bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CELAC in International Relations of Latin America (2010-2023)
Authors: Andriukaitiene Regina , Villasmil Espinoza Jorge
Published: January 2024

The purpose of the research paper is to highlight the formation, development, and results of CELAC’s activities, as well as to define its place in international relations at both the regional and global levels.

The scientific novelty is in the comprehensive analysis of the place and role of the regional international organization CELAC, its failures, and successful initiatives. The authors analyze the formation of CELAC as a representative body in relations with key world political actors – China, the EU, and Russia.

Conclusions. CELAC continues to be an important factor in international relations, especially in the context of the desire of Latin American and Caribbean countries to strengthen cooperation and coordination. The establishment of CELAC was one of the vivid manifestations of the ‘left turn’ with its state-nationalist bias and emphasized interest in solving pressing social problems in domestic politics by the state from the top-down and ensuring its independence from global actors, primarily the United States. CELAC is not a replacement for the cooperation and integration groups – Mercosur, CARICOM, ALCA, etc. The desire for CELAC to be an alternative body – especially to the OAS (The Organization of American States) – does not enjoy regional consensus and it would be difficult to achieve with the resources this body currently has at its disposal.

Although in general, CELAC’s activities were ineffective (most of the region’s problems had not been solved, including poverty, corruption, crime, etc.), there were examples of successful implementation of its decisions in 2013-2018. In recent years, we have observed the intensification of CELAC’s international activities, aimed, first of all, at establishing mutually beneficial and partnership relations with the key actors of world politics and economy – the EU, the USA, and China. But Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine, its desire for self-isolation, the sanctions of the Western world, and the condemnation of aggression by the UN – all this pushes the Caribbean countries away from Russia, although it does not completely negate their cooperation.
Pengembangan Topik Pembelajaran SQL – DDL Menggunakan DBMS MYSQL Pada Platform Intelligent Computer-Assisted Programming Learning Platform (ICLOP)
Authors: Ali Rahman Wibisana Hafid , Puspitasari Dwi , Fahrur Rozi Imam
Published: January 2024

Learning about databases at Polinema campus still relies on several lecturers within the database courses. However, due to limited time, the lecturers have constraints in conducting database course lessons, typically once a week for 3 credit hours. Additionally, lecturers have commitments outside the campus, affecting the efficiency of their assessments for students. Therefore, there is a need for a SQL – DDL learning system using MySQL on the iClop platform. The designed and implemented system utilizes PHP, MySQL, MyTAP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap, and others. The system has been tested by various users, and the results show that each user can engage in SQL - DDL learning and exercises. The system also provides users with grades based on their performance.
Analisis Efektivitas Daya Dan Energi Pada Sistem Pembersih Solar PV 2 × 50 Wp dengan Metode Lateral Movement
Authors: Malik Al Jabbar Helmi , Fahmi Hakim Muhammad
Published: January 2024

The implementation of the solar cell itself often has problems in its operation. One of the factors that affect the performance of PLTS is that the dirty solar panel cover glass is covered with dust or dirt so that it blocks the intensity of sunlight entering the solar panel which results in a reduced output of the solar panel. A 2x50 Wp solar pv cleaning tool was made to overcome the problem of reduced solar pv output due to the influence of dirt adhering to the pv cover glass. The cleaning tool that has been designed is expected to maximize the quality of power and energy that will be generated by solar pv. The solar pv dirt cleaning tool is used on the research object of the PLTS system in the Renewable Lab, Navy Building, State Polytechnic of Malang. Making a cleaning tool design using Solidworks software, with the reason being able to get a 3D picture of the planned pv dirt cleaner. The cleaning tool works with the help of a battery/power supply as its electrical power. There are 3 dc motors connected to brushes, wheels and water pumps. The cleaning tool moves in a lateral movement (sideways movement) from corner to corner 3 times, then the brush rotates to clean the solar cell cover glass from dirt. In the cleaning process, it can be assisted by using water provided and sprayed by a water pump. The average Vmp and Imp values are 19.72 V and 1.64 A. From the Vmp and Imp values, the average Pmp calculation results are 32.60 W for solar pv after cleaning. Before cleaning, the average maximum voltage (Vmp) and maximum current (Imp) values are 18.43 V and 1.05 A. From the Vmp and Imp values, the average Pmp calculation is 19.65 W.
Sistem Temu Kembali Informasi Pesawat Udara Militer Menggunakan Jaringan Syaraf Tiruan Back Propagation Network
Authors: Vira Bahrudin Ardyansyah , Datumaya Wahyudi Sumari Arwin , Afif Hendrawan Muhammad
Published: January 2024

Various war events in various parts of the world between two or more countries along with various high-tech war equipment such as military aircraft arouse curiosity to find out more about these war equipment, getting this information is still hampered by the lack of existing information, a lot of information is available in printed form, in museums managed by the Indonesian National Army (TNI), and in the form of books about military aircraft. The design of a Military Aircraft Information Retrieval System Using Machine Learning is aimed at providing information to the public about types of military fighter aircraft, this is due to the lack of information about fighter aircraft in the military world among the public.
Sistem Monitoring Kebocoran Gas SF6 Pada Sistem GIS menggunakan Modul LoRa Berbasis IoT
Authors: Kealvin Al Akbary Muhammad
Published: January 2024

