bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethical Challenges in Ventilator Allocation during COVID-19 Crisis Level Care in a Low-Resource Setting, Subtitle: Who gets the last ventilator?
Authors: Fernandez Lenora
Published: June 2023

Health crisis-level situations, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought the challenge of ethical allocation of scarce life-saving resources (e.g. mechanical ventilator) in the face of sudden demand by critically ill patients. The problem is heightened in low-resource countries with limited number of ventilators. This article analyzes the ethical challenges in mechanical ventilator allocation during the COVID-19 pandemic in low to middle-income countries (LMIC), such as the Philippines. Among the three rationing principles of substantive justice, maximizing the benefit of the limited and vital resource for the most in society is acknowledged by majority of public health experts to be the prevailing principle to guide resource allocation. In low-resource settings, such as low to middleincome countries, with pre-existing health inequities in health care resources and absence of legal framework supporting advance directives, the principle of maximizing benefit is tempered with proportionate need focused on the vulnerable population sectors that may have suffered from inequities even before the COVID-19 crisis. The procedural aspect of the allocation decision formulation and implementation should ensure community engagement with solidarity, openness, veracity, transparency and accountability as values to be consistently manifested. Painful decisions will still be made at the frontline on who will receive the life-saving ventilator or not, but, as long as there is transparency and community participation in these decisions, then the decision-makers will be able to live with these decisions without undue burden on their conscience.
PENGELOLAAN KONTEN INSTAGRAM SEBAGAI MEDIA PEMASARAN OBJEK WISATA ALAM
Authors: Arkam Nur , Tenri Sessu We Patappari
Published: June 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuatkan konten pemasaran berupa konten video singkat, konten gambar yang menggunakan fitur Instagram sebagai media untuk memasarkan objek wisata alam pada akun Disparpora Kabupaten Soppeng. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah Deskriptif Kualitatif. Pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif ini menggunakan pengambilan dan pengumpulan data melalui telaah dokumen dan wawancara semi terstruktur dengan mengajukan pertanyaan-pertanyaan kepada beberapa pihak terkait yang dapat membantu peneliti dalam proses penelitian. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa dengan menggunakan elemen-elemen content marketing yaitu Design, Current Event, The Reading Experience, Time, dan Tone, isi dari postingan menjadi lebih menarik. Output dari penelitian ini adalah konten pemasaran berupa konten video singkat dan konten gambar menggunakan fitur-fitur Instagram yang digunakan sebagai media untuk memasarkan objek wisata alam Kabupaten Soppeng yang di posting pada akun Disparpora Kabupaten Soppeng.
Relationships of Chronic Kidney Disease and Thyroid Dysfunction in Patients with Stage 4 and 5 Chronic Kidney Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Bhuwania Puneet
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects the pituitary-thyroid axis and peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormones, thereby causing dysfunction of thyroid hormones. This study aimed to highlight the correlation between thyroid dysfunction and the staging of chronic kidney disease.

Methods: Fifty patients with CKD were studied between 2014–2017 in a tertiary care centre in Western India. These patients were split into a subgroup for Stage 4 and 5 CKD, based upon estimated glomerular filtration rate as per the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines. Thyroid function tests and lipid levels were compared in the different CKD subgroups by analysis of variance. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the thyroid dysfunction with respect to degree of renal dysfunction in the study population.

Results: Thyroid abnormalities were seen in 68% of the author’s patients. Euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) was the most prevalent thyroid hormonal abnormality seen in 32% (n=16), followed by hypothyroidism category seen in the remaining 36% (n=18) of the study population. Of these, 18% (n=9) of the patients had subclinical hypothyroidism, while the remaining 18% (n=9) manifested overt hypothyroidism. Results showed that ESS had a positive correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rate (r=0.822; p<0.001). No significant differences were found between groups in thyroxine or thyroid-stimulating hormone (p>0.05). Linear regression in unadjusted analysis revealed that deranged low-density lipoprotein levels was found to be significantly associated negatively with hypothyroidism (p<0.001) in patients with CKD.

Conclusion: Patients with Stage 4 and 5 CKD have many hormonal disturbances, of which ESS is a common occurrence, and has a significant association with dyslipidaemia, increasing morbidity in these patients. Hypothyroidism is more prevalent in patients with severe renal dysfunction, as a result of higher uremic milieu in these patients.
Review of the European Association for Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions Congress (EuroPCR) 2023
Authors: EMJ
Published: June 2023

The European Association for Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions (EAPCI) hosted the 2023 edition of EuroPCR, a 4-day course, at the Palais des Congrès in Paris, France, attracting colleagues from around the world. This event transformed the Palais des Congrès into a vibrant hub for medical exchange and advancements in the field of interventional cardiology. The course served as a catalyst for international collaboration and innovation, creating an atmosphere of warmth and welcome to participants, as well as igniting advancement within the realm of cardiovascular medicine. Learning, collaboration, and first-hand exposure to cutting-edge innovations forging the next generation of pioneers were of great importance throughout the course.
The Effect of Online Music Consumption After COVID-19 on Psychological Stability and Reduction of Depression
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Wang Yeseon , Jun Jong Woo , Ko Sunha
Published: June 2023

Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the proportion of people complaining of depression and anxiety has increased significantly. Accordingly, this study aims to analyze the impact of genre music on psychological stability and depression through four independent variables: emotional desire, music genre, emotional response to music, and self-esteem, focusing on the basic proposition that online music consumption affects psychological stability and depression based on the music genre.
A Study on the Improvement of College Students' Literacy by Using Dasan's Chaucer Reading Method
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Choi Sun-Hee
Published: June 2023

Currently, college students are evaluated as lacking in proper literacy despite having been taught reading and writing in the Korean language curriculum in middle and high schools. It is very important to cultivate proper literacy for university students who enter the academic world, explore their majors, and are in the preparation stage as members of society. This study utilized Dasan's Chaucer reading method to improve the literacy of college students. The Chaucer reading method is an active reading and writing learning v method that allows readers to expand their thoughts and deep thinking training by having them establish their subjectivity and have a conversation with the author. As a result of practicing by applying the Chaucer reading method, the learners tried to understand the text contents accurately by inducing intrinsic motivation for reading. In addition, while recording the contents that brought about the change of thinking, they were able to expand their consciousness and express their opinions with new meaning construction.
Quo Vadis : Kebijakan Politik Hukum Bank Syari’ah Pasca Undang-Undang Nomor 21 Tahun 2008 Tentang Perbankan Syariah
Authors: Tektona Rahmadi Indra
Published: June 2023

The existence of legal politics in Islamic banks comprises the most common method for creating and enforcing regulations that can illustrate the kind and course in which the law will be constructed and implemented on the grounds. This is because the definition of legal politics itself is the official direction that the state uses as a basis to create and implement laws to achieve state goals. There are two dimensions of legal politics to consider when studying regulation: the basic policy dimension of why regulation is promulgated and the policy dimension of enactment. Regulations must be able to provide a basis and respond to the absence of the necessary supporting institutions for the Sharia banking industry, which serves as a form of improvement and implementation of the process of transforming the system of Islamic law into an integral part of the national legal system and laws regarding the operational system of banking business activities. The participation of Islamic banks in Indonesia is an important factor in national growth. This study employs an analytical-descriptive approach. It is a study that uses the statutory approach and the conceptual approach to define the scope and assess its existence. The formulation problem of this study is Quo Vadis: The Legal Politics of Islamic Banks under Post-Law Number 21 of 2008 on Sharia Banking. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of the state in regulating the development of Sharia banking in the context of the Plan to Create a Law on Sharia Economics.
Effect of Leverage, Firm Size, Institutional Ownership, and Profitability on CSR Disclosure in Consumer Goods Companies in Indonesia
Authors: Yudhistira Ardana  , Fikri Rizki Utama  , Audy Anzany Risvana
Published: June 2023

When investing in a company, investors frequently consider a number of criteria, such as financial success, brand or reputation, track record, and social effect through corporate social responsibility (CSR). This study seeks to quantify the impact of profitability, leverage, business size, and institutional ownership on the disclosure of corporate social responsibility. This study's sample is comprised of consumer products firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period of 2018–2020. The error correction model is the methodology utilized in this investigation. The long-term effects of leverage and business size on CSR disclosure were unfavorable and significant, according to the findings. The institutional ownership variable has a positive but not statistically significant effect, but the profitability variable has a statistically significant positive effect. On the other hand, the leverage variable has a substantial negative effect on CSR disclosure in the short term. While the scale of the organization has no negative influence of any significance, The influence of the institutional ownership variable is positive but insignificant. The profitability variable has a substantial beneficial impact.
Effectiveness of Long Immersion of Rice Seeds in Local Microorganism Culture (MOL) of Banana Weevils on Rice Growth and Production
Authors: Argadatta Sigit  , Rosdiana  , Dameria
Published: June 2023

The need for rice from year to year continues to increase due to the growing population of Indonesia, but this is not balanced with sufficient rice production. This is what makes it difficult for Indonesia to be self-sufficient in food so that efforts are needed to increase rice production nationally so that domestic rice needs are met. This panel aims to see the effectiveness of long soaking of rice seeds in MOL banana weevil on vegetative growth and yield of Ciherang variety rice plants. The research was conducted in November 2021 – March 2022 on open land of BPP Caringin, Legok District, Tangerang Regency. The study was conducted using the Randomized Complete Group Design (RKLT) method consisting of 5 treatments, namely control (without soaking MOL banana weevil), soaking rice seeds for 6 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours, and soaking for 24 hours. Each treatment was repeated 5 times so that there were 25 experimental units. Each experimental unit consists of three plants, the number of plants to be studied is 75 plants. Soaking seeds in MOL banana weevil for 24 hours gives the best results for the growth and production of Ciherang rice plants.
Advances in the Development of Biomaterials for Endotoxin Adsorption in Sepsis
Authors: Yang Qinbo , Li Yupei , Tuohuti Pazilaiti , Qin Zheng , Zhang Zhuyun , Zhao Weifeng , Su Baihai
Published: June 2023

