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Assessing the morphology of the superior airway space is a crucial diagnostic step in the treatment planning of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) or prior to orthognathic surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the necessary scope of a
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Assessing the morphology of the superior airway space is a crucial diagnostic step in the treatment planning of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) or prior to orthognathic surgery. The aim of this study is to evaluate the necessary scope of a two-dimensional cephalometric assessment and the necessity of three-dimensional imaging in the identification of superior airway space narrowing (SASN). Methods: The computed tomography studies of 100 non-obese, non-OSAS patients were evaluated and analyzed retrospectively. Multiplanar reconstructions were created and underwent cephalometric evaluation. The three-dimensional superior airway morphology was segmented and measured for the minimal cross-sectional area (Amin) and volume (V0). Patients were grouped according to Amin < 80 mm2 and V0 < 12 cm3. Cephalometric parameters (CPs) were analyzed according to Amin and V0 with an unpaired t-test, Pearson correlation, and ROC-curve analysis. Results: The CPs regarding sagittal airway space dimensions (IPAS, MPAS, SPAS) and mandibular body length (GoGn) show the strongest correlation to the three-dimensional minimal cross-sectional area (Amin). The ROC-curve analysis classifying for SASN led to an AUC of 0.86 for IPAS, 0.87 for MPAS, 0.88 for SPAS, and 0.63 for GoGn. Three-dimensional imaging may further improve the diagnostic accuracy in the identification of SASN for IPAS below 13.5 mm, MPAS below 10.2 mm, SPAS below 12.5 mm, and GoGn below 90.2 mm. Conclusions: Two-dimensional cephalometric sagittal airway space diameters and mandibular body length are useful initial screening parameters in the identification of superior airway space narrowing. Nevertheless, as the correlation of two-dimensional cephalometric parameters with three-dimensional upper airway space narrowing is varying and highly dependent on acquisition circumstances, indications for three-dimensional imaging, if possible, in the supine position to evaluate upper airway space morphology should be provided generously, especially in patients with low but normal airway space parameters in two-dimensional cephalometry.
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Christina Fuchs, Sarita Silveira, Thomas Meindl, Richard Musil, Kim Laura Austerschmidt, Dirk W. Eilert, Norbert Müller, Hans-Jürgen Möller, Rolf Engel, Maximilian Reiser, Martin Driessen, Thomas Beblo and Kristina Hennig-Fast
Background: Theory of Mind (ToM) impairment has repeatedly been found in paranoid schizophrenia. The current study aims at investigating whether this is related to a deficit in ToM (undermentalizing) or an increased ToM ability to hyperattribute others’ mental states (overmentalizing). Methods: Mental state
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Background: Theory of Mind (ToM) impairment has repeatedly been found in paranoid schizophrenia. The current study aims at investigating whether this is related to a deficit in ToM (undermentalizing) or an increased ToM ability to hyperattribute others’ mental states (overmentalizing). Methods: Mental state attribution was examined in 24 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia (12 acute paranoid (APS) and 12 post-acute paranoid (PPS)) with regard to positive symptoms as well as matched healthy persons using a moving shapes paradigm. We used 3-T-functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to provide insights into the neural underpinnings of ToM due to attributional processes in different states of paranoid schizophrenia. Results: In the condition that makes demands on theory of mind skills (ToM condition), in patients with diagnosed schizophrenia less appropriate mental state descriptions have been used, and they attributed mental states less often to the moving shapes than healthy persons. On a neural level, patients suffering from schizophrenia exhibited within the ToM network hypoactivity in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) and hyperactivity in the temporo-parietal junction (TPJ) as compared to the healthy sample. Conclusions: Our results indicate both undermentalizing and hypoactivity in the MPFC and increased overattribution related to hyperactivity in the TPJ in paranoid schizophrenia, providing new implications for understanding ToM in paranoid schizophrenia.
