bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sedentary Lifestyle Post-Covid-19 Pandemic State Primary School V Mojosongo Surakarta
Authors: Sunarwan Sunarwan , Kristiyanto Agus , Purnama Sapta Kunta
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine the sedentary lifestyle after the COVID-19 pandemic at SD Negeri Mojosongo V Surakarta. The type of research used in this research is descriptive quantitative research with a survey approach. The population in this study were students of SD Negeri Mojosongo V Surakarta class V with a total of 30 students. The sampling technique in this study used a total sampling technique. The sample in this study amounted to 30 students. Data analysis in this study used descriptive analysis with SPSS version 25. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the sedentary lifestyle of children in SD Negeri Mojosongo V has a high category as evidenced by indicators like using cellphones/gadgets, cellphones are not used to find material/study. , likes to play online games, likes to eat junk food, likes to snack outside the school canteen, the majority of the percentage of answers always gets the highest score. It is hoped that the results of this study can be used as a basis for all parties to pay more attention to and supervise children related to a sedentary lifestyle.
Augmented Reality Needs Analysis in Human Anatomy for Sports Education Students
Authors: Kusmawati Wiwik , Husen Ashari
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to analyze the need for Augmented Reality in Human Anatomy for Sports Education students. This research is a quantitative descriptive study by referring to the define stages of the Thiagarajan development model. Data collection techniques were carried out by distributing questionnaires, observations and interviews. The results showed that 85% of the material was not clear, 80% of the teaching materials were less interesting, 85% had difficulty understanding language, and 80% lacked pictures. It is important to develop Augmented Reality applications in Human Anatomy for Sports Education students.
Learning Strategy for Junior High School Modern Islamic College Amanah 1 Deli Serdang Regency During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Siregar Timbul Mugabe , Siregar Samsuddin , Supriadi Amir
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to find out how the teacher's learning strategy at the SMP Perguruan Islam Modern Amanah 1 Deli Serdang Regency during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The research method used is a qualitative descriptive method. The technique used is random sampling. The instruments used in this study were interviews and questionnaires. The results of this study indicate that the learning strategy used by the teacher is to use media applications such as Google Meet, Video, Whatsapp, and establish communication with students' parents. Through this learning strategy, it can be a strategy that is quite effective and efficient in controlling the learning process even in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis.
Staphylococcus Aureus and Atopic Dermatitis: Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?
Authors: Baviera Giuseppe , Maiello Nunzia , Galli Elena
Published: February 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly pruritic, chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects up to 25% of children and 10% of adults. Approximately 90% of patients with AD are colonised by Staphylococcus aureus , compared with only 5–30% of non-atopic individuals. Th2 cytokines have a permissive effect on microbial invasion, the epidermal barrier, and cell-mediated immunity, which lowers the production of antimicrobial proteins. Superantigen-producing S. aureus colonisation is correlated with serum interleukin (IL)-4 levels. Up to 50–60% of the S. aureus found on patients with AD is toxin-producing.1 S. aureus colonisation, infection, and production of toxins and superantigens is believed to drive, at least in part, the pathogenesis of AD. S. aureus mechanically disrupts epidermal integrity through protease activity, and also has the ability to be internalised by keratinocytes in which it activates the inflammasome and induces apoptosis. Some patients with AD produce specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies directed against staphylococcal superantigens to an extent that correlates with skin disease severity. IL-4 and IL-13 have also been reported to increase staphylococcal α-toxin-induced keratinocyte death via STAT6 signalling. The S. aureus superantigens staphylococcal enterotoxin B and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 promote lymphocyte IL-31 production in patients with AD. IL-31 has, in turn, been shown to reduce filaggrin expression and mediate pro-inflammatory cytokine excretion, as well as induce toxin-specific IgE and basophilic activation. The ability of S. aureus to colonise skin affected by AD, and to activate and maintain a Th2 environment allowing, via the destruction of tight junctions, exposure to allergens and thus causing allergic sensitisation, makes it one of the main protagonists of the ‘atopic march’.
The Role of Sebelipase Alfa in Treating Lysosomal Acid Lipase Deficiency (LAL-D)
Authors: Maguire Laura
Published: February 2023

Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LAL-D), historically known as Wolman’s disease or cholesteryl ester storage disease, is a severe, underdiagnosed, and rare disease associated with significant morbidity and premature mortality. LAL is involved in lipid hydrolysis, and deficiency induces lipid metabolism abnormalities, which affect multiple organ systems including the liver, cardiovascular system, spleen, and gastrointestinal (GI) system.

The most rapidly progressive cases of LAL-D are apparent during infancy. In these cases, the disease progresses very rapidly and is likely to be fatal within the first 6 months of life. At the same time, LAL-D can also progress less rapidly, in which case clinically severe manifestations may not be observed until later in childhood or adulthood. Low awareness of the disease contributes to under and misdiagnosis of LAL-D.

