bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Techno-economic assessment of a solar-based novel power generation system formed from a helium Brayton cycle and an organic Rankine flash cycle
Authors: Sharma Achintya , Shukla Anoop Kumar , Singh Onkar , Sharma Meeta
Published: November 2024

The essential element of human existence is energy. However, conventional energy sources are steadily running out, and it is necessary to create an energy-efficient renewable power generation system. In the present work, an organic Rankine flash cycle (ORFC) was implemented in a conventional solar power tower (SPT)-helium Brayton cycle (HBC) to generate extra power, enhancing efficiency. The performance of the proposed SPT-based power generation system (SPT-HBC-ORFC) was analyzed based on thermodynamic and economic aspects using computational techniques through engineering equation solver software. The results revealed that the proposed power plant’s energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, power output, and total cost rate were 33.68%, 33.70%, 33.69%, and 15.47%, respectively, higher than those of a conventional SPT-HBC system at the given conditions. With 39% of all exergy destruction, heliostats are the source of the greatest exergy destruction. Parametric analysis reveals that solar subsection parameters had a larger effect on the performance of the proposed power plant. Comparisons with previous studies show that the present power generation system is more efficient than the SPT-based supercritical CO2 Brayton and Rankine cycles.
Comparison of support strategies for grid construction after failure of renewable energy power generation system
Authors: Li Ke , Lin Xia , Zhu Simeng , Wang Long , Li Qiang , Wang Kun , Song Shuxin
Published: November 2024

As the proportion of renewable energy generation continues to rise, the study of voltage source converter (VSC) control has become a focal point of research. The concepts of emulating the characteristics of synchronous machines have led to the proposals of droop control and virtual synchronous control (VSG). However, a deeper comparison of the control characteristics of these two methods is still needed, particularly in terms of their ability to support the system when partial power sources experience fault conditions. This paper analyzes and compares the two in terms of control principles and small-signal modeling, and finally, based on a nine-bus system with 100% renewable energy generation, two scenarios are designed: a sudden load increase and a partial power source disconnection. The differences in control characteristics between the two are compared and analyzed. The results indicate that the VSG exhibits greater damping compared to droop control and is capable of providing inertial support to the system, making its frequency and voltage less susceptible to change.
Diversity, evenness, & richness of wild mammals along the Sutlej River, Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Sial Muhammad Amir
Published: November 2024

Field surveys were conducted at three different water heads—Sulemanki, Islam, and Panjnad—of the Sutlej River from June 2021 to November 2021. This study aimed to estimate the diversity and assess the current threats to the mammalian fauna of the Sutlej River. During the surveys, a total of 266 individuals belonging to four orders, seven families, and twelve different species were observed. The greatest number of individuals belonged to the Rodentia order and the Muridae family. While the lowest number of individuals belonged to the Lagomorpha order and the Leporidae family, both had the same number of individuals. The Panjnad waterhead had the greatest diversity and evenness. The richness of mammals was the same at all three localities. Several threats, such as pollution, habitat destruction, and human−wildlife conflict, which drastically affect mammalian diversity, were observed throughout the investigation.
Mobile health (mHealth) interventions for health promotion during the perinatal period in India: a scoping review
Authors: Small Zara , Thompson Sophie Elizabeth , Sharma Ankita , Majumdar Sreya , Thout Sudhir Raj , Praveen Devarsetty , Hirst Jane Elizabeth
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Perinatal and maternal mortality rates remain high in India compared to global levels, and there is significant heterogeneity in outcomes across Indian states. Many mobile health (mHealth) interventions have been developed to improve maternal and infant health outcomes in India, however it is unclear how mHealth can best support women in this culturally and resource diverse setting. Therefore, we aimed to identify mHealth interventions targeting women and their families in the perinatal period in India, identify barriers and facilitators to their uptake, and future research directions.

Methods

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews was used for study selection and screening and the mHealth evidence reporting and assessment checklist was used for evaluating mHealth interventions. PubMed, CINAHL, Global Health, and ACM digital library were searched for records up to 2 April 2023. Studies were included where women who were pregnant, planning for a child, or in the 12 months after delivery, and their families, living in India received health advice via a technological medium.

Results

1,783 records were screened, 29 met the inclusion criteria, describing 22 different mHealth interventions. Most frequent behavioural targets for interventions were breastfeeding, antenatal nutrition, and infant healthcare. Most interventions communicated to women through one-way communication methods, most frequently SMS. Participants reported positive views of mHealth, reported facilitators included group communication, use of non-maternal informative content, and a pictorial information format. Reported barriers included household responsibilities, technical difficulties, difficulty accessing a phone and difficulty understanding, or misinterpreting messages.

