bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Video Animasi Berbasis PjBL (Project Based Learning) pada Materi Sistem Sirkulasi Darah Kelas XI IPA SMA/MA
Authors: Yana Elis , Khairuna Khairuna
Published: July 2024

The application of science and technology (IPTEK) in education has generated several learning innovations, including the use of media in learning. The purpose of this research was to develop a product in the form of project-based learning (PjBL) animated videos based on the circulatory system material for grade XI in high schools, which is valid, practical, and suitable for use. Research and development (R&D) activities included data collection on student and teacher needs. The development phase aimed to produce learning media products involving media experts, subject matter experts, and biology teachers. Subsequently, the product was tested with 12 students in a limited group and then with 38 students in a broader group to determine its media feasibility. The development of PjBL-based animated video products was evaluated using instruments covering several aspects: validation sheets for media, including text composition balance, images, sound, and video, color selection, physical criteria, practicality, and long-term usefulness. Validation sheets for content included aspects of learning promotion, curiosity enhancement, presentation support, material accuracy, and student engagement. Practitioner validation sheets covered material, language, and presentation aspects, while student response questionnaires addressed material, language, and presentation. Based on the expert media validation assessment recapitulation, the overall score indicated the product was highly valid and suitable for use in learning, with an average percentage of 84.00%. Similarly, the expert content validation recapitulation showed the product to be highly valid and suitable for use in learning, with an average percentage of 88.00%. The practitioner assessment by biology teachers indicated the product was highly practical and suitable for use in learning without revision, with an average percentage of 91.19%. Additionally, the limited and broad group product tests showed an average student response rate of 85.00%, indicating that the developed animated video is suitable for use in learning without revision.
Pengembangan Media Augmented Reality Terintegrasi Nilai-nilai Islam pada Materi Sistem Saraf untuk Meningkatkan Motivasi dan Hasil Belajar Siswa di SMA Swasta Bandar Setia Ujung
Authors: Ayundari Sella , Manalu Kartika
Published: July 2024

The aim of this research is to integrate Islamic values into the nervous system material and develop augmented reality media to enhance student motivation and learning outcomes in a private high school. The specific objectives are to increase student motivation and learning outcomes through media use and evaluate the suitability of the developed media. This study employs a Research and Development (R&D) approach using the ADDIE model. Fifty-four students participated, including 26 in the experimental group and 28 in the control group. Data were collected through expert validation questionnaires, learning motivation surveys, and tests. Tools used included media validation, learning motivation surveys, and tests. Data analysis involved evaluating media suitability, student motivation, and learning outcomes. Media verification results by validators yielded an average score of 96.01%, classified as "very good". Teacher media assessment averaged 96.87%, also categorized as "highly satisfactory". Student responses to augmented reality scored 88.9%, interpreted as good response criteria. Average motivation survey scores were 96.50% for the experimental group (sufficient category) and 38.51% for the control group (moderate category). Average learning performance test scores were 86.50% for the experimental group and 31.09% for the control group. The study concludes that augmented reality learning media are effective and suitable for enhancing motivation and learning outcomes in biology classes by integrating the nervous system and Islamic values.
The Importance of TSH Testing and Adjusted Reference Ranges in Pregnant and Pregnancy-Planning Women: A Case Study
Authors: Amiel Eden
Published: July 2024

Thyroid function is critical during pregnancy, as thyroid hormones play a significant role in the development of the fetal brain and nervous system. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) testing is an essential tool in monitoring thyroid function. This case study highlights the importance of TSH testing in women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It discusses the impact of thyroid dysfunction on pregnancy outcomes and underscores the need for routine TSH screening to ensure maternal and fetal health. This case study emphasizes that pregnancy panel labs should highlight the need for altered reference ranges for TSH in women planning to conceive, ensuring results above 2.5 mIU/L are flagged for follow-up and potential treatment. By adjusting the reference ranges and providing timely intervention, better pregnancy outcomes can be achieved, safeguarding both maternal and fetal health.
Comparative Analysis of Water-Induced Response in 3D-Printed SCF/ABS Composites under Controlled Diffusion
Authors: Alam Samiul , Hassan Md Tareq , Merrell Joshua , Lee Juhyeong
Published: July 2024

Additive manufacturing (AM) or 3D-printing of fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) has garnered significant interests for its versatility in creating intricate parts and rapid prototyping due to cost-effectiveness. Although short fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites are challenging to manufacture, their mechanical properties can be easily tailored by adjusting fiber type, orientation, and volume fraction. However, void formation during printing is a key issue, impacting mechanical properties and facilitating water ingression, affecting long-term durability. This work studies water diffusion characteristics and the associated hydro-aging of 3D-printed short carbon fiber (SCF)/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) composites with controlled water diffusion. Effects of material type (ABS and SCF/ABS), 3D-printing path (horizontal and vertical filament orientation), and diffusion surface (uni-directional and bi-directional diffusion) on water diffusion coefficient and maximum water absorption level are characterized to ensure the long-term durability of 3D-printed ABS and SCF/ABS composites. Baseline representative volume element-based finite element (RVE-FE) diffusion models were developed based on micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) image analysis to understand water diffusion characteristics. This work proves that the SCF/ABS composite is more resistive to hydro-aging than neat ABS due to the SCFs’ hydrophobic nature. SCF/ABS composites, while providing distinct advantages over pure ABS in terms of mechanical properties, could also be more effective against water environments.
Additive Manufacturing Process Simulation of Laser Powder Bed Fusion and Benchmarks
Authors: Ghabbour Mina S. , Qu Xueyong , Rome Jacob I.
Published: July 2024

