bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El juego y el desarrollo cognitivo de los estudiantes
Authors: Chisag-Guaman Marjorie , Espinoza-Álvarez Edlita , Jordán-Sánchez Jorge , Mejía-Sánchez Enith
Published: March 2024

En la presente investigación se estudió el juego y el desarrollo cognitivo de los estudiantes utilizando una revisión de la literatura y métodos analíticos en el contexto de una investigación descriptiva no experimental. A través de una revisión exhaustiva de la literatura existente, buscamos esclarecer el significado y la importancia de los juegos en el desarrollo cognitivo de los estudiantes. Este enfoque analítico permite un estudio detallado de diferentes dimensiones del juego, examinando cómo las actividades de juego afectan las habilidades cognitivas básicas como la resolución de problemas, el pensamiento crítico y la creatividad. Un enfoque de revisión de la literatura proporciona un marco poderoso para examinar investigaciones previas y sintetizar hallazgos clave para proporcionar una imagen integral del papel de los juegos en el desarrollo cognitivo de los estudiantes, obteniendo así los siguientes resultados: se destaca la relación característica entre el juego y el desarrollo cognitivo, se observa que el juego incide positivamente en diversas dimensiones cognitivas, activando la memoria, estimulando la atención y concentración, fomentando la creatividad y la imaginación, y proporcionando oportunidades para el desarrollo de habilidades cognitivas superiores, concluyendo que la falta de conciencia pedagógica y las limitaciones de recursos son obstáculos significativos para el pleno aprovechamiento de los juegos como herramienta educativa, la presión académica y la priorización disciplinaria también afectan negativamente la integración de actividades recreativas en las instituciones educativas. Se destaca la necesidad de abordar estas cuestiones para garantizar que los estudiantes puedan aprovechar al máximo el juego para su desarrollo cognitivo.
HOMO- AND HETERONUCLEAR Yb(III) AND Lu(III) COMPLEXES WITH CALIX[4]ARENE MODIFIED WITH PORPHYRIN SUBSTITUENTS.
Authors: Rusakova Natalia , Malinka Olena , Korovin Oleksandr , Smola Serhii , Snurnikova Olga , Rusakova Mariia
Published: March 2024

In this work we describe the approaches for the synthesis of lanthanide-containing homo- and heteronuclear complexes using 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis[(N-meso-­(p-aminophenyl)-meso-triphenylporphyrincarbonyl)methoxy]-calix[4]arene (1). Such spatially preorganizedcalix[4]arene macrocycle facilitates lanthanide cation coordination, impacting the structure and analytical signal of porphyrin substituents. The study employs two synthesis stra­tegies resulting in mononuclear and homobinuclear complexes, influenced by steric effects and changes in hydrogen bonding. The complexes exhibit changes in fluorescence spectra due to intramolecular dimerization and hydrogen bonding during complex formation. Mononuclear complexes (Ln-1) are synthesized under mild conditions, while homobinuclear complexes (Ln2-1) require high-boiling solvents and specific reaction conditions, detailed synthesis procedures are described. The structural changes during complex formation were analyzed with the use of NMR analysis. The absorption spectra of lanthanide complexes demonstrate shifts in maxima, reflecting coordination changes, with notable variations between mononuclear and homobinuclear complexes. Additionally, heteronuclear compounds with copper(II), zinc(II), and palladium(II) exhibit distinctive absorption patterns, emphasizing the role of d-metal ions. Luminescence stu­dies reveal the sensitization of 4f-luminescence by both calix[4]arene and porphyrin fragments. The use of deuterated solvents enhances 4f-luminescence intensity, highlighting solvent effects. Furthermore, 4f-luminescence characteristics were investigated in both solid and solution states for heterometallic compounds, emphasizing differences between copper-containing and zinc/palladium-containing complexes. The results offer valuable insights into the design, synthesis, and spectral properties of these complexes, showcasing their potential applications in various fields, and the findings contribute to the understanding of lanthanide-porphyrin systems and their coordination behavior.
EMI EMC: Background, Standards and Design Aspects
Authors: Balakrishna Hari , Agrawal Ankit , Gupta Shivam , Sanadhya Vivek
Published: March 2024

In a multi subsystem environment, in order for the subsystems to interoperate, electromagnetic interference and compatibility aspects have to be addressed. This is a critical aspect of the design and identifying the EMI and EMC aspects at the specifications stage itself lends to a better final design outcome. This paper provides a brief overview of the current standards and elucidates the EMI EMC design aspects with the help of three case studies viz. Antenna Platform for LCA MMR, IDSN32 SRCU and Anuchitra DBS. The methods, measures and design practices used for a successful EMI-EMC performance outcome are elucidated.
A Comparative Study on Lattice Tower Angle Member Capacities as Per Indian, American, and BSEN Standards
Authors: Dhoopam Sankara Ganesh
Published: March 2024

