bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High Performance of Functionalized Graphene Hydrogels Using Ethylenediamine for Supercapacitor Applications
Authors: Ju Hong , Xu Weihui , Fang Lu , Duan Jinzhuo 
Published: May 2022

High-performance supercapacitor (SC) electrodes typically require excellent rate capabilities, long cycle life, and high energy densities. In this work, ethylenediamine (EDA) functionalized graphene hydrogels (FGHs) with a high capacitor performance were prepared from graphene oxide (GO) dispersions using a two-step hydrothermal method. In addition, we used a very small amount of EDA to achieve the partial reduction and functional modification of GO, and the synthesized FGH-4 binder-free electrodes exhibited a high specific capacitance of −240 F/g at 1 A/g. We also successfully fabricated a symmetric SC device based on the FGH-4 electrode, with a wide voltage window of 3.0 V. More importantly, the as-assembled symmetric SC delivered a high specific energy of 39 Wh/kg at a specific power of 749 W/kg, while still maintaining its superior cycle life (retaining 88.09% of its initial capacitance after 10,000 cycles).
Gut Microbiome Characteristics in IgA Nephropathy: Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis from Observational Studies
Authors: Han Shisheng , Shang Li , Lu Yan , Wang Yi 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundRecent data indicate the importance of gut-kidney axis in the pathogenesis of Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). Growing evidence suggests the alterations of diversity and composition of gut microbiome among patients with IgAN, however, the details are not yet fully understood.MethodsEligible studies comparing the gut microbiome between patients with IgAN and non-IgAN individuals were systematically searched from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The primary outcomes were alpha- and beta-diversity, and the differences in gut microbiota composition between patients with IgAN and non-IgAN persons. Qualitative analysis and meta-analysis were performed according to available data.ResultsEleven cross-sectional studies, including 409 patients with IgAN and 243 healthy controls, were enrolled. No significant differences in the diversity and enrichment of gut bacteria were found between IgAN and healthy individuals, whereas the beta-diversity consistently showed significant microbial dissimilarities among the two groups. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia were the dominant phyla, however, no significant differences were found between IgAN patients and healthy controls at the phylum level. The genera, Streptococcus and Paraprevotella showed a higher proportion in patients with IgAN compared to healthy individuals, whereas Fusicatenibacter showed a lower abundance according to meta-analysis. Qualitative analyses suggested that Escherichia-Shigella might be increased in IgAN patients; the genera, Clostridium, Prevotella 9,and Roseburia, members of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae families, were likely to have decreased abundances in patients with IgAN compared to healthy individuals.ConclusionGut microbiota dysbiosis was demonstrated in IgAN, which might be involved in the pathogenesis of IgAN. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings of this study, due to the substantial heterogeneity.Systematic Review Registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier PROSPERO (CRD42022304034).
Aortic Elasticity and Cardiac Function in Fetuses With Aortic Coarctation
Authors: Zhou Dan , Xu Ran , Zhou Jiawei , Xie Li , Xu Ganqiong , Liu Minghui , Zeng Shi 
Published: May 2022

ObjectiveThe purpose of the study was to observe the elasticity of the ascending aorta (AAo) in normal fetuses and fetuses with coarctation of the aorta (CoA) by M-mode echocardiography.MethodsThis was a prospective clinical study performed on 16 fetuses with CoA and 48 gestational-age matched normal fetuses. The minimum internal diameter in the diastolic phase (Dmin) and the maximum internal diameter in the systolic phase (Dmax) of the AAo were measured by M-mode echocardiography. The aortic strain was calculated using the formula 100 × (Dmax−Dmin)/Dmin). Doppler echocardiography was performed to measure the cardiac function parameters. Correlations between aortic strain and cardiac function were assessed in fetuses with CoA.ResultsThe aortic strain of the ascending aorta in the fetuses with CoA was significantly lower than that in normal fetuses (18.12 ± 4.88% vs. 25.22 ± 4.92%, p &lt; 0.01). The fetuses with CoA showed significantly higher combined cardiac output than the controls (471.89 ± 93.98 vs. 411.57 ± 46.35 ml/min/kg, p &lt; 0.05). Compared with the normal group, the early diastolic velocities (E') and peak systolic velocities (S') of the left side were obviously decreased in the CoA group (p &lt; 0.05), while the left early diastolic velocity ratio (E/E') was significantly increased in the fetuses with CoA (p &lt; 0.01). For the fetuses with CoA, the aortic strain of the AAo was correlated with the left E/E' and S' (r = −0.522 and 0.504, respectively, P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionsThe aortic strain of the ascending aorta was significantly decreased in fetuses with CoA in middle-late gestation. The impaired strain of the ascending aorta was correlated with the left ventricle function in the fetuses with CoA. These findings imply that the abnormalities of the intrinsic aortic wall of CoA might develop early in utero.
Nuclear-Order-Induced Quantum Criticality and Heavy-Fermion Superconductivity at Ultra-low Temperatures in YbRh2Si2
Authors: Schuberth Erwin , Wirth Steffen , Steglich Frank 
Published: May 2022