As the aerospace industry continues to adopt additively manufactured (AM) parts for flight hardware, process simulation becomes more attractive to improve the manufacturing process by understanding how process parameters affect part quality and performance. Process simulation can also be used to predict and prevent build failures before the printing process. The powder bed fusion process of Ti-6Al-4V material is modeled using commercial finite element software to simulate the selective laser melting process. The thermal history is obtained from transient heat transfer analysis. Both the inherent strain approach and a sequential thermal-mechanical approach are employed to predict residual stress and part distortion. A National Agency for Finite Element Methods and Standards (NAFEMS) benchmark problem is presented as a numerical example. It is a thin wall structure with geometry features that can lead to part defects due to thermal distortion. It is shown that both analysis approaches are able to capture the thin-member bridging behavior, stepping behavior, and general distortion contour plot as those published by NAFEMS.
Electroplating Additively Manufactured Honeycomb Structures to Increase Energy Absorption Under Quasi-Static Crush
Authors: Murray Colleen , Wise Sean , Wereley Norman M.
Published: July 2024

Honeycomb (HC) has been used in energy absorption applications due to its high stiffness and low density. Metallic HC are used for energy absorption applications, however, these metallic structures can be challenging to manufacture if complex geometric features designed to improve energy absorption are used, which motivates the use of additive manufacturing (AM). Metal AM methods include powder bed fusion (PBF) and direct energy deposition (DED). In addition to capital equipment cost, these processes possess challenges that include a required inert environment, powder handling, final part porosity, residual stresses, and nonuniform surface finish. These concerns can be alleviated through the use of polymer AM, however, polymeric parts exhibit brittle failure and have a lower stiffness than metallic HC structures. In this study, a low-cost 3D polymer printing method, stereolithography (SLA), is combined with a conventional electroplating process to fabricate a metal-plastic composite HC structure with energy absorption capability much greater than of a plastic HC structures of the same nominal volume. SLA parts have a smooth surface, so that the surface finish is at least as uniform after electroplating as the SLA part. The energy absorption characteristics of the electroplated HC is studied to determine how these energy absorbing materials can be manufactured at reduced cost. Our study confirms that the metal-plastic composite HC increases both the crush strain range and the mean crush stress of these samples, resulting in metal-plastic composite HC structures with substantially increased energy absorption. This study also examines how buckling initiators (BIs), or diamond shaped holes located at 50, 75, and 100% of the height of the hexagonal cell vertices, can influence energy absorption performance. This study shows that it is feasible to fabricate electroplated HCs, using an SLA preform, to achieve a substantial increase in energy absorption over using SLA alone.
Az Észak-Alföldi régió familiáris hypercholesterinaemiás betegeinek jellemzôi – a familiáris hypercholesterinaemia regiszter jelentôsége
Authors: Szőke Csenge , Zsíros Noémi , Lőrincz Hajnalka , Paragh György , Harangi Mariann
Published: July 2024

A familiáris hypercholesterinaemia (FH) örökletes anyagcsere-betegség, mely jelentôsen emelkedett össz- és LDL-C-szinttel jár, és korai szív- és érrendszeri szövôdmények okozója. Felismerése, a járulékos kockázati tényezôk azonosítása, és a korai, hatékony lipidcsökkentô kezelés alkalmazása kiemelten fontos feladat. Ezért tûztük ki célul az FH-regiszter regionális adatainak feldolgozását. BETEGEK ÉS MÓDSZEREK – 192 FH-betegnél az anamnesztikus adatok, a fizikális vizsgálat, a laboratóriumi paraméterek eredményei mellett az alkalmazott kezelés hatására elért lipidértékek összesítését végeztük el. Az FH diagnózisának felállításához a Dutch Lipid Clinic Network kritériumrendszert alkalmaztuk. EREDMÉNYEK – A 140 nô és 52 férfi életkora 49,4 ± 15,7 év, a BMI 25,8 ± 4,5 kg/m2 volt. Anamnézisükben 38,5%-ban szerepelt hypertonia, 2,1%-ban diabetes mellitus, 12%-ban dohányzás. A diagnózis felállításakor az összkoleszterinszint 8,92 ± 2,71 mmol/l, az LDL-C-szint 6,04 ± 1,9 mmol/l volt. A genetikai vizsgálat 53 esetben (27,6%) támasztotta alá az FH diagnózisát. 110 beteg (57,3%) részesül statin-, 80 (41,7%) ezetimib-, 26 (13,5%) pedig PCSK9-gátló-kezelésben. Negyvenöt beteg (23,4%) igazoltan statinintoleráns volt. A kezelés mellett elért összkoleszterinszint 5,86 ± 2,15 mmol/l (–34,3%), az LDL-C 3,42 ± 1,69 (–43,4%) mmol/l. KÖVETKEZTETÉSEK – A regiszterben szereplô FH-betegek száma jelentôsen alacsonyabb, amint az várható volt a prevalenciaadatok alapján. Részben a statinintoleran cia gyakori elôfordulása, részben a finanszírozási korlátok miatt a hatékony lipidcsökkentô kezelés gyakran elmarad, így az LDL-C-célérték elérése sem valósul meg.
A moderately higher time-in-range threshold improves the prognosis of type 2 diabetes patients complicated with COVID-19
Authors: Cong Riping , Zhang Jianbo , Xu Lujia , Zhang Yujian , Wang Hao , Wang Jing , Wang Wei , Diao Yingli , Liu Haijiao , Zhang Jing , Tang Kuanxiao
Published: July 2024

