bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased Body Mass Index & Waist Circumference are Associated with Female Infertility: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zohora Fatema Tuz , Islam Nazmul , Karmakar Pijush , Sultana Dalia , Hasib Hossain Mosharaf
Published: March 2024

Background: The prevalence of obesity and overweight are increasing and has become an epidemic worldwide. Obesity has detrimental influences on all systems, including reproductive health. Obesity can lead to menstrual disturbance, anovulation, miscarriage, pregnancy complications and subfecundity and infertility. This study aimed to investigate the effects of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) on infertility in women of childbearing age.
Methodology: This was a hospital based cross-sectional observational study comprising hundred (100) infertile women aging 18-35 years in Outpatient Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Endocrinology in Chittagong Medical College Hospital and Department of Biochemistry, Chittagong Medical College, Chattogram. Samples were taken by non-probability consecutive sampling. Important variables in this study were age, BMI, waist circumference and Blood Pressure.
Results: Most of the infertile women were 21-30 years. In the study, among the infertile women increased BMI was found in 50% cases and increased waist circumference was found in 76% cases.
Conclusion: Overweight and obese patients should be informed about the importance of pre-pregnancy weight reduction and should be encouraged to lose weight before the treatment to reduce the poor obstetrical outcomes due to obesity.
Eastern Med Coll J. July 2023; 8 (2):39-42
Do Entrepreneurship Education and Family Experience Promote Student's Entrepreneurial Intention? The Mediating Role of Unemployment Rate : An Integrated Analysis through Entrepreneurship Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Hidden Unemployment Theory
Authors: Diawati Prety , Karneli Okta , Siminto Siminto , Pitoyo Andri , Judijanto Loso
Published: March 2024

This research aims to examine the relationship between entrepreneurship education, family experience, and students' entrepreneurial intentions, exploring the mediating role of the unemployment rate. Three theories were integrated into this study: Entrepreneurship Theory, Social Learning Theory, and Hidden Unemployment Theory. The study utilized a quantitative approach, employing structural equation modeling (SEM) and Partial Least Square (PLS) for analysis, as well as correlation analysis to examine relationships between variables. Non-probability sampling technique used is Purposive Sampling to determine the research sample. The study participants consisted of 100 college students in Bandung City, Indonesia, selected to complete an online questionnaire. The findings indicate that entrepreneurship education and family experience significantly and positively impact students' entrepreneurial intentions. Furthermore, the unemployment rate serves as a positive mediator in the relationship between entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurial intentions. Entrepreneurship education empowers individuals to create self-employment opportunities, reduces the unemployment rate, motivates students to pursue entrepreneurial paths, and shapes the entrepreneurship education curriculum to meet evolving market demands.
Twenty Years of Change : A Systematic Literature Review of Indonesian Teachers’ Responses to Curriculum Change
Authors: Nasution Innarcaya Nadiar , Indrasari Stephanie Yuanita
Published: March 2024

This study investigates Indonesian teachers' responses to curriculum changes over the past twenty years, involving four curriculum changes. This study employed a qualitative approach, conducting a systematic literature review conforming to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Utilizing databases such as Scopus, ERIC, EBSCO, ProQuest, Taylor & Francis, Science Direct, and Google Scholar with selection criteria focused on empirical studies capturing Indonesian teacher's responses toward curriculum changes within the last 20 years (2003-2023). Screening and quality assessment resulted in 26 studies for detailed content analysis. The findings showed teachers’ general openness and acceptance of new curricula, yet this does not translate into effective implementation and reliance on traditional methods. Persistent difficulties include struggles applying student-centered learning, developing learning material, authentic assessment, digital proficiency, and tailored curriculum. These challenges were attributed to inadequate training, resource constraints, student difficulties, cultural factors, and teacher practical competence. This review implied the need to shift schools and local government towards hands-on in-service teacher training and for policymakers to enhance effectiveness through a system of monitoring and incentives. It also suggested a re-evaluation of pre-service training and teacher recruitment criteria, ensuring teachers were equipped for transforming educational practices in Indonesia.
Rasch Calibration and Differential Item Functioning (DIF) Analysis of the School Well-Being Scale for Students
Authors: Hermansyah Eka , Rizkyanti Charyna Ayu , Hakim Lukman Nul
Published: March 2024

This study aims to examine the quality of the school well-being scale for high school students..This study used a quantitative approach with Rasch model analysis. The validity, reliability, and differential item functioning (DIF) assessment are all part of the psychometric examination. The 165 high school students in Mataram, West Nusa Tenggara province who took part in this research were 40 males and 125 girls, ages 11 to 18 (mean age = 15.87, SD = 1.39). The findings of the Rasch analysis show the instrument passes the validity test but has weak reliability. The statistical analysis of the Cronbach alpha reliability coefficient of the instrument is 0.43. More detailed results are shown by the Rasch model analysis reliability of person on 0.47 and item reliability of 0.98. This result explains the good quality of the instrument, while the reliability of the instrument needs to be strengthened by controlling the demographic factors. The scale can be used by school management to understand well-being of the students, and further for the improvement of school quality.
Level of Computational Thinking and Technological Literacy Skills to Improve pre-Service Teacher Learning Innovation
Authors: Santosa Eka Budhi , Sukmawati Fatma
Published: March 2024

