bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review of Occupational Therapy Care Programs for Dementia Patients: Accomplishments and Suggestions for Improvement
Authors: Johnson Haley , Kim Kee Jeong
Published: February 2024

The primary goal of the present study was to critically review previous research on an increasingly important role that occupational therapy (OT) plays in dementia care. OT interventions such as cognitive training, memory strategies, and engagement in meaningful activities have been shown to improve cognitive function in individuals with dementia. The present study found that (1) strength based, (2) patient-centered, and (3) caregiver-collaborative OT interventions were significantly more effective in helping dementia patients maintain and/or improve their cognitive abilities (e.g., attention, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making skills) as well as their functional ability to perform instrumental activities of daily living including bathing, dressing, grooming, meal preparation, and managing finances. On the contrary, there is a growing need for providing occupational therapists with tailored training and education programs designed specifically for their intervention services for clients with dementia. Evidence-based interventions also need to be applied to address the specific needs of individuals with dementia. Given an exponentially growing number of dementia patients each year worldwide, it is imperative to have affordable and effective OT intervention services. The current study suggests a holistic OT intervention approach based on the biopsychosocial theoretical framework as the future of OT in dementia care.
A novel point process model for neuronal spike trains
Authors: Ma Yijia , Wu Wei
Published: February 2024

Point process provides a mathematical framework for characterizing neuronal spiking activities. Classical point process methods often focus on the conditional intensity function, which describes the likelihood at any time point given its spiking history. However, these models do not describe the central tendency or importance of the spike train observations. Based on the recent development on the notion of center-outward rank for point process, we propose a new modeling framework on spike train data. The new likelihood of a spike train is a product of the marginal probability on the number of spikes and the probability of spike timings conditioned on the same number. In particular, the conditioned distribution is calculated by adopting the well-known Isometric Log-Ratio transformation. We systematically compare the new likelihood with the state-of-the-art point process likelihoods in terms of ranking, outlier detection, and classification using simulations and real spike train data. This new framework can effectively identify templates as well as outliers in spike train data. It also provides a reasonable model, and the parameters can be efficiently estimated with conventional maximum likelihood methods. It is found that the proposed likelihood provides an appropriate ranking on the spike train observations, effectively detects outliers, and accurately conducts classification tasks in the given data.
Comprehensive review of single-crystal Ni-rich cathodes: single-crystal synthesis and performance enhancement strategies
Authors: Hong Meihua , Ho Van-Chuong , Mun Junyoung
Published: February 2024

This review focuses on recent advancements in single-crystal Ni-rich cathodes for Li-ion batteries. An in-depth analysis is provided of the key characteristics of single-crystal Ni-rich cathodes and a description of the synthesis methods, performance degradation mechanisms, and enhancement strategies tailored to these materials is given. Synthesis techniques such as solid-state and molten salt syntheses are discussed in detail. Additionally, we describe some of the nuanced challenges and solutions pertaining to single-crystal Ni-rich cathodes, including surface modification (coating and additives) to improve the initial efficiency and Li diffusion rate through doping, with the aim of prolonging cyclability. This review offers comprehensive insights into the development of single-crystal Ni-rich cathodes and suggests directions for advancing Li-ion battery technology using these specialized cathode materials.
Binding mechanism of full-length Aβ40 peptide to a mixed lipid bilayer
Authors: Wang Ke , Cai Wensheng
Published: February 2024

The destructive effect of Aβ peptides on membranes is an important source of its cytotoxicity in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. We have investigated the binding mechanism between the Aβ42 peptide and bilayer in our former work. However, as another abundant form of Aβ peptides in the physiological environment, the binding mechanism between Aβ40 peptide and the lipid bilayer still remains ambiguous. Hence, we performed all-atom simulations on the Aβ40 peptides with the lipid bilayer herein using replica exchange with the solute tempering 2 method. We obtained four major binding models with the hydrophobic C-terminus as the most preferable binding region. Hydrophobic residues and positively charged residues are the principal residues involved in the peptide-bilayer interactions. Aβ40 peptides in our simulation mainly adopt a β-rich conformation in both bound and unbound states. Besides, we determined peptide-water interactions and found that bound peptides prefer forming hydrogen bonds with water molecules than unbound peptides. Our findings herein may provide new insights for the in-depth understanding of the membrane-destructive mechanism of Aβ peptides.
A pilot study exploring novel contexts for out-of-office blood pressure measurement
Authors: Allinson Francis , Mejia Nolan , Ariniello Lauren , Quer Giorgio , Muse Evan D.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Out-of-office blood pressure (BP) monitoring is increasingly valuable in the diagnosis and management of hypertension. With advances in wearable BP technologies, the ability to gain insight into BP outside of traditional centers of care has expanded greatly.

