bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perancang Alat Pengusir Hama Burung Pipit Pada Tanaman Padi Menggunakan Gelombang Kejut Otomatis Berbasis Internet of Things (IoT)
Authors: Hidayatullah Derajat , Sulistiyanto Sulistiyanto
Published: November 2022

Hama burung pipit merupakan salah satu jenis hama yang dapat merusak tanaman padi, burung pipit ini merupakan hama yang mendominasi ketika tanaman padi mulai berbuah hingga panen. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui potensi alat penghalau otomatis pada burung pemakan padi untuk mendukung stabilitas pangan nasional di sentra produksi beras yang lebih efisien. Salah satu solusinya adalah dengan membuat pengusir hama burung otomatis dengan menggunakan sensor pir dengan output gerakan dan gelombang suara secara otomatis berbasis internet of things sehingga hama burung akan pergi menjauh dari area persawahan. Alat ini menggunakan mikrokontroller Esp8622 sebagai pengendali alat danjuga berfungsi sebagai monitoring adanya hama dan sensor PIR digunakan untuk mendeteksi pergerakan hama serta motor servo digunakan sebagai penggerak kaleng pengusir hama.
A multi-class logistic regression algorithm to reliably infer network connectivity from cell membrane potentials
Authors: Nieus Thierry , Borgonovo Daniele , Diwakar Shyam , Aletti Giacomo , Naldi Giovanni
Published: November 2022

In neuroscience, the structural connectivity matrix of synaptic weights between neurons is one of the critical factors that determine the overall function of a network of neurons. The mechanisms of signal transduction have been intensively studied at different time and spatial scales and both the cellular and molecular levels. While a better understanding and knowledge of some basic processes of information handling by neurons has been achieved, little is known about the organization and function of complex neuronal networks. Experimental methods are now available to simultaneously monitor the electrical activity of a large number of neurons in real time. The analysis of the data related to the activities of individual neurons can become a very valuable tool for the study of the dynamics and architecture of neural networks. In particular, advances in optical imaging techniques allow us to record up to thousands of neurons nowadays. However, most of the efforts have been focused on calcium signals, that lack relevant aspects of cell activity. In recent years, progresses in the field of genetically encoded voltage indicators have shown that imaging signals could be well suited to record spiking and synaptic events from a large population of neurons. Here, we present a methodology to infer the connectivity of a population of neurons from their voltage traces. At first, putative synaptic events were detected. Then, a multi-class logistic regression was used to fit the putative events to the spiking activities and a penalization term was allowed to regulate the sparseness of the inferred network. The proposed Multi-Class Logistic Regression with L1 penalization (MCLRL) was benchmarked against data obtained from in silico network simulations. MCLRL properly inferred the connectivity of all tested networks, as indicated by the Matthew correlation coefficient (MCC). Importantly, MCLRL was accomplished to reconstruct the connectivity among subgroups of neurons sampled from the network. The robustness of MCLRL to noise was also assessed and the performances remained high (MCC>0.95) even in extremely high noise conditions (>95% noisy events). Finally, we devised a procedure to determine the optimal MCLRL regularization term, which allows us to envision its application to experimental data.
Fishery waste valorization: Sulfated ZrO2 as a heterogeneous catalyst for chitin and chitosan depolymerization
Authors: Pappalardo Valeria , Remadi Yassine , Cipolla Laura , Scotti Nicola , Ravasio Nicoletta , Zaccheria Federica
Published: November 2022

Chitin and chitosan are abundant unique sources of biologically-fixed nitrogen mainly derived from residues of the fishery productive chain. Their high potential as nitrogen-based highly added-value platform molecules is still largely unexploited and a catalytic way for their valorization would be strongly desirable within a biorefinery concept. Here we report our results obtained with a series of heterogeneous catalysts in the depolymerization of chitosan and chitin to acetylglucosamine. Copper catalysts supported on SiO2, SiO2–Al2O3, SiO2-ZrO2, ZrO2 and the corresponding bare oxides/mixed oxides were tested, together with a sulfated zirconia system (ZrO2-SO3H) that revealed to be extremely selective towards glucosamine, both for chitosan and chitin, thus giving pretty high yields with respect to the values reported so far (44% and 21%, respectively). The use of a heterogeneous catalyst alone, without the need of any additives or the combination with a mineral acid, makes these results remarkable.
The environment, the tick, and the pathogen – It is an ensemble
Authors: Couret Jannelle , Schofield Samantha , Narasimhan Sukanya
Published: November 2022

Ixodes scapularis is one of the predominant vectors of Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease in the USA. The geographic distribution of I. scapularis, endemic to the northeastern and northcentral USA, is expanding as far south as Georgia and Texas, and northwards into Canada and poses an impending public health problem. The prevalence and spread of tick-borne diseases are influenced by the interplay of multiple factors including microbiological, ecological, and environmental. Molecular studies have focused on interactions between the tick-host and pathogen/s that determine the success of pathogen acquisition by the tick and transmission to the mammalian host. In this review we draw attention to additional critical environmental factors that impact tick biology and tick-pathogen interactions. With a focus on B. burgdorferi we highlight the interplay of abiotic factors such as temperature and humidity as well as biotic factors such as environmental microbiota that ticks are exposed to during their on- and off-host phases on tick, and infection prevalence. A molecular understanding of this ensemble of interactions will be essential to gain new insights into the biology of tick-pathogen interactions and to develop new approaches to control ticks and tick transmission of B. burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease.
Intracoronary nicorandil induced hyperemia for physiological assessments in the coronary artery lesions
Authors: Yang Xia , Yu Qiang , Yang Junjie , Guo Jun , Jin Qinhua
Published: November 2022

Objective

Maximal hyperemia is a key element of invasive physiological examination. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of intracoronary (IC) nicorandil in comparison with adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP) intravenous (i.v.) injection for fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurement in coronary artery lesions.

