bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immune mechanisms in vulvodynia: key roles for mast cells and fibroblasts
Authors: Tonc Elena , Omwanda Gloriah K. , Tovar Kevin Arnold , Golden Xiu Mei Emma , Chatterjea Devavani
Published: June 2023

Vulvodynia is a debilitating condition characterized by painful sensitivity to touch and pressure in the vestibular tissue surrounding the vaginal opening. It is often a “diagnosis of exclusion” of idiopathic pain made in the absence of visible inflammation or injury. However, the association between increased vulvodynia risk and a history of yeast infections and skin allergies has led researchers to explore whether immune mechanisms of dysregulated inflammation might underlie the pathophysiology of this chronic pain condition. Here we synthesize epidemiological investigations, clinical biopsies and primary cell culture studies, and mechanistic insights from several pre-clinical models of vulvar pain. Taken together, these findings suggest that altered inflammatory responses of tissue fibroblasts, and other immune changes in the genital tissues, potentially driven by the accumulation of mast cells may be key to the development of chronic vulvar pain. The association of increased numbers and function of mast cells with a wide variety of chronic pain conditions lends credence to their involvement in vulvodynia pathology and underscores their potential as an immune biomarker for chronic pain. Alongside mast cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and numerous inflammatory cytokines and mediators are associated with chronic pain suggesting immune-targeted approaches including the therapeutic administration of endogenous anti-inflammatory compounds could provide much needed new ways to treat, manage, and control the growing global pandemic of chronic pain.
Case report: Mutation in NPPA gene as a cause of fibrotic atrial myopathy
Authors: Silva Cunha Pedro , Antunes Diana Oliveira , Laranjo Sérgio , Coutinho Ana , Abecasis João , Oliveira Mário Martins
Published: June 2023

Early-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) can be the manifestation of a genetic atrial myopathy. However, specific genetic identification of a mutation causing atrial fibrosis is rare. We report a case of a young patient with an asymptomatic AF, diagnosed during a routine examination. The cardiac MRI revealed extensive atrial fibrosis and the electrophysiology study showed extensive areas of low voltage. The genetic investigation identified a homozygous pathogenic variant in the NPPA gene in the index case and the presence of the variant in heterozygosity in both parents.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute pulmonary embolism after postoperative craniocerebral trauma: a case report
Authors: Liao Xiaozu , Chen Xiaojuan , Zhong Shi , Wen Junlin , Li Binfei
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Massive pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening complication of major surgery with a mortality rate of up to 50%. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is primarily used for respiratory and circulatory support. Venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) is used to stabilize patients with acute massive PE. Acute brain injury, vascular disease, and immunosuppression are contraindications to ECMO, as stated in the 2021 Extracorporeal Life Support Organization guidelines.

Case summary

We report a case of a patient with craniocerebral trauma whose postoperative course was complicated by massive PE and subsequent cardiac arrest that required urgent VA-ECMO, followed by anticoagulation with heparin. The patient showed hemodynamic improvement and was discharged 68 days after hospitalization.

Discussion

ECMO has gradually been accepted for patients with craniocerebral injuries. The safety and effectiveness of ECMO in patients with craniocerebral injury, along with the optimal duration of ECMO and anticoagulation strategies, require further study.
Digital vs. physical ear-nose-and-throat specialist assessment screening for complicated hearing loss and serious ear disorders in hearing-impaired adults prior to hearing aid treatment: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Siggaard Lene Dahl , Jacobsen Henrik , Hougaard Dan Dupont , Høgsbro Morten
Published: June 2023

Introduction

This study introduces a digital assessment tool for asynchronous and remote ear-nose-and-throat (ENT) specialist assessment screening for complicated hearing loss and serious ear disorders in hearing-impaired adults prior to hearing aid (HA) treatment. The +60 population will nearly double from 12% to 22% between 2015 and 2050 increasing the incidence of age-induced hearing impairment and the need for hearing rehabilitation. If un-diagnosed, age-related hearing loss negatively affects quality of life by accelerating social distancing and early retirement as well as increasing risk of anxiety, depression, and dementia. Therefore, innovative measures are essential to provide timely diagnostics and treatment.

Methods

A total of 751 hearing-impaired adults without previous HA usage or experience were randomly assigned to digital or physical ENT specialist assessment screening prior to HA treatment initiation in 20 public and private hearing rehabilitation and ENT specialist clinics in the North Denmark Region. A total of 501 test group participants were assigned to digital assessment screening and 250 control group participants to physical assessment screening prior to HA treatment.

Results

In all, 658 (88%) participants completed the trial and were eligible for analysis. Digital screening sensitivity (0.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71–0.94) was significantly higher than physical screening sensitivity (0.2, 95% CI: 0.03–0.56). Screening specificity was high for both assessment methods.

Discussion

In a setting where hearing-impaired adults were assessed for HA treatment, digital ENT specialist assessment screening did not compromise patient safety or increase the risk of misdiagnosis in patients with complicated hearing loss and/or serious ear disorders when compared to physical ENT specialist assessment screening.

