bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Characterization of Generalized Boolean Functions Employed in CDMA Communications
Authors: Singh Deep , Chawla Anjali , Bhogta Pramod , Paul Amit
Published: February 2024

In design of secure cryptosystems and CDMA communications, the negabent functions play a significant role. The generalized Boolean functions have been extensively studied by Schmidt and established several important results in this setup. In this paper, several characteristics of the generalized nega-Hadamard transform (GNT) of generalized Boolean functions like inverse of GNT, generalized nega-cross correlation, generalized nega-Parseval’s identity, relationship between GNT and generalized nega-cross correlation have analyzed. We studied the GNT for the derivative of this setup of functions and established the connection of generalized Walsh-Hadamard transform and GNT of derivatives of these functions. Also, the GNT of composition of vectorial Boolean function and generalized Boolean function is presented. Further, the generalized nega-convolution theorem for generalized Boolean function is obtained.
Vacation Policy for k-out-of-n Redundant System with Reboot Delay
Authors: Tyagi Vaishali , Ram Mangey , Manglik Monika , Arora Ritu
Published: February 2024

Redundancy is a well-known concept for system resilience; k-out-of-n redundancy stipulates that a minimum number of functional components must be present for the system to function. Introducing a reboot delay acknowledges the temporal complexities of system recovery after a failure. A dynamic component is added by the vacation policy, which introduces strategic downtime for system components. This work predicts the performance measures of a multi-state system consisting of two subsystems A and B. Subsystem A follows the k-out-of-n: F policy and subsystem B has m working units and s warm standby units. The system is under the consideration of a single unreliable repairman who may go allow for vacation. There are two possibilities for a repairman’s vacation: if the system failed and the repairman is on vacation, in that case, if the repairman immediately returns from vacation, he/ she repairs the system but if the repairman does not return immediately from vacation, then the system takes a reboot action and when the repairman available, he/ she repairs the system. Failure and repair time of the units are expected to pursue an exponential distribution. In addition, the vacation time and reboot time regarding the failure of the units also pursue an exponential distribution. The concept of reboot and repairman’s vacation are incorporated to make the model more practical and versatile. The expressions for several performance measures such as availability, reliability, and MTTF are obtained with the help of the Markov process. Likewise, sensitivity analysis is done to study the impact of various parameters on system performance measures. The results are explained by taking numerical illustrations.
Genetic Variants Associated With Response to Platinum-Based Chemotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients: A Field Synopsis and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Sito Hilary , Sharzehan Mohamad Ayub Khan , Islam Md Asiful , Tan Shing Cheng
Published: February 2024

Background: Publications on the associations of genetic variants with the response to platinum-based chemotherapy (PBC) in NSCLC patients have surged over the years, but the results have been inconsistent. Here, a comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted to combine eligible studies for a more accurate assessment of the pharmacogenetics of PBC in NSCLC patients.

Methods: Relevant publications were searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases through 15 May 2021. Inclusion criteria for eligible publications include studies that reported genotype and allele frequencies of NSCLC patients treated with PBC, delineated by their treatment response (sensitive vs. resistant). Publications on cell lines or animal models, duplicate reports, and non-primary research were excluded. Epidemiological credibility of cumulative evidence was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and Venice criteria. Begg’s and Egger’s tests were used to assess publication bias. Cochran’s Q-test and I2 test were used to calculate the odds ratio and heterogeneity value to proceed with the random effects or fixed-effects method. Venice criteria were used to assess the strength of evidence, replication methods and protection against bias in the studies.

Results: A total of 121 publications comprising 29,478 subjects were included in this study, and meta-analyses were performed on 184 genetic variants. Twelve genetic variants from 10 candidate genes showed significant associations with PBC response in NSCLC patients with strong or moderate cumulative epidemiological evidence (increased risk: ERCC1 rs3212986, ERCC2 rs1799793, ERCC2 rs1052555, and CYP1A1 rs1048943; decreased risk: GSTM1 rs36631, XRCC1 rs1799782 and rs25487, XRCC3 rs861539, XPC rs77907221, ABCC2 rs717620, ABCG2 rs2231142, and CDA rs1048977). Bioinformatics analysis predicted possible damaging or deleterious effects for XRCC1 rs1799782 and possible low or medium functional impact for CYP1A1 rs1048943.

