bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation on the application of conjugate materials in the sound effect and stage effect of modern dance
Authors: Jia Di
Published: October 2023

The emergence and application of conjugate materials provide a broader space for the performance of sound and presentation effects on the modern music stage. This article compared and analyzed the application of conjugated materials and traditional methods in modern dance sound effects and stage presentation effects through experiments, found that the application of conjugated materials on modern stages had the effect of enhancing visual effects. Its overall reflectivity, color saturation, brightness, transparency, etc. remain in the range of 78%–97%, which is better than traditional methods. In addition, the use of conjugated materials can also improve auditory performance, have greater penetration and durability, and reduce the impact of external noise; in terms of audience experience and dancer experience, the average proportions also reached 87.8893% and 89.3867% respectively. In addition, it also has high temperature resistance and antibacterial effects, with a maximum temperature resistance value of 314.28°C and an antibacterial effect of 95.86%, indicating that it can still maintain stability under high temperature conditions and has a good inhibitory effect on the proliferation of bacteria and viruses. These findings will lay the foundation for further expanding the application of conjugated materials on the modern dance stage.
Bacterial contamination of medical face mask wearing duration and the optimal wearing time
Authors: Ding Guotao , Li Guiying , Liu Mengyu , Sun Peng , Ren Danqi , Zhao Yan , Gao Teng , Yang Guoxing , Fang Yanfei , Li Weihao
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Bacterial contamination is a critical parameter for how long a medical mask will be worn.

Methods

In this study, we used the pour plate method to observe the total bacteria counts in used medical face masks. The bacterial community analysis was detected using bio-Mass spectrometry technology and 16SrRNA gene sequencing technology. The wearing time of the mask from 0.5 hours to 5 hours were studied.

Results

These results shown that the total number of bacteria on the inside surface of the mask were higher than the outside. The total number of bacteria on the inner surface of masks worn for 0.5 h, 1 h 2 h, 4 h and 5 h was 69 CFU/m2,91.3 CFU/m2, 159.6 CFU/m2, 219 CFU/m2, and 879 CFU/m2, respectively. The total number of bacteria on the outside surface of masks worn for 0.5 h, 1 h 2 h, 4 h and 5 h was 60 CFU/m2, 82.7 CFU/m2, 119.8 CFU/m2, 200 CFU/m2, and 498 CFU/m2, respectively. The bacterial abundance obtained from bio-Mass spectrometry were consistent with the results of 16SrRNA sequencing. Both the methods discovered the maximum number of Neisseria followed by Corynebacterium species in mask worn 5 hours. The top 100 bacteria isolated from inside and outside surface of mask belong to 11 phyla.

Conclusions

We analyzed bacterial penetration efficiency of the bacteria that were detected both on the inside and outside surface of the masks. In the top 10 bacteria, no bacteria were detected both inside and outside the mask worn for four hours, while 6 bacteria species were detected on the inside and outside of the mask after wearing for five hours. Bacterial penetration rates ranged from 0.74% to 99.66% for masks worn continuously for five hours, and the penetration rate of four strains exceeded 10% in the top 10 colonies. We recommend timely replacement of masks worn for more than four hours.
The rise and fall of tobacco smoking and associated rise and fall of coronary atherosclerosis the lethal role of tobacco
Authors: Lawson James S.
Published: October 2023

In this review two new hypotheses are explored, one, that the decline in coronary heart disease is mainly due to a dramatic decline in the prevalence of underlying atherosclerosis and two, that tobacco smoking has been a much greater influence on atherosclerosis than previously estimated. The major outcome of coronary atherosclerosis is myocardial infarction. Between 1900 and 1960 the prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis dramatically rose in young male soldiers. Between 1960 and 2010 the prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis in young US soldiers equally dramatically fell. Understanding the reasons for this rise and fall offers important insights into the causes of atherosclerosis. In 1960 over 50% of US military personnel were tobacco smokers but by 1988 the rate had reduced to 30%. The increased prevalence of coronary atherosclerosis in young soldiers between 1900 and 1960 was mainly due to increased tobacco smoking. An additional influence was an increase in food and sugar consumption. The fall in atherosclerosis between 1960 and 2010 was probably due to a reduction in tobacco smoking and to a lesser extent, control of hypertension and lowering of high serum total cholesterol. In Western populations up to two thirds of the fall in deaths due to myocardial infarction has been shown to be due to declines in the incidence of heart attacks. Based on the data included in this review it is arguable that the main reason for the fall in the incidence of heart attacks is the fall in the prevalence of underlying coronary atherosclerosis. The adverse influences of tobacco have been well documented. However the enormity of these adverse influences has not been recognised. Over 50% of men continue to smoke tobacco in China, Indonesia, Russia and middle eastern countries. Based on the experience of Western countries over half of these men will die of smoking related conditions.
Proteomic changes to immune and inflammatory processes underlie lung preservation using ex vivo cytokine adsorption
Authors: Niroomand Anna , Hirdman Gabriel , Pierre Leif , Ghaidan Haider , Kjellström Sven , Stenlo Martin , Hyllén Snejana , Olm Franziska , Lindstedt Sandra
Published: October 2023

