bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are videogames represented as violent in the press? Hypothesis testing using md-cads and corpora of UK newspapers from 2000 and 2020
Authors: Heritage Frazer , Humphreys Chloe
Published: August 2024

Previous academic research has argued that videogames are represented as violent in the media, and that these representations provide a justification to study videogames as a social object. However, little systematic research has been done to confirm whether such representations occur frequently, or whether this is a non-representative assumption based on a small number of news stories. Through using methods associated with Modern-Diachronic Corpus-Assisted Discourse Studies (md-cads), we explore two corpora of newspaper articles from the British press containing references to videogames: one contains data from 2000 and the other from 2020. We find that whilst newspapers do represent videogames as promoting violence, these representations occur much more frequently in 2000 than in 2020, and that in 2020 this idea is more regularly challenged. Furthermore, in 2020 there is a greater focus on the benefit of videogames for the economy compared to 2000. The research highlights the need to critically revaluate assumptions about how the media represents not only videogames, but also comparable topics.
Sobre los orígenes del “fútbol de botones” en Cataluña (1929-1936)
Authors: Torrebadella Flix Xavier
Published: August 2024

En este estudio se presenta el desaparecido “venjonbol”, un juego-deporte de salón que se desarrolló en Barcelona en la década de los años treinta del siglo pasado. A través de una revisión en las hemerotecas de la prensa histórica se facilita un relato descriptivo y analítico con el apoyo de indicios, pruebas y noticias que podrían sostenerse la hipótesis que el tradicional y popular “fútbol de botones” tiene sus orígenes en el citado juego de “venjonbol”, que fue ocasionalmente practicado Barcelona.
Smart connected farms and networked farmers to improve crop production, sustainability and profitability
Authors: Singh Asheesh K. , Balabaygloo Behzad J. , Bekee Barituka , Blair Samuel W. , Fey Suzanne , Fotouhi Fateme , Gupta Ashish , Jha Amit , Martinez-Palomares Jorge C. , Menke Kevin , Prestholt Aaron , Tanwar Vishesh K. , Tao Xu , Vangala Anusha , Carroll Matthew E. , Das Sajal K. , DePaula Guilherme , Kyveryga Peter , Sarkar Soumik , Segovia Michelle , Silvestri Simone , Valdivia Corinne
Published: August 2024

To meet the grand challenges of agricultural production including climate change impacts on crop production, a tight integration of social science, technology and agriculture experts including farmers are needed. Rapid advances in information and communication technology, precision agriculture and data analytics, are creating a perfect opportunity for the creation of smart connected farms (SCFs) and networked farmers. A network and coordinated farmer network provides unique advantages to farmers to enhance farm production and profitability, while tackling adverse climate events. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of the art in SCF including the advances in engineering, computer sciences, data sciences, social sciences and economics including data privacy, sharing and technology adoption. More specifically, we provide a comprehensive review of key components of SCFs and crucial elements necessary for its success. It includes, high-speed connections, sensors for data collection, and edge, fog and cloud computing along with innovative wireless technologies to enable cyber agricultural system. We also cover the topic of adoption of these technologies that involves important considerations around data analysis, privacy, and the sharing of data on platforms. From a social science and economics perspective, we examine the net-benefits and potential barriers to data-sharing within agricultural communities, and the behavioral factors influencing the adoption of SCF technologies. The focus of this review is to cover the state-of-the-art in smart connected farms with sufficient technological infrastructure; however, the information included herein can be utilized in geographies and farming systems that are witnessing digital technologies and want to develop SCF. Overall, taking a holistic view that spans technical, social and economic dimensions is key to understanding the impacts and future trajectory of Smart and Connected Farms.
Emergence of chaotic resonance controlled by extremely weak feedback signals in neural systems
Authors: Tran Anh Tu , Nobukawa Sou , Wagatsuma Nobuhiko , Inagaki Keiichiro , Doho Hirotaka , Yamanishi Teruya , Nishimura Haruhiko
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Chaotic resonance is similar to stochastic resonance, which emerges from chaos as an internal dynamical fluctuation. In chaotic resonance, chaos-chaos intermittency (CCI), in which the chaotic orbits shift between the separated attractor regions, synchronizes with a weak input signal. Chaotic resonance exhibits higher sensitivity than stochastic resonance. However, engineering applications are difficult because adjusting the internal system parameters, especially of biological systems, to induce chaotic resonance from the outside environment is challenging. Moreover, several studies reported abnormal neural activity caused by CCI. Recently, our study proposed that the double-Gaussian-filtered reduced region of orbit (RRO) method (abbreviated as DG-RRO), using external feedback signals to generate chaotic resonance, could control CCI with a lower perturbation strength than the conventional RRO method.

Method

This study applied the DG-RRO method to a model which includes excitatory and inhibitory neuron populations in the frontal cortex as typical neural systems with CCI behavior.

