bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance da Dor: Processos hí­bridos e contemporaneidade poética em releituras da vida e obra de Frida Kahlo.
Authors: Silva Marcelo Prudente
Published: March 2023

O presente artigo apresenta o processo criativo e as dinâmicas poéticas da Exposição Experimental Perfomance da Dor, realizada na Galeria de Arte SESC/Sergipe em 2014. Refletindo sobre a temática abordada, a vida e obra de Frida Kahlo, sob a ótica das linguagens artí­sticas hibridas presentes nas intervenções que compõem cada trabalho apresentado. Para esse estudo utilizamos também as conclusões das experiências técnicas e estéticas realizadas, assim como abordagens de autores que trabalham definições de fotografia expandida, embates sobre fotografia e pintura e análises da presença do tema dor na vida e nos trabalhos da artista.
Refletir sobre a Educação por meio da Experiência pelo Lúdico e a Criação de Brinquedos/Objetos com (re)Uso
Authors: Pereira Lopes Luiz Fernando
Published: March 2023

RESUMO: O presente artigo integra a dissertação "O Professor e a construção de brinquedos em sala de aula: experiências no brincar e criar com materiais de (re)uso e sua contribuição na constituição do sujeito" [1] e apresenta parte da produção pautada em pesquisa na qual investigamos o professor partindo de suas vivências pessoais, bem como suas práticas em sala de aula, para refletirmos sobre a importância do brincar e do criar para além do entreter por meio do objeto/artefato/brinquedo construí­do com materiais de (re)uso, partindo de sua infância até o mundo adulto. Embora constarmos o quanto as brincadeiras, enraizadas na infância, podem alimentar e inspirar o criar enquanto adultos, esta investigação buscou emergir no sentido amplo da experiência e o (re)uso. Adotamos o caráter histórico-estrutural e dialético, não somente enquanto significados, mas em todo o devir nos diversos meios culturais. Almejamos, dessa forma, através da (re)invenção constante do ser humano presente no ato de brincar, justificar a importância do material de (re)uso utilizado como mediação entre o professor e a criança, bem como na construção das relações interpessoais, por meio das quais podemos observar o quão relevante podem ser como práticas educacionais.[1] Dissertação para obtenção do titulo de mestrado em Educação, Linha de pesquisa: "˜A Constituição do Sujeito no Contexto Escolar' com orientação da Profª Drª Maria de Fátima da Silva Costa Garcia de Mattos.
Quadrinhos visionários de Jim Woodring
Authors: Silva Matheus Moura
Published: March 2023

A proposta deste artigo é apresentar o quadrinhista estadunidense Jim Woodring (praticamente desconhecido do leitor brasileiro) e aproximar o trabalho dele da chamada Arte Visionária. Como Arte Visionária é usado o conceito traçado pelo artista Laurence Caruana no livro Primeiro Manifesto da Arte Visionária, de 2001. Para a análise foram usadas diversas entrevistas e depoimentos de Jim Woodring para buscar compreender os processos criativos empregados na construção de suas histórias. Para tanto, são traçados alguns aspectos biográficos do quadrinhista para tentar entender a relação de sua vida particular – repleta de visões (ou alucinações) espontâneas – com os quadrinhos que faz, principalmente os que constam no livro JIM – Jim Woodring's Notorious Autojournal, lançado em 2014 pela editora Fantagraphics Books. Nele são reunidos histórias autobiográficas publicadas originalmente entre as décadas de 1970 e 1990, de forma independente, por meio de fanzines e, posteriormente, pela supracitada editora. O objetivo da análise é relacionar este trabalho de Woodring, em especial, com a Arte Visionária e distanciá-lo da possí­vel aproximação com o surrealismo. A metodologia empregada é a descrição formal das histórias procurando pistas que indiquem aspectos notoriamente visionários nas HQs, aliado à própria trajetória de vida do artista – afim de interpretar como é a relação dele com as imagens que vê cotidianamente e como elas afetam o trabalho dele. É possí­vel adiantar que as visões influenciam a vida de Woodring de forma determinantes para o desenvolvimento do trabalho atual do artista, seja ele genuinamente visionário ou não.
AFASIA
Authors: Demeterco Isabela Cavallin
Published: March 2023

Este artigo e ensaio visual relata e contextualiza certos aspectos do processo de produção da videoperformance Afasia, a partir da minha perspectiva de pesquisadora e autora deste trabalho em ví­deo. Para tanto, apresento alguns apontamentos, mais gerais, sobre elementos caracterí­sticos da videoperformance; informo o leitor sobre esta perspectiva de produção ligada ao ví­deo; indico hibridações, diferenças, afinidades entre as manifestações de videoperformance e aquelas comumente atreladas ao teatro; assim como abordo a relação existente entre as duas linguagens e o ví­deo. Além desta parte escrita, elaboro o ensaio visual que a segue. Enfim, espero contribuir para uma discussão mais aprofundada sobre minha prática cênica e performática dentro do ví­deo em questão.Palavras chave: videoperformance, videoarte, teatro.ABSTRACT This article and visualexperimentreports and contextualizes certain aspects of the production process ofAfasiavideo performance, from my perspective as a researcher and author of this work in video. To this end, I offer some ideas on characteristic elements of video performance. First, I inform the reader about this production perspective linked to video; secondly, I indicate hybridizations, differences and similarities between the manifestations of video performance and those commonly linked to theater. Therefore, I approach the relationship between the two languages and the video piece. Lastly, in addition to the article I offer the video piece. I hope to contribute to a further discussion on my scenic and performative practice within the video in question.Keywords: video performance, video art, theater.
Abel Salazar: Intelectual, Artista e Resistente
Authors: Lousa Teresa
Published: March 2023