Conclusion: Our results provide an up-to-date summary of the association between genetic variants and response to PBC in NSCLC patients.
A survey-based assessment of attitudes and needs regarding tinnitus healthcare among patients and healthcare professionals in Europe
Authors: Steinmetzger Kurt , Schiele Tabea , Boecking Benjamin , Avraamides Marios , Bamidis Panagiotis D. , Basso Laura , Dobel Christian , Gilou Sotiria , Ioannou Christos I. , Shimi Andria , Vellidou Eleftheria , Paraskevopoulos Evangelos , Mazurek Birgit
Published: February 2024

Despite good agreement of national guidelines for the assessment and treatment of tinnitus, there is still substantial variation regarding tinnitus-related healthcare across Europe. In contrast to previous work, which has mainly focussed on the perspective of healthcare professionals, we here report the results of separate web-based surveys conducted with clinicians and researchers as well as tinnitus patients. These surveys were devised to obtain information about their respective attitudes and needs with respect to tinnitus healthcare, and to reveal possible interdisciplinary inconsistencies among clinicians and researchers. We mainly targeted participants from Germany, Cyprus, and Greece, the countries in which the institutions of the researchers involved in this project are based. Results showed, firstly, that the treatment satisfaction of the patients was overall more negative than that of the clinicians and researchers, and that the patients' treatment satisfaction did not depend on the number of different treatments they had received. Secondly, patients as well as clinicians and researchers indicated that they were interested in learning more about a variety of tinnitus-related topics, especially treatment strategies, with no marked differences between clinicians from different professional disciplines. This suggests similar tinnitus-specific educational needs in patients and healthcare professionals.
Introduction and scientific justification of data transportability for confined field testing for the ERA of GM plants
Authors: Nakai Shuichi , Roberts Andrew F. , Simmons Abigail R. , Hiratsuka Kazuyuki , Miano Douglas W. , Vesprini Facundo
Published: February 2024

The concept of Data Transportability (DT) of Confined Field Testing (CFT) to support the Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) of Genetically Modified (GM) plants was first introduced in the literature by Garcia-Alonso et al., in 2014. Since then, DT has been discussed in many countries and regions as a concept to prevent duplication of regulatory studies without compromising quality of the ERA. However, despite its usefulness and scientific justification, DT is not well adopted at this time and many regulatory agencies around the world require additional in-country CFT be conducted before approving GM plants. Based on the current circumstances, the authors organized a parallel session entitled “Introduction and Scientific Justification of DT for CFT for the ERA of GM plants” at 16th ISBR (the International Society for Biosafety Research). This session mainly consisted of the following three parts. The first two speakers, Andrew Roberts and Abigail Simmons provided an overview of DT and examples of conditions for the transportability of field data/conclusions advocated in the peer-reviewed scientific journals. Next, the current status of DT adoption in some countries/regions such as Japan and Africa, and a theoretical case study for Argentina were introduced by Kazuyuki Hiratsuka, Douglas Miano, and Facundo Vesprini, respectively. Lastly, a risk hypothesis-based approach for DT which was developed in advance by the five speakers of this parallel session, was introduced. During the discussion, there was a common understanding that transition to the risk hypothesis-based approach for DT was scientifically appropriate, considering the accumulated evidences that several countries have conducted confirmatory local CFT for more than 20 years but they have not detected any differences related to the ERA assessment endpoints in GM crops. The risk hypothesis-based approach for DT introduced here is expected to play an important role in discussions on the implementation of DT in various parts of the world in the future.
Developmental progression of lymphatic valve morphology and function
Authors: Davis Michael J. , Zawieja Scott D. , Yang Ying
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The bileaflet valves found in collecting lymphatic vessels and some veins are essential for maintaining a unidirectional flow, which is important for lymphatic and venous function. Under an adverse pressure gradient, the two leaflets tightly overlap to prevent backflow. Valves are proposed to share four main stages of development, based on images obtained from randomly oriented valves in fixed mouse embryos, with the best structural views obtained from larger venous valves. It is not known at what stage lymphatic valves (LVs) become functional (e.g., able to oppose backflow), although a requirement for stage 4 is presumed.

Methods: To gain an insight into this sequence of events for LVs, we used Prox1CreERT2:Foxo1fl/fl mice and Foxc2CreERT2:Foxo1fl/fl mouse models, in which deletion of the valve repressor factor Foxo1 promotes the development of new LVs in adult lymphatic vessels. Both strains also contained a Prox1eGFP reporter to image the lymphatic endothelium. Mesenteric collecting lymphatic vessels were dissected, cannulated, and pressurized for ex vivo tests of valve function. LVs at various stages (1–4 and intermediate) were identified in multi-valve segments, which were subsequently shortened to perform the backleak test on single valves. The GFP signal was then imaged at high magnification using a confocal microscope. Z-stack reconstructions enabled 1:1 comparisons of LV morphology with a quantitative measurement of back leak.

Results: As expected, LVs of stages 1–3 were completely leaky in response to outflow pressure elevation. Stage 4 valves were generally not leaky, but valve integrity depended on the Cre line used to induce new valve formation. A high percentage of valves at leaflet an intermediate stage (3.5), in which there was an insertion of a second commissure, but without proper luminal alignment, effectively resisted back leak when the outflow pressure was increased.

