bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exosomes: A Brief Review of Biology and Medical Applications
Authors: Sanyal Katha , Banerjee Abhijit G.
Published: November 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EV) are subcellular components derived from a cell that are essential mediators of intercellular communication. Exosomes are a type of extracellular vesicle secreted by the cell. Exosomes have immense therapeutic significance and benefits in a variety of medical applications, including medication nanodelivery, cell and gene therapy, immunological response, biomarker therapy, and anticancer vaccination.

Methods for isolating exosomes, including ultracentrifugation, size-based isolation, immune-affinity capture-based approaches, precipitation, and microfluidic methods, are described in this brief review. Additionally, studies that demonstrate the diverse potential of exosomes as agents in diagnosis and natural agent therapeutics are briefly discussed.

The potential of exosomes extends to anticancer vaccines, with evidence supporting their role in inducing potent antitumor immune responses. Despite advancements, further research is needed to unlock the full diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of exosomes. In summary, this concise review highlights the multifaceted nature of exosomes, showcasing their crucial role in intercellular communication and their diverse applications in biomedicine.
What would Greta do? Anthropocene politics and the reclamation of universal Earth justice
Authors: Rajan Sudhir
Published: November 2024

Justice discourse faces potent critiques from decolonial, environmental, feminist, and indigenous perspectives. Yet the imperative for universal frameworks to build solidarity and address Earth system breakdown has never been more urgent. The youth climate justice movement (YCJM) offers clarity by grounding universalist political aims in climate crisis materiality. By identifying the assemblage of transnational corporate networks, supportive political structures, and extractive regimes, YCJM exposes what Marx first analyzed - systemic forces no longer obscured by philosophical charges of "onto-theology." The climate catastrophe presents an undeniable ethical demand transcending individual "life goals." YCJM, like the divestment and Black Lives Matter movements, confronts elite resource capture and cynical deployment of 'universal justice' frames, revealing how networked coordination reproduces capitalist conditions and generates path dependencies, causing long-term intersectional harms. I draw on Slavoj Žižek’s prodigious Lacanian psychoanalysis and Marxist political theory to develop a rough-cut strategic assessment of the YCJM’s chances for success.
A general relationship between population size and extinction risk
Authors: Ball Thomas , Balmford Ben , Balmford Andrew , Rinaldo Daniele , Visconti Piero , Green Rhys
Published: November 2024

Understanding the relationship between a population’s probability of extinction and its carrying capacity is key in assessing conservation status, and critical to efforts to understand and mitigate the ongoing biodiversity crisis. Despite this, there has been limited research into the form of this relationship. We conducted around five billion population viability assessments which reveal that the relationship is a modified Gompertz curve. This finding is consistent across around 1700 individual model populations which between them span different breeding systems and widely varying rates of population growth, levels of environmental stochasticity, adult survival rate, age at first breeding, and starting population size. Applying analytical methods to equations describing population dynamics showed that minimal assumptions were required to prove this is a general relationship which holds for any extant population subject to density-dependent growth. Finally, we discuss the implications of these findings and consider the practical use of our results by conservationists.
Association Between Low Birth Weight and Stunting Incidence: Scoping Review
Authors: Amalia Silviatul , Ismarwati Ismarwati
Published: November 2024

Babies with low birth weight have slower growth and development compared to babies with normal birth weight as they experience digestive disorders resulting in poor nutritional intake. If this condition lasts longer without inadequate nutrition, children can be infected and experience stunting. This research aims to examine the association's evidentiary basis between low birth weight and stunting. Inclusion criteria: Indonesian or English articles published in the last 5 years; original articles focused on low birth weight on stunting incidence.  This study used PRISMA-ScR Checklist with 5 stages referring to Arksey and O'Malley. The article search used 4 databases: PubMed, DOAJ, Wiley Online Library, and EBSCO. The result is a total of 16 out of 2704 articles obtained were relevant and met the inclusion criteria. This review generated two themes: the factors and impact of low birth weight.  It can be concluded that babies with low birth weight significantly correlate with stunting incidence.
Exploring spore-forming lactic acid bacterium Heyndrickxia coagulans SANK70258 as a promising probiotic for red sea bream (Pagrus major)
Authors: Shirakashi Shuji , Aoki Ryuichiro , Kobayashi Yasuhisa , Aida Masanori , Yamada Ryouichi , Taniguchi Akito
Published: November 2024