The transmission lines and Telecommunication networks are normally supported by lattice towers. Therefore, the reliability of these essentials depends much on the reliability of the towers and their foundations. In Both telecom and power transmission line sectors, the towers are mass-produced and generally based on optimized tower weight and foundation volumes. The weight of a tower is influenced to a great extent by the selection of tower configuration, choice of bracing patterns, choice of steel grade, and profile type. The towers in general are lattice types consisting of main legs, diagonals, horizontals, cross-arm members, and peak members. The telecommunication and power transmission line tower members are generally made of steel equal-angle sections. These tower members are modeled and analyzed as pin-jointed 3-dimensional space truss models and the members are subjected to axial forces, either axial compression or axial tension in nature. Estimation of member compression capacity is the most vital parameter in design as per respective local standards and proving those estimations during full-scale model tower testing if carried out. This paper presents the differences in axial compression capacity of angle members as per Indian, American, and European standards viz., IS: 802 (Part 1/Sec 2)-2016, IS 800-2007, ASCE 10-15 and BS EN 1993-3-1:2006.
Failure Analysis on OPGW Cable During Short Circuit Test
Authors: Prabakaran T. , Munshi Sumbul , Roy Himangshu , Pathak Saumitra
Published: March 2024

A new type of ground wire used for communication lines in high-voltage power transmission systems is called Optical Ground Wire cable (OPGW). In addition to serving as a communication optical cable and standard overhead ground wire, it may also prevent lightning strikes and carry short circuit currents. The OPGW cable must fulfil the specifications for both construction and performance for the ground wire to work, the optical fiber integrity, and the optical transmission characteristics to be appropriate for the intended use. It is anticipated that OPGW cables will safeguard the optical fiber and that the cable’s temperature won’t rise to the point where the fiber’s parameters could deteriorate. This paper examines the analysis and review of OPGW cable failure cases during short circuit tests.
Memory identification and its failures
Authors: Teroni Fabrice
Published: March 2024

When we remember, we often know that we do. How does this memory identification proceed? After having articulated some constraints on an attractive account of memory identification, this paper explores three types of accounts that respectively appeal to features of memory content, of memory as an activity, and of memory as an attitude. It offers reasons to favour an attitudinal account giving pride of place to the feeling of familiarity.
SARS-CoV-2 spike protein increases angiotensin converting enzyme-2 expression and promotes an increase in glucose uptake in endothelial cells
Authors: Campos Mariana F. , Constant Larissa E. C. , Teixeira Douglas E. , Silva-Aguiar Rodrigo P. , Rocco Patrícia R. M. , Mohana-Borges Ronaldo , Leitão Gilda G. , Caruso-Neves Celso , Leitão Suzana G. , Allonso Diego
Published: March 2024

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to 7 million deaths and more than 770 million confirmed cases worldwide. The Spike glycoprotein (SP) is responsible for recognizing and binding to angiotensin converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) in the host cell membrane and seems to modulate host cellular signaling pathways. Here, we investigate the effects of SP (stabilized in prefusion conformation) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC-C) lineage on the ACE-2 expression profile and in cell glucose metabolism. Our data indicate that SP binds to ACE-2, is internalized by HUVEC-C cells, and positively modulates ACE-2 expression. In addition, SP alone induces a transient increase in glucose uptake and a decrease in lactate production, characterizing itself as a metabolic regulating protein. The present study is the first to demonstrate that SP induces a slight change in cell metabolism, promotes the overexpression of ACE-2 and its increased availability in the membrane of endothelial cells in a time-dependent fashion.
Cell-cell interaction in the pathogenesis of inherited retinal diseases
Authors: Du Xue , Butler Anna G. , Chen Holly Y.
Published: March 2024

The retina is part of the central nervous system specialized for vision. Inherited retinal diseases (IRD) are a group of clinically and genetically heterogenous disorders that lead to progressive vision impairment or blindness. Although each disorder is rare, IRD accumulatively cause blindness in up to 5.5 million individuals worldwide. Currently, the pathophysiological mechanisms of IRD are not fully understood and there are limited treatment options available. Most IRD are caused by degeneration of light-sensitive photoreceptors. Genetic mutations that abrogate the structure and/or function of photoreceptors lead to visual impairment followed by blindness caused by loss of photoreceptors. In healthy retina, photoreceptors structurally and functionally interact with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and Müller glia (MG) to maintain retinal homeostasis. Multiple IRD with photoreceptor degeneration as a major phenotype are caused by mutations of RPE- and/or MG-associated genes. Recent studies also reveal compromised MG and RPE caused by mutations in ubiquitously expressed ciliary genes. Therefore, photoreceptor degeneration could be a direct consequence of gene mutations and/or could be secondary to the dysfunction of their interaction partners in the retina. This review summarizes the mechanisms of photoreceptor-RPE/MG interaction in supporting retinal functions and discusses how the disruption of these processes could lead to photoreceptor degeneration, with an aim to provide a unique perspective of IRD pathogenesis and treatment paradigm. We will first describe the biology of retina and IRD and then discuss the interaction between photoreceptors and MG/RPE as well as their implications in disease pathogenesis. Finally, we will summarize the recent advances in IRD therapeutics targeting MG and/or RPE.
Cell type-specific regulation of CFTR trafficking—on the verge of progress
Authors: Farinha Carlos M. , Santos Lúcia , Ferreira João F.
Published: March 2024