This study aims to assess the extent to which teachers' technology literacy skills contribute to their ability to implement innovative teaching methods through computational thinking. This study used a quasi-experimental method with a 2x2 factorial design. This research used 84 samples of prospective teacher students from the Educational Technology Study Program. The instrument used questionnaires to assess the level of instructional innovation demonstrated by aspiring teachers, utilizing three indicators: the utilization of interactive learning media, the incorporation of information technology, and the diversity of learning resources. The statistical method employed to examine the hypothesis is a two-way analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA). The results of this study showed significant correlation between the level of students' Instructional Learning Innovation skills and Computational Thinking; the statistical analysis reveals a p-value greater than 0.05. Additionally, the research findings indicate that the level of Technological Literacy Skills has an impact on Instructional Innovation Learning skills. This research made significant contributions, such as the introduction of the Computational Thinking Level, which enables teachers to enhance their capacity to create effective learning strategies that align with the most recent advancements in technology. Technological Literacy Skills assist educators in incorporating digital tools and resources into the educational process, fostering a cutting-edge and dynamic classroom setting.
A Solution with Its Own Problems : Analysing the Problems Encountered by the “Kampus Mengajar” Program
Authors: Ramadansur Rahmat , Bastian Adolf , Rizky Ramanda , Sembiring Al Khudri , Herdi Herdi , Derin Tatum
Published: March 2024

This study aims to highlight and evaluate the issues at an in-depth level to provide different solutions that are expected to be a reflection for the government, especially the Ministry of Education and Culture, to be able to improve the implementation and monitoring of the Kampus Mengajar Program. A descriptive qualitative approach was used, and the data were collected from a focus group discussion with students of the English Education Study Program at Universitas Lancang Kuning, then the data was analyzed descriptively. The results highlight some problems in the implementation of the Kampus Merdeka Program. These included a lack of coordination and clear communication between stakeholders, which led to confusion among students and schools, uneven targeting of schools, inadequate support for the program, and credit conversion, resulting in frustration and challenges. Addressing these issues, the study recommended increased socialization of the program, transparency in credit equivalency, and more accurate school data collection. In conclusion, this research offers several solutions that are expected to reflect the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) that the Kampus Mengajar Program faces various challenges in its implementation, which need to be addressed for the program to effectively meet its goal of improving education in the 3T areas.
‘Bless and do not curse’: Weaponisation of the Spoken Word in African Pentecostal/Charismatic Christianity
Authors: Asamoah-Gyadu J. Kwabena
Published: March 2024

Christianity in Africa has changed in several ways since the rise of the independent church movement early in the twentieth century. Among the changes that have taken place is the way in which Christianity is instrumentalised against the forces of evil that impair human efforts at flourishing. In contemporary Pentecostal/charismatic Christianity with its emphasis on prosperity and well-being, imprecatory prayers and curses have become important in dealing with the shortfalls of this gospel of success and upward mobility. The use of curses, although justified by its exponents by appeal to various scriptures, also resonates with African traditional systems of thought in which sources of evil are cursed in libation prayers to remove them as obstacles to human self-actualisation believed to be promised by God.
Spent brewer’s yeast as a selective biosorbent for metal recovery from polymetallic waste streams
Authors: Sieber Anna , Jelic Leon Robert , Kremser Klemens , Guebitz Georg M.
Published: March 2024

Graphical Abstract

The graphical abstract was created with BioRender.com.
A review of antibody, aptamer, and nanomaterials synergistic systems for an amplified electrochemical signal
Authors: Reaño Resmond L. , Escobar Erwin C.
Published: March 2024

The synergy between biomolecules with inorganic nanomaterials and nanoparticles has been investigated over the past years, primarily to improve biomarker reception, generate signals, and amplify the signals generated. In this paper, several articles on aptamer-based and antibody-based electrochemical biosensors that target antigens were examined. Among the key characteristics identified were the electrochemical platform development, which includes the usage of nanomaterials as electroactive or electrocatalytic labels, crosslinking of the biological agent with inorganic compounds, and electrode coating to provide an electronic source and support efficient electron transfer. A single approach using labeled or unlabeled biological receptors has become advantageous due to its simple architecture and more straightforward application method. However, the dual system approach allows the incorporation of more nanomaterials to boost the signal and add more features to the electrochemical system. The dual system approach uses a capture and reporter probe in a competitive or sandwich detection format. The reporter probe is often labeled by an electroactive or electrocatalytic compound or immobilized in a nanocarrier, resulting in an increase in measured peak current in proportion to the target’s concentration. The reported limit of detection and linear range for each platform is presented to assess its efficiency. Generally, the dual system aptasensor showed higher sensitivity, stability, and reproducibility than the immunosensor in comparable settings. The aptasensor showed promising results for the development of point-of-care type applications.
A GMR enzymatic assay for quantifying nuclease and peptidase activity
Authors: Sveiven Michael , Serrano Ana K. , Rosenberg Joshua , Conrad Douglas J. , Hall Drew A. , O’Donoghue Anthony J.
Published: March 2024