The research introduces a Gas Insulating Substation (GIS) Monitoring System for SF6 gas leakage, aiming to mitigate the risk of significant gas leaks. The GIS, comprising three phases (R, S, T), utilizes SF6 gas with protective alarms and leakage indicators on each phase. However, the current practice of sequentially checking leak points among phases poses challenges, such as potential damage to the SF6 gas refill valve, leading to larger leaks. In response, a Monitoring System using LoRa-based IoT modules was developed. The research methodology involved checking electrical flow through voltage sensors and pressure sensors on the nonferrous tubes of the three phases to identify leakage points. The results indicated that the implemented SF6 Gas Leakage Monitoring System using LoRa-based IoT Modules effectively assists High Voltage Substation operators in reducing valve damage caused by mishandling SF6 gas leaks. Operators can monitor leaky tubes through a web interface and receive Telegram notifications, expediting response times. Additionally, the system proves cost-effective, requiring only around 1 million rupiahs compared to the conventional cable installation costing approximately 5 million rupiahs, without necessitating modifications to the existing Substation system.
The CogniAid trial. The impact of two hearing aid signal processing strategies on cognition
Authors: Searchfield Grant Donald , McAuliffe Megan J. , Fok Christine , Kyaw Tin Aung , Williams Eric , Burton-Harris Lisa , Coad Gavin , Grady Jonny , Smith Alice , Vajsakovic Dunja
Published: January 2024

Background

Untreated hearing loss is a risk factor for age-related cognitive decline and hearing aids have been shown to slow cognitive decline in a population at risk for dementia. This double-blind multiple site randomized trial tested the hypothesis that for older adults with below-average cognition, a “Simple” hearing aid fitting strategy (based on linear amplification with output limiting compression signal processing) would improve hearing and cognition more than a “Standard” approach (adaptive compression-based processing).

Methods

Two hundred and fifty-six adults aged over 65 were screened for cognitive function using the NIH toolbox cognitive battery. Participants with below median age-adjusted fluid composite cognitive scores (<100) were eligible to participate (n = 104). Sixty-seven eligible participants proceeded to trial and were randomized 1:1 to a simple or standard hearing aid fitting. Participants in the Standard group were fitted with hearing aids matched to non-linear real-ear prescription targets (either NAL-NL1 or NL2), while participants in the Simple group were fitted with hearing aids matched to linear prescription targets (NAL-R). Participants and researchers not fitting the hearing aids were blinded to allocation.

Results

Forty-eight participants completed assessments in 12 months. The Standard hearing aid group improved on measures of fluid cognition and hearing. There was a statistically significant difference in fluid cognition scores between groups. The fluid cognition composite score for participants receiving the Simple fitting changed by 3.5 points. Those with the Standard fitting improved by 10.3 points. Hearing outcomes for each group were improved by the same amount.

Conclusion

This is the first study to show that hearing aid fitting strategies using markedly different signal processing result in significantly different cognitive outcomes after 12 months of use. The Standard fitting resulted in greater improvement in cognition than the Simpler fitting which was the opposite result to what had been hypothesized. The results reinforce findings indicating hearing aid benefits for the elderly and that they improve cognition.
Cholesterol regulation of mechanosensitive ion channels
Authors: Beverley Katie M. , Levitan Irena
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the role of cholesterol in regulating mechanosensitive ion channels. Ion channels discussed in this review are sensitive to two types of mechanical signals, fluid shear stress and/or membrane stretch. Cholesterol regulates the channels primarily in two ways: 1) indirectly through localizing the channels into cholesterol-rich membrane domains where they interact with accessory proteins and/or 2) direct binding of cholesterol to the channel at specified putative binding sites. Cholesterol may also regulate channel function via changes of the biophysical properties of the membrane bilayer. Changes in cholesterol affect both mechanosensitivity and basal channel function. We focus on four mechanosensitive ion channels in this review Piezo, Kir2, TRPV4, and VRAC channels. Piezo channels were shown to be regulated by auxiliary proteins that enhance channel function in high cholesterol domains. The direct binding mechanism was shown in Kir2.1 and TRPV4 where cholesterol inhibits channel function. Finally, cholesterol regulation of VRAC was attributed to changes in the physical properties of lipid bilayer. Additional studies should be performed to determine the physiological implications of these sterol effects in complex cellular environments.
The Aspergillus fumigatus maiA gene contributes to cell wall homeostasis and fungal virulence
Authors: Guruceaga Xabier , Perez-Cuesta Uxue , Martin-Vicente Adela , Pelegri-Martinez Eduardo , Thorn Harrison I. , Cendon-Sanchez Saioa , Xie Jinhong , Nywening Ashley V. , Ramirez-Garcia Andoni , Fortwendel Jarrod R. , Rementeria Aitor
Published: January 2024