Materials and methods

In this study, 46 patients who had their FFR measured were enrolled, including 51 lesions. Hyperemia was induced by bolus 2 mg nicorandil and ATP (40 mg ATP + 36 ml saline, weight × 10 ml/h) for FFR measurement. The safety and efficacy of IC nicorandil were evaluated.

Results

The mean FFR values measured by nicorandil and ATP were 0.810 ± 0.013 and 0.799 ± 0.099, p < 0.001, respectively. There was a strong correlation between FFR measured by nicorandil and ATP (r = 0.983, R2 = 0.966, FFRnicorandil = 0.937 × FFRATP + 0.061). The rate of FFR ≤ 0.75 in the nicorandil and ATP groups was 31.37 vs. 35.29%, respectively (p = 0.841), the consistency rate was 96.08%; the FFR ≤ 0.8 rate was 41.18 and 43.14%, respectively (p = 0.674), and the consistency rate was 90.20%. In five lesions, the FFR value measured by nicorandil ranged between 0.79 and 0.82, indicating inconsistency according to FFR ≤ 0.8. The blood pressure changes caused by nicorandil and ATP were 12.96 ± 6.83 and 22.22 ± 11.44 mmHg (p < 0.001); the heart rate changes were 2.43 ± 1.31 and 6.52 ± 2.87 beats/min, respectively (p < 0.001); and the PR interval changes were 6.0 (1.0–11.0) and 9.0 (2.0–19.0) ms, respectively (p < 0.001). Visual analog scale (VAS) scores in the nicorandil group were all in the range 0–2, while in the ATP group were mostly in the range of 3–5.

Conclusion

Intracoronary bolus of nicorandil (2 mg) infusion induces stable hyperemia, and it could be considered as an alternative drug to ATP for FFR measurement with a lower side effect profile in most patients.
Reflection as teachers: Our critical developments
Authors: Cole Chelsea , Hinchcliff Elizabeth , Carling Rylee
Published: November 2022

This study utilized Self-Study of Practice methodology to examine stories of our teacher development to explore the role of reflection in helping us grapple with challenging experiences in our teaching. Through emergent coding and collaborative analysis, we examine how reflection critically impacts the trajectory of practicing teachers. Our stories and subsequent discussion reveal recurring themes that suggest practices, attitudes, and skills reflective teachers implement to improve their understanding of the teacher-self and influence positive student outcomes.
Trabecular bone score and sclerostin concentrations in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Zdrojowy-Wełna Aleksandra , Halupczok-Żyła Jowita , Słoka Natalia , Syrycka Joanna , Gojny Łukasz , Bolanowski Marek
Published: November 2022

Background

Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency need lifelong replacement therapy with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, which may influence their bone quality.

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate densitometry parameters, trabecular bone score and sclerostin concentrations in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency in comparison to control group.

Materials and methods

We included 29 patients (62% females) with diagnose of autoimmune primary adrenal insufficiency (mean age 49.7 ± 11.7 years, mean duration of the disease 13.2± 13.6 years) and 33 healthy subjects (adjusted with age, sex and body mass index). Bone mineral density at the femoral neck, lumbar spine, total body and trabecular bone score were evaluated. Serum sclerostin concentrations were measured.

Results

There were no significant differences in densitometry parameters (T-score, Z-score, bone mineral density in all locations) as well as in trabecular bone score in patients with adrenal insufficiency in comparison to control group. Mean serum sclerostin concentration was significantly higher in patients with adrenal insufficiency than in control group (44.7 ± 23.5 vs 30.7 ± 10.4 pmol/l, p=0.006). There was a negative correlation between trabecular bone score and the duration of adrenal insufficiency and age, also a negative correlation between femoral neck and total densitometry parameters and 24-hour urine cortisol as a marker of hydrocortisone daily dose in patients with adrenal insufficiency.

Conclusions

The bone status in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency was not impaired in comparison to control group, while sclerostin concentration was higher. The duration of the disease and higher hydrocortisone doses may affect negatively bone status.
One-year spatiotemporal variations of air pollutants in a major chemical-industry park in the Yangtze River Delta, China by 30 miniature air quality monitoring stations
Authors: Pang Xiaobing , Lu Yu , Wang Baozhen , Wu Hai , Shi Kangli , Li Jingjing , Xing Bo , Chen Lang , Wu Zhentao , Dai Shang , Zhou Wei , Cui Xuewei , Chen Dongzhi , Chen Jianmeng
Published: November 2022