Hydrolytic enzymes play crucial roles in cellular processes, and dysregulation of their activities is implicated in various physiological and pathological conditions. These enzymes cleave substrates such as peptide bonds, phosphodiester bonds, glycosidic bonds, and other esters. Detecting aberrant hydrolase activity is vital for understanding disease mechanisms and developing targeted therapeutic interventions. This study introduces a novel approach to measuring hydrolase activity using giant magnetoresistive (GMR) spin valve sensors. These sensors change resistance in response to magnetic fields, and here, they are functionalized with specific substrates for hydrolases conjugated to magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). When a hydrolase cleaves its substrate, the tethered magnetic nanoparticle detaches, causing a measurable shift in the sensor’s resistance. This design translates hydrolase activity into a real-time, activity-dependent signal. The assay is simple, rapid, and requires no washing steps, making it ideal for point-of-care settings. Unlike fluorescent methods, it avoids issues like autofluorescence and photobleaching, broadening its applicability to diverse biofluids. Furthermore, the sensor array contains 80 individually addressable sensors, allowing for the simultaneous measurement of multiple hydrolases in a single reaction. The versatility of this method is demonstrated with substrates for nucleases, Bcu I and DNase I, and the peptidase, human neutrophil elastase. To demonstrate a clinical application, we show that neutrophil elastase in sputum from cystic fibrosis patients hydrolyze the peptide-GMR substrate, and the cleavage rate strongly correlates with a traditional fluorogenic substrate. This innovative assay addresses challenges associated with traditional enzyme measurement techniques, providing a promising tool for real-time quantification of hydrolase activities in diverse biological contexts.
Gene expression and cellular changes in injured myocardium of Ciona intestinalis
Authors: Stokes Serenity , Palmer Pooja Pardhanani , Barth Jeremy L. , Price Robert L. , Parker Bella G. , Evans Anderson Heather J.
Published: March 2024

Ciona intestinalis is an invertebrate animal model system that is well characterized and has many advantages for the study of cardiovascular biology. The regulatory mechanisms of cardiac myocyte proliferation in Ciona are intriguing since regeneration of functional tissue has been demonstrated in other organs of Ciona in response to injury. To identify genes that are differentially expressed in response to Ciona cardiac injury, microarray analysis was conducted on RNA from adult Ciona hearts with normal or damaged myocardium. After a 24- or 48-h recovery period, total RNA was isolated from damaged and control hearts. Initial results indicate significant changes in gene expression in hearts damaged by ligation in comparison to control hearts. Ligation injury shows differential expression of 223 genes as compared to control with limited false discovery (5.8%). Among these 223 genes, 117 have known human orthologs of which 68 were upregulated and 49 were downregulated. Notably, Fgf9/16/20, insulin-like growth factor binding protein and Ras-related protein Rab11b were significantly upregulated in injured hearts, whereas expression of a junctophilin ortholog was decreased. Histological analyses of injured myocardium were conducted in parallel to the microarray study which revealed thickened myocardium in injured hearts. Taken together, these studies will connect differences in gene expression to cellular changes in the myocardium of Ciona, which will help to promote further investigations into the regulatory mechanisms of cardiac myocyte proliferation across chordates.
Adaptation to an amoeba host drives selection of virulence-associated traits and genetic variation in saprotrophic Candida albicans
Authors: Amsri Artid , Pruksaphon Kritsada , Thammasit Patcharin , Nosanchuk Joshua D. , Youngchim Sirida
Published: March 2024

Amoebae are micropredators that play an important role in controlling fungal populations in ecosystems. However, the interaction between fungi and their amoebic predators suggests that the pressure from predatory selection can significantly influence the development of fungal virulence and evolutionary processes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the adaptation of saprotrophic Candida albicans strains during their interactions with Acanthamoeba castellanii. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of survival after co-culture by colony counting of the yeast cells and examining yeast cell phenotypic and genetic characteristics. Our results indicated that exposure to amoebae enhanced the survival capacity of environmental C. albicans and induced visible morphological alterations in C. albicans, particularly by an increase in filamentation. These observed phenotypic changes were closely related to concurrent genetic variations. Notably, mutations in genes encoding transcriptional repressors (TUP1 and SSN6), recognized for their negative regulation of filamentous growth, were exclusively identified in amoeba-passaged isolates, and absent in unexposed isolates. Furthermore, these adaptations increased the exposed isolates’ fitness against various stressors, simultaneously enhancing virulence factors and demonstrating an increased ability to invade A549 lung human epithelial cells. These observations indicate that the sustained survival of C. albicans under ongoing amoebic predation involved a key role of mutation events in microevolution to modulate the ability of these isolates to change phenotype and increase their virulence factors, demonstrating an enhanced potential to survive in diverse environmental niches.
How to provide actionable information on weather and climate impacts?–A summary of strategic, methodological, and technical perspectives
Authors: Geiger Tobias , Röösli Thomas , Bresch David N. , Erhardt Bodo , Fischer Andreas M. , Imgrüth Dominik , Kienberger Stefan , Mainetti Laura , Mühlbacher Gudrun , Spiekermann Raphael
Published: March 2024

