bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aktivitas Imunomodulator Ekstrak Etanol Daun Sambiloto (Andrographis paniculata Ness) Pada Mencit Putih
Authors: Dewi Irene Puspa , Verawaty Verawaty , Taslim Tuty
Published: August 2023

Sambiloto merupakan salah satu tanaman obat yang banyak tumbuh di Indonesia. Sambiloto mengandung senyawa andrografolid yang diketahui memiliki berbagai aktivitas farmakologis, seperti meningkatkan sistem imun tubuh. Penelitian ini ditujukan untuk mengetahui aktivitas imunomodulator ekstrak etanol daun sambiloto pada mencit. Aktivitas imunomodulator ekstrak etanol daun sambiloto ditentukan dengan menghitung persentase aktivitas fagositosis dan kapasitas fagositosis sel makrofag mencit. Sebanyak 25 ekor mencit dibagi menjadi 5 kelompok masing-masing 5 ekor, yaitu kelompok kontrol negatif, kontrol positif, kelompok dosis 100 mg/Kg BB, kelompok dosis 500 mg/Kg BB, dan kelompok pembanding Stimuno® dengan dosis 65 mg/Kg. Mencit diberi sampel sesuai dengan kelompok masing-masing selama 7 hari secara oral, dan pada hari ke-8 mencit disuntikkan suspensi bakteri Staphylococcus aureus secara intraperitoneal. Mencit dikorbankan dan diambil cairan peritonealnya untuk membuat preparat apus. Jumlah sel makrofag yang aktif dan jumlah bakteri yang difagosit oleh sel makrofag dihitung dengan menggunakan mikroskop okuler. Hasil perhitungan persentase aktivitas dan kapasitas fagositosis sel makrofag mencit berturut-turut adalah sebagai berikut, kelompok kontrol negatif 64,9% dan 93,2, kontrol positif 66,2% dan 95,0, dosis 100 mg/kg BB 80,7% dan 121,8, dosis 500 mg/kg BB 84,9% dan 148,4, pembanding Stimuno® 65 mg/Kg BB 86,5% dan 176,6. Secara statistik, persentase aktivitas dan kapasitas fagositosis mencit kelompok dosis 100 mg/kg BB dan dosis 500 mg/kg BB berbeda secara signifikan dengan kelompok kontrol negatif dan kontrol positif. Ekstrak etanol daun sambiloto pada dosis 100 mg/Kg BB dan 500 mg/Kg BB memberikan aktivitas sebagai imunostimulan dengan meningkatkan persentase aktivitas fagositosis dan kapasitas fagositosis mencit.
Rehabilitation nurses’ knowledge, experiences, and perceptions of the provision of psychological care for patients post stroke in Ireland: A cross-sectional study.
Authors: Merrigan Gillian , Bennett Louise
Published: August 2023

Introduction:  Early assessment and management of depression and anxiety for patients after stroke is critical. However, suboptimal provision of psychological care is widely reported. Nurses are the largest professional group to care for patients post stroke and have an important role in addressing their emotional wellbeing.
Aim: The aim of this paper is to examine nurse’s knowledge, experiences, and perceptions of the provision of psychological care to patients post stroke in Ireland.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey design involving both quantitative and qualitative items was administered to a convenience sample of seventy-four (n=74) nurses working in six Irish community hospital rehabilitation units.
Results: Findings demonstrate suboptimal psychological care provision for patients post stroke with no formal pre-defined care pathways. Despite nurse’s knowledge of psychological problems and symptomology, participants revealed receiving limited training in psychological monitoring and no systemic allocation of psychological care duties. This research suggests that pre-defined/formal care pathways; access to psychology expertise; further training and support for members of the Multi-Disciplinary-Team has the potential to improve the provision of psychological care for patients post stroke.
Conclusions: This study has implications for the reform and development of rehabilitation services in relation to practice, education, and research. It identifies opportunities to support nurses to improve the delivery of psychological care for patients post stroke.
Reversion to the Mean, or their Version of the Dream? An Analysis of Latino Voting in 2020
Authors: Fraga Bernard , Velez Yamil , West Emily
Published: August 2023

In 2020, support for Joe Biden among Latina/o/x voters was 8 percentage points lower than support for Hillary Clinton in 2016, the largest drop of any racial/ethnic group. While much media and academic attention has (rightly) focused on understanding the impact of misinformation, COVID concerns, and racial animus on Latino voters in 2020, we take a step back and clarify the demographic and core ideological characteristics of Latino voters who voted for Donald Trump in 2020. Using a mix of national survey data, precinct returns, and voter file records, and disaggregating components of electoral change, we find evidence of an increasing alignment between issue positions and vote choice among Latinos. Moreover, we observe significant pro-Trump shifts among working-class Latinos and modest evidence of a pro-Trump shift among newly-engaged U.S.-born Latino children of immigrants and Catholic Latinos. The results point to a more durable Republican shift than currently assumed.
A portable system for economical nucleic acid amplification testing
Authors: Dong Hui , Mo Jin , Yu Yongjian , Xie Wantao , Zheng Jianping , Jia Chao
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Regular and rapid large-scale screening for pathogens is crucial for controlling pandemics like Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). In this study, we present the development of a digital point-of-care testing (POCT) system utilizing microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs) for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 gene fragments. The system incorporates temperature tuning and fluorescent detection components, along with intelligent and autonomous image acquisition and self-recognition programs.

