Predominant Source Research Articles

Foxp3 + Treg-derived IL-10 promotes colorectal cancer-derived lung metastasis

The lung is one of the most frequently metastasized organs from various cancer entities, especially colorectal cancer (CRC). The occurrence of lung metastasis correlates with worse prognosis in CRC patients. Here, we aimed to investigate the role of IL-10 in lung metastasis development and identify the cellular source and target cells of IL-10 during lung metastatic establishment. To induce lung metastasis in mice, we injected MC38 murine colon cancer cells intravenously. Mice with Il10-deficiency were used to test the role of IL-10. The lung metastatic burden was assessed both macroscopically and histologically. IL-10- and Foxp3-reporter mice were employed to identify the cellular source and target cells of IL-10 in lung metastasis using flow cytometry. These findings were further confirmed using mice with cell-specific deletion of Il10- and IL-10 receptor (Il10ra). Interestingly, Il10 ablation led to reduced lung metastasis formation, suggesting a pathogenic role of IL-10 in lung metastasis. Moreover, using reporter mice, we identified Foxp3 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) as the predominant cellular source of IL-10 in lung metastasis. Accordingly, Foxp3 + Treg-specific deletion of Il10 resulted in decreased lung metastasis formation. In terms of target cells, myeloid cells and Foxp3 + Tregs expressed high IL-10Ra levels. Indeed, IL-10 signaling blockade in these two immune cell populations resulted in reduced lung metastatic burden. In conclusion, Foxp3 + Treg-derived IL-10 was found to act on Foxp3 + Tregs and myeloid cells, thereby promoting lung metastasis formation. These findings provide insights into lung metastasis-related immunity and establish the groundwork for optimizing metastasis-targeting immunotherapies through targeting of IL-10 as a novel therapeutic strategy.

A Study on Position and Lumen Geometry at the Origin of External Carotid Artery in Human Adult Cadavers

Background: External carotid artery is the predominant source of blood supply to the structures in the head and neck region. Morphological anomalies in the external and internal carotid arteries may lead to severe complications, when radiographic evaluations and surgical proceedings are done in the neck without any prior knowledge. Normal arterial diameters of external carotid arteries were important in-patient selection, preoperative planning, and design of new endovascular devices for arterial reconstruction. Material and Methods: A descriptive study was performed on 60 formalin fixed male and female Human adult cadavers, aged between 45 to 75 yrs in the department of Anatomy, Dr.Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences and Research foundation, chinoutapalli and Mamatha academy of medical sciences, Hyderabad , during the academic years, 2018- 2023 during the academic years . Observations from both right and left external carotid arteries (total- 120 sides) were noted. Results: In the present study, positions of external carotid artery observed were, antero-medial in 90%, anterolateral in 6.66% and lateral position in 3.33% of cases. The mean ± standard deviation calculated for the diameter of lumen at the origin of external carotid artery on the right side was 0.623±0.048 cm and on the left side was 0.608±0.050cm. For both right and left sides was 0.616±0.049cm. Conclusion: Positional variations of external carotid artery observed in the present study were anterolateral and lateral positions. In such cases Carotid endarterectomy can be safely done, after transposing the internal carotid artery to normal location. Data on normal arterial diameters were helpful during reconstructive surgeries and manufacture of endovascular devices, respective to different ethnic groups. KEYWORDS: Common Carotid Artery, Carotid Artery External, Positional Variations, Lumen Geometry, Carotid Endarterectomy.