Fine chemical industrial park (FCIP) is a major source of atmospheric pollutants in China. A long-term high spatial resolution monitoring campaign on air pollutants had been firstly conducted in a major FCIP in Yangtze River Delta (YRD) from December 2019 to November 2020. The grid-based monitoring platform consisting of 30 miniature air quality monitoring stations (AQMSs) provided comprehensive coverage of a FCIP, and long-term monitoring studies solved the problem of lack of clarity about pollution sources in industrial parks. Overall, NO2 pollution was particularly high in the pharmaceutical industry, while TVOCs and O3 pollution were most serious in the textile dyeing industry, with PM pollution much higher in the metal smelting industry than in other industries, and in the leather industry, O3 pollution was relatively severe. The spatial and temporal variations of air pollutants showed that higher PM, CO and NO2 concentrations were revealed in winter while lower in summer due to better meteorological diffusion conditions. TVOCs concentrations were higher with an average of 1954 ppb in summer possibly due to their increased volatilization from their sources at higher ambient temperatures. O3 concentrations were at their peaks in spring (88.8 μg m−3) and early fall (78.5 μg m−3). The daily trends of O3 precursors (TVOCs and NO2) were clearly negatively correlated with O3, and they showed bimodal peaks due to anthropogenic activities, plant emissions, lowering of the mixed boundary layer, etc. The O3 formed in FCIP was judged to be NO2-limited during the monitoring period based on the ratios of NO2 to TVOCs. Therefore, the effective strategy to reduce O3 formation in FCIP is to decrease the ambient NO2 concentration. Based on Pearson correlation coefficients, it appeared that WS promoted O3 formation through long-term transport and that high air temperatures also contributed to O3 formation in the environment. It was also stated in the study that the closer the residential area is to the industrial sources, the more significant the correlation. Thus, the results of this study will also be helpful for policymakers to design pollutant control strategies for different industries to mitigate the impact of pollutants on human health.
RETRACTED: G-20 economies and their environmental commitments: Fresh analysis based on energy consumption and economic growth
Authors: Li Puying , Akhter Mohammad Javeed , Aljarba Ahmed , Akeel Hatem , Khoj Haitham
Published: November 2022

The impact of economic growth and energy use is still controversial regarding sustainability, and researchers have limited consensus in this regard. Electricity is considered more environmentally friendly compared with direct fossil fuel consumption. However, many developed economies still depend on fossil fuel sources for electricity generation. Therefore, this study attempted to verify the relationship between electricity consumption and carbon emissions in developed economies in the Group of Twenty (G20). Economic growth and foreign direct investment are other important variables for analyzing this relationship. For this purpose, a dataset from 1995–2018 was generated. The study used econometric methods including cross-sectional dependence, cointegration, Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (FMOLS), Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (DOLS) estimators, and the Pair-wise panel Granger causality test to examine the relationship between dependent and independent variables. The findings show a positive relationship between electricity consumption and CO2 emissions. This indicates that electricity production is still dependent on sources that help increase CO2 emissions in G20 countries. Furthermore, the results show that gross domestic product and its square term confirm the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) theory for these economies. These results suggest that policymakers promote green and clean electricity sources for sustainable economic growth.
A novel signature to predict the neoadjuvant chemotherapy response of bladder carcinoma: Results from a territory multicenter real-world study
Authors: Li Huihuang , Hu Jiao , Zu Xiongbing , Chen Minfeng , Chen Jinbo , Zou Yihua , Deng Ruoping , Qin Gang , Li Wenze , Tang Jiansheng , Deng Dingshan , Liu Jinhui , Cheng Chunliang , Cui Yu , Ou Zhenyu
Published: November 2022

Background: Although neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has become the standard treatment option for muscle invasive bladder carcinoma (MIBC), its application is still limited because of the lack of biomarkers for NAC prediction.

Methods: We conducted a territory multicenter real-world study to summarize NAC practice in China and its associated clinicopathologic variables with NAC response. Then, we developed and validated a robust gene-based signature for accurate NAC prediction using weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), the least absolute shrinkage and selector operation (LASSO) algorithm, a multivariable binary logistic regression model, and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Results: In total, we collected 69 consecutive MIBC patients treated with NAC from four clinical centers. The application of NAC in the real world was relatively safe, with only two grade Ⅳ and seven grade Ⅲ AEs and no treatment-related deaths being reported. Among these patients, 16 patients gave up surgery after NAC, leaving 53 patients for further analysis. We divided them into pathological response and non-response groups and found that there were more patients with a higher grade and stage in the non-response group. Patients with a pathological response could benefit from a significant overall survival (OS) improvement. In addition, univariate and multivariate logistic analyses indicated that tumor grade and clinical T stage were both independent factors for predicting NAC response. Importantly, we developed and validated a five-gene-based risk score for extremely high predictive accuracy for NAC response.

