bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Replies to Maiese and Mendonça
Authors: Mun Cecilea
Published: September 2023

I begin with my replies to Michelle Maiese, especially with respect to the hard problem of consciousness, my version of reductive-realism, my version of a type-identity theory, my version of an embodied cognitive theory, and questions regarding exactly what an enactive or embodied theory entails. I also address Dina Mendonça’s concerns about cultural diversity in the study of emotion, in the section on reductive realism, type-identity theory, and objectivity in the science of emotion. I then move on to addressing the concerns raised by Mendonça on meta-emotions, reflexivity, and the third kind of language of emotion (a meta-language). In summary, I hope these replies give the reader a better idea of meta-semantic pluralisme, semantic dualism, semantic dualisme, including the various ways in which they might contribute to the discourse on the mind, emotion, and meta-emotions, as well as some inspiration for their own research and future publications.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF TURBULENCE MODELS FOR SIMULATING FLOW OVER A FLAT PLATE
Authors: R. Prajapati Chintan , Donga Aniket P. , Babariya Pranav R , Patel Akshar D. ,   Silver Oak College of Engineering and Technology
Published: September 2023

This research paper presents a comparative analysis of turbulence models for simulating the flow over a flat plate. The accurate prediction of turbulence characteristics is crucial for various engineering applications, including aerodynamics and heat transfer. In this study, three commonly used turbulence models, namely the k-ε, k-ω, and Laminar, are evaluated and compared for their ability to capture the flow behaviour over a flat plate. The simulations are conducted using Ansys, a widely-used computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package. The flow conditions and geometry are carefully defined to ensure a consistent and controlled setup across the turbulence models. The key parameters of interest include boundary layer thickness, velocity profiles, and flow separation characteristics. The results obtained from each turbulence model are compared to provide insights into their performance and limitations. The comparative analysis focuses on the accuracy, computational efficiency, and ability to capture complex flow phenomena exhibited by the turbulence models. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of the turbulence modelling techniques for simulating flow over a flat plate. The outcomes can aid researchers and engineers in selecting the most appropriate turbulence model for similar flow scenarios in various engineering applications.
Агрегированное ориентированное фибровое армирование железобетонных изгибаемых элементов
Authors: МАИЛЯН Левон Рафаэлович , ШИЛОВ Пётр Андреевич , КАЙДАС Павел Анатольевич
Published: September 2023

В статье изложен метод агрегированного ориентированного фибрового армирования для железобетонных изгибаемых конструктивных элементов как альтернатива линейному армированию сжатой и предварительному напряжению растянутой зон в таких элементах. Проанализированы известные решения усиления бетона фибровыми включениями. Предложена системная комплексная технология, включающая в себя одновременное агрегирование и ориентирование фибр в бетоне, а также обладающая высокими показателями для практического применения. Проведен сопоставительный анализ на основе численного расчета и экспериментального испытания предложенной технологии. Выявлены закономерности, указывающие на улучшение физико-механических свойств у элементов с применением предлагаемой технологии по сравнению с традиционным фибровым армированием. Доказана возможность замены агрегированным ориентированным армированием линейной преднапряженной арматуры растянутой зоны, а также линейного армирования сжатой зоны изгибаемых элементов.
Расчет массивных железобетонных конструкций с учетом трещинообразования
Authors: АГАПОВ Владимир Павлович , МАРКОВИЧ Алексей Семёнович
Published: September 2023

Разработан объемный восьмиузловой конечный элемент для расчета массивных железобетонных конструкций с учетом трещинообразования. При построении элемента в области напряженного состояния "сжатие-сжатие-сжатие" использован модифицированный критерий прочности Виллама-Варнке. Напряженное состояние бетона при возникновении трещины в режиме "сжатие-сжатие" рассматривалось как плосконапряженное, и был применен модифицированный критерий прочности Мизеса-Губерта. Поведение бетона при растяжении принималось линейным вплоть до возникновения трещины. Для верификации разработанного конечного элемента проведена серия тестовых расчетов балки, находящейся в условии чистого изгиба. Сравнение результатов расчета с экспериментальными данными подтвердило высокую точность и достоверность полученных результатов. Предложенный конечный элемент адаптирован к вычислительному комплексу ПРИНС и в составе этого комплекса может быть использован для практических расчетов на прочность массивных железобетонных конструкций.
Риски интеграции технологий искусственного интеллекта в «зеленые» стандарты
Authors: ТЕЛИЧЕНКО Валерий Иванович , ЛАПИДУС Азарий Абрамович , СЛЕСАРЕВ Михаил Юрьевич
Published: September 2023