Uncertainty and worst-case expectation analysis for multiphysics QPR simulations

Abstract Quadrupole resonators (QPRs) serve to characterize superconducting samples. Like any cavity, during operation, they will deviate from the design geometry for various reasons. Those deviations can be static, stemming from manufacturing variations reflected in the manufacturing tolerances, or dynamic, such as electromagnetic radiation pressure (Lorentz detuning) or microphonics. As a result, a QPR's measurement accuracy and general operation can be severely limited. In particular, during operation, it became evident that the third operating mode of typical QPRs is mainly affected. In this work, by solving the underlying multiphysics problem with random input parameters, we predict the predominant sources of significant measurement bias in surface resistance. On the one hand, we employ the stochastic collocation method compound with the polynomial chaos expansion (PC-SCM) to quantify uncertainties in the physical model governed by a coupled electro-stress-heat (E-S-H) problem. On the other hand, we explore the perturbation analysis to calculate the mean-worst-scenario bound of the merit functions due to the first-order truncation of the Taylor expansion around mean parameter values. The developed method allows us to study the effect of a small nonlinear deformation on the performance of the QPR. Finally, we discuss the simulation results and their implication for the operational conditions of the QPRs.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Commiphora gileadensis L. Induces Cardiovascular Integrity Markers in Male Diabetic Mice

Background Cardiovascular disease continues to be a predominant source of morbidity and mortality globally. Commiphora gileadensis L. is a tree under the genus Commiphora. Purpose To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of C. gileadensis L. on cardiovascular and its action in maintaining cardiovascular integrity in Type 1 diabetic mice. Methods Fifty male Bagg albino (BALB/c) mice are classified into five groups: control, untreated diabetic, diabetic C. gileadensis L. sap-treated, methanol extract-treated, and acetone extract-treated. For each mouse in five groups body weight, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lipid profile, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), total creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), adropin, nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured. In addition, total lymphocytes, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+ CD25+, and CD8+ CD25+ were measured in all groups. Results Compared to the untreated diabetic group, diabetic groups treated with C. gileadensis L. had significantly increased body weight after 6 months ( p < 0.05). Diabetic mice treated with C. gileadensis L. extracts had significantly lower HbA1c levels than the diabetic untreated group ( p < 0.01). Furthermore, C. gileadensis L. extracts lowered serum urea and creatinine in diabetic mice ( p < 0.05). Triglyceride, cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were reduced in mice treated with C. gileadensis L. extracts, whereas high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was elevated compared with diabetic untreated mice ( p < 0.01). Serum AST and endothelin-1 were significantly decreased in diabetic groups treated with C. gileadensis L. extracts ( p < 0.05), while adropin and NO increased ( p < 0.01). Diabetic mice treated with C. gileadensis L. extracts had significantly lower LD, total CK, CK-MB, and VEGF levels than the untreated diabetic group ( p < 0.01). In addition, C. gileadensis L. reduces CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, while increases CD4+ CD25+, and CD8+ CD25+ subsets in diabetic mice ( p < 0.0001). Conclusion C. gileadensis L. induces the levels of cardiovascular integrity markers (adropin and NO) and reduces cardiovascular malfunction markers [endothelin-1 (ET-1) and VEGF] in diabetic mice. The observed properties could be attributed to the antioxidant activity of C. gileadensis L. Furthermore, C. gileadensis L. may help in the prevention of atheroma formation by reducing CD4+ and CD8+ and increasing T regulatory cells (CD4+ CD25+ and CD8+ CD25+).

Predicting and optimizing pure electric vehicle road noise via a locality-sensitive hashing transformer and interval analysis

Pure electric vehicles (PEVs) lack engine noise; thus, the overall noise level within vehicle cabins are reduced. However, due to the absence of engine noise, previously overlooked noise sources are accentuated and detrimentally affect interior noise quality. Road noise is a predominant PEV noise source and significantly contributes to middle- and low-frequency interior noise levels. A novel approach combining data-driven methodologies and uncertainty analysis to predict and optimize vehicle road noise is proposed. To predict the frequency-domain characteristics of road noise, a refined attention mechanism based on the transformer model with a locality-sensitive hashing algorithm is introduced to enhance efficiency and ensure high accuracy. An interval vector optimization method using interval representations of parameter uncertainty is devised to strengthen the robustness and efficacy of the road noise optimization results. The proposed method is validated through a PEV road test, and the optimized noise conditions demonstrates an improvement exceeding 2dB.