Enhancing fish growth and bolstering immune responses to diseases are of paramount concern in fish aquaculture. The use of probiotics has emerged as a promising strategy for addressing these challenges. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics (salinity tolerance, starch-assimilating ability, organic acid production, β-galactosidase activity) of Heyndrickxia coagulans SANK70258 and its probiotic effects on red sea bream (Pagrus major). Our results indicate that H. coagulans SANK70258 exhibits a high salinity tolerance and thrives as a probiotic in marine environments. Moreover, its starch assimilation capability, organic acid production, and β-galactosidase activities suggest that it might play a role in enhancing the host’s immune system. Over the 63-day experimental period, supplementation with H. coagulans SANK70258 significantly increased the survival rate of red sea bream compared with that of the experimental control group (vehicle starch for the probiotic) after the final experimental day, as determined by Kaplan–Meier analysis (log-rank test, p = 0.0228). Furthermore, supplementation affected the body length and weight of fish, but it did not influence digestive enzyme activities. The goblet cell abundance in the intestinal tract of fish supplemented with H. coagulans SANK70258 was significantly higher than that in the experimental control group (Welch’s t-test, p = 0.03742). These results suggest that H. coagulans SANK70258 is a promising probiotic for enhancing marine fish aquaculture production.
ACL injury management: a comprehensive review of novel biotherapeutics
Authors: Yu Xuezhi , Hu Jiahui , Li Yifan , Wen Yu , Li Bin
Published: November 2024

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is integral to the stability of the knee joint, serving to limit anterior tibial translation and regulate rotational movements. ACL injuries are among the most common and debilitating forms of knee trauma, often resulting in joint effusion, muscular atrophy, and diminished athletic capabilities. Despite the established efficacy of ACL reconstruction as the standard treatment, it is not uniformly successful. Consequently, there is a growing interest in novel biotherapeutic interventions as potential alternatives. This comprehensive review examines the latest advancements in ACL biotherapy, encompassing the application of hyaluronic acid, self-assembled short peptides, growth factors, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, platelet-rich plasma therapy, bone marrow aspirate concentrate cells, extracorporeal shock wave, electrical stimulation and cross bracing protocol. The collective aim of these innovative treatments is to facilitate the restoration of the ACL’s native biological and biomechanical integrity, with the ultimate goal of enhancing clinical outcomes and the functional recovery of affected individuals.
Integrating radiomics with clinical data for enhanced prediction of vertebral fracture risk
Authors: Saravi Babak , Zink Alisia , Tabukashvili Elene , Güzel Hamza Eren , Ülkümen Sara , Couillard-Despres Sebastien , Lang Gernot Michael , Hassel Frank
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures are a major cause of morbidity, disability, and mortality among the elderly. Traditional methods for fracture risk assessment, such as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), may not fully capture the complex factors contributing to fracture risk. This study aims to enhance vertebral fracture risk prediction by integrating radiomics features extracted from computed tomography (CT) scans with clinical data, utilizing advanced machine learning techniques.

Methods

We analyzed CT imaging data and clinical records from 124 patients, extracting a comprehensive set of radiomics features. The dataset included shape, texture, and intensity metrics from segmented vertebrae, alongside clinical variables such as age and DXA T-values. Feature selection was conducted using a Random Forest model, and the predictive performance of multiple machine learning models—Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, Support Vector Machines, and XGBoost—was evaluated. Outcomes included the number of fractures (N_Fx), mean fracture grade, and mean fracture shape. Incorporating radiomics features with clinical data significantly improved predictive accuracy across all outcomes. The XGBoost model demonstrated superior performance, achieving an R2 of 0.7620 for N_Fx prediction in the training set and 0.7291 in the validation set. Key radiomics features such as Dependence Entropy, Total Energy, and Surface Volume Ratio showed strong correlations with fracture outcomes. Notably, Dependence Entropy, which reflects the complexity of voxel intensity arrangements, was a critical predictor of fracture severity and number.

Discussion

This study underscores the potential of radiomics as a valuable tool for enhancing fracture risk assessment beyond traditional clinical methods. The integration of radiomics features with clinical data provides a more nuanced understanding of vertebral bone health, facilitating more accurate risk stratification and personalized management in osteoporosis care. Future research should focus on standardizing radiomics methodologies and validating these findings across diverse populations.
Development of low-cost rolling base isolation system for seismic protection of rubble stone masonry buildings in Himalayan Mountain range
Authors: Takagi Jiro , Masui Takeshi , Araki Yoshikazu , Ikago Kohju , Pareek Sanjay , Lee Sanghun , Suzuki Yusuke , Enokida Ryuta , Guo Jia , Shrestha Kshitij C. , Fukuda Iori , Miyagawa Hayato
Published: November 2024

A low-cost rolling base isolation system (RBIS) for rubble stone masonry buildings in the Himalayan mountain range was presented and the feasibility of RBIS in the initial conditions installed in the buildings were evaluated in experiments and simple numerical simulations. The base isolation layer is composed of styrofoam, concrete slab and cast-iron balls. The styrofoam and concrete slab are the upper and lower elements of the isolation layer. The styrofoam boards are used for the embedment of the cast-iron balls and form panels for the casting concrete of the tie beams above the isolation layer. In the case of large earthquakes, these balls roll and horizontally squeeze into the styrofoam boards. The proposed RBIS satisfies two issues for the base isolation system in rubble stone masonry buildings in the Himalayan Mountain range; i.e. (i) use of locally available materials in the isolation layer and (ii) simple construction procedure of the isolation layer by local workers. The quasi-static cyclic loading experiments were conducted. The rolling coefficients of the RBIS were 0.06–0.14. Shaking table experiments were also conducted. It was found that the recorded maximum accelerations are approximately 0.2g. The restoring force characteristics of RBIS in the shaking table experiment were created and the behavior of the experiment was simulated by the response history analyses (RHAs). The behavior of the rubble stone masonry building associated with RBIS under large earthquakes was also evaluated in RHAs. Assuming that the traditional masonry buildings can resist the earthquake ground motions with a PGA under 0.15g, the buildings installed with RBIS can resist the ground motions with a PGA under 0.5g.
Efficient generation of human induced pluripotent stem cells from urine samples of patients with Fragile X syndrome
Authors: Dionne Olivier , Sabatié Salomé , Fortin Fléchère , Corbin François , Laurent Benoit
Published: November 2024

