bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between health literacy and blood sugar control in rural areas among diabetes patients
Authors: Chen Jingfeng , Wen Lina , Fu Guifen , Bai Chaoqun , Lei Xiaoxue , Zhang Yanping
Published: May 2024

Background

Although the relationship between health literacy and glycemic control has been explored in patients with diabetes, little is known about the relationship between different categories of diabetes health literacy and glycemic control in rural areas. Therefore, this study focused on the relationship between different categories of health literacy and glycemic control among diabetic patients in rural areas of Guangxi, China

Objective

To explore the potential profiles of health literacy among rural diabetes patients in Guangxi and investigate their relationship with blood sugar control.

Methods

A health literacy questionnaire was administered to 2280 rural diabetes patients in five cities in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Latent profile analysis was conducted to identify potential health literacy profiles.

Results

Health literacy among rural diabetes patients in Guangxi could be categorized into high literacy-high functionality and low literacy-low criticality groups. The latent categories of health literacy were associated with blood sugar control, with diabetes patients in the high literacy-high functionality group demonstrating better blood sugar control than those in the low literacy-low criticality group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Health literacy among rural diabetes patients in Guangxi exhibits heterogeneity. Healthcare professionals should pay attention to patients with low literacy and low criticality in rural areas and develop interventions to enhance their health literacy, thereby improving their blood sugar control.
UHVDC transmission line diagnosis method for integrated community energy system based on wavelet analysis
Authors: Yuan Tianlong , Liang Jinguang , Zhang Xiaofei , Liang Kaijie , Feng Lingzi , Dong Zhaofu
Published: May 2024

With the large-scale development of renewable energy power, China has faced with the challenges of the reverse regional distribution of wind and solar resources and power load, as well as the intermittency and randomness of renewable energy power. Therefore, China is vigorously developing ultra-high voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission technology to solve the problem of insufficient flexibility caused by the uncertainty of renewable energy and the fluctuation of multi-energy loads in integrated community energy systems. UHVDC plays an increasingly pivotal role in the west-east transmission system in China’s power system due to its high transmission capacity and long transmission distance. Once the fault occurs in the ultra-high voltage direct (UHVD) transmission line, quick and accurate fault location identification is of great significance. Hence, this paper proposes a UHVDC transmission line diagnosis method based on wavelet analysis for integrated community energy systems. Wavelet transform (WT) is used to decompose the transient signal on a multi-scale, and then power systems computer-aided design (PSCAD) software is utilized for simulation calculation to obtain the singular spectrum entropy of each layer and facilitate wavelet transformations for signal denoising with advanced tools such as MATLAB. The prediction results can distinguish outside the rectification side fault, within the rectification side fault, and outside the inverter fault with an accuracy of 100%. A large number of simulations demonstrate that combining singular spectrum entropy with support vector machines (SVM) has emerged as a robust technique for integrated community energy systems, suggesting its potential as a standard method in UHVDC transmission line diagnosis. This study is of significant reference for realizing the complementarity of multiple types of power supply and ensuring a reliable power supply.
Increased interleukin-26 in the peripheral joints of patients with axial spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis, co-localizing with CD68-positive synoviocytes
Authors: Hammitzsch Ariane , Ossadnik Andreas , Bachmann Quirin , Merwald-Fraenk Helga , Lorenz Georg , Witt Matthias , Wiesent Franziska , Mühlhofer Heinrich , Simone Davide , Bowness Paul , Heemann Uwe , Arbogast Martin , Moog Philipp , Schmaderer Christoph
Published: May 2024

Objectives

IL26 levels are elevated in the blood and synovial fluid of patients with inflammatory arthritis. IL26 can be produced by Th17 cells and locally within joints by tissue-resident cells. IL26 induces osteoblast mineralization in vitro. As osteoproliferation and Th17 cells are important factors in the pathogenesis of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), we aimed to clarify the cellular sources of IL26 in spondyloarthritis.

Methods

Serum, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (n = 15–35) and synovial tissue (n = 3–9) of adult patients with axSpA, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy controls (HCs, n = 5) were evaluated by ELISA, flow cytometry including PrimeFlow assay, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence and quantitative PCR.

Results

Synovial tissue of axSpA patients shows significantly more IL26-positive cells than that of HCs (p < 0.01), but numbers are also elevated in PsA and RA patients. Immunofluorescence shows co-localization of IL26 with CD68, but not with CD3, SMA, CD163, cadherin-11, or CD90. IL26 is elevated in the serum of RA and PsA (but not axSpA) patients compared with HCs (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01). However, peripheral blood CD4+ T cells from axSpA and PsA patients show higher positivity for IL26 in the PrimeFlow assay compared with HCs. CD4+ memory T cells from axSpA patients produce more IL26 under Th17-favoring conditions (IL-1β and IL-23) than cells from PsA and RA patients or HCs.