In this study, two distinct in vitro infection models of Aspergillus fumigatus, using murine macrophages (RAW264.7) and human lung epithelial cells (A549), were employed to identify the genes important for fungal adaptation during infection. Transcriptomic analyses of co-incubated A. fumigatus uncovered 140 fungal genes up-regulated in common between both models that, when compared with a previously published in vivo transcriptomic study, allowed the identification of 13 genes consistently up-regulated in all three infection conditions. Among them, the maiA gene, responsible for a critical step in the L-phenylalanine degradation pathway, was identified. Disruption of maiA resulted in a mutant strain unable to complete the Phe degradation pathway, leading to an excessive production of pyomelanin when this amino acid served as the sole carbon source. Moreover, the disruption mutant exhibited noticeable cell wall abnormalities, with reduced levels of β-glucans within the cell wall but did not show lack of chitin or mannans. The maiA-1 mutant strain induced reduced inflammation in primary macrophages and displayed significantly lower virulence in a neutropenic mouse model of infection. This is the first study linking the A. fumigatus maiA gene to fungal cell wall homeostasis and virulence.
Perioperative myocardial injury and infarction after noncardiac surgery: a review of pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management
Authors: Kashlan Besher , Kinno Menhel , Syed Mushabbar
Published: January 2024

Perioperative myocardial injury is a relatively common complication after noncardiac surgery associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It is frequently driven by physiologic factors such as hypotension, tachycardia, and anemia. Diagnosis of perioperative myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery is based on elevated cardiac troponin levels, greater than the 99th percentile of the assay's upper reference limit within 30 days of surgery. Perioperative myocardial injury is further classified into non-ischemic and ischemic based on the underlying pathophysiology. Ischemic injury, also called myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS), is further classified into perioperative myocardial infarction or myocardial injury without infarction. Classifying perioperative myocardial injury further is particularly important for clinical management and prognosis. MINS—with or without infarction—is independently and strongly associated with short- and long-term mortality. Compared to nonoperative myocardial infarction, perioperative myocardial infarction carries an increased risk of adverse outcomes including all-cause mortality. Preventative measures include a thorough preoperative risk assessment, risk factor optimization, and avoidance of intraoperative mismatch of myocardial oxygen supply and demand. Surveillance of patients at higher risk of cardiovascular complications is warranted and can lead to early recognition, closer monitoring, and appropriate management. This review will provide a framework for understanding perioperative myocardial injury and highlight the contemporary literature addressing its diagnosis and management.
Revisiting percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy technique and safety in various population: an evidence-based case report and literature review
Authors: Habib Faisal , Mendel Brian , Fauzan Rivhan , Nasution Ali Nafiah
Published: January 2024

Percutaneous balloon mitral valvotomy (PBMV) is a good and preferred therapy choice over surgical commissurotomy for patients with rheumatic mitral stenosis (MS). However, interventional cardiologists must recognize that treating patients with rheumatic MS poses unique challenges for each patient, especially in special populations such as pregnant patients or patients with arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation (AF), which can complicate procedures. Based on information from observational studies, PBMV may be a safe and efficient treatment for improving outcomes in MS women who do not have substantial subvalve illness in a specific demographic. A successful PBMV helps to tolerate hemodynamic changes during pregnancy and dramatically reduces mortality. However, there is a paucity of studies on women with poor valve morphology who are not contraindicated, and it has to be seen if PBMV is used in these situations during pregnancy. Conversely, AF leads to a lower PBMV success rate as well as worse long-term and in-hospital outcomes.
Effect of mind-body exercise on risk factors for metabolic syndrome including insulin resistance: a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Shufan , Wang Peng , Wang Jing , Zhao Jinlei , Wang Xing , Liu Tong
Published: January 2024

Objective

To systematically evaluate the effects of mind-body exercise on risk factors of metabolic syndrome such as insulin resistance.

Methods

Web of Science, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EBSCO host, Embase, China Knowledge Network, China Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang, and VIP were searched for the period from the establishment of the database to 1 July 2023, and randomized controlled trials of mind-body exercise interventions in patients with metabolic syndrome were collected. We applied the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool RoB2 to evaluate the methodological quality of the included literature and used RevMan5.4 software and Stata15.1 for statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 14 randomized controlled trials with 1148 patients were included in this study. Meta-analysis showed that mind-body exercise significantly improved insulin resistance [SMD=-0.78, 95% CI: (-1.13, -0.43), P<0.0001], waist circumference [SMD=-2.20, 95% CI: (-3.34, -1.06), P=0.0001], body mass index (SMD=-1.50, 95% CI: [-2.03, -0.97), P<0.00001], systolic blood pressure [SMD=-3.65, 95% CI: 9-5.56, -1.74), P=0.0002], diastolic blood pressure [SMD=-3.32, 95% CI: (- 3.77, -2.87), P<0.00001], fasting blood glucose [SMD=-0.57, 95% CI: (-0.99, -0.15), P=0.008], triglycerides [SMD=-0.27, 95% CI: (-0.46, -0.08), P=0.004], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [SMD=0.58, the 95% CI: (0.28, 0.87), P=0.0001]. Subgroup analysis showed that the intervention program with exercise form of fitness qigong, exercise cycle of 24-48 weeks, and exercise frequency of 6-7 times/week could significantly improve each risk factor.