Trafficking of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) protein is a complex process that starts with its biosynthesis and folding in the endoplasmic reticulum. Exit from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is coupled with the acquisition of a compact structure that can be processed and traffic through the secretory pathway. Once reaching its final destination—the plasma membrane, CFTR stability is regulated through interaction with multiple protein partners that are involved in its post-translation modification, connecting the channel to several signaling pathways. The complexity of the process is further boosted when analyzed in the context of the airway epithelium. Recent advances have characterized in detail the different cell types that compose the surface epithelium and shifted the paradigm on which cells express CFTR and on their individual and combined contribution to the total expression (and function) of this chloride/bicarbonate channel. Here we review CFTR trafficking and its relationship with the knowledge on the different cell types of the airway epithelia. We explore the crosstalk between these two areas and discuss what is still to be clarified and how this can be used to develop more targeted therapies for CF.
Everybody votes for Heimat: a study to examine the affective influence of feelings of Heimat on the persuasive impact of political advertising
Authors: Mayer Fabian , Schramm Holger
Published: March 2024

Contemporary events are marked by profound social changes and the resulting insecurity among many people. Political appeals on an emotional level and beyond facts are therefore currently popular. The German construct of Heimat conveys feelings of safety and shelter like no other. It is therefore not surprising that the term is instrumentalized in political advertising across the entire party spectrum in Germany. In an empirical study, the influence of Heimat references in visual political advertising on the attitudes of recipients is examined, whereby the feelings of Heimat evoked are modeled as a mediator of this relationship. It is assumed that the strength of this affective influence depends on the moderators information processing (heuristic or substantive) and the personality expression on the factor neuroticism. Party identification complements the model, also moderated by information processing, as an additional factor influencing political attitudes. The results show, however, that the explanatory power for the feeling of Heimat is rather to be found in the identification with the communicating party. Against this background, the persuasive instrumentalization of a feeling of Heimat for the evaluation of political issues can certainly be worthwhile. In this context, it is not decisive whether the content of the advertising material explicitly references the Heimat issue, but how the party itself is perceived by the recipients. No effects were found for personality and information processing.
Effects of different rehabilitation modality on cardiopulmonary function in patients with acute coronary syndrome after revascularization
Authors: Chen Wanping , Feng Yan , Yu Meili , Zhang Zhaoguo , Wu Jiahui , Liu Wenxian , Gu Wei
Published: March 2024

Objective

To investigate the effects of different rehabilitation modalities on cardiopulmonary function in patients with acute coronary syndrome after revascularization.

Methods

Two randomized controlled trials were conducted. All patients were stable for more than 48 h and less than 1 week after revascularization for acute coronary syndrome and were randomly assigned to Group A (home-based rehabilitation group) or Group B (center guided home-based rehabilitation group). The cardiopulmonary exercise test was mainly performed before and 3 months after cardiac rehabilitation (at the end of intervention). The primary endpoints of the study were peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), and the secondary endpoints were maximum metabolic equivalents (METs), anaerobic threshold exercise load (Load AT), maximal workload (Load max), and anaerobic threshold oxygen uptake (VO2 AT).

Results

A total of 106 patients were included in the study, with 47 patients in Group A (with 6 losses) and 50 patients in Group B (with 3 losses). There were no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),cardiovascular risk factors. In Group A, no significant differences in CPET indices were observed before and after the intervention. In Group B, values of maximum metabolic equivalents (METs), peak heart rate (PHR), anaerobic threshold exercise load (Load AT), maximal workload (Load max), maximum ventilation per minute (VE max), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), anaerobic threshold oxygen uptake (VO2 AT) and maximum oxygen pulse (VO2/HRmax) were higher than those before the intervention (P < 0.05). In addition, METs (max), Load AT, Load max, VO2 AT, and VO2peak in Group B were higher than those in group A (P < 0.05). The change rates of VO2peak, METs(max), PHR, Load max, VO2 AT, VE max, VO2/HR(max) in the two groups were significantly different before and after intervention (P <  0.05).

Conclusion

Cardiac exercise rehabilitation is helpful for improving patients’ cardiopulmonary endurance and quality of life. Moreover, rehabilitation modalities with regular hospital guidance can improve cardiopulmonary function in a shorter period,which seems to be more effective than a complete home-based rehabilitation model.

Clinical Trial Registration

http://www.chictr.org.cn, identifier (ChiCTR2400081034).
Artificial intelligence based prediction model of in-hospital mortality among females with acute coronary syndrome: for the Jerusalem Platelets Thrombosis and Intervention in Cardiology (JUPITER-12) Study Group
Authors: Loutati Ranel , Perel Nimrod , Marmor David , Maller Tommer , Taha Louay , Amsalem Itshak , Hitter Rafael , Mohammed Manassra , Levi Nir , Shrem Maayan , Amro Motaz , Shuvy Mony , Glikson Michael , Asher Elad
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Despite ongoing efforts to minimize sex bias in diagnosis and treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS), data still shows outcomes differences between sexes including higher risk of all-cause mortality rate among females. Hence, the aim of the current study was to examine sex differences in ACS in-hospital mortality, and to implement artificial intelligence (AI) models for prediction of in-hospital mortality among females with ACS.