Discussion

We conclude that mHealth interventions are acceptable to women in India during the perinatal period. However, current interventions lack evidence of long term behavioural change and fail to report on features important in sustainability and scalability, namely network infrastructure, data security and interoperability. We propose the need for a framework to understand existing cultural beliefs and support structures to avoid early intervention failure. Future research should investigate multimodal mHealth interventions for behavioural change, identify the appropriate frequency and format of mHealth messages, and address access limitations such as shared mobile phone ownership, and illiteracy rates.
Prevalence and determinants of termination of pregnancy among reproductive-age women who had a short preceding birth interval in Sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Zegeye Alebachew Ferede , Tamir Tadesse Tarik , Mekonen Enyew Getaneh , Techane Masresha Asmare , Terefe Bewuketu , Workneh Belayneh Shetie
Published: November 2024

Background

Termination of pregnancy is one of the biggest five causes of maternal mortality in countries with low and middle incomes. Although termination of pregnancy is hazardous, its prevalence and determinates are not well studied in developing countries. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence and determinants of termination of pregnancy among reproductive-age women who had a short preceding birth interval in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods

Data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys, which covered 21 Sub-Saharan African countries from 2015 to 2022, were used for secondary data analysis. The study used a total of 283,785 women. Stata 14 was used to analyze the data. The determinants of termination of pregnancy were determined using a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model. Significant factors associated with termination of pregnancy were declared significant at p-values < 0.05. The result was interpreted using the confidence interval and adjusted odds ratio. The best-fit model was determined to be the one with the highest log likelihood ratio and the lowest deviance.

Results

In Sub-Saharan Africa, one in ten women with short birth intervals experienced pregnancy termination. Individual factors, including the sex of the preceding birth (AOR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.40), maternal age (AOR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.27, 1.95), pregnancy complications (AOR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.49), No ANC visits (AOR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.26, 4.14), previous cesarean section delivery (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.30), <6 months of breastfeeding (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.35, 1.81), traditional contraception usage (AOR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.13, 2.46), poor wealth status (AOR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.22, 1.85), and community-level factors such as urban residence (AOR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.06, 1.62) had higher odds of pregnancy termination.

Conclusions

This study concludes that termination of pregnancy rates among women with short preceding birth interval is high. The study identified that both individual and community-level variables were determinants of termination of pregnancy. Therefore, the ministries of health in Sub-Saharan African countries should give attention to those women who underutilize antenatal care services and to women from urban areas while designing policies and strategies targeting reducing termination of pregnancy rates.
Case report: A diabetic patient with cryptococcal meningoencephalitis complicated by post-infectious inflammatory response syndrome
Authors: Chen Qinghua , Yu Weitong , Wang Xuyi , Zhao Chenxi , Wang Pin , Sun Lin , Xu Linlin , Xu Yingying
Published: November 2024

We report on a previously non-HIV-diagnosed, 47-year-old male diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) and cryptococcal meningoencephalitis, who was referred to our institution for antifungal treatment. During the course of treatment, due to the development of refractory intracranial hypertension, Ommaya reservoirs were employed for cranial pressure reduction. The patient gradually recovered during subsequent antifungal therapy; however, symptoms worsened in the third month of treatment, leading to consideration of post-infectious inflammatory response syndrome (PIIRS) on examination. Once diagnosed, the symptoms improved significantly after approximately 130 days of treatment with additional corticosteroids.
Cutibacterium acnes strains associated with bone prosthesis infections cannot evade the host immune system
Authors: Thoraval Léa , Tang-Fichaux Min , Guillaume Christine , Varin-Simon Jennifer , Dumortier Claire , Sergheraert Johan , Lamret Fabien , Bonhomme Mélanie , Laurent Frédéric , Josse Jérôme , Gangloff Sophie C. , Mongaret Céline , Reffuveille Fany , Velard Frédéric
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Cutibacterium acnes is a commensal skin bacterium that is involved in bone prosthesis infections (BPIs) and presents low-grade clinical symptoms. C. acnes has been thought to escape the immune system at bone sites.

Material and methods

Our study was carried out on a laboratory strain and two BPI-related clinical strains, one of which surprisingly induced clinical symptoms of inflammation in the patient. We investigated the ability of these C. acnes strains to trigger in vitro human primary neutrophils (PMN) response through inflammatory mediators measurements (antibody arrays, ELISA, RT-qPCR, zymography) and activation status assessment (flow cytometry), and to induce in vivo PMN recruitment from the bloodstream in mice air-pouch model. PMN-mediated inflammation was also studied in an original in vitro model mimetic of an infected bone site that combine titanium alloy, human primary osteoblasts, human primary neutrophils and C. acnes strains.

Results

We demonstrated for the first time that both C. acnes planktonic and biofilm cultures, triggered an effective immune response by neutrophils in vitro and their recruitment in vivo. This host response was enhanced when using a strain from a patient with inflammatory signs. In an original infected prosthesis mimetic model, osteoblasts and neutrophils were able to detect C. acnes, but their response to the clinical C. acnes inflammatory strain decreased.

