bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Edukasi Penerapan DAGUSIBU pada Kelompok Mayarakat Galesong Baru Kecamatan Galesong Kabupaten Takalar
Authors: Rahimah Sitti , Kursia Sukriani , Handayani Tuti , Azwar Muhammad , Ulfa Maria , Ismail Ismail , Michrun Michrun , Marwati Marwati
Published: January 2024

DAGUSIBU is an educational program that invites the public to know how to get, use, store and dispose of drugs properly. The Galesong Baru community in Takalar district are used to using modern medicines and traditional medicines in treating diseases, but they do not understand how to manage the medicines they keep at home. The purpose of this extension activity is to increase the community's knowledge about the correct medicinal drugs. Activities are carried out online using the Zoom Meeting application and offline by using lecture and discussion methods. The counseling material consisted of an introduction to the meaning of DAGUSIBU, drug classification, how to use several drug dosage forms, how to store drugs and how to properly dispose of drugs. Results Outreach activities on DAGUSIBU drug education to the Galesong Baru Village community group have provided additional community knowledge about how to properly manage drugs.
El papel de los lideres comunitarios en los programas de microcrédito para emprendedores inmigrantes
Authors: Abularach Mendoza Yessica Belén , Fernández-Serrano José , Jaén Figueroa Inmaculada
Published: January 2024

El emprendimiento surge como una posibilidad, y en ocasiones, la única posible, de integración laboral para los inmigrantes. Por ello, es necesario diseñar herramientas eficaces de intervención institucional para impulsar el emprendimiento de estos colectivos. Este estudio muestra, por una parte, la influencia que el capital social tiene en las iniciativas económicas de los inmigrantes. En particular, se analiza el papel desarrollado por los líderes comunitarios para hacer llegar la información. Por otra parte, también se destaca los programas de microcrédito como forma de impulsar los negocios de los inmigrantes. De esta manera, combinando ambos elementos, el análisis se centra en el papel crucial que el líder comunitario tiene como mediador entre los programas de microcréditos y los emprendedores inmigrantes como una forma de intervención comunitaria que permite que las posibilidades de financiación y asesoramiento lleguen de manera mucho más eficaz a determinados grupos de inmigrantes. En concreto, se presentan los resultados de un proyecto realizado en Toulouse basado en este tipo de planteamientos.
Post-Keynesian Financialised growth models as an alternative to Varieties of Capitalism: (in)stability, institutions and taxonomic method
Authors: Barredo-Zuriarrain Juan , Las Heras Cuenca Jon , Rodriguez González Carlos
Published: January 2024

This article evaluates the potential of the Post-Keynesian literature on growth models to gain influence over the Varieties of Capitalism approach within Comparative Political Economy. It shows that the future analytical strength of the latter approach depends, primarily, on the ability to consolidate macroeconomic principles consistent with a dynamic reality. On the other hand, Post-Keynesian macroeconomic foundations allow financialised growth models to capture the importance of power struggles in long-term growth as well as to integrate crises as recurrent and inherent phenomena to capitalist economies. That said, Post-Keynesian challenge to become a beacon within CPE lies on moving beyond country-based analyses towards the construction of a systematic association between, on the one hand, the institutional aspects shared between countries and, on the other hand, their classification on growth models.
Item response theory to discriminate COVID-19 knowledge and attitudes among university students
Authors: Wesonga Ronald , Islam M. Mazharul , Al Hasani Iman , Al Manei Afra
Published: January 2024

The study sought to compare two-item response theory (IRT) models, the Rasch and 2PL models, and to uncover insights on COVID-19 knowledge and attitude item difficulty and discrimination among university students. We premise this study on ITM to argue that logical flow, degree of difficulty, and discrimination of items for the constructs among respondents contribute to the validity and quality of statistical inferences. The developed Rasch and 2PL models are compared to determine the difficulty and discrimination of knowledge and attitude items, with an application to COVID-19. Our results show that although the Rasch and 2PL models provide rich diagnostic tools to understand multiple traits, the 2PL model provides more robust results for the assessment of knowledge and attitude of students about the COVID-19 epidemic. Moreover, of the two constructs, the items for the attitude construct recieved more reliable responses than the knowledge construct items. Accordingly, under any pandemic, the lack of proper and evolving knowledge could have dire consequences; hence, strict efforts should be made while designing knowledge items.
Why has animal science not led to improved farm animal health and welfare?
Authors: Sundrum Albert
Published: January 2024