Conclusion

IL26 production is increased in the synovial tissue of SpA and can be localized to CD68+ macrophage-like synoviocytes, whereas circulating IL26+ Th17 cells are only modestly enriched. Considering the osteoproliferative properties of IL26, this offers new therapeutic options independent of Th17 pathways.
Tumor-associated CD8+T cell tolerance induced by erythroid progenitor cells
Authors: Fan Xue , Peng Han , Wang Xuesong , Sun Yixin , Dong Yan , Zhou Jie , Chen Jianfang , Huang Shuo
Published: May 2024

Introduction

CD8+T cell tolerance plays an important role in tumor escape. Recent studies have shown that CD45+ erythroid progenitor cells (CD45+EPCs) generated through splenic extramedullary erythropoiesis suppress tumor immunity. However, the mechanism underlying how CD45+EPCs mediate CD8+T cell tolerance remains incompletely understood and requires further research.

Methods

In this study, the antigen-processing abilities of CD45+EPCs was verified through both in vitro and in vivo experiments. We have used the method of co-culture in vitro and adoptive transfer experiments in vivo to explore the effects of CD45+EPCs on CD8+T cell tolerance. RNA-sequencing analysis and blocking experiments were used to evaluate the role of ROS in the CD45+EPC mediated tolerance of CD8+T cells. Finally, we incorporated uric acid into the adoptive transfer experiments to rescue the CD45+EPC mediated tumor-promoting effect.

Results and discussion

We found that CD45+EPCs take up soluble proteins, present antigenic epitopes on their surface, and induce antigen-specific CD8+T cell anergy. In addition, we found that CD45+EPC directly nitrates tyrosine within the TCR/CD8 complex via the production of reactive oxygen species and peroxynitrite, preventing CD8+ T cells from responding to their specific peptide antigens. Furthermore, uric acid treatment effectively abolished the immunosuppressive effects of CD45+EPCs during CD8+T cell adoptive transfer, thereby enhancing the anti-tumor efficacy. These results demonstrated that CD8+T cell tolerance in tumor-bearing mice is induced by CD45+EPCs. The results of this study have direct implications for tumor immunotherapy.
Moss-produced human complement factor H with modified glycans has an extended half-life and improved biological activity
Authors: Tschongov Todor , Konwar Swagata , Busch Andreas , Sievert Christian , Hartmann Andrea , Noris Marina , Gastoldi Sara , Aiello Sistiana , Schaaf Andreas , Panse Jens , Zipfel Peter F. , Dabrowska-Schlepp Paulina , Häffner Karsten
Published: May 2024

Most drugs that target the complement system are designed to inhibit the complement pathway at either the proximal or terminal levels. The use of a natural complement regulator such as factor H (FH) could provide a superior treatment option by restoring the balance of an overactive complement system while preserving its normal physiological functions. Until now, the systemic treatment of complement-associated disorders with FH has been deemed unfeasible, primarily due to high production costs, risks related to FH purified from donors’ blood, and the challenging expression of recombinant FH in different host systems. We recently demonstrated that a moss-based expression system can produce high yields of properly folded, fully functional, recombinant FH. However, the half-life of the initial variant (CPV-101) was relatively short. Here we show that the same polypeptide with modified glycosylation (CPV-104) achieves a pharmacokinetic profile comparable to that of native FH derived from human serum. The treatment of FH-deficient mice with CPV-104 significantly improved important efficacy parameters such as the normalization of serum C3 levels and the rapid degradation of C3 deposits in the kidney compared to treatment with CPV-101. Furthermore, CPV-104 showed comparable functionality to serum-derived FH in vitro, as well as similar performance in ex vivo assays involving samples from patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome, C3 glomerulopathy and paroxysomal nocturnal hematuria. CPV-104 – the human FH analog expressed in moss – will therefore allow the treatment of complement-associated human diseases by rebalancing instead of inhibiting the complement cascade.
Lysosome-related genes predict acute myeloid leukemia prognosis and response to immunotherapy
Authors: Wan Peng , Zhong Liang , Yu Lihua , Shen Chenlan , Shao Xin , Chen Shuyu , Zhou Ziwei , Wang Meng , Zhang Hongyan , Liu Beizhong
Published: May 2024

Background

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly aggressive and pathogenic hematologic malignancy with consistently high mortality. Lysosomes are organelles involved in cell growth and metabolism that fuse to form specialized Auer rods in AML, and their role in AML has not been elucidated. This study aimed to identify AML subtypes centered on lysosome-related genes and to construct a prognostic model to guide individualized treatment of AML.

Methods

Gene expression data and clinical data from AML patients were downloaded from two high-throughput sequencing platforms. The 191 lysosomal signature genes were obtained from the database MsigDB. Lysosomal clusters were identified by unsupervised consensus clustering. The differences in molecular expression, biological processes, and the immune microenvironment among lysosomal clusters were subsequently analyzed. Based on the molecular expression differences between lysosomal clusters, lysosomal-related genes affecting AML prognosis were screened by univariate cox regression and multivariate cox regression analyses. Algorithms for LASSO regression analyses were employed to construct prognostic models. The risk factor distribution, KM survival curve, was applied to evaluate the survival distribution of the model. Time-dependent ROC curves, nomograms and calibration curves were used to evaluate the predictive performance of the prognostic models. TIDE scores and drug sensitivity analyses were used to explore the implication of the model for AML treatment.