Conclusion: NAC was relatively safe and could significantly improve OS for MIBC patients in the real-world practice. Our five-gene-based risk score could guide personalized therapy and promote the application of NAC.
Leishmania kinetoplast DNA contributes to parasite burden in infected macrophages: Critical role of the cGAS-STING-TBK1 signaling pathway in macrophage parasitemia
Authors: Yilmaz Ismail Cem , Dunuroglu Emre , Ayanoglu Ihsan Cihan , Ipekoglu Emre Mert , Yildirim Muzaffer , Girginkardesler Nogay , Ozbel Yusuf , Toz Seray , Ozbilgin Ahmet , Aykut Gamze , Gursel Ihsan , Gursel Mayda
Published: November 2022

Leishmania parasites harbor a unique network of circular DNA known as kinetoplast DNA (kDNA). The role of kDNA in leishmania infections is poorly understood. Herein, we show that kDNA delivery to the cytosol of Leishmania major infected THP-1 macrophages provoked increased parasite loads when compared to untreated cells, hinting at the involvement of cytosolic DNA sensors in facilitating parasite evasion from the immune system. Parasite proliferation was significantly hindered in cGAS- STING- and TBK-1 knockout THP-1 macrophages when compared to wild type cells. Nanostring nCounter gene expression analysis on L. major infected wild type versus knockout cells revealed that some of the most upregulated genes including, Granulysin (GNLY), Chitotriosidase-1 (CHIT1), Sialomucin core protein 24 (CD164), SLAM Family Member 7 (SLAMF7), insulin-like growth factor receptor 2 (IGF2R) and apolipoprotein E (APOE) were identical in infected cGAS and TBK1 knockout cells, implying their involvement in parasite control. Amlexanox treatment (a TBK1 inhibitor) of L. major infected wild type cells inhibited both the percentage and the parasite load of infected THP-1 cells and delayed footpad swelling in parasite infected mice. Collectively, these results suggest that leishmania parasites might hijack the cGAS-STING-TBK1 signaling pathway to their own advantage and the TBK1 inhibitor amlexanox could be of interest as a candidate drug in treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.
Cutting edges and therapeutic opportunities on tumor-associated macrophages in lung cancer
Authors: Hu Qin , Wu Gujie , Wang Runtian , Ma Huiyun , Zhang Zhouwei , Xue Qun
Published: November 2022

Lung cancer is a disease with remarkable heterogeneity. A deep understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) offers potential therapeutic strategies against this malignant disease. More and more attention has been paid to the roles of macrophages in the TME. This article briefly summarizes the origin of macrophages, the mutual regulation between anti-tumoral immunity and pro-tumoral statuses derived from macrophage polarization, and the therapeutic opportunities targeting alternately activated macrophages (AAM)-type macrophage polarization. Among them, cellular components including T cells, as well as acellular components represented by IL-4 and IL-13 are key regulators driving the polarization of AAM macrophages. Novel treatments targeting macrophage-associated mechanisms are mainly divided into small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and other therapies to re-acclimate AMM macrophages. Finally, we paid special attention to an immunosuppressive subgroup of macrophages with T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (TIM-3) expression. Based on cellular interactions with cancer cells, TIM3+ macrophages facilitate the proliferation and progression of cancer cells, yet this process exposes targets blocking the ligand-receptor recognition. To sum up, this is a systematic review on the mechanism of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) polarization, therapeutic strategies and the biological functions of Tim-3 positive macrophages that aims to provide new insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of lung cancer.
Inducible costimulator ligand (ICOSL) on CD19+ B cells is involved in immunopathological damage of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Authors: Ding Sisi , Sun Zhiyong , Jiang Juean , Chang Xin , Shen Yu , Gu Yanzheng , Liu Cuiping
Published: November 2022

Inducible costimulator (ICOS) and its ligand (ICOSL) are critical to regulate the immune response in autoimmune diseases. The participation of B lymphocytes exhibits pathogenic potential in the disease process of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the precise role of ICOSL in RA remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the regulatory effects of CD19+ICOSL+ B cells in the pathogenesis of RA. We demonstrated the increased expression of ICOS and ICOSL in patients with RA and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice. The population of CD19+ICOSL+ B-cell subset was significantly correlated with clinicopathological characteristics of RA patients and CIA mice. Adoptive transfer of CD19+ICOSL+ B cells aggravated arthritic progression in CIA mice. Moreover, microarray analysis revealed that CD19+ICOSL+ cells could exert pivotal effect in pathological process of RA. Further blocking of ICOSL significantly inhibited proinflammatory responses and ameliorated arthritic progression. Therefore, CD19+ICOSL+ B-cell subset could be defined as a specific pathogenic cell subpopulation involved in immunopathological damage of RA. Blockade of ICOSL is promising to be a potential new approach for RA therapy.
The yin/yang balance of the MHC-self-immunopeptidome
Authors: Santambrogio Laura , Franco Alessandra
Published: November 2022

The MHC-selfimmunopeptidome of professional antigen presenting cells is a cognate ligand for the TCRs expressed on both conventional and thymic-derived natural regulatory T cells. In regulatory T cells, the TCR signaling associated with MHC-peptide recognition induces antigen specific as well as bystander immunosuppression. On the other hand, TCR activation of conventional T cells is associated with protective immunity. As such the peripheral T cell repertoire is populated by a number of T cells with different phenotypes and different TCRs, which can recognize the same MHC-self-peptide complex, resulting in opposite immunological outcomes. This article summarizes what is known about regulatory and conventional T cell recognition of the MHC-self-immunopeptidome at steady state and in inflammatory conditions associated with increased T and B cell self-reactivity, discussing how changes in the MHC-ligandome including epitope copy number and post-translational modifications can tilt the balance toward the expansion of pro-inflammatory or regulatory T cells.
Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles modulate innate immune responses to affect tumor progression
Authors: Wang Siqi , Sun Jiaxin , Dastgheyb Raha M. , Li Zhigang
Published: November 2022

