bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ascorbate‐glutathione cycle alleviates low‐temperature‐induced oxidative stress for augmented growth of Nannochloropsis oceanica Rose Bengal mutants
Authors: Tsai Tsung‐Yu , Khozin‐Goldberg Inna , Vonshak Avigad , Lee Tse‐Min
Published: February 2024

Studying the adaptive mechanisms of algae to abiotic stresses, such as low temperature and high light intensities, can help facilitate large‐scale outdoor production. Consequently, the role played by the antioxidant defense system in the tolerance of Nannochloropsis oceanica Rose Bengal (RB) mutants, with a truncated PSII complex, to low‐temperature (LT, 18°C) under high‐light (HL, 250 μmol⋅m−2⋅s−1) conditions was explored. The wild type (WT) exhibited O2•‐ and H2O2 accumulation, lipid peroxidation, and cell death upon LT treatment, which was exacerbated by LT‐HL. The RB mutants showed no oxidative stress during LT or LT‐HL. Ascorbate peroxidase (APX; EC 1.11.1.11), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR; EC 1.8.5.1), and glutathione reductase (GR; E.C. 1.6.4.2) activity and transcript abundance increased by LT and LT‐HL conditions in the RB mutants but not in the WT. In the RB mutants, the ascorbate (AsA) pool size stayed low, but the AsA/DHA ratio increased under LT and LT‐HT conditions, while the glutathione (GSH) pool size and GSH/GSSG ratio increased. The RB mutants treated with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis, became susceptible to LT‐HL stress. The expression of GLUTAMYLCYSTEINE SYNTHETASE (NoGSH1) and GLUTATHIONE SYNTHASE (NoGSH2A and NoGSH2B), responsible for GSH biosynthesis, was upregulated in two RB mutants by LT and LT‐HL stress, while that of GULONOLACTONE OXIDASE (NoGulo), involved in AsA biosynthesis, remained constant. Beyond reduced light energy absorption, increased the Ascorbate‐Glutathione cycle enzyme expression and AsA and GSH regeneration in Nannochloropsis RB mutants enable adaptations to prevent oxidative damage caused by high‐intensity illumination at low temperatures.
Assessing the potential impact of retaining native off‐site tree species in woodland restoration
Authors: Willis John L. , Bragg Don C. , Cannon Jeffery B. , Gandhi Kamal J. K. , Kidd Kathryn R. , Polinko Adam D. , Puhlick Joshua J. , Saenz Daniel , Sayer Mary Anne , Schalk Christopher M. , Self Andrew B. , Siegert Courtney M. , Varner J. Morgan
Published: February 2024

Reestablishing appropriate tree species is an important step in converting off‐site monocultures into woodlands. Species conversion is often necessary, as off‐site exotic species rarely function like woodland species. However, when off‐site tree species are native, and functionally redundant to woodland species, conversion may be unnecessary. To explore this possibility in the southeastern United States, we reviewed the literature on trait differences among the primary southern pines and qualitatively assessed the effect of their identity at the species and stand‐levels. In this region, woodland restoration focuses on removing loblolly (Pinus taeda) and slash pine (P. elliottii) to reestablish longleaf (P. palustris) or shortleaf pine (P. echinata). Our review found minimal variation among species in understory flammability, fire resistance at maturity, and Red‐cockaded Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus borealis) habitat at the stand‐level. Longleaf and shortleaf pine were generally more resistant to abiotic and pest disturbance at the tree‐level; however, stand‐level differences in wind, drought, and boring insect resistance among southern pines growing in open forests were considered minimal. Retaining loblolly and slash pine will improve stand‐level productivity in the short term, but creates regeneration problems due to low juvenile fire resistance and resilience. Ice resistance and long‐term carbon sequestration will also likely be reduced by retaining loblolly and slash pine. Collectively, these results suggest that southern pine species are generally interchangeable at the stand‐level in woodlands; although woodlands featuring loblolly and slash pine may be less stable in the face of disturbance than those dominated by shortleaf and longleaf pine.
Organic matter influence on ooid formation: New insights into classic examples (Great Salt Lake, USA; Triassic Germanic Basin, Germany)
Authors: Pei Yu , Suarez‐Gonzalez Pablo , Duda Jan‐Peter , Reitner Joachim
Published: February 2024