Graphical Abstract

Overview schematic of endotoxin adsorbents.
Prenatal diagnosis of fetomaternal hemorrhage by a novel hydrogel fluoroimmunoassay that accurately quantifies fetal haemoglobin
Authors: Li Xinyang , Yin Moli , Wang Hongmei , Duan Shengbao , Wang Huiyan , Li Yong , Liu Tiemei
Published: June 2023

Objective: Fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) is an alloimmunization resulting caused by the incompatibility between fetal and maternal blood. For the prevention of newborn haemolytic disease (HDN), it is crucial to quantify the amount of fetomaternal hemorrhage. However, the classical Kleihauer–Betke test (K-B test) for detecting fetomaternal hemorrhage is limited by experimental tools and conditions and is not suitable for routine clinical use. Consequently, the method of prenatal diagnosis of fetomaternal hemorrhage applicable to the clinic is a topic worthy of further study. Therefore, it is worthwhile to further investigation on the clinically applicable prenatal diagnosis method for fetomaternal hemorrhage.

Methods: This experiment demonstrates hydrogel’s ability to separate sensitized red blood cells from soluble antibodies. Using flow cytometry the fluorescence values of sensitized red blood cells and fluorophore-labeled antibodies were measured, and the testing steps for the detection products of a novel technology were determined. The properties of a hydrogel fluoroimmunoassay were evaluated by distinguishing between the amounts of fetal and adult haemoglobin. The precision of this technology is evaluated using the Kleihauer–Betke test as a comparison.

Results: This experiment compared the detection of haemoglobin fluorescence in adults (n = 2) and fetuses (n = 6). At the same time, the fluorescence intensity of different fetal haemoglobin (HbF) in adult haemoglobin (HbA) was calculated. The fluorescence value is 1.6% when the fetal hemoglobin concentration is 0.1%.

Conclusion: The novel hydrogel fluoroimmunoassay can accurately determine the fluorescence intensity by flow cytometry to differentiate fetal haemoglobin from adult haemoglobin, quantitatively prenatally diagnose fetal haemoglobin, address the incompatibility between fetal and maternal blood types, and prevent alloimmunization.
Hematopoietic stem cells and betaherpesvirus latency
Authors: Crawford Lindsey B.
Published: June 2023

The human betaherpesviruses including human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), human herpesvirus (HHV)-6a and HHV-6b, and HHV-7 infect and establish latency in CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HPCs). The diverse repertoire of HPCs in humans and the complex interactions between these viruses and host HPCs regulate the viral lifecycle, including latency. Precise manipulation of host and viral factors contribute to preferential maintenance of the viral genome, increased host cell survival, and specific manipulation of the cellular environment including suppression of neighboring cells and immune control. The dynamic control of these processes by the virus regulate inter- and intra-host signals critical to the establishment of chronic infection. Regulation occurs through direct viral protein interactions and cellular signaling, miRNA regulation, and viral mimics of cellular receptors and ligands, all leading to control of cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Hematopoietic stem cells have unique biological properties and the tandem control of virus and host make this a unique environment for chronic herpesvirus infection in the bone marrow. This review highlights the elegant complexities of the betaherpesvirus latency and HPC virus-host interactions.
Current status and future perspectives of fractional flow reserve derived from invasive coronary angiography
Authors: Dobrić Milan , Furtula Matija , Tešić Milorad , Timčić Stefan , Borzanović Dušan , Lazarević Nikola , Lipovac Mirko , Farkić Mihajlo , Ilić Ivan , Boljević Darko , Rakočević Jelena , Aleksandrić Srđan , Juričić Stefan , Ostojić Miodrag , Bojić Milovan
Published: June 2023

Assessment of the functional significance of coronary artery stenosis using invasive measurement of fractional flow reserve (FFR) or non-hyperemic indices has been shown to be safe and effective in making clinical decisions on whether to perform percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Despite strong evidence from clinical trials, utilization of these techniques is still relatively low worldwide. This may be to some extent attributed to factors that are inherent to invasive measurements like prolongation of the procedure, side effects of drugs that induce hyperemia, additional steps that the operator should perform, the possibility to damage the vessel with the wire, and additional costs. During the last few years, there was a growing interest in the non-invasive assessment of coronary artery lesions, which may provide interventionalist with important physiological information regarding lesion severity and overcome some of the limitations. Several dedicated software solutions are available on the market that could provide an estimation of FFR using 3D reconstruction of the interrogated vessel derived from two separated angiographic projections taken during diagnostic coronary angiography. Furthermore, some of them use data about aortic pressure and frame count to more accurately calculate pressure drop (and FFR). The ideal non-invasive system should be integrated into the workflow of the cath lab and performed online (during the diagnostic procedure), thereby not prolonging procedural time significantly, and giving the operator additional information like vessel size, lesion length, and possible post-PCI FFR value. Following the development of these technologies, they were all evaluated in clinical trials where good correlation and agreement with invasive FFR (considered the gold standard) were demonstrated. Currently, only one trial (FAVOR III China) with clinical outcomes was completed and demonstrated that QFR-guided PCI may provide better results at 1-year follow-up as compared to the angiography-guided approach. We are awaiting the results of a few other trials with clinical outcomes that test the performance of these indices in guiding PCI against either FFR or angiography-based approach, in various clinical settings. Herein we will present an overview of the currently available data, a critical review of the major clinical trials, and further directions of development for the five most widely available non-invasive indices: QFR, vFFR, FFRangio, caFFR, and AccuFFRangio.
The effect of first step right atrial mapping (FRAM) on ablation duration and fluoroscopy exposure during cavotricuspid isthmus ablation of atrial flutter
Authors: Guan Fu , Saguner Ardan M. , Breitenstein Alexander , Wang Mia , Molitor Nadine , Brunckhorst Corinna , Wolber Thomas , Duru Firat
Published: June 2023

Aim

To investigate the clinical significance of right atrial mapping prior to cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) ablation in patients with typical atrial flutter (AFL).

