bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review on Hypertension, Vitamin D and the Role of Vitamin D in Hypertension
Authors: Ahmad Rahnuma , Akter Fatema , Khan Indira Sufia , Naoreen Rifat , Hussain Sadia Farhana , Sultana Mahbuba , Islam Taslima
Published: December 2024

Hypertension is a global public health concern and millions are affected by it. It is multifactorial and initial therapeutic means is to bring about life style changes with consumption of healthy diet and regular exercise. However, despite such changes there are many patients who require pharmacological management. Vitamin D is a micronutrient that has multiple functions like in the regulation of calcium ion and bone metabolism in our body and one such role may be its influence in blood pressure regulation. Lower vitamin D levels may cause rise in Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system(RAAS) and hence aggravate a rise in blood pressure. This narrative review aims to look in to the role of vitamin D in blood pressure control and the possible effect of supplementation in lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The current information related to vitamin D and hypertension was gathered using  online data base like PubMed, Scopus, Google search engine were used to retrieve the required research works. The keywords used to make the search included ‘Vitamin D’ , ‘Hypertension’ , ‘Cholecalciferol’ , ‘Vitamin D and blood pressure’. Vitamin D may be used as adjuvant therapy and large scale future studies are required to assess the role of this nutrient in hypertension.
J Med Coll Women Hosp. 2024; 20 (2): 76-92
Management Inadvertent Hypothermia Perioperative : A Systematic Review
Authors: Yazid Syahrul Abdul , Sriyono Sriyono , Harmayetty Harmayetty
Published: December 2024

Shivering is a common issue experienced by patients during surgery, caused by exposure to cold operating room air. This loss of body heat can make patients uncomfortable and require more oxygen. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the management of shivering and hypothermia based on literature review. A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). The article selection process followed the PICO framework. The population consists of individual patients undergoing surgery with spinal anesthesia. The study included patients who experienced shivering and underwent non-pharmacological interventions for temperature management. Articles published between 2018 and 2024 were searched in four databases: Scopus, EBSCO, ProQuest, and PubMed. The quality of the articles was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) format. The initial search identified 270 articles, which were narrowed down to 12 after removing duplicates and reviewing titles and inclusion criteria. In this study, 1326 individuals undergoing surgery were surveyed. To prevent hypothermia and shivering, several non-pharmacological methods can be used, such as pre-warming using forced-air warming, which increases body temperature. Isothermic irrigation was found to reduce the decrease in core temperature and the incidence of shivering. Preoperative warming can be done for durations of 30, 15, and 10 minutes before induction. To conclude, shivering can be prevented by non-pharmacological methods to increase core body temperature so that it will increase patient comfort during surgery. One of the innovations that can be done is by making warm vests
The Application of Health Education and Pappasang in Promoting Adolescent Social and Emotional Development to Prevent Online Gaming Addiction
Authors: Nurmagandi Boby , Damayanti Risna
Published: December 2024

Excessive online gaming in adolescents can lead to addiction, which may result in cognitive difficulties, social withdrawal, impaired concentration, anxiety, and depression. Preventive measures to prevent online game addiction in adolescents aim to optimize their essential social and emotional development. Preventive measures should provide health education focused on the psychosocial aspects of adolescent social and emotional growth, integrated with Pappasang, a traditional mandate passed down by the ancestors of the Mandar tribe. Unlike general advice, Pappasang emphasizes moral teachings that are expected to be followed. This study aims to evaluate the effect of health education and pappasang on optimizing adolescent psychosocial development. This study used a quasi-experimental method with a one-group pretest-posttest design. The population in this study were students SMAN 2 Majene Regency who regularly played online gaming over the past year. The sample in this study consisted of 57 respondents, selected through purposive sampling. Instruments used included an online gaming knowledge questionnaire, a strength and difficulties questionnaire, and an adolescent psychosocial development booklet on online gaming. Data analysis involved univariate analysis using measures of central tendency and a normality test (saphiro-wilk). Bivariate analysis was conducted using a non-parametric test, specifically Wilcoxon test and the marginal homogeneity test. The results indicated that health education combined with Pappasang effectively enhanced adolescents’ knowledge of social and emotional development, as well as their understanding of online gaming.  Social skills enable adolescents to engage in effective social interactions and seek social support when overcoming problems, while strong emotional skills help them manage their emotions in response to difficulties. Adolescents with well-developed social and emotional competencies are less likely to develop online gaming addiction, because they do not use online games as an escape from the their problems.
Seasonal dynamics of nitrates contents in the superficial and ground waters
Authors: Kanivets S. , Voronko L. , Chabovska A. , Glybovets I. , Korostin O. , Shyhymaha I. , Shcheglova A.
Published: December 2024