Discussion: Our findings represent the first 3D images of developing lymphatic valves and indicate that valves become competent between stages 3 and 4 of development.
High platelet adrenergic activity and concomitant activation of the pituitary/medullar axis as alarming laboratory parameters in ACS survivors—the STRESS-AMI study
Authors: Gulyás Zalán , Horváth Zsófia , Hajtman László , Kovács Andrea , Kohut László , Kósa István , Tóth-Zsámboki Emese , Kiss Róbert Gábor
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Kinetics of stress-related biological parameters were determined in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing complex cardiovascular rehabilitation.

Methods

We determined platelet functionality in the absence/presence of a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor inhibitor, atipemazole parallel with salivary cortisol levels at enrolment, and at 3- and 12-months follow-up in 75 ACS patients with percutaneous coronary intervention.

Results

Pharmacological/non-pharmacological secondary prevention methods have been efficiently applied. Baseline aggregometry indicated platelet hyperactivity, decreasing gradually and being significantly reduced late, at 12 months (p < 0.05). Cortisol levels followed similar kinetics (p < 0.05). Baseline epinephrine-induced aggregations (EIA) significantly correlated with most of the other platelet agonists, even at subsequent time-points. Patients with upper-quartile EIA at enrolment (EIA-UQ) had significantly higher ADP- and collagen-induced aggregations at enrolment, at 3- and 12-months follow-up as well, indicating that high adrenergic response in the acute phase is accompanied by general platelet hyperactivity and predicts sustained platelet activation. In the EIA-UQ group higher cardiac biomarker release, elevated C-reactive protein and cortisol levels, and lower baseline left ventricular ejection fraction were detected.

Atipemazole significantly reduced platelet aggregation induced by several platelet agonists, being most potent and comparable to full in vitro P2Y12 inhibition on collagen-induced aggregations (p < 0.05), indicating that catecholamines might serve as promt/long-term modulators of platelet function.

Discussion

Despite effective CCR programme and dual antiplatelet therapy, prolonged activation of sympathetic neuroendocrine system and general platelet hyperactivity can be detected up to one year in ACS patients with high adrenergic platelet activity. Moreover, initial high adrenergic activity is accompanied by clinical parameters associated to increased cardiovascular risk, therefore early identification of these patients might support complex optimal long-term therapy.
Inflammation as the nexus: exploring the link between acute myocardial infarction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Marriott Eloise , Singanayagam Aran , El-Awaisi Juma
Published: February 2024

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly following acute exacerbations (AE-COPD), significantly heightens the risks and mortality associated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The intersection of COPD and AMI is characterised by a considerable overlap in inflammatory mechanisms, which play a crucial role in the development of both conditions. Although extensive research has been conducted on individual inflammatory pathways in AMI and COPD, the understanding of thrombo-inflammatory crosstalk in comorbid settings remains limited. The effectiveness of various inflammatory components in reducing AMI infarct size or slowing COPD progression has shown promise, yet their efficacy in the context of comorbidity with COPD and AMI is not established. This review focuses on the critical importance of both local and systemic inflammation, highlighting it as a key pathophysiological connection between AMI and COPD/AE-COPD.
Flocculation characteristics of suspended Mississippi River mud under variable turbulence, water and salt sources, and salinity: a laboratory study
Authors: Abolfazli Ehsan , Osborn Ryan , Dunne Kieran B. J. , Nittrouer Jeffrey A. , Strom Kyle
Published: February 2024

Muddy sediment constitutes a major fraction of the suspended sediment mass carried by the Mississippi River. Thus, adequate knowledge of the transport dynamics of suspended mud in this region is critical in devising efficient management plans for coastal Louisiana. We conducted laboratory tank experiments on the sediment suspended in the lower reaches of the Mississippi River to provide insight into the flocculation behavior of the mud. In particular, we measure how the floc size distribution responds to changing environmental factors of turbulent energy, sediment concentration, and changes in base water composition and salinity during summer and winter. We also compare observations from the tank experiments to in situ observations. Turbulence shear rate, a measure of river hydrodynamic energy, was found to be the most influential factor in determining mud floc size. All flocs produced at a given shear rate could be kept in suspension down to shear rates of approximately 20 s−1. At this shear rate, flocs on the order of 150–200 μm and larger can settle out. Equilibrium floc size was not found to depend on sediment concentration; flocs larger than 100 μm formed in sediment concentrations as low as 20 mgL−1. An increase in salinity generated by adding salts to river water suspensions did not increase the flocculation rate or equilibrium size. However, the addition of water collected from the Gulf of Mexico to river-water suspensions did enhance the flocculation rate and the equilibrium sizes. We speculate that the effects of Gulf of Mexico water originate from its biomatter content rather than its ion composition. Floc sizes in the mixing tanks were comparable to those from the field for similar estimated turbulent energy. Flocs were found to break within minutes under increased turbulence but can take hours to grow under conditions of reduced shear in freshwater settings. Growth was faster with the addition of Gulf of Mexico water. Overall, the experiments provide information on how suspended mud in the lower reaches of the Mississippi might respond to changes in turbulence and salinity moving from the fluvial to marine setting through natural distributary channels or man-made diversions.
Effectiveness of educational interventions in minimizing reactance in traffic accident prevention
Authors: von Beesten Silke , Bresges André , Lubert Daniela
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Classical mechanics concepts are vital for understanding traffic safety, encompassing speed, acceleration, stopping distance, impact speed, deformation, kinetic energy, and their effects on vehicle occupants. Statistical physics principles are also employed to study multiple vehicles as a many-particle system. This study examines the effectiveness of using a damaged car and structured instruction in road safety initiatives.