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are a valuable tool for studying human development and diseases. iPSCs can be generated by reprogramming from any somatic cells, however establishing primary cell cultures can involve invasive procedures (e.g., skin biopsy) and be labor-intensive. In this paper, we describe an efficient, reliable, and non-invasive method for cultivating primary urine-derived cells (UDCs) and efficiently reprogram them into iPSCs using a feeder-free and non-integrative system. This approach has several advantages: (i) UDCs collection and culture are non-invasive, straightforward, and do not require medical personnel; (ii) reprogramming UDCs using commercially available Sendai viruses is highly efficient and reliable; and (iii) iPSCs generated from UDCs demonstrate strong differentiation potential. To showcase the effectiveness of this method, we generated iPSC lines from UDCs of three control individuals and three patients with Fragile X syndrome.
An update: epigenetic mechanisms underlying methamphetamine addiction
Authors: Liu Mingxin , Si Zizhen
Published: November 2024

Methamphetamine (METH) is one of the most widely abused illicit drugs globally. Despite its widespread abuse, the effects of methamphetamine on the brain and the precise mechanisms underlying addiction remain poorly understood. Elucidating these biological mechanisms and developing effective treatments is of utmost importance. Researchers have adopted a multi-faceted approach, combining studies at the genetic, molecular, organ, and individual levels, to explore the epigenetic changes that methamphetamine use brings to an organism from both micro and macro perspectives. They utilize a comparative analysis of experimental animal data and clinical cases to ascertain differences and identify potential targets for translating METH addiction research from the experimental to the clinical setting. Recent studies have demonstrated that epigenetic regulation plays a pivotal role in neural mechanisms, encompassing DNA methylation, histone modifications (such as acetylation and methylation), ubiquitination, phosphorylation, and the regulation of non-coding RNA. These epigenetic factors influence an individual’s susceptibility and response to methamphetamine addiction by regulating the expression of specific genes. Specifically, methamphetamine use has been observed to cause alterations in DNA methylation status, which in turn affects the expression of genes associated with neuroreward pathways, leading to alterations in brain function and structure. Furthermore, histone modifications have significant implications for the neurotoxicity associated with methamphetamine addiction. For instance, the methylation and acetylation of histone H3 modify chromatin structure, consequently influencing the transcriptional activity of genes. Non-coding RNAs, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), also play a pivotal role in methamphetamine addiction by interacting with messenger RNAs (mRNAs) and regulating gene expression. To further advance our understanding, researchers employ advanced technologies such as high-throughput sequencing, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq), and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) to comprehensively analyze epigenetic changes in both animal models and human subjects. These technologies enable researchers to identify specific epigenetic markers associated with methamphetamine addiction and to explore their functional consequences. This article reviews the role of these epigenetic mechanisms in methamphetamine addiction and discusses their potential implications for future clinical treatment strategies, particularly in the development of drugs targeting methamphetamine addiction. By deepening our comprehension of these epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, it is anticipated that targeted therapeutic strategies may be devised to reverse the gene expression alterations associated with methamphetamine addiction, thus enhancing the efficacy of addiction treatment and paving the way for future research in this domain.
Persistent CD19+ B cell lymphopenia in critically ill COVID-19 patients 50 days after symptom onset
Authors: An Hui , Li Ting , Zhang Xinyue , Hu Hao , Zhang Chen , Wang Yongyu , Jin Shengwei , Li Ming
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Long COVID (LC) poses a persistent challenge in clinical practice due to limited understanding of its etiology. LC is hypothesized to stem from aberrant immune responses in COVID-19. Vaccinations, which boost immune cells to restore function, could help ease LC symptoms.

Methods

To exclude the impact of vaccination, we examined the immune cell profiles of recovering COVID-19 patients before vaccines were available. White blood cell differentials were monitored in ninety-twohealthy unvaccinated controls. Seventy-six unvaccinated COVID-19 patients were monitored upon admission and on the 50th day post-symptom onset (DPSO50). Peripheral lymphocyte subsets were analyzed using flow cytometry.

