bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Journal "Plant Physiology" Is a Chronicle of the Scientific Field (Analysis of the Journal Issues for 70 Years)
Authors:   S. I. Vavilov Institutefor the History of Science and Technology, the Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia, Malunova Mariya V.
Published: January 2025

The journal "Plant Physiology" has been published since 1954 to the present
day and is a specialized scientific publication in the field of studying plant
life processes. In addition to experimental articles and reviews, since the first
issue of the journal, the editorial board has paid great attention to texts telling
about the development and formation of plant physiology in our country,
which is a particularly valuable historical and scientific source due to the small
number of studies on this topic. Publications on the history of science cover
a period of two centuries (from the beginning of the XIX to the beginning of
the XXI centuries). Articles on the development of Russian plant physiology
and biographical essays on scientists (A. S. Famintsyn, K. A. Timiryazev, S.
P. Kostychev, A. N. Bach, D. A. Sabinin, etc.) who had a significant impact on
science were published here. In the editorial board's introductory addresses
to readers, information was published about the solutions and tasks set by
the Soviet government for scientific institutions. The Chronicle section pays
attention to international relations and events in the field of plant physiology.
Separate reports are devoted to important dates — the 250th anniversary
of the Academy of Sciences, the 50th anniversary of the Union of Soviet
Socialist Republics, the 100th anniversary of the Institute of Plant Physiology,
etc., in which the authors reviewed the history of science and, in particular,
the history of plant physiology. The publication of historical information is
connected with the editorial staff of the journal, which for 30 years included
plant physiologist and historian of science P. A. Genkel, and in the 1990s, the
first biographer of academician A. S. Famintsyn, Professor B. P. Stroganov.
Thus, thanks to them, the issues of the journal "Plant Physiology" published
works on the history of the development of domestic plant physiology
Immunohistochemical Analysis of Podoplanin expression across histopathological variants of Ameloblastomas: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Gabbiti Sai Madhav , Deepika Ch. Gnyana , Swathi V. , Poosarla Chandrashekar , Kommalapati Vatsalya , Kattappagari Kiran Kumar
Published: January 2025

Odontogenic tumours arise from disruptions in the normal tooth development process, often involving remnants of the dental lamina. Among these, ameloblastomas are one of the most common types. Various clinical and histopathological forms of ameloblastomas display differing biological behaviours, with the conventional ameloblastomas being more aggressive compared to Unicystic ameloblastomas. Despite ongoing research, the behaviour of ameloblastomas remains complex and not fully understood. Recently, Podoplanin, a marker for lymphatic endothelial cells, has been recognized for its significant role in both oral cancers and odontogenic tumours, including ameloblastomas. The aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate Podoplanin expression in different histopathological types of ameloblastomas.

Paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 28 cases of ameloblastomas were examined, including follicular (7), plexiform (7), acanthomatous (7), and unicystic (7) subtypes. The tissue sections were stained using an antibody against Podoplanin.

All histopathologically confirmed ameloblastomas exhibited Podoplanin expression in the ameloblast-like cells located in the islands of odontogenic epithelium. Strong immunostaining was observed in the peripheral tall columnar cells, while the central stellate reticulum-like cells displayed weaker staining for Podoplanin.

The findings suggest that the strong expression of Podoplanin in the peripheral cells of ameloblastomas indicates a higher potential for invasion and metastasis in these cells, particularly in the peripheral ameloblast-like cells

Key Words
Ameloblastomas, Podoplanin, immunohistochemical, Expression, Staining
Mother’s awareness towards their children’s oral health in Kurnool, India
Authors: Manjunath G. , Shulamithi Pandi Sudarshan
Published: January 2025

Introduction
Mother's awareness towards their children’s oral health is essential for behavioural changes, disease prevention and oral health promotion.

Material and Methods
A cross-sectional study with a 17 item self-administered questionnaire was collected from the mothers of school children aged 1-14years age group. The study consists of demographic variables such as age of mother and child, mother’s education, total family income and the questionnaire consists of questions relating to oral health awareness. Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was used for data analysis which includes demographic statistics, chi-square tests and one- way ANOVA to assess the comparison among variables with a level of awareness. p<0.05 was set as statistical significance.

Results
The meanage of the mothers was 31.71 ± 4.6 years. A greater number of respondents had a high level of awareness towards oral health (61%). On comparison, mothers who had education other than primary school education and all income groups had a significantly higher proportion of high levels of awareness. On assessing mean awareness scores, 40-49years age group of mothers had significantly higher mean scores (14.76 ± 2.37; p=0.03). Similarly, significantly higher mean scores were observed among mothers who had professional degree (14.49 ± 2.19; p= 0.001) and with total family income of ≥ 126,360 INR (14.94 ± 2.82; p=0.01) for the levels of awareness towards their children’s oral health.