Objective

After fully lifting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic control measures in mainland China in 12/2022, the incidence of COVID-19 has increased markedly, making it difficult to meet the general time-in-range (TIR) requirement. We investigated a more clinically practical TIR threshold and examined its association with the prognosis of COVID-19 patients with type 2 diabetes(T2D).

Research design and methods

63 T2D patients complicated with COVID-19 were evaluated. Patients were divided into favorable outcome group and adverse outcome group according to whether achieving composite endpoint (a >20-day length of stay, intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation use, or death). TIR, the time-below-range (TBR) and the time-above-range (TAR) were calculated from intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring. Logistic regression analysis and other statistical methods were used to analyze the correlation between glucose variability and prognosis to establish the appropriate reference range of TIR.

Results

TIR with thresholds of 80 to 190 mg/dL was significantly associated with favorable outcomes. An increase of 1% in TIR is connected with a reduction of 3.70% in the risk of adverse outcomes. The Youden index was highest when the TIR was 54.73%, and the sensitivity and specificity were 58.30% and 77.80%, respectively. After accounting for confounding variables, our analysis revealed that threshold target ranges (TARs) ranging from 200 mg/dL to 230 mg/dL significantly augmented the likelihood of adverse outcomes.

Conclusion

The TIR threshold of 80 to 190 mg/dL has a comparatively high predictive value of the prognosis of COVID-19. TIR >54.73% was associated with a decreased risk of adverse outcomes. These findings provide clinically critical insights into possible avenues to improve outcomes for COVID-19 patients with T2D.
A review of Global Carbon Markets from Kyoto to Paris and beyond: the persistent failure of implementation
Authors: Asadnabizadeh Majid , Moe Espen
Published: July 2024

This review article provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary and in-depth analysis of how the idea of Global Carbon Markets (GCM) has evolved from the Kyoto Protocol to the Paris Agreement and the post-Paris Agreement period (2015–2022) and why no real consensus has been reached after 25 years of negotiations, based on the categorisation of different arguments from different authors. We apply a semi-systematic review to 32 scientific articles, special reports, and relevant websites to analyse the failure in reaching international consensus on GCM. We apply three dichotomies, market vs. non-market-based approaches, top-down vs. bottom-up and national vs. international level. There are two striking findings. First (out of the articles that can easily be placed along all three dichotomies), there is an overwhelming majority of articles combining market-based, top-down, and international level explanations. This is however countered by a second finding, namely, that there is also a clear historical trend which is unlikely to change away from top-down and towards bottom-up approaches since the Paris agreement, combined with a movement towards more non-market-based and national approaches.
The impact mechanism of human activities on the evolution of coastal wetlands in the Liaohe River Delta
Authors: Deng Qinghai , Zhang Xinming , Zhang Liping , Shao Xin , Gu Tianshuo
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This study aims to investigate the impact of human activities on the evolution of coastal wetlands in the Liaohe River Delta. Understanding these impacts is crucial for the management, protection, and sustainable development of the ecological environment in the region.

Methods

Quantitative analysis of the evolution of coastal wetlands along the Liaohe River from 1995 to 2020 using Landsat series remote sensing images. This study examines the changes in different landscapes and explores the impact of human activities on wetlands through methods such as land transfer matrix, landscape pattern index, and human activity hotspots.

Results

The results show that the area of coastal wetlands in the Liaohe River Delta exhibited a fluctuating downward trend from 1995 to 2020. The eastern and western parts of the delta experienced greater disturbance to wetland landscapes due to human activities, while the northern and southern parts were mostly waters and reed lands with a smaller degree of human disturbance. Human activities have led to significant changes in farmland, ponds, rice paddies, construction land, and reed fields, thereby promoting the evolution of coastal wetlands.