Methods

All ACS patients admitted to a tertiary care center intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) between July 2019 and July 2023 were prospectively enrolled. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Three prediction algorithms, including gradient boosting classifier (GBC) random forest classifier (RFC), and logistic regression (LR) were used to develop and validate prediction models for in-hospital mortality among females with ACS, using only available features at presentation.

Results

A total of 2,346 ACS patients with a median age of 64 (IQR: 56–74) were included. Of them, 453 (19.3%) were female. Female patients had higher prevalence of NSTEMI (49.2% vs. 39.8%, p < 0.001), less urgent PCI (<2 h) rates (40.2% vs. 50.6%, p < 0.001), and more complications during admission (17.7% vs. 12.3%, p = 0.01). In-hospital mortality occurred in 58 (2.5%) patients [21/453 (5%) females vs. 37/1,893 (2%) males, HR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.33–3.91, p = 0.003]. GBC algorithm outscored the RFC and LR models, with area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.91 with proposed working point of 83.3% sensitivity and 82.4% specificity, and area under precision recall curve (AUPRC) of 0.92. Analysis of feature importance indicated that older age, STEMI, and inflammatory markers were the most important contributing variables.

Conclusions

Mortality and complications rates among females with ACS are significantly higher than in males. Machine learning algorithms for prediction of ACS outcomes among females can be used to help mitigate sex bias.
Cardiometabolic biomarker patterns associated with cardiac MRI defined fibrosis and microvascular dysfunction in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Siggins Connor , Pan Jonathan A. , Löffler Adrián I. , Yang Yang , Shaw Peter W. , Balfour Pelbreton C. , Epstein Frederick H. , Gan Li-Ming , Kramer Christopher M. , Keeley Ellen C. , Salerno Michael
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a complex disease process influenced by metabolic disorders, systemic inflammation, myocardial fibrosis, and microvascular dysfunction. The goal of our study is to identify potential relationships between plasma biomarkers and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging markers in patients with HFpEF.

Methods

Nineteen subjects with HFpEF and 15 age-matched healthy controls were enrolled and underwent multiparametric CMR and plasma biomarker analysis using the Olink® Cardiometabolic Panel (Olink Proteomics, Uppsala, Sweden). Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to characterize CMR and biomarker variables that differentiate the subject groups into two principal components. Orthogonal projection to latent structures by partial least squares (OPLS) analysis was used to identify biomarker patterns that correlate with myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) and extracellular volume (ECV) mapping.

Results

A PLS-DA could differentiate between HFpEF and normal controls with two significant components explaining 79% (Q2 = 0.47) of the differences. For OPLS, there were 7 biomarkers that significantly correlated with ECV (R2 = 0.85, Q = 0.53) and 6 biomarkers that significantly correlated with MPR (R2 = 0.92, Q2 = 0.32). Only 1 biomarker significantly correlated with both ECV and MPR.

Discussion

Patients with HFpEF have unique imaging and biomarker patterns that suggest mechanisms associated with metabolic disease, inflammation, fibrosis and microvascular dysfunction.
Identifying earthquake swarms at Mt. Ruapehu, New Zealand: a machine learning approach
Authors: Mitchinson Sam , Johnson Jessica H. , Milner Ben , Lines Jason
Published: March 2024

Mt. Ruapehu is an active andesitic stratovolcano, consisting of several peaks with the summit plateau at 2,797 m, making it the tallest active volcano in New Zealand. The extent of the volcano spreads 40 km across with a series of complex faults encompassing almost the entire base of the volcano. A series of earthquakes occurring 20 km west of the summit of Mt. Ruapehu, near the small town of Erua, which preceded the 1995/1996 major volcanic eruption sequence has been proposed as a medium-term precursor for eruptions at Mt. Ruapehu. We use unsupervised machine learning clustering algorithms HDBSCAN and DBSCAN to define anomalous earthquake swarms in the region and determine whether the Erua swarm was unique by identifying key characteristics in space, time and magnitude distribution. HDBSCAN found six spatial cluster zones to the west of Mt. Ruapehu, which have temporal seismic bursts of activity between 1994 and 2023. DBSCAN identified the seismic swarm that preceded the 1995/1996 major eruption, along with one other similar cluster in the same region, which did not coincide with any documented magmatic unrest, suggesting distal seismic swarms at Mt. Ruapehu may not serve as a reliable eruption precursor when observed in isolation. We instead found that earthquake swarms are relatively common at Mt. Ruapehu and the temporal evolution of the earthquake clusters west of Mt. Ruapehu share similar characteristics to seismic swarms identified in other settings related to fluid migration, typical of fault-valve models.
Combined ambient vibration and surface displacement measurements for improved progressive failure monitoring at a toppling rock slab in Utah, USA
Authors: Jensen Erin K. , Moore Jeffrey R. , Geimer Paul R. , Finnegan Riley
Published: March 2024