Abel Salazar, um nome que ficaria para sempre associado à pintura portuguesa e à mais digna e bela representação do povo português de teor humanista e social, sobretudo através da sua representação da mulher trabalhadora, foi na realidade um intelectual de múltiplas facetas: um notável histologista, um excelente pedagogo e um intelectual activo nas questões filosóficas e epistemológicas perseguido e afastado do seu trabalho no auge da sua carreira pelo nefasto poder do Estado Novo.
POLISFINGE: Decifra-me ou devoro-te
Authors: Peled Yiftah , Azevedo Elaine de
Published: March 2023

Este artigo apresenta conteúdos do projeto denominado "Turismo Definitivo: Escultura pública na Praça da Sé" , realizado no Centro Cultural Banco do Nordeste, na cidade de Fortaleza, Ceará. O projeto se propõe a estimular uma discussão sobre o lugar da obra de arte no espaço público - sem se instalar no espaço fí­sico. Entende-se aqui o espaço público como lugar constituí­do por discursos e pautado em ideologias e jogos de forças entre poderes. A partir desse projeto, realiza-se nesse artigo uma reflexão sobre as esferas públicas que apoiam projetos de arte pública; sobre diferentes dimensões relacionadas a produção contemporânea de obras de arte no espaço público; sobre a participação, sobre a ficcionalidade.
A OBRA DE ARTE ABERTA E OS PROCESSOS DE INTERATIVIDADE
Authors: Melo Venise Paschoal de
Published: March 2023

Este artigo visa a reflexão sobre conceitos e modos de desenvolvimento da abertura da obra de arte em percurso histórico. Para tal, propomos uma breve investigação a respeito da obra aberta em seus diversos ní­veis, transitando na compreensão de seu sentido e métodos de classificação, desde os modos interpretativos às suas complexas formas inseridas na interatividade. Com o fundamental objetivo em aprofundarmo-nos na compreensão sobre os processos de interatividade inseridos na arte digital e eletrônica, propomos a articulação entre importantes pesquisadores, tais como Umberto Eco, Guy Debord, Nicolas Bourriaud, Claudia Gianetti e Júlio Plaza, a fim de perceber, em seus diferentes discursos e épocas históricas, a importância da inauguração e promoção de trabalhos artí­sticos inacabados, em diálogo aberto com o espectador, o que consequentemente contribui para a alteração do estado da arte, transformando-a de elemento contemplativo em fenômeno de ação, acontecimento e agencia do sujeito.
O BARROCO E O MODERNO: A materialização do conhecimento das artes visuais
Authors: Santana Olímpio Pinheiro
Published: March 2023

Este artigoinvestiga a importância do domí­nio técnico e teórico das artes visuais, com ênfase na pintura, a partir da observação do legado dos grandes mestres. O trabalhopropõe aperfeiçoar a experiência estética na modernidade através da leitura de obras de arte, começando pela detalhada análise de uma tela do pintor barroco francês Simon Vouet. Em sequência há uma análise comparativa e crí­tica deste pintor e Rubens. Do artista plástico brasileiroLênio Braga analisamos uma escultura e uma releitura de Rubens. Destacamos a importância deGoya e Rembrandt para a arte moderna e a influência deste pintor holandêse do cinemade Eisensteinno trabalho deFrancis Bacon. Em sua diversidade, as imagens selecionadas expressam contextos em que háluta, opressão, beleza, espiritualidade,e, nessa medida,instigam-nos uma reflexãocrí­tica cujas referências fundamentais são a própria arte como forma de conhecimento e a ética.
Knowledge, Attitudes, And Use of Traditional and Complementary Medicine Among Medical Students: Results of A Questionnaire Study
Authors: Bozer Cuneyt
Published: March 2023

Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and use of traditional and complementary medicine among medical students.

Methods: The study was conducted among 160 (80 females, 80 males) medical students who are studying in their last year of Medical School at Trakya University. The questionnaire used for the study consists of 3 sections and 19 questions. The data collected provided the following: an overview of the study groups, students' general perceptions and knowledge of traditional and complementary medicine, and a comparison of students' knowledge, attitudes, and use of traditional and complementary medicine.

Results: One hundred and sixty questionnaires were filled and returned. Traditional and complementary medicine was performed on 47 (29.4%) (22 men, 25 women) of the 160 students who participated in this study. The most well-known traditional and complementary medicine methods among medical students were acupuncture, ozone therapy, and mesotherapy. The majority of students had positive attitudes toward traditional and complementary medicine and acknowledged its potential benefits, but reported limited knowledge of the subject.

