bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi-degree-of-freedom reconfigurable ankle rehabilitation robot with adjustable workspace for post-stroke lower limb ankle rehabilitation
Authors: Meng Qingyun , Liu Guanxin , Xu Xin , Meng Qiaoling , Qin Liang , Yu Hongliu
Published: November 2023

Introduction: A multi-degree-of-freedom ankle rehabilitation robot with an adjustable workspace has been designed to facilitate ankle joint rehabilitation training. It features a rotation center adapted to the human body, making it suitable for patients with ankle dysfunction following a stroke.

Method: In this study, a multi-degree-of-freedom reconfigurable ankle rehabilitation robot (RARR) with adaptable features, based on the principles of ergonomics, has been proposed to cater to the varying needs of patients. This robot offers an adjustable workspace, allowing for different types of ankle joint rehabilitation exercises to be performed. By adjusting the assembly of the RARR, personalized and targeted training can be provided to patients, circumventing issues of redundancy in degrees of freedom during its use. A kinematic model of the robot has been established, and finite element simulation has been employed to analyze the strength of critical components, ensuring the safety of the robot. An experimental platform has been set up to assess the smoothness of the rehabilitation process with RARR, with angle measurements conducted using an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).

Results and discussion: In conclusion, both simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the robot offers an adjustable workspace and exhibits relatively smooth motion, thereby confirming the safety and effectiveness of the robot. These outcomes align with the intended design goals, facilitating ankle joint rehabilitation and advancing the field of reconfigurable robotics. The RARR boasts a compact structure and portability, making it suitable for various usage scenarios. It is easily deployable for at-home use by patients and holds practical application value for wider adoption in rehabilitation settings.
Mini-review antimicrobial smart materials: the future’s defense against wound infections
Authors: Monroe Mary Beth Browning , Fikhman David A.
Published: November 2023

The overuse of antibiotics to treat bacterial infections along with bacteria’s propensity to form biofilm communities has resulted in an alarming rise in drug-resistant microbes. Current approaches to infection surveillance and biofilm clearance in wounds are severely limited, requiring new biomaterials-based strategies to address this problem. To that end, a range of antimicrobial smart materials have been developed that change their properties in response to bacteria-induced external stimuli, providing tools with an additional level of complexity for defending against microbes. Researchers have tried to tackle this issue using materials that respond to the unique pH, temperature, and enzymatic changes that are induced by bacteria in wounds. These environmental responses are coupled with mechanisms to kill surrounding bacteria and/or to signal infection. For example, bacteria-responsive biomaterial solubilization (transition from non-solubilized solid material to solubilized liquid solution), swelling (volumetric increase due to absorption of surrounding media), de-swelling, degradation, or shape change can be coupled with drug release and/or activation or biofilm disruption, inhibition, or destruction. These materials provide a foundation for future work and improvements related to enhanced infection surveillance, increased specificity of infection response, and effective clearance of biofilms from wound surfaces.
Decentralized token economy theory (DeTEcT): token pricing, stability and governance for token economies
Authors: Sadykhov R. , Goodell G. , De Montigny D. , Schoernig M. , Treleaven P.
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a pioneering approach for simulation of economic activity, policy implementation, and pricing of goods in token economies. The paper proposes a formal analysis framework for wealth distribution analysis and simulation of interactions between economic participants in an economy. Using this framework, we define a mechanism for identifying prices that achieve the desired wealth distribution according to some metric, and stability of economic dynamics. The motivation to study tokenomics theory is the increasing use of tokenization, specifically in financial infrastructures, where designing token economies is in the forefront. Tokenomics theory establishes a quantitative framework for wealth distribution amongst economic participants and implements the algorithmic regulatory controls mechanism that reacts to changes in economic conditions. In our framework, we introduce a concept of tokenomic taxonomy where agents in the economy are categorized into agent types and interactions between them. This novel approach is motivated by having a generalized model of the macroeconomy with controls being implemented through interactions and policies. The existence of such controls allows us to measure and readjust the wealth dynamics in the economy to suit the desired objectives.
Envisioning a role for nuclear actin in prophase I spermatocytes
Authors: Petrusová Jana , Manning Jasper , Filipp Dominik
Published: November 2023

Actin is a multi-functional protein that is involved in numerous cellular processes including cytoskeleton regulation, cell migration, and cellular integrity. In these processes, actin’s role in respect to its structure, complex mechanical, and protein-binding properties has been studied primarily in the cytoplasmic and cellular membrane compartments. However, its role in somatic cell nuclei has recently become evident where it participates in transcription, chromatin remodeling, and DNA damage repair. What remains enigmatic is the involvement of nuclear actin in physiological processes that lead to the generation of germ cells, in general, and primary spermatocytes, in particular. Here, we will discuss the possible role and nuclear localization of actin during meiotic prophase I and its interaction with chromatin remodeling complexes, the latter being essential for the control of pairing of homologous chromosomes, cross-over formation, and recombination. It is our hope that this perspective article will extend the scope of actin’s nuclear function in germ cells undergoing meiotic division.
Impact of actin polymerization and filopodia formation on herpes simplex virus entry in epithelial, neuronal, and T lymphocyte cells
Authors: Sasivimolrattana Thanayod , Bhattarakosol Parvapan
Published: November 2023