Results and discussion

Our results reveal that DG-RRO can be applied to neural systems with extremely low perturbation but still maintain robust effectiveness compared to conventional RRO, even in noisy environments.
Predictive and concurrent validity of pain sensitivity phenotype, neuropeptidomics and neuroepigenetics in the MI-RAT osteoarthritic surgical model in rats
Authors: Otis Colombe , Cristofanilli Katrine-Ann , Frezier Marilyn , Delsart Aliénor , Martel-Pelletier Johanne , Pelletier Jean-Pierre , Beaudry Francis , Lussier Bertrand , Boyer Alexandre , Troncy Eric
Published: August 2024

Background

Micro-RNAs could provide great insights about the neuropathological mechanisms associated with osteoarthritis (OA) pain processing. Using the validated Montreal Induction of Rat Arthritis Testing (MI-RAT) model, this study aimed to characterize neuroepigenetic markers susceptible to correlate with innovative pain functional phenotype and targeted neuropeptide alterations.

Methods

Functional biomechanical, somatosensory sensitization (peripheral–via tactile paw withdrawal threshold; central–via response to mechanical temporal summation), and diffuse noxious inhibitory control (via conditioned pain modulation) alterations were assessed sequentially in OA (n = 12) and Naïve (n = 12) rats. Joint structural, targeted spinal neuropeptides and differential expression of spinal cord micro-RNAs analyses were conducted at the sacrifice (day (D) 56).

Results

The MI-RAT model caused important structural damages (reaching 35.77% of cartilage surface) compared to the Naïve group (P < 0.001). This was concomitantly associated with nociceptive sensitization: ipsilateral weight shift to the contralateral hind limb (asymmetry index) from −55.61% ± 8.50% (D7) to −26.29% ± 8.50% (D35) (P < 0.0001); mechanical pain hypersensitivity was present as soon as D7 and persisting until D56 (P < 0.008); central sensitization was evident at D21 (P = 0.038); pain endogenous inhibitory control was distinguished with higher conditioned pain modulation rate (P < 0.05) at D7, D21, and D35 as a reflect of filtrated pain perception. Somatosensory profile alterations of OA rats were translated in a persistent elevation of pro-nociceptive neuropeptides substance P and bradykinin, along with an increased expression of spinal miR-181b (P = 0.029) at D56.

Conclusion

The MI-RAT OA model is associated, not only with structural lesions and static weight-bearing alterations, but also with a somatosensory profile that encompasses pain centralized sensitization, associated to active endogenous inhibitory/facilitatory controls, and corresponding neuropeptidomic and neuroepigenetic alterations. This preliminary neuroepigenetic research confirms the crucial role of pain endogenous inhibitory control in the development of OA chronic pain (not only hypersensitivity) and validates the MI-RAT model for its study.
Utilizing topological indices in QSPR modeling to identify non-cancer medications with potential anti-cancer properties: a promising strategy for drug repurposing
Authors: Yousaf Shamaila , Shahzadi Komal
Published: August 2024

The exploration of non-cancer medications with potential anti-cancer activity offers a promising avenue for drug repurposing, accelerating the development of new oncological therapies. This study employs Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship (QSPR) modeling to identify and predict the anti-cancer efficacy of various non-cancer drugs, utilizing topological indices as key descriptors. Topological indices, which capture the molecular structure’s geometric and topological characteristics, provide critical insights into the pharmacological interactions relevant to anti-cancer activity. By analyzing a comprehensive dataset of non-cancer medications, this research establishes robust QSPR models that correlate topological indices with anti-cancer activity. The models demonstrate significant predictive power, highlighting several non-cancer drugs with potential anti-cancer properties. Further, we will use linear, quadratic and logarithmic regression to understand the structures of anti-cancer drugs and strengthen our ability to manipulate the molecular structures. The findings underscore the utility of topological indices in drug repurposing strategies and pave the way for further experimental validation and clinical trials. This integrative approach enhances our understanding of drug action mechanisms and offers a cost-effective strategy for expanding the repertoire of anti-cancer agents.
Study on the effects of intestinal flora on gouty arthritis
Authors: Xiao Niqin , Zhang Xiaoyu , Xi Yujiang , Li Zhenmin , Wei Yuanyuan , Shen Jiayan , Wang Lin , Qin Dongdong , Xie Zhaohu , Li Zhaofu
Published: August 2024

Gouty arthritis (GA), a metabolic and immunologic disease, primarily affects joints. Dysbiosis of intestinal flora is an important cause of GA. The metabolic disorders of intestinal flora leading to GA and immune disorders might play an important role in patients with hyperuricemia and established GA. However, the exact mechanisms, through which the dysbiosis of intestinal flora causes the development of GA, are not fully understood yet. Moreover, several therapies commonly used to treat GA might alter the intestinal flora, suggesting that modulation of the intestinal flora might help prevent or treat GA. Therefore, a better understanding of the changes in the intestinal flora of GA patients might facilitate the discovery of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The current review article discusses the effects of intestinal flora dysbiosis on the pathogenesis of GA and the cross-regulatory effects between gut flora and drugs for treating GA. This article also highlights the modulatory effects of gut flora by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to lower uric acid levels and relieve joint pain as well as provides a summary and outlook, which might help guide future research efforts.
IL-17 in plasma and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in non-neutropenic patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: He Qian , Cao Jiaqi , Zhang Ming , Feng Chunlai
Published: August 2024