Methods

Participants engaged with a damaged car and discussed deformation caused by excessive speed. They participated in role simulations, envisioning and solving risky traffic scenarios, while considering the potential boomerang effect resulting from excessive fear appeals within the campaign.

Results

Combining emotional appeals with solution-focused, action-oriented, and self-esteem-enhancing interventions is essential to mitigate the boomerang effect and encourage safety-compliant behavior. Educational institutions must implement tailored follow-ups to emotionally charged prevention campaigns. Using Design-Based Research, we developed effective methods for knowledge acquisition and transfer, drawing from cognitive behavioral therapy and established traffic safety programs.

Discussion

This publication explores non-standardized social training within focus groups, focusing on negative emotional states following an emotionalizing campaign similar to “Crash Kurs NRW,” targeting upper-level courses in North Rhine-Westphalian schools. Methods from cognitive behavioral therapy and social learning initiated, observed, and documented changes in participants’ norms, values, and attitudes, discussed herein. Additionally, we investigated whether the presence of police officers in prevention campaigns influences reactive behavior. Comparing pre- and post-surveys confirmed reactance after emotionalizing campaigns, and our structured post-survey effectively influenced stage-event-induced behavior. Surprisingly, police officers’ presence did not significantly impact reactive behavior. Furthermore, our follow-up tool extends its applicability to similar emotionalizing prevention campaigns, broadening its potential reach. Our future research will delve into students’ physics literacy during traffic space analysis of accident hotspots, advancing traffic safety initiatives.
A multilevel investigation of factors related to achievement in Ireland and Spain using PISA data
Authors: Frade-Martínez Cristina , O’Hara Joe , Gamazo Adriana , Olmos-Migueláñez Susana , Brown Martin
Published: February 2024

The Program for International Assessment (PISA) is a methodology for making comparative judgments about the quality of education systems. Celebrated by proponents as a transparent process that allows policy makers produce data informed judgments about relative quality of their national education system PISA – and through it the OECD – has become a key vehicle for informing and explaining educational policy development. This paper explores the Irish and Spanish outcomes of the 2018 round of PISA. It examines the contextual factors that are associated with performance at student and school level while at the same time developing a multi-level statistical model to explain divergent school performance profiles It finds that issues associated with the socio-economic level of the students, the repetition rate, and student age are common across all domains in both countries. It suggests that the socio-economic status of Spanish students at school level is not significant, that the shortage of teachers in Ireland affects student performance, and that immigrant status does not disadvantage Spanish student performance. It concludes by suggesting that studies involving a wider application of the model be undertaken to assess possible social, economic, and cultural causes that may explain the differences in variable significance in each country.
Risk factors, prognostic factors, and nomograms for distant metastases in patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors: a population-based study
Authors: Li Xinwei , Fan Yongfei , Tong Jichun , Lou Ming
Published: February 2024

Background

Patients with gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs) have a poor prognosis for distant metastasis. Currently, there are no studies on predictive models for the risk of distant metastasis in GEP-NETs.

Methods

In this study, risk factors associated with metastasis in patients with GEP-NETs in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and a nomogram model for metastasis risk prediction was constructed. Prognostic factors associated with distant metastasis in patients with GEP-NETs were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox, and a nomogram model for prognostic prediction was constructed. Finally, the performance of the nomogram model predictions is validated by internal validation set and external validation set.