Methods: The developed POCT system is based on the nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), a well-established molecular biology technique for detecting and amplifying nucleic acids. We successfully detected artificially synthesized SARS-CoV-2 gene fragments, namely ORF1ab gene, N gene, and E gene, with minimal reagent consumption of only 2.2 μL per readout, representing a mere 11% of the requirements of conventional in-tube methods. The power dissipation of the system was low, at 6.4 W.

Results: Our testing results demonstrated that the proposed approach achieved a limit of detection of 1000 copies/mL, which is equivalent to detecting 1 copy or a single RNA template per reaction. By employing standard curve analysis, the quantity of the target templates can be accurately determined.

Conclusion: The developed digital POCT system shows great promise for rapid and reliable detection of SARS-CoV-2 gene fragments, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution for controlling pandemics. Its compatibility with other diagnostic techniques and low reagent consumption make it a viable option to enhance healthcare in resource-limited areas.
Chirality-enhanced transport and drug delivery of graphene nanocarriers to tumor-like cellular spheroid
Authors: Jeon Hyunsu , Zhu Runyao , Kim Gaeun , Wang Yichun
Published: August 2023

Chirality, defined as “a mirror image,” is a universal geometry of biological and nonbiological forms of matter. This geometry of molecules determines how they interact during their assembly and transport. With the development of nanotechnology, many nanoparticles with chiral geometry or chiroptical activity have emerged for biomedical research. The mechanisms by which chirality originates and the corresponding synthesis methods have been discussed and developed in the past decade. Inspired by the chiral selectivity in life, a comprehensive and in-depth study of interactions between chiral nanomaterials and biological systems has far-reaching significance in biomedicine. Here, we investigated the effect of the chirality of nanoscale drug carriers, graphene quantum dots (GQDs), on their transport in tumor-like cellular spheroids. Chirality of GQDs (L/D-GQDs) was achieved by the surface modification of GQDs with L/D-cysteines. As an in-vitro tissue model for drug testing, cellular spheroids were derived from a human hepatoma cell line (i.e., HepG2 cells) using the Hanging-drop method. Our results reveal that the L-GQDs had a 1.7-fold higher apparent diffusion coefficient than the D-GQDs, indicating that the L-GQDs can enhance their transport into tumor-like cellular spheroids. Moreover, when loaded with a common chemotherapy drug, Doxorubicin (DOX), via π-π stacking, L-GQDs are more effective as nanocarriers for drug delivery into solid tumor-like tissue, resulting in 25% higher efficacy for cancerous cellular spheroids than free DOX. Overall, our studies indicated that the chirality of nanocarriers is essential for the design of drug delivery vehicles to enhance the transport of drugs in a cancerous tumor.
Synergistic graphene-MnOx/honeycomb activated carbon (G-MnOx/HAC) and plasma technology for eradication of pathogenic microorganisms
Authors: Zhang Jiqing , Jia Ying , Lv Xiaomeng , Xiong Tiedan , Su Jun , Huang Yuanzheng , Shen Keke
Published: August 2023

This paper addresses the risk for environmental transmission of pathogenic microorganisms in confined spaces and the serious health hazards for personnel, and research on efficient eradication methods for the pathogenic microorganisms was carried out to provide technical support for ensuring the health of personnel in confined spaces. A series of graphene-MnO2 (G-MnO2) catalytic materials was prepared by hydrothermal and precipitation methods, and processing parameters such as the graphene doping method, the raw material ratio and the plasma action time were optimized. It was shown that G-MnOX-P/HAC prepared by a one-step precipitation method and with a graphene doping ratio of 10% had the best bactericidal effect in a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) reactor after 4 min of reaction. The eradication rates for Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), coronavirus and Aspergillus niger were all greater than 99.9%. The characterization techniques TEM, SEM, XRD, XPS, BET and FT-IR showed that the G-MnOX-P samples prepared by the one-step precipitation method had larger specific surface areas with more oxygen vacancies and functional groups on the surfaces, which was conducive to decomposition of the ozone generated by the dissociated plasma and formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for the microbial eradication process. Finally, by comparing the ozone-decomposition activity with the plasma co-catalytic performance, it was verified that efficient decomposition of the ozone facilitated the eradication of microorganisms. Based on this, an analysis of the mechanism for efficient eradication was carried out.
Retained colistin susceptibility in clinical Acinetobacter baumannii isolates with multiple mutations in pmrCAB and lpxACD operons
Authors: Zafer Mai M. , Hussein Amira F. A. , Al-Agamy Mohamed H. , Radwan Hesham H. , Hamed Samira M.
Published: August 2023

