bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunopathology of emerging and re-emerging viral infections: an updated overview
Authors: Gogoi Dimpu , Baruah Pranjal Jyoti , Narain Kanwar
Published: April 2024

Humankind has witnessed increased frequency of emerging and re-emerging viral diseases in the past few decades. The major categories of pathogenic emerging and re-emerging viral infections include respiratory, arthropod-borne and bat-borne zoonotic viruses. These viral infections are notorious for causing immune dysregulation and have the potential to mount excessive immune reaction, causing immunopathology that includes tissue injury, systemic inflammation, multi-organ failure and even death. A better understanding of the emerging or re-emerging viral-mediated immunomodulation is necessary for controlling the virus, while preventing severity of the disease associated with exaggerated immune response. In this article, we review the current understanding of emerging and re-emerging respiratory, arboviral and bat-borne zoonotic viruses; and consequent immune dysregulation or immunopathology associated with these viral infections.
Contribution of the ELRs to the development of advanced in vitro models
Authors: Puertas-Bartolomé María , Venegas-Bustos Desiré , Acosta Sergio , Rodríguez-Cabello José Carlos
Published: April 2024

Developing in vitro models that accurately mimic the microenvironment of biological structures or processes holds substantial promise for gaining insights into specific biological functions. In the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, in vitro models able to capture the precise structural, topographical, and functional complexity of living tissues, prove to be valuable tools for comprehending disease mechanisms, assessing drug responses, and serving as alternatives or complements to animal testing. The choice of the right biomaterial and fabrication technique for the development of these in vitro models plays an important role in their functionality. In this sense, elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs) have emerged as an important tool for the fabrication of in vitro models overcoming the challenges encountered in natural and synthetic materials due to their intrinsic properties, such as phase transition behavior, tunable biological properties, viscoelasticity, and easy processability. In this review article, we will delve into the use of ELRs for molecular models of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), as well as for the development of in vitro 3D models for regenerative medicine. The easy processability of the ELRs and their rational design has allowed their use for the development of spheroids and organoids, or bioinks for 3D bioprinting. Thus, incorporating ELRs into the toolkit of biomaterials used for the fabrication of in vitro models, represents a transformative step forward in improving the accuracy, efficiency, and functionality of these models, and opening up a wide range of possibilities in combination with advanced biofabrication techniques that remains to be explored.
Lithium-ion battery second life: pathways, challenges and outlook
Authors: Patel Anisha N. , Lander Laura , Ahuja Jyoti , Bulman James , Lum James K. H. , Pople Julian O. D. , Hales Alastair , Patel Yatish , Edge Jacqueline S.
Published: April 2024

Net zero targets have resulted in a drive to decarbonise the transport sector worldwide through electrification. This has, in turn, led to an exponentially growing battery market and, conversely, increasing attention on how we can reduce the environmental impact of batteries and promote a more efficient circular economy to achieve real net zero. As these batteries reach the end of their first life, challenges arise as to how to collect and process them, in order to maximise their economical use before finally being recycled. Despite the growing body of work around this topic, the decision-making process on which pathways batteries could take is not yet well understood, and clear policies and standards to support implementation of processes and infrastructure are still lacking. Requirements and challenges behind recycling and second life applications are complex and continue being defined in industry and academia. Both pathways rely on cell collection, selection and processing, and are confronted with the complexities of pack disassembly, as well as a diversity of cell chemistries, state-of-health, size, and form factor. There are several opportunities to address these barriers, such as standardisation of battery design and reviewing the criteria for a battery’s end-of-life. These revisions could potentially improve the overall sustainability of batteries, but may require policies to drive such transformation across the industry. The influence of policies in triggering a pattern of behaviour that favours one pathway over another are examined and suggestions are made for policy amendments that could support a second life pipeline, while encouraging the development of an efficient recycling industry. This review explains the different pathways that end-of-life EV batteries could follow, either immediate recycling or service in one of a variety of second life applications, before eventual recycling. The challenges and barriers to each pathway are discussed, taking into account their relative environmental and economic feasibility and competing advantages and disadvantages of each. The review identifies key areas where processes need to be simplified and decision criteria clearly defined, so that optimal pathways can be rapidly determined for each end-of-life battery.
Exploring the multifaceted bioactivities of Lavandula pinnata L. essential oil: promising pharmacological activities
Authors: Haddou Mounir , Elbouzidi Amine , Taibi Mohamed , Baraich Abdellah , Loukili El Hassania , Bellaouchi Reda , Saalaoui Ennouaamane , Asehraou Abdeslam , Salamatullah Ahmad Mohammad , Bourhia Mohammed , Nafidi Hiba-Allah , Addi Mohamed , Guerrouj Bouchra El , Chaabane Khalid
Published: April 2024

Introduction: This study investigates the biological activities of Lavandula pinnata essential oil (LPEO), an endemic lavender species from the Canary Islands, traditionally used in treating various ailments.