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Entrepreneurship education largely influences the social and economic dimensions of many countries. In the framework of development, frequent changes seek to discover the most effective way of adopting and integrating educational services to meet the requirements of the labour market. This paper aims
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Entrepreneurship education largely influences the social and economic dimensions of many countries. In the framework of development, frequent changes seek to discover the most effective way of adopting and integrating educational services to meet the requirements of the labour market. This paper aims to analyse entrepreneurial competence in a teaching context from the students’ perspectives. The main objective of the research study aims to measure students’ attitudes towards entrepreneurial intentions, as impacted in an entrepreneurial teaching context. Additionally, it seeks to highlight the significance of the entrepreneurial competence of the lecturing team that goes beyond traditional teaching methods and focuses on fostering an educational environment. As entrepreneurial competence guides opportunity identification by combining skills, knowledge, and attributes and developing them into values, it bridges the gap between teaching and learning, preparing the students to cope with the challenges of the entrepreneurial world. The data were gathered by administering a structured questionnaire that focuses on the perspectives of students in the third cycle of study. The disseminated questionnaire included closed-ended questions related to the entrepreneurial education context, the entrepreneurial competence of the lecturing team, and entrepreneurial intentions. The results of this study demonstrate that the relationship between the entrepreneurial competence of lecturers and entrepreneurial education is crucial for fostering a dynamic and effective learning environment to enhance the entrepreneurial intentions of the students.
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Solitude behaviors encompass four types: positive solitude, eccentricity, social avoidance, and loneliness. These four types of solitude behaviors are not entirely independent but can co-occur within individuals. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore latent classes of solitude behaviors, their developmental
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Solitude behaviors encompass four types: positive solitude, eccentricity, social avoidance, and loneliness. These four types of solitude behaviors are not entirely independent but can co-occur within individuals. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore latent classes of solitude behaviors, their developmental patterns, and relevant influencing factors among college students. The Solitude Behavior Scale—Short Version was administered to a sample of college students. A total of 417 Chinese students completed a three-time longitudinal paper questionnaire. The data analysis was performed using Mplus 8.0 and SPSS 26.0. Harman’s single-factor test, latent class analysis (LCA), and latent transition analysis (LTA) were employed for subsequent analysis. The results revealed three classes: low solitude, moderate solitude, and high solitude, which exhibited temporal changes. Social avoidance and loneliness could facilitate transitions between high solitude and moderate solitude. Females and first-grade students exhibited higher transition probabilities than males and students not in the first grade. The incidence of moderate solitude in the not-first-grade group was significantly higher than that in the first-grade group. Finally, this study offers new insights into the dynamics of solitude behaviors and their association with gender and age.
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Our previous study demonstrated that our novel herbal remedy, a mixture of Asarum sieboldii, Platycodon grandiflorum, and Cinnamomum Cassia extracts, exhibits a therapeutic effect in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced mice by inhibiting the Th-2 inflammatory response upon oral administration. It also ameliorated imbalances
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Our previous study demonstrated that our novel herbal remedy, a mixture of Asarum sieboldii, Platycodon grandiflorum, and Cinnamomum Cassia extracts, exhibits a therapeutic effect in 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced mice by inhibiting the Th-2 inflammatory response upon oral administration. It also ameliorated imbalances in lipid metabolism related to the skin barrier function in keratinocytes, indicating its potential as a topical agent. This study aims to further investigate the therapeutic effects and metabolic mechanisms of its topical application. The anti-atopic effect was evaluated using dermatitis scores, histopathological analysis, and immune cell factors in DNCB-induced mice. Metabolomic profiling of serum and lesional skin was conducted to elucidate the metabolic mechanisms. The topical application significantly reduced dermatitis scores, mast cell infiltration, and serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), IFN-γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-17, and thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), demonstrating its effectiveness in treating atopic dermatitis (AD). Serum metabolomics revealed alterations in fatty acid metabolism related to the pro-inflammatory response. In lesional skin, metabolic markers associated with oxidative stress, immune regulation, and AD symptoms were restored. This study demonstrated its potential as a topical agent in suppressing Th-2 inflammatory responses and improving metabolic abnormalities related to AD symptoms, providing crucial insights for developing natural AD treatments.