The tetragonal heavy-fermion metal YbRh2Si2 orders antiferromagnetically at TN = 70 mK and exhibits an unconventional quantum critical point (QCP) of Kondo-destroying type at BN = 60 mT, for the magnetic field applied within the basal (a, b) plane. Ultra-low-temperature magnetization and heat-capacity measurements at very low fields indicate that the 4f-electronic antiferromagnetic (AF) order is strongly suppressed by a nuclear-dominated hybrid order (“A-phase”) at TA ≤ 2.3 mK, such that quantum critical fluctuations develop at B ≈ 0 (Schuberth et al., Science, 2016, 351, 485–488). This enables the onset of heavy-fermion superconductivity (Tc = 2 mK) which appears to be suppressed by the primary antiferromagnetic order at elevated temperatures. Measurements of the Meissner effect reveal bulk superconductivity, with Tc decreasing under applied field to Tc &lt; 1 mK at B &gt; 20 mT. The observation of a weak but distinct superconducting shielding signal at a temperature as high as 10 mK suggests the formation of insulated random islands with emergent A-phase order and superconductivity. Upon cooling, the shielding signal increases almost linearly in temperature, indicating a growth of the islands which eventually percolate at T ≈ 6.5 mK. Recent electrical-resistivity results by Nguyen et al. (Nat. Commun., 2021, 12, 4341) confirm the existence of superconductivity in YbRh2Si2 at ultra-low temperatures. The combination of the results of Schuberth et al. (2016) and Nguyen et al. (2021) at ultra-low temperatures below BN, along with those previously established at higher temperatures in the paramagnetic state, provide compelling evidence that the Kondo-destruction quantum criticality robustly drives unconventional superconductivity.
Comparing the Ecotoxicological Effects of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA) on Freshwater Microbial Community
Authors: Laine Miikka B. , Vesamäki Jussi S. , Puupponen Veli-Mikko , Tiirola Marja , Taipale Sami J. 
Published: May 2022

The ubiquitous presence of perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) around the globe has attracted increasing attention, due to their persistency, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Nevertheless, the ecotoxicological effects of the compounds on aquatic microorganisms has remained understudied. Hence, the present study focused on determining, and comparing, the effects of regulated long-chain PFCA, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and nonregulated short-chain PFCA, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), on the diversity, structure, microbial growth, and activity of a freshwater microbial community. In the experiment, lake water was incubated for a period of four weeks at three different concentrations of the studied PFCAs: 100 ng/L, 100 μg/L, and 10 mg/L. The results suggested that both compounds at high concentration (10 mg/L) altered the structure of the microbial community, but the diversity was not affected. Both compounds also decreased the microbial biovolume at higher concentrations and the increasing dose added to the significance of the impact, whereas inhibition of net microbial respiration could not be demonstrated. PFOA showed more potent toxicity towards the microbial community as it caused more significant structural changes to the community and significantly inhibited microbial growth even at the low 100 ng/L concentration. This study helps to better understand the ecotoxicity of PFCAs and to assess the environmental risks associated with their use. Additionally, these results can help policy makers to better assess the environmental risks posed by short-chain PFCAs on aquatic ecosystems.
Effect of SLC16A1 on Hepatic Glucose Metabolism in Newborn and Post-Weaned Holstein Bulls
Authors: Xue Mingming , Song Mingkun , Yan Duo , Sun Shuaijie , Wang Yadong , Fu Tong , Cai Hanfang , Xu Huifen , Sun Guirong , Wang Kejun , Li Ming 
Published: May 2022

