bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sentimentos e saberes de profissionais da comunidade hospitalar sobre o SARS-COV-2
Authors: Fontana Rosane Teresinha , De Avila Janine Goldschmidt , Franzin Rozelaine de Fátima
Published: August 2023

Trata-se de um estudo que teve como objetivo geral investigar saberes, crenças, sentimentos de profissionais da comunidade hospitalar sobre a SARS-Cov-2, a partir de suas vivências em momento de pandemia. Os dados foram coletados através do Google Forms, junto a trabalhadores de hospitais e analisados por meio da estatística descritiva. Dentre os resultados identificou-se que 85,7% dos pesquisados afirmaram ter o medo presente em seu dia a dia, com destaque para o medo de contaminar os familiares, contrair a doença ou perder alguém da família. Destaca-se que 48% não se sentem preparados para novas pandemias. A partir dos resultados foram elaborados games no intuito de revisar e/ou atualizar conhecimentos de forma lúdica, como potência para educar de forma criativa, autônoma e leve, além de estimular a participação coletiva e a construção de habilidades e competências acerca da biossegurança, essenciais para o cuidado seguro, tanto ao trabalhador quanto ao paciente.
uso da internet e redes sociais no desempenho acadêmico no curso de Licenciatura em Ciências Biológicas em uma instituição de ensino superior no Triângulo Mineiro
Authors: Andrade Elias Nayara , Andressa De Almeida Buranello Patrícia , Teixeira Catarina
Published: August 2023

Considerando o crescente uso de redes sociais por parte de estudantes do ensino superior, dentro e fora da sala de aula, este estudo visa analisar se há relação entre a utilização da internet, redes sociais e o desempenho acadêmico dos graduandos. Para o desenvolvimento da pesquisa foram coletados dados por meio de questionário semiestruturado e posterior verificação e comparação com a média de desempenho no curso. Participaram deste estudo 24 graduandos matriculados nos períodos finais do curso de Licenciatura em Ciências Biológicas, em uma instituição de ensino superior no Triângulo Mineiro. Os resultados obtidos nessa pesquisa nos mostraram que o uso de redes sociais afeta negativamente o desempenho acadêmico dos participantes. O fator tempo de estudo também pode ser relevante quanto ao desempenho acadêmico dos respondentes. No entanto os fatores, horas diários de navegação na internet e frequência nas aulas presenciais, não intervêm consideravelmente nessa pesquisa.
Potencial pedagógico de estratégia de ensino sobre resíduos de serviços de saúde
Authors: Segura Muñoz Susana , Faustino Rodrigues Bárbara , Brazão Vânia , Vitorino dos Santos Danilo , Damando Salomão Cátia Helena , Fregonesi Brisa Maria , Cassia Sudan Daniela
Published: August 2023

O estudo tem como objetivo descrever uma estratégia didática implementada nas disciplinas de Saúde Ambiental dos cursos de graduação da Escola de Enfermagem de Ribeirão Preto da Universidade de São Paulo. A estratégia vem sendo implementada desde o ano de 2010 no ensino sobre Gerenciamento de Resíduos de Serviços de Saúde, mediante a utilização da sistemática de Rotação por Estações de Aprendizagem, levando em conta as potencialidades e limitações no campo da educação em saúde. As estações de aprendizagem foram delineadas à luz das Resolução da Diretoria Colegiada n° 222/2018. O laboratório foi organizado em oito estações de aprendizagem para turmas de até 50 alunos. As atividades são iniciadas com pequenos grupos em cada estação que rotacionam até finalizar a transição por todas as estações, com tempo de 20 minutos em cada uma, totalizando 180 minutos. Desde o início da implementação da estratégia, participaram da atividade aproximadamente 770 alunos e 35 monitores (funcionários técnicos de laboratório e estudantes de pós-graduação). A implementação dessa estratégia contribui para o ensino/aprendizagem de uma temática carregada de apontamentos técnicos e legais como é o Gerenciamento de Resíduos de Serviços de Saúde. O delineamento cuidadoso das estações desvela potencialidades no desenvolvimento de saberes técnico-científicos (factuais, conceituais, procedimentais e atitudinais) aplicados na prática de manejo de Resíduos de Serviços de Saúde. Espera-se que a experiência compartilhada da implementação dessa estratégia de ensino sobre Resíduos de Serviços de Saúde possa inspirar outros exercícios ativos de ensino-aprendizagem que promovam a almejada autonomia dos estudantes e docentes.
O ensino da temática “controle da proliferação do mosquito Aedes aegypti” a partir de um texto de divulgação científica
Authors: Santiago Jussara Freire de Azevedo , Araújo Magnólia Fernandes Florêncio de , Da Silva Natanael Charles
Published: August 2023