Conclusion

This work provides the first evidence showing that the immune cell response to pathogenic C. acnes may be tuned by nonimmune cells at the infected site, such as osteoblasts, which may promote bacterial persistence.
Extracellular vesicles epitopes as potential biomarker candidates in patients with traumatic spinal cord injury
Authors: Hörauf Jason-Alexander , Schindler Cora Rebecca , Schaible Inna , Wang Minhong , Weber Birte , El Saman André , Pallas Christiane , Widera Marek , Marzi Ingo , Henrich Dirk , Leppik Liudmila
Published: November 2024

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), a heterogeneous group of cell-derived, membrane-enclosed vesicles bearing cell-specific epitopes, have been demonstrated to play a crucial role in neuronal-glial communication and the orchestration of neuroinflammatory processes. However, the existing evidence regarding their function as biomarkers and their role in the pathobiology of traumatic spinal cord injuries (tSCI), particularly in humans, is scarce.

Objective

The primary goal of this study was to investigate whether a distinct pattern of EV surface epitopes detected in the plasma of individuals suffering from spinal cord injury is indicative of tSCI.

Methods

The study includes patients with isolated tSCI (n=8), polytrauma patients without tSCI (PT; ISS ≥16, n=8), and healthy volunteers (HV; n=8). Plasma samples from tSCI and PT patients were collected right after admission to the emergency room (ER), 24 hours (24h), and 48h after trauma. EVs were isolated via size exclusion chromatography, and EVs’ surface epitopes were quantified with MACSPlex EV Kit Neuro (prototype product, Miltenyi Biotec) and compared among the groups. Additionally, results were correlated with clinical parameters.

Results

In total, 19 epitopes differed significantly between the tSCI and the HV groups. Out of these 19, four (CD47, CD56, CD68, and ADAM17) were found to differ significantly among tSCI and PT groups. The expression of the CD47 epitope was found to correlate positively with the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale.

Conclusion

We identified four potential EV-based tSCI biomarkers (CD47+, CD56+, CD68+, and ADAM17+ EVs) that differ in tSCI, with CD47+ EVs showing a strong correlation with the neurological function in tSCI. Thus, future studies might further specify the relevance of potential tSCI-specific biomarkers and investigate underlying mechanisms of tSCI.
The load of hepatitis B virus reduces the immune checkpoint inhibitors efficiency in hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Ji Zhengzheng , Li Jiasong , Zhang Shasha , Jia Yuanyuan , Zhang Jing , Guo Zhanjun
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Chronic viral infection may lead to an immunosuppressive microenvironment, whereas the association between virus-related indicators and treatment response in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients undergoing immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs) therapy remains a topic of debate. We aim to investigate the influence of hepatitis virus on the ICI efficiency in HCC patients through a meta-analysis.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science until 14 July 2024 to identify cohort studies involving ICIs treatments in HCC patients. We extracted data from the literature related to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, baseline HBV load, and antiviral therapy. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were considered as the primary endpoints, while objective response rate (ORR) was regarded as a secondary endpoint.

Results

We included 55 cohort studies published between 2019 and 2024, involving a patient population of 7180 individuals. Summarized hazard ratio (HR) comparing HBV infection with non-HBV infection in the context of ICIs therapy revealed no significant association between HBV infection and either mortality risk or progression risk with the pooled HR for OS of 1.04(95%CI: 0.93-1.16, P=0.483) and the pooled HR for PFS of 1.07(95%CI:0.96-1.20, P=0.342). HBV infected patients with HCC may have better tumor response than non-HBV infected patients receiving ICIs with the combined relative risk(RR) for ORR was 1.94 (95%CI: 1.12-3.38, P=0.002). High baseline HBV load is associated with poor survival outcomes in patients with HCC who receive ICIs with the pooled HR for OS was 1.74 (95%CI: 1.27-2.37, P=0.001), thereby antiviral therapy has the potential to significantly enhance prognostic outcomes with the pooled HR for OS was 0.24 (95% CI: 0.14-0.42 P<0.001) and the pooled HR for PFS was 0.54 (95% CI: 0.33-0.89 P=0.014).

Conclusion

In individuals with HCC who received ICIs, there was no notable link found between HBV or HCV infection and prognosis. However, HBV infection showed a connection with improved tumor response. A higher initial HBV load is linked to worse survival results in HCC patients undergoing ICIs treatment and antiviral therapy can significantly improve its prognosis.
Study on the effects of extreme climate and human activities on the growth mechanisms of Zostera japonica in the Yellow River estuary
Authors: Gao Yanning , Chen Kebing , Ma Zixuan , Yi Yujun
Published: November 2024