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) has been known as a common viral pathogen that can infect several parts of the body, leading to various clinical manifestations. According to this diverse manifestation, HSV-1 infection in many cell types was demonstrated. Besides the HSV-1 cell tropism, e.g., fibroblast, epithelial, mucosal cells, and neurons, HSV-1 infections can occur in human T lymphocyte cells, especially in activated T cells. In addition, several studies found that actin polymerization and filopodia formation support HSV-1 infection in diverse cell types. Hence, the goal of this review is to explore the mechanism of HSV-1 infection in various types of cells involving filopodia formation and highlight potential future directions for HSV-1 entry-related research. Moreover, this review covers several strategies for possible anti-HSV drugs focused on the entry step, offering insights into potential therapeutic interventions.
Five types on perception of global warming in Japanese
Authors: Kosugi Motoko , Baba Kenshi
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The study seeks to examine Japanese people's perceptions and attitudes toward climate change by segmenting and characterizing respondents using online survey data from 2017 and 2020.

Methods

The survey administered in 2017 had 2,997 respondents and the survey in 2020, 1,100 respondents. Five segments were identified based on aspects of people's understanding of global warming, their attitudes toward taking countermeasures, and analyses of the characteristics and changes in the segment composition.

Results

The groups identified were the “Alarmed,” who have a strong sense of urgency and undertake proactive measures; the “Indifferent,” who have limited interest and no clear opinion; the “Affirmative,” who tend to agree with all questions regardless of their content; and the “Skeptic,” who tend to suspect global warming. Provide negative responses to contradictory questions. The 2017 survey also yielded a segment called “Dismissive 2017,” and in the 2020 survey, a new segment called “Cautious 2020” was identified. People with unclear perceptions about climate change accounted for about 50% of respondents in both surveys.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that in communicating with the public regarding the implementation of countermeasures, it is necessary to consider the differences in awareness, knowledge, and perception of the effects of global warming among various segments of the population.
Feeding rates of raptors during autumn migration in the Central Appalachians 1987–2022
Authors: Verduci Marzia , Goodrich Laurie J. , Therrien Jean-Francois , Ruelas Inzunza Ernesto
Published: November 2023

Migratory raptors can fuel their journeys by feeding along the way. To maximize migration success, raptors are suspected to time their movements with the availability of their prey. Feeding rates can vary among species depending on migration distance (long vs. short distance), flight strategies (flapping vs. soaring), and within species according to individual timing (early vs. late migrants). We assessed the feeding rate of four eastern North American migratory raptors over a period of 35 years. Using visual observations collected during autumn migration in the Central Appalachians, we assessed the presence/absence of distended crops of migrants. We quantified the feeding rates of species with different migration ecologies (migration distance, flight strategies), compared within-season (timing) species, and assessed if feeding rates varied over the last 35 years. We found a higher feeding rate in short-distance than in long-distance migrants and in power-flapping vs soaring migrants. We detected a long-term significant increase in feeding rate for most species, more evident in early migratory individuals coupled with a decrease in the feeding rate of late migrants. Understanding how feeding rates vary according to migratory behavior and how the migration ecology of raptors is changing under a scenario of global environmental change is important for their conservation.
Cardiac intensive care unit: where we are in 2023
Authors: Bouchlarhem Amine , Bazid Zakaria , Ismaili Nabila , El Ouafi Noha
Published: November 2023

Cardiac intensive care has been a constantly evolving area of research and innovation since the beginning of the 21st century. The story began in 1961 with Desmond Julian's pioneering creation of a coronary intensive care unit to improve the prognosis of patients with myocardial infarction, considered the major cause of death in the world. These units have continued to progress over time, with the introduction of new therapeutic means such as fibrinolysis, invasive hemodynamic monitoring using the Swan-Ganz catheter, and mechanical circulatory assistance, with significant advances in percutaneous interventional coronary and structural procedures. Since acute cardiovascular disease is not limited to the management of acute coronary syndromes and includes other emergencies such as severe arrhythmias, acute heart failure, cardiogenic shock, high-risk pulmonary embolism, severe conduction disorders, and post-implantation monitoring of percutaneous valves, as well as other non-cardiac emergencies, such as septic shock, severe respiratory failure, severe renal failure and the management of cardiac arrest after resuscitation, the conversion of coronary intensive care units into cardiac intensive care units represented an important priority. Today, the cardiac intensive care units (CICU) concept is widely adopted by most healthcare systems, whatever the country's level of development. The main aim of these units remains to improve the overall morbidity and mortality of acute cardiovascular diseases, but also to manage other non-cardiac disorders, such as sepsis and respiratory failure. This diversity of tasks and responsibilities has enabled us to classify these CICUs according to several levels, depending on a variety of parameters, principally the level of care delivered, the staff assigned, the equipment and technologies available, the type of research projects carried out, and the type of connections and networking developed. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) have detailed this organization in guidelines published initially in 2005 and updated in 2018, with the aim of harmonizing the structure, organization, and care offered by the various CICUs. In this state-of-the-art report, we review the history of the CICUs from the creation of the very first unit in 1968 to the discussion of their current perspectives, with the main objective of knowing what the CICUs will have become by 2023.
Lower limb arterial calcification and its clinical relevance with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Dong Yue , Liu Yuankang , Cheng Panpan , Liao Hongli , Jiang Cuiping , Li Ying , Liu Shuhua , Xu Xiangyang
Published: November 2023