LAL-D can be difficult to distinguish from other conditions as the signs and symptoms are non-specific and overlap with more commonly occurring liver or lipid abnormalities such as heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). When LAL-D is suspected, it can be rapidly diagnosed using a dry blood spot enzymatic test.
Sebelipase alfa is a LAL enzyme replacement. It is the first drug therapy for the treatment of LAL-D and was recently approved in the European Union and the USA. Sebelipase alfa has been shown to both improve survival and slow disease-progression markers in patients with LAL-D.
Treatment of Secondary Mitral Regurgitation via Percutaneous Annuloplasty
Authors: Powell Jill
Published: February 2023

Functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) is a common occurrence in patients with heart failure (HF). FMR is associated with as much as a 2-fold increase in mortality, as well as in HF hospitalisations. Over the past 15 years, efforts to address FMR have focussed on the development of transcatheter devices that replicate the effect of annuloplasty; however, besides open heart surgery, optimal medical treatment remains the standard of care (SoC) for these patients. To date, the only CE-marked option available for clinical use as a transcatheter annuloplasty device is the CARILLON® Contour System® from Cardiac Dimensions. The efficacy demonstrated in clinical trials, implantation technique, and comprehensive patient treatment was discussed during the symposium at EuroPCR and is presented in detail in this article.
Toward an Accessible Civics Curriculum: Adapting We the People for High-Need Students
Authors: Owen Diana , Phillips Donna
Published: February 2023

The James Madison Legacy Project Extension (JMLPE) is a program of the Center for Civic Education that focuses on adapting the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution (WTP) curriculum for students with disabilities, English language learners (ELLs), and students of color. The research questions addressed in the paper are: What are the priorities and needs of middle and high school civics teachers whose classes include significant numbers of ELLs, students with disabilities, and students of color? What are the barriers to successfully implementing civics curriculum interventions in their classrooms? What are the best practices for imparting civic and social and emotional learning (SEL) competencies to the three target student populations? And finally, how was the WTP curriculum adapted to meet the needs of teachers and ELLs, students with disabilities, and students of color?
Coalitional Pedagogy: Educating for Intersectional Social Justice
Authors: Taylor Liza , Keating Cricket
Published: February 2023

Inspired by Paulo Freire, Mara Lugones, and other women of color coalitional feminists, this paper argues for coalitional pedagogy as an approach to teaching and learning about intersectional social justice. Such an approach seeks to decenter the teacher-as-leader model in favor of learning with as opposed to teaching for students (Freire); to remain committed to a problem-posing (Freire) approach that continuously asks the other question (Matsuda) and the bigger question (Morales); to embrace learning about each other as resistors (Lugones) as a necessary part of this mapping process; to provide space within the classroom for critical reflection on coalitional exercises so that students and teacher might embrace the relational transformation that results from this process; and to decenter the authority of canonical theory texts by inviting students to take part in the development of a primary text for the course through collaborative reflective journaling.
Pyridoxine biosynthesis protein MoPdx1 affects the development and pathogenicity of Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Yang Lina , Liu Xiaohong , Wang Jie , Li Lianwei , Feng Wanzhen , Ji Zhaolin
Published: February 2023

B vitamins are essential micro-organic compounds for the development of humans and animals. Vitamin B6 comprises a group of components including pyridoxine, pyridoxal, and pyridoxamine. In addition, vitamin B6 acts as the coenzymes in amino acid biosynthesis, decarboxylation, racemic reactions, and other biological processes. In this study, we found that the expressions of a gene encoding pyridoxine biosynthesis protein (PDX1) were significantly upregulated in the early infectious stages in M. oryzae. Furthermore, deletion of MoPDX1 slowed vegetative growth on different media, especially on MM media, and the growth defect was rescued when MoPdx1-protein was expressed in mutants strains and when commercial VB6 (pyridoxine) was added exogenously. However, VB6 content in different strains cultured in CM media has no significant difference, suggested that MoPdx1 was involved in de novo VB6 biosynthesis not in uptake process, and VB6 regulates the vegetative growth of M. oryzae. The ΔMopdx1 mutants presented abnormal appressorium turgor, slowed invasive growth and reduced virulence on rice seedlings and sheath cells. MoPdx1 was located in the cytoplasm and present in spore and germ tubes at 14 hours post inoculation (hpi) and then transferred into the appressorium at 24 hpi. Addition of VB6 in the conidial suspentions could rescue the defects of appressorium turgor pressure at 14 hpi or 24 hpi, invasive growth and pathogenicity of the MoPDX1 deletion mutants. Indicated that MoPdx1 affected the appressorium turgor pressure, invasive growth and virulence mainly depended on de novo VB6, and VB6 was biosynthesized in conidia, then transported into the appressorium, which play important roles in substances transportation from conidia to appressorium thus to regulate the appressorium turgor pressure. However, deletion of MoPDX1 did not affect the ability that scavenge ROS produced by rice cells, and the mutant strains were unable to activate host defense responses. In addition, co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays investigating potential MoPdx1-interacting proteins suggested that MoPdx1 might take part in multiple pathways, especially in the ribosome and in biosynthesis of some substances. These results indicate that vitamins are involved in the development and pathogenicity of M. oryzae.
Increased levels of NT-proBNP and troponin T 2 years after coronary artery bypass grafting complicated by mediastinitis
Authors: Risnes Ivar , Aukrust Pål , Lundblad Runar , Rødevand Olaf , Ueland Thor , Rynning Stein Erik , Saeed Sahrai
Published: February 2023