Conclusion
Mother’s had a high level of awareness towards their children's oral health.

Key Words
Awareness, Children, Mothers, Oral Health
Sculpting multi-epitope vaccine against Monkeypox viral strains using immunoinformatics
Authors: Rehman Zaira , Fahim Ammad , Irtash Maryam
Published: January 2025

The epidemic of Monkeypox virus (MPXV), an emerging zoonotic Orthopoxvirus, in beginning OF May 2022, has drawn global attention owing to its increasingly reported cases by the World Health Organization (WHO) in multiple countries. Due to absence of any validated treatments for MPXV infections, the preventive strategies hold significant importance. The current study proposes potential vaccine targets against MPXV by deploying immunoinformatic method. The monkeypox virus encodes 190 different proteins. These proteins were shortlisted on the basis of antigenicity, surface expression, allergenicity, and toxicity. The shortlisted ten proteins were subjected to identification of B- and T-cell epitopes using IEDB, ABCpred, NetMHCpan4.0, and NetMHCIIpan4.0. All the epitopes were further screened for antigenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity properties using VaxiJen, Allertop, and Toxinpred server. All the epitopes have 97.5% worldwide population coverage. Overlapping B-cell, CTL and HTL epitopes were used to design three vaccine construct using suitable linkers and three different adjuvants. Molecular docking was performed for all the three vaccine constructs with TLR4. Based on docking scores and physicochemical profile the vaccine construct V1 with beta defensin adjuvant was selected for further analysis. In silico cloning of V1 into pBAD-DEST49 vector showed maximum expression in bacterial system. Immune simulations also confirmed the high immune responses of V1 within the host cell. The study results may lead towards identification of clinically effective vaccines against MPXV with better safety and potency profile.
Asthma and obesity increase inflammatory markers in children
Authors: Shailesh Harshita , Noor Safa , Hayati Lena , Belavendra Antonisamy , Van Panhuys Nicholas , Abou-Samra Abdul Badi , Worgall Stefan , Janahi Ibrahim
Published: January 2025

Background

Asthma and obesity are both characterized by inflammation. However, the combined impact of these conditions on inflammatory mechanisms in children has not been studied extensively. To address this gap, we investigated the interaction effects of asthma and obesity on inflammation in children.

Methods

The multiplex and singleplex assays were used to measure the levels of circulating cytokines, including IL-2, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-33, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and the adipokine leptin, in plasma. The study included 97 children with normal weight and asthma (NW-A), 100 children with overweight/obesity and asthma (OO-A), 100 with overweight/obesity and no asthma (OO), and 67 normal weight children and no asthma (NW). The independent effects of asthma, obesity, and their interaction effect on these inflammatory markers were assessed using multiple regression analysis.

Results

Asthma was associated with the increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-2, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-33, and TNF-α, and reduced levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10 and adipokine, leptin in the circulation. Overweight/obesity was also linked to increased plasma levels of IL-5, IL-17A, IL-22, IL-33, TNF-α, and leptin and decreased levels of IL-10. In addition, obesity and asthma showed a significant interaction effect on the plasma levels of IL-5, IL-10, IL-17A, IL-33, TNF-α, and leptin. However, the interaction did not result in a synergistic or additive impact on cytokines, indicating a moderating effect of obesity on inflammation in pediatric asthma.

Conclusion

Both asthma and overweight/obesity were independently associated with increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and decreased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine in children. While the concurrent presence of asthma and obesity altered the inflammatory profile, it did not synergistically amplify the inflammation. These findings challenge the previous view that obesity enhances inflammation in individuals with asthma and highlight the importance of considering both conditions while treating obesity-associated asthma in children. Future studies are necessary to further explore the mechanisms that link obesity and asthma in the pediatric population.
Harnessing nanotechnology for cancer treatment
Authors: Zhu Jiajun , Lee HaeJu , Huang Ruotong , Zhou Jianming , Zhang Jingjun , Yang Xiaoyi , Zhou Wenhan , Jiang Wangqing , Chen Shuying
Published: January 2025

Nanotechnology has become a groundbreaking innovation force in cancer therapy, offering innovative solutions to the limitations of conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. By manipulating materials at the nanoscale, researchers have developed nanocarriers capable of targeted drug delivery, improving therapeutic efficacy while reducing systemic toxicity. Nanoparticles like liposomes, dendrimers, and polymeric nanomaterials have shown significant promise in delivering chemotherapeutic agents directly to tumor sites, enhancing drug bioavailability and minimizing damage to healthy tissues. In addition to drug delivery, with the utilization of tools such as quantum dots and nanosensors that enables more precise identification of cancer biomarkers, nanotechnology is also playing a pivotal role in early cancer detection and diagnosis. Furthermore, nanotechnology-based therapeutic strategies, including photothermal therapy, gene therapy and immunotherapy are offering novel ways to combat cancer by selectively targeting tumor cells and enhancing the immune response. Nevertheless, despite these progressions, obstacles still persist, particularly in the clinical translation of these technologies. Issues such as nanoparticle toxicity, biocompatibility, and the complexity of regulatory approval hinder the widespread adoption of nanomedicine in oncology. This review discusses different applications of nanotechnology in cancer therapy, highlighting its potential and the hurdles to its clinical implementation. Future research needs to concentrate on addressing these obstacles to unlock the full potential of nanotechnology in providing personalized, effective, and minimally invasive cancer treatments.
Adopting circular economy in construction: a review
Authors: Rao Preethi Amrut , Rahman Md Motiar , Duraman Saiful Baharin
Published: January 2025