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James Kehinde Omifolaji, Sunday Opeyemi Adedoyin, Emmanuel Tersea Ikyaagba, Tauheed Ullah Khan, Victor Abiodun Ojo, Yiming Hu, Abideen Abiodun Alarape, Saka Oladunni Jimoh and Huijian Hu
Population abundance and density estimates play important roles in biodiversity conservation assessment and can lead to prioritization of conservation efforts, strategies, and management. The Calabar angwantibo (Arctocebus calabarensis) is a poorly studied, Near-Threatened nocturnal, arboreal mammal species occurring only in the
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Population abundance and density estimates play important roles in biodiversity conservation assessment and can lead to prioritization of conservation efforts, strategies, and management. The Calabar angwantibo (Arctocebus calabarensis) is a poorly studied, Near-Threatened nocturnal, arboreal mammal species occurring only in the lowland moist tropical rainforest blocks of southeastern Nigeria and southwestern Cameroon. Like other arboreal nocturnal mammals, there are gaps in knowledge of the distribution and abundance of this species, which may be facing population declines due to habitat loss and hunting. In this study, we investigated the abundance and density of A. calabarensis in the Oban Hills Region of Nigeria. We conducted systematic distance sampling survey along 32 transects in different habitats in a 1227 km of survey efforts. A total of 41 sightings of A. calabarensis were detected, resulting in an abundance of 7345 individuals (95% CI = 1.51–4.37) with an estimated density of 2.57 animals/km2. The estimated population abundance is 6515 individuals in closed-canopy forests and 830 individuals in secondary forests, with encounter rates of 0.52 individual/km2 and 0.60 individuals/km2 in the closed canopy and secondary forest habitats. The global estimates encounter rate of A. calabarensis across the habitat types is 0.33 individuals/km2 and population abundance of 4456 individuals. Our findings indicate that the A. calabarensis populations can adapt to low changes in forest habitat modifications resulting from increasing and widespread forest disturbance by human-dominated activity, which is giving way to forest clearance for agriculture cultivation and infrastructural development. Our findings help to fill a knowledge gap regarding this species and may help establish a baseline for future management, population monitoring, and conservation of the cryptic population of A. calabarensis in Cross-Sanaga Forests.
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Though we spend a significant amount of time in indoor and built environments as general occupants of residential or commercial spaces, we do not necessarily know how the heating, cooling, and ventilation services work in our occupied spaces. As the mechanical systems of
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Though we spend a significant amount of time in indoor and built environments as general occupants of residential or commercial spaces, we do not necessarily know how the heating, cooling, and ventilation services work in our occupied spaces. As the mechanical systems of buildings become more complex for energy saving and better indoor air quality, it is beneficial for occupants to learn more their built environment so that they can cooperate effectively for the building’s performance. In this context, the purpose of this research is to develop and evaluate how virtual reality (VR) technology can support occupants in understanding their built environment. An educational building on campus was selected for the development as it provides familiar spaces for potential participants in this research. This research was carried out in two stages. In Stage One, we, as researchers in mechanical engineering, explored the workflow for VR development and developed VR tours for four spaces: a classroom, an auditorium, a conference room, and a mechanical room. In Stage Two, we conducted a survey study to examine the VR experience from the perspective of users. In this survey study, we recruited 34 participants from engineering students/graduates, industry participants, and a sustainability group. The participants generally indicated a positive experience with the VR tours, although the quiz scores on the VR content were weak. From our reflection, we consider that positive and effective VR experiences for the education of the built environment require collaboration from three domains: (1) mechanical systems of buildings, (2) VR technology, and (3) pedagogy.