Methods

Here we explore the usability of a novel, wrist-worn BP cuff monitor for out-of-office data collection with participants following digital cues rather than in-person instruction. Transmitted measurements were used to evaluate BP variation with the time of day and day of week, BP variation with mood, and orthostatic measurements.

Results

Fifty participants, with a mean age of 44.5 years, were enrolled and received the BP monitor. 82% of the participants transmitted data via the smartphone application, and the median wear time of the device during the 4-week study was 11 days (IQR 8-17).

Discussion

This prospective digital pilot study illustrates the usability of wearable oscillometric BP technology combined with digital cues via a smartphone application to obtain complex out-of-office BP measurements, including orthostatic vital signs and BP associated with emotion. 25 out of 32 participants who attempted orthostatic vital signs based on in-app instruction were able to do so correctly, while 24 participants transmitted BP readings associated with emotion, with a significant difference in BP noted between calm and stressed emotional states.
Characteristics and geological significance of early carboniferous soft-sediment deformation structures in the Kushanhe section, southwest Tarim Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Wang Yijun , Yang Guang , Wang Zhenyu , Luo Shunshe
Published: February 2024

The early Carboniferous Kushanhe Formation and Hantiereke Formation in the Kushanhe section in the piedmont of the southwestern margin of Tarim Basin are in a medium-deep water sedimentary environment with a stratigraphic thickness of more than 500 m, and the sedimentary facies is slope-shelf facies. Among these deposits, soft-sediment deformation structures (SSDS) are common, dominated by various types of slumps. The appearance of SSDS is related to the geotectonic environment of early Carboniferous in southwest Tarim Basin. In the Early Carboniferous, the Paleo-Tethys ocean dived under the Tarim plate, forming a back-arc structure, and a structural slope break belt easily appeared along the basin edge, which provided topographic conditions for the development of marginal platform marginal belt and slope facies. Under this background, the ultra-thick volcanic rocks of Wulate Formation accumulate along the subduction zone, and earthquakes with M≥ 5.0 are prone to occur. Landslides related to earthquakes and corresponding SSDS are easily triggered at the outer edge of the slope break zone. The large earthquake induced by tectonic environment is an important trigger factor of early Carboniferous SSDS. Therefore, the appearance of early carboniferous SSDS in Kushanhe section is an important sedimentary response to the early carboniferous piedmont tectonic activities in southwestern Tarim.
Enhancing mathematical education with spatial visualization tools
Authors: Medina Herrera Linda Margarita , Juárez Ordóñez Saúl , Ruiz-Loza Sergio
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This article highlights the innovative approach of incorporating spatial visualization tools in mathematics education, specifically focusing on the exploration of virtual environments and 3D printing. By integrating these advanced technologies, educators can enhance the learning experience and facilitate a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts. This research delves into the potential benefits and practical applications of these tools, shedding light on their effectiveness in fostering spatial reasoning skills and promoting active student engagement. The study aims to uncover new avenues for leveraging technology in the mathematics classroom and re-imagining the teaching and learning process.

Methods

To assess the progress in spatial visualization ability, the Revised Purdue Spatial Visualization Test (Revised PSVT: R) was administered as both a pre-test and a post-test to a sample of 255 students divided into control and experimental groups.

Results

The findings indicate that the control group exhibited no significant development (p = 0.163) and had a minimal effect size of change (g = 0.035), whereas the experimental group demonstrated a substantial improvement in spatial visualization ability (p < 0.05) with a noteworthy medium effect size of change (g = 0.325). Furthermore, an analysis of variance was conducted to compare the mean normalized change in spatial visualization ability between the control and experimental groups. The results, with 95% confidence, establish that the normalized spatial visualization change is significantly higher in the experimental group. Specifically, the experimental group witnessed a 25% increase in spatial visualization skills, while the control group only experienced a 5% increase.

Discussion

Our study demonstrates the significance and effectiveness of integrating spatial visualization tools in mathematics education to enhance students’ spatial reasoning skills and mathematics understanding.
Racial/ethnic collective autonomy restriction and teacher fairness: predictors and moderators of student's perceptions of teacher support
Authors: Rivera-Rodriguez Adrian , Mercado Evelyn
Published: February 2024

The link between intrinsic motivation support from teachers (i.e., teacher support), academic motivation, and academic performance is well documented. However, evidence suggests that racial/ethnic minority students are less likely to perceive support from adults at school, compared to White students. The majority of existing research has emphasized the impact that school-level factors have on racial/ethnic minority students' perceptions of teacher support. However, less research has examined whether students' awareness of racial/ethnic inequality at the socio-structural level may also influence perceptions of teacher support. The present study explores this question and examines whether students' perceptions of race/ethnic based collective autonomy restriction (i.e., the extent to which an individual feels that other groups try and restrict their racial/ethnic groups' freedom to define and express their own social identity) and fair treatment from teachers influence these outcomes. Drawing on cross-sectional survey data from middle and high school students (N = 110), the present study found that racial/ethnic minority students reported greater perceptions of collective autonomy restriction, compared to White students, which mediated the link between students' racial/ethnic identity and perceived teacher support. Furthermore, past experiences with fair treatment from teachers were found to buffer the link between collective autonomy restriction and perceptions of teacher support. The practical implications of these findings for educators to better support students from underrepresented racial/ethnic backgrounds are discussed.
Examining Black and Latinx STEM graduate students’ laboratory rotation experiences and their impact on advisor selection
Authors: Bryson Tasia , Grunert Kowalske Megan , Wilkins-Yel Kerrie , Adineh Shadi
Published: February 2024