Methods

Clinical and ablation parameters were retrospectively assessed and compared in patients undergoing CTI ablation with or without a first-step right atrial mapping (FRAM) by using the CARTO 3D mapping system.

Results

CTI block by radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was achieved in all 143 patients. In the FRAM group there was a shorter ablation duration and fluoroscopy exposure compared with the non-FRAM group. CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with higher ablation durations, more ablation applications and increased fluoroscopy exposure. Body mass index (BMI) was associated with longer ablation duration and more ablation applications. Furthermore, patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) had longer ablation durations and more fluoroscopy exposure. One patient in the non-FRAM group developed cardiac effusion after ablation. None of the patients had recurrence after 6 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

Patients with high BMI, high CHA2DS2-VASc score and reduced LVEF may benefit from the FRAM approach by reducing ablation duration, number of ablation applications and fluoroscopy exposure.
University 4.0 concept: educational and scientific policies, innovative development of vocational education and training
Authors: Chernaya Irina P. , Masyuk Natalya N. , Prosalova Veronika S. , Bodunkova Anna G. , Bushueva Marina A.
Published: June 2023

The paper aims to generalize theoretical and practical aspects of educational and scientific policies and management of the vocational education innovative development within a University 4.0 model. The study of the University 4.0 continuum in this paper is based on a systematic approach. Our research content and construct validity, and reliability of its results were analyzed at the stage of developing a University 4.0 scale of environments using the SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) and LISREL (Linear Structural Relations) software packages. Based on an explanatory factor analysis we developed a three-dimensional indicative scale of environments for an innovative entrepreneurial university. The efficient and reliable tool which is offered for assessing the internal environments of an innovative entrepreneurial university and its activities as a University 4.0 type is scaling. By scaling the University 4.0 environments our universities could succeed in upgrading their innovative entrepreneurial characteristics aimed to benefit their students, government agencies, and the entire economy at the macro level.
Cooperative targeting of PARP-1 domains to regulate metabolic and developmental genes
Authors: Bamgbose Gbolahan , Johnson Sarah , Tulin Alexei
Published: June 2023

PARP-1, also known as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1, is a multifunctional nuclear enzyme that plays a critical role in transcriptional regulation through its three functional domains: the N-terminal DNA-binding domain (DBD) containing two zinc fingers for DNA binding and a third zinc finger for maintaining interdomain contacts, the auto modification domain (AD), and the C-terminal domain, which includes the protein-interacting WGR domain and the catalytic domain. Despite the critical role that PARP-1 plays in regulating gene expression, the mechanisms by which it is targeted to chromatin are not well understood. In this study, we aimed to understand the targeting of PARP-1 to chromatin using ChIP-seq of YFP-tagged deletional isoforms of PARP-1 (ZnI, ZnII, AD-WGR) and a construct that lacks only ZnI (ΔZnI). Our results indicate that other PARP-1 domains are sufficient to target PARP-1 to active genes in the absence of ZnI. Furthermore, we found that PARP-1 represses metabolic gene pathways and activates developmental gene pathways. The results of ChIP-seq analysis showed that PARP-1 and ΔZnI were preferentially bound to the gene bodies of PARP-1-regulated metabolic genes compared to developmental genes. PARP-1 domains (ZnI, ZnII and AD-WGR) also preferentially occupied the gene bodies of PARP-1-regulated metabolic genes, however, they were more enriched at the TSS of PARP-1-regulated developmental genes compared to metabolic genes. Thus, we propose that PARP-1 domains cooperatively target PARP-1 to PARP-1-regulated genes to coordinate metabolic and developmental gene expression programs.
High-dimensional single-cell analysis unveils distinct immune signatures of peripheral blood in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Pan Yu , Gao Jianfeng , Lin Jiajing , Ma Yuan , Hou Zelin , Lin Yali , Wen Shi , Pan Minggui , Lu Fengchun , Huang Heguang
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal malignancies with poor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The mechanism of such poor response is not completely understood.

Methods

We assessed T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoire and RNA expression at the single-cell level using high-dimensional sequencing of peripheral blood immune cells isolated from PDAC patients and from healthy human controls. We validated RNA-sequencing data by performing mass cytometry (CyTOF) and by measuring serum levels of multiple immune checkpoint proteins.