Human internal and external exposure to synthetic musks in China

The widespread utilization of synthetic musks (SMs) in various consumer and personal care products (PCPs) has led to human external exposure through dermal absorption, inhalation of volatile fragrances, and ingestion of contaminated foods, dust, and liquids. Nonetheless, investigations comparing external and internal exposures in humans remain limited in China, particularly regarding internal exposure assessments in blood, which have lacked follow-up over the past decade. In this study, data concerning the concentrations of SMs in 135 blood samples (68 females and 67 males) obtained from residents of Shanghai are provided, representing the sole publication within the last decade on this topic. The findings suggest a potential association between SM concentrations in females and their income and ages. Additionally, the concentrations in blood are higher than in urine, suggesting that relying solely on urine assessments may underestimate health risks associated with internal exposure. Furthermore, data on internal exposure in human fluids reveal SMs' potential transfer to infants via breast milk, posing substantial threat. Noteworthy, we quantify total external exposure across various pathways for Chinese population. Our findings indicate that PCPs are identified as the predominant source of external exposure for adolescents and adults. However, in the case of infants and children, food ingestion, and PCPs dermal absorption make substantial contributions, representing 80.53% and 16.06% of the total for infants, and 69.96% and 22.40% for children, respectively. Notably, the total estimated daily intake (EDI), derived from urine analysis, falls notably below the total external exposure. While the contribution of each SM exhibits considerable variability, which can be ascribed to the distinct metabolic pathways of these compounds in vivo. Hence, additional research on the metabolism and transformation of SMs in humans is urgently needed for better human health risk assessment in the future.

Ammonia Emissions from Swiss Agriculture and their Effects on Atmospheric Chemistry and Ecosystems

Ammonia (NH3) is an important atmospheric pollutant due to its contribution to secondary inorganic aerosol formation and its deposition and impacts on (semi-)natural ecosystems. Therefore various efforts have been made to limit emissions to the atmosphere. The predominant emission source in Switzerland is livestock agriculture, wherein NH3 is volatilised from ammonium contained in animal manure. While modelled NH3 emissions based on agricultural activity data indicate a minor decrease since 2000, concentration measurements do not reflect this trend. This can at least partly be attributed to a decline in the transformation of NH3 to particulate ammonium due to significantly decreased emission of oxidised nitrogen and sulfur compounds in the past decade. The partitioning between the gaseous and the particulate phase also determines the deposition pathway (dry or wet deposition) and thus the average lifetime and transport distance in the atmosphere. Gaseous NH3 is subject to fast dry deposition and is deposited preferentially to ecosystems close to the source. Once deposited into an ecosystem, NH3 leads to eutrophication and acidification of water and soils, which change the plant community composition and microbial functioning, especially in N-sensitive ecosystems. Although NH3 can also cause direct toxicity to plants, assessments of ecosystem impacts are generally collated using the critical load approach, which includes the input of all N compounds. These reveal that in 2020, 87% of forests, 94% of raised bogs, 74% of fens, and 42% of dry mountain grasslands likely experienced adverse impacts from N exceedances in Switzerland. To improve this situation, considerable NH3 emission abatement efforts are needed in the future.

Features of particle-phase PAHs from traffic emissions using tunnel measurement and urban roadside observation in China

Vehicle emissions are recognized as a primary source of particle-phase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), significant contributors to the hazardous properties of PM2.5. This study investigates the profiles of PAHs through measurements conducted in a tunnel and an urban roadside environment in 2020. We quantified real-world vehicle emission factors for mixed fleets in the Zhongshu tunnel in Guizhou, southwest China, and found that the total PAHs had an emission factor of 8.15 μg veh-1km-1, with higher factors observed for high-ring PAHs. Additionally, we analyzed concentrations of 15 PAHs at a roadside environment in Hefei, southern China, with an average concentration of 23.81 ng/m3. PAHs with 4, 5, and 6 rings comprised 80% of total PAHs at the roadside and 87% in the tunnel. Gasoline emissions were the predominant source in both the tunnel and roadside environments, supplemented by non-tailpipe emissions, catering, domestic cooking, and asphalt from road surfaces. Notably, while the total toxicity equivalent concentration of Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) significantly exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines of 1 ng/m3, the presence of additional compounds such as Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (DahA) markedly increased the toxicological impact of PM2.5 from vehicle emissions. Therefore, it is essential to implement targeted pollution control strategies in central urban areas that address not only the overall concentration of PAHs but also their specific toxic contributions Continuous monitoring and assessment of PAHs in the urban environment are indispensable for effectively reducing their health impacts.