Climate change will result in more intense and more frequent weather and climate events that will continue to cause fatalities, economic damages and other adverse societal impacts worldwide. To mitigate these consequences and to support better informed decisions and improved actions and responses, many National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) are discussing how to provide services on weather and climate impacts as part of their operational routines. The authors outline how a risk framework can support the development of these services by NMHSs. In addition to the hazard information, a risk perspective considers the propensity for a given hazard to inflict adverse consequences on society and environment, and attempts to quantify the uncertainties involved. The relevant strategic, methodological and technical steps are summarized and recommendations for the development of impact-related services are provided. Specifically, we propose that NMHSs adopt an integrated risk framework that incorporates a hazard-exposure-vulnerability model into operational services. Such a framework integrates all existing forecast and impact services, including the underlying impact models, and allows for flexible future extensions driven by the evolving collaboration with partners, stakeholders and users. Thereby, this paper attempts to unify existing work streams on impact-related services from different spatial and temporal scales (weather, climate) and disciplines (hydrology, meteorology, economics, social sciences) and to propose a harmonized approach that can create synergies within and across NMHSs to further develop and enhance risk-based services.
Contemporary approach to cardiogenic shock care: a state-of-the-art review
Authors: Mehta Aditya , Vavilin Ilan , Nguyen Andrew H. , Batchelor Wayne B. , Blumer Vanessa , Cilia Lindsey , Dewanjee Aditya , Desai Mehul , Desai Shashank S. , Flanagan Michael C. , Isseh Iyad N. , Kennedy Jamie L. W. , Klein Katherine M. , Moukhachen Hala , Psotka Mitchell A. , Raja Anika , Rosner Carolyn M. , Shah Palak , Tang Daniel G. , Truesdell Alexander G. , Tehrani Behnam N. , Sinha Shashank S.
Published: March 2024

Cardiogenic shock (CS) is a time-sensitive and hemodynamically complex syndrome with a broad spectrum of etiologies and clinical presentations. Despite contemporary therapies, CS continues to maintain high morbidity and mortality ranging from 35 to 50%. More recently, burgeoning observational research in this field aimed at enhancing the early recognition and characterization of the shock state through standardized team-based protocols, comprehensive hemodynamic profiling, and tailored and selective utilization of temporary mechanical circulatory support devices has been associated with improved outcomes. In this narrative review, we discuss the pathophysiology of CS, novel phenotypes, evolving definitions and staging systems, currently available pharmacologic and device-based therapies, standardized, team-based management protocols, and regionalized systems-of-care aimed at improving shock outcomes. We also explore opportunities for fertile investigation through randomized and non-randomized studies to address the prevailing knowledge gaps that will be critical to improving long-term outcomes.
Source and geological significance of Jurassic asphalt in the Ruoqiang Sag of Southeast Depression, Tarim Basin, Northwestern China
Authors: Lan Xiaodong , Bai Zhongkai , Yang Youxing , Jiang Zhenglong , Zhang Jile
Published: March 2024

The Southeast Depression of the Tarim Basin has a very low petroleum exploration degree, and currently, no industrial oil and gas have been discovered. Many hydrocarbon shows exist in the Ruoqiang Sag, where hydrocarbon sources and accumulation processes are unclear. Only two potential Jurassic hydrocarbon source rocks developed in the Ruoqiang Sag, the Yangye (J2y) lacustrine mudstone of the Middle Jurassic and the Kangsu (J1k) coal-bearing mudstone of the Lower Jurassic. In this study, the Jurassic asphalt found in the QD1 well, combined with the source rocks of drilling cores and outcrops, was used to explore the possible hydrocarbon source and forming process in the Ruoqiang Sag using oil-source correlation and hydrocarbon accumulation geochronology methods. The asphalts have lower light and heavy rare earth fractionation than the J2y mudstone, and the total rare earth element (ΣREE) content, chondrite-normalized curves, and δEu and Y/Ho values are similar to those of the J1k mudstone, especially for the J1k coal. The n-alkane ratios of the carbon preference index and the odd-to-even preference (OEP) of Jurassic asphalts are greater than 1.0, indicating that its source rock has experienced low thermal evolution. All Jurassic samples have similar source-related biomarkers but different maturity-related parameters, and the thermal evolution degree of asphalt is close to the J1k mudstone and coal but slightly higher than the J2y mudstone. Meanwhile, rhenium–osmium isotopes show the asphalts are formed in 192+30/−45 Ma, which is similar to the J1k sedimentation time. The asphalts contain coal macerals and probably derived from the asphaltene precipitated by the J1k coal during the early coalification. The low abundance of 25-norbornanes with a non- or slight petroleum biodegradation degree indicates the asphalt was generated relatively late and migrated into the J2y formation along the faults, possibly accompanied by the striking activities of the Altyn Tagh Fault during the Neotectonics movement. This study provides evidence for the J1k coal-bearing strata serving as the effective source rock in the Ruoqiang Sag and increases confidence for Jurassic petroleum exploration in the Southeast Depression of the Tarim Basin. The structural and lithological traps near hydrocarbon source stoves, where Jurassic strata were deeply buried and far from the Altyn Tagh Range, are favorable oil and gas exploration targets.
Classroom disruptions in digital teaching during the pandemic – an interview study
Authors: Meinokat Pierre , Wagner Ingo
Published: March 2024