Results

We found that proportions of T cells (CD45+CD3+) were decreased in PDAC patients compared to healthy controls, while proportion of myeloid cells was increased. The proportion of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells and the level of cytotoxicity per cell were increased in PDAC patients, with reduced TCR clonal diversity. We also found a significantly enriched S100A9+ monocyte population and an increased level of TIM-3 expression in immune cells of peripheral blood in PDAC patients. In addition, the serum level of soluble TIM-3 (sTIM-3) was significantly higher in PDAC patients compared to the non-PDAC participants and correlated with worse survival in two independent PDAC cohorts. Moreover, sTIM-3 exhibited a valuable role in diagnosis of PDAC, with sensitivity and specificity of about 80% in the training and validation groups, respectively. We further established an integrated model by combining sTIM-3 and carbohydrate antigen 19- 9 (CA19-9), which had an area under the curve of 0.974 and 0.992 in training and validation cohorts, respectively.

Conclusion

Our RNA-seq and proteomic results provide valuable insight for understanding the immune cell composition of peripheral blood of patients with PDAC.
Is it possible to achieve an acceptable disease control by dietary therapy alone in Berardinelli Seip type 1? Experience from a case report
Authors: Cecchetti Carolina , Belardinelli Elisabetta , Dionese Paola , Teglia Rita , Fazzeri Roberta , D’ Apice M. Rosaria , Vestito Amanda , Pagotto Uberto , Gambineri Alessandra
Published: June 2023

Background and objective

Severe metabolic complications generally manifest at an early age in Berardinelli – Seip congenital lipodystrophy (BSCL) and their management is especially challenging. Nutritional intervention with low lipid diets is considered by experts to be fundamental in treating the disease when associated with medical therapy, however little is known about the beneficial effects of dietary interventions alone.

Aim

To underline the importance of a well-structured low-fat diet in BSCL patients.

Methods and results

A BSCL male patient strictly followed a hypocaloric hypolipemic diet (60% carbohydrates, 22% fats and 18% proteins) since clinical diagnosis at the age of one year. Interestingly, pharmacological interventions were not required at any point during the follow-up. Aged 16 years the patient was referred to our center. Biochemistry, hormonal evaluation, 75 mg oral glucose tolerance test, cardiac evaluation and abdominal ultrasound were performed, revealing no abnormalities. Genetic analysis and leptin dosage were carried out, confirming the diagnosis of BSCL type 1 (homozygosity for c.493-1G>C pathogenic variant in AGPAT2 gene) and showing undetectable circulating levels of leptin (< 0.2 mcg/L). Diet therapy alone was therefore maintained, scheduling follow-up visits every six months, with acceptable disease control ever since.

Conclusions

This report proves how a low-fat diet is of great help in the management of BSCL and its complications. In addition, a specific hypolipemic diet could be used alone as an effective treatment in selected cases with high compliance and, probably, a milder phenotype.
Metabolic reprogramming of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Haiyan , Wang Xin , Lu Shihao , Ou Kongbo
Published: June 2023

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is a malignancy that exhibits metabolic reprogramming as a result of genetic mutations. This reprogramming accommodates the energy and anabolic needs of the cancer cells, leading to changes in glucose, lipid, and bio-oxidative metabolism, and in some cases, the amino acid metabolism. Recent evidence suggests that ccRCC may be classified as a metabolic disease. The metabolic alterations provide potential targets for novel therapeutic interventions or biomarkers for monitoring tumor growth and prognosis. This literature review summarized recent discoveries of metabolic alterations in ccRCC, including changes in glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism. The development of metabolic drugs targeting these metabolic pathways was also discussed, such as HIF-2α inhibitors, fatty acid synthase (FAS) inhibitors, glutaminase (GLS) inhibitors, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitors, and arginine depletion. Future trends in drug development are proposed, including the use of combination therapies and personalized medicine approaches. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the metabolic alterations in ccRCC and highlights the potential for developing new treatments for this disease.
Primary culture and endocrine functional analysis of Leydig cells in ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)
Authors: Chu Xiaoya , Javed Aiman , Ashraf Muhammad Faizan , Gao Xiuge , Jiang Shanxiang
Published: June 2023

Testicular Leydig cells (LCs) are the primary known source of testosterone, which is necessary for maintaining spermatogenesis and male fertility. However, the isolation, identification, and functional analysis of testosterone in duck LCs are still ambiguous. The aim of the present study was to establish a feasible method for isolating highly purified primary duck LCs. The highly purified primary duck LCs were isolated from the fresh testes of 2-month-old ducks via the digestion of collagenase IV and Percoll density gradient centrifugation; hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining, ELISA, and radioimmunoassay were performed. Results revealed that the LCs were prominently noticeable in the testicular interstitium of 2-month-old ducks as compared to 6-month-old and 1-year-old ducks. Furthermore, IHC demonstrated that the cultured LCs occupied 90% area of the petri dish and highly expressed 3β-HSD 24 h after culture (hac) as compared to 48 and 72 hac. Additionally, ELISA and radioimmunoassay indicate that the testosterone level in cellular supernatant was highly expressed in 24 and 48 hac, whereas the testosterone level gradually decreased in 72 and 96 hac, indicating the primary duck LCs secrete testosterone at an early stage. Based on the above results, the present study has effectively developed a technique for isolating highly purified primary duck LCs and identified its biological function in synthesizing testosterone.
Growth history of hepatitis C virus among HIV/HCV co-infected patients in Guizhou Province
Authors: Yang Xiu-Cheng , Hong Zhang-Ping , Wang Yi , Meng Nan , Hu Yong , Xiong Qian-Yu , Qin Da-Wen , Shen Du , Yang Xing-Lin
Published: June 2023

Background: The evolutionary and epidemiological history and the regional differences of various hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes are complex. Our aim was to better understand the molecular epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics of HCV among HIV/HCV co-infected individuals in Guizhou Province. This information could contribute to improve HCV prevention and control strategies in Guizhou and surrounding provinces.