Seismic resonance and surface displacement measurements can be implemented in tandem to improve landslide characterization and progressive failure monitoring. Crack aperture data are frequently used in rock slope stability monitoring and often exhibit recognizable trends prior to failure, such as accelerated crack opening. Alternatively, ambient resonance data offer multiple parameters including modal frequencies, damping, and polarization that can be monitored alongside crack aperture and may respond differently to environmental forcings and complex failure evolution. We analyzed data from continuous ambient vibration monitoring and concomitant crack aperture measurements at the Courthouse Mesa instability, a large toppling sandstone slab in Utah, USA. Three years of data revealed crack aperture increases of 2–4 mm/year with no clearly detectable irreversible changes in modal parameters, including frequency. Annually, frequency and displacement varied by 29% and 19% of the mean, respectively, with average and maximum daily frequency fluctuations of 6.5% and 16%, respectively. These reversible cyclic changes were primarily temperature-driven, but annually, frequency was in-phase with temperature whereas crack aperture lagged temperature changes by ∼37 days. Polarization and damping also varied seasonally but were less strongly correlated with temperature. Conceptual 3D finite element modeling demonstrated consistent frequency decreases associated with crack propagation but variable changes in crack aperture measured at a single point; i.e., crack propagation did not always result in increased crack opening but always generated a resonance frequency decrease. Taken together, our data suggest a possible thermal wedging-ratcheting mechanism at the Courthouse Mesa instability, where annual thermoelastic crack closure is impeded by debris infill but the absence of downward crack propagation during the monitoring period is evidenced by no permanent resonance frequency changes. Our study demonstrates that combined seismic resonance and crack aperture data provide an improved description of rock slope instability behavior, supporting refined characterization and monitoring of changes accompanying progressive failure.
Optimising high-throughput sequencing data analysis, from gene database selection to the analysis of compositional data: a case study on tropical soil nematodes
Authors: Wang Simin , Schneider Dominik , Hartke Tamara R. , Ballauff Johannes , de Melo Moura Carina Carneiro , Schulz Garvin , Li Zhipeng , Polle Andrea , Daniel Rolf , Gailing Oliver , Irawan Bambang , Scheu Stefan , Krashevska Valentyna
Published: March 2024

Introduction

High-throughput sequencing (HTS) provides an efficient and cost-effective way to generate large amounts of sequence data, providing a very powerful tool to analyze biodiversity of soil organisms. However, marker-based methods and the resulting datasets come with a range of challenges and disputes, including incomplete reference databases, controversial sequence similarity thresholds for delimitating taxa, and downstream compositional data analysis.

Methods

Here, we use HTS data from a soil nematode biodiversity experiment to explore standardized HTS data processing procedures. We compared the taxonomic assignment performance of two main rDNA reference databases (SILVA and PR2). We tested whether the same ecological patterns are detected with Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASV; 100% similarity) versus classical Operational Taxonomic Units (OTU; 97% similarity). Further, we tested how different HTS data normalization methods affect the recovery of beta diversity patterns and the identification of differentially abundant taxa.

Results

At this time, the SILVA 138 eukaryotic database performed better than the PR2 4.12 database, assigning more reads to family level and providing higher phylogenetic resolution. ASV- and OTU-based alpha and beta diversity of nematodes correlated closely, indicating that OTU-based studies represent useful reference points. For downstream data analyses, our results indicate that loss of data during subsampling under rarefaction-based methods might reduce the sensitivity of the method, e.g. underestimate the differences between nematode communities under different treatments, while the clr-transformation-based methods may overestimate effects. The Analysis of Compositions of Microbiome with Bias Correction approach (ANCOM-BC) retains all data and accounts for uneven sampling fractions for each sample, suggesting that this is currently the optimal method to analyze compositional data.

Discussion

Overall, our study highlights the importance of comparing and selecting taxonomic reference databases before data analyses, and provides solid evidence for the similarity and comparability between OTU- and ASV-based nematode studies. Further, the results highlight the potential weakness of rarefaction-based and clr-transformation-based methods. We recommend future studies use ASV and that both the taxonomic reference databases and normalization strategies are carefully tested and selected before analyzing the data.
Isolation and high-dimensional flow cytometric analysis of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes in a mouse model of colorectal cancer
Authors: Eich Christina , Vogt Johannes F. , Längst Vivian , Clausen Björn E. , Hövelmeyer Nadine
Published: March 2024

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex and heterogeneous disease characterized by dysregulated interactions between tumor cells and the immune system. The tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in cancer initiation as well as progression, with myeloid immune cells such as dendritic cell and macrophage subsets playing diverse roles in cancer immunity. On one hand, they exert anti-tumor effects, but they can also contribute to tumor growth. The AOM/DSS colitis-associated cancer mouse model has emerged as a valuable tool to investigate inflammation-driven CRC. To understand the role of different leukocyte populations in tumor development, the preparation of single cell suspensions from tumors has become standard procedure for many types of cancer in recent years. However, in the case of AOM/DSS-induced colorectal tumors, this is still challenging and rarely described. For one, to be able to properly distinguish tumor-associated immune cells, separate processing of cancerous and surrounding colon tissue is essential. In addition, cell yield, due to the low tumor mass, viability, as well as preservation of cell surface epitopes are important for successful flow cytometric profiling of tumor-infiltrating leukocytes. Here we present a fast, simple, and economical step-by-step protocol for isolating colorectal tumor-associated leukocytes from AOM/DSS-treated mice. Furthermore, we demonstrate the feasibility of this protocol for high-dimensional flow cytometric identification of the different tumor-infiltrating leukocyte populations, with a specific focus on myeloid cell subsets.
Dietary Salicornia ramosissima improves the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) inflammatory response against Photobacterium damselae piscicida
Authors: Machado Marina , Cruz Francisco , Cunha André , Ramos-Pinto Lourenço , Laranjeira Adriana , Pacheco Mário , Rocha Rui J. M. , Costas Benjamín
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Modern fish farming faces challenges in sourcing feed ingredients, most related with their prices, 21 availability, and specifically for plant protein sources, competition for the limited cultivation space for 22 vegetable crops. In that sense, halophytes have the added value of being rich in valuable bioactive compounds and salt tolerant. This study assessed the inclusion of non-food fractions of S. ramosissima in European seabass diets.