Discussion

This article discusses the characteristics of landscape pattern evolution in the study area, as well as the impact of human interference, economy, policies, and other factors on it, and compares it with the evolution patterns of other coastal wetlands in China. The changes in the landscape pattern of the study area are mainly reflected in the reduction and fragmentation of natural wetland areas, which are closely related to human activities, especially the development of construction and agriculture. The main economic manifestation is that the increase in land demand due to economic and urban development has led to the transformation of natural wetlands into construction land and other artificial landscapes. The implementation of regulations such as the Wetland Protection Law has contributed to the rational use and ecological restoration of wetlands, and also reflects the influence of policy factors. Compared with other studies, coastal wetlands in China generally face issues of degradation and loss, mainly caused by human activities, but also affected by natural factors such as rising sea levels, changes in coastlines, and climate change.
Pseudorabies virus tegument protein US2 antagonizes antiviral innate immunity by targeting cGAS-STING signaling pathway
Authors: Kong Zhengjie , Chen Xing , Gong Lele , Wang Lele , Zhang Yifeng , Guan Kaifeng , Yao Wanzi , Kang Yu , Lu Xinyi , Zhang Yuhang , Du Yongkun , Sun Aijun , Zhuang Guoqing , Zhao Jianguo , Wan Bo , Zhang Gaiping
Published: July 2024

Background

The cGAS-STING axis-mediated type I interferon pathway is a crucial strategy for host defense against DNA virus infection. Numerous evasion strategies developed by the pseudorabies virus (PRV) counteract host antiviral immunity. To what extent PRV-encoded proteins evade the cGAS-STING signaling pathway is unknown.

Methods

Using US2 stably expressing cell lines and US2-deficient PRV model, we revealed that the PRV tegument protein US2 reduces STING protein stability and downregulates STING-mediated antiviral signaling.

Results

To promote K48-linked ubiquitination and STING degradation, US2 interacts with the LBD structural domain of STING and recruits the E3 ligase TRIM21. TRIM21 deficiency consistently strengthens the host antiviral immune response brought on by PRV infection. Additionally, US2-deficient PRV is less harmful in mice.

Conclusions

Our study implies that PRV US2 inhibits IFN signaling by a new mechanism that selectively targets STING while successfully evading the host antiviral response. As a result, the present study reveals a novel strategy by which PRV evades host defense and offers explanations for why the Bartha-K61 classical vaccine strain failed to offer effective defense against PRV variant strains in China, indicating that US2 may be a key target for developing gene-deficient PRV vaccines.
Exploring the relationship between anastasis and mitochondrial ROS-mediated ferroptosis in metastatic chemoresistant cancers: a call for investigation
Authors: Cao Yu , Lu Chang , Beeraka Narasimha M. , Efetov Sergey , Enikeev Mikhail , Fu Yu , Yang Xinyi , Basappa Basappa , He Mingze , Li Zhi
Published: July 2024

Ferroptosis induces significant changes in mitochondrial morphology, including membrane condensation, volume reduction, cristae alteration, and outer membrane rupture, affecting mitochondrial function and cellular fate. Recent reports have described the intrinsic cellular iron metabolism and its intricate connection to ferroptosis, a significant kind of cell death characterized by iron dependence and oxidative stress regulation. Furthermore, updated molecular insights have elucidated the significance of mitochondria in ferroptosis and its implications in various cancers. In the context of cancer therapy, understanding the dual role of anastasis and ferroptosis in chemoresistance is crucial. Targeting the molecular pathways involved in anastasis may enhance the efficacy of ferroptosis inducers, providing a synergistic approach to overcome chemoresistance. Research into how DNA damage response (DDR) proteins, metabolic changes, and redox states interact during anastasis and ferroptosis can offer new insights into designing combinatorial therapeutic regimens against several cancers associated with stemness. These treatments could potentially inhibit anastasis while simultaneously inducing ferroptosis, thereby reducing the likelihood of cancer cells evading death and developing resistance to chemotherapy. The objective of this study is to explore the intricate interplay between anastasis, ferroptosis, EMT and chemoresistance, and immunotherapeutics to better understand their collective impact on cancer therapy outcomes. We searched public research databases including google scholar, PubMed, relemed, and the national library of medicine related to this topic. In this review, we discussed the interplay between the tricarboxylic acid cycle and glycolysis implicated in modulating ferroptosis, adding complexity to its regulatory mechanisms. Additionally, the regulatory role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the electron transport chain (ETC) in ferroptosis has garnered significant attention. Lipid metabolism, particularly involving GPX4 and System Xc- plays a significant role in both the progression of ferroptosis and cancer. There is a need to investigate the intricate interplay between anastasis, ferroptosis, and chemoresistance to better understand cancer therapy clinical outcomes. Integrating anastasis, and ferroptosis into strategies targeting chemoresistance and exploring its potential synergy with immunotherapy represent promising avenues for advancing chemoresistant cancer treatment. Understanding the intricate interplay among mitochondria, anastasis, ROS, and ferroptosis is vital in oncology, potentially revolutionizing personalized cancer treatment and drug development.
Clinical use and applications of a citrate-based antiseptic lavage for the prevention and treatment of PJI
Authors: Valdés Daniel Alejandro , Minter Jon E.
Published: July 2024