Methods: The HCV RNA was extracted from the serum of HIV/HCV co-infected patients, and reverse transcription/nested PCR was performed to amplify nucleotide sequences of the C-E1 region. Then, the successfully amplified sequences were selected for phylogenetic analysis. The available C-E1 region reference sequences from the surrounding provinces of Guizhou (Guangxi, Yunnan, Hunan, and Sichuan) were retrieved in GenBank, and the evolutionary analysis by Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm was performed using BEAST software to reconstruct a phylogeographic tree in order to explore their migration patterns. Finally, the epidemiological history of HCV in the Guizhou region was retraced by reconstructing Bayesian skyline plots (BSPs) after excluding sequences from surrounding provinces.

Results: Among 186 HIV/HCV co-infected patients, the C-E1 region sequence was successfully amplified in 177 cases. Phylogenetic analysis classified these sequences into six subtypes: 1a, 1b, 3a, 3b, 6a, and 6n. Among them, subtype 6a was the most dominant strain (n = 70), followed by 3b (n = 55), 1b (n = 31), 3a (n = 11), 1a (n = 8), and 6n (n = 2). By reconstructing the phylogeographic tree, we estimated that the 6a strain in Guizhou mainly originated from Yunnan and Guangxi, while the 3b strain emerged due to transmission from the IDU network in Yunnan. Subtypes 1b, 3a, 3b, and 6a, as the major subtypes of HCV in HIV/HCV co-infected individuals in Guizhou, emerged and later grew more rapidly than the national average. Notably, BSPs of the currently prevalent HCV predominant strain subtype 6a in Guizhou have shown a rapid population growth since 2004. Although the growth rate slowed down around 2010, this growth has continued to date.

Conclusion: Overall, despite the improvement and implementation of a series of HCV prevention and control policies and measures, a delayed growth pattern may indicate a unique history of the spread of 6a in Guizhou. Its trend as the dominant strain in Guizhou in recent years may continue to increase slowly over subsequent years.
Media advocacy in catalyzing actions by decision-makers: case study of the advance family planning initiative in Kenya
Authors: Choge Irene , Mwalimu Rammah , Mulyanga Sam , Njiri Sally , Kwachi Beatrice , Ontiri Susan
Published: June 2023

Media can not only play a critical role in informing and educating the public on health issues, but it can make a powerful contribution to advocacy of public health matters. In Kenya, Advance Family Planning (AFP) initiative used this approach to further the country's progress in achieving family planning goals. This case study documents AFP experience in supporting media to engage leaders and decision-makers on the need to unlock bureaucratic bottlenecks that limit success of family planning services. AFP's media efforts added weight to the work of advocates who push for increased political commitments and investments in family planning. Media advocacy efforts helped catalyze actions by decision-makers across Kenya—focusing on strengthening accessibility and availability of contraceptive methods and fast-tracking implementation of policy actions to address adolescent pregnancy. Media advocacy efforts contributed to advancing family planning initiatives in the country. Media advocacy should be a key pillar of family planning programs and of other sectors.
Efficacy of the cyclolipopeptides fengycin and iturin A against postharvest pome fruit pathogens
Authors: Magwebu Sinovuyo , Meitz-Hopkins Julia C. , Pott Robert W. M. , Lennox Cheryl L.
Published: June 2023

Botrytis cinerea (gray mold) and Penicillium expansum (blue mold), are major pome fruit postharvest pathogens and their control relies heavily on the use of one postharvest fungicide (fludioxonil). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the cyclolipopeptides (CLPs), in the form of fengycin and iturin A, in crude metabolite extracts from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens as an alternative biofungicide. The crude extract containing CLPs was applied with an edible coating (i.e., zein as a carrier) as a postharvest treatment against B. cinerea on “Packham’s Triumph” pears and P. expansum on “Cripps Pink” apples. Treatments were applied either as dips in combination with a zein edible coating at pH 2.0 or pH 8.0, or as sprays with a zein edible coating at pH 2.0 or pH 8.0. The efficacy of CLP applications was measured in comparison to the standard registered synthetic fungicide fludioxonil at a concentration of 299.0 mg/L. Treatments were applied to the fruit either preventatively (as sprays) or curatively (as dips or sprays). The lowest mean blue mold incidence (68.6%) was achieved when the edible coating containing the crude extract of B. amyloliquefaciens (CLP at pH 2.0) was applied as a curative dip treatment. B. cinerea infection was reduced by 92.6%, resulting in a 5.7% gray mold incidence for the curative application of CLPs at pH 2.0. This result was not significantly different from the inhibitory action of the fungicide fludioxonil. These results indicate that CLPs are an effective alternative biofungicide that can be used for the control of B. cinerea on pome fruit, especially if their formulation and application are improved and optimized.
A hybrid intelligence model for predicting dissolved oxygen in aquaculture water
Authors: Yang Huanhai , Sun Mingyu , Liu Shue
Published: June 2023