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of IL-17 detection in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and plasma samples from nonneutropenic patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data on non-neutropenic patients who were suspected to have IPA admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between March 2020 to January 2023. IL-17 and GM were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

A total of 281 patients were enrolled in this study, of which 62 had proven or probable IPA and the remaining 219 patients were controls. The plasma and BALF IL-17 levels were significantly higher in the IPA group compared with the control group. The plasma GM, plasma IL17, BALF GM, and BALF IL17 assays had sensitivities of 56.5%, 72.6%, 68.7%, and 81.2%, respectively, and specificities of 87.7%, 69.4%, 91.9%, and 72.6%, respectively. The sensitivity of IL17 in plasma and BALF was higher than that of GM. Plasma GM in combination with IL-17 increases the sensitivity but does not decrease the diagnostic specificity of GM testing. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of BALF GM combined with IL-17 for IPA in non-neutropenic patients were greater than 80% and there was a significant increase in sensitivity compared with BALF GM.

Conclusions

Plasma and BALF IL-17 levels were significantly higher in non-neutropenic patients with IPA. The sensitivity of plasma and BLAF IL-17 for diagnosing IPA in non-neutropenic patients was superior to that of GM. Combined detection of lavage fluid GM and IL17 significantly improves the diagnosis of IPA in non-neutropenic patients. The combined detection of GM and IL-17 in plasma also contributes to the diagnosis of IPA in patients who cannot tolerate invasive procedures.
An accurate and convenient method for Mycoplasma pneumoniae via one-step LAMP-CRISPR/Cas12b detection platform
Authors: Liu Tao , Liu Qing , Chen Fuqun , Shi Ying , Maimaiti Guliya , Yang Zhanhua , Zheng Shutao , Lu Xiaomei , Li Hui , Chen Zhaoyun
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Mycoplasma pneumoniae(MP) is the major cause of respiratory infections that threaten the health of children and adolescents worldwide. Therefore, an early, simple, and accurate detection approach for MP is critical to prevent outbreaks of MP-induced community-acquired pneumonia.

Methods

Here, we explored a simple and accurate method for MP identification that combines loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) with the CRISPR/Cas12b assay in a one-pot reaction.

Results

In the current study, the whole reaction was completed within 1 h at a constant temperature of 57°C. The limit of detection of this assay was 33.7 copies per reaction. The specificity of the LAMP-CRISPR/Cas12b method was 100%, without any cross-reactivity with other pathogens. Overall, 272 clinical samples were used to evaluate the clinical performance of LAMP-CRISPR/Cas12b. Compared with the gold standard results from real-time PCR, the present method provided a sensitivity of 88.11% (126/143), specificity of 100% (129/129), and consistency of 93.75% (255/272).

Discussion

Taken together, our preliminary results illustrate that the LAMP-CRISPR/Cas12b method is a simple and reliable tool for MP diagnosis that can be performed in resource-limited regions.
Real-time fluorescent multiple cross displacement amplification for rapid and sensitive Mycoplasma pneumoniae detection
Authors: Xiao Fei , Zhang Yu , Xu Wenjian , Fu Jin , Huang Xiaolan , Jia Nan , Sun Chunrong , Xu Zheng , Zheng Baoying , Zhou Juan , Wang Yi , Meng Lihui
Published: August 2024

Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a significant pathogen responsible for community-acquired pneumonia, predominantly affecting children and adolescents. Here, we devised a rapid method for M. pneumoniae that combined multiple cross displacement amplification (MCDA) with real-time fluorescence technology. A set of ten primers, which were specifically designed for M. pneumoniae detection, were employed in a real-time fluorescence MCDA reaction. Of these, one primer incorporated a restriction endonuclease recognition sequence, a fluorophore, and a quencher, facilitating real-time fluorescence detection. The real-time (RT)-MCDA reactions were monitored in a simple real-time fluorescence instrument and conducted under optimised conditions (64°C for 40 min). The detection limit of the M. pneumoniae RT-MCDA assay for genomic DNA extracted from M. pneumoniae culture was down to 43 fg/µl. This assay accurately identified M. pneumoniae strains without cross-reacting with other bacteria. To validate its practical application, we tested the M. pneumoniae RT-MCDA assay using genomic DNA extracted from clinical samples. The assay’s detection capability proved comparable with real-time PCR, MCDA-based biosensor detection, and visual inspection under blue light. The entire process, including rapid DNA extraction and real-time MCDA detection, was completed within 1 h. Overall, the M. pneumoniae RT-MCDA assay reported here is a simple and effective diagnostic tool for rapid M. pneumoniae detection, which holds significant potential for point-of-care testing and in resource-limited regions.
Serum concentrations of levosimendan and its metabolites OR-1855 and OR-1896 in cardiac surgery patients with cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Kipka Hannah , Liebchen Uwe , Hübner Max , Höfner Georg , Frey Otto , Wanner Klaus T. , Kilger Erich , Hagl Christian , Tomasi Roland , Mannell Hanna
Published: August 2024

Background

The inotropic drug levosimendan is often used as an individualized therapeutic approach perioperatively in cardiac surgery patients with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Data regarding serum concentrations of levosimendan and its metabolites within this context is lacking.