На примере разработанных в корпорации Microsoft документации по технике обеспечения безопасности и компании OpenAI нейросети ChatGPT исследуются риски использования искусственного интеллекта в креативном синтезе экологически ориентированных прогрессивных или перспективных словесных и графических образов прорывных технологий строительства и ЖКХ. Цель исследования - идентифицировать риски и наметить подходы к интеграции и разработке "зеленых" стандартов безопасности технологий искусственного интеллекта для использования в прорывных технологиях строительного производства. Задачи исследования - поиск критериев идентификации рисков использования технологий искусственного интеллекта, способного креативно генерировать словесные и графические образы технологий строительства и ЖКХ. Объект исследования составляют стандарты кибербезопасности технологий искусственного интеллекта в аспектах экологического мониторинга и автоматизированного процесса экспертизы перспективных технологий строительства и ЖКХ. Предмет исследования включает в себя предпосылки интеграции и разработки "зеленых" стандартов комплексной безопасности технологий искусственного интеллекта для экологически ориентированного строительного производства.
Формирование расчетных показателей возведения жилых зданий из крупногабаритных блоков
Authors: ОЛЕЙНИК Павел Павлович , ПАХОМОВА Лилия Алексеевна
Published: September 2023

Рассмотрен порядок моделирования возведения жилых зданий из крупногабаритных объемных блоков высокой или полной заводской готовности, предусматривающий увязку архитектурно-планировочных и организационно-технологических решений. В составе архитектурно-планировочных решений приводится модель расчета типажа крупногабаритных блоков с учетом региональных условий их изготовления и монтажа, а также рекомендации по формированию вариантов объемно-планировочных схем зданий из крупногабаритных объемных блоков. Основу организационно-технологических решений составляют процессы доставки и монтажа блоков, которые увязываются в единой топологической сетевой модели. Также приведены три оценки продолжительности возведения здания - пессимистическая, удовлетворительная, оптимистическая, которые способны учитывать достигнутый технический уровень данного объекта. Кроме того, предложены расчетные сводные параметры трудозатрат в строительном производстве и продолжительности пребывания монтажного крана на объекте. В дополнение к традиционному составу проекта производства работ рекомендована разработка нескольких документов, раскрывающих и учитывающих специфику производства строительно-монтажных работ при применении крупногабаритных объемных блоков.
Представительный набор акселерограмм для расчета на сейсмические воздействия
Authors: МКРТЫЧЕВ Олег Вартанович , РЕШЕТОВ Андрей Александрович
Published: September 2023

При расчетах зданий и сооружений на сейсмические воздействия, как правило, используется единственная расчетная трехкомпонентная акселерограмма. Поскольку сейсмическое воздействие представляет собой ярко выраженный случайный процесс, имеющий семейство реализаций, то использование лишь одной акселерограммы не отражает всего многообразия возможных реализаций сейсмического воздействия как нестационарного случайного процесса. При этом, учитывая, что возможных очагов землетрясения для рассматриваемой площадки может быть несколько, следует использовать представительный набор акселерограмм, содержащий акселерограммы с различными спектрами, покрывающими все значимые частоты, включая те, которые являются опасными для сооружения. В статье изложены основные подходы к формированию набора синтезированных акселерограмм землетрясений, предназначенных для расчета зданий и сооружений на сейсмические воздействия. Сформулированы целевые требования как к отдельным акселерограммам, так и к их набору в целом, сформулированы целевые характеристики акселерограмм, приведены пояснения и рекомендации к применению набора акселерограмм в практических расчетах.
Dataset and Feature Analysis for Diabetes Mellitus Classification using Random Forest
Authors: Mustofa Fachrul , Safriandono Achmad Nuruddin , Muslikh Ahmad Rofiqul , Setiadi De Rosal Ignatius Moses
Published: September 2023

Diabetes Mellitus is a hazardous disease, and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes will be one of the main causes of death by 2030. One of the most popular diabetes datasets is PIMA Indians, and this dataset has been widely tested on various machine learning (ML) methods, even deep learning (DL). But on average, ML methods are not able to produce good accuracy. The quality of the dataset and features is the most influential thing in this case, so deeper investment is needed to examine this dataset. This research will analyze and compare the PIMA Indians and Abelvikas datasets using the Random Forest (RF) method. The two datasets are imbalanced, in fact, the Abelvikas dataset is more imbalanced and has a larger number of classes so it is be more complex. The RF was chosen because it is one of the ML methods that has the best results on various diabetes datasets. Based on the test results, very contrasting results were obtained on the two datasets. Abelvikas had accuracy, precision, and recall, reaching 100%, and PIMA Indians only achieved 75% for accuracy, 87% for precision, and 80% for the best recall. Testing was done with 3, 5, 7, 10, and 15 tree number parameters. Apart from that, it was also tested with k-fold validation to get valid results. This determines that the features in the Abelvikas dataset are much better because more complete glucose features support them.
Revising Robert Burns and the ‘No Female Bards’ of Ulster-Scots Poetry
Authors: Gray David
Published: September 2023