Results

Our study identified two lysosomal clusters, cluster1 has longer survival time and stronger immune infiltration compared to cluster2. The differences in biological processes between the two lysosomal clusters are mainly manifested in the lysosomes, vesicles, immune cell function, and apoptosis. The prognostic model consisting of six prognosis-related genes was constructed. The prognostic model showed good predictive performance in all three data sets. Patients in the low-risk group survived significantly longer than those in the high-risk group and had higher immune infiltration and stronger response to immunotherapy. Patients in the high-risk group showed greater sensitivity to cytarabine, imatinib, and bortezomib, but lower sensitivity to ATRA compared to low -risk patients.

Conclusion

Our prognostic model based on lysosome-related genes can effectively predict the prognosis of AML patients and provide reference evidence for individualized immunotherapy and pharmacological chemotherapy for AML.
Human dendritic cell interactions with the zoonotic parasite Cryptosporidium parvum result in activation and maturation
Authors: Ross Ralf , Hasheminasab Seyed Sajjad , Conejeros Iván , Gärtner Ulrich , Kamena Faustin , Krueger Andreas , Taubert Anja , Hermosilla Carlos
Published: May 2024

Cryptosporidiosis in humans is caused by infection of the zoonotic apicomplexan parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. In 2006, it was included by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the group of the most neglected poverty-related diseases. It is characterized by enteritis accompanied by profuse catarrhalic diarrhea with high morbidity and mortality, especially in children of developing countries under the age of 5 years and in HIV patients. The vulnerability of HIV patients indicates that a robust adaptive immune response is required to successfully fight this parasite. Little is known, however, about the adaptive immune response against C. parvum. To have an insight into the early events of the adaptive immune response, we generated primary human dendritic cells (DCs) from monocytes of healthy blood donors and exposed them to C. parvum oocysts and sporozoites in vitro. DCs are equipped with numerous receptors that detect microbial molecules and alarm signals. If stimulation is strong enough, an essential maturation process turns DCs into unique activators of naïve T cells, a prerequisite of any adaptive immune response. Parasite exposure highly induced the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 in DCs. Moreover, antigen-presenting molecules (HLA-DR and CD1a), maturation markers, and costimulatory molecules required for T-cell stimulation (CD83, CD40, and CD86) and adhesion molecules (CD11b and CD58) were all upregulated. In addition, parasite-exposed human DCs showed enhanced cell adherence, increased mobility, and a boosted but time-limited phagocytosis of C. parvum oocysts and sporozoites, representing other prerequisites for antigen presentation. Unlike several other microbial stimuli, C. parvum exposure rather led to increased oxidative consumption rates (OCRs) than extracellular acidification rates (ECARs) in DCs, indicating that different metabolic pathways were used to provide energy for DC activation. Taken together, C. parvum-exposed human DCs showed all hallmarks of successful maturation, enabling them to mount an effective adaptive immune response.
The synergistic immunotherapeutic impact of engineered CAR-T cells with PD-1 blockade in lymphomas and solid tumors: a systematic review
Authors: Satapathy Bibhu Prasad , Sheoran Pooja , Yadav Rohit , Chettri Dewan , Sonowal Dhruba , Dash Chinmayee Priyadarsini , Dhaka Prachi , Uttam Vivek , Yadav Ritu , Jain Manju , Jain Aklank
Published: May 2024

Currently, therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor-T Cell (CAR-T) and immune checkpoint inhibitors like programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) blockers are showing promising results for numerous cancer patients. However, significant advancements are required before CAR-T therapies become readily available as off-the-shelf treatments, particularly for solid tumors and lymphomas. In this review, we have systematically analyzed the combination therapy involving engineered CAR-T cells and anti PD-1 agents. This approach aims at overcoming the limitations of current treatments and offers potential advantages such as enhanced tumor inhibition, alleviated T-cell exhaustion, heightened T-cell activation, and minimized toxicity. The integration of CAR-T therapy, which targets tumor-associated antigens, with PD-1 blockade augments T-cell function and mitigates immune suppression within the tumor microenvironment. To assess the impact of combination therapy on various tumors and lymphomas, we categorized them based on six major tumor-associated antigens: mesothelin, disialoganglioside GD-2, CD-19, CD-22, CD-133, and CD-30, which are present in different tumor types. We evaluated the efficacy, complete and partial responses, and progression-free survival in both pre-clinical and clinical models. Additionally, we discussed potential implications, including the feasibility of combination immunotherapies, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research to optimize treatment strategies and improve outcomes for cancer patients. Overall, we believe combining CAR-T therapy with PD-1 blockade holds promise for the next generation of cancer immunotherapy.
The association between the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio and systemic sclerosis and its complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zinellu Angelo , Mangoni Arduino A.
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The identification of new, easily measurable biomarkers might assist clinicians in diagnosing and managing systemic sclerosis (SSc). Although the full blood count is routinely assessed in the evaluation of SSc, the diagnostic utility of specific cell-derived inflammatory indices, i.e., neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), has not been critically appraised in this patient group.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies investigating the NLR, PLR, and MLR, in SSc patients and healthy controls and in SSc patients with and without relevant complications. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to 23 February 2024. Risk of bias and certainty of evidence were assessed using validated tools.

