bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
USER GENERATED CONTENT ANALYSIS AND MARKETING STRATEGIES AND THEIR IMPLICATIONS IN THE EXISTENCE OF AIR PHILM (Case Study: KKN Film in Danari Village)
Authors: Nabilahpurba Nabilahpurba , Lubis Fauzi Arif , Nurbaiti Nurbaiti
Published: February 2024

The research aims to analyze the extent to which the role of user generated content in developing marketing strategies as Internet technology progresses as well as the implications of the application of user-generated content into the existence of home films. The research method used is a qualitative method with a descriptive scale that uses a case study approach. Data collection in this study was obtained through the observation of literature sources and other documentation related to consumer interest in making purchasing decisions. The results show that user generated content plays an important role in developing a business strategy. This is proved by the expression of a film producer who has already received very satisfactory results. The User Generated Content strategy has become a strategy that has a major impact on film production because User generated content plays an active role in its promotion process. Some important roles of user generated content are: 1) Increase traffic organically 2) More consumer confidence 3) Save costs. And the implication is being able to introduce the existence of a hometown film with a short duration of time that is able to make a lot of people feel curious to watch the movie.
The Importance of Strategic Planning for Farmers and Ranchers
Authors: Van Tassell Larry
Published: February 2024

Planning, or more specifically, strategic planning, is a process of defining long-term goals and objectives of an organization and determining the best course of action to achieve them. It involves such steps as defining the current situation, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and developing a plan of action to take advantage of opportunities and overcome challenges. Parsons (2018) outlined six key components of a business plan and why a farm or ranch should make the effort to develop a business plan.
Examining Individual Versus Group Exercise Preference Among Maltese Gym-Goers
Authors: Agius Gabriel , Calleja Paul , Muscat-Inglott Matthew
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a study of exercise behaviours among Maltese gym users where it seeks to understand what factors govern choices among gym users to exercise either alone or in a group. It is argued that being able to predict the propensity to exercise alone or in a group presents an opportunity for fitness providers to organise their efforts more efficiently in the broader context of contributing to improving public health and, therefore, possibly providing a more relevant gym product. Exercise and fitness literature highlights various factors likely to influence participants’ proclivities to exercise solo or in a group, including motivation, competitiveness, sporting background, age, and gender. To explore the possible influences of such factors in the Maltese context, a cross-sectional survey was carried out via an online questionnaire, which was analysed statistically using logistic regression. This was conducted by first incorporating the above factors with a propensity to exercise alone or in a group as the dependent binary outcome. Finally, a most parsimonious model was applied following a stepwise iterated process of factor elimination. The results show that gender and age were the most significant predictors of training modality, with being male increasing the likelihood of engaging in solo gym exercise behaviour by over five times. Increased age was also a significant predictor of exercising alone. We present a discussion of the findings in terms of exercise and fitness service provision, as well as broader issues related to the interaction between gym culture and gender norms.
High School Students Mental Health Support and Treatment via Mental Health Clinic
Authors: Boonboot Kobkaew , Khamkaew Suthee , Moonphol Chidapan
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to determine high school students' mental health concerns and to show what a psychologist and guidance teachers can do to help students with mental health challenges be most successful of grade 7-12 students and students’ parents in the academic years of 2018-2022 at Wat Phrasrimahadhat Secondary Demonstration School, Phranakhon Rajabhat University, Thailand. The instrument was the consultation record, which kept all records of the participants by the psychologist and the guidance teacher at the mental health clinic. The psychologist and guidance teacher developed the consultation records based on the functional patterns. The results were interpreted, categorized, and tabulated on computer sheets. The findings revealed that there were 82 cases from 2018-2022 in which the mental health clinic provided a range of mental health services. Most mental health concerns were low self-esteem (18 cases), depression or withdrawal (16 cases) and anxiety (10 cases), respectively. Moreover, after going to the mental health clinic, a psychologist could help students and students’ parents work through such mental health problems, accounting for 62 cases out of 82. 11 cases were still to continue sessions with a psychologist. Besides, nine cases were transferred to the specialist in the hospital based on the parents’ permission.
Parrots, Princes, and Popes: Translatio Imperii in Jean Clouet’s Portrait of Francis I as St. John the Baptist
Authors: DuVall Emily
Published: February 2024

At first glance, a green parrot featured in Jean Clouet’s Portrait of François Ier as St. John the Baptist appears out of place. The parrot was a prized import that graced Europe upon Alexander the Great’s victorious return from the Persian Empire and India. Why is this foreign bird exhibited in a sixteenth-century French royal portrait? Repeated in a portrait of François’ sister, it becomes apparent that the green parrot was no casual inclusion. François’ green parrot contains a complex visual message. Considering the implications of the parrot and the ambitions of François, this paper will argue that the appearance of this particular bird served to glorify and endorse a new branch of the royal House of Valois.
A Genetic Algorithm-based Decision Framework to Incorporate Climate Impact on Pavement Maintenance Planning
Authors: Madushani Sachini , Sandamal Kelum , Rangajeewa Tharindu
Published: February 2024