The progressive increase in the resistance rates to first- and second-line antibiotics has forced the reuse of colistin as last-line treatment for Acinetobacter baumannii infections, but the emergence of colistin-resistant strains is not uncommon. This has been long linked to acquired chromosomal mutations in the operons pmrCAB and lpxACD. Hence, such mutations are routinely screened in colistin-resistant strains by most studies. The current study was designed to explore the possible existence of pmrCAB and lpxACD mutations in colistin-susceptible isolates. For this purpose, the whole genome sequences of eighteen multi-/extensively drug resistant A. baumannii were generated by Illumina sequencing and screened for missense mutations of the operons pmrCAB and lpxACD. Most of the isolates belonged to global clones (GCs) including GC1 (n=2), GC2 (n=7), GC7 (n=2), GC9 (n=3), and GC11 (n=1). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of colistin were determined by the broth microdilution assay. Seventeen isolates were fully susceptible to colistin with MICs ranging from (≤0.125 to 0.5 µg/ml). Interestingly, all colistin-susceptible isolates carried missense mutations in pmrCAB and lpxACD operons with reference to A. baumannii ATCC 19606. Overall, 34 mutations were found. Most substitutions were detected in pmrC (n=20) while no mutations were found in pmrA or lpxA. Notably, the mutation pattern of the two operons was almost conserved among the isolates that belonged to the same sequence type (ST) or GC. This was also confirmed by expanding the analysis to include A. baumannii genomes deposited in public databases. Here, we demonstrated the possible existence of missense mutations in pmrCAB and lpxACD operons in colistin-susceptible isolates, shedding light on the importance of interpreting mutations with reference to colistin-susceptible isolates of the same ST/GC to avoid the misleading impact of the ST/GC-related polymorphism. In turn, this may lead to misinterpretation of mutations and, hence, overlooking the real players in colistin resistance that are yet to be identified.
Assessment of Toxoplasma gondii lytic cycle and the impact of a gene deletion using 3D label-free optical diffraction holotomography
Authors: Koutsogiannis Zisis , Mina John G. M. , Suman Rakesh , Denny Paul William
Published: August 2023

Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread single-celled intracellular eukaryotic apicomplexan protozoan parasite primarily associated with mammalian foetal impairment and miscarriage, including in humans. Is estimated that approximately one third of the human population worldwide is infected by this parasite. Here we used cutting-edge, label-free 3D quantitative optical diffraction holotomography to capture and evaluate the Toxoplasma lytic cycle (invasion, proliferation and egress) in real-time based on the refractive index distribution. In addition, we used this technology to analyse an engineered CRISPR-Cas9 Toxoplasma mutant to reveal differences in cellular physical properties when compared to the parental line. Collectively, these data support the use of holotomography as a powerful tool for the study of protozoan parasites and their interactions with their host cells.
Meta-analysis of the effect of probiotics or synbiotics on the risk factors in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Lei Yunzhen , Xu Min , Huang Nanqu , Yuan Zhengqiang
Published: August 2023

Objective

The objective of this study was to study the effect of probiotics or synbiotics on the risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) in the context of conventional drug therapy for CAD.

Methods

The literature on probiotics or synbiotics for the treatment of CAD was collected from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library. The search period was conducted on November 5, 2022, and the search covered all literature before November 5, 2022. The included literature consisted of randomized controlled trials of probiotics or synbiotics for CAD, and a meta-analysis was performed using Stata 14 software and RevMan 5.4 software.

Results

The meta-analysis explored the effect of probiotics or synbiotics on the risk factors for coronary artery lesions in a treatment setting with conventional medications for CAD. After a rigorous literature screening process, 10 studies were finally included for data consolidation to objectively evaluate the effect of probiotics or synbiotics on coronary lesions. The results of this study showed that the addition of probiotics or synbiotics to conventional medications for CAD reduced the levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [weighted mean difference (WMD) −9.13 (−13.17, −5.09)], fasting glucose (FPG) [WMD −13.60 (−23.57, −3.62)], and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) [standardized mean difference (SMD) −0.60 (−0.83, −0.37)] and increased the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) [WMD 1.94 (0.32, 3.57)], nitric oxide (NO) [WMD 5.38 (3.23, 7.54)] but did not affect the triglyceride (TG) level [WMD −13.41 (−28.03, 1.21)], systolic blood pressure (SBP) [WMD −0.88 (−3.72, 1.96)], or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) [WMD −0.21 (−2.19, 1.76)].

