bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PENGARUH HARGA, INFLUENCER MARKETING, DAN KEPERCAYAAN MEREK TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN SERUM SOMETHINC DI KABUPATEN TANGERANG
Authors: Khoirunnisa Yunna Nur , Sutarjo Sutarjo , Utami Wanda Yulia
Published: December 2024

Penelitian ini menguji pengaruh harga, influencer marketing dan kepercayaan merek terhadap keputusan pembelian pada Serum Somethinc di Kabupaten Tangerang. Penelitian dilakukan dengan metode kuantitatif pendekatan asosiatif kausal. Teknik pengambilan sampel dilakukan menggunakan teknik snowball sampling dengan menyebarkan kuesioner berskala Likert kepada 150 responden sebagai pelanggan Serum Somethinc di Kabupaten Tangerang. Analisis data menggunakan SPSS ver.26. Hasil penelitian membuktikan bahwa secara parsial harga dan influencer marketing berpengaruh signifikan terhadap keputusan pembelian, sedangkan kepercayaan merek tidak memberikan pengaruh signifikan terhadap keputusan pembelian. Berdasarkan analisis data secara simultan harga, influencer marketing, dan kepercayaan merek berpengaruh signifikan terhadap keputusan pembeli.
Acil servise gelen adli vakaların yönetiminde acil asistan ve intörn hekimlerin bilgi düzeyinin değerlendirilmesi
Authors: Kıyak Ramazan , Kıyak Samet , Çağlar Bahadir , Fındık Meliha , Serin Süha , Dündar Ahmet Sedat
Published: December 2024

Amaç: Bu çalışmada Balıkesir Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Acil Serviste çalışan asistan hekim ve son sınıf intörn hekimlerin katılımı ile acil servis çalışanlarının intörn hekimlerin adli vaka yönetimine yönelik bilgi düzeylerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır.
Yöntemler: Kesitsel ve tanımlayıcı tipte olan bu çalışmada, 25 soruluk anket hazırlanmıştır. Anket formu sosyodemografik özelliklerin ve adli raporlar konusunda bilgi, tutum ve düşüncelerin değerlendirildiği çoktan seçmeli sorulardan oluşturulmuştur. Araştırma verilerimizin istatistiksel değerlendirmesinde SPSS 25 paket programı kullanılmıştır. Anketler bilgilendirilmiş onam formu imzalandıktan sonra katılımcılar tarafından doldurulmuştur
Bulgular: Çalışmaya katılanların 23’ü (%23) asistan hekim, 77’si (%77) ise intörn doktordu. Çalışmaya katılan hekimlerin yaş ortalaması 24,31 idi. Katılımcıların 85’i (%85) adli rapor yazımı hususunda eğitime ihtiyaç duyduğunu belirtmiştir. Tıp Fakültesinde aldığı adli tıp eğitiminin yeterli bulan katılımcı sayısı sadece 13 (%13) kişi idi. Asistan hekimlerin sadece %13’ü acil tıp kliniğinde yazdığı adli raporun doğruluğu hususunda şüphe duymadığını belirtmiştir. Katılımcıların 31’i (%31) kati rapor- geçici rapor ayrımında hata yapmamıştır.
Sonuç: Hastanelerde acil servisler adli raporların genellikle ilk ve fazla sayıda düzenlendiği yerlerdir. Çalışmamızda acil tıp asistanları ve tıp fakültesi son sınıf öğrencilerinin adli rapor yazımı, adli vaka yönetimi hususlarında eksik oldukları ortaya konulmuştur. Bu sorunların düzeltilmesi adına mezuniyet öncesi ve sonrası sürekli ve de özellikle sahaya yönelik olarak adli tıp eğitimine önem verilmesinin gerekli olduğunu düşünmekteyiz.
Ergonomic risk analysis with OWAS method on some machines used by students taking training on furniture in vocational high schools
Authors: Çakici Ahmet , Karaman Abdurrahman , Sofuoğlu Sait Dündar
Published: December 2024

It is a fact that today, occupational accidents resulting from the use, structure and working principle of the machines used in furniture production enterprises and vocational high school application workshops where furniture education is given lead to serious injuries. Machines are incompatible with human ergonomics, which is the main cause of work accidents and risks. In this thesis study, general information about ergonomics is given in the second chapter after the literature review. The third section mentions musculoskeletal system disorders that ergonomic incompatibilities may cause. In the fourth chapter, OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analyzing System), which is an ergonomic risk assessment method based on simple observation, is mentioned. In the fifth chapter, general information is given about the Furniture and Interior Design Field in Vocational and Technical Anatolian High Schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education and some of the machines used by students studying in this field in their application workshops. In the last part, an ergonomic risk analysis was carried out using the OWAS method to adapt the students to some machines they use while practising. This research aims to reveal, reduce, and, if possible, eliminate ergonomic risks in practice workshops.
Feed conversion efficiency does not negatively affect young sheep and ewe performance
Authors: De Barbieri Ignacio , Navajas Elly A. , Ramos Zully , Ferreira Gracialda , Velazco José , Ciappesoni Gabriel
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Improving the feed efficiency (FE) in ruminants offers significant potential for optimizing the use of natural feed resource while simultaneously enhancing food and wool production. However, selecting for FE and high productivity may negatively impact the robustness traits, such as reproduction, health, and fat deposition, indicating potential antagonisms. This study evaluates the relationship between residual feed intake (RFI) and the productivity of yearling and adult ewes in extensive outdoor pastoral systems of three breeds.

