bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Phenomenological Study of Poetry Writing Class for the Settlement of North Korean Refugees
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Lim Bom
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to phenomenologically examine the effect of poetry writing classes for North Korean defectors and residents of Pyeongtaek belonging to the Hana Center in southern Gyeonggi Province on the settlement of North Korean defectors in the community. This study is a small group in which seven South Koreans and four North Korean defectors participate together, and a total of nine classes were conducted once a week, 120 minutes per session. Each time, topics were presented, and individual-centered poetry writing classes were conducted according to the topic. More than 90% of the participants participated in this study, and each session was conducted by reading the poem they wrote and conveying the story and contents of writing the poem. After the course, the results were analyzed through a survey. Poetry writing classes involving South Koreans and North Korean defectors contributed to enhancing their understanding of each other, raising self-esteem for North Korean defectors, and raising confidence in community settlement by eliminating mental distance from South Koreans.
A Study on the Effect of the Characteristics of Cartoon Content Consumers' Propensity to Leisure Consumption and Cartoon Use on Payment Intention
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Juah
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to propose a fundamental alternative to eradicate the illegal use of cartoon content by cartoon content consumers. To this end, this study tried to empirically investigate the effect of cartoon content consumers' propensity to leisure consumption and user characteristics on their willingness to pay. Specifically, a questionnaire was distributed to 200 adult male and female cartoon content consumers to collect data and identify the causal relationship between variables. The main result of this study is that among users of cartoon content, users who aim for efficiency and those who usually use cartoons frequently were more willing to pay. Through this, this researcher suggested a complete reorganization of the distribution system for efficient access to domestic cartoon content and strengthening the government's support system for creators.
IMPLEMENTASI KELUARGA SAKINAH BERKEMAJUAN TERHADAP FENOMENA FATHERLESS
Authors: Mubarok Maulidi Dhuha Yaum
Published: July 2023

This paper focuses on discussing how the implementation of a progressive Sakinah family is a provision to face family challenges in this global era, especially the fatherless phenomenon. The data for this research comes from reading the results of previous research relating to fatherless which is adapted to the latest developments and uses a sociological normative approach with a deductive-inductive thinking model. Fatherless as a social phenomenon in Indonesia is the impact of the massive development of the times which demands adaptation from each individual. Fatherless is a condition where the presence of a father is absent both physically and psychologically which has an impact on the family institution. Another reason for this phenomenon is the shift from the patriarchal family system to a democratic family system, where all family members have the same roles, functions, and opportunities to actualize themselves both in the domestic (home) and public spheres. The results of the study show that the Sakinah family is an ideal portrait of a family building that each individual must strive to make as much effort as possible to make happen. Progressive Sakinah families are able to fulfill the rights of other family members, armed with communication patterns that respect and understand each other, as a result of individuals who are pious and have the nature of mercy.
Prevention and Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Authors: HASIUK Myroslava , TVERDOKHLIB Nataliia , SHYROBOKOV Yurii , MAHANOVA Tamara , SHCHERBAKOVA Olena
Published: July 2023

Prevention and treatment of PTSD are carried out through the use of effective practices of modern medical rehabilitation centers and rational state policy aimed at overcoming this mass phenomenon. The article examines modern tools and means that help to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder and its negative consequences for the social environment and the population. The key aim of the article is to provide effective principles for the prevention and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder based on international experience. The article presents the current state of development of this disease and characterizes the main trends that contribute to the spread of post-traumatic stress disorder. In particular, the analysis makes it possible to characterize the results of the study from the perspective of the exercise and realization of public power in the field of social protection and health care. Attention is paid to the issue of financing the prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as possible practices for overcoming this disease through the development of medical infrastructure. The article examines the main symptoms and root causes of post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as possible directions of its development. The analysis of treatment practices and possible prospects for overcoming post-traumatic stress disorder is characterized from the standpoint of ensuring the development of human capital and stabilization of the social environment as a result of the massive spread of post-traumatic stress disorder. The results of the study can be used by specialized institutions, private psychologists, and specialists who aim to treat post-traumatic stress disorder.
Analisis Media Komunikasi Online terkait Pelecehan Seksual dalam Chatbot di Telegram
Authors: Permana Muhammad Hanif , Koesanto Stefani
Published: July 2023

