (BSI-KP) have a high risk of death and septic shock. This study aims to identify the risk factors for mortality and severity in patients of BSI-KP.MethodsData of BSI-KP patients were extracted from the MIMIC IV (Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV) database, and patients infected with only K. pneumoniae in blood were included in this study. The risk factors of 28-day mortality and septic shock in BSI-KP patients were analyzed, respectively.ResultsA total of 279 patients enrolled and the all-cause 28-day mortality rate was 11.8%. The use of statins (OR 0.220, 95% CI 0.060-0.801, p = 0.022) and quinolones (OR 0.356, 95% CI 0.143-0.887, p = 0.027) were both independent protective factors for death within 28 days, while the use of vasoactive drugs (OR 7.377, 95% CI 1.775-30.651, p = 0.006) was a risk factor. Besides, pulmonary disease (OR 2.348, 95% CI 1.126-4.897, p = 0.023), bleeding and coagulation disorders (OR 3.626, 95% CI 1.783-7.372, p &lt; 0.001), respiratory failure (OR 2.823, 95% CI 0.178-6.767, p = 0.020) and kidney dysfunction (OR 2.450, 95% CI 1.189-5.047, p = 0.015) were independent risk factors for patients suffered from septic shock while hypertension was a protective one. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves could well predict the risk of death within 28-day (area under ROC = 0.855, 95% CI = 0.796–0.914, p &lt; 0.001) and septic shock (AUROC = 0.815, 95% CI = 0.755–0.874, p &lt; 0.001) in patients with BSI-KP.ConclusionThe use of statins could decrease the risk of 28-day mortality in patients of BSI-KP. The risk factor-based prediction model provided evidence for drug treatment in BSI-KP patients. Paying more attention to the strategy of drug treatment will be an optimal way to improve patient’s outcome in clinical practice.
Case report: From monkeypox pharyngitis to myopericarditis and atypical skin lesions
Authors: Sanromán Guerrero María Ascensión , Sánchez Elena Hernández , Ruanes Belén de Nicolás , Fernández-González Pablo , Ugalde Sonia Antoñana , Leal Alejandra González , Fernández Marcelo Sanmartín , Rodríguez Jose Javier Alarcón , Martinez Garcia Laura , Escudero Rosa , Méndez Maria Ángeles Fernández , Zamorano Gómez Jose Luis , Llorente Beatriz Montero , Vivancos-Gallego Maria Jesús 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundA global outbreak of the human monkeypox virus (HMPXV), first identified in May 2022, was declared a health emergency of international concern on 23 July 2022. Before the global outbreak, monkeypox cases were mostly confined to central and west African countries, where this virus is prevalent. Close contact, mainly sexual contact, is supposed to be the main route of transmission, and it is remarkable that the incidence is higher in men who have sexual relationships with other men.Case summaryA 40-year-old Caucasian man arrived at the emergency department complaining of oppressive epigastric pain extending to the chest after a diagnosis of pharyngitis, which was suspected to be caused by the human monkeypox virus. Based on the clinical symptoms, physical examination, serum cardiac biomarkers, and electrocardiographic findings, he was diagnosed with myopericarditis. The real-time PCR for human monkeypox in skin lesions, urine, plasma, and the oropharyngeal swab was positive. The peak of troponin I was 20.6 ng/ml, and the electrocardiogram showed an upward concavity in the ST segment in diffuse leads, which was in agreement with the previous diagnosis. The presence of edema, subepicardial, and myocardial late gadolinium enhancement, and increased values on T1 mapping in the cardiac MRI were in agreement with the diagnosis of myopericarditis. Antiviral treatment with tecovirimat was started with excellent tolerability. After 6 days, the patient recovered and was discharged.DiscussionTo our knowledge, this is one of the first reported cases of myopericarditis due to human monkeypox infection, which was confirmed by a cardiac MRI following modified Lake Louise criteria. The short span between the onset of the mucocutaneous symptoms and the myocardial damage suggests a pathogenic association. Furthermore, the active viral replication in plasma samples and the negative results on real-time PCR for other viruses support this clinical association.
Magnetic anomaly lineations in the Northeastern South China Sea and their implications for initial seafloor spreading
Authors: Wu Zhaocai , Zhang Jialing , Xu Mingju , Li Hailong 
Published: January 2023

Ridge jumps occurred during the spreading process of the South China Sea. Recent research on the lower crustal reflectors event on seismic profiles found at least two southward ridge jumps, but only one has been confirmed by geomagnetic data. Based on magnetic anomalies in the northern South China Sea and the “two ridge jumps” model, this study identified that an early ridge jump occurred at anomaly C10n (28.3 Ma), with a southward jump of 20 km. According to the magnetic lineation distribution in the northern South China Sea, initial spreading was dominated by local punctiform break-up and the oldest anomaly, C12n (∼30.8 Ma), appeared at two turns of COB. In the IODP Expedition 367&amp;368 drilling area, the continuity of magnetic anomalies from Ridge A to Ridge C was enhanced gradually, representing the transition from local magmatism before the final crustal break-up to a stable igneous oceanic crust. The earliest seafloor spreading magnetic lineation in the Northwestern Sub-basin is C12n (∼30.8 Ma) and the magnetic lineation corresponding to the fossil spreading ridge is C10r (∼29 Ma). The average half-spreading rate was ∼27.2 mm/yr. The opening of the Northwestern Sub-basin appears to have been rotated around a fixed point at the west, with a fault at the eastern end formed by the trajectory of the conjugate point moving during seafloor spreading.
Regulation effect of slit-check dam against woody debris flow: Laboratory test
Authors: Xie Xiangping , Wang Xiaojun , Liu Zhenzhen , Liu Zhixuan , Zhao Shenzhou 
Published: January 2023