Clinical Trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05154539, identifier: NCT05154539.
Distribution of boulders in coastal waters of Western Pomerania, German Baltic Sea
Authors: Feldens Agata , Marx Denise , Herbst Anne , Darr Alexander , Papenmeier Svenja , Hinz Matthias , Zettler Michael L. , Feldens Peter
Published: June 2023

This study contributes to a better understanding of geogenic reef distribution in the southern Baltic Sea and highlights the implications of survey-related factors on automated boulder classification when utilizing data from multiple surveys. The distribution of hard grounds and reefs is needed as a baseline for geological and biological studies, but also for offshore construction, navigation and coastal management. In this study we provide maps of the distribution of geogenic reefs for about 750 km2 in the southern Baltic Sea, at the sites Wismar Bay, Darss Sill and Plantagenet Ground. The maps are based on full-coverage backscatter surveys with different side scan sonar and multibeam echo sounder systems. The distribution and number of boulders in the backscatter maps was determined using a convolutional neural network combined with quality control by human experts. The extent of the geogenic reefs was calculated on the basis of the number of boulders in 50 m x 50 m grid cells. We compare the results with previous reef maps based on point sampling, which show reefs of either biogenic or geogenic origin. According to the earlier maps, 11% of the Plantagenet Ground seabed was classified as reef habitat type. This is similar to the result of our study (12%), although we only considered reefs of geogenic origin. In the Darss Sill, geogenic reefs are larger in this study than in previous maps (30% versus 23%). In both regions, the spatial distribution of reefs differs significantly between old and new maps. For Wismar Bay, previous maps classify 3% of the seafloor as habitat type reef, whereas this study classifies 35% as geogenic reef. The use of automated classification during seafloor mapping allowed large areas to be interpreted in a few days. It also provided more information on the distribution of boulders within the geogenic reef. However, the boulder distribution maps show the negative effects of survey geometry, frequency and environmental conditions on automated boulder classification when data from different surveys are combined.
Reproductive outcomes and risk factors of women with septate uterus after hysteroscopic metroplasty
Authors: Chang Yanan , Shen Minghong , Wang Sha , Guo Zhengchen , Duan Hua
Published: June 2023

Background

Hysteroscopic metroplasty of the uterine septum has been the standard treatment strategy to improve reproductive outcomes, but there are still controversies about the appropriateness of metroplasty. In addition, there have been few studies of the factors related to reproductive outcomes of women after surgery. The study aimed to evaluate the reproductive outcomes and the associated risk factors that influence reproductive outcomes after hysteroscopic metroplasty of women with septate uterus and the desire to conceive.

Methods

This study was an observational study. Cases were screened by searching electronic patient files, and demographic factors were collected. We conducted telephone follow-ups to collect the postoperative reproductive outcomes. The primary outcome of this study was live birth, and secondary outcomes were ongoing pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, early miscarriage, and preterm birth. Demographic variables included patients’ age, body mass index (BMI), the type of septum, infertility and miscarriage history, and complications including intrauterine adhesions, endometrial polyps, endometriosis, and adenomyosis were collected to perform univariate and multivariate analyses to predict the risk factors of reproductive outcomes after surgery treatment.

Results

In total, 348 women were evaluated and followed up. There were 95 cases (27.3%, 95/348) with combined infertility, 195 cases (56.0%, 195/348) with miscarriage history, and cases combined with intrauterine adhesions, endometrial polyps, endometriosis, and adenomyosis were 107 (30.7%, 107/348), 53 (15.2%, 53/348), 28 (8.0%, 28/348), and 5 (1.4%), respectively. Following surgery, the live birth rate and clinical pregnancy rate were significantly higher than prior to surgery (84.6% vs 3.7%, p= 0.000; and 78.2% vs 69.5%, p= 0.01, respectively), early miscarriage rate and preterm delivery rate were significantly lower (8.8% vs 80.6%, p= 0.000; and 7.0% vs 66.7%, p=0.000, respectively). After adjusting for body mass index, miscarriage history, and complications, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed age ≥ 35 years and primary infertility as independent factors that affected postoperative clinical pregnancy (OR 4.025, 95% CI 2.063–7.851, p= 0.000; and OR 3.603, 95% CI 1.903–6.820, p= 0.000; respectively) and ongoing pregnancy (OR 3.420, 95% CI 1.812–6.455, p= 0.000; and OR 2.586, 95% CI 1.419–4.712, p= 0.002; respectively).

Conclusions

Hysteroscopic metroplasty could lead to improved reproductive outcomes of women with septate uterus. Both age and primary infertility were independent factors for postoperative reproductive outcomes.

Trial registration

Chi ECRCT20210343
Adult non-urethral complications after hypospadias repair in childhood: presentation, treatment and outcomes
Authors: Stojanovic Borko , Bizic Marta , Bencic Marko , Djordjevic Miroslav L.
Published: June 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate a group of adult patients with non-urethral complications after hypospadias repair in childhood, their surgical treatment, and outcomes.

