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Inoculation of Bacillus subtilis in acidic soil amended with biochar and liming materials in maize cultivation
Hyperuricemia in ob/ob mice relates to hepatocellular pyruvate metabolism/ xanthine oxidase axis
Objective The study aimed to examine the association between obesity and hyperuricemia in ob/ob mice. Methods An animal model of obesity was developed using male ob/ob mice. Biochemical parameter test kits were used to measure serum uric acid (UA), hepatic xanthine oxidase (XOD) activity, serum creatinine (Scr), serum lipid profiles, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Then, liver tissues were collected for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, flow cytometry, and western blot (WB) analysis. Furthermore, Huh-7 cells were co-cultured with THP-1 macrophages for 24 hours, with or without LPS + IFN-γ or PA, and subsequently analyzed for XOD activity. In addition, the Huh-7 cells stimulated with PA were analyzed by metabolomics and validated by WB and RT-qPCR. Results Levels of Serum lipid profiles, UA, and XOD activity are elevated in ob/ob mice. In ob/ob mice, liver M1 macrophage polarization is markedly enhanced. In vitro studies show that elevated XOD activity in hepatocytes during hyperlipidemia does not correlate with M1 macrophage polarization. Metabolomics showed that the XOD activity of hepatocytes in hyperlipidemia may be related to pyruvate metabolism. Moreover, the protein and mRNA levels of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH), an enzyme that limits pyruvate accumulation, were significantly down-regulated in Huh-7 cells with PA stimulation. Conclusion Hyperuricemia in ob/ob mice relates to hepatocellular pyruvate metabolism/ xanthine oxidase axis.
Self-Assembled Ion Transport Channels in Block Copolymer Electrolytes for Dendrite-Free All-Solid-State Sodium Batteries
Energy saving and low carbon oriented renovation framework for educational buildings with Tianjin University case study
Protocol for a scoping review of the evidence concerning the unique needs and experiences of Orthodox Jewish women and their partners using maternity services
Background Orthodox Jews follow the Jewish law, Halacha, that determines most daily activities and behaviours. Halacha restrictions and the insular lifestyle of groups within the Orthodox community have led to cultural barriers when interacting with NHS maternity services in the UK. Aims and objectives This protocol describes a scoping review that will aim to: explore the needs of Orthodox Jews when interacting with maternity services and their experiences in the UK; to what extend this topic has been studied; and identify any gaps that need further research. Rationale The literature on this topic is scarce. There is an urgent need to understand the unique needs of these communities in order to make NHS maternity services accessible to all. Methods The scoping review will follow Arksey and O’Malley’s framework for scoping reviews. We will utilise a broad search strategy that will include terms such as Orthodox Jewish, Haredi, Halacha, Needs, Experiences and Maternity Services. We will search the grey literature and databases such as OpenGrey, PubMed, Web of Science, CINHAL, SocINDEX and ProQuest. The search will be an iterative process that will be led by the search itself and the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) work done in parallel. Inclusion criteria Using the terms above, we will include English papers from all OECD countries, applying no restrictions on publication year. Expected outcomes Mapping the literature will allow a better understanding of the needs and experiences of the Orthodox community when interacting with NHS maternity services in the UK and will lead to the next stage of the project that aims to make these services more culturally sensitive.
Constructing Dual-Functional Organic Cuboctahedron Cages with Two Different Triangular Building Units for Efficient Artificial Photosynthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide from Water and Oxygen
Identification of typical marker proteins of Treponema pallidum in compact human bone using morphological and biochemical techniques
Abstract In ancient human compact bone tissue, we can present the identified marker proteins of Treponema pallidum, the lipoproteins 47 kDa, 17 kDa and 15 kDa in three adult individuals from Austria (thirteenth–seventeenth century CE), and in a 5 to 6-years-old child from Germany (seventeenth–nineteenth century CE). These three identified lipoproteins are also used to diagnose syphilis in current medicine. The individuals selected for this study predominantly exhibit the macroscopic and microscopic features of treponemal disease. However, the result of the proteomic analysis can confirm the diagnosis of treponematosis without any doubt. The extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in well-preserved ancient human compact bone are still tightly bound to hydroxyapatite and/or collagen. With our solubilization technique, the entrapped ECM proteins are solubilized and identified with special antibodies in Western blot. Our techniques open up more possibilities to diagnose also other infectious diseases and tumors in humans who lived many thousands years ago.