Total joint arthroplasties (TJA) are some of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States with the number of TJA expected to rise significantly over the next decade as the population ages and arthritic burden worsens. However, the rise in TJA volume correlates with a heightened risk of complications, notably prosthetic joint infections (PJI), despite their low occurrence rate of less than 2%. PJI imposes a significant burden on surgery success, patient well-being, and healthcare costs, with an estimated annual expense of 1.85 billion dollars for hip and knee PJI by 2030. This manuscript delves into the pathophysiology of PJI, exploring our current understanding of the role of bacterial biofilm formation on implanted foreign hardware, providing protection against the host immune system and antibiotics. The article reviews current agents and their efficacy in treating PJI, as well as their cytotoxicity toward native cells involved in wound healing, prompting the exploration of a novel citrate-based solution. The paper highlights the superior properties and efficacy of a novel citrate-based irrigation solution on the treatment and prevention of PJI via increased antimicrobial properties, greater biofilm disruption, increased exposure time, and reduced cytotoxicity compared to conventional solutions, positioning it as a promising alternative. It also provides a perspective on its clinical use in the operating theater, with a step-by-step approach in TJA, whether primary or revisionary.
The efficacy and safety of Dachaihu decoction in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mou Zhiqing , Gong Tao , Wu Yanzuo , Liu Jun , Yu Jianhua , Mao Lichan
Published: July 2024

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), also known as metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), is a common liver condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver which is not caused by alcohol. The main causes of NAFLD are obesity and insulin resistance. Dachaihu decoction (DCHD), a classic formula in traditional Chinese medicine, has been proved to treat NAFLD by targeting different aspects of pathogenesis and is being progressively used in the treatment of NAFLD. DCHD is commonly applied in a modified form to treat the NAFLD. In light of this, it is imperative to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and safety of DCHD in the management of NAFLD. There is a need for a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and safety of modified DCHD in treating NAFLD.

Objective

The objective of this meta-analysis was to systematically assess the clinical effectiveness and safety of DCHD in treating NAFLD.

Methods

This meta-analysis adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Including seven databases, both Chinese and English databases were searched for relevant studies. The quality of included studies was carefully assessed using the bias risk assessment tool in the Cochrane Handbook. Eligible articles were the source of extracted data which was meta-analyzed by using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 17.0.

Results

A total of 10 studies containing 825 patients were included. Compared with conventional treatments, combined treatment could clearly improve the liver function of NAFLD patients, which could reduce the levels of ALT (MD = −7.69 U/L, 95% CI: −11.88 to −3.51, p < 0.001), AST (MD = −9.58 U/L, 95% CI: −12.84 to −6.33, p < 0.01), and it also had a certain impact on regulating lipid metabolism, which could reduce the levels of TC (MD = −0.85 mmol/L, 95% CI: −1.22 to 0.48, p < 0.01), TG (MD = −0.45 mmol/L, 95% CI: −0.64 to 0.21, p < 0.01). Adverse event showed that DCHD was relatively safe. Due to the inclusion of less than 10 trials in each group, it was not possible to conduct a thorough analysis of publication bias.

Conclusion

According to the meta-analysis, in the treatment of the NAFLD, it is clear that the combination of DCHD was advantages over conventional treatment alone in improving liver function, regulating lipid metabolism. Additionally, DCHD demonstrates a relatively safe profile. Nevertheless, due to limitations in the quality and quantity of the studies incorporated, the effectiveness and safety of DCHD remain inconclusive. Consequently, further high-quality research is imperative to furnish more substantial evidence supporting the widespread clinical application of DCHD.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023397353, CRD42023397353.
QcrC is a potential target for antibody therapy and vaccination to control Campylobacter jejuni infection by suppressing its energy metabolism
Authors: Hosomi Koji , Hatanaka Noritoshi , Hinenoya Atsushi , Adachi Jun , Tojima Yoko , Furuta Mari , Uchiyama Keita , Morita Makiko , Nagatake Takahiro , Saika Azusa , Kawai Soichiro , Yoshii Ken , Kondo Saki , Yamasaki Shinji , Kunisawa Jun
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Campylobacter spp. are a public health concern, yet there is still no effective vaccine or medicine available.

Methods

Here, we developed a Campylobacter jejuni-specific antibody and found that it targeted a menaquinol cytochrome c reductase complex QcrC.

Results

The antibody was specifically reactive to multiple C. jejuni strains including clinical isolates from patients with acute enteritis and was found to inhibit the energy metabolism and growth of C. jejuni. Different culture conditions produced different expression levels of QcrC in C. jejuni, and these levels were closely related not only to the energy metabolism of C. jejuni but also its pathogenicity. Furthermore, immunization of mice with recombinant QcrC induced protective immunity against C. jejuni infection.