Lower limb arterial calcification (LLAC) is associated with an increased risk of mortality and it predicts poor outcomes after endovascular interventions in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). Detailed histological analysis of human lower artery specimens pinpointed the presence of LLAC in two distinct layers: the intima and the media. Intimal calcification has been assumed to be an atherosclerotic pathology and it is associated with smoking and obesity. It becomes instrumental in lumen stenosis, thereby playing a crucial role in disease progression. On the contrary, medial calcification is a separate process, systematically regulated and linked with age advancement, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. It prominently interacts with vasodilation and arterial stiffness. Given that both types of calcifications frequently co-exist in PAD patients, it is vital to understand their respective mechanisms within the context of PAD. Calcification can be easily identifiable entity on imaging scans. Considering the highly improved abilities of novel imaging technologies in differentiating intimal and medial calcification within the lower limb arteries, this review aimed to describe the distinct histological and imaging features of the two types of LLAC. Additionally, it aims to provide in-depth insight into the risk factors, the effects on hemodynamics, and the clinical implications of LLAC, either occurring in the intimal or medial layers.
Perioperative hemostatic management of patients with type A aortic dissection
Authors: Erdoes Gabor , Ahmed Aamer , Kurz Stephan D. , Gerber Daniel , Bolliger Daniel
Published: November 2023

Coagulopathy is common in patients undergoing thoracic aortic repair for Stanford type A aortic dissection. Non-critical administration of blood products may adversely affect the outcome. It is therefore important to be familiar with the pathologic conditions that lead to coagulopathy in complex cardiac surgery. Adequate care of these patients includes the collection of the medical history regarding the use of antithrombotic and anticoagulant drugs, and a sophisticated diagnosis of the coagulopathy with viscoelastic testing and subsequently adapted coagulation therapy with labile and stable blood products. In addition to the above-mentioned measures, intraoperative blood conservation measures as well as good interdisciplinary coordination and communication contribute to a successful hemostatic management strategy.
Building resilience through daily smartphone app use: results of a pilot study of the JoyPop app with social work students
Authors: Maurer Katherine , Kimyaci Mert , Konyk Katy , Wekerle Christine
Published: November 2023

Background

The JoyPop™ smartphone app is a digital intervention designed to enhance day-to-day resilience in youth, particularly those exposed to traumatogenic events [adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)]. Processes of adaptation that foster resilience in response to high stress include affect, cognitive, and behavioral regulation, and social interaction. Digital interventions have application for youth and those who provide them support, including social work trainees navigating the stressors of university studies concurrent with practice internships. Research on resilience-enhancing apps is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms by which change occurs and who is most likely to benefit from these interventions.

Methods

Social work student participants (N = 91) were invited to use the JoyPop app two times daily for 28 days. Baseline ACE exposure and change-over-time in affect regulation, stress responsivity, and social support were evaluated after 2 and 4 weeks of app use witht-tests and generalized estimating equation (GEE) modeling.

Results

Participants identified predominantly as cisgender women of European descent, mean age 26 years (SD = 6.78), 70% undergraduates, and reported consistent daily app use (Mean days = 26.9, SD = 1.90). Self-reported baseline ACE exposure was high (30% ≥ 5+). We tested change-over-time with generalized estimating equation and saw improvement in affect regulation in the Abbreviated Dysregulation Inventory scale (β = −3.38,p = <.001), and subscales of behavioral (β = −1.63,p = <.001), affect (β = −3.24,p = <.001), and cognitive regulation (β = 1.50,p = .009). Perceived stress decreased with app use (β = −2.65,p = <.001) and even more so for participants with reported exposure to more than 4 ACEs (β = −3.786,p = .030).