Global development is integral to construction activities that consume enormous amounts of natural resources, of which a considerable part is wasted during the construction and demolition phases. Only a small part of such construction and demolition waste is recovered and recycled, and the rest goes to landfills and dumpsites, containing a high volume of recoverable and reusable materials and components, causing environmental hazards and depleting natural resources. This occurs due to the practice of linear economic model in construction. By contrast, the circular economy (CE) approach can potentially offer an effective solution for this issue, through its long-lasting and standardized design with reduced resource input; and extensive reuse and recycling of resources, products and components. However, CE is not being widely practiced. As such, this study was designed to investigate why CE is not being widely practiced, and what needs to be done for its wider adoption. As the beginning, a systematic literature review extracted 32 motivators, 35 challenges and 31 strategies. Further analysis clustered these three groups of factors into eight focus areas of: legal and regulatory framework; knowledge, education and training; infrastructure, technology and innovation; awareness promotion and support; collaboration and information sharing; standardization; circular business model and positive finance and economics. Finally, a conceptual framework is presented, for wider adoption of CE and sustainability assessment and reporting, in construction. The outcomes are expected to provide guidance and indication to policy and decision-makers on what needs to be done for wider adoption of CE in construction.
Hypoxia signature derived from tumor-associated endothelial cells predict prognosis in gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Ruiheng , Liu Guijun , Wang Ke , Pan Zhanglei , Pei Zhihua , Hu Xijiao
Published: January 2025

Background

A hypoxic metabolism environment in the tumors is often associated with poor prognostic events such as tumor progression and treatment resistance. In gastric cancer, the mechanism of how hypoxia metabolism affects the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapy efficacy remains to be elucidated.

Methods

We used the bulk-mapping method to analyze the signatures correlated with the response of immunotherapy in the single-cell dataset. Cellular, pathway, and gene were systematically analyzed in both single-cell and bulk validation datasets.

Results

The most significant cell proportion difference between the response and non-response groups was in endothelial cells, which represent the malignant cells. VWF was specifically overexpressed in endothelial cells and was the hub gene of differential genes. EPAS1 was a VWF trans-regulated gene and highly positively correlated with VWF in expression. Knockdown experiments demonstrated that siVWF reduced the expression of VWF, EPAS1, and HIF1A, as well as the synthesis of lactate and adenosine which are indicators of hypoxic metabolism. These results suggest that the overexpression of core malign endothelial genes such as VWF drives hypoxic metabolism in tumors and creates an immunosuppressive environment that reduces the efficacy of immunotherapy. The adverse prognosis of the hypoxia signature was validated in the bulk cohort and significance was further enhanced after selecting core genes and combined survival weight scoring.

Conclusion

In summary, high expression of the malignant endothelial cell driver genes VWF and EPAS1 enhances hypoxic metabolism, and malignant cell-immune cell interactions suppress the immune response. Therefore, the two core genes of hypoxic metabolism might represent potential therapeutic and predicting biomarkers for immunotherapy of gastric cancer in the future.
Evaluation of the viability of microencapsulated Trichoderma longibrachiatum conidia as a strategy to prolong the shelf life of the fungus as a biological control agent
Authors: Arias-Chavarría Luis Diego , Batista-Menezes Diego , Orozco-Cayasso Steffany , Vargas-Martínez Alejandro , Vega-Baudrit José Roberto , Montes de Oca-Vásquez Gabriela
Published: January 2025

Trichoderma is an antagonistic fungus used commercially; however, the viability of these formulations is affected by biotic and abiotic factors. In this research, microcapsules of sodium alginate reinforced with nanocellulose and/or chitosan were developed to encapsulate T. longibrachiatum conidia and characterized by SEM, FTIR, and TGA. The viability of the microencapsulated conidia was evaluated through different temperatures (room temperature, 5°C and 37°C), as well as their in vitro antagonistic potential against Fusarium oxysporum. The formulations evaluated had encapsulation efficiencies above 92% and the microcapsules with alginate, chitosan, and nanocellulose maintained 100% viability at 37°C for 2 months. In addition, all formulations evaluated retained antagonistic ability against F. oxysporum. These findings support the use of alginate, nanocellulose and chitosan for the formulation of microcapsules to maintain the viability of T. longibrachiatum conidia over time and at different temperature conditions.
Case Report: Rare cardiovascular characteristics of tuberous sclerosis complex with novel TSC2 variant
Authors: Du Zhiqin , Ma Xiao , Li Jianhua , Yang Fang , Guo Yangfan
Published: January 2025

Background

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multisystem genetic disorder primarily characterized by the development of benign tumors in multiple organs. While cardiovascular involvement is less common than neurological or renal manifestations, it typically presents with cardiac rhabdomyomas (CRs). The co-occurrence of a bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) with TSC is exceedingly rare.

