bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flood hazard potential evaluation using decision tree state‐of‐the‐art models
Authors: Costache Romulus , Arabameri Alireza , Costache Iulia , Crăciun Anca , Islam Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul , Abba Sani Isah , Sahana Mehebub , Pandey Manish , Tin Tran Trung , Pham Binh Thai
Published: June 2023

Floods occur frequently in Romania and throughout the world and are one of the most devastating natural disasters that impact people's lives. Therefore, in order to reduce the potential damages, an accurate identification of surfaces susceptible to flood phenomena is mandatory. In this regard, the quantitative calculation of flood susceptibility has become a very popular practice in the scientific research. With the development of modern computerized methods such as geographic information system and machine learning models, and as a result of the possibility of combining them, the determination of areas susceptible to floods has become increasingly accurate, and the algorithms used are increasingly varied. Some of the most used and highly accurate machine learning algorithms are the decision tree models. Therefore, in the present study focusing on flood susceptibility zonation mapping in the Trotus River basin, the following algorithms were applied: forest by penalizing attribute—weights of evidence (forest‐PA‐WOE), best first decision tree—WOE, alternating decision tree—WOE, and logistic regression—WOE. The best performant, characterized by a maximum accuracy of 0.981, proved to be forest‐PA‐WOE, whereas in terms of flood exposure, an area of over 16.22% of the Trotus basin is exposed to high and very high floods susceptibility. The performances applied models in the present work are higher than the models applied in the previous studies in the same study area. Moreover, it should be noted that the accuracy of the models is similar with the accuracies of the decision tree models achieved in the studies focused on other areas across the world. Therefore, we can state that the models applied in the present research can be successfully used in by the researchers in other case studies. The findings of this research may substantially map the flood risk areas and further aid watershed managers in limiting and remediating flood damage in the data‐scarce regions. Moreover, the results of this study can be a very useful for the hazard management and planning authorities.
BUILDING ENVELOPE RETROFIT FOR ENERGY SAVINGS IN MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT HIGH-RISE OFFICES: A CALIBRATED ENERGY SIMULATION
Authors: Shari Zalina , Mohamad Noor Laily , Dahlan Nur Dalilah
Published: June 2023

With over a third of global energy used for building construction and operation, an optimum design for building envelopes is essential to improve the energy performance of the existing buildings. This study revealed that typical government high-rise office buildings in Malaysia have an average Building Energy Intensity (BEI) of 161 kWh/m2/year before any upgrading works on the air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) systems were conducted. This value is higher than the recommended value in Green Building Index (GBI) for commercial office buildings (150 kWh/m2/year) and the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) standard for public buildings (140 kWh/m2/year). Therefore, this study employed a case study approach combined with calibrated computer simulation to determine the optimal building envelope retrofit strategies and identify the three levels of interventions (minor, moderate and major levels) with corresponding energy reduction. A validated model representing a typical existing government high-rise office building in Malaysia was chosen as the base case model for energy evaluation studies. The effectiveness of each level of intervention and its energy retrofit measures (ERMs) were evaluated compared to the actual electricity bills. The results showed that all levels of interventions provided between 4% to 7% savings in annual energy consumption. The proposed interventions demonstrated compliance with the BEI benchmark margins of the GBI and EPU standard, namely 116 kWh/m2/year (minor intervention level), 113 kWh/m2/year (moderate intervention level), and 110 kWh/m2/year (major intervention level).
THE EFFECTS OF ADDITIVE ON THE IMPACT ABSORPTION CAPABILITY OF MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL ELASTOMER
Authors: Sobri Normidatul Salwa , Hudha Khisbullah , Abd Kadir Zulkiffli , Amer Noor Hafizah , Ku Ahmad Ku Zarina
Published: June 2023

Magnetorheological elastomer (MRE) is a smart material whose its damping and stiffness characteristics change when exposed to a magnetic field. MRE usually contains rubber and ferrous particles. Other materials such as additives, can improve physical properties of MRE during cyclic loading. However, limited research has been conducted into the effect of incorporating these additives on MRE performance when subjected to impact loading. Additives can change the MRE’s structure such as stiffness and enhance its damping properties, especially its impact absorption capabilities. This study focuses on the force-displacement characteristics of additives and their relationships with MRE containing additives in impact absorption applications. This study uses ferrite, zinc, aluminum, and copper as additives in MREs fabrication and subjects the MREs to a drop impact test at varying applied currents of 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 ampere. The experimental results show that the MRE containing ferrite has the highest average impact absorption capability of 2.24 Nm, followed by zinc, aluminum, and copper.
RECENT TRENDS IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF SYNTHETIC HYDROPHILIC POLYMER NANOPARTICLES, METHODS OF SYNTHESIS & THEIR APPLICATIONS
Authors: Norazman Nurul Anis Liyana , Mujad Siti Mariana , Mocktar Nurfarah Aini , Harun Noor Aniza
Published: June 2023

