Microplastics (MPs) have been an emerging concern due to their harmful effects on the ecosystem and are ubiquitous in various habitats, from marine to terrestrial environments. However, studies on the presence of MPs ...Microplastics (MPs) have been an emerging concern due to their harmful effects on the ecosystem and are ubiquitous in various habitats, from marine to terrestrial environments. However, studies on the presence of MPs in recreational areas are limited. One of the previous works has reported that urban recreational parks are considered “sinks” for plastic debris, including MPs. In this study, low-density MPs (LD-MPs) in soil samples collected from recreational parks of Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE) were isolated by density flotation method. Results showed that these parks have varying levels of LD-MPs caused by various anthropogenic activities, such as sludge use and application of reclaimed water from wastewater treatment facilities in those areas. These plastic particles were isolated in 87% of the soil samples, with an average concentration of 1550 ± 340 MPs/kg. Predominantly, these comprised large LD-MPs (300 - 5000 μm), with red and blue being the most common colors. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified possible synthetic polymers, including polyethylene and polypropylene. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between LD-MP concentration and soil pH and moisture content, indicating potential adverse effects on soil health. These findings highlight the need for monitoring and managing microplastic pollution in urban recreational areas to mitigate its ecological impacts.展开更多
This study explores the mathematical practices embedded in the cultural traditions of the Tharu community, with a focus on their counting systems, measuring techniques, and modeling patterns. Through ethnographic obse...This study explores the mathematical practices embedded in the cultural traditions of the Tharu community, with a focus on their counting systems, measuring techniques, and modeling patterns. Through ethnographic observations and field interviews, the research reveals how the Tharu people employ a base-20 counting system influenced by the Nepali numbering system and use physical objects for arithmetic operations. Their traditional measuring techniques rely on body-referenced units such as the Haat (hand) and Anguli (finger) for length, along with culturally specific units like the Muthi and Lota for volume. Additionally, the study examines the geometric patterns found in Tharu crafts, highlighting the community’s application of symmetry and ratios. The findings illustrate the significance of these ethnomathematical practices in the daily life of the Tharu people, offering insight into how indigenous mathematical knowledge can enrich the broader understanding of mathematics education. This research contributes to the field of ethnomathematics by documenting and analyzing the ways in which cultural groups integrate mathematical concepts to solve practical problems and preserve their heritage.展开更多
Cardiac injury initiates repair mechanisms and results in cardiac remodeling and fi-brosis,which appears to be a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases.Cardiac fi-brosis is characterized by the accumulation of extra...Cardiac injury initiates repair mechanisms and results in cardiac remodeling and fi-brosis,which appears to be a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases.Cardiac fi-brosis is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins,mainly collagen in the cardiac interstitium.Many experimental studies have demonstrated that fibrotic injury in the heart is reversible;therefore,it is vital to understand differ-ent molecular mechanisms that are involved in the initiation,progression,and resolu-tion of cardiac fibrosis to enable the development of antifibrotic agents.Of the many experimental models,one of the recent models that has gained renewed interest is isoproterenol(ISP)-induced cardiac fibrosis.ISP is a synthetic catecholamine,sympa-thomimetic,and nonselectiveβ-adrenergic receptor agonist.The overstimulated and sustained activation ofβ-adrenergic receptors has been reported to induce biochemi-cal and physiological alterations and ultimately result in cardiac remodeling.ISP has been used for decades to induce acute myocardial infarction.However,the use of low doses and chronic administration of ISP have been shown to induce cardiac fibrosis;this practice has increased in recent years.Intraperitoneal or subcutaneous ISP has been widely used in preclinical studies to induce cardiac remodeling manifested by fibrosis and hypertrophy.The induced oxidative stress with subsequent perturbations in cellular signaling cascades through triggering the release of free radicals is consid-ered the initiating mechanism of myocardial fibrosis.ISP is consistently used to induce fibrosis in laboratory animals and in cardiomyocytes isolated from animals.In recent years,numerous phytochemicals and synthetic molecules have been evaluated in ISP-induced cardiac fibrosis.The present review exclusively provides a comprehensive summary of the pathological biochemical,histological,and molecular mechanisms of ISP in inducing cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy.It also summarizes the application of this experimental model in the therapeutic evaluation of natural as well as syn-thetic compounds to demonstrate their potential in mitigating myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy.展开更多
This communication looks at the photo-oxidation of polythene and polypropylene plastic bottle tops that are placed on soil in a hot arid environment. The degree of oxidation of the plastic is monitored by FT-IR spectr...This communication looks at the photo-oxidation of polythene and polypropylene plastic bottle tops that are placed on soil in a hot arid environment. The degree of oxidation of the plastic is monitored by FT-IR spectroscopy. It is noted that while different bottle top types photo-oxidize at different rates, all show an appreciable level of oxidation after half a year of exposure to the environment. The oxidation leads to brittleness of the plastic, which leads to fissure formation in bottle tops of little thickness. This leads to fragmentation of the material upon impact, making plastic bottle tops an appreciable source of microplastics.展开更多
Episodic memory,our ability to recall past experiences,is supported by structures in the medial temporal lobe(MTL)particularly the hippocampus,and its interactions with fronto-parietal brain regions.Understanding how ...Episodic memory,our ability to recall past experiences,is supported by structures in the medial temporal lobe(MTL)particularly the hippocampus,and its interactions with fronto-parietal brain regions.Understanding how these brain regions coordinate to encode,consolidate,and retrieve episodic memories remains a fundamental question in cognitive neuroscience.Non-invasive brain stimulation(NIBS)methods,especially transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS),have advanced episodic memory research beyond traditional lesion studies and neuroimaging by enabling causal investigations through targeted magnetic stimulation to specific brain regions.This review begins by delineating the evolving understanding of episodic memory from both psychological and neurobiological perspectives and discusses the brain networks supporting episodic memory processes.Then,we review studies that employed TMS to modulate episodic memory,with the aim of identifying potential cortical regions that could be used as stimulation sites to modulate episodic memory networks.We conclude with the implications and prospects of using NIBS to understand episodic memory mechanisms.展开更多
Self-assembled monolayers(SAMs)are widely used as hole transport materials in inverted perovskite solar cells,offering low parasitic absorption and suitability for semitransparent and tandem solar cells.While SAMs hav...Self-assembled monolayers(SAMs)are widely used as hole transport materials in inverted perovskite solar cells,offering low parasitic absorption and suitability for semitransparent and tandem solar cells.While SAMs have shown to be promising in small-area devices(≤1 cm^(2)),their application in larger areas has been limited by a lack of knowledge regarding alternative deposition methods beyond the common spin-coating approach.Here,we compare spin-coating and upscalable methods such as thermal evaporation and spray-coating for[2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid(2PACz),one of the most common carbazole-based SAMs.The impact of these deposition methods on the device performance is investigated,revealing that the spray-coating technique yields higher device performance.Furthermore,our work provides guidelines for the deposition of SAM materials for the fabrication of perovskite solar modules.In addition,we provide an extensive characterization of 2PACz films focusing on thermal evaporation and spray-coating methods,which allow for thicker 2PACz deposition.It is found that the optimal 2PACz deposition conditions corresponding to the highest device performances do not always correlate with the monolayer characteristics.展开更多