John Hewitt’s claim to ‘no female bards’ as part of the revival of what he called the rhyming weaver poets tradition narrowed the scope of scholarly interest, just as the once popular claim that many of the writers in this tradition were simply Robert Burns imitators had done. A variety of publications have provided a range of in-depth studies on the impact of Robert Burns in Ireland, and have done much to challenge the latter claim. However, the presence and output of Ulster-Scots women writers within this wider area of scholarship remains little known. Consequently, by exploring poetry from three writers, Olivia Elder, Sarah Leech and Margaret Dixon McDougall, this essay aims to advance several lesser-known eighteenth and nineteenth-century female Irish poets, add depth to the study of Ulster-Scots women’s writing, and provide new perspectives on Burns in Ireland.
The Child Protagonist as Agent and Subject inHarriet's DaughterandCrick Crack, Monkey
Authors: Chang Victoria V.
Published: September 2023

This paper explores two novellas by Black Caribbean women writers: Crick Crack, Monkey by Trinidadian author Merle Hodge, and Harriet's Daughter by Tobagonian-born M. NourbeSe Philip. In Hodge's work, the protagonist, Tee, must negotiate between two worlds. The first is that of her early home with the rough working-class aunt (Tantie), seemingly chaotic but also full of warmth, humour, and familial love. This is juxtaposed against her new home with her haughty Aunt Beatrice, who advocates colonial values and demands conformity from her niece for Tee to gain acceptance and belonging. In contrast to Hodge's protagonist, Tee, Philip's Margaret keenly desires closer ties to her Caribbean identity. She creates a world of refuge against an environment that seeks to erase blackness and crafts a self in relation to her chosen identity, exercising agency with respect to her notions of selfhood and citizenship.
Morphometric Characteristics of Invasive Species Magallana gigas (Thunberg, 1793) in Bandırma Bay, Marmara Sea
Authors: ACARLI Sefa , YILDIZ Harun , VURAL Pervin
Published: September 2023

Türkiye’s seas are the scene of the spread of invasive species in the entire Mediterranean basin due to the marine transportation of alien species and intensive aquaculture activities. In order to protect the natural ecosystem and track invasive species’ effects, these species must first be accurately identified and their distribution areas specified. The alien species, Magallana gigas (Pacific oyster), has introduced along the Turkish coasts. This study was carried out to determine the morphometric characteristics of Magallana gigas in the Bandırma Bay-Balıkesir between November 2013 and October 2014. Shell length varied between 68.08 mm (February) and 93.14 mm (April) during the year. Shell height was measured at the lowest 41.90 mm in February, and the highest 59.46 mm in June. Shell width was 35.80 mm in November when the study started, and it decreased gradually and reached its lowest value in February. W/L relationship of M. gigas was calculated as W=0.411×L2.653(R2=0.064) This study includes knowledges on morphometric relationships for the Pacific oyster which is crucial for the management of fisheries, aquaculture activities and native species (Ostrea edulis).
Vapor-etching honeycomb-like zinc plating layer for constructing anti-corrosion lubricant-infused surfaces
Authors: Song Xiaorui , Li Na , Wang Zhongshan , Li Shuangjian , Hou Yuanyuan
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Biomimetic lubricant-infused porous surfaces are developed and applied for omniphobicity and corrosion protection, which exhibit great advantages compared to superhydrophobic surfaces.

Methods: Herein, superhydrophobic Fe@E-Zn@PFOA was prepared via the electrodeposition of laminated Zinc coating, further vapor etching, and post-modification with perfluoro caprylic acid. The facile, inexpensive, and environment-friendly water vapor etching process can form a porous honeycomb-like structure. Moreover, the perfluoropolyether lubricant was wicked into the porous and superhydrophobic surfaces, obtaining lubricant-infused surfaces of Fe@E-Zn@PFOA@PFPE.

Results and discussion: The influences of the textured roughness and chemical composition on the surface wettability were systematically investigated. The Fe@E-Zn@PFOA@PFPE performs omniphobicity with small sliding angles and superior corrosion resistance compared with the superhydrophobic surface, owing to their multiple barriers, including infused lubricant, hydrophobic monolayers, and compact Zn electroplating coating. Thus, the proposed lubricant-infused surface may provide insights into constructing protective coatings for the potential applications of engineering metal materials.
The immune evasion roles of Staphylococcus aureus protein A and impact on vaccine development
Authors: Bear Alex , Locke Thomas , Rowland-Jones Sarah , Pecetta Simone , Bagnoli Fabio , Darton Thomas C.
Published: September 2023

While Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria are part of the human commensal flora, opportunistic invasion following breach of the epithelial layers can lead to a wide array of infection syndromes at both local and distant sites. Despite ubiquitous exposure from early infancy, the life-long risk of opportunistic infection is facilitated by a broad repertoire of S. aureus virulence proteins. These proteins play a key role in inhibiting development of a long-term protective immune response by mechanisms ranging from dysregulation of the complement cascade to the disruption of leukocyte migration. In this review we describe the recent progress made in dissecting S. aureus immune evasion, focusing on the role of the superantigen, staphylococcal protein A (SpA). Evasion of the normal human immune response drives the ability of S. aureus to cause infection, often recurrently, and is also thought to be a major hindrance in the development of effective vaccination strategies. Understanding the role of S. aureus virulence protein and determining methods overcoming or subverting these mechanisms could lead to much-needed breakthroughs in vaccine and monoclonal antibody development.
Chatbots for embarrassing and stigmatizing conditions: could chatbots encourage users to seek medical advice?
Authors: Branley-Bell Dawn , Brown Richard , Coventry Lynne , Sillence Elizabeth
Published: September 2023

Background

Chatbots are increasingly being used across a wide range of contexts. Medical chatbots have the potential to improve healthcare capacity and provide timely patient access to health information. Chatbots may also be useful for encouraging individuals to seek an initial consultation for embarrassing or stigmatizing conditions.