It was established that within the Kharkiv highland area in wells and springs that are fed with infiltrated waters and placed directly into or near the towns in spring and autumn there is a double excess of the MCL of nitrates (101.45 mg/dm3 ). Natural biocenosis of rivers and reservoir by anabolic and dissimilation nitrate reduction provide low level of nitrate eutrophication (0.42–1.44 mg/dm3 ). But sewage of towns in particular Kharkiv significantly increase nitrate content in rivers (till 22.88 mg/dm3 ) and decrease the intensity of self-cleaning processes passing. The reasons of accurate season fluctuations of nitrate content in reservoir and soil waters were analyzed. The mechanisms of nitrate conversion in surface and soil waters and in active soil layer and aeration zone profile were considered. The peculiarities of nitrate-ion migration to aquifers and impulsive nitrate saturation of sedimentary overlap were highlighted. Available environmental protection is recommended. The necessity of systematic monitoring research of water is justified.
Evaluation of Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, Co, Ni phytotoxicity by the polarity of their dithizonates and the indicator Ld50
Authors: Ryzhenko N. , Kavetsky V.
Published: December 2024

The new approach of the assessment of metals phytotoxicity by using LD50 and dipole moment of Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, Co, Ni compounds with diphenilthiocarbazone (ditizone) was presented. In this paper we investigate the using of probit analysis for Heavy Metals, namely Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, hazard assessment in turf-podzol sandy loam soil and chernozem soil in the presence of impact pollution. We also investigate the polarity of heavy metals dytizonates. The polarity of metals dytizonates is described by dipole moment (µ). We supposed that polarity of heavy metals dytizonates could have close connection with phytotoxicity. The aim of study was to determine the link between heavy metals phytotoxicity and heavy metals polarity. We applied «doze-effect» model to obtain the ranking of the metals according to their phytotoxicity in spring barley field. We offered to estimate the phytotoxicity by LD50 index. The most phytotoxicity metal was Cd. We obtained the following ranking of the metals Cd > Cu > Ni > Co > > Pb > Zn (turf-podzol sandy loam soil) and Cd > Cu > Ni > Co > Zn > Pb (chernozem soil) according the value of LD50. The least dipole moment (µ) had also Cd. The tight correlation between heavy metals phytotoxicity and their polarity (µ) was obtained (R2 0.74–0.77). We obtained the following ranking of the metals Cu >Cd > Ni > Co> Pb >Zn according the value of polarity (µ). Experimental data were obtained during the period of 1999 to 2006. Therefore, further investigation of influence substances polarity on their toxicity, bioavailability, and mobility can be prominent. Our findings are relevant to estimating the metal hazard and controlling the condition of the crop growth.
Influence of red fox on the number of hunting fauna of agrocenosis in Central Steppe of Ukraine
Authors: Novitsky V. , Landin V. , Matsiboruk P.
Published: December 2024

Population dynamics of hunting fauna of agroecosystems of the Central Forest-steppe of Ukraine in the beginning of XXI century is given. Correlation in the «predator-prey» is described. We confirmed the negative impact of foxes ordinary in relation to populations of European hare (r = 0.791 at p < 0.05) and grey partridge (r = 0.809 at p < 0.05). A threshold density of foxes ordinary (1.5 ind./ha) for the exceeding of which the number of predator acted as a limiting factor (Eav= –2.01; pb < 0.001) in relation to the population of Caucasian pheasant. Based on the research results obtained, we believe that sustained pressure on populations of foxes, hare and gray partridge in the central steppe of Ukraine will take place in the future. Proper long-term researches and counts indicate a gradual shift character of the spatial distribution of these types of large areas of land with intensive agricultural production in around settlement areas and small gardens. Among mentioned animals there is much more diversity of forage and protective conditions including feels less predatory foxes from the press, which for most of these conditions reoriented persecution more affordable food objects, especially not destroyed in the process of extensive farming, small rodents.
Fermentative activity in the leaves of apple trees under the influence of Bacillus thuringiensis strains and Konfidor extra
Authors: Kryzhanivsky A.
Published: December 2024

The effect of biopreparations of insecticidal action based on Bacillus thuringiensis strains and chemical insecticides Konfidor extra VG on enzyme activity of apple leaves is researched. It is established that the biological products positively affect the enzyme activity. Gradual and slight increase of peroxidase activity under the action of biological agents within 2–8 days compared to the control indicates a stimulatory effect bioinsecticides on the enzyme. This phenomenon can be considered as the immunological response of plants to the action of microbiological factor, which stimulates the immune system and increases resistance of the plant, and consequently the physiological state of plants, strengthening the antioxidant system and flomaster plants. The rapid increase palmerolide activity within 6 days after treatment with B. thuringiensis, is manifested as a response of plants to infection by pathogenic microorganism. Processing with Konfidor Extra had a negative impact on the enzyme activity lower compared with controls and did not change palmerolide activity
Scientific and methodological support of comprehensive agrosphere monitoring
Authors: Ridei N. , Kucherenko Iu
Published: December 2024