Methods

In this retrospective descriptive proof-of-concept study, total serum concentrations (TSC) and unbound fractions (UF) of levosimendan and its metabolites OR-1896 and OR-1855 in cardiac surgery patients with CPB were measured using LC-ESI-MS/MS. Simulation of expected levosimendan TSC was performed using Pharkin 4.0. Serum NT-proBNP was assessed with ELISA.

Results

After levosimendan infusion (1.25 mg or 2.5 mg, respectively) after anaesthesia induction, a median TSC of 1.9 ng/ml and 10.4 ng/ml was determined in samples taken directly after surgery (T1). Median TSC of 7.6 ng/ml and 22.0 ng/ml, respectively, were simulated at T1. Whereas 1.1 ng/ml and 1.6 ng/ml TSC of OR-1896, respectively, was quantified the day after surgery (T2), TSC of the intermediate metabolite OR-1855 was mostly below the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ). The UF was 0.5% and 1.1% for levosimendan and 64.1% and 52.1% for OR-1896, respectively, with over half the samples being below LLOQ. NT-proBNP concentrations before surgery and T2 did not differ.

Discussion

The low TSC, UF and unchanged NT-proBNP levels in combination with high variation of serum levels between patients suggest a need for optimized dosing regimen of levosimendan combined with therapeutic drug monitoring for such an individualized approach. In addition, the differences between the measured and estimated concentrations may suggest a possible influence of CPB on levosimendan serum concentrations.
Strategies and delivery systems for cell-based therapy in autoimmunity
Authors: Puccetti Matteo , Costantini Claudio , Schoubben Aurélie , Giovagnoli Stefano , Ricci Maurizio
Published: August 2024

This review article explores the potential of engineering antigen-presenting cells (APCs) for the immunotherapy of autoimmune diseases. It discusses various strategies for modifying APCs to induce antigen-specific tolerance, thereby mitigating autoimmune responses. The review covers recent advancements in APC engineering techniques, including genetic modification and nanoparticle-based approaches, and evaluates their efficacy in preclinical models and clinical trials. Additionally, challenges and future directions for the development of APC-based immunotherapies for autoimmunity – and other forms of cell-based immunotherapy – are discussed. Along this direction, this review (i) describes various strategies for engineering APCs, including genetic modification, nanoparticle delivery systems, and ex vivo manipulation techniques; (ii) discusses the selection of target antigens and the design of APC-based immunotherapies, and (iii) reviews preclinical models used to evaluate the efficacy and safety of engineered APCs in inducing antigen-specific tolerance.
Construction and preliminary analysis of landslide database triggered by heavy storm in the parallel range-valley area of western Chongqing, China, on 8 June 2017
Authors: Liu Jielin , Xu Chong
Published: August 2024

On 8 June 2017, a heavy storm struck the parallel ridge-valley area of western Chongqing, resulting in serious urban waterlogging and landslides, which led to severe impacts on infrastructure and damage to private property. Based on high-resolution optical satellite images, this paper comprehensively identified the landslides triggered by this rainfall event, and established a corresponding landslide database. The database takes the landslide area density and landslide number density as the main indicators, and combines the lithology characteristics to analyze the spatial distribution of landslides. The results show that this event triggered 487 landslides in an area of 583 km2, involving an area of about 485,587 m2, accounting for about 0.083% of the study area. The average landslide number density is 0.84 num/km2, the highest value of landslide number density can reach 55.6 num/km2, and the maximum landslide area density is about 6.4%. These landslides are mainly distributed in the southern foothills of the Huaying Mountain, especially in the weak interlayer lithology area. The database provides scientific reference and data support for exploring the mechanism of landslides in western Chongqing and reducing the risk of landslide disasters under the background of rapid development of local society.
Assessing scientific literacy: a study with 9th grade students in Portugal
Authors: Coppi Marcelo , Fialho Isabel , Cid Marília
Published: August 2024