This review explores the pivotal role of circadian rhythm regulators,particularly the PER genes,in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma(OSCC).As key constituents of the biological clock,PERs exhibit a downregulated expression...This review explores the pivotal role of circadian rhythm regulators,particularly the PER genes,in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma(OSCC).As key constituents of the biological clock,PERs exhibit a downregulated expression pattern in OSCC,and the expression levels of PERs in OSCC patients are correlated with a favorable prognosis.PERs impact the occurrence and development of OSCC through multiple pathways.In the regulation of cell proliferation,they can function not only through cell cycle regultion but also via metabolic pathways.For example,PER1 can interact with receptors for activated C kinase 1(RACK1)and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)through its PAS domain to inhibit glycolysis and thereby reduce cell proliferation.Regarding the regulation of cell death,PERs mediate various types of cell death in OSCC cells,such as p53-dependent apoptosis,protein kinase B(AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)dependent autophagy,or hypoxia-inducible factor l-alpha(HIF-1a)mediated ferroptosis.In regulating epithelia-mesenchymal transition(EMT),PERs can lead to the downregulation of EMT related genes,such as zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1/2(ZEBI/2),twist family BHLH transcription factor 1/2(TWIST1/2),and Vimentin,thereby influencing the migration and invasion capabilities of OSCC cells.In tumor angiogenesis,PERs exert regulatory effects on related factors,such as methionyl aminopeptidase 2(MetAP2)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).In the tumor immune microenvironment,PERs can inhibit the inhibitor of kappa B kinase(IKK)/nuclear factor kappa B(NF-kB)pathway and programmed cell death ligand 1(PD-L1)expression,thereby enhancing the cytotoxic effect of CD8+T cells on OSCC cells.In-depth studies focusing on elucidating the precise regulatory mechanisms of PERs can facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies targeting PERs,including restoration of PERs expression/activity,targeting PERs-regulated pathways,combination therapies,and chronotherapy.These furnish a theoretical foundation for formulating individualized treatment plans to achieve precise treatment for patients with OSCC.展开更多
Background Mental disorders rank among the leading contributors to the global disease burden, with depressive disorders being among the most prevalent.Aims The objective of this study is to examine the prevalence, inc...Background Mental disorders rank among the leading contributors to the global disease burden, with depressive disorders being among the most prevalent.Aims The objective of this study is to examine the prevalence, incidence and years lived with disability (YLDs) associated with depressive disorders, particularly major depressive disorder and dysthymia, in Iran from 1990 to 2021. To achieve this, the research focused on analysing these metrics across various dimensions, including temporal trends, sex differences, age categories and subnational regions.Methods The data used in this study are sourced directly from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, ensuring that the information is both authoritative and reliable. All-age count estimates and age-standardised rates (per 100 000) were calculated for prevalence, incidence and YLDs. The disease burden indicators were analysed for the period spanning from 1990 to 2021, stratified by sex, age and location. The percentage change between 1990 and 2021 was also documented. The 95% uncertainty interval (UI) was reported for each of the reported estimates.Results The prevalence of depressive disorders in Iran demonstrated a notable upward trend from 1990 to 2021, with the rate of growth being particularly pronounced within the country. The age-standardised prevalence rate per 100 000 individuals for depressive disorders in Iran was 5609 (95% UI 4810 to 6488). By 2021, the number of depression cases in Iran reached 5.2 million, which is approximately 2.37 times the figure reported in 1990. The prevalence of depressive disorders was notably higher among females compared with males. The age-standardised prevalence rate per 100 000 individuals for males was 4184 (95% UI 3545 to 4929). For females, this figure was significantly greater, reaching 7077 (95% UI 6115 to 8172). Out of the total reported cases of depressive disorders in Iran, 3.2 million were observed in females, while males accounted for 2 million cases.Conclusions The findings highlighted the considerable impact of depressive disorders in Iran, both nationally and regionally, while also revealing variations across sex and age groups. Given the shifts in the demographic structure and the growing burden of these disorders, it is essential to prioritise screening initiatives, education programmes and strategies aimed at enhancing mental health awareness and ensuring improved access to mental health services in health policy planning.展开更多
Morphologies of deltaic strandplains are the result of multiple sedimentary dynamics interacting with climate,neotectonic and anthropic impacts.They record long-term evolution of coastal areas but also reveal past and...Morphologies of deltaic strandplains are the result of multiple sedimentary dynamics interacting with climate,neotectonic and anthropic impacts.They record long-term evolution of coastal areas but also reveal past and present hazards that can be essential to better predict risks in urbanised deltas.This paper aims to identify the effect of a long-term evolution of the prograded plain of the Tiber Delta in using current ground surface variations and geohistorical data.This study applies GIS(Geographic Information System)tools to LiDAR(Light Detection and Ranging)-derived DEM(Digital Elevation Model)data combined with stratigraphical data,aerial photography interpretation and old maps.The main outcome shows areas of subsidence are primarily located in the central part of the Tiber Delta.Lower heights at the river mouth are due to subsidence and specific lower morphologies associated with fast progradation phases,while similar low heights just north in the area of the international airport of Rome are due to subsidence alone.Subsidence under the airport is associated with the compaction of the silty clay infill of the Late Pleistocene Tiber Valley mostly deposited during the Holocene transgressive period.Only observed in the airport area,the presence of washover fans and the large extent of paleolagoons reveal the kind of risks that are increased by this subsidence.This study demonstrates that the densely urbanised central part of the Tiber Delta faces higher risks of marine submersion and coastal flooding considering ongoing relative sea level change.It also contributes to show the importance to better characterise past coastal morphologies to identify areas prone to subsidence.展开更多
The Jiuyishan granitic complex,located in the Nanling Range,South China,is composed of five granitic plutons(Xuehuading,Jinjiling,Pangxiemu,Shaziling and Xishan).Zircon U-Pb dating of four plutons(Jinjiling,Pangxiemu,...The Jiuyishan granitic complex,located in the Nanling Range,South China,is composed of five granitic plutons(Xuehuading,Jinjiling,Pangxiemu,Shaziling and Xishan).Zircon U-Pb dating of four plutons(Jinjiling,Pangxiemu,Shaziling and Xishan)yielded similar ages of approximately 153 Ma,indicating indistinguishable ages within error.Three plutons except the Shaziling pluton,have consistentε_(Nd)(t)(-7.8 to-5.8)andε_(Hf)(t)(-9.1 to-2.2)values,which are similar to those of the lower crustal granulitic metasedimentary and meta-igneous rocks in South China.Compared to other three plutons,the Shaziling pluton has consistentε_(Nd)(t)(-7.4 to-6.8)andε_(Hf)(t)(-7.5 to-4.7)values and shows similar source,but the Shaziling mafic microgranular enclaves(MMEs)show variableε_(Hf)(t)(-14.2 to 4.8)values,indicating a remarkable mantle magma injection of the Shaziling pluton.Zircon Ce/Sm-Yb/Gd,whole-rock CaO-P_(2)O_(5)and CaO-TiO_(2)linear trends reveal that from the Xishan to the Shaziling and from the Jinjiling to the Pangxiemu granites,they experienced apatite and titanite fractionation,respectively.Zircon Th,U,Nb,Ta,Hf,Ti,Y,P and rare earth element(REE)contents and whole-rock Sr,Ba and Rb contents also show that the Shaziling,Xishan,Jinjiling and Pangxiemu granites followed a discontinuous evolutionary series,but the Pangxiemu granites exhibit highly evolved nature.Four main controlling factors of W-Sn and rare metal mineralization in granitic rocks were discussed,and we found that the mineralization in Jiuyishan granitic complex was mainly controlled by the fractionation degree and crystallization temperature,but were rarely affected by oxygen fugacity and mantle material input.The Pangxiemu granites show particularly higher Rb and Ta contents than the other three plutons,implying that the ore deposits developed in the Jiuyishan Complex were directly related to the most evolved Pangxiemu pluton,with the occurrence of Rb and Ta as the most likely rare metal mineralization in the Jiuyishan District.A crystal mush model is proposed to interpret the petrogenetic and mineralizing processes of the Jiuyishan granitic complex.展开更多