Conclusions

The exploratory findings from our pilot study suggest that consistent use of the app may enhance multidimensional resilience amongst university students who self-report higher than average levels of baseline traumatogenic exposures. Our findings support an approach modeling resilience as a complex, dynamic, multicomponent process supported by resources within and between individuals. Further testing of the mechanisms of adaptation in response to high stress that enhance resilience and identification of the JoyPop™ app features that influence this change is needed to validate that daily app use could help youth with experiences of past and current high stress to better regulate their affect, reduce stress reactivity, and increase resilience.
Preserved and modified arc crust beneath the Kohistan-Ladakh arc in the western Himalaya-Karakoram region: evidence from ambient noise and earthquake data
Authors: Kumar Vivek
Published: November 2023

This study uses ambient noise and earthquake waveform data recorded over ∼25 broadband seismic networks in the Himalayas, Tibet, and the Pamir-Hindu Kush to compute a 3-D shear wave velocity (Vs) model of the crust beneath the Kohistan and Ladakh arcs. The velocity model, with a lateral resolution of ∼30 km, is derived using a Bayesian hierarchical trans-dimensional inversion of fundamental mode Rayleigh wave group velocity dispersion measurements. The result shows evidence of a uniform upper and middle crust (Vs ∼ 3.5–3.6 km/s) underlain by an anomalous high-velocity layer (HVL) with Vs >4 km/s at depths exceeding 40 km beneath the Kohistan arc, consistent with laboratory-derived crustal models showing its pre-collisional structures. The thickness of the HVL is maximum (>20 km) in southern Kohistan, which exposes the mafic and ultramafic arc crust. In contrast, the Ladakh arc, which has seismic structures similar to those in southern Tibet, is characterized by significantly low velocities (Vs < 3.4 km/s) in the middle crust (20–40 km depth) and a relatively thin HVL (∼5–10 km) above a Moho depth, which mostly varies between 60 and 72 km. The contrasting velocity structure indicates that the Kohistan arc preserves a typical arc-like crust, whereas the Ladakh arc has undergone significant modifications since the India-Asia collision.
What are the most essential social-emotional skills?: Relationships between adolescents’ social-emotional skills and psychosocial health variables: an explorative cross-sectional study of a sample of students in preparatory vocational secondary education
Authors: Van De Sande Marion Cornelia , Leonardus Kocken Paul , Diekstra Rene Folquinus , Reis Ria , Gravesteijn Carolien , Fekkes Minne
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Universal school-based social-emotional learning (SEL) programs target several social-emotional skills assuming a relationship between the skills and psychosocial health outcomes. However, greater insight into the relationship is required to clarify the skills that are most crucial to address. It will support the development and refinement of SEL programs. This study investigated (1) the relationship among the social-emotional skills, (2) the association between the skills and psychosocial health variables, and (3) the mediating effect of the skills on psychosocial variables.

Methods

Using self-report questionnaires (N = 796) completed by adolescent students (aged 14–18) in preparatory vocational tracks in Dutch secondary education, associations were identified between five SEL skills and two psychosocial health variables, emotional-behavioral difficulties, and prosocial behavior.

Results

There was a high degree of overlap between the five skills (self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making). The skills were univariately associated with emotional-behavioral difficulties and prosocial behavior. In the multivariate model, self-management most strongly correlated with emotional-behavioral difficulties and mediated the relationship between self-awareness and emotional-behavioral difficulties. Social awareness showed the highest correlation with prosocial behavior and mediated the relationship between prosocial behavior and three other skills: self-awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.

Discussion

Self-management and social awareness seem to be the central skills to promote the psychosocial health outcomes of students in preparatory vocational secondary education tracks. These two skills mediate the relationship between other social-emotional skills, emotional-behavioral difficulties, and prosocial behavior.
The clinicopathological features, treatment outcomes and follow-up results of 47 ectopic thyroid gland cases: a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Gao Ming , He Qi , Li Liwen , Ji Feihong , Ding Yalei , Sun Qixuan , Qiu Xinguang
Published: November 2023

Background

Ectopic thyroid gland (ETG) is an uncommon clinical condition, presenting various challenges and limitations in its regulate diagnosis and treatment currently. This study aims to enhance our understanding of ETG and improve the strategies for its diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

The retrospective single-center study was conducted, encompassing clinical data from ETG patients screened at our institution between 2013 and 2022. Patients were categorized based on the location of the disease, and follow-ups were performed on each.

Results

This study included a total of 47 patients who were confirmed to hav confirmed to have ETG. Among them, we found 29 cases of accessory thyroid and 18 cases of aberrant thyroid. Furthermore, 42 cases exhibited the single ETG, while 5 cases displayed the double ETG. The distribution of the ETG was as follows: 20 were lingual, 10 were submandibular, 10 were lateral cervical, 4 were thoracic mediastinal, 1 was esophageal, and 7 were ovarian. Of these cases, 22 patients underwent surgery, 18 received thyroid hormone replacement therapy, and 7 were placed under observation. All patients were followed up for 59.4 (12-117) months. No significant abnormalities were detected at the conclusion of the follow-up period.

Conclusion

ETG is frequently observed in the head and neck, particularly in lingual. Accessory thyroid glands are commonly reported, with most cases being single ETG. Notably, these glands usually do not manifest specific clinical symptoms. Therefore, the appropriate and comprehensive examinations during the initial diagnosis are crucial to avoid misdiagnosis. Treatment should be individualized, and long-term follow-up is essential for managing ETG effectively.
Free triiodothyronine (FT3)-to-free thyroxine (FT4) ratio identified as a risk factor for gestational diabetes in euthyroid pregnant women: insights from a Chinese population cohort study
Authors: Zhao Xin , Sun Jianbin , Yuan Ning , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: November 2023

Background

To explore the association between thyroid hormones and gestational diabetes mellitus in euthyroid pregnant women, with the aim of preventing the occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus.