To sustain the economic viability of a livestock farm in a global market, characterised by a price undercutting competition, farmers are forced to adapt to what the market demands. At the same time, they have to care for the functionality of the farm system as a whole and of the subsystems, such as the farm animals, so that they for their part they can contribute to an economic success. Now, that animal health and welfare (AHW) has become an increasingly important issue for citizens and consumers, not only the decision makers but also the disciplines of animal science are challenged to improve an unsatisfying AHW level that has been neglected for long. However, to reduce AHW problems requires a quite different approach than to increase productive efficiency. A common sense can be assumed concerning the need to strive for an optimal cost-to-benefit ratio while balancing positive and negative impacts of production processes on economic and AHW target figures. However, what is often not adequately considered is the fact that economic and biological demands have to be balanced within a living system, e.g. in the individual animal and farm system. These function as the relevant reference systems in all cases where measures to reduce AHW problems are considered. Furthermore, there is a large gap of scientific knowledge, however, not in the traditional sense. While the predominant approaches, scientists generate context-invariant, and thus generalisable disposal knowledge in diversified subdisciplines, problem solving requires contextualisation, orientation and action-guiding knowledge within transdisciplinary approaches. The reason is that AHW problems are highly context-sensitive as well as multifactorial. They develop within the farm specific interconnectedness of manifold and highly varying factors, emerging a complexity that does not allow predictive statements via inductive approaches but requires an iterative procedure to approach to a farm specific AHW level, which is balanced with the overarching goal of economic viability. Recommended action guiding knowledge has to be of high external and ecological validity, before farmers might consider it to be implemented in farm practice. From the reflection about the discrepancy between the knowledge needed to reduce AHW problems and what is offered by animal science, it is concluded that not only the farm systems but also the predominant approaches of animal science have to be transformed. Otherwise, there is not a big chance to considerably reduce AHW problems in farm animals.
Extrusion and meniscal mobility evaluation in case of ramp lesion injury: a biomechanical feasibility study by 7T magnetic resonance imaging and digital volume correlation
Authors: Severyns M. , Zot F. , Harika-Germaneau G. , Germaneau A. , Herpe G. , Naudin M. , Valle V. , Danion J. , Vendeuvre T.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The existing body of literature on the biomechanical implications of ramp lesions is limited, leaving a significant gap in our understanding of how these lesions impact joint kinematics and loading in the medial compartment. This cadaveric biomechanical study aims to address this gap by employing an innovative Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) method, utilizing 7 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images under various loading conditions. The primary objective is to conduct a comprehensive comparison of medial meniscal mobility between native knees and knees affected by grade 4 ramp lesions. By focusing on the intricate dynamics of meniscal mobility and extrusion, this work seeks to contribute valuable insights into the biomechanical consequences of medial meniscus ramp lesions.

Materials and methods: An initial set of 7T MRI imaging sessions was conducted on two intact native knees, applying load values up to 1500N. Subsequently, a second series of images was captured on these identical knees, with the same loads applied, following the creation through arthroscopy of medial meniscus ramp lesions. The application of DVC enabled the precise determination of the three components of displacement and spatial variations in the medial menisci, both with and without ramp lesions.

Results: The measured directional displacements between native knees and injured knees indicate that, following the application of axial compression load, menisci exhibit increased extrusion and posterior mobility as observed through DVC.

Discussion: Injuries associated with Subtype 4 medial meniscus ramp lesions appear to elevate meniscal extrusion and posterior mobility during axial compression in the anterior cruciate ligament of intact knees. Following these preliminary results, we plan to expand our experimental approach to encompass individuals undergoing weight-bearing MRI. This expansion aims to identify meniscocapsular and/or meniscotibial insufficiency or rupture in patients, enabling us to proactively reduce the risk of osteoarthritic progression.
Nanozyme-assisted amplification-free CRISPR/Cas system realizes visual detection
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Yu Wanpeng , Wang Man , Zhang Lei , Li Peifeng
Published: January 2024

The CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas (CRISPR associated) system has proven to be a powerful tool for nucleic acid detection due to its inherent advantages of effective nucleic acid identification and editing capabilities, and is therefore known as the next-generation of molecular diagnostic technology. However, the detection technologies based on CRISPR/Cas systems require preamplification of target analytes; that is, target gene amplification steps through isothermal amplification or PCR before detection to increase target analyte concentrations. This creates a number of testing limitations, such as extended testing time and the need for more sophisticated testing instruments. To overcome the above limitations, various amplification-free assay strategies based on CRISPR/Cas systems have been explored as alternatives, which omit the preamplification step to increase the concentrations of the target analytes. Nanozymes play a pivotal role in enhancing the sensitivity of CRISPR-based detection, enabling visual and rapid CRISPR assays. The utilization of nanozyme exceptional enzyme-like catalytic activity holds great promise for signal amplification in both electrochemical and optical domains, encompassing strategies for electrochemical signal sensors and colorimetric signal sensors. Rather than relying on converting a single detection target analyte into multiple analytes, these methods focus on signal amplification, the main mechanism of which involves the ability to form a large number of reporter molecules or to improve the performance of the sensor. This exploitation of nanozymes for signal amplification results in the heightened sensitivity and accuracy of detection outcomes. In addition to the strategies that improve sensor performance through the application of nanozymes, additional methods are needed to achieve visual signal amplification strategies without preamplification processes. Herein, we review the strategies for improving CRISPR/Cas systems that do not require preamplification, providing a simple, intuitive and preamplification-free CRISPR/Cas system detection platform by improving in-system one-step amplification programs, or enhancing nanozyme-mediated signal amplification strategies.
Scaling factors for 1-D ground response amplification in a soft soil basin
Authors: Apriadi Dedi , Mandhany Anggariano , Sahadewa Andhika , Basarah Yuamar I. , Sengara Wayan , Hakim Abi Maulana
Published: January 2024