Numerous types of hydrophilic polymer nanoparticles (NPs) have recently become research hotspots because of their ability to dissolve in water and can be adapted with respect to physical, chemical, and biological properties to meet the requirements of different applications. Synthetic hydrophilic polymeric NPs had successfully gained much attention because of their unique physicochemical properties, such as low toxicity, biodegradability, bioavailability, and support material for extensive swelling in water. These synthetic hydrophilic polymers NPs create new opportunities to produce water-soluble polymer types that would be able to imitate the structure and function of biological polymers. Several synthetic hydrophilic polymer NPs that gain high interest recently including poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide (PHPMA) are reviewed in this paper. Furthermore, various synthesis methods to produce synthetic hydrophilic polymer NPs for instance emulsion polymerization, microemulsion polymerization and inverse miniemulsion polymerization are highlighted, and a brief overview on their recent applications especially in medical applications are also be discussed thoroughly in this review.
Group Selection as a Basis for Screening Mutagenized Libraries of Public Goods (Bacillus thuringiensis Cry Toxins)
Authors: Morwool Peter , Dimitriu Tatiana , Crickmore Neil , Raymond Ben
Published: June 2023

Insecticidal toxins from the bacterium
Bacillus thuringiensis
are widely exploited in genetically modified plants. This application creates a demand for novel insecticidal toxins that can be used to better manage resistant pests or control new or recalcitrant target species.
The impact of nutritional immunity on Group B streptococcal pathogenesis during wound infection
Authors: Akbari Madeline S. , Keogh Rebecca A. , Radin Jana N. , Sanchez-Rosario Yamil , Johnson Michael D. L. , Horswill Alexander R. , Kehl-Fie Thomas E. , Burcham Lindsey R. , Doran Kelly S.
Published: June 2023

Group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) is a Gram-positive pathobiont that can cause adverse health outcomes in neonates and vulnerable adult populations. GBS is one of the most frequently isolated bacteria from diabetic (Db) wound infections but is rarely found in the non-diabetic (nDb) wound environment. Previously, RNA sequencing of wound tissue from Db wound infections in

lepr
d

b
diabetic mice showed increased expression of neutrophil factors, and genes involved in GBS metal transport such as the zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and putative nickel (Ni) import systems. Here, we develop a Streptozotocin-induced diabetic wound model to evaluate the pathogenesis of two invasive strains of GBS, serotypes Ia and V. We observe an increase in metal chelators such as calprotectin (CP) and lipocalin-2 during diabetic wound infections compared to nDb. We find that CP limits GBS survival in wounds of non-diabetic mice but does not impact survival in diabetic wounds. Additionally, we utilize GBS metal transporter mutants and determine that the Zn, Mn, and putative Ni transporters in GBS are dispensable in diabetic wound infection but contributed to bacterial persistence in non-diabetic animals. Collectively, these data suggest that in non-diabetic mice, functional nutritional immunity mediated by CP is effective at mitigating GBS infection, whereas in diabetic mice, the presence of CP is not sufficient to control GBS wound persistence.

IMPORTANCE

Diabetic wound infections are difficult to treat and often become chronic due to an impaired immune response as well as the presence of bacterial species that establish persistent infections. Group B
Streptococcus
(GBS) is one of the most frequently isolated bacterial species in diabetic wound infections and, as a result, is one of the leading causes of death from skin and subcutaneous infection. However, GBS is notoriously absent in non-diabetic wounds, and little is known about why this species thrives in diabetic infection. The work herein investigates how alterations in diabetic host immunity may contribute to GBS success during diabetic wound infection.
How Bacterial Pathogens Coordinate Appetite with Virulence
Authors: Pokorzynski Nick D. , Groisman Eduardo A.
Published: June 2023

Cells adjust growth and metabolism to nutrient availability. Having access to a variety of carbon sources during infection of their animal hosts, facultative intracellular pathogens must efficiently prioritize carbon utilization.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Multidrug-Resistant Citrobacter freundii 132-2 Strain Isolated from a Domestic Duck in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Tarana , Islam M. Saiful , Nuruzzaman Mohammad , Sadekuzzaman Mohammad , Kabir S. M. Lutful , Rahman M. Tanvir , Khan M. Shahidur Rahman
Published: June 2023

We sequenced a multidrug-resistant strain of
Citrobacter freundii
, 132-2, isolated from a cloacal swab sample of a domestic duck. The whole genome of the
C. freundii
132-2 strain had a length of 5,097,592 bp, 62 contigs, two plasmids, and an average G+C content of 51.85%, with a 105.0× genome coverage.
Pre-colonization with the fungus
Candida glabrata
exacerbates infection by the bacterial pathogen
Clostridioides difficile
in a murine model
Authors: Romo Jesús A. , Tomihiro Makenzie , Kumamoto Carol A.
Published: June 2023

The contributions of commensal fungi to human health and disease are not well understood.
Candida
species such as
C. albicans
and
C. glabrata
are opportunistic pathogenic fungi and common colonizers of the human intestinal tract. They have been shown to affect the host immune system and interact with the gut microbiome and pathogenic microorganisms. Therefore,
Candida
species could be expected to play important ecological roles in the host gastrointestinal tract. Previously, our group demonstrated that pre-colonization of mice with
C. albicans
protected them against lethal
C. difficile
infection (CDI). Here, we show that mice pre-colonized with
C. glabrata
succumbed to CDI more rapidly than mice that were not pre-colonized suggesting an enhancement in
C. difficile
pathogenesis. Further, when
C. difficile
was added to pre-formed
C. glabrata
biofilms, an increase in matrix and overall biomass was observed. These effects were also shown with
C. glabrata
clinical isolates. Interestingly, the presence of
C. difficile
increased
C. glabrata
biofilm susceptibility to caspofungin, indicating potential effects on the fungal cell wall. Defining this intricate and intimate relationship will lead to an understanding of the role of
Candida
species in the context of CDI and novel aspects of
Candida
biology.