Conclusion

Adding probiotics or synbiotics to conventional medications for CAD may improve patient prognosis.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022362711.
Safety of Lumason® (SonoVue®) in special populations and critically ill patients
Authors: Filippone A. , Kirchin M. A. , Monteith J. , Storto M. L. , Spinazzi A.
Published: August 2023

Evidence for the safe use of Lumason® (SonoVue®), an ultrasound enhancing agent (UEA), in special patient populations is critical to enable healthcare professionals to make informed decisions concerning its use in such patients. Herein, we provide insight on the safety and tolerability of Lumason® in special patient populations. Findings are presented from clinical pharmacology studies conducted in patients with compromised cardiopulmonary conditions, from a retrospective study performed in critically ill patients, and from post-marketing surveillance data from over 20 years of market use of Lumason® (SonoVue®). No detrimental effects of Lumason® on cardiac electrophysiology were observed in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), and no significant effects on pulmonary hemodynamics were noted in patients with pulmonary hypertension or congestive heart failure. Similarly, no effects on several assessments of pulmonary function (e.g., FVC) were observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and no clinically meaningful changes in O2 saturation or other safety parameters were observed after administration of Lumason® to patients with diffuse interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (DIPF). The retrospective study of critically ill patients revealed no significant difference for in-hospital mortality between patients administered Lumason® for echocardiography versus those who had undergone echocardiography without contrast agent. Post-marketing surveillance revealed very low reporting rates (RR) for non-serious and serious adverse events and that serious hypersensitivity reactions were rare. These findings confirm that Lumason® is a safe and well tolerated UEA for use in special populations and critically ill patients.
Study on the structural characteristics of the Yangdachengzi oil layer in the Quantou Formation, ZY block, central depression, Songliao Basin
Authors: He Chunyu , Lin Yani , Zhang Tianze , Ma Jisheng , Li Yunfei , Cheng Jiaju , Zhang Yinde
Published: August 2023

The Songliao Basin is a large Mesozoic–Cenozoic continental basin with multiple sedimentary cycles. It has experienced the influence of multidirectional and different structural stresses in the peripheral structural belt, resulting in a complex geological structure. The continental clastic deposits at the depression of the Quantou Formation in the shallow part of the basin, including the Fuyu oil layer and the Yangdachengzi oil layer, are the primary exploration and development target. The structure and faults are the dominant factors controlling the hydrocarbon accumulation in the upper member of the Quantou Formation in the central Songliao Basin. In this study, we finely interpret the three-dimensional structure of the third member of Quantou Formation in the ZY block by the integration of well logging and seismic data and then analyze the stratigraphic distribution and fracture characteristic and the tectonic development history of the Yangdachengzi oil layer. The results show that the Yangdachengzi oil layer is a monoclinic structure from the southeast to northwest. It has four third-level structural units, the Mofantun nose structure, Yumin nose structure, Zhaoyuan nose structure, and Zhaoyuan western nose structure, which form the structure-lithostratigraphic trap zones in the study area, in which a total of 80 traps for the Yangdachengzi oil layer has been identified with the total area of about 58.06 km2. Faults are highly developed in the central depression of the Songliao Basin. The ZY block is dominated by the extensional-strike-slip faults. The main fault direction is mostly north–northeast, and the secondary fault direction is mostly north–northwest. The complex tectonic activities determine the formation mechanism and the evolution of faults. The faults in this block can be classified as early-stage, middle-stage, late-stage, and long-term faults. The long-term fault is the major fault type of the five fault bundles, and it acts as the main channel for oil and gas migration. In addition, the reservoir is an above-generation and below-storage model. This study provides evidence for the hydrocarbon accumulation model of the Quantou Formation.
Seismic microzonation mapping of Greater Vancouver based on various site classification metrics
Authors: Adhikari Sujan Raj , Molnar Sheri , Wang Jinfei
Published: August 2023

The goal of the multi-year seismic microzonation mapping project for Greater Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, is to produce seismic hazard maps inclusive of local site effects, in particular seismic hazard specific to one-dimensional site response and three-dimensional Georgia sedimentary basin amplification, as well as liquefaction and landslide hazard potential. We explore the variability in key seismic site characterization measures most often used for seismic microzonation mapping to evaluate the impact on mapping and communication of seismic microzonation of Greater Vancouver. This study focuses on the comparison of seismic microzonation maps of Greater Vancouver based on up to three seismic site term parameters and their associated classification schemes: 1) the time-averaged shear-wave velocity (Vs) of the upper 30 m (Vs30) and associated Canadian National Building Code (NBC) site class; 2) Vs30-based site classification proposed for the updated Eurocode 8; 3) site period (T0) determined from microtremor site amplification spectra; and 4) a hybrid site classification based on T0 and the average Vs and thickness of soil. 810 Vs30 and 2,200 T0 values are determined to evaluate sub-regional differences in these important seismic site parameters in Greater Vancouver. We find that the seismic microzonation of Greater Vancouver depends on the chosen seismic site parameter (Vs30, T0, or a combination of parameters) and that classification schemes with greater class divisions are beneficial to communicating the great variability in seismic site conditions in Greater Vancouver. We recommend that either one hybrid classification map or two classification maps of Vs30 and T0 together are required for effective communication of the seismic microzonation of Greater Vancouver.
A pathway model of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in the pancreatic β-cell
Authors: Deepa Maheshvare M. , Raha Soumyendu , König Matthias , Pal Debnath
Published: August 2023