Method

This experimental study used a series of vignettes to test the impact of different scenarios (experiencing embarrassing vs. stigmatizing conditions, and sexual vs. non-sexual symptoms) on consultation preferences (chatbot vs. doctor), attitudes toward consultation methods, and expected speed of seeking medical advice.

Results

The findings show that the majority of participants preferred doctors over chatbots for consultations across all conditions and symptom types. However, more participants preferred chatbots when addressing embarrassing sexual symptoms, compared with other symptom categories. Consulting with a doctor was believed to be more accurate, reassuring, trustworthy, useful and confidential than consulting with a medical chatbot, but also more embarrassing and stressful. Consulting with a medical chatbot was believed to be easier and more convenient, but also more frustrating. Interestingly, people with an overall preference for chatbots believed this method would encourage them to seek medical advice earlier than those who would prefer to consult with a doctor.

Conclusions

The findings highlight the potential role of chatbots in addressing embarrassing sexual symptoms. Incorporating chatbots into healthcare systems could provide a faster, more accessible and convenient route to health information and early diagnosis, as individuals may use them to seek earlier consultations.
Development and validation of a novel nomogram for prediction of ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes
Authors: Min Rui , Liao Yiqin , Peng Bocheng
Published: September 2023

Background

Ketosis-prone type 2 diabetes (KPD), as a unique emerging clinical entity, often has no clear inducement or obvious clinical symptoms at the onset of the disease. Failure to determine ketosis in time may lead to more serious consequences and even death. Therefore, our study aimed to develop and validate a novel nomogram to predict KPD.

Methods

In this retrospective study, clinical data of a total of 398 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes in our hospital who met our research standards with an average age of 48.75 ± 13.86 years years old from January 2019 to December 2022 were collected. According to the occurrence of ketosis, there were divided into T2DM groups(228 cases)with an average age of 52.19 ± 12.97 years, of whom 69.74% were male and KPD groups (170cases)with an average age of 44.13 ± 13.72 years, of whom males account for 80.59%. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent influencing factors of KPD and then a novel prediction nomogram model was established based on these independent predictors visually by using R4.3. Verification and evaluation of predictive model performance comprised receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve, corrected calibration curve, and clinical decision curve (DCA).

Results

4 primary independent predict factors of KPD were identified by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis and entered into the nomogram including age, family history, HbA1c and FFA. The model incorporating these 4 predict factors displayed good discrimination to predict KPD with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.945. The corrected calibration curve of the nomogram showed good fitting ability with an average absolute error =0.006 < 0.05, indicating a good accuracy. The decision analysis curve (DCA) demonstrated that when the risk threshold was between 5% and 99%, the nomogram model was more practical and accurate.

Conclusion

In our novel prediction nomogram model, we found that age, family history, HbA1c and FFA were the independent predict factors of KPD. The proposed nomogram built by these 4 predictors was well developed and exhibited powerful predictive performance for KPD with high discrimination, good accuracy, and potential clinical applicability, which may be a useful tool for early screening and identification of high-risk population of KPD and therefore help clinicians in making customized treatment strategy.
Discordant biochemical parameters of acromegaly remission do not influence the prevalence or aggressiveness of metabolic comorbidities: a single-center study
Authors: Romanisio Martina , Pitino Rosa , Ferrero Alice , Pizzolitto Francesca , Costelli Samuele , Antoniotti Valentina , Marzullo Paolo , Aimaretti Gianluca , Prodam Flavia , Caputo Marina
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The discrepancy between the biomarkers of disease’s activity in acromegalic patients (GH and IGF-1) is almost frequent representing a challenge for the development of comorbidities in the long term. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and severity of metabolic comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia) in surgically treated acromegalic patients with disease control and discordant GH and/or IGF-1 levels compared with those with concordant values.

Patients and methods

Retrospective monocentric observational study on acromegalic surgically treated patients with biochemical remission (group A) or mild discordant GH or IGF-1 levels (group B). Metabolic complications and medical therapy were assessed at diagnosis and at the last follow-up visit. Severity of the disease was set for drug titration or shift to another molecule or more than before.