Conclusion: Utilization of traditional and complementary medicine was relatively low among students, as the majority of students relied on mainstream medicine for their health needs. These findings highlight the need for increased education and training in traditional and complementary medicine for medical students to ensure that they can address the health needs of patients who use traditional and complementary medicine.

Keywords: complementary medicine, medical students, questionnaire, traditional medicine
Ordering countries when managing COVID-19
Authors: Cadena Meitner , Méndez Marco
Published: March 2023

Here we assess countries' management of the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic using the reliability measure P(X ≤ Y). In this management, all kind of strategies as interventions deployed by governments as well individuals' initiatives to prevent, mitigate, and reduce the contagion of this disease are taken into account. Also, typical customs practiced locally and influencing contagion are included. Regarding a number of countries and rates associated to deaths and incidence, orderings of countries about such management are established, by using the measure of reliability indicated above. In this way, countries are distinguished from each other depending on how they managed this pandemic. This kind of analysis may be extended to the management of other diseases.
EGAsubmitter: A software to automate submission of nucleic acid sequencing data to the European Genome-phenome Archive
Authors: Viviani Marco , Montemurro Marilisa , Trusolino Livio , Bertotti Andrea , Urgese Gianvito , Grassi Elena
Published: March 2023

Making raw data available to the research community is one of the pillars of Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reuse (FAIR) research. However, the submission of raw data to public databases still involves many manually operated procedures that are intrinsically time-consuming and error-prone, which raises potential reliability issues for both the data themselves and the ensuing metadata. For example, submitting sequencing data to the European Genome-phenome Archive (EGA) is estimated to take 1 month overall, and mainly relies on a web interface for metadata management that requires manual completion of forms and the upload of several comma separated values (CSV) files, which are not structured from a formal point of view. To tackle these limitations, here we present EGAsubmitter, a Snakemake-based pipeline that guides the user across all the submission steps, ranging from files encryption and upload, to metadata submission. EGASubmitter is expected to streamline the automated submission of sequencing data to EGA, minimizing user errors and ensuring higher end product fidelity.
Clinical application of functional near-infrared spectroscopy for burn assessment
Authors: Kim Yoo Hwan , Paik Seung-Ho , Kim Youngmin , Yoon Jaechul , Cho Yong Suk , Kym Dohern , Hur Jun , Chun Wook , Kim Beop-Min , Kim Byung-Jo
Published: March 2023

Significance: Early assessment of local tissue oxygen saturation is essential for clinicians to determine the burn wound severity.

Background: We assessed the burn extent and depth in the skin of the extremities using a custom-built 36-channel functional near-infrared spectroscopy system in patients with burns.

Methods: A total of nine patients with burns were analyzed in this study. All second-degree burns were categorized as superficial, intermediate, and deep burns; non-burned skin on the burned side; and healthy skin on the contralateral non-burned side. Hemodynamic tissue signals from functional near-infrared spectroscopy attached to the burn site were measured during fNIRS using a blood pressure cuff. A nerve conduction study was conducted to check for nerve damage.

Results: All second-degree burns were categorized into superficial, intermediate, and deep burns; non-burned skin on the burned side and healthy skin on the contralateral non-burned side showed a significant difference distinguishable using functional near-infrared spectroscopy. Hemodynamic measurements using functional near-infrared spectroscopy were more consistent with the diagnosis of burns 1 week later than that of the degree of burns diagnosed visually at the time of admission.

Conclusion: Functional near-infrared spectroscopy may help with the early judgment of burn extent and depth by reflecting differences in the oxygen saturation levels in the skin.
Fe/MOF based platform for NIR laser induced efficient PDT/PTT of cancer
Authors: Liang Zixing , Li Xiaofeng , Chen Xiaofang , Zhou Jiawei , Li Yanan , Peng Jianhui , Lin Zhousheng , Liu Gai , Zeng Xiancheng , Li Cheng , Hang Lifeng , Li Hailiang
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) are widely used in the treatment of tumors. However, their application in the treatment of clinical tumors is limited by the complexity and irreversible hypoxia environment generated by tumor tissues. To overcome this limitation, a nanoparticle composed of indocyanine green (ICG) and Fe-MOF-5 was developed.

Methods: We prepared F-I@FM5 and measured its morphology, particle size, and stability. Its enzyme like ability and optical effect was verified. Then we used MTT, staining and flow cytometry to evaluated the anti-tumor effect on EMT-6 cells in vitro. Finally, the anti-tumor effect in vivo has been studied on EMT-6 tumor bearing mice.

Results: For the composite nanoparticle, we confirmed that Fe-MOF-5 has the best nanozyme activity. In addition, it has excellent photothermal conversion efficiency and generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) under near-infrared light irradiation (808 nm). The composite nanoparticle showed good tumor inhibition effect in vitro and in vivo, which was superior to the free ICG or Fe-MOF-5 alone. Besides, there was no obvious cytotoxicity in major organs within the effective therapeutic concentration.