In this study,an analytical investigation is carried out to assess the impact of magnetic field-dependent(MFD)viscosity on the momentum and heat transfers inside the boundary layer of a Jeffrey fluid flowing over a ho...In this study,an analytical investigation is carried out to assess the impact of magnetic field-dependent(MFD)viscosity on the momentum and heat transfers inside the boundary layer of a Jeffrey fluid flowing over a horizontally elongating sheet,while taking into account the effects of ohmic dissipation.By applying similarity transformations,the original nonlinear governing equations with partial derivatives are transformed into ordinary differential equations.Analytical expressions for the momentum and energy equations are derived,incorporating the influence of MFD viscosity on the Jeffrey fluid.Then the impact of different parameters is assessed,including magnetic viscosity,magnetic interaction,retardation time,Deborah number,and Eckert number,on the velocity and temperature profiles in the boundary layer.The findings reveal that an increase in magnetic viscosity leads to a decrease in the local Nusselt number,thereby impairing heat transfer.Moreover,a higher retardation time enhances the local Nusselt number by thinning the momentum and thermal boundary layers,while a higher Deborah number decreases the local Nusselt number due to the reduction in fluid viscosity.展开更多
Microplastics(MPs)pollution has become a worldwide environmental problem.The study about the effects of microplastics on fish,especially on the fish immune system is limited.In the present study,the transcriptome of s...Microplastics(MPs)pollution has become a worldwide environmental problem.The study about the effects of microplastics on fish,especially on the fish immune system is limited.In the present study,the transcriptome of soiny mullet(Liza haematocheila)larvae at 7 d and 14 d post 0.5μm MPs exposure were analyzed by DNBSEQ platform.A total number of 96585 unigenes were obtained with average length of 1925 bp.Approximately 72.48%(70004),76.80%(74176),and 62.94%(60787)unigenes were matched with the annotated sequences for non-redundant(NR),NCBI nucleotide(NT)and Swissprot database,respectively.Compared with control group,1336 differently expressed genes(DEGs)were identified at 7 d post MPs exposure.As the MPs exposure time extended to 14 d,the number of DEGs in the MPs exposure group reached to 3561.Further,KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that several immune-related pathways,such as interleukin(IL)-17 signaling pathway,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)signaling pathway,were affected by MPs exposure.In addition,apoptosis signaling pathway was also enriched under MPs exposure.These results demonstrated that MPs can alter the expressions of immune-related genes,providing basis for understanding the immune toxicity of MPs on fish and other vertebrates.展开更多
This paper investigates the application of Direct Current Atmospheric Plasma Spraying(DC-APS)as a versatile thermal spray technique for the application of coatings with tailored properties to various substrates.The pr...This paper investigates the application of Direct Current Atmospheric Plasma Spraying(DC-APS)as a versatile thermal spray technique for the application of coatings with tailored properties to various substrates.The process uses a high-speed,high-temperature plasma jet to melt and propel the feedstock powder particles,making it particularly useful for improving the performance and durability of components in renewable energy systems such as solar cells,wind turbines,and fuel cells.The integration of nanostructured alumina(Al_(2)O_(3))thin films into multilayer coatings is considered a promising advancement that improves mechanical strength,thermal stability,and environmental resistance.The study highlights the importance of understanding injection parameters and their impact on coating properties and uses simulation tools such as the Jets&Poudres(JP)code for in-depth analysis.Furthermore,the paper discusses the implementation of Artificial Neural Networks(ANN)to optimize the coating process by predicting flight characteristics and improving operating conditions.The results show that ANN models are effective in achieving highly accurate prediction values,highlighting the potential of AI in improving thermal spray technology.展开更多
The Shangla Complex ophiolite represents a relic of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere along the Indus Suture Zone(also known as the Main Mantle Thrust)in northern Pakistan.This section,thrust onto the continental ma...The Shangla Complex ophiolite represents a relic of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere along the Indus Suture Zone(also known as the Main Mantle Thrust)in northern Pakistan.This section,thrust onto the continental margin between the Indian and Karakoram(Asian)plates,is predominantly composed of depleted harzburgites,dunites and chromitites.In this study,we conducted a thorough analysis of mineralogy,whole-rock geochemistry(major oxides,trace elements,PGE),and integrated Re-Os isotopic data from mantle-derived peridotites to understand their petrogenesis and melt evolution.These peridotites exhibit a depleted nature,characterized by a low modal composition of clinopyroxene,a wide forsterite content range in olivine(86.5 to 95.2),and a large variation in Cr#values(25.1–91.4).Their diverse whole-rock geochemistry further suggests varying degrees of partial melting.The Cpx-harzburgites show high average Al_(2)O_(3)(1.83 wt.%),CaO(2.27 wt.%),ΣREE(12.9 ppb),and^(187)Os/^(188)Os values between 0.13095 and 0.12571.On the other hand,the depleted harzburgites and dunites exhibit lower average Al_(2)O_(3)(0.57 wt.%and 0.14 wt.%,respectively),CaO concentration(0.59 wt.%and 0.21 wt.%,respectively),and∑REE concentrations,measured at 12.7 ppb and 8.9 ppb,respectively.The^(187)Os/^(188)Os ratios in the depleted harzburgites and dunites range from 0.12643 to 0.11777,indicating they are less radiogenic compared to the Cpx-harzburgites.The spoon-shaped rare earth elements(REE)patterns suggest that the Cpx-harzburgites underwent low degrees of partial melting(∼10%–15%),whereas the depleted harzburgites and dunites indicate somewhat higher degrees of partial melting(additional melting of the Cpx-harzburgites).The PGE abundances in these depleted harzburgites and dunites are linked to the partial melting of Cpx-harzburgites,resulting in a boninitic-like melt.Their low degree of melting and melt extraction suggests that Cpx-harzburgites initially formed at a mid-ocean ridge(MOR)spreading center or a distal fore-arc basin.In contrast,the depleted harzburgites and dunites were formed during a second phase of melting,followed by refertilization,closely associated with a supra-subduction zone(SSZ)setting.The Re-Os isotopic systematics of the Shangla Complex peridotites reveal model age clusters of ca.250 Ma and ca.450 Ma,potentially corresponding to significant tectonic events in the geodynamic evolution of the Neo-Tethyan,Rheic,and Proto-Tethyan oceans.展开更多
Retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)dysfunction is involved in the advancement of numerous degenerative retinal illnesses,such as age-related macular degeneration and hereditary retinal abnormalities.Transplantation of RPE...Retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)dysfunction is involved in the advancement of numerous degenerative retinal illnesses,such as age-related macular degeneration and hereditary retinal abnormalities.Transplantation of RPE produced from stem cells has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to restore retinal function and prevent vision loss.However,other obstacles impede its clinical application,including immunological rejection,cell viability,functional integration,and the necessity for consistent differentiation techniques.This review offers a thorough examination of the molecular processes regulating RPE integrity,investigates recent progress in stem cell-derived RPE therapeutics,and addresses significant challenges to their broad implementation.Furthermore,we emphasize prospective avenues intended to enhance the safety,efficacy,and enduring success of RPE transplantation in clinical environments.展开更多