Results

There were 18 patients that met the inclusion criteria [group A: nine patients; group B: nine patients, follow-up 7 years (IQR 5.0;11.25)]. The prevalence of female patients was significantly higher in the remission group compared with the discordant group (p < 0.02). Considering metabolic complications, at the last follow-up, 61.1% was affected by hypertension, 33.3% by diabetes, and 61.1% by dyslipidemia, without differences between groups. Drug characteristics (dose, shift, number) during the follow-up did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusion

Metabolic complications, mainly dyslipidemia, are frequent in cured acromegalic patients, but GH/IGF-1 discrepancy does not seem to represent a risk factor for their presence or persistence. More extended studies are needed to confirm our results in a long-term period.
Newly discovered circRNAs encoding proteins: recent progress
Authors: Shi Xiaotong , Liao Shiyu , Bi Zhiguo , Liu Jianguo , Li Hua , Feng Chunyang
Published: September 2023

Circular RNA (circRNA) is a special class of noncoding RNA molecules and the latest research hotspot in the field of RNA. CircRNA molecules have a closed loop structure, which is not affected by RNA exonuclease and has the characteristics of more stable expression. Previous studies have shown that circRNA molecules are rich in microRNA (miRNA) binding sites and act as miRNA sponges in cells. By interacting with miRNAs associated with tumors and other diseases, circRNAs play an important regulatory role. However, circRNAs have recently been found to have small open reading frames that enable them to encode peptides/proteins. These proteins have been reported to play an important role in the mechanism of regulation of a variety of diseases and have great potential in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In this review, we summarize the mechanism of action of the newly discovered circRNA-coding proteins since 2022 and briefly describe their research process. In addition, we also discuss the prediction model of the functional sites and encoded proteins of circRNAs, which provides a potential idea for future research on circRNAs.
Advances in the implications of the gut microbiota on the treatment efficacy of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Fan Junyu , Jiang Ting , He Dongyi
Published: September 2023

Alterations in the composition or function of the gut microbiota are associated with the etiology of human diseases. Drug-microbiota interactions can affect drug bioavailability, effectiveness, and toxicity through various routes. For instance, the direct effect of microbial enzymes on drugs can either boost or diminish their efficacy. Thus, considering its wide range of metabolic capabilities, the gut microbiota is a promising target for pharmacological modulation. Furthermore, drugs can alter the microbiota and the mechanisms by which they interact with their host. Individual variances in microbial profiles can also contribute to the different host responses to various drugs. However, the influence of interactions between the gut microbiota and drugs on treatment efficacy remains poorly elucidated. In this review, we will discuss the impact of microbiota dysbiosis in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and we will attempt to elucidate the crosstalk between the gut microbiota and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), with an emphasis on how drug-microbiota interactions affect the treatment efficacy in RA. We speculate that improved knowledge of these critical interactions will facilitate the development of novel therapeutic options that use microbial markers for predicting or optimizing treatment outcomes.
Antibodies to coagulase of Staphylococcus aureus crossreact to Efb and reveal different binding of shared fibrinogen binding repeats
Authors: Bertoglio Federico , Ko Ya-Ping , Thomas Sheila , Giordano Liliana , Scommegna Francesca Romana , Meier Doris , Polten Saskia , Becker Marlies , Arora Srishtee , Hust Michael , Höök Magnus , Visai Livia
Published: September 2023

Staphylococcus aureus pathology is caused by a plethora of virulence factors able to combat multiple host defence mechanisms. Fibrinogen (Fg), a critical component in the host coagulation cascade, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of this bacterium, as it is the target of numerous staphylococcal virulence proteins. Amongst its secreted virulence factors, coagulase (Coa) and Extracellular fibrinogen-binding protein (Efb) share common Fg binding motives and have been described to form a Fg shield around staphylococcal cells, thereby allowing efficient bacterial spreading, phagocytosis escape and evasion of host immune system responses. Targeting these proteins with monoclonal antibodies thus represents a new therapeutic option against S. aureus. To this end, here we report the selection and characterization of fully human, sequence-defined, monoclonal antibodies selected against the C-terminal of coagulase. Given the functional homology between Coa and Efb, we also investigated if the generated antibodies bound the two virulence factors. Thirteen unique antibodies were isolated from naïve antibodies gene libraries by antibody phage display. As anticipated, most of the selected antibodies showed cross-recognition of these two proteins and among them, four were able to block the interaction between Coa/Efb and Fg. Furthermore, our monoclonal antibodies could interact with the two main Fg binding repeats present at the C-terminal of Coa and distinguish them, suggesting the presence of two functionally different Fg-binding epitopes.
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant infection affects blood platelets, a comparative analysis with Delta variant
Authors: Garcia Cédric , Compagnon Baptiste , Ribes Agnès , Voisin Sophie , Vardon-Bounes Fanny , Payrastre Bernard
Published: September 2023

Introduction

In November 2021, the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant of concern has emerged and is currently dominating the COVID-19 pandemic over the world. Omicron displays a number of mutations, particularly in the spike protein, leading to specific characteristics including a higher potential for transmission. Although Omicron has caused a significant number of deaths worldwide, it generally induces less severe clinical signs compared to earlier variants. As its impact on blood platelets remains unknown, we investigated platelet behavior in severe patients infected with Omicron in comparison to Delta.