Aiming to assess the scientific literacy level of Portuguese 9th grade students and analyse whether the variables sex, liking for the subjects of Natural Sciences and Physical-Chemistry, failure in these subjects, school socio-economic context and course option were associated to the students’ scientific literacy levels, we applied the Avaliação da Literacia Científica Essencial (ALCE) instrument to 516 students. Overall, the results showed that the majority of students were at the moderate level and that 64.1% were scientifically literate. Analysing by subtest, we found that in the Nature of Science (NOS) and Impact of Science and Technology on Society (ISTS) subtests, the majority of students were at the moderate level and in the Content of Science (CS) subtest, the majority were at the low level of scientific literacy; whereas 70.0, 72.9, and 39.9% of students were classified as scientifically literate in the NOS, ISTS and CS subtests, respectively. The greatest difficulties were concentrated in the CS subtest, particularly in Biology, Physics and Chemistry. The analysis according to the independent variables shows that the students’ scientific literacy level might be associated with their liking for the subjects of Natural Sciences and Physical-Chemistry and their expectations regarding the profession they wish to pursue in the future.
Systematic review on the role of the gut microbiota in tumors and their treatment
Authors: Shi Ying , Li Xiao , Zhang Jin
Published: August 2024

Tumors present a formidable health risk with limited curability and high mortality; existing treatments face challenges in addressing the unique tumor microenvironment (hypoxia, low pH, and high permeability), necessitating the development of new therapeutic approaches. Under certain circumstances, certain bacteria, especially anaerobes or parthenogenetic anaerobes, accumulate and proliferate in the tumor environment. This phenomenon activates a series of responses in the body that ultimately produce anti-tumor effects. These bacteria can target and colonize the tumor microenvironment, promoting responses aimed at targeting and fighting tumor cells. Understanding and exploiting such interactions holds promise for innovative therapeutic strategies, potentially augmenting existing treatments and contributing to the development of more effective and targeted approaches to fighting tumors. This paper reviews the tumor-promoting mechanisms and anti-tumor effects of the digestive tract microbiome and describes bacterial therapeutic strategies for tumors, including natural and engineered anti-tumor strategies.
Relationship between adipokines and androgens in children and young adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Authors: Apsan Jennifer , Lekarev Oksana , Thomas Charlene , Zhu Yuan-Shan , Cohan Kaela , Lin-Su Karen
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Children and young adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) are at increased risk of obesity and insulin resistance. There is evidence that children with CAH have increased visceral adiposity, which has been linked to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The adipokine adiponectin has been shown to correlate with reduced metabolic risk, whereas the adipokines visfatin and leptin have been linked to visceral fat and adipocyte inflammation and can serve as biomarkers of increased metabolic risk. Few studies to date have characterized adipokine levels in children and young adults with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. We sought to investigate the relationship between adiponectin, leptin and visfatin levels to metabolic risk factors and androgen levels in children and young adults with CAH.

Methods

Fasting blood was obtained for visfatin, leptin, adiponectin, glucose, insulin, CRP, lipid panel, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG) and HbA1c, as well as standard laboratory tests to assess adrenal control, from children with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. HOMA-IR was calculated based on fasting glucose and insulin. Anthropomorphic measurements of BMI and waist-to-hip ratio were also obtained.

Results

Adiponectin and androstenedione were inversely correlated (R = -0.57, p =0.016). There was a positive correlation between leptin and BMI percentile (R = 0.63, p <0.001) as well as leptin and HOMA-IR (R = 0.63, p <0.01). Glucocorticoid dose had a positive correlation with HOMA-IR (R=0.56, p = 0.021). Visfatin was inversely correlated with HDL cholesterol (R = -0.54, p = 0.026) and total cholesterol (R = -0.49, p <0.05). Overweight children and young adults had a significantly higher leptin (p = 0.02) and HOMA-IR (p=0.001) than non-overweight children and young adults.

Conclusion

The inverse relationship between adiponectin and androstenedione suggests that better CAH control can reduce the risk of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. However, a high glucocorticoid dose appears to increase the risk of insulin resistance, underscoring the delicate balance required when treating CAH.
Electro-thermal coupling modeling of energy storage station considering battery physical characteristics
Authors: Wang Mingdian , Jia Peng , Wei Wenqi , Xie Zhihua , Chen Jukui , Dong Haiying
Published: August 2024

Aiming at the current lithium-ion battery storage power station model, which cannot effectively reflect the battery characteristics, a proposed electro-thermal coupling modeling method for storage power stations considers the characteristics of the battery body by combining the equivalent circuit model and accounting for the effect of temperature on the battery. Based on the modeling of a single lithium-ion battery, the equivalent circuit model and thermal model are integrated to create the battery’s electro-thermal coupling model. The parameters of this coupling model are determined using the particle swarm algorithm. On this basis, the battery compartment model of the energy storage station is analyzed and verified by utilizing the circuit series–parallel connection characteristics. Subsequently, the electro-thermal coupling model of the energy storage station is established. The dual Kalman filter algorithm is utilized to simulate and validate the electric–thermal coupling model of the energy storage power station, considering ontological factors such as battery voltage, current, and temperature. The results demonstrate that the established coupling model can accurately determine the SOC and temperature of the power station. This ability allows for a more precise reflection of the battery characteristics of the energy storage station. It also validates the accuracy and effectiveness of the electric–thermal coupling model of the energy storage station. This finding is crucial for assessing the state and ensuring the safe operation of the battery system in the energy storage station.
A meal to ameliorate the Anthropocene
Authors: Brothers Soren , McCarthy Francine
Published: August 2024