Dissolved oxygen is an important water quality indicator that affects the health of aquatic products in aquaculture, and its monitoring and prediction are of great significance. To improve the prediction accuracy of dissolved oxygen water quality series, a hybrid prediction model based on variational mode decomposition (VMD) and a deep belief network (DBN) optimized by an improved slime mould algorithm (SMA) is proposed in this paper. First, VMD is used to decompose the nonlinear dissolved oxygen time series into several relatively stable intrinsic mode function (IMF) subsequences with different frequency scales. Then, the SMA is improved by applying elite opposition-based learning and nonlinear convergence factors to increase its population diversity and enhance its local search and global convergence capabilities. Finally, the improved SMA is used to optimize the hyperparameters of the DBN, and the aquaculture water quality prediction VMD-ISMA-DBN model is constructed. The model is used to predict each IMF subsequence, and the ISMA optimization algorithm is used to adaptively select the optimal hyperparameters of the DBN model, and the prediction results of each IMF are accumulated to obtain the final prediction result of the dissolved oxygen time series. The dissolved oxygen data of aquaculture water from 8 marine ranches in Shandong Province, China were used to verify the prediction performance of the model. Compared with the stand-alone DBN model, the prediction performance of the model has been significantly improved, MAE and MSE have been reduced by 43.28% and 40.43% respectively, and (R2) has been increased by 8.37%. The results show that the model has higher prediction accuracy than other commonly used intelligent models (ARIMA, RF, TCN, ELM, GRU and LSTM); hence, it can provide a reference for the accurate prediction and intelligent regulation of aquaculture water quality.
Quantifying the benefits of wetland restoration under projected sea level rise
Authors: Familkhalili Ramin , Davis Jenny , Currin Carolyn A. , Heppe Madison E. , Cohen Susan
Published: June 2023

The capacity of vegetated coastal habitats to mitigate erosion and build elevation in response to sea-level rise (SLR) has led to growing interest in their application as Nature Based Solutions (NBS) for shoreline protection. However, a significant uncertainty in the performance of NBS is how these features will respond to future rates of SLR. In this study, we applied the Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model (SLAMM) to a fringing shoreline wetland complex that is directly adjacent to the primary runway of a regional airport in coastal North Carolina, US. The SLAMM model was run at high spatial resolution (1 m cell size) to investigate the effects of projected SLR by 2100 on the wetland communities and to estimate the potential benefits of a proposed NBS project involving the use of dredged sediment to increase wetland surface elevation. Modeling future habitat extent under three SLR scenarios (i.e., intermediate, intermediate-high, and high) with no land modification reveals a consistent pattern of salt marsh expanding into fresh marsh, salt marsh transitioning to higher elevations, and substantially larger overall extents of intertidal and subtidal habitats within the project footprint at relatively high rates of SLR. Simulations that include the NBS indicate changes in the composition of wetland types over time compared with the no-action scenario. Model results help to better understand the long-term behavior of fringing coastal wetlands and the efficacy of their use as part of coastal resilience strategies.
Degradation of betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase transgenic maize BZ-136 straw and its effects on soil nutrients and fungal community
Authors: Liu Xuesheng , Zeng Xing , Zhu Yuhang , Wang Wei , Huang Siqi , Qiao Xinxin , Wang Zhenhua , Di Hong , Qu Juanjuan
Published: June 2023

The development of salt-alkali tolerant genetically modified crops represents an important approach to increase grain production in saline-alkali soils. However, there is a paucity of research on the impact of such genetically modified crops on soil microbial diversity. This study aims to investigate the straw degradation of betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) transgenic maize BZ-136 and its effects on soil chemical properties, fungal community composition, community diversity and ecological function compared to non-transgenic maize Zheng58 straw. The degradation experiments of BZ-136 straw were carried out under a simulated burying condition with saline-alkali soil for 210 days. The results showed that the degradation rate of C and N of BZ-136 straw was significantly faster than that of Zheng58 in the early stage (p < 0.05). Compared to Zheng58, the straw degradation of BZ-136 increased the soil available nitrogen (AN), total phosphorus (TP), and available phosphorus (AP) in the early stage (p < 0.05). The AN content of soil with BZ-136 straw was 18.16 and 12.86% higher than that of soil with Zheng58 at day 60 and 120 (p <0.05). The TP content of soil with BZ-136 was higher 20.9 and 20.59% than that with Zheng58 at day 30 and 90 (p <0.05). The AP content of soil with BZ-136 was 53.44% higher than that with Zheng58 at day 60 (p <0.05). The straw degradation of BZ-136 increased the OTU number of soil fungal community by 127 (p <0.05) at day 60, and increased Chao1 and Shannon index at day 60 and 180 (p <0.05). The degradation rate of C and N in BZ-136 straw was higher than that in Zheng58 at early stage, which led to the phased increase of soil AN and TP contents, and the obvious changes of relative abundances (RA) of some genera and guilds. These findings are important as they provide insight into the potential benefits ofBADHtransgenic crops in upgrading the soil fertility and the fungal community diversity.
Muscle-derived exosomes and exercise in cancer prevention
Authors: Vitucci Daniela , Martone Domenico , Alfieri Andreina , Buono Pasqualina
Published: June 2023