Discussion: Fe-MOF-5 has the function of simulating catalase, which can promote the decomposition of excessive H2O2 in the tumor microenvironment and produce oxygen to improve the hypoxic environment. The improvement of tumor hypoxia can enhance the efficacy of PDT and PTT. This research not only provides an efficient and stable anti-tumor nano platform, but also has broad application prospects in the field of tumor therapy, and provides a new idea for the application of MOF as an important carrier material in the field of photodynamic therapy.
Stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelium cell therapy: Past and future directions
Authors: Rohowetz Landon J. , Koulen Peter
Published: March 2023

The eyes are relatively immune privileged organs, making them ideal targets for stem cell therapy. Researchers have recently developed and described straightforward protocols for differentiating embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells into retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), making diseases affecting the RPE, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), viable targets for stem cell therapy. With the advent of optical coherence tomography, microperimetry, and various other diagnostic technologies, the ability to document disease progression and monitor response to treatments such as stem cell therapy has been significantly enhanced in recent years. Previous phase I/II clinical trials have employed various cell origins, transplant methods, and surgical techniques to identify safe and efficacious methods of RPE transplantation, and many more are currently underway. Indeed, findings from these studies have been promising and future carefully devised clinical trials will continue to enhance our understanding of the most effective methods of RPE-based stem cell therapy, with the hope to eventually identify treatments for disabling and currently incurable retinal diseases. The purpose of this review is to briefly outline existing outcomes from initial clinical trials, review recent developments, and discuss future directions of clinical research involving stem-cell derived RPE cell transplantation for retinal disease.
Physician-modified fenestration or in situ fenestration for preservation of isolated left vertebral artery in thoracic endovascular aortic repair
Authors: Shen Peier , Li Donglin , Wu Ziheng , He Yangyan , Wang Xiaohui , Shang Tao , Zhu Qianqian , Tian Lu , Li Zhenjiang , Zhang Hongkun
Published: March 2023

Objective

To present our experience of preserving the isolated left vertebral artery (ILVA) with physician-modified fenestration (PM-F) or in situ fenestration (ISF) during thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for aortic pathologies involving aortic arch.

Methods

This is a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study. Between June 2016 and December 2021, 9 patients (8 men; median age 60.0 years old) underwent TEVAR with ILVA reconstruction (PM-F, n = 6; ISF, n = 3) were identified and analyzed.

Results

The technical success rate was 100%. No early (<30 days) death occurred. No aortic rupture, major stroke or spinal cord injury was observed. The median follow up was 38.0 (rang: 1.0–66.0) months. One death occurred at 56 months, while the reason cannot be identified. No aortic rupture, major stroke or spinal cord injury was observed during follow up. No patient required reintervention. Out of the 22 successfully revascularized target vessels, 2 ILVAs were found occluded in 2 patients at 6 months and 7 months, respectively. However, these two patients were asymptomatic.

Conclusions

Our initial experience reveals that PM-F or ISF for ILVA preservation was feasible, safe, and effective during TEVAR for complex thoracic aortic pathologies. However, the patency of preserved ILVA should be improved.
Classroom observations: How do teachers teach learning strategies?
Authors: Granström Mikk , Kikas Eve , Eisenschmidt Eve
Published: March 2023

The aim of this study was to find out which learning strategies teachers teach, either directly or indirectly, and how classroom observations are related to teachers’ knowledge of learning strategies. Seven different learning strategies were used. The Learning Strategy Teaching Observation Instrument (LSTOI) was developed for this study. Forty-five video-based classroom observations were conducted. Teachers showed strong knowledge of learning strategies, but they did not directly teach about strategies in the classroom. In order to find out how teachers support learning strategies in the classroom, we conducted a detailed analysis of two teachers who provided the greatest amount of direct strategy instruction. Results showed that, although these teachers gave more direct strategy instruction than others, they justified the usefulness of strategies by saying that students will achieve better results in an upcoming test or examination. A better approach would be to explain the long-term impact of learning strategies and develop students’ skills in independently applying strategies in the future.
The bright and dark side of autonomy: How autonomy support and thwarting relate to student motivation and academic functioning
Authors: Johansen Marius O. , Eliassen Sigrunn , Jeno Lucas M.
Published: March 2023

According to Self-Determination Theory, autonomy support is essential in fostering optimal learning, growth, and functioning in students across all levels. In contrast, autonomy thwarting is associated with student malfunctioning. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationship between perceptions of autonomy support and thwarting, students’ autonomous and controlled motivations, and aspects of student functioning in a higher education setting. The sample consisted of 414 Norwegian university students recruited from introductory calculus courses. Structural equation modeling indicated that perceived autonomy support predicts autonomous motivation and is negatively linked to controlled motivation. Autonomy thwarting is negatively linked to autonomous motivation and positively predicts controlled motivation. We found that autonomous motivation predicts engagement, effort, and learning. Controlled motivation is negatively linked to vitality and engagement, and positively predicts effort. The results are in line with the tenets of Self-Determination Theory, and the present study highlights the importance of providing an autonomy supportive environment during higher education lectures.
Effects of assisted reproductive technology on gene expression in heart and spleen tissues of adult offspring mouse
Authors: Chen Huanhuan , Zhang Lei , Yue Feng , Cui Chenchen , Li Yan , Zhang Qingwen , Liang Linlin , Meng Li , Zhang Cuilian
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is an important part of reproductive medicine, whose possible effects on offspring’s health have drawn widespread attention in recent years. However, relevant studies are limited to postnatal short-term follow-up and lack of diverse sample sources analysis other than blood.