This article provides the theoretical analysis of conceptual and categorical apparatus of socio-economic-ecological potential for using of different kinds of potentials for determining the qualitative conditions parameters and character of the certain areas due priority of monitoring purposes (social, economic, ecological, etc.) which are limiting the effectiveness of evaluation of chelating ability for territorial development, and diagnostics system-forming potentially attractive opportunities for determining the priority of management decisions about the prospects for their structural and functional organization. There have been developed both structural and logical scheme for impact of integrated (socio-economic-ecological) potential of formation the ecological safety of agrosphere. The analysis of scientific and methodological approaches to socio-economic- ecological monitoring of agrosphere has been made. Purpose, objects and tasks of the work were determined and types of structural and functional scheme for integrated (socio-economic- ecological) monitoring the rural areas were concretized and built. There have been provided analysis for scientific methods of complex monitoring the rural areas due the study of environmental conditions (and situations) as well as their potential for sustainable development of agrosphere. It was systematized scientific and methodological support in the way of evaluation under existing procedures, guidelines and both scientific, methodological issues, such as agrochemical and ecotoxicological, agro-ecological, environmental, socio-economic assessment and sustainable development of agrosphere’s territories.
Morphological characteristics of indoor ornamental plants under the influence of liquid organic fertilizers
Authors: Kornilova N. , Mineralov O. , Vagalyuk L. , Kolesnyk N.
Published: December 2024

The room decorative plants need the best care. Compliance with the conditions for cultivation and storage plants in the room that has the features, risks and limitations — lateral light, dry winter air, inadequate soil, drafts, poor conditions for irrigation and wash the leaves and so on. Particular attention should be paid to nourishment indoor ornamental plants. For normal development of indoor plants requires a balanced mineral and organic nutrition. The purpose of research was to identify the impact of liquid fertilizers, micronutrients balanced on the development of indoor ornamental plants. In article we reviewed the problems of increasing growth and development of indoor ornamental plants in a closed room. We analyzed more than 30 liquid fertilizers with micronutrients registered in Ukraine, a new and balanced composition of liquid fertilizer with trace elements for research on indoor decorative plants of different life forms. Liquid fertilizer with micronutrients well balanced composition has proved to feed plants as in root and under root way. Analysis of the data indicates significant morphological changes of the studied plants. Thus, as a percentage, the increase in leaf and stem under root power in almost all plants exceeded control. The increase in leaf area, only Crassula portulacea Lam. and Murraya paniculata L. responded to this indicator. The investigated plants had the best appearance and habit compared to controls. For the main indicators, liquid compound fertilizer with micronutrients balanced composition is highly effective and ecologically fertilizing means that you can recommend to deliver a wide use in the practice of growing indoor ornamental plants.
Reaction of winter wheat seedlings on the effect of trace elements (Cu2+, Zn2+, Na2+) in terms of water culture
Authors: Zablotska O. , Opanaschuk N.
Published: December 2024

The analysis of the latest published works concerning the growth indices of winter wheat sprouts influenced by heavy metals has been carried out. The results of the research of cuprum, zinc and nickel ions (in molar concentration from 0.5 to 50.0 micromole per litre) influence on the growth and development of winter wheat crops in the conditions of water cultures are suggested. The generic peculiarities of wheat reaction to the increase of molar concentrations of theses heavy metals are singled out. The growth stimulating (Cu2+, Zn2+) and growth inhibiting (Cu2+, Ni2+) ion concentrations for the growth of crop roots and sprouts are defined. The winter wheat crops’ root and sprout indices and their average value are calculated in the frameworks of the concentrations researched. The comparison of winter wheat sustainability to the phytotoxic action of Cu2+, Zn2+ and Ni2+ ions is carried out. It has been proved that the molar concentrations of the ions mentioned from 0.5 to 50.0 micromole per litre are not lethal for wheat.
Screening of phytoviruses in forest ecosystems and adjacent areas
Authors: Boyko A. , Opryshko N. , Boyko O. , Tarasenko G. , Orlovskiy A. , Orlovskaya G. , Moroz V.
Published: December 2024

For the first time were carried out comprehensive studies of viruses of forestland plants, shrubs, mushrooms (Basidiomycetes), finding pathogens in soil, wastewater and herbaceous vegetation. The plants of adjacent agrocenosis, rural residential and natural areas were analyzed on virus carrying. In this paper we used such methods as electron microscopy, the method of intracellular inclusions revealing, ELISA, Ouchterlony analysis, indicator plants, computer support (microscope — object — monitor).
Acupuncture for hormonal readiness and gut microbiota in obese polycystic ovary syndrome: an open-label, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wu Tianyu , Xu Guixing , Hong Xiaojuan , Fan Huaying , Zeng Jiuzhi , Liu Yu , Hu Jinqun , Liang Fanrong , Yang Jie , Chen Jiao
Published: December 2024

Objective

To explore whether acupuncture combined with clomiphene can reduce the luteinizing hormone-to follicle-stimulating hormone ratio and impact the gut microbiota in patients with obese polycystic ovary syndrome.

Methods

This open-label, randomized, parallel-group controlled trial included 86 women aged 20–40 years with obese polycystic ovary syndrome and 19 healthy controls. Participants were randomly assigned to either an acupuncture combined with clomiphene group or a clomiphene-only group, with a healthy control group for comparison. The treatment lasted three menstrual cycles, with acupuncture administered three times weekly and clomiphene given daily from day five of menstruation for five consecutive days per cycle. The primary outcome was the change in the luteinizing hormone-to-follicle-stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) ratio. Secondary outcomes included levels of other sex hormones, glucose and lipid metabolism parameters, self-rating anxiety and depression scale scores, and gut microbiota composition.

