bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bone morphogenetic protein 4 in perivascular adipose tissue ameliorates hypertension through regulation of angiotensinogen
Authors: Mu Wen-Juan , Song Yan-Jue , Yang Li-Jie , Qian Shu-Wen , Yang Qi-Qi , Liu Yang , Tang Qi-Qun , Tang Yan 
Published: November 2022

BackgroundPerivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), an active endocrine organ, exerts direct effect on vascular tone through paracrine. Activation of PVAT metabolism plays an inhibitory role in atherosclerosis via secreting relaxing factors. The present studies were designed to investigate the role of PVAT metabolism in regulation of hypertension.Materials and methodsApolipoprotein E (ApoE) knockout mice with BMP4 knockout in adipose tissue or brown adipose tissue (aP2-DKO or UCP1-DKO, respectively) were used for exploring the role of impaired PVAT metabolism in hypertension. Vascular function was assessed using wire myography. The potential regulatory factor of vascular function was explored using qPCR and ELISA and further confirmed in perivascular fat cell line.ResultsKnockout of BMP4 either in adipose tissue or specifically in BAT aggravates high-fat diet (HFD, 40% fat)-induced hypertension and endothelial dysfunction in ApoE–/– mice. In the meanwhile, deficiency of BMP4 also aggravates Ang II (angiotensin II) -induced hypertension and vascular remodeling in ApoE–/– mice. Moreover, deficiency of BMP4 inhibits NO release and induces ROS production. In vitro system, aortic rings pretreated with PVAT extracts from BMP4-DKO mice showed increased vasoconstriction and reduced endothelial-dependent relaxation compared with the controls. We further demonstrated that PVAT of BMP4-DKO mice expressed higher level of angiotensinogen (AGT) and Ang II compared with the controls.ConclusionImpaired PVAT metabolism aggravates hypertension, and this effect is dependent on the activation of local renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). The results of this study first demonstrate the regulatory role of PVAT metabolism in hypertension.
Techno-economic feasibility analyses of grid- connected solar photovoltaic power plants for small scale industries of Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Monib , Khattak Abraiz , Kashif Janjua Abdul , Alahmadi Ahmad Aziz , Salman Khan Muhammad , Ullah Nasim 
Published: November 2022

The globally soaring energy prices and electricity shortfall are major hurdles in the economic development of Pakistan. To cope with periodic power outages, small and medium enterprise (SME) business owners have to fall back on alternate power sources such as backup generators and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), which further increase the per kWh cost of electricity, power quality issues, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. On the contrary, grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are not only economical and sustainable but support the national power grid to mitigate environmental emissions. This study aims to investigate and compare the techno-economic viability of grid-connected solar photovoltaic power plants for the manufacturing SME sector in four different districts of Punjab, Pakistan. Based on the technical, financial, and environmental indicators, a detailed techno-economic, sensitivity, and GHG emission analysis is conducted using RETScreen Expert software. The research findings clearly show that the proposed solar PV projects for all four locations are technically, financially, and environmentally viable, however, Sargodha as compared to other sites is the most feasible location with the highest capacity factor of 17.8 %, highest internal rate of return 14.9 %, lowest payback period 7.7 years, and least levelized cost of electricity 8.5 ¢/kWh. For validation, the simulation results are compared with performance metrics from PV plants erected in various parts of the world. Applying the same research approach to the whole industrial sector of Punjab recommends adding 13,469 MW of PV capacity to satisfy the industry’s 20446.21 GWh annual energy consumption and to cut emissions by 90,17,581 t CO2 per year. This research work presents guidelines for researchers to evaluate the feasibility of suitable PV technologies for the SME sector thereby helping investors to have a holistic view of potential investment zones.
Steady-state thermal hydraulic modelling and turbine trip transient simulation of the NuScale integral pressurised water reactor using the ASTEC code
Authors: Guo Zhexi , Xiao Sicong , Chung Keng Yeow 
Published: November 2022