Methods

In this study, a mouse model was used to explore the effects of ART on fetal development and gene expression in the organs of offspring in the adulthood using next-generation sequencing. The sequencing results were then analyzed.

Results

The results showed that it caused abnormal expression in 1060 genes and 179 genes in the heart and spleen, respectively. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the heart are mainly enriched in RNA synthesis and processing, and the cardiovascular system development also shows enrichment. STRING analysis identified Ccl2, Ptgs2, Rock1, Mapk14, Agt, and Wnt5a as the core interacting factors. DEGs in the spleen are significantly enriched in anti-infection and immune responses, which include the core factors Fos, Jun and Il1r2. Further exploration revealed the abnormal expression of 42 and 5 epigenetic modifiers in the heart and spleen, respectively. The expression of the imprinted genes Dhcr7, Igf2, Mest and Smoc1 decreased in the hearts of ART offspring, and the DNA methylation levels of Igf2- and Mest-imprinting control regions (ICRs) increased abnormally.

Conclusion

In the mouse model, ART can interfere with the gene expression pattern in the heart and spleen of the adult offspring and that these changes are related to the aberrant expression of epigenetic regulators.
Gender bias in fetal malformations: A cross-sectional study in Asian populations
Authors: Zhang Meixiang , Su Yingchun , Sun Ying-pu
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to detect any gender bias in fetal malformation cases.

Design

This study was a cross-sectional, quantitative survey.

Subjects

Overall, 1,661 Asian fetal malformation cases involving induced abortions in the obstetrics department of the first Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from 2012 to 2021 were included.

Main outcome measures

Measurements of ultrasound detectable structural malformations were classified into 13 subtypes. Karyotyping, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array, or sequencing diagnosis of these fetus was also included in the outcome measures.

Results

The sex ratio (male/female) of all malformation types was 1.446. Cardiopulmonary had the highest proportion of all malformation types with 28%. Diaphragmatic hernia, omphalocele, gastroschisis, nuchal translucency (NT), and Multy malformations had significantly higher proportions of males (p < 0.05). Digestive system malformations had a significantly higher proportion of females (p < 0.05). Maternal age was associated with genetic factors (r = 0.953, p < 0.001) and inversely associated with brain malformations (r = −0.570, p = 0.002). More males were found with trisomy 21, trisomy 18, and monogenetic diseases, while duplications, deletions, and uniparental disomy (UPD) had similar sex ratios between males and females, but not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Sex differences are common with fetal malformations, with higher proportions of males. Genetic testing has been proposed to account for these differences.
Differential responses for stream algal assemblages exposed to factorial N and P enrichment along an in situ DOC gradient
Authors: Carrick Hunter J. , Marble Christine , Tian Yong Q.
Published: March 2023

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) enrichment from the surrounding landscape can enhance the growth and abundance of algal assemblages, both suspended in the water column and occurring as benthic biofilms in the receiving waters of resident stream ecosystems. However, it is unclear how enhanced levels of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) might mediate the response of algae to nutrients. In this study, we aim to understand the relationship between N and P enrichment in stream reaches with varying levels of DOC within a common watershed. Both suspended and benthic algal assemblages were exposed to increasing (low, moderate, high) levels of N and P in an in situ 3 × 3 factorial experimental design. Experiments were carried out simultaneously at three sites of varying DOC concentration, the results of which, showed that both assemblages responded very differently to enrichment. For suspended algae, biomass was enhanced following enrichment with both N and P singularly and in combination, particularly at the highest concentrations levels for both nutrients (3-way ANOVA interactions; p < 0.05). This pattern was consistent at all levels of DOC at the three sites (3-way ANOVA Nutrient-site interaction; F = 1.4, p = 0.228). In contrast, benthic algal biomass progressively increased with enhanced concentration of both N and P, but only at the lowest level of DOC (3-way ANOVA site term; F = 84.2, p = 0.0001). No appreciable biomass accumulation was observed under moderate or high DOC conditions and this pattern was likely attributed to low light penetration at these two sites (ANOVA). Our results indicate that eutrophication is likely to manifest itself in a complex manner throughout watersheds where loading of N and P interacts with DOC.
Decomposition of carbon emission driving factors and judgment of peak status in countries along the Belt and Road
Authors: Li Yuanmeng , Chou Jieming , Zhao Weixing , Xu Yuan , Hao Yidan , Jin Haofeng
Published: March 2023