Basin presence is believed to affect the ground surface response due to earthquakes, particularly in areas around the basin edge. Previous studies showed that 1-D and 2-D wave propagation analyses resulted in significant differences in amplification at the basin edge. However, the link between 1-D and 2-D responses has not been studied for engineering practices. In practical application, seismic studies were commonly performed using 1-D analysis, for example, to develop a city micro-zonation map. Based on practical considerations, it is necessary to estimate the scaling factor for the 1-D analysis by considering the basin presence, particularly for one containing soft soil. There are three stages carried out in this study. The first stage: collecting data on some basin geometries for the 2-D modeling references and then defining selected site class and input motions. The second stage: modeling 1-D and 2-D wave propagation using D-MOD and Fast Lagrangian Analysis of Continua (FLAC), respectively. The third stage: comparing spectral acceleration resulting from the 1-D and 2-D analyses to obtain the scaling factors. This research studied and reported the relationship between PGA values varied as 0.2 g, 0.3 g, 0.4 g, and 0.5 g, basin geometry (e.g., the angle was set to 5°, 10°, 15°, 30°, and 45°, with depth and width variations of 0.0125, 0.025, 0.05, 0.075, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4, while the basin width was adjusted to 500 m, 1 km, 2 km, and 4 km), and the spectral acceleration in several observation points on the ground surface. Based on this evaluation, a series of scaling factors are proposed. These factors can be used for spectral acceleration from available hazard maps, commonly developed based on 1-D analysis. The application example of this scaling factor is presented in this study, using the Bandung Basin case.
Zinc acquisition and its contribution to Klebsiella pneumoniae virulence
Authors: Maunders Eve A. , Giles Matthew W. , Ganio Katherine , Cunningham Bliss A. , Bennett-Wood Vicki , Cole Gregory B. , Ng Dixon , Lai Christine C. , Neville Stephanie L. , Moraes Trevor F. , McDevitt Christopher A. , Tan Aimee
Published: January 2024

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a World Health Organization priority pathogen and a significant clinical concern for infections of the respiratory and urinary tracts due to widespread and increasing resistance to antimicrobials. In the absence of a vaccine, there is an urgent need to identify novel targets for therapeutic development. Bacterial pathogens, including K. pneumoniae, require the d-block metal ion zinc as an essential micronutrient, which serves as a cofactor for ~6% of the proteome. During infection, zinc acquisition necessitates the use of high affinity uptake systems to overcome niche-specific zinc limitation and host-mediated nutritional immunity. Here, we report the identification of ZnuCBA and ZniCBA, two ATP-binding cassette permeases that are highly conserved in Klebsiella species and contribute to K. pneumoniae AJ218 zinc homeostasis, and the high-resolution structure of the zinc-recruiting solute-binding protein ZniA. The Znu and Zni permeases appear functionally redundant with abrogation of both systems required to reduce K. pneumoniae zinc accumulation. Disruption of both systems also exerted pleiotropic effects on the homeostasis of other d-block elements. Zinc limitation perturbed K. pneumoniae cell morphology and compromised resistance to stressors, such as salt and oxidative stress. The mutant strain lacking both systems showed significantly impaired virulence in acute lung infection models, highlighting the necessity of zinc acquisition in the virulence and pathogenicity of K. pneumoniae.
Intradisciplinarity: can one theory do it all?
Authors: Martin J. R.
Published: January 2024

This position paper draws on Bernstein and Maton's sociology of knowledge to explore Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL) and Systemic Functional Semiotics (SFS), alongside their relation to Bateman's vision for empirical multimodality research. The paper suggests that SFL/SFS's internal grammar is by and large compatible with Bateman's vision, even if its external grammar falls short insofar as extant descriptions of one semiotic system or another are concerned. The paper closes with the suggestion that SFS and Bateman's multimodality can learn most from one another in research projects embracing a dialectic of theory, description, and ideologically committed practice.
Engagement of adolescents with ADHD in a narrative-centered game-based behavior change environment to reduce alcohol use
Authors: Pugatch Marianne , Blum Nathan J. , Barbaresi William J. , Rowe Jonathan , Berna Mark , Hennigan Sean , Giovanelli Alison , Penilla Carlos , Tebb Kathleen P. , Mott Megan , Kumaran Vikram , Buckelew Sara , Lester James C. , Ozer Elizabeth
Published: January 2024

Background

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects about 13% of adolescents and is associated with substance use-related morbidity and mortality. While evidence on effective interventions to reduce alcohol use among adolescents with ADHD is limited, parent-teen communication about alcohol use has been found to be protective. Other approaches, such as educational interventions, hold promise to reduce alcohol-related harms in adolescents with ADHD. Digital technology offers an innovative approach to health behavior change, expanding access to services and may promote learning for neurodiverse youth, including teens with ADHD. INSPIRE, a narrative-centered game-based behavior change environment designed to promote self-regulation and self-efficacy to prevent risky alcohol use has been found to engage a general adolescent population. The goals of this pilot study are (1) to examine the engagement of youth with ADHD in INSPIRE; and (2) to examine if INSPIRE fosters parent-teen communication.