Materials and methods

We analyzed 97 patients, mean age 22.5 years, who were treated in our center between January 2009 and December 2020, for non-urethral complications after previous hypospadias repair in childhood. Non-urethral complications were defined as glans deformity, residual curvature and trapped penis due to insufficient penile skin. A radical surgical approach was used to correct all deformities, in a one-stage or a two-stage procedure. A successful outcome was defined as a straight penis with good length, anatomically regular glans, and cosmetically acceptable appearance, without need for additional surgeries. Sexual function was evaluated using International Index of Erectile Function.

Results

Mean follow-up was 75 months (ranged from 24 to 168 months). One-stage and two-stage repair were performed in 85.5% and 14.5% of cases, respectively. A higher success rate was noted after one-stage repair (94% compared to 86%). Complications included four cases of penile curvature with late onset, one case of glans dehiscence and partial skin necrosis. Erectile dysfunction was determined in 24% of patients.

Discussion

Non-urethral complications may occur many years after primary hypospadias repair, with a strong impact on the quality of life. Treatment is individualized and usually involves a radical surgical approach to correct all associated deformities and to achieve successful cosmetic and psychosexual outcomes.
Modeling urban tree growth as a part of the green infrastructure to estimate ecosystem services in urban planning
Authors: Fauk Tino , Schneider Petra
Published: June 2023

Motivation: Planting urban trees is important for urban development. Foliage reflects, scatters, and absorbs incoming shortwave solar radiation, thus reducing the energy flow to the underlying surface, including streets, houses, and humans. Shaded areas, with primarily anthropogenic substrates, are not as heated as nonshaded areas. Subsequently, temperature, radiation and its influence on morbidity of fauna and flora are comparatively lower in these areas.

Materials and Methods: Statistical methods were applied to assess the allometric functions of urban trees. The analyzed data were obtained from the tree cadaster of Magdeburg City, Germany, which contains information from 1936 to 2021. As of June 2022, the tree cadaster contained 89,766 trees. The tree species Acer campestre, Acer platanoides, Malus spp., and Quercus robur were subjected to investigation. Nine temperature optimum (TO)/precipitation optimum (PO) scenarios were considered, and their effects on the allometric relationships on the tree species were determined, respectively: 1. TO 17–19°C/PO 450–550 mm, 2. TO 19–21°C/PO 450–550 mm, 3. TO 21–23°C/PO 450–550 mm., 4. TO 17–19°C/PO 550–650 mm, 5. TO 19–21°C/PO 550–650 mm, 6. TO 21–23°C/PO 550–650 mm, 7. TO 17–19°C/PO 650–750 mm, 8. TO 19–21°C/PO 650–750 mm, 9. TO 21–23°C/PO 650–750 mm.

Results and Discussion: In six of nine scenarios, a significant correlation was evident for temperature. Water uptake was found to be significant in scenario 6. No significant correlation for competition and breast head diameter growth could be determined in any scenario. Five of the nine scenarios were significantly comparable. While competition was evident as conditionally non-significant (p-value = 0.069 & 0.058), for the elevation forecast in scenarios 3 & 6 only, dependence was evident in all other scenarios. Regarding the crown diameter, temperature was significant in 3 of 9 scenarios. No significant relationship was found for water uptake and competition.

Conclusions: No clear abiotic optimum could be identified. Thus, a continuous adjustment of the parameters is necessary to refine the growth functions. Moreover, the growth function adaptation according to the different age phases of trees might be considered on the long term.
Who is publishing in ecology and evolution? the underrepresentation of women and the Global South
Authors: Hughes Alice C. , Than Kay Zin , Tanalgo Krizler C. , Agung Ade Prasetyo , Alexander Tendu , Kane Yakhouba , Bhadra Sreetama , Chornelia Ada , Sritongchuay Tuanjit , Simla Pattraporn , Chen Yanhua , Chen Xing , Uddin Nasir , Khatri Pratibha , Karlsson Catharina
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Most global biodiversity is in developing economies. Decades of capacity building should have built sufficient in-country capacity to develop biodiversity baselines; yet has effort provided the expertise to build these baselines?

Methods: Grants and access to research opportunities are often linked to success in publishing, with the H-index providing the main metric of academic success. Recent compilations of “Top Researchers in Ecology and Evolution” included 5,419 researchers, but where these researchers are and how representative they are has not been well studied. We explored the global distribution of “Top Researchers in Ecology and Evolution” and explored the representation of Women, non-Caucasians, and non-Caucasian women, as well as the representation of “local” top researchers in different regions.

Results: Over half Top Researchers in Ecology and Evolution are from just three countries (United States, United Kingdom, and Australia), and 83% come from 12 higher-income countries. Even in lower-income economies the majority of the few “high impact” researchers are originally from higher-income economies. Only China had a high proportion of their high-impact non-Caucasian researchers, with the majority of researchers coming from that region. Women were also underrepresented across the globe, only three countries had more than 20% of top-performing ecologists being female.