Conclusion

Mind-body exercise is effective in improving risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome. Current evidence recommends an intervention program of low to moderate intensity fitness qigong, with 6-7 sessions per week for 24-48 weeks in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023454135.
An inbreeding perspective on the effectiveness of wildlife population defragmentation measures – a case study on wild boar (Sus scrofa) of Veluwe, The Netherlands
Authors: de Jong Joost F. , de Jong Menno J. , Megens Hendrik-Jan , van Hooft Pim , Crooijmans Richard P. M. A. , de Groot G. Arjen , Prins Herbert H. T.
Published: January 2024

Pervasive inbreeding is a major genetic threat of population fragmentation and can undermine the efficacy of population connectivity measures. Nevertheless, few studies have evaluated whether wildlife crossings can alleviate the frequency and length of genomic autozygous segments. Here, we provided a genomic inbreeding perspective on the potential effectiveness of mammal population defragmentation measures. We applied a SNP-genotyping case study on the ~2500 wild boar Sus scrofa population of Veluwe, The Netherlands, a 1000-km2 Natura 2000 protected area with many fences and roads but also, increasingly, fence openings and wildlife crossings. We combined a 20K genotyping assessment of genetic status and migration rate with a simulation that examined the potential for alleviation of isolation and inbreeding. We found that Veluwe wild boar subpopulations are significantly differentiated (FST-values of 0.02-0.13) and have low levels of gene flow. One noteworthy exception was the Central and Southeastern subpopulation, which were nearly panmictic and appeared to be effectively connected through a highway wildlife overpass. Estimated effective population sizes were at least 85 for the meta-population and ranged from 31 to 52 for the subpopulations. All subpopulations, including the two connected subpopulations, experienced substantial inbreeding, as evidenced through the occurrence of many long homozygous segments. Simulation output indicated that whereas one or few migrants per generation could undo genetic differentiation and boost effective population sizes rapidly, genomic inbreeding was only marginally reduced. The implication is that ostensibly successful connectivity restoration projects may fail to alleviate genomic inbreeding of fragmented mammal populations. We put forward that defragmentation projects should allow for (i) monitoring of levels of differentiation, migration and genomic inbreeding, (ii) anticipation of the inbreeding status of the meta-population, and, if inbreeding levels are high and/or haplotypes have become fixed, (iii) consideration of enhancing migration and gene flow among meta-populations, possibly through translocation.
Overexpression of tousled-like kinase 2 predicts poor prognosis in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients after radical resection
Authors: Liu Bang , Lu Ling-Ling , Yu Li , Mei Xuan , Liu Jia , Zheng Jiao-Long , Zhou Xiao-Ling , Lin Hai-Yan , Zhu Xiu-Ling , Li Dong-Liang
Published: January 2024

Background: Tousled-like kinase 2 (TLK2) is integral to DNA repair, replication, and cell cycle regulation, crucial for maintaining genome stability and integrity. However, the expression and prognostic value of TLK2 in hepatitis B viral (HBV) -related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear.

Methods: We examined TLK2 expression and prognostic implications in pan-cancer by using diverse databases. Subsequently, TLK2 expression in HBV-related HCC tissues and adjacent tissues was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. The prognostic value of TLK2 was assessed through ROC curves, time-dependent ROC curves, Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier curve, and decision curve analysis. Additionally, analyses of immune infiltration, protein-protein interactions, key molecules of tumor-related signaling pathways, molecular subtypes, and TLK2-associated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were conducted, along with GO/KEGG and GSEA enrichment analyses.

Results: TLK2 expression was significantly higher in HCC tissues compared to adjacent tissues and correlated with gender, AFP levels, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, microvascular invasion (MVI), maximum tumor diameter, tumor number, and TNM stage. TLK2 overexpression emerged as an independent risk factor for overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in HBV-related HCC patients. An integrated OS nomogram model, incorporating TLK2, age, ALBI grade, MVI, and tumor number, displayed enhanced prognostic capability (C-index: 0.765, 95% CI: 0.732–0.798) in predicting OS and has a higher net benefit than the TNM stage. Moreover, TLK2 expression correlated closely with immune cell infiltration and key molecules of signaling pathways. Functional enrichment analyses highlighted significant associations with DNA duplex unwinding, double-strand break repair, DNA replication, cell cycle, E2F targets, G2M checkpoint, and MYC targets V1.

Conclusion: TLK2 is notably overexpressed in HBV-related HCC and emerges as a promising prognostic biomarker, necessitating further validation.
Low pre-existing endemic human coronavirus (HCoV-NL63)-specific T cell frequencies are associated with impaired SARS-CoV-2-specific T cell responses in people living with HIV
Authors: Ng’uni Tiza L. , Musale Vernon , Nkosi Thandeka , Mandolo Jonathan , Mvula Memory , Michelo Clive , Karim Farina , Moosa Mohomed Yunus S. , Khan Khadija , Jambo Kondwani Charles , Hanekom Willem , Sigal Alex , Kilembe William , Ndhlovu Zaza M.
Published: January 2024

Background

Understanding how HIV affects SARS-CoV-2 immunity is crucial for managing COVID-19 in sub-Saharan populations due to frequent coinfections. Our previous research showed that unsuppressed HIV is associated with weaker immune responses to SARS-CoV-2, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We investigated how pre-existing T cell immunity against an endemic human coronavirus HCoV-NL63 impacts SARS-CoV-2 T cell responses in people living with HIV (PLWH) compared to uninfected individuals, and how HIV-related T cell dysfunction influences responses to SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Methods

We used flow cytometry to measure T cell responses following PBMC stimulation with peptide pools representing beta, delta, wild-type, and HCoV-NL63 spike proteins. Luminex bead assay was used to measure circulating plasma chemokine and cytokine levels. ELISA and MSD V-PLEX COVID-19 Serology and ACE2 Neutralization assays were used to measure humoral responses.