Methods

Clinical and biological characteristics of severe COVID-19 patients infected with the Omicron (n=9) or Delta (n=11) variants were analyzed. Using complementary methods such as flow cytometry, confocal imaging and electron microscopy, we examined platelet activation, responsiveness and phenotype, presence of virus in platelets and induction of selective autophagy. We also explored the direct effect of spike proteins from the Omicron or Delta variants on healthy platelet signaling.

Results

Severe Omicron variant infection resulted in platelet activation and partial desensitization, presence of the virus in platelets and selective autophagy response. The intraplatelet processing of Omicron viral cargo was different from Delta as evidenced by the distribution of spike protein-positive structures near the plasma membrane and the colocalization of spike and Rab7. Moreover, spike proteins from the Omicron or Delta variants alone activated signaling pathways in healthy platelets including phosphorylation of AKT, p38MAPK, LIMK and SPL76 with different kinetics.

Discussion

Although SARS-CoV-2 Omicron has different biological characteristics compared to prior variants, it leads to platelet activation and desensitization as previously observed with the Delta variant. Omicron is also found in platelets from severe patients where it induces selective autophagy, but the mechanisms of intraplatelet processing of Omicron cargo, as part of the innate response, differs from Delta, suggesting that mutations on spike protein modify virus to platelet interactions.
Single cell transcriptomics reveals recent CD8T cell receptor signaling in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Iqneibi Shahad , Saigusa Ryosuke , Khan Amir , Oliaeimotlagh Mohammad , Armstrong Suthahar Sujit Silas , Kumar Sunil , Alimadadi Ahmad , Durant Christopher P. , Ghosheh Yanal , McNamara Coleen A. , Hedrick Catherine C. , Ley Klaus
Published: September 2023

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death worldwide. The role of CD8+ T cells in CAD is unknown. Recent studies suggest a breakdown of tolerance in atherosclerosis, resulting in active T cell receptor (TCR) engagement with self-antigens. We hypothesized that TCR engagement would leave characteristic gene expression signatures. In a single cell RNA-sequencing analysis of CD8+ T cells from 30 patients with CAD and 30 controls we found significant enrichment of TCR signaling pathways in CAD+ subjects, suggesting recent TCR engagement. We also found significant enrichment of cytotoxic and exhaustion pathways in CAD cases compared to controls. Highly significant upregulation of TCR signaling in CAD indicates that CD8 T cells reactive to atherosclerosis antigens are prominent in the blood of CAD cases compared to controls.
Organ complications after CD19 CAR T-cell therapy for large B cell lymphoma: a retrospective study from the EBMT transplant complications and lymphoma working party
Authors: Penack Olaf , Peczynski Christophe , Koenecke Christian , Polge Emmanuelle , Sanderson Robin , Yakoub-Agha Ibrahim , Fegueux Nathalie , Daskalakis Michael , Collin Matthew , Dreger Peter , Kröger Nicolaus , Schanz Urs , Bloor Adrian , Ganser Arnold , Besley Caroline , Wulf Gerald G. , Novak Urban , Moiseev Ivan , Schoemans Hélène , Basak Grzegorz W. , Chabannon Christian , Sureda Anna , Glass Bertram , Peric Zinaida
Published: September 2023

We investigated ≥ grade 3 (CTC-AE) organ toxicities for commercial CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T cell) products in 492 patients (Axi-Cel; n = 315; Tisa-Cel; n = 177) with Large B-cell Lymphoma in the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) CAR-T registry. The incidence of ≥ grade 3 organ toxicities during the first 100 days after CAR-T was low and the most frequent were: renal (3.0%), cardiac (2.3%), gastro-intestinal (2.3%) and hepatic (1.8%). The majority occurred within three weeks after CAR-T cell therapy. Overall survival was 83.1% [79.8-86.5; 95% CI] at 3 months and 53.5% [49-58.4; 95% CI] at one year after CAR-T. The most frequent cause of death was tumour progression (85.1%). Non-relapse mortality was 3.1% [2.3-4.1; 95% CI] at 3 months and 5.2% [4.1-6.5; 95% CI] at one year after CAR-T. The most frequent causes of non-relapse mortality were cell-therapy-related toxicities including organ toxicities (6.4% of total deaths) and infections (4.4% of total deaths). Our data demonstrates good safety in the European real-world setting.
The heterogeneity of microbial diversity and its drivers in two types of sediments from tidal flats in Beibu Gulf, China
Authors: Ye Yong-Lian , Ma Kuo-Jian , Fu Yun-Han , Wu Zhi-Cheng , Fu Ge-Yi , Sun Cong , Xu Xue-Wei
Published: September 2023