Woody debris flows (i.e., debris flows carrying wood) are common in mountainous and forested areas. They can cause more severe hazards due to the effects of LW (woody debris larger than 1 m in length and 10 cm in width) compared to debris flows without LW. Mitigation structures for debris flows have considered little of the regulating effect on LW and the influence of LW on the regulation effect of sediment. Thus, model tests were conducted to discuss the regulation effects of slit-check dams on woody debris flow. Research results demonstrated that slit-check dams can effectively regulate woody debris flows without overflows. Once overflow occurs, sediment trapping efficiency and the wood retention rate dramatically decrease. The sediment trapping efficiency of slit-check dams on debris flows without LW shared a linear relationship with the relative opening width, the height-to-width ratio of the opening, and the opening density. However, this was also influenced by the wood retention rate for woody debris flow. A logarithmic relationship between the sediment trapping rate and wood retention rate was obtained. The wood retention rate is mainly determined by the ratio of the LW length to the opening width, the ratio of the LW length to the channel width and the opening density of the slit-check dam. Three draining patterns of woody debris flows at the slit-check dam and three clogging types of LW at the openings of the slit-check dam were observed. Some design criteria for the structure parameters of the slit-check dam were proposed. These research results promote a better understanding of the regulation effect of slit-check dams on woody debris flows and provide a basis for the optimal design of slit-check dams.
Holocene vegetational and climatic history of the Xuguo Co catchment in the central Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Shen Caiming , Liu Kam-biu , Tang Lingyu , Peng Jinlan 
Published: January 2023

A 101-cm core was taken from a large lake in the central Tibetan Plateau. Its pollen and loss-on-ignition analyses provide a Holocene vegetational, climatic, and environmental history of the lake catchment. Pollen analysis shows that: dense steppe dominated regional vegetation in the early Holocene (9,200–8,000 cal. yr BP); regional vegetation coverage gradually decreased in the middle Holocene (8,000–4,100 cal. yr BP); and marsh meadow grew on the lake edge and sparse steppe occupied the lake catchment after 4,100 cal. yr BP. Our result also reveals that: 9,200–8,000 cal. yr BP witnessed summer temperature, monsoonal rainfall, and lake-level maxima, as well as few winter and spring aeolian activities and frequent wildfires; 8,000–4,100 cal. yr BP saw a nonlinear decline in temperature, rainfall, lake level, and wildfires; and modern climatic and environmental conditions were established after 4,100 cal. yr BP. Three major monsoon-weakening events at ca. 6,700, 5,800, and 4,100 cal. yr BP were detected by pollen signals and proxies of the climate and environment.
Physical simulation of remaining oil distribution in the 3rd-order architecture unit in beach sand reservoir
Authors: Liu Taixun , Fawad Nadir , Li Chao , Li Haitao , He Ruiwu , Xu Jian , Ahmad Qazi Adnan 
Published: January 2023

Introduction:Oilfield development’s primary objective has changed in recent years as a result of a deeper focus on oilfield exploration and possible reservoir oil extraction. These days, the distribution and characteristics of residual oil are hot topics.Methodology:This research study provides a physical simulation of the remaining oil distribution in the third-order architectural unit in the beach reservoir. Based on the reservoir geometry and compositional sequence, the third-order architecture unit in a beach sand reservoir can be divided into three types: layered, plate-like, and trough-like architecture units.Results and Discussion:A water-flooding simulation experiment is performed to find the distribution pattern of remaining oil (shortened as RO and used hereafter) and the controlling effect of the mudstone interlayer. The simulation results revealed that in the layered architecture unit with reverse-graded bedding, RO is mainly distributed between interlayers and accumulates at the bottom in fine-grain sands. The horizontal distribution of the mudstone interlayer has a profound effect on blocking the longitudinal migration of fluid. Second, in the plate-like architecture unit with uniform grain size, RO is mainly found in the middle portion of the model, separated by clay interlayers, with irregular presence of RO in the upper and lower part of the model. The oblique distribution of the clay interlayer has a significant effect on blocking the lateral migration of the fluid. Thirdly, in the trough-like architectural unit with normal-graded bedding, the RO is mainly distributed on top of the model in fine-grain sands and on the ridge-like parts formed by the interlayer’s intersection.Conclusion:A trough-like clay interlayer can promote fluid movement. RO distribution patterns from the current experiment can be used to explore the remaining oil in beach sand reservoirs of similar oilfields.