Introduction

In recent years, the field of graft preservation has made considerable strides in improving outcomes related to solid organ restoration and regeneration. Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) in line with the related devices and treatments has yielded promising results within preclinical and clinical studies, with the potential to improve graft quality. Its main benefit is to render marginal and declined donor lungs suitable for transplantation, ultimately increasing the donor pool available for transplantation. In addition, using such therapies in machine perfusion could also increase preservation time, facilitating logistical planning. Cytokine adsorption has been demonstrated as a potentially safe and effective therapy when applied to the EVLP circuit and post-transplantation. However, the mechanism by which this therapy improves the donor lung on a molecular basis is not yet fully understood.

Methods

We hypothesized that there were characteristic inflammatory and immunomodulatory differences between the lungs treated with and without cytokine adsorption, reflecting proteomic changes in the gene ontology pathways and across inflammation-related proteins. In this study, we investigate the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways of how cytokine adsorption impacts lung function when used during EVLP and post-transplantation as hemoperfusion in a porcine model. Lung tissues during EVLP and post-lung transplantation were analyzed for their proteomic profiles using mass spectrometry.

Results

We found through gene set enrichment analysis that the inflammatory and immune processes and coagulation pathways were significantly affected by the cytokine treatment after EVLP and transplantation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we showed that the molecular mechanisms are using a proteomic approach behind the previously reported effects of cytokine adsorption when compared to the non-treated transplant recipients undergoing EVLP.
Paths 2 play: teacher’s play facilitation in Colombia
Authors: Nores Milagros , Maldonado-Carreño Carolina , Sánchez M. Juliana , Escallón Eduardo , Frede Ellen
Published: October 2023

Introduction

The quality of early childhood programs is essential for improving outcomes for children, and play-based practices are a vital component. However, the field is still trying to understand the role of teachers in facilitating play and their beliefs and practices related to play, as well as how to best support these practices.

Methods

Data was collected remotely between June and December 2021 using surveys from 55 teachers and video observations and interviews with directors, teachers, and parents at two aeioTU centers in Cartagena, Colombia. The study aimed to comprehend teachers’ understanding and practices of learning through play within a Reggio Emilia inspired program and its professional development supports.

Results

The study found that trainers, teachers, and parents generally viewed learning through play as a joyful, engaging, and socially interactive activity with a natural component. However, the study identified a misalignment between the sophisticated language on play used by trainers and teachers and the examples they provided for learning through play. Additionally, the study revealed a gap between the aeioTU curriculum’s comprehensive conceptualization of play and how teachers practice and self-report learning through play in their classrooms. The COVID-19 pandemic and limited policy definitions of play may have contributed to these findings.

Discussion

The study recommends that professional development programs focus on building teachers’ knowledge of play facilitation, helping them develop a nuanced understanding of play and its full spectrum and how it maps to their role in classrooms, and tracking the connection between playful experiences and children’s learning.
Plasma IGFBP-2 levels reveal heterogeneity in hepatic fat content in adults with excess visceral adiposity
Authors: Rauzier Chloé , Chartrand Dominic J. , Alméras Natalie , Lemieux Isabelle , Larose Eric , Mathieu Patrick , Pibarot Philippe , Lamarche Benoît , Rhéaume Caroline , Poirier Paul , Després Jean-Pierre , Picard Frédéric
Published: October 2023

Lay summary

Obesity is frequently accompanied by a fatty liver. However, some individuals with high abdominal fat levels nevertheless have low levels of liver fat. Reasons for such discordant phenotypes are unclear. In this paper, we report that among asymptomatic individuals with high levels of visceral fat, low concentrations of IGFBP-2 in the circulation were associated with significantly higher hepatic fat content compared to those with high IGFBP-2 levels. We conclude that quantification of plasma IGFBP-2 concentrations may be useful to identify the early risk for liver fat accumulation in apparently healthy individuals without cardiovascular symptoms.

Aim/hypothesis

Although excess visceral adiposity (VAT) is generally associated with increased liver fat (LF), recent evidence has revealed heterogeneity in LF content among adults with visceral obesity, potentially contributing to specific differences in cardiometabolic outcomes. Reasons for such discordant VAT-LF phenotypes are largely unknown. The present study aimed at assessing whether circulating levels of insulin growth-factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) could be a useful biomarker in the identification of heterogenous and discordant VAT-LF phenotypes.

Methods

A sample of 308 middle-aged Caucasian apparently healthy men and women without cardiovascular symptoms were studied for the present cross-sectional analyses. Fasting plasma glucose and lipid levels were assessed and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Hepatic fat fraction (HFF) was measured using magnetic resonance spectroscopy whereas VAT was assessed by magnetic resonance imaging. Plasma IGFBP-2 levels were quantified by ELISA. Participants were then classified on the basis of median VAT (81 mL) and IGFBP-2 levels (233 ng/mL).