Immune cells are capable of influencing tumor progression in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Meanwhile, one mechanism by which tumor modulate immune cells function is through extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are cell-derived extracellular membrane vesicles. EVs can act as mediators of intercellular communication and can deliver nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and other signaling molecules between cells. In recent years, studies have found that EVs play a crucial role in the communication between tumor cells and immune cells. Innate immunity is the first-line response of the immune system against tumor progression. Therefore, tumor cell-derived EVs (TDEVs) which modulate the functional change of innate immune cells serve important functions in the context of tumor progression. Emerging evidence has shown that TDEVs dually enhance or suppress innate immunity through various pathways. This review aims to summarize the influence of TDEVs on macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, and natural killer cells. We also summarize their further effects on the progression of tumors, which may provide new ideas for developing novel tumor therapies targeting EVs.
Time restricted feeding modifies leukocyte responsiveness and improves inflammation outcome
Authors: Ella Krisztina , Sűdy Ágnes R. , Búr Zsófia , Koós Bence , Kisiczki Ármin S. , Mócsai Attila , Káldi Krisztina
Published: November 2022

Time restricted eating, the dietary approach limiting food intake to a maximal 10-hour period of daytime is considered beneficial in metabolic dysfunctions, such as obesity and diabetes. Rhythm of food intake and parallel changes in serum nutrient levels are also important entrainment signals for the circadian clock, particularly in tissues involved in metabolic regulation. As both the metabolic state and the circadian clock have large impact on immune functions, we investigated in mice whether time restricted feeding (TRF) affects systemic inflammatory potential. TRF slackened the symptoms in K/BxN serum-transfer arthritis, an experimental model of human autoimmune joint inflammation. Compared to ad libitum conditions TRF reduced the expression of inflammatory mediators in visceral adipose tissue, an integrator and coordinator of metabolic and inflammatory processes. Furthermore, TRF strengthened the oscillation of peripheral leukocyte counts and alongside decreased the pool of both marginated and tissue leukocytes. Our data suggest that the altered leukocyte distribution in TRF mice is related to the attenuated expression of adhesion molecules on the surface of neutrophils and monocytes. We propose that TRF modifies both rhythm and inflammatory potential of leukocytes which contribute to the milder reactivity of the immune system and therefore time-restricted eating could serve as an effective complementary tool in the therapy of autoinflammatory processes.
The importance of caveolin as a target in the prevention and treatment of diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Xia Weiyi , Li Xia , Wu Qingping , Xu Aimin , Zhang Liangqing , Xia Zhengyuan
Published: November 2022

The diabetic population has been increasing in the past decades and diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), a pathology that is defined by the presence of cardiac remodeling and dysfunction without conventional cardiac risk factors such as hypertension and coronary heart diseases, would eventually lead to fatal heart failure in the absence of effective treatment. Impaired insulin signaling, commonly known as insulin resistance, plays an important role in the development of DCM. A family of integral membrane proteins named caveolins (mainly caveolin-1 and caveolin-3 in the myocardium) and a protein hormone adiponectin (APN) have all been shown to be important for maintaining normal insulin signaling. Abnormalities in caveolins and APN have respectively been demonstrated to cause DCM. This review aims to summarize recent research findings of the roles and mechanisms of caveolins and APN in the development of DCM, and also explore the possible interplay between caveolins and APN.
Identification of HLA class I-restricted immunogenic neoantigens in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Aparicio Belén , Repáraz David , Ruiz Marta , Llopiz Diana , Silva Leyre , Vercher Enric , Theunissen Patrick , Tamayo Ibon , Smerdou Cristian , Igea Ana , Santisteban Marta , Gónzalez-Deza Cristina , Lasarte Juan J. , Hervás-Stubbs Sandra , Sarobe Pablo
Published: November 2022

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based immunotherapy in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is achieving limited therapeutic results, requiring the development of more potent strategies. Combination of ICI with vaccination strategies would enhance antitumor immunity and response rates to ICI in patients having poorly infiltrated tumors. In heavily mutated tumors, neoantigens (neoAgs) resulting from tumor mutations have induced potent responses when used as vaccines. Thus, our aim was the identification of immunogenic neoAgs suitable as vaccines in TNBC patients. By using whole exome sequencing, RNAseq and HLA binding algorithms of tumor samples from a cohort of eight TNBC patients, we identified a median of 60 mutations/patient, which originated a putative median number of 98 HLA class I-restricted neoAgs. Considering a group of 27 predicted neoAgs presented by HLA-A*02:01 allele in two patients, peptide binding to HLA was experimentally confirmed in 63% of them, whereas 55% were immunogenic in vivo in HLA-A*02:01+ transgenic mice, inducing T-cells against the mutated but not the wild-type peptide sequence. Vaccination with peptide pools or DNA plasmids expressing these neoAgs induced polyepitopic T-cell responses, which recognized neoAg-expressing tumor cells. These results suggest that TNBC tumors harbor neoAgs potentially useful in therapeutic vaccines, opening the way for new combined immunotherapies.
Oocytes could rearrange immunoglobulin production to survive over adverse environmental stimuli
Authors: Wang Yang , Luo Fu-Qiang , He Yu-Hao , Yang Zhi-Xia , Wang Xin , Li Cong-Rong , Cai Bei-Qi , Chen Liang-Jian , Wang Zi-Bin , Zhang Cui-Lian , Guan Yi-Chun , Zhang Dong
Published: November 2022