Discussion: Ultimately, despite decades of capacity building, we are still failing to build in-country capacity for research or to provide sufficient support for female ecologists to publish and lead the field. Here we discuss why these issues persist, and how we might improve representation and access to opportunity and support for all groups, and provide the analysis needed to provide solutions to global challenges in biodiversity conservation, which require diverse representation to develop effective, and nuanced solutions.
Differential accumulation of cardenolides from Asclepias curassavica by large milkweed bugs does not correspond to availability in seeds or biological activity on the bug Na+/K+-ATPase
Authors: Rubiano-Buitrago Paola , Pradhan Shrikant , Grabe Veit , Aceves-Aparicio Alfonso , Paetz Christian , Rowland Hannah M.
Published: June 2023

Milkweed–herbivore systems are characterized by cardenolide chemical defenses and specialized herbivore adaptations such as physiological target site insensitivity. Cardenolide defenses in milkweeds can vary in terms of the total concentration, differences in the polarity of individual cardenolides, and the substitution of the steroidal structures that can contribute to the molecule's reactivity. The variability in cardenolide defenses could represent the plant's response to natural selection and adaptation of resistant herbivores and is a characteristic of phenotype-matching between defensive and offensive traits resulting from coevolution. Here, we test the phenotypic match of the cardenolide composition of seeds of Asclepias curassavica and those sequestered by nymphs and adults of the specialized seed herbivore Oncopeltus fasciatus, combined with tests of the inhibitory capacity of a subset of seed cardenolides against the Na+/K+-ATPase of O. fasciatus and a non-adapted insect (Drosophila melanogaster). We compare this with the inhibitory capacity against the highly sensitive porcine Na+/K+-ATPase. Among the five most abundant cardenolides present in milkweed seeds, glucopyranosyl frugoside, glucopyranosyl gofruside, and glucopyranosyl calotropin were significantly more abundant in the seeds than in the adults and nymphs; the bugs contained higher concentrations of the deglucosylated compounds. The most abundant compound, glucopyranosyl frugoside, was also the most inhibitory for O. fasciatus, but O. fasciatus was significantly more tolerant to all compounds compared to D. melanogaster and the highly sensitive porcine enzyme. Our results add to the evidence that O. fasciatus sequesters specific individual cardenolides from its Asclepias host plants that are not directly linked to the concentration and inhibitory potency.
Access to provisioning services by local communities from Mpanga central forest reserve in central Uganda
Authors: Gumoshabe Memory , Anywar Godwin , Tugume Patience
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Forest resources are an important source of products on which rural communities depend for survival. Mpanga Central Forest Reserve (CFR) is a valuable resource to adjacent communities through provision of different goods and serves for subsistence and income generation. It also serves as an important eco-tourist site. However, there is scanty information regarding the products obtained from Mpanga CFR and their contribution to livelihoods of adjacent communities.

Methods

The study explored the provisioning services obtained from the CFR, assessed the contribution of the CFR to the surrounding communities and explored the challenges faced while obtaining these services from the forest reserve. Provisioning services are the material benefits supplied by the ecosystem. A total of 118 respondents were randomly selected from 11 villages in Kamengo sub-county Mpigi District and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires.

Results and discussion

The residents obtained wild foods, medicinal herbs, fuelwood, construction and carving materials. Most of the respondents used obtained products for subsistence (51%) while the rest sold them. Regression analysis revealed that 76.5% of the variability in cash income from the CFR is significantly explained by age of respondents, period of stay and education level. Increase in age and educational level of respondents reduced ability to obtain cash income from the forest by (β = −0.19) and (β = −0.625), respectively but increase in period of stay acted in the reverse (β = 0.22). Despite the importance of provisioning services in improving the livelihood of communities adjacent the forest, some challenges in accessing the forest were reported. The quantities of some extracted species had declined over a 5-year period resulting in reduction of household income. This negatively impacts on the livelihoods of the young and uneducated that depend on forest activities for income generation. It is pertinent that alternative livelihood options are sought to address this trend. Also, forest management strategies should provide a win-win situation to forest managers and communities adjacent to the forest. This will not only preserve the forest resource but will also ensure a sustainable livelihood to forest dependent communities.
Identifying and prioritizing evidence needs in self-care interventions for sexual and reproductive health
Authors: Sedgh Gilda , Sorhaindo Annik
Published: June 2023

Background

Self-care as an extension of health care systems can increase access to care. The development of programs and generation of evidence to support self-care in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a relatively nascent field. We undertook a study to identify and prioritize evidence gaps for SRH self-care.

Methods

We used the CHNRI methodology and administered two online surveys to stakeholders affiliated with major self-care networks. The first survey was used to identify evidence gaps, and the second to prioritize them using predetermined criteria.

Results

We received 51 responses to the first survey and 36 responses to the second. Many evidence gaps focused on awareness of and demand for self-care options and best mechanisms for supporting users of self-care with information, counseling and linkages to care.