Results

Individuals with high levels of VAT were characterized by higher waist circumference, lower insulin sensitivity, as well as by higher plasma triglyceride and lower HDL-cholesterol levels. Plasma IGFBP-2 levels were inversely correlated with HFF (r = -0.39, p < 0.0001). Among men and women with high levels of VAT, those with low levels of IGFBP-2 had significantly higher HFF (7.5 ± 0.7%), compared to participants with high IGFBP-2 concentrations (3.2 ± 0.5%, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

In the presence of excess VAT, high IGFBP-2 concentrations are associated with low levels of LF. Although additional studies will be necessary to establish causality and further clarify the clinical implications of these observations, these findings are concordant with a novel function of IGFBP-2 in modulating susceptibility to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the presence of visceral obesity.
Coastal vegetation responses to large dam removal on the Elwha River
Authors: Perry Laura G. , Shafroth Patrick B. , Alfieri Samuel J. , Miller Ian M.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Large dam removals provide a restoration opportunity for shrinking coastal wetland habitats. Dam removal can increase sediment delivery to sediment-starved river deltas and estuaries by restoring natural sediment transport and mobilizing reservoir-impounded sediment. However, rapid mobilization of massive quantities of sediment stored behind large dams also constitutes a major ecological perturbation. Information is lacking on coastal habitat responses to sediment pulses of this magnitude.

Methods

Removal of two large dams along the Elwha River (Washington, USA) in 2011–2014 released ~20.5 Mt of impounded sediment, ~5.4 Mt of which were deposited in the delta and estuary (hereafter, delta). We used time series of aerial imagery, digital elevation models, and vegetation field sampling to examine plant community responses to this sediment pulse across seven years during and after dam removal.

Results

Between 2011 and 2018, the Elwha River delta increased by ~26.8 ha. Vegetation colonized ~16.4 ha of new surfaces, with mixed pioneer vegetation on supratidal beach, river bars, and river mouth bars and emergent marsh vegetation in intertidal aquatic habitats. Colonization occurred on surfaces that were higher and more stable in elevation and farther from the shoreline. Compared to established delta plant communities, vegetation on new surfaces had lower cover of dominant species and functional groups, with very low woody cover, and lower graminoid cover than dunegrass and emergent marsh communities. Over time following surface stabilization, however, vegetation on new surfaces increased in species richness, cover, and similarity to established communities. By 2018, ~1.0 ha of vegetation on new surfaces had developed into dunegrass or willow–alder communities and ~5.9 ha had developed into emergent marsh. At the same time, dam removal had few discernible effects on established delta plant communities.

Discussion

Together, these results suggest that rapid sediment mobilization during large dam removal has potential to expand coastal wetland habitat without negatively affecting established plant communities. However, as sediment loads declined in 2016–2018, new delta surfaces decreased by ~4.5 ha, and ~1.6 ha of new vegetation reverted to no vegetation. Long-term persistence of the expanded coastal habitat will depend on ongoing erosional and depositional processes under the restored natural sediment regime.
Role of peroral cholangioscopy and pancreatoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of biliary and pancreatic disease: past, present, and future
Authors: Gopakumar Harishankar , Sharma Neil R.
Published: October 2023

Peroral cholangiopancreatoscopy was described as early as the 1950s. However, the small caliber of these ducts and the technological limitations in developing slender, maneuverable, high-definition scopes posed a challenge. Peroral cholangiopancreatoscopy has now rapidly evolved. What began as dual-operator mother–daughter cholangioscopy systems that were fragile and difficult to use are now single-operator systems. The development of high-definition video cholangioscopes, along with improved flexibility and accessory technologies in recent years, has permitted single-operator, high-quality endoluminal examination and therapies of the biliary and pancreatic ducts. It is now an indispensable tool in the comprehensive diagnosis and definitive management of complex biliary and pancreatic conditions, such as indeterminate biliary strictures and difficult-to-remove biliary and pancreatic stones. With the enhanced imaging capabilities and refined maneuverability of the latest generation of cholangioscopes, the role of cholangiopancreatoscopy is expanding, with applications in advanced gall bladder drainage, accurate determination of tumor stage, cholangioscopy-directed tumor ablation, and selective biliary cannulation. In this review, we detail the evolution of this technology, the various approaches to peroral cholangiopancreatoscopy, and its established and emerging diagnostic and therapeutic indications. Furthermore, we discuss the current limitations and potential future applications of cholangioscopy and pancreatoscopy in managing various biliary and pancreatic pathologies.
Successful surgical closure and continence rate of obstetric fistula in Africa: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kumsa Henok , Mislu Esuyawkal , Arage Mulugeta Wedaje , Abera Atitegeb , Hailu Tilahun , Tenaw Lebeza Alemu
Published: October 2023