Methods: LPEO was extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-MS. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging and total antioxidant capacity assays. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion, MIC, MBC, and MFC determination against bacterial (Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and fungal (Candida glabrata, Rhodotorula glutinis, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium digitatum) strains. Antidiabetic and anti-gout potential were investigated through α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and xanthine oxidase inhibition assays. Antityrosinase activity was determined using a modified dopachrome method. Cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT assay against breast (MCF-7, MDA-MB-468), liver (HepG2), colon (HCT-15) cancer cells, and normal cells (PBMCs).

Results and discussion: LPEO exhibits potent antiradical activity (IC50 = 148.33 ± 2.48 μg/mL) and significant antioxidant capacity (TAC = 171.56 ± 2.34 μg AA/mg of EO). It demonstrates notable antibacterial activity against four strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) with inhibition zones ranging from 18.70 ± 0.30 mm to 29.20 ± 0.30 mm, along with relatively low MIC and MBC values. LPEO displays significant antifungal activity against four strains (Candida glabrata, Rhodotorula glutinis, Aspergillus niger, and Penicillium digitatum) with a fungicidal effect at 1 mg/mL, surpassing the positive control (cycloheximide), and MIC and MFC values indicating a fungicidal effect. It exhibits substantial inhibition of xanthine oxidase enzyme (IC50 = 26.48 ± 0.90 μg/mL), comparable to allopurinol, and marked inhibitory effects on α-amylase (IC50 = 31.56 ± 0.46 μg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 58.47 ± 2.35 μg/mL) enzymes.The enzyme tyrosinase is inhibited by LPEO (IC50 = 29.11 ± 0.08 mg/mL). LPEO displays moderate cytotoxic activity against breast, liver, and colon cancer cells, with low toxicity towards normal cells (PBMC). LPEO exhibits greater selectivity than cisplatin for breast (MCF-7) and colon (HCT-15) cancer cells but lower selectivity for liver (HepG2) and metastatic breast (MDA-MB-468) cancer cells. These findings suggest the potential of LPEO as an antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-gout, antidiabetic, and anticancer agent.
Socioeconomic determinants of modern climate change adaptation of small-scale vegetable farmers in Bohlabela District, Mpumalanga Province
Authors: Maiwashe Tagwi Aluwani , Khoza Khensani Nicolene
Published: April 2024

Climate change significantly impacts small-scale agriculture, with limited adaptation capabilities due to lack of access to advanced science and technology. Traditional methods are ideal, but modern adaptations require significant financial investment, affecting the smallholder under-resourced agricultural sector's economic activities. The study analyzed climate change adaptation drivers among small-scale vegetable farmers, using a representative sample of 244 farmers from four villages through face-to-face interviews and semi-structured questionnaires. Using the Logistic regression model, the results showed resources (extension services), institutional (association membership) and societal influence (farm produce theft, and animal trespassing in the farming plots) to be associated with the use of modern climate change adaptation measures in the study area. The study recommends expanding extension services, strengthening community policing, creating community grazing guidelines, and training farmers on climate change causes, social cohesion, and mitigation strategies to address farm produce theft and animal trespassing. The study contributes new knowledge to the discourse of climate change adaptation by providing empirical evidence pointing out the need to consider critical non-climate factors for farmers when making climate change adaptations interventions in the smallholder farming sector.
Psychological profiling of hackers via machine learning toward sustainable cybersecurity
Authors: Hani Umema , Sohaib Osama , Khan Khalid , Aleidi Asma , Islam Noman
Published: April 2024

This research addresses a challenge of the hacker classification framework based on the “big five personality traits” model (OCEAN) and explores associations between personality traits and hacker types. The method's application prediction performance was evaluated in two groups: Students with hacking experience who intend to pursue information security and ethical hacking and industry professionals who work as White Hat hackers. These professionals were further categorized based on their behavioral tendencies, incorporating Gray Hat traits. The k-means algorithm analyzed intra-cluster dependencies, elucidating variations within different clusters and their correlation with Hat types. The study achieved an 88% accuracy in mapping clusters with Hat types, effectively identifying cyber-criminal behaviors. Ethical considerations regarding privacy and bias in personality profiling methodologies within cybersecurity are discussed, emphasizing the importance of informed consent, transparency, and accountability in data management practices. Furthermore, the research underscores the need for sustainable cybersecurity practices, integrating environmental and societal impacts into security frameworks. This study aims to advance responsible cybersecurity practices by promoting awareness and ethical considerations and prioritizing privacy, equity, and sustainability principles.
Development and feasibility assessment of a virtual reality-based aerobic exercise program with real-time pulse rate monitoring on hemodynamic and arterial stiffness in healthy people: a pilot study
Authors: Yuenyongchaiwat Kornanong , Sermsinsathong Natsinee , Songsorn Preeyaphorn , Charususin Noppawan , Buranapuntalug Sasipa , Buekban Chatchai , Thanawattano Chusak
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Virtual reality (VR) exercises are reportedly beneficial as a physical activity tool for health promotion and rehabilitation, and can also help individuals exercise under professional supervision. We developed and investigated the potential feasibility of a VR-based aerobic exercise program using the XBOX ONE console and Kinect sensor with real-time pulse rate monitoring. The VR setting consisted of two-dimensional (2D) environments via computer, laptop, or television screens. In addition, the study investigated the potential feasibility of the VR-based exercise program on hemodynamic response and arterial stiffness in healthy participants of various ages.