Mudflats and sandflats are two common types of coastal tidal flats, the structure and function differences of microbial communities between them are still underappreciated. Beibu Gulf is a diurnal tidal regime located in China, the differences between the two type of tidal flats could be more distinct. In this study, we collected a total of 6 samples from Beibu Gulf, consisting of 3 sandflats samples and 3 mudflats samples, classified based on clay and silt content. Generally, the mudflats samples exhibited higher levels of NH4+_N and TOC, but lower in ORP and pH. The microbial diversity of the two types of tidal flats was investigated, revealing great differences existed and sandflats had higher microbial richness and diversity than mudflats. Furthermore, we analyzed the association between microbial communities and environmental factors, finding NH4+_N to have the highest contribution to the total variation in microbial community structure, and microbial groups such as Desulfobacterota, Campilobacterota, Chloroflexota, Calditrichota, Spirochaetota, Zixibacteria, Latescibacterota and Sva0485 group in mudflats were positively associated with NH4+_N. The functions of microbial community were predicted using metagenomic sequences and metagenome assembled genome (MAG). Mudflats contained more genes for carbon fixation. Nitrate and nitrite reduction were widely existed in mudflats and sandflats, but nitrogen fixation was only existed in mudflats, and Campilobacterota, Desulfobacterota and Gammaproteobacteria MAGs were mainly responsible for it. Sandflats composed more genes for ammonium oxidation, but no MAG was found whether in sandflats or mudflats. Microbes in mudflats exhibited a greater abundance of genes related to sulfur cycling, especially in reduction process, unique MAGs in mudflats such as Calditrichota, Chloroflexota, Desulfobacterota and Zixibacteria MAGs are responsible for sulfate and sulfite reduction. Finally, we predicted functions of ammonium related microbes in mudflats based on MAGs and found Campilobacterota and Desulfobacterota MAGs were important for high accumulation of ammonium in mudflats. This study illuminated the structural and functional differences of microbial communities in mudflats and sandflats, providing new insights into the relationship of microbial communities and environment in the tidal flat.
Metabolic characteristics of non-obese and obese metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus and its association with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Dang Si-Wen , Gao Lei , Li Yu-Jun , Zhang Ruo , Xu Jing
Published: September 2023

Aim

To assess the metabolic characteristics of non-obese metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) compared with obese MAFLD and the relationship of MAFLD with diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

Data were obtained from 536 T2DM patients (355 women, 181 men; age 58.2 ± 12.0 years). We explored the difference in clinical characteristics between obese MAFLD (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2) and non-obese MAFLD (body mass index <25 kg/m2) in T2DM patients. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the means of continuous variables, and the Chi-squared test was used to compare the differences in frequencies of categorical variables. Logistic regression models were adopted to calculate odds ratios.

Results

The prevalence of MAFLD in hospitalized Chinese T2DM patients was calculated to be 42.7%. Both obese and non-obese MAFLD patients had higher levels of body mass index (BMI), waist circumfere nce, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase, aspar tate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltransferase, you nger age, higher prevalence of hyperlipidemia and shorter duration of T2DM and lower incidence of diabetic retinopathy, compared with participants with out MAFLD in the same weight group. Uric acid levels were positively correlated with the risk of MAFLD only in non-obese subjects but not in obese subjects. In non-obese patients with T2DM, a negative correlation was found between the prevalence of MAFLD and diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusion

Even in non-obese patients with T2DM, BMI was found to be an independent risk factor for MAFLD. These findings support a more structured, risk-factor-based approach to MAFLD management, particularly in patients with T2DM. Non-obese MAFLD has unique results in metabolic characteristics and the correlation with diabetic retinopathy and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which should be further explored.
Differences in the severity and mortality risk factors for patients hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia between the early wave and the very late stage of the pandemic
Authors: Li Haiyan , Jia Xiaoni , Wang Yu , Lv Yali , Wang Jing , Zhai Yuyao , Xue Xiaorong
Published: September 2023

Background

Since China’s dynamic zero-COVID policy is cancelled on December 7, 2022, the rapidly growing number of patients has brought a major public health challenge. This study aimed to assess whether there were differences in the severity and mortality risk factors for patients hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia between the early wave and the very late stage of the pandemic.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out using data from 223 hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia during the Omicron surge in Xi’an People’s Hospital (Xi’an Fourth Hospital) from December 8, 2022, to January 31, 2023. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify potential risk factors associated with the severity and mortality of COVID-19 pneumonia during the first wave of the pandemic after the dynamic zero-COVID policy was retracted. Differences in the severity and mortality risk factors were assessed at different stages of the pandemic, mainly from demographic, clinical manifestation, laboratory tests and radiological findings of patients on admission.

Results

The mean age of the 223 participants was 71.2 ± 17.4. Compared with the patients in the initial stage of the pandemic, the most common manifestation among patients in this study was cough (90.6%), rather than fever (79.4%). Different from the initial stage of the pandemic, older age, chest tightness, elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), decreased albumin (ALB) level and ground glass opacification (GGO) in radiological finding were identified as severity risk factors, instead of mortality risk factors for COVID-19 patients in the very late stage of the pandemic. Arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) ≤300 mmHg, cardiovascular disease and laboratory findings including elevated levels of D-dimer, α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBDH), total bilirubin (TBIL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CR), fasting blood glucose (FBG) and decreased platelet count (PLT) were still associated with mortality in the very late stage of the pandemic.