Results

Regardless of HIV status, we found a strong positive correlation between responses to HCoV-NL63 and SARS-CoV-2. However, PLWH exhibited weaker CD4+ T cell responses to both HCoV-NL63 and SARS-CoV-2 than HIV-uninfected individuals. PLWH also had higher proportions of functionally exhausted (PD-1high) CD4+ T cells producing fewer proinflammatory cytokines (IFNγ and TNFα) and had elevated plasma IL-2 and IL-12(p70) levels compared to HIV-uninfected individuals. HIV status didn’t significantly affect IgG antibody levels against SARS-CoV-2 antigens or ACE2 binding inhibition activity.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that the decrease in SARS-CoV-2 specific T cell responses in PLWH may be attributable to reduced frequencies of pre-existing cross-reactive responses. However, HIV infection minimally affected the quality and magnitude of humoral responses, and this could explain why the risk of severe COVID-19 in PLWH is highly heterogeneous.
Immune response following a two-dose schedule of bivalent HPV vaccination among girls and boys
Authors: Middeldorp Marit , Duijster Janneke W. , van de Kassteele Jan , van der Klis Fiona R.M. , de Melker Hester E.
Published: January 2024

Background

This longitudinal cohort study describes the kinetics in antibody levels after two doses of the bivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in girls (birth cohort 2001) vaccinated in the routine Dutch vaccination program at 12 years of age, up to 7.5 years post-vaccination. Also, the antibody response one month post-vaccination of the first cohort of boys (birth cohort 2012, vaccinated at 10 years of age) eligible for HPV vaccination in the Netherlands is presented.

Method

Blood samples and questionnaire data were collected of girls and boys. HPV type-specific antibody concentrations (LU/mL) against HPV16/18/31/33/45/52/58 were assessed using a validated virus-like particle (VLP) multiplex immunoassay. For girls, antibody decays over time were modelled using the modified power-law decay model and the exponential decay model.

Results

The Geometric Mean Concentrations (GMCs) remained higher for HPV16/18 than for HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 among girls up to 7.5 years post-vaccination. The antibody levels of HPV16 and HPV18 reached plateau values of 482 and 159 LU/mL, respectively. Mathematical modelling showed that the half-life values of HPV16/18 were 2.4- to 4.5-fold higher compared with the half-life values of the other HPV types. Among boys (aged 10 years), the GMC for HPV16 was significantly higher than among girls one month post-vaccination (aged 12 years).

Conclusion

The GMCs of all HPV types declined over time, although the GMCs of HPV16/18 remained relatively high up to 7.5 years post-vaccination. The GMCs for HPV16/18 among boys were at least equally high as the GMCs among girls at one month post-vaccination. Further follow-up of the cohort of boys is needed to gain knowledge on long-term immune responses of young boys following bivalent HPV vaccination.
Quantifying zoobenthic blue carbon storage across habitats within the Arctic’s Barents Sea
Authors: Souster Terri A. , Barnes David K. A. , Primicerio Raul , Jørgensen Lis Lindal
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The Arctic sea ice extent in September (when it is at its lowest) has declined 13% Q10 per decade, and the Arctic Ocean is becoming a more Atlantic-influenced system. Rapid climate-forced changes are taking place in many high-latitude marine ecosystems. The Barents Sea is one such high-latitude shelf ecosystem, between approximately 70° and 80°N in the Norwegian Arctic. The purpose of the current study was to estimate zoobenthic blue carbon across multiple habitats within the Barents Sea (trough, basin, shelf, and shallows), potentially providing values to aid ecosystem-based management of these areas under future climate change scenarios.

Method

We tested this by capture and analysis of 947 high-resolution (each 405.7 × 340.6 mm, 12 MB, 5 megapixels) seabed images at 17 sites with latitudinal cline, linked to a collection of corresponding oceanographic data. Biotas within these images were identified to one of the 14 functional groups and the density was calculated. Mean stored carbon per individual was assigned by ash mass (AM) and ash-free dry mass (AFDM) of individuals caught within Agassiz trawl deployments at the same sites.

Results

Trough sites, except for one site (B16), have a low quantity of zoobenthic blue carbon compared with the shallow, shelf, and basin habitats.

Discussion

The results of a previous study focused entirely on trough habitats and are therefore difficult to scale up as the basis for a meaningful estimate of across-habitat zoobenthic blue carbon in the Barents Sea. Compared with the trough and the basin, the shelf and shallow habitats of the Barents Sea are also subjected to more trawling events through demersal fisheries and showed higher zoobenthic blue carbon stock values.
Numerical analysis on dynamic response and damage threshold characterization of deep rock mass under blasting excavation
Authors: Zong Qi , Lv Nao , Wang Haibo , Duan Jichao
Published: January 2024