Despite being fundamental to graduate education in the sciences, lab rotations are largely unexplored in the academic literature. The purpose of this study is to understand how the laboratory rotation process impacts Black and Latinx STEM graduate students’ advisor selection process. Steeped in Critical Race Theory, this study employed a case study approach to explore the experiences of four Black and Latinx STEM graduate students enrolled at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). The article highlights that students who participated in lab rotations were able to gain more insights into their advisor’s advising style and lab environment before making their decision. Participants felt more comfortable in labs where the advisors provided a hands-on advising style over a hands-off advising style. Ultimately, results indicated that Black and Latinx STEM graduate students benefited from participating in lab rotations prior to selecting their research advisors. This study’s findings may help STEM departments, especially those within PWIs, understand the importance of consistently offering lab rotations for Black and Latinx STEM graduates prior to selecting their graduate advisor.
The correlation between admission hyperglycemia and 30-day readmission after hip fracture surgery in geriatric patients: a propensity score-matched study
Authors: Tang Wanyun , Ni Xiaomin , Yao Wei , Wang Wei , Lv Qiaomei , Ding Wenbo , He Renjian
Published: February 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the association between admission hyperglycemia and 30-day readmission after hip fracture surgery in geriatric patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 1253 geriatric hip fracture patients. Patients were categorized into normoglycemia(<6.10 mmol/L) and hyperglycemia groups(≥6.10 mmol/L) based on admission blood glucose. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses and propensity score matching (PSM) to estimate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for 30-day readmission, controlling for potential confounding factors. An analysis of the dose-dependent association between admission blood glucose and the probability of 30-day readmission was performed. Additional subgroup analysis was conducted to examine the impact of other factors on the relationship between admission blood glucose and 30-day readmission.

Results

Patients with hyperglycemia had higher 30-day readmission rates than normoglycemic patients before (19.1% vs 9.7%, p<0.001) and after PSM (18.1% vs 12.3%, p=0.035). Admission hyperglycemia was an independent predictor of increased 30-day readmission risk, with an adjusted odds ratio of 1.57 (95% CI 1.08-2.29, p=0.019) after multivariable regression and 1.57 (95% CI 1.03-2.39, p=0.036) after PSM. A dose-response relationship was observed between higher glucose levels and increased readmission risk.

Conclusion

Admission hyperglycemia is an independent risk factor for 30-day readmission after hip fracture surgery in the elderly. Routine glucose testing upon admission and perioperative glycemic control may help reduce short-term readmissions in this vulnerable population.
Impacts of geomechanical damage on waterflood-induced fracture propagation in deeply deposited tight oil reservoirs
Authors: Ding Zhenfeng , Ge Chenqi , Chen Zhewei , Ji Dongqi , Peng Yingfeng , Zhang Guangming , Hou Yanan , Zhang Jingzhou
Published: February 2024

Waterflood-induced fractures can enhance the production of deep tight oil reservoirs. However, if waterflood-induced fractures propagate fast, they connect injection wells to production wells earlier, inhibiting the production of tight oil reservoirs. In the present research, the fast propagation mechanism of waterflood-induced fractures was mainly investigated. The changes in sandstone mechanical properties by water were investigated by laboratory experiments, and the relationship of the geomechanical damage of sandstones with water saturation was quantified. Flow-geomechanics-coupled numerical simulations were performed to analyze the impacts of water flooding on stress distribution in a deeply deposited tight oil reservoir. Based on the fracture mechanics theory, the propagation length of the waterflood-induced fracture was calculated and the characteristics of waterflood-induced fracture propagation were analyzed. Experimental results revealed that water changed the mineral composition and microscopic structure of sandstones. This phenomenon decreased the Young’s modulus and tensile strength of sandstones and increased the Poisson’s ratio. The changing magnitude of these properties increased with the rise of water saturation, and the maximum changing magnitude reached 70%. The water saturation distribution became heterogeneous after waterflooding, causing a heterogeneous distribution of mechanical properties. The stress around the fracture tip and the fracture propagation length were significantly affected by these property changes. After the geomechanical damage, the fracture propagation pressure decreased by about 20%. Moreover, the initial fracture length enhanced the propagation length of the waterflood-induced fracture. These results suggest that the propagation of waterflood-induced fractures becomes more significant during waterflooding; thus, the injection pressure should be reduced to avoid fast fracture propagation.
The role of BioBlitzes in citizen science: insights from participants and experts
Authors: Tiago P. , Evaristo I. , Pinto B.
Published: February 2024