Results

In 10 eligible studies, compared to controls, patients with SSc had significantly higher NLR (standard mean difference, SMD=0.68, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.91, p<0.001; I2 = 74.5%, p<0.001), and PLR values (SMD=0.52, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.83, p=0.001; I2 = 77.0%, p=0.005), and a trend towards higher MLR values (SMD=0.60, 95% CI -0.04 to 1.23, p=0.066; I2 = 94.1%, p<0.001). When compared to SSc patients without complications, the NLR was significantly higher in SSc with interstitial lung disease (ILD, SMD=0.31, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.46, p<0.001; I2 = 43.9%, p=0.11), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH, SMD=1.59, 95% CI 0.04 to 3.1, p=0.045; I2 = 87.6%, p<0.001), and digital ulcers (DU, SMD=0.43, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.74, p=0.006; I2 = 0.0%, p=0.49). The PLR was significantly higher in SSc patients with ILD (SMD=0.42, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.59, p<0.001; I2 = 24.8%, p=0.26). The MLR was significantly higher in SSc patients with PAH (SMD=0.63, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.08, p=0.007; I2 = 66.0%, p=0.086), and there was a trend towards a higher MLR in SSc patients with ILD (SMD=0.60, 95% CI -0.04 to 1.23, p=0.066; I2 = 94.1%, p<0.001).

Discussion

Pending the results of appropriately designed prospective studies, the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that blood cell-derived indices of inflammation, particularly the NLR and PLR, may be useful in the diagnosis of SSc and specific complications.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42024520040.
The effect of macrophages and their exosomes in ischemic heart disease
Authors: Wang Minrui , Li Chunhong , Liu Yuchang , Jin Yuanyuan , Yu Yang , Tan Xiaoqiu , Zhang Chunxiang
Published: May 2024

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is a leading cause of disability and death worldwide, with immune regulation playing a crucial role in its pathogenesis. Various immune cells are involved, and as one of the key immune cells residing in the heart, macrophages play an indispensable role in the inflammatory and reparative processes during cardiac ischemia. Exosomes, extracellular vesicles containing lipids, nucleic acids, proteins, and other bioactive molecules, have emerged as important mediators in the regulatory functions of macrophages and hold promise as a novel therapeutic target for IHD. This review summarizes the regulatory mechanisms of different subsets of macrophages and their secreted exosomes during cardiac ischemia over the past five years. It also discusses the current status of clinical research utilizing macrophages and their exosomes, as well as strategies to enhance their therapeutic efficacy through biotechnology. The aim is to provide valuable insights for the treatment of IHD.
New advances in immune mechanism and treatment during ocular toxoplasmosis
Authors: Chen Zijian , Cheng Shizhou , Chen Xiaoming , Zhang Zuhai , Du Yanhua
Published: May 2024

Ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) is an intraocular infection caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. OT is manifested as retinal choroiditis and is the most common infectious cause of posterior uveitis. Invasion of the retina by T. gondii leads to disruption of the blood-ocular barrier and promotes the migration of immune cells to the ocular tissues. Cytokines such as IFN-γ and IL-1β are effective for controlling parasite growth, but excessive inflammatory responses can cause damage to the host. In this review, we will discuss in detail the latest advances in the immunopathology and treatment of OT.
The real life experience goes on: update after 4 years on the first cohort treated with lanadelumab at our center
Authors: Buttgereit Thomas , Vera Ayala Carolina , Aykanat Seda , Weller Karsten , Gutsche Annika , Maurer Marcus , Magerl Markus
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Lanadelumab is a first-line long-term prophylaxis (LTP) in hereditary angioedema (HAE). Real-life data on its long-term efficacy and safety are limited. It is unknown whether patients using lanadelumab need short-term prophylaxis (STP).

Objectives

To provide 4-year follow-up data for our first 34 patients treating with lanadelumab.

Methods

Patients were assessed for their current injection interval, attacks, treatment satisfaction, disease control (AECT), quality of life impairment (AE-QoL), events that can induce attacks, and the use of STP since the start of their treatment with lanadelumab.

Results

Of 34 patients who started lanadelumab treatment, 32 were still using it after 4 years, with a median injection interval of 33 (range 14-90) days. HAE patients (n=28) reported longer intervals, i.e. 35 (14-90) days, than patients with angioedema due to acquired C1 inhibitor deficiency (n=4, 23 (14-31) days). With their current injection intervals, used for a mean duration of 29 ± 17 months, patients reported a yearly attack rate of 0.3 ± 0.1. More than 70% of patients were attack-free since starting their current injection interval. All patients reported well-controlled disease, i.e. ≥10 points in the AECT; 21 patients had complete control (16 points). AE-QoL scores improved further compared to our initial report, most prominently in the fears/shame domain (-6 points). Treatment satisfaction was very high. No angioedema occurred after 146 of 147 potentially attack-inducing medical procedures without STP.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the long-term efficacy and safety of lanadelumab in real-life and question the need for STP in patients who use effective LTP.
Impact of typhoons on the ecological environment of the Pearl River Estuary in the summer of 2021—a study of an algal bloom event
Authors: Zhang Xin , Gao Shan , Ji Xuanliang , Zhu Xueming , Zheng Jingjing , Guo Shaojing
Published: May 2024