The excessive destruction of surrounding rock in deep tunnel will change the original environmental state and destroy the natural ecological balance. Research on the dynamic response characteristics and damage thresholds of rock masses in deep environments plays a crucial role in determining the excavation range of blasted rock and establishing safety construction scheme. This study employs numerical simulation techniques to investigate the dynamic response characteristics of surrounding rock under different ground stress conditions. By introducing the dynamic ultimate tensile strength criterion, critical fracture stress threshold, and maximum damage radius of rock under coupled dynamic-static loading conditions are determined. The research shows that under uniaxial ground stress condition, increasing ground stress inhibits damage to the surrounding rock and the extension of cracks in the excavation area, while imposing restrictions on the attenuation rate of explosive stress. Under bidirectional equal ground stress condition, an increase in lateral pressure coefficient inhibits the development of damage zones along the excavation contour, yet enhances the extension of cracks in the maximum principal stress direction. Moreover, when lateral pressure coefficient becomes excessively large, the attenuation rate of explosive stress significantly increases. Based on the threshold values of peak particle velocity (PPV), the functional relationship is established to predict safety criteria for deep blasting excavation.
Exploring the association between asthma and chronic comorbidities: impact on clinical outcomes
Authors: Listyoko Aditya Sri , Okazaki Ryota , Harada Tomoya , Inui Genki , Yamasaki Akira
Published: January 2024

Asthma remains a significant global health challenge. While both the incidence and mortality rates have shown a decline, older individuals with asthma exhibit not just more severe symptoms but also demonstrate an elevated mortality rate. This phenomenon could be attributed to the presence of chronic comorbidities that exert an influence on clinical outcomes among adult patients with asthma. This review aims to present various aspects of asthma comprehensively, including the prevalence, incidence, mortality rates, and causes of death in adult patients with asthma. Additionally, this review delves into the impact of chronic comorbidities that contribute to the morbidity and mortality of patients with asthma on a global scale, encompassing conditions such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, lung cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular disease, concerning asthma. Furthermore, the manuscript reviews the distinctions between asthma and asthma chronic obstructive pulmonary disease overlap and adds perspective on asthma as an occupational lung disease. Thus, this review aims to enhance clinicians’ awareness of the significance of chronic comorbidities in the management of patients with asthma. It seeks to provide insights that contribute to a more comprehensive approach to managing patients with asthma who also have comorbid conditions.
Diagnostic accuracy of OGUS, Southend halo score and halo count in giant cell arteritis
Authors: Conticini Edoardo , Falsetti Paolo , Al Khayyat Suhel Gabriele , Grazzini Silvia , Baldi Caterina , Bellisai Francesca , Gentileschi Stefano , Bardelli Marco , Fabiani Claudia , Cantarini Luca , Dasgupta Bhaskar , Frediani Bruno
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Ultrasound has a paramount role in the diagnostic assessment of giant cell arteritis (GCA); Southend halo score (HS), halo count (HC), and OMERACT GCA Ultrasonography Score (OGUS) are the first quantitative scores proposed in this setting. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the diagnostic accuracy of these scores in a real-life scenario, as well as to evaluate their optimal cutoff, also with respect to disease extent, sex, and age.

Methods

We retrospectively collected clinical, serological, and US findings of all patients referred for the first time to our vasculitis clinic in the suspicion of GCA.

Results

A total of 79 patients were included, and a definite diagnosis of GCA was made in 43 patients. For OGUS, the ROC curve showed an optimal cut point of 0.81 (sensitivity 79.07% and specificity 97.22%). For HC and HS, the optimal cutoff values were > 1.5 (sensitivity 76.7% and specificity 97.2%) and > 14.5 (sensitivity 74.4% and specificity 97.2%), respectively. No relevant differences were assessed when patients were stratified according to disease extent, age, and sex. Compression sign (CS) was positive in 34 of 38 patients with cranial GCA and negative in all controls and LV-GCA.

Conclusion

All three scores display good sensitivity and excellent specificity, although the cutoff was slightly different than proposed. In particular, for OGUS, a threshold of 0.81 could be employed for diagnostic purposes, although it was developed solely for monitoring. Due to its high sensitivity and specificity, CS should be always assessed in all patients referred with a suspicion of cranial GCA.
Role of extracellular matrix components in biofilm formation and adaptation of Pseudomonas ogarae F113 to the rhizosphere environment
Authors: Blanco-Romero Esther , Garrido-Sanz Daniel , Durán David , Rybtke Morten , Tolker-Nielsen Tim , Redondo-Nieto Miguel , Rivilla Rafael , Martín Marta
Published: January 2024

Regulating the transition of bacteria from motile to sessile lifestyles is crucial for their ability to compete effectively in the rhizosphere environment. Pseudomonas are known to rely on extracellular matrix (ECM) components for microcolony and biofilm formation, allowing them to adapt to a sessile lifestyle. Pseudomonas ogarae F113 possesses eight gene clusters responsible for the production of ECM components. These gene clusters are tightly regulated by AmrZ, a major transcriptional regulator that influences the cellular levels of c-di-GMP. The AmrZ-mediated transcriptional regulation of ECM components is primarily mediated by the signaling molecule c-di-GMP and the flagella master regulator FleQ. To investigate the functional role of these ECM components in P. ogarae F113, we performed phenotypic analyses using mutants in genes encoding these ECM components. These analyses included assessments of colony morphology, dye-staining, static attachment to abiotic surfaces, dynamic biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces, swimming motility, and competitive colonization assays of the rhizosphere. Our results revealed that alginate and PNAG polysaccharides, along with PsmE and the fimbrial low molecular weight protein/tight adherence (Flp/Tad) pilus, are the major ECM components contributing to biofilm formation. Additionally, we found that the majority of these components and MapA are needed for a competitive colonization of the rhizosphere in P. ogarae F113.
Case report: POEMS syndrome masquerades as diabetic foot
Authors: Zhou Guang-Xin , Xiao Li , Bi Yong-Min , Yang Fen , Yang Cai-Zhe , Zhang Da
Published: January 2024