Case summary

We report the case of a 26-year-old woman with genetically confirmed TSC, harboring a novel pathogenic variant in the TSC2 gene. Cardiovascular characteristics included a history of heart valve disease, a bicuspid aortic valve, and severe aortic regurgitation. multi-system characteristics of TSC were also presented, affecting skin, brain, lung, kidney, and bone. She underwent aortic valve replacement but experienced postoperative complications, including significant pleural and pericardial effusions requiring drainage and subsequent thoracic duct ligation.

Conclusion

This case expands the clinical spectrum of TSC-associated cardiovascular abnormalities, highlighting the rare association of BAV with this disorder. Our finding emphasizes the importance of considering TSC in individuals presenting with these cardiac features, as well reinforce the critical role of molecular genetic testing in confirming the diagnosis of TSC.
Association of systemic immune-inflammatory index with in-stent restenosis in patients with and without diabetes mellitus
Authors: Deng Xunwei , Deng Qiaoting , Zhang Qunji , Hou Jingyuan
Published: January 2025

Background

Systemic inflammation plays a vital role in the pathogenesis and prognosis of cardiovascular disease (CAD). The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has been developed as a cost-effective and practical predictor for CAD outcomes. This study aimed to determine the association between the SII and the risk of ISR among ACS patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, a total of 1,652 patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from February 2015 to December 2020 and were finally enrolled after follow-up with coronary angiography. The SII was calculated based on neutrophil, platelet and lymphocyte counts. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to assess the associations between SII and ISR prevalence. Additionally, the interaction test and subgroup analysis were performed to evaluate the robustness of our findings. Furthermore, restricted cubic splines analysis was applied to visualize the relationship between the SII and the risk of ISR. Employing Spearman's rank correlation analysis to investigate the relationship between SII levels and the time to ISR occurrence.

Results

In the whole cohort enrolled in this study, 128 (7.7%) participants developed angiographic evidence of ISR. The results demonstrated that the SII level significantly increased in patients with ISR compared to those with non-ISR, and these findings were similar in patients with and without DM. After adjusting for confounders, the multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that participants with higher SII levels had a significantly increased risk of ISR for diabetics (all P < 0.05), and this significant association was observed in patients with more severe ISR (triple-coronary artery lesions). Additionally, RCS analysis reveals that there is a J-shaped nonlinear correlation between SII and ISR in the entire study cohort with (P for overall <0.001, and P for nonlinearity = 0.0058, respectively). Moreover, a threshold effect can be observed in the entire cohort, with an inflection point at the log2-SII value of 9.276 (SII = 620). Specifically, increased SII was linearly associated with ISR in diabetics (P for overall = 0.0007 and P for nonlinearity = 0.4316, respectively), indicating that the correlation between SII and ISR is stronger in diabetic patients than in those without diabetes. Spearman's rank correlation analysis demonstrated that elevated SII levels are related to earlier ISR onset in diabetics (r = −0.272, P = 0.049).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that SII may be an affordable and convenient marker that could be applied to predict the risk of ISR among ACS patients. Moreover, the study emphasized that high SII is an independent predictor of more severe and earlier ISR and may be helpful for patients' risk stratification, especially those with comorbid DM.
Integrating multi-source monitoring data and deep convolutional autoencoder technology for slope failure pattern recognition
Authors: Han Nana , Miao Wending , Li Mingzhi , Mohamad Ismail Mohd Ashraf , Hu Qiang , Duan Liyuan , Tang Jintao
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Over the past few decades, China has vigorously advanced its strategy to build a powerful transportation network, constructing and maintaining numerous slope engineering projects. However, frequent major safety incidents caused by slope failures highlight the urgent need for automated identification of failure events during the operational phase of slopes.

Methods

This study integrates rainfall, surface displacement, and vertical displacement monitoring data, and proposes an automatic failure mode identification method based on deep convolutional autoencoder technology. The model is trained on monitoring data collected during the normal operational phase of slopes, extracting features from normal data to reconstruct the original data. The trained model is then utilized for structural anomaly detection by leveraging the characteristic that reconstruction errors for failure mode samples are significantly higher than for normal samples.