Immunoglobulins are key humoral immune molecules produced and secreted by B lymphocytes at various stages of differentiation. No research has reported whether immunoglobulins are present in the non-proliferative female germ cells—oocytes—and whether they are functionally important for oocyte quality, self-protection, and survival. Herein, we found that IgG was present in the oocytes of immunodeficient mice; the IgG-VDJ regions were highly variable between different oocytes, and H3K27Ac bound and regulated the IgG promoter region. Next, IgG mRNA and protein levels increased in response to LPS, and this increment was mediated by CR2 on the oocyte membrane. Finally, we revealed three aspects of the functional relevance of oocyte IgG: first, oocytes could upregulate IgG to counteract the increased ROS level induced by CSF1; second, oocytes could upregulate IgG in response to injected virus ssRNA to maintain mitochondrial integrity; third, upon bacterial infection, oocytes could secrete IgG, subsequently encompassing the bacteria, thus increasing survival compared to somatic cells. This study reveals for the first time that the female germ cells, oocytes, can independently adjust intrinsic IgG production to survive in adverse environments.
The emergence of arboviruses changes the profile of viral meningitis in Salvador, Bahia: A case series
Authors: Dias Tamiris T. , Tauro Laura B. , Macêdo Lara E. N. , Brito Liz O. , Ribeiro Victor H. O. , Santos Cleiton S. , Jacob-Nascimento Leile C. , Vilas-Boas Letícia S. , Amado Caio , Barbosa Paula S. , Reis Joice N. , Campos Gubio Soares , Ribeiro Guilherme S. , Siqueira Isadora C. , Silva Luciano K. , Reis Mitermayer G.
Published: November 2022

Background

Recently, different arboviruses became endemic in Brazil mostly causing acute febrile illnesses, however, neurological manifestations have also been reported. This study aimed to investigate which viruses were involved in the meningitis etiology and the contribution of the circulating arboviruses in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.

Methods

From June 2014 to February 2016, 170 patients with suspected viral meningitis were identified in Couto Maia Hospital, Salvador-BA, Brazil. Their CSF samples were investigated for possible viral etiology by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) for different arboviruses: DENV, ZIKV and CHIKV; and for the EV; and by PCR for the HHV1-5 complex (HSV1-2, VZV, EBV and CMV). Also, ELISA was carried out in a subgroup of remaining samples for detection of DENV IgM and NS1 antigen, CHIKV IgM and ZIKV IgM.

Results

Thirty-seven patients were PCR or ELISA positive for at least one of the studied viruses (overall positivity 21.8%). EV was the agent most frequently detected (10 cases; 27.0%), along with all four DENV serotypes (10 cases; 27.0%); followed by CHIKV (6 cases; 16.2%), ZIKV (6 cases; 16.2%), and Varicella zoster virus (VZV) (1 case; 2.7%). Four cases (10.8%) presented viral co-infection detected: DENV1 + CHIKV, DENV1 + EV, DENV4 + ZIKV, and CHIKV + ZIKV. Arboviruses (DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV) accounted for the great majority of cases (26 cases; 70.3%) of all single and co-infections: DENV has been the most frequently detected arbovirus (13 cases; 35.1%). Among non-arboviral meningitis, the most common etiology was the EV (11 cases; 29.7%).

Conclusions

Arboviruses accounted for the majority of identified viruses among patients with suspected viral meningitis. In areas where they are endemic it is crucial to increase viral surveillance and consider them in the differential diagnosis of meningitis.
Evaluating ecosystem-based management alternatives for the Puget Sound, U.S.A. social-ecological system using qualitative watershed models
Authors: Magel Caitlin L. , Francis Tessa B.
Published: November 2022

Population growth and the associated transformation of landscapes is a major management challenge for coastal ecosystems. Coastal conservation and management should be guided by social, cultural, economic, and ecological objectives, but integrative decision support tools appropriate for complex ecosystems remain underutilized. Evaluating alternative policies for objectives that span the interconnected terrestrial, freshwater, and estuarine habitats along coastlines is limited by the lack of appropriate quantitative tools and available data. We employed qualitative network models (QNMs) to evaluate multi-benefit outcomes of potential management interventions to address population growth and development using a case study of Puget Sound – a large, urbanized fjord-type estuary in Washington, U.S.A. With input from regional scientists and stakeholders, we developed a base conceptual model of the links among human stressors and ecosystem components across the terrestrial-freshwater-estuarine gradient of a generalized Puget Sound watershed. We simulated scenarios representing alternative strategies for accommodating human population growth, namely new development outside of urban centers versus redevelopment (densification) within urban centers, and characterized the responses of multiple recovery objectives and ecosystem stressors for each scenario. Of the urban redevelopment scenarios, reducing stormwater runoff and increasing green infrastructure provided the most favorable outcomes. On rural lands, limiting new development to existing transportation corridors and iincreasing floodplain and riparian habitat extent concomitant with new development produced similar outcomes. Moderate levels of coordinated interventions on both urban and rural lands had favorable outcomes for more ecosystem objectives compared to either moderate intervention applied separately. This study demonstrates the value of qualitative tools for cross-habitat evaluations of possible futures in complex ecosystem-based management systems.
Research on outlier detection in CTD conductivity data based on cubic spline fitting
Authors: Yu Long , Sun Jia , Guo Yanliang , Zhang Baohua , Yang Guangbing , Chen Liang , Ju Xia , Yang Fanlin , Xiong Xuejun , Lv Xianqing
Published: November 2022