Online communication media has impacts that can influence the audience and also lead them to distorted perceptions and actions. We tried to aim of analyzing the phenomenon of sexual harassment that occurs in online communication tools and chatbot features in telegrams using the uses and gratification theory. This study uses descriptive qualitative research methods to analyze the impact of using media and chatbot features on Telegram. The results of the study presented that the use of social media such as Telegram as a new space has an impact on an individual which will later influence a person's communication in online media.
Media komunikasi online memiliki dampak yang dapat mempengaruhi khalyak pengguna sehingga dapat memunculkan persepsi dan tindakan yang menyimpang. Penelitian ini dilakukan bertujan untuk menganalisis fenomena pelecehan seksual yang terjadi dalamalat komunikasi online serta fitur chatbot dalam telegram menggunakan teori uses and gratification. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif deskriptif untuk menganalisis secara mendalam dampak penggunaan media serta fitur chat bot padatelegram. Hasil dari penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa penggunaan channel Annonymous chatbot telegram sebagai ruang baru dapat memberikan anonimitas dan keamanan bagi pelaku karena kerahasiaan identitasnya tinggi. Fenomena pelecehan seksual terjadi dalam chatbot di telegram dapat diakibatkan oleh karena kurangnya literasi digital serta anonimitas dalam penggunanya.
Translating theory into practice: assessing the privacy implications of concept-based explanations for biomedical AI
Authors: Lucieri Adriano , Dengel Andreas , Ahmed Sheraz
Published: July 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has achieved remarkable success in image generation, image analysis, and language modeling, making data-driven techniques increasingly relevant in practical real-world applications, promising enhanced creativity and efficiency for human users. However, the deployment of AI in high-stakes domains such as infrastructure and healthcare still raises concerns regarding algorithm accountability and safety. The emerging field of explainable AI (XAI) has made significant strides in developing interfaces that enable humans to comprehend the decisions made by data-driven models. Among these approaches, concept-based explainability stands out due to its ability to align explanations with high-level concepts familiar to users. Nonetheless, early research in adversarial machine learning has unveiled that exposing model explanations can render victim models more susceptible to attacks. This is the first study to investigate and compare the impact of concept-based explanations on the privacy of Deep Learning based AI models in the context of biomedical image analysis. An extensive privacy benchmark is conducted on three different state-of-the-art model architectures (ResNet50, NFNet, ConvNeXt) trained on two biomedical (ISIC and EyePACS) and one synthetic dataset (SCDB). The success of membership inference attacks while exposing varying degrees of attribution-based and concept-based explanations is systematically compared. The findings indicate that, in theory, concept-based explanations can potentially increase the vulnerability of a private AI system by up to 16% compared to attributions in the baseline setting. However, it is demonstrated that, in more realistic attack scenarios, the threat posed by explanations is negligible in practice. Furthermore, actionable recommendations are provided to ensure the safe deployment of concept-based XAI systems. In addition, the impact of differential privacy (DP) on the quality of concept-based explanations is explored, revealing that while negatively influencing the explanation ability, DP can have an adverse effect on the models’ privacy.
Ginsenosides on stem cells fate specification—a novel perspective
Authors: Liu Ying , Jiang Leilei , Song Wenbo , Wang Chenxi , Yu Shiting , Qiao Juhui , Wang Xinran , Jin Chenrong , Zhao Daqing , Bai Xueyuan , Zhang Peiguang , Wang Siming , Liu Meichen
Published: July 2023

Recent studies have demonstrated that stem cells have attracted much attention due to their special abilities of proliferation, differentiation and self-renewal, and are of great significance in regenerative medicine and anti-aging research. Hence, finding natural medicines that intervene the fate specification of stem cells has become a priority. Ginsenosides, the key components of natural botanical ginseng, have been extensively studied for versatile effects, such as regulating stem cells function and resisting aging. This review aims to summarize recent progression regarding the impact of ginsenosides on the behavior of adult stem cells, particularly from the perspective of proliferation, differentiation and self-renewal.
Biodelivery of therapeutic extracellular vesicles: should mononuclear phagocytes always be feared?
Authors: Cieślik Martyna , Bryniarski Krzysztof , Nazimek Katarzyna
Published: July 2023

At present, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are considered key candidates for cell-free therapies, including treatment of allergic and autoimmune diseases. However, their therapeutic effectiveness, dependent on proper targeting to the desired cells, is significantly limited due to the reduced bioavailability resulting from their rapid clearance by the cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). Thus, developing strategies to avoid EV elimination is essential when applying them in clinical practice. On the other hand, malfunctioning MPS contributes to various immune-related pathologies. Therapeutic reversal of these effects with EVs would be beneficial and could be achieved, for example, by modulating the macrophage phenotype or regulating antigen presentation by dendritic cells. Additionally, intended targeting of EVs to MPS macrophages for replication and repackaging of their molecules into new vesicle subtype can allow for their specific targeting to appropriate populations of acceptor cells. Herein, we briefly discuss the under-explored aspects of the MPS-EV interactions that undoubtedly require further research in order to accelerate the therapeutic use of EVs.
Glucose metabolism and its role in the maturation and migration of human CD1c+ dendritic cells following exposure to BCG
Authors: Triglia Denise , Gogan Karl M. , Keane Joseph , O’Sullivan Mary P.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) still kills over 1 million people annually. The only approved vaccine, BCG, prevents disseminated disease in children but shows low efficacy at preventing pulmonary TB. Myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) are promising targets for vaccines and immunotherapies to combat infectious diseases due to their essential role in linking innate and adaptive immune responses. DCs undergo metabolic reprogramming following exposure to TLR agonists, which is thought to be a prerequisite for a successful host response to infection. We hypothesized that metabolic rewiring also plays a vital role in the maturation and migration of DCs stimulated with BCG. Consequently, we investigated the role of glycolysis in the activation of primary human myeloid CD1c+ DCs in response to BCG.