Zostera japonica, as one of the major seagrasses in the Yellow River Estuary, plays a critical ecological role, particularly in providing habitat for marine organisms, stabilizing sediment, and contributing significantly to carbon sequestration. In recent years, Zostera japonica seagrass beds have receded extensively due to multiple impacts of natural factors and human activities. This study investigates the complex effects of extreme climate events and human activities on the growth mechanisms of Zostera japonica in the Yellow River Estuary using a combination of field sampling, laboratory analysis, and quantitative calculations. The result shows that there are significant differences in sediment characteristics between the north and south shores, with the south shore having finer sediments and higher nutrient content, which support more robust seagrass growth. The Water and Sediment Regulation Scheme (WSRS) dramatically alters water quality by reducing salinity and increasing turbidity, thus inhibiting photosynthesis and disrupting the physiological functions of Zostera japonica. Additionally, WSRS introduces an increase in heavy metals, which could potentially impact plant health and stress levels. Extreme weather events, particularly Super Typhoon Lekima, further compound these impacts by causing soil erosion, uprooting seagrass beds, and reducing biomass and seed production. The interplay of WSRS, climate change, and anthropogenic activities necessitates integrated management strategies to mitigate adverse effects and enhance habitat resilience. This study underscores the need for specific management strategies, such as controlling heavy metal inflows, implementing sediment stabilization techniques, and regulating freshwater discharge during key growth periods, to mitigate adverse effects and enhance habitat resilience for Zostera japonica in the Yellow River Estuary.
Blue and fin whale residence time and occupancy in Navy training and testing areas off the U.S. West Coast
Authors: Lagerquist Barbara A. , Irvine Ladd M. , Follett Thomas M. , Ampela Kristen , Falcone Erin A. , Schorr Gregory S. , Mate Bruce R. , Palacios Daniel M.
Published: November 2024

Blue (Balaenoptera musculus) and fin (B. physalus) whales are prominent species in the California Current Ecosystem (CCE) using the area for migration and foraging. Blue whales migrate between tropical wintering grounds and higher latitude foraging grounds in the CCE, whereas fin whales may remain there year-round. We used Argos tracks of 182 blue (mean duration: 78 days) and 98 fin (mean duration: 35 days) whales tagged from 1994-2018 along the U.S. West Coast to examine residence time and occupancy in U.S. Navy training and testing areas. Bayesian hierarchical switching state-space model locations calculated from Argos tracks were used to provide residence time and proportion of tracking duration within each Navy area. We also calculated relative occupancy isopleths from the state space models, for both directed and non-directed movement, to assess spatial use of Navy areas. We then used generalized linear mixed models and beta regression to examine relationships between Navy area use and covariates, including six climate indices. Point Mugu Sea Range (PMSR) was the most heavily used Navy area by both species in terms of whale numbers, followed by the Southern California Range Complex (SOCAL). Residence time was longest in PMSR for blue whales and in the Northwest Training and Testing Study Area (NWTT) for fin whales. Blue whale use in PMSR was greater in summer versus autumn and for whales tagged in Southern versus Central California. Proportion of tracking duration decreased in all areas with increasing values of the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI), and in PMSR, with increasing values of the North Pacific Gyre Oscillation. Fin whale residence time was longer in PMSR during summer than winter or spring and decreased with increasing values of Habitat Compression Index and ONI. Proportion of tracking duration for fin whales was greatest in summer in PMSR and in winter in SOCAL and NWTT. Overlap of directed and non-directed movement was greatest in PMSR for both species. This assessment of blue and fin whale residence time and occupancy in Navy areas improves our understanding of potential threats these animals face, not only from military activities in Navy areas, but throughout the CCE.
The change of environmental factors in the water near the Yangtze Estuary may induce the change of large yellow croaker fishery location there
Authors: Cai Lina , Li Jiahua , Yan Xiaojun , Tang Rong , Zhang Xinkai
Published: November 2024

The large yellow croaker, an endemic migratory species in China’s coastal waters, holds considerable economic importance. It is very necessary and significant to study the spatio-temporal evolution of large yellow croaker fishery based on environmental factors. In this paper, the HY-1C/D Coastal Zone Imager was applied to reveal distributional details of suspended sediment concentration and chlorophyll-a concentration in large yellow croaker fishery. Furthermore, combined with multi-source data, the characteristics of other environmental parameters such as temperature, salinity, current, wind and fronts were analyzed to reveal the changing of large yellow croaker fishery location. The results show that: (1) The environmental factors of large yellow croaker fishery exhibit pronounced spatial and temporal characteristics. Generally, the temperature (9-28°C), salinity (20-34 ‰) and other water environmental factors of the fishing ground are conducive to the survival and growth of large yellow croaker. The formation and change of fishery are closely related to environmental factors in the water. (2) The change of environmental factors in the water may induce the change of large yellow croaker fishery location. Winter sea surface temperature has significantly risen over the past two decades (2004-2023). With the sea surface temperature rising by approximately 2°C west of 125°E, the overwintering ground has expanded westward, increasing by nearly 29%. In addition, the scale and number of offshore windmills increased by 836% and 456% respectively over the decade (2013-2023). In 2023, offshore wind farms cover an area of 145.47 km2 and have 200 windmills. Wind turbine piles resembling artificial reefs. It can not only promote the waters vertical exchange to enhance the nutrients in upper waters but also provide a protective base for fish spawning. Thus, effectively attracting fish species. The construction of offshore wind farms has extended spawning ground north-westward to the mouth of the Yangtze River Estuary, expanding by nearly 21%. This study improved the cognition level of resources, habitat environment and change trend of large yellow croaker. It also provided technical support for the construction and protection of the large yellow croaker fishery.
A case report and literature review: one case of ceftriaxone sodium-induced reversible gallbladder stone
Authors: Luo Changqin , He Qingmin , Yang Xiaocui
Published: November 2024