Considerando a necessidade de se trabalhar a temática “controle da proliferação de mosquitos transmissores de doenças” em sala de aula, a fim de que os alunos se tornem multiplicadores de conhecimentos científicos, objetivou-se, nesta pesquisa-ação, verificar a eficácia da contribuição de textos de divulgação científica para o ensino do tema com três turmas da 2ª série do Ensino Médio de uma escola pública, abrangendo um total de 90 participantes. O estudo se desenvolveu em três fases: a) leitura de um texto de divulgação científica; b) resolução de um questionário que tinha o objetivo de ajudar o aluno a aplicar o pensamento crítico na leitura de textos científicos); e c) análise qualitativa das respostas do questionário e discussão de aspectos relacionados à compreensão do texto, relação com os conhecimentos prévios do aluno, julgamento de dados, hipóteses, análise de aspectos ligados às concepções que os alunos têm sobre Ciência e Tecnologia e o papel que estas exercem na sociedade. Os resultados apontam para a confiança dos estudantes nos órgãos públicos de fiscalização e controle de pesquisas científicas, principalmente pela visão reducionista e linear que possuem da Ciência e da Tecnologia. Com isso, apresentamos a perspectiva de que, a longo prazo, o professor deva buscar recursos para que o aluno aprenda a pensar sobre o que lê, levando-se em consideração, a importância da leitura de textos de divulgação científica como forma de trazer discussões importantes sobre Ciência e Tecnologia para a sala de aula.
Palavras-chave: Arboviroses; Conhecimento Científico; Ciências na Escola; Concepção discente.
Formação inicial no contexto pandêmico: uma experiência com narração de histórias
Authors: Petchak Zanlorenzi Claudia Maria , Bulaty Andréia , Junges Kelen dos Santos
Published: August 2023

Os dados mais pontuais, específicos sobre a alfabetização, neste momento pandêmico, revelam números alarmantes da falta de acesso a esse direito nos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental. É nesse contexto que surge a preocupação sobre a situação da formação dos futuros professores, que também tiveram aulas de forma remota. O presente texto tem por finalidade apontar questões relacionadas à alfabetização, mas especificamente, no desenvolvimento da disciplina de Metodologia da Alfabetização no curso de Pedagogia de uma instituição pública, durante o contexto de pandemia da covid 19, no ano de 2021. O artigo ressalta os desafios presentes, mas destaca a relevância da formação inicial que, mesmo com toda adversidade, possibilitou reflexões sobre a relação entre a metodologia e as vivências das experiências formativas em alfabetização, em meio ao contexto da pandemia mundial, com destaque à narração oral de histórias, comumente conhecida como contação de histórias.
Vida e a Origem da vida: o que pensam os docentes do ensino fundamental – anos iniciais de um município paranaense
Authors: Glessyan de Quadros Marques  , Mikael Otto  , Marinho de Araújo Luiz Carlos , Luciana Roberta Felicetti Rech  , Marco Antonio Batista Carvalho
Published: August 2023

Reflexões a respeito do conceito de “Vida e a Origem da Vida” vem, ao longo dos anos, despertando a inquietação dos pesquisadores, que corroboram com o aprofundamento da compreensão sobre a temática. Como forma de ampliar as discussões acerca do tema, desenvolvemos essa pesquisa, com o objetivo de compreender o que pensam os docentes que lecionam o componente curricular de Ciências nos anos iniciais do Ensino Fundamental sobre os conceitos de “Vida e a Origem da Vida”. Os dados dessa investigação emergiram da pesquisa de doutorado e mestrado em andamento de dois dos autores desse artigo. Realizou-se um estudo a partir da oficina Concepção de Vida e a Origem da Vida, realizada com os professores que atuam no Ensino Fundamental anos iniciais em um município do estado do Paraná. A oficiana fez parte do Grupo Colaborativo de Alfabetização Didático-Científico (GC-ADC), locus da investigação. A pesquisa de natureza qualitativa foi constituída por meio da coleta de dados com questionário contendo questões abertas e objetivas sobre os temas. Os dados foram analisados tendo como referência a Análise de Conteúdo. Ao término da investigação percebeu-se que muitos educadores apresentam percepções sobre o conceito “vida” relacionada à perspectiva científica/biológica, por outro lado, quando questionados sobre “a origem da vida”, muitos relacionaram os conceitos ao criacionismo. As justificativas apresentadas em geral são simplistas e necessitam de maior aporte teórico-científico, por isso sugerimos a necessidade de oportunizar aos docentes uma Educação Continuada que aborde a temática em questão como uma das estragegias para o aprimoramento da docência.
Letramento, família e práticas educativas: programa conta pra mim
Authors: Demo Pedro , Da Silva Renan Antônio
Published: August 2023

Este artigo discute a relação entre a família e as práticas de letramento através de duas frentes: a primeira investiga o Programa Conta pra Mim e a segunda examina uma experiência dentro da esfera doméstica de letramento. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar o Programa Conta pra Mim e contrapor suas práticas a uma pesquisa desenvolvida na residência de uma criança. As metodologias utilizadas na investigação foram à documental e a de “inspiração” etnográfica. O aporte teórico que serviu de base foi o dos Novos Estudos sobre Letramento.  Pode-se concluir a partir das análises de documentos desse programa, que a atual perspectiva oficial para a alfabetização apaga os estudos sobre letramento e suprime o acúmulo de conhecimentos historicamente elaborados sobre o assunto, além disso, institui através do discurso científico a literacia familiar. Com relação à experiência vivida percebe-se a riqueza da esfera doméstica empobrecida pela abordagem do Programa.
Modern methods of assessing the viability of the intestinal wall (review)
Authors: Valiev Amir A. , Hasanov R. Sh. , Galimova L. L. , Gataullin I. G.
Published: August 2023

AIM: to highlight modern methods of assessing the viability of the intestinal wall.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: the search was made using electronic databases. We explored multiple sources, including, but not limited to, monographs, journal articles, books and websites.