Methods/results

We show that CD1c+ mDC mature and acquire a more energetic phenotype upon challenge with BCG. Pharmacological inhibition of glycolysis with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) decreased cytokine secretion and altered cell surface expression of both CD40 and CCR7 on BCG-challenged, compared to untreated, mDCs. Furthermore, inhibition of glycolysis had differential effects on infected and uninfected bystander mDCs in BCG-challenged cultures. For example, CCR7 expression was increased by 2-DG treatment following challenge with BCG and this increase in expression was seen only in BCG-infected mDCs. Moreover, although 2-DG treatment inhibited CCR7-mediated migration of bystander CD1C+ DCs in a transwell assay, migration of BCG-infected cells proceeded independently of glycolysis.

Discussion

Our results provide the first evidence that glycolysis plays divergent roles in the maturation and migration of human CD1c+ mDC exposed to BCG, segregating with infection status. Further investigation of cellular metabolism in DC subsets will be required to determine whether glycolysis can be targeted to elicit better protective immunity against Mtb.
Insight into contact force local impedance technology for predicting effective pulmonary vein isolation
Authors: Lepillier Antoine , Maggio Ruggero , De Sanctis Valerio , Malacrida Maurizio , Stabile Giuseppe , Zakine Cyril , Champ-Rigot Laure , Anselmino Matteo , Segreti Luca , Dell’Era Gabriele , Garnier Fabien , Mascia Giuseppe , Pandozi Claudio , Dello Russo Antonio , Scaglione Marco , Cosaro Giuseppe , Ferraro Anna , Paziaud Olivier , Maglia Giampiero , Solimene Francesco
Published: July 2023

Background

Highly localized impedance (LI) measurements during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation have the potential to act as a reliable predictor of the durability of the lesions created.

Objective

We aimed to collect data on the procedural parameters affecting LI-guided ablation in a large multicenter registry.

Methods

A total of 212 consecutive patients enrolled in the CHARISMA registry and undergoing their first pulmonary vein (PV) isolation for paroxysmal and persistent AF were included.

Results

In all, 13,891 radiofrequency (RF) applications of ≥3 s duration were assessed. The first-pass PV isolation rate was 93.3%. A total of 80 PV gaps were detected. At successful ablation spots, baseline LI and absolute LI drop were larger than at PV gap spots (161.4 ± 19 Ω vs. 153.0 ± 13 Ω, p < 0.0001 for baseline LI; 22.1 ± 9 Ω vs. 14.4 ± 5 Ω, p < 0.0001 for LI drop). On the basis of Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the ideal LI drop, which predicted successful ablation, was >21 Ω at anterior sites and >18 Ω at posterior sites. There was a non-linear association between the magnitude of LI drop and contact-force (CF) (r = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.13–0.16, p < 0.0001) whereas both CF and LI drop were inversely related with delivery time (DT) (−0.22, −0.23 to −0.20, p < 0.0001 for CF; −0.27, −0.29 to −0.26, p < 0.0001 for LI drop).

Conclusion

An LI drop >21 Ω at anterior sites and >18 Ω at posterior sites predicts successful ablation. A higher CF was associated with an increased likelihood of ideal LI drop. The combination of good CF and adequate LI drop allows a significant reduction in RF DT.

Clinical trial registration

http://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier: NCT03793998.
The role of m5C methyltransferases in cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Wang Yan-Yue , Tian Yuan , Li Yong-Zhen , Liu Yi-Fan , Zhao Yu-Yan , Chen Lin-Hui , Zhang Chi
Published: July 2023

The global leading cause of death is cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although advances in prevention and treatment have been made, the role of RNA epigenetics in CVD is not fully understood. Studies have found that RNA modifications regulate gene expression in mammalian cells, and m5C (5-methylcytosine) is a recently discovered RNA modification that plays a role in gene regulation. As a result of these developments, there has been renewed interest in elucidating the nature and function of RNA “epitranscriptomic” modifications. Recent studies on m5C RNA methylomes, their functions, and the proteins that initiate, translate and manipulate this modification are discussed in this review. This review improves the understanding of m5C modifications and their properties, functions, and implications in cardiac pathologies, including cardiomyopathy, heart failure, and atherosclerosis.
Assessment of sand accumulation hazard on desert highway based on variable weight-cloud model theory
Authors: Han Feng , Wang Chengxiang , Liu Zelong , Liu Zhibo
Published: July 2023