The pancreas plays a critical role in maintaining glucose homeostasis through the secretion of hormones from the islets of Langerhans. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) by the pancreatic β-cell is the main mechanism for reducing elevated plasma glucose. Here we present a systematic modeling workflow for the development of kinetic pathway models using the Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML). Steps include retrieval of information from databases, curation of experimental and clinical data for model calibration and validation, integration of heterogeneous data including absolute and relative measurements, unit normalization, data normalization, and model annotation. An important factor was the reproducibility and exchangeability of the model, which allowed the use of various existing tools. The workflow was applied to construct a novel data-driven kinetic model of GSIS in the pancreatic β-cell based on experimental and clinical data from 39 studies spanning 50 years of pancreatic, islet, and β-cell research in humans, rats, mice, and cell lines. The model consists of detailed glycolysis and phenomenological equations for insulin secretion coupled to cellular energy state, ATP dynamics and (ATP/ADP ratio). Key findings of our work are that in GSIS there is a glucose-dependent increase in almost all intermediates of glycolysis. This increase in glycolytic metabolites is accompanied by an increase in energy metabolites, especially ATP and NADH. One of the few decreasing metabolites is ADP, which, in combination with the increase in ATP, results in a large increase in ATP/ADP ratios in the β-cell with increasing glucose. Insulin secretion is dependent on ATP/ADP, resulting in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. The observed glucose-dependent increase in glycolytic intermediates and the resulting change in ATP/ADP ratios and insulin secretion is a robust phenomenon observed across data sets, experimental systems and species. Model predictions of the glucose-dependent response of glycolytic intermediates and biphasic insulin secretion are in good agreement with experimental measurements. Our model predicts that factors affecting ATP consumption, ATP formation, hexokinase, phosphofructokinase, and ATP/ADP-dependent insulin secretion have a major effect on GSIS. In conclusion, we have developed and applied a systematic modeling workflow for pathway models that allowed us to gain insight into key mechanisms in GSIS in the pancreatic β-cell.
Tubular injury in diabetic kidney disease: molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic perspectives
Authors: Wang Yu , Jin Mingyue , Cheng Chak Kwong , Li Qiang
Published: August 2023

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a chronic complication of diabetes and the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide. Currently, there are limited therapeutic drugs available for DKD. While previous research has primarily focused on glomerular injury, recent studies have increasingly emphasized the role of renal tubular injury in the pathogenesis of DKD. Various factors, including hyperglycemia, lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, hypoxia, RAAS, ER stress, inflammation, EMT and programmed cell death, have been shown to induce renal tubular injury and contribute to the progression of DKD. Additionally, traditional hypoglycemic drugs, anti-inflammation therapies, anti-senescence therapies, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and stem cell therapies have demonstrated their potential to alleviate renal tubular injury in DKD. This review will provide insights into the latest research on the mechanisms and treatments of renal tubular injury in DKD.
Aberrant phenotype of circulating antigen presenting cells in giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: Reitsema Rosanne D. , Hesselink Bernd-Cornèl , Abdulahad Wayel H. , van der Geest Kornelis S. M. , Brouwer Elisabeth , Heeringa Peter , van Sleen Yannick
Published: August 2023

Background

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) and Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) are overlapping inflammatory diseases. Antigen-presenting cells (APCs), including monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs), are main contributors to the immunopathology of GCA and PMR. However, little is known about APC phenotypes in the peripheral blood at the time of GCA/PMR diagnosis.

Methods

APCs among peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of treatment-naive GCA and PMR patients were compared to those in age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) using flow cytometry (n=15 in each group). We identified three monocyte subsets, and three DC subsets: plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs), CD141+ conventional DCs (cDC1) and CD1c+ conventional DCs (cDC2). Each of these subsets was analyzed for expression of pattern recognition receptors (TLR2, TLR4), immune checkpoints (CD86, PDL1, CD40) and activation markers (HLA-DR, CD11c).

Results

t-SNE plots revealed a differential clustering of APCs between GCA/PMR and HCs. Further analyses showed shifts in monocyte subsets and a lower proportion of the small population of cDC1 cells in GCA/PMR, whereas cDC2 proportions correlated negatively with CRP (r=-0.52). Classical monocytes of GCA/PMR patients show reduced expression of TLR2, HLA-DR, CD11c, which was in contrast to non-classical monocytes that showed higher marker expression. Additionally, single cell RNA sequencing in GCA patients identified a number of differentially expressed genes related to inflammation and metabolism in APCs.

Conclusion

Circulating non-classical monocytes display an activated phenotype in GCA/PMR patients at diagnosis, whereas classical monocytes show reduced expression of activation markers. Whether these findings reflect APC migration patterns or the effects of long-term inflammation remains to be investigated.
Determining the prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis based on the discordance between egg counts and haematuria in populations from northern Tanzania
Authors: Nordin Per , Nyale Edwin , Kalambo Clement , Ahlberg Beth Maina , Feldmeier Hermann , Krantz Ingela
Published: August 2023

Objectives

The presence of schistosomal eggs in the urine is a sufficient but not necessary condition for an individual to be diagnosed with urogenital schistosomiasis. The absence of eggs does not prove that a person is disease-free. Thus, when examining populations using egg occurrence, there is a real risk of underestimating the prevalence. The aim is to develop an easy to use model for improved prevalence estimates of urogenital schistosomiasis.