IMPORTANCE

Most microbiome studies have only considered the bacterial populations while ignoring other members of the microbiome such as fungi, other eukaryotic microorganisms, and viruses. Therefore, the role of fungi in human health and disease has been significantly understudied compared to their bacterial counterparts. This has generated a significant gap in knowledge that has negatively impacted disease diagnosis, understanding, and the development of therapeutics. With the development of novel technologies, we now have an understanding of mycobiome composition, but we do not understand the roles of fungi in the host. Here, we present findings showing that
Candida glabrata
, an opportunistic pathogenic yeast that colonizes the mammalian gastrointestinal tract, can impact the severity and outcome of a
Clostridioides difficile
infection (CDI) in a murine model. These findings bring attention to fungal colonizers during CDI, a bacterial infection of the gastrointestinal tract.
Bacterial Swarm-Mediated Phage Transportation Disrupts a Biofilm Inherently Protected from Phage Penetration
Authors: Ratheesh Nichith K. , Zdimal Amanda M. , Calderon Cole A. , Shrivastava Abhishek
Published: June 2023

Dysbiosis of the human oral microbiota is associated with several diseases, but the factors that shape the biogeography of the oral microbiota are mostly opaque. Biofilms that form in the human supragingival and subgingival regions have a diverse microbial community where some microbes form well-defined polymicrobial structures.
C. gingivalis
, a bacterium abundant in human gingival regions, has robust gliding motility that is powered by the type 9 secretion system.
Pan-Genome-Wide Association Study of Serotype 19A Pneumococci Identifies Disease-Associated Genes
Authors: Li Ting , Huang Jiayin , Yang Shimin , Chen Jianyu , Yao Zhenjiang , Zhong Minghao , Zhong Xinguang , Ye Xiaohua
Published: June 2023

It is important to understand the genetic and pathogenic characteristics of
S. pneumoniae
serotype 19A, which may provide important information for the prevention and treatment of pneumococcal disease. This global large-sample pan-GWAS study has identified a subset of 30 consistently significant disease-associated genes that are involved in mobile genetic elements, antibiotic resistance, virulence, and cellular metabolism.
The Significance of Human Papillomavirus Receptors Related Genetic Variants in Cervical Cancer Screening
Authors: Xie Hongyu , Wei Mingjing , Yao Lifang , Liu Yi , Xie Xing , Li Xiao
Published: June 2023

Virus receptors are known to mediate virus attachment and further lead to virus infection of the host cells. In the current study, we investigated the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in human papillomavirus (HPV) receptor associated genes and HPV susceptibility and clinical outcomes in Chinese women, and to explore the new triaging strategy for non-16/18 high-risk HPV infection.
CLDN18.2 and 4-1BB bispecific antibody givastomig exerts antitumor activity through CLDN18.2-expressing tumor-directed T-cell activation
Authors: Gao Jing , Wang Zhengyi , Jiang Wenqing , Zhang Yanni , Meng Zhen , Niu Yanling , Sheng Zhen , Chen Chan , Liu Xuejun , Chen Xi , Liu Chanjuan , Jia Keren , Zhang Cheng , Liao Haiyan , Jung Jaeho , Sung Eunsil , Chung Hyejin , Zhang Jingwu Z. , Zhu Andrew X. , Shen Lin
Published: June 2023

Background

Claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2) is a tight junction protein that has been identified as a clinically proven target in gastric cancer. Stimulation of 4-1BB with agonistic antibodies is also a promising strategy for immunotherapy and 4-1BB+T cells were reported to be present within the tumor microenvironment of patients with gastric cancer. However, hepatotoxicity-mediated by 4-1BB activation was observed in clinical trials of agonistic anti-4-1BB monoclonal antibodies.

Methods

To specifically activate the 4-1BB+T cells in tumor and avoid the on-target liver toxicity, we developed a novel CLDN18.2×4-1BB bispecific antibody (termed ‘givastomig’ or ‘ABL111’; also known as TJ-CD4B or TJ033721) that was designed to activate 4-1BB signaling in a CLDN18.2 engagement-dependent manner.