Background

Mediastinitis after coronary bypass grafting (CABG) increases the risk of the internal mammary artery (IMA) graft obstruction, and has a detrimental effect on long-term survival. The pathogenesis for this increased mortality is poorly understood. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between mediastinitis and persistently elevated cardiac-specific biomarkers [troponin T (TnT) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)] and C-reactive protein (CRP) at mid-term follow-up following CABG.

Material and methods

The epidemiologic design was of an exposed (mediastinitis, n = 41) vs. randomly selected non-exposed (non-mediastinitis) controls (n = 41) cohort. Serum samples for measurements of NT-proBNP, TnT, and CRP were obtained at a median follow up time of 2.7 (range 0.5–5.2) years after CABG surgery.

Results

NT-proBNP (mean 65.0 pg/ml vs. 34.8 pg/ml, p = 0.007) and TnT levels (mean 14.7 ng/L vs. 11.2 ng/L, p = 0.004) were significantly higher in the mediastinitis group than in the control group. Patients with mediastinitis had also higher body mass index (BMI) and were more likely to have diabetes and previous myocardial infarction. There was no difference in serum CRP level between the groups. After controlling for potential confounders (previous myocardial infarction, age, and BMI), the presence of mediastinitis was associated with higher levels of log NT-proBNP (p = 0.02) and log TnT (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Mediastinitis increases the concentrations of cardiac-specific biomarkers NT-proBNP and TnT at mid-term follow-up, representing persistent myocardial injury and impaired cardiac function.
Exploration and validation of the influence of angiogenesis-related factors in aortic valve calcification
Authors: Kong XiangJin , Meng LingWei , Wei KaiMing , Lv Xin , Liu ChuanZhen , Lin FuShun , Gu XingHua
Published: February 2023

Over the years, bioinformatics tools have been used to identify functional genes. In the present study, bioinformatics analyses were conducted to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms of angiogenic factors in calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD). The raw gene expression profiles were from datasets GSE153555, GSE83453, and GSE51472, and the angiogenesis-related gene set was from the Gene Set Enrichment Analysis database (GSEA). In this study, R was used to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and co-expressed genes. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) Pathway enrichment analysis were performed on DEGs and validated in clinical samples. DEGs in CAVD were significantly enriched in numerous immune response pathways, inflammatory response pathways and angiogenesis-related pathways. Nine highly expressed angiogenesis-related genes were identified, of which secretogranin II (SCG2) was the most critical gene. MiRNA and transcription factors (TFs) networks were established centered on five DEGs, and zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) was the most important transcription factor, verified by PCR, immunohistochemical staining and western blotting experiments. Overall, this study identified key genes and TFs that may be involved in the pathogenesis of CAVD and may have promising applications in the treatment of CAVD.
Association between hemoglobin glycation index and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Xing Yuling , Zhen Yunfeng , Yang Liqun , Huo Lijing , Ma Huijuan
Published: February 2023

Objective

The hemoglobin glycation index (HGI) reflects biological variability in hemoglobin A1c. Even so, studies on the relationship between HGI and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between HGI and NAFLD. In addition, the study also aimed to provide new methods to identify patients with a high risk for the development of NAFLD.

Methods

This was a retrospective study based on physical examination data from Japan. Patients were divided into quartiles (Q1–Q4) according to their HGI level; the lowest quartile (Q1) was used as the reference group. Patents were also classified into two subgroups based on the presence or absence of NAFLD. Baseline characteristics between the groups were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between the HGI and NAFLD. A mediation analysis examined the mediation relationship between HGI and NAFLD. Subgroup analyses were performed to the reliability of the results.

Results

A total of 14280 patients were eligible for inclusion in this study; 2515 had NAFLD. Patients in the NAFLD group had higher levels of HGI than patients in the non-NAFLD group. Increases in HGI correlated with an increased risk of NAFLD. After adjusting for confounding factors, the multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HGI was positively related to the prevalence of NAFLD. In addition, mediation analysis showed that body mass index (BMI) partly mediated the indirect impact of HGI on NAFLD preference. Subgroup analyses were performed according to age, sex, smoking status, and waist circumference. Our results indicated that HGI significantly correlated with NAFLD in patients with one of the following factors: age ≤60 years, BMI >28 kg/m2, female sex, a history of smoking, and abdominal obesity.