Design and methods

Urine samples were taken from 161 schoolchildren and 124 adults on three different days for each individual. The probands were recruited from two areas in northern Tanzania with varying prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis. The presence of eggs by microscopy and haematuria by dipstick were recorded for each sample and the measurements combined using the discordance of the outcomes.

Result

As a consequence of applying the developed model, a substantial increase in the prevalence estimate was noted for groups displaying a low egg occurrence.

Conclusion

By using the biological relationship that exists between the presence of eggs and blood in urine of an infected individual, we provide a way of adjusting the prevalence estimates of urogenital schistosomiasis, using the observed prevalence of haematuria, in the absence of competing causes.
Effects of different shelters on feeding, molting, survival, and growth of Scylla paramamosain
Authors: Zhou Dongping , Liu Lei , Huang Xinlian , Fang Wei , Fu Yuanyuan , Li Yuquan , Wang Chunlin
Published: August 2023

Providing shelters is considered an effective method to prevent self-harm and improve the survival rate of Scylla paramamosain. In this study, four shelter groups—the shelters of which included fine sand, arched tiles, PVC pipes, and trapezoidal net cages—and one group without shelters were established to investigate the effects of shelters on S. paramamosain by calculating their feeding rate, molting rate, survival rate, and growth index. The results showed that the feeding rates of the fine sand and PVC pipe groups were greater than 12% and that the feeding rates of the arched tile and trapezoidal net cage groups were greater than 9%, while the feeding rate of the group without shelters was only 6.7%. The food conversion rates of both the fine sand and PVC pipe groups exceeded 21%. In contrast, the food conversion rate of the non-shelter group was the lowest at 14%. The molting rates of the fine sand and PVC pipe groups were the highest, reaching 29% in the later stages of the experiment, while the molting rate of the non-shelter group was only 19%. There was no significant difference in survival rates among the groups during the first 20 days of the experiment. However, on the 60th day, the survival rate of the fine sand group was 92%, while the non-shelter group had a survival rate of 79%. The experimental results showed that the incidence of cheliped injuries in the fine sand group was 16%, while it was 25% in the non-shelter group. During the daytime, the occupancy rate of burrows by the four shelter groups was 60–70%, while during the night, the occupancy rate of each shelter decreased to 40–50%, and there was no significant difference in occupancy rates among the shelter groups during the night. The weight and full carapace width of S. paramamosain in the fine sand and PVC pipe groups were significantly higher than those in the other groups (P< 0.05), and the weight gain rate and specific growth rate of the fine sand and PVC pipe groups were significantly higher than those of the other groups (P< 0.05). Research has shown that fine sand and PVC pipes, as shelters for S. paramamosain, can effectively prevent cannibalism, increase feeding rates and survival rates, and promote growth and molting. This study provides scientific guidance for the proper selection of shelters in the farming process of S. paramamosain.
Evidence of population-level impacts and resiliency for Gulf of Mexico shelf taxa following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Authors: Patterson William F. , Robinson Kelly Lynn , Barnett Beverly K. , Campbell Matthew D. , Chagaris David C. , Chanton Jeffrey P. , Daly Kendra L. , Hanisko David S. , Hernandez Frank J. , Murawski Steven A. , Pollack Adam G. , Portnoy David S. , Pulster Erin L.
Published: August 2023

The goal of this paper was to review the evidence of population-level impacts of theDeepwater HorizonOil Spill (DWH) on Gulf of Mexico (GOM) continental shelf taxa, as well as evidence of resiliency following the DWH. There is considerable environmental and biological evidence that GOM shelf taxa were exposed to and suffered direct and indirect impacts of the DWH. Numerous assessments, from mesocosm studies to analysis of biopsied tissue or tissue samples from necropsied animals, revealed a constellation of physiological effects related to DWH impacts on GOM biota, some of which clearly or likely resulted in mortality. While the estimated concentrations of hydrocarbons in shelf waters and sediments were orders of magnitude lower than measured in inshore or deep GOM environments, the level of mortality observed or predicted was substantial for many shelf taxa. In some cases, such as for zooplankton, community shifts following the spill were ephemeral, likely reflecting high rates of population turnover and productivity. In other taxa, such as GOM reef fishes, impacts of the spill are confounded with other stressors, such as fishing mortality or the appearance and rapid population growth of invasive lionfish (Pteroisspp.). In yet others, such as cetaceans, modeling efforts to predict population-level effects of the DWH made conservative assumptions given the species’ protected status, which post-DWH population assessments either failed to detect or population increases were estimated. A persistent theme that emerged was the lack of precise population-level data or assessments prior to the DWH for many taxa, but even when data or assessments did exist, examining evidence of population resiliency was confounded by other stressors impacting GOM biota. Unless efforts are made to increase the resolution of the data or precision of population assessments, difficulties will likely remain in estimating the scale of population-level effects or resiliency in the case of future large-scale environmental catastrophes.
Population genetic structure and mixed stock analysis of the green sea turtle, Chelonia mydas, reveal reproductive isolation in French Polynesia
Authors: Dolfo Violaine , Gaspar Cécile , Bourjea Jérôme , Tatarata Miri , Planes Serge , Boissin Emilie
Published: August 2023