Results

4-1BB+T cells were observed to be coexisted with CLDN18.2+tumor cells in proximity by multiplex immunohistochemical staining of tumor tissues from patients with gastric cancer (n=60). Givastomig/ABL111 could bind to cell lines expressing various levels of CLDN18.2 with a high affinity and induce 4-1BB activation in vitro only in the context of CLDN18.2 binding. The magnitude of T-cell activation by givastomig/ABL111 treatment was closely correlated with the CLDN18.2 expression level of tumor cells from gastric cancer patient-derived xenograft model. Mechanistically, givastomig/ABL111 treatment could upregulate the expression of a panel of pro-inflammatory and interferon-γ-responsive genes in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells when co-cultured with CLDN18.2+tumor cells. Furthermore, in humanized 4-1BB transgenic mice inoculated with human CLDN18.2-expressing tumor cells, givastomig/ABL111 induced a localized immune activation in tumor as evident by the increased ratio of CD8+/regulatory T cell, leading to the superior antitumor activity and long-lasting memory response against tumor rechallenge. Givastomig/ABL111 was well tolerated, with no systemic immune response and hepatotoxicity in monkeys.

Conclusions

Givastomig/ABL111 is a novel CLDN18.2×4-1BB bispecific antibody which has the potential to treat patients with gastric cancer with a wide range of CLDN18.2 expression level through the restricted activation of 4-1BB+T cells in tumor microenvironment to avoid the risk of liver toxicity and systemic immune response.
Community-based physical activity promotion confers broad-spectrum benefits for military veterans with chronic and complex conditions: evidence from 4 years of rehabilitation consultant referrals
Authors: Clanchy Kelly , Hill J , Fenning M , Tweedy S
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Veterans experience a high incidence of chronic and complex health conditions requiring a holistic approach to health and well-being. The Adapted Physical Activity Program (APAP) is a theory-based programme developed to support the physical activity (PA) participation of community-dwelling people with disabilities. Although available to all people with disabilities, of the 214 clients referred between 2015 and 2019, two hundred and three were veterans. This study aimed to understand this unexpected predominance by describing the characteristics of the veterans referred to APAP, including client goals, as well as describing the characteristics of the rehabilitation consultants who made the referrals.

Methods

Descriptive statistics were used to describe specific characteristics of the veterans and the rehabilitation consultants. Content analysis was used to analyse client goals.

Results

Client data highlighted the complexity of this clinical population. All clients had been diagnosed with more than one health condition, with most experiencing both a physical injury and a mental health diagnosis. Content analysis revealed six overarching client goals, including supporting sustainable PA participation, mental health and well-being, participation in meaningful activities, community and social engagement, management of condition and physical health and fitness. Data from the referring organisations showed that each organisation had multiple health professionals that made repeated referrals to APAP. The most common health profession to make a referral to APAP was occupational therapy.

Conclusion

Veterans have a high incidence of chronic and complex health conditions including physical injury and mental illness. Programmes and services that look beyond addressing the diagnosis and treatment of specific conditions to supporting the overall health and well-being of the individual are required. Person-centred, community-based PA programmes such as APAP might offer this solution. Further research is required to assess the efficacy of such programmes with this population.
Transdisciplinary science for strengthening forest systems in British Columbia: Quesnel as a learning landscape
Authors: Riggs Rebecca Anne , Arora Jasmine , Boedhihartono Agni Klintuni , Gaston Chris , Herdianti Adinda , Langston James Douglas , Robinson Erin , Sayer Jeffrey , Valeri Emilio
Published: June 2023

Forestry is becoming more complex as a result of diverging societal demands. Indigenous Peoples’ reconciliation and the challenges of climate change call for research that embraces transdisciplinarity, reciprocity, and problem-focused learning at the landscape scale. Both globally and in Canada, forestry and forest research are struggling to keep pace with this growing complexity. Place-based collaborative research and learning initiatives, described here as “learning landscapes,” offer an under-explored approach to meeting diversifying goals for forest landscapes. We describe recent progress in Quesnel, British Columbia, where researchers and local institutions are engaging to strengthen resilience and innovation in the forest sector. We first define the concept of learning landscape in the context of transdisciplinary sustainability science, and then illustrate this approach using the case study of Quesnel. We describe a process of systems diagnosis, including asset mapping and analysis of potential forestry pathways through a “best bets” framework. We propose a Theory of Change as a way forward, outlining opportunities for government, industry, and communities in developing regional capacity for integrated management and high-value forest products. We reflect on the contributions of learning landscapes to knowledge generation, experiential learning, and institutional development, and discuss implications for steering decision-making in locally driven sustainability transitions.
Study of Seebeck coefficient in organic materials under nonlinear temperature distributions
Authors: Yang F. , Zhang X. , Yan B. , Lin J. , Liu L. , Tang L. , Wang F. , Li Y.
Published: June 2023

Environmental issues and energy crisis are huge challenges in today’s world. As one of green energy sources, thermoelectric (TE) materials have attracted tremendous attraction for they can convert free heat energy to electricity. In our work, through the master equation (ME) method, we studied the characteristics of charge transport in the organic material under nonlinear temperature distributions. Under each temperature distribution, Seebeck coefficient is analyzed with different factors such as the temperature, the reorganization energy and the energetic disorder strength. Especially, Seebeck coefficient of different temperature distributions showed different performances when the reorganization energy changes. Our studies will be helpful to look further into TE properties of organic materials and improve the application of TE devices.
Temperature-dependent viscosity effect on forced convective CH3OH–Fe3O4 nanofluid flow through annular duct
Authors: Ahmed Farhan
Published: June 2023