We present the case of a 54-year-old woman with reasonable blood sugar control who presented with a diabetic foot combined with severe peripheral neuropathy and vascular disease. Lower limb muscle weakness, muscle atrophy, skin pigmentation, and emaciation were also observed. Although her muscle strength improved after glucocorticoid treatment, it remained challenging to account for the other symptoms in this particular patient with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. Plump liver and spleen, hidden bone lesions combined with seemingly unexplained cerebral infarction, and serous effusion led us to suspect polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal gammopathy, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome. The abnormal proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells and a significant increase in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels confirmed the diagnosis of POEMS syndrome. After 1 month of treatment with lenalidomide and dexamethasone, the diabetic foot ulcers healed, and the symptoms of myasthenia and fatigue improved. Diabetic feet may represent only the tip of the iceberg of an underlying POEMS syndrome. Our report aimed to increase awareness of this rare yet significant situation, advocating for the prompt identification and treatment of POEMS syndrome.
Induced degeneration and regeneration in aged muscle reduce tubular aggregates but not muscle function
Authors: Vasconcelos Felipe Tadeu Galante Rocha de , Ribeiro Júnior Antonio Fernando , Souza Brandow Willy , Zogbi Isabela de Aquino , Carvalho Laura Machado Lara , Feitosa Letícia Nogueira , Souza Lucas Santos , Saldys Nathália Gagliardi , Ferrari Merari de Fátima Ramires , Vainzof Mariz
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Tubular aggregates (TA) are skeletal muscle structures that arise from the progressive accumulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum proteins. Cytoplasmic aggregates in muscle fibers have already been observed in mice and humans, mainly during aging and muscle disease processes. However, the effects of muscle regeneration on TA formation have not yet been reported. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between degeneration/regeneration and TA in aged murine models. We investigated the presence and quantity of TA in old males from two murine models with intense muscle degeneration and regeneration.

Methods

One murine lineage was a Dmdmdx model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (n = 6). In the other model, muscle damage was induced by electroporation in C57BL/6J wild-type mice, and analyzed after 5, 15, and 30 days post-electroporation (dpe; n = 15). Regeneration was evaluated based on the quantity of developmental myosin heavy chain (dMyHC)-positive fibers.

Results

The frequency of fibers containing TA was higher in aged C57BL/6J (26 ± 8.3%) than in old dystrophic Dmdmdx mice (2.4 ± 2%). Comparing the data from induced degeneration/regeneration in normal mice revealed a reduced proportion of TA-containing fibers after 5 and 30 dpe. Normal aged muscle was able to regenerate and form dMyHC+ fibers, mainly at 5 dpe (0.1 ± 0.1 vs. 16.5 ± 2.6%). However, there was no difference in force or resistance between normal and 30 dpe animals, except for the measurements by the Actimeter device, which showed the worst parameters in the second group.

Discussion

Our results suggest that TA also forms in the Dmdmdx muscle but in smaller amounts. The intense degeneration and regeneration of the old dystrophic model resulted in the generation of new muscle fibers with a lower quantity of TA. Data from electroporated wild-type mice support the idea that muscle regeneration leads to a reduction in the amount of TA. We suggest that TA accumulates in muscle fibers throughout physiological aging and that regeneration leads to the formation of new fibers without these structures. In addition, these new fibers do not confer functional benefits to the muscle.
Patient-derived organoids: a promising tool for breast cancer research
Authors: Shi Yixin , Guan Zhanwen , Cai Gengxi , Nie Yichu , Zhang Chuling , Luo Wei , Liu Jia
Published: January 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is the most prevalent malignancy among women worldwide. Traditional research models such as primary cancer cell and patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDTXs) have limitations. Cancer cells lack a tumor microenvironment (TME) and genetic diversity, whereas PDTXs are expensive and have a time-consuming preparation protocol. Therefore, alternative research models are warranted. Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) are a promising in vitro model. They mimic the TME, gene expression, and cell types of original cancer tissues. PDOs have been successfully developed from various cancers, including BC. In this review, we focused on the value and limitations of PDOs in BC research, including their characteristics and potential in drug development, personalized therapy, immunotherapy, and the application prospects of PDOs in drug testing and prognosis.
A review of Brucea javanica: metabolites, pharmacology and clinical application
Authors: Chen Jing , Yu Dongke , Li Xinyu , Deng Qichuan , Yang Hao , Chen Lu , Bai Lan
Published: January 2024