Despite (or perhaps because of) the staggering scale and pace of global change, the concept of the Anthropocene eludes discrete classification. There is widespread consensus that conditions associated with the Anthropocene, including rapid biodiversity loss and climate change, must be addressed if we are to enjoy ongoing and rich experiences. At the crux of human impacts is urban living – as of 2024 nearly 60% of people live in cities. Human societies are tightly interconnected with each other and surrounding ecosystems, but for city-dwellers, these connections may seem abstract. A failure to appreciate and foster such connections can have human and environmental health repercussions. We present a concept for a meal featuring local wild foods that could only be appropriately served under regionally ameliorated Anthropocene conditions. By presenting this hypothetical “solution”, we seek a common ground that spans human (and non-human) cultures and behaviors, and a concept that can be extended to any community. The simplicity of the “Anthropocene meal” belies three primary challenges: improvements to urban design, maintenance of ecosystem health, and shifting cultural attitudes. However, these barriers are quantifiable and may be addressed within annual to decadal timelines, making the Anthropocene meal a broadly achievable goal, and thus a valid source of optimism in a time of great uncertainty.
A comprehensive review of Wolbachia-mediated mechanisms to control dengue virus transmission in Aedes aegypti through innate immune pathways
Authors: Mushtaq Iqra , Sarwar Muhammad Sajjad , Munzoor Iqra
Published: August 2024

The Dengue virus (DENV), primarily spread by Aedes aegypti and also by Aedes albopictus in some regions, poses significant global health risks. Alternative techniques are urgently needed because the current control mechanisms are insufficient to reduce the transmission of DENV. Introducing Wolbachia pipientis into Ae. aegypti inhibits DENV transmission, however, the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Innate immune effector upregulation, the regulation of autophagy, and intracellular competition between Wolbachia and DENV for lipids are among the theories for the mechanism of inhibition. Furthermore, mainly three immune pathways Toll, IMD, and JAK/STAT are involved in the host for the suppression of the virus. These pathways are activated by Wolbachia and DENV in the host and are responsible for the upregulation and downregulation of many genes in mosquitoes, which ultimately reduces the titer of the DENV in the host. The functioning of these immune pathways depends upon the Wolbachia, host, and virus interaction. Here, we summarize the current understanding of DENV recognition by the Ae. aegypti’s immune system, aiming to create a comprehensive picture of our knowledge. Additionally, we investigated how Wolbachia regulates the activation of multiple genes associated with immune priming for the reduction of DENV.
Grazers and predators mediate the post-settlement bottleneck in Caribbean octocoral forests
Authors: Wells Christopher D. , Benz Joseph , Tonra Kaitlyn J. , Anderson Emily R. , Lasker Howard R.
Published: August 2024

In the Caribbean, reef-building scleractinian corals have declined precipitously and octocorals have emerged as one of their main successors. The success of octocorals and the formation of octocoral forests has been attributed to their continuing recruitment to reef habitats, as well as tolerance to pollution, reduced direct competition with scleractinians, and resistance and resilience to climatic events. Benthic grazers on coral reefs can facilitate the growth and recruitment of corals by reducing the abundance of competitive algal turfs and macroalgae. However, grazing can also hinder corals through sublethal damage to coral tissue and predation of recruits. We assessed the effects of grazing by fishes and the sea urchin Diadema antillarum as well as predation by mesofauna on octocoral recruitment through a series of manipulative in situ and ex situ experiments. Exposure to fish and urchin grazing significantly reduced the post-settlement survival of octocoral recruits, while turf-associated mesofauna did not significantly affect recruitment. We also found a positive relationship between octocoral recruitment and the abundance of turf algae, which may reflect the deleterious effect of grazing on both turf algae and octocoral recruits. These data suggest that grazers and predators mediate the bottleneck characteristic of recruitment, primarily through their effect on post-settlement survival. Thus, the declines in the abundance of grazing fishes and urchins throughout the Caribbean may have contributed to the increase in Caribbean octocoral abundance, concurrent with the loss of scleractinians.
Assessment of export-embodied CO2 emissions from China’s ocean industries: implications for formulating sustainable ocean policies
Authors: Zheng Li , Zhang Zenkai , Yao Ye , Duan Xiaofeng , Li Mingxin , Zeng Zhao , Du Huibin
Published: August 2024