This paper reports a case of pseudolithiasis caused by the use of ceftriaxone sodium. The patient, a 54-year-old female, presented with intermittent abdominal pain and distension for 1 month. Initial ultrasonography showed no abnormalities. However, after receiving ceftriaxone sodium treatment for an upper respiratory tract infection, she developed discomfort in the right upper abdomen. A CT scan subsequently diagnosed her with gallbladder stones. Six weeks after discontinuing the medication, a follow-up examination revealed the disappearance of the stones, confirming the diagnosis of drug-induced pseudolithiasis. Through a literature review, this paper summarizes the mechanism, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, and treatment recommendations of ceftriaxone sodium-induced pseudolithiasis, providing a reference for clinical safe medication use.
Effect of dietary fat source on the composition of the cecal microbiome in maturing broiler chicken
Authors: Jadhav Vidya V. , Fasina Yewande , Omaliko Paul C. , Han Jian , Harrison Scott H.
Published: November 2024

Diet has been found to significantly influence gut microbiota throughout various life stages, and gut microbiota have been increasingly shown to influence host physiology, health, and behavior. This study uses 16S rRNA sequencing to examine the effects of six different fat-supplemented diets (canola oil, coconut oil, fish oil, flaxseed oil, lard, and olive oil) on broiler chicken cecal microbial composition and predicted function in comparison with a common and inexpensive fat source (poultry fat). Groups of broilers were fed each of these diets and then evaluated on day 41 and day 55 of age. For both 41- and 55-day samples, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla were the dominant bacteria in the ceca accounting for 99% of the microbial community. Across the 41- and 55-day samples, treatment time was associated with a stronger and more significant microbiota shift (p < 0.001) than differences in dietary treatment alone (p = 0.117), but dietary treatment combined with treatment time is a significant factor as well (p = 0.047). Sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis was used to explore the more discriminating taxa for each treatment group. For identified species, butyrate production appears to be affected in a diet-specific manner, with many butyrate-producing species being evident for the fish-based diet at day 41 and a few of these species for the flaxseed-based diet at day 55. Predicted functions, as conducted with PICRUSt2, were significant for comparisons between the control and the flaxseed-based dietary treatment group at day 55, with indications of host health benefit for the flaxseed-based diet. Predicted functions found to be significant were for enzymes and pathways such as propionate CoA ligase, aminobutyraldehyde dehydrogenase, vitamin B12-transporting ATPase, thiamine kinase, acetylneuraminate epimerase, and L-tryptophan biosynthesis. This study provides insight surrounding specific dietary fat-based treatments to be investigated further and highlights the importance of polyunsaturated fat sources in poultry feed that may offer a favorable cecal microbial modulation compared to saturated fat sources.
A PL1 family pectate lyase CP966_RS08110 gene was the pathogenic factor of Streptomyces galilaeus 5T-1 causing potato common scab
Authors: Zhang Cuiwen , Yang Chengde , Jin Mengjun , Feng Zhonghong , Osei Richard , Cai Fengfeng , Ma Ting , Wang Yidan
Published: November 2024

Pectate lyases (PL), as important polysaccharide lyases, play an important role in the infection of host plants by pathogenic. A previous study found that the PL gene CP966_RS08110 was up-regulated in the interaction between Streptomyces galilaeus 5T-1 and potatoes. In this study, S. galilaeus 5T-1 was used as the study object, and its gene function was investigated using bioinformatics analysis, prokaryotic expression, and CRISPR-Cas9 technology. The previous results showed that the pectate lyase CP966_RS08110 gene of Streptomyces galilaeus 5T-1 was up-regulated in the pathogenic process. In this study, the CP966_RS08110 gene was cloned from the genomic DNA of S. galilaeus 5T-1. It encoded for a 415-residue protein with a complete PL-6 superfamily domain and Pec_lyase_C domain, which belongs to the PL1 family. The soluble protein encoded by CP966_RS08110 was obtained successfully, which has high pathogenicity after inoculating healthy potatoes. The mutant strain △PL5T-1 with CP966_RS08110 gene deletion was successfully obtained, and its colony morphology and pigment were not significantly different from that of wild strains, but its growth rate was slowed down, moreover, the hyaline circle formed by the mutant strain ΔPL5T-1 using pectin was significantly smaller than wild strain, and the deletion of this gene affected the infestation rate of S. galilaeus 5T-1. Our results confirm that the CP966_RS08110 gene was the pathogenic factors and played a key role in process of infecting and causing potato common scab, which laid foundation for understanding the pathogenic mechanism of S. galilaeus 5T-1.
Green microalga Chromochloris zofingiensis conserves substrate uptake pattern but changes their metabolic uses across trophic transition
Authors: Hu Yuntao , Kim Nakian , Roth Melissa S. , Louie Katherine B. , Kosina Suzanne M. , Upadhyaya Shivani , Jeffers Tim L. , Jordan Jacob S. , Bowen Benjamin P. , Niyogi Krishna K. , Northen Trent R.
Published: November 2024