In the summer of 2021, two typhoons, Typhoon Cempaka and Typhoon Lupit, passed through the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), resulting in a noticeable chlorophyll-a (Chla) bloom event on the west side of the PRE. Utilizing a coupled hydrodynamic-ecological model (ROMS-CoSiNE), we investigated the changes in the marine environment during the two-typhoon period and explored the underlying mechanisms involved. Our model effectively reproduces the spatial characteristics of the typhoon-induced algal blooms. The results suggest that the westward invasion of the Pearl River plume has a predominant impact on the alterations in biochemical elements. For further quantitative analyses, we utilized the model to determine the Chla concentration budget in algal bloom region to assess the dominant mechanism, particularly focusing on horizontal advection. Our findings indicated that algal bloom events are mainly attributed to a straightforward physical mechanism, namely, phytoplankton transportation, rather than to nutrient-induced phytoplankton growth. The study also revealed that the different growth processes of the two simulated phytoplankton species did not contribute positively to the increased Chla concentrations. However, further research is needed to investigate the impacts of different phytoplankton functional groups on the marine ecological environment under the influence of typhoons. This study enhances the understanding of the response of ecological environments in coastal areas to typhoons.
High photoreactivity of chromophoric dissolved organic matter derived from Ulva prolifera and Sargassum
Authors: Zhang Yong , Fang Kaili , Liu Mengmeng , Liu Jihua , Zhao Xiaobo , Zhai Weidong , Zhang Hongsheng , Wang Xiaotong , Xie Huixiang
Published: May 2024

The epipelagic macroalgae of Ulva prolifera and Sargassum are the primary contributors to widespread seaweed tides globally. Both ocean plants release large amounts of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) into the surrounding seawater. The photochemical reactivity of this CDOM, however, has not been adequately addressed. In this study, we extracted CDOM from Ulva prolifera and Sargassum, examined their ultraviolet (UV)-visible absorption characteristics, and quantified their broadband apparent quantum yields (AQY) of absorbance photobleaching and photomineralization (in terms of CO2, CO, and CH4 photoproduction). On a per-unit-weight basis, Sargassum leached 3.5 times more CDOM than did Ulva prolifera in terms of the absorption coefficient averaged over 254–500 nm. Both Ulva prolifera and Sargassum CDOM were characterized by quasi-exponential decay absorption spectra, with Sargassum CDOM exhibiting a distinct shoulder over 310–350 nm suggestive of mycosporine amino acids. The Sargassum CDOM had a higher photobleaching AQY but lower photomineralization AQYs compared to Ulva prolifera CDOM. The photobleaching and photomineralization AQYs of both macroalgal CDOM are, however, orders of magnitude higher than those of CDOM in various natural waters. Potential photoproduction rates of CO2 and CO from the Ulva prolifera CDOM and Sargassum CDOM during the bloom periods are several times to orders of magnitude higher than the air-sea fluxes of these gases in the absence of the macroalgae. This study demonstrates that CDOM released by Ulva prolifera and Sargassum is extremely prone to photobleaching and photomineralization, rendering floating mats of these plants in oceans as potential “hotspots” of greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere. This photochemical feedback should be considered when assessing ocean afforestation as a CO2 removal approach to mitigate climate warming.
Optimizing properties of clayey soil using lime and waste marble powder: a sustainable approach for engineering applications
Authors: Boukhatem Ghania , Bencheikh Messaouda , Benzerara Mohammed , Anas S. M. , Sabri Mohanad Muayad , Najm Hadee Mohammad
Published: May 2024

Several studies have explored the potential of waste marble powder (WMP) and lime (LM) as solutions for issues associated with clayey soils. While WMP enhances mechanical properties and addresses environmental concerns, LM effectively improves soil characteristics. This research investigates the efficacy of LM and WMP, both individually and in combination, in addressing challenges specific to clayey soils in Bouzaroura El Bouni, Algeria. These soils typically exhibit low load-bearing capacity, poor permeability, and erosion susceptibility. LM demonstrates promise in enhancing soil properties, while WMP not only addresses environmental concerns but also enhances mechanical characteristics, providing a dual benefit. The study utilizes a three-variable experiment employing Response Surface Methodology (RSM) Box-Behnken Design, with variations in clay content (88%–100%), LM treatment (1.5%–9%), and WMP inclusion (1.5%–9%). Statistical analysis, including ANOVA, reveals significant patterns with p-values <5%. Functional relationships between input variables (clay, LM, and WMP) and output variables (cohesion, friction angle, and unconfined compressive strength) are expressed through high determination coefficients (R2 = 99.84%, 77.83%, and 96.78%, respectively). Numerical optimization identifies optimal mixtures with desirability close to one (0.899–0.908), indicating successful achievement of the objective with 88% clay content, 3% LM, and 6% WMP. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing clay soil behavior for environmental sustainability and engineering applications, emphasizing the potential of LM and WMP as strategic additives.
Evaluation of a real-time PCR assay performance to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis, rifampicin, and isoniazid resistance in sputum specimens: a multicenter study in two major cities of Indonesia
Authors: Parwati Ida , Chaidir Lidya , Yunus Muhammad , Montain Maya Marinda , Budhiarko Dini , Selasih Siti Fatimah , Ristandi Ryan Bayusantika , Rachman Rifky Waluyajati , Nurhayati Raden Desy , Pambudi Imran , Budiyati Akterono Dwi
Published: May 2024

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major global health issues due to its high mortality rate, especially in low- and middle-income countries. One of the key success points of the TB eradication program is early TB diagnosis, which requires rapid and accurate diagnostic testing. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a newly developed RT-PCR kit (Indigen MTB/DR-TB RT-PCR) in a routine TB clinical setting.