Discussion

Taken together, our present findings highlight a possible antibody- or vaccination-based strategy to prevent or control Campylobacter infection by targeting the QcrC-mediated metabolic pathway.
The precise function of alphaherpesvirus tegument proteins and their interactions during the viral life cycle
Authors: Cui Yuxi , Wang Mingshu , Cheng Anchun , Zhang Wei , Yang Qiao , Tian Bin , Ou Xumin , Huang Juan , Wu Ying , Zhang Shaqiu , Sun Di , He Yu , Zhao Xinxin , Wu Zhen , Zhu Dekang , Jia Renyong , Chen Shun , Liu Mafeng
Published: July 2024

Alphaherpesvirus is a widespread pathogen that causes diverse diseases in humans and animals and can severely damage host health. Alphaherpesvirus particles comprise a DNA core, capsid, tegument and envelope; the tegument is located between the nuclear capsid and envelope. According to biochemical and proteomic analyses of alphaherpesvirus particles, the tegument contains at least 24 viral proteins and plays an important role in the alphaherpesvirus life cycle. This article reviews the important role of tegument proteins and their interactions during the viral life cycle to provide a reference and inspiration for understanding alphaherpesvirus infection pathogenesis and identifying new antiviral strategies.
A systematic review of the epidemiology of pediatric autoimmune encephalitis: disease burden and clinical decision-making
Authors: Santoro Jonathan D. , Demakakos Panayotes , He Shiying , Kumar Swati , Murton Molly , Tennigkeit Frank , Hemingway Cheryl
Published: July 2024

Background

Autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) comprises a group of rare, immune system-mediated conditions. Clinical manifestations among children are not well-characterized, and there are challenges in testing and diagnosis. This can result in treatment delays, which has been found to correlate with poorer long-term outcomes. This challenge is exacerbated by the scarcity of epidemiological reporting of AIE. The objective of this systematic literature review (SLR) was to identify studies reporting epidemiological data on AIE in children.

Methods

MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the University of York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) were searched in May 2023 for studies reporting on the epidemiology of AIE in children. These were supplemented with additional searches of conference proceedings, gray literature, and the reference lists of identified SLRs. Quality of studies was assessed using a modified version of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Checklist for Prevalence Studies.

Results

Forty-three publications reporting on 41 unique studies were included. Nine studies reported incidence estimates of different subtypes of AIE, with only one reporting the incidence of overall AIE in children ≤ 18 years, estimated at 1.54 per million children per year in the Netherlands. Three studies reported the incidence of pediatric N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-AIE [in United Kingdom (UK), Hong Kong, and Denmark]. The other studies reported incidence data for selected populations.

Conclusion

This SLR highlights a paucity of epidemiology data for AIE in children, which is likely reflective of difficulties in testing and diagnosis. There is a clear need for further research and awareness of these challenges in clinical practice to avoid treatment delays and improve patient outcomes. A deeper understanding of the epidemiology of AIE will help determine the worldwide burden of disease and inform research, health policies and clinical decision-making.
Oxytocin receptors in the nucleus accumbens shell are necessary for the onset of maternal behavior
Authors: Witchey Shannah , Haupt Alexandra , Caldwell Heather K.
Published: July 2024

In rodents, oxytocin (Oxt) contributes to the onset of maternal care by shifting the perception of pups from aversive to attractive. Both Oxt receptor knockout (Oxtr −/−) and forebrain-specific Oxtr knockout (FB/FB) dams abandon their first litters, likely due to a failure of the brain to ‘switch’ to a more maternal state. Whether this behavioral shift is neurochemically similar in virgin females, who can display maternal behaviors when repeatedly exposed to pups, or what neuroanatomical substrate is critical for the onset of maternal care remains unknown. To understand similarities and differences in Oxtr signaling in virgin pup-sensitized Oxtr FB/FB as opposed to post-parturient Oxtr −/− and Oxtr FB/FB dams, maternal behavior (pup-sensitized females only) and immediate early gene activation were assessed. Pup-sensitized Oxtr FB/FB females retrieved pups faster on day one of testing and had reduced c-Fos expression in the dorsal lateral septum as compared to virgin pup-sensitized Oxtr +/+ females. This differs from what was observed in post-parturient Oxtr −/− and Oxtr FB/FB dams, where increased c-Fos expression was observed in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) shell. Based on these data, we then disrupted Oxtr signaling in the NAcc shell or the posterior paraventricular thalamus (pPVT) (control region) of female Oxtr floxed mice using a Cre recombinase expressing adeno-associated virus. Knockout of the Oxtr only in the NAcc shell prevented the onset of maternal care post-parturient females. Our data suggest that a pup-sensitized brain may differ from a post-parturient brain and that Oxtr signaling in the NAcc shell is critical to the onset of maternal behavior.
Virtual screening, molecular docking, MD simulation studies, DFT calculations, ADMET, and drug likeness of Diaza-adamantane as potential MAPKERK inhibitors
Authors: Gheidari Davood , Mehrdad Morteza , Hoseini Foroozan
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that destroys the protective coating of central nervous system (CNS) nerve fibers and affects over 2.8 million people worldwide. Despite several studies on new therapeutic targets and lead compounds, MS disease has limited treatment options. This condition may be caused by a complicated interaction of environmental and genetic variables. Studies showed that MS-associated microglial cells’ increased MAPKERK activity may cause CNS inflammation and oligodendrocyte damage. Thus, screening for lead compounds that inhibit MAPKERK may protect brain cells and slow disease progression.

Methods: The study aims to discover compounds that may inhibit MAPKERK as a novel approach for protecting the nervous system in managing MS. The study includes in silico methods, such as virtual screening, molecular docking, Density-functional theory (DFT) investigations (using the B3LYP/6–31++G(d,p) basis set in a gas phase environment), drug likeness scores, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations.