This review examines advances in the metabolites, pharmacological research, and therapeutic applications of the medicinal fruit of Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. Brucea javanica (BJ) is derived from the fruit of the Brucea javanica (L.) Merr. There are nearly 200 metabolites present in BJ, and due to the diversity of its metabolites, BJ has a wide range of pharmacological effects. The traditional pharmacological effects of BJ include anti-dysentery, anti-malaria, etc. The research investigating the contemporary pharmacological impacts of BJ mainly focuses on its anti-tumor properties. In the article, the strong monomeric metabolites among these pharmacological effects were preliminarily screened. Regarding the pharmacological mechanism of action, current research has initially explored BJ’s pharmacological agent and molecular signaling pathways. However, a comprehensive system has yet to be established. BJ preparations have been utilized in clinical settings and have demonstrated effectiveness. Nevertheless, clinical research is primarily limited to observational studies, and there is a need for higher-quality research evidence to support its clinical application. There are still many difficulties and obstacles in studying BJ. However, it is indisputable that BJ is a botanical drugs with significant potential for application, and it is expected to have broader global usage.
Marine fungus Aspergillus c1. sp metabolite activates the HSF1/PGC-1α axis, inducing a thermogenic program for treating obesity
Authors: Rao Yong , Su Rui , Wu Chenyan , Yang Guanyu , Fu Renquan , Wu Junjie , Liang Jinqiang , Liu Jin , Jiang Zhongping , Xu Congjun , Huang Ling
Published: January 2024

Background and aims: Obesity is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide with less ideal approved agents in clinic. Activating the HSF1/PGC-1α axis in adipose tissues has been reported to induce thermogenesis in mice, which presents a promising therapeutic avenue for obesity treatment. The present study aimed to identified novel natural HSF1 activator and evaluated the therapeutic effects of the newly discovered compound on obesity-associated metabolic disorders and the molecular mechanisms of these effects.

Methods: Our previous reported HSF1/PGC-1α activator screening system was used to identify novel natural HSF1 activator. The PGC-1α luciferase activity, immunoblot, protein nuclear-translocation, immunofluorescence, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were used to evaluate the activity of compound HN-001 in activating HSF1. The experiments of mitochondrial number measurement, TG assay and imaging, cellular metabolic assay, gene assays, and CRISPR/Cas 9 were applied for investigating the metabolic effect of HN-001 in C3H10-T1/2 adipocytes. The in vivo anti-obesity efficacies and beneficial metabolic effects of HN-001 were evaluated by performing body and fat mass quantification, plasma chemical analysis, GTT, ITT, cold tolerance test, thermogenesis analysis.

Results: HN-001 dose- and time-dependently activated HSF1 and induced HSF1 nuclear translocation, resulting in an enhancement in binding with the gene Pgc-1α. This improvement induced activation of adipose thermogenesis and enhancement of mitochondrial oxidation capacity, thus inhibiting adipocyte maturation. Deletion of HSF1 in adipocytes impaired mitochondrial oxidation and abolished the above beneficial metabolic effects of HN-001, including adipocyte browning induction, improvements in mitogenesis and oxidation capacity, and lipid-lowering ability. In mice, HN-001 treatment efficiently alleviated diet-induced obesity and metabolic disorders. These changes were associated with increased body temperature in mice and activation of the HSF1/PGC-1α axis in adipose tissues. UCP1 expression and mitochondrial biogenesis were increased in both white and brown adipose tissues of HN-001-treated mice.

Conclusion: These data indicate that HN-001 may have therapeutic potential for obesity-related metabolic diseases by increasing the capacity of energy expenditure in adipose tissues through a mechanism involving the HSF1/PGC-1α axis, which shed new light on the development of novel anti-obesity agents derived from marine sources.
A protein–miRNA biomic analysis approach to explore neuroprotective potential of nobiletin in human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs)
Authors: Jahan Sadaf , Ansari Uzair Ahmad , Srivastava Ankur Kumar , Aldosari Sahar , Alabdallat Nessrin Ghazi , Siddiqui Arif Jamal , Khan Andleeb , Albadrani Hind Muteb , Sarkar Sana , Khan Bushra , Adnan Mohd , Pant Aditya Bhushan
Published: January 2024

Chemical-induced neurotoxicity is increasingly recognized to accelerate the development of neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), which pose an increasing health burden to society. Attempts are being made to develop drugs that can cross the blood–brain barrier and have minimal or no side effects. Nobiletin (NOB), a polymethoxylated flavonoid with anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, has been demonstrated to be a promising compound to treat a variety of NDs. Here, we investigated the potential role of NOB in sodium arsenate (NA)-induced deregulated miRNAs and target proteins in human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs). The proteomics and microRNA (miRNA) profiling was done for different groups, namely, unexposed control, NA-exposed, NA + NOB, and NOB groups. Following the correlation analysis between deregulated miRNAs and target proteins, RT-PCR analysis was used to validate the selected genes. The proteomic analysis showed that significantly deregulated proteins were associated with neurodegeneration pathways, response to oxidative stress, RNA processing, DNA repair, and apoptotic process following exposure to NA. The OpenArray analysis confirmed that NA exposure significantly altered miRNAs that regulate P53 signaling, Wnt signaling, cell death, and cell cycle pathways. The RT-PCR validation studies concur with proteomic data as marker genes associated with autophagy and apoptosis (HO-1, SQSTM1, LC-3, Cas3, Apaf1, HSP70, and SNCA1) were altered following NA exposure. It was observed that the treatment of NOB significantly restored the deregulated miRNAs and proteins to their basal levels. Hence, it may be considered one of its neuroprotective mechanisms. Together, the findings are promising to demonstrate the potential applicability of NOB as a neuroprotectant against chemical-induced neurotoxicity.