Methods

Healthy participants (n = 30) aged > 18 years were enrolled in the VR exercise-based program. All participants were required to wear a polar heart rate (HR) monitor set for moderate-intensity exercise, targeting 40%–59% of their HR reserve. Hemodynamic and arterial stiffness (pulse wave velocity) were noninvasively measured. The Borg scale rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was also assessed.

Results

Following a VR-guided exercise routine, all participants performed moderate-intensity exercise with no adverse health outcomes during or after the exercise. The effects of VR-based aerobic exercise extended beyond enhanced central hemodynamic and arterial stiffness. However, neither hemodynamic nor arterial stiffness showed significant differences before and after the VR exercise, except for a higher RPE response following the exercise program.

Conclusion

VR-based aerobic exercise with pulse rate monitoring is a promising physical activity tool to induce physiological changes and impact dyspnea scales and is also feasible for administration to healthy populations.
The ∼170 kyr astronomical cycle in the Early Permian Lucaogou Formation of the Junggar Basin
Authors: Li Yuyin , Huang He , Gao Yuan , Cao Yongqiang , Cheng Hu , Hei Chenlu , Liang Shuang
Published: April 2024

According to Milankovitch’s theory, periodic climate change in Earth’s history is controlled by the periodic changes in the Earth’s orbit and axis of rotation. Milankovitch cycle include eccentricity, obliquity, and precession cycles. In addition to them, there are also some amplitude modulation (AM) cycles that affect the climate system through a series of “nonlinear” feedback processes, such as the 173 kyr obliquity AM cycle. Previous studies have demonstrated that the ∼170 kyr cycle modulate the paleoclimate and carbon cycle at mid-high latitude regions in the Meso-Cenozoic. However, due to the limitation of astronomical solutions and the lack of high-resolution geological records, the ∼170 kyr cycle has been less reported in the Paleozoic Era. In this study, cyclostratigraphic analysis of natural gamma ray (GR) logging data from four wells (Ji30, Ji31, Ji32, and Ji174) and total organic carbon (TOC) data from well Ji174 penetrating the Early Permian Lucaogou Formation in Jimusar Sag, Junggar Basin suggests preservation of eccentricity, obliquity, and precession cycles, and the ∼170 kyr AM cycle. Through the astronomical tuning of GR logging data obtained from four wells to eccentricity target cycles, we established the floating astronomical time scale (ATS). The results indicate an average sedimentation rate ranging from 7.4 to 9.5 cm/kyr and a duration from 2.8 to 3.2 million years (Myr) for the Lucaogou Formation. The differences in sedimentation rate and duration among these four wells may result from different well locations. Moreover, the ∼170 kyr cycle signal has been identified in the detrended GR logging and TOC data series, and its obliquity AM series. This signal might be attributed to the obliquity AM cycles originated from the interaction between s3 and s6 (s3 and s6 represent the precession of nodes of Earth and Saturn), which was recorded in the GR logging and TOC data time series due to nonlinear responses within the depositional system.
The impact of honors education on students’ academic and innovative achievements: a longitudinal study in China (2011–2021)
Authors: Yu Jie , Tian Dingyue , Wang Zhuojun , Zhou Yiyong
Published: April 2024

Honors education has ascended as an integral element within the sphere of global higher education, concentrating on fostering individuals who exhibit creativity and a history of innovative achievements. Despite its widespread adoption, there remains a scarcity of exhaustive longitudinal studies investigating its effects and associated variables. To address this shortcoming, this study deploys rigorous structural equation modeling (SEM) and linear regression analyses to meticulously examine a dataset comprising 319 students, who enrolled over a decade (2011–2021) in a prestigious honors college at a preeminent university in China. The primary objective is to discern the predictive efficacy of Chinese honors education selection criteria on students’ creative and academic accomplishments. This endeavor strives to clarify the complex interplay among students’ creative personalities, academic performance, creative achievements, and standardized college entrance exam scores. The findings emphasize that individuals who exhibit enhanced creative personality traits are predisposed to elevated levels of both innovation and academic attainment (β = 0.170, p  = 0.017). Additionally, a significant inverse relationship is observed between general learning aptitude and subsequent academic performance (β = −0.008, p = 0.023), while students pursuing science disciplines demonstrate superior innovation outcomes compared to their liberal arts counterparts (β = 0.125, p  = 0.048). Interestingly, neither gender nor general academic prowess exerts significant predictive power over collegiate innovation (β  = −0.002, p = 0.134). These empirical insights equip policymakers and scholars with nuanced perspectives on the determinants shaping students’ refined educational experiences, thereby inciting critical discourse concerning the refinement of selection criteria and the imperative of nurturing students’ creative proclivities.
Effect of perceived stress, job satisfaction, and workload on the professional self-efficacy of Peruvian regular basic education teachers
Authors: Belizario Marleni Velez , Mamani-Benito Oscar , Zerga-Morales Carlos Alejandro , Turpo-Chaparro Josué E. , Morales-García Wilter C.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has had repercussions on teachers’ beliefs about their efficacy in their profession. In light of this, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of perceived stress, job satisfaction, and workload on professional self-efficacy among Peruvian regular basic education teachers.