RESULTS: despite recent advances in scientific methods and technologies, currently the visual method remains the most popular for assessing the viability of the intestinal wall, which includes parameters such as color of the intestinal wall, peristalsis, and arterial pulsation.

CONCLUSION: it would be fair to conclude that such methods as hyperspectral imaging, multimodal coherent tomography provide greater flexibility and details on the intestinal viability. However, further research is needed to determine their value in clinical practice. To the date, the most studied and applied method is fluorescent angiography, which allows to assess the viability of the intestine for most of its length.
The efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in signet ring cell carcinoma of the rectum: a retrospective propensity-score matched study
Authors: Gordeev S. S. , Belenkaya Ya. V. , Magarramova Z. N. , Komarov I. G. , Malikhov A. G. , Mamedli Z. Z. , Stilidi I. S.
Published: August 2023

INTRODUCTION: there is a lack of information chemoradiotherapy (CRT) efficacy in signet ring cell carcinoma of the rectum (SRCCR). The aim of our research was to investigate the efficacy of preoperative CRT in patients with SRCCR.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: we conducted a retrospective analysis of medical records from the archive of Research Institute FSBI “N.N. Blokhin Cancer Research Center” of the Ministry of Health of Russia and multicenter registry of the Russian Society of Specialists in Colorectal Cancer (RSSCC) from 2000 to 2020 and included in the study group patients with histologically confirmed primary SRCCR who received preoperative CRT. A control group with rectal adenocarcinoma was created using propensity-score matching from the institutional database 1:1 taking into account sex, age, tumor size, the cT and cN clinical stage. We estimated the rate of Dworak tumor regression grade 3-4, RECIST, 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates.

RESULTS: the study and control group included 22 patients each. The study group included 11 patients (50%) with cT3 and cT4 clinical stage. 10 (45,5%) patients had cT3 clinical stage and 12 (54,5%) patients had cT4 clinical stage in the control group (p = 0,763). The number of patients with cN1-2 clinical stage was 17 (77,3%) and 16 (72,7%) in the study and control group, respectively (p = 0,728). The rate of Dworak tumor regression grade 3–4 was 40,9% in the group of patients with SRCCR and 45,5% in the group of patients with rectal adenocarcinoma (p = 0,761).When assessed by RECIST scale, 9 (40,9%), 12 (54,5%) and 1 (4,5%) patients with SRCCR had partial tumor response, stabilization and progression, respectively. Partial response was observed in 18 (81,8%) patients and stabilization — in 4 (18,2%) patients with rectal adenocarcinoma (p = 0,018). Median followup was 58,8 months. The 5-year OS was 34% in the SRCCR group and 71,3% in the group with rectal adenocarcinoma (p = 0,024), and the 5-year PFS was 30,2% with SRCCR and 52,2% with adenocarcinoma (p = 0,115).

CONCLUSIONS: CRT leads to comparable grade 3–4 tumor regression in SRCCR and rectal adenocarcinoma, but the objective response rate is lower. This histological subtype has significantly lower OS values.
Validation of the risk questionnaire for colorectal cancer detection
Authors: Kulovskaya D. P. , Shelygin Yu. A. , Frolov S. A. , Achkasov S. I.
Published: August 2023

AIM: to develop and validate of the colorectal cancer screening questionnaire.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: six hundred ninety seven patients without any significant complaints were prospectively included in study. All patients underwent colonoscopy and specific questionnaire. Regression model was performed to stratificate significance level of definite questions.

RESULTS: colorectal cancer (CRC) was diagnosed in 39 (5.6%) patients, benign colon neoplasms — in 283 (40.6%) patients. In the ROC analysis, a cut-off of 23 points divides the group of patients into high and low risk of colorectal neoplasms with a sensitivity of 92.8% and a specificity of 39.2%. The area under the curve was 0.724, which corresponds to the good predictive value.

CONCLUSION: the developed questionnaire show good predictive power for high CRC risk patients identification, and can be included in the screening program model.
Dual-functional cellulase-mediated gold nanoclusters for ascorbic acid detection and fluorescence bacterial imaging
Authors: Wang Baojuan , Fang Jinxin , Tang Huiliang , Lu Shan , Chen Yan , Yang Xiaoqi , He Yuezhen
Published: August 2023

Protein-protected metal nanomaterials are becoming the most promising fluorescent nanomaterials for biosensing, bioimaging, and therapeutic applications due to their obvious fluorescent molecular properties, favorable biocompatibility and excellent physicochemical properties. Herein, we pioneeringly prepared a cellulase protected fluorescent gold nanoclusters (Cel-Au NCs) exhibiting red fluorescence under the excitation wavelength of 560 nm via a facile and green one-step method. Based on the fluorescence turn-off mechanism, the Cel-Au NCs were used as a biosensor for specificity determination of ascorbic acid (AA) at the emission of 680 nm, which exhibited satisfactory linearity over the range of 10–400 µM and the detection limit of 2.5 µM. Further, the actual sample application of the Au NCs was successfully established by evaluating AA in serum with good recoveries of 98.76%–104.83%. Additionally, the bacteria, including gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli), were obviously stained by Cel-Au NCs with strong red emission. Thereby, as dual-functional nanoclusters, the prepared Cel-Au NCs have been proven to be an excellent fluorescent bioprobe for the detection of AA and bacterial labeling in medical diagnosis and human health maintenance.
Digital glocalization: theorizing the twenty-first-century ICT revolution
Authors: Roudometof Victor
Published: August 2023