Results

A case study was conducted on a specific slope where, on 24 May 2024, the displacement development rate in some areas increased significantly, ultimately leading to collapse. The proposed model accurately identified the time and evolution of the landslide, demonstrating its capability to detect failure events effectively.

Discussion

Validation results confirm that the model can effectively distinguish previously unseen abnormal modes, offering significant practical value for identifying similar structural anomalies. This approach provides a reliable tool for slope monitoring and anomaly detection, enhancing safety in slope engineering projects.
Artificial intelligence in education: advancing educational digital inclusion for adults older with diverse neuromuscular conditions
Authors: Valencia-Londoño Paula Andrea , Cardona-Rodas Hilderman , Jiménez-Builes Jovani A.
Published: January 2025

This research evaluates the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) interventions in promoting digital inclusion for older adults with neuromuscular conditions, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 for equitable education. Using a mixed-methods approach, we combined quantitative measures of digital literacy and engagement with qualitative insights into user experiences. The findings reveal statistically significant advancements in digital literacy (p < 0.001) and engagement metrics (p < 0.01), highlighting the transformative potential of adaptive learning platforms, virtual reality applications, and interactive mobile tools tailored for this population. Participants reported increased confidence and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of user-centered design and accessibility in technology development. While the study demonstrates short-term benefits, it acknowledges limitations, including a small sample size (n = 30) and the absence of longitudinal data. Future research should explore scalable implementations and long-term impacts, particularly for broader demographic groups and other disability types. These insights provide actionable recommendations for educators, developers, and policymakers aiming to reduce the digital divide and foster inclusive education.
Analysis of transient characteristics and fault ride-through control of hybrid grid-tied converters with grid-following and grid-forming
Authors: Zhai Baoyu , Liang Shuchao , Xu Zhi , Deng Fengyi , Chen Junru , Wu Haiyang
Published: January 2025

When the Grid-Following (GFL) and the Grid-Forming (GFM) converters are hybrid-connected to the grid, they are coupled through the grid impedance. During grid faults, the transient characteristics of the two converters become more complex due to this coupling. If one of the converters experiences stability issues, it affects the other, making fault ride-through challenging. A mathematical model for the hybrid grid-connected system of the two converters is first established to analyze the existence conditions of the equilibrium point. Using the phase-plane method, the mutual influence mechanism during faults is revealed. Subsequently, a method to adjust the GFM phase angle based on the degree of voltage sag is proposed, which also improves the phase-locked loop (PLL) of the GFL. The influence of GFL current injection is considered to limit the GFM fault current, thereby achieving hybrid fault ride-through control. Finally, the simulation verifies the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy. The results show that the proposed method can adjust the phase angle to support the grid, ensuring that the GFM outputs more reactive current within the maximum allowable current range. Meanwhile, the GFL injects current according to grid guidelines, effectively preventing overcurrent and phase angle instability of the converters.
Therapeutic target genes and regulatory networks of gallic acid in cervical cancer
Authors: You Zhixi , Lei Ye , Yang Yongkang , Zhou Zhihui , Chao Xu , Ju Keyi , Wang Songyi , Li Yuanyuan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This study aims to identify the therapeutic targets and regulatory mechanisms of the antitumor drug gallic acid (GA) in cervical cancer (CC).

Methods

HeLa cells were treated with GA and subjected to RNA-sequencing using the DNBSEQ platform. By combining the results of the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) analysis and RNA-seq, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including those upregulated and downregulated genes in CC compared with the normal cervix in the GEO and TCGA database, while expressed reversed after treatment with GA, were identified. Subsequently, the function enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction of the DEGs were conducted. The candidate genes were identified using the Cytoscape software Gentiscape2.2 and MCODE plug-ins. Furthermore, the upstream microRNA (miRNA), long noncoding RNA (lncRNA), and circular RNA (circRNA) of the candidate genes were predicted using the online tools of MirDIP, TarBase, and ENCORI. Finally, the regulatory network was constructed using Cytoscape software.

Results

CC cells are significantly inhibited by GA. Combining the GEO and TCGA databases and RNA-seq analyses, 127 DEGs were obtained and subjected to functional enrichment analysis. This analysis revealed that 221 biological processes, 82 cellular components, 63 molecular functions, and 36 KEGG pathways were employed to identify three therapeutic candidate genes, including CDC20, DLGAP5, and KIF20A. The upstream 13 miRNAs, 4 lncRNA, and 42 circRNAs were detected and used to construct a lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA-pathway regulatory network.