Method

This was a cross-sectional explanatory study involving 687 regular basic education teachers (57.6% women) aged between 23 and 55 years (M = 38.15, SD = 8.58), from both private and public institutions across the three regions of Peru (coastal, jungle and highland). The instruments used were the Professional Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (AU-10), the Perceived Stress Scale related to the pandemic (EEP-10), the Affective Job Satisfaction Scale (BIAJS), and the Workload Scale (ECT).

Results

A SEM analysis was conducted, yielding satisfactory goodness-of-fit indices: χ2 = 87.028, p = 0.000, with 11 df, CFI = 0.993, RMSEA = 0.047, and SRMR = 0.021. This confirmed H1, as there is a negative effect of workload on professional self-efficacy (β = −0.11, p = 0.017). Similarly, H2 was confirmed, as there is a positive effect of job satisfaction on professional self-efficacy (β = 0.13, p = 0.003). However, H3 was rejected, as no significant effect of perceived stress on professional self-efficacy was evident (β = −0.02, p = 0.658).

Conclusion

Workload and job satisfaction explain the perceived level of self-efficacy among Peruvian regular basic education teachers. However, there is no evidence to suggest that stress affects their sense of efficacy.
The impact of vitamin D on the etiopathogenesis and the progression of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in children and adults
Authors: Li Candong , Fu Jiaowen , Ye Yipeng , Li Junsen , He Yangli , Fang Tuanyu
Published: April 2024

Diabetes is a common chronic metabolic disease with complex causes and pathogenesis. As an immunomodulator, vitamin D has recently become a research hotspot in the occurrence and development of diabetes and its complications. Many studies have shown that vitamin D can reduce the occurrence of diabetes and delay the progression of diabetes complications, and vitamin D can reduce oxidative stress, inhibit iron apoptosis, promote Ca2+ influx, promote insulin secretion, and reduce insulin resistance. Therefore, the prevention and correction of vitamin D deficiency is very necessary for diabetic patients, but further research is needed to confirm what serum levels of vitamin D3 are maintained in the body. This article provides a brief review of the relationship between vitamin D and diabetes, including its acute and chronic complications.
Control and physical verification of 6-DOF manipulator for power inspection robots based on expert PID algorithm
Authors: Jiang Wenping , Wang Xiang , Liu Zhouyang
Published: April 2024

To enhance the performance of power inspection robots in intricate nuclear power stations, it is necessary to improve their response speed and accuracy. This paper uses the manipulator of the power inspection robot as the primary research object, and unlike previous control algorithm research, which only remained in the software simulation stage, we constructed a set of physical verification platforms based on CAN communication and physically verified the robotic arm’s control algorithm. First, the forward motion model is established based on the geometric structure of the manipulator and D-H parameter method, and the kinematic equation of the manipulator is solved by combining geometric method and algebraic method. Secondly, in order to conduct comparison tests, we designed PID controllers and expert PID controllers by utilising the expertise of experts. The results show that compared with the traditional PID algorithm, the expert PID algorithm has a faster response speed in the control process of the manipulator. It converges quickly in 0.75 s and has a smaller overshoot, with a maximum of only 6.9%. This confirms the expert PID algorithm’s good control effect on the robotic arm, allowing the six-degree-of-freedom robotic arm to travel more accurately and swiftly along the trajectory of the target point.
Robust power control for PV and battery systems: integrating sliding mode MPPT with dual buck converters
Authors: Fekik Arezki , Hamida Mohamed Lamine , Azar Ahmad Taher , Ghanes Malek , Hakim Arezki , Denoun Hakim , Hameed Ibrahim A.
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive exploration of an integrated Buck-Boost converter and Sliding Mode Control (SMC) Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) system for optimizing photovoltaic energy conversion. The study focuses on enhancing solar energy extraction efficiency, regulating output currents, and ensuring effective battery utilization. Through a systematic analysis of converter component sizing and operational modes, the paper delves into the intricacies of the Buck-Boost converter. The unique contribution lies in the innovative integration of SMC with the traditional Perturb and Observe (P&O) algorithm, providing robust and adaptive MPPT under varying environmental conditions. Additionally, the paper introduces a battery management system with three distinct modes, namely, Charging, Direct, and Discharging, offering intelligent control over critical scenarios. Simulation results underscore the robustness of the proposed system under diverse conditions, demonstrating its effectiveness in managing power distribution based on battery charge levels, even in scenarios of insufficient solar power. Overall, this research significantly contributes to advancing the understanding of PV/battery systems and offers a practical, sustainable solution for optimizing energy production, distribution, and storage, marking a substantial stride towards a more efficient and sustainable energy future.
How has the rural digital economy influenced agricultural carbon emissions? Agricultural green technology change as a mediated variable
Authors: Zhang Hongsheng , Guo Kaitong , Liu Zhen , Ji Zheyan , Yu Jinna
Published: April 2024