Most of the countries along the Belt and Road are still developing, with their carbon emissions yet to peak. There is a lack of comprehensive analysis and research to judge these countries' current carbon peak state and quantify key driving factors contributing to their carbon emissions. This study aims to fill this gap.A new method for judging a country's peak carbon status based on a time series of carbon emissions is developed. We divide the status of all countries along the Belt and Road into four categories: reached the peak, peak plateau period 1 (the downward trend is not significant), peak plateau period 2 (obvious recession), and not reached the peak. LMDI factorization is used to decompose the change in carbon emissions of energy consumption into multiple factors: carbon intensity, energy intensity, economic output, and population size, based on Kaya's identity theory. The carbon emission and socioeconomic databases from 2000 to 2019 are utilized for this analysis. The main positive driving factor of the three countries (Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic) that have reached the peak is GDP PPP per population, while other driving factors make negative contributions to carbon emissions. In some years, these countries briefly experienced a negative contribution of GDP PPP per population to carbon emissions. The driving factors of carbon emissions for countries in the peak plateau period are not stable, with contributions of GDP PPP per population, energy intensity, and carbon intensity fluctuating periodically. In countries that have not reached the peak of carbon emissions, population growth and economic growth are significant positive contributors, while the effect of driving factors that negatively contribute to carbon emissions is less obvious.The study's findings provide valuable insights into the carbon emission peak status and driving factors of countries along the Belt and Road, which can be used to guide policymaking and future research in addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development in these regions.
Silicon pools, fluxes and the potential benefits of a silicon soil amendment in a nitrogen-enriched tidal marsh restoration
Authors: Staver L. W. , Stevenson J. C. , Cornwell J. C. , Nidzieko N. J. , Staver K. W. , Owens M. S. , Elmer W. H.
Published: March 2023

Tidal marshes are important sites of silicon (Si) transformation, where dissolved Si (DSi) taken up by macrophytic vegetation and algal species is converted to biogenic silica (BSi), which can accumulate in the soil, be recycled within the marsh, or be exported to adjacent coastal waters. The role of restored and created tidal marshes in these processes is not well understood, nor is the impact of nutrient enrichment at either the plant or ecosystem level. Here, Si fluxes were examined to develop a Si mass balance in a nitrogen (N)-enriched marsh created with fine-grained dredged material from the Chesapeake Bay, United States. In addition, the effectiveness of Si soil amendments to ameliorate the negative effects of excess nitrogen on Spartina alterniflora was examined through laboratory and field experiments. Silicon was exported to the estuary as DSi (49 g m−2 y−1) and BSi (35 g m−2y−1) in stoichiometric excess of nitrogen and phosphorus. Rapid recycling of Si within both marsh and the tidal creeks appeared to be important in the transformation of Si and export from the marsh. Enhanced macrophyte SiO2 tissue concentrations were observed in the field experiment, with end-of-season mean values of 2.20–2.69% SiO2 in controls and 2.49–3.24% SiO2 in amended plots, among the highest reported for S. alterniflora; however, improved plant fitness was not detected in either experiment. Thus, tidal marshes created with a fine-grained, N-rich dredged material appear to function as a rich source of Si to the restored marsh and local estuarine environment, an overlooked ecosystem service. Soil Si amendments, however, did not appear likely to alleviate N-induced stress in S. alterniflora.
Association of atopic dermatitis with autoimmune diseases: A bidirectional and multivariable two-sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhou Weixin , Cai Jie , Li Zifan , Lin Ying
Published: March 2023

Background

Observational studies have suggested the association between atopic dermatitis (AD) and the risks of autoimmune diseases. It is still unclear, however, whether or in which direction causal relationships exist, because these associations could be confounded.

Objectives

Our study seeks to assess the possibility of AD as a cause of autoimmune diseases, and to estimate the magnitude of the causal effect.

Methods

Two-sample mendelian randomization (MR) analyses were performed using genome-wide association study (GWAS) summary-level statistics. Specifically, bidirectional MR analyses were conducted to examine the direction of association of AD with autoimmune diseases; multivariable MR analyses (MVMR1) were used to test the independence of causal association of AD with autoimmune diseases after controlling other atopic disorders (asthma and allergic rhinitis), while MVMR2 analyses were conducted to account for potential confounding factors such as smoking, drinking, and obesity. Genetic instruments for AD (Ncases=22 474) were from the latest GWAS meta-analysis. The GWAS summary data for asthma and allergic rhinitis were obtained from UK Biobank. The GWAS summary data for smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity and autoimmune diseases (alopecia areata, vitiligo, systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and type 1 diabetes) were selected from the largest GWASs available. Causal estimates were derived by the inverse-variance weighted method and verified through a series of sensitivity analyses.

Results

Genetically predicted AD linked to higher risks of rheumatoid arthritis (OR, 1.28; P=0.0068) (ORMVMR1, 1.65; P=0.0020) (ORMVMR2, 1.36; P<0.001), type 1 diabetes (OR, 1.37; P=0.0084) (ORMVMR1, 1.42; P=0.0155) (ORMVMR2, 1.45; P=0.002), and alopecia areata (OR, 1.98; P=0.0059) (ORMVMR1, 2.55; P<0.001) (ORMVMR2, 1.99; P=0.003) in both univariable and multivariable MR. These causal relationships were supported by sensitivity analyses. No causal effect of AD was identified in relation to systemic lupus erythematosus, vitiligo, and ankylosing spondylitis. Concerning the reverse directions, no significant association was noted.