A steady state model of the NuScale reactor has been built using the thermal hydraulic module CESAR of the severe accident code ASTEC. Construction of the model was achieved through iterations based on convergence towards data provided by NuScale pertaining to important operating properties—core temperatures, coolant mass flow rate and secondary steam temperature—at 100% power (160 MW) and also at lower power levels. Good agreement with reference values was achieved to within 3% deviation. With a similar methodology, the previous model was adjusted to give a second steady state model meant to provide conservative initial conditions from which a turbine trip transient simulation would be performed. Sound agreement with literature was achieved, with maximum deviations of less than 1.8% for monitored parameters. Lastly, a turbine trip transient was simulated and compared to reference data from analyses performed with NRELAP5 and RELAP5/SCDAPSIM. The most important system behaviors and event timings are well captured and reproduced, with discrepancies arising from inevitable estimates made due to lack of information.
Effects of dietary plant and animal protein sources and replacement levels on growth and feed performance and nutritional status of market-sized turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) in RAS
Authors: Hoerterer Christina , Petereit Jessica , Lannig Gisela , Johansen Johan , Conceição Luis E. C. , Buck Bela H. 
Published: November 2022

One part of aquaculture sustainability is reducing the environmental footprint of aquaculture feeds. For European aquaculture, this means finding feed ingredients that are produced within the economic community, and that are not in conflict with human consumption. This is especially challenging when formulating diets for carnivorous fish such as turbot with low tolerance to fishmeal replacement that are both nutritious and economically and environmentally sustainable. Therefore, we investigated the effects of two novel and innovative feed formulation concepts on growth and feed performance and the nutritional status of market-sized turbot in a recirculating aquaculture system. In a 16-week feeding trial, 440 turbot (300 ± 9 g) were fed twice a day with a control diet (CTRL), based on a commercial formulation, and four experimental diets. The experimental diets were designed to investigate the effects of two formulations concepts based on sustainable terrestrial plant proteins (NoPAP) or processed animal proteins (PAP) and of 30% and 60% fishmeal replacement with emerging feed ingredients (fisheries by-products, insect meal and fermentation biomass). Turbot from the CTRL group had a similar growth and feed performance than fish fed the NoPAP30 formulation, with a significant decline of performance in the fish fed both PAP formulations and the NoPAP60. Comparing the two formulation concepts with each other the voluntary feed intake and protein efficiency ratio on tank basis as well as the individual weight gain and relative growth rate was significantly higher in the fish from the NoPAP groups than PAP groups. Furthermore, the apparent digestibility of nutrients and minerals was significantly reduced in the fish fed with the diets with 30% and 60% fishmeal replacement level compared to the fish from the CTRL group. In conclusion, the performance of the fish fed the NoPAP30 formulation concept highlights the potential of the used combination of sustainable ingredients, such as fisheries by-products, insect meal, microbial biomass and plant protein for turbot. Furthermore, this study shows that turbot has a higher tolerance to the incorporation of plant and insect protein than of processed animal protein.
Microbial alteration in marine sediments: Insights from compound-specific isotopic compositions of amino acids in subseafloor environments
Authors: Choi Hyuntae , Choi Bohyung , Chikaraishi Yoshito , Takano Yoshinori , Kim Haryun , Lee Kitack , Lim Dhongil , Shin Kyung-Hoon 
Published: November 2022

