bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does digital transformation promote green innovation? A micro-level perspective on the Solow Paradox
Authors: Sun Yi , He Moyan
Published: February 2023

Digitalization and sustainability, as emerging trends, have long attracted both academic and industrial focuses, yet the topic has not been sufficiently investigated at the micro-firm level. Selecting Chinese listed companies from 2010 to 2021 as the research sample and adopting the two-way fixed effects model, the impact of firms’ digital transformation on their green innovation as well as the channels and mechanisms involved are investigated. The empirical results show that, firstly, the digital transformation of firms can significantly promote the quality and quantity of their green innovation. Secondly, internal control is a mediating path for digital transformation to promote green innovation, while financing constraints suppress the above effects, and top management team’s environmental attention positively moderates the promotion of green innovation by corporate digital transformation. Thirdly, the promotion effects are more pronounced in firms that are state-owned, large-scale, ecologically cost-free, and relatively highly financing constrained. The findings suggest that digital transformation has advantages in revealing the “Solow paradox” that persists in the digital era, and the synergistic development of digitalization and greening at the firm level is realistic and feasible.
Prevalence and characterisation of microfibres along the Kenyan and Tanzanian coast
Authors: KeChi-Okafor Chimdia , Khan Farhan R. , Al-Naimi Usama , Béguerie Victor , Bowen Libby , Gallidabino Matteo D. , Scott-Harden Simon , Sheridan Kelly J.
Published: February 2023

Microplastic pollution is ubiquitous, with textiles being a major source of one of the dominant microplastic types—microfibres. Microfibres have been discovered in the aquatic environment and marine biota, demonstrating direct infiltration in the environment. However, the impact of non-plastic microfibres has been overlooked until recently despite their prevalence and the ecotoxicological risk posed by chemical dyes and finishes used during processing. During an expedition from Lamu to Zanzibar (East Africa), a citizen science strategy was employed to innovate, educate and influence microfibre pollution reform through the Flipflopi project, a circular economy effort to stop the use of single-use plastic. Simple sampling methods were developed to replace costly equipment, which local citizens could use to partake in the collection and sampling of surface water samples from the previously understudied Kenyan and Tanzanian coast. To maintain the reliability of samples and to minimise contamination, a forensic science strategy was embedded throughout the methodology of the study, collection and analysis of the samples. A total of 2,403 microfibres from 37 sites were recovered and fully characterised with 55% found to be of natural origin, 8% regenerated cellulosic and 37% synthetic microfibres. Natural microfibres were in higher abundance in 33 of the 37 sampled sites. Congruent with recent studies, these findings further support the need for greater understanding of the anthropogenic impact of natural microfibres.
Island ecosystem responses to the Kuwae eruption and precipitation change over the last 1600 years, Efate, Vanuatu
Authors: Strandberg Nichola A. , Sear David A. , Langdon Peter G. , Cronin Shane J. , Langdon Catherine T. , Maloney Ashley E. , Bateman Samantha L. , Bishop Thomas , Croudace Ian W. , Leng Melanie J. , Sachs Julian P. , Prebble Matiu , Gosling William D. , Edwards Mary , Nogué Sandra
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Islands of the Southwest Pacific are exposed to geologic and climate-related disturbances that occur on a range of timescales and which probably affect, to varying degrees, their terrestrial ecosystems. Over the past ∼1100 years we know of two major events in the region: the Kuwae eruption which is thought to have occurred ∼500 cal. years BP and a shift to drier conditions which began ∼1100 cal. years BP.

Methods

We investigated terrestrial and lacustrine ecosystem responses to these events and also to a changing fire regime, likely human-caused, using a multi-proxy (C/N, charcoal, chironomids, pollen, and tephra) record from Lake Emaotul, Efate, Vanuatu.

Results

Tephra from the Kuwae eruption was found across a 6 cm layer which our age-depth model suggests was deposited 650–510 cal. years BP (95% confidence). Forest and chironomid community turnover increased during the wet-dry shift 1100–1000 cal. years BP; subsequently, chironomid turnover rates decreased again within <135 years and vegetation had partially (but not fully) recovered after ∼80 years. Following Kuwae volcanic tephra deposition, vegetation turnover increased again, reflecting a reduction in small trees and shrubs and an increase in grasses. Subsequently, the forest vegetation did not regain its previous composition, whereas chironomid community composition remained fairly stable before and after tephra deposition. Within the last ∼90 years, enhanced local burning drove another increase in vegetation turnover.