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Obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a condition linked to severe cardiovascular and neuropsychological consequences, characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to compromised ventilation, hypoxemia, and micro-arousals. Polysomnography (PSG) serves as the gold standard for
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Obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a condition linked to severe cardiovascular and neuropsychological consequences, characterized by recurrent episodes of partial or complete upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to compromised ventilation, hypoxemia, and micro-arousals. Polysomnography (PSG) serves as the gold standard for confirming OSAHS, yet its extended duration, high cost, and limited availability pose significant challenges. In this paper, we employ a range of machine learning techniques, including Neural Networks, Decision Trees, Random Forests, and Extra Trees, for OSAHS diagnosis. This approach aims to achieve a diagnostic process that is not only more accessible but also more efficient. The dataset utilized in this study consists of records from 601 adults assessed between 2014 and 2016 at a specialized sleep medical center in Colombia. This research underscores the efficacy of ensemble methods, specifically Random Forests and Extra Trees, achieving an area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve of 89.2% and 89.6%, respectively. Additionally, a web application has been devised, integrating the optimal model, empowering qualified medical practitioners to make informed decisions through patient registration, an input of 18 variables, and the utilization of the Random Forests model for OSAHS screening.
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When placed under cryogenic temperatures (below −180 °C), metallic materials undergo structural changes that can improve their service life. This process, known as cryogenic treatment (CrT), has received extensive research attention over the past five decades. CrT can be applied as either an
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When placed under cryogenic temperatures (below −180 °C), metallic materials undergo structural changes that can improve their service life. This process, known as cryogenic treatment (CrT), has received extensive research attention over the past five decades. CrT can be applied as either an autonomous process (for steels and non-ferrous alloys, tool materials, and finished products) or as an assisting process for conventional metalworking. Cryogenic impacts and conventional machining or static surface cold working (SCW) can also be performed simultaneously in hybrid processes. The static SCW, known as burnishing, is a widely used environmentally friendly finishing process that achieves high-quality surfaces of metal components. The present review is dedicated to the portion of the hybrid processes in which burnishing under cryogenic conditions is carried out from the viewpoint of surface engineering, namely, finishing–surface integrity (SI)–operational behavior. Analyzes and summaries of the effects of cryogenic-assisted (CrA) burnishing on SI and the operational behavior of the investigated materials are made, and perspectives for future research are proposed.
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This study introduces a novel approach for fault classification in bearing components utilizing raw accelerometer data. By employing various neural network models, including deep learning architectures, we bypass the traditional preprocessing and feature-extraction stages, streamlining the classification process. Utilizing the Case Western Reserve
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This study introduces a novel approach for fault classification in bearing components utilizing raw accelerometer data. By employing various neural network models, including deep learning architectures, we bypass the traditional preprocessing and feature-extraction stages, streamlining the classification process. Utilizing the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) bearing dataset, our methodology demonstrates remarkable accuracy, particularly in deep learning networks such as the three variant convolutional neural networks (CNNs), achieving above 98% accuracy across various loading levels, establishing a new benchmark in fault-detection efficiency. Notably, data exploration through principal component analysis (PCA) and t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) provided valuable insights into feature relationships and patterns, aiding in effective fault detection. This research not only proves the efficacy of neural network classifiers in handling raw data but also opens avenues for more straightforward yet effective diagnostic methods in machinery health monitoring. These findings suggest significant potential for real-world applications, offering a faster yet reliable alternative to conventional fault-classification techniques.
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The transformation formula under the action of a general linear fractional transformation for a generalized Dedekind eta function has been the subject of intensive study since the works of Rademacher, Dieter, Meyer, and Schoenberg et al. However, the (Hecke) modular relation structure was
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The transformation formula under the action of a general linear fractional transformation for a generalized Dedekind eta function has been the subject of intensive study since the works of Rademacher, Dieter, Meyer, and Schoenberg et al. However, the (Hecke) modular relation structure was not recognized until the work of Goldstein-de la Torre, where the modular relations mean equivalent assertions to the functional equation for the relevant zeta functions. The Hecke modular relation is a special case of this, with a single gamma factor and the corresponding modular form (or in the form of Lambert series). This has been the strongest motivation for research in the theory of modular forms since Hecke’s work in the 1930s. Our main aim is to restore the fundamental work of Rademacher (1932) by locating the functional equation hidden in the argument and to reveal the Hecke correspondence in all subsequent works (which depend on the method of Rademacher) as well as in the work of Rademacher. By our elucidation many of the subsequent works will be made clear and put in their proper positions.