Results

Intention-to-treat analysis showed that the adjusted mean luteinizing hormone-to follicle-stimulating hormone ratio decrease was -0.8 (95% CI: -1.14 to -0.46) in the acupuncture combined with clomiphene group and -0.22 (95% CI: -0.47 to 0.01) in the clomiphene group. The adjusted between-group difference was 0.53 (95% CI: 0.24 to 0.82, p < 0.001). The levels of Agathobacter faecis increased, and those of Erysipelatoclostridium spiroforme, Streptococcus lutetiensis, and Lactococcus lactis decreased after acupuncture combined with clomiphene treatment (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Acupuncture combined with clomiphene may be safe and effective, reduce the luteinizing hormone-to follicle-stimulating hormone ratio, and improve insulin resistance in obese polycystic ovary syndrome, and these outcomes may be related to the gut microbiota.
Evaluation of the MDM-score system for screening mitochondrial diabetes mellitus in newly diagnosed diabetes patients: a multi-center cohort study in China
Authors: Ma Fuhui , Zhao Jing , Chen Yan , Luo Yunzhi , Du Yuxuan , Li Xia , Xu Tao , Zhou Zhiguang , Zhou Kaixin , Guo Yanying
Published: December 2024

Objective

To evaluate the performance of MDM-score system in screening for mitochondrial diabetes mellitus (MDM) with m.3243A>G mutation in newly diagnosed diabetes.

Methods

From 2015 to 2017, we recruited 5130 newly diagnosed diabetes patients distributed in 46 hospitals in China. Their DNA samples were subjected to targeted sequencing of 37 genes, including the mitochondrial m.3243A>G mutation. Based on this cohort, we analyzed the clinical characteristics of MDM and type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and evaluated the overall efficacy of the MDM-score through ROC curve analysis.

Results

MDM patients were diagnosed at a younger age (P =0.002) than T2DM patients. They also had a higher proportion of females, lower body mass index, lower height, lower weight, lower systolic blood pressure, and lower fasting C-peptide (P < 0.05). Among 48 MDM patients, the m.3243A>G heteroplasmy level was higher in MDM score ≥ 3 than in MDM score < 3 (P = 0.0281). There were 23 cases with MDM-score ≥ 3 in clinical T2DM, with an AUC of 0.612 (95% CI: 0.540-0.683, P <0.001) on ROC curve analysis, yielding sensitivity of 47.9%, specificity of 74.4%, positive predictive value of 1.9%, and negative predictive value of 99.3%. This suggests that almost half of MDM patients can be identified by the MDM score system.

Conclusions

The MDM-score is effective for screening MDM in newly diagnosed clinical T2DM, and some metrics may help to improve its performance in the future, thereby assisting clinicians in identifying suitable patients for genetic testing, and preventing misdiagnosis and mismanagement of MDM patients.
A hybrid sparse identification and convolutional neural network framework for renewable energy forecasting
Authors: He Junchi , Tian Tian , Wu Yaqing , Liu Xiaolu , Wei Mengli
Published: December 2024

In the field of renewable energy, accurate long-term time series forecasting is crucial for optimizing the operation of power systems and reducing risks. Due to the intermittency of renewable energy sources, traditional data-driven deep learning methods face challenges in capturing long-term dependencies. This paper proposes a hybrid model that combines Sparse Identification (SI) with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) to enhance the interpretability and generalization of predictions. The SI method is utilized to extract trends, seasonality, and periodicity, while the deep neural network captures complex relationships. Experimental results demonstrate that the model exhibits high accuracy and practicality in forecasting new energy scenario data, contributing to the advancement of time series prediction methodologies.
Numerical simulation on CO2 geology storage based on transient electromagnetic theory
Authors: Yang Haiyan , Sun Menglang , Zhao Haibo , Mohamed Koulibaly , Xu Yunlei , Che Rongqi , Li Zhenyang
Published: December 2024

Carbon capture and its storage is widely recognized as one of the primary approaches for reducing anthropogenic carbon emissions. The role of geophysical investigation is then for the selection of a suitable site for the geological storage of CO2 and the monitoring of the injection and storage process. The monitoring of the dynamic process can both detect leakage and minimize leakage potentials. To achieve this goal, this paper suggested the use of transient electromagnetic 3D finite-difference method to help realize the geospatial quantification of in-situ CO2. First, the horizontal model and the deep saline aquifer inclined were developed to analyze the low resistivity response which is the characteristic of typical aquifers. Second, the geoelectrical modeling which demonstrates the changes at the time of the CO2 injection, can be used to examine the temporal variations in subsurface resistivity. Thus, the impact to the volumetric changes due to the CO2 injection can be quantified. The significance of the results of this study confirmed the potential of the development of efficient dynamic monitoring and boundary delineation strategies for CO2 geological storage. Finally, a geoelectrical model for leakage has been established to investigate the likely changes in the resistivity of the subsurface strata because of CO2 leakage, which is reflected in the transient electromagnetic response patterns along with the leakage paths. This contributes to the monitoring of CO2 leakage in real time as well as detecting the location of leakage. This paper provided the theorical support of the transient electromagnetic method which has the potential to capture the dynamic diffusion process of CO2 storage in a deep saline aquifer. Furthermore, it could be used to an efficient monitor of CO2 leakage and identify the leakage paths.
TMT environmental cognition and greenwashing behavior: evidence from Chinese firms
Authors: Jia-Wen Zou , Miaoshuo
Published: December 2024