The accumulation of sand on desert roads poses a significant threat to the smooth transportation and driving safety of these roads. To address this issue, a combined approach using the variable weight theory and cloud model theory is proposed for conducting a safety risk assessment of sand accumulation on desert roads. An evaluation index system for sand accumulation hazards is obtained through the analysis of regional geomorphological conditions, wind dynamic conditions, and engineering design factors. The evaluation index system’s constant weights are determined using the Five-Point Scale Method and Analytic Hierarchy Process. Moreover, the Variable Weight Theory is used to optimize these weights based on the actual state of the project, thereby enhancing the accuracy of risk assessment. Finally, based on the cloud model theory, a safety risk assessment model is constructed for sand accumulation hazards on desert highways. The sand accumulation hazard level of the highway is determined through this model, and the comprehensive evaluation results are visualized and presented intuitively using the MATLAB software. The experimental section of the new Wuhai-Maqin expressway sand prevention test is taken as an example for practical verification. The results show that the sand accumulation disaster level of the experimental section is grade Ⅲ, which is basically consistent with the actual engineering situation, verifying the reliability and applicability of the model. Therefore, this model could serve as an essential reference for risk assessments of sand accumulation hazards, location optimization selection, and the establishment of effective sand prevention engineering measures for desert highways.
Exercise improved bone health in aging mice: a role of SIRT1 in regulating autophagy and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs
Authors: Zhu Chengyu , Ding Haili , Shi Liang , Zhang Shihua , Tong Xiaoyang , Huang Mei , Liu Lifei , Guan Xiaotian , Zou Jun , Yuan Yu , Chen Xi
Published: July 2023

Introduction

This study was designed to investigate the effect of running exercise on improving bone health in aging mice and explore the role of the SIRT1 in regulating autophagy and osteogenic differentiation of Bone marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs).

Methods

Twelve-month-old male C57BL/6J mice were used in this study as the aging model and were assigned to treadmill running exercise for eight weeks. Non-exercise male C57BL/6J mice of the same old were used as aging control and five-month-old mice were used as young controls. BMSCs were isolated from mice and subjected to mechanical stretching stimulation in vitro.

Results

The results showed that aging mice had lower bone mass, bone mineral density (BMD), and autophagy than young mice, while running exercise improved BMD and bone mass as well as upregulated autophagy in bone cells. Mechanical loading increased osteogenic differentiation and autophagy in BMSCs, and knockdown of SIRT1 in BMSCs demonstrated that SIRT1-regulated autophagy involved the mechanical loading activation of osteogenic differentiation.

Conclusion

Taken together, this study revealed that exercise improved bone health during aging by activating bone formation, which can be attributed to osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs through the activation of SIRT1-mediated autophagy. The mechanisms underlying this effect may involve mechanical loading.
Multi-omics analyses of glucose metabolic reprogramming in colorectal cancer
Authors: Huang Maosen , Wu Yancen , Cheng Linyao , Fu Lihua , Yan Haochao , Ru Haiming , Mo Xianwei , Yan Linhai , Su Zijie
Published: July 2023

Background

Glucose metabolic reprogramming (GMR) is a cardinal feature of carcinogenesis and metastasis. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to profile the metabolic signature of primary tumor and circulating tumor cells from metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients using integrated omics analysis.

Methods

PET-CT imaging, serum metabolomics, genomics and proteomics data of 325 high 18F-fluorinated deoxyglucose (FDGhigh) mCRC patients were analyzed. The para-tumor, primary tumor and liver metastatic tissues of mCRC patients were used for proteomics analysis.

Results

The glucose uptake in tumor tissues as per the PET/CT images was correlated to serum levels of glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), creatinine (CRE). Proteomics analysis indicated that several differentially expressed proteins were enriched in both GMR and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related pathways. Using a tissue-optimized proteomic workflow, we identified novel proteomic markers (e.g. CCND1, EPCAM, RPS6), a novel PCK1-CDK6-INSR protein axis, and a potential role for FOLR (FR) in GMR/EMT of CRC cells. Finally, CEA/blood glucose (CSR) was defined as a new index, which can be used to jointly diagnose liver metastasis of colorectal cancer.

Conclusions

GMR in CRC cells is closely associated with the EMT pathway, and this network is a promising source of potential therapeutic targets.
Prognostic value of complement serum C3 level and glomerular C3 deposits in anti-glomerular basement membrane disease
Authors: Caillard Pauline , Vigneau Cécile , Halimi Jean-Michel , Hazzan Marc , Thervet Eric , Heitz Morgane , Juillard Laurent , Audard Vincent , Rabant Marion , Hertig Alexandre , Subra Jean-François , Vuiblet Vincent , Guerrot Dominique , Tamain Mathilde , Essig Marie , Lobbedez Thierry , Quemeneur Thomas , Legendre Mathieu , Ganea Alexandre , Peraldi Marie-Noëlle , Vrtovsnik François , Daroux Maïté , Makdassi Raïfah , Choukroun Gabriel , Titeca-Beauport Dimitri
Published: July 2023

Background and objectives

Activation of the complement system is involved in the pathogenesis of anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease. Glomerular deposits of complement 3 (C3) are often detected on kidney biopsies. The primary objective of this study was to analyze the prognostic value of the serum C3 level and the presence of C3 glomerular deposits in patients with anti-GBM disease.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 150 single-positive patients with anti-GBM disease diagnosed between 1997 and 2017. Patients were categorized according to the serum C3 level (forming a low C3 (C3<1.23 g/L) and a high C3 (C3≥1.23 g/L) groups) and positivity for C3 glomerular staining (forming the C3+ and C3- groups). The main outcomes were kidney survival and patient survival.