This paper offers an overview and theorization of digital glocalization that transcends past interpretations concerning the effects of ICT on techno-social relationships. It outlines a general theoretical framework that uses glocalization as a bridge between global and local. Digital glocalization might lead to the reconstruction of “place” using digital means or, alternatively, to newly found “third” spaces of glocal hybridity. This framework conforms to empirical evidence on how ICT reshapes the social world of the twenty-first century. Concrete manifestations of digital glocalization are reviewed in order to provide readers with suitable examples of its application in work and leisure environments. These range from internet governance to the entertainment industry. The growth and spread of ICT across the globe has the potential to lead to the construction or reconstruction of local places, whereby “placeness” can be created (or recreated); it can also create glocal hybrids that creatively combine online/offline experiences, such as diverse forms of geomedia and augmented reality technologies.
Epidemiologic trends and survival of early-onset gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms
Authors: Yao Hailing , Hu Gengcheng , Jiang Chen , Fan Mengke , Yuan Lanlai , Shi Huiying , Lin Rong
Published: August 2023

Background

The epidemiologic trends and survival related to early-onset gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) have not been well explored.

Methods

Trends in the incidence and incidence-based mortality of early-onset GEP-NENs between 1975 and 2018 were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, and were stratified by age, sex, race, tumor site, stage, and grade. Associated population data were used to determine overall survival (OS) and independent prognostic factors for patients with early-onset GEP-NENs.

Results

A total of 17299 patients diagnosed with early-onset GEP-NENs were included in this study. Results revealed an increase in the incidence (5.95% per year, 95% confidence interval (CI), 5.75-6.14%) and incidence-based mortality (4.24% per year, 95% CI, 3.92-4.56%) for early-onset GEP-NENs from 1975 to 2018, with higher rates of increase than those of later-onset GEP-NENs (incidence: 4.45% per year, 95% CI, 4.38-4.53; incidence-based mortality: 4.13% per year, 95% CI, 3.89-4.37; respectively). Increases in incidence were observed across all age, races, tumor sites, grades, and stages, except for patients with unknown stage. Compared to those with later-onset GEP-NENs, a higher proportion of female gender (54.5% vs. 49.0%, p <0.001), well-differentiated tumor (31.1% vs. 28.0%, p <0.05), and localized disease (55.2% vs. 46.7%, p <0.05) were observed in the cohort of patients with early-onset GEP-NENs. Moreover, early-onset GEP-NENs exhibited a superior overall survival in comparison to later-onset GEP-NENs, irrespective of tumor site, grade, or stage (p <0.0001). Multivariable survival analysis identified that race, marital status, stage, grade, chemotherapy, and primary site were significantly correlated with OS in individuals with early-onset GEP-NENs.

Conclusions

The incidence and incidence-based mortality rates of early-onset GEP-NENs have steadily increased over time, with higher rates of increase than those of later-onset GEP-NENs. The clinical characteristics and survival were different between early-onset and later-onset GEP-NENs groups. Race, marital status, stage, grade, chemotherapy, and primary site were independent prognostic factors for early-onset GEP-NENs. Further investigations are warranted to better understand the characteristics of this disease subgroup.
Human immature testicular tissue organ culture: a step towards fertility preservation and restoration
Authors: Younis Nagham , Caldeira-Brant Andre L. , Chu Tianjiao , Abdalla Shtaywy , Orwig Kyle E.
Published: August 2023

Background

Cryopreservation of immature testicular tissue (ITT) is currently the only option to preserve fertility of prepubertal patients. Autologous transplantation of ITT may not be safe or appropriate for all patients. Therefore, methods to mature ITT ex vivo are needed.

Objectives

Aim to investigate the feasibility of inducing in vitro spermatogenesis from ITT cryopreserved for pediatric patients prior to initiation of gonadotoxic therapy.

Materials and methods

Cryopreserved-thawed ITT from prepubertal and peripubertal patients were cultured for 7, 16, and 32 days in medium with no hormones or supplemented with 5 IU/L FSH, 1 IU/L hCG, or 5IU/L FSH+1 IU/L hCG. Samples were evaluated histologically to assess tissue integrity, and immunofluorescence staining was performed to identify VASA (DDX4)+ germ cells, UCHL1+ spermatogonia, SYCP3+ spermatocytes, CREM+ spermatids, SOX9+ Sertoli cells. Proliferation (KI67) and apoptosis (CASPASE3) of germ cells and Sertoli cells were also analyzed. Sertoli and Leydig cell maturation was evaluated by AR and INSL3 expression as well as expression of the blood testis barrier protein, CLAUDIN11, and testosterone secretion in the culture medium.

Results

Integrity of seminiferous tubules, VASA+ germ cells and SOX9+ Sertoli cells were maintained up to 32 days. The number of VASA+ germ cells was consistently higher in the peripubertal groups. UCHL1+ undifferentiated spermatogonia and SOX9+ Sertoli cell proliferation was confirmed in most samples. SYCP3+ primary spermatocytes began to appear by day 16 in both age groups. Sertoli cell maturation was demonstrated by AR expression but the expression of CLAUDIN11 was disorganized. Presence of mature and functional Leydig cells was verified by INSL3 expression and secretion of testosterone. Gonadotropin treatments did not consistently impact the number or proliferation of germ cells or somatic cells, but FSH was necessary to increase testosterone secretion over time in prepubertal samples.

