bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Milankovitch and sub-Milankovitch cycles in the environmental magnetism of the lower Shahezi Formation, Lower Cretaceous, Songliao Basin, northeastern China
Authors: Zhang Shujing , Wu Huaichun , Zhang Shihong , Yang Tianshui , Li Haiyan , Fang Qiang , Shi Meinan 
Published: February 2023

SK-2 borehole in Songliao Basin provides unprecedented geological materials for investigating the Early Cretaceous continental paleoenvironment and paleoclimate in northeastern China. The lacustrine successions of the lower Shahezi (K1sh) Formation at the depth from 4,542 to 5,695 m was systematically studied using environmental magnetism and cyclostratigraphy in this study. Magnetic analysis reveals an inverse correlation between magnetic susceptibility (MS) and lithological ranks in fine clastic sediments, with the highest values in mudstones and the lowest in sandstones. The main magnetism carriers in the lower K1sh are pseudo-single-domain (PSD) and/or multi-domain (MD) magnetite with minor presence of hematite. MS was used to further explore the genesis of the environmental and climatic variations through cyclostratigraphic analysis. Sedimentary cycles of 113 m, 34 m, 13 m and 6 m can be identified in the power spectrum, which were interpreted as long and short eccentricity, obliquity, and precession cycles, demonstrating the impact of astronomical cyclicity on sedimentary rhythmicity. Floating astronomical time scale (FATS) of 4,090 kyr and 4,148 kyr were established by tuning the inferred long and short eccentricity cycles to the artificial 405-kyr and 105-kyr orbital eccentricity curves respectively. The estimated sediment accumulation rate around 28 cm/kyr confirms the rapid deposition process within the faulted lacustrine basin. Based on this study, the lake level oscillations in Songliao Basin are assumed to be shaped by long and short eccentricity, precession and semi-precession cycles during Early Cretaceous. This study also indicates that the sand-mudstone alternations deposition in K1sh is most likely driven by the seasonal discrepancies of summer insolation during semi-precession periods.
Nasal immunization with AMH-INH-RFRP DNA vaccine for improving follicle development and fertility in buffaloes
Authors: Chen Chao , Zhao Xuhong , An Zhigao , Ahmad Muhammad Jamil , Niu Kaifeng , Zhang Xinxin , Nie Pei , Tang Jiaomei , Liang Aixin , Yang Liguo 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionInhibin DNA vaccine has already been proven to improve the fertility of animals. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a novel Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)-Inhibin (INH)-RF-amide-related peptides (RFRP) DNA vaccine on immune response and reproductive performance in buffalo.MethodsA total of 84 buffaloes were randomly divided into four groups and nasally immunized twice a day with 10 ml of either AMH-INH-RFRP DNA vaccines (3 × 1010 CFU/ml in group T1, 3 × 109 CFU/ml in group T2, and 3 × 108 CFU/ml in group T3) or PBS (as a control) for 3 days, respectively. All animals received a booster dose at an interval of 14 days.ResultsELISA assay revealed that primary and booster immunization significantly increased the anti-AMH, anti-INH, and anti-RFRP antibody titers in the T2 group compared with that in the T3 group. After the primary immunization, the antibody positive rate was significantly higher in the T2 group than that in the T3 group. In addition, ELISA results indicated that concentrations of E2, IFN-γ, and IL-4 were significantly higher in the antibody-positive (P) group compared to the antibody-negative (N) group. In contrast, there was no significant difference in the concentrations of P4 between the P and N groups. Ultrasonography results revealed a highly significant increase of 2.02 mm in the diameter of ovulatory follicles in the P group compared to the N group. In parallel, growth speed of dominant follicles was significantly higher in the P group than that in the N group (1.33 ± 1.30 vs 1.13 ± 0.12). Furthermore, compared to N group, the rates of oestrus, ovulation, and conception were also significantly higher in the P group.ConclusionThe novel AMH-INH-RFRP DNA vaccine improves the proportion of oestrus, ovulation, and conception in buffalo by promoting the production of E2 and the growth of follicles.