Results

Mild cases showed no significant changes in lymphocyte counts or subsets from admission to DPSO50. By DPSO50, severe and critical cases showed almost complete recovery from lymphopenia, with critical cases having CD19+ B-cell counts approximately 45% lower than the mild group. Severe and critical cases exhibited reduced B-cell frequencies, with critical cases displaying around 48% higher natural killer (NK) cell counts. In mild cases, NK cell counts negatively correlated with B-cell counts (r=-0.528, p=0.02). Additionally, critical cases showed positive correlations between NK cell counts and CD4+ T-cell counts (r=0.83, p<0.01), and between NK cell counts and CD8+ T-cell counts (r=0.74, p<0.01). Severe cases demonstrated decreased counts of CD4+CD25+CD127lowFoxP3+ regulatory T-cells (Tregs), which positively correlated with B-cell counts (r=0.37, p<0.05).

Discussion

Our findings indicate that aberrant immune cell profiles in COVID-19 patients change dynamically during recovery, depending on disease severity. This study suggests that convalescent patients from critical COVID-19 may experience long-lasting B-cell lymphopenia.
Case Report: Diagnostic challenges in Fabry disease: misinterpreted obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the role of enzyme replacement therapy
Authors: Cheng Weili , Ao Mingqiang , Xu Dinghu , Zhang Yuqing , Tao Qin
Published: November 2024

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X-linked inherited lysosomal storage disorder. The abnormal accumulation of metabolic substrates induces inflammation and fibrosis in cells, resulting in organ dysfunction. The clinical manifestations of FD are diverse and non-specific. In the present study, we report a case initially treated as obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy for several years, which was finally identified as FD through whole-exome sequencing (WES). The patient, diagnosed with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, underwent left ventricular outflow tract surgery before visiting our hospital. WES was proposed by our cardiomyopathy center and, unexpectedly, a mutation [c.595T>C (p.Val199Met)] in exon 4 of the GLA gene was identified. A subsequent analysis of plasma α-galactosidase and globotriaosylsphingosine levels confirmed the diagnosis of FD. Although enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) was initiated immediately after diagnosis, the patient experienced aortic valve damage and left heart enlargement 2 years later. Subsequently, the patient underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement. This case implies that FD should be considered a potential cause in patients with unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy. Delayed initiation of ERT may compromise its efficacy.
Depositional model of a bioherm based on factor analysis: a case study in Western Beijing, China
Authors: Cheng Hao , Jin Zhenkui , Zhu Rukai , Wang Jinyi , Zhu Xiaoer , Li Baiqiang , Blaise Ketchaya Yanick
Published: November 2024

As an important type of microbial carbonate, the study of bioherm sedimentary models is of great significance to the exploration and development of carbonate rock. Bioherms from the Lower Zhangxia Formation of the Middle Cambrian Miaolingian were discovered in the Xiaweidian section of Western Hills, Beijing. The stratigraphic sequence from bottom to top consists of micritic oolitic limestones, flat-pebble conglomerates, laminated limestones (bioherm), shales, sparry oolitic limestones, and mud-ribboned limestones. This study uses a range of techniques to analyze the geochemistry of these rocks, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), carbon and oxygen isotope analysis, and major and trace element analysis. To ensure the accuracy of the results, factor analysis was used to screen the data and identify the elements that best represent the characteristics of the samples, obtaining the most reliable factors for analyzing the deposition environment and determining the deposition model. Through factor analysis, carbon and oxygen isotopes, Fe, Ti, Ni, and V were selected to reconstruct the paleoenvironment and deposition model. The results suggest that the Zhangxia Formation bioherm formed in the shallow-water environment of the open platform facies at the edge of the carbonate platform, which provides ideal conditions for the growth of microorganisms and the development of extensive bioherms during this time period. Subsequently, as water depth decreased and hydrodynamic and oxidative conditions intensified, the environment became unsuitable for microbial growth, leading to the cessation of bioherm development. This study confirms the effectiveness of numerical analysis methods in reconstructing bioherm deposition model and expands the application of these methods in carbonate studies.
I CAN intervention to increase grit and growth mindset: exploring the intervention for 15-year-olds Norwegian adolescents
Authors: Sigmundsson Hermundur , Hauge Håvard , Leversen Jonas S. R. , Haga Monika
Published: November 2024

The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of a 2 × 45 min intervention to increase the beliefs of ‘I CAN’. Four hundred and twenty-one 15-year-old students participated in this study. The participants were selected from 38 schools in Norway which carried out the program MOT. The adolescents were randomly selected to either an experimental group or control group. Both groups carried out an intervention program that was completely new for them. The experimental group carried out the new I CAN intervention and the control group carried out an intervention with focus on parts of the brain. The participants completed a pre-test assessment of the Grit-S Scale and Growth Mindset scale. This was followed up by the novel intervention I CAN for 256 of the participants (experimental group) and control intervention for 165 of the participants. The results showed a significant increase in Grit for the males in the experimental group. Our aim was to create an intervention where the participants would “turn on the switch,” meaning that they develop stronger beliefs, i.e., changing beliefs. The results indicate that we may have been successful. These promising results are now being following up on high school students, age 16–19, in Norway.
A scoping review of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Pakistan investigating the status of glycemic control, awareness, treatment adherence, complications and cost
Authors: Taimur Hira , Ahmad Ishtiaq , Khan Hamza , Shirayama Yoshihisa , Okamoto Miyoko , Aung Myo Nyein , Shabbir Sameera , Yuasa Motoyuki
Published: November 2024

Background

The high prevalence of Type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) in Pakistan is a challenge to the existing healthcare system. This is the first comprehensive review of the status of glycemic control, diabetes knowledge, treatment adherence, complications and financial burden faced by the diabetic patient population of the country.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus for studies on diabetes control, knowledge, treatment adherence, prevalence of complications and cost in Pakistan published in English from 2000 to 2024. We hand-searched Google Scholar for additional papers and included a total of 45 studies in our review.