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Root respiration is a critical physiological trait that significantly influences root system activity. Recent studies have associated root respiration with the economic functioning of roots; however, research on root respiration in tropical plants remains limited. This study examined the fine root respiration and
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Root respiration is a critical physiological trait that significantly influences root system activity. Recent studies have associated root respiration with the economic functioning of roots; however, research on root respiration in tropical plants remains limited. This study examined the fine root respiration and the relationship between root respiration and root chemical and morphological traits in 16 tropical plant species, including both evergreen and deciduous species. Findings revealed that deciduous species exhibited higher root respiration compared to evergreen species. Root respiration positively correlated with root nitrogen concentration and specific root length and correlated negatively with root diameter and root tissue density across all species. The root respiration patterns in evergreen species aligned with those seen in all tree species, while deciduous species showed a distinct negative correlation with root tissue density and no significant correlations with other root traits. Principal component analysis revealed that the patterns of root variation in both evergreen and deciduous trees were multidimensional, with deciduous trees exhibiting acquisitive traits and evergreen trees displaying conservative traits. Random forest and multiple regression analysis showed that specific root length exerted the most significant influence on root respiration in both evergreen and deciduous trees. These findings are ecologically significant, enhancing our understanding of root respiration in tropical plants and its impact on ecosystem functions. They contribute valuable insights and support the conservation and management of tropical vegetation.
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Fatsia japonica plays an important role as a commonly used plant in urban landscaping. From 2022 to 2023, a root rot infestation was observed that caused extensive wilting of Fatsia japonica without leaf shedding and eventual death of the plant, severely reducing the
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Fatsia japonica plays an important role as a commonly used plant in urban landscaping. From 2022 to 2023, a root rot infestation was observed that caused extensive wilting of Fatsia japonica without leaf shedding and eventual death of the plant, severely reducing the ornamental qualities of the plant as well as the vigor of its growth. Fusarium species were isolated from the roots of the affected plants, exhibiting abundant and dense yellow mycelial colonies that proliferated radially from the center of the Petri dishes. Morphological examinations revealed the presence of falciform macro- and microconidia consistent with Fusarium, as well as chlamydospores characterized by their thick walls. For further identification, the amplification and sequencing of the ITS, TEF1 alpha, and RPB2 alpha genes were performed. Finally, healthy Fatsia japonica plants were inoculated with a spore suspension of the pathogen, to confirm that the disease symptoms were compatible with naturally occurring infection. Fusarium vanettenii was identified as the causative agent of Fatsia japonica root rot. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of F. vanettenii causing root rot of Fatsia japonica in China.
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The accurate determination of the Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of Moso bamboo is crucial for estimating biomass and carbon storage in Moso bamboo forests. In this research, we utilized handheld LiDAR point cloud data to extract the DBH of Moso bamboo and
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The accurate determination of the Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) of Moso bamboo is crucial for estimating biomass and carbon storage in Moso bamboo forests. In this research, we utilized handheld LiDAR point cloud data to extract the DBH of Moso bamboo and enhanced the accuracy of diameter fitting by optimizing denoising parameters. Specifically, we fine-tuned two denoising parameters, neighborhood point number and standard deviation multiplier, across five gradient levels for denoising. Subsequently, DBH fitting was conducted on data processed with varying denoising parameters, followed by a precision evaluation to investigate the key factors influencing the accuracy of Moso bamboo DBH fitting. The research results indicate that a handheld laser was used to scan six plots, from which 132 single Moso bamboo trees were selected. Out of these, 122 single trees were successfully segmented and identified, achieving an accuracy rate of 92.4% in identifying single Moso bamboo trees, with an average accuracy of 95.64% in extracting DBH for individual plants; the mean error was ±1.8 cm. Notably, setting the minimum neighborhood point to 10 resulted in the highest fitting accuracy for DBH. Moreover, the optimal standard deviation multiplier threshold was found to be 1 in high-density forest plots and 2 in low-density forest plots. Forest condition and slope were identified as the primary factors impacting the accuracy of Moso bamboo DBH fitting.