Conclusion

ITT were maintained in organotypic culture for up to 32 days and spermatogonia differentiated to produce primary spermatocytes in both pre- and peripubertal age groups. However, complete spermatogenesis was not observed in either group.
Sex-specific effect of P2Y2 purinergic receptor on glucose metabolism during acute inflammation
Authors: Ulbricht Randi J. , Rivas Christian A. , Marino Hailee , Snyder Erin , James Dana , Makhloufi Jamila , Johnson Nathan , Zimmerman Scott , Wang Jianjie
Published: August 2023

The sex of an animal impacts glucose sensitivity, but little information is available regarding the mechanisms causing that difference, especially during acute inflammation. We examined sex-specific differences in the role of the P2Y2 receptor (P2Y2R) in glucose flux with and without LPS challenge. Male and female wild-type and P2Y2R knockout mice (P2Y2R-/-) were injected with LPS or saline and glucose tolerance tests (GTT) were performed. P2Y2R, insulin receptor, and GLUT4 transporter gene expression was also evaluated. Female mice had reduced fasting plasma glucose and females had reduced glucose excursion times compared to male mice during GTT. P2Y2R-/- males had significantly decreased glucose flux throughout the GTT as compared to all female mice. Acute inflammation reduced fasting plasma glucose and the GTT area under the curve in both sexes. While both wild-type and P2Y2R-/- male animals displayed reduced fasting glucose in LPS treatment, female mice did not have significant difference in glucose tolerance, suggesting that the effects of P2Y2R are specific to male mice, even under inflammatory conditions. Overall, we conclude that the role for the purinergic receptor, P2Y2R, in regulating glucose metabolism is minimal in females but plays a large role in male mice, particularly in the acute inflammatory state.
Applications of biogeochemical models in different marine environments: a review
Authors: Ismail Kaltham A. , Al-Shehhi Maryam R.
Published: August 2023

Marine biogeochemical models are an effective tool for formulating hypothesis and gaining mechanistic understanding of how an ecosystem functions. This paper presents a comprehensive review of biogeochemical models and explores their applications in different marine ecosystems. It also assesses their performance in reproducing key biogeochemical components, such as chlorophyll-a, nutrients, carbon, and oxygen cycles. The study focuses on four distinct zones: tropical, temperate, polar/subpolar, and high nutrient low chlorophyll (HNLC). Each zone exhibits unique physical and biogeochemical characteristics, which are defined and used to evaluate the models’ performance. While biogeochemical models have demonstrated the ability to simulate various ecosystem components, limitations and assumptions persist. Thus, this review addresses these limitations and discusses the challenges and future developments of biogeochemical models. Key areas for improvement involve incorporating missing components such as viruses, archaea, mixotrophs, refining parameterizations for nitrogen transformations, detritus representation, and considering the interactions of fish and zooplankton within the models.
MDLab: AI frameworks for carbon capture and battery materials
Authors: Elmegreen Bruce , Hamann Hendrik F. , Wunsch Benjamin , Van Kessel Theodore , Luan Binquan , Elengikal Tonia , Steiner Mathias , Neumann Barros Ferreira Rodrigo , Ohta Ricardo Luis , Oliveira Felipe Lopes , McDonagh James L. , O’Conchuir Breanndan , Zavitsanou Stamatia , Harrison Alexander , Cipcigan Flaviu , de Mel Geeth , La Young-Hye , Sharma Vidushi , Zubarev Dmitry Yu
Published: August 2023

There is a growing urgency to discover better materials that capture CO2 from air and improve battery performance. An important step is to search large databases of materials properties to find examples that resemble known carbon capture agents or electrolytes and then test them for effectiveness. This paper describes novel computational tools for accelerated discovery of solvents, nano-porous materials, and electrolytes. These tools have produced interesting results so far, such as the identification of a relatively isolated location in amine configuration space for the solvents with known carbon capture use, and the demonstration of an end-to-end simulation and process model for carbon capture in MOFs.
Removal of incense smoke and corollary particulate matter using a portable bipolar air ionizer in an unventilated setup
Authors: Gupta Nishant , Agarwal Ashok Kumar , Singhal Rajeev Kumar , Jindal Sanjay Kumar , Ali Daoud , Wanale Shivraj Gangadhar , Kumar Goklesh , Yadav Virendra Kumar , Patel Ashish
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Indoor air pollution-associated health risk is substantially higher than outdoor. Incense smoke represents a group of multiple hazardous air pollutants including particulate matter. Bipolar air ionizers have been one of the most escalated indoor air cleaning options in recent years. Albeit, removal efficiency against incense smoke and potential byproduct ozone have been little understood due to limited studies.

Method: The present study assessed a portable needlepoint technology-based bipolar air ionizer’s removal efficacy against incense smoke in unventilated glass boxes (size 0.16 m3). A series of experiments were performed in order to estimate the average efficiency. The total removal efficacy of bipolar air ionizer (BAI eff.) was estimated by using empirical equations of the particulate matter PM2.5 (BAI eff. pm2.5) and PM10 removal (BAI eff.pm10). Particulate matter was used as the marker of incense smoke in this study. The concentration of particulate matter, potential byproduct ozone, relative humidity, and the temperature was monitored by a customized sensor-based air quality monitor.