Ooids are coated grains composed of a tangential or radial cortex growing around a nucleus. They are common in carbonate deposits of almost any geological age and provide insights into environmental conditions. However, abiotic or biotic factors influencing their formation remain unclear. This study aims to advance current understanding of ooid formation with a multi‐analytical approach (for example, field emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and micro X‐ray fluorescence) to classic examples from Great Salt Lake, USA, and the Lower Triassic Germanic Buntsandstein Basin, Germany. Both of these deposits represent hypersaline shallow‐water environments where ooids are closely associated with microbial mats. Great Salt Lake ooids are dominantly 0.2 to 1.0 mm in size, ellipsoidal to subspherical in shape, composed of aragonite and contain organic matter. Germanic Buntsandstein Basin ooids are mainly ≤4 mm in size, spherical to subspherical in shape, composed of calcite and currently contain little organic matter. Despite the differences, both ooids have the same cortex structures, likely reflecting similar formation processes. Some Great Salt Lake ooids formed around detrital grains while others exhibit micritic particles in their nuclei. In Germanic Basin ooids, detrital nuclei are rare, despite the abundance of siliciclastic particles of various sizes in the host rocks. Germanic Basin deposits also include ‘compound ooids’, i.e. adjacent ooids that coalesced with one another during growth, suggesting static in situ development, which is supported by the lack of detrital grains as nuclei. Germanic Basin ooids also grew into laminated microbial crusts with identical microstructures, further indicating a static formation. Such microbial crusts typically form through mineral precipitation associated with organic matter (for example, extracellular polymeric substances), suggesting a similar formation pathway for ooids. The inferred key‐role of organic matter is further supported by features in radial ooids from the Great Salt Lake, which commonly exhibit, from their nuclei towards their surface, increasing organic matter contents and decreasing calcification.
Intersectionality, childhood disability and rurality: What does rural life mean for disabled children and their families?
Authors: Flynn Susan
Published: February 2024

The specific intention of this article is to question how rural life may affect everyday issues of concern for disabled children and their families, including access to services, social connectedness and quality of life. A theoretical frame of critical disability studies and intersectionality is taken up for this work. As critical disability studies scholarship forges productive theoretical alliances with other social agendas linked to identity, such as feminism and critical race theory, it is accordingly insistent upon going beyond a siloed fixation on disability. A defining contention is that disability ought not to be the sole focus of theoretical and socio‐political agendas that seek to solve the problems that disabled communities face. It is therefore only fitting that any treatment of the convergence of childhood disability and rurality might draw intersectionality theory into its conceptual remit. As such, this article presents a reading of disability, intersectionality and rurality through a critical disability studies lens, recognising critical disability studies as a theoretical methodology. To substantiate the theoretical component of the article, a scoping review method is employed to source literature through a replicable, transparent approach. The article encourages a better understanding about how rurality may affect the lives of disabled children and their families whilst recognising that disability is not the only important identity position to consider.
Charting a path forward: Promising outcomes of convalescent plasma therapy in the care of severely B‐cell depleted patients with persistent COVID‐19
Authors: Inbar Tsofia , Dann Eldad J. , Kerner Omer , Stern Anat
Published: February 2024

Background

Patients with severe B‐cell depletion related to hematological malignancies or B‐cell targeted therapy suffer from impaired antibody responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 and are at risk for prolonged COVID‐19. In this population, COVID‐19 convalescent plasma (CCP) may provide passive immunity, enhance immune response, and promote virus neutralization. This study evaluated outcomes of B‐cell depleted patients with persistent COVID‐19 treated with CCP.

Study Design and Methods

This analysis included all consecutive severely B‐cell depleted patients with persistent COVID‐19, receiving CCP at Rambam between 01.2022–02.2023. Persistent COVID‐19 was defined as the presence of symptoms for ≥14 days in patients with negative SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleocapsid antibody test results.

Results

Twenty patients met inclusion criteria, 17 of whom had hematological malignancies, two suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and one had both. Twelve patients received anti‐CD‐20 treatment, one ‐ CAR‐T cells and three underwent stem cell transplantation. The median duration of COVID‐19 symptoms was 27.5 days (range 14–97); 12 patients had mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 and 8 had severe infection. Sixteen patients required hospitalization. The majority of patients received other COVID‐19 therapies before CCP. Within a median of two days (range 1–16) post‐infusion, 19/20 patients clinically improved. No CCP‐associated adverse events were documented. COVID‐19 symptoms recurred in 3 of the improved patients. Two patients died from COVID‐19 on days 1 and 90 following the first CCP infusion.

Discussion

In severely B‐cell depleted patients with persistent COVID‐19, CCP is safe and associated with rapid clinical improvement. This subset of immunocompromised patients could particularly benefit from CCP administration.
Subconjunctival liposomal sirolimus vs. cyclosporine or tacrolimus as treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca in dogs: A double‐blind, randomized study
Authors: García‐Santisteban Rodrigo , Linares‐Alba Mónica Anayatzin , Botello‐Bárcenas Andrés , Margay Paola , Soto Carlos , Fonzar‐Furtado Joice , Brooks Dennis , García Diego , Sánchez Gustavo Adolfo García
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To compare the safety and efficacy of a 100 microgram subconjunctival injection of liposome‐encapsulated sirolimus (SCJS) to cyclosporine (CsA) or tacrolimus (CsA/T) for the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in dogs.

Methods

Dogs with signs and symptoms of KCS were block‐randomized to one of two treatment groups: Biweekly SCJS or conventional treatment (CsA/T). Schirmer tear test 1 (STT‐1) scores, conjunctival hyperemia (CH) scores, corneal opacity (CO) scores, and clinical evaluation of potential side effects were recorded every 2 weeks for 14 weeks for both groups. Differences between groups were analyzed using the mixed results ANOVA and U‐Mann Whitney tests (p < .05 was considered significant).