Methods

In this prospective study, a total of 1222 euthyroid pregnant women in their first trimester were recruited at Peking University International Hospital between December 2017 and March 2019. These participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test during the 24-28 weeks of gestation.

Results

During early pregnancy, the gestational diabetes mellitus group displayed lower levels of free thyroxine when compared to the non-gestational diabetes mellitus group. Additionally, the ratio of free triiodothyronine to free thyroxine in the gestational diabetes mellitus group during early pregnancy was significantly higher (p<0.05). The ratio of free triiodothyronine to free thyroxine during early pregnancy showed a positive correlation with blood glucose levels at 0, 60, and 120 min both before and after glucose loading (all p<0.05). During early pregnancy, there was a negative relationship between free thyroxine levels and fasting blood glucose. The free triiodothyronine levels were positively correlated to blood glucose levels at 120 min following glucose loading (all p<0.05).

Conclusion

The ratio of free triiodothyronine-to-free thyroxine is an independent risk factor for gestational diabetes mellitus and has the potential to be a predictor for gestational diabetes mellitus in euthyroid pregnant women.
Fracturing fluid flow characteristics in shale gas matrix-fracture system based on NMR method
Authors: Wu Jianfa , Yang Xuefeng , Li Jiajun , Liu Wenping , Chen Feng , Huang Shan , Wang Chuanxi , Sun Yongpeng
Published: November 2023

To understand the occurrence state of fracturing fluid in shale gas matrix-fracture system, an experimental method for evaluating fracturing fluid flow characteristics in matrix-fracture system was established. By using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance method, the flow characteristics of fracturing fluid were investigated from three processes of filtration, well shut-in and flowback. The T2 spectrum of fracturing fluid flow process and fracturing fluid saturation in matrix-fracture core model were clarified. The results demonstrate that the peak area of T2 spectra increases gradually during the filtration process, and the fracturing fluid quickly fills the fractures and matrix pores. During the well shut-in process, the fracturing fluid gradually flows from the fracture space to the matrix pores, and the signal of the matrix pores increases by 50.5%. During the flowback process, fracturing fluid flows out of the matrix and fracture. And when it reaches a stable state, the peak signal in the fracture decreases by 64.5% and the matrix signal reduces by 18.8%. The better the porosity and permeability characteristics of the core, the more likely the fracturing fluid is to stay in the formation and cannot be discharged. This paper would contribute to basic parameters for shale gas fracturing design and production strategy optimization.
Impact and recoverability of metals from waste: a case study on bottom ash from municipal solid waste incineration plants
Authors: Ghani Junaid , Toller Simone , Dinelli Enrico , Funari Valerio
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Municipal Solid Waste Incineration (MSWI) plants generate significant amounts of solid end-products, such as bottom ash (BA), containing potentially toxic elements like Cr, Ni, As, Cd, and Pb, base elements (e.g., Si, Al, Fe, Ti, Cu, and Zn), and other technology-critical elements (TCE), such as Co, Ga, Mg, Nb, P, Sb, Sc, V, Li, Sr, and REE. The accurate determination of these elements in anthropogenic wastes and the assessment of their removal are crucial for the circular economy.

Methods: This paper aims to characterize BA samples from two Italian MSWI plants (named FE and FC) by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and comparatively assess the removal of a selection of elements using the aqua regia digestion (ARD) method, followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) analytical determination.

Results and discussion: According to the XRF analysis, Ca, Fe, Al, Mg, and Na had high concentrations in BA, and their contents increased with decreasing particle size in both FE and FC samples. The Enrichment Factor (EF) based on the upper continental crust’s average values of Zn, Cu, and Pb was high (EF > 30), while Cr, Ni, and As were scarcely enriched (EF > 1), and REE enrichment was very low (EF < 1). In both FE and FC plants, the Degree of Elements Extractability (DE) was high (>80%), especially in the fine-grained fractions of MSWI bottom ash. The Enrichment Factor (EF) based on the upper continental crust average values of Zn, Cu, and Pb was high (EF > 30), while Cr, Ni, and As were scarcely enriched (EF > 1), and REE enrichment was very low (EF < 1). The bibliometric analysis helped highlight research trends in the assessment and treatment of MSWI-BA, discriminating the literature impact on environment/health issues and recovery/recycling strategies for the circular economy associated with the MSWI-BA material.