Methods

Different levels (2.5%, 5%, and 10%) were incorporated into seabass diets, replacing wheat meal (diets ST2.5, ST5, and ST10) or without inclusion (CTRL). Experimental diets were administered to seabass juveniles (8.62 ± 0.63 g) for 34 and 62 days and subsequent inflammatory responses to a heat-inactivated Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Phdp) were evaluated in a time-course manner (4, 24, 48, and 72 h after the challenge). At each sampling point, seabass haematological profile, plasma immune parameters, and head-kidney immune-related gene expression were evaluated.

Results

After both feeding periods, most parameters remained unaltered by S. ramosissima inclusion; nonetheless, seabass fed ST10 showed an upregulation of macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor 1 (mcsf1r1) and cluster of differentiation 8 (cd8β) compared with those fed CTRL after 62 days of feeding. Regarding the inflammatory response, seabass fed ST10 showed lower plasma lysozyme levels than their counterparts fed ST2.5 and ST5 at 24 h following injection, while 4 h after the inflammatory stimulus, seabass fed ST10 presented higher numbers of peritoneal leucocytes than fish fed CTRL. Moreover, at 4 h, fish fed ST2.5, ST5, and ST10 showed a higher expression of interleukin 1β (il1β), while fish fed ST5 showed higher levels of ornithine decarboxylase (odc) than those fed CTRL. An upregulation of macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor 1 (mcsf1r1) and glutathione peroxidase (gpx) was also observed at 72 h in fish fed ST10 or ST5 and ST10 compared with CTRL, respectively.

Discussion

In conclusion, incorporating up to 10% of the non-food fraction S. ramosissima in feed did not compromise seabass growth or immune status after 62 days, aligning with circular economy principles. However, S. ramosissima inclusion improved the leucocyte response and upregulated key immune-related genes in seabass challenged with an inactivated pathogen.
Determinants of immunoglobulin G responses to respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus in children and adults
Authors: Guillien Alicia , Niespodziana Katarzyna , Mauclin Marion , Boudier Anne , Varraso Raphäelle , Leynaert Bénédicte , Dumas Orianne , Le Moual Nicole , Schlederer Thomas , Bajic Maja , Borochova Kristina , Errhalt Peter , Vernet Raphaël , Nadif Rachel , Bousquet Jean , Bouzigon Emmanuelle , Valenta Rudolf , Siroux Valérie
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Exposure to respiratory viruses is a significant cause of morbidity and affects virus-specific antibody levels. Little is known about determinants associated with immune response to these viruses. We aimed to investigate the determinants of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)- and rhinovirus (RV)- specific IgG responses in both children and adults.

Methods

The study is based on the EGEA cohort, composed of 530 samples of children in EGEA1 (1991-95) and 1241 samples of adults in EGEA2 (2003-07). Cumulative RV-specific IgG levels (species A, B and C) and IgG levels to RSV-G protein were measured by using micro-array technoloy. Multiple linear mixed models (random effect to account for familial dependence) were performed to assess associations between age, sex, body mass index (BMI), tobacco smoke exposure and season of blood sampling with RSV-and RV-specific IgG levels.

Results

In children (11.1 ± 2.8 years old, 57% boys), higher RV-specific IgG levels were associated with older age (only for RV-B), female sex and lower BMI, while only older age was associated with higher RSV-specific IgG levels. In adults (43.5 ± 16.7 years old, 48% men), younger age, female sex, lower BMI, active smoking and all seasons except summer were associated with higher RV-specific IgG levels. Older age, active smoking and all seasons except summer were associated with higher RSV-specific IgG levels.