Discussion

Terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems in Efate are sensitive to changes in hydroclimate, volcanism, and anthropogenic fires, although to different degrees; while recent human impacts are often obvious, volcanic eruptions and climatic shifts have also structured Pacific-island ecosystems and will continue to do so.
Influences of roaming domestic cats on wildlife activity in patchy urban environments
Authors: Fardell Loren L. , Pavey Chris R. , Dickman Christopher R.
Published: February 2023

Roaming domestic cats (Felis catus) are recognised as a threat to wildlife globally. Yet management of pet cats in urbanised areas is not regularly mandated, and management of feral cats in urbanised areas is rarely implemented. Mounting evidence emphasises the value of urban environments as hot spots of wildlife activity, which as the human population continues to grow may become the best or only habitats available to some wildlife species. Wildlife in urban environments must navigate introduced stressors that can compound with natural stressors. Additional, often novel, predators such as free-roaming pet and feral cats that are prevalent in urban environments could have high nonconsumptive fear/stress impacts on urban wildlife that influence their activity and adversely affect their health and reproduction capabilities, possibly more so than direct predation effects do. Cat roaming activity, particularly that of pet cats, could be managed with the support of the community, though motivation needs to be ensured. Understanding if roaming cat activity influences urban wildlife activity via perceived fear/stress impacts will help to build community motivation for the need for domestic cat management in urbanised areas. Using infrared motion sensor cameras positioned in both yards and green space edge habitats, we observed whether the presence and times active of native and introduced small mammals, and native birds, were impacted by domestic cat activity within a 24-h period and by their activity in the prior-24-h period. We found evidence of cat roaming activity during the hours of most wildlife activity, and show that wildlife navigated “landscapes of fear” relative to cat activity, as wildlife observed across a 24-h period increased their activity in the absence of cats in the same 24-h period and in the previous 24-h period. We also tested if cat activity was relative to previous cat activity, or disturbances, and found that cats reduced activity in response to each, but were still consistently present. Our results provide justification for the need to increase management of domestic cats in urbanised areas and offer fear/stress impacts as a novel approach to engender community support of such management.
Transcriptomic study of gastrointestinal stromal tumors with liver metastasis
Authors: Guo Jianrong , Feng Shoucheng , Yu Hong , Ou Biyi , Jiang Dan , Zhuang Wei , Ding Chao , Chen Xiaojiang , Zhang Miaoquan , Ling Yudong , Zeng Yi , Qiu Haibo
Published: February 2023

Introduction: GIST (gastrointestinal stromal tumor) is the most prominent mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract, and liver is the most common metastasis site for GIST. The molecular mechanism leading to liver metastasis of GIST is currently unclear.

Methods: With the goal of revealing the underlying mechanism, we performed whole-genome gene expression profiling on 18 pairs of RNA samples comprised of GIST tissues (with liver metastasis) and corresponding non-tumor tissues. After identifying differentially expressed gene, functional annotation and signal pathway analyses were conducted. GSE13861, datasets that compare GIST (without liver metastasis) with adjacent tissues, served as a comparison.

Results: A total of 492 up-regulated genes and 629 down-regulated genes were identified as differentially expressed genes between liver metastasis tissues and non-tumor tissues. We characterized expression patterns of DEGs identified from our cohort and GSE13861 that show signatures of enrichment for functionality. In subsequent gene set enrichment analysis, differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition in both datasets. 493 genes were overlapped among our whole-genome gene expression profiling results and GSE13861, consisting 188 up-regulated genes and 305 down-regulated genes. By using CytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape, CDH1, CD34, KIT, PROM1, SOX9, FGF2, CD24, ALDH1A1, JAG1 and NES were identified as top ten hub genes in tumorigenesis and liver metastasis of GIST. higher expression levels of FGF2, JAG1, CD34, ALDH1A1 and the lower expression level of CDH1 were respectively associated with unfavorable overall survival. Meanwhile higher expression levels of CD34, FGF2, KIT, JAG1, ALDH1A were correlated with worse disease-free survival.

Discussion: The present study may help to provide candidate pathways and targets for treatment of GIST and prevention methods to liver metastasis.
Characterization of hexokinase gene family members in Glycine max and functional analysis of GmHXK2 under salt stress
Authors: Chen Shuai , Tian Zengyuan , Guo Yuqi
Published: February 2023

Hexokinase (HXK) is a bifunctional enzyme involved in carbohydrate metabolism and sugar signal sensing. HXK gene family has been extensively discussed in many species, while the detailed investigations of the family in Glycine max have yet to be reported. In this study, 17 GmHXK genes (GmHXKs) were identified in the G. max genome and the features of their encoded proteins, conserved domains, gene structures, and cis-acting elements were systematically characterized. The GmHXK2 gene isolated from G. max was firstly constructed into plant expression vector pMDC83 and then transformed with Agrobacterium tumefaciens into Arabidopsis thaliana. The expression of integrated protein was analyzed by Western Blotting. Subcellular localization analysis showed that the GmHXK2 was located on both vacuolar and cell membrane. Under salt stress, seedlings growth was significantly improved in Arabidopsis overexpressing GmHXK2 gene. Furthermore, physiological indicators and expression of salt stress responsive genes involved in K+ and Na+ homeostasis were significantly lower in GmHXK2-silenced soybean seedlings obtained by virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) technique under salt stress compared with the control plants. Our study showed that GmHXK2 gene played an important role in resisting salt stress, which suggested potential value for the genetic improvement of abiotic resistant crops.
Bruton’s tyrosine kinase inhibition attenuates disease progression by reducing renal immune cell invasion in mice with hemolytic-uremic syndrome
Authors: Kröller Sarah , Wissuwa Bianka , Dennhardt Sophie , Krieg Nadine , Thiemermann Christoph , Daniel Christoph , Amann Kerstin , Gunzer Florian , Coldewey Sina M.
Published: February 2023