Results: The tested bipolar air ionizer showed a significant decline in incense smoke. The average reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentration was observed by 74%–75%. The overall efficacy (BAI eff) against incense smoke particulate proportion was 90% ± 10% compared to the control. Byproduct ozone was not exceeded abnormally. However, the marginal elevation in temperature and humidity (up to 5°C or 21%) and humidity (1.8%) were observed when the bipolar air ionizer was conducted.

Discussion: Incense smoke consists of multiple hazardous air pollutants including volatile organic compounds and carcinogens. Incense smoke may be the major source of household pollution. A portable bipolar air ionizer could be an auxiliary air cleaning option where incense burning practices are common.
Untargeted LC-MS metabolomics reveals the metabolic responses in olive flounder subjected to hirame rhabdovirus infection
Authors: Gu Bingyu , Pan Fenghuang , Wang Hongxiang , Zou Zhiyi , Song Junya , Xing Jing , Tang Xiaoqian , Zhan Yuanchao
Published: August 2023

Hirame novirhabdovirus (HIRRV), which mainly infects the olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), is considered to be one of the most serious viral pathogens threatening the global fish culture industry. However, little is known about the mechanism of host-pathogen interactions at the metabolomic level. In this study, in order to explore the metabolic response of olive flounder to HIRRV infection, liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to detect the changes of endogenous compounds of the olive flounder after HIRRV infection. A total of 954 unique masses were obtained, including 495 metabolites and 459 lipids. Among them, 7 and 173 qualified differential metabolites were identified at 2 days and 7 days post-infection, respectively. Distinct metabolic profiles were observed along with viral infection. At the early stage of infection, only a few metabolites were perturbed. Among them, the level of inosine and carnosine were increased and the potential antiviral ability of these two metabolites was further confirmed by exogenous addition experiment. At the late stage of HIRRV infection, the metabolic profiles changed remarkably. The changes in amino acids and nucleotides especially the 7-methylguanine also accelerated the amplification of viral particles. And the down-regulation of glutathione (GSH) implied an elevated level of ROS (reactive oxygen species) that attenuated the immune system of flounders. HIRRV also induced the accumulation of purine and reduction of pyrimidine, and elevated LPC and LPE levels. The unbalanced purine/pyrimidine and altered lipid profile may be beneficial for the replication and infection of HIRRV at the late stage of infection. These findings provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanism of HIRRV infection in olive flounder.
The risk of COVID-19 in IBD patients is increased by urban living and is not influenced by disease activity or intravenous biologics
Authors: Lelong Margaux , Josien Régis , Coste-Burel Marianne , Rimbert Marie , Bressollette-Bodin Céline , Nancey Stéphane , Bouguen Guillaume , Allez Matthieu , Serrero Mélanie , Caillo Ludovic , Rouillon Cléa , Blanc Pierre , Laharie David , Olivier Raphaël , Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Dib Nina , De Maissin Astrid , Montuclard Céline , Trang-Poisson Caroline , Vavasseur Fabienne , Gallot Géraldine , Berthome Mathilde , Braudeau Cécile , Chevreuil Justine , Bourreille Arnaud , Le Berre Catherine
Published: August 2023

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may have a modified immune response to SARS-CoV-2. The objectives were to evaluate the prevalence of COVID-19 in patients treated with infliximab or vedolizumab, to analyze the factors associated with the infection, the impact of treatments and trough levels.

Methods

Patients with IBD treated with intravenous biologics in 14 French centers were included between March and June 2020 and followed-up for 6 months. Blood samples were collected for serologies and trough levels. The analysis of factors associated with COVID-19 was conducted in a matched 1:1 case-control sub-study with positive patients.

Results

In total, 1026 patients were included (74.9% infliximab). Over the follow-up period, 420 patients reported the occurrence of COVID-19 symptoms; 342 had been tested of whom 18 were positive. At the end of follow-up, 38 patients had a positive serology. Considering both nasal tests and serologies together, 46 patients (4.5%) had been infected. The risk of COVID-19 was related neither to the use of treatments (whatever the trough levels) nor to disease activity. Infections were more frequent when using public transport or living in flats in urban areas.

Conclusions

The prevalence rate of COVID-19 in this IBD population treated with intravenous infliximab or vedolizumab was the same as the one in the French population before the start of the vaccination campaign. The risk was increased by urban living and was not influenced by disease activity or biologics. Sanitary barrier measures remain the best way to protect against SARS-CoV-2 in patients with IBD in biological therapy.
Resistance to anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1: galectin-3 inhibition with GB1211 reverses galectin-3-induced blockade of pembrolizumab and atezolizumab binding to PD-1/PD-L1
Authors: Mabbitt Joseph , Holyer Ian D. , Roper James A. , Nilsson Ulf J. , Zetterberg Fredrik R. , Vuong Lynda , Mackinnon Alison C. , Pedersen Anders , Slack Robert J.
Published: August 2023

Background

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a β-galactoside-binding lectin that is highly expressed within the tumor microenvironment of aggressive cancers and has been suggested to predict a poor response to immune checkpoint therapy with the anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody pembrolizumab. We aimed to assess if the effect of Gal-3 was a result of direct interaction with the immune checkpoint receptor.

Methods

The ability of Gal-3 to interact with the PD-1/PD-L1 complex in the absence and presence of blocking antibodies was assessed in in vitro biochemical and cellular assays as well as in an in vivo syngeneic mouse cancer model.