Sand encroachment into urban areas represents a high risk factor for transportation infrastructural and urban development in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is located in one of the world’s largest arid regions wit...Sand encroachment into urban areas represents a high risk factor for transportation infrastructural and urban development in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is located in one of the world’s largest arid regions with a strong prevalence of sand movement and encroachment into urban areas, particularly in the last few years. The objective of this research is to develop a land surface process platform that models sand movements and further generates an encroachment risk index map of potential encroachment risk areas season-wise in the UAE. To achieve this objective, this research used elevation and land cover maps generated from Lands at 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) data which represent the topography of the study area coupled with meteorological information on wind speed, temperature and precipitation. Furthermore, the study considered the vegetation cover as a major contribution factor to reduce sand encroachment. Using developed sand movement model for this research, sand encroachment risk maps were generated to help urban planners in cities making informed decisions of future urban protection structures and transportation networks that mitigate the effects of sand dunes encroachments in the UAE. A major finding of this research results conclude that during the summer season encroachment risk reaches 30% higher compared to the winter season due to the extremely high temperature which leads to reduced vegetation in the country. Urban planning decision maker may consider the finding of this research for future infrastructural adjustments.展开更多
Large volumes of water are generated in gas- and oil-production. This includes the water that is present originally in the reservoirs, but also water that is injected into the wells. While currently much of the produc...Large volumes of water are generated in gas- and oil-production. This includes the water that is present originally in the reservoirs, but also water that is injected into the wells. While currently much of the produced water is either reinjected or disposed of after treatment, treated produced water is increasingly seen as an interesting resource, especially in water-scarce regions. This review looks at different PW treatment methods available, with an emphasis on the management of PW in oil- and gas production on the Arabian Peninsula.展开更多
In order to find out whether any toothpastes commercially available in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) carry microplastic content in form of plastic microbeads, the filterable solid contents of 31 toothpastes from UAE ...In order to find out whether any toothpastes commercially available in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) carry microplastic content in form of plastic microbeads, the filterable solid contents of 31 toothpastes from UAE markets and 2 toothpastes imported from Syria were analyzed. FT-IR studies of the solids revealed that the major solid components were hydrated silica and calcium carbonate, where the individual toothpaste product exhibited either one or the other as the dominant constituent. Titrimetric analysis of the alkalinity of the ash of the toothpastes was carried out. The solids, ashed at 600°C were subjected to FT-IR and EDS (energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic) analysis. The ash of some of the products was shown to have TiO<sub>2</sub> and Ca<sub>3</sub> (PO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub> as minor components. Mostly organic dyes were used as colorants;however, iron oxide (Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>) was also found. Importantly, none of the toothpastes carried any solid microplastic particles. Only 3 toothpastes carried microbeads at all, which were made of either silica or microcrystalline cellulose. This finding indicates that toothpastes, at least in the UAE, are no longer a significant source of microplastic in the environment. The results were compared to a toothpaste bought through the internet with a formulation from 2014, which exhibited polythene microplastic at 1.31 ± 0.39 w% of the filterable solid content.展开更多
Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties(reliability and validity)of the Social Isolation Scale(SIS)in a sample of Portuguese community-dwelling older adults.Methods A transversal de...Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties(reliability and validity)of the Social Isolation Scale(SIS)in a sample of Portuguese community-dwelling older adults.Methods A transversal descriptive study was carried out with a convenience sample of 250 community-dwelling older adults(≥65 years).The survey comprised a sociodemographic questionnaire,SIS,Geriatric Depression Scale-4(GDS-4),6-item Lubben Social Network Scale(LSNS-6),a loneliness self-assessment question,and Satisfaction with Life Scale(SWLS).Construct validity(confirmatory factor analysis)and convergent validity were analyzed,and ISI internal reliability(composite reliability),external reliability(test-retest,intraclass correlation coefficient)and inter-rater reliability(Cohen’s kappa coefficient)were evaluated.Results Confirmatory factor analysis showed a two-factor model with an excellent index of fit.The SIS showed significant correlations with LSNS-6(rs=0.47),SWLS(rs=0.26),the loneliness self-assessment question(rs=0.35),and GDS-4(rs=−0.16).SIS composite reliability was good(0.708).The inter-class correlation coefficient varied from 0.84 to 0.98.The Cohen’s kappa coefficient ranged from 0.936 to 1.Conclusions SIS has been shown to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing social isolation among Portuguese community-dwelling older adults.Healthcare professionals,particularly nurses working in community settings,can use SIS to assess social isolation in older adults to design,implement,and evaluate interventions.展开更多
Obesity,a global health concern,is associated with severe health issues like type 2 diabetes,heart disease,and respiratory complications.It also increases the risk of various cancers,including melanoma,endometrial,pro...Obesity,a global health concern,is associated with severe health issues like type 2 diabetes,heart disease,and respiratory complications.It also increases the risk of various cancers,including melanoma,endometrial,prostate,pancreatic,esophageal adenocarcinoma,colorectal carcinoma,renal adenocarcinoma,and pre-and post-menopausal breast cancer.Obesity-induced cellular changes,such as impaired CD8^(+)T cell function,dyslipi-demia,hypercholesterolemia,insulin resistance,mild hyperglycemia,and fluctuating levels of leptin,resistin,adiponectin,and IL-6,contribute to cancer development by promoting inflammation and creating a tumor-promoting microenvironment rich in adipocytes.Adipocytes release leptin,a pro-inflammatory substance that stimulates cancer cell proliferation,inflammation,and invasion,altering the tumor cell metabolic pathway.Adiponectin,an insulin-sensitizing adipokine,is typically downregulated in obese individuals.It has antipro-liferative,proapoptotic,and antiangiogenic properties,making it a potential cancer treatment.This narrative review offers a comprehensive examination of the molecular interconnections between obesity and cancer,draw-ing on an extensive,though non-systematic,survey of the recent literature.This approach allows us to integrate and synthesize findings from various studies,offering a cohesive perspective on emerging themes and potential therapeutic targets.The review explores the metabolic disturbances,cellular alterations,inflammatory responses,and shifts in the tumor microenvironment that contribute to the obesity-cancer link.Finally,it discusses poten-tial therapeutic strategies aimed at disrupting these connections,offering valuable insights into future research directions and the development of targeted interventions.展开更多
文摘Microplastics (MPs) have been an emerging concern due to their harmful effects on the ecosystem and are ubiquitous in various habitats, from marine to terrestrial environments. However, studies on the presence of MPs in recreational areas are limited. One of the previous works has reported that urban recreational parks are considered “sinks” for plastic debris, including MPs. In this study, low-density MPs (LD-MPs) in soil samples collected from recreational parks of Al Ain, United Arab Emirates (UAE) were isolated by density flotation method. Results showed that these parks have varying levels of LD-MPs caused by various anthropogenic activities, such as sludge use and application of reclaimed water from wastewater treatment facilities in those areas. These plastic particles were isolated in 87% of the soil samples, with an average concentration of 1550 ± 340 MPs/kg. Predominantly, these comprised large LD-MPs (300 - 5000 μm), with red and blue being the most common colors. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified possible synthetic polymers, including polyethylene and polypropylene. Additionally, a negative correlation was observed between LD-MP concentration and soil pH and moisture content, indicating potential adverse effects on soil health. These findings highlight the need for monitoring and managing microplastic pollution in urban recreational areas to mitigate its ecological impacts.