Results

A total of 30 eyes were included in the study, of which 20 eyes completed follow‐up. There was no statistically significant interaction between the treatment group and time on STT‐1 score (p = .165), and median CH and CO scores showed no statistically significant differences between groups (p = .353 and p = .393, respectively). There were no clinically significant side effects present in any subject at any time.

Conclusion

In this trial, a 1 mg/mL (100 micrograms) SCJS every 2 weeks showed similar safety and efficacy profiles as daily CsA/T in dogs with KS after 14 weeks of treatment. Larger studies should be performed to further assess SCJS as an alternative treatment for KCS.
Evidence that CD36 is expressed on red blood cells and constitutes a novel blood group system of clinical importance
Authors: Alattar Abdul Ghani , Storry Jill R. , Olsson Martin L.
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

Polymorphic molecules expressed on the surface of certain blood cells are traditionally categorized as blood groups and human platelet or neutrophil antigens. CD36 is widely considered a platelet antigen (Naka) and anti‐CD36 can cause foetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) in CD36‐negative pregnant women. CD36 is used as a marker of differentiation in early erythroid culture. During the experimental culture of CD34+ cells from random blood donors, we observed that one individual lacked CD36. We sought to investigate this observation further and determine if CD36 fulfils the International Society of Blood Transfusion criteria for becoming a blood group.

Materials and Methods

Surface markers were monitored by flow cytometry on developing cells during the erythroid culture of CD34+ cells. Genetic and flow cytometric analyses on peripheral blood cells were performed. Proteomic datasets were analysed, and clinical case reports involving anti‐CD36 and foetal anaemia were scrutinized.

Results

Sequencing of CD36‐cDNA identified homozygosity for c.1133G>T/p.Gly378Val in the CD36‐negative donor. The minor allele frequency of rs146027667:T is 0.1% globally and results in abolished CD36 expression. CD36 has been considered absent from mature red blood cells (RBCs); however, we detected CD36 expression on RBCs and reticulocytes from 20 blood donors. By mining reticulocyte and RBC datasets, we found evidence for CD36‐derived peptides enriched in the membrane fractions. Finally, our literature review revealed severe cases of foetal anaemia attributed to anti‐CD36.

Conclusions

Based on these findings, we conclude that CD36 fulfils the criteria for becoming a new blood group system and that anti‐CD36 is implicated not only in FNAIT but also foetal anaemia.
Non-Contact Electric Field May Induced Higher CD4, CD8, Caspase-8, and Caspase-9 Protein Expression in Breast Tumor Tissue of Rats (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout, 1769)
Authors: Nuriliani Ardaning , Nurhidayat Luthfi , Fatmasari Hindana , Afina Dalila , Alamsyah Firman , Taruno Warsito Purwo , Pratiwi Rarastoeti
Published: February 2024

Non-contact electric field therapy has been studied as one of less invasive and safe alternative method in cancer therapy. Some studies reported that non-contact electric field therapy with low intensity (50 - 60 V/m) and medium frequency (150 kHz) could slower the rat’s breast tumor growth and did not cause significant damage on the rat's kidney and liver. However, further study needed to evaluate the potency of non-contact electric field to be developed into effective cancer therapy. Thus, we investigated the immune response of non-contact electric field therapy through the detection of CD4 and CD8 protein expression and the mechanism of apoptosis through the detection of caspase-8 and caspase-9 proteins on breast tumor tissue of rats. Twenty four rats were divided into 4 groups: 1. non-induction - non-therapy (NINT), 2. non-induction - therapy (NIT), 3. induction - non-therapy (INT), and 4. induction - therapy (IT). DMBA (7,12-dimethylbenz(α)anthracene) 20 mg/kg body weight was used to induced breast tumor formation. Rats with breast nodules that had reached 1 cm in size were exposed to an ECCT device with 150 kHz and 50 - 60 V/m electric fields. Further, the breast tissues were collected for routine histological and immunohistochemistry preparation for CD4, CD8, caspase 8, as well as caspase 9 detection. The data were statistically analyzed using Mann-Whitney U-Test method, with a significance level of p < 0.05 using the SPSS 16.0 version. The scoring results were compared between the INT and IT groups. Our results showed that non-contact electric field therapy could suppress breast tumor growth and improved its histological structure. Interestingly, the breast tissue of IT group qualitatively had slightly more necrotic and apoptotic cells than that of INT group. Moreover, the IT group showed by higher CD4 and CD8 as well as higher caspase 8 and caspase 9 expression. Collecting all the data together, we concluded that non-contact electric field therapy potent to improve histological structure of breast tumor.
The Use of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Electroencephalogram (EEG) during Self-Reflection: A Scoping Review
Authors: Md Said Fatini , A. Samah Narina , Jaffri Hadijah , Sha'ameri Ahmad Zuri , Al-Naimi Taha Mahmoud
Published: February 2024