Digital economy is being closely integrated with agricultural development and tapping into its unique potential to alleviate agriculture’s carbon emissions To explore the mechanism of how digital economy reduce the agricultural carbon emissions, this paper constructs a systematic evaluation method with extend STIRPAT model and panel data drawn from 29 provinces (or municipalities and autonomous regions) in the Chinese mainland from 2013–2020. The results show that the development of the rural digital economy has a significant negative influence on agricultural CEs, and this result is still valid given robustness tests. Second, the alleviation of CEs based on the rural digital economy is more significant in the higher technological investment zones than that in the lower technological investment zones, and the central and eastern regions also have more significant CEs reduction effect. Third, the influence mechanism analysis shows that agricultural green technology change is an effective means to promote the rural digital economy’s CEs reduction effect. This paper not only provide new empirical evidence for understanding nexus between digital economy and agricultural carbon reduction, but also give constructive policy implication to improve agricultural green development.
Differences in dissolved organic matter and analysis of influencing factors between plantations pure and mixed forest soils in the loess plateau
Authors: Meng Yongxia , Li Peng , Xiao Lie , Hu Bingze , Zhang Chaoya , Yang Shutong , Liu Jialiang , Zhao Binhua
Published: April 2024

The dissolved organic matter (DOM) in forest ecosystems significantly impacts soil carbon cycling due to its active turnover characteristics. However, whether different plantation forest soil profiles exhibit distinct DOM characteristics remains unclear. Hence, utilizing fluorescence spectroscopy and the parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) method, a 1-meter soil profile analysis was carried out on three distinct artificial forests (Pinus tabuliformis (PT), Quercus crispula (QC), and a mixed forest of PT and QC (MF)), concurrently assessing the impact of soil chemical properties and enzyme activity on dissolved organic matter (DOM). The findings indicated that the mean concentration of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was greatest in the MF and lowest in PT, exhibiting considerable variation with soil depth, suggesting that mixed tree species may promote the discharge of organic matter. The fluorescence spectra revealed two distinct peaks: humic-like fluorescence peaks (Peaks A and C) and a protein-like fluorescence peak (Peak T), with the most intense fluorescence observed in MF soil. As the soil depth increased, the fluorescence intensity of Peaks A and C steadily declined, while the intensity of Peak T rose. Four DOM components were identified in three types of plantations forests: surface soil was dominated by humic acid-like fluorescent components (C1 and C2), while the deep soil was primarily characterized by protein-like fluorescence components (C3 and C4). Different soil profile fluorescence parameter indices indicated that the source of DOM in the surface soil (i.e., 0–20 cm) was mainly allochthonous inputs, whereas, in the deep soil (i.e., 60–100 cm), it was mainly autochthonous, such as microbial activity. The findings from the partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) revealed that TP, aP, NH4+-N, and the combined impact of soil enzymes were influential in shaping the diversity of DOM attributes. Put differently, alterations in DOM concentration were concomitantly influenced by forest classification, soil characteristics, and depth. It has been demonstrated that, in contrast to monoculture forests, the establishment of mixed forest models has been more advantageous in enhancing the soil dissolved organic matter (DOM). These discoveries offer innovative perspectives on the dynamic characteristics of DOM in soil profiles and its influencing factors under different plantations forest planting patterns.
Precipitation and relative humidity favours tree growth while air temperature and relative humidity respectively drive winter stem shrinkage and expansion
Authors: Oogathoo Shalini , Duchesne Louis , Houle Daniel , Kneeshaw Daniel , Bélanger Nicolas
Published: April 2024

Forest ecosystems have a major role in sequestering atmospheric CO2 and as such, their resilience is of upmost importance. In the boreal forest, trees grow only during a short period when air temperature is favourable. During winter, trees have specific mechanisms to survive in the cold air temperature. In order to understand the response of trees to a changing climate, this study assessed the influence of environmental variables on three phases of tree radial variation (i.e., growth, shrinkage and expansion) during three periods of the year (i.e., growing season, freeze–thaw period, and winter). The three phases were extracted from stem radial variation measured for as much as 11 years on 12 balsam fir [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.] trees located in a cold and humid boreal forest of eastern Canada. The random forest algorithm was used to model each phase during each period. Our results show that tree growth increased with high precipitation and high relative humidity. Stem shrinkage was affected mostly by solar radiation, precipitation and vapour pressure deficit during the growing season and was likely caused by tree transpiration. During both the freeze–thaw and winter season periods, stem shrinkage increased with decreasing air temperature. During the growing season, stem expansion was related to 1-day-lag solar radiation and 1-day-lag vapour pressure deficit, which are the same variables associated with shrinkage the preceding day. Stem expansion increased with increasing air temperature and relative humidity during the freeze–thaw and winter season periods, respectively. This study shows that sink-driven tree growth is promoted mostly under humid conditions while antecedent dry and warm conditions are required during the growing season for trees to assimilate carbon through photosynthesis.
Genetic architecture of post-harvest tuber quality traits in bush yam (Dioscorea praehensilis Benth.) germplasm through association mapping
Authors: Adewumi Adeyinka S. , Asare Paul A. , Akintayo Oluyemi Titilola , Adejumobi Idris I. , Adu Michael O. , Taah Kingsley J. , Afutu Emmanuel , Opoku Vincent A. , Stanley Adekemi E. , Akaba Selorm , Mondo Jean M. , Mushoriwa Hapson , Agre Paterne A.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Bush yam (Dioscorea praehensilis Benth.) is an important semi-domesticated food crop in West Africa. Limited information on the genetic architecture and its poor post-harvest tuber quality traits significantly hinder its use as food and source of income. Hence, dissecting the genetics underlying the expression of its post-harvest tuber quality traits is essential for establishing proper breeding schemes.