APOC1 as a novel diagnostic biomarker for DN based on machine learning algorithms and experiment
Authors: Yu Kuipeng , Li Shan , Wang Chunjie , Zhang Yimeng , Li Luyao , Fan Xin , Fang Lin , Li Haiyun , Yang Huimin , Sun Jintang , Yang Xiangdong 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionDiabetic nephropathy is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease, which imposes a huge economic burden on individuals and society, but effective and reliable diagnostic markers are still not available.MethodsDifferentially expressed genes (DEGs) were characterized and functional enrichment analysis was performed in DN patients. Meanwhile, a weighted gene co-expression network (WGCNA) was also constructed. For further, algorithms Lasso and SVM-RFE were applied to screening the DN core secreted genes. Lastly, WB, IHC, IF, and Elias experiments were applied to demonstrate the hub gene expression in DN, and the research results were confirmed in mouse models and clinical specimens.Results17 hub secretion genes were identified in this research by analyzing the DEGs, the important module genes in WGCNA, and the secretion genes. 6 hub secretory genes (APOC1, CCL21, INHBA, RNASE6, TGFBI, VEGFC) were obtained by Lasso and SVM-RFE algorithms. APOC1 was discovered to exhibit elevated expression in renal tissue of a DN mouse model, and APOC1 is probably a core secretory gene in DN. Clinical data demonstrate that APOC1 expression is associated significantly with proteinuria and GFR in DN patients. APOC1 expression in the serum of DN patients was 1.358±0.1292μg/ml, compared to 0.3683±0.08119μg/ml in the healthy population. APOC1 was significantly elevated in the sera of DN patients and the difference was statistical significant (P &gt; 0.001). The ROC curve of APOC1 in DN gave an AUC = 92.5%, sensitivity = 95%, and specificity = 97% (P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionsOur research indicates that APOC1 might be a novel diagnostic biomarker for diabetic nephropathy for the first time and suggest that APOC1 may be available as a candidate intervention target for DN.
CFD simulations to study bed characteristics in gas–Solid fluidized beds with binary mixtures of Geldart-B particles: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Ganguli Arijit , Bhatt Viraj 
Published: February 2023

The bed dynamics of unary and binary fluidized beds play a key role in understanding the pressure drop and hence provides an opportunity for performance improvement of the beds. In the present work, characteristics of fluidized beds with binary mixtures of Geldart-B particles were investigated using CFD simulations. The phenomena of segregation and mixing using simulations were studied, both qualitatively and quantitatively, at a range of superficial gas velocities (0.3–0.6 m/s) and two different bed heights. The study was divided into two parts. In Part I, the current study, a qualitative analysis of flow patterns for seven different binary mixtures, is presented. The quantitative analysis, including particle and gas velocity profiles, particle volume fraction profiles, and correlations for minimum fluidization velocity and pressure drop, will be presented in Part II of this work. A mathematical model consisting of an Eulerian-Eulerian model with RNG k-ε model and KTGF model to capture the bubble dynamics was used. The standardized values of coefficients and plastic stresses have been used for all simulations. The CFD model was validated using experimental data from the literature. Qualitative predictions of volume fraction profiles of small-sized particles showed that, for mixtures within a range of 40%–60% Geldart-B type large particles, the bubble and solid particle dynamics were different from those of single particles of the superficial gas velocities considered. In contrast to the single particles in the given superficial gas velocity range that were in bubbling regime, the binary particles showed a transition from bubbling to slugging to turbulent regime, as demonstrated by qualitative analysis. A homogeneous regime was observed for lower superficial gas velocities for mixtures consisting of 0%–20% large particles.
Stainless steel wool as novel bioanode for microbial electrolysis cells: A systematic study of materials
Authors: Vázquez Isaac , Kerzenmacher Sven , Santiago Óscar 
Published: February 2023

In the last years, microbial electrochemical technologies have received increasing attention due to their promising environmental potential. However, the identification of the most suitable materials for further development of these technologies tends to be challenging, especially for operation under realistic wastewater conditions. The objective of the present work is to carry out a systematic comparison of six anode materials (stainless-steel wool, carbon paper, graphite felt, graphite plate, graphite foil, and stainless-steel mesh) for microbial electrolysis cells operated for the treatment of brewery wastewater and determine the best material of these in sight of its electrochemical performance. For this purpose, the medium was semisynthetic brewery wastewater of low buffer capacity and low conductivity. The results suggest, that the degree of fermentation and characteristics of the studied media have only a minor impact on the limiting current density of the bioanodes. Here, the limiting current density of microbial anodes with stainless-steel wool (0.45 ± 0.07 mA·cm−2), a not so extensively studied promising material, outperformed commonly used materials such as graphite felt, without evidence of corrosion.