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) can occur as a complication of an infection with Shiga-toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli. Patients typically present with acute kidney injury, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. There is evidence that Stx-induced renal damage propagates a pro-inflammatory response. To date, therapy is limited to organ-supportive strategies. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) plays a pivotal role in recruitment and function of immune cells and its inhibition was recently shown to improve renal function in experimental sepsis and lupus nephritis. We hypothesized that attenuating the evoked immune response by BTK-inhibitors (BTKi) ameliorates outcome in HUS. We investigated the effect of daily oral administration of the BTKi ibrutinib (30 mg/kg) and acalabrutinib (3 mg/kg) in mice with Stx-induced HUS at day 7. After BTKi administration, we observed attenuated disease progression in mice with HUS. These findings were associated with less BTK and downstream phospholipase-C-gamma-2 activation in the spleen and, subsequently, a reduced renal invasion of BTK-positive cells including neutrophils. Only ibrutinib treatment diminished renal invasion of macrophages, improved acute kidney injury and dysfunction (plasma levels of NGAL and urea) and reduced hemolysis (plasma levels of bilirubin and LDH activity). In conclusion, we report here for the first time that BTK inhibition attenuates the course of disease in murine HUS. We suggest that the observed reduction of renal immune cell invasion contributes – at least in part – to this effect. Further translational studies are needed to evaluate BTK as a potential target for HUS therapy to overcome currently limited treatment options.
Common framework mutations impact antibody interfacial dynamics and flexibility
Authors: Rhodes Emily R. , Faris Jonathan G. , Petersen Brian M. , Sprenger Kayla G.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

With the flood of engineered antibodies, there is a heightened need to elucidate the structural features of antibodies that contribute to specificity, stability, and breadth. While antibody flexibility and interface angle have begun to be explored, design rules have yet to emerge, as their impact on the metrics above remains unclear. Furthermore, the purpose of framework mutations in mature antibodies is highly convoluted.

Methods

To this end, a case study utilizing molecular dynamics simulations was undertaken to determine the impact framework mutations have on the VH-VL interface. We further sought to elucidate the governing mechanisms by which changes in the VH-VL interface angle impact structural elements of mature antibodies by looking at root mean squared deviations, root mean squared fluctuations, and solvent accessible surface area.

Results and discussion

Overall, our results suggest framework mutations can significantly shift the distribution of VH-VL interface angles, which leads to local changes in antibody flexibility through local changes in the solvent accessible surface area. The data presented herein highlights the need to reject the dogma of static antibody crystal structures and exemplifies the dynamic nature of these proteins in solution. Findings from this work further demonstrate the importance of framework mutations on antibody structure and lay the foundation for establishing design principles to create antibodies with increased specificity, stability, and breadth.
Dose and route of administration determine the efficacy of prophylactic immunotherapy for peanut allergy in a Brown Norway rat model
Authors: Sztuk Tiffany Kirkaldy Spaanager , Rigby Neil Marcus , Nørskov-Nielsen Lasse , Koppelman Stef J. , Sancho Ana Isabel , Knudsen Niels-Peter Hell , Marsh Justin , Johnson Philip , Gupta Shashank , Mackie Alan Robert , Larsen Jeppe Madura , Bøgh Katrine Lindholm
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Allergen-specific immunotherapy (IT) is emerging as a viable option for treatment of peanut allergy. Yet, prophylactic IT remains unexplored despite early introduction of peanut in infancy was shown to prevent allergy. There is a need to understand how allergens interact with the immune system depending on the route of administration, and how different dosages of allergen may protect from sensitisation and a clinical active allergy. Here we compared peanut allergen delivery via the oral, sublingual (SL), intragastric (IG) and subcutaneous (SC) routes for the prevention of peanut allergy in Brown Norway (BN) rats.

Methods

BN rats were administered PBS or three different doses of peanut protein extract (PPE) via either oral IT (OIT), SLIT, IGIT or SCIT followed by intraperitoneal (IP) injections of PPE to assess the protection from peanut sensitisation. The development of IgE and IgG1 responses to PPE and the major peanut allergens were evaluated by ELISAs. The clinical response to PPE was assessed by an ear swelling test (EST) and proliferation was assessed by stimulating splenocytes with PPE.

Results

Low and medium dose OIT (1 and 10 mg) and all doses of SCIT (1, 10, 100 µg) induced sensitisation to PPE, whereas high dose OIT (100 mg), SLIT (10, 100 or 1000 µg) or IGIT (1, 10 and 100 mg) did not. High dose OIT and SLIT as well as high and medium dose IGIT prevented sensitisation from the following IP injections of PPE and suppressed PPE-specific IgE levels in a dose-dependent manner. Hence, administration of peanut protein via different routes confers different risks for sensitisation and protection from peanut allergy development. Overall, the IgE levels toward the individual major peanut allergens followed the PPE-specific IgE levels.