Conclusion

This study identified candidate genes and the regulatory networks underlying the therapeutic effects of GA on CC using GA data mining methods, thus establishing a theoretical basis for targeted therapy of CC.
Serological cross-reactivity between Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus and Nairobi sheep disease virus glycoprotein C
Authors: Maze Emmanuel A. , Booth George , Limon Georgina , Belij-Rammerstorfer Sandra , Tchakarova Simona R. , Alexandrov Tsviatko , Browning Clare , Wilsden Ginette , Ludi Anna B. , Charleston Bryan , Lambe Teresa
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and Nairobi sheep disease virus (NSDV) are orthonairoviruses of concern, able to cause haemorragic fever disease in humans and sheep, respectively. CCHFV and NSDV cocirculating in small ruminant populations across South Asia and East Africa. Cross-reactivity to viruses of the Orthonairovirus genus can potentially interfere with serological assays when employed for serosurveillance in regions where two or more genus members overlap in their distribution.

Methods

In this study, sheep sera sampled from a region of confirmed CCHFV circulation and NSDV absence were utilized, thereby eliminating the possibility of co-exposure. Field sera were tested against in-house anti-NSDV ELISAs specific to the nucleoprotein (NSDV NP) and glycoprotein C (NSDV Gc) antigens as well as an in-house NSDV 80% plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT80). We assessed whether there is a correlation between CCHFV- and NSDV-specific ELISAs. Furthermore, epitopes-derived from CCHFV antigens for sheep antibody that were available from the literature were analyzed.

Results

When comparing NSDV antigen-specific antibody responses against previously tested CCHFV antigen-specific antibody responses, a strong positive correlation was observed between the Gc-specific responses, while a weak positive correlation was observed between the NP-specific responses. Consequently, NP-specific ELISAs have a higher assay specificity compared to Gc-specific ELISAs, making them more suitable for serosurveillance in regions where multiple orthonairoviruses co-circulate. Crucially, only one seropositive sample to NSDV Gc-specific out of a set of 224 (0.4%) showed a neutralizing capacity at the lowest serum dilution (1:8), suggesting these field sera have not been exposed to NSDV. Based on an analysis of known epitopes in NP targeted by antibodies in sheep serum, we propose that NP is less cross-reactive because dominant epitopes are highly dissimilar between CCHFV and NSDV.

Discussion

Gc exhibited a strong cross-reaction while the NP was weakly cross-reactive due to dominant epitopes being highly dissimilar between CCHFV and NSDV. Our in-house PRNT80 assay can could be used as a confirmatory test in regions where CCHFV and NSDV circulate.
Annotation and characterization of immunoglobulin loci and CDR3 polymorphism in water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Deng Yunlan , Wu Fengli , Li Qianqian , Yao Lidie , Yang Chengzhi , Ma Long , Yao Xinsheng , Li Jun
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Immunoglobulin (Ig) refers to the nomenclature for all antibody proteins produced by B lymphocytes. The genetic locus encoding Ig is critical for vertebrate humoral immune responses and diverse antibody repertoires. Despite the critical role of buffaloes as livestock and their significance in disease transmission, the Ig loci of this species have not been thoroughly annotated. This study aimed to systematically characterize the Ig loci in buffaloes and their unique features, providing a foundation for understanding buffalo immune function.

Methods

The genomic assembly of Murrah buffalo (NDDB_SH_1) was analyzed to annotate Ig loci. Annotation criteria included functional motifs, RSS sequences, and structural features of V, D, J, and C genes. The CDR3 repertoires were constructed using genomic DNA extracted from spleen samples of five healthy buffaloes. High-throughput sequencing of multiplex PCR products enabled repertoire analysis, and MiXCR software was used for alignment and CDR3 extraction. Repertoire diversity, gene usage, and clonal frequencies were analyzed using the Immunarch R package.

Results

The IgH locus spans approximately 667 kb on chromosome 20, containing two D-J-C clusters, 54 VH genes, 10 DH genes, 8 JH genes, and 9 CH genes. The Igκ locus, located on chromosome 12, encompasses 24 Vκ genes, 5 Jκ genes, and 1 Cκ gene, while the Igλ locus on chromosome 17 includes 71 Vλ genes, 3 Jλ genes, and 3 Cλ genes. We also conducted a detailed examination of the buffalo IgH CDR3 repertoire, revealing the presence of ultra-long CDR3 sequences, a biased usage of certain V genes, and a high-frequency usage of IgHJ1-4 genes. Furthermore, we identified a set of shared clonotypes across the samples, highlighting commonalities in the buffalo antibody repertoire.

Conclusion

These findings contribute to the understanding of buffalo immune function and provide insights into the evolution and diversity of ruminant immunoglobulin genes.
Transcriptomics analysis reveals potential mechanisms underlying mitochondrial dysfunction and T cell exhaustion in astronauts’ blood cells in space
Authors: Moreno-Villanueva Maria , Jimenez-Chavez Luis E. , Krieger Stephanie , Ding Liang-Hao , Zhang Ye , Babiak-Vazquez Adriana , Berres Mark , Splinter Sandra , Pauken Kristen E. , Schaefer Brian C. , Crucian Brian E. , Wu Honglu
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The impact of spaceflight on the immune system and mitochondria has been investigated for decades. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying spaceflight-induced immune dysregulations are still unclear.