The terrestrial green alga Chromochloris zofingiensis is an emerging model species with potential applications including production of triacylglycerol or astaxanthin. How C. zofingiensis interacts with the diverse substrates during trophic transitions is unknown. To characterize its substrate utilization and secretion dynamics, we cultivated the alga in a soil-based defined medium in transition between conditions with and without glucose supplementation. Then, we examined its exometabolite and endometabolite profiles. This analysis revealed that regardless of trophic modes, C. zofingiensis preferentially uptakes exogenous lysine, arginine, and purines, while secreting orotic acid. Here, we obtained metabolomic evidences that C. zofingiensis may use arginine for putrescine synthesis when in transition to heterotrophy, and for the TCA cycle during transition to photoautotrophy. We also report that glucose and fructose most effectively inhibited photosynthesis among thirteen different sugars. The utilized or secreted metabolites identified in this study provide important information to improve C. zofingiensis cultivation, and to expand its potential industrial and pharmaceutical applications.
Effects of dietary probiotic (Clostridium butyricum I9, C. butyricum G15, or Paraclostridium bifermentans X13) on growth, digestive enzyme activities, immunity, and intestinal microbiota of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)
Authors: Yang Wei , Liang Huifen , Chen Ruhan , Du Zhinuo , Deng Taoqiu , Zheng Yuqing , Song Ying , Duan Yanchuang , Lin Junyuan , Bakky Md. Akibul Hasan , Tran Ngoc Tuan , Zhang Ming , Li Shengkang
Published: November 2024

Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) is one of the most productive and economically important species globally. However, the development and continuous expansion of the farming scale led to an increase in the risk of disease occurrence in shrimp farming. The application of probiotics as an effective method for controlling diseases in aquaculture has been widely considered. In shrimp farming, several probiotics have been used and shown benefits to the health of the host. To diverse the sources of bacterial species as probiotics in shrimp farming, in this study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of dietary probiotics (Clostridium butyricum I9 (I9), Clostridium butyricum G15 (G15), or Paraclostridium bifermentans X13) on the growth, immune response and intestinal microbiome of white shrimp. Shrimps were fed with diets containing either phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), I9 (107 CFU/g feed), G15 (107 CFU/g feed), or X13 (107 CFU/g feed) for 30 days and followed by the challenge with Vibrio parahaemolyticus (Vp). The results showed that the survival rate, body weight gain, and special growth rate of shrimps in the I9, X13, and G15 groups significantly increased, compared to the PBS. The supplementation of probiotics increased the content of short-chain fatty acids and effectively maintained the normal morphology and structure of the intestinal tract and hepatopancreas. The I9, X13, or G15 groups showed a positive change in the diversity and abundance of gut bacteria. There was a significant up-regulation of CTL, SOD, proPO, Crustin, PEN2-4, and ALF1-3 genes in shrimps in the I9, X13, and G15. Additionally, dietary probiotics significantly increased the survival rate, maintained the intestinal structure, promoted the activities of SOD, AKP, ACP, and T-AOC enzymes, and reduced the level of MDA in shrimps after Vp infection. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of I9, G15, or X13 improved the growth, immunity, and disease resistance of Pacific white shrimp, providing a scientific basis for shrimp farming.
Identification of pathogenicity determinants in ToLCNDV and their RNAi-based knockdown for disease management in Nicotiana benthamiana and tomato plants
Authors: Sarkar Mehulee , Gupta Dipinte , Singh Oinam Washington , Paul Samrat , Kumar Ravinder , Mandal Bikash , Roy Anirban
Published: November 2024

Begomovirus solanumdelhiense (tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus, ToLCNDV), is member of the genus Begomovirus, family Geminiviridae, is a prolific bipartite whitefly transmitted begomovirus in the Indian sub-continent has a wide host range, including solanaceous, cucurbitaceous and other plants. Recently, dsRNA-mediated non-transgenic approaches have been promising in managing plant viruses. Such an approach could be effective if the pathogenicity determinants of a virus are targeted. In the case of ToLCNDV, viral pathogenicity has been demonstrated with coat protein (AV1), pre-coat protein (AV2), transcription activator protein (AC2) and nuclear shuttle protein (NSP). In the present study, we investigated the involvement of the three RNA silencing suppressor proteins (AV2, AC2, AC4) encoded by ToLCNDV in pathogenicity determinants through transient overexpression and hairpin RNAi-based knockdown assays in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Further, we showed that the transcripts of AV2, AC2, and AC4 genes can systemically move and express their proteins. Hairpin RNAi constructs targeting each pathogenicity determinant could effectively reduce symptom development and virus titer upon inoculation of ToLCNDV in N. benthamiana plants. Exogenous application of dsRNA individually (dsAV2/dsAC2/dsAC4) or together (cocktail dsRNA: dsCk) against the pathogenicity determinants showed a significant reduction of viral load and reduced severity of disease in plants treated with dsCk followed by dsAC4. The present report reconfirms that the RNA silencing suppressor proteins encoded by DNA-A genomic component of ToLCNDV, can also act as pathogenicity determinants. Further, we demonstrated for the first time that exogenous application of dsRNA targeting those pathogenicity determinants reduces ToLCNDV load and limits symptom development in tomato plants.
The subseafloor crustal biosphere: Ocean’s hidden biogeochemical reactor
Authors: Robador Alberto
Published: November 2024