Results

Of the 150 patients included, 89 (65%) were men. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] age was 45 [26–64]. At diagnosis, kidney involvement was characterized by a median [IQR] peak serum creatinine (SCr) level of 578 [298–977] µmol/L, and 106 (71%) patients required dialysis. Patients in the low C3 group (72 patients) had more severe kidney disease at presentation, as characterized by higher prevalences of oligoanuria, peak SCr ≥500 µmol/L (69%, vs. 53% in the high C3 group; p=0.03), nephrotic syndrome (42%, vs. 24%, respectively; p=0.02) and fibrous forms on the kidney biopsy (21%, vs. 8%, respectively; p=0.04). Similarly, we observed a negative association between the presence of C3 glomerular deposits (in 52 (41%) patients) and the prevalence of cellular forms (83%, vs. 58% in the C3- group; p=0.003) and acute tubulo-interstitial lesions (60%, vs. 36% in the C3- group; p=0.007). When considering patients not on dialysis at diagnosis, the kidney survival rate at 12 months was poorer in the C3+ group (50% [25-76], vs. 91% [78-100] in the C3- group; p=0.01), with a hazard ratio [95% confidence interval] of 5.71 [1.13-28.85] (p=0.04, after adjusting for SCr).

Conclusion

In patients with anti-GBM disease, a low serum C3 level and the presence of C3 glomerular deposits were associated with more severe disease and histological kidney involvement at diagnosis. In patients not on dialysis at diagnosis, the presence of C3 deposits was associated with worse kidney survival.
CD4+ T-cell-dependent differentiation of CD23+ follicular B cells contributes to the pulmonary pathology in a primary Sjögren’s syndrome mouse model
Authors: Sato-Fukuba Mami , Arakaki Rieko , Ushio Aya , Otsuka Kunihiro , Nagao Ruka , Matsuzawa Shigefumi , Tawara Hiroaki , Tsunematsu Takaaki , Ishimaru Naozumi
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects the function of exocrine glands, such as the lacrimal and the salivary glands. Extraglandular lesions and malignant lymphoma also occur during the progressive stage of pSS. We have, herein, focused on the pulmonary lesions of pSS and have aimed clarifying their pathophysiological mechanism by comparing the glandular with the extraglandular lesions observed in a mouse model of pSS.

Results

The histopathological analysis of lung tissues obtained from NFS/sld mice that have undergone neonatal thymectomy was performed. Moreover, in vivo and in vitro experiments were conducted along with immunological analyses in order to characterize the unique phenotypes of the pulmonary lesions identified in these pSS model mice. Inflammatory lesions with a bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue-like structure were identified in the lungs of pSS model mice. In addition, relative to salivary gland lesions, pulmonary lesions showed increased CD23+ follicular B (FB) cells. In vitro and pulmonary B cells were more readily driven to CD23+ FB cell phenotype than salivary gland B cells in pSS model mice. Furthermore, the CD23+ FB cell differentiation was found to be enhanced in a CD4+ T-cell-dependent manner under a Th2-type condition in the lungs of herein examined pSS model mice.

Discussion

A Th2-type response in the pSS lung may promote the progression of autoimmune lesions through an enhanced abnormal differentiation of B cells.
A modified perioperative regimen for deceased donor kidney transplantation in presensitized recipients without prior desensitization therapy
Authors: Guo Zhiliang , Zhao Daqiang , Sa Rula , Wang Lu , Li Songxia , Zhao Guangyuan , Zhu Lan , Chen Gang
Published: July 2023

Background

Renal transplantation in HLA-presensitized recipients entails an increased risk of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) and graft loss. There is currently no accepted standard treatment protocol that can help transplant surgeons safely perform deceased donor (DD) kidney transplantation in presensitized patients without pretransplant desensitization.

Methods

Fifty-one panel-reactive antibody (PRA)-positive recipients and 62 PRA-negative retransplant recipients (control) who received DD renal transplantation were included. Patients in the presensitized group (donor-specific antibody [DSA]-positive, n=25; DSA-negative, n=26) without desensitization received a modified perioperative treatment starting on day 0 or -1 with rituximab, thymoglobulin, and low daily doses of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG, 10-20 g/d, for 14 days). Plasmapheresis was performed once before surgery in DSA-positive recipients.

Results

The median follow-up time was 51 months in the presensitized group and 41 months in the control group. The incidence of early acute rejection (AR) and AMR (including mixed rejection) was 35.3% and 13.7% in the presensitized group, respectively, significantly higher than in the control group (14.5% and 1.6%, respectively). Within the presensitized group, the DSA-positive subgroup had more AMR than the DSA-negative subgroup (24.0% vs. 3.8%), but the incidence of T cell-mediated rejection was comparable (20.0% vs. 23.4%). In the presensitized group, all rejections were successfully reversed, and graft function remained stable during follow-up. The 1-year and 3-year survival rates of the grafts and recipients in this group were 98.0%.