Conclusion

A priority area of work ahead should be determining which aspects of the learning agenda reflect gaps in evidence and which reflect a need to effectively synthesize and disseminate existing evidence.
The multifaceted nature of IL-10: regulation, role in immunological homeostasis and its relevance to cancer, COVID-19 and post-COVID conditions
Authors: Carlini Valentina , Noonan Douglas M. , Abdalalem Eslam , Goletti Delia , Sansone Clementina , Calabrone Luana , Albini Adriana
Published: June 2023

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a pleiotropic cytokine that has a fundamental role in modulating inflammation and in maintaining cell homeostasis. It primarily acts as an anti-inflammatory cytokine, protecting the body from an uncontrolled immune response, mostly through the Jak1/Tyk2 and STAT3 signaling pathway. On the other hand, IL-10 can also have immunostimulating functions under certain conditions. Given the pivotal role of IL-10 in immune modulation, this cytokine could have relevant implications in pathologies characterized by hyperinflammatory state, such as cancer, or infectious diseases as in the case of COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 syndrome. Recent evidence proposed IL-10 as a predictor of severity and mortality for patients with acute or post-acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this context, IL-10 can act as an endogenous danger signal, released by tissues undergoing damage in an attempt to protect the organism from harmful hyperinflammation. Pharmacological strategies aimed to potentiate or restore IL-10 immunomodulatory action may represent novel promising avenues to counteract cytokine storm arising from hyperinflammation and effectively mitigate severe complications. Natural bioactive compounds, derived from terrestrial or marine photosynthetic organisms and able to increase IL-10 expression, could represent a useful prevention strategy to curb inflammation through IL-10 elevation and will be discussed here. However, the multifaceted nature of IL-10 has to be taken into account in the attempts to modulate its levels.
From support to therapy: rethinking the role of nutrition in acute graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Limpert Rachel , Pan Pan , Wang Li-Shu , Chen Xiao
Published: June 2023

Allogeneic Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers a potential cure for patients with hematologic malignancies. Unfortunately, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a major obstacle to the greater success of this treatment. Despite intensive research efforts over the past several decades, GVHD is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients receiving allogeneic HSCT. The genetic disparity between donor and recipient is the primary factor that dictates the extent of alloimmune response and the severity of acute GVHD (aGVHD). However, some nongenetic factors are also actively involved in GVHD pathogenesis. Thus, identifying host factors that can be readily modified to reduce GVHD risk is of important clinical significance. We are particularly interested in the potential role of nutrition, as a nongenetic factor, in the etiology and management of aGVHD. In this article, we summarize recent findings regarding how different routes of nutritional support and various dietary factors affect aGVHD. Since diet is one of the most important factors that shape gut microbiota, we also provide evidence for a potential link between certain nutrients and gut microbiota in recipients of allogeneic HSCT. We propose a shifting role of nutrition from support to therapy in GVHD by targeting gut microbiota.
Loss of zinc transporters ZIP1 and ZIP3 augments platelet reactivity in response to thrombin and accelerates thrombus formation in vivo
Authors: Elgheznawy Amro , Öftering Patricia , Englert Maximilian , Mott Kristina , Kaiser Friederike , Kusch Charly , Gbureck Uwe , Bösl Michael R. , Schulze Harald , Nieswandt Bernhard , Vögtle Timo , Hermanns Heike M.
Published: June 2023

Zinc (Zn2+) is considered as important mediator of immune cell function, thrombosis and haemostasis. However, our understanding of the transport mechanisms that regulate Zn2+ homeostasis in platelets is limited. Zn2+ transporters, ZIPs and ZnTs, are widely expressed in eukaryotic cells. Using mice globally lacking ZIP1 and ZIP3 (ZIP1/3 DKO), our aim was to explore the potential role of these Zn2+ transporters in maintaining platelet Zn2+ homeostasis and in the regulation of platelet function. While ICP-MS measurements indicated unaltered overall Zn2+ concentrations in platelets of ZIP1/3 DKO mice, we observed a significantly increased content of FluoZin3-stainable free Zn2+, which, however, appears to be released less efficiently upon thrombin-stimulated platelet activation. On the functional level, ZIP1/3 DKO platelets exhibited a hyperactive response towards threshold concentrations of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists, while immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-coupled receptor agonist signalling was unaffected. This resulted in enhanced platelet aggregation towards thrombin, bigger thrombus volume under flow ex vivo and faster in vivo thrombus formation in ZIP1/3 DKO mice. Molecularly, augmented GPCR responses were accompanied by enhanced Ca2+ and PKC, CamKII and ERK1/2 signalling. The current study thereby identifies ZIP1 and ZIP3 as important regulators for the maintenance of platelet Zn2+ homeostasis and function.
An etiological examination of behavioral intentions to support shark and stingray conservancy: the effects of beliefs in elasmobranchs’ cognitive and affective capacities
Authors: Hancock Gabriella M. , Dudley Katie D. , Long Dede , Lowe Christopher G.
Published: June 2023