Methods

In this study, 138 D. praehensilis accessions collected in Ghana were sequenced using Diversity Array Technology (DArTSeq). The materials were profiled for dry matter content (DMC), tuber flesh oxidation (TBOXI) and for tuber flesh hardness (TBhard) during two cropping seasons.

Results and discussion

Diversity assessment using population structure, principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering methods revealed the presence of three major groups. Six genetic models were used for the trait association analysis using multiple random locus mixed linear model (MrMLM). Sixteen SNP markers distributed across the yam genome were identified to be associated with the evaluated traits. The associated SNP markers displayed a phenotypic variance ranged from 4.22% in TBHard to 16.92% in TBOXI. A total 25 putative candidate genes were identified around the SNP markers. The putative genes were identified to play key roles in tuber bulking, oxidative browning and starch hydroxylase. This study provides a valuable insight on the genetics underlying tuber quality traits in bush yam and opens avenues for developing genomic resources to improve D. praehensilis.
Identification of a distinct cluster of GDF15high macrophages induced by in vitro differentiation exhibiting anti-inflammatory activities
Authors: Dai Chaochao , Zhang Hongyu , Zheng Zhijian , Li Chun Guang , Ma Mingyuan , Gao Haiqing , Zhang Qunye , Jiang Fan , Cui Xiaopei
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Macrophage-mediated inflammatory response may have crucial roles in the pathogenesis of a variety of human diseases. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a cytokine of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily, with potential anti-inflammatory activities. Previous studies observed in human lungs some macrophages which expressed a high level of GDF15.

Methods

In the present study, we employed multiple techniques, including immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and single-cell RNA sequencing, in order to further clarify the identity of such GDF15high macrophages.

Results

We demonstrated that macrophages derived from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and rat bone marrow mononuclear cells by in vitro differentiation with granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor contained a minor population (~1%) of GDF15high cells. GDF15high macrophages did not exhibit a typical M1 or M2 phenotype, but had a unique molecular signature as revealed by single-cell RNA sequencing. Functionally, the in vitro derived GDF15high macrophages were associated with reduced responsiveness to pro-inflammatory activation; furthermore, these GDF15high macrophages could inhibit the pro-inflammatory functions of other macrophages via a paracrine mechanism. We further confirmed that GDF15 per se was a key mediator of the anti-inflammatory effects of GDF15high macrophage. Also, we provided evidence showing that GDF15high macrophages were present in other macrophage-residing human tissues in addition to the lungs. Further scRNA-seq analysis in rat lung macrophages confirmed the presence of a GDF15high sub-population. However, these data indicated that GDF15high macrophages in the body were not a uniform population based on their molecular signatures. More importantly, as compared to the in vitro derived GDF15high macrophage, whether the tissue resident GDF15high counterpart is also associated with anti-inflammatory functions remains to be determined. We cannot exclude the possibility that the in vitro priming/induction protocol used in our study has a determinant role in inducing the anti-inflammatory phenotype in the resulting GDF15high macrophage cells.

Conclusion

In summary, our results suggest that the GDF15high macrophage cells obtained by in vitro induction may represent a distinct cluster with intrinsic anti-inflammatory functions. The (patho)physiological importance of these cells in vivo warrants further investigation.
Poly I:C elicits broader and stronger humoral and cellular responses to a Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite protein malaria vaccine than Alhydrogel in mice
Authors: Costa-Gouvea Tiffany B. L. , Françoso Katia S. , Marques Rodolfo F. , Gimenez Alba Marina , Faria Ana C. M. , Cariste Leonardo M. , Dominguez Mariana R. , Vasconcelos José Ronnie C. , Nakaya Helder I. , Silveira Eduardo L. V. , Soares Irene S.
Published: April 2024