A recent trend of increase in the vulnerable behavior of roads to potential climate events is observed worldwide. However, a few studies conducted incorporate climate impact into road maintenance and rehabilitation. To address this, a genetic algorithm (GA) based optimization approach is proposed in this study with a climate risk index (CRI) in terms of criticality of roads, probability of occurrence of a climate event, and existing severity level of pavement. Criticality is defined by road functional class, availability of alternative routes and land use. Probability is determined by historical events and topography, while severity is defined by existing pavement condition. The CRI is incorporated as a generic constraint to the GA-based optimization model to maximize the average network condition under a given budget. To demonstrate this, a case study is conducted using twenty roads in different climatic conditions in Sri Lanka. The results show that in 25% and 50% of required total budget conditions there is a clear separation between priority roads IRI and non-priority roads IRI due to the generic constraint. This is an indication that the optimization model effectively prioritizes roads when there is a budget constraint. This concludes that the proposed approach can be utilized to make the most of the available budget for road maintenance by prioritizing roads that are highly vulnerable to climate events without compromising the overall network condition. Further, the proposed maintenance optimization approach can be extended to long term maintenance planning economically for developing countries.
Corticosteroid-induced hyperglycemia
Authors: Ferreira Yasmim Berni , Júca Neto José de Ribamar Barroso , Duarte Filho Fernando Barroso , Vasconcelos Fernanda Alice Silva , Mesquita Raian Oliveira , Campelo Ana Paula Bomfim Soares , Campelo Marcio Wilker Soares
Published: February 2024

Glucocorticoids are medications of wide medical use, notably due to their known anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, fluctuations in glycemic indexes stand out as risk factors for clinical and surgical complications, mortality and increased hospital stay. The study consists of an integrative and descriptive literature review, through the PUBMED platform with the following keywords: “Hyperglycemia”, “Glucocorticoid” and “Induce”, in the last 12 years and aims to gather and unify information regarding the understanding and clinical and therapeutic management of hyperglycemia induced by the use of corticosteroids and corticogenic diabetes. The fluctuation in glycemic indexes with the use of corticosteroid therapy is an imbalance between the increase in insulin resistance and the inhibition of insulin production and secretion at the pancreatic cellular level. Screening for Diabetes Mellitus in patients on corticosteroid therapy is based on consensus in the literature with a plasma glucose level above 125 mg/dL, any capillary measurement above 200 mg/dL, HbA1c> 6.5% or oral tolerance test glucose above 200mg/dL after 2 hours. The main glycemic target is capillary blood glucose between 108-180 mg/dL and in cases of initiating therapeutic approaches for hospital management of glycemic fluctuations, the use of insulin therapy is chosen. Hyperglycemia induced by the use of corticosteroids is a topic that has been gaining prominence in the medical scenario, despite the lack of studies that uniformly protocol the approach to patients when this scenario is confirmed, with the aim of reducing the risks associated with hospitalization.
Thermally enhanced solid–liquid separation process in food waste biorefinery: modelling the anaerobic digestion of solid residues
Authors: Gallipoli Agata , Angelini Francesca , Angelini Stefania , Braguglia Camilla Maria , Montecchio Daniele , Tonanzi Barbara , Gianico Andrea
Published: February 2024

The biochemical valorization potential of food waste (FW) could be exploited by extracting decreasing added-value bio-based products and converting the final residues into energy. In this context, multi-purpose and versatile schemes integrating thermal and biochemical conversion processes will play a key role. An upstream thermal pretreatment + solid-liquid separation unit was here proposed to optimize the conversion of the liquid fraction of FW into valuable chemicals through semi-continuous fermentation process, and the conversion of the residual solid fraction into biomethane through anaerobic digestion. The solid residues obtained after thermal pretreatment presented a higher soluble COD fraction, which resulted in higher methane production with respect to the raw residues (0.33 vs. 0.29 Nm3CH4 kg-1VSfed) and higher risk of acidification and failure of methanogenesis when operating at lower HRT (20d). On the contrary, at HRT = 40 d, the pretreatment did not affect the methane conversion rates and both tests evidenced similar methane productions of 0.33 Nm3CH4 kg-1VSfed. In the reactor fed with pretreated residue, the association of hydrogenotrophic methanogens with syntrophic bacteria prevented the acidification of the system. Modelling proved the eligibility of the FW solid residues as substrates for anaerobic digestion, given their small inert fractions that ranged between 0% and 30% of the total COD content.
A biofuels outlook for the U.S. and Brazil and what it might mean for sustainable development goal 7
Authors: Whistance Jarrett , Debnath Deepayan , Thompson Wyatt
Published: February 2024