Introduction

The pandemic increased the speed at which education had to evolve into the digital age. While digital tools create possibilities, new forms of classroom disruptions appear. Classroom disruptions as essential part of classroom management may take away students’ precious learning time and the associated stress could put teachers’ health at risk.

Methods

We conducted a semi-structured, guideline-based interview study with teachers from Germany and asked them about experienced disruptions in digital teaching (RQ1 and RQ2), their prevention and intervention strategies (RQ3) as well as their opinions on potentials and risks of the digital evolution in teaching (RQ4).

Findings

Findings show that digital teaching is affected by already known and by new types of disruptions. Teachers use their existing experiences to adapt to these new challenges. Simultaneously they reflect on the changes in teaching due to the increased digital involvement and identify potentials for improved teaching in the future.

Discussion

Based on the research literature and our interview findings a 2D graph of classroom disruptions is developed to systematize disruptions in context of digitalization.
Interleukin-16 is increased in obesity and alters adipogenesis and inflammation in vitro
Authors: Reyes-Farias Marjorie , Fernández-García Pablo , Corrales Patricia , González Lorena , Soria-Gondek Andrea , Martínez Ester , Pellitero Silvia , Tarascó Jordi , Moreno Pau , Sumoy Lauro , Medina-Gómez Gema , Sánchez-Infantes David , Herrero Laura
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Obesity is a chronic condition associated with low-grade inflammation mainly due to immune cell infiltration of white adipose tissue (WAT). WAT is distributed into two main depots: subcutaneous WAT (sWAT) and visceral WAT (vWAT), each with different biochemical features and metabolic roles. Proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-16 are secreted by both adipocytes and infiltrated immune cells to upregulate inflammation. IL-16 has been widely studied in the peripheral proinflammatory immune response; however, little is known about its role in adipocytes in the context of obesity.

Aim & Methods

We aimed to study the levels of IL-16 in WAT derived from sWAT and vWAT depots of humans with obesity and the role of this cytokine in palmitate-exposed 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Results

The results demonstrated that IL-16 expression was higher in vWAT compared with sWAT in individuals with obesity. In addition, IL-16 serum levels were higher in patients with obesity compared with normal-weight individuals, increased at 6 months after bariatric surgery, and at 12 months after surgery decreased to levels similar to before the intervention. Our in vitro models showed that IL-16 could modulate markers of adipogenesis (Pref1), lipid metabolism (Plin1, Cd36, and Glut4), fibrosis (Hif1a, Col4a, Col6a, and Vegf), and inflammatory signaling (IL6) during adipogenesis and in mature adipocytes. In addition, lipid accumulation and glycerol release assays suggested lipolysis alteration.

Discussion

Our results suggest a potential role of IL-16 in adipogenesis, lipid and glucose homeostasis, fibrosis, and inflammation in an obesity context.
Fertility and sexual activity in patients with Triple A syndrome
Authors: Dumic Katja K. , Heinrichs Claudine , Koehler Katrin , Huebner Angela , Dumic Miroslav , Kusec Vesna , Dusek Tina , Quitter Friederike
Published: March 2024

Objective

Triple A syndrome, caused by autosomal recessively inherited mutations in the AAAS gene is characterized by alacrima, achalasia, adrenal insufficiency, and neurological impairment. To the best of our knowledge, no patients of both sexes have been reported to have offspring. Our aim was to assess the causes of infertility in male patients with this multisystemic syndrome, and to present a female patient that spontaneously conceived a child.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Methods

Six males aged 19-48 years were included. Gonadotropins, testosterone, DHEAS, androstenedione, inhibin B, anti-Mullerian hormone measurements and testicular ultrasound were performed.

Results

All six male patients had impaired general health and neurological symptoms including erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction. None of them had an offspring. The only demonstrated cause of infertility in our male patients was erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction which precludes sexual intercourse. Our patients had normal libido but were sexually abstinent. Except for low adrenal androgen levels, the concentrations of all measured hormones as well as testicular ultrasound were normal which may indicate the possibility of spermatogenesis in male patients with triple A syndrome. Little is known about fertility in female patients, but based on our observations spontaneous pregnancies seem to be possible.