Method

A multi-fluorescence RT-PCR assay was designed and developed to detect regions within IS6110, rpoB, katG, and inhA of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) genes. Sputum specimens were obtained from suspected TB patients who visited TB healthcare facilities in two major cities of Indonesia from September 2022 to May 2023. Specimens were assessed using Indigen MTB/DR-TB RT-PCR, acid-fast bacillus (AFB) smear microscopy, MTB culture, and drug susceptibility testing (DST) methods. Fisher’s exact test (χ2) was used to analyze the Indigen performance relative to culture methods.

Result

The performance of Indigen MTB/DR-TB RT-PCR to detect MTB was assessed using 610 sputum specimens obtained from suspected patients. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 94.12% (95% CI: 90.86–96.48%) and 98.32% (95% CI: 96.20–99.46%), respectively. When the analysis was performed on AFB smear-negative TB subjects (386 subjects), a lower sensitivity level was found at 78.57% (95% CI: 68.26–86.78%), while the specificity level remained similar at 98.34% (95% CI: 96.18–99.46%). The overall performance of Indigen MTB/DR-TB RT-PCR to detect MTB showed substantial agreement with the MTB culture method (kappa value 0.93). In comparison to DST, the sensitivity and specificity levels of Indigen to detect RIF resistance or INH resistance were 78.2% (95% CI: 61.8–90.2%) and 82.8% (95% CI: 64.2–94.2%), respectively, while the specificity level for both groups was at 100% (95% CI, 87.7–100%).

Conclusion

Indigen MTB/DR-TB RT-PCR demonstrated reliable performance for TB molecular diagnostic testing and can be implemented in routine TB diagnostic settings.
Microbial community response to hydrocarbon exposure in iron oxide mats: an environmental study
Authors: Brooks Chequita N. , Field Erin K.
Published: May 2024

Hydrocarbon pollution is a widespread issue in both groundwater and surface-water systems; however, research on remediation at the interface of these two systems is limited. This interface is the oxic–anoxic boundary, where hydrocarbon pollutant from contaminated groundwaters flows into surface waters and iron mats are formed by microaerophilic iron-oxidizing bacteria. Iron mats are highly chemically adsorptive and host a diverse community of microbes. To elucidate the effect of hydrocarbon exposure on iron mat geochemistry and microbial community structure and function, we sampled iron mats both upstream and downstream from a leaking underground storage tank. Hydrocarbon-exposed iron mats had significantly higher concentrations of oxidized iron and significantly lower dissolved organic carbon and total dissolved phosphate than unexposed iron mats. A strong negative correlation between dissolved phosphate and benzene was observed in the hydrocarbon-exposed iron mats and water samples. There were positive correlations between iron and other hydrocarbons with benzene in the hydrocarbon-exposed iron mats, which was unique from water samples. The hydrocarbon-exposed iron mats represented two types, flocculent and seep, which had significantly different concentrations of iron, hydrocarbons, and phosphate, indicating that iron mat is also an important context in studies of freshwater mats. Using constrained ordination, we found the best predictors for community structure to be dissolved oxygen, pH, and benzene. Alpha diversity and evenness were significantly lower in hydrocarbon-exposed iron mats than unexposed mats. Using 16S rDNA amplicon sequences, we found evidence of three putative nitrate-reducing iron-oxidizing taxa in microaerophile-dominated iron mats (Azospira, Paracoccus, and Thermomonas). 16S rDNA amplicons also indicated the presence of taxa that are associated with hydrocarbon degradation. Benzene remediation-associated genes were found using metagenomic analysis both in exposed and unexposed iron mats. Furthermore, the results indicated that season (summer vs. spring) exacerbates the negative effect of hydrocarbon exposure on community diversity and evenness and led to the increased abundance of numerous OTUs. This study represents the first of its kind to attempt to understand how contaminant exposure, specifically hydrocarbons, influences the geochemistry and microbial community of freshwater iron mats and further develops our understanding of hydrocarbon remediation at the land–water interface.
Group ICA of wide-field calcium imaging data reveals the retrosplenial cortex as a major contributor to cortical activity during anesthesia
Authors: Scaglione Alessandro , Resta Francesco , Goretti Francesco , Pavone Francesco S.
Published: May 2024