There are a lot of evidences on the beneficial effects mediated by exercise on the prevention of not communicable diseases (NCDs) including different type of cancer. The production of circulating exerkines transported in exosomes represents a novel pathway activated by exercise. However, the biological mechanisms that could explain the role of exosomes in cancer prevention have been not fully elucidated. The aim of this mini-review is to provide an update on the biological mechanisms bringing the release of muscle-derived exosomes during exercise and cancer prevention.
Moderate intrinsic phenotypic alterations in C9orf72 ALS/FTD iPSC-microglia despite the presence of C9orf72 pathological features
Authors: Lorenzini Ileana , Alsop Eric , Levy Jennifer , Gittings Lauren M. , Lall Deepti , Rabichow Benjamin E. , Moore Stephen , Pevey Ryan , Bustos Lynette M. , Burciu Camelia , Bhatia Divya , Singer Mo , Saul Justin , McQuade Amanda , Tzioras Makis , Mota Thomas A. , Logemann Amber , Rose Jamie , Almeida Sandra , Gao Fen-Biao , Marks Michael , Donnelly Christopher J. , Hutchins Elizabeth , Hung Shu-Ting , Ichida Justin , Bowser Robert , Spires-Jones Tara , Blurton-Jones Mathew , Gendron Tania F. , Baloh Robert H. , Van Keuren-Jensen Kendall , Sattler Rita
Published: June 2023

While motor and cortical neurons are affected in C9orf72 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD), it remains largely unknown if and how non-neuronal cells induce or exacerbate neuronal damage. We differentiated C9orf72 ALS/FTD patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells into microglia (iPSC-MG) and examined their intrinsic phenotypes. Similar to iPSC motor neurons, C9orf72 ALS/FTD iPSC-MG mono-cultures form G4C2 repeat RNA foci, exhibit reduced C9orf72 protein levels, and generate dipeptide repeat proteins. Healthy control and C9orf72 ALS/FTD iPSC-MG equally express microglial specific genes and perform microglial functions, including inflammatory cytokine release and phagocytosis of extracellular cargos, such as synthetic amyloid beta peptides and healthy human brain synaptoneurosomes. RNA sequencing analysis revealed select transcriptional changes of genes associated with neuroinflammation or neurodegeneration in diseased microglia yet no significant differentially expressed microglial-enriched genes. Moderate molecular and functional differences were observed in C9orf72 iPSC-MG mono-cultures despite the presence of C9orf72 pathological features suggesting that a diseased microenvironment may be required to induce phenotypic changes in microglial cells and the associated neuronal dysfunction seen in C9orf72 ALS/FTD neurodegeneration.
Secondary immunoreaction in patients with neurosyphilis and its relevance to clinical outcomes
Authors: Fang Yaxiu , Wu Hong , Liu Guanghui , Li Ziang , Wang Dongmei , Ning Yuping , Pan Suyue , Hu Yafang
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose

Several reported cases of autoimmune conditions such as anti-NMDAR encephalitis and neuromyelitis optica (AQP4) have been considered to be potentially secondary to Treponema pallidum infection. Since the role of immune impairment in neurosyphilis is unclear, in this retrospective study, we examined the correlation of the immune impairment in patients with neurosyphilis with their clinical characteristics and outcomes.

Methods

Clinical information was collected from patients with neurosyphilis in our center from January 2019 to December 2021. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were subjected to indirect immunofluorescence tissue-based assay (IIF-TBA) on mouse brain sections and cell-based assay (CBA). The clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of TBA-positive and-negative patients were compared.

Results

A total number of 81 patients diagnosed with neurosyphilis were included. The results of the CBA tests showed that three cases had anti-NMDAR, AQP4, or GAD65 antibodies, respectively. By TBA test, 38 patients (38/81, 46.9%) had positive immunostains, including staining of neuronal cells in 21 cases (21/38, 55.3%), glial cells in 11 cases (11/38, 28.9%), and neuronal and glial cells in six cases (6/38, 15.8%). We then compared the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes between the TBA-positive and-negative patients and found that TBA-positive staining was significantly correlated with syphilis antibody titers (p = 0.027 for serum and p = 0.006 for CSF) and head MRI abnormalities (p < 0.001 for parenchymal abnormalities and p = 0.013 for white matter lesions). The cognitive prognosis of TBA-positive neurosyphilis patients was significantly worse than that of TBA-negative patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The correlation between the TBA results and clinical data of our neurosyphilis patients imply the presence of secondary immune damage, which affected their prognosis. Therefore, TBA can be used as an additional biomarker for neurosyphilis patient prognosis.