The influence of audience’s regulatory focus on the persuasive effect of different pro-vaccine messages
The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of an audience’s regulatory focus on the persuasive effect of different pro-vaccine messages. Study 1 (N = 169) examined attitude changes among audiences with different regulatory focus after reading pro-vaccine messages, and Study 2 (N = 201) added the exploration of message persuasiveness and vaccination intentions as well. The results of Study 1 and Study 2 showed that both high promotion fucus and high prevention focus could facilitate the attitude change elicited by messages emphasizing vaccine safety, official position and credibility. Meanwhile, high-promotion individuals were also more easily influenced by messages highlighting the benefits of vaccination, while high-prevention individuals were more receptive to messages focusing on the personal responsibility. Similar results also appeared when measuring perceived persuasiveness as dependent variable. However, these impacts of regulatory focus did not remain statistically significant on behavioral intention for most messages, except for the messages emphasizing vaccine effectiveness. The behavioral intention changes after reading these messages were significantly promoted by high promotion focus. Our findings could shed some light on the mechanism underlying personalized persuasion as well as more targeted vaccination promotion strategies.
Solvent-Induced Morphology Control of Polymer Assemblies with Improved Photothermal Features
Northwestward shifts in the locations of genesis reduce the lifetime of landfalling tropical cyclones in China
Abstract China is one of the countries most affected by tropical cyclones (TCs) worldwide. However, it remains unclear whether the significant poleward and coastal shifts in global TCs due to climate warming have affected the lifetime of landfalling TCs in China. Result shows that the lifetime of landfalling TCs in China has significantly decreased by 24% over the past 40 years, which is primarily contributed by the minor TCs. The duration in development stage has significantly shortened for both major and minor TCs. The northwestward migration of genesis locations has led to a decrease in duration of minor TCs, while the increase in the intensification rate has contributed to the shorter major TC durations. Further analysis suggests that these changes in TC lifetime and northwestward shifts are associated with a decrease in the Convective Available Potential Energy and westward extension of the subtropical high. The observed increase in rapid intensifications of major TCs is mainly driven by an increase in favourable thermodynamic environments. These findings clarify the connection between large-scale changes in TC genesis locations and regional characteristics of TC activity.
DNA methylation differences stratified by normalized fetal/placental weight ratios suggest neurodevelopmental deficits in neonates with congenital heart disease
Background We lack early biomarkers for predicting neurodevelopment (ND) outcomes in children with congenital heart disease (CHD). Placentas of fetuses with CHD have abnormalities, including unbalanced fetal/placental weight ratios (F/P). Although DNA methylation profiles have revealed insights into the maternal-fetal environment (MFE), it is unknown if DNA methylation correlates to normalized F/P weight ratio groups and how these differences relate to ND outcomes. Methods We prospectively recruited a cohort of pregnant women carrying a fetus with CHD. A subset of the cohort had DNA methylation performed on either umbilical cord blood or postnatal blood (45 full-term neonates). We calculated normalized F/P weight ratios, focusing on three normalized F/P ratio groups for analysis. We calculated differential methylation signals in eight ND disabilities-associated gene sets. Normalized F/P ratios were compared to 18-month Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III scores (BSID-III). Results Unbiased gene ontology enrichment analysis of differentially methylated regions revealed enrichment for brain development-related pathways. Although there were no significant differences between normalized F/P weight ratio groups and BSID-III, disease-associated gene set pathway analysis revealed significant methylation differences between the most severely unbalanced F/P weight ratio and normal F/P weight ratio groups. Conclusion Gene ontology enrichment analysis of differential methylation regions revealed significant differences between normalized F/P weight ratio groups in neurogenesis genes. Furthermore, our data identified methylation differences between unbalanced and balanced normalized F/P weight ratio groups in gene pathways associated with ND dysfunction common in the aging CHD population suggesting converging pathways for ND disorders that should be investigated further.
Efficient Kinetic-Resolution Copolymerization of Epoxides and CO<sub>2</sub> Achieved via Computation-Guided Catalyst Design
Fuzzy incidence coloring under structural operations for communication channel allocation
Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Hungarian version of the Mentalized Affectivity Scale (MAS): A cross-sectional study
Background There is an increasing need among researchers to explore how emotions are regulated and processed. Mentalized affectivity is a complex cognitive and affective ability to understand thoughts, feelings and intentions of oneself and others. Aims This study proposes a psychometric validation of the Hungarian version of the Mentalized Affectivity Scale (MAS), and measures the three main domains of mentalized emotions: emotion recognition, processing and expression. Materials & methods Participants (N = 316) were recruited using the snowball sampling method via various mailing lists and social networking sites from August 2023 to November 2023. Structural Equation Modeling was used to validate the original factor structure and Principal Component was used for subsequent exploration. We used Spearman’s correlation to measure convergent validity and the Kruskal-Wallis test for correlations with demographics. Results Initial confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis on the 60 items of Greenberg did not show satisfactory outcomes. Subsequently, we checked the 35-item version of the scale: after deleting one item, and using the original three-factor structure, we found that the scale showed great internal consistency and sufficient convergent validity to other measured constructs. Discussion & conclusion The Hungarian 34-item Mentalized Affectivity Scale and its three subscales are suitable for measuring mentalized affectivity.