Underlying the thick sediment layer in ocean basins, the flow of seawater through the cracked and porous upper igneous crust supports a previously hidden and largely unexplored active subsurface microbial biome. Subseafloor crustal systems offer an enlarged surface area for microbial habitats and prolonged cell residence times, promoting the evolution of novel microbial lineages in the presence of steep physical and thermochemical gradients. The substantial metabolic potential and dispersal capabilities of microbial communities within these systems underscore their crucial role in biogeochemical cycling. However, the intricate interplay between fluid chemistry, temperature variations, and microbial activity remains poorly understood. These complexities introduce significant challenges in unraveling the factors that regulate microbial distribution and function within these dynamic ecosystems. Using synthesized data from previous studies, this work describes how the ocean crustal biosphere functions as a continuous-flow biogechemical reactor. It simultaneously promotes the breakdown of surface-derived organic carbon and the creation of new, chemosynthetic material, thereby enhancing element recycling and ocean carbon productivity. Insights gained from the qualitative analysis of the extent of biogeochemical microbial activity and diversity across the temperature and chemical gradients that characterize these habitats, as reviewed herein, challenge traditional models of global ocean carbon productivity and provide the development of a new conceptual framework for understanding the quantitative metabolic potential and broad dispersal of the crustal microbial biome.
Aspects of brucellosis vaccination in Maranhão state
Authors: Paixão Adriana Prazeres , Silva Tânia Maria Duarte , Alves Sara Ione da Silva , Rosário Carla Janaina Rebouças Marques do , Santos Hamilton Pereira , Bezerra Danilo Cutrim , Bezerra Nancyleni Pinto Chaves , Coimbra Viviane Correa Silva
Published: November 2024

Bovine brucellosis is a zoonosis of great economic and public health relevance. Understanding the epidemiological aspects of this disease is a determining factor to help developing effective strategies and supporting decision-making processes. The aim of the present study is to carry out a situational vaccination diagnosis against brucellosis in Maranhão State’s cattle in order to identify challenges set for vaccination operations and to help the Official Veterinary Service to plan health interventions. In 2022, questionnaires focused on the socioeconomic profile and knowledge on vaccination were applied to the following groups to help achieving the aforementioned aims: (i) cattle breeders (n = 201), (ii) veterinarians registered with the National Program for Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Animal Tuberculosis (n = 84), (iii) Official Veterinary Service servants involved in conducting the National Program for Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Animal Tuberculosis (n = 75), and (iv) individuals in charge of vaccine retail outlets (n = 58). Farmers and those in charge of vaccine retail outlets presented average knowledge on this subject (51–70% accuracy). Yet, there were similar knowledge gaps in these two groups. Although the knowledge level recorded for registered veterinarians and Official Veterinary Service servants was high (71–100% accuracy), low adherence to personal protection equipment was also observed, and it is worrisome, given brucellosis’ zoonotic nature. In addition, veterinarians presented knowledge gaps when it comes to updates on the National Program for Control and Eradication of Brucellosis and Animal Tuberculosis Technical Regulations, and it can be an indicative that questionnaires were superficially or carelessly answered. Other obstacles to vaccination were poor quality of roads to access properties and breeders with limited number of bred calves in the age group 3 to 8 months. These barriers impair the expansion of vaccination cover against brucellosis in Maranhão State. The Official Veterinary Service must implement a strategic plan to fill out the knowledge gaps shown by those in this production chain and make it easier to get to the basis for effective health interventions aimed at brucellosis control in Maranhão State.
Immersive interfaces for clinical applications: current status and future perspective
Authors: Chenais Naïg , Görgen Arno
Published: November 2024

Digital immersive technologies have become increasingly prominent in clinical research and practice, including medical communication and technical education, serious games for health, psychotherapy, and interfaces for neurorehabilitation. The worldwide enthusiasm for digital health and digital therapeutics has prompted the development and testing of numerous applications and interaction methods. Nevertheless, the lack of consistency in the approaches and the peculiarity of the constructed environments contribute to an increasing disparity between the eagerness for new immersive designs and the long-term clinical adoption of these technologies. Several challenges emerge in aligning the different priorities of virtual environment designers and clinicians. This article seeks to examine the utilization and mechanics of medical immersive interfaces based on extended reality and highlight specific design challenges. The transfer of skills from virtual to clinical environments is often confounded by perceptual and attractiveness factors. We argue that a multidisciplinary approach to development and testing, along with a comprehensive acknowledgement of the shared mechanisms that underlie immersive training, are essential for the sustainable integration of extended reality into clinical settings. The present review discusses the application of a multilevel sensory framework to extended reality design, with the aim of developing brain-centered immersive interfaces tailored for therapeutic and educational purposes. Such a framework must include broader design questions, such as the integration of digital technologies into psychosocial care models, clinical validation, and related ethical concerns. We propose that efforts to bridge the virtual gap should include mixed methodologies and neurodesign approaches, integrating user behavioral and physiological feedback into iterative design phases.
The underlying molecular mechanisms of Fyn in neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy
Authors: Zhou Jiao , Lu Xiang , Wang Haichuan
Published: November 2024