Background: Patterns of liver energy metabolism significantly differ from birth to adult in cattle undergoing change of rumen rumination. However, the genes involve in hepatic energy metabolism during bovine development and how regulate are still unclear.Methods: In this study, 0-day-old newborn calves (0W) and 9-week-old weaned calves (9W) were used to investigate differences in liver glucose metabolism at these stages of calf development. We did this primarily through the quantitation of energy metabolism indicators, then sequencing the liver transcriptome for each group of claves.Results: The transcriptome results showed 979 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), enriched in animal organ development, catabolic process, transmembrane transport. SLC16A1 involved in that and was locked to investigate. We explored the effects of SLC16A1 on glucose and lactate flux in vitro. We identified and verified its target, miR-22-3p, through bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assays. Moreover, this study found that miR-22-3p decreased cell activity by negatively regulating the SLC16A1. Importantly, our result showed the insulin-induced SLC16A1 mRNA expression decreased, regulated by promoter activity rather than miR-22-3p.Conclusions: Our study illustrates the role of SLC16A1 in the liver mediated metabolism of developing calves. These data enrich our knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms of liver mediated glucose metabolism in developing cattle.
Rare Alleles and Signatures of Selection on the Immunodominant Domains of Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 in Malaria Parasites From Western Kenya
Authors: Ochwedo Kevin O. , Ariri Fredrick O. , Otambo Wilfred O. , Magomere Edwin O. , Debrah Isaiah , Onyango Shirley A. , Orondo Pauline W. , Atieli Harrysone E. , Ogolla Sidney O. , Otieno Antony C. A. , Mukabana Wolfgang R. , Githeko Andrew K. , Lee Ming-Chieh , Yan Guiyun , Zhong Daibin , Kazura James W. 
Published: May 2022

Background: Malaria elimination and eradication efforts can be advanced by including transmission-blocking or reducing vaccines (TBVs) alongside existing interventions. Key transmission-blocking vaccine candidates, such as Pfs230 domain one and Pfs48/45 domain 3, should be genetically stable to avoid developing ineffective vaccines due to antigenic polymorphisms. We evaluated genetic polymorphism and temporal stability of Pfs230 domain one and Pfs48/45 domain three in Plasmodium falciparum parasites from western Kenya.Methods: Dry blood spots on filter paper were collected from febrile malaria patients reporting to community health facilities in endemic areas of Homa Bay and Kisumu Counties and an epidemic-prone area of Kisii County in 2018 and 2019. Plasmodium speciation was performed using eluted DNA and real-time PCR. Amplification of the target domains of the two Pfs genes was performed on P. falciparum positive samples. We sequenced Pfs230 domain one on 156 clinical isolates and Pfs48/45 domain three on 118 clinical isolates to infer the levels of genetic variability, signatures of selection, genetic diversity indices and perform other evolutionary analyses.Results:Pfs230 domain one had low nucleotide diversity (π = 0.15 × 10–2) with slight variation per study site. Six polymorphic sites with nonsynonymous mutations and eight haplotypes were discovered. I539T was a novel variant, whereas G605S was nearing fixation. Pfs48/45 domain three had a low π (0.063 × 10–2), high conservation index, and three segregating sites, resulting in nonsynonymous mutation and four haplotypes. Some loci of Pfs230 D1 were in positive or negative linkage disequilibrium, had negative or positive selection signatures, and others (1813, 1955) and (1813, 1983) had a history of recombination. Mutated loci pairs in Pfs48/45 domain three had negative linkage disequilibrium, and some had negative and positive Tajima’s D values with no history of recombination events.Conclusion: The two transmission blocking vaccine candidates have low nucleotide diversity, a small number of zone-specific variants, high nucleotide conservation index, and high frequency of rare alleles. With the near fixation a polymorphic site and the proximity of mutated codons to antibody binding epitopes, it will be necessary to continue monitoring sequence modifications of these domains when designing TBVs that include Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 antigens.
The Inhibition of Osteoblast Viability by Monosodium Urate Crystal-Stimulated Neutrophil-Derived Exosomes
Authors: Jia Ertao , Zhu Haiqiong , Geng Hongling , Zhong Li , Qiu Xia , Xie Jingjing , Xiao Yuya , Jiang Yubao , Xiao Min , Zhang Yanying , Wei Jiaxin , Tang Dabin , Zhang Jianyong 
Published: May 2022