Conclusions

HGI was an independent risk factor for NAFLD, and BMI partly mediated the association between HGI and NAFLD.
A long non-coding RNA that harbors a SNP associated with type 2 diabetes regulates the expression of TGM2 gene in pancreatic beta cells
Authors: González-Moro Itziar , Rojas-Márquez Henar , Sebastian-delaCruz Maialen , Mentxaka-Salgado Jon , Olazagoitia-Garmendia Ane , Mendoza Luis Manuel , Lluch Aina , Fantuzzi Federica , Lambert Carmen , Ares Blanco Jessica , Marselli Lorella , Marchetti Piero , Cnop Miriam , Delgado Elías , Fernández-Real José Manuel , Ortega Francisco José , Castellanos-Rubio Ainara , Santin Izortze
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Most of the disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) lie in non- coding regions of the human genome. Many of these variants have been predicted to impact the expression and function of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA), but the contribution of these molecules to the development of complex diseases remains to be clarified.

Methods

Here, we performed a genetic association study between a SNP located in a lncRNA known as LncTGM2 and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), and analyzed its implication in disease pathogenesis at pancreatic beta cell level. Genetic association study was performed on human samples linking the rs2076380 polymorphism with T2D and glycemic traits. The pancreatic beta cell line EndoC-bH1 was employed for functional studies based on LncTGM2 silencing and overexpression experiments. Human pancreatic islets were used for eQTL analysis.

Results

We have identified a genetic association between LncTGM2 and T2D risk. Functional characterization of the LncTGM2 revealed its implication in the transcriptional regulation of TGM2, coding for a transglutaminase. The T2Dassociated risk allele in LncTGM2 disrupts the secondary structure of this lncRNA, affecting its stability and the expression of TGM2 in pancreatic beta cells. Diminished LncTGM2 in human beta cells impairs glucose-stimulated insulin release.

Conclusions

These findings provide novel information on the molecular mechanisms by which T2D-associated SNPs in lncRNAs may contribute to disease, paving the way for the development of new therapies based on the modulation of lncRNAs.
Effects of titanium dioxide additions on flash ignition characteristics of aluminum and iron nanoparticles
Authors: Yu Runtian , Liu Yanxiong , Liu Guannan , Ying Yaoyao , Li Tianjiao , Liu Dong
Published: February 2023

The flash ignition as a new ignition method has attracted lots of interest from researchers. The flash ignition can successfully achieve distributed ignition in a short time. To study the flash ignition and combustion characteristics of titanium dioxide mixed with iron nanoparticles and aluminum nanoparticles, an appropriate amount of titanium dioxide was added to the iron nanoparticles and aluminum nanoparticles to form the composite material. The ignition phenomenon of mixture materials was recorded by the high-speed camera and the temperature distribution of ignited materials was calculated by using the two-color method. The minimum ignition energy of mixture materials with different content of titanium dioxide and total mass was measured to analyze the method to decrease the minimum ignition energy. The results showed that the effect of the added titanium dioxide was insignificant on the combustion phenomenon of the iron nanoparticles. The temperature was still maintained at approximately 850 K compared with the pure iron nanoparticles. The minimum ignition energy of the mixture materials increased with the increasing content of titanium dioxide. As for the aluminum nanoparticles, titanium dioxide can enhance the explosion phenomenon occurring at the beginning of the flash ignition. In the exposure process. With the content of titanium dioxide in the range of 0%–20%, the minimum ignition energy of the mixture materials decreased greatly. The content increased to the range of 20%–40%, the minimum ignition energy was neglected. When the content was further increased to higher than 60%, the minimum ignition energy gradually increased until it gets the saturation condition.
Security feedback trust model of power network demand response terminal triggered by hacker attacks
Authors: Chen Jianfei , Zhao Lina , Sun Qiang , Zhang Cheng
Published: February 2023

With the rapid expansion of power system scale, demand response business is promoted to develop. More and more demand response terminals are connected to the smart grid, smart grid is an intelligent system that allows the grid to effectively perform its functions. Its data can be used in intelligent decision-making during grid operation, which may be attacked by hackers in practical applications, causing security problems of demand response terminals of the power network. The security feedback trust model establishes trust relationship through trust mechanism, which can effectively ensure the security of interaction between nodes and demand response terminals of the smart grid. Therefore, a security feedback trust model of power network demand response terminal triggered by hacker attacks is proposed. Analyze the role of smart grid in power grid, and use convolutional neural network in artificial intelligence technology to enhance the flexibility of smart grid. Aiming at the security problem of the demand response terminal of the power network being attacked by hackers, based on the trust theory, the security feedback trust model of the demand response terminal of the power network is designed through the main services provided by the security feedback trust model, the trust information storage of the power network nodes and the summary of the main work. Establish the identity trust relationship, adopt the distributed verifiable signature scheme, update the power grid node certificate, update the identity trust relationship, and revoke the identity trust relationship based on the trust evaluation and threshold value to prevent hackers from attacking the power grid demand response terminal. Based on information theory, trust is established and measured. Entropy is used to represent the trust value. Behavior trust evaluation and composition mechanism are introduced into the security feedback trust model of power network demand response terminals to achieve the credibility of identity and behavior among power network nodes. The experimental results show that the proposed method can judge the hacker attacks, reduce the impact of hacker attacks on the trust of power grid nodes, and improve the interaction security between power grid demand response terminals and power grid nodes.
“Norms” as the noumenon, “functions” for use: A new idea of cultivated land administrative protection in China
Authors: Li Lingling , Gao Haoran , Cui Caixian
Published: February 2023