The importance of Methanol can be guessed from its usage as in the preparation of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) fuel, ascetic acid, formaldehyde, metabolize food, biodiesel, pharmaceutical ingredients and products, energy related applications and many more. In this research work, we numerically analyze the impact of temperature-dependent viscosity on flow and heat transfer of Methanol Iron oxide, CH3OH–Fe3O4 nanofluid through annular sector duct. The effects of pertinent parameters corresponding to temperature-dependent viscosity, m, Fe3O4 nanoparticles’ contribution, n and geometrical configuration (i.e. [Formula: see text] and N), are revealed graphically by velocity contours, isotherms, velocity and temperature profiles, and discussed physically. Both parameters m and n suppress the velocity and temperature profiles by increasing the friction factor [Formula: see text] and average Nusselt number [Formula: see text]. Same impacts of m and n have been observed for all values of [Formula: see text] and N.
Athlete Training Sensor Data Detection Research Based on Optimized Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Qian Qiang , Gao Yuanyuan , Sun Xuefeng , Qi Chao , Yuan Yutao
Published: June 2023

The traditional convolutional neural network has matured in image detection and recognition, but maintaining its high accuracy requires a large memory for computation, which increases the volume of sensors and puts additional strain on athletes. Therefore, the research uses local error calculation to replace global error, and uses layer-by-layer residual unit structure to replace gradient calculation, to apply it to athlete training sensor data detection. Through the simulation experiment and the example experiment of the data set, the optimal residual unit structure and the local error joint weight of the residual network human motion detection are obtained. At the same time, in the simulation experiment and example experiment analysis of the school physical education curriculum, the accuracy of the algorithm model proposed in the study is higher than the first five CNN network structures, and its training time is the shortest. The experiment demonstrated that the local error method combined with the residual network structure had improved precise performance in motion detection, and the computational load was low, making it appropriate for wearable sensors during training.
Nucleation and Growth of Cu2O: Role of Potential, Electrolyte pH, and Substrate
Authors: Singh Akhilender Jeet , Aggarwal Garima , Chawla Sushobhita , Das Chandan , Balasubramaniam K. R.
Published: June 2023

The nucleation and growth mechanism of functional oxides has a direct bearing on the structural and electronic properties of the deposit. We study the effect of electrolyte pH and deposition potential on the nucleation and growth of Cu2O on polycrystalline metal oxide (FTO) & metal (Au) substrates. Modelling of the recorded current-time transients indicates that both instantaneous and progressive nucleation occur with growth limited by diffusion or lattice incorporation of electro-active species or both. The preferred orientation of Cu2O shows a strong dependence on electrolyte pH. The films are (100) oriented on both substrates at pH 9 except at high applied potential on FTO where the orientation changes to (111). Interestingly, irrelevant of electrolyte pH, the grain size of Cu2O decreases with potential on FTO whereas it increases on Au substrates. We attribute this to a difference in the number of active nucleation sites between the two substrates. The nucleation and growth at pH 12 is observed to be dependent both on diffusion and lattice incorporation of electro-active species. Additionally, the films are primarily (111) oriented on both substrates, which is correlated to the availability of OH− ions.
Cost-Effective Flight Sequencing and Gate Assignment Considering Transfer Time under Pandemic Conditions
Authors: Xiao Mei , Liu Yu , Chien Steven , Ting Ching-Jung
Published: June 2023