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Logistics land is the spatial carrier for the development of logistics enterprises. Its evolution mode and driving mechanism determine the level of high-quality development of the logistics industry, and serve as an important basis for urban planning and territorial spatial planning. This study
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Logistics land is the spatial carrier for the development of logistics enterprises. Its evolution mode and driving mechanism determine the level of high-quality development of the logistics industry, and serve as an important basis for urban planning and territorial spatial planning. This study introduced a Boston consulting group (BCG) matrix and geographically weighted regression (GWR) spatial econometric models to carry out empirical research on the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), in an effort to provide scientific information for evidence-based decision-making by governments and enterprises. The scale and ratio of logistics land (LLS and LLR) in the YRD showed significant spatial heterogeneity and autocorrelation, cities with large logistics land use converging from clusters to belts from 2000 to 2020, and agglomerations with high logistics land ratio (LLR) migrating from inland to coastal areas. Diversified models of logistics land evolution also emerged, such as high scale–high speed cities, low scale–low speed cities, high scale–low speed cities, and low scale–high speed cities. In addition, the driving mechanism of LLS and LLR was very complex, with a great difference in the intensity, nature and spatial effects of the influence of different factors. The inspiration from empirical case studies is urgent to revise the planning norms and clarify the LLS and LLR control standards for logistics land use. Meanwhile, the synergistic development target of the logistics industry in the new era is changing from the manufacturing industry to the commerce and trade industry; the establishment of planning zoning and the designing of differentiated management policies significantly improve the planning applicability.
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Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process during which epithelial cells lose epithelial characteristics and gain mesenchymal features. Here, we used several cell models to study migratory activity and redistribution of cell–cell adhesion proteins in cells in different EMT states: EGF-induced EMT of epithelial
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Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a process during which epithelial cells lose epithelial characteristics and gain mesenchymal features. Here, we used several cell models to study migratory activity and redistribution of cell–cell adhesion proteins in cells in different EMT states: EGF-induced EMT of epithelial IAR-20 cells; IAR-6-1 cells with a hybrid epithelial–mesenchymal phenotype; and their more mesenchymal derivatives, IAR-6-1-DNE cells lacking adherens junctions. In migrating cells, the cell–cell adhesion protein α-catenin accumulated at the leading edges along with ArpC2/p34 and α-actinin. Suppression of α-catenin shifted cell morphology from fibroblast-like to discoid and attenuated cell migration. Expression of exogenous α-catenin in MDA-MB-468 cells devoid of α-catenin drastically increased their migratory capabilities. The Y654 phosphorylated form of β-catenin was detected at integrin adhesion complexes (IACs). Co-immunoprecipitation studies indicated that α-catenin and pY654-β-catenin were associated with IAC proteins: vinculin, zyxin, and α-actinin. Taken together, these data suggest that in cells undergoing EMT, catenins not participating in assembly of adherens junctions may affect cell migration.
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Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have garnered significant interest in the field of regenerative medicine for their ability to potentially treat various diseases, especially neurodegenerative disorders [...] [...] Read more.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have garnered significant interest in the field of regenerative medicine for their ability to potentially treat various diseases, especially neurodegenerative disorders [...]Full article
During the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, endometrial fibroblast cells begin to change into large epithelial-like cells called decidual cells in a process called decidualization. This differentiation continues more broadly in the endometrium and forms the decidual tissue during early pregnancy. The
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During the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, endometrial fibroblast cells begin to change into large epithelial-like cells called decidual cells in a process called decidualization. This differentiation continues more broadly in the endometrium and forms the decidual tissue during early pregnancy. The cells undergoing decidualization as well as the resulting decidual cells, support successful implantation and placentation during early pregnancy. This study was carried out to identify new potentially important long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) genes that may play a role in human endometrial stromal fibroblast cells (hESF) undergoing decidualization in vitro, and several were found. The expression of nine was further characterized. One of these, AC027288.3, showed a dramatic increase in the expression of hESF cells undergoing decidualization. When AC027288.3 expression was targeted, the ability of the cells to undergo decidualization as determined by the expression of decidualization marker protein-coding genes was significantly altered. The most affected markers of decidualization whose expression was significantly reduced were FOXO1, FZD4, and INHBA. Therefore, AC027288.3 may be a major upstream regulator of the WNT-FOXO1 pathway and activin-SMAD3 pathways previously shown as critical for hESF decidualization. Finally, we explored possible regulators of AC027288.3 expression during human ESF decidualization. Expression was regulated by cAMP and progesterone. Our results suggest that AC027288.3 plays a role in hESF decidualization and identifies several other lncRNA genes that may also play a role.