Sustainable Development goals set out at the United Nations with broad support include targets relating to food security, energy access, and the environment. Some national policies have turned to renewable fuels to achieve energy and environmental goals, with biofuel use mandates applied in countries that account for significant market shares. However, the context in which the development goals were set and these biofuel policies put in place might differ from current and future conditions. The scope for biofuel expansion might be restrained by technical limits on blending rates, slower future growth in transportation energy demand after the pandemic, and the interactions with feedstock and other agricultural commodity markets, which could take different forms given larger biofuel volumes and other changes. Considering the expected policies and broader context, this study provides a 10-year outlook for biofuel use, production, feedstock demands, and other related variables with a primary focus on the United States and Brazil. We find scope for increasing biofuel use in both countries, particularly for biomass-based diesel, in the projection period and growing displacement of petroleum product-related greenhouse gas emissions, which is consistent with sustainable development goal seven.
Development of an activatable far-red fluorescent probe for rapid visualization of hypochlorous acid in live cells and mice with neuroinflammation
Authors: Mi Long , Niu Changhe , Chen Jianqiang , Han Feng , Ji Xueying
Published: February 2024

Recent investigations have suggested that abnormally elevated levels of HOCl may be tightly related to the severity of neuroinflammation. Although some successes have been achieved, fluorescent probes with far-red fluorescence emission and capable of detecting HOCl with high specificity in pure aqueous solution are still urgently needed. Herein, a responsive far-red fluorescent probe, DCI-H, has been constructed to monitor HOCl activity in vivo and in vitro. DCI-H could rapidly respond to HOCl within 120 s and had a low detection limit for HOCl of 1.5 nM. Importantly, physiologically common interfering species, except for HOCl, did not cause a change in the fluorescence intensity of DCI-HOCl at 655 nm. The results of confocal imaging demonstrated the ability of DCI-H to visualize endogenous HOCl produced by MPO-catalyzed H2O2/Cl− and LPS stimulation. With the assistance of DCI-H, upregulation of HOCl levels was observed in the mice model of LPS-induced neuroinflammation. Thus, we believed that DCI-H provided a valuable tool for HOCl detection and diagnosis of inflammation-related diseases.
Application of plasma metagenomic next-generation sequencing improves prognosis in hematology patients with neutropenia or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for infection
Authors: Chen Yuhui , Wang Jinjin , Gan Xinai , Li Meng , Liao Yi , Zhou Yongzhao , Niu Ting
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is a novel technique for detecting pathogens. This retrospective study evaluated the diagnostic value of mNGS using plasma for infections in hematology patients and its impact on clinical treatment and prognosis in different subgroups of hematology patients.

Methods

A total of 153 hematology patients with suspected infection who underwent mNGS using plasma were enrolled in the study. Their clinical histories, conventional microbiological test (CMT) results, mNGS results, treatment and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

In 153 plasma samples, mNGS yielded a higher positivity rate than CMT (total: 88.24% vs. 40.52%, P<0.001; bacteria: 35.95% vs. 21.57%, P < 0.01; virus: 69.93% vs. 21.57%, P<0.001; fungi: 20.26% vs. 7.84%, P<0.01). mNGS had a higher positivity rate for bacteria and fungi in the neutropenia group than in the non-neutropenia group (bacteria: 48.61% vs. 24.69%, P<0.01; fungi: 27.78% vs. 13.58%, P<0.05). mNGS demonstrated a greater advantage in the group of patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Both the 3-day and 7-day efficacy rates in the HSCT group were higher than those in the non-HSCT group (3-day: 82.22% vs. 58.65%, P < 0.01; 7-day: 88.89% vs. 67.31%, P < 0.01), and the 28-day mortality rate was lower in the HSCT group than in the non-HSCT group (6.67% vs. 38.89%, P < 0.000). The neutropenia group achieved similar efficacy and mortality rates to the non-neutropenia group (7-day efficiency rate: 76.39% vs. 71.43%, P > 0.05; mortality rate: 29.17% vs. 29.63%, P > 0.05) with more aggressive antibiotic adjustments (45.83% vs. 22.22%, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

mNGS can detect more microorganisms with higher positive rates, especially in patients with neutropenia. mNGS had better clinical value in patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or neutropenia, which had a positive effect on treatment and prognosis.
Risk of cardiovascular toxicity with combination of immune-checkpoint inhibitors and angiogenesis inhibitors: a meta-analysis
Authors: Inno Alessandro , Veccia Antonello , Madonia Giorgio , Berti Alvise , Bortolotti Roberto , Incorvaia Lorena , Russo Antonio , Caffo Orazio , Gori Stefania
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and angiogenesis inhibitors (AIs) have been investigated for the treatment of several tumor types. Both ICIs and AIs may lead to cardiovascular adverse events, and their combination may potentially increase the risk for cardiovascular toxicity. In the present meta-analysis, we aim to assess the cardiovascular toxicity of ICIs plus AIs vs. AIs alone. Secondary objectives are non-cardiovascular adverse events and efficacy.