Medico-legal identification of unidentified bodies and missing persons in Milan and Paris: a comparative institutional study
Reproductive health programs in women with physical disabilities: A scoping review protocol
Introduction Approximately 15% of people with disabilities are women of reproductive age. Women with physical disabilities are neglected in reproductive and sexual health. Complex health conditions, mobility limitations, negative disability stereotypes, and misconceptions about their needs directly and indirectly affect their sexual and reproductive health. Access to appropriate reproductive health care is crucial for empowering these women to manage their reproductive and sexual health challenges effectively. This scoping review aims to identify, explore, and map the existing evidence on reproductive health programs and interventions in women with physical disabilities. Materials and methods This scoping review will be based on Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework and the subsequent recommendations of Levac et al. We will search for studies published from January 2006–2024 in English and Persian without restriction by study design in databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, ProQuest, Springer, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and websites like the World Health Organization, UNICEF and government sites for policies and reports about reproductive health programs for women with physical disabilities. Two or more reviewers will independently conduct all stages of the study. Data synthesis will utilize a qualitative analysis approach, and this review will be reported using the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Conclusion This scoping review synthesizes evidence on reproductive health interventions for women with physical disabilities, including educational and awareness programs, healthcare access initiatives, support groups, and policy interventions. We will explore these interventions across various dimensions of reproductive health. The results of this review will offer a comprehensive overview of available resources and identify critical gaps in reproductive health for this population. To our understanding, this study may be the first scoping review in this field, which could provide valuable guidance to key stakeholders.
Unveiling Phase Transition Dynamics Using Cryogenic Optical Microscopy in a Charge-Transfer Fe<sub>2</sub>Co<sub>2</sub> Switchable Molecular Material
A unifying theory of aging and mortality
Abstract In this paper, we advance the network theory of aging and mortality by developing a causal mathematical model for the mortality rate. First, we show that in large networks, where health deficits accumulate at nodes representing health indicators, the modelling of network evolution with Poisson processes is universal and can be derived from fundamental principles. Second, with the help of two simplifying approximations, which we refer to as mean-field assumption and homogeneity assumption, we provide an analytical derivation of Gompertz law under generic and biologically relevant conditions. Third, we identify for which network parameters Gompertz law is accurate, express the parameters in Gompertz law as a function of the network parameters, and illustrate our computations with simulations and analytic approximations. Our paper is the first to offer a full mathematical explanation of Gompertz law and its limitations based on network theory.
Association of 25(OH)D serum level with biological aging: A Cross-Sectional Study of 2007–2016 NHANES surveys
Vitamin D plays a crucial role in various aspects of human body, including aging, but chronological age may not accurately reflect the true biological aging status. Recently, PhenoAge has been developed to estimate an individual’s biological age based on different biological and clinical measures. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between 25(OH)D serum levels and biological aging calculated by PhenoAge Acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel) using data from the 2007−2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). 25(OH)D serum levels were negatively associated with PhenoAgeAccel (β = −0.04 standard deviation [SD]; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.08 to 0.00). This negative association was dose-dependent in females (β = −0.07 SD; 95% CI: −0.12 to 0.01), but not in males. Generalized additive models further revealed gender-specific non-linear patterns: a U-shape pattern in males but an L-shaped pattern in females. Using segmented regression to confirm inflection points, we observed that 25(OH)D serum levels were linked to reduced PhenoAgeAccel at levels below 38.2 nmol/L (15.3 ng/mL) in males (β = −0.013 SD; 95% CI: −0.025 to −0.002) and 62.5 nmol/L (25.0 ng/mL) in females (β = −0.007 SD; 95% CI: −0.01 to −0.004,). However, 25(OH)D serum levels above 125 nmol/L showed no association with PhenoAgeAccel in females (β = −0.001 SD; 95% CI: −0.005–0.002), while in males, elevated levels (>91.6 nmol/L) were associated with increased PhenoAgeAccel (β = 0.005 SD; 95% CI: 0.002–0.008). Our findings indicate that vitamin D insufficiency has an inverse link with accelerated biological aging, and high levels of vitamin D in males accelerated biological aging as well, offering valuable insights into the relationship between vitamin D and biological aging.