Conclusion

Monitoring continuously differences in the severity and mortality risk factors for COVID-19 patients between different stages of the pandemic could provide evidence for exploring uncharted territory in the coming post-pandemic era.
Recent advances in PGPR-mediated resilience toward interactive effects of drought and salt stress in plants
Authors: Al-Turki Ahmad , Murali M. , Omar Ayman F. , Rehan Medhat , Sayyed R.Z.
Published: September 2023

The present crisis at hand revolves around the need to enhance plant resilience to various environmental stresses, including abiotic and biotic stresses, to ensure sustainable agriculture and mitigate the impact of climate change on crop production. One such promising approach is the utilization of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) to mediate plant resilience to these stresses. Plants are constantly exposed to various stress factors, such as drought, salinity, pathogens, and nutrient deficiencies, which can significantly reduce crop yield and quality. The PGPR are beneficial microbes that reside in the rhizosphere of plants and have been shown to positively influence plant growth and stress tolerance through various mechanisms, including nutrient solubilization, phytohormone production, and induction of systemic resistance. The review comprehensively examines the various mechanisms through which PGPR promotes plant resilience, including nutrient acquisition, hormonal regulation, and defense induction, focusing on recent research findings. The advancements made in the field of PGPR-mediated resilience through multi-omics approaches (viz., genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) to unravel the intricate interactions between PGPR and plants have been discussed including their molecular pathways involved in stress tolerance. Besides, the review also emphasizes the importance of continued research and implementation of PGPR-based strategies to address the pressing challenges facing global food security including commercialization of PGPR-based bio-formulations for sustainable agricultural.
Assessments of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus levels and microbial community compositions in blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) and seawater harvested from the Maryland Coastal Bays
Authors: Smalls Jasmine , Grim Christopher , Parveen Salina
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Fluctuations in environmental physicochemical parameters can affect the diversity and prevalence of microbial communities, including vibrios, associated with aquatic species and their surrounding environments. This study aimed to investigate the population dynamics of two Vibrio species as well as the microbial community diversity of whole crab and seawater from the Maryland Coastal Bays (MCBs), using 16S rRNA sequencing.

Methods

During this study, three crabs and 1 L of seawater were collected monthly from two sites for 3 months. Crab tissue was extracted and pooled for each site. Extracted crab tissue and seawater were analyzed for Vibrio parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus using Most Probable Number (MPN) real-time PCR. For 16S rRNA microbiome analysis, three different DNA extraction kits were evaluated to extract microbial DNA from individual crabs. Also, 500 mL of each seawater sample was filtered for DNA extraction.

Results

Results indicated that sample types and sampling periods had a significant effect on the alpha diversity of the microbial community of crabs and seawater (p < 0.05); however, no statistical difference was found between DNA extraction kits. Beta diversity analysis also found that the microbial compositions between sample types and temporal distributions were statistically significant. Taxonomic classification revealed that Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were present in both crab and seawater samples. Vibrio parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus were also detected in both crab and seawater samples, although crabs contained a higher concentration of the bacterium compared to the seawater samples. It was found that vibrios were not a dominant species in the microbial community of crab or seawater samples.

Discussion

Results from this study provide further insight into species diversity and phylogenetic compositions of blue crabs and seawater from the MCBs. These approaches will help in risk assessments that are essential in the overall advancement of public health.
Therapeutic efficacy of β-sitosterol treatment on Trypanosoma congolense infection, anemia development, and trans-sialidase (TconTS1) gene expression
Authors: Aminu Suleiman , Chechet Gloria Dada , Alkhalil Samia S. , Sobeh Mansour , Daoud Rachid , Simelane Mthokozisi B. , Onyike Elewechi , Ibrahim Mohammed Auwal
Published: September 2023

Background

African animal trypanosomiasis hinders sustainable livestock productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. About 17 million infected cattle are treated with trypanocides annually but most of the drugs are associated with drawbacks, necessitating the search for a promising chemotherapeutic agent.

Objectives

In this study, the effects of β-sitosterol on Trypanosoma congolense infection were investigated along with its effect on the trans-sialidase gene expressions.

Results

Oral treatment with β-sitosterol at 15 and 30 mg/kg body weight (BW) for 14 days significantly (p < 0.05) reduced parasitemia and ameliorated the parasite-induced anemia. Also, the parasite-induced increase in serum urea level and renal histopathological damage scores in addition to renal hypertrophy was significantly (p < 0.05) reverted following treatment with 30 mg/kg BW β-sitosterol. The compound also significantly (p < 0.05) down-regulated the expression of TconTS1 but not TconTS2, TconTS3, and TconTS4. Correlation analysis between free serum sialic acid with the TconTS1 and TconTS2 gene variants revealed negative correlations in the β-sitosterol-treated groups although they were non-significant (p > 0.05) in the group treated with 15 mg/kg BW β-sitosterol. Similarly, a non-significant negative (p > 0.05) correlation between the biomolecule and the TconTS3 and TconTS4 gene variants was observed in the β-sitosterol-treated groups while positive correlations were observed in the infected untreated control group.

Conclusion

The observed effect of β-sitosterol on T. congolense infection could make the compound a possible template for the design of novel trypanocides.