The influencing factors of corporate greenwashing have consistently captivated scholarly attention. Drawing from Upper Echelons Theory and Strategic Recognition Theory, this study proposes that the green cognition of top management plays a critical role in shaping greenwashing practices. Furthermore, it is argued that this relationship may be moderated by factors such as political connections and the stringency of environmental regulations. To clarify these issues, this study utilizes a panel model with samples of Chinese listed firms that contain fundamental data and variables from 2012 to 2020. The results show that: 1) TMT environmental cognition restrain greenwashing behavior significantly by promoting genuine environmental efforts. 2) The inhibitory effect of TMT environmental cognition on greenwashing behavior is more pronounced in firms without political connections than those with political connections. 3) TMT environmental cognition has a significantly positive impact on environmental disclosure scores for private owned or political connection firms, except for state-owned or no political connection firms. 4) The level of political connection of firms and the intensity of environmental regulations have respectively strengthened or weakened the link between TMT environmental cognition and greenwashing behavior.
Synergistic-development of economy, resources, and environment in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and its obstacles: a new sustainable framework
Authors: Yu Chengxue , Zheng Hongbo , Guo Guangzhen
Published: December 2024

In recent years, the swift expansion of urban agglomerations has given rise to a profusion of resource and environmental challenges, intensifying the prominent conflict between the imperatives of sustainable development and economic pursuits. This paper clarifies the intricate connection and synergistic dynamics among the economy, resources, and the environment, with the aim of determining their collective influence on the sustainable trajectory of urban agglomerations. Focusing on the exemplary case of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, this paper utilizes panel data ranging from 2006 to 2020 to disentangle the spatial-temporal subtleties and obstacles hindering the harmonious development of its economy-resource-environment trinity. Firstly, it integrates the coupling coordination mechanism within the DPSR (Driving Force, Pressure, States, and Response) analytical framework to create a novel sustainable development paradigm. Secondly, it builds a comprehensive evaluation index system to measure the spatial-temporal evolution of the economic-resource-environmental matrix within Greater Bay Area. And thirdly, by employing an obstacle degree model, this paper identifies key obstacles that impede the coordinated progress of the economic-resource-environmental nexus in Greater Bay Area. Lastly, it highlights a continuous upward trajectory in the spatial-temporal evolution of Greater Bay Area, marked by decreasing variations in coupling degrees and enhanced inter-connectivity among the constituent elements. This paper not only provides insights into the complex dynamics shaping urban agglomerations, but also offers actionable intelligence to navigate the multifaceted challenges associated with sustainable development endeavors.
Environmental regulation and environmental equality: the role of green finance and the digital economy
Authors: Chen Ziyi , Zhuang Guoya , Li Feifei
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Environmental issues are related to the physical health and welfare level of all human beings, and the mandatory and dominant nature of environmental regulation (ER) effectively solves the difficult problem of unequal environmental obligations and gives impetus to improving environmental equality.

Methods

Therefore, based on a sample of 238 prefecture-level cities in China between 2011 and 2020, this paper empirically examines the mechanism and effect of ER intensity on environmental fairness using the Gini coefficient and the Theil index. In addition, this paper further tests the mechanisms of mediating influence and moderating effect of ER on environmental equality.

Results

The results of the study found that (1) On the basis of mitigating endogenous problems such as adopting instrumental variable strategies, the increase in the intensity of ER has a significant contribution to the realization of environmental equality. (2) ER contributes to the realization of environmental equality through the green innovation transformation effect, which is more pronounced in innovative regions. (3) The level of development of green finance and the digital economy, as an important instrumental approach to promoting sustainable development, can strengthen the path of environmental policy to mitigate environmental inequality.