文摘This study explores the mathematical practices embedded in the cultural traditions of the Tharu community, with a focus on their counting systems, measuring techniques, and modeling patterns. Through ethnographic observations and field interviews, the research reveals how the Tharu people employ a base-20 counting system influenced by the Nepali numbering system and use physical objects for arithmetic operations. Their traditional measuring techniques rely on body-referenced units such as the Haat (hand) and Anguli (finger) for length, along with culturally specific units like the Muthi and Lota for volume. Additionally, the study examines the geometric patterns found in Tharu crafts, highlighting the community’s application of symmetry and ratios. The findings illustrate the significance of these ethnomathematical practices in the daily life of the Tharu people, offering insight into how indigenous mathematical knowledge can enrich the broader understanding of mathematics education. This research contributes to the field of ethnomathematics by documenting and analyzing the ways in which cultural groups integrate mathematical concepts to solve practical problems and preserve their heritage.
基金United Arab Emirates University,Grant/Award Number:12R104 and 12R121。
文摘Cardiac injury initiates repair mechanisms and results in cardiac remodeling and fi-brosis,which appears to be a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases.Cardiac fi-brosis is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins,mainly collagen in the cardiac interstitium.Many experimental studies have demonstrated that fibrotic injury in the heart is reversible;therefore,it is vital to understand differ-ent molecular mechanisms that are involved in the initiation,progression,and resolu-tion of cardiac fibrosis to enable the development of antifibrotic agents.Of the many experimental models,one of the recent models that has gained renewed interest is isoproterenol(ISP)-induced cardiac fibrosis.ISP is a synthetic catecholamine,sympa-thomimetic,and nonselectiveβ-adrenergic receptor agonist.The overstimulated and sustained activation ofβ-adrenergic receptors has been reported to induce biochemi-cal and physiological alterations and ultimately result in cardiac remodeling.ISP has been used for decades to induce acute myocardial infarction.However,the use of low doses and chronic administration of ISP have been shown to induce cardiac fibrosis;this practice has increased in recent years.Intraperitoneal or subcutaneous ISP has been widely used in preclinical studies to induce cardiac remodeling manifested by fibrosis and hypertrophy.The induced oxidative stress with subsequent perturbations in cellular signaling cascades through triggering the release of free radicals is consid-ered the initiating mechanism of myocardial fibrosis.ISP is consistently used to induce fibrosis in laboratory animals and in cardiomyocytes isolated from animals.In recent years,numerous phytochemicals and synthetic molecules have been evaluated in ISP-induced cardiac fibrosis.The present review exclusively provides a comprehensive summary of the pathological biochemical,histological,and molecular mechanisms of ISP in inducing cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy.It also summarizes the application of this experimental model in the therapeutic evaluation of natural as well as syn-thetic compounds to demonstrate their potential in mitigating myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy.
文摘This communication looks at the photo-oxidation of polythene and polypropylene plastic bottle tops that are placed on soil in a hot arid environment. The degree of oxidation of the plastic is monitored by FT-IR spectroscopy. It is noted that while different bottle top types photo-oxidize at different rates, all show an appreciable level of oxidation after half a year of exposure to the environment. The oxidation leads to brittleness of the plastic, which leads to fissure formation in bottle tops of little thickness. This leads to fragmentation of the material upon impact, making plastic bottle tops an appreciable source of microplastics.
文摘Episodic memory,our ability to recall past experiences,is supported by structures in the medial temporal lobe(MTL)particularly the hippocampus,and its interactions with fronto-parietal brain regions.Understanding how these brain regions coordinate to encode,consolidate,and retrieve episodic memories remains a fundamental question in cognitive neuroscience.Non-invasive brain stimulation(NIBS)methods,especially transcranial magnetic stimulation(TMS),have advanced episodic memory research beyond traditional lesion studies and neuroimaging by enabling causal investigations through targeted magnetic stimulation to specific brain regions.This review begins by delineating the evolving understanding of episodic memory from both psychological and neurobiological perspectives and discusses the brain networks supporting episodic memory processes.Then,we review studies that employed TMS to modulate episodic memory,with the aim of identifying potential cortical regions that could be used as stimulation sites to modulate episodic memory networks.We conclude with the implications and prospects of using NIBS to understand episodic memory mechanisms.
基金supported by funding from the Energy Materials and Surface Sciences Unit of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University,the OIST R&D Cluster Research Program,the OIST Proof of Concept(POC)Program,the JSPS KAKENHI Grant Number JP21F21754 and Alexander von Humboldt Foundation。
文摘Self-assembled monolayers(SAMs)are widely used as hole transport materials in inverted perovskite solar cells,offering low parasitic absorption and suitability for semitransparent and tandem solar cells.While SAMs have shown to be promising in small-area devices(≤1 cm^(2)),their application in larger areas has been limited by a lack of knowledge regarding alternative deposition methods beyond the common spin-coating approach.Here,we compare spin-coating and upscalable methods such as thermal evaporation and spray-coating for[2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)ethyl]phosphonic acid(2PACz),one of the most common carbazole-based SAMs.The impact of these deposition methods on the device performance is investigated,revealing that the spray-coating technique yields higher device performance.Furthermore,our work provides guidelines for the deposition of SAM materials for the fabrication of perovskite solar modules.In addition,we provide an extensive characterization of 2PACz films focusing on thermal evaporation and spray-coating methods,which allow for thicker 2PACz deposition.It is found that the optimal 2PACz deposition conditions corresponding to the highest device performances do not always correlate with the monolayer characteristics.