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Cynthia M Simbulan-Rosenthal, Nusrat Islam, Yogameenakshi Haribabu, Ryyan Alobaidi, Azadeh Shalamzari, Garrett Graham, Li-Wei Kuo, Peter Sykora and Dean S Rosenthal
CD133, a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker in tumors, including melanoma, is associated with tumor recurrence, chemoresistance, and metastasis. Patient-derived melanoma cell lines were transduced with a Tet-on vector expressing CD133, generating doxycycline (Dox)-inducible cell lines. Cells were exposed to Dox for 24
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CD133, a cancer stem cell (CSC) marker in tumors, including melanoma, is associated with tumor recurrence, chemoresistance, and metastasis. Patient-derived melanoma cell lines were transduced with a Tet-on vector expressing CD133, generating doxycycline (Dox)-inducible cell lines. Cells were exposed to Dox for 24 h to induce CD133 expression, followed by RNA-seq and bioinformatic analyses, revealing genes and pathways that are significantly up- or downregulated by CD133. The most significantly upregulated gene after CD133 was amphiregulin (AREG), validated by qRT-PCR and immunoblot analyses. Induced CD133 expression significantly increased cell growth, percentage of cells in S-phase, BrdU incorporation into nascent DNA, and PCNA levels, indicating that CD133 stimulates cell proliferation. CD133 induction also activated EGFR and the MAPK pathway. Potential mechanisms highlighting the role(s) of CD133 and AREG in melanoma CSC were further delineated using AREG/EGFR inhibitors or siRNA knockdown of AREG mRNA. Treatment with the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib blocked CD133-induced cell growth increase and MAPK pathway activation. Importantly, siRNA knockdown of AREG reversed the stimulatory effects of CD133 on cell growth, indicating that AREG mediates the effects of CD133 on cell proliferation, thus serving as an attractive target for novel combinatorial therapeutics in melanoma and cancers with overexpression of both CD133 and AREG.
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Soheila Ali Akbari Ghavimi, Trent J. Faulkner, Rama Rao Tata, August J. Hemmerla, Samantha E. Huddleston, Farnoushsadat Rezaei, Ethan S. Lungren, Rui Zhang, Erin E. Bumann and Bret D. Ulery
Though crucial for natural bone healing, local calcium ion (Ca2+) and phosphate ion (Pi) concentrations can exceed the cytotoxic limit leading to mitochondrial overload, oxidative stress, and cell death. For bone tissue engineering applications, H2S can be
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Though crucial for natural bone healing, local calcium ion (Ca2+) and phosphate ion (Pi) concentrations can exceed the cytotoxic limit leading to mitochondrial overload, oxidative stress, and cell death. For bone tissue engineering applications, H2S can be employed as a cytoprotective molecule to enhance mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) tolerance to cytotoxic Ca2+/Pi concentrations. Varied concentrations of sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaSH), a fast-releasing H2S donor, were applied to assess the influence of H2S on MSC proliferation. The results suggested a toxicity limit of 4 mM for NaSH and that 1 mM of NaSH could improve cell proliferation and differentiation in the presence of cytotoxic levels of Ca2+ (32 mM) and/or Pi (16 mM). To controllably deliver H2S over time, a novel donor molecule (thioglutamic acid—GluSH) was synthesized and evaluated for its H2S release profile. Excitingly, GluSH successfully maintained cytoprotective level of H2S over 7 days. Furthermore, MSCs exposed to cytotoxic Ca2+/Pi concentrations in the presence of GluSH were able to thrive and differentiate into osteoblasts. These findings suggest that the incorporation of a sustained H2S donor such as GluSH into CaP-based bone graft substitutes can facilitate considerable cytoprotection, making it an attractive option for complex bone regenerative engineering applications.