Outlier detection is the key to the quality control of marine survey data. For the detection of outliers in Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) data, previous methods, such as the Wild Edit method and the Median Filter Combined with Maximum Deviation method, mostly set a threshold based on statistics. Values greater than the threshold are treated as outliers, but there is no clear specification for the selection of threshold, thus multiple attempts are required. The process is time-consuming and inefficient, and the results have high false negative and positive rates. In response to this problem, we proposed an outlier detection method in CTD conductivity data, based on a physical constraint, the continuity of seawater. The method constructs a cubic spline fitting function based on the independent points scheme and the cubic spline interpolation to fit the conductivity data. The maximum fitting residual points will be flagged as outliers. The fitting stops when the optimal number of iterations is reached, which is automatically obtained by the minimum value of the sequence of maximum fitting residuals. Verification of the accuracy and stability of the method by means of examples proves that it has a lower false negative rate (17.88%) and false positive rate (0.24%) than other methods. Indeed, rates for the Wild Edit method are 56.96% and 2.19%, while for the Median Filter Combined with Maximum Deviation method rates are 23.28% and 0.31%. The Cubic Spline Fitting method is simple to operate, the result is clear and definite, better solved the problem of conductivity outliers detection.
Concentrations, sources, and biological consumption of acrylate and DMSP in the tropical Pacific and coral reef ecosystem in Mo’orea, French Polynesia
Authors: Xue Lei , Kieber David J. , Masdeu-Navarro Marta , Cabrera-Brufau Miguel , Rodríguez-Ros Pablo , Gardner Stephanie G. , Marrasé Cèlia , Simó Rafel
Published: November 2022

Shallow-water coral reefs hold large quantities of acrylate and its precursor dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), but production and removal processes for these compounds are poorly characterized. Here we determined the concentrations and cycling of acrylate and DMSP in a transect from a coral reef ecosystem to the open ocean, 2 km beyond the reef in Mo’orea, French Polynesia, during April 2018. Concentrations of dissolved acrylate and DMSP were low throughout the reef-ocean transect, ranging from 0.8–3.9 nM and 0.2–3.0 nM, respectively, with no difference observed between the coral reef and open ocean when comparing mean concentrations (± std dev) of dissolved acrylate (1.7 ± 0.7 vs 2.3 ± 0.8 nM) or DMSP (0.9 ± 0.7 vs 1.3 ± 0.6 nM). In the coral reef, dissolved acrylate was rapidly taken up by the heterotrophic community with a fast turnover time averaging ~ 6 h, six times faster than in the open ocean, and nearly as fast as the average turnover time of dissolved DMSP (~ 3 h). A clear diel trend was observed for the heterotrophic consumption of dissolved acrylate and DMSP in the coral reef, with higher uptake rate constants during daylight hours, synchronized with the larger daytime release of acrylate and DMSP from the coral compared to the nighttime release of these compounds. We also measured photochemical production rates of acrylate in Mo’orean waters, but rates were one to two orders of magnitude slower compared to its rates of biological consumption. Coral and macroalgae were the main sources of dissolved acrylate and DMSP to the reef ecosystem. Our results indicate there is rapid turnover of acrylate and DMSP in the coral reef with a tight coupling between production and removal pathways that maintain dissolved concentrations of these two compounds at very low levels. These algal and coral-derived substrates serve as important chemical links between the coral and heterotrophic communities, two fundamental components in the ecological network in coral reefs.
Re-socializing pre-health education in the context of COVID: Pandemic prompts for bio-social approaches
Authors: Mitchell-Sparke Emma , Mitchell Katharyne Wilcox , Sparke Matthew Brookman
Published: November 2022

COVID-19 has underlined the critical importance of bringing biosocial and biopsychosocial approaches to pre-health education. Given the striking social inequalities that the pandemic has both exposed and exacerbated, we argue that bridging between the biomedical and social sciences with such approaches is now more appropriate and urgently needed than ever. We therefore call for the re-socialization of pre-health education by teaching to develop socio-structural competencies alongside physical and biological science knowledge. We suggest that community partnerships, which address local inequalities and their global interdependencies, should be encouraged as an essential element in all pre-health education. Educators should also support such partnerships as opportunities for students who come from more minoritized and impoverished social backgrounds to see their own social knowledge–including community-based knowledge of health-injustices revealed by the pandemic–as the basis of biopsychosocial expertise. By prioritizing this reconceptualization of pre-health education, we can empower future health workers to prepare more adequately for future health crises in ways that are socially aware and structurally transformative.
Exploration of the roles of microbiota on biogenic amines formation during traditional fermentation of Scomber japonicus
Authors: Chen Jingyi , Tang Haiqing , Zhang Mengsi , Sang Shangyuan , Jia Lingling , Ou Changrong
Published: November 2022