Malaria remains a global health challenge, necessitating the development of effective vaccines. The RTS,S vaccination prevents Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) malaria but is ineffective against Plasmodium vivax (Pv) disease. Herein, we evaluated the murine immunogenicity of a recombinant PvCSP incorporating prevalent polymorphisms, adjuvanted with Alhydrogel or Poly I:C. Both formulations induced prolonged IgG responses, with IgG1 dominance by the Alhydrogel group and high titers of all IgG isotypes by the Poly I:C counterpart. Poly I:C-adjuvanted vaccination increased splenic plasma cells, terminally-differentiated memory cells (MBCs), and precursors relative to the Alhydrogel-combined immunization. Splenic B-cells from Poly I:C-vaccinated mice revealed an antibody-secreting cell- and MBC-differentiating gene expression profile. Biological processes such as antibody folding and secretion were highlighted by the Poly I:C-adjuvanted vaccination. These findings underscore the potential of Poly I:C to strengthen immune responses against Pv malaria.
Case report: Pathological complete response induced by immunochemotherapy in a case of Pulmonary Sarcomatoid Carcinoma staged IIIA-N2
Authors: Guo Yishu , Liu Xianling , Tang Hao , Qiu Zhenhua , Ma Fang , Hu Ao’ran , Liu Chaoyuan , Wang Yapeng
Published: April 2024

Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) represents a rare and highly aggressive variant of lung cancer, characterized by its recalcitrance to conventional therapeutic modalities and the attendant dismal prognosis it confers. Recent breakthroughs in immunotherapy have presented novel prospects for PSC patients; nevertheless, the utility of neoadjuvant/conversional immunotherapy in the context of PSC remains ambiguous. In this report, we present a middle-aged male presenting with Stage III PSC, notable for its high expression of the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), initially deemed as non-resectable for sizeable tumor mass and multiple lymph nodes metastases. The patient underwent a transformation to a resectable state after a regimen of three cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy plus immunotherapy. Following definitive surgical resection, the individual realized a pathological complete response (pCR), culminating in a significant prolongation of event-free survival (EFS). This case underscores the viability of employing immunochemotherapy as a neoadjuvant/conversional strategy for chosen cases of PSC.
Innovations in bio-engineering and cell-based approaches to address immunological challenges in islet transplantation
Authors: Ho Beatrice Xuan , Teo Adrian Kee Keong , Ng Natasha Hui Jin
Published: April 2024

Human allogeneic pancreatic islet transplantation is a life-changing treatment for patients with severe Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) who suffer from hypoglycemia unawareness and high risk of severe hypoglycemia. However, intensive immunosuppression is required to prevent immune rejection of the graft, that may in turn lead to undesirable side effects such as toxicity to the islet cells, kidney toxicity, occurrence of opportunistic infections, and malignancies. The shortage of cadaveric human islet donors further limits islet transplantation as a treatment option for widespread adoption. Alternatively, porcine islets have been considered as another source of insulin-secreting cells for transplantation in T1D patients, though xeno-transplants raise concerns over the risk of endogenous retrovirus transmission and immunological incompatibility. As a result, technological advancements have been made to protect transplanted islets from immune rejection and inflammation, ideally in the absence of chronic immunosuppression, to improve the outcomes and accessibility of allogeneic islet cell replacement therapies. These include the use of microencapsulation or macroencapsulation devices designed to provide an immunoprotective environment using a cell-impermeable layer, preventing immune cell attack of the transplanted cells. Other up and coming advancements are based on the use of stem cells as the starting source material for generating islet cells ‘on-demand’. These starting stem cell sources include human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) that have been genetically engineered to avoid the host immune response, curated HLA-selected donor hiPSCs that can be matched with recipients within a given population, and multipotent stem cells with natural immune privilege properties. These strategies are developed to provide an immune-evasive cell resource for allogeneic cell therapy. This review will summarize the immunological challenges facing islet transplantation and highlight recent bio-engineering and cell-based approaches aimed at avoiding immune rejection, to improve the accessibility of islet cell therapy and enhance treatment outcomes. Better understanding of the different approaches and their limitations can guide future research endeavors towards developing more comprehensive and targeted strategies for creating a more tolerogenic microenvironment, and improve the effectiveness and sustainability of islet transplantation to benefit more patients.
Abatacept increases T cell exhaustion in early RA individuals who carry HLA risk alleles
Authors: Long Sarah Alice , Muir Virginia S. , Jones Britta E. , Wall Valerie Z. , Ylescupidez Alyssa , Hocking Anne M. , Pribitzer Stephan , Thorpe Jerill , Fuchs Bryce , Wiedeman Alice E. , Tatum Megan , Lambert Katharina , Uchtenhagen Hannes , Speake Cate , Ng Bernard , Heubeck Alexander T. , Torgerson Troy R. , Savage Adam K. , Maldonado Michael A. , Ray Neelanjana , Khaychuk Vadim , Liu Jinqi , Linsley Peter S. , Buckner Jane H.
Published: April 2024