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The excessive discharge of phosphorus-containing wastewater contributes to eutrophication, posing a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, methods such as electrocoagulation should be utilized to remove phosphorus from wastewater prior to discharging it into a water body. In this study, we aimed to
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The excessive discharge of phosphorus-containing wastewater contributes to eutrophication, posing a serious threat to aquatic ecosystems. Therefore, methods such as electrocoagulation should be utilized to remove phosphorus from wastewater prior to discharging it into a water body. In this study, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of electrocoagulation in treating simulated phosphorus-containing wastewater under different parameters, including anode material (aluminum, iron, and magnesium), electrode distance (ED) (1, 2.5, and 4.5 cm), pH (3, 6, and 9), and current density (CD) (3, 6, and 9 mA/cm2). Additionally, three models of phosphate removal, the pseudo-first-order (PFO), pseudo-second-order (PSO), and Behnajady–Modirshahla–Ghanbery (BMG) models, were used to simulate the relationship between phosphate concentration and time in the electrocoagulation process using the three metals for phosphate removal. The experimental results showed that the aluminum system had the highest removal efficiency (90%) when energized for 20 min under a CD of 3 mA/cm2, followed by those of the iron (80%) and magnesium (35%) systems. Furthermore, a life cycle assessment (LCA) showed that the aluminum electrode system had a smaller environmental impact than the iron and magnesium electrode systems. Therefore, the aluminum electrode system is suitable for phosphorus removal from wastewater.
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Environmental pollution and energy crises have garnered global attention. The substantial discharge of organic waste into water bodies has led to profound environmental contamination. Photocatalytic fuel cells (PFCs) enabling the simultaneous removal of refractory contaminants and recovery of the chemical energy contained in
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Environmental pollution and energy crises have garnered global attention. The substantial discharge of organic waste into water bodies has led to profound environmental contamination. Photocatalytic fuel cells (PFCs) enabling the simultaneous removal of refractory contaminants and recovery of the chemical energy contained in organic pollutants provides a potential strategy to solve environmental issues and the energy crisis. This review will discuss the fundamentals, working principle, and configuration development of PFCs and photocatalytic microbial fuel cells (PMFCs). We particularly focus on the strategies for improving the wastewater treatment performance of PFCs/PMFCs in terms of coupled advanced oxidation processes, the rational design of high-efficiency electrodes, and the strengthening of the mass transfer process. The significant potential of PFCs/PMFCs in various fields is further discussed in detail. This review is intended to provide some guidance for the better implementation and widespread adoption of PFC wastewater treatment technologies.
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Energy production from coal combustion is responsible for nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions including SOx and NOx. This study aims to produce solid biomass fuels from oil-palm residues by torrefaction, having a high heating value (HHV) equivalent to
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Energy production from coal combustion is responsible for nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions including SOx and NOx. This study aims to produce solid biomass fuels from oil-palm residues by torrefaction, having a high heating value (HHV) equivalent to fossil coals. The experiments were designed using Design Expert version 13 software to optimize the conditions affecting the fuel characteristics of the torrefied products. The statistical analysis suggested that the optimal conditions to achieve a high HHV and fixed carbon content while retaining the mass yield of biomass mainly depended on the temperature and torrefying time, while the size played a less important role in affecting the properties. The optimal conditions were observed to be at 283 °C (120 min) for EFBs, 301 °C (111 min) for PF, and 285 °C (120 min) for PKSs. The maximum HHV of 5229, 5969, and 5265 kcal/kg were achieved for the torrefied EFBs, PF, and PKSs, respectively. The energy efficiency of torrefied biomass was increased to 1.25–1.35. Ecoefficiency analysis suggested that torrefaction should be carried out at high temperatures with a short torrefying time. This low-cost bio-circular torrefied biomass showed promising fuel characteristics that could be potentially used as an alternative to coals.
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