Background and ObjectiveBone erosion is common in patients with gout. The role of neutrophil-derived exosomes in gouty bone erosion remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the functions of the neutrophil-derived exosomes in the development of bone erosion in gout.MethodsNeutrophil-derived exosomes were collected and assessed by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. Cell counting kit-8 assay was applied to evaluate cell viability, and cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. In addition, quantitative Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to determine the expression levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteoprotegerin (OPG), and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). Neutrophil-derived exosomes were tagged with PKH67. The miRNA expression profiles of exosomes and human fetal osteoblasts (hFOB) were compared using high-throughput sequencing. Functional miRNAs transfected into hFOB after co-incubation with exosomes were selected and validated by preliminary qPCR.ResultsNeutrophil-derived exosomes were stimulated by monosodium urate (MSU). The exosomes could inhibit the viability of the hFOB, and the expression levels of ALP and OPG were down-regulated, while the expression level of RANKL was up-regulated. However, there was no significant difference in the viability of osteoclasts and the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells 1. Exosomes were observed in the cytoplasm under a confocal microscopy, confirming that exosomes could be taken up by hFOB. In total, 2590 miRNAs were found, of which 47 miRNAs were differentially expressed. Among the delivered miRNAs, miR-1246 exhibited the highest level of differential expression. The viability of hFOB was reduced by miR-1246 mimics and increased by miR-1246 inhibitors. There was no significant difference in hFOB apoptosis rate between the miR-1246 mimic and miR-1246 inhibitor group. MiR-1246 overexpression decreased the expression levels of ALP and OPG, whereas increasing the expression level of RANKL. In contrast, miR-1246 inhibitor increased the expression levels of ALP and OPG, while decreasing the expression level of RANKL. Neutrophil-derived exosomes stimulated by MSU could increase the expression of miR-1246. ConclusionNeutrophil-derived exosomes stimulated by MSU could inhibit the viability of osteoblasts.
Full Lignin-Derived Electrospun Carbon Materials as Electrodes for Supercapacitors
Authors: Thielke Michael W. , Lopez Guzman Stiven , Victoria Tafoya Jorge Pavel , García Tamayo Esteban , Castro Herazo Cristina Isabel , Hosseinaei Omid , Sobrido Ana Jorge 
Published: May 2022

In the search for more sustainable energy storage devices, biomass-derived materials have been widely researched as carbon source for electrode applications. Here we present the processing of high molecular lignin, an abundant carbon rich biopolymer and byproduct of the pulp and paper industry, into freestanding nonwoven carbon fiber (CNFs) electrodes by using electrospinning. It is worth mentioning that no petrol-derived polymers that are usually included in the electrospinning of lignin, were employed in this work, making these electrodes more sustainable than common lignin-derived carbon electrodes. The effect of the carbonization temperature and oxygen plasma treatment in the electrochemical performance of the CNFs as electrodes for supercapacitors was studied. The upscaling of the processing of lignin into carbon electrodes was also explored by comparing a standard electrospinning set up with a needleless electrospinning equipment that enabled faster and higher throughput. The electrochemical performance of the CNFs increased after plasma treatment of the surface and the electrodes prepared using the standard set up exhibited the highest activity, achieving specific capacitances of up to 103.6 F g−1.
Conductive GelMA/PEDOT: PSS Hybrid Hydrogel as a Neural Stem Cell Niche for Treating Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
Authors: Zhang Yilei , Zhang Meimei , Zhang Runlin , Liu Haining , Chen Hui , Zhang Xiaofeng , Li Chen , Zeng Qing , Chen Yunhua , Huang Guozhi 
Published: May 2022