Method

Adolescents diagnosed with ADHD aged 14–16 were recruited from developmental medicine clinics and invited to a focus group offered via Zoom. Participants completed a pre-survey, interacted with the INSPIRE game, and answered a post-survey as well as open-ended questions about their gaming experience during the focus group. Engagement was measured through both self-report using subscales from the User Engagement Scale and computer data; survey and qualitative data collected information on parent-teen communication. Univariate statistics described adolescent characteristics, Rank-sum and Fisher’s exact tests examined relationships among variables, and qualitative analysis identified themes in open-ended questions.

Results

Of adolescent participants (N = 40), 45% identified as female, 17.5% Black, 7.5%, Hispanic, and 62.5% White. Post-survey mean engagement subscales of Usability (on a 5-point scale) was 3.67 (SD = 0.74), and Satisfaction was 3.63 (SD = 0.75). Computer data indicated that participants played the game for a median of 24 min. Adolescents shared that playing the game strengthened refusal skills and their ability to navigate social gatherings with alcohol. Post-survey, 63% planned to share information from INSPIRE with a parent.

Conclusion

Findings suggest that INSPIRE may support facilitating youth with ADHD to learn the developmental competencies needed to mitigate risk and thrive. INSPIRE warrants further testing to explore its impact on alcohol use in youth with ADHD.
How mathematicians characterize and attempt to develop understanding of concepts and definitions in proof-based courses
Authors: Rupnow Rachel , Fukawa-Connelly Timothy
Published: January 2024

Mathematics education research has long focused on students’ conceptual understanding, including highlighting conceptions viewed as problematic and looking for ways to develop more desirable conceptions. Nevertheless, limited research has examined how mathematicians characterize understanding of concepts and definitions or promote activities beneficial for students. Based on interviews with 13 mathematicians, we present thematic characterizations of what it means to understand a concept and definition, highlight activities mathematicians believe assist students’ learning, and examine their reasons for promoting these activities. Results include mathematically grounded descriptions of what it means to understand a concept but general descriptions of approaching and supporting learning. Implications include a need for attending to intended meanings for “understanding” in context and how this impacts appropriate activities for developing understanding, as well as a careful examination of the extant research literature’s claims about seemingly unified notions of conceptual understanding.
A rubric for pre-service teachers to evaluate meaningful physical education
Authors: Cañabate Dolors , Bubnys Remigijus , Hernández Esther , Colomer Jordi
Published: January 2024

This manuscript presents the definition, implementation, and validation of a new rubric for assessing and improving meaningful physical education activities in tertiary education: the Rubric for Meaningful Physical Education Assessment (MEANPE). We present the rubric's validation based on twelve international external experts' appraisals, and on the perception of 250+ pre-service teachers (PST). The manuscript presents the validity, correspondence, formulation and appropriateness of the indicators and their levels. We found that there are statistically significant differences in student scores between the pre- and post-implementation, suggesting that the MEANPE rubric is a valid and reliable instrument with which to assess meaningful physical activities in primary school classes.
Impacts of ovarian reserve on conservative treatment for endometrial cancer and atypical hyperplasia
Authors: Wu Pengfei , Shan Weiwei , Xue Yu , Wang Lulu , Liu Sijia , Chen Xiaojun , Luo Xuezhen
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Real-world data indicated that some endometrial atypical hyperplasia (EAH) and early endometrial carcinoma (EEC) patients of fertility preservation had a normal ovarian reserve, while some had a decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). This study was designed to investigate the effect of baseline ovarian reserve on the treatment of EAH and EEC patients who ask for preservation of fertility.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study conducted at a single university-affiliated fertility center. A total of 102 EAH and EEC patients who received fertility-preserving treatment between March 2019 and August 2020 were included and divided into a DOR group (n=22) and a non-DOR group (n=80).

Results

The 32-week CR rate of the non-DOR group was significantly higher than that of the DOR group (60.3% vs. 33.3%, P =0.028). The DOR group had a longer treatment duration to achieve CR than the non-DOR group (40.07 vs. 29.71 weeks, P=0.008, HR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.36–0.86). Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that DOR (OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.13–0.99, P=0.049) and BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (OR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.17–0.92, P=0.031) were negatively associated with 32-week CR.

Conclusions

Decreased baseline ovarian reserve is negatively correlated with the efficacy of fertility-preserving treatment in EAH and EEC patients, as this group has a lower CR rate and a longer treatment duration to achieve CR than those without DOR.
Role of pyroptosis in diabetic cardiomyopathy: an updated review
Authors: Wang Gan , Ma Tian-Yi , Huang Kang , Zhong Jiang-Hua , Lu Shi-Juan , Li Jian-Jun
Published: January 2024