An efficient hub-and-spoke network (HSN) can reduce operating costs and passenger delays at hubs through proper sequencing of flights and assignment of gates. Typically, batches of flights are scheduled to arrive within brief time windows. By considering aircraft sizes/loads and locations of the available gates, there is a considerable potential for reducing the total cost. During pandemic conditions, passenger transfer time and aircraft dwell time significantly increased because of outbreak controls (e.g., COVID-19 and its variant). In addition to walking time between connecting flights, there is a significant delay for the airport staff to validate passengers’ proper travel documents. The objective of this study is to minimize the total cost by optimizing the flight sequencing and gate assignment and by considering the realistic transfer delay under pandemic situations. A genetic algorithm with an elite selection strategy is developed to search for the optimal solution, which significantly reduces the total cost by 25% compared with that under existing operations, and the relations between optimized solutions and various model parameters are explored.
Role of Royal Jelly Treated Adipose‐Derived Stem Cell‐Extracellular Vesicles on Fibroblast Proliferation, Migration, and Collagen Production
Authors: Itoh Tomohiro , Degawa Tomomi , Ito Yuko , Akao Yukihiro , Okumura Nobuaki
Published: June 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted from adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs) are known to exhibit collagen synthesis and migration activity in fibroblasts. These EVs can be used as a regenerative medicine and for cosmetic medicinal materials. Royal jelly (RJ) is produced from the hypopharyngeal and mandibular glands of honeybees (nurse bee), which contains apicin and 10‐hydroxy‐2‐decenoic acid, compounds that promote fibroblast proliferation and collagen and elastin synthesis. Here, we investigated whether RJ could further enhance the physiological function of ADSC‐EVs on fibroblasts. The findings confirmed that lyophilized RJ and enzyme‐treated RJ enhanced the secretion of EVs by ADSCs, increasing the proliferation, migration, and collagen synthesis of fibroblasts compared to those induced by conventional ADSC‐EVs. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted using various software programs, based on the data obtained from comprehensive gene expression and small RNA profiling analyses through next‐generation sequencing; the results suggested that the RJ treatment of ADSC‐EVs significantly enhanced the expression of genes related to extracellular matrix composition. Our findings suggest that the ADSC‐EVs qualitatively altered using RJ could offer a more effective therapeutic material for regenerative and cosmetic medicine than conventional ADSCs‐EVs.
Data from Early infiltration of innate immune cells to the liver depletes HNF4a and promotes extra-hepatic carcinogenesis
Authors: Goldman Omer , Adler Lital N. , Hajaj Emma , Croese Tommaso , Darzi Naama , Galai Sivan , Tishler Hila , Ariav Yarden , Lavie Dor , Fellus-Alyagor Liat , Oren Roni , Kuznetsov Yuri , David Eyal , Jaschek Rami , Stossel Chani , Singer Oded , Malitsky Sergey , Barak Renana , Seger Rony , Erez Neta , Amit Ido , Tanay Amos , Saada Ann , Golan Talia , Rubinek Tamar , Sang Lee Joo , Ben-Shachar Shay , Wolf Ido , Erez Ayelet
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Multiple studies identified metabolic changes within the tumor and its microenvironment during carcinogenesis. Yet, the mechanisms by which tumors affect the host metabolism are unclear. We find that systemic inflammation induced by the cancer leads to liver infiltration of myeloid cells at early extrahepatic carcinogenesis. The infiltrating immune cells via IL-6-pSTAT3 immune-hepatocyte crosstalk cause the depletion of a master metabolic regulator, HNF4a, consequently leading to systemic metabolic changes that promote breast and pancreatic cancer proliferation and a worse outcome. Preserving HNF4 levels maintains liver metabolism and restricts carcinogenesis. Standard liver biochemical tests can identify early metabolic changes and predict patients' outcomes and weight loss. Thus, the tumor induces early metabolic changes in its macro-environment with diagnostic and potentially therapeutic implications for the host.
Minor Myocardial Scars in Association with Cardiopulmonary Function after COVID-19
Authors: Øvrebotten Tarjei , Heck Siri , Skjørten Ingunn , Einvik Gunnar , Stavem Knut , Ingul Charlotte B. , Omland Torbjørn , Myhre Peder L.
Published: June 2023

Background: Myocardial scars detected by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging after COVID-19 have caused concerns regarding potential long-term cardiovascular consequences. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate cardiopulmonary functioning in patients with versus without COVID-19-related myocardial scars. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, CMR was performed approximately 6 months after moderate-to-severe COVID-19. Before (∼3 months post-COVID-19) and after (∼12 months post-COVID-19) the CMR, patients underwent extensive cardiopulmonary testing with cardiopulmonary exercise tests, 24-h ECG, and echocardiography. We excluded participants with overt heart failure. Results: Post-COVID-19 CMR was available in 49 patients with cardiopulmonary tests at 3 and 12 months after the index hospitalization. Nine (18%) patients had small late gadolinium enhancement-detected myocardial scars. Patients with myocardial scars were older (63.2 ± 13.2 vs. 56.2 ± 13.2 years) and more frequently men (89% vs. 55%) compared to those without scars. Cardiorespiratory fitness was similar in patients with and without scars, i.e., peak oxygen uptake: 82.1 ± 11.5% versus 76.3 ± 22.5% of predicted, respectively (p = 0.46). The prevalence of ventricular premature contractions and arrhythmias was low and not different by the presence of myocardial scar. Cardiac structure and function assessed by echocardiography were similar between the groups, except for a tendency of greater left ventricular mass in those with scars (75 ± 20 vs. 62 ± 14, p = 0.02 and p = 0.08 after adjusting for age and sex). There were no significant associations between myocardial scar and longitudinal changes in cardiopulmonary function from 3 to 12 months. Conclusion: Our findings imply that the presence of minor myocardial scars has limited clinical significance with respect to cardiopulmonary function after COVID-19.
Multisensory Reading in Early Childhood: Systematic Review with Theoretical Guidance for Human Development Studies
Authors: Kucirkova Natalia , Rodriguez-Leon Lucy
Published: June 2023