The ocean industries are characterized by being export-driven. The exports of ocean industries (hereafter termed ocean exports) caused environmental pollution with amounts of CO2 emissions and thereby affected climate change. There is a need, therefore, for accurate assessments of CO2 emissions embodied in ocean exports—which can help policymakers adopt targeted emission-reduction measures to formulate sustainable ocean policies. However, few studies of ocean-industry emissions considered impacts in sectoral and trade pattern heterogeneity, especially from export perspective. To fill this gap, we measured and evaluated the export-embodied CO2 emissions from China’s ocean industries, based on our newly developed high-resolution and comparable time-series environmentally extended input–output database, called EE-DPN-OEIOT. The results showed that China’s ocean exports generated 94.3 Mt of embodied CO2 emissions in 2017, with nearly 40% originating from processing ocean exports. Regarding the evolution from 2007 to 2017, the total export-embodied CO2 emissions from ocean industries decreased by 7.3%, while the embodied CO2 emissions in processing ocean exports increased by 50.1%. From 2007 to 2017, the decrease in carbon emission intensity was the major driving factor of the downturn in export-embodied CO2 emissions across the total ocean economy and for seven ocean subsectors (60%), while the export-scale effect primarily drove the increases in CO2 emissions. Moreover, there were disparities in the driving factors behind changes in embodied CO2 emissions between processing and non-processing ocean exports. Based on our findings, we proposed three recommendations from a trade perspective to facilitate low-carbon sustainable transition of China’s ocean economy, thus better fulfilling Sustainable Development Goal 14.
Transcription profiling reveals co-regulation mechanism of gene expression related to growth and mineralization induced by pearl cultivation in Hyriopsis cumingii
Authors: Chen Yige , Yao Yuanbin , Shen Xiaoya , Fu Yuanshuai , Bian Xiangli , Li Wenjuan , Liu Shijun
Published: August 2024

Hyriopsis cumingii is a major freshwater pearl mussel in the world. In order to investigate the functional roles of the growth- and mineralization-related genes involved in the pearl formation process after the inserting nucleus into the mantle tissue of H. cumingii, we conducted a transcriptome analysis of data from different time periods after the pearl-nucleus insertion. We screened a total of 1,898 growth-related unigenes and 716 mineralization-related unigenes, including 12 growth-related differential genes and eight mineralization-related differential genes that showed sustained differential expression throughout the pearl formation. The results of the gene expression patterns among samples at different time points showed that the Mcon group and the M05d group clustered together, the M50d group and the M90d group clustered together, while the M20d group clustered separately. The overall density distribution of differential gene analysis at different periods after pearl-nucleus insertion of H. cumingii, cluster analysis, differential gene analysis, differential gene differential, and co-expression analysis together revealed that growth and mineralization-related genes have the same expression pattern and jointly regulate pearl formation. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment revealed that the same functional cluster and pathway were together present on the enrichment results of both growth- and mineralization-related genes, suggesting a synergistic effect between growth and mineralization. We found that genes such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and calmodulin (CALM) are jointly involved in growth and mineralization processes. The study indicate that growth genes cooperate with mineralization genes to play biological roles in the early process of pearl formation in H. cumingii.
Irreversible mechanism and thermal cross-radiative flow in nanofluids driven along a stretching/shrinking sheet with the existence of possible turning/critical points
Authors: Elattar Samia , Khan Umair , Zaib Aurang , Ishak Anuar , Alwadai Norah , Albalawi Hind
Published: August 2024

The significant increase in thermal efficiency and the rate of energy exchange used in fuel dynamics and automobile coolants are leading to a better understanding of nanofluids. This computational analysis explores the thermal conductivity performance for radiative cross-flow of a nanofluid across an expanding/constricting sheet with a suction effect as a result of its application. To compute or calculate the magnificent point of nanofluid flow, the entropy, and asymmetrical heat source/sink effects are also elicited. The boundary layers traverse a stream-wise procedure for expanding and contracting sheets. Additionally, the study examines the features of heat transfer and cross-flow of nanofluids using numerical simulations. By employing similarity variables, the basic PDE equations of the current model are transformed into ODEs, and they are subsequently evaluated using the bvp4c method. Therefore, the effects of embedded flow variables on drag force, heat transfer rate, and entropy generation profiles have been framed using parametric research. Multiple solutions are offered for a specific range of the contracting parameter as well as the mass suction parameter. In addition, the heat transfer rate accelerates due to the heat source and decelerates due to the heat sink. The literature that is already published has been compared favorably, and it reveals many commonalities.
Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio predict outcome of upper gastrointestinal bleeding in emergency
Authors: Chen Xinyi , Li Xinqun , Zhao Guangju , Xu Wen
Published: August 2024

Background

The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a simple marker of systemic inflammatory responses. The present study aims to evaluate the prognostic significance of the NLR on admission day in predicting outcomes for patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), which is a prevalent medical emergency.

Methods

726 patients who were admitted to our clinic between January 2019 and December 2022 diagnosed with UGIB, and who underwent necessary examinations, were included in the study. The patients’ Glasgow-Blatchford Score (GBS), Full Rockall Score (FRS), and NLR levels were calculated at the first admission. Outcomes were defined as in-hospital mortality, need for blood transfusion, surgical treatment and endoscopic therapy. Patients were categorized into four groups using NLR quartile levels to compare their clinical characteristics, Glasgow Blatchford Score, Full Rockall Score levels, and prognosis. Secondary, we modified FRS and GBS by adding NLR, respectively. We used area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) to assess the accuracy of risk prediction for NLR, NLR-GBS, and NLR-FRS improved models.