Background

A female genital fistula is an abnormal connection between a woman's reproductive tract and her urinary tract or rectum. While numerous studies have aimed to determine the success rate of obstetric fistula closure in different health settings, there remains a significant scarcity of data on closure success rates and incontinence rates for various types of fistulas at the regional and sub-regional levels. The success rate reflects the continent's healthcare setup in regard to the World Health Organization standards. Thus, this study aims to determine the success of surgical closure and the continence rate of obstetric fistula in Africa.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis review includes studies conducted up to February 2023. Search engines like EMBBASE, Medline, Google, PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and ScienceDirect databases were utilized to find articles. The Joanna Briggs Institute critical evaluation checklist was used to evaluate the quality of our review, which was conducted in accordance with PRISMA criteria. Heterogeneity was indicated by a p-value for I2 statistics of less than 0.05. Publication bias was assessed using the Egger regression asymmetry test. Data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analyzed using STATA 16.

Result

This review includes 85 studies. A total of 24 countries from East, West, Central, North, and Southern African sub-regions were included. The overall pooled estimated rate of successful obstetric fistula closure is 86.15 (95% CI: 83.88–88.42). Moreover, the pooled estimated rate of successfully closed vesico-vaginal fistulas but with ongoing or residual incontinence (wet) was revealed as 13.41% (95% CI: 11.15–15.68). The pooled estimated rate of successfully closed rectovaginal fistulas and combined VVF and RVF are 91.06% (95% CI: 86.08–96.03) and 62.21% (95% CI: 48.94–75.49), respectively.

Conclusions

The rate of successful obstetric fistula closure in Africa is 86.15, which is higher than the WHO target. However, the surgical closure rate of a combined VVF and RVF is 62.2%, which is significantly lower than the WHO target.
Screening tumor stage-specific candidate neoantigens in thyroid adenocarcinoma using integrated exome and transcriptome sequencing
Authors: Jia Meng , Liang Jiawen , Li Zhuyao , Qin Ye , Li Qianqian , Wang Jianwei , Lu Xiubo
Published: October 2023

Background

The incidence of thyroid carcinoma (THCA), the most common endocrine tumor, is continuously increasing worldwide. Although the overall prognosis of THCA is good, patients with distant metastases exhibit a mortality rate of 5-20%.

Methods

To improve the diagnosis and overall prognosis of patients with thyroid cancer, we screened specific candidate neoantigen genes in early- and late-stage THCA by analyzing the transcriptome and somatic cell mutations in this study.

Results

The top five early-stage neoantigen-related genes (NRGs) were G protein-coupled receptor 4 [GPR4], chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 [CSPG4], teneurin transmembrane protein 1 [TENM1], protein S 1 [PROS1], and thymidine kinase 1 [TK1], whereas the top five late-stage NRGs were cadherin 6 [CDH6], semaphorin 6B [SEMA6B], dysferlin [DYSF], xenotropic and polytropic retrovirus receptor 1 [XPR1], and ABR activator of RhoGEF and GTPase [ABR]. Subsequently, we used machine learning models to verify their ability to screen NRGs and analyze the correlations among NRGs, immune cell types, and immune checkpoint regulators. The use of candidate antigen genes resulted in a better diagnostic model (the area under the curve [AUC] value of the early-stage group [0.979] was higher than that of the late-stage group [0.959]). Then, a prognostic model was constructed to predict NRG survival, and the 1-, 3- and 5-year AUC values were 0.83, 0.87, and 0.86, respectively, which were closely related to different immune cell types. Comparison of the expression trends and mutation frequencies of NRGs in multiple tumors revealed their potential for the development of broad spectrum therapeutic drugs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the candidate NRGs identified in this study could potentially be used as therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers for the development of novel broad spectrum therapeutic agents.
The yin and yang of B cells in a constant state of battle: intestinal inflammation and inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zogorean Roxana , Wirtz Stefan
Published: October 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, defined by a clinical relapse-remitting course. Affecting people worldwide, the origin of IBD is still undefined, arising as a consequence of the interaction between genes, environment, and microbiota. Although the root cause is difficult to identify, data clearly indicate that dysbiosis and pathogenic microbial taxa are connected with the establishment and clinical course of IBD. The composition of the microbiota is shaped by plasma cell IgA secretion and binding, while cytokines such as IL10 or IFN-γ are important fine-tuners of the immune response in the gastrointestinal environment. B cells may also influence the course of inflammation by promoting either an anti-inflammatory or a pro-inflammatory milieu. Here, we discuss IgA-producing B regulatory cells as an anti-inflammatory factor in intestinal inflammation. Moreover, we specify the context of IgA and IgG as players that can potentially participate in mucosal inflammation. Finally, we discuss the role of B cells in mouse infection models where IL10, IgA, or IgG contribute to the outcome of the infection.
Unconventional T cells in brain homeostasis, injury and neurodegeneration
Authors: Lv Mengfei , Zhang Zhaolong , Cui Yu
Published: October 2023