Results and Discussion:During the docking process with the MAPKERK protein, it was shown that the ligand L12 receptor had the best binding affinity, with a docking score of -6.18 kcal/mol. To investigate the stability of the binding, a 100 ns MD simulation was performed on the complex formed by the MAPKERK protein and L12. The receptor-ligand combination exhibited significant stability throughout the duration of the MD simulation. Additionally, the pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness properties of these ligands suggest that they have the potential to be considered viable candidates for future development in MS management.
Effect of blood flow restriction training on health promotion in middle-aged and elderly women: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Mengyun , Li Jian , Zhao Jinzhen , Pan Xianqi , Wang Mengyu , Han Qi
Published: July 2024

Background: Physical activities play an important role in alleviating the aging problem and improving the physical fitness of middle-aged and elderly people. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training, also known as pressure training, has been widely used to improve athletes’ performance and rehabilitation, which is a relatively novel exercise method for improving the physical fitness of middle-aged and elderly people. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of domestic and foreign randomized controlled trial studies on BFR training for middle-aged and elderly women, further explore the impact of BFR training on health status.

Methods: Meta-analysis was performed according to PRISMA standards, and charts were drawn using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 17 software. In this study, the keywords such as “pressure training”, “blood restriction training”, “elderly women”, “KAATSU”, “blood flow restriction training” were used on CNKI, China Science and Technology Journal Database, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EBSCO, Scopus, and randomized controlled trials were searched in all languages. The search was performed from the establishment of database to 2 January 2024. The results of the combined effect were represented by standard mean differences.

Results: Among the 681 literature retrieved, six eligible English articles were included in this meta-analysis. The overall effect test of the combined effect was performed on 10 groups of data, and the results were SMD = −0.18 (95%CI: −0.91 to 0.56; p > 0.05), the maximum dynamic force of 1RM SMD = 0.97 (95%CI: 0.35 to 1.58; p < 0.05), leg compression force SMD = −0.10 (95%CI: −0.78 to 0.57; p > 0.05), heart rate SMD = 0.33 (95%CI: −2.50 to 3.17; p > 0.05), systolic blood pressure (SBP) SMD = −1.44 (95%CI: −2.17 to −0.70; p < 0.05), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) SMD = −0.69 (95%CI: 2.54 to 1.15; p > 0.05).

Conclusion: BFR training had a significant effect on the increase of the maximum dynamic force of 1RM and decrease of blood pressure in middle-aged and elderly women, but there was no significant difference found in heart rate and leg compression force.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024491642.
Systems-level computational modeling in ischemic stroke: from cells to patients
Authors: Li Geli , Zhao Yanyong , Ma Wen , Gao Yuan , Zhao Chen
Published: July 2024

Ischemic stroke, a significant threat to human life and health, refers to a class of conditions where brain tissue damage is induced following decreased cerebral blood flow. The incidence of ischemic stroke has been steadily increasing globally, and its disease mechanisms are highly complex and involve a multitude of biological mechanisms at various scales from genes all the way to the human body system that can affect the stroke onset, progression, treatment, and prognosis. To complement conventional experimental research methods, computational systems biology modeling can integrate and describe the pathogenic mechanisms of ischemic stroke across multiple biological scales and help identify emergent modulatory principles that drive disease progression and recovery. In addition, by running virtual experiments and trials in computers, these models can efficiently predict and evaluate outcomes of different treatment methods and thereby assist clinical decision-making. In this review, we summarize the current research and application of systems-level computational modeling in the field of ischemic stroke from the multiscale mechanism-based, physics-based and omics-based perspectives and discuss how modeling-driven research frameworks can deliver insights for future stroke research and drug development.
Epigenetic insights into an epimutant colorless non-ripening: from fruit ripening to stress responses
Authors: Zhu Huihui , Yang Jian Li , Chen Weiwei
Published: July 2024

The epigenetic machinery has received extensive attention due to its involvement in plant growth, development, and adaptation to environmental changes. Recent studies often highlight the epigenetic regulatory network by discussing various epigenetic mutants across various plant species. However, a systemic understanding of essential epigenetic regulatory mechanisms remains limited due to a lack of representative mutants involved in multiple biological processes. Colorless Non-ripening (Cnr), a spontaneous epimutant isolated from a commercial population, was initially characterized for its role in fruit ripening regulation. Cnr fruits exhibit an immature phenotype with yellow skin, attributed to hypermethylation of the SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE-CNR (SlSPL-CNR) promoter, resulting in the repression of gene expression. In addition to DNA methylation, this process also involves histone modification and microRNA, integrating multiple epigenetic regulatory factors. Interestingly, knockout mutants of SlSPL-CNR display phenotypical distinctions from Cnr in fruit ripening, indicating complex genetic and epigenetic control over the non-ripening phenotype in Cnr fruits. Accumulating evidence suggests that Cnr epimutation is pleiotropic, participating in various biological processes such as Cd stress, Fe deficiency, vivipary, and cell death. Therefore, the Cnr epimutant serve as an excellent model for unveiling how epigenetic mechanisms are involved in diverse biological processes. This review paper focuses on recent research advances regarding the Cnr epimutant, delving into its complex genetic and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms, with the aim of enhancing our understanding and facilitating the development of high-quality, high-yield crops through epigenetic modification.
Perspective on solving the problem of declining interest in physical activity in Poland
Authors: Piepiora Paweł Adam , Bagińska Justyna , Piepiora Zbigniew Norbert
Published: July 2024