Methods

Systematic review was performed according to PRISMA statement. Phase II and III randomized clinical trials were identified by searching the MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library and ASCO Meeting abstracts, from inception to June 2022. The pooled risks for overall response rate (ORR), 1-year progression-free survival (PFS), adverse events (AEs), immune-related AEs, (irAEs), hypertension, and vascular events defined as stroke, myocardial infarction and pulmonary embolisms, were calculated.

Results

In terms of cardiovascular toxicity, we found higher risk for severe hypertension among patients treated with ICIs plus AIs as compared with those receiving AIs (OR 1.24, 95% CI: 1.01–1.53), but no significant difference was found for any-grade hypertension, and for vascular events. There was also no difference in terms of overall AEs, whereas the incidence of irAEs was increased in the ICIs plus AIs arm, as expected. In terms of efficacy, ICIs plus AIs achieved better ORR (OR 2.25, 95% CI: 1.70–2.97) and PFS (HR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.39–0.63) as compared to AIs alone.

Conclusion

The addition of ICIs to AIs significantly increased the risk of high-grade hypertension, but not that of acute vascular events.
Prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas: male-specific differences in pathogenesis, clinical presentation and treatment
Authors: Dzialach Lukasz , Sobolewska Joanna , Zak Zuzanna , Respondek Wioleta , Witek Przemysław
Published: February 2024

Prolactinomas (PRLomas) constitute approximately half of all pituitary adenomas and approximately one-fifth of them are diagnosed in males. The clinical presentation of PRLomas results from direct prolactin (PRL) action, duration and severity of hyperprolactinemia, and tumor mass effect. Male PRLomas, compared to females, tend to be larger and more invasive, are associated with higher PRL concentration at diagnosis, present higher proliferative potential, are more frequently resistant to standard pharmacotherapy, and thus may require multimodal approach, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and alternative medical agents. Therefore, the management of PRLomas in men is challenging in many cases. Additionally, hyperprolactinemia is associated with a significant negative impact on men’s health, including sexual function and fertility potential, bone health, cardiovascular and metabolic complications, leading to decreased quality of life. In this review, we highlight the differences in pathogenesis, clinical presentation and treatment of PRLomas concerning the male sex.
Optimization of long cycle emission reduction paths for new-type power system considering electric-thermal coupling
Authors: Meng Xiangfei , Zhao Long , Chen Bo , Tian Xin , Wang Lei , Liu Nian
Published: February 2024

The carbon factor is the core driving force behind the low-carbon transformation of the power system. The study of Emission Reduction Paths (ERPs) has become a key issue for the New-type Power System to achieve clean and low-carbon goals. In order to measure the relationship between ERP and the economy, this paper considers the retirement requirements of coal-fired power units and emission reduction requirements on a long cycle planning scale, and constructs a multi-scenario planning model that considers electric-thermal coupling, enabling the determination of installed capacity for power and heat sources each year. The effectiveness of the proposed model was verified using an improved IEEE-39 bus power system. A case study was conducted to analyze the economic performance of the system based on the selected ERP set. The results showed that under the rear acceleration’s ERP, the system could achieve optimal economic performance based on the selected ERP set.
Examining interactions between polygenic scores and interpersonal trauma exposure on alcohol consumption and use disorder in an ancestrally diverse college cohort
Authors: Sheerin Christina M. , O’Hara-Payne Rowan K. , Lancaster Eva E. , Suarez-Rivas Hailie ,   Spit for Science Working Group, Chatzinakos Chris , Prom-Wormley Elizabeth C. , Peterson Roseann E.
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Genetic factors impact alcohol consumption and use disorder (AUD), with large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) identifying numerous associated variants. Aggregate genetic methods in combination with important environmental factors (e.g., interpersonal trauma [IPT]) can be applied to expand our understanding of the ways by which genetic and environmental variables work together to influence alcohol consumption and disordered use. The present study aimed to detail the relationships between genome-wide polygenic scores (PGS) for alcohol phenotypes (i.e., alcohol consumption and AUD status) and IPT exposure as well as the interaction between them across ancestry.

Methods: Data were drawn from the Spit for Science (S4S) study, a US college student population, where participants reported on IPT exposure prior to college and alcohol consumption and problems during college (N = 9,006; ancestry: 21.3% African [AFR], 12.5% Admixed Americas [AMR], 9.6% East Asian [EAS], 48.1% European [EUR], 8.6% South Asian [SAS]). Two trans-ancestry PGS were constructed, one for alcohol consumption and another for AUD, using large-scale GWAS summary statistics from multiple ancestries weighted using PRS-CSx. Regression models were applied to test for the presence of associations between alcohol-PGS and IPT main and interaction effects.

Results: In the meta-analysis across ancestry groups, IPT exposure and PGS were significantly associated with alcohol consumption (βIPT = 0.31, PIPT = 0.0002; βPGS = 0.09, PPGS = 0.004) and AUD (ORIPT = 1.12, PIPT = 3.5 × 10−8; ORPGS = 1.02, PPGS = 0.002). No statistically significant interactions were detected between IPT and sex nor between IPT and PGS. When inspecting ancestry specific results, the alcohol consumption-PGS and AUD-PGS were only statistically significant in the EUR ancestry group (βPGS = 0.09, PPGS = 0.04; ORPGS = 1.02, PPGS = 0.022, respectively).