Conclusion

Personal and seasonal determinants of RSV- and RV-specific IgG levels seem to vary according to the respiratory virus type and between children and adults, suggesting different patterns of responses along the life course.
Zooplanktivory in garden eels: benefits and shortcomings of being “anchored” compared with other coral-reef fish
Authors: Khrizman Alexandra , Kolesnikov Irena , Churilov Dmitri , Genin Amatzia
Published: March 2024

Garden eels are elongated zooplanktivorous fish that live in colonies on sandy bottoms, often adjacent to coral reefs. Each eel digs its own burrow, from which it partially emerges to forage on drifting zooplankton while being “anchored” with its tail inside the burrow. Feeding rates and foraging movements were examined in the garden eel Gorgasia sillneri and compared with corresponding measurements carried out as part of this study and by (Genin et al.)1 with 3 species of “free”, site-attached coral-reef fish. Feeding rates by the garden eels were substantially lower than those of the free fish. In the eels, those rates monotonically increased with increasing current speed up to ~20 cm/s, whereas in the free fish maximum rates were observed under moderate flows. A nearly linear increase in feeding rate as function of prey density was observed in both the garden eels and the free fish. However, the slope of that increase in the eels was over an order of magnitude more gradual than that reported for the free fish. The different functional responses of the two fish groups appear to be related to their morphology and maneuverability capabilities. Being elongated, anchored in a burrow and able to modulate body posture according to the flow speed allow the eels high feeding rates under strong currents. The tradeoff, compared with free fish, include limited maneuverability, slower swimming, and smaller foraging volume, rendering the eels’ functional response less efficient to increasing prey density. This cost appears to be compensated by the eels’ ability to occupy sandy, shelter-less bottoms, which in some locations are immensely more abundant than coral-covered rocks, where most planktivorous free fish live.
Swimming behavior as a potential metric to detect satiation levels of European seabass in marine cages
Authors: Georgopoulou Dimitra G. , Vouidaskis Charalabos , Papandroulakis Nikos
Published: March 2024

Aquaculture is anticipated to contribute to two-thirds of the world’s fish consumption by 2030, emphasizing the need for innovative methods to optimize practices for economic viability, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability. Feeding practices play a pivotal role in aquaculture success and the feeding requirements are dynamic, influenced by factors like fish size, environmental conditions, and health status necessitating ongoing improvements in feeding practices. This study addresses a critical gap in feeding control systems in sea cages. It introduces a continuous, real-time monitoring system for analyzing the feeding behavior of European seabass, employing advanced AI models (YOLO and DEEPSORT) and computer vision techniques. The investigation focuses on key parameters, including speed and the newly defined feeding behavior index (FBI), to evaluate swimming responses under varying feeding scenarios exploring meal frequency, feeding time, and feeding quantity. The findings reveal a sensitivity of fish speed and the feeding behavior index (FBI) to different feeding scenarios, elucidating distinct behavioral patterns in response to varying frequencies, times, and quantities of feeding, such as increased activity in the morning relative to later times and the emergence of asymmetric activity patterns when fish are underfed or overfed. Notably, this study is one of the few in the field, presenting the development of a continuous, real-time monitoring system for feeding control in sea cages. Simultaneously, it explores reference curves and threshold values to enhance the overall efficacy of feeding control measures.
Impact of ethanol-assisted and non ethanol-assisted mixing methods on the mechanical properties of impregnated polymethylmethacrylate with MgO and Ag nanoparticles
Authors: Arf Awder Nuree , Kareem Fadil Abdullah , Gul Sarhang Sarwat
Published: March 2024

This study aims to elucidate the effect of non ethanol-assisted and ethanol-assisted mixing methods and adding MgO-and Ag-nanoparticles (NPs) into PMMA on flexural strength, impact strength, microhardness (HV) and compressive strength. NPs (1%, 3% and 5% concentrations) were mixed with poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) powder by either using ethanol as a solvent (ethanol-assisted) or without ethanol (non ethanol-assisted). A total of 91 specimens were examined. One- and Two-way ANOVA tests were used to find the effect of mixing methods and concentration of NPs on mechanical properties of PMMA. The results showed an increase of flexural strength for all NPs concentrations (except 1% MgO-NPs) and HV (5% both NPs) in ethanol-assisted groups compared to non ethanol-assisted group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the combined effects of NPs and mixing methods revealed statistically significant increases in flexural strength and HV in ethanol-assisted group (except in 1% and 3% MgO-NPs) compared to the control group. Meanwhile, no statistically significant differences were detected in impact strength and compressive strength between ethanol-assisted and non ethanol-assisted groups (p > 0.05). The combined effects of NPs and mixing methods presented a statistically significant increase only in compressive strength of 5% of both NPs in ethanol-assisted group in comparison to the control group. Ethanol-assisted mixing of MgO-NPs and Ag-NPs with PMMA showed an increase in the mechanical properties of flexural strength, HV and compressive strength compared to non ethanol-assisted, whereas no improvement in the impact strength property of PMMA was detected. Furthermore, synergetic effects of adding NPs and mixing methods were identified.
Cryo-electron microscopy-based drug design
Authors: Cebi Ecenur , Lee Joohyun , Subramani Vinod Kumar , Bak Nayeon , Oh Changsuk , Kim Kyeong Kyu
Published: March 2024