Discussion

Collectively, this study showed that the preventive effect of allergen-specific IT is determined by the interplay between the specific site of PPE delivery for presentation to the immune system, and the allergen quantity, and that targeting and modulating tolerance mechanisms at specific mucosal sites may be a prophylactic strategy for prevention of peanut allergy.
Case report: Immune profiling links neutrophil and plasmablast dysregulation to microvascular damage in post-COVID-19 Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Adults (MIS-A)
Authors: Gillrie Mark R. , Rosin Nicole , Sinha Sarthak , Kang Hellen , Farias Raquel , Nguyen Angela , Volek Kelsie , Mah Jordan , Mahe Etienne , Fritzler Marvin J. , Yipp Bryan G. , Biernaskie Jeff
Published: February 2023

Despite surviving a SARS-CoV-2 infection, some individuals experience an intense post-infectious Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS) of uncertain etiology. Children with this syndrome (MIS-C) can experience a Kawasaki-like disease, but mechanisms in adults (MIS-A) are not clearly defined. Here we utilize a deep phenotyping approach to examine immunologic responses in an individual with MIS-A. Results are contextualized to healthy, convalescent, and acute COVID-19 patients. The findings reveal systemic inflammatory changes involving novel neutrophil and B-cell subsets, autoantibodies, complement, and hypercoagulability that are linked to systemic vascular dysfunction. This deep patient profiling generates new mechanistic insight into this rare clinical entity and provides potential insight into other post-infectious syndromes.
Targeting regulatory T cells for cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Wang Xinting , Zhou Hua , Liu Qian , Cheng Peipei , Zhao Tingyao , Yang Tianshu , Zhao Yue , Sha Wanjing , Zhao Yanyan , Qu Huiyan
Published: February 2023

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and disability worldwide. The CVDs are accompanied by inflammatory progression, resulting in innate and adaptive immune responses. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have an immunosuppressive function and are one of the subsets of CD4+T cells that play a crucial role in inflammatory diseases. Whether using Tregs as a biomarker for CVDs or targeting Tregs to exert cardioprotective functions by regulating immune balance, suppressing inflammation, suppressing cardiac and vascular remodeling, mediating immune tolerance, and promoting cardiac regeneration in the treatment of CVDs has become an emerging research focus. However, Tregs have plasticity, and this plastic Tregs lose immunosuppressive function and produce toxic effects on target organs in some diseases. This review aims to provide an overview of Tregs’ role and related mechanisms in CVDs, and reports on the research of plasticity Tregs in CVDs, to lay a foundation for further studies targeting Tregs in the prevention and treatment of CVDs.
Significant wave height prediction based on deep learning in the South China Sea
Authors: Hao Peng , Li Shuang , Gao Yu
Published: February 2023

Significant wave height (SWH) prediction can effectively improve the safety of marine activities and reduce the occurrence of maritime accidents, which is of great significance to national security and the development of the marine economy. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the SWH prediction performance of the recurrent neural network (RNN), long short-term memory network (LSTM), and gated recurrent unit network (GRU) by considering different input lengths, prediction lengths, and model complexity. The experimental results show that (1) the input length impacts the prediction results of SWH, but it does not mean that the longer the input length, the better the prediction performance. When the input length is 24h, the prediction performance of RNN, LSTM, and GRU models is better. (2) The prediction length influences the SWH prediction results. As the prediction length increases, the prediction performance gradually decreases. Among them, RNN is not suitable for 48h long-term SWH prediction. (3) The more layers of the model, the better the SWH prediction performance is not necessarily. When the number of layers is set to 3 or 4, the model’s prediction performance is better.
Tail fell syndrome impacts intestinal microbiota in porcupinefish (Diodon hystrix)
Authors: Zhou Lei , Jia Xianze , Liang Kaishan , Zuo Xiaoling , Huang Fengqi , Duan Xuzhuo , Li Zongyang , Sang Shilei , Wang Qing
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Frequent disease outbreaks seriously affect porcupinefish (Diodon hystrix), which is a new aquaculture breed in China. Recently, a novel disease, termed tail fell syndrome (TFS) was increasingly observed in fish stocks, resulting in stalk ulceration, tail loss, ascites and white feces in the intestine. Intestinal microbiota homeostasis is crucial to host health because it influences host and environmental factors, and responds to various internal and external stimuli. However, changes in intestinal microbiota induced by TFS are yet to be elucidated.

Methods

In the present study, we analyzed and compared the intestinal microbiota of normal D. hystrix with TFS fish.

Results

Though microbiota richness and diversity were not affected by TFS, deviations in diversity indices increased and taxa distribution evenness decreased, suggesting TFS lowered microbiota community stability in D. hystrix. Furthermore, at the genus level, Brevibacterium, Mesorhizobium, Ochrobactrum, Ralstonia, Anaerococcus, and Alistipes abundances were significantly increased in TFS D. hystrix, plus, we observed significant decreases in Halomonas, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, and Psychrobacter. Functional comparison predictions between normal and TFS D. hystrix revealed significantly altered pathways were mainly associated with metabolism (biotin metabolism, steroid hormone biosynthesis, flavonoid biosynthesis, biosynthesis of type II polyketide products, and steroid biosynthesis). Overall, the results revealed that TFS impacted intestinal microbiota composition and function in D. hystrix, which should expand our knowledge on diseases associated with porcupine pufferfish aquaculture.
Effects of bottom roughness on wave transmission across a submerged reef
Authors: Dinh Quang Cuong , Nguyen Quang Tao , Ho Duc Dat , Mai Cao Tri
Published: February 2023