Methods

In this study, blood from eleven crewmembers was collected before and during International Space Station (ISS) missions. Transcriptomic analysis was performed in isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) using RNA-sequencing. Differentially expresses genes (DEG) in space were determined by comparing of the inflight to the preflight samples. Pathways and statistical analyses of these DEG were performed using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) tool.

Results

In comparison to pre-flight, a total of 2030 genes were differentially expressed in PBMC collected between 135 and 210 days in orbit, which included a significant number of surface receptors. The dysregulated genes and pathways were mostly involved in energy and oxygen metabolism, immune responses, cell adhesion/migration and cell death/survival.

Discussion

Based on the DEG and the associated pathways and functions, we propose that mitochondria dysfunction was caused by constant modulation of mechano-sensing receptors in microgravity, which triggered a signaling cascade that led to calcium overloading in mitochondria. The response of PBMC in space shares T-cell exhaustion features, likely initiated by microgravity than by infection. Consequences of mitochondria dysfunction include immune dysregulation and prolonged cell survival which potentially explains the reported findings of inhibition of T cell activation and telomere lengthening in astronauts.

Conclusion

Our study potentially identifies the upstream cause of mitochondria dysfunction and the downstream consequences in immune cells.
Inflammatory biomarkers and therapeutic potential of milk exosome-mediated CCL7 siRNA in murine intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Chen WenDong , Xu WenPing , Ma Li , Bi Chun , Yang MeiXu , Yang Wei
Published: January 2025

Background

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IIRI) is a severe clinical condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in understanding the pathophysiology of IIRI, effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies remain limited.

Methods

Using transcriptome sequencing in a mouse model of IIRI, we identified potential biomarkers that were significantly upregulated in the IIRI group compared to the sham group. Based on these findings, we developed and evaluated a therapeutic strategy using milk-derived exosomes loaded with siRNA targeting CCL7 (M-Exo/siCCL7).

Results

Focusing on Ccl7 as a hub gene, we explored the therapeutic efficacy of milk-derived exosomes loaded with siRNA targeting Ccl7 (M-Exo/siCCL7) in the IIRI model. M-Exo/siCCL7 treatment effectively attenuated intestinal inflammation and injury, as evidenced by reduced histological damage, decreased serum markers of intestinal barrier dysfunction, and attenuated systemic inflammation.

Conclusion

Our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying IIRI, identify potential diagnostic biomarkers, and highlight the promise of exosome-based siRNA delivery as a novel therapeutic approach for IIRI.
TMBocelot: an omnibus statistical control model optimizing the TMB thresholds with systematic measurement errors
Authors: Lai Xin , Wang Shaoliang , Zhang Xuanping , Zhu Xiaoyan , Liu Yuqian , Chang Zhili , Wang Xiaonan , Shao Yang , Wang Jiayin , Wang Yixuan
Published: January 2025

Tumor mutation burden (TMB), defined as the number of somatic mutations of tumor DNA, is a well-recognized immunotherapy biomarker endorsed by regulatory agencies and pivotal in stratifying patients for clinical decision-making. However, measurement errors can compromise the accuracy of TMB assessments and the reliability of clinical outcomes, introducing bias into statistical inferences and adversely affecting TMB thresholds through cumulative and magnified effects. Given the unavoidable errors with current technologies, it is essential to adopt modeling methods to determine the optimal TMB-positive threshold. Therefore, we proposed a universal framework, TMBocelot, which accounts for pairwise measurement errors in clinical data to stabilize the determination of hierarchical thresholds. TMBocelot utilizes a Bayesian approach based on the stationarity principle of Markov chains to implement an enhanced error control mechanism, utilizing moderately informative priors. Simulations and retrospective data from 438 patients reveal that TMBocelot outperforms conventional methods in terms of accuracy, consistency of parameter estimations, and threshold determination. TMBocelot enables precise and reliable delineation of TMB-positive thresholds, facilitating the implementation of immunotherapy. The source code for TMBocelot is publicly available at https://github.com/YixuanWang1120/TMBocelot.
Iron deposition is associated with motor and non-motor network breakdown in parkinsonism
Authors: Leng Fangda , Gao Yue , Li Fan , Wei Luhua , Sun Yunchuang , Liu Fang , Zhu Ying , Qiu Jianxing , Wang Zhaoxia , Zhang Yiwei
Published: January 2025

Background

Iron deposition has been observed in Parkinsonism and is emerging as a diagnostic marker for movement disorders. Brain functional network disruption has also been detected in parkinsonism, and is believed to be accountable for specific symptoms in parkinsonism. However, how iron deposition influences brain network remains to be elucidated.