Discussion

This paper provides suggestions and insights for promoting the implementation of government environmental policies, enhancing the digital transformation of economic development, and promoting the construction of a society-wide green equality system.
Genetic manipulation of bacteriophage T4 utilizing the CRISPR-Cas13b system
Authors: Bhoobalan-Chitty Yuvaraj , Stouf Mathieu , De Paepe Marianne
Published: December 2024

CRISPR-Cas type II and type V systems are inefficient in modifying bacteriophage T4 genome, due to hypermodification of its DNA. Here, we present a genome editing technique for bacteriophage T4 using the type VI CRISPR-Cas system. Using BzCas13b targeting of T4 phage, we were able to individually delete both T4 glucosyl transferase genes, α-gt and β-gt. Furthermore, we employed this method to mutate two conserved residues within the T4 DNA polymerase and to introduce the yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) coding sequence into T4 phage genome, enabling us to visualize phage infections. This T4 genome editing protocol was optimized to generate recombinant phages within a 6-hour timescale. Finally, spacers homologous to a variety of T4 genes were used to study the generality of Cas13b targeting, revealing important variability in targeting efficiency. Overall, this method constitutes a rapid and effective means of generating specific T4 phage mutants, which could be extended to other T4-like phages.
A comprehensive analysis of vasculogenic mimicry related genes to predict the survival rate of HCC and its influence on the tumor microenvironment
Authors: Wang Jingyun , Gao Rong , Qi Jian , Xing Yingru , Hong Bo , Wang Hongzhi , Nie Jinfu
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Investigate the predictive value of Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) related genes for the survival and prognosis of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients and its role in the tumor microenvironment (TME).

Methods

VM-related genes were obtained from previous literature, the expression profiles, single-cell data and clinical information of HCC patients were downloaded from public databases. The HCC patients were divided into different clusters by unsupervised clustering, the differences in prognosis and immune characteristics of VM-related clusters were analyzed. A prognostic model related to VM (VM Score) was constructed based on LASSO regression and univariate and multivariate Cox regression, the correlation between this model and chemotherapy drugs and immunotherapy was studied. Seurat package was used to standardize single-cell data for single-cell level analysis. The expression of risk factors in VM Score was verified by RT-qPCR.

Results

VM Score composed of SPP1, ADAMTS5 and ZBP1 was constructed and validated. VM Score was an independent prognostic factor for HCC. Through the analysis of single cell data further reveals the VM Score influence on TME. In addition, VM Score could provide ideas for the selection of immunotherapy and chemotherapy drugs. RT-qPCR showed that the expression of risk factors was different in HCC cell lines.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that VM Score may serve as a promising prognostic biomarker for HCC and provide new ideas for immunotherapy in HCC patients.
Comparing newly developed SNP barcode panels with microsatellites to explore population genetics of malaria parasites in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: Cabrera-Sosa Luis , Safarpour Mahdi , Kattenberg Johanna Helena , Ramirez Roberson , Vinetz Joseph M. , Rosanas-Urgell Anna , Gamboa Dionicia , Delgado-Ratto Christopher
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Malaria molecular surveillance (MMS) can provide insights into transmission dynamics, guiding national control programs. We previously designed AmpliSeq assays for MMS, which include different traits of interest (resistance markers and pfhrp2/3 deletions), and SNP barcodes to provide population genetics estimates of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum parasites in the Peruvian Amazon. The present study compares the genetic resolution of the barcodes in the AmpliSeq assays with widely used microsatellite (MS) panels to investigate population genetics of Amazonian malaria parasites.

Methods

We analyzed 51 P. vivax and 80 P. falciparum samples from three distinct areas in the Loreto region of the Peruvian Amazon: Nueva Jerusalén (NJ), Mazan (MZ), and Santa Emilia (SE). Population genetics estimates and costs were compared using the SNP barcodes (P. vivax: 40 SNPs and P. falciparum: 28 SNPs) and MS panels (P. vivax: 16 MS and P. falciparum: 7 MS).

Results

The P. vivax genetic diversity (expected heterozygosity, He) trends were similar for both markers: HeMS = 0.68–0.78 (p > 0.05) and HeSNP = 0.36–0.38 (p > 0.05). P. vivax pairwise genetic differentiation (fixation index, FST) was also comparable: FST-MS = 0.04–0.14 and FST-SNP = 0.03–0.12 (pairwise p > 0.05). In addition, P. falciparum genetic diversity trends (HeMS = 0–0.48, p < 0.05; HeSNP = 0–0.09, p < 0.05) and pairwise FST comparisons (FST-MS = 0.14–0.65, FST-SNP = 0.19–0.61, pairwise p > 0.05) were concordant between both panels. For P. vivax, no geographic clustering was observed with any panel, whereas for P. falciparum, similar population structure clustering was observed with both markers, assigning most parasites from NJ to a distinct subpopulation from MZ and SE. We found significant differences in detecting polyclonal infections: for P. vivax, MS identified a higher proportion of polyclonal infections than SNP (69% vs. 33%, p = 3.3 × 10−5), while for P. falciparum, SNP and MS detected similar rates (46% vs. 31%, p = 0.21). The AmpliSeq assay had a higher estimated per-sample cost compared to MS ($183 vs. $27–49).