One of the leading areas of Polish research addressed in the physical culture sciences, is the declining interest in physical activity. The likely reason for this situation may be the inadequate communication of physical culture to today's generations: BB (baby boomers), X (great unknowns), Y (millennials), Z (snowflakes), Alpha (digital). Therefore, the aim of this article is to address the problem of declining interest in physical activity in Poland by identifying the appropriate approach of teachers, trainers and instructors to today's generations. The specifics of BB, X, Y, Z and Alpha generations are described and their expectations regarding physical activity are indicated. It was concluded that activating these social groups should be done by prompting topics that are important to them. Thus, BB value organizational stability, X need to see the purposefulness and attractiveness of the activities, Y equate physical activity with personal development, Z only take up useful forms of activities, and finally Alpha like smart technology-assisted activities.
Identification of Two Linear Epitopes on MGF_110-13L Protein of African Swine Fever Virus with Monoclonal Antibodies
Authors: Zhang Shu-Jian , Niu Bei , Liu Shi-Meng , Zhu Yuan-Mao , Zhao Dong-Ming , Bu Zhi-Gao , Hua Rong-Hong
Published: July 2024

African swine fever caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV) is an acute, highly contagious swine disease with high mortality. To facilitate effective vaccine development and find more serodiagnostic targets, fully exploring the ASFV antigenic proteins is urgently needed. In this study, the MGF_110-13L was identified as an immunodominant antigen among the seven transmembrane proteins. The main outer-membrane domain of MGF_110-13L was expressed and purified. Two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs; 8C3, and 10E4) against MGF_110-13L were generated. The epitopes of two mAbs were preliminary mapped with the peptide fusion proteins after probing with mAbs by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. And the two target epitopes were fine-mapped using further truncated peptide fusion protein strategy. Finally, the core sequences of mAbs 8C3 and 10E4 were identified as 48WDCQDGICKNKITESRFIDS67, and 122GDHQQLSIKQ131, respectively. The peptides of epitopes were synthesized and probed with ASFV antibody positive pig sera by a dot blot assay, and the results showed that epitope 10E4 was an antigenic epitope. The epitope 10E4 peptide was further evaluated as a potential antigen for detecting ASFV antibodies. To our knowledge, this is the first report of antigenic epitope information on the antigenic MGF_110-13L protein of ASFV.
Effect of Stocking Density during CO2 Stunning of Pigs on Induction Time and Activity Level Measured Using AI
Authors: Bonnichsen Rikke , Hansen Claus , Søndergaard Jon Raunkjær , Schrøder-Petersen Dorte Lene
Published: July 2024

During the CO2 stunning of pigs, a variation in their reaction to the gas and the duration of the induction period is observed. The stunning process can be affected by several conditions, such as stressful events and previous experiences, but the stocking density in the gondola may also have an impact. The objective was to investigate the effect of stocking density on the stunning process under commercial conditions. To quantify the pigs’ reactions under industrial settings with a stocking density of up to eight pigs pr. Gondola (3.91 m2), the activity level was measured using an AI solution. Compared with a simulation of the expected induction period, a significantly longer induction period was found in gondolas containing seven and eight pigs (p < 0.001) but not when the gondolas contained three or four pigs. Both high and mean activity levels were significantly higher when stocking density was increased from three or four pigs to seven or eight pigs. The stunning process was thus negatively affected when increasing the stocking density. More knowledge is needed to explain this effect and to make statements on optimal stocking density. The measured activity levels may be a useful tool for obtaining information under commercial conditions and for documenting animal welfare.
Classification of Behaviour in Conventional and Slow-Growing Strains of Broiler Chickens Using Tri-Axial Accelerometers
Authors: Pearce Justine , Chang Yu-Mei , Xia Dong , Abeyesinghe Siobhan
Published: July 2024

Behavioural states such as walking, sitting and standing are important in indicating welfare, including lameness in broiler chickens. However, manual behavioural observations of individuals are often limited by time constraints and small sample sizes. Three-dimensional accelerometers have the potential to collect information on animal behaviour. We applied a random forest algorithm to process accelerometer data from broiler chickens. Data from three broiler strains at a range of ages (from 25 to 49 days old) were used to train and test the algorithm, and unlike other studies, the algorithm was further tested on an unseen broiler strain. When tested on unseen birds from the three training broiler strains, the random forest model classified behaviours with very good accuracy (92%) and specificity (94%) and good sensitivity (88%) and precision (88%). With the new, unseen strain, the model classified behaviours with very good accuracy (94%), sensitivity (91%), specificity (96%) and precision (91%). We therefore successfully used a random forest model to automatically detect three broiler behaviours across four different strains and different ages using accelerometers. These findings demonstrated that accelerometers can be used to automatically record behaviours to supplement biomechanical and behavioural research and support in the reduction principle of the 3Rs.