bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First assessment of hydrogen/brine/Saudi basalt wettability: implications for hydrogen geological storage
Authors: Alanazi Amer , Al-Yaseri Ahmed , Mowafi Mahmoud , Leila Mahmoud , Hoteit Hussein 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Underground hydrogen (H2) storage is a prominent technique to enable a large-scale H2-based economy as part of the global energy mix for net-zero carbon emission. Recently, basalts have gained interest as potential caprocks for subsurface H2 storage due to their low permeability, vast extension, and potential volumetric capacity induced by structural entrapment of the buoyant H2. Wettability represents a fundamental parameter which controls the capillary-entrapment of stored gases in porous media.Methods: The present study evaluates the wettability of basalt/H2/brine system of two basalt samples from Harrat Uwayrid, a Cenozoic volcanic field, in Saudi Arabia. The H2/basalt contact angle was measured using a relevant reservoir brine (10% NaCl) under storage conditions of 323K temperature and pressure ranges from 3 to 28 MPa using the modified sessile drop method. The surface roughness of the basaltic rocks was determined to ensure accurate results.Results: The investigated Saudi basalt samples are water-wet, thereby they did not achieve a 100% hydrogen wetting phase even at 28 MPa pressure. The measured contact angles slightly decrease as pressure increases, thereby pressure did not significantly influences the height of the H2 column.Discussion: We interpret this trend to the slight increase in H2 density with increasing pressure as well as to the olivine-rich mineralogical composition of the Saudi basalt. Thus, from the wettability aspects, Saudi basalt has the potential to store a large volume of H2 (&gt;1,400 m height) and maintain its excellent storage capacity even in deep, high-pressure regimes. This study demonstrates that the basalt rock texture (pore throat radii) and mineralogy control their capacity for subsurface H2 storage.
Methylmercury content in soil and litter from the Amazonian rainforest and its potential fate during forest fires
Authors: Fostier Anne Helene , Amouroux David , Tessier Emmanuel , Viana José Lucas Martins , Richter Larissa 
Published: September 2023

Methylmercury in soils and vegetation from the Amazonian rainforest is still poorly studied. Hence, the aim of this work was to determine the total mercury [THg] and methylmercury [MeHg] concentrations in litter and surface soil, MeHg deposition via litterfall, and the MeHg fate during a forest fire in the Amazonian rainforest. Sampling of litter, soil (0–1, 1–2, and 2–5 cm), and ash was carried out before (BB) and after (AB) a prescribed forest fire. The results showed a low [THg] (34 ± 8 ng g-1) and [MeHg] (0.16 ± 0.03 ng g-1) value in litter, with a correspondingly low estimate of the MeHg litterfall flux (0.13 ± 0.03 μgm-2yr-1) which has been probably underestimated due to potential losses during the field experiment. In ashes, [THg] and [MeHg] values were 23 ± 8 ng g-1and 0.11 ± 0.04 ng g-1, respectively. Although a significant part of Hg contained in the biomass was lost during the fire, the [MeHg]/[THg] ratio was not affected by it and was the same in litterfall and ash (∼0.5%). In soil, the average [THg] BB value was 149 ± 12 ng g-1in the three layers and [MeHg] was between 0.8 and 1.0 ng g-1. The forest fire only affected the superficial soil, with a significant decrease of [THg] and [MeHg] in the 0-1 cm layer. Similarly, the decrease of the [MeHg]/[THg] ratio in the surface soil layer suggested that MeHg was more readily emitted or degraded than the other Hg species present.
Relationship between tropical leaf phenology and ecosystem productivity using phenocameras
Authors: Alberton Bruna , Martin Thomas C. M. , Da Rocha Humberto R. , Richardson Andrew D. , Moura Magna S. B. , Torres Ricardo S. , Morellato Leonor Patricia Cerdeira 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The interplay of water and light, regarded as the main driver of tropical plant dynamics, determines leaf phenology and ecosystem productivity. Leaf phenology has been discussed as a key variable to explain photosynthetic seasonality in evergreen tropical forests, but the question is still open for seasonally tropical ecosystems. In the search for implementing long-term phenology monitoring in the tropics, phenocameras have proven to be an accurate method to estimate vegetative phenology in tropical communities. Here, we investigated the temporal patterns of leaf phenology and their relation to gross primary productivity (GPP) in a comparative study across three contrasting tropical biomes: dry forest (caatinga), woodland savanna (cerrado), and rainforest (Atlantic Forest).Methods: We monitored leaf phenology (phenocameras) and estimated gross primary productivity (eddy-covariance) continuously over time at three study sites. We investigated the main drivers controlling leaf phenology and tested the performance of abiotic (climate) and biotic (phenology) factors to explain gross primary productivity across sites.Results: We found that camera-derived indices presented the best relationships with gross primary productivity across all sites. Gross primary productivity seasonality was controlled by a gradient of water vs. light, where caatinga dry forest was water-limited, cerrado vegetation responded to water seasonality and light, and rainforest was mainly controlled by light availability. Vegetation phenology was tightly associated with productivity in the driest ecosystem (caatinga), where productivity was limited to the wet season, and the camera-derived index (Gcc) was the best proxy for gross primary productivity.Discussion: Leaf phenology increased their relative importance over gross primary productivity seasonality at less seasonal sites (cerrado and rainforest), where multiple leafing strategies influenced carbon exchanges. Our multi-site comparison, along with fine-scale temporal observations of leaf phenology and gross primary productivity patterns, uncovered the relationship between leafing and productivity across tropical ecosystems under distinct water constraints.
Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of ozone therapy for neuropathic pain management by integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic approach
Authors: Yang Xiaolan , Chen Chaoming , Wang Keyang , Chen Min , Wang Yong , Chen Zhengping , Zhao Wang , Ou Shu 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Neuropathic pain remains a prevalent and challenging condition to treat, with current therapies often providing inadequate relief. Ozone therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option; however, its mechanisms of action in neuropathic pain remain poorly understood.Methods: In this study, we investigated the effects of ozone treatment on gene expression and metabolite levels in the brainstem and hypothalamus of a rat model, using a combined transcriptomic and metabolomic approach.Results: Our findings revealed significant alterations in key genes, including DCST1 and AIF1L, and metabolites such as Aconitic acid, L-Glutamic acid, UDP-glucose, and Tyrosine. These changes suggest a complex interplay of molecular pathways and region-specific mechanisms underlying the analgesic effects of ozone therapy.Discussion: Our study provides insights into the molecular targets of ozone treatment for neuropathic pain, laying the groundwork for future research on validating these targets and developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Comprehensive single-cell analysis reveals novel anergic antigen-presenting cell subtypes in human sepsis
Authors: Zhang Tuo , Lian Guodong , Fang Wei , Tian Lei , Ma Wenhao , Zhang Jicheng , Meng Zhaoli , Yang Hongna , Wang Chunting , Wei Chengguo , Chen Man 
Published: September 2023

BackgroundSepsis is a life-threatening condition with high mortality. A few studies have emerged utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to analyze gene expression at the single-cell resolution in sepsis, but a comprehensive high-resolution analysis of blood antigen-presenting cells has not been conducted.MethodsAll published human scRNA-seq data were downloaded from the single cell portal database. After manually curating the dataset, we extracted all antigen-presenting cells, including dendritic cells (DCs) and monocytes, for identification of cell subpopulations and their gene profiling and intercellular interactions between septic patients and healthy controls. Finally, we further validated the findings by performing deconvolution analysis on bulk RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data and flow cytometry.ResultsWithin the traditional DC populations, we discovered novel anergic DC subtypes characterized by low major histocompatibility complex class II expression. Notably, these anergic DC subtypes showed a significant increase in septic patients. Additionally, we found that a previously reported immunosuppressive monocyte subtype, Mono1, exhibited a similar gene expression profile to these anergic DCs. The consistency of our findings was confirmed through validation using bulk RNA-seq and flow cytometry, ensuring accurate identification of cell subtypes and gene expression patterns.ConclusionsThis study represents the first comprehensive single-cell analysis of antigen-presenting cells in human sepsis, revealing novel disease-associated anergic DC subtypes. These findings provide new insights into the cellular mechanisms of immune dysregulation in bacterial sepsis.
Longitudinal trajectories of memory among middle-aged and older people with hearing loss: the influence of cochlear implant use on cognitive functioning
Authors: Völter Christiane , Götze Lisa , Dazert Stefan , Thomas Jan Peter , Kamin Stefan Thomas 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionCochlear implants (CI) are the gold standard intervention for severe to profound hearing loss, a known modifiable risk factor for dementia. However, it remains unknown whether CI use might prevent the age-related cognitive decline. Recent studies are encouraging but are limited, mainly by short follow-up periods and, for ethical reasons, lack of appropriate control groups. Further, as age-related cognitive decline is multifaceted and not linear, other statistical approaches have to be evaluated.Materials and methodsImmediate and delayed recall as measures of cognitive function were assessed in 75 newly implanted CI users (mean age 65.41 years ± 9.19) for up to 5 years (mean 4.5 ± 0.5) of CI use and compared to 8,077 subjects of the same age range from two longitudinal cohort studies, the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) and the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA). Linear and quadratic changes in cognitive trajectories were analyzed in detail using mixed growth models, considering possible confounders.ResultsFor CI users, the linear time slope showed a significant improvement in the specific domains (recall and delayed recall) over time. The quadratic time slope clearly indicated that the predicted change after CI provision followed an inverted U-shape with a predicted decline 2 years after CI provision. In the hearing-impaired group, a significant decline over time was found, with steeper declines early on and the tendency to flatten out in the follow-up.ConclusionCochlear implant use seems to boost cognitive trajectories in the first years after implantation. However, long-term prevention of dementia seems to need far more than restoration of hearing loss.