Results

A total of 9145 patients with GEP-NETs were enrolled in this study. Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis demonstrated that T stage, N stage, tumor size, primary site, and histologic types independent risk factors associated with distant metastasis in GEP-NETs patients (p value < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses demonstrated that age, histologic type, tumor size, N stage, and primary site surgery were independent factors associated with the prognosis of patients with GEP-NETs (p value < 0.05). The nomogram model constructed based on metastasis risk factors and prognostic factors can predict the occurrence of metastasis and patient prognosis of GEP-NETs very effectively in the internal training and validation sets as well as in the external validation set.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we constructed a new distant metastasis risk nomogram model and a new prognostic nomogram model for GEP-NETs patients, which provides a decision-making reference for individualized treatment of clinical patients.
Associations between the platelet/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and likelihood of nephrolithiasis: a cross-sectional analysis in United States adults
Authors: Ni Junjie , Lv Lin , Wu Pu , Xu Chaoyang
Published: February 2024

Aims

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the platelet/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (PHR) and the prevalence of nephrolithiasis within the adult population of the United States.

Methods

The data used in this study were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2007 and 2018. The analysis included a non-pregnant population aged 20 years or older, providing proper PHR index and nephrolithiasis data. The research utilized subgroup analyses and weighted univariate and multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the independent association between the PHR and the susceptibility to nephrolithiasis.

Results

The study comprised 30,899 participants with an average PHR value of 19.30 ± 0.11. The overall prevalence rate of nephrolithiasis was estimated at 9.98% with an increase in the higher PHR tertiles (T1, 8.49%; T2, 10.11%; T3, 11.38%, P < 0.0001). An elevated PHR level was closely linked with a higher susceptibility to nephrolithiasis. Compared with patients in T1, and after adjusting for potential confounders in model 2, the corresponding odds ratio for nephrolithiasis in T3 was 1.48 (95% CI: 1.06 to 2.08), with a P-value = 0.02. The results of the interaction tests revealed a significant impact of chronic kidney disease on the relationship between PHR and nephrolithiasis. Furthermore, the restricted cubic spline analyses exhibited a positive, non-linear correlation between PHR and the risk of nephrolithiasis.

Conclusion

A convenient biomarker, the PHR, was independently associated with nephrolithiasis and could be a novel biomarker in predicting occurrence in clinical decision.
Insulin resistance in NSCLC: unraveling the link between development, diagnosis, and treatment
Authors: Zhan Shizhang , Wang Liu , Wang Wenping , Li Ruoran
Published: February 2024

Lung cancer is responsible for the highest number of cancer-related deaths, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most prevalent subtype. A critical aspect of managing lung cancer is reducing morbidity and mortality rates among NSCLC patients. Identifying high-risk factors for lung cancer and facilitating early diagnosis are invaluable in achieving this objective. Recent research has highlighted the association between insulin resistance and the development of NSCLC, further emphasizing its significance in the context of lung cancer. It has been discovered that improving insulin resistance can potentially inhibit the progression of lung cancer. Consequently, this paper aims to delve into the occurrence of insulin resistance, the mechanisms underlying its involvement in lung cancer development, as well as its potential value in predicting, assessing, and treating lung cancer.
Reliable and specific detection and identification of Brenneria goodwinii, the causal agent of oak and oriental beech decline
Authors: Araeinejhad Mohammad-Hossein , Charkhabi Nargues Falahi , Brady Carrie , Rahimian Heshmat
Published: February 2024

Chestnut-leaved oak (Quercus castaneifolia) and oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) are among the major tree species in the Hyrcanian forests. Brenneria goodwinii was identified as the causal agent of necrotic lesions and stem bleeding on affected oak trees in different countries. Oak and oriental beech trees with bleeding symptoms were observed in a few forest sites in northern Iran. The objectives of the present study were to identify and characterize the causal agents of bark canker in oak and oriental beech trees and develop a primer set for specific detection, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), of Brenneria goodwinii strains. A total of 31 and 20 samples from oak and oriental beech trees, respectively, with stem bleeding and bark canker symptoms were collected from Golestan and Mazandaran forests in northern Iran in 2020–2021. Bacterial strains displaying a green metallic sheen on EMB-agar medium were isolated from symptomatic oak (105 strains) and oriental beech samples (32 strains), while 31 and 20 strains were also isolated from healthy oak and oriental beech, respectively. Pathogenicity tests indicated that 51 and 25 strains isolated from oak and oriental beech, respectively were able to induce a necrotic area on oak acorns 15 days following inoculation. Moreover, four and two representative strains inoculated on oak and oriental beech twigs, respectively induced necrosis on all inoculated green twigs 1 month after inoculation. The sequences of the 16S rRNA and gyrB genes of representative strains isolated from and proved pathogenic on oak and oriental beech trees were 100% and over 99% similar to B. goodwinii LMG 26270T, respectively, which revealed the strains belong to B. goodwinii species. The primer pair BgF3/R2, which was designed to target the hrpN gene, was proven to be specific in the detection of B. goodwinii strains. The primer pair amplified a 618-bp DNA fragment from strains of B. goodwinii only and not from strains belonging to Rahnella, Gibbsiella, Lonsdalea, and the other Brenneria species among several other pathogenic bacteria tested. No fragment was amplified from DNA extracted from healthy trees or seedlings in PCR using this primer pair.
Impact of bronchoalveolar lavage from influenza A virus diseased pigs on neutrophil functions and growth of co-infecting pathogenic bacteria
Authors: Lassnig Simon , Hennig-Pauka Isabel , Bonilla Marta C. , Mörgelin Matthias , Imker Rabea , von Köckritz-Blickwede Maren , de Buhr Nicole
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) infect the respiratory tract of mainly humans, poultry, and pigs. Co-infections with pathogenic lung bacteria are a common event and contribute to the severity of disease progression. Neutrophils are a major cell type of the innate immune system and are rapidly recruited to the site of infection. They have several effector functions to fight invading pathogens such as the secretion of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). NETs are known to promote the growth of Pasteurellaceae bacteria, especially if degraded by nucleases.