In the 70 years since it has been founded, China’s cultivated land protection work has made remarkable achievements: less than 10% of the world’s cultivated land has fed 22% of the world’s population and 900 million peasants have the foundation on which to survive and develop. However, under the strictest protection system such as “Grow Teeth” (GT), there is still a deviation of “norm-value” and “demand-efficacy” in the Administrative Protection of Cultivated Land (APCL) at this stage. This paper uses normative analysis method, similar case research method as well as value analysis method to find that the legitimacy of the current APCL system is insufficient: on the one hand, under the perspective of functionalist “needs and efficacy”, the existing Cultivated Land Protection Law (Draft) (CLPL) and other normative documents cannot meet the needs of APCL penalties, relief, public welfare, etc.; On the other hand, from the perspective of normative “value legitimacy”, APCL legitimacy value foundation is lacking due to the limitations of overall value fragmentation, insufficient compatibility value and fragile defensive value. Therefore, the value base of APCL should be dismantled under the guidance of “function for use” to disassemble the functions of punishment, relief and public welfare, so as to specifically realize the construction of CLPL subjects, the inheritance of regulations, the transformation of responsibility subdivision, and the Land Administration Law and other regulatory continuations, to carry out protective measures such as clarifying the scope of punishment and giving compulsory force after coordination to cultivated land protection inspection recommendations, so as to give full play to the efficacy of APCL.
Toxicity mechanisms and remediation strategies for chromium exposure in the environment
Authors: Yan Guangwei , Gao Yingjun , Xue Kun , Qi Yijian , Fan Ying , Tian Xue , Wang Jinji , Zhao Renyu , Zhang Pu , Liu Yongxia , Liu Jianzhu
Published: February 2023

Chromium (Cr) is the seventh most abundant chemical element in the Earth’s crust, and Cr(III) and Cr(VI) are common stable valence states of Cr. Several Cr-containing substances, such as FeOCr2O3 and stainless-steel products, exist in nature and in life. However, Cr(VI) is toxic to soil, microorganisms, and plants and poses a serious threat to human health through direct and indirect exposure. By collecting published journal literature, we found that Cr(VI) can cause acute and chronic toxicity in organisms and has carcinogenic effects, and the mechanisms causing these toxicity include endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy and apoptosis. However, the relationship between these mechanisms remains unclear. Many methods have been researched to purify chromium, but each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, this review summarizes the hazards of chromium and the mechanisms of chromium toxicity after entering cells and provides a number of methods for chromium contamination management, providing a direction for the next step in chromium toxicology and contamination decontamination research.
Predicting the global fundamental climate niche of lodgepole pine for climate change adaptation
Authors: Zhao Yueru , Wang Tongli
Published: February 2023

The widely used species-occurrence-based models that predict the realized climate niche of plants can be too restrictive and do not reflect among-population variation in assessing climate change impact and guiding assisted migration for adaptation to future climates. To mitigate this deficiency, this study built a fundamental climate niche model for lodgepole pine (Pinus contortaDougl. ex Loud.) based on 20-year tree height from wide-ranging provenance trials as a case study. The model was built through comparisons and optimizations of two candidate models, universal response function (URF) and universal transfer function (UTF), with linear and linear mixed-effect forms, against varying sample sizes based on the comprehensive provenance trials. We found that URF and UTF models had similar performances, while URF models were more straightforward in identifying optimal provenances for planting sites. Linear mixed-effect models did not show clear advantages over linear models in our case but prevented including additional predictors, which are often critical. We selected the linear model of URF and predicted the fundamental climate niche of lodgepole pine on a global scale and revealed a great potential of using this species for climate change adaptation beyond its native distribution, representing a significant step in forest genecology. Our study presented a new approach for assisted migration at the species and the population levels to optimize adaptation and productivity under a changing climate.
Single cell analysis via mass cytometry of spontaneous intestinal perforation reveals alterations in small intestinal innate and adaptive mucosal immunity
Authors: Olaloye Oluwabunmi , Eke Chino , Jolteus Abigail , Konnikova Liza
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) is a poorly understood severe gastrointestinal complications of prematurity which is poorly understood. Extremely premature infants born prior to 28 weeks’ gestation develop a localized perforation of the terminal ileum during the first week of life and therapy involves surgery and cessation of enteral feeds. Little is known regardj g the impact of mucosal immune dysfunction on disease pathogenesis.