Keystone species populations, including shark and ray taxonomic groups, are declining due to numerous threats. A better understanding of how individual belief structures inform pro-conservation behavioral intentions is therefore critical to foster support for their conservation and the greater biodiversity of world ecosystems. This study conducted a survey to establish the general public’s cognitive beliefs about the mental and affective capacities of two species groups (sharks and stingrays) known to cause injury to humans, and their effects on different behavioral intentions to support their conservation. Results revealed that a range of different behavioral intentions to support animal conservation are driven by a complex interplay of cognitive beliefs, and some effects were specific to a particular species group while others were not. Beliefs in animals’ cognitive awareness and their emotional abilities were predictive of individuals’ self-reported desire to learn more about the animals and their conservation. Beliefs in animals’ cognitive and emotional capacities were predictive of supporting conservation in terms of voting and donating to their conservation. Finally, beliefs in animals’ reasoning abilities were predictive of different behavioral expressions of tolerance, and support for their conservation via voting only. Despite the potential injurious capabilities of these species, these findings have important implications for educational and conservation programs to emphasize or modify specific beliefs in order to facilitate particular pro-conservation behaviors for maximum benefits to conservation efforts.
Edge computing at sea: high-throughput classification of in-situ plankton imagery for adaptive sampling
Authors: Schmid Moritz S. , Daprano Dominic , Damle Malhar M. , Sullivan Christopher M. , Sponaugle Su , Cousin Charles , Guigand Cedric , Cowen Robert K.
Published: June 2023

The small sizes of most marine plankton necessitate that plankton sampling occur on fine spatial scales, yet our questions often span large spatial areas. Underwater imaging can provide a solution to this sampling conundrum but collects large quantities of data that require an automated approach to image analysis. Machine learning for plankton classification, and high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure, are critical to rapid image processing; however, these assets, especially HPC infrastructure, are only available post-cruise leading to an ‘after-the-fact’ view of plankton community structure. To be responsive to the often-ephemeral nature of oceanographic features and species assemblages in highly dynamic current systems, real-time data are key for adaptive oceanographic sampling. Here we used the new In-situ Ichthyoplankton Imaging System-3 (ISIIS-3) in the Northern California Current (NCC) in conjunction with an edge server to classify imaged plankton in real-time into 170 classes. This capability together with data visualization in a heavy.ai dashboard makes adaptive real-time decision-making and sampling at sea possible. Dual ISIIS-Deep-focus Particle Imager (DPI) cameras sample 180 L s-1, leading to >10 GB of video per min. Imaged organisms are in the size range of 250 µm to 15 cm and include abundant crustaceans, fragile taxa (e.g., hydromedusae, salps), faster swimmers (e.g., krill), and rarer taxa (e.g., larval fishes). A deep learning pipeline deployed on the edge server used multithreaded CPU-based segmentation and GPU-based classification to process the imagery. AVI videos contain 50 sec of data and can contain between 23,000 - 225,000 particle and plankton segments. Processing one AVI through segmentation and classification takes on average 3.75 mins, depending on biological productivity. A heavyDB database monitors for newly processed data and is linked to a heavy.ai dashboard for interactive data visualization. We describe several examples where imaging, AI, and data visualization enable adaptive sampling that can have a transformative effect on oceanography. We envision AI-enabled adaptive sampling to have a high impact on our ability to resolve biological responses to important oceanographic features in the NCC, such as oxygen minimum zones, or harmful algal bloom thin layers, which affect the health of the ecosystem, fisheries, and local communities.
Effects of sintering temperatures on the microstructure and mechanical properties of S390 powder metallurgy high-speed steel
Authors: Hu Qipeng , Wang Miaohui , Chen Yunbo , Si Zhen , Zhang Dongyue
Published: June 2023

High-performance complex gear cutters and high-temperature bearings are just some of the applications where high-speed steels (HSSs) shine as a preferred material choice owing to their high hardness and outstanding wear resistance. In this work, the effects of sintering temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of S390 HSS prepared via spark plasma sintering (SPS) were investigated with a range of sintering temperatures from 930°C to 1,090°C, a uniaxial pressure of 50 MPa, and a holding time of 5 min. The results demonstrated that the improvements in density, hardness, red hardness, and three-point bending strength were confirmed as the sintering temperature increased from 930°C to 1,090°C. Temperature-induced microstructure evolutions were assessed for their contribution to property enhancement, such as powders with varying dimensions and carbides with diverse morphology and diameter. The specimen with the best comprehensive mechanical properties (67.1 HRC and 1,196.67 MPa) was prepared at 1,050°C via SPS. The wear coefficients decreased as the sintering temperature increased, and the observation results of worn surfaces of test pins confirmed that abrasive wear and oxidation wear dominated the wear experiments. Furthermore, the wear mechanism of dense and porous SPS HSS was illustrated and analyzed in terms of the debris and trapped carbides.
GB1a Ameliorates Ulcerative Colitis via Regulation of the NF-κB and Nrf2 Signaling Pathways in an Experimental Model
Authors: Yu Yuanyuan , Zheng Congmin , Lu Xu , Deng Changsheng , Xu Qin , Guo Wenfeng , Wu Qingye , Wang Qi , Liu Changhui , Huang Xinan , Song Jianping
Published: June 2023

Graphical Abstract

GB1a attenuates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis via remodeling of the NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways.
Comparison between the influence of roxadustat and recombinant human erythropoietin treatment on blood pressure and cardio-cerebrovascular complications in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Cheng Shuiqin , Zhou Tingting , Yu Le , Zhang Zhihong , Chen Yunmin , Zhang Man , Cui Jingjing , Yu Wenxin , Zhou Jian , Yu Yusheng
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Roxadustat treatment in PD patients is equivalent to ESAs in increasing hemoglobin (Hb). But blood pressure, cardiovascular parameters, cardio-cerebrovascular complications and prognosis in the two groups before and after treatment has not been sufficiently discussed.