Effects of systemic inflammation and frailty on survival in elderly cancer patients: Results from the INSCOC study
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wang Ziwen , Song Mengmeng , Liu Tong , Ding Jiashan , Deng Li , Zhang Xi , Qian Liang , Ge Yizhong , Xie Hailun , Ruan Guotian , Song Chunhua , Yao Qinghua , Xu Hongxia , Ju Haixing , Shi Hanping 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundFrailty and systemic inflammation are parameters, which are easy to evaluate, can be used to predict disease outcomes, and are potentially modifiable. The combination of frailty and inflammation-based data may help identify elderly cancer patients predisposed to adverse clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the association of systemic inflammation and frailty at admission, and to determine whether these risk factors interact and may predict the survival of elderly cancer patients.MethodsA prospective Investigation on Nutrition Status and Clinical Outcome of Common Cancers (INSCOC) with 5,106 elderly cancer patients admitted from 2013 through 2020 was included in this study. The primary marker of inflammation was the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), with the reference group having NLR&lt;3, which indicated no inflammation. Frailty was assessed using the FRAIL scale, and patients with≥3 positives out of a total of five components were assumed to be frail. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality. We classified participants according to the presence (or absence) of frailty and high inflammation and assessed their association with overall survival using the Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for demographic, tumor, and treatment factors.ResultsAmong the 5,106 patients enrolled in the study, 3396 individuals (66.51%) were male and the mean( ± SD) age at diagnosis was 70.92( ± 5.34). Over a median of 33.5 months follow-up, we observed 2,315 deaths. Increasing NLR was associated with frailty (compared with NLR&lt;3, odds ratio=1.23, 95%CI=1.08-1.41 for NLR≥3). An NLR≥3 and frailty independently predicted the overall survival [hazard ratio(HR)=1.35, 95%CI=1.24-1.47 and HR=1.38, 95%CI=1.25-1.52, respectively). Patients with both frailty and NLR≥3 had the lowest overall survival(HR=1.83, 95%CI=1.59-2.04) than patients with no risk factors. The mortality rate increased with the presence of the frailty components.ConclusionsSystemic inflammation was positively associated with frailty. Frail elderly cancer patients with elevated systemic inflammation had low survival rate.
Serum transthyretin and aminotransferases are associated with lean mass in people with coronary heart disease: Further insights from the CARE-CR study
Authors: James Emily , Goodall Stuart , Nichols Simon , Walker Karen , Carroll Sean , O’Doherty Alasdair F. , Ingle Lee 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundLow muscle mass disproportionately affects people with coronary heart disease compared to healthy controls but is under-researched and insufficiently treated. Inflammation, poor nutrition, and neural decline might contribute to low muscle mass. This study aimed to assess circulatory biomarkers related to these mechanisms [albumin, transthyretin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and C-terminal agrin fragment] and their relationship with muscle mass in people with coronary heart disease. Our findings could be beneficial to indicate mechanisms of sarcopenia, detect sarcopenia, and evaluate treatment.MethodsSerum blood samples from people with coronary heart disease were analysed for biomarker concentrations using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Skeletal muscle mass was estimated using dual X-ray absorptiometry derived appendicular lean mass and reported as skeletal muscle index (SMI; kg m−2), and as a proportion of total body mass [appendicular skeletal mass (ASM%)]. Low muscle mass was defined as a SMI &lt;7.0 and &lt;6.0 kg m−2, or ASM% &lt;25.72 and &lt;19.43% for men and women, respectively. Associations between biomarkers and lean mass were adjusted for age and inflammation.ResultsSixty-four people were assessed; 14 (21.9%) had low muscle mass. People with low muscle mass had lower transthyretin (effect size 0.34, p = 0.007), ALT (effect size 0.34, p = 0.008), and AST (effect size 0.26, p = 0.037) concentrations, compared to those with normal muscle mass. SMI was associated with inflammation-corrected ALT (r = 0.261, p = 0.039) and with inflammation- and age-adjusted AST/ALT ratio (r = −0.257, p = 0.044). Albumin and C-terminal agrin fragment were not associated with muscle mass indices.ConclusionCirculatory transthyretin, ALT and AST were associated with low muscle mass in people with coronary heart disease. Low concentrations of these biomarkers might indicate that low muscle mass is partially explained by poor nutrition and high inflammation in this cohort. Targeted treatments to address these factors could be considered for people with coronary heart disease.