Conclusion

Our results contribute to still scarce knowledge on fertility in patients with Triple A syndrome and as well represents a foundation for further research on causes of infertility and possible treatment options.
Scale-sensitivity analysis for floating energy production system with anti-motion structure under high sea conditions
Authors: Yuan Hongtao , Chen Yi , Li Mingxin , Chen Linfeng , Bai Xu , Li Yongzheng
Published: March 2024

The heave motion of a new cylindrical floating drilling production storage and offloading system (FDPSO) with extended cylinder, anti-motion structure and a gap between the extended cylinder and anti-motion structure under high sea conditions was investigated by implementing numerical simulations for its reduced-scale laminar flow model (1:77.8) using the CFD software STAR-CCM+. The effect of changing the width (10 ∼ 15 m) and height (10 ∼ 15 m) of the anti-motion structure on the heave motion of the new cylindrical FDPSO were analyzed. The results show that increasing the width and height of the anti-motion structure increases the natural period of the structural heave motion, making it far away from the main energy period of the wave, and has a certain inhibitory effect on the heave motion of the FDPSO. Comparing the variation of vortex field around the structures of different sizes, it is concluded that the vortex generation and vortex shedding around the highwidth anti-motion structure model is significantly strengthened compared with the low-width anti-motion structure model. The variation of the vortex generation and vortex shedding due to the change in height is relatively inferior compared to the change in width.
Long-read sequencing reveals chromothripsis in a molecularly unsolved case of Cornelia de Lange syndrome
Authors: Bestetti Ilaria , Crippa Milena , Sironi Alessandra , Bellini Matteo , Tumiatti Francesca , Ballabio Sara , Ceriotti Ferruccio , Memo Luigi , Iascone Maria , Larizza Lidia , Finelli Palma
Published: March 2024

Thanks to a long-read sequencing (LRS) approach, in this study, we have reported a molecularly solved case of a proband with a clinical diagnosis of Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CDLS), which is a multisystemic disorder whose causative molecular defects involve cohesin complex genes, with NIPBL located at 5p13.2 accounting for approximately 50%–60% of CDLS cases. The first-tier tests revealed an abnormal karyotype 46,XY,t(5;15)(p13;q25)dn and a preserved NIPBL sequencing. Copy number variants (CNVs) at the translocation breakpoints, in disease genes, or in probably pathogenic loci were excluded by a-CGH analysis. Through fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis on derivative chromosome 5, the breakpoint was relocated 3 Mb far from NIPBL 5′UTR, which seemed fully maintained as FISH-probe mapping to the gene showed no split signals. Moreover, tri-color FISH revealed an apparently balanced paracentric inversion including NIPBL on derivative 5. Based on the strong clinical suspicion, we evaluated the NIPBL transcript by RT-qPCR that revealed a normal amount of transcript till exon 22 and a halved amount of the transcript from exon 23 to 3′UTR, indicating the expression of a truncated transcript probably leading to a defective protein. Despite RT-qPCR confirmed the patient’s CDLS clinical diagnosis, the molecular mechanism underlying this event remained to be an unsolved challenge for years. The LRS approach with nanopore technologies was able to fill the gap in this complex scenario and highlighted a chromothripsis event marked out at 5p13.2 by 36 breaks clustered in a 7.3-Mb region. The NIPBL gene was disrupted by 16 breaks and the resulting fragments were relocated in different positions and orientations. LRS confirmed the previous findings, and it has been proven to be crucial to define the complex chromosomal rearrangement in this patient which escaped current diagnostic investigations. Its application in the clinical practice will contribute to solve the unsolved.
Recent progress in combination therapy of oncolytic vaccinia virus
Authors: Mirbahari Seyedeh Nasim , Da Silva Miles , Zúñiga Abril Ixchel Muñoz , Kooshki Zamani Nika , St-Laurent Gabriel , Totonchi Mehdi , Azad Taha
Published: March 2024

In recent years, oncolytic viruses have emerged as promising agents for treating various cancers. An oncolytic virus is a non-pathogenic virus that, due to genetic manipulation, tends to replicate in and cause lysis of cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells unaffected. Among these viruses, vaccinia virus is an attractive platform for use as an oncolytic platform due to its 190 Kb genome with a high capacity for encoding therapeutic payloads. Combining oncolytic VV therapy with other conventional cancer treatments has been shown to be synergistic and more effective than monotherapies. Additionally, OVV can be used as a vector to deliver therapeutic payloads, alone or in combination with other treatments, to increase overall efficacy. Here, we present a comprehensive analysis of preclinical and clinical studies that have evaluated the efficacy of oncolytic vaccinia viruses in cancer immunotherapy. We discuss the outcomes of these studies, including tumor regression rates, overall survival benefits, and long-term responses. Moreover, we provide insights into the challenges and limitations associated with oncolytic vaccinia virus- based therapies, including immune evasion mechanisms, potential toxicities, and the development of resistance.
Circulating myeloid populations have prognostic utility in alcohol-related liver disease
Authors: Khan Reenam , Salman Shees , Harford Laura , Sheriff Lozan , Hazeldine Jon , Rajoriya Neil , Newsome Philip N. , Lalor Patricia F.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD) accounts for over one third of all deaths from liver conditions, and mortality from alcohol-related liver disease has increased nearly five-fold over the last 30 years. Severe alcohol-related hepatitis almost always occurs in patients with a background of chronic liver disease with extensive fibrosis or cirrhosis, can precipitate ‘acute on chronic’ liver failure and has a high short-term mortality. Patients with alcohol-related liver disease have impaired immune responses, and increased susceptibility to infections, thus prompt diagnosis of infection and careful patient management is required. The identification of early and non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in ARLD remains an unresolved challenge. Easily calculated predictors of infection and mortality are required for use in patients who often exhibit variable symptoms and disease severity and may not always present in a specialized gastroenterology unit.