The integration of two fields, which are neuroscience and psychology has allowed a deeper understanding of the mental processes in the human mind, through the observation of biological and chemical processes in the brain and nervous system. Even though the gap between neuroscience and the human behavioral sciences is still large, the advancement of technology has helped narrow the gap, especially over the past two decades. This scoping review is aimed to explore the currently published research on self-reflection using the fMRI and the EEG. The present study describes the scope of existing research, and summarizes findings and recommendations for future work. The scoping review methodology guided by the standards of the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was used. Comprehensive searches on the use of the fMRI and the EEG during self-reflection studies were conducted using several electronic databases including Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, Emerald Insights, and PubMed. The results obtained showed that all studies did not justify the sample size. The findings also revealed that various terms were used to describe the cognitive aspect of a self-reflection process. The brain functional connectivity data were taken through several experimental stages, which shows the flexibility of the experimental process. The activation of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is one of the most commonly found regions in most studies, together with other areas associated with the self-reflection process.  Based on the results obtained, this scoping review is believed to provide a comprehensive summary of the existing research on self-reflection using neuroimaging techniques.
Simultaneous Confidence Intervals for Ratios of the Percentiles of the Delta-Lognormal Distribution
Authors: Janthasuwan Usanee , Niwitpong Suparat , Niwitpong Sa-Aat
Published: February 2024

Statistical percentiles are extremely important and valuable measurement tools in various contexts. They offer significant advantages when it comes to estimating a wide range of values across different fields, making them essential in statistical analysis and research. This importance motivates researchers to study the construction of simultaneous confidence intervals for ratios of percentiles of the delta-lognormal distribution. This research introduces four distinct methods for constructing such confidence intervals: the fiducial generalized confidence interval, the Bayesian-based highest posterior density credible interval using Jeffreys prior, Jeffreys rule prior, and Uniform prior. All methods are subjected to evaluation and comparison through coverage probabilities and expected lengths in Monte Carlo simulations. The simulation study shows that, overall, the Bayesian-based highest posterior density credible interval works better and more accurately than the fiducial generalized confidence interval. To further validate the findings of the simulation study, these methods are applied to real-world daily rainfall data collected from a river basin in Thailand.
Role of Microtubule Network in the Passive Anisotropic Viscoelasticity of Healthy Right Ventricle
Authors: LeBar Kristen , Liu Wenqiang , Chicco Adam J. , Wang Zhijie
Published: February 2024

Cardiomyocytes are viscoelastic and key determinants of right ventricle (RV) mechanics. Intracellularly, microtubules are found to impact the viscoelasticity of isolated cardiomyocytes or trabeculae; whether they contribute to the tissue-level viscoelasticity is unknown. Our goal was to reveal the role of the microtubule network in the passive anisotropic viscoelasticity of the healthy RV. Equibiaxial stress relaxation tests were conducted in healthy RV free wall (RVFW) under early (6%) and end (15%) diastolic strain levels, and at sub- and physiological stretch rates. The viscoelasticity was assessed at baseline and after the removal of microtubule network. Furthermore, a quasi-linear viscoelastic (QLV) model was applied to delineate the contribution of microtubules to the relaxation behavior of RVFW. After removing the microtubule network, RVFW elasticity and viscosity were reduced at the early diastolic strain level and in both directions. The reduction in elasticity was stronger in the longitudinal direction, whereas the degree of changes in viscosity were equivalent between directions. There was insignificant change in RVFW viscoelasticity at late diastolic strain level. Finally, the modeling showed that the tissue's relaxation strength was reduced by the removal of the microtubule network, but the change was present only at a later time scale. These new findings suggest a critical role of cytoskeleton filaments in RVFW passive mechanics in physiological conditions.
Effect of Finite Thermal Conductivity Bounding Walls on Darcy–Bénard Convection
Authors: Alam Parvez , Madanan Umesh
Published: February 2024

Natural convection in fluid-saturated, horizontal porous-media is quintessential to many applications like geothermal reservoirs and solar thermal storage systems. Researchers have dedicated substantial effort over the years in pursuit of altering natural convection within a horizontal porous-media (Darcy–Bénard) system. Although significant research efforts have been directed toward understanding the effects of bounding walls in horizontal (Rayleigh–Bénard) convection systems, similar investigations for Darcy–Bénard convection systems are still lacking. Therefore, this study examines the effect of thermal properties of horizontal bounding plates on porous-media Nusselt number at high Rayleigh–Darcy numbers (105−107). Numerical simulations are performed by employing Darcy–Forchheimer model within a three-dimensional cylindrical computational domain to emulate Darcy–Bénard systems for two aspect ratios (1 and 2) and six different plate materials having nondimensional plate thicknesses of 0.02, 0.08, and 0.16. Polypropylene and compressed CO2 gas are chosen as solid and fluid phases for the porous media, respectively, that encompass a range of Darcy numbers (10−6−10−3). Findings reveal that when the ratio of thermal resistances of porous layer and plates falls below 4.61, the corrected Nusselt number deviates by more than 10% from the corresponding ideal Nusselt number with infinitely conducting bounding plates. The study also proposes a correction factor to estimate this deviation, which shows a good agreement with numerical results.
Thermography of the superfluid transition in a strongly interacting Fermi gas
Authors: Yan Zhenjie , Patel Parth B. , Mukherjee Biswaroop , Vale Chris J. , Fletcher Richard J. , Zwierlein Martin W.
Published: February 2024