A global analysis of the value of precision medicine in oncology – The case of non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Hofmarcher Thomas , Malmberg Chiara , Lindgren Peter 
Published: February 2023

ObjectivesBiomarker testing is indispensable for the implementation of precision medicine (PM) in oncology. The aim of this study was to assess the value of biomarker testing from a holistic perspective based on the example of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC).Materials and methodsA partitioned survival model was populated with data from pivotal clinical trials of first-line treatments in aNSCLC. Three testing scenarios were considered; “no biomarker testing” encompassing chemotherapy treatment, “sequential testing” for EGFR and ALK encompassing treatment with targeted- or chemotherapy, and “multigene testing” covering EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, NTRK, MET, RET and encompassing treatment with targeted- or immuno(chemo)therapy. Analyses of health outcomes and costs were run for nine countries (Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, Japan, Poland, South Africa, Turkey, United States). A 1-year and 5-year time horizon was applied. Information on test accuracy was combined with country-specific information on epidemiology and unit costs.ResultsCompared to the no-testing scenario, survival improved and treatment-related adverse events decreased with increased testing. Five-year survival increased from 2% to 5–7% and to 13–19% with sequential testing and multigene testing, respectively. The highest survival gains were observed in East Asia due to a higher local prevalence of targetable mutations. Overall costs increased with increased testing in all countries. Although costs for testing and medicines increased, costs for treatment of adverse events and end-of-life care decreased throughout all years. Non-health care costs (sick leave and disability pension payments) decreased during the first year but increased over a 5-year horizon.ConclusionThe broad use of biomarker testing and PM in aNSCLC leads to more efficient treatment assignment and improves health outcomes for patients globally, in particular prolonged progression-free disease phase and overall survival. These health gains require investment in biomarker testing and medicines. While costs for testing and medicines would initially increase, cost decreases for other medical services and non-health care costs may partly offset the cost increases.
EFEMP1 is a potential biomarker of choroid thickness change in myopia
Authors: Shi Wen-Qing , Wan Ting , Li Bing , Li Tao , Zhou Xiao-Dong 
Published: February 2023

PurposeTo explore the possible molecular mechanism by which epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) regulates choroid thickness (CT) in the development of myopia.MethodsIn total, 131 subjects were divided into the emmetropia (EM) group, non-high myopia (non-HM) group and high myopia (HM) group. Their age, refraction, intraocular pressure, and other ocular biometric parameters were collected. A 6 × 6 mm area centered on the optic disc was scanned by coherent optical tomography angiography (OCTA) to measure CT, and the tear concentrations of EFEMP1 were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis. Twenty-two guinea pigs were divided into the control group and the form-deprivation myopia (FDM) group. The right eye of the guinea pig in the FDM group was covered for 4 weeks, and the diopter and axial length of the right eye of the guinea pig were measured before and after the treatment. After the measurement, the guinea pig was euthanized, and the eyeball was removed. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blotting assays and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expression of EFEMP1 in the choroid.ResultsThere were significant differences in CT among the three groups (p &lt; 0.001). CT was positively correlated with age in HM (r = −0.3613, p = 0.0021), but no significant correlation with SE (p &gt; 0.05) was observed. Furthermore, there were increased levels of EFEMP1 in the tears of myopic patients. After 4 weeks of covering the right eye of the FDM guinea pigs, there was a significant increase in axial length and a decrease in diopter (p &lt; 0.05). The mRNA and protein expression of EFEMP1 was significantly increased in the choroid.ConclusionChoroidal thickness was significantly thinner in myopic patients, and the expression level of EFEMP1 in the choroid increased during the development of FDM. Therefore, EFEMP1 may be involved in the regulation of choroidal thickness in myopia patients.