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), one of the common complications of diabetes, presents as a specific cardiomyopathy with anomalies in the structure and function of the heart. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes, DCM has a high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Recent studies have found that pyroptosis, as a programmed cell death accompanied by an inflammatory response, exacerbates the growth and genesis of DCM. These studies provide a theoretical basis for exploring the potential treatment of DCM. Therefore, this review aims to summarise the possible mechanisms by which pyroptosis promotes the development of DCM as well as the relevant studies targeting pyroptosis for the possible treatment of DCM, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis, different cellular pyroptosis pathways associated with DCM, the effects of pyroptosis occurring in different cells on DCM, and the relevant drugs targeting NLRP3 inflammasome/pyroptosis for the treatment of DCM. This review might provide a fresh perspective and foundation for the development of therapeutic agents for DCM.
Two-stage optimization of hydrogen and storage coordination for a multi-region flexible intermodal multi-energy port system
Authors: Xu Yueyang , Fu Haijun , Yang Junru , Zhao Leyuan , Zhang Yang
Published: January 2024

To address the issue of imbalanced electricity and hydrogen supply and demand in the flexible multi-energy port area system, a multi-regional operational optimization and energy storage capacity allocation strategy considering the working status of flexible multi-status switches is proposed. Firstly, based on the characteristics of the port area system, models for system operating costs, generation equipment, energy storage devices, flexible multi-status switches, and others are established. Secondly, the system is subjected to a first-stage optimization, where different regions are optimized individually. The working periods of flexible multi-status switches are determined based on the results of this first-stage optimization, targeting the minimization of the overall daily operating costs while ensuring 100% integration of renewable energy in periods with electricity supply-demand imbalances. Subsequently, additional constraints are imposed based on the results of the first-stage optimization to optimize the entire system, obtaining power allocation during system operation as well as power and capacity requirements for energy storage devices and flexible multi-status switches. Finally, the proposed approach is validated through simulation examples, demonstrating its advantages in terms of economic efficiency, reduced power and capacity requirements for energy storage devices, and carbon reduction.
Mental healthcare among displaced Congolese: policy and stakeholders' analysis
Authors: Mutombo Paulin Beya Wa Bitadi , Lobukulu Genese Lolimo , Walker Rebecca
Published: January 2024

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been the subject of several armed conflicts for more than two decades, causing the displacement of millions of Congolese in and outside the country and impacting on their mental health and wellbeing. Mental healthcare interventions are a vital component for the displaced to holistically integrate into their new communities. This policy brief draws from a systematic review of various laws and policies as well as stakeholders' analysis to address the mental health issues of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the DRC. In addition, we examine data from 32 interviews with various stakeholders at the national level and in 4 provinces of the DRC (Kasai Central, Tanganyika, South Kivu and Ituri). The findings show that while the DRC has committed to progressive policies and conventions the implementation of these policies and conventions, however, remains insufficient. There are also limited local and international stakeholders that provide forms of psychosocial support to IDPs and, effectively address mental health challenges in context. In addition, the provision of such care is limited by the scarcity of specialized and skilled staffs. These findings point to the need to strengthen mental health system governance. This should include scaling up of the integration of mental healthcare at the operational level, the training of community health workers in the screening of mental health issues and the sensitization of the IDPs and the host population to help them change their perception of mental ill-health.
Sulconazole inhibits PD-1 expression in immune cells and cancer cells malignant phenotype through NF-κB and calcium activity repression
Authors: Pernot Simon , Tomé Mercedes , Galeano-Otero Isabel , Evrard Serge , Badiola Iker , Delom Frederic , Fessart Delphine , Smani Tarik , Siegfried Geraldine , Villoutreix Bruno O. , Khatib Abdel-Majid
Published: January 2024

The overexpression of the immunoinhibitory receptor programmed death-1 (PD1) on T-cells is involved in immune evasion in cancer. The use of anti-PD-1/PDL-1 strategy has deeply changed the therapies of cancers and patient survival. However, their efficacy diverges greatly along with tumor type and patient populations. Thereby, novel treatments are needed to interfere with the anti-tumoral immune responses and propose an adjunct therapy. In the current study, we found that the antifungal drug Sulconazole (SCZ) inhibits PD-1 expression on activated PBMCs and T cells at the RNA and protein levels. SCZ repressed NF-κB and calcium signaling, both, involved in the induction of PD-1. Further analysis revealed cancer cells treatment with SCZ inhibited their proliferation, and migration and ability to mediate tumor growth in zebrafish embryos. SCZ found also to inhibit calcium mobilization in cancer cells. These results suggest the SCZ therapeutic potential used alone or as adjunct strategy to prevent T-cell exhaustion and promotes cancer cell malignant phenotype repression in order to improve tumor eradication.
Multi-omics analysis reveals cuproptosis and mitochondria-based signature for assessing prognosis and immune landscape in osteosarcoma
Authors: Jia Chenguang , Liu Mei , Yao Liming , Zhao Fangchao , Liu Shuren , Li Zhuo , Han Yongtai
Published: January 2024

Background

Osteosarcoma (OSA), the most common primary mesenchymal bone tumor, is a health threat to children and adolescents with a dismal prognosis. While cuproptosis and mitochondria dysfunction have been demonstrated to exert a crucial role in tumor progression and development, the mechanisms by which they are regulated in OSA still await clarification.

Methods

Two independent OSA cohorts containing transcriptome data and clinical information were collected from public databases. The heterogeneity of OSA were evaluated by single cell RNA (scRNA) analysis. To identify a newly molecular subtype, unsupervised consensus clustering was conducted. Cox relevant regression methods were utilized to establish a prognostic gene signature. Wet lab experiments were performed to confirm the effect of model gene in OSA cells.