Results

Of 726 patients, 6% died in hospital, 23.9% received endoscopic interventon, 4.8% received surgical treatment, and 46.4% received transfusion therapy. Multifactorial logistic regression showed that a high level of NLR was a risk factor for death in patients with UGIB (p = 0.028). NLR, GBS, FRS, NLR-GBS, and NLR-FRS have sufficient accuracy in predicting inpatient mortality, endoscopic treatment, and transfusion treatment, and the differences are statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the comprehensive prediction of adverse outcomes, NLR-GBS has the highest AUROC, and in predicting inpatient mortality, NLR-FRS has the highest AUROC.

Conclusion

For UGIB patients, a high NLR was strongly associated with high risk UGIB. Combined testing with the GBS and FRS can achieve good predictive results, which is valuable in guiding the pre-screening and triage of emergency nursing care and clinical treatment to ensure that patients receive rapid and effective treatment and improve the quality of care.
In vitro evaluation of microbial D- and L-lactate production as biomarkers of infection
Authors: Morovic Paula , Gonzalez Moreno Mercedes , Trampuz Andrej , Karbysheva Svetlana
Published: August 2024

Mammalian cells produce and metabolize almost exclusively L-lactate, bacterial species have the capacity to produce both D-lactate and L-lactate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the intrinsic production of D- and L-lactate in the most common pathogenic microorganisms causing septic arthritis (SA) and periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of infection. Following microorganisms were grown according to ATCC culture guides and tested for production of D- and L-lactate: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 43300), Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 35984), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 19433), Streptococcus pyogenes (ATCC 19615), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), Cutibacterium acnes (ATCC 11827), and Candida albicans (ATCC 90028). Pathogens were inoculated in 8 ml of appropriate liquid media and incubated as planktonic or biofilm form in either aerobic, anaerobic or CO2 atmosphere up to 312 h. D- and L-lactate measurements were performed at different time points: 0, 6, 9, 12 and 24 h, then once per day for slow-growing pathogens. Samples were serially diluted and plated for colony counting. Liquid culture media without microorganisms served as a negative control. Production of D-lactate was observed in all tested microorganisms, whereas no L-lactate was detected in E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans. Maximal concentration of D-lactate was produced by S. aureus (10.99 mmol/L), followed by E. coli (1.22 mmol/L), and S. epidermidis (0.48 mmol/L). Maximal L-lactate concentration was observed in S. pyogenes (10.12 mmol/L), followed by S. aureus (9.71 mmol/L), E. faecalis (2.64 mmol/L), and S. epidermidis (2.50 mmol/L). S. epidermidis bacterial biofilm produced significantly higher amount of D- and L-lactate compared to planktonic form (p = 0.015 and p = 0.002, respectively). Our study has demonstrated that the most common pathogenic microorganisms causing SA and PJI have the capability to generate measurable amounts of D-lactate in both planktonic and biofilm form, highlighting the practical value of this biomarker as an indicator for bacterial and fungal infections. In contrast to D-lactate, the absence of L-lactate production in certain tested bacteria, as well as in fungi, suggests that L-lactate is not eligible as a biomarker for diagnosing microbial infections.
Plant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere for smarter and more sustainable crop fertilization: the case of PGPR-based biofertilizers
Authors: Alzate Zuluaga Monica Yorlady , Fattorini Roberto , Cesco Stefano , Pii Youry
Published: August 2024

Biofertilizers based on plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are nowadays gaining increasingly attention as a modern tool for a more sustainable agriculture due to their ability in ameliorating root nutrient acquisition. For many years, most research was focused on the screening and characterization of PGPR functioning as nitrogen (N) or phosphorus (P) biofertilizers. However, with the increasing demand for food using far fewer chemical inputs, new investigations have been carried out to explore the potential use of such bacteria also as potassium (K), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), or iron (Fe) biofertilizers. In this review, we update the use of PGPR as biofertilizers for a smarter and more sustainable crop production and deliberate the prospects of using microbiome engineering-based methods as potential tools to shed new light on the improvement of plant mineral nutrition. The current era of omics revolution has enabled the design of synthetic microbial communities (named SynComs), which are emerging as a promising tool that can allow the formulation of biofertilizers based on PGPR strains displaying multifarious and synergistic traits, thus leading to an increasingly efficient root acquisition of more than a single essential nutrient at the same time. Additionally, host-mediated microbiome engineering (HMME) leverages advanced omics techniques to reintroduce alleles coding for beneficial compounds, reinforcing positive plant-microbiome interactions and creating plants capable of producing their own biofertilizers. We also discusses the current use of PGPR-based biofertilizers and point out possible avenues of research for the future development of more efficient biofertilizers for a smarter and more precise crop fertilization. Furthermore, concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of PGPR-based biofertilizers in real field conditions, as their success in controlled experiments often contrasts with inconsistent field results. This discrepancy highlights the need for standardized protocols to ensure consistent application and reliable outcomes.