Conclusion: Although higher data coverage is needed, the present study suggests ARD as an effective method for better understanding the environmental impact and recoverability of useful elements from anthropogenic materials like MSWI bottom ash.
Assessment of the progression of kidney renal clear cell carcinoma using transcriptional profiles revealed new cancer subtypes with variable prognosis
Authors: Livesey Michelle , Eshibona Nasr , Bendou Hocine
Published: November 2023

Background: Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma is the most prevalent subtype of renal cell carcinoma encompassing a heterogeneous group of malignancies. Accurate subtype identification and an understanding of the variables influencing prognosis are critical for personalized treatment, but currently limited. To facilitate the sub-classification of KIRC patients and improve prognosis, this study implemented a normalization method to track cancer progression by detecting the accumulation of genetic changes that occur throughout the multi-stage of cancer development.

Objective: To reveal KIRC patients with different progression based on gene expression profiles using a normalization method. The aim is to refine molecular subtyping of KIRC patients associated with survival outcomes.

Methods: RNA-sequenced gene expression of eighty-two KIRC patients were downloaded from UCSC Xena database. Advanced-stage samples were normalized with early-stage to account for differences in the multi-stage cancer progression’s heterogeneity. Hierarchical clustering was performed to reveal clusters that progress differently. Two techniques were applied to screen for significant genes within the clusters. First, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were discovered by Limma, thereafter, an optimal gene subset was selected using Recursive Feature Elimination (RFE). The gene subset was subjected to Random Forest Classifier to evaluate the cluster prediction performance. Genes strongly associated with survival were identified utilizing Cox regression analysis. The model’s accuracy was assessed with Kaplan-Meier (K-M). Finally, a Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed.

Results: Three clusters were revealed and categorized based on patients’ overall survival into short, intermediate, and long. A total of 231 DEGs were discovered of which RFE selected 48 genes. Random Forest Classifier revealed a 100% cluster prediction performance of the genes. Five genes were identified with significant diagnostic capacity. The downregulation of genes SALL4 and KRT15 were associated with favorable prognosis, while the upregulation of genes OSBPL11, SPATA18, and TAL2 were associated with favorable prognosis.

Conclusion: The normalization method based on tumour progression from early to late stages of cancer development revealed the heterogeneity of KIRC and identified three potential new subtypes with different prognoses. This could be of great importance for the development of new targeted therapies for each subtype.
Changes in Treg and Breg cells in a healthy pediatric population
Authors: Luo Yiyi , Acevedo Daniel , Vlagea Alexandru , Codina Anna , García-García Ana , Deyà-Martínez Angela , Martí-Castellote Celia , Esteve-Solé Ana , Alsina Laia
Published: November 2023

The interpretation of clinical diagnostic results in suspected inborn errors of immunity, including Tregopathies, is hampered by the lack of age-stratified reference values for regulatory T cells (Treg) in the pediatric population and a consensus on which Treg immunophenotype to use. Regulatory B cells (Breg) are an important component of the regulatory system that have been poorly studied in the pediatric population. We analyzed (1) the correlation between the three immunophenotypic definitions of Treg (CD4+CD25hiCD127low, CD4+CD25hiCD127lowFoxP3+, CD4+CD25hiFoxP3+), and with CD4+CD25hi and (2) the changes in Treg and Breg frequencies and their maturation status with age. We performed peripheral blood immunophenotyping of Treg and Breg (CD19+CD24hiCD38hi) by flow cytometry in 55 healthy pediatric controls. We observed that Treg numbers varied depending on the definition used, and the frequency ranged between 3.3–9.7% for CD4+CD25hiCD127low, 0.07-1.6% for CD4+CD25hiCD127lowFoxP3+, and 0.24-2.83% for CD4+CD25hiFoxP3+. The correlation between the three definitions of Treg was positive for most age ranges, especially between the two intracellular panels and with CD4+CD25hi vs CD4+CD25hiCD127low. Treg and Breg frequencies tended to decline after 7 and 3 years onwards, respectively. Treg’s maturation status increased with age, with a decline of naïve Treg and an increase in memory/effector Treg from age 7 onwards. Memory Breg increased progressively from age 3 onwards. In conclusion, the number of Treg frequencies spans a wide range depending on the immunophenotypic definition used despite a good level of correlation exists between them. The decline in numbers and maturation process with age occurs earlier in Breg than in Treg.
Circulating T follicular helper 2 cells, T follicular regulatory cells and regulatory B cells are effective biomarkers for predicting the response to house dust mite sublingual immunotherapy in patients with allergic respiratory diseases
Authors: Shigehara Katsunori , Kamekura Ryuta , Ikegami Ippei , Sakamoto Hiroshi , Yanagi Masahiro , Kamiya Shiori , Kodama Kentaro , Asai Yuichiro , Miyajima Satsuki , Nishikiori Hirotaka , Uno Eiji , Yamamoto Keisuke , Takano Kenichi , Chiba Hirofumi , Ohnishi Hirofumi , Ichimiya Shingo
Published: November 2023