Conclusion

With a modified IVIG-based perioperative regimen, excellent intermediate-term graft and recipient survival outcomes can be achieved in presensitized patients who received DD kidney transplantation without prior desensitization.
Vimentin: from a cytoskeletal protein to a critical modulator of immune response and a target for infection
Authors: Arrindell Jeffrey , Desnues Benoit
Published: July 2023

Vimentin is an intermediate filament protein that plays a role in cell processes, including cell migration, cell shape and plasticity, or organelle anchorage. However, studies from over the last quarter-century revealed that vimentin can be expressed at the cell surface and even secreted and that its implications in cell physiology largely exceed structural and cytoskeletal functions. Consequently, vimentin contributes to several pathophysiological conditions such as cancer, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, or infection. In this review, we aimed at covering these various roles and highlighting vimentin implications in the immune response. We also provide an overview of how some microbes including bacteria and viruses have acquired the ability to circumvent vimentin functions in order to interfere with host responses and promote their uptake, persistence, and egress from host cells. Lastly, we discuss the therapeutic approaches associated with vimentin targeting, leading to several beneficial effects such as preventing infection, limiting inflammatory responses, or the progression of cancerous events.
Numerical simulation of offshore wind power pile foundation scour with different arrangements of artificial reefs
Authors: Yang Mingda , Tang Yanli , Zhao Fenfang , Xu Shiji
Published: July 2023

The industrial integration of offshore wind power and marine ranches has been actively explored and developed in many countries. This emerging industrial synergy can significantly improve the ecological friendliness of offshore wind power and contribute to the development of the marine economy in the region. This industrial synergy is an important development direction for future offshore engineering. Artificial reefs (ARs) are critical components of marine ranches and are widely placed around offshore wind foundations (OWFs). The ARs can block the water flow and form a complex wake region behind it, which changes the original turbulence structure and reduces scour around the OWF. Therefore, determining the arrangement of ARs for scour protection around an OWF is of great engineering significance. In this study, a three-dimensional numerical model is established using a prototype of the first offshore wind power-marine ranch demonstration project in China. The turbulent change and sediment movement between the OWF and ARs are solved using the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) and sediment transport equations. Moreover, the variations in the maximum scour depth and scour volume around the OWF at different arrangements of ARs are explored. The results demonstrate that the arrangement of ARs weakens the horseshoe vortices in front of the OWF and destroys the vortex shedding behind the OWF, thereby producing a beneficial scour protection effect. Various arrangements of ARs have different effects on scour results around the OWF. Increasing the height of the AR could significantly reduce the scour results around the OWF and play an effective role in scour protection, followed by the tandem arrangement of ARs, whereas the parallel arrangement of ARs will produce negative scour effects. This study will serve a vital guiding role in the arrangement of ARs and practical significance for scouring protection around the OWF.
Annual variation of in situ sedimentation of planktonic Ciliophora cysts in a temperate bay
Authors: Yu Ying , Zhang Wuchang , Lin Zhenxian
Published: July 2023

Marine planktonic Ciliophora serve as a key component of the plankton food web. The formation of cysts is of common occurrence among planktonic Ciliophora, and encystment plays an important role in the persistence and diffusion of population. However, studies on the seasonal pattern of encystment of planktonic Ciliophora in natural environments were limited. Here, we investigated the sedimentation of Ciliophora cysts, and explored the seasonal differences of encystment between aloricate Oligotrichea and Tintinnina in Bohai Bay. Ciliophora cysts were collected monthly with a sediment trap from July 2019 to June 2020 at a fixed station, and identified according to the morphological characteristics of cysts by fluorescence microscopy. Ten types of aloricate Oligotrichea cysts were identified and only three species of Tintinnina cysts were recognized, namely, Favella sp., Helicostomella longa and Tintinnopsis sp. There were obvious seasonal differences of encystment between aloricate Oligotrichea and Tintinnina. Encystment of Tintinnina mainly occurred in summer, while encystment of aloricate Oligotrichea was found at all seasons and the seasonal patterns varied among species. The production rate of several types of cysts showed significant positive correlations with water temperature and Chlorophyll a concentration, and a significant negative correlation with salinity. Our study exhibited that the seasonal pattern of encystment of Ciliophora varied greatly from species to species, and assessing seasonal patterns of encystment will aid our ability to understand the mechanism of vegetative population dynamics.
From west to east: Heterogeneity in the life history traits of a small pelagic fish (Sardina pilchardus) throughout the Mediterranean
Authors: Caballero-Huertas Marta , Frigola-Tepe Xènia , Viñas Jordi , Muñoz Marta
Published: July 2023