Structure-based drug design (SBDD) has gained popularity owing to its ability to develop more potent drugs compared to conventional drug-discovery methods. The success of SBDD relies heavily on obtaining the three-dimensional structures of drug targets. X-ray crystallography is the primary method used for solving structures and aiding the SBDD workflow; however, it is not suitable for all targets. With the resolution revolution, enabling routine high-resolution reconstruction of structures, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has emerged as a promising alternative and has attracted increasing attention in SBDD. Cryo-EM offers various advantages over X-ray crystallography and can potentially replace X-ray crystallography in SBDD. To fully utilize cryo-EM in drug discovery, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of this technique and noting the key advancements in the field are crucial. This review provides an overview of the general workflow of cryo-EM in SBDD and highlights technical innovations that enable its application in drug design. Furthermore, the most recent achievements in the cryo-EM methodology for drug discovery are discussed, demonstrating the potential of this technique for advancing drug development. By understanding the capabilities and advancements of cryo-EM, researchers can leverage the benefits of designing more effective drugs. This review concludes with a discussion of the future perspectives of cryo-EM-based SBDD, emphasizing the role of this technique in driving innovations in drug discovery and development. The integration of cryo-EM into the drug design process holds great promise for accelerating the discovery of new and improved therapeutic agents to combat various diseases.
Acute and chronic central nervous system oxidative stress/toxicity during hyperbaric oxygen treatment of subacute and chronic neurological conditions
Authors: Harch Paul G. , Rhodes Stacey
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Oxygen toxicity has been defined as acute central nervous system (CNS), acute pulmonary, and chronic pulmonary oxygen toxicity. This study identifies acute and chronic CNS oxygen toxicity under 2.0 atmospheres absolute (ATA) pressure of oxygen. Methods: The authors’ medical records from September 29, 1989 to January 20, 2023 and correspondence to the authors (9/1994 to 1/20.2023) from patients with signs and/or symptoms historically identified as acute CNS oxygen toxicity and those with neurological deterioration receiving hyperbaric oxygen for neurological conditions were reviewed. Acute cases were those occurring with ≤5 HBOTs and chronic cases >5 HBOTs. Chronic cases were separated into those at 1.5 ATA, > 1.5 ATA, or < 1.5 ATA oxygen. Cumulative dose of oxygen in atmosphere-hours (AHs) was calculated at symptom onset.

Results

Seven acute cases, average 4.0 ± 2.7 AHs, and 52 chronic cases were identified: 31 at 1.5 ATA (average 116 ± 106 AHs), 12 at >1.5 ATA (103 ± 74 AHs), and 9 at <1.5 ATA (114 ± 116 AHs). Second episodes occurred at 81 ± 55, 67 ± 49, and 22 ± 17 AHs, and three or more episodes at 25 ± 18, 83 ± 7.5, and 5.4 ± 6.0 AHs, respectively. Most cases were reversible. There was no difference between adults and children (p = 0.72). Acute intervention in cases (<3 months) was more sensitive than delayed intervention (21.1 ± 8.8 vs. 123 ± 102 AHs, p = 0.035). Outside sources reported one acute and two chronic exposure deaths and one patient institutionalized due to chronic oxygen toxicity. A withdrawal syndrome was also identified.

Conclusion

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy-generated acute and chronic cases of CNS oxygen toxicity in chronic neurological conditions were identified at <2.0 ATA. Chronic CNS oxygen toxicity is idiosyncratic, unpredictable, and occurred at an average threshold of 103–116 AHs with wide variability. There was no difference between adults and children, but subacute cases were more sensitive than chronic intervention cases. When identified early it was reversible and an important aid in proper dosing of HBOT. If ignored permanent morbidity and mortality resulted with continued HBOT.
The mechanistic effects of acupuncture in rodent neurodegenerative disease models: a literature review
Authors: Li Boxuan , Deng Shizhe , Jiang Hailun , Zhu Weiming , Zhuo Bifang , Du Yuzheng , Meng Zhihong
Published: March 2024

Neurodegenerative diseases refer to a battery of medical conditions that affect the survival and function of neurons in the brain, which are mainly presented with progressive loss of cognitive and/or motor function. Acupuncture showed benign effects in improving neurological deficits, especially on movement and cognitive function impairment. Here, we reviewed the therapeutic mechanisms of acupuncture at the neural circuit level in movement and cognition disorders, summarizing the influence of acupuncture in the dopaminergic system, glutamatergic system, γ-amino butyric acid-ergic (GABAergic) system, serotonergic system, cholinergic system, and glial cells at the circuit and synaptic levels. These findings can provide targets for clinical treatment and perspectives for further studies.
Review of recent advances in managing periocular skin malignancies
Authors: Trotier Daniel C. , Huang Leslie , van Landingham Suzanne W. , Burr Adam R. , Ma Vincent T.
Published: March 2024

Management of cutaneous malignancies can be particularly challenging when they are located in the periocular region. The standard of care for localized disease is complete surgical excision, but this may not be possible without significant disruption to visual structures and facial appearance. Definitive radiation may be an option for some patients who cannot or do not wish to undergo surgery. Advances in systemic treatment options for locally advanced and metastatic skin cancers in the past 10 years have prompted investigation into neoadjuvant treatment of periocular cancers. The use of chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and targeted therapies have all been reported with varying degrees of success. For many patients, targeted therapies or immune checkpoint inhibitors should be considered depending on the cancer type, symptoms, and goals with the input of a multidisciplinary cancer care team. In this article, we systematically review the latest updates in surgical, radiotherapeutic, and medical management of periocular malignancies.