Results

Gal-3 reduced the binding of the checkpoint inhibitors pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1) and atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1), by potentiating the interaction between the PD-1/PD-L1 complex. In the presence of a highly selective Gal-3 small molecule inhibitor (GB1211) the binding of the anti-PD-1/anti-PD-L1 therapeutics was restored to control levels. This was observed in both a surface plasmon resonance assay measuring protein-protein interactions and via flow cytometry. Combination therapy with GB1211 and an anti-PD-L1 blocking antibody reduced tumor growth in an in vivo syngeneic model and increased the percentage of tumor infiltrating T lymphocytes.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that Gal-3 can potentiate the PD-1/PD-L1 immune axis and potentially contribute to the immunosuppressive signalling mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment. In addition, Gal-3 prevents atezolizumab and pembrolizumab target engagement with their respective immune checkpoint receptors. Reversal of this effect with the clinical candidate GB1211 offers a potential enhancing combination therapeutic with anti-PD-1 and -PD-L1 blocking antibodies.
Predicting the acoustic characteristics of seafloor sediments containing cold spring carbonate rocks
Authors: Tian Yuhang , Wu Lei , Zou Dapeng , Chen Zhong , Jiang Yongjun , Yan Pin , Fan Chaoyan
Published: August 2023

The acoustic and physical properties of two valuable marine cold spring carbonate rock samples gathered from the Chaoshan Depression in the South China Sea were measured. The Wyllie time-average equation was applied to analyze the measured sound speeds and their trend under different porosities, and the sound speeds of marine cold spring carbonate rocks were found to be consistent with those of terrestrial carbonate rocks. The Voigt model, Reuss model, and Voigt-Reuss-Hill model were used to predict the characteristics of the sound speed for four states of seafloor sediments containing cold spring carbonate mineral particles or rocks. For these four states of marine cold spring carbonate mineral particles existing on or in seafloor sediments, the sound speed and reflection coefficient of a mixture of seafloor surface sediments containing cold spring carbonate mineral particles or rocks decrease with an increase in the volume ratio of the seafloor sediment. This method for predicting the reflection coefficient provides evidence to explain the high and low reflection coefficients observed in Chirp sub-bottom profiles of cold spring seepage areas.
Influence of sedimentary deposition on the microbial assembly process in Arctic Holocene marine sediments
Authors: Han Dukki , Richter-Heitmann Tim , Kim Ji-Hoon , Friedrich Michael W. , Yin Xiuran , Elvert Marcus , Ryu Jong-Sik , Jang Kwangchul , Nam Seung-Il
Published: August 2023

The sea-level rise during the Holocene (11–0 ky BP) and its resulting sedimentation and biogeochemical processes may control microbial life in Arctic sediments. To gain further insight into this interaction, we investigated a sediment core (up to 10.7 m below the seafloor) from the Chuckchi Shelf of the western Arctic Ocean using metabarcoding-based sequencing and qPCR to characterize archaeal and bacterial 16S rRNA gene composition and abundance, respectively. We found that Arctic Holocene sediments harbor local microbial communities, reflecting geochemical and paleoclimate separations. The composition of bacterial communities was more diverse than that of archaeal communities, and specifically distinct at the boundary layer of the sulfate–methane transition zone. Enriched cyanobacterial sequences in the Arctic middle Holocene (8–7 ky BP) methanogenic sediments remarkably suggest past cyanobacterial blooms. Bacterial communities were phylogenetically influenced by interactions between dispersal limitation and environmental selection governing community assembly under past oceanographic changes. The relative influence of stochastic and deterministic processes on the bacterial assemblage was primarily determined by dispersal limitation. We have summarized our findings in a conceptual model that revealed how changes in paleoclimate phases cause shifts in ecological succession and the assembly process. In this ecological model, dispersal limitation is an important driving force for progressive succession for bacterial community assembly processes on a geological timescale in the western Arctic Ocean. This enabled a better understanding of the ecological processes that drive the assembly of communities in Holocene sedimentary habitats affected by sea-level rise, such as in the shallow western Arctic shelves.
Beyond cyanotoxins: increased Legionella, antibiotic resistance genes in western Lake Erie water and disinfection-byproducts in their finished water
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Lee Seungjun , Hu Chenlin , Marion Jason W.
Published: August 2023

Background

Western Lake Erie is suffering from harmful cyanobacterial blooms, primarily toxic Microcystis spp., affecting the ecosystem, water safety, and the regional economy. Continued bloom occurrence has raised concerns about public health implications. However, there has been no investigation regarding the potential increase of Legionella and antibiotic resistance genes in source water, and disinfection byproducts in municipal treated drinking water caused by these bloom events.

Methods

Over 2 years, source water (total n = 118) and finished water (total n = 118) samples were collected from drinking water plants situated in western Lake Erie (bloom site) and central Lake Erie (control site). Bloom-related parameters were determined, such as microcystin (MC), toxic Microcystis, total organic carbon, N, and P. Disinfection byproducts (DBPs) [total trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs)] were assessed in finished water. Genetic markers for Legionella, antibiotic resistance genes, and mobile genetic elements were quantified in source and finished waters.

Results

Significantly higher levels of MC-producing Microcystis were observed in the western Lake Erie site compared to the control site. Analysis of DBPs revealed significantly elevated THMs concentrations at the bloom site, while HAAs concentrations remained similar between the two sites. Legionella spp. levels were significantly higher in the bloom site, showing a significant relationship with total cyanobacteria. Abundance of ARGs (tetQ and sul1) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) were also significantly higher at the bloom site.