Results

We determined 30 distinct cell clusters and assessed OSA heterogeneity and stemness scRNA analysis. Then, univariate Cox analysis identified 24 candidate genes which were greatly associated with the prognosis of OSA. Based on these prognostic genes, we obtained two molecular subgroups. After conducting step Cox regression, three model genes were selected to construct a signature showing a favorable performance to forecast clinical outcome. Our proposed signature could also evaluate the response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy of OSA cases.

Conclusion

We generated a novel risk model based on cuproptosis and mitochondria-related genes in OSA with powerful predictive ability in prognosis and immune landscape.
RNF5: inhibiting antiviral immunity and shaping virus life cycle
Authors: Ge Junyi , Zhang Leiliang
Published: January 2024

RNF5 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase involved in various physiological processes such as protein localization and cancer progression. Recent studies have shown that RNF5 significantly inhibits antiviral innate immunity by promoting the ubiquitination and degradation of STING and MAVS, which are essential adaptor proteins, as well as their downstream signal IRF3. The abundance of RNF5 is delicately regulated by both host factors and viruses. Host factors have been found to restrict RNF5-mediated ubiquitination, maintaining the stability of STING or MAVS through distinct mechanisms. Meanwhile, viruses have developed ingenious strategies to hijack RNF5 to ubiquitinate and degrade immune proteins. Moreover, recent studies have revealed the multifaceted roles of RNF5 in the life cycle of various viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 and KSHV. Based on these emerging discoveries, RNF5 represents a novel means of modulating antiviral immunity. In this review, we summarize the latest research on the roles of RNF5 in antiviral immunity and virus life cycle. This comprehensive understanding could offer valuable insights into exploring potential therapeutic applications focused on targeting RNF5 during viral infections.
Balancing conflict and opportunity - spatial planning of shellfish and macroalgae culture systems in a heavily trafficked maritime port
Authors: Wickliffe Lisa C. , Jossart Jonathan A. , Theuerkauf Seth J. , Jensen Brandon M. , King John B. , Henry Trent , Sylvia Paula C. , Morris James A. , Riley Kenneth L.
Published: January 2024

Ocean-based industries like shipping, aquaculture, and wind energy are growing at an unprecedented rate resulting in challenges related to siting and environmental management. As marine aquaculture and other ocean-based industries continue to expand, robust marine spatial planning analyses that reconcile existing ocean uses and integrate pertinent environmental and planning data are critical for identifying compatible locations. In this study, a series of geospatial analyses were used for aquaculture siting within and around a heavily trafficked and highly utilized maritime port in the San Diego Bay area of California, USA. Using a centralized geodatabase representing key aquaculture planning spatial datasets, recommendations for specific areas for aquaculture were developed based on appropriate environmental conditions for candidate shellfish and algae aquaculture species culture systems. Areas that were known constraints were first identified to determine potentially usable areas for shellfish and macroalgae (i.e., seaweed) aquaculture using an exclusion analysis, a type of multi-criteria decision analysis, to eliminate all areas without compatibility. Within the remaining usable area, we further considered shellfish and macroalgae culture system-specific factors within a ‘culture systems analysis’ to determine where different culture systems have potential for success. This analysis provides a foundation of coastal intelligence for guiding the aquaculture industry and natural resource managers towards appropriate siting decisions. This study can serve as a replicable example of aquaculture spatial planning approaches for siting sustainable aquaculture and other blue economy industries.
The incorporation of the 3HP regimen for tuberculosis preventive treatment in the Brazilian health system: a secondary-database nationwide analysis
Authors: Mendes Luiz Villarinho Pereira , Trajman Anete , Campos Mônica Rodrigues , Correa Marilena Cordeiro Dias Villela , Osorio-de-Castro Claudia Garcia Serpa
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The recommendation of rifampin-based shorter - and safer – regimens for tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) is progressively replacing monotherapy with isoniazid by different countries. The Brazilian Ministry of Health (MoH) approved the incorporation of the Rifapentine + isoniazid regimen (3HP) at the end of 2020, with free distribution in the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) started from the last quarter of 2021. The objectives were to describe the implementation of the IL-TB System (Information System of TPT Notification) and uptake of Rifapentine + isoniazid (3HP) and Isoniazid (6H or 9H) in Brazil.

Methods

A quantitative observational and descriptive was performed using the IL-TB National System as the main data source, from January 2018 to December 2022.