Fyn is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase (TK) that is a nonreceptor and a member of the Src family of kinases (SFKs). It is involved in several transduction pathways in the central nervous system (CNS), such as oligodendrocyte development, myelination, axon guidance, and synaptic transmission. Owing to its wide range of activities in the molecular signaling pathways that underpin both neuropathologic and neurodevelopmental events, Fyn has remained of great interest for more than a century. Accumulating preclinical data have highlighted the potential role of Fyn in the pathophysiology of neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). By mediating important signaling pathways, Fyn may control glutamate excitotoxicity, promote neuroinflammation and facilitate the death of neurons caused by oxidative stress. In this review, we address new evidence regarding the role of Fyn in the pathogenesis of this condition, with the aim of providing a reference for the development of new strategies to improve the prognosis of neonatal HIE. In addition, we also offer insights into additional Fyn-related molecular mechanisms involved in HIE pathology.
Machine learning to predict radiomics models of classical trigeminal neuralgia response to percutaneous balloon compression treatment
Authors: Wu Ji , Qin Chengjian , Zhou Yixuan , Wei Xuanlei , Qin Deling , Chen Keyu , Cai Yuankun , Shen Lei , Yang Jingyi , Xu Dongyuan , Chai Songshan , Xiong Nanxiang
Published: November 2024

Background

Classic trigeminal neuralgia (CTN) seriously affects patients’ quality of life. Percutaneous balloon compression (PBC) is a surgical program for treating trigeminal neuralgia. But some patients are ineffective or relapse after treatment. The aim is to use machine learning to construct clinical imaging models to predict relapse after treatment (PBC).

Methods

The clinical data and intraoperative balloon imaging data of CTN from January 2017 to August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The relationship between least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and random forest prediction of PBC postoperative recurrence, ROC curve and decision -decision curve analysis is used to evaluate the impact of imaging histology on TN recurrence.

Results

Imaging features, like original_shape_Maximum2D, DiameterRow, Original_Shape_Elongation, etc. predict the prognosis of TN on PBC. The areas under roc curve were 0.812 and 0.874, respectively. The area under the ROC curve of the final model is 0.872. DCA and calibration curves show that nomogram has a promising future in clinical application.

Conclusion

The combination of machine learning and clinical imaging and clinical information has the good potential of predicting PBC in CTN treatment. The efficacy of CTN is suitable for clinical applications of CTN patients after PBC.
Drivers of resting-state fMRI heterogeneity in traumatic brain injury across injury characteristics and imaging methods: a systematic review and semiquantitative analysis
Authors: Kashou Alexander W. , Frees Daniel M. , Kang Kaylee , Parks Christian O. , Harralson Hunter , Fischer Jesse T. , Rosenbaum Philip E. , Baham Michael , Sheridan Christopher , Bickart Kevin C.
Published: November 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common and costly. Although neuroimaging modalities such as resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) promise to differentiate injured from healthy brains and prognosticate long-term outcomes, the field suffers from heterogeneous findings. To assess whether this heterogeneity stems from variability in the TBI populations studied or the imaging methods used, and to determine whether a consensus exists in this literature, we performed the first systematic review of studies comparing rsfMRI functional connectivity (FC) in patients with TBI to matched controls for seven canonical brain networks across injury severity, age, chronicity, population type, and various imaging methods. Searching PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect, 1,105 manuscripts were identified, 50 fulfilling our criteria. Across these manuscripts, 179 comparisons were reported between a total of 1,397 patients with TBI and 1,179 matched controls. Collapsing across injury characteristics, imaging methods, and networks, there were roughly equal significant to null findings and increased to decreased connectivity differences reported. Whereas most factors did not explain these mixed findings, stratifying across severity and chronicity, separately, showed a trend of increased connectivity at higher severities and greater chronicities of TBI. Among methodological factors, studies were more likely to find connectivity differences when scans were longer than 360 s, custom image processing pipelines were used, and when patients kept their eyes open versus closed during scans. We offer guidelines to address this variability, focusing on aspects of study design and rsfMRI acquisition to move the field toward reproducible results with greater potential for clinical translation.
Drug-induced parkinsonism in a patient with DiGeorge syndrome: a case report
Authors: Cerejo Clancy , De Cleene Nicolas , Walser Gerald , Djamshidian Atbin , Seppi Klaus , Heim Beatrice
Published: November 2024

DiGeorge syndrome, also referred as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome is a multisystem disorder associated with an increased risk of early-onset parkinsonism. In this case report, we present a case of a 47-year-old male patient with complex comorbidities and seizures. This patient presented with increased seizure frequency and on examination was found to have parkinsonism. Due to the symptoms constellation, a genetic analysis was done which revealed presence of DiGeorge syndrome. However, his DaTscan was normal and hence a possibility of medication induced parkinsonism was considered. Through this case report, we want to emphasize the fact that while it is important to consider genetic testing for young patients with parkinsonism especially in those with complex comorbidities, other possible causes of parkinsonism should not be ignored.