Methods

Conducted from 2018 to 2022, the study included three cohorts (2018, 2019, and 2020) of ewe lambs from the Merino (435), Dohne (323), and Corriedale (215) breeds. In their first year, these lambs were phenotyped for feed intake, RFI, methane emissions, body weight and body weight, body condition score, fecal egg count, wool production, rib eye area, and fat thickness. Later, as hoggets or adult ewes, their body weight, body condition score, wool production, and reproductive traits were recorded. To examine the links between FE and performance, two contrasting groups (i.e., low 25% and top 75% quartiles) for RFI were analyzed.

Results and discussion

More efficient animals had similar body weights and weight gains while consuming less feed than the less efficient ones. In addition, the wool production at 1 year of age, the resistance to gastrointestinal parasites (assessed by fecal egg count), and the daily methane emissions were unaffected by RFI group. Although no significant antagonisms were observed between yearling RFI and ewe reproduction, a trade-off with ewe fleece weight was identified. In conclusion, the more efficient animals demonstrated satisfactory performance under the evaluated conditions without compromising body weight, wool production (in yearlings), reproduction, or health.
PRONAME: a user-friendly pipeline to process long-read nanopore metabarcoding data by generating high-quality consensus sequences
Authors: Dubois Benjamin , Delitte Mathieu , Lengrand Salomé , Bragard Claude , Legrève Anne , Debode Frédéric
Published: December 2024

Background

The study of sample taxonomic composition has evolved from direct observations and labor-intensive morphological studies to different DNA sequencing methodologies. Most of these studies leverage the metabarcoding approach, which involves the amplification of a small taxonomically-informative portion of the genome and its subsequent high-throughput sequencing. Recent advances in sequencing technology brought by Oxford Nanopore Technologies have revolutionized the field, enabling portability, affordable cost and long-read sequencing, therefore leading to a significant increase in taxonomic resolution. However, Nanopore sequencing data exhibit a particular profile, with a higher error rate compared with Illumina sequencing, and existing bioinformatics pipelines for the analysis of such data are scarce and often insufficient, requiring specialized tools to accurately process long-read sequences.

Results

We present PRONAME (PROcessing NAnopore MEtabarcoding data), an open-source, user-friendly pipeline optimized for processing raw Nanopore sequencing data. PRONAME includes precompiled databases for complete 16S sequences (Silva138 and Greengenes2) and a newly developed and curated database dedicated to bacterial 16S-ITS-23S operon sequences. The user can also provide a custom database if desired, therefore enabling the analysis of metabarcoding data for any domain of life. The pipeline significantly improves sequence accuracy, implementing innovative error-correction strategies and taking advantage of the new sequencing chemistry to produce high-quality duplex reads. Evaluations using a mock community have shown that PRONAME delivers consensus sequences demonstrating at least 99.5% accuracy with standard settings (and up to 99.7%), making it a robust tool for genomic analysis of complex multi-species communities.

Conclusion

PRONAME meets the challenges of long-read Nanopore data processing, offering greater accuracy and versatility than existing pipelines. By integrating Nanopore-specific quality filtering, clustering and error correction, PRONAME produces high-precision consensus sequences. This brings the accuracy of Nanopore sequencing close to that of Illumina sequencing, while taking advantage of the benefits of long-read technologies.
Amniotic membrane, a novel bioscaffold in cardiac diseases: from mechanism to applications
Authors: Rayat Pisheh Hossein , Darvishi Ahmad , Masoomkhah Seyed Saeid
Published: December 2024

Cardiovascular diseases represent one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Despite significant advances in the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases, numerous challenges remain in managing them. One of these challenges is the need for replacements for damaged cardiac tissues that can restore the normal function of the heart. Amniotic membrane, as a biological scaffold with unique properties, has attracted the attention of many researchers in recent years. This membrane, extracted from the human placenta, contains growth factors, cytokines, and other biomolecules that play a crucial role in tissue repair. Its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing properties have made amniotic membrane a promising option for the treatment of heart diseases. This review article examines the applications of amniotic membrane in cardiovascular diseases. By focusing on the mechanisms of action of this biological scaffold and the results of clinical studies, an attempt will be made to evaluate the potential of using amniotic membrane in the treatment of heart diseases. Additionally, the existing challenges and future prospects in this field will be discussed.
Extracellular vesicles derived from dental follicle stem cells regulate tooth eruption by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation
Authors: Sun Meng , Yu Yiru , Zhang Weixing , Ding Yi , Li Ang , Li Ye
Published: December 2024