The interaction between peripheral immune cells and the brain is an important component of the neuroimmune axis. Unconventional T cells, which include natural killer T (NKT) cells, mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, γδ T cells, and other poorly defined subsets, are a special group of T lymphocytes that recognize a wide range of nonpolymorphic ligands and are the connection between adaptive and innate immunity. Recently, an increasing number of complex functions of these unconventional T cells in brain homeostasis and various brain disorders have been revealed. In this review, we describe the classification and effector function of unconventional T cells, review the evidence for the involvement of unconventional T cells in the regulation of brain homeostasis, summarize the roles and mechanisms of unconventional T cells in the regulation of brain injury and neurodegeneration, and discuss immunotherapeutic potential as well as future research goals. Insight of these processes can shed light on the regulation of T cell immunity on brain homeostasis and diseases and provide new clues for therapeutic approaches targeting brain injury and neurodegeneration.
Prediction of severe CRS and determination of biomarkers in B cell-acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated with CAR-T cells
Authors: Wei Zhenyu , Xu Jiayu , Zhao Chengkui , Zhang Min , Xu Nan , Kang Liqing , Lou Xiaoyan , Yu Lei , Feng Weixing
Published: October 2023

Introduction

CAR-T cell therapy is a novel approach in the treatment of hematological tumors. However, it is associated with life-threatening side effects, such as the severe cytokine release syndrome (sCRS). Therefore, predicting the occurrence and development of sCRS is of great significance for clinical CAR-T therapy. The study of existing clinical data by artificial intelligence may bring useful information.

Methods

By analyzing the heat map of clinical factors and comparing them between severe and non-severe CRS, we can identify significant differences among these factors and understand their interrelationships. Ultimately, a decision tree approach was employed to predict the timing of severe CRS in both children and adults, considering variables such as the same day, the day before, and initial values.

Results

We measured cytokines and clinical biomarkers in 202 patients who received CAR-T therapy. Peak levels of 25 clinical factors, including IFN-γ, IL6, IL10, ferritin, and D-dimer, were highly associated with severe CRS after CAR T cell infusion. Using the decision tree model, we were able to accurately predict which patients would develop severe CRS consisting of three clinical factors, classified as same-day, day-ahead, and initial value prediction. Changes in serum biomarkers, including C-reactive protein and ferritin, were associated with CRS, but did not alone predict the development of severe CRS.

Conclusion

Our research will provide significant information for the timely prevention and treatment of sCRS, during CAR-T immunotherapy for tumors, which is essential to reduce the mortality rate of patients.
A systematic review of deliberation research in marine and coastal case studies
Authors: Paramita Adiska Octa , Partelow Stefan , Fujitani Marie
Published: October 2023

Deliberation is an important concept in marine and coastal systems research because it is a key feature of many practical governance approaches such as participatory management, co-management, Integrated Coastal Zone Management, and Marine Spatial Planning. However, the research trends on deliberation have yet to be fully reviewed and evaluated to assess future opportunities and knowledge gaps in the field. In this article, we systematically review the literature to provide evidence on deliberation in marine and coastal governance systems. We review 187 case studies from peer-reviewed articles worldwide, guided by three areas of inquiry: (1) how deliberation is applied to frame the problem of the case studies, (2) methodologies used to evaluate and design deliberation processes, and (3) recommendations to increase the effectiveness of deliberation processes. Findings indicate there is uneven spatial distribution of studies between the global north and the global south. Most case studies used deliberation to develop recommendations related to participatory governance and most of the researchers actively participated to solve real-world problems by creating a deliberation process. In addition to that, recommendations from case studies indicate deliberation processes can provide a framework to enhance participatory governance/management and science-policy integration. Finally, we discuss the implications of the findings to guide continued research and practice engaged with deliberation activities. Our systematic review provides a foundational baseline for understanding the research trends on deliberation in marine and coastal governance systems. The findings of this review are relevant for future researchers and practitioners who consider deliberation as an essential element of participatory approaches in natural resource governance, especially in marine and coastal sectors.
Scientific knowledge gaps on the biology of non-fish marine species across European Seas
Authors: Abucay Luisa R. , Sorongon-Yap Patricia , Kesner-Reyes Kathleen , Capuli Emily C. , Reyes Rodolfo B. , Daskalaki Eva , Ferrà Carmen , Scarcella Giuseppe , Coro Gianpaolo , Ordines Francesc , Sánchez-Zulueta Paula , Dakalov Georgi , Klayn Stefania , Celie Liesa , Scotti Marco , Grémillet David , Lambert Charlotte , Gal Gideon , Palomares Maria Lourdes D. , Dimarchopoulou Donna , Tsikliras Athanassios C.
Published: October 2023