The green turtle, Chelonia mydas, is a migratory marine species with a circumglobal distribution in tropical and temperate waters. Its natal homing behavior leads to a complex genetic structure with genetically differentiated populations that breed separately and mix within the same foraging grounds. Delineating the boundaries of these populations and their connectivity to feeding grounds is important for the management of this species, classified as endangered on the IUCN red list. Here, we examined the genetic structure and the origin of the green turtle in French Polynesia with 239 samples collected during nesting or hatchling events and 204 samples collected outside of nesting events, across 21 islands. Amplification of the 770pb mtDNA control region fragment, the standard base used to characterize haplotype diversity in this species, revealed 23 haplotypes including three novel ones, belonging to 6 different lineages. Haplotype diversity in the rookeries was 0.615, and nucleotide diversity was 0.019, values similar to those in the North West Pacific and Western Indian Oceans, two regions recognized as genetic diversity hotspots for C. mydas. The genetic structure between the Leeward and Windward Islands of the Society archipelago was found to be significant with pairwise Fst index and φst distance. Island groups (Windward Islands, Leeward Islands, Tuamotu) were genetically different from all other identified Pacific management units, with a weak differentiation between American Samoa and Leeward Islands. A mixed-stock analysis for the French Polynesian mixture revealed an exclusive contribution from the French Polynesian rookeries, with negligible input from the other Pacific populations. This study provides the first assessment of the genetic structure of green turtle populations within French Polynesia and fills an essential data gap regarding the genetic diversity of the species and its connectivity to other feeding grounds in the Pacific Ocean. The French Polynesian populations appear to be important contributors to the overall genetic diversity of the species, isolated from other Pacific populations, thus making them essential within the Pacific region. These results have important implications for the conservation of the species at both local and regional scales.
Improving the anti-thermal-shock properties of Sc2O3-Y2O3-ZrO2-CaF2-PHB abradable coatings by fabricating the textures on ceramic matrix composites: experiment verification and numerical analysis
Authors: Jing Jian-nong , Zhang Le , Li Qi-lian , Wang Chun , Dong Li-hong , Wang Hai-dou , Lin En
Published: August 2023

The abradable coating is one of the most important coatings for improving the efficiency of aeroengine. To improve the durability of Sc2O3-Y2O3-ZrO2-CaF2-PHB abradable coating under the conditions of high temperature thermal shock, the femtosecond laser processing technology is proposed to fabricate the texture on the surface of SiCf/SiC composites to improve the coating/matrix contact area. The environmental barrier coating (EBC) was prepared by vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) equipment on SiCf/SiC ceramic matrix composites to avoid water-oxygen corrosion. And the abradable coating was prepared by air plasma spraying (APS) equipment on the EBC. The thermal shock test of the abradable coating at (1,250 ± 50)°C was established in the simulated gas environment of the oxygen-propane flame, and the variation of interface stress between the layers during the thermal shock test was analyzed by ANSYS software. The hidden crack between the layers was detected by an infrared thermal imager. The results show that the surface textures have significant influences on the anti-thermal-shock properties of Sc2O3-Y2O3-ZrO2-CaF2-PHB abradable coating by improving the contact area and optimizing the interface stress distribution. The bonding strengths of the coating are increased by 14.6% and 42.2% when the surface textures increase the contact area of the substrate and the coating by 41.3% and 104%, respectively. Compared with the coatings without texture treatments, the coatings with texture treatments can reduce coating thickness by 30% and the coatings do not peel off after the thermal shock tests. Influenced by the cyclic thermal stress, the cracks of abradable coating are initiated at the defect position and gradually propagated a shell-like shape. The textures on the surface of SiCf/SiC composites have deep influences on improving the high-temperature thermal shock life of Sc2O3-Y2O3-ZrO2-CaF2-PHB abradable coating.
Effects of a cooling channel on the creep damage and failure probability of planar solid oxide fuel cells
Authors: Luo Yun , Chen Xuqian , Liu Rongjun , Jiang Wenchun
Published: August 2023

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is an all-solid-state chemical power generation device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy in an efficient and environmentally friendly way in medium- and high-temperature environments. However, the thermal stresses and creep damage are inevitably generated at high temperatures, which easily leads to mechanical failure or failure of the whole SOFC stack. Reducing the thermal stress generated by the uneven temperature distribution inside the SOFC stack has become a key problem to be solved urgently. In this paper, the thermal stress, creep damage, and failure behavior under their working conditions were analyzed by the finite element method. Then, the cooling channel was proposed to reduce the thermal stress and creep damage. The results show that adding the cooling channel to SOFC stack can reduce the creep damage and failure probability. The lower the cooling temperature, the better the cooling effect, and the lower the creep damage and failure probability.
Relationship between 25-hydroxy vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wang Rui , Wang Zheng-ming , Xiang Si-cheng , Jin Zhao-kai , Zhang Jing-jing , Zeng Ji-cheng , Tong Pei-jian , Lv Shuai-jie
Published: August 2023

Objective

In order to examine the relationship between 25-hydroxyl vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis (KOA), a meta-analysis of 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) publications was hereby performed.