Our systematic qualitative analysis advances the field of human development with an integrative review of sensory research in children’s reading of books and e-books. Based on a systematic literature review of 35 papers, we qualitatively synthesise multidisciplinary literature concerned with children’s sensory development and the activity of reading. We map the studies’ characteristics, including their methodological designs and primary theoretical concepts (embodiment and materiality). We highlight empirical research gaps and lack of literature attention particularly for critical engagement with sensorial research. We find notable terminological discrepancies across qualitative and quantitative studies and insufficient emphasis on the developmental aspects of children’s sensory reading and its dynamic interaction with books’ affordances. Our theoretical contribution lies in identifying the emerging area of multisensory m(ai)cro research as a future agenda for studies of children’s reading, which we support with a terminological guide and a conceptual framework.
Sex Chromosome Complement and Estradiol Modify Cocaine Self-Administration Behaviors in Male Mice
Authors: Le Aaron L. , Lynch Wendy J. , Rissman Emilie F.
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Women are more vulnerable to cocaine’s reinforcing effects and have a more rapid course to addiction after initial cocaine use as compared to men. Studies in rodents similarly indicate an enhanced sensitivity to the reinforcing effects of cocaine in females versus males. Levels of estradiol (E2) are correlated with vulnerability to the rewarding actions of cocaine. Here, we asked if sex chromosome complement (SCC) influences vulnerability to cocaine use. Methods: We used the four-core genotype mouse that produces gonadal males and females with either XX or XY SCC. Mice were gonadectomized and implanted with either an estradiol (E2) or cholesterol-filled pellet. This allowed us to determine the effects of SCC in the absence (cholesterol-treated) and presence of tonic high physiological hormone levels (estradiol). Acquisition of cocaine self-administration was determined over a 12-day period using an escalated dose procedure (0.3 mg/kg/infusion, sessions 1–6; 0.6 mg/kg/infusion, sessions 6–12). Results: Without estradiol treatment, a greater percentage of castrated XY mice acquired cocaine self-administration and did so at a faster rate than XX castrates and ovariectomized XY females. These same XY males acquired sooner, infused more cocaine, and directed more nose pokes to the rewarded nose-poke hole than XX castrates and XY males receiving E2. Conclusion: Our results suggest that in gonadal male mice, SCC and estradiol can modulate the reinforcing effects of cocaine which may influence the likelihood of cocaine use.
CureGN-Diabetes Study: Rationale, Design, and Methods of a Prospective Observational Study of Glomerular Disease Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Mottl Amy K. , Bomback Andrew S. , Mariani Laura H. , Coppock Gaia , Jennette J. Charles , Almaani Salem , Gipson Debbie S. , Kelley Sara , Kidd Jason , Laurin Louis-Philippe , Mucha Krzysztof , Oliverio Andrea , Palmer Matthew , Rizk Dana , Sanghani Neil , Stokes M. Barry , Susztak Katalin , Wadhwani Shikha , Nast Cynthia C.
Published: June 2023

Glomerular diseases (GDs) represent the third leading cause of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) in the US Diabetes was excluded from the CureGN Study, an NIH/NIDDK-sponsored observational cohort study of four leading primary GDs: IgA nephropathy (IgAN), membranous nephropathy (MN), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), and minimal change disease (MCD). CureGN-Diabetes, an ancillary study to CureGN, seeks to understand how diabetes influences the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of GD. It is a multicenter, prospective cohort study, targeting an enrollment of 300 adults with prevalent type 1 or type 2 diabetes and MCD, FSGS, MN, or IgAN, with first kidney biopsy obtained within 5 years of enrollment in 80% (20% allowed if biopsy after 2010). CureGN and Transformative Research in DiabEtic NephropaThy (TRIDENT) provide comparator cohorts. Retrospective and prospective clinical data and patient-reported outcomes are obtained. Blood and urine specimens are collected at study visits annually. Kidney biopsy reports and digital images are obtained, and standardized pathologic evaluations performed. Light microscopy images are uploaded to the NIH pathology repository. Outcomes include relapse and remission rates, changes in proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate, infections, cardiovascular events, malignancy, ESKD, and death. Multiple analytical approaches will be used leveraging the baseline and longitudinal data to compare disease presentation and progression across subgroups of interest. With 300 patients and an average of 3 years of follow-up, the study has 80% power to detect a HR of 1.4–1.8 for time to complete remission of proteinuria, a rate ratio for hospitalizations of 1.18–1.56 and difference in eGFR slope of 6.0–8.6 mL/min/year between two groups of 300 participants each. CureGN-Diabetes will enhance our understanding of diabetes as a modifying factor of the pathology and outcomes of GDs and support studies to identify disease mechanisms and improve patient outcomes in this understudied patient population.
Identification of mangrove tree species using deep learning method
Authors: Asnur Paranita , Kosasih Rifki , Madenda Sarifuddin , Rahayu Dewi A.
Published: June 2023

Artificial intelligence can help classify plants to make identification easier for everyone. This technology can be used to classify mangrove trees. The degradation of mangrove forests has resulted in a 20% loss of biodiversity, an 80% loss of microbial decomposers, reduced C-organic soil, and fish spawning grounds, resulting in estimated losses in the ecological and economic fields for up to IDR 39 billion. The identification of different mangrove species is the first step in ensuring the preservation of these forests. Therefore, this research aimed to develop algorithms and a convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture to classify mangrove tree species with the highest possible accuracy using Python software. The architecture selection for this model includes a batch size of 32, an input image size of 128x128 pixels, four classes, four convolution layers, four rectified linear unit (ReLU) layers, 2x2 max-pooling, and two fully connected layers (FCL). The finding showed that the resulting accuracy from the test was 97.50%, while the validation test was 81.25%, applied to four types of mangrove leaves, including Avicenia marina, Avicenia officialis, Rizophora apiculata, and Soneratia caseolaris.
Analysis of information systems strategic planning using ward and peppard framework case e-commerce company
Authors: Andry Johanes Fernandes , Bernanda Devi Yurisca , Honni Honni , Christianto Kevin , Andriani Agustina
Published: June 2023