Methods

In this study, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from 45 field-infected pigs was analyzed for 1) NET markers, 2) influence on growth of lung bacteria, and 3) impact on neutrophil functions. BALF samples from 21 IAV-positive pigs and 24 lung diseased but IAV-negative pigs were compared.

Results

Here, we show that neutrophils in the lungs of IAV-positive pigs release vesicular NETs. Several NET markers were increased in the BALF of IAV-positive pigs compared with the BALF from IAV-negative pigs. The amount of NET markers positively correlated with the viral load of the IAV infection. Interestingly, the BALF of IAV-positive pigs enhanced the growth of bacteria belonging to the family of Pasteurellaceae as potential coinfecting bacteria. These effects were weaker with the BALF derived from IAV-negative pigs with other lung infections. The intensity of oxidative burst in neutrophils was significantly decreased by BALF from IAVpositive pigs, indicating impaired antimicrobial activity of neutrophils. Finally, the lung milieu reflected by IAV-positive BALF does not enable neutrophils to kill Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae but rather enhances its growth.

Discussion

In summary, our data show that an IAV infection is affecting neutrophil functions, in particular the release of NETs and ROS. Furthermore, IAV infection seems to provide growth-enhancing factors for especially coinfecting Pasteurellaceae and reduces the killing efficiency of neutrophils.
Systemic immune-inflammation Index is associated with chronic kidney disease in the U.S. population: insights from NHANES 2007–2018
Authors: Liu Xiaoxin , Li Xinyu , Chen Yulin , Liu Xiaoyu , Liu Yanyan , Wei Haotian , Li Ningxu
Published: February 2024

Objectives

The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), a novel and systematic inflammatory biomarker that is associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), has not received much attention. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between SII and CKD in the United States (U.S.) population.

Methods

Our study ultimately included a nationally representative sample of 10,787 adults who participated in the 2007-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Weighted multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the correlation between SII and CKD, and a restricted cubic spline (RCS) model was subsequently used to explore the non-linear relationship between SII and CKD. Subgroup analyses were performed to further the effects of other covariates on the relationship between SII and CKD.

Results

Following confounder adjustment, a higher SII was related to the incidence of CKD (OR =1.36; 95% CI, 1.07–1.73; p =0.01), as validated by multivariable logistic regression. The RCS curve revealed a non-linear positive correlation between SII/1000 and CKD incidence (p for non-linear =0.0206). Additionally, subgroup analysis confirmed a stronger correlation for male participants (OR =2.628; 95% CI, 1.829-3.776) than for female participants (OR =1.733; 95% CI, 1.379-2.178) (p for interaction =0.046).

Conclusions

SII is positively associated with the incidence of CKD among U.S. adults, especially in males. However, further studies are needed to confirm our findings and explore the causal factors that can contribute to the prevention and treatment of CKD.
Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Campylobacter coli isolates from the Vietnamese poultry production network; a pilot study
Authors: Lehri Burhan , Navoly Georgina , Corser Abigail , Nasher Fauzy , Willcocks Sam , Pham Thi Ngoc , Wren Brendan W. , Luu Quynh Huong , Stabler Richard A.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Changing farming practices and the associated increase in the use of antibiotics are amongst the main drivers shaping the global increase of Campylobacter infections. The effects farming practices have on Campylobacter species, need to be studied at the global scale, particularly in emerging middle-income countries, where the demand for low-cost poultry meat is rising. While Campylobacter jejuni causes the majority of poultry associated diarrhoea, Campylobacter coli causes a significant amount of disease but are relatively understudied. In this study we characterised seven C. coli strains isolated from chicken faeces and chicken meat in Thai Nguyen province, Vietnam.

Methods

Whole Genome Sequencing and phenotypic assays (growth, motility, antimicrobial resistance testing, virulence assay) were performed to reveal the genetic relatedness and pathophysiological characteristics of the isolates.