Large-scale cortical dynamics play a crucial role in many cognitive functions such as goal-directed behaviors, motor learning and sensory processing. It is well established that brain states including wakefulness, sleep, and anesthesia modulate neuronal firing and synchronization both within and across different brain regions. However, how the brain state affects cortical activity at the mesoscale level is less understood. This work aimed to identify the cortical regions engaged in different brain states. To this end, we employed group ICA (Independent Component Analysis) to wide-field imaging recordings of cortical activity in mice during different anesthesia levels and the awake state. Thanks to this approach we identified independent components (ICs) representing elements of the cortical networks that are common across subjects under decreasing levels of anesthesia toward the awake state. We found that ICs related to the retrosplenial cortices exhibited a pronounced dependence on brain state, being most prevalent in deeper anesthesia levels and diminishing during the transition to the awake state. Analyzing the occurrence of the ICs we found that activity in deeper anesthesia states was characterized by a strong correlation between the retrosplenial components and this correlation decreases when transitioning toward wakefulness. Overall these results indicate that during deeper anesthesia states coactivation of the posterior-medial cortices is predominant over other connectivity patterns, whereas a richer repertoire of dynamics is expressed in lighter anesthesia levels and the awake state.
Curcumin in the treatment of inflammation and oxidative stress responses in traumatic brain injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Jinfeng , Li Zhengjie , Yao Yun , Fang Lei , Yu Mingdi , Wang Zuhui
Published: May 2024

Background and aim

Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a leading cause of high morbidity and mortality, represents a significant global public health challenge. Currently, no effective treatment for TBI exists. Curcumin, an active compound extracted from the root of Curcuma longa, has demonstrated neuroprotective properties both in vitro and in vivo. Notably, it has shown potential in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and enhancing redox balance. This paper conducts a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore curcumin’s role in TBI animal models extensively. The findings offer valuable insights for future human clinical trials evaluating curcumin as a therapeutic supplement or nutraceutical in TBI management.

Methods

Comprehensive literature searches were conducted across MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. These searches aimed to identify relevant manuscripts in all languages, utilizing the keywords “curcumin” and “traumatic brain injury.”

Results

The final quantitative analysis included 18 eligible articles corresponding to animal studies. The analysis revealed that curcumin significantly reduced inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β (p = 0.000), IL-6 (p = 0.002), and TNF-α (p = 0.000), across various concentrations, time points, and administration routes. Additionally, curcumin markedly enhanced the activity of oxidative stress markers such as SOD (p = 0.000), Sir2 (p = 0.000), GPx (p = 0.000), and Nrf2 (p = 0.000), while reducing MDA (p = 0.000), 4-HNE (p = 0.001), and oxyprotein levels (p = 0.024). Furthermore, curcumin improved cerebral edema (p = 0.000) and upregulated neuroprotective factors like synapsin I (p = 0.019), BDNF (p = 0.000), and CREB (p = 0.000), without reducing mNSS (p = 0.144). About autophagy and apoptosis, curcumin increased the activity of Beclin-1 (p = 0.000) and Bcl-2 (p = 0.000), while decreasing caspase-3 (p = 0.000), the apoptosis index (p = 0.000), and P62 (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

Curcumin supplementation positively affects traumatic brain injury (TBI) by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses and promoting neuroprotection. It holds potential as a therapeutic agent for human TBI. However, this conclusion necessitates further substantiation through high-quality literature and additional randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/. The registration number of PROSPERO: CRD42023452685.
The different effects of a sensorimotor grounding on AoA between bilingual concepts
Authors: Xue Jin , Xie Dongcheng , Lu Xinyi , Niu Zihan , Marmolejo-Ramos Fernando
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Psycholinguistic studies have argued for the age of acquisition (AoA) of words as a marker of concept learning, showing that the semantic features of concepts themselves influence the age at which their labels are learned. However, empirical evidence suggests that semantic features such as imageability and linguistic phenomena such as frequency do not adequately predict AoA. The present study takes the developmental approach of embodied cognition and investigates the effects of sensorimotor experiences on the ease of acquisition of the concept acquired in bilinguals. Specifically, we investigated (1) whether the sensorimotor experience can explain AoA beyond frequency; (2) and whether these patterns are consistent across L1 Chinese and L2 English.

Methods

We conducted sensorimotor rating measures in both Chinese and English on 207 items in which Chinese-English bilingual adults were requested to evaluate the extent to which they experienced concepts by employing six perceptual senses and five effectors for actions located in various regions of the body. Meanwhile, data on AoA and frequency were collected.

Results

The present study showed the sensorimotor experience was closely linked with AoAs in both languages. However, the correlation analysis revealed a trend of higher correlations between AoAs for the same concepts and L1 Chinese, relative to L2 English for the present Chinese-English bilinguals. Importantly, the hierarchical regression analysis demonstrated that after controlling for frequency, sensorimotor experience explained additional variance in L1 AoA. However, L2 sensorimotor experience did not explain the variance in L2 AoA. Sensorimotor experience explained more share of variance in L1 AoA but frequency accounted for more variance in L2 AoA.

Discussion

The findings suggest that concept acquisition should consider the grounding in appropriate sensorimotor experience beyond linguistic phenomena like frequency.
An audio-semantic multimodal model for automatic obstructive sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome classification via multi-feature analysis of snoring sounds
Authors: Qiu Xihe , Wang Chenghao , Li Bin , Tong Huijie , Tan Xiaoyu , Yang Long , Tao Jing , Huang Jingjing
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome (OSAHS) is a common sleep-related breathing disorder that significantly impacts the daily lives of patients. Currently, the diagnosis of OSAHS relies on various physiological signal monitoring devices, requiring a comprehensive Polysomnography (PSG). However, this invasive diagnostic method faces challenges such as data fluctuation and high costs. To address these challenges, we propose a novel data-driven Audio-Semantic Multi-Modal model for OSAHS severity classification (i.e., ASMM-OSA) based on patient snoring sound characteristics.