Conclusion

The results of this MR study provide evidence to support the idea that AD causes a greater risk of rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes and alopecia areata. Further replication in larger samples is needed to validate our findings, and experimental studies are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of these causal effects.
LRPPRC facilitates tumor progression and immune evasion through upregulation of m6A modification of PD-L1 mRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Houhong , Tang Amao , Cui Yayun , Gong Huihui , Li Heng
Published: March 2023

Objective

LRPPRC is a newly discovered N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification reader, which potentially affects hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. PD-L1 in tumor cells is essential for tumor immune evasion. This work investigated the LRPPRC-mediated m6A-modification effect on PD-L1 mRNA and immune escape in HCC.

Methods

Expression and clinical implication of LRPPRC and PD-L1 were measured in human HCC cohorts. The influence of LRPPRC on malignant behaviors of HCC cells was investigated through in vitro assays and xenograft tumor murine models. The posttranscriptional mechanism of LRPPRC on PD-L1 and anti-tumor immunity was elucidated in HCC cells via RIP, MeRIP−qPCR, RNA stability, immunohistochemical staining, and so forth.

Results

LRPPRC exhibited the notable upregulated in human HCC tissues, which was in relation to advanced stage and worse overall survival and disease-free survival. Impaired proliferative capacity and G2/M phage arrest were found in LRPPRC-knockout cells, with increased apoptotic level, and attenuated migratory and invasive abilities. In HCC patients and murine models, LRPPRC presented a positive interaction with PD-L1, with negative associations with CD8+, and CD4+ T-cell infiltrations and chemokines CXCL9, and CXCL10. LRPPRC loss downregulated the expression of PD-L1 and its m6A level in HCC cells. Moreover, LRPPRC suppression mitigated tumor growth in murine models and improved anti-tumor immunity and immune infiltration in tumors.

Conclusion

This work unveiled that LRPPRC may posttranscriptionally upregulate PD-L1 partially with an m6A-dependent manner for heightening mRNA stabilization of PD-L1 and provided a new mechanism for m6A regulator-mediated immunosuppression in HCC.
Optimal combination of arsenic trioxide and copper ions to prevent autoimmunity in a murine HOCl-induced model of systemic sclerosis
Authors: Chêne Charlotte , Rongvaux-Gaïda Dominique , Thomas Marine , Rieger François , Nicco Carole , Batteux Frédéric
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare chronic autoimmune disease characterized by diffuse fibrosis of the skin and internal organs and vascular abnormalities. The etiology and physiopathology are complex due to the heterogeneity of its overall clinical presentation. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) has been proven to be effective against SSc, sclerodermatous Graft-versus-Host Disease, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease or systemic lupus erythematosus animal models and has demonstrated promising effects in human clinical trials. Its efficacy was shown to be related at least in part to the generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and the selective deletion of activated immune cells and fibroblasts. However, ATO can induce some adverse effects that must be considered, especially when used for the treatment of a chronic disease.

Methods

We evaluate here, in vitro and in a mouse model of SSc, the improved efficacy of ATO when associated with a Fenton-like divalent cation, namely copper chloride (CuCl2), also known to trigger the production of ROS.

Results

In preliminary experiments in vitro, ATO 1 µM + CuCl2 0.5 µM increased ROS production and increased apoptosis of NIH 3T3 murine fibroblasts compared to 1 µM ATO alone. In vivo, in the HOCl-induced mouse model of SSc, co-treatment with ATO 2.5 μg/g + CuCl2 0.5 μg/g significantly alleviated clinical signs such as the thickening of the skin (p<0.01) and cutaneous fibrosis, in a manner equivalent to treatment with ATO 5 µg/g. Our results provide evidence that co-treatment with ATO 2.5 μg/g + CuCl2 0.5 μg/g decreases the number of B cells and the activation of CD4+ T lymphocytes. The co-treatment substantially blocks the NRF2 signaling pathway, increases H2O2 production and results in the improvement of the health status of mice with experimental SSc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, copper combined with ATO treatment halved the concentration of ATO needed to obtain the same effect as a high dose of ATO alone for the treatment of SSc mice. The strategy of using lower doses of drugs with different mechanisms of action in combination has many potential advantages, the first being to lessen the potential side effects induced by ATO, a drug with side effects quickly increased with dosage.
Analysis of human lung mast cells by single cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Rönnberg Elin , Ravindran Avinash , Mazzurana Luca , Gong Yitao , Säfholm Jesper , Lorent Julie , Dethlefsen Olga , Orre Ann-Charlotte , Al-Ameri Mamdoh , Adner Mikael , Dahlén Sven-Erik , Dahlin Joakim S. , Mjösberg Jenny , Nilsson Gunnar
Published: March 2023