Cerebral ischemia and the subsequent cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury usually result in neuronal impairment with serious disabilities. Although neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation can help with functional recovery after stroke, due to the improper cellular milieu after brain injury, direct NSC transplantation will result low cell survival rates and differentiation efficiency into neurons. Here a conductive hybrid hydrogel based on gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene): poly (styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) was created as a NSC niche for the treatment of cerebral I/R injury. GelMA/PEDOT:PSS hybrid hydrogel promoted the development of NSCs into neurons. GelMA/PEDOT:PSS hydrogel along with NSCs could enhance neuronal activity and minimize apoptosis when co-cultured with oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) neurons. Furthermore, after 7 days of implantation, GelMA/PEDOT:PSS/NSCs on the infarcted brain of rats subjected to reperfusion injury after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was verified to attenuate inflammatory responses. These findings show that the conductive GelMA/PEDOT:PSS hybrid hydrogel could regulate NSC development and act as promising cell niches for the treatment of cerebral I/R injury.
Hyperphosphatemia and Outcomes in Critically Ill Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zheng Wen-He , Yao Yan , Zhou Hua , Xu Yuan , Huang Hui-Bin 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionSerum phosphate level is often deranged during critical illness. Hyperphosphatemia, as a marker of disease severity, attracts more and more attention. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of hyperphosphatemia on clinical outcomes in critically ill patients.MethodsWe searched for relevant studies in PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane database up to Jan 10, 2022. Two authors independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed the study quality. Meta-analyses were performed to determine hyperphosphatemia prevalence and evaluate its relationship with prognosis and important clinical outcomes. We also conducted subgroup analysis and sensitivity analyses to explore the sources of heterogeneity.ResultsTen studies with 60,358 patients met the inclusion criteria. These studies were moderate to high quality. The median prevalence of hyperphosphatemia was 30% (range from 5.6 to 45%). Patients with hyperphosphatemia had a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality than those without (OR 2.85; 95% CI, 2.35 to 3.38, P &lt; 0.0001). Subgroup analyses, sensitivity analyses, and regression analyses further confirmed these results. In addition, patients with hyperphosphatemia required more CRRT (OR 4.96; 95% CI, 2.43 to 10.2, P &lt; 0.0001) but not significantly increased duration of mechanical ventilation (mean difference, MD 0.13, 95% CI −0.04 to 0.30; P = 0.138), length of stay in intensive care unit (ICU) (SMD 0.164 day, 95% CI −0.007 to 0.335; P = 0.06), and length of stay in hospital (SMD 0.005 day, 95% CI −0.74 to 0.75; P = 0.99).ConclusionsOur results indicated that hyperphosphatemia was associated with all-cause mortality in critically ill patients. However, due to the retrospective design of the included studies, more prospective, well-designed research is required in the future.Systematic Review Registration[https://doi.org/10.37766/inplasy2021.12.0130], identifier [INPLASY2021120130].
Associations of the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index With Femur Bone Mineral Density and Osteoporosis in American Postmenopausal Women: Data From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Wang Jie , Xing Fei , Sheng Ning , Xiang Zhou 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundThe geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) has been used as a significant tool to access the nutritional status of the elderly. However, the relationship between the GNRI and femur bone mineral density (BMD) and the risk of osteoporosis remains unclear in American postmenopausal women.ObjectivesWe aimed to explore associations between the GNRI with femur BMD and the risk of osteoporosis in American postmenopausal women.MethodsWe merged the continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2006, 2007–2008, 2009–2010, 2013–2014, and 2017–2018 to ensure a large and representative sample, including 3,152 participants. The linear relationship between the GNRI and femur BMD was assessed via a weighted multivariate linear regression model. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for the association between the GNRI and the risk of osteoporosis were assessed by a weighted logistic regression model. Moreover, the nonlinear relationship was also characterized by smooth curve fitting (SCF) and a weighted generalized additive model (GAM).ResultsAfter adjusting for all covariates, the weighted multivariable linear regression models demonstrated that the GNRI was positively correlated with femur BMD. The weighted logistic regression models demonstrated that each unit of increased GNRI value was associated with a decreased risk of osteoporosis of 4.13%. When categorizing GNRI based on quartiles, ORs between the risk of osteoporosis and the GNRI across quintiles 2, 3, and 4 compared with quintile 1 were 0.5565 (95% CI: 0.4791, 0.6463; P &lt; 0.000001), 0.5580 (95% CI: 0.4600, 0.6769; P &lt; 0.000001), and 0.3475 (95% CI: 0.2681, 0.4505; P &lt; 0.000001). The trends similar to the above were also observed in SCF and GAM.ConclusionThis study indicated that nutritional status, represented by the GNRI, was positively associated with femur BMD and negatively associated with the risk of osteoporosis in American postmenopausal women. The GNRI may be a good tool to identify American postmenopausal women who need further bone health nutritional support.