Methods

We performed mass cytometry time of flight (CyTOF) of small intestinal mucosa of patients with SIP (Gestational age (GA) 24 – 27 weeks, n=8) compared to patients who had surgery for non-SIP conditions (neonatal (GA >36 weeks, n=5 ) and fetal intestine from elective terminations (GA 18-21 weeks, n=4). CyTOF analysis after stimulation of T cells with PMA/Ionomycin was also performed.

Results

We noted changes in innate and adaptive mucosal immunity in SIP. SIP mucosa had an expansion of ckit+ neutrophils, an influx of naïve CD4 and CD8 T cells and a reduction of effector memory T cells. SIP T cells were characterized by reduced CCR6 and CXCR3 expression and increased interferon gamma expression after stimulation.

Discussion

These findings suggest that previously unrecognized immune dysregulation is associated with SIP and should be explored in future studies.
The metabolic underpinnings of temperature-dependent predation in a key marine predator
Authors: Csik Samantha R. , DiFiore Bartholomew P. , Kraskura Krista , Hardison Emily A. , Curtis Joseph S. , Eliason Erika J. , Stier Adrian C.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Changes in temperature can fundamentally transform how species interact, causing wholesale shifts in ecosystem dynamics and stability. Yet we still have a limited understanding of how temperature-dependence in physiology drives temperature-dependence in species-interactions. For predator-prey interactions, theory predicts that increases in temperature drive increases in metabolism and that animals respond to this increased energy expenditure by ramping up their food consumption to meet their metabolic demand. However, if consumption does not increase as rapidly with temperature as metabolism, increases in temperature can ultimately cause a reduction in consumer fitness and biomass via starvation.

Methods

Here we test the hypothesis that increases in temperature cause more rapid increases in metabolism than increases in consumption using the California spiny lobster (Panulirus interruptus) as a model system. We acclimated individual lobsters to temperatures they experience sacross their biogeographic range (11, 16, 21, or 26°C), then measured whether lobster consumption rates are able to meet the increased metabolic demands of rising temperatures.

Results and discussion

We show positive effects of temperature on metabolism and predation, but in contrast to our hypothesis, rising temperature caused lobster consumption rates to increase at a faster rate than increases in metabolic demand, suggesting that for the mid-range of temperatures, lobsters are capable of ramping up consumption rates to increase their caloric demand. However, at the extreme ends of the simulated temperatures, lobster biology broke down. At the coldest temperature, lobsters had almost no metabolic activity and at the highest temperature, 33% of lobsters died. Our results suggest that temperature plays a key role in driving the geographic range of spiny lobsters and that spatial and temporal shifts in temperature can play a critical role in driving the strength of species interactions for a key predator in temperate reef ecosystems.
Acoustic telemetry system as a novel approach for evaluating the effective attraction of fish to artificial reefs
Authors: Lyu Shaoliang , Lauden Hagai Nsobi , Wang Lifei , Chen Guobao , Wang Zhichao , Lin Kun , Wang Xuefeng
Published: February 2023

Due to there being a lack of suitable approaches for evaluating the effectiveness of artificial reefs, two experiments were designed to examine the feasibility of acoustic telemetry, a rapidly developing method for tracking aquatic animals. The first experiment was conducted to understand the deployment procedures of an acoustic telemetry system and determine the appropriate deployment of receivers’ spacing, while the second experiment was conducted to quantify the site fidelity and habitat use of 11 reef fish in the Fangchenggang artificial reef area in the northern South China Sea, China. The results indicated that the logistic regression model was an effective way to balance the detection probability at different distances between the range test transmitter and receiver, with above 50% detection probability within 240 m and 80% detection probability within 110 m. The residency index, as a quantification of site fidelity, was 0.85 ± 0.24. The 100% minimum convex polygon, 95% kernel utilization distribution, and 50% kernel utilization distribution, which are the indicators of habitat use, were 34,522.94 ± 35,548.95, 1,467.52 ± 1,619.05, and 236.01 ± 294.59 m2, respectively. High site fidelity and the small spatial scale of habitat use for reef fish demonstrated that artificial reefs were an effective man-made structure to attract fish. Overall, this study supports the feasibility of the acoustic telemetry system, indicating that it provides a good approach for quantifying the associations between artificial reefs and fish.
Introducing helmet non-invasive ventilation during COVID-19 pandemic: Early experience of two centres
Authors: Chaudhuri Dipayan , Sharma Rishi , Burns Karen E. A. , Piticaru Joshua , Cook Deborah J. , Rochwerg Bram
Published: February 2023

Purpose

The helmet is a novel interface for delivering non-invasive ventilation (NIV). We conducted a case series to characterize introduction of the helmet interface in both COVID and non-COVID patients at two-centres.

Methods

We enrolled all patients with respiratory failure admitted to the Juravinski Hospital (Hamilton, Canada) and St. Joseph’s Health Center (Syracuse, New York) between November 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021 who used the helmet interface (Intersurgical StarMed) as part of this introduction into clinical practice. We collected patient demographics, reason for respiratory failure, NIV settings, device-related complications and outcomes. We report respiratory therapist’s initial experiences with the helmet using descriptive results.