Available information and potential data gaps for non-fish marine organisms (cnidarians, crustaceans, echinoderms, molluscs, sponges, mammals, reptiles, and seabirds) covered by the global database SeaLifeBase were reviewed for eight marine ecosystems (Adriatic Sea, Aegean Sea, Baltic Sea, Bay of Biscay/Celtic Sea/Iberian Coast, Black Sea, North Sea, western Mediterranean Sea, Levantine Sea) across European Seas. The review of the SeaLifeBase dataset, which is based on published literature, analyzed information coverage for eight biological characteristics (diet, fecundity, maturity, length-weight relationships, spawning, growth, lifespan, and natural mortality). These characteristics are required for the development of ecosystem and ecological models to evaluate the status of marine resources and related fisheries. Our analyses revealed that information regarding these biological characteristics in the literature was far from complete across all studied areas. The level of available information was nonetheless reasonably good for sea turtles and moderate for marine mammals in some areas (Baltic Sea, Bay of Biscay/Celtic Sea/Iberian Coast, Black Sea, North Sea and western Mediterranean Sea). Further, seven of the areas have well-studied species in terms of information coverage for biological characteristics of some commercial species whereas threatened species are generally not well studied. Across areas, the most well-studied species are the cephalopod common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) and the crustacean Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus). Overall, the information gap is narrowest for length-weight relationships followed by growth and maturity, and widest for fecundity and natural mortality. Based on these insights, we provide recommendations to prioritize species with insufficient or missing biological data that are common across the studied marine ecosystems and to address data deficiencies.
Reef building corals show resilience to the hottest marine heatwave on record in the Gulf of Aqaba
Authors: Kochman-Gino Na’ama-Rose , Fine Maoz
Published: October 2023

Coral reefs are facing rapid deterioration, primarily due to a global rise in seawater temperature. In conjunction, the frequency and intensity of extreme high temperature events, known as marine heatwaves (MHWs), are increasing. The Gulf of Aqaba (GoA) in the northern Red Sea is home to corals known for their thermal resilience, yet concerns have been raised regarding the potential for MHWs to put this coral refuge at risk. In summer of 2021, the hottest MHW so far occurred in the GoA, with sea surface temperatures peaking at 31°C and persisting above the local summer maximum for 34 days. To assess the physiological response of the corals Stylophora pistillata and Pocillopora damicornis to this event, we analyzed the monthly content across a year of host and symbiont proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, pre-, during, and post the MHW, as a proxy for metabolic stress. We found that the MHW was not fatal to either species and did not induce bleaching, based on algal densities and chlorophyll content. Species-specific responses were detected. In S. pistillata, host protein content decreased (33%) at the onset of the MHW (August) compared to pre-MHW levels (July). Algal symbionts of S. pistillata were unaffected by the MHW in their maximal photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) and exhibited higher carbohydrate levels (+34%) at the end of the MHW (September) compared to its onset. In contrast, no significant catabolic response was detected in P. damicornis host or symbionts, and the maximal relative electron transport rate (rETRmax) of symbionts was 37% higher during the MHW than the annual average. These results highlight the remarkable ability of common GoA corals to withstand extreme thermal anomalies, underscoring the global significance of this coral refuge.
Effect of spent waterglass foundry sand on the performance of MgO-activated slag materials
Authors: Hu Shuimu , Zhang Wenmin
Published: October 2023

Spent waterglass foundry sand (SwFS) is a bulk waste of the metallurgical industry containing at least 2–5 wt% of the waterglass layer without effective utilization. To this end, this paper proposes the disposal of SwFS as fine aggregates for MgO-activated slag materials (MASMs). Two types of SwFS subjected to different treating temperatures (100°C and 800°C) were prepared to investigate their effects on fluidity, compressive strength, pore structure, and micromechanical properties of MASM. The experimental results showed that the coated waterglass of SwFS played an important role in affecting the performance of MASM mortars. For SwFS subjected to 100°C, the coated waterglass could be partially dissolved and released into the surrounding paste to activate slag along with MgO. Compared with the group without SwFS, the resulting compressive strength (MPa) of mortars with SwFS was increased by 33.6–74.1% at all ages, and the average elastic moduli (GPa) of C-A-S-H were increased by 19.6%. In contrast, for SwFS subjected to 800°C, the coated waterglass can hardly be dissolved, which induced a complex interface in the microstructure of mortars, leading to the reduced compressive strength of mortars.
Isolation of anticancer bioactive secondary metabolites from the sponge-derived endophytic fungi Penicillium sp. and in-silico computational docking approach
Authors: Kaliaperumal Kumaravel , Salendra Limbadri , Liu Yonghong , Ju Zhiran , Sahu Sunil Kumar , Elumalai Sanniyasi , Subramanian Kumaran , M. Alotaibi Nahaa , Alshammari Nawaf , Saeed Mohd , Karunakaran Rohini
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Fungus-derived secondary metabolites are fascinating with biomedical potential and chemical diversity. Mining endophytic fungi for drug candidates is an ongoing process in the field of drug discovery and medicinal chemistry. Endophytic fungal symbionts from terrestrial plants, marine flora, and fauna tend to produce interesting types of secondary metabolites with biomedical importance of anticancer, antiviral, and anti-tuberculosis properties.