This paper presents a laboratory study to investigate the effects of bottom roughness on wave transmission across a submerged coral reef that has a steep fore-reef slope. Experimented models were carried out in wave flumes for four different bed roughness levels: including a smooth bed and three roughness heights. Our investigations showed that there is a significant dissipation of energy in short-period waves (SS-waves), owing to bottom friction, compared with that of infra-gravity waves (IG-waves). In addition, the study found that the IG-wave heights are increased slightly as waves propagate shoreward from the reef-edge surfzone, indicating that a significant portion of energy was transferred from SS-waves to IG-waves. Empirical formulae of wave energy dissipation due to bottom friction and non-linear transfer of energy among the SS- and IG-waves have been derived; these allow for the straightforward determination of wave heights and wave periods on the submerged reef. These local wave parameters can be used to design offshore structures on submerged coral reefs.
TSI-SD: A time-sequence-involved space discretization neural network for passive scalar advection in a two-dimensional unsteady flow
Authors: Song Ning , Tian Hao , Nie Jie , Geng Haoran , Shi Jinjin , Yuan Yuchen , Wei Zhiqiang
Published: February 2023

Numerical simulation of fluid is a great challenge as it contains extremely complicated variations with a high Reynolds number. Usually, very high-resolution grids are required to capture the very fine changes during the physical process of the fluid to achieve accurate simulation, which will result in a vast number of computations. This issue will continue to be a bottleneck problem until a deep-learning solution is proposed to utilize large-scale grids with adaptively adjusted coefficients during the spatial discretization procedure—instead of traditional methods that adopt small grids with fixed coefficients—so that the computation cost is dramatically reduced and accuracy is preserved. This breakthrough will represent a significant improvement in the numerical simulation of fluid. However, previously proposed deep-learning-based methods always predict the coefficients considering only the spatial correlation among grids, which provides relatively limited context and thus cannot sufficiently describe patterns along the temporal dimension, implying that the spatiotemporal correlation of coefficients is not well learned. We propose the time-sequence-involved space discretization neural network (TSI-SD) to extract grid correlations from spatial and temporal views together to address this problem. This novel deep neural network is transformed from a classic CONV-LSTM backbone with careful modification by adding temporal information into two-dimensional spatial grids along the x-axis and y-axis separately at the first step and then fusing them through a post-fusion neural network. After that, we combine the TSI-SD with the finite volume format as an advection solver for passive scalar advection in a two-dimensional unsteady flow. Compared with previous methods that only consider spatial context, our method can achieve higher simulation accuracy, while computation is also decreased as we find that after adding temporal data, one of the input features, the concentration field, is redundant and should no longer be adopted during the spatial discretization procedure, which results in a sharp decrease of parameter scale and achieves high efficiency. Comprehensive experiments, including a comparison with SOTA methods and sufficient ablation studies, were carried out to verify the accurate and efficient performance and highlight the advantages of the proposed method.
Influence of ternary hybrid fibers on the mechanical properties of ultrahigh-strength concrete
Authors: Abed Suhad , Hadi Rafal , Jawdhari Akram , Mohammed Najm Hadee , Mahmood Shaker , Bilema Munder , Muayad Sabri Sabri Mohanad
Published: February 2023

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), an advanced class of fiber-reinforced cementitious material with extraordinary mechanical properties, low permeability, shrinkage and creep, and high energy absorption capacity, has seen steady increase in use, with applications covering construction of new members and retrofit of existing ones. Fibers are added in the UHPC mix to bridge cracks, carry tensile stresses, and contribute greatly to member ductility and load capacity. Hybrid fibers comprising micro and macro types are beneficial where the first type resists microcracking and the second targets macrocracking. This study investigates the effects of blending three fiber types, namely, hooked-end steel (referred to as type 1, representing macro fibers class), straight-end steel (type 2, intermediate size fibers), and carbon (type 2, micro size fiber), on the mechanical properties of UHPC. Experimental tests were performed to characterize the following mechanical properties: flowability, compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and dry shrinkage. The primary variable in the tests was the blending of different fiber types, using either a unary form of type 1, a binary form of type 1 and 3 or type 2 and 3, and a ternary mix of all three types, at 1.56% dosage by volume. The mix with ternary fibers yielded a compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity that is 14%–17%, 14%–16.8%, 43.66%–22.16%, and 12%–16%, larger than the same respective properties of the mix with unary fibers. In addition, ternary fibers increased the cohesiveness of the mix by 17% and 26% compared to unary fibers.
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to cure sickle cell disease: A review
Authors: Bhalla Nishka , Bhargav Anjali , Yadav Sandeep Kumar , Singh Aloukick Kumar
Published: February 2023