Results

The review shows that poor glycemic control prevails among diabetic patients ranging from 44.7% to 86.4% along with half of the patients have poor diabetes knowledge (46.0% -70.0%). Treatment adherence level in diabetic patients varies widely in different studies, frequently reported complications are retinopathy (14.5%-43.0%), nephropathy (14.0%-31.0%) and neuropathy (10.8%-59.6%); and the disease poses a great deal of economic burden.

Conclusion

Most of the studies were observational. Glycemic control and knowledge among individuals with T2DM in Pakistan are inadequate, leading to a high prevalence of complications that impose significant health and economic burdens. Further longitudinal studies generating evidence of lifestyle modifications as primary and secondary prevention strategies against diabetes in the Pakistani population can form a strong foundation for awareness campaigns and policy revisions.
Coastal upwelling modulates winds and air-sea fluxes, impacting offshore wind energy
Authors: Pareja-Roman L. Fernando , Miles Travis , Glenn Scott
Published: November 2024

Coastal upwelling, marked by cool sea surface temperatures, modulates the wind stress and heat fluxes at the air-sea interface. However, the impact of upwelling on offshore wind power has been scarcely studied. This study uses satellite sea surface temperature data and a numerical model to examine how coastal upwelling shapes the diurnal evolution of the marine boundary layer, focusing on implications for offshore wind energy. The study region is the U.S. Mid Atlantic Bight, specifically the coast of New Jersey, known for its persistent summertime upwelling events. We run numerical experiments with upwelling, and upwelling artificially removed, to assess differences in the atmospheric response. For the wind event considered, results agree with theory where a stable, upwelling-cooled atmospheric boundary layer leads to reduced air-sea drag and turbulence intensity, higher wind speeds at hub height, and greater vertical shear relative to the scenario with upwelling removed. This response is likely caused by a sea breeze superimposed on onshore background winds. Experiments with parameterized turbines show that an 18-hour power generation at a lease area close to the shore was 6.5% higher with upwelling (4.86 GWh and 4.56 GWh, respectively). While upwelling can modulate offshore wind, the nature of the modulation is strongly dependent on the boundary layer regimes, background wind direction, and synoptic or mesoscale weather patterns.
The impact of digital rural construction on agricultural carbon emission intensity
Authors: Li Weijuan , Guo Jinyong , Tang Yonghong , Zhang Pengcheng
Published: November 2024

Reducing agricultural carbon emissions is critical to achieving green agricultural development and the “dual carbon” goals. The present study conducts empirical analysis using provincial panel data from 29 provinces in China from 2011 to 2022 combined with econometric models based on the mechanism of the impact of digital rural construction on agricultural carbon emission intensity. The entropy method and carbon emission factor method are used to determine the level of digital rural construction and agricultural carbon emission intensity. The fixed effect and intermediary effect models are used to empirically analyze the impact of digital rural construction on agricultural carbon emission intensity. The results indicate that (1) digital rural construction significantly inhibits agricultural carbon emission intensity, and there are differences in different regions and dimensions of digital rural construction; (2) the construction of digital rural areas can indirectly reduce the intensity of agricultural carbon emissions by promoting the level of rural human capital; (3) financial support for agriculture played significant positive regulatory effect. The policy recommendations are proposed to provide a reference for promoting agricultural carbon reduction and digital rural construction in other countries.
The haplotypes distribution, reproductive mode differentiation and related symbiotic bacteria analysis in Aphis gossypii from diverse hosts in Yangtze river basin in China
Authors: Liu Zhe , Fang Xiaoyun , Askar Mofeed , Su Honghua , Jing Tianxing , Zhang Shuai , Yang Yizhong
Published: November 2024