The e-commerce industry which is developing significantly is always required to be able to adapt well to technological developments where information systems/information technologies (IS/IT) strategic planning must be further developed to support the company's business processes. In this research, the authors focus on analyzing how the information systems strategic planning is currently underway at an e-commerce company. The author uses the ward and peppard framework to analyze the business environment and IS/IT environment internally and externally. Many methods have been developed within the framework such as strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis which focus on exposure the company's internal and external conditions, McFarlan strategic grid focus on assessing the overall contribution of IS/IT, and its impact on business success, from both a strategic, and operational perspective, value chain focus on optimizing technology, and business applications, political, economic, social, and technological (PEST) analysis focus on considerations of legal, political, economic, social, and technological developments, critical success factor (CSF) analysis focus on product quality priorities, customer service, product prices, company resources, and technology used. The results of the analysis of these methods are the results of this study, namely the results of portfolio application recommendations for the next four years which can be used as a reference for companies to develop their business strategic planning systems.
Addition to the Odonata fauna of Tripura, India
Authors: Dhiman Datta  , B.K. Agarwala  , Majumder Joydeb
Published: June 2023

The present study was conducted in nine different locations (forested areas and unclassified natural areas) of six administrative districts of Tripura State from March 2012 to May 2019 as part of the biodiversity exploration of the state for further addition of odonate fauna. In this communication, we report six species of Anisoptera and seven species of Zygoptera as new records from Tripura State. Among these 13 newly recorded species, one Anisoptera and two Zygoptera species are Data Deficient and the rest are Least Concern according to IUCN Red List.
Rayed Thistle Fly Tephritis cometa Loew (Diptera: Tephritidae) a new record to India
Authors: Bhat Rayees Ahmad , Ahmad Tariq , Hussain Barkat
Published: June 2023

Tephritis cometa Loew, 1840, known to infest field thistle or Canada thistle or creeping thistle Cirsium arvense, a medicinal plant used as a tonic and to treat disease such as diarrhea and tuberculosis; it is diuretic. Cirsium arvense is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the family Asteraceae and is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. We report the first record of Tephritis cometa Loew, 1840 in southern Asia from Kashmir, India. The identified specimen of Tephritis cometa, commonly known as Rayed Thistle Fly was found on Cirsium arvense, a grass (Asteraceae) at the site, SKU2 in district Kulgam. However, the actual host plant is unknown. This paper includes morphological studies, key identification, diagnosis, and its distribution.
Leaf defoliation and Tabernaemontana rotensis (Asterids: Gentianales: Apocynaceae) flower induction and fruit development
Authors: Marler Thomas E.
Published: June 2023

Tabernaemontana rotensis (Kaneh.) P.T. Li is an attractive small tree that is endemic to the islands of Guam and Rota. Conservation efforts of the threatened population are constrained by lack of research. Understanding the ecology of flower and fruit development is fundamental to successful conservation of threatened angiosperms. This study determined the extent of flower induction following tropical cyclone defoliation, tested the efficacy of 10% urea sprays as a defoliant to induce flowering, and quantified the resulting fruit expansion to determine ontogeny traits. A total of 512 inflorescences were observed, half following tropical cyclones and half following defoliation with urea. Fruit length was measured every five to seven days until seed dispersal. The mean length of time between defoliation and initial flower anthesis was 29 days, and did not differ between tropical cyclone defoliation and urea solution aerosol defoliation. Four stages of observable fruit development were identified following anthesis. Linear increases in ovary length occurred for two weeks, maximum ovary length occurred at about day 30, color break from green to orange began at about day 60, and seed dispersal occurred at about day 90. Defoliation treatment did not influence the timing of these stages. The results indicated that tropical cyclone and urea solution defoliation consistently generated mast flowering after about one month with mast seeding about three months later. Conservationists may use this new knowledge to predictably schedule seed harvests at about four months following a natural or anthropogenic defoliation event. Many Tabernaemontana species are exploited for traditional medicine, and the use of defoliation to manipulate phenology of these species may benefit the practitioners of this trade.
Trace elements in Penaeus shrimp from two anthropized estuarine systems in Brazil
Authors: Di Beneditto Ana Paula Madeira , Abreu Pestana Inácio , De Carvalho Cássia
Published: June 2023

This study measured concentrations of trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb) in the muscle of pink shrimps (genus Penaeus) from two anthropized estuarine systems in Brazil: Guanabara Bay (GB) and Sepetiba Bay (SB). Concentrations were highest in the less anthropized SB site, where shrimps showed higher assimilation rates that can be explained by their higher trophic position compared to shrimps from GB. These results reinforce the role of food sources as the main route of trace elements for the aquatic animals.