Sickle cell disease (SCD) had first been mentioned in the literature a century ago. Advancement in the molecular basis of the pathophysiology of the disease opens the door for various therapeutic options. Though life-extending treatments are available for treating patients with SCD, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the only option as of yet. A major obstacle before HSCT to cure patients with SCD is the availability of donors. Matched sibling donors are available only for a small percentage of patients. To expand the donor pool, different contrasting approaches of allogeneic HSCT like T-cell replete and deplete have been tested. None of those tested approaches have been without the risk of GvHD and graft rejection. Other limitations such as transplantation-related infections and organ dysfunction caused by the harsh conditioning regimen need to be addressed on a priority basis. In this review, we will discuss available allogeneic HSCT approaches to cure SCD, as well as recent advancements to make the approach safer. The center of interest is using megadose T-cell-depleted bone marrow in conjugation with donor-derived CD8 veto T cells to achieve engraftment and tolerance across MHC barriers, under reduced intensity conditioning (RIC). This approach is in phase I/II clinical trial at the MD Anderson Cancer Centre and is open to patients with hemoglobinopathies.
The interaction between age and parity on adverse pregnancy and neonatal outcomes
Authors: Dai Jiayang , Shi Ya , Wu Yinshuang , Guo Lu , Lu Dan , Chen Ying , Wang Yuanyuan , Lai Hanpeng , Kong Xiang
Published: February 2023

Background

Although age and parity are recognized as associated factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes, there are no studies exploring the interaction between the two during pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the interaction between age and parity on adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study with 15,861 women aged ≥20 years. All women were grouped according to age, parity, and a mix of the two. The data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

Age, parity, and interaction between the two were related with the risk of gestational hypertension, eclampsia/pre-eclampsia, placenta previa, placental implantation, postpartum hemorrhage, preterm birth, cesarean section, and Apgar score <7 within 5 min of birth. The risk of gestational diabetes mellitus and transfer to the neonatal unit was linked with age and the interaction between age and parity, but the impact of parity was not statistically significant. The risk of anemia, placental abruption, premature rupture of the membrane, oligohydramnios, and macrosomia was only associated with parity; the risk of fetal distress was only associated with age.

Conclusion

The interaction between advanced age and parity might results in more adverse outcomes for both puerpera and infants, necessitating additional prenatal screening and health education throughout pregnancy.
Multimodal Imaging of Choroidal Structural in Torpedo Maculopathy
Authors: Yuan Hao , Dou Hongliang , Li Xuemin
Published: February 2023

Objective

To report a case of torpedo maculopathy with multimodal fundus imaging methods, and apply the choroid vascularity index to quantitatively describe the choroidal structural changes in torpedo maculopathy.

Case presentation

An asymptomatic 41-year-old Chinese woman with an incidentally found yellowish-white macular lesion in her left eye was referred to our hospital. She was unaware of any prior medical conditions. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 OD and 20/25 OS, respectively. Fundus exam of her left eye revealed a well-circumscribed torpedo-like hypopigmented lesion in the macula region, and the tapered edge directed toward the fovea. Pigment deposition could be seen in the inferotemporal portion of the torpedo lesion. Fluorescein angiography showed the corresponding window defect without leakage and fundus autofluorescence demonstrated low signal throughout the lesion. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography revealed outer retinal attenuation, subretinal cavitation, subtle inner choroidal excavation and thinning of outer nuclear layer. The diagnosis of torpedo maculopathy was clinically made. Choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and sub-foveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were applied to display changes of choroidal structure. The results implied that both subfoveal CVI and SFCT of the affected eye seemed relatively lower when compared with the fellow eye. Optical coherence tomography angiography showed reduced density of the choriocapillaris in the temporal area of the lesion and increased capillary density in the nasal area. Functional examinations, including microperimetry, multifocal electroretinogram and static perimetry also revealed reduced retinal sensitivity, decreased stimulated amplitude and suspected scotoma in the lesion area. After 12 months of follow-up, the patient’s visual acuity and the clinical appearance of the lesion were unchanged.

Conclusion

The torpedo maculopathy may be identified by abnormal appearance with multimodal imaging. Decreased choroidal vascularity in the lesion area measured quantitatively by choroid vascularity index may play a role in pathogenesis of torpedo maculopathy.
Current developments in artificial intelligence from obstetrics and gynecology to urogynecology
Authors: Seval Mehmet Murat , Varlı Bulut
Published: February 2023

In today’s medical practice clinicians need to struggle with a huge amount of data to improve the outcomes of the patients. Sometimes one clinician needs to deal with thousands of ultrasound images or hundred papers of laboratory results. To overcome this shortage, computers get in help of human beings and they are educated under the term “artificial intelligence.” We were using artificial intelligence in our daily lives (i.e., Google, Netflix, etc.), but applications in medicine are relatively new. In obstetrics and gynecology, artificial intelligence models mostly use ultrasound images for diagnostic purposes but nowadays researchers started to use other medical recordings like non-stress tests or urodynamics study results to develop artificial intelligence applications. Urogynecology is a developing subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology, and articles about artificial intelligence in urogynecology are limited but in this review, we aimed to increase clinicians’ knowledge about this new approach.
Nomogram-based prediction of portal vein system thrombosis formation after splenectomy in patients with hepatolenticular degeneration
Authors: Zheng Zhou , Yu Qingsheng , Peng Hui , Huang Long , Zhang Wanzong , Shen Yi , Feng Hui , Jing Wenshan , Zhang Qi
Published: February 2023

Objective

Splenectomy is a vital treatment method for hypersplenism with portal hypertension. However, portal venous system thrombosis (PVST) is a serious problem after splenectomy. Therefore, constructing an effective visual risk prediction model is important for preventing, diagnosing, and treating early PVST in hepatolenticular degeneration (HLD) surgical patients.