Tooth eruption as a crucial part in tooth development and regeneration is accompanied by ongoing osteogenesis and osteoclast activity. The dental follicle (DF) surrounding the developing tooth harbors dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) which play a crucial role in maintaining bone remodeling. However, the mechanisms through which they regulate the balance between osteogenesis and osteoclast activity during tooth eruption remain poorly understood. Notably, extracellular vesicles (EVs) in bone homeostasis are considered essential. Our study revealed that the DFSCs could modulate tooth eruption by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation via EVs. Further investigation showed that EVs from DFSCs could inhibit osteoclast differentiation through the ANXA1-PPARγ-CEBPα pathway. Animal experiments indicated that EVs from DFSCs and the cargo ANXA1 affected tooth eruption. In summary, this study suggests the critical role of the dental follicle in tooth eruption through EVs, which may provide therapeutic targets for abnormal tooth eruption and effective approaches for the eruption of regenerated teeth.
Retinal glia in myopia: current understanding and future directions
Authors: Chen Pengfan , Ji Jing , Chen Xinyi , Zhang Jiali , Wen Xiangyi , Liu Longqian
Published: December 2024

Myopia, a major public health problem, involves axial elongation and thinning of all layers of the eye, including sclera, choroid and retina, which defocuses incoming light and thereby blurs vision. How the various populations of glia in the retina are involved in the disorder is unclear. Astrocytes and Müller cells provide structural support to the retina. Astrogliosis in myopia may influence blood oxygen supply, neuronal function, and axon diameter, which in turn may affect signal conduction. Müller cells act as a sensor of mechanical stretching in myopia and trigger downstream molecular responses. Microglia, for their part, may exhibit a reactive morphology and elevated response to inflammation in myopia. This review assesses current knowledge about how myopia may involve retinal glia, and it explores directions for future research into that question.
A comparative study of topological entropy characterization and graph energy prediction for Marta variants of covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Raza Zahid , Arockiaraj Micheal , Maaran Aravindan , Shalini Arul Jeya
Published: December 2024

Covalent organic frameworks are a novel class of porous polymers, notable for their crystalline structure, intricate frameworks, defined pore sizes, and capacity for structural design, synthetic control, and functional customization. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of graph entropies and hybrid topological descriptors, derived from geometric, harmonic, and Zagreb indices. These descriptors are applied to study two variations of Marta covalent organic frameworks based on contorted hexabenzocoronenes. We also conduct a comparative analysis using scaled entropies, offering refined tools for assessing the intrinsic topologies of these networks. Additionally, these hybrid descriptors are used to develop statistical models for predicting graph energy in higher-dimensional Marta-COFs.
Rapid detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae by recombinase-aided amplification combined with the CRISPR/Cas12a system
Authors: Li Kaili , Luo Tingyu , Zhang Yu , Li Changwen , Chen Hongyan , Xia Changyou , Gao Caixia
Published: December 2024

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyopneumoniae) is one of the primary agents involved in porcine respiratory disease complex, and circulates in the swine industry worldwide. The prevention and control of M. hyopneumoniae is complicated. Thus, a recombinase-aided amplification (RAA) assay coupled with the clustered regularly-interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas12a system was established for the detection of M. hyopneumoniae. The most suitable primer pairs and CRISPR RNA (crRNA) were screened and selected for the RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a detection system. We have achieved a detection limit of 1 copy/µL and 5 copies/µL per reaction for the RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a-fluorescence assay and RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a-lateral flow assay (LFA), respectively. Furthermore, the RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a system displayed no cross-reactivity with other respiratory pathogens. The performance of the RAA-CRISPR/Cas12a system was compared with PCR as recommended by the Chinese national standard (GB/T 35909-2018) and qPCR as recommended by the Chinese entry–exit inspection and quarantine industry standard (SN/T4104-2015) for clinical samples, and good consistency with these methods was observed. Above all, the methods shed a light on the convenient, portable, visual, highly sensitive and specific detection of M. hyopneumoniae, demonstrating a great application potential for on-site monitoring of M. hyopneumoniae in the field.
Change of dietary patterns on CO2 emissions under the African swine fever in South Korea
Authors: Eun Sungtae
Published: December 2024

African swine fever (ASF) occurred in Gyeonggi of South Korea in 2019 and there were 21 reported cases in domestic swine farms. South Korea is the one of top countries for pork consumption, and half of the 2.9 million tons of meat consumed in 2022 were pork. Outbreaks from animal products have a severe impact on the shift of diet and the change in dietary patterns of consumers shape climate change. Moreover, animal products account for 18% of worldwide GHG emissions which is more than industry (16%), transportation (13.5%), and energy usage (13%). This study is the first study to analyze the regional impact of animal products associated with climate change in South Korea. The objective of this study is to analyze the regional effect of dietary shifts on per capita CO2 emissions from household consumption in South Korea. Synthetic Control Method (SCM) is employed to analyze the impact of ASF on the change of per capita CO2 emissions from household consumption by shifting the nutritional patterns in South Korea. The dependent variable is per capita CO2 emissions from household consumption, and the type of event is an epizootic disease. The event period is between 2010 and 2021 (pre-intervention: 2010–2018 and post-intervention: 2019–2021). By establishing synthetic Gyeonggi from the optimal synthetic control unit, the trajectories present how dietary shifts have influenced per capita CO2 emissions from household consumption in a positive direction after ASF. ASF caused consumer dietary shifts from pork to other types of meat. This divergence between Gyeonggi and synthetic Gyeonggi indicates that there is an impact influencing per capita CO2 emissions from household consumption after ASF. Performing an SCM analysis with the treated (Gyeonggi) and control (thirteen municipalities) units, the study found that the two trajectory lines (Gyeonggi and synthetic Gyeonggi) were similar before diverging after the introduction of ASF. The gaps also indicate the impact of the shift in dietary patterns on per capita CO2 emissions from household consumption.