Beyond its primary role in generating scientific knowledge, citizen science also carries a potent educational dimension. An example of citizen science activities is BioBlitzes, which are collaborative events that bring together both experts and citizens, all united by a common mission: to register species observations within a defined geographical area during a predetermined time frame. In addition to comprehensively characterizing BioBlitz participants across sociodemographic, emotional, and cognitive domains, this study seeks to gain insights into the overall perceptions held by BioBlitz experts regarding these events and their participants. By considering both perspectives, we strive to achieve a more holistic understanding of BioBlitzes, elucidating their significance and impact on both the individuals participating and the broader scientific community involved. The analyzed sample corresponded to 96 participants and 11 experts. The evaluation made by the 96 participants was carried out by applying a pre-questionnaire and post-questionnaire, which allowed us to conclude that the participants, in the short term, acquired some knowledge during the event, but few emotional changes were detected. The evaluation made by the 11 experts was carried out in two online focus group sessions. It was concluded that there is a general opinion that citizens and experts learn during a BioBlitz and appreciate the social dimension of these experiences and that citizens leave the BioBlitz with more awareness of nature conservation issues.
Forests serve vulnerable groups in times of crises: improved mental health of older adults by individual forest walking during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Lamatungga Kiki Ekiawan , Pichlerová Magdaléna , Halamová Júlia , Kanovský Martin , Tamatam Dhanalakshmi , Ježová Daniela , Pichler Viliam
Published: February 2024

Understanding the effects of environment on the mental health of older adults is crucial in an aging society. Previous research concerning restorative benefits of forests almost entirely omitted older adults as the primary target group and typically involved group forest visits, which were largely restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we investigated the effects of individual walks on the mental health of adults aged 60 years or older (N = 54). A randomized parallel intervention study was conducted with one group walking in forests and the other in built-up city centres. Each participant completed eight individual 40-min walks during 1 month. Significant improvements in cognitive flexibility and heart rate variability (HRV) as an autonomic nervous system functioning indicator were established in the forest-walking group. The relationship between HRV and environment was modulated by ambient temperature. The study shows that access to forests during crises can support mental health of older adults as a vulnerable demographic.
Deciphering complexity: TULP1 variants linked to an atypical retinal dystrophy phenotype
Authors: Esteve-Garcia Anna , Cobos Estefania , Sau Cristina , Padró-Miquel Ariadna , Català-Mora Jaume , Barberán-Martínez Pilar , Millán José M. , García-García Gema , Aguilera Cinthia
Published: February 2024

Introduction:TULP1 exemplifies the remarkable clinical and genetic heterogeneity observed in inherited retinal dystrophies. Our research describes the clinical and molecular characteristics of a patient manifesting an atypical retinal dystrophy pattern, marked by the identification of both a previously unreported and a rarely encountered TULP1 variant.

Methods: Whole-exome sequencing was performed to identify potential causative variants. The pathogenicity of the identified TULP1 variants was evaluated through in silico predictors and a minigene splice assay, specifically designed to assess the effect of the unreported TULP1 variant.

Results: We identified two TULP1 gene variants in a patient exhibiting unusual and symmetrical alterations in both retinas, characterized by an increase in autofluorescence along the distribution of retinal vessels. These variants included a known rare missense variant, c.1376T>C, and a novel splice site variant, c.822G>T. For the latter variant (c.822G>T), we conducted a minigene splice assay that demonstrated the incorporation of a premature stop codon. This finding suggests a likely activation of the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay mechanism, ultimately resulting in the absence of protein production from this allele. Segregation analysis confirmed that these variants were in trans.

Discussion: Our data support that individuals with biallelic TULP1 variants may present with a unique pattern of macular degeneration and periarteriolar vascular pigmentation. This study highlights the importance of further clinical and molecular characterization of TULP1 variants to elucidate genotype–phenotype correlations in the context of inherited retinal dystrophies.
Linkage mapping and genomic prediction of grain quality traits in tropical maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Ndlovu Noel , Kachapur Rajashekar M. , Beyene Yoseph , Das Biswanath , Ogugo Veronica , Makumbi Dan , Spillane Charles , McKeown Peter C. , Prasanna Boddupalli M. , Gowda Manje
Published: February 2024