The Visibility of Women Experts in the Chilean Press During COVID-19

Few studies at the Ibero-American level have delved into the gender gaps present in expert and academic sources in the media. Therefore, through a media content analysis, 1,069 news items related to COVID-19 from three Chilean newspapers were analyzed, and 2,844 primary and secondary sources were identified, of which the minority were women. Therefore, in line with the objective of this study, low visibility of Chilean academics, experts, and politicians as predominant sources during the pandemic was observed, although positive advances in the use of feminine names to refer to them were identified.

Combining stable isotopes and spatial stream network modelling to disentangle the roles of hydrological and biogeochemical processes on riverine nitrogen dynamics

Intensive agricultural activities have significantly altered watershed hydrological and biogeochemical processes, resulting in water quality issues and loss of ecosystem functions and biodiversity. A major challenge in effectively mitigating nitrogen (N) loss from agricultural watersheds stems from the heterogeneity of N transformation and transport processes that complicates accurate quantification and modeling of N sources and sinks at the watershed scale. This study utilized stable isotopes of water and nitrate (NO3−) in conjunction with spatial stream network modeling (SSNMs) to explore watershed hydrology, N transformation, and sources within a mesoscale river network in the U.S. Corn Belt (Cannon River Watershed, Minnesota) under contrasting hydrological conditions. The results show that the wet season had elevated riverine NO3− concentration (medium: 8.4 mg N L−1), driven by high watershed wetness conditions that mobilizes NO3− from the near-surface source zone. Furthermore, the strong hydrologic connectivity also reduced the denitrification potential by shortening water travel times. In comparison, the dry season showed lower NO3− concentrations (0.9 mg N L−1) and stronger denitrification NO3− isotope signals. During this period, the decrease in hydrologic connectivity shifted the predominant water source to deep groundwater, with longer water travel time promoting denitrification. After accounting for isotopic fractionations during nitrification and denitrification, we identified fertilizer N as the main NO3− source during the wet season (98.2±1.3%), whereas the dry season showed contributions from diverse sources (64.4±11.9% fertilizer, 26.0±15.8% soil N, and 9.5±6.0% manure and sewage). During the dry season, karst regions with high hydrologic connectivity display increased shallow groundwater inputs, carrying elevated NO3− levels from leaching of applied chemical fertilizers. These findings highlight the importance of integrating drainage water management and N accumulation in groundwater into nutrient management strategies to develop adaptive measures for controlling N pollution in agricultural watersheds.

Evaluation of noise pollution impact on health in Dhaka city, Bangladesh.

The purpose of this research was to look at the interrelation between adult health issues in Dhaka and noise pollution. The methodology involved a cross-sectional survey conducted in five different land use categories, with a sample size of 1,016 individuals. A validated questionnaire that focused on sources of perceived noise pollution and health issues related to noise was used to gather subjective data for the study. Objective noise pollution was evaluated using equivalent continuous sound pressure level (LAeq). Findings revealed noise generated from road traffic are the predominant source of noise pollution, with Thursday evenings during the end of office hours being the noisiest period in Dhaka. All areas in Dhaka exceeded permissible noise levels, posing significant health risks to residents and workers. The study identifies critical gaps in existing noise regulation policies and enforcement. Overall, this study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive noise pollution mitigation strategies, including innovative technologies, real-time monitoring systems, and public awareness campaigns. Further studies in diverse urban contexts are recommended to enhance the understanding of noise pollution's long-term impacts on vulnerable populations.