NADPH oxidase 4 inhibition is a complementary therapeutic strategy for spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: El Khoury Mirella , Biondi Olivier , Bruneteau Gaelle , Sapaly Delphine , Bendris Sabrina , Bezier Cynthia , Clerc Zoé , Akar Elias Abi , Weill Laure , Eid Assaad A. , Charbonnier Frédéric 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by motor neuron (MN) degeneration and severe muscular atrophy and caused by Survival of Motor Neuron (SMN) depletion. Therapies aimed at increasing SMN in patients have proven their efficiency in alleviating SMA symptoms but not for all patients. Thus, combinational therapies are warranted. Here, we investigated the involvement of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) in SMA-induced spinal MN death and if the modulation of Nox4 activity could be beneficial for SMA patients.MethodsWe analysed in the spinal cord of severe type SMA-like mice before and at the disease onset, the level of oxidative stress and Nox4 expression. Then, we tested the effect of Nox4 inhibition by GKT137831/Setanaxib, a drug presently in clinical development, by intrathecal injection on MN survival and motor behaviour. Finally, we tested if GKT137831/Setanaxib could act synergistically with FDA-validated SMN-upregulating treatment (nusinersen).ResultsWe show that NOX4 is overexpressed in SMA and its inhibition by GKT137831/Setanaxib protected spinal MN from SMA-induced degeneration. These improvements were associated with a significant increase in lifespan and motor behaviour of the mice. At the molecular level, GKT137831 activated the pro-survival AKT/CREB signaling pathway, leading to an increase in SMN expression in SMA MNs. Most importantly, we found that the per os administration of GKT137831 acted synergistically with a FDA-validated SMN-upregulating treatment.ConclusionThe pharmacological inhibition of NOX4 by GKT137831/Setanaxib is neuroprotector and could represent a complementary therapeutic strategy to fight against SMA.
Association between the dietary inflammatory index and markers of endothelial and systemic inflammation in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Arab Arman , Karimi Elham , Nazari Maryam , Tabibi Hadi , As’habi Atefeh 
Published: September 2023

ObjectivesThe current survey aimed to investigate the link between energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII) and risk factors for CVD including markers of endothelial and systemic inflammation in Iranian hemodialysis patients.MethodsPatients on hemodialysis for at least 6 months prior to enrollment were considered eligible in this cross-sectional study. The usual dietary intakes of the hemodialysis individuals were examined through 4 non-consecutive days including 2 dialysis days and 2 non-dialysis days using a 24-h recall approach to calculate E-DII. Multiple linear regression analysis was utilized to investigate the link between E-DII and selected biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress including high-sensitive C reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM), serum vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM), malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide (NO), sE-selectin, and endothelin-1, and beta (β) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was reported. Value of p &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsOverall, 291 hemodialysis patients make up our study population. In the crude model, the E-DII score was positively associated with a higher sVCAM-1 (β = 177.39; 95% CI: 60.51, 294.26; ptrend = 0.003). Further adjustment for potential confounders attenuated the findings in a way that an increase of 128.72 in the sVCAM-1 was observed when the E-DII score increased from −2.68 to −1.14 (95% CI: 13.50, 243.94). After controlling for potential confounders, E-DII was associated with sE-selectin in hemodialysis patients in the highest category of E-DII as compared to the lowest category (β = 4.11; 95% CI: 0.22, 8.00; ptrend = 0.039).ConclusionThe present findings suggest that adherence to a pro-inflammatory diet among hemodialysis patients is associated with a higher inflammatory status as evidenced by sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin; however, bidirectionality may exist and the role of residual confounders should be taken into account. Therefore, more longitudinal investigations are needed to elucidate the role of diet on the inflammatory status of hemodialysis patients.