Discussion: IPT exposure prior to college was strongly associated with alcohol outcomes in this college-age sample, which could be used as a preventative measure to identify students at high risk for problematic alcohol use. Additionally, results add to developing evidence of polygenic score association in meta-analyzed samples, highlighting the importance of continued efforts to increase ancestral representation in genetic studies and inclusive analytic approaches to increase the generalizability of results from genetic association studies.
Allergen immunotherapy combined with Notch pathway inhibitors improves HDM-induced allergic airway inflammation and inhibits ILC2 activation
Authors: Tong Yu , Wang Lei , Wang Lingya , Song Jingjing , Fan Junwen , Lai Chuqiao , Bao Jiali , Weng Cuiye , Wang Yufei , Shuai Jilong , Zhang Hui , Zhang Weixi
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) play a crucial role in house dust mite (HDM)-induced allergic inflammation, and allergen immunotherapy (AIT) holds promise for treating the disease by reducing the frequency of ILC2s. Despite significant progress in AIT for allergic diseases, there remains a need to improve the control of allergic symptoms.

Methods

We investigated the synergistic effect of the Notch signaling pathway and subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) in treating allergic airway inflammation in mice and their impact on the ratio of ILC2s in lung tissues. This was achieved by establishing the HDM-induced airway allergic disorders (HAAD) model and SCIT model. Additionally, we conducted in vitro investigations into the effect of the Notch signaling pathway on the secretory function of activated ILC2s using fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Furthermore, we explored the coactivation of the Notch signaling pathway with SCIT in vitro by sorting ILC2s from the lung tissues of mice after SCIT modeling.

Results

Previously, our group demonstrated that Notch signaling pathway inhibitors can reduce allergic airway inflammation in mice. Notch signaling induces lineage plasticity of mature ILC2s. In this study, we showed that AIT alleviates allergic airway inflammation and suppresses the frequency of ILC2s induced by HDM. Interestingly, AIT combined with a γ-secretase inhibitor (GSI), an inhibitor of the Notch signaling pathway, significantly inhibited the frequency of ILC2s, reduced airway inflammation, and suppressed Th2-type responses in a mouse model. Furthermore, lung ILC2s from HDM-challenged mice with or without AIT were treated with GSI in vitro, and we found that GSI dramatically reduced the secretion of type 2 inflammatory factors in ILC2s.

Discussion

These findings suggest that Notch signaling pathway inhibitors can be used as adjuvant therapy for AIT and may hold potential treatment value in the cooperative control of allergic airway inflammation during early AIT.
Global trends in research on MOG antibody-associated disease: bibliometrics and visualization analysis
Authors: Zheng Shuhan , Wang Yang , Geng Jiaming , Liu Xueyan , Huo Liang
Published: February 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate the current research status, focus areas, and developmental trends in the field of Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) through an analysis of scientific literature.

Methods

The relevant research articles on MOGAD published from 1947 to 2022 were retrieved from the Web of Science database. The quantitative output of MOGAD related research articles, their distribution by country/region, data on collaborative publishing, influential authors, high-yield institutions, keywords, hotspots, and development trends were analyzed. Additionally, visual knowledge maps were generated using VOSviewer and Citespace.

Results

There has been a steady increase in the number of MOGAD related publications indicating that the subject has garnered increasing interest among researchers globally. The United States has been the leading contributor with 496 papers (19.25%), followed by China (244, 9.63%), Japan (183, 7.10%), the United Kingdom (154, 5.98%), and Germany (149, 5.78%). Among these countries, the United Kingdom boasts the highest citation frequency at the rate of 46.49 times per paper. Furthermore, active collaboration in MOGAD related research is observed primarily between the United States and countries such as Canada, Germany, Australia, Italy, the United Kingdom and Japan. Mayo Clinic ranks first in total articles published (109) and frequency of citations per article (77.79). Takahashi Toshiyuki from Tohoku University is the most prolific author, while Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders is the most widely read journal in this field. “Disease Phenotype”, “Treatment”, “Novel Coronavirus Infection and Vaccination”, “Immunopathological Mechanisms”, “Clinical characteristics of children” and “Prognosis” are the primary keywords clusters in this field. “Novel Coronavirus Infection and Vaccination” and “Immunopathological Mechanisms” are research hotspots and have great development potential.