The influence of microbiota composition and metabolisms on the safety and quality of fermented fish products is attracting increasing attention. In this study, the total viable count (TVC), pH, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) as well as biogenic amines (BAs) of traditional fermented Scomber japonicus (zaoyu) were quantitatively determined. To comprehend microbial community variation and predict their functions during fermentation, 16S rRNA-based high-throughput sequencing (HTS) and phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) were employed, respectively. The fresh samples stored without fermentation were used as controls. TVC and TVB-N values increased rapidly, and the content of BAs exceeded the permissible limit on day 2 in the controls, indicating serious spoilage of the fish. In contrast, a slower increase in TVC and TVB-N was observed and the content of BAs was within the acceptable limit throughout the fermentation of zaoyu. Significant differences in microbiota composition were observed between zaoyu and the controls. The bacterial community composition of zaoyu was relatively simple and Lactobacillus was identified as the dominant microbial group. The accumulation of histamine was inhibited in zaoyu, which was positively correlated with the relative abundance of Vibrio, Enterobacter, Macrococcus, Weissella, et al. based on Redundancy analysis (RDA), while Lactobacillus showed a positive correlation with tyramine, cadaverine, and putrescine. Functional predictions, based on Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways analysis, revealed that the relative abundance of metabolic function exhibited a decreasing trend with prolonged fermentation time and the abundance of metabolism-related genes was relatively stable in the later stage of fermentation. Those metabolisms related to the formation of BAs like histidine metabolism and arginine metabolism were inhibited in zaoyu. This study has accompanied microbiota analysis and functional metabolism with the accumulation of BAs to trace their correspondences, clarifying the roles of microorganisms in the inhibition of BAs during fermentation of Scomber japonicus.
Identification of novel linear epitopes in P72 protein of African swine fever virus recognized by monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Yin Dan , Geng Renhao , Shao Hongxia , Ye Jianqiang , Qian Kun , Chen Hongjun , Qin Aijian
Published: November 2022

African swine fever (ASF) is one of the highly contagious and lethal diseases among domestic pigs and wild boars. The capsid protein P72 of African swine fever virus (ASFV) is very important for the diagnosis and vaccine development. However, the epitope of the protein is not clear. In this study, capsid protein P72 was expressed in Sf9 cells along with its chaperone B602L. A total of ten monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific to P72 protein were developed by fusions between SP2/0 cells and spleen cells of mice immunized with the recombinant-P72&B602L proteins expressed in Sf9 cells. Four linear B cell epitopes 31SNIKNVNKSY40, 41GKPDP45, 56HLVHFNAH63 and 185ERLYE189 were identified. Biological information analysis illustrated that epitopes 31SNIKNVNKSY40, 41GKPDP45 and 185ERLYE189 were highly conserved within different ASFV strains. These findings may lead to a better understanding of the antibody-antigen interaction and provide new insights into the vaccine research and serological diagnosis of ASF.
Endophytic Bacillus subtilis antagonize soil-borne fungal pathogens and suppress wilt complex disease in chickpea plants (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Mageshwaran Vellaichamy , Gupta Rishabh , Singh Shailendra , Sahu Pramod K. , Singh Udai B. , Chakdar Hillol , Bagul Samadhan Y. , Paul Surinder , Singh Harsh V.
Published: November 2022

The present study aimed to identify potential endophytic bacteria antagonistic against three soil-borne fungal pathogens, Rhizoctonia solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. ciceri causing root rot, collar rot, and fungal wilt diseases in chickpea plants, respectively. A total of 255 bacterial endophytes were isolated from the leaves, stems, and roots of seven different crop plants (chickpea, tomato, wheat, berseem, mustard, potato, and green pea). The dual culture-based screening for antifungal properties indicated that three endophytic isolates had strong inhibition (>50%) against all three pathogens tested. Based on morphological, biochemical, and molecular characterization, the selected isolates (TRO4, CLO5, and PLO3) were identified as different strains of Bacillus subtilis. The bacterial endophytes (TRO4 and CLO5) were positive for plant growth promoting (PGP) traits viz., ammonia, siderophore, and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production. The bio-efficacy of the endophytes (TRO4, CLO5, and PLO3) was tested by an in planta trial in chickpea pre-challenged with R. solani, S. rolfsii, and F. oxysporum f.sp. ciceri. The B. subtilis strains TRO4 and CLO5 were found to be effective in reducing percent disease incidence (p ≤ 0.05) and enhancing plant growth parameters. The different root parameters viz. root length (mm), surface area (cm2), root diameter (mm), and root volume (cm3) were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased in TRO4 and CLO5 inoculated chickpea plants. Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy showed heavy colonization of bacteria in the roots of endophyte-inoculated chickpea plants. The inoculation of endophytic Bacillus subtilis strains TRO4 and CLO5 in chickpea plants through seed biopriming reduced the accumulation of superoxide, enhanced the plant defense enzymes, and induced the expression of Pathogenesis-Related (PR) genes. Semi-quantitative analysis of defense-related genes showed differential activation of PR genes (60srp and IFR) by endophyte inoculation. The results of the present study reveal the antagonistic potential of B. subtilis strains TRO4 and CLO5 against three major soil-borne fungal pathogens and their ability to suppress wilt complex disease in chickpea plants. This is the first report on the simultaneous suppression of three major soil-borne fungal pathogens causing wilt complex in chickpea plants by endophytic B. subtilis strains.