The cotton-melon aphid (Aphis gossypii) is a globally distributed species with highly differentiated populations and various life cycle types. Based on the haplotype classification of the A. gossypii, this study aimed to quantify the effects of latitude, host specialization on transformation of the sexual morph of the A. gossypii. Additionally, symbiotic bacteria potentially involved in the formation of sexual morph were investigated. The results showed that I):The most frequent haplotypes on the 29 host plants were Hap1 (60.42%), Hap17 (13.29%), and Hap4 (7.55%). Haplotypes in cotton fields of 10 geographic populations were predominantly Hap1 and Hap4. II):A. gossypii from the Northwestern inland, the Yellow River basin, and the Yangtze River basin cotton regions all were induced sexual morphs, except for Hap1 from low latitudes. There are also differences in the efficiency of sex aphid induction between haplotypes under the same region/latitude(Jiangsu Yangzhou), which can be corresponded to three life cycle types: holocyclic (Hap1 and Hap4), facultative (Hap17 and Hap1-1), and specialized parthenogenetic (Hap3 and Hap16) life cycle. Interestingly, sexual morphogenesis of A. gossypii with facultative life cycle are more susceptible influenced by the host. Subsequent field surveys in Yangzhou, Jiangsu have also confirmed that the haplotypes capable of sexual morphology transformation under natural rhythm variations are Hap1 and Hap4. It is worth mentioning that these sexual aphids are mainly distributed on some Malvaceae plants, Chinese prickly ash, and pomegranate. However, aphids with specialized parthenogenetic life cycle can complete their entire life history by overwintering on crops or weeds (such as capsella and veronica) in greenhouses or outdoors. III):The relative abundance of Arsenophonus, Pantoea and Enterobacter varied among haplotypes. In particular. the relative abundance of Arsenophonus was generally higher in holocyclic aphids than in anholocyclic aphids in the parthenogenetic morphology. Additionally, Arsenophonus higher in gynoparas and females than in males in the sexual morphology. It can be observed that the aforementioned symbiotic bacteria may play a role in the development of the specialized or reproductive mode of the A. gossypii. The present study contributes to our understanding of the ecological adaptations of the A. gossypii to different climatic conditions and host plants. Moreover, it will furnish a crucial foundation for unravelling the diversification of reproductive modes exhibited by A. gossypii.
Characterizing the immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a comprehensive narrative review and implications in disease relapse
Authors: Rahman Fatima
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Tuberculosis remains the leading cause of death from infectious diseases among adults worldwide. To date, an overarching review of the immune response to Mtb in humans has not been fully elucidated, with innate immunity remaining poorly understood due to historic focus on adaptive immunity. Specifically, there is a major gap concerning the contribution of the immune system to overall bacterial clearance, particularly residual bacteria. This review aims to describe the time course of interactions between the host immune system and Mtb, from the start of the infection to the development of the adaptive response. Concordantly, we aim to crystallize the pathogenic effects and immunoevasive mechanisms of Mtb. The translational value of animal data is also discussed.

Methods

The literature search was conducted in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases, which included reported research from 1990 until 2024. A total of 190 publications were selected and screened, of which 108 were used for abstraction and 86 were used for data extraction. Graphical summaries were created using the narrative information (i.e., recruitment, recognition, and response) to generate clear visual representations of the immune response at the cellular and molecular levels.

Results

The key cellular players included airway epithelial cells, alveolar epithelial cells, neutrophils, natural killer cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, T cells, and granulomatous lesions; the prominent molecular players included IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-10. The paper also sheds light on the immune response to residual bacteria and applications of the data.

Discussion

We provide a comprehensive characterization of the key immune players that are implicated in pulmonary tuberculosis, in line with the organs or compartments in which mycobacteria reside, offering a broad vignette of the immune response to Mtb and how it responds to residual bacteria. Ultimately, the data presented could provide immunological insights to help establish optimized criteria for identifying efficacious treatment regimens and durations for relapse prevention in the modeling and simulation space and wider fields.
Effect of hypoxia-induced mIL15 expression on expansion and memory progenitor stem-like TILs in vitro
Authors: Sun Zhen , Xu Aotian , Wu Zhaojun , Lan Xiaohao , Gao Ganchen , Guo Bin , Yu Zhongjie , Shao Lin , Wu Hao , Lv Min , Wang Yongjie , Zhao Yi , Wang Bin
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The adoptive cell transfer of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) has proven clinically beneficial in patients with non-small cell lung cancer refractory to checkpoint blockade immunotherapy, which has prompted interest in TIL-adoptive cell transfer. The transgenic expression of IL15 can promote the expansion, survival, and function of T cells ex vivo and in vivo and enhance their anti-tumor activity. The effect of expressing mIL15 regulated by hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment on the expansion, survival, and stem-like properties of TILs has not been explored.

Methods

Using TILs expanded from the tumor tissues of lung cancer patients, TILs with or without mIL15 expression (TIL-mIL15 or UN-TIL) were generated by lentiviral transduction. To reflect the advantages of mTIL15, the cells were divided into groups with IL2 (TIL-mIL15+IL2) or without IL2 (TIL-mIL15-IL2).

Results

Compared to UN-TIL cells, mIL15 expression had a similar capacity for promoting TIL proliferation and maintaining cell viability. Our experimental findings indicate that, compared to UN-TIL and TIL-mIL15+IL2 cells, the expression of mIL15 in TIL-mIL15-IL2 cells promoted the formation of stem-like TILs (CD8+CD39-CD69-) and led to significant decreases in the proportion and absolute number of terminally differentiated TILs (CD8+CD39+CD69+). RNA-Seq data revealed that in TIL-mIL15-IL2 cells, the expression of genes related to T cell differentiation and effector function, including PRDM1, ID2, EOMES, IFNG, GZMB, and TNF, were significantly decreased, whereas the expression of the memory stem-like T cell marker TCF7 was significantly increased. Furthermore, compared to UN-TIL and TIL-mIL15+IL2 cells, TIL-mIL15-IL2 cells showed significantly lower expression levels of inhibitory receptors LAG3, TIGIT, and TIM3, which was consistent with the RNA-Seq results.