The suboptimal productivity of maize systems in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a pressing issue, with far-reaching implications for food security, nutrition, and livelihood sustainability within the affected smallholder farming communities. Dissecting the genetic basis of grain protein, starch and oil content can increase our understanding of the governing genetic systems, improve the efficacy of future breeding schemes and optimize the end-use quality of tropical maize. Here, four bi-parental maize populations were evaluated in field trials in Kenya and genotyped with mid-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Genotypic (G), environmental (E) and G×E variations were found to be significant for all grain quality traits. Broad sense heritabilities exhibited substantial variation (0.18–0.68). Linkage mapping identified multiple quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the studied grain quality traits: 13, 7, 33, 8 and 2 QTLs for oil content, protein content, starch content, grain texture and kernel weight, respectively. The co-localization of QTLs identified in our research suggests the presence of shared genetic factors or pleiotropic effects, implying that specific genomic regions influence the expression of multiple grain quality traits simultaneously. Genomic prediction accuracies were moderate to high for the studied traits. Our findings highlight the polygenic nature of grain quality traits and demonstrate the potential of genomic selection to enhance genetic gains in maize breeding. Furthermore, the identified genomic regions and single nucleotide polymorphism markers can serve as the groundwork for investigating candidate genes that regulate grain quality traits in tropical maize. This, in turn, can facilitate the implementation of marker-assisted selection (MAS) in breeding programs focused on improving grain nutrient levels.
CD8+ T and NK cells characterized by upregulation of NPEPPS and ABHD17A are associated with the co-occurrence of type 2 diabetes and coronary artery disease
Authors: Dai Chenyu , Wang Damu , Tao Qianqian , Li Ziyi , Zhai Peng , Wang Yingying , Hou Mei , Cheng Simin , Qi Wei , Zheng Longyi , Yao Huaifang
Published: February 2024

Background

Coronary artery disease (CAD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are closely related. The function of immunocytes in the pathogenesis of CAD and T2DM has not been extensively studied. The quantitative bioinformatics analysis of the public RNA sequencing database was applied to study the key genes that mediate both CAD and T2DM. The biological characteristics of associated key genes and mechanism of CD8+ T and NK cells in CAD and T2DM are our research focus.

Methods

With expression profiles of GSE66360 and GSE78721 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, we identified core modules associated with gene co-expression relationships and up-regulated genes in CAD and T2DM using Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and the ‘limma’ software package. The enriched pathways of the candidate hub genes were then explored using GO, KEGG and GSEA in conjunction with the immune gene set (from the MSigDB database). A diagnostic model was constructed using logistic regression analysis composed of candidate hub genes in CAD and T2DM. Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed hazard ratios (HRs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and p-values for candidate hub genes in diagnostic model, while CIBERSORT and immune infiltration were used to assess the immune microenvironment. Finally, monocytes from peripheral blood samples and their immune cell ratios were analyzed by flow cytometry to validate our findings.

Results

Sixteen candidate hub genes were identified as being correlated with immune infiltration. Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that NPEPPS and ABHD17A were highly correlated with the diagnosis of CAD and T2DM. The results indicate that CD8+ T cells (p = 0.04) and NKbright cells (p = 3.7e-3) are significantly higher in healthy controls than in individuals with CAD or CAD combined with T2DM. The bioinformatics results on immune infiltration were well validated by flow cytometry.

Conclusions

A series of bioinformatics studies have shown ABHD17A and NPEPPS as key genes for the co-occurrence of CAD and T2DM. Our study highlights the important effect of CD8+ T and NK cells in the pathogenesis of both diseases, indicating that they may serve as viable targets for diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.
Protective effects of fecal microbiota transplantation against ischemic stroke and other neurological disorders: an update
Authors: Hediyal Tousif Ahmed , Vichitra C. , Anand Nikhilesh , Bhaskaran Mahendran , Essa Saeefh M. , Kumar Pravir , Qoronfleh M. Walid , Akbar Mohammed , Kaul-Ghanekar Ruchika , Mahalakshmi Arehally M. , Yang Jian , Song Byoung-Joon , Monaghan Tanya M. , Sakharkar Meena Kishore , Chidambaram Saravana Babu
Published: February 2024