Methods

We recruited 16 Parkinson’s disease (PD), 8 multiple system atrophy (MSA) and 7 progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) patients. T1-weighted, susceptibility weighted images and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) were acquired. Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) analysis was performed to quantify iron deposition in substantia nigra, putamen and dentate nucleus. Cerebellar network, sensorimotor network, default mode network and language networks were segregated using independent analysis. Network and iron deposition status were evaluated in relation to diagnostic groups, motor and non-motor symptoms. The relationship between quantitative iron deposition and brain network status was further interrogated. To further validate the findings, 13 healthy controls and 37 PD patients who had available T1 and rs-fMRI scans were selected from Parkinson’s progression markers initiative (PPMI) database, and network analysis was performed.

Results

In local cohort, compared to PD, MSA patients showed greater iron deposition in putamen, while PSP patients had greater iron deposition in caudate nucleus and thalamus. Cerebellar and language networks showed significant difference across diagnostic groups, while default mode network and sensorimotor network did not. MSA patients had significantly impaired cerebellar network and language networks compared to PD patients. Cerebellar network was positively associated with motor symptom scores while language network was positively associated with MoCA scores in the patients. Iron deposition was negatively associated with both networks’ activity in the patients. In PPMI cohort, impairment was found in both cerebellar and language networks in PD. Cerebellar and language networks correlated with motor and cognitive impairment, respectively.

Conclusion

Cerebellar network and language networks are differently influenced in MSA, PD and PSP, which can serve as potential diagnostic marker. Impairment of cerebellar network and language network are associated with motor symptoms and cognitive impairment, respectively. Moreover, dysfunction of the networks is associated with iron deposition in deep nuclei (SN, DN, Putamen).
Improved object detection method for autonomous driving based on DETR
Authors: Zhao Huaqi , Zhang Songnan , Peng Xiang , Lu Zhengguang , Li Guojing
Published: January 2025

Object detection is a critical component in the development of autonomous driving technology and has demonstrated significant growth potential. To address the limitations of current techniques, this paper presents an improved object detection method for autonomous driving based on a detection transformer (DETR). First, we introduce a multi-scale feature and location information extraction method, which solves the inadequacy of the model for multi-scale object localization and detection. In addition, we developed a transformer encoder based on the group axial attention mechanism. This allows for efficient attention range control in the horizontal and vertical directions while reducing computation, ultimately enhancing the inference speed. Furthermore, we propose a novel dynamic hyperparameter tuning training method based on Pareto efficiency, which coordinates the training state of the loss functions through dynamic weights, overcoming issues associated with manually setting fixed weights and enhancing model convergence speed and accuracy. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method surpasses others, with improvements of 3.3%, 4.5%, and 3% in average precision on the COCO, PASCAL VOC, and KITTI datasets, respectively, and an 84% increase in FPS.
Correlations among fatigue, respiratory function, balance and core muscle morphology in multiple sclerosis: a comprehensive observational study
Authors: De La Plaza San Frutos Marta , Sanz-Esteban Ismael , Salniccia Federico , Bermejo-Franco Alberto , García-Corona Ameyalli , Palma-Baquedano María Cristina , Castel-Sánchez Marina , Estrada-Barranco Cecilia
Published: January 2025

Background

Recent scientific interest has focused on exploring the potential relationships between fatigue, respiratory function and balance in multiple sclerosis (MS) subjects. While some studies suggest that fatigue may impact respiratory function and postural stability, the exact nature of these associations remains under investigation. Ultrasound imaging is increasingly being used to examine the structural and functional characteristics of core muscles, aiming to better understand how these variables might be interconnected. Understanding these associations is crucial for developing targeted interventions to enhance overall physical performance in this population. This study examines the relationship between fatigue, respiratory function, balance, and ultrasound variables of abdominal musculature in MS.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 27 subjects diagnosed with MS, comprising 17 females and 10 males. Study variables were: fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale—MFIS); respiratory function (Forced Vital Capacity—FVC and Forced Expiratory Volume in the first second—FEV1); balance (Berg Balance Scale—BBS and Trunk Impairment Scale Dynamic—TIS DYN); and ultrasound measurements of abdominal and diaphragmatic musculature. Correlations were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation, with a statistical significance level of p < 0.05.

Results

Significant correlations were found between respiratory function and balance scores. FVC showed a moderate correlation with BBS (r = 0.443), while FEV1 had a high correlation with BBS (r = 0.500) and a moderate correlation with TIS DYN (r = 0.427). MFIS showed a moderate negative correlation with BBS (r = −0.402). The strength and function of the central abdominal musculature, particularly the internal oblique, were crucial for trunk stability and postural control.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the interplay between respiratory function, balance, fatigue, and abdominal muscle morphology in MS, emphasizing the potential benefits of interventions targeting respiratory function to improve balance and reduce fatigue, ultimately enhancing quality of life in this population.