Methods

Sixty PD patients who were treated with roxadustat for renal anemia in our PD center recruited from June 2019 to April 2020 as roxadustat group. PD patients treated with rHuEPO were enrolled at a 1:1 ratio as rHuEPO group using the method of propensity score matching. Hb, blood pressure, cardiovascular parameters, cardio-cerebrovascular complications and prognosis were compared between the two group. All patients were followed up for at least 24 months.

Results

There were no significant differences in baseline clinical data or laboratory values between roxadustat group and rHuEPO group. After 24 months of follow-up, there was no significant difference in Hb levels (p > 0.05). There were no significant changes in blood pressure, or the incidence of nocturnal hypertension before and after treatment in roxadustat group (p > 0.05), while blood pressure significantly increased in rHuEPO group after treatment (p < 0.05). Compared with roxadustat group after follow-up, rHuEPO group had a higher incidence of hypertension, the levels of cardiovascular parameters were worse and cardio-cerebrovascular complications had a higher incidence (p < 0.05). Cox regression analysis showed age, systolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, and rHuEPO use before baseline were risk factors for cardio-cerebrovascular complications in PD patients, while treatment with roxadustat was a protective factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications.

Conclusion

Compared with rHuEPO, roxadustat had less influence on blood pressure or cardiovascular parameters, and it was associated with a lower risk of cardio-cerebrovascular complications in patients undergoing PD. Roxadustat has a cardio-cerebrovascular protective advantage in PD patients with renal anemia.
The direct and mediating effects of cognitive impairment on the occurrence of falls: a cohort study based on community-dwelling old adults
Authors: Zhang Tianyi , Yang Cunmei , Shu Gangming , Gao Chang , Ma Hongying , Zou Lin , Zuo Jing , Liu Shaoni , Yan Jin , Hu Yixin
Published: June 2023

Background

Cognitive impairment has been reported to be associated with falls in older adults. However, the complex relationship among falls, cognitive impairment and its associated factors, which could be targeted with specific interventions, remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to examine the direct effects of cognitive impairment on falls, to identify the factors associated with cognitive impairment and to explore the mediation role of cognitive impairment in the association of fall with cognition related factors.

Methods

This 1-year follow-up cohort study enrolled old adults aged 60  years or over. Information about demographic and anthropometric characteristics, fall outcomes, function and nutritional status were collected through face-to-face interview. Cognitive function was evaluated by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Multivariable regression analyses were used to test the association between cognitive impairment and falls and to identify the factors related to cognitive impairment. Additionally, we conduct causal mediation analyses to estimate the mediation effects of cognitive impairment in the pathways of fall occurrence.

Results

Of the 569 participants included in this study, 366 (64.32%) had cognitive impairment, 96 (16.87%) had fall history in the past 1  year, 81 (14.24%) experienced fall and 47 (8.26%) received treatment because of falling during the 1-year follow-up. The association between cognitive impairment and 1-year fall risk was confirmed after adjusting for multiple covariates [odds ratio (OR):2.03, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13–3.80]. IADL disability, depression and low grip strength were associated with a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment. While overweight, higher education and higher income level were found to be related to a lower risk of cognitive impairment. Among these associated factors, cognitive impairment mediated the positive association of falling with IADL ability and depression, and a negative relationship with education and income level.

Conclusion

Our study not only confirmed the direct influence of cognitive impairment on fall risk in older adults, but also suggested a mediating role that cognitive impairment played in the pathways of fall occurrence. Our finding could help develop more specific interventions for fall prevention.
Bacteriophage strategies for overcoming host antiviral immunity
Authors: Gao Zhengyu , Feng Yue
Published: June 2023

Phages and their bacterial hosts together constitute a vast and diverse ecosystem. Facing the infection of phages, prokaryotes have evolved a wide range of antiviral mechanisms, and phages in turn have adopted multiple tactics to circumvent or subvert these mechanisms to survive. An in-depth investigation into the interaction between phages and bacteria not only provides new insight into the ancient coevolutionary conflict between them but also produces precision biotechnological tools based on anti-phage systems. Moreover, a more complete understanding of their interaction is also critical for the phage-based antibacterial measures. Compared to the bacterial antiviral mechanisms, studies into counter-defense strategies adopted by phages have been a little slow, but have also achieved important advances in recent years. In this review, we highlight the numerous intracellular immune systems of bacteria as well as the countermeasures employed by phages, with an emphasis on the bacteriophage strategies in response to host antiviral immunity.
Episomal and chromosomal DNA replication and recombination in Entamoeba histolytica
Authors: Bhattacharya Sudha
Published: June 2023