Results

All isolates were resistant to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid but susceptible to phenicols. Three were resistant to macrolides azithromycin and erythromycin. Six isolates were classified as multi-drug resistant. All isolates had similar growth rates in laboratory culture media, while five were hyper-motile. Lethality towards a tractable host-model system, larvae of the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella, often used to determine Campylobacter virulence, was demonstrated for the first time for C. coli.

Discussion

Multilocus sequence typing data identified five ST’s all within the C. coli ST-828 clonal complex and were previously reported in North American (ST-829), European (ST-1586), and Asia (ST-5511) from patients suffering from gastroenteritis, emphasising the global spread of these strains. This work highlights the importance of further research into this understudied global threat.
HyFish: hydrological factor fusion for prediction of fishing effort distribution with VMS dataset
Authors: Shi Yuqi , Hong Feng , Zhao Zhongning , Jiang Yufei , Zhou Shutian , Huang Haiguang
Published: February 2024

Predicting fishing effort distribution is crucial for guiding fisheries management in developing effective strategies and protecting marine ecosystems. This task requires a deep understanding of how various hydrological factors, such as water temperature, surface height, salinity, and currents influence fishing activities. However, there are significant challenges in designing the prediction model. Firstly, how hydrological factors affect fishing effort distributions remains unquantified. Secondly, the prediction model must effectively integrate the spatial and temporal dynamics of fishing behaviors, a task that shows analytical difficulties. In this study, we first quantify the correlation between hydrological factor fields and fishing effort distributions through spatiotemporal analysis. Building on the insights from this analysis, we develop a deep-learning model designed to forecast the daily distribution of fishing effort for the upcoming week. The proposed model incorporates residual networks to extract features from both the fishing effort distribution and the hydrological factor fields, thus addressing the spatial limits of fishing activity. It also employs Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks to manage the temporal dynamics of fishing activity. Furthermore, an attention mechanism is included to capture the importance of various hydrological factors. We apply the approach to the VMS dataset from 1,899 trawling fishing vessels in the East China Sea from September 2015 to May 2017. The dataset from September 2015 to May 2016 is used for correlation analysis and training the prediction model, while the dataset from September 2016 to May 2017 is employed to evaluate the prediction accuracy. The prediction error ratio for each day of the upcoming week range is only 5.6% across all weeks from September 2016 to May 2017. HyFish, notable for its low prediction error ratio, will serve as a versatile tool in fisheries management for developing sustainable practices and in fisheries research for providing quantitative insights into fishing resource dynamics and assessing ecological risks related to fishing activities.
Biodegradation of polypropylene by filter-feeding marine scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis: infrared spectroscopy evidence
Authors: Chelomin Viktor Pavlovich , Istomina Aleksandra Anatolyevna , Mazur Andrey Alexandrovich , Zhukovskaya Avianna Fayazovna
Published: February 2024

The problem of environmental pollution by plastics is global in nature and needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Realization of the importance of this problem contributed to the study of degradation and biodegradation of synthetic polymers. It turned out that the driving force of plastic fragmentation along with abiotic factors can be biotic. Based on the above, we investigated the in vitro biodegradation of polypropylene (PP) fragments in digestive gland homogenates and crystalline styles of the bivalve mollusk Mizuhopecten yessoensis. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed changes in the chemical composition of functional groups on the plastic surface. Enzyme complexes of crystalline styles enhanced the biodegradation of PP fragments to a larger extent than did digestive glands. The results obtained using M. yessoensis as an example suggest that marine phytophagous filter-feeding invertebrates may accelerate the biodegradation of synthetic polymers. The study provides a basis for rethinking the nature of relationships between marine invertebrates and microplastic polluting the marine environment.
An investigation for the efficacy of teaching model of combining virtual simulation and real experiment for clinical microbiology examination
Authors: Meng Ling , Liu Xia , Ni Jing , Shen Pei , Jiao Fengping
Published: February 2024

Background

As a convenient teaching tool, virtual simulation experiment technology had been widely utilized in the field of medical education. However, virtual learning could not fully replace the benefits of in-person instruction. Therefore, finding ways to integrate both methods was crucial for achieving optimal educational outcomes. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the self-built virtual simulation and design experiment combining teaching mode and the traditional experimental teaching mode in the clinical microbiology examination experiment teaching.

Methods

This study was conducted at Shandong First Medical University in China. The experimental group consisted of 100 third-year students from the grade 2020 majoring in medical examination technology, who underwent an innovative teaching model combining virtual and real experiments. The control group comprised of 100 third-year students from the grade 2019 in the same major, who received traditional experimental teaching model. In this study, we referred to grade 2020 as cohort 2020 and grade 2019 cohort 2019. The performance of both groups was assessed via experimental and theoretical testing. Meanwhile, survey questionnaires were administered to evaluate the efficacy of the innovative experimental teaching model and students’ level of satisfaction with it. Cohort 2020 conducted a survey for modules 1 to 4, while cohort 2019 only conducted a survey for module 4, as detailed in the Appendix.