Methods

We have used a simple haematological analyser to rapidly measure circulating myeloid cell parameters across the ARLD spectrum.

Results and Discussion

We demonstrate for the first time that immature granulocyte (IG) counts correlate with markers of disease severity, and our data suggests that elevated counts are associated with increased short-term mortality and risk of infection. Other myeloid populations such as eosinophils and basophils also show promise. Thus IG count has the potential to serve alongside established markers such as neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio as a simply calculated predictor of mortality and risk of infectious complications in patients with alcohol-related hepatitis. This would allow identification of patients who may require more intensive management.
Overcoming cold tumors: a combination strategy of immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Ouyang Peng , Wang Lijuan , Wu Jianlong , Tian Yao , Chen Caiyun , Li Dengsheng , Yao Zengxi , Chen Ruichang , Xiang Guoan , Gong Jin , Bao Zhen
Published: March 2024

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) therapy has advanced significantly in treating malignant tumors, though most ‘cold’ tumors show no response. This resistance mainly arises from the varied immune evasion mechanisms. Hence, understanding the transformation from ‘cold’ to ‘hot’ tumors is essential in developing effective cancer treatments. Furthermore, tumor immune profiling is critical, requiring a range of diagnostic techniques and biomarkers for evaluation. The success of immunotherapy relies on T cells’ ability to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. In ‘cold’ tumors, the absence of T cell infiltration leads to the ineffectiveness of ICI therapy. Addressing these challenges, especially the impairment in T cell activation and homing, is crucial to enhance ICI therapy’s efficacy. Concurrently, strategies to convert ‘cold’ tumors into ‘hot’ ones, including boosting T cell infiltration and adoptive therapies such as T cell-recruiting bispecific antibodies and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells, are under extensive exploration. Thus, identifying key factors that impact tumor T cell infiltration is vital for creating effective treatments targeting ‘cold’ tumors.
Mucosal-associated invariant T cells in cancer: dual roles, complex interactions and therapeutic potential
Authors: Yigit Mesut , Basoglu Omer Faruk , Unutmaz Derya
Published: March 2024

Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells play diverse roles in cancer, infectious diseases, and immunotherapy. This review explores their intricate involvement in cancer, from early detection to their dual functions in promoting inflammation and mediating anti-tumor responses. Within the solid tumor microenvironment (TME), MAIT cells can acquire an ‘exhausted’ state and secrete tumor-promoting cytokines. On the other hand, MAIT cells are highly cytotoxic, and there is evidence that they may have an anti-tumor immune response. The frequency of MAIT cells and their subsets has also been shown to have prognostic value in several cancer types. Recent innovative approaches, such as programming MAIT cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), provide a novel and exciting approach to utilizing these cells in cell-based cancer immunotherapy. Because MAIT cells have a restricted T cell receptor (TCR) and recognize a common antigen, this also mitigates potential graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and opens the possibility of using allogeneic MAIT cells as off-the-shelf cell therapies in cancer. Additionally, we outline the interactions of MAIT cells with the microbiome and their critical role in infectious diseases and how this may impact the tumor responses of these cells. Understanding these complex roles can lead to novel therapeutic strategies harnessing the targeting capabilities of MAIT cells.
Patterns of distribution of mollusc fauna associated with Halopteris scoparia (Linnaeus) Sauvageau: a baseline study in the Azores archipelago helps understanding the impact of climate change/invasive species on biodiversity
Authors: Ávila Sérgio P. , Costa Ana Cristina , Madeira Patrícia , Brum João , Prestes Afonso C. L. , Faria João , Martins Gustavo M.
Published: March 2024