Methods

For the purpose of finding pertinent research, the databases of PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane Library were searched. Factors including tibial cartilage volume, joint space width (JSW), synovial fluid volume, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) were correspondingly evaluated, and the results were expressed using SMD and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

The present meta-analysis evaluated the effects of vitamin D supplementation in patients with knee osteoarthritis, with 3,077 patients included. The results showed that vitamin D administration had a statistically significant impact on the amount of synovial fluid, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and tibial cartilage. The pain and function scales of the WOMAC scale presented a statistically significant difference, and there was no discernible difference between the vitamin D and placebo groups in the stiffness scale. Additionally, bone marrow lesions and alterations in the diameter of the joint space were not influenced by the administration of vitamin D, and according to a subgroup study, a daily vitamin D supplement containing more than 2,000 IU significantly slowed the development of synovial tissue.

Conclusion

Vitamin D supplementation did benefit those suffering from knee discomfort and knee dysfunction.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022332033, identifier: CRD42022332033.
Perspective on the use of methanogens in lithium recovery from brines
Authors: Abdel Azim Annalisa , Vizzarro Arianna , Bellini Ruggero , Bassani Ilaria , Baudino Luisa , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Verga Francesca , Lamberti Andrea , Menin Barbara
Published: August 2023

Methanogenic archaea stand out as multipurpose biocatalysts for different applications in wide-ranging industrial sectors due to their crucial role in the methane (CH4) cycle and ubiquity in natural environments. The increasing demand for raw materials required by the manufacturing sector (i.e., metals-, concrete-, chemicals-, plastic- and lubricants-based industries) represents a milestone for the global economy and one of the main sources of CO2 emissions. Recovery of critical raw materials (CRMs) from byproducts generated along their supply chain, rather than massive mining operations for mineral extraction and metal smelting, represents a sustainable choice. Demand for lithium (Li), included among CRMs in 2023, grew by 17.1% in the last decades, mostly due to its application in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. In addition to mineral deposits, the natural resources of Li comprise water, ranging from low Li concentrations (seawater and freshwater) to higher ones (salt lakes and artificial brines). Brines from water desalination can be high in Li content which can be recovered. However, biological brine treatment is not a popular methodology. The methanogenic community has already demonstrated its ability to recover several CRMs which are not essential to their metabolism. Here, we attempt to interconnect the well-established biomethanation process with Li recovery from brines, by analyzing the methanogenic species which may be suitable to grow in brine-like environments and the corresponding mechanism of recovery. Moreover, key factors which should be considered to establish the techno-economic feasibility of this process are here discussed.
Leukotriene signaling as molecular correlate for cognitive heterogeneity in aging: an exploratory study
Authors: Mrowetz Heike , Kotob Mohamed H. , Forster Jennifer , Aydin Iren , Unger Michael Stefan , Lubec Jana , Hussein Ahmed M. , Malikovic Jovana , Feyissa Daniel Daba , Korz Volker , Höger Harald , Lubec Gert , Aigner Ludwig
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Aging is in general associated with a decline in cognitive functions. Looking more closely, there is a huge heterogeneity in the extent of cognitive (dys-)abilities in the aged population. It ranges from the population of resistant, resilient, cognitively unimpaired individuals to patients with severe forms of dementias. Besides the known genetic, environmental and life style factors that shape the cognitive (dys-)abilities in aging, the underlying molecular mechanisms and signals related to cognitive heterogeneity are completely unknown. One putative mechanism underlying cognitive heterogeneity might be neuroinflammation, exerted through microglia, the brain’s innate immune cells, as neuroinflammation is central to brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, leukotrienes (LTs), i.e., small lipid mediators of inflammation produced by microglia along aging and neurodegeneration, got in the focus of geroscience as they might determine cognitive dysfunctions in aging.

Methods

Here, we analyzed the brain’s expression of key components of the LT synthesis pathway, i.e., the expression of 5-lipoxygenase (5-Lox), the key enzyme in LT production, and 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) in young and aged rats. More specifically, we used a cohort of rats, which, although grown up and housed under identical conditions, developed into aged cognitively unimpaired and aged cognitively impaired traits.

Results

Expression of 5-Lox was increased within the brain of aged rats with the highest levels detected in cognitively impaired animals. The number of microglia cells was higher in the aged compared to the young brains with, again, the highest numbers of 5-Lox expressing microglia in the aged cognitively impaired rats. Remarkably, lower cognitive scores in the aged rats associated with higher numbers of 5-Lox positive microglia in the animals. Similar data were obtained for FLAP, at least in the cortex. Our data indicate elevated levels of the LT system in the brain of cognitively impaired animals.

Discussion

We conclude that 5-Lox expressing microglia potentially contribute to the age-related cognitive decline in the brain, while low levels of the LT system might indicate and foster higher cognitive functions and eventually cognitive reserve and resilience in aging.