Discussion

The SNP barcodes in the AmpliSeq assays offered comparable results to MS for investigating population genetics in P. vivax and P. falciparum populations, despite some discrepancies in determining polyclonality. Given both panels have their respective advantages and limitations, the choice between both should be guided by research objectives, costs, and resource availability.
Magnitude of non-communicable disease screening and factors associated with awareness among reproductive age women in Gofa and Basketo zones, Southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Domba Markos Manote , Argefa Terefe Gelibo , Gizaw Abraham Tamirat , Bitew Abewa Kebede
Published: December 2024

Background

The burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) increasing at an alarming rate in Ethiopia. NCDs affect reproductive-age women and cause significant threats to future generations. Screening is an important aspect leading to early diagnosis, treatment and preventing the risk of complications and future mortality. However, less attention has been paid in the post-pandemic era of COVID-19. Therefore, this study aims to assess awareness of NCD screening and associated factors among reproductive-age women in the Gofa and Basketo zones.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study design was undertaken, employing a multistage cluster sampling method to select participants from the designated zones. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Associations were deemed statistically significant if the p-value was ≤0.05.

Results

The awareness level for screening NCDs among women was found to be 54.8%. Specifically, the percentages for awareness of hypertension (HTN), diabetes, cervical cancer, and breast cancer screenings were 52.7%, 42.4%, 38.1%, and 34.8% respectively. However, the study revealed that only 43.0%, 9.4%, 16.2%, and 20.7% of the participants had undergone screening for HTN, diabetes, breast cancer, and cervical cancer respectively. High awareness of NCD screening was significantly associated with urban residence (AOR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.63, 1.73), Gofa zone residence (AOR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.95, 2.13), being able to read and write (AOR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.11), having primary (AOR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.09, 1.16) and secondary school education (AOR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.14), being in the age group of 25–34 (AOR: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.41, 1.49) and ≥35 years (AOR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.26), being married (AOR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.16, 1.35) and single women (AOR: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.43), government employees (AOR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.54, 1.77), having larger family sizes (>4) (AOR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.12) and having a family member diagnosed with NCD (AOR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.11, 1.22).

Conclusions

Nearly half of the study population had no awareness of NCD screening and the vast majority had poor screening practice. Strengthening the provision of behavioral change communication strategies through trained health professionals based on the audience's segmentation by age, educational and economic status is needed.
Effects of prolonged oxytetracycline supplementation on freshwater stinging catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis): a multi-biomarker approach
Authors: Choudhary Pushpa , Naik Saisweta P. , Sahoo Sameer Ranjan , Das Rakesh , Sahoo Satya Narayan , Panda Satyen Kumar , Abraham Thangapalam Jawahar , Patil Prasanna Kumar , Swain Priyabrat , Mishra Sudhansu Sekhar
Published: December 2024

Background

Aquaculture systems that sporadically depend on antibiotics can contribute to the development of adverse effects on the fish, microbial flora and the environment. This study sought to investigate the impacts of extended oxytetracycline supplementation on the freshwater stinging catfish Heteropneustes fossilis through a multi-biomarker approach.

Methods

A total of 300 H. fossilis (20 ± 0.5 g) were placed in fibreglass-reinforced plastic tanks. The experimental fish were administered oxytetracycline hydrochloride (OTC) at varying doses, viz., 80 mg/kg fish biomass/day (1x), 240 mg (3x), 400 mg (5x), and 800 mg (10x) for 30 consecutive days. The study also included a control group that did not receive OTC.

Results

OTC was effective against Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas putida, and Plesiomonas shigelloides, with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging between 0.5 and 8.0 µg/mL. The OTC supplementation retarded the growth of fish. The respiratory burst activity, myeloperoxidase, and lysozyme increased significantly in the 1x group until day 20. This group showed an increase in serum albumin, whereas other OTC groups exhibited elevated levels of liver functional enzymes, including alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. In addition, OTC groups exhibited increased levels of antioxidant enzymes. The magnitude of the increase was dose- and time-dependent. The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) study signified a dose-dependent increase in OTC residues in the muscle. After a 10-day discontinuation of OTC, the tissue level retention of residues was minimal in the muscle, specifically in the 1x group compared to other groups. Significant histological alterations were noted in the liver tissues of the 5x and 10x groups, possibly due to oxidative stress and residue accretion.

Conclusion

The therapeutic dose of 80 mg/kg biomass/day was safe and tolerated well by H. fossilis, and may be used for sustainable catfish farming practices.
MVA-based SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates encoding different spike protein conformations induce distinct early transcriptional responses which may impact subsequent adaptive immunity
Authors: Grewe Ilka , Friedrich Monika , Dieck Marie-Louise , Spohn Michael , Ly My Linh , Krähling Verena , Mayer Leonie , Mellinghoff Sibylle C. , Rottstegge Monika , Kraemer Rebekka , Volz Asisa , Becker Stephan , Fathi Anahita , Dahlke Christine , Weskamm Leonie M. , Addo Marylyn M.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Vaccine platforms such as viral vectors and mRNA can accelerate vaccine development in response to newly emerging pathogens, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the differential effects of platform and antigen insert on vaccine immunogenicity remain incompletely understood. Innate immune responses induced by viral vector vaccines are suggested to have an adjuvant effect for subsequent adaptive immunity. Integrating data on both innate and adaptive immunity, systems vaccinology approaches can improve the understanding of vaccine-induced immune mechanisms.