Methods

An organic ethyl acetate extract of Penicillium verruculosum sponge-derived endophytic fungi from Spongia officinalis yielded seven different secondary metabolites which are purified through HPLC. The isolated compounds are of averufin (1), aspergilol-A (2), sulochrin (3), monomethyl sulochrin (4), methyl emodin (5), citreorosein (6), and diorcinol (7). All the seven isolated compounds were characterized by high-resolution NMR spectral studies. All isolated compounds', such as anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-tuberculosis, and antiviral, were subjected to bioactivity screening.

Results

Out of seven tested compounds, compound (1) exhibits strong anticancer activity toward myeloid leukemia. HL60 cell lines have an IC50 concentration of 1.00μm, which is nearly significant to that of the standard anticancer drug taxol. A virtual computational molecular docking approach of averufin with HL60 antigens revealed that averufin binds strongly with the protein target alpha, beta-tubulin (1JFF), with a −10.98 binding score. Consecutive OSIRIS and Lipinski ADME pharmacokinetic validation of averufin with HL60 antigens revealed that averufin has good pharmacokinetic properties such as drug score, solubility, and mutagenic nature. Furthermore, aspergilol-A (2) is the first report on the Penicillium verruculosum fungal strain.

Discussion

We concluded that averufin (1) isolated from Penicillium verruculosum can be taken for further preliminary clinical trials like animal model in-vivo studies and pharmacodynamic studies. A future prospect of in-vivo anticancer screening of averufin can be validated through the present experimental findings.
OLD family nuclease function across diverse anti-phage defense systems
Authors: Akritidou Konstantina , Thurtle-Schmidt Bryan H.
Published: October 2023

Bacteriophages constitute a ubiquitous threat to bacteria, and bacteria have evolved numerous anti-phage defense systems to protect themselves. These systems include well-studied phenomena such as restriction endonucleases and CRISPR, while emerging studies have identified many new anti-phage defense systems whose mechanisms are unknown or poorly understood. Some of these systems involve overcoming lysogenization defect (OLD) nucleases, a family of proteins comprising an ABC ATPase domain linked to a Toprim nuclease domain. Despite being discovered over 50 years ago, OLD nuclease function remained mysterious until recent biochemical, structural, and bioinformatic studies revealed that OLD nucleases protect bacteria by functioning in diverse anti-phage defense systems including the Gabija system and retrons. In this review we will highlight recent discoveries in OLD protein function and their involvement in multiple discrete anti-phage defense systems.
Targeted approaches to delineate neuronal morphology during early development
Authors: Liu Bimin , Li Yuxiao , Ren Miao , Li Xiangning
Published: October 2023

Understanding the developmental changes that affect neurons is a key step in exploring the assembly and maturation of neural circuits in the brain. For decades, researchers have used a number of labeling techniques to visualize neuronal morphology at different stages of development. However, the efficiency and accuracy of neuronal labeling technologies are limited by the complexity and fragility of neonatal brains. In this review, we illustrate the various labeling techniques utilized for examining the neurogenesis and morphological changes occurring during the early stages of development. We compare the advantages and limitations of each technique from different aspects. Then, we highlight the gaps remaining in our understanding of the structure of neurons in the neonatal mouse brain.
Rituximab treatment in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Vesperinas-Castro Ana , Cortés-Vicente Elena
Published: October 2023

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune disease mediated by antibodies against post-synaptic proteins of the neuromuscular junction. Up to 10%–30% of patients are refractory to conventional treatments. For these patients, rituximab has been used off-label in the recent decades. Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody against the CD20 protein that leads to B cell depletion and to the synthesis of new antibody-secreting plasma cells. Although rituximab was created to treat B-cell lymphoma, its use has widely increased to treat autoimmune diseases. In MG, the benefit of rituximab treatment in MuSK-positive patients seems clear, but a high variability in the results of observational studies and even clinical trials has been reported for AChR-positive patients. Moreover, few evidence has been reported in seronegative MG and juvenile MG and some questions about regimen of administration or monitoring strategies, remains open. In this review, we intend to revise the available literature on this topic and resume the current evidence of effectiveness of Rituximab in MG, with special attention to results on every MG subtype, as well as the administration protocols, monitoring strategies and safety profile of the drug.
Electrically evoked compound action potentials in cochlear implant users with preoperative residual hearing
Authors: Liebscher Tim , Hornung Joachim , Hoppe Ulrich
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Residual hearing in cochlear implant (CI) candidates requires the functional integrity of the nerve in particular regions of the cochlea. Nerve activity can be elicited as electrically evoked compound action potentials (ECAP) after cochlear implantation. We hypothesize that ECAP thresholds depend on preoperative residual hearing ability.