基金supported by the following funding:National Natural Science Foundations of China(82002888,82272899 and 82370974)Sichuan Science and Technology Program(2022YFS0207 and 2023YFS0127)+1 种基金Scientific Research Foundation,WestChinaHospital of Stomatology SichuanUniversity(RCDWJS2021-8)the CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(CIFMS,2019-I2M-5-004).
文摘This review explores the pivotal role of circadian rhythm regulators,particularly the PER genes,in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma(OSCC).As key constituents of the biological clock,PERs exhibit a downregulated expression pattern in OSCC,and the expression levels of PERs in OSCC patients are correlated with a favorable prognosis.PERs impact the occurrence and development of OSCC through multiple pathways.In the regulation of cell proliferation,they can function not only through cell cycle regultion but also via metabolic pathways.For example,PER1 can interact with receptors for activated C kinase 1(RACK1)and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)through its PAS domain to inhibit glycolysis and thereby reduce cell proliferation.Regarding the regulation of cell death,PERs mediate various types of cell death in OSCC cells,such as p53-dependent apoptosis,protein kinase B(AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)dependent autophagy,or hypoxia-inducible factor l-alpha(HIF-1a)mediated ferroptosis.In regulating epithelia-mesenchymal transition(EMT),PERs can lead to the downregulation of EMT related genes,such as zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1/2(ZEBI/2),twist family BHLH transcription factor 1/2(TWIST1/2),and Vimentin,thereby influencing the migration and invasion capabilities of OSCC cells.In tumor angiogenesis,PERs exert regulatory effects on related factors,such as methionyl aminopeptidase 2(MetAP2)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).In the tumor immune microenvironment,PERs can inhibit the inhibitor of kappa B kinase(IKK)/nuclear factor kappa B(NF-kB)pathway and programmed cell death ligand 1(PD-L1)expression,thereby enhancing the cytotoxic effect of CD8+T cells on OSCC cells.In-depth studies focusing on elucidating the precise regulatory mechanisms of PERs can facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies targeting PERs,including restoration of PERs expression/activity,targeting PERs-regulated pathways,combination therapies,and chronotherapy.These furnish a theoretical foundation for formulating individualized treatment plans to achieve precise treatment for patients with OSCC.
文摘Background Mental disorders rank among the leading contributors to the global disease burden, with depressive disorders being among the most prevalent.Aims The objective of this study is to examine the prevalence, incidence and years lived with disability (YLDs) associated with depressive disorders, particularly major depressive disorder and dysthymia, in Iran from 1990 to 2021. To achieve this, the research focused on analysing these metrics across various dimensions, including temporal trends, sex differences, age categories and subnational regions.Methods The data used in this study are sourced directly from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, ensuring that the information is both authoritative and reliable. All-age count estimates and age-standardised rates (per 100 000) were calculated for prevalence, incidence and YLDs. The disease burden indicators were analysed for the period spanning from 1990 to 2021, stratified by sex, age and location. The percentage change between 1990 and 2021 was also documented. The 95% uncertainty interval (UI) was reported for each of the reported estimates.Results The prevalence of depressive disorders in Iran demonstrated a notable upward trend from 1990 to 2021, with the rate of growth being particularly pronounced within the country. The age-standardised prevalence rate per 100 000 individuals for depressive disorders in Iran was 5609 (95% UI 4810 to 6488). By 2021, the number of depression cases in Iran reached 5.2 million, which is approximately 2.37 times the figure reported in 1990. The prevalence of depressive disorders was notably higher among females compared with males. The age-standardised prevalence rate per 100 000 individuals for males was 4184 (95% UI 3545 to 4929). For females, this figure was significantly greater, reaching 7077 (95% UI 6115 to 8172). Out of the total reported cases of depressive disorders in Iran, 3.2 million were observed in females, while males accounted for 2 million cases.Conclusions The findings highlighted the considerable impact of depressive disorders in Iran, both nationally and regionally, while also revealing variations across sex and age groups. Given the shifts in the demographic structure and the growing burden of these disorders, it is essential to prioritise screening initiatives, education programmes and strategies aimed at enhancing mental health awareness and ensuring improved access to mental health services in health policy planning.
文摘Morphologies of deltaic strandplains are the result of multiple sedimentary dynamics interacting with climate,neotectonic and anthropic impacts.They record long-term evolution of coastal areas but also reveal past and present hazards that can be essential to better predict risks in urbanised deltas.This paper aims to identify the effect of a long-term evolution of the prograded plain of the Tiber Delta in using current ground surface variations and geohistorical data.This study applies GIS(Geographic Information System)tools to LiDAR(Light Detection and Ranging)-derived DEM(Digital Elevation Model)data combined with stratigraphical data,aerial photography interpretation and old maps.The main outcome shows areas of subsidence are primarily located in the central part of the Tiber Delta.Lower heights at the river mouth are due to subsidence and specific lower morphologies associated with fast progradation phases,while similar low heights just north in the area of the international airport of Rome are due to subsidence alone.Subsidence under the airport is associated with the compaction of the silty clay infill of the Late Pleistocene Tiber Valley mostly deposited during the Holocene transgressive period.Only observed in the airport area,the presence of washover fans and the large extent of paleolagoons reveal the kind of risks that are increased by this subsidence.This study demonstrates that the densely urbanised central part of the Tiber Delta faces higher risks of marine submersion and coastal flooding considering ongoing relative sea level change.It also contributes to show the importance to better characterise past coastal morphologies to identify areas prone to subsidence.
基金financially supported by the Provincial Natural Science Foundation of Hunan(Nos.2019JJ50831,2023JJ30505 and 2023JJ40541)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Nos.2017M622597 and 2021M690591)+2 种基金the Open Research Fund Program of Fundamental Science on Radioactive Geology and Exploration Technology Laboratory(East China University of Technology)(No.2022RGET04)the National Foreign Expert Project(No.G2022029012L)the National Nature Science Foundation of China(No.41002022)。
文摘The Jiuyishan granitic complex,located in the Nanling Range,South China,is composed of five granitic plutons(Xuehuading,Jinjiling,Pangxiemu,Shaziling and Xishan).Zircon U-Pb dating of four plutons(Jinjiling,Pangxiemu,Shaziling and Xishan)yielded similar ages of approximately 153 Ma,indicating indistinguishable ages within error.Three plutons except the Shaziling pluton,have consistentε_(Nd)(t)(-7.8 to-5.8)andε_(Hf)(t)(-9.1 to-2.2)values,which are similar to those of the lower crustal granulitic metasedimentary and meta-igneous rocks in South China.Compared to other three plutons,the Shaziling pluton has consistentε_(Nd)(t)(-7.4 to-6.8)andε_(Hf)(t)(-7.5 to-4.7)values and shows similar source,but the Shaziling mafic microgranular enclaves(MMEs)show variableε_(Hf)(t)(-14.2 to 4.8)values,indicating a remarkable mantle magma injection of the Shaziling pluton.Zircon Ce/Sm-Yb/Gd,whole-rock CaO-P_(2)O_(5)and CaO-TiO_(2)linear trends reveal that from the Xishan to the Shaziling and from the Jinjiling to the Pangxiemu granites,they experienced apatite and titanite fractionation,respectively.Zircon Th,U,Nb,Ta,Hf,Ti,Y,P and rare earth element(REE)contents and whole-rock Sr,Ba and Rb contents also show that the Shaziling,Xishan,Jinjiling and Pangxiemu granites followed a discontinuous evolutionary series,but the Pangxiemu granites exhibit highly evolved nature.Four main controlling factors of W-Sn and rare metal mineralization in granitic rocks were discussed,and we found that the mineralization in Jiuyishan granitic complex was mainly controlled by the fractionation degree and crystallization temperature,but were rarely affected by oxygen fugacity and mantle material input.The Pangxiemu granites show particularly higher Rb and Ta contents than the other three plutons,implying that the ore deposits developed in the Jiuyishan Complex were directly related to the most evolved Pangxiemu pluton,with the occurrence of Rb and Ta as the most likely rare metal mineralization in the Jiuyishan District.A crystal mush model is proposed to interpret the petrogenetic and mineralizing processes of the Jiuyishan granitic complex.