The proportion of amino acids (AAs) in sediment can be used as an indicator of microbial degradation, which is primarily the product of benthic prokaryote activity. The microbial activity would be reflected with the stable isotope ratio of nitrogen (δ15N) at the time of mineralization and resynthesis of AAs. In this study, the compound-specific isotope analysis of individual AAs was used to investigate δ15N variation associated with microbial processes in marine sediment samples. Our results showed a decrease in AA concentrations in core-top sediment was accompanied by an increase in δ15N values, suggesting large 15N enrichment in buried AAs. Phenylalanine displayed an increase in δ15N from the surface to depths greater than 2 cm, whereas relatively constant δ15N values at depths below 2 cm, suggesting that microbial utilization of phenylalanine varies with depth. Glycine showed the highest relative molar contribution (from 12.1 to 36.4%), with the largest δ15N increase (from 0.8 to 8.7) in deep sediment, implying that such information can serve as a measure of AA diagenesis in sedimentary environments. Our results also indicated that the δ15N values of individual AAs in sediment reflected the microbial alteration of organic matter at water-sediment interfaces and in sub-surface environments. These findings form an important basis for interpreting the δ15N values of AAs in sediment.
Frequency-tuned electromagnetic field therapy improves post-stroke motor function: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Weisinger Batsheva , Pandey Dharam P. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Hochberg Arielle , Bitton Adina , Doniger Glen M. , Lifshitz Assaf , Vardi Ofir , Shohami Esther , Segal Yaron , Reznik Balter Shira , Djemal Kay Yael , Alter Ariela , Prasad Atul , Bornstein Natan M. 
Published: November 2022

Background and purposeImpaired upper extremity (UE) motor function is a common disability after ischemic stroke. Exposure to extremely low frequency and low intensity electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) in a frequency-specific manner (Electromagnetic Network Targeting Field therapy; ENTF therapy) is a non-invasive method available to a wide range of patients that may enhance neuroplasticity, potentially facilitating motor recovery. This study seeks to quantify the benefit of the ENTF therapy on UE motor function in a subacute ischemic stroke population.MethodsIn a randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind trial, ischemic stroke patients in the subacute phase with moderately to severely impaired UE function were randomly allocated to active or sham treatment with a novel, non-invasive, brain computer interface-based, extremely low frequency and low intensity ENTF therapy (1–100 Hz, &lt; 1 G). Participants received 40 min of active ENTF or sham treatment 5 days/week for 8 weeks; ~three out of the five treatments were accompanied by 10 min of concurrent physical/occupational therapy. Primary efficacy outcome was improvement on the Fugl-Meyer Assessment – Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) from baseline to end of treatment (8 weeks).ResultsIn the per protocol set (13 ENTF and 8 sham participants), mean age was 54.7 years (±15.0), 19% were female, baseline FMA-UE score was 23.7 (±11.0), and median time from stroke onset to first stimulation was 11 days (interquartile range (IQR) 8–15). Greater improvement on the FMA-UE from baseline to week 4 was seen with ENTF compared to sham stimulation, 23.2 ± 14.1 vs. 9.6 ± 9.0,p= 0.007; baseline to week 8 improvement was 31.5 ± 10.7 vs. 23.1 ± 14.1. Similar favorable effects at week 8 were observed for other UE and global disability assessments, including the Action Research Arm Test (Pinch, 13.4 ± 5.6 vs. 5.3 ± 6.5,p= 0.008), Box and Blocks Test (affected hand, 22.5 ± 12.4 vs. 8.5 ± 8.6,p&lt; 0.0001), and modified Rankin Scale (−2.5 ± 0.7 vs. −1.3 ± 0.7,p= 0.0005). No treatment-related adverse events were reported.ConclusionsENTF stimulation in subacute ischemic stroke patients was associated with improved UE motor function and reduced overall disability, and results support its safe use in the indicated population. These results should be confirmed in larger multicenter studies.Clinical trial registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04039178, identifier: NCT04039178.
The essential oil from Drimys winteri possess activity: Antioxidant, theoretical chemistry reactivity, antimicrobial, antiproliferative and chemical composition
Authors: Bruna Flavia , Fernández Katia , Urrejola Felipe , Touma Jorge , Navarro Myriam , Sepúlveda Betsabet , Larrazabal-Fuentes María , Paredes Adrián , Neira Iván , Ferrando Matías , Osorio Manuel , Yañez Osvaldo , Bravo Jessica 
Published: November 2022