Materials and methods

In a retrospective study, we analyzed 84 adult cochlear implant users who had received a Nucleus® CI632 Slim Modiolar Electrode and who preoperatively had had residual hearing. Inclusion criteria were severe to profound hearing loss with preoperative measurable hearing in the ear to receive the implant, postlingual hearing loss, German as native language and correct placement of the electrode, inserted completely into the scala tympani. Electrically evoked compound action potential (ECAP) was recorded intraoperatively. The angular insertion was measured for each electrode contact from postoperative computed tomography to estimate the corresponding spiral ganglion frequency. Pure-tone audiometry and allocated ECAP thresholds were tested to investigate possible correlation.

Results

The average of hearing thresholds, tested at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz (4FPTA) was 82 ± 18 (range 47–129) dB HL. The success rate for recording ECAP thresholds was 96.9%. For all comparable pure-tone frequencies (1, 2, 4, and 8 kHz), there was significant correlation between preoperative hearing levels and intraoperative ECAP thresholds (p < 0.001). Higher hearing thresholds are associated with increased ECAP thresholds.

Conclusion

In CI candidates with adequate residual hearing, intraoperative electrophysiological measurement records lower thresholds. This outcome may be explained by the neural survival density of the peripheral system, with less neural degeneration.
Resting-state brain connectivity correlates of musical sophistication
Authors: Cui Anja-Xiaoxing , Kraeutner Sarah N. , Motamed Yeganeh Negin , Hermiston Nancy , Werker Janet F. , Boyd Lara A.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

A growing body of research has investigated how performing arts training, and more specifically, music training, impacts the brain. Recent meta-analytic work has identified multiple brain areas where activity varies as a function of levels of musical expertise gained through music training. However, research has also shown that musical sophistication may be high even without music training. Thus, we aim to extend previous work by investigating whether the functional connectivity of these areas relates to interindividual differences in musical sophistication, and to characterize differences in connectivity attributed to performing arts training.

Methods

We analyzed resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging from n = 74 participants, of whom 37 received performing arts training, that is, including a musical instrument, singing, and/or acting, at university level. We used a validated, continuous measure of musical sophistication to further characterize our sample. Following standard pre-processing, fifteen brain areas were identified a priori based on meta-analytic work and used as seeds in separate seed-to-voxel analyses to examine the effect of musical sophistication across the sample, and between-group analyses to examine the effects of performing arts training.

Results

Connectivity of bilateral superior temporal gyrus, bilateral precentral gyrus and cerebellum, and bilateral putamen, left insula, and left thalamus varied with different aspects of musical sophistication. By including these measures of these aspects as covariates in post hoc analyses, we found that connectivity of the right superior temporal gyrus and left precentral gyrus relate to effects of performing arts training beyond effects of individual musical sophistication.

Discussion

Our results highlight the potential role of sensory areas in active engagement with music, the potential role of motor areas in emotion processing, and the potential role of connectivity between putamen and lingual gyrus in general musical sophistication.
The locations of stroke lesions next to the posterior internal capsule may predict the recovery of the related proprioceptive deficits
Authors: Hassa Thomas , Zbytniewska-Mégret Monika , Salzmann Christian , Lambercy Olivier , Gassert Roger , Liepert Joachim , Schoenfeld Mircea Ariel
Published: October 2023

Background

Somatosensory deficits after stroke correlate with functional disabilities and impact everyday-life. In particular, the interaction of proprioception and motor dysfunctions affects the recovery. While corticospinal tract (CST) damage is linked to poor motor outcome, much less is known on proprioceptive recovery. Identifying a predictor for such a recovery could help to gain insights in the complex functional recovery processes thereby reshaping rehabilitation strategies.

Methods

50 patients with subacute stroke were tested before and after neurological rehabilitation. Proprioceptive and motor impairments were quantified with three clinical assessments and four hand movement and proprioception measures using a robotic device. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) to median nerve stimulation and structural imaging data (MRI) were also collected. Voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping (VLSM) along with a region of interest (ROI) analysis were performed for the corticospinal tract (CST) and for cortical areas.

Results

Before rehabilitation, the VLSM revealed lesion correlates for all clinical and three robotic measures. The identified voxels were located in the white matter within or near the CST. These regions associated with proprioception were located posterior compared to those associated with motor performance. After rehabilitation the patients showed an improvement of all clinical and three robotic assessments. Improvement in the box and block test was associated with an area in anterior CST. Poor recovery of proprioception was correlated with a high lesion load in fibers towards primary sensorymotor cortex (S1 and M1 tract). Patients with loss of SSEP showed higher lesion loads in these tracts and somewhat poorer recovery of proprioception. The VSLM analysis for SSEP loss revealed a region within and dorsal of internal capsule next to the posterior part of CST, the posterior part of insula and the rolandic operculum.

Conclusion

Lesions dorsal to internal capsule next to the posterior CST were associated with proprioceptive deficits and may have predictive value. Higher lesion load was correlated with poorer restoration of proprioceptive function. Furthermore, patients with SSEP loss trended towards poor recovery of proprioception, the corresponding lesions were also located in the same location. These findings suggest that structural imaging of the internal capsule and CST could serve as a recovery predictor of proprioceptive function.