Heat transport can serve as a fingerprint identifying different states of matter. In a normal liquid, a hotspot diffuses, whereas in a superfluid, heat propagates as a wave called “second sound.” Direct imaging of heat transport is challenging, and one usually resorts to detecting secondary effects. In this study, we establish thermography of a strongly interacting atomic Fermi gas, whose radio-frequency spectrum provides spatially resolved thermometry with subnanokelvin resolution. The superfluid phase transition was directly observed as the sudden change from thermal diffusion to second-sound propagation and is accompanied by a peak in the second-sound diffusivity. This method yields the full heat and density response of the strongly interacting Fermi gas and therefore all defining properties of Landau’s two-fluid hydrodynamics.
Lineage-specific intolerance to oncogenic drivers restricts histological transformation
Authors: Gardner Eric E. , Earlie Ethan M. , Li Kate , Thomas Jerin , Hubisz Melissa J. , Stein Benjamin D. , Zhang Chen , Cantley Lewis C. , Laughney Ashley M. , Varmus Harold
Published: February 2024

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) are thought to originate from different epithelial cell types in the lung. Intriguingly, LUAD can histologically transform into SCLC after treatment with targeted therapies. In this study, we designed models to follow the conversion of LUAD to SCLC and found that the barrier to histological transformation converges on tolerance to Myc, which we implicate as a lineage-specific driver of the pulmonary neuroendocrine cell. Histological transformations are frequently accompanied by activation of the Akt pathway. Manipulating this pathway permitted tolerance to Myc as an oncogenic driver, producing rare, stem-like cells that transcriptionally resemble the pulmonary basal lineage. These findings suggest that histological transformation may require the plasticity inherent to the basal stem cell, enabling tolerance to previously incompatible oncogenic driver programs.
A Black spaceflight legacy
The Space Race
Lisa Cortés and Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, directors
National Geographic, 91 min, premiering 12 February 2024.
Authors: Shindell Matthew
Published: February 2024

An aspiring Cold War–era astronaut and those who followed in his footsteps take center stage in a new documentary
Fibroblasts enable penile erection
Authors: Ryu Ji-Kan , Koh Gou Young
Published: February 2024

Perivascular fibroblasts may underlie erectile dysfunction
Stabilizing 3D-printed metal alloys
Authors: Zhang Lai-Chang , Wang Jincheng
Published: February 2024

A design strategy overcomes the strength-ductility trade-off in alloy manufacturing
Help wanted, scientists need apply
Authors: Yamamoto Keith R.
Published: February 2024

The world is continuously being transformed by science and technology (S&T), but to deliver equitable benefits to the public, scientists must be embedded in influential sectors of society—policy, diplomacy, journalism, law, business, education, and more. This means injecting PhD-level experts at every stage of research and development, from ideation, investigation, and investment to manufacture, deployment, regulation, and after-market evaluation.
A thousand years of solitude
Authors: Cornwall Warren
Published: February 2024

How did the first human settlers of the Canary Islands survive a millennium of isolation?
NASA mission will zoom in on ocean life and bright hazes
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: February 2024

PACE satellite will study climate effects of carbon-storing plankton and reflective particles
Characterization of gill bacterial microbiota in wild Arctic char (
Salvelinus alpinus
) across lakes, rivers, and bays in the Canadian Arctic ecosystems
Authors: Amill Flora , Gauthier Jeff , Rautio Milla , Derome Nicolas
Published: February 2024

Teleost gill mucus has a highly diverse microbiota, which plays an essential role in the host’s fitness and is greatly influenced by the environment. Arctic char (
Salvelinus alpinus
), a salmonid well adapted to northern conditions, faces multiple stressors in the Arctic, including water chemistry modifications, that could negatively impact the gill microbiota dynamics related to the host’s health. In the context of increasing environmental disturbances, we aimed to characterize the taxonomic distribution of transcriptionally active taxa within the bacterial gill microbiota of Arctic char in the Canadian Arctic in order to identify active bacterial composition that correlates with environmental factors. For this purpose, a total of 140 adult anadromous individuals were collected from rivers, lakes, and bays belonging to five Inuit communities located in four distinct hydrologic basins in the Canadian Arctic (Nunavut and Nunavik) during spring (May) and autumn (August). Various environmental factors were collected, including latitudes, water and air temperatures, oxygen concentration, pH, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), salinity, and chlorophyll-a concentration. The taxonomic distribution of transcriptionally active taxa within the gill microbiota was quantified by 16S rRNA gene transcripts sequencing. The results showed differential bacterial activity between the different geographical locations, explained by latitude, salinity, and, to a lesser extent, air temperature. Network analysis allowed the detection of a potential dysbiosis signature (i.e., bacterial imbalance) in fish gill microbiota from Duquet Lake in the Hudson Strait and the system Five Mile Inlet connected to the Hudson Bay, both showing the lowest alpha diversity and connectivity between taxa.