The bidirectional communication between the gut and brain or gut-brain axis is regulated by several gut microbes and microbial derived metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine N-oxide, and lipopolysaccharides. The Gut microbiota (GM) produce neuroactives, specifically neurotransmitters that modulates local and central neuronal brain functions. An imbalance between intestinal commensals and pathobionts leads to a disruption in the gut microbiota or dysbiosis, which affects intestinal barrier integrity and gut-immune and neuroimmune systems. Currently, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is recommended for the treatment of recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. FMT elicits its action by ameliorating inflammatory responses through the restoration of microbial composition and functionality. Thus, FMT may be a potential therapeutic option in suppressing neuroinflammation in post-stroke conditions and other neurological disorders involving the neuroimmune axis. Specifically, FMT protects against ischemic injury by decreasing IL-17, IFN-γ, Bax, and increasing Bcl-2 expression. Interestingly, FMT improves cognitive function by lowering amyloid-β accumulation and upregulating synaptic marker (PSD-95, synapsin-1) expression in Alzheimer’s disease. In Parkinson’s disease, FMT was shown to inhibit the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB. In this review article, we have summarized the potential sources and methods of administration of FMT and its impact on neuroimmune and cognitive functions. We also provide a comprehensive update on the beneficial effects of FMT in various neurological disorders by undertaking a detailed interrogation of the preclinical and clinical published literature.
Effect of DON and ZEN and their metabolites DOM-1 and HZEN on B cell proliferation and antibody production
Authors: Pierron Alix , Kleber Alexandra , Mayer Elisabeth , Gerner Wilhelm
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEN), produced by Fusarium fungi, are frequently found in the cereal-rich diet of pigs and can modulate the immune system. Some enzymes or bacteria present in the digestive tract can de-epoxydize DON to deepoxy-deoxynivalenol (DOM-1) and biotransform ZEN into hydrolyzed ZEN (HZEN). The effects of these metabolites on immune cells, particularly with respect to the vaccine responses, are poorly documented. The aim of this study was to address the impact of DON and ZEN and their respective derivatives, on proliferation, and antibody production of porcine B cells in vitro.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), isolated from healthy pigs, were stimulated with the Toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8-agonist Resiquimod (R848) or the TLR/1/2-agonist Pam3Cys-SKKKK in combination with DON [0.1-1.6 µM] or DOM-1 [1.6 µM and 16 µM] and ZEN [2.5-40 µM] or HZEN [40 µM].

Results

A strong decrease in B-cell proliferation was observed at DON concentrations equal to or exceeding 0.8 µM and at ZEN concentrations equal to or exceeding 20 µM. Treatment with 1.6 µM DON or 40 µM ZEN led to almost a complete loss of live CD79α+ B cells. Moreover, CD21 expression of proliferating IgG+ and IgM+ B-cell subsets was decreased at DON concentrations equal to and exceeding 0.4 µM and at ZEN concentrations equal to or exceeding 10 µM. ELISpot assays revealed a decrease of IgG-secreting B cells at concentrations of and exceeding 0.4 µM and at ZEN concentrations equal to and exceeding 10 µM. ELISA assays showed a decrease of IgM, IgG, and IgA secretion at concentrations equal to or exceeding 0.4 µM DON. ZEN reduced IgM secretion at 20-40 µM (both R848 and Pam3Cys-SKKKK), IgG secretion at 40 µM (both R848 and Pam3Cys-SKKKK) and IgA secretion at 20-40 µM.

Discussion

Our in vitro experiments show that while DON and ZEN impair immunoglobulin production and B-cell proliferation, this effect is abrogated by HZEN and DOM-1.
ASFV pA151R negatively regulates type I IFN production via degrading E3 ligase TRAF6
Authors: Li You , Huang Li , Li Hui , Zhu Yingqi , Yu Zilong , Zheng Xiaojie , Weng Changjiang , Feng Wen-hai
Published: February 2024

African swine fever (ASF) caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a highly mortal and hemorrhagic infectious disease in pigs. Previous studies have indicated that ASFV modulates interferon (IFN) production. In this study, we demonstrated that ASFV pA151R negatively regulated type I IFN production. Ectopic expression of pA151R dramatically inhibited K63-linked polyubiquitination and Ser172 phosphorylation of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1). Mechanically, we demonstrated that E3 ligase TNF receptor–associated factor 6 (TRAF6) participated in the ubiquitination of TBK1 in cGAS-STING signaling pathway. We showed that pA151R interacted with TRAF6 and degraded it through apoptosis pathway, leading to the disruption of TBK1 and TRAF6 interaction. Moreover, we clarified that the amino acids H102, C109, C132, and C135 in pA151R were crucial for pA151R to inhibit type I interferon production. In addition, we verified that overexpression of pA151R facilitated DNA virus Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) replication by inhibiting IFN-β production. Importantly, knockdown of pA151R inhibited ASFV replication and enhanced IFN-β production in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs). Our findings will help understand how ASFV escapes host antiviral immune responses and develop effective ASFV vaccines.
Immune modulatory roles of radioimmunotherapy: biological principles and clinical prospects
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , Wang Yu , Zhang Yonggang , Shi Hongyun , Liu Kuan , Wang Fang , Wang Yue , Chen Huijing , Shi Yan , Wang Ruiyao
Published: February 2024