Sodium acetate regulates milk fat synthesis through the activation of GPR41/GPR43 signaling pathway
Authors: Qi Yingao , Zheng Tenghui , Liu Xinghong , Yang Siwang , Li Qihui , Shao Jiayuan , Zeng Xiangfang , Guan Wutai , Zhang Shihai 
Published: February 2023

BackgroundFat is a critical component in milk, which provided energy for the early growth and development of mammals. Milk fat is positively related to the concentration of acetate in the blood, while the underlying mechanism is still unclear.ObjectiveThis study is to investigate the effects of sodium acetate (NaAc) on milk fat synthesis in the mammary gland, and explored the underlying mechanism.MethodsIn vitro experiments were carried out in mouse mammary epithelial cell line (HC11) cells cultured with NaAc to explore the potential pathway of NaAc on milk fat synthesis. Furthermore, 24 pregnant mice (from d 18.5 of gestation to d 7 of lactation, exposed to 200 mM NaAc drinking water) were used as an in vivo model to verify the results.ResultsIn this study, we found that NaAc promoted milk fat synthesis and the expression of related genes and proteins in HC11 mammary epithelial cells with the activation of GPCR and mTORC1 signaling pathways (p &lt; 0.05). Pretreatment with the mTORC1 inhibitors and G protein inhibitors attenuated the NaAc-induced milk fat synthesis in HC11 mammary epithelial cells (p &lt; 0.05). Importantly, the effect of NaAc on milk synthesis was attenuated in GPR41 and GPR43 knockdown HC11 mammary epithelial cells (p &lt; 0.05). This evidence indicates that NaAc might regulate milk fat synthesis through the GPR41/GPR43-mTORC1 pathway. Consistently, in in vivo experiment, dietary supplementation with NaAc significantly increased milk fat content and fat synthesis-related proteins in mice mammary glands with the activation of mTORC1 and GPCR signaling pathways at peak lactation (p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThe addition of NaAc promoted the increase of milk fat synthesis in HC11 mammary epithelial cells and mice mammary glands at peak lactation. Mechanistically, NaAc activates GPR41 and GPR43 receptors, leading to the activation of the mTORC1 signaling pathway to promote the synthesis of milk fat.
Spontaneous Osteoclastogenesis, a risk factor for bone metastasis in advanced luminal A-type breast cancer patients
Authors: Fernández Vallone Valeria , Borzone Francisco Raúl , Martinez Leandro Marcelo , Giorello María Belén , Choi Hosoon , Dimase Federico , Feldman Leonardo , Bordenave Raúl Horacio , Chudzinski-Tavassi Ana Marisa , Batagelj Emilio , Chasseing Norma Alejandra 
Published: February 2023

IntroductionOsteolytic bone metastasis in advanced breast cancer stages are a major complication for patient´s quality life and a sign of low survival prognosis. Permissive microenvironments which allow cancer cell secondary homing and later proliferation are fundamental for metastatic processes. The causes and mechanisms behind bone metastasis in breast cancer patients are still an unsolved puzzle. Therefore, in this work we contribute to describe bone marrow pre-metastatic niche in advanced breast cancer patients.ResultsWe show an increase in osteoclasts precursors with a concomitant imbalance towards spontaneous osteoclastogenesis which can be evidenced at bone marrow and peripheral levels. Pro-osteoclastogenic factors RANKL and CCL-2 may contribute to bone resorption signature observed in bone marrow. Meanwhile, expression levels of specific microRNAs in primary breast tumors may already indicate a pro-osteoclastogenic scenario prior to bone metastasis.DiscussionThe discovery of prognostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets linked to bone metastasis initiation and development are a promising perspective for preventive treatments and metastasis management in advanced breast cancer patients.