Small pelagic fish are key elements of marine trophic networks and are of great importance to the total landing of marine species. Over the last decades, a decrease in biomass and catches of European sardine has been described, especially in the Mediterranean Sea, as an indication of a drop in stock condition. Multiple causes, including direct and indirect anthropogenic factors, seem to affect this ecologically and economically important species. To address this issue, it is important to identify the current variability in sardine status and understand the strategies for energy allocation, which are intimately related to reproductive potential and recruitment. We analyzed the somatic condition through tissue and mesenteric lipid measurements, relative condition (Kn) and hepatosomatic (HSI) indices, and reproductive condition with the gonadosomatic index (GSI) in four subareas of the Mediterranean (Northern Alboran, Northern Spain, the Northern Adriatic, and the Aegean Sea) and an outgroup from the Atlantic. The analyses were performed within the gonadal development cycle since translocation to reproduction may mask the state of actual energy reserves for comparison. The results revealed marked differences in health status among subareas, highlighting the low condition of Northern Spain sardines throughout the annual cycle. The uniform condition throughout gonadal development in the Northern Adriatic suggests that resource availability modulates the reproductive strategy since in this locality, sardines would have high dependence on immediate reserves, not behaving as strict capital breeders. Moreover, similarities between Alboran and Atlantic stocks are discussed, highlighting the marked energy replenishment of the latter after reproduction compared to the Mediterranean stocks. The Aegean stock was the fastest to reach its maximum after spawning, presenting low condition values from the developing to actively spawning period, but with the greatest recovery at the regressing phase, coinciding with a peak in productivity. Finally, the role of the liver in sardine energy storage is analyzed considering stock heterogeneity, potentially indicating that HSI is intimately related to feeding activity. Given the divergences among stocks, we propose concrete measures for managing this resource (i.e., the need for adapting the close seasons), which could be applied to other species in similar contexts.
The performance of model-based indices given alternative sampling strategies in a climate-adaptive survey design
Authors: Bryan Meaghan D. , Thorson James T.
Published: July 2023

Species-distribution shifts are becoming commonplace due to climate-driven change. Difficult decisions to modify survey extent and frequency are often made due to this change and constraining survey budgets. This often leads to spatially and temporally unbalanced survey coverage. Spatio-temporal models are increasingly used to account for spatially unbalanced sampling data when estimating abundance indices used for stock assessment, but their performance in these contexts has received little research attention. We therefore seek to answer two questions: (1) how well can a spatio-temporal model estimate the proportion of abundance in a new “climate-adaptive” spatial stratum? and (2) when sampling must be reduced, does annual sampling at reduced density or biennial sampling result in better model-based abundance indices? We develop a spatially varying coefficient model in the R package VAST using the eastern Bering Sea (EBS) bottom trawl survey and its northern Bering Sea (NBS) extension to address these questions. We first reduce the spatial extent of survey data for 30 out of 38 years of a real survey in the EBS and fit a spatio-temporal model to four commercially important species using these “data-reduction” scenarios. This shows that a spatio-temporal model generally produces similar trends and density estimates over time when large portions of the sampling domain are not sampled. However, when the central distribution of a population is not sampled the estimates are inaccurate and have higher uncertainty. We also conducted a simulation experiment conditioned upon estimates for walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) in the EBS and NBS. Many species in this region are experiencing distributional shifts attributable to climate change with species historically centered in the southeastern portion of the survey being increasingly encountered in the NBS. The NBS was occasionally surveyed in the past, but has been surveyed more regularly in recent years to document distributional shifts. Expanding the survey to the NBS is costly and given limited resources the utility of reducing survey frequency versus reducing sampling density to increase survey spatial extent is under debate. To address this question, we simulate survey data from alternative sampling designs that involve (1) annual full sampling, (2) reduced sampling in the NBS every year, or (3) biennial and full sampling in the NBS. Our results show that annual sampling, even with reduced sampling density, provides less biased abundance information than biennial sampling. We therefore conclude that ideally fishery-independent surveys should be conducted annually and spatio-temporal models can help to provide reliable estimates.
Stratigraphic evolution and drowning steps of a submerged isolated carbonate platform in the northern South China Sea
Authors: Chen Wanli , Wu Shiguo , Wang Dawei , Betzler Christian , Ma Yongsheng
Published: July 2023

Drowned carbonate platforms on passive margins present a paradox, because their great growth potential exceeds the typical rates of passive margin subsidence and any relative sea-level rise driven by long-term processes in the geologic record. In this study, manned submersible observations, sampling, and high-resolution acoustic data were used to investigate a drowned isolated carbonate platform cropping out at a water depth of 536–800 m in the northern South China Sea. Based on the results, the Early Miocene strata of the platform are grouped into three units (AU1, AU2, and AU3) that formed on the fault-created topography. The fault-created topography served as a template for the onset of the carbonate platform deposition and as a pedestal for the localization of backstepped platforms in response to accommodation space variations, primarily driven by rapid subsidence and eustatic rises during the Early Miocene. The Middle Miocene strata of the platform are grouped into four units (AU4, PU1, PU2, and PU3), exhibiting a general switch from dominantly aggrading to dominantly prograding platform margins, in tandem with the cessation of faulting. The biostratigraphy and established seismic–stratigraphic correlations indicate that the carbonate platform was submerged during the late Middle Miocene. The banktop consists of a heterozoan carbonate factory dominated by large benthic foraminifera and coralline algae. This facies was deposited during a time interval when summer monsoon-induced upwelling triggered heterozoan factory turnover in other carbonate platforms in the region, such as at well XK-1 (Xuande Platform). The asymmetric backstepping of the platform margins demonstrates that summer monsoon-driven currents influenced the platform drowning. Therefore, summer monsoon-induced upwelling was a major factor influencing platform drowning during the late Middle Miocene. Platform growth did not persist due to the high subsidence rate throughout the Late Miocene. This study provides new insights into the drowning mechanism of a Miocene carbonate platform in the northern South China Sea and a new seismic analog for other ancient, isolated platforms worldwide.
The association between dementia and the risk of hypoglycaemia events among patients with diabetes mellitus: a propensity-score matched cohort analysis
Authors: Alsharif Alaa A. , Wong Ian C. K. , Ma Tian , Lau Wallis , Alhamed Meshari , Alwafi Hassan , Wei Li
Published: July 2023