Results

We included 16 patients with a mean age of 64.3 ± 10.9 years. The most common etiology for respiratory failure was pneumonia (81.3%). The median duration of NIV during the ICU admission was 67.5 (15.3, 80.8) hours, with a mean maximum PS of 13.9 ± 6.6 cm H2O and a mean maximum PEEP of 10.4 ± 5.1 cm H20. Three patients (18.7%) did not tolerate the helmet. Ten (62.5%) patients ultimately required intubation, and 7 (43.4%) patients died while in the ICU. The most common reason for intubation was worsening hypoxia (70%). No adverse events related to the helmet were recorded.

Conclusion

Over the 8-month period of this study, we found that the helmet was well tolerated in over 80% of patients, although, more than half ultimately required intubation. Randomized controlled trials with this device are required to fully assess the efficacy of this interface.
Probing transient memory of cellular states using single-cell lineages
Authors: Singh Abhyudai , Saint-Antoine Michael
Published: February 2023

The inherent stochasticity in the gene product levels can drive single cells within an isoclonal population to different phenotypic states. The dynamic nature of this intercellular variation, where individual cells can transition between different states over time, makes it a particularly hard phenomenon to characterize. We reviewed recent progress in leveraging the classical Luria–Delbrück experiment to infer the transient heritability of the cellular states. Similar to the original experiment, individual cells were first grown into cell colonies, and then, the fraction of cells residing in different states was assayed for each colony. We discuss modeling approaches for capturing dynamic state transitions in a growing cell population and highlight formulas that identify the kinetics of state switching from the extent of colony-to-colony fluctuations. The utility of this method in identifying multi-generational memory of the both expression and phenotypic states is illustrated across diverse biological systems from cancer drug resistance, reactivation of human viruses, and cellular immune responses. In summary, this fluctuation-based methodology provides a powerful approach for elucidating cell-state transitions from a single time point measurement, which is particularly relevant in situations where measurements lead to cell death (as in single-cell RNA-seq or drug treatment) or cause an irreversible change in cell physiology.
Effects of hemicellulose on intestinal mucosal barrier integrity, gut microbiota, and metabolomics in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Liu Huan , Xu Jihao , Yeung Chiuwing , Chen Qikui , Li Jieyao
Published: February 2023

Background and objective

Impaired gut barrier contributes to the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and the gut microbiota and metabolome play an important role in it. Hemicellulose, a potential prebiotics, how its supplementation impacted the glucose level, the impaired gut barrier, and the gut microbiota and metabolome in T2DM remained unclear.

Methods

In this study, some mice were arranged randomly into four groups: db/db mice fed by a compositionally defined diet (CDD), db/db mice fed by a CDD with 10% and 20% hemicellulose supplementation, and control mice fed by a CDD. Body weight and fasting blood glucose levels were monitored weekly. The gut barrier was evaluated. Fresh stool samples were analyzed using metagenomic sequencing and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to detect gut microbiota and metabolome changes. Systemic and colonic inflammation were evaluated.

Results

Better glycemic control, restoration of the impaired gut barrier, and lowered systemic inflammation levels were observed in db/db mice with the supplementation of 10 or 20% hemicellulose. The gut microbiota showed significant differences in beta diversity among the four groups. Fifteen genera with differential relative abundances and 59 significantly different metabolites were found. In the db/db group, hemicellulose eliminated the redundant Faecalibaculum and Enterorhabdus. The increased succinate and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) after hemicellulose treatment were negatively correlated with Bifidobacterium, Erysipelatoclostridium, and Faecalibaculum. In addition, hemicellulose reduced the colonic expressions of TLR2/4 and TNF-α in db/db mice.

Conclusion

Hemicellulose may serve as a potential therapeutic intervention for T2DM by improving impaired intestinal mucosal barrier integrity, modulating gut microbiota composition, and altering the metabolic profile.
Mead acid inhibits retinol-induced irritant contact dermatitis via peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha
Authors: Saika Azusa , Tiwari Prabha , Nagatake Takahiro , Node Eri , Hosomi Koji , Honda Tetsuya , Kabashima Kenji , Kunisawa Jun
Published: February 2023

Retinol is widely used in topical skincare products to ameliorate skin aging and treat acne and wrinkles; however, retinol and its derivatives occasionally have adverse side effects, including the induction of irritant contact dermatitis. Previously, we reported that mead acid (5,8,11-eicosatrienoic acid), an oleic acid metabolite, ameliorated skin inflammation in dinitrofluorobenzene-induced allergic contact hypersensitivity by inhibiting neutrophil infiltration and leukotriene B4 production by neutrophils. Here, we showed that mead acid also suppresses retinol-induced irritant contact dermatitis. In a murine model, we revealed that mead acid inhibited keratinocyte abnormalities such as keratinocyte hyperproliferation. Consistently, mead acid inhibited p38 MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) phosphorylation, which is an essential signaling pathway in the keratinocyte hyperplasia induced by retinol. These inhibitory effects of mead acid were associated with the prevention of both keratinocyte hyperproliferation and the gene expression of neutrophil chemoattractants, including Cxcl1 and Cxcl2, and they were mediated by a PPAR (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor)-α pathway. Our findings identified the anti-inflammatory effects of mead acid, the use of which can be expected to minimize the risk of adverse side effects associated with topical retinoid application.
Effects of levodopa on gut bacterial antibiotic resistance in Parkinson’s disease rat
Authors: Sheng Shuo , Li Xianwei , Zhao Shuo , Zheng Changqing , Zhang Feng
Published: February 2023