Exhausted CD8 T cells (TEX) are associated with worse outcome in cancer yet better outcome in autoimmunity. Building on our past findings of increased TIGIT+KLRG1+ TEX with teplizumab therapy in type 1 diabetes (T1D), in the absence of treatment we found that the frequency of TIGIT+KLRG1+ TEX is stable within an individual but differs across individuals in both T1D and healthy control (HC) cohorts. This TIGIT+KLRG1+ CD8 TEX population shares an exhaustion-associated EOMES gene signature in HC, T1D, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and cancer subjects, expresses multiple inhibitory receptors, and is hyporesponsive in vitro, together suggesting co-expression of TIGIT and KLRG1 may broadly define human peripheral exhausted cells. In HC and RA subjects, lower levels of EOMES transcriptional modules and frequency of TIGIT+KLRG1+ TEX were associated with RA HLA risk alleles (DR0401, 0404, 0405, 0408, 1001) even when considering disease status and cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity. Moreover, the frequency of TIGIT+KLRG1+ TEX was significantly increased in RA HLA risk but not non-risk subjects treated with abatacept (CTLA4Ig). The DR4 association and selective modulation with abatacept suggests that therapeutic modulation of TEX may be more effective in DR4 subjects and TEX may be indirectly influenced by cellular interactions that are blocked by abatacept.
Deep learning-based phenotype classification of three ark shells: Anadara kagoshimensis, Tegillarca granosa, and Anadara broughtonii
Authors: Kim Eiseul , Yang Seung-Min , Cha Jae-Eun , Jung Dae-Hyun , Kim Hae-Yeong
Published: April 2024

The rapid and accurate classification of aquatic products is crucial for ensuring food safety, production efficiency, and economic benefits. However, traditional manual methods for classifying ark shell species based on phenotype are time-consuming and inefficient, especially during peak seasons when the demand is high and labor is scarce. This study aimed to develop a deep learning model for the automated identification and classification of commercially important three ark shells (Tegillarca granosa, Anadara broughtonii, and Anadara kagoshimensis) from images. The ark shells were collected and identified using a polymerase chain reaction method developed in a previous study, and a total of 1,400 images were categorized into three species. Three convolutional neural network (CNN) models, Visual Geometry Group Network (VGGnet), Inception-Residual Network (ResNet), and SqueezeNet, were then applied to two different classification sets, Set-1 (four bivalve species) and Set-2 (three ark shell species). Our results showed that SqueezeNet demonstrated the highest accuracy during the training phase for both classification sets, whereas Inception-ResNet exhibited superior accuracy during the validation phase. Similar results were obtained after developing a third classification set (Set-3) to classify six categories by combining Set-1 and Set-2. Overall, the developed CNN-based classification model exhibited a performance comparable or superior to that presented in previous studies and can provide a theoretical basis for bivalve classification, thereby contributing to improved food safety, production efficiency, and economic benefits in the aquatic products industry.
Mechanism of rapid accretion-erosion transition in a complex hydrodynamic environment based on refined in-situ data
Authors: Jiang Jie , Xie Weiming , Zhang Naiyu , Xu Yuan , Zhu Chunyan , Lin Jianliang , Guo Leicheng , Shen Jian , He Qing
Published: April 2024

Morphological changes in estuaries are typically discussed on decadal time scales, with reported changes often exceed several decimeters. In our study, we utilized refined in-situ data to investigate bed-level changes and rapid accretion-erosion transitions during tidal cycles off the Changjiang Estuary. A field study employing a high-resolution bottom tripod system was conducted, measuring various parameters such as water level, waves, velocity profiles, near-bottom suspended sediment concentration (SSC), and bed level changes over ten tidal cycles. Our findings reveal significant and intense bed level changes occurring at the scale of tidal cycles. The data suggests that downward sediment transport plays a dominant role in the overall accretion tendency throughout the study period. Additionally, our research introduces a dynamic critical bed shear stress that increases during tidal cycles, deviating from fixed values. We also present a new quadrant analysis method to elucidate the primary processes controlling near-bed sediment transport. The results highlight the importance of horizontal advective sediment transport in frequent accretion-erosion transitions at tidal-cycle timescales. This implies a frequent exchange of sediment between adjacent shoals and channels in the seaward region of the North Channel in the Changjiang Estuary, which holds significance for future navigation and construction management.
Analyzing the evolutionary game of subsidies’ strategy in the digitization of marine ranch: a theoretical framework
Authors: Zheng Shan , Zhang Ying
Published: April 2024

This study establishes a three-party evolutionary game model that includes marine ranch firms, consumers, and the government, with a focus on the digital transformation pattern of marine ranching. Subsequently, the researchers conduct gaming and simulation to analyze the government subsidy strategy in the digital transformation of marine ranching. The following findings are derived: (1) Government subsidies have the potential to facilitate the digital transformation of marine ranches, benefiting both the supply and demand sides. Government subsidies positively influence both the digital transformation of marine ranch firms and the involvement of consumers in this transformation process. (2) The findings from the evolutionary game system demonstrate that alterations in the cost–benefit dynamics of each participant lead to adjustments in the steady state, thereby prompting the government to adapt its optimal subsidy strategy. (3) More government subsidies are not always better. Excessive government subsidies will destroy the stability of the evolutionary game system, which is not conducive to the realization of the digitization of marine ranch. (4) Subsidizing consumers is more effective in driving the digital transformation of marine ranch than subsidizing marine ranch firms. Subsidies to marine ranch firms will destroy the stability of the evolutionary game system, whereas subsidizing consumers contributes positively to its stability.