Background

Hypoglycaemia commonly occurs in patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) and dementia. The impact of dementia on hypoglycaemic events is controversial. Thus, we evaluated whether dementia increases the risk of hypoglycaemic events in older patients diagnosed with DM.

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

We used the IQVIA Medical Research Data (IMRD-UK) database (formerly known as the THIN database).

Participants

All patients aged ≥55 years and diagnosed with DM who were prescribed at least two prescriptions of antidiabetic medication between 2000 and 2017. Two groups of patients, dementia and non-dementia group, were propensity-score (PS) matched at 1:2. The risk of hypoglycaemia was assessed through a Cox regression analysis.

Main outcome and measures

Hypoglycaemic events were determined during the follow-up period by Read codes.

Results

From the database, 133,664 diabetic patients were identified, with a mean follow-up of 6.11 years. During the study period, 7,762 diabetic patients diagnosed with dementia were matched with 12,944 diabetic patients who had not been diagnosed with dementia. The PS-matched Cox regression analysis showed that patients diagnosed with dementia were at a 2-fold increased risk for hypoglycaemic events compared with those not diagnosed with dementia (hazard ratio [HR], 2.00; 95% CI, 1.63–2.66). A similar result was shown for a multivariable analysis using all patient data (adjusted HR, 2.25; 95% CI, 2.22–2.32).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that diabetic patients with a diagnosis of dementia have a statistically significant higher risk of experiencing hypoglycaemia.
Glycosaminoglycans and fucoidan have a protective effect on experimental glomerulonephritis
Authors: Buijsers Baranca , Maciej-Hulme Marissa , Jacobs Maaike , Bebber Marinka Bakker-van , de Graaf Mark , Salmenov Rustem , Parr Naomi , Rabelink Ton J. , Nijenhuis Tom , van der Vlag Johan
Published: July 2023

Background: The glomerular endothelial glycocalyx is degraded during inflammation. The glycocalyx plays a pivotal role in endothelial function and is involved in many processes including binding of chemokines and cytokines, leukocyte trafficking, and preventing proteinuria. HS-based therapeutics are a promising novel class of anti-inflammatory drugs to restore a compromised endothelial glycocalyx under inflammatory conditions. Recently, we demonstrated that treatment with HS extracted from unstimulated glomerular endothelial glycocalyx (unstimulated HSglx) reduced albuminuria during anti-GBM induced glomerulonephritis. Since endothelial HS domains are distinct in unstimulated versus inflammatory conditions, we hypothesized that 1) unstimulated HSglx, 2) LPS-stimulated HSglx, 3) the HS-mimetic fucoidan and 4) the glycosaminoglycan preparation sulodexide, which is a mixture of low molecular weight heparin and dermatan sulfate, might have different beneficial effects in experimental glomerulonephritis.

Methods: The effect of unstimulated HSglx, LPS HSglx, Laminaria japonica fucoidan, or sulodexide on experimental glomerulonephritis was tested in LPS-induced glomerulonephritis in mice. Analyses included urinary albumin creatinine measurement, cytokine expression in plasma and renal cortex, and renal influx of immune cells determined by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining. Furthermore, the observed in vivo effects were evaluated in cultured glomerular endothelial cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells by measuring cytokine and ICAM-1 expression levels. The ability of the compounds to inhibit heparanase activity was assessed in a heparanase activity assay.

Results: Treatment of mice with LPS HSglx or sulodexide near-significantly attenuated LPS-induced proteinuria. All treatments reduced plasma MCP-1 levels, whereas only fucoidan reduced IL-6 and IL-10 plasma levels. Moreover, all treatments reversed cortical ICAM-1 mRNA expression and both fucoidan and sulodexide reversed cortical IL-6 and nephrin mRNA expression. Sulodexide decreased renal influx of CD45+ immune cells whereas renal influx of macrophages and granulocytes remained unaltered for all treatments. Although all compounds inhibited HPSE activity, fucoidan and sulodexide were the most potent inhibitors. Notably, fucoidan and sulodexide decreased LPS-induced mRNA expression of ICAM-1 and IL-6 by cultured glomerular endothelial cells.

Conclusion: Our data show a potentially protective effect of glycosaminoglycans and fucoidan in experimental glomerulonephritis. Future research should be aimed at the further identification of defined HS structures that have therapeutic potential in the treatment of glomerular diseases.