JEL classification

C31, Q54.
Case Report: A missed diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis using echocardiography due to immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis with normal wall thickness in the early stage
Authors: Li Xiaohui , Mu Tongge , Deng Yangxue , Zhang Yu , Ti Yun , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2024

Background

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is a challenging diagnosis, particularly when the classic signs, such as increased wall thickness in a non-dilated left ventricle (LV), are absent. This makes the diagnosis more difficult in patients with normal LV wall thickness. We present a case of CA without increased wall thickness and without the characteristic granular sparkling echotexture in a non-dilated LV.

Case summary

A 50-year-old female patient presented with worsening breathlessness on exertion, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, oliguria, and lower-extremity edema. Electrocardiography showed low voltage in the limb leads and a pseudoinfarction pattern in the anterior leads. The echocardiographic evaluation revealed a non-dilated LV with normal wall thickness, no granular sparkling echotexture of the myocardium, a mildly dilated left atrium, restrictive filling (grade 3 diastolic dysfunction), and pericardial effusion. A follow-up quantitative echocardiographic study 2 weeks later showed a slight increase in LV wall thickness (still within the normal range), decreased global longitudinal strain, and a relative “apical sparing” pattern of longitudinal strain in the apex of the LV. After 1 month, LV wall thickness increased beyond the normal range, and the granular sparkling echotexture became evident. Cardiac amyloidosis was subsequently confirmed by delayed gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, abnormal serum-free light chain levels, positive serum immunofixation, and an extracardiac biopsy positive for amyloid.

Discussion

Patients presenting with normal wall thickness in a non-dilated LV might only be in an early stage of CA. Thus, the diagnosis can be easily overlooked. For smaller individuals, relative wall thickness (RWT) may be a more sensitive indicator for further investigation. In patients presenting with increased RWT, restrictive filling, and pericardial effusion in the absence of other plausible causes, CA should be considered, even in the absence of the classic echocardiographic signs of amyloid deposition. Furthermore, two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography can enhance clinical suspicion of CA and should be recommended as part of the diagnostic workup.
ECPR for cardiac arrest caused by abnormal uterine bleeding and coronary vasospasm: a case report
Authors: Sheng Qiping , Wang Yingjie , Wu Zhiyang , Zhao Xiangyang , Wu Dawei , Li Zhi , Guo Xi
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Cardiac arrest during pregnancy is receiving increasing attention. However, there are few reports on cardiac arrest in nonpregnant women caused by abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). We report a case in which extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) was used in a patient with cardiac arrest caused by AUB and coronary vasospasm.

Patient presentation

A 52-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department because of sudden chest pain, with a history of hypertension, coronary heart disease and AUB for more than half a month. At the initial stage of admission, cardiac arrest occurred after the ECG demonstrated ST-segment elevation in leads II, III and a VF. ECPR was started after traditional cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and coronary angiography was performed with the support of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). The left and right coronary arteries were slender and narrow, which was relieved after the injection of 100 µg nitroglycerine through the left coronary artery. After performing a coronary angiogram, the patient was given long-acting nitrates and calcium channel blockers orally, and her chest pain did not reoccur. The patient was weaned from ECMO support after 4 days.

Conclusion

This clinical case highlights the challenges that clinicians face in accurately diagnosing and possibly treating AUB and coronary vasospasm-induced acute myocardial infarction because of its rare occurrence and serious adverse events. ECPR can effectively improve the success rate of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Experimental study on the effects of rock mineral composition and loading rates on the acoustic emission and fracture characteristics in roof strata tensile fracture
Authors: Zhang Xiufeng , Sun Jiaxin , Chen Yang , Wang Cunwen , Wang Chao , Ren Wentao , Ma Binwen
Published: December 2024