Results

The majority of students in the experimental group expressed satisfaction with the teaching model that combined virtual and real experiments, as evidenced by their superior performance on both experimental operational skills (87.54 ± 8.93 vs. 82.39 ± 10.55) and theoretical knowledge tests (83.65 ± 9.02 vs. 80.18 ± 8.24) compared to those in the control group.

Conclusion

The combination of virtual simulation experiment and design experiment in the microbiological examination of clinical specimens represented an effective pedagogical approach. The instructional approach had the potential to incite a passion for learning, enhance proficiency in standardized experimental techniques, foster the ability to integrate theory with practice, and cultivate clinical reasoning skills.
Isolation, identification, recombination analysis and pathogenicity experiment of a PRRSV recombinant strain in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Tu Teng , Li Yanwei , Zhang Guidong , Du Chengchao , Zhou You , Jiang Dike , Luo Yan , Yao Xueping , Yang Zexiao , Ren Meishen , Wang Yin
Published: February 2024

Since 2013, the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus type 2 (PRRSV-2), lineage 1.8 (NADC30-like PRRSV) has emerged and become widely prevalent in China. The NADC30-like PRRSV poses significant challenges for disease control, primarily because of its propensity for frequent mutations and recombinations. We successfully isolated and identified a NADC30-like strain, designated SCCD22, in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. We meticulously examined the genetic recombination properties and evaluated its pathogenicity in 28-day-old piglets. SCCD22 showed 93.02% nucleotide homology with the NADC30 PRRSV strain, and its non-structural protein 2 coding region showed the same 131 amino acid deletion pattern as that seen in NADC30. Furthermore, we identified two recombination events in SCCD22: one in the NSP2 region (1,028–3,290 nt), where it was highly similar to the JXA1-like strain GZ106; and another in the NSP10 ~ 12 region (9,985–12,279 nt), closely resembling the NADC30-like strain CY2-1604. Piglets infected with SCCD22 exhibited clinical symptoms such as elevated body temperature, prolonged fever, reduced appetite, and roughened fur. Postmortem examinations underscored the typical lung pathology associated with PRRSV, indicating that the lungs were the primary affected organs. Furthermore, extended viral shedding accompanied by progressive viremia was observed in the serum and nasal excretions of infected piglets. In summary, this study reports a domestic PRRSV recombination strain in the Sichuan Province that can provide critical insights into preventing and controlling PRRSV in this region.
Gene expression in metastatic breast cancer—patterns in primary tumors and metastatic tissue with prognostic potential
Authors: Tutzauer Julia , Larsson Anna-Maria , Aaltonen Kristina , Bergenfelz Caroline , Bendahl Pär-Ola , Rydén Lisa
Published: February 2024

Background: Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is the main cause of breast cancer-related death. The outcome of MBC varies, and there is a lack of biomarkers to aid in prognostication. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic value of gene expression (GEX) signatures in the primary tumor (PT) and distant metastasis (DM) for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The secondary aim was to describe GEX changes through MBC evolution and to identify MBC subtypes.

Methods: RNA was extracted from the PT, lymph node metastasis (LNM), and DM from MBC patients in a prospective observational study (n = 142; CTC-MBC NCT01322893) and was subjected to GEX analysis retrospectively using the NanoString Breast Cancer 360™ panel. 31 continuous GEX variables in DMs and PTs were analyzed for PFS and OS by Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier estimates. Multivariable Cox regressions were adjusted for number of DM sites and CTCs, visceral metastasis, ECOG status, age at MBC diagnosis and, in additional analyses, PAM50 subtype. Differential GEX analyses and Euclidean distances were used to describe subgroup differences and visualize within-patient heterogeneity.

Results: Compared to DM GEX, GEX of the PT was at least equally useful for predicting MBC outcome. The strongest marker for a favorable PFS, both when expressed in the PT and the DM was AR, even after adjustment for prognostic markers including PAM50. GEX signatures related to hormone responsiveness, including ESR1, FOXA1, PGR, and AR were favorable prognostic markers, and the p53 signature was unfavorable for PFS when expressed in PT or DM. The previously published PAM50MET signature was prognostic for both PFS and OS. We established five distinct DM GEX profiles where two associated with liver and bone metastases, respectively. Finally, we identified four DM GEX profiles able to identify MBCs with poor OS in this cohort.

Conclusion: GEX of both DM and PT are useful in MBC prognostication. GEX of AR adds prognostic information for MBC. Our descriptive analyses illuminate the biological differences between MBCs in relation to outcome and metastatic site.