Radiation therapy (RT) not only can directly kill tumor cells by causing DNA double-strand break, but also exerts anti-tumor effects through modulating local and systemic immune responses. The immunomodulatory effects of RT are generally considered as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, RT effectively enhances the immunogenicity of tumor cells, triggers type I interferon response, induces immunogenic cell death to activate immune cell function, increases the release of proinflammatory factors, and reshapes the tumor immune microenvironment, thereby positively promoting anti-tumor immune responses. On the other hand, RT stimulates tumor cells to express immunosuppressive cytokines, upregulates the function of inhibitory immune cells, leads to lymphocytopenia and depletion of immune effector cells, and thus negatively suppresses immune responses. Nonetheless, it is notable that RT has promising abscopal effects and may achieve potent synergistic effects, especially when combined with immunotherapy in the daily clinical practice. This systematic review will provide a comprehensive profile of the latest research progress with respect to the immunomodulatory effects of RT, as well as the abscopal effect of radioimmunotherapy combinations, from the perspective of biological basis and clinical practice.
Engineering design and economic analysis of offshore seaweed farm
Authors: Lian Yushun , Boamah Samuel Obeng , Pan Zhenghu , Zheng Jinhai , Chen Wenxing , Ma Gang , Yim Solomon C.
Published: February 2024

As global demand for sustainable biomass and need to mitigate global warming begin to rise, cultivation of seaweed has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential for carbon recycling. However, limited availability of suitable coastal areas for large-scale seaweed cultivation has led to exploration of offshore environments as a viable alternative. The nature of many offshore environments often exposes seaweed farming systems to harsh environmental conditions, including strong waves, currents, and wind. These factors can lead to structural failures, kelp losses, and significant financial losses for seaweed farmers. The main objective of this study is to present a robust design and numerical analysis of an economically viable floating offshore kelp farm facility, and evaluate its stability and mooring system performance. A numerical method of preliminary designs of the offshore aquaculture systems were developed using the OrcaFlex software. The models were subjected to a series of dynamic environmental loading scenarios representing extreme events. These simulations aimed to forecast the overall dynamic response of an offshore kelp farm at a depth of 50m and to determine the best possible farm design with structural integrity for a selected offshore environment. Furthermore, to assess the economic feasibility of establishing offshore seaweed farms, a comprehensive capital expenses analysis was conducted. The results revealed that, in terms of the kelp farms with the same number of the kelp cultivating lines, the cost of building kelp farms will be strongly affected by the cost of mooring lines. The present study may help to understand the dynamic response and economic feasibility of offshore kelp farms.
Persistence and viable but non-culturable state induced by streptomycin in Erwinia amylovora
Authors: Kim Yeon Ju , Choi Hyun Seo , Park Duck Hwan
Published: February 2024

Persister cell and viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state of bacteria are survival strategies against antibiotics and various environmental stresses, respectively, but they tend to be ignored in agriculture fields, even though bacteria can regain their abilities to survive and produce disease once those stresses disappear. This study was carried out to determine whether persister cell and VBNC state in Erwinia amylovora are present after exposures to streptomycin, the length of their persistence, and the steps needed to decrease the inoculum. Persister cells were observed using biphasic killed growth curve for 4–8 h when the late stationary phase cells of E. amylovora were cultured in liquid medium containing streptomycin. This state was maintained for up to 12 h based on the colony forming units (CFUs) of the colonies that grew on the mannitol glutamate yeast extract (MGY) medium after streptomycin was removed. The CFUs on the MGY medium were lower than the total count determined using the LIVE/DEAD Kit, suggesting that persister cells and VBNC state might co-exist for up to 12 h after exposure to streptomycin. However, after 12 h, E. amylovora cells did not continue to grow on the medium for 9 days, suggesting that they entered a VBNC state at that time and remained in a persistent state. In addition, based on the Redox Sensor Green staining method, the presence of both states was confirmed for up to 12 h, and only then did the VBNC state became apparent. Furthermore, persister cells were observed for up to 24 h, and damaged cells reduced when E. amylovora cells were culture in distilled water with streptomycin, indicating that the uptake of lower nutrients in E. amylovora led to prolonged persister cells and VBNC state, which are more likely to survive after streptomycin treatments. The addition of sucrose and oxytetracycline to distilled water containing streptomycin reduced persister cells than other sources did. Thus, to inhibit the spread of fire blight, management techniques must consider the hazards of using streptomycin treatments that induce dormancy, such as persister cells and VBNC state, beyond the development of resistant strain.
Identification of complex III, NQR, and SDH as primary bioenergetic enzymes during the stationary phase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultured in urine-like conditions
Authors: Hu Yuyao , Yuan Ming , Julian Alexander , Tuz Karina , Juárez Oscar
Published: February 2024