The tensile fracture of the overlying strata in coal mines significantly affects the stability of the surrounding rock and the working face. This study investigates the effects of rock mineral composition and mining speed on roof strata fracture behavior through three-point bending tests under various mineral compositions and loading rates, simulating tensile fractures under different mining conditions. Fracture processes were monitored using an acoustic emission (AE) system and high-speed camera, with multifractal analysis and digital image correlation (DIC) applied to assess AE signal characteristics and crack propagation. Results indicated that siliceous sandstone (SS) exhibited more rapid and penetrating fractures compared to argillaceous sandstone (AS). Before reaching peak load, AS showed a broader multifractal spectrum width (Δα) than SS, reflecting its more ductile fracture behavior, which also resulted in higher Δα values in the post-peak stage. Both Δα and multifractal spectrum difference (Δf(α)) decreased with increasing loading rates for AS, indicating a weakening of the multifractal characteristics of the AE signals and a progressively dominant presence of strong signals. The fracture behavior in both rock types was dominated by tensile microcracks, along with tensile-shear composite and shear microcracks. Higher loading rates increased the proportion of tensile-shear composite and shear microcracks components in the AE signals, with the rate being lower in AS than SS. These findings provide a basis for predicting the characteristics of the tensile fracture of overlying strata in mined-out areas.
The landscape of recurrent spontaneous abortion registered on clinical trials.gov
Authors: Zhou Xiaoling , Lai Fan , Chen Wei , Zhou Congrong , Deng Yi , Wang Tao , Xing Shasha , Diao Haoyang , Tang Mi , Guo Wenmei , Luo Erdan
Published: December 2024

Objective

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) presents a significant challenge in the field of reproductive medicine, as effective treatments remain limited despite extensive research efforts. A comprehensive understanding of current RSA clinical trials is essential for enhancing trial design and identifying existing research gaps. The aim of this study is to characterize RSA related clinical trials registered on Clinical Trials.gov.

Methods

A thorough search was conducted to identify and review clinical trials focusing on RSA that were registered on Clinical Trials.gov up to March2, 2024.

Results

A total of 138 trials were identified in the analysis, with 72 (52.17%) classified as intervention trials and 66 (47.83%) as observational trials. Approximately half of the studies (67,48.55%) had an enrollment of 100 participants or fewer. The majority of trials included only female participants. Asia hosted the highest number of clinical trials (46,33.33%), followed by Europe (36,26.09%), Africa (29,21.01%), America (13,9.42%). The majority of trials (61,44.20%) focused on individuals with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). The predominant intervention types examined in the reviewed studies were drug interventions (49,62.82%), with a notable rise in behavioral intervention trials.

Conclusion

Our research findings suggest that existing research efforts in the realm of RSA are inadequate for the progression of prevention and treatment strategies. The majority of clinical trials have primarily targeted individuals with URSA, with a particular emphasis on drug interventions, notably anticoagulants.
Balancing choice and socioeconomic realities: analyzing behavioral and economic factors in social oocyte cryopreservation decisions
Authors: Gonen Limor Dina
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This research investigates the influence of personal income, the likelihood of pregnancy from cryopreserved oocytes, and the risk of infertility, on the decision-making process of women. The study employs the economic stated preference framework alongside the Theory of Planned Behavior in order to comprehend the process of decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

The data had been collected from women between the ages of 18 and 65 via questionnaire employing conjoint analysis (CA). Through the utilization of this methodology, the factors influencing women’s choices concerning oocyte cryopreservation were quantified.

Findings

The study identified crucial factors that impact the determination to cryopreserve oocytes, such as personal financial resources, the likelihood of achieving a successful pregnancy using frozen oocytes, and the potential for infertility. The analysis reveals that a considerable number of participants perceive cryopreservation as a feasible alternative for augmenting their prospects for future procreation.

Research implications

The results validate the patterns and the ways in which personal and socioeconomic elements impact choices regarding fertility. This has the potential to inform forthcoming health policies and educational initiatives that aim to provide more comprehensive support for women’s fertility decisions.

Social implications

The research highlights the necessity of policy and societal support for women who are contemplating oocyte cryopreservation. It is recommended that public health policies incorporate provisions for state financing of cryopreservation in order to safeguard reproductive autonomy and alleviate the fertility risk linked to the aging process.

Originality/value

His research is unique in that it employs the Theory of Planned Behavior and an economic stated-preference framework to analyze the dynamics of oocyte cryopreservation decisions. This work enhances the existing body of literature by drawing attention to the socio-economic persona factors that influence choices regarding fertility preservation.
Highlighting the role of biota in feedback loops from tundra ecosystems to the atmosphere
Authors: Schmidt Niels M. , Barrio Isabel C. , Kristensen Jeppe A. , López-Blanco Efrén , van Beest Floris M.
Published: December 2024

The rapid climatic and environmental changes observed in the Arctic and across the globe in general call for reliable model projections. In recent years our understanding of ongoing and future changes through ecosystem modelling has increased tremendously. Yet, most ecosystem models do not consider many of the feedback loops at play in natural ecosystems. Particularly those influenced by biota, beyond vegetation and to some extent microbes, are often neglected. As a first step towards a better integration of biotic influences into ecosystem models, we provide a broad overview of the various ways biota may influence feedback loops between the high-latitude biosphere and the atmosphere. We focus specifically on three key feedback loops between tundra and atmosphere (carbon dynamics, albedo and permafrost thaw) and the influences of three key ecosystem compartments (vegetation, decomposers and herbivores) on these. The influences of biota on ecosystem feedback loops are multifaceted and may appear patchy in both space and time. However, biota may still play important roles in modulating ecosystem feedback loops, and by including these dynamics into ecosystem models, magnitude, accuracy and credibility of model projections are likely to improve.
Exploring the genetic resources of yam in the Democratic Republic of Congo: implications for breeding
Authors: Adejumobi Idris , Adewumi Adeyinka Saburi , Ouattara Fatim , Olatunde Esther , Adheka Joseph , Onautshu Didy , Kayondo Siraj Ismail , Alaba Oluwafemi , Mushoriwa Hapson , Agre Paterne Angelot
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Landrace accession of yam species in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) represents a valuable genetic resource for yam breeding programs. These accessions possess traits such as stress resilience and desirable food quality attributes that can be introduced into modern yam varieties. By analyzing the genetic diversity, identifying quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to key traits, and the genetic merits of these landraces, we can identify promising genetic markers for breeding programs aimed at improving yam production in DRC.