Discussion

This study demonstrates the superior persistence of TIL-mIL15-IL2 cells, which may serve as a novel treatment strategy for lung cancer patients.
TLR7 rs179008 (A/T) and TLR7 rs3853839 (C/G) polymorphisms are associated with variations in IFN-α levels in HTLV-1 infection
Authors: Santana Emmanuelle Giuliana Mendes , Ferreira Fabiane dos Santos , Brito Wandrey Roberto dos Santos , Lopes Felipe Teixeira , de Lima Aline Cecy Rocha , Neto Gabriel dos Santos Pereira , Amoras Ednelza da Silva Graça , Lima Sandra Souza , da Costa Carlos Araujo , Souza Maísa Silva , Ishak Ricardo , Cayres-Vallinoto Izaura Maria Vieira , Vallinoto Antonio Carlos Rosário , Queiroz Maria Alice Freitas
Published: November 2024

Introduction

TLR7 detects the presence of single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses, including human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1), and triggers antiviral and inflammatory responses that are responsible for infection control. Genetic variations in the TLR7 gene may alter cytokine production and influence the course of HTLV-1 infection. In the present study, the associations of TLR7 gene polymorphisms with HTLV-1-related symptoms, receptor expression levels, IFN-α and TNF-α levels and the proviral load were investigated.

Methods

Blood samples from 159 individuals with HTLV-1 infection (66 with inflammatory diseases and 93 asymptomatic individuals) and 159 controls were collected. The genotyping of polymorphisms, TLR7 gene expression analysis and the quantification of the proviral load were performed by real-time PCR, and cytokine measurement was performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Results

Carriers of the polymorphic allele for TLR7 rs179008 (A/T) had lower levels of IFN-α, while carriers of the polymorphic allele for TLR7 rs3853839 (C/G) had higher levels of TLR7 and IFN-α expression. The polymorphisms were not associated with symptoms of diseases related to HTLV-1 infection. The combination of A/G alleles for the TLR7 rs179008 (A/T) and TLR7 rs3853839 (C/G) polymorphisms was associated with increased IFN-α levels and a decreased proviral load.

Discussion

Although the polymorphisms did not influence the presence of symptoms of diseases caused by HTLV-1, carriers of the wild-type alleles for TLR7 rs179008 (A/T) and the polymorphism for TLR7 rs3853839 (C/G) appears to have a stronger antiviral response and increased infection control.
Dynamics of cytokine and antibody responses in community versus hospital SARS-CoV-2 infections
Authors: Singh Tulika , Macintyre Andrew N. , Burke Thomas W. , Anderson Jack , Petzold Elizabeth , Stover Erica L. , French Matthew J. , Oguin Thomas H. , Demarco Todd , McClain Micah T. , Ko Emily R. , Park Lawrence P. , Denny Thomas , Sempowski Gregory D. , Woods Christopher W.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Dysregulated host cytokine responses to SARS-CoV-2 infection are a primary cause of progression to severe disease, whereas early neutralizing antibody responses are considered protective. However, there are gaps in understanding the early temporal dynamics of these immune responses, and the profile of productive immune responses generated by non-hospitalized people with mild infections in the community.

Methods

Here we conducted a prospective cohort study of people with suspected infections/exposures in the US state of North Carolina, before vaccine availability. We recruited participants not only in hospitals/clinics, but also in their homes. With serial sampling, we compared virologic and immunologic factors in 258 community cases versus 114 hospital cases of COVID-19 to define factors associated with severity.

Results

We found that high early neutralizing antibodies were associated with lower nasal viral load, but not protection from hospitalization. Cytokine responses were evaluated in 125 cases, with subsets at first versus second week of illness to assess for time-dependent trajectories. The hospital group demonstrated a higher magnitude of serum IL-6, IL-1R antagonist, IP-10, and MIG; prolonged upregulation of IL-17; and lesser downregulation of GROα, IL-1R antagonist, and MCP1, in comparison to the community group suggesting that these factors may contribute to immunopathology. In the second week of illness, 2-fold increases in IL-6, IL-1R antagonist, and IP-10 were associated with 2.2, 1.8, and 10-fold higher odds of hospitalization respectively, whereas a 2-fold increase in IL-10 was associated with 63% reduction in odds of hospitalization (p<0.05). Moreover, antibody responses at 3-6 months post mild SARS-CoV-2 infections in the community revealed long-lasting antiviral IgM and IgA antibodies as well as a stable set point of neutralizing antibodies that were not waning.