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of urinary tract infections by strains that are often multidrug resistant, representing a major challenge to the world’s health care system. This microorganism has a highly adaptable metabolism that allows it to colonize many environments, including the urinary tract. In this work, we have characterized the metabolic strategies used by stationary phase P. aeruginosa cells cultivated in urine-like media to understand the adaptations used by this microorganism to survive and produce disease. Our proteomics results show that cells rely on the Entner-Duodoroff pathway, pentose phosphate pathway, the Krebs cycle/ glyoxylate shunt and the aerobic oxidative phosphorylation to survive in urine-like media and other conditions. A deep characterization of the oxidative phosphorylation showed that the respiratory rate of stationary phase cells is increased 3–4 times compared to cells in the logarithmic phase of growth, indicating that the aerobic metabolism plays critical roles in the stationary phase of cells grown in urine like media. Moreover, the data show that respiratory complex III, succinate dehydrogenase and the NADH dehydrogenase NQR have important functions and could be used as targets to develop new antibiotics against this bacterium.
Anomaly detection in automated fibre placement: learning with data limitations
Authors: Ghamisi Assef , Charter Todd , Ji Li , Rivard Maxime , Lund Gil , Najjaran Homayoun
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Conventional defect detection systems in Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) typically rely on end-to-end supervised learning, necessitating a substantial number of labelled defective samples for effective training. However, the scarcity of such labelled data poses a challenge.

Methods: To overcome this limitation, we present a comprehensive framework for defect detection and localization in Automated Fibre Placement. Our approach combines unsupervised deep learning and classical computer vision algorithms, eliminating the need for labelled data or manufacturing defect samples. It efficiently detects various surface issues while requiring fewer images of composite parts for training. Our framework employs an innovative sample extraction method leveraging AFP’s inherent symmetry to expand the dataset. By inputting a depth map of the fibre layup surface, we extract local samples aligned with each composite strip (tow).

Results: These samples are processed through an autoencoder, trained on normal samples for precise reconstructions, highlighting anomalies through reconstruction errors. Aggregated values form an anomaly map for insightful visualization. The framework employs blob detection on this map to locate manufacturing defects.

Discussion: The experimental findings reveal that despite training the autoencoder with a limited number of images, our proposed method exhibits satisfactory detection accuracy and accurately identifies defect locations. Our framework demonstrates comparable performance to existing methods, while also offering the advantage of detecting all types of anomalies without relying on an extensive labelled dataset of defects.
Peripheral nerve blocks of wrist and finger flexors can increase hand opening in chronic hemiparetic stroke
Authors: Dewald Hendrik A. , Yao Jun , Dewald Julius P. A. , Nader Antoun , Kirsch Robert F.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Hand opening is reduced by abnormal wrist and finger flexor activity in many individuals with stroke. This flexor activity also limits hand opening produced by functional electrical stimulation (FES) of finger and wrist extensor muscles. Recent advances in electrical nerve block technologies have the potential to mitigate this abnormal flexor behavior, but the actual impact of nerve block on hand opening in stroke has not yet been investigated.

Methods

In this study, we applied the local anesthetic ropivacaine to the median and ulnar nerve to induce a complete motor block in 9 individuals with stroke and observed the impact of this block on hand opening as measured by hand pentagonal area. Volitional hand opening and FES-driven hand opening were measured, both while the arm was fully supported on a haptic table (Unloaded) and while lifting against gravity (Loaded). Linear mixed effect regression (LMER) modeling was used to determine the effect of Block.

Results

The ropivacaine block allowed increased hand opening, both volitional and FES-driven, and for both unloaded and loaded conditions. Notably, only the FES-driven and Loaded condition’s improvement in hand opening with the block was statistically significant. Hand opening in the FES and Loaded condition improved following nerve block by nearly 20%.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that many individuals with stroke would see improved hand-opening with wrist and finger flexor activity curtailed by nerve block, especially when FES is used to drive the typically paretic finger and wrist extensor muscles. Such a nerve block (potentially produced by aforementioned emerging electrical nerve block technologies) could thus significantly address prior observed shortcomings of FES interventions for individuals with stroke.
Case report and literature review: Acute rhabdomyolysis caused by overheating of electric blanket complicated with Guillain-Barré syndrome
Authors: Jiang Dongyang , Zhao Ming , Li Xiaojun , Hu Qiongdan , Zhang Qiong
Published: February 2024

Rhabdomyolysis (RM) induced by electric blankets is exceedingly rare, with only three cases identified in our literature review. Both RM and Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) present with similar clinical manifestations of myalgia and muscle weakness, posing a potential challenge for accurate diagnosis in clinical settings. This report presents the case of a 22-year-old man who developed RM subsequent to the use of an electric blanket. Despite undergoing plasma exchange and renal replacement therapy, the patient continued to exhibit poor muscle strength in both lower limbs. Subsequent comprehensive evaluation revealed the presence of concurrent GBS. Following a 5-day course of intravenous gamma globulin treatment, the patient experienced rapid recovery of muscle strength and was discharged. Additionally, we reviewed seven cases from the literature of coexistent RM and GBS. This indicated that investigation of the timing of onset of muscle strength decline in RM patients could help to identify potential concurrent neurological or muscular disorders. In cases in which concurrent GBS and RM cannot be definitively ascertained during early hospitalization, prioritizing plasma exchange treatment may lead to improved patient outcomes.