Materials and methods

We analyzed 181 yam accessions from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), representing six species commonly cultivated by farmers and their wild relatives. These accessions were genotyped using 10,621 DArTseq SNP markers and characterized for key productivity and food quality traits.

Results and discussion

Population structure analysis revealed six distinct genetic groups within the yam accessions. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identified 14 SNP markers associated with five key traits, suggesting the accessions’ potential as a valuable genetic resource. Further dissection of their genetic merits in yam breeding using the Genomic Prediction of Cross Performance (GPCP) allowed the identification of several accessions with high crossing merit for multiple traits. Genomic Prediction of Cross Performance (GPCP) identified 20 accessions with high crossing merit (>2).

Conclusions

These accessions demonstrate favorable genetic combinations for multiple traits, making them promising progenitors for developing segregating populations with improved characteristics. These findings highlight the potential of these accessions to contribute to genetic improvement in yam breeding programs in the DRC, focusing on traits such as productivity and food quality.
The modulation of immune cell death in connection to microRNAs and natural products
Authors: Chuang Ya-Ting , Yen Ching-Yu , Tang Jen-Yang , Chang Fang-Rong , Tsai Yi-Hong , Wu Kuo-Chuan , Chien Tsu-Ming , Chang Hsueh-Wei
Published: December 2024

Immunogenic cell death (ICD) spatiotemporally regulates damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) derived from dying cancer cells to signal the immune response. Intriguingly, these DAMPs and cytokines also induce cellular responses in non-immune cells, particularly cancer cells. Several ICD-modulating natural products and miRNAs have been reported to regulate the DAMP, cytokine, and cell death responses, but they lack systemic organization and connection. This review summarizes the impacts of natural products and miRNAs on the DAMP and cytokine responses and cancer cell death responses (apoptosis, autophagy, ferroptosis, necroptosis, and pyroptosis). We establish the rationale that ICD inducers of natural products have modulating effects on miRNAs, targeting DAMPs and cytokines for immune and cancer cell death responses. In conclusion, DAMP, cytokine, and cell death responses are intricately linked in cancer cells, and they are influenced by ICD-modulating natural products and miRNAs.
Recursive partitioning staging system based on the log odds of the negative lymph node/T stage ratio in colon mucinous adenocarcinoma
Authors: Cai Huajun , Zeng Jintao , Wang Ye , Zhuang Jinfu , Liu Xing , Guan Guoxian
Published: December 2024

Background

This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of the log odds of negative lymph nodes/T stage ratio (LONT) and develop an efficient prognostic staging system using LONT in patients with colon mucinous adenocarcinoma (MAC).

Methods

This study included 5,236 patients diagnosed with colon MAC obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. The Kaplan–Meier method, subgroup analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and Cox proportional hazard regression model were used to determine the clinical outcomes. Recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) was used to develop a novel prognostic system.

Results

The 1-, 3-, and 5-year ROC curves, used to predict cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS), demonstrated that the areas under the ROC curve for LONT were superior to those of pT, pN, and pTNM stages. Additionally, a lower LONT was correlated with worse clinical outcomes. The LONT classification efficiently differentiated the prognosis of patients in terms of OS and CSS. Multivariate Cox analyses revealed that LONT was an independent prognostic factor for both CSS and OS. Based on the pT stage and LONT, a novel prognostic staging system was developed using RPA, demonstrating a good prognostic predictive performance.

Conclusion

A lower LONT was associated with worse survival in patients with colon MAC. The pT stage and LONT-based prognostic staging system facilitated risk stratification in these patients.
Targeting CEA in metastatic triple negative breast cancer with image-guided radiation followed by Fab-mediated chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy
Authors: Aniogo Eric , Kujawski Maciej , Awuah Dennis , Cha Seung E. , Espinosa Ruby , Hui Susanta , Ghimire Hemendra , Yazaki Paul J. , Brown Christine E. , Wang Xiuli , Shively John E.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Although CAR-T cell therapy has limited efficacy against solid tumors, it has been hypothesized that prior treatment with Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) would increase CAR-T cell tumor infiltration, leading to improved antigen specific expansion of CAR-T cells.

Methods

To test this hypothesis in a metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) model, we engineered two anti-CEA single-chain Fab (scFab) CAR-T cells with signaling domains from CD28zeta and 4-1BBzeta, and tested them in vitro and in vivo.