Determining the Knowledge and Attitude of Medical Intern Students about the Effect of Periodontal Diseases on Systemic Diseases

Background: Periodontal diseases are prevalent chronic multifactorial conditions that significantly affect individuals' quality of life across various dimensions. Additionally, the association and impact of periodontal disease on systemic health have been a focus of medical attention for many years. This influence is particularly recognized as a risk factor in several conditions, notably coronary artery disease. Consequently, enhancing awareness and improving the attitudes of healthcare professionals toward this association is of great importance. Numerous studies have been conducted to evaluate the level of awareness and attitudes regarding this impact. This study has investigated the knowledge and attitude of medical intern students of Kashan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: In this descriptive study, a knowledge of the effect of periodontal disease on systemic diseases and their attitude towards periodontal in medical interns of Kashan University of Medical Sciences, a total of 160 people who were selected by census method, were investigated using a questionnaire based on the study by Thomas and Pralhad in 2011. The obtained data was analyzed by SPSS software with independent t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Results: A total of 160 medical interns were surveyed. There was a significant positive correlation between the age of students and their attitude toward periodontal health (p=0.024). Additionally, the student's knowledge and attitudes toward periodontal health were not significantly associated with the level of information abo ut periodontal disease or the predominant source of oral health information (p>0.05). Moreover, knowledge of the impact of systemic diseases or conditions on periodontal disease was significantly correlated with awareness of the impact of systemic diseases on periodontal health (p<0.001). Furthermore, attitudes toward periodontal health showed a significant positive correlation with knowledge of the systemic impact on periodontal disease (p<0.01). Conclusion: The results of the study indicated that the participant's knowledge regarding the impact of periodontal disease on systemic health is moderate. While the majority of participants assess their knowledge about periodontal issues as insufficient, they believe that clinical and theoretical education related to this topic should be included in the curriculum of their studies. Furthermore, they express a positive attitude toward acquiring more information and education on this matter.

Evaluating health risks of PM2.5-bound heavy elements in Faridabad, Haryana (India): an industrial perspective.

The present study isfocused on investigating the heavy/toxic metals (Al, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cu, As,Mn, and Zn) of PM2.5 and assessing their associated human health risks. During the study period (July 2022 to July 2023), the PM2.5 samples were collected from two distinct sites in Faridabad (92 samples from site 1 and 85 samples from site 2). In this study, the US EPA's Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund (RAGS) was followed to evaluate the human health risk associated with PM2.5-bound heavy elements. The annual average of PM2.5 concentrations was 108 ± 16µgm⁻3 at site 1 and 154 ± 11µgm⁻3 at site 2, approximately three to fourtimes higher than the national ambient air quality standards (annual, 40µgm-3). The analysis of enrichment factors (EFs) for the elements Cr, As, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Ni indicates that the heavy elements associated with PM2.5 primarily originate from anthropogenic sources. The application of the conditional bivariate probability function (CBPF) model for Faridabad revealed local pollution sources contributing to elevated mass concentrations at the receptor site from the southern (S), northwestern (NW), northeastern (NE), southwestern (SW), and southeastern (SE) regions. Furthermore, positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis identified the predominant sources of PM2.5-bound heavy elements as industrial emissions (41%), vehicular emissions (34%), and combustion processes (25%). After a thorough assessment of health hazards, Cr appeared as a significant carcinogenic risk factor. Children with elevated hazard quotient (HQ) values for Mn and Cr indicated non-carcinogenic health problems. Ultimately, this analysis reinforces the necessity for rigorous monitoring and intervention to safeguard public health from the potentially harmful effects of heavy elements.

CFD simulation of indoor-outdoor wind-driven ventilation and traffic pollutant dispersion at a T-shaped street intersection (ISHVAC 2023)

Traffic exhaust is considered a predominant pollutant source for buildings along streets. However, there are few studies on ventilation and pollution dispersion inside buildings and along streets in a T-shaped intersection. This study investigates the ventilation performance and pollutant dispersion inside and outside multi-unit buildings at T-shaped intersections in different wind directions. Different wind-driven ventilation modes have been compared, i.e. SS2 (single-sided ventilation with 2 openings) and CV (cross ventilation). The results show that multi-unit buildings have the potential to enhance SS2 ventilation performance. The diffusion of outdoor pollutants into indoor environments is more closely related to wind direction for SS2 than CV. However, at certain wind directions (θ = 135°), a significant increase in indoor pollutant concentrations is observed in CV, nearly tenfold higher than that in SS2 cases. The findings could contribute to the understanding of ventilation in multi-unit buildings at T-shaped street intersections.