Discussion

Our data provide valuable temporal cytokine benchmarks to track the progression of immunopathology in COVID-19 patients and guide improvements in immunotherapies.
Prediction of acute myeloid leukemia prognosis based on autophagy features and characterization of its immune microenvironment
Authors: Zhu Chaoqun , Feng Xiangyan , Tong Lanxin , Mu Peizheng , Wang Fei , Quan Wei , Dong Yucui , Zhu Xiao
Published: November 2024

Background

Autophagy promotes the survival of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells by removing damaged organelles and proteins and protecting them from stress-induced apoptosis. Although many studies have identified candidate autophagy genes associated with AML prognosis, there are still great challenges in predicting the survival prognosis of AML patients. Therefore, it is necessary to identify more novel autophagy gene markers to improve the prognosis of AML by utilizing information at the molecular level.

Methods

In this study, the Random Forest, SVM and XGBoost algorithms were utilized to identify autophagy genes linked to prognosis, respectively. Subsequently, six autophagy genes (TSC2, CALCOCO2, BAG3, UBQLN4, ULK1 and DAPK1) that were significantly associated with patients’ overall survival (OS) were identified using Lasso-Cox regression analysis. A prediction model incorporating these autophagy genes was then developed. In addition, the immunological microenvironment analysis of autophagy genes was performed in this study.

Results

The experimental results showed that the predictive model had good predictive ability. After adjusting for clinicopathologic parameters, this feature proved an independent prognostic predictor and was validated in an external AML sample set. Analysis of differentially expressed genes in patients in the high-risk and low-risk groups showed that these genes were enriched in immune-related pathways such as humoral immune response, T cell differentiation in thymus and lymphocyte differentiation. Then immune infiltration analysis of autophagy genes in patients showed that the cellular abundance of T cells CD4+ memory activated, NK cells activated and T cells CD4+ in the high-risk group was significantly lower than that in the low-risk group.

Conclusion

This study systematically analyzed autophagy-related genes (ARGs) and developed prognostic predictors related to OS for patients with AML, thus more accurately assessing the prognosis of AML patients. This not only helps to improve the prognostic assessment and therapeutic outcome of patients, but may also provide new help for future research and clinical applications.
Beclin-1: a therapeutic target at the intersection of autophagy, immunotherapy, and cancer treatment
Authors: Cao Zhumin , Tian Ke , Ran Yincheng , Zhou Haonan , Zhou Lei , Ding Yana , Tang Xiaowei
Published: November 2024

The significant identification of Beclin-1’s function in regulating autophagy flow signified a significant progression in our understanding of cellular operations. Beclin-1 acts as a scaffold for forming the PI3KC3 complex, controlling autophagy and cellular trafficking processes in a complicated way. This intricate protein has garnered considerable attention due to its substantial impact on the development of tumors. Strong evidence indicates Beclin-1 plays a critical role in controlling autophagy in various human cancer types and its intricate connection with apoptosis and ferroptosis. The potential of Beclin-1 as a viable target for cancer therapy is highlighted by its associations with key autophagy regulators such as AMPK, mTOR, and ATGs. Beclin-1 controls the growth and dissemination of tumors by autophagy. It also affects how tumors react to therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The role of Beclin-1 in autophagy can influence apoptosis, depending on whether it supports cell survival or leads to cell death. Beclin-1 plays a crucial role in ferroptosis by increasing ATG5 levels, which in turn promotes autophagy-triggered ferroptosis. Finally, we analyzed the possible function of Beclin-1 in tumor immunology and drug sensitivity in cancers. In general, Beclin-1 has a significant impact on regulating autophagy, offering various potentials for medical intervention and altering our understanding of cancer biology.
Phylogeographical analysis of Nerita yoldii revealed its geographical distribution pattern and drivers of population divergence in the Northwestern Pacific region
Authors: Tang Yanbin , Zhang Rongliang , Liu Qinghe , Shou Lu , Liao Yibo
Published: November 2024

The distinctive tectonic settings and hydrological environments of the marginal seas in the Northwestern Pacific render them a focal point for investigating marine speciation and population diversity. In this study, we focused on understanding the phylogeography and demographic history of Nerita yoldii, a species commonly found in rocky intertidal areas. We examined the COI gene sequences from nine populations of the Northwestern Pacific. The analysis revealed four lineages comprising 35 haplotypes, with the majority of variation found within populations. Approximate Bayesian computation analysis supported the scenario that lineages B and C diverged first, and subsequently, lineage A and D originated from lineage C. Mismatch distribution analysis and neutrality tests suggested demographic expansion of lineage C primarily during the Pleistocene epoch of the Quaternary period, with expansion time estimated at approximately 38,000 years ago. Artificial rocky structures along the northern Changjiang coast, combined with global warming, could possibly facilitate the northward migration of N. yoldii larvae in recent decades. This has resulted in a shift in the species’ northern boundary. This study not only unveils the historical, present, and future impacts of climate and environmental changes on intertidal macrobenthos but also furnishes biological evidence crucial for comprehending related geological historical events. Moreover, it offers insights into the future trajectory of intertidal macrobenthos development and serves as a foundation for guiding future biological conservation efforts.