Methods

Between January 2016 and December 2021, 309 HLD patients were selected. The data were split into a development set (215 cases from January 2016 to December 2019) and a validation set (94 cases from January 2019 to December 2021). Patients’ clinical characteristics and laboratory examinations were obtained from electronic medical record system, and PVST was diagnosed using Doppler ultrasound. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to establish the prediction model by variables filtered by LASSO regression, and a nomogram was drawn. The area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test were used to evaluate the differentiation and calibration of the model. Clinical net benefit was evaluated by using decision curve analysis (DCA). The 36-month survival of PVST was studied as well.

Results

Seven predictive variables were screened out using LASSO regression analysis, including grade, POD14D-dimer (Postoperative day 14 D-dimer), POD7PLT (Postoperative day 7 platelet), PVD (portal vein diameter), PVV (portal vein velocity), PVF (portal vein flow), and SVD (splenic vein diameter). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that all seven predictive variables had predictive values (P < 0.05). According to the prediction variables, the diagnosis model and predictive nomogram of PVST cases were constructed. The AUC under the ROC curve obtained from the prediction model was 0.812 (95% CI: 0.756–0.869) in the development set and 0.839 (95% CI: 0.756–0.921) in the validation set. Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test fitted well (P = 0.858 for development set; P = 0.137 for validation set). The nomogram model was found to be clinically useful by DCA. The 36-month survival rate of three sites of PVST was significantly different from that of one (P = 0.047) and two sites (P = 0.023).

Conclusion

The proposed nomogram-based prediction model can predict postoperative PVST. Meanwhile, an earlier intervention should be performed on three sites of PVST.
Use of fondaparinux in patients with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A three-patient case series report
Authors: Rychlíčková Jitka , Šrámek Vladimír , Suk Pavel
Published: February 2023

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia is a life-threatening immune-mediated complication of unfractionated heparin therapy. Fondaparinux is a therapeutic alternative, but it has limited evidence for its use in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). We present a series of three adult patients with COVID-19 on ECMO who were diagnosed with heparin-induced thrombocytopenia after 7–12 days of unfractionated heparin treatment and were switched to fondaparinux. Fondaparinux was initiated with an intravenous loading dose of 5 mg, followed by a dose of 2.5 mg subcutaneously every 8–12 h. Dosage was adjusted according to daily measured anti-Xa concentration with a target range of 0.4–0.7 mg/L. The total duration of treatment with fondaparinux and ECMO ranged from 13 to 26 days. One major bleeding episode unrelated to fondaparinux therapy was observed, and the transfusions requirement was also low in all patients. The ECMO circuit was changed once in each patient. This series provides a deep insight into the use of fondaparinux over an extended period of time in patients on ECMO. Based on the presented data, fondaparinux can be considered a reasonable and affordable anticoagulant in patients without a high risk of bleeding.
Preliminary study of shark microbiota at a unique mix-species shark aggregation site, in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Bregman Goni , Lalzar Maya , Livne Leigh , Bigal Eyal , Zemah-Shamir Ziv , Morick Danny , Tchernov Dan , Scheinin Aviad , Meron Dalit
Published: February 2023

Sharks, as apex predators, play an essential ecological role in shaping the marine food web and maintaining healthy and balanced marine ecosystems. Sharks are sensitive to environmental changes and anthropogenic pressure and demonstrate a clear and rapid response. This designates them a “keystone” or “sentinel” group that may describe the structure and function of the ecosystem. As a meta-organism, sharks offer selective niches (organs) for microorganisms that can provide benefits for their hosts. However, changes in the microbiota (due to physiological or environmental changes) can turn the symbiosis into a dysbiosis and may affect the physiology, immunity and ecology of the host. Although the importance of sharks within the ecosystem is well known, relatively few studies have focused on the microbiome aspect, especially with long-term sampling. Our study was conducted at a site of coastal development in Israel where a mixed-species shark aggregation (November–May) is observed. The aggregation includes two shark species, the dusky (Carcharhinus obscurus) and sandbar (Carcharhinus plumbeus) which segregate by sex (females and males, respectively). In order to characterize the bacterial profile and examine the physiological and ecological aspects, microbiome samples were collected from different organs (gills, skin, and cloaca) from both shark species over 3 years (sampling seasons: 2019, 2020, and 2021). The bacterial composition was significantly different between the shark individuals and the surrounding seawater and between the shark species. Additionally, differences were apparent between all the organs and the seawater, and between the skin and gills. The most dominant groups for both shark species were Flavobacteriaceae, Moraxellaceae, and Rhodobacteraceae. However, specific microbial biomarkers were also identified for each shark. An unexpected difference in the microbiome profile and diversity between the 2019–2020 and 2021 sampling seasons, revealed an increase in the potential pathogen Streptococcus. The fluctuations in the relative abundance of Streptococcus between the months of the third sampling season were also reflected in the seawater. Our study provides initial information on shark microbiome in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. In addition, we demonstrated that these methods were also able to describe environmental episodes and the microbiome is a robust measure for long-term ecological research.
Drought-induced recruitment of specific root-associated bacteria enhances adaptation of alfalfa to drought stress
Authors: Fan Wenqiang , Tang Fang , Wang Jiani , Dong Jiaqi , Xing Jing , Shi Fengling
Published: February 2023