IMPORTANCE

This paper aims to decipher the complex relationship between Arctic char (
Salvelinus alpinus
) and its symbiotic microbial consortium in gills. This salmonid is widespread in the Canadian Arctic and is the main protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids source for Inuit people. The influence of environmental parameters on gill microbiota in wild populations remains poorly understood. However, assessing the Arctic char’s active gill bacterial community is essential to look for potential pathogens or dysbiosis that could threaten wild populations. Here, we concluded that Arctic char gill microbiota was mainly influenced by latitude and air temperature, the latter being correlated with water temperature. In addition, a dysbiosis signature detected in gill microbiota was potentially associated with poor fish health status recorded in these disturbed environments. With those results, we hypothesized that rapid climate change and increasing anthropic activities in the Arctic might profoundly disturb Arctic char gill microbiota, affecting their survival.
Xiphodynia with limited decrease in the xiphoid process-sternal angle but recognised compression of the rectus abdominis
Authors: Ono Ryosuke , Horibata Ken
Published: February 2024

A woman in her 70s presented with epigastric pain accompanied by radiating pain. Despite various examinations showing no abnormalities, tenderness was identified on palpation of the xiphoid process. The symptoms were alleviated with a local injection of lidocaine, leading to a diagnosis of xiphodynia. While previous cases have often reported a decrease in the xiphoid process-sternal angle, this case exhibited minimal reduction in the xiphoid process-sternal angle. Conversely, compression findings were observed in the soft tissues, including the rectus abdominis, anterior to the xiphoid process. This case report suggests that in the imaging diagnosis of xiphodynia, consideration of compression findings in the soft tissues anterior to the xiphoid process may also be valuable.
Cancer inequalities experienced by people with disability: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Yang Yi , Afshar Nina , Bergin Rebecca , Kavanagh Anne , Disney George
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Cancer is a leading cause of death and has a significant impact on individuals, families and society. Emerging evidence shows that people with disability face challenges in accessing services which could assist in early cancer diagnosis and optimal treatment, like cancer screening. Consequently, cancer patients with disabilities may present with later-stage disease, have reduced treatment options and experience lower survival rates compared with people without disability.

This systematic review aims to summarise and evaluate the existing evidence on (a) inequalities in cancer survival and mortality between people with and without disability, (b) the inequalities in cancer screening and (c) stage at diagnosis that may contribute to the survival/mortality gap.

Methods and analysis

A literature search will be performed on MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo and Scopus up to May 2023. The review will include quantitative studies that reported inequalities in cancer survival and mortality, screening and stage at diagnosis between adults with and without disability. A summary of the characteristics and findings of the included studies will be provided. We will assess the quality of each study using the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomised Studies—of Exposure tool. Depending on the heterogeneity of studies, we will assess whether meta-analysis is appropriate.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not applicable for this study since no original data will be collected. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023427288.
Sexual orientation and gender identity measures and viral suppression for people living with HIV: a protocol for a population-based cohort study
Authors: Yang Xueying , Olatosi Bankole , Weissman Sharon , Li Xiaoming , Zhang Jiajia
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The measure of sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data in electronic health records (EHR) has been critical for addressing health disparities and inequalities, especially for HIV care. Given that gender and sexual minorities (eg, transgender, men who have sex with men and intersex) are key groups in people living with HIV (PLWH), SOGI data can facilitate a more accurate understanding about the HIV outcomes (eg, viral suppression) among this key group and then lead to tailored therapeutic services. The two-step SOGI collection method as an emerging gender measurement can be used to measure SOGI status in medical settings. Using the statewide cohort of PLWH in South Carolina (SC), this project aims to: (1) integrate statewide PLWH cohort data with their birth certificate data to evaluate SOGI measurements from multiple EHR sources; and (2) examine differences in viral suppression based on SOGI measurements.

Methods and analysis

Our EHR database includes several HIV data sources with patients’ gender information, such as SC Department of Health and Environmental Control Centre (DHEC), Health Sciences South Carolina (HSSC) and Prisma as well as birth certificate data to retrieve the sex at birth. The SC Enhanced HIV/AIDS Reporting System (e-HARS) from DHEC will provide longitudinal viral load information to define a variety of viral suppression status. Datasources like the SC office of Revenue and Fiscal Affairs (RFA) will extract longitudinal EHR clinical data of all PLWH in SC from multiple health systems; obtain data from other state agencies and link the patient-level data with county-level data from multiple publicly available data sources.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of South Carolina (Pro00129906) as a Non-Human Subject study. The study’s findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at national and international conferences and through social media.
Online platform for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator training in a rural area: a community clinical trial protocol
Authors: Taverna-Llauradó Elena , Martínez-Torres Sara , Granado-Font Ester , Pallejà-Millán Meritxell , del Pozo Albert , Roca-Biosca Alba , Martín-Luján Francisco , Rey-Reñones Cristina
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Sudden death resulting from cardiorespiratory arrest carries a high mortality rate and frequently occurs out of hospital. Immediate initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by witnesses, combined with automated external defibrillator (AED) use, has proven to double survival rates. Recognising the challenges of timely emergency services in rural areas, the implementation of basic CPR training programmes can improve survival outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of online CPR-AED training among residents in a rural area of Tarragona, Spain.