Methods

In light of the correlation between the acoustic attributes of a patient's snoring patterns and their episodes of breathing disorders, we utilize the patient's sleep audio recordings as an initial screening modality. We analyze the audio features of snoring sounds during the night for subjects suspected of having OSAHS. Audio features were augmented via PubMedBERT to enrich their diversity and detail and subsequently classified for OSAHS severity using XGBoost based on the number of sleep apnea events.

Results

Experimental results using the OSAHS dataset from a collaborative university hospital demonstrate that our ASMM-OSA audio-semantic multimodal model achieves a diagnostic level in automatically identifying sleep apnea events and classifying the four-class severity (normal, mild, moderate, and severe) of OSAHS.

Discussion

Our proposed model promises new perspectives for non-invasive OSAHS diagnosis, potentially reducing costs and enhancing patient quality of life.
Development of a highly sensitive method based on QuEChERS and GC–MS/MS for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in infant foods
Authors: Ingegno Mariateresa , Zianni Rosalia , Della Rovere Ines , Chiappinelli Andrea , Nardelli Valeria , Casamassima Francesco , Calitri Anna , Quinto Maurizio , Nardiello Donatella , Iammarino Marco
Published: May 2024

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental contaminants that can be found in various food products, including those intended for infants. Due to their potential health risks, it is crucial to develop sensitive analytical methods for the accurate determination of PAHs in infant foods. This study describes the development and validation of a highly sensitive method for the quantification of European PAH markers, namely benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, and benzo[b]fluoranthene, using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS), in baby food samples. The first step was the optimization of the sample preparation procedure, performed using different methods based on the QuEChERS approach, also testing different extraction solvents. Several factors such as extraction efficiency, selectivity, and recovery were evaluated to choose the most effective procedure for sample preparation. Furthermore, the GC–MS/MS method was optimized, evaluating parameters such as linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, and robustness using spiked infant food samples. The method demonstrated excellent linearities with a correlation coefficient higher than 0.999 over a wide concentration range, and limits of detection and limits of quantification in the range 0.019–0.036 μg/kg and 0.06–0.11 μg/kg, respectively. Extraction recoveries were between 73.1 and 110.7%, with relative standard deviations always lower than 8%. These findings are compliant with the indications of the European Commission (Reg. 836/2011). To assess the applicability of the method to official control activities, a survey was conducted on commercially available infant food products. Four markers were determined in commercial samples belonging to different food categories for infants and young children. The outcome of this monitoring showed that PAH contamination, in all samples, was below the quantification limits. In conclusion, the developed GC–MS/MS method provides a highly sensitive and reliable approach for the determination of PAHs in baby foods. The optimized sample preparation, instrumental parameters, and validation results ensure accurate quantification of 4 PAHs even at trace levels. This method could contribute to the assessment of PAH exposure in infants and it could support regulatory efforts to ensure the safety and quality of infant food products with regular monitoring.
Case report: Massive hepatocellular carcinoma with complete response to the non-surgical systematic treatment strategy
Authors: Li Yun , Lai Yanzhen , Luo Xuqiang , Wu Jian , Wu Kunpeng , Ma Haiqing
Published: May 2024

Background

The five-year recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains as high as 70%. A complete clinical response has not been observed without surgical resection. Here, we report a rare case of clinical complete response and long-term survival in a patient with massive HCC receiving treatment with immunotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, and radiotherapy.

Case description

A 38-year-old woman presented to our hospital for abdominal pain that persisted for 3 months. She was diagnosed as Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer(BCLC) stage A, with a Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score of 3, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) staging systems stage IB. She refused surgical resection and trans-arterial chemoembolization and accepted a non-invasive systematic treatment strategy involving immunotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, and radiotherapy. Her tumor burden decreased, and she experienced partial response before radiotherapy. Following radiotherapy, she experienced a complete clinical response and has been alive for more than 36 months after her initial presentation. She is currently alive.

Conclusion

A non-invasive systematic treatment strategy is a potential radical treatment option for patients with massive HCC.
Effective control of postoperative recurrence of pregnancy-related gastric cancer using anti-PD-1 as a monotherapy: a case report
Authors: Liu Xu , Li Xiaoqi , Zhu Chunchao , Ji Linhua
Published: May 2024

Pregnancy-related gastric cancer is characterized by a refractory nature and poor prognosis; few gastric cancer cases during pregnancy achieved acceptable outcomes by using anti-PD-1 as a monotherapy. A 32-year-old pregnant female patient was admitted to the emergency department of the obstetrics and gynecology department and eventually diagnosed with gastric cancer. Radical surgery for gastric cancer was conducted after the termination of pregnancy. At 1-year postoperative follow-up, tumor recurrence was revealed. This patient has achieved a decrease in tumor burden after receiving anti-PD-1 as a monotherapy. This case documents tumor response to PD-1 monotherapy in pregnancy-related gastric cancer and highlights the potential for future use in specific clinical scenarios.