Results

The anti-CEA scFab CAR-T cells generated from three different human donors demonstrated robust in vitro expression, expansion, and lysis of only CEA-positive TNBC cells, with the CD28z-CAR-T cells showing the highest cytotoxicity. IFN-γ and granzyme B release assays revealed significantly higher IFN-γ production at a 4:1 effector-to-target (E:T) ratio in CD28z-CAR-T cells compared to 4-1BBz-CAR-T cells. Treatment of CEA-positive TNBC MDA-MB231 xenografts in the mammary fat pads of NSG mice, that produced spontaneous lung metastases over time, resulted in significant tumor growth reduction compared to either therapy alone (p<0.01). Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis revealed that only combined IGRT and CAR-T therapy resulted in the elimination of lung metastases.

Discussion

These findings demonstrate that the combination of IGRT and anti-CEA scFab CAR-T therapy induces a strong antitumor response, effectively targeting both the primary tumor and distant metastatic lesions in the lungs, thus demonstrating that IGRT enhances CAR-T cell infiltration, persistence, and overall efficacy within both primary and metastatic lesions.
Sex hormone imbalance and rheumatoid arthritis in American men: a cross-sectional analysis from NHANES 2011–2016
Authors: Wen Pengfei , Wang Yidian , Yang Mingyi , Qiao Xincun , Yang Peng , Hu Shouye , Liu Lin , Yang Zhi
Published: December 2024

Background

Emerging evidence suggests that sex hormones, particularly testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), play a critical role in the pathophysiology of Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the precise relationship between these hormonal factors and RA risk in men remains underexplored.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2016. A total of 3,110 male participants were included after excluding those with missing data on testosterone, SHBG, RA, or key covariates. Serum testosterone and SHBG levels were measured, and RA status was determined based on self-reported physician diagnosis. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between testosterone, SHBG, and RA. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression was applied to explore nonlinear relationships. Subgroup and interaction analyses were performed to assess effect modifications by age, race/ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, and poverty-income ratio (PIR).

Results

Of the 3,110 men analyzed, 191 were diagnosed with RA. Low testosterone levels (<300 ng/dL) were significantly associated with increased RA risk (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.65–3.21, p < 0.001), and elevated SHBG levels (>57 nmol/L) were also associated with a higher risk of RA (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.14–2.39, p = 0.008). RCS analysis indicated a nonlinear relationship between testosterone, SHBG, and RA risk, with sharp increases in RA risk at the lower ends of testosterone and SHBG levels. Interaction analyses revealed that age, race/ethnicity, hypertension, and PIR significantly modified the relationship between these hormonal factors and RA, while BMI did not exhibit any significant interaction.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that low testosterone and high SHBG levels are associated with an increased risk of RA in men. These associations are nonlinear and modified by factors such as age, race/ethnicity, hypertension, and PIR. Our findings highlight the importance of considering hormonal status in RA risk assessment and suggest potential avenues for targeted therapeutic strategies aimed at hormonal regulation.
Elevated Galectin-3 levels in the tumor microenvironment of ovarian cancer – implication of ROS mediated suppression of NK cell antitumor response via tumor-associated neutrophils
Authors: Karlsson Veronika , Stål Ebba , Stoopendahl Emma , Ivarsson Anton , Leffler Hakon , Lycke Maria , Sundqvist Martina , Sundfeldt Karin , Christenson Karin , Bernson Elin
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Ovarian cancer is a lethal disease with low survival rates for women diagnosed in advanced stages. Current cancer immunotherapies are not efficient in ovarian cancer, and there is therefore a significant need for novel treatment options. The β-galactoside-binding lectin, Galectin-3, is involved in different immune processes and has been associated with poor outcome in various cancer diagnoses. Here, we investigated how Galectin-3 affects the interaction between natural killer (NK) cells and neutrophils in the tumor microenvironment of ovarian cancer.

Method

Ascites from the metastatic tumor microenvironment and cyst fluid from the primary tumor site were collected from patients with high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) together with peripheral blood samples. Galectin-3 concentration was measured in ascites, cyst fluid and serum or plasma. Neutrophils isolated from HGSC ascites and autologous blood were analyzed to evaluate priming status and production of reactive oxygen species. In vitro co-culture assays with NK cells, neutrophils and K562 target cells (cancer cell line) were conducted to evaluate NK cell viability, degranulation and cytotoxicity.

Results

High levels of Galectin-3 were observed in cyst fluid and ascites from patients with HGSC. Neutrophils present in HGSC ascites showed signs of priming; however, the priming status varied greatly among the patient samples. Galectin-3 induced production of reactive oxygen species in ascites neutrophils, but only from a fraction of the patient samples, which is in line with the heterogenous priming status of the ascites neutrophils. In co-cultures with NK cells and K562 target cells, we observed that Galectin-3-induced production of reactive oxygen species in neutrophils resulted in decreased NK cell viability and lowered anti-tumor responses.