Methods

Quasi-experimental design, comprising two phases. Phase 1 involves assessing the effectiveness of online CPR-AED training in terms of knowledge acquisition. Phase 2 focuses on evaluating participant proficiency in CPR-AED simulation manoeuvres at 1 and 6 months post training. The main variables include the score difference between pre-training and post-training test (phase 1) and the outcomes of the simulated test (pass/fail; phase 2). Continuous variables will be compared using Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, depending on normality. Pearson’s χ2test will be applied for categorical variables. A multivariate analysis will be conducted to identify independent factors influencing the main variable.

Ethics and dissemination

This study adheres to the tenets outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki and of Good Clinical Practice. It operated within the Smartwatch project, approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Primary Care Research Institute IDIAP Jordi Gol i Gurina Foundation, code 23/081-P. Data confidentiality aligns with Spanish and European Commission laws for the protection of personal data. The study’s findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific meetings.

Trial registration number

NCT05747495.
Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among general population of Armenia in 2021 and factors associated with it: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Demirchyan Anahit , Dudareva Sandra , Sahakyan Serine , Aslanyan Lusine , Muradyan Diana , Musheghyan Lusine , Mozalevskis Antons , Sargsyants Narina , Ghukasyan Gayane , Petrosyan Varduhi
Published: February 2024

Objectives

This study sought to determine the prevalence and associated factors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection ever in life and chronic HBV infection in Armenia.

Design

A population-based cross-sectional seroprevalence study combined with a phone survey of tested individuals.

Setting

All administrative units of Armenia including 10 provinces and capital city Yerevan.

Participants

The study frame was the general adult population of Armenia aged ≥18 years.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The participants were tested for anti-HBV core antibodies (anti-HBc) and HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) using third-generation enzyme immunoassays. In case of HBsAg positivity, HBV DNA and hepatitis D virus (HDV) RNA PCR tests were performed. Risk factors of HBV infection ever in life (anti-HBc positivity) and chronic HBV infection (HBsAg positivity) were identified through fitting logistic regression models.

Results

The seroprevalence study included 3838 individuals 18 years and older. Of them, 90.7% (3476 individuals) responded to the phone survey. The prevalence of anti-HBc positivity was 14.1% (95% CI 13.1% to 15.2%) and HBsAg positivity 0.8% (95% CI 0.5% to 1.1%). The viral load was over 10 000 IU/mL for 7.9% of HBsAg-positive individuals. None of the participants was positive for HDV. Risk factors for HBsAg positivity included less than secondary education (aOR=6.44; 95% CI 2.2 to 19.1), current smoking (aOR=2.56; 95% CI 1.2 to 5.6), and chronic liver disease (aOR=8.44; 95% CI 3.0 to 23.7). In addition to these, risk factors for anti-HBc positivity included age (aOR=1.04; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.05), imprisonment ever in life (aOR=2.53; 95% CI 1.41 to 4.56), and poor knowledge on infectious diseases (aOR=1.32; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.67), while living in Yerevan (vs provinces) was protective (aOR=0.74; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.93).

Conclusion

This study provided robust estimates of HBV markers among general population of Armenia. Its findings delineated the need to revise HBV testing and treatment strategies considering higher risk population groups, and improve population knowledge on HBV prevention.
Association between tuberculosis and pregnancy outcomes: a retrospective cohort study of women in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Meehan Sue-Ann , Hesseling Anneke C , von Delft Arne , Marx Florian M , Hughes Jennifer A , Bock Peter , Banke-Thomas Aduragbemi , Dunbar Rory , Phelanyane Florence , Smith Mariette , Osman Muhammad
Published: February 2024

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of mortality among women of childbearing age and a significant contributor to maternal mortality. Pregnant women with TB are at high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to determine risk factors for an adverse pregnancy outcome among pregnant women diagnosed with TB.

Methods

Using TB programmatic data, this retrospective cohort analysis included all women who were routinely diagnosed with TB in the public sector between October 2018 and March 2020 in two health subdistricts of Cape Town, and who were documented to be pregnant during their TB episode. Adverse pregnancy outcome was defined as either a live birth of an infant weighing <2500 g and/or with a gestation period <37 weeks or as stillbirth, miscarriage, termination of pregnancy, maternal or early neonatal death. Demographics, TB and pregnancy characteristics were described by HIV status. Logistic regression was used to determine risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcome.