The Mapuche and their ancestors have used D. winteri in traditional medicine. In the present study, the essential oil extract of D. winteri leaves (DW_EO) were characterized chemically and biologically to evaluate its pharmacological activity. In vitro antioxidant activity was assayed, and antitumor activity was evaluated in non-tumor and tumor-cell culture lines. Caenorhabditis elegans was used as a model to evaluate toxicity, and the chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The chemical oil composition was characterized principally of five major terpenes: 4 sesquiterpenes γ-Eudesmol (39.7%), β-Caryophyllene (33.7%), Elemol (25.9%), α-Eudesmol (0.3%) and 1 diterpene Kaunene (0.4%). By quantum calculations, it was determined that all oils have the ability to capture and yield electrons, which is consistent with the moderate antioxidant activity of DW_EO detected in vitro. Furthermore, by molecular docking is estimated that these oils can bind to proteins involved in the production of oxygen radicals. Of these proteins, CYP2C9 could bind energetically, reaching binding energy between −6.8 and −9.2 kCal/mol for the 5 terpenes studied, highlighting among these β-Caryophyllen and γ-Eudesmol. DW_EO has effect against H. pylori (MIC 32 μg/ml), S. aureus (MIC 8 μg/ml), E. coli (MIC 32 μg/ml) and C. albicans (MIC 64 μg/ml), β-Caryophyllen and γ -Eudesmol (MIC 64 μg/ml) and could selectively inhibit the proliferation of epithelial tumor cell lines but showed low against C. elegans (0.39–1.56 μg mL−1). Therefore, DW_EO may be used as a source of bioactive compounds in novel pharmacological treatments for medical application, agronomics, sanitation, and food.
Preservation of sexual and reproductive function in the treatment of extragonadal yolk sac tumors in the female genital tract
Authors: Ma Xiao , Cao Dongyan , Peng Peng , Xiao Yu , Yang Jiaxin , Huang Huifang , Zhang Ying , Yu Mei , Wang Jinhui , Zhou Huimei , Cheng Ninghai , Wang Tao , Shen Keng 
Published: November 2022

ObjectiveThis study aimed to summarize the clinical features, treatment modalities, therapeutic effects, menstruation and fertility outcomes, and prognosis of extragonadal yolk sac tumors (YSTs) of the female genital tract.MethodsWe reviewed 32 cases of extragonadal YSTs in the genital tract treated between 1983 and 2021. The medical records, including clinical characteristics, histopathology, treatments, chemo-reduced adverse events, and outcomes on long-term follow-up, were collected.ResultsAmong the 32 cases, 30 were vaginal YSTs and two were uterine YSTs (endometrial and cervical). Thirty patients (30/32, 93.8%) were &lt;4 years. Abnormal vaginal bleeding (n = 31) and elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein level (n = 32) were the most common presentations. Vaginohysteroscopy and/or pediatric rhinoscopy were used for diagnosis in 17 pediatric patients and evaluation of chemotherapeutic efficacy in 21 pediatric patients. All the patients received combination chemotherapy. Bleomycin/etoposide/cisplatin (BEP) was chosen with prior consideration in 28 cases; 21 patients were treated with BEP alone. Yellow or grayish-yellow tissue with irregular shape was found in 66.7% of the cases during repeat examinations. Five patients underwent surgeries during repeat examinations and follow-ups, and no evidence of malignancy was noted in them. Thirty-one patients achieved complete remission. During a median follow-up of 63 months (2.4–240.3 months), two patients experienced recurrence, three died, and 29 remained disease-free. One patient recovered menstruation and five had undergone menarche.ConclusionBEP chemotherapy can serve as a preferred treatment modality for vaginal and uterine YSTs. Vaginohysteroscopy and pediatric rhinoscopy can be used for diagnosis and evaluation of chemotherapeutic efficacy in pediatric patients. YSTs possibly appear as yellow or grayish-yellow after chemotherapy.
Glycogen storage disease type Ia misdiagnosed as multiple acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency by mass spectrometry
Authors: Du Juan , Dou Li-Min , Jin Yong-Hong , Wen Qing-Fen , Lin Ya-Fen , Wang Jian-She 
Published: November 2022