基金supported by the United Arab Emirates University,Al Ain,United Arab Emirates,under Grant No.12R283.
文摘In this study,an analytical investigation is carried out to assess the impact of magnetic field-dependent(MFD)viscosity on the momentum and heat transfers inside the boundary layer of a Jeffrey fluid flowing over a horizontally elongating sheet,while taking into account the effects of ohmic dissipation.By applying similarity transformations,the original nonlinear governing equations with partial derivatives are transformed into ordinary differential equations.Analytical expressions for the momentum and energy equations are derived,incorporating the influence of MFD viscosity on the Jeffrey fluid.Then the impact of different parameters is assessed,including magnetic viscosity,magnetic interaction,retardation time,Deborah number,and Eckert number,on the velocity and temperature profiles in the boundary layer.The findings reveal that an increase in magnetic viscosity leads to a decrease in the local Nusselt number,thereby impairing heat transfer.Moreover,a higher retardation time enhances the local Nusselt number by thinning the momentum and thermal boundary layers,while a higher Deborah number decreases the local Nusselt number due to the reduction in fluid viscosity.
基金supported by the Major Projects of Natural Science Research for University and Colleges in Jiangsu Province(No.21KJA240001)the Key Research and Development Program of Jiangsu Province(No.BE2018348)+2 种基金partially by the Jiangsu Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Fund(No.CX(22)3199)the Projects for the High-Quality Development of Fishery Industry of Yancheng City(No.YCSCYJ20210014)supported financially by the projects for‘Six Talents’of Jiangsu Province(No.NY115)。
文摘Microplastics(MPs)pollution has become a worldwide environmental problem.The study about the effects of microplastics on fish,especially on the fish immune system is limited.In the present study,the transcriptome of soiny mullet(Liza haematocheila)larvae at 7 d and 14 d post 0.5μm MPs exposure were analyzed by DNBSEQ platform.A total number of 96585 unigenes were obtained with average length of 1925 bp.Approximately 72.48%(70004),76.80%(74176),and 62.94%(60787)unigenes were matched with the annotated sequences for non-redundant(NR),NCBI nucleotide(NT)and Swissprot database,respectively.Compared with control group,1336 differently expressed genes(DEGs)were identified at 7 d post MPs exposure.As the MPs exposure time extended to 14 d,the number of DEGs in the MPs exposure group reached to 3561.Further,KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that several immune-related pathways,such as interleukin(IL)-17 signaling pathway,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)signaling pathway,were affected by MPs exposure.In addition,apoptosis signaling pathway was also enriched under MPs exposure.These results demonstrated that MPs can alter the expressions of immune-related genes,providing basis for understanding the immune toxicity of MPs on fish and other vertebrates.
文摘This paper investigates the application of Direct Current Atmospheric Plasma Spraying(DC-APS)as a versatile thermal spray technique for the application of coatings with tailored properties to various substrates.The process uses a high-speed,high-temperature plasma jet to melt and propel the feedstock powder particles,making it particularly useful for improving the performance and durability of components in renewable energy systems such as solar cells,wind turbines,and fuel cells.The integration of nanostructured alumina(Al_(2)O_(3))thin films into multilayer coatings is considered a promising advancement that improves mechanical strength,thermal stability,and environmental resistance.The study highlights the importance of understanding injection parameters and their impact on coating properties and uses simulation tools such as the Jets&Poudres(JP)code for in-depth analysis.Furthermore,the paper discusses the implementation of Artificial Neural Networks(ANN)to optimize the coating process by predicting flight characteristics and improving operating conditions.The results show that ANN models are effective in achieving highly accurate prediction values,highlighting the potential of AI in improving thermal spray technology.
基金supported by a grant from the Science and Technology Innovation Program of Hunan Province(Grant No.2021RC4055)Key Laboratory of Metallogenic Prediction of Nonferrous Metals and Geological Environment Monitoring,during the Postdoctoral research of the first author(Zaheen Ullah,Assistant Professor,University of Swat,Pakistan)at the Central South University,Changsha,China.
文摘The Shangla Complex ophiolite represents a relic of the Neo-Tethyan oceanic lithosphere along the Indus Suture Zone(also known as the Main Mantle Thrust)in northern Pakistan.This section,thrust onto the continental margin between the Indian and Karakoram(Asian)plates,is predominantly composed of depleted harzburgites,dunites and chromitites.In this study,we conducted a thorough analysis of mineralogy,whole-rock geochemistry(major oxides,trace elements,PGE),and integrated Re-Os isotopic data from mantle-derived peridotites to understand their petrogenesis and melt evolution.These peridotites exhibit a depleted nature,characterized by a low modal composition of clinopyroxene,a wide forsterite content range in olivine(86.5 to 95.2),and a large variation in Cr#values(25.1–91.4).Their diverse whole-rock geochemistry further suggests varying degrees of partial melting.The Cpx-harzburgites show high average Al_(2)O_(3)(1.83 wt.%),CaO(2.27 wt.%),ΣREE(12.9 ppb),and^(187)Os/^(188)Os values between 0.13095 and 0.12571.On the other hand,the depleted harzburgites and dunites exhibit lower average Al_(2)O_(3)(0.57 wt.%and 0.14 wt.%,respectively),CaO concentration(0.59 wt.%and 0.21 wt.%,respectively),and∑REE concentrations,measured at 12.7 ppb and 8.9 ppb,respectively.The^(187)Os/^(188)Os ratios in the depleted harzburgites and dunites range from 0.12643 to 0.11777,indicating they are less radiogenic compared to the Cpx-harzburgites.The spoon-shaped rare earth elements(REE)patterns suggest that the Cpx-harzburgites underwent low degrees of partial melting(∼10%–15%),whereas the depleted harzburgites and dunites indicate somewhat higher degrees of partial melting(additional melting of the Cpx-harzburgites).The PGE abundances in these depleted harzburgites and dunites are linked to the partial melting of Cpx-harzburgites,resulting in a boninitic-like melt.Their low degree of melting and melt extraction suggests that Cpx-harzburgites initially formed at a mid-ocean ridge(MOR)spreading center or a distal fore-arc basin.In contrast,the depleted harzburgites and dunites were formed during a second phase of melting,followed by refertilization,closely associated with a supra-subduction zone(SSZ)setting.The Re-Os isotopic systematics of the Shangla Complex peridotites reveal model age clusters of ca.250 Ma and ca.450 Ma,potentially corresponding to significant tectonic events in the geodynamic evolution of the Neo-Tethyan,Rheic,and Proto-Tethyan oceans.