Results

Of 248 pregnant women, half (52%) were living with HIV; all were on antiretroviral therapy at the time of their TB diagnosis. Pregnancy outcomes were documented in 215 (87%) women, of whom 74 (34%) had an adverse pregnancy outcome. Being older (35–44 years vs 25–34 years (adjusted OR (aOR): 3.99; 95% CI: 1.37 to 11.57), living with HIV (aOR: 2.72; 95% CI: 0.99 to 4.63), having an unfavourable TB outcome (aOR: 2.29; 95% CI: 1.03 to 5.08) and having presented to antenatal services ≤1 month prior to delivery (aOR: 10.57; 95% CI: 4.01 to 27.89) were associated with higher odds of an adverse pregnancy outcome.

Conclusions

Pregnancy outcomes among women with TB were poor, irrespective of HIV status. Pregnant women with TB are a complex population who need additional support prior to, during and after TB treatment to improve TB treatment and pregnancy outcomes. Pregnancy status should be considered for inclusion in TB registries.
The Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Malignancies via Regulatory Cell Death Pathways and the Tumor Immune Microenvironment: A Review of Recent Advances
Authors: Fu Jingya , Xie Xiaoxia , Yao Huimin , Xiao Haijuan , Li Zhuoqun , Wang Zhenzhi , Ju Ran , Zhao Yan , Liu Zhijun , Zhang Nana
Published: February 2024

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has achieved high clinical efficacy in treating malignancies in recent years and is thus gradually becoming an important therapy for patients with advanced tumor for its benefits in reducing side effects and improving patients’ immune status. However, it has not been internationally recognized for cancer treatment because TCM’s anti-tumor mechanism is not fully elucidated, limiting its clinical application and international promotion. This review traced the mechanism of the TCM-mediated tumor cell death pathway and its effect on remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment, its direct impact on the microenvironment, its anti-tumor effect in combination with immunotherapy, and the current status of clinical application of TCM on tumor treatment. TCM can induce tumor cell death in many regulatory cell death (RCD) pathways, including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. In addition, TCM-induced cell death could increase the immune cells’ infiltration with an anti-tumor effect in the tumor tissue and elevate the proportion of these cells in the spleen or peripheral blood, enhancing the anti-tumor capacity of the tumor-bearing host. Moreover, TCM can directly affect immune function by increasing the population or activating the sub-type immune cells with an anti-tumor role. It was concluded that TCM could induce a pan-tumor death modality, remodeling the local TIME differently. It can also improve the systemic immune status of tumor-bearing hosts. This review aims to establish a theoretical basis for the clinical application of TCM in tumor treatment and to provide a reference for TCM’s potential in combination with immunotherapy in cancer treatment.
Darcy–Forchheimer flow of Carreau fluid over a curved stretching surface with slip condition and variable thermal conductivity
Authors: Ul Haq Sami , Ashraf Muhammad Bilal
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study is to perform analysis of nonlinear mixed convection flow of Carreau fluid due to curved stretched surface with slip condition. Furthermore, the effect of Darcy–Forchheimer and MHD is taken into consideration. The energy equation is modified by considering the variable thermal conductivity with Joule heating effect. The governing equations of the problem are highly nonlinear partial differential equations subjected to boundary conditions. Similarity transformations are used to transform nonlinear PDEs into ODEs. The numerical technique is used to solve this problem via bvp4c. The main outcomes of this research are that the impact of Forchheimer and porosity parameter tends to decrease the fluid velocity for shear thickening case. The velocity slip condition increases the fluid velocity only near the surface but the fluid velocity away from the surface does not get affected. The changing thermal conductivity raises the temperature of the fluid near the boundary. Furthermore, the impacts of various parameters on the velocity and temperature profiles are demonstrated. The values of local Nusselt number and skin friction for a different parameter are provided.
A systematic review on powder-mixed electrical discharge machining (PMEDM) technique for machining of difficult-to-machine materials
Authors: Agrawal Jai Prakash , Somani Nalin , Gupta Nitin Kumar
Published: February 2024

The area of metallurgy has witnessed many advancements in the development of novel electrically conductive materials that shows exceptional mechanical as well as thermal properties. Nonetheless, traditional machining techniques encounter difficulties while machining hard materials. In order to address this limitation, electrical discharge machining (EDM) has emerged as a widely utilised method for machining of intricate geometries and the hard materials. EDM is a category of thermo-electric process that employs rapid recurring sparks between the electrode and work material, eroding the material without direct contact. As there is no contact between the electrode and work material, the issues related to machining defects such as mechanical stresses, clattering, and vibration eliminates. However, EDM have some limitations like poor surface finish and low volumetric material removal. To overcome these kind of limitations, the introduction of metallic powder into the dielectric fluid has been explored in powder-mixed electric discharge machining (PMEDM). This introduction of powder during the process leads to enhance the conductive strength of the fluid and increases the spark gap distance between the electrode and counter material. The inclusion of powder has a significant impact on the performance of the EDM process. Hence, this review aims to facilitate researchers in comprehending the concept of PMEDM and to examine the process parameters required to achieve improved levels of quality.