Conclusion

Taken together, our results demonstrate high levels of Galectin-3 in the tumormicroenvironment of HGSC. High levels of Galectin-3 may induce production of reactiveoxygen species in ascites neutrophils in some patients. In turn, reactive oxygen species produced by neutrophils may modulate the NK cell anti-tumor immunity. Together, this study suggests further investigation to evaluate if a Galectin-3-targeting therapy may be used in ovarian cancer.
An effectively protective VLP vaccine candidate for both genotypes of feline calicivirus
Authors: Yang Yupeng , Liu Zhe , Chen Mengru , Feng Kexin , Qi Ruibin , Kang Hongtao , Jiang Qian , Qu Liandong , Liu Jiasen
Published: December 2024

Feline calicivirus (FCV) is one of the most widespread pathogens affecting feline animals. Currently, FCV is believed to be divisible into two genotypes, with prevalent strains encompassing both GI and GII. Vaccination is the primary means of preventing FCV infection, yet traditional inactivated or attenuated vaccines theoretically pose potential safety concerns. In this study, a virus-like particles (VLPs), named DL39-VLPs, was constructed, using the VP1 gene of FCV DL39 strain with broad neutralizing and protective properties as a template through insect cell expression system. Cats were immunized with a 50 μg dose of DL39-VLPs mixed with an oily adjuvant via subcutaneous injection in the neck. For feline antisera positive for DL39-VLPs, the titer range in neutralization tests against prevalent GI strains ranged from 1:151 to 1:538, whereas the titer range in neutralization tests against prevalent GII strains was between 1:65 and 1:113. Challenge trials demonstrated that cats immunized with DL39-VLPs exhibited no significant clinical symptoms and had significantly reduced viral shedding and viremia compared to the challenged control group. Ultimately, a safe and highly protective VLP vaccine candidate, DL39-VLPs, was developed, which provides an important tool for the prevention and control of FCV infection.
Integrating the needs of recovering populations of baleen whales into the revised management framework for the commercial fishery for Antarctic krill
Authors: Trathan Philip N. , Savoca Matthew S. , Friedlaender Ari , Baines Mick , Burkhardt Elke , Cheeseman Ted , Dalla Rosa Luciano , Herr Helena , Secchi Eduardo R. , Zerbini Alexandre N. , Reisinger Ryan R.
Published: December 2024

We consider how the ongoing recovery of baleen whale populations requires improved understanding when managing the largest commercial fishery in the Southern Ocean, the fishery for Antarctic krill. Baleen whales already represent one of the major consumers of krill, and as such compete with the fishery. However, they are not explicitly included either in the monitoring programme or the krill fisheries management approach of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). Individual baleen whales are at direct mortality risk from ship strike, entanglement, or by-catch. In addition, sub-lethal impacts on individuals, albeit with population-level consequences, via decreased body condition and reproductive rates, may arise from local depletion of prey and prey-field disturbance that increases whale energetic costs. Mitigating these risks requires that baleen whales, including those species not yet recovered, are fully integrated into management procedures. A vital issue will be to facilitate the ongoing recovery of blue, fin and sei whales, populations of which are still heavily depleted relative to their pre-whaling abundance. Part of the answer to this will be how CCAMLR resolves outstanding issues related to its newly emerging revised krill fishery management framework. Management of the krill fishery is data-poor, with much of the scientific support reliant upon data that are now decades old. The decision rules for determining sustainable yields need careful re-evaluation, given they were negotiated at a time when baleen whales were rarely observed, and krill fishery catches were low in relation to the estimated available krill biomass. The Antarctic marine ecosystem is spatially and temporally dynamic, and is changing, yet CCAMLR still assumes a static system. An explicit commitment to collect up-to-date monitoring data about krill and baleen whales is vital to help inform the revised management framework. Precaution argues that catch levels should not increase until adequate data are available for effective management. Knowledge about the status of baleen whales will inevitably require close collaboration with the International Whaling Commission.
Study on acoustic emission characteristics under compression and fractal dimension of pore structure of polyvinyl alcohol fiber engineered cementitious composites
Authors: Li Yueqiang , Huang Xin , Zhao Yangcan , Qiao Yanyang
Published: December 2024

Fiber adding to engineered cementitious composites (ECC) can effectively improve the performance of material. This study used the acoustic emission (AE) technique to study the influence of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibre content on compressive strength and damage evolution of ECC and used the fractal theory to analyse the pore structure of PVA-ECC, which innovatively explored the mechanical properties and durability of PVA-ECC from macro and micro perspectives. In terms of mechanical properties, the compressive strength of ECC with 1% PVA volume content was the highest. PVA changed the compression damage mechanism of ECC, showing a decrease in internal tensile cracking and an increase in shear cracking through RA-AF values. ECC developed from brittle damage to ductile damage. In terms of microstructure and durability, ECC with 1% PVA volume content had the best impermeability and pore structure fractal characteristics, and PVA had a great influence on the fractal characteristics of transition pores and capillary pores. The fractal dimension had a good correlation with porosity, total pore volume, most probable aperture, compressive strength and chloride diffusion coefficient, indicating that the mechanical strength and impermeability of ECC were closely related to the complex spatial structure and distribution characteristics of pores. The fractal dimension can be used to comprehensively characterise the mechanical properties and durability of ECC.