The relationships between T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and antigen-specific immunoglobulins (sIgs) in patients with allergic respiratory diseases who are receiving antigen immunotherapy (AIT) have not been fully clarified. Therefore, we started to perform house dust mite sublingual immunotherapy (HDM-SLIT) for 20 patients with atopic asthma comorbid with allergic rhinitis (AA+AR) who were already receiving ordinary treatments including inhaled corticosteroid (ICS). We examined percentages of circulating T follicular helper (cTfh) and regulatory (cTfr) cells and percentages of circulating regulatory T (cTreg) and B (cBreg) cells by FACS and we examined levels of Der-p/f sIgs by ELISA. Based on the symptom score (asthma control questionnaire: ACQ) and medication score ((global initiative for asthma: GINA) treatment step score) in patients with AA, the patients were divided into responders and non-responders. The percentage of cTfh2 cells significantly decreased and the percentage of cTfh1 cells significantly increased within the first year. Der-p/f sIgEs decreased after a transient elevation at 3 months in both groups. Notably, the percentage of cTfh2 cells and the ratio of cTfh2/cBreg cells and Der-p/f sIgEs greatly decreased in responders from 6 months to 12 months. The percentages of cTfr and cTreg cells showed significant negative correlations with the percentage of cTfh2 cells. The percentage of IL-4+ cTfh cells were significantly decreased and the percentage of IFN-γ+ cTfh cells were increased before treatment to 24 months in 6 patients examined (4 responders and 2 non-responders). We performed multi plelogistic regression analysis based on these results, the ratios of cTfh2/cTfr cells and cTfh2/cBreg cells at the start of therapy were statistically effective biomarkers for predicting the response to HDM-SLIT in patients with AA+AR.
The role of carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 in cancer
Authors: Götz Lisa , Rueckschloss Uwe , Balk Gözde , Pfeiffer Verena , Ergün Süleyman , Kleefeldt Florian
Published: November 2023

The Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1), also known as CD66a, is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. CEACAM1 was shown to be a prognostic marker in patients suffering from cancer. In this review, we summarize pre-clinical and clinical evidence linking CEACAM1 to tumorigenicity and cancer progression. Furthermore, we discuss potential CEACAM1-based mechanisms that may affect cancer biology.
The molecular mechanism of actions and clinical utilities of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in gastrointestinal cancers: a comprehensive review and future prospects toward personalized medicine
Authors: Piroozkhah Moein , Gholinezhad Yasaman , Piroozkhah Mobin , Shams Elahe , Nazemalhosseini-Mojarad Ehsan
Published: November 2023

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers remain a significant global health burden, accounting for a substantial number of cases and deaths. Regrettably, the inadequacy of dependable biomarkers hinders the precise forecasting of patient prognosis and the selection of appropriate therapeutic sequencing for individuals with GI cancers, leading to suboptimal outcomes for numerous patients. The intricate interplay between tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has been shown to be a pivotal determinant of response to anti-cancer therapy and consequential clinical outcomes across a multitude of cancer types. Therefore, the assessment of TILs has garnered global interest as a promising prognostic biomarker in oncology, with the potential to improve clinical decision-making substantially. Moreover, recent discoveries in immunotherapy have progressively changed the landscape of cancer treatment and significantly prolonged the survival of patients with advanced cancers. Nonetheless, the response rate remains constrained within solid tumor sufferers, even when TIL landscapes appear comparable, which calls for the development of our understanding of cellular and molecular cross-talk between TIME and tumor. Hence, this comprehensive review encapsulates the extant literature elucidating the TILs’ underlying molecular pathogenesis, prognostic significance, and their relevance in the realm of immunotherapy for patients afflicted by GI tract cancers. Within this review, we demonstrate that the type, density, and spatial distribution of distinct TIL subpopulations carries pivotal implications for the prediction of anti-cancer treatment responses and patient survival. Furthermore, this review underscores the indispensable role of TILs in modulating therapeutic responses within distinct molecular subtypes, such as those characterized by microsatellite stability or programmed cell death ligand-1 expression in GI tract cancers. The review concludes by outlining future directions in TIL-based personalized medicine, including integrating TIL-based approaches into existing treatment regimens and developing novel therapeutic strategies that exploit the unique properties of TILs and their potential as a promising avenue for personalized cancer treatment.
Isolation methods determine human neutrophil responses after stimulation
Authors: Krémer Vanessa , Godon Ophélie , Bruhns Pierre , Jönsson Friederike , de Chaisemartin Luc
Published: November 2023