Mast cells are tissue-resident cells playing major roles in homeostasis and disease conditions. Lung mast cells are particularly important in airway inflammatory diseases such as asthma. Human mast cells are classically divided into the subsets MCT and MCTC, where MCT express the mast cell protease tryptase and MCTC in addition express chymase, carboxypeptidase A3 (CPA3) and cathepsin G. Apart from the disctintion of the MCT and MCTC subsets, little is known about the heterogeniety of human lung mast cells and a deep analysis of their heterogeniety has previously not been performed. We therefore performed single cell RNA sequencing on sorted human lung mast cells using SmartSeq2. The mast cells showed high expression of classical mast cell markers. The expression of several individual genes varied considerably among the cells, however, no subpopulations were detected by unbiased clustering. Variable genes included the protease-encoding transcripts CMA1 (chymase) and CTSG (cathepsin G). Human lung mast cells are predominantly of the MCT subset and consistent with this, the expression of CMA1 was only detectable in a small proportion of the cells, and correlated moderately to CTSG. However, in contrast to established data for the protein, CPA3 mRNA was high in all cells and the correlation of CPA3 to CMA1 was weak.
Transformation of primary murine peritoneal mast cells by constitutive KIT activation is accompanied by loss of Cdkn2a/Arf expression
Authors: Capellmann Sandro , Sonntag Roland , Schüler Herdit , Meurer Steffen K. , Gan Lin , Kauffmann Marlies , Horn Katharina , Königs-Werner Hiltrud , Weiskirchen Ralf , Liedtke Christian , Huber Michael
Published: March 2023

Mast cells (MCs) are immune cells of the myeloid lineage distributed in tissues throughout the body. Phenotypically, they are a heterogeneous group characterized by different protease repertoires stored in secretory granules and differential presence of receptors. To adequately address aspects of MC biology either primary MCs isolated from human or mouse tissue or different human MC lines, like HMC-1.1 and -1.2, or rodent MC lines like L138.8A or RBL-2H3 are frequently used. Nevertheless, cellular systems to study MC functions are very limited. We have generated a murine connective tissue-like MC line, termed PMC-306, derived from primary peritoneal MCs (PMCs), which spontaneously transformed. We analyzed PMC-306 cells regarding MC surface receptor expression, effector functions and respective signaling pathways, and found that the cells reacted very similar to primary wildtype (WT) PMCs. In this regard, stimulation with MAS-related G-protein-coupled receptor member B2 (MRGPRB2) ligands induced respective signaling and effector functions. Furthermore, PMC-306 cells revealed significantly accelerated cell cycle progression, which however was still dependent on interleukine 3 (IL-3) and stem cell factor (SCF). Phenotypically, PMC-306 cells adopted an immature connective tissue-like MCs appearance. The observation of cellular transformation was accompanied by the loss of Cdkn2a and Arf expression, which are both described as critical cell cycle regulators. The loss of Cdkn2a and Arf expression could be mimicked in primary bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) by sustained SCF supplementation strongly arguing for an involvement of KIT activation in the regulation of Cdkn2a/Arf expression. Hence, this new cell line might be a useful tool to study further aspects of PMC function and to address tumorigenic processes associated with MC leukemia.
A maladaptive pleural environment suppresses preexisting anti-tumor activity of pleural infiltrating T cells
Authors: Donnenberg Vera S. , Luketich James D. , Sultan Ibrahim , Lister John , Bartlett David L. , Ghosh Sohini , Donnenberg Albert D.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Treatment options for patients with malignant pleural effusions (MPE) are limited due, at least in part, to the unique environment of the pleural space, which drives an aggressive tumor state and governs the behavior of infiltrating immune cells. Modulation of the pleural environment may be a necessary step toward the development of effective treatments. We examine immune checkpoint molecule (ICM) expression on pleural T cells, the secretomes of pleural fluid, pleural infiltrating T cells (PIT), and ability to activate PIT ex vivo.

Methods

ICM expression was determined on freshly drained and in vitro activated PIT from breast, lung and renal cell cancer. Secretomics (63 analytes) of activated PIT, primary tumor cultures and MPE fluid was determined using Luminex technology. Complementary digital spatial proteomic profiling (42 analytes) of CD45+ MPE cells was done using the Nanostring GeoMx platform. Cytolytic activity was measured against autologous tumor targets.

Results

ICM expression was low on freshy isolated PIT; regulatory T cells (T-reg) were not detectable by GeoMx. In vitro activated PIT coexpressed PD-1, LAG-3 and TIGIT but were highly cytotoxic against autologous tumor and uniquely secreted cytokines and chemokines in the > 100 pM range. These included CCL4, CCL3, granzyme B, IL-13, TNFα, IL-2 IFNγ, GM-CSF, and perforin. Activated PIT also secreted high levels of IL-6, IL-8 and sIL-6Rα, which contribute to polarization of the pleural environment toward wound healing and the epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Addition of IL-6Rα antagonist to cultures reversed tumor EMT but did not alter PIT activation, cytokine secretion or cytotoxicity.

Discussion

Despite the negative environment, immune effector cells are plentiful, persist in MPE in a quiescent state, and are easily activated and expanded in culture. Low expression of ICM on native PIT may explain reported lack of responsiveness to immune checkpoint blockade. The potent cytotoxic activity of activated PIT and a proof-of-concept clinical scale GMP-expansion experiment support their promise as a cellular therapeutic. We expect that a successful approach will require combining cellular therapy with pleural conditioning using immune checkpoint blockers together with inhibitors of upstream master cytokines such as the IL-6/IL-6R axis.