This work was done on 1996 and 1997, and presents an extremely valuable baseline to compare the recent and future changes on the insular shallow habitats of the Azorean islands. We examined the structure of the molluscan communities of the macroalgae Halopteris scoparia in São Miguel Island (Azores, Portugal). This island was chosen because it is the largest and the most populated of the archipelago, with polluted sites which are not common in the Azores. The relationship between the epifaunal assemblages and a set of environmental factors – geographical location (orientation), seawater temperature, depth, algal volume, degree of disturbance, and degree of exposure to the wave action – was investigated using distance-based redundancy analysis and significant variation in the distribution of richness of assemblages was found. Four environmental predictors were common to all the four analyses implemented (richness and assemblage structure using both AIC and BIC): algal volume (that correlates with algal dry weight), seawater temperature, coastal orientation and depth. Finally, the application in the Azores of this methodology favours a sampling program in Spring-Summer (when disturbance seems to be more susceptible to detection), and the use of H. scoparia in the subtidal zone, as the target alga is recommended due to its large covering of rocky shore substrates.
An evaluation of rehabilitation students’ learning goals in their first year: a text mining approach
Authors: Kitamura Shin , Takeda Kotaro , Uehara Shintaro , Yoshida Taiki , Ota Hirofumi , Tanabe Shigeo , Takeda Kazuya , Koyama Soichiro , Sakurai Hiroaki , Kanada Yoshikiyo
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Qualitative information in the form of written reflection reports is vital for evaluating students’ progress in education. As a pilot study, we used text mining, which analyzes qualitative information with quantitative features, to investigate how rehabilitation students’ goals change during their first year at university.

Methods

We recruited 109 first-year students (66 physical therapy and 43 occupational therapy students) enrolled in a university rehabilitation course. These students completed an open-ended questionnaire about their learning goals at the time of admission and at 6 and 12 months after admission to the university. Text mining was used to objectively interpret the descriptive text data from all three-time points to extract frequently occurring nouns at once. Then, hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to generate clusters. The number of students who mentioned at least one noun in each cluster was counted and the percentages of students in each cluster were compared for the three periods using Cochran’s Q test.

Results

The 31 nouns that appeared 10 or more times in the 427 sentences were classified into three clusters: “Socializing,” “Practical Training,” and “Classroom Learning.” The percentage of students in all three clusters showed significant differences across the time periods (p < 0.001 for “Socializing”; p < 0.01 for “Practical Training” and “Classroom Learning”).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the students’ learning goals changed during their first year of education. This objective analytical method will enable researchers to examine transitional trends in students’ reflections and capture their psychological changes, making it a useful tool in educational research.
Responses of soil bacterial communities and maize yields to sulfur application across four soil types
Authors: Dong Siqi , Zhang Bing , Wang Zhao , Zhou Xue , Gao Qiang
Published: March 2024

Introduction

This study assessed the effects of S application on maize yields and soil bacterial communities across four sites with different soil types and three S application rates (0 kg ha-1, 30 kg ha-1, and 90 kg ha-1).

Methods

Changes in soil properties, bacterial community diversity, structure, and their contributions to maize production were evaluated post-S application treatments.

Results

(1) S application decreased soil pH, increased available sulfur (AS), and boosted maize yields in all soil types. (2) Reduced Chao1 and Shannon diversity indices were observed in black soil after S application. (3) Bacterial community structure was significantly affected by S application, except in sandy soil, impacting key stone taxa abundance. (4) Black soil showed higher sensitivity to S application due to less stable bacterial community structure. (5) Soil physicochemical indicators altered by S application, such as AS and pH, mediated bacterial diversity, influencing maize yield. Organic matter (OM) had the most significant direct positive effect on yield, followed by AS and bacterial community diversity.

Discussion

This study emphasizes the impact of S application on soil properties and bacterial communities in diverse soil types. Understanding these mechanisms can guide precision S application practices for maize yield regulation.
Microglia at the blood brain barrier in health and disease
Authors: Mayer Meredith G. , Fischer Tracy
Published: March 2024

The blood brain barrier (BBB) plays a crucial role in maintaining brain homeostasis by selectively preventing the entry of substances from the peripheral blood into the central nervous system (CNS). Comprised of endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes, this highly regulated barrier encompasses the majority of the brain’s vasculature. In addition to its protective function, the BBB also engages in significant crosstalk with perivascular macrophages (MΦ) and microglia, the resident MΦ of the brain. These interactions play a pivotal role in modulating the activation state of cells comprising the BBB, as well as MΦs and microglia, themselves. Alterations in systemic metabolic and inflammatory states can promote endothelial cell dysfunction, reducing the integrity of the BBB and potentially allowing peripheral blood factors to leak into the CNS compartment. This may mediate activation of perivascular MΦs, microglia, and astrocytes, and initiate further immune responses within the brain parenchyma, suggesting neuroinflammation can be triggered by signaling from the periphery, without primary injury or disease originating within the CNS. The intricate interplay between the periphery and the CNS through the BBB highlights the importance of understanding the role of microglia in mediating responses to systemic challenges. Despite recent advancements, our understanding of the interactions between microglia and the BBB is still in its early stages, leaving a significant gap in knowledge. However, emerging research is shedding light on the involvement of microglia at the BBB in various conditions, including systemic infections, diabetes, and ischemic stroke. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research investigating the intricate relationship between microglia and the BBB in health and disease. By exploring these connections, we hope to advance our understanding of the role of brain immune responses to systemic challenges and their impact on CNS health and pathology. Uncovering these interactions may hold promise for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for neurological conditions that involve immune and vascular mechanisms.