Studying neutrophils is challenging due to their limited lifespan, inability to proliferate, and resistance to genetic manipulation. Neutrophils can sense various cues, making them susceptible to activation by blood collection techniques, storage conditions, RBC lysis, and the isolation procedure itself. Here we assessed the impact of the five most used methods for neutrophil isolation on neutrophil yield, purity, activation status and responsiveness. We monitored surface markers, reactive oxygen species production, and DNA release as a surrogate for neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Our results show that neutrophils isolated by negative immunomagnetic selection and density gradient methods, without RBC lysis, resembled untouched neutrophils in whole blood. They were also less activated and more responsive to milder stimuli in functional assays compared to neutrophils obtained using density gradients requiring RBC lysis. Our study highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate method for studying neutrophils, and underscores the need for standardizing isolation protocols to facilitate neutrophil subset characterization and inter-study comparisons.
Toward the development of smart capabilities for understanding seafloor stretching morphology and biogeographic patterns via DenseNet from high-resolution multibeam bathymetric surveys for underwater vehicles
Authors: Nian Rui , Liu Shasha , Lu Zongcan , Li Xiaoyu , Ren Shidong , Qian Yuqi , Li Qiuying , He Guotong , Shi Kexin , Zhang Guoyao , Zang Lina , Li Luyao , He Bo , Yan Tianhong , Li Xishuang
Published: November 2023

The increasing use of underwater vehicles facilitates deep-sea exploration at a wide range of depths and spatial scales. In this paper, we make an initial attempt to develop online computing strategies to identify seafloor categories and predict biogeographic patterns with a deep learning-based architecture, DenseNet, integrated with joint morphological cues, with the expectation of potentially developing its embedded smart capacities. We utilized high-resolution multibeam bathymetric measurements derived from MBES and denoted a collection of joint morphological cues to help with semantic mapping and localization. We systematically strengthened dominant feature propagation and promoted feature reuse via DenseNet by applying the channel attention module and spatial pyramid pooling. From our experiment results, the seafloor classification accuracy reached up to 89.87%, 82.01%, and 73.52% on average in terms of PA, MPA, and MIoU metrics, achieving comparable performances with the state-of-the-art deep learning frameworks. We made a preliminary study on potential biogeographic distribution statistics, which allowed us to delicately distinguish the functionality of probable submarine benthic habitats. This study demonstrates the premise of using underwater vehicles through unbiased means or pre-programmed path planning to quantify and estimate seafloor categories and the exhibited fine-scale biogeographic patterns.
Exposure to closed-loop scrubber washwater alters biodiversity, reproduction, and grazing of marine zooplankton
Authors: Jönander Christina , Egardt Jenny , Hassellöv Ida-Maja , Tiselius Peter , Rasmussen Matilda , Dahllöf Ingela
Published: November 2023

Shipping is a large industry responsible for atmospheric emissions of hazardous substances including SOX, NOX, and particulate matter. Many ships have installed exhaust gas cleaning systems (scrubbers) to remove primarily SOX from the exhaust, but the hazardous substances are instead transferred to the water used in the scrubbing process. Ships with closed-loop scrubbers recirculate the water but can still discharge around 126-150 m3 directly to the surrounding marine environment every day. The discharged water contains metals and organic substances, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, that are known to be toxic to marine zooplankton. Here we show that closed-loop scrubber washwater is toxic to communities of marine mesozooplankton at our lowest tested dilution, 1.5% (v/v), and affects survival, reproduction, diversity, and ability to predate on microzooplankton. The cumulative toxic unit of the undiluted closed-loop scrubber washwater was estimated to 17, which indicates that the water could be toxic at levels below what was tested in this study. Among all detected substances, vanadium, copper, benzo[ghi]perylene, nickel, and zinc were identified as toxicity-driving substances in the order listed. Closed-loop scrubber washwater has been shown to affect development and survival in single species of copepods, but here we find evidence of toxicity at the community level, irrespective of seasonal community structure, and that the exposure has potential to disrupt the interactions between trophic levels in the pelagic food web. We show that the closed-loop scrubber washwater cause both lethal and sublethal effects in marine zooplankton, due to contaminants, some of which are persistent in the marine environment.
Fast ship radiated noise recognition using three-dimensional mel-spectrograms with an additive attention based transformer
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhang Hao , Huang Wei
Published: November 2023

Passive recognition of ship-radiated noise plays a crucial role in military and economic domains. However, underwater environments pose significant challenges due to inherent noise, reverberation, and time-varying acoustic channels. This paper introduces a novel approach for ship target recognition and classification by leveraging the power of three-dimensional (3D) Mel-spectrograms and an additive attention based Transformer (ADDTr). The proposed method utilizes 3D Mel-spectrograms to capture the temporal variations in both target signal and ambient noise, thereby enhancing both categories’ distinguishable characteristics. By incorporating an additional spatial dimension, the modeling of reverberation effects becomes possible. Through analysis of spatial patterns and changes within the spectrograms, distortions caused by reverberation can be estimated and compensated, so that the clarity of the target signals can be improved. The proposed ADDTr leverages an additive attention mechanism to focus on informative acoustic features while suppressing the influence of noisy or distorted components. This attention-based approach not only enhances the discriminative power of the model but also accelerates the recognition process. It efficiently captures both temporal and spatial dependencies, enabling accurate analysis of complex acoustic signals and precise predictions. Comprehensive comparisons with state-of-the-art acoustic target recognition models on the ShipsEar dataset demonstrate the superiority of the proposed ADDTr approach. Achieving an accuracy of 96.82% with the lowest computation costs, ADDTr outperforms other models.