Discussion

Although overall abundance decreased in finished water, relative abundance of ARGs and MGE among total bacteria increased after treatment, particularly at the bloom site. The findings underscore the need for ongoing efforts to mitigate bloom frequency and intensity in the lake. Moreover, optimizing water treatment processes during bloom episodes is crucial to maintain water quality. The associations observed between bloom conditions, ARGs, and Legionella, necessitate future investigations into the potential enhancement of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and Legionella spp. due to blooms, both in lake environments and drinking water distribution systems.
Long-term environmental enrichment is associated with better fornix microstructure in older adults
Authors: Klimecki Olga M. , Liebscher Maxie , Gaubert Malo , Hayek Dayana , Zarucha Alexis , Dyrba Martin , Bartels Claudia , Buerger Katharina , Butryn Michaela , Dechent Peter , Dobisch Laura , Ewers Michael , Fliessbach Klaus , Freiesleben Silka Dawn , Glanz Wenzel , Hetzer Stefan , Janowitz Daniel , Kilimann Ingo , Kleineidam Luca , Laske Christoph , Maier Franziska , Munk Matthias H. , Perneczky Robert , Peters Oliver , Priller Josef , Rauchmann Boris-Stephan , Roy Nina , Scheffler Klaus , Schneider Anja , Spruth Eike Jakob , Spottke Annika , Teipel Stefan J. , Wiltfang Jens , Wolfsgruber Steffen , Yakupov Renat , Düzel Emrah , Jessen Frank , Wagner Michael , Roeske Sandra , Wirth Miranka ,   the DELCODE study group
Published: August 2023

Background

Sustained environmental enrichment (EE) through a variety of leisure activities may decrease the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. This cross-sectional cohort study investigated the association between long-term EE in young adulthood through middle life and microstructure of fiber tracts associated with the memory system in older adults.

Methods

N = 201 cognitively unimpaired participants (≥ 60 years of age) from the DZNE-Longitudinal Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Study (DELCODE) baseline cohort were included. Two groups of participants with higher (n = 104) or lower (n = 97) long-term EE were identified, using the self-reported frequency of diverse physical, intellectual, and social leisure activities between the ages 13 to 65. White matter (WM) microstructure was measured by fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) in the fornix, uncinate fasciculus, and parahippocampal cingulum using diffusion tensor imaging. Long-term EE groups (lower/higher) were compared with adjustment for potential confounders, such as education, crystallized intelligence, and socio-economic status.

Results

Reported participation in higher long-term EE was associated with greater fornix microstructure, as indicated by higher FA (standardized β = 0.117, p = 0.033) and lower MD (β = −0.147, p = 0.015). Greater fornix microstructure was indirectly associated (FA: unstandardized B = 0.619, p = 0.038; MD: B = −0.035, p = 0.026) with better memory function through higher long-term EE. No significant effects were found for the other WM tracts.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that sustained participation in a greater variety of leisure activities relates to preserved WM microstructure in the memory system in older adults. This could be facilitated by the multimodal stimulation associated with the engagement in a physically, intellectually, and socially enriched lifestyle. Longitudinal studies will be needed to support this assumption.
A 22-pJ/spike 73-Mspikes/s 130k-compartment neural array transceiver with conductance-based synaptic and membrane dynamics
Authors: Park Jongkil , Ha Sohmyung , Yu Theodore , Neftci Emre , Cauwenberghs Gert
Published: August 2023

Neuromorphic cognitive computing offers a bio-inspired means to approach the natural intelligence of biological neural systems in silicon integrated circuits. Typically, such circuits either reproduce biophysical neuronal dynamics in great detail as tools for computational neuroscience, or abstract away the biology by simplifying the functional forms of neural computation in large-scale systems for machine intelligence with high integration density and energy efficiency. Here we report a hybrid which offers biophysical realism in the emulation of multi-compartmental neuronal network dynamics at very large scale with high implementation efficiency, and yet with high flexibility in configuring the functional form and the network topology. The integrate-and-fire array transceiver (IFAT) chip emulates the continuous-time analog membrane dynamics of 65 k two-compartment neurons with conductance-based synapses. Fired action potentials are registered as address-event encoded output spikes, while the four types of synapses coupling to each neuron are activated by address-event decoded input spikes for fully reconfigurable synaptic connectivity, facilitating virtual wiring as implemented by routing address-event spikes externally through synaptic routing table. Peak conductance strength of synapse activation specified by the address-event input spans three decades of dynamic range, digitally controlled by pulse width and amplitude modulation (PWAM) of the drive voltage activating the log-domain linear synapse circuit. Two nested levels of micro-pipelining in the IFAT architecture improve both throughput and efficiency of synaptic input. This two-tier micro-pipelining results in a measured sustained peak throughput of 73 Mspikes/s and overall chip-level energy efficiency of 22 pJ/spike. Non-uniformity in digitally encoded synapse strength due to analog mismatch is mitigated through single-point digital offset calibration. Combined with the flexibly layered and recurrent synaptic connectivity provided by hierarchical address-event routing of registered spike events through external memory, the IFAT lends itself to efficient large-scale emulation of general biophysical spiking neural networks, as well as rate-based mapping of rectified linear unit (ReLU) neural activations.