Drought is a major abiotic stress that threatens crop production. Soil microbiomes are thought to play a role in enhancing plant adaptation to various stresses. However, it remains unclear whether soil microbiomes play a key role when plants are challenged by drought and whether different varieties are enriched with specific bacteria at the rhizosphere. In this study, we measured changes in growth phenotypes, physiological and biochemical characteristics of drought-tolerant alfalfa (AH) and drought-sensitive (QS) under sterilized and unsterilized soil conditions with adequate watering and with drought stress, and analyzed the rhizosphere bacterial community composition and changes using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing. We observed that the unsterilized treatment significantly improved the growth, and physiological and biochemical characteristics of alfalfa seedlings under drought stress compared to the sterilized treatment. Under drought stress, the fresh and dry weight of seedlings increased by 35.24, 29.04, and 11.64%, 2.74% for unsterilized AH and QS, respectively, compared to sterilized treatments. The improvement was greater for AH than for QS. AH and QS recruited different rhizosphere bacteria when challenged by drought. Interestingly, under well-watered conditions, the AH rhizosphere was already rich in drought-tolerant bacterial communities, mainly Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes, whereas these bacteria started to increase only when QS was subjected to drought. When drought stress was applied, AH was enriched with more drought-tolerant bacteria, mainly Acidobacteria, while the enrichment was weaker in QS rhizosphere. Therefore, the increase in drought tolerance of the drought-tolerant variety AH was greater than that of the drought-sensitive variety QS. Overall, this study confirmed the key role of drought-induced rhizosphere bacteria in improving the adaptation of alfalfa to drought stress, and clarified that this process is significantly related to the variety (genotype). The results of this study provide a basis for improving drought tolerance in alfalfa by regulating the rhizosphere microbiome.
Mycoplasma genitalium prevalence, antimicrobial resistance-associated mutations, and coinfections with non-viral sexually transmitted infections in high-risk populations in Guatemala, Malta, Morocco, Peru and South Africa, 2019–2021
Authors: Shipitsyna Elena , Kularatne Ranmini , Golparian Daniel , Müller Etienne E. , Vargas Silver K. , Hadad Ronza , Padovese Valeska , Hancali Amina , Alvarez Christian S. , Oumzil Hicham , Camey Elsy , Blondeel Karel , Toskin Igor , Unemo Magnus
Published: February 2023

The prevalence of Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and MG antimicrobial resistance (AMR) appear to be high internationally, however, prevalence data remain lacking globally. We evaluated the prevalence of MG and MG AMR-associated mutations in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Malta and Peru and women at-risk for sexually transmitted infections in Guatemala, South Africa, and Morocco; five countries in four WHO regions mostly lacking MG prevalence and AMR data, and estimated MG coinfections with Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV). Male urine and anorectal samples, and vaginal samples were tested for MG, CT, NG, and TV (only vaginal samples) using Aptima assays (Hologic). AMR-associated mutations in the MG 23S rRNA gene and parC gene were identified using ResistancePlus MG kit (SpeeDx) or Sanger sequencing. In total, 1,425 MSM and 1,398 women at-risk were recruited. MG was detected in 14.7% of MSM (10.0% in Malta and 20.0% Peru) and in 19.1% of women at-risk (12.4% in Guatemala, 16.0% Morocco, 22.1% South Africa). The prevalence of 23S rRNA and parC mutations among MSM was 68.1 and 29.0% (Malta), and 65.9 and 5.6% (Peru), respectively. Among women at-risk, 23S rRNA and parC mutations were revealed in 4.8 and 0% (Guatemala), 11.6 and 6.7% (Morocco), and 2.4 and 3.7% (South Africa), respectively. CT was the most frequent single coinfection with MG (in 2.6% of MSM and 4.5% of women at-risk), compared to NG + MG found in 1.3 and 1.0%, respectively, and TV + MG detected in 2.8% of women at-risk. In conclusion, MG is prevalent worldwide and enhanced aetiological MG diagnosis, linked to clinical routine detection of 23S rRNA mutations, in symptomatic patients should be implemented, where feasible. Surveillance of MG AMR and treatment outcome would be exceedingly valuable, nationally and internationally. High levels of AMR in MSM support avoiding screening for and treatment of MG in asymptomatic MSM and general population. Ultimately, novel therapeutic antimicrobials and/or strategies, such as resistance-guided sequential therapy, and ideally an effective MG vaccine are essential.