Gram-Negative Bloodstream Infections in a Medical Intensive Care Unit: Epidemiology, Antibiotic Susceptibilities, and Risk Factors for in-Hospital Death.

Gram-negative bloodstream infection (GNBI) poses a serious threat to critically ill patients. This retrospective study aimed to uncover drug resistance of pathogens and the GNBI effect on in-hospital death and distinguish death risk factors in a medical intensive care unit (ICU). A retrospective study of all GNBI patients in the medical ICU of the Third Xiangya Hospital over 9 nine years was conducted. Blood samples were performed by a BACTEC 9240 system, MALDI-TOF MS, Bruker and Vitek-2 system. Logistic regression was used for analyzing risk factors for death. Seventy-five episodes of GNBI developed in 68 (1.4%) out of 4954 patients over a span of 9 years. The most frequently isolated bacterium was Klebsiella pneumoniae, with the lungs as the predominant source of GNBI. The resistance rate of Gram-negative bacteria to polymyxin B was 11.6% after excluding those intrinsically resistant non-fermentativebacteria. All Enterobacter spp. were susceptible to ceftazidime/avibactam. Thirty-three (48.5%) patients underwent inappropriate empirical antibiotic treatment and 48 (70.6%) patients died during the hospitalization. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified that lymphocyte count at GNBI onset ≤0.5×109/L, invasive mechanical ventilation, and septic shock were related to in-hospital death. Body mass index ≥23 and appropriate empirical antibiotic use after GNBI were negatively associated with in-hospital death. GNBI was a frequent complication among patients in the medical ICU. This study underscored the presence of diverse factors that either heightened or attenuated the risk of in-hospital death.

Geopolitical Risks’ Spillovers Across Countries and on Commodity Markets: A Dynamic Analysis

We investigate the transmission of geopolitical risks between G7-BRICS countries and commodity futures prices. We find geopolitical instability after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. In a context where the G7 countries geopolitically influence the BRICS and vice versa, the United States, Germany, India, and Russia emerge as the predominant sources of spillovers. The commodity futures prices most influenced by geopolitical risks are those relating to energy.

Unravelling the seasonal dietary dynamics of the endangered garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) in Flanders, Belgium

The garden dormouse (Eliomys quercinus) faces significant population declines across Europe, prompting urgent conservation measures. A critical aspect of these efforts is understanding the species’ dietary composition and preferences within specific areas and how this changes throughout the year. We compared garden dormouse diets between two habitats in West Flanders, Belgium with faecal analysis from May to October, covering almost their entire active phase. Our findings revealed a diverse diet of both plant and animal matter, with notable variations between habitats and seasons. Blackberries and other fruits, leaves, and to a lesser extent flowers, were the predominant plant-based food sources in both study areas, with seasonal fluctuations indicating a dietary shift throughout the dormice’s active period. Spring diets consisted primarily of young leaves and flowers, changing to increased fruit consumption in summer. Beetles emerged as a main animal food source throughout the entire active period. Snails were prominently eaten in the woody area, while millipedes prevailed in the diet in the dune environment, both more in spring than later in the active season. These insights highlight the importance of maintaining diverse fruit sources and preserving beetle, snail, and millipede populations for garden dormouse conservation. This study provides valuable insights into dormouse dietary preferences and thus contributes to targeted conservation strategies being essential for the survival of the dormouse.

Native accumulator plants with a differential mercury phytoremediation potential in a region in Southern Amazon.