Entamoeba histolytica is the causative agent of amoebiasis. DNA replication studies in E. histolytica first started with the ribosomal RNA genes located on episomal circles. Unlike most plasmids, Entamoeba histolytica rDNA circles lacked a fixed origin. Replication initiated from multiple sites on the episome, and these were preferentially used under different growth conditions. In synchronized cells the early origins mapped within the rDNA transcription unit, while at later times an origin in the promoter-proximal upstream intergenic spacer was activated. This is reminiscent of eukaryotic chromosomal replication where multiple potential origins are used. Biochemical studies on replication and recombination proteins in Entamoeba histolytica picked up momentum once the genome sequence was available. Sequence search revealed homologs of DNA replication and recombination proteins, including meiotic genes. The replicative DNA polymerases identified included the α, δ, ε of polymerase family B; lesion repair polymerases Rev1 and Rev3; a translesion repair polymerase of family A, and five families of polymerases related to family B2. Biochemical analysis of EhDNApolA confirmed its polymerase activity with expected kinetic constants. It could perform strand displacement, and translesion synthesis. The purified EhDNApolB2 had polymerase and exonuclease activities, and could efficiently bypass some types of DNA lesions. The single DNA ligase (EhDNAligI) was similar to eukaryotic DNA ligase I. It was a high-fidelity DNA ligase, likely involved in both replication and repair. Its interaction with EhPCNA was also demonstrated. The recombination-related proteins biochemically characterized were EhRad51 and EhDmc1. Both shared the canonical properties of a recombinase and could catalyse strand exchange over long DNA stretches. Presence of Dmc1 indicates the likelihood of meiosis in this parasite. Direct evidence of recombination in Entamoeba histolytica was provided by use of inverted repeat sequences located on plasmids or chromosomes. In response to a variety of stress conditions, and during encystation in Entamoeba invadens, recombination-related genes were upregulated and homologous recombination was enhanced. These data suggest that homologous recombination could have critical roles in trophozoite growth and stage conversion. Availability of biochemically characterized replication and recombination proteins is an important resource for exploration of novel anti-amoebic drug targets.
Latin American women in dementia research: outstanding contributions, barriers, and opportunities from Argentinian, Chilean, and Colombian colleagues
Authors: Fittipaldi Sol , Baez Sandra , Gonzalez-Silva Carolina , Duran-Aniotz Claudia
Published: June 2023

Women’s contributions to science have been consistently underrepresented throughout history. Despite many efforts and some progresses being made to reduce gender inequity in science, pursuing an academic career across disciplines, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other dementias, remains challenging for women. Idiosyncratic difficulties of Latin American countries likely accentuate the gender gap. In this Perspective, we celebrate outstanding contributions from Argentinian, Chilean, and Colombian colleagues in dementia research and discuss barriers and opportunities identified by them. We aim to acknowledge Latin American women’s work and bring visibility to the challenges they face throughout their careers in order to inform potential solutions. Also, we highlight the need to perform a systematic assessment of the gender gap in the Latin American dementia community of researchers.
Peripherally-administered amphetamine induces plasticity in medial prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens in rats with amygdala lesions: implications for neural models of memory modulation
Authors: McDonald Robert J. , Hong Nancy S. , Germaine Carlie , Kolb Bryan
Published: June 2023

The amygdala has been implicated in a variety of functions linked to emotions. One popular view is that the amygdala modulates consolidation in other brain systems thought to be mainly involved in learning and memory processes. This series of experiments represents a further exploration into the role of the amygdala in memory modulation and consolidation. One interesting line of research has shown that drugs of abuse, like amphetamine, produce dendritic changes in select brain regions and these changes are thought to be equivalent to a usurping of normal plasticity processes. We were interested in the possibility that this modulation of plasticity processes would be dependent on interactions with the amygdala. According to the modulation view of amygdala function, amphetamine would activate modulation mechanisms in the amygdala that would alter plasticity processes in other brain regions. If the amygdala was rendered dysfunctional, these effects should not occur. Accordingly, this series of experiments evaluated the effects of extensive neurotoxic amygdala damage on amphetamine-induced dendritic changes in the nucleus accumbens and prefrontal cortex. The results showed that rats with large lesions of the amygdala showed the normal pattern of dendritic changes in these brain regions. This pattern of results suggests that the action of not all memory modulators, activated during emotional events, require the amygdala to impact memory.
Enactive artificial intelligence: subverting gender norms in human-robot interaction
Authors: Hipólito Inês , Winkle Katie , Lie Merete
Published: June 2023

Introduction

This paper presents Enactive Artificial Intelligence (eAI) as a gender-inclusive approach to AI, emphasizing the need to address social marginalization resulting from unrepresentative AI design.

Methods

The study employs a multidisciplinary framework to explore the intersectionality of gender and technoscience, focusing on the subversion of gender norms within Robot-Human Interaction in AI.

Results

The results reveal the development of four ethical vectors, namely explainability, fairness, transparency, and auditability, as essential components for adopting an inclusive stance and promoting gender-inclusive AI.

Discussion

By considering these vectors, we can ensure that AI aligns with societal values, promotes equity and justice, and facilitates the creation of a more just and equitable society.