The second most prevalent neurodegenerative ailment, Parkinson’s disease (PD), is characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms. Levodopa is the backbone of treatment for PD at the moment. However, levodopa-induced side effects, such as dyskinesia, are commonly seen in PD patients. Recently, several antibiotics were found to present neuroprotective properties against neurodegenerative and neuro-inflammatory processes, which might be developed to effective therapies against PD. In this study, we aimed to identify if levodopa treatment could influence the gut bacterial antibiotic resistance in PD rat. Fecal samples were collected from healthy rats and 6-OHDA induced PD rats treated with different doses of levodopa, metagenomic sequencing data showed that levodopa resulted in gut bacteria composition change, the biomarkers of gut bacteria analyzed by LEfSe changed as well. More interestingly, compared with levodopa (5 mg/kg)-treated or no levodopa-treated PD rats, levodopa (10 mg/kg) caused a significant decrease in the abundance of tetW and vanTG genes in intestinal bacteria, which were related to tetracycline and vancomycin resistance, while the abundance of AAC6-lb-Suzhou gene increased apparently, which was related to aminoglycosides resistance, even though the total quantity of Antibiotic Resistance Gene (ARG) and Antibiotic Resistance Ontology (ARO) among all groups did not significantly differ. Consequently, our results imply that the combination of levodopa and antibiotics, such as tetracycline and vancomycin, in the treatment of PD may decrease the amount of corresponding antibiotic resistance genes in gut bacteria, which would give a theoretical basis for treating PD with levodopa combined with tetracycline and vancomycin in the future.
The effects of combined high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and cervical nerve root magnetic stimulation on upper extremity motor recovery following stroke
Authors: Wu Xiaofang , Wang Rui , Wu Qunqiang , Liao Chunhua , Zhang Jianshe , Jiao Huiduo , Chen Baolin , Wang Shuyan , Liu Rui
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Upper limb motor impairments after stroke cause patients partial or total loss of the capability of performing daily living, working, and social activities, which significantly affects the quality of life (QoL) of patients and brings a heavy burden to their families and society. As a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can act not only on the cerebral cortex, but also on peripheral nerves, nerve roots, and muscle tissues. Previous studies have shown that magnetic stimulation on the cerebral cortex and peripheral tissues has a positive effect on the recovery of upper limb motor function after stroke, however, few studies have reported the combination of the two.

Objective

This study was to investigate whether high frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) combined with cervical nerve root magnetic stimulation more effectively ameliorates upper limb motor function in stroke patients. We hypothesized that the combination of the two can achieve a synergistic effect and further promotes functional recovery.

Methods

Sixty patients with stroke were randomly divided into four groups and received real or sham rTMS stimulation and cervical nerve root magnetic stimulation consecutively before other therapies, once daily over five fractions per week for a total of 15 times. We evaluated the upper limb motor function and activities of daily living of the patients at the time of pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 3-month follow up.

Results

All patients completed study procedures without any adverse effects. The upper limb motor function and activities of daily living improved in patients of each group were improved after treatment (post 1) and 3 months after treatment (post 2). Combination treatment was significantly better than single treatments alone or sham.

Conclusion

Both rTMS and cervical nerve root magnetic stimulation effectively promoted upper limb motor recovery in patients with stroke. The protocol combining the two is more beneficial for motor improvement and patients can easily tolerate it.

Clinical trial registration

https://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier ChiCTR2100048558.
Rapid prototyping mixed-signal development kit for tactile neural computing
Authors: Mallan Vasudev S. , Gopi Anitha , Reghuvaran Chithra , Radhakrishnan Aswani A. , James Alex
Published: February 2023

Intelligent sensor systems are essential for building modern Internet of Things applications. Embedding intelligence within or near sensors provides a strong case for analog neural computing. However, rapid prototyping of analog or mixed signal spiking neural computing is a non-trivial and time-consuming task. We introduce mixed-mode neural computing arrays for near-sensor-intelligent computing implemented with Field-Programmable Analog Arrays (FPAA) and Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA). The combinations of FPAA and FPGA pipelines ensure rapid prototyping and design optimization before finalizing the on-chip implementations. The proposed approach architecture ensures a scalable neural network testing framework along with sensor integration. The experimental set up of the proposed tactile sensing system in demonstrated. The initial simulations are carried out in SPICE, and the real-time implementation is validated on FPAA and FPGA hardware.