Mercury (Hg) is a non-essential trace metal, toxic to living beings and complex to quantify and mitigate in the environment. In this study, 25 plant species native to an Amazon-Cerrado transition area were tested for use in Hg remediation. Species identification, Hg quantification in plant biomass and soil at each sampling point, and evaluation of Hg compartmentalization in each plant were carried out. The results were subjected to statistical tests and evaluated using translocation coefficients (FT), bioconcentration (FBC), and bioaccumulation (FB). The results demonstrated that the distribution and accumulation of Hg differed between species and between the parts of the plant evaluated. Soil was the predominant source of Hg in the study area. The study highlighted seven species with Hg phytoremediation potential. Five translocator species were characterized, among these a preferentially bioaccumulating and bioconcentrating species, in addition to a bioconcentrating species and a preferentially bioconcentrating and bioaccumulating species of Hg. Potentially accumulating species stood out, Blechnum serrulatum Rich. (Blechnaceae), Mauritia flexuosa L.f. (Arecaceae), and Montrichardia arborescens (L.) Schott (Araceae), all widely distributed in tropical regions, characterized as rooted, terrestrial, or amphibious and associated with ruderal environments.

High uric acid induces vascular endothelial cell injury via XBP1-PKM2 mediated glycolytic inhibition

Abstract Background/Introduction Although not fully understood, hyperuricemia induced endothelial dysfunction exhibits at the early onset of the pathology of atherosclerosis. Since aerobic glycolysis is the predominant energy source of endothelial cells, exploring the key glycolytic regulators that are responsible for maintaining the integrity of endothelial barrier may confer vascular homeostasis and prevent atherosclerosis. Purpose We aimed to investigate the role of high uric acid in the glycolysis of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and reveal its potential molecular mechanism underlying endothelial cell injury early in their quiescence. Methods Glycolytic metabolism was determined by real-time extracellular flux analysis and seahorse test on the HUVECs exposed to high uric acid (600 and 800μmol/L). We examined the expression of pyruvate kinase muscle isoforms 2 (PKM2), a key enzyme of glycolysis, and transcription factor X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), which was identified by RNA sequencing and chromatin immunoprecipitation combined with luciferase assay. Then, the effect of glycolytic regulation on the HUVECs functions under hypeuricemic condition was evaluated by molecular manipulating of XBP1-PKM2 signaling pathway. Results We observed that hyperuricemia inhibited glycolysis and led to reduced ATP production of HUVECs in vitro by inhibiting the expression of PKM2. In addition, both unsliced and sliced XBP1-(u/s) were also downregulated under the stimulation of high uric acid. Overexpression of XBP1-s increased the transcriptional level of PKM2 via binding the PKM2 promoter, and effectively recovered the glycolitic activity and ATP synthesis. Moreover, upregulating the XBP1-PKM2 pathway mitigated the HUVECs injury induced by hyperuricemia, including the abnormal release of endothelin-1, von Willebrand Factor, reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide, and poor cell proliferation, migration as well as tube formation. Conclusions Our data reveal that high uric acid induces HUVECs injury by downregulating glycolysis through the XBP1-PKM2 signaling axis.

Airborne LiDAR Point Cloud Classification Using Ensemble Learning for DEM Generation.

Airborne laser scanning (ALS) point clouds have emerged as a predominant data source for the generation of digital elevation models (DEM) in recent years. Traditionally, the generation of DEM using ALS point clouds involves the steps of point cloud classification or ground point filtering to extract ground points and labor-intensive post-processing to correct the misclassified ground points. The current deep learning techniques leverage the ability of geometric recognition for ground point classification. However, the deep learning classifiers are generally trained using 3D point clouds with simple geometric terrains, which decrease the performance of model inferencing. In this study, a point-based deep learning model with boosting ensemble learning and a set of geometric features as the model inputs is proposed. With the ensemble learning strategy, this study integrates specialized ground point classifiers designed for different terrains to boost classification robustness and accuracy. In experiments, ALS point clouds containing various terrains were used to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed method. The results demonstrated that the proposed method can improve the point cloud classification and the quality of generated DEMs. The classification accuracy and F1 score are improved from 80.9% to 92.2%, and 82.2% to 94.2%, respectively, by using the proposed methods. In addition, the DEM generation error, in terms of mean squared error (RMSE), is reduced from 0.318-1.362 m to 0.273-1.032 m by using the proposed ensemble learning.