Results and discussion

There was a steady increase of the number of TPT prescription quarterly throughout the period, which reflects the implementation of the system itself and the progressive adherence of the health system to the non-compulsory notification of new TPT. The substitution of isoniazid (6H or 9H) by 3HP is progressing. The 3HP regimen represented less than 4% of the total administered by the end of 2021, reaching around 30% in the second half of 2022 and 40% in the last quarters of 2022. The study points not only to the need to expand TPT in the country, but also to accelerate 3HP uptake and to encourage the municipalities to notify to the IL-TB system, since there is still a high level of underreporting.
A case report of a giant ileocecal cystic prolapse through the anus and literature review
Authors: Zong Beige , Xiao Xia , Deng Nijiao , Wang Wenjing , Peng Li , Fang Dianliang , Wang Haoyu , Hu Song , Li Zhongfu , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2024

Intussusception refers to the invagination of a proximal loop of the bowel into an adjacent distal segment. This condition is rare in adults, especially when it involves a complete folding of the ileocecal area out of the body cavity. Meanwhile, enterogenous cysts are congenital malformations that are largely identified in childhood following symptoms of bowel obstruction. While surgical treatment is ultimately required for both diseases, deciding on the type of surgery and the right time to operate can be a challenge for clinicians. It is especially difficult to decide on treatment for an adult with the coincidental occurrence of both conditions and no definitive pathologic diagnosis prior to surgery. Here, we present the case study of a 19-year-old female patient who presented with a prolapsed anus due to intussusception caused by a large ileocecal mass. The patient was admitted to the emergency department with a “massive anal mass.” She remained symptomatic after receiving conventional conservative treatment and had to undergo emergency surgery after developing an intestinal obstruction. While the patient’s intraoperative condition also confirmed the preoperative CT findings, the situation became more complicated during surgery. The postoperative pathological report indicated the presence of an enterogenous cyst. After recovery from surgery, the patient was successfully discharged. Intussusception or intestinal obstruction caused by an intestinal mass is a surgical indication, and removal is the only way to cure the condition. This case study provides a helpful reference for general surgeons, especially anorectal surgeons, imaging physicians, and pathologists, and informs the diagnosis and treatment of this patient population.
Circular RNA network plays a potential antiviral role in the early stage of JEV infection in mouse brain
Authors: Chen Mengli , Kang Lei , Zhang Tong , Zheng Jiayang , Chen Dishi , Shao Donghua , Li Zongjie , Li Beibei , Wei Jianchao , Qiu Yafeng , Feng Xiuli , Ma Zhiyong , Liu Ke
Published: January 2024

Japanese encephalitis is one of the most important insect-borne infectious disease with public health concern. The virus can break the blood–brain barrier and cause death or long-term sequela in infected humans or animals. Viral encephalitis is an important clinical feature of JEV infection. In recent studies, CircRNAs and related ceRNAs data illustrated the regulative role in many aspects of biological process and disease duration. It is believed that CircRNA regulates JEV infection in a ceRNA-dependent mechanism. In this study, brain tissues of experimental mice were sequenced and analysised. 61 differentially expressed circRNAs, 172 differentially expressed miRNAs and 706 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified by RNA-Sequencing and statistical analysis. CX3CR1 was determined as a key host factor impact JEV infection by microRNA interference measurement. CX3CR1 interaction network indicated circStrbp/miR709/CX3CR1 as a functional regulation axis. Further sequencing in BV2 cell shown CX3CR1 is a special target of miR-709 only during JEV infection. In summary, our study presented a new ceRNA pathway that impact JEV infection in vivo and in vitro, which could be a therapeutic target to fight against JEV.
The role of gut microbiota in the occurrence and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Mai Huanzhuo , Yang Xing , Xie Yulan , Zhou Jie , Wang Qing , Wei Yiru , Yang Yuecong , Lu Dongjia , Ye Li , Cui Ping , Liang Hao , Huang Jiegang
Published: January 2024

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, and gut microbes are associated with the development and progression of NAFLD. Despite numerous studies exploring the changes in gut microbes associated with NAFLD, there was no consistent pattern of changes.

Method

We retrieved studies on the human fecal microbiota sequenced by 16S rRNA gene amplification associated with NAFLD from the NCBI database up to April 2023, and re-analyzed them using bioinformatic methods.

Results

We finally screened 12 relevant studies related to NAFLD, which included a total of 1,189 study subjects (NAFLD, n = 654; healthy control, n = 398; obesity, n = 137). Our results revealed a significant decrease in gut microbial diversity with the occurrence and progression of NAFLD (SMD = −0.32; 95% CI −0.42 to −0.21; p < 0.001). Alpha diversity and the increased abundance of several crucial genera, including Desulfovibrio, Negativibacillus, and Prevotella, can serve as an indication of their predictive risk ability for the occurrence and progression of NAFLD (all AUC > 0.7). The occurrence and progression of NAFLD are significantly associated with higher levels of LPS biosynthesis, tryptophan metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and lipid metabolism.