Conclusion

The past three decades have witnessed a significant expansion of research on MOGAD. The pathogenetic mechanism of MOGAD is poised to be the prominent research focus in this field in the foreseeable future.
HCV-induced autophagy and innate immunity
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Ou J.-H. James
Published: February 2024

The interplay between autophagy and host innate immunity has been of great interest. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) impedes signaling pathways initiated by pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) that recognize pathogens-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Autophagy, a cellular catabolic process, delivers damaged organelles and protein aggregates to lysosomes for degradation and recycling. Autophagy is also an innate immune response of cells to trap pathogens in membrane vesicles for removal. However, HCV controls the autophagic pathway and uses autophagic membranes to enhance its replication. Mitophagy, a selective autophagy targeting mitochondria, alters the dynamics and metabolism of mitochondria, which play important roles in host antiviral responses. HCV also alters mitochondrial dynamics and promotes mitophagy to prevent premature cell death and attenuate the interferon (IFN) response. In addition, the dysregulation of the inflammasomal response by HCV leads to IFN resistance and immune tolerance. These immune evasion properties of HCV allow HCV to successfully replicate and persist in its host cells. In this article, we discuss HCV-induced autophagy/mitophagy and its associated immunological responses and provide a review of our current understanding of how these processes are regulated in HCV-infected cells.
A new 4-gene-based prognostic model accurately predicts breast cancer prognosis and immunotherapy response by integrating WGCNA and bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Chen Wenlong , Kang Yakun , Sheng Wenyi , Huang Qiyan , Cheng Jiale , Pei Shengbin , Meng You
Published: February 2024

Background

Breast cancer (BRCA) is a common malignancy in women, and its resistance to immunotherapy is a major challenge. Abnormal expression of genes is important in the occurrence and development of BRCA and may also affect the prognosis of patients. Although many BRCA prognosis model scores have been developed, they are only applicable to a limited number of disease subtypes. Our goal is to develop a new prognostic score that is more accurate and applicable to a wider range of BRCA patients.

Methods

BRCA patient data from The Cancer Genome Atlas database was used to identify breast cancer-related genes (BRGs). Differential expression analysis of BRGs was performed using the ‘limma’ package in R. Prognostic BRGs were identified using co-expression and univariate Cox analysis. A predictive model of four BRGs was established using Cox regression and the LASSO algorithm. Model performance was evaluated using K-M survival and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The predictive ability of the signature in immune microenvironment and immunotherapy was investigated. In vitro experiments validated POLQ function.

Results

Our study identified a four-BRG prognostic signature that outperformed conventional clinicopathological characteristics in predicting survival outcomes in BRCA patients. The signature effectively stratified BRCA patients into high- and low-risk groups and showed potential in predicting the response to immunotherapy. Notably, significant differences were observed in immune cell abundance between the two groups. In vitro experiments demonstrated that POLQ knockdown significantly reduced the viability, proliferation, and invasion capacity of MDA-MB-231 or HCC1806 cells.

Conclusion

Our 4-BRG signature has the potential as an independent biomarker for predicting prognosis and treatment response in BRCA patients, complementing existing clinicopathological characteristics.
Land use change in coastal zones of China from 1985 to 2020
Authors: Zhang Xiongyi , Ning Jia
Published: February 2024

Coastal regions stand as pivotal zones of interaction between the marine and terrestrial environments, holding substantial significance for both ecosystems and human societies. Since the 1980s, China’s coastal zones (CCZ) have undergone rapid economic expansion, a surge in urban development activities, and a considerable population increase, instigating significant alterations in land use along the coast. However, in recent years, studies regarding changes in land use along China’s coastal zones have been notably scarce. Utilizing the Comprehensive Lands Cover Database (CLCD) dataset, this study scrutinized the spatiotemporal patterns of land use along the Chinese coastline since 1985. It delved into the temporal and spatial variations in land use, ecological land transformations, and the spatiotemporal evolution of land use development intensity, examining these facets across provinces, municipalities, and different distance bands from the coastal zone. The research findings indicated: Overall, cropland and forest land predominantly occupied coastal zones, encompassing over 80% of the total area. Between 1985 and 2020, the primary changes involved a decrease in cropland and an increase in construction land, with a reduction of 5.97% in cropland, largely transitioning into construction land (84927.21 km2) and forest land (4218.55 km2), resulting in a 5.98% increase in construction land. Despite the intensification of land development, ecological land exhibited an initial rise followed by a declining trend. There existed distinct disparities in land use patterns among provinces and cities, with cropland and forest land prevailing in all areas except Macau. Construction land and land use development intensity witnessed significant increases, most notably in Macau and least pronouncedly in Guangxi. Variations in ecological land alterations were considerable, with Hebei and Guangdong witnessing increases while other regions tended towards stability or reduction. Each distance band manifests a unique land use pattern. Except for the 100-150 km zone, construction land demonstrates an increasing trend across all bands. Ecological land expanded initially but fluctuated further from the coastline. Land use development intensity decreased initially, then stabilized, with the 0-10 km zone showed the highest development intensity. Analyzing the spatiotemporal changes in land use along China’s coastal zones from 1985 to 2020 can offer valuable insights into the management and sustainable development of China’s coastal zones.
Pathological manifestations of granulomatous lobular mastitis
Authors: Cui Leyin , Sun Chenping , Guo Jierong , Zhang Xuliu , Liu Sheng
Published: February 2024

Granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM) is a rare inflammatory breast disease with unknown etiology, characterized by non-caseous granulomatous inflammation of the lobules, which infiltrate lymphocytes, neutrophils, plasma cells, monocytes, and eosinophils may accompany. GLM is often misdiagnosed as breast cancer due to the lack of specificity in clinical and imaging examinations, and therefore histopathology is the main basis for confirming the diagnosis. This review provides an overview of the pathological features of granulomatous lobular mastitis and cystic neutrophil granulomatous mastitis (CNGM, a pathologic subtype of GLM). As well as pathologic manifestations of other breast diseases that need to be differentiated from granulomatous lobular mastitis such as breast tuberculosis, lymphocytic mastopathy/diabetic mastopathy, IgG4-related sclerosing mastitis (IgG4-RSM), nodular disease, Wegener’s granulomatosis, and plasma cell mastitis. Besides, discusses GLM and CNGM, GLM and breast cancer, emphasizing that their relationship deserves further in-depth exploration. The pathogenesis of GLM has not yet been clearly articulated and needs to be further explored, pathology enables direct observation of the microscopic manifestations of the disease and contributes to further investigation of the pathogenesis.
Clinical factors for delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae from acute carbon monoxide poisoning: a retrospective study
Authors: Gao Xin , Wei Wu , Yang Guo-Dong
Published: February 2024

Background

Delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae (DNS), which seriously affect the daily lives of patients, are the most common complications of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. No uniform screening tool is available for identifying high-risk groups. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore whether conventional laboratory indicators and imaging data from primary hospitals could predict the occurrence of DNS.

Methods

This retrospective observational study was conducted in a single-center primary hospital from January 1, 2021 to May 31, 2023. Participants included patients aged >18 years with acute CO poisoning. Patients with complete recovery in the acute phase were followed up by telephone and outpatient visits, and the presence of DNS was determined according to the occurrence of new neurological symptoms within 6 weeks after discharge. We obtained demographic, laboratory, and imaging data from the medical records and performed a univariate analysis. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent clinical predictors of DNS.

Results

A total of 73 patients were included in the study, of whom 25 (34.2%) developed DNS. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a longer duration of CO exposure (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.262, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.069–1.490) and the presence of acute brain lesions on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) (AOR: 5.117, 95% CI: 1.430–18.315) were independent risk factors for DNS. Receiver operating characteristic analyses of the duration of CO exposure were performed (area under the curve (AUC): 0.825; 95% CI: 0.731–0.918) with a cut-off value of 5.5 h, and DNS was predicted with a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 66.7%.

Conclusion

High cranial DWI signal within 24 h and duration of poisoning longer than 5.5 h are independent predictors of DNS. The predictive effects of conventional laboratory indicators require further standardized and large-sample studies.
Unveiling the modulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence and biofilm formation by selective histone deacetylase 6 inhibitors
Authors: Barone Simona , Mateu Baptiste , Turco Luigia , Pelliccia Sveva , Lembo Francesca , Summa Vincenzo , Buommino Elisabetta , Brindisi Margherita
Published: February 2024

Bacterial infections represent a key public health issue due to the occurrence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Recently, the amount of data supporting the dynamic control of epigenetic pathways by environmental cues has triggered research efforts toward the clarification of their role in microbial infections. Among protein post-translational modifications, reversible acetylation is the most implicated in the feedback to environmental stimuli and in cellular homeostasis. Accordingly, the latest studies identified the histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) enzyme as a crucial player in the complex molecular machinery underlying bacterial clearance or killing. A very important milestone for the elucidation of the consequence of HDAC6 activity in bacterial infections is herein described, unveiling for the first time the role of a potent HDAC6 inhibitor in interfering with biofilm formation and modulating virulence factors of P. aeruginosa. We demonstrated that compound F2F-2020202 affected the production of some important virulence factors in P. aeruginosa, namely pyocyanin and rhamnolipids, clearly impairing its ability to form biofilm. Furthermore, evidence of possible QS involvement is supported by differential regulation of specific genes, namely RhlI, phAz1, and qsrO. The data herein obtained also complement and in part explain our previous results with selective HDAC6 inhibitors able to reduce inflammation and bacterial load in chronic infection models recapitulating the cystic fibrosis (CF) phenotype. This study fosters future in-depth investigation to allow the complete elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying HDAC6’s role in bacterial infections.
Clinical, neurophysiological evaluation and genetic features of axonal Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease in a Chinese family
Authors: Cao Li , Yang Jie , Zhang Xiaohuan , Wang Xu , Chen Zhangyuwei , Tan Song , Yang Jiyun
Published: February 2024

Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) is a group of inherited peripheral neuropathies related to variants in the mitochondrial transfer RNA (mt-tRNAval) gene. Here, we report a Chinese family harboring the m.1661A>G variant in the mt-tRNAval gene. Clinical evaluation, neuroelectrodiagnostic testing, and nerve biopsy were performed on four affected family members. Weakness, spasms, and pain in the limbs (especially in the lower limbs) were the main complaints of the proband. Physical examination revealed atrophy and weakness in the distal limbs, increased muscle tone, and hyperreflexia in four limbs. Neuroelectrodiagnostic tests and nerve biopsy supported an axonal polyneuropathy. This study furthers the understanding of phenotype diversity caused by variants in the mt-tRNAval gene in CMT.
Domain adaptation for EEG-based, cross-subject epileptic seizure prediction
Authors: Jemal Imene , Abou-Abbas Lina , Henni Khadidja , Mitiche Amar , Mezghani Neila
Published: February 2024

The ability to predict the occurrence of an epileptic seizure is a safeguard against patient injury and health complications. However, a major challenge in seizure prediction arises from the significant variability observed in patient data. Common patient-specific approaches, which apply to each patient independently, often perform poorly for other patients due to the data variability. The aim of this study is to propose deep learning models which can handle this variability and generalize across various patients. This study addresses this challenge by introducing a novel cross-subject and multi-subject prediction models. Multiple-subject modeling broadens the scope of patient-specific modeling to account for the data from a dedicated ensemble of patients, thereby providing some useful, though relatively modest, level of generalization. The basic neural network architecture of this model is then adapted to cross-subject prediction, thereby providing a broader, more realistic, context of application. For accrued performance, and generalization ability, cross-subject modeling is enhanced by domain adaptation. Experimental evaluation using the publicly available CHB-MIT and SIENA data datasets shows that our multiple-subject model achieved better performance compared to existing works. However, the cross-subject faces challenges when applied to different patients. Finally, through investigating three domain adaptation methods, the model accuracy has been notably improved by 10.30% and 7.4% for the CHB-MIT and SIENA datasets, respectively.
Neuroimaging characterization of multiple sclerosis lesions in pediatric patients: an exploratory radiomics approach
Authors: Faustino Ricardo , Lopes Cristina , Jantarada Afonso , Mendonça Ana , Raposo Rafael , Ferrão Cristina , Freitas Joana , Mateus Constança , Pinto Ana , Almeida Ellen , Gomes Nuno , Marques Liliana , Palavra Filipe
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system (CNS), is a common condition in young adults, but it can also affect children. The aim of this study was to construct radiomic models of lesions based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, T2-weighted-Fluid-Attenuated Inversion Recovery), to understand the correlation between extracted radiomic features, brain and lesion volumetry, demographic, clinical and laboratorial data.

Methods

The neuroimaging data extracted from eleven scans of pediatric MS patients were analyzed. A total of 60 radiomic features based on MR T2-FLAIR images were extracted and used to calculate gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM). The principal component analysis and ROC analysis were performed to select the radiomic features, respectively. The realized classification task by the logistic regression models was performed according to these radiomic features.

Results

Ten most relevant features were selected from data extracted. The logistic regression applied to T2-FLAIR radiomic features revealed significant predictor for multiple sclerosis (MS) lesion detection. Only the variable “contrast” was statistically significant, indicating that only this variable played a significant role in the model. This approach enhances the classification of lesions from normal tissue.

Discussion and conclusion

Our exploratory results suggest that the radiomic models based on MR imaging (T2-FLAIR) may have a potential contribution to characterization of brain tissues and classification of lesions in pediatric MS.
Resting-state EEG recorded with gel-based vs. consumer dry electrodes: spectral characteristics and across-device correlations
Authors: Kleeva Daria , Ninenko Ivan , Lebedev Mikhail A.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Recordings of electroencephalographic (EEG) rhythms and their analyses have been instrumental in basic neuroscience, clinical diagnostics, and the field of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). While in the past such measurements have been conducted mostly in laboratory settings, recent advancements in dry electrode technology pave way to a broader range of consumer and medical application because of their greater convenience compared to gel-based electrodes.

Methods

Here we conducted resting-state EEG recordings in two groups of healthy participants using three dry-electrode devices, the PSBD Headband, the PSBD Headphones and the Muse Headband, and one standard gel electrode-based system, the NVX. We examined signal quality for various spatial and spectral ranges which are essential for cognitive monitoring and consumer applications.

Results

Distinctive characteristics of signal quality were found, with the PSBD Headband showing sensitivity in low-frequency ranges and replicating the modulations of delta, theta and alpha power corresponding to the eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions, and the NVX system performing well in capturing high-frequency oscillations. The PSBD Headphones were more prone to low-frequency artifacts compared to the PSBD Headband, yet recorded modulations in the alpha power and had a strong alignment with the NVX at the higher EEG frequencies. The Muse Headband had several limitations in signal quality.

Discussion

We suggest that while dry-electrode technology appears to be appropriate for the EEG rhythm-based applications, the potential benefits of these technologies in terms of ease of use and accessibility should be carefully weighed against the capacity of each given system.