文摘Retinal pigment epithelium(RPE)dysfunction is involved in the advancement of numerous degenerative retinal illnesses,such as age-related macular degeneration and hereditary retinal abnormalities.Transplantation of RPE produced from stem cells has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy to restore retinal function and prevent vision loss.However,other obstacles impede its clinical application,including immunological rejection,cell viability,functional integration,and the necessity for consistent differentiation techniques.This review offers a thorough examination of the molecular processes regulating RPE integrity,investigates recent progress in stem cell-derived RPE therapeutics,and addresses significant challenges to their broad implementation.Furthermore,we emphasize prospective avenues intended to enhance the safety,efficacy,and enduring success of RPE transplantation in clinical environments.
文摘Sand encroachment into urban areas represents a high risk factor for transportation infrastructural and urban development in the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is located in one of the world’s largest arid regions with a strong prevalence of sand movement and encroachment into urban areas, particularly in the last few years. The objective of this research is to develop a land surface process platform that models sand movements and further generates an encroachment risk index map of potential encroachment risk areas season-wise in the UAE. To achieve this objective, this research used elevation and land cover maps generated from Lands at 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) data which represent the topography of the study area coupled with meteorological information on wind speed, temperature and precipitation. Furthermore, the study considered the vegetation cover as a major contribution factor to reduce sand encroachment. Using developed sand movement model for this research, sand encroachment risk maps were generated to help urban planners in cities making informed decisions of future urban protection structures and transportation networks that mitigate the effects of sand dunes encroachments in the UAE. A major finding of this research results conclude that during the summer season encroachment risk reaches 30% higher compared to the winter season due to the extremely high temperature which leads to reduced vegetation in the country. Urban planning decision maker may consider the finding of this research for future infrastructural adjustments.
文摘Large volumes of water are generated in gas- and oil-production. This includes the water that is present originally in the reservoirs, but also water that is injected into the wells. While currently much of the produced water is either reinjected or disposed of after treatment, treated produced water is increasingly seen as an interesting resource, especially in water-scarce regions. This review looks at different PW treatment methods available, with an emphasis on the management of PW in oil- and gas production on the Arabian Peninsula.
文摘In order to find out whether any toothpastes commercially available in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) carry microplastic content in form of plastic microbeads, the filterable solid contents of 31 toothpastes from UAE markets and 2 toothpastes imported from Syria were analyzed. FT-IR studies of the solids revealed that the major solid components were hydrated silica and calcium carbonate, where the individual toothpaste product exhibited either one or the other as the dominant constituent. Titrimetric analysis of the alkalinity of the ash of the toothpastes was carried out. The solids, ashed at 600°C were subjected to FT-IR and EDS (energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic) analysis. The ash of some of the products was shown to have TiO<sub>2</sub> and Ca<sub>3</sub> (PO<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub> as minor components. Mostly organic dyes were used as colorants;however, iron oxide (Fe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>) was also found. Importantly, none of the toothpastes carried any solid microplastic particles. Only 3 toothpastes carried microbeads at all, which were made of either silica or microcrystalline cellulose. This finding indicates that toothpastes, at least in the UAE, are no longer a significant source of microplastic in the environment. The results were compared to a toothpaste bought through the internet with a formulation from 2014, which exhibited polythene microplastic at 1.31 ± 0.39 w% of the filterable solid content.
基金supported by national funds through FCT-Fundaçao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia,I.P.,within CINTESIS R&D Unit(UIDB/4255/2020 and UIDP/4255/2020)within the scope of the project RISE(LA/P/0053/2020).
文摘Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties(reliability and validity)of the Social Isolation Scale(SIS)in a sample of Portuguese community-dwelling older adults.Methods A transversal descriptive study was carried out with a convenience sample of 250 community-dwelling older adults(≥65 years).The survey comprised a sociodemographic questionnaire,SIS,Geriatric Depression Scale-4(GDS-4),6-item Lubben Social Network Scale(LSNS-6),a loneliness self-assessment question,and Satisfaction with Life Scale(SWLS).Construct validity(confirmatory factor analysis)and convergent validity were analyzed,and ISI internal reliability(composite reliability),external reliability(test-retest,intraclass correlation coefficient)and inter-rater reliability(Cohen’s kappa coefficient)were evaluated.Results Confirmatory factor analysis showed a two-factor model with an excellent index of fit.The SIS showed significant correlations with LSNS-6(rs=0.47),SWLS(rs=0.26),the loneliness self-assessment question(rs=0.35),and GDS-4(rs=−0.16).SIS composite reliability was good(0.708).The inter-class correlation coefficient varied from 0.84 to 0.98.The Cohen’s kappa coefficient ranged from 0.936 to 1.Conclusions SIS has been shown to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing social isolation among Portuguese community-dwelling older adults.Healthcare professionals,particularly nurses working in community settings,can use SIS to assess social isolation in older adults to design,implement,and evaluate interventions.
基金supported by Sidra Medicine Research Fund to Ajaz A.Bhat(grant number:SDR400190)Ammira S.Al-Shabeeb Akil(grant number:SDR400175).
文摘Obesity,a global health concern,is associated with severe health issues like type 2 diabetes,heart disease,and respiratory complications.It also increases the risk of various cancers,including melanoma,endometrial,prostate,pancreatic,esophageal adenocarcinoma,colorectal carcinoma,renal adenocarcinoma,and pre-and post-menopausal breast cancer.Obesity-induced cellular changes,such as impaired CD8^(+)T cell function,dyslipi-demia,hypercholesterolemia,insulin resistance,mild hyperglycemia,and fluctuating levels of leptin,resistin,adiponectin,and IL-6,contribute to cancer development by promoting inflammation and creating a tumor-promoting microenvironment rich in adipocytes.Adipocytes release leptin,a pro-inflammatory substance that stimulates cancer cell proliferation,inflammation,and invasion,altering the tumor cell metabolic pathway.Adiponectin,an insulin-sensitizing adipokine,is typically downregulated in obese individuals.It has antipro-liferative,proapoptotic,and antiangiogenic properties,making it a potential cancer treatment.This narrative review offers a comprehensive examination of the molecular interconnections between obesity and cancer,draw-ing on an extensive,though non-systematic,survey of the recent literature.This approach allows us to integrate and synthesize findings from various studies,offering a cohesive perspective on emerging themes and potential therapeutic targets.The review explores the metabolic disturbances,cellular alterations,inflammatory responses,and shifts in the tumor microenvironment that contribute to the obesity-cancer link.Finally,it discusses poten-tial therapeutic strategies aimed at disrupting these connections,offering valuable insights into future research directions and the development of targeted interventions.