Methods

Two vaccine candidates against SARS-CoV-2, both based on the viral vector Modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) and encoding the native (MVA-SARS-2-S) or prefusion-stabilized spike protein (MVA-SARS-2-ST), were evaluated in phase 1 clinical trials (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04569383, NCT04895449). Longitudinal dynamics of innate and early adaptive immune responses induced by vaccination in SARS-CoV-2-naïve individuals were analyzed based on transcriptome and flow cytometry data, in comparison to the licensed ChAd and mRNA vaccines.

Results

Compared to MVA-SARS-2-S, MVA-SARS-2-ST (encoding the prefusion-stabilized spike protein) induced a stronger transcriptional activation early after vaccination, as well as higher virus neutralizing antibodies. Positive correlations were observed between innate and adaptive immune responses induced by a second MVA-SARS-2-ST vaccination. MVA-, ChAd- and mRNA-based vaccines induced distinct immune signatures, with the overall strongest transcriptional activation as well as monocyte and circulating T follicular helper (cTFH) cell responses induced by ChAd.

Discussion

Our findings suggest a potential impact of the spike protein conformation not only on adaptive but also on innate immune responses. As indicated by positive correlations between several immune parameters induced by MVA-SARS-2-ST, the distinct transcriptional activation early after vaccination may be linked to the induction of classical monocytes and activation of cTFH1 cells, which may in turn result in the superior adaptive immunogenicity of MVA-SARS-2-ST, compared to MVA-SARS-2-S. Overall, our data demonstrate that both the vaccine platform and antigen insert can affect innate immune responses and subsequent vaccine immunogenicity in humans.
Predicting airway immune responses and protection from immune parameters in blood following immunization in a pig influenza model
Authors: Gubbins Simon , Paudyal Basudev , Dema Barbara , Vats Ashutosh , Ulaszewska Marta , Vatzia Eleni , Tchilian Elma , Gilbert Sarah C.
Published: December 2024

Whereas the intranasally delivered influenza vaccines used in children affect transmission of influenza virus in the community as well as reducing illness, inactivated influenza vaccines administered by intramuscular injection do not prevent transmission and have a variable, sometimes low rate of vaccine effectiveness. Although mucosally administered vaccines have the potential to induce more protective immune response at the site of viral infection, quantitating such immune responses in large scale clinical trials and developing correlates of protection is challenging. Here we show that by using mathematical models immune responses measured in the blood after delivery of vaccine to the lungs by aerosol can predict immune responses in the respiratory tract in pigs. Additionally, these models can predict protection from influenza virus challenge despite lower levels of blood responses following aerosol immunization. However, the inclusion of immune responses measured in nasal swab eluates did not improve the predictive power of the model. Our models are an important first step, providing proof of principle that it is feasible to predict immune responses and protection in pigs. This approach now provides a path to develop correlates of protection for mucosally delivered vaccines in samples that are easily accessed in clinical trials.
Dissecting the functions and regulatory mechanisms of disulfidoptosis-related RPN1 in pan-cancer: modulation of immune microenvironment and cellular senescence
Authors: Qin Lexin , Liang Tingting , Zhang Hailong , Gong Xian , Wei Meidan , Song Xiangrong , Hu Yaoyu , Zhu Xinyu , Hu Wentao , Li Jianxiang , Wang Jin
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Cancer’s inherent heterogeneity, marked by diverse genetic and molecular alterations, presents significant challenges for developing effective treatments. One such alteration is the regulation of disulfidoptosis, a recently discovered programmed cell death pathway. RPN1, a key regulator associated with disulfidoptosis, may influence various aspects of tumor biology, including immune evasion and cellular senescence. This study aims to dissect the role of RPN1 in pan-cancer and its potential as a therapeutic target.

Methods

We employed a pan-cancer analysis to explore RPN1 expression and its association with clinical outcomes across multiple tumor types. Immune cell infiltration and expression of immune checkpoint genes were analyzed in relation to RPN1. Additionally, cellular senescence markers were assessed in RPN1 knockdown tumor cells. Gene regulatory mechanisms were studied through gene copy number variations, DNA methylation analysis, and transcriptional regulation by SP1.

Results

RPN1 is overexpressed in a wide range of tumor types and correlates with poor clinical outcomes, including overall survival, disease-specific survival, and progression-free intervals. Our analysis shows that RPN1 is involved in immune evasion, correlating with the presence of myeloid dendritic cells, macrophages, and tumor-associated fibroblasts, and influencing T-cell activity. RPN1 knockdown led to reduced tumor cell proliferation and induced cellular senescence, marked by increased senescence-associated biomarkers and β-galactosidase activity. RPN1 expression was found to be regulated by gene copy number variations, reduced DNA methylation, and transcriptional control via SP1.

Discussion

These findings highlight RPN1 as a key pan-cancer regulator, influencing immune microenvironment interactions and cellular senescence. The regulation of disulfidoptosis by RPN1 presents a promising avenue for therapeutic intervention. Targeting RPN1 could enhance immunotherapy efficacy and help mitigate tumor progression, offering a potential strategy for cancer treatment.