ObjectiveTo report a case of glycogen storage disease (GSD) type Ia misdiagnosed as multiple acyl-coenzyme a dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) by mass spectrometry.MethodsA 7 months old boy was admitted to our hospital for elevated transaminase levels lasting more than 1 month. His blood biochemistry showed hypoglycemia, metabolic acidosis, hyperlipidemia, elevated lactate and uric acid, elevated alanine amino transferase (ALT), aspartate amino transaminase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). Mass spectrometry analysis of blood and urine showed elevated blood acylcarnitines and dicarboxylic aciduria, indicating multiple acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency. Sanger sequencing of all exons of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and electronic transfer flavoprotein dehydrogenase (ETFDH) was performed for the patient and his parents.ResultsCoding and flanking sequences of the G6Pase gene detected two heterozygous single base substitutions in the boy. One variant was in exon 1 (c.209G &gt; A), Which was also detected in the father. Another was in exon 5 (c.648G &gt; T), which was detected in the mother. Coding and flanking sequences of the ETFDH gene revealed no pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in the boy.ConclusionGSD Ia can manifest elevated blood acyl carnitines and dicarboxylic aciduria which were the typical clinical manifestations of MADD. So the patient with clinical manifestations similar to MADD is in need of differential diagnosis for GSD Ia. Genetic testing is helpful to confirming the diagnosis of inherited metabolic diseases.
Efficacy analysis of splint combined with platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Wu Chuan-Bin , Sun Ning-Ning , Zhang Dan , Wang Qiang , Zhou Qing 
Published: November 2022

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of splints combined with PRP for the treatment of temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.Methods: Thirty-one patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis who were treated with splints combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from January 2021 to June 2021 at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medical University (Shenyang, China) were retrospectively reviewed. The VAS scores of all the patients were recorded before and 6 months after treatment, and the maximum comfortable mouth opening was recorded. All data were analyzed by the paired t-test using SPSS software, and a p-value &lt; 0.05 indicated statistically significant differences.Results: Splint + PRP treatment was successful in 31 patients. The mean pretreatment VAS score was 6.1, and the mean VAS score 6 months posttreatment was 4.1. The posttreatment VAS score was significantly lower than the preoperative VAS score (p &lt; 0.05). The mean pretreatment maximum comfortable mouth opening (MCMO) was 27.6 mm, and the mean MCMO 6 months posttreatment was 34.8 mm. The MCMO was significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion: Splint + PRP is an effective treatment for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.
Relationship between resilience, optimism, and burnout in Pan-American athletes
Authors: Tutte-Vallarino Veronica , Malán-Ernst Estefanía , Reyes-Bossio Mario , Peinado-Portero Ana , de Álvaro Julio Imbernón , Ortín Montero Francisco José , Garcés de Los Fayos Ruiz Enrique J. 
Published: November 2022

AimA series of knowledge has been developed on burnout syndrome in the sports context that has allowed to generate a solid theoretical structure that requires new contributions to delve into those aspects that have been less addressed, as is the case of optimism and resilience when it comes to linking them to the syndrome in top-performance athletes. For this purpose, the Burnout Inventory for Athletes (IBD-r), the Resilience Scale adapted to Spanish, and the Life Orientation Scale-Revised (LOT-R) for optimism were used.MethodsFrom this perspective, the study was approached with 121 Uruguayan athletes who participated in the last Pan-American Games, assuming practically all the subjects who have this level of sport (142) considering gender and type of sport.ResultsThe results indicate that 67% of the sample presents burnout symptoms for the emotional exhaustion dimension, and moderate resilience and optimism. Although there are no significant differences attributable to gender or type of sport, this contribution allows us to continue focusing on future work and further analysis. The type of sport presented statistically significant differences in relation to the personal competence dimension and the type of sport.ConclusionResilience and optimism obtained a clear influence on the occurrence of burnout, in a statistically negative sense, showing themselves as interesting prevention strategies for future lines of research, where it is essential to design interventions that teach emotional skills to manage adversity and prevent burnout.