Conclusion

This study elucidated gut microbes relevance to disease development and identified potential risk-associated microbes and functional pathways associated with NAFLD occurrence and progression.
The immunity protection of intestine induced by pseudorabies virus del gI/gE/TK in piglets
Authors: Zhang Yang , Xu Lei , Tao Qian , Liu Zheyan , Wen Jianhua , Xu Tong , Lai Siyuan , Ai Yanru , Xu Zhiwen , Zhu Ling
Published: January 2024

Compared to the classical strain of Pseudorabies virus (PRV), the PRV variant exhibits stronger transmissibility and pathogenicity, causing immense disasters for the global pig industry. Based on this variant, our laboratory has preliminarily constructed a modified pseudorabies virus with deletions in the gE/gI/TK genes. In this study, the protective efficacy of PRV XJ del gI/gE/TK against piglet intestinal damage was evaluated. The results demonstrated that piglets immunized with PRV XJ del gI/gE/TK exhibited alleviated intestinal damage caused by the PRV XJ variant strain. This included reduced viral load, suppressed inflammation, and maintenance of intestinal structure and function. Additionally, PRV XJ del gI/gE/TK also strongly activated the innate immune response in the intestines, increasing the expression of antiviral factor mRNA and the secretion of SIgA to counteract the attack of the PRV XJ variant strain. Our study indicates that PRV XJ del gI/gE/TK can inhibit intestinal damage caused by PRV XJ variant strain and activate the innate immune response in the intestines.
Probiotics in milk replacer affect the microbiome of the lung in neonatal dairy calves
Authors: McDaneld Tara G. , Eicher Susan D. , Dickey Aaron , Kritchevsky Janice E. , Bryan Keith A. , Chitko-McKown Carol G.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Probiotics have been investigated for their many health benefits and impact on the microbiota of the gut. Recent data have also supported a gut–lung axis regarding the bacterial populations (microbiomes) of the two locations; however, little research has been performed to determine the effects of oral probiotics on the microbiome of the bovine respiratory tract. We hypothesized that probiotic treatment would result in changes in the lung microbiome as measured in lung lavage fluid. Our overall goal was to characterize bacterial populations in the lungs of calves fed probiotics in milk replacer and dry rations from birth to weaning.

Methods

A group of 20 dairy calves was split into two treatment groups: probiotic (TRT; N = 10, milk replacer +5 g/d probiotics; Bovamine Dairy, Chr. Hansen, Inc., Milwaukee, WI) and control (CON; N = 10, milk replacer only). On day 0, birth weight was obtained, and calves were provided colostrum as per the dairy SOP. On day 2, probiotics were added to the milk replacer of the treated group and then included in their dry ration. Lung lavages were performed on day 52 on five random calves selected from each treatment group. DNA was extracted from lavage fluid, and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene hypervariable regions 1–3 were amplified by PCR and sequenced using next-generation sequencing (Illumina MiSeq) for the identification of the bacterial taxa present. Taxa were classified into both operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and amplicon sequence variants (ASVs).

Results

Overall, the evaluation of these samples revealed that the bacterial genera identified in the lung lavage samples of probiotic-fed calves as compared to the control calves were significantly different based on the OTU dataset (p < 0.05) and approached significance for the ASV dataset (p < 0.06). Additionally, when comparing the diversity of taxa in lung lavage samples to nasal and tonsil samples, taxa diversity of lung samples was significantly lower (p < 0.05).

Discussion

In conclusion, analysis of the respiratory microbiome in lung lavage samples after probiotic treatment provides insight into the distribution of bacterial populations in response to oral probiotics and demonstrates that oral probiotics affect more than the gut microbiome.
Lethal severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus infection causes systemic germinal centre failure and massive T cell apoptosis in cats
Authors: Sakai Yusuke , Mura Serina , Kuwabara Yuko , Kagimoto Saya , Sakurai Masashi , Morimoto Masahiro , Park Eun-sil , Shimojima Masayuki , Nagata Noriyo , Ami Yasushi , Yoshikawa Tomoki , Iwata-Yoshikawa Naoko , Fukushi Shuetsu , Watanabe Shumpei , Kurosu Takeshi , Okutani Akiko , Kimura Masanobu , Imaoka Koichi , Saijo Masayuki , Morikawa Shigeru , Suzuki Tadaki , Maeda Ken
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is a fatal viral disease characterized by high fever, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and multi-organ haemorrhage. Disruption of the humoral immune response and decreased lymphocyte numbers are thought to contribute to the disease severity. These findings have been obtained through the analysis of peripheral blood leukocytes in human patients, whereas analysis of lymph nodes has been limited. Thus, in this study, we characterized the germinal centre response and apoptosis in the lymph nodes of cats with fatal SFTS, because SFTS in cats well mimics the pathology of human SFTS.

Methods

Lymph node tissue sections collected during necropsy from seven fatal SFTS patients and five non-SFTS cases were used for histopathological analysis. Additionally, lymph node tissue sections collected from cats with experimental infection of SFTS virus (SFTSV) were also analysed.

Results

In the lymphoid follicles of cats with SFTS, a drastic decrease in Bcl6- and Ki67-positive germinal centre B cells was observed. Together, the number of T cells in the follicles was also decreased in SFTS cases. In the paracortex, a marked increase in cleaved-caspase3 positivity was observed in T cells. These changes were independent of the number of local SFTS virus-positive cell. Furthermore, the analysis of cats with experimental SFTSV infection revealed that the intrafollicular Bcl6- and CD3-positive cell numbers in cats with low anti-SFTSV antibody production were significantly lower than those in cats with high anti-SFTSV antibody production.

Discussion

These results suggest that dysfunction of the humoral response in severe SFTS was caused by the loss of germinal centre formation and massive apoptosis of T cells in the lymph nodes due to systemically circulating viruses.