Exploration of the mechanism of aloin ameliorates of combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome based on network pharmacology and experimental validation
Authors: Feng Yan , Qiao Han , Liu Hongyun , Wang Jvfei , Tang Huaping 
Published: September 2023

Background: Aloin, as a bioactive compound, has a variety of pharmacological functions, but its effects on combined allergic rhinitis and asthma syndrome (CARAS) have not been studied. To clarify the protective effect and mechanism of aloin in the treatment of CARAS by network pharmacology, molecular dynamics simulation and experiment.Methods: The targets of aloin, allergic rhinitis and asthma were obtained from various databases. The protein interaction network was constructed for the common targets, and molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were performed for the core targets. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis of common targets was also performed using R software. Varieties of biological experiments were conducted to verify the effect of aloin on the inflammatory changes of CARAS and its regulatory mechanism.Results: A total of 42 anti-allergic rhinitis and 58 anti-asthma targets were obtained, and 5 core anti-allergic rhinitis and 6 core anti-asthma targets were identified using topological analysis. GO and KEGG analyses showed that endopeptidase activity and MAPK signaling pathway played important roles in allergic rhinitis and asthma. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations showed that aloin could stably bind to the core target proteins. Experimental verification showed that aloin significantly inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors, and may regulate CARAS by down-regulating MAPK signaling related proteins.Conclusion: This study identified the protective effect, potential target and mechanism of aloin on CARAS. It provides reference for understanding the molecular mechanism and clinical application of aloin in the ameliorates of CARAS.
Study of the mass balance, biotransformation and safety of [14C]SHR8554, a novel μ-opioid receptor injection, in healthy Chinese subjects
Authors: Shi Rupeng , Chai Yi , Feng Hao , Xie Lijun , Zhang Lulu , Zhong Tianqi , Chen Juan , Yan Peng , Zhu Bei , Zhao Jun , Zhou Chen 
Published: September 2023

Background: SHR8554 is a novel μ-opioid receptor-biased agonist. It has analgesic effects by selectively activating the G protein-coupled pathway. Additionally, it can weakly activate the ß-arrestin-2 pathway, resulting in a limited number of side effects, such as gastrointestinal inhibition. Previous studies have shown that SHR8554 has good analgesic effects, safety and tolerability, but the pharmacokinetic characteristics of SHR8554 in humans have not been reported. This study was designed to investigate the pharmacokinetics and safety of SHR8554 in healthy Chinese male subjects.Methods: A single 1 mg/41.3 μCi intravenous dose of [14C]SHR8554 was administered to six healthy male subjects. Blood, urine and faecal samples were collected at continuous time points to analyse SHR8554 parent drug levels and their metabolites. The total radioactivity in blood, plasma, urine and faeces was detected by using a liquid scintillation counter. The dynamic changes of SHR8554 and its metabolite concentration were by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS), and then pharmacokinetic analysis. The safety of the drug on the subjects was also observed after a single intravenous injection.Results: The total recovery of radioactivity in urine and faeces was 99.68% ± 0.79% in 216 h, including 76.22% ± 1.12% in urine and 23.46% ± 1.36% in faeces. Seventeen major metabolites in blood, urine and faeces were analysed and identified. The main metabolic pathways of SHR8554 in the human body involve 1) N-dealkylation; 2) O-deethylation; 3) mono-oxidation; 4) glucuronidation, etc. The primary mechanism of SHR8554 clearance in the human body is through urinary excretion, primarily in its parent drug and metabolite forms. The drug has good safety, and no serious adverse effects were observed.Conclusion: SHR8554 showed favourable pharmacokinetic characteristics and safety profiles in this study. SHR8554 is extensively metabolized in human body. The main metabolic pathways include N-dealkylation and O-deethylation, as well as mono-oxidation and glucuronidation. The main excretion route of SHR8554 and its metabolites is through urine.Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.chinadrugtrials.org.cn/, identifier CTR20220450
Epirubicin and gait apraxia: a real-world data analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database
Authors: Wang Wei , Guan Xin , Wang Shuang , Shi Lipeng , Zhu Yanfei , Hua Pengbo , Guo Qiang , Wang Jingqi 
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Epirubicin is widely used in many malignancies with good efficacy and tolerability. However, investigations about adverse events (AEs) using real-world information are still insufficient.Methods: We extracted Epirubicin-related reports submitted between the first quarter of 2014 and first quarter of 2023 from FAERS database. Four algorithms were utilized to evaluate whether there was a significant correlation between Epirubicin and AEs.Results: After de-duplicating, a total of 3919 cases were extracted. Among the 3919 cases, we identified 1472 AEs, 253 of which were found to be adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with Epirubicin. We analysed the occurrence of Epirubicin-induced ADRs and found several unexpected significant ADRs, such as hepatic artery stenosis, hepatic artery occlusion, intestinal atresia and so on. Interestingly, we found gait apraxia, a neurological condition, was also significantly associated with Epirubicin. To our knowledge, there haven't studies that have reported an association between gait disorders and the usage of epirubicin.Discussion: Our study identified new unexpected significant ADRs related to Epirubicin, providing new perspectives to the clinical use of Epirubicin.